Feb / Mar ‘23
Editors:
Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner
Front Cover: Designed by Martin Turner, lead image provided by Dr. Mike Manio
Design: Martin
Special thanks: Steve Ellul, Darren Hayward & Lie Fhung
HI PANGYAOS! Welcome to issue number eight, a very auspicious number here in Hong Kong! As we leap into the Year of the Rabbit, we’re back with another packed edition showcasing the diversity of Hong Kong’s migrant community.
Featured in this issue: a discussion with Dr. Mike Manio (featured on our cover) on coping with stress and anxiety; breaking down cultural stereotypes with Arianne and Jeffrey;
Poetry corner
Poems from around the migrant community
Philippine Consulate General message
Con Gen Raly Tejada’s Lunar New Year update
NGO spotlight: Branches of Hope
Giving hope and dignity to vulnerable individuals
Conversation with Ron
Two inspirational stories of determination
Arianne & Jeffrey
6626 9751 (Aileen)
aileen@pangyao.hk
a spotlight on Branches of Hope, an NGO offering support to vulnerable and marginalised individuals in the city; dancing to the beat of Filipino Image Society; Ira shares her recipe for Sri Lankan home-style watakolu curry; fighting fit with the Verano boxing family and much more!
We hope you enjoy issue number eight!
Aileen & MartinA taste of home: Ira cooks watakolu curry
A quick and easy Sri Lankan favourite
Community groups: Filipino Image Society
Connecting the migrant community through dance
Laban lang: Verano Boxing Club
Hong Kong’s new Filipino-owned boxing gym
Don’t stress it
Dr. Mike Manio offers tips on coping with stress
Terimakasih Hong Kong (Indonesian)
Yunia Prastiwi shares her Hong Kong story
Useful contacts
NGO and consulate listings
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Sunset means time to rest
Rest for Julie and humanity
Humanity which you and I belong Belong, and longing for a peaceful life
Life so precious a gift from above
Above I’m looking for sunrise at day time
Time for sunset inviting sweet night
Night to remember with fifty shades of sunset
Sunset will bring new hope the next morning
Morning means start of new hope
Hope shouldn’t be lost and forgotten
Forgotten is sad day remember you’re my sunshine
Sunshine even on frosty air
Air so pure and clean blowing my mind
Mind full of sweet memories
Memories with my mentor Julie’s fifty shades of sunset
Tatlong letra ka aking sinta
Kahulugan kakaiba talaga
Lahat ng babae’y maranasan t’wina
Isang resposibilidad napakadalila talaga
Mapagkandiling kamay
Ang iyo ngang iniaalay
Sa aming iyong mga inakay
Natatanging paggabay sa aming buhay
Kaligayaha’y iyong isinantabi
Para sa pangarap na minimithi
Balang araw sa aking paglaki
Ikaw nga’y may ipagmamalaki
Ako’y iyong ganap na pinalaya
Baon ang iyong gintong paalala
Humarap sa hamon ng buhay
Upang ako’y maging isang matagumpay
Sayo aking tunay na iniaalay
Ang aking pagtatagumpay
Salamat sa Diyos sa kanyang paggabay
At sa iyo Inay aking pag ibig na walang kapantay
GREETINGS TO OUR beloved kababayan in Hong Kong!
I hope that you all had a pleasant and enjoyable celebration of the Lunar New Year. Along with the coming of the Year of the Rabbit, we can feel the palpable change in the air. From the bustling streets to the return of large-scale public events, the city is slowly regaining its lively energy.
With the gradual lifting of most pandemic restrictions, I am sure everyone is excited to experience the joys of dining outside with family and friends, travelling, and attending public events.
In this regard, I am pleased to invite everyone to participate and support two important initiatives by the Consulate General. First, everyone is invited to view the Consulate’s flower display in the upcoming Hong Kong Flower Show at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, from 10th to 19th March 2023. It is a prime opportunity to showcase Philippine flowers, themes, and festivities for an international audience.
Second, I wish to reiterate our call to all Filipinos to take the time and register as an Overseas
Voter. Registration can be done easily at the Philippine Consulate during the Overseas Voter registration period until 30th September 2024. We strongly urge everyone to submit an application early, avoid the rush at the tail end of the registration period, and, most importantly, ensure that their voices are heard in the selection of the next Philippine government. Don’t forget to bring your Philippine passport and a photocopy when registering.
As Hong Kong regains its vibrancy, it is my utmost wish for the Filipino community to maintain the strong bonds and cooperation that helped it weather the throes of the pandemic. On our part, the Consulate maintains its commitment to delivering efficient and effective public services for our constituents in Hong Kong. Please rest assured that our hardworking men and women of the Consulate are available 24/7 to assist you with all your concerns.
