Pagcor, Greece's Loutraki Casino in talks for a project

BY LIZA REYES

State-owned gaming operator Pagcor said on Wednesday it was in talks with Greece's Loutraki Casino which wants to bid for the right to develop the first phase of the government’s 800-hectare gaming project in the capital.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) hopes to bid out the contract this year for the $10-billion development of the first phase covering 42 hectares, company chairman Efraim Genuino said on the sidelines of an international gaming conference in Manila.

“Loutraki is the biggest gaming operator in Europe. It’s from Greece,” said Genuino, who expects development of the first phase to be completed in two to three years.

“We're just finalizing the technical requirements before we start bidding them out. They're (potential investors) still waiting for the technical requirements so that they can comply."

The Philippines, which has a total public sector debt of P5 trillion or 87.7 percent of GDP as of June 2006, is eager for investments and the tax revenues gambling provides. Its casino monopoly Pagcor, which currently operates 13 casinos nationwide, is its biggest source of state income after taxes.

Genuino is hoping to hit the jackpot with the massive gaming and leisure project which would be built on an 800-hectare site of reclaimed land in Manila.

He was also hoping to generate more investments under a looser Congressional franchise.

Under the new Pagcor Charter, which is pending at bicameral conference committee, the Philippine casino operator may now enter into joint ventures with private investors.

The project, called Bagong Nayon Pilipino Entertainment City, is envisioned to be a total entertainment complex, complete with casinos, resorts, restaurants and a theme park.

"This will be a total entertainment package. It’s not just gaming but an entertainment complex for the family," Genuino said. “To attract tourists, we the design and approach to the project must be new compared to other Asian casinos.”

800 hectares? :shocked:

wow.. ang laki!... anyways.. saan uli yung big plot of land na ito at the reclaimed area?... it's between the MoA and the Asia Towers right?

i've just seen the scale model in 24 oras and it is very nice! awesome!

it will have an observation tower somewhat like the one in macau and its own transportation system (tram?). i should have take some photos but it was totally unexpected so hindi ako nakapaghanda.

Bay of Dreams
Now that Pagcor has had its legal life extended, it’s beginning to return its attention to Pagcor City — the plan to establish an entertainment and gambling center in the country to rival Las Vegas. No doubt, the Philippines is late excecuting on this vision. Macau has a huge headstart, and with the former Portuguese colony attracting 22 million Chinese eager to see whether Lady Luck will smile on them — and the huge cash flows they confer to the city’s casinos — it will be hard to play catch up. That won’t stop Pagcor’s Chairman Efraim Genuino from pursuing his dream, as a columnist from the Business Mirror writes.

Chairman Genuino explained that for more than four years now, many foreign investors have been raring to come in and invest in the realization of Pagcor E-City.

“The investors have all the while been waiting in the wings for the congressional approval of our new franchise,” Genuino said. The only thing that deterred them from putting in their money was the fact that the old franchise was good only up to July 11, 2008.

He also intimated that all the while, in anticipation of the new franchise, Pagcor had quietly blocked off 700 hectares of contiguous reclaimed land (larger than Singapore?) in the Manila Bay area in partnership with the Public Estates Authority (PEA). It is now just a matter of evaluating which foreign investors to accommodate in the proposed city.

The proposed city will have arcades, malls, hotels, a racetrack, residential villages, recreation parks, theaters, wellness spas, convention sites and, of course, gaming centers—in short, the works—comparable to the facilities of Las Vegas and the modernized Macau complex. Definitely, he says, the objective is to build an entertainment complex more dazzling than the one in Thailand.

Wow! At last, a breakthrough development for PAGCOR's E-City project!

i saw the report sa business nightly... it looks promising nga.. :) 1st phase daw will start this year.. :)

madami daw interested... isa na nga ang loutraki.., pati daw cesars palace, wynn.., etc...

ang edge daw natin compred sa ibang bagong gaming destination ay ang "manpower" dito... :)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar22/busi1.htm

PAGCOR in $20B Shift to Entertainment
March 22, 2007
By Genivi Factao

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) yesterday said it will build a $20 billion gaming and entertainment complex in the 800-hectare land by the Manila Bay.

The complex to be called "Pagcor City", will signify the government gaming firm’s shift to entertainment, copying the Las Vegas template.

With the proposed Pagcor City, we can catch up with Macau and Singapore," Pagcor chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino said.

The project site is the PEA-Amari reclamation site.

He said a group of Japanese businessmen planned to invest for Japanese retirees. Other partners in the project are from Europe, the United States and South Korea.

Paul Michael Boettcher, chairman and CEO of Storm International of Russia said they are interested in investing in the country.

"We’re here to expand our business in Asia, we’re interested in setting up business in the Philippines." Boettcher said.

Genuino said the construction will be at no cost for the government, as foreign investors will finance the project. Pagcor will look for a master planner for the said project.

The Pagcor chief named the Loutrake group, as one of the locators in the Pagcor City.

He claimed there will be multiple partners for this project.

To date, Pagcor is securing the technical requirements needed for the venture.

The phase 1 of the project will include a resort, hotels, and a theme park, which is expected to start construction this year and is expected to finish in 2 to 4 years. The first phase has an estimated 10,000 tables and 3,000 additional machines. They hope to start operating in three years. The project has three phases.

Genuino said the project will encourage more tourists coming in the country, as he expects that 80 to 90 percent of the revenues that will be derived when they start operating will come from tourists.

They hope to attract 10 million tourists in five years starting this year from 2.6 million in 2006.

Foreign gaming experts are optimistic with the Philippines, claiming lots of tourists will be coming here because in Macau, they have a hard time communicating, according to Tim Shiah, of Wynne Resorts Las Vegas and Macau.

The Jayport Holdings said the Asian legitimate casino industry is worth $4.1 billion and will grow by about 6 percent annually for the next 20 years.

The Far Eastern Economic review in its report said Asians are expected to spend $23 billion in casinos worldwide by 2010.

The worlds leading international gaming executives and experts are here for the Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment (GEM) plus Leisure Expo Conference 2007 at Hyatt Hotel and Casino from March 21 to 23.

"Asia’s GEM 2007 marks the paradigm shift of Pagcor from casino to entertainment. For our country to recover economically, we need tourism and for us to invite tourist to come here we need projects like Asia’s GEM and get the support of foreign investors," Genuino said.

Pagcor earned $25 million last year, up from 2005’s $23 million, wherein 90 percent of it came from business operations.

googdnews good news yahoo ! asians are casino freaks.

:cheers: Wow i been watching Bandila and this $20B Project (E-City) got my attention...Super tuloy na pala ito kapag naaprove na ng Congress...sa wakas magkakaron na ng buhay ang parteng Uniwide...

I've seen this news kanina sa BANDILA! I'm so excited to see this kahit under developed lang :). I heard there will be theme parks blah. Haha, and the good news is the project will be ventured by other investors (By congress approval) Wow, imagine ung buong Macapagal Blvd. when it's all done. Haha :) With Mall of Asia, Neo Chinatown and all the other malls, it will look brilliant! :D Way to go PAGCOR!:banana:

The question now is WHEN?:rofl:

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/35125/Pagcor-plans-20-B-Las-Vegas-along-Manila-Bay#

Pagcor plans $20-B 'Las Vegas' along Manila Bay
March 21, 2007

State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is planning to set up a $15-$20 billion gaming and entertainment complex in the country which will be funded by foreign investments, a company official said Wednesday.

The development will be dubbed "Pagcor City" and will sit on 800 hectares of reclaimed land along Manila Bay.

"The project is a shift for gaming into entertainment. We will form a Las Vegas in the Philippines," Pagcor chairman and CEO Ephraim Genuino told reporters during a press briefing.

Genuino said investors from Japan, Europe, the United States and South Korea have already signified interest to finance the venture. He said 90 percent of the funds for the project will come from foreign investors.

The Japanese investors, the official said, are interested in developing a retirement village within the area for the rapidly expanding Japanese retiree market.

"Pagcor City" is expected to be finished within 2 years.

Construction of the first phase, which will include a resort, hotels, and a theme park, starts this year. The project has three phases all in all.

Genuino said Pagcor is not expecting the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to oppose the development because the state-owned gaming agency has helped with many of the Church's programs.

�The Church will understand it because we have been contributing a lot to their social projects," the Pagcor official said.

Genuino also said the entertainment and tourism offerings of "Pagcor City" may make it more acceptable to the Church.-GMANews.TV

I've seen a render of Pagcor city in Philstar a couple years ago. It had an observation tower, resorts, casinos, public plazas, green spaces, condos, etc.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02282007/opinion03.html

A dazzling dream about to come true
By Butch del Castillo

Very few people saw its significance, but the passage recently of the long-pending bill granting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) a new 25-year franchise would definitely have a major positive impact on our economy. In only a few months—or at least before the year is over—the whole country will begin to see the windows of opportunity that have been flung wide open with the approval of the measure.

I don’t know why the congressional approval of the new Pagcor franchise took so long. The proposal to grant the government-owned corporation a new franchise was filed in the House more than five years ago at the start of the 12th Congress. The bill was approved by the House. But the Senate did not have time to act on it up to the adjournment of session. Alas, the Senate was too preoccupied with its headline-making investigations to care about this piece of meaningful legislation.

The same thing almost happened the next time around. When the 13th Congress was convened, the bill was technically back to square one. The measure had to be filed in the House again as a new bill (this time as HB 3409) and undergo the same rigmarole it went through during the 12th Congress.

And it would have again lapsed into a technical demise in the Senate at the end of the three-year lifetime of the 13th Congress had President Arroyo not called for a special session for the passage of the antiterror bill and other urgent pending measures. Fortunately, though rather belatedly, it finally dawned upon our legislators that the renewal of the Pagcor franchise was a vital economic measure. And so, toward the end of the two-day special session, HB 3409 managed to squeak through the last hurdle (or second reading) of the legislative process.

Now it’s just a matter of having the bill signed into law by the President.

Over the past five years, Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Efraim Genuino—who has been described as a self-made businessman and socio-civic leader—has been nurturing a dream. He dreams of building what he likes to call the “Pagcor E-City” with the “E” standing for entertainment.

Pagcor E-City would largely focus on entertainment instead of casino gaming, a complex that would have something to offer by way of entertainment to every member of a family.

Genuino, by the way, was among the very few who have been bestowed the CEO Excellence award by the International Association of Business Communicators (Philippines) alongside Finance Secretary Gary Teves, Unilever CEO Howard Belton, Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca and Ayala Land CEO Jaime Ayala. Now that the renewal of the Pacgor franchise is a fait accompli, Genuino has wasted no time in transforming his “dream city” into a program of well-defined phases accompanied by specific plans of action.

He has absolutely no doubt that his concept of Pagcor E-City would become a glittering reality within the next few years.

“We’re undertaking a paradigm shift from gaming to entertainment, a concept that members and leaders of the Catholic Church have openly supported,” Genuino says. Incidentally, Genuino is also proud of the fact that Pope Benedict VI had formally bestowed on Pagcor and Genuino the former’s apostolic blessing in recognition of Pagcor’s humanitarian programs.

In one of our conversations, Chairman Genuino explained that for more than four years now, many foreign investors have been raring to come in and invest in the realization of Pagcor E-City.

“The investors have all the while been waiting in the wings for the congressional approval of our new franchise,” Genuino said. The only thing that deterred them from putting in their money was the fact that the old franchise was good only up to July 11, 2008.

He also intimated that all the while, in anticipation of the new franchise, Pagcor had quietly blocked off 700 hectares of contiguous reclaimed land (larger than Singapore?) in the Manila Bay area in partnership with the Public Estates Authority (PEA). It is now just a matter of evaluating which foreign investors to accommodate in the proposed city.

The proposed city will have arcades, malls, hotels, a racetrack, residential villages, recreation parks, theaters, wellness spas, convention sites and, of course, gaming centers—in short, the works—comparable to the facilities of Las Vegas and the modernized Macau complex. Definitely, he says, the objective is to build an entertainment complex more dazzling than the one in Thailand.

Genuino estimates that the initial capital expenditure of foreign investors eager to come in will be anywhere between $5 billion and $10 billion. Already, he says, among the early birds who want a piece of Pagcor City are big names in the international gaming industry from Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and Macau.

Genuino is so enthused by the gaggle of economic opportunities that would come our way once Pagcor starts building this modern city with a total global outlook. The construction phase alone, he says, would mean billions in direct foreign investments that would surely quicken the pace of economic activity in this part of Asia.

“But the beauty of it all is that the Philippines will not spend for this ambitious developmental project. That’s how Bill Gates became the richest man in the world. He did not have the capital, but he had a brilliant concept to sell in Microsoft.”

Pagcor until now has been the third largest revenue raiser of the government next only to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs, with a progressively increasing contribution to the government’s coffers amounting to P22 billion annually.

When Pagcor E-City finally begins to rise by next year at the latest, think of all the money it will attract from around the world.

Hindi pa nasisimulan umaalma na CBCP. Medalya raw it ng kahihiyan sabi ni Archbishop Oscar Cruz sa 24 oras! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Good luck nalang sa E-city!

$10-B RP Las Vegas to rise
By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star 03/22/2007

A $10-billion Las Vegas-style gaming and entertainment complex will rise on an 800-hectare reclaimed area on Roxas Boulevard beginning this year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) said yesterday.

Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Efraim Genuino said construction of the entertainment complex, to be called "Pagcor City," will be handled mainly by foreign investors.

"Our country will not spend for these developments. We’re just selling a concept," he said.

The project is expected to attract 10 million foreign visitors in five years and generate millions of jobs for Filipinos.

"The Pagcor City will have arcades, malls, hotels, wellness spas, cultural center, sports arena and theme parks, patterned after Macau and Las Vegas," Genuino said at a press briefing on the sideline of a tourism conference called Asia’s GEM (Gaming and Entertainment plus Leisure Expo Manila) at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila yesterday.

"Development of big hotels and big entertainment areas is a key to attracting tourists, as a matter of fact our requirement is for the investors to come up with the design or proposal that will attract tourism," Genuino said.

"The reason why we lack tourists is we lack hotels," he said.

Yesterday’s event kicked off the three-day Asia’s GEM 2007, co-presented by Pagcor and the Euro-Asian Cooperation on Gaming.

He said investors from Japan, the United States, South Korea, and some European countries have signified interest in investing in the project, according to Genuino.

One of the biggest casinos in the world, the Loutraki, is expected to set up shop in Pagcor City.

Pagcor City will be developed over a seven-year period in three phases.

Genuino said the first phase of the project, which begins this year, includes the construction of a resort hotel and a theme park. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in two years.

