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Okada Manila
Okada Manila
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Okada Manila
Okada Manila as seen in 2024
Map
Location Entertainment City, Parañaque, Philippines
Opening dateDecember 30, 2016; 8 years ago (December 30, 2016)
No. of rooms1,001
Total gaming space26,410.77 m2 (284,283.2 sq ft)
OwnerTiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, Inc.
Operating license holderPAGCOR
ArchitectGF & Partners[1]
PRSP Architects[2]
Previous namesManila Bay Resorts (until June 2016)
Websiteokadamanila.com

Okada Manila (Japanese: オカダマニラ, romanized: Okada Manira) is an integrated resort located on the Entertainment City gaming strip in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

History

[edit]
The complex under construction in 2015

Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment was granted a license to operate a casino within the Entertainment City in 2008. In June 2016, the casino complex then named as Manila Bay Resorts was re-branded as Okada Manila.[3]

The facility is intended to be used by Okada to compete with casinos in Macau and to position Metro Manila as a regional and international destination.[4] The casino was set to open in November 2016 but the opening was later delayed due to worse-than-expected weather conditions.[5]

The casino complex was opened for "preview" on December 21, 2016,[5] and later commenced operations as a casino on December 30, 2016.[6]

The Fountain, was officially opened on March 31, 2017, to invited guests. On the next day, the casino opened the attraction to the general public.[7]

Kazuo Okada was removed as board chairman of Tiger Resort in 2017 after the Universal Entertainment Corporation its parent firm alleged he has misappropriate funds.[8][9] Okada continues to claim that he is the rightful head of Tiger Resort and filed legal charges against the board while the casino continued to operate.[10][11]

The operations of the casino was significantly affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic with 1,000 of its 10,000 staff members retrenched due in June 2020.[12]

The Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a status quo ante order on April 27, 2022, compelling the Tiger Resort to revert to a state prior to Kazuo Okada's removal from its board in 2017. On May 31, 2022, Okada's group took over Okada Manila's operations.[10][11]

In September 2024, Tomohiro Okada was appointed president and representative director of Universal Entertainment.[13]

In August 2025, Okada Manila announced a leadership transition, with Byron Yip concluding his seven-year tenure as president and chief operating officer. Nobuki Sato was named president and chief operating officer.[14][15]

Features

[edit]
Okada Manila nearing completion
Banner in front of the casino

Okada Manila occupies an area of 44 hectares (110 acres) of the Entertainment City[3] 26,410.77 square meters (284,283.2 sq ft) allotted to gaming. The hotel building of Okada Manila is composed of Pearl Wing and Coral Wing with each wing having 15 floors to be connected by two sky bridges.[16][17] The glass facade of the building has a gold color representing the hue of Manila Bay's sunset, and is one of the casino's key themes.[18] Both wings has a total of 1,001 rooms.[19]

Phase one of the casino costed US$2.4 billion. More than 3,000 electronic gaming machines and 500 table games were planned to be installed in the casino complex.[3]

Included in Okada Manila's amenities are The Retreat Spa and PLAY, an indoor facility for kids.[20] There is also an allotted 8,409 square meters (90,510 sq ft) shopping area within the casino resort.[16]

The Fountain

[edit]

A large central fountain, dubbed as "The Fountain" is the centerpiece of the casino resort complex spanning 37,464 square meters (403,260 sq ft) and costs US$30 million.[16] The Fountain is dubbed as the largest multicolor dancing fountain in the world.[21]

The US$30 million fountain was designed by Los Angeles–based firm, WET. The design was inspired from the "festive traditions of the Philippines", and the sampaguita (Jasminum sambac). The dancing fountain has 739 water nozzles which includes underwater robots which are proprietary of WET, 2,611 colored LED lights and 23 speakers.[21]

The Fountain at Okada Manila is the largest dancing fountain in the Philippines. Measuring 37,464 square metres (403,260 sq ft), the Okada Manila fountain is slightly smaller than The Dubai Fountain at the Burj Khalifa Lake in the United Arab Emirates.[22]

The Garden

[edit]

The Garden is an open space overlooking Manila bay. It occupies more than 30,000 square metres (320,000 sq ft) and features five reflective ponds covering over 3,000 square metres (32,000 sq ft).[23]

Cove Manila

[edit]

