Hong Kong’s Migrant Community
Issue 12 Oct / Nov 23
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Pangyao magazine turns
A taste of home: Pen cooks tom kha gai
Lensational: Migrant life through a lens
Thali
Dosa Paratha with Chickpea Curry
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CONTENTS
Issue 12
Oct / Nov ‘23 Editors: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner Lead writer: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward Front cover: Designed by Martin Turner; background image adapted from original image by Rogean Dugayo Design: Martin Turner (based on original template designed by Steve Ellul of Cedar Hong Kong) Special thanks: Steve Ellul, Darren Hayward & Lie Fhung
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Poetry corner Poems from around the migrant community Philippine Consulate General message Con Gen Raly L. Tejada’s regular update NGO feature: MESH MESH peers discuss breaking sexual health taboos Conversation with Ron Ron shares an important lesson from childhood A brush with deception Avoiding brushing scams, in collaboration with ADCC Pangyao pics – second anniversary special A look back at two years of Pangyao magazine A taste of home: Tom kha gai Pen shares her recipe for Thai chicken soup Lead feature: Migrant life through a lens Photography initiative Lensational We’re here to HELP Social well-being with HELP for Domestic Workers Araw ng lagim (Filipino) Supernatural beings in the Philippines Cerita Saat Imlek (Indonesian) A story by Suci Ayu R, in collaboration with TCKLC Useful contacts NGOs, consulates, and more...
Second anniversary edition!
A word from the founders HELLO PANGYAOS! We’ve made it – the two year mark! When we first started Pangyao magazine back in October 2021, still in the midst of the pandemic, we knew we were taking a risk; other migrantfocused publications had already ceased their print runs, and there was still no clear return to normality in sight. But ultimately, that only strengthened our resolve to bringour new print magazine to the migrant community. What a journey it’s been since then, and we’d like to take the opportunity to once again thank Steve Ellul and the team at Cedar Hong Kong, who helped us realise our vision with their bold and beautifully designed first issue. They not only provided us with a solid foundation, but also taught us valuable lessons along the way; over time, this allowed us to develop our own style and identity, building upon the original aesthetic without compromising our own. We would also like to thank Philippine Consulate General Raly Tejada, Vice Consul Gelo Manuel, and the whole PCG team for believing in us from the start and supporting all our efforts. Mabuhay! To our regular contributors: Pinoy Life on RTHK producer and author Ron R. Lacson, who shares life lessons he has learned along the way, salamat sa iyong patuloy na suporta!
6626 9751 (Aileen)
aileen@pangyao.hk
TCK Learning Centre – an NGO focused on bringing education and knowledge to Indonesian migrant workers – thank you for the opportunity to regularly feature stories from your vibrant community. And to all the poets, authors, community leaders, and organisations we have featured over the past two years, we are very grateful for your contribution! Last but definitely not least, we want to thank YOU, our readers, our community. You have shared your tales and struggles, but also your creativity. Your diverse experiences, motivations, and dreams, give Pangyao the inspiration to do our best, to keep uplifting and shining a spotlight on the community. You continue to help us celebrate the multitude of voices amongst Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities. Thank you. Our commitment and resolve remains stronger than ever – Pangyao remains the only regular print publication dedicated to migrant and domestic workers, and the passion that inspired us to start the platform is burning bright in our hearts, and will continue to do so for many more issues to come! Maraming salamat po!
Aileen & Martin 5
POETRY CORNER
My princess By Annaliza V. Aquino
You are a precious gift Makes my world uplift My forever inspiration Swept away all my desperation I work hard to fulfil your dreams All my heart desires are for your best realm Take good care always outside your kingdom May God grant you with good wisdom This world is full of surprise But I will shelter you with my advice I will protect you with all my might Never worry, I will hold you tight You are my princess My only happiness Today and forever I will love you, so tender
Nabihag mo By Marie Charlotte ‘Balot’ Bondoc
Sa tuwing ako ay nag-iisa naaalala ka mga maningning mong mata may kakaiba bawat titig mo pintig ng puso ko’y lumalakas, kabog ay pa iba-iba. Mga labing mapupula, puso ko’y pinasasaya. Kapag ika’y kausap na, tila ako’y nasa ulap na. Malambing mong himig parang isang anghel na humihimig.
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Kay sarap kausap ng Isang katulad mo. Ako’y idinuduyan Ng bawat salita mo pinupuno ako ng pagmamahal mo. Sa Isang iglap! Napakabilis! Ako’y nabihag mo ako’y biglang umiibig na sa’ yo.
