Issuu

Hong Kong’s Migrant Community Features in English, Filipino & Indonesian

Issue 2

Dec 21 / Jan 22

Bold new film We Don’t Dance for Nothing International Migrants Day Consul General Raly Tejada’s Christmas message

Chungking Mansions: A world on your doorstep

A Journey Through India

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CONTENTS

Issue 2 Dec 21/ Jan 22 Front Cover: Designed by Steve Ellul; original images provided by We Don’t Dance for Nothing

International Migrants Day Celebrating the migrant population

Conversation with Ron Pangyao wordsmith Ron R. Lacson

We Don’t Dance for Nothing Director Stefanos Tai talks through his new film about HK’s domestic workers

Poetry corner Poetry from HK’s migrant community

Chungking Mansions A world on your doorstep in TST

Pangyao pics “Let’s be free” competition winners

A taste of home Martini cooks beef rendang

NGO spotlight: TCK Learning Centre Learning centre for migrant workers

Dealing with homesickness Tips on living your best life overseas

A Christmas message from PCG Courtesy of Con Gen Raly Tejada

Filipino content Christmas, the Filipino way

Indonesian content Migrant stories from TCK students

Important contacts

A word from the founders HI PANGYAOS! What an amazing couple of months we’ve had here at Pangyao! October saw the launch of the inaugural issue of Pangyao Magazine, which was very positively received by the community, making those past few months of hard work all the more worthwhile. On our 1st October launch day, we were joined by our everenthusiastic Facebook moderators out on the streets in Central, who helped us hand out over 1,000 copies in less an hour! It was a similar story at other distribution points, not least the Philippine Consulate General, where the uptake of the magazine far surpassed our expectations. So with lessons learned from edition #1, we’re back bigger and better for this issue - more copies, more pages and most importantly, more inspiring content from across the migrant community! Our lead stories this month include an interview with Stefanos Tai, director of We Don’t Dance For Nothing, a unique new film about Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, and an inside look at TST’s iconic cultural melting pot, Chungking Mansions. Alongside regular features including Conversation with Ron, Pangyao pics and Poetry corner, we also talk to TCK Learning Centre in this month’s NGO spotlight; celebrate International Migrants Day on 18th December; and learn how to cook beef rendang in A taste of home. In our expanded language section, our Indonesian content includes two stories kindly shared by members of TCK Learning Centre, while our Filipino content includes a special Christmas message from Consul General Raly Tejada, and Marifi reminisces about the festive period in the Philippines in Paskong Pinoy. We hope you enjoy Pangyao Magazine issue #2! Aileen & Martin Special thanks:

Steve Ellul (Cedar) Lie Fhung Rob Garratt Sanna Kontinen Robert Burton-Bradley Darren Hayward Jeffrey Andrews

What is

About Pangyao

Website • Android app • Magazine • Facebook social group A one-stop social and information resource for migrant workers in Hong Kong, offering users a wide range of free-to-use features, including: • Blogs & Poetry corner: Ready-made, open platform to post your personal blogs and poetry, available to all users. Any topic, any time • Features: Interviews with inspiring Pangyaos and organisations from across the migrant community • Directories: Comprehensive listings of NGOs, consulates, community groups and businesses • Pangyao pics: Photo wall to share all your favourite images with your fellow Pangyaos …and much more!

Pangyao vision

A rising tide lifts all boats Pangyao believes that better representation leads to greater awareness and understanding, leading to opportunities to drive meaningful and positive change. Our vision is to become the leading resource for migrant workers in Hong Kong, through a process of consolidation, collaboration and promotion of fair and ethical practices. Our aim is to bring the migrant community closer together, encouraging unity, regardless of background, nationality or religion.

Timeline so far... Nov ‘19

Nov ‘20

Oct ‘21

PANGYAO.HK website launched

PANGYAO Android app launched

PANGYAO magazine launched

Social media pangyao.hk

Android app

facebook.com/ groups/pangyaos 5

FEATURE

International Migrants Day

18th Dec

As we approach this year’s International Migrants Day, Hong Kong-based NGOs Uplifters and HELP for Domestic Workers offer messages of support, and Pathfinders Community Ambassadors Sherli Inggrit and Lovely Monteagudo Erezo discuss the theme of “Care” There are estimated to be

272 million

international migrants globally

is the #1 reason for international migration

of HK’s population

International Migrants Day is an important occasion to celebrate the crucial yet often hidden contribution of migrant workers in our societies. At our charity Uplifters, we offer a free online course, Dare to Dream, on money management and mental well-being for Migrant Domestic Workers (you can sign up via our Facebook page below). The course starts with a lesson on “Why Migrant Domestic Workers are superwomen”. With holiday season just around the corner and the pandemic still restricting travel – and your chance to see family and loved ones – this statement has never felt so true. Let me share with you one of the exercises we do with our students. I hope it will help you feel stronger. Because what you do every day is truly impressive. Marie Kretz Di Meglio, Uplifters founder & CEO 6

Work

Ethnic minorities make up approx.

Exercise Look back and reflect on your time as a migrant domestic worker, since the moment you made that decision. List three things you’ve done – as a domestic worker – that make you feel proud. • Mark them down in your notebook • Share it with your family if you can If you find it difficult to make a list, ask yourself these questions: • What have your family/children been able to achieve with your help? • What new experiences or learnings have you had while working abroad? • What do you help your employer and their family with? Or any other questions that you feel can help you identify your sources of pride as a migrant domestic worker. Here are some examples: • I helped the family I work with raise their kids from when they were born until now – they are now 4 and 6 years old • I attended the graduation ceremony of my daughter last year; I paid for her to complete her studies with my hard-earned money • I learnt to speak Chinese to better communicate with my employers • I supported my friend – a fellow migrant domestic worker – when she was going through hard times with her employer @uplifters.community

uplifters-edu.org/

Given Hong Kong’s increasing reliance on Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) to care for us, our children and our elderly, it is important that we understand that empowering and supporting Migrant Domestic Workers is the first step towards ensuring Hong Kong’s long-term growth and development. The contributions of MDWs are essential, yet they are uniquely vulnerable and face numerous challenges. Employers play an integral role in ensuring equal and fair treatment towards MDWs. Their support is also crucial to securing a mutually beneficial employment relationship. HELP believes that supporting Migrant Domestic Workers means supporting employers and vice versa. It is only through addressing the needs of both domestic workers and employers that we can achieve sustainable change.

Founded on the three primary pillars of advice and assistance, awareness and education, and empowerment and peer support, HELP offers services to both domestic workers and employers. Through our programmes we aim to not only bridge the gap between domestic workers and employers but also create pathways for access to justice for both parties. +852 2523 4020

helpfordomesticworkers.org/

info@helpfordomesticworkers.org

Lovely Monteagudo Erezo

Sherli Inggrit

Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Madiun, East Java, Indonesia

Sherli

To me, care means that we embrace each other. Whoever s/he is, whatever the problem. With us caring, giving help to friends has an effect on them. A simple example: providing correct information regarding regulations for migrant workers helps friends solve their problems. @PFFMW

Photo by Martin Turner

Care is something that we can express to somebody even if they are strangers to us. When somebody cares for you, you feel important and protected. There is a sense of security.

