Pinay wins ‘suitable accommodation’ test case

By Daisy CL Mandap

Mariel Tadalan wins Labor case against
employer who made her sleep in the kitchen,
fed leftovers and made her sleep only 4 hours each night.

A Filipina has won the right to be paid a month’s salary in lieu of notice despite walking out on her employers. That’s because they made her sleep in the worst possible places – including their terrace on a wintry night – fed her leftovers, and gave her only four hours’ rest each day.

Mariel P. Tadalan, 35, was awarded $5,568 at the end of a four-hour negotiation with her employer before an officer of the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board on July 7. The amount represented Tadalan’s claim for one month’s salary in lieu of notice, return air ticket and food allowance.

It was the second meeting between her and her employer, who at first denied any liability, saying it was the Filipina who walked out on her job on Apr. 4.

But the officer dismissed this argument, saying that Tadalan could have left without notice from the time the employer and his wife made the maid sleep in their terrace shortly after arriving to work for them early this year.

Tadalan had confessed to not knowing about this so-called “constructive termination” clause in the employment ordinance that would have allowed her to leave her job without serving a month’s notice on her employer.

She didn’t know that once her employer failed to give her “suitable accommodation” or did other acts that violated the terms of their contract, she could walk out the door and still be entitled to a month’s pay. She said everyone she had spoken with told her she needed to pay her employer the equivalent of her salary for a month if she broke their contract.

That is, until she decided to leave her job and sought help from the Mission for Migrant Workers.

What also helped Tadalan win her case was her prodigious work at documenting the abuse she suffered during the two months that she worked for her employers. She took pictures of the cramped spaces where she was made to sleep, the shards from the cup and plate thrown at her by her female employer, and the mushy slop she was fed.

There was also a picture of her bandaged forehead, taken after she fainted from lack of sleep and overwork, and hit her head on a faucet, resulting in a wound that required four stitches. She said it took her employer three hours to decide to take her to the hospital, and only because he was already on his way to work.

Confronted with the photos, her employer accused Tadalan of plotting her escape and setting them up to get compensation, but the MECAB officer brushed the claim aside.

Asked why Tadalan was allowed only four hours of sleep, the employer said it was because the helper did not do her work properly during the day, an excuse that did not impress the officer either.

Tadalan was no stranger to hard work. She spent two years working in Dubai, then moved to Qatar where she managed to stay for nearly five years, with hardly any day off.

She had thought that moving to Hong Kong would allow her more time, freedom and comfort. But she was wrong.

At her employers’ former residence, Tadalan said there was a room intended for her use, but she was told to sleep either in the terrace, or close to the main door in the living room. When her employers moved to their new house in Ma On Shan, Tadalan was given as sleeping space a tiny corner in the kitchen, wedged between a washing machine and the cold tiled wall.

But this alone would not have entitled her to break her contract at will.

According to the High Court in a recent case, a space in the kitchen could be deemed “suitable accommodation” under the terms of a domestic worker’s contract. In a more recent ruling at the Eastern magistracy, even a makeshift structure on the terrace, air-conditioned but no bigger than a doghouse, also qualified as such.

But the Mission is appealing both decisions, determined not to let them set a precedent.

In its study released earlier this year, the Mission found that 3 out of 5 foreign domestic workers are not given their own room, and around 500 could be sleeping in toilets.

Tadalan documented her ordeal through
pictures (left, top and above) she sent to the agency
that placed her with the family.

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre is also doing his part to end the malpractice. He says he and his Indonesian counterpart are working on a plan to make employers and employment agencies disclose the exact place a domestic worker will be made to sleep. The information is then passed on to the worker, who will have the option of backing out or continuing with the employment.

It will not be the first time such a move is taken by governments that deploy domestic workers to Hong Kong. According to the Mission report, Thailand is already imposing this requirement as part of its efforts to promote the well-being of its workers in the territory.

Pinay admits assaulting 4-year old son of HK business tycoon

Accused will be sentenced on July 21

A 32-year old Filipina domestic worker will be sentenced on July 21 in Eastern Court on five counts of common assault last year on the four-year-old son of disgraced business tycoon Carson Yeung.

According to local newspaper Sing Pao, the accused, Rochelle Lintag Dreck, admitted the assaults when she appeared at Eastern Court on Friday, July 7.

Dreck admitted to assaulting the boy in the kitchen of Yeung’s house on Baker Road in Mid-Levels, at the Convention Plaza Apartments on Harbour Road in Wan Chai, and at Canossa Hospital on Old Peak Road in 2016.

She began working for Yeung in 2010, or six years before the former chairman of the Birmingham Football Club was put back behind bars after losing his appeal against a six-year jail sentence imposed on him in 2014 for money laundering.

The boy’s mother, who has a business in Shenzhen, returned to Hong Kong every weekend, leaving her son in the care of helpers.

In early 2016, she reportedly noticed wounds on the boy but did not ask what caused them. In May the same year, she again saw injuries on her son’s ears and asked her domestic workers about them. One of the helpers then showed Mrs Yeung some videos she had taken of Dreck’s attacks on the boy. The mother called the police.

In the videos, Dreck was seen slapping the boy, hitting his hands with a comb, and poking his lip and nose, causing his nose to bleed.

When asked about the assaults, Dreck reportedly asked the magistrate for leniency, blaming the boy for being very naughty. She also said she had lost her job after she was arrested and could no longer send money to support her own three children in the Philippines.

The  magistrate dismissed Dreck’s explanations as mere excuses. The Filipina was remanded in custody pending sentencing. – reports from Sing Pao and Apple Daily

DH jailed 2 weeks for stealing from boss’ bank account

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina maid was jailed for two weeks on July 4 after admitting in Eastern Court that she used her employer’s ATM card which was lent to her to buy groceries, to withdraw a total of $2,000 cash for her own use.

Chita Rovero, 48, sniffled as she pleaded guilty to each of five counts of theft filed against her.

Magistrate Bina Chainrai rejected an application from the prosecution to order Rovero to compensate the victim, Australian lawyer Stuart Alexander Jessup, saying the helper was not financially capable of paying back the stolen money.

The prosecution said the thefts took place each time Rovero, a single mother, went to Market Place at Seymour Place in Mid-Levels to buy grocery for Jessup.  The employer had authorized Rovero, his domestic helper since October 2016, to use his HSBC ATM card to pay for grocery purchases, entrusting her the card’s PIN.  

Between May 16 and May 25 this year, Rovero went to Market Palace five times to buy grocery and, at the same time, withdraw cash from Jessup’s bank account without his knowledge.

She made a total of five cash withdrawals amounting to $500 on May 16, another $500 on May 22, $500 again on May 23, $300 on May 24, and $200 on May 25.

Jessup checked his HSBC account online on May 25 and discovered the grocery purchases at Market Place were noticeably significant. He later saw the discrepancies between the receipts Rovero gave him and the online transaction records.

On June 3, the employer requested Market Place for receipts of purchases made with his ATM card and found five unauthorized cash withdrawal transactions on the same days Rovero went to the shop to buy goods.

Jessup confronted Rovero and she admitted making the withdrawals. The employer dismissed her and she moved out of the house. On June 4, Jessup reported the theft and a day later the helper surrendered at the Central Police Station.

Rovero was arrested and charged with five counts of theft.

After Rovero pleaded guilty to all five charges on July 4, the defense lawyer said in mitigation that the maid committed the offenses “out of need and desperation, instead of greed”. She noted the helper’s father died in March this year and her 18-year-old son needed money to pay for his school examination.

In sentencing, the  magistrate said the thefts from the employer’s ATM account were a serious breach of trust that called for a custodial sentence. She sent Rovero to jail for two weeks, discounted from three for her guilty plea.

2 Pinoy drivers die of heart attack; heat could be trigger

By Vir B. Lumicao

Two Filipino male domestic workers died of suspected heart  attacks within days of each other recently, according to the Consulate.

Their deaths came as soaring temperatures have again led the Labour

Department to advise both employers and employees to adopt measures to prevent heatstroke.

The first death occurred on June 29 when Ronald dela Cruz, an Ilocano driver in his 50s, collapsed in his workplace and was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital.

He was certified dead on arrival at the hospital, an officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section told The SUN.

The ATN officer said Dela Cruz was a long-time domestic helper doing all-around tasks for a Catholic priest in Pokfulam.

De la Cruz’s wife was due to arrive on July 11 to process the documents for his repatriation and benefit claims from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Another driver was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wanchai on the morning of July 2 afterhe collapsed, but he was also certified dead on arrival.

The victim, also an Ilocano whose name the ATN officer could not immediately furnish, was employed by a German as domestic helper with driving duties.

Both deaths had been reported to the Consulate by fellow Filipino workers, the officer said.                                                                                                                                          

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory had issued very hot weather warnings in past weeks as temperatures climbed to 30 degree Celsius before the recent rainy spell.

Both the Observatory and the Labour Department advised that to prevent heat stroke, everyone should avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and stay in shaded areas as much as possible. Those working outdoors should drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol.

“If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away,” the advice said.

Maid faces jail term for slapping baby twice

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic worker was convicted on July 4 in Eastern Court of a charge of ill-treating her 18-month-old ward after admitting that she hit the toddler two times to get her to sleep.

“That’s no excuse for hitting the child,” Magistrate Bina Chainrai’s voice boomed as she rejected the defense lawyer’s remark, in mitigation, that Carmela Sotto slapped the baby as it was acting up in bed at 11:50 pm on June 3 while she still had work to do.

