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For Tinikling Lovers

Posted on 16 October 2017 No comments

The Tinikling Group of Migrants is in need of male/female performers with or without experience, no age limit. TGM performs mostly for the LCSD events. Interested person may contact Marie Velarde @ 67175379, Emz Bautista @ 98512804 and Rowena Solir  @97331049.

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

An invitation to play volleyball
Calling sport-minded Filipinas who want to play volleyball. A team is being organized by a group led by Shane Key Gonzales to compete in upcoming volleyball leagues in Hong Kong. Interested parties may contact Shane at 54498080.

Aga, balik-pelikula

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Nagka-edad at tumaba man, hindi pa rin nawawala ang angking karisma ni Aga Muhlach, na tinaguriang “ultimate leading man” ng pelikulang Pilipino. Marami pa rin siyang fans na sabik na mapanood siyang muli, at ngayon ay nadagdagan pa ang paghanga sa kanya dahil mas lumalim ang kanyang pananaw sa lahat ng bagay, at nanatiling mahusay makisama sa mga kasamahan sa trabaho. 
Sa kanyang pagbabalik-pelikula matapos ang anim na taong pahinga sa showbiz, masaya si Aga na mapabilang sa cast ng Seven Sundays, na tinatampukan din nina Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, Enrique Gil (bilang mga kapatid ni Aga), at Ronaldo Valdez (bilang ama nila), dahil mahuhusay at magaan daw silang katrabaho. Puring-puri rin niya ang kanilang director na si Cathy Garcia-Molina na ngayon lang niya nakatrabaho, at sana raw ay mai-direk siyang muli sa  isang TV series.
Inamin ni Aga na hirap siyang magpapayat kaya maraming offers na daw ang tinanggihan niya dahil pawang mga love stories ito, at kailangang maipakita na maganda ang pangangatawan niya. Nang ialok daw sa kanya ang pelikula, sinabi sa kanyang hindi niya kailangang magpapayat, kaya mataba, malaki ang tiyan at puti ang buhok ang karakter niya dito.
Sa pag-iikot ni Aga sa iba’t ibang programa ng ABS CBN upang i-promote ang pelikula, kapansin-pansin na malaki na ang ipinayat nito, at tuloy-tuloy na raw ang kanyang pagwo-workout sa gym bilang paghahanda sa kanyang mga susunod na project. May uumpisahan siyang pelikula sa susunod na buwan, pero ang balik tambalan nila ni Lea Salonga o ni Sharon Cuneta ay malabo pang mangyari dahil wala pa raw silang napipili sa mga inalok sa kanila, at kailangang ayusin pa ang kanilang mga schedule.
Sa loob ng 16 taong pagsasama nila ni Charlene Gonzales, nananatiling grounded daw si Aga, at masaya siya na ang kanilang anak na kambal, sina Atasha at Andres na namana ang good looks nila, ay parehong masipag mag-aral at mahilig sa sports. Ipinagmamalaki rin niya si Atasha na mahusay ring mag-drawing at magpinta. Sa ngayon ay hindi naman nakikitaan ang kambal ng hilig sa  showbiz, pero para kay Aga, kailangang makatapos muna ng pag-aaral ang mga ito dahil ito lang ang maitutulong niya sa kanila. Bahala na raw sila kung ano ang gusto nilang gawin kapag nakatapos na sila.


IZA, ENGAGED NA 
Engaged na si Iza Calzado sa matagal na niyang karelasyon na si Ben Wintle. Naganap ang proposal noong October 8 sa Sonya’s Garden sa Tagaytay sa harap ng malalapit na kamag-anak at kaibigan. Akala ni Iza ay isang simpleng get-together lang iyon, kaya wala siyang make-up at casual lang ang suot. Nagulat siya nang pagdating niya roon ay sinalubong siya ni Ben na may dalang bouquet ng bulaklak at lumuhod sa harap niya at alukin siya ng kasal. Bagama’t nabigla, nakuha pang magbiro ni Iza. Tiananong kung totoo at hindi peke ang singsing, at kinagat pa niya ito, bago sinabing tunay nga ito. Nang um-oo siya ay nagpahabol pa siya ng ng “Oh no, wait, I have a condition. As long as you shower every night before going to bed! Yay!”
Ayon kay Ben, matagal na siyang humingi ng permiso para sa kasal sa ama ni Iza na si Lito Calzado noong nabubuhay pa ito.
Kabilang sa mga nakasaksi sa mahalagang sandali sa buhay ni Iza ang kaibigan niyang si Karylle, fashion designer na si Rajo Laurel, at ang manager niyang  si Noel Ferrer na unang naglabas ng video ng naganap na proposal.
Wala pang detalye tungkol sa kasal, kahit matagal na rin daw nilang napapag-usapan ito. Ang sigurado, tuloy pa rin sa pag-aartista si Iza kahit may asawa na, dahil suportado siya ni Ben sa kanyang hilig at trabaho.

JOHN LLOYD, PINAG-BAKASYON NG ABS CBN
Matapos ang kontrobersyang idinulot ng mga naglabasang video nina John Lloyd Cruz at Ellen Adarna nitong mga nagdaang araw, nagkasundo ang pamunuan ng ABS CBN at si John Lloyd na bigyan ng mahabang bakasyon ang aktor. Balitang naapektuhan ng mga negatibong reaksyon ng mga fans ang mga product endorsement ng actor, at may mga nagpu-pull out din daw ng commercial sa TV show nito na Home Sweetie Home, kung saan ay kasali rin sa cast si Ellen.
Kung ang akala ng marami ay mas magiging maingat na ang actor at mag-iisip-isip bago pa tuluyang bumagsak ang kanyang career, heto at muli na namang naglabasan ang mga larawan at video ng dalawa na magkasama palang nagbakasyon sa Morocco. Para itong extension lang ng naudlot nilang bakasyon sa Pilipinas. Tila matindi ang naging tama ng aktor kay Ellen, kaya handang talikdan nito ang career na matagal niyang pinaghirapan para lang makapiling ito. Lalo na at may tsismis na dalawang buwan na raw itong buntis.
Sana nga ay pagbalik nila sa Pilipinas ay may trabaho pa silang babalikan, lalo na si John Lloyd na isa sa pinakamahuhusay na aktor ng Pilipinas ngayon.

