Pangyao Magazine Edition #6: Oct/Nov 2022

BIRYANI – This timeless Indian dish is prepared through a process of layering rice with an array of spices, vegetables and/or meat, then slow-cooked to produce a dish full of rich, complex flavours.

At Karaikudi we serve delicious biryanis to suit all tastes and preferences. Our vegetarian options include mushroom, egg or classic veg biryani, while our non-veg selection includes fish, prawn, chicken and mutton varieties, to name but a few.

We’re sure you’ll love our great value menu here at Karaikudi, so why not pay us a visit today!

Shop 19-20, G/F, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Editors: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner

Front Cover: Designed by Steve Ellul, based on original image provided by Sanday Chongo Kabange

Special thanks: Darren Hayward & Lie Fhung

WELCOME TO OUR first anniversary edition of Pangyao magazine! Back in October 2021, we embarked on a new stage of our journey; Pangyao in print for the first time.

For the inaugural issue, we were very lucky to have the expert support and guidance of Cedar Hong Kong, whose team of professional designers and editors generously offered their time to help us produce a beautiful, eye-catching magazine. Coinciding with our Pangyaos Facebook group hitting 20,000 members, we were cautiously optimistic.

Nevertheless, we were stepping into the unknown, and we couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. Would a print magazine be well received? Would the global pandemic stop us in our tracks? Would we be able to manage the entire process ourselves for future editions?

“Determination” blog competition winners

In collaboration with Migrant Writers of HK

Helping hands: Volunteering in Hong Kong

Ethnic minorities giving back to the community

On class and queer love

The particularity of films about Migrants’ Pride

Philippine Consulate General message Con Gen Raly Tejada’s autumn update

Pangyao pics

Winners of our weekly photo competitions

Pathfinders: “49” exhibition

In partnership with Xyza Cruz Bacani

A word from the founders

Fast forward 12 months, we’ve arrived at Issue 6. With over 25,000 free magazines distributed so far, and our Pangyaos group now 65,000-strong and counting, we couldn’t have asked for a better reception.

The positive feedback and support for the magazine has surpassed our expectations, and we’re very thankful to all the individuals and organisations who have taken part or contributed content, and the distribution points and outreach programmes who have collectively helped with realising our vision of bringing the migrant community closer together.

So thank you, salamat, terima kasih, and we hope this will be the first year of many!

Aileen & Martin

A taste of home: Special pancit Paulleth cooks a Filipino favourite

Conversation with Ron Ron shares what’s currently in his mind

NGO spotlight: MESH Sexual health awareness for ethnic minorities

Poetry corner: competition winners

In collaboration with Horizons

Arya Kamandanu (Indonesian)

In collaboration with TCK Learning Centre

Useful contacts

Consulates, NGOs and other useful contacts

A year in print:

Pangyao magazine first anniversary

Determination

By Joecy Marie

SEVEN YEARS AGO, when I was twentyfive years old, I arrived here in Hong Kong to help my mother. No experience, still young and scared, but very determined to reach my goals.

My life back then was a mess; my father had an affair and my son’s father was also unfaithful. It crushed me.

My mother decided to go back to the Philippines when my child’s father eloped with another woman. That was when I became a single mother and a breadwinner.

Despite what happened, it eases me to know that my mother can take care of my son, especially while I’m away. In addition to everything else that was going on, I also had some bad employers to deal with at that time, but luckily, my current employers are the best! Disregarding all the hurt that I was feeling, I know my family is my strength and my child is my anchor.

My life was tough, very tough. I remember crying most of the night during my seven years as a domestic helper, but because I really want to give the best life for my family and my son, I continue, always telling myself, “Jie, you can and you will achieve your goals, because God sees all your sacrifices and hard work.”

I realised I’ve learned a lot from those experiences, and they’ve equipped me with skills that I can use in the future. Since that time, I haven’t stopped growing myself. I enrolled here in Hong Kong, took a short course, and also put up a business

back in the Philippines. Luckily, I also met the love of life, my person, the one I will spend my life with in the future.

Today marks my seventh year as a domestic helper. Seven years of blood and sweat. Finally, I am going home. I’m so excited to see my family and spend more time with my son. After all, there is a happy ending in every season, and with that I am very grateful that the Lord has guided me in my journey and kept me safe. Now, my life is getting better; it’s not perfect, but so much better.

To everyone who is having a hard time and who thinks life is tough, don’t lose hope; it’s just part of the process of achieving more and becoming better. As they say, “Diamonds are made under pressure, and so are we. Life challenges will create YOU.”

With hard work, will, and perseverance, everything is possible. Looking at the past, I can say it was indeed a great battle, and I know there is so much more.

But always remember, “Kakapoy karun, Ayahay later”. Be determined!

...always remember, “Kakapoy karun, Ayahay later”. Be determined!

“Determination”: The winners of our blog writing competition in collaboration with Migrant Writers of Hong Kong

@migrantwritersofhongkong

Filipino

Konsepto

By Unrhymed Rhymes

MAHIRAP ANG LANDASIN ng ating buhay. Maraming lubak, tinik, at mga harang na para bang naglalakad tayo sa hindi kilalang kagubatan sa kalaliman ng gabi— habang natatakot tayo sa mga ahas na maaaring tumuklaw. Dagdag mo pa ang pagiging misteryoso nito, lalo’t mahirap hulaan kung saan ang hangganan, o kung mararating pa ba ang dulo o tuluyan nang mahimlay bago pa man sumikat ang araw kinaumagahan. Minsan o madalas tuwing gabi, umaagos ang mga luha sa lagusan nitong hindi nakakakita ng bukas. Napapaisip ako kung paano ko ba magagawa ang mga bagay na ninanais ko gayong may mga bagay na sadiyang humahadlang kagaya ng isang kondisyon o kapansanan. Libre ang mangarap, at hindi imposibleng matupad. Subalit ibang usapan na kapag hindi pa talaga umaayon sa iyo ang tadhana. ’Yung nanaisin mong maging artista, subalit nahihirapan kang tumingin sa kamera— o ’di kaya’y nasisilaw sa mga lenteng kailangan sa paggawa ng mga eksena.

