The year 2025 unfolded as a powerful narrative for Cebu, marked by moments that tested its spirit and celebrated its enduring faith. Through the lens of SunStar Cebu photographer Juan Carlo de Vela, a series of compelling images tells the story of a province navigating political change, natural disasters, and deep-rooted traditions.
A Tapestry of Faith and Celebration
Even a sudden downpour could not extinguish the passion of the Sinulog Festival. On January 17, 2025, at the Cebu City Sports Center, Talisay City's Nadine Faith McCoy continued her performance undeterred during the Sinulog Festival Queen coronation night, embodying the event's resilient spirit.
Months later, in Carcar City on April 18, 2025, Gilbert Bargayo demonstrated an extreme act of devotion. For the 30th time, he reenacted the crucifixion on Good Friday, cementing his reputation as the only man in Cebu who regularly undergoes this painful ritual.
The year also saw significant religious milestones. On June 6, 2025, the faithful gathered at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City to pray during Eid al-Adha. In Boljoon, a historic homecoming occurred on March 21, 2025, as Archbishop Jose Palma delivered a homily during a Pontifical Mass marking the return of the church's centuries-old panels to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima.
Political Shifts and Public Demonstrations
2025 was a pivotal election year that reshaped Cebu's political landscape. On February 22, 2025, former President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the Cebu People’s Indignation Rally at the Paglaum Relocation Site in Mandaue City to campaign for local and senatorial candidates.
The culmination came on May 12, 2025, as voters lined up in Barangay Camputhaw, Cebu City, to cast their ballots in the national and local elections. These midterm polls ushered in new leaders and altered long-standing alliances across the island.
Public sentiment also took to the streets. On July 28, 2025, coinciding with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address, members of militant groups held their last demonstration on Colon Street, Cebu City. They demanded government accountability on labor rights, social welfare, and political reforms.
Crisis, Resilience, and New Beginnings
Cebu's resilience was severely tested by natural disasters in 2025. On the night of September 30, a Magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook the province, leaving more than 70 people dead and thousands injured. A heartbreaking image from October 1, 2025, at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City showed a father holding the body of his daughter, one of the quake's victims.
Months later, on November 4, 2025, Typhoon Tino's aftermath was visible in Villa del Rio, Bacayan, Cebu City. Rescuers assisted residents amid mud and floodwaters, with cars swept away by flash floods piling up along streets. The floodwaters reached the second floor of houses, causing severe damage.
Amidst the challenges, moments of hope and celebration emerged. Young athletes dove into action on August 9, 2025, during the Iron Kids race in Mactan Newtown, part of the Ironman 70.3 event that drew 1,400 triathletes from 49 countries. The year also welcomed new leadership, as Cebu Archbishop-designate Most Rev. Alberto "Abet" S. Uy arrived at Pier 1 in Cebu City on September 28, 2025, greeted by faithful and cultural dances, succeeding Archbishop Jose Palma.
The year closed with a reminder of accountability, as controversial flood control contractor Sarah Disacaya was transported from the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice to a hospital for medical screening on December 20, 2025. Accused in a P96.5-million ghost infrastructure project in Davao Occidental, she was jailed in Lapu-Lapu City alongside eight former DPWH officials from the Davao region.
