Man charged for public assault on Filipina over debt dispute

Police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old South Asian man after he physically assaulted a Filipina domestic worker on a footbridge in Central last Sunday, Dec. 4, over a loan dispute.

Several Filipino domestic workers who were nearby managed to take video footage of the confrontation,

In the video, the man is seen shouting at the Filipina, then pulling her back as she tried to leave. Afterwards, he grabbed her by the neck, as if he would strangle her, but was stopped by the Filipinos congregating in the area.

The Filipina, 31, was subsequently taken to Queen Mary Hospital by police officers who responded to a 999 call. She was reportedly discharged after being declared in good condition.

A spokesperson for the Police Public Relations Bureau said her attacker was charged with debt collection and assault. He was released on bail but was ordered to report back to the police later this month.

According to some of the Filipinos who witnessed the incident which happened on the footbridge over Connaught Road, the assailant was incensed because the victim’s friends did not repay a loan for which she acted as a guarantor.

Two videos taken by one of the eyewitnesses are posted below:

Posted by Sophia Jerald Cuyos Jugan on Sunday, December 4, 2016

Posted by Sophia Jerald Cuyos Jugan on Sunday, December 4, 2016

Mahigpit sa pera ang amo

Mula nang tumigil sa trabaho ang lalaking amo ni Minda ay inako na nito ang pangangasiwa ng kanilang gastusin. Ibinibigay nito nang buo kay Minda ang buwanang budget para sa pambili ng pagkain sa palengke at supermarket, at saka gumawa ng excel file para dito itinatala ni Minda ang lahat ng binili.

Naka-upload din ito sa Dropbox, isang internet service, para kahit nasa biyahe ang mga amo ay maari pa rin nilang makita ang listahan. Pagsapit ng katapusan ng buwan ay sabay nilang rerepasuhin ang listahan at pag-aaralan ang gastos.

Noong una ay napagkakasya ni Minda ang pera pero kalaunan ay lagi na siyang humihingi ng dagdag dahil madalas silang may bisita.  Ayaw din kasi ng amo niyang babae na tinitipid ang pagkain nila at dahil dito, pakiramdam ni Minda ay naiipit siya sa gitna.

Minsan ay hindi napigilan ni Minda ang sariling umiyak habang ipinapaliwanag sa among babae na nahihirapan siyang pagkasyahin ang pera.

Naintindihan naman siya ng among babae at nangakong ito na ang hahawak ng budget pero hanggang ngayon ay ang among lalaki pa rin niya ang gumagawa nito.

Kaya naman si Minda ang napipilitang maghahanap ng paraan na pagkasyahin ang pera nang hindi isinasakripisyo ang kalidad ng inihahain niya sa hapag-kainan. Si Minda na isang Ilokana ay naninilbihan sa isang pamilya sa na nakatira sa Mid-levels.—Gina N. Ordona

OFWs get free hug from celebrity

Mr World 1st Runner Up Fernando Alvarez gets hugged back by Pinays.

By Marites Palma

Around 50 Filipino domestic workers got a warm hug from Mr World 1st Runner Up 2016 Fernando Alvarez at  Bridal Tea Hotel in Yau Ma Tei on Nov. 13.

The migrant workers who were all women, said they felt better and happier after hugging the second most desirable man in the world, who also happened to look really compassionate.

Most affected of all was a 59-year-old cancer patient, who was due to undergo surgery the next day at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital in Chaiwan.

Faith (not her real name), who is single, told Alvarez while hugging him, “Ang gwapo gwapo gwapo mo talaga Fernando!” To her amazement, he replied, “Salamat”, a Tagalog word he must have picked up on the way to the meet-and-hug.

A fun contest was held along the way, with Lhanz Quin being declared as winner in the best hug challenge.

Alvarez told the women that coming to Hong Kong was a dream come true, as nobody in his family and even his circle of friends, has ever set foot in the territory.

Asked by The SUN as to why he decided to have a hugging session with overseas Filipino workers, he said he wanted them to feel love so they could be motivated, and could spread the good vibes around.

When the conversation turned to the killings being committed in the Philippines in the name of the government’s anti-drug campaign, Alvarez said that while it is a good initiative to eradicate drugs, it is not right to kill anyone in its name. As a Christian, he believes every life is precious in God’s eye, and that everyone deserves a second chance.

However, he was quick to say that he feels safe in the Philippines, despite the ongoing anti-drugs campaign. He said that he was won over by the Filipinos’ good heart, from the frequent visits he has made to the country.

Alvarez said he has been to the Philippines four times, and has stayed there a total of three months. He was so impressed by Boracay that he regards it as the most beautiful island he has seen in his life. He has also been over by the country’s unique culture and incomparable lifestyle.

He has been so taken by the country’s beautiful places and people that he is eyeing to stay there for a longer time, and maybe land a lead role in a teleserye. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican says he has no girlfriend at the moment, as he broke up with his last one only last February.

His visit to Hong Kong was organized by Mickey Sorra with the Panay Overseas Workers Association, through the initiative of Jaime Acosta from Psamstre Incorported

POLO tells OFWs to register online for OEC exemption

The temporary exemption slip is no longer
honored at 2 Philippine airports

By Vir B. Lumicao

Overseas Filipino workers going home for Christmas will now have to register online to get exemption from the overseas employment certificate or OEC.

Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre told The SUN that at least two airports in the Philippines are no longer accepting the temporary exemption slips that he ordered to be issued to fast-track the process for the thousands of OFWs set to go home over Christmas.

He anticipates that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration itself will stop allowing those with the temporary slips to go through airports unhindered.

“Natatakot kami baka idi-disable na ng POEA, kasi kapag nagbigay kami, baka hindi io-honor doon, mabuti i-BM Online na lang lahat,” Labatt De la Torre said.

He said immigration officers in at least two airports outside Metro Manila have begun refusing to honor the temporary slip – fist, Clark International Airport in Pampanga last month, and Mactan International Airport in Cebu last week.

The hiccup prompted Labatt De la Torre to ask the POEA to intervene.

“Bakit sa ibang lugar sa Pilipinas puwede tapos sa Cebu hindi puwede?” Labatt said.

But without any official word from POEA, he decided not to take the risk of seeing OFWS getting stranded back in the Philippines because they don’t have the officially recognized pass.

Thus, starting last weekend, his office began processing OEC exemption only for applicants with online appointments.

First-time online registrants will also have to pay the $20 OEC processing fee in order to get their registration validated, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office said.

