ABS-CBN Kidnap-prone Filipino seafarers would have to undergo training to prepare themselves for abductions in the high seas, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) announced Thursday. My comment Probably at an additional fee just like fire fighting and what else?
Read the whole story here http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179034/all-rp-seafarers-to-take-anti-piracy-training
The Philippine Star December MANILA, Philippines - Filipino seafarers sent home more dollar back home despite the global financial crisis, the country’s largest labor group reported yesterday.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said Filipino seamen sent home a record high of $2.501 billion in the first nine months of the year.
“Cash sent home by overseas
Filipino sailors rose by $108 million or 4.51 percent to a new record of $2.501 billion in the nine months to September this year, from $2.393 billion over the same period in 2008,” TUCP secretary general and former senator Ernesto Herrera said.
Herrera attributed the rise to growing employment of Filipino seafarers.
“A growing number of European and Asian shipping firms are disbanding their multinational crews, and replacing them wholesale with all-Filipino personnel that are younger and more able,” Herrera disclosed.
Continue reading here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=530928&publicationSubCategoryId=66
Angeles said CHED is now looking into poorly performing maritime schools.
The PRC has given them a list of 38 maritime schools that fared poorly in licensure examinations, he added.
CHED will also check maritime schools offering accounting programs, Angeles said. Continue reading the complete article here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526594&publicationSubCategoryId=63
The PRC has given them a list of 38 maritime schools that fared poorly in licensure examinations, he added.
CHED will also check maritime schools offering accounting programs, Angeles said. Continue reading the complete article here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526594&publicationSubCategoryId=63
From the Manila Times reports
The Metro Manila Police are finalizing the mechanics of a civilian rescue brigade composed of maritime students for quick deployment during emergencies in the magnitude of storm Ondoy in September.
The Metro Manila Police are finalizing the mechanics of a civilian rescue brigade composed of maritime students for quick deployment during emergencies in the magnitude of storm Ondoy in September.
Miranda said they covered emergency medical action, rope training, water safety and survival, and boat handling. Read the complete article here http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2009/november/17/metro3.isx&d=/2009/november/17
Malacañang blamed unscrupulous recruiters for the government's inability to stop seafarers from defying a deployment ban to pirate-infested Somalia.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the admission after Somali pirates seized several vessels with Filipino seafarers on board in just under two weeks.
A total of 57 Filipino seafarers are now in the hands of pirates after a Greek cargo ship, this time with 19 seamen from the Philippines, was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on Thursday morning (Manila time).
“Ang nangyayari ang ginagawa ng recruiter di natin alam paano nila na-recruit ang Pinoy na pumupunta doon, di alam ng gobyerno Somalia pupuntahan. Minsan sasabihin punta isang bansa malapit doon tapos slip out at punta Somalia (We don’t know how they did it, but the recruiters got past us and allowed Filipino seamen to get to Somalia. Sometimes they would say they are going to other countries near Somalia, but would have the seamen sneak there)," Ermita said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Otherwise, he said President Arroyo already ordered a deployment ban to Somalia due to the dangers of piracy there.
The government maintains a no-ransom policy with kidnappers.
“Pinapalaya din naman at nagbabayad lang ng usapan ang nagre-recruit na kumpanya (The seamen are eventually released after payment of ransom)," he said.
Pirates have increased their attacks since the end of the monsoon season last month. They are now holding at least 12 ships and more than 200 hostages.
Pirates can often command multimillion-dollar ransoms for the release of the vessels they capture, a fortune in impoverished Somalia. The failed state has not had a functioning government for a generation and its lawless coastline provides a perfect pirate haven. - Read the original story here http://www.gmanews.tv/story/176938/govt-blames-recruiters-for-rise-in-rp-seamen-abduction-in-somalia
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the admission after Somali pirates seized several vessels with Filipino seafarers on board in just under two weeks.
A total of 57 Filipino seafarers are now in the hands of pirates after a Greek cargo ship, this time with 19 seamen from the Philippines, was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on Thursday morning (Manila time).
“Ang nangyayari ang ginagawa ng recruiter di natin alam paano nila na-recruit ang Pinoy na pumupunta doon, di alam ng gobyerno Somalia pupuntahan. Minsan sasabihin punta isang bansa malapit doon tapos slip out at punta Somalia (We don’t know how they did it, but the recruiters got past us and allowed Filipino seamen to get to Somalia. Sometimes they would say they are going to other countries near Somalia, but would have the seamen sneak there)," Ermita said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Otherwise, he said President Arroyo already ordered a deployment ban to Somalia due to the dangers of piracy there.
The government maintains a no-ransom policy with kidnappers.
“Pinapalaya din naman at nagbabayad lang ng usapan ang nagre-recruit na kumpanya (The seamen are eventually released after payment of ransom)," he said.
Pirates have increased their attacks since the end of the monsoon season last month. They are now holding at least 12 ships and more than 200 hostages.
Pirates can often command multimillion-dollar ransoms for the release of the vessels they capture, a fortune in impoverished Somalia. The failed state has not had a functioning government for a generation and its lawless coastline provides a perfect pirate haven. - Read the original story here http://www.gmanews.tv/story/176938/govt-blames-recruiters-for-rise-in-rp-seamen-abduction-in-somalia
WHEN MANUEL FRAZAO CLIMBED aboard his most recent cruise, the first thing he did was take off his shoes. But the New Britain, Conn., retiree wasn't prepping for the pool or testing a new seasickness remedy. He just wanted to feel the grass between his toes.
Frazao's feet were planted in the "Lawn Club," a half-acre of living grass growing atop the Celebrity Solstice-which, with its $700 million price tag, is one of the most expensive and biggest cruise ships on record. Complete with its own irrigation system and full-time groundskeeper, this perfectly manicured carpet is being touted as a prime spot for passengers to spend an afternoon picnicking, playing croquet or just lying around, watching the waves-that is, when it's not being mowed.
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Also read about the biggest cruise ship Five times bigger than Titanic, world's largest cruise ship sails for US port & Jobs available http://philippinestuff.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/five-times-bigger-than-titanic-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-sails-for-us-port/
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Looks like somebody forgot to tell the cruise companies about the recession. While the rest of the travel industry struggles to keep its head above water, the cruise lines keep cramming those big boats with so many over-the-top extras, it's a wonder they stay afloat. Sayonara, shuffleboard-the latest onboard diversions include Scandinavian-style ice bars and zip lines, while foodies can pick from 24 dining options on a single ship. Not enough wow factor? How about the world's first "moving bar at sea," which pogos back and forth between three decks like a booze-slinging elevator. And to hold all these frills, the ships themselves are bigger than ever; Royal Caribbean leads the size wars with a trio of 3,600-passenger ships but will top itself this year with Oasis of the Seas, a 5,400-passenger behemoth just launched on its maiden voyage.
A travel slump might seem like a strange time to supersize. After all, Royal Caribbean [RCL] and Carnival Cruise Lines [CCL], which together command 75 percent of the market, foresee per-cabin revenue drops of 14 for 2009. To fill cabins, the industry has cut fares by about 20 percent this year. But companies ordered these colossal ships several years ago, when the $25 billion vacation-at-sea business was still one of the fastest-growing stars in the travel universe. Cruise lines assumed they'd be profit machines-providing economies of scale while accommodating thousands more free-spending cruisers.
Looks like somebody forgot to tell the cruise companies about the recession. While the rest of the travel industry struggles to keep its head above water, the cruise lines keep cramming those big boats with so many over-the-top extras, it's a wonder they stay afloat. Sayonara, shuffleboard-the latest onboard diversions include Scandinavian-style ice bars and zip lines, while foodies can pick from 24 dining options on a single ship. Not enough wow factor? How about the world's first "moving bar at sea," which pogos back and forth between three decks like a booze-slinging elevator. And to hold all these frills, the ships themselves are bigger than ever; Royal Caribbean leads the size wars with a trio of 3,600-passenger ships but will top itself this year with Oasis of the Seas, a 5,400-passenger behemoth just launched on its maiden voyage.
A travel slump might seem like a strange time to supersize. After all, Royal Caribbean [RCL] and Carnival Cruise Lines [CCL], which together command 75 percent of the market, foresee per-cabin revenue drops of 14 for 2009. To fill cabins, the industry has cut fares by about 20 percent this year. But companies ordered these colossal ships several years ago, when the $25 billion vacation-at-sea business was still one of the fastest-growing stars in the travel universe. Cruise lines assumed they'd be profit machines-providing economies of scale while accommodating thousands more free-spending cruisers.
