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18th Cebu Marathon Welcomes Runners from all around the Globe

Saturday, January 10, 2026

The Cebu Marathon returns this Sunday with 12,000 registered runners, including a strong contingent of international participants. Organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC), the marathon is now on its 18th year and continues to grow as a celebration of sports, health, and community.

Councilor Jose Abellanosa, who will be joining for the first time, expressed his excitement: “This will be my first marathon, and I’m thankful. Everyone, good luck.”
Global Participation














The marathon has drawn runners from across the world, with Japan leading the foreign entries at 97 participants. They are followed by the United States (64), South Korea (59), Australia (30), United Kingdom (21), Germany (18), Canada (15), Taiwan (14), France (13), and Singapore (11). The participation of runners from multiple countries highlights the role of AIMS certification in attracting foreign entries.
“The marathon’s AIMS certification has also helped attract foreign runners, making Cebu a destination for international participants,” said John Pages, co-founder of the Cebu Marathon. He also recognized the Cebu City government for its support: “The city has been one of the key reasons for our success. “
Promoting Health and Lifestyle
Dr. Rhoel Dejaňo of the Cebu City Sports Commission highlighted the health benefits of the event: “Running is a very popular sport. It promotes a healthy lifestyle, and we are thankful this has become a regular event every year.”
Former Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, who will run the half marathon, reaffirmed her support: “The Cebu Marathon is now on its 18th year. I’ve joined (he Cebu Marathon) in the past, and it’s always fun. I’m proud to support it fully.”
Venue Partner and Accessibility
SM Seaside City, the marathon’s venue partner, will keep its facilities open from 10 a.m. Saturday until the end of the marathon. Regional operations manager Anton de la Merced assured runners and supporters of convenience: Coffee Bean and Starbucks will open early, parking will be accessible, and restrooms will be available 24 hours.
Innovations for Sustainability
Co-founder Meyrick Jacalan announced new eco-friendly measures, including collapsible cups for runners. “We are proud to be the first marathon in Cebu to use collapsible cups. This supports the mayor’s initiative for a healthier environment,” he said. A runners’ guide was also emailed to all participants, providing route details and event information.
Gun Start and Cut-Off Times
Race schedules have been set to ensure smooth flow and safety for all participants:
• 42K – Gun start at 12:00 a.m., cut-off time of 8 hours
• 21K – Gun start at 3:00 a.m., cut-off time of 4.5 hours
• 10K – Gun start at 4:30 a.m., cut-off time of 2.5 hours
• 5K – Gun start at 5:30 a.m., cut-off time of 1.5 hours
Mayor’s Call for Institutionalization
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival welcomed the sustainability initiatives, noting that reducing plastic waste is vital for the city. He also acknowledged donations of blinkers for traffic enforcers, underscoring the marathon’s role in supporting both sports and public service. Most importantly, he called for the institutionalization of the Cebu Marathon: “This event should be held every second week of January. With 12,000 runners, the impact is clear. It deserves to be a permanent tradition for Cebu.”
A Celebration of Cebu
With thousands of runners, hundreds of foreign participants, and strong community backing, the Cebu Marathon has become more than a race. It is a tradition that brings together government, private partners, and citizens in a shared pursuit of health, sustainability, and pride for Cebu.
This year’s Cebu Marathon signals a shift—not only in scale, but in responsibility. With sustainability initiatives in place, stronger city support, and growing international recognition, the race shows that progress can be measured not just in kilometers, but in care for the environment and the people who make the event possible.
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Sinulog Gala 2026 at SM City Cebu with AweSM

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.









