Gabii sa Kabilin 2025: Batan-ong Bahandi Shines Spotlight on the Youth as Keepers of Heritage

The highly anticipated Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) returns on May 23, 2025, with the theme "Batan-ong Bahandi" (Young Treasures), placing the spotlight on the youth as bearers of our history, culture, and identity. Now in its 18th year, GSK continues to evolve as a cultural movement that bridges generations and breathes life into Cebu's rich heritage.

Sites

This year's edition features 22 participating museums and heritage sites across the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay, showcasing a night of cultural discovery, performances, art, food, and community spirit. Joining us this year are the following sites:

Cebu

1. Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu

2. Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum

3. BPI Museum

4. Cebu City Museum

5. Casa Gorordo Museum

6. Cebu Institute of Technology - University

7. Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

8. Fort San Pedro

9. National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu

10. Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel

11. St. Theresa's College of Cebu - Sr. Ma. Delia Coronel Folklife Museum

12. Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum

13. The Heritage of Faith Museum

14. The Kabilin Center

15. University of San Carlos Museum

16. University of San Jose Recoletos - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

17. University of the Philippines - Cebu

18. University of Southern Philippines Foundation - Jose Rizal Museum

19. Archdiocesan Shrine for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

    
    

Lapu- Lapu

20. The Liberty Shrine/Lapu-Lapu City

Mandaue

21. Mandaue City Presidencia

Talisay

22. Museo de Talisay

Engr. Bernard Nícolas E. Villamor, President, Cebu Institute of Technology - University and the first time to join the GSK 2025 made a message of support during the press conference happened at the Library Activity Center, Cebu Institute of Technology - University.

New to the roster is Cebu Institute of Technology - University, a vibrant addition that opens its doors for the first time to GSK participants. Also making a welcome return is Archdiocesan Shrine for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beloved heritage site reconnecting with the community after a hiatus.

Tickets

Gabli sa Kabilin tickets are currently on sale at select museum partner sites with prices at Php 300 and Php 200. With your 300 pesos ticket, you'll get:

• One-time access to all 22 participating sites

• Unlimited bus rides to transport you from one spot to the next

• A fun tartanilla ride (one-way)

• Participation in special activities both on-site and online

  
  

For those on a budget or those who prefer a more leisurely night stroll through Cebu's museums and heritage sites, we also offer a 200- pesos ticket with the following benefits:

• One-time access to all participating sites

• Participation in exciting special and online activities

  
  

Theme

GSK 2025 is more than just a one-night celebration. It is a call to action to explore, engage, and embrace our heritage beyond May 23. By spotlighting the youth as "batan-ong bahandi," or young treasures, GSK 2025 champions the idea that the stories of the past are best carried forward by the energy, creativity, and passion of the new generation. From student-led performances to interactive exhibits and youth-centered activities, this year's celebration recognizes young people not only as audiences—but as active stewards of culture.

Activities

Exciting nighttime activities await all participants-whether young or young at heart! Each site will feature dynamic programs inspired by the energy of the youth, with many activities led or designed by young people themselves. For barkadas and groups looking for a thrill, the annual Gabii sa Kabilin Heritage Hunt returns, promising another round of adventure, discovery, and fun under the stars.

A standout feature this year is the mural competition, taking place on selected walls within Cebu City's heritage district. This competition gives budding artists the opportunity to showcase their creativity and transform public spaces into vibrant works of art. It's a celebration of local talent, and the winners will be revealed during the GSK Opening Program.

In addition to these exciting activities, our partner sites have been actively engaged in capacity-building efforts focused on sustainability through the Habilin program. These include seminars and talks on Curation, Risk Management, Social Media 101, and the Department of Tourism's Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, all aimed at empowering local communities for lasting impact.

On and on

Gabii sa Kabilin owes its success to the invaluable support of its partner museums and the steadfast commitment of the four local government units of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Lapu-Lapu City. The event is also made possible through the contributions of various organizations and government agencies, including the Department of Tourism Region VII, Golden Prince Hotel, Islands Souvenirs, Cebu IT Park, Visayan Electric Company, and PhilChoco.

Gabii sa Kabilin, initiated in 2007 by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), continues to grow in scope and significance, drawing thousands of participants each year and reinforcing the message that heritage is not static it is living, evolving, and deeply woven into everyday life.

Let this year's GSK inspire all Cebuanos-young and old—to rediscover their roots, celebrate shared stories, and build a stronger cultural future. Because heritage doesn't live in the past—it lives in us.