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, HK
FREE COPY
APRIL 2014
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$4,480.00
2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,380.00
3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$2,680.00
Pregnant FDWs told: Seek help
By Daisy CL Mandap
Becoming pregnant should
not make you lose your job.
This advice was issued by a
non-government organization
after it emerged that a
Filipina domestic worker was
arrested for fleeing after
delivering a premature baby
inside a toilet in Ruttonjee
Hospital in Wan Chai on
March 14.
The fetus was apparently
flushed down the toilet,
causing a blockage. A cleaner
who was called to unclog the
toilet discovered the body and
called police.
According to Luna Chan,
chief operating officer of
Pathfinders, an NGO that
assists migrant women facing
unplanned pregnancies, the
suspect was traced because
she had initially signed up at
the hospital before apparently
delivering the baby in the
toilet.
Initial findings reportedly
showed the baby was 30
weeks old.
“It is sad,” said Chan, who
believes the Filipina had
actually miscarried. “Many
miscarriages happen because
of work pressure”.
Chan
said
it
was
unfortunate that the woman
panicked after delivering in
the toilet, and decided to flee.
“Otherwise, she could have
reported the birth to the
hospital and asked for
assistance”.
She said that Pathfinders
wants to seek the Filipina so
she could get help in dealing
with her case. In response,
the Consulate, through
Deputy Consul General
Rosanna Villamor-Voogel,
has also scheduled a talk for
pregnant migrant workers so
they could be better guided on
their rights and benefits.
It was the second such case
of a dead newborn being
found abandoned in a public
place in less than three
months.
On January 27, the body of
a newborn girl, with her
umbilical cord still attached,
Continued on Page 2
No Agency Fee
No placement fee
in the Philippines
& HKSAR.
We accept Luzon,
Visayass and
Mindanao direct hire
processing.
INSIDE
Woman diplomat set to
become next ConGen
Page 14
Maids’ abuse amounts to
human trafficking: report
Page 6
Trial of Erwiana’s
employer postponed
Page 8
What graduation means
for two OFW mothers
Page 10
Manang Caring:
‘Pinakbet’ master
Page 30
2
The SUN April 2014
Pregnant FDWs told to seek help
AURA EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
“A Christian Agency You Can Trust”
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
PROCESSING PACKAGE
From Page 1
was found dumped inside a
public toilet block in North
Point yesterday.
The baby was found in a
black shopping bag that had
been left on top of the toilet
tank in a cubicle at the female
public toilet on Tong Shui
Road.
In September 2010, the
PhilSTAR
HK$4,450 ONLY
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
TBG International
Sheung Wan MTR Station Exit A1–Hong Kong Side
Tel: 82022938
Buy One Get One Promotion for
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Buy Laptop over
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Flexible Installment
Employment & General Services
“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
Pregnant domestic workers are entitled to protection under
the law.
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 Urgent 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:
(3-6 WEEKS PROCESSING)
Payment includes notary fee, visa fee, handling fee, POEA/
PDOS/OWWA/OEC/PhilHealth, one-way air ticket.
body of a newborn boy was
also flushed down the toilet of
a flat at Provident Garden in
North Point. The body was
discovered after residents
complained about the blocked
sewage pipe.
That followed a similar
case in April 2010 when a 38year-old Filipino maid was
arrested after a baby’s body
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, 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
was found in a sewage pipe at
a Tseung Kwan O flat.
What
many
migrant
women who suddenly find
themselves pregnant do not
know is that any Hong Kong
resident, whatever their status
or occupation, is entitled to
medical care, Chan said.
“If they are pregnant and
they register at a hospital,
they get the same treatment as
a local,” said Chan.
Pregnant domestic workers
are also entitled to protection
under the law, including the
right not to be sacked after
informing their employers
about their condition.
But what usually happens,
said Chan, is that the migrant
worker hides her pregnancy
from everyone for fear of
losing her job. As a result, she
does not get the medical care
Continued on Page 6
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
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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.
Tel. Nos: 2530-1730 • 2804-6603 • Fax: 2973-0078
The SUN April 2014
EMRY’s
Employment Agency
www.emrysemploymentagency.com
Guaranteed!
No registration fee &
no placement fee in
the Philippines & in
Hong Kong.
Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd., Refund Scheme
Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166
Employers will get a
Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected]
[email protected] • [email protected] refund for cancelled
Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com application.
Worldwide Office:
Shop 355, 3/F. 19 Des Voeux, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155
Email: [email protected]
Wanchai Branch:
Services Offered
1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer
HK$4,480.00
2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,380.00
3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$2,680.00
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.
Makinig sa radyong Pinoy!
Araw-araw, oras-oras ang
mapapakinggan mo ay Pinoy.
www.sunradiohk.com
Divorce (Annulment)
Immigration Matters (Deportation & 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/AIRPHIL EXPRESS/ROYAL BRUNEI/ CATHAY/
AIR CANADA/ HK EXPRESS AND OTHER INT’L AIRLINES.
Tickets to Manila/ Canada/ all domestic flights in
Philippines/ PTA vouchers/ Hotels Packages/ Shenzhen
Day Tour/ Window of the World/ China Visa.
HOTLINE
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(effective 17 May 2012)
by AIRPHIL EXPRESS
are available
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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 April 2014
BUHAY PINAY
Note: Unless properly identified, people reported here have
been given fictitious names to protect their privacy.
No selfie
Sadyang mahilig mag-selfie si Elvie, 28 anyos, isang dalaga at
kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa isang pamilyang Intsik sa Mid
Levels. Kapag may nakitang magandang background, saan
man siya naroroon ay hindi niya palalagpasin ang pagkakataon
na makapag-selfie. Kung minsan nga, kapag nasisita siya ng
kanyang amo kung bakit natagalan siya sa pag-uwi kapag
inuutusan ay ipinakikita niya ng kanyang kinunang selfie.
Natatawa na lang ang kanyang amo. Kahit sa bahay, kasama
ang alagang aso at bata, ito ang kanyang libangan kapag
walang ginagawa. Nakatakdang umuwi si Elvie sa Pilipinas
ngayong mahal na araw kaya’t pumunta siya sa Konsulado
kamakailan para kumuha ng OEC. Pagdating niya doon nakita
niyang mahaba ang pila kaya kumuha lang siya ng form at
doon na nag-fill up. Pagkatapos niyang ayusin ang mga papeles
na dapat pirmahan, naisipan ni Elvie na mag-selfie muna sa
gitna ng mahabang pila. Kung sakali daw kasing masita siya
ng amo kung bakit natagalan siya ay may pruweba siya na
mahaba ang pila. Nang akto ng inilabas ni Elvie ang kanyang
cellphone para mag-selfie, agad na may lumapit sa kanyang
isang empleyado ng Konsulado at ipinagbawal ang pagkuha ng
litrato. Nagulat siya sa sinabi ng empleyado kaya’t tinanong
niya kung bawal ba ang paglilitrato doon dahil wala naman
siyang nakitang nakapaskil na paalala. Ang sagot sa kanya ng
empleyado ay “kaya nga kita pinagsabihan, dahil bawal.” Hindi
na kumibo si Elvie at sumunod na lang sa paalala. – Jo
Campos
Parang CCTV
Walong buwan nang nagtatrabaho si Nina, 35 anyos, dalaga at
tubong Cebu, sa pamilyang Korean sa Mid Levels. Maayos
naman ang kanyang kalagayan doon at napakabait ng kanilang
FURTHER CREATION
EMPLOYMENT CENTRE
A Prestigious and Leading Employment Agency (Since 1978)
Direct Hire — Employer pays HK$4,980
Includes: Phil. Health Ins., POEA (OEC),OWWA, Contract fee, Visa fee and
One-way air ticket (MNL-Clark-HK). Helper pays nothing to Agent in Philippines!
CANADA CAREGIVER VISA PROCESS AND JOB OFFERED
“College graduate”
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]
mga amo. Laging nasa ibang bansa ang mga ito at kadalasan ay
sila ng kanyang kasamang Pinay at ang driver na Pakistani na
nagtatrabaho din sa bahay na iyon ang naiiwan. Hindi rin
naman sila nababakante sa trabaho kahit wala ang kanilang
mga amo dahil laging may bisita ang mga ito at kadalasan ay
sinasamahan nila ang mga bisita sa pamamasyal. Nauna kay
Nina ang kasamang Pinay na 10 taon nang nagtatrabaho doon.
Kapag wala ang kanilang mga amo, siya ang nagmamando sa
kanila kung ano ang dapat gawin at masunod. Todo pakisama
naman si Nina sa nakatatandang kasama at sinusunod ang
Continued on Page 34
SINCERE COMPANY
• Friendly and experienced Filipino consultants assist you;
• Express and Expert Agency TO PROCESS and NO HIDDEN CHARGES;
• Finished or breach of Contract helpers (including with HK DRIVER license) 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
* No Registration Fee *
resident work in office and Part time/Full time DH.
Mon—Sat : 9:30-18:30
• Best price for Renewal of Contract;
Sun
& Holiday : 10:00-1800
• Medical exam, Insurance Package offered;
• Air ticket reservation service;
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)
Certificate /Diploma is required
Central (Branch) Tel. 2115- 9923
CENTRAL 2522 8071
Rm. 1607- 8, 16/F,
Crawford House,
70 Queen’s Road,
Central, HK
Central Exit D2
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
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
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
Tsuen Wan Exit A
Causeway Bay Exit F
MID-LEVELS: G/F 27F Robinson Road, Mid-levels
• Tel: 2868 9719, 2868 9819 • Fax: 2868 9519
• email: [email protected]
Direct from the Philippines
SPECIALIZED IN HEALTH CAREGIVERS AND DOMESTIC HELPERS
O/B HOUSELINK LTD.
Air Tickets to the Philippines!
FASTEST DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING!
Direct-Hire Employer pays!
WE’RE HIRING:
TRAINER for our
We accept terminated applicants, break contract, tourists, tutors, men/
Philippine office. lady drivers, cooks and applicants who can massage, Chinese speaking.
Must have 6-8 yrs
Incentives for every successful processing. We have our own training
work experience in centre in Manila for applicants. Free accommodation. We have Filipino
Hong Kong.
Staff to serve you. Accepts biodatas from overseas/ Philippines
JENSEN MANPOWER
INTERNATIONAL
MANILA OFFICE: 45B 2/F Kabignayan St. Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City. Contact no: 7818008,7817188
ILOILO OFFICE: Rm.303 3/F Sta. Cruz Bldg. corner Fuentes & Ledesma St. Iloilo City. Contact no.: 033 - 5089008
CEBU OFFICE: Rm.352 3/F Colon Devt. Corp. Bldg. Osmena Blvd. Cebu City. Contact no.: 032 - 2541977
DAVAO OFFICE: 113 Ramon Magsaysay St. Davao City. Contact no. Contact no. : 082-2228890
TUGUEGARAO OFFICE: 122-A Del Rosario St. corner Lecarus St. Tuguegarao,Cagayan. Contact no. : 0933-8383329
Licence No. 351938
Kung gusto mong makatipid sa susunod mong paglipad, sa amin ka magtanong.
Book now for Easter Holidays!
• We accept booking for Easter 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
are
her
e
NATHAN RD.
CENTRAL: Room 1504, 15/F, Cheong K Bldg., 84-86 Des
Voeux Road • Bldg. main entrance at Jubilee St. • Tel: 2127
CONSULTANTS COMPANY LTD. 4882/2127 4883 • Fax: 2127 4881 • email:
[email protected]
LOCK RD.
4
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 April 2014
5
6
The SUN April 2014
Maids’ abuse amounts to human trafficking, says report
salary of a FDW.
However, not a single case
of trafficking for forced
labour was identified by the
Hong Kong authorities, the
report says.
“Clearly, victims are
slipping through the net and
perpetrators are able to
operate unhindered,” the
report says.
The report cites the recent
cases of abuse involving
Indonesian domestic workers
like Erwiana Sulistyaningsih
as “warning flags” about the
extent of the problem.
Sulistyaningsih, who was
badly bruised and hardly able
to walk when she went back
to Indonesia early this year,
claims to have been
repeatedly battered for eight
months by her Hong Kong
employer, Law Yuk-man.
She, like many other
Indonesian, also claim to
have been charged $18,000
by the recruitment agencies
that secured their jobs as
domestic workers in Hong
Kong.
But when called to act on
the clains, Hong Kong’s
Erwiana
labour chief said there was
not much that can be done by
local authorities as the
overpayment was made in the
sending countries and not in
the territory.
Most migrant support
organizations belie this,
however, saying the monthy
installment paid to the agency
are usually coursed through
convenience stores and
financing companies.
The report came out just a
few days after Liberty Asia
rolled out a Google-funded
project to track cases of abuse
committed against FDWs.
The data that will be collected
will be stored in a hightechnology cloud database
and could be used in filing
cases against employment
agencies and moneylenders.
The data itself will be
collected with help from non-
government agencies like the
Mission for Migrant Workers
and Helpers for Domestic
Helpers, and also from a
hotline set up for human
trafficking victims.
Liberty Asia won the
Global Impact Award from
Google last year to use
technology to fight human
trafficking in Asia. The prize
came with top-of-the line
data-entry software from
Salesforce, a cloud computing
company, and analysis tools
from Palantir, an American
company that has provided
software to global intelligence
agencies.
Pregnant FDWs told: Seek help
FromPage 2
that is vital to her well-being,
and that of her child.
“Many of them leave for
home eight months into their
pregnancy, deliver the baby
back in the Philippines, then
return to resume their jobs
without anyone knowing
what they had just been
through,” said Chan. “What
they do not know is that they
are protected under Hong
Kong’s laws.”
