Steve Dailisan opens up about struggles and doubts of leaving journalism to become an airline pilot

Before he was First Officer Steve Dailisan, he was "Steeeve Dailisan, GMA News."

In October 2018, the former broadcast journalist left the media industry to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot — and he achieved this dream last April. Just recently, he proudly showed his Cebu Pacific pilot ID spelling his name as "Steeeve."

But in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Steve shared that the journey was far from easy.

He said that "passing the exam, reaching the technical interview, and eventually making it to the simulator evaluation for airline acceptance were coupled with great levels of difficulties."

"During training , I have already entertained the thought of failing and giving up," he said. "Many times I feel, I'm not at my best or wasn't just good enough."

"Each moment of defeat, I cry my heart out. I end up praying to God, asking for his mercy and compassion. When I can no longer handle the mental and emotional stress, I surrender everything to Him," he added.

He said that in moments of doubt, he would ask himself if this path was meant for him.

"Bakit ko nga kasi pinahirapan ang sarili ko when I'm well within my comfort zone as a Broadcast Journalist?" he wrote.

Still, he reminded himself of why he chose this path, which was his desire to "be an instrument to happy reunions of families, friends and people who are separated by distance and fate."

Steve said he was finally released to fly as First Officer on Tuesday, and that the entire experience taught him the value of hard work, focus, and determination.

He also has words of encouragement to those who are doubting themselves.

"And to you, who keeps on doubting your capabilities, BELIEVE that you are LIMITLESS. Believe that GOD is GREAT and with HIM all things are possible," he said."

"Take it from a financially challenged guy who never dreamt of flying because it's expensive and his family can't simply afford it. Take it from someone who, up to now, continues to work hard to realize his vision for his loved ones. YOU, TOO can MAKE IT HAPPEN!" he added.

—JCB, GMA News