For one night, on Oct. 31, 2023, the National Museum of Anthropology was transformed into a gathering of celebrities who paid tribute to Filipino folklore. This annual event hosted by Tim Yap and Yaparazzi events is always a much-anticipated one.
“Each year I push a theme that I feel is within the social consciousness of its time,” he explains. “The core is to be creative. I want to put out something deeper, more meaningful, and rooted to culture and share it with everyone, but I also want (the participants) to realize that the theme is subject to their interpretation… and that the Pinoy theme is very rich. They can either be grotesque or pursue a fantasy—your call. This is your Halloween, not mine.”
So, for this year’s theme, chose Philippine Folklore—from Andrea Brillantes as the "Queen of Halloween," Coleen Crawford's version of "Ibong Adarna," Alodia Quimbo's "Sirena," to Donny Pangilinan as "Captain Barbell" and Belle Mariano as "Darna," the creativity was endless.
“Halloween is much influenced by the west, so I wanted to make us realize that our own folklore and mythology is rich and filled with characters and inspiration, that we can look inward and find means of expression without looking elsewhere,” he further expounds.
The event also serves as the official opening to "Alamat," an art exhibition showcasing works by contemporary Filipino artists exploring visual and narrative elements of Philippine folklore. Notably, Leeroy New's "Balay Balete" can be seen at the venue, adding to the immersive experience. Also on exhibit is National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s acclaimed exhibition “Indio-Genius: 500 Taon ng Labanang Kultural (1521-2021) which runs until December 2023. Admission is free for both.
In addition to the Gen-Z queen, Blythe, who served as the event’s co-chair, many other brilliant stars came out to support the event. Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual, Rhian Ramos, Kylie Verzosa, Max Collins, Ashley Ortega, Drag Race star M1ss Jade So, singers Jason Dy and Jayda Avanzado, P-Pop boy band VIXON, Alexa Miro, artist Michelline Syjuco, PMAP president Marge Gutierrez, and the PMAP models, and many more. Beverages were served post liquor ban on Oct. 31.