Love is a bridge:
relationships
Conversation with Ron: Komiks
Aug / Sep ‘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
We are now on issue #17, and we are as pumped as ever!
Our cover reflects the importance of communication, as highlighted in our main feature, Love is a bridge, where we talk to Ody Munson and Marie Alan about long-distance relationships and how to maintain the bonds of love over distance and time.
Also in this issue; our resident columnist, Ron R. Lacson, shares his memories of Komiks when he was young; Know your Pangyao makes a return with an interview with Enrich HK’s outgoing Executive Director, Lucinda Pike; community leaders Leo Selomenio and Yuni Andarwati share the latest topics in the Filipino and Indonesian migrant community; and in our NGO spotlight, Pro Bono HK talks about reaching out to the vulnerable who need help and advice from their team of legal professionals.
It costs nothing to be kind to others, but it is worth so much to our community.
Hope you enjoy this issue!
Community voice: Leo Selomenio
How to register for Overseas Absentee Voting
PCG message
CG Germi shares details about the 2025 elections
Know Your Pangyao: Lucinda Pike
Pangyao talks to the Executive Director of Enrich HK
My Extra-Special Aunty
A new book about empathy, kindness and respect
Love is a bridge
Long-distance relationships in the migrant community
Conversation with Ron Ron discusses his childhood love of Komiks
NGO spotlight: Pro Bono HK Free legal advice offered by volunteer lawyers
CG Yul Edison & community voice Yuni Andarwati Latest updates from the Indonesian community
Lika Luku Anak Rantau by Endang Dwi. E (Indonesian) Our regular TCK Learning Centre collaboration
NAKAREHISTRO NA BA ang lahat para sa Overseas Absentee Voting? Deadline natin ay ngayong darating na September 30th , kaya pumunta na sa Philippine Consulate at magparehistro.
Pwede nyo ding i-scan ang QR code para sa iREHISTRO online registration sa ibaba para magfill-up ng application online, tapos dalhin nalang sa Window No. 16 sa Philippine Consulate 14/F United Centre, Admiralty, kasama ng passport at copy ng information page ng passport, para magpabiometrics nalang.
Malapit nanaman ang ating National Elections, siguraduhin na nakarehistro na tayo. Kahit anong partido o sinong kandidato ang ating napupusuan, ang pakay ng ating eleksyon ay para piliin natin ang sa tingin natin nararapat mamuno ng ating pamahalaan. Magkaiba man tayo ng mga pananaw, o pinipiling partido, tayong lahat ay Pilipino. Iisa ang ating pakay, ang mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat mamamayan.
Noong nakaraan na national election, meron tayong mga kaibigan, katrabaho, at kahit mga kamag-anak, na nagtampuhan at nagkabangayan dahil sa pagkakaiba ng opinyon sa mga kandidato o partido. Nitong darating na halalan, lagi nating ipasaisip na kakampi pa din tayong lahat para sa ikauunlad ng ating bansa.
Tandaan, April 13 hanggang May 12, 2025 ang petsa ng ating botohan at ito ay gaganapin sa Bayanihan Centre sa Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. Abangan ang mga updates at advisories galing sa ating Konsulado, ifollow ang kanilang Facebook page sa @PHLinHK.
Ating iunsad ang ating demokrasiya, karapatan natin ang bomoto para sa ating susunod na Pinuno ng bansa.
Steps para sa iRehistro online overseas voter registration:
1. Scan the QR code and fill in the form online
2. Save and print out the form
3. Bring filled in form together with your valid passport and a photocopy of the data page to the Philippine Consulate General offices on the 14/F of United Centre, Admiralty
4. Your biometrics will be taken on the same day
Umiwas sa labis na pangungutang. Huwag bayaran ang iyong ahensiya sa pamamagitan ng pag-utang sa kahit na anong kumpanya na nagpapautang kahit na hilingin ito ng ahensiya.
Gawin lamang ang mga pambahay na tungkulin para sa pamamahay ng amo sa tirahan na nakasaad sa kontrata. Huwag manilbihan para sa ibang tao bukod sa iyong amo.
Umiwas sa “job-hopping”. Kadalasan hindi pinapayagan ang pagpalit ng amo habang wasto pa ang iyong kasalukuyang kontrata maliban sa pambihirang pangyayari. Maaring hindi na payagan ang iyong pagapply ng visa sa hinaharap kung aabusuhin ang pagputol sa kontrata nang wala sa panahon.
Mayroon kang libreng tutuluyan sa pamamahay ng iyong amo sa tirahan na nakasaad sa kontrata, at dito ka lang puwedeng tumira. Maaring hindi na payagan ang iyong pagapply ng visa sa hinaharap kung titira ka sa labas kahit na pinayagan o binayaran ito ng iyong amo.
