Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Importance of Time...


I gambled, I took the risks, I might lose the battle for the odds are very big.
For now time is against me. The flag of surrender is about to wage, and the conditions of terms is set.
Tear drops are flowing on my face, my heart is beating hard.

I tried to prove my self but I'm not quiting just yet, but time is against me.
They have the upper hand. If God will give me the time, or this is just His plan for me.
I'm a venerable human being, and the chill of loosing getting in to my bones.

If God gives me the time I will fight it and gain it. And said to be worth until to the last breath....

Pag-ibig kong tunay...


Tumibok ang puso ko dahil sa kanya.
Sa mga araw na madilim, siya ang nag bigay ng liwanag ng pag-asa.
Lumayo ako para kumayod at nangako magbabalik para sa kanya.
Boses ko lang ang nakakarating sa kanya, asang magbibigay kaligayahan sa kalungkutan.
Sa mga matinding pagsubok na dumating, na wawalan kami ng pag-asa sa isa't-isa.

Sa pagkakataon kong bumalik, sa bayang sinalangan.
Ang pangako ko'y itutupad ang mga pangako ng pag-ibig at pupunuin ang pagkukulang
O kaya'y haharapin ang katotohanan na wala na siya.

Sinabi ko sa kanya na mahal ko siya. Wag niyang ibase sa utang na loob.
Pag-isipin niya ng mabuti at wag mag desisyon muna.
Sana antayin niya ako at patunayan ko ang pag-big ko.
Ipaglalaban hanggang siya na ang maghuhusga sa aming dalawa.
Handa kong tanggapin ang desisyon ng niya.  

Friday, November 30, 2012

“Ayaw ko sa Seaman!” (I Dont like Seaman!)


I would like to open up this statement for a particular point of view to a particular group of people who I always encounter. It happens when a seafarer is trying court a very particular woman ended up being busted. Unfortunately many filipina now a days would agree not to commit such long distance relationship. I don't have the statistics to how many they are but with the growing numbers of OFW, such numbers of incidents are common. It is not only seafarers are affected with this kind of incident , mostly are OFW or migrant workers who are single at "sa mga gusto pang mag-expand ng lahi".

I said not everyone are included in this incident. Common to this encounters are filipina/women who's parents especially fathers who are OFW's. The lack of fatherhood presence most of the time have great influence to an option not to engage on such long distance relationship. Also with broken family relationship. This also includes some women that are be-friends or relatives with other women who are OFW parents.

Still, some women would not put a seaman in their list of option.

Reason No. 1 – “Away ko ng Seaman-loloko!” (“I don't like a seaman would trick me!”) But most of the time and with the new generation of seafares we end up as SEAMAN-NI-LOLOKO (Seafarers who are tricked)

Reason No. 2 – “Ayaw ko maging Number 12” (“I don't like to be another option!”) This also goes with other statement of: “Ayaw kong maging Wife in the Philippines!” and “Ayaw kong ng may kahate sa allotment!” and so on... hmmmm... some men have the habit of “COLLECT & SELECT”

Reason No. 3 – “Gusto ko laging na sa tabi ko mahal ko sa hirap o ginhawa.” (“I want him at my side in hardships and gains”) With the lack of fatherhood love they will chose is the one who will give them more time, more affection and a lot of attention.

Being on board ship is not a forever career especially if we have love ones left behind. We always dream and and work hard for a better family. But there are things money cant buy. Going on-board is the reason of the only source of income should not be. Find another source during stay on land and always be with your family.

For single seaferes plan ahead and execute them well. Increase your productivity both on board and at land. Start investing for your future. And don't be a one day millionare.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Still the Tomorrow is Bright...


November 2012

Still the Tomorrow is Bright...


For the last thirty years I have enjoyed my life and without regret and for the past months I've been wondering what it would I become of my present state.  I believed that there will be a time that I have to make a decision that might change everything what I stand for.

