Agot at Allen, panalo sa Famas

Panalo bilang best actress si Agot Isidro para sa pelikulang “Changing Partners”, at best actor si Allen Dizon para sa pelikulang “Bomba” sa katatapos na 66th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) na ginanap nitong Linggo, June 10, sa Solaire Theater. 

Sa kanyang speech, ibinahagi ni Agot ang kanyang panalo sa mga kasamahan sa pelikula: “I dedicate this award to my co-actors because we really acted as one. I cannot take the credit for winning this. This a great time to be in the movie industry. Let’s keep making movies that inspire and awaken the soul and humanity in all of us”.

Ang best picture ay napanalunan ng  “Balangiga: Howling Widerness”, at ang nanalong best director ay si Arnel Barbarona para sa pelikulang “Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right to Kill)”.

Ang kumpletong listahan ng mga nanalo: 
Lifetime Achievement Award - Lav Diaz
Best Film - Balangiga: Howling Wilderness
Grand Jury Prize - Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right To Kill) and Respeto
Outstanding Achievement in Directing - Arnel Barbarona (Tu Pug Imatuy The Right To Kill)
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Agot Isidro (Changing Partners)
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Allen Dizon (Bomba)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Odette Khan (Barboys)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Mon Confiado - (Mga Gabing Kasinghaba ng Hair Ko)
Dolphy Achievement Award - Vice Ganda
FPJ Achievement Award - Coco Martin
German Moreno Youth Achievement Award - Aura and Julie Ann San Jose
Male and Female Celebrity of the Night - Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto
Male Face of the Night - JC Santos
Female Face of the Night - Max Eigenmann
Best Original Song - “Katurog Na” from Balangiga: Howling Wilderness by Lolita Carbon; Music & Lyrics by Khavn de la Cruz
Best Musical Score - Respeto - Jay Oliver Durias
Best Short Film - Hilom (PR Patindol)
Best Documentary Film - Yield (Victor Delotavo Iagaro and Toshihiko Uriu
Ang mga naging host ng parangal ay sina Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu at Robi Domingo.

2nd TNT WINNERS
Bongga ang ginanap na “Tawag ng Tanghalan Huling Tapatan” sa It’s Showtime TV show noong nakaraang Sabado, June 2, sa Aliw Theater. Naging malakas ang suporta ng mga tatlong finalists na sina Janine Berdin (Visayas), Ato Arman (Mindanao) at Steven Paysu (USA), na pawang mahuhusay at may kanya-kanyang kakaibang talento sa pag-awit. Nang matapos ang palakpakan, at hiyawan mula sa audience, mga hurado at mga host, tinanghal na champion sa TNT Season 2,  ang 16-yr old Cebuana na si Janine na umawit ng medley ng mga awitin ni Bamboo.
Ang mga hurado na sina Rey Valera, Ogie Alcasid, Yeng Constantino, K Brosas, Jaya, Eric Santos, Mitoy Yonting, Nyoy Volante, Billy Crawford, Jed Madela, Karylle, Karla Estrada, Kyla at Rico Puno ay hindi napigilang umiyak, pumalakpak at bigyan ng standing ovation ang bawat performance ang mga kalahok.

Nag-perform din ang TNT season 1 champion na si Noven Belleza, runner-up Sam Mangubat, TNT Kids champion John Clyd Talili at finalists na sikat na ngayong TNT Boys.
Napanalunan ni Janine ang Php2 milyong cash prize, house & lot package mula sa Camella Homes, Siomai business package,  music package, vacation package, malaking TV set, trophy, management contract mula sa ABS CBN at recording contract sa Star Music.

Ang second placer na si Ato ay nanalo ng Php500,000 at ang third placer na si Steven ay nanalo naman ng Php250,000. Ang tatlo pang contestants na napasama sa top 6 ay tumanggap ng consolation prize na Php100,000 bawat isa. 

Nagpa-bonggahan din sa kanilang mga damit ang mga It’s Showtime hosts na sina Vice Ganda at Anne Curtis na parehong naka-apat na palit ng gowns, at sina Amy Perez, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz at Jugs Jugueta.

TO FARM FILMFEST 2018 ENTRIES
Mula sa 119 kalahok, napili na ang pitong finalists para sa 2018 TO (The Outstanding Farmer) Farm Film Festival na gaganapin sa September 12-19, 2018. Ang mga napiling kalahok ay tatanggap ng Php1.5 milyon bawat isa mula sa mga executive producers.  Si Bibeth Orteza ang festival director, at Joey Romero bilang managing director ng filmfest na ito na sinimulan ng yumaong director na si Maryo J. Delos Reyes. Ang selection committee na pumili sa mga kalahok ay sina Raquel Villavicencio, Krip Yuson, Antoinette Jadaone, Mario Cornejo at Manny Buising.

Ang mga kalahok: 
1. 1957 -  historical drama na isinulat at idinirek ni Hubert Tibi
2. Alimuom - science fiction na isinulat at idinirek ni Keith Sicat
3. Fasang - period romance na isinulat ni Charlson Ong (director to be announced)
4. Isang Kuwento ng Gubat (The Leonard Co Story) – isinulat ni Rosalie Matilac at ang mga director ay sina Ellen Ongkeko Marfil, Rosalie Matilac, at Milo Paz.
5. Lola Igna - cultural drama na isinulat at sa direksyon ni Eduardo Roy Jr.
6. Mga Anak Ng Kamote - futuristic drama na isinulat ni John Carlo Pacala, sa direksyon ni Carlo Enciso Catu
7. Sol Searching - dark comedy sa panulat at direksyon ni Roman Perez Jr.

HEART, NAKUNAN
 “There are not enough words to express how heavy my heart feels but I know it’s important to share this because it’s part of my motherhood journey. At this week’s Doctor appointment, just as we hit the 3 month mark, we found out that her heart stopped beating. For some it might be early on but for us, we were so ready to meet you, little one. Carrying you made me feel like a completely new person. Just the thought of you taught me what unconditional love feels like. The doctor told me that there really wasn’t anything we could’ve done, that this happens to a higher percentage of first time moms. I know this is true because so many of you have been open with sharing your experiences. Your kindness and positivity in sharing about your own miscarriages remind me to be strong. I take comfort knowing that you’re up there with your twin.”

Ito ang malungkot na mga katagang ibinahagi ni Heart Evangelista sa kanyang Instagram account upang ipaalam na hindi rin nabuhay ang natitira sa kambal sana niyang ipinagbubuntis.

Ilang linggo lang ang nakalipas nang masaya nitong ibinalita na buntis na siya, sa unang anak nila ni Se. Chiz Escudero, nang i-post niya ang larawan nilang mag-asawa, at hawak niya ang mamahaling damit pambata. Pagkatapos nito ay ibinalita niyang hindi nabuo ang isa sa kambal, kaya pinag-iingat siya ng husto para sa natitira pang baby, pero hindi rin nagtagal ay natuklasang wala na rin itong heart beat.

