Exploring Uncharterd Heights

Rookie wordsmith, Jareliese Mauro, whose nose for adventure and privilege is being heightened by Cathay Pacific’s success as explained by their Cebu Port Manager, Camilla Taylor.

Famed for having bagged the “Airline of the Year 2009” in the Skytrax World Airline Awards, a spacious Boeing 777-300ER breaks the cirrus clouds as it prepares for a touchdown in Mactan airport. Its timely arrival encompasses many endeavors: alighting for a much-needed hiatus, attending a make-or-break business proposal, or making up for redundant absences on family affairs. Whatever it is, one of those reasons includes shuttling port manager, Camilla Taylor, in and out of the Cebu, to attend monthly meetings usually in Manila or Hong Kong . Since the ‘Manage My Booking,” the comprehensive online self-service for passengers was enhanced last year, more passengers have booked and flown without hitches, giving them more control to their own itineraries.

Flights of Fancy take You Further

Not all airlines were developed equal. CX was designed to emerge as superior by attaching wings to the heart’s wanderlust, an urgency which should never be left unreciprocated. Give in to the call of Italy ’s principal business and finance centre and world-renowned capital for design and fashion as CX directly takes you there four times a week. Apart from this, the airline’s presence in Europe and provide passengers with greater flexibility for travel between Italy and HK to other destinations in Asia and Australia . From there, you up the ante by surrendering to the summons of the stomach with 30 top-notch dishes to be served by the Yung Kee restaurant in HK, popular for its one star rating by the world-renowned Michelin guide. Complementary to the ‘Best Chinese Food in the Air’ promotion is a range of fine wines either ordered inflight or delivered straight to your door (www.cathaypacific.com/dutyfree). Its extensive menu also cater to the personalized meals as well such as the fruit platter, low calorie, Kosher, or even the Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo meals to name a few. While dining, one can choose to tap into the Audio on Demand service (available for all its long-haul aircraft) for a music variety of up to 888 CD albums in 24 different genres, single out the tailor-made Holidays Package which allows the passenger to select from over 40 destinations around the world, or do something altruistic for a change and voluntarily sign up for the FLY greener program to buy offset the carbon dioxide emissions of their flight in response to the effects of greenhouse gas emissions in aviation on the climate, ecosystems and communities. New Leadership Soars to a New Frontier With good people and analytical skills and strong work ethics, five-foot-four Camilla “Mella” Taylor , 26, Cebu Port Manager for CX for over a year now, keeps up to date of in-flight developments and airline trends that help improve the company’s products and services. In her strained 9:00 am to 7:30 pm schedule, this Somerset Southwest England and Oxford University (for the degree of Politics, Philosophy and Economy) graduate heads the airport staff, cargo and shipments, aircraft and maintenance, finance and administration, and reservations and ticketing staff. As a very “hands on” leader in processes especially with regard to maintaining standards for the company, she relies heavily on the demanding tasks of the cabin crew and travel agents for sales while adapt to the ever-changing business and the environment. “It’s important to build relations, push for a strong product, and create a wide network to earn the loyalty of the customers,” says Mella who smoothes out the tendrils of her strawberry blonde locks and smiles while the dimple on her left cheek depresses. Although she has no daily routine, Mella is pretty much ad hoc on challenges in her work which bring out different personas in her. Personally, she’s pretty optimistic but does react strongly to some situations so others would step up to demands while contending with the status quo and coming up with new ideas. Describing them as “brilliant and enthusiastic,” Mella holds weekly brainstorming sessions with her staff. If she had an unlimited budget, she would to take her team to familiarization trips like the one they took last year in Vancouver , Canada , and conduct team building activities more often. “My plans for 2010 involve staff motivation and development, effectively servicing and communicating direct passengers and frequent flyers, ensuring proper correspondence for my staff and I, and sustaining the growth of the airline,” she contentedly converses. The tinted windows of the office bounce off a glow which was absorbed by the sludgy greenish brown color of her eyes. Her sunshine-y aura matches her winning personality and an eclectic ensemble of magenta cardigan sweater complete with Pinoy Capiz shell accessories. “For me each day is different and at the start of each day, I always ask myself as to what I could do more, “ she carries on while wiggling the gold signet ring on her left hand which displays her embossed family crest and motto: “And faithful until death.” The Globetrotter Gives Guidance She defines traveling as “being out of one’s comfort zone, exploring new places, trying out new things, meeting new people, and pursuing boundaries.” And although she jumped into ennui as she stepped foot into the balmy Cebu breeze, she blends in pretty well pointing out the similarities of what she left at home: the charm of the countryside, strength of family ties, and the love for nature trips. “I owe it to Skype for keeping my relationship with my family Solid,” this self-confessed ballroom dancing and karaoke singing enthusiast confesses. Scouring for lumpia, bibingka, calamansi juice, and lechon, she also shares the Pinoy’s trait of having a sweet tooth and the penchant for keeping value-laden knickknacks. Her favorite is an aroma herbal tea packet which has a message printed at the back: “Your greatest asset is a cheerful heart…” As a jetsetter, she recommends going to Sai Kung Country Park, New Territories (HK) and Siem Reap Angkor (Cambodia) for spiritual enlightenment, Milan ( Italy ) for food trips, Hong Kong for market and luxury shopping (esp. from Oct. to Nov.), and the night life, and China and India for culture immersion. Eteched in her heart are her all-time favorite places in Cebu such as Malapascua, Camotes, and Moalboal. “Wherever I go, I bring my travel must-haves: bright pink camera, sun block, mosquito repellent, and good book.” Plane and Simple: Different Journey, Same Horizon
"Betsy", a converted Douglas DC3, is fondly remembered as their first aircraft. Sold in 1955, "Betsy" was discovered, almost 30 years later flying cargo around the Australian outback. Today Cathay Pacific Airways owns more than 100 aircraft, employs over 23,000 people and has thousands of Hong Kong shareholders with a stake in the airline. As the airline of Hong Kong , they continue to invest in the city, its people and the community. American Roy C Farrell and Australian Sydney H de Kantzow founded Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong on September 24, 1946. Initially based in Shanghai , the two men eventually moved to Hong Kong and founded Cathay Pacific Airways. Cathay Pacific has been serving and growing with Hong Kong for 60 years. They started with one aircraft, and two founders who each put up HK$1 to register the company in Hong Kong .