Enjoy the ‘snow’ and lots of shopping in HK this Christmas

 

'Snow' first fell on Lee Tung Avenue last weekend

Are you one of those wishing for a White Christmas in Hong Kong? Fret no more, as you can experience the thrill of being covered with frothy white ‘snow” this weekend on Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai.

The popular snow show at the festive street is held every Friday,  Saturday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays and New Year’s Eve, every 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, with each lasting 15 minutes.

The show will be extra special on Dec 25, Christmas, as it will be accompanied by an appearance by Sinterklaas and a masquerade ball.

Throughout the festive season until Jan. 1 the popular thoroughfare will be adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations, including stunning light installations inspired by Belgian lace, featuring a 27-meter long arch and an eight-meter-high Christmas tree.

There will also be interactive workshops and live performances, including music by Belgian artists, and a magic show.

Before heading out to Lee Tung for the snow show, you may want to hop on a bus to Stanley Market, where the popular Christmas market will be held for the next two weekends, or on Dec 14-15 and Dec 21 to 26.

Stanley Market adopts Black Gold theme for its Christmas bazaar this yeat

The Noir Gold (Black Gold) Christmas Soiree features over 120 stalls spread across the open-air amphitheatre and Murray House by the beach where visitors can shop for a variety of holiday goodies and handicraft, and enjoy live performances by Ramon Lo from Midline, Sing & Shine.

There will also be a charity sale with all proceeds going to the Little Life Warriors Society.

Stanley Plaza is offering complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Admiralty (outside Admiralty Centre MTR station exit A) and Oi Tung Shopping Centre in Shau Kei Wan during the event. The free shuttle bus will be available every 30minutes from 12pm to 7pm.

At the nearby Repulse Bay, there will also be one-day Christmas market on Sunday, Dec 15.

Shops at The Marquee and The Seaview Terrace will offer products made by some of Hong Kong’s finest crafters and artisans, including Handmade Hong Kong, CRAFTY BITCH, Yan’s Yarn Crafts, and others.

The West Kowloon Cultural District is also holding its own Christmas Market, which is set to run until Dec. 19.

The market features around 30 specialty stalls selling a wide variety of festive treats, drinks and holiday gifts.

From Dec 21 to Jan 25, 2025, the world-famous Big Bounce World Tour from the United States will also hold shows at the Great Lawn of the WestK Art Park.

Anyone who wants to feel the Christmas  spirit may just drop in
at any mall, including this one at Citygate in Tung Chung

Over at K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui, its popular Christmas Village will return bigger than ever, from Dec 20 to Jan 1, 2025. Entrance is free.

More than 50 local and international lifestyle brands will be putting up products on sale, along with stalls offering festive food and beverages around the mall.

A unique Multicultural Christmas Market by Africa Center HK will also be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, starting at 2pm.

The fair which will be held on the 8^th floor of the Breakthrough Centre at 191 Woosung Street in Jordan, will feature a diverse array of vendors selling accessories, clothing, food and drinks, mostly from Africa.

Those who want to enjoy a specialty meal can book tables at the Centre for a Pan-African Lunch or Ghanaian dinner at $150-$180 per head.

Those who live on Hong Kong island may opt to soak in the festive spirit at  the Murray Christmas Village Market at The Murray on Cotton Tree Drive in Central. The bazaar which opened last weekend, and will reopen on Dec 13-15 and 20-22.

Unique Christmas gift ideas and home decors will be on sale, including perfumes, wines, gourmet treats, photography, and jewelry from renowned brands like Azquare Circle Ltd, CANDLE UP, and Deror Jewellery.

Shoppers can enjoy mulled wine while browsing, and may even be offered complimentary hand massages!

A one-day Christmas pop-up market will also be held by Women of Hong Kong on Dec 14, 12noon to 5pm, at The Women's Lounge, 4th floor, Hollywood Commercial House, 3-5 Old Bailey St, Central.

The market features goods by local craftsmen, including gemstone jewelry, scented candles and gourmet deli treats. Kids get a face-painting treat from by Soosdoodle, while grown-ups sip free hot chocolate or mulled wine, which is free for the first 100 attendees.

