First Class Training

Nov 2, 2001

I'm currently taking a First Class course. In other words, I'll soon graduate being an economy crew. There are 3 of us Pinay (I'm with Beth and Michelle)in a class of 16 crew. Some of my batchmates are on leave so they'll be taking the course on January. The course is 3 weeks long because there's a lot to learn about the services. While we're on training, we won't have any flight. All we do is learn and eat because we orient ourselves with 1st class food, dining courses & service procedures. The crew will take turn practising while the others act like passengers. But as the passenger we take notes. We practice services at the mock-up. That's a pretend-cabin interior complete with passenger seats and operative galley. We were also required to take a refresher course in First Aid and On-board Announcement. Im really enjoying myself. I need this break away from flying. I feel relaxed, no pressure, like I’m on vacation. and all these food familiarization is making me gain weight.

Birthday away from home

February 5, 2001

Yesterday's my Bday. My friends surprised me with a party last night. Everyone who doesn’t have a flt came over. I was planning a Bday dinner, but didn’t expect my friends to pitch in. Marie (my flat mate) didn’t go to church with us that evening. She was secretly planning to fix the flat while I’m gone. She tied baloons together and taped the strings on the ceiling like hanging mobiles. It looked very festive.

I already prepared prawns and spaghetti that afternoon. Marie had a bucket of Kentucky delivered while I was gone, and Maricel (the Bicolana) also secretly baked me a choco cake. After the mass I bought 2 flavors of Magnolia ice cream (which is expensive here) at a Filipino store, so there’s so much to eat. Marie has a new video camera and took videos of the event starting from when I entered the flat. They turned off the lights with only the birthday candles lighted. The Living Room was already prepared. Tekla and Marie were calling each other to synchronize their acts to get the whole team prepared for my coming. I never had a surprise party before. I didn’t expect everyone to be there and we all partied till we dropped dead tired. No booze though.

The night before, Feb 3, I came from a flight and we landed 930PM. Beth, also from GrandAir, picked me up the the airport. They prepared dinner for me at her place and had some friends over. Beth lives with her husband apart from our "singles" company owned residence. So Feb 3 PM turned out to be a party for my friends living outside the staff house, and Feb 4 for resthouse residents. Bethe made a lot. There was even smuggled pork ribs. Most of it they already ate because I came late.The best gift I had - Beatles Anthology Book from Kuya Tony (one of our elder Pinoy friend w/ the US army based here). He ordered it from Amazon.com. He learned from Marie that I'm into it.

All these to entertain ourselves. What else can you do in the desert?

Malaga

I finally got to experience a little of Spain. I was pulled for a Malaga flt (we have this every summer)last Thurs. I wasn't prepared for it. I was scheduled as a standby for that day, and when I reported, my name was already printed on the Malaga list (the EU Visa will finally have a use) .But what I have in my bag is good only for 1 nt. stop, I don't have enough clothes for 2 days, and make up for the flt. back. I don't even have any of my camera with me and I was so angry. Linette (the Pinay w/me) thought she was the only Pinay on flt. And also didn't bring her camera.

Our allowance was given in Kuwait, and we rushed to the Duty Free to get this Kodak disposable camera. It's a 39 shot simple camera, and I didn't even finish the film. We all went as deadhead to London (on KU) and took BA fr. LHR(Heathrow)to AGP(Malaga). At LHR, we transitted for 3 hrs, but the 1st hr. was wasted on making arrangements for our flt, and the last hr, was for check in and boarding. That left us w/ only 1 hr. for shopping. So I bought a sleeveless top (I know you hate that, but I'm in Europe) and cosmetics. I got a girlie mag too (cosmop.) and an internetmag(yahoo) w/ Alanis Morissette topless and her hands on her breasts.

