Police dismiss Filipina’s assault complaint against employer

By Daisy CL Mandap

Hong Kong police have decided not to file charges against a local couple accused of assaulting their Filipino domestic worker, Ruth Ramos Daria, last April.

In a letter sent to Daria on June 22, the police thanked the Filipina for filing the complaint, but said: “The Police investigation has now finished and the evidence obtained in the investigation has been considered. At present there is insufficient evidence to prove any person has committed a crime. If in the future, any additional information becomes available to assist further investigation into this incident, the case will then be reviewed”.

The police decision dashed Daria’s hopes of filing a separate case for compensation for the injuries she claimed to have suffered as a result of being thrown out of her employer’s house in Tai Kok Tsui on Apr 3 following a dispute over a broken laundry hanger.

She had also hoped to find a new employer and process a new contract before leaving Hong Kong. Instead, her visa was extended only up to June 24, or two days after police informed her of their decision not to file charges.

Earlier, on May 19, Daria was paid a full month’s salary of $4,110 in lieu of notice in a settlement reached with her employer, Wong Wai-keung, at the Labour Department. The employer had initially refused to pay, saying he was not the one who terminated their contract.

But the Filipina insisted that she was effectively terminated because of the employer’s act of driving her away.

In a written statement she gave to police, Daria said that the alleged altercation happened shortly after she returned to her employer’s house at about 7:45pm that day after her day-off. As she was not given a key to the house, she had to wait until her employer and his wife and two children arrived at about 8pm to get in.

The employer’s wife reportedly got mad on seeing a broken laundry hanger. The row escalated when Daria denied causing a crack in the washing machine, which she said had been there from the time she started working for them.

The angry couple reportedly pushed Daria out of the house, but she tried to get back in as she did not have anything with her. When she tried to retrieve her handbag, a scuffle with the couple reportedly left Daria bruised.

The Filipina then called the police, then left after they finished investigating. She spent the night at her cousin’s boarding house in Mongkok.

The next day, Daria said she saw the bruises and scratches on her arms, and decided to seek help from the Philippine Consulate, which in turn advised her to  get a medical report, then file a complaint with the police.

PCG leads cultural show to mark 20th year of Handover

Performers take a bow to acknoiwledge the cheers from the audience.

By Daisy CL Mandap

It was a spectacle that may never be seen again in Hong Kong for awhile.

Nineteen groups from various ethnic minority groups put their best feet forward as they performed at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai on June 25 as part of celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s Handover to China.

The “Celebrate Colours” cultural extravaganza, which took all of eight months to put together, was organized by the Philippine Consulate in cooperation with International Social Service Hong Kong and the Hong Kong government.

Guest speaker, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung, said the show was part of a series events which the Hong Kong SAR coordinated with various groups to celebrate the Handover in line with the theme “Togetherness, Progress, Opportunity”.

“Togetherness is the lynchpin for progress. As a free and open society with various ethnic groups, Hong Kong upholds the principles of mutual respect and inclusiveness,” Cheung said.

He paid tribute to the 200,000 people from ethnic minority groups who have made Hong Kong their permanent home, as well as the more than 300,000 foreign domestic workers who he said, have helped tens of thousands of families in the city.

“We are truly and deeply appreciative of their sterling contribution and important socio-economic roles here,” said Cheung, who served as labor secretary in the previous administration.

Consul General Bernardita Catalla also paid homage to the migrant workers, saying they were the ones who conceptualized, produced and directed the cultural show, and performed in it as well.

“This afternoon, hundreds of them have come together and out, beyond their own circles and squares, bridges and parks of Hong Kong to present to all of you their talent, and share their colorful, precious and caring customs and traditions in a two-hour program aimed to serve as a gift and a joint bridge to strengthen understanding and unity,” said Congen Catalla.

She also thanked Hong Kong people for “welcoming us to work, live, love, and build and fulfill our dreams in our beloved Hong Kong, our home for now”.

ISS HK’s chairman, C.P. Ho, called on the Hong Kong government and the various consulates to work with his organization in bringing about a “brighter and more fruitful future” for the territory.

Following the opening ceremony, a musical number, “Hong Kong is Home”, was performed, and was immediately followed by the dance performances, each introduced only by the lighted sign in the backdrop.

A hands-down favorite among the performances was the blindfolded tinikling by two dancers of the Tinikling Group of Migrants, which also did an energetic “sayaw sa bangko” in the same loop.

For sheer spectacle, however, the Masskara by the One Negros group was the all-around winner. Not only did the performers wear the most colorful costumes and eye-catching masks, they also made full use of the stage lights to enhance their performance.

Also dazzling was the martial arts number presented by young members of the Hong Kong Wushu Union. They impressed not only with their agility, but also with their grace and fluidity of movements.

The first to earn a spontaneous applause from the crowd were, however, the dancers of La Union Federation, who surprised and delighted everyone when they formed enchanting blooms with their hand-held twigs of mock “kakawati” flowers.

Visually riveting was the “singkil” by the National Organization of Professional Teachers. Their dancers dazzled not just with their colorful and shiny costumes but also the intricacy of their dance steps and movements.

Also getting their fair share of hearty applause from the audience were the all-Filipino  Superstar Singers who sang with equal aplomb Indonesian, English, Filipino and Chinese songs.

The other performers proved to be worthy of having been selected to take part in the event, out of several groups that tried to pass the muster of judges selected by the Philippine Consulate General.

With financial subsidy from the three big corporate sponsors of the event, all the performing groups turned up in uniquely designed and dazzling costumes, which they matched with precise and synchronized steps.

