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Saturday, April 27, 2013

TIMER STARTED



    For the moment there isn't anything that career requires of me, and they are also waiting for my U.S. Visa to arrive at their office. Once it arrives thought that’s the part where career would be rushing me and tell me to hustle up.

    Minor Objectives still almost remain exactly the same and that the only thing that was accomplished was the Major objective of getting and securing a U.S. Visa at the embassy, The rest of the "TO DO" things are still pending up to now due to the lack of funding. My sister was a big help in giving me the necessary funds needed to pursue this agenda and I'm forever in debt on her efforts, as a matter of fact a huge majority if not all the funding came from her.

    So far this is still the objectives that need my attention.

    1.Photocopy my sisters ATM Card and submit the photocopy to Career shipping.
    2.Open an ATM bank account under my moms name and pass the photocopy of it to career.
    3.Report back to Captain Ledesma and attend the two remaining seminars.
    4.Go to the "TESDA" office in Taguig area , and get a copy of a CAV certificate of my C.O.C document, Submit the copy to career shipping
    5.Get the coverall Uniform
    6.Get the cash advance from the accounting counter.
    7.Aquire 2x2 and passport size ID picture from the photo studio (at least 6 copies each)and pass it to the Visa / License counter in career.
    8.Go to maritime medical clinic yet again and pass the physical examination form for the marshal island seaman's book.

    In other matters, relating to my visit to career shipping, there isn't much to write about it. My last visit was that I just went to the Uniform counter and had me signing up for the measurements for the coveralls and the safety shoes. Another thing I made during the recent visit was to see Captain Ledesma about the remaining training seminars, he gave a most recent schedule which is still way May 06.

    Last part of my visit is to go to the PRC / License counter of Career, on that counter I was told to apply for a Marshal Islands seaman book , and was given an application form along with a set of instructions on what documents I would pass.


    In other news, I had been busy packing my luggage for the long trip (estimated 9 months onboard) and considered that the stuff I should be carrying would at least last on the whole duration of the journey. For now I had a full list of the things and stuff id be needing and only need funding to buy them all.  For the best knowledge of the public I will publish the equipment and gear that id be bringing along onboard, so that people who would be reading this would know what important gear and equipment will be needed especially to first time sailors (Deck Cadet and Engine Cadet).

    Funny thing, that every time I prepare this list, It always feels like I'm going on to a space travel on a spaceship launch. Well my reasons are valid anyway and given the circumstances that id be trapped on a ship for 9 months, the best possibility of survival or to the very least lasting for the duration is to have as many equipment and supplies as possible.  Trying to imagine the scenario that if I would be left on an island (probably marooned for 9 months), what would be the things that I should be bringing along in order for me to live and survive a harsh environment ?  Aside from that I should consider also bringing "Anti-personnel" equipment to prevent people (to be direct , co-workers) from stealing my equipment.

    So far, here are the things that id be bringing along.


  1. 3 digital Watches , one for GMT , one for local time , one for Philippine time
  2. 2 mechanical pencil,
  3. 1 eraser
  4. 1 pencil
  5. Compass divider
  6. Calculator (FX Casio brand)
  7. 1 silver type small thermostat flask
  8. 1 silver type  coffee mug
  9. 2 notepads
  10. 6 PCS. gel pen black
  11. 6 PCS. Ordinary black pen (panda type)
  12. 1 set assorted Gel pen color
  13. 2 PCS red ball pen
  14. 1 magnetic compass
  15. 1 set sewing kit
  16. 1 sharpener
  17. 1 book  (cargo notes , withersby publication)
  18. 1 pair of scissors
  19. Pentel pen (Black color)
  20. 10 Pcs Photo ID , 2x2 and Passport size
  21. 1 Notebook hardbound


  22. Winter Jacket
  23. Flashlight
  24. Head flashlight (for safety helmet) and w/ spare batteries
  25. 2 Pcs Denim pants
  26. 3 pairs of plastic rubber gloves
  27. AAA, AA, D rechargeable batteries with charger
  28. 1 PCS adjustable Wrench
  29. 4 PCS quick Glue
  30. Can opener
  31. 1 set small high precision screw driver
  32. 1 cardboard box cutter
  33. 2 pairs of denim gauntlet gloves
  34. 2 PCS white T-shirt (Round Neck)
  35. 3 PCS Shorts (any Color)
  36. 1 PC Swiss Army Knife
  37. 1 PC Multi Purpose Pliers
  38. 1 Roll DUCT Tape
  39. 1 PCS Raincoat parka
  40. 4 PCS magnets
  41. 2 pairs of knee pads (airsoft Type or sports type)
  42. 1 set standard screw drivers
  43. 1 Tube of epoxy resin
  44. High powered Flash light or lamp (or Safety flashlight)
  45. 2 PCS "Electricians Belt"
  46. 1 PCS Garrison Belt
  47. 2 PCS "Swat vest"
  48. 2 PCS pistol belt
  49. 1 pcs Sidearm belt
  50. 6 pairs of socks
  51. Army Knife
  52. Safety ear muffs
  53. Safety chipping Goggles (1 PC ok , 2 REQ) , welding goggles will do
  54. Sewing Kit (needle, scissors, 3 thread colors minimum, )
  55. 3 pcs PADLOCKS
  56. 2 pcs of sweater jacket
  57. 2 pcs of sweater Pants
  58. 2 sets of electrical strap
  59. Sewer's measuring tape
  60. 3 sets of spare cutter blades 9mm , 8mm
  61. 1 PC Energizer headlight
  62. LED Headlight
  63. 1 pair airsoft type combat gloves
  64. 2 PCS Philips screw negative and positive type
  65. MMDA Facemask
  66. MMDA Side Pouch
  67. MMDA Pouch

