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As Filipinos, it is important that we know the history of our own country. And that also goes the same with Cebu. The artifacts and establishments here that have seen their days in those periods until now are here to give us glimpses of that past and give us the opportunity to connect with our culture and heritage. This is what RAFI’s event, Gabii Sa Kabilin, wishes to impart on us Cebuanos – the opportunity to discover our roots through these historical artifacts.
After a two-year hiatus brought by the pandemic, face-to-face Gabii sa Kabilin will be returning on October 21, 2022. If you’re planning to attend this annual event to the fullest, here are the…
10 Facts to Know about Gabii sa Kabilin 2022
It all began last 2007
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated established the Gabii sa Kabilin event seven years ago. Back then, there were only four museums in Cebu who participated. These are the Casa Gorordo Museum, the Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Basilica del Sto. Niño Museum and Fort San Pedro.
It managed to grow from four to twenty
These four museums have been the one of the foundations of this event back when it was first founded. Last 2014, that number multiplied, almost nine times, when it rose to thirty four. This year, the event will have 20 participating museums. If anything, this is going to be a very large event.
The event is inspired by “Long Night of Museums”
The Long Night of Museums is a cultural event that first started in Berlin, Germany. Its aim was to promote participating museums to patrons by making them remain open in the night as well as provide transportation for the visitors to other participating museums. Visitors are given all-in-one access cards that give them entry to any exhibit they want to visit and a free tartanilla ride.
This idea was adopted by more than 120 cities all over the world, Cebu included. And this is what we came to know as Gabii sa Kabilin.
This event is held every last Friday of May
For the last seven years, while the date was not consistent, this event is launched always on the same day – the last Friday of May. This is to commemorate another big event – the Philippine National Heritage Month and the International Museum Day which is held around May 18.
The event will encompass up to four major cities in Cebu
The participating heritage sites are scattered throughout the province. As such, there are a couple cities included for this event. These are Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-lapu City and Talisay City. There are 17 destinations in Cebu City, 1 in Mandaue, and two in Talisay.
List of Participating Museums
This year, the Gabii sa Kabilin heritage event will have 20 participating museums and heritage sites including:
- Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu
- Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish
- Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Museum
- Casa Gorordo Museum
- Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Heritage of Faith Museum
- Cebu City Museum
- Fort San Pedro
- Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple
- Mandaue City Presidencia
- Museo Parian sa Sugbo – 1730 Jesuit House
- Museo Sugbo
- Museo de Talisay
- Palm Grass Cebu the Heritage Hotel
- RAFI – The Kabilin Center
- St. Theresa’s College – Sr. Ma. Delia Coronel Folklife Museum
- Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum
- University of the Philippines – Cebu
- University of San Carlos Museum
- University of Southern Philippines Foundation Rizaliana Museum
The participants of the Gabii sa Kabilin can see permanent and special exhibits during the event. They will be presented with different cultural shows and programs related to Cebu’s heritage and culture.
Check the GABII SA KABILIN MAGAZINE HERE!
The theme for this year’s event is “Padayon”
The purpose of this year’s theme “Padayon” is to highlight how the Cebuano race, spirit, and personality have survived and thrived in spite of all the hardships and crises they have faced. The theme also emphasizes and praises regional cultural institutions like museums, art galleries, and other treasure troves that serve as testaments to the Cebuano people’s resilience, hope, and creativity.
The event will include more activities
Participating here won’t just grant you access to all these cultural sites all at once. You will also be treated to a whole bunch of other activities like cultural performances such as “Heritage Hunt” where teams will complete a series of challenges in selected museums and sites, food and art fairs as well as other exhibits, both for the adults and children. Vlogging and phone photography contests are also open to all ticket holders.
Health and safety protocols
Health protocols still strictly implemented during the event. Gabii sa Kabilin organizers said that they plan to meet with Joel Garganera regarding the different health protocols that should be implemented.
Going to this event with everyone
The best way to enjoy this event to the fullest is to bring people along with you. It can be your friends or your family, or both. Each ticket rates P200 regularly, and if you’re a regular paying guest, you can avail the P180 early bird rate until September 21, but no need to worry. That’s because one ticket will already grant you access to all the participating sites and also covers the transportation fees that come along with it. In other words, it’s the best way to enjoy all these cultural sites in the most affordable way possible.
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