Change is in us

By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap 

Now that the Christmas festivities are almost over, we need to again focus on the mundane, but important, concerns back home.

Foremost are the unabated killings that continue in the name of the war on drugs.

What is perhaps more disturbing than the killings themselves is the seeming apathy among the Filipinos toward the relentless violence.

When more than 40 defenseless Filipinos are killed each day for no reason, often in broad daylight, and no one is held to account for them, shouldn’t we be worried?

When the country’s leader shows no sympathy for the families of the thousands of Filipinos killed during the first bloody six months of his term, shouldn’t we be angry?

When all our other officials, save two, practically abet the killings by pretending to look the other way, shouldn’t we speak up, even take to the streets in protest?

The deafening silence of those who should take a stand for us is not just disturbing, it’s sickening.
These include a great many friends who have gone eerily quiet amid the mayhem, when they used to take to the streets at the slightest provocation, real or imagined.

Where have all our more militant advocates gone? Has political expediency become more important to them than their avowed support for human rights, justice and peace?

It is disturbing, even bizarre, to hear them speak against Marcos and martial law when they don’t – can’t – raise the slightest fuss over the most sordid human rights violations being committed in our midst, right now, when it matters most.

Thankfully, there are a few exceptions.

A crusading journalist friend who has moved overseas started out giving this administration the benefit of the doubt. She got to interview the president from way back, when he was still mayor of Davao, and was somewhat impressed by his seeming candor and incorruptible nature.

Now she is out there, on the streets of Tondo even, interviewing victims’ families, and cringing at how ruthlessly lives are being snuffed out by vigilantes and law enforcers who have been given the licence to kill.

Another is our neighborhood masseuse. Formerly apolitical, she was shocked into realizing that ordinary, hardworking people like her could easily be targeted in the deadly web of killings when she witnessed how a magbabalut was shot in broad daylight by two men who casually drove off on a motorbike soon after.

“Parang hayop lang na pinatay,” was how she put it. She rued that someone who was obviously trying hard to make a living could be so easily killed, drug crazed he may be.

Indeed, anybody could be a target. By the latest count, 6,200 Filipinos, mostly poor, have been killed in about the same number of months since the new administration took power.

What is more chilling is that there seems to be no effort whatsoever to stop the madness.
Given this, and the seeming lack of will on the part of our leaders to protect the very people they have sworn to serve, it devolves upon us to make a stand.

We all should speak up, no matter how puny our voices are. We should condemn the lawlessness that now rules our land, no matter how difficult, no matter how frightening.

We owe this not only to ourselves, but for our country, and the generations of Filipinos still to come. They, like us, deserve to have freedom as part of their birthright.

May the new year bring us back justice, freedom and peace. Happy 2017 to all!

The BM Online’s Teething Problems

By Jalilo O. Dela Torre, Labor Attache

“Mabuti pa noon, ang bilis lang kumuha ng OEC. Pila ka lang at magbayad, okay na. Ngayon, pahirapan! Buti pang ibalik na lang yung dati!”

These are some of the unflattering comments we hear not only in the lift, in the queuing bridge, or on the MTR, but even right in our face. Most of it is true. But as implementors of the new POEA policy exempting categories of workers from having to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC through the BM Online, we regard this criticism as fodder which we need to eat. In other words, bring it on. Next year, the ease and convenience it will afford our workers will far outweigh this one-time sacrifice.

The trouble with the new system is that workers who are qualified under the new policy need to be registered before they can get exempted, and that means having to obtain an OEC online. The process is a little complicated, but help is available.

There is no other way to make the BM Online work, except through a relentless and dogged campaign to register our workers online. This may have resulted into long queues, anger, heated arguments, some tears, anxiety and frustration, but there is no other way. We wish we could lessen the pain, but each worker has to find the means and the patience somehow to get familiar with the system and register. If she prefers to get help from POLO HK, we do offer tutorials.

The more workers who register, the less number of people crowding in POLO in the future. The more people who help our workers register, the better. It is an attrition challenge: the more sustained our campaign is for workers’ registration, the better the system works, the less pain in the future. Sacrifice today, convenience the next time.

Having learned to render this service myself, and trouble-shoot some issues a bit, I have concluded that for an average worker, registering online can be a real challenge. The data labels are confusing, some data fields aren’t necessary and when the system bogs down as it had several times, there is no offline version that can be used to prevent disruption of the service.

But many of the problems which makes registration a hair-pulling experience is related to technical issues like: passwords being forgotten, accounts becoming inactive because the confirmation link sent to the applicant’s email address had not been clicked, or when a former user signs in as a new user. These are technical problems that can be addressed by the computer programmer. We have strongly recommended that these issues be addressed by POEA. In addition, we have also asked the POEA, to which the latter agreed, that workers in HK be given temporary exemption during the Christmas season and that the compulsory online registration be done after they’ve come back to HK. For some reason, POEA decided to withdraw the temporary exemption facility.

What is difficult to address are the human-related issues. People walking in ahead of their appointments. People walking in without a clue how to start the process of registration. People demanding to be served ahead of everybody else.

We have tried to accommodate all kinds the best we could. On Sundays, the walk-ins are only served after those with appointments are done, which is around late afternoon. We have opened our doors up to 8 pm to accommodate the walk-ins. We have suspended our computer training for OFWs to devote the use of our OWWA desktops to tutoring our workers. We have beefed up our crowd control volunteers at the bridge. We have increased the number of volunteers who can give tutorials and do evaluation. We have opened even on weekends and holidays. We have called on communities to help out and big groups like JIL have brilliantly responded. We have conducted a briefing for community volunteers who might be able to help. We have even made it mandatory for agencies to register the workers they are hiring or rehiring.

But our workers need to take some of the responsibility and meet us half way. They can help us by:
   1)  registering early, and acquiring their OECs or exemption only a few days before their travel date, and not to worry about minor errors in their profiles, because the evaluator can correct those;
   2)  obtain their OECs in the Philippines, something which we encourage every chance we get at the queuing bridge;
3) for those who are already familiar with the system, to help others.
4) for those without appointments, to walk in late afternoon.

The Unifil group is calling for its outright abolition, not just exemption. This isn’t my call. This should be addressed to POEA and its Governing Board chaired by Secretary Bello. To tell you the truth, we’d be relieved if the its abolition is ordered because it would free up a good chunk of our physical, financial and human resources, which we could otherwise devote to more meaningful services for our workers.

Until it is decreed, however, we have no choice but to make this service available to our workers. And if this means having to endure criticism, so be it. We roll with the punches because for as long as the complaints are about the process, we can continue to work on its improvement.

