For a writer, finding oneself at a loss for words is a rare and profound moment. This feeling becomes even more striking when personal joy intersects with the practicalities of daily life. Such was the experience for Luis Quibranza III and his wife, Febe, as they navigated the planning of a momentous family milestone.
A First Birthday: Celebrating a Parental Milestone
The couple recently hosted a celebration for their firstborn son, Luzio Franco Campañon Quibranza, who turned one year old on December 7, 2025. Initially, the parents debated the necessity of an event, even considering a simple family meal at a Chinese restaurant as an alternative.
The decision-making process took a turn when Febe encountered an insightful perspective online. The material reframed the occasion, presenting a first birthday not merely as a child's party but as a significant marker of the parents' own first anniversary of navigating parenthood. This idea resonated deeply, cementing their choice to celebrate.
Embracing this sentiment, they organized a gathering that prioritized simplicity and joy. The family rented a hall and invited close family and friends. The event featured several activity booths, engaging games, and a substantial snack buffet for all guests to enjoy.
The undeniable star of the day was young Luzio Franco, who delighted attendees dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario franchise, earning him the playful title "Super Luzio." The day served as a heartfelt tribute from parents to their son, filled with love and celebration.
Cebu Media's Unique Culture of Camaraderie
Beyond family festivities, the holiday spirit was vividly displayed within Cebu's media and creative circles. Luis Quibranza III, reflecting on his professional environment, noted a distinctive trait of the local industry that often surprises Manila-based colleagues.
He observed that competing media professionals in Cebu regularly interact and share space amicably, a dynamic rooted in healthy competition without underlying toxicity. This unique camaraderie was on full display recently when Ayala Malls hosted a party for Cebu media members and content creators at Bad Boys Wings in Ayala Center Cebu.
The event brought together individuals from various companies and creative backgrounds under one shared agenda: to celebrate each other's company and successes during the Christmas season. This gathering underscored the collaborative and supportive spirit that defines the local media landscape.
SunStar Cebu Teams Unwind with Festive Potluck
As the year drew to a close, the teams within SunStar Cebu also carved out time for their own holiday cheer. On December 17, the editorial, lifestyle, and marketing departments gathered for an unlimited potluck feast.
The spread featured beloved Filipino favorites including lechon manok, ngohiong, and pancit. The evening was filled with lively games and uproarious laughter, culminating in the now-infamous "Duck Race" game—a digital race where the outcomes often feel unpredictably reversed, with the leading duck falling behind and the underdogs surging ahead.
The night concluded in the most fitting way possible: with the shared enjoyment of good food, heartfelt conversations, boisterous laughter, and unapologetic karaoke performances. It was a perfect send-off for the team as they collectively looked forward to the challenges and opportunities of the coming year, 2026.
These interconnected stories—from a family's intimate celebration of new life to the warm, professional fellowship within Cebu's media community—paint a vibrant picture of connection and joy during the holiday season in the Queen City of the South.
