Pinay awaits verdict after money laundering trial ends

Photo for illustration only

A Filipina who has insisted at Eastern Court that she was not the one who opened accounts at two internet banks which were used to launder more than $2 million, will know the court's verdict on Jun 30.

Analiza Talay, 48 years old, said she was misled in an internet gaming promotion to provide a copy of her Hong Kong identity card, which was later used to open an account with MOX Bank and another with ZA Bank.

On cross examination yesterday, she tearfully insisted she was not the one who opened the MOX account in which crime money amounting to $1,746,610. 41 flowed in and out between March 19 to 28, 2023, and another with ZA Bank through which a total of  $478,1271.52 was laundered from March 19 to 27, 2023.

The money flows were used as basis for two charges of “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence,” in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

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Deputy Magistrate Chung Wing-sze adjourned the case to June 30 for verdict after Talay, a former domestic helper, testified on the third and final day of her trial.  Her bail of $5,000 was extended.

Meanwhile, trial was scheduled for July 21 at Eastern Court for a similar case against Imelda Maqueda, 54 years old, who earlier pleaded not guilty.

During pre-trial review today before Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung, prosecution said it will present one witnesss while defence will present Maqueda as witness.

Maqueda is accused of dealing in $312,497.50 in illegal funds that were deposited and withdrawn between Dec. 17, 2020 and Jan. 8, 2021 in her Hang Seng Bank account.

She was remanded in jail after the hearing.

In still another money-laundering case at Tuen Mun Court, Reamae Davila, 40 years old, was returned to jail after Magistrate David Chum adjourned her case to June 26.

Her case arose from the infow and outflow of $934,596.60 in her Bank of China account between 13^th and 28^th of May, 2024.

Filipinos in HK asked to submit personal data in case of emergency

 

To take part in the survey, target respondents should click on the link above, or scan the QR code

All Filipinos in Hong Kong, whether working, studying or residing in the city, are being asked to submit some basic personal information to help the Philippine Consulate track them down “in times of emergencies, such as natural disasters and other crises.”

An advisory posted on the Consulate’s website today, Tuesday, said the collection of data is part of its  Mapping Survey for all Filipinos who are in Hong Kong.

Vice Consul George Soriano who is in charge of the assistance to nationals section of the Consulate, said the Filipino community should not be unduly alarmed by the survey as it is just a contingency measure “in view of the escalating security situation globally.”

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Although most Filipino domestic workers would have their personal data stored with the Migrant Workers Office as they are required to submit their employment contract there for verification, a small percentage, including permanent residents, asylum seekers and undocumented nationals would not be in the Consulate’s data base.

The survey, which has so far been filled out by about 100 Filipinos, asks for the full name of the respondent and contact details, as well as their contact persons in Hong Kong and in the Philippines.

Vice Consul Soriano assured the public that all information they would submit would be treated in strict confidence, and would be available only to the PCG.

However, this was immediately belied by an apparent glitch in their system, which showed much of the data submitted by the respondents to appear on screen after this writer had clicked on the button signifying consent at the end of the form.

The displayed data included such information as the number of respondents so far, where in Hong Kong or the Philippines they hail from, as well as the telephone numbers and email addresses of their emergency contacts.

Gender reveal: Not surprisingly, initial data from the survey show
nearly 90% of the respondents are females

Soriano said he would immediately alert the Consulate’s tech department so the glitch could be corrected.

A data base on all Filipinos living in Hong Kong would come in handy, not just in times of disasters but also to locate those who have been reported as missing – usually former migrant domestic workers who had gone underground after their visas had expired.

The very first time the Consulate had tried to track down Filipino nationals in earnest was when the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS rapidly spread across Hong Kong in early 2003.

Then Consul General Victoria Bataclan assembled a command post in the Consulate to try and keep track of all Filipinos, especially migrant workers, who were working in the infected areas.

A data base would have been as useful when the Covid-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc not just in Hong Kong, but in all parts of the world.

 

 

Theft charges against 2 Filipinas to be elevated to District Court

Photo is for illustration only

Two Filipinas charged with theft for three counts of pickpocketing, today drew closer to a transfer of their case from Eastern Magistracy to the District Court.

Jay-ann Benlot, 30 years old and carrying a baby, and Rebeca Quirante, 67, were remanded in jail after today’s hearing by Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung.

