On May 22, former Kapuso reporter and pilot Steve Dailisan shared on social media an emotional post. He wrote about what he went through these past few years including losing his father in 2020.
“Losing my job as a new pilot, I was beset with the challenges of surviving and providing for my family, taking on online meat selling and other ways to make ends meet. As if these trials were not enough. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, I lost my Dad,” said Steve.
He was devastated that he was not able to fulfill his dream--to have his dad board one of his flights.
“He passed away not being able to board any of my flights. It was both our dream to fly to his hometown, Kalibo. It never happened. His death hit me hard. I had a hard time accepting it.”
In an interview with Just In, he described the pandemic years as unpredictable.
"Para siyang rollercoaster ride sa akin. Because na-release ako as first officer sa Cebu Pacific and then I lost my job. And then nakahanap ako ng trabaho, and then I lost my dad.”
Despite everything that happened, Steve remained positive and hopeful.
“But in the midst of all the uncertainties and the sudden changes in my life, I have come to understand that sometimes we need to allow ourselves to let the course of life take us, to just go with the flow, to be carried to wherever the wind takes us, and simply trust the process. And I did all that.”
Steve rediscovered his love for communications and was given a chance to lead the Communications and Public Affairs Group of another airline company but his love for flying did not fade.
“It has been both a tough and beautiful ride, but here I am still crazy in love with flying.
“I must admit that at one point, I almost walked away. Some aspects became too unbearable. I accepted the fact that the wind maybe has cast a different course for me. But as the song goes, "Love will lead you back", I again tried. I guess it's the mental attitude of never say never kicking in---just push the boundaries, have faith, and continue learning. Here I am today, finally earning my wings back. It feels surreal.”
He ended his lengthy post by thanking his loved ones and those who believed in him especially his father and with a promise to be a medium in reuniting families and friends.
“I share this small win with my family, dear friends and loved ones who believed and prayed with me throughout the journey.
"Dad, this is for you. I know you are smiling up there as you are watching over us. I may not be able to fly you to your hometown, but I promise to be an instrument of safe and happy reunions of families, friends and colleagues.
"Thank you AirAsia for marrying my passion in aviation and love with communications! Now, I am both literally and figuratively on-air as Head of Communications and Public Affairs and as First Officer. I hope to humbly deliver the best of both fields to our guests. 🙏”
Meanwhile, check out the celebrities who are licensed pilots too in this gallery.
Tinalikuran ni Steve Dailisan ang kanyang first love na pagiging isang broadcast journalist upang maging isang piloto. Nakamit na niya ang kanyang pangarap nang kilalanin na siya bilang isang licensed commercial pilot.
Kevin Santos dedicated about 90% of his income from showbiz to pay for his aviation school fees. All his sacrifices and hard work paid off as he earned his license as a private pilot.
Isa rin lisensyadong piloto si Ian Veneracion.
Hindi eroplano kundi helicopter ang kayang paliparin ng 'Wowowin' host na si Willie Revillame.
Singer-actor Ronnie Liang has fulfilled his childhood of dream of becoming a pilot.
Proud na proud si Aiai Delas Alas sa kanyang asawang si Gerald Sibayan matapos itong maka-graduate sa isang aviation school noong March 2019.
Nagsimula bilang flight attendant at ngayon ay isa nang ganap na piloto si Rey Soldevilla, asawa ni Yasmien Kurdi.
Iniwan ng dating PBA player na si Jeric Fortuna ang hardcourt para maging piloto. Sa guest appearance niya sa 'Bawal Judgmental' noong January 30, 2020, sinabi ni Jeric na isang taon na siyang private pilot.