The Cebu Sinulog features a wide range of contingents that reflect faith, culture, and regional identity. This year’s lineup includes participants from outside Cebu, Cebu City barangays and schools, Cebu Province, and selected guest performers.
Out-of-Town Contingents
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Groups from different parts of the Philippines bring their local festivals and traditions to Cebu.
• City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild – City of Kidapawan, Province of Cotabato
• Antipolo Maytime Festival Bukluran Dance Troupe
• Bais City Festival of Harvests – Negros Oriental
• James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild – Sarangani Province
Fireworks are synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations, but the reality is that lighting them comes with serious risks. Year after year, news reports highlight injuries ranging from hand burns and eye damage to hearing loss. While the Department of Health reports a decline in fireworks-related injuries, the safest goal is to avoid them entirely. Luckily, there are creative and fun alternatives to make your celebration loud, colorful, and memorable, without the hazards. Here are some exciting options to try this New Year.
1. Noisemakers: DIY Balloon Fun
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Confetti-filled balloons are a hands-on alternative to firecrackers. Fill balloons with colorful confetti before blowing them up. At midnight, pop them for a safe and festive burst of color that kids and adults will love.
2. Laser and Music Shows: Lights and Sound
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Dazzling lasers and music shows mimic the thrill of fireworks without smoke or explosions. Popular venues in Cebu include Ayala Center Cebu and SM Seaside, which often feature synchronized light and music performances during the holidays.
3. Glow Sticks: Colorful Night Fun
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Glow sticks are perfect for kids and the young-at-heart. Available in bright colors, they are safe, inexpensive, and great for dancing or nighttime games.
4. Bubble Fireworks: Magical and Safe
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Bubble fireworks use bubble machines to create floating bubbles that mesmerize guests without the hazards of fire. It’s a whimsical alternative to traditional fireworks, ideal for families.
5. Confetti Cannons and Poppers: Pop with Colors
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Confetti cannons and poppers create a burst of vibrant color, just like fireworks, but completely safe for kids. Perfect for photo opportunities and lively celebrations.
6. Kaldero or Metal Kitchenware: Local Noise Tradition
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Celebrate Filipino-style by banging kalderos, kawalis, or any metal kitchenware at midnight. It’s loud, safe, and rooted in tradition, perfect for inviting luck and joy into the New Year. Just ask your mother for permission if you don’t want a kaldero flying to your face.
Celebrating the New Year doesn’t have to mean risking injury or harming the environment. With these creative alternatives, from popping confetti balloons to glowing sticks and bubble machines, you can have a fun, safe, and memorable countdown. Make noise, create memories, and welcome 2026 with joy, laughter, and zero regrets!
As 2025 comes to a close, Cebu lights up with dazzling countdowns, indulgent feasts, and breathtaking fireworks displays. From coastal celebrations and mountain-top galas to city skyline parties and luxury island affairs, these hotels and venues offer unforgettable ways to welcome 2026. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or a special someone, here are some of the best places in Cebu to ring in the New Year with good food and spectacular views.
NUSTAR Resort Cebu – Carnaval de Luz by the Sea
Photo from NUSTAR Resort Facebook Page
NUSTAR Resort Cebu welcomes 2026 with Carnaval de Luz, a festive New Year’s Eve celebration at the Boardwalk featuring live tribal music, samba dancers, roving performers, raffle draws, and a pyro-musical fireworks display at midnight, followed by an after-party DJ set, all set against scenic coastal views.
Time & Date
• December 31, 2025
• Gates open at 9:30 PM | Fireworks at 12:00 MN
Tickets & Reservations
• PHP 988 per person (includes two drinks, entertainment, raffle entry)
• PHP 600 for hotel and dining guests (with PHP 1,500 minimum spend at select restaurants)
• Kids 11 years old and below: FREE
• Tickets available starting December 6 via nstr.ph/NYE2025
Location: Kawit Point, South Road Properties, Cebu City, Philippines
• By car: Take South Road Properties (SRP) and follow signs to NUSTAR Resort Cebu
• By commute: Free NUSTAR shuttle services from Banilad, Escario, Mandaue, Tabunok, Paseo Arcenas, and MCIA
TOPS Busay – 2026 Countdown Gala Party
Photo from TOPS Facebook Page
Celebrate the New Year above the city at the TOPS 2026 Countdown Gala Party, featuring retro vibes, buffet dinner, free-flowing wine, live entertainment, fireworks, and a DJ after-party with sweeping views of Cebu City.
