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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SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) announces Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s recent recognition by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region. This milestone underscores the hotel’s strong commitment to inclusive hospitality and culturally sensitive service.

This distinction is granted to DOT-accredited properties that meet clearly defined standards—ranging from religious considerations to dietary accommodations.

These measures include providing prayer mats, installing Qibla direction markers, which indicate the direction of prayer and ensure Muslims are united in facing the same point during worship, placing Qur’ans in guest rooms, and offering flexible meal options upon request, such as strictly no-pork or other Muslim-friendly alternatives. The hotel also maintains a dedicated non-pork station at its daily breakfast buffet and ensures that team members are trained in culturally respectful service.

Muslim team members within the kitchen and food and beverage service teams further strengthen this commitment. Their presence fosters greater cultural awareness and attentiveness to guest needs, often providing an added level of reassurance to Muslim diners. Guests can also interact with servers in familiar dialects, creating a friendlier, more welcoming environment that enhances the overall comfort of their stay.

The official certificate was awarded by DOT Region XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan to the hotel, with General Manager Sven Toune, Director of Sales and Marketing Liza Gamo, and Front Office Muslim representative Razul Gregorio receiving it on behalf of the team.

Further demonstrating its advocacy for inclusive hospitality, Park Inn by Radisson Davao also took part in the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo 2025, which was held at SMX Davao, another SMHCC-owned property, on June 18-20, 2025 as one of the patron sponsors and exhibitors.

The event concluded with the Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, where the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef Vance Bolivar, showcased his creative rendition of Tiyula Itum through the Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion—a modern interpretation of the traditional Tausug dish. Typically served as a soup, Chef Vance reimagined it as a deconstructed plate by searing a tender cut of beef tenderloin and finishing it with a rich, dark sauce made from charred coconut and spices. The dish highlighted authentic flavors while demonstrating refined culinary techniques and elegant presentation.

Chef Vance drew inspiration from Chef Aira, a member of his culinary team who is Tausug, infusing the dish with authentic cultural roots. The entry earned 2nd place, underscoring the team’s culinary creativity, cultural respect, and growing expertise in Muslim-friendly food preparation.

The DOT Region XI commended the hotel for setting a standard in the local hospitality industry and for its pivotal role in making the Davao region a more accessible destination for travelers.

Ultimately, this recognition reaffirms Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s position as one of the trailblazers in inclusive hospitality, inspiring other establishments to follow suit. After all, building a more welcoming and culturally considerate tourism landscape is not just good practice—it is good hospitality.

For room inquiries, guests may contact: reservations.davao@parkinn.com | (+63) 82 272-7600.

For meetings or social events inquiries, email or call: banquet.davao@parkinn.com | (+63) 917-8279565.

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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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