Cebu’s Warm Hospitality Welcomes the Country’s Top Creators: Mercure Mactan Cebu and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown Partner for BAICON 2026

MACTAN, CEBU — Cebu once again took center stage as a hub for creativity and collaboration with the successful staging of BAICON 2026, the Philippines’ premier creator festival. Held from May 30 to 31 at The Mactan Newtown, the event gathered hundreds of content creators, influencers, key opinion leaders (KOLs), brands, and industry movers from across the country under the theme “Your Feed IRL.”

As the official hotel partners of BAICON 2026, Mercure Mactan Cebu and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown played a vital role in welcoming delegates and creators to Cebu, providing not only accommodations but also spaces that fostered meaningful connections, collaboration, and authentic experiences beyond the digital world.

The excitement began ahead of the festival with the Philippine Advertising Conference (AdCon) on May 29 at the Mactan Expo. Bringing together marketing professionals, brand leaders, and innovators, the conference explored emerging trends shaping the future of advertising, content creation, and consumer engagement. Mercure Mactan Cebu proudly catered the event, headed by Executive Chef Paolo Aviso, while Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso joined industry leaders in discussing the evolving intersection of hospitality, tourism, and digital storytelling.

As creators arrived in Cebu, both hotels quickly became lively gathering spaces where online personalities, industry partners, and community builders connected in preparation for a weekend dedicated to creativity and innovation.

“Cebu has always been a place where creativity thrives,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to welcome the country’s leading creators and allow them to experience the warmth, authenticity, and hospitality that Cebu is known for.”

The festival officially commenced with a Welcome Dinner at Mactan Newtown Beach, setting the tone for the celebrations ahead. Curated by Chef Coke Semblante and the culinary team of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, the Barrio Fiesta-themed dinner showcased beloved Filipino flavors, featuring lechon, grilled seafood, and local delicacies served against the backdrop of Mactan’s coastline.

The evening brought together creators, partners, and guests in a celebration of culture and community, highlighted by appearances from members of the Bisaya creator community, including The Bisaya Conyo Gang, Krystal Mejes and Miguel Vergara from Pinoy Big Brother Collab 2.0, Zeke Abella, and more . Their presence reflected the growing influence of regional creators and the strength of Cebu’s creative community. The welcome dinner signaled the start of the BaiCon festivities. 

BAICON Weekend Highlights

BAICON 2026 officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown General Manager Josef Victor Chiongbian, Lapu-Lapu Tourism Office Head Garry Lao, Republiq Group of Companies President Bryan Yap, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan, Mercure Mactan Cebu General Manager Gwen Dela Cruz, and other distinguished guests.

The first day featured performances from KAIA and Oh Caraga, creating an energetic atmosphere that carried throughout the festival grounds.

On the second day, attendees enjoyed interactive experiences, creator meet-and-greets, and live entertainment that transformed online communities into real-world connections. Among the event's highlights was the much-anticipated drag showcase headlined by Marina Summers, alongside collaborative games and engaging activities that embodied BAICON’s mission of bringing digital experiences to life.

As BAICON 2026 concluded, the festival reinforced the power of creativity, community, and collaboration in shaping today’s digital landscape. More than a venue for rest, Mercure Mactan Cebu and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown served as extensions of the BAICON experience. Through this partnership, guests experienced not only one of the country’s largest creator gatherings but also the warmth and genuine hospitality that make Cebu a destination of choice for events, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The success of BAICON 2026 further strengthens Cebu’s position as a thriving center for innovation, creativity, and meaningful experiences, where the digital and physical worlds come together through the power of connection.