The other performers were The Children of H.O.P.E., which did “Aray” and “Fusion Dance,” Teens Sport and Dance Centre, which did Chinese Folk Dance; Visayas Alliance with “Tiklos”; Sangar Budaya with “Yapong” (Indonesia); Isabela Federation with “La Jota Isabela;” Punjabi Bhangra Hong Kong with “Bhangra” (India); Sri Lanka Association in HK with Fusion Dance;  Thai Migrant Workers Union HK with “Ram Phutai”; South Cotabato Workers Association with “B’laan”; Benguet Federation with “Bendian”; The Luzon Alliance International with “Polka Sa Nayon”; Abante Cagayanos HK with “Ati-Atihan”; and One Visayas with “Sinulog”;

Nagsisisi na walang naka-relasyon

Sa loob ng halos tatlong dekada ay ibinuhos ni Laila ang oras sa pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa para matulungan ang pamilyang iniwan sa Pilipinas, kaya hindi na siya nakapag-asawa. Ang unang 12 taon ay ginugol niya sa Singapore, bago siya nagpasya na lumipat sa Hong Kong. Sa kasalukuyan ay 14 taon na siya sa among Intsik, at siya na ang nagpalaki sa anak nito na nasa UK na ngayon at nag-aaral.

Unti-unti nang nararamdaman ni Laila ang bigat ng paninilbihan sa maraming taon na nagdaan, kaya nagpaplano na siya para sa kanyang napipintong pagbabalik sa Pilipinas. Ang balak niya ay bumili ng kalabaw at ipaalaga ito sa isang kapatid, at sakaling manganak ito ay ipapasa na naman sa susunod nilang kapatid, hanggang ang lahat ay magkaroon na ng kanya-kanyang alagaing hayop.

Naghahanda na rin siya sa kanyang pag-uwi na nag-iisa.

Si Laila na isang Ilongga ay hindi man lang nakaranas na magmahal at magkaroon ng karelasyon na magmamahal din sa kanya. Kung minsan ay naawa siya sa sarili at nagsisisi dahil hindi siya nag-isip magka nobyo man lang, pero sa tantaya niya ay huli na ang lahat dahil lampas 50 anyos na siya.

Ayaw naman niyang pumasok sa isang relasyon dahil lang nalulungkot siya. – Merly Bunda  

What's on where?

Free Medical and Dental Examination
(6th Annual Community Health Fair)
Available only for foreign domestic workers
July 2, 10am-4pm
Venue: Sam Yuk School Building, 14 Sycamore, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
(Prince Edward MTR, exit C2)
Organizer: HK Adventist Hospital
*Two dentists and three doctors will provide health counseling.
*Two free seminars:
11am: “How to prevent Women’s Cancers”
1pm: “Silent Killer, Cardiovascular Disease”
To reserve your place, contact Daniel Seo at 9017 5774/ 2808 0855

Raise the Roof V: Fiesta sa Bayanihan! 
(A celebration showcasing Filipino music, dances, spoken word, games, and many more)
July 15 (Saturday), 2pm-5:30pm
Bayanihan Centre, 55 Victoria Rd, Kennedy Town
Organizer: Section Juan
Tickets are priced:
Adults: $100; Teen $70; Children (up to 12 yo), $50 and Barkada Package: $360 for 4 adults
Guests are each requested to bring a pre-loved book

Calling all Filipino guitar players in Hong Kong:
Be part of Hong Kong’s history. Join the Grand Guitar Jamming to be held at Tamar Park, Admiralty, on July 1, the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Handover to China, a statutory holiday.
All guitarists will play the song, “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar.
Please wear black shirts and maong pants, or you may buy the “Guitar I’ve Been There” shirt from the organizers.
For queries, please call Frederick at 6971 1992. See you all!

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

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

Attention: Migrants with medical background
The Philippines Nurses in Hong Kong is inviting those with medical training or background (nurses, nursing graduates, caregivers or those who attended 1-day elderly care training seminar) to join our seminar on  Elderly and Dementia Care on July 2, 9 and 16  at the POLO Conference Room, 11th Floor, Tower 1, Admiralty Centre. For more information please contact Ms. Maybelle P. Frianeza at 28660640 or send a message at Philippine Nurses in Hong Kong Facebook Page.

Health checks for FDWs
Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project will conduct the following 2-day “Health Concern” programs for foreign domestic workers:
Day 1: Body check on Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, glucose, musculoskeletal assessment & level stress. Schedule: 10 September 2017, 14:00 - 17:00; Day 2: 17 September 2017, 14:30 - 16:30
Day 2: Result Explanation & Community Resource for Follow up (Medium of Language: English & Indonesia). Schedule: Day 1: 23 September 2017, 14:00 - 17:00; Day 2: 30 September 2017 , 14:30 - 16:30
Fee: $20 for 2-day program, including test and handout (reservation is needed). Venue    : Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F. , No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong.
Contact: Sisca at 2147-5988.

Caritas: Occupational Health & Safety Workshop
July 5- August 5, 2017 (5 consecutive Saturdays). Fee: $20
Time : 2.15 p.m.- 4.30 p.m. ( 2.45 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. on 22 July 2017). Venue  : Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F., No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong. Content: Occupational sickness, physical health, mental health, pain management, employment rights, protection and community resources. Enquiries: 2147-5988

Masuwerte ba ang July para sa iyo?

