01/11/2023
During cocktails with the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew, I asked them about the most life-changing flight they've had. They said it's not just one, but the PAL flights to the Middle East are often life-changing, especially since most of their passengers are OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). They shared that during these flights, you see some passengers tearing as the plane takes off from Manila, leaving their families behind to seek "greener pastures." During meal service, many passengers hesitate to take the onboard meal because they think they'll have to pay for it. That's why the PAL crew always make it a point to say that everything on board is free. You can see the smiles on these OFWs' faces when they learn that all the meals and beverages are free.
There was even a time on a particular PAL flight when the cabin crew learned that an OFW passenger was returning home empty-handed. So, the crew (and maybe even the passengers?) decided to pass the hat to help the OFW out.
These are just some of many heartwarming stories you encounter as a cabin crew. Each passenger indeed has a different story, and it's through these stories that you learn more about life and come to appreciate the beauty of this world, despite its imperfections.
