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My Flight Attendant Journey

August 2019, in London Heathrow Airport

In light of International Flight Attendant Day last May 31 and my two-year hiring anniversary, I thought I’d share how my journey came to be.

Along with other essential workers, flight attendants all around the world are in the front line of this pandemic. Some airlines have completely halted operations while some, like ours, have continued despite significant reductions in routes. I’ve been warned early enough than in this job, you have to be resilient. May it be a long duty day, a modified assigned trip, or unexpected incidents inflight, a flight attendant should be ready at all costs. As much as I’ve been prepared to work under such flexibility however, nothing ever came close to these uncertain times. They say this pandemic is probably the most challenging the aviation industry has ever faced, even exceeding the 9/11 aftermath. There had been some reports that flying demands have been slowly picking up again this month but, while the foreseeable future might still be hazy, I know I’m ready to endure it all until we get through this crisis.

My late mom, who was a flight attendant herself for many years, disapproved of me following her footsteps. Understandably so, I knew she didn’t want me to go through all the toil that comes with the career. It’s often glamorous and exhilarating but behind the stereotype, there are inevitable hardships, too.

For this very reason, I didn’t consider pursuing it when I was growing up. It was always in the back of my mind but, my passion for writing led me to a different direction in college. Journalism was something I know I would enjoy learning about and I want to learn more about. I considered it as a serious profession and thought nothing else would come close to it.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to move to the US through my dad. Not knowing where to start creating a footing for myself in journalism, my flight attendant dream was rekindled. I was living with my half-brother then in Palmdale, California– a city in the deserts of Los Angeles. See, prior to my move, I’ve never been to the States. I only knew of LA from how it is depicted in movies and TV shows. Palmdale, however, is a stark contrast from the glitzy streets of Hollywood. My dad, who lives in Florida, warned me early enough that living there meant I need to drive to get around. I found the area too remote, too, coming from how fast-paced Manila is. I was immediately discouraged (apart from the extreme homesickness I was feeling,) but I still took my chances.

April 2016

I first applied to my current airline a little over a month since my arrival. Weirdly, I can recall myself, way back in high school, frequenting their website and learning about the job requirements. I can practically recite it with my eyes closed (which came in handy when my actual interview came.) I guess, I always knew I wanted it but it seemed too far-fetched of a dream.

The power of manifestation paid off and I got an invite for a virtual interview about a week later. I had to don myself in corporate attire, put my hair up, and do my make-up properly as I answer questions in front of my phone. I even researched about tips online and apparently, even the quality of your video is an important factor to consider.

I think I had my fair share of stutters here and there but to my surprise, I was called for a face-to-face interview in San Francisco shortly after, the penultimate stage before I get hired. The airline would be flying me out from my preferred airport but since it will be a two-day event, my accommodation won’t be shouldered. My dad was so excited for me and was generous enough to book me a hotel room for my interview.

Somehow, I kind of talked myself out of it (which looking back was not a smart move.) I was still overwhelmed with the whole idea of moving to this huge country by myself and honestly, the thought that I need to drive to get from point A to point B intimidated me a lot. This was back when Uber was just starting out and given how everything is spread-out in Palmdale, I didn’t see it as a viable option. I probably also listened to the wrong people-those who just discouraged me further and told me how ridiculous my plan was. I ended up forgoing the interview. My mind was just too clouded at that point and heck, I couldn’t even find a ride from Palmdale to LAX which would take about two hours.

May 2016

As the saying goes “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” After regrouping myself, I found an opportunity to apply for Cathay Pacific. At the time, they had their LA, SF, and New York bases in which the flight attendants would solely operate flights to Hong Kong. To be based in LAX and be in Asia all the time sounded like a stellar package to me. I didn’t mind the repetitive route and moreover, thought it was perfect for me as they were looking for Tagalog speakers.

