The rising cost of getting a job as domestic helper

By Leo A. Deocadiz

Every Sunday, foreign domestic workers flood into Hong Kong’s parks, foot bridges and other public places to spend their day, and a growing portion of their income, on local businesses.

Of grave concern, however, is that payment for loans and agency fees is biting off 35.6 per cent of that income, according to a survey on spending habits conducted by the Mission for Migrant Workers and Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants. And since Hong Kong limits agency fees to 10 per cent of the first month’s salary (or $441 of the minimum allowable wage of $4,410), much of these fees are illegal.

It was not this way in the past, when the MAW was even lower. The share of loans and agency fees in the 2017 survey is almost triple the 13.30 per cent share that this expense registered in a similar survey conducted by the two NGOs in 2013.

Spending one’s day off on a rainy day in Central.

These figures confirm another report by MFMW in April that showed about half of the helpers were charged HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 by employment agencies to find them employers. Some were even charged as much as HK$22,000. These amounts were set in loan agreements that were signed in the helpers’ home countries to avoid being penalized under Hong Kong’s law that limits the amount that employment agencies can charge.

“Agency fee and loan repayment constitute the chunk of this expense, showing still the prevalence of overcharging practice of agencies,” said the report which summarized the findings of the survey, conducted in the summer of 2017. “Especially that more than 50 per cent of FDWs are newly-arrived… it can be inferred that many FDWs are still paying the fees charged to them upon deployment to HK.”

It added: “Even loans can be attributed to agency problem as either they are forcibly made in order to get more from FDWs while circumventing the legal policy in place for agency fee, or they are made precisely because agency fee eats up most of their salary, leaving very little for their own needs in Hong Kong and remittance to family.”

It concluded that FDHs “continue to be exploited through debt bondage by agencies. Yet, the Hong Kong government does not actively work to alleviate this issue, allowing human trafficking and exploitation to happen.”

Despite the survey showing rampant overcharging, only three employment agencies have been prosecuted by the Employment Agencies Administration (EAA) and convicted of overcharging so far this year.

In the latest conviction on July 25, My Friends Service Limited (My Friend) located in Tsuen Wan was fined $8,000 at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts for overcharging a foreign domestic helper (FDH).  The other agencies convicted of overcharging this year were Quality Consultants Agency located in Tsim Sha Tsui and Familia Employment Agency located in Tai Po.

Migrants groups’ leaders display the breakdown of FDH spending: Dolores Balladares, chairperson of the United Filipinos in Hiong Kong; Cynthia Ca Abdon-Tellez, general manager iof the Mission for Migrant Workers; Ramon Bultron, managing directorof Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM); and Sringatin, chairperson of Indonesian Migrant Workers Union. 

A government spokesman said prosecution also depends on overcharged helpers filing complaints. EAA thus invites them to call 2115 3667, or visit its office at unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon.

The survey also showed that the job placement expenses have led to the share of remittances — the main reason the FDWs have left their families back home — to shrink . The 2013 survey showed that remittances accounted for 50.68 per cent of their income. By 2017, its share had shrunk to 31.7 per cent.

“Agency fees are not only a problem for migrant workers but also for the Hong Kong economy,” the report said. “When more money is spent repaying loans, workers have less to spend on goods and services as well as remittance to support their families back home.”

The survey showed that of the minimum allowable wage of $4,410 every month, $2,600 remained in Hong Kong. With an FDH population of 351,513, this translates to $914 million they spent monthly in Hong Kong, or almost $11 billion every year.

Of the other expenses tracked by the survey, 9 per cent went to savings, 6 per cent went to food, 4 per cent went to clothes and accessories, 3 per cent to communications, 2 per cent to transportation, 2 per cent to toiletries, 1 per cent to donations and 5 per cent to other expenses.

So even if they may be earning one of the lowest wages in Hong Kong, foreign domestic helpers pour billions into its economy, nourishing businesses that have sprouted to cater to their needs, according to the survey.

This is contrary to popular belief that they are a burden to the economy. “Migrant domestic workers are integral to the consumer and service-based economy that is Hong Kong,” the two non-government organizations said in their survey report.

MFMW general manager Cynthia Abdon-Tellez affirmed: “Yes, foreign domestic helpers come to Hong Kong to support their families, but they end up spending most of their wages in Hong Kong, and thus contribute to the economic life of the city.” 

This is in addition to their other — and better-known – contribution: taking care of their employers’ children and homes, so that both parents can pursue their own careers and thus double their household income.

Cordilleran group holds songwriting contest

As part of their campaign to promote their culture and cultivate their talents as Cordilleran migrants, members of the Pinatud a Saleng ti Umili (PSU HK) held a songwriting competition on Aug. 12 at Pier 10 in Central.

Taking top honors was Linlyn Andrada Subido for her original competition, “Karapatan Namin”, sung by Andrada Clan. Second prize winner was Iris Ticagan, composer of “Paglayo”, which was sung by her group, Singles and Doubles.

The contest rules specified that singers representing the contestants would first sing the Cordillerans’ unity song, “Nasa Atin ang Panahon” from the group Buklod, before presenting their original composition.

According to PSU-HK president Joseline Tanguid, her group stages a Dap-ayan cultural event every two months and the song writing competition was one of the activities held as part of this.

Tanguid said that through these cultural activities, the group hopes not only to promote unity but also to empower members so they are better equipped to find solutions to issues faced by migrants both in and out of the Philippines.

Members and guests of Pinatud a Saleng ti Umili (PSU HK), with contest winners.

The Dap-ayan ti Umili, held alongside a Migrants Care Center where free services was given to migrant workers, was co-organized by PSU-HK and the Mission for Migrant Workers and had as theme “Palakasin ang Pagkakaisa sa proteksyon ng Kagalingan at Kultura.”

The judges for the songwriting contest were Aaron Ceradoy of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, Carmela Cawas of Benguet Federation, and Maricel Redita of Migranteng Artista ng Bayan.

Acting as adjuducators were Joelyn Hilyawan of Ifugao Association Hong Kong and Nancy Tanguid of Asipulo Organization.
—DCLM

Labatt Jolly set to return to Hong Kong

Labatt Jolly could resume his post  early next month

By Daisy CL Mandap

The combined voices of Filipino migrant workers have been heard. Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre, whose unceremonious and unjustified recall to Home Office in April sparked widespread protests within the Filipino community in Hong Kong, is about to come back.

The only question now is, when?

“My papers are already with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs)”,  was all that Labatt dela Torre said in response to a message asking when he expected to be back in Hong Kong.

Once the DFA, through the Philippine Consulate, passes on his papers to the Hong Kong government, it will be only a matter of days before Dela Torre gets the go signal to reclaim his post.

According to his temporary replacement, Labor Attache Leonida Romulo, that could be soon, as she is herself already preparing to move to another post. Insiders at the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila say Romulo will be posted to Malaysia where she’s expected to remain until her retirement by next year.

Also about to leave is Assistant Labor Attache Ma Nena German, who had cracked down on Dela Torre’s supporters when she was made officer-in-charge for three months after his recall. German will reportedly spend the last four months of her extended term in Taiwan.

Romulo, who took over the top labor post only last month, said there will be a short overlap between her and Dela Torre. “I will stay until Labatt Jolly returns because there should be an official turnover,” she said

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III sent her here to take up the labor attache’s post after dela Torre was recalled a full year before his tour of duty was supposed to end.

Secretary Bello’s letter dated Mar 23 did not give any reason for the recall, but merely said Dela Torre was to report back to the Home Office “effective immediately”.

