Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ groundbreaking “100 Percent Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments” campaign took home the Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign award at the 11th Virtus Awards, held at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, marking a significant milestone in inclusive hospitality in the Philippines.
The winning campaign, which established Megaworld’s properties as the country’s first hotel group to achieve 100 percent Muslim-friendly certification across all its establishments, was recognized for its creativity, measurable impact, and authentic commitment to inclusivity. The initiative competed against 13 other innovative campaigns.
Team leader Arturo Boncato, Jr., group general manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, accepted the award alongside team members Claire Bernabe, director of customer experience and new ventures, and head of sales and strategic partnership; Jun Justo, cluster general manager for NCR and Batangas; Socrates Alvaro, cluster general manager for Belmont Manila and Boracay Newcoast Hotels; Avinash Menon, cluster general manager for Iloilo and Bacolod; and Cleofe Albiso, managing director.
“We believe that what we put together is not something entirely for our pockets. As human beings, we follow the divine direction: to be kind to your guests and strangers,” said Boncato.
The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines also announced winners in three individual categories, recognizing professionals who demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership in hospitality sales and marketing.
Carthryn Mae Asis, F&B sales executive at Okada Manila, was named Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate, while Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager was Jaron Nepomuceno, brand management and graphic design manager at Manila Marriott Hotel. Sharon Deanne Guerrero, director of sales and marketing at Luxent Hotel, took home the Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader award.
The Virtus XI Awards Night & Banquet brought together hospitality leaders from across the country. Co-presented by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, the event honored individuals and teams whose work continues to elevate Philippine hospitality on the global stage.
“Tonight, we celebrate the individuals and teams who go beyond selling rooms and services—they sell experiences, they build relationships, and they tell the story of Filipino hospitality to the world,” said Loleth G. So, HSMA president and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ group commercial director.
Sumit Rajput, Okada Manila’s director of food and beverage, welcomed guests to the gala event, while Rose Libongco, Virtus chair and HSMA co-founder, delivered an inspirational message. Members of HSMA from all over the Philippines toasted with the signature concoctions of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.’s mobile bar, which featured all the cocktails included in the menu: Manille Basil Smash, Strawberry de Manille, and Mango Sticky Rice.
