Editor’s note: The Get Ready with Me (GRWM) series features the morning routines of people from different walks of life, from their first grabs to the way they get ready for work, and to the items they can’t live without. In this installment, let’s get ready with a woman who didn’t let gender norms keep her from soaring.

Beyoncé, a self-proclaimed feminist, was prophetic when she rhetorically asked “Who run the world?” Ten years later – during a raging pandemic, no less – Filipinas are doing their lion’s share of boosting our country’s morale. There’s Leni Robredo, whose actions spoke louder, Angel Locsin, and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who managed to “lift” everyone’s spirits up.

In various industries, there are even more Filipina changemakers. A day won’t be enough to list down all entrepreneurs, executives, and talented professionals, who are not only remarkable because they’re women, but also because they’re great at what they do.

Worth mentioning is Ceb Go first officer Chezka Carandang, who smashed conventions two-fold by being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in an industry largely run by men. And this is all because she wanted to follow her dreams. (Fun fact: She was a flight attendant!)

“Working in a male-dominated profession is challenging, but in a good way! It challenges you towards a better version of yourself. Society already has expectations of being a woman (what one can and can’t do), but it’s rewarding when you’re able to keep up or go beyond these.”

Chezka is confident that the time is ripe for any gender to pursue any profession. “The world is now becoming open-minded. Now is the perfect time to reach for your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do! For as long as you are trying your best, and doing your job well, your peers will help you reach your fullest potential.”

It has been 5 years since she made the big switch, but Chezka only started to charm social media followers at the onset of the pandemic. Besides the limited number of flights (currently, twice a week at most), she “found a new purpose” – to help aspiring aviation professionals through informative content.

“I felt the need to redirect my attention into something productive rather than dwell on something beyond my control. So I started producing aviation-related content, such as how I became a pilot and helping them become one. I chose this topic because way back in 2015, I didn’t know who to contact or get reliable information about becoming a pilot. So I wanted to be the go-to person they get information from. I know how it feels like to want something but not knowing where to start and who to talk to.”

Chezka hustles like she means it but also has her fun too. She regularly posts sweet moments with partner Clare Inso, also a content creator, which earned admiration from their followers. As carefree as they seem now, however, it wasn’t always easy for the couple to go public.

“We didn’t expect this to happen. It was a tough decision for us to be out on social media because there might be people out there who won’t support us and it might affect our mental health. But at the end of the day we thought, what are we doing this for? We are doing this for ourselves, to share our story to inspire more LGBTQ+ people to come out and to educate people to open their minds.”

Photo courtesy of Chezka Carandang

Chezka wants to pass on this love to other members of the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging them to start with themselves.

“Especially for those who haven’t figured it out yet, we’re here for you, you’re not alone. Take time to get to know yourself. Don’t pressure yourself into knowing what your label is and the type of person you want to love. Just be you and love who you love. At the end of the day, our souls have no gender and we are all one.”

It might seem like Chezka has her hands full. She flies, makes content, and still finds time to be with Clare. How does she keep her life in balance? Here’s a sneak peek of her daily routine:

FIRST GRAB. The first thing I grab or check is my Apple Watch. I always wear my watch to bed to monitor my sleep and it is also my second alarm clock. I’m the type of person who never snoozes my alarm for work because it would really be a nightmare for me if I didn’t make it to work on time. Promptness is my number one quality. After that, I shower and play words of affirmation in the background and drink my coffee afterwards! My favorite part of the day.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS. Honestly, I’m still figuring out which products are good for my skin. So I just use my Neutrogena HydroBoost Cleanser Water Gel as my facial wash. After that, I apply Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++ even when I’m just staying at home.

BEFORE I START. Before I start my work, I set the mood by taking deep breaths, eliminating all the worries that I can’t control for now, and focus on being at the moment and surrendering to the outcome. 

IF I MUST GO. My perfect outfit for going outside is whenever I wear my plain neutral color shirt and stretchable slacks (both from Uniqlo), wear a jacket, and slip-ons from PabDer. I just want my outfit to be smart and casual all the time while being fashionable and comfy at the same time. Perfect for any event. Never overdressed or underdressed.

IF I’M STAYING IN. Well, I love to wear hoodies and cycling shorts! I also love to keep my room cold and cozy all the time because that’s where I work most of the time.

FAVE DELIVERS. My fave deliveries are from Chosun Chicken, Angel’s Pizza, Frankies, Yabu, and Crumberries!

QUARANTINE LIFE. Ever since, I have been a homebody, so staying in is not really a problem for me. It wasn’t really hard for me to adjust. At least, I’m not pressured to go out anymore! Hahaha.

Chezka’s picks

• Apple Watch Series 6 (from P22,990; Apple Store or Lazada)
• Neutrogena HydroBoost Cleanser Water Gel (P383)
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++ (P210)
• Pabder slip-on shoes TW8222 (P3,880) 

Got someone you want to feature? Just email us at stories@rappler.com with the subject line “GRWM” followed by the name and the designation of the person. – Rappler.com

*Responses edited for brevity