The entertainment complex’s casino will have 1,000 table games and 3,000 slot machines.

"The Asia’s GEM 2007 marks the paradigm shift of Pagcor from gaming to entertainment. For our economy to recover economically, we need tourism. And for us to invite tourists to come here, we need projects like Asia’s GEM to get the support of foreign investors," he said.

"The thrust now is not casino gaming but total entertainment. In the global arena, only 25 percent of the revenues of gaming destinations such as Las Vegas come from actual gambling," Genuino said, adding that some 80 percent of Pagcor City’s revenues is expected to come from foreign visitors.

"Our country stands to gain substantial revenues from this market as casino visitors spend more than general tourists," he said.

"It is important to have the destinations and attractions that would ensure a pleasant stay for casino visitors. Most of them travel with their families and take side trips," Genuino said.

The complex will have a "tropical" area featuring white sand beaches and lagoons, all facing Manila Bay. A Winter Park is also being eyed with large ice skating rinks as well as real snow and skiing facilities.

A Marina complex will feature a walk-through glass tunnel showcasing different marine species in the Asia-Pacific region. A fish port and a seafood restaurant to be patterned after the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco are also being eyed for Pagcor City.

Plans include the construction of a boardwalk to provide convenient public access to a pedestrian promenade lined with specialty restaurants and outdoor cafes. An observation tower envisioned to be the tallest in the world will be erected in the area. Genuino said Nayong Pilipino may also relocate to Pagcor City.

He said Japanese investors are interested in developing retirement homes for the growing Japanese retiree market. "We were able to attract interest from a number of Japanese retirees," Genuino said.

Pagcor is consistently the third biggest income-generating arm of the government. Last year, Pagcor registered revenues of P35 billion compared with only P23 billion in 2005.

Under its charter, Pagcor serves three crucial roles: to regulate and operate all games of chance in the country, generate funds for the government’s infrastructure and socio-civic projects, and boost local tourism.

Led by the southern Chinese enclave of Macau, Asia is witnessing a gambling boom as the region looks to new, glitzy Las Vegas-style casino complexes offering entertainment and exhibition venues to attract more tourists and business travelers. -

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200703220402.htm

For more info http://www.asiangemphil.com (http://www.asiangemphil.com/)

Asia’s GEM – The premier international event on GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT PLUS LEISURE EXPO slated to be held on March 19-23, 2006 at the World Trade Center, Manila, Philippines in FULL SWING!

Organized by the Asian Gem & Tourism Foundation, Inc. and presented by PAGCOR CASINO FILIPINO, the expo promises to be held to be paced to be a full packed fair.

Major Gaming companies have joined the growing roster of exhibitors namely: Waz Lian, Unidesa, Elixir, Jumbo Technologies, Aristocrat, RGB, Interblock, Glimex,, Bally, atronics, Konami, Orion, Golden View and Networld, Subsino, Spielo, Pacific Palm Corp., R. Franco, Universal Tickets, Kirschner Games International, Bingo Times, Prestige / DVTEL among others.

With over 8,300 sqm area of exhibit space, gaming machine manufacturers, suppliers and allied industries are expected to grace the two day affair as well as the Gaming Conference.

Event sked:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/eventsked.jpg

Program sked:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/program.jpg

I've seen this on the news! I hate the name though PAGCOR Entertainment City. Too generic... why don't they name it like some sort of a futuristic Filipino name of some kind. Basta wag yun. I hope this materializes and di lang puro plano.

^I agree. something like Wowowee world:D jk

wow...that conference had a lot of big time players (no pun intended) in the gaming industry - MGM, Wynn, Ritz, etc. I hope they have a keen interest in Pagcor City and that this project will actually materialize. We've seen too many ambitious projects halt after the planning stage.

Is this the same rendering that you saw on the news?

my gawd, another "city"...

Entertainment City, Manila Bay

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/wynngd/DSC_0042copy.jpg

^ Yeah, that's the one i saw in Philstar two years ago.
Thanks for re-posting.

Pagcor plans $20-B 'Las Vegas' along Manila Bay

State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is planning to set up a $15-$20 billion gaming and entertainment complex in the country which will be funded by foreign investments, a company official said Wednesday.

The development will be dubbed "Pagcor City" and will sit on 800 hectares of reclaimed land along Manila Bay.

"The project is a shift for gaming into entertainment. We will form a Las Vegas in the Philippines," Pagcor chairman and CEO Ephraim Genuino told reporters during a press briefing.

Genuino said investors from Japan, Europe, the United States and South Korea have already signified interest to finance the venture. He said 90 percent of the funds for the project will come from foreign investors.

The Japanese investors, the official said, are interested in developing a retirement village within the area for the rapidly expanding Japanese retiree market.

"Pagcor City" is expected to be finished within 2 years.

Construction of the first phase, which will include a resort, hotels, and a theme park, starts this year. The project has three phases all in all.

Genuino said Pagcor is not expecting the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to oppose the development because the state-owned gaming agency has helped with many of the Church's programs.

“The Church will understand it because we have been contributing a lot to their social projects," the Pagcor official said.

Genuino also said the entertainment and tourism offerings of "Pagcor City" may make it more acceptable to the Church.

800 hectares?!?!

Wow.

Is this on already reclaimed land or are they reclaiming even more land from the bay?

It's true , pagcor helped pay for my cousin's hospital bills. He had a stroke ,had a major operation and couldn't get out because he couldn't afford the bill ,pagcor shouldered all the expenses.
We would have saved millions if he ate less pork.

Las Vegas along Manila Bay? I don't know. :dunno: I'd rather have more refined cultural entertainment. Hmmm... I'll reserve judgment.

What happened to the original Nayong Pilipino anyway? I hope they preserve this and not arrogate the name Nayong Pilipino to a gambling and entertainment mecca.

Magiging vice den na naman 'yan.

I agree on the name. They better come up with a better name than Pagcor City so they can market themselves better. E-city is better, although not really that creative.

"Nayong Pilipino" -- what does that mean? That name actually sounds better. They should create a name that screams Filipino and give it a Filipino character.

Interesting development, for sure!

The original Nayong Pilipino was torn down because a) it was a money loser, undoubtedly because after 20 or so years, they never really invested in improvement and b) they needed to build Terminal 2 of NAIA.

Is this the same rendering that you saw on the news?


yes that's the same rendering.. or miniature that Pagcor showed in the news last night... I saw it from 24Oras of GMA....

the funny thing about the news about it last night was that when they inquired this to Malacanang... Malacanang didn't know about it... and the guy (I forgot his name) said... '10 million?.. ang laki naman nun...'

"Nayong Pilipino" -- what does that mean? That name actually sounds better. They should create a name that screams Filipino and give it a Filipino character.

the direct translation would be 'Filipino Town' or 'Filipino Village'

The original Nayong Pilipino was torn down because a) it was a money loser, undoubtedly because after 20 or so years, they never really invested in improvement and b) they needed to build Terminal 2 of NAIA.

and they had to construct additional taxiways to NAIA3.

Pagcor all set for Phase I of ‘Entertainment City’ (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03222007/headlines03.html)

By Honey Madrilejos-Reyes
Reporter

STATE-CONTROLLED Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) will start developing this year the first phase of the ambitious Bagong Nayon Pilipino-Entertainment City Manila, otherwise known as Pagcor City.

At the sidelines of the 2007 Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment Leisure Expo held Wednesday at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, Pagcor chairman and chief executive Efraim Genuino said Phase I consists of a resort hotel, a theme park and gaming centers.

“Our goal is to complete Phase I
in two years and immediately proceed with the second phase, which would involve residential villages and casinos,” Genuino told reporters. Phase III of the estimated $20-billion project would feature a hospital district, restaurants and commercial establishments.

According to him, it would take at least seven years to develop Pagcor City, which sits on 800 hectares of reclaimed land on Roxas Boulevard.

Once the franchise of Pagcor is renewed anytime soon, Genuino said they will enter into partnerships with various companies to forward the development of Pagcor City. The franchise of Pagcor is only good until 2008 but both chambers of Congress have reportedly approved the renewal and it is only awaiting the President’s ratification.

This early, he said, one of Europe’s biggest casino operators has already signified its plan to locate in the Pagcor City.

Pagcor, which ended 2006 with a gross income of P25.5 billion, operates 14 Casino Filipino branches, eight highly-exclusive Casino Filipino VIP clubs and three slot machine arcades in key cities.

Genuino has always touted the country’s big potential of becoming the Las Vegas of Asia, even beating the neighboring Macau, because “we have always at the radar screen of big-time investors from all over the world”.

“We have investors from all over Europe and Asia. With the Pagcor City, our goal is to generate as much as 250,000 jobs and also promote the tourism industry of the country,” he said.

-repost-

Here's a pic from the Philippine Star today. sorry at malabo

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/ecity.jpg

One full page on Asia's GEM. It mentioned the different parts/phases of this park. I think it said something about a jungle type theme park... I'll check on it again later

Cool! Finally, I thought it was just a vision.

I'm quite confused to which area Pagcor city will be built. Is it the reclaimed land between MOA and Uniwide Coastal Mall? Or is it the yet to be reclaimed land further south between Uniwide and Cavite...along the Coastal highway?

If the later, it would definitely take more than two years.

$10-B RP Las Vegas to rise
By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star 03/22/2007

The complex will have a "tropical" area featuring white sand beaches and lagoons, all facing Manila Bay. A Winter Park is also being eyed with large ice skating rinks as well as real snow and skiing facilities.


A Marina complex will feature a walk-through glass tunnel showcasing different marine species in the Asia-Pacific region. A fish port and a seafood restaurant to be patterned after the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco are also being eyed for Pagcor City.

-

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200703220402.htm


^^ This will rival the proposed Ocean Park also along Manila Bay but in the Luneta area.

Pagcor all set for Phase I of ‘Entertainment City’ (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03222007/headlines03.html)

By Honey Madrilejos-Reyes
Reporter

STATE-CONTROLLED Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) will start developing this year the first phase of the ambitious Bagong Nayon Pilipino-Entertainment City Manila, otherwise known as Pagcor City.

At the sidelines of the 2007 Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment Leisure Expo held Wednesday at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, Pagcor chairman and chief executive Efraim Genuino said Phase I consists of a resort hotel, a theme park and gaming centers.

“Our goal is to complete Phase I
in two years and immediately proceed with the second phase, which would involve residential villages and casinos,” Genuino told reporters. Phase III of the estimated $20-billion project would feature a hospital district, restaurants and commercial establishments.

According to him, it would take at least seven years to develop Pagcor City, which sits on 800 hectares of reclaimed land on Roxas Boulevard.

Once the franchise of Pagcor is renewed anytime soon, Genuino said they will enter into partnerships with various companies to forward the development of Pagcor City. The franchise of Pagcor is only good until 2008 but both chambers of Congress have reportedly approved the renewal and it is only awaiting the President’s ratification.

This early, he said, one of Europe’s biggest casino operators has already signified its plan to locate in the Pagcor City.

Pagcor, which ended 2006 with a gross income of P25.5 billion, operates 14 Casino Filipino branches, eight highly-exclusive Casino Filipino VIP clubs and three slot machine arcades in key cities.

Genuino has always touted the country’s big potential of becoming the Las Vegas of Asia, even beating the neighboring Macau, because “we have always at the radar screen of big-time investors from all over the world”.

“We have investors from all over Europe and Asia. With the Pagcor City, our goal is to generate as much as 250,000 jobs and also promote the tourism industry of the country,” he said.

^^ PAGCOR's timetable is quite fast even if it involves such a huge complex. Maybe because there are several investors/developers and not only a single developer like in other resort/township developments in the country. With several developers investing at the same time then they can develop each of their own structures at the same time fasttracking the development of the PAGCOR Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City.

Also, unlike Macau and Singapore, the Philippines, being a bigger country, offers other attractions. High rollers can go to our other attractions like several beaches. Singapore can only offer Sentosa and that's even a man made beach unlike our beaches. Bring it on!

Vegas’ Wynn Resorts: Manila
can be prime gaming hub

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

WYNN Resorts Ltd. of Las Vegas fame is keen on investing anywhere from $500 million to $1.5 billion for a hotel-resort with casino here, with one official saying the Philippines has the potential of overtaking Macau as a prime gaming destination in seven to 10 years.

Tim S. Shiah, who represented Wynn managing director Jack Binion at the ongoing Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment + Leisure Expo Manila (Asia’s GEM) 2007, said the company is already shopping around for prospective locations in the country for its investment.

Some of the areas being looked at, Shiah said, are Subic, Clark, Cebu, Boracay and the planned 800-hectare Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) Entertainment City at Manila’s reclamation area.

Shiah said Binion has been in the country at least three times and will make another trip here soon to check on the various opportunities for gaming cum total entertainment, especially after Congress approved the extension of Pagcor’s franchise for another 25 years.

“Mr. Binion’s a billionaire. He’s not coming here if he’s got nothing to do with his day,” Shiah told reporters at the sidelines of the Asia’s GEM 2007 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila.

He, however, stressed that nothing is definite at this time.

A Wynn investment for a resort hotel with casino ranges from $500 million to $1.5 billion, he said.

The 600-room Wynn Macau, for instance, entailed $1.2 billion initially and now employs 7,500 personnel.

Shiah said the Philippines has the potential to overtake Macau in seven to 10 years, especially since the country already has the two important ingredients that other locations do not have—the quality personnel and natural attractions like beaches.

Because of this, Shiah said “many potential investors from Las Vegas are taking a hard look at the Philippines.”

“Macau is fortunate because they have China there and their players can bus over or take the ferry from Hong Kong, but Macau is going to have to get tough too when Singapore and the Philippines get going too,” he said.

In giving Macau a run for its money, Shiah said Manila can start having Las Vegas-type hotels and spice them up with the same quality gaming and complete entertainment.

With a total entertainment package, Shiah said the country can emulate Las Vegas, which earns earning 25 percent from gaming and 75 percent from entertainment.

Besides this, Shiah said the country should embrace investors through sound legislation, elimination of red tape and by ensuring that local government units work harmoniously with the investors they are hosting.

Shiah said Pagcor chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino, who he described as the “hardest-working gaming chairman” globally, is on the right track in attracting big investors and operators to promote the Philippines.

PCCI president Samie Lim, who also attended the event, said the Philippines could at least outpace Macau with the Pagcor Entertainment City and other attractions like the beaches, shopping malls, medical tourism spots, and golf, among others.

More important, Lim said the country has the “pleasant personnel” fit for the gaming industry.

“Based on experience, Macau is not really a pleasant experience because the people there are so business type. Filipinos, on the other hand, are always smiling so that even if you are losing, your experience will still be pleasant,” Lim said.

