On Wings of Memories

The Association of Former Flight Attendants of Philippine Airlines (AFFAP) recently held its grand global homecoming at the Fiesta Pavilion.

Conceived in 1997 by flight pursers Cristina Romero-Altura and Kim Cecilio-Malupa, the association took flight as the two’s circle of friends who had flown with Philippine Airlines joined them.

A big replica of a 747 aircraft was parked at the venue – providing an interesting focal point for the festivities, ably hosted by Ida Bernasconi and Joey Uybarreta.

In attendance were AFFAP president Avelyn Gimenez-Jahns, vice president Greta Lauron-Soriano, secretary Lourdes Ferriols-Kaminski and treasurer Susan Tabisaura-Gonzalez. The board of directors was also present – led by its chairperson Cristina Romero-Altura. Also in the board are photographer and columnist Mandy Navasero, Miss PAL Domestic 1965-1966 Monica Barrica de Villa, wine connoiseur and restaurateur Tita Meneses Trillo, veteran flight attendant and purser for over 30 years Nena Jones, a driven campaigner Chari La’O Bagatsing, AFFAP legal counsel Maria Carmen Castaños del Castillo, charity workhorse Marilyn Bermejo Cabarrus. Last but not the least was Claudine de Castro-Zialcita, who championed the cause of PAL stewardesses facing retirement from actual flying as soon as they got married. She won the case – which began a welcome precedent.

Christine Kairuz led the invocation, while association president Avelyn Gimenez-Jahns welcomed everyone – remembering to pay tribute to the inflight crew members of various airlines affected in the September 11 tragedy and the unspeakable aftermath on the economies of the different countries around the world.

Special guest, Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, in his animated extemporaneous speech, acknowledged that AFFAP is an ideal partner for tourism activities – while challenging the association members to assist in boosting. Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines president and COO Avelino Zapanta inspired great hopes for better flying days for the Philippine aviation industry as assistant secretary of the Air Transportation Office General Adelberto Yap nodded in assent.

Some of the lovely ladies and dashing gentlemen – either PAL alumni or still active in the service of the airline – modelled a carefully selected array uniforms of captains, pursers, stewards and stewardesses in domestic and international routes from 1946 to 2002. Among the featured designers were our very own Ramon Valera, Pitoy Moreno, Christian Espiritu and Chito Antonio and international haute couture houses of Pierre Cardin, Renato Ballestra and Roberto Capucci.

Just like during the good ol’ days of flight, guests were advised to "sit back, relax and enjoy." Renowned Eddie Katindig and his magical saxophone was a surprise weaved through beautiful musical pieces. Bernard Buenaventura, who proved to be the discovery of the evening, serenaded the guests. So did Helen Cruz, and, of course, the immensely talented Dulce – who gave a performance worth flying for.

AFFAP has scheduled a series of programs and projects throughout the year to raise funds for their favorite charities. Future activities include the goal of establishing a half-way house intended for the less fortunate among fellow former inflight crew members, along with a permanent home – perhaps at a suitable location such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – to showcase the evolution of the cockpit and cabin crew uniforms. AFFAP also hopes to launch the search for Miss Aviation in cooperation with the Department of Tourism.

A painting by the former Captain Lino Severino (a well-known artist in the world of art collector) and several dream trips to various exciting destinations from Hong Kong to Vancouver and to beauty spots in the Philippines such as Cebu and Davao were raffled off.