More than 200 people gathered at Okada Manila’s Luna Lounge to celebrate what was the largest MAD event – be it in Manila or Macau – in IAG’s history.
Manila After Dark (MAD 22) was a resounding success, attracting a variety of industry representatives including operators, suppliers, lawyers, regulators and politicians for a night of relaxed networking – complemented by an array of fine food and plentiful drinks courtesy of the Okada Manila team.
The event was also honored to welcome the Chairman and CEO of Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR, Mr Alejandro H Tengco, as its Guest of Honor. Mr Tengco spent a few hours mingling with the crowd and greeting industry acquaintances before delivering an entertaining speech in which he expounded the incredible growth of the Philippine gaming industry.
“It’s an honor not only for PAGCOR but for the Philippines to be part of this type of celebration,” he said. “This only goes to show how vibrant the gaming industry is in the Philippines today and how it will be in the next few years.
“Aside from welcoming you to this evening’s event I’d like to welcome each and every person who is here tonight and tell you that this the best time to be part of the gaming industry in the Philippines.
“We have over the past few months made announcements on several new fees, new programs, new structures, and we’re doing this so that we can attract more investors to the Philippines, for stakeholders, for suppliers, we want you to be here in Manila because this is where the action will be in the next five, even 10 years.”
Mr Tengco also expressed his confidence that the years ahead would be a defining era for the Philippine gaming industry as it establishes itself as a force in the Asian gaming market.
“[People have been] asking me if the [new IR] projects in Osaka or maybe Thailand or even Cambodia will dampen the spirits of Manila,” he said. “My basic answer is it never will, primarily because they will only be able to open, maybe, in the next decade. I’m talking 2030 at the earliest.
“There is so much time for the Philippines to be able to strengthen itself to become one of the pioneering jurisdictions of gaming in the Asia Pacific region. I believe these next few years will be very, very exciting for the Philippine gaming industry so i welcome you not only to MAD 22 but I welcome each and every one of you on behalf of PAGCOR to be part of the Philippine gaming industry.”
Inside Asian Gaming thanks all of our generous sponsors for the event, including Venue Sponsor Okada Manila, Platinum Sponsor Light & Wonder, and Gold Sponsors Aristocrat, Evolution, FBM and IGT.
Macau After Dark (MAD 23) will take place next Tuesday 26 March 2024 at Sofitel at Ponte 16 as we also celebrate a bright year ahead for the industry in Macau.
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