Madaling sabihing “kung talagang gusto’y may paraan, ngunit kung ayaw ay maraming dahilan”; subalit paano kung ang ninanais mo’y sadyang tumutugma sa iyong kakulangan?

Mahirap. Oo, mahirap. Pero kailangan kong lumaban. Kailangan kong labanan. Kailangan kong magtagumpay!

Mahigit dalawampung taon na akong alipin ng katarata. Kalaban ang sinag ng araw. Nakukutya. Pinanghihinaan. Subalit patuloy pa ring lumalaban.

Maraming pangarap ang hindi ko kaagad naisakatuparan o nagawa. Subalit, punong-

Determination

puno ako ng paniniwala sa aking sarili. Na makakaya ko rin ang lahat. Salamat sa Diyos at ginawa niya akong isang taong “optimistic”.

Naniniwala pa rin ako sa tamang proseso. Naniniwala akong pinahintulutan ng Diyos na mangyari ito sa buhay ko dahil alam niyang pagtitibayin lalo ako nito— at oo, matibay ako.

Darating din ang araw na makakalaya ako sa kondisyong ito. At ’pag nangyari ’yun; mas marami na akong magagawang makabuluhang bagay na makakatulong nang lubos sa mga taong makakasalubong nitong rutang tinatahak.

Tandaan ang siklo o buhay ng isang paruparo. Hindi siya magiging mabilis at makalilipad kung hindi napagdaanan ang mabagal niyang pag-usad— o kung hindi niya pinagdaanan ang lahat ng proseso.

Hindi ko nakikita ang magiging takbo ng bukas. Subalit alam kong nasa oras ako ng aking pagpapakatatag. Naniniwala ako sa konsepto paruparo. Darating din ang oras na darating ako sa ganoong punto.

NAPADAKO ANG MGA mata ko sa lumang litrato.

Nagbalik ang nakaraan sa alaala ko.

Mga panahon noong nasa eskwela pa ako. Nagising ang isang pangarap na matagal din nahimlay sa puso ko.

Sekondarya ako noon nang mapukaw ang interes ko.

Sa paggawa ng tula at maiikling kwento. Naalala ko pa naging scriptwriter ako at direktor ng El Filibusterismo.

Akala ko nalimutan ko na ang pangarap kong ito. Dahil salat sa kaalaman pati na sa mga sertipiko.

Dahil sa kahirapan ng buhay noon. Hindi na ako nabigyan ng pagkakataon. Mapabilang man lang sa mga kaklase ko na nasa kolehiyo noong mga panahong iyon. Halos karamihan sa kanila ngayon, magaganda ang mga propesyon.

Kaya minsan naiisip ko, ano kaya ang buhay ko ngayon kung nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon? Ano kaya ang magiging ako sa ngayon?

Pero syempre habang tumatanda ka at mayroon ka ng sariling pamilya.

Language: Filipino

Determinasyon

By Ledarose Delima

Pananaw mo sa buhay ay nag-iiba. Nagkakaroon ka ng realisasyon sa maraming bagay kapagdaka.

Binibigyan mo na ng katwiran ang bawat sitwasyon.

At mga pangyayari na hindi umaayon sa panahon.

Hindi pala basehan ang taas ng pinag-aralan. Hindi pala basehan ang taas ng grado mo sa eskwelahan.

Hindi pala kakulangan kung salat sa kaalaman. Hindi pala basehan kung ikaw ay may pinag aralan.

Hindi pala basehan ang diploma na iyong pinanghahawakan.

Hindi din pala basehan kung anuman ang iyong katayuan.

Kapag pala may pangarap ka.

Kahit sa palagay mo ay huli na.

Kahit na lumipas pa ang ilang dekada.

Subukan mong abutin at sikapin.

Malay mo pinahihinog ka lang pala ng Panginoon. Upang handa ka na kapag dumating ang iyong pagkakataon.

Katulad ko...

Ang munti kong pangarap noon. Sisikapin ko na unti-unti kong makamit sa ngayon.

Nalipasan man ako ng mahabang panahon. Ayokong sayangin ang ibinigay sa akin na pagkakataon.

Kaakibat ng aking determinasyon. Sampu ng aking mga inspirasyon.

At sa patnubay ng ating Panginoon.

Makipot man ang daan paroon.

Patungo sa pangarap na inaasam ko noon. Hindi man maabot ang sukdulan.

Sisikapin ko, marating man lang ang kalahatian. Mula sa panulat ni: black angel

Maraming salamat po.

Determination

Helping hands: The volunteers giving back to Hong Kong

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

Photos provided by Sanday Chongo Kabange (above) and Jhic Dacio (right)

Volunteer work is not meant to feel like a competition. Just go out and be yourself, and don’t forget to find joy in what you’re doing - Sanday Chongo Kabange

IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, time is one of the most valuable resources we possess. For most, the bulk of our waking hours are spent focused on work and career, with our limited free time dedicated to family, socialising, and personal interests.

Giving back to the community through volunteering is often a very personal decision, one that requires an open mind, compassion, a positive attitude, and a commitment of one’s time. Whatever an individual’s reasons for volunteering, they all share a common goal: a desire to make a difference.

“Inequalities in society made me decide to start volunteering,” says Sanday Chongo Kabange, a Zambian-Chinese national currently living and working in Hong Kong. “I wanted to take action and give back to the community.”

Helping others has long been a passion for Sanday; starting his volunteering journey in the city back in 2017, he has since worked with numerous organisations, including HELP for Domestic Workers, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding HK, Mission for Migrant Workers,

HandsOn Hong Kong, Plastic Free Seas, and ImpactHK, to name but a few. He’s met many interesting people and made friends along the way, who not only share his enthusiasm, but also strengthen his resolve to make a difference.

