EMRY’s Employment Agency Worldwide Office: Shop 355, 3/F. 19 Des Voeux, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155 Email: [email protected] Wanchai Branch: Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd., Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166 Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected] [email protected] • [email protected] Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com MAIN EDITION, FREE COPY HONG KONG JANUARY 2015 Guaranteed! No registration fee & no placement fee in the Philippines & in Hong Kong. Did You Know... Refund Scheme Employers will get a refund for Cancelled application. Services Offered 1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer HK$5,680.00 2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,976.00 3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$4,500.00 Congress inquires into ex-Labatt’s case By Daisy CL Mandap A Congressional inquiry into alleged misdeeds by former Labor Attache Manuel Roldan and his driver, Donald Retirado, will go ahead as planned. The assurance was given by Rep. Walden Bello (Akbayan), chairperson of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, in a telephone interview with The SUN. “We want to assure everyone that we are making this a priority,” said Rep. Bello. “We just need to get the approval of House Speaker Sonny Belmonte since he will have to approve the budget for it.” Rep. Bello said he is hopeful the inquiry will go ahead within the next two months. Apart from looking into the OFW Peso Savings Account - ATM NO maintaining balance Maaaaring gamitin sa PPilipinas ilipinas (BANCNET TMs) o sa (BANCNET,, MEGALINK, EXPRESSNET A ATMs) abroad (MASTERCARD logo -bearing A TMs) kahit anong oras! ATMs) Maaaring mag balance inquiry and bills payment via Metrobank Direct online banking Pwedeng magamit pang-shopping through BANCNET PPointointof-Sale (Philippines) oint-of-Sale and MasterCard affiliated establishments (worldwide) Pwedeng gamitin sa online booking ng inyong domestic o international flights. OTHER METROBANK OFW PRODUCTS & SERVICES OFFERED: • OFW Peso Savings Account - Passbook • OFW Dollar Savings Account - Passbook • OFW Time Deposit • World Cash Cards - ATM • Cash Pick-Up Anywhere Metrobank branches, M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, LBC, and Globe GCash available thru Villarica Pawnshop • SSS and Pag-Ibig cases against Roldan and Retirado, Bello said his panel will also investigate reported cases of abuse committed by employment agencies, particularly the illegal collection of placement fees. He cited a study furnished his committee by a Hong Kong-based non government organization which showed that recruiters routinely collect as much as Php150,000 from every Filipino worker they deploy to Hong Kong as domestic helpers. Under Philippine laws, no placement fee is allowed to be collected from Filipinos deployed abroad as domestic workers. The planned Congressional probe was prompted by a report released on Sept. 29 by a fact-finding committee formed by the Philippine Continued on Page 2 No Agency Fee No placement fee in the Philippines & HKSAR. We accept Luzon, Visayass and Mindanao direct hire processing. INSIDE Ex-POLO staff in conflict of interest mess threatens suit Page 2 OWWA plans to hold weekly PAOS Page 6 LGUs, Consulate staff in anti-trafficking drive Page 11 1,000 gather for Misa de Aguinaldo Page 14 NGO shows the right path for pregnant maids Page 20 2 The SUN January 2015 Ex-POLO staff in conflict of interest mess threatens suit By Daisy CL Mandap Apologize or I’ll sue. This was the threat aired by a former driver at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) who resigned at the end of September amid an investigation into whether he was allowed to operate an employment agency in violation of civil service laws. Donald Retirado, a former domestic helper with driving duties who became a “local hire” of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2000, made his threat in a letter dated Dec 18, and sent to Consul General Bernardita Catalla, POLO office in charge Nena German, Adrielle Panares of International Social Service, and this writer. He called on all four to issue a public apology and step down from their respective posts because.”you brought disgrace to yourselves and to the offices you represent”. Contacted by email for a Continued next page PhilSTAR AURA EMPLOYMENT AGENCY Employment and General Services “A Christian Agency You Can Trust” PROCESSING PACKAGE HK$4,450 ONLY (3-6 WEEKS PROCESSING) Payment includes notary fee, visa fee, handling fee, POEA/ PDOS/OWWA/OEC/PhilHealth, one-way air ticket. REASONS WHY ASK FOR AURA’S SERVICES 1. WE ARE A BORN-AGAIN AGENCY – Owned and operated by a pastor’s wife. 2. WE ARE PURE FILIPINOS – We have a Filipino heart, we understand the helper’s hardship and conditions in HK. 3. WE DON’T CONNIVE WITH EMPLOYERS AGAINST THE HELPERS – We protect the helpers rights. 4. WE DON’T SNATCH HELPER’S EMPLOYER - We don’t encourage the employer to employ from us and replace the helper he/she originaly signed as domestic helper. 5. WE OWN THE PHILIPPINE AGENCY – We have daily contact and coordination with the Philippine agency to expedite the processing. 6. WE HAVE FRIENDLY AND POLITE CHINESE AND CHINESE-SPEAKING FILIPINO STAFF – Weither the employers are Chinese or Westerners, we have staff to communicate with them well. 7. WE ALWAYS ISSUE RECEIPTS – We give the helper evidence for the services he/she has paid for. 8. WE DON’T CHEAT CLIENTS- We don’t want one time transaction. We want the helper to be satisfied with our services, come back or refer other client to us. 9. WE HAVE NO REGISTRATION FEE. PHILIPPINE AGENCIES: James International Placement Services Unit 5, 2nd Floor, PS Bank Building, 641 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, (From Boni Ave. at EDSA, take a jeepney going to GABBYS. Get off at PS Bank, along Boni Ave.) Tel: (02) 5849896 • Tel. Nos.: 0915-2379877 (Dadong), 0918-6252337 (Lyn) James International Placement Services (Pangasinan Branch) 2/F, Dinato Bldg. (at the back of STI) Mc.Arthur Highway, Nancayasan Urdaneta City, Pang. Tel. (75) 568-5652/ 624-2307 Ang iyong smartphone, pwede mo nang gawing RADYO! “The Processing Expert” Shop 215, 2/F, Worldwide Plaza, 19 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel. No. 2384-3824 Email Address: [email protected] Employer-Paid HK$4,350 Direct Hire Processing Only Cheapest Price in Hong Kong! Price you can’t ignore, service you can’t compare! (Payment includes notarization of employment contacts at the Philippine Consulate, visa at the HK Immigration Department, POEA/OWWA OEC and Manila-Hong Kong air-ticket) 3-6 Weeks Ur gent Processing. • Helpers pay ZERO processing fee (employers pay for the processing and the mandatory insurance in the Philippines). • No fees to be collected after the helpers’ arrival in Hong Kong. • Owned Philippine agency in Manila with a branch in Pangasinan. PHILIPPINE AGENCIES: 14/F Flat B Wayson Commercial Bldg., 68-70 Lockhart Rd. Wanchai, Hong Kong (Wanchai MTR Exit C — Turn Left) Tel. Nos. : 2573-6463 • 2834-7647 • 2834 7707 • 2834 7678 • Fax: 2573 7463 Retirado James International Placement Services Unit 5, 2 nd Floor, PS Bank Building, 641 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, (From Boni Ave. at EDSA, take a jeepney going to GABBYS. Get off at PS Bank, on Boni Ave.) Tel: (02) 5849896 • 0915-2379877 (Dadong) • 0918-6252337 (Lyn) James International Placement Services(Pangasinan Branch) 2/F, Dinato Bldg. (at the back of STI) Mc.Arthur Highway, Nancayasan Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Tel. (75) 568-5652/ 624-2307 For free consultation or advise, call or visit us now. JN Retirado’s shop at United Centre. Congress inquiry into exLabatt’s case on, says Bello From Page 1 Consulate General in Hong Kong which suggested Roldan had violated civil service laws by allowing Retirado to operate an employment agency while working as his driver. Worse, Retirado’s work contract appeared to have been tampered with, in an apparent attempt at a coverup. The Coalition of Service Providers for Ethnic Minorities (CSPEM), which initiated the complaint against Roldan, said the apparent tampering of an official document alone should prompt the Department of Labor and Employment to conduct a separate investigation. In a later interview, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz had said that an investigation was already underway, adding that the DOLE probe would be more impartial than the one done by PCG. However, there has been no indication if DOLE’s investigation team would visit Hong Kong to gather information first-hand. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Over 24 years of service in Hong Kong (Serbisyong Walang Katapat) 7A Winner Bldg., 27-37 D’Aguilar St., Central, Hong Kong DREAMS DO COME TRUE! Better life, better future and better income. Canada is the answer! The AGENCY that you can rely on! PROCESSING OF CONTRACTS (DIRECT HIRE) We guarantee full assistance, efficient and accommodating services. Mula Hong Kong hanggang Pilipinas, nakatutok kami. OUR OFFICE IS CLOSED EVERY FRIDAY TO OUR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS: Now you can choose the helper that suits your requirements in the fastest and easiest way. Please visit: www. jnemployment.com Yes, indeed! Our dreams come true through the help and assistance of JN Employment. LIVE-IN CAREGIVER FOR CANADA Join us and build your future as Canadian Immigrants someday. Better life, better future and better income. Canada is the answer! • The pioneer agency for Canada. • The CHEAPEST and the FASTEST deployment. Our office is conveniently located near Sa Sa Cosmetic Store. Just go straight up D’Aguilar St. Our building entrance is just opposite La Bodega. Ugaliing makinig sa: www.sunradiohk.com Tel. Nos: 2530-1730 • 2804-6603 • Fax: 2973-0078 The SUN January 2015 reaction, Congen Catalla said: “There is absolutely no reason for me to apologise, much less to resign. I did my work, and well.” Retirado’s demands came as an offshoot of German’s decision not to allow Magnificent Maid Employment Agency, a company registered in the name of Retirado’s daughter, EMRY’s Frances, to process employment contracts. Asked for an explanation, German cited a report by a fact-finding team formed by Continued on Page 29 Employment Agency www.emrysemploymentagency.com Guaranteed! No registration fee & no placement fee in the Philippines & in Hong Kong. Worldwide Office: Shop 355, 3/F. 19 Des Voeux, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155 Email: [email protected] Wanchai Branch: Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd., Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166 Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected] [email protected] • [email protected] Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com Refund Scheme Employers will get a refund for cancelled application. Services Offered 1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer HK$5,680.00 2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,976.00 3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$4,500.00 Did NoNoplacement Agency Fee fee You in the Philippines Know... & HKSAR. We accept Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao direct hire processing. LOCAL HIRE: FREE Registration & Consultation Quick Hiring for qualified finished contract & terminated applicants with good release letter. Bring original, Passport, Employment Contract plus 2-copies of release letter, 2- copies of HKID and 2 passport-size photos when you apply. Divorce (Annulment) Immigration Matters (Deport ation & Visa) Criminal Matters (Police Station Support) Central office: Unit B&C, 10/F, Sun House, 181 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong Kowloon office: Unit 1109, 11/F., Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong CALL US FOR FREE CONSULTATION We open EVERY SUNDAY (by appointment) from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. PAL/ROYAL BRUNEI/ CATHAY PACIFIC/ AIR CANADA/ HK EXPRESS AND OTHER INT’L AIRLINES. Tickets to Manila/ Canada/ all domestic flights in Philippines/ Ticket from Manila/ Hotel Packages/ Shenzhen Day Tour/ Window of the World/ China Visa. HOTLINES 31068355 21109694 BOOK NOW FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY!! Room A, 5/Fl, Fortune House, No. 61 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Office hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm • Sun & Public Holiday: 10am-4:30pm 3 The SUN January 2015 4 BUHAY PINAY Note: Unless properly identified, people reported here have been given fictitious names to protect their privacy. Walang awa Awang awa si Sonia sa kanyang kaibigan nang mabasa ang status nito sa facebook. Kahit na namatay na daw kasi ang asawa nito ay hindi pa rin siya pinauwi ng among Arabo. Ayon sa mga post sa facebook ng kanyang kaibigan, nagmakaawa na siya pero hindi pa rin pinayagang makauwi kahit saglit lamang para masilayan ang asawa sa huling pagkakataon at maihatid ito sa huling hantungan. Hindi makapaniwala si Sonia na mayroon pala talagang ganoong mga uri ng tao na may pusong bato. Bigla niya tuloy naalala na kahit masungit ang kanyang amo ay pinayagan siyang umuwi nang biglaang pumanaw ang kanyang pinakamamahal na asawa. Bukod dito, ang amo pa niya mismo ang kumuha ng kanyang tiket dahil hindi na niya alam ang kanyang gagawin sa oras na iyonl. Dahil nagdaan siya sa parehong sitwasyon ay nagpadala siya ng mensahe sa mga kakilala ng kaibigan sa facebook, para kahit paano ay makatulong siya na maibsan ang sama ng loob nito. Ayon sa kanyang kaibigan, malaking bagay daw na may nakakausap siya sa social media para mailabas niya ang kanyang sama ng loob, at gumaan ang kanyang pakiramdam. Kung hindi daw dahil sa facebook ay malamang na nabaliw na siya, sabi ng kaibigang nabalo.Si Sonia ay 45 taong gulang na Ilokana at tubong Cagayan Valley. - Marites Palma Regalo Makulit ang kapitbahay nina Vangie na amo, Nakaapat na tawag ito sa kanya isang umaga, para lang sabihin na ibibigay itong mga damit na pinaglumaan daw ng mga anak.Natuwa naman si Vangie dahil may pandagdag siya sa kanyang ipapauwing door-to-door box. Nag mamadali na tinapos ni Vangie ang kanyang trabaho sa umagang iyon para kunin ang mga ipapamigay na damit. Pag-akyat niya ay masayang masaya siyang pinapasok ng amo at pinakape pa, bago sila nagkuwentuhan na parang mga tunay na magkaibigan. Matapos ang ilang minutong kuwentuhan, pumasok ang amo sa kuwarto at paglabas ay may dala-dalang dalawang malalaking bag na puno ng damit. Pagkaabot ng mga ito sa kanya ay dali-daling umuwi si Vangie dahil excited din daw siyang tingnan isa-isa ang mga laman ng dalawang bag. Nguni’t ganoon na lang ang kanyang pagkadismaya nang makita ang laman ng mga bag dahil puro naman luma ang mga ito at hindi na magandang suotin. Ang bagsak, dinala din niya ang dalawang bag sa back door. Sa mga sumunod na araw ay nakakasalubong niya ang among nagbigay ng mga damit, at masaya silang nagkukuwentuhan lagi. Ayon kay Vangie, iyong ipinakitang kabutihan ng amo ay hindi masusukat sa materyal na bagay, at ito ang lubos niyang pinahahalagahan. Si Vangie ay bago lang sa Robinson Road ngunit nakapalagayang loob na ang karamihan sa kanilang gusali. — Cris B. Cayat Basahin muna Masinop si Wilma sa mga gastusin; hindi siya agad namimili kahit pa naka sale ang mga tindahan. Maingat din siya pagdating sa kanyang ipong pera sa bangko. Minsan ay nakatanggap siya ng sulat mula sa kanyang bangko tungkol sa isang magandang insurance na may medical, dental, at accident insurance. Ayon pa sa sulat, limang taon lamang ay matured na ang kanyang policy at pwede na niyang makuha ang interest ng kanyang pera. Hindi na nag-atubili si Wilma at agad ibinigay ang kanyang paunang bayad. Makalipas ang 11 na buwan, naisip nyang kumustahin ang kanyang investment. Nang binasa niyang muli ang policy ay ganoon na lang ang sama ng loob niya dahil nakasaad doon na matatapos lamang ang kanyang pagbabayad ng buwanang hulog paglipas ng 20 taon, taliwas sa sinabi ng ahente na nag-alok sa kanya ng naturang insurance. Nang sabihin niya ang tungkol dito sa kanyang amo ay sinamahan siya ng amo para magreklamo, at nagpadala din sila ng sulat sa pinakamataas na opisyal ng bangko. Walang takot na nakipagsagutan ang kanyang amo sa manager ng bangko, at tinanong kung bakit binentahan ng ganoong insurance si Wilma na ang kontrata ay dalawang taon lang at $4110 ang sahod sa isang buwan. Nanakot din ang amo FURTHER CREATION EMPLOYMENT CENTRE A Prestigious and Leading Employment Agency (Since 1978) Direct Hire — Employer pays HK$4,980 Includes: POEA (OEC),OWWA, Contract fee, Visa fee and One-way air ticket (MNL-Clark-HK). Helper pays nothing to Agent in Philippines! • • • • • • • • Friendly and experienced Filipino consultants will assist you; Express and Expert Agency TO PROCESS and NO HIDDEN CHARGES; Finished or breach of contract helpers and HK Driver license holders are welcome by local and Western families; We accept your relatives’ and friends’ Bio-data from Philippines and abroad. (accept application through email: [email protected]); Open Vacancy for HK Dependent Visa holder/formal resident work in office and Part time/Full time DH. Best price for Renewal of Contract; Medical exam, Insurance Package offered; Air ticket reservation service; * No Registration Fee * Mon—Fri: 9:30-18:00 Sat & Sun: 10:00-1700 NOW HIRING!!! Full-time/Part-time Office Clerks • Must be a HK resident. • Fluent in Tagalog and English. • Fair Cantonese (Preferred) If interested, pls contact Ms. Lai @ 2522 8073 CANADA CAREGIVER VISA PROCESS AND JOB OFFERED “College graduate” Certificate /Diploma is required YOUR PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME! We would like to invite our readers to share their stories with us, including important events or activities of their organizations. Please send the write-up, along with pictures and the telephone number and email address of the contact person, to: [email protected] We also welcome recipes for our Food Trip section. Please send the recipe, picture of the dish, your picture, and contact number to: [email protected] na kung hindi ibinalik ng buo ang ibinayad ni Wilma ay dadalhin nila sa korte ang kaso. Sa bandang huli ay pumayag din ang bangko na isoli kay Wilma ang lahat ng ibinayad niya. Sabi naman ni Wilma, dapat talagang maging alerto sa mga pinipirmahan. Huwag mag-apura at basahin mabuti ang dokumento, lalo na yung may maliit at mahahabang patakaran, bago ito pirmahan. —Cris B. Cayat Kabado sa pagbabago Hindi pa man ay aligaga na si Jay dahil sa aasahang malaking pagbabago sa kanyang buhay sa Hong Kong sa darating na taon. Malapit na kasing magretiro ang kanyang amo at kailangan na nilang umalis sa bahay na tinirhan nila sa nakalipas na 24 taon. Nabanggit na rin sa kanya ng amo na sa New Territories balak nitong bumili ng bahay na kanilang lilipatan. Pero kailan lang ay nagdesisyon itong sa Discovery Bay bumili ng flat. Bagama’t gusto rin ni Jay ang lugar na iyon, hindi pa rin maalis sa kanya ang malungkot dahil sa loob ng mahabang taon niya dito sa Hong Kong ay sa Pokfulam at karatig na lugar lamang siya tumira. Isa pa ay malayo na ito sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Hindi na rin nais ni Jay na humanap pa ng ibang employer dahil ayaw na rin naman niyang manibago na naman sa pakikisama. Mahigit 20 taon na siya sa kanyang among propesor na Briton. May posibilidad din na tapusin na lang niya ang panibagong dalawang taon na kontrata at baka umuwi na rin siya sa Pilipinas. Matagal na rin kasing hinihikayat si Jay ng kanyang mga kapatid na mag for good at doon na lang sa Pilipinas magtayo ng negosyo. Hindi pa rin makapagdesisyon si Jay sa mga bagay na ito dahil tila nasanay Continued on Page 32 SINCERE COMPANY DOMESTIC HELPER EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FREE REGISTRATION & NO 10% CHARGE FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS!!! Many Employers Waiting!!! * If you finished contracts or * Terminated with good reasons. VISIT OR EMAIL US YOUR BIODATA WITH PHOTO, ARRANGED FASTER! EMAIL: [email protected] DIRECT HIRE FROM THE PHILIPPINES With or without experience in other countries are also welcome!!! (Cheaper & Reasonable Charge) Mongkok Head Office: Tel. 2381-1199 Rm 1506 & 1512 15/F., Wu Sang House, # 655 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, HK (Mongkok MTR Exit E1) Central (Branch) Tel. 2115- 9923 CENTRAL 2522 8071 Rm. 1607- 8, 16/F, Crawford House, 70 Queen’s Road, Central, HK CAUSEWAY BAY 3460 4140 Flat A, 15/F Prosperous Commercial Bldg., 54-58 Jardines Bazaar, Causeway Bay, HK MONG KOK 2388 6182 Flat 601, 6/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong Central Exit D2 Causeway Bay Exit F Yau Ma Tei Exit A2 TSUEN WAN 2412 4829 Rm 1023, 10/F Nam Fung Centre, 264-298 Castle Peak Rd., Tsuen Wan, N.T., Hong Kong Tsuen Wan Exit A Rm. 907, Yip Fung Building, 2-18 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong (MTR Exit D2) Tsuen Wan (Branch) Tel. 2331-3111 Rm. 1225, Nan Fung Centre, 264- 298 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T. (MTR Exit A1) Tai Po ( Branch)Tel. 3598- 6629 Shop A 58, L2, Tai Po Plaza, N. T. (Near Tai Po Centre) All branches open everyday 9:30am- 6:30pm The SUN January 2015 5 6 The SUN January 2015 OWWA plans to hold weekly PAOS By Vir B. Lumicao Enhanced post-arrival orientation seminars for newly arrived OFWs may be held every week when the Philippine Overseas Labor Of fice moves to its new address in Admiralty Centre. And if necessary, weekday sessions would be held for domestic workers who cannot take a day off on Sundays. This information was given to The SUN by welfare officer Kris Furaque as the last of 2014’s monthly seminars on Dec. 21 saw a “standing-room only” crowd of 74 all-female workers. The information seminar is currently held at the Consulate, with staff of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration organizing. “Kapag nakalipat na kami at magkakaroon na kami ng sariling room, magho-hold na kami ng weekly orientation seminars,” Furaque said. “Just in case yung turnout pag Sundays kapag nag-once a week kami ay marami pa rin, mag-weekday kami para yung mga mga darating ng Monday to Saturday, as much as possible, ay maka-attend ng PAOS,” Furaque said. “Iyon ang balak namin para sa PAOS. It’s our way of HK OFWs are 6th largest remitters of foreign currency OFWs get special welcome at the airport’s arrival area during Christmas holidays. Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that for JanuaryOctober 2014, job orders reached 768,74. Of this, 39.8 percent were processed job orders intended for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Taiwan, and Qatar. The bulk of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Canada, in that order. Katulong mo sa iyong pangangailangan • May Special High Value para sa mga sangla ng mga Pilipino. • 4 months expiry date, plus 6 weeks allowance para may panahon kang mabawi mo ang iyong naisangla. KEI WAH SANGLAAN Shop Y, 111 On G/Floor; (Portion on G/F) Wing On House, 71 Des Voeux Road, Central Hong Kong (Entrance at Connaught Rd. Central) Telephone #: 2868 2930 here! We’re Cafe de McDonald’s Coral Connaught Road Hang Seng Bank HQ. Wing On Bldg. PARK n SHOP Des Voeux Road Pottinger St. amounted to US$22 billion. The total remittances were up 6.7 percent from the same period last year. However, there was a noticeable drop in remittances in Hong Kong in October, obviously as a result of the Occupy Central protests that began in late September. The rallies that paralyzed key parts of the city for weeks appear to have prevented many OFWs from remitting money. BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said the steady demand for skilled and professional Filipino workers supported the growth in remittance inflows. Preliminary Philippine Queen Victoria St. Cash that you had sent home through a bank or a remittance shop in Hong Kong has made Filipinos here the sixth largest dollar contributors to the Philippine economy. Figures released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in mid-December showed that dollar remittances from Hong Kong Filipinos during the first three quarters of the year rose to US$566.4 million, up 26.68 percent from the same period last year. The Hong Kong remittances make up 11.25 percent of the total money sent home by overseas Filipinos all over the world for the same period, which conducting an enhanced PAOS na madadagdagan ang frequency,” she said. OWWA also wants to tap faith-based groups to help conduct PAOS, so it is now training church leaders. Furaque said the enhanced training could be started once OWWA acquires its own seminar room in the new POLO offices. However, she is still uncertain as to when this could take place. She said the move-in target was at the end of December but the renovation works have yet to be finished. “So far, the crowd was the biggest group of attendees since we revived the PAOS in 2012,” Furaque said. She added that last Sunday’s session might also be the last to be organized by her, as she would be returning to Manila shortly. Furaque’s tour of duty was supposed to end on Dec. 8 but she had to stay on because her replacement is still processing the documents needed for the Hong Kong post. She said she would be returning to her office in Region 4-B or Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). 