Thursday, November 27, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
A KOREAN company will put up an integrated hotel-resort complex at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, according to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
In a statement, the SBMA said Grand Utopia Inc. would build the $120-million facility to be called Ocean 9 Casino and Hotel Resort.
According to Choi Moon Sung, chairman of the proponent-firm, Ocean 9 would include a 15-story hotel that would occupy a 9,173 square meter area and a secondary building in a 4,200-square meter track of land that would house a three-story casino.
This project would be completed in two years, and is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs, he added.
According to SBMA, the project broke ground last week, with Administrator Armand Arreza and Choi leading the ceremony, and Efraim Genuino, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman, Mayor James Gordon Jr. of Olongapo City, Vice Governor Anne Gordon of Zambales and representatives of the Korean business community participating.
Arreza said that Ocean 9 is poised to be the “most beautiful hotel” in the Subic Bay Freeport, adding, “[This upcoming hotel] promises to be a significant landmark that will transform the face of Subic Bay.”
“We will do our best to develop [Ocean 9] under the direction of PAGCOR and SBMA, as we aspire to be at par with some of the world’s best tourism and entertainment attractions,” Choi said.
“The hotel and casino complex will be built using cutting-edge technology and advanced architectural systems in order to make a unique design that will blend comfort with entertainment,” he said.
Choi said the Ocean 9 casino would have an organic light emitting diode (OLED) system for visual effects in the ground floor, where around 500 gaming tables would be put up; a central stage for live entertainment and performances; and a lift-up type of walkway which could be used for fashion shows.
The other side of the main hall would have between 60 and 120 shops, selling luxury brands, such as premium items from France and Italy, he said.
Ocean 9 would be located near the Freeport’s Alava Pier, which another firm is developing as a passenger terminal for cruise ships. Visiting US Navy ships used the pier for berthing during military exercises with their Philippine counterparts.-- Ben Arnold O. De Vera
