2 cancer-stricken Filipina DHs return home

By Vir B. Lumicao

Elma, looking frail and thin after her surgery, is met by her mother (right) at Manila airport

Two Filipina domestic workers who are waging a battle against cancer have returned home to be reunited with their families.

The more serious of the two patients, 39-year-old Elma P. dela Cruz, flew home this morning, Oct 29, on a Philippine Airlines flight to Manila, from where she will be transported overland by an ambulance to Santiago City, Isabela, in the Cagayan Valley.

The other patient is Airene Hogan, a 33-year-old mother of two young daughters who decided to fly home on Sept 26 to Davao City where she would continue her medication and possible surgery to remove her colorectal cancer.

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Today’s flight was the third attempt of Dela Cruz to return home. She was set to fly home on Aug 29, but her condition turned worse. Then she was rebooked for a flight on Oct 23, but doctors put off her release.

Dela Cruz was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November last year. Her employer did not rehire her after learning about the diagnosis. But despite her medical condition, a British employer signed her up so she could continue getting treated in Hong Kong.

In August, she was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan after complaining of blurring vision. Doctors found out that her cancer had metastasized to her brain. She underwent brain surgery on Aug 27 to remove a tumor that had caused her partial blindness.

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Dela Cruz, a mother of a girl aged 19 and a boy aged 16, had been confined in the hospital since then.

Her plight was brought to public attention by Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers, through a crowdfunding campaign.

More donors stepped forward after The SUN published a story about her case on Aug 24. Migrant workers and Hong Kong residents alike chipped in to raise a total of $36,440, all coursed through Social Justice.

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In accordance with Dela Cruz’s wish, the donated money was mainly sent to her family in the Philippines, but was also used to buy her air ticket home.

In addition, a Hong Kong couple who read The SUN's story sent $13,200 directly to Dela Cruz's family in the Philippines. The couple also promised an additional cash aid of $16,000 to help her rehabilitation once she gets back home.

This morning, the patient's childhood friend Mary Alejo attended to her discharge from the hospital and took her to Hong Kong airport. Manilyn Abuana, a Social Justice member who was taking her vacation in Bacolod City, escorted Dela Cruz on the flight.

Elma was accompanied on the plane by fellow OFW Manilyn Abuana

At the airport, Josz Villa, a nurse connected with  the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Hong Kong office, waited with a wheelchair for Dela Cruz, then helped her check in and clear Customs and Immigration, and onto a plane.

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When the plane arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila before 2pm today, Dela Cruz was met by her mother and an ambulance team sent by the local government of Santiago City to fetch her. The 330km northeast trip would last 10 hours.

She will go straight to a hospital in Santiago for a check-up before going into home quarantine, said Palma.

Dela Cruz came to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper for a Chinese couple on Nov 8, 2018. When her contract came up for renewal last November, she went for a medical examination and was diagnosed to have breast cancer. The employer didn’t rehire her.

A British couple signed her up next even after being told she had cancer. They also helped her undergo mastectomy at Pamela Youde. When they eventually left Hong Kong, they let Dela Cruz keep her visa for a few more months so she’d get treatment.

Airene shows the money sent to her in the Philippines by DWC members

Airene Hogan, colorectal cancer patient

Hogan, meanwhile, is back with her family in Davao City but struggling against her colorectal cancer, which her doctors reportedly said was progressing towards Stage 4.

She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on Aug 3, and decided to go home the next month after her employer released her from their contract. On her return in the Philippines, she sought a second opinion which confirmed the earlier diagnosis.

On Oct 20, she posted an appeal for help through the Facebook page of the online group Domestic Workers Corner, saying she needed to undergo surgery to treat her ailment. 

The group managed to immediately raise cash donations totaling $3,897, which they remitted to her on Thursday.

In the post that was accompanied by her photo on her sickbed, Hogan said that on doctor's advice she opted for surgery, but didn’t have the money for it, that’s why she asked for help.

In the meantime, she said she needs to boost her health before the surgery as she has lost weight and has not been sleeping well because of the intense pain from her cancer.

While still in Hong Kong, friends and fellow workers advised her to stay on and get treated here, but she decided to just go home to be with her family.