7-Eleven To Worldwide Plaza HUNG WAH SANGLAAN Shop 80 on G/F, Fortune Plaza, No. 4 On Chee Road, Tai Po, N.T., Tel 2660 0938 The SUN January 2015 7 8 The SUN January 2015 Chinese course to readied for HK-based Pinoy students Ethnic minority students in senior secondary schools will get an additional channel to gain an alternative Chinese language qualification starting next school year. These students will be beneficiaries of the Applied Learning Chinese course, or ApL(C), to be introduced in phases at the senior secondary level, according to the Education Bureau. Education Secretary Eddie Ng Hak-kim said the bureau encourages and supports the non-Chinese-speaking students’ bid to improve their Chinese-language ability and to integrate into the community. Filipino parents have long clamored for Hong Kong schools to offer Chinese courses for their children in order to give them better chances in the city’s highly competitive job market. In September 2012, the Equal Opportunities Commission discussed with education officials the provision of an effective Chinese language support for Filipino children and those of other nationalities. One EOC recommendation is for the bureau to seriously consider developing a Chinese Proficiency Program and Testing System that can provide an alternative language qualification and a benchmark for language proficiency recognized by different trades and job groups. The Education Bureau said ApL(C) is designed from the perspective of second language learners and provides a simulated applied learning context in which students can learn Chinese. Ng said the EDB will fully subsidize schools in paying the course fee for ApL(C) so students need not pay it. He said in addition to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination qualification, ApL(C) is pegged at the Qualifications Framework Levels 1 to 3. Students will obtain QF certificates upon meeting the standards set at different QF levels of ApL(C). Obtaining both the HKDSE and QF certificates will facilitate the further studies of non-Chinese-speaking students and enhance their employability, the education secretary said. He said all eight University Grants Committee-funded schools and most postsecondary institutions have accepted ApL(C) as an alternative qualification in Chinese language for the admission of non-Chinesespeaking students with “Attained” as the minimum grade required. The Civil Service Bureau accepts “Attained” and “Attained with Distinction” in ApL(C) as meeting the Chinese language proficiency requirement of relevant civil service ranks. Major employers and professional bodies, such as the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management and the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, have also given recognition to ApL(C), the education bureau said. During the 2015-17 school year, the Education Bureau will offer a total of 40 ApL courses, among which 10 are new. These include the two ApL(C) courses, “Chinese for the Service Industry” and “Practical Chinese in Hospitality” for non-Chinesespeaking students, for nonChinese-speaking students, as well as “Fashion and Image Design”, “The Essentials of Dramatic Arts”, “Magazine Editing and Production”, “New Media Communication Strategies”, “Entrepreneurship for SME”, “Marketing and Online Promotion”, “Electrical and Energy Engineering” and “Computer Forensic Technology”. The bureau organized a four-day exhibition on ApL courses and taster sessions on Dec. 17-20 to give parents, teachers and students the necessary information to help them choose suitable courses for these students. The exhibition was held at Chamber 1 and Chamber 2 of InnoCentre, 72 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong. VBL Christmas gift-giving: In the spirit of giving this Christmas, the officers of Sikap Association paid a courtesy visit to Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge in Sheung Wan to present their monetary gift to executive director Edwina Antonio in support of the Coins for Bethune fund raising project. - JC The SUN January 2015 9 10 The SUN January 2015 Erwiana’s fight for justice fires up protest By Vir B. Lumicao About 500 foreign domestic workers urging justice for abused helpers and for an end to their slave-like conditions marched on Dec. 14 to mark International Migrants Day. Rallying behind the cry “Justice for Erwiana”, the marchers called for changes in Hong Kong government policies that leave domestic workers vulnerable to abuse.. “We are closely watching Erwiana’s hearing and are supporting her efforts to achieve justice,” Eni Lestari, chairperson of the Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body said at the rally outside the Immigration Department in Wan Chai. “We are expressing our grave disappointment with the Hong Kong government for failing to institute changes to policies that makes us domestic workers vulnerable to abuses that Erwiana and numerous more have experienced,” Lestari said. The marchers were mainly Indonesians, and were supported by a small contingent of Filipinos and South Asians. They carried placards showing graphic photos of abused maids and streamers condemning exploitation by their employers. Among the familiar faces on the placards were alleged victims of maltreatment led by Indonesian maid Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, whose former employer is now facing various charges in District Court. Filipina maid Rowena Uychiat and Indonesian Kartika Puspitasari who both claim to have been maltreated by their respective employers also joined the march. Dolores Balladares, chairperson of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong and a spokesperson of the AMCB, pressed the Hong Kong government to lift its ban on live-out arrangements for domestic helpers. She also urged the Immigration Department to remove its two-week rule for those whose contracts are prematurely terminated. “We are here because we want to reiterate our demand to the Immigration Department to allow us liveout arrangements. This is very important today because our live-in condition make us vulnerable to exploitation by evil employers,” said Balladares. She said about 350,000 domestic workers play a big role in supporting Hong Kong’s economy but all that they get in return are government policies that discriminate against them and open them to abuses. “We want to stop the discrimination, we want to stop the social exclusion, and we want to end the slavery treatment of migrant workers,” she said. Speaking to The SUN after the rally, Lestari said , that despite the international media attention given to Sulistyaningsih’s case, there has been no improvement in domestic workers’ situation. “These (cases) are not similar to Erwiana’s, like there’s an Indonesian who suffered a stroke …Like Rowena she was confined (in the employer’s house), she said, �I never go out’,” Lestari said. “What we have is a similar practice against the domestic workers. They don’t have a day off, they are not given proper food, their passports are kept by the agencies,” she said. Hong Kong has a law making it illegal for any company or individual to keep another person’s passport, but the practice persists “because the government knows but doesn’t do anything about it”, Lestari said. Unifil secretary general Eman Villanueva told The SUN that as long as the Hong Kong government continues its policies of mandatory twoweek rule, live-in policy and exclusion from statutory wage hikes, domestic workers will remain in slave-like conditions. Asked if domestic workers would find it convenient to live outside their workplaces with Hong Kong rents ridiculously high, Villanueva said that would be optional for the helper. “Employers could find a place for their helpers and rent it for them. In fact, there are many employers who prefer this arrangement because they are not comfortable having a �stranger’ in their household,” Villanueva said. Moreover, the live-in policy exposes domestic workers to all sorts of abuse because no one else sees what’s going on inside their employers’ homes, he said. Are you pregnant and afraid your employer will terminate your contract? Do you have a child that was born in Hong Kong and you don’t know what to do? Pathfinders can help you! We are a charity that helps migrant workers who have become pregnant or given birth to children in Hong Kong (even if you have already overstayed your visa) All services are FREE of charge Call 5190 4886 (9am-9pm) to know more Unit 2D, Worldwide Centre 123 Tung Chau Street, Tai Kok Tsui www.pathfinders.org.hk The SUN January 2015 11 LGUs, Consulate staff tapped in anti-trafficking drive By Vir B. Lumicao Local government units in the Philippines, especially in the countryside, will be tapped to help as an inter-agency body intesifies its campaign against human trafficking. This was what Vice Consul Fatima Guzman told The SUN, after taking part in the regional anti-trafficking workshop for Philippine diplomatic staff held in Osaka, Japan, on Dec. 10-15. Guzman said the plan is to bring the campaign to the grassroots, so apart from LGU representatives, Consulate personnel will also be trained. She said the next training session will be held in Europe next year, “The workshop wants to provide Trafficking 101 to the LGUs kasi meron pang mga lugar like farms and barrios where most of the victims come, so there’s a proposal to educate the people about trafficking through the local government units,” she said. Harnessing the LGUs, educating the general public on the problem, and setting up a feedback mechanism on the prosecution rate of traffickers were among the recommendations suggested at the Osaka workshop. Guzman said the workshop was spearheaded by the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT), made up of the foreign affairs, justice, labor, Trafficking convictions quadruple in Aquino term There has been a four-fold jump in the number of convictions for trafficking in persons during the administration of President Benigno III compared with those during the term of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Figures from the Department of Justice show that from July 1, 2010, when Aquino assumed the presidency to Nov. 30 this year, Philippine courts had made 130 convictions for trafficking. This represented a surge of about 440 percent from just 29 convictions during the entire Arroyo presidency. The number of persons convicted for trafficking also rose to 149, up about 5.5 percent from just 30 under the Arroyo administration. The DOJ published the figures on its website as it tries to project the gains made by the Philippines in combating all forms of human trafficking that had put the country in a bad light globally over the past decades. The US State Department still has the Philippines on Tier 2 in its Trafficking in Persons Report for 2014 released last November. This means the Philippines is still seen as “a source country” and, to a much lesser extent, a destination and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for sex and forced labor, the TIP report said. The report noted that “a significant number” of the estimated 10 million Filipino men, women, and children who go abroad for skilled and unskilled jobs end up “subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor”. The TIP said trafficking remains a significant problem in the Philippines, affecting women and children in disaster or conflict-hit rural areas, and those who are in poor urban areas. The victims arer subjected to domestic servitude, forced begging, forced labor in small factories, and sex trafficking, principally in Manila, Cebu, Angeles, and cities in Mindanao, and such tourist destinations as Boracay, Olongapo, Puerta Galera, and Surigao, The report recommended that the Philippines step up efforts to hold government officials criminally accountable for trafficking and trafficking-related offenses. It also called for intensified investigation, prosecution, and conviction of a growing number of labor and sex trafficking offenders in the country and abroad.Vir B. Lumicao and social welfare departments. “It was a workshop on antitrafficking for all the AsiaPacific posts so the DFA decided to hold it in Osaka,” Guzman said, explaining that Japan has the best practices in combating trafficking.. The Philippine government is holding the workshops as it adopts a non-nonsense strategy against a problem that has victimized an undetermined number of people over the years. “It’s an ongoing training on the trafficking issue, kasi hindi lang ATN ang i-train. Frontliners are also important in identifying potential trafficking victims kasi pagapply ng passport, there might be indicators that the applicant is a victim,” Guzman said. “Next year, we are definitely going to have a training for our personnel here,” she added. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime describes human trafficking as a modern form of slavery in which victims are recruited, transported, transferred, harbored or received “by means of threat, use of force or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation”. The US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report of 2013 said Filipino human trafficking victims had been identified in more than 37 countries across five continents. For 2014, the report said “a significant number of the estimated 10 million Filipino men, women, and children who migrate abroad for skilled and unskilled work are subsequently subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor, including through debt bondage, in factories, at construction sites, on fishing vessels, on agricultural plantations, as engineers or nurses, and in the shipping industry, as well as in domestic work, janitorial service, and other service sector jobs in Asia, throughout the Middle East, and increasingly in Europe.” “Marami tayong kaso”, Guzman admitted. “But what is good about the Philippines is that we are actively implementing programs to combat trafficking in persons.” She said the International Organization for Migration of Japan has lauded the Philippines for holding these workshops for its diplomatic posts “because not all embassies, not all countries provided workshops worldwide for their personnel to identify potential trafficking victims and lessen these cases, too.” She said the mere creation of the inter-agency body shows how serious the government is in combating trafficking. Guzman, together with Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr., officer of the Consulate’s assistance to national section, represented the Consulate in the workshop. Continued on Page 12 12 The SUN January 2015 Anti-trafficking drive Daily flight movements hit new record If you left and arrived in Hong Kong on Dec. 20, you were among those who helped set a new record for daily flight movements. On that day, 1,178 flight movements were handled at the Hong Kong International Airport, setting a new daily record, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said. The 1,178 flight movements broke the previous single-day record of 1,172 set on March 29 last year and exceeded the daily average of 1,073 movements recorded in 2014 by 9.8 per cent. Moreover, 685 flight movements also operated through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region on December 20, making up a total of 1,863 flights handled by the CAD within the 24hour period. The increase in flight movements was attributed to the high demand during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The extra flights were operated to destinations in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Taipei was the most popular destination, followed by Seoul and Bangkok. “The CAD’s Air Traffic Management Division has deployed additional staff to cater for the seasonal demand EAU DE PARFUM La Cité Parfumeur S.A. Paris Ipinakikilala Upgraded Bersiyong Seksuwal Perfume Dream Love 1000® Scientifically Proven Para Makaakit Ng Iyong Mahal. Ang dagdag na seksuwal concentrate sa Oil Concentrate upgraded version ng Dream Love 1000® Gawa Sa England ay mas madaling makakaakit ng iyong ATTRACT YOUR MAN minamahal ng may masimbuyo at Para makaakit... ng mahal! maalab na pag-ibig at katapatan sa iyo. Napatunayan ng mga kababaihang nakaranas gumamit ng upgraded bersiyon ng Dream Love 1000® Perfume mula sa mga multi-media reports at mga ibinahagi na testimoniya na naiulat sa mga pahayagan. 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From Page 11 Representing the partner agencies were Senior State Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo for the Department of Justice; former labor attachè to Kuwait and Jeddah David Des Dicang; Department of Social Welfare Region 11 (Davao) director Director Priscilla Razon, and Undersecretaries Jesus Yabes and Reynaldo Catapang of OUMWA. Guzman said the DOJ discussed how traffickers are prosecuted and how potential Nakadama ng intimacy ang Pinay mula sa foreigner na nabighani Ilang taon na ding nagtatrabaho dito sa Hong Kong si Estela Asuelo. Sa pagdaan ng panahon ay hindi niyaa napunang malapit na pala siyang umuwi ng Pinas sa upang makipagkita sa kaniyang facebook chatmate. Last month ay niregaluhan siya ng pinsan ng isang pabangong nakalagay sa blue box Lovely Evangelista na may nakasulat na “Dream Estela Asuelo Love 1000” attract your man. Sinabi nito na mabisa ang pabango na pang-akit ng mga kalalakihan kaya naisip niya agad na gamitin ito sa kaniyang nalalapit na uwi sa Pinas. Dumating ang araw ng kaniyang paguwi at bago magbiyahe patungong airport ay nagwisik siya nitong seksuwal na pabango. Habang nakasakay sa airbus ay napuna niyang halos hindi mapakali sa kinauupuan ang katabi niyang foreigner, panay daw ang ngiti nito sa kaniya at kalaunan ay sinambit na “I like your scent of perfume,” nagpasalamat siya at ngumiti. Nadama din niyang panay ang sagi ng siko nito sa kaniyang waistline na very intimate for her. Pagkadating niya sa Pinas ay sumalubong ang kaniyang chatmate at buong higpit siyang niyakap. It was the first time na magkita sila in person at nasabi pa niyang sa following days ay naging unforgettable sa kaniya. traffickers and their victims are identified. The Department of Labor and Employment explained procedures on combating trafficking, while the DSWD discussed provision of psycho-social support for the victims. The Asia-Pacific workshop was the third conducted by the OUWMA. Last year, it held the first in the Middle East and the second in the United States. “Based on the workshop, we would like to create a more streamlined process on, first, how to immediately assist the victim, until the prosecution stage of the trafficker because we’d like to be involved in the whole cycle,” Guzman said. “For the DFA, we would like to be updated on what happened after we gave the report to the IACAT on the trafficking victims, kasi paguwi nila, IACAT na ang in charge. We would like to be updated as well … kasi kahit na-assist na natin ang mga victim, kahit nakauwi na sila, kung mababa ang prosecution rate, the problem will persist,” she said. Guzman said the rate of trafficking through Hong Kong involving Filipinos is quite low, thanks to safeguards put in place by the SAR government. She identified the sectors affected by trafficking as labor for servitude; sex trafficking; drug trafficking; and even infant trafficking for adoption or sale. She said as part of its effort to combat trafficking, the DOJ has been providing incentives to victims in the form of allowances so they will be encouraged to pursue cases against the traffickers. Hi-Cedar Employment Agency Room 1402, 14/F., Capitol Centre, 5-19 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. (MTR Exit - F, upstairs of Forever 21) EMPLOYER INTERVIEW EVERY SUNDAY AT 12:00- 3:00 PM “More chances, less competition” Please call: 2526 2126 Hi-Cedar Principal does interviews in the Philippines every month. GAMMON MANPOWER AGENCY INC. Manila: Rm. 504, 5/F, AP Building, Pedro Gil corner Agoncillo St., Ermita • Tel: (02) 522-9988 Cebu: Rm. 303, 3/F. CDC Building, Colon corner D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City • Tel: (0432) 256-3388 Iloilo: Rm 207, 2/F, Golden Commercial Building, Iznart St. Iloilo • Tel: (033) 336-3388 Cagayan de Oro: Room 2, 2/F, A.B. Santiago Bldg., Velez Corner Justo D. Gaerlan St. Cagayan de Oro City • Tel: +6388 2313388 Causeway Bay branch: Tsim Sha Tsui branch: Lan Fan Shai Beauty Centre Unit 1801-02, Shun Hei Causeway Bay Centre, 492 Lockhart Road, Hong Kong (Causeway Bay Exit C). Turn right near the Body Shop Lan Yat Fan Ltd. 1/F 1 Hanoi Rd. Tsimshatsui, Kowloon , MTR Exit N2 ( Go straight, less than one minute walk) www.lanyatfan.com.hk www.lanfanshai.com.hk 2362 6881 2787 2787 1515 1515 The SUN January 2015 COMMUNITY 13 ROAD-HK celebrates a bountiful year ROAD-HK gives awards to its outstanding members for a bounty of honors they earned for the organization, including The SUN Challenge, a rigorous current events quiz organized by The SUN. At right, ROAD-HK p resident Weena Advincula (right) and vice president Mercy Permales bring the house down with a rendition of Sampaguita’s Bonggahan, complete with faux guitars, scarves and rocker clothes. There was a lot to cheer about when the Radiant Organization of Amiable Drivers (ROAD - HK) celebrated Christmas at Ramada Hotel in Western District on Dec. 14. The biggest feather in their cap came just a week earlier, when the group beat three of the most competitive Filipino organizations in HK to win The SUN Challenge, a rigorous current events quiz organized by The SUN newspaper. ROAD took home $3,000 in cash, a certificate and a gold medal for each of its three competitors. At the party, ROAD paid tribute to its winning team, and handed out its own certificates to each of its three members. Other members were also cited for winning or competing in several community-wide competitions such as :”Tuklas ng Talino” at Bayanihan Centre. Eight received special awards, including president Weena Advincula and vice president Mercy Permales. The others were Cookie Espiritu, Babes Azucena, Cris de la Cruz, Sheena Sandoval, Miriam Carpio and Star Pagaduan. Of the eight, three were cited further as “outstanding members” - Advincula, Permales and Pagaduan. ROAD adviser and The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap said she was happy and proud of the group’s achievements, and urged them to keep coming up with projects and activities that give them additional skills and enrich their lives while in Hong Kong.. She said driving is such a valuable skill, especially in Hong Kong, that more Filipino workers should try getting themselves a licence.. Not only is the pay far higher than the minimum wage, it is also more flexible and less tiring than working inside the house. As editor of the biggest Filipino newspaper in HK, it gave her special pleasure to see ROAD trumping other groups in their knowledge of current events. As in its first ever Christmas party as a group, ROAD spiced up its this year’s celebration with wacky dance competitions. But it was a mock rock number by its two top officials, Advincula and Permales, complete with shiny guitar props, that brought the house down. HKU launches Pinoy health project By Gina N. Ordona Meaningful Christmas: The GSSI (Guardians Socialite Society) Tiger Bond HK Legion held a Christmas party on Dec. 25 at Hoi Me Beach in Tsuen Wan. GSSI founder Elpidio Rubio, Jr., called on fellow officers and members to reach out to the needy and spread goodwill. In his message he said Christmas is not really just for children, as it has a deep meaning that only adults could understand. More than the bountiful food and the gaily wrapped gifts, he said Christmas is all about how Jesus Christ humbled himself so He could save mankind. Rubio gave special thanks to the event organizer, James Romay and to all officers and members of GSSI in Hong Kong. Romay said the group is guided by the vision of helping less fortunate people in the Philippines. In the coming year, for example, his group will conduct a “Balik Eskwela” program to provide school supplies to needy students. Are varicose veins linked to hypertension? This was one of the questions tackled by Dr. Michael M. Manio during the first in a series of six talks under the Hong Kong University’s Pinoy Project: Health & Nutrition Talk. The initial lecture was held at the Consulate on Dec. 4. The project which aims to empower domestic workers about their health is presented in collaboration with the Hong Kong University Center of Development and Resources of Students (HKUCEDARS) and the Consulate. Manio focused his presentation on hypertension and varicose veins, including their risk factor, symptoms and treatment. He pointed out that varicose veins might be connected to hypertension because the bulge with pools of blood may result in blood failing to circulate properly. He said varicose veins are often associated with older age, being female or obese, the onset of pregnancy or menopause, as well as standing or sitting for long hours. “Particularly, yung mga kababaihan mahilig maghigh heels. Wala naman pong problema kung naka-high heels. So I usually advise my patient na alisin (ang heels) pagdating sa office. Wala namang nakakakita, tanggalin at maglagay ng upuan para elevated,” he said. He also said that those who usually cross their legs while sitting are more prone to getting varicose veins, and doing so could affect the blood circulation. To avoid complications from having varicose veins, he suggested wearing compression stockings as a remedy. “Meron pong compression stocking na mabibili for varicose viens. The more na mahigpit, the better. He said raising the legs above the heart, three or four times a day for 15 minutes will help improve the blood Continued on Page 35 14 The SUN January 2015 1,000 gather for Misa de Aguinaldo By Jo Campos Christmas among Filipino Catholics will not be complete without the traditional Misa de Aguinaldo, or Midnight Mass. In Hong Kong, this annual tradition was again observed on Christmas eve, when close to a thousand Filipinos led by Consul General Bernardita Catalla braved the winter chill to gather in Chater Garden to pray and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In her address to the crowd before the mass, ConGen Catalla said that she was impressed by the huge number of overseas Filipino workers who were able to attend mass, and celebrate with their friends this Christmas. She said the OFWs should be thankful for this privilege, as many of their counterparts in other countries do not enjoy the same treatment. She also told them that the songs of praise and prayers Awarding of prizes to the winners of PaStaran parol contest they just recited should be put into practice. Lastly, she told symbol of plastic softdrink bottles of the OFWs that they should traditional different sizes and colors Christmas in the Philippines. lways look forward to being molded into a star shape with The year’s Grand Winner, reunited with their loved ones a nativity centerpiece, and takig $5,000 cash prize was back home bright lights. The group took Suyo Association, which Another highlight of the home $2,500 cash prize. created an intricate parol annual gathering was the The third place was bagged made of used plastic bottle announcement of the winners by Bangar Association of caps and aluminum of the “PaStaran” parol Hong Kong, which received Nespresso coffee packs. making contest, where several Layers of paper and cardboard $1,500.00; while NOPT and Filipino community served as the frame of the Lakbay Dangal won the organizanizations took part. parol held aloft with an fourth and fifth places The contest is held to improvised wheeled cart. respectively, taking cash showcase the creativity and Taking second place was prizes of $1,000 each. artistic talent of OFWs in Each parol entry had to Brotherhood, creating eco-friendly parols or Guardians meet certain specifications. It whose parol was made of lanterns, which are a should be made out of recycled materials and measure between 0.80 x 1 meter in diameter, should have lights that are battery operated, and should be hanged alone on a stand. Each eligible organization was allowed to submit all only one entry. All competing entries were put on display in Chater Garden ahead of the mass, drawing admiration from thousands of passersby. Everyone marveled at the hard work and creativity of the people who made the lanterns. The Misa de Aguinaldo started promptly after the presentation or prizes, followed by a procession of the lit parols. The Misa de Aguinaldo in Chater is a yearly event organized by the Philippine Consulate General in cooperation with the Filipino Chaplaincy of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong and different Filipino community groups. The SUN January 2015 