This time, I made sure I’d get to the interview no matter how it takes. I took the Metro from Palmdale to downtown LA, which took about three hours. It felt so crazy commuting that far, going through all the valleys of the Antelope until finally, reaching urbanity once I arrived in LA’s Union Station. From there, I took another bus to get to LAX. It wasn’t that far, now that I look back on it, but I got stuck in the infamous LA traffic on the way.

I remember being in a room with about thirty other applicants or so. I was so happy finally seeing other Filipinos after a month of what seemed like an eternal reclusion (I sound dramatic now but it really felt like that.) There were Koreans, Vietnamese, Chinese, and people from different backgrounds there, too, who drove from as far as San Diego and other counties. Our heights were first measured which I successfully passed even if I was just an inch shy from their minimum requirement. We then got tested for our fluency in our foreign language, both written and orally.

Later that day, we were divided for a group interview where we were given situations and got assessed as to how we would handle them. I think the recruiters were looking for teamwork and leadership from that activity which I probably didn’t show enough. After the three-part process, I didn’t have an inkling if I did well with the whole interview. I just remember feeling exhausted as I made my three-hour commute back to Palmdale.

I got the rejection letter a few days after and thought that was the end of me trying.

June 2017

About a year after, I’m in a totally different headspace. My first attempt to move to the US took a dreary turn and I had to go back home to the Philippines to rethink my plans. This time, I moved to New York, knowing some high school friends who live there, and gave it a shot. I had a better gauge now of how living in the US is and I wasn’t starting from scratch. I can commute in the city, too, which meant my options are no longer limited. I submitted a couple of applications to different airlines, both mainline and regional, and it was in June when I first heard back (again!) from my current one. I thought that must be a good sign as they were giving me a second chance.

October 2017

My whole application process took a while. I think I came in a time where our airline suspended hiring for at least a year and they were just in the midst of resuming training classes. In October, I flew to Houston for that same face-to-face interview I let go just a year ago. This time, more confident, more sure, and more prepared than before. I really think I could’ve not pursued it at a better time.

I didn’t tell anyone I was applying for the job so I had to stealthily fly from La Guardia to Houston. My dad was in town for a business trip and much to his surprise when he called me, I was already in Texas. I had to confess that I’m attending an interview the next day and I got some much-needed advice. My dad is an aviation man himself, an aircraft mechanic for many years now and knew the right words to impart with me.

I arrived at the interview facility early the next day. I was so excited and just had all the right energy. Along with other 50 candidates or so, we were pulled one by one for an individual interview. I was lucky enough to be one of the first ones to move along. The first part turned out to be a quick 5-minute interview consisting of basic questions and situational scenarios. I remember being asked how I would approach a passenger if they refuse to close their laptop before takeoff. I also took my dad’s advice which I think helped me to a great extent.

After which, those who are done were placed in a separate, smaller room. I was bracing for a group interview basing from my previous experience but it just turned out to be a holding area. Shortly after, I was called to move to another room for the next part. Two representatives with the biggest smile on their faces welcomed me. They ran through my answers from earlier and confirmed a few things here and there, just like how willing I was to relocate (an essential part of the job.)

And there it goes. I got the conditional job offer! I was over the moon! The whole process took me about thirty minutes and as early as 8:30 am, I was already on my way to the health clinic for my medical examination. I can’t believe how things went by so fast. I can hardly grasp the idea.

March 2018

Good things really take time as I waited another five months for my training to begin. I would be back in Houston for six weeks to earn my wings before I can actually start flying. It felt like going back to school and I was very excited. During that training, I met some of my closest friends in the airline whom I still keep in touch with up to this day. My roommate from day 1 eventually became my roommate for a year when we got based in Newark (I miss you, Jill!) We were thrown into a rigorous classroom setting where we had exams every week. I was keeping a strict routine then where I would wake up at 5 am for our 7 am class, workout once we get back to our hotel (just for my sanity,) and then review at night before I go to bed at 9 pm.