HIMIG HANDOG FINALISTS
Napili na ng Star Music ang sampung finalists mula sa 7,000 entries para sa Himig Handog 2017. Ang mga napili ay 1) Bagyo ni Agat Morallos, na ang aawit ay si Jake Zyrus, 2) Bes ni Eric de Leon na aawitin ni Migz Haleco, 3) Extensyon na komposisyon ni Aikee Aplacador, at si Inigo Pascual ang magi-interpret, 4) Naririnig Mo Ba?, nina LJ Manzano at Joan Da, na aawitin ni Morisette Amon, 5) Sampu ni Raizo Chabeldin at Bib de Vera, na aawitin ni Jona, 6) Tanghaling Tapat ni Gabriel Tagagtad at kakantahin ng Unit 406, 7) Tayo na Lang Kasi ni Soc Villanueva na aawitin nina Kyla at Jason Dy. 8) The Labo Song ni Karl Gaurano at Teodoro Katigbak, na aawitin ni Kaye Cal, 9) Titibo-Tibo ni Libertine Amistoso, at aaawitin ni Moira, at  10) Wow na Feelings ni Karlo Zabala, na aawitin ni Janella Salvador.
Ngayon pa lang ay inaabangan na kung alin sa mga sampung awitin ang susunod na maging hit dahil magagamit ang mga ito sa iba’t ibang shows ng ABS CBN.

KAPATID NI NADINE, NAGPAKAMATAY?
Hindi na umabot sa ospital ang 16 taong gulang na estudyante na si Isaiah Paguia Lustre, na kapatid umano ni Nadine Lustre, matapos itong matagpuang duguan sa kanyang silid noong  Oct.7 sa kanilang bahay sa Hilo St, Silvina Village, Brgy. Talipapa sa Quezon City.
Ayon sa ulat, ang mga kapatid ng biktima na sina Ezekiel at Naomie ay naglalaro daw ng kanilang mga gadget nang makarinig sila ng putok ng baril. Natagpuan nila ang kapatid na  nakahandusay at may tama ng baril sa ulo. Humingi sila ng tulong sa mga kapitbahay at isinugod nila ito ang dalagita sa ospital ngunit patay na ito pagdating doon.
Wala raw alam ang pamilya ng biktima kung may problema ito, pero napansin daw nilang ilang araw bago ito namatay ay matamlay ito at walang kibo. Ayaw na rin ipa-awtopsya ng ama nila ang bangkay, pero gustong malaman ng mga pulis kung sino ang may-ari ng baril na ginamit nito.
Hindi makuhanan ng pahayag si Nadine, pero kapansin-apansin ang pagkawala niya sa It’s Showtime na kinabibilangan niya.
Sa halip, panay ang post niya ng mga symbolic signs sa kanyang Instagram account.


Ano ang hatid ng Oktubre sa iyo

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TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Palagay ang loob mo at masaya kahit saan ka magpunta ngayon. Tahimik at payapa rin ang love life mo. Pero wala kang swerte sa pera ngayon, kaya iwasan ang anumang klase ng sugal. Makakahanap ka na rin ng bagong malilipatan. Iwasan na masobrahan sa lahat ng bagay gaya ng pagkain, alak, sigarilyo at maging sa trabaho. Tandaan na ang kalusugang pisikal at pag-iisip ay nakasalalay sa iyo, at sa iyong gawain. Lucky numbers: 6, 15, 33 at 40.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Iwasan ang labis na pag-aaalala na maaring makaapekto sa kalusugan, at libangin ang sarili. Malaki ang tsansa na tumaas ang posisyon sa trabaho o maumentuhan. Magiging aktibo ang social life mo ngayon. Hindi inaasahang pera ang darating na labis mong ikatutuwa. May badya ng pagtatalo sa mag-asawa dahil sa gastusin; handa kang gumastos ng malaki upang mapaganda ang bahay, pero gustong magtipid ng kapartner mo. Lucky numbers: 19, 23, 28 at 41.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Maganda ang kalusugan, pero kung marami kang kinakain, madidiskubre mong nandiyan pa rin ang gout mo. Malinaw ang isip mo na isantabi muna ang ma-ambisyong proyekto, pero madali kang magtiwala agad. Mag-ingat sa pananalita upang maiwasan ang lungkot at pagka-irita na dulot nito. Sensitibo at mahilig pa ring mangarap nang gising, hindi ito makakatulong sa pagharap sa kabiguan. Lucky numbers: 17, 20, 32 at 45.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Magandang ideya, magandang kondisyon, at maayos ang relasyon mo sa lahat. Posibleng bigyan mo ng importansya ang love life, lalo na kung mabibighani ka sa unang pagkikita. Posibleng makaranas ng pananakit ng ngipin kaya iwasan ang matatamis na inumin at ngumuya ng chewing gum. Ayusin agad ang mga bayarin upang makaiwas sa problema dahil magiging abala ka sa mga darating na araw. Lucky numbers: 22, 29, 31 at 37.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Pakiramdam mo ay nakatali ka sa obligasyon sa pamilya, pero may paraan para gumaan ang pasanin. Upang tumibay ang posisyon sa trabaho, magpakita ng ng tiyaga at sipag. Maaring dumaan sa pagkalito at hindi pagkaka-intindihan ang problema sa pagsasama. Iwasan ang maruruming lugar at hindi sariwang pagkain dahil baka magdulot ito ng problema sa kalusugan. Huwag iinom ng gamot na pampakalma, lalo na kung hindi ito inireseta sa iyo. Lucky numbers: 16, 25, 34 at 43.
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TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Sa trabaho, mag-ingat sa maling hinala at sa panunulsol ng mga kasamahan. Hangga’t maaari, iwasan muna ang bumiyahe ng malalayo upang makaiwas sa sari-saring kaguluhan na pwedeng maranasan. Sa pananalapi at iba pang mahalagang bagay, pagkatiwalaan ang sariling diskarte dahil maaayos mo itong mabuti. Masaya, balanse at puno ng pagmamahal ang pagsasama ngayon. Ito ang tamang panahon para bumuo ng plano sa hinaharap, gaya ng pagpapakasal, o mas maging masaya ang pagsasama. Lucky numbers: 19, 22, 39 at 40.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Magiging agresibo at pabigla-bigla ka sa kilos mo. Isang kaibigan ang magbibigay ng tip na ikasisiya mo ng husto. Napapanahon ang pakikipag-team up sa ibang kasamahan; gampanan ang tungkulin at huwag sisihin ang iba sa iyong kabiguan. Walang silbi kung patuloy mong kakaawaan ang sarili. Kung nalulungkot, makipag-kaibigan at mahahanap mo rin agad ang taong nakakasundo mo. Lucky numbers: 7, 16, 35 at 38.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Iba’t ibang problema ang magpapasakit ng ulo mo; piliting kontrolin ang sarili at iwasang magalit sa malapit na kamag-anak. Sa trabaho, kailangan mong sundin ang utos ng nakatataas sa iyo, kahit hindi mo siya gusto. Respetuhin ang anumang sikreto ng karelasyon, kung hindi ay baka iwan ka nito. Mas magiging maingat ka ngayon sa iyong ari-arian at iiwas sa mga delikadong transaksyon. Lucky number: 9, 13, 26 at 42.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Magaan ang pasok ng pera ngayon, at walang kahirap hirap mong makukuha ito. Sa kabila nito, makakaramdam ka ng matinding pagod at minsan ay parang nasisiraan ka ng loob. Maghinay-hinay sa galaw, maglakad-lakad at mangarap. Kung nalulungkot, akakatagpo ka ng taong magpapasaya sa iyo. Kung may karelasyon, malaking suporta ang matatanggap. May magandang oportunidad ang nakalaan sa iyo. Kilalanin ang mga taong maaring makatulong sa iyo. Lucky numbers: 15, 18, 29 at 33.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Maging madiplomasya sa iyong relasyon, kontrolin ang sungay at gumamit ng matatamis na salita. Mas maganda ang tsansa mo ngayon sa papasukang negosyo. Maganda ang lagay ng pananalapi, may regular na perang matatanggap, at nasa maayos na pamamahala ito. Maging maingat din sa pakikipag-usap sa pamilya dahil sila lang ang nakakaunawa sa iyo, pero kapag nagbitaw ka ng pangit na salita, hinding- hindi nila kakalimutan ito. Lucky numbers: 3,9,14 at 36.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Kung laging pagod, uminom ng vitamins at ingatan ang sarili. Ang pagnanais na lumagay sa tahimik o mamuhay ng mag-isa ang nagbibigay ng motibo sa iyo. Sa trabaho, ang sipag at tiyaga ay mabibigyan ng pansin, pero ang orihinal na ideya ay tila hindi papasa. Ang labis na pagkahilig sa pagkain at sex ay hindi na tama; humanap ng ibang mapaglilibangan. Ingatan ang relasyon sa kaibigan, maging maunawain. Lucky numbers:5, 18, 25 at 40.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Malakas ang intuisyon mo, kaya makakatulong ito na makaiwas sa malaking pagkakamali. May perang darating, pero iwasan ang delikadong transaksyon. Ingatan ang lalamunan sa panahong ito. Kailangang magkaroon ng kasunduan sa pamilya. Sa labas ng tahanan, magagamit mo ng husto ang karisma at husay mo ngayon, kaya makakaasa ka ng suporta sa mga plano mong gawin. Lucky numbers: 11, 25, 34 at 46.