Pathfinders is sounding the
alarm after finding from a
recent survey that about half
of all pregnant domestic
workers in Hong Kong are
sacked routinely. The wrong
is aggravated when having
been divested of work and a
visa, the helper is told she is
no longer entitled to medical
care.
Pathfinders want this
remedied by urging medical
care for pregnant migrant
workers, up until they give
birth in Hong Kong. The
group also demands tougher
action against employers who
violate the law by terminating
the helper’s work contract
outright, or by pressuring the
worker to leave.
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.
Hong Kong has come under
renewed fire for its alleged
failure to stop human
trafficking because of laws
that fail to protect many
victims, including foreign
domestic workers.
A report recently published
by Justice Centre Hong Kong
and Liberty Asia cited the
excessive placement fees
collected from FDWs, the
contractual
deception
committed against them, and
the retention of their
passports and physical or
sexual abuse as among the
hallmarks
of
human
trafficking.
It said that Hong Kong’s
focus on trafficking for
prostitution means the bigger
problem of debt bondage and
abuse of FDWs is being
ignored.
“As an important regional
hub and both a destination
and transit territory for
human trafficking, Hong
Kong is failing to fully
comply with the minimum
standards
for
[its]
elimination,” the report says.
It has called on the
government to pass new laws
to stamp out the illicit act.
Hong Kong’s failure to
address the problem has been
repeatedly cited by the U.S.
State Department as the main
reason for the territory’s tier 2
ranking in its annual
Trafficking
in
Persons
Report. The ranking puts
Hong Kong in the same
category as Congo, Serbia
and the Philippines.
But the government is
taking the criticism in stride,
with the Security Bureau
insisting that existing laws
are adequate.
Figures show that between
January and July last year,
2,172 foreign domestic
workers were granted visa
extensions to resolve legal
disputes with employers or
agencies.
And at the Philippine
Consulate, about 4,000 cases
have been filed against
agencies that charged far
more than the legally
mandated $401, or ten
percent of the first monthly
Queen Victoria St.
by Daisy CL Mandap
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 April 2014
7
8
The SUN April 2014
Trial of Erwiana’s employer postponed anew
By Cris B. Cayat
The pursuit for justice for 23year-old Indonesian helper
Erwiana Sulistyaningsih has
suffered yet another delay
after the Kwun Tong
Magistrates’ Court reset to
April 29 the hearing of the
case against her former
employer, Law Wan-tung.
Erwiana’s sympathizers
showed displeasure over the
delay as they emerged from
the courtroom on March 26.
During the proceedings,
magistrate
Ernest
Lin
admonished the prosecution
team for failing to present
Erwiana’s medical records.
The prosecutor reasoned that
the hospital treating Erwiana
has not replied to electronic
messages (e-mails) requesting
the medical records.
According
to
the
magistrate, the prosecution
had been given sufficient time
to secure the medical records,
and yet it failed to comply on
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Erwiana’s supporters present a solid front to the media people who crowded the court entrance.
schedule.
Law, a 44-year-old former
beautician, is accused of
abusing Erwiana and two
other domestic helpers. She is
facing
seven
charges
including one count of
wounding, two of common
assault, and four of criminal
intimidation.
Two of the charges allege
that Law injured Erwiana and
threatened her and her family
between July 2013 and
January 9, 2014. Three other
charges accused Law of
assaulting and injuring Tutik
Lestari
Ningsih,
and
threatening to harm the
second Indonesian helper
and her family between April
19, 2010 and March 30,
2011.
Two charges accused Law
of assaulting a third helper,
Nurhasanah, and threatened
her and her family in
The SUN April 2014
December 2911.
Law was arrested in
January at Hong Kong airport
as she attempted to leave for
Thailand.
Outside the court building,
Indonesian worker Sringatin
from
Asian
Migrants
Coordinating Body (AMCB),
one of the groups behind the
“Justice
for
Erwiana”
campaign, said that they were
very unhappy with the turn of
events, noting an apparent
lack of support from the
Indonesian government to
hasten the production and
presentation of the documents
required by the court.
Filipino migrant leader
Eman Villanueva, also from
AMCB, said the group will
soon be releasing a statement
to the media to put pressure
on the Indonesian government to comply with the
requests of the prosecution
team in Hong Kong.
Villanueva said they were
hoping that the Indonesian
government would take short
cuts in the bureaucratic
process to produce Erwiana’s
medical records.
He echoed the sentiments
aired by Sringatin that the
case has dragged on because
of the inefficiency and
uncooperative attitude of the
Indonesian government.
“I think the magistrate was
not happy also because he
also wants to speed up the
trial. Well, that’s just my
sense because he was
throwing lots of questions to
the prosecution team.” But
then he added, “Well, we
don’t know really who is
causing the delay, the
prosecution team in Hong
Kong or the Indonesian side,
but one thing’s for sure. it is
not helping the case.”
Erwiana’s case has united
several migrants organizations in seeking better
protection for all 300,000
foreign domestic workers in
Hong Kong.
On the eve of Law’s
expected appearance in court
for a second time, several
groups made up of both locals
and
ethnic
minorities,
gathered in Edinburgh Place
in Central for a vigil protest.
The group proceeded to
Kwun Tong in the morning
to hold another protest
outside the court house.
However,
Law
was
nowhere to be seen in court.
She is out on bail of $500,000
cash and an equal amount in
surety.
9
CALENDAR
Have your association’s upcoming activities
published here. IT’S FREE!
Call Tel. 2544-6536 during office hours.
The SUN Challenge Part II
April 13, 2-5, Conference Hall, Canossian College,
34 Caine Road, Midlevels Hong Kong. Organized by The
SUN-HK. All OFW groups represented by 3 members are
invited to join. First come, first served. For details, call 2541
7869 or email: [email protected]
Trailwalk for a Cause
April 5, Saturday, 9:00am
Wilson's Trail and Dragon's Back
Organized by: Buhay Ka Hong Kong in coordination with
Filcomsin. A joining fee of $50 will be charged to every
participant. Assembly point: Shau Kei Wan MTR Exit A3 at
9am. Everyone will then take the bus to Shek O, the starting
point of the walk. Please bring your own bottle of water and
food, preferably fuits.
Proceeds of the event will go to Buhay Ka Cancer Support
Fund and Typhoon Yolanda's victims. Contact: Maribel at
97665875, Jun at 54788780 or Lori at 97129045.
Lenten Recollection
April 6, 1:30-5:00 pm. Bayanihan Centre, Kennedy Town.
Organized by: The Feast HK
Contact: 9722 8909 or email [email protected]
Group Dance Competition and Induction
April 6, 12nn-6:00pm, Sai Ying Pun
Organized by: The Love Moves Dance Group
Contact: Joh Villanueva
Financial Health Desk
April 13 , 1-5pm, Venue to be arranged. A one-on-one
consultation with experts on how migrants can budget their
salary and prepare for life back hone. Organized by: Enrich
HK. Contact: Lenlen Mesina 5648 0990"
Official Book Launch: “No City for Slow Men”
April 13, 2-4 pm, Bookazine at Lyndhurst Terrace. The
author, Jason Ng, will be on hand to sign copies of the book
Return and Reintegration Forum
April 27, 4:30-6pm Public space at the PCG
Organized by: Enrich HK/Philippine Consulate
Contact: Lenlen Mesina 5648 0990
Peer Counseling Workshop
April 27, 9am-4pm at PCG. Organized by: Enrich HK
Contact: Lenlen Mesina 5648 0990. Note: For interested
participants, register first by calling the above contact.
Artruism II: A Charity Art Exhibit and Auction
April 30, Wednesday, from 7:00pm. Visual Arts Centre,
Kennedy Road, Hong Kong. Organized by: Pintura Circle.
Proceeds will be used to buy boats for victims of typhoon
Haiyan through the Negrense Volunteers for Change.
Contact: Gail Hills at 9615 5119
'Flower Power' Charity Disco Event
May 10, 6pm to 12 midnight. The Harbourview - Hong
Kong. Organized by: Wimler Foundation. Proceeds will go
to "Send a Child to School" project. Contact: Emilie
Veringa at 5191 0902 or Luz Tan-Sanchez at 96309311
Officers Induction
May 18, 12noon -4pm, Emperor Hotel Wanchai
Organized by: International Marshal Society/BPM
Contact: Joseph Bautista 9518 0517
10
The SUN April 2014
What graduation means
for two OFW mothers
It’s that time of the year again
when migrant workers are
excitedly looking forward to
going back home in the
Philippines. More than
Christmas, it is the time when
overseas Filipino workers,
especially parents, feel like
celebrating.
It is graduation month, a
time when many OFWs feel
that all their sacrifices,
including the pain and
loneliness of being away from
their loved ones, are
somewhat eased. It is the time
to hope that a permanent
reunion with family members
is just a heart beat away.
Given that education is one
of the biggest concerns of
OFWs. it is easy to see why
graduation has become
doubly significant for them. It
is an achievement that is as
much theirs as it is their
child’s, sibling’s niece’s or
nephew’s.
Victoria Reyes-Munar, who
is the unofficial chronicler of
the cultural group “Lakbay
Dangal”, was jumping for joy
recently when she learned
that her second daughter,
Elaine Marie, would graduate
as salutatorian from high
school. But it was a
bittersweet feeling as she was
could not rush back home to
be with her “cutie”.
‘My heart is brimming with
happiness but at the same,
with a tinge of sadness,” she
says. “I can’t help but be sad
because I can’t be with her in
one of her unforgettable
moments in life. I can’t hug
and kiss her as a way of
expressing my love and
thanks for her for being such
a good child, even though she
was just 10 when I left.”
Munar says she could not
go as she had just gone home
in April last year for the
college graduation of her first
daughter. She says that it is
for “practical reasons’, as she
needed to start saving for
Elaine Marie’s college
tuition.
“My daughter is not that
demanding, she is not asking
for a grand or extravagant
celebration. For both of us,
constant communication via
phone or internet is already a
memorable celebration .She
understands that I need to
prioritize her educational
expenses for college rather
than spend on unnecessary
treats. A simple salo-salo
(gathering) with relatives and
friends is enough to give her
joy. But considering that she
did a good job, I am also
thinking of giving her a
surprise treat soon..
Munar
laments
the
difficulty of long-distance
parenting, but finds comfort
in constant communication
with her children.
“No matter how busy I am
with my work, I always find
time to communicate with my
children,” she says. Í I don’t
mind having sleepless nights
helping Elaine with her
Victoria Reyes-Munar’s second daughter, Elaine Marie,
graduates as salutatorian from high school.
school tasks. I always see to it
that every detail about her
school activities will be taken
care of, like the gown she was
going to wear to the JuniorSenior Prom, and the
speeches she needed to
make”.
Munar says she is lucky to
have “partners in parenting”,
including her husband, her
father and former co-teachers.
Elaine is said to be
planning to study information
technology in college, but
could also end up becoming a
teacher like her mother. She
plans to enrol in University of
Pangasinan or Colegio De
Dagupan, but is also taking a
crack at getting into the
prestigious Don Mariano
Marcos Memorial State
University which is nearer
their home.
One of the thousands who
did go home for her child’s
graduation
was
Janine
Salonga. Her daughter, Axl
Rose, graduated from St.
Scholastica/s College with a
degree in hotel and restaurant
management. Mother and
daughter faced some tough
times getting to that point in
their lives, but Salonga feels
Continued on Page 12
The SUN April 2014
11
12
The SUN April 2014
What graduation means
for two OFW mothers
FromPage 10
that’s all behind them now.
Salonga was just 17 years
old when she had Axl Rose.
In her desire to provide a
better life for her daughter,
the young mother braved the
waters of Hong Kong.
The
distance
proved
disastrous to the marriage of
Salonga and her husband.
After the separation, Salonga
concentrated even more on
ensuring a good life for her
only child.
The young Axl Rose kept
asking her mother not to
leave anymore, but Salonga
would always explain that she
needed to work abroad to
Para sa
gandang
mas lalong
nakaka-akit!
provide for their needs.
Axl Rose first enroled for a
BS Psychology course at
Miriam College in Quezon
City. But after only a semester
she decided to move to St.
Scholastica’s College.
Not long afterward came
the shock. Axl Rose said she
wanted to get married
because she was pregnant.
The news devastated
Salonga, but she went along
with her daughter’s plan.
After Axl Rose gave birth,
Salonga succeeded in making
her decide to go back to
school.
At the graduation, Salonga
was beside herself with
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happiness. Even if her
daughter did not finish with
honors, Salonga said she felt
extremely happy just seeing
her receive her diploma.
What Salonga did not
know was that Axl Rose had
another suprise up her sleeve.
Both mother and daughter
had to walk up the stage later
in the day after Axl Rose was
Janine Salonga (right) with
daughter Axl Rose,whowas
given the “Best in
Practicum” award.
given the “Best in Practicum”
award.
With her daughter about to
start a new life alone, Salonga
is now looking forward to
saving enough money to start
a business back in the
Philippines. With a new baby
in the family, there is enough
incentive to go back home
soon. - with a report from Jo
Campos
Maghapon,
magdamag,
PILIPINO!
Ugaliing makinig sa:
www.sunradiohk.com
The SUN April 2014
13
14
The SUN April 2014
Woman diplomat set to become next ConGen
By Daisy CL Mandap
A woman diplomat who has
been with the Department of
Foreign Affairs for the past
two decades is set to become
the next consul general in
Hong Kong.
