Pilot-content creator Mann Ed Demalata gives back through career talks with aspiring pilots

Mann Ed Demalata is proof that privilege is maximized when you put in the work. Blessed with parents who gave him access to quality education, Mann Ed aimed high and took off to fly, literally and figuratively. Before finding his place in the aviation industry, he explored his luck in showbiz but still ended up heeding his true calling – becoming a pilot.

In 2012, Mann Ed was hired and became a co-pilot. In 2016, at the age of 28, he earned his promotion and became one of the country's youngest captains.

Now building his brand as a pilot and content creator with 223,000 followers on Instagram and 1.2 million likes on TikTok, he has been getting invitations from different schools to share his success story with college students.

“When I became interested in flying school back in college, I was clueless and knew no one in the aviation and airline industry. During my time in college, I sought information online about flying through Friendster and Facebook. I will always be thankful to those who took time out and answered my queries. Some of them are now my colleagues in my current company,” Mann Ed shared, feeling grateful.

“I haven’t done career talks but when schools started to reach out to me like CEU, PATTS, PHILSCA, and UE, I immediately accepted their invites not just to talk technical matters regarding flying but to offer motivational words of wisdom,” Mann Ed said. “It was time for me to pass on the kindness. I made sure na galing sa puso ko and hindi masyadong technical. Alam ng audience kung genuine ka o hindi. I didn’t accept payment as well because I found my way of giving back. Very fulfilling sa feeling na nakapagbahagi ako ng kwento at karanasan sa mga nangangarap ngayon, na katulad ko na nangarap din ako noon.”

The accomplished young pilot’s first talk was with Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat last year, Dec. 1, held via Zoom and Facebook Live. It was organized by Centro Escolar University Malolos College of Hospitality Management student council with the theme “ISLA: I’m Set. Let’s Go For An Adventure.” In the event, Mann Ed talked about traveling in the new normal setup.

“They say the most memorable is always the first. It applies to me because not only was it my first but I also shared the platform with two respected people DOT Sec. Puyat and Leonides Peña, ones I truly admire,” Mann Ed happily shared.

Our captain’s second talk was organized by the Philippine State College of Aeronautics BASA-Palmayo Campus with the theme “FLIGHT PLAN: Beyond The Horizon” last Feb. 21, also over Zoom. In this one, Mann Ed talked about his journey to being a pilot, his thoughts on the current situation of the aviation industry, and his advice to students who aspire to be like him.

“I always remind them to enjoy the journey. And that it’s not just always about the destination. There’s no where to go but up. Success will be found as long as they show up. What truly matter are the bits and pieces of learning the acquirealong the way,” Mann Ed said in the talk.

His recent engagements happened last Oct. 11 when he served as special judge during the Search for UE (University of the East-Manila) Flight Attendant and as a speaker at an event by PATTS College of Aeronautics. The event with the theme “Shifting Towards Innovation: Adapting Hybrid Set-up in MICE” last Oct. 21, was held virtually and Mann Ed talked about the struggles, challenges, and journey of becoming a pilot.

“We all have different definitions of success but for me, success is beyond what you have in the bank. It’s about doing what you love and what you are most passionate about. It is also about fulfilling God’s purpose for you,” Mann Ed said. “In my case, I also find joy in sharing my life experiences with other people. It doesn’t necessarily have to be material. It could be words of encouragement to help uplift their spirits.”

To extend his interaction with others, Mann Ed Demalata is on Instagram as @pilotoncall and @pilotoncall on TikTok. He warns social media users of fake accounts.

“My real IG account has 223,000 followers and my real TikTok account has 37.9k followers. It’s so sad that some fake accounts using my photos try to scam other people. I am all about giving back. I share my stories. I share my journey. Sa pag-reach ko sa bawat destination, parati kong baon ang prayers at dedikasyon. To future pilots, sana marami kayong natutunan sa akin,” Mann Ed offered.

Mann Ed enumerated his top pieces of advice in summary, “1. Study hard. Flying is a never ending learning experience. And in order for you to be successful, you must love what you do. 2. Confidence. The ability to stay calm under pressure is important because anything can happen in flight and you must always be quick on your toes. 3. Pray. Never underestimate the power of prayer. We can only do so much planning for our lives, and there are things beyond our control. Let go and let God.”