Because Philippines provides relatively good skilled hospitality resources for reasonable salary that don't mind being away from home for 6+ months at the time. That's why you also find so many filipinos in hotels around the world.

The prevalence of Filipino workers in the cruise industry is the result of a deliberate national economic strategy and a long-standing maritime tradition. The Philippines is the world's leading supplier of seafarers, supported by a robust network of maritime academies and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), which streamlines the legal process for working abroad. Cruise lines favor Filipino crew members due to their high proficiency in English, which is essential for passenger interaction, and a cultural reputation for hospitality and strong work ethics. Additionally, many Filipinos view these roles as highly prestigious because the wages, while modest by Western standards, are significantly higher than local opportunities, allowing them to send substantial remittances back to their families.