Pangyao Magazine Edition #7: Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

A Mother’s Love Knows No Borders

PathFinders’ much-anticipated online exhibition is finally here!

Thoughtfully curated from the submissions of the recent “49” image competition – the 49 remarkable images on display commemorate the 49 years Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) have been in Hong Kong to create brighter futures for their children.

No words can adequately express the complex range of emotions MDW mothers feel.. when they go through the heart wrenching ritual of saying goodbye to their children over the years when facing the daily struggle of juggling a heavy workload and making time to do what mothers do: ensuring their children are safe, healthy, eating well, coping with their studies, developing healthy friendships and reaching their potential when overwhelmed with a deep longing to keep the bond alive and be a part of their children’s emotional world

Behind every image is a moving and courageous story of how mothers and children stay connected even when physically apart. It is a great privilege for PathFinders to showcase these stories, and pay tribute to all MDW mothers for their selfless love and amazing resilience. Scan the QR code to visit the exhibition today!

Alongside this exhibition, PathFinders is raising urgently-needed funds to protect children born to migrant mothers in Hong Kong. If you appreciated the exhibition, please consider making a donation

A word from the founders

Editors: Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner

Front Cover: Designed by Steve Ellul

Special thanks: Darren Hayward & Lie Fhung

A mother’s love knows no borders

Pathfinders’ much-awaited online exhibition

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

10 pagkaing makikita sa noche buena

Filipino foodie favourites for the festive season

Poetry corner Winners of our #giving poetry competition

NGO spotlight: Mission for Migrant Workers Fighting the good fight for domestic workers

Conversation with Ron The valour of Pinoy Life on RTHK Radio 3

Community groups: SLHFG Exploring Hong Kong’s hiking trails

Pangyao pics

Winners of our #hongkong photo competition

A taste of home: Chi-Khan Inasal Aamir shares the story of his favourite Filipino dish

Kayod lang: A story of resilience

Qualee Alonzo, a 1970s HK domestic worker

Don.Jay Tattoo Hong Kong’s first Filipino-owned tattoo parlour

Uang bukan segalanya dan TCKLC gudang ilmu The importance of knowledge (Indonesian)

Happy holidays, Pangyaos!

The season of giving is upon us once again and we’re very happy to be back with another jam-packed edition!

Our lead feature in this issue is one close to our hearts; the very personal story of Qualee, Aileen’s Mom, and her struggles and triumphs as a migrant worker in 1970s Hong Kong.

Our NGO spotlight shines on Mission for Migrant Workers, who have been fighting for migrant rights and respect in Hong Kong for over 40 years, while our featured community group SLHFG discuss the physical and mental benefits of hiking.

Our Filipino content includes the winners of our giving-themed poetry competition, plus an essential list of mouth-watering Filipino dishes served around Christmas and Noche Buena. Our Indonesian feature shares one migrant’s dream for a better education, and how she found it through TCK Learning Centre, an NGO offering a wide range of free and lowcost courses to migrant workers in the city.

As we bid farewell to 2022 and welcome in 2023, this is also time for reflection. According to prominent Chinese astrologers, the Year of the Rabbit will be the year of hope, and it’s with a renewed sense of optimism that we look forward to the year ahead.

Wishing all our Pangyaos a very Happy New Year!

Aileen & Martin

Consul General

Raly L. Tejada’s

message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community

THE HOLIDAYS ARE fast approaching, and the spirit of festivities and thanksgiving is once again spreading throughout the community. I wish to take this opportunity to give my sincerest well-wishes for our kababayan here in Hong Kong as they celebrate these joyous occasions.

It is often during these times that you can see the Filipino spirit of merrymaking and camaraderie. It is the perfect season to give thanks for the blessings that we have received throughout the year, to bond with our fellows who have shared in our experiences, and to celebrate with our families both here and in the Philippines.

The last few years have undoubtedly been challenging for us here in Hong Kong, yet I am proud to say that our Filipino community has remained strong and persevered through it all. And now, with the advances of modern medicine and the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Throughout the pandemic, our hardworking men and women at the

Consulate General of the Philippines have delivered consular services and assistance to nationals. As with our kababayan, we have continued providing consular services, despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19.

The flourishing of our community even through adversity is likewise shown in the recent International Ethnic Cultural Presentations. I wish to extend our sincerest thanks to the Filipino community for showcasing the traditional dances of Sakuting and Sayaw sa Cuyo to international audiences.

From the Philippine Consulate family to yours, we wish you all happy holidays. Let us maintain our warm bonds and continue our cooperation through the next year. On our part, we reaffirm our commitment to providing quality, responsive, and effective public services for our Filipino community in Hong Kong.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! PHLinHK hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph

pagkaing makikita sa noche buena

Lechon

Ang tradisyonal na paggawa ng lechon ay tinutuhog ang baboy ng malaking kawayan at dahan-dahang inikot sa ibabaw ng mainit na uling hanggang magging dark brown at malutong yung balat. May iba’t ibang paraan para sa timpla ng lechon; nilalamanan ang katawan ng bawang, sili, pamienta, tanglad, piña o dahon ng sibuyas. Minsan sa ibang mga probinsya, pinapahiran pa ng Sprite o cola o yung marinade habang niluluto ang lechon para lalo pang sumarap.

Ipikit ang iyong mga mata at imagine nyo ito: malutong ng balat, sobrang juicy na laman, at tamis anghang ng sarsa, tapos parisan ng mainit na kanin. Daming bumabalik na memories diba? Halos lahat ng malaking handaan nating mga Pilipino ay laging starring ang lechon. Ito ang centrepiece sa lamesa na pinapalibutan ng iba pang mga masasarap na ulam at panghimagas.

Bibingka

Gawa sa giniling na bigas, niyog, asukal at itlog na pula, ang bibingka ay kakanin na mas popular tuwing Pasko. Ito ay mabibili sa labas ng simbahan lalo na sa madaling araw ng Simbang Gabi, siyam na araw bago ang Pasko. Malimit na pinaparesan ng tsokolate, kape o salabat.

