Mga OFW naging kaibigan ng turista

Nagpunta ng Hong Kong si Cezar, isang inhenyero sa Pilipinas, upang mamasyal. Dumaan siya sa Chater Road at nakita ang pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino doon para sa programa ng Mission for Migrant Workers na “Care to Caregivers.”

Nakatuwaan niyang tumambay sa grupo na nagbibigay ng libreng masahe at blood pressure check-up. Tuwang tuwa ang mga miyembro nito kay Cezar dahil magiliw at masaya itong kausap kaya kahit unang pagkikita pa lang nila ay magaan na ang loob ng mga ito sa kanya.

Nakipagkilala si Cezar sa bawat isa at tinawag na kaibigan ang lahat sa grupo, bago humingi ng permiso para doon magpalipas ng buong araw.  Masayang nagkwentuhan ang lahat, at ipinaliwanag ng grupo ang takbo ng buhay ng mga OFW sa Hong Kong, lalo kapag araw ng pahinga.

Napabilib ng grupo si Cezar sa kanilang ipinakitang pagkakawanggawa at malasakit sa kapwa, kaya nasabi nitong masaya pala sa Hong Kong dahil nagtutulungan ang mga Pinoy. Paliwanag naman ng lider ng grupo, mas mabuti na ang tumulong sa kapwa kesa sa tumambay ng maghapon. Isang paraan din iyon para hindi mangulila sa pamilya na nasa Pilipinas, at para hindi mapabarkada sa mga taong mapagsamantala at walang ginagawang makabuluhan sa buhay.

Hindi pinalampas ni Cezar ang pagkakataon na i-add ang mga bagong kaibigan sa Facebook para daw kahit wala na siya sa Hong Kong ay tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kanilang balitaan. Inimbitahan naman si Cezar ng lider ng grupo na makipagkita muli sa kanila sakaling bumalik sa Hong Kong.

Hindi nakalimutan ng lahat ang mag-selfie bago sila tuluyang naghiwalay-hiwalay. Nagpasalamat si Cezar sa grupo dahil sa kanilang naging masayang kuwentuhan sa maghapon. Si Cezar ay tubong Daet, Camarines Norte, at nagtatrabaho sa isang pribadong kumpanya sa Pilipinas. – Ellen Asis

Ay, mali: naghanapan ang mag-amo

Dapithapon nang tumawag ang amo ni Celia upang magpasundo sa Park N Shop dahil  marami itong pinamili na mga gamit para sa bahay. Sinabi ng amo na sunduin siya ni Celia, sa Park N Shop na nasa Bonham Road.

Dalawang beses siyang tinanong ni Celia kung saang Park N Shop sila magkikita bago siya nagmamadaling umalis. Dahil sa pagmamadali ay hindi niya nadala ang kanyang cellphone. Halos kinse minutos na siyang naghihintay at nakailang pasok at labas na siya sa grocery ay hindi pa rin niya makita kahit anino ng  amo.

Kinakabahan na siya dahil hindi niya nadala ang kanyang telepono kaya hindi niya ito matawagan. Tahimik siyang nanalangin bago biglang nakita niya ang kanyang ka-building na Indonesian. Nakiusap siyang makigamit ng telephone upang makontak ang amo. Mabuti na lang at memoryado niya  ang numero ng  amo.

“Where  are you?,” agad na tanong ng amo pagkarinig ng boses niya. Sabi naman niya, “Maam  I can’t see you, I’ve been  waiting outside Park N shop.” Noon lang biglang naisip ng amo na nasa Market Place pala siya sa Second Street at hindi sa Park N Shop sa Bonham.

Agad nang tumakbo si Celia sa tamang lugar, at halos maputulan ng hininga sa pagmamadali na makarating sa amo. Pawis na pawis siya nang magkita sila kaya binigyan ng amo ng tissue  si Celia upang pahiran niya ang kanyang pawis, sabay hingi ng paumanhin.

Nahiya din si Celia dahil hindi siya nagdala ng cellphone kaya napatagal nang husto ang kanilang pagkikita.

Dahil sa nangyari ay isinumpa niya na hindi na ulit lalabas ng bahay ng walang telepono lalo na at mali-mali din sa paghahabilin ang kanyang amo. Si Celia ay dalaga na tubong Mindanao at naninilbihan sa mga among Intsik na taga MidLevels at may dalawang anak. – Ellen Almacin

Home may be better for kids, judge tells asylum-seeker

By Vir B. Lumicao

A High Court judge told a Filipina torture claimant to respect other people and other countries and teach her children the right concept of appreciating possibly better opportunities in their own homeland.