Bernardita
Leonido
Catalla, who currently holds
the position of executive
director of the Office of Asian
and Pacific Affairs at DFA
Manila, has been nominated
for the post vacated in
December by Noel M.
Servigon.
Her nomination by the
DFA has been endorsed to
Beijing for the issuance of the
exequatur, which recognizes
the right of the nominated
diplomat to assume the post.
From past experience, it
takes about two months from
the endorsement of the
Para sa
Gandang
Nakaka-akit
nomination
before
the
document is issued.
The top post is currently
held in an acting capacity by
Deputy Consul General
Rosanna Villamor-Voogel.
An earlier nominee for the
post, former ambassador to
Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan, has
declined to move to Hong
Kong for unknown reasons,
despite receiving Beijing’s
blessings.
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MODEL IMAGE)
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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:
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lumabas ang natural mong figure at upang maging firm ang iyong suso.
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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.
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ng balat upang ito ay magkalaman at mawala ang mga pileges, upang ikaw ay
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nababalot sa isang mabangong halimuyak at sexual attractant na siyang magbibigay sa iyo
at ng iyong partner ng matinding kasiyahan.
Catalla is a 20-year veteran
of the foreign service, whose
last posting abroad was as
consul at the Philippine
Embassy in Jakarta.
She has also previously
served as vice consul and
consul at the Embassy in
Kuala Lumpur.
A recognized expert in
migration and labor concerns,
Catalla served as acting
director of the Division on
Human Rights of the Office of
the United Nations and Other
International Organizations.
She also edited several
issues of the journal
published by the Institute of
Labor and Manpower Studies
and the Institute for Labor
Studies.
In addition, she holds a
master’s
degree
in
Development Studies (Labor
and Management) from the
Patunay na epektibo at patuloy
na nakakatulong upang pumuti
at maging sexy
Naging curious si Renea Segobre sa
hitsura dahil napuna niyang umitim
ang kutis at nagkaroon ng bilbil.
Nabanggit niya ito sa
kaibigan at inirekomenda
na gumamit ng upgraded
Dream Love 1000 5 in 1
body essence lotion, gawa
sa England na may 3D
hologram model silver
seal.
Bumili daw siya ng 1 tube
mula sa Victory
Supermarket sa World
Wide House sa halagang
Renea Segobre, before and after.
$98 lamang. Pagkauwi at
pagkatapos maligo ay ginamit ang imported lotion ng ayon sa
instruction sheet na nasa loob ng kahon. Sa loob lamang ng ilang
linggo, pumuti ang kanyang buong mukha at katawan.
Nagtimbang at nabawasan siya ng 4 kgs. Nabawasan ng 2 inches
na taba sa baywang at balakang. Nabawasan din ng 1½ inch sa
braso at mga hita na nakapagbigay rin ng korte sa kanyang
pangangatawan. Mas naging confident siya ngayon sa kanyang
hitsura. Ang pangangalaga sa katawan at balat ay magkasama.
May kasabihan na “When you feel good about your appearance,
you’ll be astonished and how good you will feel about yourself.”
Magkasama ang dalawang bagay na ito at kung makakakuha ka
ng tamang produkto na mangangalaga sa iyong katawan at balat,
mas magiging kumpleto at malusog ang iyong pangangatawan.
Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat ay huwag papalit-palit ng
produktong gamit, ipagpatuloy kung ano ang nakasanayan o
hiyang ng kutis.
Catalla
Institute of Social Studies in
the Hague. She obtained her
bachelor’s
degree
in
communication arts, major in
writing, from the University
of the Philippines in Los
Banos.
She has also completed all
the academic requirements
for an MA in communication
research at U.P. Diliman,
except for the thesis.
Maniniwala
ka pa ba
sa iba?
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”
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 15 Lai Chi Kok Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon (Near Park’N
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www.lanyatfan.com.hk
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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
The SUN April 2014
Be the next finalist in
The SUN Challenge
13 April 2014, Canossian College, 2-5pm
Contest rules:
1.Open to any OFW organization in Hong Kong.
2.Three members representing each group can join.
3.Only five groups will be accepted to join the next qualifying round on a first-come, firstserve basis.
4.Contestants will be tested on their knowledge of Philippine current events, as published
in The SUN.
5.For applications and other details, please call 254 7869 or email
[email protected].
15
16
The SUN April 2014
Hong Kong’s free
Wi-Fi gets a brand
Thousands have enjoyed the
use of free Wi-Fi services in
Hong Kong. Now the Office of
the Government Chief
Information Officer (OGCIO)
is inviting the public to help
give it a brand.
A spokesman for the
OGCIO
said,
“The
Government is collaborating
with the industry to set up a
common brand for promoting
the Wi-Fi services that are
provided either completely
free of charge or free for a
limited period of time by the
public and private sectors in
Hong Kong.
The common brand name
and a unique identity will
make it easier for the public
and visitors to identify the
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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.
Puro, pino at may sopistikadang
sangkap upang iyong madiskubre ang
init at kakaibang romansa mula sa iyong
minamahal. Mula sa 60ml compact heart
shaped bottle, upang makapagbigay sa’yo
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free Wi-Fi hotspots in the
territory, and enhance Hong
Kong’s position as a highly
connected city,” he said.
OGCIO has provided five
brand identities (photo above)
for the public to vote for
online. The one with the
highest number of votes will
be adopted as the common
Wi-Fi brand.
“The common Wi-Fi brand
is meant for every Hong Kong
citizen. So we hope to engage
the public in the selection
process,” the spokesman
added.
Organisations and Wi-Fi
service providers are welcome
to join this scheme.
Members of the public can
select their favorite brand
identity by casting their vote
on the OGCIO website at
www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/
community/common
_wifi_branding .
The public voting is open
until April 6. The result will
be announced by late April.
Once the branding is
settled, the logo is expected to
be put up to identify places
where free wi-fi is available.
With the concerted efforts
of both public and private
sectors, Hong Kong’s Wi-Fi
penetration is among the
highest in the world.
Pinay nakaakit ng Pinoy na
kalaunan ay naging nobyo
Isa si Jing-Jing de Guzman taga
Happy Valley ang nakapagpatunay
na epektibo na pang-akit ng
kalalakihan ang upgraded Dream
Love 1000 seksuwal na pabango,
gawa sa England na may 3D
hologram model image silver seal.
Palagi siyang bumibili nito mula sa
kaibigan na authorized dealer sa
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halagang HK$88 lamang. Naibigan
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(CRYSTAL CLEAR NA MODEL IMAGE)
ang halimuyak nito kung kaya’t
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naging palagian niyang gamit.
Napuna na magmula ng
gumamit nito ay madalas siyang
mabigyan ng compliments ng mga
kaibigan at kalalakihan.
Jing-Jing de Guzman
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niyang dahil ito sa seksuwal perfume.
Sa araw ng kaniyang paguwi sa Pilipinas, bago lumapag
ang eroplano ay nagtungo sa banyo. Nagretouch at nagwisik ng
nitong perfume sa pulsuhan, tainga at panyo. Pagbalik sa
kinauupuan ay nasabi ng supladong Pinoy na ang bango ng gamit
niyang perfume. Kanina pa sila magkatabi ng upuan ngunit
napuna niyang suplado ito. Sa tuwina ay napupunang panay ang
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Fiesta Mart, Victory
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Supermarket, Sun Fung
magplanong magpakasal next year. Ikinuwento niya ito sa
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larawan at karanasan upang maibahagi sa madla.
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The SUN April 2014
17
COMMUNITY
BSK holds extravagant induction, graduation rites
By Cris B. Cayat
From its noisy and crowded
hang-out outside the United
Centre building in Admiraly,
Balikatan sa Kaunlaran HK
Council turned up the glam by
holding its graduation and
induction this year at the ritzy
Star Pisces off Tsim Sha Tsui
on Mar. 23.
BSK members led by
president Ching Baltazar
were joined by 245 people
who all came in their Sunday
best to party at the Galaxy
Hall of the cruise ship.
Baltazar, who has been reelected president for the 10th
time, said: “Natuwa ako sa
dami ng taong dumating para
makisaya sa amin.”
(I am happy that so many
people came to join our
celebration).
Baltazar shared that she
had to book a certain number
of seats to secure the venue.
But tickets to the event sold
so fast that months before the
event, more than 200 had
already confirmed their
attendance.
The highlight of the party
was the graduation of 86
migrant
workers
who
enrolled in the different
livelihood programs offered
by BSK.
Several graduates received
commendation for doing
exceptionally well with their
finished product.
The new officers also took
their oath before Vice Consul
Fatima Guzman, head of the
Philippine
Consulate’s
cultural section.
In her speech, Guzman
lauded the trainers for their
devoting their only day off in
the week to share what they
know.
She also thanked the BSK
for being a “good partner” to
the
Consulate
in
its
community projects.
Guzman also took the
opportunity
to
remind
everyone that the registration
for the overseas voting for the
2016 election is ongoing. She
encouraged the audience to
register early and alert friends
about this, especially those
who just arrived in Hong
Kong.
Two of BSK’s affiliate
The new officers of Balikatan sa Kaunlaran HK take their oath before Vice Consul Fatima Guzman, head of the Philippine Consulate’s cultural section.
groups, the Ybanag Malaueg
Itawis Ilocano or YMII, also
held the induction of their
officers, with Guzman also
administering the oath of
office.
In her speech, Baltazar
announced that BSK HK is
supporting ABS CBN’s
Bantay Bata 163 Feed Manila
project. BSK is currently
selling t-shirts to raise funds
for the project.
Apart from Baltazar, the
new officers of BSK are:
Violeta
Pascual,
vice
president; Julieta Bolesa,
secretary; Myrene Gendrala,
assistant secretary; Marilyn
Andaya, treasurer; Maryson
Medina, assistant treasurer;
Cresencia Gacias, auditor;
Zenaida Vidal, assistant
auditor; Cornelia Virrey,
press
relations
officer;
Ryanne
May
Sibal,
membership head; Elizabeth
Zingapan
and
Imelda
Coprado,
sub
director;
Aurelia Natividad, ways and
means; Jacinta Coprado and
Helen “Coco” Baltazar, sports
directors; Lufrecia Ruiz,
livelihood director; Remedios
Celedono and Ella Dela
Fuente Pascua, sub director of
livelihood. The advisers are
Merlinda Mercado, Randolph
Salazar and Glo Telan.
For YMII, the officers are
Cresencia Gacias, president;
Antero
Bungag,
vice
president;
Clementina
Bangayan, secretary; Ofelia
Macarubbo,
assistant
secretary;
Elizabeth
Zingapan, treasurer; Susan
Magcalas, assistant treasurer;
Cristy Pilotin, press relation
officer; Divina Labang,
assistant press relations
officer; Imelda Coprado,
Marcela Lumaban, Medina
Catulin, business managers;
Ryanne May Sibad, Mevie
Guadillo, Nestor Gingab,
Pedro Ligutan and Virgillo
Balisi, sgt.-at-arms.
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18
The SUN April 2014
Keep Filipino
values alive,
group told
By Marites Palma
Live up to the unique Filipino
values and traits of hospitality,
generosity and diligence.
This was the advice given
by Labor Attache Manuel
Roldan to members of Lakbay
Dangal, as they celebrated the
4th anniversary of their
founding at the Bayanihan
Centre in Kennedy Town last
March 16 with the theme,
“Fostering Cultural Heritage
through the Years”.
Labatt
Roldan
who
administered the oath to the
group’s new officers, urged
his audience to take pride in
the Filipino spirit by showing
to
the
world
their
countrymen’s unique and
positive traits.
He suggested that the
phrase
“only
in
the
Philippines” be given a
positive spin and for Filipinos
to shed off the image
perpetuated in folk lore by the
likes of “Juan Tamad” who
was notorious for being lazy.
Contrary to this fictitious
character, he said Filipinos
actually wake up early in the
morning,
specially
the
farmers who till their fields as
early as 4 am to 10am, and
resume work from 3pm to
6pm. He said foreigners who
believe that Filipinos are lazy
actually wake up at 10 am,
and see Filipinos already
relaxing after working early
in the farm.
He said Filipinos are great,
just like Lakbay Dangal
which raised consciousness in
Hong Kong about the
greatness of national hero
Jose Rizal and other heroes,
and with such commitment
they showed their greatness
Lakbay Dangal members are joined by guests as they celebrated the 4th anniversary of their founding.
as migrant workers.
Lakbay Dangal adviser
Alex Aquino also lauded the
group’s effort to promote
interest in the Philippines’
history. It is through learning
about one’s past that one is
able to understand the future,
he said.
Another speaker, The SUN
editor Daisy CL Mandap,
thanked the group’s support
for the newspaper’s many
activities, and for undertaking
many worthwhile projects.
But she suggested that they
do not get too mired in the
past that they forget to take
interest in events unfolding
around them. She said
learning about their rights
should go hand in hand with
their laudable effort to
promote
a
better
understanding of Philippine
culture and history.
Fr.
Jim
Mulroney
congratulated the group for
being a unique organization
of Filipinos in Hong Kong.
As a gesture of oneness with
the community, the priest
rendered a song that depicts
the life of migrant workers
looking for greener pasture,
and how many didn’t return
to their homeland for fear of
losing their jobs.
In time with March being
women’s month, and because
Lakbay
Dangal
draws
inspiration from the life and
works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal,
group member Victoria
Munar wrote a historical
essay based about the high
regard that the national hero
had for women. (please see
full text in Migrant’s Forum).
But because she could ngot
attend the event because of
job constraints, Munar’s work
was read by a new graduate of
a Lakbay Dangal.
