The Magic: The Gathering scene in Iloilo City has seen a steady rise in Modern format events, creating new energy within the local community. What was once an occasional gathering has grown into a more consistent and organized series of tournaments, drawing both veteran players and newcomers.

This increase reflects not only the popularity of the format but also the dedication of the local player base. A big thanks to the initiative of Magus Games Iloilo owner, Arch. Ralph Hisancha.

One of the most noticeable effects of these growing Modern events is the strengthening of the community itself. Regular tournaments give players more opportunities to meet, compete, and build friendships around a shared interest. It creates a welcoming environment where experienced players can mentor newer ones, helping the overall skill level of the group improve over time.

The rise in events also encourages players to invest more in the format, both in terms of deck building and strategic development. With more chances to compete, players are motivated to refine their decks and stay updated with the evolving metagame. This leads to more dynamic and competitive gameplay, which benefits everyone involved.

Local game stores and organizers also gain from this growth, as increased participation helps sustain events and supports the business side of the hobby. More players attending means better prize pools, more consistent scheduling, and a stronger foundation for future tournaments. In turn, this creates a positive cycle that keeps the community active and engaged.

Overall, the increase in Modern events in Iloilo City has had a clearly positive impact. It brings people together, raises the level of play, and strengthens the local Magic: The Gathering scene.

As the community continues to grow, these events will likely remain a key part of what makes the Iloilo MTG scene vibrant and rewarding.

Thanks for reading.

Saturday’s Magic: The Gathering tournament turned out to be one of the most productive and rewarding events I’ve played in. From the start, I felt focused and prepared, and that confidence piloting a Dimir Control deck carried through each round. Every match was an opportunity to apply what I had been practicing, and it paid off in the best way possible.

Throughout the event, I managed to stay consistent and make solid decisions under pressure. There were a few close games, but I navigated them carefully and came out ahead. Reading my opponents and adapting my strategy on the fly made a big difference in keeping my momentum going.

As the rounds progressed, I could feel that I was building toward something strong. Each win added to my confidence, and by the time I reached the final match, I was fully locked in. Staying calm and sticking to my game plan helped me secure the victory.

In the end, I finished in 1st place, making the whole experience even more satisfying. Taking home the promo foil Lightning Bolt felt like the perfect reward, along with the additional promo packs. It’s always great when both performance and prizes line up after a strong showing.

Overall, it was a great reminder of why I enjoy the game so much. The mix of competition, strategy, and community made the day memorable. I’m looking forward to building on this result and carrying the momentum into the next tournament.

Thanks for reading.

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting showdown in the upcoming Standard Format Tournament of the MTG Iloilo community, which will be held during the Dinagyang Festival Odyssey 2026 this weekend, January 9-11, 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or a competitive deck-builder looking to test your strategies, this event promises thrilling matches and a chance to claim some exclusive prizes.

The registration fee is set at ₱300, making it accessible to all players who want to showcase their skills and enjoy a day of strategic gameplay.

The tournament will be held at the SM City Iloilo Cyberzone (5th floor of the mall), and will follow Swiss rounds, ensuring that every participant gets multiple opportunities to play and prove their mettle. The stakes are high: the 1st place winner will take home a PR Pass for Lorwyn Eclipsed, while the 2nd to 4th place finishers will receive promo cards and MTG Spider-Man Play Booster Packs. In addition to these top prizes, raffle prizes will be awarded, with quantities varying depending on the number of participants, ensuring everyone has a chance to take home something special.

Beyond the competition, this event is a fantastic way for MTG fans to connect with the community, exchange strategies, and enjoy the excitement of Standard gameplay. Whether you’re aiming for the top prize or just looking to have fun with fellow players, the tournament is set to be a memorable gathering of strategy, luck, and camaraderie. Don’t miss your chance to join the battle and see if you have what it takes to claim victory!

See you at the tournament!

Throwback to the early days of the Magic: The Gathering Iloilo Amateur League, where players gathered not for glory, but for the sheer love of the game. This photo captures one of those unforgettable afternoons at a local game shop—decks in hand, dice rolling, and the energy of friendly competition filling the room. It was a time when Standard Pauper decks were built from pure creativity and budget ingenuity, and every match felt like a lesson in strategy and camaraderie.

The Amateur League served as the starting ground for many beginner players, providing them with their first taste of an official MTG tournament experience in the region. It wasn’t about high stakes or prizes—it was about learning, improving, and sharing the excitement of every topdeck and clever play. For many, it was where they learned the unwritten rules of sportsmanship and respect that define the Magic community.

