Pangyao Magazine Edition #3: Feb/Mar 2022

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

NGO spotlight: Enrich

Out with the ox and in with the new: Lunar New Year of the tiger

On the beat: Exploring Hong Kong’s diverse music scene Uplifters: How to believe in yourself

Issue 3

Feb / Mar 22

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CONTENTS

Issue 3 Feb / Mar 22 Front Cover: Designed by Steve Ellul; original image

by Martin Turner

Special thanks: Steve Ellul (Cedar) Rob Garratt Oliver @ Hongkong-rocks.com Lie Fhung Darren Hayward

A word from the founders HI PANGYAOS! Our third issue coincides with Chinese Lunar New Year, hopefully an auspicious sign of brighter times ahead. According to Chinese astrology, 2022 marks the Year of the Water Tiger, signifying ambition, competitive spirit and communication, all qualities that can positively impact our lives – and the lives of those around us – if applied in the right way.

In another packed edition, our lead story On the beat explores Hong Kong’s diverse music scene, while Marifi talks Original Pinoy Music in OPM: Sa puso ng Pinoy; our new columnist Nifraz interviews RTHK radio presenter Noreen Mir; Kevin Tanganon looks at the origins of Lunar New Year; and our NGO content includes a spotlight on Enrich, plus features from Uplifters and HELP for Domestic Workers.

Wishing all our Pangyaos a positive and hopeful 2022!

Aileen & Martin

6 8 10 11 14 18 20 22

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How to believe in yourself New year, new start with NGO Uplifters Conversation with Ron Ron R. Lacson’s take on like culture The bedside lamp Aileen’s personal account of childbirth Lunar New Year: Through the ages The origins of Lunar New Year around Asia On the beat Exploring Hong Kong’s diverse music scene NGO spotlight: Enrich HK Empowerment through financial education Pangyao pics “Good times” competition winners announced!

A taste of home: Som tum Thai Bee cooks Thai green papaya salad

24 27 28 30 32 35 36 38

The Hong Kong Profile: Noreen Mir Nifraz talks to RTHK radio presenter Noreen Poetry corner Poems from across the migrant community Aileen asks... HELP for Domestic Workers Avril Rodrigues discusses MDW rights Celebration of care December’s Int’l Migrants Day coalition event Sehelai masker (Indonesian) A pandemic era story by Suci Resmiyati PCG’s Lunar New Year message Con Gen Raly Tejada’s wishes for the year ahead OPM: Sa puso ng Pinoy (Filipino) Marifi discusses Original Pinoy Music Important contacts Embassies, NGOs and more

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5

BLOGS

How to believe in yourself

As we start a new year, this is a moment to start afresh. Yes, this year you can make your good resolutions come true. And it starts with believing in yourself!

Take pride in your past achievements If you look back on your past, you can see what you have achieved. You can identify what you are good at, what people like in you – your strengths and your skills.

Think about things that you did that made a positive difference in your life or someone else’s life. Think about a key role you played to change a situation or achieve a goal.

If you can think positively about yourself and what you can do, this will help you achieve your goals in the future.

Learn from your mistakes

Be bold and daring

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

If you want to stop doubting your capabilities, try something completely new and different. Doing something bold – like chatting with someone you don’t know, or visiting an unfamiliar place – can help you become more comfortable and feel like you are in control of your life.

At some point in their lives, even the most successful people have made mistakes or experienced failures. Life is full of ups and downs.

Making mistakes doesn’t mean you can no longer succeed. On the contrary, mistakes can help you improve and do better in the future.

Self-confident people learn from their mistakes. Failures make them stronger.

They can continue to think positively, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.

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Being shy or reserved is totally OK, but if you want to become more confident, this is something you can learn as well!

Feeling stronger will help you say no – for example, when relatives and friends ask you for money and you don’t want to accept their request.

Don’t listen to your negative inner voices We all have our inner voices telling us that we are not capable. We call them limiting beliefs.

Our inner voices also sometimes tell us that, if something happens, it is due to bad luck or is someone else’s fault.

Remember, those attitudes don’t lead us in the right direction.

For example, if you’re in a situation where you’re feeling overwhelmed, miserable, or hurt by someone else, how do you think you’d react?

Option 1: You may think that you’re not responsible for what happens to you, or how you feel as a result. You may think that you don’t have the things you want, or are not experiencing happiness or nice relationships in your life.

Option 2: You may ask yourself, “What can I learn from what happened to me and can I do something about it?” By asking yourself this question, you access your own personal power.

You become responsible for your own actions, allowing you to take control of your life.

To remember:

To fulfill you r dreams, y ou n self-confide nce. Everyo eed to boost your n ec confidence by doing sm an practice selfall things: 1. R

eview the be proud of positive things you have them achieved in your life an 2. Conside d r your mista ke s as a way to lear 3. Take re n and impro sponsibility ve for w you; don’t bl ame fate or hat happens to circumstan 4. Start sm ces all, but dare to do more 5. Identify th in gs your them to help strengths and count on you grow an be bolder d

Article kindly provided by Uplifters Uplifters is a charity registered in Hong Kong. They offer a 100% FREE online course on money management, personal growth and mental well being, named Dare to Dream. A great way to start the year! You can enroll through their Facebook page or WhatsApp.

+852 9731 9713 @uplifters.community

7

CONVERSATION WITH RON

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

ALRIGHT, IT’S NOW 2022 – and how are you, my dear Pangyaos? This is our first conversation of the year, and I hope you’ll always enjoy our discussions. But I’m going to contradict myself here. “I’m not in it for your likes.” Have you ever heard that phrase before?

that’s precisely the reason why you are also compelled to click the big yellow emoji button (like, love, care, haha, wow) whenever you see your friends’ posts. You hope that, in return, they will like your posts too. You scratch their back, they scratch yours.

Nahhh. Maybe not. And if you have, I bet it wasn’t very often. Why? Well, because almost everyone wants, needs and yearns to be liked. Each one of us likes to live a life full of “likes” and could not enjoy life without being liked. Confusing? Do you think you’ll like where this conversation is leading us?

Never assume that someone likes you by their sweetness.

Sometimes you’re just an option when they’re bored... - Anonymous

Let’s examine ourselves for a while. Let’s start with Facebook. Why do you post photos, quotes, statements, and all the rest, on social media? Why do you share a status like, “I’m feeling fantastic (or lonely) today”? Why do you post what you ate for breakfast, or which places you have been lately, or how you’ve taken a bath, or which book you’ve just read, or what brand of toothpaste you’ve just used? Well, you like people to like your post. So every time you see your FB friends (although, let’s be honest, some of them are not really your friends …) “liked” your post, you feel ecstatic, like you are riding a pendulum swinging between the clouds and the rainbow.

You like your FB friends to “like” your post; the more likes, the happier you are. And 8

Don’t live for the LIKES

And why is this happening? Because you like “likes”, and they like “likes”. You want something in return for what you’ve done.

