Unshakable, unmovable, and unwavering. These encompass the spirit of the Philippines—a country that endures every storm, every hardship, and every adversity, yet continues to rise with grace. Just like the pearl, forged through time and pressure beneath the tides, our true strength is quiet and resilient.
Abundant in our country’s seas, pearls are a testament to patience and transformation. They first start as something small, something bothersome—an irritant, a grain of sand—caught within the shell of an oyster. Patiently, the shellfish produces layer upon layer of nacre (an iridescent substance) that smooths what was once a source of discomfort into something treasured.
It is a process that cannot be rushed. It cannot be forced. It is shaped by nature, the unfolding of what was meant to be. And it is that same radiance that echoes this holiday season in Cebu City.
A tribute to resilience and enduring strength
To usher in the holiday season, NUSTAR Resort Cebu, in true festive spirit, marked the beginning of its celebrations with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Held at The Atrium, the center that bridges the mall and hotels, this year’s theme, “Pearl of the Holiday Season,” is a tribute to Cebu’s spirit of rising above and shining through every challenge.
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Gracing the event were key personalities—Cebu City mayor Nestor Archival, acting vice mayor Winston Pepito, and vice president of the Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc. (TCCFI), Dr. Clarissa Pe—each one echoing sentiments of the city’s resilience and enduring strength in their respective speeches.
With them were NUSTAR executives, including NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu chief operating officer Sean Knights. “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. This year’s theme, ‘Pearl of the Holiday Season,’ holds a special meaning for all of us,” he says in his speech.
“The pearl is born through time, pressure, and transformation. From something ordinary comes something radiant: a symbol of beauty, strength, and grace,” Knights continues. “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.”
The program officially began with a series of performances, with dancers in flowing pink dresses, twirling to “The Little Mermaid’s” “Part of Your World,” children singing to Diana Ross’ “If We Hold On Together” from “The Land Before Time,” and a choir whose voices filled The Atrium with their heartfelt harmony. These set the tone for the highlight of this evening: the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
By the children, for the children
Mirroring the sea in its elegance, the floor-to-ceiling tree takes the form of an under-the-sea Christmas display, decked with seahorses, sea turtles, seashells, pearls, alongside accents of coral pieces and small starfish. A cluster of pearls, shaped into a sunburst, rests on top, while corals in varying heights flank the front and sides, with yet another large starfish sitting front and center—the chosen setting for the resort’s annual tradition, the signature “Installation of the Stars.”
This year’s star bearers were children from TCCFI, NUSTAR’s chosen beneficiary, whose advocacy centers on providing and protecting the orphaned, abandoned, neglected, and abused children in Cebu. With the children’s stories told and their presence felt, the ceremony took on a more heartfelt meaning.
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Beginning the tradition was Trevor Hammond, senior vice president for Gaming & IR Operations, who, together with a young child, descended the escalators on either side of the tree. As they reached the base, the two converged at the center, where they gently affixed a star in the sea of corals. One by one, more stars followed—each one symbolizing love, joy, peace, hope, and Cebu’s shared aspiration for renewal.
The final star, known as the “New Star,” was then placed by Knights. A symbol of Cebu’s collective optimism for the future, this completes the stars that illuminate the tree—a centerpiece that paves the way for hope and serves as a reminder of NUSTAR’s commitment to spreading hope and joy throughout the season.
“Through its philanthropic arm, the Universal Cultural Foundation Inc. (UCFI), NUSTAR extended support to The Children of Cebu Foundation,” a NUSTAR representative shares. “The initiative will fund essential repairs and new equipment to improve the foundation’s facilities, creating a safer and more nurturing space for more than 30 resident and transient children.”
Voicing the foundation’s gratitude, Osmeña says: “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. 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.”
Celebrations and experiences aplenty
From seasonal menu offerings to set menus for sharing and more, NUSTAR’s dining outlets and hotels provide a full calendar of festive experiences.
Xin Tian Di, for example, will be rolling out its Prosperity Trio: stir-fried lobster slippers with ginger and scallions, stir-fried abalone with mushrooms and asparagus, and pata tim with steamed buns on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1—alongside other Prosperity Feast set menu options. Hong Kong concept Mott 32, on the other hand, will be serving seasonal lunches and festive six-course menus, paired with Prosecco or champagne.
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And within the NUSTAR hotel itself, Fili Café will be offering daily festive buffets, with special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day spreads. Not one to miss out, the NUSTAR Lobby Lounge will be serving up a Festive Delights Afternoon Tea—complete with sparkling wine—while the Fili Lobby Lounge, in their Christmas Treats Corner, will have handcrafted chocolates and elegant hampers, available from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31.
“At NUSTAR, we draw inspiration from this same journey; to evolve, to grow, and to continue creating meaningful experiences that bring light into people’s lives,” Knights ends. “From all of us at NUSTAR Resort Cebu, we wish you a joyous and memorable holiday season. Daghang salamat.”
The spirit of the season continues to grow brighter with upcoming musical performances, family-friendly events, and more at NUSTAR. For more information and updates on holiday offers, visit www.nustar.com.ph or call (032) 888 8282
