This flight attendant’s beauty is truly captivating. She actually reminds us of those Asian women action stars in those big-screen movies. This is AirAsia Philippines flight attendant Kristel Kao, and her beauty can truly move mountains. She is actually perfect for AirAsia’s “ASEAN” branding, being half Filipina and Taiwanese.
She has that kind of beauty wherein you just want to sing “isn’t she lovely…”
Kristel is perhaps just about anywhere because she is one of AirAsia Philippines’ image ambassadors. You can see her on AirAsia ads like Billboards along EDSA, magazines, and on digital content. However, she chooses to remain low-profile.
What? Model and brand ambassador but very low profile? Okay, we are sure that some of you may have noticed her on the AirAsia posters and you wonder what her name is. That’s because outside work and modeling, Kristel lives a modest lifestyle enjoying time with family and her dogs. She is not even an influencer!
Kristel is a ‘mother’ to four dogs! She has two dogs in Taiwan and two in the Philippines. They are her happiness and stress reliever. She truly has a heart for these fur-babies! She also encourages people to go adopt homeless dogs.
Let’s now get to know Kristel Kao a bit more than how we know her from being the flight attendant in the AirAsia ads.
How is it being Kristel Kao?
Kristel: I’m a carefree happy go lucky person, it’s easy and fun just to be me. I like simple things and appreciate the little things. Never expect to avoid disappointments. I’m really lucky I am loved and cared for by my friends and family.
You are half Taiwanese and half Filipina. Were you born in Taiwan and grew up here, the other way around, or you were born and raised here?
I was born in the USA, grew up in the Philippines for 16 years, and have been living in Taiwan for almost 7 years until I got hired for AirAsia Philippines, lucky enough is based in the Philippines.
What do you think, are you more Taiwanese or more Filipina?
Kristel: I think I am more of a both. I have been living in the Philippines for half of my life with my Taiwanese family and a Filipina mom! Hi mother Krizzy! I’m lucky I get to experience and learn about both cultures.
Has it always been your dream to be a flight attendant? Could you please share your journey?
Kristel: My aunt was a flight attendant in Delta for more than 20 years. Ever since I was young, she always took my family and me for vacation while working on that same flight. She served us with love and care. Every time I see her sweet smile with her beautiful uniform my heart beats so fast! And I knew I have to be like my aunt when I grew up. So yes, it has always been my dream to be a flight attendant. She is still my inspiration now.
What do you love most about being a flight attendant?
Kristel: I love that I can easily visit Taiwan now and then for free since Airasia was super kind and generous enough for the foreign crews and out based crews to deadhead to our hometown/city. Thank you, AirAsia!!
Have you ever experienced having a dog as one of your ‘passengers’?
Kristel: I wish I could experience that one day! It’s one of my dreams to have a dog as a passenger. I bet it would be a super fun flight!
Being a ‘dog-mom, how many dogs do you have and what kind?
Kristel: I have 2 dogs here in the Philippines, a chihuahua and the other one is a mixed breed. And 2 in Taiwan, Yorkshire, and a poodle. 8. How do you take care of your furry little friends? I spoil them with love and of course with toys and lots of treats! I also make sure they know they are loved and cared for.
Why should people go adopt a dog?
Kristel: There are so many dogs in need of a home especially in shelters but seeing the dogs and cats being sold in pet shops is also very saddening. I just wish no dogs would suffer anymore and I hope every dog finds a lovely home
Dogs or cats?
Kristel: Dogs!!! But I would also love to get a cat in the future.
Let’s talk about beauty. Honestly, you look like some sort of Asian actress in Hollywood. What are your beauty secrets?
Kristel: I don’t have any beauty secrets as my skin is not in a good condition but I always never forget to clean my face before bed even during the days I’m super exhausted from the flight. I make sure to apply toner and moisturizer. On some days I feel productive I usually apply a face mask just to really give moisture to my face and just massage afterward. Also, I never touch my face or even let anyone touch my face unless their hands are washed and clean.
You are also one of the faces of AirAsia Philippines. I see you on the pull-up banners and social media posts. How does it feel to represent your airline?
Kristel: First of all, just seeing my face on any social media posts or posters makes me feel soooo shy and kilig at the same time! I’m always thankful for all the opportunities Airasia has given me. I know that not only am I representing Airasia just when in uniform but even on social media or outside the airport. Since a lot of people have seen me in posters or billboards, I still believe all my actions and how I behave inside and outside still represents Airasia. Okayyyy now I feel kind of pressured na! Jk
Do some passengers recognize you like “hey you’re the AirAsia poster girl…”?
Kristel: Yes, but I also have this “POSER” who’s more famous than me and they call me that name. It’s really funny, one time a guy called me “Nicki” instead of “Kristel” and I still looked back like it was my name and said hi. But after that, I told him, it’s “Kristel” and not to be fooled by anyone on the internet.
What do you love most about AirAsia Philippines?
Kristel: I love that Airasia cares about us even during this pandemic. They never forget to call and look out for us once in a while. Also back when I was still training in KL, I remember I failed a lot of exams, I wasn’t doing good with my studies. They were there to encourage me. They had hope in me when I was about to give up on myself. I’ll never forget those days. Thank you again!!
Beef Noodles or Beef Pares, and why?
Kristel: None of the above. Sinigang, please!!! I can eat Sinigang every day for lunch and dinner as long as its sour and has many veggies hehe
Coffee or tea and why?
Kristel: I don’t know why but I am really a sleepyhead and get tired easily even when I just woke up and had enough sleep at night. I even get sleepy just after eating. That’s why you’ll always see me drinking coffee wherever I go just to wake me up. Coffee is liiifffeeeeee!
Manila or Taipei and why?
Kristel: To be honest I love Taipei more since the environment is super safe and convenient. I can go anywhere alone even at 3 am wearing super showy outfits. I just feel safer there. Don’t get me wrong, my heart will always be in Manila. My friends and batchmates make me feel at home when I’m feeling homesick. Thank you, friends. You know who you are!
Bubble Tea or Taho and why?
Kristel: I don’t like sweets. I love taho when I was young but it’s too sweet for me now. There’s one time I was craving for taho and bought one, I told the kuya to just a little sauce, and it’s not delicious anymore. Haha, when I feel like drinking bubble tea I would order a 0% sugar and just drink a few sips. I never get to really finish a drink. So I don’t usually buy drinks anymore.
Flying ipis or rats and why?
Kristel: Rats are much cuter for me. When I was young, my brother and I used to play with mice and we loved and treated them as pets and even brought them to church with us!
Tips and advice for all who want to be flight attendants.
Kristel: Just trust in the process and yourself. For me, it was so hard because it was not easy for me to focus and memorize in the first place, I just couldn’t concentrate even when I really really try to, but I didn’t give up. I started to love and understand the aviation industry slowly with the help of my friends and seniors. It is okay to make mistakes at first but make sure you learn from them. I had made mistakes during flight, but there are a lot of very kind and caring seniors and co-workers who would teach and help you grow along the way.
About Post Author
