Philippine Independence Day special: follow the talent show contestants inside!
When you’re offered investment tips: Remember: “Too-good-to-be-true” opportunities are likely traps
When “celebrities” invite you to invest via social media: People can easily disguise themselves online. Be vigilant and don’t click on any money transfer links
Before you invest, including in virtual assets: Trade only with firms and platforms licensed in Hong Kong
Scan the QR code or check sfc.hk/en/Alert_List for the latest investor alerts
Jun
/ Jul ‘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
A word from the founders
HELLO PANGYAOS!
In this issue we celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day! June 2nd is the MWO-OWWA OFW Migrants Day, which will be held on Chater Road in Central. Two big competitions ae planned: Battle of the Bands and OFW Got Talent – read about all the contestants inside!
On June 9th we celebrate the Kapangyawan Friendship Festival, which will take place at the same location on Chater Road. Street dancing, celebrity performances, marching bands, and much more are in store on the day.
In our main feature, Single but not alone, three brave women share their stories about the hardships and joys of being a migrant single mother.
Also in this issue: we sit down with Philippine Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan, the Indonesian Consulate General shares advice about scams, and community leaders Leo Selomenio and Yuni Andarwati share their latest updates.
Aileen & Martin
Community voice: Leo Selomenio
The latest plans for Philippine Independence Day
Single but not alone
Single parenting as a migrant domestic worker
What’s up with WhatsApp scams?
ADCC collaboration on messaging scams
OFW Got Talent / Battle of the Bands Philippine Independence Day competition run-down
Conversation with Ron: I wish for a tree Ron recalls his childhood love of climbing trees
Ilaw ng tahanan (Light of the home)
A sit down with Philippine Consul General CG Germie
A message from KJRI (Indonesian)
Avoiding online fraud during Eid al-Adha
Community voice: Yuni Andarwati
The dangers of scams for migrant workers
Cinta untuk ugly duckling (Indonesian)
A story by Siti Muslimah (TCK Learning Centre collab)
Leo Selomenio
Founder & Chairperson of Global Alliance
FILIPINOS ARE KNOWN for their love of celebration, music, and a good party. We have a chance to enjoy all of these on the 126th Philippine Independence Day (PID) 2024, where two of the biggest Filipino outdoor events will be held this June.
As it has been for many years, the PID celebration will take place in Chater Road, Central. But this year, things are a little bit more special!
On 2nd June, we will celebrate the first part of the PID events with the 126th Philippine Independence Day MWO-OWWA OFW Migrants Day. We will have celebrity performances by Jed Madela and Reiven Umali, courtesy of one of major sponsors, TFC Asia.
But the main event will be the competitions: OFW Got Talent, where ten finalists share their talents on stage for a chance to win the grand prize of HK$5,000; and Battle of the Bands, where eight Hong Kong-based Filipino bands battle it out on stage for the grand prize of HK$10,000!
We will also have various performances from the Filipino community that will be sure entertain and amaze the crowd.
On 9th June, we will celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day Kapangyawan Friendship Festival. This event will start with a non-denominational prayer for all faiths, followed by a Holy Mass. Our very own Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan will share her message for Filipinos in Hong Kong.
There will be no shortage of exciting performances, including the Hong Kong Police Marching Band, a 500-strong street dance, and the march of all the Filipino community groups. A celebrity performance by Beks Battalion na kinabibilangan nina Chad Kinis, MC Calaquian, at Lassy Marquez, brought to us by one of our major sponsors, TinBo.
I would also like to say a big thank you to the Philippine Consulate General, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA); to the leaders and members of the various migrant community groups; to all ur sponsors, including major sponsors Air Asia, TFC Asia, TinBo, Western Union, SMDC, and HS Finance; and most importantly, to you, the Filipino community in Hong Kong who make these events so worthwhile.
Mabuhay at maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan sa ating lahat!
y Depat bayaran ang suweldo na hindi lalampas sa 7 araw pagkatapos noong katapusan ng panunuweldo o petsa ng terminasyon ng kontrata.
y Kung ang suweldong natanggap ay kulang sa nakatakda sa empleyo ng kontrata, ang isang katulong ay dapat:
linawin sa amo ang wastong halaga;
huwag tanggapin ang resibo sa suweldo na hindi binayaran; at
kung sakali kulang ang pagbayad sa suweldo, magsumbong sa Departmento ng Paggawa sa lalong madaling panahon.
y Dapat huwag pilitin ng amo ang isang katulong na magtrabaho sa araw ng pahinga.
y Ipinagbabawal ang pagbawas sa suweldo maliban sa:
dahilan nang pagkasira sa o pagkawala ng mga gamit o pag-aari ng amo na ipinalalagay sa pagpapabaya o hindi pagganap sa obligasyon ng katulong.
Ang halagang ibabawas sa bawa’t pangyayari ay hindi hihigit sa HK$300;
di-pagharap sa trabaho na hindi hihigit sa halagang kabagay sa panahon nang di-pagharap;
pagbawi ng paunang bayad o labis na pagbayad sa suweldo; at
pagbawi nang pinautang sa katulong ayon sa kahilingan ng katulong sa kasulatan, at iba pa.
y Ang kabuuang pagbawas, hindi kasali yung mga hindi pagharap sa trabaho, ay dapat hindi hihigit sa kalahating suweldong mababayaran sa panahon ng suweldong iyon.