Foreigner nabighani kalaunan naging magasawa Sa pagdaan ng panahon na ilang taong pagtatrabaho dito ay hindi inaasahan ni Nora Miller na magkakaranas siya ng kaginhawaan sa buhay. Tuwing day off ay nagkikita-kita silang magkakaibigan at napapansin niya na kakaiba ang gamit na pabango ng isa sa kanila. Nagustuhan niya ang halimuyak nito at tinanong kung ano ang brand, sinabi ng kaibigan na ito ay ang Dream Love 1000 sexual perfume, gawa sa England na binibili palagi sa Fiesta Mart sa halagang HK$88 lamang. Bumilisiya ng nasabing pabango at naging excited si Nora na gamitin ito on her day off. Bago lumabas ng bahay ay nagwisik siya ng nasabing pabango. Nagtungo siya sa KFC upang doon hintayin ang kaibigan, napuna niyang panay ang ngiti ng isang Briton malapit sa kaniyang kinauupuan. Naalala niya ang gamit na pabango. Pagkalingon sa kabila ay nakita niyang padating ang kaibigan kasama ang isang Briton. Pagkalapit sa kaniya ay nakipagkamay ito at hindi niya sukat akalain na
halikan siya nito sa pisngi na medyo nagtagal ng ilang segundo sabay bulong nito, “ your perfume smells so good same as the scent she uses, sabay turo sa kaibigan. I like it and I like you,” ramdam niya ang pagblush. Nagpasalamat siya at nabigla nang makishare sa table nila ang Briton na nakaupo malapit sa kanila. Tumabi ito sa kaniya at nagsimulang magpakilala, since then nagkita sila few times at naging magkasintahan.
NORA MILLER Article by LT
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Consul General Raly L. Tejada’s
message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community GREETINGS ONCE MORE from your Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong! After the sweltering heat of summer and the blistering pace of activities that came with our city’s exit from the pandemic, all of us in Hong Kong look forward to a calm and peaceful autumn, and to one of the traditional holidays in the Hong Kong calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is one of the more important Chinese celebrations during fall. It is observed in many cultures around the world, but holds a special significance in Hong Kong. It is an opportunity for families to reunite, share in a bountiful feast, and express gratitude for the harvest season. As the name implies, the full moon has a symbolic meaning in this festival. It represents unity and togetherness, as families and friends gather under the full moon, sharing laughter, tales, and, of course, moon cakes. More importantly, the full moon serves as a reminder that there is always a beacon of light that serves as a guide as we move forward along with the changing of the seasons. I also wish to take this opportunity to offer some reminders for our kababayan in Hong Kong. First, as the 2025 National Elections are approaching, I urge all eligible Filipinos to take their time and register as an Overseas Voter. All Filipino citizens who will be eighteen years 8
old by May 2025 are eligible for registration. Even if you have previously registered in the Philippines or in a different country, you still need to transfer your registration to Hong Kong to avoid issues on Election Day. Registration is open at the Philippine Consulate or the Migrant Workers Office until 30th September 2024, and all that is required is your Philippine passport and one photocopy. Please take the time to register early and avoid the rush at the tail end of the registration period. Moreover, I encourage all of our Filipino groups in Hong Kong to duly register as a Community Organisation with the Consulate. This will make it easier for your organisations to receive upto-date advisories and invitations to upcoming Cultural and Community events. You may check your organisation’s registration with our Cultural Section at cultural.pcg@gmail.com. As always, your Consulate continues with its mandate to provide effective and efficient consular services to our Filipino nationals in Hong Kong. Please rest assured that the hardworking men and women of the Consulate are available to assist you in your times of need. Maraming salamat po!
PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
Ethnic minorities in Hong Kong come from diverse cultural backgrounds with varying attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to sexual health. Proper sexual health education that is sensitive to its cultural context can help bridge this gap and provide understanding and acceptance of different viewpoints, as well as removing stigmatisation, improving awareness, and creating a supportive environment. Mission for Ethnic Minorities’ Sexual Health – MESH – offers free and anonymous HIV testing and condoms at their centre and during their regular outreach programs, alongside compassionate emotional support sessions with registered social workers, helping to address the mental and emotional toll that STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can lead to. These services are also available free of charge to all migrant domestic workers in the city. Cultural taboos can sometimes prevent individuals from seeking the help that they need. MESH addresses these challenges by training volunteers from the community to provide tailored sexual health advice in their native tongue, allowing them to speak more frankly and accurately, thus making sensitive conversations less daunting and easier to understand. Three MESH volunteers, Mardy, Suci, and Aljen, share their stories of working with the community.
Mardy has been working in Hong Kong for many years. She has witnessed many fellow migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in relationships, and heard first hand about the problems they have faced with their partners and their sexual health. She became one of the very first MESH peers – they reach out to fellow MDWs on the street and distribute literature about sexual health, sometimes offering relationship advice if required. “There is nothing wrong with having a relationship, but you should know how to take care of yourself by using sexual protection and safe sex methods. It not only protects you from disease, it can also protect you from an unplanned pregnancy,” says Mardy.
All photos provided by MESH peers
Mardy Ayana Casa
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NGO FEATURE
Suci Ayu Fitriani
Coming from a town in Indonesia with the third highest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the province, Suci realised she had a few misconceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whilst attending a MESH workshop at TCK Learning Centre (a nongovernmental organisation that brings education to Indonesian MDWs in Hong Kong). “We still think about sexual health as taboo. We don’t talk about it in our culture, and some even get offended when we mention it during our community outreach walks,” Suci shares. However, it is an important topic, and MESH peers often have to breakdown the taboo and stigma of STIs in order to spread awareness. “I often tell people I meet during outreach to not always rely on contraceptive pills, as they can never be 100% sure that their partners back home are abstaining from sex. Using condoms is better as they don’t interfere with hormones and prevent HIV transmission,” Suci says. “Remember, there is no medicine for regret,” she adds.
