Step Back in Time and Experience Sugbuanon Culture at Gabii Sa Kabilin!

    For the Cebuanos and those interested in exploring the local culture, Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) is the perfect event to immerse oneself in the historical and cultural richness of the Sugbuanon heritage. The upcoming Gabii sa Kabilin on May 12, 2023, promises an evening filled with unique experiences, new exhibits, and exciting activities to commemorate National Heritage Month.

    The success of Gabii sa Kabilin in October 2022 encouraged its return in 2023 with even more to offer. This year’s event boasts new museum partners and elevated improvements, including a more immersive historical journey for visitors. From 6 PM to midnight, guests can visit 22 partner museums and heritage sites in Cebu, Mandaue, and Talisay cities to enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, cultural presentations, contests, children's activities, food bazaars, outdoor exhibits, and other activities.

    This year's theme, "Pagpanag-iya (Owning our Story)," aims to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence by showcasing how the Sugbuanon people have manipulated the trappings of colonialism to serve their interests and asserted their right to tell their story. It’s an event that not only celebrates the culture and history of Cebu but also highlights how the Sugbuanon people have fought to preserve their identity and sense of community despite the corrosive nature of colonialism.

Gabii Sa Kabilin 2023 offers two types of tickets – with or without bus rides – priced at P300 and P200, respectively. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students with valid IDs are entitled to a P20 discount. Children under seven years old can enter the sites for free when accompanied by an adult GSK ticketholder.

    Guests can also participate in the highly anticipated GSK Heritage Hunt, Vlogging, Photography, and Photo Story Contests. Registration for the contests is ongoing, and winners will receive cash prizes.

    Gabii Sa Kabilin 2023 will also have the University of San Jose-Recoletos and Freedom Park as partner sites, and outdoor exhibits will enhance the experience. With the addition of more food bazaars, guests can enjoy a wide array of sumptuous local delicacies and dishes to keep them fueled throughout the event.

    The Gabii sa Kabilin event was initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Culture & Heritage Unit in 2007. This year’s GSK is supported by various government agencies, including the Cebu City Government, Talisay City Government, Lapulapu City Government, Philippine National Police, Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Cebu City Traffic Office, Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), and the Cebu Chapter of the Radio Emergency Assistance Volunteer Organization (REAVO).

    For those interested in joining this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin, tickets can be purchased at any of the participating museums and heritage sites. 

Those interested in joining this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin, can purchase their tickets at any of the following participating museum and heritage sites: 

CEBU CITY

    LAPU-LAPU CITY

    TALISAY CITY

• Museo De Talisay
• Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Heritage of Faith Museum

    Gabii sa Kabilin is an event that not only celebrates the history and culture of Cebu but also highlights the resilience and determination of the Sugbuanon people in preserving their identity and heritage. It’s an evening full of unique experiences and exciting activities that will make visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time to witness the Sugbuanon way of life.