“Solaire Manila: A Decade On, Still Defining the Philippines’ Place on the Global Gaming Stage By Peter White
here are few things quite as electric as the opening night of a new integrated resort and, for me, Solaire Manila will always hold that special place. It was more than just another ribbon-cutting – it was a frontrow seat to the Philippines making its play on the global stage of luxury gaming destinations.
I still remember the energy of that evening. As invited press, I was lucky enough to step into the property before the doors officially opened. The atmosphere was one of organized chaos: banks of slot machines going through their final system checks, carpets being hoovered to perfection, tables gleaming as staff gave them one last polish. Every detail
mattered. It was a countdown not just to the opening of a resort but to the unveiling of a national statement of intent.
Solaire Resort & Casino officially opened on March 16, 2013 – the flagship development of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation. It was the first of its kind in the Philippines, and its ambitions were clear. It was to be a five-star integrated resort that could sit comfortably alongside the likes of Macau and Las Vegas. In many ways, it succeeded.
Spread across a sprawling 30,200 square meters, Solaire’s two-level casino floor offers over 2,300 slot machines and 200 electronic table games. The technology was – and still is – top-tier. But what truly struck me back then (and still does today) was the sheer scale and sophistication of the entire resort.
Beyond gaming, Solaire features 15 diverse dining venues, from casual fare to fine dining, alongside a lyric theater, spa, fitness facilities, cabañas by the pool, and a grand ballroom worthy of any international convention. It’s not just a casino; it’s a destination.
On a recent return visit, I managed to spend an evening at the Pool Bar & Grill and I’m very glad I did. Overlooking the beautifully lit pool and surrounded by the calm of the cabañas, it was the perfect contrast to the high-energy buzz of the casino floor. The food was superb, the service impeccable and it reminded me just how well-rounded the Solaire experience really is.
Later that night, I found myself once again in the Dragon Bar – an iconic part of the resort and a perfect vantage point for soaking up the atmosphere. The design, naturally, bears the distinct touch of Paul Steelman, whose architectural fingerprints are all over the world’s most spectacular casino spaces. Hopefully next time I’m there, I’ll manage to get that elusive photo with the CEO – another reminder of how far Solaire has come since that first night.
The rise of the Philippines in the international gaming market owes a lot to this pioneering project. Solaire didn’t just open its doors. It opened the country to a whole new world of opportunity.
*** This article was originally published June 2025 Casino Life Magazine Issue 178***
