"This campaign reflects our shared belief with the Department of Tourism that domestic tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. Every local trip supports livelihoods, celebrates our culture, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities across the country. Through TARA!, we hope to make discovering more to love about the Philippines easier, more accessible, and ultimately more rewarding for every Filipino." ~Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
Whenever someone says "Tara!", it's almost impossible not to feel excited. It's one of those uniquely Filipino expressions that instantly invites you to go on an adventure—whether it's a spontaneous road trip, a weekend staycation, or simply discovering a new place with family and friends. It means "Come on!", "Let's go!", or "Join me!", and it perfectly captures the warmth, excitement, and togetherness that make traveling around the Philippines so memorable.
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| From left: Claire Bernabe, Head of Sales of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR); Geraldine Gaw, General Manager of Hotel Lucky Chinatown; Eden Decano, Chief Finance Officer of MHR; Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of MHR; Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR; Capt. Stanley Ng, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism; Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of MHR; Divine delos Reyes, Head of People Management of MHR; Den Navarro, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Manila; Rowena Samonte, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel. |
That's exactly the inspiration behind TARA! (Travel Away and Reignite Adventure), the newest campaign of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR). I had the opportunity to attend its official media launch held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026, where members of the travel and lifestyle media, bloggers, and content creators gathered to celebrate a campaign that encourages Filipinos to travel more often while enjoying affordable and value-packed hotel experiences.
The event wasn't just about introducing another hotel promotion—it was a celebration of local tourism and a reminder that unforgettable adventures don't always require boarding an international flight. Sometimes, the best experiences are just a few hours away from home.
One of the highlights of the launch was the presence of Stanley Ng, the newly appointed Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, who expressed his support for the initiative. He shared how the TARA! campaign perfectly complements the department's "Discover More to Love" tourism campaign, which continues to encourage Filipinos to explore the country's diverse destinations, rich culture, and unique experiences.
As someone who enjoys discovering new places and sharing travel experiences, I truly appreciate campaigns like this because they make travel more accessible to everyone.
"TARA! is not just another hotel room promotion. It is an invitation for Filipinos to rediscover the incredible destinations we already have, from the heritage streets of Manila and Iloilo to the pristine beaches of Boracay and Cebu to the cool escapes of Batangas. With thousands of room keys across our portfolio, we are creating more opportunities for travelers to explore different parts of the country while enjoying the warmth of our Sampaguita brand of service wherever they go." ~Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
After the program, we were treated to a curated Binondo Food Crawl, and honestly, it became one of my favorite parts of the day. Walking through the vibrant streets of Binondo, tasting iconic Chinese-Filipino dishes, and learning more about the district's rich history reminded me that meaningful travel doesn't always mean going far. Sometimes, exploring your own city can be just as rewarding.
Binondo Food Crawl 2.0. Your adventure on the heart of Binondo awaits you!
📌 Phoenix Dragon Feng Sui Store
📌 Dong Bei Dumpling
📌 Wong Kei Sugarcane Juice
📌 Shanghai Fried Siopao
📌 New Po Heng Lumpia House
📌 Eng Bee Tin
📌 Binondo Church
📌 Hotel Lucky Chinatown
For those who may not know, Binondo is recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 during the Spanish colonial period. Today, it remains one of Manila's most vibrant cultural and culinary destinations, famous for its generations-old restaurants, traditional delicacies, temples, and colorful heritage streets. Every corner tells a story, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
As the country's largest hotel operator, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts now manages 16 hotels with over 9,000 room keys strategically located across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. This extensive portfolio allows travelers to choose from exciting city escapes, relaxing beach vacations, scenic mountain retreats, and business-friendly accommodations—all under one trusted hospitality brand.
What makes the TARA! campaign even more exciting is its affordable promotional offers. Participating hotels feature rates starting at only ₱3,800, making premium accommodations more accessible for families, couples, solo travelers, and even business guests planning a quick staycation.
Participating Hotels and Promotional Offers
Starting at ₱3,800 (Room Only):
- Belmont Hotel Manila
- Savoy Hotel Manila
- Grand Westside Hotel
- Kingsford Hotel Manila
- Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
- Belmont Hotel Iloilo
- Mercure Mactan Cebu
Starting at ₱3,800 (with Breakfast):
- Hotel Lucky Chinatown
- Chancellor Hotel Boracay
- Belmont Hotel Boracay
- Savoy Hotel Boracay
- Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
- Savoy Hotel Mactan
Starting at ₱5,800 (with Breakfast):
- Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
- Twin Lakes Hotel
The promotion runs from June 17 until November 29, 2026, with stay dates valid until November 30, 2026. Guests can simply book directly through their preferred participating hotel's website and use the promo code TARAMHR to enjoy these exclusive rates.
The launch also highlighted an encouraging milestone for Philippine tourism. According to the Department of Tourism, domestic travel generated ₱3.26 trillion in tourism spending last year, reflecting a 3% increase from the ₱3.16 trillion recorded in 2024. These numbers show that more Filipinos are choosing to explore their own country, helping local businesses and communities thrive while creating unforgettable travel memories closer to home.
Beyond the promotional rates, what impressed me most is how Megaworld Hotels & Resorts continues to champion its signature Sampaguita hospitality—a brand of service inspired by the Philippines' national flower, symbolizing warmth, sincerity, and genuine Filipino hospitality. It's these thoughtful touches that make every stay feel more personal and memorable.
Leaving the event, I realized that the message behind TARA! is more than just an invitation to book a hotel. It's a reminder that there are still countless destinations waiting to be explored, hidden food gems to discover, and beautiful experiences to create right here in the Philippines.
Whether you're planning a weekend staycation in Metro Manila, a beach getaway in Boracay, a relaxing retreat overlooking Taal Lake, or an adventure in Cebu or Iloilo, now is the perfect time to answer that invitation.
After all, there's always more to discover, more to experience, and definitely more to love in the Philippines. So... Tara!