Embutido

Itong Filipino version ng meatloaf, ay gawa sa giniling na baboy, Vienna sausage, itlog at iba pang mga sangkap. Maaari itong iserve ng mainit o malamig at pinaparesan ito ng kanin at sawsawan ang banana ketchup. Kung hindi maubos sa araw ng handaan, maari itong itabi sa freezer ng hanggang isang buwan, basta maganda ang pagkabalot sa aluminum foil.

Ito ay kakaiba sa ibang spaghetti sa ibang bansa. Ang sahug ng ating spaghetti ay hotdog at giniling na baka. Ang tamis ay nanggagaling sa banana ketchup at konting dagdag ng brown sugar, tapos may toppings na shredded cheese.

Sobrang kilala ang Pinoy na spaghetti, maari na rin itong mabili sa Jollibee. Kuhang kuha ang panlasa at kung tayo ay nahohomesick, magandang pantawid ng lumbay.

Puto bumbong

Ang pangalan ng kakanin na ito ay galing sa bumbong ng kawayan na ginagamit bilang lutuan. Ang puto bumbong ay gawa sa itim na malagkit na bigas na iniisteam sa loob ng bumbong. Kapag luto na, nilalagay ito sa dahon ng saging at nilalagyan ng margarine, muscovado sugar, kinayod na niyog at minsan shredded cheese.

Kadalasan mabibili ang puto bumbong tuwing Pasko pero ngayong panahon, maaaring na itong mabili sa mga street vendor.

Filipino-style spaghetti

Leche flan

Ang leche flan ay isa sa pinakasikat na dessert ng mga Pinoy. Gawa sa itlog, condensada at evap na gatas at may masarap na caramel toppings and konting caramel sauce. Napakacreamy at malambot ang leche flan at lasang lasa ang magandang timpla ng itlog at gatas. May ibang recipe na gumagamit ng lemon zest para lumabas ang sarap ng tamis ng flan.

Buko salad

Ang buko salad ay isa sa mga paboritong panhimagas ng mga Filipino. Gawa sa kinayod na buko, at hinahaluan ng sago, kaong, nata de coco, delata ng fruit cocktail, pinya, condensed milk at cream.

Masarap ang buko salad kapag iserve ng malamig na malamig lalo na kung mainit ang araw sa labas.

Inasal na manok

Pancit Hamon

Kung anong dami ng mga probinsya, ganon din ang dami ng kanya kanyang version ng pancit. Ilan sa popular na pancit sa atin: pancit Malabon, pancit palabok, pancit Cabagan, pancit habhab at marami pang iba.

Pinakaimportante sa inasal na manok ay ang timpla ng marinade at sawsawan. Ang bawat pamilya ay may kanya kanyang timpla ng marinate pero ang basic ingredients ay toyo, suka, sili at atsuete. Paborito din ito na pulutan dahil sa madali itong mabili sa mga street vendor o sa mga restaurant na nagseserve ng inasal.

Basahin ang aming kwento sa page 18 tungkol sa Chi-Khan Inasal dito sa Hong Kong at kung paano nil ana perfect ang timpla ng kanilang inasal.

Hindi talaga ito mawawala sa lahat ng ating mga handaan dahil sinasabi nating pampahaba ng buhay ang pancit at talagang nagrerepresenta ito ng pagkaing Pilipino.

Ang hamon ay Pinoy-style na Christmas ham. Tradisyonal na sineserve it tuwing Noche Buena. Kailangan ito ng matagalang marinade (mga 1224 hours) sa pineapple juice at toyo, para lumambot ang karne at talagang tumatak ang lasa.

Ang glaze ang nakakaengganyong tignan sa hamon, kaya dapat siguraduhin na maigi ang pagkacaramelise ng pineapple juice at toyo. Sa ngayong panahon, mabibili na ang ready-made na hamon para sa convenient na paghanda nito.

Sa Paskong daratal

By Ligaw Makata

Winner

Ang parol ng pag-asa nakasabit sa bintana ng mga pusong umaasa

na sana’y makakasama ang nawalay na pamilya ilang taon na at dekada.

Sa kapanganakan ng ating mahal na Poon tayo’y pinagtitipon-itipon upang magmahalan.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga awiting handog bawat isa’y nalulugod tuwang ‘di mapaparisan.

Tugtugan sa plasa at daan kalimbang ng kampana sa mga simbahan kasiyahan ang nadarama.

Ngunit ang tunay na diwa ng pasko na ating nakikita ay pagpapatawad at pagkilala ng mga kakulangan ng bawat isa

Kaya’t pasko’y salubungin ng may ngiti magsaya at huwag mamimighati

Sa yumi’t lambing ng hanging dumadampi aking nasasalamin

ang paskong humahabi oo! ng maningning at makulay na sandali

Piping humihiling sa panginoong mahabagin na sana’y dinggin

ang pusong dumadaing na sa paskong darating Sa pag-ibig ay pagpalain

Muli akong sasabit ng parol sa’king gunita Sa paskong sasapit ako’y manghaharana

Babatiin ko kayong lahat at tutulaan ng magalak nawa’y inyong matatanggap regalo kong mahalakhak

Sapagkat ako’y tuwa-tuwa na si Jesus ay ipinanganak sa sabsaban ng mga dukha siya’y iniluwal ng maluwag

Sana’y ating madama ang tunay na diwa ng pasko Sa puso ng bawat isa Pag-ibig ang magbubuo

Aawit tayo’t tutula, Pasko na! Kaibigan,kauniberso’t kapamilya Yakapin natin ang bawat isa Sa isip, sa puso, sa salita, at gawa!

Wala ako ngayong pasko

By nhengpeher5576

Runner Up

Sa paskong darating, ako’y wala sa inyong piling. Huwag malungkot, huwag magdamdam, sapagkat regalong inyong hiling, pagsapit ng pasko, ito ay darating. Kalakip ang pag-asa’t mga panalangin, Sa susunod na pasko, ako ay nandiyan din!

