After 3 years and everyone associated to IOTC going through the pandemic, it was finally time to host another Family Day. On February 04, 2023, IOTC opened its doors and officially welcomed more than 400 of its crew’s families to the Diversion 21 hotel to celebrate its Iloilo Family Day. Also attending the event were IOTC’s friends and partners from NYK, Hachiuma and MarcoPay, most of whom traveled all the way from Japan to join the festivities.
The day began with a few words from Dr. Xy Yanguas, the president of the Iloilo branch of EGMAII, IOTC’s allottee association, as she welcomed the newly elected officers of the association making their first appearance during the event, which they then capped off with a dance performance. Also throughout the program, raffles were drawn, games were played and prizes were rewarded to some lucky members of the crowd. For the Anime themed, costume contest, the winner was Precious Alliaj Ballener, daughter of 3A/E Emerald Ballener of MV Noshiro Maru. The grand prize of a laptop was eventually won by Mrs. Emilyn Quimba wife of OLR Jonel Quimba of MV Hachinohe Maru. Even the guests were able to participate in a little “Tinikling”dance.
Some words were also shared by CM Winnie Regio (IOTC Sr. Vice President), Mr. Lorenzo Araneta (IOTC President) and Mr. Hiroshi Kawaguchi, the General Manager of the NYK Dry Bulk Marine Quality Control Group. In particular, Mr. Kawaguchi thanked the family members for the continuous support they lend to their loved ones onboard.”