15 Pasko sa Padyakan Nagtipon-tipon ang pitong grupo ng mga Pilipino sa Harcourt Garden sa Admiralty noong Dis 21 para gunitain ang Pasko. Napuno nila ang parke para sa kanilang kasiyahan. Kabilang sa mga grupo ang 1 Ganap Guardians Hong Kong, Anak ti Ilocos Norte, Force Recon Airsoft Group HK, Musang- Pilipinas and Pa-Staran Parol-naking conteat winners: Grand Prize - Suyo Association HK (above); 2nd place- Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (above, right); 3rd place- Bangar Association Gawing radio ang iyong smartphone! At makinig ng Pinoy music mula sa SUN Radio HK. Isa sa pitong grupo na nagdiwang ng Pasko sa Padyakan sa Harcourt Garden sa Admiralty. QUICK CASH! Narito kami kung kailangan mo.... • Mas mataas ang halaga ng sangla kapag Pinoy ang nagsasangla. • Mas matagal ang apat na buwang tubusan, plus 6 weeks allowance, dahil Western calendar ang gamit namin at hindi Chinese lunar calendar. May sariling App, kaya isang click lang, konektado ka na. SHING FUNG PAWN SHOP Makinig araw-araw. Kahit anong oras. Kahit saan na may wi-fi connection (gaya ng inyong bahay, sa mga bus, at sa inyong tambayan na katabi ng mga government building at mga bangko). Shop Y1, Ground Floor, Euro Trade Centre 21-23 Des Voeux Road Central, HK Convenient location Des Voeux Road ad Ro r ate Ch Pedder Street Para malaman kung papaano magdownload ng The SUN Radio app para sa Android, magpunta lang sa www.sunradiohk.com International Marshal Society, Batangas Varsitarian International Hong Kong Chapter, Association of Filipino Builders in Hong Kong at Balikatan sa Kaunlaran Hong Kong. Nagambag ambagan din ang mga grupo para sa dalawang miyembro na nangangailangan. — Cris Cayat Worldwide House Eurotrade Centre Connaught Road 16 The SUN January 2015 Passinhons showcase Ilonggo food in cookfest By Jo Campos The aroma of home-cooked Ilonggo dishes wafted in the air as an array of dishes filled a makeshift table at one corner of the City Hall grounds in Central on Dec. 14. It was the day of judgment for 13 entries in a unique culinary event called “Lutong Ilonggo sa Pasko” organized by Passi City (Iloilo) Association of Hong Kong. The cookfest showcased authentic Ilonggo cuisine from various participants, from the classic pancit molo and arroz valenciana, to the tasty binakol na manok. The other entries were pork estofado, adobong Ilonggo, fish sarciado and escabeche. But what caught the fancy of many was the KBL or kadios, baboy at langka The dish is similar to sinigang, but the difference lies in its sour base, as tamarind or sinigang mix is commonly used in sinigang, while traditional KBL uses “batuan”, a small but very sour round fruit found in Iloilo. In most dishes, the cooks used fresh turmeric or luyang dilaw as in the adobo, giving it a distinct taste and color. The sweet and savory taste of estofadong baboy also recalled memories of the festive season back home. But in the end, it was the binakol na manok which helped win for Margarita Panes the title Master Chef of the competition. The tender, succulent and tasty stew of chicken cooked in lemongrass, ginger, garlic and onion is similar to tinolang manok. Lilibeth Alcantara’s Estofadong Baboy took second place while Mary Grace Mendez’ pancit Molo, delicious parcels of meat in molo wrappers floating in steaming broth, won the hearts and palates of the guests as well as the third place in the contest. Another specialty dish served was Iloilo’s pride, Lapaz batchoy. The traditional noodle dish was prepared by one of the group’s members whose family runs a small restaurant in Iloilo with Lapaz batchoy as their specialty. The group’s leader, Wilma Padura, thought of the unique concept of the event with Libreng app para sa iyong Android Phone! Passinhons and friends in group photo (above). Winner Margarita Panes (right) with her ward. Christmas in mind. Padura said that by sharing these home-cooked dishes, each of the members would feel like being home on Christmas. She added that the event is also a perfect way to The other winners: Estofadong baboy,2nd place;Embotido, 3rd place. The winning dish is on page 30. showcase and discover the culinary talent of the Ilonggos in Hong Kong. The participants and their entries are: 1. Elsa Quesada – Sarciadong tilapia and arroz Valenciana 2. Marlyn Pardenilla – Embotido and KBL 3. Margarita Panes – Binakol na manok 4. Magdalena Talero – Afritadang manok, Tilapia escabeche and Dinuguan 5. Lilibeth Alcantara – Pork estofado 6. Marlon Algabre – Adobong Ilonggo 7. Belinda Santiago Paksiw na baboy 8. Mary Grace Mendez Pancit molo and Adobo mix Puwedeng makinig maghapon o magdamag. Pinoy ang kanta, Pinoy ang programa. Para sa ating mga Pinoy! Upang malaman kung papaano i-download ito, magpunta lang sa Facebook page ng Sun Radio HK: www.facebook.com/SunRadioHk First graduation : The first batch of graduates of the first call center training course offered in Hong Kong pose with their trainors from Empowerment Center International composed of Tony Mendoza (3rd from left), Diosy Mendoza (2nd from left) and John Mark Mendoza (5th from left). The 8-week call center training course aims to prepare OFWs for reintegration in the Philippines by giving them quality training as call center agents. The course also teaches proper English pronunciation and diction, as well as conversation skills. The graaduation rites were held at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center on Dec. 21. -JC The SUN January 2015 Bannatiran group celebrates Xmas By: Ramon Dizon Jr. Dozens of the Bannatiran of Hong Kong (BoHK) members celebrated Christmas by raising funds for their projects on Dec. 14 at Harcourt Garden in Central. Proceeds from their search for Miss Bannatiran 2014, won by Marietta Tenozo, will be used to fund a key project in their hometown of Banna, Ilocos Norte. The other contestants in the fund-raising pageant were Saniata Gabriel, Ms Faith; Lucy Agustin, Ms Love; Veron Balura, Ms Peace; and Eva Grace Day-Os, Ms Friendship. “We have donated hospital beds, wheelchairs, wheeled stretchers, cribs for the newborn and a fully automated dental chair to our municipal health center during our seven years of existence,” claimed BoHK president Dick Garcia. Garcia also lauded their three-month campaign against malnutrition a few years ago. “Around 100 children aged between 1 and 4 years benefited from the project,” he said. “We coordinated with the local government unit to identify the two barangays with the most number of malnourished children and we supplied them with milk and vitamins, plus medical check-ups twice a week.” Bannatiran group celebrates Christmas with a group gathering at Harcourt Garden in Central. DOMO HK holds induction during Christmas party Ang mga bagong opisyal ng Dynamic Overseas Migrant Organization Hong Kong, na mas kilala sa pangalang DOMO HK, para sa susunod na dalawang taon ay sumumpa sa tungkulin sa harap ni Vice Consul Charles Andrei Macaspac sa isang seremonyang ginanap noong Dis. 14 sa Konsulado. Nahirang na pangulo sa ikalawang pagkakataon si Mercy Moncayo, at pangalawang pangulo si Rose Andrada. Ang iba pang mga opisyal ay sina: Fely Rose Leaban, sekretarya; Dyesebell Bravo, pangalawang sekretarya; Violy Escultura, tesorera; pangalawang tesorerasi Alma Aquilena; auditor si Regina Constantino; at sina Jacquelin Pascual at Cecilia del Castillo, mga tagapamahala sa negosyo. Nahirang din sina Malou Sagun at Marlyn Cendaña bilang mga press relations officer, at si Flor delos Santos bilang livelihood trainer at choreographer. Sina Arnold P. Grospe, Joel Almeda, Engelbert E. Causing, Merlinda Mercado, at Rosabelle L. Woolf ang nagsisilbi nilang mga tagapayo. Matapos ang kanilang panunumpa, lumipat ang grrpo sa Lan Kwai Fong Park upang doon ipagdiwang ang kanilang Christmas party. Ang maghapong sayawan, kantahan, at kainan ay simpleng pagtitipon bilang pasasalamat sa patnubay ng Panginoon sa buong grupo, sabi ng kanilang presidente. – –Cris B. Cayat T&H Employment Centre DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING $4,380 ONLY Including Mandatory Insurance (from Philippines) CALL US NOW AT 2115 3132 Para sa karagdagang kaalaman, pumasyal lamang sa aming tanggap an na matatagpuan sa: NO HIDDEN CHARGES PAYMENT IN PHILIPPINES • Guaranteed lowest agency fee both in HK & Philippines interview every month in our counterpart agency in Philippines. • Maari ninyong ibigay sa amin ang biodata ng inyong mga kamag-anak at kami na ang bahalang magpadala sa kanila ng mga kaukulang impormasyon. Finished Contract/Terminated EMPLOYERS COME EVERYDAY Rm. 1106, Haleson Building, No.1 Jubilee Street, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2899 2809 Mga opisyal at kasapi ng Dynamic Overseas Migrant Organization Hong Kong sa kanilang pagtitipon. 17 18 The SUN January 2015 STAR’s double celebration By Cris B. Cayat There is a mix of new and old in the line-up of officers of Samahang Tarlaqueno Association Hong Kong or STAR HK. Abelardo Guevara has been reelected as president, while Colleen Navarro remains as general secretary. However, the rest of the officials are all new. The group held the induction of the incoming officers on Dec 14 at their Christmas party in Repulse Bay. The officers are Guevarra, president; Gil Capumpue, vice president; Navarro, general secretary; Cristy Sumibcay, assistant secretary; Albert Macalino, treasurer; Jenifher Duque, assistant treasurer; Siony Asuncion, auditor; Deborah Espiritu, assistant auditor; Lerna Capitly, business manager; Cely Sibal, assistant business manager; Ritchell Amurao, Lenny Santos, Analie Guevarra, Evelyn Gajo, Manny Mejia, press relation officers. A separate committee for sports was formed with Albert Tubig as chairman, Jun Laxaman as assistant to the chairman, while Reddy Gonzalez, Celer Castro, Rita Nakpil and Agnes Balassu are all consultants. The group chose Jimmy ORIGINAL PRODUCT 3D HOLOGRAM Para sa Gandang Nakaka-akit (CRYSTAL CLEAR NA MODEL IMAGE) Sequence Numbered Mabibili ang upgraded version ng Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 body essence lotion sa halagang $98 lamang mula sa Fiesta Mart, Victory Supermarket, Sun Fung Trading Co., sa Worldwide Plaza at sa mga authorized pin card dealers. Ang iyong kagandahan ay magiging tunay na kaakit-akit. Mabibili na sa Hong Kong ang upgraded version ng Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 Body essence lotion na gawa sa laboratoryo sa England ng La Cite Parfumeur S.A. Paris mula sa mga piniling sangkap na galing pa sa England, Germany, Canada at France. Ito ay may Limang Katangian: Super Slimming: Mula pa sa France ang super slimming ingredient ng Dream Love 1000 Lotion ay pumapasok sa balat upang tuawin ang sobrang taba at cellulite, upang lumabas ang natural mong figure at upang maging firm ang iyong suso. UV Whitening: Ang sangkap na ginamit dito na mula pa sa Canada ay nagbibigay ng proteksiyon laban sa ultra-violet rays na galing sa araw habang pinapuputi ang iyong kutis. Mabilis ang epekto nito, ilang minuto lamang ay makikita mo na. Unti-unti rin nitong inaalis ang freckles, dark spots, at mga peklat na marka ng tagihawat. Anti-Aging: Ang anti-aging ingredient ay nagbibigay ng sustansiya sa kailaliman ng balat upang ito ay magkalaman at mawala ang mga pileges, upang ikaw ay magmukhang mas bata. Protein Moisturizer: Ang moisturizing ingredient sa tulong ng Vitamin E ay pinanatiling banayad na basa ang balat upang ito ay lumambot at kuminang. Sexual Attraction: Ang lahat ng pampagandang sangkap ng Dream Love 1000 ay nababalot sa isang mabangong halimuyak at sexual attractant na siyang magbibigay sa iyo at ng iyong partner ng matinding kasiyahan. Nakamit ang maputing kutis na kaakit-akit at mahubog na katawan Matagal nang gusto ni Angel Cabias na magkaroon ng glamorosang hitsura katulad ng isang artista. Ang flawless na kutis artista ay pangarap ng kababaihan. Natupad ang pangarap ni Angel nang malaman niya ang kahanga-hangang Angel Cabias , produkto. Pinayo ng before and kaibigan na bumili at after gumamit siya ng upgraded Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 body essence lotion na gawa sa England mula sa Victory Supermarket sa Worlwide plaza sa halagang HK$98 lamang. Ang lotion ay napatunayang epektibo para sa pampapayat, pampaputi, may Vitamin A, D & E protein moisturizer, antiageing at pagtanggal ng mga peklat mula sa tagihawat at maiitim na bahagi ng balat na matatagpuan sa iisang tube lamang. Pagkauwi ay ginamit niya ang lotion ayon sa instruction sheet, nakita niya ang naging pagbabago sa katawan sa loob ng dalawang linggo. Nabawasan ang timbang habang 1 inch naman ang iniliit ng kanyang baywang, braso, balakang at hita. Nagkaroon din ng magandang hugis ang kanyang katawan. Ngayon ay tuwang-tuwa na siya kapag nakikita ang sarili sa salamin dahil nakamtan na ang hitsurang artista na matagal na niyang pinapangarap. The group during their Christmas party and induction. Macaspac as the chair of their advisers, which is also made up of Mayo Libunao, Fidel Manuel, Mark Mateo, Dante Baysa, Melody Sotero and Amelia Atienza. Adding spice to the celebration was the ballroom dancing contest, which was won by partners Melody Sotero and Rudy Quintonia who did the cha cha. There were also fun games like banana eating, which was won by Agnes Balassu; dirty dancing, won by Evelyn Braga; and apple eating, won by Edward Sebastian took the title for the apple eating. A raffle draw was held using telekonek, and the two lucky winners, Evelyn Gajo and Ritchell Amurao, got the sony walkman gadget. The group prides itself as being able to unite all Tarlac residents in Hong Kong, and for looking after each other, even after members have returned to the Philippines. STAR also makes an effort to reach out to needy members, like when it held a one-day basketball league Travel Licence No. 353185 Booking for Chinese New Year & Summer now available! Ocean Park, Disneyland and Airport Express Train * Tickets Available* Ang Travel Agent na may pinakamurang ticket para sa mga kababayan. For reservation please call Jonathan & Malou (we speak Tagalog) at 31023282. E-mail: [email protected] web: www.filipinohk-travel.com Office Office Office Hours: Hours: Hours: Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 2/F.,Shop 227 Worldwide Plaza, 19 Des Voeux Road Central, HK. • Tel: 3102 3282 • Fax: 3102 1200 Air Tickets to the Philippines! Buy air ticket get free gift AIRTICKET(s) to Manila, Cebu,Clark, Domestic, Canada and Anywhere.China Visa, Hotel(s),Windows of the World 1 Day Tour and Travel Insurance Licence No. 351938 Kung gusto mong makatipid sa susunod mong paglipad, sa amin ka magtanong. Book now for Chinese New Year Holidays! • We accept booking for Christmas Holidays • Tickets to Canada, US and other countries • Contract worker tickets also available. ISquare PEKING ROAD BOSSINI Come to our office at Exit C1 Exit E Network Travel We a re h ere NATHAN RD. Find the Right Flight for the Right Price! O/B HOUSELINK LTD. LOCK RD. A smart choice for the traveller. It’s our 10 years anniversary! MODY ROAD Rm. 905, 9/F Universal Comm. Bldg., 69 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Near MTR Exit C1, near Bossini) CALL US NOW AT: 2366 2283 • Fax: 2367 3768 We’re open Mon-Fri 9:30 am-6:00pm; Sat 9:30am-3:00pm; Sun 11:00am-4:00pm The SUN January 2015 19 Filipina softbelles post 9-4 revenge win vs. SCAA by Vir B. Lumicao Filipina sluggers Fate A has carried over the feud with rivals SCAA Topaz to the premier group of the Hong Kong women’s softball league at Tin Kwong Road, exacting vengeance on the only team that beat them in last season’s Group B matches. With Fate taking the bat at the opening, Ma. Eva Mendez, Joelle Galapin, Margie Occenola and Jesse Duque ran home via a series of hits as the local women figured out how to stop the Filipinas. Then team captain Don Gaborno, the unchallenged pitcher of the match, held the South China softbelles scoreless, 4-0, in that inning as she struck out the opponents one by one. The younger and faster SCAA Topaz began rattling the Filipinas in the second inning when they foiled all but one of Fate’s attempts to run home. First, the local lasses halted Bong Baraoidan on second base and struck out Galapin, but failed to tag Mendez on her run home after Gaborno hit a high ball at infield. Romela Osabel tried to score with a rolling ball to the left infield, but she was caught on the first base to keep the score unchanged at 4-0. The Topaz sluggers kept their pressure on the Filipinas at their turn on the plate, hitting three rolling balls, one of which bounced on the ground and smacked Fate short stop Baguitan on the left side of her face, leaving a nasty black-eye and a swollen cheek. Topaz’s No. 17 struck Team members celebrate their win. In the dark about how to reach the Filipinos in Hong Kong? Go with the No. 1 newspaper. The leader since 1995. another rolling ball that she converted into the team’s first run in the match. Coach Bernie Cabasal had to remind the Filipinas every now and then not to get rattled and focus on the ball as they succumbed to error after error forced upon them via rolling hits by the well-prepared Hong Kong women. “Don’t be rattled, focus on the ball, focus on the ball. You’re five points up,” he would shout to his players. With their opponents’ weakness exposed, the SCAA batters then blasted three more homers and held Fate scoreless in the third and fourth innings as they tried to catch up with the Filipinas. But despite their early woes, the Filipinas added four more runs in the fifth courtesy of Gaborno, Duque , MRose Salvador and Baguitan to stay comfortably ahead at 9-4. Late in the fifth inning, Galapin blasted a long ball that sent home Navarro and Mendez from third and second base, but the home plate umpire called a foul on SPORTS Galapin for blocking when she romped to first base. The umpire also nullified Mendez and Navarro’s home runs. The call drew a protest from Cabasal and the agitated Filipinas that halted the game for a few minutes as the umpire sought the opinion of his line umpires. In the end, the match official’s ruling stood. With Fate’s turn at the field, the team urged Gaborno to exact revenge, and she did so seamlessly in the next few minutes, striking out batter after batter from SCAA to keep the score at 9-4. With five minutes left in the match, the local players returned to the field expecting Fate to bat. Occenola batted first but was struck out before the umpire declared the game over. “Okay lang ang laro ng mga player. Kabado lang sila pero malakas sila. Kahit Recognition for service in the last 19 years A rare commendation from the Hong Kong government for service to ethnic minorities. Given personally by HK Chief Executive C.Y. Leung The Filipino paper the Filipinos trust To advertise, just call 2544 6536 or email [email protected]. Our latest: A University of the Philippines Alumni Association award in recognition of our expertise and our commitment to the community. kulang ang team sa player, ipinakita naman nila na kaya nila ang SCAA Topaz,” Cabasal told The SUN after the match. Then turning to his players, he said: “Guys, ang comment ko lang sa inyo, pag nasa game kayo nara-rattle kayo. Kapag naglalaro. Huwag kayong ma-rattle.” “Today you proved that even if the team is undermanned, you can still win,” Cabasal said. The triumph was sweet revenge for Fate as SCAA was the only team that beat them in the Group B championships last summer. Both teams were promoted to Group A after the tournament. Future game schedules: Jan. 4, 2:30pm — Fate A vs. TB at Tin Kwong Jan. 18, 1pm – Fate B vs. Joker at Shek Kip Mei 20 The SUN January 2015 NGO shows the right path for pregnant maids By Vir B. Lumicao Some 2,500 female domestic workers in Hong Kong who got pregnant in the past seven years have been helped by a non-governmental organization set up to keep both the mothers and the babies legally protected. This is PathFinders, the only NGO in Hong Kong that has been helping pregnant domestic workers since its founding in 2007. Pathfinders says most of the pregnant maids it has helped were Indonesians, but the second biggest ethnic group were Filipinos. Thr group seeks out expectant migrant women in parks and other places where the helpers congregate on their days off and tries to win their confidence by teaching them about their basic rights as women. Every Sunday it conducts outreach services in Central and Victoria Park, and a few remote places where illegal immigrants are known to abound.. “Most of the time the women don’t know their rights,” Carmen Lam, senior program manager of PathFinders, told The SUN in a recent interview. “Sometimes they think that it is illegal to get pregnant as domestic workers in Hong Kong, so they decide to get rid of the baby, and we try to get them to come for counseling,” Lam said. Educating the expectant mothers is one the three programs that PathFinders has adopted to help domestic workers handle their pregnancies. The other two programs are mother empowerment and child protection. “In the education program, (the pregnant migrant workers) have nowhere to go, so, they come here and learn about their legal rights, and we have professionals who conduct woman care, newborn baby care … and then, how to adapt to partners, child care, and parenting,” said Lam. Since the majority of the maids who get pregnant are Indonesians, most of the counseling and lectures that PathFinders conducts is in Bahasa “so that they can know about their rights and protection in Hong Kong, what is the basic entitlement of every domestic worker, like We’re closed on Dec. 25 & 26 Lam the minimum wage, maternity leave with pay, free medical treatment, paid annual leave, air ticket and things like that,” Lam said. “We also emphasize their maternity right and protection, so we want them to know that employers cannot fire their workers — except due to misconduct – just because they’re pregnant,” the PathFinders executive said. “We really want to emphasize this information because if any of the employers terminate their domestic workers (for being pregnant), they can be liable for prosecution and, upon conviction, be fined $200,000,” Lam said. “The domestic worker can actually the go to the Labour Department and the Equal Opportunities Commission and the employer will be fined and prosecuted,” she said. PathFinders is driving this message home through its outreach programs so that the more migrant women know about their rights, the better they would be protected and they won’t feel totally helpless when they encounter problems over their pregnancy. The NGO also provides all the information the helpers need, such as where they can go if they are suddenly cast out of their employers’ homes. “Often, once the employer finds out the domestic worker is pregnant, she tells her to get out. If that happens, the helper becomes homeless,” Lam said. Hong Kong’s strict law on two-week stay for a terminated helper often drives her to hide or stay with friends and overstay her visa. “If they know their rights, they’d talk to their employers,” said Lam. “I think we can find a solution to the pregnancy in a legal way because firing them is illegal and not good for the domestic worker later on, as she won’t be able to get medical treatment, she won’t have a safe environment for the baby.” Lam said if the pregnant workers need assistance they can go to PathFinders and attend the Monday education workshop the NGO holds to teach them what to do. “If they want to go back home, we can hep them.” For 2014, Lam said PathFinders had helped about 500 domestic helpers who became pregnant out of Hong Kong’s more than 300,000 maids. “So if you take only 1 to 2 percent of this population, that already works up to 3,000 of them,” Lam said, explaining that domestic workers come to Hong Kong in their early 20s and so it happens that some meet men they into relationships with. If they get pregnant, “they’re terminated and are trapped in Hong Kong, so we’re here to help them,” she said. PathFinders’ 2013 annual report shows it had helped 589 migrant mothers that year, up 9 percent from the previous year. Of these, Indonesians made up 82 percent and Filipinos, 16 percent; while others such as Thais, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshi formed 2 percent. Lam said Filipina maids who had come been to Hong Kong for over 20 years seem to know more about their rights, are more open and vocal about what they need. It is a different case for the Indonesians, who have been coming here only for the last few years, and who do not have a firm support system. With the help of PathFinders, 60 percent of the migrant mothers in 2013 eventually married their partners and changed their visa status, enabling them to remain employed in Hong Kong. The remaining 40 percent decided to return home. Of their children, 45 percent became Hong Kong residents, 7 percent were referred for adoption in the city, and 48 percent returned home with the mother. Despite the huge number of cases that they have to deal with, PathFinders operates with only 10 full-time staff made up of a case manager, a program manager, and a program officer. Seven other staff members help attend to clients Monday to Friday at its Tung Chau offices in Tai Kok Tsui, and doing outreach on Saturdays and Sundays. Pathfinders runs a hotline from 9 am to 9pm, and a shelter in Yau Ma Tei that houses six clients a month who get rent-free stay, free food, and free checkups for both mothers and babies by a nurse and midwife every Monday. A sponsor rents the PathFinders shelter for $15,000 a month while a director of the NGO pays for the office rent of about $20,000 a month. A team of pro bono lawyers helps secure birth certificates for the babies and visa applications for the mothers, assist them in court cases, and help find the fathers for maintenance claims. Lam said the NGO’s main income comes from private, individual and corporate donors, and its board directors, but none from the Hong Kong government. “We tried to reach out to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for local fund but they said, �Oh they’re not Hong Kong permanent residents, they are not eligible for assistance. We can only help Hong Kong residents.” This shouldn’t be the case, Lam said. “We want to get the message across that those who really need of help in Hong Kong, we should not divide them into whether they are residents or not…any nationality who is in need… These domestic helpers are also Hong Kong residents, they work in Hong Kong, we should not discriminate against them,” she said. The SUN January 2015 Ginulat kami kamakailan ng isang masayang pagbati nang mapasyal kami sa Konsulado noong Dis. 17. “Kuya, hindi mo na ako nakikilala?” sabi ng isang babaeng nakaupo sa sofa sa tanggapan ni ATN officer Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr. Paglingon namin ay nakita namin si MI Magbujos, na ngiting-ngiti at masiglangmasigla. Si Magbujos ay dati naming dinadalaw sa Queen Mary Hospital kung saan siya naratay ng mahigit anim na buwan dahil sa kanser. Pinalabas na pala siya sa ospital noong Dis. 12 matapos ang matagal-tagal ding gamutan. Naka bonnet siya dahil nalagas