After all, you worked hard for your post (cough), and your virtual friends want something in return, too. Everything good you do in life must be reciprocated.

And that’s not just in social media – I use the example of Facebook because it’s the most popular platform among my Pangyaos in Hong Kong – the same phenomenon unravels every day in real life. You do things you think people will like. You are careful in expressing your ideas because you want people to like your propositions. Your principles are sometimes (if not always)

influenced by the majority because you want to be “in” with your peers; you want them to like you. People’s opinions sway your actions. Perhaps it is also safe to say that it would deter you if no one likes your ideas.

You go with the flow, you join the bandwagon, you are with the crowd – and that’s how you get more liked because you are with the people who you like (or aspire to be), and you think (or pretend to think) they like you too. You give help because you know or hope someone will like you.

You want acknowledgment, recognition for whatever good deeds you put forth.

So where’s the nobility? Where’s the dignity in living your life, if you always allow yourself to be swimming with the ocean’s current?

Where’s the fulfillment if you cannot think and act free from the shackles of wanting to be liked? And where are your values if you do good things only because of others’ approval? Where’s your dream then?

I have news for you. You are not living on this planet for the likes. You are not only in it for the likes. Let me have the liberty to provide a few unsolicited pieces of advice: Be a freethinker. Base your ideas and thoughts on evidence and deduction, not popularity Don’t let your beliefs be influenced by other people’s personal politics, religion or outside organisations.

Help your Pangyaos because they need help, not because you want them to like you.

Express your idea even if you think it might be unpopular. Don’t consider whether people will like it or not. Many significant innovations were once ridiculed in the past.

Go after your dream – your very own dream – and not others’ dream for you, and not because you want others to like your dream.

Be your own person.

We’re having this conversation to convey my thoughts and ideas, not because I’m looking for likes. I write this to express, not to impress. Getting readers to “like” this column wasn’t my goal when I started to tap the keyboard. Instead, I want to write what I think could help people improve how they live life, in my own little ways. Whether you’ll like this or not is entirely up to you.

Sincerely, I am not in it for the likes. I cannot recall when I consciously began behaving this way, but I am glad I did. I think, act, speak and write not for the likes but for the freedom to express based on reason, empiricism and science. And yes, that includes whatever I want to post on social media.

Don’t live for the likes. Be proud and free to say, “I’m not in it for the likes!”

So did you like this conversation?

More from Ron...

Ron’s book, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ is available in the Philippines at all megabranches of National Book Store (NBS), or scan the QR code for the Amazon Kindle version!

@ronrlacsonauthor

9

BLOGS

The bedside lamp

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

AFTER THOSE GRUELLING 150+ hours of labour, you know what finally got to me? My bedside lamp.

As I lay in bed, sweating from my fever, the nurse came in, turned on the bedside lamp, and informed me she was going to give me a dose of antibiotics through my IV line. It was the least painful of procedures and pinched a little bit but nothing I couldn't handle. Then, she left.

But wait, my bedside lamp was still on. At 3:30am, it mattered as that's about more or less 2 and a half hours of darkness, stillness and time for my much needed sleep. Should I press the nurse call button and ask her to come back? I know for most people that would've been an easy "yes".

But me, in all my pain and swirly hormones, I stared at this harsh, florescent tormentor and saw my defeat.

It was just 2 feet out of my reach. The buzzing seemed to mock me, that's when I started to cry.

I thought about all the terrible pain and suffering I have been through this whole week. I thought about Darren and how much I miss him.

And I thought about the baby I just delivered 2 days ago, my little Lily Sofia, all alone, four floors above me in the neonatal ward while I'm here surrounded by other mother's and

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their babies here at the maternity ward. I felt so alone. I laid there on my bed, sobbing at my helplessness with this buzzing bedside lamp mocking me.

I laid there, bathing in the light of this electric torture device, crying my eyes out, thoroughly defeated. And then, a thought, I could cry and despair or I could try to overcome this. With this sudden burst of self-preservation and being fed up of suffering, I pulled myself slowly up from the bed, horrible waves of pain from my stitches took my breath away, but I soldiered on, clutching the bed's monkey bar with one hand and the mattress other, I pulled myself.

As my barefeet touched the cold floor, I was feeling more and more triumphant and as I moaned myself off the bed, clutching my wound, I reached out to the bedside lamp and thought to myself, I won't be defeated by you, not today nor any day. I switched it off.

I cheered and slowly made my way back unto the bed. The relief, the sense of accomplishment, that satisfying feeling you get when you achieve your goal all came rolling over me. I can conquer anything.

I AM INVINCIBLE. That is the story of how I turned off my bedside lamp.

Lunar New Year: Through the ages

By Kevin Tangonan

February 1st marks the start of the Chinese New Year of the tiger. Lunar New Year is considered one of the biggest festivals across the Asia region, but how and where did it originate?

Evolution of Chinese New Year traditions:

Qin

Introduction of housecleaning rituals, appeasing the Kitchen God

Han

Ancestor worship and visiting friends and family to offer new year wishes

Jin

Introduction of shousui, the tradition of all-night revelry on New Year’s Eve

Tang

The giving of bai nian tie (greeting cards), started by Emperor Taizong of Tang

Song

The gifting of money to children and the use of firecrackers in celebration

Ming

The tradition of preparing and eating jiaozi (Chinese dumplings)

Dynasty

Dynasty

Dynasty

Dynasty

Dynasty

Dynasty

IT IS BELIEVED that the lunar calendar was originally created by farmers in China, around 4,000 years ago, during the Xia Dynasty. Since the primary focus of early Chinese society was agricultural production, the lunar calendar helped keep track of the passage of time by following the moon’s waxing and waning.

Over time, the ancient Chinese began celebrating the end of the harvest season – which fell in autumn, the 10th month of the lunar calendar – where people would gather together and feast on lamb and rice wine, wishing each other long and prosperous lives.

While the timing is different, these celebrations are considered one of the precursors to today’s Lunar New Year festivities. With the incoming of each new dynasty, aspects of our modern would be introduced to the canon.

Many of these traditions – in one form or another – are still practised in Hong Kong and China today, such as the giving of red packets containing money, know locally as lai see. Notably, this tradition is also believed to have influenced the giving of green envelopes by Malay Muslims during Eid al-Fitr and the giving of purple envelopes

by Malay Hindus during Deepavali.

You may notice that red is always a very prominent colour in Chinese New Year celebrations. One school of thought links this back to Nian, a terrifying monster who according to Chinese mythology, would terrorise villages, eating their crops and even the villagers’ children.

However, the monster had a fear of the colour red, so the villagers would decorate their homes with red lanterns and scrolls in a bid to scare the monster away.

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FEATURE

How is the Lunar New Year celebrated elsewhere in Asia?

North & South Korea

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Vietnam

Seollal

Tết Nguyên Đán

In both North Korea and South Korea, Lunar New Year is known as Seollal. Koreans share similar rituals to China, including the cleaning of ancestral graves, receiving of sebaetdon (traditional lucky bags containing money), and talking well into the night. A culinary specialty for Seollal is tteokguk, a traditional soup made with garaetteok (sliced rice cakes), beef, egg and vegetables.