Being an mariner it has its advantages and disadvantages. I always come across that some mariners that are superstitious, opinionated, prideful, self-centered ( “sa a'men”), sometimes always assuming without facts, irritating and annoying. Fortunately not with the new batch of mariners. We try to pick up some of the good and useful stuff and letting the useless things end up on the drinking sessions. Things have already change.

I still remember reading Capt. Alvis article blog on concerning the OFW's significance contribution on our country and its broken families. And true as always, meet some people even families who are currently breaking apart. Only few have made to take a stand and somehow disciplined themselves to stay intact as a family. It is very hard for a person to work abroad and leave someone they value and love so much. In thee absence of their partner, their relationship is put the highest challenge. As always temptations leads to wrong decisions of the individuals causing devastating effect in their family relationship.

Lessons are learned from experience of others but still more and more families are breaking up.

At my sight...

People keep on telling this statement: “When you will be get married? Your father will be disappointed that your are his only son. “  Taking the statement of Mommy G: “mutual relationship stands more on longevity than marriage alone. Good thing if you and your partner has mutual understanding. I call them gifted couple. Marriage is but a piece of paper that cost too far expensive than real love.”

For me it is very important to decide at the right time and put a lot of faith on it. I'm still looking a partner, that she is strong, independent, understanding and most important most resourceful. It is a rare character to find this to a girl. Most important once she accepted me both of us in our relationship will be a team effort of growth.

Working abroad, I fear that I might fail to be a family father. I knew my self that I intend to forget things and to focus on things that only surrounds me. As long I can't assure my fatherhood, I intend not to pursue such commitment. And for those who tells me that its better to have children on the early twenties. I could say you've done a very good job but I have my reasons.

This is not home, its just eden...

I would like to cherish the good memories. I remember this beautiful woman to be sweet, somehow innocent, very independent and strong. But when things start to get dark she prefer to have someone at her side. Unfortunately I'm not the guy to be her knight in shining armor, defender at her side. I might be the neighbor who just allowed to lend his garden hose because her house is on fire. Long distance relationship may be hard but in time it may be worth it. Working overseas the common source of strength and make you to carry-on are the people who inspires you. But its now my weakness, my depression. I always find a way alter to have faith and hope.

It is said that knowledge is power, knowledge is best with virtue, So with adequate time of knowledge a man may become wise, powerful to overcome the challenges in life. And this what I loved...

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Bitter Voyage


I'm already on my 5th month on board and things are getting messy. For what I can see it’s the same what happen for Konmax on my first six months on board. The problem is now a cocktail of negative management, miss-communication and attitude. Still some crew members are maintaining good relationship and seamanship but each one of us has its breaking point. And one breaks, problem raises and adds up to the problem.

Major problems (Active Failures) always have root causes (Latent Failures). Latent failures are causes of negative actions (e.g. lapses, disregarding procedure (short-cuts), sloppiness etc.) Failure in management is already a major active failure and could cause more catastrophic effect leading to other failure (Domino Effect). Ships crew are respected by its authority and camaraderie. The Company's SMS (Safety Management System) is to guide the crews action while on board. Unfortunately it is not always followed. Being on board for months is no an easy life, and it becomes hell when problems rises.

Ship Resource Management Problem – Attitude



No matter how high is you rank, bounded with authority or how intelligent you are. When it comes to your attitude it determines your true personality. It is said the formula of a quality personality is equal to is its Knowledge, Talent and Skills overall divided by attitude. When your attitude become zero, everything what you learned becomes nothing in work and relationship. Attitude is a character how you face the situations.

How will the crew have high moral if the master committed to smooth sailing but most of the times the officer and crew are insulted.

“Anu ba yan bumabalik sa pagkabata!”

How the officer and crew would think & react when one of the officers hates paper work, telling stories comparing easy work on board without the paper works. To find out that officer doesn't know about his work.

