By Germaine De Castro
The three-day “Historians’ Fair and Fun Games: Saya at Saysay,” organized by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to celebrate History Month, concluded with great success on August 10, 2024, at the Museo ng Sining within the GSIS Financial Center in Pasay City.
Reflecting on Day 1, the event began with an opening ceremony featuring a performance by the GSIS Chorale. The first-ever event then launched into an engaging discussion titled “The Future of History as a Course: Curriculum Changes,” led by Dr. Jaime Veneracion and Dr. Lars Raymund Ubaldo, both members of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Technical Panel on History. Public historian Dr. Xiao Chua moderated the session. In the afternoon, Dr. Chua returned to the stage to present “Parisian Life Rebirth: Ang Lalong Pagningning ng Saysay ni Juan Luna,” offering deep insights into the works of Juan Luna. Both seminars were held at the Museo ng Sining.
On the penultimate day, the morning session focused on educators. Dr. Emmanuel Calario, former Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, shared valuable strategies for teaching history in his talk, “Kasaysayan at Sining: Paggamit ng Iba’t Ibang Uri ng Media Para sa Pagtuturo ng Kasaysayan,” held at the Museo ng Sining. Later, renowned historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo captivated the audience with “Cabinet of Curiosities: History from Philippine Artifacts” at the GSIS Theatre, revealing intriguing historical facts tied to various relics. The day ended with a fellowship night, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect and network with fellow history enthusiasts.
After two days of insightful lectures from esteemed historians, the final day offered a refreshing change of pace with “Palarong Pinoy” at the GSIS Gymnasium. History enthusiasts and GSIS employees alike participated in traditional Filipino games such as Sipa, Agawang Panyo, and Patintero, with teams competing with enthusiasm. The day also featured Pinoy history trivia games and a raffle, adding an extra layer of excitement to this day of fun and wellness.
Throughout the three-day event, various booths were set up by organizations such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Philippine Historical Association, Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela, University of the Philippines-Manila, International Council on Monuments and Sites, Cavite Historical Society, Adhika ng Pilipinas, Kabansa, Project Saysay, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. These booths offered memberships and merchandise to attendees. Additionally, merchandise from Anvil Publishing, Pilibustero, and Vibal Foundation was available for purchase.
This inaugural event was indeed a triumph in celebrating Philippine history. Here’s to more events like this in the future.
Mabuhay ang GSIS! Mabuhay ang Philippine History!