Content Writer: Janice Chew • Friday, 25/11/2025 - 22:28:55 - PM
Universal Entertainment Corp (UEC), the parent company of Okada Manila in the Philippines, is banking on a two-pronged strategy—hotel room renovations and the return of veteran marketing executive Shirley Tam—to reverse declining fortunes at the resort. UEC’s results for the nine months to 30 September show net sales of JPY 95.6 billion and a narrowed net loss of JPY 10.6 billion, nearly half what it was in the previous comparable period.
The resort itself experienced sharper headwinds: Okada Manila posted net sales of JPY 50.6 billion (down 16.9% year-on-year) and an adjusted EBITDA of JPY 9.93 billion (down 31.7%). Operating loss stood at JPY 3.01 billion. UEC attributed the slump to regulatory impacts, reduced VIP and mass market gaming volumes in the Philippines, and even adverse weather affecting hotel and F&B segments.
In response, UEC highlighted that Shirley Tam rejoined Okada Manila in September as Executive VP of Casino Marketing, bringing significant industry experience in premium and mass-market gaming in Asia. Her mandate includes bolstering marketing capabilities, implementing more targeted seasonal gaming promotions, and aligning customer-segmentation strategies. Concurrently, the Pearl Wing guest rooms at Okada Manila are undergoing renovation, with UEC expecting to roll out the upgraded rooms before the holiday season to enhance non-gaming appeal and guest experience.
Despite these efforts, analysts note that the turnaround will require more than just leadership and room upgrades—the broader market context remains challenging. The Philippines integrated resort segment is coping with weaker VIP volumes, increasing competition, and macro pressures such as inbound travel fluctuations. UEC emphasised a broader strategy of strengthening both gaming and non-gaming operations to drive recovery, suggesting that timing and execution will be key to translating initiatives into sustainable improvement.