Apostolatus Maris Manila News OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA -MANILA
There are no strangers here, only people we have not yet met.
Vol. 2, Issue 1 January—March 2011
Propagating the devotion to Mary Star of the Sea The Apostleship of the Sea—Manila is helping in the propagation of the devotion to the AOS patroness, Mary Star of the Sea. Last February 2011, AOS-Manila donated a framed icon to the chapel of Asian Terminal Inc. (ATI), in South Harbor where a regular mass is held on Wednesday and 1st Fridays. Two more framed icons of Mary, Star of the Sea will be given to the seafarers dormitories where AOS Manila extends its apostolate by officiating regularly a weekday mass at PAGODA every Wednesday and Felix Huertas Boarding House on Mondays. “We ask Mary “Star of the Sea” to guide and sustain the work of our chaplains and volunteers in their continuous dedication to announce the “Good News to all the creatures” (Mark 16, 15),” including the seafarers.” Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò, Sea Sunday 2009. Fr. Paulo Prigol and ATI employees after the enthronement of the Mary Star of the Sea icon.
National Seafarers’ Day 25 September 2011—Update AOS-Manila. The 16th NSD Committee met last March 15, 2011 to plan for the activities of the upcoming NSD celebration. The theme for this year is “Marinong Pilipino: Lakas ng Pagkakaisa! Status quo for the regular activities such as the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Memorial Rite at Sea—an ecumenical service for the deceased seafarers and the Entertainment program. AS for the Maritime Students they can express their talent and skills in the Oratorical contest and the ART Contest. On the planning stage is the 1st NSD Photo Challenge for seafarers and their immediate family members and the maritime students.
Candle Lighting Rites...Justice for Vallega & Salazar. STOP SEA PIRACY NOW!
A Filipino seaman offers a lighted candle at the LUSWELF Fountain in Ermita
LUSWELF, KALAW. The Apostleship of the Sea and Stella Maris Centers in Manila joined the Filipino Seafarers and other maritime Stakeholders in the “Light a Candle Campaign” last March 18, 2011 at the LUSWELF Area. It was organized by the Association of Marine Officers & Ratings, Inc (AMOR) headed by their President Butch Elaba, Jr. (inset) and Radyo Marino. This rally was a tribute to the Filipino seafarers who fell victims to sea piracy, specially to Bosun Vallega who was killed. It aimed at generating public awareness and sympathy, to call the attention of the government to do something for the protection of the Cont‟d on p. 6...
AOS Manila Ship Visit
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
AHOY! On board…
AOS STAFF
by Leonardo „Nards‟ Servidad
AOS-Manila has a daily ship visiting schedule in the POM/North Harbor at Manila International Container Port (MICP). The main focus of our apostolate is the MICP because it is a busy port and a lot of Container ships berth are located in the area. As a container port, ships stay for limited
time and that is when we offer our services to seafarers. Accompanying me every Monday is Sister Flor (Pastorelle Sisters); on Tuesdays & Thursdays, Bro. Loyd Divinagracia of the Scalabrinian Missionaries and Sister Marivic (Pastorelle Sisters) on Thursdays. The other AOS-staff members accompany me upon their availability. The interaction with the seafarers begin with questions related to their seafaring life, their families, co-workers onboard, spiritual life, social happenings, company etc., and other issues raised by the seafarers themselves. In addition to that, we distribute reading material such as magazines, prayer booklets, AOS brochure, ITF Magazines, newspaper, leaflets, etc. Rosaries and Bibles are given upon request. AOS-Manila has established a link of friendship and trust with them, which makes our services welcomed and appreciated. From January 01, 2011 until March 16, 2011, a total of 64 ships, comprising of 21 nationalities (Filipinos, Chinese, Taiwanese, Lithuanian, Polish, Germans, Russians, Ukrainian, Romanian, Indian, British, South Korean, Italians, Thais,
Bulgarians, Montenegro, C r o a t i a n , Myanmar, Indonesians, Japanese and Singaporeans) were visited. In thirteen years in this ministry, through my mentors, former AOSManila Director, Fr. Savino Bernardi, cs and staff Mr. Salvador Ortega, I have come to appreciate this very important service called ship visit. When AOSManila procured a “speed boat” through an ITF grant, we used it to visit ships docked outside the breakwater of Manila Bay (BW) like tanker ships, general cargo ships, etc. In 1999, I had a remarkable experience: I had to use the pilot rope to go on board of M/C Focsani at the Manila Bay (OBW). In that occasion, the AOSManila speed boat could not approach the gangway of the ship because the sea was very rough. When we reached the ship the crew was very appreciative of my effort, especially because they were able to contact their families via my cell phone. The crew was abandoned with no cargo to sell to recover their wages and with no provisions. Through the untiring effort of AOS-Manila, negotiations took place, and the owner recognized the rights of the crew and paid accordingly. Thankful to the assistance extended by AOS-Manila to the crew, the Ship’s Chief Officer brought to the office a beautifully crafted “galleon”, which is still displayed in the office. In another instance, together with Atty. Joseph Entero of ITF-Philippines, we visited the crew of M/V Tomas (unpaid wages) berthed outside North of the Manila Breakwater. The weather was not friendly, and between Manila Breakwater and the ship, suddenly a strong wind with heavy rain caught us. The waves became rough and the driver of the motorized banca
MR. LEONARDO R. SERVIDAD Eldest son among the eight siblings and born on Nov. 6, 1957 in a remote and mountainous barangay of Tene, Tobias Fornier, (formerly Dao), Antique. A son of a farmer. He finished his elementary and high school education in the Municipal School. Attended the seminary in Antique and tried his fate with the Scalabrinian Missionaries in 1983 but did not pursue his religious vocation. Now married with three sons. After 14 years of freelancing he is again connected with the Scalabrinian Missionaries through the service of the Apostleship of the Sea- Manila in July of 1997. 14 years serving the Filipino seafarers by Ship visiting and giving PDOS.
