What started as a symbolic gesture for Earth Hour has bloomed into a heartfelt advocacy, as guests of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) properties across the country donated nearly 3,000 Sampaguita seedlings under the “Petals to Purpose” campaign.
In March 2025, the campaign aligned with Earth Hour by offering guests the opportunity to purchase a Sampaguita seedling for only PHP60, which will be planted by the group in several locations and partner communities promoting sustainability while celebrating the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower and the group’s brand of hospitality.
As part of this initiative, 100 Sampaguita seedlings were officially turned over to Project PEARLS Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers underprivileged children and families through education, healthcare, nutrition, and community development.
“Sampaguita started as MHR’s brand of service, but it has become the heart of our purpose. Through this initiative, we wanted to plant seeds of hope, joy, and national pride. We are humbled and grateful to be embraced by Project PEARLS in this advocacy and it is a blessing to be part of something so deeply rooted in compassion and purpose. As this movement continues to blossom, we look forward to creating more shared spaces where people can experience the Sampaguita spirit together,” said Charlene Go-Co, Head of Marketing Innovations at MHR.
The turnover was held at the Project PEARLS Community in Bocaue, Bulacan on July 11, 2025, attended by MHR executives including Eden Decano, Director of Finance; Charlene Go-Co, Head of Marketing Innovations; and Karlo Evangelista, Corporate Sustainability Manager. They were joined by the sustainability champions of each MHR property.
Project PEARLS plans to plant the donated Sampaguita seedlings around its learning center, while some will be given to local families and young scholars to care for and grow at home.
“One of the beautiful outcomes of this partnership is the growing awareness of the Sampaguita among our young scholars. Our on-site teacher has started incorporating lessons about the flower, its meaning and cultural significance,” said Monica Aclan, Deputy Executive Director of Project PEARLS.
This collaboration builds on MHR’s earlier engagement with Project PEARLS in November 2024, where MHR hosted a Sampaguita-themed Thanksgiving event. During that celebration, MHR planted 300 Sampaguita seedlings and led interactive community workshops including storytelling, coloring, Sampaguita lei-making, and feeding programs, all inspired by the national flower.
The remaining Sampaguita seedlings raised through the Petals to Purpose campaign will soon take root in thoughtfully chosen locations, including spaces where more communities can gather, reflect, and experience the quiet beauty of this national flower. This furthers MHR’s long-term commitment to sustainability and community partnerships.