PAL: The First 75 Years in the Sky (Philippines’ Flag Carrier launches Coffee Table Book Celebrating its History) 

There is something about Philippine Airlines that resonates the warmth and heart of the Filipino – from the warm smiles of the flight attendants onboard, to the familiar livery as it cruises 30,000 feet above, to the role that the airline company played in various points in the history of the Philippines.

Amidst the triumphs, the heartaches and the glory of the nation, Philippine Airlines (PAL) was there.

It is only fitting that the nation’s Flag Carrier celebrates 75 years of this storied history with the launch of its coffee table book dubbed, “75 Years of Celebrating the Heart of the Filipino.”

The history of PAL is unparalleled as it runs alongside the history of aviation in the country. The hard-cover tome features more than the airline’s history – the many pages pay tribute to the hundreds of employees whose lives have interwoven already with the airline’s.

Starting from its humble beginnings as a small airline company operating out of the Nielsen Airfield located in what is known now as the Central Business District; its role in carrying the many presidents and statesman and women of the Philippines; playing host to celebrities, VIP and beauty queens; and to its more blessed role playing as Sheperd One, carrying not only one but two pontiffs during its 75 years – first flying for the beloved Pope/St. John Paul II and recently, with the popular and also admired Pope Francis during his visit to Manila and Tacloban.

I was honored to be one of the invitees during the launch of the coffeetable book in an event well-attended not only by members of the tri-media, but more importantly, by also the people who’s been part of the PAL family for a long time. These include former Pursers, flight attendants and employees who look back with fondness when reminiscing about their years at PAL.

The book also played tribute to the airline’s “El Kapitan,” Dr. Lucio C. Tan, who serves as PAL’s Chairman and CEO, and who is credited for “saving” the airline company during its challenging years in the 90s.

Also a noteworthy read are special features on flight stewardess training and PAL’s women pilots.

Encased in a beautifully-designed case and published in hard-cover, the book also showcases amazing photography and imagery sourced from PAL’s very own archives.

As a big fan of the PAL brand, I now consider my signed copy as the perfect addition to my collection of travel-related literature.

The book retails for only PHP1,975 and is a good addition to the library of any aviation or travel buff. Get your copies at the PAL Boutique, PAL Head Office, PNB Building, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, CCP Complex, Pasay City.