Sali na!

Silid Sining Pinay: Unlocking Pinay Creativity
Painting Workshop Sessions for OFWs in HK with Filipino artist Grace P. Camacho
July 1, 9am-12nn, Aug 5, 9am-12nn, Sept 2, 9am-12nn, Oct 7, 9am – 12nn, PCG Gallery
Organized by: PCG with Pitter Painter
Requirements: HKID copy and one 2x2" photo
To register, visit the PCG Cultural Section or email cultural.pcg@gmail.com with subject: “SilidSining”

Free Zumba Class
Sundays, 10am-11am (or stay longer if you want)
Pier 10, Central. Open to everyone
Offered by: Kayumanggi Zumba Fitness Group HK

Free Yoga Class 
Sundays, 8:30am-9:30am, Pier 10, Central. Open to everyone
Organized by: Andappan Yoga Community

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

Attention: Rugby enthusiasts: 
The Exiles Touch Rugby group is inviting rugby enthusiasts to join the team. We practice every Sunday at the Happy Valley Pitch 8 from 5pm to 8pmat the Happy Valley Pitch 8.  For those interested please contact: Ghelai 65414432whatsapp/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 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.

Heroes and hypocrites

By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap

Our community is blessed to have so many people from all walks of life and of various nationalities extending help, from outright financial donations to helping out with court cases.

Time and again, I would come across volunteers, mainly from the Mission for Migrant Workers and Help for Domestic Helpers, who go to court and vigorously help foreign domestic workers fight for their rights.

Of a different category are, of course, the seasoned warriors of these NGOs, in particular Edwina Antonio, Cynthia Tellez and Ester Bangcawayan, who have dedicated their lives to helping migrant workers in distress.

These women are all smart enough to have been hired for far easier jobs with much higher pay, but they have chosen to fight for migrants rights instead. For them, this does not only entail speaking at media briefings, but also spending much of their time hearing out migrants in distress, attending court hearings, rescuing them from abusive employers, and even living with them.

They are to me, what real heroes are.

In a different class, but no less admirable, are the students, lawyers and real do-gooders who quietly offer their free time to help our migrant workers.

They include Christine, a young Chinese law graduate from Hong Kong University, who recently represented Mariel, an abused Filipina domestic helper, in her labour claim. It was so heartwarming to see Christine looking as excited as Mariel when the employer agreed to settle the case.

There was also Nicole, an elegant French professional who came to the Labour Tribunal on behalf of Help, to represent another Filipina who was pursuing a claim for compensation from an employer who terminated their contract illegally. Nicole surprised me with her thorough grasp of the case and of the law, and of how fiercely she asserted the helper’s case.

There was also Klaus, an exchange student from Poland who appeared for the Mission on behalf of Lanie, also an abused helper. Klaus pursued the case with a lot of passion and compassion that it felt like he had a personal stake in it.

There are many others who I haven’t had the privilege to work with, or study from afar.  They work quietly and without fanfare, but are a real blessing to the Filipino community in Hong Kong, especially to our highly disadvantaged workers.

On the flipside are a bunch of self-proclaimed do-gooders who often give interviews to mainstream media on how much help they have extended to migrant workers, and how their hearts bleed for them. In reality, these groups thrive on, and sometimes, even make money from, the services they provide to foreign domestic workers.

Without discounting the benefits they provide to our workers, we also have to be aware that their very existence depends on the people they profess to serve.

Thus, it can be downright annoying to hear them speak, or even hint, that we have to write about their good deeds, as if they are doing it all for free, that they are not being paid a comfortable salary for it, or there is no big corporate sponsor propping them up.

At least one has demanded that we have to pay for attending their event – and maybe write about it – because well, it was for a good cause. And all the while they were auctioning off “donated” works from some of our migrant workers.

This same group would also hold forums on the plight of our workers, and organize a panel that has no Filipino in it except for a token domestic worker, as if that’s all we’re good for.

Another group calls itself a “non profit” but appears to make a tidy income from its operations, enough to provide for a bunch of highly-paid expat officers and a huge staff support. Their business model is also not that unique, as there are a couple of low-key companies providing the same service.

One tends to compare them with Pathfinders, a real non-profit which provides valuable help to pregnant migrant domestic workers, but does not go around trumpeting about its good work. Or to Bethune House, which has off and on, suffered from severe funding crisis because of the all-out support it gives to distressed migrant women, but goes about its work quietly.

There is nothing wrong with soliciting support or financial backing from big companies while extending help to the needy. It is in fact, a given, if an enterprise is to survive and continue doing its good work.

But there is wisdom in going about quietly while you help, and of not demanding that you be noticed for all the wonderful things that you do.

Real help could only come from the heart.

Maid accused of child abuse set to file claim against employer

Legion was arrested in one of the flats
at Green Code estate in Fanling (googlemaps photo)

By Vir B. Lumicao

The Filipina domestic helper in Sheung Shui who was detained by police for more than a day for allegedly hurting her four-year-old ward, is preparing to file a case for unjust termination against her employer.

Michelle M. Legion, 29, who is out on $500 police bail, has vehemently denied laying a hand on the boy.

“Kahit kailan ay hindi ko sinaktan ang alaga ko, mahal ko iyon kahit madalas siyang nagta-tantrums,” Legion told The SUN. 

She claimed it was the boy’s father who would slap the kid whenever he acted up.

Police released Legion at midnight on Friday, Jun 1. Two officers had picked her up at her employers’ home at Green Code estate on Ma Sik Road in Fanling at about 8pm the previous day.

After granting her bail, the police reportedly told her that she will know in three weeks whether she will be formally charged in court.

Legion says she was held without any investigation
being conducted at Sheung Shui police station

Legion, who has sought shelter at the Filipino Workers’ Resource Center in Sheung Wan, went to the assistance to nationals section of the Consulate on Jun 3 to file a report about the incident. She was told she will be assisted in filing a labour claim for unjust termination against her employer.

An ATN officer said the fact that Legion was allowed to post bail indicated the complaint filed by the employer against her needed further investigation.

In her phone conversation with The SUN, Legion said that during the 26 hours that she was held at the police station, she was put in a cell and was told not to call her friends. But she did manage to make a few calls before the officers took her phone away.

Legion said she told the police to review the CCTV footage in the employers’ home as there allegedly were cameras everywhere in the house.

“How can anyone with common sense touch the child when every corner of the flat was monitored by CCTV,” said the helper, who had been employed by the family for two years and five months.

On Thursday afternoon, the boy was reportedly crying when his father asked Legion to take him to his kindergarten class. At 6:10 pm, the male employer reportedly told her to return home and prepare dinner.

In the evening, when the female employer arrived from work, she called the maid for a talk and accused her of beating up the boy and showed the reddish imprints of a hand and a fresh scratch on the child’s back.  The maid denied she was responsible for the injuries.

The employer then called the police, who took the maid to the Sheung Shui police station.

Legion said the two officers who arrested her could not investigate her because they could not speak English and there was no Filipino interpreter available.

In the end, they told her she would be released if she posted $2,000 bail but she said she had no money because her wallet was left in the employers’ flat. Then eventually lowered the bail to $500 and allowed her to phone a friend to bail her out.

Legion said before she left for her vacation in December, she was accused by her female employer of stealing her mother-in-law’s money. They asked her to return the money, but she said how could she return something that she did not take?

She said she learned later on that her employers were already in the process of hiring someone to replace her.

Police told Legion to return to the Sheung Shui Station on Jun 22 to find out if she would be charged.

Tramway fares to increase in July

The Hong Kong government has allowed an increase in tram fares, effective July 2.

The Chief Executive in Council gave its concent to Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT) to alter fares, in accordance with section 51 of the Tramway Ordinance (Cap. 107).

