THINK WITH YOUR HEAD NOT JUST YOUR HEART
Don’t let romance scams ruin your Valentine’s Day!
Issue 20
Feb / Mar ‘25
Editors:
Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner
Lead writer:
Aileen Alonzo-Hayward Front cover:
Photo from Pangyaos fifth anniversary celebration at KFBG
Design: Martin Turner (based on original template designed by Steve Ellul of Cedar Hong Kong)
Special thanks: Lie Fhung
HI PANGYAOS!
True romance? Pathfinders and ADCC raise aware of love scams
MWO-OWWA
Conversation
Know your Pangyao: Yuni Andarwati
Pangyao talks to a prominent Indonesian influencer
Sunday Vibes 2.0
Caritas
Consul General Yul
Con
Here we are at issue 20 – what a nice round number to start the Lunar New Year with! 2025 marks the year of the Wood Snake, which, according to Feng Shui masters, is the time to explore things. It is also a time of transformation and growth, like a snake shedding its old skin. So, out with the old and in with the new!
In this issue we focus on romance scams, how to recognise and avoid falling victim to them; check out our Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden feature where we discuss their “Connection To Nature” programme and what they are doing for the MDW community; we showcase the new MWOOWWA Global Centre – a world first government-run centre for Filipino migrant workers – and its impact in the community; Philippine Consulate General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan gives us her final message to the community as her tenure here in Hong Kong ends in March; and many more.
We wish you a prosperous and peaceful year ahead!
& Martin
Consul General
Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan’s message for Hong Kong’s Filipino community
I WISH TO convey my warmest greetings to the officers, staff, and readers of Pangyao magazine.
2025 is the year of the Wood Snake which represents wisdom, transformation, and personal growth.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong enters 2025 with renewed enthusiasm and eagerness to provide timely and efficient services to its clientele. It also renews its steadfast commitment to promote the rights and welfare of more than 226,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong.
This year is the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. To celebrate this very important milestone, the Philippine Consulate General will be staging various events in Hong Kong.
We will be joining the Hong Kong Flower Show this March, with the theme “PhilippinesChina: 50 Years of Golden Friendship”. In June, the Consulate will stage three back-to-back events, the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Reception, the Migrant Workers Day and the Kapangyawan Friendship Festival.
There will also be other events throughout the year that will showcase the dynamic PH-China Relations.
As I end my tour of duty in March of this year, I will take with me the memories of great friendships, skillful collaborations and the image of world-class Filipinos in Hong Kong. Pangyao Magazine had been a strong partner of the Philippine Consulate in promoting its programs and activities for the Filipino community in
Hong Kong. It has become a reliable print resource for the Filipino community and a media arm for the Consulate.
I thank Pangyao Magazine, particularly Ms. Aileen Alonzo-Hayward and Mr. Martin Turner, for the cooperation and support that was extended to me and the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
I wish everyone good health, happiness, and prosperity this 2025! Until we meet again.
Maraming Salamat po! Mabuhay!
PHLinHK
hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph
Don’t take the bait: Beware of catfishing scams
THERE ARE MANY reasons why people from developing countries may consider working overseas; lack of good job opportunities in their home country, being the sole breadwinner of the family, and/or motivation to provide loved ones with a better future are just some of the most common.
Such a decision is, of course, not without its challenges; being away from family, adapting to a new culture, feeling overwhelmed with work or debt, and the loneliness of living in a new country are all factors to take into consideration.
It is truly human to seek connections; a desire for companionship and searching for that special someone, to maybe build a future with, is within our nature. But a combination of homesickness, culture-shock, loneliness, stress, and other factors can also make those living abroad more susceptible to unscrupulous scammers and catfishing.
What is catfishing?
The act of catfishing is when a person creates a fictitious online identity or persona, usually on social media, using deceptive techniques to lure unsuspecting victims into what they believe to be a romantic relationship. The true goal of these scammers, however, is something very different – by gaining their trust, these criminals find ways to steal money from their victims or involve them – often unknowingly – in more serious financial crimes, such as money laundering.
The term catfish came from an American 2010 documentary, Catfish, where a young man was duped by a married, middle-aged woman
into believing he was having a relationship with a younger single woman. The woman’s husband recounts a story about live cod being exported from Alaska alongside catfish, fooling the cod into being more alert (due to the perceived threat of the catfish), thus increasing their chances of survival on the journey. He compared this to people – like his wife – who keep others on their toes.
As AI (artificial intelligence) becomes more prevalent, catfishing has become increasingly sophisticated, such as scammers generating fake images or even videos to deceive victims into thinking they are speaking to a real person. In fact, it is not only individuals who have fallen for these tricks – even major corporations have fallen victim to such scams, sometimes resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
“Nasa mga 62 years old na siya, pero may hitsura pa rin naman siya base sa mga litrato na pinadala niya sa akin,” [He was already 62 years old, and he looked good based on the photos he sent me] says Rutchelle, a 45-year old migrant domestic worker (MDW) who has worked in Hong Kong for 5 years. She met a businessman named ‘Seth Thomas’ through social media last year.
