Pangyao Magazine Issue #14: Feb/Mar 24

Hong Kong’s Migrant Community

Issue 14

Feb / Mar 24

FREE

Star Pinoy HK: Choreography for a life abroad

Sunday Vibes festival

NGO spotlight: Enrich HK

Leo Selomenio: Life is like a movie

2

5

Don.jaytattoo Hong Kong Don.JayTattoo Hong Kong 10AM - 10PM DAILY donjaytattoohongkong

SHEK CHAN LANE OR ART LANE G/F (MTR SAI YING PUN EXIT B3)

3

CONTENTS

Issue 14

A word from

the founders

Feb / Mar ‘24 Editors: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner Lead writer: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward Front cover: Designed by Martin Turner Design: Martin Turner (based on original template designed by Steve Ellul of Cedar Hong Kong) Special thanks: Steve Ellul & Lie Fhung

2

Beware of love scams Safety tips on dating sites from Pathfinders

5

Poetry corner Poems from around the migrant community

6

Philippine Consulate General message Introducing Con Gen Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan

8

Conversation with Ron (English & Filipino) Ron asks: Do you feel worthy?

11

Lead feature: Leo Selomenio The incredible life story of a community leader

16

Pangyao pics special: Sunday Vibes Caritas-AMP’s cultural festival for domestic workers

18

NGO spotlight: Enrich HK Empowerment through financial literacy

21

A taste of home: Eudiya cooks momo A favourite from the mountains of South Asia

24

Huwag tayong magpaloko: e-shopping fraud ADCC on how to protect yourself from online scams

26

Community Groups: Star Pinoy HK Choreography for a happier life abroad

28

Mukidi Oppa Jawa (Indonesian) The emotional rollercoaster of unrequited love

30

Useful contacts NGOs, consulates, and more...

4

HELLO PANGYAOS! Happy Chinese New Year to all! 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which according to Feng Shui masters, is forecast to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges.

Our cover feature for this issue is former domestic worker, business owner, and Global Alliance community group Chairman, Leo Selomenio, whose unbelievable and inspiring life story plays out like a movie.

Pangyao columnist, Ron R. Lacson, shares ways on how to increase our self-worth, while our NGO Spotlight turns to Enrich HK and their mission of empowering domestic workers to take control of their finances. Star Pinoy HK dance group share their amazing moves, both on the dance floor and in life.

PathFinders warn us about the dangers of love scams on dating sites and how to protect ourselves, while our feature in collaboration with ADCC (Anti-Deception Coordination Centre) focuses on the growing problem of online shopping scams.

Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) turn their attention to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21st March, which also acts a warm reminder of the things we can achieve when we work together as one.

We hope you enjoy this very packed issue!

Aileen & Martin 6626 9751 (Aileen)

aileen@pangyao.hk

POETRY CORNER

Hinagpis

By Sol Ramel

Taong malupit punong puno nang galit Sa puso’y nakabaon ang hinanakit Sa damdamin nila ay puro pasakit Dapat magagandang asal ang ipalit.

Kawawang nilalang laging sinasaktan Mga demonyong galing sa kadiliman Mapagmata, mapanuri’t lapastangan Sadyang walang malay pinagbibintangan.

Ating mundo ay bilog at umiikot Kalagayan mo’y minsan dimo matarok Tuloy ang pakikibaka sa pagsubok Ngunit sa huli’y sa itaas iluklok.

Walang kalaban laban puro pighati Pagkatao’y niyurakan niyuyupi Sa sulok lumuha’t impit ang paghikbi Hiling sa Diyos sa bibig namutawi.

Kumakapit na lang sa Poong Maykapal Upang naranasan sa puso’y maibsan Kapalaran haharapin at labanan Mga minimithing tagumpay makamtan

Camaraderie

By Melchie Guihama

In collaboration with Spill of an Ink

Camaraderie is friendship and mutual trust.

Trust is needed in friendship to make it last.

Last but not least, you must be honest.

Honesty and sincerity are the best.

Best to live with understanding and love.

Love, care, and unity can create peace.

Peace in the world I’m always praying.

Praying to bind us all together as one.

One day you will understand Understanding is one of God’s words.

Words are powerful, so be careful.

Be careful what comes out of your mouth to hurt.

Hurtful words are hard to forget Forgetting is not easy even if you do forgive.

5

Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan’s message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community Greetings to our beloved kababayans in Hong Kong!

The New Year brings with it a host of new beginnings, whether it be a resolution for selfimprovement, a fresh start at work or education, or even just a renewed perspective on life in general.

In the same spirit, I also embark on a new beginning as I assume the role of Consul General of the Philippines in Hong Kong starting January of this year. Although I am not new in Hong Kong, having served as your Deputy Consul General for five years since 2018, the immensity of the tasks of the new position requires my utmost attention and dedication.

I maintain the Consulate’s commitment to deliver effective and efficient public service, most especially in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of the more than 220,000 kababayans in Hong Kong.

I am thankful to the continued support of Pangyao Magazine, particularly Aileen and Martin who have continued with their tireless efforts to inform and educate our community on latest developments, including announcements from the Consulate. I look forward to continuing

our collaboration with the dynamic people behind Pangyao Magazine and I wish them success in their steady growth as a leading print resource for the Filipino community.

At this point please allow me to take this opportunity to remind our kababayans of two important matters. First, please take the time to register as an overseas voter if you have not done so. Only those who have registered can vote in the 2025 Philippine National and Local Elections in Hong Kong. Until 30th September 2024, all eligible Filipinos can register at the Philippine Consulate or at the Migrant Workers’ Office. All you need is a valid Philippine passport. Our overseas voting team will be happy to assist you.

Second, I call on our Filipino community organisations to register with the Philippine Consulate for easier coordination and updates on upcoming activities of the Consulate. Please reach out to our Cultural and Community Affairs Section for the complete list of requirements.

As we move into the new year together, I wish everyone good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay!

PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph

6

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY. ALL RACES AS ONE Merayakan Keberagaman. Semua Ras Adalah Satu.

