The Cebu-wide Gabii sa Kabilin, now known by its initials, GSK, is a night of cultural and historical exploration. It is an integrated experience of the museums in Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay Cities in one night only. The museums will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight. A single ticket gives access to 20 museums in Metro Cebu, and eligibility to join the vlogging and phoneography contests.
This year’s GSK, back after a two-year absence brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, runs on the theme “Padayon,” highlighting the Cebuanos’ resilience, optimism and ingenuity in the face of crises and challenges.
Casa Gorordo Museum underscores during the GSK the Cebuano spirit which prevailed in the course of the pandemic and throughout the period of recovery from Typhoon Odette with exclusively-designed activities.
The mixed-media tent experience “Kwarenta Dias” encapsulates the journey of creatives during the pandemic through their art works. At once critical and hopeful, it expresses the overwhelming sense of uncertainty stirring the collective psyche with Covid-19 racing through the Philippines counteracted by the strength and inclusive charity that allowed Cebu to weather the crisis.
The concept of inclusive charity is carried over into “Mano-mano,” featuring the hablon nuevo collection of famed fashion creator Dexter Alazas. The designer supported the hablon weavers of Argao during the pandemic, helping them keep their families afloat. Hablon is a delicate fabric made of the fibers of indigenous plants. How it is created will be demonstrated by a weaver onsite. How it is worn will be shown in an exhibit and style show at the azotea. Products will be available for purchase at the Casa Gorordo shop.
The Casa Gorordo GSK celebration is capped off by the Binisaya Film Festival. Guests will be treated to a delightful lineup of movies and clips done in the Visayan language. Awarding of winners of the festival will also be held.
Casa Gorordo is a well-loved house museum along E. Aboitiz St., Parian, Cebu City. It was built in the mid-1800s by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales. The merchant Isidro Gorordo acquired the modest “balay nga tisa” in 1863. Four generations of Gorordos lived in the house over the years, including Isidro’s son Juan, the first Filipino bishop of Cebu.
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (Rafi) acquired the house in 1980. It has since fulfilled its mission of being a guide to the world that shaped Cebuano cultural identity. (PR)