icma to press better conditions for the seafarers · icma to press better conditions for the...

Parola no.100 - September - October 1999 - Page ¾

NO: 100 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1999

PSAP joins world conference

ICMA to press better conditions for the seafarers

Message to our brothers and sisters in the seafaring worldfrom the 8th International Christian Maritime Association Conference

We, the 225 delegates at the eight World Conference of the International Christian Maritime Association, are gathered in South Africa from 47 countries to share our experiences and concerns, to evaluate our progress, to develop new strategies and to build a common vision regarding our international ministry as we go “Into Christ’s New Millennium”. We wish to convey the following message to the seafarers of the world and their families, with whom we are privileged to share our ministry in the name of Jesus Christ and His Church: We are deeply moved by the many difficulties and dangers you continually face in your need to earn your daily bread and to care for your families by going to sea. We are also grateful for the vital role you play in the world’s economy, at times unrecognised, as you sail the seas of our globe. We pledge to you, our brothers and sisters, our commitment to: - To share your burden- Make the global community and shipping and fishing industries more aware of their responsibilities towards you;- Support you when necessary in your struggle for greater justice and the recognition of your dignity and rights;- Promote an improvement in the quality of your lives at sea and the lives of your families at home;- Continue to offer you a welcome;- And share with you through word and action the infinite love which God, the Father of us all, has for you – a love we believe is revealed in and through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The need to lobby for improved conditions for seafarers, the plight of forgotten fishing crews, the possibility the Internet offers for supporting seafarers and the importance of educational materials on HIV and AIDS were some of the topics discussed at the 8th world conference of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) held recently in South Africa.Representatives of the Philippine Seaman’s Assistance Program (PSAP) were among the more than 200 delegates, from 47 countries, who attended the conference. Bob ter Haar, PSAP Chairman of the board and Basco Fernandez, Research and Advocacy Of-ficer participated in the conference.Under the theme “Into Christ’s New Millennium,” delegates discussed changes in the shipping industry and the challenges that these represent in serving seafarers effectively in the future. In one of the plenary sessions, PSAP was given some time to present its programs, specially on AIDS and its publication, Parola. (Related stories on pages 2 and 7)

South Africa, 10 September 1999

YES and NO! No, Parola is not 100 years old. YES, this is Parola’s 100th issue. And according to Nonoy Ty, PSAP coordinator, the biggest achievement of the paper so far: “Reaching the one hundredth issue! 16th years of existence!”

Yes. We’re celebrating in this issue. That means, among other things, that we’re going to have a flashback of the last 16 years of our publication. An in-terview with Nonoy Ty, who has been with the paper through thick and thin, will take us down memory lane.

Roli Ancha’s column entitled “One hundred” was specially written for this very special issue. We’ve also reserved space for feedback from our marino. What do they have to say about Parola?

Parola looks back, celebrates, it’s 100, that’s why!

The first issue of Parola.

on page 8

100thISSUE


A small boy amidst big broth-ers. That was how the two of us felt — Basco Fernandez and me, Bob ter Haar – when we left to partici-pate in the big International Maritime Christian Association (ICMA) world conference in Durban, South Africa.

PSAP might be a proud and self confident bunch of people. But when you enter the huge conference center with more than 200 representatives from the large Seaman’s Missions and Apostleship to the Sea all over the world, you feel small and inse-cure.

Why then did we go anyway ? Why invest money and time on a thing you do not feel easy about ?

In the first place, it was some mem-bers of ICMA who stressed why we should be there. Important friends in this world wide network, acquainted with PSAP activities, made us be-lieve that as a Filipino seafarers’ organization, we should not miss the conference. Indeed, when it comes to discussing, organizing, or cooperating on things like working conditions, seafarers rights, health,

A small boy amidst big Bob ter Haar

spirituality and culture –things cen-tral to the lives of seafarers and their families - then PSAP should be there. And it was precisely that which made the two of us to feel comfortable after a while.

During the many introductions, even more during the intensive discus-sions, and most of all in the informal meetings in between, we experienced friendship, recognition, and above all respect. There was respect for what Filipino seafarers contribute to the quality of life on board, to the devel-opment of seafarers rights, to the consciences of those living and work-ing in a responsible way.

No wonder that in a short time, we were able to open our information stand in the middle of the meeting hall. We were even invited to give an introduction to a plenary on our vision and on our working practice. People listened carefully when we offered our insights in the discussions on the many issues addressed.

It became clear to us that this was not because of our polite, modest but dedicated presence. No, it was the

fruit of many years of hard labor of our colleagues who, step by step, developed a worldwide network of friends and relationships.

The cause of Filipino seafar-ers is very much dependent on the steady, self confident, patient “stay-ing or being who you are.” It is this cultural approach, this giving voice to the seafarers himself that creates respect and benevolence towards Filipino seafarers. During the ICMA conference, we felt that this basis is the promising starting point for further action.

For it is not enough to say nice words to one another. What we as PSAP need, is very concrete support from fellow welfare agencies and do-nor organizations, so we could give shape to our programs. In return, we could share our experiences with the work.

Well, we did not come home with empty hands! We were encouraged by the ITF Seafarers Trust to produce plans for a renewed Parola, because, it is clear to everyone that communi-cation between seafarers is of central importance for the development of our movement.

We were invited to become mem-ber of the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW), an important network for welfare action. We developed new contacts with the AIDS Education & Training Centre in South Africa.

We found new openings to the International Labor Office (ILO) in Ge-neva. Last but not least, we renewed friendships with many pastors and lay workers from missions and apos-tolates, in many harbors in the world.

Coming home, we lost the feeling of a “little boy” totally, instead we feel that we should put all our energy in growing as committed, respected, and responsible member of this important world-wide family, the International Christian Maritime Association.

(Rev. Bob ter Haar is PSAP Chairman of the Board)Bob ter Haar with Rev. Peter Ellis and wife


Filipinos no. 1

Poll finds Asian workers loyal to employers

Asian workers are feeling more secure about their jobs and increasingly loyal to their employers following the regional financial turmoil which left millions jobless, a poll in early November showed.The Philippines emerged tops in job security and company loyalty under the survey which covered industries including telecommunications and chemicals and the financial and professional services sectors. The survey was conducted by US-based International Survey Research (ISR) in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines and Singapore. ISR President John Stanek said that levels of job security and loyalty among Asians this year and in 1998 were analyzed in the survey of more than 96,000 employees from the private and public sectors. Millions of people were retrenched across Asia after the financial crisis erupted in mid1997 and plunged the region into recession. But Stanek said those who kept their jobs were more appreciative of their employers now that a recovery is under way. Trailing the Philippines on job security were Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Japan. For company loyalty, Malaysia was on second spot followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Japan. Other areas studied under the survey were operating efficiency, quality of work done and worker benefits. Hong Kong showed the greatest overall improvement in general employee satisfaction, with Singapore coming in second. Japan recorded the lowest level of employee satisfaction due to continuing depressed economic conditions, ISR said. (Manila Bulletin, Phil. Media Online edition, Nov. 1999.)