But every coin has two sides. Some of the more rewarding comments we get are when some of the workers we have served say, ”Ay ganyan pala yan. Next time pala, exemption na lang aplayan ko. Hindi na ako babalik dito, Sir? Ang galing!” Others were clearly pleased when after going online, a message just popped out: Congratulations. You are exempted”. They needed to be re-assured that yes, that was all they need to show at the airport.

This is not a self-congratulatory note. POEA needs to simplify the process and reduce the number of data fields. We need to be better in communicating to the community that this new technology has birthing pains, but that it will get better as we refine its procedures to make it less painful to users.
But if we are to make this work, we need the help of our community.

Ateneo grabs HK baseball crown again

The Blue Eagles savor their victory after turning
the tide against Hong Kong Red in a very
tight match at the recent HK International Baseball Open.

Ateneo Blue Eagles outwitted defending champions Hong Kong Red, 7-6, in a tight duel over nine innings at Sai Tso Wan Field in Lamtin on Dec 20 to recapture the Hong Kong Baseball Open championship.

It was the second time that Blue Eagles ruled the annual slugfest organized by the Hong Kong Shanghai Alliance WSBC, repeating their performance in 2014 when the Ateneans crushed HK Red 6-1 and foiled its bid for the trophy.

“It was a close game, pretty much non-stop action throughout nine innings,” Blue Eagles head coach Randy Dizer said after the game. “Hong Kong really gave us a good game.”

HK Red, who won last year when the Filipinos skipped the tournament, promised to avenge that defeat on the eve of the showdown. “This is the side that beat us two years ago and we will be going for revenge for sure… I definitely think we have what it takes to beat them,” third baseman Matthew Holliday said.

The local sluggers, batting first as the away team, capitalized on their familiarity with the style of the Filipinos’ first pitcher Paulo Macasaet, a rookie on the National Team.

“Talagang napaghandaan nila si Paulo since siya ang dating pitcher nang masungkit ng Ateneo ang kampeonato noong 2014,” said Ynez Badajos, playing coach of Fate softball team and player of Philippine Sluggers, current Hong Kong women’s baseball champs.

Members of both women’s teams cheered the visiting varsity team as it hurdled three other local teams in the four matches they played since kick-off on Dec 17.

HK Red blanked Ateneo 4-0 in the first inning, but the Filipinos held the local boys scoreless in the second and stole a run at the bottom of the inning, 1-4.

The two teams battled neck and neck in the third and fourth, with both sides scoreless, then HK Red broke away again with two clean hits in the fifth, taking the score to 6-1.

Macasaet said he was done in the sixth and Dizer fielded in left-handed pitcher Angeles, a strategy shift that threw off HK Red’s momentum. The locals’ hits were off and their balls flew into the Filipinos’ clutches.

HK Red also changed pitchers twice in the sixth, but Ateneo struck back with Dino Altomonte batting in two runs to narrow the gap, 6-3.

In the seventh, Dizer unleashed his key men, including National Team player Ros Bernardo, who he kept in reserve for the championship game. Bernardo played short stop.

Ryan Hilario, Altomonte and Bernardo kept the bases loaded, but batter Rapho Balagtas hit a drop ball to centerfield that the umpire ruled as a caught ball. This nonetheless went in Blue Eagles’ favor as Hilario was tugged up so his run was counted, while Altomonte was out on second  base.

HK Red assumed there were three outs so they all walked to the bench. But Ateneo’s coaches clarified the situation and found out there were only two, with runner Bernardo still on first base.
Next batter Radito Banzon was awarded a walk as a base on ball, leaving Ateneo with two runners. Then Marco Mallari slammed the ball to the outfield, sending Bernardo and Banzon running home in succession to turn the tide for Blue Eagles, 7-6.

In the eighth, Dizer again replaced his pitcher, this time assigning Miguel Dumlao.

HK Red batters hit the pitcher’s balls, but these were easy to catch. Only Holliday drove a hard ball to short stop, but Bernardo halted it and threw it to first base.

Both teams ended the eighth inning scoreless. HK Red tried to score once more in the ninth with another hard ball to Bernardo, but a quick throw to first base dealt the Hongkongers their last out, and the Filipinos took the championship.

“I’m very proud of the team because while we fell behind early, the boys never gave up,” said Dizer, who also coaches the RP Blu Girls. “They believed in each other and never caved in.”

Altomonte was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Dizer the Best Coach, and Renzo Ramos had the Most Stolen Bases.

The Blue Eagles are staunch supporters of Philippine Sluggers. In 2016, they shipped a complete set of gear including uniforms, bats and balls to the self-financed team of domestic helpers.

Induction of POWA, Filipino Star held

Consul General Bernardita Catalla inducted the officers of two organizations during ceremonies held at the Consulate recently.

POWA officers take oath: The incoming officers of the Panay Overseas Workers Association (POWA) took their oath of office on Dec. 18 before Consul General Bernardita Catalla at the Consulate. The officers for 2017 are: Leo Selomenio, chairman; Lindy Paclibar, president; Don Ofiaza, vice president, internal; Diana Juanillo, vice president, external; Christian Jean Jallorina, secretary; Theresa Mailim, treasurer; Elisa Linda Lorca, assistant treasurer; Annalisa Bretana, assistant secretary; Mayflor Pirote, auditor; Mie Cueva, asst auditor; Grace Macahilo, business manager; Alma Mae Capanang, asst business manager; Leah Dorilag, Bilenda Ortega and Grace Bayona, PRO;  Sharon Habiona, muse; and Leo A. Deocadiz, Katherine De Guzman and Francis Ita-as, advisers.

Star Induction: Officers of the Filipino Star Association Hong Kong took their oath of office before Consul General Bernardita Catalla on Dec. 18. The officers are: Yanz Cascayan, president; Jham Abalos, internal vice president; Victoria Buenaventura, external VP;  Jhazel Gawigawen, general secretary;  Ailyn Agcol assistant secretary; Ivan Longui, general treasurer; Devee Claire de la Cruz, assistant treasurer; Jaz Ordonez, general auditor;  Jhay Catipay, assistant auditor; Jano Tangonan and Cindy Pascual, PRO; and Leo Selomenio and Arlene Abrugar, advisers.

Malungkot ang Pasko niya

Nasanay na si Bella na kapag Pasko ay kasama niya ang kanyang pamilya sa Cavite, kabilang ang kanyang dalawang anak na lalaki. Ngunit ilang buwan bago itong pinakahuling Pasko ay inabisuhan siya ng kanyang amo na hindi siya makakauwi dahil isasama siya sa holiday ng mga ito sa Thailand.

