The Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner is heading to the Philippines and City of Dreams Manila for the first time in its 15-year history.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2022, Inside Asian Gaming’s prestigious Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner will be held in the Philippines for the very first time this year, with City of Dreams Manila recently named as Venue Sponsor and host. The event will be held on Friday 4 November, also marking the first time it has ever ventured outside of Macau. The decision to relocate was made on the basis of uncertainty surrounding the feasibility of hosting the Gala Dinner in Macau in 2022 given the ongoing pandemic situation, however it also reflects the Philippines’ rapidly growing status as one of Asia-Pacific’s most dynamic gaming jurisdictions. It is highly likely the Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner will remain in the Philippines for some time, or it may become a rotating event held in a different Asia-Pacific country each year.
As the first Philippines IR to host IAG’s flagship annual event, City of Dreams Manila will provide its local guests and those who travel to the Gala Dinner from abroad a variety of gaming and non-gaming offerings to keep them entertained for the duration of their stay.
The luxury integrated casino resort features table games, slot machines, electronic games and mass gaming facilities, while premium gaming is offered in the exclusive Qi Long and Sky Gaming areas. The property’s golden exterior, highlighting a creatively-lit egg-shaped dome – or “fortune egg” as it is popularly known – houses these luxurious VIP gaming areas with entertainment and lounge facilities exclusively available for Qi Long top-rated patrons, including vibrant videoke rooms and K-Golf, and an indoor golf simulator featuring the latest in digital simulation technology.
Those wanting to stay on property can choose between the premium Nüwa Manila, the celebrity-inspired trendsetting Nobu Hotel Manila and the business/leisure traveler-focused Hyatt Regency.
The restaurant offerings at City of Dreams Manila, comprising more than 20 regional and international food and beverage outlets, are highlighted by signature restaurants Crystal Dragon, which offers premium Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties in a modern Oriental setting; Nobu Manila, which showcases the globally-renowned new-style Japanese brand of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; and Haliya, Metro Manila’s new go-to dining destination for standout Filipino cuisine.
There are also two luxury spas on offer. Nüwa Spa is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated spa in the country, providing bespoke treatments that spell a deeply relaxing and personalized spa journey for the mind, body and spirit. Rendered by professionally trained therapists, Nüwa Spa’s treatments are designed with nature’s healing framework, which takes into consideration one’s constitution, the changing of seasons, the flow of chi, one’s emotions and more.
At Nobu Spa, a fully immersive rejuvenation in an elegant and contemporary Japanese oasis awaits guests needing a tranquil retreat. A Zen haven in a contemporary space with luxe Japanese interiors, Nobu Spa provides authentic Asian therapies administered by highly-trained therapists that perform modern Asian rituals to soothe the mind and revitalize the body’s flow of energy to restore one’s balance and well-being.
“There is optimism in the country’s travel and tourism industry since the reopening of Philippines’ borders to international leisure travelers earlier this year, dispensing with anti-COVID tests for vaccinated travelers,” said a City of Dreams Manila representative.
“The NAIA International Airport has recently been listed among eight international airports with the least cancelled flights (less than 0.3 percent rate of cancellation) in the past few months according to the aviation intelligence company Flight Aware and as recently reported in Conde Nast Traveller.
“With the industry bouncing back, it is a perfect time for City of Dreams Manila to showcase the city’s new skyways and the dynamic emergence of dining outlets, as it welcomes a prestigious regional event such as the Power50 Gala Dinner, opening opportunities and renewing the interest of travelers to explore other noteworthy destinations in Manila and other parts of the country.
“With the property being near local and international airports, central business districts and other interesting lifestyle and leisure attractions, City of Dreams Manila makes an ideal venue for this event.”
IAG Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew W Scott said, “This is the once-a-year ‘night of nights’ for the Asian industry, where we put competition aside and all come together to celebrate as one.
“As we recover from the pandemic our industry desperately needs a wonderful and positive night like this, and we hope all operators from Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia and the rest of the region support what has become a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for senior executives to see and be seen at our most glamorous industry event each year.”
The Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner will see IAG count down this year’s “Big 50” while guests enjoy a fine dining meal, lively entertainment and the company of many industry peers and influencers. The list will be announced in a variety of interesting ways by renowned VIPs.