Ipagdiwang ang Pagkakaiba-iba. Lahat ng Lahi ay magkakaisa.

www.eoc.org.hk 2511 8211

Publication on Race Publikasi Ras Publikasyon sa Lahi 7

CONVERSATION WITH RON Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts

Do you feel worthy?

If you don’t, what must you do so you will?

THERE ARE TIMES in life when you may not feel worthy. It’s a feeling of unworthiness. Yung parang sa tingin natin ay wala tayong halaga sa mundo. Then we feel down. And sometimes, dito nagsisimula ang depression, dahil feeling mo you have less or no role in this world.

So, where does the feeling of unworthiness come from? Saan nanggagaling ito?

Ipinanganak tayong feeling worthy or may pagpapahalaga sa sarili (look at the children; they act as if they own the world; or even the universe). Bakit nawawala ang ‘feeling of being worthy’ along the way in our life?

Feeling worthy is about constructing your internal vigour and energy. It gives you the ability to respect yourself; it provides you a flourishing sense of self-awareness, and it creates a ‘live and let live’ attitude. Here are some of the things we can do.

1. Never criticize yourself harshly

We all have our own limits; it varies, but we all have saturation points. We are not superheroes who can do things with superhuman abilities (well, think of it, even ‘The Avengers’ have limitations).

Be delighted with your own individual capabilities. Always remember that you are a unique individual. Huwag mong i-down ang sarili mo. Of course, it does not mean 8

that you must be cocky o sobrang yabang o super sobrang tiwala sarili mo, na madami ka na ngang mali dahil marami kang hindi alam, and still, you refuse to acknowledge your shortcomings. Hindi naman ganoon. We also have to accept our limitations reasonably, and that’s why we advocate that all of us should have the desire to learn new things and never stop doing our best to improve ourselves.

But never be cruel to yourself. It will only give you self-pity, and then you will feel unworthy and undeserving. So, praise yourself. Pat yourself on the back when you want to. Treat yourself (sa Jollibee or sa McDonald’s, or sa fine dining kung gusto mo, basta’t isama mo ako) and say you deserve it.

Remember, you are worthy.

2. Don’t compare yourself with others The act of comparing yourself with anyone is a sure way to make you feel less than somebody. Eto yung lagi mong iniisip na kaya ka hindi umaangat ay dahil mas magaling si Pedro, or mas mahusay si Inday sa iyo. As a result, you do not feel your worth.

Feeling mo, lagi kang natatapakan. Hala, kasi compare ka nang compare dyan, parang ‘kumpare’ mo na si ‘compare’.

Think of a vegetable plant, let’s say talong, (ha? ayaw mo ng talong?). Okay, sige okra na lang (ayaw din). Alright, ampalaya (wala

nang reklamo!). You would see and observe that ampalaya grows and blooms amid other vegetable plants. It does not compare herself to others. Basta grow lang siya nang grow.

Bloom lang siya nang bloom. Kahit mapait pa siya sa tingin or panlasa ninyo, deadma lang siya, because that’s who she is, that’s her individuality. Ang pagiging mapait is her talent; that is what she can bring to the world (kita niyo na, ang ganda ng example natin – ampalaya). Hindi niya kino-compare ang sarili niya kay atis tamis.

Kasi nga, ang pag ko-compare will lead you to belittle yourself. Minamaliit mo ang sarili mo. Instead of recognising and developing your skills and talents, you only see what others have, which may lead to anxiety and depression. Hindi mo naiisip na meron kang mga bagay na pwede mo ring ipagmalaki. You see other’s worth, but you don’t see yours.

And let me add, iwasan mo and run away from anyone who only makes you feel that you are unworthy or small dahil gusto niya i-compare mo ang sarili mo sa kanya. Kung jowa or siyota mo siya, magbreak na kayo (pero singilin mo muna ‘yung utang niya sa iyo bago kayo mag part ways). The important thing is that you must be with someone who respects your individuality because you are worthy.

mga values so not only you will know it but also others.

For example, if you value honesty and trustworthiness so much, express it and let everyone know, para walang mag-aattempt na magsinungaling sa iyo or lokohin ka. Kasi iyan ang supreme value mo.

So dapat very clear ka kung ano ang acceptable behaviour para sa iyo. Let people know how you would like to be spoken to or dealt with. At pagkailangan, you must express your opinions on specific subjects or matters.

You know where you stand (or sit, kasi baka pagod ka na at gusto mo nang umupo).

Tigasin ka at hindi ka mao-okray pagdating sa mga bagay na you hold in high regard. You don’t need others to prove your value — sa halip you have an inner radar in your senses to determine what is right and wrong.

If you don’t tolerate people who cheat others, let them know. If you hate racism, tell them.

This way, people will respect your principles, and they know you stand for something. This way, you can say to yourself, I am worthy.

4. Appreciate and be happy about the achievements of others

3. Be proud of your values and set them straight

In algebra (yes, math po ito, hindi ito pinsan ng zebra), you often hear the phrase, ‘find the value of x’. Well, in life, you need to find and determine your values too. Know your boundaries. Set your values. Values are about what you consider essential to the life you want to live. They dictate your activities, priorities, and character. Nasa core belief system mo iyan at sila ang nag de-define ng mga behaviours mo. Alamin mo at i-apply ang

Maging masaya sa tagumpay ng iba. Kayanin mo, kahit alam ng puso mo (pati na ng atay at balunbalunan mo) na medyo mahirap talaga.

Be happy sa kanilang mga accomplishments even if they are your competitors. Mahirap, but it’s worth it. You will benefit from it because if you feel bitter about other’s success, you belittle your capability to value other’s talents and skills, and harm yourself by putting grudges in the space of your heart that is meant to develop your worth.

Iyong space (okay, ‘kalawakan’ kung gusto mo ng Tagalog, masyado ka namang choosy) 9

CONVERSATION WITH RON na para sa pagkakaroon mo ng self-worth ay nao-occupy ng bitterness and envy. Huwag ganoon. Always reserve space or kalawakan for your self-worth.

