Cooking is a challenge

Gina N. Ordona

For this issue we feature one of the longtime contributors of The SUN who has transformed herself in recent years as an excellent and versatile cook.

Gina N. Ordona, who has a degree in agribusiness from the Mindanao State University, has been working in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, but it was only when she started working for the family of Filcom leader Daphne Ceniza-Kuok six years ago that she has blossomed into one of the most prolific and talented cooks hereabouts. From cooking mainly Chinese dishes, Gina’s repertoire now extends to all things Asian – including Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Korean, and of course, Filipino - to Middle Eastern and Western dishes.

What’s more amazing is, Gina has practically taught herself to cook many of the dishes, although she also gets a lot of support from her employer who is no stranger to the kitchen herself. Gina attributes much of her cooking skills to challenging herself to come up with a complete meal each time her very popular employer invites friends over. It doesn’t hurt, either, that “Ma’am Daphne” is herself a certified gourmet, and brings home a lot of exotic ingredients from her frequent travels abroad.

We emailed some questions to Gina to find out more about what inspires her to cook and continually search for new dishes, and she came up with very comprehensive answers that we decided to print the Q&A in full, as below:

Q: How long have you been with the Kuoks? Is cooking your main job for the family?
A: I’ve been working with the Kuok family for 6 years now and I am responsible for cooking meals for the family.

Q: How did you develop your love for cooking? 
A: My employer loves to entertain. Definitely the regular flow of guests coming over for lunch or dinner including the weekly Bible Study session is a big factor. It gives me purpose to create something new.  I always challenge myself to come up with cohesive menu so I explore.

Q: How did you learn to cook so many dishes?
A: My employer has given me so much leeway in the kitchen. Our pantry is filled with spices and ingredients to use for different cuisines so I took advantage of it. I also try to understand the flavor profile of each cuisine by reading food blogs and watching cooking shows. 

Q: It’s usual for those who cook to have hits and misses. What is your best “hit” (or favorite culinary creation) and your worst miss (as in “palpak”), and how you tried to remedy this.
A: I don’t have a particular favorite or best “hit” dish but if I am to name my worst miss, it would be Braised Pork Belly (a Chinese recipe). I tried several times to follow different ways of cooking it, but the results were all the same; the meat always comes out tough and dry instead of “melt-in- your-mouth” goodness.

Q: You seem to have a big budget for your cooking, but are there dishes that you could recommend for those who are on a tight budget?
A: Dishes that are packed with flavors are not necessarily expensive. For example, the humble bean curd or tofu has so many possibilities, like Chinese mapo tofu, Korean sundubu-jjigae or beancurd stew, Japanese agedashi tofu or deep-fried tofu etc. My advice is, keep exploring and don’t be afraid to try new recipes.

Q: Where do you usually buy your food supplies and ingredients?
A: I go shopping for seafood, fruit and vegetables in the wet market. I buy meat and chicken in the supermarket.

Q: What are your culinary aspirations, if any?
A: As of now, wala po. Just love to cook for family and friends.

Pomelo Salad
INGREDIENTS
Dressing:
1 tbsp palm sugar
1½ tbsp lime juice
2 tsp fish sauce
Thai chilies, to taste
Salad
2 cups Pomelo, torn into chunks
2 tbsp roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
2 tbsp dried shrimp, blitzed in a blender
3 tbsp shallots, thinly sliced
¼ cup mint leaves
¼ cup cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS
 1) In a mortar and pestle, grind the chilies into a paste, then add palm sugar and pound until dissolved.

2) Add fish sauce and lime juice and swirl to mix.

3) Pour the dressing into a mixing bowl, then add all the ingredients and toss to combine.

Green Curry Chicken
 INGREDIENTS
2 cups coconut milk
50 g green curry paste (about 3 Tbsp)
1 cup chicken stock
1 lb chicken thigh, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp palm sugar, finely chopped
1.5-2 tbsp fish sauce
3-4 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn
1.5 cup bamboo shoots, cooked, sliced into bite-sized pieces
 5 pcs Thai eggplant
¼ cup pea eggplant
1 cup Thai basil
1 spur chilies or ¼ red bell pepper, julienned

INSTRUCTIONS
1) Pour 1 cup of coconut milk in a casserole. Let it boil and reduce until thick and the coconut oil starts to separate from the coconut milk. Add curry paste and sauté, stirring constantly over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the paste.

2) Add chicken thigh and stir to mix with the paste. Add kaffir lime leaves, chicken stock, the remaining 1 cup of coconut milk, palm sugar and 1 Tbsp fish sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is fork-tender.

3) Add bamboo shoots and eggplants. Continue simmering until the vegetables are done. Adjust the taste by adding fish sauce as needed. Remove from heat and stir in Thai basil and spur chilies. Serve with jasmine rice.

Fish with Sweet & Sour Chili Sauce
INGREDIENTS
4-5 cloves garlic
2-3 cilantro roots, chopped
1/4 tsp white peppercorns
2-3 spur chili (diced)
3 tbsp chopped palm sugar
1.5 tbsp fish sauce
2.5 tbsp tamarind juice
¼ cup water
¼ cup chopped cilantro
300 grams of any white fish filet

 INSTRUCTIONS
 1) To make the sauce, pound the cilantro roots, garlic, and white pepper using a mortar and pestle until it resembles a rough paste. Add the spur chili, continue pounding until the mixture is incorporated.

2) In a pan, over medium heat, sauté chili mixture in a little oil and stir constantly. When the mixture starts to dry up, add the palm sugar. Once the palm sugar has melted, add water, fish sauce and tamarind juice. Stir and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until you achieve a thick, syrupy consistency. Taste and adjust to your liking. Set aside.

3) To panfry the fish: In a frying pan, add just enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Fry the fish on both sides until golden brown.

4) To assemble: Place the fish on a serving plate. Spoon a couple tablespoons of the sauce over the fish and pour the rest around the fish. Garnish with cilantro.

Ang nakatagong ganda ng Wang Chung Stream

Ni Marites D. Palma

Ang pamumundok ay isang masaya at kaiga-igayang paraan ng pagsukat sa kakayahang makapaglakad sa kabundukan. Ito rin ay nagsisilbing komunyon o pagniniig ng tao at kalikasan, kaya mahalaga na mapanatili ang kaayusan sa paligid. Dapat siguraduhin na walang mga bakas o basura na maiiwan sa iyong paglisan. Kasabay ng pag-uuwi mo ng mga magagandang alaala ay dalhin mo na rin ang boteng pinaglagyan mo ng inumin at mga gamit sa pagkain. Ang ganitong panuntunan ang magsisiguro na ang mga magagandang alaala mo ng iyong pamamasyal at paglalakad ay mananatili hanggang sa iyong pagbabalik.

Kabilang sa mga magagandang lugar na maaring puntahan ng isang mahilig sa hiking at swimming ang Wang Chung Stream o Dragon Ball Falls na nasa Plover Country Park sa New Territories.