we hired, advised us just to sit down and be calm. Finally we reached the ship and after consulting with the crew we left the ship. On our way back to Baseco compound, again in the middle of the sea, we were caught by another heavy rain. I just smiled when Atty. Entero asked me if I was insured. These are some of my memorable experiences on ship visiting. Now, I understand how/what a life of a seaman is. Most of their time is spent at sea and little time with their family. Their contract is usually signed for 8 to 10 months for officers; for ratings 12 months, before they will go home and be reunited with their family and loved ones. The first timers on board ocean going- vessel, always have memorable and unforgettable experiences to share. However, as they grow in age and experience, when they are on the high seas, they cling on to God regardless of their belief, culture, tradition… because Cont‟d on page 5
Vol. 2, Issue 1 January—March 2011
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AOS Manila Networking
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
Philippine-Catholic HIV & AIDS Network (PHIL-CHAN) holds its First GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The PHIL– CHANetwork Core Group with Bp. Broderick S. Pabillo, (center) the National Director of CBCP-NASSA and Bishop-Advisor of the Network CBCP
Our Common Story Jo Ignacio, CBCP-NASSA PHILIPPINE CATHOLIC HIV/AIDS NETWORK PhilCHAN •Business office: CBCP NASSA-Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Inc., #470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila Membership: Catholic congregations and/or organizations •Membership by invitation and application •Founding members: CBCP-NASSA; NASSA-ECMI; MI; DC; Brothers of Mercy; SSpS; Manila Chaplaincy Ministry of Health Care; Sister Ministers of the Infirm; Apostleship of the Sea - Manila
“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.” - MAHATMA GANDHI
Phil-CHAN (Philippine - Catholic HIV & AIDS Network) is a dynamic bastion of healing and hope committed to bringing the everlasting love of God to people living with and affected by HIV & AIDS and to helping create an HIVfree society. This is Phil-CHAN’s dream. The Apostleship of the Sea-Manila shares this dream by being one of its founding and core group members. The Phil-Chan was formally launched in March 13, 2010 in Tagaytay City. It held its First General Assembly on February 10, 2011 at the Fray Clemente Holiness Center-San Juan de Dios Education Foundation in Pasay. Dr. Susan Gregorio from the Philippine National AIDS Council was invited to give the country’s current situationer on the fight against the HIV/AIDS and the responses of the government on the issue. This network embodies the aspirations of the Phil Catholic family to greatly enhance and make more effective its role and participation in stopping the spread of the disease through its pastoral health care ministry. Some member ministries of the Church like that of the Apostleship of the Sea-Manila are dealing with vulnerable groups, the seafarers and their families. This encourages AOS to involve in this advocacy. Phil-CHAN has 5 working committees which AOS-Manila chose to join 2, the Prevention Committee and the Funding and Programme Management Committee. They were able to plan for next 2 to 3 years. May AOS’ dream together with the rest of the Phil-CHAN and Filipino family come true! -by Sr. Flor Salimbagat,sjbp
YES to LIFE! 3
Vol. 2, Issue 1 January —March 2011
AOS Manila Report
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
AOS-Manila Quarterly Report: Jan—Mar 2011 Values Formation Seminars Given by:
Given by:
Fr. Paulo H. Prigol.cs
Fr. Paulo H. Prigol.cs
Assisted by: Sr. Marivic P. Ching, sjbp
Assisted by: Sr. Marivic P. Ching, sjbp
Total # of Schools: 8 Total # of Students: 1,103 School: NAMEI POLYTECHNIC Mandaluyong City February 28, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 137 School: Technological Institute of the Philippines—TIP Cubao March 1, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 157 School: Technological Institute of the Philippines—TIP Manila March 4, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 77 School: Lyceum International Maritime Academy (LIMA)—Batangas March 8, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 111 School: Asian Institute for Maritime Studies (AIMS) - Pasay March 10, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 262 School: Palawan Polytechnic March 14, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 96 Vol. 2, Issue 1 January—March 2011
School: Mariner's Polytechnic Colleges Foundation—Legaspi March 18, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 145 School: PANGASINAN COLLEGES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (PCST) - Pangasinan
March 21, 2011 Total # of Maritime Student attendees: 118
AOS Mission An integral evangelization of ourselves and of those entrusted to our ministry.