When you criticise others for their achievements or kung gusto mo silang hilahin pababa (o naisip mo ba yung ‘talangka mentality’?), it just shows your inferiority complex. It will delay your growth in developing your self-worth. You are not building a good foundation for your selfworth. Kung baga sa pagpapagawa ng bahay, mahina ang inilalagay mong pundasyon para maging matibay ang tahanan mo. If you appreciate other people’s work, other people will appreciate you too, which is a form of respect and satisfaction that adds to your sense of self-worth.

So, appreciate other’s success. Wish them well.

The ‘law of attraction’ will make good things happen to you. You will be successful too, and others will be happy for you. Huwag kang inggitero or inggitera para your self-worth is not only intact but also keeps on developing.

This way, you can say, I am worthy.

5. Have the power to accept what you feel; acknowledge it

Don’t lie to yourself. Tanggapin mo na sa ngayon, feel mo na wala kang worth or you feel unworthy. Kasi nga, before you can dig deeper and find a solution to your feeling of unworthiness, you need to recognise that you have it. It is an emotion that is making you unable to function the way you should.

Pinipilay ng emosyon na ito ang paglalakad mo sa normal na buhay. ‘It’s just emotion that’s taking you over’ – okay, alam ko rin na kanta iyan ng Bee Gees, but the message is clear – emotion is powerful.

But again, take note that recognising and accepting your emotion does not mean that 10

you are surrendering. Sa katunayan, you can move now and take action to address it. Kasi nga if nasa denial stage ka and you don’t accept the way you feel, you will be stuck with the feeling of being unworthy.

Nakalubog ka sa self-pity and self-doubt nang hindi mo alam. It has power over you. So, suppose you are honest to yourself, and you acknowledge the emotion of unworthiness, it then gives you the power to remove the power of emotions over you (puro power na lang yata ah, pansin ko lang).

May sarili ka nang power.

And because you know where you are now, may power ka na to move into the direction to say – I am worthy.

An adage says, ‘you can only know which direction to go to, if you know where you are.’

Again, remember this – unworthiness is a feeling and a strong one. So, if it continues, your subconscious mind takes over it. It develops roots; it will grow, and you will keep repeating that pattern without being aware of it. It will become your inner demon that feeds on your negative emotion.

Apply the five recommendations above. You need reprogramming. You need to rewire your subconscious mind. Give yourself a new way of thinking, new statements, new principles, new words, new mottos, and, if possible, new relationships.

And then, open your arms, raise your head, and shout at the top of your lungs (ala Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic): ‘I AM WORTHY!’

Scan the QR code to read more of Ron’s blogs on Pangyao.HK!

@ronrlacson

Leo Selomenio:

Ang buhay ay parang pelikula (Life is like a movie)

Photo by Martin Turner

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

11

FEATURE

Global Alliance Chairman Leo Selomenio shares his incredible journey from sleeping on the kitchen floor as a domestic worker, to an unexpected plot-twist that led to him becoming the Hong Kong business owner he is today To Filipinos in Hong Kong who have attended the big outdoor events in Chater Road, Central over the years, Global Alliance Chairman Leo Selomenio, or Daddy Leo, as he is affectionately known, has been a constant fixture.

Since 2008, Leo has been organising beauty pageants, performances, and events for the Filipino community. It’s a familiar sight to see Leo running to and from the stage, booths and seating areas, making sure the performers, guests, donors, audience… basically everyone, are happy and taken care of.

Leo, who hails from Molo, Iloilo, is sometimes seen by people who don’t know him as abrupt, and perhaps a little gruff. But behind this stern façade, Leo has a big heart, and is always willing to sacrifice a lot for the sake of the community he so dearly loves.

“Hindi ko naman hinangad ang maging famous o mayaman, ang gusto ko lang magpasaya at makatulong sa kapwa. Kahit noong may beauty pageants pa kami, it has

always been for a cause,” [I never wished to be famous or rich, all I wanted was bring joy and to help my community. Even back when we used host beauty pageants, it has always been for a cause] Leo shares.

The late Philippine Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago once wrote about the Illonggos: “They are considered the friendliest people in the country, warm and welcoming, gentle and soft-spoken, who’d go out of their way to make perfect strangers feel at home. They have this sense of familiarity that it seems everybody knows one another.” Leo is every bit an Illonggo by this description.

“Minsan may biglang nateterminate na kakilala namin at nangangailangan ng matutuluyan, sa bahay na namin pansamantalang pinatuloy,” [This happened a few times where someone we know got their contract terminated by their employer, and they needed a place to stay, so we invited them to stay at our home for the time being] says Leo. It doesn’t matter if you are a celebrity, acquaintance, government official, or friend; he treats everyone with the same warmth Illonggos are known for.

Minsan may biglang nateterminate na kakilala namin at nangangailangan ng matutuluyan, sa bahay na namin pansamantalang pinatuloy

[This happened a few times where someone we know got their contract terminated by their employer, and they needed a place to stay, so we invited them to stay at our home for the time being] - Leo Selomenio 12

Sunday Beauty Queen When the film Sunday Beauty Queen came out in 2016, Leo was thrust into the limelight. The film, directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, follows five Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, including Leo, as they live their daily lives as domestic workers throughout the week – taking care of children, dog walking, dealing with money issues with their family back home etc. – and their Sunday transformation into beauty queens.

In the case of Leo, the film tracks his transformation into Daddy Leo – inspirational emcee, event manager, Philippine Consulate volunteer, and respected community group leader.

Sunday Beauty Queen won several awards, including London Labour Film Festival’s Best International Documentary (2017), and Metro Manila Film Festival’s Best Picture and Best Director (2016).

In the film, Leo talks about his first employer in Hong Kong, “Sinabihan ako ng alaga kong matanda na umupo sa tabi niya sa sofa para manuod kami ng TV. Pero nang lumabas ang amo kong babae, nakita nya ako sa sofa sabay sabi, ‘Who told you to sit on my sofa?

You’re not allowed to sit on my sofa!’” [My employer’s elderly mum that I looked after, asked me to sit on the sofa with her to watch

Leo with the cast of Sunday Beauty Queen (photo provided by Leo Selomenio)

TV. But when my lady employer came out and saw me on her sofa, she immediately said, ‘Who told you to sit on my sofa? You’re not allowed to sit on my sofa!’]

