Pinay gets 4 months jail for lying to Immigration

 

AI photo from Google, used for illustration purpose only

A Filipina was jailed for four months today after pleading guilty at Shatin Court to lying to an Immigration officer when she applied for an employment visa as a domestic helper.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong, convicted Reyzen Capinpin, 24 years old, of lying to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part TT of the Immigration Ordinance, contrary to section 42(1) (a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Capinpin was charged with making “a representation, knowing the same to be false or not believing the same to be truc, to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part II [Examination] of the Immigration Ordinance,” according to information filed by the Immigration Department.

Immigration charged that on July 20, 2026 in Hong Kong, Caoinpin “represented that (she) would work in Hong Kong for Yang, Xiaobin as a domestic helper under employment contract no. 0669248.”

Meanwhile, the court postponed again the sentencing of Jessebel Questo, 48 years old, for two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law and punishable under Section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The prosecution asked for an adjournment to Sept. 30. She was released on bail of $1,000.

She had promised earlier to cooperate with authorities to prosecute the people she wprked with to obtain visas based on lies.

In the first charge, Questo was accused of conspiring together with, Maria Chona Cagol and a person known as Homer Leonardo Herrera, to defraud the Immigration director and his officers, by “dishonestly and falsely representing” that Cagol's remaining in Hong Kong was to take up employment with you,

The offense was allegedly committed between an unknown day in 2021 and May 28, 2022.

In the second charge, Questo was accused of conspiring with, Shafqat Zaman and Herrera to defraud the Immigration director and his offices, by entering into a marriage with Zaman and by “dishonestly and falsely representing that his entries and remaining in Hong Kong were for the purpose of visiting and reuniting with her.

The offense took place between an unknown day in 2022 and September 19, 2023 and induced the Immigration officers “to act contrary to their public duty, namely to grant the said Zaman, Shafqat permission to enter and remain in Hong Kong, in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted.”

Stolen jewelry worth HK$135k bring 10-month jail for DH

 

West Kowloon Court

Five pieces of expensive jewelry have brought a domestic helper a 10-month jail sentence after she pleaded guilty today to theft at West Kowloon Court.

Khenny Grace Orbe, 37 years old, was convicted by Magistrate Vivian Ho for violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

As a result of her guilty plea, a previously scheduled hearing date on July 30 was also vacated.

Basahin ang detalye!

Orbe was accused in a pol;ice complaint with stealing two diamond necklaces, one Chanel earring and two diamond rings, valued at a total of $135,888, the property of female Chan Lok-sze.

Police said the theft took place between November 2025 and May 2026, at a flat in La Rossa B, 12. Tung Chung Waterfront Road, Tung Chung, Lantau.

Application for Sept board exam for teachers in HK ongoing

Application period for the 2026 LEPT is from July 15 to Aug 15 this year

Education graduates in the Philippines who want to take the September 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teacher (LEPT) in Hong Kong could apply now until August 15.

Hong Kong was again chosen as one of the overseas testing centers for the 2026 LEPT, along with Thailand and Vietnam. Last year, the LEPT was also held in Hong Kong, and about 58% of all those who took the exam, passed.

To apply and pay online, click on this link for the PRC Licensure Examination and Registation Information System (LERIS): https://online.prc.gov.ph/

Basahin ang detalye!

After completing the online application and payment, applicants shall submit clear scanned copies of the duly accomplished application form, passport-size picture, and other prescribed application documents on or before 15 August 2026 through the following Google Form:

https://forms.gle/2tXi9FHToTLnDjaJ8.

Make sure all the requirements are uploaded no later than August 15.

Applicants are advised to prepare the original and hard copies of all submitted documents for presentation to the PRC team during the onsite evaluation at the designated testing centers.

For queries and concerns, applicants may email the Licensure Office at licensure.office1@prc.gov.ph.

For updates and other announcements, please visit the PRC website at https://prc.gov.ph/ or follow the PRC Official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/professionalregulationcommission

 

 

Pinay asylum seeker gets 22 months for 2 counts of drug trafficking

 

Etomidate cartridge (photo: Narcotics Division, Security Bureau)

A Filipina who holds a recognizance form as identity document, was jailed for 22 months today for two counts of drug trafficking after she pleaded guilty at the Eastern Court.