Magkakapitbahay nagdiwang ng mid-autumn festival

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Ni George Manalansan

Masayang nagtipon-tipon ang ilang daang katao mula sa iba-ibang lahi sa taunang selebrasyon ng mid-autumn festival sa Worldwide Gardens sa Shatin noong Oktubre 4.

Ang mga nangasiwa sa pagdiriwang na ito ay ang Incorporated owners of Wordwide Gardens at sponsor ang Shatin District Council.

Ang pagdiriwang ay tinampukan ng mga palaro para mga bata, kantahan, sayawan, at pa raffle. Lahat ng mga sumali sa programa ay tumanggap ng ‘lai mat’ o regalo.

Basta may kantahan, siguradong hindi papaiwan ang mga Pilpino. Isa sa mga naghandog ng awit ay si Rachel na kumanta ng “Fame.”

Kasama ang  mga OFW sa mid-autumn fun night ng Worldwide Gardens Shatin noong Oct 4.
May Pilipina ding sumali sa sayawan, na sinabayan sa pag-indak ng marami, kabilang ang mga employer na dumalo kasama ang kani-kanilang mga kasambahay. May mga Intsik, Indian, Pilipino at Indonesian sa mga nakisaya.

Lalong sumaya ang gabi nang idaos ang paripa o raffle. Kahit hindi kalakihan ang mga premyo, marami pa rin ang umasam na mabunot ang  kanilang numero, at makamit ang isa sa mga nakabalot na regalo.

Kabilang sa mga sinuwerte nang gabing iyon sina Brenda at Joan na parehong Pilipina. Ang mga premyo ay iba-iba, may powerback, photo frame, bath mat at kung ano-ano pa.

Nagpatuloy ang kasiyahan bagamat paminsan-minsan ay bumubuhos ang ulan.

Alinsunod sa tradisyon, marami sa mga bata ang naglibot na may tangan-tangang lantern na may iba’t ibang hugis at kulay, at lahat ay may ilaw sa gitna.

Ang taunang selebrasyon na tinatawag ding Mooncake festival ay isinasagawa sa ika-15 araw ng ika-walong buwan ng lunar calendar. Ito ang pangalawa sa pinaka-importanteng selebrasyon ng mga Intsik, pagkatapos ng Chinese New Year. Para sa kanila, ang kahulugan ng taunang pagdiriwang na ito na tanda ng pagpapalit ng panahon ay pagkakaisa at kapayapaan.

Midwives urged to renew license soon

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By Vir B. Lumicao

Filipino midwives including those in Hong Kong whose licenses have expired or are expiring should renew them before Dec 31 this year to avail themselves of an amnesty exempting them from garnering additional “credit units” from costly seminars.

Further relief is on the way, as the Department of Health is reportedly in the process of making all scientific seminars offered by the government free of charge.

Dr Alejandro San Pedro, chairman of the Board of Midwifery of the Professional Regulation Commission, during hhis talk at the National Convention of Midwives held at the Admiralty Convention Centre.
Dr Alejandro San Pedro, chairman of the Board of Midwifery of the Professional Regulation Commission, issued the call at the National Convention of Midwives held at the Admiralty Convention Centre on Oct 8.