“May natanggap na ako noon na mga message na alam kong scammer, kasi minsan hindi kapanipaniwala ang kanilang kwento, bago lang ang kanilang Facebook page, o sobrang gwapo nila sa picture,” [I have received messages before that I know are scammers, their stories are unbelievable, their Facebook page has been made only recently, or because they are too handsome in the photos] Rutchelle says with a laugh.
Migrant workers are particularly susceptible to love scams due to their stress at work, being far away from family, and limited social support networks. As a result, many migrant workers turn to online dating platforms and social media to seek companionship and emotional support. These platforms provide a sense of connection and belonging for migrant workers who may feel isolated and lonely in a foreign country. However, this search for love can also make them vulnerable to exploitation by scammers.
“Kay Seth, akala ko talaga ay nakahanap na ako ng pag-ibig. Bukod sa araw-araw na mga messages, tumatawag din siya sa akin. Kinuwento niya sa akin kung paano siya naghirap ipagtaguyod ang kanyang hardware store sa Canada, kung bakit siya iniwan ng misis niya, at lagi niya din akong kinukumusta, kung kumain na baa ko, kung nasa mabuting kalagayan magulang ko sa Pinas. Napakabait niya, at pagkatapos lamang ng apat na buwan, nararamdaman kong nahuhulog na ang loob ko sa kanya,” [With Seth, I really thought I had found love. Aside from our daily messaging, he also called me on the phone. He told me stories about himself, how he went through hardships building and growing his hardware store in Canada, about why his wife divorced him. And he always asked me how I was doing, whether I had eaten, or how my parents were doing in the Philippines. He was so nice, so after just 4 months of chatting, I was falling in love with him] shares Rutchelle.
These criminals build trust and intimacy with their victims over time. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer fabricates a crisis or emergency situation that requires financial assistance. In some cases, scammers may also request personal information or engage in identity theft.
“Isang araw, tumawag si Seth mangiyak ngiyak pa boses niya, nagkaroon daw ng sunog sa shop niya, nagpadala pa siya ng litrato ng nasunugan na gusali. Sabi niya na okay naman daw siya at i-cover daw ng insurance niya yung mga na sira at nawala na paninda niya
sa sunog. Kaya lang habang hinihintay niya ang payout galing sa insurance, kailangan daw niya magbayad ng fee para sa isang private investigator ng halagang CN$2,000, o humigit ng mga HK$10,000 at kung pwede kong ipahiram sa kanya. Dito na ako medyo nag-alinlagan,” [One day, Seth called, there was a sense of urgency in his voice, he said his store burned down and sent me a photo of a burnt building. He told me he was physically okay and that his insurance will cover all the damages and lost inventory. But while waiting for the insurance payout, he needed me to lend him CN$2,000, a little over HK$10,000 to cover a private investigator fee. This is where I became suspicious] she says.
The impact of love scams on migrant workers in Hong Kong can be devastating. Not only do victims experience financial losses, but they may also suffer from emotional trauma, social isolation, and a sense of betrayal. Many victims of love scams feel ashamed and embarrassed about being deceived, which can further prevent them from seeking help or support.
“Sinabi ko sa kanya na hindi ko pwedeng gamitin ang savings ko at kung meron siyang ibang kaibigan na pwede munang
One day, Seth called, there was a sense of urgency in his voice, he said his store burned down and sent me a photo of a burnt building. He told me he was physically okay and that his insurance will cover all the damages and lost inventory. But while waiting for the insurance payout, he needed me to lend him CN$2,000, a little over HK$10,000 to cover a private investigator fee. This is where I became suspicious - Rutchelle
paghiraman. Talagang pinipilit niya na ako lang daw makakatulong at ibabalik niya kaagad plus may konting dagdag pa, pero iginiit ko na yung savings ko lang ang pera ko at hindi ko siya matutulungan. Nagalit siya, ang daming niyang sinabi pa kesyo sinasayang ko daw oras niya, kaya nabuo ang loob ko na scam nga ito. Kaya kahit masakit sa puso at isipan ko nang panahon na iyon, binabaan ko siya ng telepono. Message siya ng message, pero hindi ko na sinagot,” [I told him I can’t use my savings and asked if he had other friends he can lend money from. He was very insistent that I was the only one who could help him, and was reassuring me that he would pay me back with interest as soon as possible. I pointedly told him that that was my only money in my savings and that I couldn’t help him. He got angry and said so many things, telling me that I was wasting his time. This is what convinced me that he was a scammer. So, even though it hurt my heart and mind at the time, I hung up. He
kept messaging for a few days, but I ignored him] shares Rutchelle.
Love scams pose a significant threat to the financial and emotional well-being of not only MDWs but everyone in Hong Kong. Education and awareness campaigns by the Anti-Deception and Coordination Centre (ADCC) and their partners are helping raise awareness about the risks of love scams and empowering individuals to protect themselves from exploitation. Understanding more about the various ways these scammers operate, along with being cautious about your actions and behaviour online, can prevent you from becoming the next victim.
