In 2011, Fejie worked at Harbour City in Cebu City as a Station Chef. It was his first real taste of kitchen life---fast paced, high pressure, and demanding. “Those days taught me resilience, “said Fejie. After four years, he knew it was time to grow. In 2015, he made the bold decision to work abroad, accepting a role as a Captain Salad Maker at a Steak House in Saudi Arabia. It was a different world: foreign language, strict discipline, and unfamiliar customs.” Working abroad wasn’t easy. But I learned to adapt, to meet high standards. It made me stronger.”

In 2018, he returned to the Philippines and became the Head Chef at Bamboo Groove in his hometown of Calamba, Misamis Occidental. He wasn’t just cooking anymore-he was leading. He trained staff, designed menus, and managed the entire kitchen. For the first time,e Fejie felt that he was a leader. Still, something was missing. At home, his purpose was clear. A father of 2 growing kids, his goal was to provide a better life for them. “My kids are my strength. Everything I do is for them.”

One day, a cousin of his, who worked as a chef at sea, suggested Fejie consider seafaring. The opportunity, he said, would not only provide more for his family but also help him grow personally and professionally. That encouragement lit a spark. Then another cousin, Nilo Matunog, stepped in and reached out to someone from PTC’s Talent Acquisition Group (TAG) on Fejie’s behalf. That connection would become the bridge between Fejie’s dream and his new reality.

But the journey of becoming a seafarer was far from easy. It took nearly a year of waiting, gathering requirements, undergoing medical exams, including some delays, which tested his patience. Despite challenges, he did not give up; he wanted to see this through for his kids.

Now onboard MSC, Fejie faces a seafarer’s life—a path that’s physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. “I miss my kids every single day, but I always remind myself why I am here. This experience is shaping me—not just as a worker, but as a father and as a person.”

Fejie is not stopping here. “I want to grow here; I do want to become a Chef onboard MSC.” He also wants to plan for his future and start a small business back home—a way to stay close to his family while continuing to provide for them. More than anything, he hopes his story inspires other fathers to believe it’s never too late to pursue a better life. “It’s hard. There’s no shortcut. But every sacrifice is worth it when you’re doing it for the people you love.”

The PTC Talent Acquisition Group is proud to have been instrumental in turning Fejie’s dream into reality, helping him connect his passion, skills, and determination to a global career at MSC.