As mentioned earlier, I had initially redeemed economy tickets for the flight back on SQ. But recently with the 50% off redemption miles applicable for my flight, we cancelled our economy tickets and booked on business class instead for almost the same number of miles! It would be my first SQ business class experience, even though it would be on the old regional business class seat (if I had returned 1 day early, I would have scored a spacebed as SQ sent a B744 to MNL on SQ910/917 the day before due to the high loads in economy).

On the day of departure, we took a cab to NAIA T1, the crappiest terminal of NAIA (imagine going back to the 70s) and as expected, was stuck in a slight jam. We arrived 2hrs before departure time and proceeded to check-in after security checks at the entrance.

NAIA T1 Check-in hall


SQ's check-in counters were located at a corner. First and Business queues were non-existent but Economy was long (not seen in photo). There were about 8 check-in counters opened for the flight.


My first ever SQ Business Class boarding pass!


After check-in, all pax have to pay a 750pesos terminal fee (why does the crappy T1 charges the same as the much newer T2 or T3?) followed by security and departure immigration. Through that, I proceeded to the Silver Kris Lounge located beside Gate 7.


Singapore Girl welcoming us to the lounge.


The lounge has 2 sections, First and Business, but was quite small, however with a reasonable selection of food and drinks. No shower facilities too but there was free wifi and a work area. The lounge filled up with quite a number of passengers.

Hot food selection


Sandwiches and cakes.


Some of the food I had.


Coffee after refreshments.


As the lounge faces the active runway, it offers a great view for plane-spotting!

Cathay B744 parked just beside the lounge.


TG A333 arrived from BKK


KE B773 taxi for takeoff to ICN


SV B744 landing.


CX B744 push back. This aircraft is an ex-SQ plane! (PW4056 engines)


PR B744 landing


JL B763 arrived.


Arrival of 9V-SQC. 3rd oldest B777 in SQ's fleet. Almost 14yrs old!!


Of course, there were also lots of other local airlines (5J, 2P etc) departing and arriving.

About half hour before departure time, we left the lounge for our aircraft at Gate 9.


Shops in the terminal building. Felt like a shopping center in the 80s.


At the gate.