“ I don’t question God about this sad time, I trust in His timing and plan. I hope you all understand that I’ll be taking some time off but your support and kind words will be felt, even if I’m not able to reply. I’m not looking for answers, just peace. For what it’s worth, I already had a name for you. My Mira, funnily enough, I already loved your smile. I know you’ll find your way back to me” , ang dagdag pa ni Heart.

KRIS, NAKABILI NG BAHAY SA AMERIKA
Marami ang nagulat nang i-post ni Kris Bernal ang bagong bahay na nabili niya sa West Covina, California. Marami ang nagulat dahil hindi nila akalaing malaki na pala ang naipon ng aktres mula nang manalo silang Ultimate Survivors ni Martin Escudero sa Starstruck Season 4, para makabili ng bahay na nagkakahalaga ng US$500,000 na katumbas ng halos Php30 milyon.

Ayon kay Kris, ang bahay na nabili niya ay katas ng lahat ng kanyang paghihirap sa trabaho at pagpupupuyat, pero lahat daw sa pamilya nila ay may kontribusyon din dito. Ang isang kapatid niya ay dalawang taon nang nagta-trabaho sa Amerika bilang isang registered nurse, at siyang naghanap ng bahay. Malaki ang bahay, na may apat na silid at loft, base sa video ng house tour na ipinost ni Kris sa kanyang Instagram account.

Ilan sa mga celebrities na may bahay din sa Amerika ay sina Vilma Santos, Manny Pacquiao, Aga Muhlach, Piolo Pascual, Judy Ann Santos, at Michael V. Si Sharon Cuneta ay may mansyon din sa Los Angeles, pero ibinenta na sa isang comedian na kaibigan ng sikat na aktor na si Adam Sandler noong nakaraang taon. 

Bukod sa pag-arte, mahilig din si Kris sa pagne-negosyo, gaya ng itinayo niyang MeatKris burger stores, pero isinara niya ito kamakailan  upang pagtuunan ng pansin ang bagong Korean restaurant na bubuksan nila, kasosyo ang boyfriend niyang si Perry Choi.

Si Kris ay napapanood sa Kapuso TV series na The Cure, na pinagbibidahan nina Jennylyn Mercado, Tom Rodriguez at Jaclyn Jose.

JUDY ANN, IDI-DIREK NI BRILLANTE MENDOZA
Isang malaking pelikula ang ginagawa ni Judy Ann Santos, na inaasahang isasali sa iba’t ibang film festivals sa ibang bansa. May titulong Maguindanaw (dating Bayang Magiliw), ito ay sa direksyon ni Brillante Mendoza, na kilala na sa ibang bansa dahil ilang beses nang nanalo ng mga award para sa kanyang mga pelikula.

Gaganap bilang isang Muslim si Judy Ann at makakapareha si Allen Dizon, sa papel na asawa niya at sundalo. Si Allen ay hindi gaanong sikat sa mga mainstream na pelikula at hindi rin gaanong napapansin sa mga pagganap sa mga TV series, pero suki siya sa mga indie films, at marami na siyang naipanalong acting awards hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi pati sa mga film festival sa ibang bansa.

Muli ring babalikan ni Juday ang paggawa ng teleserye, matapos ang mahaba-habang panahon. Ka-abang-abang ito para sa kanyang mga fans, na matagal nang hinintay ang kanyang pagbabalik bilang  Teleserye Queen, sa bago niyang TV series na “Starla”. Hindi pa inaanunsyo kung sino ang kanyang makakapareha, pero may balitang isang sikat na aktor ito na galing sa ibang network, at magiging bagong Kapamilya.     

Ex- DH of judge set to file claims after theft acquittal

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic worker is set to file labor claims against her former employer, a High Court judge, ,after being acquitted of theft charges.

Marites Canacio was found not guilty on June 15 of stealing $3,700 from her fellow Filipina maid at Judge Jonathan Harris' house on the Peak

Canacio was acquitted of the charge by Magistrate Cheung Kit-yee on the last day of trial of the theft case held in the Wanchai law courts.

Judge Harris and his Japanese wife testified for the prosecution were in court for the verdict.

Cheung rejected the testimony of the main prosecution witness, Rosiene Cuento Cagalitan, who spent two days on the witness stand. She gave testimony on the alleged events that led the judge to terminate Canacioon Jan.13 The defendant, who stayed at the Consulate’s shelter for troubled workers, chose not to take the witness stand.

She was helped by the Mission for Migrant Workers in preparing her statement and documentary proof such as receipts for the remittance she made for Cagalitan, Googleplay card receipts and the printed transcripts of her phone conversations with her accuser.

An officer of the assistance to nationals section of the Consulate told The SUN that Canacio would press her labor claims against Harris now that she had been acquitted.

Following her acquittal, Canacio, accompanied by the ATN officer, went to Eastern Court to secure a court clearance. She also claimed back her bail money from the court.

Canacio was charged with one count of theft for allegedly stealing $3,700 cash from Cagalitan, with whom she shared a room and a bunkbed in the house of Harris on Mt Kellett Road, The Peak.

The defendant originally faced another charge of stealing Harris' wallet which contained $600, but this was later withdrawn.

Magistrate Cheung said she could not convict the defendant based on Cagalitan's statement, as the latter was unreliable.

Cheung also chided the prosecutor for wasting court time by insisting to present Mrs Harris as the second witness although she had nothing substantial to add to Cagalitan’s evidence.

Due to the prosecution’s insistence in calling Mrs Harris to testify, Cheung stopped the hearing twice. First, she asked the couple to leave the courtroom as she discussed with the prosecutor her insistence in getting Mrs Harris’ to testify. Second, when Cheung instructed the prosecutor to explain to the Harris couple her objection.

Defense counsel Mohammed Shah tried to show during his cross-examination of Cagalitan that the Filipina had conspired with an Indonesian former co-worker to get Harris to fire Canacio.

At the time  of the alleged theft, the Indonesian maid was about to resume working for the Harris household.  Cagalitan also allegedly forced Canacio to sign a termination letter prepared by Harris on Jan. 13,

According to Cagalitan, she found the envelope containing her missing money hidden inside Canacio's pillow. Only $1,700 was allegedly left of her money.

Police arrested Canacio at the Hong Kong International Airport on the evening of Jan 14 as she was about to board a flight to Manila.
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Pinay in Fortress Hill MTR incident returns home

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina who had a mental breakdown at Fortress Hill MTR Station on Labor Day is now reunited with her parents and siblings in Southern Leyte, according to her relatives and staff at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

She is now safe and recovering in the Philippines.

The 44-year-old maid was reportedly fetched more than a week ago by two officers of the OWWA head office in Manila and escorted back to her hometown.

She left Hong Kong after about a month of confinement at the psychiatric ward of the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.

The patient, who is single, had worked for more than seven years for the same employer on Braemar Hill in North Point.

An OWWA officer said on June 6 that the maid’s employers were constant visitors at the hospital, and were the ones who informed them a week after the worker’s confinement that she was on her way to recovery.