Lovely

Read Sherli and Lovely’s full interviews on the theme of “Care” on pangyao.hk 7

CONVERSATION WITH RON

RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts

The art of social greetings I WAS IN Sydney, Australia, years ago, and a friend of a friend greeted me with a kiss. No, it wasn’t just a kiss; it also came with a hug. Yup, you read that right; a kiss and a hug. I was surprised – not unpleasantly – and looked around to check if that moment had created awkwardness for anyone. None. It seemed everyone was greeting one another with kisses and hugs. I glanced at my wife, and she was okay with it, even though I was the only male in the group. Imagine if I did that to a woman I’d just met here in Hong Kong, or in the Philippines? That probably would have been the last I’d see of her. Or else my odd behaviour might’ve made me the gossip topic of the day. Why? Because it’s not a social norm in these countries. So it becomes cringy in a place where it’s not a local custom. Doing things out of the ordinary can create confusion, embarrassment and discomfort. In an extreme case, you could be ostracised or shunned from your social circle. But let’s look at the interesting part of these varied social cultures. First, realise that what is accepted and completely normal in one country may be a bit out of place somewhere else. Second, remember that neither is wrong – people are just

doing what is expected of them in a given environment. And third (yes, there’s a third one), just have fun knowing what they are. Ready? In Brazil and Greece, people go for not just one, but two kisses, while in Switzerland – aha! – I found out that they typically do three kisses. Which sounds like it might eat into your day pretty quick. In Japan, people greet one another by bowing; depending on age and status, a bow stretches from a short nod to a bend at the waist. The deeper and longer the bow, the greater the respect. When I was in Tokyo, I wondered why I was greeted with only a very small and quick nod. I now realise that I was only wearing skimpy trunks on my way to the pool, so I guess that explains it. In Thailand, greetings are done with palms pressed together like a prayer, with a slight bow. This is referred to as wai in their culture. When it was my first time in Bangkok, I thought my colleagues had mistaken me for a god and wanted to pray to me. Now, if I were a god, I would be the god of Thai sticky rice and sweet mango because I like them so much. But of course it turned out that it was their way of saying hello (and goodbye when they got tired of me).

A few years ago, in Malaysia, a woman refused to shake my hand. I thought my fingers were smelly (okay, I admit that I had eaten durian using my bare hands the night before). But my friend explained that many Malaysian women are not accustomed to touching men, so that instead I should just put my right hand over my chest and give a slight nod to greet them. And when I did that, my gesture was instantly reciprocated. It was like touching my heart to say something sincere. I was just glad that it was not the durian’s fault, because I ate it again after our hellos. I’ve never been to Africa, but I have a friend who went to Zimbabwe, and she told me that people there clap after they shake hands. One person will clap once, and the other will clap two times. I told her it was beautiful, because I knew that if I went there, I might have recited a poem while shaking hands because I was sure to get applause.

More from Ron...

Do you want to experience bumping your nose with others? Then go to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Unlike rubbing elbows, which is only an idiom for socializing, bumping noses is a traditional Emirati way of greeting people. So, if you wish to check the possibility of getting a job there, you might apply some nasal perfume and have a friendly nose-tapping session with your future workmates. Just don’t sniff while you’re doing it; you will appear to be too … nosy. So you see, depending on where you are, you will have to greet your international Pangyaos in accordance with their tradition. This way, you will be able to connect with the locals easily. As they say, “When in Rome …” then you’re not in Hong Kong – so adapt to the locals’ social ways. I wanted to tell you how they do greetings on Mars, but I haven’t been there yet, nor do I have friends there. But who knows, maybe we’ll talk about it in our next interstellar conversation.

@ronrlacsonauthor

Looking for the perfect conversation starter? Pick up a copy of Ron’s book, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ today. Available in the Philippines at all mega-branches of National Book Store (NBS), or scan the QR code for the Amazon Kindle version!

FEATURE

WE DON’T DANCE FOR NOTHING A bold new movie from Stefanos Tai aims to tell the real story of domestic workers in Hong Kong

SET AGAINST THE backdrop of a turbulent period in Hong Kong’s history, We Don’t Dance for Nothing (WDDFN) is a striking and poignant debut from Stefanos Tai, a filmmaker of Chinese-GreekAmerican descent, which explores the realities of life as a domestic worker in Hong Kong. The movie tells the story of H (played by Miles Sible), a Filipino domestic worker living with her employers, a middle-aged Hong Kong couple and their two children. A fictional depiction drawing inspiration from real-life accounts, the experimental picture is told in the first person, offering a touching and deeply personal insight into the complexities of a live-in employer/employee relationship and the often-delicate balance of emotional attachment between a caregiver and their wards. While addressing these challenging and seldom discussed topics, the movie narrative is counterbalanced with an overwhelmingly positive portrayal of domestic workers, focusing on all aspects of their lives both inside and outside of their daily household duties. Stefanos is quick to point out that the story was never intended to seek pity, “The aim of the movie was always to empower, to portray [domestic workers] with joy and dignity, without ignoring the struggles that they face, or the realities of the situation.”

Coming from the US, Stefanos initially had no perception that such a large percentage of the local Hong Kong population rely on domestic help. In fact, his first encounter with the migrant community was interacting with the large gatherings of Filipinos he saw out socialising on a Sunday. “The first time I saw them all dancing out in the streets in Central,” he says, “what I saw in them was not the discrimination they often face, or the difficulties of being far away from their families, or the horror stories you hear of abuse against them, it was none of those things… in fact, it was their incredible energy, their joy and laughter, their amazing talent.” In a city often obsessed with wealth and status, Stefanos says he found the attitude of this community in stark contrast to the stereotypical “suits on their phones”, going about their business. “But always those with the biggest smiles, the ones wanting to get to know me, generously sharing their food, inviting me to things… It was this amazing network of domestic workers,” he remembers. Described as, “the world’s first feature length photo-montage”, the movie itself offers a unique visual experience. The story focuses on H recollecting moments of her working life with her employers, an often-strained relationship that leaves her feeling trapped and confused, culminating in dreams of escaping and starting a new life.

Large image: Miles Sible (far right), who plays lead character H in the movie, with her on-screen employers’ family

All photos and artwork provided by We Don’t Dance for Nothing

Smaller images: Director Stefanos Tai and the team, shooting on location around Hong Kong

FEATURE

WDDFN FUN FACTS The script was an evolving process; originally written in English by Stefanos, sections were translated into Filipino and further refined by the actors themselves while on set. The break dancing road sweeper in the film (see above) is the husband of Marie, who plays H’s friend Rosa. Several of the actors involved in the dance scenes are actually members of real-world dance groups in Hong Kong, including Star Pinoy, Kayumanggi and Southeastwood. Professional choreographers Jen and Lauren helped with the dance routines throughout the movie, though the final scene (avoiding spoilers!) was largely improvised.

Dancing with purpose: Supporting cast on set. It’s common on Sundays to see groups dancing in the streets around Central and other areas of the city

Scenes set in and around her employer’s residence are told through a series of still images, overlaid with dialogue between employer and employee, which creates a tense atmosphere and gives the viewer pause for thought during the sometimes uncomfortable periods of silence. Intertwined with this, H’s free time away from work switches from stills to a blurred form of motion, categorised by intense, high-energy dance scenes. Of the decision to adopt such a distinctive style, Stefanos says, “The viewer is invited to viscerally experience the contrast between the characters’ lives of entrapment by their circumstances, and their release towards freedom when they dance.” Stefanos is under no illusions about the huge impact the migrant community had on the making of WDDFN, “Anything good about the film is because of this community,” he says. “Despite a string of constraints due to time, money, Covid restrictions… we were able to overcome all of these things simply because these women rallied together to make it happen.” Likewise, it was not only the city’s domestic workers willing to give up their limited free time to help out, “The support of the community is far reaching,” says Stefanos. “The Filipino women starring in the film for example, many of whom have close family members who are domestic workers… they often find themselves labelled a certain way purely based on their nationality, regardless of the profession they work in. All these people together made the film happen, as they got behind a message that they truly believed in.” With We Don’t Dance for Nothing about to premier as part of the 2022 festival circuit, it is that same message that Stefanos and his team are hoping will resonate around the world: “While our filmmaking journey is complete, the conversation has only just begun.”

CAST & CREW Miles Sible Xyza Cada

(H)

(Sampa)

MILES SIBLE (H) Miles - who plays lead character H in the movie - has a long-held passion for acting, which she developed from a very young age. Prior to her involvement in WDDFN, Miles has appeared in a variety of television shows and musicals, including ABS-CBN Philippines’ Star Hunt. Her most recent short film, Ateh (meaning older sister in Filipino), has received significant recognition on the Asia festival circuit. Miles’ goal with her acting is to inspire her audience, and she is proud to be representing Hong Kong’s Filipino community through her role in We Don’t Dance for Nothing.