The Gold Coast in Tuen Mun is also holding its Christmas Market at the Piazza on weekends until Dec 22.

A wide array of locally made products and other unique gift ideas will be available, along with one-of-a-kind confectionery, desserts, and festive goodies.

In many other places, including theme parks like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, special treats are also in store for guests. Check out their websites for their holiday offerings this Christmas season.

 

Pinoy gets 2 months, 1 week for “Peeping Tom”, drug charges

 

The alleged peeping incident happened inside this Kwai Chung mall

A Filipino asylum seeker originally hailed to court on a voyeurism charge at West Kowloon Court, was sentenced yesterday, Thursday, to two months and one week’s imprisonment on three charges -- after spending almost six months in jail.

F. Magallanes, 34 years old and holder of a recognizance form as identity document, had earlier pleaded guilty to voyeurism, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of an apparatus fit and intended for the ingestion of dangerous drug.

Magallanes was remanded in jail custody when his case was adjourned last June 25 after being charged with “surreptitiously“ observing a woman identified as X while she was relieving herself last June 25 at a women’s toilet on the third floor of Kwai Chung Plaza, a mall in Kwai Chung, New Territories, in violation of Section 159AAB or Section 159AAC of the Crimes Ordinance.

PINDUTIN DITO

When he appeared at West Kowloon court again on Aug. 28, he faced two additional charges of violating the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, resulting in his being returned to jail until his case is finished.

He was accused of possessing 0.13 gram of methamphetamine hydrochloride in a plastic bag found in his pocket while he was being investigated for the “Peeping Tom” charge at the Police Room of the Kwai Chung MTR station last June 25.

Also found on him was a straw and an ice bottle, used for inhaling meth.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Considering the seriousness of charges you are facing, the only sentence I think appropriate is a prison term,” Magistrate Li told him.

After deducting one third of the penalty for Magallanes’ guilty pleas, Li jailed him for two weeks for the “Peeping Tom” charge, and two months for each of the drug charges.

Li also ordered that the sentences for the drug cases run at the same time, along with half of the voyeurism penalty, leaving a final sentence of two months and one week.

Suspended 10-week jail sentence for inhaling meth

 

Photo from Narcotics Division 

A Filipina who uses a recognizance form as identification document, avoided jail today when her 10-week sentence for inhaling a dangerous drug was suspended by 18 months.

Maricris Soliano, 42 years old, was charged with inhaling methamphetamine from an unknown date in February 2023 to June 2023.

Basahin ang detalye!

She pleaded guilty in a hearing at the West Kowloon Court.

Magistrate Vivian Ho suspended her sentence for 18 months, admonishing her not to reoffend within the next one and a half years or else she would be jailed for 10 weeks in addition to serving the penalty for her new offense.

HK courts to impose higher sentences for money laundering offences

 

The stricter penalties were announced in a District Court case involving $8.8M in illicit funds

The Department of Justice in Hong Kong is seeking to get higher sentences imposed on people found guilty of money laundering,  in line with new sentencing guidelines set by the Court of Appeal.

This was disclosed in today’s hearing of a case filed against Filipina Lynie B. Acosta, who is charged with three counts of money laundering involving a total of $8.83 million, the highest amount ever recorded for a case involving a foreign domestic helper.

District Court Judge Wong Kwai Kin told 39-year-old Acosta that she will be facing a higher sentence, as advised in a letter sent to her by the DOJ, citing the new guidelines set by the CA as a result of the growing prevalence of money laundering cases in the community.

The gravity of the sentence will depend on the amount involved, and could be mitigated if the accused pleads guilty to the offence. 

Basahin ang detalye!

Judge Wong then granted Acosta’s application for an adjournment so she could seek further legal advice. He set the next hearing on Feb. 25 next year and remanded her in custody, after noting that she failed to meet the $100,000 bail recommended for her temporary release by a magistrate earlier.

During the hearing on Oct 3 before Principal Magistrate Don So at Eastern Court, Acosta offered to post a $5,000 bail, saying her employer needed her help in looking after her son and sick mother.

