The highly anticipated opening of the $1 billion Westside City integrated resort in Parañaque City, Manila, Philippines, has been postponed once again. Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc. announced in a regulatory filing that the new target for completing and launching the main casino is the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, rather than the previously expected December 2025 opening. This delay is attributed to an ongoing review of construction plans, which has pushed the timeline back.

Construction progress and ongoing works:

According to Suntrust, the delay is based on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.-approved Project Implementation Plan, which now sets the revised timeline. “Currently, Suntrust is in the process of reviewing plans and actual construction status, which may impact its previous launch estimate of December 2025,” the company explained in its filing. As a result of the postponed launch, Suntrust has acknowledged the expected deferral of revenue generation linked to the project’s completion.

As of the end of March 2025, Suntrust reported significant progress on the construction of Westside City. The structural work and major façade system of the casino have been completed up to the roof level. Additionally, the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems in the major plant rooms have been substantially finished, with testing and commissioning already underway for some portions.

While these essential works are progressing, the company highlighted that architectural, builder, and fit-out works continue to be undertaken. External civil works, landscaping, and defect checking in several back-of-house areas have also started. The next phase of the project will involve finalizing these remaining elements to ensure the resort meets its ambitious vision.

According to Business World, once completed, Westside City will boast 475 luxury hotel rooms and suites, alongside a variety of premium facilities including a pool deck, spa, wellness center, and a grand ballroom. The resort is also designed to feature entertainment venues, such as theaters and a grand opera house, with immersive cultural showcases set to enrich the guest experience. A dedicated mall with food and beverage outlets, retail units, and four cinemas is also part of the expansive development. A parking facility capable of accommodating more than 1,000 vehicles will further enhance the resort’s accessibility.

The casino itself will feature a vast array of gaming options, with 281 gaming tables, 1,126 slot machines, and 134 electronic table games available to cater to both mass-market players and VIP customers. The resort is strategically located within Parañaque’s Entertainment City, an area already home to high-end integrated resorts like Okada ManilaSolaire Resort, and City of Dreams Manila.

Suntrust’s financial position and expectations:

Suntrust has also provided a financial update, indicating a 67.1% reduction in its net loss for the first quarter of 2025. The company posted a net loss of PHP 84.33 million ($1.5 million), down from PHP 256.10 million ($4.7 million) a year earlier. This reduction was driven by a foreign exchange gain. Despite the progress, Suntrust’s expenses surged by 51% year-on-year, reaching PHP 205.31 million ($3.7 million), while the company’s total liabilities rose to PHP 46.49 billion ($836 million).

While the delay in the Westside City casino’s opening has caused a setback, Suntrust remains confident in the long-term success of the project. The project’s strategic location in Entertainment City, combined with its luxury offerings and the increasing tourism demand in the region, is expected to significantly bolster Suntrust’s position once the integrated resort is fully operational.

As the project is further delayed, Suntrust anticipates that the postponement will defer its expected revenue generation. The company, however, continues to work diligently toward completing the development of Westside City, with the opening now planned for the third quarter of 2026.

Despite the financial challenges and delays, the long-term outlook for the integrated resort remains positive, and Suntrust is optimistic that the project will eventually contribute to the growth of both its revenue and the broader Philippine tourism industry.