XYZA CADA (SAMPA) Growing up in a musically inclined family in the Philippines, Xyza always had a natural curiosity for performing arts, appearing in her first short film at the age of 11. Her breakthrough on the big screen came in 2019’s Still Human, a critically acclaimed and multi-award winning drama about a disabled man and his Filipino domestic worker. Aside from her role in WDDFN where she’s plays H’s love interest and confidante Sampa - she has been involved in a number of local and international productions in recent years, including the upcoming Amazon series from director Lulu Wang. An active voice for Filipinos in Hong Kong, Xyza has worked closely with the migrant community for many years through her involvement with causes including EmpowerU, Christian Action and Raise the Roof: Juan for the Visayas.

Stefanos Tai Director

STEFANOS TAI: DIRECTOR A filmmaker from New York, Stefanos’ works are always the result of deep immersion and research into his subject matter, with his short films having screened at festivals around the world, including Tribeca, Cinequest, Savannah and Harvard. His first feature-length movie, We Don’t Dance for Nothing is no exception; Stefanos spent years getting to know the Filipino community in Hong Kong, building friendships, visiting their homeland, and most importantly, taking time to truly understand their stories and everyday lives. 13

POETRY CORNER

The Softly Shining Sun

The sky is pitch black As dark as dark can be. Wuuuuuzzzz, wuuuuzzzz, wuuuuuzzzz, blows the wind, Competing for attention and as strong as strong can be!

By Suci Resmiyati

Then the rain rushes in with a swirling swoosh, Crying with full-force fire-hose tears! The wind sneezes and roars! The rain bellows and screams! Their fight surges from fierce to fiercer still. They stab each other, They wrestle with each other, They shake each other …. Hard! But it’s the trees that take the blows and fall. Tears of rain turn to swirling floods While ravaging gales toss branches to the air. And rubbish comes from nowhere yet soon is everywhere. Their work done and force gone, now it’s time for wind and rain to rest. The [spoiled] smiling sun says it’s all over, peeking out from heaven. Chirping birds share the news, cheerfully welcoming the morning. Yes, the typhoon has passed!

Be An Inspiration By Bernadith Dela Cruz

Be a hope for someone who struggle Expand our hand to those in trouble Allow ourself to be the light Nod our head to God, this is right Inspire others with positivity Never cling to negativity Shine! carrying the torch of love Planted to us by our God above Indeed nowadays, a lot suffer Racing for survival because life is tougher And maybe one of us can change the situation Through giving them a powerful inspiration In this world full of difficulties Our love, faith and genuine kindness Next to spreading humanity, are the key to inspire others

Kamay Ng Aking Buhay By Leizl Rosales a.k.a Ezssel

Sa kabila ng ugatang kamay na ito Mula pagkabata ako ay natuto Na tumulong sa mga magulang at kapatid ko Marahil ‘di niyo pa alam Ang buhay ko sa nakaraan Masaklap at mahirap Ngunit kinaya ng aking katawan at isipan

Sa aking kamay nakalaan Ang buhay na aking inaasam asam Darating din ang araw Makikita ang resulta ng aking pinagpaguran Mahalaga para sa akin ang kamay Iba ang abilidad nito sa ibang bahagi ng katawan Taga hawak at nakakagawa ng kamangha mangha Kaya alagaan ito at pakaingatan sa tuwina!

Death Line By Pia It was dark My heart’s thumping Pulse thundering Where am I? I looked around But my eyes see nothing It was just dark An Endless darkness I can’t see anything

I didn’t even reach eleven. I was terrified Doesn’t make sense Why now, why me? I need to live I do have to live This sudden end Please don’t send

I was flying In this dark place I felt like I was flying. Am I dead? Why does it feel surreal?

Then somewhere beneath I saw a light I was hopeful Really eager to survive. Eyes forced open Don’t have to be frightened

It was abrupt But who am I to decline Is this really my end? But I’m just seven Isn’t it too soon?

Those caught something Which Lighten up everything It’s My mom With her eyes twinkling like a sun.

Too weak to move But a sigh might be enough To release the fear and be grateful to God. I was safe at last I surpass the death line I’m alive, I survived, Bewildered, But don’t want to question anyone Gratitude, I’m just willing to give back. I’m on a death line But survive.

Submit your own poetry!

pangyao.hk/poem

FEATURE

A world on your doorstep By Sanna Kontinen WHEN YOU FIRST enter Chungking Mansions’ lively maze of shops and restaurants, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds and scents, as dozens of languages bounce down bustling alleyways and tantalising scents drifting from open kitchens flavour the air. Turning 60 this month, Chungking Mansions has a reputation that precedes itself – as a renowned meeting point for dozens of different cultures and nationalities. As the sizzling cultural hot pot once described by Time as the “best example of globalisation in action”. As a place to chow down on hearty, affordable South Asian street food. As home to dozens of guesthouses offering some of the cheapest beds in town. As a “mini United Nations”, in the words of Jeffrey Andrews, who organises weekly cultural diversity tours around the building. And yes, the legendary Tsim Sha Tsui landmark also still carries a slightly dubious renown as an underworld 16

hotbed for after hours naughtiness – although that reputation is changing fast. “You can’t deny that after 1 or 2am it turns into another world,” says Andrews. “But go to Mong Kok or Wan Chai at that time – you get all the same.” In short, Chungking Mansions is lots of things to lots of different people. Although some might find the relentless hustle and bustle exhausting, this is exactly what Akashdeep Gill appreciates most about the sprawling fivetower compound. “What makes Chungking Mansions special is it never sleeps,” says the 24-year-old manager of the third-floor restaurant The Delhi Club. “Twenty four hours a day there is something going on and if you are in Chungking the vibe is exactly like a busy market in Delhi. Chungking Mansions to me is my heritage in Hong Kong. It allows me to show locals and expats what India is without travelling.” To Ahmad, a friendly 50-something shop owner who everyone calls “uncle”, it’s a necessary source of income; he founded the poky ground-floor Buraq Enterprises stall some two decades ago. “It’s now safer and cleaner, 20 years ago the floor was all broken, and there was no ventilation,” he remembers. After initially starting off selling scarves, and as the times changed, so did his clientele – now you can purchase colourful Islamic prayer mats, intricate Arabic skullcaps and even traditional chewing sticks (miswaks). “Ten to 15 years ago there was only one place to buy things and everyone came here. Nobody knew of Sham Shui Po,” he adds mournfully, while still doing a tidy trade in Buraq’s most popular item, several varieties of mouthwatering dates.

Photo by Rob Garratt

Enterprising (far-left): Ahmad has run Buraq Enterprises from Chungking Mansions for 20 years

Photo by Rob Garratt

Look like a billion dollars (above & left): Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather stopped by Chungking Mansions to visit Hip Hop Linc, founded in 2009 by Ghanaian entrepreneur Hector

What makes Chungking Mansions special is it never sleeps – 24 hours a day there is something going on... the vibe is exactly like a busy market in Delhi – Akashdeep Gill, The Delhi Club Chungking’s reputation as the place you can buy anything has spread so far and wide that even Floyd Mayweather – the legendary American boxer who claims to be worth more than US$1 billion – sought out the Nathan Road complex when passing through town (“on his way to buy a panda in China”, according to Andrews). His destination? Hip Hop Linc, a fashion business founded in 2009. “Back then Hong Kong had no hip-hop culture and it was not possible to find these trends anywhere,” remembers Ghanaian founder Hector, 44, before whipping out a selfie of him and Mayweather. “I think I was the first one to sell these clothes in the city.” Indeed, at one point experts estimated 20% of all the mobile phones in sub-Saharan Africa passed through the building. But trade is far from the whole story. Most casual visitors come to Chungking Mansions to sample authentic specialities from the array of ethnic eateries. “There are a lot of Indian restaurants

located in TST, but Chungking Mansions is [most] well known to most local people,” says Meenakshi from ground-floor restaurant Karaikudi Akka. Kulbir, whose Indian supermarket New Delhi Store, East West Spirits Limited has been based in Chungking Mansions since the 80s, finds his income in supplying the dozens of fast-food take-outs and licenced “clubs” with imported spices and ingredients. “The restaurants are affordable and the prices much cheaper than outside for food and anything else you want,” says the 55-year-old sagely. According to local lore, Chungking’s first officially licenced sit down restaurant was Swagat, founded by two brothers in 1987. Today Jacky – the more gregarious of the pair behind the venture, nicknamed the “Li Kashing of Chungking Mansions” – proudly tells us the butter chicken at sister restaurant Moti Palace was once rated the best in the city by Google users. 17

