Loved, supported, and celebrated by the Cebuanos 

Cebu, a city rich in culture and history, bears a lot of the Philippines’ vibrant heritage. With its centuries-old landmarks, culinary traditions, and deeply rooted customs, the need to preserve and pass on this legacy to future generations has never been more important. 

Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK), Cebu’s iconic nighttime cultural event serves exactly this purpose. Now in its 18th year, GSK 2025 carried the theme “Batan-ong Bahandi” (Youth as Treasures), shining a spotlight on the vital role of the youth in preserving and nurturing our cultural heritage. 

Over 6,000 participants joined us this year in a celebration that blended the old and the new, bringing history to life through immersive experiences across museums and heritage sites open from dusk until midnight. This year’s Gabii sa Kabilin was not only a walk-through time but also a celebration of youthful creativity and innovation. Through interactive exhibits, live performances, and community competitions, young Cebuanos proved that tradition and modern expression can thrive together. 

Event Highlights: 

• GSK 2025 Opening Ceremony: A dynamic kickoff that paid homage to Cebu’s cultural heartbeat. The opening program featured performances from the students of ManSci Dance Company (Mandaue City Science National High School) followed by a ceremonial torch lighting led by the youth and GSK’s implementing partners, officially marking the start of the night’s festivities. 

In her opening remarks, RAFI President and CEO Amaya Aboitiz expressed the foundation’s deep commitment to both youth empowerment and the preservation of Cebuano culture and heritage:  

“We look to the youth to bring their energy and passion into the promotion and conservation of our cultural heritage. Throughout history, young people have played a significant role in leading positive change, and this is what we are counting on today – that, with an understanding of our culture, our youth curate their own cultural experiences and breathe new life into our rich heritage. […] At RAFI, our commitment to culture and heritage is rooted in the belief that identity empowers. Gabii sa Kabilin is one way we uphold this mission—by preserving stories, sharing traditions, and building bridges between the past and the present and with each other through collaboration with both public and private sectors,” Amaya expressed. 

Mural Painting Contest: Young artists from the communities of Parian, Tinago, and San Roque transformed public walls into vibrant, visual stories that celebrated heritage, identity, and community spirit. These murals are powerful of creative stories and are now on permanent display at the following locations: 

• 📍Corner Isagani St. & Sikatuna St., Brgy. Parian 

• 📍Corner Eduardo Aboitiz St. & M.J. Cuenco Ave., Brgy. Tinago 

• 📍Parian Public Stage (in front of San Juan Bautista Chapel–Parian Fire Station), between Sikatuna St. & Manibi St., Brgy. Parian 

Winning barangays were awarded on June 23, 2025, at the RAFI Kabilin Center: 

• Champion – Team Tinago 

• 1^st runner up – Parian B 

• 2^nd runner up – Parian A 

• 3^rd runner up – San Roque B 

• 4^th runner up – San Roque A 

Phone Snapshot Contest Winners: Through their lenses, amateur and student photographers captured the raw, authentic moments of Gabii sa Kabilin that reflect Cebu’s soul, energy, and vibrant culture. Congratulations to this year’s winners: 

• 1^st place: Maxwell John “Nganong bahandi ang mga batan-on?” 

• 2^nd place: Jumz Chino “Tagapagmana sa Kaalam” 

• 3rd place: Gift Pauleen Morada “Panulondon sa Kaalam” 

Minuto Reel Winners: One-minute videos told powerful stories about how today’s youth connect with heritage in meaningful and personal ways. These winning reels proved that even in 60 seconds, history and identity can come alive: 

• 1^st place: Mitchel Tabra “A Journey Through Time” 

• 2^nd place: Christine Ochea “Heritage Through the Eyes of the Youth” 

• 3rd place: Azalea Redoble “Young Hearts, Old Souls” 

Gabii sa Kabilin 2025 reminded us that culture is not just something to preserve but it is something to live, evolve, and pass on. This one night proved that our youth are active contributors and creators of the cultural legacy we all share as Cebuanos.