  68. 4 Shavers
  69. 2 PC Tooth Brush
  70. 40 PCs Mefenamic Tablets
  71. 40 PCS Antibiotic  Tablets
  72. 2 small Bottles rubbing alcohol
  73. 2 Bottles of Shampoo (PANTENE BRAND)
  74. 1 Dextrose bottle
  75. 8 Bottles Vitamin E (Myra 400 mg Brand)
  76. 8 Bottles Vitamin C
  77. 8 Bottles Vitamin B complex
  78. 12 Pcs Band Aid strips
  79. 2 Rolls cotton Gauge
  80. 1 PC Cuticle Nippers
  81. 1 PC Nail Filers
  82. 1 Pc Nail Clippers
  83. 1 PC pusher's
  84. 1 Pc Nail Brush
  85. 1 PC ear wax cleaner
  86. 1 roll medical tape
  87. 2 PCS Soap (any brand)
  88. 200 Pcs Centrum Tablets 
  89. 2 Small Tubes of toothpaste
  90. 1 bottle of "Bactidol" mouthwash

  91. 2 Sets of formal clothes (For Holiday Occasions , For disembarkation)
  92. 7 Pcs of Underwear (Bench Brand)
  93. 7 Pcs of Socks (dunlop brand)
  94. 2 pcs Denim pants
  95. 1 Pc of Bonnette
  96. 2 pcs garrison belt
  97. 1 pairs of rubber shoes
  98. 1 pair of low cut shoes
  99. Net book with accessories
  100. 1 pc computer Tablet with accessories 
Show here are most of the stuff id be carrying Onboard my next ship, Hope that this will be enough to last for the duration of my contract and stay in the ship

Sunday, April 21, 2013

VERDICT OF CHOICES


Weather's getting harsher and I'm suffering from heat exhaustion every now and then. Imagine its now officially 36.6 degrees Celsius according to the government weather service and its only an average temperature, Unofficially its about 40 plus degree's now in the metro city and getting worse. Weathers so bad that I'm having a very bad cold because of it plus heat exhaustion and fatigue. General rule that I had to do this summer is to stay out of the sun (and any direct contact to sunlight) from 9am to 4pm, otherwise heat and dehydration will nail me. I'd take in mind to drink water and antioxidant meds everyday.

For the moment I didn’t bother attending the remaining two seminars left and focused my attention in checking my equipment and other stuff that might be needed later on, So far the latest news based on what I check on my equipment is that most of it is still intact and in good order, though some needs repair and replacement and some needs to be cleaned. Overall I could say that I might borrow some cash to replace and restock my supplies if ever this agenda in career escalates even further.

For the moment I had several pending small objectives that needs to be accomplished and one major objective awaiting my attention. Honestly I don’t think I'd be able to finish all task in a months time. Well I could finish it however given the limited funds that I had at my disposal, I find it doubtful to finish it in time.

1.Photocopy my sisters ATM Card and submit the photocopy to Career shipping.
2.Open an ATM bank account under my moms name and pass the photocopy of it to career.
3.Report back to Captain Ledesma and attend the two remaining seminars.
4.Go to the "TESDA" office in Taguig area , and get a copy of a CAV certificate of my C.O.C document, Submit the copy to career shipping
5.Get the coverall Uniform
6.Get the cash advance from the accounting counter.

And one MAJOR OBJECTIVE, which is

1.Go to the U.S. Embassy and get a U.S. Visa.