Huwag tumanggap ng illegal na trabaho o pansamantalang trabaho kahit na pinayagan o pinakiusapan
Maari kang isakdal at paalisin sa Hong
Kong kapag napatunayan kang lumabag sa kundisiyon ng pananatili. ka ng iyong amo o ahensiya na gawin iyon.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong who participated in this year’s month-long celebration of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, through the various activities they organised.
The 2nd June Migrant Workers Day and 9th June Kapangyawan Friendship Festival showcased the colourful Filipino culture, and the strong spirit of camaraderie and friendship among all of us.
I also wish to thank Pangyao Magazine for its support to the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Today, as we approach the end of the Overseas Voter Registration (OVR) drive for the 2025 National and Local Elections, I once again call upon the members of the Filipino community to come together to register for the Overseas Voting.
The 2-year OVR drive will end on 30 September 2024, and I wish to remind the members of the Filipino community that only those who are registered as overseas voters may vote in Hong Kong in the coming 2025 Midterm elections.
Overseas Voter Registration is easy and takes very little time and effort. Just visit the OVR booths at the Philippine Consulate (14/F United Centre, Admiralty) or at the Migrant Workers Office (29/F United Centre, Admiralty)
with your passports and have your biometrics captured. If you are unsure of your registration status, you may inquire from our OVR booths, and our team will be more than happy to assist you.
I likewise call on our kababayans who previously voted to check if their biometric information is complete. As the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will be implementing online voting for the 2025 elections in Hong Kong, those with incomplete biometric information will be unable to vote.
The Philippine Consulate has published the list of Filipino voters with incomplete biometrics at this site: https://bit.ly/hk_ibd_list_2024
For those names in the list, you can send an email to our OVR team at ov.hkpcg@gmail.com fill in the following Google Form to complete your biometric information: https://bit.ly/hk_ibd_2024
I encourage everyone to register and exercise your constitutional right to vote and choose your leaders.
The Philippine Consulate is here to assist you, and remains steadfast in its commitment to provide efficient and effective services to the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay!
PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
We chat with Lucinda Pike, the outgoing Executive Director of Enrich HK, a non-government organisation (NGO) that empowers migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to transform their lives through financial education and personal development programmes
What motivated you to start working with the MDW community?
I’ve always deeply believed in the power of education, especially for women. I first started volunteering as a mentor, where I got to understand deeply the challenges facing domestic workers and the sacrifices they make, but also how absolutely phenomenal this community is.
Along with another volunteer, I helped redesign Enrich’s mentoring program into a long-term program. I also became a trainer. When a position opened up on the operations team, I then became Senior Programmes Manager, and then a year later, Executive Director.
I’ve seen how our programs can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life, but crucially, I really believe that for women it is all about choice, and empowering a woman with a life skill such as financial literacy gives her the choice and ability to make informed decisions for her future.
I’m so grateful and thankful for the leadership of Ms. Lucinda Pike and the Enrich team. They helped me become an empowered woman. I learned a lot from tracking my expenses, how to save, budget, invest, setup a business, and plan for my future and family. With the help of my Enrich Financial Mentor, we reviewed and discussed the progress and challenges in my financial plans and goals. Enrich HK is a big help in my financial situation and priorities - Joselyn Urmatam Bisquera, Enrich & Pathfinders Amabssador
What are some of the top experiences you have had working with the migrant community so far?
It’s so hard to pick! I am constantly in awe of our MDW community and their thirst for learning and growing. I’m always so grateful that these women have chosen to spend their Sundays learning with us. My favourite Enrich event is always graduation; it is such a wonderful celebration of all the hard work and achievements of this community.
to relocation, Lucinda is stepping down after 7 years as Executive Director (and 9 years with the organisation) at Enrich HK
The 2023-2025 Enrich Strategic Plan outlined Enrich’s Theory of Change based on your three key pillars: inform, empower, and influence. Can you please share the outcomes or impact it has had?
Since 2023, we’ve engaged in a number of positive and collaborative meetings with Hong Kong, Philippines, and Indonesian governments, focusing on financial inclusion for domestic workers and the immense value of the care they provide.
We’ve experimented with new projects such as our podcast, called Hear their Voice, hosted by Catalina Magno, featuring inspiring and empowering financial insights from our MDW community.
This year we launched My Extra Special Aunty, Hong Kong’s first bilingual children’s book illustrated by MDWs. Written by the award-winning filmmaker Joanna Bowers of Cheeky Monkey Productions, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Cristina Cayat and Noemi Manguerra from Guhit Kulay International. All proceeds of the book go to Enrich and Pathfinders.