Known as Tết for short, the Vietnamese celebrate with dragon dancing in the streets, family reunions, and the decoration of their homes with apricot and peach blossoms or kumquat trees. Culinary specialties include bánh chưng – a tightly bound, banana leaf-wrapped sticky rice snack with pork and mung bean filling – and chả lụa (Vietnamese sausage).

Mongolia

Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia

Tsagaan Sar

Tahun Baru Cina (or Imlek)

Literally meaning ‘white moon’, celebrations for Tsagaan Sar vary across the vast expanse of Mongolia, but often involve family gatherings dressed in national Mongol costumes, and use of the Zolgokh, a formal Mongolian greeting. New Year feasts typically include grilled side of sheep, buuz (steamed meat dumplings) and boortzog (fried dough snacks).

Several other Southeast Asian countries with large Chinese diaspora communities celebrate the New Year following similar traditions to those in China. In Singapore, the streets of Chinatown are light up with traditional lanterns with vendors selling snacks and gifts. Culinary specialties in the region include yusheng – a Cantonese-style tossed salad with raw fish.

Chinese zodiac The animals of the lunar calendar

The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac represent different birth years according to the lunar calendar and work on a 12-year repeating cycle; the cycle traditionally commences with the year of the rat. Each animal is believed to be associated with certain personality traits for those born in a particular year.

Tiger

Ox

Rat

Confidence and bravery

Strength and responsibility

Ambition and resourcefulness

2022 • 2010 • 1998 • 1986

2021 • 2009 • 1997 • 1985

2020 • 2008 • 1996 • 1984

Pig

Dog

Rooster

Compassion and generosity

Loyalty and honesty

Outspokenness and observance

2019 • 2007 • 1995 • 1983

2018 • 2006 • 1994 • 1982

2017 • 2005 • 1993 • 1981

Monkey

Goat

Horse

Curiosity and inventiveness

Gentle and kindheartedness

Energy and independence

2016 • 2004 • 1992 • 1980

2015 • 2003 • 1991 • 1979

2014 • 2002 • 1990 • 1978

Snake

Dragon

Rabbit

Wisdom and enigma

Pride and intelligence

Kindness and elegance

2013 • 2001 • 1989 • 1977

2012 • 2000 • 1988 • 1976

2011 • 1999 • 1987 • 1975 13

On the beat

By Rob Garratt

Musicians from across the world have found a vital voice and a lifetime of opportunity in Hong Kong WHEN MAKHA DIOP arrived in Hong Kong, 20 years ago, he panicked. “I didn’t know what to expect – I’d never even seen a picture of the city,” remembers the Senegalese musician of his firstever trip abroad. “When I arrived at the Central Pier I was like: I can’t stay here, I’ve got to go back.”

Born and raised on tiny Gorée island (population: 1,800), the then-21-year-old percussionist had been invited by a former pupil to play two weeks of concerts in Hong Kong and China. “When he saw the shock on my face, the guy who invited me said, ‘There is an island, similar to where you’re from’,” he continues. “As soon as I got to Lamma I felt at home. It gives me a sense of balance – it’s closer to Africa in feel.”

Photo by Martin Turner

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Photo by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

Rhythmic connection: Makha’s ADADC company runs drum classes for all ages across Hong Kong, from toddlers to adults

Twenty years later, Makha still calls the outlying island home, after building a reputation, career and life on sharing his instrument, the djembe, with the city. Last year he celebrated the milestone of opening his own studio in Wan Chai, Sankofa, named after a metaphorical symbol of Ghana’s Akan people.

“I came for two weeks, but the demand – people liked it, and more and more opportunities opened up, and one thing led to another,” he says. “There was nothing like this in Hong Kong so it was an opportunity to introduce African music to the community.”

After the original Djembe Massive band split up, Makha founded his own organisation, African Drumming and Dance Connection Company (ADADC), in 2005, and started collaborating more deeply with local Chinese musicians.

“From that moment on I was focused on playing with local people and taking this music into the culture,” he says. “People had no idea what we were doing. I had to establish it and educate people. I had to explain to the government the benefit it brought to the community.”

Makha has been called on to perform for visiting dignitaries Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, and appeared at the city’s flagship Clockenflap festival no less than five times. But his deepest engagement comes in the classes and workshops he leads, that range from toddler-parent bonding sessions to corporate team-building exercises.

“Was I a pioneer?” he adds. “In a way, yes – but I can never take this credit.”

The tale of a life completely changing course after a chance encounter is not uncommon among Hong Kong’s professional musicians. After halfyear stints in Singapore, Vietnam and Japan, Spike Cazcarro took a temporary gig at Amazonia in 2005, as a member of Ice Box – today they remain the Wan Chai nightclub’s house band, and have never gigged at any other venue in the city or beyond since (despite offers even from the US).

“We came back from playing in Japan and our boss said, ‘I’m opening a new bar in Hong Kong and I want you there in six days’,” says the Filipino singer. Today, three of the original members are still in the band, wheeling out many of the same beloved rock classics, six nights a week. “After 16 years playing four sets a night, we’ve played ‘Satisfaction’ more than The Rolling Stones have!” laughs Spike. But the selfdubbed “rocking grandpa” plans to retire from the stage for good in two years, to return home to his grandchildren, and life on the farm his rock n’ roll antics have allowed him to build.

“The big difference between us and other bands is we stay in one place, we have a home,” he adds. “We really love what we’re doing, and the music we’re playing is the music we grew up on – most bands in Hong Kong are told what

After 16 years playing four sets a night, we’ve played ‘Satisfaction’ more than The Rolling Stones have!

– Spike Cazcarro, Ice Box (Amazonia house band)

Photo credit: Bar Amazonia

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FEATURE to play, but we play what we want. We don’t just do it for the money.”

The money, of course, dried up when the pandemic hit, and for the first time in 15 years, Spike was forced to take a second job working cargo – a role he’s hung onto amid the lingering uncertainty. After finishing onstage nightly at 3.15am, and arriving home in Tung Chung after 5am, he now works noon until 7pm, four days a week, at Hong Kong Airport – before heading back to Wan Chai for the band’s 9pm opening set.

“I really want to give that job up,” admits the 53-year-old. “But I have proved to myself I can do another thing besides being in a band. I’ve been singing all my life.”

Spike’s story is familiar to many, with Filipino pro musicians dominating much of Hong Kong Island’s colourful nightlife scene. Longtime favourites include Iris Pascual, who leads regular attraction Rubicube, Cheung Chau troubadour Maryjane and even OPM idol Paul Sapiera, the former frontman of Rockstar who recently left Hong Kong after more than a decade in the city.

