For countless fans, geek culture was forged in the small hours of the night: a marathon session of a beloved RPG, the quiet shuffle of card sleeves, the hum of a freshly overclocked machine, or the glow of a screen playing a favorite anime. These solitary sparks of passion found their collective fire at Geek+Pop’s Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK, an event that transformed the private joys of fandom into a shared, vibrant celebration. Held on May 23 and 24, 2026, at The SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, the convention brought together Filipino communities united by play, imagination, and an unapologetic love for all things nerdy. Far more than a simple market or a series of game stations, Geek+Pop delivered a weekend that felt like a living mixtape of nostalgia, strategy, and punk-rock energy.
The Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK: A Convergence of Fandoms
At first glance, the venue appeared as a modest convention floor. But a closer look revealed the meticulous curation that defined Geek+Pop’s signature approach. One corner of the hall was dedicated to retro gaming, complete with boxy CRT televisions and arcade-style controllers that felt like a time capsule. Attendees lined up to revisit classics such as Bomberman, Tekken, Mario, and Metal Slug. The setup was deliberately nostalgic: the familiar weight of an arcade stick and the soft glow of a cathode-ray tube screen recreated the living rooms and arcades where many gamers first discovered their passion. Just a few steps away, the trading card market buzzed with activity. Glass cases and thick binders displayed thousands of collectible cards spanning Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon TCG, Alpha Clash, One Piece Card Game, Disney Lorcana, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Flesh & Blood, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Collectors haggled, traded, and marveled at rare finds, while newcomers watched and learned the rhythms of a thriving secondary market.
Tabletop Arenas and the Art of Strategy
The lobby was transformed into a sprawling battlefield for tabletop miniature games. Rows of tables, each covered with meticulously painted terrain and miniatures, became arenas where enthusiasts tested their tactical acumen. These games turned simple surfaces into immersive landscapes of strategy, where every move mattered and each match told a story. The energy was focused, competitive, and deeply respectful. Players exchanged tips between rounds, and seasoned veterans patiently explained rules to first-timers. It was a demonstration of how tabletop gaming, often perceived as niche, thrives on community and shared imagination.
A Market That Celebrated the Eclectic
The Geek+Pop market offered a treasure hunt for attendees. Beyond the expected trading cards and action figures, the shelves held vinyl records of classic game soundtracks and official art books that appealed to serious collectors. Fantech made a notable appearance, showcasing a special collaboration with Toei featuring One Piece-themed keyboards and desk mats. The booth drew steady crowds eager to see how peripheral design could honor a beloved franchise. Elsewhere, vendors offered Pokémon plushies, anime figures, fan-made apparel, and elaborately decorated Ita bags. A dedicated stage hosted Beyblade battles and fingerboard competitions, adding a kinetic, fast-paced layer to the market floor.
Meeting the Legends of Filipino Komiks
Among the most memorable encounters was the presence of Apolonio “Pol” Medina Jr., the legendary komikero and cartoonist behind Pugad Baboy. For Filipino fans who grew up in the 1990s, his comic strips were a cultural touchstone, blending humor with sharp social observation. Medina’s appearance at Geek+Pop bridged generations, allowing longtime readers to thank the artist in person and younger fans to discover a cornerstone of Filipino pop culture. The event also featured live art demonstrations. Attendees watched Anthony paint a large Pokémon canvas, while another artist transformed collectible cards into miniature works of art, painting directly on the card surfaces. These live sessions added an element of performance to the creative process, reminding everyone that geek culture is as much about making as it is about consuming.
The Rhythm of Rebellion: Live Music and Geek Energy
By the afternoon, the convention’s character shifted. The sound of electric guitars began to cut through the ambient chatter, signaling the start of live performances. The stage pulsed with punk rock energy: loud drums, raw guitar riffs, and vocalists who commanded the room with unapologetic intensity. Between band sets, talented DJs kept the momentum alive with mixes that blended anime themes, video game tracks, and original compositions. The musical program was not background entertainment; it was a core part of the event’s identity. Geek+Pop refused to treat music as an afterthought, instead programming it as a full-throated expression of the rebellious, creative spirit that defines geek culture at its best.
A Finale That Redefined Convention Closings
As the evening drew near and attendees began to gather their purchases and say their goodbyes, Geek+Pop delivered its crowning moment. The final concert was less a closing ceremony and more a cathartic explosion. The band Tubero took the stage, and the crowd responded with raw, aggressive enthusiasm. The performance was intense, visceral, and utterly unforgettable. Even first-time listeners found themselves swept up in the chaos, and the band’s drummer revealed a deeply personal connection to the community: a longtime Hatsune Miku fan, he had attended the recent Hatsune Miku Expo in the Philippines. That small detail exemplified the ethos of Geek+Pop. The people on stage were not distant performers; they were fans, just like the audience. The finale ended the weekend on a note of pure, unfiltered joy.
What is Geek+Pop’s PICCS and RESBAK?
Geek+Pop’s Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK is a convention that combines trading card markets, retro and modern gaming, tabletop competitions, live music, and artist showcases into a single weekend event. It is designed to celebrate geek culture in all its forms, from collecting and gaming to performance and visual art. The event prioritizes community interaction, creative expression, and nostalgia, creating a space where fans can share their passions openly.
Why Geek+Pop Matters: Community, Identity, and the Filipino Fan
Geek+Pop’s PICCS and RESBAK was more than a successful event; it was a statement about the maturity and vibrancy of Filipino geek culture. Conventions like this one serve a purpose that extends beyond commerce. They create physical spaces where people who grew up feeling like outsiders can find their tribe. The event welcomed everyone, from seasoned collectors with encyclopedic knowledge of card sets to beginners who walked in unsure of where to start. The atmosphere was friendly, patient, and encouraging. Conversations sparked easily across tables, at game stations, and in line for merchandise. Geek+Pop proved that a convention can be both intimate and grand, both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The weekend left behind more than just memories of games and performances. It created a venue for people to celebrate their passions without hesitation. Attendees healed their inner child with adult resources, acquiring the toys, cards, and experiences they once could only dream of. But more importantly, they connected with others who understood why those dreams mattered.
The Legacy of a Weekend Well Spent
Geek+Pop’s Philippine International Collectibles and Card Show (PICCS) and RESBAK demonstrated that Filipino fandom has a unique flavor, one that blends global pop culture with local sensibilities. The event honored tradition by inviting creators like Pol Medina Jr., embraced the present through modern trading card games and Fantech collaborations, and nodded to the future with live music and digital culture. For the many attendees who walked through the doors of The SPACE at One Ayala, the convention was a reminder that hobbies are never trivial. They are the threads that weave communities together.
