Unsuitable conditions are a way of life for cabin crews, but Tes Lopez has mastered the art of stepping off a flight looking impeccable.
It’s not surprising, as she has had a lot of practice, given that she has been a flight attendant (now purser) for more than three decades, a career path that came out of left field. In 1994, she worked at a bank, despite graduating with a degree in psychology. But “This is not for me,” Lopez, the mom of actress Gabbi Garcia, concluded. She was then encouraged to apply as a flight attendant, which she pursued despite being “very hesitant” at the start.
Lopez persevered, and eventually became a permanent flight attendant. But just as she was starting to find her footing, the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis struck, leading to her retrenchment. “I then tried working as a marketing executive, and a medical representative, but being a flight attendant was incomparable.” That same year, she gave birth to her daughter. “On a positive note, it was a blessing in disguise,” she says of that pause. When Philippine Airlines later invited retrenched employees to return, she did not hesitate.
Shaira Luna
Returning to the cabin marked more than a career revival, later on it reshaped how she understood and approached beauty, self-care, and wellness. “We don’t gatekeep, that’s not a flight attendant’s attitude,” Lopez says. For her skin health, she makes sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated. “I see to it that I drink lots of water and I use the MAC Fix Plus setting spray first, then the D’alba mist which is also a serum.”
She also generously reveals how to achieve the “One Look,” the distinct makeup standard worn by Philippine Airlines flight attendants. “We should have a red lip. I use Dior or sometimes Tom Ford. I want cool bright reds, because passengers notice it and I even get compliments for having white set of teeth because of the bright red lipstick.” She adds that a polished appearance is completed with well-groomed hair. She shares using Pantene hairspray to keep her clean bun in place.
Today, as she continues to cross borders, Lopez notices that no matter where she lands, she sees Filipinas stand out for one defining trait: care. “Filipinos wherever you go are very sincere and hospitable,” she says. “As soon as you step in the plane, you feel like you’re in the Philippines already. You feel at home because of the gesture of the crew, be it in walking with passengers who are going to the lavatory, or helping the elderly with their luggage.” Being always ready to help is something that we can be proud of.
Building a connection with and extending comfort to her passengers is what Lopez strives for every time. “One of the duties of the purser is you have to introduce yourself to the passengers, and it’s very fulfilling during the deplane when they say, ‘Thank you Tes for taking good care of us.’ They remember my first name.”
Shaira Luna
Still, her job demanded sacrifices, considering unpredictable airline schedules, but Lopez made sure to work around holidays, weekends, and milestone celebrations. “We don’t really have Christmas or weekends,” she shares. “For instance, tomorrow is December 25, but I have a flight, we will celebrate earlier, on my day off. We would find ways on how to celebrate special occasions.” With support from her parents and her husband, she learned how to juggle the demands of her career and motherhood.
Now at 55, and with 32 years of tirelessly placing her hand on her chest as she proudly introduces herself as a Filipina, Lopez shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, she had a flight scheduled to Bangkok on the same day as her shoot with Allure Philippines, followed by another flight to Boracay.
Amid the constant demands of her career, Lopez reflects on what has changed, and what has remained the same. “What changed in me is resiliency, I can adjust to any situations, and what remains the same is my love for work. I don’t know any other job aside from this,” she says smiling.
There are people who spend their lives searching for home in different places. Lopez spent hers learning how to bring it with her. In every cabin, every city, and every timezone, she carried the same distinctly Filipina kind of care that passengers remember long after the flight ends.
Art direction by Nicole Almero. Photography by Shaira Luna. Makeup by Jason Delos Reyes, assisted by Alice Ostera. Hair by Kurt Rosales. Styling by Leanne Ledesma, assisted by Claire Fernando and Charlotte Sombillo. Photographer’s assistant: Emil Lansangan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tes Lopez is a Philippine Airlines flight purser with more than 32 years in the role. She is also the mother of actress Gabbi Garcia and is known for the beauty rituals behind PAL’s “One Look” cabin crew standard.
PAL’s “One Look” is the airline’s signature cabin crew beauty standard, defined by a bold red lip and a polished, well-groomed bun. Purser Tes Lopez wears cool bright reds from Dior or Tom Ford as part of the look.
Lopez relies on hydration and sleep for skin health, then sets her makeup with MAC Fix Plus spray followed by the D’alba mist, which doubles as a serum, to keep her look intact through long-haul cabin conditions.
The 1998 Asian Financial Crisis led to Lopez’s retrenchment from Philippine Airlines. During that break she worked in marketing and as a medical representative, and gave birth to her daughter, before PAL invited former staff back.
Lopez says Filipino cabin crew are sincere and hospitable wherever they land, making passengers feel at home through small gestures like escorting them to the lavatory or helping elderly travelers with their luggage.