Court of First Instance Judge Josiah Lam gave the advice to Virginia L. Caramat, a torture claimant who faces deportation with her three children after the Immigration Department’s Torture Claim Appeals Board rejected her application for non-refoulement.

Caramat appeared before Judge Lam on Jun 12 seeking leave to apply for a judicial review of the decision of the Immigration Director and the TCAB.

Non-refoulement claims are heard by Immigration Director and the TCAB under the government’s Unified Screening Mechanism introduced in March 2014 for refugees who fear harm upon returning to their country of origin.

Caramat told Lam she wanted her children to grow up in Hong Kong because it is safer to live here than in the Philippines or in her divorced husband’s country, Pakistan.

She claimed she fears for the safety of her daughter, aged 16, and two sons aged 13 and 18, allegedly because her elder brothers is threatening to harm them if they return to the Philippines because they are Muslims.

The applicant also claimed she does not want to return to Pakistan because they do not respect women in that country and that she could not work there.

In her application, Caramat did not include her children, so Judge Lam gave her a form and told her to add the names and birth dates of her children so that they would be covered by her application.

She said the youngsters’ father is a Pakistani named Iqbal who Caramat married after she converted to Islam in 1997. All three children were born in Hong Kong.

The family lived in Pakistan for a while but the couple divorced in September 2010. As she had no job, Iqbal took custody of the children and Caramat returned to Hong Kong alone in April 2013.

Iqbal came to Hong Kong in April 2014 and turned the children over to Caramat. He left afterwards and Caramat did not see him again until August last year, when he came after their youngest son had a heart attack and was in coma.

Iqbal returned to Pakistan three months later and came back in January when his sick son underwent surgery. Then he left for good in February, Caramat said.

Caramat said she relied on International Social Service allowances for her and the children’s sustenance.

The only ground Caramat cited for applying for leave to apply for a judicial review is her wish to keep her children safe in Hong Kong. She added she is afraid that Christian Filipinos will harm them as the kids are Muslim.

“I will do everything to protect them from harm from the Christian communities. I want to keep them away from the threats of my elder brother,” Caramat said. She added that she wants the children to grow up here because it is a safe place for them.

 “No, you have also to respect other countries as they may also have better future in other countries. While it is hard to find a better place for your children, it is right that you instill in their minds the right concept,” the judge said.

The judge said the Philippines or Pakistan could still offer the children a better future.
He told Caramat he would send her his written decision in due course.

Agot at Allen, panalo sa Famas

Panalo bilang best actress si Agot Isidro para sa pelikulang “Changing Partners”, at best actor si Allen Dizon para sa pelikulang “Bomba” sa katatapos na 66th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) na ginanap nitong Linggo, June 10, sa Solaire Theater. 

Sa kanyang speech, ibinahagi ni Agot ang kanyang panalo sa mga kasamahan sa pelikula: “I dedicate this award to my co-actors because we really acted as one. I cannot take the credit for winning this. This a great time to be in the movie industry. Let’s keep making movies that inspire and awaken the soul and humanity in all of us”.

Ang best picture ay napanalunan ng  “Balangiga: Howling Widerness”, at ang nanalong best director ay si Arnel Barbarona para sa pelikulang “Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right to Kill)”.

Ang kumpletong listahan ng mga nanalo: 
Lifetime Achievement Award - Lav Diaz
Best Film - Balangiga: Howling Wilderness
Grand Jury Prize - Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right To Kill) and Respeto
Outstanding Achievement in Directing - Arnel Barbarona (Tu Pug Imatuy The Right To Kill)
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Agot Isidro (Changing Partners)
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Allen Dizon (Bomba)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Odette Khan (Barboys)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Mon Confiado - (Mga Gabing Kasinghaba ng Hair Ko)
Dolphy Achievement Award - Vice Ganda
FPJ Achievement Award - Coco Martin
German Moreno Youth Achievement Award - Aura and Julie Ann San Jose
Male and Female Celebrity of the Night - Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto
Male Face of the Night - JC Santos
Female Face of the Night - Max Eigenmann
Best Original Song - “Katurog Na” from Balangiga: Howling Wilderness by Lolita Carbon; Music & Lyrics by Khavn de la Cruz
Best Musical Score - Respeto - Jay Oliver Durias
Best Short Film - Hilom (PR Patindol)
Best Documentary Film - Yield (Victor Delotavo Iagaro and Toshihiko Uriu
Ang mga naging host ng parangal ay sina Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu at Robi Domingo.