Persons aged 12 or above will be charged $2.60, from $2.30. Children  aged 3 to 11 will be charged $1.30, $1.20.

The monthly ticket will be $220, from $200.

In addition, the fare for the elderly (aged 65 or above) will increase from $1.10 to $1.20. The fare for a tourist ticket will remain at $34.

A Government spokesman said the Government should ensure that HKT would have sound financial capability in providing economical, efficient and quality tram services at reasonable fares.

In assessing the fare increase, the Government took into account various factors, including the quality and quantity of service provided and the planned improvement projects of HKT; the changes in operating costs and revenue since HKT's last fare adjustment; HKT's forecasts of future costs, revenue, profit and return; and the likely public acceptability.

HKT submitted a fare increase application to the Transport Department in August 2017. The Government has consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport and the Transport Advisory Committee.

 HKT has not adjusted its fares for the past seven years. Since the last fare adjustment in June 2011, given the competition from other public transport modes, its patronage has been decreasing and the revenue has also correspondingly dropped.

The potential to further increase non-fare box revenue is rather limited. Although HKT made profits between 2011 and 2017, its profit after tax has been decreasing since 2014. HKT's profit after tax in 2016 and 2017 was $37.6 million and about $22.9 million respectively (the profit margin was 14.7 per cent and about 9 per cent respectively).

Nevertheless, HKT has planned to invest about $110 million in the next few years for service improvement projects.

All the president’s men

The first full-year reports of the Commission on Audit on the Duterte government described in documented details irregularities in some agencies, So far, these reports have claimed the head of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who was replaced quickly by Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Fatima Romulo Puyat. Pressure is on for others to follow Teo’s fate — including President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter Sara, the mayor of Davao, who was questioned for spending P1 billion on casual employees at the city hall.

Solicitor General Jose Calida and ex-Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.

But opposition senators are aiming their guns at the government’s chief lawyer, who is facing corruption charges before the Ombudsman.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, who engineered the removal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on quo warranto proceedings, is accused of conflict of interest because his family-owned security agency got P150 million worth of government contracts.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Duterte should not only fire Calida and other officials who had been removed on charges of corruption, but also charge them in court. 

“I challenge President Duterte to prove his anti-corruption rhetoric,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said Calida should resign out of delicadeza if Duterte would not fire him.

Calida and his family reportedly owned Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency that allegedly bagged P150 million in contracts from various government agencies.

The allegation was detailed in a complaint filed against Calida by businesswoman Jocelyn Marie Acosta-Nisperos before the Ombudsman.

Despite the claim of Calida’s camp that he was no longer connected with the security agency, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Solicitor General should step down.

Malacañang came to Calida’s defense, saying there was no conflict of interest in the deals in question.

Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque said the solicitor general’s enemies were only out to get back at him for successfully ousting Sereno through a quo warranto petition.

Calida has kept mum on allegations of corruption being hurled at him, saying he would defend himself in a proper forum.

In her complaint, Nisperos said Calida failed to divest his 60-percent capital stock in their family business, the security firm Vigilant Investigative and Security Security Agency Inc. (VISAI), when he was appointed as Solicitor General in 2016.

Calida’s wife Milagros and their three children each own a 10 percent stake in VISAI.

Nisperos said VISAI bagged contracts from four agencies —the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), and the National Parks Development Corporation (NPDC) — due to its connection with Calida.

Nisperos also accused Calida of having an affair with his 22-year-old executive assistant, who allegedly received P1.8 million in public funds as compensation.

She said Calida, who was confronted by his wife Milagros upon learning of their affair, and his girlfriend have taken a leave of absence since their break-up.

“When Calida's wife found out about the affair and the corruption, she confronted him in his office last April 23. Calida and his alleged EA have since then taken a leave of absence from the OSG,” Nisperos said.

“By divesting P1.8 million from public funds to whom he is having an illicit relationship with, Calida is guilty of malversation that is punishable under the (Revised Penal Code),” she added.

Nisperos, however, admitted having no evidence on the alleged affair aside from her supposed “verified sources.”

“I acknowledge we do not have hard evidence when it comes to the relationship. But the eyewitness reports are strong, very credible ang witnesses. We beseech the Ombudsman to investigate this relationship,” she said.

Apart from his conflict of interest, Hontiveros also questioned Calida’s previous links with high-profile personalities in conflict with the law. “We cannot tolerate public officials who coddle and give special treatments to drug lords and high-profile criminals, or in Mr. Calida’s case, a solicitor general who lawyers for plunderers like pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and the Marcoses, and a Solicitor General whose personal businesses profit from the government,” Hontiveros said.

The senator also called on Duterte to stop recycling corrupt officials or the practice of reappointing dismissed government officials.

“Recycling corrupt public officials is recycling corruption. Corrupt public officers, who have been shielded from calls of transparency and accountability, are non-recyclable,” she said.

Pangilinan voiced a similar call. “If DoT Secretary Wanda Teo resigned because the DoT/PTV 4 favored her Tulfo brothers’ TV production company to the tune of P60 Million worth of government contracts then Solicitor General Jose Calida, the lawyer of the government, should resign as well for P150 million worth of government contracts in the DoJ (OSG is an attached agency), Pagcor, NEDA etc. that went to the security guard agency belonging to his wife and children (kasi nag resign na daw siya),” the senator wrote on his Facebook page.

“Family TV Production Company. Family Security agency. Same same. Halos times 3 nga lang ‘yung halaga nung kay Calida,” he added.

Teo stepped down from her post at the height of the controversy hounding the Department of Tourism (DoT) over its P60-million advertisement deal with the state-run, People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI). The ad placement reportedly went to a program produced by Teo’s brother, Ben Tulfo, and co-hosted by another brother, Erwin Tulfo.

Other government officicals who faced adverse COA reportsa were:
• Resigned justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre under whose reign th Department of Justice was flagge for P27-million worth of payroll without supporting documents, and P65-million worth of accounts maintained without authority. But he says he “has no participation whatsoever” in the transactions.
• Government Corporate Counsel Rudolf Philip Jurado, who has been fired by Duterte for issuing a legal opinion that led to the approval of a 75-year permit for a casino operator inside the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (Apeco).  He said COA earlier issued an Audit Observation Memorandum dated March 12, which said lawyers of the Office of Government Corporate Counsel have been receiving, among others, “secret allowances” directly from some GOCCs.

Ekonomiya at ikaw

Ang buhay ng bansa, gaya ng isang negosyo, ay nakasalalay sa paglabas-pasok ng kayamanan sa kanyang kaban. Dito rin makikita kung tama ba o hindi ang pamamalakad dito.

Ang pagbagsak ng piso sa 52.60 sa isang dolyar, na pinakamababa sa loob ng 12 taon, ay nagbabadya ng paglabas ng kayamanan at kapital sa Pilipinas. At gaya ng gumuguhong dam, ang butas ay lalaki nang lalaki hanggang ang susunod na balita ay bagsak na ng ekonomiya, kung walang gagawing pampaampat ng pagdurugo.

Marami sa mga OFW ay natutuwa sa lugmok na piso, dahil ang kita nilang dolyar ay mas maraming katumbas, kaya nakakatipid sa pagpapadala ng nakagawiang halaga. Pero ang totoo, ang ipinapadala mong Php10,000 buwan-buwan ay kulang na. Ang kailangan ng pamilya mo ay Php15,000 dahil sa taas ng presyo ng bilihin. Sa huli ay imbes gumaan, mas bumigat ang dinadala mo.