Sotto, 41, was charged with “ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person.”

The maid fought back tears as Chainrai ordered her remanded in custody and set her sentencing on Jul 18 pending a background report.

Sotto, who was hired in January 2016 as a domestic helper of a Hong Kong couple at Queen’s Terrace in Sheung Wan, Central, was doing her house chores when the child’s parents decided to go out for entertainment shortly before 11:50 pm.

The couple left their baby girl in the care of Sotto.

On board the car, the female employer used her mobile phone to check the security camera monitoring the child’s condition and was shocked to see Sotto hitting the baby on the head and body.

The assault was reported to the police and the child was taken to Queen Mary Hospital for a check-up, but no apparent injury was observed, according to the prosecution report.

Sotto was arrested and, during a video-recorded interview, she admitted slapping the baby. She said she intended to tap the child gently to help her get sleep, but ended up slapping her because she was drowsy.

“Assault is a serious offense. The child was entrusted to you and you were in breach of that trust,” Chainrai said as she ordered Sotto remanded in jail.

MMFF balot muli ng alingasngas

Muli na namang nagiging kontrobersyal ang Metro Manila Film Festival sa taong ito. Mukhang hindi napangatawanan ng mga bumubuo ng MMFF ang naging desisyon noong nakaraang taon na itaas ang kalidad ng mga kalahok sa taunang pasinaya kaya puro indie films ang kanilang napiling ipalabas. Hindi kasi gaanong tinangkilik ng mga manonood ang naging pasya nilang ito.

Sa taong ito, bilang pambawi, apat na pelikula ang agad na napiling kalahok, base lang sa kani-kanilang script at marahil, dahil tatampukan ang mga ito ng mga malalaking artista. Ito ang: “The Revengers” (Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla at Pia Wurtzbach, sa direksyon ni Joyce Bernal), “Ang Panday” (Coco Martin, at unang pelikula niya bilang director din, gamit ang tunay na pangalan niyang Rodel Nacianceno), “Love Traps#Family Goals” (Vic Sotto at Dawn Zulueta, sa direksyon ni Tony Reyes), “Almost is Not Enough” (Jennelyn Mercado at Jericho Rosales, sa direksyon ni Dan Villegas).

Ang huling apat na pelikula ang siya lang pipiliin batay sa kanilang kabuuan.

Dahil sa pagbabago sa pamantayan ng pagpili, tatlong miyembro ng 2017 MMFF Executive Committee ang agad na nagsipag-resign, ang kilalang scriptwriter na si Ricky Lee,  manunulat na si Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, at si Prof. Rolando Tolentino.

Ang kanilang joint statement:

“We accepted the invitation to be members of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 Executive Committee because we were excited to maximize the gains of the MMFF 2016.  Last year’s festival showcased a wide variety of quality cinema that went beyond the formulaic. There was a shift of emphasis from commercial viability to artistic excellence. It also celebrated the spirit of a film culture that produced many cult classics in the early years of the MMFF.”

“After several meetings and deliberations, we resigned because the MMFF 2017 ExeCom took a different direction, by putting too much emphasis on commerce over art. Some quarters in the ExeCom insist that only big film studios can produce a blockbuster. We believe that producing a box office hit and creating quality film is not exclusive to big film studios nor to independent film outfits.”

“All excellent Filipino films deserve all forms of support. This support includes movies being screened for the entire duration of the festival with maximum exposure in as many theatres in and outside Metro Manila. We remain steadfast believing in a Metro Manila Film Festival that can once more be a celebration of the finest of Filipino artistry. The Filipino audience deserves no less. “

Nilinaw naman nilang ang kanilang pagbibitiw ay hindi dahil sa apat na pelikulang napili, dahil bago pa daw ipinahayag ang mga ito ay ipinaalam na nila ang kanilang desisyon na umalis sa puwesto.

Noong July 8 ay nag-resign din ang isa pang miyembro, ang UP Film professor na si Ed Lejano.

Noong July 11, ipinahayag ni Tim Orbos, MMFF Executive Committee Chairman ang tatlong bagong miyembro ng ExeCom na sina Maryo J. delos Reyes (multi-awarded director at  executive director -  ToFarm Film Festival), Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung ( Head, QC Film Development Council in charge of QCinema International Film Festival at miyembro ng Selection Committee ng MMFF 2016) at Arnell Ignacio (actor, at assistant vice-president for community relations and services, PAGCOR).


1st PPP FILM FESTIVAL, ITINATAG
Sa gitna ng kontrobersya sa pagpili ng mga kalahok para sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017, tahimik na binuo ng Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pamumuno ni Liza Dino ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Film Festival na itatanghal mula Agosto 16-22.  Labindalawang pelikula ang napiling kalahok at ipapalabas sa 790 sinehan sa buong Pilipinas, kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at Pelikulang Pilipino.

Ang mga kalahok:
1) 100 Tula Para Kay Stella ni Jason Paul Laxamana.
Cast: Bela Padilla at JC Santos.
2) Ang Mananangggal sa Unit 23B ni Prime Cruz, sa panulat ni Jenilee Chuansu.
Cast: Ryza Cenon at Martin del Rosario.
3) AWOL ni Enzo Williams.
Cast: Gerald Anderson at Diane Mediana.
4) Bar Boys ni Kip Oebanda.
Cast: Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda at Kean Cipriano.
5) Birdshot ni Mikhail Red.
Cast: May Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes, John Arcilla at Ku Aquino.
6) Hamog ni Ralston Jover.
Cast: Zaijian Jaranilla, Teri Malvar at Sam Quintana
7) Paglipay ni Zig Dulay.
Cast: Garry Cabalic, Anna Luna, Joan dela Cruz at Marinella Sevidal.
8) Patay na si Hesus ni Victor Villanueva, sa panulat ni Fatrick Tabada.
Cast: Jaclyn Jose.
9) Pauwi Na –sinulat nina Paolo Villaluna at Ellen Ramos, sa direksyon ni Paolo Villaluna.
Cast: Bembol Roco at Cherry Pie Picache.
10) Salvage ni Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Cast: JC de Vera at Jessy Mendiola.
11) Star na si Van Damme Stallone, sa panulat ni Alpha Habon, at direksyon ni Randolph Longjas. Cast: Candy Pangilinan, Paolo Pingol at Jadford Dilanco.
12) Triptiko ni Miguel Franco Michelena.
Cast: Kylie Padilla, Kean Cipriano, Albie Casino, at Joseph Marco.

Ang selection committee ay kinabilangan nina Liza Dino, Ricky Lee, Jose Javier Reyes, Erik Matti, Iza Calzado, Oggs Cruz, Manet Dayrit at Lee Briones.
Igagawad ng FDCP ang Audience Choice awards sa tatlong pelikula na makakakuha ng pinakamataas na boto mula sa manonood sa unang tatlong araw ng pagtatanghal.  

VILMA AT  PAOLO, PANALO SA 1ST EDDYS
Nanalo bilang best actress si Vilma Santos para sa pelikulang “Everything About Her” sa 1st Eddys awards ng Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED) na ginanap sa Kia Theater sa Cubao, Quezon City noong July 9.

Si Paolo Ballesteros ang tinanghal na best actor para sa pelikulang “Die Beautiful”.

Tinanghal na best picture ang “Ang Babaeng Humayo”, at ang director nitong si Lav Diaz ang nanalo  bilang best director.

Best supporting actress si Angel Locsin (“Everything About Her”) at si John Lloyd Cruz bilang best supporting actor (“Ang Babaeng Humayo”).

Hindi nakadalo ang mga nanalo ng acting awards at best director. Si Luis Manzano ang tumanggap ng best actress trophy para sa kanyang ina, na kasalukuyang nasa ibang bansa.

Kabilang sa mga dumalo ang mga nominadong sina Nora Aunor, Rhian Ramos, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Christian Bables. Naroon din sina Christopher de Leon, Bela Padilla, Liza Dino, Aiza Seguerra at Boots Anson Roa. Naging presenters sina Jodi Santamaria, Cristine Reyes, Richard Guttierez, Sarah Lahbati, Bela Padilla, JC Santos, AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Ali Khatibi, Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, ang dating PBB housemates na sina Maymay Entrata at Edward Barber at Kisses Delavin at Marco Gallo.

Kabilang sa mga performers sina James Reid at Nadine Lustre para kanilang song and dance numbers, at sumayaw din sina Yassi Pressman at Arjo Atayde. Sina Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Morisette Amon at Klarisse de Guzman ay umawit bilang tribute sa namayapang composer na si Willie Cruz.

Special awardees sina Lav Diaz (Manny Pichel award), Lily Monteverde (Producer of the Year) at Boy Abunda (Joe Quirino award). Ginawaran din ng posthumous award ang writer na si Jake Tordesillas na yumao noong nakaraang buwan.

Ang mag-amang sina Edu at Luis Manzano ang naging hosts ng awards ceremony.


KASALAN SA SIMBAHAN PARA KAY ALFRED VARGAS
Siyam na taon nang nagsasama ang actor-politician na si Alfred Vargas at asawang si Yasmine Espiritu. Ikinasal sila sa isang civil wedding noong 2010, pero ipinangako raw ni Alfred na magpapakasal silang muli sa simbahan at ibibigay niya ang kasal na gusto nito kapag nakaipon na siya. Sa July 23 ay mabibigyan na ito ng katuparan dahil magkakaroon sila ng magarbong kasal na gaganapin sa Manila Cathedral. Ito raw ang napiling simbahan ni Yasmine dahil naaalala niya ang mga simbahan sa Italy, kung saan ito lumaki.