In the morning of the 17th of April, I was contacted again by career shipping on my cell phone and said that there is some sort of additional medical test to be done on my medical , and it was a new requirement coming from the principal and I need to report back and get an addition medical test. Puzzled I asked a bit further and said what kind of medical test, the person on the phone only hinted its more on a blood chemical thing. What the Hell ??? Am I going to take another medical and sticking something in my arm again ? I hope this "Extra" medical screening is just simply purely to please the principal and nothing of the serious kind , Cant help but think and worry about this extra medical test. Career orders me to go to their office immediately, However for the moment I cant do anything about it and that it has to wait until tomorrow since I don’t have enough money to go there in the office. This order simply has got to wait for tomorrow.

The following day…

Was lucky enough to borrow some money , and I immediately went to career shipping with haste to determine what is the exact nature of the phone call I received yesterday, Aside from it I had to report back to Captain Ledesma and get the schedules of the remaining two seminars , another objective that id be doing is go to the visa counter to be briefed on what I'm going to do by Friday at the embassy.
My Medical record at the clinic and at career

When I got there I went to the medical counter and said I'm here for the extra medical requirement. I was handled out with a small brown slip just as before along with my medical records. I was also advised that the test this time around has something to do with the cholesterol levels in the blood and that I had to do some fasting , which I assume that I wont eat any food or drink any kind of liquid for 8 or more hours before my blood is drawn up again. Medical wasn’t really that serious and I manage to see what my medical certificate looks like. Anyway I was told that I had to take the medical the next day , even if I told to the counter to have it rescheduled on some latter date given the fact this day she is referring to is the date of my VISA interview. (Damn !!! Alright I'd take the medical exam but let it be known that if ever I get to be boiled down by tomorrow and get to choose which of the two should I set priority first, id choose the VISA interview not the medical )

Behold the Receipt of the 21 century, hi- tech eh ??? duh 

Waited for at least 6 hours again and at around 4pm , I went to the Gilda at the visa counter to ask for the appointment schedule on the US embassy for the visa. Gilda told me to wait for a few minutes. It was already at about 6pm when my name is a called along with four others. Gilda briefed us that in the U.S. embassy consular interview, we have to remember specific joining port details and our previous "sign on / sign off" details of our previous ship along with our working history just in case.

When it was my turn to Gilda's desk , she said that the ship I will mention in the embassy is not "Cape Tallin" but "Cape Bastia" for now. She added that I shouldn't pay attention on it and that this new change of ship is just only used as a front for the US embassy. Gilda said that I should memorize the date of joining port and the port it will be at berth in the US.

Gilda reminded us that the security measures inside the embassy are really tight and that we don’t have to bring any electronic equipment around such as cell phones, tablets, laptops etc. even sharp and pointy objects are not allowed as well as bringing of any kind of food (preferably liquid in nature). She also added that we should be there at least an hour before the said interview schedule, Gilda handed us out other documents like our passport, seaman's book, some letter to the embassy, our dummy POEA contract and a note of details concerning the name of the ship and port of entry. Gilda said to us before proceeding tomorrow that we will immediately know if our visa application is denied or granted if the consulate would collect or not our passports (if collected it means that we passed).

Immediately went home since by the following day I will have two objectives, one will be of course the VISA and the other is the medical. I need to prepare and memorize all the details.

The next day…

Woke up early in he morning because of two things, One is because of the heat from the weather and the anxiousness of getting the visa. My mind was circling at kept asking the same question , what will the consulate ask and what could be the repercussions if I fuck this one up. I do recall what Captain Galang told me a month ago that they will accept me on the company but with one condition. I must get a US Visa or else I will get fired and have to pay everything. I dispelled those thoughts and hurriedly prep for my agenda with the embassy. I went out on the house at about 4:45 am.

I was near at the embassy at around 6am and was looking for a place where I could change from my travel clothes to a formal clothing from my back pack, I tried to search for at least 30 minutes in the surroundings but could not anything more suitable than a public park nearby. I was awkward changing clothes out in the open but there is nothing I could find, Good thing it was still in the morning and there isn't any people passing on the park and at 6:45 am I immediately changed my clothes. Incidentally after finishing to change clothes , one my batch mates who is also assigned to get a U.S. Visa on that day saw me. We talked for a while then headed off to the U.S. embassy.

Letter of appointment, present this to the guys in the tent outside the embassy premises. This piece of paper serves as proof that you have indeed a scheduled appointment interview. 


When we arrived , there were three people clothed in business suits standing on a small tent there ,we approached them and was asked to show off our appointment slip along with our passports. We promptly gave it and they put a sticker on our passport then scanned it and gave it back. While waiting outside the vicinity and falling in line I've notice that the embassy looked more like a fortress rather than an office building , complete with electric fence and search towers.  Once we got inside , my bag was scanned by the security guard on the X-ray machine looking for any electronic thing inside and I went thru a metal detector , The guard kept reminding us that we should not in anyway have any electronic device of any kind to be carried nor even had any liquid with us. One guy in front of me which has a mineral water bottle in his bag was advised by the security guard that he should throw that in the trash can as it is not allowed inside the embassy, he did what he was told to.