From distributing food and essentials to the homeless, to painting walls and cleaning jobs, to beach clean-ups around Hong Kong, Sanday’s roles within these organisations are wide and varied. It’s a busy life – Sanday also has a fulltime job in Compliance and has completed his second Masters in Global Public Policy – but one that brings him much enjoyment: “It is very fulfilling work and it has helped my self-confidence,” he shares. “I have learned to prioritise things and schedule my day, week, and month ahead to make sure I have time.”

What advice does Sanday have for those considering volunteering? “Even if you can only commit to 30 minutes of your time, this is already a huge help and a good start,” he says. “At the same time, don’t push yourself too much; volunteer work is not meant to feel like a competition. Just go out and be yourself, and don’t forget to find joy in what you are doing.”

Making a difference: San day Chongo Kabange has been volunteering in Hong Kong since 2017, during which time he has worked with over 20 different NGOs and charities

Helping others has its benefits, both for the community and the volunteers themselves. The experience can offer a better perspective of life, with the sense of achievement and accomplishment helping to build self-esteem. Valuable life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and time management are developed along the way.

Claudio Canzonetta is a natural when it comes to coordinating people and events. Originally from Italy, working as a Company Director in Hong Kong since 2007 has honed his skills for problem-solving, tackling everything from logistical challenges to personnel issues.

Before the pandemic, Claudio started volunteering for the Crossroads Foundation, something he found very rewarding. He has since volunteered for and developed close ties with several other NGOs, including Food Angel, Breadline, ImpactHK, and Engineers Without Borders. Like Sanday, Claudio has a knack for making the most of his time; he also creates music and enjoys wall climbing, and still finds time for catching up with friends.

The initial apprehension of diving into volunteering and working with strangers can be overcome by finding somewhere or something

that you’d like to donate your time to. “I think the best way is to just start; join a few organisations and try as many different things as possible,” Claudio shares. “This will give you insight and allow you to find your preferred volunteering activity… often it’s all about the right match!”

Volunteering can also have a positive impact on our emotional well-being, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. The social element of helping other people can profoundly affect our general mental wellness.

Rewarding: Claudio utilises skills he has learned as a Company Director to give back to the community through volunteering

I think the best way is just to start; join a few organisations and try as many things as possible... often it’s all about the right match! - Claudio Canzonetta

Photo by Martin Turner

Photos provided by Sanday Chongo Kabange

Photos provided by Claudio Canzonetta

Filipino migrant domestic worker (MDW) Jhic Dacio, a 2018 Resolve Fellow and Founder/ Chairperson of SHARE – an organisation comprised of domestic workers with a mission of supporting their fellow MDWs in need – knows the effects of stress and anxiety all too well.

Being an active member of the LGBT community and community group Migrants’ Pride, Jhic has heard many heart-breaking stories, including individuals disowned by their family and friends because of their sexual orientation.

SHARE offers help in many different ways, such as feeding disadvantaged families back in the Philippines and sending care packages to MDWs in quarantine inHong Kong. But Jhic also sees SHARE as a healthy and fun experience for their team of volunteers, “Many MDWs who suffer stress and homesickness often turn to us for the camaraderie,” she says. “We are like a big family who care for one another.”

She continues, “Depression is common, especially in the LGBT MDW community, who are often

not accepted by their families. By joining the activities that we organise, like Zumba sessions, boating, hiking, or volleyball, not only do they feel good because of the exercise, they also feel good about doing these things for a cause.”

As most MDWs only get one day off each week, the act of spending this time helping others may be viewed as astoundingly generous. Though it is also confirmation that regardless of who you are or how much time you can give, volunteering is all about giving back to the community freely and selflessly, with joy in your heart and knowing that every little bit helps.

Sharing community: Founder of SHARE Jhic Dacio uses her organisation to help fellow migrant domestic workers in need

6626 9751 (Aileen) or email aileen@pangyao.hk

Photos provided by Jhic Dacio

On class and queer love:

The particularity of films about Migrants’ Pride

By Purple Romero

“I JUST WANT to be with someone who can make me forget.”

This line from one of the characters in the film We Don’t Dance for Nothing, which tackles the dilemma faced by Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong, encapsulates the additional layer of complexity in terms of sexuality for migrant workers.

For some, ascertaining one’s gender identity and sexual orientation could mean confronting dogmatic religious beliefs, facing possible rejection from families, suffering from social stigma, and even defying legal boundaries.

For some migrant workers, however, the process could be highly buttressed by existential reasons, as entering a samesex relationship could be about having a necessary support system in a foreign land.

It doesn’t mean the love is not real – it just means the purpose of being with someone, whether it’s through a heteronormative relationship or a homosexual one, goes beyond the romantic.

Below: Movie We Don’t Dance for Nothing explores the complexities of sexuality and relationships amongst migrant workers

In the documentaries Lesbian Factory and Rainbow Popcorn, the journey of coming to terms with one’s sexuality also enters various milestones as the women, who worked in factories in Taipei a decade ago, found comfort and refuge with other women at a time when they were being treated unfairly in their workplaces in Taipei.

When they got back to the Philippines, however, most of the relationships between these women have since ended. Some, including those referred to as “butch” lesbians due to having a more traditional masculine appearance when they were still in Taipei, eventually chose to settle down with cisgender men. On the other hand, there were female migrant workers in Taipei who, while not involved in same-sex relationships while still in Taiwan, came out as lesbians upon returning to their Motherland.

There is nothing wrong with this. Sexuality is, after all, fluid. What it tells us however is that one’s circumstances and reality, influenced by the conditions one is in during that time, all the more vivify the value of different kinds of relationships.