“Tumayo ako agad at kumuha ng stool kasi gusto ng matanda na katabi ako. Tapos may isang gabi na typhoon 8, nabasa lahat ng gamit ko sa tinutulugan ko sa extension ng kusina nila, so sinabihan ako ng amo kong lalaki na maglatag ng foam sa sala, pero sabi naman ng amo kong babae ‘no, you sleep in the kitchen!’ kaya nilatag ko yung foam sa maliit na kusina, tapat ng ref. Tuwing may kukunin sila, babangon ako at bitbit ko yung foam tapos maupo lang ako sa gilid, hintayin ko sila matapos…Tumutulo nalang luha ko.”

[I stood up straightaway and grabbed a stool because her mom wanted me to sit beside her. And then there was an evening during a typhoon signal no. 8 where all my belongings got drenched in the rain because I was sleeping outside in their kitchen’s extension. My male employer told me to sleep in the living room, but my female employer said, ‘No, you sleep in the kitchen!’ so I placed the foam mattress in their small kitchen, right in front of the fridge. Every time they took something from the fridge, I had to get up, carry my foam to the corner and sit there until they were done… I was silently crying.]

13

FEATURE

LGBT community & relationships Photos by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

When asked if Leo prefers to be addressed as he, she, or other pronouns, he replies, “Kahit anong itawag ninyo sa akin, okay lang. Basta importante, may respeto tayo sa isa’t isa.”

[You can call me anything you want, that’s okay. The important thing is we respect each other.]

with her friends on her day off. “Noong una kong nakita si Leo, walang nangyaring love at first sight,” [When I first laid eyes on Leo, there was no love at first sight] laughs Judy.

Being a prominent member of the Filipino LGBTQ community, Leo’s strong and longterm relationship with Judy Sison is often looked on by others as an inspiration.

“Kahit ako din, kasi iba ang type ko. Gusto ko yung feminine talaga, yung tipong girl na girl.

Si Judy kasi kowboy, hindi nagmamake up at very cool sya,” [Same with me, she was not my type. I like very feminine girls. Judy was different because she is not fussy, doesn’t wear makeup, and is very cool] says Leo with a smile.

Judy is a nursing undergraduate from Baguio. She, like Leo, has been working in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. They met at a karaoke place in 2002 while she was out

Judy continues to support Leo in everything he does – although she sometimes wishes he would take time for himself and try to relax more.

Life-changing moments

Leo started working for Shirley Kong in August 2017. Shirley was a single lady who lived alone, and whose family had long since emigrated to Australia, Canada, and the USA. It started as a normal employer-employee connection. He would clean his employer’s home, wash her car, make sure everything in the household was in order. Shirley was impressed how little she needed to instruct Leo; he had initiative, drive, and a thoughtfulness to his work.

As he quickly earned her trust, Shirley started giving Leo more responsibility; she increased his pay, and he began to act as her personal assistant.

All was fine; they got along well.

14

Left page-top: Leo and his long-time partner Judy Sison Left-page bottom & right: Leo with his employer Shirley. Shirley passed away from cancer in early 2023, leaving her recruitment agency business, amongst other things, to Leo in her will Photos provided by Leo Selomenio

In May of 2018, Leo needed more time to work on the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration in June, so he asked Shirley for permission to let his partner Judy fill in for him three times a week with the household chores. Knowing it was only a temporary arrangement, Shirley agreed.

During the time that Judy was working for Shirley, she noticed something was wrong with Leo’s employer. Judy, a nursing undergraduate, began to pick up distinct symptoms that Shirley was not well. “Ma’am, can I ask you a question, I hope you don’t mind,” Judy asked. “Are you okay? You look a bit unwell.” Shirley burst into tears: “You know, Judy, you are the first person to ask me that.

You’re right, I am not well. I have cancer.”

Up until this point, she had made the decision not to tell Leo, even though she was diagnosed even before he was employed by her. Judy told Shirley, “I think you need to tell Leo.” As they continued to talk, Shirley got to know more about Judy, and in turn about Leo, and was taken aback at how rich Leo’s life was outside of work. “Please ask Leo to come over. I want to have a chat with both of you,” Shirley concluded.

When Leo arrived the following day with Judy, he was overcome with emotion. With tears in his eyes, he offered an apology: “I am so sorry, Ma’am. I never noticed you were sick. Thank you for telling us. We will take care of you.”

As I have experienced in my life, things take a sudden turn, often very unexpectedly. I have high hopes for the future, but for now, my greatest wish is to find time to sleep enough! - Leo Selomenio Judy and Leo both took care of Shirley, knowing she did not have anybody else to look after her. One day, Shirley asked Leo if he would be willing to work as the Operations Manager of an employment agency she wanted to open. Leo said yes. Thus began the long process of applying for a work visa, to replace Leo’s current domestic worker visa (which does not allow for work other than household chores). After three rejections, his work visa was finally approved. In August of 2019, Train Tech was born.

Shirley passed away in early 2023. Leo and Judy were devastated. The bond that the three of them had was as close as any family can be.

They cried and grieved, but also took relief in the fact that Shirley no longer had to suffer from her illness; she could finally rest easy.

Shirley left Train Tech, amongst other things, to Leo in her will. He still manages it to this day.

Asked about his dreams for the future, Leo thinks for a moment, then laughs, “As I have experienced in my life, things take a sudden turn, often very unexpectedly. I have high hopes for the future, but for now, my greatest wish is to find time to sleep enough!”

Global Alliance Hong Kong

“Thank you so much,” Shirley replied in between sobs, “you both are like my family now.”

15

PANGYAO PICS

A big thank you to Caritas–AMP for inviting Pangyao to participate in their first ever “Sunday Vibes” Foreign Domestic Helpers Cultural Festival!

16

A fun-filled day celebrating the diversity of the migrant community, with cultural games and activities, food sharing, and plenty of singing and dancing!

17

All photos provided by Enrich HK

NGO SPOTLIGHT

enrichhk.org

@enrich_hk

Enrich HK and Enrich - Bahasa Indonesia info@enrichhk.org For many women who work abroad, the decision to leave their families and loved ones back in their home country is not a decision that is made lightly.

