A new life for Boracay’s beauty

Last Wednesday I went to the Pagcor office expecting the usual signing of the memo of agreement between Macau’s Galaxy and Pagcor would just be another ordinary event. Imagine my surprise when I saw media, photographers and reporters crowding in Meeting Room A which is reserved for big meetings. I asked my assistant Karen where the signing would be and she said it would be in the big room. Does that mean that all the Pagcor officials would be present? No, there were six mainstream media photographers and reporters. It was a big event and I can see why. 

Galaxy Entertainment group is known worldwide and it was the first Macau-based group to be put up in the Hongkong Stock Exchange. I saw their set up in Macau just a few days before the Manila signing. It was very impressive with six name hotels in the complex. The day we went was a weekend and the place was full of both gamers and ordinary visitors. It was a park for families.

They decided to set up in Boracay because the island with its white and almost pink sand beaches was well known. It has been chosen many times in such fashionable magazines like Conde Nast as the place to go if you were looking to relax in natural beauty. Galaxy’s plans to open Boracay to a selected discriminating gamers was still to be. But they had prepared long for it. Seeing how well their Macau complex was constructed it is easy to believe that they are capable of building one similar in Boracay.

As Chairman Francis Lui said in his speech after the signing “the Philippines is recognized throughout the world for their friendliness and impeccable service standards, and we look forward to working with them and welcoming them as team members. At Galaxy, we believe ‘what is taken from the community should be used for the good of the community,’ not only are we committed to supporting local small businesses, we are also confident that we will raise the bar in both resort quality and service, contribute positively to the local economy and community and generate significant job opportunities when the resort opens.

“To deliver our promise, we have started to assemble a well-experienced project development team and have already commenced initial stages of the site planning. Our proposed development is a low-density, eco-friendly resort that will feature world-class hotel rooms and villas along with a wide range of amenities including: spa and wellness treatment centers, signature food, beverage outlets, water sports center, special events and a beach side casino that offers a truly one of a kind, unique entertainment experience. Upon completion, we are confident that this resort will be a must-visit destination for the travelers around the world.

“Galaxy would not have this opportunity had it not been for our friends at Leisure and Resorts World Corporation. We are especially thankful to our local partner as they continue to assist us in our planned resort development. Hopefully with the continued support of the national and local government authorities, PAGCOR and the local community, we will be able to work collectively and develop something that is truly befitting of Boracay’s natural beauty that would make all of us proud.

“Finally, we would like to reiterate our commitment to work with all stakeholders and to support President Duterte and his government’s initiative to develop Boracay in a sustainable and respectful manner. We look forward to being able to provide more detailed information on our Boracay development soon.”

It is good I visited their Macau development just a few days before the signing. They have proved they could do it. As expected someone in the press asked the question if “Galaxy’s entry into Boracay had something to do with President Duterte’s move to close the other side of the island resort until it could be in pristine condition and fit to protect the environment? Another asked, with another mega resort to be put up by another international group Genting can the island take it?” Lucky for Galaxy and Genting, they were ahead of the game and presented their plans when Duterte announced no more new licences will be given.

Galaxy and Genting will be put up on the other side of the island and use its money and experience instead of a hodge-podge of structures built on the west side that was destroying its beauty.

Boracay will be preserved with the entry of the two giants in gaming and entertainment instead of a free-for-all with anyone setting up structures without careful consideration of the environment. Will Boracay be able to take up such huge undertakings, the answer is yes. Indeed it is necessary if the Philippine treasure of Boracay is to be preserved with proper management. It will be known throughout the world as the place to be. Tourists look for beauty of nature and responsible gaming at the same time.

“For some time now we have been exploring numerous opportunities to strategically extend the “World Class, Asian Heart” brand and philosophy of Galaxy beyond Macau. We have considered a number of overseas locations and we believe that Boracay is an excellent choice for our first international development.

Firstly, Boracay is world renowned for its natural beauty. Blessed with year round good weather, beautiful sunset, white sand beaches and pristine clear water, Boracay has been consistently rated as one of the top beach destinations by leading traveling magazines such as Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure. Secondly, with the expansion of Caticlan airport to allow more direct international flight arrivals, Boracay is projected to be more conveniently accessible by our targeted affluent customer base from Asia.

Thirdly, in response to President Duterte and the Philippine government’s vision to avoid overcrowding and to ensure that Boracay will be developed sustainably and responsibly, we believe that Galaxy has much to offer in supporting the noble mission to help Boracay regain and maintain its unique natural resources.

We believe that by combining the natural beauty of the Philippines with Galaxy’s long standing record of developing world-class resorts, and leveraging upon the Philippines’ renowned hospitality culture is a formula for success.