Unfortunately, midway through it, just before I even get to reach our aircraft specific lessons, I had to go home to New York. It was like forgoing my chance all over again! I was so depressed for days not knowing when I can have the opportunity to apply again. It seemed like the longest weekend ever until they reached out to me and said I can join a later class that would start in a month.

I was so sad seeing my former classmates graduate in April while I haven’t even started going back to square one in May.

May 2018

All the detours I had to go through just made me even more focused this time around. I had to start the training from the very beginning even if it’s the same exact curriculum. Come the third week, lessons became harder but I can already see the end of the finish line.

It may have not been the most conventional way, but I am so grateful to attend that second class. I made more friends and more memories, even landing the “Flying Above and Beyond” award on our graduation day for being too participative, haha.

June 2018

Finally, my two-year endeavor came to a full circle on June 7, 2018. We were allowed to have two guests who can fly over to attend the ceremony and I was so happy my dad made it. He even took me to a celebratory dinner the night before and showed up on our graduation in a suit. He was the cutest.

It’s a moment that I would forever hold in my heart. My dad never got the chance to attend any of my school graduations but this somehow made up for all of that. My favorite instructor even pinned me my first pair of wings. Ahh, up until today, I never get tired relishing these memories.

I am so happy that one of my most stubborn qualities is how I don’t give up if I really want something. Early on, I could’ve been easily discouraged not knowing what’s in store for me if I do pursue it. How this job didn’t seem to promise stability. But I know I had to find these out myself and I would regret it if I won’t at least try.

Two years in and we’re now facing the biggest challenge ever. Air travel demand has plummeted since April and the fate of the industry is still shaky. I sometimes still can’t believe that we would experience it in this lifetime. But if this is just another detour in my long story of achieving the dream, I’m more than willing to stay and fight for it again.

A Comprehensive Food Guide To Oahu, Hawai’i

Truth be told, I wasn’t a beach person until later on in life. It wasn’t until after college when I paid my first visit to Boracay, an island of pristine blue waters and white sand beaches in the Philippines. My high school friend Nina and I were able to score some cheap tickets and flew to celebrate my college graduation – a promising start to what would consequently be my love for the island life.

Boracay with its diverse food selection, nightlife, and breathtaking beaches wasn’t hard to fall in love with. It holds the perfect symmetry of tranquility and life for me where one can never run out of things to do. Five years after and a few beach trips here and there, I found an island I fell immensely in love even more with.

Oh, Hawai’i. To say the very least, I was bewitched by you. Whenever someone would ask me what my most favorite destination so far is, I’d answer Hawai’i in a heartbeat. They say the island of Oahu, of which capital is Honolulu, is too touristy to even be worth of a visit. I know some people prefer remote islands more but Oahu was nonetheless the perfect fit for me. I knew it the very first time its cool breeze swept our faces as we drove our top-down through the streets of Waikiki, in the aloha spirit of the locals as they greet us with a shaka, its scenic beaches and stunning landscapes, and of course, the amazing food which became a pivotal part of our whole trip.

September last year, my boyfriend and I took the 8-hour flight from Chicago to Honolulu where we would meet with the rest of his family for a week-long vacation. I didn’t know much about Hawai’i apart from watching 50 First Dates umpteen times before. I feel like not having a prejudice of the island made it even more special for me as I was experiencing it unadulteratedly. This trip, however, proved why it still remains as any honeymooners top vacation spot no matter how tourist-laden it’s already marketed to be.

Hawaiian food is mainly influenced by its Polynesian roots and in the present times, by its large Japanese immigrant settlers. As someone who is obsessed with Japanese cuisine and later on, grew a liking for Hawaiian food, you can just imagine how much I enjoyed the food scene in Hawai’i. Should you find yourself on the island soon, here are some top food spots I highly-recommend in no particular order:

