Filled with joy, gratitude, and complete vaccinations, Lydia Mar Manila (LMM) celebrated Christmas the way that many of us had missed in the last two years. Finally, a party!
Last December 3, friends, family, and crew from LMM gathered together at the Amelie Hotel in Manila. Tables were lined with liquor, lechon, and long conversations. We danced, we sang, but most of all, we gave thanks.
Messages of Gratitude
During the event, Mr. Alberto Gomez, Chairman of Lydia Mar Manila, highlighted the heavy sacrifices that had been made in the last two years.
“To our crew, we thank you for staying and hanging in there, not just for us pero para sa buong mundo. Dahil kung hindi sa inyo, walang bigas, langis, harina lalo na yung mga bagay at medisina na ginamit para mawala ang COVID.
[Translation: Your sacrifice was not only for us but for the world. If not for seafarers, rice, oil, flour, medicine, and essential goods needed to fight COVID would not have arrived.]
Shore staff were also given the credit they deserve.
“ To our shore staff, despite the dangers and limitations you faced ginawan niyo ng paraan para lang makauwi ang mga marino, maraming salamat.”
[Translation: You persevered in your duties to ensure our seafarers can come home, thank you so much]
Lastly, gratitude was expressed to our principals who have been our partners for decades.
“To our principals, for your trust and for your continued support in making the Filipino Seafarer a proud and competent professional—thank you.”
Joining the LMM festivities were representatives from Mastermind Shipping—Capt. Eugen Adami, Owner and Managing Director, Nikolas Adami, Training Director & Fleet Auditor, and Natalie Georgiou, Senior Crewing Officer. Meanwhile, Christmas messages and raffle prizes were also sent in from the rest of LMM’s clients. Specifically, our partners from Lydia Mar Athens and Bolten in Germany shared a Christmas video to express their appreciation while also giving everyone an additional boost of optimism as we face a new year ahead.
The past year’s success is one we share with the entire maritime sector. As explained by Mr. Gomez, the shipping industry is one that only moves forward if we unite and work together. Whether you are from Lydia Mar Manila, or any other organization, as long as we are in shipping, we must depend on each other. To those have been part of LMM’s journey—in both good times and bad—thank you so much for the trust and support. Have a very Merry Christmas!
A Festive Evening
Shore staff and crew hit the stage for various performances throughout the night. The dance floor also opened up along with the chance to be your own rock star, thanks to our rockeoke band. And of course, it’s not a Pinoy party without a raffle. Crew unable to attend (we missed you!), were still part of the draw. Winners have prizes waiting for them back home. Congrats!