Acosta’s lawyer also told the court her husband died recently in the Philippines, and she was desperate to continue working to pay off the hospital and burial bills and support her children.

Magistrate So said he would allow Acosta to post bail, but raised the amount to $100,000.

The Filipina faces three counts of dealing with “property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offense,” otherwise known as money laundering, n violation of section 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

She is charged with dealing with a total amount $8,597,833.36 in her Mox bank account between March 25 and May 19, 2023. She is alleged to have dealt with the money with the help of two persons, one named Jane Corpuz and another unknown.

The same persons were also cited as having helped Acosta deal with $192,940.08 in her account with Standard Chartered Bank, and with $45,100.78 in her account with with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, both on March 31, 2023.

Under the Ordinance, the maximum sentence for money laundering is imprisonment for 14 years and a fine of $5 million.

One of the highest sentences on record was that imposed on former employment agency owner Ester Ylagan, who was ordered jailed for 32 months in Febuary this year. 

Ylagan admitted laundering a total of $5.7 million, which she made by offering non-existent jobs in Canada and United Kingdom to Filipinos in Hong Kong and Macau.

66-year-old Filipino gets 24 years in jail for drug trafficking

 

The sentencing was held at the Court of First Instance in the High Court

An uneasy silence followed the pronouncement today of a 24-year jail term for 66-year-old Antonio S. Leybag, Jr., a Filipino tourist who was found guilty after trial of trafficking nearly four kilos of cocaine into Hong Kong more than two years ago.

Everyone who attended the sentencing at the Court of First Instance was acutely aware of what Judge Amanda Woodcock had said in passing - that Leybag, given his advanced age, would probably spend the rest of his life in a Hong Kong jail.

But Judge Woodcock said the sentence followed the guidelines set down by the Court of Appeal for cocaine trafficking, and there being not much to be said in terms of mitigation in the case.

Basahin ang detalye!

Leybag had maintained his innocence throughout the five-day trial, saying he had thought all along that the two bags he was made to carry from Sao Paulo to Dubai and then Hong Kong, contained only important documents.

Despite this, a jury made up of six men and one woman voted 6-1 in favor of convicting him of drug trafficking, after deliberating for about half a day on Tuesday.

Judge Woodcock said that for cocaine trafficking in which the amount involved was between 1,200 to 4,000 grams, the prescribed sentence is between 23 and 26 years. As Leybag had brought in nearly 4 kilos of cocaine, the correct sentence, “mathematically speaking,” should be well over 25 years.

“But I will proceed on the basis that he was a drug courier,” the judge said, before setting down a starting point of 24 years’ imprisonment, with no mitigating or aggravating factor being considered.

Under Hong Kong laws, the maximum sentence that can be imposed in cases of drug trafficking is  life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Leybag hardly showed any emotion after the sentencing, although he was immediately approached by the defense team and the interpreters who offered him words of comfort before he was led away.

The Ilocano-speaking Leybag was described in court as a mechanical engineer who had previously worked in the Middle East. He is married with seven grown-up children. However, no one from his family was in court during his trial.

The 9 parcels of cocaine found in Leybag's luggage

He was stopped on his way out of Hong Kong International Airport on May 23, 2022, during a random check by customs authorities.

A secondary inspection of a briefcase and a small suitcase he was carrying yielded nine packets of cocaine hidden inside glued compartments of the two bags which altogether weighed 3.95 kilos.

Prosecutor Lawrence Hui said the market value of the drugs was $3.588 million.

When questioned, Leybag admitted being paid US$1,000 by a man called Johnson Wilson in Brazil to hand carry the bags to Dubai and then Hong Kong, but thought they contained only important documents.

He said Mr Wilson had invited him to go to Brazil to inspect houses which, upon questioning by the prosecution, were said to be owned by “Sotheby’s” and cost tens of millions. This was because of his work experience and his having a construction business in the Philippines, said Leybag.

He said it was the third time he had gone to Brazil, but he was not asked to carry documents during his two previous trips.

Hui, however, revealed text exchanges between Leybag and the man he called Mr Wilson, in which the defendant was given detailed instructions on what he must do during his trip. They included a reminder that Leybag must not show the “documents” to immigration officers in Dubai and Hong Kong.

