366 Days in the Sky

I've been working in a place where I witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset; where I can admire the stunning lights of the whole city at a glance; where my breathe is taken away by the aerial beauty of Swiss Alps and Niagara Falls; where I am literally above the storm and thunder and would just get amazed how both start; and where I feel like I'm Peter Pan flying over different clouds. This is how beautiful my working place is. It's a place that has changed me and my whole life.

April 26, 2016 marks my one year in aviation. Oh, the time! It flies as fast as an airplane.  In the span of one year, many lessons have been learned.

I will not talk about how I dreamed to be a crew member and how I became one. I already talked about that on my previous blog. This time, I want to share how my life and I have become over the year.

The biggest challenge I took is the independent life. Who would have thought I would cook kare-kare and pinakbet? Yes, I learned to cook! I learned to do chores. But not only that. Independent life means having more responsibilities. I am responsible for my own expenses, so budgeting has to be learned. When I face problems, I need to solve it on my own. When I bump into arrogant people, I should defend myself. It's no longer a kind of life where family is there to catch me always. But there are times that independent life becomes tough. It makes me feel I am alone. I remember one night when I got home from a layover and a long haul flight, feeling so famished. Restos in airport were already closed. I don't eat food from aircraft because daily consumption of such will ruin one's health. I was shaking in hunger. I grabbed some chips to fill my growling tummy, so I could have the energy to cook. I was crying while eating. I just missed the moment when I go home from work and meal is already prepared by mom.

I meet different kinds of people; from best ones to worst ones. Some test my patience and even provoke me to curse. I was so helpful and generous back then that I got being taken advantage of. But in this field, being adamant seems like a requirement. I needed to learn how to say "No". Not all their requests must receive the word "sure". Thankfully, I still get a chance to work with people who teach me how to appreciate my job more.

When people ask what my job is, I proudly answer "I am a flight stewardess". In the Philippines, they look high upon us. But in every flight, there is always one guest who thinks about and treats us like we are slaves. This is a hurtful reality! I won't be hypocrite here. There was a time when I thought I AM ONLY A WAITER who serves food and drinks. But after that, I realized how hard the job of a waiter is. It is hard to deal with several customers all at the same time, worse with demanding ones. It made me realize how important they are in our society. Now, I could say to everyone, "I CAN BE A WAITER TOO." Followed by a wink and a smile on my face!

Have you read my previous blog where I mentioned the stability in life I could get from being an aviation crew? I would say I was not wrong. God knows how grateful I am for working with Saudia. I am now giving financial support to my retired parents with the help of my big sister, though my parents own a small business. Hihi! I buy things I need and want. I was able to invest in car and insurance. However, I need to learn the ways of budgeting and saving, because  unfortunately I burn cash.

In 366 days, growth has been earned in every aspect. Working in the sky is fun, but not as glamorous as it may seem. But remember, those unglamorous things you see are the ones that teach you to spread your wings wider and fly higher.

Happy 1st anniversary to you, aviation chick!

Italy Part 1 - The Venetian Trip

It is everyone's dream to go for a wander round Italia. Fortunate we were to have it come true as we found ourselves amidst its history and romanticism.

Saudia does operate a flight to Milan. I went to Milan already in September last year, which I have yet to blog about it though. It was a beautiful city, no wonder! And for the second time, I was blessed to have had a layover in this city again. I actually was even more blessed because it's almost a 3-day layover. So, I needed to make the most out of it. Since I saw Milan before, this is a great chance to go beyond and see the other wonderful parts of Italy.

My flying partner for the month of April happened to be a batchmate, too. Crisselle and I schemed our itinerary only a day before our flight. I advise you to search information and prepare all necessities ahead of time, the transportation for instance, because if not, you would end up with no more available seat or paying pricier one.

Italy has a train network that connects every major city. Moreover, there are buses that hop from city to city.

We arrived in Milan on April 6, in the morning. We checked in to our hotel and immediately changed clothes and dolled up. That's usually how cabin crew roll on every layover. No rest, go on a tour directly! Haha!