Remember, think with your head, not just your heart. Subscribe to scam notifications:
Umiwas sa labis na pangungutang.
HUWAG magbayad sa iyong ahensyang pang-empleyo sa pamamagitan ng pag-utang mula sa anumang pangpinansyal na kumpanya na nagpapautang kahit na hilingin ito ng ahensya.
Umiwas sa “palipat-lipat ng trabaho”. Ang mga aplikasyon sa pagpalit ng tagapag-empleyo habang umiiral ang kasalukuyang kontrata ay hindi aaprubahan maliban nalang kung mayroon mga pambihirang pangyayari. Ang pag-abuso sa pagpapaaga ng pagwakas ng kontrata ay posibleng magresulta ng hindi matagumpay na aplikasyon ng iyong bisa sa hinaharap.
Gumanap lamang ng mga tungkuling pantahanan para sa sambahayan ng iyong tagapag-empleyo sa kinaroroonan na nakasaad sa kontrata. HUWAG manilbihan sa ibang tao bukod sa iyong tagapagempleyo.
Ikaw ay binigyan ng libreng tutuluyan sa pamamahay ng iyong tagapagempleyo sa kinaroroonan na nakasaad sa kontrata, at dito ka lang maaaring tumira. Ang aplikasyon ng iyong bisa sa hinaharap ay maaring tanggihan kung ikaw ay tumira sa ibang lugar kahit na pinayagan o binayaran ito ng iyong tagapag-empleyo.
HUWAG tumanggap ng iligal na trabaho o orasan na trabaho kahit na pinayagan o pinakiusapan ka ng iyong tagapag-empleyo o ahensya na gawin ito.
Ang paglabag sa mga kundisyon ng iyong pananatili ay magdudulot sa iyo ng pananagutan sa pag-uusig at pagdeporta.
Orasan?
Iparenta
MWO-OWWA OFW Global Centre: tahanan ng mga OFW
By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
Original photos by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
FOR MANY YEARS, since overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) started coming to Hong Kong in the 1970s, they have oftentimes found refuge and a place to hang out with their community on the streets of Central and Admiralty. Every Sunday, little cardboard abodes are set up on the sidewalks, skyways, and streets around Chater Road in Central. Here, they rest, eat, nap, spend time on their hobbies, sing karaoke, and do what they need to unwind until they have to return to their employer’s house.
But there are times when the weather makes staying outdoors with little shelter a challenge; summers in Hong Kong can be brutal. Unbearable humidity levels (up to 100%), coupled with high temperatures (up to 35.9 degrees Celsius), can increase the risk of heat stroke and dehydration; the May to November typhoon season also accounts for 80% of annual rainfall in the territory.
Winters are surprisingly easier to manage; at least the OFWs can try to wrap up warm with layers and blankets as best as they can. “Basta hindi lang umulan, okay naman kami dito kapag winter. Nagsusuot nalang kami ng makakapal na jacket at naglalayers nalang. Minsan may konting tagay, pampainit ba,” [As long as it doesn’t rain, we are okay here in the winter. We just wear thicker jackets and put on layers of clothes. Sometimes, we have a little drink to warm ourselves up] laughs Linda (not her real name), an OFW who spends time with friends on the Central walkways during most of her Sundays.
Since 1994, a lot of migrant groups also hold events, workshops, and classes at The Hong Kong Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre, run by the Hong Kong Bayanihan Trust, a nonprofit organisation originally formed by a group of Filipino businessmen.
The centre has many facilities, including an auditorium, classrooms, library, music room, and even a cinema. It has been – and continues to be – an integral part of the Filipino community for more than 40 years. “Ang pinakagusto namin sa pagamit
sa Bayanihan Centre ay convenient at accessible sa mga iba’t ibang transportation. Approachable and very accommodating sina Ma’am Tess at mga volunteers,” [What we really like about using Bayanihan Centre is the convenience and how accessible it is by different modes of transport. Ma’am Tess and their volunteers are approachable and very accommodating] says Ofelia P. Baquirin, President of United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association (UMELA).
“Mula 2008, sa Bayanihan Centre naming ginaganap ang aming mga workshops tulad ng meat processing, ribbon folding, bead crafting, at massage therapy,” [Since 2008, Bayanihan Centre is where we have held our workshops including meat processing, ribbon folding, bead crafting, and massage therapy] shares Ms. Ofelia.
However, with such a large migrant worker population in the city, in terms of designated places for OFWs to just sit and enjoy their rest days, the options are very limited.
This was something that struck Overseas Workers’ Welfare Adminstration (OWWA) Admin Arnell Ignacio during his visits to Hong Kong: “Nakikita ko ang mga kababayan natin na nakaupo sa daan, masaya naman sila, pero talagang naantig ang aking puso kapag nakikita ko sila,” [I see our fellow Filipinos sat on the streets, they seem happy, but it really touches my heart when I see them] he said during his speech at the OWWA Migrant Worker’s Day on 2nd June 2024.