Driven by poverty or a desire to improve the lives of their families, these women often pay large sums of money for a chance to work as migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong, where the average cost during their recruitment process is HKD15,000 – a small fortune back in their home countries. This is where the cycle of debt often begins, and for those lacking financial literacy, it can easily spiral out of control.

One of Enrich’s aims is to break this cycle by arming MDWs with financial and empowerment education. “Most of the women we encounter in our workshops struggle with their personal finances, though all of them are willing to learn,” says Maya Williams, Community Engagement Manager for Enrich. “We want them to leave our 18

Workshops

Mentoring

5981 3754 (English/Tagalog) 5648 0990 (Bahasa Indonesia)

workshops inspired and better equipped for their futures.”

The minimum allowable wage in Hong Kong for MDWs is currently $4,870. For most domestic workers who are considered the bread-winners, 50-60% of their salary is sent back to their families. The remainder is often split between loan payments, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Very little goes towards savings and investments.

“These women come to Hong Kong with the goal of a better life for themselves and their family. But as soon as the money emergencies start – more school payments, maybe someone gets sick – they tend to lose focus,” says Maya. She continues, “We want them to change their mindset and make them empowered. Help them with communication and prioritising their goals.”

A first step on the journey to financial health is the Money Wise Migrants workshop. This

These women come to Hong Kong with the goal of a better life for themselves and their family. But as soon as the money emergencies start – more school payments, maybe someone gets sick – they tend to lose focus. We want them to change their mindset and make them empowered - Maya Williams, Community Engagement Manager for Enrich free, 4-hour workshop, introduces MDWs to personal finance management where they learn and develop skills that can help make their money work for them. They learn how to create a budget, plan and track expenses, set financial goals, and manage money.

This workshop has three key areas: setting

Enrich workshops Free introductory course:

Money Wise Migrants

An introduction to personal finance, tailor-made for migrant domestic workers Advanced courses (currently free until 31st Dec 2024)

Setting up my Business

An introduction to entrepreneurship for domestic workers who are planning to start a business

Growing my Money

Explore the basics of investment concepts, tools, and instruments

Money and Family

Learn how to balance the needs of your family, yourself and your future

goals, the dangers of getting into debt, and financial responsibility. Maya shares, “After they finish the Money Wise Migrants workshop, they are welcome to join our other four advanced workshops (see below), which cover the Financial and Empowerment Education programme.”

All the workshops, coupled with mentoring, and an emphasis on empowerment and mental health, provide a holistic approach to giving domestic workers the necessary tools in order to break the cycle of debt, learn how to communicate better about money with family back home, and set a plan for a better and more financially stable future.

Their graduates also have the opportunity to share their knowledge and connect with fellow MDWs in the community through their ambassador programme.

Another persistent problem that Enrich wants to assist domestic workers with is dealing with, and finally ending, chronic indebtedness. There have been many studies that have shown that being in constant debt has adverse psychological and cognitive

Survey statistics In 2023, Enrich, in collaboration with HelperChoice and HKU, conducted a survey of MDWs. Below are some of the key findings of the survey.

• Recruitment agency fees are the primary source of debt amongst MDWs • Over 30% of Filipino respondents have paid 1-3 months’ salary in agency fees for their first job, while 43% of Indonesian respondents have paid 3-6 months’ salary for their first job • Over half (55%) of Filipino workers surveyed borrow from family and friends to pay for recruitment-related fees and costs of their migration, while 79% of Indonesian workers pay through salary deduction

Speak Up

A fun, hands-on introduction to the principles of confident communication

19

NGO SPOTLIGHT effects, and debt relief shows immediate improvement in anxiety and stress levels.

“Unfortunately, many MDWs fall vulnerable to misleading and often predatory loan terms. The interest can go beyond the legally allowable rate and most borrowers do not understand how this can affect their monthly payments. We make sure that those who attend our workshops understand their responsibilities and rights when taking out a loan,” Maya says.

The impact of Enrich’s financial literacy and empowerment drive is significant.

According to a study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 98% of workshop participants know how to allocate money on expenses and savings every month; likewise, 98% have become better at talking openly about money with their family, and include them in their financial planning.

“Our aim is to let MDWs learn how to be financially resilient. To focus on their goals, not only for their family, but also for themselves,” Maya concludes.

Financial and empowerment education is a life-changing solution, which can create a mutually beneficial employment relationship.

Enrich hosts regular workshops, activities and social media challenges to engage its community and encourage financial literacy

20

A taste of

home

Eudiya cooks

momo

21

A TASTE OF HOME

A brief history of momo Momo is a type of steamed filled dumpling popular in Kalimpong, which originates from their Himalayan neighbours. There are many variations of momo fillings which include meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are traditionally steamed, but can be fried, or served in soup.

Introducing Eudiya Eudiya Gurung was born and raised in Kalimpong, West Bengal in India.

She grew up in the hills nestled within the mountains, where the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance.

Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak is clearly visible from Eudiya’s village.

Cooking has been a big part of Eudiya’s life, being the eldest daughter, most of the meal preparation is her responsibility.

Her cooking skills are impressive; she makes everything from Indian favourites like parathas and curries, to Western dishes like breaded lemon chicken and lots of fresh salads.

When not cooking, you can find Eudiya running in the hills of Lamma Island, often training for a race. She is also keen volunteer at Hans Anderson Club on Lamma Island where she visits local elderly residents, giving them haircuts, helping them tidy up their houses, or handing out donations.

“My employer and all my friends who have tried my cooking know I that I give care and attention to the dishes I make. I love cooking and my dream when I retire is to be able to cook for a living and share joy through my food,” Eudiya says.

22

In Eudiya’s recipe, she uses minced pork and chhurpi, a traditional Nepalese cheese with a soft consistency, similar to ricotta. She serves it with a tomato, chilli and chhurpi dipping sauce.