Multi-instrumentalist Jimi S. Galvea Jr. has been a mainstay of this scene for more than four decades. After spending the 80s gigging popular Causeway Bay and Tsim Tsa Tsui clubs as part of Boys in the Band, he led a pop covers trio at numerous hotels throughout the 90s, and later formed the airportresident Three Brothers Jazz Trio – all while moonlighting in classic rock cover bands The Speed King, Helter Skelter and The Gozer.

Aged 67, he continues to rock out with MNG, aka Mr. Nice Guy. “Comparing the music scene here and the Philippines? It’s totally different,” he says. “There, it’s harder to please the crowd – it takes some time to show your talents before they appreciate [you].”

Away from the neon lights and hotel lounges, working migrant musicians have long found a cathartic platform and welcoming community at The Wanch – the beloved Wan Chai live music institution 16

Staying power: Multi-instrumentalist Jimi S. Galvea Jr. has played in bands in the city for more than 40 years

established in 1987 which, after sadly closing at the height of the pandemic in August 2020, is set to shortly reopen in a new home.

“The city’s music scene is a place where people of all backgrounds and ethnicities come together,” says Oliver, the founder of live music photography platform Hong Kong Rocks, a passion project which has seen the 49-year-old German shoot more than 300 bands over the past 12 years.

“Where in other countries bands would be much more segregated entities that see each other as competitors, Hong Kong’s musicians are always ready to help each other out, no matter who they are or where they’re from. Everyone is happy to support and make music together instead of trying to build walls.”

Pinoy-led bands including alternative trio Bebe’s Wish, ska-punk revivalists Bulletproof and young upstarts Radeyo have all made a mark on the city’s underground scene, while the homegrown Nepali community has long rocked loud and proud, with notable outfits including Loud Shaft, Dibya Drisdy and Radio Resurgence.

“The scene in Hong Kong … you can’t really make a living with music, you need to have side income or business – you need a job,”

says Dipen Gurung, the former frontman of successful nu-metal and rapcore outfit Intellectual Morons.

Following his own advice, in 2016 the Hong Kong-raised Nepali founded Funky Monkeys in Jordan, a booming bar which now boasts outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tung Chung. But since his band split in 2018, he has shifted into hip-hop and R&B, refusing to give up his dreams.

“A lot of great musicians don’t have time to practise or perform because they are focused on their jobs – I know a lot of musicians like this and I feel really bad for them, I don’t want to be them,” adds the 39-year-old. “Music is about the passion. If you are talented, if you have something special, no one can stop you – you might succeed someday. Just keep going and never give up. Put whatever is in your mind and whatever you feel into song.

Into words – your words.”

Music is about the passion. If you are talented, if you have something special, no one can stop you – Dipen Gurung, Intellectual Morons

Bulletproof

Bebe’s Wish

Rubicube Dibya Dristy Maryjane and the Gang Loud Shaft Paul Sapiera

Around the HK scene: All photos by Oliver @ Hongkong-rocks.com

17

NGO SPOTLIGHT

MAKING THE DECISION to live and work in a foreign land is one of the biggest decisions you are ever likely to make.

Leaving behind the life that you’ve known and stepping into a brave new world can be full of hope and expectation – an opportunity to build a better life and provide for your loved ones.

However, for the uninitiated, things can soon unravel without proper planning, as the realities of higher living costs, increased family pressures and the burden of debt quickly take hold.

Founded in 2007, Enrich was established to address these challenges, with a vision of improving the lives of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong through financial education and empowerment.

Starting from humble beginnings – their first workshops took place in coffee shops and living rooms – Enrich has since grown to become one of the city’s leading NGOs, with over 30,000 participants attending its ever-growing list of programmes over the past 15 years.

More advanced workshops are designed to instill a long-term mindset of good money management, with topics such as Growing My Money looking at how to invest and grow your savings, and Setting Up My Business offering advice on preparing for your future back in your home country.

The benefits of the workshops are clear – surveys show that over 90% of participants are better equipped to manage their finances after attending the courses. Those completing the full programme receive a graduation certificate, with many going on to become Enrich Ambassadors, assisting with outreach and empowering others to take back control of their lives through financial education (meet some of the Ambassadors on the following page).

For those in a critical situation – such as unsustainable levels of debt – confidential financial counselling is available, offering impartial advice, free of judgement, to help you understand your options and find a path forward.

Dealing with debt can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that help is at hand – and it’s never too late to seek it.

Enrich offers a progressive, dual-language (English and Bahasa Indonesia) course structure, with its foundation workshop Money Wise Migrants providing an introduction to the core concepts of personal finance, such repaying debts, budgeting and tracking expenses, and setting yourself goals.

ENRICH FAST FACTS 18

Nearly three quarters of new Enrich participants say they have had to borrow money for emergency expenses such as unexpected medical bills and typhoon damage

For individuals wishing to track and progress towards their goals, Enrich partners with corporate volunteers to offer personalised 6-month mentoring programmes

@enrichhk.org

enrichhk.org

We may not be rich in money, but if we are equipped and rich in knowledge, we can achieve a brighter future, not only for ourselves but for our families Enrich workshops have helped me to understand all of my options, increasing my confidence to make financial decisions, such as choosing a mortgage lender and saving towards my goals.

Financial education boosts my chances of achieving those goals; I have a better understanding of what it takes to realise them and make my financial dreams a reality. As of now, I have purchased two tricycles for income and built my dream house. I am always grateful to Enrich!

I learnt about Enrich through the Indonesian Consulate, where I joined one of their workshops on the topic of Money Wise Migrants. After the event, I found myself wanting to know more; I ended up joining all their other workshops, including Growing my Money and Speak Up, and still enjoy attending their sessions through to today.

Learning at Enrich is very beneficial for me; Unlike before, I’m now able to manage my money, have good relations with my family and plan for my future. I am very thankful.

I first met Enrich Ambassadors during their Outreach in Victoria Park. I was interested in learning how to manage my money wisely, because my life was a mess at the time due to debt. I remember the trainer telling us to pay our debts first, before anything else.

The workshops proved very helpful; I’m now able to save money, my relationship with my family and my employer has improved, and most importantly, I am DEBT FREE. I am very happy now and I never want to be in a debt situation again.

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PANGYAO PICS

Good times

LariMariEstrevillo

1st

Winner of a brand new Redmi 10!

(Worth $1,199)

Photo competition winners Chosen by New York Times Design Editor Darren Hayward

Runne rs Up

Joan Corpuz

Winners of $100 P&S shopping vouchers!

Ayaz0514

2nd Abigail Soriano

Winner of a pair of Redmi 3 Buds!

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FOODIE HIKERS

Joezel12

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Submit your own pics!

21

A TASTE OF HOME

Bee cooks

Som tum Thai (Papaya salad)

Introducing Bee THAI CUISINE IS known and loved throughout the world, so growing up in Trang Province in Southern Thailand - known locally as “The Land of Food” - it comes as no surprise that cooking has always been close to Bee’s heart.

For Bee, food preparation has always been about making others happy, leading to her opening her own eatery in Thailand in 2009.