Hospital Visit Hospital Visited: AMOSUP Hospital Visited by: Sr. Flor H. Salimbagat, sjbp every afternoon of Tuesday and Thursday No. of Patient Visited: January to March: 150 Hospital Visited: AMOSUP Hospital—1 Chinese General Hospital—5 Manila Doctors Hospital –1 Visited by: Sr. Marivic P. Ching, sjbp by Request only No. of Patient Visited: 7 44
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars Companies: UPL—7 seminars; 137 attendees Cargo Safeway Inc.—8 seminars; 208 attendees. Given by: Mr. Leonardo R. Servidad from January to March 2011: 15 Seminars were conducted with a total of 345 participants.
Stella Maris Centers Stella Maris Center for Seafarers - ERMITA has served: June 6, 2006—December 31,2009 Total # of residents: 3,587 January 1-December 31, 2010 Total No. of New Residents: 806 seafarers as of March 8, 2011 Total No. of New Residents: 138 seafarers Total of: 4,531 seafarers served since it opened on June 6, 2006. Stella Maris Center for Seafarers – PIUS has served: March 3, 2009—December 31,2009 Total # of residents: 1,586 January 1-December 31, 2010 Total No. of New Residents: 882 seafarers as of March 8, 2011 Total No. of New Residents: 142 seafarers Total of: 1990 seafarers served since it opened on March 3, 2009.
AOS Manila Update
SM Ermita-Friday Catechism By Sr. Flor H. Salimbagat, sjbp The Objective is the Spiritual Enrichment of the participants who are seafarers, transient residents of the SMCS in one way or the other: 1.
learn something on Christian faith through basic catechesis/ reflections on the Church’s current Liturgical celebrations and/or sharing of the word. (Gospel reading) (Mind.) Activities and approaches vary according to the need readiness and openness of the group.
1.
2.
Deepen and value the word and Church’s liturgical celebrations. (Heart) Encourage to live in their own little way whatever they have learned, understood and valued wherever they are. (Action) Attendance from January 43 February 87 March 22 Total 152
Ahoy! On board.. from page 2
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
Ship Visiting By: Mr. Leonardo R. Servidad form January to March 2011 at the Manila International Container Terminal, Tondo, Manila were: 72 ships (mostly container) 21 nationalities on-board and a total of 1496 Seafarers were visited .
For A Better Service... Three new computers for each offices (AOS-Manila & Stella Maris Pius & Ermita) for a faster and better service. A new program will be installed in the Stella Maris centers for easy processing of records of accommodations. The Stella Maris Ermita recently had their office renovated, extending the space to have more rooms for the front desk. A new CCTV SYSTEM was also installed to have a more secure environment for the resident seafarers.
their common goal in life is: “It is for the future of my family”. In my last ship visit I teased a German Captain by asking why have you chosen this profession? And he answered: “If I could find a job on land that could equal to the salary of a seaman, why should I risk my life at sea?” Some Filipino seafarers define it as “abnormal profession”. Recently I asked a 40 year old Chinese Chief Officer if he wanted to be a master or a Captain and he replied: “I retire in three years, and then I want to be with the family”. Finally, the life of seafarer was never meant to be easy but the common saying among them is “we love it!”
British International Sailor’s Society paid a visit to AOS– Manila
Fr. Paulo Prigol,CS, AOS-Manila Chaplain (2nd from right) welcomes, 2E Valentino Espinosa, Jr., Rev. Jasper Del Rosario (SBMA Port Chaplain, 2nd from left), and Rev. Nic Tuban, Manila Port Chaplain (far right), friends from the Sailor’s Society.
