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

Hospitality may look effortless on the surface, but the reality is far from it—long hours, constant movement, and the emotional labor of showing up with warmth, every single day. That’s why people-first cultures matter, especially in an industry built on service. As Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, puts it, “Hospitality is demanding work… excellence cannot be sustained without a culture that genuinely cares for its people,” adding that when employees feel respected and inspired by purpose, it naturally reflects in how guests are cared for—a philosophy rooted in the brand’s Circle of Happiness and Sampaguita service values.


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

A recent employee survey shows that 95% of staff feel they’re treated fairly regardless of gender or sexual orientation, reflecting MHR’s growing commitment to inclusion. Once male-dominated, the leadership landscape has shifted, with women now making up 51% of decision-makers and 74 women promoted across 14 properties since 2019. As the country’s first hotel chain to earn 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation accreditation from the DOT, MHR also supports both guests and employees in practicing their faith with dignity. This focus on inclusivity strengthens collaboration, amplifies diverse perspectives, and builds a workplace where leadership truly mirrors the community 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.


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.


At the end of the day, it all comes back to people. Through programs like the Next Gen Leadership Council, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts shows that growth isn’t just about expansion—it’s about preparing the next wave of leaders to step up with purpose. Anchored in the Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita brand of service, MHR continues to prove that in hospitality, passion, inclusivity, and leadership go hand in hand—creating a workplace where people are inspired to stay, grow, and lead.