Gaya ng iba’t ibang bansa, ang Pilipinas ay kailangan ding magbayad ng mas mahal na dolyar para sa inaangkat nito, gaya ng langis, bigas at iba pa. May maniobra pa ang iba’t ibang bansa upang ma-protektahan ang kani-kanilang ekonomiya, na karahiman ay nagpapahirap sa mga bansang gaya ng Pilipinas.

Sa ngayon ay pinababayaan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas na hanapin ng piso ang tamang halaga nito upang hindi masyadong magalaw ang reserba nitong $80 billion para sa bayaring internasyonal.

Pero kung ang pamahalaan ay gumagastos ng mas malaki sa nakokolekta nitong buwis, baka kahit iyan ay maubos din. Sa unang apat na buwan sa taong ito, halimbawa, ang budget deficit ay umabot na sa Php116 bilyon – apat na patong noong 2017.

Sinabi ni Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez na hindi dapat mabahala dahil mas mababa ito sa inaasahan. Pero ito ay mangangahulugan ng mas malaking uutangin ng pamahalaan upang mapunan ang kakulangan, na magpapataas sa interes na singil ng mga bangko, na magpapataas sa gastos ng mga negosyante, na sa huli ay magpapataas sa presyo ng bilihin.

Kaya hindi nakapagtataka ang report na dumausdos nang 9 lugar ang Pilipinas sa World Competitiveness ranking  sa ika-50 sa 63 bansa, mula 41 noong 2017. Ito ang pinakamalaking pagbagsak ng Pilipinas sa loob ng isang dekada, at pinakamalaking bagsak na nairehistro ng isang bansa sa Asia-Pacific.

At gaya ng inaasahan, nabagok tayo sa apat na basehan ng World Competitiveness Yearbook, ang pinagmulan ng report na ito – economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, at infrastructure.

Kung sana napagtutuunan ng pansin ang mga ito ng mga namumuno kesa pagpapalapad ng papel, ay sana maayos ang buhay natin.

At siya nga pala, ang Hong Kong ay No. 2 sa ranking. Kaya nga ba maraming OFW na nagtatrabaho dito, imbes na sa sarili nilang bansa?

New welfare officer says her heart is with workers

By Vir B. Lumicao

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s newest welfare officer in Hong Kong may have been destined to serve the working class.

Virsie B. Tamayao, a 57-year-old social worker by profession who hails from Cagayan province, says this predilection began after she graduated from St Paul’s University in Tuguegarao in 1982.

“My heart is with the workers. Ever since I’ve worked, first with farmers, then with workers, and now with OFWs,” Tamayao told The SUN in an interview on May 24. It was her first day on the job, having flown in from Manila the night before to take up her post at the OWWA Hong Kong office.

Virsie B. Tamayao

By noon, Tamayao had spoken to about a dozen OFWs who made inquiries or brought up problems about their employers. Other workers went to the OWWA office on 16th floor of Mass Mutual Tower for wage, severance or long service pay computations.

Once, at the beginning of the interview, she took a call from an OFW and patiently listened for about 5 minutes to the worker’s woes, before tactfully telling her to go to the Hong Kong Labour Department.

Tamayao’s job path has seen her dealing with workers from the beginning. She first worked for the National Irrigation Administration regional office where her daily routine was talking with farmers. Then she became a community organizer of farmers for some time.

In 1999, Tamayao joined the OWWA Region 2 office in Tuguegarao as a social worker. She would later be promoted to community development officer, assigned overseas twice – to Abu Dhabi in 2005-2007 and later to Seoul, South Korea, in 2013 – before returning to the same office as overseas workers welfare officer.

Tamayao told the SUN that before coming to Hong Kong, she went through immersion in the home office where she was briefed on the usual OFW problems in Hong Kong and the kind of assistance the workers here needed.

Worker situations vary from place to place, she acknowledged, citing the difficult conditions in Abu Dhabi where the OFWs are mostly domestic workers, and the better lot of OFWs in Korea simply because they are in higher job categories.

“Previous welfare officers here, such as Mila Peña, say that Hong Kong is totally different because problems are easier to settle than in the Middle East, as the workers are covered by labor laws and employers are easier to talk to,” Tamayao said.

But she said she has yet to see for herself the real picture and can only make the comparison after her tour of duty.

For Hong Kong-based OFWs, Tamayao says she will follow what she did in Korea, that of pursuing existing programs that prepare the workers for reintegration once they decide to return home. These programs include training in financial management, employable skills, livelihood projects, and businesses that will enable the workers and their families to sustain their daily needs.

But she said the preparations do not just involve the workers: it must also encompass the workers’ family members. So, while the mother or father is working abroad, OWWA operatives reach out to their families to teach them about their responsibilities.

“Ang reintegration ay hindi lang sa OFW nakatuon kung hindi maging sa pamilya niya para mintindihan nila na uuwi rin ang OFW pagdating ng panahon,” Tamayao said.

The spouse must know how to manage the money and save, while the children must finish their studies so the hard-earned money is not wasted.

Tamayao is married to a social worker who is now retired and will join her shortly in Hong Kong.
Their four children are now professionals, two of whom are OFWs. The eldest is a nurse working in the Middle East, the second is a lawyer of the Public Attorneys Office, the third is a seaman, and the youngest has just earned his diploma in international studies.

For the next three years, the presence of Tamayao in Hong Kong should provide comfort to the city’s growing army of OFWs.

Jolina, isinilang na ang ikalawang anak

Isinilang ni Jolina Magdangal ang pangalawang anak nila ng asawang si Mark Escueta noong May 28, 10:00 ng umaga sa Asian Hospital and Medical Center. Ang kanilang baby girl ay pinangalanang Vika Anya, ay isinilang via ceasarean section.

Dinala sa ospital si Jolina, 39, noong May 27 , at doon na nagpalipas ng gabi, kasama si Mark at ang panganay nilang si Pele, 3.

Pahinga muna sa pagho-host si Jolina sa daily TV show niyang “ Magandang Buhay “, at ang mga co-hosts niyang sina Karla Estrada at Melai Cantiveros muna ang magdadala ng show, kasama ang kanilang mga celebrity guests.

Noong nakaraang taon ay si Melai naman ang nag-maternity leave sa kanilang show nang isilang nito ang pangalawang anak nila ni Jason Francisco.


41st GAWAD URIAN AWARDS

Muling namayagpag ang mga indie films sa listahan ng mga nominado sa Gawad Urian sa taong ito. Ang pelikulang “Respeto” ang nakakuha ng pinakamaraming nominasyon (11), kabilang na ang best actor para kay Abra , na mas kilala bilang isang rapper. Tinalo niya sina Aga Muhlach at Dingdong Dantes na hindi man lang na-nominate sa pelikula nilang Seven Sundays.

Gaganapin ang Gawad Urian 2018 sa June 14 sa ABS CBN tent sa Vertis North sa Quezon City.