International Seafarers Assistance Network (ISAN) Visit
Photo by Gary Polmo
Mr. David Dearsley (left) is the acting And for the visitors they will surely feel at home at the new cozy receiving area.
Unveiling of People Power Marker at POEA The Apostleship of the Sea-Manila had the pleasure to be invited to witness the unveiling of the People Power marker at POEA. Pres. Aquino was met by former President Joseph Estrada, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and new POEA Administrator Carlos Cao. The President led the unveiling of the historical marker. 5
ISAN Director and the newly-appointed Business Development Manager of the International Seafarers Assistance Network (ISAN) and Andy Buxton (3rd from left) came to AOS office for a friendly meeting. They want to meet AOSManila staff while shares the responsibility of Networking, which is vital in extending assistance to seafarers. ISAN is a 24hr. multi-lingual helpline for seafarers which acts as a referral agency to other maritime welfare charities, such as AOS, MtS and ITF. Last year alone the helpline dealt with cases involving some 2,800 seafarers, the majority of which were Filipino, and their main problems coveres unpaid wages, repatriation, medical conditions and many others. Vol. 2, Issue 1 January —March 2011
AOS Manila Features
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
I met my first Filipina Captain
Capt. Jasmin C. Labarda (center) flanked by AOSManila staff Isa and Nards.
I was awe struck when I was introduced by Ms. Gigi Santiago of STJ to a smart pretty looking young lady she called captain. At first I thought ”captain?” Was she named Captain? Nowadays parents name their children according to their whims and maybe because her father was a sea captain so naming their lucky charm daughter “captain’ also. Oh! But to my surprise it was a title affixed to her name. She is Capt. Jasmin Costelo Labarda. A graduate of Maritime Academy of Asia Pacific (MAAP in Bataan) batch 2003, Marine Transportation. Took her oath as Master Mariner only Last November 30, 2010, the 1st female in MAAP to do so and she is also DP (Dynamic Positioning Officer) Licensed.
Candle lighting… cont‟d from p. 1
Filipino seafarers and JUSTICE for the victims. The rally was attended by hundreds of Filipino seafarers. Also present were Commo. Adonis Donato of OSM, Engr. Mike Marasigan (PRC), C/E Maambong (MEOAP), Col. Gacutan (Office of the Mayor), Atty. Conti (MARINA), Capt. Aspillaga (MMAP), Capt Alviola, Capt Jasmin Labarda and Rev. Nic Tuban (BISS Manila Chaplain) who shared their sympathy, inspiring thoughts and to voice out the clamor for justice. Sr. Marivic Ching,sjbp headed the AOS/ Stella Maris Pius delegation who acted as choir and also assisted during the
mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Sonny de Claro, Parish Priest of Nstra. Señora de Guia Shrine in Ermita, Manila.
25th National Migrant’s Sunday 25 Years and Beyond… Pastoral Commitment of Caring for Filipino Migrants and their Families.”
At 28 she has already sailed as Marine Deck Officer on a tanker (VLCC), container vessels and deep water pipelaying vessel. She shares the sea with her father a fitter/pumpman. As an obedient daughter she took the course with out any slightest idea what it is all about. It was after she boarded a very large crude carrierfor six months , at 17, that inspired her to finish the course and pursue further. She believes that she can lead the way for other female seafarers and junior cadets of her alma mater to make their d r ea m s a r ea l ity th ro u gh determination and perseverance. But its not all smooth sailing because there are lots of challenges and stereotyping for seawomen. Gender
Cont‟d on page 8...
Vol. 2, Issue 1 January—March 2011
ECMI Diocesan Directors for Migrants Msgr. Tex Legitimas, (Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) Chaplain)- Cagayan de Oro; Sr. Adelina Terrado, DC, Archdiocese of Jaro and Fr. Tino Dinos of Bayombong, Nueva Ecija handed over the CBCP-ECMI Manifesto for OFW to Vice President Jejomar Binay and DoLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz during the 25th National Migrant‟s Sunday. -photo by isa yñiguez 66
25th National Migrants Sunday Photo Gallery
APOSTOLATUS MARIS M ANILA NEWS
His Eminence Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, delivers his homily as participants from the different dioceses listens.
Concelebrants are Bishop Gabriel Reyes, Bishop Precioso Cantillas, not in photo are Bishop Deogracias IĂąiguez & Bishop Francis de Leon
POEA Administrator Cao, OWWA Administrator Dimzon, DOLE Secretary Baldoz and his Excellency Vice President Jejomar Binay silently prayed while the Sons of an OFW led a prayer they wrote for their father and for all OFW around the world.
Top photo: The Bayanihan dancers.