There was a need for a safe, sheltered space for the community, and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) has heeded this. In close coordination with the officials at OWWA and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), plans to open the very first government-run OFW centre in the world were set in motion, after a suitable space was identified last year on 18/F, United Centre, Admiralty (the same building as the existing PCG, OWWA and MWO offices). >
by Aileen Alonzo-Hayward
“There were a lot of moving parts that had to come together perfectly before we could even dream about opening the centre,” says Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog, affectionately known as WelOf Malou in the Filipino community. “Talks were held with the Hong Kong government about leasing these premises to OWWA, and talks with the property landlord as well. We are so lucky to have the support of Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan,” she adds.
The cost of renovating and furnishing an office space in Hong Kong is expensive, especially somewhere as spacious as the aptly named MWO-OWWA OFW Global Centre – 1,925 square metres to be exact. Luckily, the previous tenant was a law firm who agreed to leave all
There were a lot of moving parts that had to come together perfectly before we could even dream about opening the centre.
Talks were held with the Hong Kong government about leasing these premises to OWWA, and talks with the property landlord as well. We are so lucky to have the support of Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan
- Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog
their office furnishings like office chairs, desks, whiteboards, and tables, and some of their office equipment like projectors, speakers, and fire-proof, high-density mobile shelving units.
Savings have been made through rent and government stamp duty as well. “We negotiated with the landlord and they gave us four rent-free months to allow time for clean-up and renovation works. They also gave us a sizeable deduction on the monthly rent, down from HKD 900,000 to HKD 611,000 per month. The Hong Kong government has also waived the stamp duty rates for the premises,” shares WelOf Malou.
The successful soft opening of the MWOOWWA OFW Global Centre took place on
Photos
24th November 2024. The event included a blessing and dedication ceremony officiated by Fr. Jay Flandez, which an estimated 1,000 people attended.
Senior officials from the OWWA Head Office in Manila were in attendance, including Atty. Edelyn A. Dungan-Claustro, Dir. Herminigildo D. Mendoza, and Dir. Ronald A. Mina. PCG officials, headed by Consul General Germinia A. Aguilar-Usudan, stood alongside MWO Labor Attache Atty. Melchor B. Dizon to give their blessings to the new centre and greet the attendees, who included representatives from non-governmental organisations, the business sector, and leaders from the Filipino community.
The event showcased performances from different community groups, while visitors were treated to a lunch of Filipino food. Additionally, a completion ceremony was held for 311 individuals who successfully completed 10 OWWA Training Programs, including courses in Basic Computer Literacy, Cantonese Language, Basic Baking, Basic Manicure, Nail Art & Gel Art, Hair & Beauty Culture, Basic Massage Therapy, Barista Skills, Caring for the Elderly, Dressmaking, and Bridal Makeup & Styling.
“This centre has been a once-upon-a-time dream by OFWs, not only in Hong Kong, but all over the world. They really wanted to have a tahanan, or home, kung saan matatawag nilang sa kanila [which they can call their own],” shared WelOf Malou during the soft opening.
A prominent feature of the space is the Migrant’s Brew, a café lounge where Filipinos can come in for free cups of coffee and a biscuit. It is a spacious, comfortable, and welcoming space where OFWs can sit and chat with friends, read a book, work on their laptops, or just take some time out for themselves to relax. The renovation is still underway, but once the centre is fully functional, it will include a wide range of facilities for OFWs: workshop rooms, medical clinic, counselling section, games area, gym, a sizeable multi-purpose hall, and even napping quarters.
The total capacity, which includes all the amenities, will be 1,780 people, which gives an idea of the scale of the premises. The full renovation is expected to be completed throughout the course of 2025, though parts of the centre are already operational and being utilised for workshops, offices, and community events. >
Clockwise from top-right: Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan with Chairman of Global Alliance Leo Selomenio; Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog speaking at the Meet & Greet of the new MWO-OWWA OFW Global Centre; OWWA staff in the reception area of the new centre (Photos by AJ Visuals)
We have been waiting for a place like this. Where we can relax and enjoy a coffee or two. Aside from emergency shelters, the community also needs a recreational space. In my 15 years of working in Hong Kong, I feel lucky to experience and enjoy these facilities
- Evelyn, a Hong Kong-based OFW, discussing the new OFW Global Centre
Although the centre has been met with criticism from some migrant groups, who cite the hefty price tag associated with improvement works and the total annual cost of running the huge space (one year of rent alone will cost the Filipino taxpayers HKD 7.5 million, or PHP55.8 million, which they believe could be better spent on other programmes that aid OFWs), the majority of OFWs in the city welcome their new tahanan, as evidenced by the attendance of hundreds of representatives from Filipino groups at the meet and greet event on 26th January, including Admin Arnell, Senator Alan Cayetano, and Senator Pia Cayetano.
“Ang tagal na nating kailangan ng ganito. Kung saan pwede kaming magrelax lang, kape-kape naman. Bukod sa emergency shelters, kailangan din namin ng recreational space. Sa 15 years ko na dito sa Hong Kong, ang swerte ko na maranasang maenjoy ng ganitong facilities,” [We have been waiting for a place like this. Where we can relax and enjoy a coffee or two. Aside from emergency shelters, the community also needs a recreational space. In my 15 years of working in Hong Kong, I feel lucky to experience and enjoy these facilities] shares Evelyn, an OFW enjoying her coffee at Migrant’s Brew lounge while the cold weather grips the city outside. Just like you would in your tahanan.
