Cebu shines through

Published on:

16 Dec 2025, 15:36

The Radisson Blu Hotel recently ushered in the holiday season with a spectacular Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, a signature event that has become one of Cebu’s most anticipated festive traditions.

At the heart of the festivities was the lighting of the majestic 32-foot Christmas tree, dressed in elegant blue ribbons and sparkling ornaments that transformed the lobby into a warm Yuletide showcase.

ELIZABETH Sy (fourth from left), president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, with Daily Tribune’s Edu Jarque, Peggy Angeles, Wally Baynes, Rita Dy and Nes Jardin.

Doing the honors were Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation pPresident Elizabeth Sy, RHG Chief Development Officer for Asia and Pacific Ramzy Fenianos, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation executive vice president Peggy Angeles and Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu GM Ann Olalo.

RAMZY Fenianos, RHG Chief Development officer for Asia Pacific.

This year’s celebration carried a deeper meaning as the hotel also proudly marked its 15th anniversary under the theme “Shining Through.” The milestone reflects a journey defined by resilience through changing times, a steadfast commitment to excellence and a strong sense of community spirit, values that continue to guide the hotel as it moves forward, stronger and brighter than ever.

The celebration was complemented by an elegant Crystal Gala Dinner and a Christmas concert, featuring performances by acclaimed tenor Arman Ferrer, soprano Sheila Valderrama, the Cebu Normal University Chorale, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra. The breathtaking concert was masterfully directed by maestro Nestor Jardin, leaving guests truly captivated.

Beyond festivity, the anniversary celebrations emphasized community impact and corporate social responsibility. Radisson Blu expanded its partnership with the Cebu City Jail women’s dormitory under the “Skills Behind Walls” program offering basic housekeeping training to empower women with new skills and livelihood opportunities, a meaningful extension of this “Shining Though” anniversary values.

The momentous Christmas Tree lighting and anniversary festivities blended holiday magic with heartfelt celebration, highlighting Radisson Blu Cebu’s enduring legacy of hospitality, service excellence and community engagement in the heart of Cebu.

PHILIP and Helen Yap.

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival with Doctor Vivina Chiu and Earl Vaño.

AMAPOLA Garcia, assistant director of Events with Sandra Yap, Mae Ko and Tisha Cue.

CEBU Governor Pam Baricuatro (middle) with Melissa Caasi, Perl Arienza, Irma Bitzer with husband, Hon. Consul of Germany Jochen Bitzer.

ELIZABETH Sy with Mariter Klepp, Marissa Fernan, Irma Atillo, Nonie Uy and Marget Villarica.

BGC Christmas tree lighting