 

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Umela resumes massage training amid pandemic

By Daisy CL Mandap 

Umela trainees practise full-body massage under Baquirin's watchful eye

The anti-government protests, followed by the Covid-19 outbreak might have sidelined them temporarily, but the people behind United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association (Umela HK) are back providing massage training to dozens of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Last Sunday, Oct 24, the group had one of its hand-on massage training sessions at The SUN’s office, where trainees took turns massaging each other under the watchful eye of Umela founder and president Ofelia Baquirin and trainor Amelia Mistoles.

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On other days, Baquirin gets help providing hands-on training to the masseuse wannabes from Juliet Morillo and Remedios Smith.

After about six months of training, the students are now preparing for their graduation in the first week of December. It is the second batch of graduates for this year, with each group totaling about 20 students.

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For Baquirin, the upcoming graduation comes as a relief because being able to conduct training without interruption has proved very daunting for her and her fellow trainors for the past several months.

In the past, Umela often gathered its trainees in a quiet nook near the High Court in Admiralty for their lectures and to teach them massage. But after strict anti-pandemic measures were put in place, the group often found itself being driven away by the police from their regular spot. 

Baquirin gives hands-on training to students in their secret nook near the High Court

Umela was founded 13 years ago, but for the first two years of its existence, was busy providing livelihood training for fellow foreign migrant workers.

It was only in 2010 that the group started focusing on massage training, with the intention of providing their fellow migrant workers a potential source of income when they go back home.

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The training, which takes six months, comprises several parts - a theory lecture, hands-on demonstration, practice, and on-the-job training, which includes providing service to the community.

Since then, hundreds of migrant workers have benefited from Umela’s free massage seminas, with not quite a few qualifying for a certificate from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) which allows them to practice and provide massage services to the public in the Philippines.

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Equally important, the skill that they acquire could prove useful in providing relief to their family members, apart from serving as a possible jump-off point for a career in caregiving.

Anyone who wishes to join Umela’s next batch of trainees for their massage course could send a message through WhatsApp at 69790766.

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Three FDHs and two air crew are today’s new Covid-19 cases

By The SUN 

Two of the Filipina DHs arrived via a Cathay flight and tested positive on arrival in HK

Three foreign domestic helpers from the Philippines and two air crew members who came from the United States and Russia are the new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in Hong Kong today, Oct 29.

All five imported cases carried the L452R mutant strain of the virus.

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Two of the Filipina helpers, aged 38 and 59, flew in via CX906 on Oct 27, and tested positive on their arrival tests, narrowly preventing another suspension of the flight from Manila.

Under Hong Kong’s strict pandemic restrictions, three passengers testing positive on arrival will lead to a two-week ban on their flight.

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The third Filipina helper, aged 40, arrived via 5J272 on Oct 25, and tested positive while in quarantine at Penny’s Bay.

The helpers who flew in together were both vaccinated with BioNTech in Hong Kong, the third one had the single-dose vaccine from Johnson and Johnson in the Philippines.

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Meanwhile, the air crew who came from the United States is 60 years old, male, and came via VS238. The one from Russia is 31 years old, male, and came via RU9957. Both arrived on Oct 27 and tested positive on arrival tests.

The five patients took Hong Kong’s total Covid-19 tally to 12,342 confirmed cases and one probable case.

The Centre for Health Protection said its epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please check www.coronavirus.gov.hk.

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The Department of Health has also been monitoring mutant strains of Covid-19 and has uploaded the relevant information on Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs), based on whole genome sequencing results, to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/statistics/data/10/641/100135/6973.html).

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RoadHK celebrates 9th year

By The SUN 

RoadHK celebrated its 9th anniversary at its favorite spot on Repulse Bay 

October is an exciting month for members of RoadHK (or Radiant Organization of Amiable Drivers Hong Kong), as it is the month of their founding anniversary.

On its 9^th anniversary celebration held on Oct 24 at the Promenade, Repulse Bay, about 40 of the group’s members showed up in cowgirl outfits to take part in games, fellowship, and an awarding ceremony for those who made significant contribution to the organization.

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A surprise awardee was RoadHK’s president, Ma. Theresa Aquino, who was cited by fellow officers led by vice president Melecia Dalde for holding the organization together during the most trying of times, and keeping it true to its mission of helping others.