Magistrate Cheung adjourned the case to July 17 for the preparation of transfer papers.

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In the first charge, Benlot and Quirante are accused of stealing a wallet containing $2,000 and 80 Chinese yuan from a shopper at the Emperor Watch and Jewelry Centre on Russel Street in Causeway Bay on Nov. 10, 2024.

Four days later, on Nov, 14 2024, they allegedly stole another wallet containing an Octopus card and $1,500 from a shopper in the Muji store in SoHo Mall on Long Yat Road in Yuen Long, according to information filed by police.

The third charge involved a mobile phone allegedly stolen by the two later that day at a claw machine in a shop on Cheung Sha wan Road, Sham Shui Po.

Meanwhile, at the West Kowloon Court, a Filipina asylum seeker, Arlene Managtag, pleaded not guilty to stealing another person’s recognizance card on Sept. 24 last year. A second charge, for allegedly stealing a mobile phone, was dropped.

Magistrate Edward Wong scheduled the trial for Aug. 4.

Philippine Alliance honors longtime migrant workers

 

Melita Garibay, who has worked for the same employer for 44 years,
receives her plaque from Consul General Romulo Israel 

More than 200 people turned out at one of the biggest Filipino community events of the year, the “Gawad Parangal 2025”  organized by the Philippine Alliance Hong Kong to honor Filipino domestic workers who have served in the city for no less than 12 years.

A total of 154 FDWs were feted at the event that lasted for more than six hours, and was attended by Philippine consulate officials led by Consul General Romulo M. Israel and representatives of various corporate donors.

Top officials of Cebu Pacific Air led by its president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao, also came to award return air tickets to any international destination to five top awardees.

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Philippine-based broadcaster Ben Tulfo, who narrowly missed winning a Senate seat in the national election last month, was supposed to be a special guest, but was instead represented at the last minute by his son, Carl.

Feted for being not only the longest-serving FDW but also the most loyal, having worked for only one employer in the past 44 years, was 71-year-old Melita Garibay, who was nominated by the group Social Justice for Migrant Workers.

Garibay who is single and has been in the employ of an octogenarian Chinese couple, said that if her employers decide not to renew her contract anymore, she will settle back in the house that she has built in her Pangasinan hometown.

Cebu Pacific handed her its “service award,” for having toiled for nearly two-thirds of her life in Hong Kong.

The other recipients of the free return air tickets were Edna B. Fontanilla and Rita C. Blanchard, who have both worked in Hong Kong for a total of 43 years, Vilma Manganaan who has worked for the same employer for 41 years, and PA chairman Dante Berido, who was cited for his leadership.

In his speech, Congen Israel noted that the event was also billed as “Kalayaan Ball 2025,” which meant it was also held to celebrate the 127^th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

He reminded the audience to remember the sacrifices of the country’s heroes, particularly Dr. Jose P. Rizal who also lived and worked in Hong Kong, so Filipinos can have the freedom that they now enjoy.

“We are doing this commemoration to keep their memories alive,” said Congen Israel.

Congen offers toast to Philippine Independence

He also took the opportunity to greet Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in the audience, as well as to the many FDW mothers who have been standing in place of their absent partners in raising their children.

PA president Leilani Campos said her group first decided to pay tribute to long-service FDWs in 2019, but only among members of their affiliate organizations.

Campos said the initial tribute was called  “Dakilang Ina,” in honor of FDW mothers who have worked away from their family for years, in hopes of providing a better future for their children.

“Naisip naming parangalan sila dahil nakikita naming na matatagal na sila dito sa Hong Kong, at gusto naming silang pasalamatan sa mga sakripisyo nila para sa kanilang pamilya,” said Campos.

(We thought of honoring them because we noticed that they had long served in Hong Kong and we wanted to thank them for their sacrifices for their families).

Campos recalled the tribute pleased many in the audience, including then Consul General Antonio Morales who was asked to hand out the awards.

Campos (middle, in orange) leads PA officers in dance number

The coronavirus pandemic halted all Filcom activities until 2023, when PA decided to restage the handing out of awards to long-staying FDWs.

“This time, open na sa lahat pero dapat may mag nominate sa kanila (na organisasyon) at ang title ay Gawad Parangal OFW Bayani Ka,” hanggang nagtuloy-tuloy na,”said Campos.

