Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the Philippines’ largest hotel developer and operator, has always aimed to ensure that each property fully addresses the needs of every guest. The strong focus on fulfilling each requirement—whether it involves food, rooms, amenities, or facilities—is consistently upheld to deliver excellent service and a memorable vacation experience.

All its 13 resort and accommodation properties have been impressively serving both domestic and international travelers, regardless of nationality, age, religious or cultural background, and moral values. 

No wonder Megaworld Hotels & Resorts attracts many Muslim visitors from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East, and beyond. What makes it even more appealing to Muslim guests is the easy access to halal food and comfortable accommodations that genuinely respect cultural and dietary needs.

Kingsford Hotel Manila, the first among Megaworld properties to put up a halal kitchen  

Kingsford Hotel Manila has long been providing Muslim-friendly spaces and halal foods, even before the Department of Tourism (DOT) issued a memorandum circular order related to offering an exceptional halal vacation experience. It opened the halal kitchen during the pandemic to serve everyone.

By creating a dedicated halal kitchen and ensuring facilities meet the specific needs of Muslim guests, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts distinguishes itself as part of inclusive hospitality.

Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, narrates their deliberate effort to blend leisure and faith, resulting in the best outcomes smoothly.

“Megaworld has been known to be very inclusive. In fact, over the years, you’ve seen how it has projected innovation and has always responded to market demand,” begins Boncato.  

He furthers, “Even in the past, because we’ve been in the industry for quite some time, when we meet our Muslim brothers and sisters from outside of the country, we meet them during our daily life in the hospitality industry. They end up complaining. They say, ‘You know, we love the Philippines, but when we come here, we don’t feel 100-percent comfortable because we go hungry. We have no idea where to dine with a halal standard.’ So, they would end up going to certain fast food chains that are known to have halal sources.

“But for a tourist to come to a destination and just eat fast food, it does not serve the purpose of visiting a destination.”

Guests from various Muslim countries no longer need to worry where to find a hearty, halal-certified meal or whether their accommodations match their spiritual practices—concerns that often cause stress for travelers in unfamiliar areas.

Boncato states that apart from Kingsford, their five other hotels, namely the Grand Westside Hotel, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Belmont Hotel Mactan, already have halal kitchens certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP). Muslim guests can be assured that these hotels use separate utensils and cookware, and there is no pork or alcohol in their kitchens.

What’s good, our Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, has given the green light to make all 13 kitchens halal for a certain period, “because it requires a bit of change in infrastructure,” says Boncato.

100 percent Muslim-friendly

The commitment of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts goes beyond food. Its staff members receive training on cultural sensitivity, and guest services are thoughtfully designed to respect and celebrate diversity. The result is a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels seen, respected, and at home.

Boncato shares the DOT, under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, with Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, geared up the Halal Tourism Program.

“Actually, the Halal Tourism Program has been with the DOT for the longest time, but now there’s a great push (for Muslim-friendly tourism), and then Megaworld came to respond to that. That’s why when we participated in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last year, MD Cleo signed the agreement with the DOT that we shall make all our properties Muslim-friendly at the very least because DOT has finally rolled out a standard. Before, they were encouraging everyone to be Muslim-friendly, but without a standard. Now they’ve rolled out a standard, and we have something to follow.

“When it comes to rooms, they said five percent of your room inventory, let’s say if you have 100 rooms, maybe five of those rooms could be converted into a Muslim-friendly room. Meaning you must have a Qibla inside the room—it’s the arrow pointing you to Mecca.”

Prayer mats are available at the front desk upon request, as well as the Quran. “What they really need is information, so we trained our frontliners, especially the front office, to know exactly where the halal restaurants or the nearest mosques are and all related to their lifestyle.”

Blending leisure with faith and personal values

The dedication to inclusivity is evident in the thoughtful adaptation of services and spaces across Megaworld’s properties. Prayer rooms, Qibla direction indicators in guest rooms, and clearly labeled halal choices at the buffet section have become part of the guest experience. The collaboration with the hotel chefs and the certification body ensures that every meal meets strict halal standards, allowing guests to dine with confidence and peace of mind.

Travelers seeking comfort and purpose in their trips will find a warm welcome at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts that respects their beliefs. Instead of just meeting basic needs, the brand goes beyond by creating an environment where relaxation naturally blends with faith and personal values.

Muslim families can relax, confident that their needs are understood, while solo travelers feel a sense of belonging far from home.

