A childhood dream fulfilled: Retrenched flight attendant Pat Cardoza’s career shift to music

Pat Cardoza

In January last year, Pat Cardoza was retrenched from her job as a flight attendant, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But soon she realized that, when a door closes, another one opens. Before she could even bemoan her retrenchment, she received some good news: She was chosen as one of the 10 winners of the Viva Musika songwriting contest.

“I submitted three songs in 2020, and then I forgot all about it. The following year, we were told that junior cabin crews—which I was part of—would be retrenched. But then Viva called me up, telling me that one of my songs made it to the Top 10,” Pat said in a recent virtual conference.

Pat has put together an impressive resume over the years: In 2012 she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in nutrition and dietetics. In the same year, she received the third highest score in the nutritionist-dietitian licensure exams. After working as a nutrition coordinator, her career path led her to the aviation hospitality industry. She served as a flight attendant for the Philippine Airlines from 2016 to 2021.

Grabbing the opportunity

But her childhood dream, she admitted, was to become a music artist.

“Viva Records offered me a recording contract, to sing and record the songs I submitted. I grabbed the opportunity, because it’s a childhood dream to become a singer. I just had to set that aside because I became a nutritionist and a flight attendant,” related Pat whose winning songs include, “Mahal,” “Back to You,” and “Kailan Ka Babalik,” which officially became her first single.

Aside from the recording contract, Pat— as one of the 10 winners—received P100,000 in advance royalties and the opportunity to have her works used for Viva productions.

While she was partial to writing songs about heartbreak at some point, Pat said her goal now is to be known as a singer-songwriter whose work uplifts people. “Lately, I realized that it can also be tiring listening to songs about hurt. So I want to show that there’s a side to love that’s beautiful and makes you happy,” she said. “I want to change the vibe from sawi to happy.”

The 29-year-old recording artist started singing when she was a child and had her first public performance when she was 10. Writing songs came soon after. “Once you get older you feel lots of new emotions, you start having crushes… And when your crush doesn’t pay you attention, you want to talk about those feelings,” she said, laughing.

“I also love journaling, so I tried writing songs. And then I realized that it’s something I can do… That’s how it started,” Pat added. “I always feel the need to write something down when I have feelings I can’t let go; I use it as an emotional outlet.”

One of Pat’s biggest songwriting influences was APO Hiking Society. “When I was in high school the tribute album ‘Kami nAPO Muna’ came out. That introduced me to the group’s music, which in turn, inspired the way I write lyrics,” said Pat, who’s dream collaborator is R&B star Arthur Nery. “I love the tone of his voice and his songs always have depth. I know I will learn from him.”

Joining competitions

Prior to the Viva Musika, Pat tried his luck in other songwriting tilts. She also joined singing competitions, like “Are You the Next Big Star?” She didn’t make it all the way. And while she did have moments she questioned her skills, it didn’t deter her from doing the thing she loves most.

“I didn’t make it in those contests, so I just focused on my studies. Sometimes you doubt your abilities. But I have never cried over those things. I just think that it’s not yet my time,” she pointed out. “But through the years, I think I grew as a songwriter. There’s more urgency now because I know there are people listening to my songs.”

Would she be focusing on music from now on? “If I’m given a chance to do music while being a flight attendant, why not? I love flying and I can still continue performing and writing songs,” she said. INQ