With the coming of spring and our muchawaited return to normalcy, may we all share in the blessings of the new season.
Maraming salamat po!
“FOR CHANGE TO happen in society, we need to start with understanding and empathy,” says Alexander Pforte, Executive Director at Branches of Hope.
Aiming to restore dignity, justice and hope to the vulnerable and marginalised in Hong Kong, Branches of Hope have helped refugees, asylum seekers, and human trafficking survivors for over nine years.
Understanding and empathy is indeed a good start. Visiting their offices in Wan Chai, you instantly get a sense of the dedication and hard work they put into their cause.
“There are many ways a person can become trafficked, even if they arrived in Hong Kong through legitimate means,” shares Michelle Wong, Programme Manager at STOP (Stop Trafficking of People – one of the Branches of Hope initiatives). “Sexual abuse, debt bondage, mistreatment by employers... these are just some of the reasons someone might need assistance.”
Alexander explains that helping victims of trafficking is two-fold; the first aspect being protection. This includes crisis prevention, making sure the victim is safe, providing financial help, access to legal advice, and other vital means of support.
Second is prevention, which includes peer support, access to information through outreach programmes, and workshops (trauma-informed care).
With this approach, Branches of Hope ensures that their clients are given a holistic care programme, and the best chance of conquering their hardship.
Another Branches of Hope initiative is Refugee Opportunity and Development, or ROAD, which sees them working closely with partners to equip, educate, and empower refugees, to become positive and independent contributors to the community.
STOP and ROAD are initiatives under the Branches of Hope umbrella
Refugees and asylum seekers have many barriers to overcome. Not being able to legally work means they have to rely on government welfare; even something as basic as paying rent and buying food can be a challenge without a means of earning money. Not having basic needs met can chip away at one’s dignity and make it challenging to function as a productive member of society.
ROAD helps refugees and asylum seekers not only with financial assistance, but also with applying for permits that may allow them to work.
“We need to make sure they have shelter, food, and that they are safe,” says Niki Wong, Programme Manager of ROAD. The initiative aims to give hope and purpose to people who seek their help. Livelihood workshops, skills-based classes, language tutorials, and many more, seek to embolden and empower their clients and build their confidence.
“There are three pillars that Branches of Hope stand on: client care – where we have effective programmes that provide holistic and immediate care; client empowerment – where we build programmes that help refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking, gain knowledge and skills and know their rights; and lastly, social reform – where we advocate for our clients and their community by raising awareness, and find constructive ways to talk with the government about policy,” says Alexander.
These pillars have served them well, as evidenced by some of their more highprofile cases last year, that involved several Hong Kong residents held by traffickers in Cambodia and Myanmar.
“We had to coordinate with government departments from each of the different countries involved, then when they [the trafficked individuals] returned to Hong Kong, we had to help them to get their cases recognised as trafficking cases, in order to get the appropriate help and support they needed from the government,” shares Michelle. “It wasn’t easy.”
Organisations like Branches of Hope mostly rely on the kindness of the community. Their many workshops are conducted by skilled volunteers who give time to teach; some people offer in-kind donations when there is a need, while others offer event spaces or donate equipment. There are also a number of professionals who offer their services probono, such as legal advice and therapy.
“Helping others isn’t only through financial means or volunteering your time; sharing what we do here at Branches of Hope to your friends will also have an impact,” suggests Alexander. “Anyone can suddenly be a refugee. We can’t say what will happen to us, so it is always good to be good to others. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.”
3527 6048
@BranchesofHopeHK
https://branchesofhope.org.hk/ @BranchesofHopeHK
29 Burrows St, Wan Chai
HELLO PANGYAOS. How are you this 2023? I hope all is well.
Allow me to share two short anecdotes with you. Five years ago, I met these two people while travelling.
The first one is a taxi dispatcher (in front of a mall) in Iloilo City, Philippines, who goes by the name of Apa – undoubtedly a nickname or an alias. His job is to holler at taxis for passengers – like me or you – who are in need of a ride.
When your transport arrives and stops, Apa opens the cab’s hatch for you and sees that you’re seated comfortably inside. He then closes the door, but not before
receiving a few coins from you as a token/ symbol of your gratitude. I was one of the recipients of this good deed; I needed a ride, and he made sure I got one, hence I was happy to reward him for his efforts.
Such is Apa’s way of earning money; not much in terms of amount, but indeed an honourable and honest way to make a living. I asked around and learned that through this occupation, he is not only supporting a brother through school, but also acting as the sole breadwinner in his family.