Image courtesy of Stefanos Tai

It doesn’t mean the love is not real – it just means the purpose of being with someone, whether it’s through a heteronormative relationship or a homosexual one, goes beyond the romantic

Being with someone takes on a different meaning and purpose and just becomes all the more personal for a migrant worker. There is the element of being far away from the familiar, with the notion of home being challenged ever so often. But more than this, we see the dominance of class differences and power dynamics inevitably defining who loves who and why. Love and labour are inextricably, invariably, intertwined.

This is precisely the reason why, aside from the Pride Month, we also have Migrants’ Pride.

“The Migrants’ Pride mainly aims to highlight the particular issues of LGBTQI migrants that are usually beyond discrimination and acceptance. LGBTQI in general are discriminated against because of homophobia, but there is double discrimination when you’re already a migrant worker, then also part of the LGBTQI community,” says Shiela Tebia Bonifacio, chairwoman of the Gabriela chapter in Hong Kong, an organisation advocating for human rights.

Previous Migrants’ Pride celebrations in Hong Kong have not only called for equality but have also illumined the fight for better wages and working conditions. This delineates the clear distinction that migrant workers are not expats – hence love, romance, all of these, are seen through very, very different lenses.

Films that do dare capture the unique precarity and passion of being a queer migrant worker are few and far between, however. This is

regretful, because in a globalised world, migrant workers are everywhere and so are their stories of searching and finding love. It’s an interesting tale to tell as it already is; complex and definitely not one-dimensional, sexual as well as political.

Just imagine: films like these have the potential to show queer love beyond the usual tropes and outside the same storytelling shticks. Beyond the issues of coming out and identity crisis, films like these could ground a person to the very visceral necessities of finding ways to put food on the table, fulfilling filial responsibilities and wrestling with the dilemma to bite the hand that feeds you, or to just go with the flow because of very limited economic agency.

In the age of Netflix, where queer love has often been portrayed between people from the middle class, there is a glut of films that capture the realities of those that are often victims of structural poverty. Class affects everything. Class hierarchy and economic boundaries could lead to one’s predisposition to be romantically involved with someone with the same economic background and may arguably be much more pronounced for migrant workers, even those of the same race or ethnicity, because again, class affects everything.

Even love. Even queerness. So yes, when it comes to migrant workers, same-sex relationships could be about affection, romance, and sometimes, just being with someone who can make them forget.

LGBTQI in general are discriminated against because of homophobia, but there is double discrimination when you’re already a migrant worker, then also part of the LGBTQI community

- Shiela Tebia Bonifacio, Chairwoman of the Gabriela Hong Kong

Photo by Martin Turner

Consul General Raly L. Tejada’s message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community

Greetings to our beloved kababayan here in Hong Kong.

The sweltering heat and unpredictable showers of summer have passed and we now welcome the steady and calm period of autumn. The gradual changes frame our daily lives here in Hong Kong and emphasize the constants of our migrant workers – family and friends, community, and the indomitable Filipino spirit.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge for the migrant worker community in Hong Kong. To adapt to the times and to ensure the safety of our kababayan, your Consulate has held virtual celebrations of significant events, such as Philippine Independence Day in June and the Buwan ng Wika in August.

The penchant for festivities and camaraderie remains ever strong in the Filipino community. Especially for us with loved ones in the Philippines, physical distance no longer separates us, as our family and friends are only a call or message away.

Similarly, through inclement weather and the challenges of the pandemic, the hardworking men and women of the Consulate are available 24/7 to serve the Filipino community in Hong Kong. We continue to work to improve our outreach and channels to ensure that your Consulate is always accessible.

I want to thank Pangyao magazine for their continued support to the Consulate’s mission and for the important role that they play in providing a space for the migrant communities in this region. The magazine is a reference for the oft-understated lives of our migrant workers and is an important stepping stone in improving Filipino visibility in Hong Kong.

I am sure that our resilient Filipino community flourishes even during the difficulties of the pandemic. Our kababayan have resolutely carved their paths in faraway lands and striven to provide better lives for their families in the Philippines. The trials and tribulations of the present are only temporary and can be overcome through the sheer force that is the Filipino.

Maraming salamat po!

PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph

Weekly photo competition winners

by New

Design

What is “49”?

As part of the #WorkingMomsHK campaign, PathFinders organised an image competition for Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) mothers and their children in their home countries. Participants submitted images and stories about how they connected meaningfully with each other even when living apart.

49 images, most of them from the competition, will be exhibited in a virtual exhibition in November. Visit the exhibition to discover the inspirational and moving stories of resilience, joy, longing, courage, creativity, commitment, and love!

Why “49”?

That’s the number of years MDWs have been working in the city to create brighter futures for their children – as well as the children in Hong Kong!

How do I view the “49” exhibition?

PathFinders has the privilege of partnering with award-winning photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani for the “49” exhibition!

Besides being renowned for her powerful images, especially of MDWs, Xyza is wellacquainted with separation and is passionate for children and their MDW mothers to connect despite the distance. This is largely driven by her personal experience of growing up without her mother by her side.

Xyza will be curating the “49” exhibition together with PathFinders.

A PathFinders competition in partnership with Xyza Cruz Bacani

My mother Georgia hugs my youngest sister Sharila goodbye while my father Villamor comforts my niece Lexus. She is going back to Hong Kong after her short visit. Saying goodbye is a routine we have done countless times since my mother left for work in 1996 but the pain never ceases. I hope that mothers and their children can communicate better and be more connected - Xyza Cruz Bacani

And the winners are... Thank you for participating or spreading the word about the “49” image competition! Congratulations to our 10 winners. PathFinders will be in touch about redeeming your prizes!

More information about the “49” exhibition can be found on PathFinders’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

PathFinders will also be running a special social media challenge on mental health this October, more details available via their Facebook page!

