Gabii Sa Kabilin 2025: Honoring Youth as Valuable Heritage

Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) 2025 marks the 18th year of this beloved heritage celebration, scheduled for May 23, 2025, from 6 PM to midnight. Organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), this annual heritage night places the spotlight on the influence and promise of Filipino youth in molding the nation's history, culture, and identity.

Theme: Batan-ong Bahandi (Youthful Treasure)

The 2025 edition carries the theme "Batan-ong Bahandi" (Youthful Treasure), drawing inspiration from the 150th birth anniversaries of young revolutionary heroes Emilio Jacinto, Gregorio del Pilar, and Gregoria de Jesus. These figures symbolize youthful bravery, activism, and the enduring impact of young people in nation-building.

The event aligns with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines' declaration designating 2025 as the "Year of Youth in Philippine History"—a fitting tribute to the generations of young Filipinos who have shaped the nation's trajectory.

Event Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Date & Time	May 23, 2025, 6 PM to midnight
Expected Attendance	10,000 participants
Participating Sites	22 heritage locations
Coverage Area	Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay
Ticket Prices	₱300 and ₱200
Organizer	Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI)

Participating Heritage Sites

Participants can explore 22 historic venues across Metro Cebu. Notable locations include:

• Casa Gorordo Museum – Cebu's first-ever house museum showcasing colonial-era living
• Fort San Pedro – The oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines
• National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu – Housing significant historical artifacts
• Cebu Institute of Technology – University – New participant for 2025
• St. Theresa's College – Historic educational institution
• University of San Carlos Museum – Cultural and scientific collections
• Museo Sugbo – Cebu Provincial Museum
• Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House – Oldest Chinese-Filipino home in Cebu

Activities and Programs

Gabii sa Kabilin offers a diverse range of activities designed to engage participants of all ages:

• Guided Heritage Tours – Expert-led walks through historic sites
• Cultural Performances – Traditional music, dance, and theatrical presentations
• Interactive Exhibits – Hands-on displays bringing history to life
• Educational Workshops – Learn traditional crafts and heritage skills
• Special Contests – Vlogging competitions, photography challenges, and scavenger hunts
• Food Bazaars – Sample traditional Cebuano cuisine
• Local Craft Demonstrations – Watch artisans create traditional handicrafts

Youth Empowerment Focus

The event inspires today's generation to become "modern-day heroes" through their talents, creativity, and civic engagement. As organizers emphasize, heroism today doesn't require grand sacrifices—it means using one's skills and wisdom to make a difference in society through everyday contributions to culture and community.

Young participants are encouraged to see themselves as bahandi (treasures) whose energy and fresh perspectives are vital to preserving and promoting Cebuano heritage for future generations.

Sustainability and Legacy

RAFI and its partners have conducted pre-event workshops to strengthen local capacity in heritage conservation and service excellence. These capacity-building initiatives aim for a lasting impact beyond the event itself, creating a network of heritage advocates who can sustain cultural preservation efforts year-round.

Where to Get Tickets

Tickets priced at ₱300 and ₱200 are available at participating heritage sites including Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, and the National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu. Early purchase is recommended as the event typically reaches capacity.

References

• Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Official Announcements
• National Historical Commission of the Philippines – Year of Youth Declaration
• Cebu Daily News – GSK 2025 Coverage