National University (NU) Cebu officially launched its presence in the city on June 14, 2025, at SM City Cebu’s The North Wing Atrium. The event, titled “Paghimugso” — a Cebuano term for birth or emergence — marked the 13th campus in NU’s growing nationwide network.
With a legacy spanning 125 years, NU brings its mission of accessible, quality education to the heart of the Visayas. Set within SM City Cebu, the campus is positioned to serve a new generation of Cebuanos looking to rise, lead and transform their communities.
Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival and NU President and Chief Executive Officer Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. led the formalities, joined by the spirited NU Pep Squad. Cebuano athletes now studying under the NU banner were also honored — rooting the university’s national vision in local pride.
NU Cebu opens on July 21, 2025, offering senior high school tracks in ABM, HUMSS and STEM, alongside college programs in Accountancy, Architecture, Computer Science, Tourism Management, Psychology and Medical Technology.
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On June 19, I had the pleasure of sitting down for lunch at Café Laguna with the hardworking teams behind Dominguez Marketing Communications (based in Makati) and PR Works (Cebu’s own). Over plates of familiar Filipino fare, we caught up not just as industry colleagues, but as longtime collaborators navigating an ever-evolving media landscape.
The conversation moved from campaign highlights to regional strategies, touching on the nuances of public relations work in Cebu, where storytelling often calls for both national polish and local insight. Dominguez Marketing shared updates on their recent brand engagements, while PR Works offered perspective on the pulse of the Cebuano market.
The lunch was a simple reminder that at the core of what we do — whether from Metro Manila or Metro Cebu — is the same commitment to crafting stories that matter.
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Electric vehicle maker BYD introduced its Sealion 5 DM-i compact SUV at SM City Cebu on June 20, highlighting hybrid technology in Cebu, where conversations around cleaner mobility are gaining ground.
The Sealion 5 runs on BYD’s DM-i system, which combines electric and internal combustion power. With a reported range of over 1,000 kilometers and a power output of 197 hp, the model is designed to ease concerns around EV range and charging access — key issues in Philippine transport.
The launch marks part of BYD’s national rollout in partnership with ACMobility, aiming to bring hybrid options to regional markets. While full electrification remains a challenge, hybrid systems like the Sealion 5 present a more practical entry point for many Filipino drivers.
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Pickup Coffee, the fast-growing local coffee brand known for its bright green carts, opened its first in-line premium concept, Pickup Prime, at SM Seaside City Cebu on June 20.
The move marks a new chapter for the brand, expanding beyond its usual grab-and-go format. While still focused on fast, feel-good service, Pickup Prime aims to offer a more elevated café experience — with a space designed to encourage customers to linger, connect and enjoy.
“We’re not just here to serve great coffee — our bigger purpose is to uplift,” said Bien Lee, co-founder and chief brand officer. “This new space is about bringing the community together while still staying true to what Pickup is all about.”
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Happening tonight! Cebu’s Marina Seaview will serve as the breezy backdrop to the first-ever “Gin & Chill” festival — an evening dedicated to the flavors, craftsmanship, and community around gin culture.
The event brings together international gin labels and live music, offering guests a chance to explore different styles, pairings and stories behind each pour.
Set against the Mactan Channel, “Gin & Chill” is a gathering for gin enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, with the aim of blending celebration with appreciation. From infused blends to forward spirits, the night promises a refreshing deep dive into the world of gin, Cebuano style.