Hong Kong’s Migrant Community
Issue 13
Dec 23 / Jan 24
FREE
Paskong Pinoy festival NGO spotlight: Koma Karanth Foundation
Making an impact: celebrating community heroes
YOUR GO TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE LIST DID YOU KNOW? Having good mental health is as important as having a healthy body! Mental health hotlines are not just for emergency and suicidal situations. Besides the emergency hotline, there are hotlines and services that can support you to achieve mental wellness. Simply reach out to speak to someone when you are going through a tough time. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS
CARITAS ASIAN MIGRANT WORKERS SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECT (CARITAS - AMP)
MDW RECHARGE HUB by Social Work Department, CUHK
PEDULI KASIH HK (For Bahasa Indonesia speakers)
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
MeHeal Programme 1. Sunday yoga class 2. Group support sessions 3. In-person/online one-on-one counselling sessions How to Sign Up? Fill in the registration form in HELP’s Facebook post. (Search “MeHeal” on their FB page) Facebook: HELP for Domestic Workers Email: info@helpfordomesticworkers.org Telephone: +852 2523 4020 WhatsApp: +852 5936 3780 Website: helpfordomesticworkers.org Office Hours & Address: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10.30am-2:30pm (Every second Sat of the month) (606, 299QRC, 287-299 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong) Sun: 10.30am–2.30pm Public Holidays: Closed (21F, WYNG Foundation, Chun Wo Commerical Centre, 23-27 Wing Wo St, Central, Hong Kong)
Self-Help Groups for Foreign Domestic Helpers Release work and migration stress through mutual support How to Sign Up? Follow the Caritas AMP FB page for the latest updates and registration information Telephone: +852 2147 5988 SMS & WhatsApp: +852 5617 3559 Email: cdamp@caritassws.org.hk Facebook: Caritas - AMP Address: Room 7-8, 1/F, Lee Ga Building, 131 Sai Wan Ho Street, Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong Office Hours: Every Mon & Fri: 2pm–6pm Every Wed, Thur, Sat & Sun: 10am–1pm & 2pm–6pm Public Holidays (except Sunday): Closed Dream Catcher Program Mental Wellbeing Activities Follow the Dream Catcher Programme FB page for the latest updates & registration information MDW Recharge Line Call to talk about your distressing thoughts or your worries about a loved one MDW Recharge Line (WhatsApp) : +852 9161 3074 The hotline is handled by compassionate & trained migrant domestic workers (MDW) who understand the unique challenges faced by MDWs Send a WhatsApp message in English/Tagalog. Volunteers will respond 9pm-12am. Facebook: Dream Catcher Training Programme Email: mdwrechargehub@cuhk.edu.hk Website: mdwrechragehub.swk.cuhk.edu.hk
Mental Health Consultation & Counselling Personal development program to promote personal well-being and peer support How to Sign Up? Registration information can be found in the FB post of the respective activity Telephone: +852 5688 7554 / +852 5228 0671 Email: bantuan@pedulikasih.hk Facebook: Peduli Kasih HK
The Samaritans 24-hour Multi-lingual Suicide Prevention Hotline: 2896 0000 Emergency Help If you need help from the Police, Fire Services Department or an ambulance, dial 999. For the speech or hearing impaired, you could call for assistance via SMS to 992.
Call PathFinders’ hotline +852 5190 4886 if you are experiencing poor mental health because you are pregnant or have given birth in Hong Kong. Reach out to us even if you have overstayed your visa. 2
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CONTENTS
Issue 13
A word from the founders
Dec ‘23 / Jan ‘24 Editors: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner Lead writer: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward Front cover: Designed by Martin Turner; background collage images provided by Cynthia Abdon-Tellez & Arthur Dolosa Buban Design: Martin Turner (based on original template designed by Steve Ellul of Cedar Hong Kong) Special thanks: Steve Ellul & 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 Conversation with Ron The best Christmas gift Lead feature: Making an impact Celebrating heroes in the migrant community A taste of home: Bistek Tagalog Chef Terry cooks Filipino beef steak NGO spotlight: Koma Karanth Foundation Building shelters for the homeless in the Philippines Ask Aileen Can MDWs work in commercial businesses? Paskong Pinoy (Filipino) Filipino Christmas celebrations in Chater Road
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, PANGYAOS! ‘Tis the season of giving and the season to be jolly, we hope you enjoy this end of year issue! In this issue, we celebrate two prominent figures recently recognised for their tireless community service, Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, General Manager of Mission for Migrant Workers, and Arthur Buban, founder of Love, Peace and Unity HK and the Bicol Migrant Association HK. Our NGO spotlight features Koma Karanth Foundation and its indomitable founder and CEO Maitreyi Karanth, in their quest to build homes and livelihood for a strong and peaceful community in an impoverished village in the remote mountains of Mindoro. Ron R. Lacson shares how his father taught him a valuable life lesson at Christmas when he was a young boy, and how it shaped the way he viewed the world from then on. In our Indonesian feature, the author talks about struggling with compassion fatigue and the need to make time for oneself to avoid it.
Kapit sa patalim: stooge accounts The dangers of selling your bank account
We look forward to 2024 with optimism, armed with countless more stories about this vibrant community we serve.
Hatiku bukan terbuat dari berlian (Indonesian) Community service is not always easy
Wishing all our Pangyaos happy holidays and a prosperous year ahead!
Useful contacts NGOs, consulates, and more...
