MoCAF 2026, a Fest No One Should Miss
In its fifth year, MoCAF is set to deliver a next-level art experience for the community.
Words Rica Mae Labbao
Photos courtesy of Joaquin Balolong
June 02, 2026
What started as a genuine vision to provide a platform for the local contemporary art scene has now grown within the same community it serves.
For half a decade, MoCAF, or Modern and Contemporary Art Festival has continued to expound artistic narratives, open opportunities, and reach wider audiences through new ideas and bigger activities that reinvent how art sparks conversations within the general public.
"It feels surreal to be bringing MoCAF back for its fifth year. Seeing how much it has grown not just in size, but also in reach, identity, and community. I feel very grateful.
MoCAF is not just growing as a festival; it is growing with the art community itself," MoCAF Festival Director Wynona Coleen Wong shares.
MoCAF Festival Director Wynona Coleen Wong
For this year’s edition, an elevated and more exciting fest awaits with an expanded lineup of over 50 local and international participating galleries, an enticing roster of artisans, food, and beverage brands, and upgraded activities that everyone should look out for.
From MoCAF Discoveries newest inclusion of digital artists, Chinabank’s 100 featured artworks, and exciting special exhibits made by Jerika See, Jappy Agoncillo, Toym Imao and Tarantadong Kalbo, to the limited edition capsule-collection collaboration with Team Manila Graphic Design Studio.
Photo by Joaquin Balolong
A first look at what’s inside
At the MoCAF 2026 launching event held at SAVÈA Bay City Manila yesterday, several artists, gallery representatives, partners, and media personalities graced the hall, including SAVÈA’s Director for Marketing Communications Lujean Ong, Archivo 1984’s Head of Publishing Mica Magsanoc, Anmari & Co’s Founder Bobby Lim, Team Manila’s Co-founder Jowee Alviar, and artists Jappy Agoncillo, Toym Imao, Tarantadong Kalbo, Jerika See, Patrick Esmao, RV Basco, Astrid, Obags, and John Nabor.
During the Art Plus Magazine’s exclusive interview, Toym Imao and Kevin Raymundo (Tarantadong Kalbo) described their upcoming exhibit as disruptive and “maginoong medyo bastos”. Imao shared how they wanted to present something different through these works and connect with both the younger and older generations.
Inspired by the song ‘Afternoon Delights’ by Starland Vocal Band, TK emphasized how sweet and nostalgic the pieces look, while carrying an underneath context of reason behind.
(L-R) Lu Jean Ong Director of Marketing and Communications SAVÉA Bay City Manila, Liza Ilarde, Luis Espiritu, Marie Faith
“It's a clever twist where our favorite childhood memories meet real everyday truths. It is also an exploration of soft power, how we as cultural workers find subversive ways to get our messages across within the different platforms we occupy.”
Jerika See also traced back on her creative steps in making ‘Returning to Sundays’, the collection she prepared for the upcoming exhibit: “So it's not simply about the day of the week, but about the learning process of love, often guided by the gatherings and sharing traditions. So through my paintings, I want to capture how meaningful connections are built through simple sharing moments like meals, conversations, and nights together.”
Artist Jerika See and her artwork “Returning to Sundays”
More than the anticipated visual collections, the launch also featured a tasting preview from MoCAF’s official spirits partner, The Spirits Library.
According to owner Joy Watson, one of the served drinks at the preview will also be lined up for MoCAF 2026.
“We’ll definitely serve ‘Lintik Revival’. It’s a gin-based cocktail that is light and refreshing with some floral notes to it. We actually based it on a book so that’s something people at MoCAF can look forward to.”
Moreover, few guests were asked what are the things they look forward to at this year’s MoCAF.
For Zedy Lazaro of Manila Trend Tracker, she hopes to find another inspiration to draw from and use in her journey as a person. “I am expecting more inspiration. Last year kasi, I was really moved with all the pieces that I’ve seen.”
Nikko Mendoza from Radar.ph mentioned how he’s looking for art that’s visually-striking and moving at the same time, highlighting how art can evoke emotions and stir the senses in ways that feel like home.
