Monday, May 23, 2011

My Flight Attendant Workshop Experience in PAL

It started with a dream...

"Mabuhay at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Ito po ay PR102 patungong Los Angeles."

(Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to Philippine Airlines. This is your flight PR102 bound for Los Angeles.)

Oh how I love to say this phrase every now and then. Sometimes I even imagine myself on a real airplane, wearing a Flight Steward (male F.A.) uniform, delivering in-flight announcements to the passengers in an international flight. It's a dream that I wanted to achieve, a dream that I will definitely make happen. And thus I'm now making my baby steps.

(With Philippine Airlines, Shining Through! LOL!)

Last May 9-13, 2011, I enrolled myself in Philippine Airlines Learning Center's "The Making of a Flight Attendant Workshop." It's a workshop that will definitely equip you with the 101's of becoming a Flight Attendant/Steward. It was an exciting moment for me because it's all I ever wanted! We were all wearing corporate attire during those days and it felt like I was a real professional (and I liked it!). The Philippine Airlines family was also nice and approachable. Their smiles whenever we greet each other were genuine and pleasing. Our instructors (which includes an HR and real Cabin Crews) were really fun, yet informative at the same time. We were taught series of trainings and lectures as well.

(At Philippine Airlines Learning Center)

On the first day, we had our Personality Development where we learned the variations of sitting and standing, walking confidently, and hand gestures for the ladies. It was also discussed to us how to look professional--from our looks to our stance. On the same day the instructor gave us a lecture about Customer Service. As service providers, we should not just satisfy the customers/passenger, instead we should be able to delight them by "going the extra mile." I never thought that it would be very hard to handle customers/passengers because as front-liners, we should always be sympathetic to them. We also have to be in their shoes.

The next day, we learned the History of Aviation which is kinda boring because we're like back in high school, learning history. But as our instructor said, those are "good-to-know" stuff, because as a Flight Attendant/Steward, expect that some passengers would want to talk anything under the sun. Intro to Cabin Crew Profession was also discussed to us where qualifications were laid upon us. We were told that airlines are very strict in hiring crews, but once they get in, they can loosen up a little already. My instructor, who's an International Flight Steward told us that it's not true that one should have super perfect skin. As long as it is clear, it will be alright. When it comes to the teeth, with or without crown, as long as the smile looks good, it's accepted. The height requirement was decreased up to 5'2 1/2" for female and 5'6" for male, but another instructor said that some hire 5'5" males. Weight should be proportional to height. 20/20 vision (but if you are not, you are advised to MEMORIZE THE SNELLEN CHART), and of course one should be in a healthy condition. Qualifications are very strict because it's for aesthetic(?) and safety purposes of the crew since they will work in an altitude of up to 37,000 ft. After that, we had our Power Resume Writing that will give an edge in applying for the job.

I tell you, In-flight/Boarding Announcement was one of my favorite topic because I get to verbalize the announcements made during a flight. It was fun because speaking is actually my forte, and I was able to express it like a real pro! I was actually regarded as "authoritative and pleasing to hear" by my instructor, which is good. =D We also had our Aircraft Familiarization, too bad we weren't exposed to real airplanes due to its unavailability. The instructor was fun (She was kinda like Alex Gonzaga), and she taught us the different parts of a jet type plane (usually an Airbus A320). The other type was the propeller (MA60).

We also had practical trainings such as the First Aid & Basic Life support where we learned about the Artificial Respiration (AR) & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and when to use those. It was fun doing it to Susy (the creepy-looking dummy). LOL! In the afternoon, the Safety part of being an aerial service provider was taught to us. We had our Emergency Drills and Evacuation Procedures. And let me tell you, IT WAS F***** FUN!!! During an emergency situation on-board, an FA/S should be alert and courage enough in handling the situation. His/her voice should be loud enough in shouting the instructions to the passengers. There is only a 90-second alloted time for evacuating the aircraft including the crews. So cabin crews should be really quick and alert. The training was fun because we were able to practice the emergency evacuation. The fun part was sliding in a very large, inflatable slide (which they say can cost up to a million peso!), wearing this baggy jumpsuit. LOL!