Second process was me and my batch mate came thru to this booth which we had to show our passports along with the letter that Career gave us. The primary purpose of the booth was more like a ticketing booth from a theme park as I could describe it, The number I got was 3191. After the booth I proceed into an open waiting area were there was a  huge amount of people sitting at the line of seats, and there an electronic queue signage posting a tickets numbers of people that will be interviewed. Minutes later one of the embassy staff aides yelled " are there any seamans around here ?? If so please fall in line in this area".Me and my batch mate hear what she said and quickly got up from our seats and fell in line immediately, seconds later we were escorted to the front door of the embassy building then inside we went again to another security check and passing another metal detector. The security guard manually checked and opened bags this time.

Afterwards inside the building the lady guide told me to go into the line in one of the window counters and show my passport for the encoding along with my 2x2 ID picture. There wasn’t any problem for me on that part and was simply told by the staff at the counter that I should wait for my number to come up again on the electronic screen for finger print scanning. One of my batch mates had a problem with his photo as it was not accepted by the staff at the counter, so I had to accompany him outside at the waiting lounge area to take another 2x2 id picture at the nearby photo id booth within the area. It took us about 15 minutes at the photos ID booth before going back again. Once inside I accompanied my batch mate to where he left off, then I went to booth number 18 for my finger prints to be scanned. For some reason the finger scanner machine there had difficulty scanning my finger prints and I had to press the scanner really hard just to get it right, The staff was already getting frustrated on my situation and said that I had to press the scanner as hard as I could. Did finished scanning the finger prints thought it took her a while. She told me to wait again for my number to flash again on the electronic queue for the final interview. From what I saw on the signage at the embassy, windows counters 1 to 4 are used only to conduct final interviews to applicants

this is the letter of invitation, present this to the consul who will conduct an interview along with the passport, if successfully passed. The consul will collect this with the passport and return it via mail on the company.


Several minutes passed by and me and my batch mates were sitting comfortably on the waiting chairs inside the building , suddenly my queue number flashed and that I had to go to the window 4 to be interview by the American staff there. When I went there the person right in front of me was turned down on his visa application, scared the shit out of me why I saw that. From what I saw the person is an employee of Unlad maritime shipping agency, which if I recall correct is the shipping company owned by Captain Jaime Jimenez. When I came to the booth, I handed out my passport to her along with the letter coming from my career, I was very tense and was expecting that the questions would be difficult, what I had in mind was the sort of like questions asked in a beauty pageant contest and the consul would make a meticulous check of everything I said, fortunately she only gave me three simple questions, about what is my job position onboard the ship, and how long have I had been a sailor and last question was what countries have I had been to. (To be cunning the first country I mentioned was USA). Everything happened so fast that in less than 3 minutes the interview was all over, The consul said that I should expect my visa to be granted within a week and expect it via mail. She directly said to me that my visa application is approved and collected my passport. I couldn’t contain myself on the joy in hearing that and after the interview I was smiling. My batch mate had also the same luck as I am and we both immediately hurried outside the vicinity and went off in separate ways , both of us were glad that the outcome of the Visa application was very positive.

After the first major objective was accomplish , my task for this day wasn’t over yet and I took a detour and proceeded to Maritime Medical and Laboratory Clinic, Inc to have another set of medical test. As usual, the staff was rude and very unhelpful, took them at least an hour and a half before handling out my medical records and instructing me to go to each and every medical department to sign on my medical records. When I got my records ,I read that my medical screening test package was "upgraded" to fit on my shipping principal standards. From what I saw I was no longer in the Columbia Ship Management principal and was shifted to "mutual steamship" principal ,

When I was at the laboratory section, The med tech wasn't that gentle when it comes to drawing blood and it was still excruciatingly painful stick the needle on my right arm, after that I had no trouble getting the signatures from the other departments and just simply dropped the line that my file was "transferred" and that’s it.


THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE EMBASSY.

First off , I would like to tell that the US Embassy isn't that comfortable to get a visa with. There is so much security that the word "comfort" is not exactly written on their dictionary. You have to go to two security checks with metal detectors and have the bags searched, the general rules here is to never bring any kind of electronics inside the embassy. If you have a cell phone, tablet , laptop , camera , vibrators (just joking here) or any kind of electronics, you have to leave it behind your house. Apparently the U.S. Embassy is suspicious on anything electronic as it may post as a triggering device for any bombs that might explode within the premises. In addition do not also carry any mineral water or anything liquid in nature inside the embassy as they might mistook it as a "liquid" bomb or any poisonous chemical agent. If the liquid is detected within the scanner, then the guard will simply ask you to throw it away on the trash can outside the security check.