Various video footages uploaded on Facebook showed the worker acting strangely at the MTR station. She was standing with her arms outstretched and her head tilted upwards, as she mumbled about deliverance. At one point, she prostrated herself in front of the turnstiles.

Police who responded to a call from concerned staff took the patient to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wanchai, after which she was transferred to Eastern Hospital.

A relative of the worker who recognized the woman on the video informed the patient’s parents and siblings.

On Jun 6, she confirmed that the patient had returned home but could not tell if she had already recovered from her breakdown.   

A team of volleyball players from Mindanao said it was planning to hold a one-day league in coordination with the patient’s volleyball team to raise money for her financial needs. No date has yet been set for the charity tournament.

Jerghin Barcelona, president of the Sultan Kudarat Women’s Volleyball Team, told The SUN that the patient used to play for the Swaggers, and was a regular participant of the friendly leagues organized by Kudarat.

Masuwerte ka ba sa Hunyo?

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Mahahanap mo ang balanse sa dati nang nakasanayan at sa bagong paraan, at sa pagiging matapang at maingat. Dahil sa mga bagong pangyayari, posibleng mabago ang iyong buhay. Sa trabaho, mahalaga pa rin ang pakikipagtulungan. Manunumbalik ang iyong sigla at karisma at tahimik, walang gulo, at masaya ang pakikipag-kaibigan. Pagdating sa pamilya, hindi mo hahayaang makialam ang ibang tao. Lucky numbers: 7, 15, 13 at 21.
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BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Marami kang obligasyong kailangang harapin kaya nahihirapan kang bunuin ang lahat ng mga ito. Huwag hayaang maapektuhan ang pamilya ng dahil sa pakikipagkaibigan mo. Sa trabaho, iwasan ang mga hindi inaasahang aberya at huwag ipilit ang mga bagay. Hindi mababago ang relasyon sa kabila ng mga nangyayari sa iyo ngayon. Isang malaking kabiguan ang mararanasan, ang tanging paraan na mabawasan ang pinsala ay ang paglayo. Lucky numbers: 17, 30, 35, 40 at 44.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Ang alitan sa isang mahal sa buhay ay hindi agad matatapos. Bakit hindi subukang kalimutan na lang ito? Iwasang matukso na gumastos sa mga bagay na madali mo rin namang pagsasawaan. Sensitibo ang mga mata, protektahan ito sa ilaw na nakakasilaw at alikabok. Bisitahin ang mga magulang. Maganda ang resulta ng pagtutulungan sa trabaho, pero iwasan ang pagiging agresibo na subukan ang lahat ng bagay. Lucky numbers: 8, 12, 22, 31 at 40.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Positibo at sigurado ka sa sarili kaya kakayanin mo ang lahat. Kakasihan ka rin ng suwerte sa mga gagawin mo. Hindi inaasahang pera ang darating. Sa trabaho, hindi napapanahon ang pagpapalit ng linya o lugar. Kung may alitan kayo ng taong malapit sa iyo, piliting maayos ito agad. Babalik ang mga dating samaan ng loob sa relasyon, harapin agad ito at maging matapat upang matapos na, at akuin din ang pagkakamali. Lucky numbers: 9, 23, 34, at 37.
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TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Unti-unti ay mararating mo na ang tagumpay. Iwasang magkaroon ng kumplikasyon ng dahil sa pera. Kung hindi na makatiis sa pagsasama, mabuti pang kumalas ka na upang hindi lumala ang sakit na nararamdaman, at mabigyan ng tsansa ang sarili na makahanap ng ibang mamahalin. Madali kang mapagod. Mas bibigyan mo ng halaga ang pamilya mo ngayon at mas magiging inspirado ka. Samantalahin ito upang simulan ang personal mong proyekto. Lucky numbers: 11, 16, 29 at 46.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Mag-ingat na maging tampulan ng usapan dahil para kang nakikipagdebate sa bawat paksang mapag-usapan. Maswerte ka ngayon na makahanap ng trabaho o makakuha ng dagdag sa sahod. Maganda ang lagay ng pisikal at mental na kalagayan. Tama lang na mapapangiti ka dahil maligaya ka rin sa piling ng iyong minamahal at naipapakita at napaparamdam mo ang iyong pagmamahal. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 28 at 35.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Ang pag-angat sa trabaho ay kapansin-pansin. Magandang panahon na makipag-kaibigan, dahil magiging pangmatagalan ito. May tsansa kang bigyan ang sarili ng kasiyahan sa pamamasyal sa ibang lugar. Mahina ang resistensya mo ngayon, balutin ang sarili upang hindi lamigin. Maglalaan ka ng oras para sa pamilya, kung may alitan sa kamag-anak, piliting makipagkasundo agad. Lucky numbers: 20, 24, 37 at 41.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Naiinis ang ibang tao sa iyo dahil sa pananahimik at sa pagiging masikreto mo, pilitin ang sarili na magbahagi ng nararamdaman. Sa trabaho, malulusutan mo ng maayos ang isang mahirap na sitwasyon. Iwasan ang patuloy na pamimigay mo ng pera ng hindi ito pinag-iisipan, huwag hayaang abusuhin ang kabaitan mo ng mga kaibigan. Mataas ang enerhiya mo ngayon kaya marami kang magagawa, pero baka maging sanhi rin ito na magkamali ka ng kilos at maaksidente; mag-ingat. Lucky numbers: 16, 24, 39 at 43.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Tamang panahon na gawin ang delikadong hakbang, o humiling at manghingi ng suporta. Ang maliit na pagtatalo sa kapitbahay ay maaring lumaki, piliting makipag-usap ng maayos. Sa tarabaho, magiging maganda ang mga desisyon mo at sa pamamalakad sa negosyo. Marami pa rin ang namamatay sa tetanus kaya magpa-iniksyon agad kung kinakailangan, lalo na kung nahihilig ka sa paghahalaman. Lucky numbers: 8, 26, 33 at 40.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Unti-unti ay mapapakawalan mo ang sarili sa mga kontradiksyon nabuo mo. At bigla ay makakahanap ka ng magandang solusyon sa problema mo. Tahimik, pero maalab ang love affair mo ngayon. Ang mga nalulungkot ay makakatagpo ng magpapasaya sa kanila ngayon. Masigla at masipag, marami kang pagkakaabalahang bagay nang walang iniindang pagod. Pero mas mainam kung ituon ang enerhiya sa mga importanteng bagay. Lucky numbers: 17, 25, 31 at 42.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Masasagad ng husto ang pasensya mo sa trabaho, pero maaayos din ang lahat. Mag-ingat sa ilan mong kaibigan na magbubuyo sa iyo sa kapahamakan. Alisin agad sa isipan ang maitim o negatibong ideya bago pa ito makasama sa iyo. Ang nerbiyos ay sumusulpot ng hindi inaasahan, at lumalabas sa mga taghiyawat sa mukha, pamamantal, singaw sa bibig o ang pagsambit ng masasakit ba salita na hirap mong mapigilan. Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 29 at 41.

TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Masaya ang tahanan dahil nagkakaunawaan. Huwag agad sumuko sa mahalagang trabaho na iniatang sa iyo dahil maraming susuporta sa iyo. May matatagpuan kang bagong pagkakakitaan. Magiging inspirado ka at mahahawakan mo ng maayos ang iyong pera; hindi magtatagal ay matutupad na ang mga pangarap mo. Dagdagan ang pag -iingat upang hindi magkasakit sa panahong ito. Lucky numbers: 14, 18, 29 at 37.

Ylagan granted bail after arrest

By Daisy CL Mandap

Ester Ylagan

Ester Ylagan, co-owner of the defunct Emry’s Service Staff and Employment Agency, was allowed to post bail early on June 9, after being arrested and questioned by Hong Kong Police for about 48 hours.

In an emailed response to a query on the status of Ylagan’s investigation, a police spokesperson said, “the 65-year-old arrested woman was released on Police bail and is required to report back to Police in early July 2018.”

The Police had earlier confirmed to The SUN that Ylagan was arrested on June 7 in Western District for ”conspiracy to defraud” and “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (also known as money laundering).”

The arrest reportedly stemmed from complaints filed by 210 individuals starting in 2016, alleging that they had been deceived by Ylagan in a job recruitment scam in which each lost between $5,000 and $20,000.

The total number of Filipino job applicants allegedly lured into applying for the non-existent jobs in Britain and Canada were, however, estimated to have been more, with the total amount involved reaching as much as  $5million. The applicants came not only from Hong Kong, but also Macau and the Philippines.

Lawyers acting for the complainants subsequently reported uncovering documents showing Ylagan and several other people close to her had sent a total of around $10 million to several countries as far apart as Malaysia and Burkina Faso. The documents were turned over to the police, along with the names of the others involved in the apparent money laundering scam.

Of the more than 200 Filipinos who sought police help, about 150 have filed claims to recover their money from Ylagan, and their cases are now pending at the District Court where they were transferred by the Small Claims Tribunal.

With help from the Mission for Migrant Workers, the complainants succeeded in getting legal aid to pursue their claims.

Ylagan quietly slipped out of Hong Kong in mid-July 2016 in an apparent bid to head off a possible arrest. Before leaving, she filed a complaint with the Central Police station against a London-based business partner who reportedly duped her of $4.19 million.

Ylagan said the business partner she identified as “William Clinton James” had made her send the money to unknown people in Burkina Faso, on the promise that he had jobs waiting for her recruits. For her effort, she was supposed to get a British passport, 15 plane tickets to London, and a chance to explore business opportunities in the United Kingdom.

Each applicant to Britain was asked to pay $10,000 and $15,000 for those applying to Canada. A leaflet Ylagan had circulated said “any jobs” were available in the two destinations, causing hundreds of applicants who had relied on her reputation as a 30-year veteran of the recruitment business, to swamp her World Wide shop in Central between January to May, 2016.

At the time she remitted the $4.19 million, Ylagan said she had recruited 400 applicants. She stopped when she was asked to increase the number to 650, then 800.

Ylagan returned to Hong Kong in December last year, and offered to return the applicants’ money if she could recover a flat she used to co-own with her husband, Rick Ylagan, who died two months earlier.

She also sought police help again, this time to file a complaint for deception against her erstwhile friend, suspended barrister Ody Lai Pui-yi. Ylagan claimed Lai had deceived her and her son in transferring their Aberdeen flat in the former barrister’s name.

Land Registry documents show Ylagan had bought the flat with her husband in November 2000 for $2.37 million. The property was transferred in the name of their son, Ridge Michael on July 23, 2016, for $2.6 million. Then on March 20, 2017, it was further transferred to Lai for a consideration of $5 million.

The police are continuing their investigation into the cases.

Licensure Examination for Teachers
Application for those who wish to take the Special Examination for Professional Teachers to be held in Hong Kong on Sept 20, 2018
Deadline for Online Application: June 20
Submission of Documents: Aug 5
To register, click: https://online.prc.gov.ph/
For instructions on how to register: http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/StepbyStep_SPLE_2018.pdf
Check the Philippine Overseas Labor Office Facebook page for updates


CARITAS PROGRAMS
Saturday Basic Chinese Writing
Jun 9 – Sept 22, 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic minorities in HK with HKID
Fee     : $100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50)
Venue : Caritas Shek Kip Mei Centre. Rm. 107, 1/F, Tai Hang Tung Community Centre, 17 Tong Yam Street, Shek Kip Mei, KLN
For queries, call 2147-5988.

Filcom group announcements:

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.

What's on, where

120th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE 

DAY EVENTS

Coronation of Bb Kalayaan 2018
Jun 17 (Sunday), 9am onwards
Highlight: Search and coronation of Bb Kalayaan and Live Band performance
Organizer: Global Alliance. Contact: Leo Selomenio

Diplomatic Cocktails
Jun 19 (Tuesday), 6:30pm-8:00pm
Granville and Nathan Rooms, Conrad HK
By invitation
Hosted by: Consul General Antonio Morales and Madame Shirlene C. Mananquil

Kalayaan Ball 2018
Jun 24 (Sunday) 12nn-3pm
Foo Loom Palace, King’s Road, North Point
Organized by: Global Alliance/Philippine Alliance
Entrance ticket: $100 @
Contact: Leo Selomenio

PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: 
The Philippine Consulate General and all its attached agencies including POLO will be closed on the following date:
July 2 (Monday) – Hong Kong holiday
There will be no official transactions on these dates.
In case of emergency, call:
9155 4023 (Consular assistance)
5529 1880 (POLO)
6345 9324 (OWWA)

OTHER EVENTS:
Mga Kulay at Ngiti ng LGBT2
Film showing and talk on understanding gay issues by celebrity host Boy Abunda
June 17, 2:15pm – 5pm
PCG conference room
Note: All seats taken
Organized by the PCG’s Gender and Development Program in celebration of Pride Month

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”

Sagip-Kapwa (Press to Shock, Save a Life)
Free cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED) and Fire Safety lessons
First session: July 15 (Sunday), 1-5pm
PCG Conference Room
Note: All seats taken. Limited slots.
Certificates will be issued to those who complete the CPR and AED training
Organized by: PCG’s Gender and Development Program

Peso seen to hit P54:$1 by yearend

Foreign-currency earning Filipinos may get more pesos for their money as the Philippine money is predicted to be valued at P54 to a US dollar by yearend.

Singapore-based bank DBS said the Philippines’ weakening external position and higher interest rates will continue to put pressure on the peso, keeping its expectations of a fall to P54 versus the US dollar by December.

“The currency has depreciated 5.8 percent year-to-date, more than the full-year depreciation of 5.4 percent and 4.7 percent seen in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to become the weakest currency in Asia ex Japan,” DBS said in a report released on Tuesday.

It noted that the peso had fallen to a 12-year low against the dollar on Monday, closing 25 centavos down at P52.95:$1, the lowest since a P52.98 finish on July 3, 2006.