Ang Wang Chung Stream ay matatagpuan ilang metro mula sa sikat na Bride’s Pool na nasa loob din ng parke. Medyo mahirap ang paglalakad patungo dito dahil gugugol ka ng tatlo hanggang apat na oras mula sa bukana kung saan ka ibaba ng bus. Ang paglalakad ay pakanluran at pataas hanggang sa pinakatuktok ng bundok, at madadaanan ang ilang  matataas na talon na may malalim at malamig na pool o languyan. Ang madulas at matarik na lakaran ay di hamak na mahirap lakaran kaysa sa lugar na tuyo at patag.

Ang talon at ang batis sa ilalim nito ay nagbibigay ng panibagong sigla sa mga pagod sa pag-akyat sa bundok.

Magmula sa bus stop ng Brides Pool Road ay kailangan mong lumakad ng mga limang minuto bago marating ang bungad ng sapa. Mula naman sa dulo nito kung saan matatagpuan ang tulay ng Pat Sin Leng nature trail ay aabutin ka ng hanggang 25 minuto na paglalakad bago ka makabalik sa sa bus stop.

Ang antas ng hirap sa paglalakad dito ay 6/10, na ang ibig sabihin ay may kahirapan pero kaya pa rin ng karamihan dahil maraming may mga edad na ang nakakarating dito. Kahit iyong mga matagal nang naglalakad ay mahigpit pa ring pinapaalalahanan na huwag na huwag subukan na akyatin diretso ang mga malalaking talon, dahil may mga nagbuwis na ng buhay dito. Ang dapat gawin ay taimtim na sundan ang direksiyon ng mga nakataling ribbon sa mga sanga ng mga punongkahoy na siyang nagsisilbing gabay kung saan dapat dumaan para malampasan ang mga nagtataasang talon sa paligid at masiguro ang kaligtasan.

Sa mga mahilig ng live streaming sa Facebook, sorry at mahina ang signal ng internet dito dahil napapagitnaan ng mga matatarik na bundok ang sapa. Mag video na lang at i upload ang mga kuha mo habang naglalakad pabalik sa sakayan ng bus dahil tiyak na may signal na ulit dito. Pero ingat din habang nagkukuha ng mga litrato at baka ka madulas sa basang lakaran.

Ang pinakamagandang parte ng lugar na ito ay ang mababang parte ng sapa dahil dito makikita ang mga naglalakihang talon at malalalim at malamig na languyan.

Marami sa mga pumapasyal dito ang lumalangoy, nag da dive o nag I snorkel sa napakalinis at malamig na tubig.

Ito ang dahilan kaya paboritong puntahan ito ng mga turista, dayuhan man o lokal, tuwing panahon ng tag-araw. Hindi makukumpleto ang pagpunta mo dito kung hindi mo susubukang lumangoy o magtampisaw man lang sa malinaw na tubig. Para kasing nagsisilbing pantanggal ng tensyon at lungkot ang preskong tubig na dumadaloy sa mga languyan na ito.Hindi mo iindahin ang hirap at sakit sa pag-akyat dahil kapag nalampasan mo ang pinakamahirap na parte ay maaari kang magtampisaw muli para buhayin ang iyong damdamin.

Bagamat mahaba-haba at may kahirapan ang pagpunta dito ay lubhang ligtas ang paligid kaya maraming mga iba-ibang grupo ang dumarayo dito. Minsan, hindi maiiwasan na nagpapang-abot ang mga grupo ng hiker sa parteng mahirap daanan, halimbawa sa matarik na bangin, ngunit hindi naman ito malaking sagabal dahil maraming mga ugat at sanga ng punongkahoy ang maari mong kapitan para makatawid. At kahit mainit ang sikat ng araw ay hindi mo masyadong maramdaman dahil maraming mga puno sa daanan kaya malilim. Lubos ka ring maaaliw sa paglalakad dahil presko ang hangin sa paligid, at maraming makukulay na paruparo kang makikita sa paligid. Kitang kita din mula sa malinaw na tubig ng sapa ang ibat ibang uri ng isdang tabang na nabubuhay dito.

 Ang  Wang Chung Stream ay isa sa pinakakilalang stream  sa Hong Kong, napakadaling magtungo dito dahil ang bungad ay malapit lamang sa pinakahuling antayan ng bus sa Bride’s Pool Road.

Para makarating dito, sumakay ng MTR papunta sa Tai Po Market, at paglabas ay sumakay ng bus 75K or 20C na green mini bus patungong Tai Mei Tuk. Maiging mag-taxi mula rito papunta sa Bride’ Pool tuwing ordinaryong araw. Kung Sabado o Linggo naman ay maaring sumakay ng KMB Bus 275 K o 20 R mula sa Tai Po Market station at pupunta ito ng diretso sa Bride’s Pool Road.

Maaring padalhan ng mensahe sa Facebook messenger ang may-akda sakaling may gustong itanong tungkol sa hike na ito.

Cricket champs SCC Divas seeks new players as training set to start

By Vir B. Lumicao

All-Filipina cricket champion SCC Divas is looking for more players as it plans to make its presence felt by fielding a team in each of the three leagues on Cricket Hong Kong’s calendar in coming seasons.

A structured training begins this Sunday, Aug 5, for SCC Divas’ players to prepare them for the 16-over Development League, the next-level T20 and the 35 Overs League for the 2018-2019 season beginning on Sept 5.

Coach Najeeb Amar in a groufie with players. Supporters and sponsors  gave them individual trophies for Best Player of the Year, Best Bowler of the Year and Best batsman of the Year and medals for their contributions to the team.

“We are inviting new players. Anyone who is interested, we welcome them,” manager Animesh Kulkarni told The SUN during the team’s victory party at the United Services Recreation Club’s Garden Room in Yaumatei on Jul 22.

The team was awarded the Development League championship trophy, while individual players were given three smaller trophies and six gold medals for special awards. Another 24 gold medals were given those who saw action last season.

“Our vision is to field three teams with a hope that SCC Divas will make an impact and let its presence felt in the Main League, taking forward its performance this year in the Development League,” said Kulkarni, an Indian businessman.

On its cricket debut last season, the all-domestic-worker SCC Divas swept all its nine games to become the grand slam champion in Hong Kong’s Development League.

But Kulkarni admits the triumph of the team, organized by captain Josie Arimas and trained by Pakistani coach Najeeb Amar, may be hard to repeat in the higher leagues because Divas will be facing National Team players distributed in the various sides. “The girls will be playing against the national side. We may not win every game like this time, but we may not lose badly. I’m very confident we will give them a run,” the manager said.

“We know we will have limitations playing against the National Team players, but with the help of coach Najeeb Amar, we will prepare our players through more structured training in skill development starting on Aug 5,” Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni said those of the 32 who played this year will be promoted immediately to the higher league, the T20, where teams will compete in the 20-over format.

He said those who did not play last season will maintain the team’s trophy in the Development League, the 16-over division that is considered the entry level in the sport.

Ravi Lulla, manager of JD Jaguar men’s cricket team and a sponsor of SCC Divas, congratulated the team and promised continuous support to the Filipinas as they move to a higher league.

“It will not be an easy game next season, but if you do half as well as you have done, then you’ll do very well,” Lulla said.

He said the Filipinas will be given T-shirts for their training this Sunday and their official training kits before their next games.

As the SCC Divas advances, Kulkarni said he is seeking their recognition by the cricketing body in Manila. “Now I am in contact with the Philippine Cricket Association to plan future meetings,” he said.

