Kids urged to fly high, dream big

MANILA, Philippines – Young students develop a love for learning during their formative years. Taking first grade learning out of the classroom and immersing them in real world possibilities, Cebu Pacific Air recently welcomed 90 students from Fairview Elementary School in Quezon City on board its aircraft, through its “Dreams on Flight” project.

In partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, “Dreams on Flight” is part of Cebu Pacific’s mission to inspire young children to dream big by discovering new career possibilities through an interactive experience.

Young students enjoyed their first experience aboard an aircraft with GMA Kapuso Foundation and Cebu Pacific’s “Dreams on Flight” project.

“Most of these kids have never been on a plane before,” said Grade 1 teacher Annaliza Caasi. “This is a huge thing for them, especially since this is the first time they experienced a field trip.”

The Grade 1 students took a Victory Liner trip to the Cebu Pacific Airline Operations Center in Pasay City, and spent a fun-filled day of learning in an entirely new environment.

Accompanied by their teachers, the students went aboard one of Cebu Pacific’s brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft, where they learned how to fasten their seatbelts and put on life vests. The young aspiring pilots and flight attendants also discovered what it is like to have a career in the aviation industry, as the pilots and cabin crew explained their duties and responsibilities.

Immersive learning with Cebu Pacific

“Hindi pa po ako nakasakay ng eroplano kaya tuwang-tuwa po ako. (I’m so excited and happy to be here because I’ve never been on an airplane before),” said 7 year-old Jemimah Blasdevetco. “Sana makasakay po ako ulit at sana Hong Kong ang mapuntahan ko kasi may Disneyland doon. (I hope I could be on a plane again and I hope I could go to Hong Kong because there’s a Disneyland there.)”

Students of Fairview Elementary School couldn’t hide their excitement at Cebu Pacific’s Dreams on Flight project, where they discovered the opportunities and possibilities that air travel offers.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Cebu Pacific kasi dahil po sa kanila nakapunta ako ng airport at nakasakay ng airplane. (I want to thank Cebu Pacific. Because of them, I’m here inside an airport and aboard a plane),” she added.

“Gusto ko po maging piloto, ‘yun ang pangarap ko at pangarap ng Mama ko para sa akin. (When I grow up, I want to be a pilot. It’s also my mom’s dream for me),” shared 6 year-old Ken Pamonte. “Una ko pong pupuntahan ang Japan kasi doon nagtatrabaho ang Mama ko. (Japan is my first destination because that’s where my mom works).”

After learning the basics of airline operations and passenger safety, the kids were treated to lunch and snacks courtesy of Big Boy Hotdogs from Robina Agri Partners and C2 drinks from Universal Robina Corporation, which are companies of JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

They also enjoyed a big surprise as Ceb, the airline’s official mascot, made a special appearance and performed a special dance number. The children then unleashed their creativity through an art contest where they each had to make their best drawing of Ceb. Prizes were given out including stuffed toys from Gifting Solutions Specialists Philippines.

Kids danced along with adorable mascot CEB during their exciting performance of Psy’s Gentleman.

To complete the educational experience, Cebu Pacific employee volunteers also gave the young students educational books that can help enrich their knowledge on Math, Science and Literature. The kids also went home with brand new school supplies, which were donated by employees, to further help them make better progress with their schoolwork.

Teacher Joanne Betco sums up the eye-opening experience and hopes for more enriching projects like these: “Offering this program to Grade 1 students is important because the stage they’re in sets the foundation for future learning. I hope Cebu Pacific continues to lend a hand to public schools to motivate children to reach for their dreams,” she says.

Cebu Pacific has been a long-time partner of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, through the latter’s Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan project and Give-A-Gift project. They also continue to rally behind various organizations and projects such as the World Wide Fund for Nature—Philippines’ Bright Skies for Every Juan climate adaptation program, World Vision’s Lakbay Pag-asa series, and the leadership programs of The Outstanding Students of the Philippines and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.