Joanne Miniano, 43 years old and an applicant for non-refoulement, was sentenced to two months in jail for the first count and 22 months for the second count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung spent some time computing the equivalent values of the seized drugs into items with known penalties, such as ketamine and cannabis, and arrived at 3 months as the starting point of the first sentence and 33 months in the second.

He gave a one third discount on both sentences, which will run at the same time.

Basahin ang detalye!

Magistrate Cheung said he handed down a stiff sentence after stressing that a shorter jail term will not serve as a deterrent for Minianio because of her Immigration status and the fact that she committed the crime while out on bail for another case.

She received the two-month sentence after she pleaded guilty to trafficking in 1 cartridge containing 0.48 gram of a liquid containing 0.42 gram of tetrahydrocannabinol, a derivative of cannabinol, which in turn is derived from cannabis (marijuana).

She committed the offense on August 19, 2025 along with a person known as "Alex", at a staircase of the eighth floor of Phoenix Apartments, 54-70 Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay.

She committed the second offense also along with "Alex", on the same day, at an eighth floor flat inside the Phoenix Apartments.

The longer jail term was for trafficking in 59 cartridges containing a total of 83.0 grams of a liquid containing 1.17 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate), 1 cartridge containing 1.43 gram of a liquid containing 0.01 gram of butomidate (a compound derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group): 61 cartridges containing a total of 81.8 grams of a liquid containing 1.76 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group), 8 cartridges containing a total of 11.2 grams of a liquid containing 0.29 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group), 3 cartridges containing a total of 3.92 grams of a liquid containing 0.09 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from étomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group); 6 cartridges containing a total of 8.78 grams of a liquid containing 0.11 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group) and 0.01 grams of deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine (a compound structurally derived from 2-amino-2-phenylcyclohexanone by substitution at the nitrogen atom with an alkyl group): 14 plastic bags containing a total of 487 grams of a solid containing 1.49 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (being a tetrahydro. derivative of cannabinol); and I cartridge containing 0.41 grams of a liquid containing 0.37 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (being a tetrahydro derivative of cannabinol).

Hundreds pay last respect to Doc Mike Manio

Dr Chan remembers Doc Mike's smile which 'could light up any room'

About 500 people of different nationalities and backgrounds attended a memorial mass on Sunday for Dr. Michael Manio, a resident tutor and researcher at the University of Hong Kong and Filipino community leader, who died in his sleep  at his apartment in Aberdeen a week earlier.

Among the mourners were officials of the Philippine Consulate led by Consul General Romulo M. Israel, Jr., who nearly broke down as he recalled how Dr. Manio spoke with passion about his work for the migrant community in Hong Kong in the first lengthy chat they had early this year.

Basahin ang detalye!

Congen Israel said he regretted not having had the chance to work closer or longer with Dr Manio, as he arrived in Hong Kong only last year. But from that conversation, he said he sensed how deeply committed Dr Manio was in serving his fellow Filipinos in Hong Kong.

He made his speech at the memorial held for Dr Manio following a Catholic mass said by the Chaplain for Filipinos, Fr. Jay Flandez, at the OFW Global Centre in Admiralty.

CG Israel turned emotional as he recalled Doc Mike's passion for serving the community

The only other person to do a eulogy for Dr Manio was Dr. Robert Chan, his friend and colleague at HKU, and a fellow alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, who described the deceased as a "proud Goden Warrior."

Dr Chan remembered Dr Manio’s “radiant, comforting smile” that he said could light up any room, and soothe any worried heart.

 “Mike has left us far too soon, but that smile will never fade. This image lives on forever in the hallways, in the hearts of his students, and the community he loved so dearly,” said Dr. Chan.

Mourners packed the room and the corridors outside

A living proof of how Dr Manio has impacted the Filipino community in Hong Kong were the many grieving faces in the packed room, including not just of migrant workers and his students, but of his fellow residents who all remembered his gentle and giving ways.

Many of those who turned up were graduates of the Domestic Workers Empowerment Project that Dr. Manio started at HKU in 2018, and is now officially known as EmpowerU. The program provides lectures, trainings and workshops to migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong usually on Sundays, in a bid to create a positive image for them, their family and employers.

There was also a big group from the UST Alumni Association Hong Kong, and other Filipino permanent residents including musicians, bankers, and other professionals.