Sadly, Apa is afflicted with a form of inborn disability. He could not speak well, nor walk straight, and his eyes couldn’t look in the direction they were supposed to. Yet, he acts like none of these are impediments to his daily life. He continues his fight to live; he faces all the challenges thrown at him. He never ceases to be a responsible human being.
He continues his fight to live; he faces all the challenges thrown at him. He also never ceases to be a responsible human being
The second one is an old lady who sells liquid sugar in Chonburi, Thailand. She carries bottles of sweet sap made from sugar palm trees.
Although she’s old, she can hold and balance two loads of a dozen or so 1.5-litre bottles of sap on her shoulder. The lines in the corners of her eyes talk, symbolising a determination to continue working, while the deep marks on her tired hands whisper of her resolve and will to survive.
My Thai colleague spoke with her and learned she has to keep earning money to support a sick husband at home. So, we bought a few bottles from her.
When I observed her closely, I noticed she wasn’t that strong; her hands were shaking, and her knees would need a few minutes to bend slowly before carrying her load again. So, I could only assume that she isn’t so well physically.
Yet, she acts as if these are just parts and slices of life that she must lay aside, because she needs the grit for her fight to live, not only for herself, but also for someone she loves. Like Apa, she also never stops being a responsible human being.
These are two people who have inspired me – much more than any inspirational speaker or lecturer – to face the challenges and hurdles this life propels towards us.
If they – who have reasons to give up – do not despair or surrender, then we (you and I) should be more resilient to live and confront our daily problems. If they – who may seem weak or fragile – are fighting to live and continue to act maturely and responsibly, then we have no reason to crumble and quit when faced with life’s many obstacles. If they – whom some might think are small people through their own prejudice – act so big, then there shouldn’t be any hindrances for us to behave with confidence in our hearts.
Every problem has a solution; we just need to search and find it. If there is no solution, it is not a problem anymore; it becomes part of life that we need to accept.
And while we continue our resilience to solve the problems in life, provided we’re not hurting others in the process, we should be able to live our lives in the manner we want to, accepting other people as they are, regardless of whether they have a different or divergent way of life from our own.
Live and let live. And always be responsible human beings, both in 2023 and in all the years to come.
These two people inspired me five years ago and they continue to do so. I hope your hearts will be stirred and moved too. Cheers, Pangyaos!
BEING IN THE public eye is never easy. Every mistake you make, every misstep is up for scrutiny. Likewise, every success and triumph is shared, celebrated, and looked upon for inspiration. On top of all this, trying to maintain a loving marriage, while still upholding one’s own sense of individuality is, to say the least, a challenge.
Arianne and Jeffrey know a thing or two about being there for each other: as a rock for support, as a stick for stability, and as a team –a united front. “We’re breaking the stereotypes of both of our cultures,” says Jeffrey.
When you first meet Arianne, it feels like you are meeting an old friend. Her welcoming smile and bright eyes put you at ease.
Arianne Mae Ciokon Baldesio, a FilipinoHong Konger, is a teacher working with young children.
Describing her work as “full of joy”, Arianne is clearly passionate about laying the foundations for her students during these all-important formative years. “During COVID, when we had to switch to online learning, I had to make sure the children were still involved,” she shares. “I would dress up, sing songs, and make sure that the kids were fully engaged in the learning process.”
While she already holds a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE), for Arianne, the learning never stops. Her love of teaching continually motivates her to learn; she is currently studying for a Bachelor of Education for Early Childhood Education.
Jeffrey Andrews is the General Manager at the Christian Action Centre for Refugees. He has always been open about his upbringing and the challenges he faced growing up as a Hong Konger of Indian heritage: “When I was young, I had no direction. I got mixed up
with a bad crowd and got into trouble with the law,” he recalls.
That was the wake-up call he needed. “After I was arrested, I had time to think while I sat in that cell. I knew I wanted to do better for my family and for the community,” he adds. Thus began his journey to become the first registered ethnic minority social worker here in the city.
To say that Jeffrey lives a public life is an understatement. From a speech in front of the United Nations to guiding local tourists through Chungking Mansions, from being recognised as one of Manchester United’s global heroes to addressing his clients at the Centre for Refugees, he is never far from the action. A leading voice in the migrant community, he is often tapped to participate in talks and speeches on topics related to ethnic minorities or refugees.