Clockwise from top-right: OWWA Admin Arnell Ignacio on stage at the Meet & Greet of the OFW Global Centre; OWWA Admin Arnell Ignacio with an OFW; Senator Alan Cayetano on stage at the Meet & Greet; Senator Pia Cayetano meeting guests at the OFW Global Centre (Photos by AJ Visuals)
A NATURAL CONNECTION: KADOORIE
FARM AND BOTANIC GARDEN
AS YOU APPROACH Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden – KFBG, as it is affectionately known – you can instantly feel the transition from the bustling Lam Kam Road outside to the calm ambience that welcomes guests into this green and serene oasis.
KFBG entrance immediately opens out onto a spacious plaza that serves as a meeting point and a chance for visitors to get their bearings on the map before setting off to explore this oncebarren expanse of 148 hectares, now transformed into a lush sea of greenery and vibrant wildlife.
Established in 1956, KFBG began as a livelihood aid to train impoverished local farmers in the New Territories. Over time,
it evolved to focus on a broad range of environmental issues, including the conservation of nature and protection of rescued wildlife, alongside educational initiatives to raise awareness about the environment, not only in Hong Kong but also in mainland China, Cambodia, and Laos.
These days, KFBG also plays host to many workshops and programmes, ranging from natural woodcraft and crafting with clay, seeds and twigs to creating kalimbas (a type of musical instrument) from recycled wood. Special events, including guided breathwork, movie screenings, art exhibits, and inspirational talks, are also regular fixtures in the busy schedule.
It regularly hosts schoolchildren, youths, and the elderly – bringing communities
closer to nature and giving them a chance to develop a deeper reverence for the environment. The importance of recycling, sustainability, and caring for wildlife are all key aspects of the programmes.
In the spirit of giving back to the community in Hong Kong, KFBG has also recently started a wellness programme – “Connection to Nature for Migrant Domestic Workers in Hong Kong” – on Sundays for migrant domestic workers (MDWs).
“We want to give domestic workers a fun day to relax, be closer to nature, and join in our wellness activities like yoga and Zentangle [a creative drawing method],” says KFBG Head of Communication and Partnerships, Angela Wong. “We know how hard they work during the week, so we want to give back to the migrant community and show them how much we appreciate them.”
There are almost 400,000 MDWs in the city, with most having only one rest day each week to run personal errands, meet friends, and de-stress. Getting enough rest during this time is important, as it reduces stress
and chances of injury, decreases blood pressure, and boosts the body’s recovery.
Being immersed in nature is no doubt one of the best ways of realigning body and mind; according to a scientific study published in 2019 in the scientific journal Nature, spending at least 120 minutes a week amongst nature can benefit overall
At 1:15pm, guests gather in the Mountain Room, where a healthy and delicious vegan meal is served. Over lunch, friends old and new have the opportunity to catch up on the events of the morning and share stories about life abroad. “Ang ganda at ang lawak ng KFBG, nakakarelax talaga. Pagbungad palang namin sa plaza, ramdam ko na untiunting nawawala ang aking stress”, [KFBG
By 4pm, everyone gathers in the plaza to take the shuttle bus back to the city, all smiles and laughter, having bonded over their shared experiences. As they leave, they bring with them a sense of peace, a renewed appreciation of the environment, and happy memories to sustain them. Ready to face life and everything that comes with it, knowing that this green gem called Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is here whenever they need a respite from the challenges of daily working life in the city.
KADOORIE
SO YOU WANT TO WIN SOMETHING TO BE IMPORTANT
WHAT WOULD YOU DO if you won the lottery this year, 2025?
Let’s start with a story about Pablo, a 40-year-old plumber, who had been doing his job for the last 15 years.
Wearing his overall uniform, Pablo set off for work every day. frequenting houses, schools, markets, and public facilities to fix or replace pipes. Sometimes, he was called to repair sinks and toilets too. As you can imagine, he was not always the tidiest-looking person in town.
One day, Pablo won the lottery. He went home much wealthier but kept the good news to himself. He didn’t tell his family. The next day, he turned up for work as usual. But then he thought to himself, “I’ve been working hard for years, but now I need to enjoy life. I need to change. I want to be important!”
Pablo set off to an expensive barber shop, where he had a haircut and a good shave before treating himself to a luxurious massage and spa. He bought a nice pair of pants, matching them with a suit and a colourful tie. He copped a nice sports car. He dined in a classy restaurant. All for himself. He had a complete transformation.
As he walked down the street thinking about how he could pamper himself more and surprise everyone with his new look, a fast automobile suddenly emerged and hit Pablo. Boom!!!
He woke up in a hospital 2 days later with a broken hip bone and a leg in cast.
Pablo asked himself, “I’ve been a good man all my life, I was always the same Pablo, the poor plumber. Yet this happened to me when I had this chance to be different and important. How come no one protected me?”
