Former GMA-7 news anchor Steve Dailisan has finally earned his license to fly an airplane.
The broadcast journalist resigned from GMA-7 after serving the TV network for over 12 years to pursue his long-time dream of becoming a pilot.
Steve shared the good news last Wednesday, April 3, on Facebook, and recalled how a failed job interview in an airline company changed his career path after graduating from college.
He wrote, "Over a decade ago, a week after graduation, I hurriedly submitted my resume to various institutions in the hopes of landing a job.
"Aside from the dream to work in a TV Network, I also applied in one airline company to fulfill my other ambition - to become a Flight Attendant.
"When I was invited for the job interview, I prepared for possible questions which could be asked that day.
"I listed a few of the usual questions, 'Why are you applying for this job? What are your interests? What will make us hire you? What do you think of our company' and so on...
"On the day itself, there were around 30 of us waiting for our turn to face a panel of 4.
"As I walked through the aisle, all four of them were smiling at me.
"After introducing myself, I was thrown the first question, 'What does it take to become an achiever?'
"To be honest, I stuttered. All I can think of were some of my achievements in college.
"In short, I wasn't able to provide them with a profound answer."
ON AIR, BUT NOT ABOVE THE CLOUDS
The job interview happened around 2006, after Steve received his bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
He did not make the cut, but he was still able to fulfill his dream of being "on air."
"As a result, I didn't get the job. But fate, as they say, will take you to different turns if you trust the process. Destiny got in the way.
"When I got that call from GMA News and Public Affairs, I promised to work hard and deliver my 150% every single day."
With his years of experience as a news anchor, Steve found the answer to the question: Why didn't I get my dream job?
He wrote, "More than a decade after, as a Broadcast Journalist, I was able to experience and find the answer to that million-dollar question on that failed interview.
"If I were asked again that same question today, this would be my answer: 'Being raised in a God-fearing family is an achievement.
"'Having a decent job is an achievement. Your laurels speak of your achievements.
"'Yes, they form a part of you, but they will never define you.
"'To become an achiever, you must do good even when others are not.
"'To become an achiever, you must do good even when there's no one looking.
"'Lastly, to become an achiever, you must plant seeds of kindness and make yourself better every single day.'"
ON FAILURES AND SUCCESS
Failure is probably one aspect of life many people fear the most, but for Steve, mistakes and failures could lead to success.
He wrote on Facebook, "Failure teaches us to persevere. It should never hinder us from becoming the better versions of ourselves.
"Although, we do not as much as possible entertain failure, if it happens, then, we should just try again, and again, and again until we succeed or until we realize its worth.
"Looking back, I whole-heartedly accepted that in life, you don't always win. I failed the journey in flying once.
"After years of being ON AIR, who would've thought that now I am LITERALLY ON AIR.
"Enjoying even more of what used to be a failed dream. Hindi lahat ng kabiguan, kamalasan. Minsan may kakambal iyang swerte na sa huli mo malalaman.
"Pag itinadhana, ipagkakaloob sayo ng higit pa sa iyong inaakala. Huwag ka lang mapapagod sumubok at magtiyaga."
This has inspired him to pursue his dream of flying, not as a flight attendant, but as a pilot.
Steve narrated, "Exactly a year ago, I embarked on a journey with nothing but courage and hope up my sleeves.
"Today, I safely completed 200+12 hours of flight time and finished my Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Check Ride. I look at it as a blessing, a post birthday gift.
"Indeed it is an achievement unlocked because of hardwork, diligence, patience and support from people who have been generous and kind."
FOREVER GRATEFUL
Toward the end of his post, Steven thanked every one who supported his journey.
"To my Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Check Pilot, Capt. Carlito Sobrevega
"To the entire management of Leading Edge International Aviation Academy, Inc. headed by BGen. Eric Calip, Gen. Egay CMendoza and members of the Board
"To our sharp flight instructors, headed by our Head Of Training Capt. Vlad Evangelista, Chief Flight Instructor Capt. Philmer Powao, Head of Flight Safety Capt. Rets Moon Briones, Flight Schedulers Capt. RJ Tejada, Capt. Ron Nario, Capt. Robert Durano, Capt. Roy Matias and all our FI's for the learnings and for welcoming me in your growing family...
"To all our highly efficient flight mechanics who always make sure that our aircraft are airworthy...
"To Ma'am Cy Cylyn Gonzales Dinco and all other staff for making our lives easy specially in processing our documentary requirements...
"To my fellow aviators in LEIAAI, specially my "Vigan Room 2 Dorm mates" To AAG Philippines family and AAG Batch 39 for your full support and understanding.
"To my DOTr family headed by our mentor Sec. Arthur Tugade who would always tell us that 'Learning is a never ending process. Education never stops'.
"To Usec. Skee Tamayo, CAAP DG Capt. Jim Sydiongco, CAAP Spokesman Sir Eric Apolonio and my very good friend Asec. Goddes Hope Oliveros Libiran...
"To my beloved PUP family for always reminding me to stay humble and be kind..."
Steven did not forget his friends and family for their support.
"To my dearest friends, Jet, Otep, Matt, Fr. Arvin, Julius, Kirk, Jenna, Sheryl, Lala, Claire, Jp, Rawnna, Mars Ayen and Gen and others (you know who you guys are) and loved ones...
"To my Family, Mommy Susan and Daddy Sancho, Tito Bob, Mommy Pimonty Cases Abad, Mommy Rebecca, sisters Ate Ann, Joyce and Papa Albie, Sarah and Insot, Rj, Ela and Ana...
"My heart is filled with so much gratitude for all of you. A million thanks will never be enough!
"And most importantly, to our Almighty God whom I always implore in every flight.
"Indeed, it is never too late to dream big, reach the sky and be with our stars!"
Now he's off to chase another goal.
"It's still a long shot from achieving that Airline Pilot dream but only those who wouldn't dare try will never know its worth."