Stanley Ho opens ‘Jumbo Kingdom’

Macau-based casino tycoon Stanley Ho flew in from Hong Hong last Thursday to open his huge floating restaurant on Manila Bay.

Known for its exquisite Chinese design and cuisine the world over, the Jumbo Kingdom "hopes to establish itself as a premier tourism and fine dining establishment in Manila," its publicists said in a statement.

"It also hopes to live up to the reputation like that of other Jumbo restaurants in Hong Kong which have played host to numerous dignitaries and celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II, film stars Tom Cruise, Chow Yun Fat, Gong Li and more than 30 million other valued customers," the statement said.

The opening was graced by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Chinese Ambassador Wu Hongbo.

The Jumbo Kingdom is docked near the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila Bay.

Wu said the floating restaurant will "showcase the high standard of Chinese cuisine," adding that a visit to the Jumbo Kingdom "should not be missed."

"One can never say he has been to Hong Kong or Manila without ever dining at the Jumbo Kingdom," its publicist said.

Atienza welcomed Ho’s investment in Manila and praised the Jumbo Kingdom, saying it added beauty and glamour to the city’s beautification program.

In his opening address, Ho said he hoped that all "speculation, controversies and incorrect reports about the Jumbo Kingdom will all be put aside," referring to earlier reports that it would be a floating casino.

His intention is to "just add to the fine dining places available in Manila.

By positioning the Jumbo Kingdom in Manila Bay, he said he wanted to "provide diners a spectacular view of the bay, surround them with intricate Chinese décor and design, and treat them to a wide range of Western and Chinese cuisine."

He hoped that the restaurant will also provide a pleasing location to local residents, an attractive venue for social occasions and contribute to the country’s tourism industry.