Sexual health fast facts • You cannot tell if someone has an STI without proper testing. One of the most overlooked facts about STIs is that they are spread largely because people don’t even realise they’ve been infected; many people do not show any symptoms at all, hence the importance of getting tested • Sperm can live up to 5 days in a woman’s body. Using hormonal contraceptives like the pill, injection, or vaginal ring are effective at lessening the likelihood of pregnancy; however, only condoms provide protection from both pregnancy and STIs • Although oral sex does not cause pregnancy, it can still transmit STIs 10
Aljen Cruz
Aljen started volunteering for MESH earlier this year, inspired by her personal belief that health and self-care should be top priorities for MDWs. “One common issue that I have observed in the MDW community is the fear and lack of knowledge around HIV. Most have this wrong perception that the virus can be transmitted by a mere handshake,” Aljen shares. “Another misconception is that most people who get STIs are the ones who are at higher risk of HIV. I inform them that the virus does not have exemptions on who
to infect. It is the lack of knowledge and awareness that is dangerous,” she says. “I encourage those who are sexually active to get regular HIV/STI tests, even when you don’t think you are sick; it is better to be safe and 100% sure.” Aljen shares some advice to fellow MDWs here in Hong Kong: “Being healthy means not only our physical health but also our mental and social well-being. “We need to educate ourselves and stop spreading the stigma about HIV. Our body is our responsibility, so take care of it and love yourself!”
MESH is one of the service teams under AIDS Concern, whose mission in Hong Kong is to achieve Triple Zero: • Zero new HIV infections in Hong Kong • Zero stigma for people living with HIV • Zero AIDS deaths aidsconcern.org.hk
@MESHbyaidsconcern
5226 8547 11
CONVERSATION WITH RON
What else?
Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts
HELLO PANGYAOS, let me tell you a story that impacted my life. In college, I took a class called Vector Analysis. It’s a subject in Higher Mathematics that focuses on the differentiation and integration of vector fields (alright, I was a nerd). One day, our professor, Ms. Adecer, told us she would leave for a week. She needed someone to take over the class. She asked if anyone was interested; the one who took up the task would be exempted from the midterm exam. I was not enthusiastic about writing on the board using chalk, so I passed up the offer. Some volunteered. Our professor had to pick the right one. She decided on Ferdinand; he was good at maths but not our brightest. Gilbert – the best at maths – also volunteered, but wasn’t picked. He wasn’t happy. “Ma’am, I’m the best here. I deserve to be the one taking over the class!” Gilbert exclaimed passionately, questioning our professor’s decision. But Ms. Adecer was confident. After asking Ferdinand to leave the room temporarily, she turned to Gilbert and asked, “Do you see that small truck?” Outside the window, she pointed to a truck parked beside our university gate (UST), “Tell me what’s inside it.” Gilbert scratched his head, but immediately got up and left, running down the stairs (we were on the 2nd floor) and across the courtyard until he reached the gate. After asking the truck driver, he ran back to the classroom and said, “Ma’am, the truck contains ball pens.” 12
“What else?” asked Ms. Adecer. Gilbert quickly ran back, asked the driver again, and ran back to class. “Ma’am, it has notebooks,” he declared, whilst catching his breath. “What else?” Ms. Adecer asked again. Off he went again. Back again. “Ma’am, they also have bond papers,” Gilbert said, wiping away his sweat. “What else?” At that point, the whole class was already having fun. We were laughing beyond belief and amazed at what was happening. Ran again. Back again. “The truck also has… hah… hah… hah (really tired and gasping for air), rulers... hah… hah...” “What else?” This time, Gilbert just walked and almost crawled back. “Ma’am... hah…hah (almost fainting from exhaustion), the truck has… hah… hah... books”. “What else?” Ms. Adecer asked for the nth time. “Ma’am… can I rest for a while… please?” Gilbert begged. At this point, our professor asked Ferdinand to come back into the classroom.“What happened to him?” he asked, seeing Gilbert sitting on the floor, still catching his breath. Ms. Adecer didn’t answer. Instead, she posed the same question to Ferdinand, “Find out what’s inside that small truck.” Instead of running out immediately, Ferdinand slowly returned to his desk,
In our life journey, we cannot overemphasise the value of planning and using time wisely, or the importance of being organised and calm took a few things, and casually walked out to the truck. The class waited patiently, expecting the same ‘what else’ comedy and drama upon his return. After a few minutes, he was back. “Ma’am, inside the truck,” he began, taking out and reading from a small piece of paper he had written on (I realised then that he must have taken the paper and pen from his desk before leaving), “are writing tools like ball pens and pencils, pads, notebooks, drawing cartolinas, bond papers, reference books, dictionaries, folders, envelopes, measuring tools like rulers and protractors, small batteries, and calculators…” He paused. “In short, Ma’am, that small truck contains school supplies and materials.” “Thank you, Ferdinand,” said Ms. Adecer. We looked at the scene silently with eyes – and in some cases, mouths – wide open. He did it in one go. WOW!!!! Ang galing!! And he wasn’t even tired. “How did you do it?” Ms. Adecer asked Ferdinand. “I requested the driver to open the truck to see what was inside. Saved me a lot of time!” Ferdinand smiled. This happened many years ago. I’m not sure where Ferdinand and Gilbert are now (maybe both in the school supplies business), but the lessons we all learned from that moment were outstanding. One can be the brightest and the best in
their field, but if they do not plan their activities and manage their time, they will accomplish only the minimum using maximum effort. In our life journey, we cannot overemphasise the value of planning and using time wisely, or the importance of being organised and calm. In any endeavor that we take, or in anything that we do in life, we will get the best results by:
; Making a plan ; Developing the best use of
our time ; Being less impulsive and instead becoming a thinker ; Being calm and organised ; Asking the right questions ; Knowing and understanding the expectations of a task ; Starting a task with the end result in mind And there might be some more. Can you think of what else?
