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New Cathay Pacific Lounge Is The First Of Its Kind In The Philippines

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The new Cathay Pacific  lounge in Terminal 3 of Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has elicited only happy, reactions on social media, with the common denominator being a grateful "Finally!" "I'm super impressed with the brand new Cathay Pacific business lounge!" declared Asian Development Bank (ADB) executive Antonio Ressano. Meanwhile, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu wrote on his Instagram, "Finally! A real airline lounge in our airport! Well done Cathay Pacific, hope this sets the standard for other airlines to follow!"

While frequent fliers may be familiar with the airline's facilities and services,  especially in its Hong Kong Kong hub where they are spoiled for choice, with lounge options ranging from The Wing, The Pier, The Cabin, The Bridge and The Arrival, citizens and visitors to the Philippines are well aware that save for the national carrier of Philippine Airlines, most lounges in the country are shared facilities, and the airport itself is a constant work in progress. (NAIA has earned the  the top spot on a list that no airport wants to be part of-- for three consecutive years! Thankfully, due to some improvements, it has moved down to the #4 slot.)

Therefore the birth of the new Cathay lounge, opened only last May 9, 2015, is light at the end of the tunnel-- a symbol of hope and the fruition of progress. Designed by London-based Studioilse, the 650 sqm. space was intended for First and Business Class passengers to relax before a flight. Made to feel like a living room, warm, natural materials like wood and stone were used, and natural sunlight is encouraged to filter through the windows. Cherry wood walls and a limestone floor are framed with details such as glazed screens, green ceramic tiles, bronze highlights and touches of brass. Bespoke chairs and side tables with in-built lamps and sockets were placed by the windows where passengers can enjoy the view of the airport runway.  The Bureau provides three individual workstations with dual operating system iMacs and printers. The extensive use of plants gives color and life to the space, while works by Philippine artists add an element of local culture. It is the second Cathay Pacific lounge after the Haneda Airport in Tokyo that uses the new Studiolise design template.

As for food and beverage, the signature Noodle Bar offers a selection of Asian noodles, including dan dan mien and wonton noodle soup, and dimsum, freshly prepared by a chef. During the  morning hours until 11:00am, Filipino breakfast is served. At The Bar, passengers can enjoy tapas, desserts, cocktails and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. (Their champagne on hand is Piper Heidsieck, similar to what is served in Hong Kong, and this is the first time in my life I've been served champagne in an airline lounge in the Philippines).

As businessman Kelvin Gaisano said, "Now we finally have a reason to come to the airport early!"

The new Cathay Pacific Lounge is located at Level 4, near Gate 114 at NAIA Terminal 3

 

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