Dr San Pedro reminded the midwives that they are required by law to attend seminars as part of their continuing professional development, or CPD, for which they earn credit units.

The PRC requires midwives to earn 15 credit units a year from seminars and conventions to accumulate 45 credit units the three-year validity of their licenses, San Pedro said.

So, they must have earned 15 credit units if they intend to renew their licenses next year, and 30 credit units if they do so in 2019, he said. Attendance in the Hong Kong convention earned 4 credit units for each participant.

But for this year, the midwifery board is exempting midwives from the 15 credit unit requirement; however they must do so before the year ends, he said.

Former health assistant secretary Cecille Santos, president emeritus of the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc, told The SUN the health department’s plan for free seminars would be a big relief cost-wise for credit unit chasers.

Santos said CPD was a requirement imposed by the PRC years ago but was halted after dubious CPD training institutions proliferated and were reported to be selling certificates without really providing training.

PRC’s attempt to restore it has met with criticism because midwives, including those working in government hospitals, have to spend money to attend the seminars in order to earn credit units.

Santos said attendance in local annual conventions usually costs Php250 to Php500 per head. For national general assembly conventions lasting three days, the cost reaches PhP3,500 per person including lunch and snacks, but excluding accommodation. 

The two-day convention, which was held for the first time outside the country and attended by about 200 midwives, cost PhP6,500 for those coming from the Philippines and $300 for the Hong Kong-based OFWs.

The convention was timed for Midwifery Week. The PLGPMI board reportedly decided to hold the Hong Kong event to bring CPD closer to the OFW midwives here.  “CPD will help you identify issues and challenges and find solutions to those issues,” San Pedro said in his presentation. “What we want to happen is for you to be confident, competent and caring professional capable of providing the service.”

San Pedro said the midwifery board is giving midwives, especially those working as domestic helpers here, an opportunity to consult members who want to earn units to be able to return to the profession.

Dr Florminda Tejano, incumbent president of the PLGPMI, discussed adherence at all times to the midwifery profession’s code of ethics.


Filipina pedestrian hit by car, injures foot

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A Filipina domestic worker injured her foot when she was struck by a car while she was crossing Kennedy Road in Central on Oct 8. A video footage of the accident showed there was no pedestrian crossing at the spot where she was hit.                                                                                                             
Police identified the woman by her surname, Salomon. She was 33 years old.     

A police spokeswoman told The SUN that a private car going towards Wanchai had run over Salomon’s right foot. She was reportedly conscious when she was taken to Queen Mary Hospital.

A taxi driver caught the accident on his dashboard video camera and supplied the footage to local news portal On TV, which uploaded the footage.

The video shows a white car going down the road when its left side suddenly hit Salomon, who appeared to be just three steps off the kerb on impact. She fell to the ground and tried to get up briefly but could not.

A female passerby ran to her rescue while the driver, surnamed Cheung, got off the car and also attended to the Filipina until paramedics arrived and took her to the hospital.

Salomon was found to have suffered a twisted ankle and a fractured bone, the Oriental Daily reported.


It is not clear if Salomon is considering filing a claim for compensation over the accident. - VBL

Judge tells Filipina she can’t ask court to help collect debt

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A Filipina who sought the High Court’s help in collecting the $36,000 claim awarded her by the Small Claims Tribunal was told she had gone to the wrong place.

Deputy Judge Kent Yee rejected the appeal filed by Eugenia V. Managan when she could not explain why she sought the court’s help to go after Genny Bell Panes who failed to pay her back.

 “You got it all wrong, Madam,” Judge Yee told Managan, adding that the High Court is not a claims court.

The perplexed judge noted that the adjudicator, Brian Mak, had in fact entered judgment in favor of  Managan when Panes failed to show up to counter the claim at the Tribunal.

Managan, who is in her 40s, told The SUN it was the staff at the Tribunal who told her to appeal the case to the High Court. 

The La Union native, who said she had been a domestic helper in Hong Kong for 20 years, filed the claim on May 2, alleging that Panes reneged on her written promise to repay her debt in January last  year.

The case was first heard by Mak on June 7 but Panes was absent. She also did not appear at the trial on Aug 1, so Managan was awarded the claim.

Managan said she learned that Panes had gone home to Iloilo two months ago but was already back in Hong Kong.


But a quick check with the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section showed Panes was issued a one-way travel document because she was terminated by her employer and had no passport. -VBL    

Two Pinays hunted for hurting compatriot

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A night of moon-watching and merrymaking turned ugly on Oct 5 when two Filipinas reportedly assaulted a compatriot during a quarrel at Deepwater Bay Beach on Island Road in southern Hong Kong.

The victim, a 45-year-old domestic worker surnamed Gastillo, was taken by responding police to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wanchai for treatment of injuries to her forehead, right hand and right leg, police told The SUN.

She said police were still searching for the two women who attacked Gastillo.

The case has been classified as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The officer said the incident took place at a barbecue area in Deepwater Bay Beach at 3am on Oct 5. She said the victim had a spat with the two women that turned physical when the pair assaulted Gastillo.

Local newspaper reports said Gastillo and the attackers belonged to two different groups of Filipinas having a barbecue on the beach while celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.


The assailants allegedly pushed the victim to the ground, causing her injuries. Her friends called the police but the two assailants had already left when officers arrived. - VBL

Nakulong dahil sa illegal work

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Dumating na sa Pilipinas noong gabi ng Okt 11 si Mae, isang Ilongga na taga Passi City, matapos makulong dahil sa pagtatrabaho ng ilegal.

Nasa ikatlong buwan pa lang sa trabaho si Mae nang mahuli ng Immigration sa airport habang nagsusundo ng mga bagong dating na katulong na ni-recruit ng kanyang amo na may-ari ng isang employment agency.

Hindi nalaman ng kanyang mga kamag-anak sa Iloilo kung saan ikinulong si Mae, pero tinawagan sila ng mga awtoridad sa Hong Kong para sabihing “ready for deportation” na daw ito.

Sinabi din sa kanila na ang amo nito ay sinampahan ng kaso ng Immigration para sa pagpapatrabaho ng ilegal ng kanyang katulong.

Ayon sa batas ng Hong Kong, hindi legal ang magtrabaho sa iba, at sa labas ng bahay ng among nakapirma sa kontrata.