Former President Fidel Ramos, former Vice President Salvador Laurel and six others have been recommended for in-dictment by the Independent Citizens’ Committee for the irregularities in the unfinished P3.5-billion Expo Pilipino Project in Pampanga. After months of study, the five-member committee headed by former Sen. Rene Saguisag released its findings to media and submitted a report to President Es-trada. Mr. Estrada created the committee after the Senate blue ribbon committee found in March that Ramos and other former officials misused billions of pesos in gov-ernment funds in building the Expo park and other projects to celebrate 100 years of independence from Spain. The committee said it had identified a to-tal of P9 billion in expenditures for the celebration of the Philippine Centennial Project, of which the Expo was a part. The fact-finding committee found that bidding for some construction projects was rigged, and in some of the bids, docu-ments were falsified and some signatures were forged. Mr. Estrada has said that he would ask the Ombudsman to review the findings of the committee before filing formal charges in court. The committee said Ramos and then Fi-nance Secretary Salvador Enriquez were “being charged less for their actual direct acts, but for tolerating National Cen-tennial Commission chair Laurel in the wastage of public funds and government resources.’’ The Expo project, which cost P3.5 billion, exceeded its original budget of P1.9 bil-lion. It opened in 1998 but closed down on June 30, 1999 due to heavy losses. “If somebody is to be denied the license to waste, it should be the President,’’ the committee said in its report. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Phil. Media Online edi-tion, Nov. 1999)

Expo scam: FVR,Laurel held liable

Business confidence in the Estrada ad-ministration is fast slipping, a survey commissioned and published by the re-spected economic daily BusinessWorld said. The survey, conducted by New York-based Audits and Surveys Worldwide for the paper, showed the business confidence index drop to 91.1 points in October from 113.3 points in July, it said. Replying to a question on government performance, “only about 13 percent (of respondents) said it is doing a better job than a year ago.’’ Almost half said the government was doing a “worse job than a year ago,’’ BusinessWorld said. “This is the government’s worst rat-

Traders give governmentworst rating yet

ing yet among businessmen,’’ the paper added. Three previous surveys, which showed a drop in Mr. Estrada’s popularity, were conducted amid a series of increases in gasoline prices, a debate over amending the Constitution, Mr. Estrada’s support for state-regulated gambling and perceived ir-regularities in the government, including allowing officials to use smuggled cars.In a response, the President promised to target corruption and cronyism, pledging he would not enter into an out-of-court settlement with the Marcos family over their alleged stolen wealth. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Phil. Media Online edi-tion, Nov. 1999)


Isang marino ang bumisita sa am-ing opisina dito sa Seaman’s House at nagpakilalang siya daw ay chief cook sa barko. At nagtanong sa amin kung ano ang maitutulong ng PSAP sa kanya dahil siya daw ay pinauwi ng kapitan dahil hindi daw siya sumu-sunod sa kagustuhan ng kapitan. Siya daw ay incompetent. Naitanong ko kaagad sa aking sarili, dahil ba sa hindi siya sumusunod sa kagustuhan ng kapitan kaya siya binigyan ng ka-song incompetent?

Incompetent nga ba?Sa ganang akin, ang incompetent

at di pagsunod sa kagustuhan ng kapitan ay dalawang bagay na mag-kaiba. Una, ang kasong incompetent ay iginagawad sa isang manggagawa kung hindi kaya ang trabahong naka-laan sa kanya. Ibig sabihin nito ay ibinibigay ang kapasyahan pagkata-pos nating gumawa at dito makikita kung tayo man ay may ibubuga o wala. Subalit, kung minsan dumarat-ing ang pagkakataon na hindi natin nauunawaan ang kagustuhan ng ka-pitan kung kaya’t kahit kaya natin ang trabaho, taliwas naman sa inaasahan ng kapitan na mangyari. Dahil dito, may posibilidad na magawaran nga tayo ng incompetent.

Dali-dali kong tinanong si chief cook kung bakit naman siya incompetent? Ilang taon na ba siyang kusinero? Ilang buwan na ba siya sa barko at ano ang nasyonalidad ng kapitan? Walang pasubaling sumagot naman siya at sinabing “tinubuan na ng tala-ba ang aking likod sa pagkukusinero kaya nga lang eh sa mga full crew na Pinoy at ngayon lang siya nakasama ng German na kapitan. Sa isip-isip ko marahil kaya iginawad sa kanya ang incompetent dahil hindi nasusunod ang gusto sa mga pamamaraan ng paggawa at sa pagkain.

Aking napagtanto dahil sa sinabi ni Mayor, hindi dahil sa siya’y incom-petent kundi maaaring kulang ang kanyang kaalaman sa lutuing pagkain ng Aleman. Iba ang kanilang kultura sa pagkain, sa lasa at istilo, o maaari din namang kahit alam ni Mayor ang lasa at istilo nila, patuloy pa rin na si-nusunod ang maka-ating istilo, dahil nga naman kung minsan o kadalasan, wala talagang lasa at sarap ang istilo ng pagkain nila.

Puede ang mungkahiAng masakit na haraping katoto-

hanan sa kalagayan sa barko ay hindi tayo ang masusunod kundi sila, sa kanila ang gubyerno. Puede lang tayong magmungkahi at magluto ng sariling atin at ipatikim sa kanila, kung magustuhan okey at kung hindi, ala tayong magagawa kundi sumunod sa kanila. Sa pakiramdam ko ito ang mga basic na pangyayari. Sa barko lalo na sa hindi natin kalahing opisy-al sa barko, pag hindi natin nasunod ang kalooban nila disgrasya tayo. At ito ang nalalarawan ko sa kalagayan ng ating chief cook na ito. Kung in-alam lang sana niya ang kagustuhan ng kapitan, o may kusang palo na pag-aralan ang istilo ng Aleman sa pagkain, papauwiin kaya siya? Sa bagay hindi ko pa rin alam ang tunay na pangyayari kung ito ngang mga bagay-bagay na aking nabanggit ang dahilan, maaaring meron pang higit dito.

Hayaan ninyong dalhin ko kayo sa ating ispirituwal na pamumuhay at gawin kong halimbawa ang kuwento ng marinong ito. Sa banal na aklat sa Lucas 22:42 matatagpuan natin na nananalangin ang ating Panginoong Hesu-Kristo sa hardin ng Gethse-mane. Ito ay bago Siya dakpin ng mga sundalong Romano. “Aking Ama, kung maaari kuhanin mo sa akin ang sarong ito, gayunma’y hu-wag ang kalooban ko ang masusunod kundi ang kalooban Mo”.

Iyon pong saro na binabanggit dito ay simbolo ng Kanyang dinadalang hirap at pasakit dahil alam Niyang Siya’y sasaktan ng tao, aalipustahin, iinsultohin, gugulpihin at ang lalong pinakamasakit ay alam Niyang Siya’y ipapako sa krus at doon mamamatay. Ewan ko sa inyo, subalit sa tingin

ko eh, dito ipinapakita ang pagkatao ng ating panginoong Hesus, baga-mat bago pa man Siya naging tao eh, alam na Niya ang mangyayari sa Kanya.

Subalit sa oras na yaon eh, tila gustong makipagtawaran sa Kanyang Ama, na baka sakaling magbago ang ihip ng hangin, para bang nararam-daman Niya at nagdadalawang isip kung Siya ba ay tatalimang ipako sa krus, kung kaya’t sinabi Niya na kung maaari kuhanin mo sa akin ang sarong ito, subalit sa susunod na pan-gungusap, inumpisahan ng salitang, gayunma’y, magbago man ang pasiya ng Ama o hindi, sinabi Niya na hindi ang kalooban Niya ang masusunod kundi ang kalooban ng Ama.

