HK Filcom celebrates Phl Independence Day for first time in 4 years

 

Singing of the National Anthem on Chater Road

“We’re back with a vengeance!”

This was how Consul General Raly Tejada described in his opening remarks the  fun-filled, whole-day celebration of the 12^th Philippine Independence Day on Chater Road on Sunday.

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It was the first time since 2019 that the traditional street festivity was held after the Covid-19 pandemic that gripped the whole world.

Congen Tejada made his speech to a crowd of thousands, after dozens of Filipino community organizations made up mostly by migrant workers took part in a lively and colorful parade amid a searing heat.

The Igorot Dance by the Cordillerans is always a crowd-drawer

Congen said the sunny weather day was already a blessing, as a downpour early in the day threatened to derail the celebration that involved months of preparation and several hours of  rehearsals on Sundays for the mostly domestic worker-participants.

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In his speech, Congen first paid tribute to the frontliners – doctors, nurses and other medical workers – who valiantly looked after those who caught the virus during the raging pandemic, and said the migrant workers should be included in their ranks.

The Pintados Festival dancers were a show-stopper 

He also thanked those who took part in the festivity, from the Filcom groups that planned their own choreography and provided their own costumes, to the working committee that executed each part of the program.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

Apart from staff and officers of the Philippine Consulate, those who were part of the planning, preparation and the execution of the event were Global Alliance, Philippine Alliance, Filipino Leaders Active Group and Philippine Association of Hong Kong.

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The non-stop celebration was highlighted by the lively and meticulously-performed regional dances as well as a parade of colors featuring various migrant organizations, some of whom took to the street barefoot, despite temperatures of well over 30 degrees at some point.

The colorful Mango Festival dance

Guest performers, the Hong Kong Police Marching Band and the Tultugan Group, which flew all the way from Maasin, Iloilo at their own expense, received a hearty applause from the crowd for their outstanding presentations.

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The young performers from Tultugan later told The SUN how happy they were to be included in the celebration as it was the first time outside their home province that they were able to show off their talents and skills.

The HK Police marching band was met with hearty applause

The day started with ecumenical prayers, which was followed by a Catholic mass presided over by Filipino chaplain Fr Jay Flandez. The message from the various leaders focused on the meaning of independence and how it reflects on one’s faith.

Providing a fitting finale to the memorable event was the performance by GMA actor Ruru Madrid, who delighted the mostly female crowd by going past the barriers to shake hands and hug some of them as he sang a few catchy songs.

Ruru Madrid reaches out through the barriers, delighting OFWs

Madrid said it was his first time to be in Hong Kong, and he was delighted by the warm reception given him. He promised to be back soon.

 

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OFW leader, panalo ng business class roundtrip ticket sa raffle

 

Si Marites habang tinatanggap ang napanalunang business class ticket mula kay Consul General Raly Tejada at opisyal ng Philippine Airlines. (Photo by Edmound Cortes)

Doble-saya ang naging pagdalo ng founder ng Social Justice for Migrant Workers na si Marites Palma sa nakaraang pagtitipon para sa 125^th Philippine Independence Day na ginanap sa Aberdeen Marina Club.

Hindi lamang ito ang unang pagkakataon na nakadalo siya sa pagtitipon sa imbitasyon ng Konsulado ng Pilipinas sa Hong Kong, kundi nanalo din siya ng isang business class na round-trip ticket papunta sa Maynila, sakay ng Philippine Airlines.

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Sabi ni Marites, “Hindi ko inaasahan na maimbita ako sa diplomatic reception. Kasi ilang araw lang bago ang pagtitipon nang makatanggap ako ng imbitasyon mula sa ating Consul General (Raly Tejada).”

Nag-alala daw siya na hindi siya payagan ng kanyang amo na pumunta dahil “short office” at may dalawa siyang alagang bata.

PAPAANO SUMALI? PINDUTIN ITO!

Pero dahil likas na mabait ang kanyang mga amo ay pinayagan din siyang dumalo isang araw bago ang pagtitipon noong Biyernes, June 9.

Laking tuwa niya nang payagan siya dahil nakahalubilo niya hindi lang ang mga piling lider ng komunidad at mga opisyal ng Konsulado, kundi pati ang isang malaking grupo ng mga kongresista na biglang dumalo sa pagtitipon.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

Hindi dito nakumpleto ang suwerte at saya niya dahil bago matapos ang gabi ay nagkaroon ng raffle, at isa siya sa nanalo sa dalawang ticket na business class na ipinamigay ng Philippine Airlines na nagkakahalaga ng hindi kukulangin sa $5,000 bawat isa.

Ang isa pang dapat nanalo ay ang trustee ng Bayanihan Trust na si Lulu Salazar, pero nag “waive” siya kaya napunta ang ticket sa isang banyagang bisita.

