The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte revealed on Tuesday that the local government in partnership with the Gaming Library - the country’s premier board game retailer, publisher and community hub is now ready for the four-day All Aboard Expo 2026. Expecting over 15, 000 attendees – bigger than last year’s 10, 000 attendees – Belmonte said the project was in line with the city government’s commitment to deliver programs that are both engaging and educational. Inviting the public to experience the “dynamic, family-oriented event that blends learning with play,” Belmonte said it would be held at M.I.C. E. Center at the City Hall Complex and admission is free for QCitizens while children aged 12 and below may also enter free of charge. Non-residents are welcome to join for a minimal fee of ₱150, keeping the event open and affordable to a wider audience, according to Giana Aira Barata, acting City Tourism Department head. To further encourage participation, the city government will provide free QCity Bus rides to and from the QC MICE Center. Shuttle services will be available from key pickup points including Cubao, Litex, General Luis, Mindanao Avenue, Gilmore, C5 (Ortigas Exit), and Muñoz, ensuring convenient and reliable transport for attendees. Noting the value of 'slowing down' and spending more time indoors with family, the city chief executive cited outdoor board games in South Korea which have been effective in sharpening the Koreans’ critical thinking. City Administrator Michael Victor Alimurung said the event is not only a form of games but creating a space for the family. "There's really something new for everyone. One of our objectives is to provide an opportunity to children to something different," he said as he added that the local government intends to hold the event once a year. Some publishers and 280 volunteers in the Quezon City Bayanihan portal will be there during the four-day event to help and assist those who are not yet familiar with the games. Hans Kenner Fernandez, Gaming Library CEO and project manager, said the event marks a special day “because All Aboard will evolve to something." "This year’s theme is ‘Kalikasan’ which features five animals in the Philippines. Our goal is to promote children play and the players in Kalikasan will teach them to build their own habitat," he said. To enhance the overall experience, the city government has partnered with select hotels, including Seda, to offer discounted room rates for guests traveling from outside the city, Barata said. “These partnerships aim to provide comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout the multi-day event,” Barata said.
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