@mendip - just remember that if you do build a house in Batangas, the land is still hers.
I've watched some vlogs of Filipino workers on ships, just as a curiosity. I have neighbours who are seafarers, as well as colleagues whose husbands are (or dads were) seafarers. Respect!!!
I've also been on the passport control lane wherein the person before me was a stewardess on a ship. She was on video call with her husband and small kid. I could see that she was a bit teary eyed but she controlled herself. This was before they put separate OFW lanes at the airport in PH.
I've only been in overnight ferries (inter-island) and by the next morning, I'm itching to get on land. It's good that now, there's wifi & techonology to keep in touch with family/ loved ones.