Photo by Xyza Cruz Bacani

Alinggar Alfat Akbar, Lymuell Joshua, Levi Martle Dae, Dennise Carol Aieseca Rosauro, Laurence Fuentes, Roselie Salomeo, Ramona Garcia, Marites Palma, Jovelyn Soriano, Defni Katimbang

@PFFMW

@pathfindershk

Lymuell Joshua (15 years old)

“My mom has time for us even when she is far away. She helps me with all my studies and teaches my little brother to read using video calls.

Even when she is far away, I can feel that my mom loves me.”

Alinggar Alfat Akbar (10 years old)

“My name is Alinggar. 24th July 2015 was the last time I celebrated my birthday with Ibu (mom) before she went to work in Hong Kong.

I have been without my mother for 7 years. I know Ibu wants to be beside me to wish me a happy birthday. Hopefully next year Alinggar can eat birthday cake again with you, Ibu. Alinggar loves Ibu.”

“I am so happy to see my mama again after 3 years. Since we live by the beach, we enjoy the resources we have. I love my ma so much, she did everything for me, for my brighter future. That is why I am also doing my part as a child.

I can say that I am a responsible child, I follow her instructions for my own benefit. My mama is just one message away. She loves me dearly and I love her more. I am preparing myself for her golden years. I want her to be happy and enjoy her life to the fullest. I am very proud of my mama, watching her on Philippines’ television and reading her achievements on different media platforms in Hong Kong. I cannot ask for more from my mama. She is the best mama in the universe.

Enjoying our moments together like a child. I miss days like this. My mama left me when I was 11 months old, and now I am 21 years old. Though it’s been very difficult to grow up away from my mama, I am still blessed because of the guardians who look after me well. They love me so much.

My mama sacrificed herself. She became an overseas worker when she was 26, and now she is 47. I call her a legend. She doesn’t only look after me, but she also looks after her fellow migrant workers. This teaches me a lesson – no matter what our status in life is, even if we are poor, we can still help the ne edy with compassion, kindness, and love. This is what I learn from my mama.”

Levi Martle Dae (21 years old)

PathFinders is incredibly proud to showcase the 3 winning images and stories from children of migrant moms!

Paulleth cooks Special pancit canton (Filipino style)

Introducing Paulleth

“My dream was to go to culinary arts school, but as is the way in life, things don’t always go as planned,” shares Paulleth Buno. Growing up in General Santos City, Philippines, as the third eldest of nine children, Paulleth had to learn to take care of her younger siblings and help out with household chores. But cooking was her first love; she holds fond memories of watching her father cook, with his kalderetang kambing (goat stew) – a local specialty of her hometown – always a family favourite.

Describing herself as a very patient cook, Paulleth is a firm believer in making people happy with her food, focusing on quality, fresh ingredients to bring out the best in every dish she prepares.

A brief history of pancit

One of the Philippines’ most popular dishes, pancit is often served during special occasions, especially birthdays, as the long noodles are said to symbolise long life. While every family and town have their own version of the dish, Paulleth believes what makes her pancit special is the love she puts into it, and the hope that the first mouthful will always make you smile (something the Pangyao tasting team can attest to)!

Photos by Martin Turner

Ingredients

• 400g pork belly, small cubes

10 cuttlefish balls, halved

100g peeled shrimp

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

1 small cabbage, shredded

1 chayote, cut into strips

200g snap peas

• 1 medium carrot, julienned Method

• 500g pancit canton

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 5 tbsp oyster sauce

• 5 tbsp soy sauce

• 7 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 glasses water

• Spring onion and calamansi, for garnish

1. Boil the pork belly in enough lightly salted water to cover the meat. Reduce until oil from the fat comes out, then brown the meat in a little cooking oil. Add the shrimp and cook through

2. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce and fish sauce, mixing well with the pork and shrimp. Add the chayote and carrots, sauté until half-cooked – approximately 5 minutes – then add the rest of the vegetables with a glass of water. Stir lightly until the vegetables are cooked through

3. Drain the soup and set aside the cooked meat and vegetables. Using the same wok or pan, cook the pancit canton in the soup, adding another glass of water (or more if needed), for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked

4. Combine the meat and vegetables with the pancit canton, stirring until the ingredients are mixed well. Serve with spring onion and calamansi

Things I have in mind

THERE ARE QUITE a few things in my mind, but I have nothing to write. I cannot seem to write a single sentence – at least, nothing sensible. Like now. Yes, right now. You may notice you’re almost at the end of this paragraph, but you’re yet to read anything coherent – nothing that is worthy of reading.

But wait! Why don’t I simply write anything that comes to my mind? Ok, perhaps not quite anything, or this might be my last article for Pangyao magazine, before they ban me forever (see, I told you there is forever… nasagot na ang tanong na “May forever nga ba?“). Ok, that still doesn’t make much sense, so let’s get started…

Civil status: Complicated

My reaction to this? ‘NGEK!!” I often see this on Facebook and job application forms (no kidding!) when asked about one’s civil status. I only understand these four choices: single,

Back and forth

I have asked a few friends whether they’ve already bought their holiday air tickets, following the long pandemic-induced travel drought. “Yes,” they reply excitedly, “back and forth na.”

Why do we say ‘back’ first? Should we go back first and then go forward? Why can’t we say, ‘forth and back’? It puzzles me. If it were up to me, I’d prefer to just say, “Round trip na.”

An apple a day

We used to have this simple quote, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctors away’. Well, really?

spouse and now have a new one, but your former spouse is still paying the bills? Does it indicate that you’re married, but want to marry another person again? Does it suggest that you’re single, but you’re divorced from reality?

What is complicated? It confuses people; it complicates matters.

Nowadays, some apples do not seem to rot; if you keep them in the fridge, you’ll find them still looking fresh weeks later. I wondered why, until I found out that some of them are sprayed with wax to keep their appearance fresh, despite the fact they might already be rotten inside.

