NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu ushered in 2026 with a spectacular and hopeful celebration, drawing a large crowd to its scenic boardwalk. The 'Carnaval de Luz' event on December 31, 2025, transformed the coastal venue into a vibrant festival of light, music, and community spirit, marking a fresh start for the province.
A Night of Music, Performance, and Spectacle
The evening's festivities were designed to entertain guests of all ages. The program kicked off with energetic live performances from Elmer Dado & Gruppo Tribale, setting a lively tone for the night. The atmosphere was further amplified by captivating samba dancers, dynamic poi and hoop performers, and engaging roving entertainers who mingled with the crowd.
Raffle draws held throughout the event added an extra layer of excitement for the approximately 2,000 attendees. The climax of the night arrived at midnight with a breathtaking pyro-musical fireworks display, featuring a special pyrobird effect that illuminated the Cebuano sky. The party continued into the early hours of New Year's Day with an after-midnight set by DJ Kit, keeping the energy high.
A Celebration of Hope and Cebuano Resilience
In an interview, NUSTAR Vice President for Business Development Katrina Mae de Jesus shared the deeper meaning behind the 'Carnaval de Luz' theme. She acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year for Cebu and stated the event aimed to bring hope, light, and a sense of recovery to the local community.
"We want to bring recovery and we want to bring progress back here," de Jesus explained. "We want enlightenment and inspiration for everyone here and that's why we're celebrating—because we want to make sure that we're bringing in the good vibes for 2026." This sentiment framed the celebration as more than just a party, but a communal step towards optimism and progress.
Looking Ahead: NUSTAR's Growing Role in Cebu
Now in its fourth year of operation since opening on May 8, 2022, NUSTAR is cementing its place as a key lifestyle and entertainment hub in the region. De Jesus revealed an exciting development for 2026: the planned opening of the first-ever 180-degree skydeck viewing park at NUSTAR Hotel.
The resort also commits to a full calendar of signature events designed to engage both local communities and visitors. These include:
- Taste Cebu culinary events
- Easter celebrations
- Wellness Month in September
- The annual Christmas and New Year festivities
"We are looking forward to equipping the community and ensuring that hospitality and leisure continue to thrive here in Cebu," de Jesus added, emphasizing NUSTAR's long-term partnership with the province's growth.
The success of the Carnaval de Luz perfectly exemplified NUSTAR's mission to offer world-class entertainment while fostering a strong sense of community, championing the resilient and vibrant spirit of Cebu at its core.