The labor attaché said the quota for the appointment system was 400, but, about 200 applicants unregistered online also came. Thus, two queues were formed: one for those already registered, and those applying to be registered.

People with the temporary paper slips were directed to go to the POLO office on the 16^th floor to get help in registering online from volunteers.

At the 8pm close of the POLO last Sunday, all the 600 had already been registered online and given their OEC exemptions.

“Kaya naman pala,” Labatt de la Torre told The SUN.

He said he would rather be criticized for the long queues of workers waiting for their turn to be helped with the online registration, than having to rescue anybody long-distance if the POEA suddenly scrapped the temporary exemption slips.

He said for now he would issue the temporary slips only in extreme cases, such as for OFWs who had to go home urgently for three days only without any opportunity to go online there, or for old people.  

DH-turned-drug mule jailed 16½ yrs

By Vir B. Lumicao

A former domestic helper who was arrested at the Hong Kong airport in February for  bringing in about 4 kilograms of cocaine, was sentenced to 16 years and six months in jail after she pleaded guilty on Nov 30.

Rizza Mae Argamaso had been in jail since since her arrest on Feb 7 this year for carrying 3.7 kilograms of cocaine in her luggage, hidden inside shoes, folders and handbags.

In sentencing, Judge Esther Toh gave a one-third discount for Argamoso’s guilty plea.

John Wotherspoon, a chaplain of the Correctional Services Department, said the discount also reflected the defendant’s help in his campaign against Nigerian drug lords who have allegedly duped innocent women into carrying drugs for them.

Argamaso, a nursing graduate, had written a letter recounting how she first worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for one year and two months, got fired, then found a new employer, a Pakistani who let her work illegally in his electronic shop in Tsimshatsui.

Later  she met another Filipina, “RJ”, who later introduced her to the woman’s Nigerian boyfriend who is known in the drug trafficking world as “Network” and based in Chung King Mansion.

The meeting, set up because Argomoso said she needed cash badly after helping out friends who suffered losses in Macau casinos, led to her involvement in the drug trade.

When the Hong Kong-based drug syndicate asked her to run errands for them, she said she’d think about it and went to Thailand for a month, at the drug ring’s expense. That was followed by a trip to Brazil, where she was instructed to pick up a luggage.

The luggage, which she took first to the Philippines then to Hong Kong, spelled the end to all her journeys.

           

Three anti-Marcos protests held in HK

The rally at Edinburgh Place staged by The Yellow Warriors on Nov. 20.

By Daisy CL Mandap and Gina N. Ordona 

Three different groups held separate protests in Hong Kong to denounce the recent burial of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos in Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, in solidarity with similar indignation rallies held across the Philippines.

The first one was held on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Edinburgh Place in Central, where about 80 people attended, despite the last-minute notice. A second one was held outside the Philippine Consulate offices, simultaneously with the Black Friday rally on Nov. 25 at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. A third one was again held at Edinburgh Place on Sunday, Nov 27, three days ahead of another big rally scheduled at PPM, also known as the Edsa shrine.

Marcos’ remains were airlifted furtively from his home province of Ilocos Norte, and flown directly to LNMB for the burial on Nov. 18 amid tight security, and with only his family and a few friends in attendance.

The burial sparked an immediate outcry as it was carried out before the lapse of the mandatory 15-day waiting period before the Nov. 8 Supreme Court decision that allowed it, became final and executory.

At the first Hong Kong indignation rally organized by The Yellow Warriors group, OFWs and residents took turns sharing their anger over Marcos’ clandestine burial. Several of those who came shared their experiences living through the horrors of martial law, including The SUN publisher Leo A. Deocadiz who recalled being at the forefront of the “barikada days” at U.P. Diliman, which sparked the brutal crackdown on the anti-Marcos student movement in the Philippines. Deocadiz said his two male cousins are among the so-called “desaparecidos” or “the disappeared” during the dark days of martial law.

One millennial participant, William Elvin, was emotional as he shared his grief over how the Philippines’ present leader and top court officials allowed Marcos’ burial to go ahead, despite widespread opposition from the people. He said there is enough information available online for those who want to know why Marcos continues to be reviled, more than 30 years since he died in exile in Hawaii.

The speeches were punctuated by shouts of “Hukayin,” in reference to what needs to be done to address the injustice wrought by the symbolic burial of Marcos in hallowed ground.

Militants at the Consulate’s building in
their Nov. 25 anti-Marcos rally. 

William Elvin sang an original composition he had written in anger over the burial, and led the group in singing “Bayan Ko” to close the rally.

The second protest staged outside the Consulate was held by the left-leaning group, Bayan Hong Kong and Macau. Speakers led by Bayan chair Eman Villanueva reminded the crowd about the thousands of people killed, tortured or were made to disappear during Marcos’ iron-fist rule. Another speaker, Indonesian migrants leader Eni Lestari, likened Marcos’ so-called kleptocracy to that of President Suharto, who has earned the notoriety of being called “the most corrupt” leader in world history.

Sister Joseph Lourdes of the
Maryknoll Sisters (above)
joined the rally.

In a statement, the protesters led the blame squarely on President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered Marcos’ burial to go ahead. “President Duterte promised to do good for the country. Restoring the Marcoses definitely runs contrary to such aim and the change he pledged for the people,” said Bayan.

The third rally held on Nov. 27 again assembled a motley crowd of protesters. Several individuals, including Edwin Bustillos of Sentro Manila in Hong Kong, shared their experiences during martial law. Bustillos said that while studying at Adamson University, he was accused of being an activist and ruthlessly beaten by a group of military officers.

The Silent Majority has its own rally on Nov. 27.

Another speaker was Austin Jimeno, who was born and raised in Hong Kong and studied at Ateneo de Manila University. Jimeno, who described himself as “a temperamental brat”, said that he gained most of his knowledge about the brutality of the Marcos regime through extensive reading.

The gathering was largely peaceful, except when a nearby group started playing their “gangsa” musical instrument while the protesters were solemnly singing “Bayan Ko”. A confrontation between the two groups ensued, but did not lead to anything more serious than a heated exchange of words.

Watch: Christmas carol sung by the Thomasian Chamber Choir at the foyer of the HK Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tribunal dumps refund claim vs Labatt, Emry’s

A money claim filed by an employer against the owner of Emry’s Service Staff Employment Agency and Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre was dismissed on Nov. 25 when none of the parties showed up for the hearing at the Small Claims Tribunal.

Claimant Lee Chun Hyung was a no-show, along with de la Torre and Emry’s co-owner Rick Ylagan.
Adjudicator Anthony Chow ordered the case dismissed “for want of prosecution”.