Through life, love, and a shared passion for change, Arianne and Jeffrey are breaking cultural stereotypes and uplifting the ethnic minority community in the process, while keeping their marriage and dreams for each other at the centre of their lives
I saw him playing and thought to myself, ‘he’s so good!’ I could see he was a very passionate player, parang medyo may yabang pa siya ng konti (he even had a little bit of arrogance about him)
- Arianne, teasing Jeffrey about their first meeting in Victoria Park when Jeffrey was playing football
Arianne first met Jeffrey on a football field in Victoria Park in 2012. “I saw him playing and thought to myself, ‘he’s so good!’,” she recollects. “I could see he was a very passionate player, parang medyo may yabang pa siya ng konti,”(he even had a little bit of arrogance about him), she says with a teasing laugh. Jeffrey recalls of that first time they met: “I thought she was cute and I couldn’t stop thinking about her. So, I searched and found her on Facebook”.
They clicked. Exploring their cultural differences only brought them closer together, and to this day, remains one of their most powerful tools in uniting the ethnic minority community.
This shared passion for helping others led to them starting The Minority Initiative HK in 2017, a social group formed alongside a group of ethnic minorities who wanted to make a genuine and positive impact on society.
Independent from NGOs, political parties, religious organisations, or individual influence, The Minority Initiative HK is firmly, “for the people, by the people”. The group is involved in food distribution to the homeless and street cleaners, beach clean-ups, fundraising for various Hong Kong shelters and charities, friendly football matches, music lessons, hosting cross-cultural gettogethers, community impact events, and many more.
- Jeffrey, on his path to becoming Hong Kong’s first ethnic minority social worker
In their partnership – both in life and through their social work – Jeffrey is the heart, while Arianne is the brain; they both give soul and breathe life into whatever they focus on.
Arianne is very organised and detail-oriented. She thinks about the practical matters: “Where should they line up? Do we need name tags? Who do we contact to ask permission? Anything we’re missing? I like putting things in order, it makes for efficiency,” Arianne says. She makes sure the important elements are covered, ensuring everything runs smoothly like a well-oiled machine.
Jeffrey thinks with his emotions. His actions are directed by what help he can offer, by what steps he can take to improve lives.
“Even after work, I am always thinking about my clients and friends. I take phone calls in the early hours of the morning if anyone needs my help. The community is also my family,” he shares.
Jeffrey’s long-held desire is to uplift the ethnic minority community and break away from negative stereotypes, showing Hong Kong the beauty and benefit of an inclusive and diverse society. It is a grand and honourable vision, though it sometimes takes him down an uncertain path.
“I am scared that one day something will happen to Jeff, as his work is not only a job for him,” Arianne says. “I have often told him not to bring his work baggage home as it affects the time we spend together,” she adds. But Jeffrey admits himself this is easier said than done; even after leaving the office, after work calls can run the gamut from arranging dinner and social events to emergency client care.
Asked how they would spend an ideal day together, Jeffrey offers, “I do need to spend
more time doing things alone with Arianne. Not just work things. We went cycling a couple of weeks ago, just the two of us. That was a really nice day – we should make time to do more of that.” Arianne replies, “I really just want to spend time with Jeff, without our phones, and not worrying about each other’s work. Maybe visit the Philippines together, relax and eat.”
“Yes!” says Jeffrey enthusiastically. “My favourite Filipino dish is caldereta!”
“My favourite Indian dish has got to be dosa!” answers Arianne.
For Arianne and Jeffrey, their difference in personalities is their strength. They complement each other and push each other every day to be better.
“My dream for Arianne is for her have her own place to teach children. She is amazing with kids and does things that are above and beyond for them. She has great ideas and I’m sure she will be happy running her own educational centre that is open to all,” says Jeffrey.
In reply, Arianne shares her dream for Jeffrey, “I want him to be a father someday. Due to a lot of circumstances in our life at this moment, this is not ideal for us just yet. But someday. I know he will be a good father because he has a lot of love in his heart to give”.
After I was arrested, I had time to think while I sat in that cell. I knew I wanted to do better for my family and for the community
Many thanks to our prize sponsors:
IRA GREW UP in Sri Lanka surrounded by fond memories of food. She recalls coming home after school around the same time her Dad was returning from his government job; just before heading to her after-school tutorial, her Mum would prepare a simple but tasty curry over rice for them to share.
“We had rice three times a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We very rarely had bread; the times that we did it felt like a birthday cake!” laughs Ira. You can try a great selection of Sri Lankan dishes freshly prepared by Ira at The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant on Lamma Island. For Pangyao, she shares her recipe for watakolu curry, a popular dish in Sri Lankan households and one of her personal favourites.
Watakolu – better known as ridged gourd or sponge gourd in English – is a nutritious green vegetable that is both high in fibre and low in calories.
The vegetable itself is only edible while still unripe; the ripe gourd is so fibrous that it can be used as a natural loofah.
