SOLAIRE, a French word meaning “the breeze from the sun” inspired by the Manila Bay Sunset, is the 1 Billion Integrated Resort & Casino project of Enrique Razon in partnership with Global Gaming Asset Management. The GGAM group is behind some of the world’s best Casinos: Venetian Las Vegas, The Sands Macao, the Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
It promises to change the game in Manila by bringing in a world-class Casino better than the ones in Macao or Atlantic City and at par with the World’s Best in Las Vegas. World-class entertainment is not complete without the finest restaurant experience that Manila has ever known.
This is a historic opening in Manila that every Filipino is excited to see – that would indeed change the World-Class Lifestyle and Gaming scene in Manila.
We got to interview the Management team behind Solaire, got a preview of what’s in store in the signature restaurants of the resort, and get a taste of how world-class the facilities are.
SOLAIRE RESORT: The Game is About to Change Series
- SOLAIRE RESORT: Finally, The Game is Indeed About to Change in Manila!
- FINESTRA: The Finest Taste of Italy in Manila! @SolaireResort
SOLAIRE MANAGEMENT TEAM
BRADLEY STONE, President, Global Gaming Asset Management
Bradley served as President of Global Operations & Construction at Las Vegas Sands Corp. from 2008 to 2009, in addition to serving as Executive Vice President from 1995 to 2009. At Las Vegas Sands Corp., he oversaw the design, construction, opening, and operation of the Venetian Las Vegas, the Sands Macao, the Venetian Macao, the Palazzo Las Vegas and the Four Seasons Macau. He also oversaw the design and initial construction of The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, which opened in 2010.
There were three (3) reasons why the Global Gaming Asset Management is excited to build a world-class casino in Manila according to Bradley Stone:
1). There’s a critical mass of gamers that will be attracted in the Entertainment City in Manila Bay and there’s a level playing field among Casinos because each one is expected to invest $1Billion Dollars each;
2). People are excited about service ethics excellence of the Filipinos not only the ones in Manila, but experienced Casino personnel already working in the different casinos around the world excited to come home and work here in Manila; and
3). Preferential Tax Rate given by the government of 27% and 15% tax rate for Foreign VIP gamers.
ADRIAN ORT, Vice President, Operations and General Manager
Adrian has dedicated three decades serving in top level hospitality positions in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, including an extensive stint with Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd. He was a Board Director and President of the International Flight Catering Association. He also established a hospitality consultancy in Hong Kong. Adrian attended Ecole Hotellliere in Lausanne, Switzerland where he earned a degree in Hotel Management in 1984.
According to Adrian Ort, the secret to Solaire Resort’s “The Game is About to Change” campaign is:
- World-class Gaming Facilities
- Finest Dining Experience from the signature restaurants, and
- Unparalleled Service specially from 300+ returning Filipinos who have casino and hospitality experience abroad.
Also, one of the advantages of Manila as a gaming destination is the proximity of beautiful beaches in Boracay and El Nido that the gamer and their friends and family can enjoy 🙂
DENNIS ANDREACI, Senior Vice President, Gaming Operations
Dennis has a career of over three decades with extensive experience working for various casinos in Asia, North America and The Caribbean. He was formerly the Senior Vice President for Gaming Operations of Galaxy Macau Resort. He was also involved in developing and launching some of the most successful gaming casinos in the world; among them Sands Macao, Venetian Macao, Marina Bay Sands Singapore and Galaxy Macau.
According to Dennis, Solaire Resorts & Casino is very proud about the biggest gaming facility that can rival the biggest casinos in the world (Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, Venetian and Galaxy Macau, Wynn Macau):
- 100 VIP Gaming Tables
- 195 Upper Mass Gaming Tables
- 1,200 Slot Machines
- 4,000 seating capacity
It’s bigger than any of the casinos in Atlantic City and more beautiful than any of the casinos in Macau.
Also, a big advance of the Philippines versus Macau is the airport with a big airlift capacity that can service the big Quality airlines in the region.