Ylagan is the registered owner of Emry’s along with his son, Ridge Michael. His estranged wife, Ester, who was the co-owner until July this year, is facing a total claim of more than $2 million from hundreds of Filipino domestic workers who were allegedly duped into paying placement fees for bogus jobs in Britain and Canada.

Acting on the complaint by the maids, Labatt dela Torre ordered the suspension of the processing of work contracts by Emry’s, which used to be the biggest recruiter of Filipino domestic workers into Hong Kong.

The suspension order eventually resulted into Emry’s being shut down. Ester Ylagan then wrote a letter to the agency’s employer clients, pinning the blame on Emry’s sudden closure on de la Torre.
Dozens of employers who had paid Emry’s for the processing of their maids’ contracts had filed refund claims, with most winning their cases. To date, however, not a single claimant has apparently managed to get his or her money back.

Contacted by The SUN on the case, Labatt dela Torre appeared unaware of the case.

But he said: “It’s a no-brainer because I was performing my duty and it was all a a part of Emry’s scheme to harass POLO and to smokescreen (Ester Ylagan’s) scam which had victimized hundreds of our workers. Shame on her,” the labor official said.

Earlier, however, he admitted receiving summons for a hearing last month. He said then that he had consulted Consul General Bernardita Catalla about the case, even as he knew he had immunity from prosecution over acts done in performance of his official duty.

Meanwhile, two more domestic workers claiming $10,000 each from Ylagan were again made to do what most other claimants before them had done: amend Ester Ylagan’s address, and add her other company. Mike’s Secretarial Services in the complaint.
'
Sheila Cobol and Kathylene Pearl Andaya were both told that the summonses for Ylagan could not be served at her previously known address.

About 200 similar complaints are still pending before the Tribunal. Most cases have been consolidated, with the Mission for Migrant Workers being assigned as representative for most of the claimants.

Ylagan has not appeared in any of the hearings, which commenced in August this year.
Her representative said the defendant was in the Philippines for an eye surgery, and later, was said to be undergoing psychiatric counseling. – Vir B. Lumicao

Bawal mag-rally?

Hindi pa naranasan nina Arnorld at Alma na sumali sa anumang kilos protesta kaya nang isama sila ng kanilang amo sa isang rally para manawagan ng malinis na eleksyon sa Malaysia kamakailan ay parehong hindi nila maipaliwanag ang kanilang damdamin.

Suot-suot ang T-shirt na uniporme ng mga nag-protesta, sumama silang nagmartsa patungo Konsulado ng Malaysia sa Wan Chai. Kahit hindi nila naiintindihan ang lengguwahe at sumasabay din daw sila sa pagsigaw.

Pagkatapos ng rally ay pinayagan silang mamasyal muna kahit hindi naman araw ng kanilang pahinga, bagay na ikinatuwa ng dalawa.

Nakipagkita sila sa isa pa nilang kaibigan at masayang ikinukuwento ang kanilang naging karanasan. Pero bigla silang natigilan nang sabihin ng kanilang kaibigan na bawal daw ang ginawa ng kanilang amo dahil hindi naman sila Malaysian.

Sumabad sa usapan ang katabi nilang kumakain. Ipinaliwanag nito na malaya namang sumama sa mga kilos-protesta ang sinuman dito sa HK.

Halatang hindi kumbisido ang kaibigan nila pero hindi na din ito nagpursige kaya iniba na lang ni Arnold ang usapan. Si Arnold at Alma, parehong Bisaya, ay naninilbihan sa mag-asawang Malaysian na nakatira sa Deep Water Bay. —Gina N. Ordona

Matapang na tindera sa online

Galit na galit is Maricris dahil inilagay sa Facebook ang kanyang litrato ng isang nagbebenta online ng mga paninda. Hindi niya kasi nakuha ang order niya mula dito, at dahil sa kakakulit nito ay blinock niya sa FB.

Dahil sa ginawang ganti ng tindera ay katakot-takot na panlalait ang inabot niya mula sa iba-ibang tao na hindi naman alam ang tunay na nangyari.

Ayon kay Maricris, balak niya talagang makipagkita sa tindera noon, ngunit bigla siyang tinawagan ng kanyang employer at may ipinagawa sa kanya. Dahil hindi siya nakasipot ay katakot-takot na private messages ang ipinadala ng tindera.

Sa inis ni Maricris ay blinock niya ito sa FB, ngunit lingid sa kanyang kaaalaman ay na screen capture na ng tinder ang kanyang profile picture at pati ang kanilang sagutan sa messenger.

Agad na nanghingi ng payo si Maricris sa isang kaibigan kung ano ang kanyang gagawin. Ang payo nito ay isumbong niya sa pulis ang ginagawang pagtitinda ng nakaaway niya dahil illegal ito ayon sa batas ng Hong Kong.

Ang isang domestic worker ay dapat lang magtrabaho sa loob ng bahay ng kanyang amo, at hindi sa ibang lugar at sa taong hindi nakapirma sa kanyang kontrata. Kasama na dito ang pagtitinda sa online.

Kung tutuusin pala, hindi dapat nagtatapang ang mga online sellers dahil anumang oras ay maaari silang mahuli, at baka makulong pa at maipatapon pabalik sa Pilipinas. Ayon kay Maricris, bahala na kung ano ang mangyari sa mataray na tindera dahil ito naman ang nag-umpisa ng gulo.

Si Maricris ay nakatira sa Tuen Mun, at sa tingin niya ay taga Kowloon naman ang nagtinda sa kanya. – Marites Palma

MMFF 2016 official entries iba sa nakaraan

Ni Johna Acompanado

Gaya ng naunang ipinahayag, malaking pagbabago ang magaganap sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) sa taong ito. Matapos ang maraming taon na nakasanayan ng mga manonood, hindi napabilang sa mga napiling kalahok ang mga pelikula nina Vic Sotto (Enteng Kabisote), Coco Martin at Vice Ganda (Super Parental Guardians). Hindi rin napasama ang pelikula nina Vhong Navarro (Mang Kepweng) at Mother Lily ng Regal Entertainment (Mano Po 7).  

Sa halip, mga pawang maituturing na indie films ang walong pelikulang napili, kabilang na ang Sunday Beauty Queen, na isang documentary film na tumatalakay ng pang araw-araw na buhay ng mga domestic helper dito sa Hong Kong. Kinunan ang halos buong pelikula sa Hong Kong, at tampok ang ilang grupo na regular na nagdaraos ng beauty contest para sa mga OFW. Sa direksyon ni Baby Ruth Villarama.


