Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Lands Major Recognitions in Two Prestigious Hospitality Awards

 

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

 

Ms. Rose Libongco (Virtus Award Chair), Ms. Loleth So (HSMA President), Ms. Cielo Reboredo (Director for Public Relations),  Ms. Jennylyn Santillan (Director of Programs) and Mr. Jos Ortega (Virtus Juror) joined the MHR executives Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director), Mr. Art Boncato (Group General Manager), Ms. Claire Bernabe (Head of Sales and Strategic Partnership), Mr. Avinash Menon (Cluster General Manager) and Mr. Sonny Alvaro (Cluster General Manager)

Ms. Cleofe C. Albiso, Managing Director of MHR, said “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.” 

At the 11th Virtus Awards, held last October 16 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Paranaque (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 October 10, 2024.

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.

 

All of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts properties are recognized by DOT as Muslim-friendly

This pioneering initiative positioned MHR as the Philippines’ first Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain, with all of its properties recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. It also gained international acclaim at the Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore last June 12, 2025, where CrescentRating, a global authority on halal-friendly travel, honored MHR with the “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain” award for elevating the country’s readiness to welcome Muslim travelers.

 

L-R: Mr. Avinash Menon (Cluster General Manager for Visayas of MHR), Ms. Rowena Samonte (General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel), Ms. Divine delos Reyes (Head of People Management and Development of MHR), Ms. Hanna Kristina Tiongson (PMD Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown), Ms. Maria Bianca Villanueva (Accounts Payable Associate of Twin Lakes Hotel), Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director of MHR), Mr. Art Boncato, Jr. (Group General Manager of MHR), and Mr. Josef Chiongbian (General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown)

Moreover, last September 20, 2025, at Okada Manila, MHR received the Tourism Industry Excellence Award, during the DOT’s inaugural Philippine Tourism Excellence Award, 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. 

MHR also took home two major awards at the 28th Mabuhay Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars of Philippine Hospitality,” held last November 14, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The event coincided with the 50^th 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. 

Ms. 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, Ms. 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 the win of Ms. Trixie Tan (Corporate Assistant Director of People Management and Development) last November 4, 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. 

 

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown celebrating the Great Place to Work certification of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts for third consecutive year

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% of employees affirming that MHR is a great place to work and an 87% Trust Index Score reflecting strong confidence in its leadership, the company continues to nurture an environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrives.  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. 

MHR was also awarded the prestigious title as the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group during the World Travel Awards (WTA) Awards last September 4, 2024 in Manila. This accolade marks a significant milestone for MHR, a rapidly growing homegrown hotel chain renowned for its heartfelt service and dedication to showcasing Filipino pride. 

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts:  Global One Hotel Group Inc., 22/F, Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street corner 11th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. E-mail: salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com.  Website: www.megaworldhotels.com.

A Season of Togetherness at Grand Westside Hotel (Paranaque City, Metro Manila)

 

A Season of Togetherness

Last November 18, 2025, for the second time around (the first was on November 22, 2024), Grand Westside Hotel, the Philippines largest hotel with 1,530 rooms, officially kicked off the holiday season with its Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration marking the start of a magical festive period. This year’s theme, “A Season of Togetherness — A Filipino Christmas Woven in Love and Tradition,” celebrates the warmth of family, cherished traditions, and the simple joys that make the holidays truly meaningful, a season best enjoyed with the people who matter most.

 

Grand Westside Hotel General Manager Mr. Joe Xavier Fijardo

Referring to the country having the longest Christmas season in the world and the Filipinos cherishing family more than any other country, Hotel General Manager Mr. Joe Xavier Fijardo stated “Always remember, that nowhere in the world, that Christmas is held, as early, and celebrated, as meaningfully, and shared, as joyfully….”

 

GM Fijardo leading the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting

This hotel with a big heart will also shares the gift of love and care, via a donation drive (from November 18 to December 2, 2025), with the House of Somang, a non-governmental residential facility and charity for abandoned elderly people in Parañaque. They will collect hygiene items and daily essentials at the hotel lobby.

 

The lighted Christmas tree

The event, hosted by Ms. Janet Han (Binibining Pilipinas 2024 finalist), also featured Christmas music provided by hotel's acoustic trio as well as the Vox Fidelium, a 13-man (9 men and 4 women) choir, conducted by Mr. Jester R. Crisostomo, from St. James the Greater Parish in Imus, Cavite.