(This time, it was open to all but the participants should be nominated by an organization and the event was titled “Gawad Parangal, OFW Bayani Ka,” and it continued to this day).

Through social posts, especially from winners who proudly announced their awards, the PA’s annual tribute gained traction so that this year, a total of 47 organizations have taken part, either as endorsers of candidates, or as participants in the Kalayaan Ball.

Even sponsors like Cebu Pacific have been so impressed with the unique event that they doled out  more than they promised, and have indicated a willingness to continue their support each year.

 

FDHs send home bulk of their income, survey shows

Sending money home has become a bigger expense for foreign domestic helpers, according to a survey conducted recently by the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) and the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM).

These remittances accounted for 63.98% of their total monthly budget, a significant increase from 31% in 2018, the survey found.

The survey was conducted in time for the celebration of International Domestic Workers Day today (June 16), “to update our understanding of the spending patterns of migrant workers since our last research in 2018,” the groups said.

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Among its findings was that 96.84% of respondents were sending money home.

The average remittance amount was $2,689, with 70% of respondents remitting between $2,000 and $5,000” per month, the two organizatons added.

The Minimum Allowable Wage for FDHs has been set at $4,990 per month since September 29, 2024, but 58% received the minimum allowable wage of $4,990 or below since many were still on contracts they signed when the minimum wage was $4,870 a month.

The survey showed that 14% of the respondents were underpaid.

Although 42 per cent received higher than minimum wage, the additional amount was not much higher as the average wage amounted to $5,099.24.

The second biggest expense is loan payments, which were made by 23% of migrant domestic workers. Over half of them spent $1,000 to $3,999 monthly on these loans.

Additionally, 5% of respondents incurred monthly agency fees, primarily new arrivals in Hong Kong for less than one year.

When other expenditures were counted, 26% of the respondents reported that their income was short by an average of 9%, the survey found.

“These findings highlight the financial challenges faced by migrant domestic workers and the need for continued advocacy and support. We call upon the community to join us in supporting migrant domestic workers' campaign for a living wage and address the financial challenges faced by migrant domestic workers,” the two rganizations dded

For its part, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body Hong Kong (AMCB-IMA HKM) re-launched its 3Ws campaign to fight for Living Wage, Regulate Working Hours and Workers’ Rights of the 30,000 migrant workers in the territory.

“From January to June 2025, the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union (IMWU), Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union (FMWU) and Mission for Migrant Workers Union (MFMW) have received complaints from more than 916 MDW” the group said. “The common complaints are long working hours, no regular day off, termination and accommodation problems.”

According to the AMCB-IMA HKM, 376 out of 916 (41%) work 11 to 16 hours a day, with 11% working for more than 16 hours.

In addition, more than 11% do not have a regular rest day and still work even on their day off before leaving their employers’ house.

“The large number of terminations, at least 4% of which are employer-initiated, is also worrying” the group said.

“In the past six months, there have been at least 349 cases of termination along with malicious ‘job-hopping’ accusations. Due to the worst working conditions MDWs were forced to terminate their contract but It seems like MDWs have no right to change employers even if they are struggling, while employers can change helpers anytime they want,” it added.

In celebration of International Domestic Workers Day, it is only right to recognize the contribution of Migrant Domestic Workers to our society, it said.

The AMCB-IMA HKM reiterated the demands to create jobs back home to address the root cause of migrations so families will no longer be separated, give MDWs a living wage of HK$6,172, regulate the ILO Domestic Workers Convention (ILO C189) to acknowledge domestic workers as equal to any other wage earners with an acceptable minimum standard for working conditions, create clear guidelines in the employment contract on what is suitable accommodation and uphold rights and dignity for all MDWs.

DAB lawmaker urges cap on FDH loans

DAB proposes capping the monthly loan repayment at no more than 30% of the FDW's salary
(File photo) 

A lawmaker from the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has called on the government to put a limit on the amount of loan that a foreign domestic worker can obtain from financial institutions, ahead of a public consultation on over-borrowing by helpers.

Edward Leung is proposing that the loan should be based on the remaining period of a FDW’s two-year contract, and that the monthly payment for it should not exceed 30 percent of her/his income.

"For example, they have six more months left in their contract, and their monthly income is HK$5,000, then HK$1,500 times six months will be the total amount that they could borrow,” said Leung at a press conference Sunday.

