From the moment the glass doors of Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2 opened on August 1, visitors were greeted not by the familiar bustle of Cubao, but by the sights and sounds of history itself. For three days, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) transformed the venue into a living time machine, bringing together the nation’s past and present through #HistoEx 2025 — the flagship event opening this year’s History Month celebration.
Launched in 2024 as part of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, HistoEx — short for “History to Experience” — gathers history and cultural organizations from across the country for an exposition of the Philippines’ heritage. This year’s edition, themed “Now Boarding: Generations in Transit”, invited visitors to embark on a journey through shifting values, perspectives, and ways of engaging with the past.
The opening ceremony was led by Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who urged the youth to harness digital tools in reconnecting with history, reminding them that understanding the past is key to shaping a better future. Joining her were NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim, National Youth Commission Executive Director Leah T. Villalon, and officials from the National Library of the Philippines.
The festivities began with stirring performances from Banda Kawayan and the Quezon City Symphonic Band, followed by the “Kasiklaban” quiz competition on Philippine history, where over 70 students from across the country battled it out for top honors. Between rounds, a Bangsamoro cultural dance filled the hall with the rhythm of kulintangan, easing the tension for contestants and delighting the audience.
Throughout the three-day event, #HistoEx offered a vibrant mix of performances, exhibits, lectures, and interactive activities. Visitors watched puppet shows, joined virtual tours, tried coffee painting courtesy of Project Barako, and learned about the Sultanate of Sulu in a dedicated lecture.
Day 2 featured a demonstration of Lumban embroidery by Gina Aniciete Osio of Ziakindra Embroidery Shop, a historical discussion by Renacimiento Manila, and the book launch of Andres Bonifacio and the Revolution — the English translation by Prof. Augusto V. de Viana of Jose P. Santos’ Tagalog biography of Bonifacio. The day also saw the return of the crowd-favorite history game show “Reyal o Fakeh”, organized with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and a talk by content creator and historian Mona Magno-Veluz, better known as “Mighty Magulang,” who shared stories of young Filipino heroes.
The final day kept spirits high with talks from noted historians, including Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, whose works were available through Anvil Publishing, and Prof. Xiao Chua, who brought his signature wit and storytelling to #XiaoTimeLive.
More than 30 exhibitors participated in the event, from national agencies like the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, to creative groups such as Urban Sketchers Manila and Pilibustero clothing. Among the crowd favorites was Pureautumnarts’ collection of Disney princesses reimagined as Filipinas in traditional attire, which quickly sold out in bookmark, pin, and sticker form.
For many attendees, including history enthusiasts, collectors, and casual passersby, #HistoEx was more than just an exhibit — it was an immersion into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped the nation. From meeting beloved historians to seeing cultural treasures up close, visitors left with a renewed sense of pride and a reminder that the preservation of history depends on the passion of the present generation.
As the hall emptied on the evening of August 3, the sentiment was clear: #HistoEx is not just an annual event — it is a gathering of minds, a celebration of heritage, and an invitation to keep the nation’s history alive for generations to come.
Special thanks to my Kuya Ryan Tan aka Kim Tan who never fails to invite me to these kind of events, for always giving me history books, and making it possible for me to meet my favorites historians like Professor Ambeth Ocampo, Professor Xiao Chua, whom I took a picture with and even seeing Ms. Mona aka Mighty Magulang. They really enriches my passion in learning our history which maybe my very first step in thinking of taking history courses. Love you, Kuya Ry!
Happy History Month, everyone!
