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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Newport World Resorts) |
Newport World Resorts (NWR) has gone beyond the traditional definition of an integrated resort (IR) and has transformed itself into the most multi-faceted leisure hub in the country in just 14 years. From a single building structure into a multi-wing complex that makes the most of its prime location within a 25-hectare property, NWR now boasts of a newer and bigger world of epic experiences. The country’s pioneering IR, formerly known as Resorts World Manila, first opened its doors in 2009 at the sprawling Newport City township, conveniently located across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Securing the very first license from the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the initial offering consisted of a gaming complex, a live theater venue, and an all-suite luxury hotel. 14 years and Php124B in investments later, Newport World Resorts stands as a premier leisure destination that is now officially 100% Filipino-owned.
Haven of hospitality
NWR is home to five international hotel brands including Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila-Newport City, and Hotel Okura Manila along with two affiliate hotels Belmont Manila and Savoy Manila. To this day, Newport Boulevard which spans the length of the property is hailed as the shortest boulevard in the country with the most hotel offerings. Over and above these hotels’ 3,580 key count which is considered the highest in a single property, the hotels support tourism beyond a gamut of accommodations also through 15,000 square meters (sqm.) of event spaces for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE). The Marriott Grand Ballroom alone contributes over 8,000 sqm. of function space, including the largest pillarless ballroom in the country. The main ballroom alone can accommodate up to 4,000 guests for cocktails and 2,500 for a banquet setup. Collectively, these MICE venues have hosted over 2,000 events through the years.
Center of culinary excellence
Travel and leisure are almost always complemented by dining and degustation. NWR, with over 70 dining outlets, boasts of a wide mix of culinary options that range from casual to fine dining. The diverse customer base of NWR, breaching the 100 million count in total foot traffic, have even given rise to a new segment of diners who seek a “fine casual” setting. Highlighting NWR’s world of culinary excellence are the award-winning chefs that fire up the kitchens of the property’s signature restaurants that include some of the metro’s best. A notable dining guide has named 9 NWR restaurants in its prestigious roster, the most citations given to a single property. Casa Buenas remains a popular choice for gourmands with its exquisite Filipino-Spanish menu and illustrious interiors. Newly opened The Whisky Library is the new talk of the town having curated the largest collection of whiskies in Manila with an inventory worth over Php100M.
Home of world-class entertainment
The Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) has stood for as long as Newport World Resorts has been around. The brightest stars of both the local and international entertainment scene have graced the award-winning stage to perform in front of thousands of live audiences. In total, there are 12 entertainment venues scattered throughout NWR. In 14 years, over 50,000 hours of live entertainment have been performed altogether. NWR has the most vibrant nightlife offerings in this part of the Metro, from the days of Opus and Republiq. The tradition has carried on to this day with KAO Manila and House Manila.
Mecca of gaming thrills
NWR’s initial gaming offers were housed within the Newport Garden Wing. A decade later, the Newport Grand Wing was opened. Now, up to 2,000 gaming machines and over 40 gaming tables can be found across the whole complex. Further innovating the thrill of the game, NWR innovated its membership program into EPIC Rewards. Effectively elevating experiences, partnerships, incentives, and choices for guests and patrons, the program has breached the 2 million membership count.
Champion of sustainability and corporate social responsibility
At its core, it is NWR’s belief that people should make the most out of life. The same belief drives its commitment that everyone and every generation will have the opportunity to live life to the fullest. Through sustainability and corporate citizenship, NWR leverages its business operations to help improve lives, protect the environment, and contribute to the economy. Through the company’s long history, over 20,000 jobs have been generated. The property-wide sustainability initiatives I LOVE Earth, NWR Foundation, and Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation have generated over Php2.4B total community assistance for an estimated 4 million beneficiaries, coupled with significant investments in sustainable business practices, totaling Php228M and counting.
“We have achieved so much in the past 14 years, and we continue to look forward to so much more in the future. The transformation of NWR is truly well underway. It is our vision to be more than an IR but a major contributor to the tourism industry’s growth in the years ahead," says NWR Chairman Kevin L. Tan. Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to.
