The ferry left the port of Manila on June 21, 2008 on its way to Cebu City. The number of passengers is variously reported between 700 and 800.
The ferry sent a distress signal late on June 21 when its engines stalled in rough seas near Sibuyan Island. San Fernando mayor Nanette Tansingco sent a speedboat and confirmed that the ferry had a hole in the hull, is partially submerged and several bodies were found nearby.[6]
As of June 23, four bodies were recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy.[7] According to the Coast Guard, the ferry's manifest recorded 702 passengers including 50 children as well as 100 crew. The civil defense office said the ship carried 626 passengers and 121 crew members. Three Navy vessels were dispatched but one had to abort its mission due to "gigantic waves, pounding rain, and gusty winds," said Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Arevalo, spokesman of the Philippine Navy.
A rescue ship reached the MV Princess of the Stars, more than 24 hours after it lost radio contact at 12:30 PST (04:30 GMT) on Saturday. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Senior Grade Arman Balilo, however, lamented: "They haven't seen anyone. They're scouring the area. They're studying the direction of the waves to determine where survivors may have drifted."
Xinhua News Agency reported that 4 survivors witnessed "that the captain of the ship ordered the abandoning of the ship at noon Saturday, but many passengers did not even wear life vests when the ship capsized." Four survivors told GMA News news that "the ship did not malfunction, but only slowed down its speed as it encountered big waves off the coast of Romblon." One saw many people jump, but "the waves were so big and the rains so strong that few of them could have possibly survived; the crew were so busy saving themselves that they did not care to help the passengers to wear safety vests, and that some of the passengers passed out while children and the elderly failed to wear life vests because they could no longer move when the ship was turning upside down."
Tansingco confirmed that 4 aboard died and hundreds of passengers were still missing. Dozens of people trooped to the offices of owner Sulpicio Lines in Cebu and Manila North Harbor. The victims' families accused Sulpicio Lines and the Philippine Coast Guard of allowing the ship to set sail despite the bad weather. They further blamed Sulpicio for not personally informing them about the tragedy, the details of the accident, and the condition of the ship plus its passengers. Sulpicio Lines's counsel stated that "the ship never received advice from Coast Guard, while Metro Manila was still under public storm signal No. 1 when the ship left the port." Furthermore, BBC quoted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as saying, "Why did you allow it to sail and why was there no ample warning? I want answers."
Sulpicio admitted that 860 were on board as the ferry capsized: "There were 751 manifested passengers and 111 crew members on board the capsized vessel." The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended all sea travel operations of the Sulpicio. Sulpicio lines released the names of 32 survivors with the complete passenger manifest and crew list uploaded on their website.
the rockstar's story: I'm Haryl harzie Acha. Born last All-Saints Day 1987. Proud to represent the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines and the City of Smiles, Bacolod. I'm 5'5" in height.. Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo pero with Spanish-Chinese blood mix.... I am.. "makulit", sociable & spontaneous. I'm a very simple urban dub. Nothing special on me. I'm just your guy next door.. the upper-middle class guy! I'm a sane person but sometimes a real jackass! I always come up with wild & crazy stuff at the weirdest times. :: I do a lot of talking.. a talk that larded with jokes. Other people says I'm a really laid back person which I think is a good thing. I'm also a joker, though most of the times my friends find my jokes corny, but i still tell them. Still, sometimes I could be the most boring man on earth. :: I had this I-don't-give-a-damn attitude. I don't bother what other people say like doin' a backbite and insecure criticisms. Just know me first before you judge.. and judge me by my intentions not by my actions. I really care those humbly advices to me. :: I don't like breaking the laws.. even just for fun. :: I love clubbing. I know how to party and enjoy partying. Wherever the party is happening, I'll go. I'm absolutely in the mood for whatever the night holds. Dancing 'til dawn and party like there's no tomorrow. I just love everything from rollin' up in a pub, to dancing, to even jumpin' behind the deck from time to time.. It's really great when you're in a mob of party people doin' poppy cock talks with hot mommas.. Damn cool. And the sound system kicks ass and the crowd was going crazy. It gets me pumped! :: Music is my life besides my family and friends. I had no ambition to sing. But dammit, singing makes you feel good. hehehe.. :: I'm a couch potato. Everything is all out. 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I got limitations in drinking. I just hate it when i'm bagged and woozy.. and the slipshod hang over.. hehe.. and the worst to be eighty-six bcoz of drunkenness.. [still, i can't resist for sometimes.. haha].. I'm also a tear jerker.. mostly when im screwed or whenever someones crying or when im watching a drama tv show or movie. :: I has never smoked pot or done ecstacy. I don't really dabble with drugs. And I don't need some shit to settle my stomach. :: I had no piercing nor tattoo on mah body. :: I had much interest watching CSI, 24, Pamela Andersson on STACKED, Jeniffer Garner, Tony Hawk and Buckey Lasek on X Games.. They're all fearless.. And the backflip one..yes, that awesome! :: On dressing up, I wear anything. I can adapt to any style. I like simplicity. I don't believe in dressing the part. I used to wear worn out jeans, shirt & converse sneak. I can get away with wearing jeans to work because I never looks sloppy. A casual but tailored.. And what goes best of all with the outfit is attitude. Wearing a cap is also an excuse not to fix my hair. :: For sometimes, i go to a grogshop if i felt i'm really too grubby. Just can't help to be a raggamuffin bully. :: I like colors blue, green & white. :: On food, I do love to eat pasta, chicken, taco, lumpia, lasagna, bolgogi, kimchi, sushi, rice n' a box and lucky me pancit canton extra hot chili. I ususally eat with chopstick.. I'm a person who enjoys good food and drink.. a real good cuisine. :: On love, I'm romantic at heart. Although I do believe in just letting things happen. I am partial to good looks backed up with conversation. But physically, she has to have a nice booty. A classy booty. :: During my past schooling years, it's been a hard time for me since I found out I'd flunked a major subject.. I always mugged up during exam time.. a lot of pressures. :: I had plans to take up another course or just to have a master's degree. But for now I'm enjoying mah work and chillin out at night. :: I'm a INC, and go to church every Thursday & Sunday. :: I can cook an omelet and an instant pancit canton.. I do my own laundry.. :: I just hate pretense. :: I totally hate CLASSISM and DISCRIMINATION in all kinds [esp. on the basis of racial and social status]. Niggas in the hood do not appreciate that shit! Just don't let others feel they are discriminated, belittle 'em and to treat 'em with scorn if you don't like 'em. Don't be a snooty idiot if you don't want to be dump on too.. I'm a strong believer in karma. :: So, what else you don't know about me? You just even read my autobiography! Anyways, please add me in your cyber friends and thanx so much for those who accepted my invites.. I'm that nigga that you can always holla to.. Leave me a COMMENT. 
