Pangyao Issue #22: Jun / Jul 2025 by PANGYAO

Hong Kong’s Migrant Community

La Union Federation of Hong Kong

A lifetime of service: CG Jun

Issue 22

Jun / Jul ‘25

Editors:

Aileen Alonzo-Hayward & Martin Turner

Lead writer:

Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

Front cover:

Design: Martin Turner (based on original template designed by Steve Ellul of Cedar Hong Kong)

Special thanks: Lie Fhung

Community Groups: La Union Federation of HK Dance, community service and camaradarie

Conversation with Ron Life is as you see it

CG Jun: love of country, work ethic, and faith Pangyao meets the new Philippine Consul General

Mika Guidotti

A shining light in the LGBT community

Stay alert to scams! (ADCC collaboration) Real life stories of scams as a warning to others

Consul General Yul Edison Con Gen Yul’s message for the Indonesian community

Teman sejati tetap di hati by Endang D.E. (Indonesian) Our regular

HI PANGYAOS!

As we mark the halfway point of 2025, we are pleased to share some interesting info with you:

• Since its launch in 2021, we have printed almost 150,000 copies of Pangyao magazines – that’s more than 4.5 million pages!

• Each issue of the magazine has an estimated 18,000 readers

• Our Facebook group now has 98,700 members; growing at a steady rate of 1000+ members a month, we receive around 12,000 posts and comments and get 1,000,000+ views every month! All content is moderated by our volunteer admins.

June 12 being Philippine Independence Day, we would like to say mabuhay! – ‘long live!’ in English – to all Filipinos who sacrifice a lot for the futures of their families. You are our modern day heroes.

Pride Month is also celebrated in June, so we dedicate this issue to the LGBTQ community, of which many of our friends, family and loved ones are a part of. In this time of division, we should let love and kindness unite us, not hate.

LA UNION FEDERATION OF HONG KONG

IMAGINE A HOT summer’s morning in Hong Kong; it’s 35 degrees Celsius, peak humidity, with the blazing sun already out in force. But there’s no time to waste –thousands are depending on you and your team to ensure everything is prepared for the upcoming event. The stage, booths, catering, decorating, performers, guests… there are a myriad of plates that need to be kept spinning at all times.

This is the reality for Global Alliance Hong Kong, an umbrella organisation consisting of hundreds of Filipino community groups, every first and second week of June, as they are tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the annual Philippine Independence Day (PID) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) Migrant’s Day celebrations on Chater Road.

One of the groups actively involved in this herculean undertaking is La Union Federation of Hong Kong (LUFOH). Founded in the year 2000 by Joey Ortega – who lived and worked in Hong Kong since the 1990s but has now moved back to the Philippines – LUFOH was established to unite the groups from the different bayans or towns comprising La Union.

The current President of LUFOH, Virgie De Fiesta, and Chairman Julius Sarenas, have both been active members of the Filipino community for many years, with their hard work and dedication showcased during the most recent PID and Migrant’s Day celebrations this June.

There are currently twelve community groups from La Union here in Hong Kong:

All photos provided by La Union Federation of Hong Kong

Agoo Migrant Workers Association, Bacnotan La Union Association, Bangar Association of Hong Kong, Baggak Global Organisation, Luna Migrant Workers Association, Luna Namacpacan Association, Pugonians HK, Naguilan La Union Association, Santol Association and Social Services, The United City of San Fernando Organisation, Timpuyog ti Bauangenians Society, and Sulong Bauang HK. Each group has their own independent charters and celebrations, but all fall under the umbrella of LUFOH, which in turn, falls under the scope of Global Alliance – one of the biggest congregations of Filipino community groups in Hong Kong, led by Chairman Leo Selomenio.

“Isa sa pinakamatagal at matatag na grupo sa Filipino community ang LUFOH dito sa Hong Kong. Magcecelebrate kami ng ika-25 na anibersaryo namin ngayong October,” [LUFOH is one of the oldest and strongest groups in the Filipino community here in Hong Kong. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this October] says Marites Nuval, a former President of LUFOH (2010), now serving as both President of Bangar Association of Hong Kong and President of Global Alliance. “Simula sa pinakaunang anniversary ng LUFOH active member na ako – hanggang sa naging isa sa mga hiligi na din ako ng grupo.” [From the first anniversary of LUFOH, I was already an active member – until I became one of the pillars of the group.]

Aside from their well-choreographed dance groups, LUFOH is also known for its community service; organising Sportsfest, donation drives for typhoon victims back in the Philippines, raising funds for charities in La Union, helping fellow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress, running reintegration livelihood programmes, and many more. It is no surprise that people from La Union are often described as friendly, helpful, hardworking, and reliable.

“Here in Hong Kong, we always like promoting our native products from La Union. Most famous are the inabel (a

Opposite page: Marites (L) holding a LUFOH banner; Top: LUFOH President Vergie De Fiesta; Middle: LUFOH dance group; Bottom: Bangar Association of Hong Kong, a sub-group of LUFOH of which Marites is also president

- Marites Nuval, President of Bangar Association of Hong Kong and President of Global Alliance

traditional handwoven fabric) from Bangar, walis tambo (a soft broom made from tiger grass flower stalks) from Burgos, and the diro (honey) from Bacnotan,” shares Marites. These native products are also often incorporated in their performances during the events they host here in Hong Kong.