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Marami kang magagandang ideya na sayang lang kung hindi mo gagamitin dahil makakatulong ito upang gumanda ang pamumuhay. Mag-ingat ng husto sa mga gastusin, at pakaiwasan ang mangutang. Ingatan ang lalamunan. Hingan ng tulong ang mga kilala mong mahuhusay magtrabaho upang maisagawa ang gusto mo, at matupad ang ambisyon. Lucky numbers: 7,15,22 at 31.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Masyado mong pinahihirapan ang katawan mo ngayon kaya nababawasan ang kalidad ng trabaho. Madali ka ring maniwala agad sa mga sinasabi ng grupong humihikayat sa iyo tungkol sa mga bagay na ispiritwal. Isang aksidenteng pagkikita ang magdadala sa iyo ng saya. Huwag pabigla-bigla sa gastusin, hingin ang opinyon ng asawa pagdating sa pera ng pamilya. Lucky numbers: 19, 25, 35 at 37.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Magiging mabuting kaibigan ang bagong kakilala. Mag-ingat at mag-isip mabuti bago maniwala o makisali sa anumang grupo. Desidido kang sundin ang balak mo upang mapaghandaan ang magandang kinabukasan mo. Maganda ang pagsasama, at may tsansa kang ayusin ang anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan. Sundin ang intuisyon ngayon. Lucky numbers: 16, 17, 23 at 39.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96
Makulimlim ang pananaw mo sa bagay-bagay ngayon, kaya hindi ka nakakain at nakakatulog ng maayos. Mag isip-isip ka! Panahon na upang ayusin ang pananalapi. May pagtatalo at away sa pagsasama ngayon, pero mas marami pa rin kayong bagay na napapagkasunduan. Maayos at mabilis kang mag-isip kaya naiiwasan ang anumang hindi pagkakaintindihan sa trabaho at sa ibang bagay. Lucky numbers:12, 15, 36 at 38.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97
Magiging abala ka sa love life. Magiging tensyonado ang relasyon sa pamilya, pero huwag mag-alala dahil posibleng makakakita agad ng solusyon. Mag-ingat sa pagiging makakalimutin dahil magdudulot ito ng problema. Upang hindi lumala ang problema sa pagdumi, kumunsulta sa doktor. Lucky numbers:20, 21, 33 at 45.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98
Magtatagumpay ka sa napili mong trabaho, pero mag-ingat sa mga maiingggit sa iyo, na maaaring isa sa mga kaaway o kaibigan mo. Iwasan ang mga pagkaing ipinagbabawal sa iyo upang mapababa ang cholesterol level. Abalahin ang sarili sa intelektwal na bagay gaya ng pagbabasa, at palawakin ang kalaman sa iba’t ibang bagay. Mag-ingat na magkaroon ng relasyon sa katrabaho na maaring ikasira. Lucky numbers: 11, 27, 29 at 35.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87
Makakatagpo ka ng taong magpapasaya sa iyong puso. Pipilitin mong gumawa at masunod ang plano tungkol sa maayos na paghawak ng pera, at agad mong makikita ang magandang resulta. Dahil sa pagwawalang bahala, magiging magulo ang kalagayan ng pamilya. Ang buhok na walang sigla at marupok na mga kuko ay senyales ng kakulangan sa vitamin A, dagdagan ang pagkain ng carrots, spinach, sitaw, kalabasa at atay ng baboy. Lucky numbers: 5, 18, 26 at 41.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88
Humihina ng resistensya mo, kailangang maghinay-hinay ka sa trabaho at dagdagan ang pahinga. Anuman ang kalagayan ng relasyon, hindi ka gaanong masisiyahan ngayon. Magagamit mo ang intuisyon upang malutas ang bagay na matagal nang bumabagabag sa iyo. Maganda ang resulta ng trabaho dahil sa sipag at sigla mo. Panahon na upang subukang i-invest ang pera mo at mapangalagaan ito. Lucky numbers: 14, 21,33 at 44.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89
Kung walang karelasyon, sigurado pa ring marami kang tagahanga. Piliting makita ang magandang bahagi ng mga bagay at mga benepisyong natanggap mo sa buhay. Problemado man sa pera, huwag mong pahirapan ng husto ang sarili! Kailangan mo ng tamang pagkain at exercise. Sa trabaho, mas mainam na magkaroon ng sistema at huwag madaliin ang lahat. Lucky numbers: 6, 10, 13 at 42.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Madali kang mataranta, kumalma lang at alamin muna ang sitwasyon bago magalit o kumilos ng hindi tama. Sa trabaho, makikita na ang positibong resulta ng pinaghirapan. Mag-ingat para huwag malito at magkamali kung ano ang Lucky numbers: 12, 19, 25 at 39.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91
Labanan ang labis na pagkahilig sa pagkain dahil kung hindi, baka magkaroon ng problema sa kalusugan. Huwag ipagsabi ang nalalaman o problema kung ayaw mong maging tampulan ng tsismis at masira ang reputasyon. Magpapakita ka ng kabaitan sa mga tao sa paligid mo. Hirap kang kontrolin ang sarili sa pamimili ng bawa’t magustuhan, kaya huwag magtaka kung kapos ka sa katapusan ng buwan. Lucky numbers: 22, 26,31 at 44.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Mag-ingat sa taong pilit haharangin ang iyong daraanan. Isantabi muna ang mga dating gawi at subukang makikilala ng mga bagong mukha. Hindi ito ang tamang panahon para sa pinansyal na transaksyon o pagbili ng bahay at lupa. Bantayan ang kalusugan. Sundin ang pangarap mo at huwag susuko sa mga darating na pagsubok. Lucky numbers: 9, 15, 23 at 31.

Sapilitang bakasyon

Dalawang Pilipina ang sapilitan diumanong pinauuwi ng kani-kanilang mga amo dahil gusto ng mga ito na umalis ng Hong Kong, at ayaw magbayad ng sahod habang wala sila.

Sa kaso ni Rosal, pilit daw siyang pinauuwi ng kanyang amo sa darating na Agosto para sa isang linggong bakasyon. Nakatakda kasing mangibang bansa ang amo at gusto nitong umalis din ang kasambahay.

Ang siste, ikakaltas daw sa sahod ni Rosal ang halagang katumbas ng isang linggong bakasyon, at pati na ang pinambayad sa tiket niya pauwi. Naubos na kasi niya ang kanyang annual leave.

Mas malala naman ang problema ni Danielle dahil ang gusto ng kanyang amo ay umuwi muna siya ng dalawang buwan habang ito ay nagbabakasyon, pero hindi siya pasasahurin.

Agad naman silang sinabihan ng napagtanungan na hindi maari ang ganitong usapan. Hindi maaring pilitin ang isang katulong na magbakasyon ng walang bayad dahil lang gustong umalis ng amo. Nasa sa kasambahay na iyon kung papayag siyang magbakasyon, pero hindi puwedeng sapilitan, lalo na at babawasan ang kanyang suweldo, at siya din ang sasagot sa pamasahe.

Sinabihan silang pumunta sa Philippine Overseas Labor Office para humingi ng tulong at baka maaari pang paliwanagan ang kani-kanilang amo tungkol sa mga karapatan ng isang kasambahay na dayuhan.

Agad namang sumunod si Rosal sa suhestiyon, pero si Danielle ay sumuko na, at binigyan ng isang buwang pasabi ang amo na aalis na siya.

Pero panibagong problema na naman ang kinaharap niya dahil ayaw tanggapin ng kanyang amo ang kanyang desisyon na putulin na ang kanilang kontrata, lalo at nakatakda itong umalis.