Ingredients Filling:

• • • • •

700g minced pork 1 ½ red onion, finely chopped 5 sprigs coriander, roughly chopped 3 inches ginger, chopped and blended a pinch of salt

Wrapper:

• •

700g all-purpose flour 2 cups water

Dipping sauce:

• • •

2pcs large tomatoes, blanched 5pcs birds-eye chillies, roughly chopped 250g soft chhurpi

You will also need a rolling pin and a steamer, plus a small amount of vegetable oil to grease the base of the steamer (if you do not own a steamer, a big heat-resistant plate on a metal trivet with legs, placed in a wok or large shallow pan with about 5cm of water, also works well).

Photos by Martin Turner

My employer and all my friends who have tried my cooking know I that I give care and attention to the dishes I make. I love cooking and my dream when I retire is to be able to cook for a living and share joy through my food - Eudiya

Method Filling: 1. In a big bowl, mix all the ingredients well either with a spatula or by hand. Eudiya suggests mixing it by hand to get the proper consistency. Set aside while you make the wrapper and the dipping sauce

Wrapper: 1. Place the all-purpose flour in a bowl and slowly add water while mixing until you get a bouncy consistency. Make sure that the mixture is not wet or too soft, the dough must be able to hold its shape, you may need more or less water depending on the flour.

2. Once the dough comes together, start kneading the dough.

Knead with the knuckles of your finger, applying pressure.

3. Keep kneading until the dough feels soft and pliable. If it feels hard/tight, add little water and knead again. If it feels too sticky/soft, add some dry flour and mix 4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or paper towel for around 20 minutes. Make the dipping sauce in the meantime.

5. Make 3-4cm dough balls with the palms of your hands 6. Using a rolling pin, shape the balls into circles around 10cm in diameter

Dipping sauce: 1. Place the blanched tomatoes, chillies and chhurpi in a blender and give it a quick blitz until the mixture is smooth

Making the dumplings 1. Take about a teaspoon full of the filling and place in the centre of the circular wrapper 2. Fold the circle in half, make sure the filling stays inside and in the middle 3. Seal the dumpling by pressing the edges gently to make 4-5 pleats 4. Grease the bottom of the steamer with some vegetable oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking to it.

5. Make sure the water at the bottom of the steamer is on a rolling boil. Place the dumplings in the steamer pot around 1-2 cm apart 6. Steam for 8-10 minutes, check often to ensure they are not overcooked which can make the wrappers disintegrate 7. Serve hot with dipping sauce

23

FEATURE

In collaboration with

Huwag tayong magpaloko The growing problem of online shopping fraud – and how to avoid it JENNY WAS EXCITED – after spending hours online searching through secondhand marketplaces, she’d finally found the smartphone her daughter back in the Philippines had been asking for.

The seller, named Sam, seemed friendly; he was quick to respond to Jenny’s Facebook messages and was happy to answer her many questions about the phone. “Tinanong ko siya kung kelan niya binili, may charger ba, at kung pwede bang gamitin sa Pinas,” [I asked him when he bought the phone, whether it had a charger, whether it could be used in the Philippines] Jenny recalls.

“Parang maayos naman na kausap yung Sam na yon; nagpadala pa ng video na gumagana yung phone tapos tinanong kung saan ako na MTR station malapit, doon nya ihahatid yung phone.” [It seemed like Sam was a decent person to talk to; he sent a video of the phone in working order and even asked which MTR station was closest to me so he could bring the phone there.]

Although the phone was expensive, Jenny knew how happy it would make her daughter – she was already imagining the huge smile on her face when she received it. So, she decided to buy it, transferring $3,200 to the account details Sam had provided. Moments later however, as she tried to message Sam with the payment confirmation, she realised he had blocked her account on Facebook.

Confused, she tried the WhatsApp number he had provided – also blocked. Her heart sank as she suddenly realised what had happened.

Jenny had been scammed.

24

Sadly, cases of online shopping fraud are increasingly common, with scammers using the anonymous nature of the internet to masquerade as legitimate online sellers, luring unsuspecting shoppers to part with their hard-earned cash.

The scam that Jenny was a victim of involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores. Fraudsters post fake items on different online platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Carousell), claiming to sell the items in good condition and for an attractive price. Unsuspecting buyers are requested to deposit payment via mobile electronic payment platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay, though as soon as the deposit is collected, the fraudsters disappear without a trace.

Some scams are even more sophisticated, such as fake retail websites, which are set up by fraudsters to mimic genuine online stores.

Such sites often use the latest technology, design trends, and layouts to create a seamless and realistic user experience; they may even use stolen logos and familiarsounding domain names in an effort to make them appear indistinguishable from their genuine counterparts.

According to ADCC crime figures, there was a 9.6% increase in e-shopping fraud cases from January to October 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. However, the total amount of money lost to these schemes during that period – HKD 156.7 million – is even more telling, representing an eye-watering 168.3% increase versus the previous year.

If we were paying full price, it would’ve cost us more than HKD 9,000, but she said it was all 50% off, so we transferred the HKD 4,500 to her. When it was almost the check-in date, we tried to get in touch with her, but her mobile number was already disconnected – Analyn In celebration of their 40th birthdays, Analyn and her friend wanted to go to somewhere special. Analyn scoured booking websites and travel agent profiles on Facebook looking for ideas, until she came across a social media post in a mum’s group, posted by a ‘Ms. Chan’.

“Gusto ko naming maging special ang celebration kasi pareho kaming mag-40. Kaya nang makita ko yung 50% deal para sa Disneyland hotel and park tickets, nag-PM ako kaagad doon sa Ms. Chan na yan. Akala ko talaga malaki matitipid namin,” [We wanted our celebration to be special as we were both going to turn 40. That’s why when I saw the 50% off deal for Disneyland hotel and park tickets, I sent Ms. Chan a private message. I really thought we were going to save a lot] Analyn says.

“We booked two hotel rooms and eight park tickets; Ms. Chan even told us she would give us a few meal vouchers to use in the park. If we were paying full price, it would’ve cost us more than HKD 9,000, but she said it was all 50% off, so we transferred the HKD 4,500 to her. When it was almost the check-in date, we tried to get in touch with her, but her mobile number was already disconnected”, Analyn shares.

