The Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum: A Sneak Preview Tonight

CEBU, Philippines - The Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum  in the historic Gotiaoco Building celebrates Gabii sa Kabilin 2017 with glimpses of Cebuano Chinese history, heritage and culture.

The Gotiaoco building is a neoclassical structure built in 1914 by Manuel Gotianuy, son of Chinese migrant Pedro Gotiaoco. Located in the port area, close to the Cebu City Hall, the building is a silent witness to  the richly colorful history of Cebu’s economy where the Chinese played a major role in the trade and commerce. Re-purposed as a museum, the building now provides a venue where the narratives and contributions of the Chinese-Cebuanos would be presented, pondered on and preserved.

Previously, in the last four years of Sugbu Chinese Hertiage Museum’s participation in the Gabii Sa Kabilin, the exhibits were mounted outdoors. But tonight, for the very first time, visitors on the Gabii sa kabilin may enter the grand lobby of the building and view the exhibits that highlight the Chinese contributions to the growth of Cebu City.

The Sugbu Chinese Heritage Foundation Inc., the organization behind the museum project, is behind the significant building restoration and museum project. The undertaking is a fine example of adaptive reuse, showcasing the admirable technological knowledge of its restoration team. The Foundation owes it all to the generous supporters who believe in this advocacy.

The Sugbu Chinese Hertiage Foundation, at the Gotiaoco Building, is open for the Gabii sa Kabilin 2017 tonight from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. The contact person is Lenlen Lim, the museum’s executive director. (FREEMAN)