The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) convened business leaders yesterday at The Wave Towers, IT Park, to highlight its upcoming Tokyo Trade Mission, scheduled for February 25–27, 2026. The mission will focus on disaster resilience, healthcare innovation, and sustainable urban development.

The initiative aligns with Cebu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen urban resilience, climate adaptation, and healthcare systems. Recent flooding events in the region have highlighted the need for robust flood control infrastructure, proactive disaster preparedness, and resilient urban planning, emphasizing the importance of long-term, integrated solutions.

Healthcare remains a priority, particularly in supporting disaster response and community resilience. Access to quality medical services, emergency response systems, and durable healthcare infrastructure is essential for protecting lives and enabling frontline workers to perform effectively during emergencies.

Japan was selected as a strategic learning partner due to its extensive experience in managing natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. Through sustained investments in flood control infrastructure, smart city development, and advanced healthcare systems, Japan has developed models that offer practical lessons for Cebu’s development objectives.

The Tokyo Trade Mission will enable participants to:

Participate in Care Show Japan 2026, Asia’s leading healthcare exhibition, to explore healthcare innovation, elderly care solutions, digital health technologies, and workforce development;

Engage with NTT Urban Development to gain insights into transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, digital infrastructure, and resilient urban planning; and

Visit major flood control facilities, including the Shibuya Station Underground Tank and the Kanda / Loop 7 Underground Regulating Reservoir, to study large-scale urban flood management and disaster risk reduction systems.

During the preparatory Coffee Break session, CCCI gathered input from over 20 participants representing various sectors of the Cebu business community. Feedback will be incorporated into the final mission program to ensure alignment with local priorities and maximize actionable outcomes.

CCCI expressed gratitude to Cebu Landmasters for supporting and hosting the session, highlighting that collaboration with international partners is key to advancing Cebu’s long-term economic and urban development goals.

The chamber encourages stakeholders and partners to engage with the initiative and support efforts to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the province.

Padayon Cebu! 

 This Sinulog season, the celebration goes bigger, brighter, and more immersive as SM City Cebu invites everyone to max out the experience with AweSM Cebu 2026, a month-long festival of culture, color, and community happening from January 3-28, 2026. Packed with must-see attractions, star-studded mall shows, glowing spectacles, and experiences made for every tribe, SM City Cebu brings the spirit of Sinulog gala to the max.

From January 8-21, the North Wing Atrium transforms into a radiant centerpiece with Glow City: Sinulog Centerpiece, setting the stage for vibrant photo moments perfect for families, friends, and festival enthusiasts. Creative minds can also shine in Luminescence: A Sinulog Digi Art Contest, running from January 8-18, where digital artistry meets Cebu’s colorful heritage.

On January 17, the AweSM Glow Dance Competition lights up the North Wing, highlighting creative glow-ups that reflect Sinulog’s festive spirit. Fans can also catch Coco Martin Live at the Main Mall in a special mall show presented by Toyota Mabolo on the same day. The party continues with Sinulog Beats Live Party on January 17 and 18 at the North Wing Atrium, perfect for music lovers ready to dance their gala nights away.

On Sinulog Day, January 18, the festivities reach an exciting peak with the Kapuso Stars Mall Show at the Lower Ground Level of the Main Mall, leading up to the grand visual finale—ILLUMINIGHT: Sinulog Drone & Pyro Show at the North Wing Complex. With synchronized drones and fireworks lighting up the Cebu skyline, it’s a breathtaking moment that truly maxes the Sinulog experience.

With something for every tribe—families, foodies, fashion lovers, music fans, and festival-goers—AweSM Cebu 2026 at SM City Cebu is where everyday moments turn into unforgettable memories. This Sinulog, gather your people, plan your gala days, and celebrate the highly anticipated festival to the max at SM City Cebu

 This Sinulog season, SM Seaside City Cebu invites everyone to celebrate bigger, brighter, and bolder with AweSM Cebu 2026, a month-long lineup of festivities designed to let mallgoers max out their Sinulog experiences. Starting January 8, the city’s iconic seaside destination transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition, creativity, and today’s kind of celebration come together.