As the weeks and months passed, players began to develop their own unique playstyles and deck identities. Some became known for their control-heavy blue decks, while others leaned into red burn or white weenie aggro builds. Every scheduled Standard Pauper event brought with it new rivalries and friendships, with players discussing their game highlights long after the matches were done. The atmosphere was a blend of focus and laughter, competition and mentorship.

Local game stores played a huge role in making these gatherings possible. They provided not only the venue but also a safe and welcoming space for everyone—from curious newcomers to seasoned players offering advice and spare cards. The camaraderie built in these early events helped shape a supportive community that valued inclusion and growth over competition.

Looking back, it’s inspiring to see how those humble beginnings planted the seeds for a thriving Magic: the Gathering scene in Iloilo. What started as a small group of newbies but passionate players has evolved into a connected and growing community that continues to celebrate the game. The Iloilo Amateur League remains a symbol of that shared passion—a reminder that in Magic, every game is more than just a match; it’s a story of friendship, learning, and the love of the game.

Thanks for reading.

In Iloilo City, weekly Magic: the Gathering tournaments have become more than just a place to play cards—they’re the heartbeat of a thriving local community. For new players, these events offer a welcoming gateway into the game, blending competition with camaraderie. With promos, mentorship, and plenty of fun, they turn curiosity into passion and casual interest into lasting friendships.

Weekly tournaments play a huge role in promoting the Magic: the Gathering (MTG) community in Iloilo City, especially for newcomers who are just learning the game. These events create a consistent space where players of all levels can gather, making the community more visible and accessible. For someone curious about MTG, simply walking into a local store during a weekly tournament offers a glimpse of the excitement and camaraderie that the game fosters. The regularity of these events also helps lower the barrier to entry, as new players know there’s always an opportunity to join in and learn.

Another important factor is how weekly tournaments provide structure and purpose to casual play. New players often struggle to find a balance between learning the rules and experiencing the competitive side of MTG. By hosting events tailored to different levels—such as Standard showdowns, Draft nights, or casual formats—tournaments provide beginners with the opportunity to start small and gradually build confidence. The welcoming atmosphere of these gatherings often helps players feel included, turning a hobby into a regular social activity.

Weekly tournaments also spotlight the local MTG community’s enthusiasm and commitment. Prizes, promos, and friendly competition make these events attractive, but what keeps people coming back is the sense of belonging. Veterans often mentor newer players by sharing deck-building tips, explaining rulings, or even loaning cards for matches. This culture of support not only builds individual skill but also strengthens the entire Iloilo community, ensuring it grows steadily.

Finally, weekly events are a powerful promotional tool because they turn MTG into a shared experience rather than just a card game. They provide a consistent reason for people to gather, create lasting friendships, and showcase how fun and rewarding the game can be. For new players in Iloilo City, joining these tournaments isn’t just about competing—it’s about finding a community where their interest in MTG can grow into a passion.

The dragons of Tarkir are returning, and it’s time to claim your place among them! Get ready for the Tarkir: Dragonstorm Prerelease in Iloilo City, where you’ll be among the first to open packs, build decks, and battle with the latest Magic: The Gathering set.

Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, this is your chance to experience the thrill of sealed deck play, discover powerful new cards, and compete for awesome prizes. Gather your allies, sharpen your skills, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of MTG action!

Here below are the details of the MTG TDM Prerelease event on Saturday.

Magic the Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Iloilo City Prerelease at Pro Reis place, A3 Bookstore, Fuentes St. Iloilo City
Registration Fee: P2,000

Includes:
1 Prerelease Kit
2 Play Booster Packs
Player on-site registration at 1:00 PM

Deckbuilding starts at 2:00 PM (please do bring your own basic lands and card sleeves)
Prizes for Top Finishers: Additional Play Booster Packs and Promo Cards (depending on player count). You can register beforehand by contacting us or Sir Rei so we can add your name to the list. Message us on this page or Rei Coo for details and other info.

The MTG Iloilo Amateur League was a shining example of how a Magic: The Gathering community can foster growth, camaraderie, and passion for the game. Designed specifically for new and casual players, the league offered a low-pressure environment where aspiring Planeswalkers could dip their toes into the world of competitive gameplay without the intimidating stakes of higher-tier tournaments.

The decks used were often less polished but brimming with creativity, and the focus was always on learning the ropes rather than outright victory. For many, it was their first taste of shuffling up across from an opponent and discovering the thrill of tournament Magic while building confidence in their skills.

More than just a proving ground, the Iloilo Amateur League was a hub for connection and community. Veteran players served as mentors, offering tips and encouragement to the newcomers, while friendships formed over shared battles and post-game discussions. It was a place where winning was secondary to the experience itself—a reminder of what makes Magic special: the stories we create and the bonds we form over the cards we play.

Though the league may no longer be active, its legacy lives on in the players it inspired and the lessons it taught about inclusivity and nurturing the next generation of Magic enthusiasts.