He said he will also train the team members to do scoring and every aspect of cricket as he wants the Filipinas to hone up their skills.

Anyone who is interested to join the team can contact captain Josie Arimas.  He said Divas will form one development team, which will start cross-training on Aug 5.

Another Filipina’s death linked to heat wave

By Daisy CL Mandap

A female Hong Kong resident has died amid the heat wave affecting the city.

Marissa Danao, 60 years old, from Pasig City, died on Jul 28, a Sunday, after reportedly coming home from work and complaining of the heat. She immediately went to bed and was found dead the next day.

Danao had complained of the heat
the day before she was found dead in bed

Officials at the Consulate say Danao, who was divorced with one child, had a thyroid problem which could have triggered her death. But the exact cause will not be known until the autopsy report is released within the next few months.

A funeral service for Danao was held on Sunday, Aug. 5, attended by about 80 of her friends and relatives. Her remains are scheduled to be repatriated to the Philippines on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 9.

Danao was the third Filipina whose death within a week of each other was linked to heat-related causes. The two other victims were both domestic helpers who were found lifeless in the toilets of their respective employers’ flats.

The first victim was a 62-year-old native of La Union who was found dead on Jul 28. The second was 54 years old and hailed from Ilocos, who was found dead in the morning of Aug 2.

Also the previous week, two Filipina domestic workers were rushed to hospital in an ambulance after feeling unwell while on the 18^th floor offices of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office at Mass Mutual Tower in Wanchai.  

Romulo has expressed alarm at the rising number of health-related deaths among overseas Filipino workers that she is planning to hold quarterly wellness seminars at POLO. Tapped to conduct them is Assistant Labor Attache Angelica Sunga, who is a registered nurse in the Philippines.

Over the past weeks, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection has been posting daily advisories on preventing heat stroke and sunburn “in very hot weather”.

Part of the advisory states:

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

             "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

            "The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

            The public should adopt the following precautions:

1) Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

2) Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;

3) Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;

4) For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and

5)  Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.”

Nasobrahan sa pagiging pangahas

Saklot ng pagsisi si Linda, 45, ng Pangasinan matapos niyang mapagtripan na gupitan ang aso ng kanyang amo na ikinagalit nito sa kanya, at naging sanhi para siya palayasin. Masyado kasing naging kampante si Linda dahil sa kabaitan ng amo kaya huli na nang mapagtanto niya na naging masyado siyang pangahas.

Aminado naman siyang mali ang kanyang ginawa, at sana man lang sana ay tinanong niya muna ang amo niya tungkol dito.

Pagdating ng amo galing sa trabaho ay ganoon na lang ang pagkabigla nang makita ang sobrang iksi ng buhok ng aso kaya nagtatalak nang nagtatalak, at pinalayas siya kinabukasan.

Mabuti na lamang at natiyempo na nangangailangan ng katulong si Paupau -- nanay ng kanyang amo -- at sinalo siya nito.

Ngayon ay ingat na si Linda kay Paupau at lagi nang isinasangguni ang nais gawin sa bahay nito. Nameligro siyang mawalan ng trabaho, bagay na ayaw na niyang maulit.

Malaki ang kanyang pasalamat kay Paupau sa pagtitiwalang ibinigay sa kanya sa kabila ng kanyang kapalpakan. – George Manalansan

Isang kaibigang tunay

Nagkakilala sina Florence, 49,  at Ana, 42, sa Hong Kong mga pitong taon na ang nakakaraan at naging matalik na magkaibigan. Lagi silang magkasama sa mga lakad sa unang limang taon ng kanilang pagkakilala, at nagdadamayan tuwing may problema ang bawat isa.

Kailan lang ay nasubok ang lalim ng kanilang magandang samahan nang ihanap ni Florence ng amo si Ana, na nagdesisyong umuwi na at magpakasal dalawang taon na ang nakakaraan. Kahit kasi nagkalayo na sila ay patuloy pa rin ang kanilang kamustahan sa Facebook.

Dahil may edad na nang nag-asawa ay hindi na nagkaanak si Ana, kaya naisipan ng kanyang asawa na bumalik sa kanyang trabaho sa Qatar para madagdagan ang kanilang ipon. Nagdesisyon si Ana na bumalik na lang din sa Hong Kong, na sinang-ayunan naman ng asawa.

Dahil sa kanyang edad ay nagdalawang isip si Ana na mag-apply sa ahensya kaya naisip na humingi na lang ng tulong kay Florence. Nangako naman si Florence na tutulong, at agad na kinausap ang mabait na amo kung mayroon ba itong kaibigan na naghahanap ng katulong.

Pagbalik ng amo kamakailan galing sa bakasyon ay ibinalita nito kay Florence na inirekomenda niya ang kaibigan nito sa kapatid, at pumayag naman ito. Tuwang tuwa naman si Florence dahil makakabalik na rin ang kaibigan sa Hong Kong, at mas madalas pa niya itong makakasama.

Tuwang tuwa din si Ana dahil may mabait siyang kaibigan katulad ni Florence. Sa ngayon ay naghihintay na lamang ng visa si Ana para makabalik ng Hong Kong at mag-umpisang manilbihan sa among taga Aberdeen. Si Florence na tubong Iloilo ay halos 10 taon na sa mabait na amo na taga Kennedy Town. – Ellen Asis

2 Pinay moms fail in final bid to stay with kids in Hong Kong

Two Filipina mothers have failed to get permission from the High Court to go to the Court of Final Appeal to challenge the Immigration Department’s refusal to let them stay on in Hong Kong to be with their resident children.

Milagros T. Comilang, Desiree R. Luis and their co-applicant/co-appellant children, who were all on Legal Aid, were also ordered by the Court of Appeal on Jul 24 to pay the Immigration Director’s court costs of $250,000.

The High Court.

Comilang and Luis, both former domestic helpers, filed separate applications on Jun 4 to seek leave to appeal the appellate court’s decision denying them the right to remain in Hong Kong so they could look after their children who are all minors.

Named as co-applicants were Comilang’s daughter Zarah Noor Ahmed and Luis’ three sons David John, Carl Benz and Mark Joelry.

Gladys Li, SC,who represented the mothers, cited “great general or public importance” as the main ground for asking for leave to appeal. She also cited international laws to support her claim that the CA had failed to consider the appeal properly.

The two mothers and their children, through Li, raised nine questions, including whether a non-Hong Kong resident parent-caregiver and her resident child could not rely on Art 37 of the Basic Law to guarantee their enjoyment of family life in Hong Kong.

The three justices sitting as Court of Appeal, answered all the questions point by point, before refusing the application.

While accepting that the case could have potential impact on other families similarly situated, the CA said they were not convinced any of the questions raised on behalf of the appellants were reasonably arguable and satisfied the requirements for using the “general public interest” ground.

The application stemmed from the decision by the Court of Appeal on Mar 26 this year, dismissing the appellants’ challenge to the Director of Immigration’s decision denying them the right to remain in Hong Kong.

Comilang married a Pakistani citizen in April 2005 and gave birth to Zahrah on Feb 2, 2006, who acquired permanent residency by birth. Since September 2007, Comilang had made several futile applications to extend her stay in Hong Kong so she could take care of her daughter.