FEATURE If you were wondering, the building’s name is an incongruous reference to the Chinese city of Chongqing, famed for its hotpot and formerly spelt Chungking. However, you might argue Chungking Mansions offers a far spicier broth of different nationalities and cultures. In 2007, Chinese University of Hong Kong anthropology professor Gordon Mathews found at least 120 different nationalities logged in Chungking’s guesthouses in just a single year, researching his book Ghetto at the Centre of the World: Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong. Like every other commercial centre in the world, the building has felt the strains of the pandemic. Where it once was curious tourists and tired backpackers, who found a hearty meal or cheap bed at Chungking Mansions, recent months have seen local Hongkongers increasingly tempted in by the opportunity to experience something unfamiliar in their own city.

Does this building have conflicts? Yes, inevitably. But it’s actually the most hospitable place ever. A place where someone will stop and offer you a cup of tea and have a chat. How often does that happen to you in Hong Kong? –Jeffrey Andrews, Christian Action

Jeffrey’s tours of Chungking Mansions have surged in popularity with locals since the pandemic

“Chinese people love Indian spices,” adds shop owner Kulbir. “Before there were less Chinese people coming to Chungking Mansions, but recently they started coming in tours and are very friendly.” Best Curry House in Hong Kong Since 1987

Outside parties and catering welcome!

93592251 - 59670026 3/F, C Block, 36-44, Chungking Mansion, TST

Indeed, this year Andrews has found a sudden burst of interest in his tours from local Hongkongers. “Older people often tell me it’s their first time in Chungking Mansions. I’m surprised that someone born and raised in Hong Kong has never visited, that’s a bit heartbreaking,” says the 35-yearold. “But now, slowly, Hong Kongers realise: these are our neighbours. These are the Hong Kong people they marginalised for so long. But with the pandemic now we all realise that we only have each other.” It is perhaps true that it was not always easy for people from so many different ethnic backgrounds to find harmony. Andrews remembers being banned from visiting the building by his parents as a teenager because of its “rough and rowdy” reputation. Today he visits almost daily, now working as Hong Kong’s first minority social worker

Clockwise from top-left: Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen sampled the global flavours of Bismillah Kebab House Jacky outside his restaurant Swagat, the oldest in Chungking Mansions Sam, owner and chef at Karaikudi, expertly preparing masala chai Miswaks – twigs from the Salvadora persica tree – can be used to clean teeth A new chapter for Chungking Mansions – the newly renovated Paul’s Kitchen Supposedly 20% of phones in Sub-Saharan Africa once passed through Chungking Edinburgh Store, the oldest shop in Chungking Mansions Photos by Rob Garratt

FEATURE

Hollywood blockbuster Johnny English Reborn – starring Rowan Atkinson – was shot on Chungking Mansions’ rooftop, which has also played host to daredevil parkour group Storror

for Christian Action, an NGO offering support and respite to refugees based on Chungking’s 16th floor. Things have definitely changed since Andrews’ misspent youth, and the installation of CCTV cameras in the 2000s has helped reduce the crime rate a great deal over the recent years. “Before it used to be really one-sided, but people never heard the full story – this building is a representation of Hong Kong, it’s a Hong Kong story,” adds Andrews. “I love how people are so nervous when they come in the first time, but two hours later they feel comfortable. I used to have to escort tour groups out of here at the end, but not anymore.” The building’s shady reputation was cemented into the international consciousness of people who had never visited Hong Kong by seminal local filmmaker Wong Kar-wai’s gritty arthouse classic Chungking Express, filmed both in the building and the neighbouring Mirador Mansion, which also opened in 1961. However today popular culture is helping put Chungking on the map in a more positive manner. Hollywood blockbuster Johnny English Reborn memorably filmed on the rooftop in 2011, while today several restaurants proudly sport photos of local celebrities stopping by for a bite – from acting superstar Donnie Yen to Cantopop sensations Error. 20

“Does this building have conflicts? Yes, inevitably,” adds Andrews. “But it’s actually the most hospitable place ever. A place where someone will stop and offer you a cup of tea and have a chat. How often does that happen to you in Hong Kong? When was the last time a stranger said good morning to you in an elevator?” A pertinent sign of the changes taking place at Chungking Mansions is the makeover of Paul’s Kitchen, a delightful restaurant serving African, Filipino and European delicacies to Sunday brunchers. Stepping inside the venue’s cool grey imitation brick walls, and sliding into its dark turquoise seats, one could be fooled into thinking you are in an upmarket highrise tower in Central. This is perhaps precisely the image that the eponymous founder is hoping to create in people’s minds. “We are writing a new chapter for Chungking Mansions by trying to do something that brings change to people’s mindset,” says the 32-year-old Ghanaian. “Chungking is a great place. If you visit Hong Kong without visiting Chungking, that means your journey is not complete. For me the first time I came to Chungking, it was unlike anywhere else in the city. It was home away from home. It’s the centre of TST, and TST is the centre of Hong Kong. Without Chungking, Hong Kong isn’t complete.”

3706 5772 Shop 96-97, 1/F, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, TST motipalacehongkong 21

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A TASTE OF HOME

Martini cooks

beef rendang

A brief history of rendang Officially recognised as one of Indonesia’s five national dishes (alongside nasi goreng, gado-gado, soto and sate), rendang hails from West Sumatra, a specialty of the Minangkabau region. It’s origins are believed to lie in centuries-old trade links with Indian merchants who introduced North Indian curry to the region, which the Minangkabau people integrated into their local cuisine as gulai, a spicy, coconut milk-based curry.

Introducing Martini Martini’s love affair with cooking started from a very young age; watching her mum prepare meals for the family in her native Indonesia, she was captivated by the process of turning simple ingredients into exciting and complex dishes. And growing up in the mountainous region of Central Java, freshly picked ingredients were never in short supply; local dishes are famed for their plentiful array of herbs and spices, including galangal, lemongrass, pandan, tumeric and chilli amongst others, all of which were readily available right there in Martini’s own garden. Despite living in Hong Kong for almost 15 years, Martini’s passion for Indonesian cuisine remains as strong as ever, with her mastery of regional classics such as bakso (meatball soup) and sate (satay) earning her a solid reputation amongst friends. Her beef rendang is definitely a must-try, but be prepared - like many Indonesian dishes, the chillis can pack quite a punch! 24

The ingredients of gulai are essentially the same as rendang; the key difference lies in the preparation time, with the latter being cooked for several hours longer until the coconut milk has almost evaporated into the meat - most commonly beef - turning it a very dark brown colour and producing a deliciously rich flavour. Given the migratory nature of the Minangkabau people, it didn’t take long for the culinary wonder of rendang to spread throughout Indonesia and beyond, with several Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines soon adopting it into their own cuisines. In recent years, rendang has become something of a global celebrity, with frequent appearances in lists of the world’s most delicious foods.

