Bishop Gorordo centennial exhibit opens

CEBU, Philippines – After the successful staging of the “Gabii sa Kabilin” last May 29, an exhibit dubbed “100 Years of Bishop (Juan) Gorordo” at the Casa Gorordo opened last Monday.

The grand opening was meant not only to commemorate the life of the first Filipino (and Cebuano) bishop in Cebu, and his contributions to the survival and strengthening of the Roman Catholic faith here, it also served as a venue for heritage conservation groups, artists and other stakeholders to gather again and appreciate once more Cebu’s rich history and culture.

The exhibit also showcased photographs and maps of old Cebu with in-depth information on the early history of both Cebu and the Archdiocese.

According to Haidee Palapar, communications officer of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., the affair “intended to reconstruct the historical milieu the first Cebuano bishop lived in.” 

Visitors like Msgr. Roberto Alesna of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral; Jaime Picornell, the Honorary Consul of Spain in Cebu; and members of the Habin (Hamiling Binilin) heritage group were some of those who graced the grand opening.

Further, the exhibit provided the opportunity for RAFI to recognize the City Traffic Operations Management, the Cebu City Police Office with Supt. Patrocinio Comendador at the helm, the Mobile Patrol Group, Tourist Police Office, and several barangay officials for their efforts in achieving a smooth flow in the mounting of this year’s “Gabii sa Kabilin” activity in observance of Museum Day and Philippine Heritage Month.

Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of the Cultural Heritage Program, also thanked those who joined the activity and those who helped maintain safety in streets where the six museums are located.

These museums are the Fort San Pedro Regional National Museum at the Plaza Independencia, Sto. Niño Basilica Museum, and Cebu Archdiocesan Museum on Mabini Street near Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral; the Yap-Sandiego Heritage House near Parian Heritage Monument, the Casa Gorordo Museum on Lopez Jaena Street, and the Museo Sugbu (formerly the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center) on M.J. Cuenco Avenue. – Barbara Anne B. Ocaba /MEEV (THE FREEMAN)