Through community development initiatives and a roster of generous holiday offers, NUSTAR Resort Cebu celebrates the pearl: an emblem of beauty born from resilience that mirrors the generosity, brilliance, and joy of the season.
NUSTAR Resort Cebu officially welcomed the holiday season on October 25, 2025, with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Atrium, themed “Pearl of the Holiday Season.” Inspired by the pearl—a timeless symbol of resilience and transformation—this year’s celebration paid tribute to Cebu’s enduring spirit of strength and optimism.
“Every year, this celebration gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect; to celebrate how far we’ve come, and to remind us of what truly matters,” shared Sean Knights, NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu’s Chief Operating Officer.
He continued: “This year’s theme, ‘Pearl of the Holiday Season,’ holds a special meaning for all of us. The pearl is born through time, pressure, and transformation. From something ordinary comes something radiant: a symbol of beauty, strength, and grace. In many ways, it mirrors our story as a community and as a resort. Cebu, like the pearl, continues to rise with resilience and shines brighter with every challenge it overcomes.”
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Traditions Of A Shining Star
Now in its fourth year, NUSTAR continued its signature Installation of the Stars, a cherished tradition that represents the joyful, peaceful, loving, and hopeful spirit of the season, as well as Cebu’s aspiration for renewal.
This year’s star bearers were the children of The Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc. (TCCFI), NUSTAR’s chosen beneficiary. The final star—known as the New Star—was placed by Knights, representing Cebu’s collective optimism for the future. The illuminated tree now stands as the centerpiece of the resort’s festivities, a shining emblem of NUSTAR’s commitment to spreading joy throughout the season.
The Pearlescent Gleam Of Generosity
Committed to embodying the spirit of giving every holiday season, NUSTAR is paying it forward by extending its support to The Children of Cebu Foundation under its philanthropic arm, the Universal Cultural Foundation Inc. (UCFI).
The initiative will fund essential repairs and new equipment to improve the foundation’s facilities, creating a safer and more nurturing space for its more than 30 resident and transient children.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Children of Cebu Foundation Inc., the staff, and most of all, our children at the Parian Drop-in Center, we welcome the collaboration with NUSTAR with joyful and grateful hearts,” expressed Mrs. Margot Osmeña, President of The Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc. “It is because of partners like [NUSTAR] that we have been blessed to receive and provide a home to over 6,000 children over the past 33 years.”
NUSTAR Dining and Holiday Experiences
Across the property, NUSTAR’s dining outlets and hotels are presenting a jam-packed calendar of festive culinary experiences throughout the season that are perfect for every celebration, from intimate lunches to grand feasts spent with loved ones.
The beloved Xin Tian Di—which offers southern Chinese and Southeast Asian specialties—highlights the Prosperity Trio, a mouth-watering assemblage of Stir-Fried Lobster Slippers with Ginger and Scallions; Stir-Fried Abalone with Trio Mushrooms and Asparagus; and Patatim with Steamed Buns. Prosperity Feast Set Menus will also be available on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.
Meanwhile, the award-winning Mott 32, known for its top-tier Chinese cuisine, presents seasonal lunches and festive six-course menus paired with Prosecco or champagne for that added flair.
Il Primo, Cebu’s first Italian steakhouse offering premium steaks cooked on a Josper grill, lends a touch of elevated indulgence to the festivities with five-course Christmas and New Year menus, optional wine pairings, and an al fresco celebration on New Year’s Eve.
For those with a hankering for comfort feasts, Filipino restaurant Fina and the fiery Huangdi feature seafood and six-course family menus, respectively. The holiday fun will be extending well into the evening as Axis Entertainment & Sports Bar hosts themed nights with feast bundles and signature cocktails.
There’s no “right time” for a good holiday celebration, as Fili Café will be offering daily festive buffets throughout December, highlighted by Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day spreads.
If cozy, intimate merienda plans are more your thing, NUSTAR Lobby Lounge is serving Festive Delights Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine, while Fili Lobby Lounge introduces The Christmas Treats Corner, showcasing handcrafted chocolates and elegant hampers available from November 24 to December 31.
More To Look Forward To At The Mall | NUSTAR
The spirit of the holidays continues to shine at The Mall | NUSTAR, with musical performances, family-friendly events, and other festive activities.
Guests can also look forward to new retail additions as The Mall welcomes Lucky Lantern, Carmen’s Best Ice Cream, Bruno’s Barber, Kamiseta Skin Clinic, Ramen Nagi, and Playville by Kid’s Paradise.
Through this year’s “Pearl of the Holiday Season,” NUSTAR upholds its tradition of meaningful celebration—one that honors Cebu’s resilience, generosity, and unyielding optimism, while sharing the joy and hope that define the Christmas spirit.
For more information and updates on holiday offers, visit nustar.ph or call (032) 888 8282.