Hui said the term “document” referred to the drugs in the bags which Leybag must have known about. But Leybag said it referred to his passport, air tickets and his PCR test result, as it was then the height of the pandemic.

Leybag insisted he did not know about the drugs, and he was not in the habit of lying as he is a Christian.

Leybag arrived in Hong Kong on board a Qatar Airways flight from Doha at about 5pm on May 23, 2022. He had flown out originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and passed Doha on the way to Hong Kong.

One  of  the customs officers who arrested him said Leybag  had used the “green lane”” which is reserved for travelers who do not have dutiable goods to declare to customs.

After his bags were put through an X-ray machine, the officer saw some items inside that were not readily apparent from the outside. The suitcase was also unusually heavy.

On inspection, the officer noted that the inside flaps of the suitcase had been glued shut. A hole was then punched into the top of the suitcase, and white powder trickled out. The nine packets of cocaine were eventually found hidden in the two bags.

 

Pinay fights $2.2M money laundering case

 

A Filipina former domestic helper today denied her role in two cases of money laundering involving a total of $2.2 million in crime money.

Analiza Talay, 48 years old, shook her head as she denied the charges – two counts of “dealing with property known or believed to be proceeds of indictable offense,” in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance -- when read to her at the Eastern Court.

Principal Magistrate Don So adjourned the case to Feb. 12 next year for a pre-trial review as he released her on $5,000 bail.

Basahin ang detalye!

The first charge accuses her of dealing, together with an unknown person, with $1,746,610.41 “representing the proceeds of an indictable offense” that flowed in and out of her Mox Bank account between 19 and 28 of March 2023.

In the second charge, her ZA Bank account was used to deal with $478,121.52 in crime proceeds between 19 and 27 March 2023.

3 Chinoys jailed 5 days, fined for shoplifting

 

North Point street where theft allegedly happened (Google Maps photo)

The three Filipino Chinese visitors whose bail offer of $30,000 each for two cases of shoplifting was rejected at Eastern Court last week, were sentenced to five days in prison and fined – after spending six days in detention.

G. Ong, 66 years old, P. Sy, 74, and P. L. Sy, 47, each pleaded guilty today to one count of theft for stealing 34 pens worth $2,012 from the Yu Shu Fong stationery store on Electric Road in North Point last Nov. 30.

Go pleaded guilty to a second theft case for stealing a toy train worth $68 from the same store on the same date.

Basahin ang detalye!

Principal Magistrate Don So punished Go with $2,000 fine and five days in prison for the two thefts.

The two Sys, on the other hand, were each fined $1,000 and five days in prison.

Since they had been detained for six days, Magistrate So told them to proceed to the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, where they had been detained, so they could be released immediately.

So ordered them detained last Thursday (Dec. 5) until today’s hearing after their lawyer said they were allowed by the Immigration Department to stay in Hong Kong only until this week.

The lawyer was seeking their release on bail, saying they were established business people in the Philippines, with the elder Sy even owning a flat in Hong Kong, and were willing to each post a $30,000 bail.

Business Ideas: Want to go home for good? Check out DMW’s Reintegration Program

 

DMW ASec Francis Ron De Guzman explains Reintegration Plan Roadmap 

By Leo A. Deocadiz

Inaul, a fabric native to Maguindanao, is now one of the country’s emerging exports as its production has increased to meet buyers’ need for bigger quantities, with the help of former OFWs who have gone home for good and joined a cooperative that makes it.

In Aklan, a group of former OFWs are producing barong and export-quality products such as placemats made of nito fabrics which they now sell abroad.

These are just some of the ex-OFWs who have found new livelihoods under the Reintegration Program of the Department of Migrant Workers, according to Francis Ron de Guzman, DMW assistant secretary for reintegration services.

Basahin ang detalye!

The program includes financial literacy  and business development training. “When you finish the two-day training, and you have chosen what you want to finance, we will give you P10,000 to start with.  It’s a small amount but it’s a big help,” he said.

De Guzman, who spoke in an orientation for a group of OFWs recently at the City University of Hong Kong, said the Maguindanao OFWs got into their new trade after being introduced by the DMW Region 12 office to a cooperative whose members have woven inaul for decades.