@ronrlacson 13
FEATURE
A brush with deception:
Maria’s story
In collaboration with
Scams come in many different forms and victims can come from all walks of life. From romance scams, to investment scams, phone scams, and many more, all have the same goal: to part their victims from their hard-earned money. In this issue, we discuss a common scam in the migrant domestic worker community, the brushing scam – and how to recognise and avoid it. “I WAS BETWEEN employers and saw this advert on Facebook from an online clothing store looking for salespeople,” shares Maria (not her real name), a migrant domestic worker (MDW) working in Hong Kong. “It said no experience was needed, training would be provided, and my time would be paid for. They were offering $300 per hour – I was so desperate, I decided to message them.” What Maria didn’t know at the time was that she was entering into the first phase of an elaborate fraudulent scheme commonly known as a ‘brushing scam’. Perpetrators place job advertisements on social media, offering applicants online jobs such as working for an online store, click farming (clicking on links or buttons), or viewing videos in exchange for payment. Terms like ‘flexible working hours’ and ‘no experience or qualifications needed’ suggest a low bar of entry, enticing victims like Maria to apply. “I was paid $300 in advance to create this website login and begin my ‘training’, which
was purchasing orders and sending them off for delivery,” Maria tells us. “I was asked to use money from my own bank account to place the order initially, but they told me that once I reached 35 orders in 3 days – an easy task, they said – I would be fully reimbursed for the payments and receive a big commission on top. After the first few sales, they did pay me back with commission as a ‘goodwill gesture’, which motivated me to try and reach my target.” This is a huge part of the modus operandi of these brushing scams; giving a little amount back to the victim initially to hold their interest and build their trust, believing they will receive a big payout in the long run. Once the amount they have given the scammers becomes so big however, it is difficult to give it up, leading to victims paying out more and more money. This phenomenon is known as a sunk-cost fallacy, where someone is reluctant to give up on something they have heavily invested in, even when it is clear they are increasingly losing out. “They constantly communicated with me through a messaging app, asking me to place as many orders as I could to reach 35 items. But by this point, I had already used $4,000 of my own money and I just wanted it back,” Maria recalls. “After pleading with these people to give my money back, the woman told me to transfer any amount I had that day to pay for a few more transactions and then they would send me back all my money plus commission. So I borrowed more money and sent another $3,000 to them.
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Employment fraud: “Click farm trilogy” 1. Recruiting click farmers • Scammers place job ads on social media to recruit “click farmers” or “operators” whose duty is to shop via online shopping platforms to boost sales. Applicants are told they can earn commission based on their number of sales • Phrases such as “work from home”, “flexible working hours”, and “no experience necessary” are used to lure applicants • Scammers often just provide a social media contact to applicants
2: Requesting advance • Scammers interview victims via social media. Once recruited, victims are asked to use online shopping platforms to put goods into shopping carts, then send screenshots of their orders to their recruiter • Victims are then instructed to pay for the goods via a personal bank account (not a company account), but are assured they will be given a refund plus a commission upon completion of their work
“As soon as I transferred the money, they immediately disconnected their mobile phone number. This is when I had the awful realisation that I had been scammed. It hurt so much as I don’t earn a lot, and I had borrowed money from a friend too. It has been a lesson learned the hard way: I am much more wary of offers on social media and messaging apps these days,” she shares tearfully. Maria’s story is far from unique; in the first half of 2023 alone, Hong Kong police recorded a total of 2,139 cases of online employment fraud, involving financial losses of up to a staggering HKD $441m. Still, there are many cases that go unreported, especially in the MDW community, where a victim’s vulnerability and visa status can easily be exploited by scammers. The minimum wage in Hong Kong for MDWs is HK$4,870; most of this is sent back to families in their home countries, with the rest saved or set aside for personal use. In Maria’s case, she still had to pay back her friend on top of losing her own money. That is another sad realisation in cases like this; recouping the money lost is almost impossible. Most of these criminal organisations have international money laundering networks which their illegally obtained funds are ‘washed’ through, to quickly disguise their true origins. So, how do we avoid falling prey to these scammers? Firstly, as the old saying goes, if the offer seems too good to be true, it
3: Asking for further payment • Scammers initially keep their promise; the shopping amount plus commission is paid back to the victim, thus tricking the victim into believing them • Victims are then asked to make further advance payments for increasingly large amounts, under the belief they can earn higher and higher commissions • Suddenly, the scammer disappears, fleeing with the victim’s money and leaving no means of contact
probably is. There may be times when we are struggling and such opportunities might look particularly appealing; however, these are also the times we can be at our most vulnerable, so taking a step back and checking the validity of the proposition is a good start. Watch out for terms like, ‘flexible work hours’, ‘we will pay as high as X amount for your free time’, and ‘no experience needed’ – this are common strategies used by scammers and potential red flags. Always research any company or agency before using their services: make sure they are registered and licensed. Never provide personal or financial information to strangers, especially if they are asking for money. To further protect yourself, stay informed about your rights and seek guidance from trustworthy sources. If you need police advice on scams, you may call their Anti-Deception Coordination Centre on 18222.