Lastly, we’ve also run annual surveys in partnership with Helper Choice to highlight the challenges MDWs face.
What advice do you have for MDWs trying to escape the cycle of debt?
The first piece of advice would be to join our Moneywise Migrants workshop! In this workshop we go through how to manage your salary and save money for your goals, including preparing a budget to account for things such as remittance, debt repayment, and so on, how to plan and track expenses, set financial goals, building an emergency fund, and manage your money.
We have a number of resources on our website that I’d always encourage everyone to look at. With financial education, careful planning of your budget and consistent progress, it is possible to repay some debts. The reality is that emergencies and life do happen; there is often significant family pressure from back home, and in Hong Kong, debt can quickly accumulate. Pre-existing recruitment debt, coupled with scams, can make domestic workers even more susceptible to debt.
We offer a free financial consultation service that provides one-to-one advice for migrant domestic workers in financial crisis. The reality is that debt can be incredibly stressful and we’re here to help.
Lucinda will be deeply missed!
During her tenure as Executive Director at Enrich HK she has been an inspiration to so many. For me, there will never be enough or sufficient words to express the depth of my gratitude for her support and friendship over many years, including some of the most challenging times leading an NGO in HK - Catherine Gurtin, CEO, Pathfinders
With the help of Enrich’s program I had a better understanding of myself. I got to know my weaknesses which were blocking my way to financial stability. As a domestic worker, the first concept we had in mind when we entered this job was just to make a living. But through financial education, we become aware that life after our domestic job is more challenging, so we must take action and be ready for what is ahead of us - Sofia Leoncito Angeles, Enrich workshop graduate
What are you looking forward to in the future, both for work and your relocation to London?
At Enrich, I’m really excited that we’ve just started revamping the curriculum of our programs, as the world we live in is very different to that prior to the pandemic, and we want to ensure we are providing the highest quality of education to our wonderful community of domestic workers. In terms of my relocation to London, I’ll be arriving in autumn, so I’m looking forward to some time in nature and seeing the leaves change to beautiful autumnal colours of red and orange. Continually learning and growing is a key value to me, and something I never got around to doing in Hong Kong was learning how to drive, so I’m looking forward to learning how to do that in England!
My Extra-Special Aunty is a touching and heartfelt new book written by renowned filmmaker Joanna Bowers. Joanna is no stranger to the migrant domestic worker community in Hong Kong, having directed the critically acclaimed 2017 movie The Helper, exploring the diverse lives of these hardworking women and their contribution to society.
The new book, published in both English and Traditional Chinese, is told from the perspective of a child, highlighting the unique bond between children and their titas, while encouraging children, their families, and their domestic workers alike to build a relationship based on trust, respect, and kindness.
Produced in collaboration with migrant-focused NGOs Enrich HK and Pathfinders, it is beautifully illustrated by Cristina Cayat and Noemi Caballero, co-founders of migrant worker art collective Guhit Kulay.
My Extra-Special Aunty is available from both Bookazine and Lion Rock Press, both online and in-store, so pick yourself up a copy today!
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS can be defined as two people sharing a close and personal relationship, albeit with the additional complication of geographical distance. No doubt, maintaining a longdistance relationship is not without its challenges, requiring an additional level of dedication and commitment versus more “conventional” relationships.
There are a wide variety of reasons why two people in a relationship may find themselves apart, though in the migrant domestic worker community – where most of the population are women – the primary reason tends to be earning opportunities; the chance to earn a higher salary than back in their home countries.
While many such relationships stand the test of time and distance, there are some that don’t make it. Issues related to trust, finances, commitment, communication, or need for intimacy can play a part, alongside many other reasons.
“Si Adolfo ‘yung first love ko noong dalaga pa ako. Pero nang malipat siya ng trabaho, hanggang nagpunta na siya sa Saudi, hindi na kami nagkita. Hindi kami nagkatuluyan,” [Adolfo was my first love. But when he got transferred for a job, and eventually left for Saudi Arabia, we lost contact. We didn’t get a chance to be together] shares Maripaz Dioso Alan, known as ‘Marie’ to her friends.
“Hanggang sa nagkapag-asawa ako ng iba nang 2010, at paglipas ng taon, nagkaroon kami ng dalawang anak habang nagsasama kami. Hindi ko na inisip si Adolfo,” [I eventually married someone else in 2010, my husband and I had two children together. I stopped thinking about Adolfo] she says.
