Jay Cia Founder of Don.Jay Tattoo

from Pangyao Magazine Issue #11: Aug/Sep 2023

Love, Pangyaos

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

Around 2007-2008, I was a customer at a tattoo shop (Bordados Tattoo Philippines). I came in with my own design, and the head artist/owner approached me afterwards asking if I wanted to do an apprenticeship with them. At first, I wasn’t convinced, but I was amazed how they could turn an image into body art. I was curious and wanted to learn, so I accepted the apprenticeship, which I completed over two years.

What do you like about being a tattoo artist?

Gaining new friends, meeting new people, but most importantly for me, it is learning new things. I learned about the history and origin of the tattoo from Filipino tribal designs to Oriental mythical creatures, European dragons, and many more. I find the stories and histories from around the world interesting.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Staying focused and a maintaining a good amount of self-discipline. The sun isn’t shining every day; it’s not every day your body is at a 100%. We are human, and that influences the uniqueness of the art we produce.

What are your goals and dreams for your work?

My goal is to expand the business. Maybe a branch in the Philippines or making the Hong Kong shop bigger; I’d like room for more tattoo artists, and plan to add more tattoo-related merchandise like books, paintings, and more. I want to show people what tattoos are about and how they have shaped self-expression over history.

Don.jaytattoo Hong Kong

Don.JayTattoo Hong Kong

10AM - 10PM DAILY donjaytattoohongkong

AS A MIGRANT domestic worker (MDW), knowing one’s rights is very important. Especially for first-time MDWs arriving in Hong Kong, it can feel daunting trying to navigate the information written in their contracts and articulating to their employers if they feel that they are not being treated fairly.

The Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project of Caritas (Caritas AMP) aims to organise and assist MDWs to understand and resolve their common problems and needs, while giving them the tools to pass on what they have learned to their peers.

Implemented in 1985, over the years they have honed a holistic approach to reaching out and helping MDWs, with social inclusion, self-help groups, and social participation as the key pillars.

Social inclusion helps MDWs cope with being far from their home country and their family. Trying to adapt to local culture can sometimes be a challenge, though avoiding misunderstandings due to language or cultural differences can make the employer-employee relationship a lot smoother. Caritas AMP offer language programmes in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, and even Chinese writing courses. Their organised orientation seminars help MDWs better understand expectations in the workplace, the Chinese culture, and living habits of local employers. Their “Smart Helpers” thematic seminars offer advice on labour protection, women’s health, and occupational health.

“We have held quite a few workshops and classes over the years, with the aim of helping to empower migrant workers,” says Angel Wong Siu Wai, the senior social work supervisor of Caritas AMP. “We want them to have the skills and knowledge to make their lives here in Hong Kong easier.”

Self-help groups have been vital to disseminating valuable information in terms of caring for one’s mental and emotional health. Caritas AMP have arranged for MDWs with common experiences to spend time together, talking about their lives, sharing stories, and ultimately relieving stress that arises from work and living so far from their loved ones. Cultivating mutual support from their peers helps alleviate the personal and adjustment challenges they encounter.

Social participation allows MDWs to feel a sense of belonging and feel that they are part of the community in general. “Currently, we provide the following social participation events: eco-friendly outreach volunteer service, food art therapy workshops, the meal welfare concern group, baking classes, and community farming activities,” says

Angel. “All of these activities are designed to help empower these women and give them a sense of togetherness.”

For MDWs who find themselves homeless or in a crisis situation that warrants them protection, Caritas AMP can refer them to the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos (DPFC) who run two shelters, one of which – Mary’s Home – can house a maximum of 30 Filipinos. Their shelter in Wah Fu, on the other hand, provides space for Indonesian women.

Despite having a small team that comprises a senior social worker, a welfare worker, and a program worker, Caritas AMP has proven its value in easing and enriching the lives of MDW women in Hong Kong. And as the population of MDWs continue to increase with the demands of the city, support and aid for the vulnerable will remain at the heart of Caritas AMP at all times.