Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) continues to make remarkable strides in the Philippine hospitality industry as it takes home two of the countryโs most prestigious award-giving bodies โ the 11th Virtus Awards and the 28th Mabuhay Awards. These recognitions highlight not only MHRโs creativity and talent pool, but also its unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, inclusivity, and Filipino hospitality.
โThese recognitions are a humbling reminder of what truly drives Megaworld Hotels & Resortsโour people. Their love for their work and their passion continues to elevate our service and our culture. Therefore, behind every marketing campaign and every milestone is a team that pours genuine heart, creativity, and purpose into their craft. And when love becomes part of oneโs purpose, it radiates authentically โ guests feel it, colleagues feel it, and the entire organization grows because of it,โ Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.
Purpose Driving Progress: Muslim initiative wins Marketing Campaign of the Year
At the 11th Virtus Awards held in Paranaque on October 16 with the theme โPaths and Bridges: Leading the Way and Building Continuity,โ MHRโs โ100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishmentโ marketing campaign was hailed as the Marketing Campaign of the Year, besting 12 other hotel groups nationwide, making it a second consecutive win for the group after โAng Sampaguitaโ received the same award last year.
The judges described the campaign as โauthentic, inclusive, and commercially impactful โ a purpose-driven innovation that addressed an untapped market with meaningful results.โ They further commended MHR for demonstrating leadership with sincerity, cultural respect, and a strong sense of national purpose while achieving tangible business outcomes.
All of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts properties are recognized by DOT as Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments with six properties equipped with Halal-certified kitchens.
This pioneering initiative positioned MHR as the Philippinesโ first Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain, with all of its properties recognized by the Department of Tourism as Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. It also gained international acclaim at the Halal In Travel Awards in Singapore last June, where MHR was applauded for elevating the countryโs readiness to welcome Muslim travelers.
Moreover, MHR was awarded the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award last September for its efforts in promoting Muslim inclusivity and the Filipinization of hospitality through its signature brand of service – the Sampaguita.
The awards night also showcased the strength of MHRโs talent pool, with 13 associates from various properties emerging as national finalists in the categories of Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate, Manager, and Leader.
Honoring the Heart of Hospitality: MHR Shines at the 28th Mabuhay Awards
MHR also took home two major awards at the 28th Mabuhay Awards, widely regarded as the โOscars of Philippine Hospitality,โ held on November 14. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Association of Human Resources Managers (AHRM) and carried the theme โGaling ng Pilipino, Ginto ng Buong Mundo,โ honoring the world-class service of Filipino hospitality professionals.
Maria Bianca Villanueva, Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel, earned the Heart of the House Award in recognition of her dedication and excellence in back-of-house operations. Meanwhile, Hanna Kristina Tiongson, People Management & Development Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, was named HR Leader of the Year, marking another back-to-back victory for MHR following Trixie Tanโs win in 2024. MHR sent a strong lineup of 30 nominees for the Mabuhay Awards.
(L-R) Avinash Menon, Cluster General Manager for Visayas of MHR, Rowena Samonte, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel, Divine delos Reyes, Head of People Management and Development of MHR, Hanna Kristina Tiongson, PMD Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Maria Bianca Villanueva, Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel, Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR, Art Boncato, Jr. Group General Manager of MHR, and Josef Chiongbian, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Their triumphs reflect the companyโs Circle of Happiness philosophy โ a culture anchored on love for God, self, family, work, and country. This framework continues to guide MHRโs people toward finding joy and meaning in their daily work, where passion for service meets purpose and authenticity.
This culture of care and empowerment is strengthened by MHRโs Great Place To Workยฎ certification, which it has proudly achieved for three consecutive years. With 90% of employees affirming that MHR is a great place to work and an 87% Trust Index Score reflecting strong confidence in its leadership, the company continues to nurture an environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrive.
Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown celebrating the Great Place To Work certification of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts for third consecutive year.
MHRโs triumphs in both Virtus and Mabuhay Awards cements its standing as a trailblazer in Philippine hospitality โ one that bridges commercial success with cultural empathy, and strategy with heart.
