Okada Manila, Parañaque City- Mabuhay! I'm a Filipino, in my twenties from the Philippines! Oh! Still have that hangover from the very recent and fresh Miss Universe 2016 show? There are only two words I can say. Move on! Yeah! I know it hurts to see Miss Philippines didn't win. I know that many Filipinos are still jaded that back-to-back win didn't happen. Perhaps, it's too early for that and let's keep it a dream for now. Like what many of us say, "It's not always christmas!". Your effort and energy may not have paid off but there's still another year and another battle. So, be prepared!
It was last 1994 when Miss Universe held in the Philippines and the thirst for the crown that we felt last 2015 when Pia Wurtzbach won the title totally quenched too when Miss U organization announced that the show will be held in the country again. Filipinos really love beauty pageants and it's somewhat a world cup. It's always a pride to see a Filipina on stage confidently beautiful with a heart. It became more controversial when Steve Harvey, the host, announced the wrong winner last 2015. Luckily, the organization pushed him to host again. That switched from "It is too late to say I'm sorry" to "Give him a chance!". Honestly, he is really a funny host and he deserves a second chance.
Like many Filipinos I can say that I'm also a fan of beauty pageants. Since it only happens like once in a blue moon in the Philippines why not make it special. Why not watch in Okada Manila?
This talk of the town is one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, newest and one of the largest ultra-luxury integrated hotel-resorts in Asia. Surprisingly they opened live streaming to the public, so I went straight ahead to Mall of Asia with my teammate after our graveyard shift. It was roughly 7am, when we saw their luxury shuttle service patiently waited for those who would watch the show in style. You know what's great? Admission was free!
Welcome to Okada! It was only like a 10-15 minutes bus ride from Mall of Asia Arena where the Miss Universe 2016 held to Okada Manila. When we went out of the bus although this Manila's world-class casino resorts is not yet fully operational, its shining gold exterior will stuns you still.
It was my first to time to enter a casino. Perhaps, I'm afraid that this might push me to play the slot machine. Anyhow, that thought changed like a big cut because not only staffs were very nice and well-trained but the place was heavenly. From the y-shaped hotel with a gleaming exterior, a very relaxing plum color inside to a sunny yellow color of the lobby lounge. Everywhere you look is "speechless".
Okada Manila is a Japan-based casino and this beautiful cherry blossom painting will make you sick. Bring me to Japan, please?
Membership Enrollment Area
Lobby Lounge
These chandeliers will remind you of the iconic sunset of Manila Bay.
Great thing we were early and we got the perfect couch. We ordered like a clubhouse sandwich. Price was a bit expensive but very reasonable because of the place. (Sorry, I can't tell the price).
Now, back to Miss Universe! Exactly 8 am when the show started. Everything went smoothly, everyone was cheering for Miss Philippines then all of a sudden there was a technical issue. For roughly 20 minutes we were watching without a sound. Sadly, majority complained and had no choice but to continue watching on facebook live. The cheers heard again when the issue was fixed amid the announcement of Top 9. Thank goodness!
That Filipina beauty! When Miss Philippines Maxine Medina made it to Top 13.
It was more than 3 hours show full of suspense and excitement. Everybody felt like it was a ferris wheel ride. Different emotions like everyone was disappointed and a bit mad when Miss Philippines didn't win, when Miss Venezuela didn't make it to the top. We were sad when Miss Haiti didn't get the crown and happy though when Miss France announced as Miss Universe 2016. Miss Thailand was also a crowd favorite. One thing I will never forget and really moved me was Miss Kenya's very relatable answer when she made the Top 13.
She was asked how in the world did she get in the Miss Universe(beauty pageant). She answered it sincerely and with confidence that she was encouraged by her stepmother to chase with her dreams and pursue on what she loves. She even said to keep our hopes alive.
"Death gives meaning to life, to know that our days are numbered and our time is short. I live my life, I will always live my life like it's the last moment. And this moment right here, I will live to remember"- Miss Kenya Scarlet Were. This is just a close transcription of what she said. I almost cried I really felt her.
And the show has ended! The curtains have come down! After more than two decades Miss Universe made another history in the Philippines. Hopefully, it would not take so long to hold another show here.
And this would not have been possible without Okada Manila! Thanks for making this an extraordinary experience. To sum it up since I kept my feedback form I will just include it here.
Service is indeed extraordinary from free shuttle service(back and forth) and well-trained staffs. Ambience is top-notch! An extraordinary beauty like you wanna stay there forever. This is highly recommendable when you want to relax or have fun. No one wants to be left behind, I will surely go here again and discover extraordinary!
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