Certificates of completion
were distributed to new
members of the group. These
were Marcelina T. Balog,
Florebie R. Lacambra, Mary
Gaudelia T. Fabie, Maryjane
L. Malannaw, Gloria A.
Petrola, Mary Jean D. Reyes,
Ma. Cristina G. Talabucon
and Aileen A. Tejones.
A dance number from LD
cultural dancers and a song
by Maria Socorro added fun
to the celebration. The
gathering
ended
with
everyone singing Diana Ross’
immortal hit, “If We Hold on
Together.”
The SUN April 2014
Enrich does one-on-one consultations
By Cris B. Cayat
To better address migrant
workers’ financial concerns,
Enrich Hong Kong has
teamed up with The SUN in
providing
one-on-one
consultation with migrant
Filipinos in the territory.
Thirteen migrant workers
availed themselves of the free
consultation service on March
16 at The SUN office on
Queen Victoria St.
Lenlen Mesina, executive
director of Enrich, said that
she believes that talking to
the migrant workers one by
one would give them the
opportunity to understand the
concerns deeper and enable
them to give appropriate
advice instead of speaking to
them in a big group.
Enrich is one of several
training organizations in
Hong Kong for financial
literacy, entrepreneurship and
communications
for
migrants. It primarily seeks
to address migrant women’s
vulnerability to financial
difficulties and abuse.
message on its Facebook
page.
Regilyn Gambalan, a 30year-old domestic worker
from Isabela province, said
she learned about Enrich
from an event at Chater Road
that she registered for last
year. Mesina sent her a text
message last month inviting
her to the March 16 event.
Gambalan
she
got
interested because she needed
advice now after separating
from her husband, and she
now has to plan for her and
her son’s future.
“Pagkatapos ng pag-uusap
namin, nabuhayan ako (ng
loob), parang nakikita ko na
ang aking future,” she gladly
19
shared.
During the event, six other
migrants dropped by to claim
assistance provided by Enrich
HK for victims of super
typhoon Yolanda that hit
Eastern Visayas in November
last year.
The six migrants either lost
their homes or other means of
livelihood as a result of the
killer typhoon.
Lenlen Mesina (above, right),
Executive Director of Enrich
Hong Kong, and Ethel Del
Fiero (left), a trainer of
Enrich Hong Kong, in action
during the one-on-one
sessions at The SUN office.
Mesina, who was joined by
financial trainer Ethel Del
Fiero during the March 16
consultation, said migrant
workers interested to avail
themselves of the services of
Enrich are encouraged to do
so via text message, email or
Cynthia Tellez (in checkered shirt), general manager of Mission for Migrant Workers, leads
the Charity Walk for the Michelmas Fair of the St. John's Cathedral. Fr. Robert Martin led a
prayer and blessing at the starting point infront of the City Hall in Central. Hundreds joined
the charity walk \to St. John’s Cathedral, the final destination, for the first fund raising event
of its kind to celebrate MFMW’s 33rd anniversary.
20
The SUN April 2014
Lasallians hold another fundraiser
The De La Salle Alumni
Association - Hong Kong
Chapter (DLSAA-HK) has
raised at least $15,000 for
charity at a cocktail party held
on Mar. 25 at Backstage bar in
Cental.
More than 100 people
attended the event dubbed
“March
25@Backstage
Live”, held to help finance
the transportation costs of
Sta Clara: Idinaos ang selebrasyon ng Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi noong Marso 16 sa
Portiuncula Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament sa Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel sa Lamma.
Dinayo nga mga deboto ang naturang selebrasyon. Si Father Emil Lim, SVD, ang nanguna
sa misa, at pagkatapos ay nakihalubilo sa mga dumalo. Siyam na beses na inilibot ng mga
deboto ang imahe ng patron habang nagsasayaw at umaawit ng kanta ni Santa Clara. Nagalay din sila ng mga panalangin at kahilingan sa santo. — Cris B. Cayat
QUICK CASH!
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dahil Western calendar ang gamit namin at hindi Chinese lunar
calendar.
Unang anibersaryo: Naging masaya at makulay ang pagdiriwang ng unang anibersaryo ng
pagkakatatag ng Roxas Group of Migrants na ginanap sa Queensway Plaza Roof Garden
noong ika-23 ng Marso. Nagpamalas ng modernong sayaw ang Burgos Isabela Migrants
Association, Roxas, at Isabela Federation. Isinalaysay ni Adelaida Leal kung paano umunlad
at naging sentro ng kalakal ang Roxas, Isabela na dating isang barangay lamang ng bayan
ng Gamu. Pitong miyembro ng iba’t- ibang chapter ng Isabela Federation ang nakatanggap
ng pabuya mula sa mga opisyal ng RGM. Ipinakita nina Norma Borje at Marichelle Tomines
ang talento sa pag-awit na sinabayan ng sayaw ng mga dumalo. Mga kinagigiliwang pagkaing
Pinoy ang pinagsaluhan ng lahat ng dumalo sa pagtitipon. - Marites Palma
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in the Philippines. Part of the
money came from donors to a
charity event organized by
Section Juan, a peer support
group of Filipino youths in
Hong Kong.
The DLSAA HK Chapter,
now 130 strong, has just
recently adopted its by-Laws,
and officially registered with
the Philippine Consulate.
All La Salle alumni based
in Hong Kong are invited to
join the group.
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ate
Ch
underprivileged
scholars
enroled at the Adult Night
High School of De La Salle
Greenhills, and the day-today expenses of the Bethune
House Migrant Women’s
Refuge.
Cathy Yang, DLSAA-HK
president, said the gathering
was held exactly nine months
since the group was revived.
“We have much to thank for
and to look forward to.
Thank you for being a part of
our journey – in finding
strength
in
fellowship,
inspiration in helping others,
and courage in seeking what
is good, just and true,” she
said in her speech.
In the short time that the
group has been around, it has
raised funds for different
charities, including $100,000
for victims of typhoon Haiyan
Worldwide
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The SUN April 2014
21
22
The SUN April 2014
SPORTS
NEWS BRIEFS
‘Selfie’ stamps
The government Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost) put up
photo booths in prime travel destinations where tourists can
have their photos or “selfies” taken and used as personalized
stamps. “A tourist will have to go to a Philpost booth to have
their picture taken. They will then be given a copy of their
personalized photo stamps which they can use when they send
letters anywhere in the country via our postal offices,” said
Philpost Manager Enrique Tagle during roll out ceremonies for
the “selfie’ stamp booth in Boracay Island. Noting a 10 percent
annual decline in the volume of letter sent via postal offices,
Tagle said the project featuring people’s faces was meant to
enable local post offices to compete with e-mails and remain
competitive.
Participating teams show off their uniforms in the parade of colors.
Sablan kicks off new spikefest
By Cris B. Cayat
A total of 22 teams showed up
for the opening of the
Summer-Spring Volleyball
Tournament of United Sablan
Association which started on
March 16 at the North Point
volleyball court.
However, the group’s
adviser, Tess Cuyan, said 32
teams had signed up for the
games. They are still awaiting
word from the 10 remaining
teams on whether they still
want to take part.
Cuyan said it is just the
second time that her group is
organizing such a big event.
She expects the challenge to
their manpower and other
resources to be quite
daunting.
USA used the occasion to
get its new officers sworn into
office, with the vice
The new United Sablan Association officers take their oath of office.
chairperson
of
Bokod
Association, Helena Velasco,
administering the oath.
Serving as witnesses were
the supporters and members
of the different organizations
invited to the event, as well as
the team members who took
part in the opening ceremony
for the tournament.
Various minor awards were
handed out at the event.
Taking the award for best
attendance was Bokod team.
The early bird award went to
Keary, the cheering prize to
Kapangan, while Zodiac’s
muse was named fairest of
them all.
Bucking tradition, the
organizing
committee
decided to give out the best in
uniform award at the end of
the tournament.
Those who took their oath
as USA’s new officers were:
Fely Guzman, president;
Fortunato
Kitab,
vice
president; Elsie Sumalia,
secretary; Veron Ananayo,
treasurer; Analiza Estocog,
press relations officer; Joy
ann Sacay, auditor; Pearl
Walito,
Nelia
Arbiso,
business manager; Lina Dioal, Sports Coordinator;
Bhernie Rafael and Emeliana
Anacioco, sergeants-at-arms,;
and Marilou Rafael, muse.
The advisers are Tessie
Cuyan, Nora Bilag, Bruce
Teliao and Betty Losnong
Royale defeats Knights to cap FBL season
By Jo Campos
The basketball season of the
Filipino Basketball Association ended Royale defeated
FBL Knights, 95-94, in a
tighly-fought championship
last March 16.
It was a game of defense
and quick assists, as both
teams racked up points at the
Lockhart Playground.
Highest pointer in the
championship
was
JC
Enriquez, who shot 31 points,
for the MVP award in the
finals. Renchie Enriquez
averaged 19 points, 15
rebounds and 6 assists to
become the conference’s
MVP.
Third place was taken by
the Devils defeated Rockers,
112-104, in overtime.
According to FBL leader
Neri Roxas, other awards
went to Ritchie Avelino as
best coach, Jet Melgar as best
in assist, Jino Reyes as best in
rebounds
and
blocks,
Pandacan Giants as best in
sportsmanship, Mark Ericson
Petalio as 3 points shootout
king, Mark Korponay as most
improved player and Pipas
Rai as best in steal.
Named to the 1st Mythical 5
were Alan Espinosa, Ales
Lama, Eric Goyena, Renchie
Enriquez and Daniel de
Jesus. Named to the 2nd
Mythical 5: John Kwok,
Sujan, JC Enriquez, Jet
Melgar and Jino Reyes.
Coronas face forfeiture case
Impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and his
wife are now facing a P130-million forfeiture case at the
Sandiganbayan. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the case
one day after denying Corona’s appeal to junk it. A special panel
of investigators reported that from 2001 to 2011, the Corona
couple earned a total income of P30,369,120.13, of which
P27,145,472.68 was earned by the former chief justice, while
P3,223,647.45 was earned by his wife Cristina. The
investigators said they found P130-million as ill-gotten wealth
in the couple’s assets. Corona claimed that the cases being filed
against him were government attempts to divert public attention
from the recent series of multibillion-peso fund anomalies.
BIR runs after Cedric Lee
For bragging on national television that he was a reputable
businessman and would not extort P2 million from TV hostcomedian Vhong Navarro, Cedric Lee now finds himself sued
for tax evasion. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a
tax evasion complaint before the Department of Justice against
Lee, one of eight people charged with beating up and extorting
money from Navarro two months ago and other officials of his
company, Izumo Contractors Inc., for failure to pay P194.47
million in taxes from 2006 to 2009. Apart from Lee—the
company’s president and chief executive officer—the BIR also
asked the DOJ to investigate its chief operating officer John K.
Ong and financial officer Judy Gutierrez Lee. The BIR
complaint said Lee’s company received P302.63 million in
income from 2006 to 2009 from the city governments of
Butuan, San Juan and Pasay, the Davao del Sur provincial
government and the Tagudin municipal government in Ilocos
Sur, but it declared an income of only P76.22 million.
Military gets jets, choppers
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) should no longer be the butt of
jokes as “all air, no force” following the government’s purchase
of P23.7 billion worth of brand new trainer fighter jets and
combat utility helicopters. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin
signed the acquisition contracts on March 28 at Camp
Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The purchases include 12 lead-in
trainer jets from Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South
Korea worth P18.9 billion and eight Bell 412 EP combat utility
helicopters from Canada worth P4.8 billion. The goivernment
had earlier bought two brand new frigates worth P18 billion.
NPA chief, wife nabbed
The winning team is joined by supporters and opponents.
Police arrested Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, chairman and
finance chief of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),
in a checkpoint in in Aloguinsan , Cebu, last March 22. A
subsequent raid on the couple’s rented house in San Fernando,
Cebu, three days later yielded no firearm, although polkice
noted signs of occupants leaving the house in haste. Leftist
groups denounced the arrest as illegal
The SUN April 2014
23
PHILIPPINE NEWS
Passport
processing
takes longer
Heads of the government anf MILF negotiating panels exchange documents they had just signed.
Peace, at last, in Muslim areas
The
Comprehensive
Agreement
on
the
Bangsamoro (CAB) was
signed at last after 17 years of
peace talks between the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the Philippine
government.
In an elaborate ceremony at
Malacanang Palace grounds
on March 27, presidential
peace adviser Teresita
Quintos-Deles declared: “No
more war, no more children
scampering for safety, no
more evacuees…no more
poverty,
no
more
fear…Tama na (Enough), we
are all tired of them.”
The historic signing of the
CAB, she said, ushers in a
“new dawn” that ensures that
“no family will be forced to
drive their children away for
fear of being maimed or
wounded by conflict.”
More than a thousand
people attended the ceremony
under a massive tent on
Malacañang grounds while
hundreds of Muslim groups
gathered in Quiapo in
anticipation of the event.
The CAB will pave the way
for a new Bangsamoro
autonomous political entity
that
will
replace
the
Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
and will address various
issues in the area such as
poverty. Talks on the deal
began in 2001 and a cease-fire
has been in place since 1997.
Manila is world’s 2nd riskiest capital
A poll by international
insurance company Swiss Re
has ranked Metro Manila as
the world’s second riskiest
city in terms of natural
disasters waiting to happen,
behind Tokyo-Hiroshima in
Japan.
The reason: it lies right in
the middle of an earthquake
fault-line and a typhoon path,
making the metropolis sitting
on a ticking time bomb.