Cove Manila opened to the public on December 15, 2017, with DJ Steve Aoki headlining the event.[24] The venue already hosted an event prior to its opening which was the after-party event for Miss Universe 2016 which was held in January 2017.[25] Notable events include Miss Earth 2019, Miss Earth 2022, and actress Jillian Ward's debut on February 25, 2023.[26]

In 2025, Okada Manila was awarded with Forbes Travel Guide 5-star rating for six years in a row and also its spa, The Retreat Spa has been given a Forbes 5-star rating for the third consecutive year.[27][28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Okada Manila is a luxury integrated resort and complex situated in , City, , , encompassing a Forbes Five-Star with over 1,000 rooms, extensive gaming facilities, entertainment attractions including an indoor beach club, multiple dining outlets, and a prominent display. Developed by Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., a of Japan's Corporation, the property spans approximately 35 hectares along and opened to the public with a on December 21, 2016, following a reported exceeding $2 billion. Notable for its architectural highlights such as The Cove—a 100-meter-diameter glass-domed with artificial white sand accommodating up to 3,000 guests—and a choreographed dancing , Okada Manila has earned repeated Five-Star ratings for its and amenities since its inception. The resort's development and operations have been overshadowed by protracted disputes involving founder , who was removed as chairman and CEO of in 2017 amid allegations of financial misconduct in , prompting challenges to his influence over the Philippine entity. In 2022, Okada associates executed a contested of Okada Manila's board, leading to indictments for grave and lawsuits accusing the parties of and brute force to install loyalists. The Philippine in 2023 upheld Okada's disqualification from directorships due to his Japanese ouster, lifting a status quo order and confirming the loss of his control over the resort in 2024, amid ongoing litigation including failed merger attempts and probes.

History

Development and Construction (2012–2016)

Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. (TRLE), a subsidiary of Japan's Universal Entertainment Corporation founded by Kazuo Okada, initiated the development of the Manila Bay Resorts project in Entertainment City, Parañaque, in 2012. Groundbreaking for construction occurred in January 2012, marking the start of a multi-billion-dollar integrated casino resort aimed at rivaling major gaming destinations in Macau and Las Vegas. The project encompassed a 34.5-hectare site and required an investment exceeding $2 billion, with construction involving up to 22,000 workers over approximately six years. Construction advanced through 2012 and 2013, focusing on foundational and core structures for the , , and facilities, though early phases faced from Philippine regulators over licensing and compliance. By 2014, the project encountered significant delays, shifting the anticipated first-phase opening from late 2015 to late 2016, as announced by TRLE executives citing extended build timelines. Despite these setbacks, progress continued, with the resort's scale—including plans for over 900 rooms, a vast floor, and signature attractions—positioning it as one of Asia's largest developments. In 2015 and early 2016, construction intensified on finishing elements such as the iconic and indoor beach features, amid ongoing financing efforts that included $400 million in notes issued by to support completion. The project was rebranded from Manila Bay Resorts to Okada Manila in June 2016, reflecting the founder's and nearing operational readiness. Delays persisted, pushing the soft opening beyond initial November 2016 targets to December, attributed by TRLE to meticulous quality assurances in the complex build.

Opening and Initial Operations (2017–2018)

Okada Manila commenced its preview operations on December 21, 2016, marking the initial public access to select facilities including the floor ahead of a full launch. gaming activities officially began four days later on December 30, 2016, following regulatory approval from the . This phased rollout allowed for operational testing and incremental facility activation, with the property spanning 44 hectares in the district of . The anticipated grand opening was rescheduled to late March 2017, reflecting ongoing preparations for major attractions rather than a singular ceremonial event. On March 31, 2017, the resort unveiled , a multicolor dancing fountain described as the largest of its kind globally, enhancing its appeal as an integrated destination. Initial operations emphasized attracting high-value patrons, though the facility faced competition in luring VIP players amid the nascent Philippine market. Further expansion in late 2017 included the December 15 opening of Cove Manila, an indoor beach club and dome accommodating up to 5,000 guests, aimed at boosting non-gaming streams. By 2018, these efforts contributed to gross gaming of approximately $522 million for the full year, signaling operational stabilization after the preview phase. The resort's early performance positioned it as a significant player in Manila's , with gaming floors and hospitality services fully integrated by mid-year.