Kabilang sa mga bawal ang magtrabaho sa shop, restaurant o opisina, kahit ang mga ito ay pag-aari ng amo. Bawal din ang magtrabaho sa ibang bahay, kahit pa ang may-ari nito ay malapit na kamag-anak ng amo. Naghihintay ngayon ang kanyang mga ka-pamilya para sa paglalahad ni Mae ng buong kuwento kung paano siya nahuli at nakulong. Si Mae ay may asawa at tatlong anak. – Merly T. Bunda

Bawal mag shorts sa bahay

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“Don’t wear shorts in front of Sir,” ito ang unang sinabi kay Ana ng kanyang among babae sa unang araw pa lang ng kaniyang paninilbihan sa kanila.

Nagulat si Ana sa tinuran ng amo dahil una ay hindi naman siya talagang mahilig mag shorts at pangalawa ay wala naman siyang balak na pumarada sa harap ng among lalaki na kita ang mga hita at binti.

Hindi man kagandahan ay may hitsura pa rin si Ana at bata, kaya siguro may pangamba ang among babae na maakit ng Pilipina ang kanyang asawa. Hindi kasi mahilig mag-ayos at magbihis ang among babae, at pati ang araw-araw na pagligo ay kinakatamaran kaya malamang na natatakot ito na mabaling ang pagtingin ng asawa.

Gayunpaman ay tanging “Yes, ma’am” ang kanyang isinagot sa amo para hindi na humaba pa ang usapan.

Dahil sa sinabing ito ng among babae ay lalong pinag-ingatan ni Ana na hindi mapalapit sa among lalaki. Sinunod din niya ang mga patakaran ng among babae kaya naging maayos ang kanilang samahan. Ngayon ay malapit nang matapos ang unang kontrata niya sa kanila at sinabihan na siya ng amo na pipirmahan siyang muli. Si Ana ay dalaga at naninilbihan sa mga among Intsik sa Mid-Levels. – Ellen Almacin

Pagod na si Rose

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Sumuko si Rose sa dami ng pinagagawa sa kanya ng amo na kadalasan ay hindi na makatwiran.

Gumigising ang amo ng mga alas kuwatro ng hapon at kaagad siyang uutusan ng kung ano-ano, katulad ng pagpapadeposito sa kanya ng tseke mga 20 minuto bago magsara ang bangko ng alas singko ng hapon. Dahil may kalayuan ang bangko ay kailangan niyang tumakbo para makaabot.

Minsan naman ay may pinapa-deliver sa kanya na mga kahong plastic para sa mga files na 2 x 3 feet ang laki at mabigat. Sukat ba namang sabihin na i-push cart na lang niya ang mga ito sa layong dalawang kilometro. Sa galit ni Rose ay sinigawan niya ang amo ng, “Why don’t you just rent a van?”

Mula noon ay hindi na naging maayos ang kanilang relasyon.

Nag-iinit ang ulo ni Rose sa mga ganitong utos dahil pagod na pagod siya sa gawaing bahay. Mula paggising niya ng 8 ng umaga ay kumakayod na siya. Nagpapakain ng alagang matanda, namamalengke, naglilinis, naglalaba at kung ano-ano pang gawain sa bahay.

Kung tutuusin, hindi na niya dapat trabaho ang mga inuutos ng amo, na kadalasan ay kailangan pa niyang gawin nang madalasan. “Pagod na ako maghapon, siya kagigising pa lang, tapos ay kung ano-ano ang inuutos. Hay naku!,” ang sambit ni Rose.

Sa kabila nito ay magiliw at mabait namang makipag-usap sa kanya ang amo, hanggang sabihin ni Rose na hindi na siya pipirma sa panibagong kontrata.

Nagalit bigla ang amo at sinabihan siyang wala siyang makukuha para sa long service dahil siya ang  umayaw sa kanilang kontrata. Sa isip naman ni Rose, di bale nang wala siyang makuhang extra na bayad, basta makakawala lang sa amo. “Sa edad kong 50, hindi ko na kailangan pang mahirapan, uuwi na lang ako ng Pampanga,” ang sabi niya. – George Manalansan

Tinakbuhan ng mangungutang

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Sising sisi ngayon si Ruby dahil pinagamit niya ang kanyang pangalan sa isang taong nakasabay lang niyang mag-training sa OWWA at kapareho ng employment agency para ito makapangutang.

Hindi ito nagbayad at kasalukuyang nagtatago kaya si Ruby ang nagbabayad sa pautangan para hindi siya maeskandalo at matanggal sa trabaho, lalo at napakabait pa naman ng kanyang amo.

Hindi kaiba sa ilang nabola ng mga talamak na mangungutang ang nangyari kay Ruby. Dahil sa matamis na dila ng kausap ay ni hindi niya ito pinapirma ng kasulatan nang ibigay niya dito ng buong tiwala ang pera mula sa pautangan.

Ni wala man siyang kopya ng pasaporte o HKID ng nangutang kaya lalo siyang hirap maghabol ngayon. Hindi na niya ito matawagan sa telepono, at naka block na siya sa dalawang Facebook account nito.

Pinayuhan siya ng isa pang kasamahan sa agency na lapitan ang nag recruit sa kanila para makuha ang ilan pang impormasyon tungkol sa balasubas nilang kakilala. Pagkatapos ay pumunta daw siya sa assistance to nationals section ng Konsulado at subukang humingi ng tulong para papanagutin ang nagtatago na ngayong Pilipina.

Naging mapait na karanasan ito kay Ruby, na nagpapayo ngayon sa mga katulad niyang bagong salta na huwag basta-basta magtitiwala kahit kanino, lalo na sa mga nakasabayan lang sa agency. Huwag daw maawa sa kanilang mga drama dahil baka ikaw naman ang maging kawawa sa bandang huli. Si Ruby ay tubong Cagayan Valley, may asawa at anak, at mag-iisang taon na naninilbihan sa mga among taga Ma On Shan. – Marites Palma

Isang ulirang ina

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Ganap nang medical technologist ang panganay ni Ate Lenny at computer engineer naman ang kanyang bunso nang makiusap na bumalik sa kanila ang ama ng mga ito na isang baldado na.

Bagamat iniwan sila ng ama noong sila ay mga bata pa kaya ang ina ang mag-isang nagtaguyod sa kanila ay nanaig pa rin ang kabaitan ng dalawang bata. Sila na ang nagkumbinsi kay Ate Lenny na tanggapin muli ang kanilang ama.