Sinabihan ulit si Danielle ng napagtanungan na humingi ng tulong sa POLO at bigyan ng kopya ang Immigration ng kanyang sulat na pinuputol na niya ang kanyang kontrata. Hindi na maaaring tutulan iyon ng amo karapatan niya iyon. – DCLM

Long-running ROA case to be heard anew

By Daisy CL Mandap

Two cases centred on whether a non-resident guardian of a minor child with right of abode in Hong Kong could be allowed to remain in the territory is due to come before the Court of Appeal again on July 10.

Solicitors for both sides appeared at the Court of Appeal early in June on an application by the applicants for leave to submit fresh evidence. The application was, however, denied by CA’s Vice President Vincent Lam and Justice Jeremy Poon on June 28.

The first case dates to as far back as 2007, when Milagros Tecson Comilang, a former domestic helper, sought leave for a judicial review against the Immigration Director’s decision rejecting her application to remain in Hong Kong and look after her then one-year old daughter, Zahrah Noor Ahmed.

The second was filed by Desiree Rante Luis, also a former domestic helper, who likewise seeks to remain in Hong Kong to look after her three children, David John, now 15 years old; Carl Benz, 13; and Mark Joely, 6.

In the first case, Zahrah, now 11, was born after Comilang and Pakistani permanent resident Shaker Ahmed were married in 2005. The girl was born pending the approval of Shaker’s application for a dependant’s visa for Comilang. Shortly afterward, Comilang learned that Shaker was already married, and the marriage broke down.

Comilang eventually filed an application for judicial review with the High Court in April 2011 against the Director’s decisions since 2007 to refuse her application for extensions of stay. The CA remitted the case to the Director for fresh considerations.

However, on Sept 2, 2013 the Director again refused Comilang's application, saying there were no exceptional circumstances to justify an exercise of discretion on humanitarian or compassionate ground.

Comilang’s solicitors referred the case back to the CA with an application for leave for judicial review, which was granted in June 2014.

In the second case, Desiree Luis gave birth to the three children in Hong Kong while married to someone referred to in earlier court documents only as “Mr Luis.” All children have studied in Hong Kong since birth and were under Mrs Luis’ care.

Between 2006 and 2011, Mrs Luis shuttled between Hong Kong and the Philippines 24 times, and on each occasion, was granted extensions of stay in Hong Kong. But on Jan. 26, 2012, the Immigration Director refused her application for extension of stay to look after her minor children. She then overstayed, but the Director “tolerated” her presence as shown by several letters issued periodically.

With help from solicitors, she again applied for permission to remain on May 6, 2013, but this was refused by the Director on July 26 that same year, saying he did not find the application in line with immigration policy. He also did not find any grounds to justify the application on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

In May 2014, Mrs Luis again applied for leave for judicial review, and the same was granted two months later.

The High Court, through Justice Thomas Au, heard both cases over three days in December 2014. More than a year later, he dismissed anew the application to review the Director’s decision, and dismissed all applications to grant extension of time to the applicants.

Justice Au also ruled that his order should become absolute 28 days after the decision was handed down.

Both cases were again raised to the Court of Appeal, where they will be heard over 5 days from July 10.

New OFW IDs out soon, Bello says

Sec Bello speaks during a visit in HK

The new identification card for overseas Filipino workers is set to be launched by the Department of Labor and Employment on July 12, and could be issued as early as the end of the month. This was according to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III during a briefing at Malacanang earlier today, July 4.

He said the new ID called iDOLE (ID of DoLE) will be given free to all OFWs registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

"All we need is iyong inventory of all the bonafide OFWs on the basis of which our POEA, in conjunction with the Department of Labor, will start processing the IDs," he said.

However, he did not give a definite date for its issuance, only saying in a separate video interview that the distribution could begin by the end of the month.

Bello also announced a plan to make the iDOLE serve as the worker’s passport and said DoLE is now talking with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice regarding this.

He did not give other details, but the scheme could be similar to the one adopted in places like Hong Kong and Singapore where residents are allowed to get in and out of their territories by simply swiping their national IDs at designated entry and exit points. However, passports are still required of foreign nationals entering other countries abroad.

As announced earlier, the ID will replace the overseas employment certificate or OEC, which has long caused problems for OFWs especially in places like Hong Kong where tens of thousands of workers go home at the same time during peak vacation periods.

The OEC was supposed to have been scrapped was early as August last year in line with a new POEA circular; instead applicants were required to obtain an exemption certificate through the Balik Manggagawa Online (BMOnline) system, which led to longer queues.

The new ID could also be used to transact with other government agencies like the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or Philhealth.

 “This is the best gift of our President to OFWs,” said the labor secretary.

Bello also said that another promise made by President Rodrigo Duterte during his dialogue with members of the Filipinos community in Hong Kong last May 13 would be fulfilled later this year.

Citing a statement from Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, Bello said the OFW bank will be launched in October this year. 

But in an interview with reporters during his Hong Kong visit, President Duterte himself said that the October deadline was “difficult” as the OFW Bank could not be set up through an executive order, by through a law passed by Congress.

The government’s plan is to convert the state-owned Postal Bank into a financial institution for OFWs. A Postal Bank officer said the government needs to infuse between Php2 billion to Php3 billion to implement the plan.

Also in the pipeline is the creation of a separate government department to handle the concerns of Filipino workers abroad.

There are about 2.4 million Filipino migrant workers worldwide. Remittances sent home through banks by OFWs hit a record $26.9 billion in 2016 from $25.61 billion during the previous year. – sunwebhk.com

Filipino driver 'hangs self' over family problem

The victim was found hanging from the ceiling of his room, an apparent suicide

(Updated)
By Vir B. Lumicao

A 34-year-old Filipino driver was reportedly found dead hanging from the ceiling of his room at his employer's luxury home in Deep Water Bay, early this morning, July 3.

A police spokesman said the body of the victim was discovered by a fellow male domestic helper,(apparently his brother), at 7:42 am inside the house on Deepwater Bay Road.

No suicide note was found.

An officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section identified the victim as V. Pedroso, married with two children, and a native of Batad, Iloilo.

