HALO HALO 2024 is a multimedia art exhibit and seminar held at the Civic Hall, Festival Mall, Alabang, last July 12 to 14, 2024. Organized by the 3rd-year multimedia arts students from MAPUA Malayan Colleges-Laguna, the event showcased a blend of diverse art forms and talents.
The exhibit combined various types of art into one event, including traditional painting, graphics, digital art, dance, production, and more. Hence, the name “HALO HALO,” derived from the Filipino dessert, a sweet fusion of different ingredients into a delightful treat. This mirrored the event’s celebration of artistic diversity and creativity, as expressed by Elaiza Lopez, one of the directors of the exhibit-seminar.
The event featured an exhibition of 300 artworks created by students, discussing topics related to the event’s theme, and a showcase of every participant’s diverse talents. In addition to the art displays, the event included interactive sessions where students could ask the speakers questions and engage in activities in between. This approach highlights the students’ artistic skills and provides a platform for learning multimedia arts.
According to Jhezalai Sangalang, one of the exhibit’s directors, this exhibit-seminar aimed to widen the understanding of multimedia arts beyond traditional notions like drawing or painting by showing off a variety of art forms. It also aimed to educate attendees about the scope and versatility of multimedia arts while offering students who are undecided about pursuing art a valuable, eye-opening experience. Offering insights into the field’s creative processes and innovative techniques fostered a deep appreciation for the diverse art forms on display.
All profits and donations collected from the event will support these beneficiaries, Young Focus, a non-government organization (NGO) that works toward making education accessible to the poorest communities, and Love Yourself, an NGO that creates a ripple effect of positive change for self-worth. The event’s beneficiary coordinator, Monica Perilla, explained it aims to promote their advocacies by expanding their reach and raising awareness for their causes, the event seeks to impact a broader audience.
The coordinators hope that the attendees of the three-day event gain insight into what it’s like to be immersed in multimedia arts. They also encourage everyone to embrace and express themselves freely, regardless of the type of art they are involved in.
Watch the highlights of the first day of the exhibit-seminar:
Cover art and video: Jilardon Bamba
— Toby Denise Concepcion
