Mandaue a virtual museum on “Gabii sa Kabilin” night

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of local tourists visited the heritage plaza of Mandaue City which was converted into a virtual museum during the “Gabii sa Kabilin” held the other night.

‘The plaza is in festive mood and we are thankful for the privilege of appreciating the unique Cebuano culture,” said 15-year-old Gail Rollan, 4th year student of Cebu City Science High School.

Gail accompanied by her younger sister Arian, a second year student of her school also joined the tour last year and observed that more attractions are introduced in Mandaue City.

Victoria San Gabriel, 20, HRM graduate of University of San Carlos and accompanied by her friends was impressed by the friendly accommodation in Mandaue City.

Marivic Boholst and his son, residents of Mandaue, availed of the program saying this is the first time that they personally see the Bantayan sa Hari and “begin to appreciate the richness of Mandaue’s cultural heritage.”

Louella Cabanero, city tourism officer said the city’s coaster made 15 trips from Cebu City to pick up the tourists while others used private vehicles.

Organized four years ago by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, the activity is aimed at promoting the Cebuano culture and opening up the different museums to public and cultural activities.

In Mandaue, the activity carries the theme, “I am Mandaue” a campaign for citizens’ participation in the development of the city.

Accompanied by well-trained local tour guides, tourists were treated to traditional dances and songs by singers of a local TV show “Handurawan” in a stage with an old house as backdrop. A cultural exhibit was also available in Mandaue Presidencia.

Also most sought were the freshly cooked  “tagaktak” and “bibingka,” the city’s delicacies.

Other attractions included the 75-year old Mandaue Presidencia, the 1954 spiral staircase of the Rizal-Bonifacio library and stage, and the National Shrine of St. Joseph’s “Senor de Cena”, a life-size rendition of the last supper.

Panagtagbo festival dancers welcomed the tourists with their dance while reigning Ms. Mandaue 2013 Steffi Rose Aberasturi and her court entertained the visitors.

Passing the old Suico ancestral home and the 100 year-old Cabaldon school building at City Central School, three units of e-jeepneys carried the tourists to the century-old watch tower or “Bantayan sa Hari” and back to the plaza. (FREEMAN)