First entrance out of Macau: The Philippines Melco Crown, in partnership with the richest Filipino national, Henry Sy, is set to open its City of Dreams Manila resort later this year. This initial $1.3 billion investment indicates confidence that Manila will become one of the future gambling and resort hubs of Asia and the world. While Singapore represents a premier developed market, the Philippines will be another bet on a developing region within Asia supported by huge populations of mass-market gamers.