The crew of Bow Saga and Bow Sea took Odfjell's Healthy Living program a notch higher by staging a friendly basketball game in Seabrook, Houston on October 13th.
Bow Sea opened the game with four straight points, with Third Engineer Christian Dionaldo, Messman Gregorio Señga and Fitter Darwin Mondejar leading their early rally. A basket from Electrician Nico Carlo Estandian finally put the Bow Saga camp on the scoreboard. This was followed by another field goal from Bow Saga's playing coach, Captain Luisito Cantona.
From then on, Bow Saga controlled the game. The run-and-gun offense of Estandian and Chief Engineer Ricky Monzon, Third Officer Mark Nilo Pardillo's power plays, Motorman Reynaldo Escaño's side steps, Messman Joaquin Rodriguez's jump shots and Ordinary Seaman Arjhem Trinidad's slashes, supported by the solid defense from Third Engineer Angelo Doloria, cemented the squad's victory.
“I was so excited when the Captain announced that there will be a basketball game between Bow Sea and Bow Saga at Houston, so I signed up immediately. It was my first time to play basketball outside the country, and I was looking forward to meeting our colleagues from Bow Saga. The game was evenly matched in the beginning, until we were no longer able to keep up with them and eventually lost. They came in prepared and well-trained for the match. Nevertheless, it was a great game and I really enjoyed the experience. I hope we can do this again, not only in this ship, but also in the others. This is a good way to promote camaraderie among our crew, and to support our healthy living program.”
Erick Mel Coriento, Third Officer, Bow Sea
“We were outnumbered at the start. We also had a hard time adapting from the three-on-three setup we practiced on board, to the five-on-five setup during the game. Those hurdles became my strength to fight and to strive more in the game. Success is really sweeter after a storm.”
Mark Nilo Pardillo, Third Officer, Bow Saga
“The game started out as a close one, until Bow Saga found their rhythm and dominated. We had snacks after the game, and chatted with our colleagues. We might have lost the game, but we were happy that we got to play and meet with our colleagues. We are very thankful to Captain Cabiao and Captain Cantona, as well as to Odfjell Houston, for making this happen. It had been such a great experience.”
Fidel Castro, Able Seaman, Bow Sea
“We rallied late in the game because of the great start Bow Sea exhibited. A sweet victory for Bow Saga is what I had been craving for even before the game started, and I think such positive mindset is what made my first shot possible. It had really been a great game.”
Nico Carlo Estandian, Electrician, Bow Saga
“It had been a very fun and at the same time a very challenging experience playing with the Bow Saga crew. Fun, in the sense that it was very refreshing to play basketball in a foreign country with your colleagues before a foreign audience (how cool is that!). It was challenging, because the Bow Saga team came in well-prepared for the match that we didn't stand a chance. I am looking forward to our rematch so Bow Saga, watch out :)”
Alvin Paul Roxas, Third Officer, Bow Sea
“I was so thankful to be part of this friendly basketball match. I was able to meet new guys from Bow Saga and I was happy to see the Captain, Chief Engineer and Third Engineer in good health and spirit.
Well, if we talk about the Basketball match, I’d say it was like the 2018 NBA finals between Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Avid fans of NBA would know what happened — it was a lopsided game, with the losing team being outscored by 25 points. We gave our everything during the game, but it was not enough for a highly coordinated and well-practiced team like Bow Saga. Camaraderie and teamwork were evident during the game, and that for me is the most important.
After the game, we had a small chitchat with the guys while sharing food and drinks like we were no competitors.
I really enjoyed every minute of this event and I hope other Odfjell ships will experience a healthy and fun-filled activity like this.”
Christian Dionaldo, Third Engineer, Bow Sea
“Being able to still play this much even at this point in my life is a privilege. The sense of competitiveness will always remain in me. The fun of playing, and keeping fit at the same time, is there, and what better way to experience this than by playing with our brothers from our sister ship. It was a nice game, and a really good way to uphold our company's healthy living program.”
Ricky Monzon, Chief Engineer, Bow Saga
“With a busy stay at the Houston port, we were lucky to find some time for a basketball match with the Bow Saga team. It was an awesome game with a close fight in beginning, until the final buzzer sounded off with us still trailing. In the end, however, it is not the score that mattered, but the experience — having a different environment and connecting with colleagues. I am glad that my team showed the same kind of teamwork they display on board. And I am happy that we find opportunities like this to enhance the well-being of our crew by encouraging an active lifestyle. I look forward to more friendly basketball games in the future. And probably more post-game ice cream to enjoy.”
Captain Randy Allan Cabiao, Master,
Bow Sea
“The friendly game was held to support the health and wellness program of the company. Camaraderie was alive, and the crew had a lot of fun during the game — you could see it in the eyes and smiles of the crewmembers as they exchanged shots. Fit mariners run safer ships: this should remind maritime companies worldwide to always consider the welfare of the crew, as stated in the Maritime Labour Covention, 2006.”
Captain Luisito Cantona, Master, Bow Saga
The crew were all in high spirits after the game. The friendly game was definitely not just about garnering baskets; it was more about destressing after a long voyage and having a good time with colleagues.
Many thanks to Captain Cantona of Bow Saga and Captain Randy Allan Cabiao of Bow Sea for making room for their crews to meet up, and for arranging sporting events to promote fitness. And many thanks also to the Odfjell USA (Houston) Operation and Agency department for supporting and making this game possible!