(During my AR/CPR with Susy. Wrong hand position, I know!)

(During our Safety Demo)

(During our Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
Video c/o Anne Malapitan)

During our last day, we were trained of how to serve meals in our ECY In-flight Food Service. The golden rule in serving meals is "Always Cabin to Galley." It was fun because we did it in a mock cabin where our classmates pretended as the passengers. But before that, I discovered something. The duty of a Flight Steward is different than the Flight Attendant. Usually Flight Stewards are the ones near the galley (CA2 in an Airbus A320). They prepare the cart and they serve as the runner when coffee, tea, or water containers are emptied. Going on, serving meal is not an easy job because FA/S should always be pleasant-looking, poised, and can handle the demands of the passengers. Remember, they should not only be satisfied, they should be delighted. =D And lastly, we had our Mock Interview. IT WAS NERVE-WRACKING because it felt like a real interview by PAL's HR. (Whew! I can do this!) I tried to be spontaneous because it will make me real, who I really was. I don't want a scripted-looking kind of interview. During the interview I think I became to fast in speaking, my facial expressions were all over the place, and I stutter a little, but when I expressed myself of how eager and enthusiastic I was of the job, I became more comfortable and I was glad of the things I said. The interviewer told me of certain things I should avoid--speaking fast, many facial expressions, "modesty aside," but he told me that he can see my leadership quality in me and it made me really happy. I asked him what should I develop physically and he told me to gain more weight and improve my teeth because I look like a KID!!! Can you believe that?! He told me that I still have a lot of time since I'm still young. And that would be my mission for the next months--improve my looks. =D

(During our in-flight service)

It was a fun experience because I know for a fact that I gained not just the knowledge but also more confidence. I also made new friends! (And I kinda miss them now). Oh well, I hope that this blog can help and inspire people who, like me, dream of becoming a Flight Attendant someday. Always remember that "Destiny is not definite, not fixed. We are the ones who define it, who create it." (This is what I actually said during my mock interview. LOL!) Don't give up on your dreams no matter what because you are worthy of that dream, that goal. Hope to fly with you guys!

(Fly High! PLC "The Making of a Flight Attendant Workshop"
Batch May 9-13, 2011. I miss you guys!)

*Some images were from Loiv Cano and Zaidel Kerdi. Thanks Guys!

74 comments:

  1. I'll start saving, so I can reach Paris, First Class, in an International Flight, See you! Good luck with your mission for the next months! hehe

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  2. nice post!

    now i have an idea about the workshop.


    THANKS!! =j

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  3. wow.thank you for posting this..im planning to enroll also..
    by the way,how big is the percentage that after the workshop you will be successfully admitted to FA position? i mean, do they still neglect applicants who undergone the said workshop?
    just curious.thank you.

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  4. Hi Liza!

    The Making of a Flight Attendant Workshop intends to develop and hone the skills of every aspiring F.A/S. It doesn't necessarily mean that when you enroll in the said workshop you'll be hired immediately as a Cabin Crew. It will still depends on the qualifications set by the airline company. PLUS, you should be really good and pleasing. =) Having mentioned that, the workshop will equip you with the knowledge of "FA 101's" that will definitely give you an edge among the others. And the benefits that you will get from the training (aside from the skills and knowledge) are the following:

    (1) certificate of attendance
    (2) you can use them (HR's etc.) as your contact/reference.
    (3) to enhance your resume (knowing that you trained in PAL)

    As for your last question, my friends in the workshop who tried to apply in PAL after the workshop were not really given the priority over the others. My other friends weren't able to get in, one is still conditional. I think they're just playing the game fairly. Lucky you if the interviewer was your former instructor from the workshop.

    You may not be accepted as FA immediately, but as what they say, try and try until you succeed. (Try different airlines too!)

    Hope I was able to answer your questions... =)
    Cheers! Good Luck!

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  5. hi nice post.. how much did you spent for the training? thanks..

