From a single seedling to a growing purpose with Megaworld Hotels

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has turned its symbolic Sampaguita service into a full-blown advocacy through the “Petals to Purpose” campaign, gathering support from guests across its properties nationwide. Nearly 3,000 Sampaguita seedlings have been donated as part of the initiative, which took root in March 2025 in time for Earth Hour.

What began as a quiet nod to Earth Hour has flourished into a growing movement of sustainability and shared purpose.

For just Php 60, guests could sponsor a Sampaguita seedling to be planted in partner communities and locations, blending sustainability with a tribute to the national flower and MHR’s signature brand of hospitality.

Among the campaign’s milestones was the official turnover of 100 Sampaguita seedlings to Project PEARLS Foundation, a non-profit group that helps underprivileged families through education, healthcare, and community development. The handover ceremony took place on 11 July 2025 at the Project PEARLS community in Bocaue, Bulacan, where MHR executives and property sustainability champions gathered to mark the occasion.

“Sampaguita started as MHR’s brand of service, but it has become the heart of our purpose,” said Charlene Go-Co, Head of Marketing Innovations at MHR. “Through this initiative, we wanted to plant seeds of hope, joy, and national pride. We are humbled and grateful to be embraced by Project PEARLS in this advocacy and it is a blessing to be part of something so deeply rooted in compassion and purpose. As this movement continues to blossom, we look forward to creating more shared spaces where people can experience the Sampaguita spirit together.”

Project PEARLS plans to plant the seedlings around its learning center, while others will be distributed to families and young scholars to grow in their homes.

"One of the beautiful outcomes of this partnership is the growing awareness of the Sampaguita among our young scholars. Our on-site teacher has started incorporating lessons about the flower, its meaning and cultural significance," said Monica Aclan, Deputy Executive Director of Project PEARLS.

This latest initiative follows MHR’s earlier collaboration with Project PEARLS in November 2024. During that event, MHR organized a Sampaguita-themed Thanksgiving celebration, planting 300 seedlings and leading workshops such as storytelling, coloring, lei-making, and feeding programs inspired by the national flower.

The remaining seedlings donated through the campaign are set to be planted in more communities soon. This reflects MHR’s long-term commitment to sustainability and meaningful partnerships.

What started with a flower now blooms with purpose.