ang kanyang buhok bunga ng pagkakasalang niya sa 10 sesyon ng chemotherapy, ngunit ang dati niyang mapusyaw na mukha ay nagkakulay na, at ang kanyang mga matang dating malamlam ay mayroon nang kislap. Nakatakda siyang lumipad pauwi sa Pilipinas noong umaga ng Dis. 18, para kasamang mag-Pasko ng kanyang mga kapatid at pamangkin sa San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Si Magbujos, isang dalagang nagtapos ng pagkaguro, ay nagtrabaho bilang domestic helper sa Hong Kong ng may 18 buwan. Namasukan siya sa isang pamilyang Intsik sa Tsing Yi mula Marso 2013, ngunit hindi niya natapos ang kanyang kontrata roon dahil nagkasakit siya at natuklasan na may stage 3 vaginal can- cer. “Bilib ako s a batang iyon. Basta sinabi ko sa kanya, �Hold on to your faith at dagdagan mo ang determinasyon mong mabuhay. Uuwi kang maganda,’ sinabi ko sa kanya,” salaysay ni welfare officer Kris Furaque. “Noong una, dinadalaw namin iyon, ngunit sinabi ng mga doktor sa Queen Mary na mas makabubuti kung hindi kami dadalaw nang madalas para makaiwas siya sa infection dahil napakababa pa ng kanyang immune system,” sabi pa ni Furaque. Nagsadya sa Konsulado si Magbujos upang mag-ayos ng mga papeles at alamin kung ano ang mga dapat niyang asikasuhin sa Pilipinas, gayundin ang mga tao ng social welfare at iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno na aalalay sa kanya roon. Bago siya umalis ay inayos na rin ng ATN ang kanyang aplikasyon sa PhilHealth upang magamit niya ito sa Pilipinas na pantulong sa pagpapatuloy ng pagpapagamot niya roon. Masayang Pasko para sa isang biktima ng kanser Ni Vir B. Lumicao “Siyempre, masaya ako dahil uuwi na ako at makakapag-Pasko ako sa amin,” ani Magbujos, na umuwi sa kanyang ate sa Sapang Palay dahil ulila na siya sa mga magulang. Ibang-iba ang hitsura ni Magbujos sa pasyenteng dinadalaw namin noong tagaraw sa cancer unit na nasa ika1 3 palapag ng main building ng Queen Mary. Putlang-putla siya, payat na payat at nangingitim ang balat dahil sa mga gamot na itinutusok sa kanya. Minsang dumalaw kami sa kanya ay katatapos lamang niyang isalang sa chemotherapy. Hapong-hapo at naduduwal siya, at maya’tmaya’y nagtutungo sa kubeta upang sumuka. “Akala ko noon ay mamamatay na ako,” ani Magbujos. Pagkaraan lamang ng mahigit sa isang taon sa Hong Kong ay biglang sumama ang pakiramdam niya at natuklasan ang kanyang sakit pagkatapos ng isang masusing pagsusuri. Agad siyang ipinailalim sa panggagamot, na ang pangwakas ay 10 sesyon ng chemotherapy, isang labis na nakapanghihinang paraan ng paggamot sa kanser. Marami ring bag ng suero ang itinusok sa kanyang ugat upang magdala ng gamot sa mga bahagi ng kanyang katawan na hindi nararating ng kanyang mahinang daloy ng dugo. Sa ikalawang linggo niya sa Queen May ay dumating sa ospital ang amo niya at iniabot sa kanya ang isang termination letter dahil ubos na ang kanyang sick leave. Nasundan iyon ng isang mas mariing dagok: dalawang linggo pa lang siya sa ospital at lantang-lanta ang katawan ay dumating ang balita na pumanaw na ang kanyang ina. Ang kanyang ama ay nauna nang namatay, noong siya ay bata pa. Kasabay niyon ay tumawag ang kanyang kasintahan para makipagkalas sa kanya dahil magpapakasal na raw sa iba. “Hindi ko na mapigilan 21 ang pag-iyak dahil nasa ganoong kalagayan ako nang sunud-sunod na dumating ang tatlong dagok sa akin,” sinabi niya nang unang dalawin namin siya sa Queen Mary noong Agosto. “Bigla na lang nawala ang lahat sa akin. Parang ayaw ko na tuloy mabuhay.” Ngayong lumakas na ang katawan niya ay magpapahinga raw sa bahay si Magbujos bago maghanap muli ng trabaho. Hindi pa raw siya nakatitiyak kung babalik siya sa Hong Kong. Nakatuon lamang siya sa pagbabalik sa piling ng kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. Tinatayang humigit sa $250,000 ang dapat bayaran ni Magbujos sa ospital dahil sa matagal na pagkakaratay roon, ngunit sa pakiusap ng Konsulado at sa tulong ng gobyerno ng Hong Kong ay hindi na. Sa kabilang banda, nakatakda siyang tumanggap ng kabayaran mula sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at sa mandatory insurance niya sa Pilipinas dahil sa kanyang pagkakasakit nang malubha. CALENDAR Have your association’s upcoming activities published here. IT’S FREE! Call Tel. 2544-6536 during office hours. Post-Christmas and New Year Party Jan. 4, 11am - 6pm Pier 3, Central, Hong Kong Organized by: Capiznun in HK Open to the Capiznun friends Hope and Healing Jan. 4, 9am and 11 am service at BP International House #8 Austin Road TST Kowloon1pm and 3pm service, Breakthrough Centre, 191 Woosung Road, Jordan, Kowloon Lecturer: Eric C. Maliwat, life coach and community service advocate Organized by: His Sanctuary For details, contact: Winderose Frias & Dang Hermosa 90121723. “Come Let us Worship the Lord Our God Almighty” January 11, 2015, 11:00 am – 5:00pm Ap Lei Chau Community Hall 328 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road (to get there, take bus no. 90 & 91 from Central, No 171 Kowloon bus) Organized by: Christ, King of the Ages Catholic Charismatic Ministry Contact person: Sis. Tessie S. Wong, 9197-0421. 25667542 Walk for a Cause Feb. 20, 10 am onwards Lions’ Nature Education Centre, Sai Kung Organizer: Fat Big Heart Contact: Bong/Liezl 9585 9014 22 The SUN January 2015 PHILIPPINE NEWS Gov’t to prohibit flight overbooking The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is considering to prohibit airlines from overbooking their flights during peak travel seasons after thousands of passengers of Cebu Pacific Air were stranded at the airports during the Christmas holidays. There is a need for the government to take drastic action to avoid a repeat of Cebu Pacific’s mass flight cancellations and delays in the days leading to December 25, which affected thousands of airline passengers, according toTransportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. “Mukhang kailangan nang pag-aralan namin if the government can step in to control, limit, if not prohibit or completely eliminate overbooking,” he said when interviewed on radio. Abaya said that Cebu Pacific should have considered the likelihood that passengers who first booked the flight will show up because it is the peak holiday season. “Hindi kami natutuwa [at] hindi dapat matuwa ang pamahalaan na porke’t napenalize [ang airline company] after the fact ay tapos na ang iyong role... So dapat bago pa mangyari �yon (dumami ang stranded na pasahero) ay may ginagawa na ang pamahalaan. Kailangang magkaroon ng clear policy addressing overbooking and undermanning of check-in counters,” he said. Peso continues to weaken; OFWs stand to benefit Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Armando Tetangco Jr. expects the Philippine peso to continue weakening in the coming months as the dollar gains strength due to the sustained recovery of the US economy. Tetangco said that the dollar’s rally was inevitable but assured that stable macroeconomic conditions would support the peso. He said though that the central bank will not intervene but would rather keep its policy of allowing the local currency to move according to market forces. “We won’t go against the fundamental trend,” he said. Economists say that a weak peso does not mean a weak economy. It can make exports more competitive, boosting output in Philippine factories and creating more jobs for less skilled workers. At the same time, weaker peso encourages more remittances from Filipino workers abroad, spurring spending by their families in the country. The BSP can influence the peso’s value by buying and selling dollars in the foreign exchange market. To keep the peso from weakening, the BSP floods the market with dollars from its foreign exchange reserves. Doing the reverse has the opposite effect. On the last trading day for the year on December 29, the peso was pegged at P44.61 to the US dollar. Last Dec. 23 or before the holiday break, the peso closed at 44.68:$1 versus the end-2013 closing of 44.395:$1. Hong Kong dollar was at P5.75, or US$ 0.129: HK$1. At the start of 2014, the peso had weakened to P45 to the US dollar. Tetangco said the BSP would keep watch of market activities that could increase volatility in foreign exchange markets. Illegal drugs, luxury gadgets, cash found in Bilibid An early morning surprise inspection of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on December 15 yielded illegal drugs, expensive watches and gadgets, sex dolls and pornographic CDs, and a bath tub and a game console. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima joined more than a hundred operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in inspecting the national penitentiary in view of reports that some influential drug lords who had been convicted and detained there have managed to continue with their illicit drug trading activities. The raiding team found millions of pesos and other currencies in cash, and luxury watches in three vaults inside the cell of convicted bank robber Herbert “Ampang” Colangco. The search also yielded eight watches -five Rolex, one Philip Stein and one Cartier. There was also a Prada wallet with P5,000 cash, Hermes with P10,000, and Louis Vuitton with P62,000. Cash in foreign currencies were also found: $600 and HK $23,000. Colangco has been serving time at the maximum security compound since 2009. While in prison, he launched a singing career and released an album early this year, titled “Herbert C: Kinabukasan.” The team likewise confiscated home items such as air-conditioning units, a 48-inch flat screen television set, PlayStation 4, dining sets, closed-circuit television (CCTV), signal jammer, Internet broadband sticks, several firearms, P175,000 and at least $2,000 in cash. “Certainly, heads will roll. Lalo na ngayon. Pero ayaw ko muna sabihin ano ang nasa isipan ko at ano ang irerekomenda ko sa Pangulo na aksyon dahil gusto ko muna makuha �yung buong report,” de Lima said in an interview with reporters. The inspection was conducted inside the NBP maximum security compound where 20 convicted drug lords are detained in the wake of reports that they still manage to continue their illegal trade even inside the national penitentiary. The convicted drug lords had been moved from the BuCor facility to the NBI compound in Manila to “incapacitate” the drug syndicate from continuing their operation while investigations are continuing. “This is to completely incapacitate them from pursuing their illegal transactions,” de Lima said, adding that the 20 inmates will be secured by an elite team from the BuCor and the PNP-SAF to ensure that they cannot escape and contact their accomplices outside. Their visiting privileges were also suspended. At the same time, de Lima ordered the NBP and the Registration going on! Register now! Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to demolish the inmates’ “kubols” inside the prison compound. De Lima had said that BuCor officials have received death threats following their crackdown against drug operations inside Bilibid. The BuCor operates Bilibid and six other prison facilities in the country. In November, prison authorities confiscated from the cells of the convicted drug lords 11 signal boosters, four booster chargers, 46 aluminum outdoor antennas, four Wifi sticks, four Wifi antennas, nine repeaters, five rolls of electrical wires, one splitter, one distributor and Continued on Page 23 The SUN January 2015 Making money off the papal visit Some people with enterprising minds have started to take advantage of the visit of Pope Francis to earn big bucks by designing for commercial sale T-shirts and other souvenir items to remember the momentous event. However, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a warning this early to the public against being deceived by buying shirts with “misleading” papal messages. In a statement on December 29, the Catholic prelate cautioned that the public should beware of shirts and merchandise with fake statements that Pope Francis had supposedly said. “We urge our Catholic faithful not to patronize items with misleading posts and statements,” Villegas said in the statement posted on CBCP News. In particular, Villegas pointed to the shirts with the words “No Race No Religion” printed on them as “definitely misleading and quite frankly erroneous.” Shirts printed with the design of the official logo of the papal visit have gone on sale bearing the texts “Ganito ako. Ganyan ka. Who am I to judge?” and “No Race No Religion. Embrace Diversity.” While Pope Francis has been known for his openness, Villegas said that the Pope would never disregard both race and religion. “He has never said and taught that religion and race Holidays to welcome pope To allow more Filipinos to witness the activities of Pope Francis when he visits the Philippines next month, President Benigno Aquino III has declared special nonworking days on January 15, 16 and 19. January 17 and 18 fall on a weekend. The President issued Proclamation No. 936, declaring three days next month as special non-working days but only in Metro Manila. Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive on January 15 in Manila where Aquino will welcome him at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The formal welcome will take place the following day at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañang Palace. The Pope will then meet with the President and other top government officials, including members of the diplomatic corps, at the Rizal Centennial Hall of the Palace before proceeding to the Manila Cathedral for a Mass. Later in the afternoon, the Pope will have a meeting with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. On January 17, he will go to Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte to officiate mass and meet with survivors of super typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda). He will have another mass that will be open to the public on January 18 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, then leaves the country on January 19. Contrabands found in Bilibid From Page 22 seven units of power supply charger. Some of the high profile convicts at the national penitentiary were said to be staying in luxurious quarters that could pass for high-end condominium units from where they allegedly operate a nationwide drug syndicate. One “kubol,” a space in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) converted into a special detention area, even has a jacuzzi. Another has a sauna, widescreen television sets in every room, Wi-Fi and split-type air-con units. Still another kubol has a generator and a music studio with top-of-theline equipment. The operatives also found bags and sachets of white powder believed to be “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in the first four kubol at the start of the operation. They also found cash totaling more than P2 million. De Lima said she was more than disgusted at the discovery. “I thought problems like that are being dealt with because sometimes they (prison officials) conduct raids and they report results to me. They even have list of [seized] contraband. It now appears it’s just the tip of the iceberg.” The convicts who had been transferred to the NBI headquarters in Manila were Eugene Chua, Sam Li Chua, Vicente Sy, George Sy, Tony Co, Joel Capones, Herbert Colangco, Peter Co, Imam Boratong, Clarence Domingo, Tom Chua, Rommel Capones, Jojo Baligad, Willy Chua, Michael Ong, Jacky King, Willy Sy, Noel Martinez and Dona Agojo. “Based on our study, their removal from the NBP would validate the combined reports of anti-illegal drugs agency that the inmates control the narcotics industry in the country,” de Lima said. The justice secretary said the inmates would be stripped of communication tools and their visiting privileges suspended. According to an insider of the NBP, a kubol is sold for a minimum of P300,000 depending on its size. “The proceeds are divided between the jail guard and the occupant of the kubol,” the insider said. Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu said items that should not be brought in a kubol could be classified into two: those that were “bad per se,” such as drugs, firearms and bladed weapons; and those that were “not per se bad but are prohibited” as they were considered “luxury items.” He said the antennae, boosters, television sets and jacuzzi, among others, fell under the second category and would be removed. Bucayu acknowledged that some NBP personnel may have had a hand in the entry of prohibited items inside the facility, as these prohibited objects did not just “appear (there) as if by magic.” do not matter, because they most certainly do,” said Villegas, who is also the head of the archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. “It is what selfish, uncharitable and judgmental people do with religion and race that is a problem.” “Pope Francis is aware of the fact that he heads an organized religion with a vast membership throughout the world,” Villegas said. “He is also as aware that race forms part of the identity of individuals and of peoples.” 11.4 million Filipinos rated selves as poor About 11.4 million Filipino families consider themselves poor, the fourth quarter 2014 survey of Social Weather Stations (SWS) indicated. The survey conducted from November 27 to December 1, showed that 52 percent of families consider themselves as “mahirap” or poor while 41 percent consider the food they eat as poor. The survey involving 1,800 adult respondents was conducted through face-toface interviews and most questions were directed to household heads, SWS said. The latest self-rated poverty rate is three points lower than the previous quarter’s rate of 55 percent. The 2014 average self-rated poverty rate is 54 percent which is above the 52 percent average of the past two years. For the self-rated poverty, the respondents were presented a showcard with the choices “not poor,” “on the line” and “poor” and were asked to place where their family would be. A similar showcard was shown for the self-rated food poverty. He said if there was “sufficient evidence” that some personnel “facilitated the entry of these,” charges would be filed against them. “We are very strict about that. We have already suspended many… Dismissal (is also a possibility),” he said. 23 NEWS BRIEFS Cavite ex-governor Remulla dies Former Governor Juanito “Johnny” Remulla who had built a powerful dynasty in the province of Cavite, passed away on Monday morning, December 29. The 81-year-old Remulla is the father of Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla Jr., incumbent governor of Cavite, former Congressman Gilbert Remulla and incumbent Congressman Jesus Crispin Remulla. Reports say the former governor was confined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City for a week before his death. He was a close ally of Ferdinand Marcos, one of the most influential presidents of the Philippines. Remulla was a lawyer before going into politics. He was a senior partner at the Remulla, Estrella and Associates Law Office. He served as chairman of the board of privately-owned Covelandia Island Resort in Binakayan, Cavite; MVS Cinema, Inc.; president of Superior Cane Plantation, Inc., and Midtown Theatrical and Commercial Corp. He placed fourth in the 1956 bar examinations after graduating from the University of the Philippines College of Law. 7 years’ jail for P7-k bribery A court in Manila meted a seven-year jail term for an employee of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after finding him guilty of graft and estafa for asking money from a security agency executive in exchange for the approval of a permit issued by the department. The case file showed that Labor Employment Officer III Martin dela Merced, alias Arnold Cruz, demanded and received P7,000 from complainant Rudy Cariaga, vice president and treasurer of a security agency, for the issuance of an Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner Certificate of Accreditation. Apart from the maximum of seven years imprisonment, dela Merced was also disqualified for life from public office for violating the anti-graft law, and a maximum of six years imprisonment and fine of P5,000 for his conviction for estafa through falsification of public document. The court also ordered dela Merced to return the P7,000 he received from Cariaga. MRT, LRT fare increase Starting January 4, the fare rates at the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2 will be increased from P9 to P11 for the base fare, plus additional one-peso per kilometer of travel. Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya said the adjustment is necessary to improve the poor state of the railway system. The adjusted fare rate means an MRT trip from North Avenue to Taft would cost P28, from the current fare of P15. A single journey LRT-1 trip from Roosevelt to Baclaran would be P30, from P20. A single journey LRT-2 trip from Recto to Santolan would be P25, from P15. The last time fares for LRT-1 went up were in 2003, while fares for LRT-2 have never been increased since it opened 11 years ago. Meanwhile, since the MRT was opened in 1999, its fares were cut twice. More tax exemptions set Beginning January 2015, benefits under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and productivity incentive schemes will be exempted from income tax on compensation following President Benigno Aquino III’s approval of a measure expanding the list of de minimis benefits. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said in a statement that the government expanded the list of de minimis (minor) benefits to be exempted from income tax on compensation, to include benefits under CBAs and productivity incentive schemes. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said this means an additional P10,000 tax exemptions on the benefits that workers receive. The total amount of de minimis benefits each taxpayer can claim will reach up to P104,225 from P94,225, DOLE said. The additional tax exemption translates to P16.9 billion forgone revenues. 24 The SUN January 2015 Pagbabago Ayon sa isang survey na Social Weather Stations kamakailan, 93 sa bawa’t 100 Pilipino ay umaasa na mas maganda ang dating ng bagong taon. Mas lilinaw ang sulyap natin sa pag-iisip ng Pilipino kung ihahambing mo ito sa isa pang SWS survey na nagpapakitang 52 sa bawa’t 100 pamilyang Pilipino ay nagsabing sila ay mahirap, at 41 pamilya ang nagsabing naghihikahos sila sa pagkain. Nagpapakita ito na kahit hirap sa buhay, naroon pa rin sa atin ang pag-asang mas mabuti ang hinaharap sa susunod na mga araw. Siguro, kung gagawin ang survey na ito sa Hong Kong, ganito rin ang magiging resulta. Pero hanggang palaasa na lang ba tayo? Ngayong Bagong Taon, pag-isipan natin ang magagawa para malampasan ang pagiging palaasa lamang at baguhin natin mismo ang ating kinabukasan. Simulan natin ito sa ating bulsa. Halimbawa, tayo ba ay may ipon, o kaya ay may binabayarang ari-arian na kayamanan sa hinaharap? Kung wala ay bakit wala? Dito sa Hong Kong, lumalaganap ang kaalamang tinatawag na “Financial Literacy” sa pamamagitan ng mga libreng seminar na ginagawa ng organisasyong gaya ng CARD at Enrich HK. Back and ahead Ni Ate Kulit Kung susumahin sa madaling salita, ang kanilang itinuturo ay kung papaano makakaipon mula sa kahit anong laking suweldong natatanggap buwan-buwan. Magugulat ka sa malaking pagbabagong naidulot na ng kaalamang ito sa buhay ng dumaraming Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong. Ang pangalawang dapat baguhin natin ay ang pagiging kontento sa ating nalalamang paraan ng paghahanap-buhay. Itanong sa sarili: habambuhay na lang ba tayong ganito? Kung may computer ka at internet, may libreng paraan upang mag-aral ng mga kakayahang habambuhay na magagamit : ang e-Tesda. Magpunta lamang sa http:/ /e-tesda.gov.ph/ upang malaman kung papaano magenroll sa mga kursong gaya ng Web Development, Animation, Computer Servicing, Massage Therapy, at marami pang iba. Makukuha ang mga kaalamang ito nang libre. Ang kailangan lang dito ay ang hangaring matuto. Published and distributed free twice a month by Leade Publishing Co. as a service to OFWs. Published by: Leade Publishing Co. Leo A. Deocadiz Publisher Unit 1002, 10/F, Yue Shing Daisy CL. Mandap Bldg., 15 Queen Victoria St., Editor Central, Hong Kong Vir B. Lumicao Associate Editor Tel 2544 6536 Johna M. Acompanado Fax: 2366 8841 E-Mail: Administration [email protected] Hong Kong Edition printed by Apple Daily Printing Ltd. No. 8, Chun Ying St., TKO Industrial Estate West, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, whether in hard copy or through electronic means, without the written permission of the publisher. GUARANTEED CIRCULATION: Main Edition: 50,000 copies per issue Mid-Month Edition: 25,000 copies per issue Visit our Website: http://www.sunweb.com.hk Of all the events that happened in Hong Kong in the past year, nothing could be more significant for Filipinos than the end of hostilities over the Luneta hostage crisis After nearly four years of uncertainty, at times made worse by angry rhetoric from politicians, cordial ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines were again restored. It was an event that many OFWs greeted with relief, as it came amid dire warnings that they would be the first to go if the situation worsened further. That was in April last year. Before, and after, as in many years past, our community was again beset with problems over illegal recruitment. January saw The SUN focusing on complaints against Pacific Management company, which until a few months earlier, looked solid and perfectly capable of fulfilling its promise of sending hordes of Filipinos to Canada. It turned out to be just an illusion. The company was struggling, and had to eventually cease operations. By April and March, at least two of its OFW applicants managed to secure a favorable judgment in court, though it was largely illusory as the agency operator refused to pay. Again, it’s a story that has become all too familiar in our community. With the problem of illegal recruitment comes an even more persistent problem: the illegal collection of placement fees. The problem is as old as time, but appears to have gotten worse when our government declared, way back in 2006, that our workers who go abroad as household helps need not pay a single cent. Everybody knows that this no-placement fee policy has never been followed, but it took one particularly greedy agency to bring matters to a head. In July, a hardy group of OFWs decided to pursue a claim against Satisfactory employment agency, which charged each recruit $21,000 in placement fee. The money was to be paid over seven months, leaving the hapless worker with barely enough to live on. After being told that conciliation at POLO was not possible because the agency had denied collecting money from them, the complainants looked elsewhere for support. They got it from Bishop Gerry Vallo, who helped Travelling tips for OFWs Travelling between two countries is not the same as taking an aircon bus from Manila to Baguio. You have to make sure many things are in order before your intended