Now this will be extremely uncomfortable if you just simply want a drink to get yourself rehydrated from the hot weather here in the Philippines and more problematic if you have a liquid type emergency medicines like insulin for diabetics or the aerosol type for asthmatic people. Despite a persons plea's to bring this around , security checks here in the embassy do not permit to bring these and you have to leave those behind , no exemptions. Rule of the thumb here is if your going to the embassy be sure that your fully prepared.  Fortunately there is a store inside the embassy were they sell refreshments and even souvenirs ( if you feel you're kind of patriotic to uncle Sam), I don’t know exactly how much a simple mineral water cost there as I didn't pay attention to it.  

For the attire, it is safe to say that you can get inside the U.S. embassy even in smart casual clothes, but for the sake of formality and to be on the safe side at least semi formal to formal attire clothes would be the best approach. For a sailor , if you have a Polo shirt, denim pants and rubber shoes would be fine. Attire isn't really an issue there, just simply answer the questions given by the consul on the counter and a sailor would be fine.

For the interview (I am saying this in reference to what I experience on a "CD-1" type of U.S. Visa applications), Its not exactly more of like a "final" job interview where you get to be put on a small office with a person behind a big chair and you sit in the corner. The interview is more like you stand in front of a glassed counter and talk to the consul. The interview will just basically be very short , not even lasting for more than 3 minutes. It’s a straight forward and direct to the point questions and the consul will directly say if you passed or not on the interview.

Final interviews for visa application will be conducted in this kind of setup , as what is pictured here in the circle is the area were consuls will conduct personals interviews, Do not expect interviews inside a small office room or be similar like an actual "job interview".

Monday, April 15, 2013

BEYOND LIES CAPE TALLIN


With the help of my sister , I was able to secure the endorsement in BPI bank to open an account there in Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. Career gave me two endorsement forms one for my sister and one for my mom, As of the moment hopefully by next week I'd be able to finish this allottement issue.
Able also to finally take and finish the "Anti-Piracy" seminar from career at room 307. This seminar isn't that difficult and that it just basically describes what to do in the event of a pirate attack on a commercial ship. They also included information that 21st century pirates don’t come with eye patches and daggers in between their teeth with wooden large ships, nowadays they come on inflatable fast rafts with external motors and a ladder and wield some Ak-47's and a huge rocket propelled grenade  (R.P.G.). The lecture seminars described a safe room in the ship called a "Citadel" (also called a "Panic room" here in the land based) were in the advent of a pirate attack all crew should be gathered there and be locked up from the outside until help arrives.


During break time to take lunch, I made a mistake and overspend an order in the fast food store which eventually resulted in me walking from Cubao to Marikina after the class. Anyway it was my fault but walking from that distance wasn’t really that hard. Though I did suffer another heat fatigue - yet again.

Certificates that i took in career
While walking my way home , Career phoned in on my cell phone and informed me of my apparent scheduled interview in the consulate office in the U.S. Embassy at April 19 , 2013 Friday. The caller also added that I would report back in the office at April 18 Thursday for a brief on the instructions and what to do at the Visa Interview. I was also instructed to go back to the Career on a latter day and report to the "processing" counter to sign up for the contract and see my salary.


All of a sudden , career called back again on my home phone and informed me that the new vessel id be assigned on wasn't going to be "Dale" but instead will be "Cape Tallin" . The difference between the two is that "Cape Tallin" is three times larger than "Dale", but that’s not the worst part - to my dismay I wont be able to join Captain Nicholas Betts in "DALE" and without the him watching my back there's a very huge possibility than I'd be maltreated just like before on my previous ship ( a lesson I learned hard on STOLT Strength). Seriously I have trust issues with strangers and here in the maritime industry it difficult to put my trust  on people. Anyway in spite of the possible difficulty I might encounter ahead, it’s a good thing that I already knew how to deal with it and better come there well prepared with anti-personnel equipment (padlocks etc.)

Anyway for the general information , The specs of "Cape Tallin" that took my notice is this.












Vessel Type: Oil/Chem Tanker (Product Tanker)
Gross Tonnage: 42,010 Tons
Length: 228 Meters
Beam: 32 Meters
Draught: 8.5 Meters

IMO:9441154
Flag: Marshall Islands
MMSI: 538003422
Callsign: V7QQ9

Following Morning, I went back again at career to finish a few paper works. Notably going to the "Processing" counter and signing up the contract. I do understand the urgency on why I had to sigh up for the contract and that its needed for the Visa, for the moment I could say that the contract I signed up with is more like a dummy contract and I had to yet to signup again if ever I passed the and got the U.S. Visa. From what I saw on the contract that I signed up with , my salary is about 905.75 U.S. Dollars per month and here is the break down slip of my salary according to the processing counter.
The Salary Rate Slip that was given to me

Basic Salary : 445 USD
Overtime pay: 248 lump sum
In Excess 85 hours: 2.91 USD
Leave pay: 163 USD
Seniority Bonus: 5.25 USD
Retirement pay: 44.50 USD

Quite honestly I wasn’t happy when I saw the salary rate that was being offered to me , and that the salary rate was almost the same as a Philippine Flag (POEA) rate for an O.S. which I recall is 900 USD also. However in spite of the cheap salary offer that was being given I did consider signing up because of the "Benefits" of having a U.S. Visa around. Having a Visa gives me an edge as a rating if I do secure one.