Ang mga nominado:

Best Film:
Balangiga: Howling Wilderness - Archinette Villamor, Edong Canlas, Khavn dela Cruz, producers
Birdshot - Pamela L. Reyes, producer
Bhoy Intsik - Ferdinand Lapuz, producer
The Chanters - Cai Cena, Ferdinand Lapuz, Thop Nazareno, producers
Respeto - Monster Jimenez, producer
Tu Pug Imatuy -  Norhaiya Diabo, Macusang, Arnel Mardoquio, Milo Tolentino, Ethel Mendez, Arnel Barbarona, Jillian Kayle Barbarona, producers

Best Director:
Arnel Barbarona -  Tu Pug Imatuy; Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo - Kita Kita; Khavn De La Cruz -  Balangiga: Howling Wilderness; Joel Lamangan - Bhoy Intsik, James Robin M. Mayo -  The Chanters; Treb Monteras III – Respeto; Mikhail Red - Birdshot

Best Actress: 
Joanna Ampil - Ang Larawan; Angeli Bayani - Bagahe; Alessandra de Rossi - Kita Kita;
Gloria Diaz - Si Chedeng at Si Apple; Dexter Doria - Paki; Jally Nae Gilbaliga - The Chanters;
Agot Isidro - Changing Partners; Elizabeth Oropesa - Si Chedeng at Si Apple; Bela Padilla - 100 Tula Para Kay Stella; Angellie Nicolle Sanoy -  Bomba;  Malona Sulatan - Tu Pug Imatuy

Best Actor:
Abra – Respeto; Nonie Buencamino -  Smaller and Smaller Circles; Timothy Castillo - Neomanila;
Noel Comia Jr. - Kiko Boksingero; Allen Dizon – Bomba; RS Francisco -  Bhoy Intsik;
Jojit Lorenzo - Changing Partners; Empoy Marquez -  Kita Kita; Sandino Martin - Changing Partners;
Justine Samson - Balangiga: Howling Wilderness

Best Supporting Actress
Yayo Aguila - Kiko Boksingero; Angeli Bayani - Maestra; Shamaine Buencamino – Paki;
Jasmine Curtis-Smith – Siargao; Chai Fonacier -  Respeto; Nathalie Hart - Historiographika Errata;
Odette Khan - Bar Boys; Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo -  Ang Larawan; Gloria Sevilla - Maestra

Best Supporting Actor
John Arcilla -  Birdshot; Robert Arevalo - Ang Larawan; Romulo Caballero - The Chanters;
Dido De la Paz – Respeto; Pio Del Rio - Balangiga: Howling Wilderness; Nor Domingo – Respeto;
Ronwaldo Martin - Bhoy Intsik; Jess Mendoza - Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig;
Arnold Reyes - Birdshot

Natatanging Gawad Urian – Winston Raval, composer- arranger (Vanishing Tribe)
Itatanghal din ang unang CineManunuri Film Festival sa pagtutulungan ng Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Cinema Centenario sa June 15- 29. Ipapalabas dito ang mga mananalo at nominadong pelikula sa Gawad Urian 2018.

ARA, MAY-ASAWANG USEC ANG BF? 

Naunang ibinalita bilang isang blind item, hanggang pangalanan ni Lolit Solis na si Ara Mina ito, usap-usapan ngayon ang nangyaring komprontasyon kay Ara ng asawa ng diumano’y bagong boyfriend niya.

Guest daw si Ara sa isang pagtitipon, at nang kumakanta siya, nagtawag ito ng tao sa audience upang samahan siyang kumanta, at napilit niya ang isang babae na ang kinalabasan ay asawa pala ng isang undersecretary sa isang ahensya ng pamahalaan na boyfriend daw ngayon ni Ara.

Hindi daw alam ng babaeng mula sa audience ang lyrics ng kakantahin nila kaya ibinigay ni Ara ang kanyang cellphone upang mabasa nito ang lyrica ng kanta. Ang kaso, habang hawak daw nito ang cellphone ni Ara ay biglang pumasok ang text ni Usec, at tinatanong kung naroon pa sa event ang asawa niya. Pagkatapos ng kanta, dinala ng babae ang cellphone at nabasa ang palitan ng matatamis na messages ng asawa niya at ni Ara, kaya nagkaroon ng matinding komprontasyon sa comfort room ang babae at si Ara.

Hindi pa nagbibigay ng pahayag si Ara tungkol sa nangyaring insidente, pero ngayon pa lang ay marami nang negatibong puna ang ibinabato sa kanya. Bakit daw kasi lagi siyang pumapatol sa mga sabit na, mula pa noong nakarelasyon niya si Jomari Yllana, na noon ay asawa na ni Aiko Melendez.
Si Ara ay may isang anak sa dati niyang boyfriend na si Mayor Patrick Meneses, na naging boyfriend din ni Aiko.

CELEBRITIES NA TATAKBONG SENADOR

Kinukumbinse daw ni Sen. Tito Sotto, ( bagong hirang na senate president, kapalit ni Sen Koko Pimentel) ang news reporter na si Ted Failon ng ABS CBN, upang tumakbong senador sa susunod na eleksyon.

Nauna nang napabalita na ang newscaster na si Jiggy Manicad ay tatakbo ring senador, at nag-resign na raw ito sa GMA Network upang paghandaan ang kanyang pagpasok sa pulitika.

Ang iba pang celebrities na nagbabalak o hinihikayat ding tumakbong senador ay sina Dingdong Dantes, Lito Lapid, Erwin Tulfo, Mocha Uson, Agot Isidro at Willie Revillame.

Nakaupo pa sa puwesto sina Grace Poe, Manny Pacquiao, at Tito Sotto. Senador pa rin sina Ralph Recto (asawa ni Vilma Santos), Chiz Escudero (asawa ni Heart Evangelista) at Francis Pangilinan (asawa ni Sharon Cuneta).

Samantala, nakulong matapos makasuhan sina Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. at Jinggoy Estrada, na pansamantalang nakakalaya matapos payagang magpiyansa.

ALDEN, ITATAPAT SA ANG PROBINSYANO? 
Sa wakas ay natupad na ang matagal nang hiling ng mga fans na bigyan ng bagong TV series ang kanilang idolong si Alden Richards. Excited si Alden sa bago niyang project, ang “Victor Magtanggol” dahil matagal na raw niyang gustong gawin ang ganitong klaseng papel.
“Nang binigay kasi sa akin ang Victor Magtanggol at then diniscribe ang character niya, ang lakas ng koneksyon sa mga Pilipino. So yung mga Pilipino na may prinsipyo, yung pag inatasan mong gawin ang isang bagay ay paninindigan nila. Gusto natin kapag pinanood ng mga Kapuso natin si Victor Magtanggol,  makikita nila ang mga sarili nila.”
Tututukan at magiging involved daw si Alden sa magiging takbo ng kwento kaya madalas daw siyang makipag-usap sa creative team ng bagong TV series, dahil gusto daw niyang subaybayan ito ng mga manonood dahil may aral ding mapupulot mula dito. Makaka-relate daw ang mga manonood kay Victor Magtanggol dahil ang istorya ng buhay nito ay puno ng drama, aksyon at adventure.
Ngayon pa lang, inaasahan na ng marami na ito ang ipantatapat ng GMA Network sa “Ang Probinsyano” ni Coco Martin, na halos tatlong taon nang namamayagpag sa ere. Si Coco ay creative consultant din ng kanyang programa, at maging sa stunts at fight scenes ay tinututukan niya. Ito rin marahil ang gustong ma-achieve ni Alden sa kanyang TV show.
Wala pang kumpirmasyon kung sino ang magiging leading lady ni Alden, dahil maraming mga pangalan ang inaayawan agad ng kanyang mga fans, lalo na ang mga fans nila ni Maine Mendoza. Pero ang pangalan ni Janine Gutierrez ay isa daw sa mga pinagpipilian. O baka naman ipaparis ito sa Ang Probinsyano na marami ang ipinareha kay Coco gaya nina Bela Padilla, Maja Salvador, Yassi Pressman, Yen Concepcion at ngayon ay si Jessy Mendiola.

ANNE, IPINAGTANGGOL ANG ASAWA 
Damay ang asawa ni Anne Curtis na si Erwan Heusaff sa anomalyang kinasasangkutan ng Buhay Carinderia project ng Tourism Promotions Board (TBP) na dating pinamumunuan ni Cesar Montano. Si Erwan  ang content creator ng Buhay Carinderia sa mga video na ginagamit upang i-promote ang mga lokal na kainan sa Pilipinas. Siya ang piniling gumawa nito ng Marylindbert International, ang marketing agency na itinalaga ng TPB para humawak ng proyekto.

