MANILA, Philippines — The Modern and Contemporary Arts Festival (MoCAF) 2025 promises a “bigger and better” art experience, featuring new interactive features and more local artisans.
In its fourth year, MoCAF aims to provide festivalgoers with more opportunities to engage and enjoy different artforms, promoting inclusivity for both creatives and other attendees.
“We want our attendees to be able to breathe in the art and appreciate it,” Coleen Wong, MoCAF 2025’s festival director, told Rappler.
MoCAF 2025 will take place on July 11 to 13, at the Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Here’s what you can expect from the annual event.
Artists and exhibitions
MoCAF 2025, more interdisciplinary and collaborative than ever, will feature over 50 participating galleries — including 10 from abroad — and nearly 30 merchants under the Artisans section. The fair’s expansion reflects its push for wider representation, both in medium and geography, with this year’s edition spotlighting a more diverse range of artists, creatives, and exhibits.
The MoCAF XTN Galleries lineup brings together a mix of established exhibitors and neophyte spaces, including Rouge Gallery, Space Encounters Gallery, 360 Creatives, Fuse° Projects, Espacio Manila, 22nd & 5th Gallery, OpenArt Gallery, Sin·Ta Art Gallery, GJ Collective, Qube Gallery, and The Art House — each presenting a curated selection meant to hold its own amid the festival’s growing scale.
Among the highlights are MoCAF’s Special Exhibits, headlined by artists such as Juanito Torres, whose resin-based works explore historical themes, and Bryan Teves, who integrates organic elements into large-scale meditative compositions.
Jaspher Penuliar presents a series of nature-inspired paintings, while the Orlina family links land, sea, and sky through luminous glasswork. Pieces by Juvenal Sansó will also be on view as part of a special retrospective exhibit honoring his legacy.
SAIS, AR Manalo, Katrina Cuenca, Iyan de Jesus, Isad Diwa, and CHN0 round out the lineup, each bringing a different approach to form. The Vanguards exhibit and Sculpture Forum also showcases works from veteran artists who continue to push material boundaries.
This year’s Discoveries section gathers a roster of rising names to watch out for in today’s local art landscape. On view are works from G.I. Pongase, Aeron Dizon, Miguel Villaor, AJ Manuel, Andino, Jessa Almirol, and John Nabor, alongside the emergent GENZEL, CHRIIXX, and Mai Pimentel De Dios.
The list continues with Frances Masel Araw, Jean Abardo, Binsoy, France Daffon, DanaMatrix, Orland Espinosa, Kidlat, RAKI, walangmaria, PauPau, Sola, and TAO — artists steadily gaining ground across group shows, zine fairs, and independent spaces.
Complementing the visual art is MoCAF XTN Artisans, a lifestyle and crafts showcase that has grown significantly this year. From handmade jewelry and ceramics to homeware, bags, and fashions, the section includes makers like AtoZ, SUOT, ANTHILL, Wabi Sabi Pottery Studio, Gouache Bags, and Miel Maker of Things. Some are returning after appearances in previous MoCAFs; others are arriving with new methods and materials in tow as first-timers to the festival grounds.
Special events
The festival has long pushed to make art more accessible, and that push continues with the extended programming under MoCAF XP — initiatives that happen before and beyond the festival’s main walls at the Marquis. This includes a slew of art bazaars, open workshops, and satellite events across Makati and BGC.
“It’s always about being able to collaborate, and through our workshops and bazaars, we were able to meet different communities as well,” Wong explains.
The XP Art Bazaar, to be held on June 28 at The Astbury in Makati, brings together zines, prints, and handmade goods by emerging creators. At the same event, pop surrealist Wendel Candawan will lead a casting and mold-making workshop for beginners.
On July 5, XP continues with Mess Studio at the G/F Atrium of Makati. Roma Agsunod and Maan Agsalud, the duo behind Popjunklove and Common Room PH, will guide participants through transforming leftover fabric and scraps into pins, patches, and accessories.
Festivalgoers can also expect a full slate of artist-led activities throughout the weekend — some designed for engagement, and others for rest. Dialogues this year will cover topics ranging from AI and art to Philippine typography. Each panel invites public participation and reflects the festival’s aim to demystify contemporary practice.
Partnerships
A new event experience also awaits festivalgoers. Lumi Candles has partnered with MoCAF 2025 to create a signature scent that will be infused in the entire venue. The ethos of this initiative is the exploration of art through scent.
Rich Asuncion, CEO and co-founder of Lumi Candles, explained that scent might be the least recognizable, but the most impactful when it comes to entering a space during the press launch.
As part of MoCAF’s new ventures, advocacy for the arts will also be at the forefront of the event. Among the exhibitors ar ScholarSip Cafe and Mbrace Project.
ScholarSip Cafe of Fundacion Sansó is an up-and-coming innovation hub and third space where customers can read, engage with art and hang out. Proceeds of the cafe’s initiatives will be used for scholarships, the funding of artistic and cultural projects, and promotion of local sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, Mbrace Project is an organization that supports children with concern and other chronic illnesses, said co-founder Martin Sy. Featured in MoCAF will be around 50 artworks created by young artists with cancer.
The festival will also feature official MoCAF 2025 merchandise. Risograph press Bad Student, will provide the printed posters for the event. The New York and Rizal-based collective specializes in risograph printing and encourages creativity through making mistakes and play.
Filipino streetwear brand Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK) will provide the official clothing merchandise for the event. The shirts will come in two color ways, black and white, and features an embroidered design at the back.
Tickets are available at mocaf.net. A single ticket provides access for one festival day and costs P380. – Rappler.com
Angela Divina is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Mikay Tormon is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Sociology at the Ateneo de Manila University.