Unlike our richer neighbors, Tokyo and Hong Kong, it isn’t very often that a huge celebrity like Robert De Niro will come to the Philippines. But since 2014, he has been to Manila twice. First to announce the opening of Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams Manila, and last Monday to officially open it.
On the ‘purple carpet’ were (L-R) Hollywood Film Producer and Nobu partner, Meir Teper, Melco Crown Entertainment Co-Chairman James Packer, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Melco Crown Entertainment Co-Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho, Mr. Robert De Niro, and Chief Executive of Nobu Hospitality Trevor Horwell.
Ribbon cutting was followed by a press conference
In the evening he was back again for a more formal event and gala dinner with VIPs and special guests from government and the private sector. Sam Oh worked the purple carpet
While Robby Carmona worked on everything else
Hip hop artist apl.de.ap was there to perform
Cousin Candy Dizon arrived
Then at 7 PM, Nobu Hotel formally opened to the beat of traditional drums and a shower of gold confetti.
The ceremonial breaking of the sake barrel lid was led by Chef Nobu and Robert DeNiro, who came with his wife Grace Hightower. Watch how it went:
The 321-room Nobu Hotel is one of three hotels in City of Dreams Manila, along with the Crown and Hyatt hotels.
Besides its luxury accommodations, the hotel also has Nobu Restaurant, which features the high-end Peruvian- Japanese-fusion cuisine of Chef Matsuhisa.
When the first Nobu Hotel opened in Ceasar’s Palace, Las Vegas in 2013, it was named one of CNN Travel’s hottest new hotels.
Aside from Manila, Nobu Hospitality is expected to open luxury hotels in Chicago, Bahrain, Miami, Riyadh, London and Los Cabos, Mexico.