Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino to fully reopen by 2027

The Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino, formerly the Manila Pavilion Hotel, is on track to fully reopen by the first quarter of 2027 after undergoing extensive redevelopment following a devastating fire in 2018, operator Acesite (Phils) Hotel Corporation said in a regulatory filing.  

Acesite, a subsidiary of Waterfront Philippines Inc, which holds a 55.7% stake, announced a phased reopening plan beginning with a soft launch in early 2026.  

• Phase 1 (Q1 2026): Soft opening with the completion of public areas, including the lobby, food and beverage outlets, and the casino.  

• Phase 2 (Q3 2026): Introduction of guest amenities and additional facilities.

• Phase 3 (Q1 2027): Finalization of hotel rooms and general amenities, marking the full reopening.  

The Manila Pavilion Hotel was destroyed in March 2018 by a fire attributed to faulty electrical wiring, which claimed the lives of six employees of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).  

The redevelopment project retains the original structure of the 50-year-old building as a cost-saving measure. However, this decision brought unforeseen challenges, including the need to address damaged tendons, slab vibrations, and other structural issues, Acesite explained.  

"The additional reinforcements are critical to ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of all building occupants, including both guests and employees," the company stated.  

The project involved the discovery of damaged tendons that required replacement and reinforcement to ensure structural integrity. Additionally, slab replacements and extra framing were implemented to address issues related to vibrations and duct penetrations, enhancing the overall stability of the structure.

Controlled demolition was carried out meticulously to prevent any impact on adjacent structures. The team also sourced specialized materials and retrofitted the foundation of the aging building to accommodate modern standards and extend its lifespan.

Despite these difficulties, Acesite emphasized that safety and quality remain top priorities, resulting in a conservative timeline for the project.  

To mitigate delays, Acesite is reassessing requirements and exploring task sequencing to optimize the redevelopment schedule.  

"Unforeseen challenges... included technical difficulties, adjustments to the project scope, and logistical hurdles," the company noted, adding that the phased approach allows flexibility to address complexities as they arise.