Macau, he said, attracted 22 million tourists in 2006 and it is unlikely that it will be having 40 million tourists in 10 years.

The Philippines, meanwhile, had over two million tourists in 2006 and this is projected to grow to 5 million by 2010 and then to 10 million in 10 years.

“So we can be the fastest-growing in the world,” Lim said.

Wow, we've been getting big-time projects this March, and all of them are for tourism development! I guess we're now entering the golden age, as investors are now starting to realize the huge potentials of our country!

As much as i support development that will provide jobs and benefit the economy, I'm concerned about how Las Vegas type entertainment will possibly increase crime in Metro Manila. Organized crime, corruption, graft and petty crime like theft could be a problem.

Sounds like Wynn is really interested. Good news, since their hotels and other facilities are world class.

I tried to search on old threads via google and saw this areal shot of the reclamation area posted by another forumer... heto ba yung site nito? on the left of the boxed picture is Moa and the right is Coastal Mall...

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8503/ato8.jpg

Is it true that the E-city area is even bigger than Singapore itself?

^^ Absolutely not. Combining the reclaimed area on Manila Bay is probably only 1/20th of Singapore.

Singapore is actually bigger than most people tend to think. It is almost 700 squared km...comparable to NCR.

Here's a pic from the Philippine Star today. sorry at malabo

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/ecity.jpg

One full page on Asia's GEM. It mentioned the different parts/phases of this park. I think it said something about a jungle type theme park... I'll check on it again later


Wow! Manila will finally have its own tower! This is gonna be real good for the economy but I'm also worried about the negative effects on security a gambling hub will do to an already unsafe metropolis of 13 million people. It would have been more ideal if it were to be developed in a smaller city like Cebu perhaps..

^^ Knowing the basic concept of a reclaimed area, will it be able to support tall structures? SM MOA also sits on a reclaimed area and because of this, there are restrictions on constructing high rises.

If done right, skyscrapers can be built on reclaimed areas. Some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers sit on reclaimed land. In fact, a lot of the developed areas of Hong Kong island is reclaimed.

The original Nayong Pilipino was torn down because a) it was a money loser, undoubtedly because after 20 or so years, they never really invested in improvement and b) they needed to build Terminal 2 of NAIA.

and they had to construct additional taxiways to NAIA3.

That's sad. The Nayong Pilipino showcased miniature natural attractions all over the Philippines. A cultural park such as that doesn't need to be money generating.

I hate for the name to be used for a gambling / entertainment development.

I hope it stands a chance against Macao's version of Las Vegas. At least ours will be cheaper to go to. At 10 million visitors a year, I hope that airport terminal nearby gets finished real soon...

If done right, skyscrapers can be built on reclaimed areas. Some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers sit on reclaimed land. In fact, a lot of the developed areas of Hong Kong island is reclaimed.

Good to hear that. The Manila Bay skyline will forever change with the development of E-City

I hope it stands a chance against Macao's version of Las Vegas. At least ours will be cheaper to go to. At 10 million visitors a year, I hope that airport terminal nearby gets finished real soon...

^^ The Philippines could offer more... lots more. Aside from casinos, we have our natural attractions which cannot be matched by Macau or Singapore. It will be a matter of packaging. Gaming and entertainment then you could package also a trip to the beach and throw in Medical tourism to boot.

Great more gambling... The jueteng lords will be happy for this development

I'm thinking, if we want to get this built, we need to vote for Chavit. :lol:

about the reclaimed area perception, I think it is no longer impossible for us to build tall buildings in reclaimed area. I learned that the tallest building being build right now in Shanghai stands in a swamp. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Pagcor’s 'Las Vegas' dream to cost $20B

State firm in talks with Greek, US gaming operator

By Daxim Lucas, Riza T. Olchondra
Inquirer
Last updated 04:00am (Mla time) 03/22/2007


MANILA, Philippines -- The government's Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has raised its project cost estimate for an ambitious gaming complex -- to be patterned after Las Vegas -- that will rise on reclaimed land along Manila Bay.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Pagcor chair and CEO Ephraim Genuino said that as much as $20 billion-- equivalent to 16 percent of the country’s total economic output in 2006 -- would be spent in putting up the “Entertainment City.”

This marks a 33-percent hike over the initial $15-billion cost that was announced when the project was unveiled in 2001. Under the original plan, the investments and project cost would be spread out over a 10-year period.
“The project is a shift [for Pagcor] from gaming into entertainment,[which means not purely casino” Genuino told reporters at the Asian Gaming and Entertainment Plus Leisure Expo Manila. “We will form a Las Vegas in the Philippines.”
The complex, also called Pagcor City, will be built in three phases on 800 hectares of reclaimed land. The first phase will host a hotel-resort and theme park. The next two phases will have retirement villages and entertainment centers.

Separately, however, Pagcor officials said that only “$10 billion to $15 billion” would be spent on the first phase of the project, which would cover between 45 to 65 hectares of the total proposed area.

Genuino said that only 25 percent of the total land area has so far been reclaimed, with the rest to be added as the project gets underway.

Genuino also expressed confidence that the Pagcor City project will not encounter opposition, even from the Catholic Church.

“For us to hurdle opposition to gaming, we will follow Las Vegas,” he said. “I think the Church will understand. We are the biggest income generator for the government, and I think the Church will be mature enough to understand.”

The gaming firm said that it made P25 billion in revenue from casino operations in 2006, almost 10 percent higher than the P23 billion profit it posted in 2005.

The head of the state gaming monopoly revealed that they are already in talks with Greek casino and resort operator Loutraki—a major player in the European gaming industry—for the development of Entertainment City’s first phase.

“We have also spoken with Ceasar’s Palace and Genting,” he said, referring to the US- and Malaysia-based casino operators.

Genuino said 90 percent of the funds for the project will come from foreign investors. Other funders from Japan, Europe, the US and South Korea have also signified interest in financing the project.

Japanese investors, he said, are interested in developing a retirement village within the area for the expanding Japanese retiree market.

He added that Pagcor was working on the technical requirements of the project, with preparatory work scheduled to begin this year. Construction would be completed by 2009.
“The thrust now is not casino gaming but total entertainment,” Genuino said. “In the global arena, only 25 percent of the revenues of gaming destinations such as Las Vegas come from actual gambling.”

He said the Philippines stands to gain substantial tourism revenues by taking an active role in the global gaming industry. He noted that even a conservative country such as Singapore has opened its door to casinos as it realizes the benefits to be derived from the industry.

“With Pagcor City, we will quadruple our tourists to 10 million in five years,” he said. “We hope we can catch up with Singapore and Macau.”

Genuino also said foreign investments in the project will be finalized once Pagcor’s charter is amended to allow the state-owned company to enter into joint ventures with foreign investors.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=56280

ang daming good news.
cant wait for the ground breaking of the first casino/entertainment complex. hehe:D

eto pala bad news. ewan ko kung ano problema ng mga ito..

House panel asked to probe Pagcor's $20B casino project
03/22/2007 | 12:53 PM

(Update) Two lawmakers on Thursday said they want the House of Representatives oversight committee to investigate the plan of the Philippine Gaming and Amusements Corporation to build a US$20 billion entertainment and casino complex similar to establishments in Las Vegas.

Party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva of the Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) told GMANews.TV that Congress should not have allowed the passage of a measure extending Pagcor's operations for another 25 years without looking into the corporation's proposed project.

In a separate interview, opposition Rep. Rolex Suplico of Iloilo said the oversight committee chaired by administration Rep. Danilo Suarez of Quezon, must immediately investigate the proposed project "before it produces more serious problems."

Suplico has a pending motion at the House for the recall of the Pagcor measure.

"Parang bagoong ang proyektong 'yan, nakatakip pero sumisingaw ang mabahong amoy (The project is like soused fish that is covered but still reeks of foul smell)" said Suplico.

He said the committee could still conduct investigations even when the House session had already been adjourned.

However, the lawmakers will have to haggle for time considering that public hearings or investigations during congressional break were allowed only with prior plenary consent.

The regular session of the 13th Congress will resume in June, but it will be for just one week. Traditionally, the sessions after an election do not take up substantial issues.

Villanueva, whose party-list organization serves as a watchdog against corruption, also questioned the timing of Pagcor's public announcement of the project that would make the Philippines a gambling mecca.

"It's an insult to the people. It shows the insensitivity of this administration to allow an announcement like that while the country is still licking the wounds of being called the most corrupt in Asia," Villanueva said. "No. 1 na sa corruption, gusto pa maging No. 1 sa sugalan."

"Can't they not attract legitimate investors to the Philippines that is why they are now courting investors in gambling?" the young lawmaker asked.

Once the Philippines becomes an international gambling center, the incidence of graft and corruption, and money laundering will certainly escalate, the congressman predicted. "That can make the Philippines on top, but it is unfortunately on corruption," he said.

A similar project dubbed "Boulevard 2000" was hatched but was not pursued under the leadership of Pagcor chair Alice Reyes during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada. It was supposed to be built on a reclaimed area on Coastal Road in Paranaque City.

Congress rushed the approval of the bill extending Pagcor’s franchise for 25 years on February 20 during a special session that also saw the ratification of the controversial anti-terror bill.

The Pagcor measure gave the state-run gaming corporation the authority to enter into agreements with private companies, including foreign gambling establishments.

Under the new measure, gambling establishments will enjoy tax exemptions as an incentive to prospective investors, both local and foreign.

"If we are against foreign participation in exploring our natural resources and industries, all the more we should not allow them to interfere in our national values," Villanueva pointed out.

Villanueva on Wednesday told GMANews.TV that Cibac would be questioning at the Supreme Court the legitimacy of the House of Representatives' approval of the measure.

He explained that the Constitution requires that measures with provisions on tax exemptions need the vote of a majority of all House members, which is at least 116. At the time the Pagcor bill was called to a vote, there were less than 50 lawmakers present in plenary.

Suplico earlier said Pagcor's franchise is expiring in 2008 yet, but the present Congress seemed to have deprived the incoming Congress to deliberate more extensively on its provisions, including the ambitious US$20-billion entertainment and casino complex.
-GMANews.TV

Same post tayo likely... delete ko post ko

Bad news nga yan!!!

Kelangan lang nila ng Lagay para tumahimik sila! hehehe

ala.. oo nga suhol lang ang hanap nyan...

this form of gambling will only mostly affect the rich and affluent and not the greater masses... the greater masses may benefit from the income this project will generate.....

hay naku!

a lot of people would benifit from this project... daming jobs ang magegenerate nito... starting palang sa construction hanggang sa mismong operations...

If done right, skyscrapers can be built on reclaimed areas. Some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers sit on reclaimed land. In fact, a lot of the developed areas of Hong Kong island is reclaimed.

And yeah, the best example would be Dubai :runaway:

^^ Yes, this development will create many jobs for filipinos. But it will also just be another growth in the service industry sector after it's built. It will be good for the employees if they know how to use their paychecks wisely and learn to invest their income as well. I think this will be a good business in the long run. Good for tourism with gamblers from foreign countries as well.

A casino industry can be good because it creates so many spin-off developments; more housing & restaurants near the vicinity, traffic (that will attract more businesses), etc.

I actually saw the model inside Casino Filipino in Paranaque. The light tower at the Manila Bay waterline actually sat atop the entrance of a waterway that leads to the casinos! And the monorail system has a train/shuttle that ferries people around the entire complex. Just like Disneyland! :lol:

Pretty amazing!..... :)

For the meantime, I'm keeping a mum about this. I'll only say wow when I get to see things worked out :yes:

i really do hope that this project will push through. The advantages outweighs the disadvantages. I mean it's a lot easier to combat crime, than to generate thousands of jobs. Am I right?

I also hope the those politikos who doesn't have anything better to do than "probe" almost everything, should focus instead of creating laws that would benefit the people. It is good that they have some concerns lawfullness of this project but please, the Philippines have suffered enough from too much politics. It's time for us to be more matured and open-minded.

^ Oo nga, those politicos should be proactive rather than reactive :ohno:

The latest news...

Pagcor betting on casino investments; project draws mixed views
(http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=70854)

BY LIZA REYES



State-owned gaming operator Pagcor said on Wednesday it was in talks with Greece's Loutraki Casino which wants to bid for the right to develop the first phase of the government’s 800-hectare gaming project in the capital.



The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) hopes to bid out the contract this year for the $10-billion development of the first phase covering 42 hectares, company chairman Efraim Genuino said on the sidelines of an international gaming conference in Manila.



“Loutraki is the biggest gaming operator in Europe. It’s from Greece,” said Genuino, who expects development of the first phase to be completed in two to three years.



“We're just finalizing the technical requirements before we start bidding them out. They're (potential investors) still waiting for the technical requirements so that they can comply."



The Philippines, which has a total public sector debt of P5 trillion or 87.7 percent of GDP as of June 2006, is eager for investments and the tax revenues gambling provides. Its casino monopoly Pagcor, which currently operates 13 casinos nationwide, is its biggest source of state income after taxes.



Genuino is hoping to hit the jackpot with the massive gaming and leisure project which would be built on an 800-hectare site of reclaimed land in Manila.



He was also hoping to generate more investments under a looser Congressional franchise.



Under the new Pagcor Charter, which is pending at bicameral conference committee, the Philippine casino operator may now enter into joint ventures with private investors.



The project, called Bagong Nayon Pilipino Entertainment City, is envisioned to be a total entertainment complex, complete with casinos, resorts, restaurants and a theme park.



"This will be a total entertainment package. It’s not just gaming but an entertainment complex for the family," Genuino said. “To attract tourists, we the design and approach to the project must be new compared to other Asian casinos.”

King: Pagtatayo ng E-City tuloy na
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=70975

King: Pagtatayo ng E-City tuloy na
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=70975

wow.. according dito, before pasko ang target na groundbreaking... :)

sana wala nang humadlang dito. those politikos should do their homework before talking...

wow! i like the tower,i love it!

Roads are already being paved to make way for development in the reclaimed area.

Just hoping that it will be started soon, especially the Phase I of the project. CBCP should not oppose this project... It's a huge investment and our country is going to benefit from this.

Bay of Dreams
The proposed city will have arcades, malls, hotels, a racetrack, residential villages, recreation parks, theaters, wellness spas, convention sites and, of course, gaming centers.

By the way since this is a Filipino Vegas, will it include a gallodrome too?
Could be our edge over all other existing gambling capitals.. :dunno:

and since we have so many entertainers , dancers, this will provide them jobs . Maybe they don't need to go to japan or hongkong

I hope they not only plan but implement improved traffic flow infra for this project. With this and MOA, wow the area is not even built yet and it's a pain to get to MOA already (remember the days when there was that fireworks display!!!) I hope they consider extending the mrt3 to this area. But this will be a massive undertaking as they'll need to put taft avenue below grade.

