As the Philippine government unveils plans for a whopping P170 billion rehab project for the notorious Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), one can’t help but wonder if this is just another attempt to slap a fresh coat of paint on a sinking ship.

Despite the hefty investment and promised improvements, the elephant in the room remains unaddressed – the cursed name, NAIA. No amount of pesos thrown or upgrades installed can cleanse the stain of “tanim-bala,” “nakaw-pera,” or the infamous sauna experience associated with NAIA. It’s like trying to put lipstick on a pig and expecting it to win a beauty pageant.

International pilots, weary passengers, and beleaguered control tower staff know the truth: the name itself is synonymous with chaos. Perhaps it’s time to heed the call for change and rebrand. After all, who wouldn’t prefer a warm “Welcome to Manila!” over the cold shiver of “Welcome to NAIA”?