Maliwanag po ba, itong simpleng panalangin ng ating Panginoong Hesu-Kristo nawa’y magsilbing gabay sa ating pamumuhay, hindi sapat na malaman natin ang kanyang kalooban at tapos period na kundi alamin natin ang kalooban Niya at kapag nalaman na natin ay gawin ito. Isang kalooban Niya na gusto kong maibahagi sa inyo sa gospel ni Matthew 6:33 na sinasabi:

“Hanapin muna natin ang kaharian ng Diyos at ang Kanyang kabanalan at lahat ng kailangan natin ay ipag-kakaloob Niya.” Ang una pong clue para mahanap natin ang kaharian ng Diyos ay kilalanin natin ng personal ang ating Panginoong Hesu-Kristo. Gawin natin pong personal ang kan-yang sinabi sa 1 John 5:10-12, na na kay Hesus ang katotohanan at buhay na walang hanggan. Ang maganda po nito eh, pagkatapos nating ma-hanap at maisagawa ang kanyang kalooban tayo din po mismo ang makikinabang.

Ipakilala ang ating kultura

Felix Pulmano

Kaninong kalooban ang masusunod?

Itutuloy sa p.15

On behalf of my wife, family and friends, Mabuhay ang Parola!

Benjie Manalese, Jr.P & O Nedlloyd Kingston


Capt. Ken Blyth claims that there is a ‘silent web of conspiracy between insur-ers and shipping companies’ over pirate attacks. Ken Blyth was the master of the Petro Ranger when it was hijacked on passage from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh.Speaking to Fairplay shipping magazine following jailing of Chew Cheng Kiat, the man behind a number of attacks, among them, the Petro Ranger, Blyth said: “ship-owners don’t mind if they lose the ship or the cargo because they get the insur-ance. A lot of incidents went unreported because ship owners are quite happy to collect the insurance.”Blyth, who, with his crew, was held cap-tive for 12 days, spent long hours talking to the Indonesian gang leader. Chew’s international piracy syndicate, and others like his, Blyth believes, have a well-fund-ed intelligence and organised criminal networks as sophisticated as Latin Ameri-can drug cartels. Blyth claims pirate gangs has access to information from sources close to their operations about the ships they target. Chew’s gang, he says, already had docu-mentation for his ship in a new name bought from a small Central American flag state’s consular office. Blyth says the pirate leader told him that his 12-strong band included two engineers employed through a Singapore shipping agency. (The Sea, Nov.-Dec. 1999)Some years ago, four Filipino seafarers became victims, when their ship was hi-jacked somewhere in the coast of Thai-land. The story of the Filipinos narrated to Parola was similar to the story shared

Conspiracy over pirate attacks?

The semi-submersible heavy lift vessel Mighty Servant 2 suddenly capsized in the vicinity of the Indonesian Island of Singkep on Nov. 2. Five seafarers, one of them a Filipino, were wounded. Another five died in the accident, three Filipino ratings and two Dutch engineers, one of them a woman.The vessel was sailing South Korea to Angola transporting an offshore production module weighing some 8,790 tons.Owned by a Dutch offshore company, Mighty Servant 2 is 170 meters long and weighs 23,000 tons. It is known to be a very stable vessel and is unsinkable. As of this writing, the cause of the accident has not yet been established.

Mighty Servant II sinks, costs five lives

New Stella Maris Center in DavaoThe five-year dream of Fr. Jack Walsh and his Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) in Davao finally came true in July 1999, when the ITF Seafarers Trust agreed to make an award of 32 million Philippine peso for a new Stella Maris Center in Davao. The AoS in Davao first began planning the new center in 1994. However, unexpected changes in the building industry and an unstable economy did not allow them to pursue the project any further. Following a meeting between the Trust and the AoS chaplains and Fr. Cantillas, the AoS Bishop in March 1999, Fr. Walsh re-started the application process. (ITF Seafarers Trust Homepage, Nov. 1999)

This is Mighty Servant III which looks exactly like Mighty Servant II. Mighty Servants I to III are all heavy lift vessels.

Our Condolence to the family of Henry Lamatao. Henry died on November 5, 1999 immediately after an accident on board.“Henry, was not only a happy man, but also a very good seaman, a friend and colleague. We shall never forget you! May you rest in peace”From the crew and officers of M/V Emma: 2/O Dhonchen, Key, M. Coronado, E. Jamolino, C/M E. Samson Jr., E. Kapangyarihan, Ck. Santiago, Jimmy, Edgar, and Capt. Klaus H. Groene; from 3077 Deck Officers Inc, and from friends in PSAP- Parola

We express our deepest sympathies for our friends, victims and survivors of the tragic sinking of Mighty Servant 2 in Singapore on 2 November 1999.

We extend our special prayers for the four crewmembers whose bodies were recovered after the accident, and one Filipino crew member still missing.

We express our condolence to the family and friends of AB Alfredo Binauhan and Oiler Leonides Madelozo.


Malugod kong binabati ang lahat ng tagasubaybay ng Parola ng isang mapag-anyayang ika-isandaang ka-limbagan (issue) nito. Ipinararating ko rin sa pamunuan at mga sangay ng PSAP ang taas noo kong paghanga sa walang humpay na pakikibaka para sa isang layunin at adhikain para sa mga Pilipinong Marino. Kung kaya’t naabot ang ika-isang daang limbag nito.

Ipinagpapasalamat ko rin at ipinag-kakapuri na sa ika-sandaang labas na ito, ang pahina para sa “Kuwento at Buhay Marino” ay nabibigyang pansin, nabubuklat at nababasa. Sa inyong pagtangkilik, maraming mara-ming salamat po!

Nagtatanong langO, paano...huwag muna kaya

tayong tumalakay ng buhay sa barko ha, mga kabayan? Dahil para naman maiba ang putahe. Kasi noong hul-ing uwi ko nang ako ay magreport sa aming opisina ang tanong sa akin ay kung pwede na raw akong mag-train-ing ng PSSR, Profeciency in Lifeboat Handling at shorebased Fire Fight-ing. Aba’y, medyo may kahinaan din nga pala ang kukote nito! Sa loob-loob ko. Halos beinte-cuatro oras pa lang akong nakakahiwalay sa barko eh, ari at gusto na agad akong pag-trainingin. Na ang pag-uusapan doon eh tungkol uli sa barko. Jesus Panginoon ko! Aba’y kahit na sinong pinaka-magaling na magturo o mag-paliwanag na instructor, sa wari ko’y hindi papasok ang pag-aaralan sa isip ko kung ganyang kabababa mo pa laang eh...parang nakasakay ka na uli.

Pero teka, iyan ga kayang mga agency natin na may porsiyento sa mga training centers...ssshhh...atin-atin lang ito o mga training centers, eh interesadong tayo eh talagang matuto? O...doon sa ibinabayad natin

Kuwento at Buhay Marino Roli Ancha

One hundredluwa ang kanilang mata! (Wala akong sinasabing ganoon ha! Nagtatanong laang ako dahil duda akong maging ang gobyerno eh ganoon din ang tum-bok). Kaya parang ganoon din ...iiba muna natin ang rombo...kambyo tayo. Ah...kalimutan muna nating panandali yan kabayan magkuwentuhan na lang muna tayo total ika-sangdaang labas ito nitong Parola. Kaya ngayon pag-usapan natin ang tungkol sa “isang daan”. Ready...Go!