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  6. Hi Cris! Before, it was P15,000.00 (with swimming/ditching class). However, since it was removed already, the price was reduced to P12,000.00 =)

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    1. Hi may I just ask how much is the enrolment fee now, how long, and where is it located? Thank you for answering!:)

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    2. Hay carl how much ba ang tuition fee sa pal fa thanks for ans/reply

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  7. WOW!!!
    NICE POST!!!

    VERY INSPIRING,
    THANKS FOR THE POST,
    I ALREADY HAVE THE IDEA BOUT THE WORKSHOPS!!!

    HORRAAAYYYYY!!!!!


    "Destiny is not definite, not fixed. We are the ones who define it, who create it."...

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  8. Hi Irish, I'm not really sure, but the last time I checked PAL's website, they're not offering the course anymore... =| Sad.

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  9. is it ok if the height of a male applicant is around 5'4? WAAA!

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    1. Hey Mar! Sorry for the late reply. I believe other airlines accept males which are 5'4" in height. I just don't know if PAL does that despite of the person's greatness when it comes to providing service. Better yet, check other airline qualifications. Good Luck!

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  10. Hi I was wondering, do they accept applicants who is living in Honolulu, HI but wants to become a flight attendant for PAL?

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    1. Applicants should be a Filipino Citizen, Princess. =)

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  11. Hey. the last time I checked my official height, I'm 5'5". is that ok for a male applicant? My sister is a flight attendant at PAL too batch 08-01. help me out. =)

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    1. I'm also 5'5" in height Art. If my memory serves me correctly, they told us that they sometimes gives consideration when it comes to height especially if you have 'the full package' as a cabin crew aspirant. It's still worth a try, right? =)

      As for me, I'm still preparing myself before I could apply to different airlines as a cabin crew. =)

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    2. yeah! good luck to us! submitted my resume already. waa!!

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  12. i have a couple of questions for you..

    is having a college degree a prerequisite to the workshop?

    what if you're a dual citizen..

    is speaking tagalog a must? .. (lol this question is stupid)

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  13. Having a college degree is NOT necessary when you enroll for the said workshop.

    HOWEVER, should you plan to apply afterwards, they require you to be a college graduate of any 4-year course.

    You must be a Filipino Citizen, as stated in their official website. Regarding your case of dual citizenship, I'm not really certain. But as far as I know, they even hire Koreans as cabin crews.

    As for your last question, most definitely! Hehe!

    Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. CARL RUIZ,, CAN I ASK QUITSTION,, MY TEETH IS NOT STRAIGHT,, IT IS POSSIBLE, QUALIFIED?

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  14. Wow! thank you for this post. it really helps me a lot. I'm planning to apply at PAL as FA, I'm a registered nurse. i think i have to enroll to their workshop first before i apply :)

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  15. wow nice post..I want to be a flight steward too..thanks for this post..It gives me an idea on how to be ..

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  17. If you've passed the workshop, is it a guarantee that you'll be flying with PAL? :)

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    1. Hey aulii! Unfortunately it's just a workshop and it won't guarantee you a cabin crew position afterwards unless you apply to them and pass all the exams and interviews. Good luck!

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  18. Hi carl. Does PAL requires you to be a good swimmer when you apply as a flight steward to them?
    Tnx carl. This is so very interesting and helpful..

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  19. Hi Zaldy! Yes, PAL requires their cabin crew applicants to be knowledgeable in basic swimming, and should be able to swim unaided by life jackets. Good luck!

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    1. Hay carl how much the tuition fee of pal fa

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  20. hello Carl thank u for sharing ur experience to us I really enjoy reading it hahaha.... by the way im just 15 yrs old and im turning 16 this august and to be a flightattendant is my dream and I whant to reach that dream because my parents are welling to support me.And can I ask a question for u what are the neccesary things you need to prepare to enroll in pal workshop? And last question is their only one flight attendant workshop in the Ph because I live in cagayan de oro city {sorry for my english}

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    1. Hello Ray! The last time I check PAL's website, they don't offer the course anymore. But to make sure, i would highly suggest for you to contact them and inquire about the courses that they still offer. But don't worry, there are many FA schools nowadays scattered here in Manila. Just do some research about it. :-) Good Luck on your dream and I support you for that.