Now it's far from clear how well the new giants will fare with consumers. Their efforts to one-up each other with splashy features, for example, have hit some choppy waters. (One ship tried towing a blimp behind it-and lost the blimp at sea.) Those lawns and water parks can mean less space for traditional amenities. And passengers wonder just how often they'll be pulling out their wallets as cruise lines significantly expand onboard charges (typically about a quarter of their total revenue) to boost their bottom line. Indeed, the new boats are packed with pay-to-play options like specialty restaurants, adult-only pools and even once-gratis items like late-night room service. "They're creating more opportunities for you to spend money," says Ross Klein, author of Paradise Lost at Sea: Rethinking
Cruise Vacations.
As the number of annual cruisers has more than tripled over the past two decades, ships have grown almost as dramatically. In 2004, Cunard Cruise Line launched the then-biggest-ever Queen Mary 2 (capacity: 2,600), whose many luxuries include a Canyon Ranch spa. That ship surrendered her top-dog tiara two years later to Royal Caribbean's three 3,600-passenger Freedom-class vessels. At over 160,000 gross tons, each boasts more than triple the mass of the Titanic and includes entertainment like ice rinks, wave simulators for surfing and boxing ring But the biggest and most outrageous is still to come. Royal Caribbean's $1.2 billion Oasis of the Seas is a leviathan, boasting 220,000 gross tons, 2,700 staterooms, 16 decks, 19 bars and 23 restaurants. A virtual floating city, the ship includes seven "neighborhoods," among them Central Park, which has a living garden with a horticulturist teaching gardening techniques; the largest-ever on-ship pool (at 18 feet deep, perfect for diving exhibitions); and a Coney Island-style boardwalk complete with a carousel.
As the number of annual cruisers has more than tripled over the past two decades, ships have grown almost as dramatically. In 2004, Cunard Cruise Line launched the then-biggest-ever Queen Mary 2 (capacity: 2,600), whose many luxuries include a Canyon Ranch spa. That ship surrendered her top-dog tiara two years later to Royal Caribbean's three 3,600-passenger Freedom-class vessels. At over 160,000 gross tons, each boasts more than triple the mass of the Titanic and includes entertainment like ice rinks, wave simulators for surfing and boxing ring But the biggest and most outrageous is still to come. Royal Caribbean's $1.2 billion Oasis of the Seas is a leviathan, boasting 220,000 gross tons, 2,700 staterooms, 16 decks, 19 bars and 23 restaurants. A virtual floating city, the ship includes seven "neighborhoods," among them Central Park, which has a living garden with a horticulturist teaching gardening techniques; the largest-ever on-ship pool (at 18 feet deep, perfect for diving exhibitions); and a Coney Island-style boardwalk complete with a carousel.
The logistics behind some of these new features would baffle NASA. Passengers playing bocce on the grass of the Celebrity Solstice's Lawn Club might be surprised to learn that, according to project manager David Callahan, creating their patch of green required two architecture firms and a team of irrigation specialists and soil scientists. The grass had to be able to tolerate extremes of temperature, salt and wind, while the area underneath had to be sturdy enough to support the soil but not so heavy as to upset the ship's balance. Once installed, new challenges emerged, including brown spots and scruffy patches; heavy foot traffic was so hard on one lawn section, says Callahan, they had to cover it with a platform.
Of course, with the more than $4 billion cruise companies have sunk into these projects, passengers may find themselves dinged with charges at every turn. Nearly half of Oasis's 23 restaurants require an additional fee, with the cover charge at 150 Central Park, the ship's signature eatery, hitting an industry high of $35 per person. The ship will also have the line's first nursery for pre-toddlers, charging $8 an hour per child so that parents can take part in activities like a $250 in-pool scuba course. While entertainment charges have traditionally been taboo, Norwegian Cruise Line will require a $15 fee for its Cirque du Soleil-style dinner show on the Epic, a ship launching next year. NCL is also considering selling a "Velvet Rope" package, which would offer VIP treatment at onboard nightclubs. "This is how a hotel on top of the water is operated," says an NCL spokesperson, pointing out that many restaurants and activities are still free. "Go to the W and you don't get any of that."
Not that cruise charges are new; there will just be many more of them. And as Bill Belt recently discovered, they add up quickly. At first, the Dallas-based labor consultant and his wife, Lois, thought they'd scored a deal on their Holland America Lines cruise to South America-about $2,000 each before a cabin upgrade. But then came the onboard extras. They racked up a $300 Internet charge, $20 a bag for laundry, $100 worth of photos, a few meals in the specialty restaurants at $50 a pop-not to mention salon visits, drinks and gratuities. In all, the Belts' tab climbed to about $5,000. "When you get that final bill," says Belt, "you say to yourself, 'What in heaven was I thinking?'"
Adding new features can also have unintended consequences. On the Celebrity Solstice, for instance, accommodating the lawn meant less space for deck chairs-already a common cruise complaint. So on the line's newest ship, not only will there be an additional 100 lounges; "pool butlers" will troll for chair hogs and help track down open seats. Other passengers, like Rosalie Beasley of Leonardtown, Md., fear that bigger ships will just mean more shortages of amenities. On a recent NCL cruise, Beasley found that the specialty restaurants were always booked, leaving her stranded without a reservation.
For the moment, plummeting revenue seems to have curtailed major new ship orders. And most cruise companies are focusing on stabilizing fares and making their current fleet more user-friendly. Royal Caribbean, for one, says it's adding more online booking options for Oasis, so passengers can reserve show tickets and make spa and dining reservations earlier. Other lines are running voucher promotions to ease the pain of onboard fees. But some travelers, like Mary Scrivanich, a pet sitter from Flanders, N.J., have found their own way around the added costs. On the 16 cruises she's taken, she hasn't once set foot in an entrance-fee restaurant. "If it's not in my budget," says Read the original article here
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/travel/cruise-ships-on-steroids/?page=2
MANILA – A European cruise company reiterated its commitment to employ more Filipino workers and help turn the Philippines into a popular cruise destination.
Costa Crociere chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pier Luigi Foschi made the statement after a courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malacanang Palace.
With Magsaysay Maritime Corporation as its manning agent in the Philippines, 80% of Costa Crociere’s workforce is composed of Filipino professionals. Together with its other brands—AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, the Costa Crociere group employs more than 8,000 Filipino crew on board.
The international firm is Europe’s No.1 cruise company with more than 60-years of maritime passenger service experience.
Aside from hiring more Filipino workers, Foschi said they will also work to make the Philippines a popular cruise destination with three of its 14 cruise ships making regular calls to Manila bringing over 22,000 foreign tourists.
Costa Classica cruise ship will possibly employ seaman and crew jobs this year as it docks to Pier 13 in Manila. This is according to news reports from ABS-CBN.
Costa Classica Cruise Ship Jobs
Costa Classica cruise ship will possibly employ seaman and crew jobs this year as it docks to Pier 13 in Manila. This is according to news reports from ABS-CBN tonight October 27, 2009. CostaClassica is currently employing a lot of Filipinos (pinoys) in its cruise ship. You can apply for the job vacancy at the Magsaysay Shipping if you are interested.
Costa Classica Cruise Ship Offers Jobs to Pinoys
The luxury cruise ship is said to be docked in the Philippines and will in due time employ seaman and crew through the Magsaysay Shipping company in the Philippines. If you want to apply for cruise ship job at Costa Classica, you can visit the website of Magsaysay Shipping for more information. http://www.internetphilippines.com/jobs/costa-classica-cruise-ship-jobs/
Apply to Costa Classica Seaman Jobs via Magsaysay Shipping
It was recently announced that Costa Classica Cruise Ship has high possibilities to employ seaman and crew jobs in their luxury ship. If you want to apply for crew and seaman related jobs, you may do that by visiting Magsaysay Shipping as it is the company that recruits or enlist applicants for the saidcruise ship.
Magsaysay Shipping - Manning Costa Classica Cruise Ship
Among manning and shipping jobs agencies in the Philippines, Magsaysay Shipping is said to be the one handling the recruitment and application for different crew and seaman jobs for Costa Classica cruise ship. Apply only or visit Magsaysay Shipping website or call their telephone number for more information.
Different job offers and maritime job openings at Magsaysay Maritime Corporation include room attendant, waiters, laundrymen, registered nurses, oil and gas, technical instructors, senior drilling instructors, 4th engineer, pumpman, oilers, cook, pantryman, welders, drillers, 3rd engineer, chief mate, 3rd mate, 2nd engineer, chief engineer and more.
Right now, the Costa Classica cruise ship which just docked in Manila last October 27, 2009 according to the news is hiring crew / shipping personnel related to above positions through Magsaysay shipping. If you want to apply for maritime jobs at Magsaysay Maritime.
Corporationshipping line in Philippines, you can pay them a visit or peek at their agency website.
