by: N.F. Tioco Jr.

Led by Capt. Ely C. Sinoy, the crew of M/V “Daio Azalea” Virtually put  the Philippines in the world map anew and lived up to their reputation of being modern day heroes in the eyes of many Filipinos when the rescued two Italian sailors.

Capt. Ely C. Sinoy had a childhood dream of becoming a ship master one day. Born to a farming parents, Capt. Sinoy enrolled at the John B. Lacson College Foundation in 1994 where he took up a course in B.S. in Marine Transportation. Simply called Ely by his friends and family, Cat. Sinoy studied very hard in school and become a “K” Line Scholar which everyone in school aspires for but only few succeed.

When he graduated, Ely’s mother must have been very proud of him because Ely graduated with high honors. It was sad that his father could not be around to witness his son graduate and receive a medal, because he passed away when was just in high school. Ely took odd jobs while studying. He served as a construction by, a farm hand, harvester and laborer for hire but never did he let go of his dream and passion to become a ship master one day. As he puts it, “With God’s help, I did it!”

His first vessel was M/V Hermes Hope” where he worked as a deck cadet. In 1997, he passed the board exam and become a Third Officer onboard M/V “Java Bridge”. He also served as Third Officer on board two other vessels before he become a Second Officer on board M/V “Manhattan Bridge” in 2000. Then he become a Chief Officer in 2004 and joined M/V Raicho I.

In 2008. He Finally achieved his childhood dream and become a Master onboard M/V “Eastern Highway” He also served as Master of the vessels M/V “Pegasus Highway” and M/V ” Chipstar” before he joined M/V “Daio Azalea”. Ely chose the marine profession over other profession because as he said, the marine profession plays a major role in global economy and he considers it a greate honor being a part of it and linking people and nations all over the world.

For him, it is a dream turned into a reality as he started from a humble beginning of being a cadet to becoming the Master Mariner that he is now. He advises all the seafarer to give their best in performing what is expected of them by the Principals. He added that by loving one’s work and serving to the best of their abilities, it will bring them the success they look for their career or profession.

Says Capt. Sinoy further:

Love and respect your profession as much as you love yourself and your family. Remember, Filipino seafarers gained respect and become sought-after by ship owners all over the world because of their perseverance, hard-work, professionalism and dedication to work.

I look forward to the time the new generation of seafarers will continue to deliver the same or even surpass should always perform what is expected from him by the principals.

The “K” Line group of Companies are investing a lot of money and efforts to develop and offer career enhancement program and trainings for our crew and it is incumbent upon to be grateful and do our best always.