Ownership and Corporate Governance

Founding by Kazuo Okada and Universal Entertainment

, founder and then-chairman of Corporation (UEC), established Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. (TRLEI) on June 13, 2008, as the Philippine entity to spearhead the development of an integrated resort in Manila's district. UEC, which Okada had founded in 1969 initially as a manufacturer of pachinko and gaming machines (formerly Aruze Corporation), provided the corporate backing and funding, drawing on Okada's experience in the gaming industry, including his early role in co-founding . The initiative aligned with the Philippine government's push to develop as a gaming and tourism hub, regulated by the (PAGCOR). Development of the project, initially known as Manila Bay Resorts, commenced in 2012 on a 44-hectare waterfront site in , with an estimated total investment exceeding US$2 billion for the first phase, encompassing a , retail, and entertainment facilities. PAGCOR granted provisional licensing and timeline extensions, including approval in June 2015 for completion by December 2016, amid delays. UEC committed significant capital, including a US$400 million of notes in 2016 specifically to finalize under contractor Hilmarc's Construction . The resort was rebranded as Okada Manila in July 2016, reflecting Okada's personal involvement and vision for a luxury destination featuring over 900 rooms, thousands of gaming positions, and signature attractions like a choreographed fountain show. This founding effort positioned UEC as a key foreign investor in Philippine gaming, though subsequent issues at UEC and TRLEI would later challenge control.

2017 Ousting of Kazuo Okada and Board Changes

In June 2017, the board of directors of Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), the entity responsible for developing and operating Okada Manila, voted to remove as chairman, chief executive officer, director, and nominal shareholder with one share. This action occurred on June 16, 2017, and was executed in alignment with directives from TRLEI's majority shareholder, Universal Entertainment Corporation (UEC), Okada's Japanese parent company. The ousting stemmed from an internal investigation by UEC, which uncovered alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by Okada, including unauthorized payments totaling approximately 2.2 billion (about $20 million USD at the time) to a third-party entity linked to personal matters. Okada, who had founded UEC (formerly Aruze Corporation) and held a through family entities, denied the misappropriation claims, asserting the funds were legitimate and not converted for personal gain. The UEC board had similarly dismissed him as chairman and director earlier that month, around mid-June, amid escalating family tensions; Okada's , Tomohiro Okada, aligned with board members opposing his , contributing to the shift. Following the removals, TRLEI's board composition stabilized under UEC's influence, retaining directors such as Kengo Takeda, Riza V. Tumale, and Laurence Hawke, who continued oversight of Okada Manila's operations without Okada's involvement. The board changes at TRLEI effectively severed Okada's direct control over Okada Manila, which had opened earlier that year in March 2017 under his vision as a flagship project to expand UEC's gaming footprint beyond . UEC appointed interim to ensure continuity, prioritizing compliance with Philippine gaming regulations amid the resort's nascent operations. These events marked the onset of prolonged legal challenges, though contemporaneous reports emphasized the board's rationale centered on safeguarding corporate assets from perceived risks.

Post-2017 Legal Disputes and Control Battles (2018–2023)

Following Kazuo Okada's ousting from the boards of Universal Entertainment Corporation (UEC) and its Philippine subsidiary Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI)—the operator of Okada Manila—in May 2017 amid allegations of embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty, Okada initiated multiple legal challenges asserting his majority ownership through Okada Holdings Limited (OHL). In November 2018, the Regional Trial Court of Parañaque City dismissed Okada's election contest against his removal as a TRLEI director and shareholder, ruling that his one share in TRLEI was nominal and conferred no voting rights or control over OHL subsidiaries. Okada appealed the RTC decision, while parallel proceedings unfolded in and the involving UEC subsidiaries like Aruze USA. Japanese courts, including a February 2020 ruling affirmed by higher courts, upheld UEC's claims against for damages exceeding ¥500 million (approximately $4.6 million) related to unauthorized payments, reinforcing his removal as justified. In the U.S., Chancery Court cases between UEC and entities tied to , such as Aruze Gaming America, addressed preservation of evidence and fiduciary breaches but did not alter Philippine control dynamics directly. Tensions escalated in 2022 when the Philippine Court of Appeals denied Okada's appeal in April, but the Supreme Court issued a temporary Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) in April 2022, directing restoration of TRLEI's pre-2017 board composition—effectively reinstating Okada's allies. On May 31, 2022, Okada's group physically seized control of Okada Manila premises with approximately 50 security personnel, prompting the incumbent UEC-backed board to accuse them of an "illegal and violent invasion," coercion, and extortion; the board filed criminal and civil suits in response. The (PAGCOR) intervened on September 2, 2022, ordering Okada's group to vacate and reinstating UEC representatives, including Byron Yip as president, citing regulatory compliance and operational stability; UEC formally assumed control of operations on September 4, 2022. UEC pursued further charges against Okada for trespassing and obstruction. The disputes culminated in a , 2023, resolution lifting the SQAO, dismissing 's petition as time-barred under election contest rules (filed beyond the 15-day prescriptive period), affirming his 2017 removal as proper, and recognizing his son Tomohiro —aligned with UEC—as the effective majority shareholder via OHL. The Court clarified held no substantive control over TRLEI or its assets, including Manila's leasehold , effectively ending his bid for operational .