He was also instructed to turn over all money, properties, equipment and accountable forms to Assistant Labor Attache Ma. Nena German, indicating the recall was final.

The order sparked widespread criticism within the Filipno community in Hong Kong, and caused two big protests to be staged, calling on Bello to revoke the order against the highly regarded labor

One of two protests held against the recall 

attache.

In response to a petition from migrant leaders, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano both assured the community Dela Torre would get to keep his post.

But with Bello standing firm on his recall order, Dela Torre was forced to return home in mid-April. The two met in Manila about a month later, during which Bello reportedly told his labor attache to write a letter admitting that he instigated the protests against his recall, and apologize.

The news that Dela Torre is on his way back to reclaim his post was greeted with joy and relief by the Filcom leaders who joined the protests against his recall.

Rodelia Villar, leader of the Domestic Workers Corner, said rogue employment agencies have been on a roll since Dela Torre left. “Four months pa lang ang dami nang nabiktima (na domestic workers),” she said.

Villar also said Dela Torre’s return showed how unity among leaders could bring about a desired result.

Eman Villanueva of United Filipinos in Hong Kong said his group is looking forward to meeting with Dela Torre again.

“We are eager to meet with him upon his return. Maraming mga dapat na mapag-usapan na mga concerns ng community na nais namin maihapag sa kanya for POLO's intervention. One of which ay ang illegal collection ng mga agencies. Gusto din namin syang kausapin tungkol sa mga issues addressed to the HKSAR government. We are confident na gagawa sya ng mga concrete steps para suportahan ang kampanya ng mga OFWs for reforms sa ating working and living condition dito sa HK kagaya ng kanyang ginawa noon sa issue ng window cleaning,” said Villanueva.

For Aura Ablin of Mindanao Workers Federation, the four months that the labor attache was forced to wait it out in Manila while Bello decided on his fate was a lot of time lost.

“Sana yong apat na buwan na pagkawala ni Labatt de la Torre dito ay ibalik yon by extending his term. Ang daming nabinbin na mga programa para sa kapakanan ng mga OFWs dito sa HK and six months is too short to do it all.” said Ablin.

Villanueva suggested a new petition could be made to ask for Dela Torre’s extension way beyond the seven months remaining in his three-year-term.

To this day, the reason for Dela Torre’s recall remains unclear. But recent reports suggest  Bello might have been telling the truth when he told Manila reporters that the order to get dela Torre packing came directly from Malacanang. Apparently, a Hong Kong agency owner whose wife is from Davao had approached President Rodrigo Duterte directly to complain about Dela Torre, who had been bearing down heavily on errant recruiters.

It did not help that a group of Hong Kong recruiters who bring in Filipinas to work as bar girls in Wanchai were also up in arms over Dela Torre’s rejection of their job orders, depriving them of lucrative commissions.

Dela Torre had said that he was surprised by his recall, as he was not aware that he was being investigated. He maintained that he didn't have any problems getting marching orders, but didn't want to go under a cloud of doubt.

Bello later on said Dela Torre’s recall was temporary and was meant to allow him to defend himself against the accusations made against him.

Asked for his reaction to the protests in support of his top Hong Kong man, Bello said, "I respect their right to air their grievance but they (also) have to respect our mgt (management)/ procedural due proess".

The recall attracted extensive media coverage because of the widespread support given to Dela Torre by migrant workers who often cite as reasons his uncompromising stance against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Solons fear budget reform would cut funds for districts

The Duterte administration may have adopt its 2018 budget for 2019 if lawmakers and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) could not agree on budget reforms.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said keeping the 2018 budget allocations was one of the options the executive department has if Congress fails to approve the P3.757-trillion appropriations by December.

The House of Representatives had suspended hearings on the 2019 budget as lawmakers rejected a shift from obligation to cash-based budgeting system.

In the past, the obligation-based budget allowed agencies to spend their respective allocations within a two-year period, sometimes leading to underspending.

“A cash-based budget instills greater fiscal discipline and prudent use of limited resources. The shift to a cash-based budget will increase the efficiency of government operations, resulting in a faster and improved delivery of public services,” Diokno explained.

“The one-year time horizon of budget execution will push heads of government agencies to
plan ahead, conduct early procurement, and regularly monitor implementation,” he added.

Congressmen feared that the budget reform would greatly affect budget allocations for their districts, since funding for hospitals, classrooms, and local infrastructure projects like roads might suffer budget cuts.

Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairman of the House appropriations committee, and other House leaders – representing lawmakers who crossed party lines – have filed a House resolution asking their Senate counterparts to return the budget reform bill that they sent last March.

In view of the rejection of the budget reform, Diokno said having a reenacted 2018 budget for 2019 would sustain the Duterte administration’s infrastructure spending in the absence of a new appropriations bill approved by Congress.

“We are studying all the options, including reenacted budget of 2018,” Diokno said during a press conference on the sidelines of the “Build, Build, Build” job fair on on Aug. 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Because so many projects in 2017 and 2018 have not been done, when you add those to projects in 2019, the budget is so big. The ‘Build, Build, Build’ program won’t suffer.”

Under its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the Duterte administration plans to rollout 75 “game-changing” flagship projects alongside spending a total of up to P9 trillion on hard and modern infrastructure until 2022 to usher in the “golden age of infrastructure.”

But some members of the House have been questioning why the 2019 budget proposal, at nominal value, is lower than the record P3.767-trillion 2018 appropriation.

Diokno has explained that this year’s obligation-based budget should not be compared apples to apples to the cash budget proposal for next year.

According to Diokno, the cash-based equivalent of the 2018 budget was P3.324 trillion.

He had noted that “73 percent of the countries around the world, as well as the private sector, are implementing a cash-based budget.”

“This is the way to go if you want transparency and efficiency,” he said. “Annual cash-based appropriations will also encourage a more open and accountable government. In this new system, agency performance will be measured not on contracts awarded or obligated but on the actual delivery of goods and services that will improve the lives of Filipinos.”

NOPTI sets review sessions for LET

The National Organization of Professional Teachers Inc is holding its regular review classes for prospective takers of the Licensing Examination for Teachers to be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission in Hong Kong this September.

The regular review classes are held every Sunday until Aug 26 at the Bayanihan Center in Kennedy Town.

The final coaching will be conducted by the Carl Balita Review Center at the Bayanhihan Hall on Sept 2, Stanley Community Hall on Sept 9 and Bayanihan Hall on Sept 16.

Join the Coins for Bethune House fund-raising project

The Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge is calling on more organizations and individuals to join its annual Coins for Bethune House fundraising project, which is meant to raise funds to sustain the shelter’s programs and expenses.

Those who wish to join may collect cans or jars for their donations from the Mission for Migrant Workers office in St John’s Cathedral on Garden Road, Hong Kong, or from the Bethune shelter on #2 Jordan Road, Kowloon.

Those who have already filled their cans are enjoined to submit them as soon as possible to #2 Jordan from Monday to Saturday, and to the Mission office on Sundays. The deadline for submitting the cans is on Sept 30.

The first counting of donations made through the cans began on Aug. 12, and will continue for the next Sundays until the deadline.

Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio is appealing for more help, citing a financial crisis brought about by the unexpected withdrawal of funding support from big corporate donors.

“We are always grateful and thankful for the support the Filipino Community extends to our migrants in distress, especially women. And as everybody knows, the Bethune House is undergoing a crisis to come up with a significant amount to augment its finances to sustain its programs and expenses,” she said.