Sons and Daughters of OFW performs winning interpretative Dances
Vice President Jejomar Binay
Right Photo: AOS-Manila/ Stella Maris Staff and residents joined the celebration in solidarity with the other OFWs. Left photo: Ms. Laarni Lozada, PDA Grand Winner and Star Records recording artist.
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Vol. 2, Issue 1 January —March 2011
APOSTOLATUS MARIS MANILA NEWS
1st Filipina Captain cont‟d from page 6
and racial discrimination, that they will just get married after graduation or end up in an office desk job to name a few. But for Capt. Jasmine these things made her stronger and firm to achieve her dreams and goals in life. “It is not easy; it is still not easy, but as long as I believe in the beauty of my dreams, and as long as I have Christ in me, I can do anything.” Anything she says, like photography, sports, music, reading and teaching. She is also leading an advocacy program “Admiral Community Service”. Its objective is to help fellow maritime graduates through awareness by sharing experiences on-board and be of assistance for graduates to apply to different shipping company. I am happy, proud to have the pleasure and privilege to meet my 1st Filipina Sea Captain. Captain Jasmine Costelo Labarda.
Kudos to the Filipina seafarers! By Isa Yñiguez
PRAYER FOR SEAFARERS Dear Lord, we ask you to take all Seafarers into Your care and protection. Make them alert and wise in their duties, Help them to be faithful in the time of routine, prompt to decide and courageous to act in any time of crisis. Protect all our Seafarers from the dangers and perils of the sea; and even in storms—natural or spiritual—grant that there may be peace and calm within their hearts. When they are far from home, far from their loved ones and from their homeland, give them the grace to be quite sure that, wherever they are, they can never be beyond Your loving concern. Take good care of our loved ones in the days and weeks and months when they are separated from us—sometimes with half the world between us. Give us the grace to be true to them, and keep them true to us. And when we have to part, bring us together again in safety and loyalty. This we ask for your love’s sake. Oh mother Mary, star of the Sea, guide us and our beloved seafarers. Though separated often, help us to grow in love of one another and Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Apostolatus Maris Seafarers Center, Inc. Apostleship of the Sea—Manila 1175 UNITED NATIONS AVE. COR. CORREA ST., PACO, 1007 MANILA PHILIPPINES TEL NO. 63 2 527 0337; FAX NO. 63 2 527-2638 aosmla@info.com.ph
PIUS — PIUS XII
CATHOLIC CENTER
1175 UNITED NATIONS AVE. COR. CORREA ST., PACO, 1007 MANILA PHILIPPINES TEL NO. 63 2 527 0337
ERMITA — METROBANK BLDG. 1149 A. MABINI COR A. FLORES STS., ERMITA, 1000 MANILA PHILIPPINES TEL NO. 63 2 525 9435
Apostleship OftheSea Manila Mary Star of the Sea, Pray for us. Vol. 2, Issue 1 January—March 2011
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PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS AND ITINERANT PEOPLES
Message for Holy Easter 2011 Prot. no. 5942/2011/AM
Alleluia! Christ is risen, Alleluia! Dear people of the sea, On the Great Vigil of Easter this announcement resonates once again in every Christian community and I would like it to reach all of you wherever you are. In spite of the dark clouds hovering over the maritime world because of the increasing number of pirates attacks, the dangers of criminalization, the fear of unemployment and many other problems that often are making your life more difficult, the celebration of the resurrection of Christ is a powerful message of encouragement, hope and perseverance which brings joy and new life. A message of hope, brought to you by the hundreds of dedicated AOS chaplains and volunteers who every day, in different ports of the world, visit your ships, open the doors of the Stella Maris centers and of their hearts to welcome you as brothers and sisters without any discrimination. With His resurrection, Christ has defeated the forces of division, jealousy and animosity and has brought unity, love and cooperation. A message of encouragement, coming from the people who, in various governmental and nongovernmental organizations, are working hard to develop and implement legislations that will guarantee the protection of your dignity as workers and persons. Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for our salvation, has revealed how important is every human being. A message of perseverance, for those who among you feel discouraged, depressed and especially for the almost 800 seafarers in the hands of the pirates, since nothing will separate you from the love of Christ who has conquered the powers of evil. Your hearts should not be filled with fear and uncertainty even after hearing the tragic news of wars, violence and natural calamities around the world, because Christ is walking on your side, giving courage and strength to face the hardships of life. Dear people of the sea, look ahead with confidence to the future, accept the life of the Risen Christ as your new life, let the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts, share it with your families and friends and, like the disciples, witness that Christ is risen. Happy Easter to all! X Antonio Maria Vegliò President Fr. Gabriele Bentoglio Under-Secretary 9