Driven by Passion: Inside the Culture That Makes Megaworld Hotels & Resorts a Great Place To Work

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director, Cleofe Albiso, and Group General Manager, Arturo Boncato, accepted the Tourism Industry Excellence Award from Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco joined by Undersecretaries Verna Buensuceso and Rica Bueno at the first Philippine Tourism Awards.

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

90% of employees said that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is a Great Place To Work.

Moreover, MHR is the first Philippines’ hotel chain to achieve 100% accreditation as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment from the Department of Tourism. 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.

Halal dining option at Vienne Restaurant in Savoy Hotel Boracay.

 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.

Next Gen Leaders alongside Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, President of Megaworld Corporation, and Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

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.