Time & Date
• December 31, 2025
• 6:00 PM onwards
Tickets & Reservations
• PHP 2,500 per person (all-inclusive)
• Limited slots available
• In-person booking at Montebello Villa Hotel or TOPS Souvenir Shop
• Call/Text: (032) 256 5000 | 0968 853 0511
How to Get There?
Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City
• By car: Drive via Cebu Transcentral Highway (Busay Road) to TOPS
• By commute: Jeepney to JY Square or Lahug, then taxi or habal-habal
The Noble Cebu Hotel – Skydeck360 New Year Countdown
Photo from The Noble Cebu Hotel Facebook Page
Ring in 2026 at Skydeck360 of The Noble Cebu Hotel with city skyline views, a festive countdown, music, and a fireworks display right in the heart of Cebu City.
Location: Governor M. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
• By car: Via F. Cabahug Street or Archbishop Reyes Avenue
• By commute: Jeepney to Mabolo or SM City Cebu, then short taxi ride
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu – A Night in Opulence
Welcome 2026 in refined island luxury at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu with free-flow drinks, a gourmet dinner, beachfront fireworks, and a lively after-party by the sea.
• By commute: Public transport to Mactan, then taxi or Grab
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu – Golden Glow NYE Gala
Photo from Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu Facebook Page
Mövenpick’s Golden Glow New Year’s Eve Gala promises an elegant island celebration with a lavish buffet, live band music, DJ performances, and a radiant countdown by the beach.
Location: Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, 6015, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
• By car: Via Marcelo Fernan Bridge toward Punta Engaño
• By commute: Jeepney to Mactan Newtown or Punta Engaño, then taxi
From seaside fireworks and mountain-top views to city skylines and island luxury, Cebu offers a New Year’s Eve celebration for every kind of traveler and local. No matter where you choose to count down, these destinations promise good food, great company, and a spectacular start to 2026. Wherever you are when the clock strikes midnight, may the new year begin with light, hope, and celebration.
Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero, faced the firing squad at Bagumbayan in 1896. His execution marked a turning point in the Philippine struggle for independence. The original photograph of this event captures not only the moment of history but a lesser-known detail: a dog present during the execution.
Photo from Researchgate.com
The Unseen Witness
Photo grab from Google Maps
The dog, often described as the mascot of the firing squad, appears near Rizal’s lifeless body. It was part of the scene, moving around as soldiers completed their grim task. Its presence adds an unusual, almost haunting layer to the historical photograph.
The Final Shot
After the initial volley, a soldier fired one last bullet into Rizal’s head to confirm death. Observers noted the dog reacted immediately, running and whining around the body. This behavior has drawn attention in historical accounts, showing a raw, almost human response from the animal.
A Photograph That Tells More
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The image remains one of the few visual records of Rizal’s execution. Beyond documenting the event, it captures small but striking details, like the dog’s presence, offering insight into the scene’s atmosphere. This photograph continues to be a silent witness to a pivotal moment in Philippine history.
Enduring Legacy
Rizal’s death fueled the revolution that followed, and the photograph, with its quiet yet powerful details, preserves the memory. The dog’s presence, though minor, serves as a reminder that history often contains unexpected, humanizing moments, even in the darkest events.
Moments before his execution, a Spanish surgeon general checked Rizal’s pulse, finding it steady and normal. This moment revealed his extraordinary courage and mental control under extreme circumstances.
Unshakable Resolve
Rizal faced the firing squad without hesitation. Unlike many in his position, his body showed no sign of fear. His calmness reflected his preparation and inner strength, demonstrating a rare serenity in the face of death.
The Final Moment
Photo grab from Google Maps
As soldiers prepared for the execution, Rizal remained composed. His steady pulse symbolized more than physical calmness; it reflected his dedication to his ideals. The scene captured both the gravity of the event and his remarkable fortitude.
Enduring Legacy
Photo from National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Rizal’s poise in his final moments has remained a defining image of courage. It continues to inspire admiration and respect, emphasizing the power of conviction and the strength of character even in life’s most extreme tests.
Lean & Learn Health Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Cebuano nurses Lan Cabatingan and his wife, transformed a personal three-month NICU experience into a focused outreach for families facing neonatal care. The journey shaped the foundation’s commitment to practical, hospital-based support.
Support for Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
The foundation donated 5,364 pieces of diapers to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City. The donation directly benefits premature and critically ill newborns who rely on constant care and steady supplies.
Responding to Daily Hospital Needs
The visit highlighted daily pressures inside the NICU, including limited supplies and demanding nurse-to-patient ratios. Diapers remain a constant need, often covered out of pocket by staff. The donation helps close this gap and supports safer, cleaner care for infants.