The OFWs were given training and became members of the cooperative. Now, with government help and bigger production, the inaul weavers have found buyers abroad.

“In Aklan, the PESO (Public Employment Service Office) introduced us to makers of barong and products made of nito fiber, who were beneficiaries of DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and DOST (Department of Science and Technology) export engagement program,” he said. “So we helped ex-OFWs there to train in producing those products and join the export enterprise as suppliers.”

Ex-OFWs show their checks to serve as starting capital after completing their training

De Guzman said DMW’s reintegration program has evolved over the last decade to become a part of OFWs' life even before they leave for abroad.

It starts in the pre-departure orientation seminar that OFWs are required to take online before they leave; it now includes financial literacy, which shows them how to manage their finances so they can  save for their return home.

Various government offices are also cooperating with DMW to offer programs for returning OFWs.

“In Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, we are piloting programs with the Department of Agriculture on backyard gardening, to provide access to all DA services to improve the quality of their land to make even a small plot of land more productive.”

A joint project with the Department of Tourism in Nueva Ecija is Kulinaria, which aims to introduce OFWs to the food business by training them in cooking, basic food handling and safety, and then giving them a small capital to start a home canteen business.

One of the graduates cooked a really delicious laing (gabi leaves cooked in coconut milk) and would always bring food to sell in the DMW office. “We realized she already had a small canteen. So what we did was to get her as caterer for events in the office. We then urged her to register with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) so she can bid as a supplier to other government agencies.”

He said catering for government functions is big business.

“For example, in one big event at DMW, the catering can cost about P400,000 to P500,000.  If you can meet that demand, then you would have an edge over commercial caterers simply because you are an OFW catering at a DMW event,” he added.

Beginning next year, he said, reintegration programs that target OFWs’ families will be implemented through local government units in all provinces in the country, with the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government. He said DMW and DILG signed a memorandum of agreement for the project last June.

He said his group refers to DOST those who need to improve their products. “If you are an OFW with a product, reach out to us," he advised. “We will network you with DOST which will provide you with an entire menu of free training, product and packaging design. They will even will help you print your initial packaging for your product.”

UST chorale in HK Christmas serenade

 

The Thomasian Choir with conductor Nobel Gabasan

A mini-concert last Friday, Dec 6, featuring the Thomasian Chamber Choir of the University of Santo Tomas, brought memories of a traditional Filipino Christmas celebration to many of the 100-odd people in attendance.

The choir sang a medley of  well-loved Filipino Christmas songs like “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit,” “Sa May Bahay,” “Pasko Na Naman” and “Mano Po Ninong,” causing a wave of nostalgia to sweep through the mainly Filipino audience.

Basahin ang detalye!

The group, which came all the way from Manila for the performance, also sang Filipino all-time favorites like “Rosas Pandan”, “Ti Ayat ti Maysa Nga Ubing” and “Mariposa,” as well as more contemporary tunes  like “Manila” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.”

The open-air amphitheater setting provided the best backdrop for the concert

The concert at the Lippo Amphitheater of the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, as well as the cocktail reception that followd, was hosted by the Philippine Consulate General and was called “Pamaskong Handog ng Konsulado”.

Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan led in welcoming the guests, who included members of the the diplomatic corps, Consulate staff, members of their partner-organizations, and Filipino community leaders.

Congen Usudan told the gathering that this is the last Christmas she’ll be spending in Hong Kong, as she will be recalled to the Head Office of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in March next year.

Congen Usudan who is a UST alumna herself, joins the choir in a photo after the concert

She paid special thanks to UST alumnus and musical conductor Nobel Gabasan, who spent a number of weekends flying to Manila from his Hong Kong homebase, to practice with the choir before their performance.

The Thomasian also entertained overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong when they sang at the celebration of  Migrants Day on Chater Road the next day, Sunday.

 

Temperatures forecast to drop to 13°C on Sunday

 

Discovery Bay residents enjoying man-made snow last Sunday

Hong Kong people were told to bundle up this weekend, as temperatures are expected to fall to as low 13 degrees on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The Hong Kong Observatory said a surge of the northeast monsoon will reach the coast of Guangdong on Wednesday night, resulting in a gradual dip in temperatures.