Fighting the good fight: Mission for Migrant Workers

“WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS and deserve to be treated as such,” says Cynthia Abdon, General Manager at Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW). The struggle for equal treatment of domestic workers and granting of their basic rights in Hong Kong have been at the core of their organisation since its inception in 1981.

MFMW provides a number of free services to the migrant worker community, from providing legal assistance to giving shelter, from Cantonese language classes to hospital and prison visitations, all focused on empowerment and learning.

Their outreach programmes, referred to as Migrant Care Centres (MCCs), extend welfare services to migrant workers throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the

Right: Mission for Migrant Workers holds a range of free workshops and classes for migrant domestic workers, such as Stress Reduction Therapy

Far-right: During the pandemic, the organisation has distributed face masks, hand sanitisers etc. to migrant domestic workers

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

New Territories, via collaborations with other migrant organisations and volunteers from the community. Their MCCs regularly distribute educational materials, face masks, hand sanitisers, and other giveaways.

MFMW also provide temporary shelters and emergency assistance for migrant workers in distress. These resources were tested to the limits during the 5th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.

As the Omicron variant ripped through the city, many employers, fearing for their own health, didn’t know how to help their workers isolate, and ended up terminating their contracts. This caused a crisis in the migrant worker community; homeless and with nowhere to go, many turned to organisations like MFMW.

Mula noong nag-umpisa ang MFMW, hanggang ngayon, marami pa ding mga issues na gusto nating maimprove (Since the very start of MFMW until now, there are still a lot issues that we want to see improved)

- Cynthia Abdon, General Manager at Mission for Migrant Workers

All photos provided by Mission for Migrant Workers

MFMW have always championed that empowered migrant workers who are able to protect their rights are cared for and are recognised as an integral part of a multicultural and inclusive Hong Kong society.

However, “Mula noong nag-umpisa ang MFMW, hanggang ngayon, marami pa ding mga issues na gusto nating maimprove,” (Since the very start of MFMW until now, there are still a lot issues that we want to see improved), Cynthia acknowledges.

MFMW’s latest publication, Between a Toilet Bowl and a Wall: The Continuing Problem of Unsuitable Accommodation for Migrant Domestic Workers under Mandatory Livein Arrangements, serves to highlight the challenges that many migrant workers face with uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

This lack of personal space, coupled with other key issues such as long working hours, being underpaid, and even suffering mental or physical abuse at the hands of their

According to a MFMW survey conducted in 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on migrant domestic workers:

• 70% of respondents reported experiencing heightened levels of stress and feelings of depression and anxiety

• 96% regularly worked in excess of 11 hours a day

• More than half of those surveyed were not provided with a private room for rest and sleep

employers, serves to highlight there is still much room for improvement when it comes to the living and working conditions of migrant domestic workers.

In 2019, MFMW launched a new brand initiative under the brand, “Serving Migrants Anytime, Anywhere”, aimed at expanding The Mission’s reach with Indonesian and Filipino migrant workers and significantly increasing the participation of domestic workers from Thailand, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

“May we work together to protect and uphold their rights as workers, recognise what they have sacrificed for our households and communities, and respect them as a valuable part of Hong Kong society,” shares Cynthia in their latest press release.

As for their mission, as long as there are migrant workers in Hong Kong who need their help, MFMW will continue to adapt and serve with respect as the needs of the community evolves.

mission@migrants.net

St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central

migrants.net

Right: The organisations holds outreach programmes referred to as Migrant Care Centres

Below: In one of Hong Kong’s most high profile cases involving a domestic worker, Indonesian Erwiana Sulistyaningsih’s employer was found guilty on 18 counts of abuse in 2016

Photo credit: Xyza Cruz Bacani

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

DID YOU KNOW, our co-founder Aileen and I are not only connected through Pangyao; we also work on the radio together. Interested to learn more? Then let’s read on...

It gives valuable information, but it’s not Wikipedia. It makes you laugh, but it’s not the Bubble Gang . It discusses current affairs, but it’s not Ka Tunying’s show. It covers wide-ranging interviews, but it isn’t Toni Talks . It includes showbiz tittle-tattle, but it’s not Startalk. It plays great music, but it isn’t Casey Kasem’s Top 10 .

It has valour. It is unique. It brings hope and solutions; it is there to delight. It keeps you informed and always puts a smile on your face.

It is the radio show Pinoy Life on RTHK Radio 3 / AM 567.

The valour of Pinoy Life on

RTHK Radio 3

‘Malaman, puno ng saya at inpormasyon,’ Pinoy Life airs every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm on RTHK Radio 3. Aileen AlonzoHayward and yours truly, Ron R. Lacson, are your hosts and producers of the show.

Pakinggan ang magandang boses ni Aileen at tumawa sa mga funny jokes (minsan corny) ko. Pinoy Life prides itself on its capability and tenacity in bringing the following segments in its 2-hour spectacle.

Ano ba ang meron sa programa namin?

Music

The sequences are standard and popular yet unorthodox and distinctive. You’ll hear the most requested songs on the planet, yet also have the liberty of listening to various OPM (Original Pilipino Music) tracks by Filipino songwriters. Very relaxing. Sometimes, you might be tempted to sing along…or even dance.

Top-left: Busy in the RTHK broadcasting studio

Top-right: Aileen and Ron with lead actresses Miles and Xyza and director Stefanos from movie We Don’t Dance for Nothing (also featured in Pangyao magazine issue #2)

Bottom-left: Ron sporting some Pangyao merchandise

Bottom-right: Aileen and Ron with journalist and author Purple Romero

Philippine major news

The most germane and pertinent news in our nation, from politics to new ordinances to current events, all packaged and delivered for the benefit of OFWs; Pinoy Life ensures you never miss out on the most significant affairs affecting daily Buhay Pinoy. It’s like SMNI News and UNTV Hataw Balita (CNN and BBC, too) neatly combined into one parcel.

