Operator News

Philippines – City of Dreams Manila grand opening attracts over 30,000

By Phil - 9 February 2015

A spectacularly successful grand launch event at City of Dreams Manila saw over 30,000 visitors experience Manila’s first-ever world-class entertainment-inspired leisure destination.

The landmark event was officiated by Melco Crown Entertainment’s Co-Chairman and CEO Mr. Lawrence Ho, Co-Chairman Mr.James Packer, government dignitaries and VIP guests to officially launch the over USD 1 billion resort at Manila’s latest tourist destination, Entertainment City.

City of Dreams Manila has been developed by integrated casino resort developer MCE Leisure (Philippines) Corporation in cooperation with SM Group’s Belle Corporation, and is under the sole management and operation by MCE Leisure Philippines, a subsidiary of Melco Crown Resorts Corporation.

Cristino Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR said: “The magnificence of the City of Dreams Manila grand launch last night was testimony to how Melco Crown Entertainment has opened up a new chapter of entertainment experience in the Philippines. I am confident that the new benchmark set by this entertainment-inspired resort will help Entertainment City and Manila to being one of the leading premier leisure destinations in Asia.”

Thousands of excited visitors witnessed Melco Crown Entertainment’s Co-Chairman and CEO Mr. Lawrence Ho and Mrs. Sharen Ho; Co-Chairman Mr. James Packer; and Mr. Clarence Chung, Chairman & President of Melco Crown Philippines as they were joined by Mr. Cristino Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, Mr. Henry Sy Jr, Chairman of SM Prime Holdings, turning the ceremonial keys – opening the ‘Fortune Egg’ of City of Dreams Manila and cascading a ‘Dream Cloud’ of mechanical butterflies – to officially mark the launch of the integrated resort.

Celebrations of Manila’s newest world-class gaming and entertainment destination started with a glamorous red carpet entrance of celebrities and socialites preceded a prestigious gala dinner event attended by government officials, business partners and VIP guests.

Meanwhile, a crowd of over 5,000 movers and shakers partied at the sell-out ‘Concert of Dreams’ and were wowed by a stellar line-up of international and Philippines’ stars, with headliners Ne-Yo, international R&B heartthrob, and Kelly Rowland, the Grammy-award winning singer, who was formerly part of one of the most successful female groups of all time, Destiny’s Child, supported by a host of top local artists including Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kyla and Jed Madela.

Headlining the celebratory ‘Dream Concert’, Ne-Yo said: “I’m honoured to be a part of the City of Dreams Manila Grand Opening. It’s been fantastic to share the stage with incredible local and international talent. Cannot wait to return.”

Government officials, business partners and leading socialites including Tessa Prieto Valdes, Mia Borromeo, Sandie & Manoling Poblador, Rajo Laurel and Teddy & Louie Locsin, together with other VIP guests, then attended a prestigious celebratory black-tie dinner and enjoyed the special ‘Journey of Dreams’ entertainment, with special dinner-cabaret performances by Jed Madela, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and headline stars Kelly Rowland and Ne-Yo.

Earlier in the day hundreds of representatives from international and regional media joined the assembled ranks of Philippines media corps, to attend a special press conference and interview opportunities with Mr. Lawrence Ho and Mr. James Packer, where the audience enjoyed the impressive talk-around-town TV promotional film, starring Hollywood superstars Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, and produced by the internationally-acclaimed RatPac Entertainment producer and director Brett Ratner.

Melco Crown Entertainment’s Co-Chairman and CEO Mr. Lawrence Ho, said: “Our successful official launch marks the start of our exciting mission to deliver the ultimate in sophisticated and compelling entertainment experiences at City of Dreams Manila, as we continue to work to support the Philippine government in growing and further developing the tourism sector of Manila and the Philippines.”
“The success of City of Dreams Manila is a major milestone for Melco Crown Entertainment as we continue to expand our City of Dreams brand in Asian markets to meet the large and ever-growing number of leisure destination seekers across the region and internationally.”

Melco Crown Entertainment’s Co-Chairman Mr. James Packer, said: “The Philippines is a truly exciting and dynamic market. Foreign visitations have risen at a double digit rate in the past couple of years. We see immense potential for the country. As such, we had high expectations for City of Dreams Manila, and it has exceeded these expectations. We are confident that it will be a major catalyst in helping Manila further diversify its economy.”

As Manila’s first international integrated leisure destination, the new resort complex brings together a diverse collection of contemporary leisure and lifestyle brands from around the world, including Crown, Nobu, Hyatt, DreamWorks and the Ault Group. As such, an exceptional entertainment experience awaits all types of travelers and visitors from around the region and the world.

Celebrations for the grand launch were further heightened by news that City of Dreams Manila has just won the Integrated Resort of the Year at the annual International Gaming Awards held at the Savoy Hotel London.

This exciting and prestigious award is judged on numerous criteria to find the very best Casino or Integrated Resort, including facilities offered, customer service, games offered, atmosphere, style and design of building. One of the main criteria is the quality and professionalism of staff members working at the venue to make it the outstanding choice for customers.