Among his favorites are Spain, for its beautiful cities, rich history, and culture and Vietnam, which he loves for its shopping, delicious food, welcoming people, and, of course, its coffee! On this voyage, Chel is especially excited to return to Vietnam and experience its unforgettable sights, culture and fun all over again.
Before joining the Semester at Sea crew, Chel worked at a local Starbucks. Looking for a change in his work environment and wanting to pursue his interest working at sea, his strong familial ties eventually led him to Semester at Sea. After COVID, when many crew members unfortunately did not return, Chel secured his position aboard the World Odyssey. His favorite part of the job is the opportunity to meet and get to know students from all around the world. During the months he spends away from the ship, Chel returns to the Philippines to manage his coffee shop!
Chel's advice is to be resilient through adversity while following your heart and always maintaining a positive outlook
