Okada Manila pushing to sponsor Miss Universe pageant 2017

Okada Manila, the casino and resort complex of Japanese businessman Kazuo Okada, is set to unveil its first phase of development this year, the company said, in time for co-hosting the Miss Universe pageant 2017.

"We expect to be a significant sponsor of the event," Steve Wolstenholme, Okada Manila president, told reporters in a briefing in Pasay City.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed in July that the Philippines will host the pageant on January 30, 2017.

Wolstenholme noted everything is still being finalized. "Whether it's an in-kind or financial (sponsorship), the details are still under negotiation."

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The company is on track to complete first phase one of construction at an estimated cost of $2.4 billion

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"We will open this year. That is our obligation to PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.). The specifics to be determined by our chairman. It will be announced as soon as he releases that date," Wolstenholme noted.

"It certainly will be this year," he said.

The first phase of the project entails the development of 21.55 hectares of land, including the construction of a casino, two hotel towers, food and beverage outlets, retail outlets, and a spa.