Resorts World

Last Saturday, we brought my brother-in-law, his wife and his wife’s sister, who were visiting from the US, to Resorts World Manila, a casino in Newport City.

It was an experience for my husband and I, who are not casino-goers. When we went to Las Vegas two years ago, we enjoyed the architecture, interiors and the shops in the various hotels, the ‘energy’ of those playing, the sights, the dancing fountain at Bellagio --- everything but the gambling.


But since we wanted to entertain our visiting relatives, who enjoy playing the slot machines, we took them to the newest casino in town.

Immediately upon entry, we were treated to the sight of performers on a mini-stage surrounded by a bar and seating area in the middle of the vast gambling hall. It was very entertaining to watch production numbers that ranged from pole dancing, cabaret-type dancing, gymnastics, an all-female act, to bands. It almost made up for all that cigarette smoke I was inhaling, the lateness of the hour and the fact that I was standing almost the entire time since we could not get into the seating area, which was packed.

I have never been a casino-goer. Even when I was single, my best friend and I would go to the PAGCOR casino at Waterfront Lahug in Cebu only because of the café, which was open 24 hours. Since work at the newspaper usually ended close to midnight, we had to count the casino as one of the very few places where we could unwind after office hours.

Nothing has changed my mind since – not even Resorts World where the quality of the performances is very good. Nevertheless, I know that when I need to play host again to those who enjoy these places, Resorts World will be at the top of my list.