Application Procedures:
1. Visit Magsaysay Shipping Lines Corporation and register.
2. Fill in all necessary information asked of you in the boxes.
3. You will be asked for a username and password (be sure to keep a hard copy and soft copy or jot it down in your organizer or an address notebook) “Do Not Loose your username and password”, you will use it on updating or checking for the status of your application.
4. Click on “submit” upon completion of all information asked of you.
5. You will be asked to fill up your own resume and again, click on “submit” after completing your resume / bio data. Be sure to double check before hitting submit.
6. Apply using the job search feature that will enable you to look for a relevant job based on your skills, professional qualification or experience.
Remember that your username and password will be the same log in required of you whenever you seek for job offers, vacancies or job opportunities at Magsaysay Shipping. Good luck! http://www.magsaysaycareers.com/mco/homepage.aspx
Maersk wants Filipino captains for its ships
MANILA, Philippines - Danish shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk is poised to replace about 100 of their Danish captains with Filipinos as the firm expressed its deep satisfaction with the proficiency, skill and discipline of Filipino seafarers, an embassy report said.
MANILA, Philippines - Danish shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk is poised to replace about 100 of their Danish captains with Filipinos as the firm expressed its deep satisfaction with the proficiency, skill and discipline of Filipino seafarers, an embassy report said.
The Philippine Embassy in Norway said in a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Philippine Ambassador to Oslo Elizabeth Buensuceso met with officials from the A.P. Moller-Maersk group of companies, one of the biggest and most respected names in the world in the area of container shipping and logistics, energy exploration and production, ship-building, retail and manufacturing.
In the course of their discussions, A.P. Moller-Maersk director for recruitment Leif Nielsen informed Buensuceso that their company is extremely satisfied with the proficiency, skill and discipline of Filipino seafarers and that despite the global economic crisis, crewing of Filipino seamen has not slackened.
Buensuceso said she was informed that the company is ready to replace itsDanish captains with Filipinos.
The company also plans to relocate its logistical operations in Singapore in 2010 making it easier for Filipino workers to find employment and relocate their training centers for their worldwide logistics requirements in Manila.
Buensuceso presented her credentials to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark at the historic Fredensborg Castle in Copenhagen last Oct. 16.
During her audience, Buensuceso discussed with the queen the economic relations between their two countries. Queen Margrethe II expressed her sympathies for the victims of the twin typhoons and sent her best wishes to President Arroyo.
In the course of their discussions, A.P. Moller-Maersk director for recruitment Leif Nielsen informed Buensuceso that their company is extremely satisfied with the proficiency, skill and discipline of Filipino seafarers and that despite the global economic crisis, crewing of Filipino seamen has not slackened.
Buensuceso said she was informed that the company is ready to replace itsDanish captains with Filipinos.
The company also plans to relocate its logistical operations in Singapore in 2010 making it easier for Filipino workers to find employment and relocate their training centers for their worldwide logistics requirements in Manila.
Buensuceso presented her credentials to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark at the historic Fredensborg Castle in Copenhagen last Oct. 16.
During her audience, Buensuceso discussed with the queen the economic relations between their two countries. Queen Margrethe II expressed her sympathies for the victims of the twin typhoons and sent her best wishes to President Arroyo. Read original article here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=517186&publicationSubCategoryId=66
Contact Maersk here http://www.maerskline.com/link/?page=brochure&path=/contact
Despite slowdown in business due to financial crisis, job prospects for Filipino seamen remain good because of their good record and performance.Ship Capt. Ronald SJ Enrile, vice president in operation of the Philippine
Transmarine Carriers, Inc., one of the largest crew management corporations worldwide, made the statement to erase the notion that other nationalities like Chinese or Bangladeshian or Caucasian race are more sought after by the worldwide ship owners to work in their ships.
Transmarine Carriers, Inc., one of the largest crew management corporations worldwide, made the statement to erase the notion that other nationalities like Chinese or Bangladeshian or Caucasian race are more sought after by the worldwide ship owners to work in their ships.
"It was true in the past that the Caucasian race like Norwegian, British, American, among others, held the top four positions in the ship which include captain, chiefmate, chief engineer and second engineer, while the
least positions were given to Filipinos and other nationalities, but today Filipino seafarers are fielding the top posts in the ship," Enrile said.
Ship owners' preference to field the top posts by the Filipino seafarers came in the early 80s after the PTC experimented for the first time to holed up the top posts by Filipino seafarers under the auspices of the Norwegian
flagship (its partner and principal).
Before taking the cudgel of managing the Norwegian ship, the four Filipinos and other crew had to undergo training to upgrade their skill in "seafaring and shipmanship," Enrile said.
"And the result, all the Filipinos who fielded the top posts and the crew found to have executed excellently in managing the ship which triggered the Norwegian and other principals in Europe to hire all Filipinos in the top
posts," he added.
According to Enrile, three sets of Filipino seafarers composed of officers and crew who underwent the training. And each set was comprised of 20 to 21 officers and crew as a jumpstart to raise the level of the Filipino
seafarers competency in seafaring and seamanship, Enrile said.
At first, the ship owners in Europe and in other parts of the world were looking forward to hire Chinese national to work in their ships as it was all right for them to receive lesser payments as compared with the Filipino
seafarers who received higher fees.
The debacle for the Chinese was the language barrier as they found it hard to speak English, but the impediment was removed when they were taught on how to be proficient to speak and on how to write English well.
According to the report, once the Chinese national learned on how to speak and write English well, he preferred to work on the land and not on the ship.
"Unlike the Filipinos, once they are seafarers they remain seafarers until they retire and they are dedicated and loyal to the ship companies they are working with," the report stated. Read the complete original article here
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/225465/job-prospects-filipino-seafarers-remain-high-good-performance-record
MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom has launched a new SIM card offering the most affordable rates to the Filipino seafarer and his family.
The Globe-Seanet SIM, a partnership with Seanet Maritime Communications AB, an innovative maritime network operator in Sweden, offers the cheapest all-day rate for GSM voice and SMS roaming services, making it competitive with prevailing maritime calling services.
The service allows Filipino and non-Filipino seafaring crew members and even tourist cruise pasengers to call and text their loved ones in the Philippines at very affordable rates.
The SIM works on Seanet’s on-board technology which allows the seafarer to use his cellphone to call or text while at sea with no special handset required like a satellite phone. It will also make it easier for seafarers to buy load as they can also purchase prepaid cellphone load inside the ship.
According to Seanet chief executive officer Klas Lundgren, the Globe-Seanet SIM service provides significant contribution to crew welfare as they are given a cost-efficient means to communicate while on board.
“Personal communication using a personal device, rather than a shared phone on the bridge has significant integrity advantages,” Lundgren said.
“It is essential for the Filipino crew to be able to communicate easily while at sea. That is why Globe continuously comes up with various products and services that will ensure every overseas Filipino, including seafarers, will remain connected to their families especially those who are on Globe or TM network at very inexpensive rates,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu added.
For more information on Globe’s services for Filipinos worldwide, log-on to www.globekababayan.com.ph.
What is the Sea2Shore SIM?
- It is the first customized SIM offer of Globe primarily for the maritime market (Seafarers, Travelers)
- It is in partnership with Seanet (a recognized maritime telecom operator by ITU and is a licensed GSM network operator)
Product Features:
- Ready to use on-board any Seanet accredited vessel
- Pre-loaded with P240 (~US$5.00) to enjoy instant connectivity
- Flat rate of P46/min (~US$0.95) for both incoming and outgoing calls and P25/SMS (~US$0.50) on-board
- Incoming SMS is FREE of charge.
Sea2Shore Customer Experience
(Calling & Texting)
Crew will be be given a Sea2Shore SIM c/o Ship owners as part of crew welfare program.
For Travelers, they will be able to purchase their Sea2ShoreSIMs via the designated on-board concessionaires / kiosks.
Crew and Travelers will now check signal strength and will see the network name as SEANET. They make a call at this point to try the service.
Crew and Travelers using the Sea2Shore SIM can CALL their families and friends back home by :
- Dial *131* + country code + area code (or operator code) + called party’s number + # sign.
- Then press SEND.
- After pressing send, the phone will automatically ring. Upon answering, the call will be connected.
Crew and Travelers using the Sea2Shore SIM can TEXT people back home by :
- Write the message via SMS function
- Type the international number format in the recipients when prompted to choose the contact / message recipient using this format : +639171234567
- Then press SEND.
Technology has now become the means of empowerment for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it gives them the opportunity to build knowledge.
The Microsoft Tulay Program is the brainchild of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and funded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Microsoft. It aims to expand knowledge and build a new foundation for OFWs through computer literacy.
Last week, Filipina household service workers graduated from Microsoft's Tulay program in Hong kong.