Aileen & Martin 6626 9751 (Aileen)
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aileen@pangyao.hk
POETRY CORNER
Never-ending wishes
By Melody Munson
Christmas comes once a year It’s time for holiday cheer Young and old to Santa will whisper Material things, does it make us better? What attitude we possess if wishes are not granted Shall we blame the faith and being lamented Some are patient when being tested Accepting the faith that was designated Christmas is coming, we’re all celebrating But what colourful wishes that we never stop wishing With love for humanity, in all our hearts will be reigning Or world peace is just wishful thinking Thank you for the season’s greetings Meaningful chorus the choir was singing The act of giving is widely spreading Selfishness is forgotten, may your wishes come true, our mouths were uttering.
Wish By Tonette Rodriguez Albo
I make a list Of my Christmas wish Not just for me But for everybody.
In collaboration with
A peaceful mind To make us bind A loving heart So we can’t be apart. It’s a season of love A day we want to have Not a material thing But the joy it brings
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Consul General Raly L. Tejada’s message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community
WITH THE HOLIDAYS fast approaching and the joyous spirit once again spreads throughout the community, I wish to convey my sincerest greetings to all of our kababayan here in Hong Kong. The end of the year is a time for reflection. Almost a year has passed since the lifting of pandemic restrictions in Hong Kong and we are now able to gather and celebrate together like before. The pandemic was undoubtedly a challenging time for the Filipino community, but our strong bonds and faith in God kept us together and safe through those difficult periods. As we head into 2024, let us build upon these bonds to create a more loving, caring, and involved Filipino community in Hong Kong. The holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to give thanks and show appreciation. Thus, I would like to take this occasion to congratulate Pangyao Magazine on their second anniversary. Aileen and Martin have been key partners of the Consulate in delivering useful and timely information to the community. May this partnership, anchored on a mutual desire to serve our community, continue to grow and blossom. I also wish to congratulate our hardworking men and women of the Consulate, who have diligently served the community throughout
the pandemic and ever since. Even despite the trials and tribulations of the last few years, they never lost heart and their commitment to public service even doubled. They are in my book, heroes in their own rights. Lastly, of course, I wish to thank the Filipino community for showcasing their Bayanihan spirit. From organisations such as the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, who were indispensable in providing assistance during the pandemic, to our Filipino community leaders who galvanized the various groups, I offer my sincerest thanks. We would not have been able to mount our successful Independence Day celebrations without all of your support. For our kababayan who will be in Hong Kong for the Christmas season, I would like to invite you all to join us for the traditional Misa de Aguinaldo, which will be held on 24th December 2023. You can view the complete details via the Consulate’s official website below. From our Philippine Consulate family to yours, we wish everyone a restful and joyous holiday. Bearing in mind the blessings that we have received throughout the year, may we remain ever grateful and spread the spirit of Christmas to our friends, fellows, and neighbours alike. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
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Do you know that you are protected against discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, breastfeeding, disability, family status and race under Hong Kong’s four anti-discrimination laws? Tahukah Anda bahwa Anda dilindungi dari diskriminasi dan pelecehan, atas dasar jenis kelamin, status perkawinan, kehamilan, menyusui, disabilitas, status keluarga, dan ras berdasarkan empat undangundang anti diskriminasi Hong Kong? Alam mo ba na ikaw ay protektado laban sa diskriminasyon at panliligalig dahil sa kasarian, marital status, pagbubuntis, pagpapasuso, kapansanan, katayuan ng pamilya at lahi sa ilalim ng apat na batas laban sa diskriminasyon ng Hong Kong?
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is the statutory body responsible for implementing these antidiscrimination laws. Komisi Persamaan Kesempatan (EOC) adalah badan hukum yang bertanggung jawab untuk menerapkan undang-undang anti-diskriminasi diatas. Ang Komisyon sa Pantay-pantay na Oportunidad (EOC) ay ang kumakatawan sa batas na responsable para sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas na ito laban sa diskriminasyon.
To know more, please visit the Equal Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) website. Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut, silakan kunjungi situs Komisi Persamaan Kesempatan (EOC). Para sa iba pang impormasyon, mangyaring bisitahin ang website ng Komisyon sa Pantay-pantay na Oportunidad (EOC).
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EOC Website
Information in other languages
Racial Inclusion Playlist
Situs EOC
Informasi dalam bahasa lain
Daftar putar inklusif Ras
Website ng EOC
Impormasyon sa ibang mga wika
Playlist sa Pagsasama ng Magkaibang Lahi
3/12/2023 2:20 PM
CONVERSATION WITH RON
Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts
The best Christmas gift IT WAS THE evening of December 23, two days before Christmas. I was 12 years old and sulking in the corner of our small sari-sari store (also our house) in Bago Bantay because I was not getting what I wanted for Christmas. I asked my parents for a bicycle but learned there wasn’t enough money to purchase one. My mother also said that I didn’t need it yet. I was upset.
We had already finished dinner, “Roni, nahugasan mo na ba yung mga plato?” my mother asked. “Tapos na, Ma,” I answered. But in my mind, I was saying, “Lagi na lang ako naghuhugas, di naman nabili gusto ko.” My siblings (my younger sister and brother) were watching something on our black-and-white TV, and I did not join them.
).