On Saturday, the lowest temperature expected is 15 degrees Celsius in the urban areas, falling to 13 on Sunday, then back to 14 on Monday.

Basahin ang detalye!

A northeast monsoon also brought chilly weather to Hong Kong today, with the barometer dipping to 16 degrees Celsius in urban areas, which was two to three degrees lower than in previous days, and the lowest so far this winter.

The Observatory said the weather will moderate gradually in the next couple of days, before becoming noticeably cooler on Saturday.

Tonight, it will be mainly cloudy with isolated rain patches.  Tomorrow morning will be cool, with the minimum temperature expected to hover around 17 degrees in the city, and slightly cooler in the New Territories.

The day will be sunny, with temperatures hitting a pleasant 21 degrees. Moderate winds are expected, which may become strong at times, especially offshore and on higher grounds.

An An and Ke Ke appear at Ocean Park for first time

Enthusiastic visitors vie try to be the first to take a photo of the newest additions to Ocean Park

Large crowds of people visited Ocean  Park today, to be among the first to have a glimpse at  An An and Ke Ke, the two giant pandas gifted by Beijing to Hong Kong.

Many of those who turned up wore panda accessories or carried panda toys, and were all excited to line up for the 15-minute viewing period allowed for each group of guests.

Those who were the first to queue up said they made sure to wake up early to see the pandas immediately. Queuing started at 9am for the theme park’s 10am opening.

PINDUTIN DITO

Among the early visitors were some non-locals who were as enthusiastic to view the giant pandas which are endemic to China and are categorized  as “vulnerable” species.

An An, a male; and Ke Ke, female, joined four other pandas in Ocean Park when they arrived in Hong Kong last Sept 26.

Female Ying Ying and male Le Le became parents of twin cubs “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” in August.  Ocean Park says the new panda twins will greet the public in the first quarter of next year.

Basahin ang detalye!

Yesterday, Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee announced that the two new pandas will retain the name given them in Beijing, despite a naming competition which drew more than 22,600 entries.

Pong, who presided at a pre-launch event attended by VIPs yesterday said the adjudicators in the naming competition unanimously decided that retaining An An and Ke Ke was “appropriate” given their positive implications.

According to the official, “An An” denotes a peaceful and stable future for Hong Kong while “Ke Ke” suggests unlimited possibilities for the city. Together, the two names means  “encore” in Chinese, suggesting a series of auspicious things that will come one after another.

The 2,500 panda sculptures were put on display at Avenue of Stars in TST

Meanwhile the Pandas on Parade opened at the Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday, and continued until today, Dec. 8.

The 2,500 panda sculptures were joined by a life-size mascot in entertaining thousands of visitors who went to see them throughout the day.

The display will pop up in various locations in Hong Kong until December 26, as a tribute to the global panda population, which has now exceeded  2,500.

Catch them at these places on these dates:  Dec 14-15 from 11am to 5pm at Ngong Ping 360 cable car;  Dec 21-22 from 11am to 5pm at Ocean Park, and Dec 25-26 from 11 am to 8pm at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Western District.

 

27 persons arrested in latest anti-illegal work operations

 

Immigration agents lead away some of  the men arrested during the 4-day sweep

Another 27 individuals, 20 of them suspected illegal workers, have been arrested in the latest anti-illegal work operations of the Immigration Department and HK Police.

The rest included three overstayers and four suspected employers.

Raids carried out from Dec 2 to 5, and targeting  over 260 locations across Hong Kong, led to the arrests.

PINDUTIN DITO

In the first wave of arrests on 18 premises, including massage parlours and restaurants, nine suspected illegal workers and two employers were arrested.

The workers comprised four men and five women, aged 25 to 62, one of whom was found in possession of a forged HK ID card. One man aged 44 and a woman aged 45 were also arrested on suspicion of being their employers.

In a separate operation, 244 target locations in Central and New Territories North were targeted. Eleven suspected illegal workers, two suspected employers and three overstayers were arrested.

