Hong Kong Casino Giant Melco May Partner with Henry Sy Jr.

News broke today that casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (MPEL) is exploring options to open a casino in the Philippines. The company is said to be partnering on a billion-dollar casino resort in Manilla, the capital city. The latest rumors have Melco partnering with the Philippines’ richest man Henry Sy Jr. The deal would see a 50-50 joint venture between the casino, hotels, and entertainment available at the property.

The city, which had 1.7 million people as of 2010, is the second most populous city in the nation. The Philippines are hoping to turn a portion of the Manilla region into a gaming area similar to the Las Vegas strip.

Read more at Seeking Alpha

Photo by paomont at Flickr.com

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Miss Philippines Tops Online Votes in Miss Universe 2010

Preliminary judges have already selected the Top 15 candidates for the 2010 Miss Universe beauty contest now being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The 83 contestants were ranked based on evening gown and swimsuit, during a two-hour presentation at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Early favorites who got the loudest cheers from the audience were the candidates from Philippines, Haiti, Canada, Australia, USA, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj tops the online votes.

Go to AllVoices to read more.

Photo from annalyn at Flickr