11 new artisans and brands are appearing at the Manila Pen Show for the first time this 2025. That means more budol options aside from the usual suspects that never fail to break our planned budget for the weekend.
Here’s more info about who these makers are and what they offer.
READ: Here’s your Manila Pen Show 2025 ultimate guide
Pens
Just when you thought that choosing that promised one-pen haul from this year’s returning exhibitors is hard enough (and we know that “one” pen always comes with another), there are seven new pen-focused shops to disturb whatever pen peace you think you have.
Pens by Cal
Made by calligrapher AJ Cal, Pens by Cal is the latest addition to the growing colorful line of fountain pens made in the Philippines. Its main model is Salamangka (or magic in Filipino), which will be available in multiple materials such as ebonite; black peek stabilized and dyed burl wood; and even official Conway Stewart Azure, Cerulean Blue, Razor Shell, and Shingel at the Manila Pen Show.
For its debut, Pens by Cal Salamangka, will come in Deep Teal, Red Ochre, and Purple with a touch of pearls. Only 4 units per color will be available. All pens purchased on this day will also come with a Gav and Sav pen sleeve. There’s no word yet if their yet-to-be-named second model will also be there.
The cover image for this page features a Salamangka in ebonite.
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EN Studio
This MPS newcomer mainly creates bespoke pens inspired by different brands and models, including one patterned after Kasama.
For its debut, each Chinkin Imperial Dragon purchase, which only has 10 units available, will come with nibwork services by John Lim.
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Glass Studio Aun
Established in Okayama City in 2004, this Kurashiki City-based studio produces different kinds of glassworks made by Akihiro Eda. The studio offers a wide range of patterened glass pens to accommodate different writer preferences. It also makes wearable accessories.
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Kyuseido
Created by Japan-based Hong Konger CY, Kyuseido has two original models: the smooth-looking Kakari and the brutalist Kosumi. Both models use a pump piston filling system that they developed, and come with 14k gold nibs. They also come in different materials.
The brand also offers nibwork services by CY, though it is unknown if its founder will be present at the Manila Pen Show.
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Scopus Pens
Based in Jerusalem, Scopus Pens offers uniquely-designed handmade pens using natural, sustainable material such as wood, cacti, vine roots, to combine with resin and sterling silver.
Esterbrook
Today’s Esterbrook was born in 2018, when it continued the legacy of the original Esterbrook Pen Company that was established in 1858 but shut down in the 1970s. It mainly sells pens, but it also offers other related products.
Taccia
Taccia is a Japanese luxury fountain pen producer, with a secondary brand for affordable variants. It also produces inks. For the Manila Pen Show, pens are at 28% off when paid for in cash.
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Wancher
Wancher is a Japanese brand offering high-end fountain pens. It also produces unique nibs such as the Keiryu and the Matama Stream, which are available at the Manila Pen Show in limited qualities. The brand also offers the petite PuChiCo and the slighly-larger PoChaCo.
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Inks
Arcus Artisan Inks
With a background on producing professional acrylic paints, this fountain pen ink newcomer is making its Manila Pen Show with a huge selection of eight regular series. It will also offer shimmer and scented lines as well.
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Accessories
Bolo.edc
Bolo’s handcrafted accessories are made specifically for daily carry needs. Among its many leather products is a stitchless case featuring a debossed Manila Pen Show logo.
Shops
Hachimonjiya
This Japanese bookstore offers different pens and stationery, with its collaboration pieces available at the Manila Pen show.
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