(SPOT.ph) Weeks before the formal opening of the $1-billion-dollar City of Dreams Manila, exclusive VIP guests to the gala dinner received a golden egg-shaped invitation in a velvet-lined box.
The non-transferable invitation from gaming magnates Lawrence Ho, James Packer, and the board of directors of Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation welcomed 450 guests to the black-tie event at the casino and resort complex.
Some guests half-expected to see Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro with director Martin Scorsese at the event, since the three appeared in an ad campaign for the City of Dreams, and rumors had flown fast and thick that they would be there on opening night. But the rumors turned out to be just that, rumors.
The headliners for the big night turned out to be American R&B singer Ne-Yo, and Kelly Rowland, formerly of Destiny's Child. Others performers included Filipino singers Jed Madela and Zsa Zsa Padilla, with the program hosted by Daphne Oseña Paez.
But the highlight of the dinner was when Melco Crown executives announced they would be donating P10 million to the families of the 44 Special Action Forces policemen killed in Maguindanao last week.
The celebratory mood was complemented with lots of champagne and delicious food. Check out the dishes served at last night’s red carpet event.
Brittany lobster and French sturgeon caviar
Seared Hokkaido scallops topped with black truffles
Barbarie duck breast served with a large slab of a terrine of foie gras
For dessert, golden-egg filled with calamansi mousse and mango jelly
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PHOTOS: Ne-Yo and Kelly Rowland perform at City of Dreams grand opening