Village Connect
Juan Carlos Soriano, son of a Grab driver finished his maritime education and proudly posted on Facebook his “last mess as a cadet” on May 26, which garnered 101 comments and 228 shares for its catchy title “Hindi Ako Anak ng Diyos, Anak Ako ng isang Driver” with him wearing his dad’s official uniform.
He said: “Anak ka ba ng Diyos? ”
This question is repeatedly ask(ed) inside the academy especially when we were plebe(4CL). Anak ng Diyos means you are a son of a military official or wealthy parent. I have never denied or become shy in this question Actually I am more dignified to answer, “Sir, no, sir! I am a son of a Driver.”
He narrated that the graduation tradition in MAAP (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific) “was to wear unique clothes for our last mess as a cadet. Since then, I used to imagine myself wearing something about politics, favorite movie character or impersonate my idol. But I want(ed) something special that is relevant to me.”
“So, I borrowed my dad’s everyday uniform since he is going to have his day-off today. But this is a special day-off for him—He will witness his son marching and receiving his diploma all because of their hard work (also with my mom’s hard work),” he said.
He said he was honored to wear his daddy Bayani Soriano’s uniform, “reminding me that all throughout my cadet journey, you are always there working hard for us to provide our needs. Resisting the extreme heat and sudden rain. Dealing with people’s attitude and even scammers. Combatting the danger of motorcycle. I salute you for being you, daddy! Konti na lang po at mabibili na kita ng kotse.”
He concluded: “To all GRAB/Delivery DRIVERS who combat the risk in the road, to all FATHERS who tirelessly work hard for their family, to all FATHER, MOTHER—PARENTS/GUARDIANS who are willing to do whatever it takes for their son/daughter, MABUHAY PO KAYO! I am giving you all my snappiest salute!”
He (and his parents) reaped congratulatory replies from hundreds of FB users and more shares that hopefully would inspire more children of blue- collar workers to aspire for higher education regardless of obstacles and hardships and provide an opportunity to bail out their families from poverty and want.
MAAP or the Maritime Academy of Asia and Pacific is a private maritime school and training institution established in 1998 by Capt. Gregorio S. Oca that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree courses in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering.
MAAP now offers scholarship grants that cover not only the tuition fee but also board and lodging and insurance while enrolled in the academy. Students use modern equipment and facilities, employment onboard modern foreign vessels.
MAAP is a non-stock, non-profit maritime higher educational institution owned, developed and operated by the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP).
By Rose de la Cruz
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