“It is during times of need that challenges turn into opportunities. It is through this that the Coins For Bethune House project was born years ago. It continues to help sustain us, which is why your coins are very much welcome,” Antonio also asserted.

For enquiries, please call 27213119, 25228264 or 93572125.

Note from Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge: “We met this young girl when we visited Bradbury School. She came to us with her teacher, holding a hundred dollar bill. She said  she and her sister made chatterboxes to sell to raise money for Bethune House. She is worried about the women at Bethune House. We, the residents were speechless by her compassion, sense of charity and social responsibility at her age, so humbled and touched by her gesture.”

Pinay in reported suicide to be flown home

Ariel (in red shirt) and other relatives meet with
CG Morales (in suit) at the Consulate

By The SUN-HK

Consulate officers say the remains of the Filipina who allegedly hanged herself at her employer’s home will be flown home on Aug. 27.

A day before this, or on Aug. 26, a Sunday, a public viewing of her body will be held at the North District Hospital in Sheung Shui, from 12 noon to 3pm. Mourners are requested to wear white.

According to Lorna Obedoza, welfare officer at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, the employers of the victim had paid for the repatriation, and also paid for long service for the seven and a half years that the Filipina had worked for them.

The employers also reportedly asked for understanding from those who had been bashing them because they did not show up at the hospital where their longtime helper was in critical condition for about a week before she was taken off life support.

According to Obedoza, the employers said they were also distraught at the helper’s passing, as she had been with them for a long time.

The victim’s husband, who is to fly back home to Anini-y, Antique to await his wife’s repatriation, had earlier called on the police to look into a possible foul play in the death of his wife.

Ariel, who also met with Consul General Antonio A. Morales on Aug. 13, said he did not believe his wife had committed suicide.

Ariel told The SUN his late wife, who would have turned 33 years old on Aug. 18, had not told him of any problem except for alleged death threats she had been hearing shortly before she was found dead.

“Lagi po kasing naririnig ng misis ko na papadampot siya at patayin,” Ariel said, but did not specify who might have been behind these threats.

He said his wife had told two of her friends on Jul 31 about the death threats but did not have time to report them to the police or Consulate.

Ariel also claimed his wife’s phone had been emptied of messages and reformatted when police recovered it. In addition, a piece of luggage where she hid her work contract and other important documents were reportedly missing.

Ariel corrected earlier reports that they had just gotten married, saying they were wed on June 25, 2009. His wife just went home recently to celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary with him. They had no children.

Other relatives told Morales that the victim, who used to work as a sales lady at a department store, used to take her day off only once a month and seldom met up with them.

The victim, who was briefly revived on being taken to hospital, was taken off life support system at 2pm on Aug 8, nearly 48 hours since she was declared brain-dead by doctors in the intensive care unit.

One of her cousins said that contrary to earlier reports, the victim was found by her employer in the toilet, and not in the maid’s bedroom of their luxury villa in The Green, Sheung Shui in the morning of Aug. 1.

Reports said the maid had hung herself with a wire, although a bottle of pesticide was also found in the room. There was no suicide note.

Police had indicated they found nothing suspicious, and were only investigating the reason for her suicide.

After talking to the victim’s relatives, Morales said the Consulate needs to conduct seminars for Filipino workers here on mental health. He added that they need to call the PCG immediately if they are troubled.

“We will be holding seminars to teach our workers how to cope with stress so that we can avoid tragedies like this,” Morales told The SUN. He said the Consulate’s hotline is also open 24 hours a day to answer calls.

“We have counselors here who can give them advice if they have problems,” he said.

The same advice was given earlier by Consul Paulo Saret, head of the assistance to nationals section. He said OFWs should also talk to relatives and friends about their problems to get these off their chests.

They could also call The Samaritans, which runs a 24-hour multilingual suicide prevention hotline at 2896 0000. Emails can also be sent to jo@samaritans.org.hk.

Allied Express Travel opens two new branches

Within just a week, Allied Express Travel opened two new branches in Hong Kong, in a bid to expand its market share of the Filipino market.
The first new branch opened on Aug. 5 at the Hop Yick Commercial Centre at 33 Hop Choi Street in Yuen Long. The second opened on Aug. 12 at shop 201 in Worldwide Plaza in Central.
Daisy Briones, chief executive officer of Allied Express Travel, said she was overwhelmed by the warm response from the public to their “Two Grand Openings,” especially the one at Worldwide Plaza.
“We had a soft opening of our Worldwide branch a few days before the grand launch, and the customers just started coming, mostly walk-ins,” said Briones. “We are truly grateful for this warm reception.”
The company’s chief operating officer, Jassen Trankow, said Allied Express Travel aims to build up customer trust and satisfaction as it continues to expand its operations.
Among the guests at the travel agency’s grand openings were representatives from Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, media people, friends and family members.

Customers and staff celebrate the grand opening the World Wide Plaza (photo above) and Yuen Long Branch (photo below) of Allied Express Travel. The two events were attended by Daisy Briones, CEO of Allied Express Travel; Jeffrey Briones, manager of Allied Express and Jassen Trankow, COO of Allied Express, as well as representatives from Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Allied Express Travel, which was founded in 1995, still has its main office at No 3 Queen Victoria Street in Central.

License of employment agency revoked

The Labour Department (LD) has revoked the licence of an employment agency, Galaxy Maid Employment Consultants Limited, Central and Causeway Bay.

Labour Department headquarters in Central.

LD also reminded operators of employment agencies to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the Code of Practice for EAs at all times.

Galaxy’s license was cancelled for failure “to meet the standards set out in the Code by failing to include all required items in the service agreements for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and their employers, failing to keep the written confirmation of FDHs and their employers that they had been briefed about their statutory rights and obligations as well as the content of the Standard Employment Contract by the EA, and failing to keep records relating to the dealings with employers.”

It added: “Despite repeated warnings given by the Employment Agencies Administration (EAA) of the LD, the EA was unable to rectify the irregularities detected.”

The LD spokesman said, “The Code sets out the salient legal requirements that EA operators must observe in operating their business, as well as the minimum standards which the Commissioner expects of EAs. The EAA conducts regular and surprise inspections of EAs and issues warning letters to EAs for contraventions of the Code, so as to rectify any irregularity detected.     

“Under the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 that came into effect on February 9, 2018, the Commissioner is empowered under sections 53(1)(c)(iva), 53(1)(d)(iii) and 53(1)(e)(ii) to refuse to issue or renew a licence, or to revoke a licence, if the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee, or a related person of or an individual employed by the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee, has not complied with a code of practice issued under section 62A(1) of the Ordinance.”

This is the fifth case this year involving revocation of or refusal to renew an EA license. Previously, Familia Employment Agency, an EA located in Tai Po, had its licence revoked after the licensee was convicted of overcharging three job seekers. A further two EAs, namely Tin Wai Employment Company Limited, an EA located in Mong Kok and Tuen Mun, and Good Family Employment Agency Company Limited located in Kennedy Town, had their licences revoked respectively for contravening the Code and providing misleading information during the inspections and enquiries of the EAA and for contravening the Code by being involved in the financial affairs of job seekers, failing to issue payment receipts and having the management fail to closely supervise its staff. Another EA named JK Company located in Mong Kok had its license renewal refused.

Lanie is back home – for now

By Daisy CL Mandap

Lanie at HK airport about to fly home

Nine months after fleeing the flat of a couple she claims subjected her to slave-like treatment, Lanie Grace Rosareal, 28, has returned home.