Bago pa umupo sa puwesto ang bagong Tourism Secretary na si Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, (pumalit kay Wanda Tulfo-Teo), lumabas na ang alingasngas na tumanggap ng Php80 milyon bilang paunang bayad ang Marylindbert mula sa TBP, at kung paanong nakuha ang proyekto ng hindi dumaan sa bidding process. Agad naman itong kinumpirma ni Puyat, at ipinatawag si Cesar na sa bandang huli ay napilitang mag-resign dahil sa kontrobersiya. Pero bago ito ay inilaglag muna ng aktor ang dati niyang boss na si Tulfo-Teo. Ayon kay Cesar, aprubado daw ni Teo ang mga tsekeng ibinayad sa may-ari ng Marylindbert International, na kaibigan din daw nito. 

Ipinagtanggol naman ni Anne Curtis ang kanyang asawa dahil wala daw itong alam sa kontrobersyang kinasasangkutan ng Buhay Carinderia.  “I know where Erwan’s heart is talaga when it comes to that: it’s always about pushing the Filipino food. Yun lang naman ang gusto niya, ma-highlight ang pagkain na mga Pilipino, so I support him with that”, ang sagot niya sa isang panayam.

Ano ang hatid ng Hunyo sa iyo

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94/06
Lalasapin mo ng husto ang sarap ng pag-ibig. Pero huwag kaligtaang alagaan din ang ibang bahagi ng iyong buhay upang maiwasan ang problema. May magagandang transaksyon sa negosyo o trabahong mas malaki ang kita. Huwag pag-aksayahan ng oras ang mga bagay na mahirap ipaliwanag. Makakaranas ng pananakit ng sikmura dahil sa labis na tensyon o nerbiyos. May pag-aalala sa pamilya dahil sa sakit na dinaranas ng taong malapit sa inyo. Lucky numbers: 11, 19, 25 at 36.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95/07
Ang dinaranas na pagka-iritable ay hindi nasa isip lang kundi dahil sa nararamdaman mong problema sa panunaw. Maswerte ka sa pustahan sa linggong ito. Iwasang maniwala agad sa mga sinasabi sa iyo; maaaring makasira ito sa iyong trabaho. Makakahanap ka ng katahimikan at pahinga sa piling ng pamilya. Masaya ang love life mo ngayon.   Lucky numbers: 5, 16, 32 at 42.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96/08
Madali kang ma in love, kaya sunod-sunod ang magiging karelasyon mo. Pag-aralan kung paano hawakan ang pera, huwag balewalain ito, at huwag magpa-alipin sa salapi. Maging maingat sa pakikisama sa lahat ng tao upang makaiwas sa intriga. Maganda ang iyong pag-angat sa trabaho, pero laging magpakatotoo. Mag-ingat sa aksidente, lalo na kung nagbibisikleta o nagmo-motor; ugaliing magsuot ng helmet.  Lucky numbers: 15, 22, 36 at 41.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97/09
Ang pagbibiyahe ay makakabuti sa iyo; gaganda ang iyong pananaw at pakiramdam. May tsansa kang magkaroon ng bagong karelasyon kung ikaw ay naghahanap. Maganda ang kalagayan sa trabaho. Mas magiging malapit din ang mga kaibigan mo ngayon. Kontrolin mo ang iyong pagkain, hindi ka lang tataba, hihina rin ang iyong atay. Iwasan din ang pag-inom ng alak at manigurado na ang kinakain ay laging sariwa. Lucky numbers: 17, 25, 33 at 41.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98/10
Maganda ang resulta ng pinagpaguran, pero maging maingat sa mga detalye. Kung hindi ka magpapakita ng unawa at pasensya, magiging magulo ang tahanan. Maging mahinahon din sa pakikipag-usap sa ibang tao upang maiwasang makasakit ng damdamin at magkaroon ng kumplikasyon ang pagsasama. Wala kang gana sa maraming bagay at nakakaramdam ka ng pagod. Subukang uminom ng vitamins upang lumakas ang resistensya.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87/99
Makakaramdam ng pagbabago sa katawan at personalidad. Huwag matuksong kumita ng pera sa madali, pero hindi tamang paraan. Gayunpaman, may tsansa na manalo sa sugal ngayon. Ang relasyon sa pamilya ay magkakaroon ng kumplikasyon. Maging matiyaga at huwag madaliin ang lahat upang hindi masira ang tsansa mong magtagumpay. Makakakaasa ka ng suporta sa mga kaibigan na magiging karamay mo sa lahat ng bagay. Lucky numbers: 8, 14, 28 at 36.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88/00
Maging maingat sa pananalapi. Mag-ingat din sa mga kasamahan sa trabaho na  naiinggit sa iyo at maaring magpahamak sa iyo. Magulo ang relasyon sa pamilya; malas na lang ang taong magpapagalit sa iyo! Anuman ang problema, sa pamilya man o personal, may mga kaibigan kang handang tumulong sa iyo, pero iwasang maimpluwensyahan ng mga payo ng mga ito lalo na kung alam mong hindi ito makakabuti. Lucky numbers: 20, 23, 35 at 39.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89/01
Mahirap at seryosong problema sa pananalapi ang kailangan mong haraping mag-isa, manatiling kalmado. Hirap ka ring matulog ng maayos; piliting mag-relax at kumain ng magaan sa tiyan. Mag-ingat ding masaktan o mapilayan sa maling pagkilos. Sa trabaho, huwag ibahin ang gawain kahit sinusulsulan ka ng mga kasamahan. Magkakaroon ka ng mga bagong kakilala at relasyon na magpapasaya sa iyo ng husto.  Lucky numbers: 6, 13, 37 at 40.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90/02
Mga bagong kaibigan at kakilala ang pag-aaksayahan mo ng oras ngayon. Mabibigyan din ng maayos na solusyon ang iyong problema. Maganda ang kalagayan ng kalusugan. May alitan sa pamilya at palagay mo ay pinagtatawanan ka ng mga anak. Maiinis ka sa ilan sa mga kaibigan mo, huwag magdamdam ng husto dahil tao lang din sila na nagkakamali. Ibaling ang atensyon sa iba upang lumawak ang pananaw at magkaroon ng bagong oportunidad. Lucky numbers: 11, 25, 33 at 42.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79/91/03
Kailangan mo ng diplomasya upang makausad ng madali sa iyong propesyon. Isang magandang sorpresa ang matatanggap mo. Gagawin mo ang lahat upang maging masaya ang tahanan. Tama ka na i-enjoy ng husto ang buhay at maging masaya. Dahil sa angking talino at talas ng isip kaya maayos ang paghawak mo ng pera, na ikalulugod ng husto ng iyong kabiyak, kahit kung minsan ay hindi siya payag o kumbinsido sa desisyon mo.  Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 31 at 44.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92/04
May kakayahan kang masolusyunan agad ang mga problema sa buhay. Masaya Ang lovelife sa linggong ito dahil magkasundo kayo ng kapartner sa lahat ng bagay. May tsansa kang makuha ang isang malaking transaksyon, kaya maraming maiinggit sa iyo. Pakiramdam mo ay lumalayo ang taong malalapit sa iyo, at wala silang pakialam sa iyo at labis mo itong ikalulungkot. Lucky numbers: 17, 20, 34 at 41.

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93/05
Nahihirapan ang kalooban mo sa mga problemang pinagdadaanan, pero malalampasan mo ito kung makokontrol mo ang labis na nerbiyos. Madali ring mauwi sa mainitang pagtatalo ang diskusyon sa karelasyon. Kailangan mo ng ibayong tapang at sipag sa trabaho upang umasenso. Oras na upang limitahan at ayusin ang mga gastusin upang mapaghandaan ang nakaambang kagipitan. Kung hindi ka handa, malaki ang mawawala sa iyo.  Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 23 at 42.

