NUSTAR Resort Cebu has officially begun its holiday celebrations, marking the start of the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The grand event, held at The Atrium, revealed this year's festive theme: "Pearl of the Holiday Season."
A Celebration of Resilience and Community
Sean Knights, speaking at the ceremony, connected the theme to the journey of Cebu and the resort itself. "The pearl is born through time, pressure, and transformation," he said. "From something ordinary comes something radiant. In many ways, it mirrors our story as a community and as a resort." He praised Cebu's resilience, noting it "shines brighter with every challenge it overcomes."
Now in its fourth year, the resort continued its cherished Installation of the Stars tradition. This ritual symbolizes love, joy, peace, hope, and renewal. The special honor of placing the stars this year went to the children from The Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc., the resort's chosen beneficiary for 2025. Sean Knights placed the final New Star, representing Cebu's collective hope for the future.
Through its philanthropic arm, the Universal Cultural Foundation Inc., NUSTAR provided support to the foundation. The donation will fund facility improvements and equipment, aiming to create a safer environment for over 30 resident and transient children. Mrs. Margot Osmeña, President of the foundation, expressed gratitude, stating that partnerships like this have helped them care for over 6,000 children in the past 33 years.
Festive Culinary Journeys Across NUSTAR
The tree lighting also signaled the start of NUSTAR's extensive holiday culinary calendar. Each restaurant offers specially curated menus for the season:
At Il Primo, the premium Italian steakhouse, the Buone Feste five-course Italian Christmas menu by Chef Valentino Chirico is available for P3,500 per person. It will be served on December 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on December 25 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. For New Year, La Dolcevita offers a five-course celebration for P4,000 per person on December 31 and January 1.
Mott 32 presents Timeless Opulence, a six-course Cantonese Christmas menu by Chef Chung Tin Eddy Wong for P5,000 per person on December 24 and 25. Their New Year's feast, Oriental Bounty, is also priced at PHP 5,000 and includes a glass of champagne.
Fili Café anchors the season with expansive international buffets. A Christmas to Remember buffet on December 24 and 25 is priced at P3,200 per person. Their New Year's buffet, New Year, New Horizons, is available on December 31 and January 1 for the same price.
Other dining outlets have special offers:
- Huangdi: Bold Persuasions six-course set menu for PHP 3,488 per person (for groups of 8-10).
- Xin Tian Di: Prosperity Feast set menus at P1,100 and P1,300 per person.
- Fina: Paskong Pilipino family-style menus from P2,500 to P3,000, plus a P1,500 Mixed Seafood Special all December.
Seasonal Activities and the Grand New Year Countdown
Beyond dining, guests can visit The Christmas Store for handcrafted chocolates at PHP 1,800 and curated hampers from P2,800 to P3,800. Traditional Filipino treats like puto bumbong and bibingka are available at the Fili Lobby Lounge for P250 each.
The year-end celebrations will peak at the NUSTAR Boardwalk with "Carnival de Luz: Countdown to 2026." This vibrant after-dinner party will feature neon lights, the Latin rhythms of DJ Elmer Dado, all-night revelry, and a spectacular fireworks display against the backdrop of the Cebu City skyline and the CCLEX bridge. General admission is priced at just P988 per person, which includes 2 drinks, entertainment, and a raffle draw.
NUSTAR Resort Cebu invites everyone to a holiday season filled with indulgence, generosity, and shared joy. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating across all outlets. For more information and updates, visit www.nustar.com.ph or call (032) 888 8282.