Current Ownership Structure and Recent Developments (2024–2025)

Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), a Philippine-based entity ultimately controlled by Japan-listed Corporation through its subsidiary Tiger Resort Asia Ltd., continues to own and operate Okada Manila as of October 2025. This structure reflects the resolution of prior control disputes favoring the post-2017 Universal-led board, with no major equity shifts reported in 2024 or 2025. In July 2024, TRLEI terminated a prior agreement to acquire a majority stake in PH Resorts Group's Emerald Bay integrated resort project in , citing unmet conditions. Later that year, on December 7, 2024, Tiger Resort Ltd. fully divested its holdings in Asiabest Group International Inc., completing a share transfer initiated in August 2025 and marking an exit from non-core investments. TRLEI also secured a seven-year, P23.4 billion loan from on July 19, 2024, to support ongoing operations and refinancing needs. Universal Entertainment restructured Okada Manila's management in March 2025, introducing a new leadership framework to streamline operations amid competitive pressures. A further transition occurred in August 2025, with long-serving President and COO Byron Yip departing after seven years, succeeded by Nobuki Sato effective September 2025 to drive strategic recovery. Financially, TRLEI reported a 10.2% year-on-year decline to P8.75 billion for Q1 2025, with gross gaming (GGR) falling 21.8% for full-year 2024 to PHP34.82 billion and further softening in Q3 2025 due to weak VIP play despite modest mass-market gains. Earnings dropped significantly for the first nine months of 2025, prompting to revise Okada Manila's outlook downward in July 2025, highlighting stagnation in mass and VIP segments with no imminent recovery path. Earlier plans for a IPO valued at up to $750 million were shelved by December 2024 amid market volatility and debt priorities.

Facilities and Features

Hotel Accommodations and Amenities

Okada Manila offers 1,001 rooms, suites, and villas distributed across its two 15-story wings, the Pearl Wing and Coral Wing, connected by sky bridges. Accommodations emphasize luxury with features such as Sealy mattresses, 100% cotton bed linens, feather duvets, and bathrooms equipped with rain showers, bathtubs, intelligent toilet bowls, and amenities by . Room sizes begin at approximately 55 square meters for deluxe options and extend to over 1,000 square meters for premium villas. Standard room categories include the 60-square-meter Deluxe Room with a king or twin beds and a sitting area, and the larger Grand Deluxe Room spanning 75 to 95 square meters, featuring enhanced space and views of or the resort grounds. Suites such as the Premium Suite (120–200 square meters) provide separate living and dining areas accommodating up to five guests, while high-end options like the Celebrity Suite incorporate specialized facilities including a personal fitness gym, massage room, entertainment room, and multiple bathrooms with jet tubs. Hotel amenities encompass multiple swimming pools, including heated indoor and outdoor options at the Coral Wing and Retreat Spa pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with modern exercise machines and free weights, and The Retreat Spa offering massages and wellness treatments. Additional services include the Okada Executive Lounge for select guests, transportation arrangements, and a activity calendar featuring organized events. All rooms provide high-speed , flat-screen televisions, minibars, and safety deposit boxes as standard.

Casino and Gaming Operations

Okada Manila's operates across more than 26,000 square meters of dedicated gaming space, positioning it as the largest floor in the . The facility houses over 3,000 electronic gaming machines, encompassing slots and other electronic tables, alongside approximately 500 live table games. These operations run continuously in a 24-hour environment, regulated by the (PAGCOR), which enforces standards for fair play and responsible gaming practices. Table games predominantly feature Asian-preferred options like and , with additional offerings including , , , pontoon, and poker variants such as 3-card poker with progressive jackpots, , and let it ride. High-limit areas cater to premium players, supported by progressive jackpots on select tables. Electronic gaming integrates cashless systems like OKash for seamless wagering and transactions. VIP gaming segments include a 2,600 square meter dedicated area with five private salons, four semi-open salons, and two table game rooms, highlighted by the Perlas Club—Manila's inaugural VIP slot club—and the Club for elite access. These zones emphasize , personalized service, and elevated betting limits to attract high-roller clientele, particularly from . Operations prioritize security and compliance, with PAGCOR oversight ensuring anti-money laundering measures and player protection protocols.