The taste of watakolu is quite mild, so it is best cooked in a sauce. Homemade watakolu curry is a staple in the Sri Lankan countryside, where the vegetable is grown in abundance.
Made with a coconut milk base, watakolu curry takes less than 10 minutes to cook, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
• 1 watakolu, peeled but leaving most skin on, cut into spears
• 4 cloves garlic
• ¾ of a red onion
• 4 green chillies
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 10 curry leaves
• 400ml coconut milk
• 100ml water
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp Ira’s special homemade curry powder mix (you can use any curry powder mix)
• ½ tsp ground fenugreek seeds
• salt to taste
1. Add the cooking oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, sauté the garlic, onion, chillies, ginger, and curry leaves together to release the flavours, for about 2 minutes. Add the turmeric and curry powder and mix well
2. Add the watakolu and mix it in well, then add the coconut milk and water. Cook for about 3 minutes until the watakolu is translucent
3. Finally, add the ground fenugreek seeds and salt to taste. Serve over warm rice
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
IN FILIPINO CULTURE, dance plays an important role. From ritualistic tribal dances like Banga and Singkil to Spanishinfluenced folk dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw and Cariñosa, dance has long been a way of expressing spirituality, courtship, and coming together as a community.
For 30 years, Sol Ramel, founder of Filipino Image Society (FIS), has been choreographing Filipino folk and modern dances here in Hong Kong.
“Mula 1993, sa dami ng aming mga napunatahan na mga events and concerts, hindi ko mabilang kung naka ilang performance na kami” (From 1993, we have been to so many events and concerts, I can’t count the number of performances we have done since then), Sol shares. FIS is often tapped to take part in a wide range of cultural events hosted by local Hong Kong organisations, Filipino community groups, and even the Philippine Consulate.
Over the years, Sol and her group have performed alongside numerous famous Filipino celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, Tina Paner, Manilyn Reynes, Bert Mercado, and Sarah Geronimo, amongst many others. But has she ever felt nervous dancing in front of people? “Kapag mga dancers na matagal nang sumasayaw sa stage, may self-confidence na sila. Kapag malalaking events, we see to it na mahabang panahon ang pagrerehearsal namin. Dito medyo
More than just dancing (right): Filipino Image Society doesn’t only focus on dance; it also takes part in a wide range of social work, both in Hong Kong and back in the Philippines Photos provided by Sol Ramel
(If dancers have been performing for a long time, they build self-confidence)
- Sol Ramel, founder of Filipino Image Society
ninenerbyos nang konti at kailangan sige lang ang practice.” (If the dancers have been performing for a long time, they build selfconfidence. If we have to perform for a big event, we see to it that we give plenty of time for rehearsals. This is where we have a bit of jitters and we need to keep practising).
Dancing is not the only focus of FIS; helping the less fortunate in the Philippines has been at the heart of their group since the beginning. Their social work initiatives over the years have included organisation of food drives, fun events for the elderly and disabled children, helping domestic workers in distress, and more recently, distribution of COVID-19 protective gear, to name but a few.
Whenever Sol goes back to the Philippines, one of the best parts of her trip is visiting a home for children with disabilities and mental health conditions, which FIS has worked with over the years. “Kapag makita na ako ng mga bata, nako sobrang tuwa nila. Yayakapin nila ako at makikita mo sa kanilang mga ngiti at mukha ang kanilang tuwa,” (When the children see me, their happiness
is evident. They hug me and you can see the excitement in their smiles and faces), Sol says with a smile. She adds, “Sarap ng pakiramdam at nakakagalak sa kalooban ko kapag nakikita kong nag-eenjoy ang mga bata.” (It feels really good and brings joy to my heart when I see the children enjoying themselves).
The goals of Filipino Image Society remain unchanged; they have found the perfect balance between helping oneself and helping others. As for how Sol keeps the positivity alive in her life, she muses, “You will not be able to please everyone, so respect the people around you, even if they think differently than you. Surround yourself with people who love you and believe in yourself. You can do anything, konting tiyaga lang!” (you just need a little perseverance!).
THREE GENERATIONS OF hard work, talent, and grit of a family of legendary Filipino fighters are the inspiration behind Verano Boxing Club (VBC)
Starting with their grandfather, a skilled Judo and Arnis (a traditional Filipino form of martial arts) fighter, and their father, who holds a black belt in Karate, the next generation of Veranos are now ready to bring their unique and highly effective style of boxing to Hong Kong.
Jake “Shark” Verano, head coach at VBC, speaks of the rigorous training he underwent from a young age: at only 6 years old, his father would wake him at 6 o’clock in the morning and make him practice with a punching bag, all before breakfast or school.
