PAL Unveils New Mabuhay Lounge

17 September 2013

By Recto Mercene

Gracing the occasion are (from left), Ismael Augusto Gozon, senior vice president for Operations; Andrew Balde, assistant Terminal 2 manager; Iñigo Zobel, president, PALExpress; and Francisco Alejo III, San Miguel Purefood Co. Inc., president. (Recto Mercene)

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday unveiled its latest major improvement in world-class in-flight service on the ground for Mabuhay Class passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (Naia 2).

The award-winning interior design by Warren Foster-Brown from FBEYE International, a Singapore-based company, is a 520-square-meter lounge, with all the amenities, such as a buffet table, library, mini-theater, minibar and dining area meant to give passengers “exceptional rest and dining experience.”

The company that Foster-Brown founded is focused on hospitality interior design that includes luxurious hotels, unique destination resorts, celebrity restaurants, spas, private residences, mega yachts and commercial offices. Foster-Brown won the prestigious award “Wave of the Future 2009” in Miami, Florida.

The Mabuhay Lounge was inaugurated by Iñigo Zobel, president, PalExpress; and Ismael Augusto Gozon, PAL senior vice president for operations.

Gozon, who delivered the speech in place of Pal President Ramon S. Ang, said the new ultramodern International Mabuhay Lounge “reflects the new vision and new identity of the PAL Group” and is the latest of many service enhancements PAL has made over the past year.

The PAL Group, he said, envisions “a full-service global carrier, with a fast expanding international network, utilizing the youngest and most modern fleet, with a focus on providing customers the best value, service and choices.”

The new lounge design features a combination of different lounges around the world, has the look and feel of the lounge that coincides with PAL’s growth strategy, warm and contemporary, rich and inviting.

LED lights provide the illumination, with less power consumption and most of all, give passengers that “exclusive” feeling that they have paid for.

Walking through toward the lounge, an illuminated sunbeam reminiscent of PAL’s logo on the ceiling welcomes visitors to the reception area. Similar to a hotel’s front desk, the new reception area gives a warm and inviting vibe. A storage area at the left side of the room is big enough for both coat and bags.

The dining area that could seat 80 has been revamped and made more spacious to diners to move around, even with their carry-on luggage. Leather-covered seats in beige give a touch of elegance, while the long table is great for passenger interaction. It has been dubbed the most popular place for tête-à-tête.

The focal point is a marble buffet table offering a wide selection of food that has been especially designed by PAL in partnership with San Miguel Purefoods Corp.