I hope to revive this soon as long as the new generation can appreciate the somewhat old-school aspect of Magic: the Gathering gameplay.

Covering a local Magic: The Gathering (MTG) tournament can be an exciting way to engage with your community, showcase your skills, and provide valuable content for fellow players. I have always been doing this written coverage report of our local MTG events and happenings but with the rise of video blogging and more interactive platform options, it has become a challenge now to do so.

Here are five easy ways to effectively cover your local MTG tournament, whether you’re a novice reporter or an experienced content creator.

1. Live Blogging

Summary

Live blogging allows you to provide real-time updates during the tournament. It’s a great way to keep your audience engaged and informed about the latest developments as they happen.

Steps

• Setup: Create a blog or use a platform like Twitter, Facebook, or a dedicated live blogging tool.
• Preparation: Gather all necessary information beforehand, such as player names, deck lists, and the tournament schedule.
• Content: Post updates on match results, highlight exciting plays, and provide brief commentary.
• Engagement: Interact with your audience by responding to comments and questions.

Tips

• Use photos and short videos to enhance your posts.
• Keep updates concise and to the point.

2. Video Coverage

Summary

Creating video content can capture the excitement of the tournament and provide a visual and auditory experience for your audience.

Steps

• Equipment: Use a good-quality camera or smartphone, tripod, and microphone.
• Planning: Outline the key moments you want to capture, such as opening rounds, semi-finals, and the final match.
• Recording: Film player interviews, match highlights, and crowd reactions.
• Editing: Use simple video editing software to compile your footage into an engaging video.

Tips

• Ensure good lighting and clear audio.
• Keep videos under 10 minutes to maintain viewer interest.

3. Social Media Updates

Summary

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to provide quick, engaging updates throughout the tournament.

Steps

• Platforms: Choose platforms where your audience is most active.
• Content: Share photos, short videos, player interviews, and match highlights.
• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
• Engagement: Encourage followers to share your posts and participate in discussions.

Tips

• Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live for real-time updates.
• Tag players and local gaming stores to increase reach.

4. Podcasting

Summary

Podcasting allows you to delve deeper into tournament coverage, offering detailed analysis, player interviews, and expert commentary.

Steps

• Equipment: Use a quality microphone and recording software.
• Format: Plan your podcast episodes, including match recaps, player interviews, and commentary.
• Recording: Record episodes before, during, and after the tournament.
• Distribution: Upload your podcast to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Tips

• Keep episodes around 20-30 minutes.
• Invite local players and experts as guests.

5. Written Reports

Summary

Writing detailed reports is a traditional yet effective way to cover an MTG tournament. These can be published on blogs, websites, or local gaming newsletters.

Steps

• Preparation: Gather all relevant information before the tournament starts.
• Content: Write match summaries, player profiles, and deck analysis.
• Structure: Organize your report with clear headings and subheadings.
• Publication: Publish your report on a blog, website, or local newsletter.

Tips

• Include quotes from players and judges.
• Use high-quality images to complement your text.

Conclusion

Covering your local MTG tournament can be fun and rewarding. Whether you choose to live blog, create videos, post on social media, podcast, or write detailed reports, each method offers unique ways to engage with your audience and share the excitement of the game. Choose the method that best fits your skills and resources, and start creating compelling content today!

The sideboard is an essential part of competitive Magic: the Gathering decks, allowing you to adjust your deck to better handle specific matchups, whether Standard, Pioneer, Modern, etc. In any specific deck archetype in the format, I’ll give you some general advice on sideboarding in Pioneer. I would love to have all kinds of good cards for all the matchups, but the 13-card slot would not suffice.

• Understand Your Deck’s Weaknesses:
  • Identify the weaknesses of your main deck. What types of decks or strategies give you trouble? Sideboarding is an opportunity to shore up these weaknesses.
• Include Hate Cards:
  • Your sideboard should include cards that are effective against common strategies in the format. For example, if aggressive creature decks are prevalent, you might want cards that can handle creatures efficiently.
• Consider Combo Hate:
  • If there are combo decks in the format, include cards in your sideboard that can disrupt or slow down those combos.
• Artifact and Enchantment Removal:
  • Cards that can deal with problematic artifacts or enchantments are valuable in the sideboard. This can be crucial against decks that rely on powerful artifacts or enchantments.
• Graveyard Hate:
  • If graveyard-based strategies are prevalent, consider including cards that can exile or disrupt graveyard interactions.
• Anti-Control Cards:
  • Against control decks, you might want cards that generate card advantage or can counter/control their spells more effectively.
• Evaluate Each Matchup:
  • Have a plan for each common matchup in the format. Know which cards to bring in and which to take out. This often involves removing cards that are less effective in a particular matchup and bringing in more impactful cards.
• Maintain a Balanced Sideboard:
  • Avoid overloading your sideboard with too many situational cards. Having a well-balanced sideboard allows you to adapt to a variety of matchups.
• Test Your Sideboard:
  • Playtesting is crucial for refining your sideboard plan. It helps you understand which cards are most effective in certain matchups and whether adjustments are needed.
• Stay Informed:
  • The metagame can evolve, so regularly check for updates on the Pioneer metagame. This will help you adjust your sideboard to be well-positioned against the decks you’re likely to face.