The Filipina domestic worker left Hong Kong on Aug. 11, after finally being allowed to apply for a new employment visa so she could resume work while fighting her case against her former employer and her companion who Rosareal says, subjected her to physical abuse, and did not pay her salary for six months.

Rosareal was one of the few lucky migrant workers who could go home while waiting for their cases to be resolved. Many others are forced to either remain in Hong Kong -unemployed for months while the police investigate their cases - or to just give up the fight and return home.

Luck for Rosareal came when the solicitors firm, Daly, Ho and Associates, one of Hong Kong’s foremost human rights advocates, agreed to take up her case. Shocked by the sight of a “punishment book” where her employer’s companion, Au Wai-chun, had listed down imaginary faults for which Rosareal was fined each time, solicitor Patricia Meason-Ho readily agreed to take up her case.

On this page in the "punishment book" Au warned: "Also continue like this I sure will send you to police"

Here, Au calculated that up to Oct 23 (2017) the maid owed $3,600. The next day, it shot up to $5,000. 

Another fact that stood out was Au’s prior conviction for pouring hot water on a Bangladeshi maid for which the retired immigration officer was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay damages of $200,000.

On the solicitors’ advice, Rosareal managed to have a new employment contract filed with Immigration within the 10-day limit she was given so she could exit and wait for her visa in the Philippines.

Help was also extended by Consul Paulo Saret of the Philippine Consulate General and Labor Attache Leonida Romulo, who teamed up to make sure the Filipina’s new employment contract was processed within one day so she could immediately file it with Immigration.

But on Thursday, Aug. 9, Rosareal’s bid to acquire a new work visa was almost derailed when an Immigration officer rejected her employment contract, and even shouted “Do not waste my time!” when she suggested he conferred with her counselor. A quick call from Daly and Ho caused the officer to back off and accept the contract.

Also working in Rosareal’s favor was an incisive story on her case written by Simon Parry for the SCMP magazine, and published on Aug. 12. The article included lengthy interviews with Rosareal and her alleged tormentor, 65-year-old Au, and her erstwhile employer, Leung Shet-ying, 63.

In the article, Au denied hurting Rosareal, saying she treated the maid either as a “naughty daughter” or “naughty student” for which she had set up some rules for punishment and rewards.

While reportedly admitting that she imposed a penalty on Rosareal for every infraction, Au claimed she gave back most of the maid’s salary after taking it to pay for the cumulative fines for the month. However, no record was made in the punishment book for any such salary that had been paid back.

Rosareal fled the house shared by Leung and Au in Tseung Kwan O on Nov 17 last year. She was rescued, along with newly hired Filipina maid, Rowela S. Suete, by a Filipino community leader who had responded to Suete’s appeal for help on Facebook.

In statements she made to labour officers and the police, Rosareal claimed that Au had subjected her to almost daily torture from May to November last year. The elderly woman had reportedly hit her on the head with a knife and a TV remote control, boxed her in the arm, clawed on her wrists and neck, poked her at the throat with a pair of scissors, and made her kneel and bang her head on the floor.

Once, the maid said she was told to bang her forehead thrice on the floor, but when she failed to do it hard enough on the first try, Au, who reportedly pretends to be wheelchair-bound when outside the house, stomped hard on her back. At Suete’s prodding, Rosareal said she took a photo of the big bump on her forehead as evidence.

Rosareal's photo of the bump on her forehead

During the prolonged abuse, Leung reportedly stayed out of the way most of the time, but would be prevailed upon by Au sometimes to hit the Filipina with a walking stick.

Apart from the abuse, Rosareal said she was not paid her salary for the entire period because of the penalties that Au imposed for such a range of bizarre infractions such as “give the ugly hanger” to “not pay attention to the underwear” or “not stand in front of her when she complains”.

Leung would reportedly pay her salary each month, but would then tell her to go to Au to settle her “penalties.” Rosareal said that as a result, she never got any pay, but would just be given $100 or $200 by Au the few times she was allowed to leave for a few hours on a Sunday.

She never took an entire day off, Rosareal claimed, because by the end of each month, she would always come out owing Au. For the period of Sept 22 to Oct 23, for example, Au’s computation showed she still owed $3,750 after turning over her entire salary.

On her last entry in the punishment book, a total sum of $29,230 was recorded, presumably as the accumulation of all her unpaid penalties.

Recalling those times recently, Rosareal bitterly said Au would even take her to a shopping mall sometimes, and would make a big show of splurging on luxury items from the fines that she collected.

"She would show me an expensive bag or a blouse which she said she had bought with my money," the Filipina said. 

Rosareal's photo - taken while Au on trial for
her assault on Bangladeshi maid in 2014

Despite her lengthy ordeal, Lanie did not get immediate relief. Police in Tseung Kwan O took her statement without an interpreter, then told her Au had been arrested, but was allowed to post bail. She was given no more updates since.

A check with the Police Public Relations Bureau showed that Au was arrested on Dec. 11, 2017 for "criminal assault and intimidation" but was released on police bail. She was required to report back in late August, a good eight months away. "Investigation of the case has been completed and is pending legal advice," said the advisory.

Au on her way to her trial in a wheelchair and
wearing a hand splint - SCMP photo 

In the meantime, Hong Kong Immigration kept extending Rosareal's visa, but when she submitted a new employment contract, she was told it would not be processed until her case was resolved. 

Failing to get Leung to pay her claims before Labour Department conciliators, Rosareal took her case to the Labour Tribunal. But in January this year, she faced another setback when Tribunal Officer Mary Wu decided that all she was entitled to was $2,408.70 in unpaid wages and traveling allowance.

Wu said in open court that it was not irregular for Leung to pay Rosareal's salary, then tell the maid to go to Au to settle her "penalties".

"That is nothing to do with the contract. You are being punished because maybe you have done something wrong and that's why the employer punish you or that Madam Au punish you and you have to pay compensation to them," said Wu.

The tribunal officer told Rosareal to go to the Small Claims Tribunal if she wished to get her money back from Au, and at one point even suggested the maid could have written on the punishment book herself.

Left with no choice but to wait for the police to act on her case, Rosareal tried to keep her spirits up by doing volunteer work for the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. She also helped some of her fellow wards at a government shelter pursue their respective cases, but it was not always easy. Unemployed and still suffering from the trauma of the past year, Rosareal had to go for counseling

three times a week, and in between, look for ways to keep afloat and sane.

She had thought of going home, but was prevailed upon by several people to stay, saying police would probably dismiss her complaint if she left.

With the latest twist in her story going her way, Rosareal says she hopes justice is finally within reach.