Mga Tanong at Reklamo 24-oras na Hotline: 2157 9537 (hinahawakan ng “1823”)
Online form sa Portal ng FDH: www.fdh.labour.gov.hk
Email: fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk
Single but not alone
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
Kay tagal ng panahon, sa iyo’y nangungulila
Sa bawat haplos sa aking mukha
Sa tuwing nahihimbing
Hinihintay pa rin maramdaman muli ang yakap mo sa akin
It has been a long time, I miss you
Every caress on my face
Every moment before I sleep
I am always waiting to once again feel you embracing me
- Hele Ni Inay [Mother’s Lullaby], Gary Valenciano >
Single mothers face numerous challenges as they navigate the responsibilities of raising children on their own. From financial hardships to emotional strain, the journey of single parenthood can be incredibly daunting. For migrant domestic worker (MDW) single mothers, these challenges are only amplified, with homesickness, loneliness, and the anxiety from being apart from their family also factoring into the mix.
One of the most significant struggles single mothers face is financial instability. Without a second income to rely on, single mothers from developing countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka are compelled to leave their children in order to provide for them, sometimes for years at a time.
“When I left my son he was only seven years old, but I had no choice, as I couldn’t find work in the Philippines,” shares Nelda Villaflore, an ambassador for the migrant NGO, PathFinders. Nelda’s son is now twenty
years old; she has worked as a MDW in Hong Kong for many years, which has allowed her to financially support him through childhood.
The standard employment contract for migrant workers in Hong Kong is valid for two years. Although the Immigration Department requires MDWs to return to their home country under the terms of each contract, many opt to defer their home leave due to the additional financial burden, meaning some may not have been home for three years or even longer.
While employers are required to cover the cost of flights, trips home to visit friends and family can nonetheless prove quite expensive; they can often eat into savings, with some MDWs even resorting to borrowing money from lenders or their employers to fund their trips. Hence, many prefer to stay in Hong Kong, using the money instead to remit to their children and their children’s carers.
Alongside the high cost of childcare, and basic necessities such as food, tuition fees, electricity etc., the relentless financial demands of being a single parent can quickly become overwhelming.
Below left: Nelda Villaflore with her son, who is now twenty years old
Below right: In her spare time, Nelda volunteers as a PathFinders ambassador
However, many single mothers nonetheless demonstrate remarkable strength and determination in providing for their families. MDWs have proven to be resilient and resourceful in overcoming their difficulties, taking the necessary steps to ensure that their children are growing up in a loving and stable environment, even from afar.
“The first difficulty [I faced] was financial – for this reason I decided to return to work and go to Hong Kong,” says Guluh Nurviansyah, an Indonesian MDW who has been working in Hong Kong since 2020. Guluh’s husband died when their daughter was just one year old.
“Next was filling both roles as mother and father for my daughter. My role as a mother was all shouldered by my parents; I played only a small part of being her mother, maybe only 1%. But I got a lot of help from my parents, family, and friends,” she shares. Aside from working as a MDW, Guluh also volunteers her spare time helping her fellow migrants as an ambassador for PathFinders.
Emotional stress and loneliness can be crushing. The absence of a partner to share the burden of parenting with can be isolating, leaving single mothers feeling overloaded and depleted. “Being a single mom is tough and difficult. I do not have anyone to share the burden of providing for and directing my three kids, especially they are all girls,” shares Rodelyn Tabadda. Rodelyn (also known by her pen name, shadesNpens) a member of Migrant Writers of Hong Kong, is a published poet, whose work was recently featured in Ingat: An Anthology of Works by MDW Creatives in Hong Kong.
“I have been working in Hong Kong since 2003. My original goal was to save as much as I could and retire by 2011. Unfortunately, my second child was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in 2009. My savings all went to her treatment; I even had to take out bank loans to cover the growing costs. My eldest daughter had to stop schooling to look after her sister. It all hit me like a hurricane. It was devastating and has blown away my dreams,” says Rodelyn.
The first difficulty was financial, for this reason I decided to return to work and go to Hong Kong. Next is filling both roles as mother and father for my daughter. My role as a mother was all shouldered by my parents, and I played a small part of being her mother, maybe only 1%. But I got a lot of help from my parents, family and friends - Guluh Nurviansyah
Above: Guluh Nurviansyah made the decision to move to Hong Kong in 2020 to work as a MDW to provide for her child in Indonesia
“2012 came around and I was starting to hope for my dreams again. But sadly, my daughter’s cancer came back. Then my husband left me for another woman. The pain was excruciating. I was totally lost and wanted to end my sufferings,” she shares.
Despite these challenges, many single mothers find solace in building a strong support network of family and friends. NGOs like PathFinders, Help For Domestic Workers, Uplifters, Enrich, TCK Learning Centre, and many more provide a community where MDWs not only connect with their peers, but also have the opportunity to learn new skills and go on to empower others. Some NGOs also provide counselling or arrange group gatherings to help MDWs navigate the emotional complexities of migrant life.
Migrant community groups can also be an important source of strength and belonging.
There are a wide range of different groups formed for a multitude of purposes: sharing a province of origin, dancing, arts and writing, sports, fighting for MDW rights, and many more. “Joining the community and learning by sharing each other’s stories with respect, love and care helped me a lot. I learned to apply to oneself to empower and enhance our knowledge,” Nelda shares.
No doubt, the journey of single parenthood is not an easy one, but those finding themselves in this position refuse to be defined by their circumstances. Through their determination, resourcefulness, and unconditional love for their offspring, single mothers prove that they are more than capable of thriving in the face of adversity. They advocate for themselves and their families, challenge societal norms, and serve as powerful role models for the their children in the process.