“People of La Union always take care of their kailyan (kababayan, or ‘“fellow

town’s person” in this context). We at LUFOH may sometimes have disagreements, as you do in most families, but we always look inwards to our core principles to preserve the integrity of the people, the leaders, and the members themselves”, Marites says.

In the middle of the burning midday sun, this community – this family – gathers to practice their dance routines and performances. Every PID and Migrant’s Day in June, they work hard to bring joy and entertainment to everyone, locals and Filipinos alike, without any expectation of reward, other than the satisfaction of a task completed and the happiness that comes with the camaraderie.

Throughout the two and a half decades of LUFOH, the celebration and preservation of their cultural identity has played a key role in helping their members navigate the challenges that OFWs face living and working abroad. They can depend on their officers and their members; most importantly, they can depend on each other.

AFTER MABIGHANI PANAY NA ANG VERY ROMANTIC NA PAGKIKITA SA TAMAR PARK

Simula nang dumating dito upang magtrabaho si Maria Rubino ay nalaman niya ang tungkol sa epektibo na pabangong nakakaakit ng kalalakihan. Ito ay upgraded Dream Love 1000 seksuwal na pabango gawa sa England na may 3D hologram model image silver seal. Gamit ito ng kaniyang mga kaibigan at kalaunan ay sumubok na siya dahil nagustuhan niya ang halimuyak nito.

Naengganyo rin siya na maging Reseller na nakatulong dagdag sa kaniyang sahod. Minsang nasa Kentucky kasama ang grupo at nagkukwentuhan sila ay napuna nila ang isang guwapo na Chinese nakaupo malapit sa mesa nila. Pagkatapos nitong kumain ay lumapit sa kaniya at makipagkilala sinabing napakabango niya. Nakiupo ito sa kanilang mesa at nakipagkuwentuhan habang ang kamay nito ay panay ang hagod sa kamay ni Maria. Naisip niyang epekto ng imported perfume dahil sa kakaibang kilos nito pati ang hit anito ay masyado nakadikit sa kaniyang hita. Bago nagpaalam ay hiningi nito ang kaniyang mobile number. Ang mgo sumunod na day off niya ay nagging very romantic.

Lagi nitong dala-dala ang tent kung saan itinatayo nito sa may Tamar Park at doon sila maghapong magpapalipas ng oras. Ang sintetikong pinakamataas na marka ng kalidad at banayad na putting musk mula sa Inglatera ay nagpapakilala sa kasarian ng lalaki na may kakanyahan nito, na iniiwan ang mga bakas s aiyo at hanggang sa isang metro na radius (saklaw ng 6 ½ talampakan). Ang sangkap ng kaakit-akit na pang-akit ang gumising sa mga reseptor ng lalaki, samakatuwid ay nagdaragdag ng kanyang pagnanais para sa iyo.

Maria Rubino

ARTICLE BY LT

TRUE STORY #1719

Award-winning

LIFE

is as you see it.

Have you ever wandered aimlessly? Have you ever danced under the moonlight?

RTHK Pinoy Life presenter and Pangyao resident wordsmith

Ron R. Lacson shares his thoughts

Have you ever recited poems in front of the sea? Have you ever sung while you were waiting for a ride?

Have you ever looked at the sky on a starry night and asked when you could touch one of those glittering stars? Have you ever climbed a tree and thought of settling yourself up there and never going down? Have you ever felt so out of this world and thought that you were living on another planet? Have you ever?

What would others think about you if they saw you doing some of these things? Would they perceive you as a lunatic? Crazy? Or just different?

Life is all about discernment, perception, and paradigm. What you perceive as true and real can be completely different and even unrecognisable to others. It depends on how you see and interpret the situation, or, to put it bluntly, it depends on how you react to a problem based on your life experiences. A scenario could be coloured by your brushes with life and your many journeys in the troubled world.

I was waiting for the 61M bus in Tuen Mun. I was already late for an appointment. I was occupied with my thoughts and standing in a queue when a man tapped my elbow and started talking to me.

“Here we go again,” I told myself, “another person speaking to me in a language I barely understand. How should I make this person go away quickly? Shall I turn myself into the Incredible Hulk?”

I’ve encountered this situation many times before, I thought to myself. Whenever I’ve tried to offer help, asking, “Would you kindly speak in English?” with a smile, the person has inevitably turned their back (even though I brushed my teeth and gargled with Listerine), as

if there was never any conversation that just transpired.

“That kind of exchange could happen again,” I mused, “so I’d better be blunt this time.”

After quickly exchanging looks, I already knew what I needed to do. My objective was to get this person away from me as soon as possible so I could return to my thoughts.

“Can you speak English?” I asked loudly, intentionally showing the man that I was annoyed and making it very apparent that I wasn’t looking forward to a conversation with him. I expected him to go away immediately, but he didn’t. I wondered why.

Instead, he delivered the kindest words I’ve ever heard from a stranger in the early morning – in English! “Oh, I’m sorry. I wonder if you could let me flick away that caterpillar on your shoulder. If it crawls to the nape of your neck, it could give you a skin rash.”