Then he heard a voice in his head: “Pablo, we sent someone to find and protect you, but they didn’t recognise you. You had changed and you were keeping the good things to yourself just to feel important.”
Pablo’s story is, of course, just an in-theclouds fictional account; it is only meant to amuse us and teach us life lessons.
However, there’s probably a good chance that some of us would have done the same thing if we experienced the same sudden exuberant level of change in our lives, like winning the lottery.
If we try to attain something to change, for the selfish desire to become important and recognised, we lose focus on the people we love and those who love us, and our view of life becomes thinner and self-centred - Ron
Award-winning RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith
Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts
If we only plan for ourselves, we will embrace changes that only desire to benefit our selfish selves. And all we want to happen is to feel very important.
Recently in Mongkok, while having a meal at Café De Coral, I sat with a stranger, a woman in her mid-40s. We chatted; she sounded sad and condescending. “I’m a failure in this world. I don’t feel people treat me as important,” she said. “If I can win something, I’ll make myself recognised and become important.”
In a lightsome strive to make her feel better – or at least make her smile – I replied, “Well, on the first one, you’re wrong, you’re not a failure. Everyone fails but no one is a failure. On the second, that’s perhaps true; you may not feel important, but that’s not important. The important thing in life is knowing who we are, not how we feel others think of us.”
Then she cried (loudly!). Almost everyone in the café looked at me judgingly, probably thinking I made her sob. After calming down, the lady said she had wasted years treating herself as a failure, and now realised she should stop trying to be important to feel happy.
So there, it wasn’t my fault that she cried. In fact, I made her discern something of value (naks!). If we try to attain something to change, for the selfish desire to become important and recognised, we lose focus on the people we love and those who love us, and our view of life becomes thinner and self-centred.
Trying to win something – whether it be the lottery, a beauty contest or the squid game (don’t ever try this!) – or trying to achieve a goal to be successful could be a noble objective, but it becomes disruptive and senseless when it is an obsession to obscure who we truly are. It should not be a tool to attempt to become someone we are not.
I like how Thomas Jefferson (the 3rd President of the United States) states his thoughts about how we should be delighted in life:
“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the
condition of life in which chance
has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.”
Indeed! And it’s very plausible and convincing. Happiness is a decision to make; it is not a condition in life. I am, of course, not belittling the sacrifices and altruism of many people (including the OFWs and Migrant Workers) who, for the sake of their loved ones and families, have temporarily kept their perceived happiness (perceived because their thoughts matter on how they see joy in life) in the box so that others can have theirs.
What is being emphasised here is that true happiness is not so stark, so you should not make it equivalent to winning something and becoming (or feeling) important. Happiness is not identical to recognition.
Happiness is understanding your dreams in life, knowing your roles and your goals, knowing and accepting who you are, and knowing that the person sitting next to you in the MTR, on a bus, at a restaurant, or in a toilet (on separate bowls in separate cubicles, of course!), is just as important as you are because they have their own designated capacity and role to play on this planet, just like you do.
So smile, don’t worry, be happy – a decision you must make – even though oftentimes, the only one who thinks you are a winner and important is the person in the mirror looking you straight in the eyes. And that’s you.
Pangyao talks to Indonesian influencer Yuni Andarwati
TO GET A sense of Yuni Andarwati’s dedication to service in the migrant community, you only need to visit her YouTube channel, @yuniandarwati. She currently has more than 182,000 subscribers, though the most impressive numbers are within the content itself; since restarting her channel in 2018, Yuni has published more than 20,000 videos (yes, you read that right!) – that amounts to more than 7 videos every single day during the 7 years she has been active.
Alongside her 350,000 followers on TikTok and more than 309,000 on Facebook, Yuni is a well-known and popular figure, with her direct, to-the-point manner of speaking earning her a reputation as an authoritative yet trustworthy voice amongst the Indonesian migrant worker population, both in Hong Kong and back home in Indonesia.
Yuni started her work abroad in Macau back in 1999. She worked for an employment agency, based in both Macau and Hong Kong, which focused on hiring migrant workers for the thenbooming Macanese casino market. Through her work, she familiarised herself with the ins and outs of employment policy and hiring procedures for both Macau and Hong Kong. This invaluable experience helped shape her now successful blogging career.
In 2000, she married a Hong Kong permanent resident and relocated to Hong Kong, where she started a family and found employment with a Hong
Kong-based employment agency. Her work with the Indonesian community and all the challenges they faced inspired her to start her YouTube channel back in 2012. Initially, the channel didn’t gain much traction, so after a while, due to a lack of interest and views, she decided to put it on hold.
However, Yuni continued her work with the community, and over the years, she became very familiar with all kinds of different issues that migrant domestic workers (MDWs) face. Workers would often call or message her about their problems at all times of the day and night – regardless of whether she was off the clock from work or on her holiday. She felt there was a need for a centralised source of information that was reliable, accessible, and easily understood. So, in 2018, Yuni restarted her YouTube channel.
