There are places you visit, and there are places you discover. Iloilo has always been the latter.

A city where heritage churches stand alongside modern skylines, where age-old recipes are lovingly preserved and reinvented, and where a gentle rhythm of life encourages travelers to linger a little longer. As the newest destination within Iloilo City, Belmont Hotel Iloilo invites guests to experience the city not merely as a stopover, but as a story waiting to unfold.

Officially opening its doors on June 24, 2026, the 405-room Belmont Hotel Iloilo introduces a fresh perspective on hospitality through its opening campaign, “Come Find Your Iloilo,” which is an invitation to discover the city through travel experiences.

“At Belmont Hotel Iloilo, we believe travel is about creating meaningful connections with a destination. Whether guests are here for business, leisure, or a special occasion, we want them to experience Iloilo beyond the usual itinerary, which is to discover its people, flavors, and traditions. We invite everyone to come find their Iloilo, savor the city, and savor every moment with us,” says General Manager Joy Alonte.

Spirit of discovery

The hotel’s 405 guestrooms are designed to complement the unhurried pace of Iloilo. Comfortable and contemporary, the accommodations create spaces where guests can recharge between adventures or simply enjoy quiet moments overlooking the city’s evolving skyline. Accessible rooms, family-friendly themed accommodations, and spacious suites ensure that every kind of traveler feels at home.

Nestled within Iloilo Business Park, the hotel sits at the crossroads of business, leisure, and culture. The vibrant township has emerged as one of Western Visayas’ most exciting urban communities, where contemporary art, lifestyle spaces, shopping, and the Iloilo Convention Center come together in a walkable district. Here, travelers can immediately move from meetings to museum visits, from café hopping to evening strolls along Festive Walk Parade.

For those balancing work and wellness, the hotel seamlessly integrates both. Meeting spaces and the Northern Islands Ballroom cater to business events and celebrations, while the BFit Gym, sauna, massage rooms, lounge pool, and prayer room encourage guests to maintain their own routines while away from home.

Modern Ilonggo diner

Iloilo tells its story through the senses. The comforting bowl of La Paz Batchoy, the lively conversations at local markets, and the timeless architecture of its heritage districts create a destination that reveals itself slowly and sincerely.

The journey continues through Belmont Hotel Iloilo’s culinary spaces, where Belmont Café redefines the local dining scene through its Modern Ilonggo Diner concept. Inspired by the city’s rich culinary heritage and its distinction as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the restaurant reimagines beloved Ilonggo flavors for today’s traveler. Classic regional dishes are served in a warm bistro-style setting that is equally suited for leisurely meals, business lunches, and casual gatherings. Balancing comfort with creativity, the café also embraces a convenient dine-and-dash culture, offering thoughtfully crafted fare for guests on the move without compromising authenticity or quality. At Zabana Bar, locally inspired beverages blend Filipino ingredients with international influences, while Float Bar offers a relaxed poolside escape for sunny afternoons and casual evenings.

Come find your Iloilo

At the heart of Belmont Hotel Iloilo are the Ilonggos who have chosen to come home. Many of the hotel’s associates built their careers in hospitality destinations across the Philippines and abroad, bringing with them valuable experience and global standards of service. Guided by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ Sampaguita brand of service, their warmth and dedication are expressed through the values of love, honor, dignity, and healing, creating genuine connections that transform every stay into a meaningful experience.

As the newest addition to Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in Iloilo Business Park, Belmont Hotel Iloilo strengthens the city’s growing appeal as a destination for tourism, meetings, and meaningful travel experiences. More importantly, it offers a gateway to understanding what makes Iloilo unique—not through a checklist of attractions, but through the everyday moments that leave lasting memories.

To celebrate its opening, Belmont Hotel Iloilo is introducing special introductory room rates starting at Php4,000, inviting travelers to experience the newest lifestyle destination in the City of Love. Each stay comes with thoughtfully curated inclusions, including overnight accommodation with breakfast for two persons at Belmont Café, and complimentary use of the swimming pool, BFit Gym, and other facilities.

At Belmont Hotel Iloilo, every journey begins with the same invitation: Savor the city. Savor the moment.

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) continues to make remarkable strides in the Philippine hospitality industry as it takes home two major awards from the country’s most prestigious award-giving bodies — the 11th Virtus Awards and the 28th Mabuhay Awards. These recognitions highlight not only MHR’s creativity and talent pool, but also its unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, inclusivity, and Filipino hospitality.

“These recognitions are a humbling reminder of what truly drives Megaworld Hotels & Resorts—our 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 one’s purpose, it radiates authentically — guests feel it, colleagues feel it, and the entire organization grows because of it,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

Purpose Driving Progress: Muslim initiative wins Marketing Campaign of the Year

At the 11th Virtus Awards held in Paranaque on November 16 with the theme “Paths and Bridges: Leading the Way and Building Continuity,” MHR’s “100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment” 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 “Ang Sampaguita” received the same award last year.

