IT was like traveling back in time for 93-year-old Celsa Zamora, who participated in the Gabii sa Kabilin 2019 last Friday night, May 24.
Celsa, accompanied by her daughter Joy Zamora, said the event made her remember her teenage years.
Though she couldn’t walk anymore because of her age, Celsa didn’t feel tired since she enjoyed watching the performances, as well as listening to the music that reminded her of her past.
“Lingaw gyud kaayo ko (I’m having a great time),” Celsa said with a smile on her face.
Joy, who is 40, said it was their first time to join heritage night.
Joy said her friend, who is in charge of the museum at the St. Theresa’s College (STC), introduced her to the event.
She and her mother became interested because they had always wanted to go to the museums in Cebu City.
Joy said the heritage night is very significant since it teaches participants about Cebu’s rich history.
“Sakto gyud nga kabilin ang tawag ani (event) kay mga treaure gyud sa Cebu ang gipakita (They were right in calling this event heritage because it showcases Cebu’s treasures),” she said.
Joy and Celsa were waiting for a taxi outside the Halad Museum since they were meeting Joy’s friend at STC. The Zamoras are from Dalaguete town. They only came to the city to experience “heritage night.”
Celsa and Joy were among the many participants who witnessed the different performances and exhibits of the 18 participating sites.
At the Museo Sugbo, sarok-weaving from the northern town of Consolacion, pot-making from the southern town of Sibonga and the art of tattooing were highlighted. At the Halad Museum, Cebuano music was played.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy invited members of the public to look at its ship docked at the Aduana Port.
Capt. Romeo Rosales, Navy chief-of-staff, said they agreed to join the event because they wanted to give the public a glimpse of what their lives are like inside the vessel.
“Through this, we can show to the people the security we are doing, especially here in Cebu,” said Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, deputy commander of the 3rd Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, adding that the ship is armed.
During her speech in the opening program, Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña said she hopes this event will continue as a way of reminding the people about Cebu’s rich history.
This year’s theme is “Setting Sail” to mark the arrival of five ships from Spain, which started the colonization of the archipelago by the Spaniards for over 300 years.
Various competitions were held, including best blog or vlog and best photo for adults and trivia games for children.
Gabii sa Kabilin, which is on its 13th year, is an annual event wherein people get to visit various museums and heritage sites in one night.
It is organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Culture and Heritage unit in partnership with local government units. (JJL)