For many fans, geek culture started with late-night gaming sessions, small card collections, tech explorations, music jams, or binge-watching favorite shows. At Geek+Pop’s Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK, those “inner child” hobbies came to life, bringing together Filipino communities that embrace fandom, play, and imagination. From electrifying rock waves to the insane trading card markets, Geek+Pop delivered a vibe that was a fun mix of edgy, nerdy, and nostalgia. Attendees explored retro fighting games, board game challenges, Just Dance showdowns, and many more. It was held on May 23 to 24, 2026, at The SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City, Philippines.
At a glance, the event looked like a humble convention but in reality, it was all about geek drip. In one corner, there were free retro game set-ups, complete with classic box televisions and arcade controllers. We saw Bomberman, Tekken, Mario, Metal Slug, and other games that brought waves of nostalgia to longtime gamers. In the other corner, collectors browsed through the crowded market, peeking at glass cases and binders with over a thousand collectible cards. These included series like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon TCG, Alpha Clash, One Piece Card Game, Disney Lorcana, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Flesh & Blood, and Yu-Gi-Oh!.
In the lobby, rows of tables filled the space for the tabletop miniature games. Enthusiasts challenged one another in games that transformed simple tables into arenas of strategy, excitement, and enjoyment.
The Geek+Pop market also included unique finds, such as vinyl records of game soundtracks and official art books. Fantech was also at Geek+Pop and they showed off their special collaboration with Toei through their One Piece themed keyboards and desk mats. There were also Pokémon plushies, anime figures, fan made apparel, and Ita bags. There was also a stage for Beyblade and fingerboard.
Amidst the crowd, we also got to meet legendary komikero (Filipino comic creator) and cartoonist Apolonio “Pol” Medina Jr., author of the Pugad Baboy comic strips that every Filipino 90s kid knew by heart. We also met Anthony who was painting a large Pokémon canvas, and another painter who painted on collectible cards.
All in all, the activities at Geek+Pop captured the cool, rebellious energy that make geek culture feel alive. It celebrated individuality and creativity without hesitation, and proved a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to beginners such as myself. I was able to experience pieces of nostalgia and modern geek culture, and I think Geek+Pop is cool like that. Check out our Geek+Pop RESBAK x PICCS market and play gallery below:
By the afternoon, the sound of electric guitars began to echo across the venue. The lively event became even more dynamic with the vibrant, unapologetically cool, punk rocker energy, as the stage pulsed with live performances. Every con-goer experienced adrenaline-filled sets through loud drums and guitar riffs, followed by talented DJs that kept the energy going with fun beats and mixes.
From beginning to end, Geek+Pop was a combination of explosive performances, intense game matches, packed markets, and nonstop entertainment that turned the event into a thrilling experience. However, the crowning moment would be no doubt, the finale.
As the night came to a close (during egress), Geek+Pop exploded into a final concert that felt both wildly entertaining and cathartic. Geeks aggressively screamed intense lyrics ( this was my first time learning of the band; I was in shock for the first few minutes. Listen at your own discretion—haha!) with raw excitement and chaos, pushing the event to one of the most amusing closings I’ve ever attended. It definitely ended on an unforgettable high note.
Geek+Pop’s Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK was no doubt an event made by geeks, for the geeks. And it was so cool in its own right! I’m glad that a lot of people had a great time shopping, gaming, and rocking to music. Enjoying one’s hobbies and sharing passions with other people in the community has always been something I enjoy writing about. For instance, I actually got to meet with the Tubero’s drummer and discovered that he is in fact a Hatsune Miku fan. He shared with me that he has been a fan of over 10 years, and even attended the recent Hatsune Miku Expo in the Philippines.
All in all, Geek+ Pop left behind more than just memories of games, performances, and collectibles. It created a space where people (who heal their inner child with their adult money) to freely celebrate their passions and connect with others who share the same interest. It proved that this is more than a hobby, it’s a community! It really showed how conventions centered on Filipino geek culture can bring a unique flavor of fun for the Filipino fans looking for something that’s just the right blend of classic and modern.
Special thanks to the Geek Pop staff! For more information on their future events, make sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Photography Assistance: William Mescallado
Disclaimer: Anime Corner is a media partner for Geek+Pop
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