LORRAINE KOO, Vice President, Business Development and VIP Services
Lorraine has been in customer service industry for over 18 years and has spent 15 years with Singapore Airlines. She served as Assistant Vice President of Casino Customer Service at Galaxy Macau before assuming her position at Solaire.
Lorraine showed us how impressive the VIP services for both local and foreign big gamers. The VIPs are classified into two: the Premium VIPs (direct membership) and the Junket Operator VIPs.
They have their own dedicated VIP rooms and the best gaming tables are located with an awesome view of the Manila Bay!
At this point, they already have a waitlist for the Junket Gaming Operators who can use the VIP tables at Solaire Resort. Most of the VIPs will be Chinese gamers coming from HK because of its proximity (only two hours) to Manila.
WOLFGANG FISCHER, Culinary Director
“Every dish deserves great respect and care.”
Chef Wolfgang is the Culinary Director of Solaire Resort & Casino. His culinary background includes some of the world’s iconic luxury hotels including Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi; Wynn Macau; Shangri-La Hotels in Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur; Raffles Hotel, Singapore; Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, South Korea; The Westin Philippine Plaza; The Beverly Hills Hotel, California; Hilton Anaheim & Towers, California; and The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York.
In 2011, Chef Wolfgang won the highly coveted Executive Chef of the Year award at Gourmet Abu Dhabi. Chef Wolfgang continues to perfect his craft by embracing cutting-edge culinary techniuqes and trends. With his expertise, devotion to the freshest ingredients, and high standards, Chef Wolfgang will ensure dining enthusiasts a truly unparalleled dining experience at Solaire.
Chef Wolfgang was very proud of the entire culinary team of Solaire Resort that elevates the dining experience in Manila. They are the real “celebrity chef” who brings really good food to life using the only the best authentic ingredients:
- 2 Executive Chefs: Paul Barton, Executive Chef – Western and
- Chan Yiu So, Executive Chef – Chinese
- 1 Austrian Executive Pastry Chef – Chef Josef Tueschler
- 1 Japanese Executive Chef for Yakumi – Chef Norimasa Kosaka
- 1 Italian Chef for Finestra – Chef Salvatore de Vincentis
- 1 Canadian Chef for Strip – Chef Trevor Macleod
- 1 German Chef for Fresh – Chef Sascha Gausselmann
(Download the background of the distinguished Culinary Team @ Solaire Resort)
Aside from the 4 Signature Restaurants, Chef Wolfgang is excited about The Food Court which will redefine food court experience providing quickly cooked, quick serve yummy food at food court prices.
Karsten Roettger, Director, Food & Beverage
with Gerald Saviguy, Wine Manager and Lee Watson, Chief Mixologist
This is the team responsible for the finest food, leading edge cocktail concoctions and the finest curated wines at Solaire Resort.
Here are the game-changing restaurants at Solaire Resort:
SOLAIRE RESORT’S SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS
#1. FINESTRA Italian Restaurant
FINESTRA is the authentic Italian restaurant of Solaire Resort. One of four signature restaurants there, it boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the Manila Bay and the Solaire pool. Finestra is well-named, given that it means ‘windows’ in Italian.
We just came from a recent food trip of the Veneto region in Italy, so I was happy to discover that the quality of cheeses, antipasto spread, handmade pasta and wood fire oven-cooked pizza is the same quality you would get in Italy. We were pleased to hear that most of the ingredients are directly imported from Italy and that the Executive Chef is Italian.
#2. YAKUMI Japanese Restaurant
Yakumi by Chef Norimasa Kosaka will be the best fine-dining Japanese restaurant in Manila with authentic ingredients flown in directly from the markets of Tokyo.
Yakumi features a Sushi and robatayaki counter in the center of the resto, two private rooms with teppan tables on the side, and the largest collection of sake by a Japanese sommelier.
It has a sitting capacity of 150 and open for lunch and dinner daily.