Matagal din nilang pinaghandaan ang kanilang kasal, at ang kanilang mga anak na sina Aryana Cassandra at Alexandra Milan ay excited na rin sa nalalapit na kasal. Noong Mayo ay lumipad papuntang Europe sina Alfred at Yasmine para sa kanilang prenup shooting.

Kabilang sa mga principal sponsor sina dating Secretary Mar Roxas at Vice President Leni Robredo, dating Cong. Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. at Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto, Manuel V. Pangilinan at  Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Robert L. Tan at Lolita A. Solis, Victor Jose I. Luciano at Ameurfina D. Santos, Antonio R. Vargas at Adelaida J. De Guzman, at Francis Enrico M. Gutierrez at Kris Aquino. Cord sponsors sina QC mayor Herbert Bautista at vice mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung.

Inaabangan na ng marami kung magkasabay na darating sina Kris at Herbert sa simbahan, dahil muling natsi-tsismis na nagkabalikan na sila at nagkikita nang patago.

Bagamat abala si Alfred sa kayang gawain bilang isang kongresista, hindi pa rin niya tinatalikuran ang kanyang pagiging aktor. Ang kanyang pelikulang “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa” ay kalahok sa Cinemalaya 2017 na itatanghal sa susunod na buwan.  Huli siyang napanood sa TV sa taong ito sa “Encantadia” at “Tadhana” ng GMA Network.

Covers the period July 16-31

TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Sa trabaho, matapang ka nang harapin ang mga problema at marami ka na ring mapapatunayan. Kung maiimbita sa kasalan, huwag tumangging dumalo dahil may makikilala kang bagong kaibigan. Ugaliing mag-exercise at bawasan ang pagkain upang gumanda ang kalusugan. Bantayan ang araw-araw na gastusin, kailangan ng ibayong pagtitipid upang makaipon ka. Lucky numbers:8, 15, 24 at 37.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Huwag magpaniwala sa mga kuwento para lang ma-impluwensyahan ka o magamit. Bago tumulong o magpautang, pag-isipang mabuti ito. Maiinis ka sa sunod-sunod na aberya, pero kontrolin ang sarili. May hindi pagkakasunduan kayo ng matalik na kaibigan dahil sa magkaiba ninyong opinyon. Makakaranas ng pamamaga ng gilagid, kumunsulta agad sa dentista. Lucky numbers: 16, 18, 23 at 45.
.
BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Mas makabubuting maging tapat sa sarili at huwag hayaang magamit ng ilang malalapit sa iyo sa pansarili nilang kapakanan. Mga kaibigan at bagong mga ideya ang magpapasigla sa isip at kilos, pero iwasan muna ang ambisyosong proyekto at delikadong bagay. Bibigyan mo ng pansin ang panlabas na anyo at pag-aayos sa sarili at lalakas din ang panghalina kaya magiging maganda ang inaasam na pagtatagpo. Lucky numbers: 9, 13, 27 at 40.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Huwag matigas ang ulo, tanggapin ang payo ng pamilya dahil para sa ikabubuti mo rin ito. Sa trabaho, ipagpaliban muna ang bagong gagawin dahil hindi magiging maganda ang resulta nito. Marami kang katanungan sa sarili tungkol sa buhay, kamatayan at ibang bagay na hindi mo maintundihan. Subukan mong tumuklas ng mga bagong bagay at magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman. Marami kang matutunan mula sa isang bagong kaibigan na matalino. Lucky numbers: 17, 22, 33 at 41.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Kulang ka sa tiyaga at sipag ngayon at gusto mo nang iwanan ang hindi pa natatapos na trabaho. Dahil kulang sa praktikal na pamamaraan, punum-puno ka ng tensyon at kumplikasyon. Iwasang mapagod sa trabaho. Ilan sa pamilya mo ay naiinis sa pagiging mahigpit at pakikialam mo, at sa pagbibigay mo ng payo kahit hindi ito hinihingi. Lucky numbers: 15, 21, 39 at 40.
.
TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Abala ka sa trabaho kaya nawawalan ka ng oras para sa sarili, kailangan mong makipagtulungan upang magawa ang lahat sa maayos na paraan. Magigising ang kamalayan at bigla kang mai-in love. Sa tahanan ay mas magiging makuwento ka kaya masaya ang pamilya. Pagkabalisa at nerbiyos ang mararanasan. Upang labanan ito, uminom ng vitamin B at kumain ng karne gaya ng lamb at beef kidneys, pinatuyong gulay, at whole wheat bread. Lucky numbers: 11, 18, 37 at 46.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Kailangan mong kontrolin ang dila dahil nagiging masyado kang madaldal. Hindi rin mapigilan ang pagtaba dahil magana kang kumain. Sari-saring bagay na nagpapa-irita sa iyo ang magiging dahilan ng mga away at sakit ng loob sa iyong love life. Pag-aalinlangan at lungkot ang mararanasan. Sundin ang payo ng pamilya, lalo na kung tungkol ito sa pera. Lucky numbers: 5, 19, 26 at 38.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Sa wakas ay mapapansin din at gagantimpalaan ang iyong pinaghirapan. Magkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaintindihan sa mga kaibigan at maging sa karelasyon; pakiramdam mo ay nakikipag-usap ka sa bingi dahil hindi ka pinapansin, at hindi mo ito kayang palampasin. Iwasang gumastos sa mga bagay na hindi kasama sa budget. Posibleng sumpungin ng rayuma at sakit sa bato. Iwasan ang alak at maaanghang na pagkain. Lucky number: 12, 13, 19 at 45.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Tahimik at panatag ang kalooban sa panahong ito. Gawing prayoridad ang pag-iimpok ngayon upang maiwasan ang sakit ng ulo tuwing katapusan ng buwan. Huwag magmukmok sa taguan, lumabas at makisalamuha sa mga tao upang gumanda ang takbo ng isip at may magbukas na ibang oportunidad sa iyo. Bigyan din ng seryosong pag-aalaga ang mga anak, kausapin sila at damayan sa mga pinagdaraanan upang tumibay ang pagsasama. Lucky numbers: 14, 21, 28 at 36.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Ngayo ay huwag mag-atubiling sumubok at sumugal dahil magiging maswerte ka, at madagdagan ang kita. Mag-ingat sa pagiging masyadong sensitibo dahil nagiging bayolente ka. Mae-enjoy mo ng husto ang mga bagong karanasan na kasama ng iyong sister soul. Bantayan ang labis na gastusin, lalo na kung hindi na ito kaya ng bulsa. Lucky numbers: 18, 25, 29 at 31.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Kaunti na lang at matatapos na rin ang matagal mo nang pinaghirapan, at makikita mo na ang bunga ng matagal nang pinangarap. Ang pinakamahirap na problema sa pamilya ay matatapos na rin. Ang mga nangyayari ngayon ay depende sa takbo ng iyong isip at kung paano mo ia-akma ang sarili. Magiging maingat ka na ngayon; matuto sa naging karanasan, lalo na tungkol sa pera. Lucky numbers: 14, 28, 32 at 40.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Mag-ingat at umiwas sa mga delikadong usapin gaya ng relihiyon o pulitika upang hindi ka mapaaway. Tamang panahon upang humingi ng umento o pagtaas ng posisyon. Maganda ang lagay ng kalusugan, lalo kung mapapanatili ang tamang pagkain at sigla ng katawan. Ang pagbabago ng anyo ay makakatulong na tumaas ang kumpiyansa sarili. Huwag tipirin ang gastos sa operasyon dahil maganda ang magiging kapalit nito. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 19 at 43.

Stranded Pinay cries out for help

A Filipina domestic worker who was set to return to Hong Kong to take up a new job is seeking help after the employment agency who placed her told her that her employer had backed out just three days after her work visa was issued.

E.C. told The SUN that she paid Blessings Forever Employment Agency $8,000 for securing a new employer for her after she was terminated from her previous employment three months ago.

On June 6, Blessings reportedly sent E.C. a photocopy of her purported visa. But on June 9, just as the Filipina was preparing for her return to Hong Kong, the agency informed her that her employer, Liu Kwok Yan, had backed out. No reason was given.

E.C. did not know that about a month earlier, or on May 15, Blessings owner, Alice Tang was fined $4,000 by a court for operating the business without a licence.

But when a cousin checked E.C.’s records with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, it was revealed that Blessings had asked another agency with proper documentation, to “chop” the work contract.

E.C., who had looking forward to go back to work in Hong Kong, wants to find out how she could run after either her supposed employer, or the agency which should have already shut down after being fined for illegal operation.

She was told that she may not have any reason to go after the employer, who may have also paid the agency. However, she could file a complaint against Blessings with the Employment Agencies Administration, and hopefully recover the money she paid for her aborted placement.

E.C. now plans to return to Hong Kong to file a complaint. She says she hopes to convince Immigration to let her stay awhile so she could pursue her case, and maybe find another employer. - DCLM

Nakawan sa volleyball court

Ni Marites Palma

Tinangay ng magnanakaw ang bag ni K C Tambo na may lamang $10,000 cash noong June 11 sa kasagsagan ng kanilang paglalaro ng volleyball sa Fu Hai Park Volleyball Court, Quarry Bay.

 Sa tulong ng mga pulis ay natagpuan ang bag ni Tambo na ninakaw, ngunit wala na ang perang laman nito.