Suddenly, a ton of adrenaline rushed from my head to my knees, and my mind filled with mild panic: “What!? A CATERPILLAR!? (HIGAD!!!). On my neck!!? It was still on my shoulder, but I swear my thoughts were all about my neck at that moment.

Although I was screaming inside, I remained very calm outside. I was

processing the situation. While doing that, I noticed several ladies had stepped away from me. They were behind me in the queue, but were afraid of the caterpillar, so they quickly shifted 4 to 5 feet back.

They knew what would happen if a caterpillar landed on a human’s skin. I also knew it all too well, having experienced a caterpillar falling on my nape while standing behind a tree years ago. It was an agonising feeling, with rashes and itches everywhere. My reddish nape and neck made me look like I had just had a poor waxing job. It was awful.

Realising I would again go through that same dreadful experience if I responded incorrectly to the man who just spoke to me with a smile and an obvious intention to help, I replied with an embarrassed and sheepish smile, “Yeah… sure. Thanks”.

As I turned to give the man my shoulder, so he could perform what needed to be done, I saw the shadowy figure of the caterpillar on my black jacket from the corner of my right eye. It was almost on my neck.

In a split second, the man leaned forward and flicked the caterpillar with his forefinger. I followed its trajectory as it flew through the air and crash-landed in the soil, where its fate will be unknown to me forever. But I was now safe from potential rashes and red skin. There was freedom again from stress and anxiety.

At that moment, I ascertained that the man whom I almost yelled at, the man who just witnessed my annoyed look, the man who I almost belittled because I thought he couldn’t speak English, was now the man who had just bestowed upon me the most extraordinary kindness, on the most unorthodox of subjects. He just saved me from the angst of the caterpillar effect.

So, I said – “Thank you very much”. He responded by waving his hands, as if to say, “It’s nothing. You’re welcome. No problem.”

But there were no words spoken. There was no need. He turned away and went back to his post in the queue, though I didn’t mind anymore; he had already done something that spoke volumes.

I learned a lesson – I learned not to judge and colour a conversation by my past experiences. I also learned that being kind and friendly to people must always take priority over being late for an appointment.

Have you ever judged people? Have you ever jumped to conclusions too quickly? Have you ever realised that most of the time, you see things differently from others? Have you ever? LIFE is as you see it.

Keeping the faith: A conversation with CG Jun

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

Photo

Martin Turner

Love of country, work ethic, and faith – these are the virtues that describe Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), according to new Philippine Consul General, Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr.

“You can call me CG Jun for short,” the newly appointed Consul General says warmly, as he sits down for an interview with the Pangyao team in his office at the Philippine Consulate in Admiralty.

Despite having only officially assumed his position on 28th April this year, CG Jun’s enthusiasm and passion for serving the Filipino community in Hong Kong are immediately evident. He has already attended several community functions, including the 127th Philippine Independence Day and OWWA Migrants’ Day events in June, and the overseeing of the very first online Overseas Absentee Voting in May. He has also shown up to offer support and guidance for various trade shows, cultural showcases, and Pinoy film screenings.

CG Jun’s dedication to serving his fellowman started with a calling that led him to Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Divinity (Philosophy) and a Master of Arts in Theology, majoring in Pastoral Ministry. “I was on the path to priesthood, but the calling was for me

to serve my kababayans (fellow Filipinos) in a different way,” CG Jun reminisces. He has now been a public servant for 25 years, during most of which he has been serving Filipinos working and living abroad.

Looking back on CG Jun’s two-and-a-half decades of foreign service, he first served at the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs from the turn of the millennium, handling the Middle East and Africa Desk. He was then assigned as Officer in Charge of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Regional Office II from 2002 to 2003.

In 2003, he was assigned to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, where he assumed a role in the Assistance to Nationals Section, acting as assistant head to handle cases involving women. These included cases of prostitution, homosexuality, theft, maltreatment or abuse, drugs, gambling, mixed crowd (illegal assembly), and the selling and consumption of pork and alcoholic beverages. After three years of service, he was promoted to head of the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

I was on the path to priesthood, but the calling was for me to serve my kababayans (fellow Filipinos) in a different way

- Consul

General Romulo Victor M. Israel (CG Jun)

Global commitment: CG Jun has dedicated his life to public service, with almost 25 years experience spanning all corners of the globe

From 2013, after a stint at the DFA head office in Manila, CG Jun was posted as Consul at the Philippine Consulate in Chicago, taking up the role of Deputy Consul General after four months.

“Most Filipinos working and living in the Middle East are focused on earning enough to go home. They work hard, and once they have saved up, they go home to be with their families.

“[This is] such a contrast with most Filipinos in the US, where their aim is integration – to become US Citizens and potentially bring their families there. The culture is vastly different, and the issues that they face are not the same,” observes CG Jun.

In October 2019, CG Jun was then recalled again to head office for mandatory service, becoming Executive Director and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Office of American Affairs. Following the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, he continued serving Filipinos in the US while stationed in the Philippines.

When travel restrictions were finally lifted in January 2022, he was sent abroad again, to serve as Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, where he was stationed until his Hong Kong assignment this year.

“There are around 64,000 Filipinos in Korea, and about two-thirds [of them] are workers,” says CG Jun. “The rest have married locally and settled down in South Korea, and a small percentage are students,” he says.