“[Indonesian
MDWs] often ask about Hong Kong employment and immigration law. Most of them in the community just do their jobs and wait to get paid. They work hard, but often do not know their rights or the rule of law in Hong Kong.” – Yuni
Armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over the years, the channel went from strength to strength, quickly gaining the attention and support of the city’s MDW population.
Since then, Yuni has also become a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for many Hong Kong and Indonesian organisations, including the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) of the Hong Kong Police, who have praised her unguarded style of blogging and her direct approach to her audience.
Touching a wide variety of topics, Yuni shares the top subjects her audiences request on the regular: “[Indonesian MDWs] often ask about Hong Kong employment and immigration law. Most of them in the community just do their jobs and wait to get paid. They work hard, but often do not know their rights or the rule of law in Hong Kong.”
“I have covered many, many topics over the years,” she continues, “including money laundering, online selling, LGBTQ relationships, employment-related questions like days off and long service pay, and even fake jobs for men.”
As her popularity and status as a leader in the MDW community grew, guest speaker invitations from media outlets –such as Kick Andy on Metro TV, one of the most popular television shows featuring one of the most followed online
personalities in Indonesia – became more frequent.
“The Indonesian government has also been reaching out to me to talk about the problems migrants face here in Hong Kong. In August 2023, I met with President Joko Widodo. I have also met with the new Foreign Minister Sugiono and Rep. Uya Kuya of Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia (Indonesian House of Representatives). I was a guest speaker for Badan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (Indonesian Migrants Protection Agency), more commonly known as BP2MI, to talk about migrant issues here in Hong Kong,” says Yuni.
Given how much time she spends blogging and talking to Indonesian MDWs in need, what does Yuni like to do in her own limited spare time? “I love dim sum so I often go to yum cha (literally translated as ‘drink tea’, yum cha is a Chinese meal eaten in the morning or early afternoon) with my family,” she shares.
“I love my work and I love living here in Hong Kong. Learning about not only the culture but also the rules and laws around employment. It has been a big help to me and my work for the Indonesian migrant worker community.”
Left: Yuni speaking on Metro TV show Kick Andy Centre: Yuni with host Andy Flores Noya Right: Yuni was a guest speaker at BP2MI
Consul General Yul Edison’s message for Hong Kong’s Indonesian community
LIMA TIPS HINDARI TINDAK PIDANA PERDAGANGAN ORANG DI TAHUN 2025
Di awal tahun 2025 ini, tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang (TPPO) menjadi salah satu topik perbincangan hangat di kalangan pekerja migran Indonesia, termasuk di Hong Kong. Modus digunakan para pelaku kejahatan untuk mendorong pekerja migran masuk ke jeratan TPPO semakin banyak, termasuk iming-iming kerja ringan dengan gaji tinggi. Untuk menghindarinya, yuk simak beberapa tips untuk melindungi diri kita dari TPPO di bawah ini:
1. WASPADAI TAWARAN PEKERJAAN YANG TERLALU MENGGIURKAN
Jangan mudah percaya dengan lowongan yang menawarkan gaji tinggi dengan persyaratan mudah, bahkan jika ditawarkan oleh keluarga atau teman terdekat sekalipun.
2. GUNAKAN
AGEN PENYALUR TENAGA KERJA RESMI
Pastikan bahwa agen penyalur tenaga kerja yang digunakan terdaftar secara resmi di Badan Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (BP2MI) dan instansi terkait lainnya. Pastikan pula bahwa agen penempatan di Hong Kong memiliki akreditasi dari KJRI Hong Kong.
3. CERMATI LOWONGAN PEKERJAAN DAN KONTRAK KERJA
Baca baik-baik lowongan pekerjaan yang ditawarkan dan kontrak kerja sebelum proses penandatanganan. Pastikan kebenaran terkait majikan dan jenis pekerjaan yang akan dilakukan. Selain itu, pastikan pula bahwa hak dan kewajiban di kontrak kerja sesuai dengan peraturan yang berlaku.
4. PASTIKAN DATA DIRI AKURAT DAN JAGA DOKUMEN IDENTITAS PRIBADI
Berikan keterangan sebenar-benarnya pada pengurusan dokumen identitas (KTP, akta lahir, dan paspor) untuk menghindari pemalsuan data pribadi. Waspadai pihak-pihak yang meminta untuk menyimpan dokumen identitas pribadimu (KTP, paspor, HKID, dll.) dengan alasan apapun. Simpan salinan dari dokumen-dokumen tersebut di tempat yang aman. Jangan takut untuk melaporkan majikan maupun agen yang menahan dokumen ke pihak berwenang.
5. IKUTI AKUN DAN SIMPAN NOMOR HOTLINE KJRI HONG KONG
Kontak KJRI Hong Kong secara langsung melalui hotline jika ada pertanyaan maupun permasalahan terkait ketenagakerjaan, imigrasi, maupun kekonsuleran selama bekerja di Hong Kong. Ikuti juga akun media sosial KJRI Hong Kong untuk mengetahui perkembangan terbaru terkait peraturan ketenagakerjaan di wilayah ini
@kjrihk
@indonesiainhongkong
Hotline KJRI Hong Kong: 5242 2240
Hotline anti-penipuan kepolisian Hong Kong: 18222
Bermuka dua
By Arunika Sooky
KAMU ITU TIDAK BISA BERKOMUNIKASI!