We took BA, and the moment I stepped inside, there was this old familiar stench. When I asked one of the Stewards, he said it's a 737. I knew it. It was the smell of GrandAir when I used to fly the antique 737s. But this one is a series 400 w/ 2 overwing exits on both sides. They have a very good service. The Capt. Does the welcome announcement, every seat has a newspaper (tabloid) aside fr. The airline mag, the duty free and a lifestyle mag in the seatpockets. The food is good. They served beverage (w/ alcohol of course) and hot snacks (pasta) we can't take alcohol since we're still on duty, so we just asked for the bottles and took it to the hotel.

We arrived Malaga around 10PM. The crew who took this flight last week had Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith on the same floor with them. I envied Glenda when she showed me her pictures.Melanie was very nice to their fans. Their kids looked like her. With thick foreheads.

But on this lay-over, I have so many frustrating experience with the crew. 4 of us girls went out the 1st day. One Moroccan, one Malaysian, and us 2 Pinays. They are all OK and all of us get along well, but staying and going as a group has its problems. The waiting, the asking (if all is in favor), following the misleading leader, it's all exhausting. Here are 4 major bummers (major, meaning not counting the minors) 1) Arriving at the Hotel, some crew are insisting on having a single room and made all of the crew complain and appeal. We waited for 1 hr. Damn, we were so tired and I wanted to sleep and relax. I don't mind sharing, I'm w/ a Pinay anyway.2) Going to this this lovely place by the beach in Torremolinos, we got mislead by this crew and we walked for 2 hrs, and she's insisting it's the right place. No one speaks Spanish and we can't get directions. Then I used my very little Spanish I learned from Sesame Street, Villa Alegre and some Spanish rooted Filipino words and asked for directions myself. We soon got to the place by taxi. I should have done that earlier. 3)One wanted to buy this diamond from one shop and we all have to wait until she decides for 1 hr. She didn't get the diamond in the end. 4) Linette lost her cel. and we have to help her. That took 1 hr. We were able to locate and retrieve it the next morning. It was already dark when we started strolling. You see, we all have to stay together, if we get lost we don't know how to get back to the hotel. The 2 other girls won't let go of us bec they can't understand Spanish.

Malaga is a lovely place. Lovely weather too. And lovely people. Girls wearing stringed tops and strappless in the city is common. Everybody wears it. Young, old, fat, thin, white, dark skinned everyone. I'm thinking, why are Filipinas in Manila branded as "bitches or prostis" when they wear that. Temp. is sunny 25-27C. Some women at the beach sun bathe topless. And nobody seem to mind. It would be embarassing for one to wear 1 pc. bathing suit. I didn't really get 'into' the beach. I didn't bring my bsuit, I don't have a 2 pc. And the girls fucked my time. Linette was too pissed bec. of the loss of her cel and the beach plan is cancelled.

The Highs are: (1)I got a taste of real Paella and it's the best I had. I learned that in their history, Paella started as Royal Family's helpers meal. They mix and fix the Royal Family's left-overs and Paella was born. (2) The Hotel people calls me Senora. (3) I feel Aristocratic speaking in Spanish. My crew mates were impressed. They didn't know it's "barok-spanish". (4) I get around wearing my skimpiest strap sundress and nobody minds.(5) I walked the foot prints of Antonio Banderas.

Sick on Bombay Flight

I've been sick for 3 days now. I asked the co. Doc to extend my S/L it til tom. It all started on My BOM (Bombay) flt. That's a nt flt, arriving at 8AM d next day. while having dinner, I had stomach pains due to hyper-acidity. I thought of reporting sick since I hate flying already. But then, reporting sick means seeing a Doctor at an accredited hospital that night to get a sick form signed.
I just thought of taking medicine and take the flt. BIG MISTAKE. On ground Bombay, the pain got worst that made me think it's gotta be more than hyperacidity. I fear ulcer. I vomitted 2x on the flt and the spasms are frequent and unbearable. I can't eat, I can't even take sips of liquid. It upsets my stomach. I didn't work much on the way back. I wanted to go sick on board, but it was a full flt and there's no pax seat available.