Desiree Luis married a fellow Filipino domestic helper in 1997, and they had four sons, the
eldest of whom was born in the Philippines and the three others in Hong Kong. Her second son has gained permanent resident status.

Since 2011, Luis had applied but failed to get an extension of stay to take care of her three sons in Hong Kong, so she overstayed. In May 2014, Luis applied for leave for judicial review, which was granted her in July that year.

However, her appeal against the Director’s rejection of her application to stay in Hong Kong was also denied in March this year.

The Court was made up of Vice President Justice of Appeal Jeremy Poon, who penned the decision; and Chief Judge Andrew Cheung and Vice President Justice of Appeal Johnson Lam.

POLO vows help for OFWs forced to undergo useless ‘retraining’

By Vir B. Lumicao

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office has vowed to take action against employment agencies that require overseas Filipino workers returning to Hong Kong to undergo retraining despite being in possession of valid training certificates.

Labor Attache Nida Romulo issued the statement after being told that agencies in the Philippines are requiring holders of Tesda (Technical Education Skills Development Authority ) NCII certificates to go through  training again because the document has been renamed.

Labor Attache Nida Romulo interviews workers who were made to retrain for new NCII.

But Romulo cautioned the affected OFWs to ensure they have documentary evidence such as receipts so POLO can take action.

“Kailangang meron tayong ebidensiya laban doon sa mga ikino-complain natin ha, kasi mas maganda iyon dahil may mga aksiyon tayong gagawin,” Romulo said, as three workers dopped by her office on Jul 29 to complain against the retraining.

Other Hong Kong-bound workers who are still processing their papers in Manila have also told The SUN about the new practice of agencies.

Training is one of the biggest costs borne by a Filipino worker before she flies to her destination abroad. A two-week training offered by agency partners costs upwards of PhP15,000.

The agencies are apparently capitalizing on the name change of NCII , which was for “household service,” to a new certificate for “domestic work” to further squeeze money from OFW applicants.

One worker who said she still had three years left in the validity of her NCII was charged PhP25,000 for retraining. She said she had used two years of the five-year validity certificate as a domestic helper in Malaysia.

Her two companions, who were charged PhP26,000 each, had worked previously in Kuwait and Malaysia.

Filipino community leader Leo Selomenio said she has also received reports about the apparent scam being used on returning OFWs. “Marami talaga”, she said in a message.

One worker who went through a new training offered by an agency partner said she and her batchmates were taught nothing new. “We were just made to watch videos,” she said.

Romulo said her office will forward the complaints to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Manila.

 “Unang-una, i-endorse natin iyan sa POEA para sa anumang dapat nilang gawin doon. Sabay niyan dito ay pag-aaralan namin, kasi kung madami talaga kayo ay bakit ganun, di ba? May gagawin din kaming mga aksiyon,” Romulo said.

However, she did not specify what action might be taken against the errant agencies.

Earlier, Assistant Labor Attaché Ma Nena German also said there was no need for holders of valid NCII certificates to retrain.

She said all they have to do is go to assessment centers accredited by the Tesda and show their valid NCII and employer’s certificates to get the new certification.

German said the name change was announced by Tesda in a resolution some time ago. But she said the costly retraining can be avoided if the worker would just go for skills assessment and pay only Php470-630.

Foreign domestic workers in HK call for $5,500 minimum wage

By Daisy CL Mandap

The speakers show what they hope to bring
 to tomorrow's meeting with HK labor officials

Foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong are calling for their minimum monthly salary to be raised to $5,500, and their food allowance to no less than $2,500 a month.

The call was issued earlier today, Aug 6, a day before the biggest support organizations for migrant workers were due to meet with Hong Kong labour officials for the yearly consultation on the “minimum allowable wage” (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers.

The migrant workers, along with three of the biggest organizations fighting for their rights and welfare, announced their position at a media briefing called to unveil the findings of a survey that shows where their monthly earnings go.

The joint study by the Mission for Migrant Workers and the Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants showed that three-fifths (3/5) of FDWs’ salaries, or $2,700 goes to paying for goods and services in Hong Kong, leaving only about $1,700 for savings and family remittance.

Given these figures, the Mission said: “It is estimated that they (migrant workers) infuse over $562 million per month or over $6.75 billion per year towards the Hong Kong economy through purchases alone.”

Despite their huge contribution to the local economy, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB) said in a statement that wages given to FDWs leave them unable to cope with the steady rise in the cost of goods, utilities and services in Hong Kong.

Using the government’s own estimates of the cost of living in Hong Kong, and even granting that FDWs have to live with their employers, AMCB said they should be getting $5,585 for working 10 hours a day on average.

The demand for a $2,500 monthly food allowance is also said to be based on government statistics on the per capita expenditure on food by Hong Kong residents.

According to the group, the current minimum wage of $4,410 is “a measly 44%” of what is needed for a person to survive in Hong Kong. The current monthly food allowance of $1,053 is said to be 59% lower than what is considered sufficient in the city.

AMCB spokesperson Dolores Balladares-Pelaez said that her group intends to bring to tomorrow’s meeting a reiteration of their call to be paid the same wages as local workers, and for the government to use a more transparent scheme for computing the MAW.

Indonesian migrant leader Sringatin, also of AMCB, said they also want to call on both Hong Kong and the sending countries to work jointly on promoting the rights and welfare of FDWs, and acknowledge their great contribution to their respective economies.

The Mission’s Cynthia Tellez said that her group would push for a more realistic MAW based on a more transparent mechanism - and “better yet”, align it with the statutory minimum wage for other workers in Hong Kong.

She also wants the Hong Kong government to actively address the recurring issues of illegal recruitment and illegal agency fees, and to enact an anti-human trafficking law based on the United Nations-Palermo protocol.

APMM’s Ramon Bultron backed the other groups’ calls, but put emphasis on ensuring that the rights and welfare of FDWs are protected, and reiterated the need for Hong Kong to pass a law against human trafficking.

He also called on the media and other groups to continue working with organizations that support and promote the rights of migrants.

5 Pinoys lose valuables to jailed Repulse Bay thief

The intense summer heat prompts many people to go to Repulse Bay beach

By Vir B. Lumicao

A 29-year-old Chinese man was jailed for eight months on Friday, Aug 3 after he pleaded guilty in Eastern Court to five charges of stealing the properties of Repulse Bay beachgoers who included five Filipinos, three of them tourists.

Lo Kam-fuk, a construction worker and HKID holder, was sentenced by Magistrate Peter Law after admitting to stealing various items between Jul 21 and 31 this year.

His first victims were tourists Sebastien Zoe G. Rodriguez, 17; Mark Francis Almonte, 22, and Ian Jeric Gatmaitan, 23, who went swimming near No.1 observatory at Repulse Bay Beach on Jul 21.

They placed one Nikon camera, one Gopro camera, a pair of sunglasses, on G-shock wristwatch, a white and brown waistbag, a Philippine passport, a Security bank credit card, a BDO debit card, an iPhone 7 mobile phone and $700 cash in Sebastien’s green backpack before they went into the water.