What's on where

PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: 

The Philippine Consulate General and all its attached agencies including POLO will be closed on the following date:
Aug 27 – National Heroes Day (Philippines)
Sept. 25 – Day Following Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
Oct. 1 – PRC National Day (HK)
Oct 17 – Cheung Yeung Festival (HK)
There will be no official transactions on these dates.
In case of emergency, call:  9155 4023 (Consular assistance), 5529 1880 (POLO), 6345 9324 (OWWA)

Give Care to our Caregivers
Aug. 19, 12nn – 5pm, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
Organized by: Mission for Migrant Workers. Volunteers welcome: Call Cynthia, 9740 9406 or Esther, 9711 1673

Empanada and Embutido Making
(Livelihood Skills Training). Aug 19, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Bayanihan Centre, 55 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town.First come, first served. Kindly bring  Apron, Hairnet, Minimal contribution for ingredients (Free training but cost of ingredients will be equally shouldered by participants, finished products will be taken home. Organized by: CARD HK Foundation. Call: 9529 6392/5423 8196/ 9606 6810

Linis Wais (Basic Hygiene Sanitation and Food Safety Training)
Aug. 19, 2-4pm,PCG Conference Room. Speaker/Trainer: Jhell Palomaria, Certified – Food Safety by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. Certificates will be issued. Registration closed as of Aug 10. For info, check the Consulate Facebook page

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 this schedule: * 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 Advice: Only 10 participants will be allowed into the Donation Centre every hour to avoid overcrowding

Foreign Domestic Work: Understanding the Journey
(Talk by Dr. Ju-chen Chen of Chinese University of HK)
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

Silid Sining Pinay: Unlocking Pinay Creativity
Painting Workshop Sessions for OFWs in HK with Filipino artist Grace P. Camacho.  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” Free Fire Safety Classes
First Session: Sept 8 (Saturday) at Tung Lo Wan Fire Station, 111 Victoria Park Rd., Causeway Bay, HK. Second Session: Oct 20 (Saturday) at Wong Tai Sin Fire Station, 28 Fung Tak Road, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon Twenty slots are available for each session. Certificates will be given.To register, send your name and mobile phone number by email to gadhongkong@gmail.com with the title: “FIRE”. For other details, check the Philippine Consulate General Facebook page

Hike for a Cause
(Fund-raising for 10-year-old Charlene Kate Lariosa who is suffering from chronic kidney failure)
Sept. 23, 9:30am-11:30am. Route: Peak to Mount High West View. Meeting place: Peak Galleria. Contact: Marites, 5711 1533

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 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

Baka gusto mong salihan ito

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 inquiries, please call  2147-5988.

Caritas also has the following programs for foreign domestic workers:

Medical Consultation and Acupuncture Services
Sept 16- Oct 21, 10 am – 1pm
$10 minimal fee will be collected)

Occupational Health and Safety Workshop
Sept 16- Nov 25 (6 Sundays in total), 10:30am-12:30pm
$20 minimal fee will be collected
Venue: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre. G/F., No. 28A Fortress Hill Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong.
For inquiries, 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

Ang kapalaran mo sa Agosto

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94

Maganda ang resulta ng pinagpaguran. Pero, posibleng makaranas ng kabiguan sa relasyon. May banta ng pamamaga at hirap sa pag-ihi. Gagawa ka ng paraan upang makaiwas sa pagkabagot at kawalan ng sigla ng buhay. Manunumbalik ang kumpiyansa sa sarili dahil sa swerteng darating. Lahat ng hiling mo para sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ay matutupad. Bisitahin at kumustahin ang mga magulang. Lucky numbers: 7, 15, 21 at 41.
.
BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Maraming pagbabago ang magaganap sa linggong ito, harapin ito ng maayos at sumakay lang sa agos. Masasaktan ka dahil magkakagusto ka sa taong malabong magkagusto sa iyo. Gawing kapaki-pakinabang ang oras ng pahinga at huwag ubusin sa pag-inom o panonood ng TV. Ginagawa mo ang kaya mo upang maging masaya ang tahanan, pero tila hindi ito sapat at hindi ito pansin ng asawa mo kaya nagiging bayolente ang reaksyon mo. \Lucky numbers: 7, 26, 35 at 40.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Pagkakataon mo na upang makatikim ng swerte; subukan mong lumaro. Sa pag-ibig, madali mong mahahanap ang tamang kilos at salita upang humupa ang tensyon at mapakalma ang mahal mo. Ang pagkakaroon ng eczema ay maaaring dulot ng stress at nerbiyos na pinagdadaanan. Sa trabaho, hindi maiiwasan ang pagtatalo. Masusubukan mo ang katapatan ng mga kaibigan na handang suportahan ka. Lucky numbers: 21, 28, 30 at 38.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Masigla ang katawan at pag-iisip. Madali kang makakagawa ng desisyon at makakaisip ng paraan na makakatulong sa trabaho at pinansyal na kalagayan. Masaya ang relasyon mo ngayon kaya magaan ang pakiramdam mo. Nanaisin mong magsaya at mag-enjoy kapiling ang mga taong kasundo mo. Magaan kang kumain ngayon, at wala kang pakialam sa sasabihin ng iba; ikaw rin ang mahihirapan pagdating ng araw. Lucky numbers: 19, 29, 37 at 42.
.
TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Malulusutan mo ng maayos ang isang delikadong sitwasyon. Mag-ingat na masobrahan ang tiwala sa sarili sa lalo na sa pakikipag-usap tungkol sa malakihang transaksyon sa negosyo. Kung hinahanap ang sister soul, matutupad ang hangarin mo. Madali kang mapagod, bantayan ang kinakain, dapat ay balanse ito at magaan sa tiyan. Mahalaga sa iyo ang relasyon sa pamilya kaya pilipitin mong maging masaya ang tahanan; pero iwasang maging mapaghanap. Lucky numbers: 3, 19, 33 at 45.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Gusto mong pagsabayin ang trabaho at pagsasaya upang mag-enjoy habang nagta-trabaho, pero iwasan muna ito ngayon dahil baka ka mapasama; mas mainam na umiwas muna sa ipinagbabawal. Sa isang banda, hangad mo ring matuto pa at makatuklas ng bagong bagay, gawin agad ito. Ang suporta at samahan ng pamilya ay mahalaga sa iyo, at kahit hindi mo sinasabi o ipinapakita, alam ng mahal mo sa buhay na may puwang sila sa buhay mo. Lucky numbers: 11, 18, 35 at 40.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Malinaw kung ano ang gusto mo at matalas ang isip mo kaya madali kang makaalpas sa mahirap na kalagayan, kung hindi ka panghihinaan ng loob. Masasayang oras ang pagsasaluhan, kung magtatagal ang relasyon. Madali kasing mahulog ang loob mo sa mga bagong kakilala. Higpitang mabuti ang pagba-budget mo at iwasan ang sobrang gastos upang maiwasan ang nerbiyos tuwing katapusan ng buwan. Lucky numbers: 13, 25, 32 at 42.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Hindi makakasama ang pagkain ng pasta kaya huwag matakot na baka tumaba. Sa trabaho, matapang mong isusulong ang gusto mong gawin at hindi alintana ang mga problema, matupad lang ang hangarin mo. Mag-ingat lang na baka magkaroon ng seryosong hidwaan sa mas nakakataas sa iyo tungkol sa otoridad. May magandang balitang darating: sagutin ang telepono at abangan ang sulat. Lucky numbers: 16, 29, 38 at 44.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
May tsansa na mapasok ka sa isang relasyon na kahit walang patutunguhan ay magbibigay sa iyo ng saya. Pero maaring maging sanhi rin ito ng hindi inaasahang pagkasira at pagkasugat ng damdamin. Gagawin mo ang lahat upang malagay sa posisyon na wala kang pananagutan sa iba, kahit pa katumbas nito ang pagbaba ng katayuan. Kaya mong alisin ang hiya at magpakita ng tapang kung talagang kinakailangan. Lucky numbers: 6, 13, 37 at 43.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Mag-ingat sa kinakain, pero huwag pagdamutan ang sarili sa pagkaing gusto mo, huwag lang sobra. Huwag mong balewalain ang kapalaran, kumbinsihin ang sarili na iyan ang itinakda ng tadhana, at bunga ng iyong ginagawa. Huwag umasa na ang sugal ang magiging solusyon sa problema mo sa pera ngayon. Marami ang magpapatunay sa kabutihan ng iyong puso, na labis mong ikalulugod. Lucky numbers: 11, 29, 34 at 42.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Huwag mag-panic kung biglang tumaas ang cholesterol level mo, at huwag agad mag-diyeta nang hindi kumukunsulta sa doktor. Marami kang magagandang plano na gusto mong madaliin na masimulan agad. May ugali kang hindi kagandahan, na akala mo ay makukuha mo ang lahat ng gusto mo, lalo na sa love life. Huwag masyadong maging excited, at umasa agad; maging realistiko upang hindi ka masaktan ng husto. Lucky numbers: 20, 21, 30 at 36.

