Entering one of the 13 government-owned casinos in the Philippines is akin to entering an entertainment center, leisure spot, and a fun area gathered into one. Add to that the good view of Taal volcano and white sand beaches in Olongapo City.
“We are not considered Asia’s friendliest casino for nothing,” said Jojo Bautista, senior marketing officer of Casino Filipino in Cebu City, one of the 13 casinos operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
With PAGCOR’s commitment to continuously operate and build new casinos with modern amenities, unique attractions, and enticing packages, more domestic and foreign gamers are trooping to the country’s casinos, which boast thousands of gaming tables that cater to tourists, including families with kids in tow.
FUN GAMES
While gambling has always been the primary business of a casino, Mr. Bautista revealed that they have shifted their focus into providing entertainment (ie: nightly band performance or monthly concerts and shows).
“Gaming sounds more acceptable, more sporty and fun. This is how gaming should be like – they should not call it gambling anymore,” he added.
PAGCOR has teamed up with five-star hotels (most of the casinos are to be found here) to provide promotional packages for guests. The Waterfront Hotel in Cebu, for instance, has vouchers worth US$4 for a game at the casino or 10 percent discount on the Pop Pera (bingo type card game) for their hotel guests.
Frequent patrons of Casino Filipino on Mactan Island have the High Roller promo for game discounts etc.
“These types of promotions bring patrons back to the different casinos in the country,” Mr. Bautista stressed.
Apparently, the staff’s hospitable demeanor is another pull factor for the casinos.
“I have always been fascinated with the Filipino’s hospitality inside their casinos. The people are so warm and the staff is all smiling,” observed Adrian Benedict, a frequent visitor to the casinos in isle.
YOUR TYPE OF CASINO
Casino Filipino in Olongapo is for casino-goers that also love a bit of adventure and nature. Apart from casino games, there is a plentitude of leisure spots and majestic destinations. The 681 sq. meters Casino Filipino at the Taal Vista Hotel features 150 slot machines plus a stunning view of Taal Volcano.
At the newly renovated Casino Filipino Heritage in Pasay City, slot machines have been placed in a “cosier” venue and Super Six gaming tables, owing to the growing number of its avid players.
Meanwhile, at the Casino Filipino in Cebu City, everything is there from casino to bank facilities including ATM machines.
And yes, you can even engage in a game of chance in war-torn Mindanao at the Casino Filipino Davao at the posh Mercure Grand Hotel – the only casino in this part of the country. Casino operations admittedly have been greatly affected with the ongoing “insurgency problem. But we have immediately recovered,” stated Annalyn Villanueva, PACGOR”s information officer.
The all-time favorite casino in the country is the 3,342 sq. meter Casino Filipino at the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion Hotel.
“The Casino Filipino at the Manila Pavilion provides more gaming tables, more entertainment shows, and a lot of surprises and promotions for their guests. It is also located at the heart of the country’s capital,” said Ms. Villanueva.
You can take a chance at the Pavilion’s 105 gaming tables offering baccarat, blackjack, roulette, piagaw, and craps – or try your luck at its 518 slot machines. If lady luck has left your side, your “donation” to the casino’s coffers will find its way to the regular outreach programs to poor communities engaging in health and sports activities.
Indeed, casinos in the Philippines mirror PAGCOR’s goal of providing the highest quality of service, catering to the different needs of casino gamers.
“Our very desire is to put the needs of guests at the prime,” Mr. Bautista emphasized. “We always aim to equal or even surpass the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas’ famous casinos. We are almost there!” #
Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.
Published in Frequent Traveller Magazine, Singapore
June 2003
