Unexpected Reward

Life knows how to throw lemons at you because it becomes two pitchers of lemonade right before hitting me. Lmao. So today, the chiefs had a meeting and since the mental health of the air traffic controllers is on their top priority, they're now allowing us to fly home and stay there for one month without deducting our leave credits. They thought of rewarding us for staying as one of the front-liners in the aviation sector (as if we had a choice duh, but still grateful for their decision). It's been almost seven months since the last time I went home to Davao. So, yeah. I am stoked that I'm finally going home and stay there for a month. I've applied for the medical clearance from the barangay and the travel authority from the police.

Can't wait!

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.