Good news, travelers! Our very own Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) just got an aesthetic makeover. Terminal 2, in particular, had some proudly Pinoy #TeamKahoy enhancements that highlight our country's natural resources—and it looks oh-so good! The wooden-themed upgrades include rattan chairs, solihiya accents, and a lot more that give it a more distinctly Filipino look.
Press play to have your exclusive first look and hear about what else we can look forward to straight from the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco!
WATCH: NAIA Terminal 2 Gets a Special Makeover
For someone like DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco who travels a lot, she couldn't help but notice the stark difference between the Manila airports and the airport from her home province of Cebu. Hailed as one of the best in South East Asia, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport was, in terms of passenger experience, miles and leaps ahead of NAIA. Now, as the Department of Tourism Secretary, Christina was finally able to do something about it.
"We recognize that our airports and our sea ports are the first and last impression of our tourists," Christina Garcia Frasco tells Preview in an exclusive video. "Therefore, we want the experience to be positive overall." Through her leadership, the DOT embarked on a partnership with the Department of Transportation in rolling out gateway improvements starting with NAIA 2.
Their goal is to introduce small but significant changes to address painpoints and increase traveler convenience. They looked into systems management and increasing efficiency, and of course, aesthetics. "The intention was that the moment that you land in the airport here in Manila, you will feel and see the love of the Filipino people and the work of our Filipino artisans," she explains. This native touch is seen in the waiting areas as well as the check-in counters, where wooden accents such as hanging pendant lamps and intricate sofas take centerstage.
They're currently bench marking three gateways—NAIA Terminal 2, Cebu Pier 1, and Davao International Airport—before hopefully expanding and implementing these changes nationwide.
We can't wait to see all our Philippine airports get an aesthetic makeover!
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
