{"id":15731,"date":"2022-05-25T10:30:09","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T15:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/?p=15731"},"modified":"2022-05-25T10:30:09","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T15:30:09","slug":"video-envoy-pilot-inspired-by-his-heritage-seeks-to-inspire-others-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/2022\/05\/25\/video-envoy-pilot-inspired-by-his-heritage-seeks-to-inspire-others-2\/","title":{"rendered":"VIDEO: Envoy pilot inspired by his heritage, seeks to inspire others"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Passion is kind of Clifford\u2019s thing. He\u2019s passionate about traveling the world, he\u2019s passionate about his Filipino heritage, and he\u2019s passionate about aviation. With this great passion, First Officer Clifford Villanueva aims to help future aviators through the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Miami native, Clifford is the son of two Filipino immigrants. Part of what makes his job so special is that it allows him to travel to the Philippines often, and soak in his heritage as an Asian American Pacific Islander.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R6LKjzY1p4k\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Bit by the flying bug<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The ability to see the world, with its many cultures and wonderful landscapes, is what initially drew Clifford to a career in commercial aviation.\u00a0Although his parents were hesitant at first, Clifford said that their eventual support made his pilot career possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThey were a little hesitant, because they wanted me to become a nurse,\u201d said Clifford. \u201cBut they definitely supported me financially and emotionally throughout my entire journey to becoming an airline pilot. Now, they\u2019re really proud of what I do and they\u2019re always excited about where I\u2019m going next.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When Clifford isn\u2019t flying routes on the Embraer 145, he likes to use his travel privileges to jet-set across the globe. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15732\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15732\" style=\"width: 394px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_Clifford-Las-Vegas_blog_may-25.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15732 size-full\" title=\"Clifford Villanueva with his parents in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Clifford Villanueva)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_Clifford-Las-Vegas_blog_may-25.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"394\" height=\"525\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15732\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><strong>Clifford Villanueva with his parents in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Clifford Villanueva)<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI like to use my travel privileges to travel anywhere and everywhere,\u201d Cliff said. \u201cI\u2019ve been as far as London Heathrow on my travel privileges, and probably as close as Atlanta, GA.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a Filipino-American, Clifford said that he shows his pride daily by simply being nice to people. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThat\u2019s a great trait about being a Filipino, is that we\u2019re nice and hospitable people,\u201d Cliff said.\u201c<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even though someone might treat me bad, I still treat them with kindness.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Pay it forward, one pilot at a time<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15652\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15652 size-full\" title=\"FO Clifford Villanueva at Chicago O'Hare Airport.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><strong>FO Clifford Villanueva at Chicago O&#8217;Hare Airport.<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One way that Cliff shares his kindness, is by also sharing his knowledge. As a member of PAPA, Clifford plays a key role in helping future pilots along their careers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether it&#8217;s answering emails, connecting and networking with others or being a mentor, Cliff said he\u2019s proud to be a part of PAPA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe reason I wanted to get involved in the first place is because I wanted to help the next generation of aspiring pilots that wanted to be in my position get there,\u201d Cliff said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clifford has great first-hand experience as a former Cadet at Embry-Riddle University of what it takes to become a First Officer. As part of his pitch to young pilots, Clifford likes to remind them that Envoy is the original American Eagle.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15650\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15650\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15650 size-full\" title=\"FO Clifford Villanueva performing walk-around of an Embraer 145 in Chicago O'Hare airport.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15650\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong><em>FO Clifford Villanueva performing walk-around of an Embraer 145 in Chicago O&#8217;Hare airport.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThe Cadet Program gave me a head start with Envoy in terms of building seniority, as well as having company benefits, and travel privileges,\u201d Clifford said. \u201cThe main reason I chose Envoy over other airlines is because Envoy has a more secure path to American Airlines. That and having the history of being the original American Eagle made me want to go to Envoy in the first place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Persist and enjoy the reward<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On a day-to-day basis, Clifford flies a wide range of routes like a short 15-minute flight to Milwaukee from Chicago, or a long haul to Montreal. Wherever his trips lead him, Clifford said that he\u2019s always inspired by his friend Costas Sivyllis, who sadly passed away in 2020.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cHe showed that huge passion of aviation and being a pilot,\u201d Clifford said. \u201cHe basically taught me to live your life the way you want to live your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15649\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15649\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15649 size-full\" title=\"FO Clifford Villanueva on the flight deck of an Embraer 145 at Chicago O'Hare Airport. \" src=\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_ORD_FLT_Clifford_Villanueva_may-10_blog-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15649\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong><em>FO Clifford Villanueva on the flight deck of an Embraer 145 at Chicago O&#8217;Hare Airport.<\/em> <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Just like his mentor, Clifford hopes he can pass along some advice to young up-and-coming aviators.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNever give up and keep pushing forward,\u201d Clifford said. \u201cAs my mentor Costas once told me, spend at least eight seconds taking in the view that\u2019s right outside your flight deck window and enjoy it.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Passion is kind of Clifford\u2019s thing. He\u2019s passionate about traveling the world, he\u2019s passionate about his Filipino heritage, and he\u2019s passionate about aviation. With this great passion, First Officer Clifford Villanueva aims to help future aviators through the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA).\u00a0 A Miami native, Clifford is the son of two Filipino immigrants. Part [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":41839,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[713,724,725,51,68,726,727,98],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15731"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15731"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15731\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}