Marie came to Hong Kong in 2016 to work as a migrant domestic worker. During her time away from her family, she and her husband started having problems in their relationship. She was sure that he was being unfaithful to her and they had many fights about it. But through communication, and a desire to be
together as a family, they patched things up. Their relationship was going well until 2019, when tragedy struck.
“March 2019 nang maaksidente ang aking asawa; nahulog siya habang nagwewelding at ito ang kanyang ikinamatay,” [It was March of 2019 when my husband got into an accident; he fell from a height while welding and died from his injuries], Marie recollects.
The family mourned the loss of a husband and father, but Marie knew that life had to go on; she went back to Hong Kong to continue working, to earn a living for herself and her children.
Two years after her husband’s death, out of the blue, Marie received a message online from Adolfo, her first love. They reconnected, and after months of courting, Marie found her love for Adolfo rekindling. They soon found themselves in a committed longdistance relationship.
“Madalas kami mag-usap hanggang sa nagkadevelop ulit kami and until now, hindi nawawala sa amin iyung communication parehas po kasi kami nang gusto at araw-araw po kaming nag-uusap,” [We chatted online a lot in the beginning, until we developed feelings for each other, and even until now, communication is always there, because we both know that we want to keep talking every day] Marie shares.
Marie rekindled her feelings for her first love, Alfonso, after he reached out to her online after many years living overseas
Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but with effort, communication, and trust, they can also be incredibly rewarding. Maintaining a good relationship when far apart requires dedication from both partners, and a willingness to prioritise each other, despite the physical distance.
Melody “Ody” Munson married young. She was 15 years old when she gave birth to their first child. Her and her partner had two children during their time together, but their relationship was tumultuous, and there were problems from the start. After a few years, her husband abandoned his young family. They never heard from him again.
“I have always been a tough woman. I knew I could overcome any challenge life would throw at me,” says Ody, Founder of the migrant community group, Horizons, author, and public speaker. But after a challenging few years, Ody’s luck was about to change.
“I met Devin through an online language exchange website around 2008. We hit it off right away, but even though we really liked each other, we didn’t officially become a couple until 2009,” says Ody.
The attraction was strong even though they were thousands of miles apart; Devin lives in Maryland, USA, while Ody lives in Hong Kong. They talked every day, through messaging, voice calls, and video calls. They nurtured their relationship with communication, care, and affection for each other. In 2011, they met for the first time in-person in the Philippines, where he met Ody’s family and asked for her hand in marriage.
“Devin got along with my family really well. They were glad to see me have someone
who takes care of me,” Ody says. She visited Devin and his family in 2015 and likewise won their hearts. Devin knew that Ody was special; she was wife material and gave his life meaning. So, Ody began the long process of annulling her previous marriage.
It took more than 5 years for the annulment to be approved through the Philippine courts, but all that time, even until now, Ody and Devin have maintained a relationship built on trust, commitment, love, and respect for one another. They finally wed in 2018 here in Hong Kong.
What advice do Marie and Ody have for those in long-distance relationships? “Dapat nandoon lagi iyung tiwala sa isa’t isa at stay connected kahit na busy kayo pareho sa work. Hindi din dapat nawawala ‘yung communication at dapat give and take kayo. Iwasan ang mga bagay na pwedeng makasira sa relasyon, kasi ang tukso nandiyan lang,” [Trust for one another always needs to be there and to stay connected even if you are both busy with work. Communication should not stop, and you both need to give and take. Avoid things that may ruin the relationship, because temptation is always around the corner] says Marie.
“Hindi mo pwedeng sakalin ang asawa mo,” [You can’t choke or be too strict with your husband] Ody says with a playful laugh. “Kailangang bigayan mo din siya ng freedom, kagaya ng ibibigay niya din sa iyo. Kung nandiyan naman ang respeto at pagmamahal, hindi ka dapat nag-aalala kung mapagkakatiwalaan mo siya. [You need to give him freedom, like he would give you as well. If you have respect and love for each other, you shouldn’t worry if you can trust him or not] Do things that make your husband love you - give back to the community, and most importantly, take care of yourself.”
I met Devin through an online language exchange website around 2008. We hit it off right away, but even though we really liked each other, we didn’t officially become a couple until 2009 - Ody Munson
Long-distance relationships require commitment and trust to thrive. By prioritising each other, staying connected, and supporting each other’s growth, you can maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship even when far apart. With dedication and effort from both partners, long-distance relationships can withstand the test of time and distance. Here are a few helpful ways help you stay the course
Communication becomes even more important when you are far apart. Make an effort to check in regularly with your partner through phone calls, video chats, texts, and emails. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other to stay connected and bridge the physical gap between you. Setting aside dedicated time for communication can also help ensure that both partners feel heard and supported.