Metro Manila is composed
of 15 cities and one
municipality: the cities of
Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati,
Malabon,
Mandaluyong,
Marikina,
Muntinlupa,
Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay,
Pasig, Quezon, San Juan,
Taguig and Valenzuela.
Pateros
is
the
only
municipality. As of 2013, its
residents were estimated at
34.6 million.
Swiss Re based its findings
on cities that are most
susceptible to five natural
disasters, earthquake, storm,
storm surge, tsunami, and
river flood.
Other places in the top 10
riskiest were Tehran in Iran,
Los Angeles in the US,
Shanghai River in China,
Kolkata in India, Nagoya in
Japan, Jakarta in Indonesia,
Osaka-Kobe in Japan, and
Pearl River Delta in China.
SMC mulls $10-B airport in Manila
Food giant San Miguel Corp.
has drawn up a $10-billion
airport project that requires an
800-hectare property in or
near Metro Manila. News
reports quoted SMC President
and Chief Operating Officer
Ramon Ang as saying that he
was ready to present the
ambitious project proposal to
President Benigno Aquino III
this month.
SMC owns 49 percent of
Philippine Airlines, the
country’s flag carrier which is
proposing its own airport
amid the congestion that has
caused frequent flight delays
at the Ninoy Aquino
International
Airport
(NAIA).
The planned airport would
have four runways and an
enlarged passenger capacity,
which will be a big
improvement
from
the
existing airport that operates
under a single-runway system
that occupies 400 hectares in
Paranaque City.
Ang refused to identify the
proposed airport’s location to
avoid speculation in property
prices in its vicinity.
Ang will offer the project to
the government under a buildoperate-transfer
scheme,
meaning
the
airport’s
ownership will be turned over
to the government after 25
years.
SMC operates Caticlan
airport in Aklan, the nearest
landing point to the premier
vacation resorts on Boracay
Island.
Processing of electronic
passport applications filed
from April 1 to 15 will take 10
to 45 days due to scheduled
technical maintenance, the
Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) said in a public
advisory on March 28.
The technical maintenance,
it said, aims to “prevent any
breakdown and malfunction
to ensure that passport
services
will
not
be
disrupted.”
The length of processing
time for passports will depend
on where the applications are
filed.
At the DFA’s Aseana
office
on
Diosdado
Macapagal Boulevard in
Paranaque City, and in
satellite offices offices in
Metro Manila’s selected
shopping malls, the regular
releasing period of 7 to 15
days would take from 10 to 20
working days.
In the regional consular
offices, the normal 10 to 20
working days release period
could go from 15 to 25 days
while the three to four weeks
releasing period in Philippine
embassies and consulates will
temporarily take five to six
weeks.
The following are the new
e-passport
releasing
schedules, depending on
where the application will be
made:
The DFA assured the
public that it is “exhausting
all its efforts in providing a
better service to the Filipinos,
locally and abroad.”
“The public’s utmost
understanding
and
cooperation is requested
during the implementation of
these temporary passport
release dates,” the advisory
said as it assured to return to
its normal release schedule on
April 15.
24
The SUN April 2014
Krimen ng mga FDH Follow your dream
Hindi namin maiwasang
mapansin ang isang tanong
kamakailan sa Legislative
Council tungkol sa kung
gaano karami at anu-ano ang
mga krimeng kinasangkutan
ng mga foreign domestic
helper.
Para maging eksakto tayo,
ito ang mga kataga ni Dennis
Kwok, ang kinatawan ng
abugasya sa Legislative
Council, noong February 26:
Question:
Will
the
Government inform this
Council of the number of
foreign domestic helpers
convicted by court in Hong
Kong in the past three years,
with a breakdown by type of
crimes in Annex 1?
Natawag ang pansin namin
sa tono ng tanong, na para
bang may gustong ipahiwatig
si Kwok. Kung “in aid of
legislation” ang tanong ni
Kwok, gusto siguro niyang
malaman kung nagdadala ng
gulo sa Hong Kong ang mga
domestic helper at papaano
masusugpo ito.
Napapanahon ang usapang
ito dahil sa pagsisimula ng
paglilitis laban sa amo ni
Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, ang
Indonesian domestic helper
na halos mamatay sa mga
abusong pisikal na dinanas
niya.
Habang lumulutang ang
mga detalye sa kasong ito,
lumalaki ang kahihiyang
idinudulot nito sa Hong
Ni Ate Kulit
Kong, hindi lamang dahil sa
nangyari kay Erwiana, kundi
sa nabubuong opinyon sa
buong mundo na pabaya ang
pamahalaan sa larangan ng
Human Rights.
Ang sagot kay Kwok ay
nanggaling kay Secretary for
Security Lai Tung-kwok.
Para hindi na humaba ang
talakayan natin, pagtuunan
lang natin ang taong 2013, at
ito ang krimen ng mga FDH:
Violent crimes, 7; robberies,
0; burglaries, 1; thefts, 310;
frauds and forgeries, 4; sexual
offenses, 0; serious drug
offences,
0;
serious
immigration offences, 2;
preventive crimes, 0.
Ang hindi sinabi ni Lai ay
ang kabuuang bilang ng mga
krimeng ito sa Hong Kong,
na nakuha naman namin sa
Hong Kong Police: Violent
crimes, 12,156; robberies,
500; burglaries, 3,573; thefts,
31,595; frauds and forgeries,
7,518; serious drug offences,
2,269. Ihambing ang mga ito
sa tinaguriang “FDH crimes”
at malinaw na dapat pawiin
ni Kwok ang alinlangan
niya—kung mayroon man.
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
Johna M. Acompanado
Administration
Tel 2544 6536
Fax: 2366 8841
E-Mail: [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
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Visit our Website: http://www.sunweb.com.hk
(This was the speech I
delivered on March 26 at the
Recognition Day for honor
students at Quezon City High
School, the oldest secondary
school in the city, and my
alma mater.It was an honor
and a privilege to have been
given the opportunity to
speak to such an outstanding
bunch of students, with the
hope that they remain on
track, and continue to aspire
to be the best that they could
be).
Dr. Cynthia G. Vidad, Mr.
Art Dialogo and other fellow
alumni, teachers, parents,
and this school’s outstanding
students, good afternoon.
Allow me to start this
morning’s talk by asking our
honor students to take a few
seconds
to
imagine
themselves 10 years from
now. (I am sure you have
done this among yourselves,
just as we did during our
time.)
Now, listen:
What was the thing that
came to your mind? If you
saw yourself in the position or
job that you want most to be,
then congratulations. You
have managed to focus on
what you want to do in life,
and you will probably end up
exactly that.
But if you did not manage
to come up with anything
concrete, but just a longing to
be in a better place, do not
worry. You are not alone.
Forty-one years ago nearly
to this day, I was exactly in
the same position. I was
pretty content just coasting
along, although deep inside, I
knew I had to make
something of myself.
But the how to’s were more
intimidating for me than they
are for you now. Unlike all of
you, I was not an honor
student. I was not motivated
to do my best.
Let me tell you why. I was
not happy to get into Quezon
City High School. I passed
the entrance test to Quezon
City Science High School and
I had set my mind on going
there, but my mother decided
against it. It was too far from
our house in Scout Castor,
and the long commute was
potentially dangerous for a
small but frisky 12-year-old
girl like me.
So I ended up right here, in
‘Sulong Kababaihan’:
Hamon mula kay Rizal
Hindi maikakaila na ang
mga obra ni Dr. Jose Rizal,
lalo
na
iyong
mga
nagpapamalas ng kanyang
masidhing malasakit sa
lipunan
at
sa
mga
kababaihan, ang nagsilbing
daan para siya kilalanin
bilang Pambansang Bayani.
Ang mga ito rin ang nagiwan ng kanyang dimakakalimutan
at
dimapapantayang bakas sa
kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Ang
ating pambansang bayani ay
di tulad ng mga kalalakihan
sa kanyang kapanahunan na
mababa ang pagtingin sa mga
kababaihan. Para sa kanya,
hindi dapat inilalagay sa mas
mababang antas sa lipunan
ang mga babae, at hindi lang
sila dapat nakatuon sa
kanilang obligasyon bilang
asawa, kabilang ang pagaalaga ng mga anak at
pagtatrabaho sa loob ng
bahay. Ipinakita ni Dr. Rizal
ang kanyang mataas na
respeto sa mga kababaihan, at
itinuring na kapantay ng mga
kalalakihan. Kinumbinsi din
niya ang mga kababaihan na
maging aktibong katuwang sa
pagsulong ng kaunlaran ng
bansa. Maraming mga bihasa
sa kasaysayan, kabilang na
ang mga manunulat, ang
sumang-ayon kay Rizal sa
pagluluklok
sa
mga
kababaihan bilang pundasyon
ng kagandahang asal. Isa sa
mga tanyag na obra ni Dr.
Jose Rizal ang kayang
“Liham Para sa mga
Kababaihan ng Malolos”.
Dito ay ipinakita niya ang
kanyang lubusang paghanga
sa di masukat na katapangan
ng mga babae sa Malolos, na
kanilang ipinamalas sa
pamamagitan
ng
pagpupunyagi
para
magkaroon sila ng isang
paaralan na maihahalintulad
sa isang extension school for
adult
women
sa
pangkasalukuyan. Noon pa
man ay hinangad na ni Rizal
na ang mga babae ay
mabigyan ng parehas na
oportunidad tulad ng mga
lalaki, kabilang na ang
edukasyon na magpapalaya
EDITOR’S
NOTE
By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap
QCHS. Resentful at first, I
eventually got to enjoy the
company of my friends so
much that I lost my
competitive drive. I just
trudged along through the
four years of my stay here. My
only goal was to remain in
section one, which I managed
to do, but only just so.
Luckily for me, we had
teachers who took no
nonsense from us. These
included Mrs Exaltacion
Ramos who frequently gave
quizzes that we had no choice
but to study. Same with Mrs
Nora Bornay who made us
recite long verses from
Florante at Laura and forced
us to make full use of our
memory skills. Then there
were Mrs Thelma Supnet and
Miss Ruth Rogado who made
me fall in love with beautiful
verses, excellent writing,
(including spelling), and
faultless enunciation.
High school then was as it
is now, was memorable and
fun, but sometimes, too fun
that we tended to lose sight of
the more important thing that
we must do while in school,
which was to study, and
learn.
Our class, IV-I CP, batch
1973,
became
known
throughout the school for all
the wrong reasons. I will not
go into details so as not to
give you any ideas. Suffice it
to say that the class got so
notorious that at one time, all
the boys in the class had to be
called to the principal’s office
along with their parents. Us
girls were mercifully spared.
And yet, we didn’t do too
badly. A big percentage of our
class, maybe a fourth, got into
the University of the
Philippines. The others went
mostly to other top-ranked
universities. At least one of us
became a doctor, another a
general. Several became
engineers,
accountants,
nurses, and I became a
journalist and a lawyer.
How could a bunch of
young, carefree teenagers
change the course of their
Continued on Page 27
MIGRANTS’
FORUM
Ni Victoria Reyes-Munar
Ang artikulong ito ay
tumatalakay sa mataas na
pagtingin ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa
mga kababaihan. Isinulat ito
ni Victoria Reyes-Munar na
isang OFW, at binasa sa ikaapat na taong anibersaryo ng
pagkakatatag ng kanyang
grupong Lakbay Dangal,
bilang pagpupugay na rin sa
Buwan para sa Kababaihan.
Si Munar, 40 taong gulang, ay
dating guro sa mataas na paaralan sa San Fabian,
Pangasinan, at tagapayo ng kanilang pahayagan na
nagtamo ng pagkilala dahil sa kahusayan. Bunsod ng
kanyang hilig sa pagsusulat ay ginawa ni Munar, sa tulong
ng tagapayo ng Lakbay Dangal na si Alex Aquino, ang
script para sa “Isang Hibla, Isang Bansa,” isang teatro
sa kalye na tinanghal ng kanyang grupo noong 2012.
Noong isang taon ay nakamit ni Munar ang pangalawang
pwesto sa isang paligsahan sa pagsulat na itinatag ng
The SUN. Malimit din siyang magpadala ng kanyang mga
katha sa Sunday Examiner. Bukod dito ay kabilang si
Munar sa mga tagapagsanay pangkabuhayan ng CARDMRI sa Hong Kong. Siya ay anim na taon nang
nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong – Ed)
sa kanila sa tanikala ng tamang edukasyon, sila ay
kamangmangan. Para sa magiging
mahalagang
kanya, kung ang mga katuwang ng mga
kababaihan ay magkaroon ng
Continued on Page 31
The SUN April 2014
Determination
and Discipline
I asked some people: aside
from earning money and the
usual daily tasks, what is the
most important thing that you
have to do today or within this
week that cannot wait? Some
answers I got were: - Lose
some weight, - solve a
problem I have with my friend
or spouse or my child, - finish
a project that has been
pending too long
Usually when you have
something very urgent to do,
you want an immediate
solution.
An immediate
solution usually makes you
very determined to take the
necessary steps to get to your
goal.
Let’s take the example of
losing weight. Let’s say that
you have gained a lot of
weight especially around your
stomach. You need to lose
some of it or at least to look
like you are not as fat as you
really are. You put a corset or
a tight band across your
stomach to make your fat less
obvious as a temporary
solution. But you need to
exercise very hard until you
lose the fat and you can go to
the gym or walk long
distances. You go on a lowfat and low-calorie diet.
What happens after you
lose the fat? Sad to say, more
often than not, you start going
less often to the gym or
walking less frequently and
PERA MO,
PALAGUIN MO!