After relocating to Hong Kong in 2011, she worked in a Thai restaurant for a few years, further honing her culinary skills before opening her own Thai takeaway – Little Thai – on Lamma Island in 2016. A firm favourite amongst residents and visitors, Little Thai’s menu is known for its authentic Thai flavours and fresh ingredients – the fruit used in her famous papaya salad is hand-picked from Bee’s own garden, as modelled by Bee’s daughter Alin below!

Som tum Thai (Green papaya salad) A popular dish throughout South East Asia, different interpretations of papaya salad can be found in several countries across the region, including Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam.

The dish is believed to have originated in Laos, though it is arguably the Thai adaptation – Som tum Thai – that has led to its widespread popularity and recognition in the gastronomic world. Regional variations often incorporate add-ons such as salted egg, fish paste, crab or shrimp.

A multi-layered dish, Som tum Thai’s complex balance of sweet, salty, spicy and tart flavours are the perfect complement to the crunchy green papaya, crushed peanuts, fresh beans and tomatoes, all working together to bring this symphony of taste and texture to our palates.

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Ingredients

Method

• • • • • •

Crush the chilli, grated garlic and dried shrimp with a mortar and pestle.

• • • • •

140g fresh green papaya, grated Fresh birdseye chilli 1 tsp garlic, grated 1 tsp dried shrimp 1 small fresh lime, halved 1 stalk yardlong bean, chopped into 2-inch pieces 40g coconut sugar 1 tbsp tamarind sauce 1 tbsp fish sauce 3 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts

Little Thai

Add the long beans, coconut sugar and all the sauces; mix and muddle together until the coconut sugar melts.

Add the cherry tomatoes and the lime, muddling them gently with the pestle - be careful not to break the lime rind as it’ll cause bitterness.

Finally, add the shredded green papaya, mixing well with all the ingredients. Top with crushed roasted peanuts before serving.

Block B, 51 Yung Shue Wan Main St., Lamma Island • 6080 9195

Photos by Martin Turner

23

THE HONG KONG PROFILE

Nifraz meets

Noreen Mir Our new columnist Nifraz Rifaz brings us The Hong Kong Profile, a regular column featuring interesting people who are shaping the world around them in Hong Kong.

Nifraz’s first guest is Noreen Mir, producer and presenter on RTHK Radio 3’s 123 Show.

Born and bred in Hong Kong, Noreen is half-Chinese and half-Pakistani, and fluent in both Cantonese and English.

Tell us a bit about yourself: how was your childhood growing up in Hong Kong?

I come from a generation of strong and hard working women.

My father died when I was still young, though my mum was an amazing single mother who worked really hard to provide for the family. While my mum worked, my grandma looked after me, and between them they taught me the importance of working hard, staying positive during hard times, and always being grateful for what you have.

I had a great childhood in Hong Kong, always exploring different places by taking the bus and tram. Growing up, I lived in a public housing estate with my grandparents, while also attending an international school which was very generously sponsored by my father’s eldest brother. It was like living in two worlds all the time – a more grassroots upbringing, with a glimpse into a more affluent way of life. I’m grateful that by having a good education and working hard towards my goals, I was able to become a radio presenter and have a platform to help others share their stories and make an impact.

I wanted to be a doctor and a radio presenter! I was raised by my grandmother and she’s blind. I remember when I was young and we would just sit and listen to the radio together, giggling at the programmes of talk show hosts chatting away. I remember wishing I could do that too!

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Photo credit: RTHK

What did you aspire to become when you were a child and why?

What do you like about Hong Kong?

Where do I even begin? I love Hong Kong – it’s my birthplace, it’s my home, it’s my children’s home. I love how vibrant it is and how everything is so efficient. I like that we can go hiking and get to the beach easily with our fantastic public transport system. I admire the “can-do” spirit of the people here and I love all the old parts of Hong Kong that tell a story.

Any dislikes...?

In a city as rich as Hong Kong, it does make me angry and sad to know there is still so much inequality. I believe that collectively, there is so much more that can be done to make Hong Kong a better place for all.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from anyone?

“Do it, it’s done and you’re happy” - From my mother-in-law “There will always be people who have more than you, and there are people who have less. Always be grateful for what you have, and remember to be kind and forgiving” - From my grandma “If it doesn’t matter in five years, it doesn’t matter” - Unknown

Tell us about your RTHK radio show?

The 123 Show is a magazine-style programme where we cover different topics and issues, including social, environmental, health, gender, sexual, mental health, medical and education.

We also feature authors, musicians, charities and NGOs, alongside interesting people who are doing good and interesting things in Hong Kong!

Photo credit: RTHK

What do you like most about your role?

I like that everyday I get to interview different people and learn new things that I didn’t know before. I like sharing my platform with those who want to be heard and those who have a story to share, as well as highlighting important topics like mental health, domestic violence, and injustice faced by migrant workers.

I especially enjoy interviewing people who are passionate about making Hong Kong a better place, such as charities that focus on people in need. It also gives me goosebumps and warms my heart every time I hear stories of people whose lives have been changed for the better.

Who were your most memorable guests on the show and why?

Story of survival: Noreen with Werner Reich, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor, interviewed on the 123 Show in 2018

Ohhhh it’s so difficult to pick just a few, I honestly cannot choose! There are just too many wonderful guests I’ve had the privilege of interviewing. Some interviews are more serious than others, and some guests are just funny, informative and have great stories to share.

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THE HONG KONG PROFILE

Photo credit: RTHK ‘Tis the season: MCing at the closing ceremony of Operation Santa Claus, one of HK’s largest charitable donation drives

Winning spirit: RTHK women’s team were crowned Women’s Open Relay Champions in “The walk up Jardine House 2013”

Any challenges you’ve faced? How did you overcome them?

What else do you do apart from hosting the radio show?

When my youngest daughter was born, we found out she was deaf. It was really challenging at first, as we didn’t know anyone who was deaf, or otherwise know anything about it. We had no idea about sign language, or what sorts of therapies she might need.

I’m quite busy with work, or looking after my girls when I’m not at work. It’s tough being a working mum, as sometimes I feel guilty for not being around as much as I’d like to be. But one day I hope they will understand that I’m working to provide for a better life.

However, we soon found a lot of great support and early intervention for her speech.

We met many children with hearing loss and deaf adults who act as fantastic role models for our daughter.

When you have a child with extra needs, there are more classes and therapies to add to your schedule, but it’s important to remember that it’s OK not to be perfect. There are some days when I need a little help, and other days I need a lot. It’s OK to ask for help, because we all need it from time to time.

We are all learning sign language as a family, as we want to learn as much as we can about the deaf culture. My husband and eldest daughter are fantastic at remembering all the sign language, and my eldest daughter is super helpful in supporting her little sister with practising her speech.

We all want her to be proud of her identity, because we are!

I remember in those early days, I’d hold my daughter and feel sad about the uncertainty of it all, but I knew from the start I would do everything I could to be her best advocate.