In less than three months, they learned how to use various computer applications; from surfing the internet, to using social networking sites; blogging and using a webcam to communicate with their families back home.
Ople Center president, Susan Ople described the program as a tool of empowering OFWs.
"Being computer literate opens the doors to learning beyond the ordinary,” Ople said.
Ople was a guest at ANC’s Crossing Borders hosted by Immigration Lawyer, Mike Templo.
“Without the internet, your networking opportunities are limited. But once you get to know how to communicate and build social networks with the internet then you are empowered and that's what we want for our domestic helpers here--to be empowered,” Ople added.
Tulay graduate Gloria Magbuhos said the program is a big help to OFWs like herself.
"Malaki ang tulong ng internet kasi nga dati kapag cellphone ang gamit namin malaki ang expenses di ba? Malaki ng charges. Pero kung internet libre na," said Magbuhos
Another graduate, Rowena Concepcion uses the webcam when communicating with her loved ones back home. The web cam bridged the distance for Concepcion who was able to see and follow the health condition of her child born with cerebral palsy while in Hong Kong. Her child died last year.
More than personal connection, Ople said the program also gives OFWs an edge to be globally competitive as people, not just as workers.
"My advice to them is not to be afraid, but enjoy themselves because cyber information, the digital age is here. There is no way to avoid it. It's either you are part of the cyber mainstream or you are in the dark ages," Ople said. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/10/09/09/computer-literacy-empowers-ofws-hk
Vegas on the Water
A ship so big it has seven neighborhoods, four pools, an amphitheater and more. Who needs to go ashore?
Touring Royal Caribbean International's new Oasis of the Seas, a ship that eclipses the U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class supercarriers and will be the world's largest cruise liner when it makes its much-anticipated maiden voyage in December. As I stood in the bow, it didn't seem completely unreasonable to take a taxi to the stern, almost a quarter-mile away. In fact, the meter in a D.C. cab would charge 25 cents for the distance.
On its 18 decks, a crew of 2,165 will tend to as many as 6,296 paying customers, nearly 45 percent more than the largest cruise ships now operating, the Freedom-class vessels launched by Royal Caribbean three years ago.
But the Oasis of the Seas isn't just a jumbo version of its predecessors. More important than its staggering size is what its designers have done with the extra space: filled it with attractions never before seen on a cruise ship, including an open-air park with trees and hanging gardens, a boardwalk-style area with a merry-go-round, a pool that changes into a stage for high-diving shows and a theater that has booked the Broadway musical "Hairspray."
In short, Royal Caribbean has created a Las Vegas resort that floats -- yes, there's a casino, too -- and the closest thing in real life to the Buy n Large luxury spaceships in "WALL-E," where humans spend the centuries getting fat after mass consumerism has left the Earth a polluted mess.
But Paul Motter, editor of the enthusiast Web site Cruisemates, predicted that the Oasis of the Seas, love it or hate it, will do for cruise ships what Disneyland did for amusement parks. "The image of cruising is about to change forever," he said. "I think it's going to be the first ship where people truly book just for the ship and hardly care where it goes." 
A ship so big it has seven neighborhoods, four pools, an amphitheater and more. Who needs to go ashore?
Touring Royal Caribbean International's new Oasis of the Seas, a ship that eclipses the U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class supercarriers and will be the world's largest cruise liner when it makes its much-anticipated maiden voyage in December. As I stood in the bow, it didn't seem completely unreasonable to take a taxi to the stern, almost a quarter-mile away. In fact, the meter in a D.C. cab would charge 25 cents for the distance.
On its 18 decks, a crew of 2,165 will tend to as many as 6,296 paying customers, nearly 45 percent more than the largest cruise ships now operating, the Freedom-class vessels launched by Royal Caribbean three years ago.
But the Oasis of the Seas isn't just a jumbo version of its predecessors. More important than its staggering size is what its designers have done with the extra space: filled it with attractions never before seen on a cruise ship, including an open-air park with trees and hanging gardens, a boardwalk-style area with a merry-go-round, a pool that changes into a stage for high-diving shows and a theater that has booked the Broadway musical "Hairspray."
In short, Royal Caribbean has created a Las Vegas resort that floats -- yes, there's a casino, too -- and the closest thing in real life to the Buy n Large luxury spaceships in "WALL-E," where humans spend the centuries getting fat after mass consumerism has left the Earth a polluted mess.
But Paul Motter, editor of the enthusiast Web site Cruisemates, predicted that the Oasis of the Seas, love it or hate it, will do for cruise ships what Disneyland did for amusement parks. "The image of cruising is about to change forever," he said. "I think it's going to be the first ship where people truly book just for the ship and hardly care where it goes."
Oasis of the Seas
The world's new largest cruise liner has seven neighborhoods, four pools, an amphitheater and more. Who needs to go ashore? Click the link above or below to read much more Gallery: A Sneak Peek at Oasis of the Seas
CEBU, Philippines - A 19-year-old marine engineering apprentice was found dead inside the storage area of a ship docked at the PKS Shipyard in sitio Tawagan, barangay Tayud, Consolacion yesterday morning.
The fatality was identified as James Jadraque, single, resident of El Salvador Landing Lanao del Norte. He was having his apprenticeship at the M/V Queen Faith.
In an interview over dySS, PO3 Ramir Maglasang said Lorido Benson, 47, the ship’s second engineer, was the one who found Jadraque inside the storage area. Jadraque’s colleagues have reportedly been looking for him since the other day.
The storage area is located 40 feet down at the bottom of the ship and Jadraque’s colleagues said the latter might have fallen into it.
The Consolacion police, however, suspect that foul play might be involved in Jadraque’s death. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511354&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Hard work to please allowed this advancement
FROM BOILER room to ballroom, from stage to spa, from poolside to pantry, from bar to fine dining. From the belly of the luxury ship to the topmost deck where one could see forever and behold the azure sea and sky of the Mediterranean.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) rule the roost, so to speak, aboard the cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas because of their sheer number and also because of their skills, talent, dependability and graciousness. Filipinos comprise about 60 percent of the 853-strong crew that is composed of 51 nationalities.
“Here I earn the combined salaries of four teachers and three security guards in the Philippines,” reveals Jerry Dioneo, 36, who works in the dining section. Dioneo who hails from Silay City in Negros Occidental has been on the ship for about three years and is on his fourth contract. Only the Filipino nationals, Dioneo adds, are compelled to allot and remit 20 percent of their earnings to their folks back home. This is stipulated in their contracts.
And what is work like on cruise days? “Every day here is a Monday,” Dioneo chirps as he replenishes the cornucopia of food for the guests.
Victoriano Camacho, 46, of Calamba, Laguna, has been with the cruise company for 16 years and is now the sous chef (assistant of the executive chef). He started out at the Nikko Hotel in Makati. Now he earns $2,600 a month.
$1.7 billion of the total $10.8 billion remitted by OFWs in 2005 came from the sea-based OFWs. The number of Filipino seafarers working abroad as of 2005, is about 250,000 or approximately 20 percent of the world’s total.
‘White List’
The rise in the number could be attributed to the inclusion of the Philippines in the International Maritime Organization’s “White List” of 72 accredited countries. Being on the list means the country has continuously complied with the standards required for competent seafarers.
Being a Filipino seaman or seafarer does not necessarily mean working in cargo ships sailing drearily on a gray sea and being cooped up, fighting ennui until land appears on the horizon. A good number of the sea-based OFWs work in cruise ships. These luxury liners cater to vacation-bound, fun-loving, adventure-seeking humans, people who work hard and play hard, or who just want to be out of reach and listen to the music of the ocean, heeding the cruise logo catchphrase that says, “Get out there.” One could also choose to get holed up in the ship’s library.
The three-year-old German-built Brilliance of the Seas belongs to a fleet of cruise ships of the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) that sails in Europe, North America and the Caribbean. It has a passenger capacity of 2,500.
The Filipino seamen and women working on board are there to help make good things happen. The job is demanding as cruises involve service, hospitality, food, fun, travel, safety and, most of all, people.
Earning from tips
Bar server Vergie Mompil, an education course graduate, has spent eight years working on several cruise ships. Her husband, Edwin Vicero also works in another cruise ship, Jewels of the Sea.
Those in food service are not paid the fixed salary rate that workers in other sections receive. Food and drink servers like Vergie receive only $50 per 12-day cruise but the tips (provided for in the bill) earn her about $1,000. Two cruises per month or more than ten cruises in a six-month contract mean a lot when remitted to the Philippines. “After six months, we go on a two-month break,” Vergie adds.
Vergie is stationed at the bar in the main lobby ballroom at the foot of a luminous stairway where guests in formal wear linger to chat or dance to music provided mainly by—you guessed it—Filipino musicians.
