“Gabii sa Kabilin” 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands took part in the activities and highlights of last Friday’s “Gabii sa Kabilin” (GSK) – Metro Cebu’s annual one-night-only heritage event that spans several cities.

Close to 20 museums and heritage sites in Cebu, Mandaue, Toledo and Lapu-Lapu cities were included in this year’s roster of GSK venues, and each, like in previous GSKs, showcased exhibits and special presentations that depict various aspects of Cebuano and Filipino culture, history and heritage.

Formally opening at the Malacañan sa Sugbo, adjacent to the Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia, the BRP Ivatan (a landing craft heavy vessel of the Philippine Navy) served as backdrop to the occasion. The vessel emphasized GSK’s theme this year, which was “Setting Sails” in celebration of the historic launch of the Magellan Expedition. The theme is lead-up to the forthcoming 500th anniversary celebration of the discovery of the Philippines by 2021.

Since its inaugural run in 2007, GSK has played a significant role in rekindling Cebu’s in its culture and history. It is observed on the last Friday of May and is spearheaded by the Culture and Heritage Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

Essentially an adaptation of Germany’s “Lange Nacth der Museen” (Long Night of the Museums), the annual event for making visits to various museums and heritage sites in Metro Cebu in one night possible for the past 13 years running. It’s certainly one of the  standout cultural events of its class in the country.