Pinag-iingat ng pulis ang lahat ng mga manlalaro na bantayan ang kanilang mga gamit sa court, lalo na iyong may mahahalagang laman dahil pang-apat na diumano ang nakawang naganap sa parehong lugar.

Kahit kasi may mga nakatalagang magbantay ng mga gamit ay naiisahan pa rin sila dahil masyado diumanong mabibilis ang kamay ng mga magnanakaw doon.

Ayon sa organizer ng mga palaro, lagi naman nilang pinaaalahanan ang mga manlalaro na huwag na huwag magdadala ng malaking halaga ng pera o mga mamahaling gamit, pero patuloy pa rin silang sinusuway.  Ayon naman sa isang manlalaro, parang ninja sa bilis ang magnanakaw.

Maari din daw na kasamahan nila ang nagnanakaw dahil madalas na sila-sila lang din ang magkakasama, bagamat wala naman daw silang suspect pa sa ngayon.

OFWs hit move to make employers pay for iDOLE

By Daisy CL Mandap

Thinning OEC crowd at POLO.

Migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong have reacted strongly against the Philippine government’s announcement that their employers will have to pay for the new OFW ID called iDOLE, which was launched in Malacanang on July 12.

“The processing of the i-DOLE would be shouldered by the employers; hence, OFWs need not pay for the cost of the ID, which would be delivered by PhilPost to their respective addresses,” said Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella in a statement.

The announcement was immediately criticized by Eman Villanueva of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body who said in a Facebook post that this was contrary to assurances from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that the ID would be given away free to OFWs.

“Ang sabi ni Sec Silvestre Bello III ay “LIBRE” ang OFW ID (iDOLE). Tapos, ngayon sasabihing ‘employers ang magbabayad’? Ano ito, joke lang?,” an irate Villanueva said.

He and another AMCB officer, Dolores Balladares, met Secretary Bello during his visit to Hong Kong in May, and he assured them that the iDOLE, which was meant to replace the much-maligned overseas employment certificate, would be free of charge.

Bello repeated the assurance when he held a media briefing on July 4 to announce the impending launch of the OFW ID. He said the ID will be given free to all OFWs.

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

Villanueva said making employers pay for the ID was just another ploy by the government to make money off its overseas workers, and must be resisted.

At the Malacanang launch, the Department of Labor and Employment said it initially printed 200 cards, which it called as the OFWs’ exit pass from the country.

The government will be printing at least four million IDs to cover both active and inactive OFWs.

Secretary Bello said inactive OFWs just need to submit an old record of employment abroad in applying for i-DOLE.

“We have to prepare at least four million ID cards to cover even those not working abroad anymore because when you become an OFW, you become an OFW permanently,” Bello explained.

This means OFWs will no be required to get an OEC at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) upon entering or exiting the country. The i-DOLE will now serve as their permanent pass.

Previously, overseas workers had to present an OEC exemption certificate at Philippine airports so they would be allowed to return to their jobs abroad. This document also served as their proof of exemption from travel tax or the airport terminal fee.

OFWs were mostly critical of the OEC which forced them to endure long lines and wait for hours at labor offices abroad every time they went home for a vacation.

Bello earlier said these inconveniences experienced by OFWs when getting OEC will now be “things of the past.”

“They (OFWs) won’t have to go to the POEA every time to get their OEC. All they have to do is show their iDOLE and that will serve as their license to go abroad and go back anytime they want to,” he said.

The ID system for overseas workers, which was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte last February, also features access to the holder’s records with government agencies such as the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG.

Bello said the DOLE would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ)  through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to see if the i-DOLE could later on serve as passports to OFWs.

“Given another six months, we are trying to adopt a system that this i-DOLE can serve as their passport. We will talk with the DFA and of course the DOJ, through the Bureau of Immigration, so that the i-DOLE could be used as a passport,” Bello told reporters in a briefing on July 4. – with reports from Manila

Filipino workers in Macau step up campaign against offloading

Protesters say Immigration officers in Manila do not honor the affidavit of support issued by the Consulate in Macau

Migrant workers in Macau have stepped up a campaign against the offloading of their family members leaving the Philippines by launching a petition campaign against the practice on July 2.

Migrante Macau chair and protest organizer Emer de Lina said the practice carried out by Bureau of Immigration officials in Manila is discriminatory and insulting.

“It is discriminatory because this only happens to OFWs’ relatives, as well as other ordinary Filipinos, not bigwig politicians or their…wives.  It is insulting, because the Bureau of Immigration officials in Manila assume that the offloaded migrant Filipinos are illegally leaving the country, when they merely want to visit us.” De Lina said in a press statement.

She complained that those who are prevented from taking their flights to Macau are left with no recourse because there is no complaint mechanism for those offloaded, much less an investigation.

“If the passenger was treated wrongly, what can be done to resolve the problem? How long will it take for it to be resolved? And what can be done so that it will not happen again? Our relatives are guilty until proven innocent,” she said.

The offloading has reportedly led to dire consequences for the migrant workers, as they end up losing not just sleep over the failure of visiting family members to board their flights, but also a substantial sum.

De Lina said the workers usually buy promotional air fares which are non-refundable so if their relatives are turned away at the airports, they end up buying tickets for them again.

Workers also pay for the authenticated affidavit of support from the Consulate at more than MOP200 each, as the document purports to show that they will be taking care of their relatives’ financial needs while in Macau.

“However, this is disregarded by BI officials. In addition, there are allegations that these officials solicit bribes from our held-up relatives so that they will be able to leave,” De Lina said.

Signature campaign is ongoing

The protesters are urging an immediate end to the offloading at all international airports in the Philippines, and for the Bureau of Immigration to duly recognize the affidavits of support issued by the country’s consulates and embassies abroad.

They are also calling for the said affidavit to be issued free of charge as an “added recognition of the invaluable contribution made by migrant Filipinos to our country.”

Further, they asked that the “corrupt officials” involved in the offloading of passengers be investigated and prosecuted.

The protesters revived their longstanding campaign against offloading after Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano promised at a community dialogue in Hong Kong on July 2 that he would raise the issue with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II upon his return to Manila. – www.sunwebhk.com

Anak nina Vic at Pauleen, babae

Baby girl ang magiging panganay nina Vic Sotto at Pauleen Luna.

Nagkatuwaan ang mga Dabarkads sa backstage ng Eat Bulaga noong June 24 at nagkanya-kanya ng hula at pustahan kung ano ang kasarian ng magiging panganay nina Vic Sotto at Pauleen Luna.  Team Jessica, kung ang hula ay babae, at team LeBron kung lalaki ang hula. Nagkaroon ng kasagutan ito sa pagkagat nina Vic at Pauleen ng lollicakes, at tumambad ang kulay pink na laman nito, kaya panalo ang team Jessica.

Nilinaw naman ni Pauleen na hindi Jessica ang ipapangalan nila sa kanilang baby, at katuwaan lang daw nila na tatawagin itong Jessica Sotto (katunog ng pangalan ni Jessica Soho, ang sikat na mamamahayag ng GMA Network) o LeBron, na pangalan naman ng sikat na NBA basketball player. Sa ngayon ay wala pa raw silang napipiling pangalan para sa baby.

Gusto raw sana ni Vic na lalaki ang panganay nila, pero para kay Pauleen, hindi mahalaga ang kasarian ng magiging baby nila, basta malusog daw ito. Apat na buwan na ang tiyan ni Pauleen, at hindi raw siya nahihirapan sa kanyang pagbubuntis. Marami nga ang nakakapuna na blooming daw siya ngayon at walang ka-sumpong-sumpong, kaya marami ang humulang babae ang magiging anak niya.

Ang anak nila ni Pauleen ay panlima sa mga anak ni Vic. Ang iba pa niyang anak ay sina Danica at Oyo, na anak niya sa unang asawa niyang si Dina Bonnevie; Paulina, na anak niya kay Angela Luz; at Vico, na anak naman niya kay Connie Reyes. Ikinasal sila noong January 30, 2016.

AI AI, IKAKASAL SA DISYEMBRE 
Noong una ay urong –sulong si AiAi delas Alas na magpakasal sa kanyang boyfriend na si Gerald Sibayan, pero nang payuhan siya ng kaibigang pari na magpakasal na dahil matagal na rin silang nagsasama ng binata ay agad silang kumilos.

Kamakailan ay napabalitang namanhikan na ang pamilya ni Gerald, at sa mga larawang inilabas ay may-kasama pang abogado ang bawat panig, at tila may mga dokumentong nilagdaan, na palagay ng marami ay pre-nuptial agreement.

Balitang sa December 12 gaganapin ang kasal, at kabilang sa mga ninong at ninang sina Cong. Vilma Santos at asawa nitong si Sen. Ralph Recto. Usap-usapan din na sagot ni Marian Rivera, na malapit na kaibigan ni AiAi, ang isusuot niyang bridal gown na nagkakahalaga raw ng kalahating milyon, at pati na rin ang mga bulaklak.

Ito ang pangatlong beses na pagpapakasal ni AiAi. Nauna siyang nagpakasal sa singer na si Miguel Vera, pero idineklara ito na walang bisa ito dahil may nauna palang pinakasalan si Miguel. Nagkaroon sila ng dalawang anak, sina Sean Nicolo at Sofia, na ngayon ay naninirahan na sa Amerika, sa bahay na ipinundar ni AiAi. May isa pang anak ang aktres, si Sancho Vito, na isa na ring aktor, at kasama niya sa bahay. Noong 2013 ay muli siyang nagpakasal sa Las Vegas kanyang Fil Am boyfriend na si Jed Salang, na mas bata sa kanya ng 20 years, pero naghiwalay agad sila pagkatapos lang ng isang buwan, at nauwi sa divorce.

