'Blood moon' lunar eclipse visible in HK on Mar 3

 

This is how the 'blood moon' will look like to billions of people all over the world

Weather permitting, Hong Kong residents (and billions of people around the world) will again be able to see with the naked eye the red “blood moon,” indicating a total lunar eclipse, on Tuesday, Mar. 3.

The rare phenomenon will start at 4:43pm but can only be seen in Hong Kong before the moonrise at 6:22pm, when part of the moon is already in the earth’s umbra or shadow. This can be viewed about 83 degrees toward the east.

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The moon will be completely engulfed by the umbra at 7:04pm and remain covered until 8:03pm, when it begins to move away from the earth’s shadow.

The total eclipse will last for 59 minutes, leaving the moon glowing in deep red during this period.

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Astronomists say this is the effect of the blue light from the sun being scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface.

Details of this total lunar eclipse are as follows:

Date	Time	Phenomenon	Elevation	Direction (Azimuth)
March 3 (Tuesday)	4.43pm	Moon enters penumbra	Below the horizon	Not visible in Hong Kong
	5.50pm	Moon enters umbra	Below the horizon	Not visible in Hong Kong
	6.22pm	Moonrise	-1 degree	East (83 degrees)
	7.04pm	Total eclipse begins	9 degrees	East (87 degrees)
	7.34pm	Maximum eclipse	15 degrees	East (90 degrees)
	8.03pm	Total eclipse ends	22 degrees	East (93 degrees)
	9.18pm	Moon exits umbra	38 degrees	East (101 degrees)
	10.25pm	Moon exits penumbra	53 degrees	East-southeast (112 degrees)

The whole process can be viewed by all via a webcast webpage, jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Hong Kong Space Museum and three other groups.

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For the latest weather conditions and the astronomical observation conditions on March 3, please refer to the Hong Kong Observatory's 9-day weather forecast webpage and the Weather Information for Astronomical Observation webpage.

The next lunar eclipse that can be seen with a naked eye in Hong Kong will be a penumbral lunar eclipse on Feb. 21, 2027. The next total lunar eclipse is expected in the latter part of 2028.

 

 

DMW forges global alliance to protect OFWs from scams

 

Hanley and Cacdac (1st and 2nd from left) at signing of MOU

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as part of its continuing effort to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families from online scams and digital fraud.

The agreement was signed in Bonifacio Global City earlier today, Feb. 19, by DMW Secretary Hans  J. Cacdac and GASA Director for Asia Pacific Brian Hanley.

Through this initiative both parties aim to strengthen digital safety initiatives, improve cross-border intelligence sharing, and expand access to tools and resources that will assist migrant workers in detecting and avoiding fraudulent schemes.

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OFWs are often targeted by scammers, given their vulnerability due to long hours of work, preventing easy access to reliable information; and their improved financial capacity.

In Hong Kong, for example, OFWs are often preyed upon by money launderers who offer them cash tokens in exchange for surrendering control over their bank accounts, which are then used as conduits for money derived from crimes.

Cacdac said the partnership is not merely a campaign for awareness.

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“We entered this agreement not only to campaign against scams, but to address the underlying causes - whether it's a lack of jobs or opportunities — and to respond with real solutions. By boosting our information efforts and connecting victims to employment options, we aim to take both preventive and corrective measures,” he said.

For his part, Hanley stressed the importance of collective action to combat a global menace.

“This is the time for the public sector and private entities to come together, because scams are no longer just a government concern — they are now recognized as a global concern and as a cybercrime,” he said.

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The partnership will cover expanded public awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, joint training sessions, and research initiatives aimed at equipping OFWs and their families with the knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid scams.

It is hoped that the collaboration will enhance the Philippines’ role in the global effort against cybercrimes.

GASA is a global coalition dedicated to protecting consumers worldwide. It consists of leading technology and financial institutions, including Globe Telecom, Gogolook, Meta, Google, and Mastercard.

 

Consulate to open on Saturday

 

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong will open on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8am to 12 noon at the 18^th and 29^th floors of the United Center in Admiralty to provide consular services. 

This is part of its pledge to set aside one Saturday each month to assist Filipinos, especially the migrant workers,  who need consular services and are off only on this day.

To pre register and secure an appointment, applicants  click this link: https://forms.gle/MCfwxqQmZpAinei38, or scan the QR code:

Walk-ins will still be accommodated, but priority will be given to those with pre-registered appointments.

The next schedule for the Saturday Consular Services will be on March 28.