“The latest weakness was triggered by the trade deficit which widened to a cumulative $12.2 billion in the first four months, 1.6 times wider than the same period a year ago,” it added.

The trade shortfall is being pressured from both sides, DBS said, pointing to a 6.2 percent year-on-year decline in exports and a 10.5 percent increase in imports over the first four months of the year.

It also noted that the country’s foreign reserves had, for the first time since 2014, fallen below $80 billion to settle at $78.96 billion in May.

DBS also weighed in on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) decision last month to raise key interest rates, saying this was prompted by inflation having hit five-year highs.

The 25-basis point adjustment took the central bank’s overnight borrowing, lending and deposit rates to 3.25 percent, 3.75 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

May’s headline inflation of 4.6 percent brought the year-to-date average rate to 4.1 percent, above the BSP’s 2.0-4.0 percent target.

“We see one more hike later this year,” DBS said.

“With opinion divided on whether the economy is overheating, the peso is likely to keep its depreciation path towards 54 by end-2018,” it said.

Month-long Independence Day celebrations roll off in HK

Mindanao groups present the dances of the lumads and their colorful costume (above) on the second Sunday.

By Daisy CL Mandap

Rains at first threatened to mar the start of the promised month-long celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day celebration in Hong Kong, but in the end, it was intense heat that participants had to endure to get the show going.

“Panalo ang Pinoy,” the first Sunday show on Chater on Jun 3,  organized by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong and corporate sponsors led by Smart-PLDT and Philippine Airlines, languished in the searing heat for the most part. Beauty contestants in their fineries ended up parading with umbrellas on stage to protect them from the sun’s intense rays.

The audience perked up only toward the late afternoon when former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez took to the stage and sang a string of popular Filipino pop songs.

Jason Fernandez, former Rivermaya vocalist, highlights the first Sunday show. 

The next Sunday, Jun 10, the “Kapangyawan Festival”, usually the centerpiece of the annual celebration, was held also on Chater Road, with the Philippine Consulate joining hands with Global Alliance and Philippine Alliance in putting on the show. Another airline, Asia Air, was the main sponsor.

The crowd was noticeably thinner than in previous years, but again, the heat and humidity, plus the prospect of seeing the same performances being staged on Chater Road over three Sundays, must have caused many to stay away.

The Philippine flag leads a parade of colors on Chater Road.

The highlight of the show was the “Kulay Pinoy” performance of several migrant workers groups, the culmination of several Sundays of choreography and rehearsals. The much-awaited part was held in mid-afternoon, but the sun’s rays were still bearing down heavily on the performers as they bravely put their best foot forward.

After the show, an announcement was made that the performance will be restaged on Jun 17, the third Sunday of Chater events, which will have another beauty contest, the “Search for Bb Kalayaan 2018” as its main attraction. The penultimate Sunday event dubbed “Kalayaan Concert” will also feature performances by three live bands, including one from the Hong Kong Musicians Union.

PAHK honors past and present officers.

The next Sunday will be an indoor event, the Kalayaan Ball, an annual lunch gathering of Filipino migrant workers dressed in their best Independence Day outfits. This year’s party will be held at the Fulum Palace in North Point.

Earlier, on Jun 9, Saturday, another indoor event was held at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui - the annual Philippine Independence Day charity ball. As in past decades, the biggest gathering of Filipino professional and business people was hosted by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong.

This year’s venue was far smaller than the Conrad ballroom - the traditional home of the annual ball - and the sound system was far from perfect, but neither setback failed to stop the partygoers from having fun.

Helping fire them up was the array of top performers for the evening, from singers Ogie Alcasid, Jason Fernandez and Jason Dy, to FilAm standup comedian Rex Navarrete.

As befits its theme “Celebrating Global Pinoys,” the charity ball paid honor to five “Most Valuable Pinoys” – entrpreneur Myrna Padilla for technology; photographer Xyza Bacani, arts; Dr Miguel Manio for education; banker Lourdes Salazar for business and professional practice; and Global Alliance founder Noemi “Leo” Selomenio for community development.

Killing not a solution

Our guest columnist for this issue is Christine, otherwise known as #395450 at Lowu Correctional Institute, where she is serving a long prison sentence for drug trafficking. This is the second time Christine has written for us. The first time, she wrote of how her faith in God has helped her overcome her shock and distress in finding herself in “this dark tunnel, a life in prison.” This issue she writes about an issue close to her heart, the reported mass killings of suspected drug users and traffickers in the Philippines. She laments, why focus on drugs alone? Why not try to find a solution to poverty and corruption? And why kill drug users and pushers? Killing is not a solution…”

Whenever I open the newspaper I often read about what’s happening to my homeland, the Philippines. It is the country where I was born and raised, but here I am in Hong Kong, not as an overseas Filipino worker, but as a prisoner. When my family and friends learned that I was arrested for drug trafficking they were aghast. No one believed it until they confirmed it through the news online. But even I still ask myself how I got involved in this kind of trouble.

But I do not blame anyone because I believe that I must take responsibility for everything that I did in my life. I should not blame other people if the decisions and plans I made have been unsuccessful.
When I read the news I feel so much pain, knowing that there are lots of my countrymen who have died because of the (government’s) campaign or the war against drugs. They are killing pushers, traffickers, drug dealers and all people who involved in drugs. But the one thing that hurts me most is that even the young and the innocent are being killed.

They’re taking the lives of Filipinos as easy as that. In my own opinion, it’s all extrajudicial killing. What kind of law do we have?

It’s been two years since I was arrested. I was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months, and here I am in Lowu, with 12 more years to serve behind bars.

I can say that most of us knew (that we were being used as drugs mules) but some are  innocent. But there are big reasons why we ended up here. Some were threatened, some were tricked, and some really didn’t know. All of us have a story to tell.

I committed a crime and I have already accepted that I need to pay for the consequences of breaking the law.

But, prisoners still need to be heard. It feels like the Philippines has already dumped us, that we don’t have the right anymore to seek help.

Prisoners are still human beings with feelings, and should not be treated as just convicts. We still have families back home who love us and are waiting for our return. Nobody is perfect. People make mistakes, and some like myself are now in prison because of this.

But our misdeeds are being corrected here and we also help reform ourselves, unlike thousands of real criminals who are still on the loose.

Maybe if the Philippine government is able to provide jobs for many, maybe if there is an opportunity to find a good job so that we can have a normal life, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

But some people are just too judgmental. They think a convicted person is useless, and will always be a threat to society. Why? Why is it so easy for people to see the mistakes of others and not their own?
Why do they keep thinking drug mules are a menace to the society? We’re also victims of this dangerous world, we are only humans, after all. Don’t put all the blame on us.

There are a lot of problems and issues that the government must tackle, not just drugs. Instead of focusing only on drugs, why not try to find a solution to poverty and corruption, when we all know these are the biggest problems that need to resolved?

Killing is not a solution!

We have the right to be given a second chance. We may be prisoners but we are still absolutely normal and not just criminals.

