Cebu Pacific Hires Philippines’ First 2 Transwomen Flight Attendants

Not every country or company are ready to fully embrace the LGBTQ community.

But recently, Cebu Pacific has made the first move in hiring Philippines’ first two transwomen flight attendants.

The lucky ladies who’ve made history? Jess Labares and Mikee Sicat Vitug.

For those who are unaware, Labares is the Queen Philippines Universe!

View this post on Instagram

Fifty-seven days. Blood + sweat + tears + a healthy dose of laughter is, without a doubt, the most perfect formula to achieve one’s goals in life. Becoming a flight attendant has never been a childhood dream of mine. Ever. Instead, the opportunity presented itself as a challenge – a personal challenge to know what I’m truly capable of and to try something very foreign to me. Sometimes we really have to take that brave step beyond our comfort zone to become a little more aware of who we are and to be well-acquainted with the limits of what we can do. Now that I’m officially an airline cabin crew member, I can finally say that “I have arrived.” After fifty-seven days, I passed the most difficult training I’ve ever had in my entire life. This job may seem glamorous to look at, but what people don’t really see are the battles, both personal and professional, that we face. It has never been about looking pretty, but our passengers’ comfort and, most importantly, their safety. History has been made as I’ve now become the very first post-op transgender woman flight attendant in the Philippines. I will forever cherish this opportunity given to me and with that, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Cebu Pacific Air and CebGo for their acceptance. On behalf of the LGBTQ community, thank you very much. This means that we have progressed into a more accepting society who has learned to respect and celebrate human individuality and expression. It is another milestone in our country that proves that reputable companies such as Cebu Pacific Air can be diverse and multicultural – and this would have never been possible without their indiscriminate and forward-thinking supervisors, managers, and big bosses. Thank you! I hope my role will inspire, not just the LGBTQ community, but everyone else with big dreams and are determined to never give up on something they want to achieve in life. Dedication, positivity, and perseverance will definitely guide you toward personal success and happiness. Now I can finally say, this is by far the greatest crown I have ever achieved. #cebupacific #cebupacificair #cebgo

A post shared by Jess Labares (@jesslabares) on Nov 18, 2019 at 10:41pm PST

Just look how beautiful she is.

Her post on Instagram was accompanied by a long caption describing how it hasn’t been an easy journey.

She also wrote about what it feels like to be one of the first transgender woman flight attendants in the Philippines.

“As a trans woman, the first post-op transgender woman flight attendant in the Philippines. History has been made. I will forever cherish this opportunity given by Cebu Pacific.

I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Cebgo and Cebu Pacific for their acceptance. In behalf of the LGBTQ community, thank you. This means that we are now slowly accepting and respecting individuality, uniqueness and expression. It is another milestone in the country that shows that Cebu Pacific is diverse and multicultural company. This wouldn’t be possible not because of the pillars, bosses and supervisors of the company.”

She is immensely grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank them on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

The other beautiful lady is Mikee Sicat Vitug who is a pharmacist who wrote an elaborate and heartfelt message on Facebook.

According to Preview.Ph, her caption for her Facebook post also championed the LGBTQ community and was marked with gratitude and joy.

If there’s one message both of these ladies wish to convey to you, dear reader, it’s to never give up on your dreams no matter what holds you back.

“To those people who are afraid of going out of their comfort zone, to those people who want to make a change but keep on holding themselves back because of prejudice, judgement and discrimination, just listen to your heart and make it happen because nothing is impossible.”

I hope you’re as inspired as I am after reading this story. Here’s wishing them well in all their future endeavours!