PINDUTIN DITO

This means that a FDH earning the minimum allowable wage, and with six months left in her contract could borrow a maximum of $9,000, or $18,000 for those who still have a year to go. In either case, the monthly repayment should not be more than $1,500.

Leung said many employers and employment agencies that the group had consulted support this proposal.

Apart from legislating the amount that FDWs can borrow from lending companies, the government should also step up publicity and education to better protect employers and the workers, said Leung.

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The government consultation on FDW borrowings set for the end of June was prompted by complaints from a number of employers that they had been harassed and hounded by collectors for loans obtained by their helpers, or previous helpers.

Leung said the government should also require FDWs to attend a seminar on the issue within eight weeks of their arrival in Hong Kong, to acquaint them about their rights and the city’s laws.

FDWs from the Philippines are required to attend a post-arrival orientation seminar shortly after their arrival in Hong Kong but the dire consequences of over borrowing is just one of the topics on the agenda. 

Excessive borrowing has often been cited as the reason for many of the suicides or criminal entanglements of migrant workers, including thefts and money laundering.

 

 

15 people arrested in anti-illegal work operations

 

Some of those arrested are led away for questioning

Four consecutive days of anti-illegal work operations by the Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police have resulted in 15 people being arrested.

According to a statement from Immigration, the 15 comprised 12 suspected illegal workers, two employers and one abettor. They were arrested during raids on 81 target locations including restaurants and other commercial establishments between June 9 and June 12.

The suspected illegal workers comprised five men and seven women, aged 21 to 57.

PINDUTIN DITO

Three of them, two men and one woman, held recognizance forms that allow them to stay pending the outcome of their application for non-refoulement or deportation but prohibits them from taking up any kind of work. 

Two others, a man and a woman, had forged Hong Kong identity cards in their possession.

One man aged 30 and a woman aged 63, were suspected of employing the workers while another woman aged 32, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting a person to breach the condition of stay.

Immigration warns that anyone who contravenes a condition of stay in Hong Kong, like tourists and foreign domestic workers found to have taken illegal work, faces a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are likewise liable to prosecution and penalties.

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Overstayers and asylum seekers or those on recognizance face a higher maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and $50,000 fine.

Those found in possession of forged HKID cards face a more severe penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Employers could be held most culpable for illegal work, with a prescribed maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expect rain on Independence Day parade, says Observatory

 

Those attending the Philippine Independence Day parade and show tomorrow (Sunday) on Chater road in Central will need to bring umbrellas as rains are expected to be brought by tropical cyclone Wutip as it nears west of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Observatory expects to keep Signal No. 1 for most of Saturday as Wutip is not expected to go nearer than 500 kilometers and is weakening from friction with the mountains of southern Guangdong.

PINDUTIN DITO

But the Observatory said it may raise Signal No. 3 by Sunday, depending on Wutip’s movements.

What is more certain is that clouds that have been accumulated by the storm are expected to dump rains on most of southern Guangdong, with gusty rainshowers expected by Sunday over the Pearl River area, which includes Hong Kong. 

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"The weather will remain unsettled in the following couple of days," the Observatory added.

President's call for unity highlight Filcom’s Independence Day ‘almusal’

 

CG Israel (middle, with glasses) and Consulate officers pose for photos with Filcom leaders

The traditional ‘almusal’ of members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong to mark Philippine Independence Day on Thursday, June 12, was, as before, highlighted by the reading of messages from the country’s top officials.

In his message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr said independence day must be marked not just by honoring the heroic deeds of the past, but by continuing the work of nation-building.

PINDUTIN DITO

“For the forces that have once enslaved us – ignorance, inequality, injustice, do not vanish,” he said.

“Our task now is to free ourselves not from empires but from erosion within, to liberate our people from hatred, divisiveness and apathy that threatens to undo the union that our forefathers bled, fought and died for.”

President Marcos calls for end to divisiveness on Independence Day

In her own message, Vice President Sara Duterte whose impeachment for alleged graft and threats on the life of the president is at the centre of a political struggle between the two houses of Congress, called for Filipinos to speak out against poverty and corruption.

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“Kabilang sa hamon ng ating kalayaan ang pagmamalabis at katiwalian sa gobyerno, laganap na droga, problema sa edukasyon, kahirapan at gutom,” she said. (Among the challenges to our freedom is abuse of power and corruption in government, widespread drug abuse, educational challenges, poverty and hunger).