Celebrity balita

Ah, the favourite of all. Pinoy Life captures the juiciest elements of your favourite local celebrities in the Philippines, following their exciting and sometimes spicy lives on and off the TV and movie screens.

Here at Pinoy Life, we understand the Pinoy appetite for showbiz-tsismak. Blazing exchanges of opinion between Aileen and I usually follow. ‘Matsika at buhay ang mga Marites dito.’

Usapang OFW

This segment provides serious discourse about the plight and experiences of our OFWs, both here in Hong Kong, and in other countries where Filipinos dwell.

Left: Ron with Ailenemae Ramos of literary group Migrant Writers of Hong Kong

Sad, happy, scary, helpless, exciting, hopeful, adventurous, and occasionally silly moments, are some facets of the shared but riveting accounts of ordinary OFWs, which are discussed in this slice. ‘May luha at tawa.’

Usapang discussion

Do you have a hunger to listen to exciting and interesting topics? Then look no further – you don’t have to go through the trouble of finding them.

This portion gives you a ready-made list of thought-provoking subjects, ranging from discussions about life, food, places, how to deal with negative people, understanding if you’re a night owl or an early bird, discovering your passion, how to avoid scams, and many more.

These are topics you can use in different situations with different people. ‘May aliw, kaalaman at kababalaghan.’

Join kayo sa amin

This is where Aileen and I invite our listeners to share their opinions, queries, and comments concerning life and time. It’s a section never short on surprise and intrigue. ‘Kataka-taka at kakaibang mga opinyon.’

Usapan pa more

There are many other thrilling segments, like Itanong mo kay attorney, Itanong mo kay doc, Know your hosts a bit more, exciting guests on the show, etc.

So, what are you waiting for? ‘Listen na’ and ‘Listen pa more.’

Scan the QR code to check out Pinoy Life’s previous shows online!

A walk on the wild side: SLHFG

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

SEXY LADY HIKERS FILIPINO GROUP (now simply called SLHFG, given quite a few men have since joined) was started back in 2013 by five friends – Lyn lyn Gerona, Josephine Ebora, Dell VA, Liezel Garcia, and Nora Donguya –with a shared passion for hiking and traversing Hong Kong’s numerous trails. They quickly discovered that many other migrant domestic workers (MDWs) shared similar interests, and the group soon started to grow.

While most of the founding members have since left Hong Kong, Nora Donguya – or Norz Benz to everyone who knows her –continues to act as the group’s chairperson.

Quick to smile, Norz has the confident bearing of an individual who has faced life’s challenges head on. Originally from Isabela, Philippines, she admits that when she arrived in Hong Kong in 1994, she had very

little interest in outdoor activities. “Kapag day off ko, bahay-church, church-bahay, lang ako” (On my days off, I’d just go homechurch, church-home), she shares.

She has come a long way since those early days; aside from hiking, she has also been

FAST FACTS: HIKING IN HONG KONG

• 78% of Hong Kong land is protected

• Around 130 official hiking trials, covering a distance of more than 610 km

•

One of the world’s most walkable cities, with 85% of the population living within 100m of car-free places

•

The MacLehose Trail is the city’s oldest trail, covering around 100km

All photos provided by SLHFG

Nora Donguya (Norz), centre, with members of SLHFG

SLHFG now comprises both male and female members

competing in Spartan endurance races since 2017, having completed a total of 6 so far, including the Spartan Sprint, Super, and the notoriously challenging Beast (30-35 obstacles over 12-14 miles of rugged terrain). “Growing up, I was the girl who didn’t want to get muddy or sweaty,” laughs Norz, “so I have surprised even myself with how much I enjoy the outdoors now!”

Almost all the hikes and outings organised by SLHFG double up as fundraisers to help their fellow migrant workers and their families back in the Philippines. With almost 20 charity events under their hiking belts (a number which could have been even higher were it not for COVID-19 restrictions in recent years), SLHFG have supported a wide range of causes, including raising funds for a cancer patient, food donation drives, beach clean-ups, coverage of medical bills, and many more.

Having overseen SLHFG for almost 10 years, Norz is beginning to contemplate the fact that she won’t be in Hong Kong indefinitely. Though the group is in safe hands; Norz already works closely with three trusted leaders –Juana Alcalde Mentez, Venus de Azevedo, and Lannie Garcia – who help with organising the hikes and moderating the group, so when she finally returns to the Philippines, she knows they’ll be ready to step in and take up the baton. Until that day comes however, Norz continues to spend her weekends doing what she loves; hiking with her friends and doing her bit to help the migrant community.

Norz has seen participants come and go over the years, as members inevitably relocate or return home. But with almost 2,000 followers on Facebook, SLHFG’s hikes always remain popular and attract a good turnout, especially given their focus on helping others in need.

Having lived and worked in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, life hasn’t always been easy for Norz. But her positive attitude to overcoming challenges along the way is telling: “Akyat nalang ako ng akyat” (I just kept climbing), she muses. She credits the great outdoors for building her mental strength and well-being and offers these words of encouragement to others, “Don’t think that you can’t do it,” she says. “We all start as newbies; just remember the practical things like wearing the proper shoes and clothes for the terrain and weather, bringing some snacks and water, and of course, don’t forget to have fun!”

Growing up, I was the girl who didn’t want to get muddy or sweaty, so I have surprised even myself with how much I enjoy the outdoors now!

- Nora Donguya (Norz)

Photo competition winners

Introducing Chi-Khan Inasal

“TO BE SUCCESSFUL once, you need to fail a hundred times”, says Aamir Roxas Khan, Pakistani-Filipino founder and owner of Chi-Khan Inasal.

His now-booming business has seen its share of failures; in fact, prior to chicken inasal (roast chicken), Aamir’s first foray into catering saw him selling leche flan, a popular Filipino crème caramel dessert.