RICHARD AT SARAH, NAKA 5 YEARS NA
Sinorpresa ni Richard Gutierrez ang kanyang live-in partner na si Sarah Lahbati nang dumating ito na may dalang bulaklak sa premiere night ng pelikulang “Ang Pagsanib kay Leah dela Cruz” na tinatampukan ni Sarah. Hindi daw inasahan ni Sarah na darating ito dahil ang alam niya ay manonood ang buong pamilya Gutierrez sa bahay nila sa White Plains ng pilot episode ng “La Luna Sangre”, ang unang project ni Richard bilang isang Kapamilya.

Suot ng gabing iyon ni Sarah ang kanyang diamond and sapphire promise ring na bigay sa kanya ni Richard, kaya tinukso siya na baka kasunod na nito ang engagement ring at kasal. Hindi naman marahil malayo ito dahil apat na taon na ang kanilang anak na si Zion, at nananatiling very sweet pa rin sila sa isa’t isa.

CHARO AT LAV, MAY BAGONG PELIKULA
May bagong pelikula inihahanda sina Charo Santos at filmmaker Lav Diaz, kasunod ng award-winning film nilang “Ang Babaeng Humayo” na nanalo ng Golden Lion award sa Venice Film Festival noong nakaraang taon sa Italy.

Sisimulan na raw ang shooting ng bagong pelikulang “Ang Saka ni Henrico (Henrico’s Farm)” sa Agosto. Ito ay tungkol sa buhay ng mga domestic helper na nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa. Sa Singapore ang magiging setting ng pelikula, at gagampanan ni Charo ang papel bilang isang OFW.

Isasali ang pelikula sa Singapore International Festival of Arts, kung saan ay naimbitahang sumali si Diaz, na isang Radcliffe fellow sa Harvard.

VICKI AT HAYDEN, KASAL NA
Ikinasal sina Dr. Vicki Belo at Hayden Kho sa isang simpleng civil wedding na ginanap sa bahay ni Vicki sa Makati City noong June 21. Ang nagkasal sa kanila ay si Makati Mayor Abby Binay.

Pitong tao lang daw ang nakasaksi sa naturang okasyon, kabilang na ang kanilang anak na si Scarlet Snow, pero wala ang kani-kanilang pamilya at ibang malalapit sa kanila. Nalaman lang ito ng publiko nang ipinost ng dalawa sa Instagram ang ilang larawan at saloobin.

Ani Vicki: “I was afraid that I would feel like I would lose my freedom by getting married. Instead I feel joyful and free.”

Ang anak ni Vicki na si Quark Henares ay naglabas ng hinanakit sa Facebook: “Dear people with children: If you ever get married again be sure to give the kids a heads up, lest they find out via reporters calling them in the middle of the night.” Si Quark at kapatid nitong si Cristalle ay anak ni Vickie sa unang asawa niyang si Atom Henares.

Pero tuloy pa rin daw ang grand wedding nila na gaganapin sa Paris sa September. Nauna na nilang pinadalhan ng secret messages bilang imbitasyon ang malalapit na tao sa kanila, na ang nakasaad:  “This is Scarlet Snow Belo and I would like to invite you to be present when my parents, Daddy Hayden and Mommy Vicki, get married in our favorite city, Paris.”

KALAHOK SA CINEMALAYA 2017
Sampung pelikula ang napiling finalists mula sa 174 kalahok sa main stream movies ang itatanghal sa 13th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival sa taong ito. Para sa short film category, 12 ang napiling kalahok para din sa naturang festival Aug 3 -14 sa Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) at Ayala cinemas.

Ang mga finalists (Full-length movies):
1)  “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” – Mes De Guzman, director, starring Sharon Cuneta;
2) “Ang Guro Kong Hindi Di Marunong Magbasa” – ni Perry Escano, starring Alfred Vargas, Mon Confiado, James Blanco, Miggs Cuaderno, Micko Laurente;
3) “Baconaua” ni Joseph Israel Laban; starring Elora Espano, Teri Malvar, JM Salvador, Bembol Roco;
4) “Bagahe” ni Zig Dulay, starring Angeli Bayani;
5) “Nabubulok” ni Sonny Calvento; starring Gina Alajar, JC Santos, Billy Ray Galleon
6) “Pacboy” (Kiko Boksing-ero) ni Thop Nazareno;
7) “Requited” ni Nerissa Picadizo; starring Jake Cuenca, Anna Luna
8) “Respeto” ni Treb Mon-teras II; starring Loonie, Abra
9) “Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang Kuliglig” ni Iar Lionel at Benjamin Arondaing, starring Ruby Moreno, Alex Medina, Karl Medina
10) “Unang Patak ng Ulan ng Mayo” ni Cenon Obispo Palomares
Ang kalahok sa Short Film:
1) Aliens Ata  - Karl Glenn Barit
2)  Juana and the Sacred Shores - Antonne Santiago
3) Lola Leleng - Jean Cheryl Tagyamon                                                          
4) Fatima Marie Torres and the Invasion of Space Shuttle Pinas 25 - Carlo Francisco Manatad ;           5) Bawod (Bent) - Terimar Malones                                                                              
6) Nakaw -  Arvin Belarmino                                                                                          
7) Sorry for the Inconvenience - Carl Adrian Chavez                                        
8) Hilom - Paul Patindol
9) Manong ng Pa-aling - E. del Mundo                                                                  
10) Maria -  Jaime Mabac Jr                                                                                            
11) Nakauwi Na -  Marvin Cabagunay                                                                            
12) Islabodan - Juan Carlo Tarobal

Joy sets sight on singing to bigger audience

By Daisy CL Mandap

She finds the ultimate joy in singing, and hopes to share this obsession with more people, perhaps on a bigger scale.

It is a dream that does not seem impossible for Joy Carbonell, a 39-year-old domestic worker in Hong Kong who has been getting accolades lately for her amazingly powerful voice.

At a recent Philippine Independence Day ball hosted by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, for example, Joy who sang dressed casually in jeans and shirt, left the audience in awe because of her sheer talent.

The former public school teacher who came to Hong Kong from her hometown of Nueva Ecija 10 years ago, says she has always loved singing.

“From age nine, I would sing everyday, Iyon na yung pinaka-laro ko,” she says.

She indulged this passion by joining local singing contests, but did not think of it as a future career. Instead, she continued with her studies, and eventually obtained a degree in education from the Central Luzon State University. She went on to teach in a public elementary school, but continued singing with the school choir.

In 2007, Joy came to Hong Kong for what she says were “personal reasons”. She initially worked as a nanny for her sister, but decided to stay when her sister moved to the United States.

She says she is lucky because her employers have been very supportive of her singing. With the ample free time she is given, she gets to hone her skill by joining singing contests and being part of “Unsung Heroes,” a choir in Discovery Bay made up of foreign domestic workers.

“Sa Pilipinas mas kaunti ang oras ko para sa pagkanta kasi maraming trabaho,” she says.

Her happiness at being able to spend more time on her passion is the only reason she has not gone back home to teach, says Joy.

“Kung hindi ko lang nae-enjoy ang buhay ko dito, babalik ako sa Pilipinas para magturo,” she says.

A few years back, Joy joined a major singing contest organized by financing company Prime Credit where she ended up in second place. A judge in that contest disclosed at a public event recently that the only reason Joy failed to take the top slot was because she did not come across as a total package, meaning, looks and all.

Joy wryly admits that she must have looked “baduy” or a “manang” (old-fashioned) then, as she was just new in Hong Kong. Or it could also be because she needed to practice her singing a bit more as it had been awhile since she last joined a contest.

But she was happy enough to have landed in second place, and that the experience opened the door to her being invited to sing at various Filipino community events.

It was while singing at one of these events that an American teacher took notice of Joy’s unusual talent, and offered her free singing lessons.

“Malaki ang naitulong nito sa akin, lalo na sa diction at sa technique,” Joy acknowledges.

Her being part of “Unsung Heroes,” which is coached for free by Jane Engelmann, a performing arts coordinator at Peak School, also helped.

In time, Joy, who is openly gay, also found that she felt more comfortable performing in jeans and boots.

“But I don’t have any problem wearing a gown or a dress, in makeup and high heels, if I need them to interpret the song,” she says. “Costume lang naman ang mga iyan”.

With her newfound confidence and additional training, Joy went back to join Prime’s singing contest, and won resoundingly.

In the wake of this victory, Joy was also given the chance to record her first album, which had its big launch at Edinburgh Place, Central on June 18, and is now available for viewing on youtube and digital music service, spotify.

Joy looks at these recent events as the crowning glory in her singing career, but is not about to stop aspiring for even bigger things. She now plans to join an international singing contest like WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts) held annually in Los Angeles, California where she hopes to add another feather to her cap.

Then there is also the hope that one day, finally, she can transition from being a foreign domestic worker to a professional singer. With all the bright things coming her way now, achieving that dream may not be far behind.

Filipinas hauled to court for supermarket theft

Depressed because of pressing money problems, a terminated Filipina domestic helper admitted taking a $39 worth of shower gel from a Park N Shop outlet in Aberdeen on March 16.

Emily S. Agpoun, 39, was ordered bound over for the sum of $2,000 for 12 months by Magistrate Bina Chainrai at Eastern Court on June 20 after agreeing to the written facts of the case.