TANDANG Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Makakaasa ka ng positibong resulta sa pinansyal na kalagayan, sa pamamagitan ng kontrata o alok na negosyo at proyekto. Maswerte ka rin sa sugal. Kung single, matatamo mo ang pangarap na pag-ibig, matatag na buhay at kaligayahan. Masaya para sa iyo ang mga taong malalapit sa iyo dahil sa nakikitang positibong pagbabago mo, - mas palakaibigan, mabait at mas mapagbigay ka kaysa dati. Lucky numbers: 19, 24, 37 at 40.

Duterte daughter’s party grows as PDP factions refuse to unite

While the two warring factions within the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) have refused to unite, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) regional party organized by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has been gaining members from various political groupings.

HNP signed alliances recently with at least eight national and local political parties led by the Nacionalista Party (NP) at the Blue Leaf Filipinas in Parañaque City.

Duterte-Carpio said HNP is willing to help the embattled PDP-Laban and offering a hand of friendship to all other political parties who support the administration of her father, the President.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

She stressed, however, that HNP does not intend to recruit members of PDP-Laban or other national political parties. She said that while the HNP has supporters outside Davao, they have been advised to form their own local parties or join other national parties, including the PDP-Laban.

The Nacionalista Party, which supported Duterte’s presidential bid in 2016, is led by the group of Sen. Cynthia Villar and her husband, former Senate president Manuel Villar.

HNP was registered as a regional political grouping, but several major parties including NP and the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) led by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos have formed alliances with it.

While HNP maintains it is a regional party, it has endorsed some senatorial candidates, such as Duterte’s special assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, re-electionist Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito and former Philippine National Police chief Ronald de la Rosa.

Marcos and re-electionist Sen. Cynthia Villar have been seen joining HNP’s events.

Harry Roque Jr., Malacañang spokesman, who is not from the Davao region, recently took his oath as HNP member. Roque is said to have plans to run for senator in 2019.

HNP was officially launched last February by Duterte-Carpio and Governors Tyrone Uy, Claude Bautista, Anthony del Rosario and Nelson Dayanghirang of the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental, respectively, all of Southern Mindanao.

Last July, the Commission on Elections granted the petition of HNP for recognition as a regional political party.

PDP-Laban is the political party of President Duterte. The HNP was formed amid a falling out between Duterte-Carpio and PDP-Laban stalwart Pantaleon Alvarez Jr., at the time the House speaker. Alvarez remains with the PDP-Laban.

Duterte’s special assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said PDP-Laban will not accept new members until the two warring factions patch up their differences.

Interviewed on radio, Go reiterated Duterte’s advice to the leaders of both factions and the other PDP-Laban members to avoid animosity and ensure that unity will prevail, especially as next year’s elections draw near.

Duterte failed to unite the ruling PDP-Laban during a meeting Thursday night, with the party president, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel 3rd, vehemently refusing any settlement with a rival bloc.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. admitted that PDP-Laban members did not find common ground despite efforts by the President to reconcile the warring factions.

“The President said that the members should talk among themselves and then the President will meet them again in September,” Roque said in an interview on dzRH radio. “Then if they really cannot settle all their issues, they can go their separate ways,” he added.

Duterte, chairman of PDP-Laban, met separately with the group of Pimentel and that of lawyer Rogelio Garcia, the President’s classmate, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Thursday night.

The meeting came two weeks after the faction of PDP-Laban led by Garcia held an assembly and elected a new set of officers to replace Pimentel as party president and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as secretary general. The group also elected Go as interim national auditor of the party.

Despite the President’s meddling in the in-fighting of the PDP-Laban members, the feuding factions apparently did not find a common ground.
Go said Duterte would hold another meeting with the two groups “with hopes of having a stronger and united PDP-Laban party.”

Filipino maid arrested with employer in police swoop on loan sharks

By Vir B. Lumicao

Employer was arrested at this corner in North Point
(source: Wikipedia Commmons)

Police have arrested a Hong Kong man and his Filipino domestic helper during an anti-loan-sharking operation in North Point.

A police spokeswoman said the 65-year-old man surnamed Cheung was arrested at noon on Monday, Aug. 13, by officers of the Regional Anti-Triad Unit of Hong Kong Island while lending money to two Filipino women, aged 29 and 37, at the corner of King’s Road and Shu Kuk Street.

The area is notorious for being a meeting place between loan sharks and their prey, mainly foreign helpers needing cash.

The spokeswoman said Cheung was arrested for lending money at excessive interest rates and attempting to manage an unlicensed money lending business.

A search of the man’s flat, also in North Point, reportedly led to the arrest of his 41-year-old Filipina maid on suspicion of assisting in managing an unlicensed money lending business.

Both suspects were reportedly still in custody as of this writing.

Seized from the flat were several passports, bankbooks, other documents, a tablet and $100,000 cash.

The spokeswoman said the arrests came during an anti-loan-sharking operation by police codenamed “Sky Scroller and Thunderbolt 18”.

Records seized reportedly showed Cheung was trying to lend money to seven people at an interest rate of 120% per annum, twice as much as the maximum limit of 60%.

The spokeswoman said Cheung had asked for the borrowers’ passports as collateral.

Other reports said the illicit money lending had been in operation for two years, and targeted mainly Filipino domestic workers on Hong Kong Island.

Police have reportedly not ruled out arresting more people. 

Super hero Alden, nag-rate agad sa manonood

Nagsimula na ang pagganap ni Alden Richards sa action–adventure series na “Victor Magtanggol”, ang pinakamalaking TV series ng GMA Network, bilang isang super hero, na ang kuwento ay base sa Norse mythology. At agad nagrating ang show,

Hindi daw ito kinopya sa Hollywood movie na “Thor”, bagamat ang costume niya ay may pagkahawig kay Thor, na may kapa at may mahiwagang maso o hammer. Pero ang mga pangunahing karakter sa Thor na magkapatid na sina Thor at Loki ay bahagi sa pagsisimula ng kuwento, kung paano napunta kay Victor Magtanggol ang armor at hammer ni Thor, at kapangyarihan nito, na ia-akma ang kuwento sa kasalukuyang panahon.

Bilang paghahanda sa pagiging ganap na action star, sumailalim sa matinding workout sa gym at martial arts training si Alden, na sinabayan niya ng pagda-diet upang mapaganda ang kanyang katawan. Mataas din lagi ang energy level niya dahil nasanay na siyang gumagawa ng mga bagay ng sabay sabay, gaya nang paglabas-labas sa Eat Bulaga, at paglalagare sa iba’t ibang commitments. Nag-eenjoy naman daw kasi siya sa kanyang trabaho at gusto niya ang kanyang mga katrabaho.