When they came ashore around 5:10pm, they found the backpack gone, and immediately reported the loss to the police. They had all since returned to Manila.

At about 7pm on Jul 24, Merly B. dela Cruz, 50, and her friend Nora Berondo, 49, Filipinas who both held HKIDs, also lost a blue handbag containing their belongings near No. 3 observatory at the same beach. The bag contained two brown wallets, two Hang Seng Bank cards, a wrist watch, a pair of earrings, a ring, $580 cash, a HKID card, another blue bag, as well as a Sony and Honor mobile phones. 

The thief struck again around 7:30pm on Jul 28, this time near No. 4 observatory, and made off with one black rucksack containing $400 cash and a Samsung mobile phone  owned by Kwok Chi-hang.

On Jul 29, Lo returned to the beach at 5pm to steal again, but the blue bag he took from an “unknown person” contained just a pair of sunglasses, five keys and one lipstick.

He went back to the beach near No. 2 observatory at 8:05pm on Jul 31 and stole a rucksack containing two black wallets, $200 cash, 63 yuan, a driver’s license, a bank card, two Netherlands passport and an iPhone 6 mobile phone belonging to Dutch tourists Johanes S. Mulder, 19, and Floris M. Hagedoorn, 21.

That was Lo’s last outing, however, as a police officer who was staking out the area intercepted and arrested him.

The court was not told if any, or all of the missing items, had been recovered.

      

Kaibigang putik pala ito

Laking pagsisisi ni Christine dahil nagtiwala siya sa isang kaibigan na biglang naglaho matapos niyang ipangutang ng $38,000 sa isang financing company. Muntik pa siyang nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa 10 taon na pagtatrabaho niya sa amo ay ngayon lang ito nadismaya sa kanya.

Dahil sa hindi nabayaran ng kaibigan niyang sinungaling ang utang ay natawagan siya ng kolektor sa landline ng kanyang mga amo na nagkataong nasa bahay ng mga oras na iyon. Naiiyak na humingi ng paumanhin si Christine at sinabi ang totoong dahilan kung bakit nagkautang siya ng ganoong kalaking halaga.

Ilang araw din siyang hindi nakapagtrabaho ng maayos dahil sa takot na baka i-terminate siya dahil sa kanyang kapalpakan. Ibinigay niya kasi sa pautangan pati ang address ng amo ng walang pahintulot.

Nang biglang maglaho ang dating kaibigan ay noon lang napagtanto ni Christine na ni hindi niya kilala ang sino mang kaibigan nito o kapamilya. Mabuti na lang at nanaig pa rin ang kabaitan ng mga amo at inalok siya na babayaran nila ng buo ang utang, at ibabawas na lang sa suweldo niya buwan-buwan sa loob ng isang taon.

Pero may kundisyon ang amo na kung gagawin pang muli ni Christine ang mangutang ay tatanggalin na siya at hindi babayaran para sa long service. Laking pasalamat ni Christine sa alok ng amo, at agad na ipinaalam sa asawa at apat na anak na mababawasan ang kanyang padala sa kanila buwan-buwan habang binabayaran ang utang na hindi naman niya napakinabangan.

Nakilala ni Christine ang kaibigan sa isang pagtitipon apat na taon na ang nakakaraan at mula noon ay lagi na silang magkasama tuwing Linggo. Hindi akalain ni Christine na gagamitin ng kaibigan ang kanilang matagal na pinagsamahan para maisakatuparan ang pangarap na magandang buhay, na siyang gusto rin niya para sa sarili.

Kahit nanghihinayang si Cristine sa isang taong pagbabayad inisip pa rin nya na swerte nya at hindi sya na terminate ng kanyang employer. Si Christine at 42 taong gulang, taga Davao at nagtatrabaho sa Kennedy Town. - Rodelia Villar

Pinoys in US$5B bank draft case denied bail

By Vir B. Lumicao

District Court.

Three Filipino male tourists, one of whom is a government lawyer, failed in their attempt to gain temporary freedom after an Eastern Court magistrate denied their bail application on Jul 19,  saying their offense of trying to pass off a fake US$5billion bank draft as genuine, was a serious one.

The failed bail bid happened two days after two other Filipino male tourists appeared in District Court, both charged with trying to encash fake bank instruments worth nearly US$1trillion. One tried to encash fake traveler’s checks worth US$50,000 in February this year, while the other tried to get a fake HSBC deposit slip with a face value of a whopping US$943 billion credited to his account in April.

In the first case, Elmer P. Soliman, 57, his son Eric Jude P. Soliman, 31, and Eliseo L. Martinez returned to the court with bail money and addresses to stay in Hong Kong in case they gain temporary release, as well as a promise not to leave the city and report to police daily.

But that did not convince Magistrate Peter Law to grant their bail applications. He ordered the three defendants, who are facing a charge of “using a false instrument”, were ordered back in jail.

HSBC staff called police after seeing the fake US$5billion bank draft

Soliman and his son, who claimed to be a secretary and engineer, respectively, submitted an address on Jordan Road near the Tsimshatsui Police Station. They also offered bail money of $15,000 each and their Hong Kong Chinese friend who was in court was ready to put up a surety of $3,000 each, their lawyer told Law.

Third defendant Martinez, a lawyer, offered bail of $15,000 in addition to an offer of $15,000 surety from his friend “Mr Pieter”,  a Hong Kong resident. His lawyer also offered a new address, also in Saikung, where Martinez would reside.

Despite the offers, however, Law remained firm in refusing their bail applications, saying the charge against them was serious. But he said they could try their luck at the High Court.

Law told Martinez he had considered his case separately, but rejected his bail application. 

Martinez, wearing a red round-neck shirt, smiled to his wife and daughter as he emerged in the dock along with the Solimans. The daughter wiped off her tears as she beheld her father, a 46-year-old municipal lawyer in Tarlac province.

For the Solimans, a son and grandson of Elmer came with two local Chinese friends and a Filipina companion.

  Magistrate Law said the case could now go to a pre-trial review on Aug. 9.

The three defendants were arrested on Jun 25 at the HSBC main office in Central after they tried to open an account using the fake bank draft worth US$5 billion. Two other unidentified persons who were with them were initially arrested but were later released by the police.

The prosecution said the elder Soliman approached a female staff to open an account. He then presented the bank draft that was handed to him by Martinez. The staff called the police when they noticed that the bank instrument was spurious.

A raid on their hotel room in Tsimshatsui followed, and police seized a suitcase with documents. Investigations are continuing.

In the District Court, Filipino tourists Noel Rambuyon and Brudencio Bolaños appeared for the first hearing of their individual cases of “using a false instrument” since the transfer of their respective cases from Eastern Court in Sai Wan Ho.

No plea was taken from either of the defendants. Their lawyer from Legal Aid applied for a six-week adjournment to study the cases.

Judge Gary Lam adjourned the cases until Sept 4 and ordered Rambuyon and Bolaños back in jail.

Bolaños was arrested on Apr 9 after he allegedly tried to update his account at HSBC on using the US$943 billion deposit slip.

Staff called police after he allegedly tried to convince them that the document was genuine.

