In the busy streets of Irosin, Sorsogon, the clinking sound of a tricycle’s chain echoed through the mornings. Rain or shine, under the punishing sun or monsoon skies, John Albert Imperial, 36, pushed the pedals of his beat-up trike, ferrying passengers for a living. For over two years, he endured the daily grind—earning just enough to feed his wife and two children.

“I wanted more for my kids,” John recalls. “I wanted to give them a more comfortable life, that’s why I decided to work onboard.”

After months of juggling driving shifts and lifeguard training, John secured a spot as a lifeguard on a luxury cruise ship bound for Europe.

Despite the hardships, he stayed focused on his goal—saving enough money to reunite with his family. But fate had other plans.

Trouble struck when John fell for a too-good-to-be-true investment scheme, promising quick returns and a future back home in the Philippines.

Despite initial doubts, the dream of a comfortable life for his family led him to invest almost everything he had saved. But by the time the ship docked in Spain, the investment—and the person behind it—were gone.

John was devastated. Worse, tensions flared onboard as the pandemic hit.

Overcome by his losses, John reached his lowest point. One day while on duty, staring at the tranquil sea, he felt a pull to surrender to its depths.

After that frightening wake-up call, John realized that life at sea wasn’t for the faint of heart. He understood he needed to grow stronger—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

“Ika nga sa motto namin bilang lifeguard, ‘Drowning can happen anytime,’ kaya dapat lagi kang handa at huwag kang palulunod sa problema.”

“After five years at sea, I know I’m here by God’s grace. I’m grateful for my wife’s prayers, my family’s support, and God’s constant guidance and protection.”

To his fellow Padre de Familia and to small-town dreamers hoping to change their fate and build a better future, he says: “Tandaan ninyo, kontrata ang tinatapos, hindi trabaho. Kaya patuloy lang tayo sa kahit anong hamon ng buhay.”

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