Vergie and her husband have a three-year-old child who is being cared for by two aunts. The couple is building a home south of Manila and planning for a hardware store.
Not everyone is in the direct employ of RCI. Hoffman Roscano, 27, married, works as a photographer of a photo agency that operates aboard the ship. He and several photographers have their hands full during formal dinners and evening activities as well as land tours. During special occasions, they set up a mini studio where guests in their glittering “Titanic” finery could go for a formal shoot. Guests snap up the photos the morning after. Roscano also receives commissions from the sales.
‘Better than 5-star salary’
Karen del Carmen, in her 20s, works as a beauty therapist in the Brilliance Day Spa operated by an agency. A tourism graduate of a college in Bacolod, she had a work stint in a hotel in the Philippines after which she applied in a maritime agency. The spa company hired her and sent her to London for training.
“Better than a five-star salary,” is how del Carmen describes what she earns. After every 12-day cruise she gets two days off. “It’s fun working here,” she says as she looks up from her desk in the spa’s lavender-scented receiving area.
Nights are busy for the musicians who play in different venues aboard the ship. John Neri, 24, regales the night owls with violin music. As a child he studied music under a scholarship program for the musically gifted.
Neri met his wife in another cruise ship. Married for four years now, the couple is building a house in Kalookan City.
‘Oye como va’
Although now US-based, Vicky Gallarde of Vicky and The Holding Company band still calls the Philippines home. It’s a rollicking night when the band plays for a crowd with itchy feet.
Vicky switches without a hitch from lusty “Amor, amor, amor” to a staccato “Oye como va” while husband Chris and the rest segue from rhumba to disco beat. The band is a ship mainstay.
The couple has a room for two of their own at the crew quarters. The standard rooms for two for the crew have TVs and computers with e-mail capabilities. The Filipinos also have a daily two-page news digest called “Philippines Today.” There is a bar as well as games and exercise facilities.
Edgardo Villarino, 42, studied music in the University of the Philippines and sang with the UP Concert Chorus. He is married with three kids. The Inquirer chanced upon Villarino playing soothing classic guitar music by the poolside.
He was in the Caribbean several months earlier and he remembers the day a hurricane blew around there. There are less “sea days” in the Mediterranean, he says, meaning, the ship docks often in tourist havens.
Selling the Philippines
On his fifth contract now, Villarino says their own families could enjoy cruise privileges when there is space available. And could the entertainers have some fun during the day? “If there are less than five guests using the pool, we could take a dip,” Villarino says.
He dreams of cruises on Philippine waters that could rival those elsewhere. “We try to advertise the Philippines. Subic is so beautiful.” He talks of an island in Haiti that Royal Caribbean had developed.
Great workers
Bill Brunkhorst, American cruise director who makes sure entertainment is at its peak, has only good words for the Filipinos. “They are so talented and they learn very quickly,” he says. “They’re great workers.”
The Greek ship captain Michael Lachtaridis, a seasoned sea voyager who has been sailing the seas for 33 years says he has been working with Filipinos since the 1980s. “They get along well with other nationalities,” he says. “They are very educated and they are a happy lot.”
Whether it is instructing on wine tasting, giving beauty massages, serving at formal dinners, making omelets at the buffet breakfast, playing music, snapping photos amidst the Greek ruins, ensuring security and swiping cards at entry and exit points, disposing garbage or keeping staterooms clean, Filipino seamen and women are doing their best. And why not a Filipino guest chaplain or morgue attendant?
The least seen
The least seen but perhaps the most important because they make the ship sail the distances are those who work in the belly of the ship or the engine room. The lives of those on board are practically in the hands of these experts in ship engineering.
The Inquirer descended to the grime-free hard hat area and met some of the Filipinos there. Jessie Hervilla, Estefanio Joel, Steve Flores, Ramon Cerio, Percival Dilag and so many more. Chief Junior Engineer Rasmus Norling of Sweden has only high praises for the men who are seldom seen on deck.
But life for the OFWs on board these cruise ships is surely not problem-free, as life anywhere is not. Are the OFWs on these so-called floating four-star, five-star hotels better off than their counterparts in cargo ships and oil tankers? What lies beyond those glittering nights and sunny days at sea? What awaits them in their homeland? What awaits Edward Pampis, Joselito Benito, Cipertino Apil, Arlene Salon, Susan Gatmaitan, Arthur Pernia, Julius, Mijares, Juanito Embolori, Edwin Miranda, Enrico Sabido, Victor Amuyang, Ronaldo Carreon, Ernita Villanueva, George Tardo, Joselito Benito…
Don’t they feel resentful when they see food and drink flowing endlessly, people having so much fun and spending so much money for this kind of voyage, while they work so hard to keep these people thrilled and while the pine for home?
“Oh no,” says a food server without a tinge of resentment. “Many of them have worked hard too. And because of them we have our jobs. Someday we too could enjoy something like this.”
This Inquirer reporter was a regular paying guest on this cruise. The ship sailed from Barcelona and back and stopped in several key places on the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/ofwspotlight/ofwspotlight/view/20090312-193762/OFWs-From-belly-of-luxury-ship-to-top-deck
  | MANILA, Philippines - After its advance screening at SM Pampanga, Marino (Call of the Sea) will be previewed in various maritime schools all over the Philippines. Screenings for PAMMA (Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy) maritime school is set today until Sept. 17. Special screenings for the thousands of seafarers organization members are set on the last week of September, through the efforts of United Filipino Seafarers president, Nelson Ramirez. The movie tells about the lives and sacrifices of seamen and their families, and pertinent issues like sea pirates, sunken ships, sexually-transmitted diseases and foreign employment. The posting original is here | ||
CEBU, Philippines - The English proficiency of Filipinos, particularly the Cebuanos, is one good advantage emphasized by a company engaged in inviting more investors to the city.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=504213&publicationSubCategoryId=108
If India can create a vast talent pool of professionally qualified and technically trained maritime personnel it can become the world’s largest provider of seafarers.
As on January 1, 2008 the world trading fleet was made up of 50,525 ships with a combined tonnage of 72,82,25000 gross tonnes. The world fleet is registered in over 150 countries and the world wide population of seafarers serving on internationally trading merchant ships is estimated to be in the order of 466,000 officers and 721,000 seamen. The largest provider of seafarers by far is the Philippines, with a 28 per cent share of the world’s crew.
Around 3,00,000 Filipino seafarers are employed on international trading ships which include 77,000 officers. Their remittances accounted for one-fifth of the $16.4-billion remitted to the Philippines by workers overseas in 2008. The Philippines supplied about 30 per cent of the world’s 1.2-million fleet personnel and their annual remittances to their home country account for $2.6 billion.
The Russian Federation is the second largest provider of seafarers, followed by Ukraine, China, India, Indonesia and Poland. At present, 27,000 officers and 55,000 Indian seamen are employed on Indian and foreign flag ships and this constitutes only 6 per cent of the global maritime manpower. India should be able to enhance its share from 6 per cent to at least 20 per cent.
Further, the 29 per cent share of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) region is dwindling rapidly, with young people in those countries not interested in a sea career; this presents India yet another opportunity to exploit to its advantage.
largest provider
A recent report of Drewry Shipping Consultants, London, assessed the current shortfall of officers in global shipping fleets to be 34,000, against a requirement of 498,000. Moreover, based on Drewry’s fleet growth projections and assuming officer supply continues to increase only at current levels, the report predicts that by 2012 the officer shortfall will have risen to 83,900. An industry estimate assesses that about 400,000 seafarers and 45,000 new officers would be needed to man the 10,000 vessels seen to join the global merchant fleet in the next three years.
How is that the Philippines, a country situated in the western Pacific Ocean, with about 7,100 islands, land area of 3,00,000 sq km and a population of about 100 million — comparable to Maharashtra — is able to have a 28 per cent share, whereas India, with a population of over 1,000 million and a great maritime tradition, has a much lower share of just 6 per cent?
What special talents and attributes do Filipino officers and seamen possess that make them more attractive to global shipping industry than Indian seafarers? It is claimed that Filipinos have a natural mariner’s instincts and always work cheerfully despite months of separation from their families. They never show that they are homesick. Filipino seamen are reported to work with dedication and discipline, they are hard-working and flexible, reliable and loyal and are willing to work for lower salaries than what is sometimes promised.
They are reported to be fluent in English, highly trainable and adaptable to changing environments, have good problem-solving abilities and a positive attitude to make friends easily with foreigners. They are generally law-abiding, patient and tolerant.