Every night I feel so grateful to have such a beautiful girl, and I know that her hearing loss will never hold her back. We are so blessed and so lucky indeed!

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Photo credit: RTHK

Right now, I’m pregnant with number 3, so I’m just trying to slow down and enjoy things, like spending time with my family and friends. I really enjoy cooking, knitting and of course, learning sign language.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to continue to bring more great stories and programmes to the public. @NoreenMirRTHKradio3 rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/1_2_3_show

You're funny Jolly clown who smiles so wide A ballerina that gracefully glide A Loving child, all home rules you abide The Sweet lover and an ideal bride Fierce lioness and courageous tigress Facing all struggles in delightfulness Accepts and turns bitterness to sweetness Indeed, very alluring enchantress

No pretentious acts in her veins that flows Living on her preferred discretion Sailing on her chosen direction Portraying her own character Being herself without filter Walking around without wearing mask Strolling with no permission to ask Firmly flourish her real face Her unfeigned and pure charming grace

A star up high sparkling and shining bright But behind that light is an inky night gloom of reality she's holding tight Her blooming beauty isn't what in her sight She has a portrait drawn by someone else Scenic panorama out of her sense A majestic painting painted by them But she sought to be a genuine gem An eagle who’s soaring up high freely A pilot flying her on plane solely And Carrying her own closet of flaws

You stand out from the dark of shade Don't be afraid lovely one The best of being is you You give birth and new life begun Things will never be the same A woman frame with vigour She make her place, stand so tall And fulfill it all much bigger Love and passion that you share You have that care, a role model There is fire in your heart Peculiar you remodel Your little naughty and wise You deserve for prize a shining star You irrespective of your strive You have the courage to live that afar Go beyond things to achieve Woman believe and reach your goal Leading dignity and grace With beautiful heart and soul

Free from mirroring

by Anne Maureen Medrano Esperidion

Ode to you woman

By Christine Aurelio

Submit your own poetry at pangyao.hk!

Poetry corner

27

ASK AILEEN

Aileen Asks... HELP for Domestic Workers A popular website feature coming to Pangyao Magazine for the first time, Pangyao co-founder Aileen’s advice column helps to answer readers’ questions about living and working in Hong Kong.

In this issue, Aileen poses a question to Avril Rodrigues, Head of Communications at HELP for Domestic Workers.

Reader’s Question:

My communication with my employer in Hong Kong often feels strained; how can we build a better and mutually beneficial working relationship?

OVER THE PAST few years, there have been many discussions surrounding the rights of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Despite numerous research papers, statistics and press reports highlighting their importance in the city’s development, there remains a consistent narrative that domestic workers benefit a lot more from the working arrangement than their employers, hence have a lot more to lose in the event of a breakdown in that employment relationship.

Because of such stereotypes, a substantial burden of responsibility is often placed upon domestic workers, to understand the resources at their disposal when it comes to enforcing their rights.

The reality, of course, is that the relationship between a domestic worker and their employer is one of mutual benefit.

While migrant domestic workers come to Hong Kong to engage in meaningful work opportunities, employers rely on such workers to care for their homes, and care for their families – including their children, and elderly and sick relatives. Hence, it stands to reason that fostering a good working relationship is in the interests of both parties.

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Pandemic-related travel restrictions in the past couple of years have meant a shortage of migrant domestic workers moving to Hong Kong. This experience and resulting demand challenges have led to an increased appreciation for domestic workers, serving to highlight the significant impact they have on the local economy, and on our daily lives.

So, how do you develop a mutually beneficial relationship with your employer?

The answer is not short, nor is it easy.

Straddling the line between employment and family relationships, firstly it’s important to understand the unique relationship between migrant domestic workers and their employers within a private residence, where they are often considered to be part of the family. But likewise, it is vital to recognise that they are employees, with rights and responsibilities like any other.

To start off, as a domestic worker, you should identify and acknowledge the contributions you have made to your employer, their family, and to Hong Kong as a whole. You should understand that as an employee, you are entitled to certain rights, and remedies if these are not safeguarded.

Swift resolution: Voicing concerns and challenges helps avoid material conflict

Unique relationship: Domestic workers are often treated as part of the family

Similarly, as an employee, you also have responsibilities that must be fulfilled in order to enjoy your rights. These include legal responsibilities – like living and working in your employer’s residence – and putting in the effort to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

Communication is key; taking time to discuss work duties, understanding your employer’s expectations, and voicing concerns or challenges on both sides, are the shared responsibilities of both parties. Not only will these conversations help you to understand what your employer wants, but they will also give a clearer picture of what you need.

When conflicts arise, many domestic workers feel uncomfortable, as the connotations of the word ‘conflict’ suggest some sort of fight, battle or struggle. The immediate reaction may be to file a labour claim; while in some

situations this may be justified, in many cases, dialogue and understanding on both sides can help to avoid unnecessary and drawn-out legal proceedings.

It is important to seek advice or assistance before a disagreement becomes a conflict.

Often, shunning help and following misinformation can worsen a situation, as there is no opportunity to negotiate a resolution. Even if you think it is something small, take the initiative to address and resolve the issue, rather than letting it fester and escalate into a material conflict – which could ultimately jeopardise the employeeemployer relationship.

Remember: an employment relationship benefits both your employer and you, and a healthy relationship is built upon trust, mutual respect and understanding.

We at HELP believe that supporting migrant domestic workers means working with both domestic workers and employers.

It is only through addressing the needs of both domestic workers and employers that we can achieve sustainable change.

Through our programmes and services, we empower and support migrant domestic workers’ access to justice.the Amazon Kindle version!

@HELPForDomesticWorkers

Working together: Employee-employer relationships are mutally beneficial

Ask Aileen a question!s Need some advice about migrant life in Hong Kong? Why not ask Aileen! Our favourite questions may be published in future editions of Pangyao Magazine or on the Pangyao.HK website/app!

aileen@pangyao.hk pangyao.hk/askaileen

29

INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY

Celebration of care on International Migrants Day “HONG KONG HAS many migrant workers, I am happy that we are giving them the recognition they deserve”, says Lorna Pagaduan, president of the Filipino Nurses Association and Pathfinders ambassador, at a recent interview on RTHK Radio 3 show Pinoy Life. The topic of discussion: the Celebration of care, a special community event on 19th December, 2021, to mark International Migrants Day. The festival saw a coalition of migrantfocused organisations and community groups gather together near the Star Ferry pier in Central, to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of migrant workers – not only to the lives of their employers and their families back home, but also within their own communities.

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There was also plenty more to explore away from the stage, with The Filipino Nurses Association offering free blood pressure readings, Umela – a wellness and livelihood migrant group – providing free massages, books on offer from two members of Migrant Writers of Hong Kong (Ailenemae Ramos and Bernadith Dela Cruz), and of course, our everenthusiastic Pangyao moderators handing out the latest edition of Pangyao Magazine!

I am doing this because I am migrant worker representing myself. The best care is by helping the community.

