IN PHOTOS: Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland in Manila for City of Dreams launch

MANILA, Philippines - American R&B artist Ne-Yo and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child were among the guests at the grand opening of City of Dreams on Monday.

The two artists performed at the casino and entertainment resort’s concert, which capped its formal launch. Ne-Yo performed four songs, including “Close,” “Give Me Everything” and “Let Me Love You.”

Meanwhile, Kelly sang two songs, including the Destiny’ Child hit “Dilemma.” Local artists Kyla, Jed Madela, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano also performed at the concert.

The event signifies the formal opening of the $1 billion casino and resort complex. It houses a casino; the Crown, Nobu and Hyatt hotels, the nightclubs Pangaea and Chaos; the world's first DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space DreamPlay; restaurants and retail shops.

Nobu is part-owned by Hollywod star Robert de Niro, who appears in a video commercial for the resort, alongside Leonardo Di Caprio and director Martin Scorcese.

WATCH: '$70 million' City of Dreams ad includes DiCaprio, De Niro

Local media and netizens expected the three celebrities to attend the launch, following the viral commercial and de Niro’s surprise appearance in Manila for the formal announcement of Nobu Hotel’s opening in the country last year.

In press interviews before the launch, hotel officials were cryptic when asked about the presence of Di Caprio, de Niro and Scorsese at the launch.

But ultimately, they were no-shows at the event. - with the Associated Press

Here are photos from the City of Dreams Manila concert:

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