Basahin ang detalye!

The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men and four women, aged 28 to 62. One man and one woman, aged 41 and 68, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.

Two overstayers, a male aged 26 and a female aged 36 were also detained.

Immigration repeated the warning that illegal work is a serious offence in Hong Kong, which carries the maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and $50,000 fine. The jail term can go up to three years if the arrested person is an overstayer, illegal immigrant or asylum seeker.

Those found in possession of fake HKID cards can be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail, and fined $100,000.

Employers of illegal workers face the most severe penalty of up to $500,000 in fine, and 10 years in prison.

Free Chinese medicine treatments highlight festival

Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee (second right), learning about the dedicated website Digital Herbarium for Chinese Medicines established by the Department of Health.

Free consultation and treatment for various ailments will be are among the features of the First Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Culture Festival that launched today.

These clinics are among the over 200 promotional activities to be jointly held across Hong Kong until February next year by the Health Bureau (HHB), together with 80 CM sector organizations and community partners 

The festival was kicked off in ceremonies held at the Central Market, led by the acting Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, and the Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development, Dr Vincent Chung

PINDUTIN DITO

Dr Lee said, “we have specifically organized the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Culture Festival to enable citizens to get first-hand experience through diverse activities in various forms in these three months, thus enhancing their interest and understanding on wisdom and concepts of CM for fostering CM inheritance and development."

She noted the two advances for CM, namely the opening of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and release of the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint at the end of next year.

 “The CM in Hong Kong has been experiencing a steady development over the past two decades or so, with the application of pure traditional CM theories and methods for prevention and treatment of diseases being a distinctive advantage,” she added.

Basahin ang detalye!

The festival activities also include thematic talks as well as exchange forums, workshops and seminars for members of the public and various sectors. A number of community organisations will also hold experiential activities, such as guided tours led by professional docents to explore herbal plants in the countryside where participants can learn about Chinese herbal medicine while enjoying nature.

To foster the cultural inheritance of CM, the Festival also has in place activities targeting students, such as CM identification workshops and CM planting activities, to cultivate the younger generation's interest in traditional medicine.

Exhibitions and interactive booths are also open at the Central Market today for the public to learn more about the CM culture, which include a CM constitution identification booth, a simulated CM clinic with CM tools and dress-up for photo-taking, information panels on health maintenance during winter and the CMHHK model exhibition and games. CM thematic talks covering topics such as globalisation of CM, the role of CM in primary healthcare, CM and mental health, interesting science of CM as well as experience of free CM consultations in different regions are also arranged for members of the public and various sectors.

According to the schedule released by organizers (https://www.hkcmfest.gov.hk/en/about), some of these consultations will be open to all while others will be aimed at specific sectors, such as the elderly or residents of the communities where the clinics will be held.

Here’s a sample of events from the schedule published in the event website :

Free Chinese medicine clinic, sponsored by Ancient and Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine Famous Academic Research Association Co., Ltd.

December 11, 10am-5pm.  Room 2008, Floor 20, Tower 1, New City Central Plaza, 138 Rural Affairs Road, Sha Tin.

Open to Anyone (elderly preferred). Registration: Whatsapp: 2399 7929

Hiking in mountains to identify medicine, sponsored by Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Society Limited

December 14, 09:00-12:00. Round trip from Pak Tam in Sai Kung to Bradbury Camp in Chek Keng

Open to Students or citizens who are interested in Chinese herbal plants

Free Chinese medicine clinic service, sponsored by Hong Kong Listed Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association

December 15, 10:00-12:00 at No. CT1, G/F, Yiu Yat House, Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai

Open to Residents of Tin Yiu, Tin Shui Wai. Contact information: https://www.facebook.com/stcalvin/?locale=zh_HK

Registration:  5100 0994

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above, sponsored by United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service - Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Tai Po District)

December 20 and 23, 2024 (08:30-13:00, 14:00-18:30), December 21, 2024 (08:30-13:00, 14:00-16:00) , December 28, 30 and 31 (08:30-13:00, 14:00-18:30), January 7, 8 and 9, 2025 (08:30-13:00, 14 :00-18:30), January 16, 17 and 18, 2025 (08:30-13:00, 14:00-18:30)