Filipino chaplain Fr Jay gives final blessing to Doc Mike

A book of condolences was set up by the entrance of the OFW Centre where people who knew Dr Manio could leave messages for his family.

Apart from his work for the migrant community, Dr Manio was also well known for his live social media blogs where he provided health tips and advice to his followers, and snaps from his overseas trips.

Dr Manio, who hailed from Pampanga, obtained his degree in medicine from Angeles University Foundation, his master’s degree from UST, and his PhD from the University of Hong Kong in 2014.

He is survived by his parents and a sibling.

Details of his funeral and cremation have yet to be released

Pinoy, 23, jailed 20 months for trafficking in marijuana buds

 

Marijuana buds seized from Filipino

A Filipino resident of Hong Kong was jailed for 20 months today after pleading guilty at the West Kowloon Court to trafficking in 4,999 grams of marijuana buds worth $1 million.

John Ulrik Aboy, 23 years old, was charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

In sentencing Aboy, Magistrate Jeffrey Sze chose a starting point of 30 months but gave him a one-third discount.

Basahin ang detalye!

A complaint filed by the Customs and Excise Derpartmernt said Aboy was arrested December 20, 2025, at the Baggage Examination Counter S6, at the Customs Arrival Hall B of the Hong Kong International Airport.

The 4,999 grams of cannabis was concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags in his check-in suitcase., Customs said

He had just arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok when he was stopped for customs check at the arrival gates, and the illicit drugs were found in his suitcase. 

He arrested and charged with one count of drug trafficking at the West Kowloon Courts last December 22.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence, with a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Marijuana or cannabis trafficking carries a lighter penalty compared to cases where hard drugs like cocaine and ice or shabu are involved.

Overstayers, asylum seekers arrested for illegal work

 

Police photo of some of those arrested 

A fresh batch of 26 people, including suspected illegal workers and their employers, were arrested in a series of territory-wide anti-illegal work operations conducted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department from July 10 to 16.

The suspected illegal workers comprised six men and 11 women, aged 24 to 59. 

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

They included four men and three women holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment, and a man and two women holding forged Hong Kong identity cards.

Another four men and one woman, aged 29 to 63, were suspected of employing the workers and were also arrested. 

Three women and a man, aged 37 to 61, were found to be overstayers.

Basahin ang detalye!

The target locations for the week-long sweep included known hotspots for illicit work, like restaurants, markets and factories.

Police carried out the operations in cooperation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Labour Department.

Illegal work is a serious offense in Hong Kong and often results in imprisonment. Visitors found doing illegal work can be sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined a maximum of H$50,000.

If the one who committed the crime is an overstayer, asylum seeker or illegal immigrant, the maximum jail sentence is two years and a fine of up to HK$50,000.

Aidors and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.

Those who possess and use a HKID card belonging to another person may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined HK$100,000.

In addition, the Chief Executive may issue a deportation order against an immigrant who has been found guilty of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than two years. The deportee will no longer be allowed back to Hong Kong afterwards.

To report illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

 

 

 

2 Filipinas arrested at HK airport for cannabis trafficking

 

One of the 2 Filipinas arrested at HK airport is led away for questioning

Two Filipino women appeared at West Kowloon Magistrate’s Courts on Friday, July 17, charged with trafficking about 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds into Hong Kong.

The women, aged 26 and 33, were arrested two days earlier at Hong Kong International Airport after the cannabis buds estimated to be worth more than HK$2 million, were found in their checked-in bags.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

Photos provided by the Customs and Excise Department showed the suspected cannabis buds wrapped tightly in plastic bags and placed in identical suitcases, packed alongside a few personal items.

The two were jointly charged with one count of drug trafficking.

The second Filipina suspect found with marijuana buds in her suitcase

They were the latest in a number of young Filipino tourists being held at Hong Kong airport for bringing in cannabis buds from Bangkok.

Just a day before their arrest, a 21-year-old Filipina student who also flew in from Bangkok with just under three kilos of marijuana buds and equipment to crush them, was sentenced to 12 months in jail after pleading guilty to drug trafficking.

Press statements released by the Customs and Excise Department show arrests almost daily of people at the airport, after drugs were found in their luggage. Many of them had flown in from Bangkok bringing marijuana buds.