Joining the celebration were special guests and friends of RoadHK, including The SUN’s editor Daisy CL Mandap and publisher Leo A Deocadiz; former Labor Attache and Commissioner Bernardino Julve; and Banco de Oro vice president Joel Almeda.

Guests joined RoadHK officers in handing out awards

Community and business leaders from United Filipinos – Migrante Hong Kong, CKSS Travel & Tours, Reintegration Voluntarily Valued Education and Samahang Tarlaqueno also graced the event.

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An array of favorite Filipino dishes served by the beach completed the day-long celebration.

RoadHK regularly holds Learn to Drive Information Seminar for domestic helpers who are interested to learn how to drive, and acquire a HK driver’s license. Prominent speakers from driving institutions and the industry are invited to serve as lecturers.

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Those who wish to join their future seminars may contact the following: Mayette - 973 46758; Mely - 945 87703; and Bing - 665 96397

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Experts recommend 3rd Covid-19 jabs for elderly, other high-risk groups

By The SUN

A booster shot is recommended for those aged 60 & above

An expert committee advising the Hong Kong government on its coronavirus response has recommended the use of a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines for the elderly and other groups of people at high risk of contracting the virus.

In addition, recovered Covid-19 patients who received only one dose of a vaccine are urged to consult their doctors on whether they should have a second dose, at least six months after their first jab. Previously, the experts advised only one jab for them was enough.

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The scientific committee under the Centre for Health Protection also endorsed the mixing of vaccines, and in particular, suggested that those who had two jabs of the Sinovac vaccine switch to getting the one from BioNTech for their booster shot.

Meanwhile, two additional confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported today, Oct 28, raising Hong Kong’s total tally to 12,337 confirmed cases.

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They involve a 57-year-old woman who flew in from Myanmar via Korea and was found infected on arrival, as well as a 58-year-old male air crew who came from Belgium yesterday, and had already moved to his quarantine hotel when his sample tested positive.

In a statement, the CHP said that their meeting last night, the experts reviewed the latest scientific evidence and recommendations by the World Health Organization before agreeing to recommend a third vaccine dose for high-risk individuals.

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These include those aged 60 or above, healthcare workers, workers at increased risk for Covid-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational setting (personnel participating in anti-epidemic related work; personnel providing cross-boundary transportation or working at control points and ports), and persons with chronic illnesses.

It is recommended that the third dose be administered at least six months from the second dose. BioNTech may be administered for those aged 12 and above, and Sinovac, only for those at least 18 years of age.

In addition, the experts agreed that a minimal interval of at least 14 days be observed between the administration of Covid-19 vaccine and any other vaccines, including the one for seasonal influenza.

Details of the interim recommendations are available at the CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html. 

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Glowing white radiant na kutis ng Pinay at sexy figure nakamit

 

Mel Cadiang, before and after

 Linggo ng hapon nang makita namin si ate Mel Cadiang na taga Mid-Levels kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan. Mahigit 50 taong gulang na siya pero mukhang bata pa rin siyang tingnan ng 7-8 taon at ang puti ng kutis niya. Nagulat kami nang ipakita niya sa amin kung ano ang hitsura niya sa litrato last few months ago. Napaka-matured niya at maitim ang kutis niya sa noon kaysa ngayon. Naitanong naming kung ano ang beauty secret niya.

Ayon sa kanya, 7 months ago ang isa sa kaniyang mga kaibigan ang nagsabi tungkol sa pagkakaroon nito ng maputing younger skin kahit na 53 yrs. old na ang edad. Ang nakaakit kay ate Mel ay mas mukhang batang tignan ang babae kumpara sa kanya.  Noon niya unang narinig ang tungkol sa Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 Body Essence Lotion kaya nagdesisyon siyang subukan ito. Sinabi  na ito ay mabibili sa halos lahat ng Pinoy stores sa Hong Kong including Victory Supermarket, Fiesta Mart,  Sun Fung, Fiesta Mart, Aurora Mart,etc. sa presyong HK$98 lamang.

