Unforgettable Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Bacolod and back

In today’s social media world, I’ve noticed that far too many Filipinos share negative stories rather than positive ones. When a local company, such as an airline, makes a mistake, people, particularly influencers, take to social media to publicly rant about it, as if it cannot be resolved solely through customer service. However, I am sure there were other times when the airline provided excellent service to these passengers, and they never bothered to share their experiences. Allow me to share this beautiful experience I had aboard two Cebu Pacific flight, from Manila to Bacolod and back.

Manila to Bacolod Flight 5J483, November 25

It was just another ordinary day and flight. I arrived too early at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for my Cebu Pacific flight 5J483 to Bacolod. I got through even faster because I checked in online using the Cebu Pacific app. I didn’t have any checked luggage with me. My carry-on luggage weight was less than 7kg.

But it was a long walk to the boarding gate. I was limping after inadvertently hitting my foot on a cabinet at home, as if one of my toes had been sprained. While I was waiting, I was greeted by a Cebu Pacific flight crew on its way to Cebu. It was wonderful to see familiar faces after such a long time.

Our flight from Manila to Bacolod was an Airbus A321-211 or A321ceo with the registration RP-C4114. These planes will not be in the fleet for long as they will be replaced by A321neos in the coming years.

Our flight was supposed to leave at 11:45 a.m. Our crew arrived a few minutes before 11:00 a.m., and the captain greeted me with, “Will you be on our flight, Mond?” I believe Capt. Valix read my page and website, which is why he must have recognized me. FA Jervy Perez, another familiar name and face, led the cabin crew. The crew then boarded the plane, followed by us.

The Cebu Pacific ground crew requested us to prepare for boarding. I didn’t immediately fall in line, but the ground crew approached me. She inquired about my health because she noticed I was limping. I told her, “no, I’m fine, no worries,” and she responded, “sir, we will put you on priority boarding as well so you can settle down immediately once inside the aircraft.”

My painful toe didn’t bother me too much, and I was able to travel alongside the regular passengers. However, that small gesture made me very happy! As a result, I was among the first to board the plane.

When I boarded the plane, I went to my seat, stowed my luggage in the overhead compartment, and settled in. I had already started vlogging and was comfortable in my seat. Christine Reyes, the flight attendant, approached me and asked if I wanted to be reseated in the exit row seat. I immediately said yes, knowing that this meant plenty of legroom and that I am accustomed to opening emergency exit doors. She briefed me right away, and I settled into my new seat.

Our flight was delayed, but this was due to air traffic congestion at NAIA, as is common. We desperately need a new airport, I swear. We were, I believe, the fifth in line for pushback. Cebu Pacific had no control over this, and the situation is understandable.

While waiting, flight attendants Jervy and Christine checked on their passengers. While I was waiting, they would offer me refreshments such as coffee, C2, and water. They also kept asking if I was okay. Those small acts of kindness mean a lot to me.

We then began pushback 30 minutes after the doors were closed and began taxiing toward RW13 for takeoff. However, we finished fifth in terms of take-off sequence. As a result, our flight could only take off about 30 minutes later. Something beyond the airline’s control once more.

After 30 minutes of waiting, we finally took off. I was just sitting back and vlogging. The seatbelt sign was eventually turned off, and the cabin crew began their duties. During midflight, Cebu Pacific cabin crew typically perform four tasks. The first step is to sell meals and refreshments on board, as well as to deliver pre-ordered meals. The next step was to sell Cebu Pacific merchandise such as model planes and other items. The classic fun games come next. The final step is to collect donations for UNICEF. Of course, they collect the trash before the pilots activate the fasten seatbelt sign for landing.

Captain Valix and First Officer Baylocon, the pilots, were consistent in keeping us up to date on flight information. Everything went smoothly. The landing at Bacolod Silay International Airport was firm due to strong crosswinds. After that, we arrived at the parking bay and the passengers exited the plane.

I was the last to leave, and of course, I asked for a photo shoot with the crew. Captain Valix quickly requested the entire crew for a photo with me. I even had a brief conversation with the pilots about the strong winds we encountered during landing. Yes, we had winds exceeding 15 knots, and I felt the effects of the winds during landing.

I can’t help but admire this crew for their concern and professionalism. I felt well taken care of on this Cebu Pacific flight, and I was hoping for the same on the next day’s flight back to Manila.

Bacolod to Manila Flight 5J478, November 26

My Cebu Pacific flight back to Manila was scheduled for the next day, November 26. I’ll be on board Cebu Pacific’s A320, RP-C4101, which is still sporting an old livery. Cebu Pacific had owned the plane for eight years. The reason it may still be wearing the old livery is that this aircraft is set to leave the Cebu Pacific fleet as it is gradually replaced by A321neo and A320neo jets. So it was great to be on C4101 before she left the fleet.

