The lighting of the sea-inspired Christmas tree delighted guests and spectators at NUSTAR Resort in Cebu.

I recently visited Cebu City to witness the annual lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree in the lobby of NUSTAR Cebu Resort. The towering symbol of hope is beautifully decorated with seashells, corals, seahorses and other sea creatures in various shades of blue, pink and gold.

When the lights came on, it felt as if the atrium turned into the depths of the ocean. On one magical evening, guests and spectators were transported from Cebu’s vibrant coastline to a sparkling underwater world – complete with bubbles of light, cascading gold confetti, and giant stars that glowed like underwater pearls.

And at the heart of this transformation stood the resort’s grand centerpiece: a Christmas tree like no other. Inspired by the ocean floor, the tree features sea creature motifs, coral ornaments, and light-up shells. Its top cover — a giant starfish — matches the theme perfectly —’The pearl of the holiday season.“Families, couples and visitors gathered around, their faces aglow in the twinkling lights, raising their smartphones to capture the stunning spectacle.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: A Moment to Remember

As darkness fell, the official lighting ceremony began. Key figures from NUSTAR Cebu Resort took the stage, made short remarks, and invited the “Star Bearers” – local achievers, young talents, and community heroes – to place symbolic stars on the tree. Each star represents one of the resort’s core values: love, hope, peace, joy. When the final star was placed, the lights on the tree exploded into a cascade of soft blues, greens and silvers, colors drawn from the color palette of the sea.

Mr. Sean Knights said: “Every year, this celebration gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect; to celebrate the progress we have made, and to remind us of what really matters. This year’s theme, ‘Pearl of the Holiday Season’, holds 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 reflects our story as a community and as a resort. Cebu, like the Pearl, continues to rise with resilience and shine brighter with every challenge it overcomes.”

NUSTAR, now in its fourth year, continued its beloved installation of stars, symbolizing love, joy, peace, hope and the shared aspirations of the Cebu community. This year’s star bearers were children of The Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc. (TCCFI), the resort’s chosen beneficiary. Mr. Knights placed the last new star, which represents Cebu’s optimism for the future. The glowing tree now stands at the center of the resort’s festivities, reflecting NUSTAR’s dedication to spreading hope and joy throughout the season.

When the tree was lit up, looking like a giant bioluminescent coral, applause exploded, cameras flashed, and pure joy filled the room. The children gasped with delight, and the guests cheered. For many, the event marked the official start of vacations in Cebu, with the resort setting the standard for festive elegance and imagination.

Pearl of generosity

NUSTAR, through its charitable arm, the Universal Cultural Foundation (UCFI), demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by supporting the Cebu Children’s Foundation. This initiative will not only provide essential funding for facility repairs and acquisition of new state-of-the-art equipment, but also aims to transform the physical environment into a safer, more welcoming and nurturing space. More than 30 children who reside or are staying at the institution will benefit from these improvements, ensuring they have an environment that is supportive of their personal and educational development.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Cebu Children’s Foundation, the staff, and most of all our children at Parian Center, we welcome the collaboration with NUSTAR with happy and grateful hearts,” said Ms. Margot Osmeña, President of Cebu Children’s Foundation. [NUSTAR] We have been blessed to welcome and provide a home to over 6,000 children over the past 33 years.

Pearl of celebration: A holiday season steeped in magic

NUSTAR hotels and dining venues host a season full of festive experiences. Shen Tian Di is offering the Prosperity Trio – stir-fried lobster with ginger and scallions, stir-fried abalone with mushroom and asparagus trio, and patatim with steamed buns – alongside Prosperity Feast set menus on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

Il Primo features five-course Christmas and New Year’s menus, optional wine pairings, and an outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration.

Mott 32 serves seasonal lunches and six-course festive menus accompanied by Prosecco or Champagne. Axis Entertainment & Sports Bar hosts themed evenings with holiday packages and signature cocktails.

Meanwhile, Fina and Huangdi highlight seafood and six-course family menus, respectively.

Throughout December, Café Fili offers daily festive buffets, with specials for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. NUSTAR Lobby Lounge serves festive afternoon tea with sparkling wine. From November 24 to December 31, the Fili Lobby Lounge’s Christmas gift bar features handcrafted chocolates and elegant baskets.

With the tree lighting ceremony complete, NUSTAR Cebu Resort has kicked off the festive season. Guests are treated to immersive decor, themed menus, live performances, and interactive installations, all of which celebrate the underwater theme. This decor remains up throughout the holidays, providing a photo-worthy atmosphere for guests to enjoy their visit.

For both locals and travelers, the event offered more than just a light show – it created an unforgettable experience. As one guest said: “It felt like Christmas had sunk in.”

The radiant pearl of hope

This year, with its vibrant “Pearl of the Holiday Season” celebration, NUSTAR stays true to its traditions and pays tribute to Cebu’s unwavering resilience. Not only do the celebrations recognize the enduring spirit of community, but they also fill the air with joy, warmth and hope that beautifully reflects the true essence of Christmas.

For more information and updates on holiday offers, visit www.nustar.com.ph Or call (032) 888 8282.

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