Playlist
sif Ras
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ama ng ahi
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CONVERSATION WITH RON To be honest and truthful, I was not in the mood to watch TV or be with anyone. I was squelching in self-pity and, maybe, carrying a pound of anger. I felt that the whole planet was encapsulating me. Then my father, who was outside for a while, came back to the house and called me. “Roni, halika, tulungan mo akong buhatin itong dalawang karton, ilabas natin.” I did not want to get up; I just wanted to stay where I was. My thoughts were creating words of protest: “Hindi niyo na nga ako bibilhan ng bisikleta, pagbubuhatin niyo pa ako ng karton palabas, tsaka gabi na ah. Naghugas na ako ng plato, at nagwalis pa, ngayon may gagawin nanaman.” But I understood that my father could not get any assistance from anyone else in our house. My siblings were still young and little, and my mother was minding our store. “Lumakad na kayo, Roni, para makabalik kayo agad,” said my mother softly, who seemed to know what was about to transpire. So, I stood up, dragged myself, carried one of the boxes (my father carried the other) and walked outside. I did not know where we were going, so I followed my father. A few moments later, we arrived at a tiny place that looked like a bodega (stock room) for soft drinks, just across the street from our house, near another sari-sari store called Mang Maning. Although we knew it wasn’t locked, we still knocked on the door; someone opened it. . “Mang Ramon, kayo pala,” referring to my father, “Tuloy kayo,” said a man in a faint voice. We went in. I was surprised to see a family living inside that minimal rectangular space. A man was carrying an infant child; he was limping. Two other children (boys, probably aged 5 and 7) were sitting atop an empty green wooden San Miguel beer case.
It seemed that Mang Jerry wanted to say something, but nothing came out of his throat, as if his controlled sobbing snuggled his voice. In the end, his voice trembling, through his tears he spoke: “Salamat. Maraming salamat” “May dala kami para sa inyo,” said my father as he placed the box on the table. He opened it and revealed a few things; bread (monay), a supot, or bag of rice, a couple of cans of evaporated milk (Alaska), coffee (Blend 45), Chocovim, some hopia, siopao, and a few canned goods. Then, I looked at the face of the man – I swear I saw some tears falling from his eyes as he tried to compose himself while holding his child. At that point, I already recognised the man. He was Mang Jerry, who used to work at the gravel and sand factory on the side of the road. Word on the street said he had lost his wife recently because of some form of illness, meaning his kids had also lost their mother. Mang Jerry did not look well. He couldn’t work lately and was obviously in need of help. I looked at the kids; they were thin, with uncombed hair, and their deep, sad
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eyes seemed to be about to cry too. I was immersed in the unfolding scene. My heart broke. “Roni, dalhin mo yung isang karton dito sa mesa,” said my father. I did not need to drag myself this time as I hurriedly (and eagerly) put the box on the table and opened it. It had two pairs of secondhand children’s Bantex rubber shoes (the best we could afford, but I knew they would last long), socks, children’s sandos, a feeding bottle, and a towel. The two kids jumped for joy with scrubby tears on their cheeks as they almost fell from the empty beer case they were sitting on. It seemed that Mang Jerry wanted to say something, but nothing came out of his throat, as if his controlled sobbing snuggled his voice. In the end, his voice trembling, through his tears he spoke: “Salamat. Maraming salamat.” I hate to admit it, but tears started to fall from my eyes too, and they would not stop. I had to excuse myself; I asked if I could step out the door. My father understood and allowed me to leave. He chatted with Mang Jerry for a while. As I sat down on the bulging pavement near the door outside, still crying, I knew at that moment I was a changed person. I could still picture the three kids and their father’s tears. The look of happiness and gratefulness on their faces is unmistakably what they wanted to convey to us. Minutes ago, I was upset and mad because I did not get the present I had wished for. How foolish I was to be stressed and irritated just because I did not get what I wanted. I realised that the world is full of people needing care, help, empathy, connection, and… food. I was a jerk for only thinking about myself.
joy; my soul was experiencing pleasure I had never gotten before. My parents had just given me the best gift – the gift of desire to give. While pondering all these feelings, my eyes began to shed tears again. “Anong ginagawa mo diyan, anak?” asked my father when he came out of the door. I did not answer him, but rather asked him a question too, “Kumusta sila, Pa? Okay na sila?” I said, as I tried to wipe away my tears with the bottom of my T-shirt. My father just smiled and said, “Halika, uwi na tayo.” We were about to walk back when a sudden thought came to my mind. “Sandali lang, Pa,” I said. I marched back to the tiny place, and without warning, I hugged the two kids, rubbed their heads gently, and then said to Mang Jerry, “Salamat po, Mang Jerry.” I knew he wondered why I thanked him, but I also knew he would understand one day. After all, the faithful essence of Christmas is giving, and the noble aspiration one must have in life is being able to share. As for my father and mother, they gave me more than a bicycle that Christmas season. That night, they gave me a truck... a truckload of delight to every attitude and act of giving. It’s the best Christmas gift. And I whispered in my thoughts... “Makakapaghintay ang bisikleta.”
