Lights return to the stage, footsteps gather, and seven paths become one again. After years of silence as a group, the countdown ends this 2026. BTS is back, complete, and ready to begin its next chapter.
Official Comeback Announcement
Photo from BTS (방탄소년단) Facebook Page
BigHit Music confirmed on January 1 that BTS will release a new album on March 20, 2026. The project marks the group’s first full-member album in three years and nine months, signaling the end of their long group hiatus.
First Group Release Since Proof
Photo from BTS (방탄소년단) Facebook Page
The upcoming album will be BTS’s first release as seven since Proof in June 2022. That album arrived just before the members stepped away from group activities to focus on solo work and fulfill national duties.
Military Chapter Closed
Photo from BTS (방탄소년단) Facebook Page
All seven members have now completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Suga was the final member to be discharged on June 21, 2025, clearing the way for BTS to reunite fully as a group.
A Quiet but Meaningful Reveal
Before the official announcement, BTS revealed the comeback date through handwritten letters sent to selected ARMY members. The letters were gifted to fans who maintained a Weverse membership for three consecutive years and included the date March 20, 2026.
Courtesy of BigHit Music
Connection With ARMY
Photo from BTS (방탄소년단) Facebook Page
The letters carried personal reflections and gratitude from each member, reinforcing the bond between BTS and their global fan base. Fans who did not receive physical copies will be able to read the messages on Weverse later this month.
Global Stage Returns
Photo from BTS (방탄소년단) Facebook Page
After the album release, BTS is set to embark on a world tour, marking a full-scale return to live performances. Additional details about the album and tour plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
Behind late nights and silent taps, patterns began to form, pointing toward one country that kept appearing in the data. By the end of 2025, those patterns placed the Philippines firmly in the global spotlight of adult search trends.
Pinay Search Trend Holds Strong
Photo from Pornhub.com
The Philippines stood out once again in Pornhub’s 2025 Year in Review as the term Pinay ranked third among the most searched words worldwide. Only hentai and MILF ranked higher, marking the second straight year that the search term held the same global position.
Philippines Among Top Traffic Sources
Photo from Pornhub.com
The country remained the third largest source of traffic on the site. The United States stayed in first place, while Mexico rose to second. Brazil and Germany followed behind the Philippines, as France dropped several spots after regulatory changes and reduced access.
Longer Time Spent Online
Photo from Pornhub.com
Filipino users spent more time per visit compared to the previous year. The average session reached 10 minutes and 53 seconds, placing the country second globally, behind Japan, and well above the worldwide average.
Women Lead Viewership
Photo from Pornhub.com
The Philippines recorded the highest share of female viewers among the top 20 countries. Women accounted for 64 percent of visitors, while men made up 36 percent. Only Colombia and Argentina also showed a female majority, though at lower levels.
Young and Mobile Audience
Photo from Pornhub.com
Most visitors from the Philippines were young, with 49 percent aged 18 to 24 and another large share aged 25 to 34. Mobile access dominated viewing habits, as 96 percent of users accessed the site through phones.
Strong Interest in Local Content
Photo from Pornhub.com
Search behavior showed a clear preference for Filipino-related content. Pinay and Pinoy remained the top local search terms, followed by Japanese, anime, and hentai. Interest also rose in terms such as threesome and Chinese, both climbing significantly in rankings.
Popular Categories and Names
Photo from Pornhub.com
Japanese became the most viewed category in the Philippines, followed by Reality, Lesbian, Korean, and Hentai. Reality, Hentai, and Korean content were viewed far more in the country compared to global averages. Lexi Lore and Johnny Sins remained the most viewed names among Filipino users, joined by Alex Adams, Hazel Moore, and Melody Marks.
Cebu City takes on a different mood once the sun goes down. From glowing highways to quiet hills lit by scattered lights, the skyline becomes part of the dining experience. These restaurants and rooftop spots offer more than good food, they give you a clear view of the city’s rhythm, best enjoyed at night.
Harold’s Rooftop Hotel
Photo grab from Google Maps
Located along Gorordo Avenue, Harold’s Rooftop Hotel offers a calm dining space with a clear view of Cebu’s urban lights. The atmosphere is polished but not stiff, making it suitable for both casual dinners and quiet celebrations. From the rooftop, the city stretches out in all directions, steady and bright as night settles in.
By Car: Set your navigation app to “Harolds Hotel Cebu.” Parking is available on-site.
