The Manila Pen Show returns on March 28 and 29, 2026, at the 2nd Floor of Fairmont Makati in Makati City, Philippines. Doors open at 10:00 AM and close at 7:30 PM both days. If you have never attended, or if you have been every year and want to know what changed, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
Now in its sixth year, the Manila Pen Show is Southeast Asia’s largest gathering focused on fountain pens, writing instruments, inks, paper, and the broader culture surrounding analog writing. The 2026 edition is the biggest the show has ever been, by nearly every measure that matters.
The 2026 Theme: Hello Retro
This year’s show carries the theme “Hello Retro,” a deliberate celebration of objects that carry history. Pens, inks, and papers are physical connections to the past — tools used to record human thought for centuries — and the show’s programming, exhibitor selection, and aesthetic choices lean into that idea with intention.
The theme surfaces in the panel discussions on vintage pen sourcing and restoration, in the Hira Maki-e lacquerware workshop drawing from centuries-old Japanese craft traditions, and in the presence of makers like Eboya, who work exclusively in ebonite — a material central to pen manufacturing since the 1850s. For attendees, the retro framing gives the show coherence beyond just a market.
Scale: What Makes 2026 Different
The growth numbers for this show have been steep. Attendance in 2023 was approximately 1,200. The 2024 edition drew over 1,600 with more than 40 exhibitors. In 2025, at The Peninsula Manila, attendance reached 2,287 — a 40 percent jump in a single year — with 45 exhibitors. The 2026 edition expands again.
This year features over 60 confirmed booths spanning two full ballrooms and a foyer, the largest physical footprint in the show’s history. Thirty-two exhibitors are new to the event — the biggest single-year influx since the show began. Close to 20 Japanese exhibitors are attending, the deepest international contingent ever assembled. Makers and brands have traveled from Japan, Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
New Exhibitors to Know in 2026
Eboya (Japan)
The highest-profile debut at the 2026 show is Eboya, the pen brand operating under Nikko Ebonite — Japan’s sole remaining manufacturer of genuine hard rubber (ebonite). Ebonite has been used in pen barrels since the mid-nineteenth century. It is warm to the touch, develops a subtle patina with use, and is widely considered one of the most comfortable barrel materials for extended writing sessions. Every Eboya pen is handcrafted from marbled ebonite stock produced in small batches, meaning no two pens have identical surface patterns.
Acquiring Eboya pens outside Japan typically requires importing through specialist retailers or waiting for pen show appearances. Manila 2026 is a rare opportunity for collectors across Southeast Asia to examine and purchase these pens directly. Expect a queue at this table early on both days.
Leonardo Officina Italiana (Italy)
Leonardo Officina Italiana is a second-generation Italian pen maker drawing on mid-century Italian design traditions — rich resin colors, gold trim, and nibs tuned for expressive writing. Their presence at Manila gives the region direct access to a maker that has primarily distributed through European and North American retailers. The Momento Zero, with soft-flex and stub nib options, is the model most collectors will want to examine in person.
Drillog and Tachikawa (Japan)
Drillog has developed a patented dip pen nib shaped like a drill bit, producing a distinctive spiraling effect in ink lines. The nib is built for illustrators and calligraphers seeking unusual mark-making tools. Tachikawa joins alongside Drillog, bringing deep roots in technical drawing and calligraphy equipment. Both are making their Manila debut in 2026.
Glass Pen Studios: Kawanishi Glass and Hanabi Glass Studio (Japan)
Hand-blown glass pens have moved from specialty curiosity to mainstream enthusiasm in the fountain pen community over recent years. Two Japanese studios — Kawanishi Glass and Hanabi Glass Studio — are debuting at Manila in 2026. Glass pens work by dipping: the twisted grooves of the nib hold ink through capillary action and produce a near-frictionless writing experience unlike any conventional fountain pen. A pen show is the right place to evaluate these before purchasing, because the quality difference between a well-made studio piece and a mass-produced version is substantial and immediately apparent when you write with both.
Other International Newcomers
From Turkey: Galen Leather, known for its handcrafted pen cases and notebook covers, joins alongside Studyo Agackakan. From India: Lotus Pens, OAC Pens, and Vazir — three makers representing the growing Indian artisan pen scene. From the Philippines: Banwa Pens, Bags by Rubbertree, Marz Today, and Nobela Jewelry are among the new local makers joining the show roster.
Returning Exhibitors Worth Revisiting
The returning exhibitor list carries significant weight. Bungubox from Japan is a destination for limited-run inks difficult to obtain elsewhere in the region. Nagasawa brings proprietary ink lines developed for the Kobe region with a devoted collector following. Wancher returns with its lacquer-finished and urushi pen lineup, alongside Stylo Art Karuizawa and Taccia.