Noon pa man ay nalungkot na siya dahil hindi lang sa Pasko niya hindi  makakasama  ang mga anak, kundi pati sa kaarawan ng kanyang bunso ilang araw bago magpasko. Pilit na lang niyang inisip na  trabaho naman ang pinunta niya dito sa Hong Kong at kung iyon ang gusto ng kanyang mga amo, wala naman siyang magagawa.

Pero pagdating pa lang nila sa Thailand ay nanibago na siya dahil di gaya sa Hong Kong ay wala man lang kahit anong diwa ng kapaskuhan sa paligid. Lalo lang siyang nalungkot kaya kapag nag uusap sila ng kanyang mga best friends ay puro hinaing ang kanyang sinasabi. Nililibang na lang siya ng mga ito at kinakantiyawan para maging masaya ang usapan.

Ang mga kaibigan din naman ni Bella ay hindi rin nakauwi ngayong Pasko, kaya ika nga nila ay patas lang silang apat na magkakaibigan. Pare pareho na lang silang nabibilang sa SMP, ang samahang malalamig ang pasko!

Sa kabila nito, sa pamamagitan ng chat sa FB ay sama-sama pa rin silang nag uusap at nagsasaya para kahit paano ay hindi sila nalulungkot, Isang malaking dahilan ito kaya naiibsan nang husto ang hinaing ni Bella, na nakatira sa Causeway Bay, at mahigit 10 taon nang nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong. — Jo Campos

DH in cocaine parcel case told to get a lawyer

By Vir B. Lumicao

Prosecutors have objected to the granting of bail to a Filipina arrested in North Point in September after receiving an air parcel containing 650 grams of cocaine allegedly sent by her African ex-boyfriend.

Tsuen Wan Magistrate Jin Chun-ki adjourned the hearing for 15 minutes to give defendant Welba E. Gannaban, who faces a drug trafficking charge, time to find a duty lawyer to represent her. The 40-year-old defendant did not apply for bail, but he prosecution said anyway that she should not be allowed temporary liberty due to the seriousness of her offense.

The prosecutors applied for an adjournment of the hearing to Feb 3 pending a chemist's report and legal advice.

Magistrate Jin set the next hearing for 9:30am on Feb 3 at West Kowloon Court and instructed Gannaban to engage a duty lawyer to represent her in future hearings.

Jun asked the domestic helper why she was not represented by a lawyer on Dec 23, and also when she was first committed to the court in June, and Gannaban replied that nobody had told her to get a lawyer and she thought the police would do that for her.

Gannaban was the second Filipina helper to be arrested in just a span of three months for taking delivery of a drug-laden air parcel posted from abroad.

In June, 31-year-old Eleanor Amorin fell in a similar entrapment employed by the authorities after they intercepted a gift parcel stuffed with about a kilogram of cocaine that was addressed to her employer’s house. The package was sent to her from Ethiopia by her newfound Nigerian boyfriend.
Amorin was initially charged at Tsuen Wan Court with trafficking in a dangerous drug but freed by Magistrate Chang Kei-hong after the prosecutors withdrew the case.

Gannaban was arrested on Sept 23 by a joint Customs and police team on Sept 23 after she accepted a parcel posted from Addis Ababa and addressed to her at her employer’s North Point flat. She did not suspect the delivery man was an officer.

The defendant told investigators the parcel was sent by her former boyfriend, a Nigerian she met in Hong Kong, supposedly for a friend who would pick it up later from her.

Her arrest prompted the Consulate and the Mission for Migrants Workers to warn Filipinas in Hong Kong to be wary of the new air parcel modus being used by drug syndicates, particularly those based in West Africa.

The modus involves African men, particularly Nigerians, befriending and courting unsuspecting foreign domestic helpers who they meet through friends or on social media and then asking for their employers’ addresses so they could send gifts to the women.

Vice Consul Alex Vallespin had earlier warned Filipinas about strangers offering friendship and love online because of the probability they would be used to smuggle dangerous drugs into Hong Kong.

POLO local hires get reprieve

Labatt de la Torre asked for reprieve for the local hires 

Six local hires at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Hong Kong have been given more time to remain at their posts after the Department of  Labor and Employment put off a plan to replace them with organic staff from Manila.

The move is in line with DOLE’s staff realignment for all overseas posts.

According to a POLO insider, two of the so-called local hires would reportedly leave for Manila soon to undergo training on overseas deployment under the supervision of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The training will hopefully allow them to assume permanent items in Manila that will pave for their eventual overseas deployment once DOLE’s plan is set in motion. It is not clear whether they would be allowed to return to their POLO posts after the training.

In their absence, DOLE has allowed POLO to recruit two local hires on emergency basis. Several people have reportedly applied for the newly opened posts but their credentials are awaiting evaluation by Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre, who will be returning from vacation on Jan 12.

One of the six, meanwhile, is applying for a transfer to the Overseas Workers Welfare Office in Hong Kong, which is also attached to POLO, while two other local hires remain as drivers of the labor office. Their future likewise remains uncertain.

The local hires’ immediate relief was put on hold after Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre asked the DOLE head office to spare them the axe because of the heavy workload in Hong Kong over the holiday season.

During this period, POLO staff including Labatt De la Torre, had to work even at weekends and holidays to speed up the processing of exemptions for the overseas employment certificate for thousands of home-bound OFWs. – Vir B. Lumicao

Results for civil service exam in HK out, low pass rate posted

by The SUN Team

Applicants check their names against the list of those approved to take the Civil Service exam

About 1 out of 10 who took the Civil Service sub-professional examination given in Hong Kong last November passed, while the pass rate for the professional-level grade was just 2.5%.

The results for Hong Kong, posted separately on the Civil Service website, show that of the 277 who took the sub-professional exam, only 30 passed, for a pass rate of 10.8%. In the professional level, where the examinees were more than twice as many, at 676, only 17 passed.

As disheartening as the results may be for the majority of the examinees, they were not unexpected, given the lack of time for review and their general difficulty in getting off work to brush up on current events and other subjects for which they were tested.
The examination, the first ever to be held in Hong Kong, took place on Nov. 27 at Delia Memorial School in Kwun Tong, barely a month since the month-long registration ended. Up until a few weeks before it was held, Labatt de la Torre was scouring for a venue big enough to accommodate the nearly three thousand Filipinos in both Hong Kong and Macau who had originally expressed an interest in taking the exam.
"We can aim to improve this year by fixing the date of the exam months in advance so they have time to prepare," Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre said when asked for a reaction by The SUN.
"We will also encourage Filcom (members) to help them in the review".