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and this is especially true in longdistance relationships. Both partners must be honest and transparent with each other to build a strong foundation of trust. Be open about your concerns and insecurities, and encourage your partner to do the same. Trusting each other will help ease any insecurities or doubts that may arise due to the distance between you.
Physical proximity is an important aspect of any relationship, so make an effort to plan regular visits to see each other in person. This will give you the opportunity to create new memories, strengthen your bond, and maintain intimacy despite the distance. MDW employment contracts last for two years, and even if it takes that long before you see each other, make plans and talk about what you will do when you spend time with them. This gives you both something to look forward to and help keep the spark alive in your relationship.
It is important to discuss your goals and expectations for the relationship early on to ensure that you are on the same page. Talk about your long-term plans, how often you expect to communicate, and how you will handle disagreements or conflicts. Setting clear boundaries and expectations will help prevent misunderstandings and foster a sense of stability and security in your relationship.
While it’s important to prioritise your relationship, it is also crucial to support each other’s individual goals and aspirations. Encourage each other to pursue your passions, hobbies, and interests, and celebrate each other’s achievements and milestones. By supporting each other’s personal growth, you can strengthen your bond and create a sense of mutual respect and admiration.
Long-distance relationships require patience, understanding, and flexibility. It is normal to experience challenges and setbacks along the way, but working together to overcome them can help strengthen your relationship. Be patient with each other, communicate openly about your feelings, and be willing to compromise when necessary. Remember that distance is just a temporary obstacle, and with patience and effort, you can build a strong and lasting relationship despite the physical distance.
I WAS VERY ENGROSSED in the story I was reading. I was on the 3rd page when my mother called my attention and said, “Roni, bitawan mo na ‘yang Komiks at may aarkila na!” [Roni, let go of that Komiks, someone wants to rent it!] With reluctance, I obeyed my mother. That was years ago… alright, many years ago.
Yes, I was reading Komiks and had many favourite serial novels. Most of them were penned by Carlo J. Caparas, Pablo S. Gomez, and Jim Fernandez; they were illustrated by Mar T. Santana and Hal Santiago. I also love the works of Elena M. Patron, Gilda Olvidado, Nerissa G. Cabral, and Lualhati Bautista.
Our family used to own a small sari-sari store [local village store] and one of our services was renting out Komiks. So yup, I was a certified Komiks junkie growing up; from being an innocent kid to becoming a curious adolescent, reading Komiks was part of my life.
I never got tired of reading Komiks back then. So many good stories were always bitin [left me wanting more] or itutuloy [to be continued]. And like the telenovelas or movie-series on TV or Netflix these days, Komiks also contained cliffhangers that were always ‘to be continued’. So, they made me want to read more. I remember Darna, Hiwaga, Tagalog Klassiks, Pilipino Komiks, TSS, Aliwan, Pioneer, Liwayway, and many more. I also remember how my mother used to send me to Muñoz Market on Roosevelt Avenue to buy the latest issues of Komiks.
Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts
Still vivid in my memory are the reactions of my two younger sisters, younger brother, five cousins, three neighbourhood friends, a few more distant relatives, two dogs, one cat, one pig, and seven chickens (oh yeah, we resembled a mini barangay [small village] at that time), whenever they would see me coming back carrying dozens of Komiks I had bought from the market.They were smiling, jumping, shouting, waving, and dancing like the munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. They were so happy. They were eager to start reading. Yes, they were certified Komiks lovers, too. We all were.
But nobody could beat me when it came to putting 100% focus on Komiks. Not a conscious human being had the power to take my eyes away from what I was reading (except my mother, of course, or else I would not have been given baon [allowance] for school). Even the pretty lasses in our place, who had crushes on me (naks!), could not get my attention if I was reading Komiks. No matter how pacute they acted, I still ignored them.
I used to believe they did that because I was pogi [handsome] – until my mother told me those girls had shallow taste. Ngek! “Anak, mababa talaga ang taste ng mga dalagita dito sa atin.” [Son, the teen girls here are very shallow.] (Wahhh). If you are wondering where my father was, he was somewhere in a corner, also reading Komiks. Yes, Komiks was indeed a family addiction… I mean, tradition.
There was no internet at that time, so of course, there was no Facebook (only slam book and notebook); no Instagram (only telegram); no X or Twitter (only real birds like maya, sisiw [chick] and itik [duck]); no TikTok (only baTok [hitting the nape] I would receive from my mother if I were stubborn); no YouTube (only picture tube inside our old black and white TV)… in short, no social media (only Social Studies as one of our subjects in school). That meant the pages of Komiks were our destined soulmate.
