We’re used to hearing about cabin crew couples and siblings. But with Father’s Day here, let’s take a moment to honor the inspiring dads. This story is about a Philippine Airlines cabin crew father who inspired his daughter so much that she followed in his footsteps. Now, she also wears her PAL wings and flies the skies with him.
In the early 90s, Adrian Brillantes was a young working student contented with his job at a fast-food chain, considering a potential promotion. However, hearing tales of workplace adventures from his neighbors, Dondi and Misty Agoncillo, both Philippine Airlines cabin crew members, ignited a thought: an aviation career, perhaps? Encouraged by the Agoncillos and his own brothers, Adrian made his move.
Adrian joined Philippine Airlines officially in late 1992, embarking on the Basic Class 92-16 cabin crew course. As he began earning good money and traveling simultaneously, he started realizing the uniqueness of his career. “I realize that it’s the privilege of seeing the world and doing the job you enjoy at the same time — it’s unparalleled to other careers,” he said.
Balancing Fatherhood and Aviation
Being an airline crew member while also a father presented Adrian with both perks and challenges. He was responsible for raising five kids while jet-setting across the globe as a PAL crew member. Although the initial phase was challenging, his fluctuating schedules, determined by shifting flight assignments and varying days off, eventually fell into sync with his lifestyle.
He would often miss out on family occasions and spend most of his time away. Still, he managed to raise his family amidst these challenges. The joy and perks of flying balanced out the difficulties. He could be gone for a few days, yet he would have ample time to spend with his family after a long-haul flight. His supportive wife, Alma, made all his challenges more manageable.
The Next Generation Takes Flight
In their grown-up years, Adrian’s role shifted into being a father-mentor-friend. He shared stories about his struggle of working while studying to inculcate the value of education and hard work in his children. His daughter, Denise Brillantes, fondly remembers waiting for her dad at PAL’s Inflight Center, the base for PAL’s cabin crew.
Denise admired the tall and friendly figures in the PAL crew uniform descending from the airport crew shuttle, igniting a desire within her to someday become like them. “My dad was very instrumental to my inclination to become a cabin crew. Growing up, it’s what I already saw him doing,” she confessed.
Following Her Father’s Path
Although Adrian never encouraged his children to fly, Denise insisted on becoming a cabin crew member herself. After her college graduation, she yearned to fly alongside her “superhero.” Denise diligently persevered through college and decided to pursue a flying career, enjoying her parents’ unwavering support throughout her rigorous cabin crew training.
Denise officially joined Philippine Airlines in July 2016 and started flying in September the same year. “I think my dad does this so well. That’s why I’m really looking up to him. Not just me but a lot of our colleagues,” she shared.
Strengthening Family Ties through Shared Experiences
For Denise, working alongside her dad proved to be a bonding experience. They shared experiences, discussed similar encounters with people and places, and, above all, they shared the same passion for their work. This strengthened their relationship as they viewed their colleagues as a second family.
On Father’s Day, Adrian advised his daughter to excel, especially in passenger service, reminding her to balance her life and career. Denise expressed her pride for her father’s achievements and assured him of her support. Her aspiration? “To continue my dad’s legacy and to do my passion which is to be of service to the passengers and to be able to see the world.”
To all the fathers worldwide, persist in inspiring your children. Maintain your role as their guide and consistently back them in the pursuit of their dreams!
Hope you enjoyed this father – daughter cabin crew story!
Happy Fathers Day!
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!