Full of optimism, he ventured out one Sunday and approached groups of migrant workers enjoying their rest days, offering them leche flan. It wasn’t a resounding success; of the 20 pieces he went out with, he came back home with 19. The other one he had eaten himself.

Far from feeling dejected, Aamir gave his plan a bit more thought, “People don’t want to buy from me because they don’t know who I am,” he thought. “To them, I’m just a

random guy selling food on the street. I have to build my brand and their trust first.”

Before Chi-Khan Inasal, Aamir worked for Cebu Pacific, where he encountered many inspiring stories from Filipino migrants flying back to the Philippines. Aside from the obvious excitement of seeing family, he also noticed that for many, getting to eat their favourite food again was a big part of their trip.

For Aamir, his go-to was always the roast chicken from [Philippine chain restaurant] Mang Inasal. And it was that memorable taste of home that would ultimately lead him and his mom, Malou, on their own journey, through many, many failures, to finally setting upon the perfect timpla (mixture) for their own chicken inasal.

He started selling the chicken to migrant workers on their day-off, listening to their feedback, and continually going back to the drawing board to further improve and fine-tune the timpla.

Above: The team at Sobremesa, which plays host to Chi-Khan Inasal. Left to right; Aamir’s partner Sharmaine, founder Aamir, chef Malou (Aamir’s mother), Sobremesa owner Kul Didi Top-right: Aamir sharing the Chi-Khan Inasal story with Aileen inside Sobremesa on Elgin St. Centre-right: Malou’s signature chicken inasal Bottom-right: Delicious pork BBQ rice

After numerous tries, one day Aamir turned to his mom and said, “Ma, yan na ang perfect timpla!” (Ma, that’s the perfect mixture!). That has been the taste of their signature chicken inasal ever since.

While him and Mommy Malou were perfecting the recipe, Aamir also worked on the branding. With the help of a designer friend, together they came up with the logo, colours, and the name.

As the positive feedback started to pour in, word of their delicious chicken inasal quickly spread, with Facebook posts going viral and their page following steadily increasing. What started as 10 lunchboxes grew so much that

Chicken inasal recipe Ingredients

• Chicken leg

For marinade and sawsawan (sauce): • Soy sauce

• Vinegar • Chilli • Calamansi

• Sugar

For the marinade, mix equal parts soy sauce and vinegar, adding the rest of the ingredients as per your personal preference.

– Asked about her own special timpla, Mommy Malou simply smiles and shares, “Prayer. Yan ang special ingredient ko!” (Prayer. That’s my special ingredient!)

Mix the marinade well then add the chicken leg(s). Keep in the refrigerator overnight, for at least 12 hours.

Inasal is best cooked over hot coals or a grill but roasting in an oven also works. Allow 15-20 minutes (depending on method) to thoroughly cook the meat.

Serve with homemade sawsawan, prepared according to taste.

their home kitchen could no longer accommodate the orders.

Enter Aamir’s good friend and previous boss Kul Didi, owner of Sobremesa restaurant in Elgin Street. Aamir pitched her the idea of selling his Chi-Khan Inasal menu alongside her Spanish tapas menu, giving not just homesick Filipinos, but all patrons, the chance to try this classic dish for themselves.

The rest, as they say, is history. With 11,000 Facebook fans and features on ABS-CBN and RTHK, Chi-Khan has found the perfect timpla of connecting with the community and staying true to their mission, of bringing Filipino inasal meals to Hong Kong.

Kayod lang: A story of resilience

HONG KO NG IN THE LATE 1970s: Governor Murray MacLehose is at the helm; the newly formed ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) is in full clean up mode; the metric system has been recently introduced; and the Cantopop genre is gaining momentum.

Across the South China Sea in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos’ recently implemented labour code sees the country opening its doors to reforms, including the overseas export of labour in the form of migrant domestic workers (MDWs).

With Hong Kong’s economy prospering and two-income households becoming increasingly common, the demand for migrant labour steadily grew. By 1976, there were approximately 2,000 MDWs employed in the city. One of those workers was Qualee Labrague Alonzo.

Qualee was born into poverty in 1948, in the remote fishing village of Jiabong, Samar.

The eldest of 9 children, she bore a heavy burden of responsibility in the family. While her Tatay (father) spent his days fishing, her Nanay (mother) enjoyed her drink a little too much, leaving the kids to largely fend for themselves. Inevitably, when the younger ones got into trouble, it was Qualee and the older siblings who incurred the wrath of their parents.

Knowing in her heart that there was no future for her in Samar, Qualee made the decision to leave as soon as she turned 16. With no money, no education, and nothing but her wits and street smarts about her, she braved her way into living with an aunt in Manila. Finding work as a housemaid during the day, her evenings were spent busily upskilling, attending stenography and dressmaking classes as she planned her next move.

Following a lead from a friend about work opportunities, new certificates in hand, Qualee packed her bags and headed for Angeles City, Pampanga, to the US-run Clark

Photo edit by Martin Turner, based on original photo by Alyssa Alonzo

Air Base. She was immediately offered a job as a caretaker, working for an American Air Force Officer named Captain Emerson. And it wasn’t long into her employment before Qualee met her Romeo.

Romeo, or Romy to his friends, was a jeepney driver. He drove every day from 6am to 8pm, earning just enough to survive. But Romy had bigger dreams, and after crossing paths with Qualee, he knew he’d found his someone to share them with.

After a year of dating, Qualee and Romy moved in together. They both had hopes for a better life, nothing grand or too ambitious: a house, food on the table, a good education for their children, and escaping the poverty they’d both lived through growing up.

But the road ahead was rocky. In 1974, Captain Emerson returned to the US, leaving Qualee without a job. One stormy day, struggling to make ends meet, Romy passed by his grandmother’s house and picked a papaya from one of her trees. That day, he hadn’t earned enough from the jeepney to allow him to buy food, so he brought that single papaya home to Qualee for dinner.