Blanche Abasa  passed the sub-prof exam

One of the successful examinees is Blanche Abasa, founder and president of Cebu Federation International, whose surname guaranteed her being put on top of the list for those who passed the sub-professional level.

Abasa said she was overjoyed on hearing from The SUN that she was among those who passed the exam.

She said she was confident for the most part about taking the exam, but felt at the last minute that she needed to brush up on mathematics.

“(It’s so) overwhelming, kasi I never reviewed, and only reviewed for math two days before the exam since it’s my weakest subject”, she said. “The last part was the most difficult, because I had to answer 50 questions in just 7 minutes”.

Without anyone to help her with the review, Abasa said she checked out blog sites that gave tips on the exam questions. From there, she found math formulas that she memorized in preparation for the test.

As a domestic helper who started working at age 17, barely a year after graduating from high school, Abasa said she compensated for this by embracing learning.

“I love learning, but I admit that I found the exam really difficult,” she said.

Abasa said she is sure that many of her friends will be encouraged to give the next civil service examination a try after learning about her hurdling it.

She is also willing to help out those who will take it, as she regards her success a blessing that must be shared.

The exam was conducted by the Civil Service Commission in support of the Department of Labor and Employment’s reintegration program to “encourage the vulnerable OFWs to return to the country and be with their families again.”

Those who passed the exam are advised to personally claim their Certification of Eligibility at the CSC office they indicated on the online registration when they return home.  No representatives will be allowed to claim the certification for passers.

Passers of the professional level exam will earn a Career Service Professional Eligibility appropriate for both first level (clerical) and second level (technical up to division chief).

Those who pass the sub-professional test will be eligible only for the first level positions. 
The CSC also clarified that a professional or sub-professional eligibility is just one of the requirements for landing a job in government. Education, experience, and training are also required of those seeking permanent positions in government service.

The full list of successful examinees can be found here:

http://www.csc.gov.ph/112716cseppthongkong

Pakistani denies killing Austrian-Filipina girlfriend

By Vir B. Lumicao

Andrea Barr's FB profile photo

A Pakistani security guard accused of killing his Austrian-Filipina girlfriend Andrea Bayr in March last year, pleaded not guilty to murder on Jan 3 in Eastern Court.

Safdar Husnain, 28, made his plea before magistrate Jason Wan, who immediately ordered the case committed to the High Court for trial.

Husnain was remanded in jail. No bail was set as the charge is murder, a non-bailable offense.

The defendant, a tall and burly man who worked as a night-shift guard at a footbridge construction site in Tuen Mun, was subdued and arrested by police at dawn on March 29 while he was still allegedly battering Bayr, then 25, with an electric drill.

Husnain’s Pakistani friend who witnessed the incident called the police after the defendant allegedly attacked the victim during a fight over Bayr’s plan to break up with him.

Local media reports quoting police said Husnain was enraged when Bayr, a jobless divorcee, went to him to say she was moving in with a Caucasian boyfriend.

The reports said Bayr, who had been a waitress and manager of restaurants in Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai, was born in Hong Kong to an Austrian father and a Filipino-French mother.

The Consulate could not confirm the victim’s nationality, saying it did not have records of her or her mother, although she was a friend to many Filipino residents in Hong Kong’s, especially those working in the nightclub circuit.

Consulate leads Rizal remembrance

Consulate officers led by Consul General Bernardita Catalla officiated at the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 120th death anniversary with the traditional wreath-laying at No 2 Rednaxela Terrace, where the national hero lived with his family, and at D’Aguilar Street where he ran a clinic.

Those who attended apart from the Consulate officers and staff included members of Knights of Rizal and Lakbay Dangal.

At Rednaxela Terrace  in Central, HK.

Global Alliance brings Christmas to Bethune House

Global Alliance officers with Bethune House clients and executive director Edwina Antonio.

The officers of the Global Alliance headed by chairman Leo Selomenio brought Christmas cheer to the Sheung Wan shelter of the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge on Dec. 11, by visiting and bringing along gifts.

They were welcomed to the tiny refuge by Bethune’s executive director Edwina Antonio, along with the shelter’s clients. \

The affiliated groups who shared in the donation were Bacnotanians of HK, Bangar Association, Guardians Brotherhood Intl., DAFWA, Filipino Dance Circle, Kabisig Society, La Union Federation of HK, POWA, Oriental Mindoro Assn. HK, SMACK- HK, TUCSO, and United Mindanao-ans HK.
The group brought along items from Bethune’s wish list, such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, bath soap, cleaning detergents, rice, noodles, cooking oil, soy sauce, sugar, salt, coffee and some cash.

Panay Overseas Workers Association (POWA) members assemble their donations for Bethune House, consisting mainly of daily necessities  such as soap, toothpaste shampoo and so on.

Maswerte siya sa amo

Isang taon pa lamang ni Disha sa paninilbihan sa mga among Briton pero napatunayan na niyang super bait talaga sila dahil pinabisita ang kanyang nag-iisang anak mula sa Pilipinas, at kasama pati ang kapatid niyang nag-aalaga dito, para magkakasama sila sa araw ng Pasko.

Bukod dito, pinayagan pa siyang mag-stay out para makasama niya ang anak sa araw-araw nitong pamamasyal. Noong araw mismo ng Pasko ay niyaya silang mag-ina na makipag lunch sa kanila, kasama ang mga magulang at kapatid ng among babae.

Maliban sa biniling ticket para sa kanyang anak ay binigyan pa siya ng pera sa red packet para may gastusin sila sa kanilang pamamasyal. Hindi lang iyan, inamubunan pa sila ng mga regalo, kasama pati ang kapatid niyang nagdala ng kanyang menor de edad na anak.

Namangha mismo ang kanyang kapatid sa kabaitang ipinakita ng kanyang mga amo, kaya pinayuhan si Disha na pagbutihin pa ang kanyang trabaho at asikasuhing maigi ang kanyang alaga para lalo pang matuwa ang mga amo sa kanya. Huwag daw masyadong mag Facebook para mapanitili ang magandang samahan nilang mag-amo. Sagot naman ni Disya, may panahon ang lahat ng bagay, sabay ngiti sa ate niya. Si Disya ay tubong Isabela at solong magulang. — Marites Palma

Health checks for FDWs

Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project will hold its two-day Health Concern Days for foreign domestic workers on Jan. 8 and 15, 2017.

The schedule is as follows:
Day 1: Body check on Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, glucose, musculoskeletal assessment & level stress.
Jan. 8, Sunday: 10:30 am – 12:30pm and 2-5pm
Day 2: Result Explanation & Community Resource for Follow up
Jan. 15, 2017 (Sunday): 10:30am - 12:30pm (English); and 2:30-4:30pm (Cantonese & Bahasa)
Fee: $20 for the two-day program, including tests and handout
Venue: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F. , No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong.
For reservation, call 2147-5988.

