Cebu solidified its status as a premier MICE destination during the 48th ASEAN Summit. The international event highlighted Filipino hospitality through Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ “Spirit of Sampaguita” service brand.
The summit featured regional leaders and international delegates. It relied on seamless coordination and genuine warmth.
Hellen B. De La Vega, director general for operations at the ASEAN National Organizing Council, attributed the success to a united effort. She said the summit was made possible through “shared commitment, close coordination, and collective spirit of service.”
The Mactan Newtown served as a strategic hub for the event. Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Mercure Mactan Cebu led accommodations and culinary support.
Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, noted the city’s readiness for global gatherings. She said, “The ASEAN Tourism Forum earlier this year already demonstrated Cebu’s growing strength as a MICE destination, but hosting the ASEAN Summit and ministerial-level meetings further affirmed that Cebu is fully prepared for events of global significance. Through Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ Sampaguita brand of service, we were able to showcase not only operational excellence, but also the genuine warmth and gracious hospitality that define the Filipino spirit.”
Properties and the Mactan Expo received Department of Health sanitation certifications before the summit.
Mercure Mactan Cebu focused on local experiences. General Manager Gwendolyn Dela Cruz said, “It was a distinct honor for us to host His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Philippine delegation during the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. To warmly welcome our distinguished guests, our team curated local experiences that reflected the warmth and identity of Cebuano hospitality – while championing the initiative of ‘Feeling Local Everywhere.’”
She added, “We were always guided by the ASEAN Philippines Summit 2026 theme, ‘Navigating Our Future Together,’ which strongly aligned with the Sampaguita brand of service and our shared values of loving and honoring our country. Whether through eagerly welcoming delegates upon arrival, showcasing Cebuano culture and cuisine, or ensuring every detail of their stay was thoughtfully prepared, our goal was to create a guest journey that reflected genuine Filipino hospitality and proudly represented our country on an international stage.”
The Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown provided a sensory experience for delegates. General Manager Josef Chongbian explained his team’s approach. He said, “During the ASEAN Summit, our team focused on the core value of honor. Hosting world leaders was not just an operational responsibility but a privilege to present the best of Cebu and the Philippines. This vision came alive through a curated sensory journey. Upon arrival, delegates stepped into halls filled with our signature Sampaguita scent, welcomed by our team dressed in traditional Filipiniana. In their rooms, guests discovered an artisanal chocolate-coated kakanin collection. The local showcase extended into the evening with premium Cebuano turndown treats, including otap, dried mango chocolate, and rosquillos. More than just hosting a summit, we extended a heartfelt embrace of authentic hospitality that truly honored Cebu, our nation, and our global guests.”
The event successfully showcased Cebu’s capability to host large-scale international meetings.
