MFA Graduate Research Project | Roseld Laguatan, Halimaw: The Monstrous Game of Volcanic Destruction

Roseld Laguatan received his B.A. in Toy Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Graphic Design/Illustration from San Jose State University. Before starting his career at Crayola, he worked as an Artist for Hallmark Cards, a Freelance Illustrator, and a Product Designer at LeapFrog. He also worked as a Freelance Toy Designer for toy companies including Fisher Price, Disney, and Spin Master. Roseld is a Principal Product Designer working on Crayola’s Scribble Scrubbie toy line and Crayola Experience product lines. In his past time, he enjoys collecting die-cast Japanese robots of the ’70s and ’80s, going to comic and toy shows, and watching anime.

Inspired by my exploration of Philippine folklore and mythology, my thesis project introduces the captivating world of Filipino mythological beings known as Halimaw—a Tagalog word meaning “monster.” These legendary creatures, drawn from traditional stories and ancestral beliefs, are brought to life through an action-packed and immersive board game experience titled Halimaw: The Monstrous Game of Volcanic Destruction.

At the heart of this project is the goal to celebrate and share aspects of Filipino culture through dynamic gameplay, engaging battles, and richly illustrated creature designs. Players are transported into an imaginative world where learning elements of the Filipino language can help them progress further in the game.

By blending traditional board game mechanics with innovative design and culturally rooted content, this project aims to bridge the gap between past and present—making the mythological Halimaw relevant to today’s players. More than just entertainment, Halimaw: The Monstrous Game of Volcanic Destruction, offers exciting gameplay into the wonders of Philippine mythology, encouraging both curiosity and cultural appreciation.

More Work by Roseld