Ever since he was a kid, Ronnie Louis Manliguez from Tagbilaran City, Bohol dreamt of becoming a pilot someday. In 2019, he enrolled at the Indiana Aerospace University in Cebu. He was very happy that finally, he was already one step closer to his dreams.
Until their family faced a financial problem. His family could not provide money for his simulator training which costs P4,000 per hour during his freshman year.
Since his parents are both retired, his siblings have to work together to pay for his tuition amounting to P40,000 per year, while a total breakdown of flying hours for his training could reach up to three million.
Ronnie and his friends then play make-believe that he is flying an aircraft using an improvised simulator.
“I was in the dormitory at that time with my dormmates. We were just having fun and weren’t making a big deal about our problems. So that was the best time to play make-believe that I was a pilot. I wanted to know how it feels to operate an aircraft. With the help of my supportive friends and with our artistic and innovative minds, we used electric fan to make it look like I am sitting in a simulator (with the blades of an aircraft) and also used a cellphone with images of instruments to even make it look like I am in a real simulator training,” Ronnie recalled.
Ronnie did not give up and worked hard for his dreams no matter how impossible it seemed.
“There are a lot of challenges but I kept on going. The day that I enrolled on this course I already pictured out how difficult it is to become a pilot and that there will be a lot of hardships especially financial issues. But being a pilot is my dream and I’m passionate about it that’s why whatever it takes, I’ll keep on reaching my goal. I just make those challenges as my motivation to pursue my dream,” he said.
The video uploaded on social media has already garnered 3 million views, as of writing. Netizens were touched by Ronnie’ s difficult yet humble journey to becoming a pilot.
“I couldn’t contain my happiness that I was able to reach this stage of my student pilot life. With all the challenges that I encountered since the day that I enrolled in this field, people around me thought I wouldn’t be able to endure it all and that I might end up dropping this course. Financial issues and difficult subjects are the biggest challenges I had. I am not done yet of my flight training but I will continue to do better everyday and focus on my dreams so I will be able to become a great pilot someday,” he shared.
Ronnie admitted that he felt the pressure to excel and finish his degree in time considering the expensive tuition.
Ronnie added that the COVID-19 pandemic was also a big challenge for the aviation industry. He waited for months before they were allowed to conduct flight training.
Others were convincing them to shift courses but he’s still determined to continue achieving his lifelong dream.
Looking back, Ronnie is thankful to his parents and siblings for their unending support for his chosen field.
“I am thankful to my parents and siblings who made a way to be able to provide and supported me all the way They were my motivation to do my best in my studies Because of them and with the help of God, I was able to reach this far,” he said.
Ronnie has accomplished pre-solo training and started building up for a private pilot license.
“To everyone out there, always be productive every single day. Keep on sharing good vibes and don’t lose hope in chasing your dreams. If you fail, get up and always remember that life goes on whatever it takes. Stay humble. Always do your best and God will do the rest,” Ronnie said when asked about his message to fellow student pilot.