Muslim-friendly beach Marhaba Boracay

While several Muslim-majority destinations continue debating how to accommodate Muslim guests without alienating mainstream tourists, Boncato says Megaworld launched Marhaba Boracay in partnership with the DOT and the local government of Malay, Aklan. It was a pioneering project that transformed a 300-meter stretch of white sand beach at Cove 2 in Boracay Newcoast into a Muslim-friendly zone, complete with family-oriented amenities and private spaces carefully designed for Muslim women and children.

The idea of Marhaba Boracay emerged when Megaworld’s Boracay team hosted a group of ambassadors, most of whom were from Muslim countries. The ambassador of Brunei expressed her concern about not being able to feel completely comfortable in Boracay despite its beauty because they couldn’t swim. 

“Marhaba means welcome. So, it’s open not only to Muslim guests staying in our properties in Boracay but also for the whole island because Boracay itself has declared a Muslim-friendly program. So, technically, with the halal kitchen and the beach, the whole Boracay New Coast is Muslim-friendly,” says Boncato. 

The influx of Muslim guests

The growing number of Muslim travelers, Boncato believes, is the result of their remarkable vacation experience: It’s much better than before.

Our Muslim brothers now equally feel comfortable bringing business to a beach destination not only because of the food or the kind of cultural understanding from the Filipino hospitality team, but also because they can now swim in the beach.

“Groups coming from outside, they’re growing. The Malaysian market is growing. But we hope the whole Islamic countries, all the way from Dubai and Saudi Arabia, eventually, if they come to the Philippines, they will know that our country is ready. And we’re doing this for the country. As I understand, DOT is also expanding with other partners. But we’re just so happy that we were the first ones to respond to their call,” states Boncato.

A recognition from CrescentRating

The conscious effort of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts to cater to Muslim guests didn’t go unnoticed. In recognition of its efforts, the hotel developer and operator recently garnered accolades from CrescentRating, a leading authority on Muslim-friendly travel. Megaworld Hotels & Resorts has been hailed as the Philippines’ first-ever “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain” during the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore.

Such acknowledgment underscored not only Megaworld’s initiatives in embracing diversity and promoting inclusive travel but also its impact, affirming that making spaces inclusive resonates far beyond local shores.

In her acceptance speech, Albiso expressed appreciation for the recognition and highlighted the group’s vision of inclusive hospitality. “This milestone is more than an award. It reflects the Philippines’ growing spirit of openness, learning, and cultural harmony. It is our heartfelt invitation to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world to make the Philippines, Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, your next home away from home.”

The achievement has resonated not only within the industry but also among stakeholders eager to see the Philippines emerge as a welcoming destination for travelers of all backgrounds. With this milestone, Megaworld sees both recognition and responsibility: to sustain momentum, expand offerings, and inspire others in the hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, Boncato says the focus shifts to scaling up efforts, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a promise, but a standard upheld across all properties. Sustained collaboration with local partners, ongoing staff training, and continuous improvements to facilities and services are key elements in the blueprint for growth. As more hotels within the chain undergo halal certification and more staff receive specialized cultural training, Megaworld aims to set the bar for Muslim-friendly hospitality.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts team knows that each step forward inspired a renewed commitment to expand, refine, and advocate for hospitality that welcomes all, regardless of faith or background.

“More than the accolade, it’s really a huge encouragement that we should continue with this. And then grow the market,” says Boncato.

Adapting to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers

As Megaworld Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its reputation for Muslim-friendly hospitality, the journey is far from over. Looking ahead, part of its plans includes converting all its hotels’ kitchens to halal. It currently has 13 hotels, with two more planned for the future.

Megaworld’s vision is clear: to build an environment where hospitality is more than just a service, but a sincere welcome.

By celebrating diversity and actively adapting to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, Megaworld positions itself not only as a market leader but as a catalyst for positive change within the Philippine tourism industry.

Sampaguita brand of hospitality

Boncato affirms that their Sampaguita brand of service is all rooted in being Filipino.

“As our national flower, Sampaguita, we aim to raise awareness of the Philippines’ heritage and educate the world on the significance of the Sampaguita. The Filipino brand of service isn’t just spoken about; tourists also get to experience it firsthand. That’s the true essence of the Sampaguita brand of service that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts has launched.

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Hospitality is often seen through the lens of warm smiles and flawless guest experiences, but behind every welcoming gesture is work that demands both physical endurance and emotional strength. A career in the service industry means long hours on one’s feet and the ability to show genuine care. It requires an unwavering commitment to serve others well, no matter the circumstance.