Rambuyon faces a charge of using a false instrument after his arrest around the Lunar New Year this year when he presented the Thomas Cook traveler’s checks worth US$50,000 for exchange at a money shop in Central.

A police forensic examination determined that the travelers checks were fake, and this was confirmed by the bank that used to issue similar instruments in Britain.

The cases are the latest in a recent string of similar incidents involving Filipino tourists, mostly professionals who are middle aged to elderly, trying to pass off as genuine fake bank instruments supposedly worth astounding sums.

A Consulate officer had earlier said the resurgence of money scams involved people claiming access to Marcos-era hidden wealth in the form of bank instruments and looking for investors who are willing to exchange these for cash in Hong Kong.

There are now three other such cases pending in the District Court.

2 Filipinas dead as heat wave takes toll on OFWs

By Vir B. Lumicao

People doing outdoor activities are more prone to heat stroke 

Two Filipina workers have died due to heat-related causes within the past week, with the second one succumbing to the extreme weather condition only yesterday, Aug. 2, according to Labor Attache Nida Romulo.

Both were found lifeless in the toilets of their employers’ residences.

Labor Attache Romulo declined to name the two, saying their next of kin had not yet been informed of their deaths.

Meanwhile. two other Filipinas were taken to hospital in an ambulance on Tuesday for feeling unwell on the 18^th floor offices of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office at Mass Mutual Tower in Wanchai.  

Romulo said the two were diagnosed to have suffered from high blood pressure and heat exhaustion.

Welfare officer Lorna Obedoza of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said the latest victim who was from Ilocos was 54 and had been working in Hong Kong since 2006. She was found dead in the morning of Aug 2.

The first victim was reportedly a 62-year-old native of La Union who was found dead on Jul 28 in the bathroom of her employer’s house in Mid-Levels. She arrived in Hong Kong in 2007.

Romulo, however, said that the police could not yet say for sure if the death was weather-related because the victim was said to be one or two days dead when her body was found.

But the labor official, who assumed her post on Jul 15, said she is alarmed at the relatively high incidence of deaths and illnesses among OFWs in this city that she is planning to launch quarterly seminars on wellness for the Filipino community.

“Our workers are too engrossed in their work that they neglect their own health. They should not forget their own health so that they can do their jobs well,” Romulo said.

Assistant Labor Attache Angelica Sunga, who is a registered nurse in the Philippines, has reportedly been tapped to conduct the quarterly wellness seminars which should start soon.

As temperatures soared to 33 degrees Celsius in urban areas over the past week, the Hong Kong Observatory has kept up the Very Hot Weather warning that it has been posting almost on a daily basis for the past two months.

The Centre for Health Protection’s public health warning is posted below:

What is heat stroke?

The human body can regulate internal temperature within safe limits spontaneously. When we get hotter, the temperature control centre inside our body will trigger responses such as sweating and increasing breathing rate to cool us down. However, when the environment becomes extremely hot and spontaneous responses cannot effectively cool down our body, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke will occur.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include giddiness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath and mental confusion. When the body temperature reaches 41°C or higher, the sufferer will have convulsion or become unconscious; and this is heat stroke. Immediately, the body temperature must be brought down and first aid be given, or else the sufferer’s life will be in great danger.

Who is at risk?

1. The obese

2. The Sick

3. The elderly

4. Children

Precautionary measures

Pay attention to the weather warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory and take the following measures:

1. Wear light-coloured, loose and air permeable clothing to reduce heat absorption and promote heat loss from sweating.

2. Bring and drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration.

3. Avoid drinks containing caffeine (e.g. coffee and tea) or alcohol, because these substances will speed up water loss from the body through the urinary system.

4. Do not engage in prolonged activities such as hiking and trekking under extremely hot weather, as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on one’s physique.

5. Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon, if possible.

6. Choose an indoor venue with good ventilation by opening all windows and using fan or air-conditioning. Avoid doing vigorous exercise in a hot or stuffy environment.

7. Re-schedule your work to cooler times of the day. If you must work in a hot environment, introduce shading in the work area where practicable, then start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Take breaks every now and then in a cool area to recharge yourself.

8. Do not stay inside a parked vehicle.

9. Stop in the course of activity immediately and seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

HK agencies ‘back off’ on illegal loans, but OFWs wary

Three workers forced to pay the illegal loan complain to Labor Attache Romulo

By Vir B. Lumicao

A group of newly arrived domestic workers are celebrating after learning that they no longer have to pay an illegal $2,938 loan made out for each of them by three employment agencies in Hong Kong and their Manila counterparts.

The workers said a staff at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office called up one of them yesterday, Aug 1, to say “Sir Tony”, referring to Tony Chan, managing director of Pacific Jet Consultants, had waived a loan from finance company Mutual Honour (Hong Kong) Ltd that they were told to pay.

The backdown came after The SUN published a front-page story about the illicit loan.

However, Labor Attaché Nida Romulo said today, Aug. 2, that she was not aware of the purported loan waiver. She said she did not want to speculate on the report and preferred to hear about it from the workers themselves.

Pacific Jet, Sacred Heart International Consultants and Waytech Consultants, which occupy adjacent rooms in Cameron Commercial Building in Tsimshatsui, were named by at least 19 workers as the Hong Kong counterparts of the Philippine agencies that deployed them to Hong Kong between Apr 1 and May 31.

Three of the workers approached Romulo on Sunday, Jul 29, to complain about the Php16,000 loans each that they were allegedly made to take out from Caezar Pacific Money Lending Co Ltd in Makati so they could fly to Hong Kong.

On their arrival here, Chan allegedly told them to repay the loan in two installments of $1,469 each at 7-11 convenience stores (or a total of Php19,671 at current exchange rate for a 22% markup) and issued them payment cards that they were to use for that purpose.

The loan was supposed to pay for their further training on arrival in Hong Kong, but the workers said no such training took place.

Apart from the loan, the workers said they were also made to pay placement and training fees by their agencies in Manila amounting to at least Php85,000 (HK$12,686) each. Two workers from Cebu said they were charged a training fee of Php25,000  (HK$3,731) twice, once in that city, and another when they went to Manila prior to taking their flight to Hong Kong.

Philippine laws provide that the cost of recruiting overseas Filipino workers should all be borne by the employer, while in Hong Kong, the agency commission should be no more than 10% of the worker’s first monthly salary, which in this case should just be $441.

Amendments made to the Labour Ordinance which took effect in February this year provide a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $350,000 in overcharging cases.

Romulo asked the workers to submit proofs of payments and execute affidavits so she could act on their complaints. Her staff also called up Chan about the complaint and the agency owner suggested a meeting with them and Romulo on Tuesday. But the workers instead pushed for a meeting this Sunday, Aug. 5, as that’s when most of them are off work.

But late on Wednesday the worker reportedly contacted by POLO staff Medith Chaneco relayed to the other complainants the information about Chan’s offer to cancel the loans.

“Tumatawag po ang POLO. Si Ma’am Medith, sabi niya hindi na daw kami dapat magbayad sa loan. Nagpasa na ng waiver si Sir Tony (Chan) para hindi na daw kami magbayad pa. Salamat po. Dahil sa inyo kaya namin nalagpasan ang problema. Salamat po talaga,” one of the workers said in a private message to The SUN.

