The Cool Things We Saw at MoCAF 2025
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, or MoCAF, is back in its fourth year with over 50 exhibitors representing over 200 artists and nearly 40 independent artisans. The number of participating international galleries has also increased since the art festival's inception in July 2022 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. It runs from July 11 to 13 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City.
"Since its inception, MoCAF has challenged itself to introduce something new every year, making MoCAF bigger in reach and more inclusive in approach - staying true to a principle we strongly started with," shared Festival Director Coleen Wong in a statement. "This year, we’re proud to present a wide-ranging showcase of the best of modern and contemporary art, from established masters to emerging artists."
Look for the MoCAF sign at Marquis Events Place along Rizal Drive near One Serendra.
This year's edition is extra special with a multigenerational showcase from the Orlina Family (Ramon Orlina and his children Anna and Michael), as well as solo shows by SAIS, Dennis Bato & Pinky Ibarra Urmaza, AR Manalo, Bryan Teves, Katrina Cuenca, Jaspher Penuliar, Juanito Torres, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Juvenal Sans. Toym Imao's large-scale sculpture from the 14th Gwangju Biennale is also shown for the first time in the Philippines at MoCAF.
Also standing out is the lineup of artisan brands, including: Manila Middle Ground’s curated art and design goods; RUNIT DECKS’ collectible cards and puzzles; Tropik Beatnik’s handmade accessories; Wabi Sabi’s handcrafted ceramics; Miel Maker of Things’ playful fashion pieces; Clockwork Vintage’s rare timepieces; and ANTHILL’s sustainable, community-rooted woven wearables.
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Here are works that caught our attention during the MoCAF 2025 vernissage:
Toym Imao's 'Debugging' was initially showcased as the Philippine Pavilion's official entry to the 15th Gwangju Biennale in 2024 in South Korea. It stands at 12 feet with larger-than-life human figures perched on a spiral staircase.
Beside Toym Imao's sculpture in Marquis' open space is Jesse Camacho's 'Bloo.'
'Superstitions' at Core Contemporary Art (Booth 6)
'Appearance II. 40220212 (Fossil of the Kewpie Doll Excavated in the 41st Century' and 'Kewpie Doll' by Toshiyuki Shibakawa at Yod Tokyo & Editions (Booth 28). The mixed media pieces cost P120,000 and P140,000, respectively.
Space Encounters Gallery (Booth 7 at MoCAF XTN Galleries)
Works by Chang Ghiung Fang at Artemis Art (Booth 10)
Demi Padua's 'In the Absence, a Return' at Art for Space (Booth 15)
'Cell Shaded Meowster', 'Meowster Gold Patina,' 'Meowster Blue Kimono' and 'Copper Meowster' by Vincent Trinidad at Sin-Ta Art Gallery (Booth 11 at MoCAF XTN Galleries)
'Nexus Reaver' by AKI at Sin-Ta Art Gallery (Booth 11 at MoCAF XTN Galleries)
'Balloon Dog' and 'Orange' by Marge Organo at Galerie Joaquin (Booth 34)
'Harnessing Fate' and 'Dancing With the Wind' by Toym Imao at Galerie Joaquin (Booth 34)
Mbrace Project, a non-profit organization supporting children with cancer, chronic illnesses, and learning disabilities, shows how art can give voice to powerful stories of the young.
'7,642 Island' by Kulay Labitigan draws from childhood memories and experiences set up in a digital archipelago.
'Daimos - Battle Shaft' from 'Mecha Souls' by Megs Empinado at Rojo Galerie (Booth 35)
MoCAF, or the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, runs from July 11 to 13 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) at the Marquis Events Place, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City. Tickets are priced at P380, available online at mocaf.net or onsite.