Subscribe to scam notifications:
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PANGYAO PICS
Two years of
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A TASTE OF HOME
Pen cooks
tom kha gai Introducing Pen
A brief history of tom kha gai
Pimpimol Samsalee, known to everyone as Pen, has been cooking for as long as she can remember. Back in her hometown in Thailand, her family owns a farm.
One of the most popular soups in Thai cuisine, it is also one of the easiest to make. Tom means boil, kha is galangal, and gai means chicken: the dish is cooked exactly as the name suggests, with everything boiled together. The resulting soup is light yet filling, tangy, creamy, and savoury, with a mild kick.
“My elder sister is the great cook in the family, but I do love cooking for my family and for myself,” says Pen. She laughs, “When I first met my husband, Tom, he didn’t used to like spicy food. Now, he and my 10-year-old son, Gus, can eat as much spice as I can!”
Above: Kha, a root closely related to ginger, is one of the key ingredients in tom kha gai Right: The ingredients of tom kha gai, all of which are boiled together in a coconut milk broth, resulting in a light yet filling soup that is both high in protein and low in carbs
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Low in carbohydrates and high in lean protein from the chicken and mushrooms, this is a healthy and delicious soup suitable for any meal. The main herb, kha, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the mild spiciness from the chilies can clear your sinuses in a flash. Eat it with some fluffy steamed rice, your favourite salad, or on its own – it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Photos by Martin Turner & Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
All the ingredients they need for cooking are right there on their doorstep. They raise chickens, ducks, and pigs. They have a wide selection of herbs like turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal – known as kha in Thai – which is one of the main ingredients of this dish.
When I first met my husband, Tom, he didn’t used to like spicy food. Now, he and my 10-year-old son, Gus, can eat as much spice as I can! Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • •
500g chicken 200g white button mushrooms, sliced 2 thumbs kha or galangal 3 shallots 5 pcs kaffir lime leaves 4 stalks lemongrass, cleaned and leaves cut off 1 lime ½ lemon 4 pcs chilli, cut lengthwise 4 tbsp fish sauce 150ml coconut milk water salt
Method 1. Bring 700ml of water to a boil, then add shallots, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and kha. Cover and let boil for 2 minutes 2. Add chicken to the boiling herbal broth and let it cook for 5 minutes 3. Add coconut milk and lower heat. Add mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes 4. Add fish sauce, chillies, mushrooms and salt to taste 5. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lime and half a lemon 6. Serve while hot with optional steamed rice on the side 19
Photo by Rogean Dugayo
FEATURE
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Migrant life through a lens
Lensational Hong Kong featured on the cover of the first ever Pangyao magazine back in October 2021; two years on, they continue to empower the migrant community through the medium of photography
Top row: Photos by Rogean Dugayo Bottom row: Photos by Leeh Ann Hidalgo
FOUNDED 10 YEARS ago by social entrepreneur, Bonnie Chiu, a Hong Konger whose grandmother was an Indonesian refugee, Lensational’s core vision has always been the empowerment of women through photography. Current CEO Lydia Wanjiku, currently residing in Kenya, continues to carry forward this commitment.
than 5% of the city’s total population – often have a difficult time getting their voices heard. Through the lens of a camera, these women have found a platform for selfexpression and an outlet for emotions that can sometimes be hard to describe.
What started out as a Facebook group, Lensational is now a global initiative. A registered charity in the United Kingdom, they have members and volunteers from more than 20 countries across Asia and Africa.
Photography is an artform that transcends gender, social status, and belief. It can bring people together, but can also push them apart. Images have the unique ability of evoking a varying array of feelings and emotions for the observer purely through the sense of sight.
