PAL Soaring To 70th Year

Although Philippine Airlines will turn 70 years next year yet, the flag carrier has started “burning the candles” to celebrate their very successful operation in the country.

Over dinner at Laguna Garden Café, Passenger Sales Manager Chris Lebumfacil briefed the travel and cargo agents, media and other guests about PAL’s products. But the good news announced during that dinner was the re-launching of the flights to Brisbane and Riyadh. The addition to Brisbane, PAL’s third destination in Australia, triggers the restructuring of the airline’s current daily, same plane operation to Sydney and Melbourne.

Meanwhile, PAL makes a long-awaited return to Riyadh after an absence of four years. The airline last served the Saudi Capital on March 2, 2006, after which, the service was suspended for commercial reasons.

The recent acquisition by Philippine Airlines of two brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft has paved the way for the resumption of service to two international destinations – Brisbane and Riyadh.

But the best news thereat is: PAL commences a year-long celebration leading to its 70th anniversary in March 2011 by launching a series of promotional events where up to 70,000 free seats on various flights will be given away throughout the year.

Going back to PAL’s dinner, Barazel “Bob” M. Salazar, assistant vice president-Visayas sales, wholeheartedly thanked the travel and cargo agents for their unstinted support, as well as the media personalities. Of course, Simoun “Jun” Canton, Mactan ticket office manager, cannot be far behind.

And speaking of travel, Edwin Du and wife Rosie Poblete Du came home to visit relatives and friends. Tawi specifically visited parents Doring and Leoning Du and Rosie, her mom Dr. Josefina Poblete. The young couple stayed only for two weeks.

Another balikbayan was Baby Molina from Ontario, Canada who came to attend the burial of her brother-in-law in Liloan. She was treated to a hearty lunch at Laguna Garden Café by friends.

Our dear friend Ted and Flammie Alo never miss to visit dear old Cebu every year to play golf with friends, especially lawyer Julius Neri and the former Mayor Alvin Garcia., Before they left for home, Julius and Nelia Neri hosted dinner at Pino for the Michigan-based couple with Fer Ynclino in tow.?