I guess my mission's not yet over

 

The 38th IFATCA Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting was held last October 20-22, 2022, in Cebu City, Philippines. This is the first time for PATCA (Philippine Air Traffic Controllers' Association) to host an international event. Also, this is the first face-to-face conference/meeting since the APRM in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2019. At that time, travel restrictions were eased in most countries.

We barely had three months to prepare since the travel restrictions weren't proactive. It was indeed a gargantuan undertaking for us! While on duty, my colleague approached me and asked if I wanted to host the 3-day program. I did not hesitate and said 'yes' at first, thinking that was my only contribution to PATCA (later, I had too many tasks for the event, but I ain't complaining). They also asked Katrine to be my co-host for two days, which is also a good thing since she's one of my close friends in the office. Communication and coordination won't be a problem for both of us.

I never felt nervous and anxious until two weeks before the program. While Kat and I were finalizing our script, it finally hit me. I was starting to regret it. Firstly, I NEVER hosted a formal program in my ENTIRE LIFE (parties not included), and secondly, talking in front of an audience frightens me. But I told myself this is just a challenge, and I had Kat with me. I am not alone in this ordeal since she felt the same thing.

The first day of the program was nerve-wracking, and my hands were shaking during break time. But you know what? As soon as I heard positive remarks from my colleagues, it gave me the strength and confidence to continue my task. The flow of the program wasn't 100% smooth. There were a few minor technical glitches, and as a host, I need to keep the show running while the tech team is busy fixing some things. I need to think fast, and I was also surprised that we pulled it off and even made the audience laugh and highly engaged!

Because of this, I got recognized by some of the people from IFATCA. Today, I am part of the World Communications Committee for Asia and Pacific Region and a facilitator for the IFATCA's Speak English Program. If I didn't say yes to this hosting task, I'd probably be stuck in a rut.

This shows that we grow outside our comfort zone. My heartfelt gratitude to those who supported me in all of my endeavors and those who pushed me hard to strive even better in my craft and skills. Maraming Salamat!

Mount Mayon Eruption and its Effects to PH Aviation

Right: Photo by Ezra Acayan

Mount Mayon, one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines had some series of eruption for the past two weeks. PHILVOCS issued an alert level 3 warning to the province of Albay. Forced evac was implemented by the local government to those who are living within the permanent danger zone areas of the volcano.

Two nights ago, it spewed ash, blanketing neighboring towns of the province. It doesn't just put the livelihood of its people in danger, but also to aircraft flying along the airways near the volcano.

It's been a year...

As I was browsing my 'On This Day' on Facebook, I came across with this photo:

It's been a year since my last official shift at Tacloban Tower/Approach Control. I had so many fond memories of this facility: first time to be independent, first time to be away from home, first legit typhoon experience, first time to handle emergency situation, first time to see an aircraft swerve from the runway upon airborne (scary shit, I know), and first time to handle a Papal flight (a once-in-a-lifetime event). This facility will always have a special place in my heart. I am definitely missing the stunning sunrises and sunsets of this airport, it's something that we rarely have in Davao due to the surrounding terrain.

Here's what I've written in my Facebook post a year ago:

Today's shift (5am-1pm) was a mundane one - no special flights, no missed approaches, and no flight cancellations. Everything was handled in a routine manner. However, today marks my last shift here in Tacloban Tower/Approach Control. So many things have happened for the past three years (well, almost). I have learned how to be independent, gained new friends in the city, and finally mastered the Waray language (my maternal grandmother's language). To my colleagues, thank you for making this facility my home away from home. Y'all are cool and amazing to work with. I am truly blessed. Damo na salamat ha inyo tanan! Mapuli na ak buwas ha amon pero bangin mabisita lang ak dida if mayda na time. 

No goodbyes, just a resonating hello from Durianburg.

Time really flies so fast.

It happened to me

Yes finally, it happened to me (lol screw that Ariel TVC). I am back on the grid. Two months ago, I swore that I should update my personal blog more often but lo and behold, my approach control training stopped me from doing such. After more than six weeks of training, simulated dry runs, written and oral exams, and the extremely difficult check-out, I am proud to say that I'm officially a rated procedural approach controller here in Tacloban Aerodrome/Approach Control. Meaning, I'm on my own. No more seniors or slantbars to guide me on what to do with my traffic. Bigger responsibilities, yes but everything's worth it at the end of the day.

Anyway, I should start writing blog drafts soon.

Right now, I am trying to finish at least a hundred novels before the year ends. Current read: The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. I think it's my 37th (or was it 38th?) book for this year. I am confident that I'd finish more than a hundred before the year ends.

Lastly, mom and granny's going to visit me in Tacloban this 16th! I can't wait. Teehee. Plus, this June, I'd be wearing braces. So yep, good luck to me, most especially on the food that I always eat. See also: sabaw diet.

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in the Philippines

Lately, I have been receiving emails regarding on how to become an ATC (Air Traffic Controller) in the Philippines. Well, let me tell you something about the nature of the job of an air traffic controller. You see, they are the guiding voices of the sky. They instruct pilots when and where to descend, climb, commence a left or right turn, and other specific instructions. They are responsible for handling air traffic in a safe, orderly, and in an expeditious way.