What's on where

PAHK 2017 Induction
Jan. 11, 6pm onwards, PCG Conference Room
Organizer: Philippine Association of Hong Kong
Guest of honor: Consul General Bernardita Catalla

Artruism 3: Affordable HeART exhibit
Online sales are ongoing until Jan. 23
Opening cocktails: Jan. 25, 6-9pm
Exhibit runs: Jan. 26-Feb. 2
Venue: Visual Arts Centre, 2 Kennedy Road, Hong Kong
Joint organizers: Pintura Circle and International Care Ministries. Fund-raising exhibit of works by artists who support the two charities jointly organizing the show
Those interested to purchase a piece should look for the Facebook events invite section under the name Artruism 3; Affordable HeART

Kadayawan at Chinese New Year Parade
Jan. 28, 8pm onwards, Tsimshatsui promenade
Kadayawan Dancers from Davao City are this year’s official Philippine entry to the lively street party

Elderly and Dementia Care Seminar
Jan 21, 2017, 8:30am to 5pm, POLO OWWA Training Room, 11/F Admiralty Centre Tower 1
This one-day seminar is a free training on Elderly and Dementia Care for OFWs in Hong Kong who are off Saturdays and are caring for elderly people or those with dementia. The training will be conducted by the HK Jockey Club Center for Positive Ageing. Leave private message on Facebook page of Labatt Jalilo de la Torre.
Window of the World Tour
Jan. 29, 9am – 5pm
A day-long trip to one of Shenzhen’s famous attractions
Organizer: OFWs in Hong Kong
All OFWs and their friends are invited to join
Contact: Gemini Aguirre or Admin Mocha through whatsapp at 96864510

Naglaho na hindi nabibigyan ng hustisya

Hindi naging masaya ang Pasko ni Mardi, isang 23-anyos na taga-Cordillera. Dalawang linggo pa lamang sa mga among mag-asawang Intsik ang kasambahay ay nais na raw umuwi dahil sa dinanas na pahirap mula sa pamilyang pinagsilbihan.

Noong Dis. 25, habang nagdiriwang ang mga kapwa taga-Cordillera sa likuran ng General Post Office sa Central ay nakaupo lang si Mardi sa tabi ng isang mesa at halatang masama ang pakiramdam.

Sinabi ng ilang kababayan niya sa nag-uusisang lalaki na kalalabas lang daw ng maysakit na katulong noong nagdaang araw sa Ruttonjee Hospital. Doon daw siya dinala ng mga kaibigan pagkatapos na bumaba nang kusa sa bahay ng mga amo, kahit hindi niya nakuha ang kanyang kabayaran. Hindi na raw niya natiis ang tatlong oras lang na tulog at kakaunti at tira-tirang pagkain na ibinibigay sa kanya.

Habang kausap ng lalaki si Mardi ay may naglagay ng donation box sa ibabaw ng mesa, isang pahiwatig na magbigay ng tulong ang mga naaawa sa sinapit ng katulong.

Nang tanungin kung nag-report na siya sa Konsulado para makuhanan ng pahayag at masampahan ng kaso ang kanyang mga amo ay umiling lang si Mardi. Maya-maya ay sumulpot ang isa niyang kababayan at iginiit na kailangang mapauwi na kaagad siya.

Idiniin naman ng lalaki na kung si Mardi ay minaltrato ng mga amo, dapat siyang magpatulong sa Konsulado upang mabigyan ng hustisya at mabawi man lang ang ibinayad sa ahensiya. Maaari rin siyang patirahin sa shelter ng Konsulado.

Uminit kaagad ang ulo ni Manang at sinabing kung gustong tulungan si Mardi ay ipa-blacklist daw ang mga amo niya sa pamamagitan ng paglalathala sa diyaryo. Sinabi pang limang araw niyang kinupkop si Mardi at malaki na araw ang hirap niya sa pagtulong, at kung may tatanggap sa sandaling iyon sa katulong ay ipauubaya na niya.

“Kaya nga dapat mo siyang dinala agad sa Konsulado dahil sila ang magba-blacklist at magsasampa ng pormal na reklamo, bago iyan isusulat sa diyaryo,” sagot ng lalaki.

Sa sandaling iyon ay kagyat na naagaw ng isang Christmas tree costume contest ng mga taga-Cordillera ang atensiyon ng lalaki, at kumuha ito ng mga larawan. Nang bumalik siya sa mesa ay wala na roon sina Mardi, Manang, ang mga kasamahan at ang collection box. Takang-takang napailing na lamang ang lalaki. — VBL

ATN foils helper’s bid to use it to shirk debt

Not everyone who seeks help to recover her hocked passport from usurious lenders will get assistance from the Consulate, no matter how much tears are shed.

This was found out by Ditas (not her real name) on Dec 29 when she approached the assistance to nationals section for that purpose.

Vice Consul Alex Vallespin

After refusing her a travel document, the ATN reminded OFWs to avoid borrowing or acting as loan guarantors, and to never use their passports as collaterals.

The domestic worker asked the ATN for help in recovering her passport from a fellow OFW from whom she borrowed $15,000 last year to help pay for the placement fee of two of her friends who had moved to Canada. Plus the interest, the debt was $25,000.

The two friends who are now working in Canada have not paid back the money they borrowed from Ditas, and it is she who is being pestered by her creditor.

In the meantime, the lender reckoned that Ditas’ debt had ballooned to $34,000 so she had to pay $3,500 a month over the past three months to shrink it.

She went to ATN to ask for a one-way travel document, but Vice Consul Alex Vallespin, head of ATN, was not moved by her tears as she told her story.

“Gusto ko na pong umuwi dahil malaki na ang nababayaran ko pero lumalaki pa rin ang utang ko, pero paano po, nasa kanya ang passport ko,” the woman complained.

Vallespin told the woman running away from debt was not a good thing to do because that was her obligation.

“Kung uuwi kayo para takasan ang utang ninyo ay hindi po namin kayo matutulungan. Kaya nga, ang sabi ko ay patatawag natin siya para mag-usap kayo rito,” Vallespin told the domestic helper.

“Baka naman mapakiusa-pan nating huwag na niyang singilin ang interest, tutal nabayaran mo na ang prinsipal,” Vallespin said.

Debt has become the most common problem that OFWs bring up with the Consulate and is adding to the issues that the outpost has to settle, the ATN official said.