Masaya daw siya sa paggagawa ng action scenes at lalo na sa kinalabasan ng mga nagawa na nila dahil talagang ginastusan ito ng malaki ng GMA. Kinunan ang ilang mga eksena sa Canada at Japan

Katambal ni Alden si Janine Gutierrez, na kasalukuyang tumatanggap ng pang-aalipusta sa mga die hard AlDub fans dahil para sa kanila, si Maine Mendoza lang ang nababagay kay Alden. Kasama rin nila sina Andrea Torres, John Estrada, Connie Reyes, Al Tantay, Freddie Webb, Benjie Paras, Christian Bautista, at marami pang iba, sa direksyon ni Dominic Zapata. 

Sinugalan ng Kapuso network ang Victor Magtanggol, sa pag-asang mapapataob na nila sa wakas ang  “Ang Probinsyano” ni Coco Martin, na halos tatlong taon nang namamayani sa prime time TV.

Pagkatapos nh premiere ng Victor Magtanggol noong July 30, pinagkakaabalahan naman ni Alden ang preparasyon para sa concert niyang “Adrenaline Rush” na gaganapin sa Sept 21 sa Kia Theatre.

KRIS AT VICE, NAGBATI
Nagkabati na ang dating magkaibigang sina Kris Aquino at Vice Ganda, matapos ang mahaba-habang panahon na hindi pag-uusap. Nangyari ito nang bumili ng maraming ticket si Vice sa Trinoma, kung saan palabas ang “I Love You Hater” movie, dahil wala daw available na sinehan para sa block screening. Nang malaman ito ni Kris, sumugod sila ng anak na si Bimby sa Trinoma sa gitna ng malakas na ulan, upang personal na magpasalamat kay Vice at sa  mga kaibigan nito sa pagtangkilik sa kanyang pelikula. Ang mga bidang sina Julia Barretto at Joshua Garcia ay dumating din upang magpasalamat.

Mahigpit na nagyakapan sina Vice at Kris nang magkita, at maging si Bimby, na naging malapit din dati sa komedyante ay tuwang-tuwang yumakap din. Napaluha si Kris sa tuwa, dahil na-miss daw nito ang kaibigan, at napasaya rin nito ang anak. Nagkatampuhan daw ang dalawa nang hindi napaunlakan ni Kris ang hiling ni Vice na mag-guest sa nakaraang Manila Filmfest entry nitong Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad.

Bago nangyari ito, nag-emote si Kris sa social media na siya ang dapat sisihin kung sakaling mahina sa takilya ang ILYH, kumpara sa mga naunang pelikula nina Julia at Joshua.

Agad na kumilos ang ilang kaibigan ni Kris at kabi-kabila ang nagpa-block screening na nagpalakas sa kita nito sa takilya. Na-touch si Kris sa biglang pagdating nina Kim Chiu at Angel Locsin upang suportahan ang pelikula, kaya napatunayan daw niyang tunay na mga kaibigan ang mga ito.

Bukod pa dito, nagkabati na rin sina Kris at ang kanyang kuya, ang dating presidenteng Noynoy Aquino, na ilang buwan ring hindi nag-usap. Nagpakumbaba daw si Kris na tawagan ito upang humingi ng tulong para mapakalma ang panganay na anak niyang si Joshua, na noo’y nasa ospital dahil sa “severe acid reflux at ulcers”, at nag-aalburuto. Hindi daw kayang pigilan ito ng mga nars kapag kinukunan ng blood sample at iba pang procedures, gaya ng colonoscopy. Si PNoy ang naisipang lapitan ni Kris dahil naging father figure ito kay Joshua noong madalas itong naiiwan noon sa bahay ng lola niya at ng binatang presidente sa Times St.

Nang makauwi na si Joshua, dinalaw naman siya ni Willie Revillame, at dinalhan ng Wowowin jacket. Ayon kay Kris paborito daw talaga ni Joshua si Willie at laging pinapanood ang show nito. Tuwang tuwa ang panganay ni Kris nang ipasyal siya ni Willie sa paligid ng subdivision nila, sakay ang magarang pulang sports car niya. Balitang pinag-uusapan na rin nina Kris at Willie ang project na pagsasamahan nila.

 Samantala, ibinalita ni Kris na imbitado siya sa premiere ng Hollywood movie na “Crazy Rich Asians” , kung saan ay nagkaroon siya ng special participation. Gaganapin ito sa TCL Chinese Theatre sa Hollywood sa Aug 7, at ipapalabas ito sa mga sinehan simula sa Aug 15.

DANIEL, OUT NA SA MARAWI MOVIE
Nanghihinayang ang Kapamilya actor at si Piolo Pascual sa hindi pagkakasali ng sikat na young star na si Daniel Padilla sa ginagawa nilang pelikula na  tungkol sa Marawi, na may pamagat na “ Children of the Lake”. Hindi na raw nila pwedeng hintayin si Daniel, na ngayon ay abala sa ginagawa nitong pelikulang “ The Hows of Us”, dahil nakatakda nang linisin ang lugar na pagkukunan nila ng eksena, kaya kailangan nilang mag-apura. Ang baguhang aktor na si Marc Felix ang mapalad na napili para pumalit kay Daniel.

Maliban kay Piolo at Marc, ang iba pang artistang kasali sa pelikula ay sina Robin Padilla, Mylene Dizon, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Sid Lucero, Ronnie Quizon, Mark Anthony Celebrado, Jess Mendoza, Mariam Zimadar at Ronnie Lazaro. Ito ay sa direksyon ni Sheron Dayoc, at produced ng Spring Films nina Piolo at Director Joyce Bernal. Ang kabuuan ng pelikula ay kukunan sa Marawi, dahil totoong kuwento ito ng nangyaring kaguluhan doon at ang mga naging karanasan ng mga taga-Marawi. Ang target date nilang maipalabas ito ay sa May 2019, na anibersaryo ng giyera sa Marawi, o sa June 2019, bilang independence day presentation.

Ayon kay Piolo, US$1million ang budget ng pelikula, at nakikipag-usap pa sila sa ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at ibang sponsors para mabigyan sila ng suporta. Ang post production ng pelikula, na isang war movie,  ay gagawin daw sa ibang bansa kaya malaking pera ang kanilang kailangan. Ang lahat ng kikitain ng pelikula ay mapupunta sa “Tindig Marawi”, na ang malilikom na pondo ay ilalaan para sa rehabilitasyon ng siyudad na winasak ng giyera.

CARLA AT TOM, MAY LOTE PARA SA DREAM HOUSE 
Sigurado na raw si Tom Rodriguez na ang kapwa niya Kapuso na si Carla Abellana na ang gusto niyang mapangasawa. Napag-uusapan na rin daw nila ang kasal, pero sa ngayon ay wala pa silang petsang napili. Malabo daw itong mangyari sa taong ito dahil marami pa silang tinatapos na commitments.

Inamin din ni Tom na may nabili na silang lupa para sa ipapatayo nilang bahay, kaya naka-check na ito sa kanilang bucket list.

Sa ngayon ay abala pa si Tom sa pagtatapos ng TV series na The Cure na pinagbibidahan nila ni Jennylyn Mercado, at ginagawa din niya ang horror film na “Maledicto” kung saan katambal niya si Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Si Carla ay abala rin sa bagong TV series na malapit nang mapanood, ang “Pamilya Roces”, sa direksyon ni Joel Lamangan. Makakasama ni Carla sina Gabbi Garcia, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Gloria Diaz, Elizabeth Oropesa, Gloria Diaz, Christian Bautista, Rocco Nacino, Snooky Serna, Teresita Marquez at Roi Vinzon.

