“Here’s your flight voucher for Cebu-Bantayan Inaugural Flight!”, says the Ground Staff in Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.
Who would have thought?!
~ Being a “Lumad” Bantayanon, I was one of those kids who had this childhood dream of embarking an aircraft every time an aeroplane passed through the Island thousands of feet above sea level.
The chant “Eroplano, pasakya ko! Pila pliti? Tulo baynte!”, was a norm when engine sounds roared the shoreline specifically.
DECADES LATER, here I am getting on flight of the first ever Cebu-Bantayan route on its Inaugural day (August 28, 2024).
To be honest, when the news broke that MCIAA will be holding a destination en route to RPSB (Bantayan Island), I was really skeptical about it. For years, the plan was deferred for commercial flights for several reasons. The runway had to be constructed for ATR aircrafts to land, and the construction was put off when COVID came. The delay was really enormous, so when my partner told me about its rumored launch I hastily said “nah”. But, lucky me apparently, his persistence made me find ways to know more details about its first flight.
I researched about the partnered tour operator (King Aces Travel and Tours) and sent my queries. I booked the flight and got specifics about which airport we should go during the date. Since the destination is under a chartered flight, we are to depart from MCIAA General Aviation Mactan (Hangar area) in which I previously worked.
DAY OF THE FLIGHT
(Estimated Time of Departure: 8:08)
Days before the departure date, the tour operator sent us an email giving heads up about the changed time of departure. It was previously set to depart at 10 o'clock but later changed to 8:08, maybe perhaps to have the lucky 8’s on the flight plan. Me and my partner grab a quick breakfast close to where we are staying and took a ride going to General Aviation.
(Wala tay photo sa breakfast, kani nalang kay cute kag duck face)
Arriving on time in MCIAA, we went through security checks, had our cabin bags tagged, and our flight vouchers verified. After passing through mandatory inspection, we paid our terminal fee which is Php 100 and proceeded to the waiting area.
We were advised to be at the airport two hours before departure, but we came almost an hour before (Oops!). We waited for a couple of minutes until we are set to embark the aircraft. From the bus, we walked through the tarmac and boarded the aircraft.
BEFORE TAKEOFF
We were greeted by a lovely stewardess who guided us to our seats. Seated on my seat, I came to thinking “who would have thought?”. Bantayan is a small Island that’s located in the North Part of Cebu Province. I was born there, my family is there, and growing up I never thought there would be a commercial flight that I will experience first-hand marking its history.
The 72-seater aircraft carry mostly Cebu officials to celebrate the inauguration. Some are tour operators from Bantayan Island itself while others are influencers and locals of Bantayan. At exactly 8 o'clock we were taxiing the runway after the aircraft pushed back - and at 8:09 we were airborne.
(Photo sa take off)
CRUISING
After takeoff, there are jaw-dropping views you can witness in all Islands of Mactan. While the aircraft is ascending you can see the tall buildings of Cebu and the two bridges that connect downtown and Lapu-Lapu area. There’s a good sight of Cansaga Bay Bridge in Mandaue too!
(Photos of cclex ))
On cruise, you will notice the lush green mountains and huge bodies of water around Cebu Province. It made me realize how lucky we are to have seen these creations. The sky, water, mountains etc. Such a blissful gift for us humans.
(Photo on flight)
READY TO LAND
Approximately 20 minutes, everyone on board hears the Captain’s PA notifying us of the descent. Yes in less than half an hour, we are preparing for landing - how fast and cool is that?! We were advised then to open the window blinds, stow away tray tables, baggage to the overhead locker and fasten our seatbelts…… WE ARE LANDING……
The Captain made a roundabout in the whole Island which allows me to spot the roof of our house (that level of flying), perhaps the circling on its airspace feels like a greeting to the Island and paying respect to whatever deity we have on superstitions. The next minute, we are approaching the runway, and then touchdown! We have landed on my home Island - Bantayan. What was then 4 hour bus ride and 1 hour boat ride became 25 minutes through the chartered flight - Alas! Convenience!!!
ARRIVAL
Oh the hospitality feels like fiesta! It is indeed an Inaugural flight when a water salute from Santa Fe welcomes the aircraft we embarked with.
(Water salute photo)
We waited until the aircraft completely made its full stop and passengers slowly disembarked the aircraft. Upon disembarking we were welcomed with Inaugural handmade necklaces and there were festive dances everywhere. Everyone was ready for the Inaugural program, so for us normal passengers we then exited the runway and hurried up to the arrivals area.
The experience was really memorable, not just because it is an Inaugural flight but because it reminds me how innovations are starting to bring people together. With this convenient travel to my Island, locals and tourists can now access the gem of Bantayan Island and the places it has to offer - fast and easy.
(Last photo bantayan beach)
CEBU - BANTAYAN FLIGHT
(Every Fridays and Sundays)
KING ACES TRAVEL AND TOURS
(Price until October Php888)
MACTAN TERMINAL FEE
(Php100)
BANTAYAN TERMINAL FEE
(Php50)