Ang iba pang napili ay ang mga sumusunod:
1) Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 #ForeverIsNotEnough – (comedy ),  starring Eugene Domingo, Jericho Rosales, director: Marlon Rivera
2) Vince & Kath & James –  (light romance comedy), Cast: Julia Barretto, Josh Garcia, Maris Racal at Ronnie Alonte. Director: Ted Boborol
3) Kabisera – (drama), starring Nora Aunor, Ricky Davao, JC de Vera, Jason Abalos, Victor Neri, Perla Bautista, Ces Quesada, RJ Agustin, Ronwaldo Martin at Kiko Matos. Directors: Arturo San Agustin at Real Florido
4) Oro (Gold) – (drama), Cast: Irma Adlawan, Joem Bascon, Mercedes Cabral, Sandino Martin, Sue Prado, Arrian Labios, Biboy Ramirez, Cedrick Juan, Ronald Regala. Director: Alvin Yapan
5) Saving Sally – (love story with 2D animation), starring Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Enzo Marcos. Director: Avid Liongoren
6) Die Beautiful – (comedy/drama),  Paolo Ballesteros, Luis Alandy, Gladys Reyes, Albie Casino, Lou Veloso, Inah de Belen. Director; Jun Robles Lana
7) Seklusyon – (horror), Cast: Dominic Roque, Ronnie Alonte, Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Elora Espano, Phoebe Walker. Director: Erik Matti

Marami ang humuhulang hindi gaanong tatangkilikin ng mga tao ang mga MMFF entries dahil walang malalaking artista ang mga ito. Pero may mga sang-ayon naman sa pagpili ng Selection Committee na pinamumunuan Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, author, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member at dating MTRCB chair.

Ang iba pang miyembro ng committee ay ang writer-poet at Palanca hall of famer (iterature) na si Alfred Yuson, QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte,  actor/director at political activist Mae Paner, actor Ping Medina, writer/director/ film editor Lawrence Fajardo, NCCA legal counsel Atty. Trixie Angeles, radio station manager Alan Allanigue, at entertainment columnist Crispina Belen.
Layunin ng MMFF na mabago ang dating kalakaran sa MMFF upang mas mabigyan ng pansin ang kalidad ng pelikula sa halip na palakihan ng pangalan o paramihan ng sikat na artista  ang mga napipiling kalahok.

Inaasahang maglalaban sa takilya ang “Die Beautiful” ni Paolo Ballesteros, na nagkamit ng best actor trophy sa Tokyo Film Festival nitong nakaraang buwan, at ang “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” ni Eugene.

Samantala, tila magkakaroon ng sariling festival ang ilang pelikulang hindi nakalusot sa pamantayan ng MMFF. Balitang magsasalpukan pa rin sa takilya ang mga pelikula nina Vic Sotto at Vice Ganda/ Coco Martin, at maging ang “Mano Po”ng Regal Films dahil ipapalabas ang kanilang pelikula ng mas maaga, bago pa simulan ang MMFF (Dec 25 – Jan. 7).

ATOM, BIDA SA PELIKULA
Kaabang-abang ang muling pagbabalik sa paggawa ng pelikula ni Mike de Leon, isa sa  pinakamahuhusay na director ng pelikulang Pilipino. Ipinahayag niya kamakailan na nahanap na niya kung sino ang gaganap sa pangunahing papel sa kanyang gagawing pelikula, ang “Citizen Jake”. Siya ay si Atom Araullo, ang sikat na reporter/journalist ng ABS CBN.

Bagama’t hindi artista, akmang-akma raw kay Atom ang kanyang magiging role bilang isang reporter sa pelikula. Nakailang beses daw silang  nag-usap bago napapayag si Atom na tanggapin ang alok. Hindi raw matanggihan ni Atom ang batikang director dahil alam niya kung gaano ito kahusay gumawa ng mga makabuluhang pelikula.

Sa parte ni de Leon, malaking sugal daw ang gagawin niya sa pagkuha kay Atom, pero naniniwala daw ito sa kakayahan ng reporter dahil matalino ito, may paninindigan at mahusay pang sumulat. Dahil hindi  ito “showbiz”, hindi “starring Atom Araullo” kundi “featuring Atom Araullo” ang kanilang gagamitin. Kakaiba ang pelikula sa dati na niyang nagawa, hindi lang dahil baka ito na ang huling pelikula niyang gagawin, kundi maganda raw ang kanilang subject matter. Kasalukuyan daw niyang inaaayos ang screenplay, pero marami pa rin silang ginagawang pananaliksik. Sa ngayon ay wala pa rin silang listahan ng mga artista na makakasama ni Atom sa pelikula.

Si de Leon ang lumikha ng mga klasikong pelikulang “Itim”, Kisapmata”, Sister Stella L”, “Batch ‘81", “Kakabakaba Ka Ba?”, “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising”, “Bayaning Thirld World” at “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag” (bilang producer at cinematographer).

Bukod sa pagiging reporter, si Atom, 34, (Alfonso Tomas Pagaduan Araullo sa tunay na buhay) ay isang model, triathlete, news presenter at TV host. Siya ay nagtapos ng kursong BS in Applied Physics sa UP Diliman. Nagtapos siya elementarya sa Ateneo de Manila at high school sa Philippine Science High School. Isang binata, siya ay isa sa pinakapopular na TV personalities, at lalong dumami ang kanyang tagahanga nang bansagan siyang “man in the rain” sa kanyang matapang na coverage sa supertyphoon Yolanda nang manalasa ito sa Tacloban. Noong Agosto ay nag-resign siya bilang reporter sa mga news program na TV Patrol, Bandila at ANC dahil diumano sa kanyang opinyon tungkol sa noo’y pinag-uusapan pang pagpapalibing kay dating pangulong Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani. Balitang may magagandang offers siyang natatanggap mula sa ibang TV stations, at ang isa ay triple sa tinatanggap niyang sahod ang alok sa kanya. Napapanood pa rin siya bilang host sa “Umagang Kay Ganda” at “Red Alert”.

JASMINE, BEST ACTRESS SA CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS
Nanalo bilang best actress si Jasmine Curtis Smith sa katatapos na 2016 Cinema One Originals Film Festival para sa pelikulang “Baka Bukas”, kung saan ay gumanap siya bilang isang lesbian. Inalay ni Jasmine ang kanyang panalo sa LGBT community sa kanyang acceptance speech.

