Samal Casino Resort Reopening Confirmed
Several reports have surfaced recently confirming the reopening of the Samal Casino Resort, as was suggested in a previous article last May. This new information comes from a meeting in early August attended by a senior official of Ekran Berhard, the owners of the resort.
There appears to be some conflicting information regarding whether the resort casino is due to reopen later this year or if they are set to address the reopening at that time. Given that the resort has been closed since 2000, unless there has been active work ongoing, I’d say it’s unlikely that the resort could be ready to resume operation in that time frame.
“As a result of the meeting, we are putting back on track the Samal Casino Resort. This is an indication of the sound business environment in Mindanao and across borders.There is now an opportunity to reconnect in the south,” said Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on Mindanao and the Philippines Signing Minister for the BIMP-EAGA.
Dureza, along with Samal Mayor Aniano Antalan, Tourism under-secretary Oscar Palabyab and Davao Del Norte Congressman Anton Lagdameo, met with Ekran Bhd officials in Brunei to discuss and agree on the arrangements to facilitate the re-opening of the resort.
Ekran Berhard officials also said they are working on the revival of the Davao-Kota Kinabalu air link in partnership with Malaysia Airlines which used to ply the route in the 90s. The air link was discontinued due to low passenger loads.
I personally would be surprised if there is enough passenger demand for a DVO-KK air linkage. A year or two ago, they tried to revive the DVO-Manado route and it died a quick death. I doubt a route to KK would last much longer.
Hi Bob – I don’t have any idea of the potential usage from that area (I’m not even familiar with the area), so I appreciate your insight. I do believe that DVO has some direct flights to Singapore, but the last I heard those were cut way back, too.
Personally the whole resort casino reopening seems very optimistic, but I don’t have the on hand knowledge to say for sure.
even when it first opened, ekran didn’t receive good word of mouth from the locals whove visited it. word was the design of the resort was not as appealing as the other resorts. too modern, too much cement etc. to be fair, i have not seen the resort. i decided to skip it because of what others have told me about it.
hopefully, with this new development will allow an exciting makeover. i look forward to seeing what design they will have in place when this opens. hopefully, nothing out of place.
Hi Macky – from what I gather this resort casino has always been fairly controversial in one way or another.
I haven’t found any photos of it at all, other than the one of the sign that you provided. Information has been kind of sketchy, but it sounds like it will only get a remodel, not a complete make over.
im glad that i read and heard that samal casino will reopen. Actually im one of the pioneer of that company / resort way back september 1997 time of ex president fidel ramos i remember when soft opening or dry run he was our guest speaker my position there was an income auditor i wish that plan could be push through gudluck and more power
Hi Rodolfo – I haven’t heard anything more about the latest status of this reopening. It was supposed to happen by the end of last year. Maybe one of the locals there can confirm if it took place, but I suspect it will be in the news once it does get back up and running.
i just want to ask if samal casino resort will re open can i apply again? and how since im here in manila
regards to sir ernie alama he’s the one who gave me an advise regarding my problem in my department hehehe and to all my co employee ( 1st batch / poneering ) and to my night auditor i forgot his name na my email ad is joyjoson2004(at)yahoo.com