In fairness, one can say that Indian merchant navy officers are equally talented and competent, work with a great degree of dedication and commitment, and are indeed also hard-working, disciplined and loyal. They may not agree to work for lower salaries than promised as that would amount to exploitation by any employer. They may not compromise on working in risky environments as that would be dangerous to the safety and security of their lives. But, in all other respects, Indian officers and seamen have built up an excellent reputation and credibility globally for their professional skills and seamanship. Read the complete original posting here
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/14/stories/2009091450230500.htm
As on January 1, 2008 the world trading fleet was made up of 50,525 ships with a combined tonnage of 72,82,25000 gross tonnes. The world fleet is registered in over 150 countries and the world wide population of seafarers serving on internationally trading merchant ships is estimated to be in the order of 466,000 officers and 721,000 seamen. The largest provider of seafarers by far is the Philippines, with a 28 per cent share of the world’s crew.
Around 3,00,000 Filipino seafarers are employed on international trading ships which include 77,000 officers. Their remittances accounted for one-fifth of the $16.4-billion remitted to the Philippines by workers overseas in 2008. The Philippines supplied about 30 per cent of the world’s 1.2-million fleet personnel and their annual remittances to their home country account for $2.6 billion.
The Russian Federation is the second largest provider of seafarers, followed by Ukraine, China, India, Indonesia and Poland. At present, 27,000 officers and 55,000 Indian seamen are employed on Indian and foreign flag ships and this constitutes only 6 per cent of the global maritime manpower. India should be able to enhance its share from 6 per cent to at least 20 per cent.
Further, the 29 per cent share of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) region is dwindling rapidly, with young people in those countries not interested in a sea career; this presents India yet another opportunity to exploit to its advantage.
largest provider
A recent report of Drewry Shipping Consultants, London, assessed the current shortfall of officers in global shipping fleets to be 34,000, against a requirement of 498,000. Moreover, based on Drewry’s fleet growth projections and assuming officer supply continues to increase only at current levels, the report predicts that by 2012 the officer shortfall will have risen to 83,900. An industry estimate assesses that about 400,000 seafarers and 45,000 new officers would be needed to man the 10,000 vessels seen to join the global merchant fleet in the next three years.
How is that the Philippines, a country situated in the western Pacific Ocean, with about 7,100 islands, land area of 3,00,000 sq km and a population of about 100 million — comparable to Maharashtra — is able to have a 28 per cent share, whereas India, with a population of over 1,000 million and a great maritime tradition, has a much lower share of just 6 per cent?
What special talents and attributes do Filipino officers and seamen possess that make them more attractive to global shipping industry than Indian seafarers? It is claimed that Filipinos have a natural mariner’s instincts and always work cheerfully despite months of separation from their families. They never show that they are homesick. Filipino seamen are reported to work with dedication and discipline, they are hard-working and flexible, reliable and loyal and are willing to work for lower salaries than what is sometimes promised.
They are reported to be fluent in English, highly trainable and adaptable to changing environments, have good problem-solving abilities and a positive attitude to make friends easily with foreigners. They are generally law-abiding, patient and tolerant.
In fairness, one can say that Indian merchant navy officers are equally talented and competent, work with a great degree of dedication and commitment, and are indeed also hard-working, disciplined and loyal. They may not agree to work for lower salaries than promised as that would amount to exploitation by any employer. They may not compromise on working in risky environments as that would be dangerous to the safety and security of their lives. But, in all other respects, Indian officers and seamen have built up an excellent reputation and credibility globally for their professional skills and seamanship. Read the complete original posting here
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/14/stories/2009091450230500.htm
Abelardo L. Monarquia, DBP senior vice president, said that scholars who were picked from across the region are now sure to finish college through the P1-B DEEP.
Monarquia said government financing institutions (GFIs) like DBP are now being tapped by the government to serve as channels to help develop future pillars of the country by financing special scholarship programs.
Monarquia, who is also the DBP Bicol regional management center head, added that DBP is now on its second year of assisting underprivileged but promising Filipino students to finish their maritime courses, corollary too President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's program of investing in the sustained development of the country's human resource.
"The initiative is in response to the projected huge demand for Filipino seafarers to man international vessels in the next 15 to 20 years," he added. Read the complete original article here by clicking the link http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090812.htm&no=23
Monarquia said government financing institutions (GFIs) like DBP are now being tapped by the government to serve as channels to help develop future pillars of the country by financing special scholarship programs.
Monarquia, who is also the DBP Bicol regional management center head, added that DBP is now on its second year of assisting underprivileged but promising Filipino students to finish their maritime courses, corollary too President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's program of investing in the sustained development of the country's human resource.
"The initiative is in response to the projected huge demand for Filipino seafarers to man international vessels in the next 15 to 20 years," he added. Read the complete original article here by clicking the link http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090812.htm&no=23
Associate professor Phyllis Chew of Nanyang University in Singapore made the observation during the Cebu International ESL (English as a Second Language) Conference at Diplomat Hotel, Cebu City last Saturday.
She said that the trend is the result of the change in the status of women in society, increase in migration and transmigration, knowledge explosion and information technology, the writing revolution, and the rise of a global language.
“Teachers need to know these changes. English, it seems, has raced ahead of its competitors. For the last 20 years, so many want to learn it,” she said.
Chew said Singapore, for one, is attracting many Koreans who want to learn to speak English.
The Philippines, India and Malaysia are among the Asian nations that are known as good English teachers because they have been using the language as their medium of instruction, she noted.
“The fast way of mastering English now is through content. And speed is crucial in the process. Many learn English quickly because this has been used as a medium of instruction when they started school. They have been immersed in an English acquisition-rich environment since they were young,” Chew said.
Being known as a nation with a pool of good English speakers, she added, will boost the influx of international students who want to learn English.
The Koreans made up 27.83 percent of Cebu’s tourist market from January to June 2009. According to the Department of Tourism, most of them come to Cebu to study English.
Meanwhile, the knowledge explosion and information technology (IT) across the globe also signaled the need for teachers to incorporate IT in their methodology for learners, especially the young, to easily cope and “survive” in their studies, Chew said.
The IT aspect of learning is characterized by digitization of learning materials, production of e-books (electronic books) and creation of Ebraries (electronic libraries), she said.
“Integration of IT also makes online education possible and enables learners to do many things (while on the Internet),” said Chew.
She pointed out that a good method of teaching English will depend on existing variables—such as time, type of students, place and culture—that teachers have to assess before conducting their lessons. Tuesday, August 11, 2009 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/more-nations-want-english-language-skills
She said that the trend is the result of the change in the status of women in society, increase in migration and transmigration, knowledge explosion and information technology, the writing revolution, and the rise of a global language.
“Teachers need to know these changes. English, it seems, has raced ahead of its competitors. For the last 20 years, so many want to learn it,” she said.
Chew said Singapore, for one, is attracting many Koreans who want to learn to speak English.
The Philippines, India and Malaysia are among the Asian nations that are known as good English teachers because they have been using the language as their medium of instruction, she noted.
“The fast way of mastering English now is through content. And speed is crucial in the process. Many learn English quickly because this has been used as a medium of instruction when they started school. They have been immersed in an English acquisition-rich environment since they were young,” Chew said.
Being known as a nation with a pool of good English speakers, she added, will boost the influx of international students who want to learn English.
The Koreans made up 27.83 percent of Cebu’s tourist market from January to June 2009. According to the Department of Tourism, most of them come to Cebu to study English.
Meanwhile, the knowledge explosion and information technology (IT) across the globe also signaled the need for teachers to incorporate IT in their methodology for learners, especially the young, to easily cope and “survive” in their studies, Chew said.
The IT aspect of learning is characterized by digitization of learning materials, production of e-books (electronic books) and creation of Ebraries (electronic libraries), she said.
“Integration of IT also makes online education possible and enables learners to do many things (while on the Internet),” said Chew.
She pointed out that a good method of teaching English will depend on existing variables—such as time, type of students, place and culture—that teachers have to assess before conducting their lessons. Tuesday, August 11, 2009 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/more-nations-want-english-language-skills
What will come out from your mind when we talk about the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad? Do you really know the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad? Do you really intend to be like him? Well, let’s take a round about the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad?
The Filipino Seaman abroad is considered as one of the overseas workers abroad or the OFW. Regardless of your job for as long as you work abroad, you belong to the OFW. However, not all have the same life experience in life. The only experience every life of the Filipino Seaman has in common is that every one remits money towards the country, the Philippines.