Back then, they didn’t have the luxury of hand wraps or boxing gloves, so Jake did all his training with his bare hands. Despite this often resulting in bloodied and bruised fists, Jake credits the regime with helping make his punches harder, and his fists stronger. He would train at least twice a day, several times a week.
Elite athletes in the Philippines face many hurdles; government and private sector facilities are limited, funding is scarce, and professional or experienced coaches are hard to come by.
Many budding fighters are forced to make do with what they have: making barbells using water jugs or concrete, building punching bags from denim jeans, or sacks filled with sand or rice hulls. However, such challenges build strength of character, producing strong, gritty, wellgrounded boxers who are true to their roots.
For Jake, boxing also offered a path to escaping poverty in the Philippines. Born with innate talent, he and his siblings – Jon Rae, Jared, and Marnelle – all pursued a career in boxing, going on to hold multiple championship titles between them, and helping their families live a better life in the process. “Kahit mahirap ang daan, kahit minsan nawawalan ako ng inspirasyong magtraining, tuloy lang. Laban lang,” (Even when the road is difficult, even when sometimes I lose the inspiration to train, just keep going. Keep fighting), Jake shares.
- Jake Verano, VBC co-founder & head coach
After retiring from professional boxing, Jake switched his focus to coaching, bringing over 22 years of knowledge and experience with him to VBC. His training style is strength and focus: “Mag-uumpisa tayo sa basics – footwork, strength – pagkatapos yung pagmaster ng mga skills ng boxing,” (We will start with the basics – footwork, strength – then we continue on the mastery of boxing skills), he says with a confident smile.
“Hong Kong is still young in terms of boxing,” he continues, “there are a lot of talented boxers here.” Alongside the talented team at VBC, Jake’s aim is to help these budding fighters realise their full potential. His brother, Jon Rae, is also on the coaching team; Jon Rae has won a number of Super Bantamweight national fights in the Philippines, with a total of 40 professional BoxRec fights under his belt (BoxRec is a website database holding updated records of professional and amateur boxers).
Local star Raymond Poon, WBC Asia Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion, and WBC & ABF Asian Boxing Council Continental Light Flyweight Champion, also helps with coaching the next generation of Hong Kong fighters at VBC. “Jake’s training style was a welcome change from the previous styles I was taught,” shares Raymond, “I have learnt a lot and I look forward to continuing my journey with Jake.” >
Images (clockwise from top-left):
• Verano brothers Jared, Jake, and Jon Rae
• Professional boxer and coach Raymond Poon
• VBC offers one-on-one and group classes
• Mural of Verano family by Elsa Jeandedieu
• Bright and modern changing rooms
• VBC’s spacious and fully equipped gym
• Championship belts won by the Verano family and team over the years
• VBC’s 22ft international standard boxing ring
Kahit mahirap ang daan, kahit minsan nawawalan ako ng inspirasyong magtraining,
Jake Verano
Super Bantamweight Champion (Philippines Games and Amusement Board) 2007
Coach to the champions, including multi-title holder Rex “The Wonder Kid” Tso, Fredirex Rodriguez, Crison Omayao, Marnelle Verano Panes and Raymond Poon
Marnelle Verano Panes
WIBA Super Flyweight World Champion 2015
Jon Rae Verano
Super Bantamweight national contender in Mindanao, 40 professional bouts
Raymond Poon
WBC Youth Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
WBC Asia Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
WBC & ABF Asian Boxing Council Continental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
Although boxing is a combat sport, it’s a great form of exercise, even if you don’t plan on stepping into the ring yourself. The variety in training makes every session interesting and engaging; boxing exercises include movement drills to evade punches, as well as punching drills on equipment like speed bags, focus mitts, and heavy bags (VBC has the only running bag on a moving track in Hong Kong, custom-made in the Philippines for their gym). In addition, boxing workout programs involve conditioning exercises, such as jumping rope, cardio, and weights.
VBC offers a range of group classes and personal training to suit every level, including a comprehensive daily training schedule and oneon-one sessions, tailored to the needs and abilities of the individual. The bright, spacious gym has a diverse array of equipment to train with, including an international standard 22ft boxing ring, set as the centrepiece in their impressive, open plan space. Standing in the middle of the ring immediately lends a feeling of exhilaration and anticipation.