Waxed-rotten apples, hmmm. Whoever came up with this idea had already destroyed the ‘apple a day’ quote. Though do you know what can really keep the doctors away? Not an apple. No, not even banana. It’s… healthy lifestyle.

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

Sap Man

I go to the market now and then. Here in Hong Kong, there are always tumpok (a collection of things) on the vendors’ booths (naks, booths daw… pwesto yon) – such as vegetables, fruits, even plates of seafood –that usually cost sap man, or HKD 10, each.

So whenever I ask, “géidō chin?” (how much is this?), I always expect to hear, “sap man”. But sometimes I make a mistake, as I don’t hear the ng between sap and man. Sap ng man is fifteen dollars, not ten, so I have to open my wallet again.

If someone ever asks me who my favourite superhero is, I’ll tell them it’s not Batman; it’s not Superman, it’s not even Spiderman. It’s… Sapman

Oxymorons

I used to ignore this, but since MaginoongBastos became a hit several years ago, I had a penchant for remembering some other oxymorons and quoting them during appropriate occasions. I heard and read them in the corners of Manila. A few that I can’t forget are: dukhang-sosyal, malandingmahiyain, diretsong-kuba, beteranong-bagito, mayamang-gipit, mahinhing-talipandas, mambobosong-bulag… and my favourite: seksing-chubby (not really an oxymoron, but let’s include it anyway).

Alright, that’s it at this point. I still have more things in my mind, but I’ll mix them up first and see if I can come up with a short novel for our next conversation. If you have things in your mind, write them down too. Who knows, you might even create a theme for a new Korean telenovela.

More awfully good reading from Ron...

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

@ronrlacsonauthor

On a mission: Removing the stigma of HIV in Hong Kong

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

“A LOT OF people are not informed enough about HIV; there is still a stigma around it in most communities,” says Ka Ming Wong, founder of Mission for Ethnic Minorities’ Sexual Health (MESH). “Most HIV-positive individuals face discrimination, despite there being steps an infected person can take to allow them to live with the virus safely.”

Since 2017, MESH – one of the service teams under AIDS Concern, a non-governmental charitable organisation committed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) care in Hong Kong – have been addressing cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections

(STI) amongst the migrant worker and ethnic minority communities in the city.

Maria Tahir, prevention officer at MESH, shares the challenges that migrant workers may encounter having tested positive for HIV, “Getting news that an individual is HIV positive is difficult for most people to hear. There are often feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and fear – the fear of rejection from loved ones, termination from their employment, and concern for their own futures.”

Acknowledging the dilemma faced by people in this position, MESH offers a comprehensive support system, which includes mediation between migrant domestic workers (MDW) and their employers, helping to reassure both sides that being diagnosed with HIV doesn’t have to lead to termination of an employment contract.

The NGO also hosts peer support groups, which provide an opportunity to connect with others in the community living with HIV, and help individuals better understand and navigate this new life without fear of judgement.

“Even in today’s modern society, getting an HIV diagnosis is still considered taboo. People who test positive still worry about the reaction of their husbands [or wives], partners, or friends,” says Ka Ming. Disclosing a positive diagnosis to past sexual partners

Getting news that an individual is HIV positive is difficult for most people to hear. There are often feelings of guilt, shame, regret and fear - Maria Tahir, MESH prevention officer

MESH conducts regular outreach and peer training to educate Hong Kong’s migrant community about sexual health

photos provided by

TRIPLE ZERO

MESH is one of the service teams under AIDS Concern, whose mission is Hong Kong is to achieve Triple Zero:

ZERO-1: Zero new HIV infections in Hong Kong

ZERO-2: Zero stigma for people living with HIV

ZERO-3: Zero AIDS deaths

aidsconcern.org.hk

Latest testing schedule:

and advising them to get tested themselves is something many find particularly challenging; MESH offers a range of services to assist their clients through this difficult process, such as advice on approaching these conversations, coping with potential fallout in a relationship, and recommending therapists for those in need of further support.

Sharing up-to-date and accurate information about the virus is the key to helping people understand that contracting HIV is not the death sentence it used to be. Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) means that the viral load can now be brought down to very low levels, thus avoiding the weakening of the immune system which can lead to AIDS and other opportunistic illnesses.

In fact, through the prolonged and consistent use of antiretrovirals, it is now possible for HIV-positive individuals to suppress their viral loads to undetectable levels. If the virus cannot be detected through testing, it means it has reached a level where HIV can no longer be transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, MESH nonetheless advises to always practice safe sex.

To help disseminate information to the ethnic minority and MDW community, MESH run an ambassador programme called MESH Peers, where they train migrant workers on sexual health, outreach skills, HIV/STI knowledge, and peer training. These hard-working ladies

MESH offers a safe space where migrant domestic workers and other ethnic minorities can access reliable information about HIV, as well as offering free and confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections, free condoms, and a range of support services

Early testing means early treatment

- Ka Ming Wong, MESH founder

join the regular MESH outreach team, visiting different locations around Hong Kong to give away bilingual booklets, free condoms, HIV self-test kits, and other gifts, and share helpful advice about safe sex practices. There are currently around 50 domestic workers volunteering their time as MESH Peers, helping the organisation move towards their mission of zero new HIV infections in Hong Kong.

“Early testing means early treatment. That’s why we encourage people to take our fully confidential self-tests if they suspect they have been exposed to HIV,” says Ka Ming. “HIV is not a punishment,” Maria adds. “We can get you the help you need.”

Contact MESH for further information about their free and confidential HIV and STI testing, advice and support services for migrant domestic workers and ethnic minorities, or to enquire about becoming a MESH Peer

@MESHbyaidsconcern

Winners of our poetry writing competition in collaboration with Horizons International

Dapit hapon sa tag-init

By Melchie Guihama

Sa bandang kanluran ay mababanaag Gintong liwayway mo’y syang namamayagpag. Kaygandang pagmasdan sa mata’y naglayag Sa tubig makita dakila mong sinag...

