HAPI Hallowfest: A Children’s Halloween Celebration

By Shawn Evans Quiming
HAPI Scholar

Once more, trick or treating with the HAPI Kids is in order! The HAPI Bulacan children gathered at the Headquarters last November 6, 2022 for the annual Halloween party. The occasion was celebrated through a remarkable costume exhibition that highlighted children’s creativity.

The Filipino Halloween tradition includes watching scary movies, dressing up, and eating lots of food! Additionally, people use this time to remember their loved ones. 

The HAPI coordinators and volunteers were astounded by the children’s costumes and had a difficult time deciding who was the most imaginative. The costumes included those of a zombie, a mummy, a bride, and some other kids dressed as their favorite characters from their favorite TV shows. Parents who watched their children enjoy the spooky day were just as thrilled as the youngsters themselves. 

“The Halloween Party is a first for the kids of HAPI Bulacan. The children were not the only ones who were excited about the event, their parents were too! Seeing them support their children [with] choosing their costumes and being their personal assistant is heartwarming,” stated Maria Juana Valenzuela, event organizer and HAPI CFO.

Spaghetti, hot dogs in buns, and spooky-themed cupcakes were provided to the kids. Popcorn was also served during the film viewing.

A few days prior on November 2, the kids from HAPI Alabang also participated in the eerie festivities with their “HAPI way” of celebrating Halloween.

Without Mr. Richard Valenzuela and Mrs. Rhoan Valenzuela, who offered to give food and make everyone happy with their generosity, the event would not have been a success. Maria Juana Valenzuela also appreciates the generosity of Angie Driskell, the HAPI Junior Ambassador, and her daughters for aiding in the planning. The HAPI Officers make a commitment to continue providing youngsters with terrifying, spine-tingling Halloween experiences in the years to come.

“As their Lead Convenor, I hope to keep organizing events like this one in the future to teach kids about the value of their parent-child relationships as they mature and how they may use this knowledge in their daily lives,” Valenzuela added.