2nd TNT WINNERS
Bongga ang ginanap na “Tawag ng Tanghalan Huling Tapatan” sa It’s Showtime TV show noong nakaraang Sabado, June 2, sa Aliw Theater. Naging malakas ang suporta ng mga tatlong finalists na sina Janine Berdin (Visayas), Ato Arman (Mindanao) at Steven Paysu (USA), na pawang mahuhusay at may kanya-kanyang kakaibang talento sa pag-awit. Nang matapos ang palakpakan, at hiyawan mula sa audience, mga hurado at mga host, tinanghal na champion sa TNT Season 2,  ang 16-yr old Cebuana na si Janine na umawit ng medley ng mga awitin ni Bamboo.
Ang mga hurado na sina Rey Valera, Ogie Alcasid, Yeng Constantino, K Brosas, Jaya, Eric Santos, Mitoy Yonting, Nyoy Volante, Billy Crawford, Jed Madela, Karylle, Karla Estrada, Kyla at Rico Puno ay hindi napigilang umiyak, pumalakpak at bigyan ng standing ovation ang bawat performance ang mga kalahok.

Nag-perform din ang TNT season 1 champion na si Noven Belleza, runner-up Sam Mangubat, TNT Kids champion John Clyd Talili at finalists na sikat na ngayong TNT Boys.
Napanalunan ni Janine ang Php2 milyong cash prize, house & lot package mula sa Camella Homes, Siomai business package,  music package, vacation package, malaking TV set, trophy, management contract mula sa ABS CBN at recording contract sa Star Music.

Ang second placer na si Ato ay nanalo ng Php500,000 at ang third placer na si Steven ay nanalo naman ng Php250,000. Ang tatlo pang contestants na napasama sa top 6 ay tumanggap ng consolation prize na Php100,000 bawat isa. 

Nagpa-bonggahan din sa kanilang mga damit ang mga It’s Showtime hosts na sina Vice Ganda at Anne Curtis na parehong naka-apat na palit ng gowns, at sina Amy Perez, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz at Jugs Jugueta.

TO FARM FILMFEST 2018 ENTRIES
Mula sa 119 kalahok, napili na ang pitong finalists para sa 2018 TO (The Outstanding Farmer) Farm Film Festival na gaganapin sa September 12-19, 2018. Ang mga napiling kalahok ay tatanggap ng Php1.5 milyon bawat isa mula sa mga executive producers.  Si Bibeth Orteza ang festival director, at Joey Romero bilang managing director ng filmfest na ito na sinimulan ng yumaong director na si Maryo J. Delos Reyes. Ang selection committee na pumili sa mga kalahok ay sina Raquel Villavicencio, Krip Yuson, Antoinette Jadaone, Mario Cornejo at Manny Buising.

Ang mga kalahok: 
1. 1957 -  historical drama na isinulat at idinirek ni Hubert Tibi
2. Alimuom - science fiction na isinulat at idinirek ni Keith Sicat
3. Fasang - period romance na isinulat ni Charlson Ong (director to be announced)
4. Isang Kuwento ng Gubat (The Leonard Co Story) – isinulat ni Rosalie Matilac at ang mga director ay sina Ellen Ongkeko Marfil, Rosalie Matilac, at Milo Paz.
5. Lola Igna - cultural drama na isinulat at sa direksyon ni Eduardo Roy Jr.
6. Mga Anak Ng Kamote - futuristic drama na isinulat ni John Carlo Pacala, sa direksyon ni Carlo Enciso Catu
7. Sol Searching - dark comedy sa panulat at direksyon ni Roman Perez Jr.

HEART, NAKUNAN
 “There are not enough words to express how heavy my heart feels but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey. At this week’s Doctor appointment, just as we hit the 3 month mark, we found out that her heart stopped beating. For some it might be early on but for us, we were so ready to meet you, little one. Carrying you made me feel like a completely new person. Just the thought of you taught me what unconditional love feels like. The doctor told me that there really wasn’t anything we could’ve done, that this happens to a higher percentage of first time moms. I know this is true because so many of you have been open with sharing your experiences. Your kindness and positivity in sharing about your own miscarriages remind me to be strong. I take comfort knowing that you’re up there with your twin.”

Ito ang malungkot na mga katagang ibinahagi ni Heart Evangelista sa kanyang Instagram account upang ipaalam na hindi rin nabuhay ang natitira sa kambal sana niyang ipinagbubuntis.