Training for the sport is not just a means to improve physical fitness, but also a great way to challenge your mind, and overcome your fears. Jake recalls how his father would take him to the Sunday markets in Valencia City, Bukidnon, “Hahanap sya ng mga makakasparring ko, minsan mga batang mas malalaki pa sa akin. Sa umpisa ayoko pa, pero alam ko na para din ito sa ikakabuti ng aking pagboboxing,” (He looked for children I could spar with, sometimes they were even bigger than me. I was hesitant in the beginning, but I knew it was to make me better at boxing).
Having the gym was the Verano family dream, and the hard life they lived in the Philippines shaped them. Although the training Jake was given when he was young was tough, he is grateful for it. Now it’s his turn to share his knowledge and fighting spirit with the stars of the future.
Shop 23, 1/F, Two Artlane, 1 Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun
2817 8308
veranoboxingclub.com
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In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, with a multitude of tasks always vying for our attention, feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression have become increasingly common. For migrants and refugees living away from family and loved ones, the sense of having no one to turn to can often amplify such feelings. Pangyao talks to Dr. Mike Manio, MD, MHPed, Phd in Vascular Phamacology, on how to identify such conditions and ensure you have access to the help and support that you need
HAVING PROVIDED HEALTHCARE to Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) for many years, Dr. Mike Manio has witnessed plenty of cases of stress getting out of hand and manifesting into physical symptoms. “I have seen a lot of our kababayans who have struggled with their work and other problems, and these events have led to stress,” Dr. Mike shares.
There are three types of stress: acute, subacute or episodic acute, and chronic. Understanding the difference can help with easing symptoms and finding the most appropriate treatment.
Acute stress occurs when an immediate event causes your heart rate and blood pressure to rise. Being involved in an accident, getting terminated by your employer, or an unexpected life crisis, are all types of acute stress.
The sense of emergency that acute stress evokes can trigger symptoms such as migraines, chest or back pain, feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, and even gut problems. However, these symptoms don’t usually last long, and tend to subside once the stress eases.
Subacute or episodic acute stress is when the stress occurs more often. While the symptoms are similar to acute stress, they may be experienced on a more regular basis and start to accumulate. For example, dealing with a hostile or angry person on a regular basis can make you feel tense, anxious, or angry in anticipation of such exchanges. If left unchecked or
poorly managed, episodic acute stress can contribute to serious illnesses like heart disease or clinical depression.
Chronic stress can be described as a constant grind that can wear people down over months or even years. It can occur as a result of serious life problems, some of which may be fundamentally beyond our control, such as poverty, a chronic illness, or experiencing severe discrimination.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by unrelenting demands and you don’t know how or when they will stop, you may be suffering from chronic stress. It is important to seek help and not blame yourself – blame will only grind you down further and can lead to further mental and physical problems.
“It is easy to turn to vices like alcohol, unhealthy food, or drugs when we want to self-soothe our stress,” says Dr. Mike, “That’s why it is important that we take steps to help us deal with such feelings.” Turn the page for Dr. Mike’s advice for dealing with stress. >
Right: Dr. Mike (centre) visits the newly opened Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFW) Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Pampanga, Philippines
Dr. Mike Manio, MD, MHPed, Phd in Vascular Phamacology, is the founder of Domestic Workers Empowerment Programme (DWEP) and is currently a faculty member at HKU Medicine. Originally from the Philippines, he is currently based in Hong Kong
Having a friend to lean on in times of need does wonders for unloading stress. Talking through your problems, even if it doesn’t lead to a solution, helps to ease the emotional burden. This also applies in reverse; if you have a friend who needs a sympathetic ear, remember to listen patiently and avoid judgement
NAMAKU INTAN. Aku adalah salah satu
dari puluhan ribu wanita Indonesia yang
mengadu nasib menjadi pekerja migran di Hong Kong. Aku belum menikah dan tahun
ini adalah tahun ke enam aku tinggal di sini.
Dulu cita-citaku adalah bisa melanjutkan
sekolah hingga ke perguruan tinggi setelah
tamat SMA, menjadi guru atau pegawai negeri
setelahnya, tapi impian itu seperti mustahil
bagiku. Ayahku hanya seorang buruh tani
musiman, Ibuku hanya berjualan kue keliling
untuk membantu ayah. Kehidupan keluarga
kami sangatlah sederhana. Untuk makan
sehari-hari, nasi yang kami masak adalah
jatah yang diperoleh ayah sebagai buruh
tani. Sedangkan lauk yang kami makan juga
sangat sederhana: tahu, tempe dan sayuran
yang dipetik dari pekarangan rumah sendiri.
Aku mempunyai 2 adik perempuan, yang satu
duduk di bangku SMP dan satunya lagi masih
duduk di bangku SD. Orang tua kami seringkali
terlambat membayar biaya sekolah hingga
mendapatkan teguran dari pihak sekolah.