But then, after playing a part in the demonstrations of kindness and gratitude a while ago, my heart became filled with 13
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Making an impact:
celebrating community heroes By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward 14
Photo by Martin Turner
FEATURE
Pangyao meets Cynthia Abdon-Tellez and Arthur Dolosa Buban, both recently awarded in recognition of their long-standing dedication and commitment to Hong Kong’s migrant community
Cynthia Abdon-Tellez: HOPE Hero of the Year 2023 “HALINA, PASOK KAYO! Pasensiya na at medyo busy dito sa loob ng aming office,” [Welcome, please come in! Apologies as it looks a bit busy inside our office] says Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, General Manager for Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW). Cynthia has a warm persona and a quick smile that makes you feel right at home. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious; she has served Hong Kong’s migrant community for over 40 years, but there is no sign of the 70-year-old Olongapo City native slowing down. Winning the HOPE Hero of the year 2023 award is an honour, but it only strengthens Cynthia’s resolve to continue her service to the MDW community. “I am so honoured and humbled that this award goes beyond me. It is in recognition of the hard work that our Filipino women and men… have done to save their families and, eventually, our country. Full of hope, I share this with them,” she said in her acceptance speech for the award. In the 1980s, Cynthia left the Philippines as a young social worker to observe the living conditions of Filipino migrant domestic workers (MDWs), a population which has been growing in number ever since
President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed the new Labour Code 422, encouraging the deployment of overseas workers. After a few months of reporting back her observations, including her recommendation to open a place offering assistance to abused and exploited MDWs, the decision was taken to establish the Mission for Migrant Workers centre in Hong Kong. MFMW provides a range of free services to the migrant worker community, from providing legal assistance to giving shelter, from Cantonese language classes to hospital and prison visitations, all focused on empowerment and learning. Their outreach programmes, referred to as Migrant Care Centres (MCCs), extend welfare services to migrant workers across Hong Kong, through collaborations with other migrant organisations and volunteers from the community. Cynthia has always championed that empowered migrant workers who are able to protect their rights, are cared for and recognised as an integral part of a
I am so honoured and humbled that this award goes beyond me. It is in recognition of the hard work that our Filipino women and men… have done to save their families and, eventually, our country. Full of hope, I share this with them - Cynthia accepting her HOPE Hero award 15
FEATURE multicultural and inclusive Hong Kong society. “Mula noong nag-umpisa ang MFMW, hanggang ngayon, marami pa ding mga issues na gusto nating maimprove,” [Since the very start of MFMW until now, there are still a lot issues that we want to see improved] she says, Asked about her message to the migrant community, she shares: “Speak out! Join organisations na alam mong makakatulong para maunawaan mo ang iyong mga karapatan at alam mong makakatulong sa kapwa; huwag mag-atubiling magtanong kung hindi sigurado sa gagawin. Maging mahinahon pero firm sa mahahalagang desisyon o posisyon. Ano man ang iyong kaalaman, share it with others.” [Join organisations that you know can be helpful in informing you about your rights and helpful for your community; don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are not sure what to do. Be calm but firm about important decisions or situations. Whatever knowledge you have, share it with others.]
All photos provided by Mission for Migrant Workers
Cynthia puts the rights and needs of MDWs at the forefront of everything she does and her hard work, commitment, and dedication has been an inspiration to many. She has helped numerous migrant workers over the years, and no doubt with the whole MFMW team behind her, their busy – but always warm and welcoming – office will continue to help countless more.
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MFMWHK migrants.net
Arthur Dolosa Buban: Bagong Bayani Award for Outstanding Employee and the Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bayani 2023 Arthur started helping out those in need in 2012, when a fellow Filipino who was sick and confined to a hospital bed reached out to him for help, as she didn’t have anyone to visit her. This was the start of his many years of service to the Filipino community, becoming an integral volunteer for the Philippine Consulate General here in Hong Kong. In the early days, there was a period when Arthur put his community service on hold after some negative feedback affected his motivation. But all that changed on Christmas Eve 2016, when Arthur and his partner Myzel were driving to church to attend Christmas mass and almost got into a really bad car accident. They both were shaken and scared knowing they could’ve lost their lives in the blink of an eye, but it was this close brush with mortality that ultimately gave Arthur the inspiration and motivation he needed to start dedicating his time to helping Filipinos in need again. “Sinimulan ko ulit tumulong sa mga kababayan natin pagkatapos noong nangyari na yan. Parang sensyas mula sa Diyos na sa ikli ng buhay natin, dapat ilaan ito sa pagtulong sa kapwa,” [I started helping out my community again after what happened. It was like a sign from God that we should help out our fellowmen in the short time we have being alive] Arthur shares. Arthur is the founder of Love, Peace and Unity Pinoy HK Group, which works to help fellow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are in need of assistance, whether it
All photos provided by Arthur Buban
I started helping out my community again after what happened. It was like a sign from God that we should help out our fellowmen in the short time we have being alive - Arthur Dolosa Buban, after an accident changed his perspective be hospital visits or help approaching the Philippine Consulate office. Being a Bicolano himself, he also founded another group, the Bicol Migrant Association HK, which is comprised of OFWs from the Bicol region in the Philippines. They do a lot of charity drives for typhoon and earthquake victims back in their hometowns. For all his effort and care for his fellow OFWs over the years, the Bagong Bayani Foundation, under the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, recently awarded Arthur the Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bayani, their highest honour. He was also awarded the Bagong Bayani Award for Outstanding Employee, for his distinguished and outstanding performance in his duties and responsibilities. Another project on Arthur’s horizon in the near future is an OFW family sports programme, where OFWs can gather and compete in team sports and games, an providing the opportunity to de-stress and promote physical well-being.
Offering some advice to his fellow migrant workers from his many years of experience, Arthur shares, “Kung may problema kayo sa employer ninyo, kausapin niyo lamang sila ng heart-to-heart ba, para maiwasan ang tampuhan. At huwag basta bastang magtiwala sa ibang tao, kahit akala ninyo kilala niyo lalo na kung pera ang involved.” [If you have a problem with your employer, just talk to them heart-to-heart, to avoid any misunderstandings. And don’t just trust anyone, even if you think you know them, especially when money is involved.]
Bicol Migrant Association HK
Love, Peace and Unity Pinoy HK
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A TASTE OF HOME
Chef Terry cooks
Bistek Tagalog Introducing Chef Terry
A brief history of bistek Tagalog
Terencia N. Escultor, known to everyone as Chef Terry, has extensive experience in the kitchen. She has been cooking in Hong Kong since 2009 and specialises in AsianWestern fusion food. Most of her Asian dishes have roots in Filipino homecooked comfort food, expertly adapted to Western tastes and sensibilities.