Photo by Martin Turner

Beef rendang recipe

RENDANG: 3 STAGES

Main ingredients • 1kg beef • 8 kaffir lime leaves • 3 turmeric leaves • 5 bay leaves • 1 pandan leaf • 600 ml water • 600 thick coconut milk • 200 ml coconut oil/cooking oil

‘Wet’ ingredients • 25 pc shallots • 20 garlic cloves • 8 pc candlenuts • 10 pc bird’s eye red chillis • 10 pc red chillis • 5 cm ginger • 1 pc galangal • 3 lemongrass stalks

‘Dry’ ingredients • 1 tbsp coriander powder • 2 tsp white pepper powder • 2 tbsp cumin powder • 2 sticks cinnamon/cinnamon powder • 1 tsp nutmeg powder • 2 star anise • 1 tsp cardamom powder • 1 tsp clove powder

Others • 1/2 tbsp salt • 2 tsp coconut sugar • 1 tsp beef stock powder

Gulai: Meat is cooked until coconut milk reaches boiling point, resulting in a wet, soup-based curry

Kalio: Cooked until coconut milk has partly evaporated and the meat has started to brown. Also known as ‘wet rendang’

Rendang: Meat is cooked for several hours until coconut milk has almost evaporated, resulting in rich, flavourful meat very dark in colour

Celebrity dish One of Indonesia’s most famous exports, beef rendang has twice been crowned ‘World’s Best Food’ in a CNN readers poll, topping the charts in both 2011 and 2017

Photos by Martin Turner

Preparation steps Peel the garlic, ginger, onions and galangal; blend with the lemongrass, candlenuts and vegetable oil. Blend the dry ingredients into a fine powder and set aside.

FUN FACT: Rendang’s extensive cooking process means it can be kept for 3-4 weeks at room temperature.

Method

Slowly add half the water and half the coconut milk and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until more beef fat surfaces. Remember to mix occasionally, as the beef will stick to the bottom of the pan.

Sauté all the ‘wet’ ingredients in a large, deep pan or wok for approximately 10 minutes until the onions are cooked into a chunky paste.

Add the blended dry ingredients along with the kaffir lime leaves, pandan leaves and bay leaves. Mix in well.

Add the beef cubes and stir in well, cooking until the beef has slightly browned. At this point, the beef fat will raise to the surface; carefully spoon it out into a bowl and set aside. Top Tip: Don’t let your excess fat go to waste - next time you’re preparing fried rice or vegetables, why not cook it in beef fat to add a luxurious and satisfying meaty flavour! 26

Add the remaining water and coconut milk and bring to a boil, then turn heat to medium and add the coconut sugar. Simmer for 2 and a half hours, stirring often to avoid the ingredients sticking to the pan. Spoon out the fat that starts to surface. Add the roasted coconut and keep stirring until the beef is tender and the sauce has been reduced down to a thick paste. Serve with plain white rice.

NGO spotlight: TCK Learning Centre STEPPING OUT OF the lift, the Pangyao team are greeted warmly by a room full of students, attentively sitting cross-legged on the floor, pens and paper in hand. It’s a Sunday afternoon, and the students are sitting their final exams, with volunteer instructor Eko Siti Rahayu overseeing proceedings. This is TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers, an all-volunteer educational charity founded in 2011 by Indonesian domestic workers, with a vision of serving Hong Kong’s migrant community through access to enjoyable, engaging and affordable education. Tucked away in an unassuming location in Causeway Bay, each and every Sunday the space becomes a buzzing hive of activity, with domestic workers from all corners of Hong Kong getting together to learn, laugh and socialise. Making our way across the main room, carefully following

Photos by Martin Turner

a path forged by the students, to our left is the kitchen, with delicious aromas filling the air as volunteer cooks busily prepare lunch. In the adjacent room, another group class is in session with tutor Saraswati. Every inch of available space in the centre is optimised for learning. At the far end is a small, administrative office, where we are welcomed by Chris Drake – whose many duties at TCK include volunteer treasurer and Advanced English class teacher – and Suci Resmiyati, a volunteer class teacher who also handles much of the centre’s admin. After finishing a course, students are given opportunities to teach and assist in the running of centre themselves, encouraging them to develop their leadership and inter-personal skills. “Many of our teachers here at the centre are domestic workers themselves, aligned with our ‘By Us, From Us, For Us’ motto,” Chris tells us. 27

NGO SPOTLIGHT

By Us, From Us, For Us

TCK’s motto is a nod to the fact that many of their tutors and instructors are domestic workers who used to be students of the centre themselves

“We have a whole range of courses taught by domestic workers, including Website Coding, Video Editing, Makeup, Performing Arts and many more. Likewise, many of our admin tasks — such as scheduling, social media updates and making posters — are also handled by domestic worker volunteers.” TCK’s warm-hearted, values-based educational approach creates an environment whereby each individual student can realise their potential, while at the same time offering a supportive learning community which provides students with a real sense of belonging. It’s obvious from the moment that you walk in that the atmosphere inside the centre is similar to that of a big, happy family. Suci herself followed a similar path at TCK, “I initially started as a student at the centre; I now teach Basic Computer Skills and help out with Basic English classes. Being here at the centre has helped me cope with the stress of being overworked and being far away from family. This is a common story amongst other students; TCK is a place they find refuge and friendship, while at the same time gaining skills and knowledge.” Arti, who teaches the Sewing class, tells us, “I also started as a student, but was invited to teach the class when the previous instructor had to go back to Indonesia. I teach students how to make kebayas, a traditional Indonesian formal wear.

They are so intricate and detailed that it can take up to two months to complete a pattern. These patterns can be a source of income, as they are highly sought after by traditional dressmakers.” She adds, “We don’t know how long we are going to work here in Hong Kong, so I want my students to learn real skills they can use to make a living once they go back home.” Arti also teaches a Video Editing class and her personal YouTube channel — where she often posts videos of her experiences and outings with TCK — has gained considerable popularity, currently boasting over 10,000 subscribers. With exams out the way, it’s now time to relax. The main room is quickly transformed into an impressive lunch spread, with a seemingly endless array of dishes appearing out of the little kitchen. With 12 of us sat on the floor around the low table, we share stories while tucking into a feast of Bakso, Tempeh and Kacang Panjang Kecap, amongst many others. Life as a migrant worker is not always easy. Long working hours, stress and homesickness are recurring themes, with the pandemic only adding to these pressures. But help is at hand, and every Sunday when TCK Learning Centre opens its doors, it becomes a space filled with positivity. Whether you’re looking to improve your English, learn new skills or make new friends, its network of support and encouragement is sure to point you in the right direction.

I teach students how to make kebayas, a traditional Indonesian formal wear. They are so intricate and detailed that it takes up to two months to complete a pattern

TCKLC FAST FACTS Classes on offer include English and Mandarin language, computer skills, sewing and dressmaking, makeup, performing arts, bookkeeping, photography, employee’s legal rights, first aid, and many more.

tcklc.org

@TckLearningCentre

The $100 annual registration fee provides members with unlimited access to classes, workshops and activities at the centre. 29

BLOGS

Dealing with homesickness By Athena

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN away for quite a while, it’s easy to find yourself missing your life back home. This is especially true on important occasions like birthdays, festivals or tragedies, when families traditionally gather together in celebration, or in sorrow. With the ongoing pandemic, the once (relatively) simple process of flying back home has become a minefield of complications. For those able to travel at all, trips have been characterised by health risks, quarantines and an ever-changing set of rules, making it nigh on impossible for the majority of us to even consider. Months have rolled into years, and with the season upon us for big celebrations like Diwali and Christmas, that growing feeling of sadness can become more pronounced with each passing day. That’s why it’s important to learn how exactly you can manage your homesickness. This will help you cope during this difficult time, while allowing you to appreciate both your current base in Hong Kong and your home country. Here are a few tips to help along the way.

Remember: it’s okay to be homesick It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been working in Hong Kong for only a few months, or more than a decade — if your family is far away from you, you will still be missing home. There is no shame in that. You don’t have to feel bad for missing your friends, your family, or your life back home. On the contrary, it’s important to acknowledge this feeling. However, acknowledging something is different from wallowing in sadness. It’s only natural to miss home, and often you’ll notice it in the littlest of things, be it mama’s home cooked dinner, or watching your favourite soap operas. However, you should never let your homesickness control you, as your hap-

piness remains paramount. You can’t let your feelings impact your daily work, or prevent you from functioning day to day.

Build a great support network To help you cope with the sadness of missing home, you should definitely find a good support system to brighten up your days. Luckily, Hong Kong has a vibrant migrant community, where you can easily make new friends and find the help and encouragement you need. Remember you’re not alone; these people fully understand the struggles of missing home, especially amidst the pandemic. Now, more than ever, you should turn to each other as a source of strength, to help each other through this difficult time.