So far, there have been no delays, and I checked in online as usual, with no check-in luggage and only hand carry items. However, I had a feeling my luggage would be overweight this time because it was packed with pasalubongs and other items.

My flight to Manila was at 6:50 p.m., and I arrived at the Bacolod Silay Airport an hour earlier. I went straight to the pre-departure area, but my hand carry was weighed! I had a feeling! 7.8 kg! I didn’t argue about anything because rules are rules. 7.8 kg is still over the weight limit, even if it is only.8 kg more. I was then directed to the check-in desk to check in my luggage.

After putting my luggage on the scale and hearing from the Cebu Pacific check-in agent that it would cost an extra 1,200 pesos to check-in my luggage, I immediately took out my wallet to pay for it.

I had personal connections with people from Cebu Pacific. I could have simply called any of my friends and asked for assistance to waive the additional fee, but the rules are clear and who am I to argue with them?

But as I handed the 1,200 pesos to the ground crew, he abruptly stopped me. He stated that my bag weighs slightly more than.8 kg and that he will simply waive the fee for me! Wowwww! Thank you very much, sir! He kindly informed me of the 7 kg weight limit and allowed me to bring my luggage inside the cabin.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Cebu Pacific weighs hand-carry luggage. It’s time for airlines to be strict about this because passengers frequently abuse this privilege and end up asking flight attendants to lift it for them!

I wish all airlines weighed check-in luggage before taking it to the pre-departure area. That’s two extra points for Cebu Pacific!

Our flight was only delayed by 15 minutes, so it wasn’t too bad. RP-C4101 arrived after about an hour of waiting. We were boarding later. I was the last person to board.

I immediately recognized some familiar faces among the crew and was greeted warmly by them. Some of these crew members must be on their second leg, while others may be on their fourth. However, it appears to be their first flight of the day.

When I took my seat, the cabin crew greeted me and said, “sir, if you need anything like water, juice, or coffee, please just call us.” What a warm welcome!

Within a few minutes, the doors were closed, blocks were placed, the cabin crew performed a safety demonstration, and a safety check was performed to ensure that all passengers followed all safety protocols. We were in the air in a matter of minutes.

A cabin crew member approached me shortly after the fasten seatbelt signs were turned off. He presented me with a cup of coffee! “Oh no, it’s okay, I’m fine,” I said, but he said, “no sir, this is on me.” I was delighted! Cebu Pacific is a low-cost airline, but their level of service and the way they treat their passengers is far superior. It’s first-rate! It’s more than 5 stars.

The cabin crew completed their tasks. The first step is to sell refreshments and food, followed by Cebu Pacific merchandise, and finally by “passing the hat” for UNICEF donations.

After they finished their tasks, I went to the back lavatory area and had a light conversation with the crew. Of course, there was some laughter, but we had to keep our voices down because other passengers might want to doze off.

These are the little things that I treasure on every flight. Those small gestures, such as always asking how I am and if I need anything, mean a lot. I feel truly cared for, and I believe that alone qualifies as PREMIUM service.

We then arrived in Manila around 8:20 p.m., and as usual, I was the last to disembark. Of course, this was accompanied by a photo with the cabin crew. Unfortunately, the pilots were unable to participate because they were still performing checks at the time.

Always look for the good in everything

Cebu Pacific has long been the target of social media rants. It’s just unfortunate that many Filipinos would rather share their negative experiences than their positive ones. Cebu Pacific is far from perfect. They are not without flaws, which are easily forgiven. No business is perfect. Even the world’s best airline, which has won seven times in a row, has flaws. However, most people would rather share that one flaw than the nine times the airline exceeded expectations.

I have a different perspective. I’d rather talk about the nine times the airline exceeded my expectations than dwell on the one time I had some issues. Not-so-pleasant experiences can be resolved privately by anyone, and it is not for me to shame someone or an entity in order to obtain justice.

Let us also learn to support our local airlines! It was just sad to see how many people would post #supportlocal but then disparage our domestic airlines in favor of foreign ones. Our domestic airlines, such as Cebu Pacific, continue to create new jobs and connect the country via air transportation.

Thank you, Cebu Pacific, for the wonderful flight I had with you from Manila to Bacolod and back! I wish more people could see the good in you, that you always do your best to serve the flying public. My time with you was unforgettable, and I commend you for doing everything possible to ensure safe and comfortable travel.

5J483 Manila to Bacolod crew November 25

• Capt. Aldrin Valix
• First Officer Robert John Baylocon
• FA Jervey Perez
• FS Dale Franciscus Dizon
• FA Christine Rose Reyes
• FS Ariel Miguel Pacis
• FA Chiny Rose Medina
• FS Patrick Villoria

5J478 Bacolod to Manila crew November 26

• Capt. George Marzan
• Capt. John Martinez
• First Officer Clint Anthony Tolentino
• FS Hubert Bondad
• FS Mohammad Ryan Radia
• FA Casandra Kaye Lorzano
• FS Christian Co