Of course, I am Bisaya! This year, Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) offers its participants a reflection and rediscovery on the many reasons that make Cebu and Cebuanos unique and special. This May 10, 2024 from 6 PM to midnight, 22 museums and heritage sites in Cebu, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay City, will ignite a sense of belongingness and pride of place to be able to say, “Of course I am Bisaya!”

So, what’s new?

As frequent attendees of GSK are aware of, the event consistently introduces new themes to offer participants unique experiences each year. In 2024, the theme revolves around: ‘Beloved Bisaya’, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Jesuit missionary Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina.

Alcina, a historian and ethnographer of 17th-century Visayas, demonstrated profound affection for the region through his extensive documentation of Visayan flora, fauna, life, culture, and history. His writings reflect a deep love and pride for the Visayas and its people, whom he affectionately referred to as ‘my beloved Bisaya’.

This year, to give back to the Cebuanos patronage of the annual heritage night, GSK hosted a free ticket giveaway. Interested participants who reside, work, or study in the partner local government units of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-lapu City, and Talisay City had the opportunity to score free tickets from March 15 to 31, 2024. Free ticket holders may claim their tickets at the selected participating sites until April 27, 2024, during the operating hours.

For those unable to secure free tickets, Premium tickets are made available for only 300 pesos. Each Premium ticket offers priority access to all 22 participating sites, unlimited bus rides, one tartanilla ride, and entry into all GSK-led contests.

Premium ticket holders have the exclusive opportunity to engage in the four (4) contests: the Snapshot Photo Contest, Minuto Reel Contest, GSK Meme Contest, and the much-anticipated Heritage Hunt. Additionally, families with Premium tickets can delight their children by letting them join the Kids Corners in multiple sites, featuring interactive games and enjoyable activities. Details of these activities are found on the GSK Facebook Page.

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

1. CEBU CITY

1. • Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu
   • Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino Museum
   • BPI Museum
   • Casa Gorordo Museum
   • Cebu City Museum
   • Cebu Normal University
   • Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel
   • Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple
   • Fort San Pedro
   • Museo Parian sa Sugbo – 1730 Jesuit House
   • National Museum of The Philippines – Cebu
   • St. Theresa’s College – Sr. Ma. Delia Coronel Folklife Museum
   • Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum
   • The Kabilin Center
   • University of San Carlos Museum
   • University of San Jose – Recoletos
   • University of Southern Philippines Foundation- Jose Rizal Museum
   • University of The Philippines – Cebu

2. MANDAUE CITY
   • Mandaue City Presidencia
3. TALISAY CITY
   • Museo de Talisay
   • The Heritage of Faith Museum
4. LAPU-LAPU CITY
   • Liberty Shrine

GSK promises a fun and unforgettable experience for families, friends, and enthusiasts alike as it introduces, three (3) returning museums: the National Museum of the Philippines, BPI Museum, and Cebu Normal University. Alongside these additions, GSK goers can expect exclusive performances, various food bazaars, engaging games and prizes, and, most importantly, an immersive night filled with cultural experiences that will instill pride in every Bisaya!

Gabii sa Kabilin shares its success with the invaluable contributions of our partner museums and the unwavering support of the four local government units of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Lapu-lapu City. Other groups, organizations and government offices supporting the event are the Department of Tourism Region VII, Ayala Central Bloc, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu IT Park and Island Souvenir.

The following road closures and traffic rerouting will also take effect on May 10.

Initiated in 2007 by RAFI, Gabii sa Kabilin aims to celebrate Cebu’s rich heritage, cultivate a sense of identity and pride of place among Cebuanos, and help preserve local culture and heritage by encouraging Cebuanos to visit museums Last year, GSK attracted approximately 9,000 participants, highlighting its growing popularity and significance within the community.

For more information and updates, visit the official Gabii sa Kabilin page.

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