          Nakalipas ang 2 linggong paggamit ng nabiling lotion ay napansin  niya ang mga pagbabago sa kanyang kutis. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang paggamit hanggang sa maubos. Pumuti ang kanyang kutis at malaki ang nabawas sa pekas at peleges(wrinkles) sa kanyang mukha. Nabawasan rin ng 2 inches na taba sa kanyang baywang at balakang, 1 inch naman sa iba pang parte ng kanyang katawan. Ang Whitening at anti-aging effects ng produkto ay litaw na litaw sa kanya at ang texture na kutis niya ay mas bumuti kaysa noon.

Para sa gandang nakaka-akit

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Ang iyong Kagandahan ay magiging tunay na kaakit-akit. Mabibili sa Hong Kong ang updated version na
Dream Love 1000 5-in-1 Body Essence Lotion
na gawa sa laboratoryo ng La Cite Parfumer S.A. Paris mula sa mga piniling sangkap galing pa sa England, Germany, Canada at France.

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Tingnan ang libu-libong mga totoong karanasan sa buhay ng mga kababayan, at kung paano nila ginamit ang
Dream Love 1000 5-in-1 Body Lotion
para maging natural na kaputian, hugis, mas batang tingnan at kumikinang na balat, sa ngayon ay lalo nang seksi sa http://www.sunwebhk.com

Pinoy nagustuhan ang unique scent na pabango

Eleanor Fauzon

Kakaumpisa lang sa bagong employer si Eleanor Fauzon, kadalasan ay kinakailangan niyang magtungo sa palengke tuwing hapon pagkatapos maihatid sa school ang kaniyang alaga. Bago siya lumabas ng bahay ay nagwiwisik siya ng paboritong pabango na Dream Love 1000 palagi siyang bumibili nito mula sa Victory Supermarket ng worldwide plaza sa presyong HK88.

          Gumagamit din nito ang pinsan na nakapag-asawa ng Amerikano na ngayon ay nasa California na naninirahan. Nagustuhan niya ang halimuyak nito na may unique scent at napatunayan niyang nakakapang-akit ng kalalakihan dahil minsang naglalakad siya patungo sa palengke. Napadaan siya sa parking lot ng mga kotse at may isang guwapong Pinoy ang nagsabi na Sis, ang bango naman perfume mo na gamit. Napalingon siya at nagsabi na salamat. Patuloy siyang naglakad hanggang makarating sa palengke.

          Sinabi sa sarili na bibili pa siya nitong nasabing pabango , dadalhin sa Pinas sa takdang araw ng kaniyang bakasyon para mapatunayan ang epekto nito sa kaniyang asawa na matagal nang nahihintay sa kaniyang paguwi.

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*Naghahanap ka man ng pag-ibig, nang-aakit ka man ng lalaki, o gustong maging tapat ito sa iyo, o gusto mong ikaw ang ikasal sa halip na maging abay lang sa kasal, kung gusto mong may pagbabago ng saloobin ang iyong amo sa kabaitan, at maging kaakit-akit sa paningin ng lahat... 

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7-year-old half-Filipina girl dies 8 days after choking on jelly

By The SUN 

The girl was in intensive care at Queen Mary Hospital before she passed on

A seven-year-old Pakistani-Filipino girl who choked on jelly while in school passed away at 1:28pm today, Oct 27, after eight days in intensive care at Queen Mary Hospital.

Reports say the girl, a primary two student at Chiu Sheung School Hong Kong in Sai Wan, choked on jelly candies during recess last Wednesday morning.

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She began to suffocate and froth on the mouth before collapsing. Her classmates called for help, and a teacher reportedly performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the girl, who then expelled the jelly, but remained unconscious.

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She was rushed to the hospital where she briefly regained consciousness, but remained in critical condition.

The girl, who is said to be the daughter of a Filipino mother and a Pakistani father, eventually passed away this afternoon.

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The Centre for Food Safety has been posting reminders to parents about several types of jellies that could cause children to choke, particularly konjaco or cup jelly, which usually come in a range of fruity flavors, some of which even contain a small piece of fruit or konjac.

Konjac jellies could cause choking as they are harder and are often taken in one gulp

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They are a favorite with children because the jelly, which is contained in mini plastic cups, can be consumed anywhere without refrigeration.

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However, this type of jellies could be dangerous, especially to small children, as they are often sucked out directly into the mouth. But since they are harder than ordinary jellies they do not dissolve easily in the mouth.

If the jelly does not dissolve into pieces, it could block the windpipes and cause suffocation.

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