Children with Autism Dream on Flight

By: Cathy Genovia, ASP Program Assistant

“If you will notice before we get inside this plane, this aircraft is smiling and we are all smiling because we want everybody to be happy while inside the aircraft”.

the "smiling" aircraft

First-timer children with autism were all smiles after enjoying a virtual plane ride on Cebu Pacific’s newly delivered A-320 aircraft from France. Cebu Pacific, one of the country’s leading domestic carrier, launched project “Dream on Flight,” as part of their advocacy program.

the CWAs and their families/ caregivers inside the aircraft

ASP Trustee Noemi “Ging” Viado led 30 children with autism from GS Option House Laguna, together with parents and caregivers to attend the October 10, 2011 activity. Many of the children were excited as it was their first time to see a plane. The Cebu Pacific staff welcomed the participants and gave a short orientation before boarding the aircraft.

ASP Trustee, Ging Viado

“For this day, I will be your teacher,” said Cabin Crew Supervisor, Ms. Melody Mercado. Ms. Mercado made the children felt at ease with her comical style. Later, she was joined by flight attendants Gelyn Tensuan, Paula Pacres and Jay Malinis, who also served as her co-teachers. She gave a short lecture about the importance of the presence of the cabin crew inside an aircraft.

"Teacher" Melody with our talented CWA

“Birds use their wings to fly in the sky. Though airplanes have wings, the wings don’t flap like birds do,” said Captain Raffy Locson. He also explained to the children how pilots fly planes. After the lectures, Capt. Locson joined the cabin crew in a short talent portion activity after six volunteer children with autism and care givers rendered a song and dance number.

Capt. Raffy Locson

After the short program inside the plane, Teacher Melody led the participants down the plane to meet a surprise guest. The kids went agog after seeing the Cebu Pacific official mascot, “CEB” and all joined him in a dance number. The kids were also given a CEB stuffed toy and bag as souvenirs.

"Ceb" with our CWAs

ASP Trustee Ging Viado and this author gave a painting made by a child with autism as a token of appreciation. In behalf of ASP we personally thanked Ms. Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s Vice President-Marketing and Distribution for extending this invitation; Ms. Michelle Eve De Guzman, Cebu Air’s Corporate Communications Specialist, and Mr. Michael Shau, Cebu Pacific's Vice President for People and Administration for a fruitful event.

(L-R) Michael Shau, Ging Viado, Candice Iyog and Michelle Eve De Guzman

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ASP believes that an autism-friendly society is possible and we continue to work hard towards this goal. To request for an Autism Orientation in your companies, college or institutions, email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 926 6941 or 929 8447.

For practical tips on how to prepare your child with autism for plane travel, click here.