Okada Manila, the $2.4-billion integrated resort and gaming complex led by Japanese tycoon Kazuo Okada, will open in phases, starting with a “preview event” on Dec. 21.
Okada Manila said in a statement on its website that while it would open to the public on Dec. 21 for a preview, the grand opening would not be scheduled until the first quarter of 2017.
“During the preview event, [we] will host a Christmas concert featuring world-class performances from top Filipino artists Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez and Bamboo. The concert is free and open to the public,” Okada Manila, which sits on a 44-hectare property in Entertainment City in Parañaque, said.
“There will be a spectacular firework display beautifully enhanced with laser light show that can be seen as far as Quezon City. This spectacle of lights is the first of its kind in Manila and a preview to what guests can expect from the newest and the most magnificent hospitality and entertainment complex in Asia,” it said.
Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. public relations director Shariza Relova said in an interview only a portion of the casino would open during the preview event on Dec. 21, as the complex would gradually open by phase other components between December 2016 and March 2017.
Tiger Resort is the operator of Okada Manila.
“The grand opening will happen sometime in the first quarter of next year,” Relova said.
Relova said the opening of Okada Manila on Dec. 21 would enable the company to comply with the commencement date approved by regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Relova said the event would be attended by Okada and Pagcor officials.
Pagcor approved a December 2016 commencement date for Okada Manila after it missed an earlier March 2015 deadline. Okada encountered delays in finding a local partner, which was needed to meet a cap on foreign land ownership.
The 44-hectare world-class integrated resort will be the third integrated casino and resort to open in Entertainment City. The facility boasts of a two-wing hotel with 993 rooms that offer breathtaking views of either the Manila Bay or the property’s iconic fountain.
The casino floor will occupy a total floor area of over 26,000 sqm and provide up to 500 table games and 3,000 electronic gaming machines.
The complex will also offer 21 food and beverage outlets serving international cuisine from casual to fine dining.
The property will feature an iconic dancing fountain that would rival the best in Las Vegas and Dubai and will be the first to implement a 360-degree immersive water projection in the world.