A Journey Through Time, Culture, and Resilience

Surging from the two-year hiatus brought by the global pandemic and the devastating onslaught of Typhoon Odette, Gabii sa Kabilin – the sought-after heritage night returns its first face to face event in October 2022.

Greatly influenced by the experiences and struggles of the Cebuano’s after facing two major calamities, Gabii sa Kabilin delves into the renewed spirit of resilience and hope with its theme “Padayon,” which translates to “moving forward” in Cebuano. Perfectly encapsulating the spirit of transcending challenges, Gabii sa Kabilin 2022 featured the Cebuanos’ knack for survival, resilience, optimism, and ingenuity.

As people eagerly awaited the return of in-person events, over 9,500, including avid Gabii sa Kabilin goers and newcomers, had the opportunity to relive the nostalgia of touring the various participating museums in Mandaue, Talisay, and Cebu City. From 6:00 PM to midnight, participants were able to access 20 museums, interactive performances, children’s activities, shuttle services across sites, and a complimentary tartanilla ride with just one ticket.

One of the highlights of the evening revolved around two notable sites: the brand-new National Museum in Cebu and the recently revitalized Freedom Park. The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) was featured in a special exhibit, offering a glimpse into its history, and providing a sneak peek of the museum’s upcoming galleries. Moreover, the exhibit showcased discoveries stemming from NMP’s archaeological excavations throughout Cebu province since 1985 and featured an interactive presentation of archaeological objects and artifacts designed for young learners. Meanwhile, the display at Freedom Park highlighted the conservation endeavors and archaeological findings within the area. Now standing in its original site, the park symbolizes a meaningful space for gatherings and its outright expression of freedom.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) also launched The Kabilin Center – a hub for modern and contemporary and art, extending its advocacy on preserving and cultivating Cebu’s local art, culture, and heritage. At its inaugural exhibition, named “Pagsagubang, the Pandemic Exhibit,” attendees had the opportunity to revisit the sequence of events and developments that occurred during the pandemic. The exhibition which was curated by Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales and Prof. Jay Nathan Jore conveyed their hopes that, unlike past pandemics and epidemics, the COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a warning against complacency and the importance of remaining vigilant, given the potential for future viruses to disrupt global routines once more. Ultimately, “Pagsagubang” seeks to underscore that resilience and hope are qualities more infectious than any virus.

The Gabii sa Kabilin 2022 was more than just a cultural event; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cebuanos. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the devastating typhoon, it showed the commitment and support of preserving heritage and moving forward.

As the night came to a close, the message of “Padayon” resonated with all who attended. The event had not only highlighted the rich culture and history of Cebu but also celebrated the resilience and determination of its people.

From shifting to online activities during the pandemic to the return of its face to face activities, no matter the obstacles, there will forever be a motivation to persist and advance, even when the journey appears challenging.

Apart from the traditional experience, Gabii sa Kabilin also provided a platform for showcasing local skills and talents. Notably, the event featured Filipino fashion designers and Cebuano musical acts such as Mandaue Nights and Wonggoys, who added a musical dimension to the atmosphere, alongside dancers performing the Sinulog and more.