Until March 22, guests from across MHR’s hotels may purchase a Sampaguita seedling for ₱60, which will be planted in Bulacan in partnership with Project PEARLS Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing impoverished children and their families with access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and empowerment programs. 

“Small actions lead to big change. ‘Petals to Purpose’ exemplifies destination stewardship in action by embracing sustainability, cultural heritage, and community collaboration. With the help of our guests, we aim to gather at least 3,000 Sampaguita seedlings and plant them in our partner community,” said Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

“We envision a future where tourism coexists harmoniously with environmental responsibility. We invite everyone to be part of this transformative movement,” she added.

These seedlings will be available through online bookings, walk-in guests, and in hotels’ bars and restaurants. Each seedling will have a personalized tag with the guest’s name, symbolizing their commitment to environmental conservation. MHR will carry out the planting activity, and guests will receive updates online.

During the same period, MHR properties will offer a specially crafted dessert that aligns with the theme of sustainability. This no-bake dessert uses locally sourced ingredients combined to resemble an edible terrarium. The sweet treat will also feature a delicate touch of Sampaguita representing the group’s brand of service. Guests who participate in the Plant-a-Sampaguita initiative will receive a limited offer on this dessert.

On March 22, guests are invited to an immersive storytelling session for kids and learn the significance of the Sampaguita in Filipino culture and history.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts believes that small actions can create a lasting impact. Through these activities, the group aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land, and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

Visit any MHR property – 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 –  and be part in a movement that nurtures both the planet and Filipino heritage. For more information, follow Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Facebook page.

Since August 2023, Megaworld’s Sampaguita Project has intertwined its brand with the charm of the sampaguita, touching the lives of over 5,000 families. Partnering with Dwellbeing, a social enterprise championing upcycled products and community empowerment, and Project Pearls Foundation, a nonprofit supporting impoverished children and families, Megaworld has created opportunities for livelihoods while celebrating the values embedded in Filipino culture.

“Hospitality is more than what happens within our hotels; it is about making a lasting impact by touching lives, creating opportunities, and fostering positive change,” says Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “This aligns closely with our Circle of Happiness, which highlights love for oneself, family, work, community, and above all, God. This inspires us to serve with love, compassion, and a sense of shared purpose.”

At the heart of Megaworld’s properties lies the enchanting scent of sampaguita. Across its 13 hotels, more than 11,000 liters of the signature Cool Sampaguita fragrance have been used to date, enveloping guests in a uniquely Filipino experience. But the sampaguita is more than just a fragrance; it’s a sensory journey. Guests are greeted not only by its aroma but also by the gentle sounds of kundiman and dishes infused with floral notes, creating a full-circle homage to the national flower.

Building communities through the sampaguita

In a symbolic celebration of thanksgiving, Megaworld hosted a Sampaguita-themed event on November 27, 2024, at the Project Pearls Community in Bocaue, Bulacan. The festivities included planting 300 sampaguita seedlings, interactive workshops on lei-making and polvoron crafting, and storytelling sessions for children. It was a day filled with joy, creativity, and the promise of growth—both for the plant and the community.

Charlene Go-Co, Head of Marketing Innovation for Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, encapsulates the spirit of the project: “The sampaguita represents love, honor, dignity, and healing—values deeply rooted in our culture. We want our guests to feel this at every touchpoint, whether it’s in the scent that greets them, the food they enjoy, or the community initiatives they indirectly support.”

Megaworld’s Sampaguita Project is not just a hotel initiative; it’s a movement. Honored as the Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign at the 10th Virtus Awards in October 2024, the project was celebrated for its creativity, authenticity, and its ability to connect deeply with people. It also received accolades from the Anvil Awards and Malaya Business Insight for its eco-conscious and community-driven efforts.

Through the company’s MEGreen sustainability program, the Sampaguita Project continues to grow—both as an environmental advocacy and as a platform for preserving Filipino traditions. It’s a campaign that bridges brand, culture, and community, demonstrating how businesses can uplift not only their guests but also the people they serve.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is no stranger to excellence. As the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator, it has redefined Filipino hospitality through its signature Sampaguita-inspired service. From the bustling streets of Binondo to the serene shores of Boracay, each property offers a taste of the Philippines, with the sampaguita at its heart.

As the scent of sampaguita wafts through Megaworld’s properties, it carries with it a promise: to honor Filipino heritage, uplift communities, and offer an experience as timeless as the flower itself. With each bloom, the sampaguita reminds us of the beauty of giving back and the power of cultural pride.