- Ody Munson, founder of Horizons

“The care festival is a celebration for migrants, by migrants”, says Widia Fronika, an ambassador for HELP for Domestic Workers.

And looking around at the beaming smiles of everyone who attended the event, it is evident that, even through all the challenges and sacrifice, we can always make time to care for others, to care for our families, and a to care for oneself.

The cross-cultural programme served to showcase the many talents of Hong Kong’s migrant workers, with acting, storytelling, traditional Indonesian dance, and even a fashion show – with members of TCK Learning Centre modelling their handmade dresses – all on the agenda, not to mention several lively group dance numbers, with audience participation strongly encouraged!

DID YOU KNOW?

Two of our very own Pangyao moderators – Jerick Mora and Horizons founder Ody Munson – were also on the bill, with Jerick entertaining the crowd with a song and Ody reciting one of her own poems. “Although we are from different organisations, we are here to represent ourselves,” Ody tells us. “I am doing this because I am migrant worker representing myself. The best care is by helping the community.”

After lobbying by migrant rights groups, the UN officially designated 18th December as International Migrants Day in the year 2000

Migrant organisations in Asia started an annual celebration called the International Day of Solidarity with Migrants on 18th December, 1997, the chosen date linking to a UN convention on migrant rights, established on the same date in 1990

As of 2020, there were approximately 281 million international migrants around the world - almost 4% of the global population There are more than 370,000 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong

The festival is a celebration for migrants, by migrants - Widia Fronika, ambassador for HELP for Domestic Workers

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BLOGS Language: Indonesian

Sehelai masker

By Suci Resmiyati

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ADUL ADALAH SALAH satu BMI yang berkerja sebagai Asisten Rumah Tangga di Hong Kong. Kali ini Adul bekerja pada keluarga Amol sejak awal january 2019. Setelah visa turun, dia langsung masuk kerja sesampai di rumah majikan.

Majikan memberikan penjelasan tentang keadaan rumah. Adul tidak punya kamar sendiri, tidak ada lemari. Majikan hanya menyediakan satu boks kecil. Dengan muka yang sedikit kecewa, Adul ngedumel di dalam pikirannya “Yah mana cukup lah!

Biasa kerja mempunyai kamar, lemari, kamar mandi plus heater.” Kali ini, dia harus menanggung resiko dari keputusannya sendiri menerima job ini. Lebih shoknya lagi saat majikan menyuruh Adul merebus air untuk mandi, wah langsung berubah itu muka. Dengan sorot mata yang masam dia berkata dalam hati “Buzeetttttttttt woyyyy ini Hong Kong woyyyyy kok rebus air seperti di pedalaman kampung yang tidak ada listrik aja, menderita dach!”

Detik itu juga Adul rasanya ingin langsung menggeret koper minggat dari situ!

Tapi apalah daya, masa mau menyerah sebelum berperang sih… kaya pahlawan kesiangan aja, belum apa-apa sudah menyerah duluan.

Setelah majikan selesai menjelaskan, Adul mencoba untuk menarik nafas panjang dan membuangnya pelan-pelan sambil berusaha menenangkan pikiran dan menerima kehidupan sekarang, meskipun di batinnya kacau balau dan pikiran jadi ruwet. Selama ini dia selalu mendapatkan majikan yang menyediakan heater untuk mandi. Di musim panas sih tidak terlalu tersiksa, karena tidak begitu membutuh terlalu banyak air panas.

Tetapi, di musim dingin tanpa air panas yang cukup mana bisa mandi; apalagi saat untuk keramas dan tidak ada panci besar untuk merebus air hanya ada teko listrik berukuran 1,5 liter untuk merebus air dan itu membutuhkan berkali-kali merebusnya.

Tapi apalah daya, masa mau menyerah sebelum berperang sih… kaya pahlawan kesiangan aja, belum apa-apa sudah menyerah duluan.

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Otomatis rebusan air yang pertama sudah dingin sementara menunggu rebusan air yang berikutnya. Apalagi kalau suhu di bawah 10 derajat Celsius, air akan cepat dingin.

Tidak jarang dia menggigil sampai giginya bunyi “kreeekuuuutttt, kreeeekkuuuuutttttt”.

Bahkan kadang-kadang, saking tidak tahannya menahan dingin, air matapun menetes dan akhirnya diapun menangis sambil jongkok dan menggigil.

Satu tahun berlalu meski dengan keadaannya yang tertekan. Si Adul berusaha bertahan meskipun awalnya dia mau break kontrak. Tapi dia berpikir; dua tahun tidak lama, kurangi mengeluh dan kerjakan saja apa yang menjadi tanggung jawab dan tidak usah banyak pikiran, waktu akan segera berlalu. Benar, waktu pun cepat berlalu, satu tahun tidak terasa bekerja di majikan ini suka duka dilewatinya. Hati dan pikiran Adul pun sudah terbiasa dengan keadaan dan situasi di rumah itu dan tinggal satu tahun lagi untuk melewatinya.

Di awal tahun 2020 Hong Kong digemparkan dengan Coronavirus. Yah waktu itu bertepatan dengan liburan sekolah, dan majikan Adul pergi berlibur. Hanya Adul seorang diri di rumah. Seluruh warga Hong Kong heboh membeli masker. Toko-toko penjual masker, hand sanitizer, Clorox dan lain-lain kehabisan stock. Adul pun berusaha membeli masker, tetapi setiap toko yang dia datangi kehabisan stock. Mana majikan tidak di rumah pula.

Adul Cuma punya 3 helai masker; itu pun sisa dulu yang dia simpan baik-baik. Adul berpikir tidak apa-apalah nanti majikan pulang pasti kasih dia, harapan tinggallah harapan. Setelah majikan pulang Adul memberitahu bahwa dia tidak punya cukup masker, dan majikan memberinya SATU HELAI MASKER punya mereka yang disembunyikan di kamar mereka.

Adul tahulah saat itu memang susah untuk mendapatkan masker, kalau pun ada, harganya mahal. Dari masker SATU HELAI itu Adul pakai berkali-kali dengan menyisipkan tisu di dalam maskernya itu. Bila Adul pulang dari berpergian dia buang itu tisu dan maskernya dia simpan untuk besoknya lagi. Dia pakai masker itu berbulan-bulan, tetapi majikan tetap tidak memberinya lagi. Majikannya memberitahu dia urusan masker itu urusan Adul sendiri, mau beli 34

atau bagaimana itu urusan Adul. Adul hanya bengong mendapatkan pernyataan seperti itu sambil bergumam “Loh loh loh ini majikan bagaimana sih? Kok pelit amat, masa tidak kasih masker yang cukup - bukannya ini tanggung jawab majikan!”

Akhirnya Adul membeli sendiri masker, hand sanitizer, sabun cuci tangan. Ya, mau bagaimana lagi Adul kan belum mau tewas gara-gara kena Coronavirus (belum nikah lagi Adul woyyyy).