Bakit ba parang naiiba sa lahat ng bilang ang isang daan o one hundred sa wikang ingles. Tingnan mo lang sa atin, ng i-celebrate ang ika-100 na araw ng kalayaan, aba’y ma-raming daang piso ang ginastos ng gobyerno na disin sana’y ibinili na lamang ng daang-daang kaban ng bigas para sa mahigit na isang daang libong Pilipinong nagugutom. Sample pa lang yan. Sa “porsiyento”(I think it’s a Spanish word for per hundred) di ba’t ang pinaka-basehan ay ang 100%? He! he! he! ikatlong sample, kung papipiliin ka sa dinominasyon ng perang dolyar, alin ang pipiliin mo? Normal, one hundred dollars!

Sa palagay kaya ninyo mga kabay-an bakit mahalaga ang sandaan? Sa ganang akin, one hundred is the beginning after an end in counting. He! he! he! Malabo ba? Ganito yon. Nag-uumpisa ang lahat sa bilang na isa na pinipilit, iniaabot, sa bilang na isang daan bago mag-umpisa uli sa panibagong bilang na ...one hundred one...which is infinity. Bihira ang isang daan sa idad ng tao o maging sa naghihikahos na tao. Bihirang magkameron ang bulsa nito. Kung inyong a-ayayin (worthback) ang isang daang araw na nagdaan sa buhay mo... sa kontrata halimbawa, doon mo mapapansin, marami ka na palang nagawa.

Bilang na walang hangganGaya nga nitong ating Paro-

la. A-yayin mo ang pinagdaanan, mag-umpisa ka sa sandaan pabalik hanggang sa bilang na isa. Ganoon na pala kami katagal. Ganoon na pala karami ang pinagdaanan nito. Ganoon na pala kalawak ang naabot nito. Ganito na ba ito ngay-on? At doon ka makakaramdam ng pagod. Pagod na may ligaya dahil ang ika-isangdaang kaganapan ay mapunyaging naarok mo upang mul-ing mag-umpisa ng bilang. Bilang na walang katapusan. Bilang na muli at muling masusundan habang may marinong Pilipino. Habang my sumusubaybay, sapagkat ang isang adhikain ay hindi kailanman mamamatay. Ito’y patuloy na mag-papatuloy hindi lamang sa ngayon kundi sa mga bukas pang henerasyon sapagkat nag-umpisa na ang bilang na walang katapusan.

Marami ang naghahangad sa bi-lang na isang daan. Marami ring nabibigo.

Itutuloy sa p.12

I wish you all the best, that Parola can bring to the seafarers, infor-mation and tips. We seafarers are lucky enough to have Parola as our informative leaflet. Good luck and more power!

Vhin


Basco (B): On the occasion of Parola’s 100th issue, we would like to ask Paul some questions. We are heading for the next millennium, Paul, and I am not very sure what is in store for seafarers at this point of our lives. Is the future good or is it bad for the seafarers?

Paul (P): Well, I wrote my book and called it “Trouble on Board.” Unfortunately the troubles continue and in some ways, the troubles get worse. Because we see in the maritime industry a consolidation of power. There are mergers and acquisitions within the shipping industry. And it is predicted that many of the smaller ship owners will yield their control over to a few large shipping corporations, maybe six or eight in total. Which concen-trates power in the hands of a few hands.

The seafarer will lose power. They will have fewer choices and they will be more and more at the mercy of those few decision makers. So, I think we are seeing an increase in power in a few and a decrease of power in the hands of the workers. This means that a very few people would be able to set salary levels, and establish working conditions. They will probably be merciful in good times, but in bad times they may show no mercy. Profit remains the primary goal of all such operations. B: In such a depersonalized setting, the people that hold power over the seafarer would probably be people that never get to see in their lives. The captain might be powerful but he will still have to report to somebody above him. In such a situation, do you think there is a role for those friendly or friends of seafarers?

P: Well, certainly if seafarers are being victimized by a system over which they have no control, the only way to maintain their humanity is outside of the control situation. So that they must get this strength, from the knowledge that there is this whole under-ground community of support for them. And even if they are doing the daily tasks that is assigned to them in order to make a living, their primary sense of value will be coming from the knowledge that they belong to whole community of support. A community which does not have any official recognition within the shipping industry.

I think that organizing the industry for change becomes in-creasingly difficult. I am entirely in favor of unions, when the unions have any possibility of affecting the life conditions of the seafarers. But, when we are simply the victims with our hands out looking for jobs in situations of high unemployment, then our sustenance, our true meaning and understanding about the meaning of life, must come from these extra-industry, or outside-the-industry support groups. And, PSAP is a very good example of that.

Seafarers Ministry in the Next Millennium:

Basco Fernandez

An interview with Dr. Paul Chapman

In Durban, South Africa, during the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) Conference, Parola was able to talk to Dr. Paul Chapman, secretary general of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). Paul is a long time friend of PSAP and Parola.

In the conference, Dr. Paul Chapman was called “old rock” because he represents three generations of ministry for seafarers, starting from his own grandfather. It is a name associated with commitment for seafarers rights, and he was responsible for the creation of the Center for Seafarers Rights in New York. He continues to serve the seafarers as secretary general of the North American Maritime Ministry Association.

Dr. Paul Chapman.

So we put up with the work, but we live our life after the work is done. This is a quite big change from a previous time when we understood work to have value as calling. Work is for more and more people, no longer calling, in which we can express the glory of God in our own gifts, in our work itself . Work is kind of a prison that we go to through the day. And when that work is over, then we can start to live. That is a reverse of what we grew up with, I think.B: What do you think needs to be done by friends of seafarers in this situation? What do seafarers expect of their friends? Or simply, how to develop our work further?

P: I think that raising awareness. The word that was developed during the time of liberation theol-ogy in Latin America was consciousness raising. Conscientization is the big word. This is to give power to people because they become increasingly aware of the real situation in which they find themselves. The more we define our situation realistically, the more we realize that the system is not of our own making. And we do not have to punish ourselves, or lose our self

on page 13


Parola looks back, celebrates...Josie Pulmano re-read some of the so many letters we’ve received and took note of the unforgettable ones to be shared in this issue.

The participation of Bob ter Haar and Basco Fernandez in the 8th ICMA Conference was fully documented, the photos will show how busy they have been. In Durban, South Africa, where the conference was held, they presented the programs of PSAP, specifically that of Health — AIDS and STD’s, and information and education — Parola. Their participation and net-working proved to be very significant and fruitful for Parola.

In the same conference, Basco had the chance to interview Rev. Paul Chapman, the founder of the Center for Seafarers’ Rights.

A flashback…My (Marlene - M) in-terview with Nonoy (N):M: When specifically was the first is-sue of Parola published? What was it like? How many copies were print-ed?

N: The first issue of Parola came out in May 1983, with four pages, mimeographed and 500 copies.M: Who were the people behind the first Parola?

N: Wim van Wijk, founding Chair-man of PSAP, Nelson Ramirez and some Filipino seafarers based in Rot-terdam.

Among the people who helped Parola in the earlier years (1983/84) aside from Wim, were Dick Malay, Kees Ruigrok and Jun Pols. From 1990 up to 1994, Jose de Vera joined to help.

September 1984 was the first time that I met Wim van Wijk and I was introduced to the work of PSAP and the situation of Filipino seafarers. Wim also invited me to help in the production of Parola. Soon, I became involved in PSAP activities and the making of Parola. At that time the cir-culation was around 1000 copies. To come up with a new issue, took a lot of efforts.

