The bustling Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can be overwhelming. There a haven of Filipino hospitality awaits just across the way. Savoy Hotel Manila offers a unique experience. They showcase the Filipino culture through its innovative Sampaguita Project. The sampaguita, an Arabian fragrant flower, is adapted as a National flower. It became a symbol of the warm Filipino hospitality.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing Sampaguita Gulaman. A sweet jasmine taste drink, instead of the traditional welcome wreath. This sets the tone for a longer stay infused with Filipino charm. Sampaguita-infused dishes enhance the Filipino experience. For relaxation, the hotel offers a Sampaguita Signature massage. A blend of techniques promising an ultimate unwinding sleep.
Guests are encouraged to participate in the hotel’s green initiatives. While bamboo toothbrushes might not be standard yet, energy conservation and food waste reduction are prioritized. Food scraps are composted for an on-site urban farm. Bicycle racks are even available, promoting active mobility. Encourages less carbon emission with their hotel guests.
But Savoy’s commitment goes beyond hospitality. General Manager Den Navarro leads the hotel’s ambitious sustainability drive. This is a significant undertaking for a large corporate hotel like Savoy, under the Megaworld Corporation. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) dictates for a corporation to be sustainable, it requires a commitment to fair climate policies. There should be low-carbon development and climate resilience. It demands practices prioritizing community needs and incorporating renewable energy.
Savoy’s Sustainability Under A Three-Pillar Approach
A deep dive into Savoy’s commitment to sustainability. A philosophy under GM Navarro’s leadership is deeply rooted in its “People, Planet, Business.”
People: Savoy supports local communities through partnerships with organizations like the Pangarap Foundation and the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, offering employment and advocacy. Collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance combats food insecurity. Internal programs like the “Farm On” challenge, “Trashion Show,” and “We Race for Green” engage employees in sustainability efforts.
Planet: Savoy’s hybrid farming initiative produces hundreds of kilos of produce annually, reducing the carbon footprint of food sourcing. The “Waste We Can” program diverted significant recyclable waste from landfills.
Business: Savoy integrates sustainability into its operations, not just as a cost, but as an opportunity for innovation and growth, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the business.
Savoy Hotel Manila’s journey is inspiring. Its integration of Filipino hospitality with a strong commitment to sustainability offers a model for other hotels worldwide. Their Sampaguita Project demonstrates that ethical business practices and cultural celebration can go hand-in-hand.
What Does the Sampaguita Project Have to Offer?
The Sampaguita Project is more than a theme. It’s a multifaceted initiative.
The key elements include:
Community Empowerment: The project has positively impacted thousands of families by creating livelihood opportunities through partnerships with organizations like Dwellbeing (promoting upcycled products) and Project Pearls Foundation (supporting underprivileged children). Activities range from Sampaguita planting to workshops and feeding programs.
Cultural Integration: The project engages all five senses: the aroma of sampaguita, traditional Kundiman music, and sampaguita-inspired food and beverages. It creates a truly immersive Filipino experience.
Sustainability Advocacy: The project aligns with Megaworld’s MEGreen program, emphasizing environmental responsibility through Sampaguita planting and eco-conscious practices.
Recognition and Impact: The project won the Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign at the Virtus Awards, demonstrating its success and creativity. It also boosted revenue across Megaworld hotels.
The Sampaguita Project embodies Megaworld’s “Circle of Happiness” philosophy, encompassing love for self, family, work, community, and religion. Blending culture with community initiatives it aims to redefine Filipino hospitality.
Since the pandemic, 2020, Savoy has aligned its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this “WeSave Sustainability Program.” This commitment extends to the Glasgow Declaration, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The program emphasizes recycling, waste reduction, and community engagement.
Savoy’s SDG Focus:
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: The hotel actively measures and reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Savoy integrates sustainable practices like waste reduction and energy efficiency.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The hotel engages the local community through outreach programs.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Savoy actively collaborates on sustainability initiatives.
A detailed online report from the One Planet Network. The report showcases Savoy’s sustainability efforts.
Savoy Hotel Manila’s success in sustainability could make it a pioneering hotel in the Newport area. Its future could include joining initiatives like the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) and potentially gaining recognition from the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