LIZA, GUSTONG MAGING LAWYER
Kahit abala sa kanyang mga showbiz commitments, hindi pa rin nakakalimutan ng Kapamilya star na si Liza Soberano ang kanyang pangarap na makapagtapos ng kolehiyo. Nagtapos siya ng high school noong 2014 sa St Patrick’s School sa Quezon City, at kahit naantala ang pag-aaral niya, ay pursigido siyang bumalik ulit sa eskuwela. Naka-enrol siya ngayon sa INNOVE Education Solution Program ng Southville International School and Colleges, sa kursong BS Psychology.

Noong bata pa siya at nakatira at nag-aaral sa Amerika, pangarap na daw niyang maging isang lawyer, o abogado. Kung hindi daw siya nag-artista ay libre daw sana siyang nakapag-aral sa military sa Amerika dahil sa kanyang lolo na nasa US Army. Pero dahil hindi na puwede, mag-aaral muna siya ng psychology ngayon, at balang araw ay gusto pa rin niyang ituloy ang pag-aaral ng batas.

Ang kanyang ka-love-team at balitang boyfriend na si Enrique Gil, ay nauna nang nag-enrol sa Southville International School, na affiliated sa Foreign Universities (SISFU), noong nakaraang taon. Ang iba pang artista na nag-aaral din sa naturang kolehiyo ay sina Jodi Sta Maria (Psychology) at Coleen Garcia.

Sina Liza at Enrique ay napapanood gabi-gabi sa TV series na “Bagani”. Patuloy pa rin ang martial arts training ni Liza para sa pelikulang “Darna”, at nakapag-umpisa nang kunan ang kanyang mga eksena bilang Narda.

Labatt Nida takes up HK post, to stay until replaced

By Vir B. Lumicao  

It’s Labatt Nida’s second posting in HK

Newly arrived Labor Attaché Nida Romulo says she will do as the Home Office has told her – to be the Philippine labor attaché in Hong Kong until her replacement comes.

Labor Attaché Nida Romulo: “Ang order po sa akin is to come to Hong Kong as labor attaché, so, I’ll be the labor attaché until my replacement comes. 

Labatt Nida said this in an interview with The SUN on Jul 17, her third day in office. She was sent by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to head the Hong Kong post as a replacement for Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre, who was recalled for still unknown reasons.

But she could be caught in a bind come Aug 1, when Labatt Jolly is supposed to return to his post as head of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, as ordered by Bello in a Jun 27 memo.

The only thing that could prevent that happening is if Labatt Jolly somehow fails to fulfill conditions set for his resumption of office: secure an exemption from a ban on the transfer of government personnel ahead of the May 2019 election, and get all the paperwork done.

(Responding to a recent inquiry, Labatt Jolly said it is not likely he could come as scheduled because of the many paperwork he has to do before he can cleared to resume the post. He did not indicate when he could come).

Romulo, who served as a deputy to two former labor attaches in Hong Kong, Bernardino Julve and Romulo Salud, before being posted as labor attache in Toronto, does not seem perturbed by the confusion that is emanating from the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila.

“Ang order po sa akin is to come to Hong Kong as labor attaché, so, I’ll be the labor attaché until my replacement comes. Kung ano po ang mandate ng opisina namin ay gagawin ko po iyon,” Romulo replied when told about the possibility that there could be two labatts come Aug 1.

“Siyempre, kasama na po ang taking care of the OFWs,” she added.

She said there was no timeframe given for her term as the new POLO head. However, reports from various sources indicate Romulo has only a year to go before compulsory retirement.

On her first three days at work, Romulo was already in the thick of the action, working on, among things, shortening the processing time for work contracts.

She said she had required POLO staff to stay on after normal office hours until they finish all the work for the day. That would cut processing time, she said.

But she could not give a fixed number of days for processing contracts because, she said, the documents would also have to pass through the Consulate.

As of now, Labatt Nida said she would await mandates from DOLE, but assured that all the training programs that have been going on at POLO would continue.

Asked if she had any word from Bello about his reported scrapping of the OFW ID which was promised early last year in place of the much-disparaged overseas employment certificate or OEC, she said she had yet to receive instructions on this.

As for her return to Hong Kong, she said she was impressed by the physical changes in the city – the many new buildings and ongoing works – and astonished by how much rents have risen.

But for now, she is still staying in a hotel, she said.

Suspended jail term for DH caught selling fake Nike shoes

Foreign domestic helpers who sell goods on the side, especially if they are fake, should beware because what they are doing violate their visa conditions.

A Filipina who sold fake Nike shoes on her day off to augment her income learned her lesson the hard way, when she was meted a jail sentence of six weeks, suspended for a year, after she admitted her offense.

Geraldine Hurboda, a 36-year-old domestic worker, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Peter Law in Eastern Court to charges of “possession for sale or any purpose of trade of goods to which a fake trademark was applied” and “breach of condition of stay”.

The prosecution said Hurboda was arrested on Dec 3 last year by a Customs officer posing as a civilian while selling eight pairs of fake Nike shoes to fellow Filipinos near St Joseph’s Church on Garden Road, Central.

The charge read to the defendant said the officer watched for a few minutes as Hurboda laid her merchandise on the pavement for likely buyers to inspect before arresting her.

The prosecutor said Hurboda, who came to Hong Kong on Jul 23, 2016 to work as a domestic helper for a family on Caine Road, Mid-Levels, had a clear record. She had lost her job since her arrest.

Her counsel from the Duty Lawyer Service said in mitigation that Hurboda had admitted her offenses at the earliest instance, adding that she committed them because she wanted to send more money to her ailing mother.

The lawyer read a letter from Hurboda which said she was remorseful and was hoping to get another job in Hong Kong. Her former employer also sent a letter attesting to her good character.

Law imposed a two-week sentence on Hurboda for selling fake goods and six weeks for breaching her condition of stay. Both sentences are to be served concurrently but suspended for 12 months.

“The nature of your breach of condition of stay is different from the nature of other breach of condition cases I’ve heard. Those cases involved people who are not allowed to work at all in Hong Kong. In your case, you were working in Hong Kong when you breached your condition of stay,” Law told Hurboda. – Vir B. Lumicao

Pinay to be tried for wounding fellow maid with cooking pot

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina driver who had earlier pleaded guilty to wounding a fellow domestic helper in Kennedy Town in May with a cooking pot will be tried in Eastern Court in August after she decided to change her plea.

Magistrate Peter Law told the lawyer of Maria Fe Pangue, 52, to review new facts disclosed by the defendant in a statement, when the case was heard on Jul 18.

After a brief adjournment, the lawyer told the court Pangue was reversing her plea and wanted to go to trial.

Pangue was charged with wounding for allegedly hitting fellow helper Jethelyn Sumagay on the head with a cooking pot more than once during a quarrel on May 22 on the podium of The Belchers residential estate in Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town.

Defendant is charged with hitting a fellow domestic helper on the head with a cooking pot

But after the facts of her case were read in court, Pangue said, “I plead guilty, but I have a statement about my case, your honor.”

She passed the written statement on to the magistrate, who read it and noted the differences between her account of the incident and the facts cited in the police statement.

The police report said Pangue, who worked as a driver-helper of a family residing at a tower in the estate, “unlawfully wounded” Sumagay.

But Law noted that in her statement, the defendant claimed she was struck first on the face with the pot’s lid by the victim, prompting her to hit the latter’s head once, causing it to bleed.

Law set the trial for Aug 22 in Eastern Court.