After pax disembarkation, I started thinking, In my whole life, I never fainted or rushed to a hospital, but maybe the day has come. All the crew are worried about me and was looking after me while walking through the airport fearing I would faint. 2 other Pinay crew are with me, Pam & Jocs. I told them I might need to go to hospital because no one will look after me at home (being alone) in case something happens. Jocs suggested I go to our clinic first and let them be the ones to take me to a hospital if needed.

Good Idea. I had Pam take me to the clinic (she's got a car) bec I don't want to walk by myself alone, not specially under a 36C AM temp. At the clinic, this stupid Doc just gave me prescription for meds and let me go home.Am I not needed to go to a hospital?" "You can see your private Doctor after this if you like." Salamat, di bis ka talaga. Saludo ako p&*%^$^#%@) mo!!!
I even have to ask the Pinay nurse to let me rest there, and she's so kind to accommodate me, let me in this room with a high, stretcher-like bed, gave me covers and spread a curtain partition for me. Sweet nga eh. She's very open and helpful. She segregated medicines given to me that might be harmful. She even advised me to have a blood test to be sure and gave me referrals of Pinay nurses in private clinics.

I was able to sleep (inspite of the recurring pain) for 1 1/2 hrs when God sent an Angel in the form of Maricar. She's got an allergy on her leg and was treated on the same room where I am. At last I have somebody to go out the clinic with. I'm still scared to walk alone. She was also headed back to briefing (I left my samsonite there).

At the Briefing Center, I tried to eat and Irene even gave me a cup soup w/c I badly needed. Everybody's guessing it could be stress. Still I threw up. God sent another Angel in the form of Tareq (Syrian). He's got a car and headed home.Maricar asked him if he can take us bec. transport isn't available yet and I'm very sick. Gentleman enough, he complied. Maricar & I, together w/ Zsa-zsa all went home to the rest hse.

At home, I had oatmeal and slept. Still the spasms recur but my condition improved everyday.
Today, 3 days after that dreadful day, I'm happy to say I've recovered, provided I take my medicines religiously. Jas heard about my case and bought for me 2 sets of PTs.
Gotta try this tom.

Beirut

Jan 30, 2001

I just came from Beirut. We arrived 11PM. And what I can say about Beirut is: 'it's ugly'. I'm very disappointed. All the Lebanese crew we have always talk about how nice their country is, well sad to say, I didn't find it that way.

The only thing nice about it is its geography. Mountain ranges on one side and the sea on the other. The mountains are capped with snow in winter. They do winter sports there. But the buildings are old, the cars are old. Some buildings are even left as it is after the 80s war - in ruins. I admit around 50% of cars in Manila are as old as the ones in Beirut, but ours are well maintained at least. People there doesn't seem to care about how their cars look. Dusty and crappy. I may sound like I belittle them too much, as much as it has dissapointed me. Blame it on our crew who act so well-off and trendy. Ang Pinoy, mahirap man, humble.

Shops have craps for sale. The clothes are terrible, leathers however are very nice and cheap, but the designs are mostly loud. Even their dept. stores are gloomy. I find old stores in Binondo better. I have my camera with me but wasn't able to take not even a single shot. There isn't any place pretty enough for a shot.

Beirut is a mountain made into a city. You can compare the ups and downs with that of Mandaluyong. The streets are all 2 lane, except for the highways leading out of the central.

I got for myself a very nice souvenir, and postcards of course. No not any of these cider trees Lebanon is known for. I got a small figurine of 5 idol-like men made of molded metal. I asked the shop owner a little background of the figure. Unfortunately, she can't speak english that well. I showed it to one of the crew before the flt. back to KWI. Her name's Nadine, she's Lebanese (more on her later). She liked it and told me I made a very good choice. It's a replica of idols they found in an ancient temple in Byblos dating to Phoenician times. Hhmmmmmm, very interesting.