Iconic Attractions (Fountain, Garden, and Cove Manila)

The stands as Okada Manila's centerpiece attraction, recognized as one of the world's largest multicolor dancing features, encompassing 37,464 square meters—equivalent in scale to nearly ten fields. Equipped with 739 nozzles capable of propelling to significant heights, 2,611 programmable lights evoking Philippine festivals, over 100 robots for precise , and dozens of high-fidelity speakers, it delivers synchronized performances blending jets, illumination, and music that run hourly and remain accessible to the public at no charge. The installation, which debuted alongside the resort's 2017 opening but underwent a two-year hiatus before resuming operations in August 2022, draws inspiration from the ' vibrant cultural traditions to create an immersive spectacle visible from multiple vantage points within the property. Complementing the dynamic energy of , The Garden provides a tranquil outdoor expanse unveiled in May 2019, spanning approximately 30,000 square meters of meticulously landscaped greenery organized around five reflective ponds. This versatile space, designed for leisurely strolls and event hosting, offers unobstructed vistas of sunsets and serves as a serene retreat amid the resort's urban setting, accommodating gatherings with natural backdrops that enhance its appeal for both relaxation and social functions. Cove Manila functions as an enclosed beach club and , enclosed within a UV-protected glass dome of 90 meters in and 30 meters in height, yielding 9,000 square meters of unobstructed interior space launched in 2018. Featuring a expansive pool, swim-up bars, premium cabanas equipped with private hot tubs and five-star amenities, and capacity for up to 4,500 patrons, it integrates dining, live performances, and nightlife under controlled climatic conditions, with direct sightlines to The Fountain for amplified experiential synergy. The venue's includes Southeast Asia's largest LED screen, measuring 30 meters long and 18 meters high, supporting high-profile events and .

Dining, Retail, and Entertainment Venues

Okada Manila features over 40 dining outlets, encompassing a range of international cuisines from Japanese sushi and Shanghainese specialties to Italian classics and , primarily located in areas such as the Restaurant Promenade, Coral Wing, and Pearl Wing. Signature venues include Medley , offering stations for cheese, salads, , Japanese, Western, Asian, and noodle dishes; Nagaoka, a ten-seat sushi bar led by Junji Nagaoka specializing in Tokyo-style sushi and ; and Yu Lei, serving modern . Other notable options are Enbu for Japanese teppanyaki, La Piazza for Italian pasta and , Red Spice for Chinese dim sum and barbecue, Goryeo for , and Kiapo for Filipino fusion. Bars and lounges, such as the Lobby Lounge, complement the offerings with cocktails and light fare. The resort's retail component centers on The Promenade, a premium shopping boulevard housing luxury and lifestyle boutiques amid its winding hallways. Featured brands include Calvin Klein, Charriol, APM Monaco, and skincare lines like Avene, alongside specialty stores such as @Tokyo for Japanese imports, AIID Studio and Café, Alfredulla for fashion, and Eye Society for eyewear. This setup emphasizes high-end fashion and accessories, integrated with dining for a combined lifestyle experience. Entertainment venues at Okada Manila include the Coral Lounge, a dedicated space for live performances by the Okada Manila Entertainment Group, featuring shows like Rendezvous—a production blending international talents—and musical spectacles such as The Setup at . Additional options encompass complimentary attractions with shows, like water-based displays at and adventure experiences at Thrillscape, alongside event spaces for weddings and corporate functions that host occasional . These elements provide non-gaming diversions, with ticketed access for exclusive lounge productions.

