British Air takes streetkids on Pangarap Flight

A 747 jumbo jet

flies at 35,000 feet

above the ground.

The human mind

can soar even

higher. Not

bounded by forces

of nature, the

mind knows no

limits and can

muster all the

strength to

achieve even

beyond 35,000

feet.

Such was the analogy imparted to more than 250

streetchildren during the recent Pangarap Flight an

annual charitable event organized by British Airways to

reach out to the needs and promote awareness on the

plight of the less fortunate children of Metro Manila.

These streetchildren need more than just food to see

them through the day, British Airways manager

Philippines Violy Echevarria says. It is equally important

that they be guided and encouraged to dream and strive

for a better future. Pangarap Flight is our own little way of

caring and helping them live their dreams.

This year, Pangarap Flight was participated in by nearly

300 wards from ChildHope Asia, Tuloy sa Don Bosco

Foundation, National Commission on Indigenous

Peoples, DSWD Region III, Concordia Childrens

Services, and Alabang New Life Christian Center, all

eager to board an aircraft for the very first time.

The day started early for the kids who were fetched from

their respective shelters and were brought to Museo

Pambata where a morning of fun and games awaited

them.

As soon as they settled, talented thespian Bernardo

Bernardo acted as program host while Echevarria

officially welcomed the children. Manila Councilor Lou

Veloso, top MBA cager Alex Compton, balladeer Louie

Heredia and dramatic actress Princess Punzalan each

took turns wishing the children well and imparting

valuable lessons in life.

A slight rainfall beset a little after lunch but it didnt

dampen the spirit of the youngsters who obligingly

queued to board the buses. Oohs and aahs and other

expressions of surprise were muttered as the bus

entered the gate to the tarmac, passing by planes they

once thought to be just the size of birds.

Craning his neck to see the British Airways Boeing 747

taxing in the runway, one boy began wondering if the

flight would actually bring them to another country. His

seatmate jokingly replied that it remained to be seen.

Although they didnt land in another country, the

hour-long party-in the sky was indeed an experience of

a lifetime. Shrieks of delight (and some of them perhaps

of fright) were heard as soon as they felt the 747 take off.

Once stabilized, the BA Team and the rest of the cabin

crew, who all volunteered for the flight, attended to the

kids giving out some refreshments, playing a little

game or two and escorting them group by group to see

the cockpit.

British Airways has been spearheading Pangarap Flight

for four years now. It is in line with British Airways thrust

of being a global and caring airline, conducting numerous

projects that will benefit the communities were it serves.

A brainchild of former country manager Nick Moore,

Pangarap Flight has been gaining support from various

groups and organization year after year.

We are very overwhelmed with the support we get in

making Pangarap Flight a success, says Echevarria.

We can only be thankful for all the good-hearted donors

who participated in this noteworthy cause.

Pangarap Flight 99 is also supported by Museo

Pambata, Outback Steakhouse, La Tondeqa, Caravan

Travel and Tours, Morning Star, Industria Productions,

Inc., Globe Ground PAGS, Marks and Spencer,

McDonalds, as well as other donors who wish to remain

anonymous.

It was raining by the time the plane made its touchdown

at the NAIA. Knowing they were about to disembark the

aircraft, the children seemed to be glued to their seats

not wanting the brief yet memorable moment to end, a

gleam of pure happiness on their faces.

For British Airways, Pangarap Flight 99 is its way of

touching the lives of hundreds of unfortunate children. It

brought back smiles to their otherwise brooding faces

that signifies difficulties they are undergoing. Its success

will echo in the hearts of the kids in years to come.

And for the streetchildren who only hoped of boarding an

aircraft, it was a dream come true.

[ Museo Pambata Wiki ]