GABII SA KABILIN 2022: An Experience of a Hundred Years’ Worth of History

by: RYAN KENNETH SAMSONA & VENESA CAMPILANAN

Historical. Reminiscing. Educational.

These are some of the best terms that come to mind as local and foreign tourists flock to the streets of Cebu on the night of a heritage tour dubbed "Gabii sa Kabilin" (GSK). The theme "Padayon" heralded the return of the annual event's physical activities last October 21, 2022, after being observed digitally for two years.

We often enjoy the convenience of virtual spaces, touring from anywhere to everywhere in the comfort of our homes. Still, nothing compares to entering a historically significant place, experiencing how the crowd grows denser, and seeing how the lines stretch as the public swarms to each attraction available. We could finally experience all these this year as the Gabii Sa Kabilin returns.

Gabii sa Kabilin 2022's theme, "Padayon," is centered on the continuing stories of resilience in light of the present struggle with the COVID-19 Pandemic and the many adversities the Cebuanos faced over the past years. The six-hour heritage tour, scheduled from 6 PM to 12 AM, showcased 20 museums and heritage sites, including our university's very own Jose Rizal Museum in the University of Southern Philippines Foundation-Mabini Campus.

Since the Pandemic disrupted our quiet lives two years ago, many costs and limits have been placed on people's lives, including their freedom to visit historical sites and museums. But now that the GSK has returned, everyone who values Filipino heritage and culture may put a stop to their longing. The Jose Rizal Museum's doors have just been widely opened. With that, all guests were warmly welcomed with open arms and provided with a thorough exposure to Filipino culture.

The USPF Jose Rizal Museum houses the most extensive collection of Rizaliana items outside Luzon. It was founded in 1952 when Dr. Jose Rizal's sister, Doña Trinidad, visited Cebu and brought the late hero's possessions with her. According to Museum Curator Lucio Pulmones, Doña Trinidad gave them all to the institution, which went on to amass the most extensive collection of Rizal artifacts in the Philippines. As our revered national hero continued his academic journey in Europe, you may learn in detail about his life and works here, thanks to a collection that has been preserved for more than 71 years.

In 1909, the entire collection of Dr. Jose Rizal's Memorabilia Postcards and a commemorative handkerchief bearing the inscription "Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara" and one of the author's original sketchbooks were made available. The museum also emphasizes Rizal's time studying in Europe, which inspired one of his most famous pieces, Noli Me Tangere. Rizal's sister Doña Trinidad presented his items to the university in 1951, the same year that Concepcion Herbosa, the granddaughter of Rizal's other sister Lucia, wed Escolastico Duterte, nephew of Don Agustin and Doña Beatriz Jereza, the USPF's founders.

The GKS is an annual event initiated in 2007 by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI). It aims to celebrate Cebu's rich heritage, foster a sense of identity, cultivate pride of belonging among Cebuanos, and preserve local culture and heritage by promoting museum visits.