In connection in the celebration of World Pilots’ Day, get to know the three committed aviation experts and proud Cebu Pacific pilots, who are one of the airline’s pillars in promoting the education of aspiring Juans and enabling them to achieve their goals.
Aside from safely and comfortably transporting passengers to their destinations, these aviation professionals take pride in knowing that they have contributed to our country’s ongoing battle against COVID-19, as well as during disasters—whether by cargo flights that transport much-needed assistance and relief goods, or sweeper flights that return people to their loved ones.
Although, the past year may have been difficult for everyJuan, it is also during these turbulent times that passion in everything our pilots do.
A childhood dream takes off
Many young dreamers hope to become pilots and finally take to the skies someday. For Captain Bensie Tan, the youthful fleet manager of the A320/A321 aircraft of Cebu Pacific, this desire has never rung truer.
Airbus A320 on the former’s first official day as captain.
“My mom tells me that, noong bata pa ako, [when I still was a kid] I’d always say, ‘I want to be a pilot,’” shares the 35-year-old father of two, whose wife also happens to be a Cebu Pacific pilot.
This dream led him to enter PATTS College of Aeronautics, eventually graduating with an Aeronautical Engineering degree. But despite coming from a traditional Chinese-Filipino family of businessmen and professionals, Capt. Tan was made aware early on that sending him to flight school was something they couldn’t afford.
“There were a lot of bumps and obstacles along the way,” Capt. Tan recounts. “What was supposed to be a 1-year course took us over two years to finish.” But his perseverance clearly paid off, and he formally joined the Cebu Pacific team in 2009.
and their daughter Brielle in Nagoya, Japan.
“Our leaders have steered towards the direction that will not only get us through these arduous times, but more importantly come out better prepared, equipped, and well-rounded than ever before—with the strength to face any challenge going forward,” Capt. Tan adds.
An early passion for flying
At a very young age the elementary school student, First Officer Neil Mark Enriquez would save his regular allowance as a child in order to purchase plastic model airplanes, which he would then line up in his room after putting them together. “I already knew what a 747 or an A-10 was. Or even an F-14,” beams the Cagayan de Oro native.
It was when he first saw and rode an Airbus during a flight to Manila from CDO that Enriquez knew he wanted to be a pilot—only that it took him a while to get there, graduating first with a degree in Library and Information Science. But thanks to Cebu Pacific, he was able to go through intensive aviation training in Australia to make his childhood passion a career.
2019 Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program pose for posterity.
Enriquez is now a First Officer assigned to Cebgo’s ATR fleet. He remains grateful to the airline for opening many doors he would otherwise never have been able to pursue.
“I’m glad to be part of a company that exemplifies its values by investing in their people, by fostering diversity, and equipping them for eventual leadership in the service of the flying public,” he says.
The sky is the limit
For First Officer Tiffany Piccio, being a commercial pilot has been a dream for as long as she could remember. This yearning was further pushed when she saw a man and a woman in the cockpit area. That was when she realized that, yes, women can be pilots too!
“I was just amazed at how such huge metal ships could carry so many people at such high altitudes,” she says.
Owing to the opportunities given by Cebu Pacific through a study now-pay later program, Piccio is well on her way towards reaching the peak of her career plans in the aviation industry.
“I’ve met a lot of lovely women who are either studying or having a successful career as an air traffic controller, air force jet pilot, and even an aircraft mechanic!” she shares.
This example of success is proof of Cebu Pacific’s commitment in providing equal opportunities to women in the industry.
“Thanks to Cebu Pacific for not only making everyJuan fly, but also for making my dreams come true and giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This simply proves that no matter who you are, no matter the background, if you put your mind to it, you definitely can!”
As the carrier celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it continues to salute its pilots, crew, and other frontliners who play vital roles in enabling everyJuan to fly safely for #MoreSmilesAhead. Happy World Pilots’ Day!
“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul,” so goes the saying.