There
is power in our goals, it inspires us to live, to have determination. There is contentment in our success. My sole ambition for my kids has been achieved. We worked together to make ends meet. Now, my three beautiful children have fulfilling careers. I am a fulfilled mom - Rodelyn Tabadda
Above & right: Rodelyn Tabadda, a MDW and member of poetry group Migrant Writers of Hong Kong, with her three daughters
Single parenting is not without its challenges, but you should never feel like you’re all alone. Here is some advice and guidance from those who have experienced it first hand
Communication is the heart of all relationships.
Being able to talk respectfully and without judgment is a good base point for any conversation. Make sure that children know that their voices and emotions also matter, and reassure them that even when far apart, the mother-child bond is strong and that they have a support system they can rely on in times of difficulty. “When my son gets sick or he’s maybe having a hard time with his studies, we always communicate by video call and we talk,” says Nelda.
Good communication with family members who are looking after your children back home is also crucial, as they act as their immediate safety net. They can give valuable insight into the home and school life of your children, as they are the ones dealing with the day-today routines and needs of the household. “Always ask for support from family and friends. Remember that our children, parents, and families are our source of strength to keep fighting,” Galuh shares.
Setting aside time each week to call or video chat with family members can help maintain strong bonds and relationships. Sending regular emails, texts, or letters can also be a meaningful way to keep in touch and share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with loved ones.
Health is wealth
The healthier we are, the more energy we have for connecting with our children back home, and the more mental space we have to deal with any hurdles we may encounter. Establish a routine that includes regular exercise and physical activity. This could involve engaging in activities such as walking, running, yoga, or following YouTube exercise tutorials. Making time for physical activity can not only improve physical health but also boost mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
Maintaining a healthy diet is another essential aspect of overall well-being. Make informed food choices, opting for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and stay hydrated. Avoid too much fast food, junk food, alcohol, or smoking.
Learn to prioritise mental health by seeking support and practicing self-care. This can include reaching out to local organisations or support groups, connecting with peers for social support, or seeking counselling or therapy if needed. Taking time for relaxation and mindfulness can also contribute to better mental health.
Love yourself
“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” reminds Catherine Gurtin, CEO of PathFinders, during one of our early meetings. This saying rings true in every aspect in our lives. Be kind to yourself. Listen to your body and mind, and learn what helps you find some inner peace. Engage in hobbies or pastimes that give you joy, whether watching a movie, going to church, hanging out with friends, or singing and dancing.
Set yourself goals, so you can focus your motivation, time, and resources on a clear target. “There is power in our goals, it inspires us to live, to have determination. There is contentment in our success. My sole ambition for my kids has been achieved. We worked together to make ends meet. Now, my three beautiful children have fulfilling careers. I am a fulfilled mom,” shares Rodelyn.
No matter how long migrant mothers and their children are apart, there is always love waiting for their reunion. The many lonely nights where sons and daughters have longed to be tucked in and kissed good night by their far away migrant worker mothers, will all be worth it once their hardworking nanay, ibu, mama, moms, are finally back home and her children’s futures secured. For now, they’ll no doubt be thinking ahead to the next time they feel their mother’s warm embrace.
What’s up with WhatsApp scams? Something phishy: Ms V’s story
In collaboration with
WhatsApp is the one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world. From its origins as a simple messaging app, it now boasts over two billion monthly users; it has evolved to become an everyday part of our lives, an integral means of communicating with friends, colleagues, and loved ones, whether through messaging or audio/ video calling. Likewise, it has become a key channel for businesses and paid services to advertise themselves and interact with their customer base in real time.
Unfortunately, such overwhelming popularity is not without negative consequences. In recent years, WhatsApp scams have become increasingly common, as scammers look for new and increasingly advanced ways to target unsuspecting users. These scams can take various forms, but typically involve tricking users into providing personal information, clicking on malicious links, or sending money to fraudulent accounts. It is essential for users to be aware of these scams and take precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to them.
One of the latest scams doing the rounds involves criminals making voice and video calls from international numbers, mostly with phone numbers from countries including Indonesia (+62), Kenya (+254), Ethiopia (+251), and Malaysia (+60). If you are not expecting a call from any of these countries, it is advisable not to answer them, as it may mean that criminals are in possession of some of your personal information and are trying to confirm your phone number, or otherwise trying to deceive you.
Another common WhatsApp scam is the “phishing” scam, where scammers send messages pretending to be a trusted contact or organisation, such as a bank or government agency. They may ask for personal information, such as account details or passwords, under the guise of needing to verify your identity or resolve an issue. Users should never provide sensitive information over WhatsApp or any other messaging platform, as legitimate organisations would never ask for such information this way.
“A close friend of mine messaged me around 10pm – about the time I’m normally winding down and relaxing – saying that he’d mistakenly sent me a code for his WhatsApp,” shares Ms. V, a recent victim of a phishing scam.
“I noticed I’d received a text message containing a code, but it also included an alert saying I shouldn’t share it with anyone. I first tried calling my friend, but he didn’t answer; he then messaged and apologised for inconveniencing me, saying it was quite urgent. I was already in bed and not really thinking straight, so I just sent him the code. Looking back now, it felt like a psychological trick.
“After a few seconds, I was logged out of my WhatsApp. I tried logging in again, but it didn’t work, even after uninstalling and reinstalling the app. I was tired, so I went to bed and didn’t really think much more about it.
“The following morning, a lot of my friends were messaging and calling me to let me know that they had received suspicious WhatsApp messages from me asking for codes. This is when I realised – I had been hacked.
“It had a domino effect, since few of my friends did end up sending codes to the scammers, and some of their friends also sent codes. Although I did finally get my WhatsApp running again, it really was a lesson for me, and for everyone, to stop and think when you receive a suspicious message.”
What precautions should users take to protect themselves from WhatsApp scams?