We need support but we are not getting it because they are all afraid of our leaders and the campaign against drugs. They’d all rather remain silent.

If our country cannot be a safe place for people who get involved in drugs, where will I go after I am released, tell me?

But I am not losing hope. I keep the faith and pray to God to open the eyes of prejudiced people so they can accept us and our mistakes so we can have a fair chance in life… for a better future.

Nabusog din

Mag-iisang taon na si Nadine sa mga unang amo sa Hong Kong. Maayos at mabait naman ang mga ito sa kanya ngunit nalulungkot siya dahil madalas na hindi nila nauubos ang pagkaing niluluto niya, kahit sa tantya naman niya ay tama lang ang dami nito para sa kanila.

Tahimik at wala namang reklamo ang mga amo kapag kumakain pero madalas na nakakalahati lang ang pagkaing hinahanda niya. Hinayang na hinayang siya tuloy dahil ayaw ng mga amo na nag-iimbak siya ng tira sa refrigerator kaya tapon lahat ang hindi nakain sa mga niluto niya.

Dahil lumaking mahirap, mas malaki ang panghihinayang niyang nararamdaman dahil alam niya ang pakiramdam ng kumakalam ang sikmura. Ang kahirapang iyon ang nagtulak sa kanya para magtrabaho sa Hong Kong.

Imbes panghinaan ng loob ay nagtanong-tanong siya sa mga kaibigan kung ano ang sikreto ng pagluluto ng masarap na pagkain. Pinayuhan siya ng mga ito na manood sa youtube ng mga paraan ng pagluluto, at tanungin din ang among babae kung tama sa panlasa nila ang kanyang mga hinandang pagkain.

Sinunod lahat ni Nadine ang payo ng mga kaibigan at pinaghusayan ang pagluluto. Hindi naman siya nabigo dahil ngayon, pagkatapos kumain ng mga amo, ay lagi siyang sinasabihan ng, “Nadine, look. The plates are all empty, everything is very yummy, thank you!”

Laking tuwa ni Nadine dahil natupad din ang gusto niya na magustuhan ng mga amo ang kanyang niluluto.

Si Nadine ay isang dalagang Bikolana na ang mga among Intsik ay naninirahan sa Robinson Road sa Mid-Levels. – Ellen Asis

Nasalanta ng masamang panahon

Nalugi si Lorena sa kanyang babuyan dahil sa kakulangan niya ng kaalaman tungkol sa epekto ng pagsalanta ng masamang panahon. Ayon sa kanya, sa pagnanais na magkaroon ng dagdag kita at matulungan ang mga kapatid ay nag-isip siya ng ibang mapagkakakitaan.

Ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na wala ring muwang sa pagpapatakbo ng babuyan ang namahala. Sa una, inakala niyang kikita siya ng maayos kaya namuhunan siya ng husto, hanggang umabot na sa 80 patabain at 16 na inahin ang kanyang babuyan.

Pero pagsapit ng tag- ulan ay nagkasakit ang ilan dahil sa lamig, at pati ang ilang inahin ay hindi nakayanan ang panganganak. Binaha kasi ang kanyang kural dahil sa malakas na ulan, at hindi na nagawang isalba ng beterinaryo ang mga baboy na nagkasakit.

Ang ilang natira ay napilitan niyang ibenta sa mga barat na mamimili ng baboy. Wala na kasi siyang magagawa dahil kapag hindi niya ibinenta ay lalo siyang malulugi dahil sa mahal ng pakain sa baboy.

Nakakadala, sabi ni Lorena, ang kanyang pagkabigo sa unang pagtatangka niyang magnegosyo. Mabuti na lang daw at hindi utang ang ginamit niyang pang capital, dahil inipon niya ito sa loob ng limang taon na pagtatrabaho sa abroad. Ang bentaha na lang niya ay 30 taong gulang pa lang siya, at may pagkakataon pang makabawi. Sa ngayon ay nag-iipon siya muli at ayaw na munang magnegosyo. Saka na lang daw kapag nagdesisyon siyang umuwi na sa Pampanga para siya na mismo ang magpatakbo. – George Manalansan

Hinayang sa pinalampas na pagkakataon

Ngayong hirap sa pagiging kasambahay sa Hong Kong ay saka nakaramdam ng pagsisi at panghihinayang si Precy 40, Ilokana. May tsansa kasi siyang makatapos ng pag- aaral dahil may kaya naman ang kanyang pamilya, pero mas pinili niya ang mag- abroad para kumita agad.

Hindi lang kasi trabahong bahay ang pinapagawa sa kanya ng among babae. Nag-aral ito ng paggawa ng mga kakanin ng Intsik, tapos ay ginawa siyang assistant, kaya nadagdagan ang kanyang trabaho. Habang tumatagal siya sa amo ay mas lalo pa daw itong naging maselan at maarte.

Para gumaan ang nararamdaman ay idinadaan na lang ni Precy sa pagkanta ng “Doon Lang” ang nararamdaman. May tama kasi sa kanya ang parteng ito ng kanta: “Kung nakatapos lang ako ng pag- aaral, disin sana ako'y mayroong dangal (propesyunal) na ihaharap sa iyo at ipagyayabang...”

Ayon pa kay Precy, nasa kanya daw ang lahat ng pagkakataon noon na makatapos dahil bunso siya. Kung ginusto lang niya, tiyak na papaaralin siya ng ate niya na nagtatrabaho din sa Hong Kong.

Inakala daw niya na maganda ang magtrabaho dito dahil sa tuwing magbabakasyon ang kanyang mga ate ay may magagandang damit, alahas at ibang gamit. Sa tingin din niya ay siyang siya ang kanilang mga magulang sa naging kapalaran ng kanyang mga kapatid.

Nang siya ay lumagay sa tahimik ay nag-umpisa na siyang maghirap dahil iresponsable ang kanyang napangasawa. Hindi na nga ito nagtatrabaho ay nambabae pa, kaya nagdesisyon siyang hiwalayan ito kahit may dalawa na silang anak.

Ngayon ang mga anak na lang daw niya ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa kanya at ng inspirasyon para kayanin ang mga pagsubok, lalo na ng dahil sa amo niyang maarte. Kailangan niyang magtiyaga para mapaaral ang mga anak at nang hindi matulad sa kanya na nagtitiyagang magtrabaho bilang katulong sa ibang bansa dahil walang tinapos. – George Manalansan

Noted Filipino design consultant speaks at seminar for OFWs

By Ellen Asis

A new level of pushing a business idea was tackled at a seminar for Filipino domestic workers held at the Consulate on May 13, with famous design and brand managing consultant Chris Dingcong as guest speaker.

A total of 79 Filipino migrant workers attended the seminar where Dingcong told them of “The Importance of Design in Business.”

According to Dingcong, design plays an important role in connecting a business with people, and branding provides the competitive edge in driving business growth.

Design and brand managing consultant Chris Dingcong is joined by Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza ang seminar participant for a photo.

