The Filipino Overseas Performing Artists Onboard International Cruise Ships: A Peek on the Perks, Perplexities and Perils Amidst Performing in the Middle of the Sea

Abstract

Filipino seafarers have already dominated the shipping industry. Now, international cruise lines are becoming a niche for Filipino performers, such as actors, singers, dancers and the like. This opportunity led Filipino performers to enjoy a lucrative occupation coupled by routine visits at fabulous tourist spots around the world. With this, a great deal of existing researches revealed mostly the exciting, rewarding and attractive career, but less emphasis on the untoward incidents. This directed the paper to determine the status of Filipino performing artists onboard cruise lines specifically on the perks, perplexities and perils they have experienced. Thus, the study delved on the attributes of their demographic and artistic profiles, their intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, and the problems and dangers they encountered. Differences on extrinsic and intrinsic rewards based on artist classification were also determined. Results were utilized as inputs in the enhancement of the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPeA) program of AIMS. Thirty (30) overseas performing artists were gathered thru snowball sampling to respond with the questionnaire developed specifically for the study. Employing descriptive-quantitative design, results were treated using frequency count, percentage, chi-square and G-square. Results revealed that majority of the performers were male, mostly single with strong educational backgrounds. Most of the performers landed a job in international cruise lines through audition. There is a hefty amount of repeat attendees to their performances in terms of audience views. In terms of intrinsic rewards, self-fulfillment topped the list while few mentioned travel opportunities and professional development. For extrinsic rewards, majority received fringe benefits whereas some gained bonuses and promotions. Homesickness is still the number one problem that persists for Overseas Filipino Artists. Participants also listed communication as a problem as cruise ships are multinational. With regards to threats and dangers experienced, some claimed to have suffered SARS/MERS while few experienced the threat of cyclone. Lastly, there are significant differences on the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards received by the respondents based on artist classification. With the above results, maritime higher education institutions shall include a program in performing arts, such as BPeA, to augment the increasing needs for performers in international cruise ships. Likewise, designing courses for performing arts programs shall include work-views as this is necessary in the work preparation of future Filipino Overseas Performing Artists.