The suspected marijuana buds were packed openly inside identical suitcases

They included a 47-year-old Chinese man who had travelled to Hong Kong from Bangkok with a stopover in Manila on July 16, and was found with about 10 kilos of suspected cannabis buds hidden inside his suitcase during customs clearance.

On July 14, another Mainland male passenger was also arrested at the airport after 2.5 kilos of suspected marijuana was found in his suitcase. The 36-year-old man had also arrived from Bangkok.

Basahin ang detalye!

A day earlier, another male passenger from the Mainland, aged 54, was found with 7 kilos of suspected cannabis buds disguised as food items from his carry-on suitcase and a travel bag. The drugs had an estimated market value of HK$1.3 million.

Customs said it will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis, and warned the public against taking part in the illicit trade for monetary return.

Drug trafficking carries with it a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and fine of HK$5 million.

 

 

 

Filipino in Central bus crash regains consciousness

 

Harold is not only awake, but is also able to take in food

The Filipino domestic worker who was left in a coma Sunday night after being struck by a KMB bus on Des Voeux Road in Central has regained consciousness but is now worried about the financial cost of his accident, according to his friends.

Photos shared by friends Friday show 44-year-old Harold Padre being fed by his wife Liezl after he was moved to a regular ward at Queen Mary Hospital in Pokfulam.

His head remains swathed in bandages following a critical surgery to drain and remove blood clots in his brain, and doctors are reportedly not ruling out a further operation on his stomach where blood clots were also found.

Basahin ang detalye!

Padre was hit by the bus with such force that the vehicle’s windshield was shattered.

His wife who was with him at the time witnessed the whole incident, and is said to be still recovering from the trauma caused by that experience.

The couple had just left a gathering with friends near the IFC building in Central and were hurrying to catch the bus to their employer’s house near The Peak when Harold reportedly  crossed a red light on Des Voeux Road near the intersection with Pedder Street.

His wife Liezl said she tried to pull him back to the kerb but failed to get to him on time.

As the accident has kept both of them off work, Liezl with help from her friends is seeking financial assistance from the Philippine government through the Department of Migrant Workers’Aksyon Fund, and medical aid from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

She is also looking at applying for help from the Hong Kong government through its Traffic Accident Victims Assistance fund, which extends financial aid to family members of people who die or sustain severe injury from a traffic accident.

Harold has been employed for less than a year, and was supposed to start driving for their employer when he met the accident. Liezl still has a few months left to her two-year-contract.

As the accident happened during their day-off, Harold cannot expect to receive any work injury compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance. 

Worse, he could be issued with court summons if he is found to have been at fault in the bus crash. Initial police investigations listed the 59-year-old bus driver as a witness, and was not arrested.

(Those who wish to extend help may contact Liezl Padre at 7019 3328)

Pinay, American end clash with bind-over

 

Eastern Court (File footage)

A Filipino woman and an American man ended their clash that landed at Eastern Court, with a bind-over agreement to behave over the next 18 months or they will be fined $2,000 each.

Filipina D.I. Manning, 45 years old and a cook; and D.M. Paulsrude, 29 years old and unemployed; agreed to be bound over at Eastern Court on Friday before Magistrate Edward Wong.

As a result, the prosecution withdrew the charge against Paulsrude of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Common Law, and punishable under section 39 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

He was accused of assaulting Manning, thereby occasioning actual bodily on January 28, 2026, at a flat on 8 Square Street, Sheung Wan.

Manning in turn, was accused of wounding Paulsrude, contrary to section 19 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance, on the same date and place.

17-year-old Filipino drowning victim laid to rest

 

Family and friends say final goodbye to Gab during the funeral service

About 300 people packed the Holy Cross Church in Sai Wan Ho on Monday, July 13, to say a final goodbye to Gabriel Mark Bolea, who fell into the waters of Peng Chau on the night of June 26, and was declared dead in hospital.

There was hardly a dry eye in the church as people of various ages and nationality joined the funeral mass that lasted from 10am until about noon, after which the 17-year-old boy’s remains were taken to Cape Collinson for cremation.

A big number of those who paid their last tribute were residents of Peng Chau, where Gabriel or “Gab” lived with his parents and four younger siblings; but also his classmates and a big number of friends, young and old alike, who were all obviously stricken with grief over his sudden passing.

