Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) has begun its journey toward its 20th anniversary in May 2027, unveiling Bituon as its anniversary theme during its October 2 kick-off celebration held in time for Museums and Galleries Month.

Drawing from the star’s place in GSK’s iconography, Bituon symbolizes the heritage night’s role in guiding people toward Cebu’s cultural roots and inspiring communities to nurture pride of place. In the Year of Women in Philippine History, it also honors women as lights to the nation, recognizing their courage, resilience, and wisdom in shaping history, identity, and the future.

The kick-off brought together culture and heritage advocates, local leaders, and museum and academic partners, setting the stage for a milestone year that will celebrate two decades of keeping Cebuano culture and identity alive.

A Night of Culture and Shared Stories

The celebration featured cultural performances by Salamisim Dance Troupe and Filipino Martial Arts 7, showcasing local talent and Cebu’s living culture. In her opening remarks, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) President and CEO Amaya A. Fansler recognized the partners and communities who have helped sustain GSK through the years.

“Through Gabii sa Kabilin, RAFI has discovered just how much interest there is in promoting culture and heritage in Cebu. […] To everyone who has supported Gabii sa Kabilin through the years, thank you for believing that culture and heritage belong to everyone and for showing us what is possible when we work together. May we continue to build connections, strengthen our partnerships and create opportunities for more people to discover, appreciate and care for our heritage,” she said.

The program also brought together people who helped establish and sustain GSK, including its founding event director, Joy Gerra, former; RAFI Culture and Heritage Champion, Marie Sol Gonzalvo; Central Visayas Association of Museums, Inc. (CVAM) President and Museo Parian sa Sugbo–1730 Jesuit House owner, Jimmy Sy; and St. Theresa’s College–Cebu representative, Caridad Balicasan. Their stories highlighted the partnerships and shared commitment that have allowed the heritage night to grow and sustain its advocacy through the years.

Ten Sites, One Shared Heritage

Ten cultural and heritage sites welcomed visitors during the kick-off, offering curated activities and experiences that brought Cebu’s history, traditions, and identity closer to the public. These included Atua Midtown, Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, Mactan Newtown’s Mactan World Museum, Museo Parian sa Sugbo–1730 Jesuit House, Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel, Puso Village, Rizal Memorial Library & Museum Building, Talisay City College, and The Kabilin Center.

Together, these sites reflect the heart of GSK: making heritage accessible and relevant by creating opportunities for people to explore the places and stories that shape their sense of belonging.

The Road to 20 Continues

With Bituon as its guiding theme, GSK now looks toward its 20th anniversary celebration in May 2027. The milestone year will build on two decades of partnerships and shared experiences while creating more opportunities for Cebuanos to discover, appreciate, and take part in preserving their heritage.

The October kick-off marks the beginning of this next chapter, renewing GSK’s invitation to explore Cebu’s cultural roots, strengthen connections across communities, and carry the stories that shape Cebuano identity into the future.