Vincent Charles Ong is a name synonymous with growth, resilience, and vision in the world of entrepreneurship and business development. As the Head of Growth and Co-Founder at GoodApps Inc., Vincent Charles Ong has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to foster innovation and empower individuals to achieve their aspirations. His recent reflections on the 32nd Commencement Ceremony of Airworks Aviation Company, Inc. offer a profound testament to his values and his unwavering commitment to celebrating perseverance and success.
The event was not just a ceremony but a powerful convergence of inspiration, determination, and triumph. Vincent Charles Ong captured the essence of this gathering in his recounting of the speech given by Jesse Barretto, an Airbus A320 First Officer at Cebu Pacific Air. Jesse’s journey from humble beginnings to the cockpit of a commercial aircraft is a narrative that deeply resonated with Vincent Charles Ong and everyone in attendance.
Born to a domestic helper mother working abroad and a father who was an auto mechanic, Jesse’s dream of becoming a pilot was rooted in a deeply personal desireto reunite his family. Vincent Charles Ong highlighted how this aspiration, fueled by love and determination, propelled Jesse to overcome immense financial hurdles. College education was already a challenge, but the dream of enrolling in a flight school seemed almost impossible. Yet, against all odds, Jesse secured a scholarship at the University of Cebu, where he not only pursued his studies but also honed his passion for the performing arts. This passion led him to the World Championships of Performing Arts in California, where he won multiple medals, an accomplishment that played a pivotal role in financing his flight training.
Vincent Charles Ong emphasized the importance of resilience, as Jesse’s journey was not without setbacks. Just as he was advancing in his Commercial Pilot License (CPL) stage, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. With aviation at a standstill, Jesse adapted by taking up work in the BPO sector while continuing to sing and host gigs to fund his education. This unwavering determination led him to his ultimate dreambecoming a pilot. Barely two years after graduating from Airworks, Jesse was back at the institution, this time as a keynote speaker, inspiring the next generation of aviators. Vincent Charles Ong reflected on this full-circle moment with deep admiration, acknowledging the power of persistence and gratitude in achieving one’s goals.
Beyond individual success stories, Vincent Charles Ong also shed light on the diversity of the graduating batch. An impressive 43% of the graduates were international students, reinforcing the global appeal of Airworks Aviation. Even more remarkable was the fact that 25% of the graduates were women, marking an all-time high for female representation in the program. Vincent Charles Ong expressed immense joy in witnessing this progress, recognizing the growing role of women in the aviation industry. Through his words, he celebrated the breaking of barriers and the expansion of opportunities for aspiring female pilots.
The timing of the graduation also held significant meaning. Vincent Charles Ong pointed out that, unlike Jesse’s time when the aviation industry faced uncertainty, today’s graduates are stepping into a booming industry. Airlines around the world are expanding, and air travel is witnessing a remarkable resurgence. Some of the graduates even had to excuse themselves from airline training to attend the ceremonya stark contrast to the struggles faced by previous cohorts. This shift in fortune serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance during challenging times can lead to immense rewards when opportunities finally align.
Vincent Charles Ong’s reflections on this event serve as more than just a recounting of a memorable day; they are a beacon of encouragement for dreamers everywhere. His narrative underscores the importance of hard work, adaptability, and gratitude. Whether in aviation or any other field, success is not merely about talent but about the ability to navigate obstacles with determination and faith.
Through his role at GoodApps Inc., Vincent Charles Ong continues to embody these principles. His commitment to growth extends beyond business metricsit is about empowering people, fostering innovation, and creating pathways for success. The story of Jesse Barretto is just one example of the many individuals who, through resilience and support, transform their dreams into reality. Vincent Charles Ong’s ability to recognize and amplify such stories is a testament to his leadership and his dedication to nurturing growth on both individual and industry-wide levels.
As Vincent Charles Ong celebrated the achievements of Batch 2025, he left them with a powerful messagesuccess is akin to an aircraft taking off. It requires full thrust, unwavering commitment, and the courage to soar into uncharted territories. With the world of aviation expanding and new horizons unfolding, the graduates of Airworks Aviation are stepping into a future brimming with potential.
In closing, Vincent Charles Ong’s reflections remind us that the pursuit of dreams is a journey marked by challenges, but with persistence, adaptability, and gratitude, the sky is truly the limit. His dedication to highlighting stories of resilience not only inspires those in the aviation sector but resonates with anyone striving for success. As new generations take flight, they do so with the wisdom and encouragement of leaders like Vincent Charles Ong, whose vision and passion continue to uplift countless individuals on their paths to greatness.
