Two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and popular Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa were among the celebrities who attended the official launch of the first Nobu Hotel on the territory of Asia. The luxurious property is part of City of Dreams, which is one of the two integrated casino resorts that are currently operating at Entertainment City, Manila.
Nobu Hospitality was co-founded by Chef Nobu, De Niro, and Hollywood producer Meir Teper. Including its newest hotel in Manila, the company currently manages a total of nine properties around the world.
Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams Manila features as many as 321 “celebrity-inspired” rooms, a Nobu Restaurant, which will be offering Chef Nobu’s specialties, a Nobu Lounge, etc. Guests at the hotel will also be given the opportunity to take advantage of a special in-room menu.
Cristino Naguiat Jr., Chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings, were among the VIP guests of the opening ceremony. Quite expectedly, it was also attended by casino moguls Lawrence Ho and James Packer, who stand behind the multimillion City of Dreams Manila.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, guests were invited inside the Nobu Hotel where apl.de.ap, member of award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, entertained them with a solo performance.
Clarence Chung, Chairman of Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp., commented that he is particularly happy about the launch of the Nobu Hotel and the opportunity to work with Nobu Hospitality’s executive team.
He also said that the provision of “luxury lifestyle” options is what would attract more visitors to Manila and the Philippines as a whole.
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, said that they are excited to officially enter the Asian hospitality market. The official also pointed out that they feel honored to be able to work with both Mr. Ho and Mr. Packer. According to him, the Nobu Hotel together with the other facilities featured by City of Dreams Manila will attract visitors and high roller players from the Philippines, the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from around the world.
City of Dreams Manila had its soft opening in December 2014 and was officially launched in February 2015. The 6.2-hectare property features three hotels, a large casino floor with about 1,700 slot machines, 1,700 electronic table games, and 365 gaming tables, a DreamPlay amusement park, etc.
