The transformation project of Las Piñas City, spearheaded by Manuel Villar Jr., is being hailed as a major milestone in reshaping the tourism and entertainment industry in the Philippines. The project is being led by Vertex Entertainment and Resorts Corp. , a subsidiary of Villar Group , and is being developed as part of Villar City, which spans Metro Manila and neighboring areas in the Philippines.
Project Overview and Objectives
Phase 1 is targeted for completion by 2025 and will cover an area of 8.7 hectares . The integrated resort will feature a mix of luxury hotels, casinos, commercial facilities, and cultural and sports venues. Through this project, Villar Group aims to develop Las Piñas into the entertainment hub of southern Metro Manila .
Key development elements include:
Casino : With an area of 18,300㎡, it offers a differentiated experience with premium membership programs, weekly and quarterly prize events, and performances by famous celebrities.
Shopping Mall : The 21,000-square-foot retail space will feature luxury brands and themed stores.
Restaurants : A variety of food and beverage outlets are available, offering international cuisine and local specialties.
Hotels : There are four hotels with a total of over 800 rooms, each offering comfort and sophisticated service.
Performance and Event Space : The 5,800-square-foot performance hall will host sporting events, concerts, and cultural exhibitions.
Local economic and social impact
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost local commerce and tourism. Villar Group said the development will improve the quality of life for Las Piñas residents and increase tax revenue for the city government.
In particular, taking advantage of its proximity to Las Piñas’ historic landmark , the Bamboo Organ, the plan is to offer a tourism experience that combines tradition and modernity. This approach is a strategy to preserve the city’s heritage while maximizing its appeal as a tourist attraction.
Strategic location and outlook
The integrated resort is located on the C5 Road Extension in Global South Township , making it easily accessible and a major gateway connecting Metro Manila and Cavite. This will help Las Piñas attract domestic and international tourists, making it the new leisure destination of the Philippines .
The central figure of this development is Manuel Villar Jr. , a leading figure in the Philippine business community, who hopes to realize his vision through this project. His nephew , Carlo Aguilar, emphasized that the project will “transform Las Piñas into the new tourist destination in southern Metro Manila.” Aguilar added that the project will transform the city from a “sleepy little town to a vibrant metropolis.”
Specific plans and infrastructure for the development of Las Piñas
This integrated resort project aims to improve the infrastructure and harmonious development of the entire city beyond mere tourism facilities. The major road network connecting Las Piñas City and Cavite will be expanded, and accessibility along the C5 Road extension will also be improved. This road is an important transportation hub connecting the entire Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, which will make it more convenient for tourists and locals to move around in the future.
The Villar Group plans to position this resort as a core element of a smart city, rather than a simple leisure complex . To achieve this, it will build a smart infrastructure utilizing cutting-edge technologies and introduce energy-saving construction techniques. As part of its eco-friendly development , it will apply facilities using renewable energy and water-saving systems. With this, it aims to develop into a future city that pursues sustainable tourism and responds to climate change.
Preservation of cultural and historical heritage is also an important axis of the project. Las Piñas is home to the Bamboo Organ and the ancient cathedral, two of the Philippines’ most representative historical heritages, and the strategy is to harmoniously combine these traditional assets with modern development. The new entertainment venues and shopping malls will operate programs linked to these traditional attractions, allowing tourists to experience the history and culture of the area.
Economic ripple effects and job creation
The Las Piñas integrated resort project by Villar Group is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs , contributing significantly to the local economy. In particular, the tourism and service industries are expected to see significant growth, with new hiring in various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
In addition, the project aims to revitalize the local market by establishing a cooperative system with local small and medium-sized enterprises . The food and beverage outlets and shops within the resort will actively utilize local specialties and products, thereby revitalizing the local economy. In addition, it aims to attract large-scale conventions and international events to promote business tourism and develop Las Piñas into a representative business hub in the Philippines.
Innovation in tourism experience and global leap forward
Beyond simple tourism development, the Villar Group plans to provide a leisure and entertainment experience that meets global standards through this project. In particular, the casino will be designed to compete in the high-end casino industry both in and outside the Philippines, and will feature a premium membership program for VIP customers and various special events.
Additionally, the integrated resort’s performance hall and event space will regularly host sporting events, music festivals, and cultural events, offering a variety of programming year-round . This strategy is focused on attracting not only Filipino but also international tourists , with a particular focus on securing competitiveness in the Southeast Asian market.
This project by the Villar Group has the potential to change the landscape of the Philippine tourism and entertainment industry beyond simple real estate development. If Las Piñas can establish itself as a tourist destination where history and modern culture are in harmony, it will be a success story that will be noticed not only in the Philippines but also throughout Asia.
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