NUSTAR Resort Cebu celebrated the richness of Cebuano culinary heritage through Taste Cebu: Heirloom Culinary Gallery, a two-day showcase that brought together the stories, traditions, and flavors behind the dishes that have defined Cebu’s food culture for generations. More than a celebration of food, the event also supported a meaningful cause, with proceeds benefiting the Cebu Food Bank through Universal Cultural Foundation, Inc. (UCFI), the social responsibility arm of NUSTAR Resort Cebu. Through every ticket purchased, guests contributed to efforts that helped address food insecurity and strengthened communities across Cebu.
Held on July 9 and 10, 2026 at the Grand Ballroom at NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the event invited guests to discover Cebuano food heritage through a gallery-style journey that traced the origins, evolution, and continuing transformation of the region’s culinary identity. Each session was a one-hour guided journey through all galleries and tasting stations. Guests chose from five time slots each day: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
Curated by Cebuano author and food historian Louella Theresa A. Eslao-Alix, Taste Cebu: Heirloom Culinary Gallery brought together food, history, and storytelling in a format that went beyond the meal itself, allowing guests to experience and understand the cultural narratives behind some of Cebu’s most enduring dishes and traditions.
The experience began in the Listening Room, where guests were first grounded in the stories, influences, and historical moments that have shaped Cebuano cuisine. From there, four themed galleries took them through different chapters of Cebu’s culinary story, from its roots and home-kitchen traditions to fiesta culture and modern-day takes on Cebuano cuisine. Each gallery was paired with tastings that bring the narrative to life.
Taste Cebu is part of NUSTAR’s broader effort to champion local culture through world-class experiences while creating positive impact beyond the resort. By bringing together heritage preservation, culinary storytelling, and community support, the event reflects Cebu’s growing profile as a destination for culinary tourism while helping advance the mission of the Cebu Food Bank through UCFI.
