“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.

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...