From the engine room to the bridge, Jhomar Cordial never lost sight of why he started. Because success, to him, means lifting others as you rise.

For Jhomar, it started in the engine room—covered in grease, unsure of his future, but sure of one thing: he wanted to evolve.

Now he's a Third Officer with Grieg Star. But his story isn't about fast promotion or big headlines. It's about choosing to begin again. Working through setbacks. Carrying the weight of a family's future. And rising, quietly and steadily, through sheer belief in what's possible.

"At first, I didn't know where I belonged. I just knew I had more to give."

The first step: a scholarship, a chance

Jhomar was 16 when he was first introduced to the maritime world. A friend told him about the Propeller Club of Manila - a scholarship for young people who wanted to work at sea but didn't have the means. At the time, Jhomar was helping out at the local market, selling vegetables after school.

"We didn't have money. My father was a carpenter. My mother worked with embroidery. I was the first in the family to try this."

He applied, passed, and started his career as a wiper. His first vessel was Star Alabama,  and he was just 18 years old.

"I was excited. But I also didn't know if this was really for me."

From engine room to classroom

He served three full contracts in the engine department, was promoted, and was on track, but something felt off.

"I knew I had more to offer. I just didn't know where."

So, while his peers continued climbing, Jhomar made a gutsy move: he stepped off the vessel and back into school.

He applied for a shift to the deck department, and Grieg Philippines supported him.

"I was nervous. I had no experience in deck. I didn't know if I would be good at it. But they believed in me. They said: Finish your degree, and we'll welcome you back."

He didn't waste the opportunity. He graduated with honours, served as student council president, and returned to Grieg in a white uniform.

Building a life—and supporting others

Jhomar is one of seven siblings and the breadwinner. While studying and sailing, he also supported his parents, paid his younger siblings' tuition, and helped his brother become a seafarer.

"Sometimes I forgot myself just to provide for them. But I know it's worth it."

Today, yet another of his three brothers is studying to become a seafarer. The last is in college, studying to become a professional teacher. Jhomar has helped change the trajectory of his entire family.

"If only I succeed, it's not enough. I want all of us to have something better."

He's also proud of what he's built for himself: a service vehicle, a brand new house and lot, the Family house under construction and renovation, and—soon—a life where he can finally focus on his own future.

A rare perspective: both engine and deck

Jhomar is not just an officer. He's also a trained machinist with hands-on engine room experience, which makes him rare and valuable.

"I know what's happening below when I'm on the bridge. When something goes wrong, I understand both sides."

He's quick to defend the engine crew when others rush decisions.

"They need time. They work in heat. They troubleshoot under pressure. As a deck officer, if you've never been there, you don't always understand. But I do. And that helps."

Still, he's glad he made the switch. The deck department gives him the view he craved: sunlight, fresh air, and a path to command.

Leadership, resilience—and a different kind of wealth

Jhomar doesn't spend money easily. He's seen what it's like to grow up with none.

"Some people spend everything when they sign off. I don't. I want to build something that lasts."

He doesn't just mean money. He means relationships, reputation, and inner strength.

"Grieg is not just a company for me. It's a family. My best friends are here. People I studied with. Officers who supported me. Even when I've had hard contracts - and I have - I've stayed."

He remembers one experience where poor leadership made him want to walk away.

"But I didn't. I chose to show who I really was. I proved myself without arguing."

He's proud that Grieg takes bullying seriously and believes respectful leadership makes everyone safer.

What comes next

Jhomar is eager to get out to sea. He requested early deployment before his last contract not because he's eager to leave home, but because there's a deadline to meet: a new house, a new chapter, and a life he builds himself.

His dream is simple.

"I want to be successful in this career. I want to give my parents a better life. And one day, I want to become a captain."

He's not rushing. He's building, step by step—just like he always has.