PASAY CITY — MNLToday.ph was present on the opening day of HistoEx (History to Experience) 2026, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) flagship public history exposition, held from July 27 to 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
From the moment the doors opened, the venue was filled with students, educators, researchers, cultural workers, families, and history enthusiasts eager to experience one of the country’s most engaging public history events. More than a conventional exhibition, HistoEx transformed the Music Hall into an interactive cultural space where visitors could listen to talks, participate in games, watch performances, explore exhibits, and converse directly with historians, museum professionals, and cultural advocates.
This year’s theme, “Across Borders and Currents,” drew inspiration from the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy, and global interconnectedness. The exhibit design combined structured international motifs with maritime forms that symbolized migration, movement, resilience, and the shared histories of Filipinos across the world. The theme also aligned with the NHCP’s observance of the Year of Philippine Diplomatic History and Diaspora, highlighting the Philippines’ long-standing engagement with international communities and overseas Filipino narratives.
A meaningful opening ceremony
The exposition formally opened on July 27 with Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria serving as guest of honor on behalf of Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. Messages were delivered by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. and SM Book Nook pioneer Architect Shereen T. Sy, who both emphasized the importance of making history accessible to the public.
The ceremony was further enriched by performances from Bayang Barrios and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, while distinguished guests included National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, Embassy of Indonesia in Manila Minister Counsellor for Social and Cultural Affairs Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, National Museum Director-General Jeremy Barns, National Library Director Cesar Gilbert Adriano, National Archives Director Victorino Mapa Manalo, and NCCA Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz.
Interactive history captured public attention
One of the first activities witnessed by MNLToday.ph was “Reyal o Fakeh,” NHCP’s interactive trivia game that challenged participants to determine whether historical statements were factual or fictional. The activity immediately drew crowds and demonstrated how historical learning can become entertaining without losing its educational value.
The opening day also featured histoEx Talks with media personality and content creator Joy Barcoma, who discussed the importance of making history engaging and relevant for contemporary audiences. Her session drew significant audience participation and set the tone for the succeeding talks held throughout the three-day exposition.
Exhibitors brought history closer to the public
What stood out most during the first day was not only the number of exhibitors but the depth of the stories behind each exhibition. Many booths presented lesser-known narratives that deserve wider public attention.
Among the participating exhibitors were:
- Instituto Cervantes de Manila, which introduced visitors to its library resources and conducted a Spanish demonstration class that highlighted the enduring Hispanic dimension of Philippine history;
- National Library of the Philippines, which hosted “Ate Melai with Kuwentistas,” a storytelling activity that encouraged families and young audiences to appreciate literature and oral traditions;
- Philippine National Historical Society/Manila Studies Association, which launched the book Image from the Past and promoted historical scholarship and local studies;
- Museo del Galeón, which presented the special lecture “The Three Points of No Return” by Manuel L. Quezon III, connecting maritime history with nation-building and memory;
- Project Saysay, Inc., which concluded the evening with peaceSaysay Live, blending storytelling, heritage advocacy, and community engagement.
Booth activities throughout the exposition also featured:
- Project Saysay, Inc. with “Sybilla Cumana” and “Baybayin natin!” workshops;
- NHCP Bulacan Museum Cluster with the exhibit “Pilaridel: The Pillar of Filipino Conscience” centered on Marcelo H. del Pilar’s legacy;
- Museo del Galeón with its all-day History Trivia Challenge;
- Ministry on the Cultural Heritage of the Church with the online exhibit “PIRA-PIRASO: Isang Sulyap-Alala sa Ereksyon ng mga Diyosesis ng Imus.”
These exhibitions demonstrated that Philippine history is not limited to textbooks and monuments; it also lives in language, archives, family memory, faith communities, local heroes, and cultural traditions. The stories behind each booth revealed the passion of curators, researchers, volunteers, and heritage workers who continue to preserve and share the nation’s historical treasures.
More than an exhibition
The succeeding days of HistoEx 2026 continued with lectures by Howie Severino, documentary screenings, genealogy presentations by FamilySearch, heritage talks by the Malacañang Heritage Mansions Management Center, discussions by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the much-anticipated KaSiklaban ’26 inter-collegiate history and trivia competition.
For MNLToday.ph, the opening day made one thing clear: HistoEx is not merely an annual government event. It is a living platform where history is experienced through conversation, performance, play, scholarship, and personal discovery. The enthusiasm of visitors and the dedication of exhibitors underscored the need to promote these stories to wider audiences, especially younger Filipinos who are searching for meaningful connections to their heritage.
As the crowds continued to fill the halls of SM Mall of Asia throughout the three-day exposition, HistoEx 2026 proved that when history is presented creatively and interactively, it can inspire curiosity, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of the Filipino story.