Ilang linggo lang ang nakalipas nang masaya nitong ibinalita na buntis na siya, sa unang anak nila ni Se. Chiz Escudero, nang i-post niya ang larawan nilang mag-asawa, at hawak niya ang mamahaling damit pambata. Pagkatapos nito ay ibinalita niyang hindi nabuo ang isa sa kambal, kaya pinag-iingat siya ng husto para sa natitira pang baby, pero hindi rin nagtagal ay natuklasang wala na rin itong heart beat.

“ I don’t question God about this sad time, I trust in His timing and plan. I hope you all understand that I’ll be taking some time off but your support and kind words will be felt, even if I’m not able to reply. I’m not looking for answers, just peace. For what it’s worth, I already had a name for you. My Mira, funnily enough, I already loved your smile. I know you’ll find your way back to me” , ang dagdag pa ni Heart.

KRIS, NAKABILI NG BAHAY SA AMERIKA
Marami ang nagulat nang i-post ni Kris Bernal ang bagong bahay na nabili niya sa West Covina, California. Marami ang nagulat dahil hindi nila akalaing malaki na pala ang naipon ng aktres mula nang manalo silang Ultimate Survivors ni Martin Escudero sa Starstruck Season 4, para makabili ng bahay na nagkakahalaga ng US$500,000 na katumbas ng halos Php30 milyon.

Ayon kay Kris, ang bahay na nabili niya ay katas ng lahat ng kanyang paghihirap sa trabaho at pagpupupuyat, pero lahat daw sa pamilya nila ay may kontribusyon din dito. Ang isang kapatid niya ay dalawang taon nang nagta-trabaho sa Amerika bilang isang registered nurse, at siyang naghanap ng bahay. Malaki ang bahay, na may apat na silid at loft, base sa video ng house tour na ipinost ni Kris sa kanyang Instagram account.

Ilan sa mga celebrities na may bahay din sa Amerika ay sina Vilma Santos, Manny Pacquiao, Aga Muhlach, Piolo Pascual, Judy Ann Santos, at Michael V. Si Sharon Cuneta ay may mansyon din sa Los Angeles, pero ibinenta na sa isang comedian na kaibigan ng sikat na aktor na si Adam Sandler noong nakaraang taon. 

Bukod sa pag-arte, mahilig din si Kris sa pagne-negosyo, gaya ng itinayo niyang MeatKris burger stores, pero isinara niya ito kamakailan  upang pagtuunan ng pansin ang bagong Korean restaurant na bubuksan nila, kasosyo ang boyfriend niyang si Perry Choi.

Si Kris ay napapanood sa Kapuso TV series na The Cure, na pinagbibidahan nina Jennylyn Mercado, Tom Rodriguez at Jaclyn Jose.

JUDY ANN, IDI-DIREK NI BRILLANTE MENDOZA
Isang malaking pelikula ang ginagawa ni Judy Ann Santos, na inaasahang isasali sa iba’t ibang film festivals sa ibang bansa. May titulong Maguindanaw (dating Bayang Magiliw), ito ay sa direksyon ni Brillante Mendoza, na kilala na sa ibang bansa dahil ilang beses nang nanalo ng mga award para sa kanyang mga pelikula.

Gaganap bilang isang Muslim si Judy Ann at makakapareha si Allen Dizon, sa papel na asawa niya at sundalo. Si Allen ay hindi gaanong sikat sa mga mainstream na pelikula at hindi rin gaanong napapansin sa mga pagganap sa mga TV series, pero suki siya sa mga indie films, at marami na siyang naipanalong acting awards hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi pati sa mga film festival sa ibang bansa.

Muli ring babalikan ni Juday ang paggawa ng teleserye, matapos ang mahaba-habang panahon. Ka-abang-abang ito para sa kanyang mga fans, na matagal nang hinintay ang kanyang pagbabalik bilang  Teleserye Queen, sa bago niyang TV series na “Starla”. Hindi pa inaanunsyo kung sino ang kanyang makakapareha, pero may balitang isang sikat na aktor ito na galing sa ibang network, at magiging bagong Kapamilya.     

Ex- DH of judge set to file claims after theft acquittal

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic worker is set to file labor claims against her former employer, a High Court judge, ,after being acquitted of theft charges.

Marites Canacio was found not guilty on June 15 of stealing $3,700 from her fellow Filipina maid at Judge Jonathan Harris' house on the Peak

Canacio was acquitted of the charge by Magistrate Cheung Kit-yee on the last day of trial of the theft case held in the Wanchai law courts.

Judge Harris and his Japanese wife testified for the prosecution were in court for the verdict.