Be cautious of unsolicited messages from unknown contacts or numbers
Avoid providing personal information, such as account details or passwords, over WhatsApp
Verify the identity of any person requesting money or financial assistance before sending any funds
Do not click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources
Block and report relentless unknown callers on WhatsApp. You can also silence unknown callers by following these instructions on your WhatsApp: Tap Settings > Privacy > Calls > toggle ‘on’ or ‘off’ Silence Unknown Callers
Another type of WhatsApp scam is the “money transfer” scam, where scammers pretend to be a friend or family member in distress and ask for financial assistance. They may claim to need money for an emergency, such as medical bills or travel expenses, and ask the user to send money to a specific account. It is crucial to verify the identity of the person requesting money before sending any funds, as scammers often use emotional manipulation to convince users to send money without question.
Additionally, WhatsApp users should be wary of messages containing suspicious links or attachments, as these could lead to malware or phishing attacks. Scammers may send messages with enticing offers or fake
promotions, encouraging users to click on a link that will download malicious software onto their device. Users should never click on links from unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources and should always verify the legitimacy of the sender before taking any action.
By remaining vigilant and using common sense when interacting with messages on WhatsApp, users can protect themselves from falling victim to scams and ensure a safe and secure messaging experience.
Subscribe to scam notifications:
OFW GOT TALENT FINALS
126TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY MWO-OWWA OFW MIGRANTS DAY
2Nd JUNE, CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL
#1 Aiza Obispo
Simpleng tao na may malaking pangarap, para sa akin at para sa pamilya ko. Lumalaban ako sa hamon ng buhay kasabay ang musika.
Tatlong taon na mula nung ako’y nagsakripisyo para sa pamilya ko dahil ako din ang inaaasahan ng aking mga magulang. Obligasyon ko bilang isang anak na mahalin at suportahan sila. Musika at pamilya, sila ang buhay ko.
#2 Julie Ann Lau
Year 2002, 3 weeks palang ako dito sa Hong Kong nang una akong sumabak sa singing contest at Chater Road, Central. Kaya naman na inspire ako at nagkaroon ako ng self-confidence. Kaya ko palang kumanta at manalo. Mga ilang sunod sunod na buwan at taon akong sumali sa mga pacontest, pero nang dahil sa personal na rason, nahinto ito.
#3 Marjurie Antonio
I am from Davao City, 37 years old. I have been working here in Hong Kong as domestic worker for five years. Singing is my passion, it is a way of releasing my emotions. I started singing when I was 6 years old. I am a single mom of two boys.
Ngayon, pagkalipas ng 15 na taon muli akong nagbabalik sa kompetisyon at ipagpatuloy ang aking passion at pagmamahal sa musika at pag awit. Manalo man o matalo, tuloy pa rin ang laban ng buhay.
#4 Marivel P. Diva
I am 42 years old from Roxas City, Capiz. I am currently working here in Hong Kong as a domestic worker. Singing is my passion, my stress reliever. I started singing when I was 7 years old.
#5 Kristine Marie M. Aquidado
I am a self-taught, lefthanded guitarist. I am the vocalist of MadMc. I am a singer/song writer, and the one who usually write our songs. I love playing guitar and I love music a lot. I don’t have professional training on writing songs, I make them my own way. Music is my best outlet, where I can express myself. I have been working as domestic worker in Hong Kong for 9 years.
#7 Marahuyo
(Judith Lagasca, Rosie Manlangit, and Jenny Payusa)
Our band name means to be enchanted/attracted. We were inspired by our friends to name our band Marahuyo, and they also inspired us to do better. Nagkakaroon sila ng positive thoughts pagnakikita nila kaming sumasayaw. Also, for ourselves na din na lots of times naa-amaze kami sa binigay sa amin na talent ni God. Kahit papaano po nakakapagpasaya ng tao, which improves our mental ,emotional and physical health.
#9 Ara Sindall
Isa akong alagad ng musika mula nang bata pa ako. Namana ko ang talentong ito sa aking mga ninuno. Nakarating ako sa iba’t ibang bansa dahil sa aking pagkanta, ngunit dahil sa dumating na dagok at pagsubok, naitigil ko ito. Pero ganoon talaga ang tawag sa alagad ng musika. Hahagilapin ka para sabihin sa buong mundo na hindi ka nag-iisa sa hamon at labanan. Madadapa, pero babangon muli ang anak ng Obando, Bulacan.
#6 Maria Cristina D. Villamor
I have been working in Hong Kong for more than 3 decades. Music makes my heart open to every possibility in facing everyday life. It inspires me, that even as a simple person, I can dream. I feel good and proud of myself that through singing my life is worthwhile.
#8 Mary Grace A. Ergino
My family and friends call me Grapes. I am from Valenzuela City, single mom with two kids. Currently working as migrant worker here in Hong Kong. I grew up loving musicals and Broadway theatre songs. As I became older, I started to learn singing musicals and operas, and became my choice of song for competitions. I have competed in Singapore and Hong Kong. I always dedicate my performance to my family and loved ones. Music and singing empowers me, it inspires me and makes me believe anything is possible.
#9 R & J duo
(Rea Jane Morillo and Jembee Pelicano)
We play acoustic, jazz, and soul. We were once rivals in a competition for an online show, but now, we sing as a team. We want to encourage our fellow singers that there is no obstacle to singing. As long as you have the same heart and passion for singing, you can do it.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS FINALS
126TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY
MWO-OWWA OFW MIGRANTS DAY
2Nd JUNE, CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL
Juan Direksyon
Noong Abril 8, 2024, habang may nagaganap na solar eclipse, limang gwapo ang bumuo ng banda. Retzel (bokalista), Geri (gutarista), Darwin (kibordista), Jepoy (dramista) at King (bahista).