J. Colayco
Si Francisco J. Colayco, Ph.D. By
ayFrancisco
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
start cheating on your diet.
You solved your immediate
problem and you feel you can
relax. Soon, you are back to
your fat problem again. To
solve the fat problem
permanently, you have to be
determined to change your
lifestyle completely and have
the discipline to maintain the
change on a permanent basis.
This could be the same
situation when you are broke
and most especially when you
have credit card debt. You
cannot think or breathe with
the stress of owing so much
money. You start asking for
advice, cut down on expenses,
borrow from family and
friends until you are able to
find a solution. In many
cases, after finding the
solution and you are able to
breathe again, you start going
back to your old way of life
that caused you to be broke.
Pretty soon, you are broke
again!
It is the same attitude that
determines who will continue
to have a healthy body and
who will continue to have a
healthy pocketbook. Notice
those who have a healthy
body are always careful about
what they eat and regularly
exercise. Those who do not
have money problems are
those who regularly budget
and follow the principle:
25
Income minus Savings
equals Expenses.
It is not gaining the
knowledge on how to do it but
the attitude of following the
knowledge that you gained
every single day. If you are
determined to have your
retirement in order, you need
to follow all the Ten
Commandments of Gaining
Wealth. Review it regularly
and make sure you are on the
right track.
My books and our seminars
will help you. Be a member
of the One Wealthy Nation
(OWN) Community and
receive
a
wealth
of
information via the internet
on
your
own
time.
www.onewealthynation.com
OWN
Community
members also receive special
privileges as investors in the
One Wealthy Nation (OWN)
Mutual Fund.
Take a pause on
menopause and
andropause
By Jo Campos
Most women, particularly
Filipinos, feel uncomfortable
openly talking about sex and
the genitals. But with this
opening statement, Hong
Kong-based Filipino doctor,
Michael Manio, easily
captured a mostly women
audience in a forum at the
Philippine Consulate’s public
area on March 23.
The topic was menopause
and cardiovascular diseases
commonly affecting women,
and andropause or the male
menopause.
Dr. Manio, a research
fellow on cardiovascular
anesthesiology at Hong Kong
University’s Department of
Pharmacology and Pharmacy,
explained that menopause is
usually a natural change that
occurs in women in midlife,
during their late 40s or early
50s, when estrogen and
progesterone production slow
down, causing hormonal
imbalances.
Menopause is the last or
final menstrual period in a
woman’s life, he said. It is a
natural occurrence that marks
the end of a woman’s
reproductive years, just as the
first menstrual period during
puberty marked the start of a
natural biological process.
The medical scientist also
explained that every woman
experiences
different
symptoms and signs at
“perimenopause,” the term
referring to the transition
years before and after the last
menstrual period.
With
some
women,
menopause comes early when
they
go
through
hysterectomy, or the surgical
removal of the uterus or
removal of the cervix,
ovaries, fallopian tubes and
other surrounding structures.
Chemotherapy or treatment
of cancer may also trigger
early menopause.
Common symptoms of
menopause vary from hot
flashes and night sweats to
difficulty in sleeping, from
aches and pains to tiredness
and reduced libido, as well as
irritability and depression,
Dr. Manio said.
During the discussion,
some of the women from
different Filipino community
groups in Hong Kong, agreed
that
they
have
been
experiencing these symptoms.
They shared their views on
dealing with it.
While males don’t have
menstrual periods, they
experience andropause. It
Dr. Michael Manio (inset, left) talks about Menopause, Cardiovascular disease and
Andropause to a rapt audience at the Consulate.
refers to a set of effects that
appears in some aging men,
and which have some
superficial similarities to the
effects of menopause on
women.
The few men in the
audience were as interested as
the women in listening on the
discussion about andropause.
Andropause may be related
to the slow but steady
reduction of the production of
the hormones testosterone
and dehydroepiandrosterone
in middle-aged men, and the
consequences
of
that
reduction. As men grow
older, the level of testosterone
gradually becomes lower, and
they experience physical and
psychological symptoms as a
result. This is part of the
natural aging process, Dr.
Manio said.
According to him, it is
estimated that testosterone
decreases by 10 percent every
decade after men reach the
age of 30. This may cause
various physical and possibly
mental changes in a person,
such as mood swings or
fatigue.
Dr. Manio also took time to
discuss
chronic
health
conditions
commonly
affecting women such as
cardiovascular disease and
osteoporosis.
At the age where a woman
enters menopausal stage, he
said, the bone density
becomes
weaker,
thus
becoming vulnerable to
fractures and other problems.
He advised an intake of food
rich in calcium and vitamin
D or food supplements to
prevent osteoporosis.
On cardiovascular disease,
Dr. Manio urged his audience
to undergo proper medical
check-up and monitoring of
blood pressure to avoid
possible heart problems.
In the final segment of the
forum, Dr. Manio answered
specific questions from the
audience.
He concluded by sharing an
inspiring quote by Steve
Maraboli: “There is nothing
more rare, nor more beautiful
than a woman being
unapologetically
herself;
comfortable in her perfect
imperfection. To me, that is
the true essence of beauty.”
Acting Consul General
Rosanna Villamor-Voogel
and Vice Consul Fatima
Guzman of Cultural Section
of the PCG led the customary
awarding of certificate of
appreciation to Dr. Manio at
the end of the program.
26
The SUN April 2014
PEOPLE
Lenlen Mesina:
‘She Dares to
Change’ awardee
Ni Cris B. Cayat
Nagsisimula pa lamang
siyang
makilala
sa
komunidad, pero umani agad
ng parangal si Maria Rosalyn
Mesina, executive director ng
Enrich Hong Kong, na mas
kilala sa palayaw niyang
Lenlen.
Isa siya sa limang
kababaihan na kinilala para
sa “She Dares to Change”
award ng HER Fund, isang
organisasyon
na
nagtataguyod sa karapatan ng
mga kababaihan. Kinilala si
Mesina para sa kanyang
trabaho sa Enrich, isa sa mga
natatanging
grupo
na
nagbibigay ng pagsasanay
tungkol
sa
kaalamang
pangkabuhayan sa mga
manggagawa sa Hong Kong.
Si Mesina ang natatanging
Pilipina na ginawaran ng
parangal. Ang iba niyang
kasama ay pawang mga
Intsik
na
kinilala
sa
pagtataguyod
ng
mga
karapatan ng kababaihan.
Pinili silang natatangi mula
sa 27 na babae na nominado
para sa parangal.
Bagamat konserbatibo ang
mga paraan ng pagtuturo ni
Mesina, natutumbok niya ang
mga hinaing ng maraming
Si Lenlen (ikalawa sa kaliwa), kasama sina Myriam Bartu, Enrich co-founder, at ang tanyag
na Filipino community leaders na sina Cynthia Tellez ng Mission at Edwina Antoniong
Bethune House.
migrante, lalo na kung
tungkol sa paghawak ng pera.
Produkto ng public school
sa Pilipinas si Mesina mula
elementarya hanggang sa
magtapos siya ng masteral
degree, at nakaukit na sa
kanyang puso ang pagbibigay
serbisyo sa kapwa lalo na sa
mga mas nangangailangan.
Kinalakihan na niya ang
pagsasagawa ng fund raising
mula pa noong siya ay nasa
ika-apat na baitang sa mataas
na paaralan. Inumpisahan
niya ang pangangalap ng
pondo para sa mga kaklase
niyang nasunugan ng bahay
sa Quezon City.
Lalo siyang nahubog nang
hirangin siyang lider ng
kanilang klase sa Quezon
City Science High School at
nagkaroon ng pagkakataon
na
pangunahan
ang
pagtulong
sa
mga
nakatatanda at mga ulilang
bata.
Bago siya tumuntong sa
kolehiyo, nahubog din siya
bilang lider ng Sanguniang
Kabataan ng buong Quezon
City.
Bunsod
ng
kanyang
kagustuhan
na
lalong
maintindihan kung paano
mamuhay ang mga tao,
tinapos ni Mesina ang
kursong
sociology
sa
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.
Sabi niya ang daan na
tinatahak niya hanggang sa
pagdating niya sa Hong Kong
ay tugma pa rin sa kanyang
nasimulang
trabaho
sa
Pilipinas. Nagtrabaho siya sa
Scalabrini Migration Center
bilang research associate.
“Ang focus ng aking trabaho
ay mag-interview ng mga
balikbayan,” paliwanag ni
Mesina.
Kasama
sa
kanyang
pagsasaliksik ang alamin ang
katayuan ng mga balikbayan
at kung anong buhay ang
naghihintay
sa
kanila
Eugene says, ‘no expectations’ at Asian Film Awards
By Gina N. Ordona
Winning the best actress
trophy at the 8th Asian Film
Awards (AFA) would have
been swell, but the
Philippines’ sole acting
nominee in the annual contest
said she was not expecting
anything.
“Tsambahan lang talaga at
saka meron tayong tinatawag
na taste ng jury. Pero ang
importante kahit anong
festival, dapat mag-enjoy ka,”
Eugene Domingo said hours
before the awards night held
at the glitzy House of
Dancing Water Theater in
Macau on Mar. 27.
(It’s all a matter of chance,
and also because there is what
we call the jury’s ‘taste’.
What is important in any
festival is that you get to enjoy
yourself).
The AFA brings together
the best in Asian cinema
every year, with the aim of
promoting cultural exchange
among
film
industry
professionals across the
region, and get more
recognition for Asian films.
Domingo,
who
was
nominated for her role in
“Barber’s Tale”, was beaten
as best actress by Chinese
superstar Zhang Ziyi for her
role in “Grandmaster”. The
China entry won six other
awards, including best film
and and best director for
Wong Kar-wai. The film was
nominated in 14 categories.
Despite the Philippines’
failure to win any award in
the Asian film fest, Domingo
says she remains optimistic
Filipino films will continue to
get
recognition
in
international competitions.
“Hindi naman talaga
malayong mag-focus ang
mga programmers sa Pinoy
films. Ang kailangan lang
nating pag-aralan ay yung
technical side. Kailangan
nating
makasakay
sa
advancement.
Kailangan
natin ng awareness, practice
at saka budget. Pero yung
talino
at
creativity,
mayamang-mayaman tayo
diyan,” she said.
(It is not far-fetched that
programmers would focus on
Pinoy films. We just need to
study the technical side more.
We need to go along with
advances in the field. We
need
awareness,
more
practice and budget. But we
are very rich in talent and
creativity).
Domingo,
who
was
wearing a black tailored suit
with a lace camisole
underneath, was among the
first to walk on the red carpet
laid along Sands Cotai
Central with City of Dreams
as its backdrop.
She presented the award for
best editor, which was won by
Korean Shin Min-Kyung for
“Cold Eyes” and best
cinematographer to Philippe
Le
Sourd
for
“The
Grandmaster”.
Domingo disclosed that her
role in “Barber’s Tale” was a
dream come true. She
portrays the part of a feisty
widow of a barber during the
martial law years under
former President Ferdinand
Marcos. The film which is in
sepia, was shot throughout in
Tanay, Rizal.
“Before i-offer yung
Barber’s Tale, gusto kong
gumanap ng isang papel na
babaeng bayani, kunyari
Tandang Sora, yung may
pagka-nationalistic
na
pelikula,” she said.(Before I
was offered Barber’s Tale I
wanted to pay the role of a
female hero like Tandang
Sora, in a film that has a
nationalistic thrust).
What she got was probably
not exactly the kind of “hero
role” that she had in mind,
but it came close. Domingo
said the traits exhibited by her
character spoke of women
empowerment.
“Hindi ganun eksaktong
ibibigay pero mare-relialize
mo later on na parang
ibinibigay ang pinapangarap
mo,” she said.
(It may not have been
exactly like what I had in
mind, but you sort of realize
later on that you were given
what you had been dreaming
of).
What made the part even
more special was she got to
play alongside Filipino movie
icons Nora Aunor and Eddie
Garcia in the movie.
“Parang
ang
laking
fulfillment or realization ng
dream ko bilang artista kasi
sila talaga ang pinapanuod ko
noong bata pa ako,” she said.
(It was such a fulfillment or
a realization of my dream as
an actress since I used to go
out of my way to watch them
when I was younger).
After doing six movies last
year, she said she would like
to relax a bit.
“Mag-concentrate muna
talaga ako sa TV kasi nageenjoy ako dun sa game show
namin,” she said referring to
Celebrity Bluff.
(I will concentrate more on
TV because I am really
enjoying our game show).
Eugene Domingo at the entrance af the Awards hall.
She added that she would
like to do more travelling or
attending film festivals.
“I am still waiting for
invitations but I am open to
all. In other words,
kaladkarin ako ngayong taon
na ito (I could be dragged
anywhere this year),” she
said.
This article also came out
in the Philippine Daily
Inquirer.
The SUN April 2014
pagkatapos ng ilang taon sa
ibang bansa.
Nang
mabigyan
ng
magandang oportunidad ang
kanyang
asawa
upang
magtrabaho sa Hong Kong ay
sumama si Mesina, at pati
ang kanilang anak na si
Likha na dalawang taon pa
lamang noon. Dito ay mas
lalo niyang nakita ang
patunay sa buhay ng isang
migrante,
habang
nagtratrabaho sa Scalabrini
Migration Center.