The name is Spanish in origin, bistec, meaning beef steak. This traditional Filipino dish is a delicious blend of savoury and sour flavours – with the saltiness from the soy sauce and tartness from kalamansi (Chef Terry uses lemon in this recipe).
Photo by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
“My inspiration for cooking comes from my family. Throughout the years, my family have enjoyed the dishes I cook, which motivates me to pursue excellence in cooking,” Chef Terry shares.
The secret to flavourful and tender meat is how long you marinate the beef; Chef Terry opts for an entire week, but says even marinating overnight for around 12 hours already makes a big difference.
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My inspiration for cooking comes from my family. Throughout the years, my family have enjoyed the dishes I cook, which motivates me to pursue excellence in cooking - Chef Terry
Ingredients
Method
• • • • • • • •
Marinade 1. Mix the soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon peel, and garlic in a glass bowl 2. Add the beef and mix in well. Marinate for up to one week (minimum 12 hours) Cooking steps 1. Drain the marinade and set aside. 2. Add vegetable oil to a hot pan and fry the slices of beef until there is a little bit of browning 3. Slowly pour the marinade into the pan with the beef, add water, and simmer for 5 minutes 4. Add the onions and cook until translucent 5. Salt and pepper to taste and serve with steamed rice
Photos by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
1 kg beef striploin, thinly sliced 2 lemons, juiced, with some peel reserved 1 large white onion, cut into rings 6 cloves of garlic, diced 1 cup soy sauce ½ cup water 3 tbsp vegetable oil salt & pepper to taste
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All photos provided by Koma Karanth Foundation
NGO SPOTLIGHT
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
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HOME IS WHERE the heart is. It is more than a place to sleep, more than a place to put our belongings. A home is where a person and their family can feel sheltered and safe. It is one of the most basic of human rights, and yet according to the National Statistics Office in the Philippines, there are around 4.5 million homeless or dispossessed people in the country – the highest in Southeast Asia. Not enough is being done by the Philippine government about this problem, which needs to be addressed not only by building more homes, but also through education, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Shelter alone is not enough to reduce the incidence of homelessness, as many of these individuals require assistance; development programs are required to help with job training, basic work skills, and psychosocial support, to help them regain stability and independence. This is where Koma Karanth Foundation gets it right. The foundation is named after Koni Mahabaleshwar Karanth – known as Ko Ma Karanth – the father of the foundation’s CEO, Maitreyi Karanth. Maitreyi’s life story reads like a best-selling novel: growing up in poverty in India, there were days when the family’s only option for a meal was to head to the temple. But her father had a natural talent for writing, which ultimately lead to better opportunities for their family. Blind from a young age, Maitreyi’s mother, Radha, was a stay-at-home parent, until Ko Ma passed away at the age of 40. With a young family now solely dependent on her, Radha overcame her lack of confidence and was offered a job at a local bank, as part of a program for people with disabilities. Maitreyi looks back on her mother’s actions as a key source of her own empowerment, even if she was too young to realise it at the time. Earlier in her career, Maitreyi owned a very successful maths tutoring business, putting her MBA (Masters in Business Administration) in Mathematics to good use. Now based in Hong Kong, she currently owns a production company that has produced a film, a TV series, and a series of ongoing comedy shows.
Sally, who used to work as a domestic worker for me, took care of us, including my mother and my 11 dogs. I wanted to give something back for her generosity – Maitreyi Karanth
Through all this success, Maitreyi wanted to give back to the community. The idea for Koma Karanth came about via Maitreyi’s ex-domestic worker, Sally, originally from Gloria, Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines. “Sally, who used to work as a domestic worker for me, took care of us, including my mother and my 11 dogs. I wanted to give something back for her generosity, so whenever there was a need [in Sally’s community in the Philippines], like in a typhoon, we would offer some help,” says Maitreyi. “We started feeding kids in the slums in the Philippines, and one day we had this plan to go to 5 different homes of people who were really struggling, and ask them what they needed.” Fast forward to present day, Sally is now Manager of Koma Karanth Foundation in the Philippines. This is also how Maitreyi met Marilyn. In her late 30s, Marilyn lived in a small hut in Gloria with her husband and their 10-year-old son. She had suffered a stroke earlier, so her speech was slurred, and she could not walk properly. Marilyn had to drag herself to the outside toilet, as their home did not have one. When asked what Marilyn wanted, she replied that she only wanted food. It was after this meeting that Maitreyi had an epiphany. She wanted to build Marilyn a proper home and help her live a life with dignity. The next morning, she called her team of volunteers together and told them they would work together to build a house for Marilyn. They also asked Marilyn’s husband, who was a labourer himself, to gather other labourers in the town – all out of work due to the pandemic – to help build the home. A few days later, after planning and gathering of materials, the building work commenced. “We started building. Marilyn sat near the building site and she refused to leave. She was so happy watching her husband and the other men build her 21
NGO SPOTLIGHT