Ginawa ng Diyos sati’y inihandog Sa bandang kanluran katabi ng timog. Sa iyong paglubog iniwang alindog Sa puso’y pag-asa ang sya mong sinabog...

Ang tangi kong hiling, sya ay makatagpo Sayong paglubog may makasamang tao. Hatid mo ay galak, dito sa’king puso Syang minsa’y nawasak, at iyong binuo..

Buhay na pangarap

Pagreretiro ba’y kailangan? ito’y bigyang pansin, kaibigan Buhay sa hinaharap pa’no ba? Ito ba’y napaglaanan mo na.

By Edina Bueza

@horizons.talents

Buhay na nais sa’king pagtanda Unti-unti kong pinaglaanan Bahay, ipon at munting negosyo Bagay na pinagsisikapan ko.

Pangarap na barya ang pundasyon Sabay ng panalangin sa Poon Determinasyon at adhikain Tuunan upang ito’y abutin

Bawat sentimo na inilaan Tiyaking maganda ang kalagyan Pahalagaha’t pakaingatan Pagyamanin ng sipag at dasal.

Ako’y maghihintay sa tamang panahon Hahayaan muna’ng puso’y maglimayon. Kong saan man dalhin aking destinasyon Ikaw ay gagawin ko na inspirasyon..

Aking mga mata’y puno ng pag asa Damdaming may lungkot ‘di mo makikita Ang araw sa hapon ay syang halimbawa Sa kanyang pagtago’y may bagong umaga.

Sa kanyang paglubog, akin syang pagmasdan Sa kanyang paghimlay, sa bandang kanluran Papalit ang dilim,sa kapaligiranB Bukas ng umaga, naman aabangan.

Munting negosyo’y nais simulan Sa harap ng dampa’y ilalagay Samo’t-saring kailangan ng tao Pangunahing makikita rito.

Kunting ipon sa baul isubi Sa hagibis ito’y ilalabi Dukutin kung kinakailangan Sa panahong walang mapagkunan

Kaya’t payo ko ‘king kaibigan Pagreretiro ay paghandaan Pagsikapan kahit dahan-dahan Upang sa huli’y hindi luhaan.

Sa grasya’y huwag ubos-biyaya Hindi habang panahon ‘kaw’y bata Paglaanan ang ating pagtanda Nang sa huli’y ‘di tayo kawawa.

Emotions Tailspin: Mental Health Matters

By Alona Percalin Tercepona

Too many questions left unasked

Too many emotions I suppressed and masked

Too many decisions I wish I had done right

Too many frustrations that keep me awake at night.

With all the chaos that’s happening inside me

The emotional tailspin I struggle with every day

I simply go back to the reason why I am here

Why I am fighting and surviving my silent battles.

The two tiny, delicate souls that believe in me

The people who are fervently praying that I’ll find my way

And all the dreams that I still have to pursue

They all give me the reason to push through.

We all go through something every day

And we all have our own demons to slay

Some put it into words, some suffer in silence

Some choose an easy but painful way out.

Pamilya ni

By Joan Zamora Padohinog

Mga taong kasangga natin habang panahon

Saan man tayo ilipad ng pagkakataon

Pamilyang handang tumulong at tumugon Sa oras ng kagipitan at masamang sitwasyon

Our minds can be our very own prison

To our souls, it can be poison. It can be our worst enemy

But we can always choose to break free.

If today you feel like you are in darkness When you succumb to sadness

When everything doesn’t seem right Darling, I feel you, you are not alone.

Pause, rest, and reflect if you need to A shoulder to cry on would be nice too Seek help when things get so heavy to carry You are not alone and you have nothing to worry.

There’s beauty in being alive Hang in there, wait for the breakthrough It is never easy, I know But with faith and prayers, you’ll make it through.

Please remember that our emotions are valid

That it’s okay to cry and feel the pain

But despite the bruised spirit, smudged makeup, and bloodshot eyes, Always choose to pick yourself up and keep going.

May iba’t-ibang klase’t uri ng pamilya Pamilyang sa dugo ay magkapareha Mayron mang hindi sa dugo magkapamilya Ngunit ang puso’t isip nama’y nagkakaisa

Tunay na pamilya ay kahanga-hanga Sa hirap at problema’y tulong-tulong sila Laging andiyan,tuwina’y nakasuporta Kay sarap mabuhay ang kasama sila.

Language: Indonesian

Arya Kamandanu

DIA MEMPUNYAI POSTUR tubuh yang tinggi besar dengan kulit yang lumayan bersih, mata yang bening, berhidung mancung dan berbibir tebal. Penampilannya pun rapi. Pertama kali aku melihatnya, dalam benakku berkata wow kok ada cowo ganteng di sini, di PT/ Training Centre tempat proses para calon tenaga kerja ke Luar Negri. Arya nama kerennya dia. Penampilan, cara berjalan, cara berbicara dan tingkah lakunya persis seperti laki-laki. Makanya kalau dilihat secara sekilas, dia adalah laki-laki, tapi dia seorang perempuan. Dia memang bisa dibilang cover TB -nya PT yang sudah terkenal untuk anak tujuan Malaysia, Singapur dan Hong Kong. Sudah tidak aneh kalau semua orang di PT tahu dia, karena ternyata dia juga sudah lumayan lama di PT walau belum dapat job. Kebetulan, ternyata kita satu tujuan, yaitu ke Hong kong. Kita satu ruangan, satu kelas, akhirnya kita pun berkenalan. Dia baik, pengertian, perhatian, dan suka

Dear: Cinta

By Suci Resmiyati

bercanda, makanya banyak orang yang suka sama dia. Lama-lama kita pun akrab. Kadang makan bareng, main bareng dengan yang teman-teman yang lain juga. Nah, di PT kami pada hari Sabtu dan Minggu libur belajarnya, karena biasanya itu hari untuk mendapatkan kunjungan keluarga. Hari Sabtu dan Minggu juga hari untuk bersih-bersih. Setelah bersihbersih, kalau tidak piket masak, kita pun santai. Yah… awal-awal sih, saya hanya merasa kita berteman biasa seperti dengan teman yang lainnya. Lah waktu itu di malam Minggu tibatiba saya dikasih surat dan coklat. Sontak saya kanget apaan ini tanya saya ke Arya.