“Like that woman (Ditas), she’s trying to use the Consulate to run away from her debt. We’re not issuing travel documents to help people like her flee from their debtors,” Vallespin told The SUN.

He said the passport is property of the Philippine government and should not be used as collateral for loans.

“We’ll try to convince the lender to let (Ditas) just pay the principal so she could have her passport back,” Vallespin said.

He observed that some people borrow even if they don’t need the money personally.

“Let’s inculcate in them that if they don’t need to borrow, they shouldn’t borrow. There have been many variations of the story, we’ve seen a lot of cases. But why do they have to borrow?” Vallespin said.

“Huwag na kayong pumayag na maging co-maker o guarantor sa pautang,” he advised OFWs, adding that the workers should not lend money to other people to avoid debt collection problems.

MMFF, mahina sa takilya

Tulad ng inaasahan, hindi gaanong tinangkilik ng publiko ang Metro Manila Film Festival 2016. Sa unang araw ng festival ay kapuna-puna na maikli ang pila sa alin man sa walong pelikulang kalahok. Sa isang mall sa QC na puntahan ng maraming tao dahil  balitang mas mura ang ticket dito, ay iilan lang ang mga nanonood, at sa apat na sinehan dito, tatlo lang ang festival entries, at ang isa ay nagpapalabas pa rin ng The Super Parental Guardians na hindi napasali sa MMFF. Ganoon din ang ginawa sa ibang mga malls, na ibinalik din ang Enteng Kabisote sa isa sa mga sinehan nito upang dumami ang manonood.

Sinabi ng pamunuan ng naturang festival na naabot naman daw ang target na kita sa unang araw ng pagpapalabas ng walong kalahok. Sinabi rin nila na ang apat na pelikulang nanguna sa takilya sa unang araw ng pagtatanghal ay ang mga sumusunod (alphabetical order):  Babae sa Septic Tank, Die Beautiful, Seklusyon at Vince & Kath & James, pero bawal pa raw sabihin kung magkano ang kinita ng mga ito hangga’t hindi natatapos ang sampung araw na pagtatanghal.

Pero may nag-post sa social media na diumano ay taga-ABS CBN, at inilabas din sa pahayagan ang opening day box office results: nanguna ang VKJ na naka-P17 million, pangalawa ang Die Beautiful na kumita ng P10.5 million, pangatlo ang Ang Babae sa Septic Tank na naka-P9.4 million. Pang apat ang Seklusyon, panlima ang Saving Sally, pang-anim ang Oro, pampito ang Kabisera at panghuli ang Sunday Beauty Queen.  .

Sa pangatlong araw ng festival, ang apat na pelikula na nasa bottom four ay nanawagan na suportahan ang kanilang pelikula upang magtagal pa ito sa mga sinehan. Nagbigay na rin sila ng 30% discount para sa mga estudyante, PWDs (Persons With Diasabilities) at senior citizens upang mapalakas ang kanilang mga pelikula.

Lima sa mga walong kalahok ay graded A ng Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB): Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Die Beautiful, Sunday Beauty Queen, Saving Sally at Vince, Kath & James. Ang “Oro” at Seklusyon ay graded B, at tanging ang pelikula ni Nora Aunor na  “Kabisera” ang hindi binigyan ng grado.

Ang may gradong A ay bibigyan ng 100% amusement tax rebate sa Metro Manila, at 65% naman para sa may gradong B.

ANNE -ERWAN, BILLY- COLEEN, ENGAGED NA

Bumuhos ang pagbati kina Anne Curtis at sa boyfriend niyang si Erwan Heusaff matapos lumabas kamakailan ang video ng naganap na proposal ng binata sa aktres noong huling nagbakasyon sila sa Amerika. Nagtungo sila doon para makasali si Anne sa NYC marathon noong Nobyembre.
Binati si Anne ng kanyang mga mga kasamahan sa “It’s Showtime “, kung saan ay ipinakita rin niya ang kanyang suot na engagement ring.

Si Erwan ay kapatid ng Kapuso actress na si Solenn Heusaff, at kilala bilang chef, food blogger at restaurant owner. Nagkakilala sila ni Anne noong 2009, at nag-exclusive dating mula noong 2010. Pareho silang mahilig mag-travel, at madalas ay nakakasama nila ang ka-tropang IT girls na sina Isabel Daza, Solenn, Georgina Wilson at Liz Uy at kani-kanilang mga foreigner boyfriends, at maliban kay Liz ay sunud-sunod na ring nagpapakasal.

Ilan sa mga naging karelasyon ni Anne ay sina Oyo Sotto, Richard Gutierrez, Paolo Araneta at Sam Milby.

Wala pang balita kung kailan o saan gaganapin ang kanilang kasal.

Samantala, noong Dec. 20, naganap din ang proposal ng isa pang host sa Showtime  na si Billy Crawford sa kanyang girlfriend na si Coleen Garcia, na dati ring co-host ng show. Nangyari ito sa isang restaurant sa Quezon City nang mag-dinner ang dalawa doon, kasama ang ilang malalapit na kaibigan.

Ayon ka Billy, 34, matagal na niyang nabili ang engagement ring dahil sigurado na raw siya sa kanyang sarili na si Coleen, 24, na ang gusto niyang pakasalan at makasama habang buhay. Humanap lang daw siya ng tamang oras na makapag-propose, sa tulong ng kanilang mga kaibigan at kamag-anak.

Ipinagkatiwala niya ang singsing sa kanilang kaibigan na si Ria Atayde upang itago muna ito sa loob ng 18 buwan bago natuloy ang proposal. Kakaba-kaba raw si Ria habang  nakatago ang singsing sa kanyang vault. Base sa mga larawan ni Coleen, mukhang mamahalin ang singsing na nakasuot sa kanyang daliri: napapalibutan ito ng maliliit na brilyante at ang tampok na bato ay hindi raw bababa sa 2-karat ang laki.  

Gaya ni Anne, wala pa ring petsa kung kailan matutuloy ang kasal nina Billy at Coleen dahil ayon kay Billy, marami pa raw silang nga commitments na dapat nilang tapusin. Abala si Billy sa kanyang hosting at singing career sa iba’t ibang programa sa ABS CBN, at si Coleen ay abala rin sa promotion ng kanyang pelikulang “Extra Service” na ipapalabas sa mga sinehan sa January.

Kamakailan ay bumiyahe ang dalawa papuntang Spain upang doon mag-Pasko at bagong taon kasama ang pamilya ni Coleen, na nauna nang umalis. Ang ama ni Coleen ay isang Espanyol at Pilipina ang kanyang ina.  

ALDUB, ABALA SA TAPING NG BAGONG TV SERIES.