Cheung rejected the testimony of the main prosecution witness, Rosiene Cuento Cagalitan, who spent two days on the witness stand. She gave testimony on the alleged events that led the judge to terminate Canacioon Jan.13 The defendant, who stayed at the Consulate’s shelter for troubled workers, chose not to take the witness stand.

She was helped by the Mission for Migrant Workers in preparing her statement and documentary proof such as receipts for the remittance she made for Cagalitan, Googleplay card receipts and the printed transcripts of her phone conversations with her accuser.

An officer of the assistance to nationals section of the Consulate told The SUN that Canacio would press her labor claims against Harris now that she had been acquitted.

Following her acquittal, Canacio, accompanied by the ATN officer, went to Eastern Court to secure a court clearance. She also claimed back her bail money from the court.

Canacio was charged with one count of theft for allegedly stealing $3,700 cash from Cagalitan, with whom she shared a room and a bunkbed in the house of Harris on Mt Kellett Road, The Peak.

The defendant originally faced another charge of stealing Harris' wallet which contained $600, but this was later withdrawn.

Magistrate Cheung said she could not convict the defendant based on Cagalitan's statement, as the latter was unreliable.

Cheung also chided the prosecutor for wasting court time by insisting to present Mrs Harris as the second witness although she had nothing substantial to add to Cagalitan’s evidence.

Due to the prosecution’s insistence in calling Mrs Harris to testify, Cheung stopped the hearing twice. First, she asked the couple to leave the courtroom as she discussed with the prosecutor her insistence in getting Mrs Harris’ to testify. Second, when Cheung instructed the prosecutor to explain to the Harris couple her objection.

Defense counsel Mohammed Shah tried to show during his cross-examination of Cagalitan that the Filipina had conspired with an Indonesian former co-worker to get Harris to fire Canacio.

At the time  of the alleged theft, the Indonesian maid was about to resume working for the Harris household.  Cagalitan also allegedly forced Canacio to sign a termination letter prepared by Harris on Jan. 13,

According to Cagalitan, she found the envelope containing her missing money hidden inside Canacio's pillow. Only $1,700 was allegedly left of her money.

Police arrested Canacio at the Hong Kong International Airport on the evening of Jan 14 as she was about to board a flight to Manila.
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Pinay in Fortress Hill MTR incident returns home

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina who had a mental breakdown at Fortress Hill MTR Station on Labor Day is now reunited with her parents and siblings in Southern Leyte, according to her relatives and staff at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

She is now safe and recovering in the Philippines.

The 44-year-old maid was reportedly fetched more than a week ago by two officers of the OWWA head office in Manila and escorted back to her hometown.

She left Hong Kong after about a month of confinement at the psychiatric ward of the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.

The patient, who is single, had worked for more than seven years for the same employer on Braemar Hill in North Point.

An OWWA officer said on June 6 that the maid’s employers were constant visitors at the hospital, and were the ones who informed them a week after the worker’s confinement that she was on her way to recovery.

Various video footages uploaded on Facebook showed the worker acting strangely at the MTR station. She was standing with her arms outstretched and her head tilted upwards, as she mumbled about deliverance. At one point, she prostrated herself in front of the turnstiles.

Police who responded to a call from concerned staff took the patient to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wanchai, after which she was transferred to Eastern Hospital.

A relative of the worker who recognized the woman on the video informed the patient’s parents and siblings.

On Jun 6, she confirmed that the patient had returned home but could not tell if she had already recovered from her breakdown.   

A team of volleyball players from Mindanao said it was planning to hold a one-day league in coordination with the patient’s volleyball team to raise money for her financial needs. No date has yet been set for the charity tournament.

Jerghin Barcelona, president of the Sultan Kudarat Women’s Volleyball Team, told The SUN that the patient used to play for the Swaggers, and was a regular participant of the friendly leagues organized by Kudarat.

Masuwerte ka ba sa Hunyo?