The officer said ATN was informed of the incident by Pedroso’s brother, who also works as a driver for the same Chinese employer as the victim.

The brother reportedly mentioned that Pedroso had been depressed by a family problem.

His family has already been informed while his brother is doing the paperwork for the repatriation of the victim’s remains and the benefits due his family from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

The body of the victim was taken to Victoria Public Mortuary in Kennedy Town where it will be autopsied. Police are still investigating. - with a report by Merly Bunda

PAHK raises $260k for charity from annual ball

PAHK Chairman Rex Aguado leads officers and guests in a toast during the charity night.

By Daisy CL Mandap

The Philippine Association of Hong Kong, the biggest group of Filipino professionals and business people in Hong Kong, raised a total of $260,000 for charity from its annual Philippine Independence Day Ball held at the Conrad on June 17.

This was according to PAHK chair, journalist Rex Aguado, who said the money will go to various charities, including the Bayanihan Centre, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge and Wim and Leila Rispers (Wimler) Foundation.

Part of the proceeds of the “Swingaround” event which was co-sponsored with Philippine Airlines will also go to the PAHK-Aral educational fund, a project with Wimler.

“We are ‘adopting’ a class of B’laan school kids in Narangay Lampagang, Tulunan in Cotabato by buying them shoes, school bags, books, notebooks, other school supplies under the re-focused PAHK-Aral educational fund for poor children in remote areas,” said Aguado.

In his speech at the Ball, Aguado focused on the importance of education and good values in nation building when he quoted national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal: “Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?”

He also deflected complaints from some about the relatively pricey tickets to the event - $2,000 each for the VIP seats and $1,500 for others – assuring everyone that the social event was for a good cause.

Standing in place of guest speaker Consul General Bernardita Catalla who was reportedly taken ill shortly before the event was her deputy, Roderick Atienza.

In Catalla’s written speech which Atienza read, the Philippines’ top diplomat bid farewell to members and guests of PAHK, as she is set to take up her new post as Ambassador to Lebanon by August this year.

She said the “Swingaround” concept jibed with the familiarization tours that the Consulate had been doing to promote the country.

She also thanked Aguado and the PAHK for organizing tours and business meetings that focused on the province of Iloilo as a destination for Hong Kong people, and called on the community to work together to help sustain the Philippines’ economic growth.

In keeping with tradition, the 58-year-old PAHK organized a Sunday show for migrant domestic workers at Edinburgh Place in Central the next day, where the featured performers were a group called BoyBandPH. The Ball was topbilled by singers Morisette Anon and Johna.

Walang habag na pinababa ng amo

Umiiyak na nagkuwento ang isang Pilipina na sapilitan diumanong pinababa ng amo niya mula sa bahay nito sa Tuen Mun sa kasagsagan ng typhoon signal no 8 noong Hunyo 12.

Binayaran naman siya ng kaukulang halaga, pero dahil wala nang bumibiyaheng sasakyan ay napilitan siyang nagpalipas ng gabi sa bus terminal. “Umiiyak ako sa pagkahabag sa aking sarili,” sabi ng Pinay na nakadalawang kontrata sa una niyang amo, at walong buwan sa masungit na pangalawa bago siya biglaang pinalayas.

Gutom na gutom pa raw siya ng mga panahong iyon pero ayaw niyang iwanan ang mga gamit niya kaya hindi na siya nahiyang nagpabili ng pagkain sa isang Intsik na nakasabay niyang sumilong sa bus terminal. Mabuti naman daw at mabait yung Intsik kaya pinagbigyan siya.

Pangatlo na siya sa mga kasambahay na biglaang pinapaalis ng walang habag na amo dahil lang daw hindi kontento sa kanilang trabaho.

Ang ikinasasama pa ng loob niya ay hindi daw sinagot ang message na pinadala niya sa Facebook page ng Konsulado para magtanong kung ano ang dapat niyang gawin.

Dahil may cyst siya sa ovary ay nagpasya siyang umuwi na muna sa kanilang bahay sa Pangasinan para magpagaling at doon na mag-aplay muli para makabalik sa Hong Kong. Siya ay may asawa at dalawang anak na 21 at 15 taong gulang. – Marites Palma

Domestic workers kept out of minimum hours bill

By Daisy CL Mandap

AMCB's Eman Villanueva addresses the Legco manpower panel hearing

Foreign domestic workers have lashed back at the Hong Kong government’s plan to exclude them from a proposed new legislation on minimum working hours, meaning they will not be entitled to mandatory overtime pay.

Eman Villanueva, spokesman for the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, called the proposal unfair and discriminatory.

“This proves that the government is promoting slavery in Hong Kong. We have already been excluded from the Minimum Wage Ordinance and now we are excluded again,” Villanueva said.

Under the proposal, the mandatory payment for overtime will apply only to those earning no less than $11,000 a month. Specifically excluded are those not covered by the Minimum Wage Ordinance or the Employment Ordinance, such as migrant domestic workers. The excluded workers can only expect to get extra pay if their employment contracts provide for such.

Asked about the exclusion, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung reportedly said it was because “most employers are friendly”.

The statement by the outgoing labor and manpower chief further fueled the hostility of migrant worker leaders.

Indonesian migrant worker Sring Atin said in a Facebook post: “The most ridiculous argument ever. Since when did “friendliness” become a standard for labour rights?

Now we know why modern-day slavery is alive and well in Hong Kong. Its like saying ‘F*** the international labour standards, what we all need are good employers’.

 At the Legco manpower panel hearing on June 21, the proposal met widespread disapproval from nearly all groups asked to make a presentation, including local trade unions. They said it would only legalize long working hours, and threatened a boycott.

AMCB, which was among those invited to make a presentation, said in its statement: “We believe that FDWs are workers, and as such, any labor regulation that is aimed to apply to all workers must also be made applicable to FDWs. Regulation on working hours is a needed policy on all members of the labor sector.”

AMCB, along with most migrant support organizations, have long called for regulation to ensure FDWs are given enough time to rest and sleep. Studies conducted regularly by its aligned organization, the Mission for Migrant Workers, show that FDWs work 16 hours daily on average.

