12th Gabii sa Kabilin: History and Culture in the Old Days

Held every last Friday of May, Gabii sa Kabilin commemorates the rich history of Cebu. On May 25, 2018, the 12th Gabii sa Kabilin was celebrated with the efforts of the Cebu City Government, Talisay City Government, Lapu-Lapu City Government, Mandaue City Government, and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the help of other sponsors. The event successfully celebrated the rich heritage and culture of Cebu.

Landmarks, places of interest, and other areas that has been a part of Cebu’s past were showcased to the visitors and other people in attendance. Among the places that are part of the event are Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, and Cebu Provincial Capitol.

The Gabii sa Kabilin 2018 officially kicked-off on 6 pm with an opening remark from Carol Ballesteros, Communications Manager of Mega Cebu. Hon. Margot Osmeña was also present in the event and talked on the importance of Cebu’s heritage.

The event then commenced and different performances were presented that exhibited the lives of Cebuanos during the pre-colonial times. People gathered and visited the different heritage sites in Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu. Buses were deployed to give free rides to the people, giving easy access to the different places that participated in the event.

Gabii sa Kabilin concluded at 12 midnight.

The Gabii sa Kabilin 2018’s theme was  “Balangay” a wooden boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines. The oldest known balangay has been carbon-dated to 320 CE. It is also where the term “barangay” originated. (Aljun Cainghog)