If done right, skyscrapers can be built on reclaimed areas. Some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers sit on reclaimed land. In fact, a lot of the developed areas of Hong Kong island is reclaimed.

...i know i've said this over and over....but paano yung mga earthquakes....are hong kong, dubai or shanghai earthquake prone....


....well just think of mexico city...they build on a lake bed...and when the 1985 earthquake occured there, alot of building subsided and collapsed...i think 35,000 people died...anywho....i know technology now is better...but there is alway the risk..... all of these buildings have to be technologically earthquake sound

...well, hopefully, everything will turn out better than the old rendering...

I think newer technologies for this reclamation projects extracts the water content of the soil dumped.. so I think this will be safe...

As always pointed out by Mr. Genuino, the Entertainment City is more on entertainment and not on gambling per se. He keeps on stressing the data that like in Las Vegas, 75% of the revenues come from entertainment and only 25% come from gambling.

As always pointed out by Mr. Genuino, the Entertainment City is more on entertainment and not on gambling per se. He keeps on stressing the data that like in Las Vegas, 75% of the revenues come from entertainment and only 25% come from gambling.

thanks for making it clearer, still though, i have mix feelings about this grand project.

^^ I just hope our Catholic Church will give this project a chance. I believe the benefits outweigh whatever apprehensions the Church may have on the project. Macau is also predominantly Catholic and the whole territory is really a gambling haven. E-City is just a dot in the Philippine map. I hope this project pushes through.

PAGCOR betting on casino investments; $1 Billion from each investor


$1 Billion From Every Investor

Genuino said the minimum investment requirement is a $1 billion from every investor.

A potential bidder must deposit $100 million in an escrow account to prove their financial capability. If the investment did not push through, the group may get the money back.


Pagcor is hoping to complete the first phase of the project covering 42 hectares in the next two to three years.

The Philippines, which has a total public sector debt of P5 trillion or 87.7 percent of GDP as of June 2006, is eager for investments and the tax revenues gambling provides.

Its casino monopoly Pagcor, which currently operates 13 casinos nationwide, is its biggest source of state income after taxes.

Pagcor was hoping to generate more investments under a looser Congressional franchise.


Under a new charter, Pagcor may now enter into joint ventures with private investors.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8222/33704893xt7.jpg

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/concept_framework2.jpg

I am really excited about the proposed monorail system, but the model of the masterplan I saw on 24 oras doesn't look that amazing to me

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/7996/84302191mf3.jpg

gambling is just mere entertainment, it's up to the individual's personality if they want to abuse it.

Is there an updated rendering or is PAGCOR still using the above rendering as their base design?

King: Pagtatayo ng E-City tuloy na
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=70975

Oh my god! i gave up after a couple of minutes reading that thing! ...lol how come its not in english?

is there any link for a video about this project?

hey, it would be awesome if they would build an Astrodome or a Stadium of some sort to hold major sporting events/concert etc.

hey, it would be awesome if they would build an Astrodome or a Stadium of some sort to hold major sporting events/concert etc.

It is actually part of the grand plan to include a sort of Sports statium.

It is actually part of the grand plan to include a sort of Sports statium.

Really? Hey, do you have the link for that video screenshot on ur last post?

King: Ano po iyan ang tawag po diyan is Entertainment City Manila and ang target po diyan is 800, as chairman said 800 hectares but right now po ang available lang po na lupa ngayon diyan is about 45 o 49 hectares.

Right now iyon ang hinahabol po natin diyan. Magre-reclaim pa naman ng land diyan.

Sa ngayon po ay mayroon ng 25% na nare-claim out doon sa 800 na sinasabi natin.


I would be cool if they reclaimed 600 (75% of 800 ha) more of land:)

Hopefully they will consider reclaiming the Centenial City (Boulevard 2000) project of FVR once Bagong Nayong Pilipino starts!


Here is the link to the video:
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/5042/Entertainment-city-like-Las-Vegas-to-rise-on-Roxas-Boulevard

I have more videos from ABS-CBN BANDILA I downloaded from now.abs-cbn.com, am I allowed to post them here or is it not allowed?

tnx for the link. I saw a little bit of what seems like an oval track with bleachers on both sides.... seems really really small though. And its not enclosed =/

...and by the way, how come the govt. doesnt even have a single bit of knowledge about it only until the press mentioned it? lol

^^ Monorail! Sports Complex! Obs Tower! Theme Park! Dream come true!

LOL.

"10 Million"

"Billion"

"US?! Ang laki naman noon."

Oh, here's an idea, configuring a Race Track around the City like they do in Monaco. The famous Moncao Grand prix of Formula One! hehehe... same as what they have in Macau (Macau Grand Prix) That would be heaven for all motorsport fans out there in the Phils (GreyX!) And ofcourse me lol

This project has been planned since 2002 I think, so its imposible that Malacanang did not know about it, and President Arroyo was at the groundbreaking for Bagong Nayong Pilipino, this was also one of her flagship projects that was on her 10-point agenda :ohno::ohno:

Maybe Malacanang forgot about it because it has been over 5 years with no progress until now:lol:

^^ That's being proposed by Singapore already in order for them to host an F1 race. One day a year, Singapore streets will be closed for F1 racing. That's just a proposal now but I don't think it will progress since the nearby Sepang circuit already hosts an F1 race.

WTF??? totally walang alam ang palasyo about this 10 billion dollar thing????
cnabi niya pa yatang ndi totoo yan??? unbelievable!:ohno:

^^ I also saw that interview with Ermita. Instead of just saying that he will just confirm the reports, he issued, without thinking, a statement that the $10 Billion investment may not be true.

Roads are already being paved to make way for development in the reclaimed area.

^^ Can anyone post pics of the area being cleared or paved in PAGCOR City?

Oh, here's an idea, configuring a Race Track around the City like they do in Monaco. The famous Moncao Grand prix of Formula One! hehehe... same as what they have in Macau (Macau Grand Prix) That would be heaven for all motorsport fans out there in the Phils (GreyX!) And ofcourse me lol

hahaha, yeah a street circuit by the bay would be really cool.

^^ If the drivers lose control, they go straight to the bay. :scouserd: :cheers1:

^^ Like Monaco. It has happened before, i think twice.

i heard the new nayong pilipino is a major locator of this project, covering an area of 15 hectares and is also a part of phase 1 of manila e-city. also one thing i hate about this project, the design of the observation tower. very outdated. pagcor envisions this to be the tallest in the world, why not consider to redesigning it, like having a futuristic design like guangzhou's new tv tower and shanghai's oriental pearl tower? also make it not just an observation tower but also a communications tower, with a TV and Radio Center housing all of Manila's TV and AM/FM stations's broadcasting equipments,

Oh my god! i gave up after a couple of minutes reading that thing! ...lol how come its not in english?

is there any link for a video about this project?

Why not in English? The link is just a transcript of an interview over an AM station in Metro Manila, that's why :)

tnx for the link. I saw a little bit of what seems like an oval track with bleachers on both sides.... seems really really small though. And its not enclosed =/

...and by the way, how come the govt. doesnt even have a single bit of knowledge about it only until the press mentioned it? lol

FYI. Pagcor is a government-owned and controlled corporation. When I was at Casino Filipino (Paranaque) reading the info. board on the project last year it was officially endorsed by GMA herself. She stated that one of the primary goals for this project was to promote tourism.

At that time, funding for the project was a shaky issue. So that's probably why not too much was said until the press releases now. Btw, the "E" in Pagcor E-City was meant for "entertainment". So it wasn't just exclusively meant for casinos and gambling. This falls in-line with one of the primary goals for this place as a tourism spot. :)

This is a great read...
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02282007/opinion03.html

Pagcor, Greece's Loutraki Casino in talks for a project

BY LIZA REYES

State-owned gaming operator Pagcor said on Wednesday it was in talks with Greece's Loutraki Casino which wants to bid for the right to develop the first phase of the government’s 800-hectare gaming project in the capital.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) hopes to bid out the contract this year for the $10-billion development of the first phase covering 42 hectares, company chairman Efraim Genuino said on the sidelines of an international gaming conference in Manila.

“Loutraki is the biggest gaming operator in Europe. It’s from Greece,” said Genuino, who expects development of the first phase to be completed in two to three years.

“We're just finalizing the technical requirements before we start bidding them out. They're (potential investors) still waiting for the technical requirements so that they can comply."

The Philippines, which has a total public sector debt of P5 trillion or 87.7 percent of GDP as of June 2006, is eager for investments and the tax revenues gambling provides. Its casino monopoly Pagcor, which currently operates 13 casinos nationwide, is its biggest source of state income after taxes.

Genuino is hoping to hit the jackpot with the massive gaming and leisure project which would be built on an 800-hectare site of reclaimed land in Manila.

He was also hoping to generate more investments under a looser Congressional franchise.

Under the new Pagcor Charter, which is pending at bicameral conference committee, the Philippine casino operator may now enter into joint ventures with private investors.

The project, called Bagong Nayon Pilipino Entertainment City, is envisioned to be a total entertainment complex, complete with casinos, resorts, restaurants and a theme park.

"This will be a total entertainment package. It’s not just gaming but an entertainment complex for the family," Genuino said. “To attract tourists, we the design and approach to the project must be new compared to other Asian casinos.”

i saw it on t.v i thought it was awesome. :banana:

its a big project,its in billion dollars... i thought this is possible only in a place
like dubai,china so its happening now in the philipppines.expect more bigger things to happen i think the design is outmoded im expecting something like century city like design...

I was just thinking, once this project gets going, the 1st and 2nd phase are done and it's time to hit the big time, that shouldn't the government work on the infrastructure of Manila? They need to open NAIA T3, finish up Skyway, and so on. This development will bring a lot of tourism to Manila, the traffic will definitely increase, and unless they want to choke up the city even more they should be working on infrastructure efficiency and capacity.

i hope las vegas sands, wynn, caesar's palace, genting, donald trump and stanley ho will set-up their respective hotel-casinos in e-city. btw, i heard that the new nayong pilipino will have a monorail of its own too, ala windows of the world of shenzhen.

^^ The article says MGM and Wynn are interested...nothing concrete yet, but they are interested.

i hope that they change the design and function of the observation tower. it should have a futuristic design like the oriental pearl tower and guangzhou's new tower. also it should function as a communications tower for all of manila's tv and radio stations's brocasting facilities

I hope they make the sports complex bigger..

One thing here not mentioned is...the quality and charm of its labor force...specially the casino dealers, waitress, waiters, all front liners....and cheap labor cost...compared to vegas, macau, and europe......just imagine how much savings they will get....

plus....we speak the international language....englsih....compared to Macau...hirap sila mag english....tapos rude pa ang mga casino dealer dun...they get their tips with force specially sa "draw" autmatic tip mo yung original bet mo...

^^ Oo. I hope that the quality of our employees in this grand project will reflect the welcoming charm that will attract more tourists to this country. Casinos should start providing more benefits to our workers there and not treat them like 6-month SM mall hirees. Maybe employers here can start a precedence for better labor regulations and benefits. It might be a long shot, but each new project I see in this country is another step closer to developing our nation to compete with the rest of the world. :)

^^ As long as the Catholic Church butts out of this one, as well as in our politics and economics, we will be competitive with the rest of the world much sooner than you think. I guess I brought that up because I just saw a news clip in ANC about this church official whining and complaining once again regarding this project. There were also clips of nuns looking at the slots (dunno the whole story but they were invited by Pagcor), which pissed him off. For God's sake the Inquisition is over!

^^ As long as the Catholic Church butts out of this one, as well as in our politics and economics, we will be competitive with the rest of the world much sooner than you think. I guess I brought that up because I just saw a news clip in ANC about this church official whining and complaining once again regarding this project. There were also clips of nuns looking at the slots (dunno the whole story but they were invited by Pagcor), which pissed him off. For God's sake the Inquisition is over!

And then when the new Congress opens session after the elections... open season yan! Geez this E-City project will be a whole new battle ground for our beloved politicos. :ohno:

Just saw in ANC and it looks like Pacgor has an arch nemesis in the church. His name is Archbishop Oscar V Cruz. In the newsclip, he vows to fight this project and coordinate with other Archbishops, especially the one in Pasay, to block this from moving forward. He also demanded that Pacgor give a list of church beneficiaries for all their donations, blah blah blah... :blahblah:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_V._Cruz

Grrr!!! Judging by the info for him in wikipedia, he seems to be one of the more vocal types...you know, the one that loves to butt in to things he simply does not understand and uses his position to elevate himself. Its no wonder we had a Protestant Reformation back in the 16th century. Its people like him that makes me be ashamed of being Catholic. He should just stick to church business and leave politics and economics to the proper people! :mad2:

Here iare a couple of articles about him....

----------------------------------------------------

Bishop, solons slam 'haste' in passing Pagcor bill

By FIDEL JIMENEZ, GMANews.TV

02/19/2007 | 03:13 PM

A bishop and at least six lawmakers assailed the hurried move of the House leadership to pass a law extending the franchise of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

The bill extending Pagcor's franchise is scheduled to be ratified in the two-day special session of the House of Representatives starting Monday.

Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz, a vocal critic of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, questioned the "undue haste" of passing the Pagcor bill that would extend the corporation’s franchise by another 25 years.

"Pagcor now is salivating not only in looking forward to a generous lease of gambling life for no less than a quarter of a century. It has also generously worked for more corporate gambling possibilities under its dubious nationwide umbrella," he said.

Cruz heads the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Sugal (Nationwide Crusade Against Gambling). He is one of the bishops who supported Caloocan City Bishop Deogracias Iniguez' impeachment complaint against President Arroyo.

At present, Cruz said Pagcor has no less than 16 casinos and another 10 slot machine arcades, "all luring gamblers and nurturing gambling addicts, no matter the socio-moral costs it is not even enough that it rakes in some five billion every quarter from its gullible patrons."

"Directly under the office of the president and operated by five Malacañang appointed directors, if the bill extending the operational life of Pagcor is further approved by House of Representatives, the infamous government corporation is henceforth even authorized to enter into joint-ventures with private corporations," he said.

"The bill also legitimizes the devious e-gambling that in reality respects neither age nor status of gamblers", he said.

"The eventual winner is the national leadership. The ultimate losers are the pitiful gamblers, the social imperative of sweat and toil, the elementary mandate of sound value system," he said.

He added: “This is the perfect picture of an exploiter and exploited. What the administration cannot get by direct and indirect taxes, it grabs by enticing citizens to gamble."