In order to achieve what you want to be in life is that you need something. As to the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad, it requires knowledge, effort, patience and perseverance. The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad should be equipped with these values. Otherwise, it will be a lot of questions wether or not one blends towards the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad as each value holds its importance. Wherever you may be outside the country, the knowledge helps a lot. It serves as your weapon to deal with other nationalities. See how the effort pays? It is your effort that keeps you strong to compete with other seaman across the nation. by admin on August 10, 2009 read the article at this link http://www.filipinolifeabroad.com/life-of-the-filipino-seaman-abroad
The Filipino Seaman abroad is considered as one of the overseas workers abroad or the OFW. Regardless of your job for as long as you work abroad, you belong to the OFW. However, not all have the same life experience in life. The only experience every life of the Filipino Seaman has in common is that every one remits money towards the country, the Philippines.
In order to achieve what you want to be in life is that you need something. As to the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad, it requires knowledge, effort, patience and perseverance. The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad should be equipped with these values. Otherwise, it will be a lot of questions wether or not one blends towards the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad as each value holds its importance. Wherever you may be outside the country, the knowledge helps a lot. It serves as your weapon to deal with other nationalities. See how the effort pays? It is your effort that keeps you strong to compete with other seaman across the nation. by admin on August 10, 2009 read the article at this link http://www.filipinolifeabroad.com/life-of-the-filipino-seaman-abroad
SHIPPING industry stakeholders and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) are rushing to finish the draft of the Omnibus Maritime Code and submit it to both chambers of Congress as time is running out as legislators would be busy for the May elections next year.
Marina Administrator Maria Elena Bautista said they want to submit the draft bill to the House of Representatives on Monday during President Arroyo’s State-of-the-Nation Address, or if not, it will be submitted in August.
“But even if some think that there is no more time [for the bills to become a law], I don’t think that will stop us. But it will be up to the [shipping] industries and government [agencies] to support this and pull some strings for this to move quicker than usual,” Bautista said during a workshop on Wednesday organized by the umbrella group Philippine Interisland Shipping Association.
Many of the stakeholders, however, have not yet given out their positions on many issues, such as on maritime insurance issues, as pointed out by the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association.
Bautista now wants all those powers to be handed back to Marina to have a single agency that will handle all concerns from seafarers to shippers to ship owners, which may also include judicial and arbitration powers. THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2009 21:17 Business Mirror newspaper click this link to read the original article
http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/13624-shipping-industry-rushing-to-finish-omnibus-maritime-bill.html
Marina Administrator Maria Elena Bautista said they want to submit the draft bill to the House of Representatives on Monday during President Arroyo’s State-of-the-Nation Address, or if not, it will be submitted in August.
“But even if some think that there is no more time [for the bills to become a law], I don’t think that will stop us. But it will be up to the [shipping] industries and government [agencies] to support this and pull some strings for this to move quicker than usual,” Bautista said during a workshop on Wednesday organized by the umbrella group Philippine Interisland Shipping Association.
Many of the stakeholders, however, have not yet given out their positions on many issues, such as on maritime insurance issues, as pointed out by the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association.
Bautista now wants all those powers to be handed back to Marina to have a single agency that will handle all concerns from seafarers to shippers to ship owners, which may also include judicial and arbitration powers. THURSDAY, 23 JULY 2009 21:17 Business Mirror newspaper click this link to read the original article
http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/13624-shipping-industry-rushing-to-finish-omnibus-maritime-bill.html
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile cited yesterday the urgent need for Congress to pass measures that would promote the welfare as well as provide more ample protection to Filipino seafarers, whom he hailed as among the very best in the world, if not the very best.
Speaking before the graduates of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) at Kamaya Point, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, Enrile stressed that hand-in-hand with pro-seafarer initiatives, the government must also promote and revitalize the domestic shipping industry so that Filipino seafarers will also “have equally rewarding employment opportunities within our very shores.”
Giving tribute to Filipino maritime workers, Enrile noted that over the years, “the Philippines has been considered as the number one manning nation in the world, with about 25% Filipinos manning tankers, passenger maritime vessels or luxury liners of every flag in the world fleet.”
He said, “It is evident that, despite the global economic crisis and the increasing competition from other labor-producing countries, there is still a huge demand for Filipino seafarers.
“However, a seafarer’s life is not a picnic or a walk in the park. It has been said, time and again, that a seafarer has one foot in the ship and the other foot in the grave because of the dangers and risks that they face every day in their workplace.
“The risks to their health and security are numerous plenty and cannot be adequately compensated by the income that they earn. I am saddened by the plight of seafarers who are working in hazardous conditions and are being exploited by their employers, and duped by their recruiters.”
Speaking before the graduates of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) at Kamaya Point, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, Enrile stressed that hand-in-hand with pro-seafarer initiatives, the government must also promote and revitalize the domestic shipping industry so that Filipino seafarers will also “have equally rewarding employment opportunities within our very shores.”
Giving tribute to Filipino maritime workers, Enrile noted that over the years, “the Philippines has been considered as the number one manning nation in the world, with about 25% Filipinos manning tankers, passenger maritime vessels or luxury liners of every flag in the world fleet.”
He said, “It is evident that, despite the global economic crisis and the increasing competition from other labor-producing countries, there is still a huge demand for Filipino seafarers.
“However, a seafarer’s life is not a picnic or a walk in the park. It has been said, time and again, that a seafarer has one foot in the ship and the other foot in the grave because of the dangers and risks that they face every day in their workplace.
“The risks to their health and security are numerous plenty and cannot be adequately compensated by the income that they earn. I am saddened by the plight of seafarers who are working in hazardous conditions and are being exploited by their employers, and duped by their recruiters.”
He also noted that in a highly competitive field, the foreign shipowners’ substantial contribution to the training of Filipino seafarers through the MAAP is a testament to the value and competence of our seafarers. “It also affirms their faith in the Filipino seafarers’ dedication, work ethic, and capability to man their ships and handle all tasks that will be assigned to them aboard the ships.”
http://www.harborscope.com/?p=296 click the link to read the original article 7/22/09 Philippine
1. Write a comprehensive introductory letter that clearly explains why you are qualified for the job. Don’t just put in a resume, especially one that looks like it was edited three years ago.
2. Spell check! It gives a very bad impression to have wrong spelling or grammar in your application.
3. Be careful when putting attachments that cannot be opened. Case in point: Be careful not to save it in Microsoft Word 2007 format as this is a new format and cannot be opened by companies that are still using Word 2003 or Word 2000.
4. Don’t use an e-mail address with a weird or goofy name.
5. Don’t ask a friend to send or e-mail your application.
6. Specify the job you are applying for. Don’t make the company evaluate what job suits you best.
2. Spell check! It gives a very bad impression to have wrong spelling or grammar in your application.
3. Be careful when putting attachments that cannot be opened. Case in point: Be careful not to save it in Microsoft Word 2007 format as this is a new format and cannot be opened by companies that are still using Word 2003 or Word 2000.
4. Don’t use an e-mail address with a weird or goofy name.
5. Don’t ask a friend to send or e-mail your application.
6. Specify the job you are applying for. Don’t make the company evaluate what job suits you best.
“Around 20 to 30 years ago, even our taxi drivers could speak straight English. Now, many of them have a problem speaking the language clearly,” Gullas said.
Gullas pointed out that in India’s recent economic boom, their citizens with English skills were the ones who benefitted from it. “This is because they are the ones cornering the good-paying jobs,” noted the educator-turned-lawmaker. He said those without the skills were left behind. “Without access to gainful employment, they remain mired in poverty, amid the economic boom there,” he further stated.
Congressman Gullas, Cebu
Gullas pointed out that in India’s recent economic boom, their citizens with English skills were the ones who benefitted from it. “This is because they are the ones cornering the good-paying jobs,” noted the educator-turned-lawmaker. He said those without the skills were left behind. “Without access to gainful employment, they remain mired in poverty, amid the economic boom there,” he further stated.
Congressman Gullas, Cebu
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the Marine Engineer Officer board exam results as they announced that 1,143 out of 2,059 have passed the various grades of the written phase of the said licensure exams. The Marine Engineer examination was held on May 21 and 22, 2009. It was given by the Board for Marine Engineer Officers in Manila, Philippines.
Directory of International job opportunities for Maritime Professionals of all kinds and all ranks.
Here you also find articles and links to information about life and safety at sea plus links to marine-maritime skills training, health, safety, and environment information. Total about 1.500 outgoing quality links.
This is the most popular non-commercial Global Maritime Shipping Job Directory.
After over 8 years on the Net averaging about 27.000 visits per month, out of which about 21% returning visitors. Every year visitors from more than 200 countries and territories.
- Adamson (Phil.) Inc.
Since 1968, our objective is the supply of qualified, properly documented and carefully selected Filipino seafarers including full compliment of crew from Masters to mess boys for all types of vessels in accordance with the requirements of principals worldwide - Makati City.
http://www.adamsonphil.com
(Added: Thu May 17 2007 Hits: 466 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Agile Maritime Resources, Inc.