Filipino maid arrested for alleged child abuse released on police bail

by Vir B. Lumicao

UPDATED  

Tai Po District Police is investigating the case

 

A Filipina domestic worker in Sheung Shui was freed on police bail late Friday June 1) night after being investigated for more than 24 hours for allegedly hitting her four-year-old male ward.

Michelle M. Legion, 29, was granted $500 bail while police continue their investigations. No charges were filed against her.

One of her friends told The SUN Legion was told by police that if her employer does not pursue the complaint  within three weeks the case will be dropped.

Legion, who has been given shelter at the Filipino Workers Resource Center in Sheung Wan, has reportedly denied the accusation.

Some of her friends who often saw her with her ward also told The SUN that the child was affectionate towards the helper, and she in turn was devoted to him.

Her friends panicked when they could no longer reached her after she secretly called them from the Sheung Shui police substation to say she had been detained.  They contacted the Consulate, which at first could not give any information as to her whereabouts.

Acting on the information, The SUN made inquiries with the Police Public Relations Branch. A spokeswoman confirmed Legion was arrested and later taken to the Tai Po police station after receiving a complaint from her female employer at 7:55pm  Thursday.

Officers who went to the employers’ flat at Green Code, a residential estate at Ma Sik Road in Fanling, reportedly found the boy with injuries on his back and bottom.  But it was not immediately clear whether the boy was hit, and who did it.

The police spokeswoman said the helper was arrested for suspected cruelty to a child.

The officers sent the boy, who was in a conscious state, to North District Hospital in Sheung Shui for medical treatment before transferring him to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po.

The spokeswoman said investigators from the District Investigating Team 4 of Tai Po Police are following up the case.

Hongkong Airlines starts daily flights to Manila

Tang King Shing (fourth from left), vice chairman of Hongkong Airlines, leads the inauguration ries for the new flights to Manila.

Hongkong Airlines started daily flights to Manila tonight, with a full maiden flight leaving at 9:30 pm.The same Airbus A320 plane leaves for Hong Kong at 3 am. tomorrow.

Tang King Shing

This is the fourth route launched by the full-service airline this year, following the inauguration of services to Maldives, San Francisco and Moscow, according to Tang King Shing, vice chairman of Hongkong Airlines.


"Manila represents a, exciting new market for Hongkong Airlines," Tang said during ceremonies to launch the inaugural flight.  

He noted the steady increase in travel between the two places over the years, with over 900,000 visitors from the Philippines arriving in Hong Kong in 2017.

"The new daily service is aimed to meet the increasing travel demands from the Philippines to Hong Kong,"he added. 

As an aside, Tang also said he spent his honeymoon in Manila.

Consul Paulo Saret

Consul Paulo Saret, who represented the Philippine Consulate General, said that with the new service, "we hope that more peole from Hong Kong, this time, will visit the Philippines."

He asked Hongkong Airlines to help promote the Philippines as a destination for Hong Kong people.
Sarest said Filipinos now working in Hong Kog will also welcome the new services because it will widen their choice of airlines and hopefully, lower fares due to increased competition.

The ceremonies were also attended by C.K. Ng, executive director of the Airport Authority of Hong Kong; Henry Ma, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd., and Dennis Choy, the airline's general manager for communication.

A check with the airline's website, however, indicated that tickets to Manila were not yet available to those booking flights online.

Pinoy boat driver dies after allegedly taking 'zombie drug'

By Vir B. Lumicao

Video shows Jay B being restrained by police

A Filipino boat driver in Saikung reportedly died in hospital on Wednesday while being treated for the effects of flakka, also known as the “zombie drug” because users exhibit bizarre, zombie-like behavior and unusual strength.

Reports reaching The SUN said the victim, Jay B., had not eaten or slept for two days and was staggering, jerking and dancing uncontrollably on Tuesday because of the effects of the drug.

A video that was circulated in the community showed the victim being restrained by a police officer on a Saikung boardwalk while he shook and mumbled incoherently.

A Facebook post accompanied by the video footage and a still photograph of the victim said Jay B. was taken by the police to an unnamed hospital, but died after being attended to by hospital staff.

But the exact cause of his death was not immediately known.

Jay B. appeared to be quite well known to members of a Filcom group with political leanings.

The Consulate’s assistance to nationals section said Jay B. was a dependent visa holder who was driving a boat for a living in Saikung, where he and his wife lived.

The ATN officer said it was the victim’s wife who reported his death to the Consulate.

But an officer at the Police Public Relations Branch said on Thursday evening that they had not received any report about the incident. He however, said, he would male further inquiries.

Flakka is reported to have come out in the market in 2014, but it was only in recent months that its potent effects became well known after videos showing abusers in the United States and Brazil acting strangely were posted on the internet.

Drug users reportedly take flakka to get a feeling of euphoria, a heightened sense of awareness, stimulation and energy.

Some of the victims were shown to have hurled themselves onto car windshields or attack other people, although most just twitched uncontrollably and had to be held down until they could be given help.

It appears relatively new in Hong Kong, although there are reports the drug could easily be ordered online from China.

The synthetic psychoative drug is also known by its street name krokodil.

Filipino fined $1k for carrying tear gas, baton in luggage

By Merly T

File photo of tear gas canisters

Bunda

A Filipino who was on a layover in Hong Kong ended up being detained after he was found to have a tear gas canister, an extendable baton, a flashlight and a pair of handcuffs in the luggage he was carrying for his onward flight to London on May 13.

According to Rafael Revilla Flogo, a 30-year-old security guard from Marinduque, he brought the said items at the request of his employer in Britain who had recruited him to work in an island off London that he was developing.

Flogo said he did not know that the items are not allowed to be brought into Hong Kong.

After paying a fine of $1,000, Flogo was released, and he flew on to London on May 26. He was given shelter by a group of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong while waiting for his employer to buy him a new ticket.

Chek Lap Kok Airport

He said he was ordered by the police to return to Hong Kong in November to attend a seminar on the law forbidding the transport of explosive materials into the city. If he fails to attend the seminar, he will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong again.

According to Flogo, who is married with two children, he worked for seven years as a security guard in Taguig City. He was subsequently recruited by an employment agency to work in the island of Thurks in Britain, which was being developed by a Canadian.

Sample of an extendable baton

He was supposed to fly to Britain with two other recruits late on May 12 but his companions were not able to book the same flight.

Before leaving Manila, he said his employer asked if he could buy the tear gas and other items, and bring them to Britain in his luggage. Flogo said he asked his former boss at the security firm if he could do this, and he was assured it was alright.

Early on May 13, as he was making his way to the gate for his connecting flight, he said he heard his name being called over the airport’s public address system. It turned out security personnel had found the banned items in his luggage and wanted to question him.

He was arrested at the airport and questioned for 12 hours before being charged with possession of arms without a licence. Fortunately, he was allowed to make a phone call to his employer in Britain so he was able to relay his predicament.

Police took him to the West Kowloon magistracy early on May 14 where he pleaded guilty to the charge of carrying the banned items, then paid the $1,000 fine.

Flogo was told Hong Kong has very strict laws against bringing in arms, ammunition and exlosives, including the items found in his possession. The prohibition also extemds to bullets, whether live or empty, and arnis sticks or chako.

Flogo stayed with a group of kindly Ilongga OFWs for about a week while his employer booked his onward flight.

He was warned by police that should his colleagues try to bring in the same prohibited items from Manila they would surely be arrested and jailed.

Flogo has asked that the warning be relayed to other Filipinos, now well aware that not knowing about Hong Kong’s laws could not be used as an excuse for avoiding legal liability.

