YESTERDAY’S DREAM, TODAY’S REALITY
“What is there in my life that is worth talking about?” I sat down and wrote some events that my life doesn’t seem as dull as I first thought.
I went to St. Therese MTC-Colleges Magdalo Site took up Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation due to my father, grandfather and relative’s influence as seafarers. During my college years, I was just a regular student, lack of concentration and focus in my academic studies because of my unusual perspective in life. All I wanted was to enjoy my youthful days, and drive it with the saying “live your life to the fullest”.
With all the ups and downs, I completed my academic requirement in the year 2004 with no honors or awards received. A few months later, I was endorsed by my late father to Splash Philippines Incorporated. I went through the screening process of the said company- written exams, interviews and medical examinations. By the grace of God, I was accepted and served nine (9) months as a utility boy in their office at Manila and Subic Bay. This starts my seafaring career.
I first went to sea and joined the vessel at the age of 21 last October 2005 thinking that I knew about the seafaring life. But it’s really a different story. It is life changing that only a seafarer could tell. I worked as a Utility Boy or Messman. I’m the one who is in charge of cleaning, laundry, dishwashing and food serving, etc. At first, it was so difficult for me knowing that I am away from home. But that is the sad reality that I embraced.
From the moment I stepped out from my cabin the next day after I boarded the vessel, a renewed self with the fresh perspective in life, dedicated to learning and gained all necessary experiences to be one of the deck officers someday stood up and started to work for it.
I worked in a container ship liner from Asia to Mid of Pacific, West Coast of America and Central America for ten (10) months along with Korean Captain & Chief Engineer and the rest of the crews are Filipinos. Fortunately, at the end of my contract, the Captain acknowledged my efforts and marked my seaman’s book as Deck Cadet not as a Messman. The following years I had two consecutive experiences in brand new ships as Ordinary Seaman and got promoted to Able-bodied Seaman last December 2009.
At the age of 25, I took up my license for OIC-NW under (PRC) and was endorsed for Third Officer position and it was acknowledged by the company. I was able to start my career as Deck Officer last September 2010 and attended two vessels as Third Officer. I got promoted as Second Officer last June 2013 and served four vessels. In September 2014 under (PRC), I took my license for Chief Mate and had used it last 2016 up to May 2022 and I have served five vessel.
I passed my license for Master Mariner under MARINA last April 2018 while I’m teaching at ST-MTCC. That was a new career path for me to teach in my Alma Matter but I took it as an opportunity as well to grow and explore other things that are beyond my capabilities. For I believe that knowledge and experiences are not for you to keep with but to share and pass it on to the new generation of aspiring seafarers. Recently and finally, I got promoted as Master at the age of 38. An ages time of aspiration and hardships, the reason of all reasons’, the highest in line path of my career and the dream of mine ever since has become a reality.
A successful story indeed and a proof to a saying that “when you dream on something, you will be able to achieve it.
Let me share to you the three simple rules in life. First, if you do not GO after what you want, you’ll never have it. Second, if you do not ASK, the answer will always be NO and lastly, if you do not step forward, you’ll always be in the same place.
What you have learned in school is just a foundation of your future journey, what matters most is your attitude, compassion, and self-will to accept challenges and responsibilities. When you’re in the real world, put your heart, mind, and soul into it even in your smallest acts. You must have the determination plus efforts in order to succeed. Keep moving forward no matter how long it takes, never discourages yourself. Keep your eyes on your goal and when you reach it, keep your feet on the ground.
Remember that true success is not just the ability to accumulate material wealth but the ability to truly enjoy life and everything God provides in it. God bless us all! P.S. I am now happily married with two kids.
BY: CAPTAIN SEM C. GABITANAN JR.
