Manila, are you ready for the “more than gaming” experience? Welcome Okada Manila, beauteous brainchild of resort and gaming visionary, Kazuo Okada, chairman of Japanese gaming group Universal Entertainment.
Owned and operated by Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc., Okada Manila, once fully operational, is set to be one of the Metro’s iconic must-visit places. Strategically located along the foreshore of Manila Bay, the property measures a whopping 440,000 square meters (44 hectares), and will comprise a stunning showcase of all the best that the leisure lifestyle and gaming sectors
have to offer – and more.
The impressive facility will highlight the marriage of opulent architecture and modern convenience, whilst promoting both Japanese and Filipino hospitality. The Japanese brand of Omotenashi and Magokoro hospitality, marked by a respectful spirit, and zeal for efficient and creative innovativeness, combined with the congeniality and cheerful fervor of the Filipino service ethic will be at the crux of Okada Manila’s service philosophy.
Among its gems is The Fountain, a 37,464-square meter dancing water display and light show, set to the artistry of original Filipino music. This centrally located ornamental structure is expected to become the single most recognizable feature of Okada Manila, and is likewise projected to be a big crowd-drawer. At a cost of US$30 million, The Fountain will be a one-of-a-kind venue for special events and concerts, as well as a unique, awe-inspiring gathering place for family and friends.
The resort recently revealed its partnerships for this extravagant undertaking with WET (the LA-based world-famous designer and maker of the grandest fountains in the most prestigious resorts and hotels across 20 countries in five continents) and with the much lauded Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM).
These partnerships were formalized by Okada Manila COO Takahiro Usui, Okada Manila President Steve Wolstenholme, WET Director of Design Technology Jim Doyle, and OPM executives including Gary Valenciano, Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, and Dingdong Avanzado.
The Fountain, Doyle says, is “poised to speak to the Filipino people,” through the music, as well as the inspirations of the design, which is WET’s first project to be done “using a lot of color.”
Okada Manila began its preview phase on Dec. 21, and is scheduled to have its Grand Opening later in the first quarter of 2017.