All the youngsters called to give a eulogy or testimonial remembered Gab’s friendly and easygoing nature, and how he would light up any room he entered. One even shared how Gab had taught him to try to be happy, no matter what.

Gab's profile photo on Facebook shows him at his favorite spot on Peng Chau

Two of his friends were reportedly hanging out with Gab at his favorite spot on Chau Tsai Bridge on the island that Friday night when he accidentally fell into the water while walking on the railings.

His friends reported seeing Gab trying to swim back to shore, but disappeared under water. The two immediately called the police, but it took two more hours before Gab was found unconscious about 20 meters from the shore.

He was airlifted to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where he was later confirmed dead.

The police said in a brief statement that the official cause of death will be determined after autopsy.

 

DH pleads guilty to beating baby; sentence put off

Eastern Magistrate's Court 

A domestic helper pleaded guilty Friday at Eastern Court to beating her two-year-old ward, resulting in serious injuries, but her sentencing was put off pending a background check to determine the extent of her culpability.

Magistrate Edward Wong adjourned the case of the Filipino woman identified only as J.G.M,, 26 years old and a cousin of the child’s mother, to July 29 for sentencing. She was returned to jail for the meantime.

J.G.M was charged with Ill-treatment by those in charge of a child, contrary to section 27(1) of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The charge arose after J.G.M., “being a person over the age of 16 years and having the charge of X,”  allegedly “wilfully assaulted the said X in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering and/or injury to the health of the said X,” according to the police information filed with the court.

The offense took place on January 17, 2026 at a flat on Lamma Island.

X was the younger of the Lamma couple's children; the other was four years old, who was uninjured. Their genders were not disclosed.

On that day, the parents left for work , leaving X in her care. When they returned in the afternoon, X was crying, with mouth unable to open for feeding, and the head swollen.

When they reviewed the CCTV, they saw J.G.M. slapping and hitting the baby's head with a shoehorn.

They took the baby to the North Lamma Clinic, which arranged for a helicopter to take it to the Queen Mary Hospital.

J.G.M.’s lawyer said she arrived in Hong Kong in August 2024 in hopes to raise her family from poverty in the Philippines, but was paid intermittently by her cousin. “She was paid 1,790 pesos for the last three months,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer said J.G.M. was feeding the child who was resisting, and slapped it as a disciplinary reaction. “She understands that’s not an excuse,” she added.

Magistrate Wong said violence must never be used to discipline a child.

Nevertheless, he ordered a background study to determine why the defendant hurt the child.

The SUN editor to talk on scams affecting migrant workers

 

Money laundering, illegal recruitment and/or human trafficking - the two main scams affecting migrant domestic workers – will be the focus of the talk that The SUN editor and lawyer Daisy CL Mandap will give on Sunday, July 19, at St Patrick’s Church in Lok Fu from 2:30pm to 5pm.

Atty Mandap will be joined in the seminar, “Guarding Your Future and Your Family from Money Trap” by Fr. Franco Bellami, PIME, who is parochial administrator at St Patrick’s.

Basahin ang detalye!

The event is co-organized by St Patrick’s Parish Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development and the Mission for Migrant Workers.

As could be gleaned in The SUN’s daily online updates, money laundering has become a major concern for Filipinos in Hong Kong.

Almost every day, a Filipino is brought to court to face this serious charge. Money derived from crimes amounting to tens of thousands of dollars to a staggering HK$8 million has been found to have passed through bank accounts of Filipino migrant workers.

In nearly all of these cases, the migrant workers received only a tiny fraction of the money that passed through their accounts, but were ultimately meted long prison terms.

Illegal recruitment which often results to human trafficking is another prevalent problem, but is rarely brought to public attention because the transactions are mostly done in secret. Victims often do not seek help, until it is too late.

Hong Kong does not have laws on illegal recruitment, so prosecuting illegal recruiters who are often based overseas and operate only through social media make prosecution difficult.

While the Philippine government expressly prohibit cross-country migration, Hong Kong’s porous borders and the sophisticated operations of illegal recruiters and human traffickers have led to many MDWs falling prey to their fraud, exploitation and abuse.

