We grew up with legends and myths about creatures, divine beings and gods, including those where water plays an important role.
Their gifts brought misfortune, and, if offended, the beings caused floods or other disasters. To see one on a voyage was an omen of shipwreck. Sightings of mermaids are normally downplayed with arguments that these are are slow-moving, blubbery sea cows called dugongs or manatees.The sea cannot stop the seafarers in mastering the art of vocal mimicry from contagiously belting out songs like the infamous “My Way.” It is an understatement to say that karaoke is a central part of pop culture of Filipinos, including seafarers whether on board or in between contracts.
Constantly exposed to fluctuating temperatures caused by variant weather changes of extreme hot and cold as the ships cross ocean boundaries, the risks of him getting ill, injured or killed are high. NSD organizers had to forego the usual sunset environmental concert dubbed as Harana by the Bay of the Philippine Coast Guard symphony band that pays homage to the oceans and seas to keep our Filipino seafarers safe in their voyage.