#3. STRIP STEAKHOUSE
The Strip is the classic interpretation of what a Steakhouse should be by Canadian Chef Trevor Macleod which sources the prime cut meats from the U.S.A., Australia and Europe and some direct from the cattle farms exclusively supplying the Strip.
(Note: It’s a common mistake to think that Strip is named after Strip loin)
It has a Chef’s Table overlooking the exhibition kitchen and a Floor to ceiling glass-covered cellar holding over 3,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines.
Just look at how gorgeous the fine leather seats and overall classic steakhouse ambiance.
Note: STRIP is only open for Dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed for lunch and on Mondays. They have a lavish selection of seafood for non-meat eaters.
#4. RED LANTERN Modern Cantonese Cuisine
Red Lantern is the modern Cantonese restaurant by Chef Chan Yiu So that aims to surpass Mabuhay Palace in Manila Hotel.
They offer authentic Cantonese dim sum for lunch, and offers seafood and other delicacies.
Most people love Red Lantern’s interiors because of its striking art pieces.
It has five (5) private dining rooms, ideal for intimate Chinese gatherings.
It’s open daily for lunch and dinner. I can’t wait to get a taste of Red Lantern!
SOLAIRE RESORT’S CASUAL RESTAURANTS
FRESH International Buffet
FRESH is Solaire’s answer to Spiral by using only the freshest ingredients (no frozen food) with its well curated selection just like Impressions having a more extensive Asian selection of Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino cuisine.
They serve international buffet daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The resto is open 24 hours and serves ala carte in between buffet offerings.
One of the best items in the lunch buffet is the fresh sweet chunks of lobster meat with suha slices.
They still need to tweak the offerings specially for the Chinese section in the Fresh Lunch buffet which was a disappointment in terms of quality.
LUCKY NOODLES
This is the 24- hour noodle house serving the best Asian comfort food and home-made noodles to give any gamer luck throughout his stay.
DRAGON BAR
Dragon bar is the laid-back luxury lounge with a Crystal Dragon centerpiece for luck and an extensive selection of cocktails.
Try Solaire’s signature cocktails like Eastern Delight with fruity sweet mocktail created by their in-house mixologist.
If you are about to go, try Cashing Out cocktail drink for that strong alcoholic kick as your last hurrah.
Cashing Out is made from Luxardo, Chartreuse liqueur, Hendrick’s gin and Calamansi juice.
ECLIPSE BAR
Eclipse is another 24- hour bar with innovative cocktail list and lovely ladies 🙂
The bar lounge faces the stage that provides live entertainment nightly.
(Honestly, the Bar 360 of Resorts World seems to be a lot better in terms of look and design)
LAS VEGAS QUALITY CASINO
Here is a look at the Grand Lobby of Solaire Resort.
High-definition quality displays at the gaming machines.
Beautiful and Brand New Slot Machines.
Nothing but the best Gold Slot Machines for the VIPs!
195 tables for your favorite games like Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, Pontoon, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, Casino War, Sic Bo, and Money Wheel
100% of the gaming furnitures are imported from the best specialized casino furniture suppliers.
The Gaming Lounge for the Premium Tables with 39 gaming tables and members-only bar.
Junket Operator VIP Rooms with a total of 61 VIP gaming tables.
The most premium tables are the private table with its one room facing the Manila Bay sunset!
The biggest selling point at Solaire is the magnificent view of Manila’s Sunset!
Overall, it’s not hard to be impressed at the Grand Vision of Gaming and Dining Excellence that were executed beautifully by the Solaire Resort Team. This elevates not only the gaming standards in Manila but also the fine dining scene in Manila — and soon in the next Phase 1a: the entertainment standards in Manila.
You’ll be proud that you’re a Filipino, living in the best time to be in Manila, as the Philippines grows into a developed country.
Congratulations to the Solaire Team for this world class Casino and Resort that shouts the Philippines has now arrived in the world’s gaming and lifestyle scene!
SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO
1 Solaire Boulevard, Entertainment City, Manila
Telephone: +632 888-8888
Website: www.SolaireResort.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolaireResort
Twitter: @SolaireResort
Instagram: @SolaireResort
SOLAIRE RESORT: The Game is About to Change Series
- SOLAIRE RESORT: Finally, The Game is Indeed About to Change in Manila!
- FINESTRA: The Finest Taste of Italy in Manila! @SolaireResort
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If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.
Full Disclosure: Our Solaire preview was courtesy of Solaire Resort Team. I wrote this blog post myself, and it expresses my own opinions. We only feature awesome experiences in the blog.
I have no business relationship with any company mentioned in this post or any organization promoting it. As a policy, I don’t receive compensation from food and travel places we feature in the blog.
P.S. Kids are allowed in the hallways leading to the restaurants but not in the gaming floor. Cameras are not allowed in the gaming floor.
P.P.S. With the Casino-fication of Manila, we also need to promote Responsible Gaming and Rehabilitation Programs, and increase awareness on the bad effects of Casinos in Manila.
P.P.P.S. Here is how to get to Solaire Resort via Mall of Asia or via Aseana Avenue.
I noticed that there is not one Filipino chef in the list you provided above. It’s quite sad that despite the fact that a Filipino has won “Top Chef” and we’ve got several highly regarded chefs here, the Pinoy chef is still underappreciated in our own country. As for the cuisine, did you notice any Filipino dishes in restaurants there? I hope that foreigners can get a taste of really good Filipino dishes during their stay at the resort.
Hi. It’s Gerald Savigny not Savignuy. 🙂 He used to be my professor in Enderun COlleges until he left to work for Solaire. He looks thin in the photo. Is working in Solaire stressful? lol
Just saw this now … Anton was actually foretelling!👏
In 2014, Gerald and I (Christine Uy Savigny) married
Therefore, Savigny + Uy = SavignUY isn’t that misspelled anymore😊
Gerald Savigny and I now run our own wellness called Masseusie by Gerald Savigny
Hope you can support us in this new Endeavour 🙏
Hugs and kisses… Gerald & Christine Uy Savigny
Just saw this post now… Anton was actually foretelling
Gerald Savigny and I (Christine Uy Savigny) married in 2014
Therefore : Savigny + Uy = SavignUy 😊
Gerald Savigny is now into wellness and is a certified Reiki masseuse
Hope you can support him in his new endeavour!
Well from what I read they’ll be offering some Pinoy dishes at the buffet. It would’ve been better if there was a Filipino fine dining restaurant though.
@chesca – thanks for the correction!
You mentioned that Mr. Enrique Razon is a major partner in this project, he’s is not listed in the Management Team as mentioned in your article. In what capacity does he contribute in the management of Solaire or does one of his companies does it for him?
@Jose – Enrique Razon is the owner and the management team is provided in partnership with GGAM.
for a casino, first time for me to see gaming tables overlooking windows.
Boo effing hoo, they didn’t hire a Filipino chef. What these faux-patriots need is a good Philippine flag shoved up their arse. So some shmuck won some reality show. Who gives a hoot, honestly?
In other news, daaaamn that place looks tacky. Proving SM can have all the money in the world, but zero taste and class.
Not a good place if you are allowing children in the premises where they can see gambling activities. What a good way to corrupt young minds! Just for the MONEY! You are ready to sell your soul!
Solaire’s security head named Rudinel is an asshole and jerk! And some of your security guards as well! Why don’t you put name tags on all your dogs there so we can point out who are the rabied ones!!! Enrique Razon, why don’t you get personnel who will treat your customers(players/guests) with proper dignity and respect!!!
Winning in solaire is very hard unlike in other casinos. Daaam! You win some today and the next day you come back you lose 5x!
I never thought that if u win and claim ur price solaire will look for a problem so they will not give u your winning price instead they will offer u something that un acceptable offer or it will take too long ..i won the 4 digit lotto last nov 11 but until now they dont give my winning price ….they will just tell you to wait 24 to 48hrs then after the long wait another waiting and as of now i dont receive any email or update for my winning price ….anyone who can help me so i can get my price