Here in the Philippines, Air Traffic Controllers work under the Philippine government, specifically at the Air Traffic Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or CAAP.

Here are the steps on how to become one:

The Papal Visit Experience

Philippine 8010

No words can express how I truly felt when Pope Francis visited Tacloban City. Mixed emotions. This must be the reason why I was here in the first place. I never thought that I would have a close encounter with him. Seeing the pope smiling at the crowd and officiating a Holy Eucharist while battling the strong wind and rain was truly remarkable. Despite the inclement weather in Tacloban, he opted to pursue the trip and be with the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

That alone was a humble act already.

Even if he's the leader of The Holy See, he is still gentle and a down to earth person; never a condescending one. He inspired millions of Filipinos through his words and homilies.

It was truly a memorable experience to handle the papal flight here in Tacloban. It's not about the responsibility or the prestige on taking part of this historical visit, but it's a reminder of how to be merciful, compassionate, and to remain your feet on the ground no matter what.

And That Ends the First Half

So far, so good. A few days ago, I have FINALLY received the thing that I've been waiting for since March. And when it rains, it REALLY floods! Patience is truly a virtue. And with that big amount, I'm thinking of investing my earnings soon in the stocks and insurances. I'd want to make sure that my future wouldn't be that scary. You know, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Something like that.

Anyway, I've decided to stay here in Tacloban for good due to some circumstances. I'd still go home every month, well depending on my work schedule. But hey, don't get me wrong, I still consider this as a BIG blessing in my life. Never in my life did I think that I'd ACTUALLY become an air traffic controller. Honestly, I still surreals whenever I think about my career. People tend look quizzical whenever they learn about my work.

And oh, I miss blogging big time. I miss those days when I still have this energy to share how my day went, no matter how mundane it was. Three to four times A DAY. Yep, you heard it right! HAHA college days. This personal blog of mine will turn 8 this October. Wow, just wow! Amazing! Reading my previous posts in the previous years made me realize that I somehow grew more mature when it comes to dealing with life decisions and other #mature stuff (no, not the NSFW #mature stuff).

Well, that's it for now! The month of May is about to end. We are now through with the first half of the year. And, I'm hoping that the second half would be more awesome! Cheers!

Brand New Adventure

1. I just turned 23 last week and yey, got a surprise from my roommates. How sweet of you guys. In the afternoon, it rained so hard and the wind was so strong. But I think I'd receive tremendous blessings before turning 24. Well, keeping my hopes high in my new career as an Air Traffic Controller.
2. Speaking of career, graduation is just around the corner. I still can't believe that I made it to the finish line!!! Woohoo! Cheers!
3. I made an article about the seven misconceptions in Davao primarily because I just wanted to update my travel blog. I originally planned to write ten, but I can only think of seven. Haha! I did not expect that it would be a hit. Originally published last August 2, it had garnered more than 11,000 pageviews! I don't know, maybe it's the humor or the truth.... Or simply both? IDK. The article could have been written better, but yeah, tried my best.
4. I am so happy that we were granted a one week vacation after our graduation. Can't wait to go back to Davao for the nth time. At least, I am going to be there longer. Spending weekends in Davao was not enough and I would always wanted to stay longer.
5. Just updating my personal blog. Haha!

That feeling.

I do not know. I had a lot things in my mind right now and I want it to write it on my blog. But apparently my hands won't allow me to do such. It feels weird. I can't consider this as a writer's block... Maybe hands' block perhaps? I do not know. I just feel anxious lately. I only have six days remaining before I leave Davao for good. I know this is just part of reaching my dreams of becoming the country's air traffic controller. Manila is definitely not my comfort zone; everything there is fucking chaotic, dirty and expensive. Not that I'm complaining though. Add the fact that it's going to be my first time to be away from my parents. I would definitely miss them.

Hmmm, I do hope that I'd do good on our training. I would do my best and I will not let them down.

Game face: ON.

PS: I still have to write something for my travel blog. Blogging at the last day of September via my iPad. By the way, I am loving this blogging app! Very convenient and spending $4.99 for it is worth it at all.

So, this is it!

Finally, the long wait is over. CAAP sent me an SMS last week. It was good news.

I am now qualified to train as an Air Traffic Controller at Civil Aviation Training Center in Parañaque, Metro Manila. I know that I'd be away from home for more than a year, but I know I can do it. And yes, I am slowly reaching my dreams. Gosh, I didn't expect this! To be honest, I did not expect that I'd nail the exam, pass the medical exam (thank God I am not color blind) and nail the interview (got a Very Satisfactory rating).

This is it! The pressure's on me, actually. I am carrying my uncle's surname. I should study hard. I swear, I won't let him down. I know this requires intense mental discipline. Well, knowing my attitude, I do not settle with mediocrity, I always strive hard to be on top... in a good way of course!

I know I can do it. If my uncle did it, kaya ko rin to. One year Renz, just one year, and everything's gonna be worth it. Say good bye to my senyorito life... ugh, well... temporarily. This is going to be a fun and exciting journey!

This is Renz, now ready to serve the Philippine airspace!

One Step Closer

I didn't expect this at all.

I NAILED THE CATS 6 (Comprehensive Air Traffic Service) Course entrance exam!