As Cebu moves forward after a challenging year, NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu is positioning itself not just as a New Year’s Eve destination, but as a space where recovery, celebration, and new memories continue well into 2026.

Speaking during NUSTAR’s New Year countdown, Senior Vice President for Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations Trevor Hammond said the goal is simple: to help bring people back together and restore a sense of normalcy through shared experiences.

“After everything that’s happened to Cebu in the last few months, we just want to get back to normal,” Hammond said.

“NUSTAR is the place where things are going to happen again. We want to invite everybody back,” he added.

Hammond said NUSTAR is an inclusive space that welcomes both local communities and visitors from around the world, anchored on entertainment and meaningful experiences.

“We build memories here at NUSTAR… It’s a fantastic place to build new memories, and we’re looking forward to people coming to spend time with us,” he said.

A NEW YEAR THAT POINTS FORWARD

For Ms. Katrina Mae de Jesus, Vice President for Business Development, this year’s New Year celebration was not only about marking the moment but about signaling what lies ahead.

Now on its fourth year since opening in May 2022, NUSTAR has grown steadily in phases: first with a hotel, then a mall, and most recently, the opening of the NUSTAR Hotel.

“2025 was quite a rough year here in Cebu,” de Jesus said.

“But with the spirit of Filipinos being progressive and resilient, we are now celebrating the future, the light, and the hope that is to come this 2026,” she added.

She said this year’s New Year’s Eve program was designed to feel different from previous celebrations, from a redesigned boardwalk setup to new forms of entertainment and fireworks.

NUSTAR also welcomed around 3,000 guests, double the number from past years.

“Our objective is really to bring something new every year,” she said. “We want to bring a different overall experience, not just for NUSTAR, but for Cebu.”

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026

Looking ahead, de Jesus said 2026 will focus on creating more iconic and memorable experiences, starting with the upcoming opening of the Skydeck — the first and only 180-degree viewing deck in Cebu, offering panoramic views of the Mactan seaside and Cebu’s highlands.

NUSTAR is also set to expand its signature events throughout the year, including ‘Taste Cebu’. Early in the year, the resort will also host a Dragon Boat Race, an event supported by the local government and envisioned to become another key attraction in the city.

“2026 is another year for us to create memorable and iconic experiences here at NUSTAR Resort Cebu,” de Jesus said.

More than individual events, de Jesus said NUSTAR’s guiding philosophy remains rooted in a long-term vision: helping position Cebu as a must-visit destination in the Philippines.

“The vision from the start was to make Cebu THE place to visit… If you visit the Philippines, you must visit Cebu — and you must visit NUSTAR,” she said.

Both Hammond and de Jesus welcomed 2026 with a message of optimism, inviting guests and future visitors to be part of what lies ahead for NUSTAR.

“We hope to see you in NUSTAR Resort, Casino, and Cebu,” Hammond said.

“We wish everyone a very happy and prosperous 2026,” de Jesus added.