Excited na sina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza na gawin ang kanilang unang primetime TV series na “Destined To Be Yours” ng GMA 7. Noong December 20 ay nagsimula na silang mag-taping, at kabado raw si Maine dahil ito ang kanyang unang seryosong pagganap sa TV. Maging si Alden ay naninibago rin dahil mahigit ding isang taon siyang nabakante sa paggawa ng TV series.
Sumailalim daw sila sa tatlong linggong acting workshop noong nakaraang buwan, kaya kahit papaano ay napaghandaan nila ang kanilang bagong project. Nakita raw ni Alden at iba nilang kasamahan na may ibubuga sa pag-arte si Maine, kahit ayaw daw nitong maniwala na sinasabi nila.
Sinabi rin ni Alden na hindi totoong mawawala na sila sa Eat Bulaga ni Maine dahil malaki ang utang na loob nila sa show kung saan sila nakilala nang husto. Ito ang naging daan upang maging top endorsers sila ng mga iba’t ibang produkto at makagawa ng mga pelikula na tumabo ng husto sa takilya. Si Alden ay nakabili na ng magandang bahay, mamahaling mga sasakyan at gamit, at may sarili nang restaurant, ang Concha’s na may dalawang sangay na. Naging in-demand din sila sa mga shows sa iba’t ibang bansa.

Bagama’t pahinga muna sila sa kalyeserye dahil abala sila sa kanilang bagong TV series,

mapapanood pa rin sila bilang co-hosts sa Eat Bulaga. Bago magpasko, nag-taping sila ng ilang episodes kaya nagkaroon sila ng ilang araw na bakasyon upang makapiling ang kanilang mga pamilya sa araw ng pasko at bagong taon. Excited si Alden dahil ito ang unang pasko ng kanyang pamilya sa bago nilang bahay, at magkakaroon din siya ng oras na mabisita ang kanyang dalawang restaurants.

ANGEL, NASIRA DAW ANG BUHOK KAYA LAGING NAKA-WIG
Usap-usapan ang pagkasira daw ng buhok ni Angel Locsin dahil sa treatment na ginawa ng isang sikat na salon kaya daw lagi siyang naka-wig na mahaba at kulot na buhok. Nalalagas daw ang buhok niya at sari-saring ispekulasyon ang lumabas sa tunay na dahilan nito.

Hindi pa nagsasalita si Angel, pero kung sakaling kasalanan ito ng salon, siguradong mahaharap ito sa malaking problema, at masisira pa ang pangalan nito.

Chinese Horoscope: Covers Jan. 1-15, 2017

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
May nakabadyang kabiguan sa trabaho kung hindi magsisipag nang husto, at matututong makibagay sa mga kasamahan. Magsikap na mapaganda ang aura sa umaga pa lamang para gumaan ang loob ng mga tao sa paligid mo. Huwag kaligtaan na gampanan ang lahat ng responsibilidad para walang maisisi sa iyo. Sa pamilya, iwasan ang magbigay nang sobra at baka ikaw ang mawalan sa panahon ng pangangailangan.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Mahihirapang umusad sa trabaho kung hindi itutuon ang pansin sa ginagawa. Bawasan ang pagbababad sa social media at isipin kung paano aasenso, lalo na sa panahon ng taghirap. Hindi ka laging malakas at masigla sa bawat oras. Kapag inabot ng pangungulila, isipin lang lagi ang mga masasayang alaala ng nagdaan. Umiwas sa alinmang tukso, mula sa pag-ibig at sa pamimili ng hindi kailangan. Pagtuunan ng pansin ang pangangailangan ng kapamilya, ngunit huwag magbigay ng sobra. Alagaan muna ang sarili bago ang iba.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Mahaharap sa malaking gastusin kaya paglaanan ito. Gayunpaman, may idudulot ng mabuti ang paghihigpit ng sinturon dahil ang pinaglaanan ng pera ay yayabong, at mas malaki ang ibabalik na halaga sa tamang panahon. Sa mga wala pang asawa, maganda ang senyales para makilala na ang magiging ka partner sa habang buhay. Malungkot man ang iyong Pasko sa ngayon, hindi maglalaon ay makakatagpo na rin ng taong magmamahal sa iyo ng lubusan. Iwasan ang paglabas kapag maalimuom at baka magkasakit.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Maaring magkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan sa iyong boss. Huminahon at magpaliwanag nang husto at malaki ang pag-asa na magkakaintindihan din kayo at magkakaunawaan. Ingatan ang kalusugan at huwag magpadala sa dalamhati, lalo na ngayong panahon ng taglamig. Isipin lagi ang mga nakaraang masayang araw, at ituon ang pansin sa panahon na maari ka nang bumalik para makasama ang pamilya muli. Samantalahin ang panahon na nakakalibot nang buong laya sa araw ng iyong pahinga.
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 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Mag-ingat na hindi ka madala ng iyong mapusok na ugali dahil baka mawalan ka ng trabaho ng dahil dito. May panahon para ipaglaban ang iyong karapatan, at mayroon din para ibalanse ang lahat nang sa gayon ay hindi magsisi sa bandang huli. Mayroon kang malaking bagay na pagkakagastusan kaya magsimula nang mag-ipon. Laging ipaalala sa mga iniwang mahal sa buhay na hindi biro ang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa, at ang kinikita ay hindi ganoon kalaki para pagbigyan ang kanilang mga kapritso.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Pagsikapan na maging mas alerto sa mga darating na buwan at araw. Ang dati-rating maingat na paggalaw ay lagyan ng kaunting enerhiya para mahawa ang mga katrabaho, kasambahay at kagrupo. Mas maraming proyekto ang nangangailangan ng iyong pansin at tulong sa mga darating na buwan. Sa pamilya, iwasan ang magalit dahil walang idudulot na maganda ito, lalo na at wala ka naman sa tabi nila para matutukan sila sa lahat ng oras. Ang saili mo ang alagaan mo nang maigi dahil marami ang umaasa sa iyo.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Nakabadya ang pag-angat muli ng negosyong humina nang husto sa mga nagdaang buwan. May mga proyektong ilalapit sa iyo na magdaragdag ng dagdag kita. Iwasan ang malungkot at sumama ang loob ng dahil sa mga suwail na kaanak. Sila ang may problema at hindi ikaw. Ingatan lagi ang kalusugan dahil may nakabadyang sakit na hindi agad malulunasan. Lagi kang bibiyayaan dahil sa laki ng iyong puso at natural na kabaitan. Sa kabila nito, masama kang magalit kaya pagsikapan na laging maganda ang iyong disposisyon.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Maraming naiinggit na tao sa paligid mo. Iwasan sila para mas gumanda ang salubong ng bagong taon sa iyo. Mahusay kang magtrabaho bagamat madaling mainip at mawalan ng pasensiya. Humanap ng ibang pagkakalibangan para maiwasan ang pag-usbong ng ganitong ugali. Palaging isipin na ang tagumpay ay nakakamit lang ng mga masisipag at matitiyaga. Iwasan ang laging pag-iisip tungkol sa pag-ibig. May tamang panahon para diyan, at mayroon din sa trabaho at iba pang mahalalagang bagay.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Malaking kalungkutan ang bumabalot dahil sa pagkakasakit ng isang malapit sa puso. Bagamat mahirap ay magsikap ka na mapaganda ang iyong pananaw dahil kailangan ka para magbigay ng lakas sa iyong mahal sa buhay. Ituon ang isip sa trabaho at maganda ang idudulot nito. Sa ganitong paraan din ay mas madaling maaabot ang mga pangarap, hindi lang para sa iyo kundi para sa mga kapamilya. Alagaan ang iyong kalusugan dahil kailangan mong maging matatag para sa iba.

