City folk drawn to ‘Kabilin’

It wasn’t his typical Friday night.

Robert Velasco, 41, and his two children went museum hopping in Cebu City’s annual “Gabii sa Kabilin” (Night of Heritage).

“We would usually watch movies or eat out as a family, but this was definitely an exciting experience,” said Velasco, who joined the event for the first time.

His daughters, aged eight and 11, were fascinated by the brightly lit museums, which just looked like ordinary old structures in the daytime.

“We wanted them to know the local heritage of Cebu. This is fun learning experience,” Velasco said.

In Casa Gorordo, an old town fiesta atmosphere was relived with an ensemble serenading visitors, and native “bibingka”(rice bread) and “puso” (rice packed in banana leaves) were served.

Cebuano soprano Izarsuri Vidal sang in the garden of the mid-19th century style stone house or “balay na bato.”

A total of 11 Cebu museums stayed open from 6 p.m. to midnight, with monuments like Fort San Pedro and the plaza of Mandaue City set ablaze with lights and activities.

Now on its fifth year, the event inspired by the Long Night of the Museum in Europe, had Cebuanos young and old walking on the street from one downtown heritage site to another, or taking advantage of free tartanilla and bus rides along several routes.

A short walk from Casa Gorordo led one group to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral Home, where original “tisa” tile shingles cover the roof. Several antiques collected by Val and Ofelia Sandiego are displayed inside.

Hats made of wood hung near the staircase. A “mystical” crystal ball rested on a table.

Ofelia said the pre-war l house that they came to own was repaired a few years back because of her husband’s love for heritage.

“It’s nice to know that many people still appreciate it. We feel happy that people know our heritage,” she said as she gave visitors native fans to cool off.

At Plaza Hamabar, people gathered to enjoy a night market and food fair. At the Cebu City Museum in Osmeña Boulevard, Cebuano songs were performed.

The Cathedral Museum featured storytelling and trivia night with questions on local and national history, Philippine literature and geography.

The University of the Philippines Foundation Rizal Museum featured Visayan songs and orchestral bands.

The Cebu Normal University Museum joined for the first time. Spears and bolos used by Filipino soldiers during World War II were on exhibit.

The Sacred Heart Parish Alternative Gallery also had an art fair while the Mandaue City plaza showed Rondalla and cultural presentations.