The judges described the campaign as “authentic, inclusive, and commercially impactful — a purpose-driven innovation that addressed an untapped market with meaningful results.” They further commended MHR for demonstrating leadership with sincerity, cultural respect, and a strong sense of national purpose while achieving tangible business outcomes.

This pioneering initiative positioned MHR as the Philippines’ first Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain, with all of its properties recognized by the DOT 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 country’s readiness to welcome Muslim travelers.

Moreover, MHR was awarded the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award on 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 MHR’s 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 “Oscars of Philippine Hospitality,” held on November 14. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Association of Human Resources Managers (AHRM) and carried the theme “Galing ng Pilipino, Ginto ng Buong Mundo,” 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 Tan’s win in 2024. MHR sent a strong lineup of 30 nominees for the Mabuhay Awards.

Their triumphs reflect the company’s Circle of Happiness philosophy — a culture anchored on love for God, self, family, work, and country. This framework continues to guide MHR’s 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 MHR’s Great Place To Work certification, which it has proudly achieved for three consecutive years. With 90 percent of employees affirming that MHR is a great place to work and an 87 percent. Trust Index Score reflecting strong confidence in its leadership, the company continues to nurture an environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrive.

MHR’s triumphs in both Virtus and Mabuhay Awards cements its standing as a trailblazer in Philippine hospitality — one that bridges commercial success with cultural empathy, and strategy with heart.

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the largest homegrown hotel operator in the Philippines, is cooking a rich collaboration with Chef Nouel Catis, the original creator of the viral Dubai chocolate. United by a shared vision on Filipinization and cultural sustainability, both are exploring the creation of an iconic food or beverage offering that not only delights taste buds but also champions Filipino heritage on the global stage.

The possible partnership was revealed during MHR’s Media Huddle at Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay on August 13, 2025, where discussions hinted at a signature creation designed to resonate deeply with local pride while appealing to international markets.

“This collaboration is deeply aligned with our strong advocacy for Filipinization, which supports the Department of Tourism’s mission to celebrate local culture, cuisine, festivals, and crafts. At the heart of this advocacy is our Sampaguita brand of service, our heartfelt expression of Filipino hospitality that we proudly share with every guest,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

“We want something that lingers. We want something that would go viral for a long time,” Chef Nouel said.

“Beyond commercial success, I’ve always been about leaving a legacy. I wanted to re-enter the Philippine market not just to sell, but to pass on knowledge and skills to future chefs. When I learned about MHR’s Sampaguita service and this year’s theme of the Culinary Conference, ‘Celebrate Your Roots,’ I knew this was the right vessel for my return,” he added.

Chef Nouel was a featured speaker at MHR’s 4th Culinary Conference, held August 11–14, 2025, at Twin Lakes Hotel. The annual gathering brings together MHR’s executive chefs and F&B leaders to explore culinary trends and strengthen their craft.

Albiso added, “We launched the Culinary Conference in 2022 right after the pandemic to reinspire our chefs. The ultimate goal is to do better each year as our culinary leaders grow in number and vision. This year, the theme ‘Celebrate Your Roots: Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Innovation’ honors the Philippines’ diverse culinary heritage while looking ahead to new flavors, stories, and techniques.”

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Philippines’ largest hotel operator, has officially introduced its first-ever Sampaguita Park, located within Southwoods City in Biñan, Laguna. The park, spanning 4,300 sq.m. of green space, is being developed in partnership with Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI) and the Rotary Club of Biñan, Laguna, with target completion date by 2nd quarter of 2026.

“Over the years, the Sampaguita has become more than just a symbol of our brand of service. It has taken on a deeper role, evolving into a full-blown advocacy that has moved beyond hotel operations and the four walls of our properties. Today, it reflects our collective desire to give back, to honor our heritage, and to build something that can uplift communities in a lasting and tangible way,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

“With the creation of the Sampaguita Park, we don’t just celebrate Filipino culture, but also bring opportunities to the people who will nurture and enjoy it. This is our small contribution to preserving the beauty and meaning of our national flower while working alongside our partners and the community to create a space that inspires, educates, and sustains. We are honored to be part of something that may hopefully bloom beyond this one park and into many other places where our heritage lives,” Albiso added.

To mark the introduction of the park, MHR hosted an intimate media huddle on July 31 at Savoy Hotel Manila. The event was attended by key figures from MHR and its partners, including Albiso; Ederlinda Decano, Group Director of Finance and MHR’s Sustainability Lead; Charlene Go-Co, Head of Marketing Innovations at MHR; Dante Cerrer, Regional Township Director for Estate Management at GERI; and Serge Igonia, representing both the San Pedro Laguna community and the Rotary Club of Biñan.

The park is a tribute to the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower, and the values it represents: love, honor, dignity, and healing. Almost 3,000 Sampaguita seedlings were garnered from the hotel group’s “Petal to Purpose” Earth Hour campaign last March and will be used in the upcoming sowing activity and will be nurtured by the local community of San Pedro, Laguna.

The Sampaguita Park serves as a cultural destination reinforcing the country’s push as a tourist destination. The park also provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for local farmers through the support of the Rotary Club of Biñan, Laguna. The local farmers will be assigned to maintain the park and create products from the harvested blooms.

