It is a great privilege to steer City of Dreams Manila’s growth and maintain its position not only as a premier integrated resort with impressive facilities, but one deeply committed to weaving luxury with sustainability.
We aim to be a carbon neutral and zero waste resort by 2030, in line with the sustainability strategy of our parent company Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, to rise “Above & Beyond” towards a greener future, as defined by our chairman and chief executive officer Lawrence Ho.
We are proud that City of Dreams Manila was selected as one of just three finalists among many entries for Forbes Travel Guide’s 2023 Responsible Hospitality Award, a recognition that the global authority on luxury hospitality awards to Forbes-rated establishments for outstanding level of commitment to sustainable practices at the luxury level. Earlier on, we have been inspired by the 2022-2024 ASEAN Green Hotel award presented to our three Forbes-rated hotels: Nuwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila.
Our various green awards are a result of our numerous eco-efficient initiatives, among these: being the first integrated resort in the country to harness and invest in P76-million solar energy; installing onsite a US$370K glass bottling and water filtration system which helped us to eliminate 11.6M single-use-plastic bottles and plastic consumables in 2022 throughout the property, successfully diverting these away from landfills.
Sustainability
Our own herb garden and a vermicomposting facility contribute to a circular and regenerative system. We procure 89 percent from local small-medium entrepreneurs whose sustainability vision aligns with ours. We serve 100 percent Philippines coffee, roasted and blended onsite. I have only high praise for our tireless and dynamic Sustainability Committee composed of colleagues from various departments, who are passionate towards achieving the 2030 goals.
Anchored on our commitment to also innovate and expand our more than 20 exemplary dining options — which are headlined by Nobu Manila of the premier lifestyle brand popularized by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the award-winning Crystal Dragon and the modern Filipino restaurant Haliya — we recently welcomed the legendary Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill by Wolfgang Zwiener, in our roster of remarkable and diverse dining outlets on property, with more in the offing.
As we ramp up sustainable luxury throughout the property, our mission is to also create exceptional guest experiences and a safe and responsible gaming environment for our patrons. City of Dreams Manila, as a property of Melco which is the first and only integrated resort operator in the world to be recognized by RG Check, is also the first IR in the country to be recognized by the world’s gold standard and most comprehensive responsible gaming accreditation program.
We are humbled by the recognitions we have received in various areas of our operations. We are excited about the opportunities to further delight our stakeholders. We stay committed to propel responsible initiatives that will redound to the benefit of community, the growth of our company and the industry in general.
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Geoff Andres is the property president of City of Dreams Manila. He also leads the resort’s sustainability program.