Gabii sa kabilin: Participating Museums and Sites - Part 1

Anthill Fabric Gallery

Pedro Calungsod corner Acacia Streets, Cebu City

The establishment boasts of its creative mix of 21st century fashion and indigenous products. It highlights an amalgamation of culture appreciation, business venues for up-and-coming designers and a sustainable source of income for the Filipino indigenous tribes, forging culture and style to promote and preserve the weaving traditions. It has become the center of creative and innovative people - artisans, weavers, designers and seamstresses, and kickstarted the evolution of the use of traditional fabrics into wearable pieces for everyday essentials.

Archbishop's Residence

D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City

The structure was constructed during the incumbency of the late Julio R. Cardinal Rosales. Architect Julio Ancheta designed the older of two buildings, which showcases both Baroque and Romanesque elements in its facade. It has a number of offices, guest rooms, function halls, and even a large chapel, which has become a popular choice for intimate weddings. The annex building, originally intended as a retirement home for Cardinal Rosales, now serves as the official residence and workplace of the Archbishop of Cebu.

Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu

Mabini corner Urdaneta Streets, Barangay Sto. Niño, Cebu City

The museum is considered a museum piece itself as it is a fine example of the "bahay-na-bato" architectural structure. After surviving World War II, it has gone through many transformations - as a convent for the priests and a campus of the University of San Carlos - before it became the museum that it is today. Its items depict traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.

Archdiocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart

D. Jakosalem Street, Cogon Central Ramos, Cebu City

Before the Spaniards came to colonize the Philippines, Chinese settlers have already established themselves in Cebu, especially in the Parian area. The Chinese Catholic Association founded the parish in 1920 and now it is Cebu's first modern church. Its Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio showcases contemporary Cebuano art.

Casa Gorordo Museum

Lopez Jaena Street, Tinago, Cebu City

Originally a residential house built by Alejandro Reynes Y. Rosales, it housed four generations of the Gorordo family, including Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. The museum house now gives a glimpse into the life of the Filipino family between the 1860s to 1920s, with an exhibit of some old household items.

Cebu City Library and Museum

Osmeña Boulevard., Capitol Site, Cebu City

Housed in the Rizal Memorial Library & Museum building, the museum exhibits a collection of antiques, sculptures, furniture, and woodcarvings donated by prominent Cebuano families. It also displays portraits of well-known Cebuano figures and paintings and sculptures that depict Cebu's lifestyle during 1500s to the Japanese occupation in the 1940s.

Cebu Palm Grass Hotel

Junquera Street, Cebu City

Touted as "The Cebu Heritage Hotel," it offers the unique Cebuano hospitality, and a good dose of local history, culture, and identity. The hotel's halls and floors are named after historic Cebuano figures. Its restaurant and café serves the favourites dishes of local heroes; and every room gives a glimpse of the city's past.

Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorabilia and CAP Art Gallery

Osmeña Boulevard, Sambag II, Cebu City

Don Sergio Osmeña, the only Cebuano President of the Philippines, retired to this house. He lived there until his death in October 19, 1961. The house now hosts of a load of memorabilia of the former President, as well as art collections of the College of Assurance Plan.

More than 40 museums and sites are participating in this year's "Gabii sa Kabilin" on May 27, 2016. For a complete list, those interested may visit www.rafi.org.ph/culture-heritage/gabii-sa-kabilin.  (FREEMAN)