HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
 

It’s a given with any major city in the world, that there’ll be a constant flux of redevelopment, change, rebirth, modernization, and gentrification. Cebu City is one of those cities experiencing rapid growth and expansion; and some will inevitably be controversial, like the ongoing one of the Carbon Market district. On safer ground, and elevating the lifestyle, hospitality, leisure, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) experience in the Philippines, and of Cebu in particular — is the NUSTAR complex of the Gokongwei Group.

To its credit, NUSTAR Cebu was delivered after only 2.5 years since inception, with a lot of the work done during the pandemic, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette hitting Cebu. With seasoned gaming executives and industry experts brought onboard, NUSTAR has more than justified how it forged its own path in bringing this high-end, premium product to fruition. It avoided the travel-worn path of creating a joint venture with an acknowledged global gaming entity, choosing to find it’s own way.

The Cebu Sunset Cruise, with NUSTAR serving as the magnificent backdrop.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to its opening, and was back when it unveiled Mott32 in September of 2022. Admittedly, on those two occasions, we could see that it was still a work in progress, but we could easily acknowledge the potential, and how forward-looking its master plan was. After all, Mott32 is one of the best modern Chinese restaurants in the world, and not just your typical high-end Chinese eating establishment — outside of Hong Kong, it’s found in Las Vegas, Bangkok, Vancouver, Singapore, and Seoul. There is no Mott32 in Manila, so the only Philippine outpost is to be found in Cebu.

I vividly recall that Mott32 opening and how Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco was the special guest of Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., and Frederick Go, president and CEO of Robinsons Land Corporation and of Universal Hotels and Resorts. It was especially fitting that they had Sec. Frasco, as she’s a Cebu native, and was mayor of Liloan, before assuming the post of Tourism Secretary.

During the Mott32 opening last year, Xuan Mu of Maximal Concepts, mother company of Mott32, with Frederick Go and Lance Gokongwei.

Just the other month, the very first VisMin Louis Vuitton Salon de Luxe was launched at a Fili Villa; a prelude to when the actual store opens at the The Mall NUSTAR Cebu. And over the coming months, we’ll be seeing several major luxury brands opening free-standing concept stores at this mall - that’s definitely a feather in the cap, as it’s the first time these retail brands will be venturing outside of Metro Manila and Luzon.

A Performing Arts Theater called The Stage is projected to open by the end of 2024. The NUSTAR Skydeck boasts of a 180 degree view of Cebu, where you can enjoy sea views, the mountains, and the city lights at night — don’t be surprised if this becomes one of the most sought after venues in the Queen City of the South for private parties and functions.

MICE functions there are on the rise, as the Convention Center officially opened in June of this year. With special venues found within the Center, one couldn’t help but be impressed with how a lot of thought was spent in making these venues go that extra mile with features that make them so ideal. For example, there’s a bridal lounge that includes a dressing area, along with an expansive waiting area for the bride and entourage. Add to this the powder room with bathroom facilities, all providing comfort and convenience.

The suite at Fili Hotel, NUSTAR. Note the Filipino elements.

There’s a NUSTAR Rewards program, where one can earn and redeem points in any establishment within the property. The logic here is that it is all about the experience, and as the complex evolves and expands with new centers of interest opening up, it would be good to have this rewards program work as an incentive to drive its patrons to leave their comfort zones, and try out the new offerings.

The times I’ve been there, I’ve stayed at the Fili Hotel, a premier five-star hotel brand that’s been developed by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts. Fili aims to showcase modern Filipino elements, craftsmanship, and service — in the context of a home grown brand that can be favorably compared with what the best global hotel brands can offer. The Fili at NUSTAR stands as the brand’s flagship location.

The Mott32 dining area.

It has definitely changed the Metro Cebu landscape and has even changed the rules of the game, raising the bar on what represents luxury and elevated hospitality in this fair city. It may have been the Robinsons Land Corporation’s introduction to this segment of the market, but it’s an introduction that’s been utilized to good purpose as the developer now spreads its wings in that market category, via such projects as the Opus Mall in Bridgetowne (in Pasig and Quezon City), where the second Fili Hotel will be found.

NUSTAR Cebu is a beacon of possibility, and of dedicated execution. As the complex evolves, it’ll be exciting times ahead.