As they both sat around the table, Romy slicing the papaya, he made Qualee a promise: “Pangako ko sa’yo, simula bukas, hinding hindi tayo kakain ng papaya para sa hapunan,” (I promise you, starting tomorrow, we will never have papaya for dinner). They ate the papaya in silence, Qualee’s tears quietly streaming down her face.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Romy and Qualee remained determined. They started to explore overseas opportunities, and with the growing demand at the time for female migrant workers, it was Qualee who first secured a job in 1976, as a domestic worker in Hong Kong.

It was a big step, not least because Qualee had given birth to their eldest daughter, Darlene, only a year earlier. Leaving her

young family behind was tough, but the thought of securing a better future for them provided plenty of motivation. Whenever she suffered feelings of homesickness or longing for her family, sacrifice and resilience remained her mantra.

Qualee’s first employer in Hong Kong was a lovely Indian family with two young children. They were very kind to her, and even kept in touch decades after the end of her contract. When they subsequently immigrated to the UK, Qualee returned home to the Philippines while she waited for a new employer.

As she stepped off the plane in Manila, she navigated the crowds in Arrivals, searching for Romy and Darlene. When she set eyes on them, it felt like her heart stopped beating; she held her breath until she had them in her arms. Both Romy and Qualee were crying tears of joy.

A month later, Qualee was Hong Kong-bound again. At Qualee’s request, her new employer, a Portuguese businessman named Rey DaSilva, also agreed to sign Romy as his driver and personal assistant. Darlene was left in the care of Qualee’s sister, Terry, in Angeles City. >

One stormy day, struggling to make ends meet, Romy passed by his grandmother’s house and picked a papaya from one of her trees. That day, he hadn’t earned enough from the jeepney to allow him to buy food, so he brought that single papaya home to Qualee for dinner

Romy and Qualee were happy: they had friends, their own living space in Ray’s sizeable flat in Happy Valley, and they always had food. They sent money back to Terry for Darlene’s school, food, clothing, and other needs, and made sure she was always well taken care of.

In November 1981, Qualee and Romy welcomed their second-born, Aileen, named after Qualee’s favourite RTHK Radio 3 presenter, Aileen Bridgewater. Rey became Aileen’s godfather.

Following Aileen’s arrival, Qualee decided to go back to the Philippines for good, to look after 7-year-old Darlene and her new baby. She opened a fashion boutique in Angeles City making tailored dresses, uniforms, and curtains; it quickly became a success, and things really seemed to be going well for her family.

Over in Hong Kong, Romy would send money back to the family each month. Despite the distance, Qualee and Romy remained close, exchanging letters every week with updates about their lives and children. Qualee would share how much Darlene loved her baby sister, bringing her candy or little toys after school, “Hindi pa pwedeng magkendi si Aileen, anak. Baby pa kasi sya,” (You can’t give Aileen any candy, dear. She’s still a baby). She said she knew they would be best friends when they grew up, and Darlene would always be there for her little sister.

One warm October afternoon in 1982, Qualee was busy in the shop sewing clothes, while Darlene was out playing in front of the store with her cousin. Suddenly, her sister Terry came running in screaming, “Ate! Ate! Si Darlene, nasagasaan ng jeepney! Ateeee!” (Elder sister! Darlene was run over by a jeepney!). On the way to the hospital, Darlene took her last breath in Qualee’s arms.

Romy arrived at Manila airport, not knowing any details about why he was asked by Qualee to urgently fly back from Hong Kong. But not seeing Darlene at Arrivals to greet him – he immediately knew. Romy’s legs gave out from the weight of the agony in his heart.

Nothing can compare to the intense sorrow of losing your child. In the beginning, the grief manifested itself as anger for Qualee. Anger at herself, anger at how unfair it was, anger at the jeepney driver who ran Darlene over. But the cloud of anger lifted, and gave way to understanding, and a spectacular moment of virtue: Qualee ultimately forgave the man who accidentally killed her daughter.

While he was behind bars, Qualee listened to his story. From a very poor family, he drove a jeepney purely as a means to survive and provide for his children. He hadn’t seen Darlene run into the road, but as a father himself, he acknowledged his guilt and the pain he had caused. He was ready to do time for what he had done.

Qualee thought back to when she and Romy were living off his jeepney driver earnings, the crushing poverty, the papaya dinner, and how their life since had been a blessing. Sharing the story with Aileen many years later, Qualee recollected: “Pinatawad ko sya, kawawa naman kasi siya, anak. May pamilya din siya, at aksidente naman ang nangyari,” (I forgave him, I felt sorry for him. He has a family too and it was an accident).

A few months after Darlene’s passing, Qualee, Romy, and Aileen returned to Hong Kong together. Having been born in Hong Kong, Aileen held a British National Overseas (BNO) passport, giving her Right of Abode. By 1983, Qualee and Romy were also granted unconditional stay. >

Pinatawad ko sya, kawawa naman kasi siya, anak. May pamilya din siya, at aksidente naman ang nangyari (I forgave him, I felt sorry for him. He has a family too and it was an accident)

– Qualee Labrague Alonzo, on her decision to forgive the jeepney driver who ran over and killed her 7-year-old daughter Darlene in 1982

Qualee and her Romeo

Top row: Qualee and Romy in Hong Kong with their daughters Aileen and Alyssa (mid 1990s)

Bottom-right: Qualee and Romy were married in Hong Kong in 1981, the same year Aileen was born. They remained married for more than 37 years, before Romy’s passing in 2018

Bottom-left: In the garden where their daughter Darlene is buried

Times gone by

Above: Qualee moved to Hong Kong as a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in 1976. At the time, there were less 2,000 MDWs working in the city, compared with around 400,000 today

Left: Childhood photos of Aileen – just because we can!

There have been several amendments to the law since then, including the broadening of the definition of ‘ordinarily resident’ to exclude MDWs, thus making any application for Hong Kong residency almost impossible for domestic workers.