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  21. thank u for your reply Carl' ohh they don't offer anymore the course of FA im little bit sad 8(. But its ok because its not time yet for me to be a FA because im still a student. Maybe in the future that time if i will finish my college years maybe that day the Pal training center will offer again the couse of FA I Hope. (By the way thank you again for your reply it helps me alot and what course you get in college tourism?)

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    1. Hey Ray! There are other Flight Attendant schools here in Manila such as Golden Success and WCC. Just make a research about it and you also have to take in consideration the cost of their tuition/enrollment fee (which is a bit expensive!). Yes I took up B.S. Tourism, but you can take any course if you want as long as it is a 4-year course (also make it a point that you will have a good scholastic record, okay?)

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    2. Ok Carl I will try my best to have a good scholastic record ;) by the way if I enroll my self in the Golden Succes or the WCC what is the name of thier airline company can I still be a pal FA? Because I whant to be a pal member someday and I don't whant just to be a FA to the other airlines such as cebu pacific and etc..because I found out that to be a pal FA is the best of all. :) (is this true that pal are really strict of choosing a Flight attendant)

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  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Here you go: http://www.philippineairlines.com/news/cabin_crew_salary_benefits.jsp

      I just don't know if this article is updated as there are drastic transitions when it comes to the management of Philippine Airlines. And also, I just don't know the salary and benefit of other airline company.

      Good luck!

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  23. Hi, Carl!
    How about if you apply directly after having 1 year experience as a sales agent? Would it be possible for you to get accepted as an FA in PAL?
    Thank you!

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    1. It is possible, Janica. As long as you pass all the requirements set by PAL for cabin crew position. Better check their website for the complete requirements needed for the position. Good luck! (^^,)d

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    2. Hay carl how much the tuition fee sa pal fa

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    3. Hay carl how much the tuition fee sa pal fa

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  24. Does PAL accept walk in applicants to submit my resume to them personally?

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    1. I believe they do, Patricia. You can drop by at their office to submit your resume along Macapagal Avenue (PNB Building). You can also drop off your resume at any Petron stations. Good Luck! (^^,)d

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  25. uhm, hi! Just wondering. What are the requirements for the training? (if there is any) And, how about the fees? and also. can u tell me if this is done quarterly or how frequent do they conduct the training? pls lemme know :) thanks! peace & love!

    Angel

    iamcharlene@ymail.com

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    1. Hey Charlene! I regret to inform you that the course "The Making of a Flight Attendant" is not offered by PAL Learning Center anymore. However there are other Flight Attendant schools available such as WCC and Golden Success. Just google it so you'd have information about it. Thanks and good luck! (^^,)d

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  26. hi po. ask ko lang regarding dun sa application form sa PAL may nakastate doon na if your name was changed by court, give details :.....ano po ba ibig sabihin nila dito....

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  27. hi! good post. now i have better idea about their training. may i just ask what are the usual training when you apply to PAL? is it a pre requisite that you must know all the what abouts of countries?? and is it hard to be hired? thanks kuya!! :)) .

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    1. Hello Faye! It's not really a pre-requisite for you to know fact about countries, BUT it will definitely be an advantage since you are dealing with passengers. Being knowledgeable about everything is like providing an extra mile of service, you know. :-)

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  28. Hi! Do you think pal will still hire me eventhough i don't have a vision of 20/20? Do you mean that i can prolly cheat my way thru the medical (eye) exam by memorizing the snellen chart? :))

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  29. Hello Carl! Would you know what I have to submit if I drop it at a petron station. Is it the PAL personal information sheet only or do I have to include a resume? Thanks!