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Mahahanap mo ang balanse sa dati nang nakasanayan at sa bagong paraan, at sa pagiging matapang at maingat. Dahil sa mga bagong pangyayari, posibleng mabago ang iyong buhay. Sa trabaho, mahalaga pa rin ang pakikipagtulungan. Manunumbalik ang iyong sigla at karisma at tahimik, walang gulo, at masaya ang pakikipag-kaibigan. Pagdating sa pamilya, hindi mo hahayaang makialam ang ibang tao. Lucky numbers: 7, 15, 13 at 21.
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BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Marami kang obligasyong kailangang harapin kaya nahihirapan kang bunuin ang lahat ng mga ito. Huwag hayaang maapektuhan ang pamilya ng dahil sa pakikipagkaibigan mo. Sa trabaho, iwasan ang mga hindi inaasahang aberya at huwag ipilit ang mga bagay. Hindi mababago ang relasyon sa kabila ng mga nangyayari sa iyo ngayon. Isang malaking kabiguan ang mararanasan, ang tanging paraan na mabawasan ang pinsala ay ang paglayo. Lucky numbers: 17, 30, 35, 40 at 44.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Ang alitan sa isang mahal sa buhay ay hindi agad matatapos. Bakit hindi subukang kalimutan na lang ito? Iwasang matukso na gumastos sa mga bagay na madali mo rin namang pagsasawaan. Sensitibo ang mga mata, protektahan ito sa ilaw na nakakasilaw at alikabok. Bisitahin ang mga magulang. Maganda ang resulta ng pagtutulungan sa trabaho, pero iwasan ang pagiging agresibo na subukan ang lahat ng bagay. Lucky numbers: 8, 12, 22, 31 at 40.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Positibo at sigurado ka sa sarili kaya kakayanin mo ang lahat. Kakasihan ka rin ng suwerte sa mga gagawin mo. Hindi inaasahang pera ang darating. Sa trabaho, hindi napapanahon ang pagpapalit ng linya o lugar. Kung may alitan kayo ng taong malapit sa iyo, piliting maayos ito agad. Babalik ang mga dating samaan ng loob sa relasyon, harapin agad ito at maging matapat upang matapos na, at akuin din ang pagkakamali. Lucky numbers: 9, 23, 34, at 37.
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TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Unti-unti ay mararating mo na ang tagumpay. Iwasang magkaroon ng kumplikasyon ng dahil sa pera. Kung hindi na makatiis sa pagsasama, mabuti pang kumalas ka na upang hindi lumala ang sakit na nararamdaman, at mabigyan ng tsansa ang sarili na makahanap ng ibang mamahalin. Madali kang mapagod. Mas bibigyan mo ng halaga ang pamilya mo ngayon at mas magiging inspirado ka. Samantalahin ito upang simulan ang personal mong proyekto. Lucky numbers: 11, 16, 29 at 46.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Mag-ingat na maging tampulan ng usapan dahil para kang nakikipagdebate sa bawat paksang mapag-usapan. Maswerte ka ngayon na makahanap ng trabaho o makakuha ng dagdag sa sahod. Maganda ang lagay ng pisikal at mental na kalagayan. Tama lang na mapapangiti ka dahil maligaya ka rin sa piling ng iyong minamahal at naipapakita at napaparamdam mo ang iyong pagmamahal. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 28 at 35.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Ang pag-angat sa trabaho ay kapansin-pansin. Magandang panahon na makipag-kaibigan, dahil magiging pangmatagalan ito. May tsansa kang bigyan ang sarili ng kasiyahan sa pamamasyal sa ibang lugar. Mahina ang resistensya mo ngayon, balutin ang sarili upang hindi lamigin. Maglalaan ka ng oras para sa pamilya, kung may alitan sa kamag-anak, piliting makipagkasundo agad. Lucky numbers: 20, 24, 37 at 41.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Naiinis ang ibang tao sa iyo dahil sa pananahimik at sa pagiging masikreto mo, pilitin ang sarili na magbahagi ng nararamdaman. Sa trabaho, malulusutan mo ng maayos ang isang mahirap na sitwasyon. Iwasan ang patuloy na pamimigay mo ng pera ng hindi ito pinag-iisipan, huwag hayaang abusuhin ang kabaitan mo ng mga kaibigan. Mataas ang enerhiya mo ngayon kaya marami kang magagawa, pero baka maging sanhi rin ito na magkamali ka ng kilos at maaksidente; mag-ingat. Lucky numbers: 16, 24, 39 at 43.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Tamang panahon na gawin ang delikadong hakbang, o humiling at manghingi ng suporta. Ang maliit na pagtatalo sa kapitbahay ay maaring lumaki, piliting makipag-usap ng maayos. Sa tarabaho, magiging maganda ang mga desisyon mo at sa pamamalakad sa negosyo. Marami pa rin ang namamatay sa tetanus kaya magpa-iniksyon agad kung kinakailangan, lalo na kung nahihilig ka sa paghahalaman. Lucky numbers: 8, 26, 33 at 40.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Unti-unti ay mapapakawalan mo ang sarili sa mga kontradiksyon nabuo mo. At bigla ay makakahanap ka ng magandang solusyon sa problema mo. Tahimik, pero maalab ang love affair mo ngayon. Ang mga nalulungkot ay makakatagpo ng magpapasaya sa kanila ngayon. Masigla at masipag, marami kang pagkakaabalahang bagay nang walang iniindang pagod. Pero mas mainam kung ituon ang enerhiya sa mga importanteng bagay. Lucky numbers: 17, 25, 31 at 42.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Masasagad ng husto ang pasensya mo sa trabaho, pero maaayos din ang lahat. Mag-ingat sa ilan mong kaibigan na magbubuyo sa iyo sa kapahamakan. Alisin agad sa isipan ang maitim o negatibong ideya bago pa ito makasama sa iyo. Ang nerbiyos ay sumusulpot ng hindi inaasahan, at lumalabas sa mga taghiyawat sa mukha, pamamantal, singaw sa bibig o ang pagsambit ng masasakit ba salita na hirap mong mapigilan. Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 29 at 41.

TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Masaya ang tahanan dahil nagkakaunawaan. Huwag agad sumuko sa mahalagang trabaho na iniatang sa iyo dahil maraming susuporta sa iyo. May matatagpuan kang bagong pagkakakitaan. Magiging inspirado ka at mahahawakan mo ng maayos ang iyong pera; hindi magtatagal ay matutupad na ang mga pangarap mo. Dagdagan ang pag -iingat upang hindi magkasakit sa panahong ito. Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 29 at 37.

Ylagan granted bail after arrest

By Daisy CL Mandap

Ester Ylagan

Ester Ylagan, co-owner of the defunct Emry’s Service Staff and Employment Agency, was allowed to post bail early on June 9, after being arrested and questioned by Hong Kong Police for about 48 hours.

In an emailed response to a query on the status of Ylagan’s investigation, a police spokesperson said, “the 65-year-old arrested woman was released on Police bail and is required to report back to Police in early July 2018.”

The Police had earlier confirmed to The SUN that Ylagan was arrested on June 7 in Western District for ”conspiracy to defraud” and “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (also known as money laundering).”

The arrest reportedly stemmed from complaints filed by 210 individuals starting in 2016, alleging that they had been deceived by Ylagan in a job recruitment scam in which each lost between $5,000 and $20,000.

The total number of Filipino job applicants allegedly lured into applying for the non-existent jobs in Britain and Canada were, however, estimated to have been more, with the total amount involved reaching as much as  $5million. The applicants came not only from Hong Kong, but also Macau and the Philippines.

Lawyers acting for the complainants subsequently reported uncovering documents showing Ylagan and several other people close to her had sent a total of around $10 million to several countries as far apart as Malaysia and Burkina Faso. The documents were turned over to the police, along with the names of the others involved in the apparent money laundering scam.

Of the more than 200 Filipinos who sought police help, about 150 have filed claims to recover their money from Ylagan, and their cases are now pending at the District Court where they were transferred by the Small Claims Tribunal.

With help from the Mission for Migrant Workers, the complainants succeeded in getting legal aid to pursue their claims.

Ylagan quietly slipped out of Hong Kong in mid-July 2016 in an apparent bid to head off a possible arrest. Before leaving, she filed a complaint with the Central Police station against a London-based business partner who reportedly duped her of $4.19 million.

Ylagan said the business partner she identified as “William Clinton James” had made her send the money to unknown people in Burkina Faso, on the promise that he had jobs waiting for her recruits. For her effort, she was supposed to get a British passport, 15 plane tickets to London, and a chance to explore business opportunities in the United Kingdom.

Each applicant to Britain was asked to pay $10,000 and $15,000 for those applying to Canada. A leaflet Ylagan had circulated said “any jobs” were available in the two destinations, causing hundreds of applicants who had relied on her reputation as a 30-year veteran of the recruitment business, to swamp her World Wide shop in Central between January to May, 2016.

At the time she remitted the $4.19 million, Ylagan said she had recruited 400 applicants. She stopped when she was asked to increase the number to 650, then 800.

Ylagan returned to Hong Kong in December last year, and offered to return the applicants’ money if she could recover a flat she used to co-own with her husband, Rick Ylagan, who died two months earlier.

She also sought police help again, this time to file a complaint for deception against her erstwhile friend, suspended barrister Ody Lai Pui-yi. Ylagan claimed Lai had deceived her and her son in transferring their Aberdeen flat in the former barrister’s name.

Land Registry documents show Ylagan had bought the flat with her husband in November 2000 for $2.37 million. The property was transferred in the name of their son, Ridge Michael on July 23, 2016, for $2.6 million. Then on March 20, 2017, it was further transferred to Lai for a consideration of $5 million.

