Philippines’ new casino complex named ‘City of Dreams Manila’

Melco Crown Entertainment and SM Group branded their casino complex City of Dream Manila on Oct 9, which is scheduled to open mid-2014; the integrated complex will be the second casino complex to carry the City of Dreams brand. The project was previously referred to as Belle Grande Manila, taken off from Belle Corporation. The complex is located within Pagcor's landmark Entertainment City, which will boast entertainment, retail, food, beverage and hotel amenities.

Aside from announcing the new name, Melco also increased its budget from US$620 million to $680 million to finance the 260 Crown Towers hotel. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, said that given the Philippines' strategic location, visitors from Macau, China and Hong Kong are expected to frequent the Manila casino.

The project is Melco's first casino outside Macau and also the first gaming venture of SM Group.