Empowered Filipina seafarer models for local, int'l brands

Empowered Filipina seafarer models for local, int'l brands
Yashika F. Torib June 15, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/06/15/business/maritime/empowered-filip...

WHOEVER said that seafaring is just for the burly and roughnecks has never met Djanielle Nicole Resonable — a seafarer, businesswoman and brand ambassador.

Any trace of the labor-intensive and highly technical maritime profession is absent from the 24-year-old's countenance and sunny smile.

Some would even observe that Resonable might be a tad too pretty and young for the tough and manly world of seafaring.

Beneath the petite and striking looks, however, is a person who shares the same strength, persistence and mental intensity as many Filipino seafarers. Resonable knew right from childhood that she was destined for the sea.

"My father is a seafarer, and I grew up seeing and hearing stories of the sea; I was so inspired," Resonable recalled.

"I saw how ships operated and what life was like onboard when I had my on-the-job training onboard the domestic passenger ship. I felt like it was where I belonged despite the hardships I may face."

Resonable had a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and started working onboard as a galley staff.

"It was then that I understood seafaring on a deeper level, and I felt as if I got even more connected with my father," she recalled.

Thereon, Resonable worked diligently to earn her place onboard the gas tanker vessel she is usually deployed on as a galley steward.

"I wake up early to assist our chief cook in the galley. I help him prepare breakfasts, lunch, snacks and dinner, and I handle the cleaning and inventory in between. I am also taught how to cook various international cuisines throughout my shift such as Latvians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Indians, Sri Lankans and Russian cuisines.

I am striving to work hard and give it my best so I can get promoted," she said.

Being the only lady on a vessel never bothered Resonable, nor had it affected her job.

"My gender was never an issue when it comes to work and interaction with the crew. They were very respectful and kind. They did not mind that I am a woman, and they never judged my work based on my gender.

What is difficult though are the criticisms of those outside the industry. I am often bashed on social media for being a woman seafarer. That in itself is hard because I sometimes end up doubting myself," Resonable lamented.

The young lady smiled and slogged through criticisms until she found a way to express her sunny nature.

"I have my own apparel business, and I know the struggle of marketing your products. At first, I was helping my friends promote their brands until eventually, other companies were also reaching out to me," she said.

Resonable, a galley steward while at sea, then became a brand ambassador and model while at the shore. She now has more than 55,000 followers on her various social media platforms.

She promotes and models products for B-Epic, a health and wellness group based in the United States; Fabcase, a local company that creates customized designs for cellphone cases; Be Painted and JD Cosmetics, both local make-up brands.

"Promoting brands has been fun because I also get to try different products and discover that some work well for me.

"I love that I have a different life at sea and on land. I get to be the person that I am in both worlds," she said.

Behind the attractive looks and cheerful disposition is a solid core of a true Filipino seafarer. Resonable is known among her inner circle as a fearless woman who perseveres in whatever path she chooses to take.

"My friends know me as a huge hustler when it comes to my business, Nicki Apparel. I am hands-on with its operations and marketing, especially during my free time. I also do not mind people who bash me online.

"I only aspire to become an inspiration to other women in the seafaring industry and business community. I want to show them that we can do things and be the person we want to be even when others say we cannot. We simply have to trust ourselves, the process and above all, God," she concluded.