“Isang insidenteng hindi ko
makalimutan ay ang isang
nanay na may kausap sa
cellphone habang nasa loob
kami ng tindahan ng sapatos
sa Wanchai. Palagay ko anak
niya
ang
kausap
at
nagpapabili ng sapatos na
pang basketball. Matagal
silang nag-uusap at hindi
naintindihan ng nanay kung
anong klase ang sapatos ang
ipinabibili ng anak. Nang
marinig ng asawa ko kung
anong klaseng sapatos ang
gusto ng bata, itinuro niya sa
nanay ang sapatos na may
presyong lampas $1000.
Nagulat ang nanay at
nakiusap sa anak na pumili
ng iba dahil sobrang mahal
Follow your dream
From Page 24
lives so drastically?
I think I speak for many in
our batch when I say that
despite our lackadaisical
approach to studies we shared
one thing: which was the
capacity to dream, and
imagine ourselves in a better
place.
And that, my dear honor
students, is also the first thing
that you must never lose sight
of. As my husband and fellow
QCHS alumni Leo Deocadiz
always says, “Libre naman
ang mangarap”. Dreams are
free, so why not indulge in
them?
Like most of you here, I
came from a poor family. We
were nine children. My
father, despite having two
college degrees, was paid
little for his work as a
government employee. My
mother had to make up for
this by getting into all sorts of
work. Initially, by running a
laundry, then selling halfslips in Kamuning and
Baclaran markets while
sewing clothes for the
neighbors. Eventually, she
passed the civil service exam
and also got into government
service. But this did not stop
her from keeping a bilao by
her side, which would always
be full of rice cakes that she
sold to office mates.
Despite their hard work,
there was hardly enough
money to keep us fed, and in
school. And yet, both my
parents made sure we knew
about events happening
around us by having a
newspaper delivered to our
house every day, and
magazines, once a week. And
they were adamant that we
stayed in school. Like most
parents, they wanted us to be
the best that we could be.
I am sharing this with you
now because it was only
recently that I realized the big
sacrifices that our parents
made for us. I want you to
take a long, hard look at your
own parents, and appreciate
what they have done for you.
It is never too late to pay them
respect and show gratitude.
In a way, our dreams
merely reflect those of our
parents’.
It is when we dream of a
brighter future that we
subconsciously set our life’s
goals. To learn more, move
forward, do better. Without
these goals or dreams, we will
find ourselves just getting by,
and accepting whatever fate
hands out to us.
But of course, dreams are
never enough. We must also
take action. You want to go to
a good university after high
school? Have a more
comfortable life for yourself
ang sapatos na gusto nito,”
kwento ni Mesina. “Isang
halimbawa lamang iyon sa
mga nararanasan ng mga ina
at nakakaawa sila,” ika niya.
Ito at iba pang malungkot
na kwento tungkol sa
paghawak sa pera ang
nagbunsod kay Mesina upang
itatag ang Enrich kasama ang
ilang kaibigang dayuhan
noong 2007. Nairehistro nila
ito bilang charity at nonprofit organization noong
2008.
“Itinayo ito upang tugunan
ang pangangailangan sa
financial literacy at personal
and your family? Then, study.
Study. Study. Push yourself.
Do not be content with
mediocre results. Try to do
better each time.
Again, I take a break here
to give an example. My
mother, who is obviously very
strong willed, tried to
discourage me from going to
U.P. First, because she
thought the students there
were all radicals, and second,
that it was more expensive
than what we could afford.
Instead of arguing with her,
I set about enrolling there
myself. I only told her what I
had done when I asked
money for the tuition fee. Of
course, we didn’t have it. So
for the first semester, I had to
go to her brother-my uncle- to
ask for help. The next
semester, I got into a
financial assistance program.
Then, I got myself a
scholarship.
For law school, I worked
full time and studied with a
full load. Somehow, I also
development para sa women
migrants. Nakita kong ito na
ang pinakasagot sa nalaman
kong problema ng mga
kababaihang nakausap ko
way back 2000,” paliwanag
ni Mesina.
“Nais ng Enrich na bigyang
kapangyarihan
ang
kababaihan na maunawaan
nila, at sa kanilang sariling
paraan ay mapanghawakang
mabuti ang kanilang kinikita
at pinaghihirapang pera.
Malaking aspeto din nito ang
kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan
at
pakikisalamuha
sa
kanilang mga employer,
managed to get a scholarship
grant to the University of
Hawaii.
I
was
that
determined.
But do not be misled. It is
not only determination that
matters. You should also
equip yourself by engaging in
activities that help sharpen
your mind, like reading books
and
newspapers
and
attending lectures. Get off
Facebook or your cell phones
every so often and pay
attention to things that are
happening around you.
Get involved.
More importantly, help
others. Do good always.
Success should never be
measured by how much
money you have made, how
many material possessions
you have acquired, or how
many awards you have been
given. It is being able to
achieve your dreams without
sacrificing your ideals or
humanity.
Corollary to this, let me
Continued on Page 31
kaibigan at mga pamilyang
naiwanan sa kanilang mga
bayan,” patuloy niya.
Hangad niyang mabalanse
ng mga kababaihan ang
buhay dito at maihanda sila
sa buhay sa Pilipinas
pagdating ng panahon na sila
ay kailangan nang magbalikbayan.
Sabi pa niya, dahil sa lawak
ng
mga
problemang
hinaharap
ng
mga
kababaihan sa Hong Kong
27
hindi lamang pinansiyal ang
sakop ng Enrich. Nakikipagugnayan din ang grupo sa
ibang
organisasyon
na
sumasakop sa mga problema
sa pang-aabuso at problema
sa trabaho. “Direkta namin
silang nili-link up,” sabi niya.
Ngayon, mas marami nang
programa para sa mga
kababaihan ang Enrich at
hindi lamang para sa mga
Pilipino kundi pati sa
Indonesians at ibang lahi.
Community
Announcements
Have your association’s upcoming activities published
here. IT’S FREE! Call Ms. Jan Yumul at Tel. 25446536 during office hours or send email to:
[email protected]
Consulate Announcement
The Philippine Consulate General will be closed on the
following days in April:
April 9 (Wednesday) : Araw ng Kagitingan
April 17 : Maundy Thursday
April 18: Good Friday
April 19: Holy Saturday
April 20: Easter Sunday
April 21: Easter Monday
In case of emergency, call:
Consular Assistance: 9155 4023
Labor: 6080 8323
OWWA: 6345 9324
Anti-Money Laundering Lecture
The Philippine Consulate General, in coordination with the
Hong Kong Police Force, will hold a lecture on "AntiMoney Laundering and How to Avoid being Victimized by
Syndicated Crimes" on Apr 13, 4:30-5:30 pm at the
Consulates public area. Invitation open to all members of
the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Guest speaker is Li, Hon-man, Herman, senior police
inspector from the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit and
Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force. For
registration and inquiries, please call Leonida Longcanaya
(2823 8506) or Marifi Guibone (2823 8513) or email
[email protected]
Enrich Worshops
Enrich will hold regular classes on Money Migrants
workshop on April 16 at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy
Town. The “Setting up your Business” workshop will be on
April 27 and 29, 1-5pm, also at Bayanihan Centre.
Interested migrants may contact Lenlen Mesina at 5648
0990 for more information.
The SUN editor, Daisy Catherine Mandap (left),
addresses honor students of Quezon City High School—
her alma mater and the oldest high school in the city
— as keynote speaker for the recognition day on March
26. Above, QCHS Principal Dr. Cynthia G. Vidad hands
her a certificate of recognition after the speech, the
whole text which begins on Page 24.
Saturday Language Lessons for Ethnic Minorities
The Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service is
organizing English and Cantonese courses for ethnic
minorities every Saturday at its center in Fortress Hill, from
March 29- to July 26 this year. There will be a total of 100
hours of lessons for each class. There is a nominal fee of
$100 per person or $50 for CSSA recipients. For inquiries,
please contact 21475988
Calling Mallig Residents
The Mallig Foreign Workers Association or MAFOWA is
calling the attention of its town mates who are in Hong
Kong to join their group. For details, contact Daniel Binag
at 5139-5851
28
The SUN April 2014
Mga katribo sa tulay sa Queensway
Ni Cris B. Cayat
Kada Linggo, na siyang
kadalasang araw ng pahinga
ng mga Pilipino na
nangangamuhan sa Hong
Kong, may kanya-kanyang
lakad at may kanya kanya
ding tambayan ang bawat
grupo.
Kalimitan ay nagkakainan
at nagkukwentuhan sa kanikanilang pwesto, bagama’t
may ilan na natutulog, nagpapraktis
ng
sayaw,
nagpapalinis ng kuko o
nagpapagupit o masahe, at
naglalaro ng baraha.
Sa
isang
tulay
na
nagdurugtong ng Queensway
Plaza at Bank of America sa
Admiralty, kapansin-pansin
ang pagkawala ng mga grupo
na dati ay walang ginawa
kundi
magbaraha
o
magsugal.
Ngayon, ang kalimitang
makikita dito ay ang ibaibang produkto para sa
pangkabuhayan na buong
tiyaga na ginagawa ng mga
grupong nakatambay sa
magkabilang panig ng tulay.
Kailan pa na-okupa ng mga
gumagawa
ng
gamit
pangkabuhayan ang tulay na
ito?
Ayon sa grupo ni Naty
Manalo ng Diwa’t Kabayan
Benlife Society Club, lumipat
ang kanyang grupo dito nang
naging masikip para sa kanila
ang tulay karugtong ng
United Center. Mula dito ay
lumipat sila sa bandang gitna
ng tulay papunta sa Bank of
America noong mga huling
buwan ng 2012.
Ang grupo ay itinatag
noong 1997 ng mga plan
holder ng Benlife insurance,
bunsod ng kagustuhan nila na
Ang basic na macrame bag
(itaas) ng Rainbow Unity HK
Society Livelihood.
Ang mga produkto ng Diwa't Kabayan Benlife Society Club
mula sa kanilang ribbon folding (itaas) at ang kanilang mga
fashion accessories(kaliwa).
makatulong sa kanilang mga
kapwa
Pilipino
na
pagyamanin ang kanilang
kaalaman para sa kanilang
pagbabalik-bayan.
Ayon kay Manalo, balak
nilang tulungan ang mga
kapwa migrante na maging
mapagmatyag sa kanilang
sahod, maliban sa kanyang
Ang mga trainers ng Rainbow Unity HK Society Livelihood.
personal na adhikain na
tulungan ang mga kababayan
na may problema sa trabaho.
Sabi niya, dinadala niya sa
Konsulado
ang
mga
migranteng may problema,
lalo na iyong mga baguhan
na hindi pa alam kung saan
dudulog. sanay sa pagdulog
ng kanilang problema.
Ayon kay Manalo, hindi
lahat ng miyembro ng grupo
sa ngayon ay insurance policy
holder ng Benlife. Mas
naging importante daw sa
kanila ang makatulong sa iba
na mag-umpisa ng kanilang
mapagkakakitaan. Namulat
daw siya sa ganitong gawain
magmula nang maging
miyembro siya ng Balikatan
sa Kaunlaran, na nagbibigay
halaga sa pagsasanay para sa
pangkabuhayan.
Dahil sa tinamo niyang
bagong
kaalaman,
napagtanto niya na hindi lang
kailangang umasa sa sahod
ang
isang
migranteng
manggagawa, lalo na kung
gusto nang magbalik-bayan.
Nang matantiya niya na
kaya na niyang magsarili ay
lumapit si Manalo sa
president eng BSK na si
Ching Baltazar ang balak
niyang magtayo ng sariling
grupo.
Agad
namang
binasbasan ni Baltazar ang
kanyang hiling. Kaya noong
2012 ay lumipat ang grupo ni
Manalo sa tulay na siya na
ngayong permanente nilang
puwesto.
Ilan sa kanilang mga
itinuturo ay beads craft, sa
pangunguna nina Edralin
Ablog at Evelyn Cabanlog, at
ang ribbon folding, na hawak
naman ni Celine Balmores
Trinidad. Ayon kay Trinidad
may ilan siyang estudyante na
nasa
Pilipinas
na
at
kasalukuyang ginagamit ang
kanilang napag-aralan sa
ribbon folding sa kanikanilang negosyo.
Kabilang sa kanila si
Analyn Obial na umuwi
lamang nitong Disyembre
2013. Ayon sa ipinahatid
niyang balita, nakumbinsi
niya ang SM sa Caloocan na
itinda ang kanyang mga
produkto.
Ang isa pa sa mga
nakinabang sa kanilang mga
pagtuturo ay si Evelyn
Dagdag, na nagpapadala
naman ng mga produkto sa
Amerika.
Ang iba pang kurso na
kanilang ibinabahagi ay ang
meat processing na itinuturo
ni
Sylvia Menano, ang
paggawa
ng
fashion
accessories sa patnubay ni
Gloria
Sinaban,
at
dressmaking sa ilalim ni Rose
Sumalague.
Sabi ni Sumalague, “Step
by step ang ginagawa
naming. Una ang pattern
making, tapos ay cutting, at
ang pinaka main part ay ang
sewing.”
Sa umpisa daw ay pananahi
muna gamit ang kamay ang
kanilang
itinuturo,
at
pagkatapos ay ang paggamit
naman ng makina.
Para makasali, kailangang
magbayad ng registration fee
na minsanan lang at panghabang buhay. Pero ang mga
materyales na gagamitin
katulad ng tela, sinulid at
kung
ano-ano
pa
ay
kailangang
bilhin
ng
estudyante.
Pero hindi lang ang Diwa’t
Kabayan ang makikita sa
pwestong ito, kundi pati ang
isang bagong saltang grupo,
ang Rainbow Unity Hong
Kong Society Livelihood na
gumagawa ng makukulay na
bag gamit ang macramé.
