The first bars of the song were unmistakably familiar “Kay sarap ng may minamahal…” he then stopped, a realization seem to have hit him.  Rey Valera was in the middle of PAGCOR-Hyatt’s stage, facing a packed main gaming floor, hypnotized by his guitar.  He told them “Dati po pag sinisimulan ko ang kantang ito, nagtitiliian na ang mga babae, nagsisigawan na ang mga tao” He then went to plead “parang awa nyo na po, pumalakpak naman kayo!”  The crowd rioted into an outburst of support.  The people that showed up for this bi-monthly show are enough proof that the beauty of his songs remains undiminished though the intensity of fame’s illusion may have wavered.  Rey Valera still deserves a spotlight, a stage, and a microphone. (continue reading…)

photos and text: DAAguilar

Buddha and the Fortune Tree

Following the Lunisolar calendar, Chinese New Year coincidentally fell on Valentine’s day. PAGCOR-Hyatt took this rare synergy of luck and love to show appreciation and share good fortunes to its patrons with a series of activities that is traditional as it is fun. It was a very well received Lunar New Year celebration met with a crowd that could easily rival the latest movie box office hit that filled up PAGCOR-Hyatt’s gaming floors. Everyone watched in awe as the traditional dragon dance paraded the aisles the casino with the booming drum beats believed to drive away bad spirits and negative energy.

Fortune seekers made a beeline for the fortune tellers booth set up near the stage. Customers gamely participated in foreseeing what could be in-store for them this year of the metal tiger thru the guidance of the “mediums” with “on-the-house” fortune telling sessions. (continue reading…)

When Pagcor-Hyatt Branch Manager Basil M. Pernia was in Las Vegas, he visited the Bally’s Casino. While roaming around the place, he saw a crowded portion that caught his attention. Everybody seemed to be having so much fun, as if there was a party going on.

It was the “Party Pit,” one area in the casino that features dancing dealers wearing colorful attires. Drinks and cocktails were served on the house.

BM Pernia thought it was a brilliant marketing so when he went back, he proposed the idea to PAGCOR-Hyatt General Manager Alexander I. Bettita, Jr. A committee was immediately created to start the ball rolling.

The “Party Pit” featuring dancing dealers was finally launched in PAGCOR-Hyatt last October 12, 2009 in area five of the Gaming Area. It now happens twice a month and their last for this year would be on December 28. Thirteen dealers, two pit supervisors and one pit manager are involved in this operation in an eight-hour shift from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The casino marketing office headed by Lovicar Wood took charge of the promotions and provided the dealers with colorful uniforms.

In the words of BM Pernia, “So far, so good!”

“The area contributes to the income of the branch and the customers are really enjoying and looking forward to this pleasurable event,” he said.

The dealers are also enjoying their stint. According to them, even though they are not given their regular break time, they are having fun because they get more tips and can get rid of the more serious dealing procedures. In the “Party Pit,” the managers allow fancy styles of dealing.

The “Party Pit” includes dance performances from the dealers. At first, they were asked to perform only in the beginning, middle and end part of the shift but often, due to many requests from the customers, they perform more than three times.

It is true that because of the stiff competition nowadays, casinos have to look for creative and fun ways to keep the customers coming. With promotions like the “Party Pit,” PAGCOR-Hyatt continues to bring in the numbers and ensures that it will always reach its income targets.