“Hospitality is demanding work, and we recognize that excellence cannot be sustained without a culture that genuinely cares for its people. Being recognized as a Great Place To Work affirms what we have always believed—that when employees feel respected, included, and inspired by purpose, their passion naturally translates into meaningful guest experiences. Our culture is built on the Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita brand of service, reminding us that caring for our people is at the very heart of caring for our guests,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), passion is what sustains the work and gives it meaning. It is the driving force behind a workplace culture that values people as much as performance, and the reason the organization has earned recognition as a Great Place To Work. The award reflects a deeply ingrained belief that when employees are inspired and supported, genuine love for work naturally follows.

The Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita Brand of Service

At the heart of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ success lies its distinctive Circle of Happiness (COH) framework, which is a guiding philosophy that shapes the company’s culture and values. This holistic approach fosters a workplace where individuals are inspired to thrive not only as employees, but as people. Centered on five pillars—Love for Self, Love for Work, Love for Family, Love for Country, and Love for God—the Circle of Happiness encourages employees to find deeper purpose, joy, and meaning in their daily work.

A key expression of this culture is through MHR’s signature Sampaguita brand of service, a symbol of warm, heartfelt hospitality deeply rooted in Filipino tradition. It embodies the Filipino spirit and national pride, grounded in the symbolism of the Sampaguita flower’s five petals: love, honor, dignity, healing, and the Philippine flag. These values serve as guiding principles for every associate, shaping the way they engage with guests with kindness, sincerity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

From the Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita stem initiatives that translate values into action. One of the most defining is inclusivity, the belief that a great workplace thrives when everyone is given equal opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed.

A recent employee survey revealed that 95 percent of employees affirmed that individuals are treated fairly, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. What was once a leadership team composed of 80 percent men has evolved significantly; today, women make up 51 percent of total decision-makers across the organization. Since 2019, 74 women across MHR’s 14 properties have been promoted into larger roles.

Moreover, MHR is the first Philippines’ hotel chain to achieve 100-percent accreditation as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment from the Department of Tourism (DOT). MHR ensures that both guests and employees are supported in practicing their faith with dignity and ease.

By championing inclusivity, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts fosters better collaboration across departments and encourages diverse perspectives that fuel innovation. The result is a workplace where individuality is respected, voices are heard, and leadership reflects the diversity of the people it serves.

Investing in the Future Through the Next Gen Leadership Council

Driven by passion for long-term growth, MHR also invests heavily in developing future leaders from within. The Next Gen Leadership Council (NGLC) is a forward-thinking development program designed to prepare young associates for greater leadership roles and responsibilities as the organization continues to expand.

From an initial pool of 70 applicants, 25 associates aged 23 to 34, representing various departments and properties, were selected to undergo an intensive eight-month leadership program. The program combines curated lectures with cross-property exposure to all facets of hotel operations and corporate strategy, offering participants a macro view of the business.

Through direct mentorship and collaboration with current leaders, NGLC members gain practical insights into decision-making, innovation, and leadership in a real-world hospitality setting. The program creates a strong pipeline of capable professionals ready to step into key roles, bridging the gap between available leadership positions and qualified talent. This initiative reflects MHR’s commitment to cultivating leaders who are not only skilled, but also values-driven.

Ultimately, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts does what it does because of passion. For its people and for love of country. Through the Circle of Happiness, the Sampaguita brand of service, inclusivity, and leadership programs like the NGLC, MHR proves that even in an industry defined by hard work, it is possible to build a workplace where people feel inspired to stay, grow, and lead.

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Savoy Hotel Manila proudly unveiled “Three Chefs, One Table,” a first-of-its-kind culinary collaboration bringing together the creative talents of three Savoy Hotels across the Philippines—Boracay, Cebu, and Manila. The launch was graced by friends from the Department of Tourism, corporate leaders, general managers, and media partners, making the celebration truly special.

In his welcome remarks, Savoy Hotel Manila General Manager Den Navarro shared that the Savoy brand positions itself as a fun and dynamic hotel that always spices up the guest experience. “With all three destinations represented in this collaboration, we want to continuously spark the gift and opportunity to travel—especially to Cebu-Mactan Newtown, Boracay Newcoast, and Manila–Newport City,” he said.

More than just a feast, “Three Chefs, One Table” underscores the brand’s commitment to celebrating culture, sustainability, and inclusivity. Each dish is crafted not only to delight the palate but also to honor local heritage and tell a story worth sharing.