trip. Here are some tips to ensure a hassle-free travel: 1) Make a to-do-list. There are many things to think about before flying out that it is almost impossible to remember them all: gifts for family, buying an air ticket, getting an OEC (overseas employment certificate), ensuring the validity of your passport for at least six months, exchanging your HK dollars to pesos, etc. 2) Buy your air ticket from a licensed travel agent. If something goes wrong, you have an office address and a receipt that proves the link between you as passenger (or buyer) and travel agent (seller). Make sure you read and understand the conditions attached to the ticket you are buying. Most tickets are now non-rebook. able (date or time cannot be changed) and non refundable (you cannot get back the money you paid for it). It is also very important for the buyer to: -Check the spelling of her/ his name. -Check the dates and times of departure and return -Check the destination -Check baggage allowances -Ensure that the ticket has confirmed reservations and is not a mere itinerary Treat the purchase of a ticket like a bank transaction or a remmitance. Once you EDITOR’S NOTE By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap bring their case all the way to the Philippine Senate, and eventually, POEA. November turned out to be their lucky month, for that was when the POEA took the bold step of cancelling the licence of Satisfactory’s counterpart in the Philippines, Findstaff. On top of this, each plaintiff was awarded the full amount of her claim, to be paid out by the agency’s insurers. It came as no surprise that Findstaff, which prides itself as the Philippines’ first licensed recruitment agency, had filed an appeal. The claimants will now have to wait and see if 2015 brings them a better luck. If the Satisfactory case gave him worries because of allegations he had cosied up with its owners, what came up after must have caused Labatt Manuel Roldan a lot of sleepless nights. As he was preparing to return to the Philippines at the end of September, having finished his tour of duty abroad, Roldan found himself facing serious allegations of impropriety. These included allowing his driver, also a DOLE employee, to operate an employment agency, in clear violation of civil service rules. Things got worse when, right in front of his boss, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Roldan was told that he was to be investigated over the allegations by a factfinding team formed by Consul General Bernardita Catalla. The committee’s report, when it came out, was damning for Roldan. Not only did it suggest that he had known about the illicit agency of his driver, Donald Retirado, it also implied that he was somehow involved in an apparent tampering of Retirado’s work contract in a bid to avoid liability. Again, we will have to wait for the new year to show us how this story pans out. But all things considered, 2014 turned out to be a positive one for Filipinos in Hong Kong. Shocking in some aspects, but enriching and empowering over all. May we have more of such positive years in 2015. Happy New Year to all. MIGRANTS’ FORUM By Anna Lissa Payawal Christmas is a time for travel for many Filipinos in Hong Kong, especially overseas Filipino workers who prefer to spend the important occasion with their loved ones back home. But in the rush to fly home, not a few Filipinos find themselves facing problems, from misplaced passports and excess baggage, to having unconfirmed reservations. For this month’s column we asked Anna Lissa Payawal, a seasoned travel consultant and part-owner of B&S Travel, to provide tips that could help ensure a stress-free travel to OFWs. Those who want additional information from her may call or visit her at the B&S office, whose advertisement is regularly printed in The SUN. -Ed) leave the office, everything is final. If the spelling of your name is wrong by one letter, you will have to pay a lot of money to have it corrected. Continued next page The SUN January 2015 Dear CF, You are right to be concerned that the Php200k that your husband left you can easily be used up in your everyday expenses. You are probably in your senior years and this means you cannot take any risky investment. Unfortunately also, the available options for investment with less risk will also earn you very little income. It seems that you can only take the following options: 1) Try to preserve your Php200k and place in a time deposit earning only 3-4% per annum. The interest would only be about Php6000-8000 per year or only Php500-700 per month. But if you use up any of the Php200k, the interest amount will further go down. 2) Another possibility is if you can build something with your Php200,000.00 that can generate rental income of say, Php5,000 more per month to cover your living expenses. Added to your pension, you should be able to put aside something for you to learn new skills, like baking which you want. You are blessed to have your SSS pension. You need to sit down with your children to further reduce your expenses and live within that pension. Each one has to contribute to making sacrifices. Your nurse daughter should look into other job possibilities and not limit her options to nursing. As a nursing graduate, she should have other skills to offer to other potential employers. 3) The fact that you convinced your children to transfer to TESDA means that they understand and want to help. In addition, they could learn other skills to bring in other income as quickly as possible to help the family. They do not have the capital to invest so these skills could be anything like beauty services (manicure/pedicure/ you have no money to pay, so they will pity you and let you in. These are myths. They are not real. Listen to your travel agent and read the restrictions printed on your ticket and on your receipt. They are giving you information and not just “sabi-sabi” (stories with no real basis). Pack all liquids in your check in luggage. Perfume, lotion, shampoo, etc should all go in your check-in luggage, along with sharp items like swiss knives, sewing kit, nail cutter and even umbrellas and selfie sticks, if you do not want to risk them getting taken from you by security staff. The “padala” (please bring this for me) is the most dangerous part of the packing. Some people have gone to jail because they brought illegal things for other people. Do not be a victim! Just recently, a Filipina maid working in HK was caught with drugs which were inside “padala” shoes. Aside from drugs, passengers have been used to bring highly taxable items such as smartphones, jewels and gold) wrapped as small gifts. Even “padala” of money can be a crime. If you have more than Php10,000 in cash or more than USD10,000 (or its equivalent in other currency) in cash you have to declare it at customs. Php10,000 is just ten Php1,000 notes that can easily fit in a small envelope. That small “padala” could lead you into trouble. Thus, our advice is, do not accept “padala” from anyone. But if you must, then accept only from people you absolutely trust, and even then, always inspect the contents of the cargo or packet you are bringing for them, as they themselves may not be aware of the danger that their padala could lead you to. 4) Put all the documents that you need for your travel in your hand-carried bag. These documents include your passport, air ticket, OEC and visa. Make sure to have photocopies somewhere else just in case you lose the originals. It is recommended that you have one set of photocopies in the house, and another set of photocopies in your check-in luggage. You can also take photos of your documents using your cellphone. Also, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months. So if the expiry date is 31 Dec 2015, it means you can use it for travel only until 30 Jun 2015. Best to follow the Philippine Consulate General’s advice to apply for a renewal at least eight months before the expiry date so you need not worry about having a valid passport in case you need to make an emergency exit from Hong Kong. If you are travelling with your child, bring an original or a certified true copy of the birth certificate to prove your relationship. One OFW who needed to take her daughter out of the Philippines recently was made to pay the travel tax in full because she was only carrying a photocopy of the birth certificate. Check your visa validity. Some people forget this and are not able to get on the flight back. All documents required for the trip are the responsibilty of the traveller. Make time to consult the proper authorities; immigration department, consulate, airline and travel agent on whether you are carrying the correct and updated documents. 5) Checking in should be at least two hours before the flight. You can still do it one hour before but you may miss the cut-off time and be refused to board. altogether. Checking in early allows you time to ask for the seat that you want. Window or aisle seat? With your friend or family member? There are more chances of getting your preferred seats if you are early. This will also give you time to deal with unexpected problems like your baggage being overweight by one or two kilos. For bigger problems like not having a booking when you arrive at the airport, there is time to take action. If you are holding a confirmed ticket that you paid for in full, but do not have a seat on the flight, first try to understand what happened. Did the flight get cancelled? Did the airplane get smaller from a Boeing 747 jumbo jet that has 400+ seats to an Airbus 319 with 130+ seats? Is the weather an issue? Or is it mechanical trouble? Or is the ticket not valid? Or maybe you checked in on the wrong date? Understand it before getting emotional. If the airline is at fault, they will get you on the soonest available flight. You might have to wait for your turn, but there should be no cost for getting the date and time of your flight changed. Airlines also provide food and lodging if the wait will be more than a few hours. Widow needs advice Wishing you all a Happy, Peaceful and Properous 2015! CF wrote: Can you teach me what to do with the money worth Php200, 000.00 that my husband had left me? How can I make this money grow so that I can continue to provide for my children who are still dependent on me? We live in the province. I have four children. My eldest is already a nurse but is still jobless. The other three are still in college. The tuition fee of my children each year used to cost up to Php108, 000.00 per year but, by next school year it would decrease to just Php76, 000.00 because one of my children would be enrolled under TESDA. Their expenses, including their food and fare would cost up to Php6, 420.00 monthly. The other monthly expenses are Migrants’ Forum From Page 24 Travel agents are people, and people make honest mistakes. The buyer must make sure that the product she/he is buying is the correct one. So read and understand the ticket before leaving the office. 3) Pack well and ensure you conform to your baggage allowance. Packing is where many Filipinos fail in travelling. Travellers try to bring too much and end up paying too much also. If the baggage is 20kg and 7kg for your handcarry, do not expect the staff manning the checkin counter to be nice to you if you brought one 24kg bag and a 10kg handcarry Do not expect that.”baka puedeng palusutin na lang” (maybe they could just let it go without you paying for the excess weight). That is a very wrong attitude and could lead to serious problems or wastage if you did not bring extra cash to pay for the rather costly penalty for excess baggage. Some people could advise you that the last flight allows 30kg if you only have one bag. Some others will advise you to tell the check in counter that the electricity bill Php2, 500.00; water, Php400.00, the cable/internet, Php800.00 and food, Php9,000.00 monthly. I have no job and I only depend on my SSS pension of Php7, 677.00. I am afraid that the money that I have kept would eventually run out because of our daily expenses. I am thinking of building a small store here in our place but, we are inside a subdivision and not on the main road. There are already a lot of sari-sari stores here in our place. I also wanted to study how to bake so that I could sell pandesal every morning. I don’t know what to do. I hope you could advice me PERA MO, PALAGUIN MO! By Francisco J. Colayco Si Francisco J. Colayco, Ph.D. ay mayakda ng tatlong librong pare-parehong bestseller: Wealth Within Your Reach (2004 Book of the Year for Business and Economics Awardee), Making Your Money Work, at Pera Palaguin Workbook.at ng Money for Kids. Para sa iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa kaniyang mga itinuturo at adhikain, pumunta sa www. colaycofoundation.com o magpadala ng e-mail sa info@colaycofoundation. com. Maaring mabili ang mga libro sa Shop 367 Worldwide Plaza 19, Des Voeux Road, Hong Kong or in the Philippines, at National Bookstores, PowerBooks, 0917-8537333, 02-6314446 25 haircutting etc.) or sewing etc. They are young and they can use these skills in the future, whatever course they graduate with. 4) In the same way like your children, you need to get training for new skills that will not need capital investment. Going into business is the highest risk investment. You cannot afford to lose your investment especially because of your age and because you may have no other way to get it back. We hope this has helped. If the airport check-in staff says that your ticket was not issued by your travel agent then take the following steps to protect yourself a) go to the police office in the airport and file a report b) go to the Travel Industry Council to file a complaint 17th floor Fortress Tower, 250 King’s Road (Fortress MTR Station, Exit A) Telephone number 2807 1199 c) after filing the complaint, while you are in the Travel Industry Council, call the travel agent and make your complaint, demand a valid ticket and demand compensation for the trouble they caused you. During the Christmas seasons of 2012 and 2013 many travellers were stranded in HK airport and Manila airport because a certain travel agent did not issue them tickets. The agent accepted the payment from the passenger but did not pay the airline, so the reservations got cancelled. In 2012, the affected passengers were given their flights two or three days after their original date. Some seats were even expensive business class seats. But that time, no one filed a formal complaint with the police nor to the Continued on Page 29 Be part of the KsKCoop. Check out: www.kskcoop.com or visit KSK Information Services Limited Room 1701, 17th Floor, Yue Shing Commercial Building, No. 15-17 Queen Victoria Street, Central, Hong Kong For your family in the Philippines, watch out for Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo sa DZXL 558 every Monday from 11am to 12 noon and be part of conversations regarding money. 26 The SUN January 2015 Walang matarik na bundok sa D’Ultimate Hikers Ni Marites Palma Katangi-tangi ang pinagmumulan ng inspirasyon ng mga umaakyat sa kabundukan ng Hong Kong, tulad ng napapabalita sa mga pahayagan na iba’tibang pangkat ng mga Pilipino na humaharap sa hamon ng mga talampas. Si Edith Uy, 63 taong gulang, ang nagbigay ng ideya sa mga kaibigan na subukan nilang akyatin ang matatarik na bundok upang makita ang napakagandang likha ng kalikasan. Lunar New Year nang magpasiya ang pitong magkakaibigan na ibahin naman ang kanilang pagdiriwang sa apat na araw na iyon, sa halip na magpahinga. Napagkaisahan nilang isagawa na ang balak ni Uy na pag-akyat upang masukat ang kanilang kakayahan sa mahabang paglalakad, magkaroon ng kinakailangang ehersisyo para mapanatili ang magandang kalusugan, at makaranas ng kakaibang pakikipagsapalaran. Unang inakyat ng pitong magkakasama ang Sunset Peak, ang tinaguriang ikatlong pinakamataas na tugatog, at ang Lantau Peak, ang ikalawang pinakamataas na bundok sa Hong Kong. Naglakad sila ng walo’t kalahating oras hanggang sa halos gumapang na sila sa hirap, ngunit walang sumuko; bagkus ay nagtulungan sila upang makababa nang maayos mula sa inakyat na bundok. Tuwang-tuwa sila tagumpay ng kanilaang unang pag-akyat, at sa pagkakataong iyon ay tumimo sa kanilang isipan ang isang aral. Naisip nila na ang pagakyat ng bundok ay maihahalintulad sa tunay na buhay – na kahit gaano kahirap at kabigat ang mga pagsubok, kailangang harapin ito nang buong tapang at may determinasyon para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang buhay. Natuto rin ang grupo na tapusin kung ano ang kanilang nasimulan para sa ikatatagumpay ng bawat pangarap. Nasundan pa ang kanilang pag-akyat sa Kowloon Peak, Tai Mo Shan (ang pinakamataas na bundok sa Hong Kong), Pingnam Stream, Stanley (Rock Formation), Wong Lung Han Stream, at Tiger Roar Rock River. Sa kanilang paglalakad ay naranasan nilang makasalubong ang isang ahas, na nagsanhi para umakyat ang ilan nilang mga kasamahan sa puno sa sobrang takot. Minsan naman ay hinabol sila ng mga bubuyog, at sa panahong ito ay nasukat ang kanilang bilis Ilan sa mga kasapi ng grupo matapos akyatin ang Tai Mo Shan, ang pinakamataas na bundok sa Hong Kong sa pagtakbo. Noon lang nila natuklasan na may mga kasamahan pala silang mabilis tumakbo. Naranasan din nilang kuyugin ng mga pulang langgam, at mayroon ding natatapilok, napapadausdos, o nasusugatan, pero napapawi ang lahat ng kanilang hirap sa sandaling marating na nila ang tuktok ng bundok at mapagmasdan ang kagandahan ng kalikasan. Bilang pagbubunyi sa kanilang nararating ay pinagsasaluhan ng grupo ang kanilang mga dalang pagkain. Minsan ay naligaw sila ng landas sa gitna ng kagubatan at kinabahan sila dahil papalubog na noon ang araw at walang-hanggang daan lamang at napakakapal na kahuyan ang kanilang nakikita. Inabot na sila ng dilim pero hindi pa rin sila nakakalabas sa kagubatan, at ang ilaw ng kanilang mga mobile phone ang tanging tanglaw para nila para makita ang daan papalabas. Sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pag-iisip ng kanilang gagawin para makalabas nang ligtas at kumpleto mula sa kagubatan ay nasukat ang halaga ng kanilang nabuong samahan: walang sumuko at humina ang loob hanggang sa sila ay nakalabas. Naubusan man sila ng tubig at pagkain sa daan at nahapo sa matinding sikat ng araw, nagbigay ng lakas at inspirasyon sa kanila ang pinakamatandang kasama nila upang tapusin ang nasimulan. Ayon sa pangkat, kung nakakaya ng isang may edad na ay kakayanin din ng mga di hamak na nakababata. Dito umusbong ang pangalang D’Ultimate Hikers, dahil wala ni isa mang sumuko sa kanila. Sa ngayon ay umabot na sa 20 ang kanilang bilang. Bihasa na sila ngayon sa paglalakad at pag-akyat sa mga matatarik na kabundukan. Hindi na sila naliligaw dahil pinag-aaralan muna nilang mabuti ang lokasyon ng kanilang aakyatin bago mag-umpisa. Inaalam din muna nila ang panahon para hindi sila abutan ng sama ng panahon sa kabundukan. Nagdadala na rin sila ng mga first aid kit para may magamit sakaling may masugatan sa kanilang paglalakad. Habang tumatagal ang grupo ay nagiging malapit na rin sila sa isa’t isa. Nasanay na rin silang maglakad o umakyat nang napakalayo. Naging regular na ang pagakyat ng grupo sa bundok at nag-aanyaya rin sila ng iba pang mga manggagawang kasambahay na gustong makaranas ng kakaibang pakiramdam sa pag-akyat sa bundok. Para sa mga nais sumama, maaring tawagan ang numerong 54000851. May style pa rin kahit nagpapahinga ang grupo mula sa pag-akyat sa inakamatataas na bundok sa Hong Kong. DIY Travel From Page 27 Doon din malapit sa City Hall pumupuwesto ang Friends of Bethune at iba pang mga grupo na dahil malawak at hindi pa matao ang lugar. Habang kanyakanyang praktis sila dito at doon, nasaksihan nila ang pagbangon ng balangkas ng higanteng tsubibo hanggang sa ito ay nakatawag-pansin sa lahat. Kapag naglilitratuhan, magandang lumugar sa harap ng City Hall at nakatalikod sa Hong Kong Eye dahil kahit na ilang metro ang layo ng tsubibo ay makukuhanan pa rin ito katabi ang isa pang higante, ang International Financial Center 2. At kung ang nais ay maglakad-lakad lamang, maaaring baybayin ang tabing-dagat mula sa Bauhinia Square sa Wanchai hanggang sa Sun Yat Sen Park sa Western District. Samantalahin na rin ang pagkakataon na tumigil sa may Central at sumakay sa matayog na Hong Kong Eye para makumpleto ang inyong pamamasyal.. The SUN January 2015 27 DIY TRAVEL Hong Kong Eye, bagong atraksiyon sa Central Ni Cris B. Cayat Isang bagong atraksiyon sa Hong Kong ang nagbukas kamakailan sa madla. Sapat Nagsimula ang operasyon ng higanteng ferris wheel o tsubibo na tinaguriang “Hong Kong Eye” noong Disyembre 6, na tamang-tamang pangakit sa maraming turista at lokal na mamamayang magagawi sa Central nitong Pasko at Bagong Taon. Ang tsubibo ay may taas na 60 metro at may 42 gondola. Isa sa mga ito ay pang-VIP at may sahig na salamin. Sa halagang $100 para sa mga may gulang na at $70 sa mga bata, makikita ng sasakay ang nakapalibot na kagandahan ng Hong Kong. Ang ferris wheel ay iikot nang mabagal tatlong ulit sa loob ng 20 minuto. Sapat nang panahon ito upang makita ng mga nakasakay nang walang harang ang apat na sulok ng Hong Kong mula sa itaas. Ang pinakamainam na oras ng pagsakay sa tsubibo ay takipsilim, kung kailan papalubog na ang araw at nagsisipagsindi ang libulibong ilaw ng mga gusaling nakapaligid at tila mga bituing nagkikislapan at nagpapaligsahan ng ningning. Ayon sa pag-aaral ng mga grupong nagtayo ng ferris wheel, inaasahang may 2,740 katao ang sasakay sa dito at makakaragdag nang malaki sa turismo ng Hong Kong. Ang lokasyon ng Hong Kong Eye ay mainam dahil nasa Central ito at madaraanan ng mga turistang papunta sa Tsim Sha Tsui o di kaya’y patungong Hong Kong Island. Ang tsubibo, na napapalamutian ng LED (light emitting diodes) sa buong balangkas nito, ay unang napabalita na Ang Hong Kong Eye, na nakunan mula sa pathway papuntang ferry terminal. magkakaroon ng “soft launch” noong Setyembre upang maiparanas sa madla ang naturang atraksiyon, ayon sa Harbourfront Commission, Hong Kong Tourism Board, mga kinatawan ng mga distrito at ng pamahalaan ng Hong Kong. Ang Swiss AEX, ang kumpanyang gumawa ng naturang tsubibo, ay may tatlong taong kontrata upang gawin ang bagong atraksyon. Sinimulan nito ang paggawa noong June 2013, at nag-soft launch pagkaraan ng mahigit isang taon. Ang tsubibo ay nakatayo sa isang bakuran na may sukat na 9,620 metro kuwadrado sa harap ng Pier 9 at 10 sa bagong Star Ferry Pier o Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier. Ang daungan ay nakasanayan nang tawaging “Star Ferry” at ito ay ikatlong lokasyon na ng nasabing pantalan; ang nauna ay sa kinatatayuan ngayon ng Mandarin Oriental at ang pangalawa ay sa tabi ng General Post Office. Inilipat ang daungan noong 2007 sa bagong Edinburgh Place. Ang clock tower na inilipat sa bagong pantalan ay naging sentro ng pagtatalo ng mga conservationist at ng gobyeno ng Hong Kong dahil gusto noon ng pamahalaan na gibain ang tore. Nauwi ang pagtatalo sa martsa na nagbunga ng maganda dahil inilipat ang orihinal na tore sa bagong kinatitirikan nito sa Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier, sa halip na gibain na lamang. Ang Hong Kong Eye ay siyang pantapat ng Hong Kong sa London Eye at sa Singapore Flyer na higit na matataas ngunit naiiba ang hubog ng mga gondola. Ang London Eye ay may taas na 135 metro at ang Singapore Flyer ay may 165 metro. Ang hubog ng mga gondola ng dalawa ay parang kapsula at makakapaglakad sa loob ang mga sakay nito. Sa taas na 60 metro, wala sa kalahati ng higanteng tsubibo sa London at Singapore ang Hong Kong Eye, at ang mga mga pasahero nito ay mananatiling nakaupo. Ang bawa’t gondola ay makakapagsakay ng walo hanggang 10 katao, at may koneksyon sa wifi. Ang Hong Kong Eye ay nagbubukas mula ika-11 ng umaga hanggang ika-11 ng gabi. Ayon kay Luz Peñaranda, isang Pilipinong nakasubok na sa Hong Kong Eye, banayad lang ang pag-ikot nito at hindi nakakahilo, kaya nagalak siya at kanyang mga kaibigan nang sakyan nila ito. Sumakay sila banding ikaanim ng hapon kaya napagmasdan nila ng mabuti ang kagandahan ng Hong Kong, kabilang ang maraming ilaw sa paligid na sari-sari ang kulay at kumukutitap dahil magpapasko. Sa magkabilang tabi ng ferris wheel may kanyakanyang pakulo ang malalaking kumpanya gaya ng Carnaval na nag-aalok ng maraming larong masasalihan Dagsa angmga turistang gustong makasakay. sa entrance fee na $90 na may kasama nang mga token na nagkakahalaga ng $70. Ang Carnaval na ititangkilik ng AIA ay bukas mula Dis. 23 hanggang Peb. 22. Sa kabilang gilid ng ferris wheel ay may pakulo rin ang Hongkong Telecom kung saan ang lahat ng kliyente nito ay makakapasok nang walang bayad. Ang kinatatayuan ng Hong Kong Eye ay bahagi ng malawak na reclamation site sa harap ng City Hall at Central Post Office. Mula nang binuksan ang liwasan, maraming Pinoy nagpupunta roon, tumatambay, namamasyal, o di kaya’y nagdaraos doon ng malalaking programa. Halimbawa, noong Dis. 7 ay ginanap sa likuran ng General Post Office ang isang malaking konsiyerto ng mga sikat na mang-aawit na Pilipino, kabilang na si Arnel Pineda. Sa araw ding iyon, itinanghal ng Benguet Federation ang Adivay, isang malaking pagdiriwang na dinaluhan ng mga kilalang tao mula sa probinsiyang iyon. Noong Nob. 2, ipinagdiwang ng CorAll HK ang ika-16 na taon nito sa likuran ng Post Office. Bukod sa di gaanong dinaraanan ng tao, mas malawak ang lugar para sa community dance na pat-tong, na nangangailangan ng sapat na espasyo para maraming taong makakasali. Continued on Page 26 28 The SUN January 2015 PEOPLE A peek behind the curtains at �The Phantom of the Opera’ By William Elvin Exactly 10 years after transforming the Arena at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorldExpo from a highly energized rock haven into an elegant theater fit for one of the most successful stage musicals of all-time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s �The Phantom of the Opera’ is back. The Broadway and West End classic that has been wowing and haunting audiences worldwide is once again making its stop in Hong Kong through Australiabased company, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. The SUN was privileged to be invited to the production’s Final Technical Dress Rehearsals on ——which served as a preview to the cast and crew’s invited guests. With Eugene Titus. Although the performance boasts of many spectacular elements such as the breathtaking set pieces and pyrotechnics, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music is undoubtedly the star of this modern gothic opera. In this show, Filipino pianist Mary Anne Espina is part of the 15-piece orchestra playing live to tell the Phantom’s story musically. She graciously gives The SUN unique and valuable insights on how this big spectacle is put together. Although she is a classically-trained pianist and a faculty member in the UST Conservatory of Music, Espina has developed a love for musical theater by working in Filipino musicals. She has been a part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Touring musicians. production of the sarswela �Walang Sugat’, and was also one of the pioneering cast members of Ryan Cayabyab’s musical adaptations of �Noli Me Tangere’ and �El Filibusterismo’. In 2001, she first experienced being a part of the international tour of Miss Saigon which held shows in Manila, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Through this With Guy Simpson production, she met musical supervisor Guy Simpson, who later invited her to be the piano accompanist in the musicians’ auditions for the Manila leg of The Phantom of the Opera Tour in 2012. “When the auditions were over and it was only the two of us in the room, I asked Guy if he wanted to hear me play as an audition,” she says. Right then and there, she was offered to be the keyboardist for the Manila run. In 2013, she was invited to be a part of the touring group. She has since performed with them in Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Korea, and Taiwan for almost two years now. “May mga paisa-isang umaalis, so they fly in people from every city they performed in,” she reveals. After auditioning for new musicians and performers, they would then start a twoweek rehearsal period to refresh the cast and warm them up again for performances. “Lahat lahat na �yun. Singing, choreography, and staging,” she describes. In these sessions, Mary Anne would serve as the rehearsal pianist, accompanying the performers as they shape up for the next two weeks straight of performances. This rigid process, as she has observed, allows the multinational cast to form friendships with one another. This is proven by the strong friendship she has established with the productions’ head of wardrobe, Eugene Titus from South Africa. “Eugene has 10 people working under him on wardrobe, and they work on the costumes everyday,” she says, emphasizing the dedication of the people in the production. “We know that we’re doing this 2 hour and 30 minute show for 8 performances a week. But even if I know the whole show by heart, I still need to practice,” she admits. “And also, we have to do something to keep it fresh for every show, otherwise we’ll get bored,” she adds. Since it is a live performance, the cast members of �Phantom’ acknowledge that no two shows will be the same. “I think they all need to change their approach from time to time,” she says. “Of course, the direction and the blocking must always be kept, and you can’t change anything from what the composer has written. But the delivery and the approach can be different,” she explains. The glitz and glamour of musical theater can lure anyone into dreaming that someday, they too can be a part of a spectacle like �The Phantom of the Opera’. But just like the rigorous process a production team goes through to put up a special show, she Continued on Page 29 The SUN January 2015 Hari Harilela, 92 Hari Harilela, a long-time friend of the Filipino community in Hong Kong, died on Dec. 29 after a long illness. He was 92. Harilela, the wealthiest Indian in Hong Kong and a philanthropist, was host of numerous gatherings for Filipino residents at his mansion in Kowloon Tong. He had also attended several Philippine Independence Day balls over the years. Harilela’s death prompted HK Chief Executive C. Y. Leungto express profound sadness through a statement. “Dr Harilela was a successful entrepreneur and devoted much effort to the development of the hotel and real estate sectors in Hong Kong. He was also a renowned philanthropist and made tremendous contributions to the tertiary education sector,” Leung said. “Dr Harilela was wellrespected and highly regarded by all in the community. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Dr Harilela's family,” he added. Dr Harilela was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2009, and Gold Bauhinia Star Harilela (GBS) in 2000. He was also a Life Regent at Pepperdine University in the United States, and is an Ex-staff in POLO mess threatens suit From Page 3 Congen Catalla, which found that Retirado’s agency was formed in violation of Philippine civil service rules. But Retirado disputed this finding, saying he was never an employee of DOLE, but a mere sub-contractor who was not subject to the Philippines’ civil service laws. Thus, he argued, neither Catalla nor German had authority to suspend the processing of documents by Magnificent Agency. He also accused Congen Catalla of bringing disrepute to her position and of “colluding” with Panares, The SUN and this author in publicizing false information about him and his agency. As head of the Coalition of Service Providers for Ethnic Minorities (CSPEM), Panares was the signatory of a letter sent to Congen, asking for an investigation of suspected irregularities in POLO, then headed by labor attache Manuel Roldan. The SUN was the first to report on the PCG’s findings, which were forwarded to various government agencies on Sept. 29. Possibly the most damning finding was the visible alteration made to Retirado’s contract, in an apparent attempt to make it appear Magnificent was set up when he was no longer connected with POLO. But in his demand letter, Retirado was adamant the alleged alteration did not take place. Retirado demanded that an apology be published within five days in the Philippine Consulate’s website, to be followed by the same being printed in three Filipino community newspapers, including The SUN. To date, however, no public apology of any sort has been uploaded on the Consulate’s website. STAR’s double Travelling tips celebration for OFWs From Page 18 From Page 25 Travel Industry Council, so the next year, the same travel agent did it again, and again, many passengers were stranded. This time some passengers complained and in the course of the investigation, the Travel Industry Council found it best to cancel the licence of the travel agent in order to protect travelling passengers. recenty to help member Bheng de Mesa, who is suffering from lung cancer. The group raised $8,740 for her. Another beneficiary was Romy Alonzo who suffered a stroke; and is now in the Philippines recuperating. Navarro said the group is putting together another project which will be held in February next year, and it will be on financial management. Congen also said she immediately forwarded Retirado’s demand letter to the Department of Foreign Affairs for appropriate action, and is just waiting for a reply. Under art 43 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, consular officers and staff are provided immunity from suit when exercising consular functions. This was upheld in the 2006 case of Roland Ilan v.Consul General Corazon Belmonte, et. al.,in which the District Court ruled that the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate were entitled to diplomatic immunity as they had acted as agents of the government when they signed the contract that was the subject of the suit. Honorary Court Member of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Harilela won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Annual Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Investment Conference on March 27, 2001. Harilela began his business success when he opened a clothing store/tailoring shop and then pioneered the sale of custom-made suits by mail order. He ventured into the hotel and real estate sectors in 1959 when he and his two brothers, George and Peter, founded the Hariela Group. The Harilela Group has since grown into the owner of 19 hotels in Asia-Pacific, such as the Holiday Inn in Hong Kong, and other properties in Macau, Singapore, Penang, Bangkok and Sydney. Harilela is survived by wife Padma, whom he married in 1947, and his son, Aron, who has taken over as chairman of the Harilela Group. Halilela has a long list of roles in the Hong Kong government. He was appointed member of the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee in 1985 and Hong Kong Affairs Advisor to the Government of the People's Republic of China in the 1990s. As member of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, he was elected to the Hong Kong SAR Election Committee from 1996 to 2006 which was responsible for electing the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. A peek behind the curtains at �The Phantom of the Opera’ From Page 28 acknowledges that it may not be easy for Filipinos to study or pursue music as a career. “The question is always �May pera ba diyan?” she states. Using herself as an example, she says that success can always be achieved through dedication, hard work, and passion. “I got my Bachelor of Music degree in St. Scholastica’s College after 15 years because I had a lot of jobs in between,” she admits. She recalls the time when she had to work as a solo pianist in some restaurants and hotels in Manila to earn money, before eventually making a name for herself playing for many international artists. “You just have to have the discipline to sit down for about two hours every day, seriously practicing music.” But as a warning, she tells aspiring Filipino music students to not let the craft take their lives away. “Go out and live normally. Party and drink when you have to,” she says. Not taking heed to this advice, she says, can probably drive one crazy. Or be like The Phantom, who now plays his music in an underground lair alone. �The Phantom of the Opera’ runs at the AsiaWorld-Expo Arena from December 21, 29 Community Announcements Have your association’s upcoming activities published here. IT’S FREE! Just send email to: [email protected] The Philippine Consulate will be closed on the following days: Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Last Day of the Year Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day There will be no official business transactions on these days, including the issuance of the OEC. For emergency, call: 9155 4023 (consular assistance); 6080 8323 (labor) or 6345 9324 (OWWA) Seminar for Teacher-Applicants in the Pbilippines The Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTEHK) will conduct a Seminar on Guidelines for hiring of DedEd Teacher 1 in the Philippines. Invited guest speaker is Dr. Liezl S. Cancino, education program supervisor from the Department of Education in Dagupan City, Philippines. She is expected to discuss the guidelines covered in Teacher 1 requirements prescribed by the DepEd in the employment of public school teachers. The seminar will be held for two days: Jan 24 - Saturday Participants Jan 25 - Ssunday Participants The venue for both days is the Capstone College Study Hall at 235 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, at 9:30am. Limited seating only. Please confirm your attendance by calling PAFTE HK/ Capstone College at 25438059 and 25214954 The seminar will be followed by PAFTE/Capstone’s first LET Review Session to be conducted by Dr. Reymond Villare from the Lite Review Center of Dagupan City. Limited Seating Only. Wanted: Women’s baseball players The Philippine Sluggers team is accepting applications for try-outs. Those who are interested may call Cecil at 6385 8948 or Eli at 96870540. Cultural dancers wanted: The Knights of Rizal is looking for more Filipino groups for its cultural dance and song presentations in the Philippine booth at the annual Flower Show at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Selected groups will also be asked to perform at the cultural presentation of the Knights of Rizal on the main stage of the Flower Show. Those interested may contact organizing committee members: Pieter Nootenboom, at 6299-7888; Aida Rebutiaco Villanueva, 6235-5486; or Merle M. Nootenboom at 6299-8887 The Philippine Cultural Art Dance Ensemble (PCADE) Tinikling Chapter is looking for male/female dancers for modern and cultural dances. No age limit. Contact Marie Velarde at 9770 1899 or Mayette at 9171 3421. Calling all OFWs from Aringay, La Union The Aringay Overseas Workers Association, a newly formed organization, is inviting you to join the group, and get to know your town mates. Those interested, please call Shane at 54498080 2014 to January 18, 2015. For more details and ticket enquiries, visit www.hkticketing.com.hk The arena at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo has been the venue for many international music acts since it opened on the 21 st of December, 2005. A long list of world-famous pop/ rock stars that includes Lady Gaga, The Backstreet Boys, Coldplay, and Green Day have all made people dance and bounce around in the 14,000-seater facility. 30 The SUN January 2015 ty CelebriFOOD TRIP Ilonggo �master chef’ in HK By Jo Campos In the recently concluded Lutong Ilonggo sa Pasko cooking contest organized by Passi City (Iloilo) Association HK, Margarita Panes was declared the Master Chef. Her winning entry? Binakol na Manok. It’s a popular dish among Ilonggos, the traditional tinola given a twist. In this dish, the juice from young coconuts, along with the soft and creamy flesh, are cooked with the chicken, and given a flavorful and fragrant taste with the addition of lemongrass, sautéed garlic, onion and ginger. Margarita came to Hong Kong 23 years ago. Now 43 years old and still single, she has always loved cooking and is often challenged to try and whip up something new. Seventeen years ago, she started working for a French couple who often hold dinner parties at their residence on Seymour Road in MidLevels.This presented no problem to Margarita, who enjoys each challenge of planning and preparing for the dinner party. She relates that her employers offered to send her to cooking lessons but she instead suggested that they just buy her different cookbooks.Apart from helping her employers save a substantial amount, the cookbooks have helped Margarita exprience the thrill of whipping up a dish all on her own. Over the years, Margarita has not only provided for the nutritional needs of the couple, but has also helped raise their two children, now aged 15 and 8. Dinner parties in the household have dwindled to just a few over the years, but Margarita still cooks sumptuous dishes for the family. Part of her duties include planning the week’s menu consisting of French, Mediterranean and Middle Panes Binakol na Manok Ingredients: fresh whole chicken 2-3 stalks of lemongrass 1 fresh young coconut garlic onion ginger salt and pepper long red and green chilies green papaya oil Cooking instructions: 1. Wash chicken thoroughly, cut into about 2-inch thick.. 2. Peel and slice onion, crush garlic, peel and slice ginger into thin strips. 3. Wash and trim lemongrass, lightly pound the stalks to release flavor and tie into a knot. 4. Using a heavy cleaver, crack the coconut shell and pour coconut water in a jug, scoop the tender flesh and set aside. 5. In a large deep pan, heat oil and sauté ginger, garlic and onion till fragrant. 6. Add chicken pieces and sauté till brown, season with salt and pepper. 7. Add lemongrass, coconut water and flesh. Add more water to the broth if desired. 8. Add green papaya and chilies. 9. Cook slowly in low heat till the meat is tender. 10. Serve hot. Eastern cuisine. Among the Asian dishes that Margarita prepares, those from Thailand are a big hit. Her creamy and spicy tom yum soup is the family’s favorite. Her employers, who were present at the Passi contest tp give support, say Margarita deserves to be called the Master Chef. Her female employer says that over the years that Margarita has been cooking for them, . all items that she prepares for them are superb. and never ceaze to amaze them each time. With or without the contest, she will always be for them, the best cook there is. The SUN January 2015 Acquitted maid hits back with cash claim A Filipino domestic worker accused by her employer of stealing various household items in September last year, is pressing a claim for more than $60,000 after her acquittal in a Fanling court. Dominga Bagalacsa, 47, and her employer, Au Yang Ka-wai, are to meet on Jan. 7 at the Shatin Labour Department office to settle the Filipina’s claim which includes payment for the unfinished portion of her contract. “I am claiming for one year and four months’ loss of income totaling $60,105, the cost of air ticket to the Philippines, and $3,920 in lieu of one month’s notice,” Bagalacsa told The SUN. The employer terminated the work contract after the Filipina was arrested. Bagalacsa said she waited seven months for the Tai Po police to file the case against her. At the time she was staying at the Filipino Workers’ Resource Centre run by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. “I told the police they should file a case if they had to because I had waited so long and had no income to pay for my needs, but they said the employer’s evidence against me was weak,” she said. A migrant support organization, Helpers for Domestic Helpers, filed a case against the police for delaying their action on Bagalacsa’s behalf. That apparently prompted the police to lodge a theft case against her in court a week later. Baglacsa said that after the Labour meeting, she would try to look for another employer before flying back to Manila. She still has to collect her belongings, including the court exhibits, from the police. The Filipina had been with Au for only nine months when the employer accused her of taking 37 items including rings, earrings, necklaces and other goods . Au claimed the goods were worth $30,000. Deputy Magistrate Cherry Hui Shuk-yee acquitted Bagalacsa on Dec. 8 on the ground that the prosecution failed to establish that the exhibits presented in court belonged to Au. Earlier in October, Bagalacsa, a mother of four, had identified a fancy ring and necklace from the exhibits as her own. At the same time, two defense witnesses, including the defendant’s former employer, appeared in court to give evidence. The Filipina’s former employer testified that she gave the silver ring and necklace with pendant, both studded with crystal known as Russian diamonds, to Bagalacsa as a birthday gift. The rest of the stuff that Au claimed were stolen by the Filipina were apparently the helper’s own belongings. These included a Jockey Club watch given by the accuser’s father to Bagalacsa as a present, as well as a fancy bracelet and necklace that the employer’s son gave her. Au called the police on Sept. 23, 2013, to report that some of her jewelry and other belongings valued at around $30,000 had gone missing. Police investigated and on the same day arrested Bagalacsa. Bagalacsa said that before she was arrested, her employer took all her documents, including letters from her previous employers that she had been keeping inside a cabinet in her bedroom. After her arrest, she went back to her employer’s home without a police escort to retrieve her suitcase. But when she opened the suitcase, she allegedly found clothes that did not belong to her, “The reference letters were not there, so were two Philippine passbooks, my children’s birth certificate, school diploma, SSS documents, house-and-lot documents, my Canon camera with memory card and all my winter and summer clothes, perfumes and some jewelry,” she said. Bagalacsa said she came to Hong Kong on March 30, 2004 to work for a certain Mrs. Kwan but she did not finish her second contract as the employer terminated her service for financial reasons. She returned home but was back on Aug. 4, 2009 to work for another employer. The helper said she also did not finish her second contract because she resigned to pursue her application for a $0 Agent Fee! 31 job in the United States but realized later she had been scammed. She was hired by Au shortly after. Bagalacsa said during her nine months with Au, the employer would frequently nag her. On one occasion, when the two were at a birthday party given by one of Au’s friends, the employer shamed her by accosting her in front of the other guests for allegedly using the employer’s sling bag. But the maid said the bag was given to her by her previous employer. Sa mga TAPOS O �DI TAPOS NG KONTRATA!! HELPER HK.com HONG KONG FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS SMS/What sApp/Viber: 9853 5384 Telephone: 3480 3450 Email: [email protected] Website: www.helperhk.com Address: Flat 1511, 15/F., Lucky Centre, 165-171 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Licence No.:352626 CHEAPEST TICKET FOR WORKERS Pinakamurang Ticket Para sa mga Pilipino HKG - MANILA - HKG HKG-MNL-LAOAG-MNL-HKG HKG to U.S.A., CANADA etc. BOOK FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR! CALL US NOW! For more details please call Mercy: HOTLINE: 2851 9595 After office hours please call Mercy (Filipino staff): (Open every Sunday-10:00 am-5:00 pm) 6336 4003 8/F Crawford Tower, 99-101 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong YIP SING INTERNATIONAL With 20 years Professional Experience in Employment Services * We are now processing working visa to Russia. * Looking for more qualified applicants to CANADA under Live-in caregiver program (with 4 years in college and 1 yr experience). We have many employers & reputable tie-up agencies in Ontario (Toronto), British Columbia (Vancouver) & in other places in CANADA. * Domestic Helpers to Hong Kong (we select good employers), accepts bio-data from Phils./other country - can email at [email protected] For enquiries, pls. call Tata or Mr. Wong at 97553658 or 26812197 from 2-8pm or visit our office at Shopstall #D023, Lok Fu Bazaar, Lok Fu Plaza, 198 Junction Rd., Wang Tau Hom, Kowloon (Lok Fu MTR Exit A) 32 The SUN January 2015 Buhay Pinay From Page 4 na siya sa pamumuhay dito sa Hong Kong at natitiyak niyang maninibago siya doon. Halos 30 taon na dito sa Hong Kong si Jay at kalahati ng kanyang buhay ay dito na niya ginugol. Doble ang singil Sa araw-araw na pamamalengke ni Shiela, halos kilala na niya ang mga nagtitinda sa palengke ng Kennedy Town . Mula sa puwesto ng mga isda, karne at mga gulay, may mga suki na siya. Isa dito ay ang mag asawang intsik na matandang nagtitinda ng gulay. Suki na ni Shiela ang mga ito kaya’t dampot na lang siya ng dampot ng mga gulay na kailangan niya at sabay-sabay na itong tinitimbang at binabayaran niya. Maraming namimili ng araw na iyon kaya’t inilagay muna ni Shiela ang pinamiling gulay sa isang tabi matapos niyang bayaran at sinabi niya sa matandang babae na babalikan na lang niya ito. Pumunta muna si Sheila sa ibaba ng palengke para bumili ng manok at isda. Nang bumalik na siya para kunin ang pinamiling mga gulay, sinita siya ng matandang lalaki na hindi pa bayad ang mga gulay na kinuha niya at pilit itong sinisingil sa kanya. Pinaliwanag naman ni Sheila na bayad na ang mga gulay na iyon ngunit malakas na ang boses ng matandang lalaking kausap niya. Pinagbibintangan na siyang nagpapalusot at kahit anong paliwanag ang gawin niya ay hindi nakikinig ang kausap. Tila napahiya na si Sheila dahil pinagititinginan na siya ng ibang mga namimili kaya’t binayaran na lang niya ang mga gulay. Umiwas na lang siya sa gulo dahil baka makasuhan pa siyang magnanakaw. Nakalimutan din kasing humingi ng resibo sa kanyang pinamili dahil maraming tao nang magbayad siya. Kinabukasan nang mamalengke muli si Sheila, sadyang hindi bumili sa kanyang suki dahil sa nangyaring pagbibintang sa kanya. Nakita siya ng mag-asawang suki at tinawag siya. Naiinis man ay lumapit siya, humingi ng paumanhin ang matanda sa kanya dahil pinagbintangan siya nito na hindi nagbayad. Dahil suki nga siya, tinanong ng matandang lalaki sa kanyang asawa kung nagsabi siya ng totoo at napatunayang nagkamali ang suki sa pagbibintang sa kanya. Mula noon, alin man ang bilhin niya ay humihingi si Sheila ng resibo bilang patunay na bayad na ang kanyang pinamili. Pinaalis Noong Dec 21, ay lumipat ang pamilyang Aussie mula Chi Fai Path papuntang Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung, dahil sa petition ng mga kapitbahay nila, pinagsanib na pwersa ng mga amo at kani-kanilang katulong na paalisin sa lugar nila ang pamilyang ito. Napakastrikto ng lalaki, isang pulis sa Sai Kung. Bantay ng bayan ang bansag ng mga Pinay. Araw-araw na lang ay nakabantay sa paligid ng village. Bawal umihi ang mga aso ng mga kapitbahay sa kung saan-saan at pagnakita niya sa akto na umiihi ang aso sa gulong ng kanyang sasakyan tiyak susugurin nito ang may-ari ng aso at paglilinisin, sasabunin at babanlawan hanggang sa siya ay masiyahan. Si Lyn, ay mag-aapat na taon na sa kanyang amo na ka-duplex ng pamilyang Aussie, ay nakailang beses din sinugod nito dahil sa alaga niyang aso na mahilig umistambay sa labas ng kanilang bahay. Nakikita daw ng kapitbahay nya na iniihian ang kanyang kotse. Meron ding kapitbahay na enireport ang kanilang dalawang aso dahil walang leash collar ang mga ito, at ang masaklap, isa pang may �di naman kalayuang kapitbahay na itinawag ng kapwa niya pulis dahil kumakahol ang mga ito tuwing gabi. Tumagal din ng apat na buwan sa Chi Fai Path ang pamilya bago nagdesisyon na petisyunan na paalisin ang mga ito. Sa ngayon, masaya na si Lyn at maaari na niyang pakawalan muli ang mga alaga niyang aso.