Kamu itu tidak bisa mengayomi!
Kamu itu gila jabatan!
Kamu itu gila hormat!
Kamu itu plin-plan!
Kata-kata itu bak petir menyambar di siang bolong pada kala itu bahkan hingga sekarang masih terngiang jelas di pikiran dan benakku. Masih banyak kata-kata lain yang menggores hati ini. Saya tidak menyangka semua kata- kata itu keluar dari orang-orang yang selama ini saya anggap sangat baik, tulus dan mendukungku.
Tetapi ternyata saya salah atau memang saya yang terlalu berpikir positif terhadap mereka, hingga tidak sedikit pun prasangka buruk kepada mereka.
Bila saya tidak bisa berkomunikasi, siapa yang selama ini melakukan komunikasi untuk kolaborasi? Bila saya tidak bisa mengayomi ketika teman-teman ada masalah, siapa yang mendengarkan dan memberikan saran dan men-support? Kalau saya gila jabatan, jabatan kayak apa yang sudah saya dapat! Bila saya gila hormat, sudah berapa kali saya dapat penghargaan dengan semua yang sudah saya lakukan dalam lima tahun ini? Bila saya plin-plan, kenapa saya masih punya pendirian dan masih di sini untuk membantu?
Saya tidak habis pikir pada orang orang yang saya anggap baik, ternyata begitu. Bagi orang yang belum pernah di posisi saya pasti mereka tidak akan pernah
tahu bahwa tenaga, waktu, pikiran dan bahkan materi itu seakan tidak ada arti dan harganya sama sekali. Dari sinilah saya belajar bahwasanya orang yang kelihatan baik dan ramah itu bisa jadi orang yang paling tidak suka dengan kita. Sampai sekarang pun saya tidak habis pikir; padahal jangankan gosipin mereka, mention nama mereka aja saya tidak – karena bagi yang saya anggap orang yang baiknya tulus, saya malah sering menutupi keburukan mereka. Eee.. ternyata malah justru menikam.
Saya tertegun duduk di platform stasiun kereta mengingat semua kata-kata yang cukup menyayat hati. Dengan sweater merah yang lembut, celana pendek berwarna putih, sepatu boot cukup menghangatkabku sambil melihat hilirmudiknya orang-orang yang keluar masuk kereta. Ingin rasanya saya buang perasaan yang tidak karuan ini di rel kereta yang lewat. Ingin rasanya kubertanya pada orang yang hilir-mudik di stasiun: Kenapa? Tapi tidak mungkin, sesekali saya usap air mata yang tak terbendung, apa salahku ke mereka. Padahal selama ini saya sudah berusaha memberikan yang terbaik untuk mereka; apakah tidak ada sedikit pun kebaikanku yang teringat di benak mereka? Kalau dipikir terlalu kejam, bahkan mereka juga tega mengusirku –seakan mereka sudah menjadi manusia yang paling suci tanpa dosa dan menjadi manusia yang lebih baik dari saya dan bisa melakukan yang lebih baik dari saya. Saya terima semua perlakuan mereka ke saya dan saya maafkan. Tapi saya tidak akan pernah lupa dan saya tidak bisa bersikap seperti dahulu lagi. Bagi saya,
cukup sudah dengan orang-orang yang seperti itu. Kehidupan ini harus terus berjalan; yang tidak boleh focus kepada orang-orang seperti itu. Saya harus berdiri sendiri mendukung diriku sendiri, memotivasi diriku untuk melanjutkan perjalanan hidupku.
Satu tahun pun berlalu, saya masih seperti biasanya dengan aktivitasku. Omongan sanggar yang selalu mereka lontar ternyata hanya omdo alias omong doank – tidak ada bukti nyata orang-orang itu kerja. Kritikan yang selama ini dilontarkan kepada saya ternyata hanya untuk menjatuhkanku. Kenyataannya, masih saya yang harus melakukan semuanya. Dari peristiwa ini saya banyak belajar untuk menjadi lebih kuat menghadapi orang-orang yang tidak menyukai dan tidak mendukungku. Karena di dunia ini tidak semua orang yang kita anggap baik itu benar-benar baik dan mendukungmu. Bisa jadi dialah yang akan menjatuhkanmu. Ku beranjak dari tempat duduk. Dengan enggan kulangkahkan kaki untuk keluar dari stasiun. Sambil menghembuskan nafas berat, aku tinggalkan beban ini di rel kereta dan membuka lembaran baru untuk melanjutkan kehidupan yang masih misteri.
Crime & emergency services
Emergency Hotline (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999
Police Hotline 2527 7177
Anti-Deception Coordination Centre 18222
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 5242 2240
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
Branches of Hope 3527 6048
Helpology 5699 6164
Other useful contacts
Hong Kong International Airport 2181 8888