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Naging isang malaking “blessing” naman kay Marites ang kanyang pagkapanalo dahil balak niyang umuwi sa Pilipinas sa Agosto para sa graduation ng nag-iisang anak, at ang napanalunang ticket ang magdudulot sa kanya ng isang en grandeng bakasyon.

“Super thankful po ako na nabigyan ng chance na makadalo at manalo ng round-trip, business class ticket,” sabi ni Marites. “Pati ang anak ko super saya.”

BASAHIN DITO

Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na nanalo si Marites ng grand prize sa isang raffle sa Hong Kong. Taong 2012 nang manalo naman siya ng overnight cruise para sa dalawa katao sakay ng luxury liner na Star Pisces sa isang raffle na isinagawa upang ipagdiwang ang ika-17 anibersaryo ng The SUN.

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Maghihigpit ng patrulya ng mga pulis sa HK

Mall sa Wong Tai Sin kung saan hinabol ng saksak ang isang estudyante kahapon (RTHK photo)

Dahil sa sunod-sunod na mga insidente ng karahasan sa Hong Kong kamakailan ay dadagdagan ang bilang ng mga pulis sa kalsada, mga mall at iba pang pampublikong mga lugar.

Ito ay ayon kay Secretary for Security Chris Tang, na humingi ng dagdag pang-unawa sa mga residente sa isang panayam sa radyo kaninang umaga.

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Ayon kay Tam, magtatalaga ng mas maraming pulis sa mga lugar na matao, at palalawakin ang kanilang ugnayan sa mga guwardiya sa mga mall at ibang gusali para mas madaling maipabatid sa kanila ang anumang kahina-hinalang pangyayari sa paligid.

Kasabay nito, umapela si Tang sa publiko na talasan ang kanilang pakiramdam para agad matunton ang mga tao sa paligid na may problema sa pag-iisip.

PAPAANO SUMALI? PINDUTIN ITO!

Bunsod ito ng ilang insidente kamakailan na kinasangkutan ng mga taong may sakit sa pag-iisip, kabilang ang isang lalaki na nakapatay ng dalawang babaeng di niya kakilala sa isang mall sa Diamond Hill, at isang ginang na napabalitang kumitil sa tatlo niyang anak na maliliit sa kanilang bahay sa Sham Shui Po.

Noong isang gabi naman ay may babaeng tinaga ng ilang beses ng isang di kilalang tao sa Choi Hung at nakaratay ngayon sa ospital, at kahapon ng umaga ay may estudyanteng hinabol ng saksak ng isang nakaalitan sa isang mall sa Wong Tai Sin. 

Nanatiling ligtas ang HK sa kabila ng mga nakakabahalang insidente, ayon kay Tang

Sa kabila nito ay isinantabi ni Tang ang pangamba na nalalagay sa delikado ang sitwasyon ng mga tao sa Hong Kong ngayon.

Bagamat tumaas ang bilang ng mga krimen sa unang tatlong buwan ng taon kumpara sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon ay normal lang daw ito dahil bumalik na sa dati ang sitwasyon sa Hong Kong pagkatapos ng pandemya.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

Bukod dito, karamihan daw ng 20,584 na naitalang krimen mula Enero hanggang Marso ng 2022 ay may kinalaman sa online scam, na dala ng pagkahilig ng mga tao na gumamit ng internet noong panahon ng pananalasa ng Covid-19.

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“Sa pangkalahatan, ang dapat sigurong gawin ng lahat ay pag-ukulan ng pansin ang kanilang mga kaibigan at kapamilya at tingnan kung meron silang dinadalang problema – at tulungan silang humingi agad ng tulong kung kinakailangan,” sabi ni Tang.

BASAHIN DITO

Ang mga karagdagang opisyal na ikakalat sa buong siyudad ay magmumula sa sa Emergency Units at Auxilliary Police Force.

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Fate players pay tribute to mentor and manager on his death anniversary

 

Law (center) who was 'Daddy" to Fate's players and supporters, is surrounded by his 'babies'

Exactly a year since their beloved manager, founder and benefactor passed on, members of the all-Filipino softball team in Hong Kong set up a memorial page on Facebook to honor Law Wai Ho, who was known to all of them as “Daddy.”

Team captain Don Gaborno spearheaded the tribute, after visiting Law’s resting place at Po Fook Memorial Hall in Tai Wai on his death anniversary yesterday, June 9.

In a post during the visit, Gaborno said Law’s daughter Pamela, who has taken over the task of looking after Fate’s needs, said: “Life is short, give time to yourself, your friends and your family. Make it memorable.”

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That must have been Law’s motto as well, enjoying his life’s passion, football, until he died in his sleep at age 92.

Four days earlier, he had his usual Sunday meet-up with his Fate ‘babies,’ which had become his regular weekend respite since co-founding the team with Gaborno in December 2012.