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Services to be rendered at the OFW Global Center, 18/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty:

• Philippine Consulate General's Passport Services, Notarial Services (including NBI), Civil Registry and Legal (CRL) Services, Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Section
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): Welfare Case Services

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Services to be rendered at the Migrant Workers Office, 29/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty are:

• Philippine Consulate General: Overseas Voter Registration
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): OWWA Membership Renewal
• Migrant Workers Office (MWO): Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), Verification of Individual Employment Contract, Assistance to Workers (police and legal concerns)/
• Pag-IBIG Fund - Hong Kong
• Social Security System (SSS) - Hong Kong

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Details on fees charges for the service can be seen here: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/2014-02-27-11-28-41/saturday-consular-services.

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Duterte asks ICC to allow him to skip pre-trial hearing

 

Duterte appeared at the ICC in March last year to confirm his identity

Jailed former President Rodrigo Duterte has waived his right to attend the hearing for the confirmation of charges against him at the International Criminal Court, citing his refusal to recognize the chamber’s jurisdiction over him.

He made his position known through a letter he sent to the ICC dated Feb. 17.

“I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person,” his letter read.

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“I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to the Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and of national sovereignty,” he continued.

He called his detention the result of a “kidnapping” facilitated by the Office of the incumbent President of the Philippines.”

Duterte was arrested by the International Police (Interpol) at the airport in Manila on March 11, 2025 on the basis of a warrant issued by the ICC.

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ICC Prosecutors alleged Duterte had committed three counts of crimes against humanity for murders during his war on drugs campaign from Nov 2, 2011 to Mar 16, 2019.

Four days after his arrest Duterte appeared before ICC judges to confirm his identity, and the court subsequently set down the next confirmation hearing for September last year. However, this was delayed for five months due to relentless efforts by Duterte’s lawyers to stop him appearing in court again.

A recent document released by ICC prosecutors named incumbent Senators Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as well as former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II among Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the mass killings.

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The court document dated Feb 13 said Duterte and his alleged co-perpetrators “shared a common plan or agreement to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines,” as well as those perceived or alleged to be linked with drug use, sale or production through violent crimes, including murder.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, and for months, his lawyers had tried to ask for his temporary liberty or get him declared unfit for trial due to old age, to no avail.

The pre-trial hearings have been set for Feb. 23 and 24, and Feb 26 and 27.

In his application to waive his right to appear, in person or online, during the trial, 80-year-old Duterte cited age-old infirmities, and a plea for the court to respect (his) peace.

“I do not wish to follow these proceedings from outside the courtroom through the use of communication technology,” he also said in his letter.

“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes.”

“I am old, tired and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me.”

Duterte said he realized he could die in prison, but his detractors should know that “ my heart and soul will always remain with the Philippines.”

Night parade kicks off Lunar New Year festivities in HK

 

CE Lee (center) and other govt officials open the 2026 Chinese New Year parade

The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui were again lit up and packed with revelers on Chinese New Year’s eve for the annual Cathay Pacific Lunar New Year Parade themed “Best Fortune- World Party.”

Officiating at the opening ceremony at the Cultural Centre Piazza was Chief Executive John Lee, who told the crowd that the parade was just the beginning of local celebrations for the Lunar  New Year.

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On Wednesday, the traditional fireworks display will again light up the sky over Victoria Harbour. On Thursday, the “Year of the Horse Raceday” will be held at the Shatin race tracks and on Saturday, the Chinese New Year Football Cup, another yearly tradition, will take place.

Jockey Club float features a golden horse

The Chief Executive said the nearly 60 floats and performing groups taking part in the parade were there to party – “to sing, dance and revel in the festive joy.”

After today’s parade, the floats will be put on display at the Kai Tak Sports Park and other landmarks.

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“In Chinese culture, horses symbolise vitality, courage and progress,” said Lee. “In this Year of the Horse, I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity.”

Masskara dancers from Bacolod are regulars at the CNY Parade

Organized by the HK Tourism Board, the night parade opened a series of festivities that center on the theme “Everywhere a Wish”

From the Cultural Centre the procession moved on to Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, before ending at the Sheraton Hotel.

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Among the 12 floats that took part, one depicted a Cathay Pacific aircraft, another a McDonald’s classic train, a Disneyland stage, as well as popular plush toys Labubu and Molly..

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The street performers included a group from the Philippines that depicted the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, local artists and some from the Mainland.

 

 

’26 Filipinnovaton Awards invites entries

 

Last year's awardees and finalists

The 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards has launched, to recognize Filipino innovations at early stage of commercialization and connect them to partners who can help them scale.

This will be the second year of the awards, an initiative of the National Innovation Council and organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

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Last year’s awardees were: Bambujett, from Hamilton Agri Supply, an innovative bamboo treatment system using a one-size-fits-all fitting that makes bamboo poles termite-resistant, durable, and eco-friendly, turning ordinary bamboo into “Evergreen Kawayan.”

