My Most Exciting Trip with Cebu Pacific

I was a dyed-in–the-wool probinsyana when I first went to Manila.   It was in fact my first time to be out of Zamboanga.  Via airplane pa!  The trip was a gift from an aunt - a highschool graduation present.  To say I was excited is a gross understatement.

But my elation over my good fortune slowly turned to fear.  I was to travel alone.  There were so many what-ifs in my mind.  What if seasoned passengers and stewardesses will notice and laugh at my naivety.  What if there will be strong turbulences as my classmates warned me?  What if, like a jeepney’s, the engine of the airplane would conk out in mid-air?

Rollercoaster-like, I was buoyed up again on the day of my departure.  My mom had bought me a classy traveling suit, with a leather bag and shoes to match.  Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw I had that cosmopolitan look.

Then again, walking towards the waiting Cebu Pacific plane, my heart beat wildly, my stomach churned frenziedly, my knees suddenly wobbled.   The warm sincere smiles of welcome of the airline crew at the door somehow shook off my negative feelings.  One courteous and charming stewardess showed me to my seat, beside a bejeweled, aloof, middle-aged woman.   I smiled at her, but she didn’t bother to return it.

Perhaps because of my nervousness, I had to pee.  I did not want to bother my seatmate.  Only I did not know where the lavatory was.  So timidly, I asked her.  With an arched eyebrow, she icily told me “Look for the sign!”  I hurriedly got up and found out that the comfort room was just nearby.

The door was shut tight “There must be someone in,” I told myself.  I waited and waited and waited, but nobody came out.  Fortunately another extra helpful stewardess passed by and asked me.  “Do you want to use the lavatory ma’am?” I nodded.  She opened it easily.  The country hick that I was, I just didn’t know when a plane’s toilet is vacant.  After using it, it took me a while to find the flush button.  And, a little more while to open the door.  Outside, two visibly annoyed passengers, waiting their turns, stared at me.

Just minutes after I was seated, the plane’s address system blared:   “We are about to take off.  Please fasten your seatbelts.”  Or at least that’s what I heard.

Everybody did it as a matter of fact, except me.   I dare not bother my snooty neighbor again.  I just placed the belt around my waist, put a magazine on its ends, and there, it looked fastened.

The stewardesses started to distribute snacks.   The one near me asked:  “Coffee or juice?”  Thinking I have to pay for it, I respectfully answered, “No, thank you.”  Was I surprised (with much regret) that  the others got theirs for free!

After agonizing  moments  of expecting  the dreaded  turbulences , which  never came,  the  plane finally  glided  smoothly  down the Manila  Domestic  Airport.  It was just a perfect landing.  I have finally arrived, literally   and figuratively. I have passed my baptism of fire.

That was six years ago. Today, I am a liaison officer for a government office. I travel a lot and I mostly choose Cebu Pacific.  But there never was like my first and most exciting plane ride which I’ll never forget.

Cebu Pacific, thank you for the memories!