From 1986 to 1997, before CG Jun’s DFA career, he volunteered for church groups involved in promoting free and honest elections, and served in church-related missions to different urban and rural poor communities.

“It doesn’t matter where Filipinos are in the world, they are always willing to help. You don’t even have to ask them; they will start a donation or charity drive on their own!” exclaims CG Jun. “I recall when I was in the US back in 2013, in the aftermath of the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, there was

an outpouring of donations from the Filipinos in the community. And being charitable is only one of the many commonalities Filipinos abroad share,” he says.

“There is the love for our country – we will always feel the yearning to go back to the Motherland, to our roots. Then there is our work ethic; I have admired how hardworking our OFWs are – even other nationalities commend Filipino workers – they sacrifice a lot for a better life for their families and loved ones. And of course, there is our faith,” CG Jun says.

“Since we have gained independence from the colonisers who introduced Catholicism in the 16th century, we have made our faith our own. With our own traditions embedded into the Filipino culture, like fiestas and the procession of the Black Nazarene, we have made our faith unique from other Christian communities, but unifying all the same,” shares CG Jun.

CG

It doesn’t matter where Filipinos are in the world, they are always willing to help. You don’t even have to ask them; they will start a donation or charity drive on their own!

- Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel (CG Jun)

Jun and Vice Consul Allan G. Revote meet with Pangyao co-founders Aileen and Martin at the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong

Photos by Martin Turner

CG Jun moved to Hong Kong with his wife, Catherine Joy Pineda Israel, with whom he has three children. Keeping the faith through his family, his work, and his service to the country, the Filipino community in Hong Kong is looking forward to getting to know the new Consul General as he settles into his new role.

During a brief address at the Philippine Consulate last April, CG Jun reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to uphold and protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos in Hong Kong, emphasising the ongoing efforts to further improve the delivery of consular and other services to the public.

CG Jun was also appointed as Regional Commander for Asia of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in February 2024. The Knights of Rizal is an order of chivalry established in 1911 to honour and uphold the ideals of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. Thus, the following quote from José Rizal is quite apt in describing CG Jun’s raison d’être:

“As God has not made anything useless in this world, as all beings fulfil obligations or a role in the sublime drama of Creation, I cannot exempt from this duty, and small though it be, I too have a mission to fill, as for example: alleviating the sufferings of my fellowmen.”

CG Jun has already been very active in the Filipino community in Hong Kong since his appointment to the role in April this year

(Photos provided by the Philippine Consulate Cultural Section)

A shining light amongst the Filipino LGBT community in Hong Kong for over a decade, the charismatic and multitalented Mika Guidotti shares the story of her illustrious and inspiring career as a multi-award-winning beauty queen, master of ceremonies, and pioneering trans model

MIKA GUIDOTTI

By Aileen Alonzo-Hayward

Photos provided by Mika Guidotti

IF YOU HAVE attended any Filipino community events in Hong Kong or Macau over the years, you’ll almost certainly be familiar with Mika Guidotti.

Known by her kababayans (fellow Filipinos) for her infectious energy and witty observations, Mika has become a mainstay on the local events circuit, establishing herself as a highly sought-after emcee for everything from fashion shows to beauty pageants, from anniversaries to hosting the annual Philippine Independence Day celebrations on Chater Road.

Mika’s magnetic charm, coupled with an innate ability to engage and entertain audiences, has made her a favourite amongst event organisers and attendees alike for many years.

Ilocana at heart

Before all the glitz and drama of the Hong Kong and Macau stages, Mika grew up as a precocious young child in the Philippines. Born and raised in La Union in the Illocos region – her father hailing from Tarlac and her mother from La Union – Mika is an Ilocana through and through.

Ilocanos are known to be hardworking and frugal, and hardy in the face of adversity. They live simply, concentrating on work and productivity, while respect and humility in everyday dealings are a mark of the Ilocano personality. “I love working with people, hence my gravitation towards work in hospitality. But I always give 100% with any job I sign up for; be it hosting events or entertaining guests, I am a reliable person, especially when it comes to work,” says Mika.

Mika moved to Hong Kong in 2006 at the age of 12. It was a huge change from growing up in the Philippines, but she attributes her resilience and ability to adapt to how her parents raised her. “I had a normal childhood, maybe apart from a lot of my immediate family being beauty queens in our town!”

she laughs. “My mom was a beauty queen, and so were her other four sisters. But one of my aunts was a keen pageant contestant. I was always so interested in everything that went into the preparation: the gowns, sashes, makeup, and of course, the hard work they put into it,” she reminisces.

Pathway to pageantry

The Philippines has a strong and enduring beauty pageant culture, with contests held up and down the country, from small towns to major cities. Filipinos are known for their passion and enthusiasm for pageants, viewing them as a source of national pride, especially when a Filipino queen wins an international title. The country has achieved significant global success and is widely considered a beauty pageant powerhouse in major international contests.

The Philippines’ international titles

4 * Miss Universe (1969, 1973, 2015, 2018)

1 * Miss World (2013)

6 * Miss International (1964, 1970, 1979, 2005, 2013, 2016)

4 * Miss Earth (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017)

Inspired by family traditions, Mika competed in her first beauty pageant during her first year of high school, when she was just 11 years old. In a school contest named Ganda ng pare ko – “My dude is so beautiful” in English – she placed a very respectable 3rd runner up, though that was only the start of things to come; Mika went on to achieve considerable success in pageants during those early high school years.

