Jesse Barretto’s path to becoming a pilot was shaped by a passion for music and a relentless drive for excellence. Now a First Officer at Cebu Pacific Air, Jesse credits his background in competitive singing for instilling the discipline, confidence, and determination that helped him succeed in aviation. His journey proves that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

At Airworks Aviation Academy, Jesse was trained to strive for the best. The program was intense, requiring commitment and focus. “Our instructors encouraged us never to settle for ‘okay na yan.’ The quality of training and the support from my batchmates kept me driven despite challenges,” he recalls. Every lesson, challenge, and success molded him into the pilot he aspired to become.

Before taking to the skies, Jesse was a passionate musician. As a singing medalist at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in California, he learned the importance of preparation. “In singing, we practiced rigorously—no cold drinks, no sugar, just discipline. The same applies to flying: preparation is as crucial as execution.” The habits he developed as a performer carried over to his pilot training, from pre-flight checks to precise maneuvers in the cockpit. The confidence he learned on stage would later help him command an aircraft with the same composure and grace as he once did with a microphone.


His path to becoming a pilot wasn’t easy. Jesse began flight training in 2018 but had to pause when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. To support his family, he worked for a US-based accounting firm and performed at gigs to save up for his Airbus rating. Through perseverance and an unwavering belief in his dream, he got back on track, proving that setbacks are just detours, not dead ends. Now, flying for Cebu Pacific, Jesse reflects on how far he has come. Every takeoff is a reminder of his journey, from singing on international stages to piloting a commercial jet.

For Jesse, flying and performing share striking similarities. In singing, every note must be precise to create a flawless performance, just as every procedure in aviation must be executed perfectly for a safe and comfortable flight. Confidence is key in both fields. “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Discipline and preparation always determine success.” The same thrill of delivering a powerful performance now fuels his excitement when executing a smooth landing.

Jesse’s story is proof that passion, hard work, and determination can make any dream take flight. His advice to aspiring pilots is simple: “Stay disciplined, be confident, and never stop believing. The road is tough, but the skies are open to those who dare to fly.” His journey is not just about shifting from music to aviation—it is about embracing challenges, pushing past limitations, and turning passion into purpose.His path to becoming a pilot wasn’t easy. Jesse began flight training in 2018 but had to pause when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. To support his family, he worked for a US-based accounting firm and performed at gigs to save up for his Airbus rating. Through perseverance and an unwavering belief in his dream, he got back on track, proving that setbacks are just detours, not dead ends. Now, flying for Cebu Pacific, Jesse reflects on how far he has come. Every takeoff is a reminder of his journey, from singing on international stages to piloting a commercial jet.