Aside from signing up on the "dummy" contract. I took also the time of visiting the medical counter to pass my typhoid fever "yellow card" vaccination along with my Yellow fever "Yellow Card" vaccination. Once I already passed it it means I officially have cleared the medical counter.

Last part was that I had to visit was the TESDA / NAC counter and inform them that I already took the 3 seminars assigned which is VSTC, MST and Anti-piracy . The receptionist told me that there is still two remaining and that I have to see her back again and report back once its finished.

Finished the said task and went home in the afternoon.

During late night I was watching a some sort of talk show program. Wasn't very fond of watching those kind of programs since I was a kid but one part of the talk show caught my attention. A guy named Andrew Alcantara who is now a rising Filipino fashion designer and was a former Sailor (Specifically BSMT) , It caught my attention on the part on how he describes his life back then when he was still a sailor and what lead him to leave and settle for the land based. Based on his testimony the reason why he became a sailor was on the fact that he looked up to his dad as a role model as a sailor and that he was living a comfortable life because of it. When his dad died because of cancer , he took up being a sailor without any further knowledge on what is the general job description of it.

Soon after he finished college, He immediately went to work onboard a ship and much to his surprise he was culturally shocked on what was going on. According to his story there were times, he was being waken up and bed as early as 5 am and being scolded by his superiors saying he was lazy and didn’t do anything. In the end was extremely dissatisfied and left his job - Now feeling burned out , he decided one day to venture out in the land based and see how he fares there. He landed as a fashion designer, On the talk show He was asked why he took up the job as a fashion designer, He simply answered two reasons, One is plain happiness, no matter how high paying the job is , it doesn’t necessary mean that you'd be happy on the job. Second is that he longed for the life of glamour and comfort , Something a life of a Filipino sailor will never be part of.

This is andrew alcantara's facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Designsbyandrewalcantara

TWO ALTERNATE WORLDS

My personal comment on this story is that indeed working onboard a ship Is full of hardship and sacrifices. And that people there are very primitive and short on good manners especially people who originated "down south" .

In working as a sailor the main concern that a person should pay attention is the people whom you are working alongside and not the job itself.  For the working environment all I could say is that the environment there is somewhat similar to a construction maintenance and the tools and equipment being used is very alike, In fact the equipment used here are a hard hat , coverall's , safety shoes with steel toe, cotton and leather gloves, and ear muffs for ear protection.

Contrary to what is generally perceived by the public. A Sailor will never ever get to wear the summer white uniform - as in ever through the course of their practice in their job ( the only exception is if the sailor worked in a passenger cruise line or Wearing it in a license ceremony). A sailor will only get to wear the gear I mentioned earlier, though its still open to modifications as what I did during my previous ship. Last part I could comment is the lifestyle, being a sailor the life style is very different and that the fashion clothes a person wears is very different , I had already posted it on my previous post on how a sailor dress like.

Typical standard school uniforms of a sailor in the philippines
Uniform Overalls used by a Sailor in actual work place

Actual Modified Coverall Uniforms i used during my previous Deck Cadet Years .this is not in anyway the standard company uniform and I only customized and modified the Uniform to suit my needs on the actual shipboard work



Thursday, April 11, 2013

LONG WALK ON THE HIGHWAY

A peek on inside Career shipping office

Was 10 am when I received a call from my home and at first I thought it was my sister just calling back again and that the she forgot something. When I picked it up it wasn’t my sister but it was some staff at career shipping office informing me on why the hell I haven't filled out the form yet for my U.S. Visa application and ordered me to report back in the office right away.

Well they don’t really have to rush me on that part since I'm going to the Shipping office anyway. During my walk to the jeep station, I received another SMS from career informing me to attend this so called "MST" (another jargon term in the office) training seminar on Wednesday . Ok duly noted and it’s a must that I attend "MST" since I accidentally screwed up on the "Anti-Piracy" seminar and overslept on my house.

At the visa counter booth
One golden rule I learned in career shipping is whenever it comes to reporting is NEVER COME IN EARLY, This has happened to me quite a number of times and I ended up waiting for more than 8 hours in career. So its best I spare myself from all that hardship and result to tactics. In career it wont make any difference if you came in as early as 8am or later than 2pm, the call time will still be the same (somewhere in between 4pm to 5pm).