First stop, Venice. We booked a rail pass through TrenItalia. Actually, our hotel concierge told us that we booked the wrong railway station which was Venezia Mestre. Since we wanted to be in Grand Canal, it should be Venezia Santa Lucia instead. The trip took 2 and a half hours. Thanks to the spectacular view seen through our window as it lessened the boredom. The ample space of the train and its mini store and toilet room give comfort to the passengers. After the train, we got on board of a bus. It is a 20-minute ride from Venezia Mestre to Venezia Sta. Lucia. We were so excited to wander as we stepped out of the vehicle. You cannot imagine how big our smiles were! Venice is like a city on a sea. The Grand Canal is surrounded by many antiquated buildings and bridges. There are water taxis, water buses, and the iconic gondolas.

What is Venice without the ride on a gondola? So, we blithely hopped aboard the genteel, black and red, hand-built wooden boat. Our gondolier slash tourist guide was Mr. Adamo. He rowed us around the lagoon. He even told us stories about some buildings along the canal. Like he pointed to the apartments of Marco Polo and the Cassanova family. He showed us the first and smallest church built in the place. It was entertaining!

You would perceive in your eyes the oldness of the place. Well, that is the touch of history. The only thing I dislike is the green moss that covers the wharf, bridges, and lower part of the buildings. You could smell it, too.

How we ended our trip? We stuffed our tummies with tasty Italian pizza and gelato.

It is definitely a once in a life time experience in the most romantic city. You would feel kilig even without a lover beside you!

(Wait for the 2nd part!)

FAQ - Saudia Recruitment

I've been receiving a lot of inquiries about Saudia recruitment from numerous aspiring cabin crew. I apologize to those whom I was not able to accommodate. It's either because I am very busy working or busy sleeping. I am sorry for those unanswered questions posted on my pages. You could see me active on my social media accounts, but believe me, I need to use that free time to lift my sinking social life.

All questions I get are mostly the same. Thus, I decided to compile all FAQs here and provide answers. Basically, these answers are based on my experience and my colleagues' experiences.

Please note that this is only applicable for those FA wannabes residing in the Philippines. I will be posting another one for those who live in Saudi Arabia, as I am local hired.

1.) How to apply to Saudia?

Saudia's affiliated agency in the Philippines is IPAMS / Industrial Personnel and Management Services. It is located in Aurora Blvd. It has a Facebook page where the admins actively post about the recruitment that will take place. Visit the page frequently! If there is a recruitment, you may submit your CV on their website. But it's much better if you go and apply on the recruitment day itself.

2.) What are the requirements?

• CV
• Passport (2 years)
• Whole body picture
• 2x2 pictures
• Photocopy of birth certificate
• Photocopy of current employment certificate
• Photocopy of education certificates (diploma and/or transcript of records)
• NBI clearance

3.) What is the required height?

The ideal height is 5'2. The first thing they do is measure your height by asking you to reach the 212 cms line on the wall. You need to use both hands.

4.) Are scars, tattoos and/or pimples allowed?

Scars can be concealed. Please do.

Too much pimples is not allowed. If you can cover them with make up, then that's good.

Tattoos must not be visible.

5.) Do I need to be a swimmer?
At least, you can swim.

6.) What is the acceptable eye vision?

As I heard, the acceptable vision is 20/40. But if you have a problem with your eye sight, you may still apply. This will only be declared after passing the final interview, which is during medical exam in SM Lazo. Actually, it is not a problem at all because it will not affect the result. The clinic will just ask you to undergo an eye laser. It is expensive, but I guarantee you, it's worth it. You will get the amount of money you spend for the surgery on your first official salary.

7.) Do they accept applicants with scoliosis?

The angle of the scoliosis must not be more than 12 degrees.

8.) What to wear during recruitment day?

IPAMS required applicants to wear corporate attire. Preferably, skirt, long sleeves covered with coat, high heels, full make-up and hair in bun. Note, employers prefer pink lipstick.