Bukod sa taglay nilang gandang lalaki, hindi sila babaero.
Binuo nila ang bandang Juan Direksyon dahil musika ang hilig nila, at itinatawag ito nang kanilang mga puso.
Napagdesisyon nila na i-turn down ang pag-aartista, at sa ngayon ay wala pang plano ang bandang Juan Direksyon sa kanilang musical career. Panahon na ang magsasabi kung ano ang kanilang susunod na direksyon, hanggang sa susunod na solar eclipse.
6th Altitude Band
6th Altitude Band is a Filipino band based in Hong Kong playing at Center Point bar in Wan Chai.
Members are:
Female vocalist – Jane Dacanay
Male vocalis – Mark Louis Flores
Keyboardist – Rj Gonzalez
Guitarist – CJ Marcelo
Bassist – Ariel Monelar
Drumer – Macky Balcueva
Our band play variety musical genres including R’n’B, Pop, Rock, Retro, 80’s to 90’s and up to the top 40s latest music.
HKboyz
Ang HKboyz band ay nabuo dahil sa hilig sa musika ng bawat isa, sila ang kilabot ng Hong Kong kaya abangan ang kanilang ipapakitang talento sa entablado na pinangungunahan ni Marvin Cometa (bassist), Ferdie Ramos (drummer), Buboy (lead guitarist) at Jomar (vocalist). Isang karangalan para sa kanila ang makasama sa pinakakaabangang battle of the bands ngayong taon.
MADMC (Marie and Da Marios Crew)
Some members are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and some are Hong Kong residents. Members are Marie (vocals), Mogs (guitarist), Acey (bassist), mikeyMIKEyhomen (drum & on the RAP thing ), and Allen (drummer).
We write original songs as our trademark of our band. We accidentally met in Central, and after many years, we started talking about making songs and that is how we started.
SeyGi
6CodeBand
Madz & Ton (vox), Jake (guitar), AR (bass), Wendel (keys), and Brad (drums). Friends turned bandmates, kami po ay nagsama sama para sa layunin na pasayahin ang aming mga kababayan na OFW sa nalalapit na Araw ng Kalayaan. Mabuhay!
D High Street
All OFW drivers and workers love music. Our hang out place is High Street kaya napagkasunduan naming na ito ang pangalan ng band namin. Johnel Ancheta (lead guitar), Jaymel Baltazar (bass), Jenicleo Madronio (drums), Mark Cezar Dizon Crisostomo (guitar), and Eric Landicho (vocals).
Nagkakilala kami sa mga jamming sa tabing dagat, mahilig kasi kami makibirthday. Hanggang nag-assign kami mga posisyon ng bawat miyembro: Juno (vocalist), Johnrick (guitarist), Dennise (rhythm), Spike (bassist), and Adrian (drummer).
Nakuha nmin pangalang Seygi mula sa influence ng idol naming banda na 6cyclemind at ang kanta nilang Sige. Hindi kami professional musiciasn, hilig lang po talaga namin magjamming.
Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith
Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts
I WISH FOR A TREE
AS A CHILD growing up, climbing trees had always been fun for me. I have mounted most of the climbable trees that showed their presence at our little barrio in our small town called ‘OneTwoTree’… no, just kidding. I actually grew up both in the Metro and Panay (for privacy reasons, I cannot tell you that I have lived both in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, and New Lucena, Iloilo. Oh, wait…); these are the suburbs where I spent most of my natural development years as an energetic kid and a young adult.
I have ascended the branches, scaled the leaves, and enjoyed the fruits of the bayabas tree, avocado tree, sinegwelas tree, duhat tree, kamias tree, balimbibng tree, sampaloc tree, coconut tree, Indian mango tree, carabao mango tree, santol tree, chico tree, atis tree, guyabano tree, banaba tree, langka tree… even the fragile papaya tree. I even planted some of them myself. Suffice to say, trees were a huge part of my life.
There were even occasions when we stayed on a tree for one whole day, from the moment the sun started to rise to the time it set. Of course, that didn’t happen very often; it was only those times we were hiding from our crushes (because we were shy) or camping – sort of – in a tree. Either reason would result in us receiving punishment from our parents; the irony was, they would castigate us by telling us to climb a tree and stay there for hours, while we wondered why it was a punishment.
But my favourite was the caimito tree. It is known as ‘star apple’ in English,
though I had no idea why; to me, there was nothing about it that I considered a star or an apple. When climbing a caimito tree, there were always sweet and ripe fruits waiting for me somewhere near the top, which I would eat while I rested on its branches. I would then hit my cousins – either while they were swaying on the other branches or already waiting on the ground – by throwing the skin and seeds of the caimito fruit that I’d just finished devouring. Naturally, that meant that I won our eat-the-most-numberof-fruits-while-climbing-the-tree game. Those were my treeumphant… I mean, triumphant moments.
In those days, climbing trees was the most significant and tangible proof that a kid like me was healthy and robust. Even my newly circumcised cousins – bagong tuli – were forced to climb a tree, as a result of the teasing they received from everyone, to prove that they were strong and brave (although, that bravery usually rarely showing on their faces). Even I was not
exempted – I had my turn going through the same.
It is still very vivid in my memory how my cousins (and me at one time), wearing a palda (skirt) to cover their newly designed evidence of manhood, climbed the big black sinegwelas tree with a mukhasim (sour face). It was a clear demonstration of pride, combined with thinly veiled agony. Again, those were delightful times.