home. She said she wanted to be there every day to see her dream house being built,” Maitreyi shares. Those who are dreamers often view the world with a heady optimism that is infectious to everyone around them. They keep hope in their front pockets and hand it out to those who need it the most. Being around Marilyn was like being handed hope by the spadeful. Her excitement of finally having a proper home made everyone around her happy – especially Maitreyi – who arranged a haircut for Marilyn on the fourth day of watching her dream come to life. Happy with her new hairdo, Marilyn took a nap. But she never woke up. Maitreyi was heartbroken. “I cried so much when Marilyn died. I really wanted to see her reaction once we unveiled her new home. Sadly, that will never happen,” she shares. However, the whole team was determined to finish what they started, so after a beautiful but solemn funeral, the work on the house continued. The day it was unveiled, Marilyn’s son placed a nameplate on the front of the house with her name on it. These nameplates have become a signature on all the homes built by Koma Karanth Foundation ever since. With a building team already formed, Maitreyi decided to continue the house building project; to date, the foundation has built homes for 28 different families in need of better shelter. They have also built other facilities for the village, including a tutoring school – currently accommodating 32 students and 2 teachers, with their daily lunches included – and an oldage community centre for the town’s elderly to gather, eat, and share stories, so they don’t feel too lonely at home by themselves. 22
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the local government, the foundation helped to bring fresh water to the village, meaning villagers no longer need to walk 2 hours down the mountain to fetch water, a journey that becomes increasingly treacherous during adverse weather conditions. They also built a small Koma sari-sari [variety] store run by one of the single mothers and have very recently acquired a second-hand pick-up truck, which is used for bringing children to school and running many other Koma Karanth Foundation errands. There is no slowing down Maitreyi and her big plans for helping the community through the Koma Karanth Foundation. So far, all the houses they have built were for families who had land but no proper home, but plans are now underway to purchase land and build around 30 houses, alongside a community vegetable garden. “The idea is to build a community that will help each other and everyone can live happily. The houses will be leased for free to the residents, who can stay there for as long as they want, provided they adhere to being part of the kind of community we are trying to establish,” Maitreyi shared in a previous interview. “If that becomes a successful model, then we will build more communities like it,” she added. Koma Karanth Foundation is a registered charity in Hong Kong. To make a donation or find out how you can help with their cause, please visit their website.
komakaranthfoundation.org
Ask Aileen
Pangyao co-founder Aileen Alonzo-Hayward helps to answer readers’ questions about living and working in Hong Kong
Reader’s Question: I have been with my current employer for 5 months now. They own a shop, and they routinely ask me to arrange their storeroom and pre-package some of the goods. Being new in Hong Kong, I was wondering if this is against the law? If it is, how do I talk to my employer about it? – Linda, Kowloon Hello Linda, thank you for your question! Helping in your employer’s commercial venture does not count as a domestic chore. By asking you to perform nondomestic duties, your employer is in breach of the conditions stated in the standard employment contract (SEC). According to the Hong Kong Labour Department Handbook, “If an employer requires an FDH to perform non-domestic duties, he/she will commit an offence under the Immigration Ordinance (IO) and is liable to prosecution.” Major household chores stated in the SEC include, but are not limited to, cooking, looking after the elderly, and child-minding. Other duties considered incidental to
household chores might include going to the market, washing cars, delivery of food or personal items to the employer or their family members (living in the same residence) outside of their place of dwelling etc. When you talk to your employer about this, be calm and honest. Mention that helping out with their business is not part of your duties, but anything inside the household or other outside errands relating to domestic work are totally fine. Having a frank and composed discussion should avoid any misunderstandings and future frustrations. For any further questions or clarifications about domestic duties, you can call the Foreign Domestic Helper section of the Immigration Department or the Labour Department, via the hotline numbers below.
2824 6111 (Immigration Department) 2157 9537 (Labour Department) Find more from Ask Aileen on the Pangyao website:
pangyao.hk/blog 23
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Itong celebrasyon na ito ay handog ng Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) sa ilalim ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at ng Philippine Consulate General of the Philippines (PCG) dito sa Hong Kong. Hatid ng Global Alliance, isang community organization na pinamumunuan ni Chairman Leo Selomenio at iba’t iba pang mga community groups, isang malaking pagtitipon tipon ang magaganap sa December 24th, Sunday simula alas-9 ng umaga sa Chater Road sa Central. Magkita-kita po tayo para i-celebrate ang Paskong Pinoy!
PROGRAM RUNDOWN
9am – 10am: Holy Mass 10am –11am: Parade 11am – 12pm: Zumba 12pm – 1pm: Parlour games 1pm – 2pm: Message from our sponsors 2pm – 3pm: PCG Consular Officials and OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio’s messages Raffle draw of airline tickets for OFWs 4pm – 5pm: Sayawit contest and entertainment Sayaw Pasko ‘ChristMass’ dance with participation from over 400 OFW dancers! 5pm onwards: Awarding of the winners for the parol, miniature Christmas tree, and the booth beautification contests “Ang pagdiriwang ng pasko sa ating mga Filipino ay isang tradisyong nagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa atin pamilya. Saan mang panig tayo dalhin ng kapalaran, dala-dala natin ang paggunita sa pinakamasayang selebrasyon ng taon hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kung hindi maging sa buong mundo. Ang buong ahensya ng OWWA na pinamumunuan ng ating mahal na Administrator Arnel Ignacio ay nais iparating ang pagbati ng Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat ng Filipino dito sa Hong Kong. Ang ‘OWWA OFW Day handog ay Paskong Pinoy’ ay isang selebrasyon ng pagmamahal at pagkakaisa ng bawat Filipino. Nawa’y maramdaman natin ang kasiyahan at patuloy na ipakita ang kulturang tumatatak sa ating mga Filipino” - Mensahe galing sa OWWA
a big thank you to our sponsors! Philippines Statistics Authority • Public Finance • Cebu Pacific • Air Asia Greater Bay Airlines • Smartone • Banco De Oro • PNB Global Remit Metro Remit • Vista Land • LBC • True Credit • PAL
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FEATURE
Kapit sa patalim: The dangers of selling your bank accounts
In collaboration with