Dingcong, the founder and managing director of Springtime Limited, a Hong Kong-based brand consultancy company, counts among his creations the MTR Corporation signage system maps, and many other high-profile projects.

He told the OFWs branding is primarily important in a business because it is “a way of talking to the customer or target market.” But the brand becomes valuable and meaningful only if it is aligned with the company’s identity core, mission, vision, values and brand story.

He said branding creates awareness. It is what tempts the mind of the target customer, and once they become fully aware of the product, the experience could be akin to personal encounter.

But creating a brand does not just involve a light bulb moment. It is a process that takes time,  research, strategy formation, and a creative expression to create and design a logo.

Chris Dingcong

He encouraged participants to be impressive and innovative when they create a design for their business, and use hypothetical branding application. He also advised participants that when they start planning a business they should also think of a business name, and how to create packaging and leaflets that will make it easier for them to communicate to people in their target market, and who they are as a business.

Dingcong was introduced to the audience by Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza who said the seminar provided a new learning experience to participants, and would be a big help should they decide to start a business back homeThe seminar was a collaborative work of the Consulate and Wimler HK Foundation.

To get information on the Consulate’s upcoming seminars, like their Facebook Page,  Philippine Consulate General.

Pangasinan Society inducts officers

Officers of the Pangasinan Society Hongkong took their oath last May 6 at the Philippine Consulate General. They were inducted by Consul Paulo V. Saret.

The PSHK officers are:
Bonifacio Madelar, chairman; Leilani Campos, president; Cecilia Ocaspablo Layog, vice president internal; Flor Chisholm, vice president external;  Cristina Bondoc Bautista, secretary; Mellicent Mendoza Villanos Malate, assistant secretary; Jessita Villanueva, treasurer; Estefania Lomaque, assistant treasurer;  Welva Delim, auditor;  Imelda E. Emy Emperador Nicer, assistant auditor.
Joyce Ann Dulatre Alleycia Ibay, Leizel N.Gasmen, Marisa S.Hermosura, PRO; Elizabeth Baldonado, business manager, Lanilyn Pagula, Mhyla Q. Delim, Raquel Bartolome, business managers.

Advisers are Consular Attache Hermogenes V. Cayabyab Jr., Mary Rose Rhose Campos, Lorena Ugay and Rizza Tam.

Pangasinan Society Hongkong officers have their photo taken with their inducting officer, Consul Paulo V. Saret (right) at the Consulate.

Ylagan allowed to post bail

By Daisy CL Mandap

Ylagan was held for conspiracy
to defraud and money laundering

Ester Ylagan, co-owner of the defunct Service Staff and Employment Agency, was allowed to post bail earlier today, 9 June, after being questioned by Hong Kong Police for about 48 hours.

In an emailed response to a query on the status of Ylagan’s investigation, a police spokesperson said, “the 65-year-old arrested woman was released on Police bail and is required to report back to Police in early July 2018.”

Earlier, the Police confirmed to The SUN that Ylagan had been arrested on June 7 in Western District for “conspiracy to defraud” and “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (also known as money laundering).”

The arrest reportedly stemmed from complaints filed by 210 individuals starting in 2016, alleging that they had been deceived in a job recruitment scam in which each lost between $5,000 and $20,000.

Earlier reports indicated, however, that Ylagan had recruited up to 500 Filipino job applicants in Hong Kong, Macau and the Philippines for non-existent jobs in Britain and Canada. The total amount involved was estimated to be closer to $5 million.

Subsequent investigations revealed she and several other people close to her had sent a total of around $10 million to several countries as far apart as Malaysia and Burkina Faso. 

Ylagan was arrested one day after Arnold Grospe, another Filipino on the police’s lookout list was detained in Central.

Grospe was the marketing director of Peya Travel, which collapsed in December last year amid complaints of unpaid air tickets from more than 1,000 of its customers.

Hundreds of complainants were unable to board their flights back to the Philippines over the last Christmas holidays because Peya failed to pay its airline agents for the tickets.

Check out The SUN's earlier story on this here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2018/06/hk-police-arrest-ylagan-grospe.html

‘Strip-searched’ DH jailed for theft, says she will appeal

By Vir B. Lumicao

Eastern magistrate denied application
for bail pending appeal

A Filipina helper accused of stealing a $500 banknote and a lip balm from her employer was sentenced to 28 days in prison on Jun 7 after an Eastern court magistrate found her guilty of theft.

Despite the setback, Margie Lotino’s defense counsel quickly began the process of appeal. He applied for bail on the defendant’s behalf so an appeal against her

conviction could be launched at the High Court.

The prosecutor, defense lawyer, court interpreters, agency representative and a Consulate officer who had stood by Lotino during the six days of trial, returned to the court for the bail application just minutes after Magistrate Simon Ho meted out the sentence.

But Ho rejected the application, saying, “I cannot see any reason why I should grant bail”.

Ho then threw a glance at Lotino, who was crying inconsolably.

The magistrate said he gave weight to the prosecution’s evidence and also on the  defendant’s statement to police in which she admitted her guilt. He also said the sentence he imposed was light, considering that the case involved a serious breach of trust.

Lotino’s trial was halted early on, when the magistrate decided to call six police officers to the witness stand to respond to the defendant’s complaint that they had made her strip down to her underwear during three separate interrogations.

The Filipino court interpreter was also called to explain why she allegedly told the defendant to admit the offense in her police statement.

Ho said the police witnesses were reliable and honest, and the court interpreter was independent and accurate and would not have sided with any of the parties in the case.

In the previous hearing on May 16, Ho rejected an attempt by the defense to include the alleged repeated body-searches and other police misconduct in Lotino’s evidence. He also cleared the officers of misconduct.

On Apr 20, Lotino accused her female employer, who is a teacher and wife of a traffic officer, of framing her up. She said she signed a statement admitting the offenses because she was cold, hungry, fatigued from lack of sleep and under intense pressure from body searches and interrogations lasting more than 14 hours before she was freed on bail.

She said during the ordeal the police refused to give her water or make phone calls to the Consulate or to Technic Employment Service Centre Ltd, which deployed her.

Technic staff Melanie Fisher testified on May 16, saying Lotino went straight to the agency distraught after being released by the police. The next morning, she took Lotino to the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section to seek help.

Lawyer to challenge police interview of 2 Pinays in alleged online sex ring

By Vir B. Lumicao 

Eastern Court magistrate rejects bail application by the 2 Filipina maids

A lawyer representing two Filipina helpers allegedly caught manning pay-for-sex websites in Mid-Levels has said he will challenge a video-recorded interview by the police of the defendant as they were conducted in the absence of counsel.

The two, Joan E. Palpal-latoc, 40, and Jeanette V. Gallego, 47, reportedly admitted their roles in the illicit operation in the police interviews.

Their lawyer made the statement as Eastern Magistrate Veronica Heung rejected the bail application of the defendants, citing as reasons their lack of local ties, the severity of the case against them, and the possibility that they would dispose of evidence.

