Boracay Newcoast, a Megaworld township located at the northeastern part of the island, continues to strengthen its position as a destination capable of hosting meaningful and culturally significant gatherings, demonstrating how integrated townships can evolve to meet the needs of diverse global travelers.
Following a successful celebration of Hari Raya, the 150-hectare township reinforces its readiness to support Muslim friendly tourism not just through infrastructure, but through intentional collaboration, cultural understanding, and community engagement.
The celebration unfolded across multiple spaces within the township, each thoughtfully aligned with the purpose of the event. The day began with a Halal culinary experience led by Chef Tahir Malikol, where Muslim and non-Muslim participants including students, island based chefs, hobbyists, and enthusiasts came together in a shared learning environment. At the Al Fresco, the outdoor dining area across Belmont Hotel Boracay, a bazaar and art exhibit brought together textiles, jewelry pieces, and artworks from different Muslim communities, offering a deeper appreciation of culture through craftsmanship and storytelling.
The evening transitioned into the Hari Raya observance at Cove 2, where prayers were led by an Imam, followed by the symbolic lighting of lanterns with community leaders, representing unity, hope, and shared faith. The celebration culminated in a feast at the Boracay Newcoast Convention Center Garden, where program elements, performances, and the communal sharing of a meal brought together guests in a meaningful expression of togetherness.
From a national perspective, the Department of Tourism recognizes the importance of such initiatives in advancing the Philippines’ position in the global Muslim travel market.
Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar notes, “We’re happy to see how much Boracay, through Megaworld Hotels and Resorts with its hotel properties in Boracay Newcoast, is embracing Muslim tourism. Hari Raya is one of the most meaningful celebrations in the Muslim faith, marking the end of Ramadan with gratitude, reflection, and community. Beyond spaces that are readily available within its township, we salute the collaborative efforts of their team for coming up with a meaningful celebration that truly captures the essence of the event. As DOT, our goal is for all service providers to have the enthusiasm to learn new markets, increasing our capability to attract more Muslim travelers to the Philippines.”
Celebrating Culture Through Food
Central to the experience was a thoughtfully curated menu that reflected the rich culinary traditions of Muslim Mindanao, bringing together flavors from various ethnolinguistic groups and communities. From the Kagan tradition, Suwabay, a rice-based staple associated with royalty, and Tininuwan, a coconut infused dish prepared for special occasions, highlighted everyday heritage and ceremonial dining.
Maguindanaon cuisine was represented through Linigil, a chicken dish simmered in coconut milk with turmeric and native spices, and Inasakan a Layagan, a stuffed crab dish enriched with coconut and herbs, reflecting deep rooted culinary traditions.
From the Iranun community, Siager Udang, a shrimp delicacy blended with fresh herbs and young coconut, and Sinina a Kambing, a coconut-based goat stew slow cooked with native spices, showcased coastal influences and communal dining practices.
Maranao specialties including Riyandang a Sape, a slow braised beef dish in coconut reduction, and Pindialukan a Manok, a richly spiced chicken dish simmered in coconut milk, brought forward flavors traditionally served during gatherings.
Tausug and Yakan dishes such as Piyanggang Manok, known for its deep smoky coconut profile, and Papaya Bubuk, a vegetable dish infused with native spices, added diversity to the spread, alongside Moro delicacies such as Daral, Dudol, and Sendol, traditionally prepared for festive occasions.
Chef Tahir Malikol shares, “The world knows so little about Muslim Mindanao cooking. That is why it has been my advocacy to partner with brands who support our beliefs and traditions. Working with MHR on conducting a cooking class has been enriching and gratifying, knowing that not only do I get to live my advocacy but also work with a brand who collaborates in amplifying our goal of reaching better appreciation from groups beyond ours.”
For Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the initiative represents part of a broader and continuing journey, one anchored in both national identity and global inclusivity.
Cluster General Manager Sonny Alvaro shares, “Since 2023, our commitment to helping the country position itself as a Muslim friendly destination only grows stronger. Guided by the Sampaguita, our brand of service anchored on love, honor, dignity, and healing, our hotels in Boracay Newcoast including Belmont Hotel Boracay, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, and Savoy Hotel Boracay are driven to create experiences that go beyond utility. We design gatherings with intention and purpose, ensuring that every celebration is not only well executed, but deeply felt. The more we learn and break barriers, the more we truly get to showcase how Filipino warmth knows no limits in making everyone feel welcomed.”
Supporting these experiences is a growing ecosystem of purpose-built spaces within Boracay Newcoast. Marhaba Beach serves as the country’s first dedicated Muslim friendly beach space, while the Boracay Newcoast Convention Center enables dialogue and community engagement. This is complemented by Savoy Hotel Boracay with its Halal certified dining, alongside Belmont Hotel Boracay and Chancellor Hotel Boracay, expanding the township’s ability to host large scale, multi day gatherings.
As the Philippines continues to expand its reach in the global tourism landscape, Boracay Newcoast offers a working model of how destinations can adapt with purpose, where spaces, partnerships, and shared values come together to create experiences that are not only memorable, but meaningful.
Featured photo – From left: Ms. Evelyn Dy Bondagjy, President of PTAA, Ms. Maria Lourdes Japson, President of PHILTOA, Ms. Nonie Alarilla, Head of Sales & Marketing of Total Exhibit and Expo Solutions, Ms. Maia Israel, Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Art Boncato, Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar, Undersecretary of Philippine Department of Tourism, Solaiman Daud Maguindanao, Grand Imam of Boracay, Sultan Rajah Ibno Roy Tupad Maguindanao, Sultan, Unayan Confederation of Lanao | Rajah Muda / Cabugatan, Sultanate of Panay | Tribal Minister, Rajahnate of Panay | Chairman, Kedatuan of Madjaas Tribal Council, Usman A. Maguindanao, Maulana, Hafidul Qur’an, Mr. Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Phoebe Zelie Areno, Assistant Regional Director of Philippine Department of Tourism-Western Visayas, Ms. Emelyn Rosales, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Boracay, Ms. Nazirah Zaini Brunei, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam, Ms. Ine Faustino, President & General Manager of CCT 168 Travel & Tours, and Ms. Amie Villena, Area Director of Sales & Marketing of Boracay Newcoast, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
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