Lensational’s Hong Kong branch is led by a team of volunteers, with the majority of their members made up of Filipino and Indonesian migrant domestic workers (MDWs), who – despite representing more
Leeh Ann Hidalgo, one of Lensational’s MDW volunteers and photographers, shares how she developed her love of photography back in 2014, whilst waiting for her new employment visa in Macau: “At that time I
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FEATURE
At that time I really wanted to leave and go home. While I was at the beach, I saw a mother and her child; since I did not have a camera, I took photos with my tablet. When I looked at the photos back at my boarding house, I realised that photography was a way for me to divert my sadness and homesickness. It turned out to be a form of therapy for me
Photos by Cheryl Apic
- Leeh Ann Hidalgo
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really wanted to leave and go home. While I was at the beach, I saw a mother and her child; since I did not have a camera, I took photos with my tablet. When I looked at the photos back at my boarding house, I realised that photography was a way for me to divert my sadness and homesickness. It turned out to be a form of therapy for me.” Migrant worker life can be tough to say the least. Living away from family and constantly worrying about their well-being, grappling with homesickness and loneliness, it can be hard to maintain a cheery disposition at times. Working hours can be long and the work load can take its toll. But despite all this, migrant women are admirably resilient; it is this same resilience that elevates their grasp of the subjects of their photography. There is a haunting beauty to Leeh Ann’s photos. She captures what look like intimate and personal moments, giving a feeling of privilege of having peeked behind what she is seeing and perceiving through her own eyes. Left-to-right from top: 1. Journey begins: The doctor said, “You have cancer”. Is it malignant? If it is, how about my family, will they be okay? Will I be okay? Lots of questions popping into my mind 2. This is it!: I need to be strong, for myself and my family. Will I be able to pass this journey? Still questions... 3. The treatment: It will be painful they say; it will take hours for one session and I have to do 13 sessions. And there will be side effects! 4. To assess: Having cancer is not easy and it’s not cheap. Will I ever afford it and still provide for my family? 5. Against the odds: Against the time, against your physical strength, against confiding in your family (don’t want to tell them about it, they will just worry about me; don’t want them to worry too much, it’s not good for them). For now I will just hold it on my own 6. Challenges: My hair is falling already, how to communicate with my family with out them noticing it! How about my sessions/treatment, I need to work..? 7. Restrained social life: Now that I’m in this journey, there are a lot of things that I need to limit; being with friends, not spending as much time as before, eating the food that I love, going to places 8. Walking through: It’s hard to walk in this state, but I will walk through... 9. My best friend: Maddie is a big help... comforts me when I’m in pain, as if she feels my pain. When I’m just finished with my session she stays with me 10. Double back: Will I be back just like before, after this long journey? It’s a big question that will be answered at the end of the tunnel 11. We’ve got this: I know I will get through this, with the help of our Almighty God, my loving family, my understanding and supportive employers, my friends, and Maddie. Also to the doctors and nurses and the HK government who provide this kind of scheme for MDW who are need
Through her art, she has learned a valuable virtue that only the experienced photographer can gain: patience. Her love of shooting daily Hong Kong scenes also means the subject is constantly in motion, fluid, and unpredictable – hence patience is key to capturing the perfect moment, the perfect snapshot. Lensational not only offers its members the chance to learn photography, but also the opportunity to showcase their journey, their struggles, and their hopes and dreams. This paves the way for sharing the experiences of MDWs with the local population, introducing them to the vibrant culture of thew migrant community. One of their latest projects, A Story About You Me and Us, features photographs and stories from eleven women in Hong Kong from all walks of life. Their works were displayed during a 14-day exhibit earlier this year, where the artists went on a journey of self-exploration through internal dialogue, an unfamiliar yet intimate practice. Drawn from this experience, the women presented their vulnerabilities and the source of their strength and happiness. Their mantra: what does not kill you, makes you stronger. The photographs and stories from this exhibit have now been published into a Photo credits (clockwise from top-left): Leeh Ann Hidalgo; Leeh Ann Hidalgo; Seneng Utami (featured on first ever Pangyao magazine cover); Angie; Maria; Lia
photobook that can be purchased at 七份一辦館 1.7store.hk and at Book Punch 一拳書館, both in Sham Shui Po. While Lensational continues to enrich and empower the lives of women around the world, the Hong Kong team remains firm on their dedication to amplify the voices of women, making sure that their stories are heard, understood and, appreciated. Lensational offers a much-needed community where their stories are not only celebrated among their peers, but also touch the hearts of others who encounter their art. What better way to convey their thoughts than through images, a universal language that needs no translation. As the saying goes, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’; every image is has its own eloquence and stirs up individual emotions we hold dear in our hearts. As many migrant workers struggle to find their identity and sense of belonging in Hong Kong society, coupled with the loneliness and anxiety for the families they have left behind, Lensational continues to offer a safe and welcoming place for its members to share photography that reflects their rich inner lives.
lensationalhk
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We are here to HELP In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our mental and social wellness has become more important than ever. With the constant demands, pressures, and distractions surrounding us, it’s essential that we prioritise our well-being and nurture a positive mindset. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. At HELP for Domestic Workers, we provide FREE access to counselling, physical and social well-being, and community-building activities through our MeHeal programme. Here are a few ways we can help you maintain good mental and social well-being.
Education and awareness Social and emotional well-being education plays a critical role in promoting awareness, understanding, and support for individuals facing challenges. We provide access to Mental Health First Aid training and educational materials that can equip you with knowledge and skills to support yourself and other migrant workers in need.
By attending the Mental Health First Aid course, I learned how to identify the warning signs and offer support to my fellow migrant workers facing emotional challenges. I also got an international certificate for the course! – Lily
Prioritising self-care Social and emotional health is a fundamental aspect of our overall wellbeing, impacting our daily lives. If you experience a range of emotions, including loneliness, anxiety, and frustration, you can access our private one-to-one counselling, where we create safe spaces for open dialogue and encourage individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgement. 24
Someone facing mental health struggles can seem totally fine on the outside but battle something on the inside. The counselling sessions helped me positively approach life and realise my self-worth. I started working on new projects, set new goals, and, most importantly, found inner peace – Rodelia
Group sharing Our group sharing sessions provide a supportive and cooperative environment where individuals can share their experiences, gain insights, and learn coping strategies from the facilitator and other group members. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and providing mutual support can alleviate feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
Managing stress effectively Practices like yoga combine physical movement with mindfulness and breath control. Through our yoga classes, we can help reduce stress, increase body awareness, and promote relaxation. You can also make friends and form deeper connections with those around you!