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Maraming malalaking pagbabago sa buhay ang nakabadya para sa iyo. Bagamat madadagdagan ng isa pang taon ang iyong edad, hindi ito magiging sagabal para mapanatiling masigla at masaya ang buhay. Maraming biyahe ang nakabadya para sa iyo. Pag-ipunan ang mga ito para lalong maging masaya ang paglilibot sa ibang lugar. Sa mga may-asawa at anak, magkahalong saya at lungkot ang kakaharapin, subalit laging isipin na ang lahat ng ito ay parte ng buhay. Sikaping maging masaya at laging positibo ang pananaw.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Nalilito ang maraming tao sa paiba-iba ng iyong isip. Mabait ka man at masipag, hindi naman alam ng mga tao sa paligid mo kung bigla na lang iiba ang ihip ng hangin at mababalewala ang mga iniwang pangako. Sikapin na paninindigan lagi ang iyong mga pangako. Sa mga may-asawa, laging pakaisipin na ang unawaan ang susi para sa pangmatagalang pagsasama. Hindi mainam na nahihiwalay sa mahal sa buhay, kaya dapat ay laging nasa isip ang pagiging maunawain at tapat.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Malalampasan ang mga pagsubok kung pagtutuunan ito ng pansin at hindi tatakasan. Kailagan mong maging matatag, hindi lang para sa iyo kundi pati sa mga kaanak na umaasa sa iyo. Ang pinakaaasam na biyahe o pasyal ay maaaring maranasan sa taong ito. Ingat, tipid, sipag ang kailangan lagi para umasenso at makamit ang mga pangarap. Ganito rin ang laging itanim sa isip ng mga kaanak para sabay-sabay kayong aangat.

Pamasko mula sa alaga

Hindi inaasahang makatanggap ng  DLSR camera si Vicky mula sa kanyang alaga nitong kapaskuhan na siyang nagpasaya sa kanya nang husto. Matagal na niya kasing pangarap ang magkaroon ng ganitong camera kaya pinag-iipunan niya dahil aabot ng $12,000 ang halaga nito, kasama ang mga lente.

Napayakap siya sa tuwa sa alaga na isa ng ganap na inhenyero ngayon.

Maliban sa camera ay nakatanggap din siya ng $3,000 cash mula sa mag-asawang amo. Sobra-sobrang gantimpala ang natanggap niya mula sa pamilyang pinagsilbihan na niya ng anim na taon.

Noong una ay hirap siya sa trabaho dahil lagi silang maraming mga bisita, at siya palagi ang nagluluto ng handa para sa kanila. Imbes magreklamo ay ginawa niyang hamon ang kanyang sitwasyon. Nag-aral siyang magluto ng iba-ibang ulam, at pati na mga meryenda na katulad ng cake at cookies, bagay na ikinatuwa ng kanyang mga amo, at ito na nga ang bunga.

Ang natanggap niyang biyaya ay ibinahagi sa kanyang Tatay at ang iba ay idinagdag sa kanyang ipon. Lalong tumibay ang kanyang pananalig na maging positibo lamang sa lahat ng trabahong ibibigay, madali man ito o mahirap, at tiyak na mapapalitan ng biyaya ang ginagawang pagsasakripisyo Si Vicky ay tubong Isabela, may mga anak at kasalukuyang naninilbihan sa Repulse Bay. – Marites Palma

Nagkagalit sa utang

Maganda ang naging pagkakaibigan nina Sheryl at Patty na iisa ang naging amo sa Mid-Levels. Dahil pareho silang nanggaling sa Kabisayaan ay naging matulungin at maunawain sila sa isa’t isa. Pareho silang nakaulit na ng kontrata sa kanilang among Intsik dahil mabait naman ito at maayos ang trato sa kanila.

Maging sa mga personal na suliranin ay nagkakaalaman at nagdadamayan sila.

Dahil sa matalik na pagkakaibigan nila ay buo ang tiwala ni Sheryl kay Patty. Kaya nang nalaman ni Patty na hihiram si Sheryl ng pera sa isang lender para sa kanyang kapatid noong Agosto 2013 ay nakiusap ito na isama na rin siya pag-utang.

Pumayag si Sheryl at nang nakuha niya ang hiram na  $40,000 ay pinaghatian nila iyon sa kasunduang maghati sila sa pagbabayad sa buwanang hulog na $3,236. Maayos na nakapagbayad sa umpisa ang bawat isa ngunit di nagtagal ay nagkaproblema na sa bayad si Patty, hanggang sa doon nagsimula ang alitan ng dalawa.

Nauwi pa iyon sa pagkakatanggal ni Sheryl sa trabaho. Gayunpaman, itinuloy niyang bayaran ang kanyang utang kahit nasa Pilipinas siya at walang trabaho, hanggang sa mahigit $16,000 na lang ang natitirang dapat namang bayaran ni Patty.

Kaso, hindi binayaran ni Patty ang kanyang utang, at dahil kay Sheryl nakapangalan ang utang ay siya ang hinahabol ng lending company. Samantala, hindi na niya nakukontak si Patty dahil naka-block na siya sa cellphone nito. Na-unfriend na rin siya sa Facebook.

Dahil lumagpas sa $120,000 ang di nababayarang utang ay tuluyang naubusan ng pasensiya si Sheryl at nagsampa kamakailan ng kaso laban kay Patty sa Small Claims Tribunal. Gayunpaman, hindi niya alam kung masisingil pa niya ang dating kaibigan. Si Sheryl ay isang single mother na taga-Antique. - VBL