Pinoy Magician Dad sets sail to build a better future for his family

Pinoy Magician Dad sets sail to build a better future for his family
Kristian Eric Javier June 16, 2025 https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/123398/pinoy-m...

What can a father do for his family?

Global Pinoy seafarer and magician Junel Tauyan only had one thing on his mind when he decided to become a seaman: to provide a great life for his family. When he was given a chance to board a cruise ship to work as a bar waiter and performer, he did not hesitate to accept the offer.

In the “Pinoys at Sea” special of GMA Pinoy TV, the international arm of GMA Network, Junel shared that it was his dream, as well as his parents' dream, for him to become a seaman. He added that he was inspired to become a seaman by his cousin, who is also one.

“Kaya nu'ng bibigyan din po ako ng pagakakataon na makasampa at maging isang seaman din po, talagang ginrab ko na po 'yung opportunity na 'to na binigay sa'kin ni Lord,” Junel said.

Junel works as a bar waiter, serving drinks, taking customers' orders, and at the same time, performs magic tricks and provides entertainment to passengers.

“Hindi lang po close-up magic ang ginagawa namin. Meron din po kaming bar act o bar show po na tinatawag namin dito na kung saan isang gabi po ay mapapanood po ng lahat ng mga pasahero ang lahat po ng mga talented bar staff po. Katulad po ng pagma-magic, meron din pong kumakanta, sumasayaw, meron din po nagpe-flairtending, 'yung mga naghahagis po, nagja-juggling po ng bote. 'Yun po 'yung trabaho namin dito,” he shared.

Junel shared that in the Philippines, he was working as a party host and magician, and a performer for events, something that his family has been doing for a long time. He said that it was a Filipino bartender who discovered him through a social media account and gave him a chance to become a performer aboard a cruise ship.

“Siyempre, sa ganitong tabaho po ay mabibigyan ko po ng magandang buhay 'yung aking mga anak, mapag-aaral ko po sila nang maayos, mabibigay ko po lahat ng mga pangangailangan nila,” Junel said.

Junel admits that while he's able to provide for his family, what saddens him is that he was not present during special occasions and sees the milestones of his children.

“Mami-miss mo lahat ng mga bagay, special celebration na wala ka katulad ng mga birthdays ng anak, mga graduation. Lahat po ng mga special celebration na wala ka du'n ay 'yun po 'yung talagang pinakamahirap,” he shared.

Despite being away from his family, Junel is thankful that they now have smartphones and can do video calls with his family, something he would do during his off hours or days.

He even considers his family his battery charger, “Kapag nakausap ko na sila, 'yung lahat ng pagod ko, lungkot ko, nawawala dahil nakakausap ko sila kaagad.”

“Video call lang, makikita mo na 'yung pamilya mo, makikita mo na kung ano 'yung ginagawa nila sa Pilipinas. Hindi ka na rin po masyado malulungkot talaga,” Junel said.