Numerical tyranny

Cruz also saluted three opposition senatorial bets for trying to stop the passage of the measure.

He commended Reps. Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig-Pateros, Francis Escudero of Sorsogon and Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III of Tarlac for daring to challenge the "numerical tyranny" in the House.

"Obviously, they are no match for the numerical tyranny of the pro-administration congressmen. But just the same, the national Crusade Against Gambling salutes A.P. Cayetano, F. Escudero and B. Aquino III!", Cruz said in his web log.

Cayetano, Escudero and Aquino are now members of the Genuine Opposition slate. They tried but failed to overcome the numbers who extended Pagcor's franchise by 25 years.

Cruz also scored the senators who voted to extend the franchise of Pagcor. Had they not done so, he said Pagcor would have been "cold dead" by 2008.

House deputy minority leader Rep. Rolex Suplico on Sunday said there was no need to rush the ratification of the Pagcor franchise that will expire on 2008.

“This (franchise bill) should be left to the next Congress which should unmask Pagcor’s strategic partners in the development of the gambling theme park which will be built in ‘Pacgor City’ in the Manila Bay reclaimed area," he said in a text message to GMANews.TV.

Entertainment park

Suplico along with Cibac party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva, opposed the extension Pagcor's franchise and the construction of the theme park.

Suplico said the park will transform Manila into a “gambling Mecca" of Southeast Asia."

Team Unity senatorial bet Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, sponsored the franchise bill as chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises.

Villanueva said the leadership of Speaker Jose de Venecia wanted the House to ratify the franchise bill even though its content was different from that approved by the Senate.

“Again the majority members of the House wanted to violate the Rules of the House. The rules said that we can only ratify a bill when the bicameral committee had ironed out all conflicting provisions in both bills. Why the rush? Villanueva told GMANews.Tv in Filipino.

For his part, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casino, said Pagcor is a known source of “political" funds for the administration. “The passage of the franchise bill means fund raising projects for the administration’s candidates."

Aside from the Pagcor’s franchise bill, Congress is expected to approve the controversial anti-terrorism bill or the ATB.

No incentives

Meanwhile, House Majority leader Prospero Nograles denied that the House leadership made commitments to congressmen for the release of pork barrel funds in exchange of their presence during the two-day special session.

"Congressmen do not need to be enticed by our pork releases to attend the special session. This media slant gives bad image for our institution," he protested.

Nograles said legislators will be attending the special session as part of their constitutional duty and not because of any “incentives".

"We will attend because that's our solemn duty to do so. Session or no session, we really follow up with all departments and agencies the releases earmarked for our districts," he added. GMANews.TV

------------------------------------------------------------

Cruz: CBCP may quiz Tobias, nuns at Pagcor event

03/24/2007 | 08:38 AM

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) hierarchy will likely summon Novaliches bishop Antonio Tobias for questioning over his recent "blessing" of a gambling facility.

Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said Saturday Tobias may face sanctions ranging from admonition to dismissal, depending on the CBCP leadership's judgment.

"Si Bishop Tobias di ko pa nakakausap. Wala ako karapatan siya tanungin at usigin. Kung sakali ang makakatanong sa kanya ay ang CBCP leadership, doon siguro pupunta yun (I haven't talked to Bishop Tobias. I have no right to question him, but the CBCP leadership does. Chances are, it will summon Bishop Tobias to explain his side)," Cruz, an anti-gambling crusader, said in a radio interview on Saturday.

He said he is now "helping" gather information on the incident and will submit his findings to CBCP president Angel Lagdameo.

Tobias earlier claimed he saw nothing wrong in blessing the new facility of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), where a group of nuns was seen trying out its slot machines.

Cruz said priests and bishops will likely get a more severe penalty than the nuns as they are presumed to "know what they are doing," and that they "are acting on deliberate judgment."

He said the basis for the questioning will be a provision in Canon Law where "clerics and religious should avoid any act unbecoming of their state of life."

Besides, he said the CBCP has a running policy since 2004 that the religious are not to accept donations from Pagcor.

"Just to be present there, not only their presence but to try (the slot machines), it's imprudent," he said. GMANews.TV

With all these fuzz,I personally agree with this project being economically beneficial,but to spend $20B dollars for a 800hec. developement is way too much,Putra Jaya the new Malaysian Capital was built in less than a quarter of that amount in more than double that land area,and the 2000hec Batangas SM tourism developement project is only budgeted to be $2B. same goes for Ciputra City in Hanoi,ewan ko lang pero I am feeling something wrong with this project.Same goes with a lot of traders in PSE especally those involved in construction,pero nakikiride-on na lang din kami sa pagtaas ng gaming shares,since theres still a lot of goofies around believing that this project might actually be bankable.....

^^ Well, the construction costs in the area is a bit more expensive because of it being in reclaimed land. Plus you also have to look at improving the utilities to support such a development. Note that a Las Vegas hotel nowadays can cause a billion easily and despite the lower labour costs here, if this project pushes through the way it is envisioned, its quite possible that the costs can be that high. That monorail alone....c'mon!

I do share some skepticism. This is just another reincarnation of Bay City and the numerous "premier business districts" that people have been trying to create in those empty reclaimed areas. It remains to be seen if it actually happens (just look at the failure that is AsiaWorld right now). Plus with militant church leaders like Archbishop Oscar Cruz making noise, this projext will have a long long way to go before the piles are driven to the ground....

^^ actually Putra Jaya itself has a monorail hindi nga lang natapos,when this project was dislosed a lot of comparison was given,tulad ng mga mega projects sa Dubai ,Beijing Olympic City,and HongKong CyberPort. And foreign consultant lamented our basic judgement that indeed the project price was "higher than normal" though hindi nga lang daw niya masabi kung how much PAGCOR is willing to spend on hightech add-ons,monorails shouldnt definitely cost more than $200m,for a 5km track maximum,(U.S. price ha),pero ewan ko a long as gambling shares goes up,maligaya na ako:nuts:

Nga pala,that lot is partly owned by cyberbay corporation,naging null and void yung ownership nila nung lot,Para wala nang intriga PAGCOR paid cyber all the "greasemoney plus compensation" that they had spent for acquring the land,ugly scene but that added to cyberbays' stockprice and causing a breakout,kaya hapi-hapi naman ako dito.......:cheers:

^^ If its a Bombardier monorail, it will definitely be way way higher than $200 million USD if Las Vegas is off any indication. Plus expect parts of it to fall off to the crowded streets below and the trains to unexpectedly stop at the middle of the route, opening its doors of the cabin all of a sudden with a 30 foot drop that awaits its occupants. ;)

ang problem kasi dito sa atin, yung simbahan masyadong namumulitika rin. nasaan ang separation of church and state? sorry OT na. sana mag push through itong project na ito without hindrances from those f***ing militants.

With all these fuzz,I personally agree with this project being economically beneficial,but to spend $20B dollars for a 800hec. developement is way too much,Putra Jaya the new Malaysian Capital was built in less than a quarter of that amount in more than double that land area,and the 2000hec Batangas SM tourism developement project is only budgeted to be $2B. same goes for Ciputra City in Hanoi,ewan ko lang pero I am feeling something wrong with this project.Same goes with a lot of traders in PSE especally those involved in construction,pero nakikiride-on na lang din kami sa pagtaas ng gaming shares,since theres still a lot of goofies around believing that this project might actually be bankable.....

I believe a majority of that money ($20B) will also be subsidized by foreign investors. The risk will be distributed out, not just the Philippines. So it's not as bad as it seems....

Actually, IMO the risk/reward ratio lets me think that this development is definitely worth the effort.

Btw, will this be under the jurisdiction of Paraйaque City? I just heard over TV Patrol World that Mayor Bernabe (of Paraйaque) is already excited about this development as this will boost the revenues in his city. :?

^^ Well, whether it will be under the jurisdiction of Paranaque or Pasay City is irrelevant. It will boost the revenues of all surrounding cities, as well as the country as a whole. Of course, ppl like Archbishop Oscar Cruz doesn't give a damn about that and the well being of all the beneficiaries as long as his hollier than thou crap is satisfied.

PAGCOR is one of the govenment's largest source of revenue, they generate more than 20 billion pesos worth of income annually which is badly needed to keep the Philippines afloat. Where else do we get the cash inflow, from Bishop Oscar Cruz's second collection??? I'd love to see the day!!!

Btw, will this be under the jurisdiction of Paraйaque City? I just heard over TV Patrol World that Mayor Bernabe (of Paraйaque) is already excited about this development as this will boost the revenues in his city. :?

200 ha. of the total 800 belong to Paranaque.

@Queetz: Ugh! That Cruz is a maniac! What a hypocrite! I bet he has bones in his closet! Shut him up. I don't care of he's a man of God (or is he??)! He's much into publicity-hunting rather than moral guidance.

Well while we may question his credibility his fears are not without basis. There is a moral element in this and this kind of project while beneficial for the economy in general must be monitored very tightly by the authorities. Otherwise there is a real chance that the area or even the Philippines will be run the the underworld type elements or private interests that govern such businesses. For the moment hawak hawak nila GMA at Mike iyan and they'll make a lot of money but I hope they have some sort of long term control over these guys when they are not in power anymore.

Well while we may question his credibility his fears are not without basis. There is a moral element in this and this kind of project while beneficial for the economy in general must be monitored very tightly by the authorities. Otherwise there is a real chance that the area or even the Philippines will be run the the underworld type elements or private interests that govern such businesses. For the moment hawak hawak nila GMA at Mike iyan and they'll make a lot of money but I hope they have some sort of long term control over these guys when they are not in power anymore.

Yes, I see your concerns. That's why this project is making history for the Philippines, but I believe in a good way. If you look at Las Vegas in the states with its coined title "Sin City" and Ho's notorious underground businesses in the casinos of Macau, one can't help to think how much more susceptible the Philippines will be, especially because of all our corruption in the past within the gambling and entertainment industry.

Right now, I think Malacanang should seriously consider reviewing its gambling, investment, and labor laws and ammend it as necessary to protect and withhold the integrity of this development. This project will not only provide much needed revenues for us, but will also test the legal framework associated with the issues from this development. From gambling, employee treatment, tourism, construction bidding, and the likes...we have seen these all before. Pero none of it like the scale consolidated within one location as this project presents...

Overall, this is a good project that this country really needs. Let the naysayers have their time on the floor. This is a normal process in any democratic country. I'm sure we are all listening and we are all tired of the same song and dance that have been repeated over and over in the past. We need to understand that credibility means progressive action that speaks louder than words.

So far we have many authority figures voicing their opinions, some good..some bad. I'm just waiting for the ground-breaking pics.... :)

i think $20b is a reasonable amount for a project of this magnitude. as queetz said earlier, hotels here in las vegas can easily cost more than a billion dollars each. actually, if they do plan on building themed megaresorts, relatively mura lang yung project kasi kasama na din dun sa $20b yung public transportation, reclaiming more land, and other infrastructures.

OT about bishop oscar cruz. he is not really a saint. publicity lang yung pagiging anti-jueteng niya. in reality, sa buong pangasinan, alam ng lahat na malaki ang kinikick-back niya sa jueteng para paggastusan sa mga babae niya.

^^ Some people are just so narrow-minded.:ohno:

OT about bishop oscar cruz. he is not really a saint. publicity lang yung pagiging anti-jueteng niya. in reality, sa buong pangasinan, alam ng lahat na malaki ang kinikick-back niya sa jueteng para paggastusan sa mga babae niya.

I think people should start a publicity campaign to expose this fraud and hypocrite that is Archbishop Oscar Cruz! He is a disgrace to his profession and an insult to our religion. And no, mentioning him in this thread is NOT out of topic because that jerk decided to make himself involved with this project even though its none of his business so he is part of it whether we like it or not. And eliminating him in whatever shape or form will actually benefit this project since that is one less crab to worry about.... :mad2:

^^ There will always be those types of people. I think PAGCOR has the foresight to expect opposition especially from the Catholic Church with such a huge project. Since the E-city has been in the pipeline for such a long time and since they are dealing with big time foreign investors, I expect PAGCOR to at least have a strategy to counter those who will oppose the project. :bash:

:nuts: ^^ assasinations maybe :lol:

^^ There will always be those types of people. I think PAGCOR has the foresight to expect opposition especially from the Catholic Church with such a huge project. Since the E-city has been in the pipeline for such a long time and since they are dealing with big time foreign investors, I expect PAGCOR to at least have a strategy to counter those who will oppose the project. :bash:

And Paranaque's mayor Bernabe wouldn;t like to loose this "once-in-a-lifetime-mulibillion-entertainment-district" chance... I bet the city would involve itself in persuing this project as Bernabe have already expressed interest...

^^ That is assuming Mayor Bernabe gets re-elected. In any event, whoever gets elected will for sure support this project. Who in his right mind will kill the goose that lays the golden egg?

^^ You'd be surprise that killing the goose that lays the golden egg actually happens even in the most advanced and first world societies. For example, there was a proposed LRT project in the Canadian city of Ottawa that would have helped alleviate its traffic problems and significantly made the city a better place to live. The funding is secured, the planning done, and it passed through numerous votes by city council. The project was practically a done deal but there was a municipal election and a new council was voted in. In a single council meeting, they voted and decided to kill the project. Details below, post number 79 and onwards (also note the choices in post #89).... :eek:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=118902&page=4

Let's just hope no government official, especially the elected ones in May, would be so short sighted as to not support this project....then again, we do have the Geniune Opposition... :rant:

^^ I don't like the Geniune Opposition. All I hear from them are complaints (instead of intellectual ideas) on ANC. They should GO away!!! :ohno:

^^ I don't like the Geniune Opposition. All I hear from them are complaints (instead of intellectual ideas) on ANC. They should GO away!!! :ohno:

I've seen Osmena yesterday on ANC and he's really annoying.:bash: I hope he will lost including the majority of the opposition :lol:

Question? According to news report only 45hectares are available ryt now for this mega proj out of the proposed 800 hecs. And they planned to complete the whole proj sometime in the early part of the next decade. Am i correct? Anyways if i am then that means theyre goin to reclaimed more than 700hecs. Its pretty easy to reclaime land dats true but it also takes time for the materials to get settled for it to be compacted thoroughly. Case in point MOA,even after the land has been reclaimed for almost 10 years and yet when MOA was built portions of it sunk. Another case is the japanese airport w/c is built on reclaimed land and is now sinking a few cms per year. So i really duno if this project is really viable or simply press release only.