The people involved were all vol-unteers with their own priorities. The paper had hardly any funds. Equipment used was an antiquated computer. Instead of spending time to produce Parola, we were kept busy with the repair of the computer. But in the course of time our computer

gradually improved, thanks to support of Katholieke Noden.

From the very start of Parola, seafarers’ contribution was always present. Hundreds of Filipino sea-farers have contributed to Parola, by writing articles, poems, songs, jokes, etc. Among them were Nel-

son Ramirez, Efren Villanoa, Angel Cagwing, Gaudencio Espineli, Louie Nuevo, Ruel Samson, Ed Labao Os-car Cadag and many more. Presently, Roli Ancha is anchoring the popular column Buhay Marino and husband and wife team of Felix Pulmano of Opinion and Josie Morilla Pulmano of Kami Namang Mga Babae. Of course, we’re not to forget our regu-lars when it’s distribution/mailing time: Abas Abdulah, Edgar Econ and Lesh-ley Liauw.M: Why the name Parola?

N: Parola means Lighthouse. The name was suggested by our seafarers friend. The name Parola fitted entirely with the aim and vision of PSAP. M: Why did Parola come about? What were the objectives then?

N: PSAP was founded in April, 1981 and two years later Parola ap-

Marlene Macatangay

peared. In the editorial of the first print, it was affirmed that “Filipino seamen, you are the reason why this newsletter must be printed. We would like you to know that somewhere in this part of the world somebody is concerned about your welfare and well being”.

The main objective of the Parola then was to keep Filipino seafarers informed of their profession, shipping business and some particular infor-mation about Philippines.M: What are the unforgettable events

World is a whole lot nicer because of people like you there in Parola. You know why I say so! As a cook, like me, your Parola newspaper is “kumpleto recados” ika nga, kaya wala ka nang hahanapin pa! Sometimes mas namim-iss ko pa ang Parola than the letter of my wife, smile!Keep up the good work and more power too and God Bless!

Manny Razon

Roli, Josie, Marlene, Margie and Nonoy


The most memorable moments which I’ll never forget were those pe-riods that we were making Parola. Looking back, it is still very vivid in my mind — those days and nights we spent to come up with an issue. From 1984 up to 1994, Wim and I, I would say, were the most consistent or maybe the most determined to pub-lish Parola. I could not remember a single issue printed without spending an overnight in a week-end. Without Wim’s commitment and determination in those days, Parola would never be what it is today.

M: What do you think is the biggest accomplishment of Parola?

N: Reaching the one hundredth is-sue! 16th years of existence! I think, Parola helps to promote the issue of the Filipino seafarers internationally. It provides a positive image of the Filipino seafarers. The many Filipino seafarers we are meeting regularly, always affirm, that our presence, es-pecially Parola, is giving them hope, as there are still some places where people remain steadfast in promoting Filipino seafarers’ rights and welfare.

There are clear signals that Parola is effective. One example is that err-ing and corrupt manning agencies in the Philippines are restricting and dis-senting the appearance of the paper. On the contrary, good agencies and shipping companies are recommend-ing and some are even distributing Parola to their Filipino crew.

At present Parola is available in 140 seafarers centers all over the world and has now a circulation of 11.000 copies. The challenge for the future is to have sufficient resources, both financial and personnel, to continue and adapt our publication to the new means of communication technology, especially to be present in the digital world.

in the life of Parola (nos. 1 to 99)? How different is Parola now from the early Parola?

N: There were many unforgettable events in the life of Parola.

In those early years computer was still very much unknown to us. We were using a rather primitive way of composing the pages - the headlines and the stories. For example: Just to make a headline of an article took us a number of hours to come out with a decent layout. We were using letter-transfer, so letter by letter transferring

it to the paper. I remember how we were very conscious to have only short headlines. Sometimes, it be-came very frustrating when after transferring all the letters, one would see that the word was wrongly spelled or the words formed were not straight at all. At times, when the job of trans-ferring letters was almost done, we’d find out that there were not enough letters anymore from the letter sheet. Needless to say, it was very meticu-lous and painstaking work. M: What have always been the obsta-cles of the paper?

N: The main obstacle, aside from fi-nance, is personnel. Since the start of the paper, it has always relied on volunteers. Again, I would say, team-ing up with Wim, and knowing the desire of the seafarers to see the next issue, provided us the necessary push and determination not to give up.

It was in 1986, when Nico Sannes, Grace Cabactulan, Wim and I drafted a project proposal for Parola. The first financial support of US $4,500 was granted by Vastenactie, the Catholic Bishop Lenten Campaign in the Neth-erlands. In return, PSAP participated in the easter campaign of Vastenac-tie, through cultural exchanges and providing information about lives of seafarers visiting the Netherlands ports.

Myself and the rest of the Filipino seafarers are grateful for bringing us closer together and to our beloved family through Parola. It is nice to know that there are special people who care for us in their own little way.To the staff and people behind Parola, may our Almighty Father bless us all.

Rolly E. Empedrado

Basco, Leshly, Joep, Edgar and Ida


Parola looks back, celebrates...

Every time I read the Parola magazine I am trying to picture those faces whom I met more than 10 years ago there in the Seaman’s House, Rotterdam. I admired your endless dedication for the cause of all Filipino Seafarers. Not only in helping us during the severe crises on board the ships but also the efforts in extending us your utmost assistance both in counseling and in social needs. On behalf of all the Filipino Seamen, we would like to congratulate and thank you all for the job-well-done. May God bless you and grant you more strength and knowledge to serve more Filipino seamen.

Quirico L. Pajemolin


Mahal kong mga marino,Kumusta na, medyo na-miss ko kayo noong nakaraang issue. Pero hindi bale, narito na ulit ako. At para mak-abawi naman ako at kayo rin, ay may dalawa akong sulat ngayon. Medyo mapapaaga ang Pasko, pero malapit na naman talaga, hindi ba?Bago ko makalimutan, ang aking pagbati sa ating lahat na kaugnay ng Parola. Aba ika -100 issue na itong hawak hawak n’yo ngayon. Wow! Congratulations to all of us and I do hope that Parola will be with us for a long, long time. Eto na ang mga sulat natin:

Dear Dr. Holmes:Mayroon po kaming tatlong anak na babae ng asawa ko, pero gusto kong magkaroon ng isang anak na lalaki.Totoo po bang kung nais ninyong magkaroon ng lalaki, ang direksiyon ng ari ng lalaki ay kailangan laging nasa kanan? Sabi naman po ng iba na ang lalaki ay kailangang maging agresibo sa pagtatalik kapag lalaking anak ang gusto. Ang iba naman ay nagmungkahi na Chinese Calendar raw ang kailangang gamitin kung gustong magkaroon ng lalaking anak? Ano po ba talaga ang aking kailangang gawin para masigurado na ang susunod na anak namin ay lalaki?

