Livin’ it up in Macau

The expectations for a new year are influenced by the last few things that one experiences as the old one ends. With this in mind, I consider my first trip in Macau last December as a fitting conclusion to a well-lived and prosperous 2007.

Attended by top executives, branch managers, and other colleagues in the sales team of Sun Life Financial Philippines (SLFP), the annual sales planning event was held outside the country for the first time. The change of atmosphere served both as an incentive and as a stimulant, with SLFP enjoying one of its best performances. Holding the meeting in Macau — lavish, grand, extravagant — we hoped to continue our spectacular success in 2008.

We were billeted at the Grand Emperor Hotel where the only gold-laden pavement in the world can be found.

In this 11.04-square-mile peninsula, two things are apparent: the construction boom and the endless rows of new casinos. Through a concentrated effort to entice foreign investment, especially from casino magnates, a slew of monumental creations, from roads to grand establishments, is underway.

To live the high life in Macau, a casino tour is a must. Sands, MGM Grand, Wynn’s, and the Venetian, are a few of the casinos in the region. The tourism-driven industry of one of China’s two special administrative regions is so successful that the revenues of its casinos exceeded that of Las Vegas for 2006.

The only thing missing in the casino tour was free lessons on games like craps and poker. I managed to suit in on a few hands at some tables, but my sense of adventure was piqued more by the grandeur that these casinos embody. For me, nothing can be grander than the Venetian Macau.

As the name implies, the Venetian Macau is reminiscent of the quaint and romantic streets and canals found in Italy’s Venice. I was surprised that the 3,000-suite structure was not yet complete. When we walked around the hotel resort, the atmosphere seemed subdued as calming yellow lights enveloped our senses. Yes, I did visit the slot machines and table games, but the most delightful part was window shopping at the Grand Canal shops and being awestruck by the Venetian Arena that can seat up to 15,000 guests.

I thought the only way to live the high life in Macau was through its casinos and hotels. How wrong I was, literally and figuratively, as another lofty edifice was poised to entice my senses.

After having a taste of the extravagant casino-playing crowd, another infrastructure wonder is a must in every itinerary of visitors who want to experience the lap of luxury while in Macau. I’m referring to the Macau Tower, which is also known as the 10th tallest tower in the world with a height of 338 meters from the ground.

The place offers excitement for everyone, from the most adventurous to those who prefer to have their feet on the ground, literally. Macau Tower offers a great experience for extreme sports enthusiasts: bungee-jumping, free-falling and sky-walking. In fact, it is the site of the highest bungee jump from a structure as one can plummet 223 meters down to the ground. Of course, everyone assured us it was safe. But when I checked how my heart was beating and my sweat was breaking out in beads, I knew that I had to forego this experience for another, more suitable time.

I belong on the other side of the fence, so to speak. Aside from the fee being too steep for my pocket (the activity costs around P8,000), I prefer the mellow lights of the Macau skyline as seen from the viewing deck, where binocular glasses are positioned around the floor, adding dimension to the picturesque scenery. Also, I was able to see as far away as 55 kilometers (as our guide helpfully informed us) of Macau territory.

We had dinner in the revolving restaurant, known as the 360º Café, atop the Macau Tower. The circular eatery provides a 360-degree, sweeping view of the territory. As bright lights from the hotels and casinos shone by the thousands, the panorama had a relaxing effect on me. As soon as my eyes took hold of the sight, I became certain that even the heavens would complement the splendor of the place.

My only regret was not visiting the tower during the day. Our tour guide just couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when he described the view of the Pearl River Delta when blanketed by early-morning sunlight. I made a mental note to experience this with my family next time as I began planning when I would return.

Still, the four days and three nights that I spent in Macau served as a beginner’s guide on how to live it up, even if it was only less than a week. From being blinded by its night lights to being instructed on the art of gambling (moderation is key as every seasoned player told me), there is no place like Macau to live it up.