Arya: buat kamu!

Cinta: apaan si?

Arya: nanti kamu buka juga akan tahu!

Dan kemudian dia menepi ke tembok dan lari wuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz entah ke mana. Saya kembali ke ranjang dan buka itu surat dan coklat dari si Arya. Isi suratnya:

Salam BandungSayang, dulu baru Jakarta senyum dulu baru dibaca!Dengan datangnya suratku ini kamu pasti terkejut, bahwa setiap kali akumelihat dan memandang wajahmu yang mungil dan dengan senyummuyang manis serta lirikan matamu yang tajam membuat saya tidak bisatidur selalu terbayang-bayang akan kamu. Cinta, saya tahu saya lancangmengutarakan ini, tapi saya sayang sama kamu. Cinta, saya sudah tidakbisa memendam rasa ini, jadi aku beranikan diri untuk melayangkan suratini supaya kamu tahu aku padamu heehehehe.

Sekian dulu surat dariku, empat kali empat : enambelas, sempat tidak sempatharus dibalas! Saya tunggu balasan darimu, Cinta! Saya agak maksa iniloh ya!

Dariku

Arya KamandanuYang menyayangimu.

Itulah isi surat dari si TB Arya, semenjak itulah dia bertingkah aneh - suka mlipir-mlipir di tembok untuk mengintai dan ngawasin saya. Ketika di dalam kelas, dia selalu memandangi saya ke belakang karena dia memilih duduk di depan untuk mengintai saya. Makanan saya juga sering dia ambilin dan segala sesuatu buat saya diperhatikan. Perhatiannya melebihi perhatian laki-laki tulen. Suratnya pun tidak langsung saya balas. Saat itu pas saya pulang dari senam, saya dicegat di tangga. Dengan gaya laki-lakinya itu, dia menanyakan balasan suratnya:

Arya: Cinta, mana balasan suratnya?

Cinta: surat apaan sih? (saya berpura-pura)

Arya: lah surat yang kemarin itu lah… Masa lupa, saya serius loh ini!

Cinta: saya belum buka lah. (padahal saya lagi mikir cari alasan)

Arya: balas cepat ya, Cinta. saya menunggunya loh ya! saya sayang kamu!

Kemudian Si Arya menepi sambil melirik ke saya dan lari wuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzz menemui teman-teman yang lain. Saya jadi gak nyaman karena saya dalam pengawasannya sekarang. Kebetulan saya jadi ketua untuk yang tujuan Hong Kong, jadi saya sibuk dan itu buat alasan saya untuk tidak membalas surat si Arya. Tapi dia tidak menyerah begitu saja dengan suratnya yang tidak dibalas, setiap kali di kelas dia selalu kirim note ke saya. Dengan kata-kata gombalannya seperti: Cintaku, Sayangku,

manisku, dan sebagainya. Sehari saya bisa dapat 10 lembar note, kadang lebih. Balasan note-nya cuma saya plorokin dia. Akhirnya saya balas juga suratnya.

Dear: Kak Arya Salam, Langsung saja ya Kak Arya, saya ucapkan banyak terimakasih atas surat, coklat dan perhatian dari kak Arya. Kak Arya sangat baik dan perhatian ke saya, tapi saya anggap kak Arya ini sebagai kakak saya. Saya harap kak Arya mengerti saya sayang kak Arya sebagai kakak, tidak lebih. Saya harapkan kak Arya lebih focus belajar bahasa, segera dapat job dan terbang ke Hong Kong. Amin. Sekian coretan dariku, semoga kak Arya sukses dan sehat selalu.

Dariku, Cinta

Setelah itulah saya terbang ke Hong Kong, jadi saya bisa menghindar dari dia. Beberapa bulan kemudian, dia juga terbang ke Hong Kong dan mencari saya. Tapi hari libur saya bukan hari Minggu, jadi dia tidak bisa ketemu saya. Dari situlah lama-lama kita sudah tidak berkomunikasi, pudar dengan sendirinya. Namun, semoga dia sukses dan sehat.

In collaboration with TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers

@TckLearningCentre

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 2823 8500

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6345 9324

Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) 2866 0640

Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong 3651 0200

Royal Thai Consulate General in Hong Kong 2521 6481

Consulate General of India, Hong Kong 3970 9900

Consulate General of Pakistan, Hong Kong 2827 0681

Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong 2369 7813

Non-Governmental Organisations

International Social Service Hong Kong (ISS) 2834 6863

HELP for Domestic Workers 2523 4020

Pathfinders (Hotline for Migrant Workers) 5190 4886

Christian Action Centre for Migrant Domestic Workers 2382 3339 Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily) 2375 5322

Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge 9338 0035

Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong (ATKI-HK) 9587 8317

Mission for Migrant Workers 2522 8264

Refugee Union 9828 7176

The Samaritans Hong Kong 2896 0000

Enrich HK 2386 5811

Uplifters 9731 9713

TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers 9344 4459

The Zubin Foundation 2540 9588

Equal Opportunities Commission (General Enquiry Hotline) 2511 8211

Equal Opportunities Commission (Anti-Sexual Harassment Hotline) 2106 2222

Mind HK 3643 0869

ImpactHK 2448 0011

Mesh (Mission for Ethnic Minorities’ Sexual Health) 5226 8547

Other useful contacts

Hong Kong International Airport 2181 8888

Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline 2508 1234

MTR Lost Property Office 2861 0020