Nadine is a petit F/A. She's only 5 ft, may be shorter. White, thin, with curly light hair, prominent cheekbones, wide round blue eyes and soft high pitched voice. I think she's 28. She's very nice and 'masipag'. I notice sometimes she humms classic rock tunes. At first I thought she just heard it somewhere and got stuck in her mind. The next flt I heard her humm 'I got you Babe'. Tonight I heard her humming another rock tune. So I asked her. She said she appreciates all kind of songs, even loud ones. Funny, I told her. I never thought an Arab would have the taste for it, specially a girl like you. And she told me "Highway Star" is her favorite. My God! Born to be Wild is not far behind. Then she started singing Highway Star. And she knows the words. Natalo ako.

London Night Stop

Jan 20, 2001

I just arrived from London. I was thinking of reporting sick for the flt, but I don't want to miss this night stop. London pa naman. If not for 25 pound allowance, at least the 28KD flying pay.

And when I got my room, presto! I gotta SUITE! I don't beleive it. Maybe they've mistaken me for the Chief or Supervisor. It can't be, my name's at the bottom of the list. Maybe I filled some hotel questionnaire before and they're giving me some reward. Whatever, I wanna keep it, so I didn't tell anyone. Then Jokla, now NY based, saw my name and came to my room (bhoy was she surprised). She said the hotel is fully booked and don't have enough 'standard' rooms. They had a problem when they checked in, some crew's room aren't ready yet. Some even got a room, only to find out the former guest hasn't left yet. I do felt a little scared when I was about to sleep, the room's too big for me. Lalaki nalang ang kulang.

Madras

April 20, 2001

I haven't told you about my Madras lay-over. This is the first time I actually got down India. Ok, second time. The first time was when we had a minimum rest when we exceeded our duty period. This was when an Indonesian pax gave birth on board (this was more than 2 yrs. ago).

But this time, I really got to see the place. First, the hotel is very nice. Except the food is not good for a 5 star class. The first day, Tekla(Joan) and I went to this place called St.Thomas Church. It is known that St. Thomas himself died in that place. I can't figure if it's Jesus's Thomas or St. Thomas de Aquainas (fr. whom UST was named). It's a very small church on top of a hill. The view is spectacular. From the top, you can see Madras and the Bay of Bengal. The camera I brought is not good so I had Tekla take most of the pictures, which isn't developed yet.

Inside the church, you have to take your shoes off. Then there's a cross, and on its center is a small human bone (dunno which part). A sign says it belonged to St. Thomas himself. Then there's a portrait of Madonna and child painted by another Saint and said to be brought by St. Thomas there.

Getting there, we took a tricycle. They call it 'auto'. In Thailand, they call it 'tuk-tuk'. It's a tri-wheeler w/ the driver in front and behind is 2 pax seater. It even has a meter, but like the taxis in Manila, they almost never use it. You bargain for a fixed price and threaten them with a walk-out if it's a bad deal. He'll definitely call you back because there are dozens more waiting in line to take you. They even have this racket that they pass by a gas station and ask you for 50 Rupees (other than the agreed fare), with the intention of getting lucky for a paid gas.

There's not much in Madras. We went to this mall (if you call it a mall) with ugly and expensive clothes. I got some fruits which isn't tasty at all when I ate it at home. I also got a leather jacket/coat. I know winter's over, but it's so light I can use it as raincoat. O di ba sosyal, rain coat ko leather. Leather is cheap in India and Pakistan. Not all leather is from cow, so I guess that's OK.
The next day, Tekla and I just stayed in the hotel because they have a very nice gym. I worked out for 2 hrs., then a back and leg massage. Price is reasonable (ako pa, kuripot).Rupees are almost the same rate as our Peso.

Trivandrum

Decembed 12, 2001

I enjoyed my Trivandrum flt I'd say. Enjoy in a sense I was able to do something interesting alone.