In the old days, there were no computers and cell phones (iPhones or Androids), or fancy mobile cameras and online games that most children (and adults) enjoy today while sitting silently in a coffee shop, restaurant, or just about anywhere else indoors. In our generation, we were outdoors most of the day. I remember how my mother would call me almost every afternoon just before 6pm and yell, “Roni, baba na dyan sa puno at magsaing ka na!” (Roni, come down from that tree and prepare to cook rice!)
Trees were our life. Trees were our games. Trees were our memories. Trees were
Trees were our life. Trees were our games. Trees were our memories. Trees were our companions. Trees spoke to us, and we listened
our companions. Trees spoke to us, and we listened. Sadly, these days, not many children have the opportunity to climb trees. They much prefer to play with computers and phones; they would rather engage perpetually in social media like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
I wish I could tell them how much fun they are missing. I want to show them how climbing trees will catapult us to glorious moments. I want to tell them how they can learn so much from being close to many trees.
I wish to convey to today’s generation that touching the trees’ branches and hugging their trunks elicit a strong relationship with nature and an emotional camaraderie with the universal environment. I wish there were more trees. I wish I could plant and grow a massive tree for everyone to climb, like the one in the fictional Pandora planet in the movie Avatar.
I wish for a multilingual tree, a smiling and friendly tree. And I will call it... the Pangyao Tree.
Ilaw ng tahanan
Photos by Martin Turner
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
Philippine Consul General
Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan
Pangyao visits the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong to speak to Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan about her passion for serving her kababayans and the goals of the Philippine government in the years ahead
ILAW NG TAHANAN – a Filipino phrase that perfectly describes the role of a mother. It directly translates as ‘light of the home’, a reference to days gone by, when the hearth and coconut oil lamps were lit by nanays (mothers) and lolas (grandmothers). In a more general sense, the phrase represents a mother’s guiding presence.
Philippine Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan – or CG Germie, as she is more affectionately known to her consular staff, acquaintances, and the local Filipino community – is our Ilaw ng tahanan here in Hong Kong.
Being a woman and a mother herself gives CG Germie valuable understanding of and insight into the lives of the more than 200,000 Filipino migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in the city – 97% of which are women – acting as guiding presence to all Filipinos living, working, studying, or visiting Hong Kong.
Many MDWs are mothers, and a huge percentage of these hardworking women are the sole breadwinners of their households. By looking after their employers’ families here in Hong Kong, they ensure they can take care of their own families back in the Philippines, securing the future of their children with their own blood, sweat, and tears. In doing so, they also help the economies of both Hong Kong and the
Philippines in the process. They sacrifice a lot – and deserve so much more.
“Nakakaproud talaga ang mga kababayan natin dito sa Hong Kong,” [Our fellow Filipinos here in Hong Kong make you feel proud] says CG Germie, during Pangyao’s recent visit to the Consulate offices. “Naaamaze ako sa sipag, tiyaga at sa mapagbigay nila na katangian.” [I am amazed by their hard work, patience, and generosity.]
Driven by the desire to give their families and themselves a better future, many Filipinos make the difficult decision to leave their home country to work overseas, where salaries are often higher than back home. This has led to an uptick in professional workers and university-level graduates leaving the Philippines in search of employment. However, CG Germie shares that these are issues that the Philippine government is working hard to address: “The government [in the Philippines] is serious about finding ways to improve the economy, bring in more investors, and provide more job opportunities. That is why we hope more and more [Filipinos] will stay and work in the Philippines rather than working abroad.”
If the government’s push for improving the Philippine economy and making the job market more attractive for skilled and highly educated workers comes to fruition, this will
The government [in the Philippines] is serious about finding ways to improve the economy, bring in more investors, and provide more job opportunities. That is why we hope more and more [Filipinos] will stay and work in the Philippines rather than working abroad
- Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan
hopefully slow down the brain drain that the country has been experiencing for decades. Doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and other professionals have been leaving the country in droves; according to the Department of Health (DOH), 316,000 licensed Filipino nurses – 51% of those who qualified – migrated overseas in 2021 alone, leading to an estimated shortage of around 350,000 nurses in the country.
Presently, the steep decline in birth rates and the rapidly aging population in many countries means that the demand for healthcare professionals and migrant workers continues to rise. Here in Hong Kong, according to government figures, the number of MDWs is set to rise to 600,000 by 2047 – an increase of more than 50% compared to today.
“You can be assured that the Philippine government will ensure that there is enough manpower to deliver services to the [projected] 600,000 workers, that workers’ rights are protected, and their welfare promoted,” says CG Germie.
The creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in 2022 – the primary agency handling matters involving migrant workers – has merged and streamlined the various government departments that handle all matters concerning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration national development programs. It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development.
While the operating arm of the DMW – the Migrant Workers Office – serves as the main channel for OFWs in Hong Kong to seek assistance, CG Germie is still very much involved in conversations with migrant workers in the city. “My favorite moments with our kababayans are many…[they] make my work enjoyable and meaningful. It makes me happy to be with them,” she shares. “But the most rewarding thing is when I am able to help them and make a difference in the lives of people, especially our OFWs. We know
Left to right: Cultural Attaché Chariza Paras; Vice Consul Allan G. Revote; Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan; Pangyao co-founder Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
that OFWs go through a lot of challenges and hardships just to be able to provide for their families and their needs. Anything I do for them is fulfilling, and it motivates me to do more and do better,” CG Germie says.
CG Germie had been the Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong since 2018, up until her appointment as Consul General earlier this year. She has extensive foreign service experience, including postings in UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. Her curriculum vitae reflects not only her impressive educational and employment background; it also demonstrates her passion for serving her country and all Filipinos.
