How to use the FITNESS FIRST INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT

September 29, 2015


How to use the FITNESS FIRST INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT



The Fitness First International Passport is a membership benefit of Fitness First members who are enrolled in a Full Access Multiclub Plan. It allows the member to use Fitness First Clubs worldwide when they visit a country for a short time.

Since my hotel in Singapore does not have a gym. I decided to use my international passport in Singapore. This is how to use it.

1. Get an international passport card from your home gym before you leave the country.


This the international passport issued by your home club.
Passport and Platinum members can use
clubs of the SAME category for FREE

At the back of the international passport, your details are shown.


2. Check at the local Fitness First website to find out which are the regular Fitness First Clubs and which are Platinum Clubs so you'll know which ones you can use for free.

The screenshot of the website shows that Fitness First Cathay is a regular Fitness First club.
I encircled in black the area where you can find the category of that particular club.


The screenshot of the website shows that Fitness First Paragon is a regular Fitness First club.
I encircled in black the area where you can find the category of that particular club.


3. Bring both your Fitness First membership card and the international passport issued to you by your home club and present both to the Fitness First counter of the gym you're using abroad.


Fitness First Cathay (Singapore)

Unlike other Fitness First Clubs,
this club provides a small and large towel when you register at the counter.

I DIDN'T PAY ANY FEE WHEN I USED FITNESS FIRST CATHAY IN SINGAPORE.


Manila International Airport Lounge: The Sky View Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3

September 28, 2015


Manila International Airport Lounge:
The Sky View Lounge 
at NAIA Terminal 3

Updated February 2023: Skyview Lounge is now Marhaba Lounge. 

The new Skyview Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 is a pay lounge, which means you can enter this lounge for a fee. However if you are a holder of certain credit cards (like the American Express Platinum Card, the Citibank Premier Miles/Platinum, Security Bank Platinum/World or Diners Club, BDO Diamond Rewards), the  (AND 1 GUEST) are allowed to enter for FREE.


Fee for Entry (if you are not a holder of the cards mentioned above):

800 pesos: fee for adult and children 2 years old and above.

20% discount is applied to senior citizens.

Children below 2 years old are free.


Where it is located: 

At the International Departure area.


NOTE: There is no access to this lounge if you are in the Domestic Departure area. So if you are departing from this airport on a domestic flight, you will not be able to use this lounge.

Departure area is at Level 3. Skyview Lounge is at Level 4, seen above.

This photo is taken immediately after passing the final security check after immigration.

Look above and you see the Sky View Lounge.

You will find the stairs or elevator that goes to Level 4 to your right. Look for the signs. There are plenty of signs to lead you to where the lounges are


Hours of Operation:

24 hours, 7 days a week



Procedure for Entry:


1. Present your qualified credit card and your boarding pass to the counter in front. Or pay the fee if you don't have a qualified credit card.
  • They get your boarding pass to get your flight information. Part of their service is to notify their guests if their plane is ready for boarding.
2. Sign the logbook.

3. You are given the WiFi password.

4. Then you are allowed to enter the lounge.



What You Will Find in the Lounge


FREE FOOD 

Hot dishes area

Chicken congee,
with condiments such as:
onion leaves, fried garlic, calamansi, soy sauce

Vegetable Yakisoba

Sweet and sour steamed fish
Stir fry beef

Steamed rice

Assorted mini sandwiches:

Cheese pimiento sandwich
Beef pastrami pan de sal
Open faced pesto chicken
Tuna salad square
Grilled eggplant sandwich
Open faced tomato and sliced cheese

(I love their sandwiches!!!)

Cereal

Assorted plain bread
with jam, marmalade, butter and cheese

Assorted pastries

(These pastries are really good.)


FREE DRINKS

Espresso coffee
(Don't miss the coffee. The coffee is really good!!!)

Tea

Liquor and Wine

Softdrink, Beer, Juice

Hot and cold water



SPACIOUS LOUNGE


You can choose to sit on these chairs...

Or take the seat with the view of the runway.



FREE WIFI 


WiFi speed at the lounge





FREE NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES








MALE AND FEMALE RESTROOMS WITH SHOWER








PRAYER ROOM


The door to the prayer room is the one at the left



MY TIP: 

Make sure to arrive at the airport AT LEAST THREE (3) hours before your flight to be able to use this lounge. One (1) hour is spent checking-in and going through immigration, an hour and a half (1 1/2) to eat at the lounge and the remaining 30 minutes is for boarding.