After 13 years as a chief cook on ships, navigating oceans and feeding crews from around the world, Keith Winston Bagtasos made a bold decision — he left the seafaring life behind to build a thriving business on land, proving that life after the sea can lead to even greater success.
Now 43, Winston has successfully transitioned from seafaring to managing a thriving accommodation business in Manila. Catering to fellow seafarers, he has built a new life onshore, proving that life after seafaring can be just as fulfilling.
Winston, widely known as Kuya Mayor in the maritime vlogging community, grew up in Koronadal, South Cotabato, dreaming of a career at sea.
Motivated by his relatives and friends in the maritime industry, he pursued a degree in hotel and restaurant management at Philippine Women’s College in Davao City. His goal was clear: to work on cargo ships as a cook.
However, living in Mindanao made it difficult to apply for maritime jobs since most manning agencies were based in Manila.
Luckily, Marlow Navigation Philippines, a crew agency, launched a cook traineeship program in General Santos City, opening the door for Winston and others from the south to work onboard. This marked the beginning of Winston’s seafaring career.
Sacrifices at sea
As a chief cook, Winston was responsible for the crew’s well-being, preparing meals that catered to various ethnicities, religions, and dietary restrictions.
“I was responsible for the crew’s overall health and food requirements. It’s a challenging job because you don’t just feed everyone — you need to cater to different ethnicities, religions, and personal dietary restrictions. The mood and overall health of the crew largely depend on the meals provided, so the role is crucial. I had to make sure they were happy and healthy throughout the long months at sea,” Winston shared in an interview with Maritime Fairtrade.
“Balancing work and relaxation is hard for a chief cook because you have no substitute. You work every day for the entire duration of your contract. Relaxation usually comes only at night, with activities like playing video games or singing karaoke.”
Life onboard presented significant challenges. Winston often spent months away from his family, missing important milestones. He recalled spending 14 months straight at sea in 2011.
“My partner was pregnant when I left, and by the time I came back, my son was already seven months old and almost walking. It was hard missing those moments,” he said.
“There are many sacrifices when you’re a seafarer,” he added. The longing for home and isolation at sea are constants in the life of those who choose this path. To stay connected, Winston organized social gatherings like barbecue parties to foster camaraderie among the crew and ease homesickness.
He emphasized the importance of regular communication with loved ones and physical exercise to maintain both body and mind. After long, demanding workdays, he found solace in video games or karaoke sessions, which allowed him to unwind.
For all its challenges, seafaring brought many rewards. One of Winston’s most cherished memories is exploring different countries during shore leave — experiences that many can only dream of.
“Experiencing different cultures and visiting beautiful places firsthand is something I’ll always cherish,” he said.
However, Winston is quick to dispel a common misconception. “People assume seafarers always have a lot of money, but it’s not always true,” he laughed.
Choosing to retire early
Over the years, Winston began to think seriously about his future. Every time he returned home, he had to undergo increasingly strict medical exams, a requirement for seafarers.
“The medical tests got tougher every year due to the rising number of claims,” Winston explained. “I worried about what would happen to my family if I suddenly couldn’t pass the exams.”
This uncertainty pushed Winston to prepare for life after seafaring. While still working onboard, he and his partner started a dormitory business in Manila, offering affordable accommodations for seafarers.
Today, the business has flourished, with Winston managing a five-story building with 35 rooms and six vehicles for rent.
Apart from offering accommodation to his fellow seafarers undergoing training in Manila, Winston shared that they have partnered with Manila Doctors, where nurses from various provinces are staying at his dormitory. He also mentioned that transportation is provided for these nurses and seafarers.
According to Winston, medical concerns weren’t the only reason he chose to retire early. A terrifying experience with Somali pirates sealed his decision. Recalling the event, he shared how the crew managed to stay resilient despite the danger.
“Fourteen years ago, on October 24, 2010, we were attacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia. We were lucky to hide in the citadel, where they couldn’t reach us. Even though they strafed us with bullets and launched a rocket-propelled grenade, you could still see the resilience of the Filipino seafarers — some of us even took pictures.”
By October 25, the pirates had set fire to part of the ship’s superstructure and abandoned the vessel. A team of Royal Marines from HMS Montrose successfully boarded the Beluga Fortune and rescued the crew from their safe room. None of the crew members were injured.
“That experience made me realize just how dangerous life at sea could be.”
Winston with his fellow crew during the attack on their ship, MV Beluga Fortune, by pirates off the coast of Somalia on October 24, 2010.
Life after seafaring
From former ship’s chief cook to a successful businessman, Winston said having a reliable life partner played a significant role in his success. He said while he was busy working at sea, his partner helped him managed and grew the money he earned from his job onboard.
“Finding a life partner who is financially responsible is crucial. Working at sea is no joke — you put your body on the line. If you fail the medical exam, what happens next?”
Winston shared that he invested all his earnings from working on ships into his land-based businesses, gradually growing them over time. Today, the income he once earned at sea is now matched by what he generates onshore.
Inspiring the next generation
Now settled in Manila, Winston has also taken on a new role as a vlogger. Through his platform, Kuya Mayor Channel, he shares his experiences as a chief cook and seafarer, and his life after seafaring, aiming to inspire the next generation of maritime workers.
“I want to encourage young people to pursue careers at sea,” Winston said. “At some point, we all have to retire, and it’s important to pass on what we’ve learned.”
Winston’s vlog also serves as a resource for aspiring seafarers, providing them with free training as they prepare for their careers. Through his content, he hopes to give others the same opportunities he once had and to give advice on how to invest their hard-earned money wisely.
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a career at sea, Winston said: “You need to be mentally and physically tough if you choose seafaring as a career. Life at sea isn’t easy, and it requires many sacrifices. However, it’s also a rewarding career where you can travel the world for free and earn a good salary. Just remember to invest in your future. Save money while onboard.”
Anchoring a new chapter
Winston’s journey from the sea to the city is a story of determination and vision. He faced the hardships of life at sea but never lost sight of his dream to provide a better life for his family.
Today, he has achieved that goal not only securing his family’s future, but also helping others along the way.
Winston emphasized the importance of planning for the future. “Seafaring isn’t a lifetime career. Let your hard-earned money take care of you in the future by investing wisely,” he advised, offering a reminder to those still at sea to think ahead, just as he did.
Now, as he manages his businesses and inspires others through his vlogs, Winston continues to navigate the challenges of life, only this time, firmly anchored on land.
All photos credit: Kuya Mayor Channel
Top photo: Keith Winston Bagtasos
