Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) continues to solidify its leadership in the Philippine hospitality landscape as it brings home accolades from two of the country’s most distinguished award-giving bodies — the 11th Virtus Awards and the 28th Mabuhay Awards. These achievements underscore not only the group’s creativity and exceptional talent but also its steadfast commitment to purpose-driven leadership, inclusivity, and the distinctly Filipino brand of hospitality.
“These recognitions are a humbling reminder of what truly drives Megaworld Hotels & Resorts — our people. Their love for their work and their passion continually elevate our service and our culture. 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,” shared Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
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Purpose Driving Progress: Muslim-Friendly Initiative Wins Marketing Campaign of the Year
At the 11th Virtus Awards held in Parañaque on October 16, themed “Paths and Bridges: Leading the Way and Building Continuity,” MHR’s “100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment” campaign was named Marketing Campaign of the Year, triumphing over 12 hotel groups nationwide. This marks MHR’s second consecutive win in the category, following last year’s recognition for “Ang Sampaguita.”
Judges praised the campaign as “authentic, inclusive, and commercially impactful — a purpose-driven innovation that addressed an untapped market with meaningful results.” They commended MHR for leading with sincerity, cultural respect, and a deep sense of national purpose while delivering strong business performance.
The pioneering initiative established MHR as the Philippines’ first Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain, with all its properties certified by the Department of Tourism as Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. It also earned international recognition at the Halal In Travel Awards in Singapore last June and the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award last September for advancing Muslim inclusivity and championing the Filipinization of hospitality through its signature Sampaguita service.
The awards evening also highlighted the strength of MHR’s workforce, with 13 associates from various properties emerging as national finalists in the Outstanding Sales and Marketing categories for Associate, Manager, and Leader.
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Honoring the Heart of Hospitality: MHR Shines at the 28th Mabuhay Awards
MHR further cemented its industry leadership with two major wins at the 28th Mabuhay Awards, known as the “Oscars of Philippine Hospitality,” held on November 14. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Association of Human Resources Managers (AHRM), the event celebrated the theme “Galing ng Pilipino, Ginto ng Buong Mundo,” honoring Filipino hospitality professionals renowned globally for their excellence.
Maria Bianca Villanueva, Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel, received the Heart of the House Award for her dedication to exceptional back-of-house service. Meanwhile, Hanna Kristina Tiongson, People Management & Development Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, was named HR Leader of the Year, marking a back-to-back win for MHR following Trixie Tan’s victory in 2024. This year, MHR fielded a strong contingent of 30 nominees.
These recognitions reflect the company’s Circle of Happiness philosophy — a culture grounded in love for God, self, family, work, and country. This framework inspires employees to find meaning in their work, where service is fueled by passion, purpose, and authenticity.
Strengthening this culture of care, MHR has been certified as a Great Place To Work® for three consecutive years. With 90% of employees affirming that MHR is an excellent workplace and an 87% Trust Index Score demonstrating strong confidence in leadership, the company continues to cultivate an environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence flourish.
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A Trailblazer in Philippine Hospitality
MHR’s triumph at both the Virtus and Mabuhay Awards affirms its standing as a trailblazer in Philippine hospitality — one that seamlessly bridges commercial success with cultural empathy, and strategic vision with heart.
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