Economic and Operational Impact

Contribution to Philippine Tourism and Gaming Revenue


Okada Manila has emerged as a key driver in the Philippine gaming sector, generating substantial gross gaming revenue (GGR) that bolsters national figures regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). In 2023, the resort recorded ₱44.5 billion in GGR, securing the second-highest position among domestic casinos behind Solaire Resort. This output represented a meaningful share of the country's total GGR of ₱329 billion for the year, underscoring its role in elevating the industry's overall performance.
As part of Manila's complex, Okada Manila contributes to a cluster of integrated resorts that dominated national GGR, accounting for approximately 80% of industry-wide totals in the first quarter of 2023. The resort's gaming operations, including VIP and mass table games as well as slots, draw high-value international players, thereby enhancing PAGCOR's revenue streams through franchise fees and taxes. However, GGR fell to ₱34.82 billion in , reflecting broader sector challenges such as reduced VIP volumes amid economic pressures in source markets. Beyond gaming, Okada Manila supports Philippine tourism by attracting foreign visitors to its luxury accommodations, dining outlets, and attractions like the dancing fountain show, generating non-gaming revenues of ₱4.11 billion in from these amenities. The influx of tourists, particularly from , aligns with Entertainment City's development as a premier destination, fostering ancillary economic activity in and retail. Declines in Korean and Chinese arrivals have pressured earnings, with first-half 2025 GGR dropping 15.4% year-on-year to ₱14.9 billion, highlighting vulnerability to global travel fluctuations. To counter this, the resort has pursued marketing toward Japanese and Southeast Asian markets to sustain tourism-driven contributions.

Employment and Local Economic Effects

Okada Manila directly employs approximately 6,000 to 8,000 workers, primarily in gaming operations, accommodations, dining, retail, and facilities. This staffing level supported the resort's initial launch in December 2016, when its team recruited over 6,000 personnel to operationalize the 44-hectare property. Roles span table games dealers, staff, and technical positions, with ongoing training programs emphasizing international standards in service and security. The resort's workforce contributes significantly to employment in , where it is situated within the complex, providing stable, above-average wage opportunities in a region historically reliant on and sectors. During the downturn, Okada Manila reduced its staff by over 1,000 positions in May 2020 due to prolonged closures and revenue shortfalls, reflecting broader vulnerabilities in labor-intensive models. Recovery efforts post-2021 reinstated hiring, aligning with rebounding and gaming activity, though exact current figures vary by operational demand. Beyond direct payroll, Okada Manila stimulates local economic multipliers through supplier contracts for food, maintenance, and construction, as well as induced spending by employees and visitors on -area businesses. Its integration into has amplified regional growth, with the cluster of resorts collectively elevating property values, infrastructure investments, and tax bases in , though specific attribution to Okada remains tied to its market-leading gross gaming revenues exceeding ₱44 billion in 2023. These effects underscore the resort's role in diversifying local income streams away from traditional industries, albeit with dependencies on inflows and regulatory stability.

Financial Performance and Market Position

In fiscal year 2023, Okada Manila generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP 44.52 billion, positioning it as the second-highest earner among Philippine integrated resorts, behind Solaire Resort's PHP 61 billion. This performance underscored its strong foothold in the mass and VIP gaming segments within Manila's , where it competed with operators like Resorts and Resorts. However, financial results deteriorated in 2024 and into 2025 amid reduced VIP visitation, particularly from Korean and Chinese high-rollers, leading to seven consecutive quarterly GGR declines. For the first nine months of 2025, total fell 14% year-on-year to PHP 24.62 billion from PHP 28.75 billion, with adjusted EBITDA dropping 27% to PHP 4.06 billion. In Q3 2025 alone, declined 14.5% to PHP 7.84 billion, including GGR of PHP 6.98 billion (down 15.2%), driven by a 40.8% plunge in VIP table to PHP 1.46 billion despite modest mass table gains. Non-gaming , such as from hotels, provided some offset, with rising 40% to 87% in Q3, contributing PHP 864 million. These trends reflected broader pressures on Philippine integrated resorts, where VIP GGR softened due to regulatory scrutiny on offshore gaming and geopolitical factors reducing Asian tourist inflows, even as overall industry GGR reached PHP 410 billion in 2024 (up 25% year-on-year). Okada Manila's operator, Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), reported net sales of approximately $541.4 million for FY2024, down 15.4%, contributing to parent Universal Entertainment's $102.5 million annual loss. In H1 2025, Universal recorded a $69 million loss, largely attributable to Okada's underperformance despite rising domestic footfall. Despite these setbacks, Okada Manila maintained a competitive market position as a key player in , benefiting from its scale and amenities to capture mass-market share amid a shift toward electronic games and local play, which drove PAGCOR-regulated industry growth to PHP 215 billion in H1 2025. Its challenges highlighted vulnerabilities in VIP reliance, contrasting with peers like Solaire, which sustained leadership through diversified revenue streams.

Allegations of Bribery and Corporate Misconduct

In 2012, reports emerged alleging that Corporation, controlled by , paid approximately $30 million to Rodrigo Soriano, a Philippine consultant with ties to government officials, to facilitate approvals from the (PAGCOR) for the casino license in Manila's project, which later became Okada Manila. The U.S. (FBI) subsequently probed these payments as potential to influence regulatory decisions. denied the bribery claims, attributing the transactions to ex-employees and threatening legal action against reporting outlets. In December 2014, a cleared of charges related to PAGCOR, citing insufficient evidence of corrupt intent. Corporate misconduct allegations intensified in 2017 when Universal Entertainment's board ousted as chairman and CEO, citing evidence of including a $40 million to a consultant suspected of being a bribe to secure gaming approvals, alongside claims of and . contested the removal, asserting it violated rules, but Philippine courts later upheld aspects of the ouster in rulings tied to ongoing disputes over control of Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), the operator. In January 2022, the Philippine Court of Appeals acquitted of separate charges stemming from earlier allegations of stock manipulation in the casino's development. Further misconduct claims arose in 2022 during Okada's attempted physical takeover of Okada Manila facilities, where TRLEI's board accused him and associates of , , and violent seizure of the property, leading to indictments for grave . Okada denied the "violent invasion" characterization, framing the action as restoring legitimate control, though a 2023 Philippine decision affirmed his prior removal for fraudulent acts and lifted a order favoring his faction. In 2023, U.S. securities litigation targeted a proposed SPAC merger involving TRLEI and 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., with claims that Universal entities, linked to , engaged in potential and improper influence to maintain control over Okada Manila amid the deal. These allegations, raised by law firm Pomerantz LLP on behalf of investors, highlighted ongoing scrutiny of corporate practices but remained under investigation without final adjudication.

Takeover Attempts and Security Incidents

In June 2022, a group aligned with Japanese billionaire , the founder of parent company Corporation, executed a forcible of Okada Manila, regaining physical control of the property on June 1 after a Philippine ruling in late April reinstated their board at Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), the resort's operator. The operation involved approximately 50 individuals, including private security personnel accompanied by local police, who stormed administrative offices while wearing white shirts and red caps, leading to the eviction of incumbent management. This action prompted the ousted board to file coercion charges against and associates, alleging they physically removed Universal Entertainment director Hajime Tokuda from the premises and detained him en route to his residence. The Philippine Department of Justice indicted Okada and three associates on grave coercion charges in October 2022 related to the , resulting in Okada's brief detention before . Amid the dispute, three banks froze Okada Manila's accounts in 2022 to prevent asset dissipation, exacerbating operational strains during the ownership battle. The Philippine ultimately lifted a status quo ante order in November 2023, affirming Okada's proper removal from TRLEI in 2018 over prior issues and invalidating the 2022 board reinstatement. Security incidents at Okada Manila have primarily intertwined with corporate conflicts and cyber threats rather than standalone criminal acts. The 2022 takeover confrontation raised concerns over on-site violence, though (PAGCOR) officials expressed surprise at claims of excessive force, noting the involvement of authorized security and police. In December 2023, the resort suffered a claimed by the ALPHV/BlackCat group, exposing guest and operational data via okadamanila.com, though no confirmed operational disruption was detailed beyond the leak. Subsequent technical issues in early 2024, including a reported shutdown in November 2023, fueled speculation of cyberattacks, but management attributed them to internal maintenance without confirming breaches. No major physical assaults, robberies, or shootings unique to Okada Manila have been documented in credible reports, distinguishing it from incidents at nearby resorts like the 2017 .

Regulatory Scrutiny and Court Rulings

The ownership and control disputes surrounding Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), the operator of Okada Manila, have involved repeated interventions by the (PAGCOR), which regulates gaming licenses and requires recognition of legitimate for operational continuity. On April 27, 2022, the issued a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) directing PAGCOR to provisionally recognize Kazuo Okada's reinstatement as shareholder, director, chairperson, and CEO of TRLEI, prompting his group's physical takeover of the resort on May 31, 2022. PAGCOR initially complied, granting temporary operational authority to the pro-Okada board. Subsequent regulatory actions reversed course amid conflicting interpretations. On September 2, 2022, PAGCOR, relying on a Department of Justice opinion issued September 1, 2022, ordered the pro-Okada board—led by figures including Antonio Cojuangco and Dindo Espeleta—to from managing Okada Manila, withdrawing recognition of their authority and reinstating the prior board aligned with Corporation (UEC), TRLEI's indirect parent. This move restored control to the anti-Okada faction, emphasizing PAGCOR's mandate to ensure licensed entities operate under valid corporate structures. The Court of Appeals, in a ruling around September 2022, issued a order against PAGCOR, deeming its reinstatement of the old board an obstruction of judicial proceedings to resolve factual board composition issues, as flagged in the Supreme Court's SQAO resolution. The resolved the core dispute in its November 13, 2023, resolution, lifting the SQAO and ruling that had been "properly removed" from his TRLEI positions in , as his challenge constituted a prescribed contest filed beyond the one-year limit under interim rules. The Court dismissed 's petition for review (G.R. No. 256470) on November 29, 2023, classifying him as a nominal without control over key entities like Holdings Limited, where foreign judgments affirmed his son Tomohiro's majority stake. This affirmed UEC's governance, enabling refinancing and stabilizing PAGCOR oversight without further interim disruptions. In parallel, a Chancery Court ruled on September 8, 2023, that TRLEI bore no obligation to consummate a SPAC merger with 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., citing risks from the Philippine SQAO and potential license invalidation under PAGCOR rules.

Awards, Recognition, and Sustainability Efforts

Gaming and Hospitality Accolades

Okada Manila has received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for its property and The Retreat Spa for six consecutive years, spanning 2020 to 2025, recognizing exceptional service standards and facilities in . This distinction highlights the resort's opulent accommodations, world-class amenities, and guest-centered operations, positioning it as a benchmark for luxury integrated resorts in the . In the gaming sector, Okada Manila was awarded Best Integrated Resort at the Asia Gaming Awards in 2025, celebrating its comprehensive offerings in casino gaming, entertainment, and accommodations. It previously secured the same title at the 2024 Asia Gaming Awards, underscoring consistent excellence in blending high-stakes gaming with services. The also earned Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort from the Inside Asian Gaming Academy Integrated Resort Awards in both 2024 and 2025, acknowledging its premier poker facilities and tournament hosting capabilities. Further gaming accolades include ’s Leading Casino Resort from the Travel Awards in 2023 and Best Casino from the Casino Awards in 2022, affirming its status among top regional gaming destinations. On the hospitality front, it was named Philippine Best at the MICE Awards in 2024, reflecting strong performance in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. These awards collectively validate Okada Manila's operational rigor in delivering integrated gaming and experiences.

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Okada Manila operates the Okada Green Heart program, a resort-wide initiative launched to integrate environmentally responsible practices, , and social welfare efforts. The program emphasizes six key areas: , community harmony, and , educational advancement, ethical , and sustainable operations. Through this framework, the resort has recycled 1.37 million bottles in partnership with PETValue under the Act of 2022, converting them into food-grade rPET resin for reuse. In environmental conservation, Okada Manila collaborates with the Philippine Business for Social Progress on tree-planting drives, herb garden initiatives, and food donation programs to enhance local and . Additional efforts include measures, energy efficiency improvements, and responsible sourcing of materials to minimize ecological impact. The also pledged to achieve 30% plant-based dining options across its establishments by 2028, marking the first such commitment by a Philippine integrated . Programs like Soap for Hope and Linen for Life repurpose used amenities to generate 200 livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities, supporting economic inclusion. Community and educational initiatives are channeled through the Okada Foundation Inc., which funds scholarships in to promote hands-on training and sustainable farming among locals. The foundation partners with organizations such as Kids for Kids (KnK) to establish community gardens nationwide, enabling residents to cultivate their own and foster self-sufficiency. Further support includes donations for learning continuity programs, feeding drives, and funding for Caritas Manila's Youth Servant Leadership Education Program (YSLEP) over five years starting in 2025. Cultural events and outreach activities aim to preserve local traditions and build community pride. These efforts culminated in Okada Manila receiving the of the Year award at the 2025 Global Gaming Awards , recognizing the Green Heart program's tangible impacts on and social development. The 2024 ESG documents ongoing metrics, such as reduced waste and enhanced partnerships, underscoring a data-driven approach to verifiable progress.

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