Through his support, both morally and financially, Fate quickly managed to get into the Hong Kong Softball Association League, and won many of its games that it eventually joined the elite Bracket A category.

PAPAANO SUMALI? PINDUTIN ITO!

Law not only spent for the team’s uniform and equipment, he also paid the registration fee for them to join the HKSA annual league. Most importantly, he always made an effort to be with his babies during their Sunday trainings and games.

Law proudly wearing the jersey of the team he helped propel to the top of softball league

Emz Frial, a rabid Fate supporter and scribe, said this of Law on his death anniversary:

It's been a year today since Law Wai Ho, known as "Daddy" to many, especially to his Fate babies, left us.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

On the first anniversary of his death we have decided to honor him by sending messages to each other to reminisce how he was when he was still alive. We hope others who knew him, too, would send us their reminiscences as well.

His love and passion in sports is the reason why there is a Fate team in HKSA.

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He was such a kind, loving and caring father to his children among the Fate players, as well as their supporters.

He never pressured his players to win every game, instead he let them enjoy every time they played. 

BASAHIN DITO

He was so calm and didn’t like arguing even during the times that the umpires were obviously biased against Fate. He would just say, "it's okay, it's okay".

In return, Fate played each game for Daddy, so they always did their best to win, and make him happy and proud .

Because of his ceaseless effort to support the team he deserved every trophy and medal that they won at the end of each season.

Daddy, you may not be here with us anymore, but you're always in our hearts as you played a big part in our lives.

We love you and we will always miss you.”

Fate members and supporters, and all those who also wish to pay a tribute to Mr Law Wai Ho, may post their messages here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/470379863136506/permalink/2426561177518355

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PATULOY ANG BARKADAHAN SA GREENER NETWORK!

Barkadahan sa SmarTone, ang most used network ng OFW community, at sila rin ang pioneer sa e-recharge sa mga subscribers. Sila ay tuloy tuloy sa kanilang eco-friendly initiatives pati na rin sa kanilang operations. Sa kanilang Keep Green and Keep Our Planet clean campaign, itinutulak nito ang mga subscribers na mag Go digital. Save paper vouchers at gamitin e-wallets pang top up ng SIM.

Para maging mas earth-friendly ang campaign, ang e-wallet top up ay may  data bonus kada recharge. E-Top up $100 = $10 Bonus, $50 = $3 Bonus at $20 = $1 Bonus. E-wallets ay mga Alipay, WeChat, Octopus, PayMe at Credit Cards. Ito ay hindi lamang pagbibigay sa mga subscriber ng extra rewards kundi pati na rin chance to do small, good deeds para sa environment.

At World Environment ang June, kaya lalong need to conserve & protect the planet. Ito rin ay Barkadahan sa SmarTone’s corporate social responsibility mag provide sa Filipino Community benefits to help them & help the environment. Heto pa! May hinanda ang Barkadahan para sa subscribers na special reward promo itong summer. Abangan!

For more updates, stay tuned @ https://www.facebook.com/barkadahansasmartone

CE Lee pays tribute to Filipino migrants in Independence Day speech

 By Daisy CL Mandap

CE John Lee and ConGen Raly Tejada at the National Day reception

Chief Executive John Lee made special mention of Filipino domestic workers’ contribution to Hong Kong society in his speech at a reception hosted by the Philippine Consulate Friday night, to celebrate the 125^th year of Philippine Independence.

“As the two places continue to strengthen our collaboration, I wish to express my gratitude to the Filipino community in Hong Kong, particularly the hundreds of thousands of Filipino domestic helpers here, for their great contribution to our society. Thank you sincerely,” said CE Lee, before pausing to a resounding applause.

“We are thankful for their significant economic and social contributions over the years to the many families around Hong Kong, particularly in enabling many local women in families with children or the elderly to join our labour force,” he added.

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“You have helped to build our city into the thriving metropolis that it is today, and we are proud to have you in our vibrant community.”

CE Lee was the guest speaker at the gathering held at Aberdeen Marina where a large group of members of the Philippine House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, made a surprise appearance.

Consul General Raly Tejada hosted the event, the first to be held since 2019, when the diplomatic reception was almost thrown into chaos because anti-government protesters had overtaken a mall attached to the venue. 

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The three years of the Covid-19 pandemic halted the annual gathering.

At the resumption of the commemoration, officials from both sides hailed the “friendship” between China and the Philippines in their speeches.

CE Lee said this relationship was reaffirmed during a state visit to China by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in January this year, during which he had bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping.

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

Following their meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement to further increase bilateral trade and co-operate in the key priority areas of agriculture, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

Lee said that in 2022, the trade between the two places amounted to US16.5 million, making the Philippines the 11^th largest trading partner of Hong Kong in the entire world.

