Okada Manila: The Pearl of Entertainment City
Okada is a world class entertainment destination located in Manila, Philippines. It is a massive, rose-gold tinted architectural marvel in Entertainment City that prioritizes opulence above all else. Featuring dozens of eateries, a five-star hotel, and a sprawling casino floor, it is an international destination for wealthy gamblers and jetsetters.
The Guru's Verdict
Okada is unrivaled in the Philippines for "wow" factor. While it carries a premium price tag and the service can be hit-or-miss during peak hours, the massive casino floor and world-class amenities make it a must-visit for any serious gamer or luxury traveler.
The Man Behind the Marvel
Okada Manila was the brainchild of Universal Entertainment’s founder Kazuo Okada, who was later ejected from his role as board chairman after allegedly embezzling millions of dollars. But why would a billionaire need to steal from his own company? Kazuo Okada defended himself in an interview with Esquire Magazine:
“I was generous enough to loan them money because I thought that they would need money being a board member... How could some people who borrowed money and not pay make me look like I’m the criminal?”
According to the embattled tycoon, the embezzlement charges were simply a pretext for a hostile takeover of his company.
The "Wow" Factors
⛲ The Fountain
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The resort’s crown jewel and one of the world's largest multicolor dancing fountains. Spanning 50 Olympic pools, it uses 700 high-power jets for nightly shows choreographed to music.
🏖️ Cove Manila
An indoor beach club under a massive UV-protected glass dome. Get the beach vibe and high-end concerts without the Manila humidity or sunburn.
📱 High-Tech Rooms
Controlled via a "DigiValet" iPad. Adjust lights, curtains, and temperature or order room service with a few taps from your bed.
Pros & Highlights
- Massive Casino Floor: Over 2,300 slots and hundreds of tables.
- Dining Variety: 40+ venues ranging from Medley Buffet to Michelin-selected sushi at Ginza Nagaoka.
- The Retreat Spa: 5-star rated with a unique "Wave Dream" chamber.
- Pokerstars Live: Award-winning poker room with cash games starting at ₱25/₱50.
Cons & Considerations
- The "Casino Smell": Lingering cigarette smoke in common areas can be off-putting.
- Service Pace: Peak hours can feel chaotic and "snobbish," especially drink service in the poker room.
- Scale: The property is enormous—be prepared to do a lot of walking.
Summary Ratings
| Feature | Rating | Quick Take |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Factor | 10/10 | Unrivaled opulence and "gold" aesthetics. |
| Rooms | 9/10 | Spacious, high-tech, and very clean. |
| Dining | 8.5/10 | Huge variety; don't miss Enbu or Red Spice. |
| Value | 7/10 | Pricey, but free drinks in the casino and budget food options exist. |
Traveler's Guide: Logistics & Nearby
The two closest attractions are Mall of Asia and City of Dreams. While technically walking distance, the Manila heat makes a cab or Grab car a better choice. Cabs may require negotiation—know your meter rates! Alternatively, use InDrive for more transparent pricing.
Where to Stay
If the ₱20,000/night rate is too steep, check out:
- Kingsford or Westside: Walking distance, approx. ₱3,000/night.
- City Center Executive Hotel: 8 mins away, approx. ₱1,700/night. Modern rooms, smart TVs, and near PITX for a ton of different fast food options.
Other than that you have a bunch of options in the area at various price ranges, just check google maps. You probably do want to stick to Entertainment City as your home base in order to avoid getting stuck in Manila traffic.