"DOCUMENTING THE RAKA-IB OF LINAMBAY THEATRICAL PLAY OF CARCAR CITY CEBU"

Linambay, a Cebuano theatrical play that remains an important part of Carcar City’s culture and identity despite its decline in modern times due to digital entertainment and a lack of preservation efforts. This study explored and documented Raka-ib, a notable linambay play written by Constancio Gantuangco in 1940, examining its historical background, narrative elements, cultural relevance, and preservation efforts. Using a Descriptive-Qualitative research design, the study gathered data through interviews, observations, and field notes with cultural practitioners and community members. Thematic and descriptive analyses were used to interpret the narratives and insights collected. Findings revealed that Raka-ib preserves essential Linambay elements including costumes, sword fight choreography, live music, and poetic dialogue. Three key themes emerged: namely Turning points, Testing times and Transformative thresholds. These themes reflect changing entertainment preferences, the financial and generational constraints and their efforts to revive and pass on the tradition to younger generations. The study concluded that despite the challenges of modernization, Raka-ib Linambay remains a living legacy to the Carcaranons’ creativity, resilience, and pride in their heritage proving that culture may fade, but it never dies when the community chooses to remember and revive it. The study recommends LGU and NCCA led initiatives and integration of Raka-ib into cultural programs and school curricula to ensure its preservation and continuity as a vital expression of Cebuano cultural heritage for future generations.