AMCB said the government’s mandatory live-in policy also made it imperative to include FDWs in the legislation, as it gave employers reason to expect their maids to be at their beck and call at any time of the day.

In an effort to soften the backlash, Chief Secretary Cheung said the $11,000 monthly income threshold will be reviewed before it is implemented.

The former labour and welfare chief said there was a need to also consider employers’ ability to absorb the cost of paying for overtime work.

The Executive Council passed the proposal on June 16, with outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying being reported as saying he wants a bill ready by the middle of next year, for implementation by the end of 2020 or early 2021.

Jail terms, hefty fines eyed vs. rogue agencies

By Daisy CL Mandap

Emry's has been one of the biggest cases.

The government has proposed to criminalize the offences of overcharging job seekers and running unlicensed employment agencies. On top of a possible jail term, the maximum fine for violators will also be raised seven-fold.

The proposals are contained in the Employment (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2017 which was gazetted on June 16 and tabled for debate at the Legislative Council on June 28.

Under the proposed amendment, the maximum penalty for the two offences will be a fine of $350,000 (from the present $50,000) and imprisonment for up to three years.

A government press statement said, “The Labour Department said the bill will better protect job seekers, especially foreign domestic helpers who come to Hong Kong to work for the first time”.

It added, “The bill will also provide a stronger deterrent to employment malpractices.”

Migrant workers welcomed the proposed legislative amendment, but said there should be also be a stricter enforcement of the law.

“Fines are not enough. Imprisonment should be imposed on those committing this serious offense,” said Eman Villanueva, secretary general of United Filipinos – Migrante Hong Kong.

He said his group had long lobbied for the criminalization of overcharging and collection of illegal fees by agencies, as this seemed to be the only way to ensure that they followed the law.

Other migrant support organizations have long echoed the call, backed up by data that showed the wide extent of the problem of overcharging and carrying out illicit recruitment activities.

One of these, the Mission for Migrant Workers, has consistently published surveys showing gross agency violations, topped by excessive fee collection. In its latest report released in April, the Mission found that only 4% of the helpers paid the legal fee of 10% of their first monthly salary, which under current pay levels, should not be more than $431. More than half of those surveyed said they paid between $5,000 and $10,000 while an alarming 21% were charged more than $15,000.

Last month, a group from the University of Hong Kong calling itself “Students Against Fees and Exploitation” unveiled the results of a seven-month undercover work targeting employment agencies. Their study revealed that more than 70% of employment agencies charge domestic workers excessive fees.

Despite the apparent magnitude of the problem, only a handful of employment agencies are prosecuted by the Labour Department. In the first six months of this year, only three agencies were taken to court, and for the whole of last year, only eight prosecutions were carried out.

The maximum penalty imposed by the court in these cases was a fine of $30,000, by far a significant amount compared with those imposed on other violators in recent years.

The head of Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies, Thomas Chan, said his group welcomed the government’s new initiatives, but thinks there are other violations that should also be addressed.

“As an association for accredited agencies, we always promote fair treatment to workers and employers as well. We encourage our members to follow the rules and regulations of HK government regarding so called placement fee,” Chan said.

However, he said his group thinks the government is not focusing on the whole picture, but only on certain issues like overcharging.

He suggested that stricter penalties be imposed also on “sub-agents” who use the names or “chops” of agencies accredited with the consulates in committing violations.

The government’s initiative follows the introduction of a non-binding code of conduct for agencies in January.

The code spells out the minimum standards required of licensees, including transparency in their business operation, drawing up service agreements with job seekers and employers, issuing receipts, and staying out of workers’ financial activities, including taking out loans.

The government warned of taking tougher actions if no improvements are seen within two years after the code was issued.

Cayetano says 10-year passport will be cheaper for OFWs

by Vir B. Lumicao

Cayetano promises Filipinos in HK that the new 10-year passport will be 'cheaper, faster' for OFWs

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has said that the new Philippine passport with 10-year validity will be made available to overseas Filipino workers “cheaper and faster”.

Cayetano made the statement during a public forum at the Consulate on July 2, a day after attending the 20^th anniversary celebration of Hong Kong’s Handover to China.

Addressing about 250 Filipino community leaders at the meeting, Cayetano brushed aside earlier reports attributed to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the new passport will cost double the current fee of $480 (US$60).

However, he did not disclose the exact intended cost, saying it was still under negotiation.

The bill extending the validity of Philippine passports from five to 10 years was ratified by both houses of Congress on May 16, and is now with the Office of the President for signing before it becomes law. The new passports will be issued after the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the new law take effect.

About 250 Filcom leaders attended the forum

Cayetano said the new passports will come with a smart cart where the details of the holder are embedded. They can thus be renewed without the holder going through the same application process, except if they are under 18 years old. The passport validity for this age group will still be five years.

Cayetano brought along with him two additional data-capture machines which he said would speed up the Consulate’s processing of passport applications. Currently, the Consulate has four such machines, which can process a maximum of 220 applications on Sundays, the busiest day of the week.

Responding to complaints about the offloading at Philippine airports of many OFW family members planning to visit Hong Kong, Cayetano said he would take up the issue with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre the next day, Monday.

No deal with Maute, says Palace

The Duterte administration has hardened its stand on the Islamist-inspired militants in Marawi City, with presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella vowing that no deal will be struck with the group.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants, who tried to control Marawi City on May 23,  earlier laid down a condition to release Catholic priest Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob in exchange for the freedom of the extremists’ parents and relatives in government custody.

“The government’s policy is not to negotiate with terrorists,” Abella asserted during a press briefing at Malacanang. Government authorities earlier captured in separate operations the Maute patriarch Cayamora one June 7 and the matriarch Ominta Farhana on June 9.

After five weeks of fighting, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed confidence that offensive operations will soon be over and victory will be at hand.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman for Task Force Marawi, said government troops are focused and will accomplish their mission to retake Marawi City. “Troop morale remains very high and we appeal to everyone to continue to support and pray for our troops. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning and that victory is irreversible,” Herrera said.

Militant-held areas are continuing to grow smaller as government security forces advance into the city, he said.

“Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy-held positions as evidenced by the recovery of cadavers of terrorists and their firearms, computers and peripherals as well as communication equipment and accessories,” Herrera said.

