A holiday celebration without purpose is like a star without its glow—a mere ornament in the vast night sky.
Christmas, at its heart, is more than lights and tinsel; it’s a season woven with threads of generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving. This time of year calls us to lift each other, to fill hearts with warmth, and to create smiles that brighten faces everywhere.
This year, NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu brought community members, local changemakers, and Sistema Pilipino scholars together for an event combining festivity with purpose. NUSTAR shows its commitment to meaningful celebration, standing as a community pillar in Cebu by bringing people together for a season of shared joy and warmth.
Held on Oct. 25, NUSTAR’s Tree Illumination: The Installation of Stars is an annual event symbolizing values like love, hope, peace, and joy, represented through five symbolic stars. This year, Star Bearers—individuals who embody these virtues—were chosen to place the stars on the tree, honoring the deeper meaning of the season.
NUSTAR’s COO Alan Teo completed the ceremony by placing the fifth star, emphasizing unity and community, values that guide NUSTAR’s holiday programs.
The event highlighted NUSTAR’s commitment to community engagement. Inviting changemakers who represent each value, the property acknowledged individuals who impact their fields and embody the spirit of each star.
Joined by Sistema Pilipino scholars, these figures placed stars on the tree, a tradition that reinforces the purpose behind the festive season: connecting tradition, community, and shared values. The Atrium’s lighting symbolized NUSTAR’s commitment to fostering hope, joy, peace, and love for patrons and the community.
NUSTAR’s support for the local community runs deep, bolstered by its foundation, Universal Cultural Foundation Inc. (UCFI). This year, UCFI contributed to Sistema Pilipino, a nonprofit that nurtures young musical talent in Cebu and across the Philippines. Through scholarships, NUSTAR empowered young musicians to pursue their talents—a reminder of how the season can be about supporting others.
As NUSTAR’s Assistant Vice President for Business Development, Katrina Mae de Jesus, explained, “Sistema Pilipino is a local NGO that supports culture and the arts. All our performers are from that group. As a commitment, we are providing scholarships for the members.”
Roel Constantino, General Manager of NUSTAR hotels, noted, “Our clients, especially international travelers, appreciate that they are staying in a hotel with a deeper purpose in the community.”
This purpose was further emphasized at a celebratory afterparty, where guests enjoyed the launch of NUSTAR’s new music video, Balay ni Mayang, celebrating Cebu’s cultural spirit. With live performances and holiday cheer, the event provided a memorable night that continued the message of unity and community.
NUSTAR’s commitment to culture shines through its focus on the arts. The event featured elements of Cebu’s cultural identity, underscoring the value of local culture and bringing the community closer to the resort. Additionally, NUSTAR’s holiday offerings include discounts on rooms at the Fili Hotel and special menus at its signature restaurants. These festive options invite patrons to enjoy a luxurious holiday stay, offering a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
New star at NUSTAR
The new luxury mall at NUSTAR also promises an exclusive shopping experience. As the first mall of its kind in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, it features high-end boutiques, global brands, and specialty stores that cater to discerning shoppers. With diverse dining options and luxury retail experiences, NUSTAR brings a touch of sophistication to Cebu, appealing to locals and tourists while boosting the area’s standing as a travel destination.
Meanwhile, NUSTAR’s Rewards Program enhances the holiday experience with offers allowing members to multiply points or double gaming credits during the season. Whether for fine dining, luxurious stays, or casino entertainment, NUSTAR Rewards adds value to guests’ time, encouraging regular patrons to celebrate the season with special perks.
The program creates a sense of belonging, rewarding loyal visitors and making holiday celebrations at NUSTAR more memorable.
“When we first opened two and a half years ago, we had a loyalty program focused on the casino. But as we grow and expand our operations, it’s timely that we also expand our loyalty program. Tonight’s event unveils what we have in store for you. We wanted to showcase additional offerings and benefits,” said COO Alan Teo during the unveiling of the new NUSTAR Rewards Program on Oct. 23.
As part of its ongoing holiday activities, NUSTAR is unveiling its “12 Days of Holiday Magic.” This series of events will feature world-class performances by Sistema Pilipino, holiday treats, and exclusive offers across dining, shopping, and entertainment. Guests will find themselves surrounded by opportunities to celebrate, creating lasting memories in a festive environment designed for connection.