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Ediphi: AI & VR Immersive Workforce Training Platform, from Ediphi Training Programs, Inc., an immersive VR (virtual reality) training platform that transforms conventional learning into hands-on, real world simulations for education and workforce development.

Palatak Palay Seeder, from Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, a rice planting device that combines direct seeding and manual transplanting, featuring a lightweight stainless steel and 3D-printed design with wind deflector and soil openers for precise, efficient, and sustainable rice farming.

See details

The competition is open to Filipino individuals or enterprises that are at least 60% Filipino-owned and duly registered.

Applicants must have an innovation at early-stage commercialization, with a functional prototype or operational model, and proof of IP registration or an ongoing application.

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Five innovators will receive the Presidential Filipinnovation Award.

Awardees receive medallion, plaque, grant, mentorship and exposure while finalists receive grant support for commercialization.

Deadline for submission of entries is March 15. Entries can be sent through  https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/

37 professional licensure examinations offered to HK OFWs this May

 

A total of 37 Professional Licensure Examinations (SPLE) for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong will be held – on demand - over three days in May this year.

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These include the long-requested ones for professional nurses and midwives, as well as for architects and engineers who make up a sizeable chunk of the OFW community in Hong Kong.

According to a notice posted on the Philippine Consulate General’s Facebook page, the 2026 SPLEs will be held on May 29, 30 and 31 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and will be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines.

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The 37 professions for which the SPLE can be applied for are the following:

1)Aeronautical Engineerss 2) Agriculturists, 3) Architects, 4) Certified Plant Mechanics,5) Certified Public Accountants, 6) Chemical Engineers, 7) Chemical Technicians, 8) Civil Engineers, 9) Criminologists, 10) Customs Brokers, 11) Electronics Engineers, Electronics 12) Technicians, 13) Environmental Planners, 14) Geodetic Engineers, 15) Interior Designers, 16) Master Plumbers, 17) Mechanical Engineers, 18) Medical Technologists, 19) Midwives, 20) Nurses, 21) Nutritionists-Dieticians, 22) Pharmacists, 23) Physical Therapists, 24) Professional Food Technologists, 25) Professional Teachers, 26) Psychologists, 27) Psychometricians, 28) Radiologic Technologists, 29)
Real Estate Appraisers, 30) Real Estate Brokers, 31) Registered Electrical Engineers,
32) Registered Master Electricians, 33) Respiratory Therapists, 34) Sanitary Engineers,
35) Social Workers, 36) Veterinarians, and 37) X-Ray Technologists.

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Not included was the civil service examination which has long been requested by OFWs in Hong Kong, as it opens the gates to securing good-paying jobs in the government. This qualifying examination, however, is administered directly by the Civil Service Commission unlike the other SPLEs which are all run by the PRC.

In addition to the May SPLEs, the Consulate said there will be another licensure examination for teachers in September and another for nurses in November. Details will be announced later.

Basahin ang detalye!

Applications for the May SPLEs must be submitted from Feb 16 to Mar 16, 2026 via
𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦: https://forms.gle/KQobcbG8XK7L7i5h8.

All inquiries and concerns may be sent by email to PRC’s Licensure Office at
licensure.office1@prc.gov.ph and licensure.division@prc.gov.ph.

For updates on 2026 SPLE, please visit PRC’s official website at www.prc.gov.ph and
follow their official Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/professionalregulationcommission.

Pinay jailed 10 months for making child pornography

 

Tuen Mun Court

A Filipina domestic helper was jailed for 10 months by the Tuen Mun Court today after she confessed to five counts of making child pornography, contrary to section 3(1) if the Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance.

Emily Chua, 44 years old, was sentenced to 10 months in jail for each of the offenses, to be served concurrently or at the same time,  by Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang.

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The total sentence was net of the one-third discount that those who plead guilty are entitled to.

Chua had earlier admitted the charges, but Magistrate Tang put off the sentencing to today so he could review the background report to determine how long she should say in prison.

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In its complaint, the Tuen Mun Police said the first offense took place on Nov. 19, 2022, when Chua used a mobile phone to take a pornographic video of a child.

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The second and third offenses took place on the 10^th and 11^th of February 2025 when on both days, she took a pornographic photo of the child with a mobile phone. 

No mention was made about the place where the offences happened, and if there was a relationship between the defendant and the victim.

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The fourth and fifth offenses took place on the 9^th and 25^th of April, 2025, when Chua “made child pornography, namely 1 video containing child pornography by a mobile phone,” the police complaint said.