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| Cebu Pacific welcomed Singapore-based overseas Filipino worker Russel Capaniarihan last year as its 250 millionth passenger. Her return to the Philippines was documented in a special short film anchoring the carrier's new campaign. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cebu Pacific Air) |
Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) recently released a short film marking the first anniversary of its 250 millionth passenger, overseas Filipino worker Russel Capaniarihan, whose homecoming story anchors the carrier’s latest campaign. The film, posted on the airline’s Facebook and YouTube pages, revisits Capaniarihan’s return to the Philippines on Flight 5J814 from Singapore to Manila. A native of Bacolod, she came home after 11 years abroad to spend the holidays with her family.
To celebrate hitting 250 million passengers flown, Cebu Pacific awarded Capaniarihan Php250,000 and 25 round-trip tickets to any destination across its network which spans the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Capaniarihan used the flights to take her family on their first vacation together in Puerto Princesa. It was also the group’s first trip to Palawan and, for some of them, their first time flying. “Our story as an airline is built on the journeys of the people we fly. Russel’s experience reflects what matters most to our travelers — coming home, reconnecting, and making plans they’ve waited years to fulfill. For 250 million moments and counting, we’ll keep flying you home,” said CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog.
Cebu Pacific To Launch Manila-Riyadh Flights Starting March 2026
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific will be launching its direct flights between Manila and Riyadh starting March 1, 2026, expanding its Middle East network as travel demand from overseas Filipino workers continues to grow. The low-cost carrier will operate the route four times a week. Manila–Riyadh flights will run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays while the return leg will fly Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In a statement, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said, “These flights honor the hard work of OFWs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East,” citing the route’s lower fares and easier access for travelers. According to the local low-cost airline carrier, its fares for the new route could be up to 57 percent cheaper than other travel options. Discounts on fare bundles are now available until December 31, 2025, exclusive of surcharges and fees, for the travel period of March 1-October 28, 2026. Riyadh becomes the airline’s fourth long-haul destination after Dubai, Sydney and Melbourne. Cebu Pacific said the route will also boost tourism to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom expands its cultural and urban attractions.
Cebu Pacific Expands In-Flight Menu With Hot Meals And New Drinks
CEB has also launched an expanded selection of buy-on-board menu items, enhancing the in-flight dining experience for passengers. Travelers can now choose from a wider range of drinks, snacks, breads and meals from the CEB Fun Café menu, available for purchase during the flight with no pre-order required. The airline’s popular hot meals — Char Siu Chicken, Beef Adobo and Pinoy Spaghetti — which were previously available only through pre-order can now be purchased on board on select flights. These additions complement CEB’s existing hot meal lineup which includes Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Green Curry, Vegetable Tom Yum with Rice and Quinoa and Penne Chicken Bolognese. The refreshed menu features three new beverages: Iced Black Coffee, Milk Tea with Jelly and Iced Hibiscus Lychee with Mango Popping Boba. These drinks, which start at Php80, are available across all domestic and international flights and are served cold and freshly prepared upon order. Passengers can also enjoy new snack and bread options. These include Nachos with Salsa Dip, Cheesy Garlic Brioche, Tuna Asado Pull-Apart, and Pan de Macaroon with prices starting at an affordable Php120. To ensure convenience, CEB accepts various payment options, including cash in Philippine pesos, US dollars and other currencies of destinations it serves, as well as credit cards on select flights.
