On the evening of May 23, 2025, Cebu once again came alive with the sights, sounds, and stories of the past during Gabii sa Kabilin, a much-loved annual event that opens up the city’s museums and cultural sites for one memorable night of exploration. This year’s theme, “Batan-ong Bahandi” (Youthful Treasures), was a thoughtful reflection on how the spirit of the youth continues to shape history, culture, and identity.

In line with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ declaration of 2025 as the Year of Youth in Philippine History, this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin grouped its partner museums and heritage sites into four thematic routes—each one giving voice to different aspects of youth involvement in the city’s evolving cultural landscape.

Holy Youth

The Holy Youth route brought visitors to spaces that honor young saints whose lives and virtues continue to serve as moral compasses for today’s youth. From the rich ecclesiastical collections at the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu, to the sacred art and iconography at the Heritage of Faith Museum, and the reflective spaces at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the route reminded visitors how spiritual grounding has long been part of Cebuano heritage.

Heroic Youth

At sites such as Fort San Pedro, Museo de Talisay, USPF-Rizaliana Museum, and Palm Grass Heritage Hotel, the Heroic Youth trail spotlighted the courage of young Cebuanos who stood against oppression. These spaces revisited local histories of resistance, bravery, and sacrifice, offering powerful accounts of how young minds once fought for freedom—and how that same spirit still pulses in today’s generation.

Creative Youth

Artistic energy ran high in the Creative Youth route, featuring UP Cebu, BPI Museum, CIT-U Culture and Heritage Museum, and the Liberty Shrine. Visitors encountered works and installations by Cebuano artists and designers whose creativity is grounded in heritage but refreshed by contemporary expressions. It was a gentle reminder that cultural preservation doesn’t always mean looking back—it can also mean looking forward with imagination.

Storied Youth

In Casa Gorordo Museum, Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum, USC Museum, and STC Sr. Ma. Delia Coronel Folklife Museum, the focus was on community. The Storied Youth collection shared lesser-known narratives of young people whose small acts created ripples of change, reshaping Cebu’s social and cultural fabric. It was intimate and conversational, drawing a clear line between lived experiences and shared identity.

More Ways to Experience Youthful Heritage

Two additional themes rounded out this year’s expanded lineup. Batan-ong Pagpangalagad (Youth in Service) celebrated service-oriented spaces like Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum and USJR, where the youth’s role in social upliftment and community building was front and centre. Meanwhile, Batan-ong Kisaw (Activities of the Youth) kept things light and lively at the Cebu City Museum, Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple, and Museo de Talisay, showcasing games, rituals, and vibrant practices that continue to evolve across generations.

Beyond the museum visits, this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin included workshops and capacity-building activities designed to equip its cultural partners with the tools to preserve and promote heritage. These efforts aim to ensure that heritage work is not just celebratory, but also sustainable.