Are you planning to visit the All ABoard Expo 2026 this weekend? If yes, then consider this your sign to go all in and enjoy the experience. And if you’re still thinking twice, what’s stopping you?
Photo:WhenInManila.com
Before heading to the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, make sure to read this guide packed with everything you need to know once you’re inside the venue. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime board game enthusiast, these tips will help make your All ABoard Expo experience smoother, more fun, and stress-free!
You can read this guide for additional information.
1. Register before heading to the venue
For QCitizens and children aged 12 and below, admission is free! Meanwhile, non-residents can join for a minimal fee of only P150. If you want a richer and fuller experience, you can avail VIP passes, which are packed with exclusive rewards and perks.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
It’s expected that the venue will be packed with families, students, friend groups, and everyone else who is either curious or excited to try out new games and play them for themselves. Yes, the lines will definitely be long, too! But don’t worry: as soon as you enter the venue, there are designated signages showing where QCitizens, non-QCitizens, VIPs, and PWDs/Senior Citizens should line up.
2. Eat before you head to the venue
I visited the expo in the morning, and knowing that it would be a fun and exciting experience filled with games I already love and new ones I wanted to familiarize myself with, I made sure to eat a full meal before heading out. There are no food booths inside the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, so you won’t be able to buy snacks or sweet treats while lining up for a game you’ve been eyeing or while playing with fellow board game enthusiasts.
Thankfully, there are plenty of food stalls outside the venue. From rice meals and desserts to refreshers and everything in between, you can easily step out for a while to satisfy your hunger.
We also advise bringing your own tumbler! While there are stalls that sell drinks and bottled water, you might still get thirsty during your stay. I would always bring my own tumbler whenever I go out, and it saves me a few pesos from purchasing bottled water while also helping reduce plastic consumption.
3. Wear comfortable clothing
You might be walking around a lot while discovering new games, or you could end up lining up for quite some time (but we all know it’s going to be worth it anyway, especially since some available titles are discounted), so we advise wearing cool and comfortable clothing and footwear so your stay inside the venue will be more enjoyable and hassle-free.
4. Don’t be afraid to try things alone
You might be going to the expo solo, or you could be heading to the venue ahead of your friends or loved ones. Either way, don’t feel too intimidated to walk around the venue and try out a new title with other people.
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While I was accompanied by a colleague during the expo, there were moments when we had to wait for more people to join the game (the more, the merrier, right?). It was a refreshing experience to have solo attendees approach our table and politely ask to join us! The volunteers stationed at each table were also more than happy to welcome everyone, making the experience feel light and welcoming. Who knows? You might even meet new friends and get to know them outside of the expo, too!
5. Keep your mind wide open
I consider myself a beginner when it comes to board games, and the thought of trying out unfamiliar titles was honestly intimidating. But if you’re heading to the expo, you might as well make the most out of the experience!
The volunteers are all smiles and very approachable when it comes to introducing new titles. They explain the mechanics carefully and with so much enthusiasm, and if you have more questions before—or even while the game is ongoing—they’re always ready to help.
With everything going digital and our lives revolving around academics, work, and personal responsibilities, it feels rewarding to try something new and disconnect from digital life, even for just a couple of minutes. You’ll be surprised by how quickly time passes once the game you’re trying concludes—and that’s how you know you’ve maximized both learning and entertainment at the same time.
6. Plan and buy games
Apart from playing both old and new games alike, one of the most exciting parts of All ABoard Expo is the thrill of bringing home new games to enjoy with family, friends, and loved ones. Beyond the popular titles you’ve probably seen on social media or have been introduced to by a friend, there are also exciting new games to discover, including Monopoly Beaches and “Kalikasan,” a localized edition of Cascadia.
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Whether you’re buying them as gifts for a friend who’s a board game enthusiast or simply want to spice up house parties and cozy evenings at home, these new titles allow you to step away from the digital world for a while and get those brain cells working overtime!
And in case your favorite (or newly discovered) titles are already sold out, don’t worry. With a little patience, they’ll eventually be available at Gaming Library and other toy stores in the Philippines.
If you missed out on last year’s biggest gaming event, don’t miss out this time around! The All aBoard Expo started on Thursday, May 28, and will run until Sunday, May 31, at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center.
ALSO READ: LOOK: 3 Exclusive Filipino Board Game Adaptations Launching at All aBOARD EXPO 2026
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