 

Vox Fidelium

A perfect place for cozy stays and noche buena and Christmas gatherings, Grand Westside Hotel celebrates the joy of togetherness this Holiday Season, offering holiday-inspired food and beverages with their festive room packages: 

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐭 (December 24, 2025): ₱2,588 net per pax

First Seating: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Second Seating: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

 

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐭 (December 31, 2025): ₱3,288 net per pax

First Seating: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Second Seating: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

 

The hotel's acoustic trio

For those who want the overnight experience during the Christmas season (stay period: December 1 to 30, 2025), they offer the Season to Stay (₱6,000 net per night, with breakfast for two adults and two kids, plus ₱1,000 worth of F&B credits applicable at Café by Westside) and, on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025), Merry Moments (₱9,888 net per night, with breakfast for two adults and two kids, plus ₱1,000 worth of F&B credits applicable at Café by Westside and a Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner).

 

Event emcee Ms. Janet Han

For New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025 to January 1, 2026), they offer the Eve Experience (rate starts at ₱12,888 net per night, with breakfast for two adults and two kids, plus ₱1,000 worth of F&B credits applicable at Café by Westside and a New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner) and The Countdown Collection (rate starts at ₱16,888 net per night plus ₱1,000 worth of F&B credits applicable at Café by Westside, a New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner and Countdown Part Access).

 

Janet with Westie, the hotel's mascot

They also offer Christmas hampers priced at ₱1,800 (Christmas Nibbles), ₱2,800 (Christmas Treasures), ₱3,800 (Yuletide Indulgences) and ₱6,800 (The Grand Noel), respectively.  As a holiday gift, they are also offering, for sale (proceeds, of which, will go to charity), “Westie,” a cuddly stuffed plushie toy and mascot of the hotel, celebrating the furry friends who fill our lives with unconditional love.  Inspired by the iconic West Highland White Terrier, with its signature white fur and cheerful expression, isn’t just a keepsake but also a heartwarming symbol of comfort, joy and signature and heartfelt hospitality at Grand Westside Hotel that makes every stay truly special.

Grand Westside Hotel

Grand Westside Hotel: Westside City, Tambo, Paranaque City, Metro Manila. Tel: +632 8230 8880 and +632 8230 8808. Mobile numbers: +63 917 123 3974. E-mail: stay@grandwestsidemanila.com. Website: www.grandwestsidemanila.com. To reserve a table, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/8WyPSa4gFjkKftnx8.

Introducing the New Pokémon Pokopia Video and More Peculiar Pokémon

  

Pokemon Pokopia

The Pokémon Company recently announced the release of a new video about Pokémon Pokopia, a title for Nintendo Switch 2 that was planned and co-developed by The Pokémon Company, Game Freak Inc., and Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd. 

A special video that offers a glimpse into the world of Pokémon Pokopia has been released on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Please check out the title: Pokémon Pokopia | Extended Trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDh6COB0Nqk

 

Tangrowth

In a town where humans and Pokémon once lived, the grass and trees have withered, and even the residents have completely vanished. A peculiar-looking Tangrowth has been living there all alone. 

After awakening from a long slumber, a Ditto transforms into a human and meets Tangrowth. Ditto then decides to begin building the town anew by crafting items and learning moves from other Pokémon to grow plants.

 

Ditto

Trainers can take their time and work together with a diverse array of Pokémon as they rebuild the town into a place that everyone will love.  They can also build, little by little, a utopia for everyone to live in. 

A Trainer’s new life starts in a completely empty place.  This is where a cozy adventure begins! Trainers can enjoy nature while allowing themselves to be absorbed in the leisurely passage of time.  Encounter Pokémon by creating habitats.  Learn moves from the Pokémon they encounter.  Craft items and furniture to cultivate comfortable environments. 

A myriad of interactions are available with a wide variety of Pokémon.  The Pokémon, who live alongside Trainer, can not only play and go out on adventures but also help build impressive houses and share all sorts of other experiences.

Peakychu

At times, Pokémon may have requests for making the town a more comfortable place to live.  Some Pokémon may also come to Trainers with important requests tied to solving large problems within the town.  As Trainers fulfill a variety of requests from different Pokémon, they may even find that the town develops before they know it! Once Trainers have gotten the hang of town life, they’ll probably want to try making some changes to their style! 

Whether it’s changing up their hairstyle and outfit or going out to visit a friend’s town and taking photos of places they’ve created together, they can enjoy a life of their own by playing in a way that’s entirely unique to them. 

Plenty of mysteries still surround these slightly peculiar-looking Pokémon.  Trainers can look forward to having new encounters with them!

 

Smearguru

Have a closer look at some of the slightly peculiar-looking Pokémon in town.

·       Professor Tangrowth - has a partially white body, wearing what appear to be human tools. It teaches Ditto the basics of life in town and is called Professor Tangrowth by other Pokémon.

·       Peakychu - a pale Pikachu has fur with a mysterious color.  Its drooping ears somehow make it seem a little feeble.

·       Mosslax - moss has grown all over this Snorlax’s body, and it looks like a flower blooming atop its head.  It must have been asleep for a really long time.