But he admitted that government forces are still facing challenges in their clearing operations. The ISIS-inspired local terror group has planted improvised bombs in houses and buildings they are ready to set fire to once government forces come near.

Still, indications are that government forces are gaining ground.

Islamist militants still entrenched in Marawi have beheaded several individuals, the military spokesman said, citing accounts of rescued civilians. But so far, the military has not recovered any decapitated body.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, said the Islamic State-inspired Maute militants had executed Christians, based on the information provided by individuals who had been rescued or who escaped from the militant stronghold at the heart of the city.

Padilla said their assessment was based on survivor accounts as well as on the videos posted by the militants on the websites of their sympathizers.

However, when asked if they had recovered any body whose head had been severed to serve as proof that beheadings really transpired, Padilla said: “Opo, wala pa po tayong nare-recover bagamat maaaring ginawa ito sa lugar na pinagkukutaan nila na sa ngayon ay hindi pa natin napapasok.”

Padilla said the beheading did not just happen at the beginning of the conflict but has been continuing up to now, according to those who have escaped. “Tama po ‘yung impormasyong nakuha natin. ‘Yan po ay naging parte ng simula ng pagkakaroon ng bakbakan diyan. Napakadami na rin pong impormasyon dahil lahat po ng kanilang nahuhuli at nakikita nilang mga Kristyano ay ine-execute nila,” Padilla said in a news briefing.

“Ngayon ito naman pong nare-rescue nating mga kababayan natin sa loob at ‘yung ilang nakakatakas, ganyan na rin po ‘yung binigay na feedback. Kaya malaki po ang pruweba na hindi lang po nung simula nila ginawa ito kung hindi patuloy pa rin hanggang sa ngayon,” he added.

Padilla said that based on the information from the local government there were still around 500 civilians trapped in the heart of the city, where the clashes have been the most intense.

Earlier, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson of the Joint Task Force Marawi, said only around 100 to 200 individuals were trapped or being held hostage by the Maute rebels.

Herrera had reported that rescue operations had freed around 1,704 civilians taken hostage or caught in the hostilities.

OPM icon Bamboo rocks HK

By William Elvin 

In simple and unassuming black shirt and jeans, Bamboo Mañalac and his touring band electrified Halls 5F-G of the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre with sheer undeniable musical talent. The expo halls were packed on June 4, Sunday, with adoring Filipino fans who expected nothing less than a rocking afternoon, and they were not disappointed.

The solid two-hour concert – dubbed as “Noypi” - opened with a few tracks from his 2015 album “Bless This Mess”, which included the singles “Firepower”, “Nothing Like You”, and “Call”.

The string of energetic, albeit lesser-known songs eased the crowd into a set of indelible OPM classics such as “Himala”, “214”, and “Awit ng Kabataan”, originally performed by Bamboo as the original frontman of pop-rock legends Rivermaya.

Also featured in his performance was a rock version of the early 90s hip-hop hit “Ice, Ice, Baby” by Vanilla Ice. Later in the afternoon, he also churned out a cover of Kendrick Lemar’s modern hit entitled “I”, as well as the Michael Jackson classic “Man in the Mirror”.

But the show’s highlights were Bamboo’s contemporary anthems “Noypi” and “Hallelujah”, with the highly energetic singer running around the concert venue to get closer to his fans.

The show poignantly closed with “Flowers”, a relatively obscure song penned by Rico Blanco for the 1996 album “Trip”.

Bamboo Mañalac first rose to fame in 1994 with the debut of Rivermaya, and was caught in a heated hit-charts rivalry with fellow OPM legends The Eraserheads.  He left the Philippine music scene to live in the United States in 1999, and returned in 2004 with the album “As The Music Plays”.

Aside from his solo music career, he is also popularly known as one of the judges of The Voice Philippines in ABS-CBN.

Bamboo’s Noypi Concert was organized and produced by Barkadahan sa Smartone.

Singer-comedian Mikey Bustos entertains HK Pinoys

By William Elvin

Filipino-Canadian entertainer and YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos gave a homesickness-inducing comedy concert to a full-house crowd at the Duke of Windsor building in Wanchai on May 28.

The hour-long event was produced and organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association.

Known for his song parodies that celebrate Pinoy customs and culture, Mikey performed a string of his most well-viewed YouTube videos with frenetic song-and-dance numbers. Opening his act was “I Go To Palengke”, to the tune of Meghan Trainor’s hit “All About The Bass”. This segued to a parody of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”, with lyrics about the Filipino’s habitual tardiness.

Mikey slowed the pace down a bit with a serious rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”, before launching into one of his original novelty songs entitled “Sanggol The Pig”, about a black pig which he adopted as a pet.

To perform a song about traditional Filipino courtship, Mikey changed into the character of “Super Pinoy Boy”.

The character’s silliness made the next number the highlight of the whole concert, as he sang about the horrors of provincial circumcision in a parody of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”.

Next came another energetic number with a Filipino version of Psy’s “Oppa Gangnam Style”, followed by a serious interpretation of Lionel Richie’s “Hello”.

A humorous bogus love story countered the seriousness of the next number, as he performed a duet of “The Prayer” with himself on video dressed as his “wife” named Michelle.

Transitioning to his set’s final stretch, Mikey sang the Martin Nievera classic “Kahit Isang Saglit”.

Another Meghan Trainor parody followed with a comedy anthem to the tune of “No”.

Mikey performed with dance group Star Pinoy HK.

To close his concert, Mikey called on the audience to dance with him in his original novelty song “Halo Halo”, about the Filipino cold dessert.

Audio problems bogged the show down, and the lack of staging spectacle and production undeservedly made Mikey Bustos’ set feel a bit flat. However, the comedian’s eagerness to entertain complemented by his natural charm and charisma more than made up for the event’s shortcomings.

For more of Mikey Bustos, subscribe to his YouTube Channel: https://www.b youtube.com/user/MikeyBustosVideos.