“It is my way of giving back to my country. I studied and graduated from the University of the Philippines; a state university subsidised by the Philippine government. Government money was used to educate me, so in return, it is just right that I serve the government, and that my kababayans benefit from me. That is my motivation to perform my job with dedication and be a good and honest public servant,” she shares.
My favorite moments with our kababayans are many… [they] make my work enjoyable and meaningful. It makes me happy to be with them
- Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan
Originally from Albay, CG Germie now lives in Hong Kong with her husband of 32 years, Mr. Yusuf C. Usudan (a retired public servant himself), and their two children, Ameerah and Amiruddin. She converted to Islam after marrying her husband. Gender, religion, or social standing have never affected her passion for or dedication towards helping Filipinos.
Signing off with a warm smile, it is easy to see why CG Germie is building a reputation as the Filipinos’ ilaw ng tahanan in the city: “Serving my kababayans here in Hong Kong has never felt like a job. It is a privilege.”
hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
Iduladha pekerja migran bebas penipuan
IDULADHA MERUPAKAN HARI penuh rasa syukur bagi seluruh umat Islam di berbagai belahan dunia. Hari raya ini mengajarkan kepada kita semua nilai-nilai pengorbanan, keihklasan, serta kepedulian kepada sesama. Tentunya banyak juga Pekerja Migran Indonesia (PMI) di Hong Kong yang menjadikan Iduladha sebagai momen untuk berbagi kebahagiaan kepada sanak saudara serta orang terdekat kita di Indonesia dan Hong Kong.
Sayangnya, banyak oknum yang memanfaatkan keinginan kita untuk saling berbagi pada Idul Adha untuk melakukan kejahatan. Salah satunya adalah dengan melalui penipuan online. Semakin hari semakin banyak orang yang terjebak dan menjadi korban penipuan online di Hong Kong. Karenanya, penting bagi kita untuk terus mawas diri dalam berinternet dan menggunakan media sosial.
Modus penipuan online bervariasi, mulai dari penipuan yang mengatasnamakan artis terkenal, bank, hingga lembaga amal dan keagamaan. Penipu juga bisa berpura-pura menjadi anggota keluarga, teman, atau saudara yang meminta anda untuk mengirim uang sesegera mungkin untuk kebutuhan mendesak.
Jangan mudah percaya jika ada yang menghubungi anda untuk meminta
MODUS
bantuan atau kiriman uang, dan pastikan kembali identitas orang tersebut sebelum mengirim bantuan. Selain itu, jangan bagikan data pribadi anda ke siapapun untuk alasan apapun, terutama HKID, KTP, paspor, dan rekening bank. Jangan juga unduh aplikasi sembarangan, karena aplikasi tersebut bisa saja mencuri data anda secara diam-diam.
Jika anda mencurigai adanya upaya penipuan atau mengalami penipuan, jangan panik! Anda bisa langsung datang ke loket pengaduan di KJRI Hong Kong untuk melaporkan kejadiannya.
Anda juga bisa menghubungi hotline anti-penipuan kepolisian Hong Kong di nomor 18222. Jangan lupa siapkan juga bukti penipuan selengkap-lengkapnya, seperti tangkapan layar percakapan dengan penipu, link yang dibagikan, atau nomor rekening tujuan transfer.
Media sosial dapat menjadi tempat kita melepas rindu terhadap sanak saudara dan kampung halaman kita pada Iduladha 1445H ini, namun kita tidak boleh lupa untuk terus berhati-hati dalam menggunakan internet.
Semoga Iduladha 1445H ini memberikan berkah dan kebahagiaan bagi kita semua, serta saudara-saudara kita yang membutuhkan.
Mengatasnamakan artis, bank, otoritas pemerintah, atau kerabat
PENCEGAHAN Cek kembali informasi, lindungi data pribadi, jangan asal transfer, jangan download aplikasi sembarangan
PENANGANAN Lapor ke kepolisian Hong Kong, lapor ke KJRI Hong Kong, laporkan akun penipu
@kjrihk @indonesiainhongkong
Hotline KJRI Hong Kong: 5242 2240
Hotline anti-penipuan kepolisian Hong Kong: 18222
Yuni Andarwati
Founder of Yuni TKW Hong Kong
BEING A PUBLIC FIGURE with domestic worker employment agency experience, I speak with so many migrant workers every day. It is quite concerning that a big percentage of my conversations with them have to do with scams.
We know that life in Hong Kong is hard; being away from family, long working hours, financial problems, and many other difficulties – these can lead some people to questionable decisions. Recently, a migrant worker reached out to me in the middle of the night, she was picked up by the Hong Kong Police at her employer’s house at 3 o’clock in the morning.
She told me she had been lending her ATM card to someone who turned out to be a scammer. She thought she was helping someone out and wasn’t expecting this person to use her bank account for money laundering. Good thing her employer was understanding and vouched for her upstanding nature; still, she was issued a fine and a stern warning to be aware of such criminal activities.
I have heard so many heartbreaking stories of my fellow Indonesians being scammed out of their hard-earned money, so I want to warn everyone about these illegal activities, so you can avoid losing your savings and having your heart broken as well.
First of all, do not lend your bank account to anybody, as you run the risk of implicating yourself in a crime. They
may be your friend or co-worker, but you still cannot be 100% sure that they will not use it for illegal purposes. Any suspicious transaction that takes place under your bank account will be traced back to you –it doesn’t matter whether you were aware of it or not. Ultimately, it will be your responsibility to speak with the authorities if they find it to be part of a scam.
