we look forward to seeing you on our future flights...

I've made the final step this morning...The next two weeks will be filled with anxiety, doubt and possibly some self-mutilation!

My initial plan upon arrival in Doha last year was to apply for a cabin crew position for Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. This was inspired by the desire to see the world and to have first-hand experience in dealing with people from all walks of life and cultures.

That plan was suppressed for a few months. I've had urges to apply for flight attendant jobs in Manila since graduating from college. These were often buried under other opportunities and choice priorities, like media-related work. On my second week in this city, I was offered a very promising job at a local advertising company. I accepted.

By January this year, I was still considering applying for Qatar Airways. At the time, it only took one online application and a couple of photos. Later on, I sent hard copies of my documents to their office. Then I waited, only to find out later that the airlines have halted recruitment of male crew. I stayed patient and waited some more.

A few months later, one of my friends helped forward my application to the cabin crew recruitment department. Chances felt higher this time, and so was the anticipation.

Finally! The airlines conducted a recruitment campaign in Doha on August 25. An invitation email was sent to me a week before the scheduled inital screening. I woke up one morning, hungover from a fantastic party the night before and laid eyes on the magic words CABIN CREW RECRUITMENT in my inbox! I flipped!!!!

August 25 - initial screening

I've waited so long for this to happen, and I was definitely in my element. I easily made new friends and enjoyed every minute of the whole circus! There were 38 candidates. At the end of the day, we were trimmed down to 8! I felt bad for those who didn't make it, especially those I got to talk to and been very pleasant, but I was also happy that 3 of my new friends made the final list:

Joyce - Filipina

Danny - Syrian

Youssef - Morrocan

August 27 - final interviews

I booked a taxi to pick me up at 10.30am - an hour before my interview slot - the night before. I was fully prepared and ready to go, when I found out from the taxi service that my ride would be arriving a bit late.

30 minutes later. Still no taxi. Panic attack! I found a private car instead to rush me to the building. It was a loooong 20-minute ride through traffic lights, roundabouts and bad drivers. It felt like an omen, an obstacle and a really bad punishment! Grace under pressure. Hair must remain in place! Adrenalin was gushing through my ears and I had to talk to someone. I got Adelle on the phone and he stayed with me until I finally reached the building with barely a minute left before the end of all I ever hoped for. I was running and ugh-ing like captain caveman!

I arrived just minutes before Danny was escorted out of the interview room, allowing me to breathe and regain my energy. I was called in...and the grilling began...

20 minutes later, drained out of curiosity on my performance and appearance I was escorted out. My knees were trembling and I honestly had the urge to run back inside and scream "Don't leave me!!!" or "Just tell me YES or NO!!!" I felt my heart beating like techno - but I didn't feel like dancing at all. Had to keep smiling and composed, as every movement still seemed of utmost importance.

A minute later I got called back in. The recruiters suggested that I submit another full body photo. The one I gave them (above) was apparently too "cutting edge." Ugh!

Danny and I left headquarters together in an effort to share the remaining energy we had left. We met up with Joyce who was shopping with her dad at a nearby supermarket. She had her interview earlier in the morning, also drained and left thinking.

I got a new photo shot at a shabby studio and had lunch with Danny at a Turkish canteen while waiting for the prints. We then picked up Joyce from her house and headed to Landmark Mall, where Danny had to get a copy of his passport from his current company (Mango). Later on, we found ourselves in the cozy café at the interior design boutique. In between playful and hilarious conversations, we would fall quiet at the slightest recollection of our possible mistakes that morning. These were feelings we would never forget. We had to talk about it.

My other friends were also excited to see me. So I took Danny and Joyce to meet them. We needed to be distracted and surrounded by the jollies! Adelle, Fares, Kelvin, Abdul, Kareem and Chantal became emotional punching bags and I was so happy to have them around to support us.

Now...It has all sunken in... I could only hope for the best and be patient. The wait begins...With the results coming out by first week of September, it's definitely going to be the longest two weeks ever!