Cebu Pacific has found a unique way to celebrate its top-performing pilots and cabin crew: by honoring them with handwoven pieces that symbolize the artistry, resilience, and culture of the Filipino people. Through this initiative, the airline highlights how its flight crew embodies the same discipline and craftsmanship seen in generations of Filipino weavers.
Like artisans who rise before dawn to create intricate patterns on the loom, Cebu Pacific’s pilots and cabin crew follow precise routines to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Captain Niel Siñel, one of the airline’s most recognized pilots, compares his work in the cockpit to weaving. Where weavers tighten threads and guide yarn with precision, he carefully works through switches and checklists, knowing that every detail contributes to passenger safety. His dedication earned him recognition as a top-performing pilot, along with a Binakol tie from Ilocos Norte — once worn only on special occasions, now repurposed as a badge of excellence within the airline.
Inside the cabin, top-performing crew member Cezzye Basa follows her own ritual before welcoming passengers. With over a decade of experience, she ensures her team is ready and prepared, balancing professionalism with a friendly, approachable demeanor. As part of her recognition, she received a Ramit scarf from Occidental Mindoro, a weave rich in nature-inspired patterns. The scarf represents not only her service but also her role in mentoring younger crew members to carry forward Cebu Pacific’s culture of care.
Both Siñel and Basa emphasize the importance of teamwork and preparedness, particularly during flight disruptions such as weather-related diversions. For Siñel, professionalism and readiness define leadership in the cockpit, while Basa sees empathy and adaptability as essential for supporting passengers during stressful situations. Their experiences demonstrate how Cebu Pacific crew members go beyond technical skills, embodying a culture of resilience, openness, and service.
The weaving-inspired recognition program bridges two seemingly different worlds: the traditional craft of Filipino artisans and the modern demands of air travel. Yet both share the same values of precision, dedication, and the creation of lasting experiences. Just as every weave tells a story, every Cebu Pacific flight carries with it the hopes and memories of hundreds of passengers.