My second advice is do not easily trust people you don’t know who try to reach out to you through online messaging, phone calls, or even in person, as you do not know what their intentions are. There are so many love scams, phishing scams, and shopping fraud schemes that rely on building your trust, but you should always do your research and know who you are dealing with, especially when they are offering you money or asking you to part with it.
Please be very wary of scammers. Keep your money and your heart safe.
Cinta untuk ugly duckling
By Siti Muslimah
Tidak seperti bebek yang berubah menjadi angsa , kisahku sedikit berbeda. Mungkin bisa dikatakan aku korban stereotype masyarakat. Di masyarakat, tidak seperti anak perempuan lain yang sering dipuji visualnya , aku hanyalah anak biasa penyendiri yang tersenyum sayu mendengar para ibu-ibu tetangga memuji anak-anak perempuan lain.
Terkadang mereka juga tanpa perasaan berkata, “Duhhh, anak bapak-ibu kamu yang kelihatannya tidak menarik itu cuma kamu loh.” Aku tiga bersaudara dan kebetulan aku adalah si bungsu. Pada jaman itu kedua kakakku bisa dibilang cantik dan ganteng. Saat itu aku tidak mengerti dan belum bisa merasakan sakit hati, aku sering terabaikan.
Hingga aku mulai beranjak remaja, jerawat pun bermunculan. Apalagi kulitku cukup sensitif, hingga kadang di badan pun ada satu dua koreng hanya karena gigitan nyamuk. Aku bukan dari keluarga berada; bapak ibu sibuk bekerja, kedua kakakku tinggal terpisah. Aku jadi tumbuh kurang pengawasan atau kasarnya, aku memang kurang terawat. Masa remaja tidak kurang menyedihkannya. Badanku tinggi ramping, rambutku pun lurus. Jika dilihat dari belakang mungkin terbilang cantik bagi mereka, tapi tidak jika dari depan.
Aku ingat betul, saat itu aku duduk di bangku SMP. Setiap harinya bersepada pulang pergi ke sekolah. Dan setiap harinya, sering kali para pemuda atau remaja laki-laki lain yang menggunakan sepeda motor melakukan hal tidak mengenakkan terhadapku. Dari belakang mereka bersiul kemudian menoleh dan setelah itu menunjukkan
wajah ingin muntah. Menyedihkan sekali diri ini. Aku mengutuk mereka, seringnya berfikir, ”Betapa mudahnya jika aku ini tak terlihat.” Karena itu pula seringnya aku memilih pulang pergi melewati jalan sepi, akan tetapi itu menimbulkan masalah baru. Ya aku terhindar dari mereka yang menyebalkan tetapi aku bertemu orang mesum yang mengerikan. Dia mengeluarkan kemaluannya tiap kali aku melewati jalan sepi itu, sungguh mengerikan dan traumatis untuk aku yang masih remaja.
Aku berusaha menguatkan diri, “Tidak apa mereka memandangku sebagai gadis jelek yang tidak menarik. Itu akan menghindarkanku dari kejahatan.” pikirku. Yang membuat ini sulit adalah saat orang yang seharusnya disebut teman, menjadikanku kacung dan memperlakukanku seenaknya saja serta menjahiliku dengan sangat keterlaluan. Mereka merobek rok sekolahku, menginjak sepeda bututku, memasukkan ulat kepompong pisang ke dalam baju seragamku padahal mereka tahu betapa jijiknya aku pada kepompong. Jika saja aku ini gadis cantik dan populer masihkah mereka memperlakukanku seperti itu? Jika aku cantik, apakah aku layak dijadikan teman? Memang perlakuan tersadis terkadang datang dari perempuan itu sendiri.
Setelahnya aku menjadi pribadi yang minder, jarang berani mengangkat kepala. Jika mendapat perlakuan buruk aku menenangkan diri dengan berkata, ”Tidak apa-apa… Kamu ini jelek, jadi wajar saja.”
Aku berusaha keras menerima diriku, ”Ah, itu cuma pandangan orang, belum tentu kamu sejelek itu, jangan berkecil hati.”
Hingga suatu hari seorang anak kecil berkata, “Aku tidak mau bermain dengan kakak itu; dia jelek.” Aku tertawa terbahak-bahak karena terlalu menyedihkan. Apa lagi ini ya, Tuhan.
Aku terima, aku bersyukur, sejelek ini pun aku masih hidup; sejelek ini pun aku masih bisa mencari maka; sejelek ini aku bisa membesarkan diriku sendiri dengan baik. Begitulah caraku menerima dan melewati tahun demi tahunku. Aku pernah mencoba memperbaiki diri, berdandan, berpakaian bagus, dan lebih merawat diri. Tetapi itu tidak membuatku berubah menjadi angsa; bebek ini
tetaplah seekor bebek. Angsa di mata mereka tidak pernah adalah aku.
Hingga aku bertemu dengan orang yang menerimaku. Orang yang tidak keberatan jika aku hanyalah seekor bebek. Menyayangiku dan mengajari aku tidak harus menjadi angsa untuk diterima. Kamu hanya perlu menemukan tempatmu, nyaman menjadi dirimu dan percaya siapa pun kamu, Tuhan menciptakanmu dengan sangat indah.
Sebaik-baiknya penerimaan adalah diterima karena itu kamu. Tidak perlu mencari cinta biarkan cinta datang menghampirimu. Karena setiap makhluk layak untuk dicintai, tidak terkecuali kamu.
Sebaik-baiknya penerimaan adalah diterima karena itu kamu. Tidak perlu mencari cinta biarkan cinta datang menghampirimu. Karena setiap makhluk layak untuk dicintai, tidak terkecuali kamu
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