DC to hear money claim vs. dead DH’s employer

By Vir B. Lumicao

The District Court will begin hearing in December this year a claim for compensation filed by the relatives of a Filipina domestic worker against her employer as a result of the woman’s death by falling in October 2014.
None of the litigants was in court on June 2 when Judge Katina Levy was supposed to begin the hearing the case, but she adjourned the hearing to Dec 8 to give more time for the relatives of Ruby Ann Diola to prepare their case.
Only Edwina Antonio of the Mission for Mgrant Workers was in court, but her application to represent Diola’s next of kin, her live-in partner Virginio V. Jose, was turned down by the judge.
“Where is the applicant?” Levy asked when Santoyo said she was representing Jose, who was in his hometown of Lingayen in Pangasinan.
Santoyo explained that the elderly man had told her he was not financially capable of coming to Hong Kong.
“I’m not sure if you have the capacity to represent the applicant,” the judge said, adding that she could not see any Hong Kong law that would allow Santoyo to represent Jose.
Santoyo said if that were the case then she would talk to the Legal Aid Department to ask for a lawyer who could represent Jose.
But Levy took note that Santoyo’s group, the Mission for Migrant Workers, was helping Jose in pursuing the compensation claim against Diola’s employer, Cheung Yeuk Lee, who was also absent from the hearing.
“I’m quite surprised that the respondent is not in court and, as the employer of the helper, she should be here,” Levy said.
She noted that Diola was not insured at the time she fell to her death from the 32nd floor of a residential tower on Robinsons Road in Mid-Levels, Central. At the time of her death, Diola was 26 years old.
Levy also said that Cheung had been fined $5,000 by a court for failure to take out life insurance for her maid.
The judge said that since the Mission was assisting Jose, “you will now do the liaising between him and the court. I think you could contact the family and help them apply for legal aid.”
The body of Diola was found beside the swimming pool on the morning of Oct 23, 2014, in a case that police classified as “death by falling”.
The following month,the police asked Jose to come to Hong Kong to help with their probe.
 Diola, a native of Palo, Leyte, and Jose lived together in Lingayen where they operated a mineral water business until the woman came to work in Hong Kong as a domestic worker in 2014.
She broke her contract with her first employer in May 2014 and was hired by Cheung  through Goldjoy Employment Agency.
Jose said in November 2014 that Goldjoy was offering US$3,000 for funeral expenses and US$1,000 each to the victim’s mother and her son in exchange for his signing a prepared agreement.
He refused to sign the document after realizing it was a quitclaim freeing Cheung, the agency and its two partner-agencies in Manila from further claims relating to Diola’s death.

Health benefits of herbs and spices

By Jo Campos

In the past issues, I focused on the use of herbs and spices, from growing your own little herb garden to sharing recipes using different herbs and spices. For this issue, let me share some useful tips on the health benefits of herbs and spices and how to maximize their potency on our everyday cooking.

Herbs and spices have been in use throughout history because of their medicinal benefits, apart from their culinary use. Modern science shows many of them indeed carry remarkable health benefits.

Here are some healthy home remedies and medicinal properties of herbs and spices:

* Cinnamon lowers blood sugar, making it a very powerful antidote to diabetes. A popular spice, it is found in all sorts of food, especially baked goods. Its potent antioxidant property helps fight inflammation and has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for cinnamon’s medicinal properties. Most importantly, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount. The effective dose is typically 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day.

* Sage improves brain function and memory. It was generally regarded as having healing properties during the middle ages, and was even used to help fight off the plague. Sage got its name from the Latin word salvere which means “to save”. Current research indicates that sage may help improve brain function and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have also shown that sage can improve memory function in healthy people, both young and old.

* Peppermint relieves irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, and could also reduce nausea. Peppermint has a long history of use in folk medicine and aromatherapy. Many studies have shown that peppermint can improve pain management in IBS. It appears to work by relaxing the colon, which relieves the pain experienced during bowel movements. It also helps to reduce abdominal bloating, which is a common digestive symptom. There are also some studies showing that peppermint in aromatherapy can help relieve nausea.

* Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It contains curcumin,  a remarkably powerful antioxidant, helping to fight oxidative damage and boosting the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Curcumin contains several compounds with medicinal properties. This active ingredient in turmeric has major health benefits, including the prevention and cure of arthritis and reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease, among others. Turmeric is also effective in relieving seasonal allergies. A natural antihistamine, turmeric could prevent the body from releasing symptom-triggering histamines with this spice-infused beverage: stir one teaspoon of ground turmeric into an eight ounce glass of water and drink. Certain oxidants in turmeric help suppress histamine production.

* Rosemary helps fight dandruff flakes. Rosemary rinse will help prevent your scalp from producing too much sebum, an oil that contributes to dandruff. Make tea by adding rosemary leaves to one cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 20 minutes, then strain and cool to room temperature. After you shampoo and condition, apply the tea as a final rinse. Massage into your scalp and don’t rinse out.

* Black pepper can quell coughing. Give your throat a break with this peppery recipe: place one teaspoon of black pepper in a teacup, fill with boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Add two tablespoons of honey and drink. The pepper acts as a decongestant and the honey’s antibiotic qualities soothe the throat.

* Thyme leaves help clear up athlete’s foot. Add two tablespoons of thyme leaves to one cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and let the liquid cool, then soak a cotton ball into the thyme tea and dab on your feet and between the toes. Let them air dry. Antifungal compounds in thymol kill the fungus causing your stinky feet.

* Ground nutmeg consists of compounds containing strong antibacterial properties. To cure acne, mix equal parts of ground nutmeg and honey and dab on your pimple. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash off. Honey contains antimicrobials that help fight the infection and reduce inflammation.

* Oregano leaves reduce and soothe pain. Place a heaping tablespoon of oregano leaves in one cup of boiling water, then steep for 10 minutes. Scoop out the leaves and place them in the foot of a clean, used pair of panty hose. Tie a knot in the open end. Press against the bruised area for 15 minutes, occasionally rewetting with the tea. The oregano oil helps heal the bruise.

 * Sesame seeds can help kick constipation as it contains oil that lubricates the intestines and helps dry stool move through more easily. To rev your digestive tract and prevent constipation, put a tablespoon of sesame seeds in a coffee grinder, then sprinkle the powder on other foods like cereal, salads and yoghurt.