As I was entering the Philippine Airlines inflight center in Mactan, Cebu, I thought it would be a typical content day where I’d meet the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew members, see them come and go, and exchange a few hellos. But it turned out differently. Little did I know that it would be like a “fiesta,” a welcome “fiesta,” to be exact. This is the life of the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew, where they genuinely achieve a work-life balance.
As we all know, PAL also flies to international destinations from Cebu, such as Seoul Incheon, Narita in Japan, and Bangkok. So, it was necessary for the airline to establish a cabin crew base in Cebu instead of deadheading Manila-based cabin crew to operate Cebu flights. The PAL Cebu-based cabin crew operates only to destinations served from the Cebu hub, but they are loving their life in the Queen City of the South.
The PAL Cebu-based cabin crew welcomed me with a feast of Cebu’s finest foods, like the famous Cebu lechon, Balbacua, Ngohiong, Siomai sa Tisa, and more! I was surprised because I didn’t expect such a welcome! Mark Bagatua, the manager of the Cebu cabin crew team, told me that feasts like that are normal in their small and homey office, especially when someone is celebrating a birthday.
Many Cebu-based Cabin Crew Don’t Want to be Reassigned to Manila Again
If you’re really from Cebu or nearby areas, being assigned in Cebu is definitely a plus. But what about those who are from Manila or Luzon and get assigned in Cebu? Well, honestly, it can be scary for them. However, when these cabin crew apply to PAL, they are made well aware that they may be assigned in Cebu.
Of course, if you’re used to life in Manila, the first thing you’d think about is how you’ll adjust to the new life in Cebu. That’s why the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew welcomes new Cebu-based crew with open arms, immediately doing their best to make them feel at home. I know because I got the same reception when I arrived in Cebu. The whole PAL Cebu-based cabin crew was there to welcome me! I can see how small but united they are, with Mark acting like their “dad.”
Honestly, many of those PAL cabin crew from Manila who were based in Cebu for some time don’t want to be rebased in Manila after months or years in Cebu. You still get to fly to international destinations, but after your flight, there are no more deadlines or whatever. You can go out and enjoy with the other Cebu-based crew. In other words, they’re like a small family there. They’ve created a special bond with each other, going on adventures together, and simply enjoying life in Cebu together.
Work-Life Balance
Unlike being a Manila-based PAL cabin crew, being a Cebu-based cabin crew allows you to enjoy a better work-life balance. First of all, the routes and destinations from Cebu are not as extensive as those from Manila. Hence, the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew gets to enjoy various activities together. Our “fiesta” in their inflight center is just one of them. Hanging out at the Bai Hotel Roofdeck is another. There are more activities that the Cebu-based crew enjoys, like island hopping, canyoneering near Kawasan Falls, going on scooter rides together, and enjoying the different beaches in Mactan and other areas. The beaches are just a few minutes away from where the cabin crew resides.
PAL always takes care of their cabin crew, and giving them a proper work-life balance enables them to perform better in their jobs and stay motivated. This is very evident for the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew. Since they can live a better work-life balance in Cebu, they perform better during flights, feeling recharged and motivated to be at their best.
Even if they’re a small team, the PAL Cebu-based cabin crew has received a lot of commendations from passengers. While flying can be tiring, their motivation and enthusiasm to work surpass the tiredness. Their energy level is always up. And once they’ve landed, they rest and later enjoy different activities when they have free time.
Other activities of the crew are outreach programs, parties, and simple food trips.
Just last October 24, a few days before I arrived, the PAL crew told me that they all went island-hopping around Cebu because most of them were not flying. Island hopping is just one of those activities that the Cebu-based group does. Many of them also enjoy scooter rides around Mactan and in Cebu itself. Usually, they go together in bigger numbers; the more, the merrier.
A Small but Very United Family
They’re like a little family there. You have a mix of pursers, senior cabin crew, and junior cabin crew based in Cebu, but you can see how well-bonded everyone is. And I guess that’s one reason why Cebu-based cabin crew usually don’t want to be reassigned to Manila anymore after being in Cebu for some time. The camaraderie is strong among them, and I saw it myself.
The welcome feast hosted for me by the PAL Cebu-based crew had everyone present, even if they were not flying. Their inflight center is basically a small one, but I can see how homey it is, which also contributes to honing camaraderie among the crew. Mark Bagatua makes sure that everyone is comfortable with each other and that they’re all well-bonded.
This is very important also during flights because a well-bonded team results in superb teamwork, which is essential for every flight. These crew members know how each other works, and they know how they can work together to provide a more efficient but high service level for PAL flights to and from Cebu.
Of course, let’s not forget that you are based in Cebu because of your job as a cabin crew; however, the work-life balance there allows you to really feel recharged and motivated in each and every flight. Indeed, you don’t have any reason not to perform your cabin crew duties well.
The PAL Inflight Center in Cebu
As mentioned earlier, the PAL inflight center for the Cebu-based cabin crew doesn’t look much like an office. It’s more like a small second home to the crew. It has its own “sala,” which may also serve as a meeting area; it also has its own briefing rooms and sleeping lounges. The setup is cozy, and Mark arranged it well to adhere to a more “open-door” vibe.
The place is not as big as the inflight center in Manila, but that homey vibe makes it conducive to relax after a tiring flight. At the same time, if you’re off and you just want to hang out in the office, the Cebu inflight center is perfect for it. Upon entering, you will also see their own “motivational board,” where all the crew commendations and letters of appreciation are posted.
Honestly, I am so excited for another trip to Cebu to bond with the PAL Cebu-based crew. I can see how close-knit they are and how happy they are. Even those originally from Manila tell me that it’s very different being based in Cebu, and it’s something to really look forward to.
I just love the warmth of the PAL Cebu-based crew, and I can see that there are no “walls” between them. So to all the new PAL cabin crew who will be based in Cebu, take this from me: You will love it there. You are well taken care of, not only by Mark Bagatua but by each and every one in the team, since you are like one whole family. You really watch out for each other and lift each other up. Trust me, the memories of being a PAL Cebu-based cabin crew will surely remain in your hearts as some of the best memories you’ll ever have. The camaraderie you will build together, the flights, and, of course, the bonding moments make being a Cebu-based cabin crew something to be excited about.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
