POV: You are riding a Kalesa to go from one museum to another on a starry night
That’s what Gabii sa Kabilin gives you!
Contrary to popular opinion, Metropolitan Cebu is not only about the hustle and bustle, tall towers, or malls. The city is also rich in cultural heritage and history.
And guess what? Gabii sa Kabilin 2024 is about to kickstart! In a Facebook post on Valentine’s Day, February 14, they announced this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin with the theme, “Beloved Bisaya.” which will be on May 10, 2024. The theme is explained as an inspiration from the Jesuit missionary, Francisco Ignacio Alcina.
“This year’s theme “Beloved Bisaya” takes inspiration from the Jesuit missionary, Francisco Ignacio Alcina, SJ, who spent many years with the natives of the Visayas Islands, whom he would call “my beloved Bisayans” while documenting the local Bisayan culture.”
HOW GABII SA KABILIN CAME TO BE
An initiative by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in 2007, Gabii sa Kabilin (or “a night of heritage.”) aims to preserve Cebu’s rich culture and heritage. In a Facebook post, Gabii sa Kabilin also aims to encourage the public especially the Cebuanos to visit museums.
ACTIVITIES IN GABII SA KABILIN
From 6 PM – 12 AM, guests can visit at least 20 participating museums around Cebu primarily in the metro. On top of that, participating museums from neighboring cities such as Lapu-Lapu and Talisay can also be visited.
Each museum showcases works from historical to contemporary artists. Dance performances and cultural presentations are also presented in certain museums such as Casa Gorordo Museum which allows guests to immerse themselves in the experience of Cebu’s heritage and culture.
In the previous Gabii sa Kabilin in 2023, below are some of the participating museums and heritage.
- Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish
- Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Museum
- Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Heritage of Faith Museum
- Cebu City Museum
- Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
- Fort San Pedro
- Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple
- Mandaue City Presidencia
- Museo Parian sa Sugbo – 1730 Jesuit House
- Museo Sugbo
- Museo de Talisay
- Palm Grass Cebu Heritage Hotel
- Sr. Ma Delia Coronel Folklife Museum
- Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum
- University of the Philippines Cebu
- University of San Carlos Museum
- University of Southern Philippines Foundation Rizaliana Museum
HOW TO GET TICKETS
To participate in this year’s upcoming Gabii sa Kabilin, you need to purchase tickets. However, ticket costs and where to purchase them have not been announced yet.
But last year, regular tickets cost P300 inclusive of free shuttle service across sites and a complimentary tartanilla ride. They also offered a P200 worth-ticket exclusive of free shuttle service and tartanilla ride. Students, PWDs, and senior citizens can enjoy a P20 discount for their tickets.
To get updated on ticket selling and important announcements for Gabii sa Kabilin, you may visit and follow Gabii sa Kabilin Facebook Page.