She was not asked to enter a plea, but was told not to re-offend within the next 12 months, or she would be ordered to pay $2,000, on top of whatever sentence might be imposed for the new offense.

Agpoun was also ordered to pay court costs of $500, which was the same amount she had posted as police bail.

Shortly afterward, another Filipina also appeared in court over the alleged theft of a hair gel, also from a ParkNShop store in Aberdeen.

Jonalyn Respicio was not asked to enter a plea, but was told to return to court on July 14. Her police bail of $200 was raised by Magistrate Chainrai to $500, and she was told that she needed to pay the balance by close of office hours.

Agpoun, who had fidgeted throughout the hearing of her case, was visibly relieved that the theft charge against her was withdrawn, and she would not spend time behind bars.

Asked afterwards why she took the Dove shower gel, she said it was because money was tight as she had been unemployed for a few months. She said she was terminated by her employer after only six months of work, and was allowed to remain in Hong Kong only because she had filed a labour claim against her employer.

When detained by police following the theft of the shower gel, the Ilocana was found to have $633.60 in her purse, but she said the money was meant for her visa extension fee.

Told that the bound over meant she did not have any police record and could thus seek new employment in Hong Kong, Agpoun, who had previously worked in Qatar, said she had already decided to go back to the Philippines. However, she said she would still try to apply for work abroad, maybe in Singapore. - DCLM

Easy and healthy packed lunches

By Jo Campos

Picky kids? Bored with the lunch boxes you prepare for the boss and their kids to take to work and school?

This could be a challenge, especially if what we’re after is food that is both appetizing and healthy. The solution to this dilemma is to plan the week’s menu ahead of time so you avoid stress. This will also give you more time to do the grocery shopping and stock up on the ingredients.

A sure tip: healthy salads and sandwiches are always a hit with adults who watch their weight. And picking the right veggies and the various dressings that could go with them will help you add figurative spice to their daily “baon”.

Another thing to remember is to ensure that the food you prepare conforms with the particular diet that they follow. Therein lay more challenges, unless you prepare well in advance, for there are a great number of diets followed by people nowadays.

One example is the gluten-free diet, which could be not just a fad, but a health concern. People allergic to gluten could develop celiac, a serious illness that could lead to death.

Gluten is the composite protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. This particular protein gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise, keep its shape, and provide a chewy texture. Gluten is found in a wide range of foods and beverages, including bread and baked goods, pasta, cereal, many dressings and sauces, and beer. This means choosing gluten-free bread for your sandwich, and ensuring the other ingredients you use do not contain wheat, rye or barley.

Other diets, mostly for slimming purposes, are just fads, and come with suggested amount of serving or calorie count so the person in charge of the kitchen is best advised to plan and do some research even before doing any kind of food preparation.

Kiddie meals are far easier to prepare, but it could be a challenge if the child is picky. My take is to make them get used to eating vegetables and fruits from an early age so packing a nutritious lunch for them when they start going to school would be less of a hassle.

The biggest challenge to packing food for young kids is to make the lunch box look appetizing each day so they don’t complain about getting “bored” with their meals. There are a variety of ways to make the food more appealing to a kid. For example, (1) make small sandwich roll ups with flatbreads and some lettuce or other greens and thinly sliced ham with a bit of honey mustard dressing. Cut them in small round shapes to make them look like sushi, which most kids love. (2) Shape small sandwiches with different shapes using cookie cutters.  (3) Dip fresh baby carrots and cucumber sticks in peanut butter or nutella to make a crunchy and healthy fresh veggies, or spread a thin layer of peanut butter or cream cheese on thinly sliced apples, a few grapes on the side for an appetizing light lunch for the kids. (Word of caution, do not use peanut butter if the kid is allergic to nuts). A yummy alternative is strawberries dipped in melted chocolates.

The possibilities are endless if you’d just let your imagination run. Is the kid a big fan of some cartoon show? Be creative and shape your sandwiches into his or her favorite cartoon or book character. Search the internet for some great ideas like doing bento lunches, or sending them off with fried rice mixed with veggies and other healthy ingredients in their lunch box. Finally, make sure to pack in fruits or fresh fruit juice to complete their meal for the day.

These lunch ideas are also suitable for adults, especially those who need something to perk them up during a hectic day.

But with adults, the choices could be more extensive. Have leftover roast chicken from last night’s dinner? Pack it on top of a Caesar’s salad, or turn into a healthy veggie and chicken wrap. Good for roast beef leftovers, too! How about an Asian inspired sandwich? The spicy, tangy veggie-loaded Vietnamese baguette or Bhan Mi will surely impress the boss! Pesto pasta, pizza rolls, frittatas, pork chop burgers… there are so many ways to make lunch boxes an exciting treat.

Go ahead, challenge yourselves. Remember, a happy cook is one who “ creates food out of love.”

Ang mga negosyanteng OFW

Ni Cristina B. Cayat

Si Andria ay kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho
sa HK pero nakipagsapalaran sa
negosyo ng patanim. Kamalakilan,
umani ito ng 6 toneladang kalabasa sa
tatlong buwang pag-aalaga.

Karamihan sa mga nangingibang bansa ay nangangarap na maiangat ang buhay ng kanyang pamilya. Gusto nilang mapag-aral ang mga anak, makapundar ng bahay, at makapag-ipon ng perang pampuhunan sa negosyo balang araw.

Kasama sa pangingibang bansa ang pagharap sa iba’t ibang pagsubok, sa trabaho man o dahil sa mga pangyayaring hindi inaasahan na may kinalaman sa mga naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas. Dahil sa mga ito, napapatagal ang pag-iipon o pagkamit sa mga pangarap. Ngunit marami din naman ang naalpasan ang mga ganitong pagsubok sa buhay, at naging mas pursigido pa nga dahil sa mga kagipitang inabot.

Ang mga sumusunod ay kuwento ng ilang mga nangibang-bansa na nagsusumikap linangin ang mga taglay na talento, o samantalahin ang mga oportunidad na dumarating sa kanilang buhay. May mga nakikipagsapalaran na magpatakbo ng negosyo sa Pilipinas kahit na kasalukuyan pa silang nagtratrabaho sa Hong Kong. Mayroon din namang umuwi na upang masubaybayan nang husto ang negosyong itinayo. Magkaiba man ang kanilang pamamaraan, lahat sila ay dala ang kaba at tuwa ng bawa’t “entrepreneur” o negosyante na nagsisimula.

Si Ma. Andria A. Mendoza at ang
kanyang anak na si Jana Marie.

Isang halimbawa si Ma. Andria Mendoza na taga Iloilo, at single parent sa kanyang dalaginding na si Jana Marie. Dati nang nagtrabaho si Andria sa Middle East ng tatlong taon at kalahati kung saan hindi siya sinuwerte dahil sa masamang trato sa kanya ng among Arabo. Sa panahon ding iyon ay magulo ang kanyang relasyon sa asawang naiwan sa Pilipinas. Nalulong ang asawang iniwan sa droga, inom at pambababae. Dahil sa masamang kalagayan niya sa trabaho ay  nagpasya siyang umuwi ngunit ang dinatnan niya ay mas masahol pa sa problemang iniwan niya sa ibang bansa.

Ilang buwan lang ang itinalaga ni Andria sa Iloilo dahil pinagbuhatan siya ng kamay ng kanyang asawa sa harap ng kanilang anak. Nagpasya siyang isumbong sa awtoridad ang asawa para hindi na ito muling makalapit sa kanilang mag-ina, at pagkatapos ay umalis muli patungong Hong Kong. Sa pagdaan ng panahon ay nagbago naman ang dating asawa, at ngayon ay may sarili nang pamilya, at hindi na nanggugulo kina Andria at Jana Marie. Si Andria naman ay nasa maayos na ring relasyon sa kanyang partner sa negosyo.

Sabi ni Andria, masaya siya sa kanyang kinalalagyan ngayon, mababait ang kanyang mga amo sa Tseung Kwan O, at nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na makasali sa programang Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship ng Ateneo University para sa mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa. Naging trainor din siya ng PinoyWISE Hong Kong, ang grupo ng mga OFW na nagbibigay ng pang-pinansiyal na kaalaman sa mga kapwa manggagawa.

Maayos na rin ang kanyang pinansiyal na kalagayan. Malapit nang matapos ang bahay na kanyang pinapagawa, at nagsimula na siyang umani sa kanyang pinapataniman na lupa.

Una siyang nagpatanim ng kalabasa sa dalawang ektaryang lupa na pagmamay-ari ng kanyang kasintahan. Enero ng taong ito ay umani siya ng anim na toneladang kalabasa sa loob lamang  ng tatlong buwan na paghihintay, at sa ngayon naman ay palay ang kanyang ipinatanim.

Ayon kay Andria, tiwala siya na ang kanyang pinasukang negosyo ay magtatagumpay dahil  kaagapay niya rito ang kanyang kasintahan na siyang namamahala sa mga nagtratrabaho sa sakahan. Sabi ni Andria, masaya din siyang nakakatulong sa mga taong gustong tulungan ang sarili nila.

May mga nauna na rin siyang sinubukan na negosyo, ang pag buy and sell ng palay, ngunit hindi siya nagtagumpay. Ngayon ang mga tao na ang lumalapit sa kanya para sabihin na gusto nilang magtanim, kaya ang sabi niya, minsan ay mas maganda na makinig o pulsuhan muna ang  kalagayan ng mga manggagawa. Nakakataba diumano ng puso ang mabatid na nakakapagbigay siya ng trabaho sa iba. Sa ngayon ay panatag ang kanyang loob na magpapatuloy ang pag-unlad ng pataniman na sinimulan niya sa kanilang bayan ng Pototan sa Iloilo.

