January 27, 2023 was a significant date for me. It was the first time I took a trip out of the Philippines in the last three years since the Covid-19 pandemic struck. I had to fly to Bangkok, Thailand for the Rotary District 3810 Midyear Review.
My Philippine Airlines flight PR 730 was leaving at noon of 27 January, so I checked in at 10 a.m. To my pleasant surprise, it was a seamless experience, including the immigration process, took only 10 minutes. When I entered the Mabuhay Lounge, I was delighted to see some of my Rotarian colleagues who were also attending the Midyear event. Among them were Helen Masangya, Jun Pasion, Emily Pagtakhan, Jeanine Policarpio, and Tonyboy Faraon. I was in for a lovely time.
Our aircraft was the Air Bus 350-900 which carries 30 business class passengers and 295 in economy. The plane was clean and well-maintained. We had a full flight, and the service crew were efficient, attentive, and pleasant.
When we landed, I requested the captain and the entire crew to have a group picture with our Rotary group and they all pleasantly posed for this memorable photo after all the passengers had disembarked. Here is the group photo.
Why do I fly PAL? Because I am nationalistic.
Why do I fly PAL, I ask myself? And the answer came swift. Because I am nationalistic. PAL is our national carrier that flies to over 60 destinations and our Philippine flag is proudly emblazoned in its wings. We need to support our national airline, that despite all the challenges of the high cost of fuel and stiff competition, among other problems, it has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the riding public with pride and professionalism.
I support PAL because their service is tops, the attendants are well-trained, charming, and caring without being intrusive. The food is tasty and just the right portion. The presentation is simple and elegant.
This first trip in three years was such a pleasant experience. I am now looking forward to my trip to Melbourne, Australia this 26 May 2023, to attend our Rotary International Convention which opens on 28 May where Rotarians from around the world will congregate together to promote peace, hope, goodwill, and fellowship among 40,000 delegates to discuss the future directions of our humanitarian organization whose main objective is “service above self.”
Rotary’s mantra ties up with PAL’s tagline, which is “the heart of the Filipino.” In the case of Rotary, our hearts beat for the marginalized as we wake up each morning reaching out to those in need one day at a time.