Hindi na daw nakapalag si Ate dahil tanggap na tanggap na ng kanyang dalawang anak ang pagbabalik ng kanilang ama kahit na pinabayaan sila nito noon habang siya ang nagsakripisyong malayo para mabigyan sila ng magandang buhay.

Mabuti na lang at kahit naging malas siya sa asawa ay naging napakapalad naman niya sa kanyang mga amo dahil sobrang bait ng mga ito sa kanya. Binigyan siya ng mataas na sahod at trinato na parang kapamilya. Ilang beses nilang ginastusan ang pamamasyal ng mga anak ni Ate sa Hong Kong, at tuwing magkakaroon sila ng problema sa pera ay agad silang tinutulungan.

Maayos, masipag at mapagkakatiwalaan daw kasi si Ate, lalo na sa pag-aalaga sa kanilang nag-iisang anak. Natuwa pa daw ang mga amo nang malaman na ang kanilang anak ay nasanay sa pagkain ng mga lutong Pinoy katulad ng adobo at sinigang na hipon.

Hanggang ngayon na nasa Europa na ang alaga ay hinihiling pa rin na lutuan siya ng pagkaing Pinoy ng yaya kapag nagbabakasyon ito sa Hong Kong.

Ang mga sarili niyang anak ay maganda na rin ang takbo ng buhay. Kamakailan lang ay napili ang bunso niya ng kumpanyang kanyang pinagtatrabahuan sa Pilipinas na ipadala sa New Zealand para doon na magtrabaho.

Walang pagsidlan sa tuwa si Ate tuwing ikinukuwento sa mga kaibigan ang pagiging suwerte niya sa mga anak. Baka daw ang mangyari ay sa New Zealand na siya mag for good at hindi sa Pilipinas. Si Ate Lenny ay tubong Nueva Ecija, 55 taong gulang at kasalukuyan paring naninilbihan sa mga mababait niyang among Intsik sa Shatin. – Marites Palma

Manindigan sa tamang kabayaran

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Madalas na mapikon si Leony, 45 at taga Zambales, tuwing nag-uusap sila ng kanyang mga kaibigan tungkol sa suweldo, lalo na nang dagdagan ng $100 kamakailan ang suweldo ng mga dayuhang katulong na pipirma ng kontrata pagkatapos ng Set. 29.

Kasi, kahit 10 taon na na siya sa Hong Kong ay ang minimum na $4,310 pa rin ang kanyang sahod, samantalang ang isang bago nilang kakilala na tatlong buwan pa lang dito ay mas mataas pa ng $100 ang sahod sa kanya.

Lalong nagngingitngit si Leony dahil mas marami nang di hamak ang gawain niya kaysa sa bagong salta. May alaga siyang bata, at bukod sa pamamalengke at pagluluto ay kailangan pa niyang maglinis ng dalawang kotse at mag-alaga ng isang rabbit. Ang mas nakakainis ay malaki ang bahay ng kanyang amo, samantalang maliit lang ang kailangang linisin ng bagito, at ang alaga ay isang matanda na aktibo pa.

“Nasaan ang hustisya?” ang nasambit niya sa kanilang umpukan minsan.

Sumagot naman ang isa niyang kaibigan ng, “Magsabi ka kasi, wala kang laban kapag hindi mo ipinarating ang sa akala mo ay tama. Baka lampas pa sa $100 ang idagdag sa sahod mo,” sabi nito.

Sa muli nilang pagkikita sa kanilang day off, masayang ibinalita ni Leony na nangako ang kanyang amo na itataas ang kanyang sahod ng higit pa sa isang baguhan. “Tama ka, friend, kailangan mo lang magsalita, lalo kung patas ang pagtingin ng iyong amo. Salamat.” – George Manalansan

Saudi, Britain open doors to DH nurses; Japan next

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By Vir B. Lumicao
A Saudi military hospital is seeking 250 care assistants while Britain is in need of 40,000 nurses, opportunities that could allow hundreds of Filipino nurses-turned- helpers in Hong Kong to return to their profession.

Japan, meanwhile, could soon open its doors to Filipino caregivers, given its rapidly ageing population.

These bits of information were relayed by two recruiters from Manila who provided new career options to Filipinos nursing graduates and caregivers who attended the whole-day Nurses Forum III on Oct. 4 at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Admiralty Centre.

FredPalmiery of Concorde and SHARP discuss job opportunities for RNs and BSN graduates in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. (Photo from Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre).

Saudi specialist and former nurse Alma Culala from LBS Recruitment Solutions Corp and Alfredo Palmiery, an employment agency owner in Manila and president of the Society of Hong Kong Accredited Recruiters of the Philippines, took turns briefing the 207 nurse-helpers who came for the orientation.

Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre, who organized the forum in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses in Hong Kong, said the seminar would open the way for nurses doing domestic work in Hong Kong to return to their profession.

“I think it’s a serious deskilling problem when nurses and other women of professions leave the country for work not suited for their professional backgrounds,” Labatt Dela Torre said.

“I have nothing against domestic work. It’s a decent way of earning money, but our nurses, midwives and teachers need to take up their professions and pursue their dreams working in jobs they have studied and spent a lot of money for.

The various fora we have organized for nurses, midwives and teachers are designed to open new opportunities for them.”

This was the first time that LBS, a supplier of nurses, paramedical and support staff to 16 government hospitals in Saudi Arabia and a private hospital in Brunei, came to Hong Kong to recruit staff for a Saudi hospital, said Culala.

“We are here to give you the opportunity to go back to nursing. King Faisal Hospital in Jeddah is in need of 250 care assistants,” Culala told the 102 participants who included two males.

She said BS Nursing graduates not younger than 22 years but not older than 44 are needed for the position, whether with experience or not. 

Practical nursing graduates without experience are also accepted, Culala said.

The recruiter offered a tax-free salary of Php32,000 to Php33,000 a month, air tickets, free board and lodging, yearly paid vacation of 40 days. The only cost for applicants is the Php12,000 medical checkup fee refundable upon arrival in Jeddah.

Culala told The SUN the care assistants would get three days off a week but would have longer work days as they will be required to be on duty for 48 hours a week.

