I will miss you, Harvey Neolloydia Froi Dencio 01:11

  

     I spent time looking back at our ship as the service boat propelled through the dark waters in  this part of the Persian Gulf. We were  headed to the nearest port, but  my mind was still on board the ship. Our disembarkation was unexpected. We’ve been working for hours until dusk when captain announced that off-signers will be leaving that night. I was really exhausted but the fact that we will be returning back to the Philippines soothed every tired muscle of my body. It was a painkiller, making me forget the long and weary transfer of the ship’s stocks for the next voyage. All that’s on my mind was the picture of me and my colleagues on a hotel in Dubai, enjoying ourselves in a luxury that was free of charge, while waiting for our flight by the morrow.

Throwback: Random People Froi Dencio 20:02

 

“Sir Jay”

          Whether we admit it or not, we meet people at some point of our lives who either inspire or irritate us on a value raised to the nth power.

           Halos dalawang taon na namin siyang kasama. Dalawang taong puno ng nakakatawa, nakakapagod at nakakainis na mga karanasan. Tawagin nalang natin siya sa pangalang “Sir Jay.” Siya ang nagsilbing gabay sa amin sa mga panahong hindi naman talaga namin kailangan ng tulong at payo. Siya ang bigla nalang susulpot at sasabat sa tuwing may kwentuhan ang umpukan ng grupo namin. Siya ang kumakalabog ng pinto namin sa umagang kailangan naming mag-jogging at mag-ehersisyo. Siya ang taong bigla nalang tatawa sa mga birong binibitawan niyang hindi naman nakakatawa. At higit sa lahat, siya ang bida sa kaniyang akala subalit ang pinakanakakainis na kontrabida ng buhay namin.

 

A glimpse of Belgian sunset Froi Dencio 08:24

         Being a seafarer is enduring weeks and even months on board a vessel without setting foot on land. No wonder people of this profession (especially me) tend to get exuberant and excited once arriving on a certain port. The main reason: shore leave (though this doesn’t happen every time the ship is on port). These two words perfectly denote a total escape from day to day hard work on the ship, a moment of relaxation, setting eyes on new and various places and of course, the answer to month-long yearning to walk on dry land.

        One of the most memorable shore leave that I have experienced so far was that on Bruges, Belgium. Our ship was moored on Zeebrugge port so we are privileged to go downtown.   It was my first time to walk on a European land and I was anxious to see lots of scenic places on this municipality. Unfortunately, we only have a limited time to roam around and we have to return to the ship for our port duties. Nonetheless, we took some photos along the road for souvenir  and bought some Belgian chocolates for pasalubong.

Dealing with Technology Trend Froi Dencio 22:33

        When smartphones and other electronic gadgets were on the rise, I was anxious to get hold of the latest model, the one with the most awesome specs and those with the amazing designs. I used to watch in awe as my classmates showcase their gadgets, all in its innovative and spectacular glory. When passing by an all electronic gadget stall inside the mall, I stand for minutes staring at the array of mobile phones, tablets and laptops with this note in mind: someday, I am going to buy one of those silver and shiny stuff that my classmates and other friends have.
          When I had my first salary, I thought of buying the latest model of this particular smartphone. To my own surprise, I rejected the idea and kept my money instead. Same goes with my succeeding months on board. And every time I look at the shop to check on some gadgets, the urge of buying was already gone.
          Now I guess I am contented of the things that I already have (my current phone is a local brand phone but enables me to browse the internet, update my FB and Twitter etc.). I don't need to keep up with other people with the latest model of this and that. Though I don't have any negative sentiment towards technology, perhaps it is the inner me telling me that first things first and spend my money well.
          Indeed, people today tend to go with the latest trend as different gadget manufacturers continue their race to upgrade models every now and then. Living in a world where cyberspace has expanded through innovation, we must take a firm stand on how to deal with the flow without violating our morals and our sense of judgment. We are free to use any gadget for whatever purpose, but we must be responsible enough in doing so. And prior to buying such gadget, take some consideration first (can you afford it? is it badly needed? etc.). It is a virtue to allot some time to think about your decisions. So goes a modern Filipino saying: "Isip-isip din pag may time."