BLOGS

Call home… but not too often An unexpected by-product of the pandemic is that, thanks to technological advances, connecting with our loved ones remotely is now easier than ever. While no substitute for personal interaction, video calls offer a quick and (mostly!) hassle-free means of keeping in touch with family and friends. Granted, older generations sometimes need a little more guidance, but when Grandma connects to that Zoom call unaided for the first time, it can’t help but make you smile about how far we’ve all come! That being said, you should also make sure to call home in moderation, as calling too frequently only serves to magnify your homesickness. It’s a similar case with social media; we now live in a world where we’re in touch with people from all four corners of the earth on a daily basis. But even in the best of times, limiting your daily use of social media is good practice, as endless scrolling through posts from friends back home, often presents a misleading and rose-tinted version of reality. If you ever find it negatively affecting your mental health, it might be time to step back and take a short break.

Keep yourself busy Keeping yourself occupied with enjoyable activities during your free time is a great way of keeping your mind positive. Even simple activities such as short walks around the neighbourhood or catching up with friends in the park can offer a welcome distraction, with the additional benefit that they don’t cost a penny. Likewise, there are numerous migrantfocused community groups to get involved in, whatever your interests; beach cleanups, hiking groups and photography collectives, to name but a few. Visit our Community Groups & Initiatives section on the Pangyao.HK website to find out more.

Find ways to channel your feelings Sometimes, when the feeling of sadness is too much, no hobby or activity can distract us from longing for home. In these moments, the best approach is to find a way to channel your feelings in a healthy manner. You can talk it out with a friend, or try keeping a diary, as writing down your thoughts and emotions can often help to put them into perspective. Reflecting on your feelings gives you a more in-depth understanding of yourself, teaching you how to better cope with such situations in the future. Remember, homesickness is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s proof of how strong you are for facing the struggles of living abroad, just to provide for your family. It’s human nature to miss our homeland, and to look for small snippets and reminders in a foreign country. But, homesickness leads to longing, and longing leads to sadness! It’s important to recognise this, as you should never let such feelings deprive you of happiness, or prevent you from living your best life abroad.

Find more blogs at pangyao.hk/blog

Consul General Raly L. Tejada’s

Christmas message For Hong Kong’s Filipino community Mga minamahal naming Kababayan dito sa Hong Kong, muli pong sumapit sa atin ang panahon ng kapaskuhan. Sa panahon pong ito, kasabay ng ating mga nakaugaliang pagdiriwang tuwing pasko, ay atin ding pagnilay-nilayan ang nagdaang taon. Sana po ay tumimo sa ating puso’t isipan ang mga aral ng kapaskuhan. Ang pagpapatawad, pagpapakumbaba at kababaang-loob, pagbibigayan at pagkalinga, at higit sa lahat, ang pagmamahal sa kapwa. Nawa ay maging daan ang panahong ito upang ang Pamayanang Pilipino sa Hong Kong ay magkaisa at magkabuklod-buklod; isantabi ang mga alitan at hayaang umiral ang pag-galang sa isa’t-isa. Batid po nating lahat na ang Hong Kong, na ating itinuturing na pangalawang tahanan, at ang buong mundo ay kasalukuyan pa ring dumaranas ng paghihirap at dumaraan sa mga pagsubok at hamon na dala ng pandemiyang COVID-19. Sa kabila nito, huwag po sana tayong panghinaan ng loob at patuloy po nating ipanalangin ang pagbabalik ng maayos at normal na pamumuhay

natin at patuloy na umasa na darating din ang araw ng pagwawakas ng pandemya. Sa ganang amin, makakaasa po kayo na ang inyong Pamahalaan, sa pamamagitan ng inyong Konsulado, ay patuloy na naka-antabay at nagmamatyag sa sitwasyon, at nakahandang gawin ang kinakailangan upang mapangalagaan ang inyong kalusugan, kaligtasan at kapakanan. Sana po ay makamtan ninyong lahat ang biyayang dala ng kapaskuhan at inyong mapagtagumpayan ang mga hamong inyong kakaharapin sa darating na taon. Harinawa ay inyong maabot ang inyong mga pangarap hindi lamang para sa inyong mga sarili, kundi para sa inyong mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. Huwag po nating kakalimutan na ang tunay na diwa ng pasko ay ang pakikipagkapwa-tao, at pagpapalaganap ng mensahe ng pag-ibig sa ating mga kababayan at sa sanlibutan. Mula po sa pamunuan at mga kawani ng inyong Konsulado Panlahat dito sa Hong Kong, isang Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon po sa inyong lahat!

BLOGS Language: Filipino

Paskong Pinoy By Marifi N. 34

BILANG PILIPINO ANG Pasko ang isa sa pinaka-hinihintay na pagdiriwang sa buong taon. Ang Pasko ay may positibong hatid sa ating mga isip at pamumuhay. Ang walang humpay na mga tugtuging pamasko, mga nakasabit na parol, mga patay-sinding ilaw at samu’t-saring dekorasyon - lahat ay palatandaan ng panahon para sa pagsasama-sama ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino upang magdiwang at magpasalamat sa pagdating ng Mesiyas. Ating sariwain ang ilan sa mga paraan ng pagdiriwang ng Pasko – the traditional Pinoy way.

Ang BER months

Mga Parol sa bawat tahanan

Isa sa palatandaan na nagdiriwang ka ng Pasko sa Pilipinas ay sa unang araw palang ng Setyembre ay maririnig mo na ang mga himig Pamasko.

Kung sa ibang bansa tanyag ang mga maliliit na Christmas lights, naiiba ang parol sa Pilipinas. Simbolo ito ng bituin sa Betlehem na naging giya ng Tatlong Hari sa paghahanap sa sabsaban. Gayundin, ang mga parol ay isinasabit sa mga poste at tahanan upang magsilbing ilaw sa mga daraanan ng mga magsisimbang-gabi. Ngayon, nagsisilbi na rin itong palamuti sa mga lansangan. May iba’t ibang disenyo at hugis na rin ang mga naglalakihang parol sa kasalukuyan.

Mayroon na rin makikitang mga parol at iba’t ibang palamuti at Christmas Tree. Dahil dito kinilala ang Pilipinas na may pinakamahabang pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa buong mundo.

Mga tugtuging Pamasko at karoling

Christmas tree at Krismas kard

At sino sa mga Pilipino ang makakalimot sa tradisyon ng karoling? Maghahanap ng tansan (bottle caps) para gawing tambourine o kaya mga lata para naman magsilbing tambol. At syempre mga awiting kahit hindi kumpleto at mali-maling liriko ay ayos na para sa ilang piso na ibibigay ng mga kapit-bahay. Paano ka nga ba tatanggi sa mga paslit na namamasko? Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang Carolling ay naging paraan na rin para sa iba na makalikom ng pera para sa kawang-gawa at mga proyektong pang-komunidad.

Hindi man kasing tanyag ang Christmas Tree at Krismas Kard sa mga tahanan noon, dahil madalas na sa mga paaralan ito idini-display at ginagawa, bahagi rin ng tradisyong Pinoy ang pagkakaroon ng Christmas Tree. Madalas na ang puno ng bakawan ang ginagawang Christmas Tree noon dahil sa tibay at ganda ng mga sanga nito. Project naman ng mga estudyante ang mga Christmas Card na isinasabit bilang palamuti sa Christmas Tree. 35

BLOGS

Ang Belen

Bibingka, puto-bumbong at salabat

Ang Belen ang pinaka-paborito kong gawin para sa Pasko. Hindi kumpleto ang Pasko, para sa akin, kung wala ito.

Pagkatapos ng misa, nakasanayan na ng mga deboto ang bumili ng mga kakanin tulad ng bibingka at puto-bumbong. Ang ilan ay kinakain na ang mga eto sa mismong tindahan samantalang ang iba naman ay iniuuwi sa kanilang tahanan upang maging almusal. Madalas na ka-partner ng mga kakaning eto ay ang salabat at tsokolate.