A stooge account is a personal bank account that is lent, rented, or sold to criminals for the purpose of money laundering. Crime syndicates take money obtained from illegal sources like drugs and trafficking – referred to as ‘black money’ – and ‘wash’ it through the system to convert it to a clean or ‘white money’, thereby avoiding prosecution, conviction, and confiscation of the criminal funds. Although it might seem like easy money, allowing others to use your account for such purposes is highly illegal, making you an accomplice to these crimes, and liable to prosecution. NEVER GET INVOLVED MAKING THE DECISION to leave family and loved ones behind in pursuit of a better life as a migrant worker is never easy. Once abroad, the challenges can be relentless: homesickness, loneliness, and stress can all take their toll. The financial burden of paying back debts, children’s tuition fees, or covering unexpected family emergencies can cause feelings of anxiety and desperation, summed up by the Filipino expression, ‘kapit sa patalim’ – directly translated as ‘holding onto the blade of a knife’ – a colourful description of the drastic measures people may reluctantly turn to in moments of hopelessness. Sadly, these factors can make migrant domestic workers (MDWs) targets for unscrupulous criminals, who lure them into using their personal bank accounts with promises of love and/or money. Once the criminals have control over their accounts, referred to as stooge accounts, these individuals often become unsuspecting and unwilling accomplices in the crime. 26
In an enforcement operation, 18 people were arrested for laundering over HKD $35 million in crime proceeds through at least 33 stooge bank accounts. Thirteen of the women arrested were MDWs holding stooge bank accounts, while the other five were key members of the money laundering syndicate. According to officers, the syndicate started recruiting stooge accounts in 2021, paying the account holders HK$1,000 to HK$2,500 per account, which included the use of their ATM cards and passcodes. Those falling victim to these scams are instructed to wire money to these stooge accounts; to confuse police and authorities, the syndicate then withdraws money from ATM after performing a large number of transactions. Crime syndicates scour social media platforms looking for vulnerable individuals to act as their money mules, often claiming it is “safe and legal”, when in fact their intentions are much more sinister, accessing personal data and utilising it for illegal purposes. When the police came knocking on her
The experience has taught me a valuable lesson. My advice to my fellow domestic workers is to not trust anyone with your personal bank account, even if you think they are your friend – Lili employer’s door one day, Lili found her life and a close friendship suddenly turned upside down. “I was so scared because I didn’t know that my best friend was doing something illegal with my bank account,” Lili shares. “When they took me to the police station, I told my employer and the police the truth – that I did not receive any money in exchange for my bank account and I had no clue she was using it to transfer illicit funds.” Luckily, Lili’s employer gave a statement to the police that she was a good, honest worker who was new to Hong Kong and had never encountered this type of crime before. Lili was released, but she was required to report back to the police station several times over the next few months. “The experience has taught me a valuable lesson,” says Lili. “My advice to my fellow domestic workers is to not trust anyone with your personal bank account, even if you think they are your friend.” Lili’s is a cautionary tale, to always be wary of offers that seem too good to be true or involve unusual requests, such as handling or transferring funds for a stranger. Be wary of anyone trying to build trust under suspicious
Money laundering stats According to the Hong Kong Police crime figures, between 7th and 25th August 2023, a large-scale arrest operation was mounted where: • 458 people were arrested • 314 money laundering-related cases were detected covering multiple different disciplines, including online shopping and employment scams, telephone deception, romance scams, and gambling-related offences • Suspected criminal proceeds from the operation amounted to over HKD 470 million • Police seized large volumes of bank documents and bank cards, mobile phones, computers, cash, and valuables, preventing the dissipation of over HKD 16 million of criminal proceeds
circumstances, such as those being overtly attentive or offering monetary gifts to entice you into friendships or relationships. Never give your personal account information to anyone or offer use of your account to others. Stay educated about the risks and tactics used by scammers and be vigilant for any signs of fraudulent activity in social media and messaging apps; the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) of the Hong Kong Police Force have many online and app resources to keep you armed with important information against this kind of criminal activity, or you can call their Anti-Scam Helpline on 18222 for consultation services around the clock. If you suspect that you have fallen prey to a scam yourself, please report the case at the nearest police station. If you are facing financial difficulties, you can reach out to non-governmental organisations like Enrich HK and Uplifters, who offer free advice and financial literacy resources to MDWs. Learning how to manage your finances not only helps to ease anxiety, but ensures you are making the most of your salary to cover the important things. Culturally, many MDWs are considered the main bread-winners who provide for their families back home, so informing loved ones of financial issues can seem difficult. But letting them know you are struggling can provide you with vital mental and emotional support through the tough times, and help to avoid instances of kapit sa patalim.
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BLOGS
HATIKU BUKAN TERBUAT DARI BERLIAN By Sooky
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“Good Morning, Wake Up!” Kucoba tutup badanku kembali dengan selimut tebalku yang sangat menghangatkan badan mungilku ini. Apalagi di musim dingin yang membuatku enggan untuk beranjak dari tempat tidurku, apalagi harus keluar dari selimut… ampun dach dingggiiiiiiiiinnnyaaaaaaaaaa! “Good Morning, Wake Up!” Kucoba raih HP untuk mematikan the noisy bunyi alarm yang sangat menggangguku setiap pagi. Setelah aku matikan itu alarm HP, aku ngruwel lagi sambil berkata 5 menit lagi. Kupejamkan mata kembali dan meringkuk lagi di bawah selimut yang hangat. Akupun tertidur lagi “Good Morning, Wake up!”