1. Tonkatsu Tamafuji ($$)

449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

It would be a dishonor not to have tonkatsu as our first meal in Hawai’i as it is my most most favorite Japanese dish to date. There literally came a time when this is all I would ever crave. I made a thorough research for the most authentic one on the island and luckily, just a few minutes from our AirBnB was Tonkatsu Tamafuji. I read the line can get pretty long during dinnertime so I made sure we’d be there early to list our names ahead, something I suggest doing as it didn’t take long before we were seated. Choco ordered the Jyukusei Pork Loin Katsu Set, their bestseller, while I got the one with melted cheese on top. The servings were humongous. Each meal was priced about $21 each which I say is worth it for all the side dishes of pickled vegetables that came with it and the superior quality of the meat. It’s one of the juiciest and succulent tonkatsus I’ve ever had. The cheese on mine can get a little too much so I think I’d skip that the next time I eat there but nonetheless, it was worth it.

2. Leonard’s Bakery ($)

933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

Just a few minutes of drive from Tonkatsu Tamafuji is Leonard’s Bakery which came highly recommended. They’re famous for their malasadas, a Portuguese type of doughnut filled with variants of cream such as custard, chocolate, and local fruits like lilikoi. Its vibrant pink facade cannot be missed and the line can get pretty long, too, but goes by quick. A malasada costs $1.30/each so we got half a dozen to try out most flavors. Hawaiians are very much into custard which I utterly love so this one hit the spot for me. The bread was freshly-baked and soft, and was able to keep its quality even after two days in shelf.

3. Over Easy ($$)

418 Kuulei Rd #103, Kailua, HI 96734

The next day, Choco and I drove to Kailua, a town on the east coast of Oahu, for a swim in Lanikai beach. It was a bit of a drive but on the way, we stopped by Over Easy for brunch. It was a weekend from what I remember and the line was incredulously long. We didn’t get there too early, maybe around 10, but we had to wait for about an hour to get seats. It was definitely worth it though. The ambience of the place was akin to a relaxing porch at a white picket-fence home. We went for their famous custard French toast served with dollops of orange fraiche and a side of fresh strawberries. It was amazing. The toast was filled with a generous amount of custard. For a savory contrast, we also ordered the Kalua pig hash. Kalua is a Hawaiian method of cooking where the pig is cooked underground. The dish is somehow similar to pulled pork and served with fingerling potatoes and topped with an over easy egg. It was good albeit not the most authentic way to eat Kalua pig for the first time. Over Easy was one of the best brunch spots we’ve ever tried, not only in Hawai’i but in a general scope.

4. Olive and Oliver Waikiki ($)

412 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815

Olive and Oliver had been on my list for a while now after seeing it on Instagram. Located at the lobby of Surfjack Hotel & Swimclub in Waikiki, its eyecatching for its pastel interiors. Its only a takeout counter much to my dismay, though. I wish they’d have a bigger space for customers to sit around as the ambience was really nice. The menu consists of the usual espresso-based coffee, nothing out of the ordinary, although their cup designs are something to commend.

5. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck ($)

66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

When in Oahu, we recommend a day trip to North Shore. It’s about an hour of drive away from Waikiki and is famous for its massive waves that attract surfers from around the world. The famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck can be found in Haleiwa town where we had to line up for more than an hour under the incredible heat. I don’t eat shrimp quite often, let alone any other seafood, but Choco is a fan so we endured the queue and I have to admit, its garlicky smell permeating in the area also compelled me to stay. We ordered plates of the original shrimp scampi and the lemon butter shrimp served with two scoops of mushy rice. For someone who’s not much of a fan, I found it really delicious. It was brimming with flavors, having been marinated in olive oil and sautéed in butter. We wanted to try their “no refunds” hot and spicy shrimp but I hesitated. For a dozen of shrimp each meal and being $14 apiece, I’d say it’s moderately priced. I’m not sure if I want to go back next time considering the long line and just because there are other spots you can get fresh shrimp scampi, too, on the island but for a first-timer, I’d charge it to experience.