Mental health stigma creates fear, shame, and silence, preventing individuals from seeking help and support. Seeking support helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. By reaching out for help, you create a culture of acceptance and understanding, encouraging other migrant domestic workers to do the same. Everyone’s social wellness journey is unique, and seeking support is a personal decision. Your working and living conditions in Hong Kong could also affect your social well-being. If you are struggling with visa, employment, or any other issues, our casework team can advise and assist you. However you are seeking help, we can provide you with valuable support, guidance, and empowerment for good well-being. As we celebrate WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY this October, let’s raise awareness and support ourselves and our community to maintain good mental and physical well-being. Remember, you are not alone, and your mental and social wellness matters.
I became happier and calmer [after the classes], and I realised that being mentally fit is just as important as being physically fit. These yoga sessions are beneficial to divert our stress and develop a healthier hobby by not spending much – Corazon
5936 3780 2523 4020 Yoga session:
1-to-1 sharing:
Scan the QR codes to sign up to one of our classes!
606, 299QRC, 287-299 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan 25
FEATURE
10 na mga lamang lupa at mga nilalang na mahiwaga Malapit na ang Araw ng mga Patay at Halloween kaya humagilap na kayo ng kumot, yumakap ng mahigpit sa iyong unan at basahin ang aming sampung mga lamang lupa at mga nilalang na mahiwaga
Duwende
Maliit, mala-gnome na nilalang na pinaniniwalaang nagdadala ng magandang kapalaran o kasawian, depende sa kung paano sila tratuhin
Diwata
Sarimanok
Mga ethereal na espiritu o diwata na kilala sa kanilang kagandahan at koneksyon sa kalikasan, kadalasang tagapagtanggol ng kagubatan, bundok, at anyong tubig
Isang maalamat na ibon na pinaniniwalaang nagdadala ng suwerte at kasaganaan, na kadalasang inilalarawan sa mitolohiya ng Pilipinas bilang isang makulay at masiglang nilalang
Kapre
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Isang higanteng nilalang na naninirahan sa puno na kadalasang nakikitang naninigarilyo o natutulog sa malalaking puno ng kahoy, na may kapangyarihang mang-akit ng mga tao
Bakunawa
Manananggal
Isang sea serpent na kadalasang inilalarawan bilang isang higanteng sea dragon o mala-ahas nilalang, na pinaniniwalaang nagdudulot ng mga eklipse sa pamamagitan ng paglunok sa buwan o araw
Isang babaeng nilalang na kayang tanggalin ang itaas na katawan sa ibabang bahagi nito at lumipad sa gabi para maghagilap ng mga mabibiktima
Tikbalang
Isang nilalang na kalahating tao, kalahating kabayo na kilala na may malakas na mapanghing amoy. May kakayahang magdulot ito ng mga guni-guni
Isang nilalang na kahawig ang isang kambing na walang sungay, na sinasabing may kakayahang maging invisible at uminom ng dugo mula sa mga biktima nito
Sigbin
Aswang
Higante Mga nilalang na pinaniniwalaang mga espiritu sa lupa, kadalasang iniuugnay sa mga bundok, kuweba, at malalaking bato. Tinutulungan o nililigaw nila ang mga manlalakbay
Isang nilalang na parang bampira na nagbabago ng anyo at kumakain ng mga hindi pa isinisilang na sanggol, laman at enerhiya ng tao
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BLOGS
Cerita Saat Imlek By Suci Ayu R.
“Eh Linda, kamu hari ini libur tho? Mau libur ke mana?” tanya Mbak Sri saat kami bertemu di Mall gedung apartemen tempat kami tinggal. “Ndak kemana-mana Mbak, saya cuma mau ketemu teman saya di Mongkok. Abis itu pulang. Mbak Sri mau ke mana?” jawabku. “Mau ke mana? Capek aku Lin. Ini aja aku maksa bilang ke majikan aku mau libur hari ini. Cuma mau ke Sham Shui Po, nemuin adikku. Abis itu aku mau cari tempat buat rebahan biar bisa tidur. Semalam aku ndak tidur Lin” kata Mbak Sri. “Lha kenapa? Emangnya majikannya suruh Mbak Sri bakar uang kertas lagi ya?” tanyaku. “Iya, ndak tahu tuh orang, masa jam tiga saya disuruh bakar uang kertas. Kan harusnya dia sendiri yang paisan. Wong yang ngerayain tahun baru itu dia, bukan aku” katanya. “Bayangin aja, jam tiga pagi lho Lin, kan dibawah udah ndak ada orang, mana gerimis lagi. Ya udah, aku bakar aja semua uang kertasnya sekalian. Males aku disuruh bakarnya satu-satu. Udah gitu ya, tahu ga? Pas pulang kan aku lewat lift samping yang biasanya kita pakai itu, masa pintu gerbangnya buka tutup sendiri. Kan disitu ndak dijagain satpam, ndak ada angin juga. Yang mainan pintu siapa coba?” “Nah lho, trus gimana Mbak?” tanyaku. “Ya aku lari dong ke pintu utama gedung yang dijagain satpam. Sampe ngos-ngosan aku. Itu satpamnya kan
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perempuan, dia nanyain kenapa aku lari-lari. Tak ceritain aja, kalau gerbang samping itu buka tutup sendiri. Eh, si satpam malah ndak ngijinin aku naik. Katanya dia takut Lin, hahaha.” “Ya aku tetep naiklah. Ndak mungkin aku nemenin dia, wong majikanku juga belum tidur. Sampai rumah, masih banyak kerjaan juga. Makanya ini aku mau cari tempat biar bisa rebahan. Kesel aku Lin, udah ngantuk, capek, seminggu ini kan bersih-bersih terus, mana masih ngurus rumah barunya si kakek, eh leisi-nya masa cuma dikasih dua ratus. Tahun-tahun kemarin masih ngasih lima ratus lho.” “Kamu dikasih leisi berapa Lin?” tanya Mbak Sri. “Aku? Sama kayak tahun-tahun sebelumnya, dua ratus Mbak” jawabku. “Kamu sih mending Lin, walau cuma dikasih dua ratus tapi kerjaannya ndak begitu banyak. Paling cuma bersih-bersih kan? Lha aku, ndak cuma ngebersihin rumah ini, tuh rumah barunya si kakek yang di Tiu Keng Leng juga harus dibersihkan. Tiap hari bolak balik waktuku habis di jalan. Belum lagi harus belanja buat sesajennya dia. Badanku ini rasanya ngilu semua.” “Pernah ku ceritain kan? Tahun lalu juga aku disuruh majikan buat bakar uang kertas. Masa, barusan aja naik, aku disuruh turun lagi, katanya bawa turun itu si doggy, mungkin dia mau kencing. Waras ndak sih Lin dia itu. Itu lho udah jam berapa, jam setengah empat lho. Emangnya ndak bisa nunggu pagi?
