We are all on different paths in life. All we have to do is chart our own course. The same is true for becoming a cabin crew member. Some may receive their wings on the first try, while others may require more than ten attempts. What matters most is that you get there, not how many times you try. This Cebu Pacific cabin crew member’s journey took 19 attempts before earning his wings is a perfect example.
Gelo Marcelino’s dream has always been to be a cabin crew member because he has always been fascinated by airplanes whenever they fly overhead. He kept telling himself, “I’ll be there one day,” and even waved to the plane flying above. Gelo applied for a cabin crew position in 2014 but was turned down.
The cabin crew journey has begun
Gelo realized there was a lot he could do better after his first rejection when he applied for cabin crew. While it is natural to feel bad, Gelo saw it as an opportunity to improve.
Gelo started by concentrating on his weight. This is a common problem for many aspirants, but you can achieve your ideal weight with hard work and dedication. Gelo was also told that he appeared intimidating. Airlines typically frown on this because cabin crew members must appear approachable and professional. This, too, is fixable.
Gelo continued to apply for airline cabin crew jobs, but he was met with rejections and challenges. While he felt like giving up at times, he knew he still had a chance to earn his wings. Despite his reservations, his resolve remained unwavering. Rejections number two, three, four, and five. Let it fly! Gelo realized that giving up meant giving up on his dream, and that this was no longer an option.
The 19th attempt became a turning point
Consider what would have happened if Gelo had given up after the tenth or fifteenth attempt. However, he did not. Things finally went his way on his 19th attempt to become a cabin crew, and he was accepted at Cebu Pacific! Gelo went through rigorous training to become a cabin crew member, and on September 28, he finally received his wings at Cebu Pacific.
Gelo, on the other hand, has loftier ambitions. He intends to stay with Cebu Pacific for a long time and eventually become an instructor. Gelo’s Cebu Pacific trainer even stated that he has the potential to become an instructor in the future, and it appears that this is Gelo’s path. His ambition is to establish a solid career at Cebu Pacific by staying for an extended period of time in order to fully serve the airline that gave him his first wings.
Tips and advice for cabin crew aspirants
Gelo now wants to inspire more cabin crew aspirants to fulfill their cabin crew dreams. As such, here’s what he has to say:
“Number one advice, manifest. If you really dream of something, picture yourself na ikaw na yun and eventually it will happen. Take criticisms constructively, kasi it will also help you improve both individually and professionally. Be YOU. You may not be perfect but you can show them that you can be the best. Never compare yourself to others, all of us are unique with our own strengths and weaknesses. Share your strength and work on your weakness. For your training, LISTEN sa discussion. Yun talaga. Sobrang nakatulong, pag nakikinig ka sa instructors mo, you will understand it deeper. Kasi no matter you if read and memorize, kung hindi mo naiintidhan, wala din. So Listen. Last but not least, pray! I believe in God’s perfect timing for everyone.“
Gelo Marcelino, Cebu Pacific / CebGo batch 15 cabin crew graduate
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!