Anyway going back , At 2pm I immediately proceeded to the Visa counter on career and asked for the form.  "Gilda" told me to fill out this form and afterwards pass it back to her with a 1 piece 1x1 ID picture, after a few minutes I passed the form back to her and the next was that she handed me out a piece of paper and told me to write my employment history there. After completing the said form , "Gilda" told me that id be receiving a notice coming from career shipping and be reporting back for further instructions since U.S. Visa application is by schedule and by personal appearance at the embassy. For extra information the Application form includes some questions like , have you ever visited (or entered) the USA and what dates are they. And countries that you have entered within the past 5 years. Some other questions included have you ever been denied in applying for a US visa before and what was the reason. 

Finished the agenda at 3pm and since there was more than enough time, I stopped by to my second objective in the medical counter and ask for the bank referral form that they will issue.  Unfortunately "Michelle" said that the bank referral forms aren't ready yet and I had to come back some other time, I replied that it wont be a problem and I'm not in a hurry to get it. Finished two objectives on a about an hour and a half and it isn't bad at all compared to waiting the whole day for nothing.

Now here's the big problem ,I took a second look on my wallet and found out that the cash I had is quite less than what I thought and I'd be short on cash on further visits to career. To conserve the remaining money, I decided to walk northward from Evangelista, Makati all the way to Cubao Aurora then head eastward to Marikina. For short walk my way home.I was ill prepared to walk but nevertheless I did accomplish it, Just had to keep in mind that I need at least 2 liters of water at my backpack to prevent dehydration since heat temperature in Metro Manila range somewhere from 36 degrees to 39 Degrees Celsius . Good thing thought that I had also a spare t-shirt on my back pack.

By the time I reached the first part of my walk , (In Cubao, Farmers market) my shirt was soaking wet with sweat all the way to the upper part of my denim pants. I changed clothes just to keep myself dry and got some clean water in the drinking fountain and filled up my water container, afterwards resumed my walk eastward going to marikina. Walking my way there wasn’t a big problem at all and it was already dark, So I don’t have to worry about heat and dehydration. Reached my house after an hour and a half , took a rest for 15 to 30 minutes then took a bath to wash off all the dirt and dust that accumulated on my body and finally took a nap to rest.

One thing I should bear in mind whenever Incase I would be on the long distance walk, is that I should have at least 3 spare t-shirts and 2 liters of water against dehydration and heat, Plus it's ok to have a spare underwear and anti-oxidant meds just incase. But having only a T-shirt and a liter of water is enough for the trek.

Following day I spent recuperating from fatigue and heat stress, Thought I do admit that I don’t have the same endurance as I have back when I was 16 years old, Still I was able to finish the long tedious walk and age hasn't slowed me down a bit. Walking long distances isn't exactly new to me and I had been walking the far reaches of the city since I was 16 years old. The main problem I faced was not the distance walk itself but the heat and dehydration.

The next day, I made preparation incase that if ever I ran short of money and decided to make a trek again , I’d be fully prepared. I had with me on my back pack 3 spare t-shirt , 2 full liters of water and of course a compass and a road map so I wont get lost or at least look for a shorter route. I also drank anti-oxidants and a Centrum tablet to reduce heat exhausting and give me an extra energy boost if incase I would walk.

At around 2pm I checked again if I still have enough coins to avoid trekking again from Makati to Marikina , Fortunately I had enough coins to spare me on the long trek and was enough for a bus ride to Cubao. Walking from Cubao to marikina is the least of my worries.

Anyway after the said seminar I reported back to Captain Ledesma and informing him about my progress , he said everything is going fine and I could attend the upcoming "anti-piracy" seminar again on this Friday. He added also that I would report back by Monday and see if he could squeeze in another seminar for me and that for the moment my schedule is somewhat pinned down by deadlines. Afterwards I took in a bus headed for cubao

In cubao area walking my walk in the direction to Marikina was not a problem at all.


Sunday, April 7, 2013

THEN AND BACK



Took advantage of the said holiday break to reinforce my finances and ask for help, four days of waiting is a long time especially if I'm expecting Financial help in order to proceed on my objective's. Good thing that Financial help arrived as scheduled and now I'm back again on my feet to settle some score in the medical clinic and career shipping. This time I'm very eager to solve this situation on a very quick basis.


For now the financial help that arrived is adequate enough to solve my primary problems, though sufficient it is very limited and I should keep in mind that I should use it wisely.

On Tuesday April 02, 2013 was busy as expected and had again hurdle my way towards the medical clinic for two objectives. One is to recover my chest X-ray plate I submitted on the X-ray department and the second objective is find out what happened to the results of my recent medical diagnostics and if there are any troubles, eliminate it as quick as possible. Third objective is go back to career office and take this so called seminar course from 2pm to 5pm called "VSTC" ( hell I don't know what it means ).
 