I stayed in the hotel room most of the time. Ganda kasi english channels (something I don't have at base). There's of course HBO, starmovies, discovery, nat'l geog, animal channel, cartoon net, etc. Aah, cable. It's 1 thing I need at home and I'll be content w/ life. When I had late lunch, that's when I got to talk to the American Capt. I told u about him.

I didn't like him when I 1st met him. George, thePhil-Am 1st ofcr who looked like Pat Morita, gave me a warning before about this Capt. He wanted a female cockpit attendant. True enough he appointed me when he saw me. He acted arrogant and I didn't talk much that flt. On our 1st class training, we were taught not to get too close to the f/d crew bec u can never tell their moods. That helped me. He can speak tagalog so I thought maybe he had a Pinay gf in thepast. Yung mga joke niya kasi is bf,love related so id idn't talk much. But as the flt went on I he got OK.Or is it my tolerance? He said he's married to a Filipina fr Cotobato. So I imagined her to be like Michelle and Oona. You know what and how I found outlater. He also told me his wife is on the way w/ a baby girl. He looked happy and proud. Still I have mydoubts for an arrogant looking American.

So over late lunch, he saw me at the hotel cafe and joined me. He just emailed his wife. So I asked himabout being married to a Pinay. He seemed happy about it. They met in Bahrain. She used to work in this restaurant and he used to fly for a Shiekh. He told meabout his wife's family like hitting the lottery, his wife's sister slaved by Kuwaitis (that they'll takecare after his wife gives birth), their pet monkey in disposables, their Pinay Yaya, her wife's cooking and how he hated some Pinoy who befriends his wife just toget to him. "My wife came from a poor family. They're 10 brods ans siss", "she used to tend cows when she was young"' "Oh God I can't believe I'm married to a cow herder!" 36 hrs after, his wife gave birth.

The next day I know I have to go out. Being my 1st time in TRV, I have to explore. They said books are cheap so I thought of going the bookshop 1st. I was told I can take the auto. Auto is a triwheeler. A tricycle except the passengers seats behind d driver. It will cost me 10-15 rupees. It's 45 Rps to $1. When I got out of the hotel about to flag an auto, this hotel taxi driver approached me offering 50 rps. I thought OK na. Mas safe bec u can't really trust all auto drivers, specially for a 1st timer like me. 50rps is not bad for a taxi. At least he's charging fair price. The driver's nice. His name is Joy. He took me to this bookshop in a busy district. I thought of having his service the whole day so I asked him to wait while I buy books. They got very nice selection of books. Actually, their price is same w/ Phil. I got this Rushdie (who else?) thick paperback for 300 rps.cguro nasa 330 Php din yun. And another short storiesby Rushdie also.

I only got 2 books and a small dictionary. Then when I got out of the shop, I told Joy to take me to an Indian rest. Well, being in India, might as well have Indian food. Thanks to Tekla who made me like it when we had dinner at this Indian rest in Colombo. Ok, ok, you might think it's kadiri eating Indian food. Theway I learned to like Thai food, it took time. You can't stick to 1 cuisine all your life. Sometimes you've got to open yourself to what other countriesgot to offer. So told Joy to take me to a nice and inexpensive Indian Restaurant. Funny how I should talkto him. I have to simplify my english to the most basic. And make it 'barok' bec when he answers me, it doesn't seem to relate to my question. As what 1Indian steward told me on our flt back, it has to be:"I eat. You eat. OK?" When we got to this family restaurant, I asked him to have lunch w/ me. Poor guy,he was totally surprised. It's no fun eating alone.Besides, I need him to teach me proper way of eating chappati. And bec he's nice and he looks like hereally needs to be fed :). The menu is a mix of Chinese and Indian selection. Again, as the Indian steward told me, chinese foods are common in that part bec they learned it from the Nepalese. Still they cookit w/ Indian touch. Meaning spicy. So I had chix butter whatever w/ chappati, and Joy fish w/ rice.It's both very nice. Though not something you'd wantto have always or have crave for.

