ORCHESTRAL medleys of Eraserheads songs transformed the ordinary pavement of T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Ermita, Manila, into a platform for honoring Filipino seafarers.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Symphonic Band performed instrumental arrangements of songs by iconic Pinoy rock bands such as the Eraserheads during the “Harana Para sa Marino” concert held at LUSWELF on T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Ermita.
The PCG band concert, along with the Boses ng Marino Karaoke Challenge, paid homage to Filipino seafarers and offered prayers for their safety while navigating the world’s oceans and seas. The activities formed part of the 31st National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) and the 27th National Maritime Week (NMW).
The repertoire of the PCG Band also included a medley of Siakol songs, as well as “Pearl Harbor,” “Ulala,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Organized in 2000, the PCG band is composed of junior and senior non-commissioned officers who represent the institution in various parts of the country, providing musical entertainment while promoting the PCG’s vision, mission, and primary functions.
The Harana and Boses ng Marino Karaoke Challenge reflect the special role of music in the lives of Filipino seafarers, whether at sea or on land.
Filipino seafarers, musicians, and singers are world-renowned for providing vibrant, top-tier musical entertainment, performing in lounges, theaters, and dining rooms across nearly every major international cruise line.
Many crew members—working primarily as hospitality staff, waiters, or marine officers—surprise guests with their world-class vocal talents during onboard crew shows, guest interactions, and passenger karaoke events. They have become an integral part of onboard live entertainment.
It is an understatement to say that karaoke is a central part of Filipino pop culture, synonymous with happiness and goodwill. There can hardly be a true Filipino party without karaoke!
Karaoke is indeed a favorite pastime among Filipino seafarers and serves as one of their coping mechanisms aboard international and domestic vessels to deal with stress and boredom.
Filipino seafarers endure considerable physical, mental, and emotional stress as they spend months away from their families while working aboard vessels sailing the world’s oceans.
The maritime industry also remains fraught with health and safety hazards that expose seafarers to accidents, illnesses, and even death. Others may go missing or lose their lives in maritime disasters.
In between contracts, Pinoy seafarers and maritime students gather on Kalaw to showcase their singing prowess in a weekly show organized by volunteers.
This year marks the 16th edition of the Boses ng Marino Karaoke Challenge for professional seafarers, which began in 2010.
In the professional seafarers’ division, Joyce Marie Marcelo of Negros Occidental emerged as champion with her rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You.” Adolfo Heruela of Las Piñas was first runner-up with “Quando, Quando, Quando,” while Jack Suficiencia of Parañaque City placed second runner-up with “Anak.”
For the first nationwide search in the maritime students’ division, three contestants were recognized as top winners. Louise Cyril P. Boholst of Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology was declared champion; John Paul D. Muñoz of Isabela College of Arts and Technology was first runner-up; and Jonnybel P. Abion of Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College was second runner-up.
Other music-related NSD activities in previous years included songwriting contests from 2004 to 2008, a chorale competition in 2007, a jingle competition in 2007, and battle-of-the-bands competitions in 2007 and 2019.
NSD is celebrated by virtue of Proclamation No. 828, issued by President Fidel V. Ramos on July 9, 1996, declaring August 18 as National Seafarers’ Day. Its observance was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year through Proclamation No. 1094.
NSD is led by Stella Maris Philippines, which is tasked with coordinating with the public and private sectors in conducting NSD-related activities such as Masses, novenas, parades, processions, prayers, wreath- and flower-throwing ceremonies, as well as oratorical, art, and karaoke contests.
NSD coincides with National Maritime Week, which is celebrated every last week of September by virtue of Proclamation No. 1560, series of 2008. The celebration is spearheaded alternately by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The 31st NSD was held on September 27, 2026, while the 27th NMW ran from September 19 to 27, 2026, with the theme, “Marinong Filipino: Matatag sa alon, Matibay sa hamon!”
It is estimated that one out of every four to five seafarers aboard a vessel at any given time is Filipino.
Remittances from the sea-based sector comprise at least 20 percent of total dollar remittances from overseas Filipino workers.
In 2025, remittances from 589,000 deployed Filipino seafarers amounted to US$7.139 billion.
***
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com or call 0908-8665786./PN