This is evidenced in the case involving Evangeline Vallejos and Daniel Domingo; both worked as MDWs in Hong Kong for decades. Despite the Court of First Instance ruling that both applicants had fulfilled the conditions of residency –taking Hong Kong as their only permanent home and being ordinarily resident here for seven years – The Court of Appeal of the High Court subsequently overturned the decision on Vallejos’ case in 2012. Vallejos and Domingo then jointly appealed to the Court of Final Appeal, who rejected their appeal on 25th March 2013.

This closely watched case divided opinions. Eman Villanueva, spokesman for the Coordination Body for Asian migrants, stated in an asianews.it article, “The ruling actually gave its judicial seal to unfair treatment and the social exclusion of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.”

According to the BBC, however: “Both the government and a pro-Beijing political party have said that allowing foreign domestic helpers to have permanent residency in Hong Kong would open the floodgates to their relatives, including children, who would require housing and education which would create a social welfare burden.”

Although Qualee didn’t have a taste for politics, she did what she could to help her fellow Filipinos in the city. Every Sunday, for over 30 years, she played host to dozens of MDWs who didn’t have anywhere to go, offering them a place to rest and a home-cooked meal. Having befriended the Philippine Consular staff, for whom she acted as an unofficial seamstress for their dresses, children’s clothing, and uniforms,

she even helped a few distressed and abused MDWs bring their cases to the attention of the Consulate Office.

Helping others was in Qualee’s nature, with family always firmly at her core; she later helped her sisters Terry and Salva find jobs in Hong Kong and would regularly send money home to cover school fees for nieces and nephews.

In 1989, she gave birth to her youngest child, Alyssa, whom she left in the care of her Nanay in Jiabong. Then in 1994, with Qualee and Romy both working full-time jobs in Hong Kong and childcare becoming increasingly difficult, Aileen was sent to live with Nanay as well.

With an 8-year age gap and little in common aside from their last names, the sisters found it hard to connect. Aileen could barely speak Filipino, while Alyssa was fluent in Waray (the local dialect). Over time, they grew apart.

It wasn’t until years later that they formed a relationship, by which time Aileen had already started living on her own close to her school. Qualee could sense this rip in her family, and upon Aileen’s completion of her bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Qualee raised to her the prospect of returning to the Philippines for good.

“Your Dad and I are so proud of what you’ve accomplished. You finished your degree at such a young age and have such a bright future ahead of you,” she told Aileen. “I haven’t spent a lot of time with your sister, Alyssa, and I feel like if I don’t come back soon, I might not have a relationship with her at all. At the same time, you want to become a doctor, which would mean I need to stay in Hong Kong for four more years to pay for your tuition. I cannot decide. So, I want you to decide.” Aileen looked at Qualee and knew what the answer should be.

Migrant mothers who leave their families know of this pain all too well. When misfortune befalls their children, they feel guilty. When husbands cheat on them, they feel anger. Whenever the family needs money, they

scramble to send it. If needs are not immediately met, they are sometimes branded as kuripot (stingy). Loneliness and anxiety are bottled up and tucked away, as they continue to work for their employers, most with little time to rest, and even less time to take care of their themselves and their mental health.

Filipino women are resilient, our spirits buoyed by our mantra ‘Kayod lang’, which translates directly as ‘just work hard’. But it has a deeper meaning; working through all the pain and tribulations, despite one’s own wellbeing, is the real essence of this phrase.

Despite everything that life threw at Qualee, she triumphed. Between her and Romy, they accomplished their goal – they built a better life for themselves and their children. Whatever hardships or successes they faced on their journey through life, they would often revisit

the memory of the papaya; it was a moment in time that always kept them grounded. And they never ate papaya for dinner again.

Sadly, Qualee lost her Romeo a few years ago; after a long bout of illness, Romy passed away in May 2018. Nowadays, she spends her time minding her beautiful garden, tending to her pigs, helping the elderly as elected president of her local Senior Citizen Federation chapter, and doting on her beautiful granddaughter, Lily (Aileen’s daughter).

On our recent phone call, Qualee, my Mom, told me, “My only dream was for you and your sister to finish school. I am very lucky to have my children. I love you very much.” And this sentiment is echoed across the domestic worker community; the selflessness of their sacrifice for their families, Kayod lang. I, and countless other children of migrant workers, will forever be grateful. Maraming Salamat, Ma.

Family values

Above: Qualee is now a doting Lola (grandmother), following the birth of Aileen’s daughter Lily in 2017

Bottom-Left: Qualee with daughters Aileen and Alyssa, granddaughter Lily, and Aileen’s husband Darren

Bottom-centre: Qualee, Aileen, and Lily, with Tita (auntie) Marcy, who has worked as an MDW in Hong Kong since the 1980s

Filipino women are resilient, our spirits buoyed by our mantra ‘Kayod lang’, which translates directly as ‘just work hard’. But it has a deeper meaning; working through all the pain and tribulations, despite one’s own well-being, is the real essence of this phrase

SPONSORED FEATURE

“I ALWAYS GIVE 100% when it comes to my art,” says Jay, owner and lead tattoo artist at Don.Jay Tattoo Hong Kong. Born and raised in Hong Kong to Filipino parents, Jay understands the value of perseverance and applies it to his own life.

Spending two years as an apprentice at Bordados Tattoo in Laguna, Philippines, under the guidance of owner of Alex Cuyugan, Jay achieved his certification covering hygiene, sanitation, marketing, and of course, tattoo artistry.

Jay opened Don.Jay Tattoo – the first Filipino-owned tattoo parlour in Hong Kong – in Sai Ying Pun back in 2016; though it was in 2017, through positive word of mouth and a little help of his friends, that his business really started to gain traction. He moved to his current location in Sheung Wan in 2019.

Over the years, Jay estimates he has inked in excess of 1,000 tattoos, covering numerous different styles; from flowers and butterflies, to photographs of loved ones, to pop culture icons, to something more abstract, Jay works

closely with all his clients, to ensure they are completely happy with their chosen design before it is tattooed on.