Guests at the launch were treated to a showcase of flavors, including highlights such as the Barbecue Chicken Croquette, Bantayan Scallop Rockefeller, Crab Meat Dumpling, Alugbati Salad with Crispy Danggit, Lobster Bisque with Grilled Pan Bisaya, Mactan Chili Crab, Steamed Pompano with Chawanmushi XO, and indulgent desserts like Queso Bibingka Cheesecake and Thai Tea Crème Brûlée—among many others.

Available for the entire month of October, these culinary creations will be served both à la carte and in weeklong buffets exclusively at Savoy Hotel Manila.

“Three Chefs, One Table” is more than a menu—it is a culinary journey that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration across the Savoy brand. Each dish reflects the flavors of the islands, the passion of the chefs, and the stories that inspire travel.

For reservations and inquiries, email stay@savoyhotelmanila.com or dine@savoyhotelmanila.com, call (+632) 5317-2869 or (+632) 5317-2817, or message/call Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber (+63) 917-8505310. For more information, log on to www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

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The Philippines’ largest homegrown hospitality chain, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), was recognized as a Tourism Industry Excellence Awardee at Department of Tourism’s (DOT) first Philippine Tourism Awards held in Parañaque City on September 8, 2025. The group was honored for its Muslim-friendly initiatives and Sampaguita brand of service, reaffirming its role as a leader in shaping Philippine hospitality.

“Each of us has a role to play in moving the tourism industry forward. We are truly humbled that the Department of Tourism has recognized our efforts. This award reflects the close collaboration we had with the DOT, from championing inclusivity through our Muslim-friendly initiatives and in our vision to creating the Sampaguita as an iconic representation of Filipino hospitality that sets us apart from the rest of the world,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

“This award is not just for Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, but for every member of our team who continues to serve with heart. This recognition inspires us to create meaningful experiences for every guest who walks through our doors,” she added.

The Philippine Tourism Awards is envisioned as the highest and most prestigious citation in Philippine tourism, recognizing creativity, professionalism, and service that strengthen the country’s position as a top global destination.

Inclusive tourism efforts

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts proudly partners with the Department of Tourism in advancing Muslim tourism in the Philippines. Within just seven months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding, MHR successfully transformed all 13 of its properties into Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments—a pioneering move that reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and global competitiveness. This achievement follows its earlier recognition at the 2025 Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore, where CrescentRating, the world’s leading authority on halal-friendly travel, named MHR as the Philippines’ first-ever Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain. Strengthening this commitment, MHR continues to train its associates with in-depth market knowledge, enhancing their understanding of Muslim cultures and practices to better serve a diverse and growing market.

Cultural preservation and representation

In support of the Department of Tourism’s Filipinization efforts, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has pioneered the Sampaguita brand of service across its properties—an initiative that embraces Filipino culture, upholds core Filipino values, and celebrates the nation’s unique identity. This distinct brand experience engages all five senses, creating meaningful and memorable guest interactions at every touchpoint.

More than just a service philosophy, the Sampaguita brand has become MHR’s dedicated advocacy. To date, MHR has planted over 6,000 seedlings across four Megaworld townships and partner communities, diffused more than 18,000 liters of its signature Cool Sampaguita scent across its 13 properties, and incorporated over 30,000 grams of food-grade sampaguita buds into its curated menu offerings. Through its collaboration with Dwellbeing and Project PEARLS, over 8,200 families have received nourishing meals as part of its community outreach efforts.

Anchored in Megaworld’s MEGreen program, the Sampaguita brand of service has evolved into a powerful advocacy for nation-building, sustainability, and cultural preservation. This meaningful work has earned industry acclaim, winning Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign at the 10th Virtus Awards and securing a Silver Anvil Award in 2024 for the Sampaguita Project.

More recently, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Megaworld’s Estate Management and Development team, and collaborators from the Rotary Clubs of Biñan, San Pedro, Laguna, and Marikina, along with local farmers, planted 2,500 Sampaguita seedlings at the 4,300-sq.m. Sampaguita Park. This landscaped space is being developed by MHR in partnership with Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI) and the Rotary Club of Biñan, with full support from the National Parks Development Committee.

Accepting the award were Cleofe Albiso and Art Boncato, MHR’s Group General Manager, in a ceremony attended by tourism leaders, private stakeholders, and media.

The Philippine Tourism Awards, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), honor the outstanding efforts of industry players and local government units (LGUs) in advancing the country’s tourism. Reinventing the former KALAKBAY Awards and Tourism Star Philippines.

Through these awards, the DOT also seeks to instill a culture of Filipino hospitality and excellence, foster innovation and competitiveness, and pay tribute to the individuals and organizations whose contributions drive the growth of Philippine tourism.

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