Mr. Duk Shin Park (a.k.a. David Park) is the President of Parthenon Inc., Philippines, Subic Foreign Language Center, Inc., Philippines and Metel Inc., Korea. He is also the Director of Poogok Leisure International Corporation in Korea since 2003.

A Korean national as he is, Mr. Park traces how the Philippines became a part of his childhood – and his life. As a youngster, he recounts how often his father would remind him to go to Philippines. The older Park had been drafted as a soldier in World War II, and like any Korean then under the Imperial government of Japan, was forced to fight for the Japanese. While deployed in the Philippines, the senior Park could not bring himself to kill for a war that wasn’t his. It was then that he decided to abandon his command, and with the help of a Filipino farmer, was kept hidden whenever Japanese troops were around. For three long months, he was fed and kept safe in the bosom of that kind-hearted but brave Filipino family.

At the end of the war, his father – who could not forget the farmer’s generosity – vowed that he could return the valiant gesture. He described his mission as “Debt to return,”. His first visit to Manila to search for the farmer was unfortunately unsuccessful; there was a little data that was preserved and the search became futile.

Mr. Park and his crew of Korean managers and partners opened Casino Parthenon last March 31, 2006. Named after the best-known surviving building of Ancient Greece, CP is open 24/7. “We are hard working. CP is open 365 days a year,” he beams. Housed on the first floor of Hotel Philippine Plaza, it offers a good view scenic Manila Bay while being within easy reach of historic landmarks in Metro Manila including Intramuros ruins.

He is at the helm at Casino Parthenon, being president and CEO of Parthenon, a Korean based gaming firm; his son Brian is a director. He believes that constructing CP, he gets to lend a helping hand in building a stronger Philippine economy. By encouraging the travel of more Korean as well as Chinese tourists to the Philippines, he is optimistic that his family’s debt of gratitude has been returned.

He works in close coordination with travel and tour companies as well as airline operators to bring in Asian tourists to the Philippines. Brian explains, “Casino Parthenon is a foreign junket casino. It is the only junket casino approved and licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Tourists will visit, play and spent\d in the Philippines. The Hotel’s opulent ambience coupled with its quality service and foods lend a luxurious backdrop that compliments the casino’s unique décor style.”

Parthenon Inc., Philippines

Parthenon Inc. was established in 2003 by Mr. Duk Shin Park and his Filipino and Korean partners to develop and operate various types of resort and entertainment facilities in the Philippines. It is backed up by Poogok Ltd, a Korean Corporation specializing in the development of housing compounds and resort facilities in Korea.

On 31 March 2006, Parthenon Inc. opened Casino Parthenon on the 1st floor of Sofitel Philippine Plaza duly approved and being operated by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Sofitel Philippine Plaza is a newly renovated landmark 5-Star Hotel in a tropical resort setting along the famed Manila Bay managed by the world renowned ACCOR Group of France. It is Manila’s only business-convention hotel strategically located as an integral part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and a 15-minute drive from the international and domestic airports.

Casino Parthenon is a Junket Casino exclusive for foreign guests only, elegantly furbished in Greek interior design on a 1500 square meters floor area occupying one whole wing of the 1st floor of Sofitel Philippine Plaza at CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. It has 16 gaming tables (2 Big Baccarat, 4 Midi Baccarat, 6 Mini Baccarat, 2 Black Jack and 1 Roulette) and an exclusive salon privee for very VIP players.

The Casino is open 24 hours operated by the well-mannered and friendly dealers from PAGCOR with excellent foods from multi-cuisine kitchens of the hotel and a great variety of liquor and beverage from bar station inside the gaming area. Just relax and enjoy the game of good luck.                                                                                                     « back