“Nakakatakot kang katrabaho, baka kami ma disgrasya! ”

How the officer and crew would think & react when one of the crew mates is about to finish its contract still moves like a turtle.
“Nakakayamot”

How the officer and crew would think & react when one of the crew has a habit not doing is responsibility.

“Anu nag reading ka ba?”

Ship Resource Management Problem – Communication

“Shoie Kisen Spirit #2: Keep Close Communication” - and silence means trouble.



How you going to face your fellow crew mate have an attitude problem? Thats the breaking points of communications. Unconfirmed rumors may lead to doubt and most of all trouble. There are things must stay but truth will be uncover. It also good to have back doors, diplomatic speakers and open channels. But when its become of a habit of using, the main communication is already broken. Main communication system must always establish.

It is also important to listen to other people what they say. Open up and listen.

Ship Resource Management Problem – Operation

“Shoi Kisen Spirit #3: Safe operation, safety first!”



New and modern ships are being designed, constructed and managed in the basis of Safety, Economy and Protection for the Environment. It is true that new ships are easier to handle, lighter work load. Very minor repairs are made on board but people who disregards and neglect the importance of maintenance made the ship looks old. Minor problems leads to major breakdown.



It also important in safe maintenance are the correct procedure and safe practices on ship machineries. Knowledge, skills and experience always come in handy in encountering trouble. Take note that experience will not be always applicable to other ships because may vary in ship design, layout and kind of machinery. It is also important the basic theory are being practice to easily to remember and will incorporate with experiences. Another important thing is reading machinery manuals and understanding its operation and maintenance procedure carefully.



Take your time working with safe practices; always have a toolbox meeting no matter how small is the machinery to be done for ease of work. Plan ahead, work clean and get organized.  


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Its a break-even but the outcome is VERY BAD :( Things you do not see have great effect.

For months I want to leave home, my said to be home for the last 28 years now I want to leave it. The reason it is not anymore a home for me. It is not a home to fell home, not a home to enjoy home. I strongly disagree in any participation in politics or public office. I hope they resign and leave my FAMILY alone. I hated it that they TALK SHIT and ACT as a DUNG, I tried to leave but you made my siblings HOSTAGES. You said do not interfear but when you talk about it INSIDE the HOUSE you also dragging me into it. I dont like to hear others problem that keeps on cycles. I'm an emotional person so hope you have understand. Unless one of us is already acting DEFECT.

I wanted that my faith have thought me: “Don't let your left hand knows what your right hand is doing.” Unfortunately this things don't work in real life to others. My Faith and patience is always put to the test everyday. What are you trying to prove? Your UNFORTUNATE PAST ~ it is important is PRESENT, Yesterday is History and DONE! Are we saving electric bill? And why your leaving the television turned on even the un-used lights are on? Are you serouse on the store business, and why you run for public office? I thought we segregating waste? Are you into HOARDING? ~ cant keep everything.

There are things YOU CANT HANDLE please you only have TWO HANDS. Your limited and hope you have an assessment for this situation.


FEB LOVE :|


Febuary 2012, yeeep! Love is in the air. Romantic messages, nerve hitting lines (pick-up lines that make us laugh) and heart warming messages. This is one reason most of us enjoy life. To love and cherish people in our hearts.

"We all want to fall in love. Why? Because that experience makes us feel completely alive. Where every sense is heightened, every emotion is magnified, our everyday reality is shattered and we are flying into the heavens. It may only last a moment, and hour, an afternoon. But that doesn't diminish its value. Because we are left with memories that we treasure for the rest of our lives." - F.B. WALL of A.M.H.

Its like blessings, bless to be loved and to love. Just keep counting.

This should be a positive but in my situation this CANCELS OUT.


MEDIA too much is really BAD :(

It is good watching stuff on the local TV, unfortunately the total useful information is always below my expectation. Not everything is said always true, its realy hard to confirm this things and it takes time and always a waste of time. Also social media adds to the media hype. So I call this a draw.