Filipina cricketeers set to claim league crown

By Vir B. Lumicao

Divas team captain and 2-time MVP Josie Arimas packs a big wallop

 The first Filipino women’s cricket team comprising domestic workers in Hong Kong is well on its way to becoming the champion of this season’s Cricket Hong Kong Women’s Development League.

The SCC Divas, comprising 25 players, are already the sure winners even as they still have to play their last two games of the season this coming Sunday, June 3, at Po Kong Village Road Park in Tsz Wan Shan.

After a clean sweep of all their seven games in the past four Sundays, the Divas can lose both games and still emerge the league winners.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       “Sa June 3, two games left, win or lose champion na kami. Pero sabi ng coach talunin pa rin sila para ma-satisfy siya,” team captain Josie Arimas said, after back-to-back wins on May 27.  The Divas beat Hong Kong Cricket Club by 49 runs in the morning match, and nailed a 53-run victory over Craigengower Cricket Club in the afternoon.

At the end of the day, the scorecard was HKCC 76/4 and SCC Divas 125/5 for the first game. It was 157/2 for SCC Divas and 104/1 for CCC in the second game.

The Divas, mostly ex-league players in baseball and softball, with their manager Animesh Kulkarni 

Arimas was picked the most valuable player of the day, a repeat of her May 6 feat when she was chosen as MVP in the Divas’ first game in the league.

This is the Filipina team’s first-ever participation in the league since it was formed in May last year by Arimas, a Palarong Pambansa baseball star who began playing for HKCC in January 2015.

The Divas made their presence felt in Hong Kong cricket on May 6 when Arimas led the team to an 85-run win over CCC, scoring 28/2 to take the MVP of the day plum. The Divas were 122/3 in 16 overs against CCC, which finished with 37/8.

Team manager Animesh Kulkarni, an officer of The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (Hong Kong, China), told The SUN the Filipinas are strong players.

“They practice only once a week on their day off but they play like veterans and beat their younger rivals,” he said.

After his wards’ triumph on May 27, Kulkarni said he would upgrade them to the T20 League from the Development division, the league for 16-over matches for newcomers, Arimas said. She said T20 is a bracket where the game is played in 20 overs. 

It was Kulkarni who encouraged Arimas to form the SCC Divas last year in preparation for this year’s league. With patient training by coach Najeeb Amar and British head coach Ricky Waite of Hong Kong’s national team, the Divas honed up their skills in a relatively short time.

Divas get free coaching from Ricky Waite of the HK National team

This flexibility was attributed by both Arimas and Waite to the women’s previous sports, baseball and softball, where they played for Philippine Sluggers and Fate, respectively, before wading into cricket.

“Their skill level is very high,” Waite told The SUN after the maiden match on May 6. “They’re simply fantastic. They played naturally,” Waite said, noting their eye coordination when they throw the ball.

Arimas said Waite told the Divas they are amazingly strong whackers, but that they still need to train on how to stop a strong bowl.

Kulkarni and Waite said they wanted the team to be recognized by the Philippine Cricket Club so that the Divas could play friendly matches with their Manila counterparts.  

The victory trail:

May 6 Game 1 – SCC Divas won on Lantau Team no show

Game 2 – SCC Divas 122/3 beat CCC 37/8 by 85 runs

May 13 – SCC Divas beat USRC by 90 runs

May 20 Game 2 – SCC Divas 169 beat USRC 128 by 41 runs

Game 4– SCC Divas 126 beat CCC 109 by 17 runs

May 27 Game 1 –SCC Divas 125/5 beat HKCC 76/4 by 49 runs

Game 2 – SCC Divas 157/2 beat CCC 104/1 by 53 run.

Luho ng anak

Si Luz na tubong Iba, Zambales ay bago pa lang sa Hong Kong. Nakapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral dahil sa sariling sikap kaya ipinangako niya sa sarili na hindi niya ipaparanas ang hirap na pinagdaanan noon sa kanyang tatlong anak.

Pinili niya ang mangibang bayan para magtrabaho dahil ayaw niya mangyari na kapag humingi ne pera ang mga anak ay wala siyang maibigay. Ngunit taliwas ito sa payo ng isang Pinay na nakilala niya sa building nila, at 10 taon na sa Hong Kong.

Ayon sa Pinay mas makakabuting dumanas ng hirap ang mga bata upang matutong magsikap.  Ito raw ang huhubog sa kanila para mangarap at magsipag sa pag aaral.

Napag alaman ni Luz sa kwento nito na nagkaproblema ito sa anak dahil ibinigay nito ang lahat ng hilingin ng bata, tulad ng mamahaling telepono, laptop at iba pang gamit, ngunit nabarkada at nakabuntis sa murang edad.

Ayon pa sa Pinay katulad din niya si Luz noon na ayaw maghirap ang anak kaya pinalaki niya sa layaw. Ngayon ay problemado ito dahil umaaasa lang sa kanyang padala ang anak at kung hindi ito makapagbigay ay masasakit na salita ang naririnig.

Mababanaag sa mukha ng Pinay ang pagsisi at lungkot. Sinabi na lang ni Luz na ipapanalangin niya na nawa ay magbago ang anak nito. Susundin din daw niya ang payo nito para maiwasan na maligaw ng landas ang kanyang mga anak.

Tatandaan niya na ang dapat niyang ibigay ay iyong tamang pangangailangan lang nila, at hindi ang mga luho sa buhay. Si Luz ay anim na buwan pa lamang sa among naninirahan sa Tung Chung. – Ellen Asis

Ayaw magsayang ng oras sa pag-tambay

Dahil sa isang seminar ay nagkakilala sina Lena at Lei, at naging matalik na magkaibigan. Si Lena ay apat na taon na sa Hong Kong at laging dumadalo ng mga seminar ng iba't ibang organisasyon upang maging kapaki-pakinabang ang kanyang day off. Naengganyo nya si Lei na sumama sa kanyang mga lakad upang matuto rin.

Ayon kay  Lei sa unang pagkakataon na dumalo siya sa isang seminar na itinatag ng The SUN at nakilala niya si Lena ay saka lang naging kapaki-pakinabang ang araw ng kanyang pahinga.

Dati ay marami siyang hindi alam sa nangyayari sa kanyang paligid at laging lakwatsa lang ang ginagawa kapag araw ng linggo. Lagi siyang nasa Central at kung minsan ay nakikipag-inuman sa mga kaibigan kaya lumasing kung umuwi sa bahay ng amo sa Discovery Bay.

Ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay nabago nang maging kaibigan si Lena. Tuwing araw ng Linggo ay dumadalo na rin siya sa seminar at hindi na nakikipag-inuman.

Dahil sa mga natutunan sa seminar ay may naitatabi  na siya mula sa kanyang suweldo dahil hindi na siya gumagastos ng malaki o bumibili ng alak at pulutan. Masaya siya dahil sa nadadagdagan na ang kanyang kaalaman ay nakakatipid pa siya.

Si Lei ay tubong Pangasinan, edad 38 at may dalawang anak sa Pilipinas samantalang si Lena ay dalaga at naninilbihan sa Mid-Levels. Kadarating pa lang niya sa Hong Kong nang mapasama sa mga Pinay na aktibo sa pag volunteer sa Konsulado. Dahil dito ay marami na siyang nadaluhan na mga pagsasanay at pagtitipon na kinapupulutan ng aral. – Ellen Asis

Taga Pangasinan, hinandugan ng libreng pagsasanay

Ni George Manalansan

Sa kabila ng maraming lakad sa araw ng dayoff ay naisingit ng grupo ng mga taga Mapandan, Pangasinan ang isang importanteng pagsasanay, ang libreng Financial Literacy na isinagawa ng Mobile Outreach Team ng Card Hong Kong Foundation.