Far from stopping her in her tracks, moving away from the Philippines in 2006 only served to amplify Mika’s success, as she quickly found her feet in the thriving beauty pageant scene of Hong Kong’s overseas Filipino worker (OFW) community.

To this day, Filipinos’ love for pageants is evident in all corners of the city, with events held in a wide variety of venues (often depending on the scale and budget), from Bayanihan Centre to Chater Road, from Hong Kong Convention Centre to the underpass near Admiralty. Those who join get a chance to showcase their talents and celebrate their beauty, a welcome break from their hard work

I had a normal childhood, maybe apart from a lot of my immediate family being beauty queens in our town!

- Mika, on growing up in La Union, Philippines

during the week. The events foster a strong sense of community and belonging, with supportive friends helping participants with styling, preparations, cheering, and, oftentimes, raising cash donations for the organiser.

Being a beauty queen has its rewards –accolades, recognition, fame – though it comes with its fair share of challenges, too: pressure, long and exhausting preparation/ rehearsals, and the financial burden of competing can all take their toll. “In the pageant circuits I’ve joined, you need at least HKD 30,000 [to compete], but often you end up spending even more leading up to the competition date,” says Mika. “I need to pay for the gowns and the other outfits, the designer, the stylist, the photographer, the videographer, transportation, food and accommodation [if held outside Hong Kong] for my entourage on the day.

“It can be an expensive endeavour. Kaya minsan, nakakasakit ng loob kung hindi ka mananalo. Lahat ng hirap, pagod at gastos, naiisip mo siya at that moment. At kung gaano katodo yung effort mo,” [It can >

Photo provided by Mika Guidotti

be an expensive endeavour. That’s why sometimes it can sting when you don’t win. At that moment, you briefly think about the difficulties, tiredness and cost. And how much effort you put into the contest] she shares.

Still, despite the hardships, the thrill of the competition was enough to keep Mika involved in the beauty pageant scene for almost two decades, before formally announcing her retirement last year. During this time, she received numerous accolades, including a return to her home province in 2012 to be crowned Queen La Union Tourism, which saw her competing against many heavy hitters in the trans pageant circuit. Her last competition was in Macau in late 2024, where she won 2nd runner up for Queen Iconic Universe 2024 and was the most awarded candidate overall with a whopping seven awards, including Queen People’s Choice, Queen Photogenic, and Queen Angelic Face.

Master of ceremonies

Live variety shows are another muchloved spectacle among Hong Kong’s OFW community. Every Sunday, shows take place across the city: community group anniversaries, singing competitions, fashion shows, corporate-sponsored celebrity performances, Philippine Consulate events, amongst many others. A big part of keeping these programmes running smoothly are the emcees and presenters, seamlessly guiding the audience through the show, introducing each segment, guest, or award.

“Enjoy talaga ako sa paghohost. Marami akong nakikilala at napapasaya natin ang ating mga kababayan,” [I really enjoy hosting. I get to meet a lot of people, and I get to entertain my kababayans] smiles Mika.

Emceeing – derived from the term ‘master of ceremonies’ or simply ‘M.C.’ – is a special

The Filipino community often holds beauty pageants around Hong Kong, such as this event hosted by the National Council of Solo Parents in Admiralty

Photo by Martin Turner

It was such a fun time in my life, and I learned so much. Being trans and Asian was already quite a hurdle to break into modelling, so I am grateful to be able to get the experience

- Mika, on modelling for a campaign for Taiwanese French designer, Herbert Cheung

kind of talent. A successful emcee must be quick-witted, speak clearly and concisely, and maintain grace under pressure, while looking presentable at all times. Dealing with last-minute programme changes, incorrect information from the stage director, or a sudden turn of the weather, can derail an organiser’s best-laid plans, and it is up to the emcee to keep the ball rolling and keep the audience informed and engaged. Mika possesses all these traits in spades.

Being born into a family of musicians, performers, and pageant queens, Mika had a great foundation laid for her future career. Even if she has no memories of his performances, Mika recalls that her grandfather, Ka (brother) Boy – a successful saxophone player and drummer in the 70s – was an influence in her life, as she was always surrounded by lots of musical instruments at home.

Her dad retired from Hong Kong three years ago to start a music production company back in their hometown, bringing together musicians of all styles, from classical to bands, to local events, parties, and showcases. Asked if she wants to be a part of the family business, however, she replies confidently, “I am fiercely independent and I want to work on things on my own.”

On the catwalk

In 2015, Mika was discovered by Stuart, owner of 360 Models HK, an inclusive modelling agency based (at that time) in Discovery Bay. She quickly made an impact, appearing on the catwalk at HK Fashion Week 2016, but her biggest break came when she was asked to model for a fallwinter 2015-2016 campaign for Taiwanese French designer, Herbert Cheung. Billboards, magazine campaigns, fashion shows in different countries – it was a whirlwind for young Mika. “It was such a fun time in my life, and I learned so much. Being trans and Asian was already quite a hurdle to break into modelling, so I am grateful to be able to get the experience,” she muses.

