A little over two weeks from now, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon “RSA” S. Ang and his New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) team will be celebrating their second year of managing and upgrading the country’s premier airport.

As the saying goes: time flies when you’re engrossed, immersed, and focused on the task at hand—providing ease and comfort for both inbound and outbound passengers, as well as welcoming relatives and well-wishers.

Even before turning two this Sept. 14, NNIC (as of end-July this year) has already remitted some ₱78 billion, representing the national government’s 82.16 percent revenue share. That amount includes the ₱30 billion upfront payment.

Yes, Virginia, the renovations, changes, and upgrades at NAIA have reached a fever pitch, with the NNIC team successfully navigating and managing active operational constraints.

I saw this firsthand when I joined former Transportation Secretary and newly elected SMC independent board director Jaime “JJB” J. Bautista for a special tour showcasing the progress of the Terminal 3 renovations.

As a passenger, it was satisfying—delightful, even—to see the improvements NNIC has undertaken at the multi-level terminal, bringing significant upgrades to dining, boarding bridges, and passenger lounges.

Under the skillful management of NNIC Vice President for Commercial Operations Cecile Ang, underused spaces were converted into comfortable dining and retail hubs.

For this foodie, it’s comforting to note the wide variety of local and international dining options available in International Departures and at the Tambayan Food Hall, a waiting area for welcomers and well-wishers.

Shake Shack, Wildflour, Cibo, Conti's, Ramen Nagi, Lechon Diva, Starbucks Reserve, and the highly sought-after Estrel’s Specialty Bakeshop are among the notable additions.

I heard that Estrel’s business is thriving in T3, as folks in the southern part of the metropolis no longer have to traverse chaotic roads and endure the long drive to Quezon City for its caramel-iced chiffon cake, which, I believe, gives Hizon’s a real run for its money (and its cake).

Taking cognizance of the vital role played by the country’s unsung heroes, our overseas Filipino workers, whose dollar remittances pump up our current account position—NNIC has allocated a special lounge for them with ample seating, a relaxing ambiance, phone-charging stations, and, of course, free food and drinks.

The OFW Lounge is operated by the Department of Migrant Workers through its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which protects and promotes the well-being of OFWs and their families. Earmarking ₱10 million a month for maintenance, the lounge can accommodate 216 passengers.

But wait, Virginia, there’s more! For those with delayed flights, sleeping quarters are available with a capacity for 26 people—14 for men and 12 for women—replete with toiletry kits and shower rooms for freshening up.

Business-class passengers, on the other hand, can while away the time at the First Meridian Lounge. This 2,600-square-meter shared premium facility serves Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, KLM, and Vietnam Airlines. It features a full-service bar, hot and cold buffets, a bakery section, a playroom, and an infant care section.

According to a Meridian staff member, the virtual golf simulator is the most popular amenity and is almost always booked.

Beyond terminal aesthetics, ongoing and pipeline project upgrades include the phased rehabilitation of passenger boarding bridges and fixed bridges, the installation of new escalators, and the construction of Terminal 5—set for completion around 2028—which will be dedicated to Philippine Airlines and AirAsia domestic operations.

Exploring the expanse of the 183,000-square-meter T3 complex, I observed an aura of delight and satisfaction from JJB and the NNIC team. In 2025, UK-based Project Finance International recognized the long-overdue rehabilitation of the country’s premier airport through a public-private partnership, naming it the “Transport Deal Award of the Year.”

Although much remains to be done, NAIA T3 has earned its mark and is now ranked 7th globally for having the highest number of food and beverage outlets per million passengers.

Way to go, NNIC! A salute to RSA and your team.