24 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} What was your first flying experience? On my father’s two-seater plane, doing acrobatic maneuvers. That’s when my love affair with flying began. How did you approach your job as a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines? I learned early on to treat every passenger who boarded my flights as a guest in my home. Did you have any stressful situations while working? On a DC3 flight, heavy turbulence caused by a big altitude drop caused the rear baggage compartment’s cover to open. Roosters in cages got out and flew around the cabin. Chasing after them was quite an undertaking! What does travel mean to you? It’s a classroom without walls. Which unfamiliar foods have you eaten on your travels? A piece of alligator (which tasted like chicken), cockroach (ugh!), snake and snails. What was one of your most memorable flights? On a flight originating from a city of mostly native tribal groups, two fierce warriors in full regala carried on their kris swords. I asked the pilots to help and was advised (with amusement) that their swords were a sign of authority and would not be surrendered to this newbie flight attendant. I sat the warriors down right in front of my seat where I could have my eyes glued to them the whole flight. THE Q & A MARYLES CASTO How did this stand-off conclude? Just before landing, it was part of our service to pass around a tray of candies. My two gold-toothed warriors considered it a gift and smiled. It was a happy ending. Can you share an important life lesson? Whether you choose to stay the course or try a different path, anywhere you go, your strength, abilities and talents go with you. Tell us about one of your more adventurous travels. Paddling down the Sepik River in New Guinea in dugout canoes to reach Karawari Lodge. The canoes were very uncomfortable—the seats were directly on each crossbeam—but the river also had many villages where we could stop. We chose it because it was remote, still undiscovered and we could experience its various ethnic groups and their traditions. What’s your favorite souvenir from that Sepik River trip? It’s more of a treasure. It’s the mask that a medicine man from a headhunting tribe was wearing. He fancied my old sneakers and a barter was reached. What have you been watching lately? The Americas, a nature series narrated by Tom Hanks. It’s an incredible journey, exploring the creatures and ecosystems from North to South America, with unbelievable footage of snowy mountains, wildlife, tropical rain forests and the oceans. The former flight attendant, Filoli board member and founder of Casto Travel agency shares her favorite moments and biggest lessons from a lifetime in the air.
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