Struggles with depression

It hasn’t been all glamour and good times for Mika. As with many others, the COVID-19 pandemic hit her hard. Being an extrovert who thrives in the company of others, being in isolation was a challenge. “Sobrang nagstruggle talaga ako [I really struggled]. I fell into depression. I couldn’t spend time with my friends, all of us at work had our salaries reduced and were still in a precarious position of [potentially] being laid off; I worried for my family back in the >

Philippines, and knew a few people who passed away from COVID,” says Mika.

“What really helped me overcome my depression was seeing a psychiatrist and having my condition properly diagnosed. He gave me some excellent holistic advice which included running – [it] really changed the way I felt about my body and kept my mind busy – and also journaling, [which] I still do every day, detailing my triumphs, big or small, my hardships, how I overcame them, and a lot of things that I am grateful for,” she shares. “I want to speak about my experiences so that people who are going through the same don’t feel so alone. We’re all different, but there is comfort in knowing that you are not alone in this. It is okay to not be okay, just keep in mind that this is not the end,” Mika shares.

Full steam ahead

Now working full-time as a Guest Relations Executive for Top Town, a glamorous art deco styled restaurant and bar up on the 31st floor of 28 Stanley Street, Mika can put her multitude of skills to good use. Wellloved by patrons and co-workers alike, she feels at home in the hospitality world.

As she continues to represent trans women individuals in the Filipino community in Hong Kong, Mika shows no signs of slowing down. With her talent, charisma, and unwavering dedication to creating positive change, Mika Guidotti is a shining example of what it means to live authentically and fearlessly in a world that often seeks to confine and limit us.

Photos provided by Mika Guidotti

In collaboration with

WhatsAppening?? STAY LERT TO SCAMS!

As migrants living and working in Hong Kong, we value our time and money. We sacrifice a lot, leaving our family and loved ones back in our home countries so we can earn a decent living and secure our futures. Despite warnings from authorities like the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC), and the Philippine and Indonesian Consulates, unfortunately it is still commonplace for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to fall victim to unscrupulous criminals. That is why, when working abroad, it is important for MDWs and other vulnerable communities to stay vigilant and alert to potential scams. Below are some accounts from real-world victims. They have come forward with their stories to help others better understand the warning signs and avoid making the same mistakes.

Yulia left Indonesia to work as a MDW in Hong Kong in 2018. She was only 24 when she left her hometown, and she had big dreams of building a house, helping her family, and saving up for her future. She was determined to earn as much as she could so she could go back to her home country.

Having a WhatsApp number helped her connect with friends and her community; it was invaluable for communicating here in Hong Kong. One day, she was added to a group chat, claiming that they were looking for people to help with their online business. Yulia saw it as a chance to earn more. “I saw a lot of people on the group chat, so it seemed like a lot of people trusted this person,” says Yulia.

They asked her to fill in some online forms through a link that they sent through WhatsApp, after which she started ‘selling’ clothes. After receiving HK$150 in commission for one day’s work, naturally, she wanted to sell more. The person she contacted on WhatsApp told her that she would need to put in some money to receive some advanced stock from the online shop, which would allow her to fill in more orders. She asked how much it would be; they replied that the bigger the amount, the more she would earn.

Apprehensive, she put in HK$800 first. She quickly earned that amount back, plus a further HK$200, which gave her confidence

that she had stumbled onto something that she was good at and that had the potential for her to earn a lot more. So, she transferred the HK$5,000 that she had saved up.

A few days passed, and she saw that it was earning her a lot – her HK$5,000 was now $7,000 – so she attempted to cash it out to her bank account. This is when her online account stopped working.

She immediately messaged the person on WhatsApp; she was told she needed to put more money in to pay for more advanced orders, which would then reactivate her account. Not wanting to lose what she had earned, she transferred a further HK$1,000, which she borrowed from a friend.

Predictably, she still couldn’t cash out and found she was increasingly being harassed by her WhatsApp contact to put in more and more money. This is when she snapped out of it and began searching for information about online selling scams. Sure enough, she came across exactly the same scenarios she had been through herself. She immediately blocked the person on WhatsApp.

Losing HK$6,000 was a blow, but Yulia was glad not to have sent more. “Every time I think about the money I lost, it makes me sad. But at least it was not as much as some people have lost to these criminals,” Yulia shares. >

Love is more than a transaction

Gemma, aged 49, from Pangasinan, Philippines

Mahigit siyam na taon na akong nagtratrabaho dito sa Hong Kong bilang domestic worker. Hindi pa ako nakapangasawa dahil pinagpa-aral ko ang aking tatlong kapatid (dalawang lalaki at isang babae), ang aking focus ay ang maitaguyod ang kanilang pag-aaral para maging independent sila one day. [I’ve been working as a domestic worker in Hong Kong for more than nine years. I haven’t been able to get married and settle down as my focus has been on putting my two brothers and one sister through school. I want them all to be independent one day.]

Isang araw, may natanggap ako na message sa Facebook galing sa isang nagngangalang Malcolm Dermot, isang U.S. Army medical officer na nakabase sa South America. Kalaunan, arawaraw kaming nag-uusap, napakasweet at maalalahanin talaga siya. Nabighani ako sa atensyon na binibigay niya. [One day, I received a message on Facebook from Malcolm Dermot, a U.S. Army medical officer based in South America. As time went on, we were messaging each other every day. He was so sweet and caring. I was drawn to the attention he gave me.]