“Mabuhay ang LGBT community!” sigaw ni Jasmine na pinalakpakan ng mga tao. “We have a voice. I am with you guys whether I am LGBT or not. I stand with you guys and I will be with you all the way.”

Tinalo niya sina Shaina Magdayao (Lily), Natalie Hart (Tisay) at Peewee O’Hara (Si Magdalola at ang mga Gago).

Ang iba pang nanalo: Best actor: Rocky Salumbides ( Lily), best supporting actress: Natileigh Sitoy (Lily), best supporting actor: Jameson Blake (2Cool 2 Be 4gotten). Best Picture: 2Cool 2 Be 4gotten, best director: Keith Deligero (Lily), special Jury Prize: Si Magdalola at ang mga Gago, People’s Choice award: Baka Bukas, best short film: Maria (JP Habac).

BB GANDANGHARI, BABAE NA
Masayang ipinahayag ni Binibini Gandanghari sa kanyang Instagram account na “official” na ang kanyang pagiging babae. Inaprubahan ng korte sa Los Angeles ang kanyang hiling na palitan ang pangalan niya bilang Binibini Gandanghari, at kasarian bilang “female”, na inihain niya noong Agosto.

“This is it! And I thought this day would never come! And I thank my GOD and my LORD for making these things happen. Everything makes sense now, and to this great country the United States of America for providing this [basic human right]. Thank you!”

Ang aktor na nakilala noon bilang si Rustom Padilla ay naging asawa ni Carmina Villaruel, pero naghiwalay sila. Noong 2006, inamin niya sa reality show na Pinoy Big Brother, celebrity edition na siya ay bakla. Nang lumaon, pinili niyang kilalanin siya sa bago niyang pangalang BB Gandanghari at sinabi niyang patay na ang Rustom Padilla.

Sa programang “Tapatan ni Tunying” noong 2014, sinabi niya na siya ay isang transgender, at hindi gay. Noong nagladlad daw siya ay wala naman siyang boyfriend o karelasyon, at tatlong taon bago niya na-realize niya na hindi siya gay, kundi isang  transgender.

Makisali!

Join PaStaran 2016
For this year’s Parol-Making contest, participating groups may register with the Philippine Consulate’s cultural section from Nov. 13- Dec. 11, 2016. No late registration will be accepted.
The prizes are as follows: $5,000 for the grand prize; $3,000 for the 2nd prize; $2,000 for the 3rd prize; and $1,000 for the 4th prize.
As before, all entries must comply with the following requirements:
1) The parol must be made of recyclable materials;
2) Should be no bigger than 0.8 x 1meter
3) The lights used should be powered by batteries
4) It should be “stand-alone” or come with its own stand;
5) Each group will be allowed to submit only 1 parol
In addition, each group must submit a video explaining the concept for their entry. The video should be no longer than 2minutes and must be submitted to the PCG’s cultural section between Dec. 17 - 22, 2016.
All entries must be brought to Chater Garden by 4pm on Dec. 24 for the judging.
For more information, call 2823 8536 or email cultural_hk@yahoo.com

Health checks for FDWs  
Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project will hold a two-day Health Concern Days for foreign domestic workers on two Sundays: Dec 17 and Jan 8, 2017.
The schedule is as follows:
Venue: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F. , No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong. For reservation, call 2147-5988.

What's on where

Thomasian Chamber Choir in HK
Dec 1, 6pm
Hong Kong Cultural Center Foyer
Free public performance by the award-winning chamber choir of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila
Organized by the Philippine Consulate General

Symphony of Light: A Photo Exhibit
(an exhibit of water color paintings by Janet Pancho Gupta)
Ongoing until Dec. 1
PCG Gallery, 14th floor, United Centre, Admiralty
Open to the public
Co-organized by Pintura Circle and the Philippine Consulate General

Concert in the Park
Dec. 3, 1:30-7pm
HK Cultural Centre Piazza, TST
Organized by: Hong Kong Musicians Union and Philippine Consulate General
Supported by: HK Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Admission is freee

1st Anniversary Celebration
Dec. 3, 1-5pm
Bayanihan Centre at Kennedy Town
Organizer: Pangasinan Society Hong Kong
Contact: Leilani Campos at 9665 0943

UPAA HK AGM and Christmas Party
Dec. 5, 7pm onwards. Venue: Bisney Road, Pokfulam
Open to all alumni of the University of the Philippines
For directions and other details, please contact Sher at 6628 1827

2nd Anniversary Party
Dec 11, 12nn, M/V Star Pisces, TST
Organizer: Annak Ti Abra Hong Kong
Contact: Yolanda Pilarta @57147679 for details.

3rd Anniversary Party/Graduation
Dec. 11, 11am onwards, Best Western Plus Hotel,
Organizer: Ilagan City Association HK
Contact: Gigi Arquero at 97209390

International Migrants Day Rally
Dec. 18, 2pm onwards. Venue TBA
Organized by: Asian Migrants Coordinating Body
Contact: Dolores 97472986

Free Open Air Cinema in Causeway Bay
To help celebrate the Great November Feast organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and a series of wine and dine activities at Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Lee Tung Avenue is screening two Hollywood foodie movies for free in the Lee Tung Avenue Atrium in Causeway 6:30pm-8:30pm are: Julie & Julia (Dec 3, Saturday) and Chef (Dec 4, Sunday). Both screenings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ang kapalaran mo: Dec. 1-15