Remember, the effectiveness of a sideboard plan can depend on the specific metagame you’re playing in. If possible, consult with experienced players, check tournament results particularly, tournament reports, and adapt your sideboard based on the shifting dynamics of the Pioneer format.

I have decided to return the raffle number games which is now on its Part 7, and having again a judge foil as its grand prize. These repacks are really cheap for the value especially if you are starting your Magic: the Gathering collection, and also give you a chance to win a prized special Judge promo foil Retrofitter Foundry.

As a quick recap, these repacks contain at least a Mythic or Rare, some common and uncommon, and a foil card. I priced each for only 30 pesos, numbered them from 1 to 85, and to be randomized them beforehand. I had also some regular value Rares and full-art basic lands added, and one of the repacks was inserted with a special card.

A few people have already placed their slots on their favorite numbers which you can check below on this post on my FB page Deathmarked. Just comment on the post geists, if you are planning to join. I thank you for your support in advance.

Being in a Magic: The Gathering tournament environment feels in various ways from the player’s perspective. There are those that are competitive and want to win, and so feel to be strong pressure with the goal. Others just wanted to have fun and play the deck that they like to pilot.

1. Local Store Tournaments: Many local game stores organize regular Magic tournaments, catering to players of all skill levels. These events can include Friday Night Magic (FNM), which typically features Standard, Draft, or other rotating formats. These tournaments are a great way for players to engage with their local community and test their skills in a friendly environment.
2. Grand Prix (GP): Grand Prix events are larger-scale tournaments organized by Wizards of the Coast (the company behind Magic: The Gathering) and held worldwide. GPs attract a significant number of players and offer a variety of formats, including Limited (Sealed or Draft) and Constructed (Standard, Modern, Legacy, etc.). GPs provide opportunities for players to compete at a higher level and earn valuable prizes.
3. Pro Tours and Players Tour Series: Pro Tours (now known as Players Tour Series) are premier-level events for professional players and those aspiring to compete at the highest level. These events feature top-tier competitions, showcasing the best players in the world. Players qualify for Pro Tours through various paths, including success in other tournaments and by earning Pro Points.
4. Magic: The Gathering Arena: With the rise of online play, Magic: The Gathering Arena has become an important part of the tournament scene. Wizards of the Coast organizes online tournaments and qualifiers for players to compete in a digital environment. These events provide accessibility and convenience for players who prefer online play or want to test their skills against a global player base.
5. Mythic Championships/Mythic Invitationals: Mythic Championships (formerly known as Pro Tours) and Mythic Invitationals are flagship events organized by Wizards of the Coast. These events bring together top-ranked players from around the world and offer significant prize pools. They showcase the pinnacle of competitive Magic and provide a platform for players to demonstrate their skills on a grand stage.

It’s important to note that the tournament scene may vary depending on factors such as geographic location, time of year, and the specific formats being played. Additionally, Wizards of the Coast regularly introduces new tournament structures and formats to keep the competitive scene fresh and exciting.

Whether you’re a casual player looking for local events or an aspiring professional aiming for the top, the Magic: The Gathering tournament scene offers a range of opportunities for players to compete, improve their skills, and engage with the larger Magic community.

Below is an example video of a specific tournament scene here in the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community. Enjoy!

The upcoming weekend will be filled again with a competitive and fun atmosphere as the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community has joined Anime Fest 2023 & will be holding the Back-2-back Magic: the Gathering tournament.

This tournament will be held this weekend April 15th & 16th at the Festive Mall Megaworld, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The formats will be Standard on Saturday and Multi-Commander EDH on Sunday and with awesome prizes awaiting the top players.

We welcome players of all skill levels to come and join in on the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, we guarantee a great time for all! The exact prize structure will depend on the number of players who participate, but we guarantee that there will be some great prizes up for grabs.

We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to ensure that you have time to register, pay the entry fee, and prepare your deck. Decklists may be required.

We expect all players to follow the rules and regulations of Magic: the Gathering during the tournament.

For more details, see the post below from the Magic: the Gathering Iloilo Community page.

We hope that you will join us for this exciting Magic: the Gathering tournament event. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can’t wait to see you there!