RUIZ

Dear RUIZ:Ayon sa Kinsey Institute for Research, Sex and Gender, ang probabilidad na lalaki ang susunod ninyong anak ay 50-50, kahit na anong technique ang gamitin ng isang mag-asawa. Walang garantisadong paraan na lalaki ang magiging anak ninyo kahit na ano ang gawin ng mag-asa-wa. Tama sila, wala ngang garantisado, pero hindi siguro alam ng mga nasa Kinsey Institute sa Estados Unidos, na may dalawang paraan na magagawa ang mag-asawa para itaas ang probabilidad na lalaki nga ang magiging susunod na anak. Ang dalawang paraan na ito ay ang timing ng intercourse (kailan kayo nagtatalik) at ang posisyon ng pagtatalik nin-yo.Lahat tayo ay may chromosomes na nagpapasiya kung tayo ay babae o lalaki. Ito ay tinatawag na sex chromo-somes natin. Ang isang babae ay may XX chromosomes at ang lalaki naman ay may XY chromosomes. Ang kasarian ng bata ay nade-de-termine ng anong chromosome ang mapasa ng tatay niya sa kaniya. Ang maipapasa lang na sex chromosome ng isang ina ay ang X chromosome. Ang isang ama ay makakapagpasa ng X o Y chromo-some, kaya ang semilya ng ama ang siyang nagpapasiya kung ang anak ay babae o lalaki. Kung ang semilya na nakabuntis kay Misis ay may dalang X chromosome, ang bata ay magkakaroon ng 2 X chromosomes (isa galing sa nanay, isa galing sa tatay) at siya ay magiging XX o isang babae.Kung ang semilya na nakabuntis kay Misis ay may dalang Y chromosome, ang anak ay magkakaroon ng XY chromo-

somes (X galing sa nanay, Y galing sa tatay) at lalaki ang labas ng batang ito. Kaya, kung lalaki ang gusto mong anak, kailangang maging mataas ang probabilidad na ang semilya na makabubuntis sa Misis mo ay ang semilyang may dalang Y-chromosome at hindi yung semilya na may dalang X-chromosome. Papaano ito magagawa? Hindi garantisado, tandaan ninyo, pero ang pinakamabuting paraan siguro ay ang malaman ang katangian ng X at Y chromosome at tingnan kung papaano magamit ito para sa pagtulong na magkaroon ng kasarian (sex) ng bata na gusto ninyo.Ayon sa agham, ang semilyang may X chromosome ay mas mabagal lumangoy pero mas matagal mabuhay. Ang Y chromosome naman ay mas matulin tumakbo pero mas madaling mamatay.Para mas mataas ang probabilidad na lalaki ang susunod ninyong anak, kailangang magtalik sa panahon na nag-o-ovulate si Misis. Ito ang panahon na ang itlog ni Misis ay na-release na ng kanyang ovary at puwede nang i-fertilize (mabuntis) ni Mister. Kung kayo ay magtatalik bago mag-ovulate si Misis, totoo ngang mas mabilis lumangoy ang semilyang may Y-chromosome, pero wala naman silang itlog ni Misis na mabubuntis, kaya bale wala rin ang bilis nilang paglalan-goy. By the time dumating ang itlog ni Misis, lahat na sila ay namatay (kasi, kahit na mas mabilis silang lumangoy, mas maaga rin naman silang mamatay) at ang baby boy ay hindi ninyo makukuha. Kasi mas mabilis lumangoy ang Y-chromosome, mas malaki ang probabilidad na ang Y chromosome (at hindi ang X-chromosome ni Mister) ang unang aabot sa itlog ni Misis, at siyang makabubuntis kay Misis. Kung ang Y-chromosome ang unang makaabot sa itlog ni Misis, ang sex chromosomes ng bata ay magiging XY (X galing kay Misis, Y galing kay Mister). In addition to timing (mas malapit sa ovulation ni Misis, mas maganda), ang posisyon din ng inyong pagtatalik ay puwedeng maitaas ang probabilidad na lalaki ang anak ninyo. Kapag magtatalik kayo, gumamit ng posisyon na malalim ang penetration. Ang dahilan ay pareho: para itaas ang probabilidad na ang semilya ng lalaki na maka-karating sa itlog ng babae ay ang semilya na nagkakarga ng Y-chromosome. Kung mas mabilis na nga ang langoy ng Y-chromosome kaysa

Dr. Margarita Holmes

X-chromosome, tapos gumamit ka pa ng posisyon na ma-lalim ang penetration ng ari mo habang nagtatalik kayo, mas maiksi ang kailangan languyin ng semilya bago maabot ang itlog ni Misis, at mas malaki ang probabilidad na ang semilyang may Y-chromosome ang unang aabot sa itlog.


Y-chromosome kaysa sa X-chromosome, tapos gu-mamit ka pa ng posisyon na malalim ang penetration ng ari mo habang nagtatalik kayo, mas maiksi ang kai-langan languyin ng semilya bago maabot ang itlog ni Misis, at mas malaki ang probabilidad na ang semilyang may Y-chromosome ang unang aabot sa itlog. Sana ay makatulong ito sa iyo para mataas ang proba-bilidad na lalaki nga ang magiging susunod na anak ninyo. Ibig ko lamang i-diin ang dalawang mungkahi ko—timing ng pagtatalik at ang posisyon na gagami-tin—ay hindi garantisado. Hindi ibig sabihin na kung gagamitin ninyo ang mga paraang ito, tiyak na lalaki ang magiging susunod ninyong anak. Kailangang klaro kayo rito, at sana rin ay klaro rin kayo na, kahit na mas gusto ninyo na lalaki sana ang susunod, kung babae naman ang makuha ninyo, mamahalin pa rin ninyo siya at ituturing na biyaya ng Diyos. All the best and more power!

MG Holmes

Dear Dr. Holmes:Mag-Papasko na po muli at ang aking asawa at mga anak ay nasa Pilipinas, pero ako naman ay nasa ibang bansa. Napaka lamig po rito, at ako ay nag-iisa at nalu-lungkot. Noong araw, kahit na ako malungkot na hindi sila kapiling, natitiis ko ang aming hindi pagsasama. Hindi ko po alam kung bakit, ngayon hindi ko na matiis at wala na akong maisip kundi umuwi sa atin. Hindi pa po matatapos ang aking kontrata hanggang Hulyo 2000 pero parang hindi ako makatatagal nang ganoon. Hindi ako makakain, hindi makatulog. Nauubos na ata ang aking sweldo sa katatawag sa kanila. Ano kaya ang aking magagawa? Gusto ko ng sabihin sa kanila na uuwi na ako, pero ayoko rin naman na masyado silang mag-alala. Sana po matulungan ninyo ako. LucioDear LUCIO:Ang isa sa pinakamabigat na dalahin ng isang OFW

ay ang maranasan ang Pasko sa ibang bansa, lalung-lalo na para sa mga seafarers, kasi hindi naman sila nakatutok lang sa isang lugar na magagawa nilang home away from home. Sobrang lungkot talaga ang nararamdaman ng OFW kasi, hindi lang malayo sila sa pamilya nila, ang pag-se-celebrate ng Pasko sa ibang bansa ay hindi kasing saya ng sa atin. Tapos, ang lamig lamig pa, ang dilim-dilim pa! Lahat ito ay nakakabigat at lalo pa nga sa puso ng isang tao na malungkot na nga to begin with.