Kicking off the festivities is Sinulogtopia with Islands Souvenirs, running from January 3-28 at the Lower Ground Level of the Main Mall, where shoppers can take home keepsakes inspired by Cebuano pride and festival flair. Adding to the festive buzz is the Best of Sinulog Bazaar, open from January 3-18 at the same location, featuring crowd-favorites from SM Store, Kultura, and Paglaum’s Lechon—a must-visit for foodies and gift hunters looking to max their Sinulog gala experience.
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.
Shoppers can gala smarter during the AweSM Cebu Sale from January 12-18, as participating stores offer exciting deals that make every find feel like a win. Fashion lovers are in for a treat on January 16 with the FIDA Fashion Show at the North Wing Atrium, showcasing designs inspired by Filipino creativity and Sinulog energy.
The excitement peaks on January 16 as the lively Sinulog Groove Parade happens around the mall from January 16-18—bringing dance, drums, and movement straight to the heart of the celebration.
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.
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How to Plan a Family Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

Family vacations are some of the most memorable experiences, but they can also be stressful — especially when it comes to money. Between transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities, costs can quickly add up.

The good news? With careful planning, a clear budget, and a few simple strategies, your family can enjoy a fun, stress-free vacation without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your next trip step by step, save smartly, and involve the whole family in the process.




Step 1: Decide Your Vacation Budget

The first step in planning a stress-free trip is knowing exactly how much you can spend. Break your budget down into categories:

CategoryEstimated CostNotes
Transportation₱2,000Flights, gas, or ferry fees
Accommodation₱5,000Hotels, Airbnb, or homestays
Food₱2,000Meals, snacks, groceries
Activities & Entertainment₱5,000Tickets, tours, local experiences
Souvenirs & Misc₱1,000Gifts, incidentals
Buffer5–10% of totalFor emergencies or unexpected costs

Pro Tip: Always include a small buffer for unexpected expenses to prevent overspending stress.

Step 2: Start Saving Early

Once you know your target budget, start saving early. Here’s how:

  • Open a Family Vacation Fund: Use a dedicated bank account, envelope system, or digital wallet.

  • Set Monthly Goals: Determine how much to save each month to reach your goal.

  • Involve the Kids: Give small chores or saving responsibilities to older children — this teaches money responsibility.

  • Cut Back Temporarily: Limit takeout meals, skip unnecessary subscriptions, or sell unused items to boost your vacation fund.

Even small, consistent savings add up over time.

Step 3: Choose Affordable Destinations & Travel Dates

Smart destination and timing choices can save thousands:

  • Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak months when flights and hotels are expensive.

  • Local Destinations: Explore places within driving distance or nearby islands — cheaper and less stressful.

  • Compare Prices: Use tools like Skyscanner, Agoda, or Booking.com to find the best deals.

  • Look for Family Deals: Some hotels and resorts offer packages or free stays for kids.

Example: Instead of a 7-day international trip, a 5-day local vacation can create the same memories at a fraction of the cost.

Step 4: Plan Meals & Activities Smartly

Food and activities are often the biggest hidden costs.

  • Cook Some Meals: Rent accommodations with a kitchen to prepare breakfast or snacks.

  • Look for Free or Low-Cost Attractions: Beaches, hiking trails, museums with free entry, local festivals.

  • Book in Advance: Save on tours, tickets, or passes by reserving early.

  • Limit Souvenir Spending: Set a small per-child budget for souvenirs.

Tip: Keep a daily spending limit and track it as a family — fun and educational for kids!

Step 5: Use Tools & Track Expenses

Stay organized with apps and printables:

  • Apps: Mint, Splitwise, or Excel sheets

  • Track Daily: Record spending immediately to avoid surprises

  • Adjust: Shift funds between categories if needed

Optional: Download our free Family Travel Budget Tracker [link to lead magnet]

Step 6: Review & Celebrate

After the trip:

  • Review actual spending vs. budget

  • Celebrate achievements and memories made together

  • Discuss lessons learned for the next trip

Family vacations aren’t just about spending money — they’re about teamwork, planning, and creating lasting memories.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Planning a family vacation without breaking the bank is possible when you budget wisely, save consistently, and plan as a team.

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