After joining several competitions on television, Mann Ed Demalata is now living his best life as an influencer and pilot. Despite rejections in life, he managed to continue his dreams.
“Marami akong sinalihan nung teenager ako. When I was studying nun, I was also modeling, doing fashion shows, and small time TVC. Those were the days. I still remember those memories dahil ‘yun ang nagbibigay sa akin ng inspirasyon to do better,” Mann Ed said.
One of the most remarkable moments in his career was when he joined StarStruck Batch 2 in 2004 and it opened his eyes and discovered who he truly was.
After joining StarStruck, he appeared in some GMA shows like Magpakailanman and Kakaba-Kaboo. He was managed then by popular GMA writer, Dinno Erece.
“Grabe, ganoon pala ang feeling na mag-audition sa isang malaking TV competition. All contestants were different. I remember wearing my “pangmalakasang” clothes kasi s’yempre I wanted na mapansin. But experiences naman doing TV shows were fun and s’yempre nakatulong sa akin. Hanggang sa na-realize ko, it wasn’t for me talaga,” he shared.
Though he did not become an artist, he earns huge followers on Instagram as he uses it to promote flight crew members and how it is like for them being on air. With his almost 230,000 followers on IG, he knows how to use it well and he knows how to be a responsible influencer.
“I post a lot of stories and photos on Instagram, featuring and showcasing my flying experiences as a pilot. Then last year, so honored, maraming sikat na Instagram accounts na nag-feature sa akin because of my content—which is pilot stuff nga.
“I guess people are interested din na malaman, ano ba talaga ang buhay naming mga piloto, na nasa himpapawid. I know, that time, kaya ako nag-post nang ganun, para i-share ang journey ng isang pilot. Our job is not an easy job. Some of flying crew members lost their jobs dahil sa pandemic, dahil walang flights.”
That started his journey as an influencer-pilot who uses his platform to share pilot stories and show them to the world in his own lens.
The 31-year old influencer-pilot added, “I always think before I post. Hindi lang dapat ang masasarap na pagkain o mamahaling suot. It’s really your message. I also use my platform to encourage youths, our young generation, to vote.”
Mann Ed completed his flying hours at Masters Flying School and Alpha Aviation and became one of the youngest captains in the airline industry in 2016. He set the bar high in that year, making him an inspiration for young pilots that time.
“Considered kami as next generation of young pilots na hindi super strict. Nakasanayan kasi na strict ang pilots. If I were to describe myself as a pilot, I would say chill lang and super bait ako na piloto. Masaya lang sa flight. Kasi mahirap na ginagawa namin sa flight and serious e so I really do my best to lighten up the mood palagi ng flight crew ko without sacrificing of course ‘yung safety ng flight.”
Mann Ed ended, “S’yempre I share my flying journey on Instagram kasi I have followers na mga student pilot and future pilots who always say na I inspire them. I told them to continue doing what they love to do. Be a good citizen first and everything will follow na. Matutupad din nila ang pangarap nilang maging piloto sa kabila ng pandemya. And to all flight crew members who lost their jobs ngayong pandemic, don’t lose hope, pray, and keep fighting.”
Mann Ed is also an entrepreneur. He launched his t-shirt company last year where he sells pilot uniforms. Check @pilotoncall_shirt on Instagram. He’s also part of @oddliv.ph.
For inspiring pilot stories, follow him on IG: @pilotoncall.
