Open house for museums in 9th Gabii sa Kabilin

MUSEUMS and heritage sites in Metro Cebu will be open for public viewing from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight in the 9th Gabii sa Kabilin, Cebu’s annual   open house of culture and heritage on May 29.

This year’s  theme “Founding”  will focus on the  history and different stories of  37 participating sites within Metro Cebu.

“We need to engage as individuals and make connections. We need to connect and journey together,” said  Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, Head of the  Culture and Heritage Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) which is steering the collaboration.

Exhibits and galleries will be open in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue,  Lapu-Lapu and Talisay.

Guests will be treated to cultural performances, culinary experiences, art and special exhibits.

The program will open  at Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Buddhist Temple on V. Rama St., Cebu  City.

Temple Master Yonlin Shih said they will prepare a musical presentation of a Sinhala musical and Siddharta exhibition.

The public is encouraged to buy the P150 ticket  for admission to all 37  participating sites.

This includes  one ride in the “tartanilla” or horse-drawn carriage in the city’s old Parian district and free rides  on designated buses.

Admission is free for children aged seven and below.

Gabii sa Kabilin or Night of Heritage is a unique  annual event  in Cebu  and  was first launched in 2007.

It is held every last Friday of May to celebrate the Philippines’ National Heritage Month and International Museum Day.

Gabii sa Kabilin is an adaptation of Germany’s Lange Nacht der Museen or Long  Night of the Museums which has become an anticipated event in more than  120 cities in Europe and South America.