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!

Back to Work

After the holiday bonanza, everything's now back to normal. There's traffic to endure again every Fridays and Mondays. Air traffic in Davao's increasing. I'm halfway through with my Approach Control rating. I am looking forward to this year's travel and adventures. Take note that I have already booked three trips for this year alone, and I'm planning to add another one by mid-November. Thinking of going somewhere really far and cold. I think I am ready to face snow again. HAHA! Who knows? God willing, I'll be going there no matter what.

So far, I've been productive on my day-offs. There has been a lot of upcoming projects and tasks in both online and in my blogging community, and I am not complaining. Not at all. It keeps me busy, and it sustains my creative mojo. But, whenever it rains the whole day, I just stay at home and watch my favorite TV shows while sipping a hot choco.

Anyway, back to work tomorrow. Working two shifts, and hopefully no delays or any special operations.

PS: I promise to update this personal blog more often. 

One Goal: Safe Skies

This is actually my favorite online article about air traffic control. It tells the sensitive nature of my job.

Which is why I cringe when I hear some of the so-called pundits calling controllers lazy, overpaid prima donnas. That type of comment shows no understanding of what controllers endure every working day of their lives. I would give anything to drag one of these naysayers up to the tower, strap a headset on them, and give them a chance to guide dozens of speeding jets carrying thousands of people through a congested airspace. In a thunderstorm. At 2 in the morning.

Couldn't agree more.

May It Be

May is fast approaching and I can't hardly wait for my first day off of the month. Seriously, this week, I am expected to work 8 straight days because of the transition of my work schedule. Not that I'm complaining though, but I'm quite sick the past few days. Maybe I got stressed from all the adventures I took last weekend. My overnight experience in Kalanggaman Island was underwhelming, albeit the majestic sunrise so to speak. I'm having a flu right now.

Well, it's almost midnight. I should be sleeping.

PS: Now that my mobile plan in SMART is no longer unlimited, I'm looking for ways to maximize my data. Ugh, fuck this. I just hate the internet connection here in the Philippines - slow, limited, and fucking expensive. Unbelievable!

I should be sleeping. Duty in T minus 5 hours.

I've had enough

Requested departure time: 2:20PM. Departure time given from flow management: 4:22PM.

Less than three weeks before the national elections. I am so tired of reading and hearing all those political nonsense and mudslinging from both staunch supporters and candidates. Well, I can't blame it. Social media had played a very important role in delivering vital information in this year's political campaign. But of course, you can't just avoid those hypocrites, know-it-alls, the pseudo-intellectuals, and the gullible ones. 

But despite our intellectual, socio-political, and ~*emotional*~ differences, we all have the same dream - whoever wins the election must put our country in a higher pedestal.

IN OTHER NEWS, air traffic congestion or flight delays have hit a all-time high! HURRAY! A few days ago, a reliable source told me that in NAIA 3 alone, 96% of all flights are delayed. The reason? Numerous non-scheduled flights were filed flying in and out of Manila. See also: hired private planes by politicians going to different provinces of the country.

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.

November 18th

Time flies so fast. November's about to end in less than two weeks. Things have been great for the past weeks. I get the chance to travel with my mom and godmother in Saigon, Vietnam last month. That trip, despite being a short one and some bloopers, was rather awesome. It's great to be back in Saigon and just stroll around the city. I had the chance to spend millions of dongs at Saigon Square. Yep, they had great stuff there. I never thought that I'd enjoy shopping THAT much, even if my feet became sore due to over walking, if there's such a thing as over walking.

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Work is so far good. I've never complained about my job. It's my lifelong dream to become an air traffic controller and I wouldn't trade it for any other jobs, even if the compensation is higher. Well, working on your dream job is supposed to be a dream come true... until you meet some people who would talk behind your back, and try to pull you down. I've kept on whining about it for the past few months but I've come to realize that there's no personal growth if people around you aren't diverse. Forgive me, it is my first time to experience working on the 'real' world. Being a slave of the government has its own perks, in all fairness, but being a slave to one's butt is another thing. I owe them to my personal growth, honestly speaking. Without them, I wouldn't be this strong and independent. Without them, I would probably be still immature. They have brought me to a world wherein I should try to fit in, not THEM trying to fit in MY world. It's a case-to-case basis. Well, it's all about being nice to everyone, NO MATTER WHAT. It's really hard at first, but you'll get used to it. I still consider these as blessings from God.

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Extension

And I just learned that our OJT phase will be extended 'til June of next year (2014), which means that we'll have our permanent facility deployment on that date instead of January 2014, which was earlier promised by our bosses. I have no problem with that. And besides, let's look on the brighter side. Once I get my license, say January 2014 (hopefully, keeping my fingers crossed. Patiently waiting for our schedule on skilled test), we'll start having a differential rate. We'll get the full amount though by June 2014 once we have our permanent facility deployment. Yo shizzle I'm talking about big amount of $$$$$, but not as big as Napoles' ill-gotten wealth. But at least, we have something to look forward this June. Besides, it's just another six months of waiting. Time's really fast these days. On the brighter side #2, it would be easier for me to ask permission to the FIC. Won't be reporting for duty for a few days. I mean, as JOs, we don't have paid leaves, thus it's a no-work, no-pay policy. But it's okay. I won't be gone for a week or two. It's just three days in Singapore. Woot! Singapore Airshow 2014! Can't wait for it! Perfect time to celebrate Valentines with my first love - AVIATION! Haha cheesy.

Phew!

Anyway, flying back to Davao this Saturday dawn and I've never been THIS excited! Davao is my home and will always be my HOME.

That's it for now.