“Sobrang lungkot namin noong birthday namin dahil nadale yung pinaghirapan naming kitain na pera. Sa hirap kumita, huwag tayong magpaloko,” [We were very sad on our birthday because we got cheated out of our hard-earned money. It is so difficult to earn a living, let’s try not to get scammed], she ends with a sigh.

Working abroad can be challenging and every dollar we earn is precious. In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s therefore essential to arm ourselves with the right information and be cautious about who we interact with on the internet. Check out our ‘Be shop-wise!’ section above for some top tips to help keep you – and your money – safe when shopping online!

Be shop-wise!

So, how do we prevent falling victim to these unscrupulous fraudsters? Here are a few tips for staying shop-wise online.

STOP & QUESTION

Before making an online purchase, ask yourself:

• Is the offer too good to be true? Are there any potential red flags?

• Are you being asked to share personal data?

• How are you being asked to pay? Is there a risk of losing your money?

VERIFY

Take steps to verify who you’re dealing with:

• Wherever possible, only buy through established and reputable sellers • Check out the seller’s profile for possible red flags: • Newly created profiles • Minimal posts or account activity • No physical address or contact number • Complaints from previous buyers (try Googling the name of the shop/seller) • When buying secondhand, arrange mutual exchange of goods and payment in person wherever possible • Buy tickets through licensed distributors or sellers; it is difficult to verify the authenticity of a ticket from a scalper (illegal ticker reseller) Subscribe to scam notifications:

25

FEATURE

Star Pinoy HK:

Choreography for a happier life abroad After a long week of hard work, many of Hong Kong’s migrant domestic workers (MDWs) spend their days off (most commonly Sundays) resting, running personal errands, catching up with friends, and spending time on hobbies. There are some who kick it up a notch and engage in more physically demanding interests such as hiking, team sports, and swimming – all great ways of staying active, keeping fit, and being connected with people who share similar interests. Then… there is dancing DANCE IS INTEGRATED into Philippine culture. Folk dances not only convey the artistry of movement, but are often associated with life-functions such as harvest time, mimicry of birds, and certain rituals like the warding off of evil spirits. However, these dances – though culturally-rich and historically important – do not truly reflect the modern Pinoy lifestyle.

If you walk down Chater Road in Central on a Sunday, you will see different groups performing a wide variety of dances for various different reasons; practising for a show, learning the moves to a new song, or for the pure joy of moving one’s body to music.

As one of the more established dance groups, Star Pinoy HK dancers have performed in hundreds of shows. Good friends and avid dancers Luna Sayon and Richelle Araquil founded the group in 2008 with just a few members, dancing for fun and for their own entertainment. It quickly became both an outlet for their creativity, and a safe space for building friendships. “Star Pinoy is like our home away from home,” says Elysse, the group’s current leader.

“Isa sa mga paborito naming performances ay yung ‘Pintados De Passi’, isang cultural/historic festive dance na sinayaw namin nitong ginanap na 125th Philippine Independence Day 2023,” Below: Star Pinoy founder Luna (right) handing the proceeds of a group fundraising drive to John Lander Gamilong, the brother of Jane Rose, who was diagnosed with cancer while working in Hong Kong

All images provided by Star Pinoy HK

26

[One of favourite performances was the ‘Pintados De Passi’, a cultural/historic festive dance that we performed during the 125th Philippine Independence Day 2023] shares Elysse. Their performances run the gamut from eye-catching folk to energetic and fastpaced modern dances.

The group have performed at government functions, private shows, beauty pageants, competitions, community events, and many more. They also appear in the award-winning film, We Don’t Dance For Nothing (2022, also featured in Issue #2 of Pangyao magazine!), and they are officially recognised by and have received Certificates of Appreciation from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Star Pinoy is like our home away from home – Elysse, group leader

The members of Star Pinoy HK also do their bit to help those in need in the community.

In mid-January this year, they organised a fundraising drive called TikTok Dance for a Cause for Jane Rose, an MDW who lost her tongue to cancer while she was working here in Hong Kong. The group were able to raise more than PHP 48,000.00 (HKD 6,900) for Jane Rose, who is now back in the Philippines, and Star Pinoy founder Luna was able to hand it over to her brother during a trip back home.

At its core, Star Pinoy HK is a group for MDWs with a shared love of dancing and performing. But those who have joined the group have also have so much more besides; a family, a support system, an oasis of sorts, to help them de-stress and find happiness, despite the challenges of homesickness, loneliness, and often gruelling work.

This community spirit is summed up perfectly in a quote on their Facebook page (which boasts 59,000 followers) from their recent fundraising drive: “In the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It is about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It is about what you’ve given back.”

STAR PINOY HK Dancers - OFW 27

BLOGS

MUKIDI OPPA JAWA

By Endang Dwi Ernawati

@TckLearningCentre In collaboration with TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers 28

NAMAKU SRI, SRI WULANDARI. Sekarang terjun di dunia fashion merchandising di New York, Aku beserta tim butik kami mengadakan fashion show di Jakarta. Sebelum ke Indonesia aku mencoba mencari Mukidi karena topiknya style Korea yang sekarang lagi ngetrend.

Singkat cerita Mukidi teman sekolahku waktu SMP yang berparas mirip Oppa Korea, akan tetapi kami terpisah dari kelas 3 SMP. Aku meneruskan sekolah di New York, karena ikut papa tugas di sana. Kami sudah 10 tahun tidak jumpa Mukidi. Membuktikan ucapanku 10 tahun yang lalu - ”kamu pantasnya jadi model”, sekarang dia jadi model yang digandrungi banyak wanita dan terkenal di kalangan modeling. Selama ini kami masih berkomunikasi dengan baik. Aku mencoba menghubungi ponselnya tanya kabar dan mengutarakan niatku. Kami pun menentukan jam dan tanggal untuk bertemu.Ya, awal bulan depan Mukidi jadi model di fashion show-ku.