By Commute: Ride any jeepney that passes Gorordo Avenue (such as 04L or 04I) and get off near Kamputhaw. The hotel is directly along the main road.
Sunset Soirees Rooftop Restaurant
Photo grab from Google Maps
Sunset Soirees sits on the roofdeck of The Pad Co Living and brings a playful tone to rooftop dining. Bright accents, soft lights, and DJ music create an upbeat mood without feeling crowded. It works well for date nights, small celebrations, or unplanned late dinners with friends.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How to Get There?
Location: Roofdeck, The Pad Co-Living, Banilad High Street, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
By Car: Search “The Pad Co Living” on Google Maps or Waze. The building is visible from the highway.
By Commute: Take a 13C or 62B jeepney bound for Talamban and ask to be dropped off at The Pad Co-Living. Enter the building and take the elevator to the roofdeck.
Skydeck 360 Resto Bar Lounge
Photo grab from Google Maps
Skydeck 360 lives up to its name with an open view of Cebu from every angle. From sunset to late evening, the skyline shifts from soft gold to sharp neon. The space is casual but scenic, perfect for drinks, shared plates, and long conversations with the city as your backdrop.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How to Get There?
Location: Above The Noble Cebu Hotel,Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Kasambagan, Cebu City, Philippines
By Car: Pin “Skydeck 360 Resto Bar Lounge” or “The Noble Cebu Hotel” on your map app. Parking is available within the complex.
By Commute: Ride a jeepney that passes Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue and get off near Grand Residences in Kasambagan. Walk toward The Noble Cebu Hotel and head to the roofdeck.
La Parisienne Sky
Photo grab from Google Maps
Set along the Cebu Transcentral Highway, La Parisienne Sky offers a quiet escape above the city. The design leans classic and elegant, paired with wide views of Cebu City below. As night falls, the lights feel distant and calm, making this spot ideal for slow dinners and special occasions.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How to Get There?
Location: Tops Road, Barangay Malubog, Cebu City
By Car: Drive toward Busay via Cebu Transcentral Highway and search for “La Vie in the Sky.” The restaurant is near Tops Lookout, with parking available.
By Commute: From JY Square Mall in Lahug, hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) and ask to be dropped off at La Vie in the Sky or Tops Lookout.
Whether you prefer being in the center of the city or high above it, these dining spots let you enjoy Cebu after dark from a different angle. With the skyline as your view and good food on the table, the night feels slower, clearer, and worth staying out for.
Kandungaw Peak and Osmeña Peak both sit in Dalaguete, sharing the same mountain range but offering very different moods. Kandungaw feels more secluded, located in Barangay Maloray. Osmeña Peak is closer to Mantalongon and sees more visitors throughout the day.
Photo from Nico Elladora
Trail and Difficulty
Photo from Krista Alessia
Kandungaw Peak has a short but demanding trail. The climb starts with long concrete stairs and steep sections that push the legs early. Osmeña Peak, in contrast, has a gentler walk on rocky paths. The trail is uneven but less steep, making it easier for beginners and casual hikers.
Landscape and Views
Photo from Krista Alessia
Kandungaw Peak is defined by sharp ridges and sheer drop-offs. The views feel dramatic, with valleys falling straight down and clouds often rolling below eye level. Osmeña Peak is known for its rolling limestone hills that look like waves frozen in stone. The scenery is wide and open rather than vertical and intense.
Photo Spots and Atmosphere
Photo from Krista Alessia
At Kandungaw, photo spots sit right at the edge, especially at Titanic Peak and the main summit. The mood is quiet and raw, with fewer structures around. Osmeña Peak has established viewpoints, small huts, and open spaces where groups can spread out. It feels more social and relaxed, especially during sunrise.
Crowd and Accessibility
Photo from Krista Alessia
Osmeña Peak is more accessible and therefore more crowded, especially on weekends. It is often part of day tours. Kandungaw Peak sees fewer hikers and feels less commercial. Those looking for a calmer hike usually lean toward Kandungaw.
Kandungaw Peak suits hikers who enjoy steep climbs, sharp views, and a sense of exposure. Osmeña Peak is ideal for those who want iconic scenery without a hard ascent. Both peaks are close in distance, yet they deliver two very different mountain experiences in southern Cebu.
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
Photo from archive
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Pexels.com
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
Photo from Researchgate.com
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.
José Rizal’s final moments remain one of history’s most striking examples of courage. As the day of his execution approached, he showed a remarkable steadiness that set him apart from others in similar situations.
Calm Before the End
Photo from Wikipedia
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.