— Liezel delos Santos Pahamak Ang alok ng amo ni Dan na tumira siya sa bahay ng anak nito ay sadyang mahirap tanggihan, lalo at sinabi na pwede din niyang isama ang asawa na stay-out din sa amo.Pinayagan na siyang lumipat nitong Disyembre pero kailangan daw muna nilang makilala ang misis niya bago ito sumunod. Nakiusap ang drayber na sabay na lang silang lumipat pag may oras na ang mga among makapanayam ang asawa niya. Ngunit ilang araw na ang lumipas pero hindi naman nila pinapatawag ang misis niya. Laging “later” ang sagot ng mga ito tuwing tinatanong sila ng Pinoy. Nakahanap na rin si Dan ng papalit sa inuupahan nilang bahay upang mabawi ang kanilang paunang bayad. Kailangan din nilang umalis sa inuupahan sa huling Linggo ng Disyembre. Kung hindi pa niya kinulit ang mga amo nitong Dis 24 ay hindi niya malalamang nagbagongisip na pala ang mga ito. Ginugol niya ang buong araw ng Pasko sa paghahanap ng malilipatang bahay. Natawagan na niyang lahat ang mga bago at dating kakilala na nasa kanyang phonebook ngunit walang tagumpay. “Wala akong alam,” “walang bakante ngayon,” “tawagan mo si ganito,” ang halos magkakaparehong mga tugon sa kanya. Halos hindi siya nakatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip ng matitirahan. Pinalad naman silang nakakakita ng bahay kinabukasan bago magsara ang ahensiyang huli nilang nilapitan. - Ramon Dizon Jr. Tinangay Sobra ang panghihinayang ni Vilma sa nawalang isang kahong pang-door to door sa inuupahan nilang bahay sa bandang palengke sa North Point. Mga mamahalin at paborito niyang damit ang laman nito na gusto niya sanang itabi na sa Pilipinas. Hindi nila natapos mag-asawa ang pag-iimpake noong Linggo, Dis 21, kaya iniwan lang nila ang kahong wala pang pangalan sa labas malapit sa elevator. Walang guwardiya o kamera sa kanilang gusali pero nakiusap siyang tingnan ang kuha sa kamera ng isang shop sa ibaba. Wala silang nakita sa video sa mga oras na tantiya nilang pagkawala ng kahon kaya palagay niya’y itinago lang ito ng kumuha sa kanilang gusali. Tumawag agad siya sa pulis upang magpasama sanang kumatok sa bawat palapag ngunit kailangan daw munang may search warrant. Hindi na niya ito hinangad at tinanggap nang hindi na mababawi pa ang kanyang nawala. Ngunit ilang umaga din siyang nagsadya sa mga ukay-ukay sa paligid at The SUN January 2015 talagang idudulog daw niya sa pulisya kung may makita siyang kahit isa sa kanyang mga damit. - Ramon Dizon Jr. Mali Sa isang malaking salo-salo na isinagawa sa Admiralty ng ilang grupo ng mga Pilipino ay isa si Sean sa inihingi ng tulong dahil sa kanyang problema. Dating driver si Sean ng isang amo na nagmagandang loob na palitan ang kanyang visa para maging skilled worker daw umano siya. Nagbayad ng $18,000 ang amo sa isang employment agency na nangakong aayusin ang pagpo-proseso ng mga dokumento ni Sean. Sa malas ay hindi naging maayos ang pag-aayos ng kanyang mga dokumento, kaya naparatangan si Sean na lumabag sa kundisyon ng kanyang visa, at pinauwi. Sinabihan din siyang hindi siya makakapagtrabaho ng dalawang taon sa Hong Kong dahil dito. Isa sa mga lider na nagtatag sa pagdiriwang ang nangako na tutulungan siyang ipaliwanag sa kanyang amo ang tamang proseso para mapalitan ang kanyang visa. Ayon sa lider ay dati rin itong domestic helper pero nagawan ng paraan ng kanyang dating amo na mapalitan ang kanyang visa kaya’t isa na siyang residente ng Hong Kong ngayon. — Cris B. Cayat Lugi Habang pino-proseso ang pangtatlong kontrata ni Alex sa Konsulado ay biglang nagpahayag ang amo na may pagbabago sa napagkasunduan nilang sahod at oras ng trabaho. Ayon sa amo, si Alex ay kailangang magtatrabaho simula 7:30 ng umaga hanggang 12 ng tanghali, Lunes hanggang Sabado. Malaya na siyang maghanap ng iba pang trabaho sa hapon nang sa ganoon ay kumita siya ng sapat para sa pambayad sa bahay, tubig, ilaw, pagkain, at iba pang ggastusin. Tumatanggap lamang si Alex ng $3,000 bawat buwan buhat sa amo. Nitong huli ay sinabi ng amo na dadagdagan ng $400 ang kanyang sahod, nguni’t kailangan niyang magtrabaho ng dalawang oras bawat gabi. Ibig sabihin, kailangan nyang bumalik sa bahay ng amo simula 6:00pm-8:00pm. Pinag-isipan ni Alex nang maigi kung patas ba ang mungkahi ng amo, at binanggit din na hindi magtutugma ang oras para sa iba pa niyang trabaho. Nguuni’t sumagot lang ang kanyang amo ng, “They are not holding your contract, Alex”. Dahil sa tinuran ng amo ay iminungkahi niya naa mag fulltime na lamang siya sa kanila, pero dapat ay bigyan siya ng sapat na sweldo, at pasobra para sa food allowance, renta sa bahay, pati na ang tubig at ilaw at maging travel allowance niya, nguni’t hindi pumayag ang amo. Dahil hindi sila magkasundo ay umurong na lang si Alex sa panibagong kontrata, kahit naghihintay na lang ito na kunin niya. Sinulatan niya ng pormal ang amo para ipahayag ang kanyang desisyon, at sumang-ayon naman ito. Si Alex ay tubong Roxas, Capiz, 44 taong gulang may asawa at isang anak na nagtatrabaho din sa Hong Kong. — Sanny de los Santos Super bait Petisyon Sa loob ng 15 taong paninilbihan ni Manang Elly sa mga among Intsik ay hindi nya naisip ang mag for good dahil napakabait ng mga ito. Maluwag sa trabaho si Manang Elly kaya may oras siya para mag-ipon ng mga basyong lata at lumang dyaryo, at ang pinagbentahan ay siya niyang ginagamit para sa buwanang hulog niya sa SSS sa nagdaang 10 taon. Nguni’t bigla siyang nakaisip umuwi matapos sumakit-sakit ang balakang. Sa umpisa ay panaka-naka lang ang kirot, pero nang tumagal ay hindi na siya makalakad ng diretso.Nang mapansin ng kanyang amo ang kanyang paika-ikang paglakad ay pinasuri siya sa doktor, at doon napag-alaman na sya’y may “left hip AVN” (o avascular necrosis). Dahil dito ay nagdesisyon si Manang na umuwi na lang, na sinang-ayunan naman ng amo. Tatapusin na lamang ni Manang ang nalalabing linggo ng kanyang kontrata bago umuwi sa ika-27 ng Disyembre. Nakatanggap si Manang ng $39,000 bilang long service payment, at karagdagang cash mula sa insurance na kinuha ng amo para sa kanya. Pinagtuunan din ng pansin ni manang ang makukuha niya mula sa OWWA at SSS, pero pinayuhan siyang sa Maynila na ayusin ang mga ito. Nagtrabaho bilang OFW si Manang Elizabeth Turingan sa loob ng 22 taon: 7 taon sa Singapore at 15 dito sa Hong kong. Si Manang ay 61 taong gulang at nakatira sa Tuguegarao Cagayan. Siya na rin ang nagrekomenda ng kanyang makakapalit sa mga among nakatira sa Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. - Sanny de los Santos Kamakailan ay napilitang iwan ng isang pamilyang Australyano ang kanilang bahay sa Chi Fai Path sa Saikung matapos mag-petisyon ang kanilang mga kapitbahay laban sa kanila.Nagsanib-pwersa ang mga amo at katulong sa lugar nang mapuno na sa abusadong pag-uugali ng mag-anak, lalo na ng padre de familia na isang pulis. Palihim siyang tinawag na “Bantay ng Bayan” ng ilang mga katulong na Pinay dahil sa sobrang pangingialam sa kanilang mga gawain.Araw-araw na lang ay nakabantay ito sa paligid ng village para bantayan ang kilos ng bawat isa. Bawal umihi ang mga aso ng kapitbahay sa kung saan-saan, at kapag nakita niya sa akto ang aso sa gulong ng kanyang sasakyan ay tiyak na susugurin nito ang may-ari ng aso at paglilinisin hanggang sa sya’y masiyahan. Si Lyn ay mag-aapat na taon na sa kanyang amo na ka-duplex ng pamilyang Aussie, at isa sa mga ilang beses nang sinugod ng lalaki. Nakikita daw kasi ito na iniihian ang kanyang kotse ng kanilang aso. Meron pang kapitbahay na ini-report din ng Australyano dahil wala daw leash collar ang mga aso nito. Ang mas masaklap, itinawag nito sa pulis ang isa pang kapitbahay sa may kalayuan dahil daw kumakahol ang aso ng mga ito tuwing gabi. Tumagal din ng apat na buwan sa Chi Fai Path ang pamilya bago nagkaisa ang kanilang mga kapitbahay na petisyunan at paalisin sila doon..Sa ngayon ay masaya na si Lyn at maaari na nyang pakawalan muli ang alaga nyang aso.— Liezel de los Santos RELATIVES OR FRIENDS COMING OVER FOR A VISIT? NEED A ROOM AFTER RELEASE? STAY WITH FRIENDS ON HOLIDAY? Central: Rm 502, 5/F, Sunny House,12-16 Li Yuen St. West,Central, H.K. We have 20 nice rooms each with full air- conditioning, Private bathroom, TV and VCD player. Causeway Bay: Flat B, 7F, Fair View Commercial Building, 27 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, H.K. BEST RATE IN TOWN Cost $90 for 2 hours, $200 for any 8 hours. $250 for overnight & 300 for one day. PROMOTION Mole/Wart Removal Deep Cleansing Facial Acne Healing Facial Slimming/Firming using High Tech Equipment Eliminate Varicose Vein Treatment Underarm Whitening Treatment Stretch Mark Removing Treatment Bust Firming Treatment Body Whitening Treatment Permanent (LASER) for Underarm Hair Removal Special HK$40 HK$68 HK$68 HK$68 HK$68 HK$68 HK$68 HK$180 HK$248 HK$398 Family rooms with kitchen $400-450 daily only. Direct transport to Ocean Park, Disney Land & airport (Prince Edward MTR station exit C2 / #A21 Airport Bus) Single Room for One Person with kitchen and toilet. Only HK$2,000/ month. Please call for more information. Lydia’s Bahay Hotel (Filipino Owned) Please call Ricky 9449 5591 1/F., 701 Shanghai St., Mongkok, Kln. Website: www.lydiabahayhotel.com HongKong Filipino Services FACTORY PRICE sister company of HONG TAI Agency Direct Hire Processing HK$2,700 Tagalog Hotline: High Quality BEDSHEE TS, PONY BAGS BEDSHEETS, 2545 4871 TESDA & Medical truly included in Phil. Package P12,500 only We have our own Agency in Cubao, Q.C. (near Gateway Mall) OFW- friendly processing arrangements, free DHL mailing. Welcome change employer! Re-Contract processing HK$500 (With door-to-door packing service to the Philippines) Visit our office to get all necessary Forms free-of-charge! Rm. C, 12/F, Shing Hing Comm’l Bldg., 21 Wing Kut St ., Central, HK Tel: 2521-0088 / 9430 9215 Rm 801, 8/F, Yu Sung Boon Bldg., 107-111 Des Voeux Road Central, HK (Lift in basement of Fortress Shop & besides PCCW & People shop) CHEAPEST FEE FOR DIRECT HIRE Guaranteed Fastest Processing Guaranteed Lowest Processing Fee HK$2,660 only No hidden fee We accept Tourist, Finished Contract or Break Contract in HK. We need 100 Domestic Helper, Houseboy, Driver, Gardener, Etc. Searching for business partner to share office Cheapest processing fee as Nanny in Canada for HK$1,000 only! 33 email: [email protected] Pony wallet, bag, etc: $27up Paninda bedsheet (more than a thousand designs), Pony bag, bedcover, kumot, pillow, blanket, panties, payong, towels, kolambo, and curtains. Factory price for Filipino friends. Free storage & packing by packing machine. Come and visit Mrs. Fung Mon-Sun & Public Holiday 10am-8pm Tel: 2361 5735 Flat H 2/F (by lift), Pei Ho Bldg., 115-117, Fuk Wa St. Sham Shui Po (above MTR exit B2) Blk B-C 1/F, Wai Tak Bldg., 95 B Fuk Wing St., Sham Shui Po The SUN January 2015 34 Helper fined $400 over falling vacuum cleaner tube By Vir B. Lumicao and agreed to pay a fine. The case stemmed from an incident on Feb. 2 this year, when the metal tube of a vacuum cleaner that Maryann Beth B. Divino laid on the balcony ledge of a ninth-floor flat in Tai Kok Tsui flat fell and hit a parked private vehicle, causing damage. Magistrate Abu Bakr “All’s well that ends well. Pay the $400 and go.” Borrowing from Shakespeare, a Kowloon City Court magistrate declared the case of a Filipina domestic helper closed after she pleaded guilty to a charge of allowing an object to fall from a height Wahab imposed the fine in consideration of Divino’s guilty plea, her clear record, the fact that she did not throw the tube off the balcony, and her agreeing to compensate the car owner. “Based on our conversation yesterday, I cannot see a defense in letting that object fall from the balcony,” the magistrate said. Divino had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge, but in the Dec. 15 pre-trial review, the magistrate explained the consequences of not owning up to the offense. According to the prosecution report, Divino detached the metal tube from the vacuum cleaner and METRO PINOY ENTERPRISE TRADING & EMPLOYMENT AGENCY 17A BANK TOWER, 351-353 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG. TEL: 2508 6444 • FAX 2510 6224 • Email: [email protected] WORK IN CANADA GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS!political & economic conditions in R.P. drive Unfortunate you to work in Hong Kong as all-around D.H. Long hours a day, six days a week, and years of service and yet you have no chance of becoming a H.K. resident, and worse, you can be terminated any time and go home... But wait, before you worry: Do you know that you can work in Canada as a caregiver or nanny for just 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, and after 2 years, you can be a Canadian citizen? Yes, madam, it’s true! Grab this chance of a lifetime & have a BRIGHTER FUTURE!!! APPLY NOW! • MANY EMPLOYERS AVAILABLE & WILLING TO HIRE. • NO APPEARANCE, NO INTERVIEW AT EMBASSY • FAST & EFFICENT PROCESSING OF APPLICATION! • ALSO WELCOME APPLICANTS PREVIOUSLY DENIED OF WORKING VISA. DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING ALSO WELCOME: @ $3,500 ONLY, INCLUDING VISA FEE! PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES COMPANY Subok na matatag at mapagkakatiwalaan mahigit 20 yrs na serbisyong pinoy. DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING 4- 6 WEEKS/ We Weare are areopen open open URGENT PROCESSING We days daysaaaweek week week 777days SERVICES OFFERED: Monday-Friday Monday-Friday9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm Monday-Friday Sat Sat. &Sun .&Sun &Sun10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm • Employment for finished contract. Sat. • Employment terminated w/ or w/o release letter • We also accept direct hire applicants from Philippines. Maari ninyong ibigay sa amin ang biodata ng inyong mga kamag-anak at kami ang bahalang makipag communicate sa kanila sa mga kaukulang impormasyon. • We arrange interviews every month in our Manila Office. For more information please call us at: 25410668/ 25410669/ 25410667 General Commercial Building Rm. M2, M/Flr.156-164 Des Voeux Rd, Central Hong Kong (opposite to Sincere Department store) placed it on the ledge of the balcony after using the appliance as she went about with her work. At about 6pm, she went back to the balcony to get the tube but realized it was gone, the maid said. She rushed downstairs and saw that the tube had fallen on a car, causing a 7cm by 7cm centimeter dent on the vehicle’s roof. The car owner, who said he parked the vehicle at 5pm, noticed the damage when he returned an hour later and called the police. Hong Kong, a city of towering commercial and residential blocks, has strict laws on throwing objects from heights, as such incidents had killed people in the past. A person who drops or allows an object to fall from any building, causing danger or injury to others, commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and six months in prison. If the offense occurs during the construction, repair or decoration of a building, the GUEST HOUSE Mga kababayan! Meron ba kayong kaibigan o kakilala na kailangan ng lugar na tahimik, with fresh air na matitigilan o mapapahingahan. Punta na kayo dito sa aming guest house! Located in TIN HAU next to Causeway Bay Beside the MTR Exit A2) HOW ABOUT.... Looking for a Greener Pasture ? Tired of working in Hong Kong but NOT READY to go back (for good) to the Philippines? Worried about having LESS Educational level but STILL WANT to work in another country with HIGHER offered salary? Well then... w/ TFC and FREE WI-FI Complete with all your needs! Just call: 92657654 & 90919560 [Look for Jimmy or Ellen] or visit our website at: http://www. goldencourthk.com RUSSIA IS FOR YOU! FEWER REQUIREMENTS • LESS THAN 72 UNITS OK! • HIGH SALARY • SHORTER WORKING TIME WITH OVERTIME PAY! • PARTTIME POSSIBLE! • FAST PROCESSING! • AFTER FLIGHT SUPPORT GUARANTEED! PLS CALL: JO MIRANDA • TEL 2508 6444 MTR FORTRESS HILL HSBC BEA BRIDG KING’S ROAD CHEUNG HONG ST FROM CENTRAL E HANG SENG Tram Stop WE’RE HERE 17A BANK TOWER Subsidiary of Free Believers in Christ Fellowship International (HK). • Subsidized housing accomodations and feeding for limited periods to those who are terminated from their employment or finished contracts. • Free counseling assistance on employment cases and all other problems • Free assistance to Police, Immigration, Philippine Consulate, Labor Department and Tribunal Courts. • Free assistance to legal help and representations. Call anytime for help! WELLCOME FROM NORTH POINT MTR Room 01, 19/F Everprofit Commercial Bldg., 34-36 Ko Shing St ., Sheung Wan, H.K. Tel. 2854- 4516 • 2517 3547 • 9305 8594 • 9099 3742 • 9099 3842 • Fax # (852) 2815- 4516. principal contractor on the site and the contractor carrying out the works is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year. Pinoy faces retrial after conviction is quashed A Filipino jailed for three years for allegedly wounding a Pakistani in a knife attack will go through a retrial after his conviction was quashed by the High Court on Dec. 18, Primitivo A. Tidoy will be tried again “at an early date” despite pleas for his release by his counsel. Tidoy was convicted of wounding with intent and sentenced to three years in jail by District Court Judge Gary Lam on July 8, 2013. The judge said then that there was “not a single doubt in my mind” the defendant had stabbed Shoukat Khan with a folding knife during a fracas on Li Yuen Street West in Central on Nov. 4, 2012. Subsequently, Tidoy sought leave to appeal his conviction, which was granted by Justice Ian McWalters on Dec. 1. But after nullying Tidoy’s conviction, the judge asked counsel for both government and the appellant to file written submissions on the issue of retrial within 14 days. As a result, the court ordered a retrial, citing “the seriousness of the offence and the strength of the evidence” which he said “was unaffected by the …quashing (of) the conviction.” Counsel for Tidoy had opposed the retrial, citing “the amount of time that the appellant has spent in custody which means he has served a substantial part of his sentence.” In addition, he said there appeared to be “evidential difficulties” in the preparation of the case, which was precisely why the appeal was allowed in the first place. Judge McWalters agreed that there was force in the arguments advanced by Tidoy’s lawyers, but said that “public interest in ensuring the perpetrator of the crime is brought to justice outweighed the private interests of the appellant in enduring a further trial.” The SUN January 2015 35 Mobile phone retailers reminded of trade requirements Hong Kong Customs has charged 19 retailers in the last two months with issuing sales invoices without written particulars of the products or failed to retain copies of the invoices issued, as required under the Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Regulated Electronic Products) Order made under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. As of December 30, prosecution actions have been taken against 12 retailers. Ten of them have been convicted by the Court and fined $1,000 to $20,000. Prosecution against other cases is in progress. A Customs spokesperson said that with intelligence gathered and follow-up investigations earlier, it was found that some traders had omitted the written particulars as required under the Ordinance on the sales invoices issued to customers. The omission deterred consumers from acquiring accurate information about It’s loitering, not burglary By Vir B. Lumicao A jobless Filipino had a burglary charge filed against him dropped on Dec. 23 after he pleaded guilty the day before to charges of loitering and failing to appear in court while on bail for an earlier drug offense. Appearing in District Court on Dec. 22, Arnulfo S. dela Rosa, a resident, pleaded not guilty to a charge of burglary lodged against him for entering an empty flat in Hung Hom in May this year. No item was taken by the defendant from the flat. But the 38-year-old former cleaner pleaded guilty to two other charges — that of loitering and failing to appear in court. Judge Casewell ordered his $200 bail confiscated and adjourned the sentencing to Jan. 12 to wait for a background report on the defendant. During the Dec. 22 hearing, the prosecution had to consult the Justice Department on whether the burglary charge could be dropped since nothing was taken from the empty flat. The Justice Department agreed and the judge adjourned the hearing to the next day when the third charge was dropped. De la Rosa was found to have entered the vacant flat on the fourth floor of a block being redeveloped on 1517 Whampoa St., Hung Hom on May 28 last year. A witness, a resident of the lone occupied flat in the building, said he saw through his door’s peephole a man in a black shirt entering the empty flat two times that day. Then at about 8 pm, the witness again saw the man on CCTV entering the ground floor gate holding a rod. Alarmed, the witness called the police and the intruder was arrested. During investigation, the police found out that the defendant had faced charges of burglary and drug possession. In mitigation, the defense counsel said Dela Rosa was unemployed after working previously as a cleaner earning $5,500 a month. He is a dependant of his Filipina mother who came to Hong Kong in 1998 and separated from her husband in 2005. HKU launches Pinoy health project From Page 13 circulation. During the open forum, Consul General Bernardita Catalla asked Manio whether it is advisable to bathe less frequently, especially during summer. “In sports medicine, wala sa number of times maligo pero kung pagod na pagod po tayo, dapat maligo tayo within two minutes lang. Kapag tumagal pa po dun, marami nang nangyayari sa katawan na abnormalities,” said Manio. Vice Consul Chuck Macaspac mentioned that the cause of death in many Filipino nationals his office has assisted is deep vein thrombosis. He asked if varicose veins could lead to this Manio said: “Yes, because yung blood clot na namuo ay maaring ma-deposit in different parts of the body and it can be fatal,” he said. DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually the legs. As the lecture was going on, students from HKU conducted free blood pressure and blood glucose tests. The second lecture in the series will be held in March. Participants who will be able to attend at least five of the six lectures will receive a certificate of attendance from HKU. TOP HILL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Flat C, 6/F Cornwall Court, 687-689 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon. Mongkok • (MTR Exit A1) Looking for Employer or Boarding House? We Accept: Finished Contract, Terminated, Break Contract, Tourist Helper from Philippines or Indonesia. Bio Data are welcome. Call Lyn at 9864 9848 or 3485 0392 for Appointment Email: [email protected] We are Licenced Agency. Salary Deduction will be considered. Clerk • Clerical experience preferably • Good command of both English & Tagalog. • Good communication & typing skills • Proficient in PC applications Interested parties please apply with full resume to Technic Employment Service Centre Ltd. at email: [email protected] or fax: 2890 6006. the electronic products and deprived their interest in gaining access to such information. The spokesman reminded the mobile phone retailers to comply with the legislative requirements on completion of purchase transactions. Under the Ordinance, the prescribed information for mobile phones includes: (a) network frequency or operating frequency or band; (b) the type and storage capacity of support memory card (if provided); (c) data transfer/network connectivity protocol; and (d) (when the phone has a built-in camera) resolution of the camera in terms of pixels. Digital audio players, digital camcorders, digital cameras, mobile phones and portable multimedia players are also regulated electronic products. Under the Ordinance, any person who supplies any regulated electronic product shall issue an invoice that contains all details required under the Ordinance. Members of the public may report any violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance to Customs’ 24hour hotline 2545 6182. EMRY’s Employment Agency www.emrysemploymentagency.com Worldwide Office: Shop 355, 3/F. 19 Des Voeux, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155 Email: [email protected] Wanchai Branch: Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd., Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166 Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected] [email protected] • [email protected] We accept Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao direct hire processing. Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com Services Offered 1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer HK$5,680.00 2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,976.00 3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$4,500.00 Guaranteed! No registration fee & no placement fee in the Philippines & in Hong Kong. Refund Scheme Employers will get a refund for Cancelled application. Attention: For Domestic Helpers who have found new employers and are required by the Immigration to return to the Philippines to await the processing of their HK Visa we offer you our Direct Hire Processing • No Agency Fee Services for only • No placement fee HK$5,680. This fee should in the Philippines be paid by the Employer. Under HK Labour and & HKSAR. Immigration Ordinances (See Page 1 article 8 of the Employment Contract for DH), employer pays for all fees and expenses required for the employment and departure of helper from her place of origin. Did You Know... DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING: HK$5,680 PAID BY EMPLOYER EMRY’s collects the direct hire processing fee from Employers. We do not collect Agency Fee and Placement Fee from helpers since they have found their own employers. The HK$5,680 paid by the employers are used for the complete processing in HKSAR and the Philippines of your application to work in Hong Kong. These include: visa fee, Medical Fee, Philippine Consulate Fee, POEA/OEC/ OWWA, PDOS, One wayAirline ticket (Manila/ Hong Kong). When you process with us we offer the following: Refund Scheme: We refund unused portions of your payment if the application is cancelled or refused by authorities. FREE Counselling for Labour Related Disputes. Receipt always Issued. Pay only at our office Cashier. Our staff are not allowed to accept payments outside our office. We have no recruiters or sub-agents in HK. LOCAL HIRE: FREE Registration & Consultation Quick Hiring for qualified finished contract & terminated applicants with good release letter. Bring original, Passport, Employment Contract plus 2-copies of release letter, 2- copies of HKID and 2 passport-size photos when you apply. 36 The SUN January 2015 Pinoy Jokes From Page 39 ko, ang bobo. Pinabili ako ng apat na case ng beer eh alam nya naman na hindi ko kayang dalhin �yun lahat! Pising: Lalo naman amo ko. Pinapapunta ako sa opisina para tingnan kung nandun sya eh may telepono naman. Motto Ibinasura ng Department of Tourism ang mga slogan sa ilalim ng Pilipinas kay Ganda dahil sa nakakahiyang slogan na lumabas. Ilan lang ito sa mga slogan: Bohol : Go To Hill Thanks for coming, Camiguin Babaeng Balbon, Marami sa Malabon Kalasin ang Bohol Takpan ang Navotas Hanap mo ba ay Maluwag , Tara na sa Laoag Global Premier Consultancy Consultancy Ltd. Ltd. DOMESTIC HELPERS/DRIVERS • FINISHED CONTRACT • TERMINATED WITH GOOD REASON • DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING PLEASE COME TO REGISTER FREE!!! CALL US AT 2527 7883 • 2527 7889 NOW!!! Shop 86, 1/F Tin Hau Apple Mall, No. 14 King’s Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong (MTR Tin Hau Stn. Exit A1) Get Dizzy , Iloilo Boracay , You Beach —Joshua Buena Maghubad ka! Ama si Ambo ng 15-yearold na si Jana, ang nag iisang anak na ang ina ay nasa ibang bansa. Minsang katatapos maligo ang ama, nakita niya pag labas sa banyo ang anak na nakataas ang paa sa lamesita, nanonood ng TV. Lumapit ang ama. Ama: Jana, anak, tumayo ka diyan at hubarin mo ang pang ibaba mong suot (mataas ang boses). Jana: Itay bakit po? Ama: Sinabi nang hubarin mo, dali. Jana: Itay, maawa ka sa akin. Ayoko po. Marami pa akong pangarap huwag po ninyong sirain ang kinabukasan ko. Ama: Gaga ka talaga, wala lang ang ina mo ganyan ka na. Ano ang isusuot ko eh suot mo kansulsilyo ko… hala mag palit ka doon. First BF On wedding night, a man asks his new wife: Akala ko ba first boyfriend mo ko? Wife: Bakit? Man: Hindi ka na virgin! Wife: Ikaw talaga ang first boyfriend ko. Yung iba, customers ko lang. Peks man! Introductions Kung Tagalog ang pag introduce sa sarili ng mga kandidato sa Miss Universxe ay ganito ang kanilang sasabihin: Miss Hungary: Gutom ako, gutom ka, gutom tayong lahat HUNGARY!! We accept Direct Hire Processing for CANADA For enquiry please call: 3488 9583 • 6381 0109 Rm. 1506 15/F., Good Hope Bldg., #5 Sai Yeung Choi St., South, Mongkok, Kln. (Mongkok MTR Exit E2 above McDonald’s, opp. to KFC) E-mail Address: [email protected] Flat or Room for Rent www.blessguestshouse.com Fully Furnished Flat/Room for rent (daily rates), suitable for individuals and families or groups. Enquiries: (852) 6381 0109 on whatsapp or email: [email protected] Final Exam Sa isang mental hospital na-obserbahan na ng doktor na magaling na ang mga pasyente niya kaya plano na niya palabasin sila sa hospital. Pero bago paalisin, isang exam muna ang kanyang ibinigay. Nag drawing at nag pinta siya ng isang kunwaring pintuan sa may pader. Pagkatapos ay tinawag nya ang mga pasyente. Doktor: Magaling na ba kayo? Mga pasyente: Oho, oho! Doktor: Sige sa pintong ito dito kayo dadaan para makalabas na ng hospital. Sino’ng gustong mauna?! Mga pasyente: Ako! ako! Dahil dito, naisip ng doktor na hindi pa pala magagaling ang mga pasyente niya. Pero napansin nya ang isang pasyente sa bandang likuran na tinatawanan ang ibang kapwa nya pasyente. Naisip ng doktor na ito lang ang tanging magaling at tumino sa kanilang lahat kaya nilapitan nya ito. Doktor: Bakit ka tumatawa, ayaw mo ba sila lumabas ng pinto? Pasyente: Hahaha nag uunahan sila lumabas ng pinto! Hindi puwede. Nasa akin ang susi! KAN KEE Blessings Employment Agency WANTED 1. New Indian Restaurant in TST looking for: • Waiter/Waitress (salary 9Kup) • Dishwasher - salary 11k (Have Dishwasher machine) Working hours: 11am-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm 2. Yuen Long Houseboy/Gardener and 2 maids. 