Ron’s Humble Beginnings (published with permission from Ron)
Ron is the middle child and he likes to think that he is his parents’ favorite child.
His father is from Bacoor, Cavite while his mother is a native of Bicol. They met during the “panahon ng gyera”. Ron’s father worked as a security guard at the Cavite Development Bank. Ron said he often joined his father on duty nights. When morning comes, Ron buys tinapay then off he goes to school. Thru hard work and desire to achieve something better for himself and his family, Ron’s father pursued a degree in management at the San Sebastian College in Cavite. He rose from the ranks and eventually became the branch manager of the Cavite Development Bank where he used to work as security guard. Ron’s mom is a beautician, doing mani pedi, kulot, gupit.
Ron finished college at the Philippine Merchant Marine School in Las Pinas. He later worked in ACE Financing, a company put up by his father.
In 1987, Ron worked as an apprentice in a cruise line earning $100 a month. This is equivalent to an on the job training if you are considering working either as seaman or a career on a ship. Aside from gaining valuable experience you can use when you apply for a regular job on a cruise or cargo ship, it is also an opportunity to travel for free and see picturesque cities.
In 1994 Ron became a seaman, the lowest rank in the naval ship and his salary increased to $260 a month. Although he never had any formal education or training in culinary, he was later assigned in the kitchen when the cook suddenly became ill. He was then promoted to the next higher rank as Able Seaman receiving $480 a month. An Able Seaman performs general maintenance jobs and upkeep of areas in the deck department of the ship and other duties assigned to him.
He ranked Top 11 in the overall exams for seamen and was promoted to Third Mate receiving a salary of $1,700 a month. By the time Ron resigned, he was receiving $2,800 a month as Second Officer, the third in command in ocean liners. In some bigger ships, the second officer maybe 4th in line of command. He is the watch keeper and reports to the captain regarding safety of the ship, its crew, and cargo. Receiving $2,800 a month was big 20 years ago. It still is a big amount up to now. That’s P145,000 a month.
Ron’s life story is centered around his love life. His life story is his love story.
Until now he thinks no one has ever truly loved him.
Let’s meet the women who broke his heart many times over. To protect their privacy, I am hiding the women under different names.
Ron is a late bloomer. He only started noticing the girls when he was in college. He courted Mary Jane even if she already has a regular boyfriend. When her boyfriend was not around, Mary Jane spent time with Ron, her spare. When the boyfriend was around, Ron quietly watched them from afar.
Ron didn’t feel comfortable with the arrangement. He felt it was unfair. “Hindi ba pwedeng akin lang?” He said he felt like a mistress, yung isa pambahay. He didn’t like the idea so he stopped seeing Mary Jane and ran to the arms of their common friend Gennalyn who was actually the bridge between Ron and Mary Jane.
Gennalyn was clingy and too serious about their relationship. From day one she was already looking forward to their marriage. The things that she was saying and doing scared Ron that he might get stuck with her. He was not ready yet for a serious commitment much more marriage.
He talked to Gennalyn and told her that they’re still young and they should think of their future. She couldn’t understand why he would say those things. She wanted a serious commitment. He broke up with Gennalyn and focused on his career as seaman. After two years, his earnings increased and he felt he was ready for a serious commitment and could now think of his future with Gennalyn.
During his next visit to the Philippines, the first thing he did was to go see Gennalyn. While he was crossing the street leading to her house, he saw her rode a jeepney with another man and they were holding hands. Gennalyn has clearly moved on. She now has a new boyfriend. Ron hid so she could not see him. He felt gloomy and frustrated according to him.
To be continued