^^ maybe 45 ha for phase 1 of this project, and that 45 ha includes the 15 ha Bagong Nayong Pilipino Cultural Park, so that means the hotel-casino and other facilities of phase 1 of e-city will have 30 ha.

sana magawa ito.:d

I think PAGCOR should do what developers in Macau did. Lay out ALL the infrastructure needed like roads, transpo system, sewages, everything and then invite investors over and convince them to pick a spot for their mega hotel casino. Who knows, Venetian Manila, MGM Grand Manila, Wynn Manila, Bellagio Manila, Sands Manila, Trump Hotel and Casino Manila. Not a far-off dream right?

well Wynn Manila is already a possiblility, so yes who knows.

assasinate the damn priest for this project to happen:lol:

I think PAGCOR should do what developers in Macau did. Lay out ALL the infrastructure needed like roads, transpo system, sewages, everything and then invite investors over and convince them to pick a spot for their mega hotel casino. Who knows, Venetian Manila, MGM Grand Manila, Wynn Manila, Bellagio Manila, Sands Manila, Trump Hotel and Casino Manila. Not a far-off dream right?


^^ I like the sound of that. Despite the expected opposition from the Catholic Church, bottomline is that PAGCOR city is good for the economy.

Speaking of churches, maybe this development can have wedding chapels like the ones they have in Las Vegas (mostly for the foreigners since filipinos are more traditional).

If PAGCOR wanted to, they can also donate some funds to the church to help the poor. The Catholic Church needs to understand this project will benefit everyone in the long run, including them....

^^ Unfortunately, church leaders, especially that Archbishop Oscar Cruz, blunty says that the church must not accept any donations from Pagcor even if it does help the poor... :rant:

Here is an old article (but he also said the same thing in ANC not too long ago)

Friday, September 16, 2005
Bishops told not to accept Pagcor donations

CATHOLIC Church prelates in the country are barred from receiving contributions from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporations (Pagcor) to support their programs for the poor.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said Thursday that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) hierarchy had issued an order during the CBCP plenary assembly in January last year, telling the bishops to cease from accepting Pagcor donations.

"If the CBCP does not want us (to accept donations from Pagcor), we won't," he said.

But Vidal said the poor, being the beneficiaries of the donations, are the ones affected by the CBCP's decision. He said his scholarship programs that benefits poor children stopped when he opted not to accept Pagcor's gifts.

"It's a bit hard (when we are no longer accepting donations from Pagcor because (like) our scholarships were gone and the feeding centers stopped," he said.

The prelate said although he could not quantify the exact number of the scholars who were affected, the effect is felt.

Members of the CBCP had been receiving donations from Pagcor for the past years but in 2004, it stopped due to protests of some bishops who were against the set-up.

Records from Pagcor showed that Vidal, Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and other bishops were among those qwho accepted donations from Pagcor ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 a month.

Capalla, in an earlier interview, said he sees nothing wrong in accepting funds from Pagcor because the money was spent to help the poor. "I'd rather be criticized than see the people die of hunger," he said.

But Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, who is a known anti-jueteng crusader, maintained that even if the money given by Pagcor goes to the poor, it is immoral to receive the money because it came from gambling that is immoral.

Cruz said the CBCP, in its January 2004 pastoral statement, condemned all forms of gambling, including legalized casino gambling. (MSN/Sunnex)

^^ That is sad. Now I wish the project pushes forward so we can move the Philippines forward instead of the bishops.

I repect the Catholic Church, but this is not the Middle Ages...

kawawa naman yung mga natanggalan ng scholarships... maybe they should reflect on their actions and its effects on the society and country....:ohno:

Inilipat na pala sa Clark ang "dating" Nayong Pilipino. See article below. Thanks.

Nayong Pilipino finds new home in Clark
Manila Times
2 April 2007 | 2:10 AM

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga: Nayong Pilipino, the countrys number one popular outdoor exposition, opens today at a 3.5-hectare portion of Clark Expo inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president/CEO Levy Laus said the soft opening of the popular theme park in the country is sign of new life for the Clark Expo (formerly known as Expo Pilipino) which had been closed to the public since 1999.

In cooperation with the regional office of the Department of Tourism under regional director Ronnie Tiotuico, Laus said that Nayong Pilipino promises to boost local tourism as exhibitions, liturgical services, live presentations and multicultural events and festivities will be featured during the soft opening.

Nayong Pilipino Administration Executive Director Charito Planas said the famous theme park operator is in the process of developing 3.5 hectares of Clark Expo which include the area along the Colonial Plaza and Ancient Island that will showcase the countrys cultural and age-old traditions, heritage and lifestyles. More. (http://www.yehey.com/news/article.aspx?id=157823)

That's good :) Pictures anyone?

wow.. that's good.. so Nayong Pilpino is now revived in Clark Expo... at least they'd have some good use of Clark Expo...

That's actually good (although OT:happy: ). That Expo is such a white elephant and the inside part is large and can be turned into a good nayon pilipino type place.

Re this project, am still very curious if this is a real go or not , just sounds too fantastic! The GOP and Pagcor don't have a good track record for following through on announcements like these.

^^ Unfortunately, all we can do is just really hope that this mega project pushes through. The silver lining though is that unlike in their previous announcements, this time around they have named the potential investors such as Loutraki and Wynn, Binion group etc.. Let's just cross our fingers on this project.

It's good that they will revive Expo Filipino. I went there last year at kitang-kita napabayaan siya. It was full of spider webs, litterally.

and good for school excursion trips too

I am hoping too that this project will push through... napag iiwanan na tayo ng mga neighboring countries... Singapore is aggressively building world-class casinos with an opening date of 2009/10. There are developing two locations for integrated resorts -- one on Sentosa Island and another at Marina Bay... property and rental prices are shooting up because of these developments... how I wish mangyari din to sa Pinas, to bolster the economy and makinabang naman ang common people (mas malaki nga lang pakinabang ng politicians... lagay dito lagay jan!)

200 ha. of the total 800 belong to Paranaque.

@Queetz: Ugh! That Cruz is a maniac! What a hypocrite! I bet he has bones in his closet! Shut him up. I don't care of he's a man of God (or is he??)! He's much into publicity-hunting rather than moral guidance.


I don't like Bishop Cruz too. He's a devil in disguise.

^^ read post #129. that is what the pangasinenses like me think about "archbishop" cruz

buti naman na open na yun...sayang pera...ito kasi si erap..pina close eh binabayaran pa natin ang interest dun

Maganda nga sigurong matuloy ito kung maayos ang palakad. But to compare it to las Vegas is really an out of this world dream. Vegas took a while to be transformed as to what it is now. Sabagay, Vegas started with the mafia group of companies... Pinas has lot of those already. :lol:

Ang pinaglalaban lang naman ng mga church officials ay yung morality issue behind any gambling institution. Maraming epekto yan sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Maraming gagawin di kanais nais ang bawa't isa laban sa kapwa. :)
Mabawasan lang o mawala ang mga kotong sa atin, giginhawa ang lahat.

Is it possible to put a racetrack here like the one in Sepang, Malaysia?

Singapore and India are planning to host Formula One Grand Prix in the future, so why not here?

Maganda nga sigurong matuloy ito kung maayos ang palakad. But to compare it to las Vegas is really an out of this world dream. Vegas took a while to be transformed as to what it is now. Sabagay, Vegas started with the mafia group of companies... Pinas has lot of those already. :lol:

Ang pinaglalaban lang naman ng mga church officials ay yung morality issue behind any gambling institution. Maraming epekto yan sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Maraming gagawin di kanais nais ang bawa't isa laban sa kapwa. :)
Mabawasan lang o mawala ang mga kotong sa atin, giginhawa ang lahat.

hehe...looks like we're destined to live among them.
kidding aside, i think the church has a point there. and of course, we wouldn't want to put manila on the world map because of gambling. we can do better than that. so dapat magisip ang government ng strategy para di tayo maging gambling capital kahit na matuloy ang Entertainment City.

PAGCOR's area is just a pocket area relative to Manila and it's quite an exaggeration to say that it will transform us into a gambling country. That's why PAGCOR has been stressing that E-City is primarily an Entertainment City and not a gambling haven considering that less than 25% of the projected revenues will come from casinos. Again, opposition groups may say that it's merely semantics but I suppose the main clients of the area will still be foreigners while providing Filipinos job opportunities.

Did anyone catch TV patrol last night? There was some tension in the area because of the removal of the squatters in PAGCOR's land in order to pave the way for the construction of the E-City. This is a good development which only shows that the project seems to be progressing after so many years of standstill. Bad news however for the illegal settlers.

^ Yeah and someone from the government was interviewed, "This project shouldn't be delayed or else we'll lose millions of pesos for each delay" ;)

Bro. Eddi Villanueva's JIL group is lobbying against PAGCOR City. In fact, Senatoriables who wish to get JIL's endorsement are required to sign a sort of covenant that once elected, they will try to stop the PAGCOR City.

^^What a devil! Good thing he didn't win for president! (Right from the start, no one believed he will anyway!)

Did anyone catch TV patrol last night? There was some tension in the area because of the removal of the squatters in PAGCOR's land in order to pave the way for the construction of the E-City. This is a good development which only shows that the project seems to be progressing after so many years of standstill. Bad news however for the illegal settlers.

I do remember that there are illegal settlers in that area.
They even built a mosque. WOW! that would be interesting
when PAGCOR decides to take it down. :bash:

CNBCW's Asia Marketwatch mentioned the Entertainment City.

Quote: "The Philippines, the Philippines, is talking big on some $2 Billion project on a secondary city..."

^^ That's great news! Meaning, PAGCOR city is really a go!

^^ Yep! BTW, the subject was gambling in SE Asia. He mainly talked about Vietnam, but he mention Philippines and Singapore also. So I guess vietnam is going to have a casino boom or something.

and you can bet if those countries say they'll build it, they will build it quickly, Unlike us marame munang papapel at kokontra, inbestigasyon , pag natapos na tayo, meron na namang ibang project yung kabila. ang dame reng kaseng vietnamese na sugarol.

But Pagcor has been operating in the philippines for decades. it's not like gambling is only gonna be introduced to our country now. But it's gonna require a stronger police force and more laws should passed by the Congress with regards to regulating the industry..

There should be a police station and force exclusively for PAGCOR.

matagal ng plan noon na gawing Las Vegas of Asia ang Pinas, kontrabida lang ang simbahan.

In PAranaque, I heard they already relocated the settlers ofthe site of the New Nayong Filipino?

^^ That signals the start perhaps of some construction activity in the area. Let's hope this project pushes through for the sake of the country.

I find it quite appalling that so many of us Filipinos advocate a megaproject such as this PAGCOR E-city, without giving due consideration to the impact this might have on philippine society. Most of the posters in this forum have done nothing but yak about the billions of capital inflows, the thousands of jobs to be created, and Manila joining the ranks of Macau and Las Vegas, thinking not of the disastrous consequences that accompany it. Ano ba naman. :bash:

Some say that gambling, per se, is not immoral, and that it is immoral only IF the people treat it as an opportunity to exploit and garner ill-gotten wealth and power therefore construction of a monstrous entertainment, de facto gambling, facility can only be seen as a step towards immorality if the people see it as such an opportunity. O come on. Obviously it is something up for grabs to abuse and manipulate. If the simple erection of lamp posts has been tainted foul by a few local officials and private clandestine entities, what more a $20billion project involving various agencies of the national government, not to mention the politicos of the Senate, the House, Mega Manila, and maybe even the Office of the President? And in spite of this fact, so many forumers still clamor for the project to be brought into fruition. It's like giving vacuum's to the corrupt while in the midst of a cash pool the size of the Pacific Ocean. Ano ba naman. :bash:

Another thing that gets me perturbed is some forumers' stern disgust for those who oppose the E-City project. Some even go to as much as wanting to have the project's detractors assasinated. They even say people like Archbishop Oscar Cruz are idiots who block progress, plus false accusations of being a devil inside priest's clothing. O come on. In fact we should even be happy that we have such detractors, since it is proof that there is still a tinge of democracy in the country - people counterbalancing each other. Also, are we that desperate to have investments that we badmouth the oppositionists and insist on the project without even thinking if the issues/points that those who oppose bring up might actually be factual and correct? I agree with Rep. Rolex Suplico's opinion that the whole thing is like bagoong: It's capped but still odors foul. There's something sinister brewing behind all this masquerade, but most are still to blinded by the prospects this project conjures. Mukha ba talaga tayong pera? Ano ba naman. :bash:

And what is it with this obsession of matching Macau's and Las Vegas' entertainment status? Yes, these cities contribute immense wealth and investments for their respective host nations, not to mention the gargantuan cash flow provided by the millions of tourist who flock those cities every year. They bring in thousands of jobs, plus a wave of development for its neighboring cities and municipalities. Some people in this forum insist that the Philippines should create something like these two cities in order to attain a better fiscal position. True, in a sense, however all these economic benefits and international recognition come with hefty consequences. With all the fanfare that will surround the project, people will be interested to venture forth in the world of gambling, encouraging them to place their life's savings into a mere game of chance in hopes of better living instead of industrious work and dedication to it. Also, bringing in large-scale gambling into the metropolis spurs crime. Macau and Las Vegas may have billions in revenue, but they also have the Triads, organized crime syndicates, and mobs tagging along. At pre-gambling Manila, the best we have are akyat-bahay gangs and cellphone snatchers. Ano ba naman. :bash:

To the forumers I have a message: Please, o please, think first before advocating such a megaproject. So much factors must be taken into consideration. Our values, our integrity, our children are at stake here. Will the construction of this "dream project" make the Philippines a better place to live in for the future generations? Will it make us a better society? Will it make the Philippines a better country? Think.

^^ I understand where you're coming from but we do have to point out that PAGCOR E-City will be more of an Entertainment City than a gambling haven. You may argue that it may just be a front and that PAGCOR will ultimately be a gambling mecca similar to Las Vegas. However, PAGCOR is already into the operation of casinos and based on its charter, they are required to give back something to the scoiety. I don't want to start a debate on the moral aspect as this will be an endless debate but I believe that the benefits far outweigh the concerns of some sectors in the society. Playing in the casino per se is not bad but like all other things, anything in excess should be checked. I believe in the Filipino and I don't want to undermine the capabilities of the Pinoys by saying that just because there is a Pagcor city that corruption will automatically follow suit. If that's the argument then let us just stop all projects period. I will just say, have an open mind and have faith in the Filipino.

^^ I understand where you're coming from but we do have to point out that PAGCOR E-City will be more of an Entertainment City than a gambling haven. You may argue that it may just be a front and that PAGCOR will ultimately be a gambling mecca similar to Las Vegas. However, PAGCOR is already into the operation of casinos and based on its charter, they are required to give back something to the scoiety. I don't want to start a debate on the moral aspect as this will be an endless debate but I believe that the benefits far outweigh the concerns of some sectors in the society. Playing in the casino per se is not bad but like all other things, anything in excess should be checked. I believe in the Filipino and I don't want to undermine the capabilities of the Pinoys by saying that just because there is a Pagcor city that corruption will automatically follow suit. If that's the argument then let us just stop all projects period. I will just say, have an open mind and have faith in the Filipino.

