About

My journey through the world of aviation has been one of adventure, growth, and rediscovery. I was born and raised in the Philippines, where my dream of seeing the world first took flight. From a young age, I was fascinated by airplanes, airports, and the people who made travel feel seamless and exciting. That fascination eventually grew into a lifelong passion, and a career that took me across continents.

Integrity

Staying true to professional ethics and accountability.

Excellence

Pursuing quality in every task, whether in school or at work.

Adaptability

Thriving in fast-changing aviation environments and in everyday life.

My aviation career began in 2006, when I joined Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi as a Flight Attendant. It was a dream come true. Over the years, I worked my way up to Cabin Senior and eventually Cabin Manager, leading international crews and ensuring passenger safety and comfort on all flights.

During my 14+ years with Etihad Airways, I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity. Managing crews from around the world and serving passengers of diverse backgrounds gave me a deep understanding of service excellence and operational efficiency, values that have stayed with me ever since.

However, like many in the industry, I faced an unexpected turning point when I was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a difficult chapter, but also a moment of reflection. Being grounded reminded me how much I loved aviation; not just the act of flying, but the entire ecosystem that keeps the industry moving. I realized I wanted to continue my aviation journey, this time from a new perspective: on the ground, helping airports and passengers from a management and operations standpoint.

That realization brought me back to school. I decided to pursue a Diploma in Aviation Management and Operations at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Richmond, British Columbia.

Studying again after years in the workforce has been both humbling and rewarding. My program covers airport operations, emergency planning, aviation safety, and commercial management, all of which deepen my understanding of how airports function behind the scenes. It also allows me to connect my inflight experience with the strategic and operational side of aviation, preparing me for future roles in airport operations and passenger experience management.

Through hands-on coursework and team projects, I’ve learned how each element, from terminal flow to crisis coordination, plays a role in shaping the passenger journey. Going back to school isn’t just about starting over; it’s about continuing what I started years ago, this time with a renewed purpose.

While studying at BCIT, I also work part-time at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) as a Sales Associate for Hudson by Avolta. I began this position in the summer as part of my workplace education program, and after successfully completing my probation, I’ve continued in the role.

Working at YVR has been a rewarding experience that bridges my academic learning with real-world airport operations. Every shift gives me a front-row view of the terminal environment, from passenger flow and concession management to customer engagement and retail logistics. My responsibilities include assisting travelers with purchases, maintaining store presentation, and providing exceptional service to passengers from all over the world.

What I enjoy most is how this role keeps me connected to the airport community. It allows me to observe how retail contributes to the overall passenger experience, something that ties closely to my studies in airport commercial management and customer service excellence.

Outside of work and school, I enjoy listening to K-pop, especially BTS, where I proudly call myself part of the ARMY with Jin as my bias. Their music got me through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to keep me motivated and positive every day.

Another side of me loves analyzing forex charts, particularly USDJPY and EURUSD, with XAUUSD (Gold) as my favorite commodity to follow. It’s a hobby that challenges my focus and strategic thinking.

But the highlight of my days often comes from spending time with my cat, Mac-Mac. He’s my constant companion, full of love, warmth, and personality. No matter how busy or tired I am, Mac-Mac reminds me to slow down, stay grounded, and find joy in small, quiet moments.