The Philippine airsoft community is one of the oldest and liveliest airsoft communities in the world. It is such an active community that its reach is more global, establishing the hobby in countries where Filipinos migrate to in search of greener pastures. In almost every country in the world where airsoft is legal, you will find Filipino airsofters who are active --- as skirmishers, milsimers and action air shooters.

In the UK, there was big Filipino airsoft community. Called the “ACE Brigade”, they were made of different airsoft teams located in various areas from the Southeast and London in the South, then the Midlands and the North West of England with a smattering of groups in other locations, such as the Isle of Man, though not technically part of the UK.

For four years, starting in 2007, they had a big get-together event called “The Gathering”. This brought all the teams together for a day of airsoft games, food, and drinks which for Filipinos means bringing the whole kitchen. It was always a fun event with an overnight camp out for those who are able to stay for a night of drinking. The last one was in 2010, as members got older and focused on growing their families. Other players kept on as part of other non-Filipino airsoft groups and the Filipino airsoft community in the UK got smaller.

But over the years, young blood trickled in. Young airsoft players from the Philippines who migrated to the UK for nursing jobs and a generation of UK-born players of Filipino heritage have started to pick-up the airsoft habit of their parents. Slowly, more players started going to games together culminating in a recent event in Billericay in Essex. Some “ACE Brigade” veterans were there too and discussed if they can revive “The Gathering”. Master Chief of Popular Airsoft agreed to have it hosted by Airsoft Plantation and thus, “The Gathering 2020” got formalised.

Whilst it is always called an All-Filipino Airsoft Event, it is not limited to Filipino airsofters. Friends are invited and even those who are curious about the event are invited. Thus, interested UK airsofters can contact the organisers.

The 2020 All Filipino Airsoft Gathering will take place on the 29th March, which we hope is not too cold for Filipinos to go out and play airsoft. The event, according to Eric Amada, will be at Airsoft Plantation in Billericay, Essex. Game Fee is £25.00 and interested players. A deposit of £12.00 is required.

The planning is ongoing and most likely there will be a Filipino feast like the “Boodle Fight”. This is something for those curious about the Filipino culture would want to try.

To learn more about the event, you can visit the 2020 All Filipino Airsoft Gathering Facebook Event Page.