The festive season in Cebu begins with spectacular celebrations as prominent hotels unveil their Christmas decorations and events. Seda Central Bloc Cebu and Seda Ayala Center are leading the charge with their unique "Modern Filipiniana" theme, while Golden Prince Hotel & Suites makes history with an extraordinary chocolate creation.
Modern Filipiniana Christmas Celebrations
Seda Central Bloc Cebu will host its Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The event takes place at the hotel's fifth floor lobby, marking the official start of their holiday festivities. Following this initial celebration, Seda Ayala Center will hold its own tree lighting event on November 19, also beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the main lobby area.
Both ceremonies embrace the "Modern Filipiniana" concept, blending traditional Filipino Christmas elements with contemporary design aesthetics. The theme reflects the evolving nature of Filipino holiday traditions while maintaining cultural roots that make the season special.
Historic Chocolate Christmas Tree
Meanwhile, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites introduces the first-ever Philippine chocolate Christmas Tree, creating a landmark in local holiday celebrations. The edible masterpiece promises to deliver colorful and meaningful experiences that capture the genuine spirit of Christmas through laughter, music, and camaraderie.
The chocolate tree revelation occurred during a gathering at the Kabilin Heritage Lounge. Attendees included prominent figures such as Philippine Information Agency regional director Fayette Riñen and Golden Prince Hotel & Suites public relations and marketing manager Hershey Herrera-Canonigo. Also present were hotel representatives Benny and Teresa Que, Chocolate Christmas Tree maker Chef Aisha Iryll Quintana, and community members including Aissa de la Cruz, Nelia Neri, Honey Loop, Robby Alugar, and Chinggay Utzurrum.
Community Spirit and Christmas Traditions
Across Cebu, various organizations and institutions are preparing their own holiday celebrations. Schools will conduct Christmas and New Year programs before the holiday break, featuring traditional "Christmas Belen" as backdrops and classic carols including "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," "Jingle Bells," and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."
The spirit of giving continues through community initiatives. The WeCare family, led by president Ramon Sebastian, maintains its annual tradition of distributing rice and goodies during Christmas in selected barangays. Similarly, the WeCare and Punla groups use the season to greet and share gifts with their adopted schoolchildren, emphasizing the importance of community support.
For many Filipinos, Christmas evokes childhood memories of Santa Claus bringing toys and goodies. The magic of discovering gifts from Santa Claus and the Three Kings remains a cherished part of the holiday experience, even after learning the truth behind the tradition.
The season also brings home overseas Filipinos, including some alumni of the University of San Jose-Recoletos Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble who choose to celebrate Christmas in Cebu with their families, reinforcing family bonds during the most wonderful time of the year.