I'm not talking of any front, for it is really PAGCOR's objective to create a gambling mecca, one that can overshadow Macau. It's in the news. Also, PAGCOR City would not be an entertainment city with a casino, but instead it is a casino with an entertainment city to complement it. The entertainment city design is but an approach to encourage more and more people to go to the casinos, similar to Las Vegas' strategy.

I know pushing for E-City may produce certain consequences like crime, immorality, etc in Manila... but this could also help put food on the plates of young people in the poor people of Mindanao and of other parts of the country... Manila may fall into sin because of this but for the greater benefit of the whole country... of keeping our fellow Filipinos from leaving the country and working for foreigners... I'm willing to sacrifice the city for it...

Manila serves as the main gateway of the country to the world and I think making it a "gambling" mecca wouldn't make the whole Philippines as a gambling Mecca.... China isn't one or is America for having Macau and Las Vegas...

I don't persecute the Church for fighting against it.. because it is their moral duty to do so and I respect that... I also don't persecute any oppositionist who are against certain developments or projects because it is their purpose in this world to make sure we have balance...

all things has a certain consequence which we must guage if it will be for the good of many or not... and for us to improve and move forward we must face certain risks... we don't need to ignore good opportunities which may bear fruit than wait something like it that may never pass us again... should we just wait for the guava to fall from the tree or should we learn to face the challenge and risk of climbing the guava tree?...

sa lahat naman nang bagay kontrabida ang simbahan eh....kahit sa populasyon...."Humayo daw at magpakarami"...tangna ang daming nagugutom....eh bat kaya di nila gamitin ang kaban kaban nilang pera para pakainin mga nagugutom..tutal sila naman may gusto.....

di nyo ba napansin ang mga bansang nasakop nang espanya? puro mahihirap..dahil napatalsik nga natin...pero naiwan yung mga prayleng mga gago...hanggang ngayon.......
:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

galit daw sa mining...pero putsa isa sila sa mga top 100 shareholder nang PX at nang Atlas mining? kahangalan.......



matagal ng plan noon na gawing Las Vegas of Asia ang Pinas, kontrabida lang ang simbahan.

hinde karen galet ano trader pinoy.

crappy...di naman....naiiwan na naman tayo nang mga kasama nating bansa dahil sa kagaguhan nang mga buwisit na mga obispo dyan sa simbahan....

hinde karen galet ano trader pinoy.

naku lagot pala sila pag ikay nagalet.

Maganda ba ang record ng PAGCOR in system of generating and handling of revenues? or even managing big investment projects? :)

So they have really decided to put up this project in Manila.. I was wondering if there were other cities that were also considered in the proposal like maybe Subic Bay or Clark which are very near Manila but not exactly in it. Cos I was thinking it would be more ideal if the megapolis would also be spared from additional threats to security with the opening of a gambling city. Plus the Archbishop of Manila and the seat of Roman Curia for East Asia would be relieved as well if they are going to move the project outside their diocese.

I bet if this E-City becomes successful, it will be copied in other places in the country. Casino Cebu would be next :lol: and would give the Cebu Archdiocese a headache. :bash:

Roman Catholicism and gambling? We have Monaco (and to a lesser extent, Macau) as models.

(delete post)

Pagcor’s 'Las Vegas' dream to cost $20B State firm in talks with Greek, US gaming operator

By Daxim Lucas, Riza T. Olchondra
Inquirer
Last updated 04:00am (Mla time) 03/22/2007
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=56280

MANILA, Philippines -- The government's Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has raised its project cost estimate for an ambitious gaming complex -- to be patterned after Las Vegas -- that will rise on reclaimed land along Manila Bay.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Pagcor chair and CEO Ephraim Genuino said that as much as $20 billion-- equivalent to 16 percent of the country’s total economic output in 2006 -- would be spent in putting up the “Entertainment City.”

This marks a 33-percent hike over the initial $15-billion cost that was announced when the project was unveiled in 2001. Under the original plan, the investments and project cost would be spread out over a 10-year period.

“The project is a shift [for Pagcor] from gaming into entertainment,” Genuino told reporters at the Asian Gaming and Entertainment Plus Leisure Expo Manila. “We will form a Las Vegas in the Philippines.”

The complex, also called Pagcor City, will be built in three phases on 800 hectares of reclaimed land. The first phase will host a hotel-resort and theme park. The next two phases will have retirement villages and entertainment centers.

Separately, however, Pagcor officials said that only “$10 billion to $15 billion” would be spent on the first phase of the project, which would cover between 45 to 65 hectares of the total proposed area.

Genuino said that only 25 percent of the total land area has so far been reclaimed, with the rest to be added as the project gets underway.

Genuino also expressed confidence that the Pagcor City project will not encounter opposition, even from the Catholic Church.

“For us to hurdle opposition to gaming, we will follow Las Vegas,” he said. “I think the Church will understand. We are the biggest income generator for the government, and I think the Church will be mature enough to understand.”

The gaming firm said that it made P25 billion in revenue from casino operations in 2006, almost 10 percent higher than the P23 billion profit it posted in 2005.

The head of the state gaming monopoly revealed that they are already in talks with Greek casino and resort operator Loutraki—a major player in the European gaming industry—for the development of Entertainment City’s first phase.

“We have also spoken with Ceasar’s Palace and Genting,” he said, referring to the US- and Malaysia-based casino operators.

Genuino said 90 percent of the funds for the project will come from foreign investors. Other funders from Japan, Europe, the US and South Korea have also signified interest in financing the project.

Japanese investors, he said, are interested in developing a retirement village within the area for the expanding Japanese retiree market.

He added that Pagcor was working on the technical requirements of the project, with preparatory work scheduled to begin this year. Construction would be completed by 2009.

“The thrust now is not casino gaming but total entertainment,” Genuino said. “In the global arena, only 25 percent of the revenues of gaming destinations such as Las Vegas come from actual gambling.”

He said the Philippines stands to gain substantial tourism revenues by taking an active role in the global gaming industry. He noted that even a conservative country such as Singapore has opened its door to casinos as it realizes the benefits to be derived from the industry.

“With Pagcor City, we will quadruple our tourists to 10 million in five years,” he said. “We hope we can catch up with Singapore and Macau.”

Genuino also said foreign investments in the project will be finalized once Pagcor’s charter is amended to allow the state-owned company to enter into joint ventures with foreign investors.

So they have really decided to put up this project in Manila.. I was wondering if there were other cities that were also considered in the proposal like maybe Subic Bay or Clark which are very near Manila but not exactly in it. Cos I was thinking it would be more ideal if the megapolis would also be spared from additional threats to security with the opening of a gambling city. Plus the Archbishop of Manila and the seat of Roman Curia for East Asia would be relieved as well if they are going to move the project outside their diocese.

I bet if this E-City becomes successful, it will be copied in other places in the country. Casino Cebu would be next :lol: and would give the Cebu Archdiocese a headache. :bash:

Roman Catholicism and gambling? We have Monaco (and to a lesser extent, Macau) as models.

I agree..imperial manila should be spared from the opening of such an entertainment complex. The capital city is already way crowded and saturated with entertainment centers and the like. It would really be nice if it were instead to be built in clark or subic. Those places are like semi-ghost towns today, with fewer and fewer people visiting. Such a development in those two "special economic zones" would really boost their development and revenue.

I don't see what the problem and all the brouhaha is about. We are such a hypocritical society. It's not like rampant gambling and prostitution doesnot exist in our society. Just look under your noses in every baranngay there's illegal gambling and pedophelia occuring. At least in this way gambling will be regulated. As long as this is managed well by the regulating body then it will give revenue to the nations coffers. Plus they are targeting foreign tourists anyway ,the poor pinoy probably wont afford to patronize casinos.

^^ Amen to that sista! Preach the word! Of course, all the brouhaha is just that KSP Arch Bishop Oscar Cruz (he seems to butt in pretty much in any issue outside his jurisdiction that he has no business in) just whining and complaining, giving the Church such a bad rep, since he has nothing else better to do. :ohno:

^^ Amen to that sista! Preach the word! Of course, all the brouhaha is just that KSP Arch Bishop Oscar Cruz (he seems to butt in pretty much in any issue outside his jurisdiction that he has no business in) just whining and complaining, giving the Church such a bad rep, since he has nothing else better to do. :ohno:

^^

100% agree

ASEANA Business Park masterplan

Disclaimer:

Kindly take note that Aseana Business Park is in the process of replanning to meet the expectations of its investors.

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/ongoing_dev.jpg

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/aseana_existing2.jpg

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/proposed_zoning2.jpg

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/activity_nodes2.jpg

http://www.aseanabusinesspark.com/images/masterplan/concept_framework2.jpg

Buhay pa pla ang aseana business park, satingin ko na over-take na sya nang ibang business park at di na mabenta...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/249964714.jpg

Stratosphere Manila, MGM Grand Manila and Bellagio Manila?

i love the fountain!!!

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/249964714.jpg

Stratosphere Manila, MGM Grand Manila and Bellagio Manila?

i love the fountain!!!

kailangan nilang palitan and design,its outmoded,they should hire seasoned
firms like JERDE.

They should make the Stratosphere a wee bit taller so we can use it as a communications tower.

Although i do not like the development for what it stands for, I do like it for the jobs that it will create for that sector, and the positive economic impact it will have.

What's the latest on this mega project?

By Allison Lopez
Inquirer
05/24/2007


MANILA, Philippines – Reelected Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. said yesterday that he would push for Malacañang’s approval of a “mini Las Vegas” to be built on 60 hectares of reclaimed land on Manila Bay.

Bernabe, who guested at the National Press Club weekly forum in Manila, said the bill paving for the creation of the multibillion-dollar entertainment center was already passed by the Senate and just needed President Macapagal-Arroyo’s approval. “I hope no one blocks this anymore. Casino operations have been legal for 23 years,” he said.

The mayor said he would ask Ms Arroyo to endorse the project because she knows the “good impact” it would have on the economy through increased revenues.

The proposed casinos, bars, theme parks, shopping malls and hotels, according to Bernabe, would rake in—for the local government alone—an astounding P1 billion a year from real property taxes and business permits.

Chinese investors have already indicated interest in developing the “e-center,” Bernabe added. He said Parañaque’s 600,000 residents would benefit greatly from the 200,000 jobs to be created from the complex, which will also host the new Nayong Pilipino.

The mayor, however, warned that delays in the project, which was unveiled in 2001, could be costly.

“Singapore might get ahead of us if we don’t build this center. Our target is really the Chinese market,” he said.

The ambitious $20-billion project was said to be aiming for a slice of Asia’s booming gambling industry.

In March, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair and CEO Efraim Genuino said the Pagcor City complex would be built in three phases on 800 hectares of reclaimed land.
Genuino said he believed the project would not encounter opposition, even from the Catholic Church

^^WOW! This is good news!:)

Yes, sana nga i-approve na iyan. Para naman may mapuntahan dito sa Paranaque. Kawawa naman city namin puro subdivisions lang.

Pagnagawa na ito, tayo na yung Las Vegas of the East! :lol::)

Is there anything new in this project, has the president sign the bill yet?

How did this project go from having 800 hectares to only 60 hectares? From being the Philippines' Las Vegas to being a "mini-Vegas"?

:banana: there's a front page photo in arab times(kuwait english newspaper) showing the demolition of muslim shanties at the manila bay reclamation area.the paper said, to develop the area for a big project.ito na kaya ang pagcor city?

^^ yeah i read that too this morning. the muslims were defending it.

bakit magkakaroon ng mosque sa nayong pilipino....di ba a state must not support the building of any religious buildings

bakit magkakaroon ng mosque sa nayong pilipino....di ba a state must not support the building of any religious buildings

Part kasi ng idedemolish ang isang established mosque sa squatter area ng reclamation area. Pampalubag loob siguro? :dunno:

By Allison Lopez
Inquirer
05/24/2007

MANILA, Philippines – Reelected Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. said yesterday that he would push for Malacañang’s approval of a “mini Las Vegas” to be built on 60 hectares of reclaimed land on Manila Bay.

Bernabe, who guested at the National Press Club weekly forum in Manila, said the bill paving for the creation of the multibillion-dollar entertainment center was already passed by the Senate and just needed President Macapagal-Arroyo’s approval. “I hope no one blocks this anymore. Casino operations have been legal for 23 years,” he said.

The mayor said he would ask Ms Arroyo to endorse the project because she knows the “good impact” it would have on the economy through increased revenues.

The proposed casinos, bars, theme parks, shopping malls and hotels, according to Bernabe, would rake in—for the local government alone—an astounding P1 billion a year from real property taxes and business permits.

Chinese investors have already indicated interest in developing the “e-center,” Bernabe added. He said Parañaque’s 600,000 residents would benefit greatly from the 200,000 jobs to be created from the complex, which will also host the new Nayong Pilipino.

The mayor, however, warned that delays in the project, which was unveiled in 2001, could be costly.

“Singapore might get ahead of us if we don’t build this center. Our target is really the Chinese market,” he said.

The ambitious $20-billion project was said to be aiming for a slice of Asia’s booming gambling industry.

In March, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair and CEO Efraim Genuino said the Pagcor City complex would be built in three phases on 800 hectares of reclaimed land.
Genuino said he believed the project would not encounter opposition, even from the Catholic Church

How did this project go from having 800 hectares to only 60 hectares? From being the Philippines' Las Vegas to being a "mini-Vegas"? Ha bakit lumiit? If the 60 hec (out of the original 800 hec) is for Entertainment City portion only, what is planned for the 740 hec? I sincerely hope Entertainment City will not turnout to be Pinas' version of Reno (instead of mini-Vegas). Sana the design, architecture and quality of the casinos/hotels etc., will truly be Vegas level so we can compete with Macao for the title of Vegas of Asia. Do it good and do it well so we can attract the big players/spenders of the world!

Part kasi ng idedemolish ang isang established mosque sa squatter area ng reclamation area. Pampalubag loob siguro? :dunno:

bakit kelangan pa ng pampalubag loob sa mga muslim na to

they are but squatters who settled illegally in that priced land

they have no right whatsoever

^^ I agree.. Harsh BUT true.;) Sana matuloy na ito.. Feeling ko naman sa loob-loob ko, matutuloy ito.:okay:

Ha bakit lumiit? If the 60 hec (out of the original 800 hec) is for Entertainment City portion only, what is planned for the 740 hec? I sincerely hope Entertainment City will not turnout to be Pinas' version of Reno (instead of mini-Vegas). Sana the design, architecture and quality of the casinos/hotels etc., will truly be Vegas level so we can compete with Macao for the title of Vegas of Asia. Do it good and do it well so we can attract the big players/spenders of the world!