6. Halei’wa Bowls ($)

66-030 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

We originally wanted to try Matsumoto Shave Ice which is near Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. However, being another popular spot, it also drew a crowd and we didn’t want to waste another hour lining up. A good alternative down the road was Halei’wa Bowls which turned out to be the best açaí bowl we got to try in Oahu. Choco and I shared a paniolo bowl which from what I remember, had some of the freshest strawberries and made more interesting with the addition of cocoa nibs. We also really enjoyed the ambience of the place, which is reminiscent of a cozy hut, that we ended up staying for an hour along with his family.

7. Liliha Bakery ($$)

1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

We were up early on this particular day for our snorkeling trip to Kāneʻohe Bay Sand Bar and thought we’d grab some pastries from Liliha Bakery. The closest location from us was the one inside the Ala Moana center. They’re known for their coco puffs which come in four flavors and were mindblowingly good, especially the cream and green tea ones. We ended up sitting down for breakfast anyway and ordered their smoked pork belly with eggs and the waffard. The pork belly dish was really tender and flavorful and the waffard, which is a wordplay for waffle with custard, was Choco’s favorite. It has a generous filling of custard and even with the whipped cream, it wasn’t overwhelming. This was, surprisingly, one of our most favorite spots this whole trip for it was well-worth for the price.

8. Yogurstory ($$)

815 Ke’eaumoku St, Honolulu, HI 96814

After a fun morning with Choco’s family hiking the Diamond Head, an extinct volcano which peak has a panoramic view of Oahu, we all went for brunch in Yogurstory. There was a minimal waiting time when we got there but the food was worth it. Since we were a big group, we ordered a little bit of everything. For starters, Choco and I shared their signature ube pancakes which is smothered with a copious amount of ube syrup. It was rich and tasted authentic however, could get a little too much so I best suggest splitting it with someone. We also had their prime rib loco moco which I’ve been meaning to try since the beginning of the trip. Loco moco is a traditional Hawaiian dish of hamburger and rice topped with an egg and gravy. I’m not really fond of hamburgers so I thought having it with ribs would be a good option and it turned out good.

9. Shirokiya Japan Village Walk and Island Vintage Coffee ($)

1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1360, Honolulu, HI 96814

By far, our most frequented spot the whole trip, Shirokiya Japan Village Walk is a Japanese food court located at the ground floor of Ala Moana center. We first went here to have some musubi from Musubi Cafe Iyasume and went back two more times, just because there’s too many good food to try. From takoyaki, karaage, and to Japanese parfaits, it’s a good place to get a variety of food without compromising the quality like how most food courts do.

Meanwhile, just right outside Shirokiya, I was finally able to get some locally-sourced coffee from Island Vintage Coffee. It has multiple locations on the island and is probably what they consider as their local Starbucks. I was very excited to try an iced Kona coffee while Choco had a Mauna Kea iced coffee which has sea salt caramel and scoops of gelato.

Special mentions:

On this trip, we also celebrated the birthdays of Choco’s two sisters which are just days apart. For a group as big as ours, Side Street Inn was a good place to host a gathering and feast on Hawaiian comfort food. I loved their signature garlic fried chicken, pork chops, and beef kalbi which are some of the bestsellers. The second celebration, which was also our last dinner on the island, was in Orchids at Halekulani Hotel. It was a more formal set-up and we got to choose a three-course menu of our liking. Their dessert options were delectable but the signature coconut cake has got to be my favorite.

I have to give a special mention to 7-11 Hawai’i as well, given how impressive their products were. It could give Asian 7-11s a run for their money, which is interesting since it’s not the case for other states (y’all have to see New York’s.) When in rush, Choco and I would just grab some hot musubi and a cup of coffee from the one next to our AirBnB. They also sell Filipino snacks which makes sense knowing how many Filipinos live in Hawai’i.

Apart from our good company and the overall buzz of the island, I think what made this trip an unforgettable one is how good Hawai’i’s cuisine really is. It accounts to at least half of the whole experience. Choco and I planned on going back for his birthday in July but while that may sound quite impossible for now, Oahu is definitely on top of my list once we can all travel freely again.