“Hindi tayo lumaya para masadlak lang sa pagdurusa ang ating bansa. (We didn’t win our freedom, only to leave our country mired in helplessness).

VP Duterte hits out at corruption, poverty and drug use in her message

Among the other government officials who either recorded their own messages or had their top representative at the Consulate read it out for them were outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator PY Caunan and Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque.

First Lady, Louise Araneta-Marcos, was a surprise addition to the list of official well-wishers featured in the traditional breakfast that kicks off Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Hong Kong.

The all-Filipino gathering hosted by the Consulate was held for the first time this year at the OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty.

Deep ties with HK recalled at Philippine Independence Day celebration

 

Consul General Romulo Israel and HK Financial Secretary Paul Chan
toast to an even better ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong

Officials have hailed the deepening relations between the Philippines and Hong Kong at a reception held last night at Island Shangri-la to celebrate the 127^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Newly installed Philippine Consul General Romulo M. Israel led consulate officers and staff in welcoming about 200 guests from the Filipino community, the diplomatic corps, business associates and Hong Kong government officials headed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan.

Congen Israel, who assumed his post only last month, cited a number of historical events that tied the Philippines to Hong Kong, including how the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, used to live and hold clinic in Central and how the first Philippine flag was sewn in Wanchai.

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More recent events showed those ties have deepened, with the presence of more than 230,000 Filipino migrants in Hong Kong, and the record arrival in the city of nearly 1.2 million tourists from the Philippines, which according to Israel, broke pre-pandemic records.

On top of this, Hong Kong has remained as the Philippines’ largest trading partner, with the value of the goods that passed on between the two territories growing to $1.8 billion.

PH and HK officials pose for photos at the Philippine Independence Day Reception

Chan elaborated on the statistics provided by Chan, saying that tourist arrivals from the Philippines last year was 55% more than in 2023. In the first five months of the current year, over 550,000 Filipinos have visited Hong Kong, representing a 27 percent increase, year-on-year.

He said trade ties between the two administrations could grow even more, given the current uncertainties in policies by the governments in the United States and elsewhere.

“In an era marked by rising protectionism and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, globalisation is facing backlashes. Countries are seeking to diversify their export markets and development drivers. In this context, enhancing intra-regional trade and collaboration will be key to achieving sustainable growth,” he said.

He added that under the “one country, two systems” policy, Hong Kong is regarded as a “super connector and super value-adder” between mainland China and the rest of the world, and the Philippines as one of fastest growing economies in ASEAN could benefit from this.

Chan also said Hong Kong has emerged as a safe harbor for international capital, and offers an ideal platform for Philippine businesses to raise funds for further development through listing on the city’s stock exchange, connecting with angel investors, and collaborating with other enterprises

“In short, the potential for deeper co-operation between our two economies is vast and far-reaching,” said Chan.

The speeches were sealed with a toast by officials from both governments.

Also among the guests were Chinese Deputy Commissioner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairsj Pan Yundong and Hong Kong Secretary for Labour Chris Chan.

The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap and publisher Leo A Deocadiz
receive the 'Made It In China" award from Congen Israel  

The second part of the program featured entertainment numbers from various Filipino artists and the awarding of plaques and certificates to Filipinos in Hong Kong who “Made it in China,” including The SUN editor, lawyer and migrants rights advocate Daisy CL Mandap.

Also receiving their awards from Congen Israel were TV news anchor Melissa Gecolea, lawyer Jaerey Velasco, radio host Michael Vincent Benares, and the Divas cricket team.

All of the awardees also received copies of a book detailing the achievements of the various honorees from across China, Hong Kong and Macau, and each with a personal dedication from Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz.

 

 

Pinay DH jailed 14 months for theft

 

Dragon Court (Google Maps photo)

Another Filipina domestic helper has been jailed for theft, getting a 14-month sentence for stealing cash and 11 pieces of jewelry from her employer.

Mary Jane Batog, 48 years old, pleaded guilty at Eastern Court on Thursday (June 12) to committing the theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, in her employer’s home in Dragon Court on Dragon Terrace St., North Point, between March 1 last year to May 12 this year.

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The stolen items were a pair of Dragon-Phoenix bracelet, three gold necklaces, four gold bracelets, two gold rings and cash of $5,000. The total value of the jewelry was not disclosed.