Place: G/F, Staff Center, Block J, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, 11 Chun On Road, Tai Po, New Territories

Registration: Tel: 2663 0004

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for residents aged 65 or above, sponsored by Christian Family Service Center—Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Kwun Tong District)

December 20, 21 and 23, 2024 (the ninth day of the lunar month), December 28, 30 and 31 (the ninth day of the lunar month), January 7, 8 and 9, 2025 (the third day of the ninth lunar month), 2025 January 16, 17 and 18 (enhanced). Main days: 08:30-17:30, Moxibustion days: 09:30-17:00

Place: Kwun Tong District Chinese Medicine Clinic (4/F, Ngau Tau Kok Racing Clinic, 60 Ting On Street, Ngau Tau Kok)

Registration: Tel 3107 4113;

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for residents aged 65 or above, sponsored by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals – Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center of the University of Hong Kong (Eastern District)

December 21, 2024, December 30, 2024, January 8, 2025, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm West Wing, 4th Floor, Basement, Specialty Outpatient Clinic, Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital, Eastern District, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

Registration: 3197 2000

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 and above, sponsored by Yan Oi Tong-Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Tuen Mun District)

December 21, 2024, December 30, 2024, January 8, 2025, January 17, 2025: 08:30am-5:00pm

5/F, Yan Oi Branch Clinic, 6 Tuen Lee Street, Tuen Mun

Registration: by phone 2430 1309 or in person

Website: https://cums.yot.org.hk/

 

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association-Hong Kong University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Southern District)

December 21, 2024 (19th), December 30, 2024 (29th), January 8, 2025 (39th), January 17, 2025 (enhanced):  (Monday to Friday) 09:00-20:00, (Saturday) 09:00-17:00

2nd Floor, 10 Reservoir Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

To register, visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic in person or call (2580 8158) to make an appointment, first-come-first-served basis

 

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Pok Oi Hospital-Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Kowloon City District)

December 21, 2024 (19th), December 30, 2024 (29th), January 8, 2025 (39th), January 17, 2025 (enhanced); Monday to Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:00-7:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-1pm, 2:00-05:00pm

Room 401-412, Po Man House, Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon

Registration: Visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic in person or call (2193 7000) to make an appointment, first-come-first-served basis

                                                          

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Pok Oi Hospital-Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Yau Tsim Mong District)

December 21, 2024 (19th), December 30, 2024 (29th), January 8, 2025 (39th), January 17, 2025 (enhanced); Monday to Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:00-7:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-1pm, 2:00-05:00pm

9/F, Block R, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Jordan, Kowloon

object

Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above

Registration: Visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic in person or call (2618 7200) to make an appointment, first-come-first-served basis

 

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Pok Oi Hospital-Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Yuen Long District)

December 21, 2024 (19th), December 30, 2024 (29th), January 8, 2025 (39th), January 17, 2025 (enhanced); Monday to Saturday 9:00am -1:00pm; 2:00-7:00pm

Place: 3/F, Yung Fung Shu Health Centre, 26 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long, New Territories

Registration: Visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic in person or call (2478 5769) to make an appointment, first-come-first-served basis

 

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Pok Oi Hospital-Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center (Shatin District)

December 21, 2024 (19th), December 30, 2024 (29th), January 8, 2025 (39th), January 17, 2025 (enhanced) Monday to Saturday 9:00am -1:00pm; 2:00-7:00pm

Place: G/F, Shatin (Tai Wai) Clinic, 2 Man Lai Road, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, New Territories

Registration: Visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic in person or call (2479 2126) to make an appointment, first-come-first-served basis

                               

Winter three-nine-day moxibustion service for those aged 65 or above, sponsored by Haven of Hope Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Teaching and Research Center of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Sai ​​Kung District)

December 21 (9:30am-1:00pm, 2:30-4:30pm) December 30, 2024 and January 8, 2025 (9:30am-1:00pm, 2:30-6:30pm) Place

6/F, Ambulatory Medical Building, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories

Registration; Call 2701-1020 to make an appointment or visit the Chinese medicine clinic to make an appointment in person