In her talk, Mandap will tackle ways of avoiding these two most prevalent scams, and others that use romance, investment and bargain shopping as baits.

Mandap, a journalist and a lawyer admitted to the Philippine Bar, has been a resident of Hong Kong for 38 years, and is a known advocate of migrant workers’’ rights.

She has worked for various media groups both in the Philippines and in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Standard (now The Standard), Asia Television HK and CNN Hong Kong, and has been the editor of The SUN since 1999.

She is a recipient of various awards and recognitions, including the HK Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service, the Distinguished Alumna in Public Service by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, and the “Made It In China” award by the Philippine Embassy in China.

To participate in the talk, please scan the registration form in the poster.

 

Pinay remanded in jail over alleged $437,000 theft

 

Eastern Magistrates' Court 

A Filipina was remanded in jail after a hearing at Eastern Court today over the theft of jewelry and cash totaling $437,000.

Raquelyn Aquacito, 46 years old, was returned to jail after Magistrate Edward Wong adjourned the case to September 10. She retained the right to a bail review, so Magistrate Wong scheduled it for July 24.

Aquacito faces the charge of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

She is accused of stealing one gold chain with one gold medal, eight-gold coins, two gold medals, two gold pendants, five diamond rings and $6,000 in cash, altogether valued at  $437,000, belonging to Chinese female Tsang Ching Man.

The alleged theft took place between the 05th day of December 5, 2025 and May 4, 2026 at a flat in Ventris Place, 19-23 Ventris Road, Happy Valley.

OFWs take to ‘Big Stage’ for public speaking debut

 

Big Stage 2026 speakers Joselyn, Lovelyn, Abbi, Marissa and Fe

“Choose change and embrace the discomfort.”

“I let excitement cloud my judgment.”

“Simplify to amplify.’

“Every day was like a sparring practice.”

“My love for my child became my shield.”

These nuggets of wisdom did not come from any seasoned motivational speaker but from five  Filipino migrant workers who took to the stage at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town on July 5 to speak with ease and confidence on their life stories.

Their talks highlighted the “Big Stage” event organized by the Pinoy Impact Community Hong Kong, an organization that aims to empower the Hong Kong migrant community through storytelling, and in the process inspire personal and social change.

Basahin ang detalye!

The five – Joselyn Bisquera, Lovelyn Obedoza, Abbi Norada, Marissa Atleb and Fe Diza – only recently completed intensive public speaking modules prepared under the guidance of Pinoy Impact founders Catalina Magno and Shiela Cancino, and it showed.

All five spoke so naturally and convincingly it was like watching several TedX talks all at once. Equally impressive were their respective introducers Marilou Rodriguez, Mercy Permales, Arlene Cortel, Janet Agustin and Janet Dawaten.

All told, it was something totally different from what usually happens in a migrant workers-led event, where guest speakers, usually from the Philippine Consulate, are the ones who take center stage to impart well-wishes and some food-for-thought, while OFWs are relegated to providing entertainment through dance and song.

The day’s program also featured the unveiling of an anthology written by migrant authors, and the group’s newest segment, a Fireside Chat.

Congen Israel receives plaque from Pinoy Impact officers and event organizers

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. lauded the group’s effort in leading migrant workers to both speak up, and speak out.

“There is a deep yearning – a deep desire – in each one of us to transcend our limitations and go beyond the labels that people place on us…to be who we want to be,” he said.

But “realtalk,” he said most Filipino workers are forced to forego their ambitions because of financial needs. They go abroad for financial reasons, which people in government hope will no longer be the case in future.

“The government wants Filipinos to go abroad as an option and not as a necessity,” he said. For this to happen, there should be an upskilling or Filipino migrant workers so they can move on to better jobs, abroad or within the country.

Congen Israel also called on Filipinos in Hong Kong to use the Philippine Consulate as their no 1 source of information and services.

“Don’t think of us as a last resort,” he said. “Don’t ever feel you are alone.”

Since its founding in 2018, Pinoy Impact has put together a number of members, leaders and coaches in a bid to provide leadership and development training for Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong. 

OFWs who "have high ambitions, take pride in themselves and care about their colleagues" are encouraged to join the group so they can improve their communication and leadership skills, and eventually tell their own stories and inspire others.

For those interested in joining, click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/pinoyimpacthongkong