David Cheung Chi-wai, acting Principal Magistrate, cited Batog’s breach of her employer’s trust over 14 months that she was stealing from her, as basis for the sentence which he cut by a third because of her guilty plea.

Cyclone Wutip watched; Signal 1 remains

 

Path of Tropical Cyclone Wutip (HK Observatory photo)

Hong Kong is expected to have occasional winds and rain brought by Tropical Cyclone Wutip, but weather forecasters are holding off on upgrading the Standby Signal No. 1 they raised last night, until Saturday at the earliest.

Wutip has inched towards Hainan island, and is expected to cross over to the mainland, drawing an arc over the next two days that is expected to be nearest, at within 300 kilometers north of Hong Kong, by early Sunday.

“Squally showers associated with Wutip are affecting the coast of Guangdong. Under the combined effect of its broad circulation and the ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, local winds are occasionally strong offshore and on high ground,” the Hong Kong Observatory said.

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“Wutip will move across Hainan Island tomorrow…. With Wutip moving inland and under the influence of an active southerly airstream and upper-air disturbances over the coast of Guangdong, there will still be occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms early to midweek next week,” the Observatory added.

As this developed, the Observatory issued several precautions, among them:

1.       Drains should be cleared of obstructions, and windows and doors should be checked.

2.       People in areas of exposed to high winds or in low-lying areas should take precautions against strong winds and flooding.

3.       People planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, outlying islands or remote parts of Hong Kong should note that changes in weather may affect their trips.

4.       Listen to radio, watch TV or browse the Hong Kong Observatory's website and mobile app for the latest information on the tropical cyclone.

‘Bossing,’ ‘Idol,’ take part in PLDT’s HK Fest 2025

 

Free movies and a star-studded show on Chater Road are part of the 4-day festival

Popular noontime show host Vic Sotto, along with Senator Raffy “Idol” Tulfo will be among the special guests at Hong Kong Festival 2025, a four-day celebration of the 127^th Philippine Independence Day co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General, PLDT Global, MQuest Ventures and Philippine Airlines in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General.

The four-day lineup of cultural, cinematic and community activities kicked off this morning with the traditional “almusal” hosted by the Philippine Consulate, followed by a diplomatic reception at Island Shangri-la in the evening.

The events will culminate on Sunday, June 15, with a daylong show on Chater Road in Central where Sotto and his fellow “Eat Bulaga” hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Alan K are slated to perform.

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Also among the guest performers are actors Sid Lucero, Sue Ramirez, Enchong Dee, Richard Poon, Dylan Menor and Cedric Juan.

Senator Raffy “Idol” Tulfo, who is behind such popular public service programs “Raffy Tulfo I Action” and “Wanted sa Radyo,” will also make an appearance on Chater Road. His team is also available to entertain queries, complaints and/or tip-offs from those who have signed up beforehand through Tinbo.

Tomorrow, June 13, two of three outstanding movies will be shown at Emperor Cinemas, courtesy of PLDT Global.

The first is the yet-to-be released “Song of the Fireflies, while the highly acclaimed “Gomburza” will be shown in the afternoon. A meet-and-greet session with featured guests will follow the screenings.

The movie screenings will continue on Saturday with the movie, “The Kingdom” being featured in the cinematic offerings dubbed as Makabayan Film Fest.

Admission to the movie screenings are free, but attendees are encouraged to log in to the “Tindahan ni Bossing” or “tinbo” app and register to secure their tickets.

Gomburza stars Cedric Juan and Enchong Dee will be around to answer questions from public

On Saturday evening, the Philippine Association of Hong Kong will hold its annual Independence Day ball at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, a former PAHK chairman and longtime benefactor, will be handed an award in recognition of his bayanihan projects and his support for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

PLDT Global president and CEO Albert Villa-Real said during the launch of the project in Manila on June 4 said that the four-day event was conceived by Pangilinan himself.

“This was an inception of our chairman who wanted to bring back the good times with the OFW,” Villa-Real said.

The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, will fly in all the guests from Manila. Its executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez, said PAL’s team will also be present throughout the four-day event.

This is the first time that PAL is partnering with the MVP group in promoting an event for OFWs in Hong Kong, and Fernandez said they are “very proud” to be part of the project.