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Igalang ang kagustuhan ng iba na maging malaya dahil tiyak na may maganda itong kahihinatnan. Maghanap ng taong maaasahan upang lalong maisulong ang pagiging malikhain. Samantalahin ang bawat panahon na tapusin ang mga proyekto. Kung naguguluhan, huwag mag-atubiling humingi ng tulong sa mga magulang o sino mang mas nakatatanda. Unahin ang responsibilidad sa pamilya bago ang sa ibang tao.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Huwag basta maniniwala sa mga pangako ng ibang tao lalo na kung hindi pa ito lubos na kilala. Marami ang maapektuhan ng bawat maling desisyon kaya siguraduhin na alam ang ginagawa. Dapat isaalang-alang kung ano ang sariling kagustuhan bago pumasok sa isang relasyon.  Maglaan ng oras para sa pamilya upang hindi na lumala ang namumuong hidwaan.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Hindi magkandaugaga sa pagsunod sa maraming utos sa linggong ito. May pag-asang muling umusbong ang naudlot na pag-ibig at sa pagkakataong ito, huwag mag-alinlangang ibahagi ang mga pangarap. Imbes na magmukmok sa isang tabi, lumabas kasama ang mga kaibigan upang maibsan ang kalungkutan. Malaking pera ang kakailanganin kaya huwag gumastos sa mga bagay na walang silbi.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Huwag hayaang mangibabaw ang nararamdaman lalo na kung kailangang gumawa ng importanteng desisyon. Dadaan sa maraming pagsubok ang relasyon at hindi mapipigilan ang pagbabago ng nararamdaman. Maraming tao ang makikinabang sa kuwentong ibabahagi kaya sikapin maging responsable at makatotohanan ang bawat salitang bibitawan. Makinig sa payo ng ibang tao.
.
 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Marami ang makakapansin sa iyong kakayahan sa linggong ito kaya dadagsa ang maraming oportunidad. Ipamalas ang buong kakayahan anuman ang ginagawa upang mas madaling makamit ang tagumpay. Huwag ibunyag ang sekretong ipinagkatiwala ng ibang tao upang hindi masira ang kredibilidad.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Huwag magpaapekto sa hidwaan at dayaan na nangyayari sa palibot upang tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulong ng proyekto. Ang pagiging magaspang at mainipin ay maaring magdulot ng masamang impresyon kaya mag-ingat sa pagbitiw ng mga salita. Ang anumang maliit na bagay na ginagawa para sa minamahal ay tiyak na matutumbasan ng lubos na pagtitiwala.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Maaring mapaaway sa linggong ito dahil sa pagiging agresibo. Hindi hadlang ang kakulitan ng ibang tao sa paghahanap ng solusyon sa problema. Malayang sabihin kung ano ang nasa isip pero tiyakin na hindi masisira ang sariling reputasyon. Magugulat sa hindi inaasahang pagbabago ng plano pero kung makikinig sa payo ng eksperto, abot kamay pa rin ang tagumpay.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Huwag basta paniniwalaan ang lahat ng naririnig. Kung naguguluhan, sundin ang ibinubulong ng puso. Isang kamag-anak o kaibigan ang mangangailan ng tulong dahil sa matinding karamdaman. Maaring mabago ang plano dahil sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari. Pairalin ang disiplina sa sarili at huwag maging sunud-sunuran sa gusto ng iba lalo sa mga mahal sa buhay.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Mapapasabak sa isang matinding argumento. Pag-aralang mabuti ang estratehiya na gustong ipatupad upang hindi masayang ang oras at salapi. Huwag magpadaig sa takot lalo na kung nasa harap ng matinding pagsubok. Kung kailangan ng tulong, agad na lumapit sa mga kaibigan bago pa mahuli ang lahat. Laging tandaan na walang imposible kung sadyang tapat ang hangarin.

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Magkaka- kumplikasyon ang mga plano kung paiiralin ang takot. Sikaping maglibang o magkaroon ng sapat na pahinga kahit sobrang abala sa trabaho para maging mas masigla. Kung nalulula sa dami ng dapat gawin, unahin muna ang maliliit na tungkulin upang maituon ang lahat ng atensyon sa mas kumplikadong obligasyon. Makihalubilo sa mga kaibigan para pansamantalang makalimutan ang trabaho.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Hindi mapigilang magalit sa mga taong tamad at mapanlinlang. Huwag ipagkait ang tulong sa mga tunay na nangangailangan. Ipamalas ang taos-pusong pag-asikaso sa kapakanan ng minamahal. Marami nang napatunayan sa kasalukuyang trabaho kaya panahon na para tahakin ang panibagong landas. Libangin ang sarili kasama ang mga kaibigan.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Maganda ang pasok ng linggong ito dahil sa bagong oportunidad. Huwag mataranta sa dami ng inaasikaso at ituon lang ang atensyon sa mga bagay na sadyang kailangan. Marami ang mag-uunahang makuha ang iyong atensyon kaya mag-ingat sa bawat hakbang. Hindi lahat ng kahilingan ng pamilya ay ipinagkakaloob lalo na kung alam mong maari itong magbunga ng kapahamakan.

Less than 10% of HK examinees pass teachers' board

By Daisy CL Mandap

LET takers lininng up at Bayanihan Centre on Sept 25

Less than 10% of the more than 600 examinees from Hong Kong passed the licensure examination for teachers given on Sept. 25, according to Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre

In a Facebook post, Labatt de la Torre said: “Of the 624 who took the Licensure Examination for Teachers last September in Hong Kong, 9.77% passed. Please check your names at PRCBoard.com”.

He told The SUN earlier that he had asked one of his staff members to go over the list of successful examinees “one by one” and compare it with the list of those who took it in Hong Kong to get an accurate count.

The latest result is far lower than that recorded in 2013, when about 30% of the examinees in Hong Kong passed; and in 2001, when a 50% pass rate was recorded, the highest for the city so far.

However, it is slightly better than in the years 2003 to 2008, when the pass rate for Hong Kong hovered around 8%. The poorest result was posted in 2010, when only 7.29% made the grade. That caused the Professional Regulation Commission to suspend the LET in Hong Kong to give the would-be examinees more time to review.

The latest overall result was posted in the PRC website yesterday, Nov. 29, but no breakdown was given per testing center. The LET was given simultaneously in Hong Kong and the Philippines, while those in the Middle East reportedly took it earlier

The PRC site showed that out of a total of 92,754 who took the test for secondary level, 31,334 made it, for a pass rate of  33.78%.

A lower passing rate was recorded for those who took the elementary-level test. Of the 77,466 examinees, a total of 23,378 passed, or 30.18 of the overall figure.

The outcome could only be a letdown for those who took it in Hong Kong, most of whom are domestic helpers who persevered to attend review classes or do it on their own on the only day in the week that they are off work.

Gem Aquino Lauraya, president of the National Organization of Professional Teachers – Hong Kong, told The SUN earlier that she was hopeful that a big number of those who took it here managed to get through.

“Feel ko po marami din based po sa mga messages na natatanggap ko,” Lauraya told The SUN via online chat. “(Pero) mukhang difficult po ang exam kasi 30% lang ang passing rate.”

She said it would have been really good if the results in Hong Kong were not too far behind the national rate since those who took it here really persevered to hurdle the test.

Among the first to report to her about passing the exam was Bhessie Ramos Atrero, who said “Ma’am Gem, pasado ako”, in a Facebook comment.

In an interview she had with The SUN right after taking the exam, Atrero said she was quite confident of passing, since she could compare it with her experience the first time she took it in the Philippines in 2008. She said the first one was really difficult.

