PASAY CITY — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) successfully concluded HistoEx (History to Experience) 2026 from July 27 to 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, drawing thousands of visitors, students, educators, researchers, cultural workers, and history enthusiasts to its three-day celebration of Philippine history, heritage, and culture.
Carrying the theme “Across Borders and Currents,” this year’s exposition highlighted the Philippines’ diplomatic history, diaspora narratives, and enduring cultural connections across borders. The event transformed the Music Hall into a vibrant public history space through exhibitions, educational talks, interactive games, cultural performances, and booth activities featuring government agencies, museums, historical organizations, academic institutions, and private partners.
Grand opening gathered national cultural leaders
HistoEx 2026 formally opened on July 27 with Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita S. Austria serving as guest of honor and representative 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 underscored the importance of making history accessible and meaningful to the public.
Performances from Bayang Barrios and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines enlivened the opening ceremony. At the same time, 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.
Before the formal opening, the NHCP conducted “Reyal o Fakeh,” an interactive history trivia game that challenged participants to distinguish historical facts from myths and popular misconceptions. Winners received prizes from HistoEx exhibitors.
HistoEx Talks became a crowd favorite
One of the exposition’s most popular attractions was histoEx Talks, which drew large audiences throughout the three-day event.
On July 27, media personality and content creator Joy Barcoma spoke on making history engaging and relevant for contemporary audiences.
On July 28, veteran broadcast journalist, Baybayin advocate, and public historian Howie Severino shared insights on journalism, historical storytelling, and public history.
On the final day, July 29, acclaimed stage and screen actress Gab Pangilinan reflected on theater’s role in preserving and communicating history, identity, and culture.
The NHCP expressed gratitude to the three speakers for connecting history with environmental issues, journalism, and theater, noting that their sessions attracted enthusiastic audiences from across generations.
History made exciting and accessible
By the close of the event on July 29, HistoEx 2026 had successfully fulfilled its goal of making history exciting, participatory, and accessible to the public. Through talks, games, performances, exhibitions, and interactive learning experiences, the exposition encouraged Filipinos to engage more deeply with the nation’s historical narratives and cultural heritage.
The NHCP invited the public to join future editions of HistoEx and continue learning through the stories, experiences, and insights shared by the country’s historians, artists, journalists, educators, and cultural advocates.