More than just a mall, SM Seaside becomes a full Sinulog experience—one where families, barkadas, travelers, runners, fur parents, fandoms, and different communities can curate their own festival moments. From cultural showcases and immersive photo spots to high-energy performances, lively parties, and scenic hangouts, SM Seaside is the ultimate must-visit Sinulog destination.

Kicking off the festivities is the AweSM Cebu LokalPop Collective from January 8-28 at the Mountain Wing Atrium, spotlighting local creativity and Cebuano pride through pop culture, design, and homegrown finds. Adding to the festive energy is the Sto. Niño Exhibit from January 8-28 at the Cube Wing Atrium, offering a meaningful space that honors the faith and tradition at the heart of Sinulog.

A highlight guests should not miss is the daily Senyo Mascot Meet & Greet from January 8-28 at the Mountain Wing Atrium. As SM Seaside’s new Sinulog mascot, Senyo brings joy, color, and playful energy to the celebration, making him a favorite photo companion for kids, families, and festival-goers of all ages.

Food lovers can indulge in Cebu’s iconic flavors at the AweSM Lechon Fest from January 12-18 at the Seaview Wing Atrium, while shoppers can score exciting finds during the AweSM Cebu Sale happening mall-wide from January 12-18. Beauty, grace, and Cebuana pride take center stage at the Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition on January 14 at the Mountain Wing Atrium.

Celebrating local culture continues with Nakakalokal Goes to SM Seaside from January 16-18 at the Mountain Wing Atrium, bringing the best of Filipino ingenuity and local entrepreneurship right into the heart of Sinulog. A campaign and advocacy program by the PhilSTAR Media Group, Nakakalokal is a three-day bazaar featuring a vibrant mix of local makers, food artisans, and lifestyle brands, showcasing proudly Filipino products—from Cebuano snacks and handmade crafts to sustainable fashion and unique homegrown finds.

Keeping the energy flowing, the mall comes alive with movement and music during Rhythm in Motion from January 16-18, where dance, beats, and crowd energy blend seamlessly throughout the mall, getting everyone moving and maxing out the festive vibe.

For those seeking scenic nights and hangouts, the AweSM Skypark Party at The Skypark delivers unforgettable experiences—from a Dragshow Night on January 16 to a Community Run in the morning and Skypark Beats in the afternoon on January 17. The excitement peaks with the AweSM Skypark Grand Pyro Display on January 18, lighting up the Cebu skyline in a dazzling Sinulog spectacle.

SM Seaside paces the way for the Cebu Marathon 2026, with the Expo at the Mountain Wing Atrium running from January 9-11 and Race Day on January 11 at SM Seaside’s concert grounds The festivities continue with star-studded excitement during the Sinulog Kapamilya Caravan on January 17, where fans can enjoy the chance to celebrate with beloved Kapamilya personalities at SM Seaside’s concert grounds. Adding to the festive lineup is the much-anticipated AweSM Petstival on January 24 at the Mountain Wing Atrium—ensuring even fur parents and their pets can max out their own Sinulog moments.

With its diverse lineup of events, immersive spaces, and nonstop energy, AweSM Cebu 2026 captures the spirit where tradition meets the celebration you want to live today, offering a Sinulog experience at its absolute maximum. This year, make SM Seaside City Cebu your festival home—your hangout, your playground, your Sinulog.

About the AweSM Cebu Campaign

Launched in 2019, the AweSM Cebu campaign is SM’s signature celebration of Cebuano culture, creativity, and community, transforming malls into vibrant hubs of entertainment, local artistry, and family-friendly experiences every Sinulog season. Each year, the campaign combines shopping, culture, music, gastronomy, and innovative showcases, positioning SM Supermalls as the ultimate destination for both Cebuanos and visitors seeking immersive Sinulog festivities. Over the years, AweSM Cebu has become a city-wide tradition that brings the many colors, rhythms, and flavors of the festival together—allowing everyone to experience the spirit of Sinulog under one roof.

Best regards,