lagi lagi the noisy alarm HP berbunyi karena aku set bunyi 15 menit lagi. Accccccccchhhhhhhhhh aku sudah tidak bisa tidur lagi. Sambil masih terpejam mata, aku matikan itu alarm. Sebenarnya hari ini public holiday natalan. Tapi setiap hari minggu dan public holiday jadwalku adalah ngantor; bukan menikmati liburan dengan jalan-jalan, kulineran, dan ketemu dengan teman-teman. Hal semacam ini sudah kulalui hampir 5 tahun setelah aku selesai kuliah. Menjadi sukarewalan, tapi ini jadi sudah seperti pegawai tetap malahan. Hari ini aku memang benar-benar lesu karena aku memang lagi tidak mood untuk ngantor. Yah, ada hal yang mengganjal dibenakku yang selama ini sudah kuusahakan menahannya. Kata-kata yang yang membuatku tersinggung memang membuat aku bad mood, apalagi kata-kata tersebut menyakitkanku. Setelah aku matikan alarm, aku tarik lagi selimut dan tiduran dengan berpikir - harus kah aku keluar atau di rumah saja. Aku lagi malas banget bertemu orang-orang, apalagi bertemu dengan orang yang sudah menyinggung perasaanku. Selama ini aku coba untuk cuek bebek, mencoba untuk melakukan semuanya dengan baik, dengan mengorbankan semua waktu liburku, tenagaku, pikiranku dan bahkan uangku supaya semua kegiatan berjalan dengan lancar. Tetapi setelah aku sering mendengar kata-kata yang menyinggung perasaan, aku jadi berpikir, untuk apa semua ini kulakukan bila sedikit menghargai apa yang sudah kulakukan saja tidak didapatkan. Malah yang kudapatkan adalah kata-kata yang yang menyakitkan hati, seakan-akan apa yang mereka sudah lakukan itu lebih baik dariku. Aku tidak biasanya sejengkel ini, tapi kali ini aku memang benar-benar sakit hati. Setalah aku tiduran sekitar 3 jam. aku pun beranjak dari tempat tidur. Banyak telfon dan
sms, yang tidak satupun aku balas dan angkat telfonnya. Dengan suasana hati yang lesu dan tak bergairah kucoba ke kamar mandi dan bersiap untuk keluar. Setelah aku selesai berdandan, akhirnya aku keluar. Setelah satu jam perjalanan, akhirya aku sampai di lokasi. Tetapi bukannya ke lokasi untuk melakukan aktivitas seperti biasanya, aku malah ke Starbucks - duduk sambil menikmati puff dan hot mocca. HP-ku berdering terus seperti cacing kepanasan, namun telfonnya tidak kuangkat. Sudah ada sekitar 2 minggu aku tidak angkat telfon ataupun balas chat dia. Belum lagi dari yang lain sudah menunggu di depan pintu. Aku tidak peduli. Selama ini aku sudah sangat peduli dengan semuanya, tapi apa yang aku dapat.. sedikit respect pun tidak! Malah katakata yang menyinggung yang aku dapati. Bahkan ada yang bilang aku tidak professional, aku bodoh amat. Perasaanku kali ini lebih penting dari pada harus dengar mulut orang yang hanya bisa kasih komentar terusterusan ke aku. Memangnya mereka bisa mengembalikan semua apayang sudah aku berikan, tentunya tidak kan! Komentar, komplen selama ini aku terima dengan lapang dada. Aku selalu berusaha nepi rasa sakit hatiku, tapi tidak untuk kali ini. Aku juga manusia biasa, hatiku bukan terbuat dari berlian yang bersinar mengkilap terus. Aku juga manusia yang punya perasaan dan pikiran, mereka memang tidak memberikan materi pelajaran tapi mereka mengajarkanku bagaimana cara melindungi perasaan dan hatiku. @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 Anti-Deception Coordination Centre 18222
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) 9587 8317 Mission for Migrant Workers 2522 8264 Refugee Union 9828 7176 The Samaritans Hong Kong 2896 0000 Enrich HK 2386 5811 Uplifters 9731 9713 TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers 9344 4459 The Zubin Foundation 2540 9588 Equal Opportunities Commission (General Enquiry Hotline) 2511 8211 Equal Opportunities Commission (Anti-Sexual Harassment Hotline) 2106 2222 Mind HK 3643 0869 ImpactHK 2448 0011 Mesh (Mission for Ethnic Minorities’ Sexual Health) 5226 8547 Branches of Hope 3527 6048 Helpology 5699 6164
Other useful contacts Hong Kong International Airport 2181 8888 30
Your Path to Emotional Wellness Life often brings unexpected changes and challenges. When facing major life challenges, it is common to experience stress, homesickness, family or work issues, and feelings of loss. It is important to express these emotions and seek support from others. At HELP, we offer free one-to-one and group sharing where domestic workers can talk about their experiences and express their emotions in a safe space. Our professional counsellors provide support and guidance to help you find clarity and overcome the difficulties you are facing. You can openly and confidently share your feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment. +852 2523 4020
“She (the counsellor) really listened to me, and I felt that she understood what I was feeling. Talking about things made me feel so much better” - Catalina
Catalina found some relief from mentalhealth worries by overcoming her fears and learning how to deal with stress and negative emotions through counselling. This improved her well-being, enabling her to experience fruitful employment. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Taking care of yourself is an important part of facing life’s challenges. Take the first step on your path to emotional wellness by contacting us to learn more about our sharing sessions!
+852 5936 3780
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Visit our one-stop cyber security portal cyberdefender.hk and use our free Scameter to assess the risk of fraud
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To report a scam, visit Hong Kong Police e-Report Centre: police.gov.hk/ppp_tc
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