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Okada Manila
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| Okada Manila | |
|---|---|
Okada Manila as seen in 2024 | |
![]() | |
| Location | Entertainment City, Parañaque, Philippines |
| Opening date | December 30, 2016 |
| No. of rooms | 1,001 |
| Total gaming space | 26,410.77 m2 (284,283.2 sq ft) |
| Owner | Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. |
| Operating license holder | PAGCOR |
| Architect | GF & Partners[1] PRSP Architects[2] |
| Previous names | Manila Bay Resorts (until June 2016) |
| Website | okadamanila.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]
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 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]- ^ "Okada Manila". GF & Partners. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ^ "HSA Okada Manila". PRSP Architects. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c Mercurio, Richmond (July 20, 2016). "Okada rebrands Manila Bay Resorts". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Sayson, Ian (July 19, 2016). "Tycoon Okada's Universal Wages Biggest Bet in Manila Casino". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on July 21, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ a b Gonzales, Iris (December 21, 2016). "Okada Manila holds 'preview' today". Philstar. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
- ^ "Okada Manila's doors are now open for casino players starting December 30". InterAksyon. December 30, 2016. Archived from the original on January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ Santiano, Jeanyn (April 3, 2017). "Want to see Okada Manila's The Fountain? Here's what you should know". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
- ^ "Tiger Resort sacks Kazuo Okada as board chairman". ABS-CBN News. June 23, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ "Philippines seeks fraud charges against Japan casino mogul Okada". Interaksyon. December 18, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ a b "PAGCOR to probe physical takeover of Okada Manila". GMA News. June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ a b "'Violent takeover' of Okada Manila ensues amid board dispute". ABS-CBN News. June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ Venzon, Cliff (May 27, 2020). "Philippine casino operator Okada Manila lays off over 1,000 staff". Nikkei Asia Review. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- ^ "Tomohiro Okada named president, director of Universal Ent". GGR Asia. September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Okada Manila announces leadership change". GMA News Online. August 7, 2025.
- ^ "Okada Manila operator TRLEI names Nobuki Sato as new president, COO". BusinessWorld Online. August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b c Oiga, Jacky Lynne (July 24, 2016). "Introducing Okada Manila". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ "Okada Manila aims to turn PH as world's gaming and entertainment destination". Adobo Magazine. July 20, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Vila, Alixandra Caole (July 20, 2016). "Billion-dollar 'Las Vegas' hotel casino to rise in Manila". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ "Dorbes Travel Guide: Your Journey of Okada Manila" (PDF). Forbes, Okada Manila. 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ^ "Okada Manila | A Dazzling Destination Like No Other". Orange Magazine. November 28, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
- ^ a b Nisay, JT (April 5, 2017). "Okada Manila's now-open fountain is not only big in numbers". BusinessMirror. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
- ^ Somosot, Janice (July 20, 2016). "Okada Manila: 3 Essential Facts About The Newest Gaming Resort In PH". International Business Times. IBT Media Inc. Archived from the original on November 27, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ "Celebrate a Festival of Yuletide Cheer at Okada Manila". Brand Magazine Philippines. November 26, 2018. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
- ^ Patag, Kristine Joy (December 18, 2017). "Indoor pool club opens in Manila's 'Entertainment City'". Philippine Star. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
- ^ "World's most expensive champagne is now available in Metro Manila". GMA News. December 21, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
- ^ "Jillian Ward looks radiant in her galaxy-themed debut ball gown". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "Okada Manila receives two Five-Star Awards from Forbes Travel Guide". BusinessMirror. March 28, 2023.
- ^ "Okada Manila redefines extraordinary as a 6-time Forbes 5-star resort". Inquirer. February 13, 2025.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Okada Manila at Wikimedia Commons
Okada Manila
View on GrokipediaHistory
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.[14][15] 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.[7] Construction advanced through 2012 and 2013, focusing on foundational infrastructure and core structures for the hotel, casino, and entertainment facilities, though early phases faced scrutiny 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.[15][16] Despite these setbacks, progress continued, with the resort's scale—including plans for over 900 hotel rooms, a vast casino floor, and signature attractions—positioning it as one of Asia's largest developments.[17] In 2015 and early 2016, construction intensified on finishing elements such as the iconic fountain and indoor beach features, amid ongoing financing efforts that included $400 million in notes issued by Universal Entertainment to support completion. The project was rebranded from Manila Bay Resorts to Okada Manila in June 2016, reflecting the founder's personal branding and nearing operational readiness.[18][19] Delays persisted, pushing the soft opening beyond initial November 2016 targets to December, attributed by TRLE to meticulous quality assurances in the complex build.[20]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 casino floor ahead of a full launch.[21][22] Casino gaming activities officially began four days later on December 30, 2016, following regulatory approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.[23][24] This phased rollout allowed for operational testing and incremental facility activation, with the property spanning 44 hectares in the Entertainment City district of Parañaque.[25] The anticipated grand opening was rescheduled to late March 2017, reflecting ongoing preparations for major attractions rather than a singular ceremonial event.[23][25] On March 31, 2017, the resort unveiled The Fountain, a multicolor dancing fountain described as the largest of its kind globally, enhancing its appeal as an integrated entertainment destination.[26] Initial operations emphasized attracting high-value patrons, though the facility faced competition in luring VIP players amid the nascent Philippine casino market.[27] Further expansion in late 2017 included the December 15 opening of Cove Manila, an indoor beach club and nightclub dome accommodating up to 5,000 guests, aimed at boosting non-gaming revenue streams.[28] By 2018, these efforts contributed to gross gaming revenue of approximately US$522 million for the full year, signaling operational stabilization after the preview phase.[29] The resort's early performance positioned it as a significant player in Manila's Entertainment City, with gaming floors and hospitality services fully integrated by mid-year.[30]Ownership and Corporate Governance
Founding by Kazuo Okada and Universal Entertainment
Kazuo Okada, founder and then-chairman of Universal Entertainment 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 Entertainment City district.[31] 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 Wynn Resorts.[32] The initiative aligned with the Philippine government's push to develop Entertainment City as a gaming and tourism hub, regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).[18] Development of the project, initially known as Manila Bay Resorts, commenced in 2012 on a 44-hectare waterfront site in Parañaque, with an estimated total investment exceeding US$2 billion for the first phase, encompassing a casino, hotel, retail, and entertainment facilities.[15] PAGCOR granted provisional licensing and timeline extensions, including approval in June 2015 for completion by December 2016, amid construction delays.[33] UEC committed significant capital, including a US$400 million private placement of notes in October 2016 specifically to finalize construction under contractor Hilmarc's Construction Corporation.[18][34] The resort was rebranded as Okada Manila in July 2016, reflecting Okada's personal involvement and vision for a luxury destination featuring over 900 hotel rooms, thousands of gaming positions, and signature attractions like a choreographed fountain show.[35] This founding effort positioned UEC as a key foreign investor in Philippine gaming, though subsequent corporate governance issues at UEC and TRLEI would later challenge control.[36]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 Kazuo Okada as chairman, chief executive officer, director, and nominal shareholder with one share.[37] 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.[38] 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 Japanese yen (about $20 million USD at the time) to a third-party entity linked to personal matters.[39] [40] Okada, who had founded UEC (formerly Aruze Corporation) and held a controlling interest 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 son, Tomohiro Okada, aligned with board members opposing his father, contributing to the corporate governance shift.[40] [41] 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.[42] 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 Japan.[38] UEC appointed interim leadership to ensure continuity, prioritizing compliance with Philippine gaming regulations amid the resort's nascent operations.[43] These events marked the onset of prolonged legal challenges, though contemporaneous reports emphasized the board's rationale centered on safeguarding corporate assets from perceived fiduciary risks.[40]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.[9] [44] Okada appealed the RTC decision, while parallel proceedings unfolded in Japan and the United States involving UEC subsidiaries like Aruze USA. Japanese courts, including a February 2020 Tokyo District Court ruling affirmed by higher courts, upheld UEC's claims against Okada for damages exceeding ¥500 million (approximately $4.6 million) related to unauthorized payments, reinforcing his removal as justified. In the U.S., Delaware Chancery Court cases between UEC and entities tied to Okada, such as Aruze Gaming America, addressed preservation of evidence and fiduciary breaches but did not alter Philippine control dynamics directly.[45] [44] 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.[46] [10] [47] The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (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 business obstruction.[36] [46] The disputes culminated in a November 13, 2023, Supreme Court resolution lifting the SQAO, dismissing Okada'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 Okada—aligned with UEC—as the effective majority shareholder via OHL. The Court clarified Okada held no substantive control over TRLEI or its assets, including Okada Manila's leasehold rights, effectively ending his bid for operational authority.[9] [46][12]Current Ownership Structure and Recent Developments (2024–2025)
Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), a Philippine-based entity ultimately controlled by Japan-listed Universal Entertainment Corporation through its subsidiary Tiger Resort Asia Ltd., continues to own and operate Okada Manila as of October 2025.[48][49] 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.[50] In July 2024, TRLEI terminated a prior agreement to acquire a majority stake in PH Resorts Group's Emerald Bay integrated resort project in Cebu, citing unmet conditions.[50] Later that year, on December 7, 2024, Tiger Resort Asia 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 real estate investments.[51][52] TRLEI also secured a seven-year, P23.4 billion loan from China Banking Corporation on July 19, 2024, to support ongoing operations and refinancing needs.[53] Universal Entertainment restructured Okada Manila's management in March 2025, introducing a new leadership framework to streamline operations amid competitive pressures.[48][54] 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.[55] Financially, TRLEI reported a 10.2% year-on-year revenue decline to P8.75 billion for Q1 2025, with gross gaming revenue (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.[56][57][58] Earnings dropped significantly for the first nine months of 2025, prompting Fitch Ratings to revise Okada Manila's outlook downward in July 2025, highlighting stagnation in mass and VIP segments with no imminent recovery path.[49][59] Earlier plans for a Philippine Stock Exchange IPO valued at up to $750 million were shelved by December 2024 amid market volatility and debt priorities.[60][61]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.[62] 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 Roberto Cavalli.[63] Room sizes begin at approximately 55 square meters for deluxe options and extend to over 1,000 square meters for premium villas.[64] 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 Manila Bay or the resort grounds.[65] 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.[66][67] 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.[68][69] Additional services include the Okada Executive Lounge for select guests, transportation arrangements, and a resort activity calendar featuring organized events.[68] All rooms provide high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, minibars, and safety deposit boxes as standard.[70]Casino and Gaming Operations
Okada Manila's casino operates across more than 26,000 square meters of dedicated gaming space, positioning it as the largest casino floor in the Philippines. 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 Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which enforces standards for fair play and responsible gaming practices.[71][72][73] Table games predominantly feature Asian-preferred options like baccarat and sic bo, with additional offerings including blackjack, roulette, craps, pontoon, and poker variants such as 3-card poker with progressive jackpots, pai gow poker, 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.[74][71][73] 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 Maharlika Club for elite access. These zones emphasize privacy, personalized service, and elevated betting limits to attract high-roller clientele, particularly from Asia. Operations prioritize security and compliance, with PAGCOR oversight ensuring anti-money laundering measures and player protection protocols.[74][75][73]Iconic Attractions (Fountain, Garden, and Cove Manila)
The Fountain stands as Okada Manila's centerpiece attraction, recognized as one of the world's largest multicolor dancing water features, encompassing 37,464 square meters—equivalent in scale to nearly ten American football fields.[76] Equipped with 739 nozzles capable of propelling water to significant heights, 2,611 programmable colored lights evoking Philippine festivals, over 100 underwater robots for precise choreography, and dozens of high-fidelity speakers, it delivers synchronized performances blending water jets, illumination, and music that run hourly and remain accessible to the public at no charge.[77] [78] 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 Philippines' vibrant cultural traditions to create an immersive spectacle visible from multiple vantage points within the property.[79][80] Complementing the dynamic energy of The Fountain, 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.[81] This versatile space, designed for leisurely strolls and event hosting, offers unobstructed vistas of Manila Bay 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.[82] Cove Manila functions as an enclosed beach club and nightclub, enclosed within a UV-protected glass dome of 90 meters in diameter and 30 meters in height, yielding 9,000 square meters of unobstructed interior space launched in 2018.[83] 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.[84][85] The venue's infrastructure includes Southeast Asia's largest nightclub LED screen, measuring 30 meters long and 18 meters high, supporting high-profile electronic dance music events and visual effects.[86]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 buffets, primarily located in areas such as the Restaurant Promenade, Coral Wing, and Pearl Wing.[87] Signature venues include Medley Buffet, offering stations for cheese, salads, seafood, Japanese, Western, Asian, and noodle dishes; Ginza Nagaoka, a ten-seat sushi bar led by chef Junji Nagaoka specializing in Tokyo-style sushi and fugu; and Yu Lei, serving modern Shanghai cuisine.[88][89] Other notable options are Enbu for Japanese teppanyaki, La Piazza for Italian pasta and pizza, Red Spice for Chinese dim sum and barbecue, Goryeo for Korean barbecue, and Kiapo for Filipino fusion.[87] Bars and lounges, such as the Lobby Lounge, complement the offerings with cocktails and light fare.[87] The resort's retail component centers on The Promenade, a premium shopping boulevard housing luxury and lifestyle boutiques amid its winding hallways.[90] 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.[91] This setup emphasizes high-end fashion and accessories, integrated with dining for a combined lifestyle experience.[90] 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 The Fountain.[92][93] Additional options encompass complimentary attractions with shows, like water-based displays at The Fountain and adventure experiences at Thrillscape, alongside event spaces for weddings and corporate functions that host occasional entertainment.[76] These elements provide non-gaming diversions, with ticketed access for exclusive lounge productions.[92]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.[94] 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.[95] As part of Manila's Entertainment City 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.[96] 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 2024, reflecting broader sector challenges such as reduced VIP volumes amid economic pressures in source markets.[97] 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 2024 from these amenities.[97] The influx of tourists, particularly from Asia, aligns with Entertainment City's development as a premier destination, fostering ancillary economic activity in hospitality 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.[98] To counter this, the resort has pursued marketing toward Japanese and Southeast Asian markets to sustain tourism-driven contributions.[99]