The police are continuing their investigation into the cases.

Licensure Examination for Teachers
Application for those who wish to take the Special Examination for Professional Teachers to be held in Hong Kong on Sept 20, 2018
Deadline for Online Application: June 20
Submission of Documents: Aug 5
To register, click: https://online.prc.gov.ph/
For instructions on how to register: http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/StepbyStep_SPLE_2018.pdf
Check the Philippine Overseas Labor Office Facebook page for updates


CARITAS PROGRAMS
Saturday Basic Chinese Writing
Jun 9 – Sept 22, 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic minorities in HK with HKID
Fee     : $100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50)
Venue : Caritas Shek Kip Mei Centre. Rm. 107, 1/F, Tai Hang Tung Community Centre, 17 Tong Yam Street, Shek Kip Mei, KLN
For queries, call 2147-5988.

Filcom group announcements:

Free Zumba Class
Sundays, 10am-11am (or stay longer if you want)
Pier 10, Central
Open to everyone
Offered by: Kayumanggi Zumba Fitness Group HK

Free Yoga Class 
Sundays, 8:30am-9:30am
Pier 10, Central
Open to everyone
Organized by: Andappan Yoga Community

For Tinikling Lovers
The Tinikling Group of Migrants is in need of male/female performers with or without experience, no age limit. TGM performs mostly for LCSD events. Interested person may contact Marie Velarde @ 67175379, Emz Bautista @ 98512804and Rowena Solir @97331049.

Attention: Rugby enthusiasts
The Exiles Touch Rugby group is inviting rugby enthusiasts to join the team. We practice every Sunday at the Happy Valley Pitch 8 from 5pm to 8pmat the Happy Valley Pitch 8.  For those interested please contact: Ghelai 65414432whatsapp/sms or click “like” on Exiles HK facebook page

Wanted: softball players
The all-Filipina softball team is now open for
tryouts. Those who are interested, especially those with prior experience in the game may contact Team Captain Don Gaborno 5318-5113

An invitation to play volleyball
Calling sport-minded Filipinas who want to play volleyball. A team is being organized by a group led by Shane Key Gonzales to compete in upcoming volleyball leagues in Hong Kong. Interested parties may contact Shane at 54498080.

What's on, where

120th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE 

DAY EVENTS

Coronation of Bb Kalayaan 2018
Jun 17 (Sunday), 9am onwards
Highlight: Search and coronation of Bb Kalayaan and Live Band performance
Organizer: Global Alliance. Contact: Leo Selomenio

Diplomatic Cocktails
Jun 19 (Tuesday), 6:30pm-8:00pm
Granville and Nathan Rooms, Conrad HK
By invitation
Hosted by: Consul General Antonio Morales and Madame Shirlene C. Mananquil

Kalayaan Ball 2018
Jun 24 (Sunday) 12nn-3pm
Foo Loom Palace, King’s Road, North Point
Organized by: Global Alliance/Philippine Alliance
Entrance ticket: $100 @
Contact: Leo Selomenio

PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: 
The Philippine Consulate General and all its attached agencies including POLO will be closed on the following date:
July 2 (Monday) – Hong Kong holiday
There will be no official transactions on these dates.
In case of emergency, call:
9155 4023 (Consular assistance)
5529 1880 (POLO)
6345 9324 (OWWA)

OTHER EVENTS:
Mga Kulay at Ngiti ng LGBT2
Film showing and talk on understanding gay issues by celebrity host Boy Abunda
June 17, 2:15pm – 5pm
PCG conference room
Note: All seats taken
Organized by the PCG’s Gender and Development Program in celebration of Pride Month

Silid Sining Pinay: Unlocking Pinay Creativity
Painting Workshop Sessions for OFWs in HK with Filipino artist Grace P. Camacho
July 1, 9am-12nn
Aug 5, 9am-12nn
Sept 2, 9am-12nn
Oct 7, 9am – 12nn
PCG Gallery
Organized by: PCG with Pitter Painter
Requirements: HKID copy and one 2x2" photo
To register, visit the PCG Cultural Section or email cultural.pcg@gmail.com with subject: “SilidSining”

Sagip-Kapwa (Press to Shock, Save a Life)
Free cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED) and Fire Safety lessons
First session: July 15 (Sunday), 1-5pm
PCG Conference Room
Note: All seats taken. Limited slots.
Certificates will be issued to those who complete the CPR and AED training
Organized by: PCG’s Gender and Development Program