Ship Shops
Table of Contents
Still Floating After 25 Years: Ship Shops Reunion, Rain, Floods, and All
Some reunions are planned carefully.
Others simply happen—and leave you with stories you didn’t expect to tell.
Ours fell into the middle of the first and second categories.
Recently, we gathered for a Ship Shops Group of Companies Reunion at Portiko, a popular party place along 23rd Street in Bacolod. It was meant to be a relaxed evening of catching up, laughing over old memories, and reconnecting after decades apart.
None of us anticipated indoor waterfalls, street flooding, and a reminder that Bacolod will always be Bacolod, Lol.
And yet, it somehow turned out just right.
A Quick Look Back: What Ship Shops Was All About
For those who may not know—or may need a memory refresh—Ship Shops was a subsidiary of the Negros Navigation Company, back when sea travel still felt like an adventure.
The Ship Shops Group of Companies was composed of:
- Ship Shops Inc
- Negros Galleon
- Anchor Food Ventures
All three operated onboard Negros Navigation vessels, handling canteen operations, restaurant services, and manpower deployment. At its peak, the group employed more than 800 people—mostly young, energetic souls filled with ambition, big dreams, and the confidence that the future was wide open.
I was the HR Manager at the time, which meant I knew everyone (well, mostly…), chased everyone, and worried about everyone( I was trying…). That was literally my job.
It was a vibrant company—until it wasn’t.
The company eventually closed in 2001, following the acquisition of the mother company by other entities. That story deserves its own article, preferably with coffee and emotional preparation.
Fast forward to today: 25 years later, this reunion was only our second.
The People Who Showed Up (and Those Who Supported from Afar)
Around 40 people committed to attend and sent their contributions. How many actually showed up? I honestly didn’t count.
For the record, I am no longer their HR, Lol!
Many former colleagues are now abroad. Others, we’ve lost track of over the years—again, please don’t ask me where they are. Retirement from HR duties includes retirement from tracking people.
Still, seeing familiar faces was a highlight:
- Our former President, Sir Rey Garcia
- Ms. Beth Aloni, our former Admin and Accounting Manager
- JB Mapa, who actually started his career with us right after graduating Marketing from La Salle
- Ms. Ging Noble, from Negros Galleon
Before I accidentally omit someone and create unnecessary drama, let me stop the roll call there. Take note i added a prefix to some people…of course, seniority ( age, I mean hahaha.)
The event was organized by a reliable trio:
- Teena Gacho, former Marketing Manager
- Femmy Lee, now Marketing Manager of Merzci
- Ian Villa ( now a title holder, Lol…)
Our former President Sir Tonton Mapa and Ms. Belende Gonzaga couldn’t attend due to prior commitments—but they generously sent their contributions, proving that support can be felt even in absence… especially when bills arrive. Thank you. Truly. 😄
Dinner, Ambiance, and a Very Unexpected Indoor Rain [ Ship Shops Reunion ]
The venue was beautifully set.
The ambiance felt perfect for a reunion—warm, festive, and relaxed.
We had dinner and were just about to move into the “fun” part of the evening when the rain started pouring.
At first, it was just outside.
Then it wasn’t.
Corners of the ceiling began to leak. Slowly. Then confidently. What started as droplets turned into something resembling indoor waterfalls. The staff reacted quickly—pails, buckets, and well-practiced coordination suggested this was not their first encounter with rain indoors.
Watching it all unfold, I calmly announced:
“Oh, this looks like our house.”
It was horrifying and funny at the same time.
The carefully planned activities were officially cancelled—courtesy of Mother Nature. We transferred to the inner part of the venue, only to discover that no area of Portiko was completely spared.
The redeeming factor?
Portiko waived the corkage fee for our lechon. At that point, that single gesture deserved a standing ovation.
Because Bacolod Never Misses a Chance to Flood
By around 10:00 PM, the rain still showed no signs of stopping.
Then came the bonus round.
Flooding.
Because yes, Bacolod is a flood city—and we remain loyal to that reputation. (Said with sarcasm, affection, and lived experience.)
Water from the street started creeping into the venue. Panic followed—not for ourselves, but for some of our cars. Especially those with lowered suspensions and fragile confidence (lol).
There were anxious glances outside, silent calculations, and a few whispered prayers. Thankfully, the water eventually subsided, and everyone made it home safely.