Rumah kami pun juga sangat sederhana.
Rumah peninggalan orang tua ayah yang
bangunannya sudah tua dan kalau musim
hujan tiba kami harus menebar ember atau
mangkok di mana-mana untuk menadah air
By Yunia Prastiwikarena memang genteng-gentengnya sudah pada bocor. Karena semua alasan itulah, aku kubur dalam-dalam cita-citaku. Aku berniat merantau ke Hong Kong untuk membantu ekonomi keluargaku dan juga supaya kedua adikku bisa melanjutkan sekolahnya.
Singkat cerita setelah tamat SMA aku langsung mendaftarkan diriku ke salah satu PJTKI di Surabaya. Empat bulan kemudian, akhirnya aku diberangkatkan ke Hong Kong. Rasa cemas dan khawatir tentu saja ada karena ini adalah pengalaman pertamaku bekerja di luar negeri. Job pertamaku menjaga nenek. Tidurku satu kamar bersama nenek, aku di ranjang atas dan nenek di ranjang bawah. Selain nenek, di rumah itu ada tuan, nyonya dan 1 anak mereka yang sudah SMP. Kendala bahasa itu yang paling aku rasakan di awal kedatanganku, aku tidak bisa menangkap apa yang mereka katakan dengan jelas. Sering kali aku mengerjakan sesuatu salah karena
In collaboration with TCK Learning Centre for Migrant Workers
kurangnya kemampuan komunikasi yang aku
miliki hingga terkadang ekspresi marah pun aku
dapat kan dari wajah mereka. Aku pun terkadang juga merasa sedih, menahan tangis, tapi apa boleh buat aku harus bertahan dan berjuang
demi orang-orang yang aku cintai. Bahkan ketika orang tuaku meneleponku, tak pernah sedikit pun kuceritakan kesedihanku. Aku berusaha menutupi semuanya karena tak ingin mereka khawatir, aku
bercerita bahwa aku baik-baik saja. Lambat laun akhirnya aku pun mulai paham dengan apa yang mereka katakan dan kemampuan komunikasiku pun meningkat. Aku menjadi betah tinggal bersama keluarga majikan hingga kontrak ke tiga ini pun aku masih tinggal bersama mereka. Aku sangat senang ketika aku mulai bisa berkirim uang sedikit demi sedkit untuk keluargaku di rumah. Aku sangat senang ketika kedua adikku bisa bersekolah dengan lancar dan perlahan-lahan rumah tua kami pun terbenahi. Rasa lelah yang aku derita tidak percuma demi orang-orang yang aku cintai.
Di Hong Kong ini majikan memberikanku libur setiap hari Minggu. Aku senang bergabung dengan komunitas-komunitas belajar untuk menambah ilmu, juga teman. Aku belajar Bahasa Inggris, menjahit, komputer, rias, juga ilmu tentang bagaimana mengatur keuangan kita dengan baik. Aku berharap ilmu-ilmu itu akan berguna untukku ketika aku sudah kembali
ke tanah air yang kunantikan. Pertemuanku dengan banyak teman juga sangat menambah pengalamanku. Aku jadi belajar beradaptasi dengan teman dari berbagai daerah, berbagai latar belakang dan budaya yang berbeda, dan itu menjadikanku lebih open minded. Aku sangat senang ketika mereka mau berbagi tentang pengalaman hidup mereka, tentang rintangan hidup yang pernah mereka lalui dan bagaimana cara mereka memandang dan mengatasi itu semua hingga bisa bertahan sampai saat ini. Banyak dari pengalaman hidup mereka yang lebih menyedihkan dari pada aku hingga terkadang aku terharu dan menangis mendengarnya. Kehidupan di Hong Kong telah memberikanku banyak nilai kehidupan, yang mungkin nilai-nilai ini justru tak ada di bangku kuliah. Aku pun menjadi sadar, ketika harapan tak sesuai kenyataan, ketika apa yang kita inginkan tidak kita dapatkan, yakinlah bahwa itu bukan berarti suatu kegagalan, tapi karena Tuhan punya rencana yang lebih baik untuk kita dan ingin kita menjadi orang yang lebih bijaksana dalam kehidupan ini. Meski cita-citaku dulu tak terwujud, tapi kini aku sangat bersyukur karena aku telah membahagiakan orang-orang
yang aku cintai dan justru aku memiliki banyak sekali pengalaman karena merantau di Hong Kong. Aku yakin semua pengalaman dan ilmu yang aku dapatkan disini akan sangat membantu dalam perjalanan hidupku selanjutnya. Terimakasih Hong Kong.
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aileen@pangyao.hk
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