But another posted cautioned: “We need to have the waiver so we have proof that the loan’s been waived,” said another.

The group expressed concern for a batch of about 18 other workers who are still in Manila waiting for their flight to Hong Kong.

They said the workers are now being told to pay cash up front for the extra charge, or they would’t be able to fly out to Hong Kong.

2 Filipinos held for fake US$1trillion docs

By Vir B. Lumicao

Two Filipino tourists accused of using false instruments totaling nearly US$1 trillion to try to transact business in Hong Kong appeared for the first hearing of their cases in the District Court in Wanchai on Jul 17.

They included Brudencio J. Bolanos, who allegedly tried to pass off a US$943 billion bank deposit slip supposedly issued by HSBC on Jul 25, 1983.

The other was Noel Rambuyon, who was found with a wad of Thomas Cooke travelers cheques worth a total of US$50,000.

District Court.

Rambuyon,  in his 30s; and Bolaños, in his 60s; did not apply for bail and were ordered remanded in jail.

District Court judge Gary Lam adjourned the hearing to Sept 4 on the application of the defendant’s lawyer from Legal Aid who asked for time to review the cases.

Bolaños was arrested on Apr 9 after he allegedly tried to update his account at HSBC on using the US$943 billion deposit slip.

Staff called police after he allegedly tried to convince them that the document was genuine.

Rambuyon faces a charge of using a false instrument after his arrest around the Lunar New Year this year when he presented the Thomas Cooke traveler’s checks worth US$50,000 for exchange at a money shop in Central.

A police forensic exam determined that the travelers checks were fake, and this was confirmed by the bank that used to issue similar instruments in Britain.

High Court allows sacked Filipina DH to testify via video

The High Court has opened the door to possibly hundreds of migrant workers’ claims being heard outside of Hong Kong via video link, in a landmark ruling laid down on Jul 27.

Justice Bebe Pui Ying Chu of the Court of First Instance overruled the Labour Tribunal’s decision rejecting the application of Filipina domestic helper Joenalyn D. Mallorca to move her case to the technology court so she can give evidence from the Philippines.

Mallorca, who is seeking compensation totaling more than $8,000 from her employer Ng Mei Shuen, applied to give evidence via video conferencing because she had to go back home to take care of her mother who was suffering from lung cancer.

The landmmark ruling opens the cort’s doors to OFWs who have had to go home to the Philippines while their cases were still pending

But the Tribunal’s Presiding Officer David Chum dismissed the helper’s application on Mar 30, 2017, and struck off her claims against her employer without a trial. Law office Dechert took Mallorca’s case to the High Court.

In her decision, Justice Chu said the presiding officer appeared to have focused only on the reasons given by Mallorca for not being able to attend the hearing and Ng’s indication of
objection to the use of video link.

“(Chum) did not have regard to the fact that C (Mallorca) was entitled to bring proceedings in this jurisdiction to protect her civil rights, and to the crucial nature of C’s evidence as to whether there were grounds for her summary dismissal,” Chu said.

She said that “without being allowed to give evidence or be present through video link, it could mean that C would be deprived of a fair and public hearing, or the chance to proceed with her claim”.

The judge ordered the Tribunal to restore Mallorca’s claims and hear her evidence via video link.

Ng terminated Mallorca’s work contract on Sept 22, 2016, just three months after the helper started working for her. The Filipina claimed the employer had slapped, then fired her for no reason.

Mallorca filed a claim against Ng at the Tribunal and the employer paid her arrears in wages totaling $1,824.37 and plane fare of $1,300. She returned to the Philippines in December 2016 without settling four other items totaling $8,707.33, including wages in lieu of notice..

The High Court’s decision to allow the helper to give evidence via video-conferencing would set a precedent for other foreign helpers who have returned home to pursue cases against their former employers in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s courts allow applications for video link when a party in the trial cannot return to the city. The system is used at the District Court and the High Court. Mallorca’s request is the first ever at the Labour Tribunal.

“This decision is a key victory for migrant workers in Hong Kong,” executive director Douglas MacLean of Justice Without Borders, a regional charity supporting cross-border access to compensation for migrant workers., said in a press release.

“For far too long, going home has meant going without. The court’s judgment rightly protects access to justice for many migrant workers who cannot return to Hong Kong to pursue their claims,” MacLean said.

Anti-Duterte protests held before and after SONA

By Daisy CL Mandap

A series of anti-government protests were held by various migrant organizations in Hong Kong before and after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address in Manila on Jul 23.

The latest was a protest march held from Chater Garden in Central to the Philippine Consulate in Admiralty on Jul 29. Protesters held aloft banners denouncing a range of government moves, from the attempt to push for federalism and charter change, to issues such as corruption, the failure to stop workers contractualization and the killings of thousands of Filipinos in line with the so-called war on drugs.

Speakers take turns attacking Duterte in front of the building that that houses the Consulate.

Bayan HK and Macau chair Eman Villanueva hit out at what he called the “recycling” of officials under the Duterte administration, especially those found to have misused tens of millions in government funds. After being removed from their posts, Villanueva said the disgraced officials are moved elsewhere in government.

Another glaring example he cited was former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a known Duterte ally who was recently elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Nagkamal ng bilyong piso mula sa pondo ng bayan, nandaya sa eleksyon, tapos ngayon e Speaker sa Kongreso,” Villanueva said in reference to the former leader who was detained in a hospital for four years for corruption before being freed by the Supreme Court shortly after Duterte came to power.

On the exact day of the SONA, a smaller group comprising about 50 members of various migrant and community organizations staged a protest outside the Philippine Consulate to denounce Duterte.

Most vocal in their criticism of the Philippine leader were two foreign nationals who expressed solidarity for Filipinos, including Indonesian Eni Lestari, chair of the International Migrant Alliance, who said the Philippine president is “turning to be an “evil leader.”

“We in the international community believe Duterte should not be supported anymore,” Lestari said, citing among his alleged misdeeds the killing of innocent Filipinos in the name of the drug war, and his blatant disrespect for women.

Ma Wan Ki, a local Chinese who is secretary general of the International Confederation for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines, called Duterte a “bully”, saying that for all his tough talk, he has not been able to go after big drug lords in the country.

Ma blasted at the extra-judicial killings

“He has done nothing except for the (shedding of) blood of the innocents,” said Ma.

Pastor Joram Calimutan, who represented the Promotion of Church People’s Response, blasted Duterte’s failure to address the problems of Filipinos, particularly the looming economic crisis brought about by heavy borrowing and rampant corruption.

“Walang ginagawa ang kasalukuyang administrasyon para matigil ang krisis, at sasabihin pa na istupido ang Diyos,” said Calimutan, who also decried other church people who  continue to openly support Duterte despite his anti-religion and anti-god rhetoric.

He also sounded alarm bells over Duterte’s alleged plan to bring in 10,000 construction workers in China as part of his “build, build, build” campaign, even if there are millions of Filipinos who don’t have jobs.

Pastor Calimutan spoke for church people

Speaking for Filipino migrant workers was Dolores Balladares, chair of United Filipinos in Hong Kong, who called out the Philippine leader for failing to deliver on his campaign promise to provide them with a better life.