9.) Is it okay to apply for applicants with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Unexpectedly, I received this question thrice. So, I might as well post it here. Having this condition is not a big deal. There is no part of the medical exam where it can be detected. Two of my batchmates have it. Worry no more!

10.) How does the screening go?

Honestly, I did not personally experience the screening conducted by IPAMS. As I said, I am a local hired in Saudi Arabia. It's totally different. I got this information from my colleagues. First, they measure your height. Once you passed, you would be directed to IPAMS personnel for the initial interview. But there are days when they are up for public speaking. They give you a topic which needed to be discussed in front of your co-applicants. If passed, they inform you ( via text, call, or e-mail) to come to their office again for final interview. On FI, you would have a one-on-one interview with Saudia employer. Then, another public speaking or a role-playing.

11.) What is the required age?

Strictly, you should be 22 years old or turning 22 in a few months. You can still apply up to 30 years of age.

12.) What are the possible questions asked by the interviewer?

They ask the usual questions; like "Why do you want to be a flight attendant?", "What are your strength and weaknesses", "What can you contribute to the company?", "How do you see yourself 10 years from now?".

13.) Can I say I have family, relatives, or friends working at Saudia?

It doesn't count. Remember, the interviewer assesses you, not those people related to you.

14.) Do I need to be a degree holder? Do I need to be an experienced cabin crew?

Being a degree holder and/or experienced cabin crew can be an edge. High school graduates and first timers are welcome. As long as you are at the right age, are able to understand knowledge instilled in you, and good personality, you go girl!

UPDATE!!! I have learned that Saudia/IPAMS no longer accept undergraduates.

15.) Can married women and/or mothers apply?

You are most welcome, sisters!

I, myself, went through what you are going through right now. Do not give up! Strive more to thrive more.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Turkey - I got the best of both worlds!

I just wanted to savour an authentic Turkish shawarma with Turkish tea and visit the Blue Mosque. That's all I ever wanted to do in my Istanbul layover. I had no idea that a lavishness had been awaiting me.

It was my Egyptian flying partner's idea to go cruising at night. I was hesitant at first, but excitement eventually felt.

On August 18, 2015, the crew arrived at Titanic Hotel. Hend and I immediately booked a Turkish cruise on Bosphorus Turn A Tour through the help of the hotel reception.

At 6 pm, a van picked us up. It took us to the port together with other tourists. The traffic was awful. Oh my gosh! It took 3 hours that I already slept and dreamt on my seat. However, it was worth it!

Our sea voyage started  with a sumptuous dinner at the upper deck. There were several tourists from different countries, bust mostly were from gulf. After the dinner, we went down to unlax. Oh dear! It was so amazing. On our right side, we could see Asia. On the other side, it is Europe. At that moment, I recalled Mandy Moore's "A Walk to Remember" movie where she wants to be in two places at once. I experienced it! I was in between the two beautiful continents. Cool breeze gliding over my skin, city lights beaming on my eyes, lovely music playing in the background... Ah! It made me miss the man of my dream.

A few minutes later, the program started. There was a dance floor at the center and cruisers were seated around. Different performers showcased different talents. But my favorite among them is the belly dancer.  She was very entertaining. She interacted with audience captivatingly and even goofed around. After the program, they gave the dance floor to the cruisers. Hend and I tripped the light fantastic. I turned into a belly dancer overnight. Haha!

We returned to the hotel at 1 am already.

The next day, we just had a quick breakfast buffet then betook ourselves to Meydani to visit Sultan Ahment Mosque. This was actually Hend's second time to see the holy mosque. But it was my first time, so, I had to take hundred of pictures. Haha!

This city has a lovely landscape because of the abundance of flowers. You would see different types of flowers, but tulips are the prettiest. I heard they change the kind of flowers and its landscape every season.

We met a businessman along Meydani street. He owns carpet shop and cafè, where he toured us around.

Our last activity was souvenir hoarding. Then, went back to the hotel to prep for our flight back to Riyadh.

Oh! By the way, Turkish people are very beautiful and handsome. All of them! Hihi!