NUSTAR celebrates Christmas through the most enduring lens of all: family.
It hasn’t been an easy year for Cebu. Devastated by floods and earthquakes, the province has had to carry its share of uncertainty and moments that asked its people to endure. As Christmas arrives, there is that familiar instinct to gather as family and see things through the eyes of children, despite everything.
“We don’t exist separate from the community—we are a part of the community,” NUSTAR COO Sean Knights said during the unveiling of its Christmas celebrations. “Everything that we do is aimed at driving that community engagement.”
NUSTAR chose to see Christmas through the most enduring lens of all: family. The luxury integrated resort put on a show that everyone—children especially—loved when it lit its giant Christmas tree in The Atrium. The resort’s signature Installation of the Stars brought new meaning to love, joy, peace, hope, and renewal. The children of The Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc., the resort’s beneficiary, carried the stars to the tree, with the final star—known as the “New Star”—placed by Knights to represent Cebu’s collective optimism for the future. Through its philanthropic arm, Universal Cultural Foundation Inc., NUSTAR funded facility improvements and equipment to help create a safer, more nurturing environment for over 30 resident and transient children.
“Every year, this celebration gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect—on how far we’ve come and on what truly matters,” Knights said. “The pearl is born through time, pressure, and transformation. From something ordinary comes something radiant. In many ways, it mirrors our story as a community and as a resort. Cebu continues to rise with resilience and shines brighter with every challenge it overcomes.”
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“It is because of partners like NUSTAR that we have been blessed to provide care and a home to over 6,000 children over the past 33 years,” said Margot Osmeña, president of the foundation.
It was a spectacular rollout—and equally meaningful—as the resort creates spaces where families can slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the quiet joy of being together. It was a reminder that even in difficult times, the holidays can still feel grounding and intimate.
“There is an obligation—not just to strive to be the best—but to represent the region across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific market,” Knights said during a presentation in the mall’s new theater. “What makes us special is our destination—and destination isn’t just NUSTAR, but Cebu and what we have to offer here. Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or a family, we’re able to cater to all.”
Across its portfolio—Fili Hotel, NUSTAR Hotel, and the upcoming Grand Summit—NUSTAR offers one of the most expansive collections of rooms, suites, and villas outside Metro Manila. Its performance this year has been underscored by a series of global accolades, including recognition from international luxury award-giving bodies and inclusion in the Michelin Guide’s hotel selection—an achievement that signals growing respect for Filipino-led hospitality brands.
Pearl of the Holiday Season
The event kicked off a season-long celebration featuring elevated dining experiences, meaningful traditions, and community-centered initiatives.
The ceremony also ushered in NUSTAR’s festive culinary calendar. At Il Primo, the resort’s premium Italian steakhouse, Buone Feste offers a five-course Italian Christmas menu curated by Chef Valentino Chirico, featuring fresh seasonal seafood, prime beef, and festive specialties (P3,500 per person, with optional wine pairing at an additional P1,000). This is available on December 24 from 5:30 to 10 pm and on December 25 from 12 noon to 3 pm.
For New Year, Il Primo presents La Dolcevita, a glamorous five-course spread (P4,000 with optional wine pairing at an additional P1,000), available on December 31 from 5:30 to 10 pm and on January 1 from 12 noon to 3 pm.
Modern Chinese dining takes festive form at Mott 32 with Timeless Opulence, a six-course Cantonese Christmas menu by Chef Chung Tin Eddy Wong, available for dinner on December 24 and for lunch on December 25 (P5,000). To usher in 2026, Oriental Bounty presents a celebratory six-course Cantonese feast featuring Mott 32 signature dishes and a complimentary glass of champagne, also priced at P5,000 per person, available on December 31 and January 1.
Fili Café anchors the season with Cebu’s most expansive international buffets. “A Christmas to Remember” features premium Yuletide classics including USDA roast beef, turkey, glazed Christmas ham, and NUSTAR’s signature spit-roasted lechon, offered during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners on December 24 and 25 at P3,200 per person. Welcoming 2026, “New Year, New Horizons” showcases a globally inspired buffet curated by an award-winning team of Filipino and international chefs, with New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day lunch and dinner (P3,200).
Festive offerings extend across NUSTAR’s other dining destinations. Huangdi presents Bold Persuasions, a six-course festive set menu highlighting bold Sichuan and Northern Asian flavors (P3,488 per person for groups of eight to ten guests). Xin Tian Di offers Prosperity Feast set menus, while Fina celebrates Filipino heritage with Paskong Pilipino family-style menus, alongside a Mixed Seafood Special available throughout December.
Beyond dining, guests may bring home the spirit of the season from The Christmas Store, which offers handcrafted chocolates and curated Christmas hampers. At the Fili Lobby Lounge, freshly prepared puto bumbong and bibingka are available. Year-end celebrations peak at the NUSTAR Boardwalk with Carnival de Luz: Countdown to 2026—an after-dinner countdown party featuring a vibrant festival of neon lights set against Cebu City’s waterfront skyline and the iconic CCLEX bridge. The Latin rhythms of DJ Elmer Dado, all-night revelry, and spectacular fireworks promise a breathtaking sensory experience.
Advance reservations are highly encouraged, as seating is limited across NUSTAR outlets. For more information and updates on holiday offers, visit www.nustar.com.ph or call (032) 888 8282.
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