Si St. Francis of Assisi ang kinikilalang gumawa ng kauna-unahang Nativity scene noong 1223 sa Greccio, Italy. Ito ay upang bigyan-diin at kahulugan ang pagsamba kay Hesukristo sa panahon ng Pasko ng higit sa materyalismo at mga regalo.

Manita at Manito Hindi rin mawawala ang manita-manito sa araw ng Pasko. Ito ang bersyon ng mga Pilipino sa Secret Santa ng Westerners para sa exchange gift sa mga kaibigan, kakilala at mga mahal sa buhay. Naalala ko, karamihan gusto natin na yong crush natin ang mabunot natin para maging kapalitan ng regalo.

Aginaldo at pagbisita sa Ninong at Ninang Isa sa pinakahinihintay ng mga bata sa araw ng Pasko ay ang mga regalo galing kay Ninong at Ninang. Napakasayang panoorin ang mga bata na buong galak na nagbubukas ng mga aguinaldo sa araw ng Pasko. Naging kaugalian rin ang pagbisita sa mga Ninong at Ninang upang makapangumusta at makapamasko na rin.

Simbang Gabi at Misa de Gallo Ang Simbang Gabi ay pagsisimba sa madaling araw mula Disyembre 16 hanggang 24. Para sa mga Katoliko at Aglipayans, eto ay debosyon sa Panginoon at paghahanda sa pagsilang ni Hesukristo. Marami rin ang naniniwala na kapag nabuo ng isang deboto ang nobena, ipagkakaloob ng Diyos ang kahilingan nito. Sa kasalukuyan, maliban sa misa de gallo, mayroon na ring mga “anticipated mass” na isinasagawa sa mga parokya. 36

Araw ng Pasko at Noche Buena May hihigit pa nga ba sa pagkakataon na magkakasama-sama ang buong pamilya sa araw ng Pasko? Eto ay makabuluhan para kay Esteban Garcia (seaman) na madalas nasa gitna ng karagatan sa pagsapit ng Pasko at nami-miss ang paggising sa hating-gabi para sa Noche Buena. Sa mismong araw din ng Pasko ang kadalasang pagbubukas ng mga aginaldo na nakalagay sa ilalim ng Christmas Tree.

Kanyong Kawayan o Lantika Isa naman sa mga alaala ni Jeneffer Miano (DH, Jordan) ang mga kanyong kawayan na ginagamit sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon. Gumagawa ng malalakas na ingay - mula sa lantika, lata, torotot – ang mga Pilipino upang maitaboy ang malas at bilang masayang pagsalubong sa bagong taon.

Bagong Taon at Media Noche Sa pagpasok ng Bagong Taon, importante na may handa sa hapag bilang pang-akit ng kasaganaan. Mga bilog na prutas, malagkit at matatamis na kakanin ang kadalasang nakahain para sa Media Noche. nakahain para sa Media Noche.

Find more blogs at pangyao.hk/blog

Ang Pilipinas na may pinakamahabang pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa buong mundo

USEFUL CONTACTS

Crime & emergency services

Emergency Hotline (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999 Police Hotline 2527 7177

HK Government departments & agencies

Hong Kong Immigration Department 2824 6111 Hong Kong Labour Department 2157 9537 Consumer Council 2929 2222

Consular services

Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong Royal Thai Consulate General in Hong Kong Consulate General of India, Hong Kong Consulate General of Pakistan, Hong Kong Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong

2823 8500 6345 9324 2866 0640 3651 0200 2521 6481 3970 9900 2827 0681 2369 7813

Non-Governmental Organisations

International Social Service Hong Kong (ISS) 2834 6863 HELP for Domestic Workers 2523 4020 Pathfinders (Hotline for Migrant Workers) 5190 4886 Christian Action Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers 2382 3339 Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily) 2375 5322 Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge 2721 3119 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 2510 0442 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

Other useful contacts

Hong Kong International Airport Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline MTR Lost Property Office

2181 8888 2508 1234 2861 0020

BLOGS Language: Indonesian

Perjalanan sebagai pekerja migrant By Yesti Nabila Nurhana

WAKTU SAYA SAMPAI di Hong Kong, saya kagum karena indahnya kota dan gedunggedung yang menjulang tinggi. Kota yang 24 jam buka atau kota yang gak pernah tidur. Tapi orangnya selalu sibuk, terus bekerja tak pernah berhenti tanpa kenal lelah. Saya kira pekerjaan saya tidak sepanjang hari sampai malam. Mungkin karena saya tergiur dengan gaji yang tinggi dan demi masa depan anak saya dan keluarga di Indonesia, saya gak pelajari dahulu bagaimana kondisi pekerja migran di Hong kong yang sebenarnya. Apalagi dengan latar belakang saya yang usaha di bidang lain dengan gaya kerja yang santai, saya mengalami kesulitan dalam beradaptasi apalagi bahasa yang gak begitu aku fahami dan juga kebudayaan yang sangat berbeda. Perlahan saya belajar untuk bisa beradaptasi dan belajar bahasa Kantonis dari mendengarkan majikanku bicara, serta belajar masakan Cina. Dari kesalahan yang aku buat, aku semakin pandai berbahasa Kantonis dan juga masak yang enak. Kadang aku merasa tertekan dengan pekerjaan dan standar tinggi majikan yang bikin saya mau putus asa dan mau pulang kampung. Tapi di dalam hatiku berkata, “Aku telah seberangi ribuan kilometer. Ibarat berenang, 38

aku sudah sampai di tengah, jadi aku tak akan balik lagi ke tepi.” Motto saya jangan pernah putus asa dan saya pasti bisa. Hidup itu penuh percobaan dan saya harus menghadapinya. Saya mengubah pola pikir saya untuk berpikir lebih positif dan saya gak ambil secara pribadi masalah kerja. Saya katakan kepada diri saya sendiri bahwa pekerjaan ini cuma sementara. Melihat dari sisi positif membuat hidup saya lebih mudah, membuat saya semakin ceria dan senang hati. Setelah lama bekerja di Hong Kong, saya lebih berpengalaman dan pintar. Sekarang hidup saya adalah pilihan saya, maka majikan saya gak saya jadikan sebagai subject atau menggunakan saya. Saya tahu hak dan kewajiban saya sebagai pekerja migran dan saya kerjakan dengan baik. Ketika Mencari majikan baru, saya gak hanya diwawancara, tapi saya juga tanyakan jam berapa saya mulai kerja dan jam berapa saya selesai kerja, apakah di siang hari ada waktu istirahat atau gak, apakah diberi makan atau dikasih uang makan, saya tegaskan bahwa waktu libur adalah hak saya dan saya gak akan bekerja di hari libur saya. Kalau kita gak negosiasi waktu interview, ada

Kalau kita banyak bersyukur dan banyak senyum dengan apa yang kita punya, maka kita bisa capai yang besar majikan yang suka nakal dan menindas hak kita karena tidak jelas dari awal. Saya harus pertahankan hak saya sebagai pekerja yang diperlakukan sebagai manusia yang dihargai hak asasinya. Kalau minta dianggap sebagai bagian keluarga, mungkin itu terlalu berlebihan. Yang sangat penting bagi saya adalah memastikan bahwa mereka okay kalau keluargaku di Indonesia mendadak memerlukan, saya diizinkan pulang untuk menengok keluarga saya. Waktu pertama saya kerja, boleh dibilang majikan saya terlalu keras dan suka marahmarah - bukan cuma sama saya saja, tapi juga sama anaknya sendiri. Ketika dimarahi majikan, saya tanya kepadanya apakah dia sudah selesai marahnya apa belum; kalau sudah, saya mau ke McDonald makan ice cream untuk dinginkan kepala saya. Majikan saya tertawa dan saya ajak anak majikan ikut saya makan ice cream di McDonald. Setelah memarahi saya, majikan saya akan membelikan chocolate buat saya, tapi saya gak ambil secara pribadi. Dari bekerja untuk majikan ini, saya belajar banyak pengalaman hidup yang sangat bermanfaat sebagai pekerja migran, di mana saya harus kuat

