Kamakailan, nagtagpo ang dalawang dating magkatrabaho sa himpapawid.
Ang veteran GMA-7 journalist na si Howie Severino ay naging pasahero ng isang airline, kung saan first officer o co-pilot ang dating GMA-7 reporter/news correspondent na si Steve Dailisan.
Sa flight ni Howie patungong Bangkok, na-recognize niya agad ang boses ni Steve, na may in-announce sa PA system.
Post ni Howie sa Facebook (published as is): “Halfway to Bangkok, I heard a familiar voice on the plane's PA system, now our flight's First Officer talking to the passengers about the time and weather.
"When we hit a long patch of turbulence, I could hear nervous murmurs around me.
"I was quietly cheering someone on, 'Let's go Steve…' I knew we were in good hands.”
Read: Miracle lone survivor in India plane crash recalls ordeal
HOWIE SEVERINO AND STEVE DAILISAN's FIRST MEETING
Napa-throwback si Howie sa first meeting nila ni Steve nung journalism student pa lang ito sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) sa Manila.
"I met Steve Fabella Dailisan when he was still a student at PUP Santa Mesa two decades ago when I went there to speak about journalism.
"Before I left, I asked the host professors if I could meet their best students.
"So I had a little session with a group that included Steve, Tolits Tan, and others.
"I invited them all to apply at GMA-7.
"Steve stayed for over ten years, becoming Steeeeve Dailisan the empathetic reporter…
"Steve left a few years ago to pursue another dream to become a pilot. Accomplished.”
Pinasalamatan ni Howie si Steve dahil naging maayos at ligtas ang flight nila.
"He steered us through the turbulence and landed a former colleague and all my fellow passengers safely. Thanks, Steeeve."
Read: Steve Dailisan, no regrets leaving job as reporter to become pilot
STEVE DAILISAN THANKS HOWIE SEVERINO
Sa isang Facebook post, buong-pusong nagpasalamat din si Steve sa kanyang mentor.
Ayon sa kanyang caption, marami siyang natutunan kay Howie habang nasa news and public affairs department siya ng GMA sa loob ng 12 years.
“Elated and surprised to see veteran journalists I truly admire during my flight to Bangkok today.
“To this day, I still consider myself extremely fortunate.
"Had I not met Howie Severino two decades ago, this humble dreamer from PUP might not have realized his aspiration of becoming a broadcast journalist.
“Sir Howie dedicated his time, patience, and wisdom in mentoring me when I started as a researcher and segment producer for a public affairs show on QTV11.
"He also coached me during my audition as a reporter for GMA7.
“Maraming salamat, Sir Howie! Dahil sa tiwala niyo, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong masaksihan ang kasaysayan at laging maniwala na ang katotohanan ang magwawagi..."
STEVE DAILISAN's motivation to become a PILOT
Taong 2018 nang magdesisyon si Steve na mag-aral at mag-train para maging isang pilot.
Iniwan ni Steve ang pagiging field reporter/news correspondent sa GMA news program na 24 Oras at Brigada Siete.
Naging news anchor din siya for News TV Live noong 2011.
Isa raw sa pangarap niya noon ay maging pasahero ang kanyang ama sa eroplanong siya ang piloto.
Pero hindi raw natupad iyon dahil pumanaw ang kanyang ama noong 2020.
Saktong sumabay iyon sa pagkawala ng trabaho niya bilang piloto sa isang airline company dahil sa COVID-19.
Sa isang pinned Facebook post dated May 22, 2023, nagbigay ng tribute si Steve sa kanyang yumaong ama.
Saad niya sa mahabang caption, published as is: "This is for you, Dad. The pandemic was a very, very difficult time for me.
"For someone who risked everything for this crazy love of flying, getting his wings clipped even before starting to soar high is the most unthinkable event one could ever imagine.
"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.
“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.
“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."
Hindi nagtagal ang lungkot, at napalitan ito ng saya. And in the end, mas doble pa ang oportunidad na dumating sa buhay niya.
“A lot of things transpired since then. I rediscovered my passion for Communications and was given a chance to lead a very dynamic team in AirAsia.
“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.
“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.
“Thank you, Lord. St. Joseph of Cupertino, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Jude.
“At your service, Steeeve.”