CLARK FREEPORT—Filipino and Taiwanese investors are pouring in at least P4 billion for the Midori Clark Hotel and Casino.
It is regarded as the first five-star hotel in Pampanga and Central Luzon.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico described the Midori as “excellent,” shortly after he toured the hotel and its facilities during its soft opening on July 1.
“We really need lots of hotel rooms in the region. It has been the desire of our superiors at the DOT,” Tiotuico said. He added that there are 12,000 hotel rooms in Central Luzon, most of which are in Pampanga, Angeles City, City of San Fernando and Clark.
Ireneo G. Alvaro Jr. of Medal Consortium, Marquez Mercado of Imerex Group and the Taiwanese investors, led by Jack Yang, led the soft opening of their 111-room hotel at the 2-hectare lot on Kalayaan Street and CM Recto Avenue. The entertainment and leisure complex is owned by the BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp.
“Midori is another gem that makes Clark shine brightly. Its opening will enable the free port to host more visitors and tourists. We believe they would be impressed with its amenities and features that make up for a five-star rating,” said Noel G. Tulabut, manager of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Communications Department Office.
Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Mayor Marino P. Morales said, “Midori truly makes Clark a world-class destination.” He attended the simple ceremony for the soft opening.
Morales also hailed the Midori for providing 1,400 jobs, adding that “there will be many more work opportunities when the complex is operating full blast.”
At least 50 rooms are now open, Alvaro said, adding the full-blast opening will be during the last quarter of 2016.
“When I presented to Clark officials our project years ago, they could not really believe it, because we wanted to redefine the entertainment and hospitality business at the free port,” Alvaro said. “Now, it’s here, and we were true to our commitment.”
Alvaro said they are constructing a second hotel facility in the same area. It will have at least 208 rooms. The casino was opened in April.
“We introduce unique concepts, like Aristrocat’s Behemoth machine in the casino, a first in Asia. Aristocrat is the Mercedes-Benz of casinos and we have it here in Midori. It’s unique as they don’t have it in Macau and Hong Kong. Only in Midori,” Alvaro said in a statement.
“We are strong in junket tours, but our casino is for all,” he said.
Alvaro said the Midori “takes recreation and lifestyle to a higher level” with its spacious and cozy rooms. Among the rooms are the Penthouse Suite (146.1 square meters) and the exquisitely designed Presidential Suite (366.7 sq m). The Presidential Suite is provided with a separate living room, audio-visual room, bar, kitchen and dining room for personal refreshments, family gatherings or get-togethers with friends, he added.
The facilities for food and drinks are the Toscana Dining for international cuisine; Baccus Lounge for fine dining with a view and live bands performing; Baci Bar by the pool; Café Midori for coffee or tea; and Cigar Maduro for excellent wines and cigar collections.
The hotel has a grand ballroom called Festa Hall, which can accommodate 400 guests. It also has KTV clubs, mahjong rooms, a fitness center, a swimming pool and a spa center.