Ang isa pang napakagandang kuwento ay mula kay Marifi Reyes. Mayroon siya ngayong negosyo na ipinangalan niya sa kanyang anak, ang Nathaniel’s Kids’ Shop na isang buy and sell sa General Trias, Cavite. Sabi ni Marifi, ang kanyang negosyo ay dahil na rin sa tulong ng LSE.

“Thank you LSE for the mentoring, for the motivations and support, salamat sa mga naituro nyo, (dahil) unti-unti ay nakakapundar kami ng mga simpleng negsoyo”, sabi niya.

Si Marifi ay nagsimula lamang sa kapital na Php75, 000, pero sa ngayon ay kumikita na daw siya ng hindi bababa sa Php1,000 kada araw, at mayroon siyang dalawang taga-tinda. Malaking tulong aniya ang pagkakaroon ng negosyo dahil kaunti na lamang ang kanyang dapat ipadala sa Pilipinas mula sa kanyang kinikita sa Hong Kong. Mas lalo daw siyang nagpupursigi sa pag-iipon dahil gusto na rin niyang makasama ang kanyang anak.

Kamakailan lang ay nabili na din ni Marifi ang katabing tindihan sa halagang Php85,000, at kasalukuyan na itong inaayos bilang dagdag espasyo sa kanyang lumalaking negosyo. Ayon sa isang post niya sa Facebook, may mga pinasukan na rin siyang negosyo dati, pero sa buy and sell lang daw siya sinuwerte. Aniya, medyo naka kaba din ang magpatakbo ng negosyo mula sa malayo pero ngayon na kasama na niya ang kanyang tatay sa pag-aasikaso ay mas palagay na siya.

Tuwing napag-uusapan naman ang pag “for good” ay napapaindak sa saya si Marilyn Andaya na taga Lusod, Madella sa Quirino. May usapan na kasi sila ng kanyang amo na bilang na ang mga buwan na kanyang ilalagi sa Hong Kong.Tuwang tuwa siya dahil malapit na niyang masimulan ang planong pagtitinda ng mga lutong pagkain. Pero hindi lang ito ang gusto niyang tutukan, kundi ang iba pang negosyo na ipinundar niya habang nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong.

Nagpasya siyang umuwi na dahil wala na siyang ibang ginagastusan ngayon. Nakapagtapos na ang kanyang dalawang anak, isang seaman at isang aeronautical engineer. Dahil hindi pa nagtatrabaho ang kanyang bunso ay siya naman daw ang nag-aasikaso sa kanilang palayan, babuyan at itikan. Naka-abang na rin ang puwesto na kanyang gagamitin sa kanyang mga lutong pagkain pag-uwi niya. Sa ngayon ang puwesto ay pinapa-upahan niya muna sa isang manikurista para kahit paano ay kumikita na rin.

Si Marilyn ay mahilig magluto, at isa sa mga nagbibigay ng training sa food processing para sa kanyang organisasyon na Balikatan sa Kaunlaran HK Council simula pa noong 1996 nang siya ay naging miyembro. Natutuwa daw siyang marinig na yung mga naturuan niya ay nagagamit ang dagdag-kaalaman para may dagdag-kita.

Madalas din siyang magluto para sa isa pa niyang grupo, ang Apostleship of Prayers ng St Joseph’s church sa Central, at ang pinakapaborito ng lahat ay ang kanyang suman. Aniya, galing pa sa kanyang lola ang ginagamit niyang recipe dito.

Kuwento ni Marilyn, “Ipinagluluto ko sila, pagkatapos ay babayaran na lamang nila ako kung magkano ang nagamit ko sa pagluluto, kasama ang kaunting patong para sa gaas at pamasahe ko, nalilibre pa ang pagkain ko.”

Si Marites Atentar at isa sa kanyang mga obra. 

Ang isang umuwi na ng tuluyan ay si Marites Atenar na nagtuturo ng sining ngayon sa isang eksklusibong eskuwelahan sa Makati. Buong pagkukumbaba niyang ikinuwento na isa “lamang” siyang teacher aide, at nakapagtrabaho doon sa tulong ng kanyang kakambal na isang guro sa naturang eskuwelahan.

Pero hindi basta-basta ang kakayahan ni Marites sa pagpinta, dahil habang nasa Hong Kong, ay sumali siya sa ilang workshop para mas lalo siyang matutong humagod sa canvas. Ang kanyang paboritong medium ay acrylic, na ginagamit niya sa pagpinta ng mga ibon at makukulay na Filipiniana design. Pag-uwi niya ay may isang negosyante sa Makati na agad siyang binigyan ng commission para gumuhit ng palamuti para sa kanyang restoran.

Ayon kay Marites,  masaya siya na patuloy niyang nagagamit ang kanyang talento, at nakapagbibigay ng galak sa mga bata. Mula noong umuwi ay naging abala na siya sa mga pagtuturo, pagpinta sa dingding ng eskuwelahan, at paglalagay ng palamuti tuwing may ipinagdiriwang na okasyon doon.

Iba naman ang pinagkakaabalahan ni Grace Ananayo na dati ring OFW sa Hong Kong. Siya ngayon ay namamahala sa anim na trabahador ng isang malaking kooperatiba sa Banaue, Ifugao na pagma-may-ari ng mga OFW. Maliban sa kanyang trabaho bilang general manager ng House of Ekolife sa Banaue, si Grace ay may sarili ding tindahan ng mga pasalubong at street food. Sabi ni Grace, masarap mamuhay sa Pilipinas dahil kasama mo na ang pamilya mo, nasusubaybayan mo pa ang negosyo mo. Wala na raw siyang balak bumalik sa ibang bansa para magtrabaho.

Si Alvir Catacutan (kaliwa, kasama ang
kanyang mga tauhan) na sumugal sa pagtatanim
ng sugarcane sa Negros Oriental—
iniwan ang siguradong sahod bilang OFW upang
matikman ang kalayaan bilang negosyante.

Ang isa namang maituturing na inspirasyon pagdating sa pagbabalik sa bayan para magbungkal sa lupa ay si Alvir Catacutan ng Negros Oriental. Umuwi siya sa Pilipinas sa unang bahagi ng taong kasalukuyan upang magbakasyon lamang at simulan ang pagtatanim ng tubo. Agad niyang napansin na may dalang kakaibang saya ang pagbubungkal ng lupa, kaya nagpasya siyang bumalik na ng tuluyan. Sabi niya, sa pitong taon niyang pangingibang-bansa ay noon lang siya nakaramdam ng tunay na kalayaan.

Bumalik siya sa Hong Kong para magbigay ng isang buwang abiso sa kanyang amo na nabigla, dahil alam nitong wala sa plano ni Alvir ang mag “for good” na. Kahit siya ay umaming nabigla din, dahil ang una niyang balak ay manatili sa Hong Kong ng 10 taon, na ibinaba niya sa tatlo matapos mag-aral sa LSE. Ang plano niyang bungkalin ang lupang tigang na pagma-may-ari ng kanyang kamag-anak ay naging pangmatagalan. Ang lupa ay may sukat na 2.6 hectares at may 16 siyang trabahador na tumutulong sa kanya sa pagsasaka dito.

Ayon kay Alvir, kakaibang saya ang nararamdaman kapag nakikita mong nakakatulong ka sa mga kapwa mo magsasaka. Mas lalo itong makahulugan dahil sa kawalan ng trabaho sa probinsya.

“I will probably continue the business in sugarcane trucking service, like hauling sugarcane,” masaya niyang kuwento. Wala na daw siyang balak pang bumalik sa ibang bansa para mangamuhan.

Iba-ibang negosyo, iba-ibang pamamaraan ng pangkabuhayan.

Nguni’t iisa ang hangad ng bawat isa, ang matumbok ang negosyo na kumikita, at nagbibigay sa kanila ng saya. Kayo, anong negosyong nais ninyong itayo pagkatapos magtrabaho sa Hong Kong? Hindi pa huli ang lahat para umuwi, at subukang magtrabaho para sa sarili.

HK retains downgrade in new US anti-trafficking report

Hong Kong has come out strongly against its being relegated to tier 2 for the second year running in the new US State Department report on human trafficking, saying it did not get a fair and objective assessment of its effort to combat the problem.

In a statement issued on June 27, the HK government said: “There are inaccurate descriptions of our work, and groundless assumptions (including that Hong Kong is a destination, transit and source territory for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour) which led to the unfair conclusions. The relatively small number of victims identified attests to the fact that TIP is not prevalent in Hong Kong.”

The annual report released earlier that day said “The Hong Kong Government does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.”

The new initiatives cited included punishment for unscrupulous employment agencies and the possibility of putting violators behind bars, new guidelines for the government’s anti-trafficking procedures, the investigation of more trafficking cases, and efforts to increase awareness of the rights of foreign domestic workers.

But, the report said Hong Kong did not do enough to “address its policies creating vulnerabilities for foreign domestic workers or conduct public awareness campaigns targeted at preventing sex trafficking”.

In contrast, the Philippines received a positive assessment in the report, which said:

“The Government of the Philippines fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore, the Philippines remained on Tier 1.”

Cited in the report were the “serious and sustained” efforts of the administration in convicting and punishing traffickers, identifying more victims through proactive screening procedures, and expanding its efforts to prevent trafficking of Filipino migrant workers.

