International Entertainment Corporation has signed a new construction contract worth PHP566.95 million ($9.23 million) to continue renovation and expansion works at its New Coast Hotel Manila integrated hotel and casino complex, as the company pushes ahead with a broader multi-billion-dollar redevelopment plan tied to its Philippine casino operations.
According to a filing submitted Thursday to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, New Coast Leisure Inc. (NCLI), entered into the 2026 Hotel Construction Contract with local contractor Kimberland Construction Inc. on May 28th, 2026. The works form part of an ongoing renovation and modernization program for the hotel and casino complex.
The latest contract covers façade lighting, installation of an LED screen for the Pedro Gil canopy, exterior glass replacement, landscaping works, and upgrades to guest rooms and common areas, including ceilings, flooring, plumbing, electrical, fire protection and air-conditioning systems. The works are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
International Entertainment said the refurbishment program is aimed at improving the appearance, facilities and overall customer experience at both the hotel and casino.
“The series of renovation works created additional gaming space within the Casino, enabling the accommodation of more gaming tables as well as additional slot machines,” the company said.
“The refurbishment has enhanced the overall appearance, environment and facilities of the Casino, thereby making it more appealing to customers and adding further attractions to improve their experience. The New Construction Works will further enhance and upgrade the Hotel and will improve the future revenue of the Casino and the Hotel.”
The filing follows earlier renovation contracts signed in February 2025 and May 2025 worth PHP1.47 billion ($23.93 million) and PHP1.05 billion ($17.14 million), respectively. Combined with the latest contract, International Entertainment has now committed around PHP3.09 billion ($50.3 million) to renovation and construction works at the property over the past 15 months.
In February 2025, the company said the renovation works could expand gaming capacity from around 80 gaming tables to more than 110, while slot machine capacity could increase from about 500 units to more than 920.
The New Coast Hotel Manila casino, branded as “LaVie Resort & Casino Manila,” commenced operations in May 2024 after the company secured a provisional gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in 2023. Under the license terms, International Entertainment committed to invest between $1 billion and $1.2 billion into the casino and hotel development.
The expansion comes as Philippine online gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. moves to acquire International Entertainment through a HK$1.6 billion ($204.3 million) convertible notes deal announced earlier this year. The first tranche of the transaction was completed in March 2026.
As previously reported by AGB, DigiPlus is also exploring a possible acquisition of the nearby Diamond Hotel Philippines, a move that could allow the company to consolidate a larger integrated resort footprint along Manila Bay.
