PR 8888: Flight of the Flag Bearers

How many times in one’s life do you get to join a special “homecoming” flight, let alone be with Olympians for more than 8 hours? One Friday afternoon, we got a call to be part of the team flying onboard the PR 8888 flight that brought home the athletes from their well-fought bouts in Paris. It was a flurry of experiences that included coordination and preparation for the flight.

Many things needed to be planned up until our departure. Our role was to document and give real-time feed on onboard activities. We left Manila in the early afternoon of August 12 with 16 people to bring the aircraft to Dubai via Bangkok. The Airbus A321neo took to the skies for Bangkok and briefly stopped in the Thai capital. After it left Suvarnabhumi, we immediately sprang into action. We began strategizing how to do some interviews and documentation. Our colleagues from Cabin Services and our newly met friends from LTP helped prepare all the giveaways for the incoming guests.

It was about nighttime when the glimmering skyline of Dubai appeared out of the darkness. The aircraft touched down at about 8 p.m. We were whisked to the terminal and waited. A few moments later, the members of the Philippine Olympic delegation began to arrive. Despite the tiring trip, everyone wanted to share their experiences and expressed their excitement about going back home. Some of them even exclaimed their yearning for local dishes.

Soon after we were complete, we were returned to the plane via bus for the early morning departure from Dubai. This allowed us to capture this symbolic shot of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino waving the flag as we descended the stairs. With the athletes and trainers cheering, it was a moment that made you feel proud to be a Filipino.

Onboard, the athletes enjoyed Business Class meals and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. They were also gifted with Tanduay Rhum products. The brief stop in Bangkok on the way back allowed us to engage and start doing the documentation and interviews, as everyone was so tired upon boarding from Dubai.

This time, everyone was more energized. The athletes were generous and even accommodated for selfies and to sign autographs. It was a moment of celebration on board, with the singing of Pinoy medleys by the coaches.

Double Olympic gold medalist and gymnast Carlos Yulo was honored as PAL’s “Forever Flyer,” receiving 150,000 Mabuhay Miles per year for life with a symbolic turnover by the PAL team led by Capt. Gallardo Ibarra Jr. with a special certificate. Yulo professed his gratitude for the recognition and said, “Maraming salamat po sa pagdarasal at pag-suporta sa aming mga atletang Pilipino na naglaro sa Olympics.”

Olympic bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio were each awarded 80,000 Mabuhay Miles annually for the next three years. The bubbly Petecio said, “Thank you, PAL, for the 80,000 miles; this is a big help to me and my family. Mabuhay po kayo.”

Conversely, Villegas said, “Maraming Salamat, Philippine Airlines; I will definitely use these miles, especially when I travel home to the province.”

Despite their achievements, their new-found fame does not go into their heads. One even quipped that they were there because of their passion for their respective sport.

The aircraft landed in Manila around seven in the evening of August 13, with everyone clapping, signaling that we were home. The plane was welcomed at the Kalayaan Hall in Villamor Airbase.

Cabin Manager Vivien Santiago shared, “The athletes were all very friendly, courteous, and maintained their discipline as they followed instructions from the team leads. The mood was hosting a party for the Philippine I was in disbelief. I would consider this a highlight in my 31-year flying career. Having the athletes with me and bringing them home was a tremendous honor and privilege.”

She adds, “Among the athletes, Nesthy Petecio stood out the most, in my opinion. As soon as she boarded, she asked, ‘May adobo ba tayo?’ Nesthy felt at home on our flight and immediately connected with the crew. When asked to share a message with the Filipino people, she didn’t hesitate to deliver her heartfelt words.”

Purser Ces Agustin said, “When I first learned that I would be the flight purser for this historic flight, I was in disbelief. I would consider this a highlight in my 31-year flying career. Having the athletes with me and bringing them home was a tremendous honor and privilege.”

As a PALer, she adds, “Being a PALer was an incredible experience because it’s not common for individuals to bring the Olympians home, and it was an awesome experience to serve and make them feel at home after they boarded the plane.”

The mission was a success, and everyone was proud to be of service to our sports heroes, who gave so much honor to the country.

Read more stories in the latest issue of The PALiner https://thepaliner.philippineairlines.com/2024/10/07/the-paliner-september-2024-issue/