Medical bills that blew off 2200 PHP in a poof 
By the time I arrived I immediately went to the registration area and inquired the status of my medical screening. I was entertained by a male receptionist and he gave me the medical form, He said that the only thing that was incomplete was the dental part and that I have to go to that department. I replied "sure thing"

Before I went to their dental clinic , I took a detour on their X-ray department to recover  my chest x-ray plate I left behind previously. Had no problems recovering it and just dropped my name on the desk and they told me to wait a few minutes and presto they gave me the plate.

Finally I went to the dentist and passed my medical form, she said to wait for a few minutes since my purpose is to repair my dental fillings.  After a few minutes or so , my name was called and she told me to sit on the dentist chair . The dental repair I got wasn’t really that hard (or painful) I just a small replacement on the dental filling in my front tooth and that’s about it , A simple "cleaning" and patch up work and viola. Unfortunately the problem with the repair was that the cost of it as too high and it exceed my cost estimate. The bill went up to about 1200 PHP for a dental repair on a single tooth. Anyway the end justifies the means right ?! 1200 PHP is just trivial compared to the overall benefits id gain in the end, I think it’s reasonable enough.

Pet cat seems to be doing fine despite the hot humid temp

After the repair I went to the reception desk again and passed the medical form, I was told that everything is in order and the medical results will be passed on to my respective company ( namely career shipping). It was still early at that time I decided to stop by to another clinic that was also mentioned by the medical booth of career shipping (Jacobs ladder immunization clinic), It was just only a street away from the medical diagnostic clinic and I have the spare time , I went there and got my Typhoid fever vaccine shot. The doctor told me that the cost of the shot was 900 PHP and the vaccine shot on my body is active for three years times. The detour visit only lasted for a short 15 minutes, Still more than enough time for me to do something. Took the Old LRTA Train afterward and dropped off to edsa station and walked my way north just like I did before, when I reached the career vicinity I went immediately to Jollibee fast food store and took a quick lunch and hanged out there for more than an hour or so.

It was 2pm when I went to career office and went to room 309 for the said "VSTC" seminar.  The name of out instructor was Captain Gorge Patagnan , He was a warm and friendly guy . He gave us the whole meaning of "VSTC" which meant vessel security training course, and so brief info about ISPS lecture. The Seminar was simple and was over too quick. After that I immediately went home,

My Closet wardrobe as of 2013

After 2 days , I went back again for this so called "MST" seminar unfortunately our instructor Captain Gorge Patagnan has a badly swollen foot and was unable to attend his class , as a result Captain Ledesma went to our room and informed us that "MST" will be rescheduled by Wednesday and He dismissed that class.


The following day I was unable to attend the "Anti-Piracy" seminar because of a simple case of oversleeping , Woke up 7 am in the morning and an hour before the scheduled seminar. It was the best of my decision that I skip that seminar for next week, Anyway I did try to catch up on paper works by Saturday and manage to accomplish at least the allottement slip and will be on the latter soon opening up a BPI (bank of the Philippines islands) bank account for the remittance money. Speaking of which based on the information, Career can support two allottee per sailor and that remittance money should be no lower than 80 percent of the overall salary. In other words I put my sister and my mom as an allotee on the form and that each of them will get 40 percent of my salary and the remaining 20 percent will be on my pay onboard.

Sample of an BPI ATM card id be using if ever
For now my next move will be reporting back to Captain Galang and informing him that I have already been declared medically fit and await further instructions on how to apply for a US visa, Aside from that I would also be getting the bank refferal form from the medical booth to open up an account in BPI.

In other none relevant news

Temperatures are soaring quite high and for the record the temperature averages around 35 degrees Celsius in noontime and its making life a bit more difficult this summer season. During noontime my travel clothes are always soaking wet with sweat and I'm experiencing "heat stress" ,due to my clothes are not suitable for warm dry weather.

Other news that I would like to make note of it, was that recently there was an issue were some of the clothes that would be washed got apparently lost on the laundry shop, I went to the laundry shop to clear things up and from what I found out, the clothes were just simply not finished yet and that they're still being dried up on the drier. I was told to simply wait another day. Anyway glad the missing clothes issue was sorted out

Despite oversupply of "Ratings" , i could see on career that they do need actual crew and that they are just throwing the bulk of their applicants, (tsk what a waste of man power). Surprisingly they do hire even Ordinary Seaman positions. From the picture i took the requirements is a U.S. Visa. Big question , How many OS here that have an actual working U.S. Visa eh ??? However from what im seeing here O.S. personnel are not required to have one on their bulk ships