The heroes of hospitality: impact in action at Newport World Resorts

Hospitality begins as a conscious decision to care for others. Carried into the neighborhood and sustained over time, that decision becomes volunteer work that protects resources and strengthens communities. At Newport World Resorts (NWR), I LOVE Earth (ILE) gives that choice structure through a property-wide sustainability initiative with clear targets and independent verification under EarthCheck, a global benchmarking and certification program for sustainable tourism.

Volunteer spirit comes into view through LOVE Tanim of Newport World Resorts. LOVE stands for League of Volunteer Employees, the property’s volunteer corps that leads hands-on community programs throughout the year. At the Ipo Dam nursery and Luzon sites, employee volunteers filled seed bags, set Kupang seeds by hand, watered trays, and lined them in rows so sturdy saplings can take root on the mountainside and help safeguard the reservoir that serves millions. Dealer Leomar Busalla often arrives early and stays until the last row is finished, switching between camera and gloves when joining coastal cleanups, feeding programs, Brigada Eskwela, tree planting, and outreach activities.

Clear targets come to life at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts. Under the Travel with Purpose initiative, Hilton’s Environmental, Social, and Governance program aims to double social investment and reduce environmental footprint by half by 2030. In the property, Fredie Liza Boniel, Hygiene and Sustainability Manager, turns direction into daily practice as teams manage food and solid wastes efficiently, use digital dashboards to track utilities, and promote use of sustainable products so conservation shows up in routines guests and colleagues can see, feel and participate in. These choices link governance with measured results across hotel operations both front-of-house and back-of-house spaces.

Through the Marriott Worldwide Junior Business Councils – Philippines, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts links talent with causes that matter by directing support to Save the Children Philippines, Plastic Bank, and the Marriott Philippines Associates Welfare and Recovery Fund. Meg Silva coordinates partner outreach and volunteer sign-ups, as Andrew Asuncion organizes teams on the ground, and Chef Meik Brammer advances low-waste food and beverage activations. Together, they channel resources to children’s programs and plastic recovery that communities rely on.

Care takes a welcoming shape inside the Minka Employee Lounge, where Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts continues its community outreach this year, with initiatives that include a visit to the elderly and support for a rescued animal shelter. The team also opened its doors to children from the Virlanie Foundation, a Philippine nonprofit that supports children and families in vulnerable situations, for learning, stories, a shared meal, and school supplies to take home. Isen Gonzales, Assistant Human Resources Manager, leads colleagues in regular service and strengthens trust with partner communities, which supports family well-being and prepares households to participate in environmental programs over time.

In the kitchens of Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts, every plate teaches sustainability through menus that support farmers and reduce waste. Bianca Diaz and Jellie Ann Soyangco mentor teams and schedule volunteer hours that support I LOVE Earth programs and kitchen reforms. Chef Andrea Burzio leads a Sustainable Culinary program guided by the Good Food Manifesto, an in-house pledge that favors local and seasonal sourcing, trims food miles, and minimizes waste. Their leadership strengthens farmer livelihoods, reduces disposal volumes, and helps guests understand how responsible dining can feel natural at every service.

A welcoming space inside the Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) Manila Newport World Resorts Greatroom became a venue for a LOVE Grants activity for the benefit of the children from Asilo de San Vicente Orphanage. The outreach was organized by the Newport World Resorts Human Resources team and sponsored by Hotel Operations. LOVE Grants is an employee-led micro-grants that fund small, high-return community projects. Another program is the Giving for Good which is the InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) annual month of volunteering that rallies hotel teams for local service. Catherine Agulto, Manager for Admin and Training of HIEX Manila, coordinates across the IHG Philippines Cluster to bring representatives together and manage logistics that keep participation strong, which keeps support close to the families who need it most.

For more information on I LOVE Earth, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.