Sampaguita Journey

MHR’s Sampaguita journey began in July 2023 as part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ tangible efforts to embrace Filipinization in hospitality. At the time, the goal was to adopt the national flower and create a multi-sensory signature that welcomes guests with the scent, sounds, flavors, and stories of the Sampaguita.

By late 2023, MHR had planted 2,500 seedlings across four Megaworld townships and its Central Nursery in Ternate, Cavite. Today, more than 18,000 liters of our Cool Sampaguita scent have been used across MHR’s 13 properties, and over 30,000 grams of food-grade buds used in the curated Sampaguita menu. Through the group’s collaboration with Dwellbeing, more than 8,200 families have received meals through its extended partnership with Project PEARLS.

The Sampaguita Park marks a significant step in heritage preservation and community engagement and underscores MHR’s role in nation-building through meaningful private-public partnerships. With the support of its partners, government agencies, and guests, MHR hopes the Sampaguita Park will become a model project for replication in other communities.

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) invites avid travelers to discover the vibrant Philippine destinations of Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo as it joins the Travel Madness Expo 2025 happening on July 11 to 13 at the SMX Convention Center.

Whether you are planning your next city staycation or a tropical island escape, don’t miss MHR’s exclusive limited-time hotel vouchers—available only at the expo! Choose from two types of vouchers priced at special rates, as low as P2,500. Each voucher is valid for two years upon purchase, giving you flexibility to plan the perfect getaway.

Plus, get an additional 10% discount when you book your actual dates at the booth, the best value for smart and spontaneous travelers alike.

Meet and greet some celebrities and influencers dropping by the booth—don’t miss the chance to meet them and snap a selfie!

Guests can also sign up for Club Access, MHR’s exclusive membership program that unlocks VIP perks like room upgrades, members-only events, and exciting privileges across all properties.

As part of its commitment to inclusive hospitality, MHR offers Muslim-friendly accommodation making it easier for all guests to feel right at home across its destinations.

With 13 hotels across the country and two more opening soon, MHR brings together a collection of properties in Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. Its growing portfolio includess Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Savoy Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila, and Grand Westside Hotel—with Chancellor Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Iloilo opening later this year.

Visit Megaworld Hotels & Resorts at Booth 49-52 and let your travel plans bloom with offers that combine great value and the signature Sampaguita service that makes every stay unforgettable.

Follow @megaworldhotelsandresorts on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

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Manila, Philippines – October 4, 2024 – Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the largest hotel operator in the Philippines with 8,500 room keys across the country, has once again been recognized for its well-rounded workplace culture by earning the highly coveted 2024 Great Place To Work Certification. This certification reflects the company’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for its employees allowing them to grow and extend genuine service reflective of world-class Filipino brand of hospitality. 

In a recent survey conducted as part of the certification process, 93% of employees expressed that they felt welcomed when they first joined the company. This result highlights the inclusive and supportive nature of the MHR work environment, where new hires are quickly embraced and integrated into the organization’s culture.

Moreover, 88% of MHR employees said that the company is a great place to work, significantly higher than the national average of 65% for typical companies in the Philippines. This rating marks an increase from MHR’s 2023 rating of 84%, showcasing continuous improvement in employee satisfaction.

“We are grateful for our associates. At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, we believe that happy employees give happy service. We are immensely proud of this achievement as this certification recognizes the trust and vote of confidence of our associates in their leaders and MHR as an organization. We are committed to making our team members feel valued and inspired in all aspects of their journey with us,” says Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

MHR’s success in cultivating a positive workplace is deeply rooted in its unique culture, driven by the company’s Circle of Happiness, which places love for God at the center of all that the company does, radiating outwards to promote love for oneself, family, work, and community. Through this belief, MHR has been able to foster a work culture that is not only about delivering a quintessential Filipino brand of service but also about providing a safe and nurturing environment promoting the holistic well-being of its employees.

Furthermore, one of the cornerstones of MHR’s brand of hospitality is the Sampaguita, inspired by the national flower of the Philippines. This iconic representation  of the Filipino people emphasizes values such as Love, Honor, Dignity, and Healing, qualities that are reflected in every aspect of the company’s operations and customer journey. Living by its values also sets the stage that supports a truly immersive environment that allows guests to experience and feel the essence of the Sampaguita from across the five senses down to associate-guest interactions.   

As the largest hotel operator in the Philippines, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts manages a portfolio of 13 hotels across the country, contributing to the nation’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Its ability to maintain high levels of employee satisfaction is evidence to the company’s leadership in both business and workplace excellence. By nurturing a positive and dynamic work environment, MHR empowers its employees to deliver the best possible service to guests, while also ensuring their own personal and professional growth.

The Great Place to Work Certification is a testament to MHR’s dedication to its people. With an ever-growing focus on employee well-being and satisfaction, the company continues to set benchmarks for excellence within the Philippine hospitality industry. Be part of the circle, get in touch with them through careers@megaworldhotels.com or visit www.megaworldhotels.com. 

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