Crew members of the Costa Concordia are back home in the Philippines.
Nearly 300 Filipinos were on board the ill-fated ship, and around a third of them arrived in Manila on Thursday. The rest were set to return later in the week.
Cabin stewardess Gilda Gido took home a souvenir from the ship.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) CABIN STEWARDESS GILDA GIDO SAYING:
"This life vest saved my life. I was wearing it when they made the announcement to abandon ship. It became my companion. That's why I took it home as a souvenir."
These overseas workers left home in search of good fortune. But the misfortune they met in the high seas is giving them second thoughts about their chosen profession.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) SNACK STEWARD JERICHO HIPOLITO SAYING:
"I was on board the ship for five months. Now I'll take a vacation. I'll rest first. Let's see in the future, if I'll go back. Maybe I'll go back. Maybe. I'm not sure. Let's see."
The Costa Concordia tipped over when it struck a rock off the Tuscan coast last weekend. Eleven people were killed and 22 remain missing.
Some of the Filipino crew members came away from the experience with important lessons.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) CABIN STEWARDESS YHASMIN LAYOSA SAYING:
"I will never forget this experience. I learned a lot. I learned how to be courageous, to be strong, not to panic, and to have faith, faith in God."
The agency hiring the wokers said the crew members will be given new assignments once their documents are sorted.
Around 40 percent of sailors and maritime workers around the world are from the Philippines.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
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