‘I survived NCovid 19’ – Filipino cruise ship chef 

[A triple whammy hit a Filipino crew member on a cruise ship. His wife left him, his mother died and he tested positive for Covid-19 from which, fortunately, he has recovered. The following is his pseudonymous blog:]

Let me start my story.

My name is Chef D. Other information about my identity I cannot mention to keep my life private. For more than 10 years I was working as a chef in cruise ship, too many contracts I can’t even remember. Working in a cruise ship is a dream come true — travel the world, good salary and life-changing experiences. Life-changing because you spent more time in the ship with crew and passengers more than my family.

Last year, while I am on vacation, my wife asked me for legal separation, saying that she’s not happy anymore in our marriage. The next month, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It feels like my world is falling apart. I was dreaming of a happy and best vacation for my family while I’m on board for 8 months and this is what happening. A sad reality.

I’m back in the ship, doing all the best for my job. I’m the joker, clown, bully, happy and very loud and talkative chef. With that personality I was able to hide my pain and problems that I am going through.

Three months had passed I manage to stay still until the corona virus hit our ship.  Six of our passengers are infected (with) coronavirus. Even our medical team and officers managed to send them to hospitals; the outbreak did not stop.

Every day the number of the crew getting sick is going high because we are exposed to those passengers not knowing they are carriers.
Our ship did everything to stop the virus, but corona is a very hard opponent. Not everyone is ready for it.
Every day we are fighting for our safety and our life at sea.

Two weeks in that situation I received a call from my sister that my mother passed away. A heart-breaking news. I want to go home to see my mother for the last time even she’s in the coffin, but how? Almost all countries are on lockdown, no flights, and quarantine procedures are being imposed.

I only see my mom and family through videocalls and Facebook live. I am with them through social media on those days of her funeral. I might not see my mother again, but she will always be in my heart. I am very grateful for her unconditional love to me as her son.

My wife and I might not have a good relationship, but I’m still hoping that it will all go back to the home we both love and treasured.
Two days after my mom’s funeral, another bad news came. I am one of the crew that was tested positive for coronavirus.

I was transferred to the hotel for proper isolation and monitored by doctors and nurses of Public health. Since my condition is stable and I’m getting well day by day. I don’t need to be admitted in the hospital. Eating vegetables, fresh fruits and drinking warm water with lemon helps me a lot.

I spent days of my isolation singing karaoke in my hotel room, joking around with the nurses, and calling reception by midnight, when nobody is not answering my calls and chat in social media.

Today I was released in isolation and I am Covid-free. I encountered many storms, but I always believe that our God is with us.

Keep praying and believing.

Together with my faith in God I won my battles with coronavirus. Keep fighting “laban lang.”

Thank you for the following FB group, for sharing my story to inspire others.
#happychef #AFM #covidfree #iamaseafarer
#wewillbeback #TYL #buhaysacruiseship
#adminrouth #crewcenter #crewadvocacycenter #cruiselawnews
#pambansangmarino