But the government was ticked for failing to provide adequate protection and assistance to trafficking victims, particularly mental health care and services for male victims.

Its attention was also called out for not making enough effort to investigate and prosecute officials allegedly involved in trafficking, and for failing to expand its pilot program to address the backlog of trafficking cases in the courts.

Some of the harshest criticism was directed at China, which was cited in the report as among the world’s worst offenders for allowing modern slavery to thrive within its borders.

China was dropped to tier 3 – the lowest in the rankings – this year, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.

They joined 20 others already in the bottom rung, including Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

The report said 20 million people remain in bondage all over the world. Despite this,  prosecutions for various forms of human trafficking, such as sex trafficking, including children, forced and bonded labor; domestic servitude; and the unlawful use of child soldiers — dropped by nearly a quarter between 2015 and 2016, the first time the world had seen such a significant drop in recent years. – DCLM

People Who Are Truly Happy

By Francisco J. Colayco

In relation to money, how happy are people?

Will fame and fortune make them happy?  Definitely, there are rich and famous people who are happy.  It is unlikely though that it is only the fortune part of the fame that is making them happy.  In fact, in many cases, the “riches” part is what causes them headaches and heartaches.  They begin to wonder if they are really famous for what they really are or only because they have a lot of money.  Money can give them a lot of power because people will be afraid not to follow their wishes.  They can be very generous with gifts because money is no object to them.  But in the final analysis, do they respect themselves enough so that they believe that other people respect them for what they are?

But, it is always better to have money than no money even for those who are famous. Being famous, they are approached by many for help. They surely want to help and will be very frustrated if they cannot help.  The solution is always to make sure that they make enough money so that they can share with the needy and pursue other goals that will truly make them happy.

Do people worry less when they have lots of money?

Unfortunately… NO!  

Actually, I would think that those with too much money worry as much, if not more, than those without money.  Those without money worry about the basic necessities.  But at the same time, their needs are much simpler.  Thus, they can solve their basic problems quicker.  For example, beggars are happy to have food and shelter.  They worry about where to get those and perhaps hope that somehow they will find kind benefactors.  To be sure, no one wants to be a beggar.  Those who are, most often, are victims of “syndicates” or are mental cases.  A few perhaps are just plain lazy and without any self respect that they don’t mind making their “living” through begging.

Having lots of money also brings a lot of responsibility.  In the bible, Matthew 13:12 “Whoever has, will be given more…”  This passage precisely means that.  A lot more work is expected from the people who have more in life. Lots of money is definitely a commodity that is not available to all people. Those who have it cannot be selfish.  Otherwise, they will answer for their selfishness in another life.

For those who are blessed with money, the solution to worrying less is for them to use their riches for the good of all, especially those who need it more. Thinking more of the needs of others removes the focus from oneself.  Thinking less of oneself will certainly reduce all other needs.  After all :  “The richest is not the person who has the most but the person who needs the least.”

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Francisco J. Colayco is an entrepreneur, a venture developer and financial advisor.  He is the Author of Seven Bestsellers in the Pera Palaguin Series, the latest of which is now available in bookstores:  “Wealth Reached. Money Worked. Pera Mo, Pinalago Mo!” Find his works and catch him on TV and radio.  Check out: www.colaycofinancialeducation.com, www.franciscocolayco.com, www.kskcoop.com, FaceBook and Instagram.

Karanasan ng OEC volunteer

Ni Rodelia Villar

Bilang isang miyembro ng Help Desk Committee sa Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, isang simbahang Katoliko dito sa Hong Kong, hindi lang problema sa amo o trabaho ng mga manggagawang Pilipino ang aming tinutulungang malutas. Kasama din sa aming misyon ang pagtulong sa iba pang problema ng aming kapwa, kabilang na ang pagrehistro nila sa BMOnline para makakuha sila ng OEC exemption na kakailanganin nilang ipakita sa airport para makabalik mula sa kanilang pagbabakasyon sa Pilipinas.

Dahil sanay ako sa paggamit ng computer pinag-aralan ko na rin kung paano gumawa ng sarili kong account sa BMOnline. Sa una ay medyo nahirapan ako kaya ginamit ko ang guide na nasa youtube para matuto.

Dahil may BMOnline account na ako, maraming miyembro sa aming simbahan ang lumalapit sa akin para magpatulong. Bilang tugon ay isinama namin sa aming coregroup meeting ang kung paano tumulong para makagawa ng BMOnline account, at pati na rin ang paggamit ng computer. Laking pasasalamat namin na natanggap ang aming panukala, kaya marami sa mga malapit nang umuwi ang nagsasabi sa akin na tulungan silang gumawa ng account at magpa-appointment sa Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) para makumpleto ang kanilang pagre-rehistro sa BMOnline. Masaya ako na nakakatulong sa mga kaibigan at kasama  ko sa simbahan.

Isang araw, may kaibigan ako na nagtanong kung gusto ko daw bang mag volunteer sa POLO para magturo sa mga kababayan na walang accounts sa BMOnline, gamit ang computer. Agad akong nag message kay Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre na gusto kong mag volunteer, at agad naman siyang sumagot na welcome daw ako.

Sa  unang araw ko bilang volunteer ay nabigla ako sa dami ng mga taong nakapila para manghingi ng tulong para sa OEC. Hindi ko inexpect yun, pero masaya ako na nakatulong. Sa araw na iyon ay nakilala ko rin ang ibang volunteer at mga staff ng POLO.

Ang karaniwang problema ng mga aplikante ay ang kanilang email address kasi, hindi na nila maalala ang kanilang password at hindi alam ang una nilang gagawin. Dahil dito, ang una naming pinapaliwanag ay kung paano nila makikita ang kanilang email address lumalabas sa kanilang telepono, at para iyon na ang gagamitin sa kanilang pag register bilang “new user”.

Mayroon ding nagpagawa lang ng account sa kaibigan o amo kaya hindi na matandaan ang email address at hindi na mabuksan ang kanilang profile sa BMOnline. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, tinutulungan na lang namin silang gumawa ng bagong email address at ng makagawa ng panibagong BMOnline account.

Marami din ang nagkaka-problema dahil kulang na sa anim na buwan ang validity ng kanilang passport kaya hindi na puwedeng mag rehistro sa BMOnline. Kung hindi pa nila ito nare-renew kailangan muna nilang ipa-extend ang expiration date para makarehistro at makakuha ng OEC.

Ang isa pang problema ng marami ay hindi sila marunong gumawa ng appointment online o kaya ay walang panahon kaya marami pa rin ang walk-in na aplikante tuwing Linggo.

Minsan nakaranas ako ng hindi maganda dahil sa mahabang pila ng mga aplikante sa tulay papasok sa POLO. Mayroong nagparinig dahil nagmamadali kasi may curfew, at mayroon ding nagrerelamo na ang tagal na nila sa pila ay hindi pa rin nakakapasok.

Bilang volunteer ay nandoon ako para tumulong at hindi makipagtalo kaya hindi ko na lang pinapansin ang mga nagrereklamo. Dapat nilang maintindihan na sa simula pa lang ay ang may appointment ang priority kaya ang mga walk-in ay kailangang maghintay hanggang matapos ang nakalista. Pero kapag senior citizen sila o uuwi dahil may emergency katulad ng namatayan ay inuuna naming sila.

Sa ilang linggong pagtulong ko ay napansin ko na kahit si Labatt dela Torre ay umuupo sa harap ng computer para tumulong sa mga wala pa sa BMOnline, at kahit public holiday ay bukas ang 11floor ng POLO para sa OEC.

Kabilang sa nakadagdag sa pila ang ilang OFW na nakakuha na ng OEC exemption pero para makasiguro ay pumupunta pa rin sa POLO para magtanong.

Pabor ako sa pagpapatuloy ng pagrerehistro sa BMOnline dahil isang paraan ito para magka record ang isang isang OFW  sa POEA, para na rin sa kanilang proteksyon.

Ang hiling ko lang sa mga kapwa ko OFW ay sana ay lagi silang makibalita sa mga nangyayari sa Hong Kong, lalo na iyong may kinalaman sa ating mga dayuhang manggagawa. May sariling facebook page ang Philippine Consulate General at POLO para sa mga bago at karagdagang balita.

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Ang ating panauhing manunulat para sa isyung ito ay si Rodelia P. Villar, isang beteranong volunteer sa simbahan na isa ngayon sa mga nakatutok para mapadali ang pag-register ng mga kapwa manggagawa sa BMOnline, at sa gayon ay makakuha ng OEC exemption para sa kanilang pag-uwi sa Pilipinas. Ayon kay Rodelia, mahilig siyang sumulat at tumulong sa kapwa kaya naisip niyang palawakin pa nang lalo ang kanyang ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat sa The SUN. Dati siyang nangasiwa sa newsletter ng kanilang simbahan sa Taipo sa loob ng 14 taon, at nagsusulat din para sa Mabuhay, ang diyaryo ng simbahang Katolika sa Hong Kong. Bilang miyembro ng Help Desk committee ng kanilang simbahan ay tumutulong din siya sa paggabay sa mga migranteng manggagawa na may problema. Nag-iimbita din daw sila ng mga tagapagsalita mula sa Help for Domestic Workers para mas lalo nilang maintindihan ang mga batas na sumasaklaw sa mga migrante. Si Rodelia ay 15 taon na sa Hong Kong, may asawa at isang anak, at nakatapos ng kursong Hotel and Restaurant Management – Ed)