Our dear Queen City was “bursting at the seams” with visitors for the Sinulog Week. Oh yes, the Patron of Cebu, our beloved Señor Sto. Niño, is a crowd drawer. Devotees from near and far came to pay homage and join the legendary foot procession. This year’s Sinulog celebration was the liveliest and grandest ever, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organizers under the leadership of Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia.
During the Mayor’s Night at NUSTAR on Sinulog Friday, Mayor Garcia expressed gratitude to the Sto. Niño for the opportunity given to him to make that all-important decision to return the Sinulog festivities back to its traditional venue in response to the clamor of the general public. He also shared that this year the participating contingents more than doubled — a clear sign that the Sinulog fever was back with a vengeance! And indeed the traditional Sinulog vibe was very much felt on that beautiful Sunday!
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NUSTAR was one “happening place” during the festive week with its “Taste Cebu 2025” at the Grand Ballroom. A nostalgic take on all-time favorites, the food fest featured traditional dishes tweaked to enhance taste and to give them a modern twist. NUSTAR executive chef Martin Rebolledo and his team made sure that creativity and innovation underscored the evening’s offerings. For example: the basic Lechon was reinvented to include Lechon Empanada, Lechon Taco, Lechon Quesadilla, etc. It was a very interesting food journey around NUSTAR’s grand ballroom that evening. Kudos to the culinary experts and Fili Hotel general manager Roel Constantino.
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And speaking of food, Mott 32 at NUSTAR offers a specially curated menu (available till March 21) crafted by its new head chef Chung Tin Eddy Wong who comes with more than 40 years experience in the culinary scene. His signature menu celebrates the flavors of Hong Kong as well as offers a Lunar New Year treat that highlights tradition with a modern touch. This includes Mott 32 favorites like Shredded 42 Days Peking Duck Salad, Barbecue Pluma Iberico Pork, Braised Abalone, etc.
Meanwhile other Lunar New Year specials, which feature the rich culinary heritage of China, are offered at Mott 32 till Feb. 12. Definitely worth checking out.
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Dining at the Texas Roadhouse in NUSTAR’s classy The Mall was a food trip that gave us an all-American experience. The famed steakhouse chain specializes in Texan and Southwestern cuisine. For starters we were served freshly-baked bread and peanuts, which whetted our appetite for the rest of their specialties… hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, flavorful chicken, delectable seafood and, not to forget, an array of appetizers, crisp salad, juicy burgers, scrumptious sides… the list goes on. Hankering for typical American yummies? The place to go is Texas Roadhouse!