Nag-open up si Malcolm sa akin na gusto niyang pakasalan ako at magretire sa Pinas, para makapundar kami ng bahay doon sa probinsya namin. Kailangan daw naming magbukas ng joint account sa U.S. para hindi siya mahirapan magpadala ng pera sa akin at magdedeposito daw muna siya ng P1 million (HK$140,500) galing sa kanyang pension pero kailangan ko daw magbigay ng kahit konti lang para may share ako sa paunang deposito, ito ay ayon daw sa kanyang abogado. Kaya ipinadala ko ang HK$8000 na aking naipon sa kanya. [Malcolm shared that he wanted to marry me and retire in the Philippines, so we could build a house in my province. He said we needed to open a joint account in the U.S. so it would be easier for him to send money to me, and that, as a start, he would deposit P1 million (HK$140,500) from his pension; but he said his lawyer told him that I would need to give some amount too so that we would have a shared amount in the first deposit. So, I sent him the HK$8,000 I had saved up.]

Pagkatapos noon, blinock na niya ako sa lahat ng communication namin. In denial muna ako ng ilang araw, hanggang sa natanggap ko na na-scam ako. Iyak ako ng iyak, at sa sobrang hiya ko na naloko ako, hindi ko na sinabi sa aking pamilya. Masakit sa loob at sa isip ang nagyari, pero natuto akong maging mas mag-ingat online. [After that transfer, he blocked me from all our communications. I was in denial for a few days before finally accepting that it was a scam. I cried so much, I was so embarrassed about being scammed that I haven’t told my family about what happened. It hurts my heart and my mind, but I have learned to be more cautious online.]

Consul General Yul Edison’s

message for Hong Kong’s Indonesian community

BIJAK MENGELOLA KEUANGAN BAGI PEKERJA MIGRAN INDONESIA

TIDAK SEDIKIT ALASAN pendorong menjadi pekerja migran adalah karena faktor keuangan. Sebagai contoh, tidak adanya penghasilan karena belum mempunyai pekerjaan, tidak mampu membayar utang, ingin mempunyai rumah atau barang lainnya, ada pertengkaran tentang uang di dalam keluarga, ingin mengumpulkan tabungan atau modal usaha, ingin menyekolahkan anak, ingin membantu keluarga atau orang tua, dan lain sebagainya. Faktor ini tidaklah salah, justru harus menjadi pegangan dan tujuan yang kuat untuk dicapai.

Jika kamu tidak mempunyai tujuan yang ingin dicapai maka kamu akan merasa berjalan di tempat. Lelah, rasanya sudah melakukan banyak hal, tetapi tidak terlihat hasilnya. Jadi, beranilah menetapkan tujuan yang ingin dicapai. Bukan tentang besar atau kecilnya tujuan namun kemampuan mengenali diri dan merumuskan apa yang kamu inginkan sebagai garis finish. Hanya dengan demikian, kamu bisa mengarahkan langkah, belajar fokus, konsisten, dan disiplin menuju tujuan yang ingin dicapai.

Setelah itu, cobalah membuat perencanaan keuangan. Kuantifikasi nilai tujuan yang ingin dicapai dan kapan tujuan itu harus terwujud. Dengan demikian, kamu jadi tahu berapa yang harus kamu sisihkan. Tidak lupa, mulai identifikasi pos-pos pengeluaran dan kebutuhan apa yang selama ini sudah dikeluarkan dan masih diperlukan pada waktu mendatang. Tahapan ini akan menimbulkan kebingungan karena

@kjrihk

@indonesiainhongkong

semuanya terasa penting untuk dibiayai. Untuk itu, keberanian, kelapangan hati, dan mungkin juga ”rasa tega” sangat diperlukan agar kamu bisa menghasilkan perencanaan keuangan yang masuk akal. Beberapa saran dari pakar keuangan antara lain dahulukan membayar utang serta bedakan antara kebutuhan dan keinginan. Selain itu, besarnya tabungan harus ditentukan terlebih dahulu dan bukan merupakan sisa dari gaji kamu.

Langkah terakhir, mulailah menjalankan rencana keuangan tadi. Rasa tidak mudah dan tidak nyaman akan menemani perjalanan kamu saat harus mengurangi hal-hal yang tidak urgent atau tidak perlu. Mulailah dengan hal sederhana atau kecil supaya terbangun kebiasaan dan disiplin. Misalnya, berhenti membeli pakaian atau tas yang tidak diperlukan. Selain menghabiskan uang, barang-barang tersebut akan menumpuk dan seringkali tidak bisa dipakai untuk jangka panjang. Kamar kamu akan semakin sempit dan bisa jadi kamu harus mengeluarkan tambahan uang untuk mengirimkannya atau menambah biaya bagasi saat pulang ke tanah air. Terus cari pengeluaran yang bisa kamu kurangi atau tunda.