Our strength is our crew. Managing their career growth is our priority - Hen. Macabulos St., Bangkal, Makati City.
http://www.agilecrew.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 23 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Alster International Shipping Services Inc.
One of the highly regarded manning agencies in the country - Makati City.
http://www.alsterph.com
(Added: Thu Jan 17 2002 Hits: 1378 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Anscor Swire Ship Management Corporation
Organized in the Philippines as a corporation in the 1930 by the late Colonel Andres Soriano, a leading industrialist and respected business figure in the Philippines who promoted the growth of San Miguel Corporation. At the start of its operations, the corporation was engaged principally in general merchandising and investments in real estate and securities. Now acts as general agents for several international shipping lines such as Tasman Asia Shipping, New Guinea Pacific Line (NGPL), NORSUL International, Sea Consortium, China Navigation Company Ltd. (CNCO) and several Trampers. Other lines represented in the past were: Wilhelmsen Lines A/S (WLAS), Far East Micronesia (FML), New Zealand Unit Express (NZUE) and P&O Containers (P&OCL) until the latter's merger with Nedlloyd - Dr. A Santos Avenue, Brgy. San Dionisio, Sucat, Paranaque City.
http://www.anscorswire.com
(Added: Sun Feb 15 2009 Hits: 69 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Associated Ship Management Services Inc.
ASM provides excellent career opportunities for Filipino seafarers, high working standards to attract motivated and skilled officers and ratings.
http://www.asm-manila.com
(Added: Wed Mar 10 2004 Hits: 878 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Blue Manila Inc.
Provides ship owners and ship managers with quality personnel management services tailored specifically to customer's requirements. In this respect, customers can generate their own crew management or recruitment portfolio by selecting any number of our services to suit their circumstances - San Juan, Metro Manila.
http://www.bluemanila.com
(Added: Thu Jan 17 2002 Hits: 1030 Rating: 3.00 Votes: 1) Rate It Review It
- Bridging Oceans Safely by Amethyst Shipping Company, Inc.
Supplying shipowners and ship managers with qualified Filipino seafarers - Malate, Manila.
http://www.amethyst.com.ph
(Added: Wed Nov 07 2001 Hits: 849 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- C.F. Sharp Group
The pioneer of overseas maritime employment and one of the largest manning agencies in the Philippines - Intramuros, Manila.
http://www.cfsharp.com
(Added: Thu May 17 2007 Hits: 539 Rating: 8.00 Votes: 1) Rate It Review It
- C.S.C. Manila, Inc.
C.S.C. MANILA, INC. is an ISO-certified manning agency duly licensed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) primarily to provide trained and qualified seafarers of all ranks for ocean-going vessels. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has an office on Leveriza St. cor. Pres. Quirino Ave., Malate, Manila.
http://www.csc-manila.com.ph
(Added: Wed Apr 01 2009 Hits: 28 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- CTI Group
One of the world's largest human resource providers for cruise lines,cargo ships, resorts and private clubs. Philippine office is in Paco, Manila.
http://www.cti-usa.com
(Added: Mon Aug 16 1999 Hits: 964 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- El Greco Group of Companies
Crewing agent and manning agent providing crewing services, manning services and crew to International vessels since 1964. Other business include ship supply and ship chandling in major ports of the Philippines and jet ferries services between Manila and Bataan. Head office is in Quezon City.
http://www.elgrecomanila.com
(Added: Fri Apr 07 2000 Hits: 921 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Elburg Ship Management Philippines, inc.
An international provider of crewing and ship management services. In Elburg, we bring together our experience, our commitment to quality and continual quest for improvement with the readiness to cope with the diversified demands and needs of our clients in accordance with regulatory requirements to deliver the best possible service - Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.
http://www.elburgshipmanagement.com.ph
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 21 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- EMS Crew Management (Philippines) Inc.
We provide complete life cycle solutions for your ships. Our Ship Management arm provides technical and commercial services. Our Crew Management arm provides crew staffing and manning services. Our New Building & Projects department provides design, supervision and commissioning services and our Shipping Agencies provide port agency services - Railroad St., South Harbor, Port Area, Manila.
http://www.ems-shipmanagement.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 22 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Euro-Asiatic Shipping, Inc.
Established to concentrate on servicing requirements of European clients. It is a privately held corporation established for the sole purpose of providing crew-management services to vessel-owners and operators and businesses requiring seafaring personnel - L. Guerrero St, U.N. Avenue cor M.H. del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila.
http://www.eurasian-group.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 25 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Fair Shipping Corporation
Established with the primary objective of recruiting competent & qualified Filipino crew for foreign vessels. The institution’s vision & mission is to acquire and establish a world class effective management system for the purpose of employing reliable crew for the realization of safe ship operation and environmental protection for the satisfaction of our principals - Madre Ignacia St., Malate, Manila.
http://www.fairship.com.ph
(Added: Wed Apr 01 2009 Hits: 20 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Fairview Shipping Agency Corporation
An international crewing and trading company with a DIFFERENCE! Managed by a group of experienced professionals in the fields of maritime science, ship management and operation, engineering, education, business administration, international business and social sciences, the firm offers quality and relevant integrated socio-economic-cultural development approach in the management of marine personnel and vessel’s operation. With their wealth of expertise, FSAC management and staff are committed to provide total quality management - Arellano Ave. cor C. Ayala St., Malate, Manila.
http://www.fairviewshipping.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 19 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Filnaval Ship Management Corporation
Filnaval Shipmanagement Corporation, your partner in ship management, Ship agent and manning agent providing crewing services, and one of the fast growing manpower provider in the maritime industry. As a crewing agent and manning agent the company recruits, screens and supplies crew to owners and managers of International vessels - Andres Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.
http://www.filnaval.ph
(Added: Wed Apr 01 2009 Hits: 19 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- General Maritime Crewing Pte. Ltd.
General Maritime is a leading provider of international seaborne crude oil transportation services. The Company takes pride in owning and operating one of the world's largest fleets of quality Aframax and Suezmax tankers. Drawing upon its significant size and scope, General Maritime provides unparalleled professional service to top-tier customers in the Atlantic Basin and around the world. We employ a team of highly experienced individuals dedicated to achieving excellence for our clients and investors - Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City.
http://www.genmarmanila.com
(Added: Sun Feb 15 2009 Hits: 61 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- HeavyLift Manila
Today's shipping has a growing need for efficient crewing services, based on the highest quality principles. HeavyLift Manila is well placed to offer these services to owners: highly qualified and experienced crews, masters and chief engineers - San Juan, Metro Manila.
http://www.crewasia.com
(Added: Mon Jun 02 2003 Hits: 607 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Magsaysay-Mitsui OSK Marine, Inc.
MAGMOL commits to excellence in providing quality seafarers to MOL vessels. Built with the combined strengths of the industry’s best - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the largest shipping company in Japan - TM Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.
http://www.magmol.com
(Added: Wed Apr 01 2009 Hits: 24 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Maritima de Manila Management System Inc.
MARITIMA de MANILA strives to: • Be leading provider of quality manpower services consistently deploying for overseas assignment meeting requirements, needs and exceed their rising expectation. • Maintain highest ethical standards, sense of responsibility and fairness with respect to our clients, employees; crew and the communities we serve - A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.
http://www.mardmla.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 16 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Maritime Resource Management
The MRM organization, through its corporate group, offers a range of services covering a broad spectrum of shipping and crewing related areas. These services offered by the MRM corporate group range from ship design & construction over ship and/or crew management to emergency management & repair services. At MRM Philippines, we do more than simply providing or managing crews. Our primary focus is to understand your needs first and then we try to exceed your expectations - EDSA corner Escuela Street, Bgy. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.
http://www.seacrews.com
(Added: Thu Apr 02 2009 Hits: 21 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Mid-South Ship and Crew Management, Inc.
A family-owned corporation , was incorporated in 2005 to provide top quality services to shipping and maritime industry. The company provides a channel for the organized outflow of Filipino seafarers to different parts of the world - Belarmino St., Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City.
http://www.midsouthphil.com
(Added: Wed Apr 01 2009 Hits: 19 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Notre Dame Oilfields Maritime Services, Inc.
It is a licensed manning agency engaged in the business of labor recruitment and provision of shipboard personnel in the Philippines.
http://www.notredameshipping.com/
(Added: Thu May 01 2008 Hits: 153 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
- Orient Hope Agencies, Inc.
Orient Hope Agencies,Inc. is a seabased employment agency located in Ermita, Manila. The company had been in existence since 1984 and had already deployed thousands of Filipino seafarers worldwide - Ermita, Manila.
http://www.orienthope.com
(Added: Wed Mar 08 2006 Hits: 570 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