But it is Jay’s artistry and attention to detail that lead to his clients coming back again and again. “Yung iba kasi naghahanap sa mura,” (some look for what’s cheap) he says, “but that doesn’t mean it will be good.”

The health of Jay’s clients is always a top priority, which is why he uses only the highest quality of hypoallergenic and non-toxic, skinsafe inks, and ensures the tattoo area is clean and sanitised and his instruments properly disinfected at all times. The stainless-steel needles are disposed of after every use.

If you are looking for a personal memento, a reminder of a someone or something, or simply something cool you’d like to have with you, whatever the reason, you can be sure you’ll be in safe hands at the professional and fully licensed Don.Jay Tattoo.

In Jay’s own words, “Don’t be cheap with your skin.”

Room 504, 5th Floor, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan donjaytattoohongkong

Uang bukan segalanya dan

TCKLC gudang ilmu

By Muslikhah

TIDAK ADA KATA capek dalam kehidupanku sekarang dan dulu. Kenapa? Karena hidup itu harus maju, bukan mundur. Jadi butuh tenaga dan waktu untuk melangkah yang lebih baik lagi dari hari sebelumnya; kecuali mau mundur, itu hal mudah.

SEKOLAH dan BELAJAR adalah hal yang tabu di dalam lingkungan masyarakat di pedesaan kecil, karena hidup butuh makan dan uang, bukan lagi belajar dan belajar yang tidak akan tahu hasil akhirnya bagus atau tidak. Yang ada selalu dan selalu mengeluarkan uang: biaya bulanan, baju seragam, buku pelajaran dll.

Maka dari itu, dalam lingkunganku banyak yang sekolah hanya lulusan menengah saja. Belajar lebih tinggi masih awam di desaku. Orang Jawa bilang, “ora usah sekolah duwur-duwur, nek akhire dadi tani karo kuli” (tidak usah sekolah tinggi2 kalau akhirnya jadi tani dan kuli). Apalagi saya adalah anak pertama yang mempunyai adik dan sama-sama sekolah yang butuh biaya lebih. Untuk makan saja, kadang kurang dan pinjam ke warung.

Memang SEKOLAH DAN BELAJAR akan memakan waktu yang lama dan tidak menghasilkan uang, apalagi membantu cari uang untuk kebutuhan hari-hari. Makanya orang

tua selalu ngomel saat saya minta iuran beli buku dan alat belajar lainnya karena minimnya dana.

Saya bukan anak yang pintar, tetapi setidaknya saya semangat untuk belajar saat itu. Apalagi dalam ilmu Agama dan Olah Raga saya unggul, sehingga guru selalu memintaku untuk ikut ekstra kulikuler di sekolah. Setelah saya minta izin pada kedua orang tuaku, Ibu cuma menggelengkan kepala pertanda tidak diizinkan.

Singkat cerita, saya LULUS dari sekolah menengah dan ingin melanjutkan ke jenjang selanjutnya, tapi ditentang keras karena itu sudah lebih dari cukup. Padahal saat sekolah pun saya selalu meluangkan waktu untuk

kerja apa pun demi bisa beli buku dan kebutuhan sekolah lainnya. Belajar sampai menengah saja saya sudah senang karena butuh perjuangan dan keringat; hujan dan panas saya arungi selalu dengan senang hati dengan mengayunkan sepeda butut bersama teman seperjuangan.

Setelah lulus sekolah saya bekerja di Jakarta sebagai pekerja rumah tangga selama setahun. Setelah lebaran saya bekerja di Singapura selama 2 tahun. Hasil bekerja semua saya kasih ke orang tua untuk membantu kebutuhan hidup dan sekolah adik-adik. Belum selesai sampai di sini setelah pulang dari Singapura, rehat 2 minggu saya langsung balik kerja di HONG KONG selama 4 tahun. Selama bekerja saya jarang libur. Singkatnya saya pulang, menikah dan menetap selama 4 tahun di rumah. Kemudian saya memutuskan kembali lagi ke HONG KONG dengan semangat yang tinggi untuk mengubah nasib keluarga kecilku, untuk mempunyai tempat tinggal sendiri.

Angkatan ke 2 ke Hong Kong kira-kira setelah setahun, saya bertemu teman yang belum saya kenal banget yang mengajak saya untuk ikut kursus menjahit, dan saya pun ikut dengan agak ragu-ragu.

INILAH AWAL SAYA KENAL TCK LEARNING CENTRE. Di sinilah saya ikut kelas menjahit. Meskipun ragu, saya berangkat mengikutinya. Saya mulai berpikir kembali waktu dulu tidak bisa melanjutkan sekolah dan belajar. Akhirnya saya giat belajar menjahit dan computer

Karena saya tidak harus sekolah dan belajar di tempat duduk di sekolahan seperti anak murid formal yang memakai seragam setiap hari, saya sadar bahwa saya bukan anak kecil lagi; tapi saya hanya orang bodoh yang ingin menjadi lebih baik di kemudian hari. Terngiang-ngiang di ingatanku: “KARENA BELAJAR TIDAK HARUS DENGAN GURU, TAPI DENGAN SIAPA PUN. MENUNTUTLAH ILMU SAMPAI KE LIANG LAHAT”.

SAYA BERSYUKUR BANGET MENGENAL TCK LEARNING karena saat ini saya bisa ikut belajar. Selain belajar menjahit, saya juga ikut kursus komputer, dengan dibimbing oleh para tutor yang sabar dan memotivasi.

TERIMA KASIH MASA LALU YANG MENGAJARIKU UNTUK HIDUP KERAS. TERIMA KASIH TCKL ATAS ILMUNYA DAN SEMUANYA. SAYA SEBAGAI BMI BISA BELAJAR DAN BEKERJA. SEMOGA KE DEPANNYA TCKLC SELALU SUKSES, KITA SEMUA SUKSES. AMIN…

@TckLearningCentre

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