Apakah bisa gagal? Tentu saja bisa. Namun, cobalah untuk bangkit lagi. Jangan lupa untuk mulai melakukan pencatatan agar kamu bisa mengevaluasi kegagalan kamu dan tahu bagaimana cara memperbaikinya di kesempatan berikutnya. Kelola uangmu, untuk hidup yang lebih bermakna.

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Timah yang menjadi emas

By Citra Novita

Suara riuh gemuruh sorak penonton dan supporter serta para peserta lomba di Swim Gala Splash Dash Relay begitu menggema di setiap sudut tembok.

Mereka menyaksikan di TV layar lebar sebuah tayangan video Chris Martin, seorang vokalis band ternama berkancah internasional yang tiba-tiba hadir di tengah pelatihan sesi terakhir splasher level Squad. Dengan teriakan histeris, Splashers memohon untuk berenang bersama. Mereka tertawa lepas dan menyanyi dengan suara lantang, ini adalah momen bersejarah mahal.

Aku berdiri di tepi kolam renang memandangi air yang berkilau. Tak terasa mataku berkaca-kaca, masih terpatri jelas dalam ingatan bagaimana Chris Martin menggenggam kedua tanganku sebelumnya. Pertemuan yang tak terduga sama sekali. Bahkan aku tidak tau wajah dan nama vokalis pentolan grup band internasional tersebut.

Sebuah koneksi takdir di kolam renang. Seolah-olah Chris Martin merasakan energiku yang sedang dalam proses selfhealing. Lirik Coldplay “Fix You” adalah tentang menyembuhkan orang terkasih. “Yellow” adalah simbol pengabdian tulus.

Dua puluh lima tahun yang lalu, di usia 16 tahun, aku tak pernah membayangkan akan berakhir di sini. Seorang janda dengan empat anak dan kapten tim renang yang memimpin empat perenang juga. Tanggal 3 Mei 2000 mengawali petualangan hidupku, yang dimulai dari pernikahan dini karena kehamilan tak direncanakan. Saat itu, aku seperti seonggok timah mudah dibentuk, mudah pula penyok.

Selama 19 tahun pernikahan, suamiku berselingkuh tiga kali. Aku belajar arti ketahanan dengan cara paling pahit. Setiap pengkhianatan adalah palu yang menempa, mengubahku sedikit demi sedikit. Tahun 2019, kanker kelenjar getah bening merenggutnya di usia 38 tahun. Aku menjadi single parent, bekerja sebagai asisten rumah tangga di Hong Kong. Tapi di balik kepahitan, ada pelajaran berharga; aku menemukan kekuatan yang tak kusadari ada dalam diriku. Titik balik datang ketika seorang teman bertanya: “Kamu bisa berenang? Aku ingin mengajakmu berlibur ke Bali”. Pertanyaan itu mengusik relung hatiku. Pada akhirnya membuatku penasaran bagaimana mengatur pernafasan di dalam air. Setelah mendapat informasi dari teman bahwa ada program kelas tanpa biaya, aku bergabung dengan Splash Foundation. Kolam renang menjadi laboratorium alkimia pribadiku. Di sana aku mengubah ketakutan menjadi keberanian. Tanggal 27 April 2025, aku memimpin tim Angel Fish di lomba renang estafet Lane 3. Angka tiga yang penuh makna: tiga kali disakiti, tiga dekade perjuangan, tiga lapis kekuatan tubuh, pikiran, dan jiwa. Nama Angel Fish itu bukan kebetulan. Angel adalah seperti jiwa yang terluka tapi tetap terbang. Fish lambang kelincahan, adaptasi (seperti diriku). Tanggal 3 Mei bisa jadi merupakan Hari Kelahiran Kembali, bukan hari ketika aku menikah, tetapi hari ketika aku mulai menyadari betapa tak tergoyahkannya diriku.

Tak berhenti di situ, aku juga bergabung dengan grup Zumba Fitness. Bakat menariku sudah ada dari masa kanak-

kanak. Tarian zumba itu juga yang membawaku pada takdir persahabatan dengan 2 gadis muda dari Mainland China. Pada akhirnya itu membuatku terinspirasi untuk mempelajari bahasa Mandarin. Setelah mendapat informasi, aku mengikuti program kelas Mandarin di TCK Learning Centre. Aku menyadari bahwa asal ada tekad, keberanian, dan mau berkembang, kesempatan begitu terbuka lebar.

Tanggal 11 Mei 2025 akan menjadi hari bersejarah lainnya: ujian open water dan graduasi sebagai pelatih renang. Setiap gerakan di air mengingatkanku pada perjalanan hidup. Terkadang harus mengapung, kadang harus menyelam, tapi selalu bergerak maju. Bukan tentang mengubah timah menjadi emas secara harfiah, tapi tentang transformasi diri. Luka-luka masa lalu adalah katalis yang mengubahku menjadi versi terbaik diri sendiri. Aku bukan lagi korban, tapi penyintas. Dan membentukku menjadi pribadi yang memiliki rasa empati yang tinggi. Kolam renang menjadi saksi bisu metamorfosisku. Dari seorang gadis kecil yang terpaksa menikah, menjadi wanita yang dengan bangga bisa berkata: “Aku Citra Novita - alkemis kehidupan yang mengubah air mata menjadi prestasi, kepahitan menjadi kasih sayang, dan keterpurukan menjadi inspirasi.”