The others who were quick to post the good news about them already being RPT or Registered Professional Teacher  were Ever Padasay, Bldrma Gemma Lyn, Bing Fersa, Catherine Abat, Carol Pascua and Melody Esquivel.

Passing the examination is crucial in getting overseas Filipino workers into a special program designed to encourage them to go back and home and teach. Under the “Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’m, Sir”, OFWs are given a first crack at some 30,000 new teaching jobs created in line with the new Kto12 curriculum.

Overall, those who topped the examination in secondary level were:

SECONDARY LEVEL): SEPTEMBER 2016 LET BOARD EXAM TOPNOTCHERS

RANK	NAME	SCHOOL	RATING
1	RICHARD CABUAY MACAPULAY	TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY (TARLAC COLLEGE OF TECH.)	90.00
2	ELLA VIRCELLE ESTOYA EGUILLOS	UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES- VISAYAS-TACLOBAN CITY	89.80
3	RUZZELLOU BATUCAN ROSELLO	UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO- DAVAO CITY	89.60

In elementary level, the top three slots were taken by the following:

TOP 10 PASSERS (ELEMENTARY LEVEL): SEPTEMBER 2016 LET BOARD EXAM TOPNOTCHERS

RANK	NAME	SCHOOL	RATING
1	MARK PENULIAR CASTILLO	TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY (TARLAC COLLEGE OF TECH.)	88.20
1	LADY PRINCESS SANGUYO MARCELO	UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES- DILIMAN	88.20
2	RAYMUND GERARD VIBAR BANZUELA	DIVINE WORD COLLEGE OF LEGAZPI	88.00
2	LENORE HAILEY KO KEH	UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS	88.00
2	LUDELYN ASUNCION PALMA	UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM- ANTIPOLO	88.00
2	CACHARELLE MAE RAMOS RAPIRAP	SOUTHVILLE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND COLLEGES	88.00
3	HAZEL ROSE GONZALES DENIEGA	SORSOGON STATE COLLEGE- SORSOGON	87.60

The examinees in Hong Kong included six from Macau. All save one were women.

Balasubas ang best friend niya

Nagmamakaawang humihingi ng tulong si Mona noon sa kanyang kababata na naging matalik na kaibigan dito sa Hong Kong. Kailangan kasi ni Mona ng malaking halaga para ipambayad sa ahente na nag-aalok sa kanya ng trabaho sa Canada. Hindi naman nag-atubiling tumulong ang kaibigan niyang si Rosa, na umutang pa sa financing company para matulungan siya.

Umabot sa $50,000 ang naiabot ni Mona sa kaibigan, na wala man lang usapan ng tungkol sa interes. Asang-asa kasi siya na madali siyang mababayaran ni Mona sa kikitain nito sa Canada. Kahit daw buwan-buwan na lang nitong hulugan ang pera, hanggang mabayaran lahat ang kabuuuang halaga ng utang.

Masayang masaya ang magkaibigan nang lumabas na ang visa ni Mona, na abot-abot ang pangakong hindi nito kalilimutan ang kabaitan ng kaibigan. Naging punong-abala pa si Rosa sa paghahanda para sa huling salo-salo nila ni Mona at iba pa nilang kaibigan.

Nang matapos na ang unang buwan ni Mona sa Canada ay pinaalalahanan siya ni Rosa ng kanyang responsibilidad sa pagbabayad sa utang dahil kailangan na nilang umpisahan ang buwanang hulog. Laking pagkabigla ni Rosa nang sabihan siya ni Mona na bakit hindi man lang daw siya makapaghintay na maka-settle siya bago ito maningil.

Hindi alam ni Rosa dahil alam naman niyang may trabahong dinatnan si Mona sa Canada. Katunayan ay ipinagyayabang pa nito noon na kaunting parte lang ng sasahurin niya ang ipambabayad sa buwanang hulog sa pautangan.

Gayunpaman ay pinabayaan muna niya ang kaibigan, at muling inungkat ang pagbabayad pagkatapos ng isa pang buwan. Muli siyang nagulat dahil hindi lang hindi nagbayad si Mona, kundi ito pa ang nagalit na parang siya ang umutang dito. Kesyo bakit atat na atat daw siyang maningil at hindi iniintindi ang kalagayan nito sa Canada. Wala daw siyang kuwentang kaibigan dahil sinisingil na siya eh hindi pa nga siya tumatagal doon.

Sising sisi si Rosa at takang taka sa inasal ng dating kaibigan na itinuring pa naman niyang parang isang kapatid. Ngayon ay si Rosa ang nagbabayad ng perang hindi naman siya ang gumamit. Mabuti na lang at dalaga siya kaya walang asawa at anak na umaasa sa kanyang buwanang padala.

Sa kabila nito, naaawa at nahihiya siya sa kanyang mga magulang dahil hindi na niya mapadalhan ang mga ito ng pera. Sana daw ay ipinadala na lamang niya sa kanyang mga magulang para may maipahiram sa mga nagsasanla ng lupa, na siya naman pwede nilang pagkakitaan. O kaya naman ay siya na lang ang gumamit papuntang Canada.

Umaasa pa rin siyang babayaran siya sa balang araw ng talipandas na kaibigan, ngunit mahigpit ang pagpapayo sa mga kaibigan na huwag na huwag gayahin ang kanyang naging pagkakamali. Kung sa Hong Kong ay mahirap nang maghabol sa mga pinautang, lalo na kung sa Canada pa ito sisingilin. Si Rosa ay isang Bisaya, at kasalukuyang naninilbihan sa pamilyang Intsik sa Kowloon. – Marites Palma

Civil service vacancies set for HK exam passers

Examinees find their names in the list of those allowed to take the civil service exam.

By Vir B. Lumicao

Many vacancies need to be filled up in the government service back home and those who pass the just-recently concluded civil service examination for Hong Kong-based OFWs could qualify to take up those jobs, an official of the Civil Service Commission said.

Fernando Porio, director of the CSC’s Examination, Recruitment & Placement Office, also said that the holding of the first-ever exam for Filipinos in Hong Kong, was part of the government’s reintegration plan for returning OFWs.

He said the CSC could also hold the exam in other countries where there are OFWs, as long as the overseas posts concerned would make a request.

About 1,000 examinees took the exam on Sunday, Nov 27, at the Delia Memorial School Hip Wo in Kwun Tong.

More than 100 examinees came from Macau.

Porio said the CSC was excited to hold the exam in Hong Kong as it would mean helping Filipinos who would like to go home and enter government service.