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    1. Just to be safe, I think it's better if you include both. But as far as I know, just the resume will suffice. :-)

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  30. hi po, nag apply po kasi ako sa PAL then tapos na din po ako sa impact interview then after nun na meet ko naman po yung medical nila for height requirements, kaso po ang status ko conditional because of my teeth(lower teeth na isa lang yung sunki) then facial lang, ngayon po medyo nag woworry po ako kasi what if po pag maayos na teeth ko then naayos ko na po yung mga pinapaayos nila like nun teeth and facial konti, medto na negative po ako, matatangap po kaya nila ako? kasi na conditional ako tas bumalik ako na ayos ko lahat, baka po kasi bigla mafail ako, may possibility po kaya papasa ako pag bumalik ako sakanila pag ok na lahat? isa pa po nag worry sakin baka pag po pag balik ko wala ng slot hehe. kaya ngayon po naka brace ako para maayos po teeth ko. sana po maka reply po kayo thank you po

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    1. Hi Lyn! Sa pagkakaalam ko kapag conditional ka, kailangan mo lang ma-meet yung pinapagawa nila sa'yo. Should you meet it na, you can get back with them for an assessment then ayun, okay na. Hindi lang ako sure kung 100% tanggap na agad pero there's no harm in trying naman diba? If you really want it, you'll do everything in you powers to get it. :-) Be positive lang, it works. Cheers and Good luck! :-)

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  31. Hi Neil! Sorry for replying soooo late. Thanks! In fact I still envision myself doing in flight announcement while driving! HAHA!

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  32. Hi Po , 4th Year Student Po Tanong Ko Lang Po Kung iLan Yung Kaylangan Na Averange Sa Card Para Makapasa Sa Interview Sa PAL ? gusto Ko Po Kaseng Mag TRY :) Salamat ;)

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  33. Very informative Carl! big thanks! :D twas so nice reading your blog! hats off dude! :D if you dont mind, hows your career so far with PAL? all the best!

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  34. Waaaaah! Hi Carl. Thank you so much for this blog! Now I'm confident enough to pursue my dream of being a flight attendant. I shouldn't let my dreams just be dreams forever. I'm now attending school at LPU-Cavite as a student of Travel and Tourism Management. Kshare ~ btw, just wanna ask if you're already hired at any airlines? Goodluck Carl and God bless. :)

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  35. Hi, open ba sila for everyone? :)

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  37. I am a 2year hrm graduate...pwde po ba ako sa training school? May age limit ba

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  38. Hi..Im only 5'5 and and weighs 66kg. Are they strict on the height requirement? Would they consider at least 5'5? Proportionate na ba yung 5'5 to 66kg? pls reply asap. Thank you so much and God bless to your career :)

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  39. What happened to you? Are you now an FA???

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  40. hi carl how much is the tuition fee and where it is located at panu bang mag apply??

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  41. Hi Carl 😀 magkano yung tuition fee & saan yung loc.?

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  42. Hi, Carl I really really need you to answer this cause this is making my confidence disappear. Can you apply as a F.A with a crowned teeth or dentures?

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  43. thanks in advance 😊

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  44. Hello po!😄 Pagpumasok po ba sa PAL Center may interview pa po? May kakilala din po ba kayong FA na nasa 5ft po yung height? Thank you po and God Bless po. Happy New Year! Hope to fly with you soon.😄✈🌎 -AspiringFA

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  45. Goodmorning po! I am Monavie MAsbate. Grade 11 student from APEC Schools po. i am currently taking up RESEARCH 1 wherein we need to conduct a survey to our chosen career. My chosen career po is Flight Attendant? Pwede po ba mahingi yung permission nyo na mainterview ko kayo. KAilangan ko po kasi makapag interview ng 5 na professional Flight Attendants. Through email lang naman po yung interview kung malayo po kayo dito sa Lipa :) Pwede po ba? I'll wait for your response po. :) Thankyou!

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  46. is there a maximum height requirements for male crew? 6'2 po kasi ako

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  47. Hi Carl! I stumbled upon your blog and found it interesting. I teach that class and apparently, didn't get to handle your class that time. Too bad.

    Just in case... You might know someone who would like to learn more about
    Customer Service, Personality Development and the Life of a Flight Attendant.

    They might want to check out these workshops.

    Send me a PM!

    FB Page:
    https://www.facebook.com/AmorMaximoSpeaks/
    IG:
    @amor_speaks
    Email:
    amor_speaks@yahoo.com

    Hit me up for A Friends and Family Discount! ;)

    https://www.facebook.com/AmorMaximoSpeaks/photos/a.2051643755129327/2071313729828996/?type=3&theater

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