Pada hari saya baru sampai di bandara internasional Soekarno-Hatta, langsung cari taxi menuju rumahnya Mukidi. Padahal janjiannya besok pagi. Tapi sudah lama tak jumpa ada rasa kangen. Dia agak kaget melihat kehadiranku hari itu. Langsung ku sapa, “Di…M ukidi (teriakku dari seberang jalan). Mukidi yang mau masuk ke mobil pun menoleh ke arahku, dan tak lama kemudian aku berada di depannya.

Mukidi: Sri....

Sri: Hi ... Oppa....

Mukidi: Hei namaku tetap kok Mu Ki Di (kamipun berpelukan) Sri: Oh iya, kamu ada acara hari ini..

Mukidi: Iya Sri, aku ada catwalk di Jakbar. Ayo ikut, habis acara kita dinner yuk (ditariknya tanganku untuk masuk ke mobilnya) Malam itu kami pun dinner bersama. Sambil pilih menu kami merancang acara fashion show-ku. Tiba tiba datang seorang laki-laki yang letoi menghampiri meja makan kami.

“Hi…,” sapanya. Kubalas, “Hi juga…”. Lah. itu orang nyosor saja cium pipi kanan kiri Mukidi, lalu Mukidi memperkenalkan temannya itu.

“Sri, ini temanku Yogi”. Kujabat tangannya,

“Hi, aku Sri”. Akhirnya kami pun dinner bertiga, dengan pemandangan yang menyayat hati.

Mereka tidak segan menunjukkan tingkah laku seperti layaknya orang pacaran. OMG! jeritan hatiku melihat di depan mata - ada apa ini, apa yg terjadi dengan Mukid- ku yang dulu aku kenal. Selesai dinner Mukidi dan Yogi mengantarkanku ke hotelku. Sampai di hotel mereka meninggalkanku begitu saja. Jam 2 dini hari ponselku berdering mengagetkan tidurku, langsung aku angkat tanpa kulihat siapa yang menelpon, “Sri… Sri…. sudah tidur kah??”

Suwara Mukidi di sana. Aku pun menjawab dengan suara lirih, “Iya, kamu belum tidur Di?”.

“Maaf, Sri…,” Mukidi dengan suara bergetar, “Maaf, tadi apa yang kamu lihat benar adanya…

Emm… Yogi itu… “. Aku langsung mencairkan suasana dengan memotong bicaranya, “It’s ok Oppa, don’t worry. Kamu tetap sahabatku, apa pun itu (dengan hati yang ambyar kukatakan itu). Mungkin dia sudah lega mengatakan yang sebenarnya. Inilah pahit manisnya kehidupan yang harus kujalani.

Hari ini hari inti yang menjadi tujuan utama datang ke Indonesia. Sebelum acara dimulai, aku dan tim mengecek ulang, dari atribut busana, sepatu, aksesoris, semuanya sudah siap.

Para tamu undangan pelan-pelan memenuhi kursi. Para model dari berbagai negara yang kami libatkan sudah mempersiapkan diri.

Kulihat Mukidi bersama asistennya baru saja tiba, tidak ketinggalan si kupret Yogi yang menjadi model juga. Walau dari kejadian semalam aku jadi canggung dengan kehadiran mereka, aku harus tetap menyapa mereka dengan profesional. “Selamat pagi, semuanya!

Terimakah atas kerjasamanya.” Di dalam ruangan banyak wartawan yang meliput karena adanya Mukidi yang menjadi sorotan kamera. Acara pun berakhir dan berakhir pula perjumpaan kami. Banyak hal yang aku petik; suatu pelajaran yang kutemui atas kepulanganku ini. Bahwasanya kita harus ikhlas menjalani kehidupan - ikhlas dengan apa yang kita lihat dan kita harus menjalaninya.

Sukses sudah acaraku, tapi tidak sukses dengan cintaku. Kamu tetap menyayangiku layaknya seorang sahabat; tidak lebih. Ya, hatiku tetap mengidolakanmu Mukidi Oppa Jawa-ku.

29

USEFUL CONTACTS

Crime & emergency services Emergency Hotline (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999 Police Hotline 2527 7177 Anti-Deception Coordination Centre 18222

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) 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

Look after your emotional well-being In the midst of our busy lives, it is not uncommon for us to feel homesick, lonely, frustrated, anxious, or worried from time to time. Often, we choose to hide these emotions, not wanting our loved ones to worry about us.

However, constantly hiding or suppressing our feelings can negatively affect our mental and even physical well-being. It is crucial to voice our thoughts and emotions, especially when feeling down and troubled.

At HELP, we provide group sharing sessions for migrant domestic workers where you can openly share their experiences with their peers in a safe space. Group sharing encourages talking about your experiences and provides +852 2523 4020

roup ding the g After atten to calm t rn a ssions, I le g sharing se lieve my stress usin re d n w a o n n w n do I ca exercises. breathing decisions for myself r te et being make b in my welland mainta er, Fe munity Lead - HELP Com

support, encouragement, and comfort to the group members. We are here to support you through your challenges, experiences, offering guidance and advice along the way.

Together, let us embark on a journey towards better emotional well-being!

+852 5936 3780

606, 299QRC, 287-299 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Advertise with HONG KONG’S MIGRANT COMMUNITY

6626 9751 (Aileen) aileen@pangyao.hk Photography, design, and editing of your ad/advertorial(1), for a hassle-free experience

Benefit from both print and digital exposure, with Pangyao magazine also available free to readers online

Pangyao magazine offers comprehensive, cost-effective advertising solutions for migrant-focused businesses of all shapes and sizes, allowing you to engage directly with our active and ever-growing audience

Promotion of your business via our highly active Pangyaos Facebook group with more than 82,000 group members(2)

Every month, our group receives over 1 million page views, 2,000 posts and 110,000 comments(3)

BE PART OF THE CHANGE FOR GOOD (1)

Depending on ad size, terms & conditions apply • (2) As of January 2024 • (3) Figures from January 2024

31

Stay alert with online fraud! To report a scam, visit Hong Kong Police e-Report Centre: police.gov.hk/ppp_tc

Visit our one-stop cyber security portal cyberdefender.hk and use our free Scameter to assess potential fraud risk

Subscribe to scam alert notifications: 32