3. Houseboy, 6ft tall, 200 lbs., body builder, 20K, any nationality. 4. Male Nurse or Male Caregiver, to care for paralyzed. 5. Male 5’11” 200 lbs. to take care of male patient 200 lbs. live-in. 6. Filipina Clinical Instructor ($ 8,000) – 1yr.exp., + 3 yrs. Reg. staff nurse, Hospital with 100 bed capacity. Private Nurse – Reg. Nurse with exp. Tube Feeding & suctioning. 7. Male caregiver - Yuen Long. Take care of a disabed 130lbs., wheelchair. 8. Houseboy/Driver- Sheung Shui, housekeeping, dogs, with new HK driving license also accepted. 9. Couple job for male (new comer), possess International driving license, gardener first later become driver, give time going out to attend the driving lessons, Yuen Long. 10. Clerical staff in the office Kowloon side, dependent visa Indo or Filipina. Miss Haiti: Seventy eight, seventy nine, HAITI!! Miss Kenya: Hindi sa’yo, hindi sa’kin.. KENYA!! Miss Nepal: Hindi naman kausap, sabat nang sabat... NEPAL!! At syempre.. Miss Philippines: Mula sa lupaing mahal ang bigas at maraming mandurugas.. PILIPINAS!! Transport Services (Since 1997) Van Services For more info please call our landline 25223729 We need qualified applicants to work in farm as worm pickers • Hatid/ Sundo sa airport • Lipat- bahay o opisina • Magtapon ng lumang gamit Maaasahang serbisyo sa abot- kayang halaga! Tel No: whatsapp: 9200 0054 (Kan) & 9364 9653 • Nighttime (Jack) 5300 3786 email: [email protected] Assistance in DIVORCE Available Room for Terminated Helper. Call 6388 3415. We sell Philippine products/phone cards/load Room 501, 5/F Sunny House, 12-16 Li Yuen St. West Central Tel: 2522 3729 • Mobile: 6388 3415 RELATIVES OR FRIENDS COMING OVER FOR A VISIT? NEED A ROOM AFTER RELEASE? STAY WITH FRIENDS ON HOLIDAY? Enjoy the comforts of staying at: ASTRONAUT’S HOTEL (Filipino Owned) • Deluxe, fully and newly furnished hotel rooms complete w/ TV, private telephone and kitchen. • Special rates for lovers, $100 for 2 hours, $300 for overnight and $400 for one day. • Next to shopping malls, night market, restaurants. • Direct transport to Ocean Park, Disney Land & airport. (Mongkok MTR station exit A1 / #A21 Airport Bus) • More discount for group tour and longer stay visitors. Single Room for One Person with kitchen and toilet. Only HK$2,000/ month. Please call for more information. BOOKING HOTLINE: 9735 3090 JOHNNY ADDRESS: Flat B, 13/F, Kingland Mansion, 737 Nathan Rd., Mongkok, Kln. HK. Website: www.astronauthk.com Call: 64430388 Strictly Confidential HOTECH COMPUTER Shop 340 Worldwide Plaza (Near AFreight) Tel: 2729 6165 Buy • Sell • Repair—Mobile, Laptop, Desktop & MAC second-hand Laptop & Desktop Computer. Connect to Buy/sell Reformat Laptop (No Picture, No Startup) Change from Chinese to English. internet Anti-Virus, Yahoo Messenger anywhere Change damaged LCD Panel (Broken) Order new Laptop Battery - Any brand you are! Order New Laptop Keyboard (Not Function) Open-Line International 3G USB Modem & Mobile WIFI. System and Memory Upgrade. MOBILE REPAIR: No picture, signal, voice, sound; damaged screen, bad key pads, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, LG, Samsung, iPhone. Unlock iPhone • Sell Original Samsung Galaxy Note, Tab 2, Tab 3, iPhone 4, iPad with SIM FOREIGN EXCHANGE & REMITTANCE CO. JOB VACANCY FOREIGN EXCHANGE CASHIER REQUIREMENTS: • Well experienced in dealing International Currencies and Western Union Remittance. • Computer knowledge. • Hong Kong permanent resident or dependant visa holder Interested p arties may contact:27363611/ 97191992 The SUN January 2015 From Page 38 naglalaban-laban bilang topgrosser sa taunang film festival. Tila nagbunga ang magandang suportang ibinibigay ng mga kaibigan ni Isabelle gaya nina Solenn Heussaff, Anne Curtis at boyfriend nitong si Erwan Heussaff, Raymond Gutierrez at iba pa nilang mga kamaanak at kaibigan na hindi taga showbiz, na nauna nang dumalo sa preview pa lang ng pelikula. Alam daw nilang very proud at nag-enjoy ng husto si Isabelle sa kanyang role sa naturang pelikula, kahit nahirapan at nagtamo siya ng maraming pasa sa mga action scenes na ginawa niya dito.Sulit naman daw lahat ito dahil nag-enjoy ang kanyang mga kaibigan sa pagbabago sa kanilang panonood nito. relasyon. Katunayan, pagkatapos ng proposal ay SOLENN, SIMPLENG umuwi pa raw sa kanilang KASAL ANG GUSTO bansa si Nico upang Nagulat si Solenn Heussaff ipagdiwang ang Pasko doon, sa ginawang marriage kasama ng kanyang pamilya. proposal kamakailan ng Gaya pa rin ng dati ang set – kanyang Argentinian up ng kanilang pagsasama boyfriend na si Nico Bolzico, hatian sa lahat ng gastusin sa kahit tatlong taon na silang bahay dahil pareho raw silang nagli-live in. Lihim na praktikal. Wala pa daw silang humingi muna daw ito ng balak, kaya definitely, wala permiso sa mga magulang ni pang kasal na magaganap sa Solenn bago siya nag-propose susunod na taon. sa bahay mismo ng mga Kung sakali mang matuloy magulang ni Solenn. Isa sa ito, gagawin daw nila ito sa mga hiningan ng tulong ni malayong lugar para Nico upang maisagawa ito ay mabawasan ang mga bisita at ang isa sa malalapit na makatipid, ang pabiro niyang kaibigan ni Solenn na si sabi. Tahimik at simpleng Isabelle Daza. kasal lang daw ang kanilang Kahit masaya si Solenn, gusto, at ise-share lang daw hindi pa daw nila napapag- nila ang mga litrato at video usapan kung kailan kapag tapos na ang kasal. gaganapin ang kasal. Maliban Posibleng ikasal din daw sila sa suot niyang engagement sa simbahan dahil parehong ring, wala raw malaking Katoliko ang kanilang GET BRIGHT TRAVEL Licence No. 353203 Rm. 404 Yu To Sang Bldg., 37 Queens Rd., Central HK. CHEAPEST TICKET FOR WORKERS TO EUROPE AND CANADA MURANG MANILA TICKET BY PAL & CEBU PACIFIC China Tour & China Visa, Airport Express ticket, Disneyland Ticket, Ocean Park Ticket, Hong Kong hotel. BOOKING FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR! Call us at 2838 8408 Bring AD for discount Open Monday to Saturday Room 203, 2/F Prosperous Bldg., 48-52 Des Voeux Rd. Central, Hong Kong • Licence No. 351751 Services Offered: ....SUPER PROMOTION... Flight booking Hotels Disneyland Ocean Park Van for Hire-to/ from the airport Visa Processing CALL US! GE T HK$50-OFF On any airline Ticket Just visit our office and present this ad 6573 7892 / 2523 0877 / 9493 5684 Same Building as Smartone Barkadahan Connaught Travel Ltd. L/NO.350440 www. connaught-travel.com.hk LOW COST FLIGHT & RELIABLE SERVICE 4A Chung Hing Commercial Building 62-63 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong and Hotel Reservation Round Trip Airfares Tel: 2544 1531 Call 9612 8710 / WhatsApp: 9585 0792 (Julie) Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00pm Above prices valid for specific departure dates only & subject to fllight availability. Airport taxes, Fuel & other surcharges are not included. Prices will be confirmed at the time of reservation. pamilya. Handa na rin daw siyang magka-baby, pero hangga’t maaari, pagkatapos na raw nilang makasal, dahil dapat ay maganda siya sa kanyang kasal, ang pagbibiro pa ng aktres. Si Solenn ay half Filipina, half French, at maagang naging independent, gaya ng iba pa niyang mga kapatid dahil nag-aral at tumira sila sa ibang bansa. Pero kahit lumaki sa marangya at modernong pamumuhay, siya ay nananatiling isa sa mga pinakamabait sa showbiz. MARTIN, KASAMA MGA ANAK SA PASKO AT BAGONG TAON Tuwing Pasko at bagong taon, nagta-travel si Martin Nievera sa iba’t ibang lugar upang makapiling ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. Tuwing magpapasko, B&S TOUR AND TRAVEL Travel Agent Licence 350061 • Air tickets sa PAL, Cebu Pac, CX, Dragon, Cathay, Tiger CHRISTMAS TICKETS PAL HKG-MNL-HKG $2800up $2000up • Disneyland, Ocean Park, HK Hotels, 5J/KA CLARK CATHAY PACIFIC FULL Macau Hotels, Star Cruise 2524 1461 Unit 411, 4/F., Yip Fung Bldg. #14-18 D’ Aguilar St. Central (above 7-Eleven & Cotton On) Office Hrs.: 10:30am-6:00pm daily Marks & Spencer We’re here SASA Cotton On Queen’s Rd. Central HSBC D’ Aguilar St. Balitang Artista Coach ROCKSUN TRAVEL AGENCY 2869 6838 (Rowina) 2348 0099 Rm. 808 Yu To Sang Bldg. , 37 Queens Road, Central, HK • Licence No: 351629 SPECIAL DISCOUNT (OFW) FARES TO PHILIPPINES, CANADA EUROPE, RUSSIA Promotion to MNL by Cebu Air $130 up (o/w). Discount Disneyland, Ocean Park Tickets, China visa, China Tours, Airport Train Tickets Hotel Bookings in Hong Kong & Asia Open booking for whole year Bring this ad for big discount! itinataon niyang mag-show sa Las Vegas upang makapiling ang kanyang anak na si Santino (anak niya sa dating karelasyon na si Katrina Ojeda), na ngayon ay walong taong gulang na. Nakakasama rin niya ang kanyang ina at mga kapatid na naninirahan sa Amerika sa araw ng Pasko. Bago magbagong taon, lumilipad naman pabalik ng Pilipinas si Martin upang makasama niya ang mga anak nila ni Pops Fernandez na sina Ram, 28 at Robin, 24. Pero sa taong ito hindi raw siya siguradong makakasama ang mga ito sa mismong araw ng bagong taon dahil malalaki na ang mga ito at may sari-sarili nang mga lakad. Ang kanyang mga anak ang pinaka-importante kay Martin, kaya itinuturing niyang pinaka-memorable na Pasko niya ang taong 2005 37 dahil nakasama niya ang kanyang tatlong anak nang magbakasyon sa Amerika sina Ram at Robin, (kasama ang kanilang ina). Nakasama niya ang mga ito ng matagaltagal sa pamamasyal sa Disneyland. Memorable lalo ito nang magkaroon sila ng white Christmas nang sa unang pagkakataon ay nagsnow sa Las Vegas. Sa ngayon ay walang napapabalitang karelasyon si Martin, at naging mas mabuting magkaibigan sila ni Pops matapos silang maghiwalay. Sa katunayan ay ang ilang beses nilang pagsasama uli sa mga concerts, na lalong nagpapatibay sa kanilang titulo noon bilang concert king & queen. Ang huli nilang pagsasama ay ang Penthouse Live Reunion noong Dec 12 sa PICC sa Manila, na produced ni Pops.. 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Chinese New Year booking available now! Call our Hotline : 21-10-10-10 Rm. 308, 3/F, Universal Commercial Bldg. Mon. - Fri.: 10 am- 6pm/ Saturday 10 am - 2 pm. (Open on Sundays & Holidays at 11am-3pm) NOW IN 2ND ALLEY-ALLEY MURANG AIR TICKETS To Philippines and All Domestic Points Best Price for new Contract Workers to Canada Please call: 3101- 9698 or 8102- 6882 Rm. 501A, 5/F SUNNY HOUSE, 12-16 LI YUEN STREET WEST, CENTRAL HONG KONG We’re open Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays TRAVELAGENT LICENCE No.:353215 38 The SUN January 2015 �Bonifacio: Unang Pangulo’, best picture sa MMFF Hindi man ito panalo sa takilya, panalo naman ito sa mga hurado. Ang “Bonifacio: Unang Pangulo” na pinagbidahan ni Robin Padilla ang siyang tinanghal na Best Picture sa katatapos na 40th Metro Manila Film Festival. Ginanap ang gabi ng parangal noong Dis. 27 sa Philippine International Convention Center sa Maynila. Nakamit din ng pelikula ang dalawa sa pinakamahahalagang award: • Ang Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Film at ang • Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award. Sa kabila nito, hindi pinalad na manalo si Robin ng parangal para sa kanyang pagganap. Ang tinanghal na best actor ay si Derek Ramsay at best actress naman si Jennylyn Mercado para sa kanilang pelikulang “English Only Please.” Nakamit din ng kanilang pelikula ang premyo para sa best director (Dan Villegas); best editing (Marya Ignacio), at best screenplay (Antoinette Jadaone). Nanalo din ng ilang awards ang “Kubot: the Aswang Chronicles” na pinagbidahan ni Dingdong Dantes. Kabilang dito ang best supporting actor para kay Joey Marquez, at best supporting actress para kay Lotlot de Leon. Best child performer naman si Ryzza Mae Dizon para sa “My Big Bossing”, na isa sa tatlong pelikula na kumita ng malaki sa taunang festival. Sa bagong kategoryang “new wave,” nanalo bilang best film ang “Magkakabaung” ni Allen Dizon, na siya ring nagkamit ng award bilang best actor. Best director si Jason Paul Laxamana ng parehong pelikula. Best new wave actress naman si Zsa Zsa Padilla para “M. (Mother’s Maiden Name). Ang iba pang mga nanalo ay ang mga sumusunod: Best Cinematography— Carlo Mendoza (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Jennylyn Mercado, best actress Derek Ramsay, best actor Best Editing—Marya Ignacio (English Only Please) Best Production Design— Ericsson Navarro for (Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 20 Best Theme Song award— (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Best Director—Dan Villegas (English Only Pl ease) New wave Best Supporting Actress—Gloria Sevilla M. (Mother’s Maiden Name) New Wave Best Supporting Actor—Kristopher King (Maratabat) New Wave Special Jury Prize—M. (Mother’s Maiden Name) Samantala, ayon sa pinakahuling tala, pinakamalaki ang kita ng “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin” na pinagbibidahan ni Vice Ganda Kris Aquino at anak nito na si Bimby. Ang iba pang panalo sa takilya ayon sa kanilang pagkakasunod-sunod ay ang: 2) “Feng Shui”; 3) “My Big Bossing”; 4) “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles”. , 5) “English Only, Please”, 6) �Shake, Rattle & Roll XV’, 7)” Bonifacio: Unang Pangulo” at 8) “Magnum .357.” PARADE OF STARS SA OPENING NG MIFF Dumagsa ang mga fans noong Dis 23 upang saksihan ang parada ng mga artista na nakasakay sa mga makukulay na karosa ng walong pelikulang kalahok sa 40th Metro Manila Film Festival 2014. Eksaktong 1:30 ng hapon nang pangunahan ni Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino ang pagsisimula ng pitong One of the production numbers. Photo: Rappler Ryzza Mae Dizon, Best child performer Robin Padilla, of “Bonifacio: Unang Pangulo”, Best Picture Showbiz royalty wedding: Celebrity sweethearts Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in glittering fashion at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. Among the principal sponsors was President Benigno S. Aquino III, who acted as Witness of Honor. Reception for 1,000 guests followed at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Marian wore a heavy lace gown studded with Swarovski crystals, by Michael Cinco, who also had a stunning crown made for her . Dong was in a formal suit made by Randy Ortiz. kilometrong ruta ng parade na nagsimula sa Paranaque, at nagtapos sa Quirino Grandstand sa Luneta. Dahil sa matinding traffic, karamihan sa mga artistang kasali ay hindi nakaabot sa umpisa ng parada, at sa halip ay humabol na lang at nagabang sa dadaanan ng parada para makasakay sa kanikanilang karosa. Ang mga artistang sumakay sa mga karosa: Kris Aquino at Coco Martin (Feng Shui 2), Vic Sotto, Ryza Mae Dizon, Nikki Gil, Ruby Rodriguez, Alonso Muhlach, Pauleen Luna, (My Big Bossing’s Adventures), Dingdong Dantes, Isabelle Daza, KC Montero, Julie San Jose at Abra (Kubot: The Asawang Chronicles), Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Rommel Padilla, Jasmine Curtis-Smith at Daniel Padilla (Bonifacio), Jeorge Estregan at Sam Pinto (Muslim Magnum .357), Richard Yap, Tom Rodriguez, Vandolph at Vice Ganda (Praybeyt Benjamin), Matteo Guidicelli, Erich Gonzales, JC De Vera, Daniel Matsunaga, Khalil Ramos at Jason Francisco (Shake Rattle and Roll) at Derek Ramsay at Jennylyn Mercado (English Only Please). Ipapalabas ang nabanggit na pelikula mula December 25 hanggang January 7, 2015. Sa unang araw ng pagtatanghal, pukpukan ang naging laban sa takilya ng Praybeyt Bejamin, My Big Bossing at Feng Shui. Malakas din ang Kubot, na suportado ng mga fans nina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes. Si Pres. Pnoy ay nagbigay suporta sa pamangking si Bimby Yap, nang panoorin nito ang Praybet Benjamin, kasama sina Kris, James Yap at Vice Ganda. ISABELLE, NAGPAKITANG GILAS SA “KUBOT” Hindi inaasahan ang pagpapakitang gilas ni Isabelle Daza sa pelikulang Kubot: Aswang Chronicles 2. Malaki at maganda ang naging role ni Isabelle dito, bilang kapareha ni Dingdong Dantes. Nag-tumbling, lumipad sa ere, nakipagbakbakan, at nagcomedy ang baguhang aktres, sa mala-Twilight na pelikula. Sa unang araw ng Metro Manila Film Festival ay naging maganda ang resulta nito sa box office, taliwas sa hulang nasa bottom 3 ito, dahil hindi gaanong kumita ang naunang Aswang Chronicles. Gaya ng inaasahan, ang The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin, My Big Bossing at Feng Shui ang Continued on Page 37 The SUN January 2015 Share a joke! Send it to: PINOY JOKES c/o The SUN, Rm. 1002, 10/F. , Yue Shing Commercial Bldg., 15 Queen Victoria St., Hong Kong or e-mail to: [email protected] Pinoyed Shakira Andrea Sison of Rappler has built up a collection of punny Pinoy translations. A sample: Musicians and Bands They thought it was an arrow - Kalapana I'm just nagbibiro - KD Lang Kailangan ko ng panadero Anita Baker Nagpagupit ang dati mong jowa - Extreme Do you have a ponytail holder? - Metallica Mga chicks na KJ at ayaw pa kasi sumama - Indigo Girls Ako hindi ako KJ kaya ayain mo ako - Imago I no longer need a ponytail holder - Natalie Cole Yung kapatid kong exajj Oasis Your isda - Depeche Mode Malapit na ako sa FX Nirvana Ambahong prutas, inulit pa - Duran Duran Mga bulaklak na galing sa General Santos City - Guns N' Roses Kaingin method of farming - Cyndi Lauper Plantsadorang mahinhin Iron Maiden May jetits pala si madam Dixie Chicks Dalawampung kotsekotsehan - Matchbox 20 Mas lalong madali Morrissey Ang mga sangkap ng nganga - The Beatles Tirador, o tooter - Pantera Pag natapos na ang Kuaresma - Faith No More Nahihilo - Jay Z Tatay mong sultan - Salt N' Pepa Mabilis na sastre o hotdog Taylor Swift Ang Senado at Ang Kapulungan ng Kinatawan ng Pilipinas (Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines) - 10,000 Maniacs Parade of Nations Does she know? - Albania Mother, it's flooded Bahamas Kainis, umuulan - Bahrain I-jug ang mga babae Bangladesh Faster! Faster! - Belize Amo ko - Bosnia Walang tinta ang bolpen mo - Denmark Dirty underground military leader - Dominica Andami nila - Germany Pampadulas - Greece Simple lang pero - Iraq Hindi sya peke - Israel Kapag ayaw mo na manganak - Italy Ang bentilador - Japan Not mine - Kenya War, war stupid - Lebanon Mahal kita - Libya Nanay andyan na yung amo natin - Macedonia Lagyan ng Dora ang sasakyan kasi - Madagascar Andumi talaga ng utak mo Malaysia I'll go ahead, ha? - Monaco Bad trip naman, socy style Oman Batu-bato sa langit Panama Oras ng traffic sa EDSA Russia Hindi dine-in - Togo Kaya ka nalalasing e Tonga Oh beautiful - Uganda Pag nasaktan ang Bisaya Uruguay Sagot ng amboy - Yemen Celebrities Baka manalo ka ng libreng surgery - Oprah Winfrey Nilinis ko yung magarang business district dun sa may Libis - Clint Eastwood It's so easy, so hurry! Angelina Jolie Wag po, please - Yoko Ono The jump of that stupid black cat - Sylvester Stallone Sulat ng anak mong lalaki Liam Neeson The First Family Is he a bull, mother? Barack Obama Is there ice, mother? Michelle Obama Is it far, mother? - Malia Obama Should I get off at Shaw Boulevard, mother? - Sasha Obama Cocktails Because of us - Kamikaze The reason you were replaced - Cosmopolitan I-jug natin si manong Screwdriver Paanong gagamitin ito kung naglalagablab? assistant ko. Ang bobo. Tingnan mo ha. Rodolfo, halika dito may uutos ako sa iyo! Rodolfo: Ano yun, Sir? Juan: Ito ang piso, ibili mo ako ng apat na case ng beer. Rodolfo: Opo,Sir. Juan: Kita mo, Pare? Ang bobo ano? Bibili ng apat na case ng beer, eh piso lang ang dala. Pedro: Mas bobo yung assistant ko tingnan mo ha. Pising, halika may uutos ako sa iyo! Pising: Ano po �yun, Boss? Pedro: Punta ka sa office ko, Mas bobo Juan: Pare, grabe yung tingnan mo kung nandoon ako. Pising: Opo, Boss. Right away! Pedro: Kitam? Sa labas, nagkasalubong si Rodolfo at Pising. Rodolfo: Pising, grabe amo Coninued on Page 36 Pinakabago, pinakamura, at... HULUGAN! Interpriter Kinuha ng Pari si Juan para mag interpreter. Pari: The lord was crucified between 2 robbers. Juan: Ang Hesus ay ipinako sa gitna ng 2 goma. Pari: We need to sacrifice. Juan: Kailangan natin ng 2 sakong bigas. Pari: If we do not repent... Juan: Kapag hindi natin pininturahan muli... Pari: The wrath of God will come upon you. Juan:Ang mga daga nang diyos ay pupunta sa iyo. Pari: Well, well, well. Juan: Balon, balon, balon. 39 GalaxyS4 i9505 Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, i9190 Samsung Galaxy S3 i9300 iPhone 5S Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Galaxy Mega Galaxy Galaxy Note Galaxy S5 6.3, i9205 Grand Neo 2, N7105 G900F i9060 iPad mini Sony Xperia M LCD TV Touch Screen Laptops Sony Sony Ericsson Xperia Xperia Z C Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, T211 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Delikado ito para sa mga babae. Fortress Hill MTR Exit B Star Seafood Restaurant Hei Wo St. Tin Cho ng St . Mannings New Trend Plaza Cheung Hong St. Tel: 2571 8380 King’s Road Fortress Hill Road Shop No. 4, G/F Empire Apartment, 293-299 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong Power St. COME VISIT US: Watson’s MOBILE EXPRESS AGL 293-299 King’s Road HSBC We are open at 10am to 8pm even on Sundays and Public Holidays 40 The SUN January 2015 Ni Ate Johna DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/ 36/48/60/72/84/96 Huwag mahihiyang humingi ng tulong sa mga malalapit na kaibigan sa oras ng kagipitan. Maayos ang takbo ng mga pangyayari sa trabaho pero huwag maging pabaya upang hindi masalisihan. Makakaroon ng malalim na iringan sa isang kamag-anak dahil sa pera. Maaring masaktan dahil sa labis na pagtitwala pero may magandang bagay na mangyayari pagkatapos ng unos. kaibigan dahil palagi mo silang pinupuna. May tsansang makilala ang taong mapupusuan sa isang patitipon na dadaluhan sa linggong ito. Ingatan ang kalusugan at maglaan ng sapat sa oras para sa pahinga at pagtulog. TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/ 38/50/62/74/86 at 98 Mararating ang tuktok ng tagumpay sa trabaho kaya maaring makamit na rin ang inaasam na promosyon. Magulo ang relasyon ng magasawa. Kailangang magtipid ng husto kaya iwasan ang mga gastos na walang katuturan. . DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 Maraming tao ang kontra sa Malakas ang puwersang nag- iyong mga plano pero huwag uudyok para makamit ang hahayaang maging hadlang inaasam-asam sa buhay. ito sa magandang nasimulan. Magaan ang pasok ng pera at Makakamit ang tagumpay at matindi din ang nais na tatanggap ng maraming gumastos pero huwag maging papuri. Asahan ang pagdating palalo dahil may darating na ng tulong sa oras ng malaking problema sa pera. pangangailangan. Matatag pa May problema sa pag-ibig rin ang relasyon ninyong pero huwag mag-alala dahil magkasintahan kahit maaayos din ang lahat. Tuloy- magkalayo dahil sa na rin sa tuloy ang pag-asenso kaya namamagitang tiwala sa isa’t hindi nakakapagtakang isa. dadami ang taong maiinggit sa iyo. AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/ 41/53/65/77/89 BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/ 37/49/61/73/85/97 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 Mahihirapang mag-ipon ng ng pera dahil sa dami ng obligasyon pero walang imposible kung may tamang disiplina. Kapansin-pansin ang pag-iwas ng mga Minsan pa ay mapapatunayan ang katapatan ng mga kaibigan. Pag-aralan ng husto ang problema para hindi mapasubo sa paggawa ng importanteng desisyon. May pagbabagong magaganap dahil maganda ang takbo ng negosyo. Kailangang maglaan ng panahon ang mga mag-asawa para planuhin ng husto ang kinabukasan. Huwag magpadalos-dalos sa paggawa ng desisyon lalo na sa mga importanteng bagay upang hindi magsisi sa bandang huli. Matinding sakit ng ulo ang mararanasan kaya makakabuting iwasan muna ang matataong lugar. KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90 para makaraos. Magbigay ng bukal sa loob at huwag umasa na may matatanggap na kapalit. UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92 Kung gagawa ng desisyon na base sa sentido kumon ay siguradong hindi mapapahamak. Laging masaya ang disposisyon sa kabila ng mga problemang nararanasan. Sa mga magasawa, mas mabuting punan ng pang-unawa ang nakikitang pagkukulang kaysa ang mali ng bawat isa ang nakikita. Huwag pabayaan ang responsibilidad sa mga anak. Mas lalawak pa ang iyong koneksyon kaya asahan ang pagdating ng magagandang oportunidad lalo na sa trabaho. Mahirap gumawa ng tamang desisyon kung puso ang pinapairal kaya kailangang pag-isipan din ng maigi ang anumang hakbang. May iiral na tensyon sa pagitan ng magkakaibigan at maaring magsanhi ito ng hindi pagkakaunawaan. TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93 KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 Mas mabuting tuluyan nang ibaon sa limot ang naudlot na pag-ibig para hindi na muling masawi. Huwag makialam sa away ng kasamahan sa trabaho lalo na kung hindi naman hinihingi ang iyong opinyon. Malaki ang pangangailangan sa pera pero hindi solusyon ang umutang Apektado ang pisikal na kalusugan dahil sa problema ng pamilya. Maglaan ng sapat na panahon upang lutasin ang lahat ng bagay na bumabagabag sa iyong isipan. Maganda ang takbo ng buhay pag-ibig dahil sa pagdating ng masayang balita. Doblehin ang pag-iingat upang hindi maloko ng mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo. . ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/ 34/46/58/70/82/94 Magkakaroon ng malaking problema lalo na kung hindi tatalikuran ang mga nakasanayang gawi. Maging alerto sa lahat ng pagkakataon dahil sa bawat tagumpay na natatamo ay nadadagdagan ang iyong mga kaaway. Walang problema sa kalusugan pero huwag magpabaya para manatiling masigla ang isip at katawan. Matiwasay ang sitwasyon sa loob ng tahanan. BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95 Kayang-kaya mong makibagay kaya hindi mahihirapang ilagay ang sarili sa sitwasyon ng ibang tao. Babalik na ang lakas pagkatapos ng hindi maipaliwanag na pananamlay kaya kailangan ibaon na rin sa limot ang masamang alaala. Huwag magpadala sa silakbo ng damdamin. May malaking problema sa bahay kaya kailangang tibayan ng husto ang loob dahil sa iyo humuhugot ng lakas ang buong pamilya. The SUN January 2015 41
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