Ang pagsasanay ay ginawa sa paanan ng footbridge katabi ng Wanchai Police station.

Ginanap ang mabungang talakayan sa isang kalsada sa paanan ng footbridge katabi ng Wanchai Police station noong Mayo 6.

Natutunan ng mga nagsanay ang pagsusulat ng adhikain para sa tamang paghawak ng kanilang kinita, paraan ng pag-iipon, at pagharap sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, sa kanilang unang sesyon.

Isinalarawan ng founder ng Card HK na si Edna Aquino ang ganitong uri ng pagsasanay sa mensaheng ito sa Facebook: “Humans on the streets. Classrooms without borders. These are Filipino  migrant workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong mentoring their “kapwa”  OFWs to become financially literate as a first step towards attaining economic freedom. Spaces for learning on a weekend especially for people like them are very restrictive and expensive.  Truly heroic.”

Ayon pa kay Aquino, aabot na sa 3,000 OFW ang dumaan sa ganitong uri ng pagsasanay sa tulong ng mga volunteer ng Card.

Laking pasasalamat naman ni Marilou de Vera, presidente ng Mapandan sampu ng mga miyembro, dahil sa kaalamang ipinaabot sa kanila, sa mismong istambayan nila. 

Ang sabi niya, “Maraming salamat  po sa mga trainors at marami kaming natutunan  mula sa Card HongKong Foundation. See you  next session po, excited na po lahat kami, salamat sa time na binigay niyo sa amin..”

Ang mga bagong nagtapos (itaas) na taga Mapandan, Pangasinan , kasama ang kanilang mga trainor.

Tunay nga na sa isang lider na katulad niya, napakahalaga na mahanapan ang mga  miyembro ng iyong grupo ng dagdag kaalaman.

Ang ikalawang sesyon ay gaganapin sa susunod na buwan na binubuo ng apat na malalaking usapin tungkol sa pagpapalago ng perang pinaghirapan.

Para sa mga grupo at asosasyon na nais ding sumailalim sa pagsasanay na dulot ng mobile outreach group na ito, magpadala lang ng mensahe sa Facebook Page: Card Hongkong Foundation o tumawag lang sa 9529 6392/ 5423 8196/ 9606 6810.

Mga migrante, hinikayat na sumali sa mga pagsasanay

Consul General Antonio A. Morales (inset) congratulates the graduates for their perseverance and determination to undergo training courses such as those offered free by CARD Hong Kong. He served as guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites of CARD Hong Kong Foundation’s financial literacy course held on 29 April 2018 at Bayanihan Center in Kennedy Town.

Ni George Manalansan

Halos 200 migranteng manggagawa mula sa tatlong grupo ng mga nagsipagtapos ng Financial Literacy Program ng Card OFW Foundation ang nagtipon-tipon sa isang parangal na isinagawa sa Bayanihan Centre sa Kennedy Town noong Abr 29.

Naging panauhing pandangal si Consul  General Antonio Morales, na nagsabing iyon ang una niyang pagpunta sa Bayanihan Centre magmula nang dumating siya sa Hong Kong ilang buwan na ang nakakaraan.  Ikinuwento niya na nasa 180,000 ang mga OFW sa Singapore na karamihan ay mga skilled at professional worker, hindi katulad sa Hong Kong na higit na nakakalamang ang mga kasambahay sa tinatayang bilang ng mga Pilipino na 220, 000.

Kamakailan ay nagkaroon daw siya ng pakikipagpulong kay Chief Executive Carrie Lam at Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung. Kanila daw pinasalamatan ang mga Pilipino dahil sa naging ambag nila sa paglago ng ekonomiya ng Hong Kong. Datapwat may mga abusadong employer ay isa na daw ang Hong Kong sa mga lugar sa buong mundo kung saan mas protektado ang mga manggagawa. Sa kabila nito, hindi pa rin ganap na kinikilala ng Hong Kong ang serbisyo ng mga manggagawang dayuhan dahil hindi sila binibigyan ng karapatan na maging residente.

Dagdag pa ng ConGen Morales, hindi polisiya ng gobyerno ang magpadala ng trabahador sa ibang bansa, lalo na sa lugar na mataas ang bilang ng mga minamaltrato. Ngunit dahil sa kakulangan ng oportunidad sa ating bayan kaya hindi maiwasan ng mga Pilipino ang maghanap ng trabaho sa labas ng bansa.

Naikuwento din niya na napansin niya na sa gusali ng Konsulado ay may isang pautangan na mas mahaba pa ang pila minsan kaysa sa kanilang opisina. Talaga daw na malaking problema ang utangan sa Hong Kong kaya dapat na maghanda ang mga manggagawa para sa kanilang kinabukasan sa pamamagitan ng pag-iipon at pagdadagdag kaalaman, gaya ng ibinibigay ng Card.

Payo niya, “Bigyan ng aksiyon ang inyong mga pangarap at maghikayat pa sa kapwa na sumali sa Card Financial Literacy Program.” Dagdag payo pa niya, “knowledge is power”, “invest in your future,’  “make your dreams come true,” bago sinabi ang “Congratulations.”

Ayon naman sa sugo ng Card MRI sa Pilipinas na si Pauline Landicho, mayroon nang apat na milyon na kliyente ang grupo sa 82 probinsiya sa bansa, kung saan naabot na nila ang 95% ng lahat ng  mga munisipyo, at 96% ng mga barangay.

Ayon pa sa kanya, umabot na sa 2,514 ang nagtapos ng Financial Literacy at 1,578 naman ang nakinabang na sa mga produkto at serbisyo ng Card MRI. Pangarap daw ng Card na magkaroon ng marangal na buhay  ang bawat Pilipino kaya’t patuloy silang nagsisikap para tulungan ang mga komunidad na matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap.

Naging bisita rin si Fr. Jim Mulroney na sa simula’t sapul ay sumusuporta sa mga programa ng Card.

“Congratulations, this is the beginning of your success,” mensahe niya sa mga nagtapos.

Si Maria Ragasa, isa sa mga kliyente ng Card, ang nagsabi na mas pinili niya ang maging negosyante kaysa magtrabaho bilang nars sa Amerika. Dahil daw sa pinahiram na puhunan sa kanya ng Card ay napalago niya ang kanyang negosyo na buy ang sell. Kamakailan ay isa siya sa mga sumali sa product expo na ginanap sa Convention and Exhibition Centre sa Wanchai.

Nagbigay naman ng testimonya si Marcelino Bate ng batch 45 sa positibong pagbabago na idinulot sa kanya ng fin-lit program. Ayon sa kanya mahalaga na matuto din ang mga kapamilya ng OFW sa paghawak ng pera para maging katuwang sila sa pagsusulong nga kanilang kabuhayan.

Payo pa niya, maging totoo sa sarili at ipaalam sa pamilya ang hirap ng nangngamuhan sa ibayong dagat.

Para naman kay Sylvia Basilio na isa rin sa mga nagtapos mula sa batch 47, inabot na siya ng pitong taon sa Hong Kong na walang ipon para sa sarili dahil nauubos ang sahod para sa kapamilya. Ngayon ay nag-iba na ang kanyang pananaw, salamat sa mga natutunan niya mula sa Card.

Lahat ng mga nagbigay ng testimonya ay naghikayat sa mga kapwa nila migranteng mangagagawa na lumahok din sa pagsasanay ng Card.

Para sa susunod na libreng pagsasanay sa ika-23 ng Hunyo at ika-22 ng Hulyo, tumawag lamang sa 9529 8196  o  9606  6810 para magparehistro.