dan tabah; hadapi masalah dengan majikan dengan senang hati . Setelah itu saya bekerja untuk majikan bule yang disiplin, tapi saya banyak waktu untuk istirahat. Dari majikan ini saya belajar hidup sehat dari pola makan. Kalau membeli makanan harus check di dalamnya banyak kandungan kimia atau gak, ada msg atau E123 E bla bla. Saya bersyukur mendapat pengalaman yang luar biasa dari pekerjaan saya. Walau hal kecil, kita perlu bersyukur supaya kita dapat rejeki yang lebih besar. Kalau kita banyak bersyukur dan banyak senyum dengan apa yang kita punya, maka kita bisa capai yang besar. Hidup sebagai pekerja migran gak semudah yang saya bayangkan, Tapi saya sudah bekerja lama maka saya sudah terbiasa dengan kehidupan saya sebagai pekerja migran. Kadang saya gagal, kadang saya bekerja lebih panjang dan dapat bonus itu bagian dari pekerjaan saya, dan itu normal. Sekarang saya merasa senang dengan kehidupan saya sebagai pekerja migran. Saya bisa lihat hasil jerih-payah saya sebagai pekerja migran dan saya berencana untuk pensiun ke depannya.

BLOGS Language: Indonesian

Ibu pergi ke sugra illahi di saat pandemi By Endang Dwi Ernawati NAMAKU DINDA AYU Ambar, dilahirkan dari rahim ibu kandungku, Ibu Suyatmin, di gubuk tempat tinggal orangtuaku, di lereng Gunung Tanggul, Tulungagung. Tidak seperti teman-temanku umumnya, aku baru mulai mengenal ibu kandungku di usia 5 tahun. Aku memanggilnya Bulik (bibi), karena sejak usia 3 bulan aku sudah ditinggalkan Ibu merantau ke Saudi Arabia dan aku diasuh oleh Bude Milah (kakaknya bapakku). Aku sudah kehilangan kasih sayangnya sejak bayi, sehingga ketika Ibu kembali dari Saudi Arabia, sosok ibu sudah tidak ada di benakku. Saat ia menggendongku, sama sekali tidak aku rasakan kehangatannya; terasanya seperti digendong orang lain saja. Ingatan ini begitu membekas di benakku. Sering aku bertanya pada batinku sendiri bagaimana aku mendapatkan kasih sayangmu yang hilang selama ini. Ibu, sering airmataku menetes begitu saja. Satu setengah tahun sepulang dari Saudia, Ibu melahirkan seorang adik laki-laki. Siang di rumah Ibu, sementara

di malam Hari aku tidak jauh dari dekapan bude karena sudah terbiasa dari bayi. Bude Milah dan suaminya sangat menyayangiku melebihi kepada anaknya sendiri. Seiring waktu aku mulai tumbuh dewasa. Kelas 5 sekolah dasar suami bude meninggal karena sudah tua. Beliau pahlawan pejuang veteran, pada kuburannya sampai sekarang masih ada bendera merah putih dari besi yang menandai beliau adalah pejuang di era penjajahan dulu. Aku seolah kehilangan sosok bapak. Waktu aku masuk SMP, Ibu berfikiran untuk kembali ke Saudi. Segala upaya mencari informasi untuk mendapatkan majikan dijalankannya. Ketika dikabarin oleh saudara yang masih di sana bahwa ada majikan yang mau ambil pembantu, ibuku senang ada peluang. Akan tetapi, hasil medical check-up tidak baik. Ibu langsung shock, melihat hasil rontgen jantungnya bermasalah. Pupus sudah harapan ibuku. Sedih dan tidak ada nafsu makan, berat badan Ibu turun drastis. Tubuhnya semakin kurus, mulai bermunculan penyakit akibat pikirannya yang penuh kecemasan. Namun, Ibu berusaha tegar. Kehidupan bertanilah

yang sebenarnya menjadi pekerjaan utama orangtuaku. Masih ingat gemblengan mereka memang keras. Minta dibelikan kalkulator saja aku mesti mencangkul dulu baru diberi upah seratus ribu rupiah hasil keringat saya sendiri sampai jari melepuh berair untuk mendapatkan kalkulator itu. Intinya aku mau apa ya, kerja dulu. Aku jadi membenci Ibu, bercampur dengan rasa iri terhadap adikku. Dia lebih disayang. Ach… aku tepis perasaan iri itu. Di tahun ajaran SMP berakhir, aku merengek untuk lanjutkan sekolah ke SMA. Apa daya, Ibu menolak dengan alasan tidak ada biaya. Kejamnya hidupku… inikah takdirku. Lagilagi aku belajar memahami dan menerima kenyataan. Waktu itu, kakakku bekerja di Hong Kong dan ibuku malah menyuruhku bekerja ke sana. Walaupun aku takut, Ibu terus menekan dan mendesak agar aku mau mendaftar ke PT tujuan Hong Kong tahun 2001. Tujuh bulan aku di PT tidak ada yang menjengukku. Dari situlah aku terbiasa mandiri menemukan sosok jatidiriku. Di tahun ke tiga di Hong Kong, aku mendapat kabar bahwa Bude Milah meninggal karena terseret sepeda motor akibat pakainannya tersangkut jeruji motor. Aku tidak bisa melihat untuk yang terakhir kalimya orang yang memberi kasih sayang merawatku dari bayi, tidak sempat aku membahagiakan beliau. Aku hanya bisa berdoa untuk beliau. Lambat-laun aku

terbiasa dengan ibu kandungku dengan bercanda walaupun dari kejauhan. Di Hong Kong, walupun gajiku tidak penuh, aku bisa meringankan sedikit biaya sekolah adikku dari kelas 3 SD sampai STM. Aku sudah bekerja belasan tahun Hong Kong dan kini di majikan yang ke-4 (tahun 2013). Setahun bekerja di situ, aku mendapatkan kabar buruk Ibu terpeleset jatuh ke selokan di hutan yang berkedalaman kurang lebih 2 meter. Untung bapak berada di lokasi dan bisa segera membawa Ibu ke bidan untuk diperiksa. Keesokan harinya, bangun tidur kaki Ibu tidak bisa digerakkan. Begitu dikabari, aku memilih untuk memutuskan kontrak kerja, dan pulang untuk merawat Ibu. Setelah terapi selama dua tahun, alhamdulillah beliau bisa berjalan kembali. Tahun 2008 aku menikah. Di sela-sela merawat Ibu, aku hamil dan melahirkan bayi laki-laki di tahun 2015. Ibu senang bisa melihat cucunya. Tahun 2017, aku kembali bekerja di Hong Kong Karena sulitnya mencari pekerjaan di sekitar rumah. Aku pamit ke Ibu, dan beliau merestuiku. Ibu keluar masuk rumah sakit akibat batuk menahunnya tidak kunjung reda. Pada suatu malam, aku mendapat firasat dari mimpi. Di rumah ada hajatan besar. Mimpi yang tidak terbiasa aku dapatkan. Aku terbangun dan merasa asangat khawatir karena Ibu saat itu sedang dirawat di Rumah Sakit. Ternyata keesokan paginya pada jam 10, Ibu meninggal dunia. Saat itu adalah awal munculnya coronavirus di China dan di Hong Kong, yang kemudian merambat ke seluruh dunia. Hatiku hancur tidak bisa melihat Ibu lagi; tidak bisa menghantarkan Ibu ke liang kuburnya. Aku hanya mampu mengirimkan do’a untuk Ibu. Ya Allah ampuni dosa-dosa ibuku, tempatkan ibuku di surga-Mu ya Allah. Amin Amin Amin Yarroball’Allamin. Banyak yang aku petik dari sifat Ibu hingga aku sekarang juga jadi seorang Ibu: mandiri dan tidak mudah menyerah. Hadapi rintangan kehidupan dengan sabar, insyaallah hidup tenang dan damai. Ibuku sayang, cinta kasihku sepanjang masa untuk ibuku Suyatmin bin Ramelan. Alfatihah. 41

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