Philippine Airline Mabuhay Lounge Access
Apr 14, 2019, 3:13 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
Wanted to put in my 2 cents on the PAGSS lounge in T1 at NAIA. I flew J on BR and they use this lounge.
The food was average/OK and better than the Mabuhay lounge. Then again, a high school cafeteria would be better than the Mabuhay Lounge.
The real problem in PAGSS is like a lot of things in the Philippines is the TERRIBLE, non-existent customer service. The people working the lounge acted like all of the passengers were a nuisance. I felt like I was in line at SM. The truth to the lie about customer service in the Philippines is if the employees aren't specifically well-trained, they are terrible, terrible, terrible.
The food was average/OK and better than the Mabuhay lounge. Then again, a high school cafeteria would be better than the Mabuhay Lounge.
The real problem in PAGSS is like a lot of things in the Philippines is the TERRIBLE, non-existent customer service. The people working the lounge acted like all of the passengers were a nuisance. I felt like I was in line at SM. The truth to the lie about customer service in the Philippines is if the employees aren't specifically well-trained, they are terrible, terrible, terrible.
Agree about the service, it sucks there. Skyview at T3 has been particularly bad in terms of service (and I actually consider it the worst lounge among all major ones at NAIA).
Apr 15, 2019, 9:58 pm
#32
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA 1K MM, AC 50K MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 278
PAL T1 new lounge on 4th floor - opening date?
The PAGSS Lounge at Terminal 1 was recently renovated. It's arguably the nicest lounge at Terminal 1 so far, and is much better than the last time I passed through this lounge a few years ago. PR is using PAGSS temporarily while their Mabuhay Lounge (on the fourth floor, which is where their lounge used to be before they moved out) is under construction.
Apr 18, 2019, 10:08 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 2,506
Apr 18, 2019, 8:55 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
Apr 29, 2019, 8:47 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SFO, MNL, SIN, HAM
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Posts: 488
I agree staff on average is not as well trained as say in Northern Europe. So, if you expect staff to clear your plate because you left your knife and fork parallel, pointing at 5o'clock, you'll be waiting in vane.
They are also not as empowered as in the US, so resolution of service issues or handling of exceptions is very difficult and can be frustrating. I found getting any type of compensation for service errors, even if you are in the right, is near impossible, unless you get hold of the business owner or a Senior Manager. Frequently, the compensation for a mistake made will come out of the staff's pocket - so staff and supervisors will avoid it if possible...
But, I live in the Philippines, and find service in general to be exceptionally friendly and attentive. Staff will go above and beyond the call of duty and will do pretty much do anything that they can achieve through their own efforts, especially if you ask nicely, show some respect and a smile. This is especially true with regards to children and elderly.
its about as stark a contrast to the grumpy US3 staff or LH lounge dragons as you can find...
Feb 13, 2020, 9:34 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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T1 PAGSS Lounge
Is it possible to buy a day pass for either Terminal 1 PAGSS Lounge?
If so, what is the price differential?