• Komiks was the first tool I used to guide myself in writing
• Komiks helped me sharpen my reading comprehension
• Komiks taught me to dream and imagine playing different characters
• Komiks was where I started to see that there are stories other than my own
• Komiks was where I learned that victories do not always come in beautiful packages
• Komiks was where I learned that failures are temporary (itutuloy [to be continued])
• Komiks was where I learned that success is always sweeter when we work hard for it
And Komiks is where I learned to coin my pun: “Ang buhay at parang Komiks, maraming ‘itutuloy’, at may isang ‘wakas’”. [Life is like Komiks, there are plenty of ‘climaxes’ and there is one ‘finale’]
As we continue to reach our dreams and goals, traverse this challenging time, fight for our rights, and live our lives amid this demanding and exciting world, the memories of all we have accomplished in our life journey will help sustain us. So, let’s continue to face and overcome all our life conflicts and squabbles. Let’s keep getting up in the morning. For now, your life, my life, all our lives… are ‘to be continued…’, or itutuloy, just like in Komiks.
Scan the QR code to read more of Ron’s blogs on Pangyao.HK:
@ronrlacson
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
HONG KONG HAS set a benchmark in Asia when it comes to migrant domestic worker (MDW) minimum wage and the existence of labour laws protecting the rights of the almost 400,000 MDWs who live and work in the city.
It has one of the lowest crime rates in the region, ranking sixth out of 142 countries in the 2023 Global Safety/Crime Index, and has the third best public transport system globally, making it one of the most easily accessible cities in the world. Despite being a modern metropolis, Hong Kong has numerous green country parks and well-maintained beaches, all of which are free to access for the public.
There are many things that make Hong Kong an attractive place to work, not only for MDWs, but for immigrants from all over the world. Of all the ethnic minority groups in the city, Filipinos top the list with 32%, while Indonesians make up 23%; the majority of them are employed as household workers.
Despite the many positives of working in Hong Kong, however, it is not without its challenges. Migrant groups and organisations have voiced concerns, expressing discontent with some of the rules currently in place in the city, such as calling for an end to or extension of the 14-day limit of stay upon termination of the contract, putting a cap on MDW working hours, and abolishing the live-in rule.
The concern is that in the wrong hands, such rules can be abused, exposing vulnerable migrant workers to abuse and maltreatment; given that almost all of them are unable to afford legal advice or representation, this can put them in a perilous position with unscrupulous employers.
“We want to help the vulnerable in the community. There are people who need help but cannot afford to get legal advice,” says Lizzie Chan, Director
Pro Bono HK in numbers 50+ volunteer lawyers 1,500+ hours of advice & assistance 500+ cases handled
of Pro Bono Hong Kong (PBHK), an organisation dedicated to offering free legal advice to those without the means to pay for it. “Many of the people you support [in Pangyao] may face numerous legal challenges in various contexts, such as understanding their rights within the employment and social welfare systems, navigating housing issues, and dealing with family law matters,” she says.
PBHK not only offers legal advice for employment term disputes, but also with many other concerns that are common in the migrant community, such as matrimonial matters, child support, land and property, housing and tenancy issues, healthcare rights, and legal procedures and aid.
Since the founding of PBHK in 2014, they have handled more than 500 cases, and have given over 1500 hours of advice and assistance. Their mission is to empower the impoverished, distressed, and vulnerable in our community by giving them access to justice on an equal footing – free from discrimination and unlawful, unfair, or unjust practices. They help to ensure that everyone has the equal protection of the law and that no
HKD 6m+ in value of free legal services provided
one is denied the ability to exercise their legal rights under the law due to a lack of financial or other resources.
PBHK’s volunteer lawyers and student assistants work together to provide legal advice and assistance at their network of community legal clinics. These clinics provide direct legal help to the poor in our community. “At Pro Bono HK, we work based on three pillars: community legal clinics, legal literacy, and capacity building,” says Chantal Chung, Legal Clinic and Project Manager of PBHK.
“Our community legal clinics are also in collaboration with other organisations like the Society for Community Organisation, or SoCO, and various other NGOs and community groups,” says Nelson Chu, Case Officer and Committee Member at PBHK.
If you or someone you know needs access to legal services, please do not hesitate to reach out to Pro Bono HK. They have made their services very accessible with their newly launched WhatsApp and WeChat hotlines; find all their contact information on the next page, alongside their easy 4-step case application process.