Wet, tired—but intact.
Why the Reunion Still Mattered
Looking back, what made the reunion meaningful wasn’t the program, the venue, or even the lechon.
It was seeing old friends again.
Some of us still bump into each other in Bacolod. Others have been busy building lives elsewhere. That night—short, rain-soaked, and chaotic—was the rare moment we were all in one place again.
As a college professor now, I couldn’t help but laugh at the realization that some of their children are already my students.
Time moves quietly. Then suddenly.
Cathy was there, now working with Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.
From my former HR team:
- Analees Canson, now HR Manager of Merzci
- Elmer Sendico, now holding a good position at the Social Security System
Many have become successful.
Others are thriving in quieter ways.
And honestly, that’s more than enough.
Ship Shops Reunion : A Moment Worth Having
Despite the rain, the leaks, and the flooding, what mattered was simple:
We were there.
We saw each other.
And we could still laugh.
I suppose we all need moments like these—before the final curtain call. (Yes, I know. I sound old. 😅)
To those who couldn’t make it: we missed you. Hopefully, next time we gather again—maybe in a bigger venue, not necessarily fancy—
…but preferably with more sponsors (Lol).
And, if possible, a roof that stays dry.
Ship Shops, Inc.
Anchor Food Ventures
Negros Galleon, Inc.
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My professional journey began at Negros Galleon Incorporated (NGI) shortly after graduating with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy with a double major in Business Administration. At the age of 19, as a fresh graduate, I started working as an Officer’s Messhall Attendant aboard the vessel St. Ezekiel Moreno of Negros Navigation. This early position marked the beginning of an exciting and formative chapter in my career. Following the ship’s drydocking in Iloilo City—Muelle Looney—the vessel’s inaugural passenger route included Bacolod City to Manila, Manila to Iloilo, Ozamis to Iligan, returning to Iloilo, Bacolod City, and finally Manila.
During those formative years, I found tremendous joy and fulfillment serving Captain Tendencia, the Chief Engineers, officers, and passengers aboard the vessel. The experience taught me essential skills and human connections inherent to stellar service and operational discipline. Shortly after, I was promoted to Storekeeper at the galley, a role which expanded my understanding of logistics and inventory management within maritime operations. This foundation enabled me to develop discipline, perseverance, and leadership capabilities critical to my future endeavors.
After my tenure on board, I transitioned to a land-based role as a Personnel Assistant at NGI’s Mandalagan headquarters, specifically within the Human Resources Department under the guidance of Ms. Cleo. This exposure enriched my administrative competence and broadened my perspective on workforce management. Subsequently, I resigned and pursued a banking career at Banco De Oro (BDO), Gatuslao Street, one of the country’s premier banking institutions in Bacolod City. There, I was assigned to the Clearing Center or Cash Hub Department, supervising the cheque clearing process across Negros Island and all 16 BDO branches. This role honed my financial acumen and operational oversight skills in a highly regulated and demanding sector.
The breadth of experience garnered from these early roles laid the groundwork for my evolution into leadership and entrepreneurship. Today, I proudly serve as President and CEO of four companies with branches spanning the Philippines and abroad. I am also honored to have been a consultant for the former professional boxer, Senator and entrepreneur Manny Pacquiao, assisting in the establishment and management of his businesses across General Santos City, Cebu, Palawan, Luzon, and Metro Manila.
Currently, my companies operate internationally with branches in Dubai, Malaysia, Palau, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. This extensive network requires my regular travels across Asia and the Middle East for conferences and strategic business meetings with mergers and partners abroad. I attribute my success to the invaluable experiences from my early career and, above all, the infinite blessings from our Almighty God. To Him, I give all glory, honor, and praise, as His guidance has been paramount throughout my journey.
In sum, my progression from a young Officer’s Messhall Attendant to a global business leader illustrates the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and faith. This narrative not only reflects personal growth but also the transformative potential of steadfast commitment to one’s goals and values.
Love this, Sir Jojo! 💙 “After 25 years… Ship Happens!” — witty, honest, and so real. The reflections hit differently when they come with time, scars, and a whole lot of wisdom earned at sea. Thank you for sharing a story that reminds us that storms are part of the journey, and survival itself is already a victory. Smooth sailing to more meaningful chapters ahead!