Michi Photostory

We went to The Great BDO Travel Sale to purchase their tickets via Jetstar, since the promo was only applicable on-site. We wanted the experience to be enjoyable and comfortable, especially since my father-in-law is already a senior citizen, so we included some add-ons like seats, baggage allowance, and meals. 

On the day of the flight, they relaxed at the PAGSS Airport Lounge, courtesy of our credit card perks, a great way to start the trip stress-free. It was also their first time flying with Jetstar Airlines, and the experience went smoothly. 

Although I wasn’t part of the trip, I was the one who planned everything, from flights to hotel bookings and activity itineraries. I researched several hotels, and my husband chose Robertson Quay Hotel, a practical choice with a central location, near the Singapore River, and within walking distance of Clarke Quay. 

My husband is familiar with this area since he usually stays at Four Points by Sheraton during his business trips. It’s a senior-friendly neighborhood with peaceful surroundings, perfect for early morning or evening strolls. You can even walk from the hotel to Merlion Park! 

We kept the itinerary light but meaningful; enough to explore key attractions while ensuring it wasn’t too tiring for my father-in-law. We pre-booked all activities through Klook, which made everything hassle-free. 

They explored iconic Singapore landmarks on foot, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Esplanade, and nearby attractions. It was a relaxed way to soak in the sights and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere without a strict schedule. 

This was supposed to be a Walking Tour + River Cruise, but my husband didn’t purchase the River Cruise voucher, just in case their flight got delayed and they couldn’t use it 

Using the Sentosa Fun Discovery Pass, they explored several attractions at their own pace, including the Singapore Cable Car, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Madame Tussauds, Images of Singapore, and some scenic spots around the island. 

Sentosa is very senior-friendly, with plenty of shaded walkways and places to sit and rest. 

Even at 70, my father-in-law enjoyed the excitement of Universal Studios Singapore! He and my husband both went on a few rides, watched shows, explored the themed zones, and had a great time just walking around the park. 

It’s not just for kids, it’s for the young at heart, too! 

Before flying back, they explored Jewel Changi Airport, a destination in itself! From the Rain Vortex to the indoor gardens and shops, it was the perfect way to end the trip on a relaxing and scenic note, even though their flight was delayed. 

 Traveling with a senior citizen can be incredibly meaningful. With the right planning and a relaxed itinerary, Singapore proved to be the perfect destination for multigenerational travel. 

This trip wasn’t just a birthday gift; it became a cherished memory that both father and son will treasure forever. 

Check out @KlookTravel to book popular attractions, tours & activities! Sign up and get ₱250 off!

But I remembered last March, my husband and my father-in-law were able to use this lounge when they went to Singapore. So sharing the pictures of PAGSSS Airport Premium Lounge before the renovation. 

One way to get into airport lounges is to apply for a credit card with this benefit. This is why we were able to stay at MIASCOR but we deactivated our credit cards because they did not waive our annual fee. Since we are not frequent travelers naman, we don’t need that credit card. 

A few months ago, I received emails and text messages from my bank about “credit card application” and hindi ko pinapansin kasi may credit card na naman ako. But last month, out of the blue, niresearch ko yung credit card benefits and I found out na may FREE AIRPORT LOUNGE and no annual fee pala. 

So after one week of contemplating, I finally gave in and filled out the form online and crossed my fingers na umabot yung credit card sa biyahe namin kasi usually, 15 business days. I was so happy when I received my credit card in less than a week. And because of that, nakapagstay kami sa PAGSS Premium Lounge before our Manila to Melbourne flight.

And the good thing about this credit card is I can bring one companion pa. We paid for an additional person since we are a group of three. The rate is PHP1,500, not bad na rin kasi ganun din naman magagastos namin kapag kakain sa airport. But I told my husband na mag-apply na rin siya ng credit card na may lounge benefit.

Upon arrival, I just showed my boarding pass and credit card. I was advised that the lounge was full so we went to the extension lounge. This is my old blog post about PAGSS Airport Lounge at NAIA 1 where my husband stayed using his Mabuhay Miles benefit. 

When we entered the room, the place is already crowded and akala ko nga wala na kami pwesto pero may other side pa pala and luckily, maluwag pa. The choices on the buffet spread are limited compared to Mabuhay Lounge but it was fine with us since we only needed to eat snacks.

We also requested instant cup noodles and ice cream. We only stayed for 2 hours and already went to our boarding gate. Another security check pa kasi sa boarding gate.

Time passes very quickly and after several days, it was time to say goodbye to Sydney, Australia. Our last day was our flight to Manila, Philippines so we woke early to prepare for our afternoon flight. 

Since it was our last day, I cooked our leftover ham and hotdog and we need to eat and drink all the complimentary breakfast like the bread, fruits, milk and juice, para walang sayang. 

We check out at Hyde Park Inn around 8:30AM and we arrived at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport three hours before our flight. Unfortunately, all check in counters were still closed, as in we didn’t know where to fall in line, nagkahalo-halo na yung pila ng mga airlines to Manila. Our flight was 12NN and past 10AM na kami nakapagcheck-in and because of that, sobrang nagmamadali kami. 

Immigration is via Smartgates so you just need to scan your passport + facial recognition and that’s it. My son and I were able to pass through Smartgates but my husband needs to go to Manual Passport Control Counter because for some reason, hindi nareread passport niya doon sa Smartgates. After that, we went straight to our boarding gate just to make sure kung malapit ba or malayo and if we still have time to eat. 

My husband went to “The House”, this is the complimentary lounge of Philippine Airlines at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. He just ate here and we will meet na lang ulit sa boarding gate. 

My son and I just ordered the boxed meal at KFC, the meal includes Original Tenders, Popcorn Chicken, Fries, Mashed Potato and Drink + additional drink. Food is around 22AUD. PHP800+ na yang isang meal. 

After eating, we went to Think Sydney and Pharmacy to buy some souvenirs before going to the boarding gate. Nagmamadali pa kami pero delayed naman pala flight namin. Tapos, boarding took a long time pa because we need to ride bus. 

After 8 hours, we were back to Manila. End of vacation and back to reality. 

Level 4, adjacent to Gate 9

And because of that, no more Mabuhay Lounge for him but good thing that Philippine Airlines still provide lounge access but there is no specific lounge for Philippine Airlines passengers. The staff will be the one to assign which lounge you can access so my husband was able to try a new airport lounge in NAIA. 

I already blogged about Miascor, PAGSS and this time, let us have a glimpse of Marhaba. This lounge is located in NAIA Terminal 1, adjacent to Bay 9, West Satellite. So if you want to have a comfortable place while waiting at the airport, you can go to Marhaba. 

If you don’t have complimentary lounge access, you need to pay $23.14 for 3 hours of stay. The lounge is open from 7:00 to 24:00. Children under the age of 2 years old are free. Keep in mind that online bookings cannot be made within 24 hours of service airport local time. So for shorter notice bookings, it is better to call (971) 800 627 4222. 

The lounge offers international cuisine and hot and cold beverages, restrooms, shower area, prayer room, meeting room, and for entertainment, they have newspapers, magazines, TV, and wifi.