·       Smearguru - Smeargle has vibrant colors splattered across its body.  When it uses its tail as a brush, it almost looks like a painter!

Mosslax

For more information, please check out the official website at https://pokopia.pokemon.com/en-us/ 

For more photos, please click on the link below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LGOkYzUbJCT4HesSr9cPPaJFAgwLXAUP?usp=sharing

Hotel and Inn Review: Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre (Viet Tri, Vietnam)

 

Date of Stay: November 14 to 15, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *******

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre

Our second night in Vietnam was to spent at the 3.5-star Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre, nestled just 2 kms. from the vibrant heart of Viet Tri.  This smoke-free property, was opened in 2022 and was just recently renovated this year.  It has 105. well-appointed guestrooms (15 sq. m King Accessible Room, King Bed Room, and Twin Bed Room, JO Twin Room, JO King Room, Twin Room, Deluxe Twin/Double Room).  

 

Room 419

The frosted glass bathroom with separate lavatory

Ours had connecting rooms (418 and 419) with air conditioning, 43-inch, flat-screen Smart television with cable channels, phone, minibar, in-room safe, work desk, blackout curtains and complimentary bottled water. The private bathroom had a rainshower head, bidet, free toiletries and a hair dryer. 

 

Our bathroom

Our complimentary buffet breakfast (from 7 to 10 AM), the next day, was at the 24-hour JO247 Lounge, an onsite lobby lounge.  It also serves Continental, buffet, à la carte and Asian lunch and dinner. 

The hotel lobby

The hotel also has a lively lobby with work space, a bar, a game room (foosball), a 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness gym, a communal living room, elevator, a vending machine and a 24-hour Front Desk. Free on-site private parking is available via a spacious car park. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including all rooms 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices) and public areas. 

The hotel bar

They also offer luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, housekeeping, dry cleaning, concierge services, tours/ticket assistance, shuttle service, express check-in/check-out and laundry facilities.

 

Buffet breakfast at JO247 Lounge

The hotel is located 1.6 kms. (a 15-min. walk) from Van Lang Park, 4.2 kms. from Đền Tam Giang và Chùa Đại Bi, 13.2 kms.  from Hung Kings Temple Historical Relics, 21.4 kms. from Military Hospital and Lang Co Duong Lam, 22.5 kms. from Vac Lake, 23 kms. from Vinh Phuc Provincial Museum, 23.1 kms. from Beta Cineplex Vinh Yen, 23.5 kms. from Temple of Hậu Nghĩa Lộc Việt, 23.8 kms. from RiverBay Pickleball Vinh Phuc, 25.1 kms. from Quảng trường Hồ chí minh, 25.8 kms. from Shanxi Citadel, 27.1 kms. (a 50-min. drive) from Ba Vi National Park, 30.1 kms. from Ao Vua Lake, 35.6 kms. from Thiền viện Trúc lâm Tây Thiên and 64.2 kms. from Noi Bai International Airport.

 

JO247 Lounge

Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre: 938 Đ. Hung Vuong Ave., Tho Son Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho, 290000, Vietnam.  Tel: +84 210 3636 555.

Hotel and Inn Review: Bora Hotel (Sapa, Vietnam)

 

Date of Stay: November 13 to 14, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ********

Rooms: *******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: ********

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Bora Hotel

Our first night in Vietnam was spent at the 4-star Bora Hotel in Sa Pa which was opened last July 2024.  We stayed in Room 409, one of their 65 newly-renovated rooms (Family, De Luxe Twin,De Luxe Double, Superior Twin, Standard Twin, Standard Triple) with balconies, air-conditioning, TV, and wardrobe. 

Room 409

Our private bathroom had a shower and free toiletries. Free WiFi was available in our room and throughout the property.

 

Our bathroom

We had our dinner at the modern, 200-pax Bora Essence Restaurant. With two wood-burning fireplaces, serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and high tea with halal, vegetarian and vegan options and a child-friendly buffet. Its diverse menu featured a harmonious blend of local dishes from the Northwest region and creative Fusion dishes plus a rich collection of local and imported wines.

 

Bora Essence Restaurant

The hotel also has a 24-hour Front Desk, a spa and wellness center (Sapa Essence Spa), sauna, an outdoor seating area, terrace and free on-site private parking. Bora Hotel offers tours, housekeeping service, room service, paid airport shuttle service and luggage storage.

 

The bar

The hotel is located 280 m. (4-min. walk) from the Church of the Holy Rosary (Sapa Stone Church), 370 m. from Quang Truong Square (Sapa Square), 540 m. from Ham Rong Mountain, 1.1 km. from Cat Cat Ethnic Village and 5.3 kms. from Sun World Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station.

 

Hotel lobby

Bora Hotel: 54B Phố Cầu Mây, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 33000, Vietnam.  Tel: +84 214 3871 313. Email: info@borasapa.com.