We want to help the vulnerable in the community. There are people who need help but cannot afford to get legal advice - Lizzie Chan, Director of Pro Bono HK
Send a message via email, WhatsApp, WeChat or through the website, providing contact information and explaining your legal issue/situation.
ask@probono.org.hk
+852 9229 7517
+852 9229 7517 www.probonohk.org
Following the call, Pro Bono HK will assess the eligibility of your case. If deemed eligilible, a free legal consultation session will be arranged with one of their volunteer lawyers. If they are unable to assist directly, they will aim to connect you with other organisations who may be able to help.
Pro Bono HK will conduct a call to understand your issue in more detail. They will answer questions about your financial means, the nature of your issue, and the relief/support you are seeking.
On the agreed date and time of your appointment, one of Pro Bono HK’s volunteer lawyers will meet you face-to-face to discuss your case in detail and offer advice. Sessions are limited to a maximum of one hour due to volunteer availablility.
THERE ARE FEW moments as vividly joyous in the life of a nation as the anniversary of its Independence Day. Indonesia, known for its festivities, is no exception.
Across the country’s numerous islands, children and adults alike gather in high spirits to enjoy a day of traditional games and celebrations in their neighbourhoods.
Most Indonesians are familiar with these games, with panjat pinang (greasy pole climbing), balap karung (burlap sack racing), and makan kerupuk (crackerseating competition) being some of the most popular crowd-pleasers.
These games are not only a lot of fun; they hold significant symbolism as well. Through these games, we are all reminded of the long struggles for the hard-earned freedom from the Dutch that we sometimes take for granted, as well as the importance of camaraderie.
@kjrihk
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Hotline KJRI Hong Kong: 5242 2240
Hotline anti-penipuan kepolisian Hong Kong: 18222
Panjat Pinang
Closely resembling the Chinese qiang gu (搶孤, ghost grappling) and originally played during the Dutch occupation, this game involves attempting to climb a greased pole to reach the prizes hung at its top. This requires strategic collaboration, good communication, and willingness to share hard-won prizes between members of the group.
Balap Karung
First introduced during the Dutch occupation by missionaries in schools, this game is played to teach children the meaning of optimism and resilience and to symbolize the struggle for Indonesian independence.
Makan Kerupuk
This game’s origins can be traced back to the 1950s, in the immediate aftermath of the Dutch military aggressions. It involves attempts to eat krupuk hung on ropes without using hands, symbolising the hardships of the early days of Indonesian independence and the camaraderie between all layers of society in spite of it.
Even as Indonesia moves ever closer towards its 2045 Golden Indonesia vision of a sovereign nation, advanced and prosperous, these symbolisms keep us rooted to our rich history, traditional cultures, and ancestral values.
Selamat HUT RI ke-79!
I HAVE RECENTLY been contacted by a migrant domestic worker (MDW) who was in police custody for breach of her employment contract, so I wanted to warn other MDWs about the consequences of doing this.
Endah (not her real name) was offered a fake employer – but a genuine employment contract – by an employment agency in return for HKD 35,000 (some charge up to HKD 55,000!), for which she had to pay half upfront, and the rest after she found employment.
The reason for the fake employer was so that she could be illegally employed as a dishwasher at a restaurant that paid much more than the minimum allowable wage here in Hong Kong. She worked in that same restaurant for 8 years and paid the agency every time she had to renew her falsified contract.
One day, the police conducted a random check on all the employees in the restaurant and found out that Endah was on a MDW visa. She was immediately detained and brought to the precinct, where she was allowed to contact me.
Endah is currently out on bail and is awaiting trial. If convicted, she could face a maximum fine of HKD 50,000 and up to 2 years’ imprisonment, before being deported back to Indonesia.
I have heard many stories like Endah’s and have helped them get through the
hoops after being caught. On the other hand, the employment agencies that offer these agreements to vulnerable migrants often get away with it; they plead ignorance, telling the authorities they were in no way involved in the falsification of the employment contract, and claim they had no knowledge that the employer who signed the contract had no intention of actually employing the MDW.
There are also many fellow Indonesians I have assisted who have just skipped out on their employers, but continued to stay in Hong Kong, despite not having a valid visa anymore. Most of them are preyed upon and taken in by organised crime groups, where these women who have overstayed their visas are left with no other option for employment but engaging in illegal activities, such as selling drugs, or even prostitution. I have helped many of these ladies with food, coffee packets, and other essentials after convincing them to surrender to the authorities, in turn helping them get back to Indonesia safely.
So, if you are being enticed by someone you know, or by your friends, to overstay or use the services of unscrupulous agencies in order to obtain fake contracts, please report them to the authorities right away. We can prevent crime and illegal activities together.
