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.