She made the ruling despite being told that the Philippine Consulate was willing to provide shelter to the defendants if they were allowed bail.

The two Filipinas are facing a charge each of living on the earnings of a prostitute. They are due to appear in court again on Jul 13.

The prosecution opposed granting temporary freedom to the two even though they raised their bail offer from $10,000 to $25,000 each.

The prosecutor reiterated that Palpal-latoc and Gallego operated a number of dating websites operated by a company duly registered in Hong Kong, and owned by a certain Miss Wong, their employer.

Wong and two others were arrested along with the two Filipina helpers at the company’s registered address, a luxury flat on Tregunter Path in Mid-Levels.

The prosecutor said decoy police officers posing as customers found out that the two Filipinas were manning the online sites that offered sex with foreign prostitutes in a call-center-like operation.

Palpal-latoc reportedly told police in the filmed interview that she knew about the operation of the websites, the company’s operation and its income from the online sex dealing. She said she received 0.005% from the net earnings of the company.

The prosecutor said Gallego admitted in a separate interview that she received $1,200 a month as her reward for taking part in the illicit operation, but she was not a shareholder of the company. 

The company, which the prosecution didn’t name, allegedly targeted wealthy foreign tourists who logged on to the websites to transact business.

Police are continuing their investigation into the roles of the three other accused.

All-Filipina DH team, 'Divas', crowned cricket champs

'Divas' celebrate their epic win

By Vir B. Lumicao

Jennifer Alumbro delivered three sixes and bowled out three rival players as Filipinas stormed to the championship of Cricket Hong Kong’s Development League on Jun 3 with a clean sweep of all their matches in their maiden season in the sport.

The SCC Divas, an all-domestic helper team, formally took the crown via a devastating 141-run victory in 16 overs against their Game 2 opponents Craigengower Cricket Club, which managed only 37 runs.

The Filipinas warmed up for the final match in a 124-run win in 16 overs against United Services Recreation Club’s 48 in the morning game.

“Thank you for making this league very exciting,” head coach British Richard Waite told the Divas players after the final game.

Waiter later handed the team a small, token gold trophy, which he said would be replaced with a big one at the awarding of trophies and medals on Jun 22, at a still unknown venue.

“You easily dominated the league in your first cricket tournament. Next season, we will move you up to the T20 league, where you will be playing against more experienced teams,” Waite said. He urged the Filipinas to invite more of their friends to the sport.

Opposing teams in a T20 game play a single innings restricted to 20 overs.

Arimas receives token trophy for grand slam win  

Alumbro was declared the most valuable player of the day, as she scored three sets of six runs against USRC by batting the ball past the border in the first game , and another six in the match against CCC.

Ma Luz Madia was also picked as an MVP.

For the entire league that began on May 6, Alumbro was the highest scorer with a total of 193 runs. Close behind her was Divas captain Josie Arimas with 189 runs, while Zeny Badajos was third-highest with 140.

The left-handed Alumbro denied CCC a chance to overtake the 141 runs that the Divas strung in their innings by dismissing three batters with precision bowling. 

Romina Osabel, a powerful softball and baseball player, took down two wickets while Arimas dropped one as the Divas showed the opponents they were on target even from a distance. Badajos did just that when she recovered a fast ball from the right field and struck down the stump about 20 meters away.

All CCC could score in their innings was 37 runs for 16 overs, after losing some from deductions for the fallen wickets.

Coach Najeeb Amar, who honed up the baseball and softball-oriented Filipinas in this entirely unfamiliar sport, joined the players in savoring their victory.

“You made my life easier, girls,” Amar said, recalling how he initially found it difficult calling them up for training, understandably because of their jobs. But not long afterwards, it was the Filipinas who would call him to come out and train them, he said.

He said in the T20 league, he will divide the 25 Divas players into two teams playing in the same tournament. 

For now, the team will have a month-long rest before they start rigid training for the next season, which will begin in September.

Arimas could not hide her elation at her team’s success. “Grand slam talaga, walang talo. Ang saya kanina. Tapos ang kalaban (CCC) dating naglaro na sa main league,” she said.

What's on where

120th Philippine Independence Day Events
‘Panalo ang Pinoy’
June 3, (Sunday) 8am – 7pm
Features: ecumenical mass, parade and street dancing. Also, the coronation of Ms Tourism 2018
Guest performer: Jason Fernandez, ex-frontman of Rivermaya

‘Celebrating Global Pinoys’: 120th Philippine Independence Day Charity Ball
An annual event organized by the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, Jun 9 (Saturday), 6:00pm-onwards, Marco Polo Kowloon Hotel, 3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Guest performers: Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez, standup Fil-Am comic Rex Navarette and Voice of the Philippines grand champion Jason Dy. Ticket Price: $1,300 per guest
For tickets: email oficialpahk@gmail.com Or contact: Amiel Brul: 9858 1236; Tesha Bancod: 6143 0587; Gary Flores: 9853 7945; or Franco Villanueva: 6070 7636

Kapangyawan Festival
Filcom event to celebrate 120th year of Philippine Independence
Jun 10 (Sunday) 8am-7pm, Chater Road, Central
Organizers: Philippine Consulate General with Global Alliance, Philippine Alliance . Guest performers: Ronnie Alonte, Jason Dy and Lassy. Contact: Leo Selomenio, 5336 6530

Flag Raising and Pinoy Salo-salo
Jun 12, (Tuesday) 9am-11am. PCG Service Area
Features: Reading of messages from top Philippine officials
Open to all Filcom members

Coronation of Bb Kalayaan 2018
Jun 17 (Sunday), 9am onwards. Highlight: Search and coronation of Bb Kalayaan and Live Band performance
Organizer: Global Alliance. Contact: Leo Selomenio

Diplomatic Cocktails
Jun 19 (Tuesday), 6:30pm-8:00pm
Granville and Nathan Rooms, Conrad HK. By invitation
Hosted by: Consul General Antonio Morales and Madame Shirlene C. Mananquil

Kalayaan Ball 2018
Jun 24 (Sunday) 12nn-3pm. Foo Loom Palace, King’s Road, North Point. Organized by: Global Alliance/Philippine Alliance
Entrance ticket: $100 @ Contact: Leo Selomenio

PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: 
The Philippine Consulate General and all its attached agencies including POLO will be closed on the following dates:
June 12 (Tuesday) – Philippine Independence Day
July 2 (Monday) – Hong Kong holiday
There will be no official transactions on these dates.

In case of emergency, call:
9155 4023 (Consular assistance)
5529 1880 (POLO)
6345 9324 (OWWA)

Unleash: A Concert by The Harmonics
(Hong Kong’s First LGBTQ Choir including Filipino members Brenda Alegre, Mae Lim, Josh Lemuel Reyes and Andrei Reyes)
Featuring: Filipino guest artists Andrew Gyne and The Unsung Heroes . Jun 9 (Saturday), 7:30-9:30 pm, Caritas Kowloon Community Hall, 3/F, 256A Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon
For tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/the-harmonics-unleash-live-conc…