In celebration of August as History Month, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recently hosted a three-day event titled ‘HistoEx: Where History and Experience Converge.’ The event took place at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City, from August 23-25, 2024.
This multi-day event was a vibrant exposition of our nation’s historic and cultural treasures, featuring exhibitors from various regions across the archipelago. Visitors were treated to special performances, insightful talks and lectures, and a range of immersive exhibitions that brought our history to life in a whole new way.
HistoEx, a first-of-its-kind event, was designed to engage a wide audience, including local and international enthusiasts of Philippine history, students across various educational levels, and parents eager to introduce their children to history from an early age.
Despite the allure of a four-day weekend, which might have drawn potential attendees to ‘better options’ like beach trips, visits to cooler regions, or family gatherings, HistoEx still attracted a significant crowd. This enthusiastic turnout was evident from Day 1 through the last day, as seen in numerous social media posts.
The event kicked off on August 23 with a Uniformed Demonstration and Close Order Drill by Historia Viviente Manila, followed by History Trivia Games led by the Philippine Historical Association. The formal opening of HistoEx took place at 3:00 p.m., featuring insights from ‘Gomburza’ director Pepe Diokno and public educator Richard Heydarian. The day also included a Baybayin workshop by Kahel Press and book signings from esteemed authors like Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay.
The second day was packed with various activities, including a performance by the Quezon City Symphonic Band, a documentary screening, a game show titled ‘Reyal o Fakee’ hosted by Sarao Motors, and a screening of ‘Sining Saysay’ by the Gateway Gallery. Additionally, FamilySearch, an ancestry search website, was formally introduced to the public.
The final day began with a free live sketching session hosted by the Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines, followed by a screening of the ‘Gomburza’ documentary. Dr. Xiao Chua then took the stage to share historical insights about the Araneta Center.
The event concluded with a captivating performance by the Quezon City Symphonic Band and a Uniformed Close Order Drill, bringing the festivities to a memorable close.