Porio administered the test with seven assistants, and were helped by 80 Hong Kong-based volunteers who acted as proctors and watchers.

“There are a number of vacancies that need to be filled up (in government offices),” Porio told The SUN during an interview at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

“These are first- and second-level positions to be filled up, some administrative, some clerical and professional positions. Marami,” he said.

Porio said the idea of holding the first ever civil service exam in Hong Kong was meant to enable returning OFWs to work for the government.

This was reportedly communicated to CSC chair Alicia dela Rosa-Bala by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

 “They told us that this is their (the government’s) intention and we support them. (Our) chairwoman, in her formal reply to the secretary of labor and employment said we are fully supportive whatever program the government has for the overseas Filipinos,” Porio said.

He admitted that there are still many political appointees among government employees, but said there certain standards used in vetting appointments. “Hindi mawawala iyan (political influence)… But in any position like heads of offices, meron naman ang CSC ng qualification standards that all offices abide by,” he said.

POLO works overtime to serve OEC applicants

OEC applicants at the POLO on a Sunday. Now POLO will extend office hours to accommodate them. 

By Daisy CL Mandap

The Christmas crush over the overseas employment certificate has begun, and in a bid to contain the usual over-crowding at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre has extended service hours, and even ordered that applicants be served during a holiday.

From Sunday, Dec. 4, POLO will be open until 8pm at both its 11thh and 16thh floor offices for the issuance of the OEC exemption slips. The extended opening hours will apply for all Sundays of December and January 2017.

Subsequently, Labatt de la Torre also ordered that his office would open on Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm.

“For those who can come on on Saturdays, please don’t wait for Sunday to come. Sunday is always very crowded,” he said on his Facebook post.

Then, as an afterthought, he announced that POLO would also issue OEC exemptions and help those who made an appointment to register for the slip online on Nov. 30, a public holiday in the Philippines and all overseas posts.

He also made a last-minute appeal for those who could apply online for the exemption slip to do so. “To all our OFWs in Hong Kong: kung matagal pa naman (ang) uwi ninyo baka puedeng mag online registration na kayo para mabawasan natin ang crowd tuwing Linggo. Kung marunong naman kayong mag computer mas maigi ho na mag online registration na. Sa ganitong paraan yung mga emergency trips lang o yung malalapit na ang alis ang bibigyan natin ng temporary OEC exemption, at saka yung mga hindi sanay sa Internet technology. Salamat po sa inyong pag unawa,” he said.

However, he later clarified that online registration is not available for those who have never created an account with the Balik Manggagawa Online site. They will still have to make an appointment with POLO, and be assisted in creating their account.

To cut the waiting time for this, they could ask for the temporary OEC exemption slip, which they could use to get past immigration at Philippine airports and return to their employer.

However, those flying out through Clark international airport are being asked to register online, anyway, because the slip is not being honored there, for some reason.

The slip must be kept by the OFWs on their return to Hong Kong as it comes with a reference number which serves as their one-time pass in creating an account with BM Online system.

Once they manage to create this account, they will be able to print their own exemption slip each time they need to go back to the Philippines, for as long as they return to the same employer, and work site.

Those who change employers, whether they finished or broke their contracts, are not entitled to the OEC exemption. They will have to secure an appointment with POLO or any POEA branch in Manila so they could be helped in either creating a new BMO account, or change the existing data in their account.

The apparent confusion over the temporary slip is, however, creating more troubles over at POLO. According to Labatt de la Torre, this was one of the reasons why the queue for OEC exemption suddenly swelled on Nov. 27, a Sunday.

“While many already applied online, a lot more wanted the small piece of paper, the temporary OEC exemption, for one reason or another,” he said in his FB post.

It appears that having a slip of paper in hand, like the old OEC which they had to apply and pay for each time they went home for a vacation, served as an assurance for many OFWs that no last-minute snags at the airport would ruin their return to Hong Kong.

May bagong recipe si Rita dahil sa taranta

Araw-araw, alas tres pa lang ng hapon ay abala na si Rita sa paghahanda ng hapunan. Kung minsan kasi ay ginagahol siya sa oras lalo na kapag biglang umuuwi nang maaga ang kanyang among lalaki.

Lalo kasing natataranta si Rita kapag ganito dahil bukod sa pagkukumahog niyang maisalang na ang sabaw na ilang oras kung pakuluan, panay din ang hingi ng kung ano-ano ng amo. Pagpasok pa lang ng pinto, utos agad si Sir na ipagtimpla ito ng kape.

Nakasimangot na iniwan muna ni Rita ang tinitimplahang pork chop para sa hapunan at ipinagtimpla ng kape ang amo. Pagkatapos ay balik ulti si Rita sa pagtitimpla ng marinade sa pork chop.

Dahil mag-aalas singko na, paspasan na ang paghuhugas niya ng mga gulay at paghihiwa ng mga sangkap. Kailangan pa kasi niyang sunduin ang alaga sa bus stop ng alas singko. Bumaba na muna si Rita para sunduin ang alaga at pagdating nila ay inumpisahan na niyang ibabad ang pork chop sa hinanda niyang panimpla.

Bandang alas- siyete naman ay darating na ang among babae, kaya't walang tigil sa kaiikot sa kusina si Rita.

Matapos i-steam ang isda at gulay, nagprito na si Rita ng tinimpla niyang pork chop. Nagtaka siya dahil mabilis itong pumula at tila madaling masunog at mangitim gayung wala namang toyo sa timpla nito. Nang ihain na niya ang niluto ay sinabi ng kanyang amo matapos itong tikman na hindi daw nito alam na ang pork chop daw ay puwedeng gawing dessert!

Nagtaka at bahagyang nainsulto si Rita sa sinabi ng amo dahil akala niya ay pinipintasan ang luto niya.

Kumuha ng isang pirasong pork chop ang amo niya at nakangiting inabot kay Rita at sinabing tikman niya. Nang isubo ni Rita ang ulam at nalasahan ito, natawa rin siya dahil saksakan nga naman ng tamis ang timpla nito.

Doon niya naalala na asukal pala ang nailagay niya sa halip na asin dahil nataranta siya nang magpatimpla ng kape ang among lalaki sa kanya. Nagsorry naman si Rita at hindi naman nagalit ang amo dahil akala din nito ay sadyang matamis talaga ang timpla ng bagong recipe niya.

Si Rita ay isang dalaga, taga Negros at nagtatrabaho sa Tsuen Mun. – Jo Campos