World-class integrated resort in Cebu breaks ground
Tuesday | August 8, 2017 | 4:45 PM
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – It’s all systems go for the construction of the first world-class integrated resort outside Luzon when the Udenna Development Corporation (UDC) formally broke ground for The Emerald Resort and Casino.
World-renowned architect Paul Steelman (4th from left), who has designed famous casinos in Macau and Las Vegas shows to guests the scale model of The Emerald Resort and Casino which will soon rise in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Looking on are PAGCOR Director Reynaldo Concordia (extreme left), President and COO Alfredo Lim (3rd from left), Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo and Director Gabriel Claudio (extreme right).
The groundbreaking ceremony which was held on July 26, 2017 was led by UDC Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy. PAGCOR’s top management led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Domingo, President and Chief Operating Officer Alfredo Lim as well as Directors Reynaldo Concordia and Gabriel Claudio also graced the event.
The US$341 million project sits on a 12.5 hectare prime beachfront in Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City. Once completed (estimated to be three years from now), it is set to make the Philippines at par with other premier regional destinations designed for leisure, gaming, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and other commercial and residential investments.
According to Domingo, The Emerald is the very first integrated resort that the new PAGCOR board has approved. “We hope that in two or three years’ time, we will be here again to witness the opening of this project. We hope that this will be a precedent for all integrated resorts that will be built outside of Entertainment City in Manila…because in Cebu City, there will be a world-class resort casino that is worth taking a look,” she said.
The Emerald Resort and Casino is designed by American visionary designer and architect Paul Steelman, whose works include The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and The Sands in Macau. Steelman said he is fortunate to be working on the project which has so much potential.
The members of the PAGCOR Board headed by Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo (4th from right) and President and COO Alfredo Lim (6th from right) grace the groundbreaking of The Emerald Resort and Casino in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu recently. The newest attraction in the city, which will be developed by Udenna Development Corporation (UDC) is the first world-class integrated resort to be built outside Luzon. Also in photo are UDC Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy (5th from right), Lapu Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza (7th from right), PAGCOR Directors and other officials of UDC.
“This resort-casino can be a lot different from everyone else. It will have grand suites, five-storey aquariums, retail malls that will rival the best in Asia, among others. It will have gaming areas but we designed it to be family-friendly. The palatial aspect of this building will certainly attract more tourists. Besides, this site is one of the most beautiful in the world,” he said.
UDC Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy said that “the project will play a vital role in transforming Mactan into a premiere tourist destination with a vibrant and thriving economy.”
“Today is not only about The Emerald. It is about all of us. We break ground for thousands of jobs that will provide countless opportunities and brighter future for local businesses and entrepreneurs. It is also about showing the best of what Filipino talent and hospitality has to offer,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said “This will be an added reason for tourists to explore our city. It will also help uplift the lives of our people through job opportunities,” she shared.