Inaasahan ko rin na ngayon na alam mo ang mga dahilan ng iyong kalungkutan, masasabi mo sa sarili mo na lilipas rin ito: mawawala ang lamig, sisikat ang araw, at makakabalik ka sa iyong pamilya. Mabuting ipa-alala ito sa sarili mo ng mada-las kasi, kung ikaw ay nalulungkot, madali kang malunod sa sariling kalungkutan at makalimutan na may katapusan din ito (kahit na parang ang layo-layo bago matapos ito).Mabuti rin makipag-usap sa mga kapwa Filipino na kasama mo sa trabaho. Sigurado akong hindi lamang ikaw ang nalu-lungkot kapag Pasko sa ibang bansa at baka puwede kayong maging suporta para sa isa’t isa sa panahon na ito. Kada-lasan din, ang mga Pinoy na galing sa isang lugar ay laging may “happening” malapit sa Pasko, kundi sa Pasko mismo, at mabuti kung puwede kayong makisalo sa kanila para, kahit na wala kayo sa sarili ninyong pamilya, nasa pamilya naman kayo ng mga kapwa-Filipino.Alam ko, LUCIO, na ang mga payo ko ay hindi makakatang-gal ng lungkot mo para sa pamilya mo, pero inaasahan ko na makakabawas ito, kahit kaunti, sa katindihan ng kasalukuyang lungkot mo. Hold on, alagaan mo ang sarili mo, at sana ay mas mabilis ng dumating ang Hulyo 2000 para sa iyo.

All the best—MG Holmes

Mapalad ang nakakarating, ma-ligaya ang nagkakameron. Subalit nagtataka lang ako, bakit kaya “sam-pung utos lang ng Diyos ang nakalagay sa bibliya at hindi isang daan? Ako na rin ang sumagot. Siguro sa isip-isip ng Panginoon, aba’y talaga nga rin palang loko itong si Roli, kung doon nga lang sa sampu eh wala halos makasunod, doon pa kaya sa isang daan? Kaya talagang mabait ang Panginoon. Ten percent lang ng isang daan ang ini-uu-tos niya!

Sampung dolyar langPero may naala-ala ako kapitbahay

namin noon. Galit itong ama sa tit-ser ng kanyang anak. Umuusok ang

ilong na magkasama yong dalawa pa-puntang school. “Bakit ho ka Andres, mukhang galit kayo”, sabi ko. “Aba’y mantakin mong naka-one hundred sa exam itong anak ko eh bagsak pa rin daw”. Aba’y dapat nga hong itanong, pagtataka ko rin.

Medyo tanghali na ng bumalik yong dalawa. Talagang inabangan ko dahil interesado rin akong malaman ang resulta. O! Ano hong nangyari, usisa ko. “Eh, hindi ko gaanong nawatasan iyong huling sinabi dahil ingles. Pero sabi ng titser, naka-one hundred nga raw. Iyon lang “por handrid aytems” ang hindi ko maintindihan. Kaya sabi ko’y tumigil na lamang at mag-pastol na laang ng kalabaw. Lintik na iyan ah! (Biro lang).

Kaya kabayan, hindi naman isang daang dolyar ang subscription nitong Parola. Ten percent lang ng isang daan. Kung sa palagay mo naman eh naliligayahan kang magbasa nito, tu-mulong ka naman sa isang adhikain. Hindi naman ito para sa amin, sa ka-nila o sa iyo lang. Para sa ating lahat ito. Ang sampung dolyar na maitutu-long mo, isang daang marino o higit pa ang mabibiyayaan nito, kasama ka, pati ako.

Maraming salamat sa inyo.

One hundred...


esteem, just because we are victimized by a system over which we do not have any control.

Raising awareness helps us to realize that it is not our fault that we are underpaid, maltreated, underemployed or even unemployed. It is not our fault: it is the fault of the system which puts people last and profits first. When we can know that, in our hearts, then we are less dimin-ished by our misfortune. And so the seafarers’ center that develops networks of friendship and support, also does that education and consciousness raising that helps us to better define ourselves this time. B: This is a very profound statement. What you say ac-tually goes into the sensitive issue of how seafarers should guard their humanity in the midst of inhuman conditions. Could you help us reflect on how Parola could help in such efforts? Parola, being the best known part of the Philip-pine Seafarers’ Assistance Program, what could you say as an advice?

P: I like already, very much, what Parola does: It bring news of the homeland, and it encourages the net-work of mutual support between family and friends —cutting pieces of the letters , sending notes to one an-other. But I think it also, always, needs to be critical of the industry whenever the industry dehumanizes. So that again and again people say: “Ah, others are suffering the

same misfortune. I see its not my deficiency that results in my misfortune. It is the system.”

So it is a fairly radical attitude towards the industry. Indus-try can be a source of great strength and pleasure, but in our times, it seems to have lost those goal under intense competition. B: So, in short Parola has to maintain its prophetic role?

P: Yes, I think Parola should continue to practice its prophetic role. I would like to add one thing: we of course are always working for change within the maritime industry, change that will benefit the workers, the seafarers them-selves. It is clear to me that any change that is really going to benefit the worker, must come from the worker them-selves. It is the workers who have the least to lose and the most to gain from effecting change. All effective change, from my point of view, starts from the bottom – from those in the world who comes least and sees last. If anything good has to change, it must start with organized merchant seafarers. B: We would like to thank you for squeaking in this in-terview during a busy conference. We would always be grateful for what you have done in behalf of seafarers, and as a model of commitment for seafarers.

An interview with Rev. Paul Chapman...7


My warmest greetings to my wife, Edith, happy birthday (Oct.19). Hope you stay as sweet as you are and remember always, I love you.And to all the crew of Reefer VSL M/V Fiona, wish you all the best and I hope to sail again with you in the future. Have a nice sail.

Paul Enriquez-M/V FionaGreetings to my faithful and very loving wife, Marites, and my first newly born daughter, Harrylmarie, welcome to the world and I love you and God bless us always. My best regards to Mommy Tess, Daddy Nick, Mama Duls, Papa Jorgs and all brothers and friends.

Elect. Harold Sanchez - M/V WestermuehlenTo my beloved wife, Michelle, who just had a kidney stones operation. Hope and pray your fast recovery. Get well soon. Hello to my kids: Toto Bryan, Noynoy Justin, and Dodoy Gian. Be good boys always.

Love, Papa Noy - M/V Pacific AngelMy warmest greetings and sweet hello to my wife, Ghie and to my kids, Erick, Lemuel. To my loving parents, brothers and sisters, no matter how far we are from each other, there is no distance in prayer. God will always make us close together.

Jhun Reyes - M/V Mighty Servant 3

Greetings to Caparas family at Cainta, Rizal. Thanks for everything and may God bless us always. P.S. I miss your kare-kare!!!

3/M John A. Julitan - M/T Sapphire To my penshoppe, Marie Olbes, I wish the best of everything for you. Stay sexy, it will count a lot for our incoming wedding. I miss you Bench.

Raoul Suan - M/V Brasilia

My warmest greetings to my loving wife, Terry, and kids, Yumi, Kim, James, Paolo and Grace. Hope we will be together again this coming December to celebrate Christmas and New Year. I always love you all. Greetings also to my brods, on board different ships, Gene of Seapower, Ace and Andy of Career, to my sisters, nieces and nephews, most of all to my beloved parents, Papa Enting and Mama Miling. May the blessings of our dear Almighty be with us always.

Carlos “Dodong” Tumacas - M/V MSC Rebecca My happy birthday greetings to my wife, Emalyn (Nov.2), I love you Mom and I miss you, too. Please take good care always. Regards to my little April boy, Dan Marvin. God bless you all.