Palmiery, meanwhile, said British hospitals prefer Filipino nurses to other Asians because of their English proficiency, neatness and caring service.
He said the three- to five-year contract pays a starting salary of £22,128 a year, equivalent to Php1.5 million at the current exchange rate, but it’s not tax-free and the worker will have to rent her own room after three months.

He warned that Britain requires applicants to be very proficient in English, as they will have to score no less than 7.0 in the language testing system for migrants who want to work in that country.

He said interested OFWs should first enroll in an IELTS review class before taking the test.

Applicants could enroll in online IELTS review classes, but the fee is a bit steep at about US$390 for a 40-hour course. The IELTS English proficiency test evaluates a candidate’s reading, writing, listening and skilling (understanding) skills.

Japan is also a potential market for caregivers given the long life expectancy of its citizens, but it requires foreign workers to be able to speak and understand Nihongo, Palmiery said.

The audience cheered when Palmiery said he would set up a Nihongo school in Hong Kong so that OFWs who plan to apply for caregiver positions in Japan do not have to go home and enroll in language schools there.

He said he is just waiting for the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and Japan that would open this new opportunity for Filipino caregivers.

Second autopsy rules out foul play in Pinay’s fatal fall in Shenzhen

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Lorain Asuncion
By Vir B. Lumicao

A forensics report on the comprehensive second autopsy on the remains of a Filipina maid who died in a fall from a residential tower in Shenzhen in July suggested no foul play, supporting a similar finding by the police on the mainland.

Relatives of the deceased expressed hope the findings would not adversely affect Hong Kong police investigation of the maid’s employers in connection with the tragedy.

The autopsy findings by the Center of Forensic Science Guangdong Medical University indicated the deceased, Lorain Escorial Asuncion, 28 and single, died from multiple organ injury and massive blood loss.

The findings appeared to support an earlier conclusion by the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau that the Filipina died from falling.

The English translation of the five-page forensic report was handed by the Department of Foreign Affairs to Jenevieve A. Javier, the elder sibling of Asuncion, on Oct 13. 

Javier said a DFA officer who turned over the findings said Asuncion’s remains might be released and repatriated before the end of October.

Sana lumabas ang katotohanan…ang sa amin lang, magbigay sila ng ebidensiya na ginawa talaga niya yung sinasabi ng amo na nag-commit siya ng suicide,” Javier told The SUN in an online message.

The report said that while Asuncion’s face was intact with no deformity of the skull and face, her chest had collapsed and was deformed with several broken ribs that pierced her left lung, causing it to rupture and bleed. Her upper left arm also broke and her right foot was deformed, possibly on impact.

The report also said that no foreign matter was found in her uterine cavity, indicating no sexual assault.

An initial Shenzhen police autopsy of the victim’s body in August also ruled out foul play and classified Asuncion’s case as “death by falling”.

But her relatives doubted the initial report because Asuncion’s face was intact, which they thought was inconsistent with her having fallen from the 22nd storey flat of her female employer’s father in Longgang District.

The Filipina had traveled to Shenzhen on July 22 this year on her employers’ instructions to join them in their summer vacation there. But when she got there, her employers Gu Huaiyi, his wife Ms Liu their children had gone to other parts of China and the helper was forced to stay in the house Liu Heping, her employer’s father.

The next morning, the elder Liu called the police to report that the Filipina had gone missing but her belongings were in his flat. A day later, Liu again called the police to say he had found Asuncion’s body in the garden below his flat.

The maid’s employers were arrested by Hong Kong police in August and were being investigated allegedly for violation of immigration rules in connection with taking their helper to work across the border.

They were released on police bail but were due to report to the police headquarters any day now for further investigation. 

Sources at the Consulate told The SUN Hong Kong investigators were also awaiting the result of the second autopsy.  

HK Filcom supports divorce in PHL

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Members of the Committee on Population and Family Relations listen to the views of Filipinos in Hong Kong.

By Daisy CL Mandap

It’s been a long time coming.

This was the overwhelming response from Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong, as they expressed support for a divorce law during a public hearing conducted by the Philippine House of Representatives at the Consulate on Oct. 1.

Of about a dozen leaders who spoke at the hearing led by Rep. Sol Aragones, chair of the Committee on Population and Family Relations, only two spoke out against allowing divorce.

Everyone else, from those representing militant organizations like Unifil-Migrante HK to non government organizations Mission for Migrant Workers, sectoral groups like Hong Kong Musicians Union, and media companies like The SUN, openly supported a divorce law.

Joining Aragones at the public hearing were House deputy speakers Pia Cayetano and Raneo Abu, committee vice chairperson Ma. Lourdes R. Aggabao, and representatives Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Emmi de Jesus and Aniceto Bertiz III.

Consul General Bernardita Catalla expressed gratitude that the first public consultation on divorce outside of the Philippines, was held in Hong Kong.

“Ibig sabihin ay binibigyan tayo ng importansiya ng ating gobyerno, lalo na sa napaka importanteng issue na ito, lalong lalo na sa mga OFWs, lalo na sa Hong Kong,” she said.

Congen Catalla said there’s a growing number of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong who are seeking an annulment of their marriage. For the past two years at least, she said between three and five OFWs submit documents for notarization by the Consulate, to support such applications.

Another indication was that the legal issues often brought up by OFWs during outreach consultations in Hong Kong by lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines pertain to annulment, legal separation, property dissolution and custody over children.

Seven House bills were presented to the Filipino community for consideration, but only two provided for absolute divorce.

The first, authored by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, proposed adopting the current grounds for legal separation under art 55, and annulment of marriage under art 45 of the Family Code, as grounds for absolute divorce.

His bill also points out that the Philippines has a long history of divorce, and it was outlawed only in 1950 when the Family Code was introduced.

The other divorce bill filed jointly by Gabriela representatives Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas is more liberal, in that it also allows for a no-fault divorce, when the spouses have been legally separated for at least five years.

This writer said in her submission that the Gabriela bill appeared to be the best solution to ending a marriage without much difficulty and expense, as it avoids the ticklish question of ascertaining who between the spouses is at fault.

However, a three-year separation instead of five might be enough for a married couple to know if they really want out of their union.

This author also called for having a divorce law that is inexpensive and fast, to better serve OFWs who are hard-pressed for money, and do not have a lot of time to spend attending court hearings and talking to lawyers.

Cynthia Abdon, who represented the Mission for Migrant Workers, attested to the big number of OFWs with family problems. Of the 2,000 cases referred to them each year, she said between 8 and 10% pertain to family relationships.