By Endang Dwi. E
JALANI DAN NIKMATI hidup. Itu yang ada di benakku. Namaku Dwi, aku dilahirkan dari keluarga yang pas-pasan. Merantau bukan pilihan, tapi dengan merantau aku bisa membantu perekonomian keluarga. Dulu yang ada di anganku merantau di negara yang elit dan maju kita lebih ringan kerjanya. Akupun memutuskan mengadu nasib merantau ke Hong Kong.
Aku mendatangi sebuah PT di kawasan Surabaya, akan tetapi ditolak karena masih terlalu kecil dan belum cukup umur; malah diarahkan ke Malaysia. Akupun tidak mau dan bersikeras tetap ke tujuan awal. Di PT kota Malang aku diterima untuk menjalani bimbingan bahasa dan pekerjaan sehari-hari sebelum berangkat ke Hong Kong. Dulu butuh waktu lama untuk mendapatkan majikan - aku di PT 7 bulan lamanya sebelum akhirnya mendapatkan majikan.
Sampai di Hong Kong bisa dibilang apes nasibku, aku mendapatkan majikan yang cerewet, siang jadi malam - malam jadi siang. Majikan pertamaku ini sangat tidak memenuhi hak-hakku, gaji underpaid, tidak dikasih libur, tidak dikasih makan minum yang cukup dan istirahat yang sangat kurang. Kulalui hari-hari yang sangat menyebalkan - terasa berat dan penat, bisa 2 tahun selesai di majikan yang super bawel itu hal yang luar biasa bagiku, yang tidak punya pengalaman bekerja dan dengan mental yang lemah. Di sinilah aku mendapatkan kekuatan mental yang lebih tegas.
Tidak sampai di sini perjalanan merantauku, aku putuskan ganti majikan dengan harapan mendapatkan majikan yang lebih baik. Mungkin dibilang baik, ya lebih baik daripada majikan yang sebelumnya. Di sini masih saja ada kendala bekerja di rumah yang besar 3 lantai, ada 2 pembantu yang tentunya majikan lebih sayang ke pembantu yang lama. Sebenarnya hatiku meronta, tapi dengan sabar aku bisa melampaui kontrak sampai finish.
Akupun cari majikan lagi, masih dengan harapan dapat majikan yang lebih baik. Di majikanku yang ke 3 bisa dibilang cocok
dengan anganku; merawat nenek yang baik, anak-anak nenek juga baik. Akan tetapi di sini ujianku ada hewan peliharaan anjing 4 ekor. Walaupun kerjaan banyak tetapi majikan baik dari sebelumnya, hatiku nyaman. Akupun bekerja 3x kontrak. Setelah terasa jenuh 3x kontrak di majikan yang sama, aku cari majikan yang ke-4. Di sini Sir adalah panggilan untuk polisi. Kenyataan tak sesuai harapan masih juga dihantam pekerjaan di luar, di majikan aku sungguh tidak kerasan. Tempat tidurku di gudang pengap dengan udara yang begitu tidak sehat. Aku hanya bertahan 1 tahun. Tahun 2013 akupun memutuskan pulang ke tanah air. Merasa punya tabungan dan berharap tidak balik merantau lagi.
Entah apa daya, di rumah tidak punya usaha, tabunganpun tidak tersisa. 3 tahun di rumah punya momongan bertambah pula pengeluaran, akupun kembali merantau ke Hong Kong lagi. Kali ini tujuanku selain punya tabungan minimal punya usaha baru ketika pulang. Selama ini juga aku menemui bermacam-macam karakter teman seperjuangan - ada yang baik, ada yang berniat jahat. Mungkin impian semua teman anak rantau sama: punya tabungan, punya usaha, dan semua pasti merasakan galaunya di saat tanggal gajian tiba, daftar pengeluaran dan kebutuhan sudah tersusun tiap bulannya. Pernah merasakan bokekpun dijalani. Demi untuk memenuhi kebutuhan keluarga, anak rantau jadi tulang punggung keluarga. Bahkan kita jadi pahlawan devisa negara.
Sekian lama bertahun-tahun bahkan puluhan tahun aku merantau, tak terasa umur sudah kepala 4. Tenaga tidak seperti masa muda, sekarang lebih terarah waktu liburku; tidak aku sia-siakan peluang menambah wawasan di learning center dan berbagai seminar di berbagai organisasi. Perantauan mengajariku hidup keras di negeri orang. Banyak aku temukan jati diriku sendiri karena di sini kita dituntut menjadi sangat mandiri. Terima kasih badan telah berjuang keras ini, sehat-sehat ragaku. Semoga impianku dan impian teman rantau cepat terwujud dan kembali ke keluarga tercinta. Semoga lelahku lelahmu lillah.
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 5242 2240
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
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