A/B Benjie “Bong” Supnet - M/V Graneborg

My warmest greetings to my beloved family, especially to my loving and caring wife, Gemma, to my daughter Elma, son-in-law Rudy, daughter Marites (happy birthday, Nov.13), son Edgar (belated happy birthday, Sept. 11), son Ramon III (happy birthday, Oct. 14) and to my youngest and beautiful daughter, Girlie. Also to my mga apo, Eleonor, Joseph Ronald (belated happy birthday, Oct.5), Eliza (happy birthday, Oct.16), Mark Ian and to Carl Kevin. I miss you all and I love you. I’m coming home soon. Regards also to my parents and brothers and sisters. God bless you all.

Eliodoro P. Ranara - M/V Rhea of Piraeus

Marlene Macatangay Editor

Basco Fernandez, Josie Pulmano and Nonoy Ty Editorial Staff

Margie Holmes, Felix Pul-mano and Roli Ancha

Columnists

Abas Abdula, Edgar Econ and Leshley Liauw

Technical StaffParola is published bi-monthly by

the Philippine Seamen’s Assistance Program(PSAP). PSAP is a non-stock,

non-profit foun-dation registered in the Chamber of Commerce No. S127664, Rotterdam, The

Netherlands.

PSAP was founded in 1981 in Rotterdam with the aim to support

Filipino seafarers in their struggle for better working and living conditions.

PSAP’s Objectives

To contribute to seafarers awareness about their workers and human rights.

To provide support and services to seafarers

To promote seafarers awareness on HIV/AIDS and other health related

issues

To enhance better cooperation among seafarers of various nationalities

through better understanding of each other culture.

Addresses:

PSAP Rotterdam Rm. 433, Willemskade 13

3016 DK Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Tel. 010-2400930 Fax. 010-2400932

E-mail. [email protected]

Centro Filipino-Seamen’s Desk Calle Riera Vaja 6-4

0881 Barcelona, Spain

Kasapi Seafarers’ Assistance Program Labor Center of Piraeus

Skylitsi 19, Piraeus, Greece

International Christian Maritime Association(ICMA) 2/3

Orchard Place, Southampton S01 1BR England

Center for Seafarers’ Rights 241 WAter Street, New York,

NY 10038 Tel. 212-3499090 Fax. 212-3498342

Printed by: Drukkerij Dizayn

ISSN: 1389-9465


Opinion...4

Inilalarawan ko lang dito na ka-hit sa ating paghahanapbuhay lalo na sa ating mga marino, sa buhay pagbabarko, hindi talaga natin lag-ing maaasahan na mabuti at masaya ang ating kalagayan. Meron talagang mahihirap din na kapitan o chief en-gineer o ibang opisyal na mahirap intindihin ang pamamahala at ma-hirap sakyan ang pag-uugali lalo kung hindi natin kalahi. Ngunit mga kapwa ko, bagamat mahirap, meron din mga kapamaraanan para maipa-kilala natin ang ating kultura at ating pagkatao para nila tayo maintindihan. Kadalasan pa ating sinusunod ang ating damdamin at kagustuhan na wala naman sa lugar at sa tamang karapatan, tayo mapasagulo at higit na tayong mawalan.

Maraming salamat sa lahat sa pagtangkilik ninyo sa Parola sa ika-sandaan limbag nito. Hindi ito amin lang kundi taas noo kung sinasabing, ito’y para sa ating lahat. Sa at-ing maykapal, higit na may marami tayong ipagpapasalamat.

Mula sa aking maybahay na si Josie na siyang anchor ng Kami Namang Mga Babae at mula sa Opinion,

MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT!

AnnouncementChristmas GatheringsDecember 12: United Sports R’dam Christmas PartyAirunos Da Terra, Plomperstraat 18CContact persons: Doming: 06-21536199 Abas: 010-4657561

December 24: Filipino Catholic Community Christmas Party Café Althina, Mathenesserweg 211-CContact persons: Tony: 010-4815521 Imelda: 4812379; Ida: 4501592

December 24: Ecumenical Christmas Celebration - ICMAat 19:30 at the Zeemanshuis R’dam.Willemskade 13Stella Maris:010 - 4133109Dutch Seamen’s Mission: 010-4123694The celebration starts at 19:30. After this celebration, seafarers are also welcomed at the Christmas Party of the Fil. Catholic Community in Rotterdam.

Subscribing to Parola is your way of supporting the publication.

A yearʼs subscription costs US$10.00. Send the amount to:

P S A P Rm. 433, Zeemanshuis RotterdamWillemskade 133016 DK RotterdamThe Netherlands

Thank you for your support.See page 16, please...

MTS : Kilala at pinakamurang Mobile Telecommunication Service dito sa Rotterdam.Magandang balita dahil mura na at makakatawag pa ng kahit anong oras. Hanggang ang barko ay nasa pantalan ang telepono ay maaaring iwanan at kukuhanin na lamang kung paalis na ang barko.

Maaari rin kayong magpadala ng fax para malaman namin kung kailan ang pagdating ng barko sa Rotterdam.Fax no. 31-10-4796201

Kung gusto ninyong maka-mura ng tawag sa Pilipinas, subukan ninyo ang MTS.

MTS PHONE - 06 55 180 677


May kirot sa aking pusoHabang binabagtas ko ang iyong payapang dagatAninag ko ang mga bundok sa liwanag ng buwanAng kulay pilak na tubig sa barko ay sumasabayMaging ang lagaslas ng mumunting alonAy pumapawi sa pagal kong isispan

Sa kailaliman nito ay naroon pa rinAng lungkot, poot at paghihimagsik!Ang sa aking dibdib ay nararamdaman.

Habang nagsasaya ang mga turistaSa saliw ng indak at musika doon sa isla ng BaliMay minamasaker naman sa sementeryo ng Dili.

Dinig ko pang panaghoy ng mga kaluluwang nagnanais lumayaSa limbo ng kolonyalismo at ngayon, sa tiranong si Suharto.

Panaghoy ng Isang Isla Sa Kalayaan ng East Timor

Ed R. LabaoPort Said, Egypt

December 19, 1996, 11:40 ng gabiClipper Venture - L

Naglalakbay sila sa bukid at parangLumalagos sa kabundukan at lalim ng karagatanSyudad, iskwater at iskwelahanHanggang sa pusod ng Jakarta ay mararamdamanAng rumaragasang kasaysayan.

May kirot sa aking puso Habang binabagtas ko ang iyong payapang dagatAninag ko ang mga bundok sa liwanag ng buwanAng kulay pilak na tubig sa barko ay sumasabayMaging ang lagaslas ng mumunting alonAy pumapawi sa pagal kong isipan.

Sa kailaliman nito ay naroon pa rinAng bulkang nagbabadyang sumabogAng sa aking dibdib ay nararamdaman.

Thank you Our many thanks to

our printer

Drukkerij Dizayn

who made this 100th issue special

Hooidrift 2063023 KZ Rotterdam

Tel.: 010 425 40 30 010 425 75 09

E-mail: dizayn @quicknet.nl

Unang nailathala ang tulang ito sa Parola No. 85 Minabuti namin na ilathala muli sa pag-alala ng ika-8 anibersaryo ng Dili Massacre noong ika 12 ng Nobyembre. Ang tulang ito ay nagpapatunay din ng pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipinong marino sa nangyayari sa kanilang kapwa at sa ginagalawang mundo.

YES, I would like to receive a copy of Parola regularly. Please send my copy to the name and address below.

Name:Address:

See page 15, please...

icma to press better conditions for the seafarers · icma to press better conditions for the...

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