Building Long-Term NICU Support
This initiative marks the foundation’s continuing commitment to NICU communities in Cebu. Lean & Learn Health Foundation aims to sustain support through donations, partnerships, and volunteer engagement with local healthcare units.
Media Contact and Outreach
For interviews, volunteer coordination, and partnerships, reach Lean & Learn Health Foundation via email at [email protected]. Direct contact is also available through Facebook and Instagram at Lean & Learn Health Foundation and @leanlearnhealthfoundation.
Bantayan Island is a haven for sun, sand, and serenity. Beyond the usual tourist spots, the island hides stretches of white sand, calm waters, and quiet corners that feel untouched. Whether you’re chasing a long walk along a sandbar, a hidden paradise, or a cozy cabana by the sea, these beaches promise a slice of tropical bliss.
1. Kota Beach – Walk Along the Shapeshifting Sandbar
Photo grab from Google Maps
Kota Beach is the iconic stretch of white sand in Sta. Fe, known for its long, ever-changing sandbar ideal for morning walks and paddleboarding. The beach is lined with resorts and eateries, making it easy to spend the whole day here.
How To Get There?
Location: Kota Beach, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
By Car: From Cebu City, drive north via the Cebu North Road toward Hagnaya Port in San Remigio. Travel time is around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic. At Hagnaya Port, board a RoRo ferry to Santa Fe Port, which takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive at Santa Fe Port, Kota Beach is only 5–10 minutes away by car or tricycle. Some resorts, including Kota Beach Resort, offer free or paid port transfers—it’s best to confirm in advance.
By Commute: From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus or van bound for Hagnaya Port. The trip takes approximately 4–5 hours. At Hagnaya, ride a passenger ferry to Santa Fe Port (around 1 hour). From the port, you can take a tricycle to Kota Beach, which is a short ride. Select resorts along the beach may provide scheduled pick-up services from the port during daytime hours.
Paradise Beach, also called Sandira Beach, is a secluded spot perfect for relaxing under coconut palms, swimming in clear waters, or snorkeling. It charges a small entrance fee and is best during the dry season (February to May) for calm seas.
How to Get There?
Location: Paradise Beach (Sandira Beach), Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
By Car:From Sta. Fe town proper, drive north toward Barangay Okoy. The trip takes about 10–15 minutes. Parking is available near the beach entrance, after which you’ll walk a short footpath to reach the shore. The access road is narrow in some sections, so drive carefully.
By Commute: From Sta. Fe town proper, take a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) going to Paradise Beach or Sandira Beach. Travel time is around 10–15 minutes. You’ll be dropped off near the entrance, followed by a short walk along a footpath to the beach. Wearing comfortable footwear is recommended.
Photo grab from Google Maps
3. Amihan Beach – Serene Cabanas by the Sea
Photo grab from Google Maps
Amihan Beach is a boutique escape with bamboo cabanas and a calm, intimate atmosphere. Its simple, Filipino-inspired design blends with the tropical surroundings, offering spectacular sunrises and quiet mornings for swimming or reading by the shore.
How to Get There?
Location: Amihan Beach Resort, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
By Car: From Sta. Fe town proper, drive toward the beach area near Kota Beach. Amihan Beach Resort is located along the same coastal strip, just a few minutes from the town center. Travel time is about 5–10 minutes. Limited parking is available near the resort, so it’s best to arrive early during peak season.
By Commute:From Sta. Fe town proper or Santa Fe Port, take a tricycle going to Amihan Beach Resort or simply say Kota Beach area, as it is a well-known landmark nearby. The ride takes around 5–10 minutes. From the drop-off point, it’s a short walk to the beachfront.
Photo grab from Google Maps
Bantayan is more than a postcard-perfect island, it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore beaches that feel like your own secret hideaway. Whether it’s the long sandbar at Kota, the hidden charm of Paradise Beach, or the serene cabanas of Amihan, each destination offers a distinct experience that will stay with you long after the sun sets.
The Filipino New Year is more than a festive gathering, as it is deeply rooted in traditions that welcome luck, prosperity, and togetherness. Through carefully chosen dishes served during Media Noche, families express their hopes for a fruitful and harmonious year ahead.
A Lucky Start to the Year
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Media Noche is a midnight feast shared with loved ones as the New Year begins. The foods prepared are believed to influence the months ahead, making the table a symbol of optimism and abundance.
Fruits That Invite Prosperity
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Twelve round fruits are a New Year staple, with each fruit representing one month of abundance. Apples, grapes, oranges, and melons resemble coins and reflect the wish for steady wealth throughout the year.