Coronavirus kok ya betah amat sih, tak kunjung pergi padahal sudah berbulan-bulan “Sudah pengap bernapas di dalam masker ,apalagi musim panas aduhlah rasa mau pingsan bau napas dan keringat sendiri”. Pada waktu kasus melonjak, pemerintah membuat peraturan lockdown dan melarang Asisten Rumah Tangga libur keluar. Dengan adanya Coronavirus aja kita sebagai Asisten Rumah Tangga sudah tambah kerjaan dan jenuh karena semua majikan di rumah, kerjanya dari rumah, anak-anak juga sekolah dari rumah. Sudah penat dan jenuh ditambah lagi di hari libur tidak boleh keluar.

Lengkap sudah derita sebagai Asisten Rumah Tangga ,“Bukan hendak mengeluh, tapi Adul pun manusia, mengeluh kan manusiawi tapi kebanyakan mengeluh akan menyakitkan dan mengecewakan hati sendiri.” Ya begitulah cara Adul menghibur diri. Dua tahun penantian akhirnya dating; kontrak kerja pun berakhir.

Hingga sampai kontrak kerja mereka hanya memberikan sehelai masker. Adul memutusan untuk tidak memperpanjang kontrak kerja dengan mereka. Good Bye, Sehelai Masker!

PCG MESSAGE

Consul General Raly L. Tejada’s

Chinese New Year 2022 message

For Hong Kong’s Filipino community GREETINGS TO ALL our dear Kababayan in Hong Kong!

Another Chinese New Year has come upon us and it is now time to bid goodbye to the Year of the Ox and welcome the Year of the Tiger.

Life was made difficult for us in the past year, with the whole world still living under the pandemic. But like the Ox, we resiliently carried on, persevered, and ploughed through the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to our daily lives. We patiently and diligently worked our way to as close a semblance of normalcy as we could, abiding with all the necessary health and medical protocols in order to ensure the safety of all.

As we look to the coming year, may we continue to face our new realities with the strength, fortitude, and confidence of the Tiger. May we all bravely endure the coming trials and overcome the obstacles that will stand before us in the pursuit of fulfilling our dreams and aspirations.

Your Consulate, for its part, remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate and you can rest assured that we are steadfast in our commitment to protect the rights and uphold the welfare of all Filipinos in Hong Kong.

We hope that together, we can continue to work for the betterment of all and forge ahead to a brighter future.

Happy Chinese New Year to all! Sun Nin Fai Lok! Gong Hei Faat Choy!

Mabuhay and God bless you all!

PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph

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BLOGS Language: Filipino

Sa puso ng Pinoy

ISA SA PAGKAKAKILANLAN ng lahing Filipino ay ang pagmamahal at pagkahilig sa musika. Kahit saan mang bahagi tayo ng mundo, hindi wawawala ang musika sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga Filipino. Madalas nga hindi na importante kung nasa tamang tono ba o kung anong genre ang gusto natin, tanging ang pagkahilig natin sa musika ang pinakamahalaga.

Ang musika ng ating mga ninuno ay hango lamang sa mga huni ng kalikasan na ginagamit nila bilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa bawat isa sa kanilang komunidad. Nang dumating ang mga Islam noong ika-14 siglo, yumabong ang kultura ng ating mga ninuno kasama na rito ang pagyabong ng katutubong musika.

Sa panahon ng pagsakop ng Espanyol sa ating bansa, habang-buhay na nabago ang ating musika. Sa pagdating ng mga Amerikano, nadagdagan ang mga pagbabago sa ating katutubong musika.

Sa kasalukuyan, nanatili ang bakas ng istilo at impluwensya ng kulturang Espanyol, Amerikano, Latin American, at mga katutubong musika. Eto ay dahil sa napakahabang panahon naging kolonya ng mga naturang bansa ang Pilipinas.

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Ang OPM o Original Pilipino Music, ay ang unang itinawag sa mga popular na awiting Pinoy, na kadalasan ay ballads matapos ang mga huling yugto ng 1970 kung saan kilala ang tinatawag na Manila sound. Sa kasalukuyan ang terminong OPM ang tawag sa pangkalahatang musika na isinulat at inawit o itinaghal ng isang Pilipino.

Bago pa man isilang ang OPM noong 1970s, simula noong 1950s hanggang 1960s ang mga kilalang pop songs ay binubuo ng napakaraming mga awitin na nasa lokal na wika at mga theme song ng pelikula. Kilala sina Pilita Corrales, Sylvia La Torre at marami pang iba sa mga nagpasikat ng iba’t ibang Filipino songs sa dekadang eto.

Sino ang hindi nakakaalala ng awiting Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko na pinasikat ni Rey Valera noong dekada 70? Nariyan din ang Ikaw ang aking Mahal ng VST & Co., Anak ni Freddie Aguilar at Mr. Lonely ni Victor Wood.

Madalas ko pang marinig ang mga tugtuging ito noong ako ay nasa elementarya. Ang mga iconic songs na pinasikat ni Rico J. Puno ay mga OPM na sadyang tumatak sa industriya ng musika dahil na rin sa natatanging kalidad ng boses ni Puno.

Nakipagsabayan na pumailanlang sa ere (airwaves) ang mga naiibang tinig nina Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio at iba pa. Sila ang mga tinaguriang Jukebox Queens ng Pilipinas dahil sa mga kantang Bakit/Kung Liligaya Ka sa Piling ng Iba, Tukso at Sayang.

Paboritong pakinggan ng mga lola ko ang mga awiting ito na madalas ay sinasabayan pa nilang kantahin habang pinatutogtog sa mga radyo.

Noong dekada 1980s hanggang 1990s, ang mga awitin nina Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta at iba pang Songbirds/Stars ng Pinas ang madalas kong marinig na pinatutugtog sa mga radyo. Nang panahon ito naukopa naman ni Francis Magalona ang rap genre lalo sa kanyang pinaka-popular na likha, ang Mga Kababayan. Sa mga taon ding eto nakilala si Jose Mari Chan sa kanyang mga awiting pamasko.

Nagkaroon na panibagong tunog ang OPM noong 1990s. Sikat na sikat ang mga rock bands sa panahong ito. Isa rito ang bandang Eraserheads, na nanalo pa ng 1997 MTV Viewers Choice Award. Nandyan din syempre ang mga legendary na mga banda tulad ng Rivermaya, Side A at Yano.

Samantala, nagsimula ang mga makabagong tugtuging OPM na maririnig simula 2000 hanggang 2010. Naimpluwensyahan na din ng K-pop, J-pop at American Pop music. Nitong mga taon na ito, naging uso rin ang mga acoustic cover bands tulad ng MYMP. Ang musikang Pinoy ay patuloy pa din na nag-eevolve at umangkop sa makabagong tugtugin. Malaking parte na din ang paglaganap ng online platforms para sa mga mang-aawit at musikero, tulad ng YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud at TikTok. Mas madali nang maibahagi ang ating musika sa mga tagapakinig, kahit saan man sila sa mundo.

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