Ayon sa grupo, ang
macramé ay isang uri ng
nylon na kanilang hinahabi
hanggang maging bag.
Nagsimula ang kanilang
grupo sa isang barkadahan na
ang mga pasimuno ay ang
magkakapatid na sina Aida,
Marieta, Gina at Belinda
Galvan,
na
siyang
tumatayong pinuno nila
ngayon.
“Dumaan na din kami sa
mga pasyal-pasyal ngunit
nagsawa na kami sa mga
iyon,” ayon kay Paz Ladia, na
isa sa kanilang mga trainer
ngayon.
Ang “proud lola” kung
tawagin ng grupo, ay may
tatlong apo ay masaya sa bago
nilang pinagkaka-abalahan.
Salaysay
pa
niya,
nagsimula din sila sa ilang
pagsasanay na bigay ng BSK,
hanggang sa nagsarili na rin
sila.
“Madalas dumadaan si
Ching dito at nangungumusta
sa amin,” kuwento ni Ladia.
Ang bago nilang kasama sa
grupo na si Gloria Melgar ay
sumali
lamang
noong
Nobyembre 2013 ngunit
ganap na ring trainor ng
macramé bag.
Sabi niya, sa buong
Continued on Page 32
The SUN April 2014
DIY TRAVEL
Clearwater Bay
Country Park
Ni Marites Palma
Para sa mga mahilig sa
kalikasan at sa paglalakad,
bagay na bagay pasyalan ang
Clearwater Bay Country Park.
Maraming
magandang
tanawin
at
masarap
langhapin ang hanging-dagat
sa bahaging ito ng New
Terrotories sa hilagang parte
ng Hong Kong island. May
lawak na 615 ektarya ang
Clearwater Bay Country Park
na umaabot sa katimugang
bahagi ng Hang Hau at
bulubunduking bahagi ng
Joss House Bay.
Karugtong
nito
ang
silangang bahagi ng Lung Ha
Wan, at pumapaligid sa
pahilaga at pakanlurang
bahagi ng Clearwater Bay
Peninsula. Tanyag ang lugar
na ito sa lahat ng uri ng mga
turista lalo na sa mga nagaaral tungkol sa kalikasan.
Binuksan sa publiko ang
napakagandang parke na ito
noong ika-28 ng Septembre
1979.
Isa sa pinakatanyag na
dinadayo
dito
ang
makasaysayang Tin Hau
Temple na itinatag pa noong
1266. Ito ang pinakamatanda
at pinakamalaking Chinese
temple sa Hong Kong, kaya
tinatawag din itong Tai Miu o
Big Temple. Nasa Joss House
Bay ang Tin Hau Temple at
malapit ito sa Fat Tong Mun,
na
nasa
pagitan
ng
Clearwater Bay peninsula at
Tung Lung Chau na daanan
patungo sa South China Sea.
Paboritong puntahan ng
mga lokal na mangingisda at
iba pang grupo ng mga
manggagawa ang Tin Hau
Temple. Tuwing sumasapit
ang kapanganakan ni Tin
Hau sa ika-23 ng pangatlong
buwan sa kalendaryong
Intsik. umaabot sa 50,000 ang
bisita na dumadayo at
nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang sa
templong ito.
Makikita ang libo-libong
tao na naglalakad papuntang
High Junk Peak Hiking Trail
hanggang sa templo. Tanda
ito ng pagpapakita ng
paggalang sa pook na ito.
Libo-libo rin ang gumagamit
ng bangka papuntang Joss
House Bay.
Maaaring marating ang
pook na ito sa pamamagitan
ng paglalakad sa High Junk
Peak Hiking Trail. May
special ferry service din
papuntang Joss House tuwing
sumasapit ang araw ng
kapanganakan ni Tin Hau.
Dumadaong ang ferry sa Joss
House Public Pier na nasa
harapan lamang ng templo.
Ang mga mahilig sa
pagkain mula sa dagat ay
hindi dapat kaligtaan na
dumaan sa Po Toi O kung
saan
mapapanood
ang
tradisyunal na paraan ng
pamimingwit
ng
isda.
Nakakatuwang tingnan ang
mga bagong huli na
lumundag-lundag pa.
Sa mga gustong magpicnic, magandang puntahan
ang Tai Hang Tun na
matatagpuan sa dulo ng
Clearwater
Bay
Road.
Nababagay itong pasyalan ng
buong pamilya dahil kahit
may sanggol na kasama ay
ligtas
ditong
makapaglalakad. Isa sa
paboritong pahingahan ito ng
mga kababayang Pilipino.
Dito sila nagsasalo-salo
kapag may nagdiriwang ng
kapanganakan. Dinadayo din
ito ng mga kasambahay na
mayroong playgroup. May
mga nagtitinda din ng
pagkain
kaya’t
hindi
gugutumin ang sinumang
papasyal sa lugar na ito.
Malamig at malakas ang
hangin sa Tai Hang Tung
kaya marami ang makikitang
nagpapalipad
dito
ng
saranggola.
Pangunahing
atraksyon
naman ang High Junk Peak
sa apat na mapanlinlang na
taluktok sa Hong Kong.
Matarik ito at mapanganib
ngunit napakaganda ang
iyong matatanaw mula sa
tuktok ng bundok. Ang
pagkakahanay ng tila mailap
at baku-bakong bundok ang
nagsisilbing pang-akit sa mga
tao kaya pabalik-balik silang
umaakyat dito.
Isinulat ng isang makata sa
panahon ng Qing Dynasty sa
isang kawayan bilang tanda
Hindi man kasing-ganda ng Boracay ang beach,dinarayo pa rin.
Ang gubat na nakapaligid ay nagbibigay ng masarap na amoy sa hangin.
Magandang lugar ang parke para sa picnic, lalo na at
kasama ang mga kabataan.
ng kanyang makasaysayang
paglalakbay sa High Junk
Peak ang mga katagang:
“Hiking across Sheung
Yeung Shan and Ha Yeung
Shan, the encounter with
High Junk Peak made my
day.” Patunay ito kung gaano
kaganda
ang
iyong
matatanaw mula sa bundok
na ito. Sa taas na 344 metro
mula sa itaas pababa ng High
Junk Peak ay susukat sa
kakayahan ng trail walkers.
Mula sa tuktok ng bundok
ay
kitang-kita
ang
napakakapal na kakahuyan sa
paligid na nagsisilbing
panangga
tuwing
may
pumapasok na bagyo sa
teritoryo ng Hong Kong.
Papanhik pa lamang ay
makikita na sa magkabilang
gilid ng High Junk Peak
Country trail ang makapigilhiningang tanawin.
29
Mayroon pang ibang mga
country trails na matatagpuan
sa Clearwater Park. Depende
sa kakayahan ng mga
naglalakad,
maaaring
makapamili ng kung saang
lakaran sila nababagay.
Mabuting humingi ng payo
sa Visitor Center para
makakuha ng impormasyon
at patnubay kung saan nais
magtungo. Sumakay lamang
ng KMB bus 91 patungong
Tai Au Mun, maglalakad ng
isang kilometro mula sa
carpark hanggang sa dulo ng
Clearwater Bay Road at
madali nang makikita ang
maliit na daan patungo sa
Visitor Center.
Isa sa mga madalas
puntahan ay ang Clearwater
Bay Tree Walk na mayroong
1.55 kilometrong tree walk sa
Tai Hung Tun. Sa trail na ito
madadaanan ang 15 istasyon
na may mga impormasyon
tungkol sa iba’t-ibang uri ng
halaman. May mga kawiliwiling halaman tulad ng
laurel leaf, square leaved
Chinese laurel, monkey pod,
bamboo orchid at thistle na
malimit na dinadayo ng mga
naggagandahang paro-paro at
tutubi. Ang “green path” na
ito ay akmang-akma sa
pampamilyang paglalakad.
Maaring marating ang
Clear Water Bay Country
Park sa pamamagitan ng
KMB bus 91 mula sa
Hollywood Plaza sa Diamond
Hill papuntang Clearwater
Bay 2nd beach, green mini
bus no 103M mula sa Tseung
Kwan O MTR station
hanggang Clearwater Bay
2nd beach, green minibus 103
mula Kwuntong Ferry Pier
hanggang Clearwater Bay
2nd beach, at green mini bus
16 mula Polam, Tseung
Kwan O hanggang Po Toi O.
Sa
mga
nagnanais
lumangoy,
pwedeng
dumiretso sa Clearwater Bay
1st Beach o sa katabi lamang
nito na 2nd Beach. Ang 1st
beach ay magaspang at tisa
ang buhangin. Nakatago ang
aplaya
na
ito,
kaya
kailangang maglakad ng
mahaba-haba bago marating.
Sa 2nd beach naman ay
pinong-pino ang buhangin
pero
walang
ihawan.
Gayunman,
may
mga
tindahan naman ng mga
pagkain
at
inumin.
Magkarugtong lamang ang
dalawang beach at pwedeng
lakarin sa loob ng 15 minuto.
May nagsisilbing lifeguard
tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng
Marso hanggang Nobyembre.
30
The SUN April 2014
ity
CelebrFOOD
TRIP
Caridad Bachiller
Manang Caring:
‘Pinakbet’ master
Mention pinakbet to any
member of Abra Tinguian
Ilocano Society (ATIS) or its
umbrella group, United
Filipinos in Hong Kong
(Unifil), and the only name
that will come up is that of
Caridad Bachiller, ATIS’
longtime president and
founder.
Manang Caring, as she is
fondly called, is widely
known within the big
organization
as
the
authority on this famous
Ilocano dish that when they
get together, she is the one
everyone looks forward to
whipping it up.
What makes her pinakbet
special? It is the mixture of
the sweet-bitter-tangy taste
in her concoction that
makes everyone who has
tasted it to ask for more.
Among those who swear
by it is Unifil secretarygeneral Eman Villanueva,
who proudly showed his
plate containing nothing
but rice and Manang
Caring’s pinakbet at a
recent party.
He is not alone. At most
Unifil events, it is her
pinakbet that gets to be
finished first, with guests
even asking for take-home.
But according to the
feisty but ever-smiling
Manang Caring, there is
really no secret to cooking
her most-requested dish.
Any true-blue Ilocano
should know how to do it,
she insists.
Still, to someone who has
long thought she had the
recipe all figured out,
Manang Caring’s specialty
does come with some secret
ingredients and techniques.
One major rule of thumb
for her is that one must only
use the small wrinkly
ampalaya that grows in the
Ilocos
region.
For
eggplants, she uses only the
long, slim ones (not the fat
and humongous ones one
often sees in local markets)
as these are said to be
sweeter. For okra or lady’s
finger, she uses only the
small, newly picked ones.
She does not use string
beans, squash or any other
vegetable that some cooks,
especially those from Bulacan
and Pampanga, often mix
into their dish.
However, she has learned
to concede a bit to doing it the
Tagalog way, by adding fatty
pork into the dish, instead of
the usual fried fish that is
preferred by Ilocanos, who
call
this
version
“dinengdeng”.
But the one ingredient she
will not trade for anything is
her bagoong na isdang dilis
or anchovy paste, which she
gets all the way from the Philippines. She also uses a
lot of ginger and some garlic to temper the pork’s
fatty taste.
Manang Caring, a former school teacher who has
worked abroad as a household worker for more than
30 years, including six years in Saudi Arabia, is
setting her sights at going back home for good soon.
Though still active with ATIS and doing volunteer
work at the Mission for Migrant Workers, she says
she has been thinking of taking a rest from the
grind, especially since she has had some health
concerns recently.
Also, “gusto ko ring ma-enjoy ang pinagpaguran
ko”, she says simply. That includes the houses she
has built in Silang, Cavite, and her Abra hometown,
one of which has been yielding rental income.
Manang, who has never married, also looks
forward to reuniting with a niece who lives with her
in Cavite, as well as a 21-year-old grand niece.
When she does return to the Philippines, Manang
will surely be remembered for her active
involvement in community events and issues for the
past 25 years. But along with this will be memories
of her signature pinakbet, a dish nobody does better.
- DCLM
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Ilocano
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Dinengdeng:
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The ingredients are the
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same, except that fried
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fish is used instead of
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the pork.
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Procedure:
Saute
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garlic, ginger, tomatoes
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and bagoong. Then
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immediately add all the
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vegetables with the
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ampalaya at the bottom,
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and okra on top. Place
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the fried fish on top then
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cover. Let simmer for a
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few minutes until the
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vegetables are cooked
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according to desired
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firmness.
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Usually, says Manang
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Caring, this involves
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letting the mixture to let
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off steam (pasingawin)
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three times, tossing
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them each time.
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Ingredients:
Procedure:
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½ catty fatty pork, sliced into small bite pieces
1. Put pork slices into wok and add just enough water to cover them.
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½ clove of small garlic
2. Wait until the water dissolves and the oil oozes from the pork slices and
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knob
of
ginger,
sliced
thinly
fry them up a bit until they turn brown (pamantikaan)
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three
medium
tomatoes,
sliced
3. Toss in garlic, then add ginger and tomatoes, and finally, the bagoong
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bagoong isda to taste
isda.
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enough
slices
of:
4. Add the ampalaya and eggplants and toss slightly, then cover and let
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young okra, thin and long eggplants and small
simmer. (Important: slice the eggplants only just before adding in to
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wrinkly
ampalaya
to
fill
a
wok
retain their flavor)
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5. When the vegetables are half-cooked, add the okra and toss slightly.
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Let it simmer for five minutes before turning off the heat.
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Manang Caring’s Pinakbet