All systems go for “Gabii sa Kabilin” 2022 on October 21

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBUCITY – All systems go for the “Gabii sa Kabilin” (GSK) 2022 on October 21 with the reopening of the Casa Gorordo Museum on October 15 and launching of The Kabilin Center (TKC) on October 12 with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) initiating and leading the events to reconnect the public to Cebu’s rich and storied heritage.

According to Haidee Palapar, Communications Officer of RAFI and GSK Manager, that 20 museums and heritage sites in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay are joining the October 21 GSK cultural and heritage tour from 6 pm to 12 midnight.

“From 6pm to 12 midnight, guests enjoy the various cultural shows, exhibits, children’s activities, contests, food fairs and more.  To get to the sites, guests can walk, ride buses and tartanillas (horse-drawn carriages).  The Tartanilla rides are always the most popular,” Palapar said.

This year’s GSK theme “Padayon” highlights the indomitable Cebuano race, spirit and personality that has continued to exist and thrive amid the many crises and challenges that came its way. Palapar bared.

The theme also celebrates local museums, galleries and cultural sites-treasure troves where one can find proof of Cebuanos' knack for survival and character of resilience, optimism and ingenuity, Palapar said adding that on GSK night, special activities and presentations of selected participating museums and heritage sites will center on this year's theme.

The ticket, at P200 each is valid only for October 21 from 6 pm to 12 midnight that provides entry to all the sites that guests choose to visit during the event and they can also get free tartanilla rides and unlimited use of the GSK designated buses.

Children ages seven and under, accompanied by adults, get free admission and rides. Senior citizens and students can purchase tickets for P180 each, upon presentation of a valid ID at any ticketing site.

Here is the complete list of #GabiisaKabilin2022 participating museums and heritage sites: In Cebu City, it includes the 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 City Museum, Fort San Pedro and Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple.

Other sites are Museo Parian sa Sugbo -1730 Jesuit House, Museo Sugbo, Palm Grass The Cebu 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 and the University of Southem Philippines Foundation Rizaliana Museum.

In Mandaue City, guests can tour the Mandaue City Presidencia with its exhibit and video presentation of its history, Panagtagbo Festival, Mandaue delicacies and experience Mandaue in a Box.

In Talisay City guests can visit the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Heritage of Faith Museum with exhibit of the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary apparitions; Hardim de Sao Jose; Museo de Talisay with lice performances from various Talisay talents and the Talisay Cty College folkloric dance troupe.

During the Gabii sa Kabilin, participants also get a sneak peek of the soon-to-be open National Museum in Cebu and Freedom Park with special exhibits and presentation about their historical and cultural significance and the conservation efforts and archaeological findings in the area.

GSK participants can also join the vlogging and phone photography contests which are open to all ticket holders. Children’s activities are provided in some sites for kids to enjoy and have their first encounter of their Cebuano heritage via Cebuano games.

In partnership with RAFI-Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund, kids can get a prize when they are able to complete the activities of five sites.

Minimum protocols are also observed during the GSK event and organizers will monitor foot traffic and regularly disinfect touched surfaces in participating museums and heritage sites.

Casa Gorodo and The Kabilin Center

The house-museum, re-opened, October 15 with an ochre and green exterior, departing from its dark brown signature patina of the past four decades. The repainted façade is deemed more faithful to the ethos of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the period during which Casa Gorordo served as the dwelling of the Reynes and Gorordo families, the latter having had four generations living in it until the 1980s.

Declared by the National Historical Institute in 1991 as a National Historical Landmark, Casa Gorordo cradles within its walls treasures of Cebuano identity, from farm and household implements to riveting vignettes about the society that populated Cebu City's Parian district during the Spanish and American colonial periods.

The Kabilin Center (TKC) was conceived by Eduardo Aboitiz and was launched on October 12 to complement the Casa Gorordo Museum and intended to become the hub for Cebuano culture and heritage. 

Palapar revealed that the events are initiated by RAFI’s Cultural and Heritage unit and supported by the local government units of the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay.  GSK is also assisted by the Traffic Operations Management (CCTO), the PNP, IATF and the Cebu chapter of the Radio Emergency Assistance Volunteer Organization (REAVO).

For more information and updates, visit the official GSK Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gabiisakabilincebu/. (Photos: MBCNewman/GSK FB)