When the Mabuhay Lounge finally opened in November 2023, it ended a four-year wait for Philippine Airlines passengers at Manila’s Terminal 1. Since the carrier shifted part of its operations there in 2019, travellers had been relegated to the lacklustre PAGSS Lounge. Its arrival couldn’t have come at a better time, coinciding with the consolidation of all international flights under one roof. But now the question remains: does this new flagship stand tall against its regional rivals?

Lounge Access Requirements

All Philippine Airlines Business Class passengers enjoy complimentary lounge access. The privilege also extends to Mabuhay Miles Million Miler, Premium Elite, and Elite members, each entitled to bring a guest – though Million Milers are allowed two. In addition, passengers travelling in Economy Class can also purchase access, with more details available on the airline’s website.

Location

After clearing immigration and security, turn right toward the terminal’s west wing. If you’re connecting, as I was, you’ll emerge at the central fork between the two wings after transit security. Head in the direction of Gate 15, where a WH Smith store sits on the right.

Nearby, a modest sign points to the lounge on Level 4. Take the lift up one floor, but be warned – this area is easy to miss, especially when baggage screening for Australia-bound flights is underway, crowding the small lift lobby.

Mabuhay Lounge

On Level 4, the modern entrance to the Mabuhay Lounge is unmissable on the left; the artistic wood entrance already marks a notable shift in style from the ancient terminal. Inside, a lounge agent greeted me with a warm ‘mabuhay’. After scanning my boarding pass, I was welcomed in. On this visit, I had access as a Philippine Airlines Business Class passenger bound for Shanghai.

Lounge seating

Entering the lounge, the first seating area comes into view, featuring a mix of armchairs arranged in the familiar airline-lounge style and dining tables for four. The design here sets the tone for the rest of the space – contemporary and pleasant, with a palette of warm tones and light blues. It’s a colour scheme that will feel familiar to anyone who has flown on the airline’s flagship jets.

Behind the initial section lies the second seating area, occupying the lounge’s central space. The layout is similar, with the same mix of armchairs and dining chairs in a casual arrangement, complemented by counter seating that runs the length of the windows. This section also houses the lounge’s bar and shower facilities (covered in more detail below).

While the design isn’t especially exciting or premium, the space feels warm and comfortable. Well-padded seats make long layovers easy, and universal power outlets, mostly built into the console tables, are plentiful. That said, the ambience can’t match the excellent Cathay Pacific Lounge in Terminal 3. Even so, it’s a huge step up for Business Class passengers, especially when compared to the space-constrained PAGSS Lounge.

Relaxation area

Across the corridor from the first seating area is an open relaxation zone, furnished with lounge chairs and ottomans in a softly lit setting. A striking feature wall depicting sweeping hills commands the space. While the seats offer little in the way of privacy, they were at least comfortable. Furthermore, each seat is paired with a side table equipped with universal power outlets.

With the high rate of guest turnover, the relaxation area often ends up messy and cluttered, despite staff regularly passing through to collect empty glasses and bottles. Furthermore, despite being the designated quiet zone, the space still receives noise from people entering and leaving the lounge. I was also surprised by the number of chairs showing significant wear and tear, especially for such a new lounge.

Showers

On the interior side of the central seating area are the Mabuhay Lounge’s two shower rooms, which can be booked at the shower reception in front. Each shower room is clean and well-kept, with a spacious shower stall, an ensuite toilet, and a sink.

The stall offers both a rain shower and a handheld option, with reliable water pressure and temperature. Aside from the generic bath gels and shampoo provided in the stall, a full set of amenities is available by the sink.

Dining area

At the far end of the lounge lies the dining hall, furnished with numerous tables and a self-service buffet. Seating ranges from intimate two-tops to large tables for up to ten, catering to all types of travellers. Like the main lounge, the space is bathed in sunlight and offers excellent views of the terminal’s west wing gates.

Considering its proximity to the food, the dining area is also usually the most crowded in the lounge; this is especially true in the mornings.

Food

The dining area has a solitary buffet spread, featuring a good selection of both hot and cold dishes. These include a range of local and international-inspired choices popular in the Philippines. While I visited during breakfast, I appreciated that the many dishes were distinctly Filipino. Although I liked the variety of dishes, which were reasonably good tasting, if not of very high quality. Regardless, I’ll allow the pictures to just speak for themselves.

Drinks

The buffet spread also features a modest drink station, which has a modest selection of juices, soft drinks, and infused water, in addition to a few teas and a coffee machine. Interestingly, ice is also available, labelled as ‘wet ice’, which is the first time I’ve seen that anywhere in the world. Interesting!

In addition to the drinks available at the buffet, you can also request a range of alcoholic and specialty drinks at the bar. This includes a number of coffee-based and ice-blended drinks, in addition to your usual choice of cocktails.

I’ll add that similar stations like the above are scattered between each section of the lounge, giving easy access to beverages.

Toilets

Located in the same section as the dining area are the gender-segregated toilets. The toilets are bright and clean, being regularly serviced by a dedicated attendant who stands by inside at all times. Furthermore, the toilet stalls are equipped with hand-held bidets, which are quite common in Southeast Asia.

Overall

The Mabuhay Lounge is a much-needed upgrade for Philippine Airlines and a welcome improvement to Terminal 1. While it falls short of rivalling the top lounges in the region, it stands out as one of the better options at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Overall, it offers a comfortable and well-appointed space that finally gives the airline’s passengers a home worthy of its flagship status.

Read more from ‘A Summer in Shanghai’ here!