In the past five years, including the three devastating years of the pandemic, the average growth of trade between the two territories was 4.6 per cent.

Officials from both sides enjoy a photo op  for the cutting of an Independence Day cake

Congen Tejada for his part said it was an officious occasion as 48 years to the day, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed a communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

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“The Philippines values its long and historic relations with China,” said Tejada.

Rep. Romualdez who offered a toast to the continuing friendship between Hong Kong and the Philippines, thanked CE Lee for “securing, nurturing and protecting” Filipinos who have made the city their new home.

“We are most appreciative of this, which will not be lost in our relationship as we move forward,” he said.

BASAHIN DITO

But he then lay bare what appeared to be the agenda of the lawmakers in visiting Hong Kong, which was to invite local investors to put money into the Philippines’ Maharlika sovereign fund, which has just been approved by both houses of Congress.

“May I personally invite Hong Kong businessmen to consider investing in our Maharlika Investment Corporation that will manage our sovereign fund which we hope to set up within the year once our president signs it into law?” he said.

Ironically, his toast called for independence, heroism and financial prosperity as Hong Kong is just starting to get back on track following the pandemic and the massive anti-government protests that preceded it.

“Let us all be heroes,” Romualdez said. “Let’s toast to a promise of independence, to its realization, and to everyday heroism.”

Also among the key guests was Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Paano singilin ang among naghihirap

 

Ang employer na si Liu matapos ang pagdinig

Napaiyak ang Pilipinang si Redjylyn Moro kanina nang umupo sa pagdinig ng kasong isinampa niya laban sa dating amo sa Labour Tribunal upang habulin ang $23,700 na dapat bayaran sa kanya.

Nang tanungin ng clerk kung may problema siya, sumagot siya na na-miss lang nya ang dating among si Liu Sau Ching.

Lumabas sa pagdinig na wala silang pinag-awayan nang umalis siya sa bahay nito, at lahat ng hinihingi niya na umabot sa kabuuang $23,700 ay hindi tinutulan ng amo.

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May isang problema lang: hindi siya mababayaran ng amo agad-agad dahil nagkaroo ito ng problemang pinansyal.

Sa katunayan ay inaasa na lang nito ngayon ang pang-araw araw na gastusin sa buwanang ayudang $9,000 na mula sa programang CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) ng gobyerno.

Kaya ang isyung natira kay Presiding Officer Charmaine Lo ay kung paano mapapayag si Moro na tumanggap ng buwanang bayad, at si Liu na ibigay ang kalahati ng kanyang ayuda.

PAPAANO SUMALI? PINDUTIN ITO!

“Dapat kasi ay nabayaran na ang lahat nang ito noon pa,” ika ni Lo kay Moro. “Pero kung pipilitin natin siyang bayaran lahat, baka tuluyan na siyang hindi makabayad.”

Sumang-ayon naman si Moro: “Naiintindihan ko ang kanyang sitwasyon.”

Hiniling niya na idaan ni Liu ang bayad sa Tribunal, at ipasa ito sa kanyang bank account “upang may record na nabayaran ako buwan-buwan.”

EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!

Nagsampa  ng reklamo si Moro matapos siyang umalis sa bahay ni Liu noong Abril dahil kulang sa minimum na $4,630 ang ibinayad sa kanya sa loob ng nagdaang taon, kaya naningil siya ng $13,700.

Naningil din siya ng isang buwang suweldo kapalit ng pasabi (in lieu of notice).

Sumang-ayon si Lo na tama ang paghahabol dito ni Moro. Ayon sa section 10 ng Employment Ordinance, ang isang manggagawa ay may karapatang umalis sa trabaho nang walang pasabi kung hindi siya nababayaran ng suweldo. Hindi rin siya mananagot sa pagbabayad ng isang buwang sahod; bagkus, siya ang dapat bayaran nito.

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Dahil hindi nakauwi si Moro sa Pilipinas mula 2015 hanggang 2022, naningil din siya ng $4,600 bilang kabayaran sa mga araw na dapat sana ay ginugol niya sa bakasyon (annual leave).

Idinagdag din niya ang air ticket, travel allowance, long service pay, $5,400 na nagastos sa hotel quarantine nang bumalilk siya noong Agosto 2022, at iba pa.

Matapos sumahin ang lahat at awasin ang mga nabayaran na ni Liu, ang natirang bayarin ay umabot sa $19,498.94.

BASAHIN DITO

Natapos ang kaso nang magpirmahan ang mag-amo sa kasunduang magbabayad si Liu ng $4,524.50 bawa’t buwan sa loob ng 20 buwan.

Binalaan ni Lo si Liu na kapag pumalya siya ng kahit isang beses ay kailangan niyang bayaran nang buo ang natitira pa niyang utang.

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