She also spoke of women OFWs who are forced to endure years of abuse or infidelity because divorce is out of their reach.

“This is an issue dear to women migrants as it seriously affects their ability to be productive members of society. This is an issue that will instill in women migrants that there is hope after a terrible marriage. This an issue that will uphold what is just and right,” she said.

The most vocal opposition to divorce came from the representative of Chaplaincy for Filipinos in
Hong Kong. 

She said divorce would encourage couples to be lax in their commitment to their marriage, that it would lead to abuses, especially of women, and it would encourage infidelity and affect the emotional and moral formation of the children.

At the end of the three-hour hearing, Rep. Cayetano said they will consider conducting another public consultation overseas to have a better idea of what overseas Filipinos think about divorce.

‘Coins for Bethune’ drive raises a record $56,000

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This year’s “Coins for Bethune” fundraising project for the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge has made more than $56,000 so far, with the amount set to increase as some 10 collection receptacles are still to be returned.

The amount collected in less than three months since the fundraiser was launched appears to be a record, as the highest collection to date was set in 2011, the year the campaign was launched, with about $50,000 being raised.

Donations cans were distributed last June 4, and collected during Bethune House’s 31st anniversary celebration on Sept. 17 at Chater Road.

Edwina Antonio, executive director of Bethune House, thanked supporters of “Coins for Bethune” for their generosity and continued patronage of the two shelters operated by the NGO Mission for Migrant Workers.


Participants in the fund-raising drive turn over their cans of coins to Bethune House.
“We are so happy! We raised more than $56,000 from the cans and individual donations! The funds will help support the regular programs of Bethune House. It takes a community to shelter migrants in need,” Antonio said in a Facebook post.

In a speech at the shelter’s anniversary cocktails and fundraising event at KUC Space in Jordan on Sept 30, she said Bethune House “has tirelessly pursued creative ways to secure funding for its many initiatives,” foremost of which is providing shelter to distressed migrant women workers.

She said Bethune House’s shelters had been fully occupied these past few weeks as the number of domestic workers pursuing labor and other cases after being terminated had risen.

“Shelter is still a primary need because of the continuous increase in the number of terminations and contract violations as well as violence against domestic workers,” Antonio said.

“Increasing the capacity of the shelter to attend to needs contribute to the empowerment of the residents as well as in strengthening their capacity to cope with their cases and issues that affect their situations in Hong Kong,” she added. – Vir B. Lumicao

Ex-labatt Julve feted in HK on retirement

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A select group of friends of the Philippines’ former attaché to Hong Kong Bernardino Julve gathered on Oct 7 at The Port in Lan Kwai Fong, Central, for a post-birthday and retirement celebration in his honor.

Julve, who retired as a commissioner of the National Labour Relations Commission on reaching the age of 65 last month, thanked all the guests and reminisced how Hong Kong provided him with his most rewarding experience as a labor envoy.

Among those who came were current Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre and the honoree’s friends from the militant migrants sector, media, charitable organizations, the media, and close family members.

Julve recalled how he risked being declared persona non grata in the city, along with the late Ambassador Domingo Lucenario, Jr. (who was then deputy consul general in Hong Kong) when they joined a rally to protest against a cut in the salary of migrant workers here.

Former Labor Attache Bernardino Julve returned to Hong Kong recently to celebrate with friends and family his 65th birthday and to mark his retirement from government service. Speakers took their turns giving tribute to his being accommodating when he was labatt. The party was held at the Port, a Filipino-owned restobar in Lan Kwai Fong. 
He also expressed gratitude for the many friends he made during his record six-year stint in Hong Kong, noting they came from all walks of life and profession.

A pivotal moment in his stay was his undergoing liver transplant at Queen Mary Hospital, when he hovered between life and death as family and friends prayed for his recovery.

Julve first served abroad in Rome, before moving to Hong Kong.

After a mandatory recall to the Department of Labor and Employment’s head office in Manila, he was posted in British Columbia in Canada where he stayed for six years.

He returned briefly to DoLE in 2014 before being appointed as NLRC Commissioner.
Julve shuttles between Manila and Hong Kong, where he has acquired permanent residency.- DCLM

Foreign investments down

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The Philippine economy is beginning to suffer the adverse effects of the Duterte administration’s policies.

During a Senate hearing last week on the 2018 proposed budget of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Senator Franklin Drilon expressed concerns over “a significant deceleration in the influx of new investments” or equity placements.

This prompted the Neda to issue a statement on October 10, claiming that foreign investors remained confident in doing business in the Philippines, a view echoed by Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. Concepcion 3rd.

But on the same day, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that net foreign direct investments (FDI) slumped to their lowest level in over a year in July on the back of a steep drop in funds channeled into debt instruments.

At $307 million, the net inflow for the month was 37.9 percent lower compared to July last year and was also the smallest since June 2016’s $238 million.

The Bangko Sentral said this was mainly on account of a 74.3-percent decline in investments in debt instruments, to $105 million from $407 million, which outweighed a more than five-fold increase in net equity capital.

Net equity capital, at $131 million in July, was 470 percent higher compared to the $23 million posted a year earlier. Equity capital placements totaled $170 million, outpacing the $39 million in withdrawals during the month.

The bulk of inflows came from Singapore, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan, the central bank said.

The funds were channeled primarily into manufacturing; real estate; wholesale and retail trade; finance and insurance; and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply activities.

Reinvested earnings, meanwhile, grew by 11.5 percent to $71 million.

July’s slump weighed on net FDI flows for the first seven months of 2017, which fell by 16.5 percent year on year to $3.9 billion. The Bangko Sentral said this was due to an 81.5-percent decline in net equity capital to $272 million.

Placements during the period came mostly from Singapore, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

Net placements in debt instruments expanded by 13.9 percent to $3.14 billion from $2.76 billion.

Reinvested earnings reached $487 million, up 9.3 percent.

The Bangko Sentral raised its 2017 net FDI forecast to $8 billion in June, from $7 billion previously, citing improved domestic indicators and expected global uptick.

Duterte’s economic managers are pushing for the approval of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill as a crucial component of the government’s massive infrastructure program, “Build Build Build.”

Cabinet officials have also been drumming up investor interest via briefings overseas, with the next leg to be held in New York with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in attendance.

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