From the broader region: Aesthetic Bay (Singapore) and Pengallery (Malaysia) return as established distributors. Esterbrook and LAMY round out the international presence. Many of these tables offer show exclusives or regional-only stock that does not appear in standard online retail channels.
Workshops and Programming
The 2026 show runs programming across two dedicated workshop rooms over both days.
Saturday’s schedule includes a glass pen and Drillog handwriting session led by Imma Frias-Fua, a monoline lettering workshop with Tokyo-based artist Bechori, and a traditional Hira Maki-e urushi lacquer plate workshop with Sophia Ma of Kyuseido. The lacquerware session is the most distinctive offering — Hira Maki-e is a centuries-old Japanese technique involving sprinkled metal powders applied to a lacquered surface.
Sunday features a ronde calligraphy class with Eun Bautista, a fountain pen cursive workshop for younger attendees led by Toni Santos, and an Esterbrook travel journaling session with KikayJournals. The range across both days covers beginners through experienced calligraphers and lettering artists.
Evening Panels
“Founders’ Journeys” features Salvatore Matrone of Leonardo Officina Italiana, Jillian Tan of Inks by Vinta and Everything Calligraphy, and Daryl Lim of Musubi, moderated by Leigh Reyes. A second panel covers the sourcing, shipping, and restoration of vintage pens, moderated by Professor Butch Dalisay — a founding figure in the Philippine pen community who has been a fixture of show programming since the first edition.
Nibmeisters in the Namayan Room
Four specialist nibmeisters operate in the dedicated Namayan function room across both days: JP’s Pen Spa and Nibworks (Philippines), John Raymond Lim (Philippines), Matthew Chen from the United States (trained under master nibmeister Nagahara Jr.), and Sunny Koh of Straits Pen (Singapore). If you have a pen that writes uncomfortably — too scratchy, misaligned, or too wet — this service room deserves a stop. Having four practitioners with this level of specialization available in one space is not something to overlook.
Tickets and Entry
Tickets are available in advance at manilapenshow.helixpay.ph and at the gate on both days. Options include a Saturday Pass, a Sunday Pass, or a Weekend Pass. The Weekend Pass offers the best value for attendees planning both days, which is recommended given the volume of exhibitors and programming.
The Manila Pen Show is organized by Fountain Pen Network Philippines, Inc. (FPN-P), a registered non-profit. Entry ticket purchases count as donations and entitle each attendee to raffle tickets drawn throughout both days.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Arrive early on the first day. Queues form before opening at tables for the most sought-after exhibitors, particularly Eboya and the glass pen studios. Once the floor opens, traffic spreads across the venue quickly, but the first hour is the densest.
Bring your own paper to test nibs. Most exhibitors will let you write with pens before buying, but testing on show stock — handled many times throughout the day — gives a less accurate impression than testing on paper you know. A pocket notebook works well.
Carry cash alongside a card. Most exhibitors accept both, but smaller artisan makers and some Japanese booths may prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases.
Plan your priorities before attending but leave room for discovery. With over 60 booths across two ballrooms and a foyer, attempting to see everything without a plan typically means running short on time at the most interesting tables. Identify your top three or four must-visit tables and treat everything else as a bonus.
Workshop sessions can fill up. If there is a specific session that interests you, check whether advance sign-up is required on the official Manila Pen Show website or social media channels before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Manila Pen Show 2026?
The show takes place on the 2nd Floor of Fairmont Makati, Makati City, Philippines. Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM on both March 28 and March 29, 2026.
Do I need experience with fountain pens to enjoy the show?
No prior knowledge is required. The show attracts a full spectrum of attendees, from serious collectors to people attending for the first time with no background in the hobby. Workshop sessions are explicitly designed for different skill levels, including beginner options.
Can I get a pen repaired or tuned at the show?
Yes. Four nibmeisters operate in the Namayan function room. They offer pen diagnosis, nib tuning, and custom grinds. If you own a pen that is not performing well, this is a practical reason to attend even if buying new pens is not your priority.
Is the show useful for buying inks and paper, not just pens?
The exhibitor mix covers the full range of analog writing supplies. Bungubox and Nagasawa bring Japanese inks including limited regional editions. Local makers and regional distributors carry notebooks, papers, pen cases, leather goods, and accessories. It is a practical destination for restocking consumables and discovering brands not easily found through standard retail channels.
How has the show grown over the years?
The Manila Pen Show began in 2021 and has expanded significantly each year. Attendance grew from roughly 1,200 in 2023 to over 1,600 in 2024, then jumped to 2,287 in 2025. The 2026 edition is the largest in terms of booth count, exhibitor variety, and international representation.