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Dishes That Represent Wealth and Plenty
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Pork dishes, especially lechon, symbolize abundance and a well-provided life. Green vegetables such as cabbage and leafy greens are linked to money and financial growth, while spring rolls and dumplings resemble gold bars and money pouches.
Food for Long Life and Good Health
Pancit is always present on the New Year table, with long noodles symbolizing a long and healthy life. Eggs are added to represent renewal, continuity, and fresh beginnings.
Meals That Strengthen Family Bonds
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Sticky rice cakes known as kakanin, including biko, suman, and bibingka, reflect the idea of good luck staying close. Their shared texture also represents unity and stronger family ties.
Foods Traditionally Avoided
Chicken and certain fish are often skipped because they scratch or scavenge for food, which is associated with hardship. Many families choose alternatives like shrimp dishes such as camaron rebosado to keep the symbolism positive.
Traditions That Complete the Feast
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Media Noche brings families together at midnight to share food and welcome the New Year. Wearing polka dots is also common, as circular patterns resemble coins and attract prosperity.
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Welcoming the Year with Hope
Traditional New Year foods reflect Filipino values of family, resilience, and optimism. By honoring these customs, families begin the year with shared meals, meaningful symbols, and hopeful intentions for the future.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health suggests that women who rarely have sex may have a higher risk of dying earlier than those who are sexually active at least once a week. The research analyzed long-term health data from thousands of adults in the United States.
Study Based on National Health Data
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Researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2005 and 2010. The study followed 14,542 adults aged 20 to 59 and tracked all-cause mortality outcomes through 2015.
How Often Participants Had Sex
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Participants reported how many times they had vaginal or anal sex in the previous year. Researchers compared people who had sex less than once per week with those who had sex at least once weekly.
Higher Mortality Risk for Women
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The results showed that women who had sex less than once a week had a 70 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality during the follow-up period, even after adjusting for health and lifestyle factors.
Depression Amplifies the Risk
Among participants with depression, those who rarely had sex showed nearly a threefold increase in mortality risk compared to depressed individuals who had sex about once per week. This indicates that sexual activity may be closely linked to both mental and physical health.
Health Benefits Linked to Regular Sex
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Regular sexual activity has been associated with reduced stress, better mood, improved sleep, and better cardiovascular function. The study also found that people with low sexual frequency tended to have higher levels of inflammation in the body.
Once a Week May Be the Sweet Spot
The findings suggest that having sex about once per week may be enough to gain potential health benefits. Having sex more frequently did not show additional reductions in mortality risk.
Different Effects for Men
The study noted that sexual frequency may affect men and women differently. Very high sexual frequency in men was associated with increased mortality risk, showing that balance may be important.
Important Context to Remember
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The study does not prove that sex directly increases lifespan. Poor health can reduce sexual activity, which may partly explain the association. Relationship quality and sexual satisfaction were not included in the analysis.
The findings highlight sexual health as an important part of overall well-being and suggest it may deserve more attention in public health discussions, especially for women and people experiencing depression.
Fireworks are fun for humans, but terrifying for pets. Dogs, cats, and even small animals like rabbits have sensitive hearing, making loud booms overwhelming. Signs of stress include trembling, hiding, panting, pacing, whining, or destructive behavior. Avoid scolding; focus on creating calm and comfort.
Prepare a Safe Space
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Set up a cozy indoor area away from windows and doors. Use a quiet room, add familiar bedding, toys, and water. Playing soft music or white noise can help mask fireworks, and adding a piece of your clothing can provide extra comfort through your scent.
Exercise and Routine
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Take dogs for a walk and allow bathroom breaks before fireworks begin. Burning off energy beforehand can help pets relax. Keep routines consistent to reduce anxiety, especially on noisy nights.
Keep Pets Indoors and Secure
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All pets should stay inside during celebrations. Close windows and curtains, and check that doors and fences are secure. Make sure ID tags and microchip information are up to date in case your pet panics and tries to escape.
Distract and Comfort
Provide toys, puzzle feeders, or treats to divert attention. Use calming aids like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or vet-approved supplements if needed. Maintain a calm demeanor to reassure pets without over-coddling.
After the Fireworks
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Check your yard for leftover debris and remove anything dangerous. Monitor pets for continued stress or unusual behavior and offer comfort as they recover from the night’s events.
Party Precautions
Keep food, alcohol, and chocolate out of reach. Guests should avoid giving table scraps, and doors should be watched carefully during comings and goings to prevent escapes.
Avoid exposing pets to fireworks if possible. Staying home with them in a secure, calm space is the best way to manage anxiety. Preparing in advance and following these steps ensures your furbabies start the New Year safe and stress-free.