“Sona (a play on Sona) ngayon ang mga ipinangakong trabaho?”, said Balladares. “Tayong mga migrante ang patunay na ang mga ipinangakong pagbabago ay hindi nangyari.”

She cited as an example the so-called iDOLE or OFW ID, which was recently scrapped by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III amid allegations of misuse of the congressional funding for the project.

She also harped at Duterte’s failure to have a real consultation with Filipino migrants during his Hong Kong visit in April, preferring instead to party with local Chinese business people who own employment agencies, often seen as a bane to OFWs.

A pre-SONA gathering was also held the previous Sunday, Jul 15, in Edinburgh Place, Central, for a more thorough discussion of the issues being raised against the Duterte administration.

Fate wins HK softball league

By Emz Frial

The all-Filipina team Fate is savoring its title as champion of the Hong Kong Softball Association’s regular league, after winning the final match against local team Red Castle Infinity by the slimmest of margins, 5-4.

Fate sailed to victory in the Tin Kwong Road field on Jul 29 with a spotless record.

The winning team’s Myra Japitana set the ball rolling by scoring a homerun right at the start of the game. But the other team was quick to shore up defenses, and prevented Fate from scoring another point.

Fate was equally determined not to let their rivals score, so the first two innings ended with no other point being made except Japitana’s shocker.

In the third inning Fate added another point, courtesy of Eunice Locop. But it was Red Castle’s time to shine, garnering four points in succession, thanks to Chan Hoi Man , Tsansa Wing Yu,  Fury Pik Shan and Cheung Wing Kin. The inning ended with Infinity ahead, 4-2.

In the fourth inning, Editha Hidalgo added another point for Fate, while the locals were stuck at 4.  The inning ended with Infinity still in the lead at 4-3.

Tension filled the air in the successive two innings when neither team managed to score. Fate’s supporters who trooped to the venue were particularly tense.

But the tension soon gave way to relief for the Filipinas’ supporters when the team managed to add two more points to their score to overtake their rivals and secure the championship trophy on a score of 5-4. The last-minute heroes were team captain Don Gaborno and Jeremiah Gabales.

It was the 11th straight win for Fate in the league, with no loss.

It secured its berth in the finals  on Jul 22 at Shek Kip Mei field when it beat locals Deborah in a lopsided game that ran for five innings, 22-3.

First to bat was Myra Japitana who blasted an outfield ball that allowed her to get to second base. Then Eunice Locop batted and was safe to first base. Third batter Maribel Sitchon smashed the ball to the outfield, then ran up to the second base, as Japitana and Locop all reached home.

Later Sitchon also ran to home base when Don Gaborno hit a short infield ball. Gaborno also reached home safely, which all added up to four points for Fate.

When the locals took their turn to bat, only four players managed to stand on the batters’ box. The first of their batters was caught on a flyball by short stop Editha Hidalgo, while the second and fourth batters were called standing out.

The score remained at 4-0 in Fate’s favor at the end of the inning.

In the second inning Fate added three more to its score, courtesy of Japitana, Locop and Gaborno.  Again, the Filipinas’ tight defense made it difficult for the locals to step on the bases.

The first batter on the other side was caught on a flyball by center fielder Sitchon,  while the next two batters were both caught on the first base.

The second inning ended with scores at 7-nil, again in Fate’s favor.

Deborah bounced back with a vengeance in the third inning, scoring three points while preventing Fate from reaching home base. Those who scored for the local team were Chiu Ka Yee,  Ngai Sze Hing and Hui  Ka Wai.

That brought the score to 7-3 for Fate, at the end of the inning.

But Fate’s luck was not over yet. The team scored a bounty of 8 points in the fourth inning, raising their score to 15. The locals were again blanked. Those who scored for Fate were ; Hidalgo,  Jonalyn Cupag,  Percy Jayme, Juliet Fernandez, May Ledesma, Japitana, Locop and Sitchon.

With the scores at 15-3 for Fate at the end of the fourth inning, the writing was clearly on the wall.

But there was still no stopping Fate. By the end of the fifth and final inning, the locals had added 7 more points, making the final score 22-3 in their favor.

Team captain Gaborno was understandably pleased and thankful for the overwhelming win, and again credited it to the cooperation and unity among the players.

Mga gawaing pwede mong salihan

Caritas Cantonese lessons for EM residents
Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project has received sponsorship from the Home Affairs Department to run language courses for ethnic minority residents in HK.
The following is the details for your reference.
Saturday Basic Cantonese
 Period : 1 Sept. - 15 Dec. 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic Minorities in HK with HKID
Fee: HK$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.       
Sunday Basic Cantonese
Period : 2 Sept. - 16 Dec. 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic Minorities in HK with HKID
Fee: HK$100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50)
Venue : Caritas Fortress Hill Centre. G/F., No. 28A Fortress Hill Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong.
For queries, please call  2147-5988.

Licensure Examination for Teachers
The Special Examination for Professional Teachers will be held in Hong Kong on Sept 30, 2018
The deadline for submitting online applications has passed.
For updates, contact the National Organization of Professional Teachers through Gemma Lauraya, 6169 5181 or the Facebook page of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office

 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

Silid Sining Pinay: Unlocking Pinay Creativity
Painting Workshop Sessions for OFWs in HK with Filipino artist Grace P. Camacho
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”

“Be Courageous”
(Jehovah’s Witnesses Annual Convention HK and Macau)
Starts on Aug 10, from 10:20am
Hall 5BC, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
Free admission
Those attending will learn practical ways to face present and future challenges, and observe what real people - and even five animals - can teach us about courage!
On Sunday, Aug 11, a feature film, “The Story of Jonah – A Lesson in Courage and Mercy” will be shown.
For details, check: http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahswitnesses/conventions/video-clip-international-convention-report/
Or contact: Ravel Sutherland  at rsutherland4110@gmail.com

Blood Donation Drive
Aug 19, 11am-5pm
Hong Kong Red Cross Causeway Bay Donation Center
14/F, Plaza 2000, 2-4 Russell Street
Causeway Bay (MTR Station Exit A)
To register as a donor, send an email to cultural.pcg@gmail.com with subject line na: “Blood Donation”, and give your name, telephone number and indicate your preferred time from the schedule below:
* 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
* 12:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
* 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
* 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Important Advise: Only 10 participants will be allowed into the Donation Centre every hour to avoid overcrowding

Foreign Domestic Work: Understanding the Journey
(A talk by Dr. Ju-chen Chen of Chinese University in Hong Kong)
Aug 26, 2-5pm, PCG Conference Room
To book a slot, call Analyn at 6500 9288 or Lorna at 2823 8512
Organized by: Philippine Consulate General and Wimler Foundation

FBC’s 7th Anniversary Bowling Party
Oct 7, 10am-4pm
South China Athletic Association Bowling Centre, Causeway Bay
Come in your funny costume, and join the games!
Organizer: Filipino Bowling Club Hong Kong
Contact: Jenny 9401 7051

Nueva Vizcaya Day 2018
Oct 21 (Sunday), from 10 am
Chater Road, Central
Highlights: Search for Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2018 and Sassy Look International 2018
Organizer: United Nueva Vizcayanos - HK