Im not sure, but
what I know is that the other 740 hectares is not yet reclaimed. For now that 60 hectares is the 1st phase of the project, when the project expands they will reclaim the remaining 740 hectares which is dedicated for the pagcor project. The whole Manila bay reclaimation area although having a very big size of land now (this includes the pagcor project area) is not yet complete in accordance to the master plan.

Wow! So this is not just a mini-Vegas but a big, miniature Las Vegas!:okay:

bakit kelangan pa ng pampalubag loob sa mga muslim na to

they are but squatters who settled illegally in that priced land

they have no right whatsoever

Hindi pampalubag loob yon, pagrespeto un sa religion nila kung sakali mang iretain ung mosque sa area. Wala namang problema dun eh basta importante merelocate sila at matuloy ang project. Kaso hindi yata sila binigyan ng relocation, ang binigay sa kanila is tig 30,000 pesos. Malamang sapat na ung pera na un para makauwi sila sa province nila at makapg simula ulit, syempre kahit papano kawawa sila.

Hindi pampalubag loob yon, pagrespeto un sa religion nila kung sakali mang iretain ung mosque sa area. Wala namang problema dun eh basta importante merelocate sila at matuloy ang project. Kaso hindi yata sila binigyan ng relocation, ang binigay sa kanila is tig 30,000 pesos. Malamang sapat na ung pera na un para makauwi sila sa province nila at makapg simula ulit, syempre kahit papano kawawa sila.

kaso ayaw daw nila nung 30k., ayaw daw nila umuwi sa province.,, ang gusto nila relocation.,

and kaya kailangan gawan ng bagong mosque is because., i think either gloria or erap promised this land to them., gloria ata.

Hindi pampalubag loob yon, pagrespeto un sa religion nila kung sakali mang iretain ung mosque sa area. Wala namang problema dun eh basta importante merelocate sila at matuloy ang project. Kaso hindi yata sila binigyan ng relocation, ang binigay sa kanila is tig 30,000 pesos. Malamang sapat na ung pera na un para makauwi sila sa province nila at makapg simula ulit, syempre kahit papano kawawa sila.

ang mga muslim talaga.....

makatungtong lang sa isang land.....build their mosque....and they will always invoke the "argument to pity"....argument that they are victims....

we should not give ground to these people or else they will demand for more and more

^^ they didnt build the mosque., :) the govt did. :) (if i'm not mistaken., kaya sila nagagalit., they have been promised of that land kasi.,)

para matapos na ang gulo, sana bigyan na sila ng relocation., then build a mosque there(sa relocation site)., instead of building one in nayong pilipino., sino naman ang pupunta?

^^napanood ko din yun kagabi sa news. Akala ko sila gumawa nung mosque, eh, gov't pala. You're right, sana ma-relocate na sila, ba't naman kaya ayaw nilang bumalik sa province?

^^ they didnt build the mosque., :) the govt did. :) (if i'm not mistaken., kaya sila nagagalit., they have been promised of that land kasi.,)

para matapos na ang gulo, sana bigyan na sila ng relocation., then build a mosque there(sa relocation site)., instead of building one in nayong pilipino., sino naman ang pupunta?

well....you are clearly mistaken.....they built the mosque....I can still remember when it was the headline that they built the mosque to solidify their illegal claims to the land.....kasi ang mga muslim, they could always falsely invoke na api sila.....yuk no

sa mindanao sila mag relocate where they belong

^I think this statement lacks diplomacy and have to be paraphrased. It contains racist remarks. :ohno:

^^ they didnt build the mosque., :) the govt did. :) (if i'm not mistaken., kaya sila nagagalit., they have been promised of that land kasi.,)

para matapos na ang gulo, sana bigyan na sila ng relocation., then build a mosque there(sa relocation site)., instead of building one in nayong pilipino., sino naman ang pupunta?

Meron pupunta dun sa mosque ung mga mayayamang muslim from arab country na maglalaro ng casino sa Nayong Pilipino:lol: Pero kung bawal sa kanila ang magsugal, entertainment city naman un hindi lang casino meron dun.

ang mga muslim talaga.....

makatungtong lang sa isang land.....build their mosque....and they will always invoke the "argument to pity"....argument that they are victims....

we should not give ground to these people or else they will demand for more and more

Wag naman nating lahatin ang mga muslim. Ung mga asa reclamation na muslim wala din silang pinag kaiba sa mga landless na squatters sa Pinas. Pang unawa kelangan nila hindi pang-uusig. Mahirap mapunta sa ganong sitwasyon, maswerte tayo kasi d tayo pinanganak na ganon kahirap sa kanila. Pero siguro kung tayo napunta sa sitwasyon nila, ewan ko lang kung ano sasabihin nyo.

thanks for correcting me., so sila ang nagpagawa ng mosque., :)

@seamer.., wag mo naman po sana lahatin mga muslim., mejo borderline racist na ung remarks eh., squatters are squatters - whatever religion may they belong to. :)

^I think this statement lacks diplomacy and have to be paraphrased. It contains racist remarks. :ohno:

being muslim is not a race but a religion.....so hindi racist yun

Wag naman nating lahatin ang mga muslim. Ung mga asa reclamation na muslim wala din silang pinag kaiba sa mga landless na squatters sa Pinas. Pang unawa kelangan nila hindi pang-uusig. Mahirap mapunta sa ganong sitwasyon, maswerte tayo kasi d tayo pinanganak na ganon kahirap sa kanila. Pero siguro kung tayo napunta sa sitwasyon nila, ewan ko lang kung ano sasabihin nyo.


but this mosque could be a pugad ng mga terrorist pretending to be low-profile poor muslim drumming up support to do terroristic attacks in the metro

being muslim is not a race but a religion.....so hindi racist yun

Muslim is both a religion and an identity which is also called Moros. Now, in your statement, it implies the same thing. My point is, that is not allowed in this forum. Thank you. Now, back to topic.

well....you are clearly mistaken.....they built the mosque....I can still remember when it was the headline that they built the mosque to solidify their illegal claims to the land.....kasi ang mga muslim, they could always falsely invoke na api sila.....yuk no

sa mindanao sila mag relocate where they belong

Filipino muslims belong in the whole Philippines... not only in mindanao

Passed by the street near the Muslim settlement recently and it seems that some of the former residents are now residing under the overpass just across the demolished site...

^what? that's ridiculous... Now, where's Bernabe... hmm...

sana gumawa sina Mayor Bernabe at PAGCOR ng bagong mosque sa loob ng Nayong Pilipino, pero dapat i-discourge ang mga Muslim brothers natin na tumira sa paligid nun.. dapat din gumawa ng mga tenements sa reclamation area para sa mga Muslim brothers natin para malapit sila sa mosque nila

PAGCOR will publicly release the guidelines on the bidding for prime properties in its eCity, in three to four weeks time. Meanwhile, potential investors are invited to attend the pre-bid conference anytime soon.

Looks like it's all systems go for this mega-project!

^I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Sana nga matuloy na ito! Gulay, kawawa naman Paranaque wala nang matinong landmark or recreational center...

but this mosque could be a pugad ng mga terrorist pretending to be low-profile poor muslim drumming up support to do terroristic attacks in the metro
I just remember watching tv program 'BITAG' by Ben Tulfo a couple of years ago..yan palang Muslim squatters area na yan ay pinamumugaran ng mga sindikato..drugpushers, holdupers, illegal parking fee collectors, illegal vending of pirated cds and magnanakaws(english :) ) sa Baclaran...lahat kuha ng kanilang surviellance camera at talagang hayop sa kapal ng mga mukha pag nangongolekta sa mga drivers ng pera..pag di bigyan pagtutulongan nila..kaya buti nalang at inalis sila dyan...

Lagi ako napadaan dyan sa Baclaran...daming kwento ng holdupan dyan..one example is pinag sasampal nya yong babae pretending na asawa sya..sabay diaglog "umuwi kana..walang makakain yong mga anak natin, akin na yang bag ako na magdala"..shock na shock ang babae..namalayan nalang nya wala na ang bag nya...(some victims ay empleyado ng MOA)..

^^ For the stock punters, CYBER and POPI will benefit if this project pushes through. The pre-bid conference is a step into that direction.

but this mosque could be a pugad ng mga terrorist pretending to be low-profile poor muslim drumming up support to do terroristic attacks in the metro

I find that statement to be full of bullshit and derogatory. I've passed by and heard stories about the squatter settlement. It looks like your regular squatter settlement to me with the only difference being religion. I hope we're not stooping down to racial/religious profiling and stereotypes of Muslims in Manila. It's a painful experience when you're experiencing it yourself, especially when you live as a minority in your very own country.

Back to topic please. Seamer has been banned so there's no need to expound further on his statements :)

thank God for that Jhaelnis ... now back to pagcor city...

We have to speed up this casino, many mainland Chinese gamblers are now also going to Australia. If we want a slice of this, we shouldn't waste time. This industry could earn us hundreds of millions of pesos of revenue as well as tens of thousands of jobs. If ever the Catholic Church objects, why not regulate the entry to the casino; say for example anyone who is not with a foreign carrying passport is not allowed inside the casino from Sundays to Thursdays. In this way, we could discourage locals from too much gambling. That is only one suggestion if the Catholic church meddles with this project.

^^ they are actually starting mga next month na start ng contruction kaya nga umaariba ang stocks ng POPI ng CYBER recently. nga pala parang unfair naman yata yung for ferigners only casino concept mo,pero sabagay kung yun ba naman ang ikakalamig ng butsi ng mga taga CBCP eh di why not chocnut? Personally If ever I bet in the Casino I set aside a budget and a limit. Pag sa Sucat 1k lang maximum ko pero pag sa Reno or LV mga $100 ang max ko. pag hindi pa ako nanalo ng kahit ano iinom na lang ako sa bar.

Do you know how close this E-city to the SM Bay City?

Will the 2 mesh together like the Ayala and Filinvest development in Alabang?

Do you think they'll have Residential Condos there?

^^ Well surely there will gonna be,in fact first buildings in the area were residential buildings courtesy of Asiaworld.

Do you know how close this E-city to the SM Bay City?

Will the 2 mesh together like the Ayala and Filinvest development in Alabang?

Do you think they'll have Residential Condos there?

its pretty close., few minutes drive., :)

OUR WISHES WILL COME TRUE!!!

Pagcor sets bidding for gaming complex
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?He...id=20070623115


The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) will hold the first pre-bid conference for the proposed $10-billion Entertainment City project in Manila in two weeks.

“The terms and conditions governing this undertaking shall be announced and discussed during the pre-bid conference,” Pagcor chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino said in a press statement.

The Las Vegas-style gaming and entertainment complex is set to rise on the reclamation area in Manila Bay.

Pagcor said the area is easily accessible from major thoroughfares such as EDSA and Roxas Boulevard. It is also near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), seaports and major commercial and urban centers.

“The Entertainment City Manila is our answer to the rapid developments happening in other parts of Asia, particularly Macau and Singapore, as well as in other parts of the world,” Genuino said.

He said the construction of Entertainment City Manila “is in line with President Arroyo’s eight-point agenda, which aims to revitalize the tourism industry, in particular, and the Philippine economy.”

The entertainment complex is Genuino’s brainchild and it will contain five-star hotels, amusement parks, educational and cultural complexes, shopping malls, a commercial district, a sports stadium, restaurants, convention halls, state-of-the-art theaters, gaming centers, race tracks, residential villages, a hospital district, and other facilities at par with international standards.

Pagcor said the idea for Entertainment City Manila was developed as early as 2001 “but remained in the pipeline for the longest time due to factors, such as the pending expiration of the Pagcor franchise.”

“However, with the recent passage of House Bill 3409, which extends the life of the corporation for another 25 years, it’s all systems go for this colossal project,” he said.

“We are all very excited about getting this project in motion because of the countless benefits it will bring to our country and its people,” he added.

Even before the project’s construction begins, Pagcor said it may already generate millions of dollars in revenues in the form of advance lease payments from future locators and other investors. During the project’s construction, Pagcor said the local construction industry will be revitalized because of the requirements of this massive undertaking.

“In the process, hundreds of thousands of local employment opportunities shall be created,” Pagcor said.

“These do not include the direct benefits the project will bring to other industries, such as transportation, communications, food, hospitality and entertainment,” it added.

Pagcor said Entertainment City Manila “is in the right position to succeed, considering that Asia is a growing market, having the highest population and most affluent citizens.”

It also said the Philippines serves as a gateway to Asia and is strategically located a few hours from China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea.

Two opposition lawmakers earlier said they want the House of Representatives’ oversight committee to investigate Pagcor’s plan for Entertainment City Manila.

Genuino said the construction of this massive project will be handled by foreign investors. “Our country will not spend for these developments. We are just selling a concept,” he said.

The project is expected to attract 10 million foreign visitors in five years and generate millions of jobs for Filipinos, he said.

Pagcor has consistently been the third biggest income-generating government agency. Last year, it generated P35 billion, higher than its 2005 income of P23 billion.

Finally!:banana:

I just remember watching tv program 'BITAG' by Ben Tulfo a couple of years ago..yan palang Muslim squatters area na yan ay pinamumugaran ng mga sindikato..drugpushers, holdupers, illegal parking fee collectors, illegal vending of pirated cds and magnanakaws(english :) ) sa Baclaran...lahat kuha ng kanilang surviellance camera at talagang hayop sa kapal ng mga mukha pag nangongolekta sa mga drivers ng pera..pag di bigyan pagtutulongan nila..kaya buti nalang at inalis sila dyan...

Lagi ako napadaan dyan sa Baclaran...daming kwento ng holdupan dyan..one example is pinag sasampal nya yong babae pretending na asawa sya..sabay diaglog "umuwi kana..walang makakain yong mga anak natin, akin na yang bag ako na magdala"..shock na shock ang babae..namalayan nalang nya wala na ang bag nya...(some victims ay empleyado ng MOA)..


ay napanuod ko rin itong tv docu na to

at gawin na rin yang world class para hindi na pumunta si lani at martin sa Las vegas at iba pang mga entertainers sa japan at macau.

^^ Right! And we have a lot of talented people - singers and diff types of performers. Sayang ang mga talento wala masyadong kumukuha. This E-City will bring more jobs and this will definitely show that Filipinos are world class performers!

Magkaka-ala Broadway din kaya tayo?