Biasanya kan si doggy juga ndak kencing semalaman ndak ada masalah.” “Untungnya waktu itu si nenek sama kakek masih tinggal disini, disemprot sama nenek kan. Ndak ada simpatinya sama sekali sama helper-nya. Aku kan udah capek dari pagi mondar mandir ngurusin urusannya dia. Sampai makan aja ndak tahu rasanya apa.” “Kamu kenapa ndak jalan-jalan Lin? Biasanya kamu ngelayap kemana gitu” tanya Mbak Sri. “Enggak ah Mbak, nanti cuma mau ketemu temen, makan terus pulang. Lagi males jalan-jalan Mbak. Ini, saya ada
gelaran, Mbak Sri pakai saja biar bisa rebahan. Nanti dari Sham Shui Po mau nyari tempat dimana?” kataku seraya menyerahkan tikar lipat yang selalu ada di dalam tas. “Eh iya, makasih ya Lin. Aku paling nanti di taman belakang sekolah itu aja nyari tempatnya. Biasanya disitu banyak helper lain pada liburan.” “Oh, ya udah kalau begitu nanti pulang dari Mongkok tak WA ya. Tak cari di taman.” kataku. “Okay, tak tunggu lho ya. Makasih tikarnya.” kata Mbak Sri sembari tersenyum. “Siap! Sampai ketemu nanti siang.“
@TckLearningCentre
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USEFUL CONTACTS
Crime & emergency services Emergency Hotline (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999 Police Hotline 2527 7177
HK Government departments & agencies Hong Kong Immigration Department 2824 6111 Hong Kong Labour Department 2157 9537 Consumer Council 2929 2222
Consular services Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong 2823 8500 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6345 9324 Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) 2866 0640 Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong 3651 0200 Royal Thai Consulate General in Hong Kong 2521 6481 Consulate General of India, Hong Kong 3970 9900 Consulate General of Pakistan, Hong Kong 2827 0681 Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong 2369 7813
Non-Governmental Organisations International Social Service Hong Kong (ISS) 2834 6863 HELP for Domestic Workers 2523 4020 Pathfinders (Hotline for Migrant Workers) 5190 4886 Christian Action Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers 2382 3339 Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily) 2375 5322 Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge 9338 0035 Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong (ATKI-HK) Mission for Migrant Workers Refugee Union The Samaritans Hong Kong Enrich HK Uplifters TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers The Zubin Foundation Equal Opportunities Commission (General Enquiry Hotline) Equal Opportunities Commission (Anti-Sexual Harassment Hotline) Mind HK ImpactHK Mesh (Mission for Ethnic Minorities’ Sexual Health) Branches of Hope Helpology
9587 8317 2522 8264 9828 7176 2896 0000 2386 5811 9731 9713 9344 4459 2540 9588 2511 8211 2106 2222 3643 0869 2448 0011 5226 8547 3527 6048 5699 6164
Other useful contacts Hong Kong International Airport 2181 8888 MTR Lost Property Office 2861 0020 30
Visit our one-stop cyber security portal cyberdefender.hk and use our free Scameter to assess the risk of fraud
Suspicious? Call our hotline or visit the website for advice and information, or scan the QR code to subscribe to our scam alert notifications!
To report a scam, visit Hong Kong Police e-Report Centre: police.gov.hk/ppp_tc 31
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TERMINATIONS TO DATE
Visit us at TRAIN TECH!
9639 9290 5336 6530
We are looking for household workers who are passionate about their work and want to be the best at what they do. TRAIN TECH is catering to high end employers and we need high calibre workers to achieve our zero termination aspirations. We offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. You’ll have the opportunity to work with your dream employer while getting the full support of TRAIN TECH dedicated to helping you and your employers achieve a perfect match. If you are finishing contract in the next few months or you know anyone who wants to work in Hong Kong, contact or visit us at TRAIN TECH – bring along your passport and contract. We look forward to hearing from you!
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UNIT 27, 18/F, CHINA BUILDING, 29 QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG