23/07/2026
Dasig lang!
Congratulations, Flying Cadet Gifford James Galay, on your First Solo Flight!
"My flight journey is not easy, but Dasig has always been my comfort word. “Dasig lang, kaya kaayo ni.” “Dasig lang, makab-ot ra nimo na tanan.” “Dasig lang, maka-first solo flight ra ka.” These simple words became my source of strength during the hardest days of training. Every time I doubted myself, "Dasig Lang" reminded me to keep going, to trust the process, and to believe that every challenge has a purpose. It made me realize how powerful words can be; they have the ability to restore confidence, bring hope, and remind us that no dream is too far when we refuse to give up.
This first solo flight is not the destination; it is only the beginning. Every challenge, every setback, every lesson, and every person mentioned here became part of this milestone. Thank you for helping me earn my wings, one flight at a time.
To God, thank you for your endless guidance, protection, and grace throughout my aviation journey. Thank you for keeping me safe during my very first solo flight and for giving me the courage to trust the knowledge and skills you allowed me to develop. Every takeoff, every landing, every lesson, and every milestone is only possible because of you. This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testimony of your faithfulness. To you alone be all the glory.
To my Mommy and Daddy, thank you for your unconditional love, sacrifices, patience, and unwavering support throughout my aviation journey. Thank you for believing in me even during the times when I doubted myself. Every flight hour I earned represents the countless hours you both worked and sacrificed to help me pursue this dream. I will forever be grateful for your encouragement, prayers, and trust. This milestone belongs to both of you as much as it belongs to me.
To my Titas and Titos, thank you for always encouraging me and reminding me to keep moving forward. Your words of motivation, support, and prayers gave me strength whenever training became difficult. Thank you for celebrating every small achievement and believing that one day I would reach this milestone. Your love means more than words can express.
To my Lolo and Lola, Nakalupad na ko og solo! Thank you for your endless love, prayers, guidance, and support. Even from afar, I always felt your encouragement. Every achievement I accomplish is inspired by the values and love you have given me throughout my life. I hope I continue to make you proud as I pursue this dream.
Special thanks to my Tita Ivy; thank you for making my aviation journey here in Manila safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Thank you for taking care of me, and for always making sure I had everything I needed while chasing this dream. Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support made life away from home much easier. I will always be grateful for everything you’ve done for me.
To my Room 4 buddies, Sir Solivien, Sir Laguitan, and Sir Arenas, thank you for making my orientation journey feel like home. Thank you for every conversation, every joke, every piece of advice, and every memory we shared together.
To my MB2 buddies, Sir Manalad, Sir Alzate, Sir Garces, Sir Cara, Sir Alcantara, Sir Cabais, Sir Mallari, and Sir Yusop, thank you for the knowledge, friendship, and unforgettable memories we shared throughout training. Every challenge, every laugh, and every learning experience became more meaningful because of all of you. I wish each of you safe skies and successful careers ahead.
To my school friends (OG7, +Mich, +Rica, +Angel) - Sir Manalad, Sir Trinidad, Sir Patubo, Sir Malapo, Ma’am Lozano, Ma’am Deinla, Ma’am Mendoza, Ma’am Gatuz, and Ma’am Buenavidez - thank you for making my ground school experience one of the most memorable chapters of my aviation journey. Thank you for the friendship, encouragement, laughter, and advice that helped me become a better student and future pilot. The memories we created together will always have a special place in my heart.
To my Lubang Friends - Sir Manalad, Ma’am Lozano, Ma’am Deinla, Ma’am Alejandro, Ma’am Micosa, Ma’am Tahum, Ma’am Rabino, Ma’am Gatuz, Ma’am Gaudia, Sir Adriano, Sir Gambalan, Sir Martinez, Sir Ordoñez, Sir Grefalda, Sir Dorado, Sir Tolentino, Sir Garces, Sir Alzate, and Sir Dioneda, thank you for making my stay in Lubang truly unforgettable. Thank you for the friendship, laughter, support, and memories that made every day worthwhile. I will always cherish the time we shared together. Safe skies to all of you!
To all GAC Campus employees, thank you, Ma’ams and Sirs, for your kindness, patience, and dedication in serving every student. Your hard work behind the scenes allows us to focus on becoming better aviators every single day.
To all the AMTs, thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety. Every bolt you tighten, every inspection you complete, and every aircraft you prepare reflects your passion for excellence.
To our Flight Dispatcher, Sir Vraxs, thank you for your dedication, patience, and professionalism in ensuring that every flight operation runs smoothly.
To my Flight and Simulator Instructors, Capt. Relota, Capt. Castillo, Capt. Salvador, Capt. Vidal, Capt. Eslava, Capt. Singh, Capt. Isles, Capt. Atienza, Capt. Apilada, Capt. Alcantara, Capt. Bagona, Capt. Valbuena, Capt. Ordoñez, Capt. O. Singh, Capt. Garinggan, Capt. Leonardo, Capt. Boholst, Capt. Apilada, and Capt. Vizconde, thank you, Captains, for your discipline, patience, and unwavering commitment to developing competent pilots. Thank you for teaching me to practice traffic patterns whenever I have a schedule. It played a big role in preparing me for my solo flight.
To my Ground Instructors - Capt. Disu, Capt. De los Reyes, Capt. Bueza, Capt. Velarde, Capt. Rodriguez, Capt. Duhaylongsod, and Capt. Cristino, thank you for making every ground lesson engaging, meaningful, and unforgettable. Your passion for teaching, patience in answering our questions, and willingness to share your real-world experiences inspired me to become not only a better student but also a safer and more knowledgeable pilot. The foundation you built in the classroom continues to guide me every time I step into the cockpit.
To my Orientation Instructor, Capt. Salvador, thank you for making my orientation journey one that I will never forget. Your guidance during my first days in aviation helped shape the mindset I carry today, Ma’am. I’ll always remember your words, “Galay, mag-focus ka.” Those simple words reminded me to concentrate on one step at a time, trust the process, and avoid distractions. Because of your advice, Ma’am, I learned that success in aviation begins with discipline, focus, and consistency. Thank you for believing in my potential before I even saw it myself.
To my Pre-Solo Instructor and Checker, Capt. Ng, thank you for your patience, wisdom, and guidance throughout one of the most important stages of my training, Sir. Your words, “Magpanggap ka na tamad, gamitin mo trim mo,” may have sounded simple, but they taught me one of the most valuable lessons about aircraft control and the importance of flying efficiently, especially during the traffic pattern. Your encouragement, corrections, and confidence in me, Sir, prepared me not only to pass my pre-solo check but also to conquer my very first solo flight with confidence. And thank you for believing that I was ready, Sir.
Lastly, to my Aviation Father, Capt. Patungan, thank you for believing in me long before I believed in myself. Throughout the many minutes we flew together, you shared lessons that went far beyond flying techniques. You taught me discipline, decision-making, and confidence. One phrase that will forever stay with me is, “Galay, airspeed mo.” Those words became more than just a reminder about flying; they became a lesson about maintaining awareness, staying ahead of the aircraft, and always remaining composed under pressure. Thank you for your patience, trust, and mentorship, Sir. You played a significant role in shaping the pilot and the person I am becoming. I will carry your teachings with me in every flight and throughout my aviation career."
Flying Cadet Galay was released by Capt. Alfred Jake Patungan.
Aliyah!
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