Chezka Gonzales

A tale of resilience, motherhood, and unwavering determination

From nurse to flight attendant , to airline pilot , to Airforce reservist , to Blockchain President, to being a commercial model , entrepreneur and content creator on top of being a teenage Mom

Photographer: Jaypee Ocampo

Make-up: Mila Gulfan

Hair: Cathy Sta. Ana

Hair Salon: Britanico Salon

Chezka Gonzales, widely recognized as Filipina Pilot Chezka, shares an inspiring story that embodies resilience, motherhood, and unyielding determination. In a society that frequently associates achievement with titles and material possessions, she demonstrates that genuine happiness and fulfillment can be attained without pursuing accolades or accumulating wealth.

From her humble beginning as a nurse, then as flight attendant to becoming an airline pilot, to her current role as the President of Philippine Blockchain Technologies Inc., Chezka has traversed various industries, overcoming obstacles and embracing opportunities along the way.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Chezka initially pursued a nursing course, following her parents’ desire for her to become a doctor. However, the nursing boom during that time sparked her interest, leading her to combine her nursing knowledge with her passion for travel by becoming a flight attendant. Little did she know that her path would take a different turn.

“I decided to apply as a flight attendant because I love to travel. It was a perfect opportunity to combine my nursing knowledge with my passion for exploring new places,” Chezka shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.

Working as a flight attendant for seven years, Chezka never let go of her childhood dream of flying a plane. With the unwavering support of her parents, she embarked on a journey to become a pilot. Studying while working, Chezka eventually earned her Airbus A320 rating, becoming a First Officer for three years. However, fate had its own plans, and the pandemic disrupted her aviation career.

Amid the challenges of losing her job during a global crisis, Chezka found strength in her role as a young mother.

“If it were not for my kids, I’m sure my life would be different. They are really my inspiration,” she shared.

Balancing motherhood, studies, and work at a young age taught her resilience and maturity beyond her years.

Reflecting on her journey, Chezka opened up about the hardships she faced and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.

As she embraced motherhood, Chezka discovered the joys and rewards that came with it. Through the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, Chezka learned the importance of selflessness, patience, and responsibility.

“Before, I thought being a mom at 16 would ruin my life. People were judging me left and right. They said she wasted her life. But it was the push that I actually needed. It was the reason why I am doing all of these things in the first place—for the future of my kids and to give back to my parents,” Chezka revealed.

“The best part is when I enjoy my kids and I know that I will be leaving my legacy to them. Just by seeing them be good persons and dream big also makes me so happy,” she shared.

Empowering women and shaping the future of blockchain technology

Chezka’s love for aircraft and adventure played a significant role in shaping her career path.

“The perks of flying for free, the places I got to visit, and the feeling of the airport being like home to me— it all shaped my fascination with aviation,” she explained.

Even outside the airline industry, Chezka continues to travel for work, finding solace in the skies.

During her challenging times, Chezka underwent a spiritual retreat, relying on prayer and surrounding herself with a supportive network. It was during this time that she realized the importance of her mother’s unwavering support and faith in her aspirations.

“My parents are the main reason why I have strong faith and why I am so courageous. They have been so supportive ever since, whatever business, project , or career I try and venture in, they are always there to support,” Chezka expressed gratefully.

While her parents inspired her to pursue a career in aviation, Chezka credits her mother as her number one fan and a pillar of strength.

“My mom especially has been so supportive, letting me try all kinds of educational hobbies, clubs, classes, and extracurricular activities. She has been so vocal and transparent about how proud she is of me to her friends,” Chezka fondly shared.

Her parents’ unwavering support fuels her determination to give back and provide for them in return.

Chezka’s dedication to empowering women led her to establish ‘Women of Substance,’ a brand aimed at spreading positivity, promoting women empowerment, and providing scholarships through Reskills, an onLive learning platform that’s making education and learning affordable and accessible to everyone. Through this initiative, Chezka aspires to uplift women who face challenging circumstances and instill hope in their lives.

As the founder of Philippine Blockchain Week and Vice President (Internal) of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, Chezka actively works towards making the Philippines the Blockchain Capital of Asia. Her collaborations with the government and industry experts are steering the nation towards mass adoption of blockchain technology, bringing forth opportunities.

Chezka stands out from others due to her wide range of achievements. In addition to her main activities, she also gives talks and delivers inspiring speeches that motivate people. She is also involved in commercial modeling, appearing in advertisements and showcasing her talent. Her remarkable dedication and talent have been recognized with multiple awards, establishing her as a highly respected figure in her industry and growth for the country.

Looking forward, Chezka is excited about the future of Web3 businesses. As the host of the web3 edutainment podcast ‘Two to three’ by Tier One Entertainment, she aims to simplify complex concepts and make web3 technology more accessible to the masses. Chezka believes in the power of education and its ability to transform lives, and she continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

From many professions with a passion for exploration to a trailblazing leader in the blockchain industry, Chezka continues to inspire others to pursue their ambitions, reminding us that true success lies in finding happiness and making a positive impact on the world.

As she wisely advises, “Challenges are what make you better and stronger. Be a blessing to others and work hard...and always pray. It will all pay off. “