So Joy and I had a very good chat. i didn't feelstrange bec the place is not so peopled and nobody'sgiving an eye. Joy told me about his job, having his 1st customer in 2 days, his family (parents andsisters. he's single) his sick father, the dowry thing, etc. It's good to hear a person's story fromanother part of the world. Dowry? funny. But there'snothing they can do. That's life. He's surprised to hear Fils have no such problems and we are free to choose and live and marry whoever we like. He's also relieved to have a break from all those hotel foreign guests who'd ask him for a woman.

After lunch he showed me a nearby catholic church. Iasked him bec I might have a sunday lay-over someday.Then I told him to bring me to this beach liked by thecrew. 2 pala beach don. 1 maganda na pang tourist.yung 1 corny. He took me to the corny one. There's this river connecting to the sea. But since it's low tide so there's a sand partition. On the river, u can rent a motor boat or something like a jet ski. Then by the beach is a small park for kids w/ rides, play sand and benches on bermuda. There are buko and softdrink vendors.

Bought a buko (uhaw na eh). I looked around and cant find anything extraordinary so I told Joy we can goback to the hotel. Tanong niya "why, don't you like it?" The look on his face parang gandang ganda na siyasa lugar na yon. Nahiya naman ako kasi proud niyang sinabi sa akin yung lugar na yon. Eh nandun na rin lang and there's nothing for me to do back in the hotel, kaya binabawan ko na sarili ko. I rode a pony nalang malibang lang. 10 rps lang daw. When I got on,this boy asked for 100, I said no. We got down to 50for a long ride. The sand is red. No, I was wearingshades so I guess it's in the shade of brown. Imaginea flower pot, powder that and let it dry in the hotsun. Ganon kulay niya. Girls would understand a Marrakesh lipastick shade. Ganun yun. I don't ride horses well. Nor ponies. But I'm trying to learn. Having the liking for it is a good start. The 2 boys guides are nice. One's name is Manu'. He's about 11. He says he goes to school and lives in the hut he pointed by the beachand coco groves. The other one's Mutu'. Like Manu' he's wearing long sleeved polo tucked in a black slack. You know what I mean. It's the most common urban outfit, much like t-shirt and jeans for a Pinoy.They make the pony gallop fast at times. Bhoy Ishouldn't hv let them. It's tough on my breasts. Buti nalang I'm wearing my sprts bra. Pero kahit na. it's hard to find a posture that can hide the bounce (ugh).

Ok that's my 50 rps ride. After that I took a littlestroll on the kiddie park. There are lots of kids, 5yrs I guess, in uniforms. Their having a field trip.The ladies in green uniform saris are teachers. I wenton top of the hill (just a heap of bermuda coveredsand to give the park good grounds) to get a betterlook of the whole area. Then all the kids started moving to follow their teachers. I was on their way and they all passed through me. Little black skinned,eye-lined, jeweled giggling children. As they walked through, I smiled at each saying Hi. Looking at a foreigner, they giggled more as they moved on. I guess it's the closest thing I can get to being passed by Angels. Cherubims. So that's my day. I had Joy take me back to the hotel.I paid him 250 rps. I plan see the other beach nexttime w/ all my stuffs, camera, bathing suit and all.Then I checked my email at a net shop accross the hotel. Same speed as that of the hotel, only 40%cheaper.

The flt back to Kwi is OK. In flt when I saw thecruise-map on the monitor, that's the time I learned where Trivandrum is. It's on the south most point of India pala. I got enough sleep b4 d flt. At the briefing center in Kuwait, there was Jokla fresh fr NY. Sheoperated the direct flt. We didn't make do of the bet yet. She blushes on the mention of her new bf she met over the net. A pinoy-am fr Calif.