Kwentong Marino
In our docuseries, we share real experiences of seafarers, their loved ones, and the unseen reality of life at sea.
These are their stories of strength, sacrifices, and the bonds that keep them going.
All Hands on Deck
Able-bodied seaman Vee Cadorna tells the story of his dream to become a captain, just like his father and grandfather. While working at sea, he faces the loss of his grandfather and the difficult news of his father’s hospitalization. Still, Vee is driven by his deep love for his daughter and a strong desire to honor and continue the legacy of his family.
You Can't Stop The Tide, But You Can Sail Back
Mariel is the daughter of a seafarer. With her father away at sea for much of her life, their bond grew distant. She found comfort with her aunt and uncle, but an emotional turning point came on her 18th birthday, when a heartfelt conversation healed years of miscommunication. Since then, Mariel has learned that rebuilding their connection is possible with love and honesty. She now hopes that fulfilling their shared dream of her becoming an architect will allow her father to come home and bring them even closer.
An Ill Wind that Stirs New Sails
Kelvin Cabal is a galley steward on a cruise ship who entered seafaring later in life, drawn by the chance to see the world and earn more. After starting in 2019, his first experience at sea was met with the challenges of the pandemic, leaving him stranded onboard for months without pay after his contract was terminated. Through it all, he continues his journey at sea, with his sights set on building a home in Batanes for his future family.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
After leaving his previous job to seek a more secure future, Jonathan Ong followed his aunt’s advice and became an IT technician on a cruise ship. While life at sea brings its emotional challenges, including moments when it feels like the walls are closing in, Jonathan remains determined to build a better future for himself and his fiancée.
Through Thick and Thin
Benjilyn has been with her fiancé for 12 years. When he left for his first contract in 2024, the distance brought new challenges, from unstable internet connections to spending holidays apart. Despite this, her trust in him grew stronger. Having a seafarer father, she understood the commitments involved, but living it herself called for resilience. Through it all, holding onto their dream of a home and a better future for their children gives her the strength to face the challenges of distance and sacrifice.
All Hands on Deck
Able-bodied seaman Vee Cadorna tells the story of his dream to become a captain, just like his father and grandfather. While working at sea, he faces the loss of his grandfather and the difficult news of his father’s hospitalization. Still, Vee is driven by his deep love for his daughter and a strong desire to honor and continue the legacy of his family.
You Can't Stop The Tide, But You Can Sail Back
Mariel is the daughter of a seafarer. With her father away at sea for much of her life, their bond grew distant. She found comfort with her aunt and uncle, but an emotional turning point came on her 18th birthday, when a heartfelt conversation healed years of miscommunication. Since then, Mariel has learned that rebuilding their connection is possible with love and honesty. She now hopes that fulfilling their shared dream of her becoming an architect will allow her father to come home and bring them even closer.
An Ill Wind that Stirs New Sails
Kelvin Cabal is a galley steward on a cruise ship who entered seafaring later in life, drawn by the chance to see the world and earn more. After starting in 2019, his first experience at sea was met with the challenges of the pandemic, leaving him stranded onboard for months without pay after his contract was terminated. Through it all, he continues his journey at sea, with his sights set on building a home in Batanes for his future family.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
After leaving his previous job to seek a more secure future, Jonathan Ong followed his aunt’s advice and became an IT technician on a cruise ship. While life at sea brings its emotional challenges, including moments when it feels like the walls are closing in, Jonathan remains determined to build a better future for himself and his fiancée.
Through Thick and Thin
Benjilyn has been with her fiancé for 12 years. When he left for his first contract in 2024, the distance brought new challenges, from unstable internet connections to spending holidays apart. Despite this, her trust in him grew stronger. Having a seafarer father, she understood the commitments involved, but living it herself called for resilience. Through it all, holding onto their dream of a home and a better future for their children gives her the strength to face the challenges of distance and sacrifice.
Created by Agsaway, Cruz, Javier, Salonga, and Tumang
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