The country’s newest luxury integrated resort development unveils a spectacle of sound, light, and a whole lot of water
Okada Manila has set the mark for leisure and gaming at a level that many can only ever aspire to reach. Owned and operated by Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc., and beauteous brainchild of gaming mogul, Kazuo Okada, the entertainment center is poised to set new standards as it breaks down all the old ones.
Among the most iconic features of the massive 440,000-square meter (44-hectare) property is The Fountain, a 37,464-square meter dancing water display and light show, set to a variety of music. Further enhancing the multi-sensory treat is a visually dazzling, immersive projection mapping onto the gleaming glass surface of the 800-meter long crystal corridor surrounding The Fountain. According to Bryan Bass, Okada Manila’s Property Marketing Director, negotiations are still underway, as well, to forge a partnership with the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) for original Filipino music to accompany the stunning water show.
The Fountain was officially launched on Mar. 31 at a star-studded unveiling ceremony, which was hosted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and showcased the talent of international multi-awarded singer, songwriter, and record producer Robin Thicke, Asia’s Got Talent finalist and Filipino classical singer Gerphil Flores, and the 40-piece Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
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, attracting both local and international crowds. 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.
Iconic inspiration
Designed by award-winning, world famous LA-based company, WET, The Fountain has 739 water nozzles, including WET’s proprietary underwater robots, 2,611 colored lights, and 23 speakers across a 9.2-acre manmade fountain lake, and contains enough water to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools. WET is the same brand behind such lauded landmarks as The Dubai Fountain, the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, and several of the grandest fountains in the most prestigious resorts and hotels across 20 countries in five continents.
The Fountain’s design was inspired by the many festive traditions and holidays of the Philippines, as well as the national flower, the eight-petaled Sampaguita, whose name means “I promise you.” WET thought this evoked a sense of romance and the promise of good fortune not just for gaming enthusiasts, but a bright future for the Philippines as well. The Fountain demonstrates the hospitable and loving attributes of the Philippines, and provides a suitable landmark and destination for both locals and tourists. It is meant to serve a source of continual inspiration to the people of the Philippines, as well as all who behold its splendor.
“Mr. Okada, wants anybody and everybody to be able to enjoy the Okada Manila experience. We’re absolutely open to all and for all, and we will eventually be offering a range of offerings and amenities that speak to a variety of audiences and different categories of customers,” Bass points out.
“We’re looking to see upwards of 20,000 people coming in daily, to see The Fountain. Our Chairman wanted that to be his gift to the Philippines. He didn’t want people to have to pay to see it – people can just come in to watch it. We’re really looking forward to showcasing what Mr. Okada’s promise is, to the Philippines, to create a destination attraction for this country,” adds Maxwell Zetlin, Okada Manila’s VP for Entertainment.
If The Fountain is any indicator, there are promises yet to be fulfilled in ways just as gratifying and grand at Okada Manila.
 
By ANGIE DUARTE