City of Dreams Manila will probably always have a place in the local poker player’s heart.
Opening its door on December 14, 2014, The soft launching was well received.
The grand opening was held on February 2, 2015. It was graced with live performances from local and international acts such as Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ne-Yo, and Kelly Rowland.
To poker players, this was the home of Pokerstars Live Manila. The first International
Pokerstars Live Manila
To poker players, this was the home of Pokerstars Live Manila. The first poker room operated by an international brand. Pokerstars Live Manila was full on day one as there were hundreds of players eager to see the new casino and the poker room.
For many years, Pokerstars Live Manila brought international events that attracted a good number of foreign players. While also catering to the local market. One of the local poker pros started his career here.
But that was all in the past as PokerStars relocated and found a new home.
PokerKing?
Before the lockdown, there were rumors that PokerKing will operate a poker room at the City of dreams. There were even poker tables marked with the PokerKing brand that was on the second floor.
Charity during the Pandemic.
When the Philippines government ordered a lockdown to curb the growth of the coronavirus on March 15, 2020, All casinos had to close its door. With so many people starving due to the lack of work. The big casinos step up to help those who were suffering.
From providing food and rides to health workers to donating foods and money to those who are less fortunate. The casino stepped up to help those who are in need.
However, what stood out was the higher management of COD Manila took a pay cut in order to avoid cutting jobs.
Chartering flights for those stranded in their sister company in Macau. Charity begins at home and with your family. COD took that effort to help their employees and family to make sure they can survive together.
They stayed strong in spite of the crisis.
Re-opening
Pagcor has allowed gaming establishments to operate on a limited capacity. Safety protocols are enforced to ensure the safety of everyone.
Entering the establishment, you will be greeted with a number of healthy precautions. Alcohol dispensers are spread all around. The Security team are roaming around to make sure players follow protocols.
It may be inconvenient but it is for the safety of everyone. including yourself should someone sick enter the casino.
Christmas decorations are spread all around but conservatively. A sports betting station has just opened. but Alas, the tables marked with the Pokerking brand has been replaced now with baccarat tables.
The pandemic is still going on and poker is a social game. But we hope someday poker players can someday come again to COD Manila and play.
We love COD Manila as a venue and we hope to one day cover a poker event in COD again.
Hope to see you soon poker playas!
