Discover extraordinary at Okada Manila??

If there’s a Japanese word that best describes what the people behind Okada Manila (formerly Manila Bay Resorts) are feeling right now, it’s waku-doki — the anticipation that comes when one is about to do or accomplish something intense or wonderful.?

“We’re extremely excited about this project,” enthuses Takahiro Usui, chief operating officer of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc., during the recent project launch at Whitespace in Makati. “And that’s exactly what it’s like to step into Okada Manila.”?

The third property to complete the Entertainment City in Parañaque, Okada Manila promises to wow visitors with its outstanding features, grand amenities, and impeccable service. Phase one development of the $2.4-billion Okada Manila comprises 993 hotel rooms and a 90,000-square-foot entertainment venue.“The investment could reach $4 billion with the development of the next phases within a five-year period,” adds Usui.

Just for Hue?

Quite unique to Okada Manila is its Y-shaped hotel that gleams a bright gold color against the sunset. Gold is the key theme of the 44-hectare property. ?

“It represents the hue of Manila Bay’s famed sunset,” notes businessman Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco, the Filipino partner of Japanese casino mogul Kazuo Okada. The two wings of the hotel — Pearl and Coral — will be connected by two sky bridges and will have 15 floors each. There’s an indoor beach, The Cove, with a maximum capacity of 4,500 guests. It boasts a real white-sand beach, lily pads, daybeds, luxurious locker and shower room facilities for all guests, a UV-protected beach club, a sunset deck overlooking the bay, a 700-sqm butterfly pool, two expansive stages, and five distinct bars offering unique artisanal cocktails for a more modern resort feel. It is the largest indoor beach club in Southeast Asia.?

Okada Manila is also going to be the most happening place for club-goers. Its 9,000-sqm entertainment venue will be enclosed in a glass dome (100 meters in diameter and 30 meters in height) and will have 33 cabanas and bungalows equipped with amenities such as private Jacuzzis, dining rooms, media and karaoke rooms, and hotel-inspired private restrooms.?The most iconic of all of its features is The Fountain, the biggest dancing fountain in the country. Okada Manila’s US$30-million investment measures 37,464-sqm and is open 365 days a year. Add to that the 800-meter glass corridors (around the fountain area) for projection mapping.?

“We’ll use 400 to 500 projectors to display animation films, even an opera,” enthuses Cojuangco. “Mr. Okada wants a total entertainment package not just for gamers, but the whole family.”

The Best of two Cultures?

But what makes Okada Manila truly extraordinary is the merging of the Japanese and Filipino cultures.?

“The Filipinos have an amazing culture, and our chairman recognized that many years ago,” says Steve Wolstenholme, president, Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc.?”And that explains why Okada Manila is here. He wanted to be in the Philippines because of the Filipino people and because this country has an amazing future ahead. Mr. Okada knew that by merging the two cultures — the Japanese people’s respectful demeanor, passion for creativity and hunger for innovation, and the Filipinos’ hard work, hospitality and cheerful spirit — we definitely have something extremely special.”

According to Wolstenholme, the investment requirement in the Entertainment City is approximately US$1 billion,?“but our chairman, Mr. Okada, has so much confidence in this country and its people that he invested US$2.4 billion.”

A Game Changer?

Though he’s not a gambler, businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco didn’t have second thoughts when he was tapped to be the local partner of Kazuo Okada, who owns Tiger Resort, a member of Japan-based casino resorts developer Universal Entertainment Corp.?

“Mr. Okada brings so much to the tourism industry. And I’ve always believed that tourism is the easiest industry to develop in the Philippines,” says Cojuangco. “For one, we speak good English, we’re hospitable and hardworking. Second, we have the land, so it’s just a matter of finding the best investors to put things together. Lastly, it generates jobs.”?

There are now over 12,000 people working round the clock to bring this amazing building into operation.?In Okada Manila, much luxury abounds. For one, it will be the largest casino resort in the Philippines, with up to 500 table games and approximately 3,000 Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM).?

In terms of restaurants, Okada Manila doesn’t disappoint, as it boasts 21 self-operated restaurants for casual, buffet, and international dining. There will be K.O. Dining, which carries signature restaurants by Michelin-star chefs.?

Okada Manila has also allotted a total of 8,409-sqm. space for over 50 local and international fashion brands, and spa facilities to indulge the senses.?Set to open before the year ends, Okada Manila will definitely redefine the concept of Philippine entertainment and gaming.?

“We envision it to become the country’s iconic landmark for world-class entertainment and limitless fun that will delight and charm visitors from within the Philippines and all over the world,” adds Wolstenholme.?

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Okada Manila is located just three kilometers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is at the foreshore of Manila Bay.