Inside the MoCAF’s Collector’s Night: A Preview of the Festival’s Biggest Edition Yet

From festival previews to conversations on collecting, MoCAF’s Collector’s Night highlighted the relationships that continue to shape Philippine contemporary art.

Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of Joaquin Balolong
June 30, 2026

Collector’s Night at Uma Nota

Ahead of its fifth edition this July 3 to 5 at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, MoCAF 2026 gathered collectors, participating artists, exhibitors, and special guests for an intimate Collectors’ Night at Uma Nota Manila on June 22, offering a preview of what visitors can expect from this year’s highly anticipated festival.

More than an exclusive gathering, the evening served as a celebration of the community that has helped fuel MoCAF’s growth over the past five years. Conversations flowed freely among longtime patrons, first-time buyers, gallery owners, and artists, creating the welcoming atmosphere that has become synonymous with the festival.

Guests were welcomed by Uma Nota Manila owner Alexis Offe, who thanked attendees for supporting the local creative community and helping sustain the ecosystem surrounding Philippine contemporary art.

Festival Director Coleen Wong and Tedrick Yau

Festival Director Coleen Wong then shared highlights of MoCAF 2026, discussing participating galleries, returning exhibitors, the XTN platform for artisans and creative entrepreneurs, and special exhibitions set to debut during the three-day festival. 

She also emphasized MoCAF’s continued commitment to championing both established names and emerging talents through initiatives such as MoCAF Discoveries, which this year spotlights illustrators, graphic designers, and digital artists.

MoCAF Special Exhibitors Jomike Tejido and Sheila Go also gave attendees a glimpse of their upcoming presentations, sharing the ideas and inspirations behind their special exhibits.

Artist Sheila Go

The evening drew an impressive roster of guests from the worlds of art, culture, and media, including Aika Robredo, filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, and participating artists such as Tarantadong Kalbo, Toym Imao, Jerika See, and many others who will be part of this year’s festival lineup.

Thrill, hope, and new conversations

While the program preview set the tone, the heart of the evening remained with the collectors whose support helps artists and galleries thrive.

For collector Jason Ong, the gathering was a chance to relax with like-minded people while discovering new voices through MoCAF. “What I’m looking for are new artists,” he said, noting that MoCAF Discoveries continues to be a bridge to fresh talent.

Myke Soon described the night as a meaningful recognition of collectors’ role in raising awareness for local artists, especially emerging ones. Elle Perez, meanwhile, said art offers something deeply personal beyond aesthetics or investment, explaining that it “heals our hearts” and builds connection not only between collectors and artists, but also between collectors and the works themselves.

Gallery owners and collectors at Uma Nota

Jazmin Sotto echoed that sense of excitement, describing the evening as one of “thrill and hope” because it opens conversations with artists and gives emerging voices a platform. She also pointed to the growing relevance of technology in contemporary practice, including how artists are responding to AI and other advances.

For Ycoy Sitchon, the event reflected a more mature Philippine art scene, one where conversations now go beyond aesthetics and market value toward process, conviction, and artistic language. As both collector and artist, she said collecting should remain accessible and personal, beginning with “a single work that moves you.”

And for Aika Robredo, the value of MoCAF lies not only in the works on view, but in the conversations it sparks long after the festival ends.

(L-R) Jomike Tejido, Jim Guzman, Aika Robredo, Jazmin Reyes-Sotto, and Miguel Sotto

“I hope MoCAF will be able to start conversations that will continue long after the festival is over,” Robredo said. “Conversations about why art matters, how it helps us understand ourselves and each other, and how creativity can make art and culture feel more accessible rather than intimidating.”

She added that she hopes the festival encourages more people to support local artists by engaging with the stories, ideas, and communities behind their work.

As MoCAF prepares to welcome visitors for its milestone fifth edition, Collectors’ Night offers a fitting preview of what has made the festival resonate since its inception: not merely the artworks on display, but the relationships that form around them.

In many ways, the evening showed that behind every successful art festival is a community of artists, galleries, patrons, and advocates united by a shared belief in the power of creativity. As MoCAF continues to grow, that spirit of discovery, connection, and support remains at the heart of everything it does.

Experience the Philippine’s most dynamic art festival. Get your MoCAF tickets here or go to mocaf.net for full details.