Gabii sa Kabilin 2018 Promotional AD

Gabii sa Kabilin gives tribute to the pre-colonial roots of Filipino culture with this year’s theme, “Balangay.” Two meanings are packed into this old Visayan word that remain pertinent to present-day Philippines. One, as a term referring to a sailing vessel which transported entire communities throughout the archipelago. The other, as a nominal variant of barangay, which describes a group of people united by kinship and communal bonds. Contemplation on these two meanings somehow makes it possible to say that the balangay has been the social vehicle that bore Filipinos across the expanse of time, from pre-history to modernity.
Our highlight presentations will bring back that version of Bisaya society and culture that still has not contracted Western influence. Local customs and traditions that were witnessed and enamored chroniclers like Antonio Pigafetta will be recollected. Mythical figures, nature spirits and magical creatures will come to life with the retelling of folklore and legends. Lost connections with other Asian cultures will be re-established. There’s so much of that past that lingers to this day that we offer to each and every one to rediscover.
On the other hand, Gabii sa Kabilin 2018 heralds the quincentennial anniversary of the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s crew in Philippine shores. In the next three years, the themes of the event will build up people’s interest and prepare them for the commemorative celebrations in 2021. Without doubt, Cebu will play a key role when that time comes. The consequences of the Magellan expedition were, to say the least, revolutionary for the Bisaya and other Filipinos. Indeed, they are still at work today. For this year, however, Gabii sa Kabilin will remember first the society and culture that bore Lapu-lapu, the one who momentarily halted the “coming of history” to Cebu.

Produced by: Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
Video Production House: Clandestine Film & Post Production
Directed by: Florencio Moreno
Asst. Director: Aldo Nelbert Banaynal
Videographers: John Rey Tanjusay, Aldo Nelbert Banaynal
Video Editor / Aerial: John Lindsey Banaynal
Production Crew: Charlete Cadavez, Trexie MItch Saladaga, Wednesday Banaynal