Love, tears and turbulence: Philippine Airlines’ soap opera safety video becomes viral hit
The melodramatic Filipino teleserye-style video has racked up millions of views online by blending safety rules with storytelling
Titled Care that Comes from the Heart, the six-minute video borrows heavily from the tropes of a teleserye – the melodramatic television dramas that dominate Philippine prime time – weaving safety procedures into a story of doomed romance and family conflict.
“What do you need to do to keep your love safe?” asks the trailer for the online release of the six-minute video, which centres on the love story of Luisa, a wealthy young woman, and Anton, a poor farm boy.
The plot is pure teleserye fare: Luisa is pressured by her parents to marry Diego, a rich suitor, only for Anton to dramatically interrupt the church wedding, prompting the couple to flee together.
Along the way, safety instructions are folded into the drama. As Luisa storms away from Diego, viewers are reminded to keep aisles and exit rows clear of personal items. Her mother fastens her seat belt before helping her child. When Anton halts the ceremony – causing a “rapid change in cabin pressure” – oxygen masks descend from the church ceiling.