Page 29 Page 6 Page 18 Disneyland Hong Kong launches its exclusive “Buy One, Get One Free” ticket promo for foreign domestic helpers. As fans prepare for his much-awaited fight on May 3, Manny Pacquiao’s life has also been turned into a film for moviegoers. Take an adventure to Sai Kung this summer and dip into the inviting turquoise waters of May 1, 2015 Long Ke Wan. No to racism! The No.1 Filipino Newspaper Vol.VI No.324 By Philip C. Tubeza REJECTING Regina Ip’s apology, hundreds of Filipinos marched through the streets of Hong Kong on April 26 to condemn her article which claimed that “a great number” of Filipino domestic helpers” had become “sexual resources for expat males.” On April 28, Feliza “Guy” Benitez, chair of the Filipino Migrant Workers Union (FMWU), also filed two formal complaints against Ip before the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for allegedly violating the Racial Discrimination Ordinance and the Sexual Discrimination Ordinance. “We want the EOC itself to say if her statements were racist or if (Ip) was just misunderstood. We want the EOC to decide if her comments were denigrating to women, particularly to domestic workers,” said Eman Villanueva, chair of Bayan-Hong Kong and Macau, and one of the protest leaders. The formal complaints were filed after Ip met with protest leaders. Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo earlier filed a complaint with the EOC but the commission told her that she was “unqualTurn to page 16 SHAME on you! Filipinos in Hong Kong, joined by some locals and expats, march to the Central Government Office in Admiralty on April 26 to condemn the controversial statements of lawmaker Regina Ip about Filipino domestic workers. (By Philip C. Tubeza) 2 HK employment agencies to lose accreditation for human trafficking By Philip C. Tubeza IT’S a crackdown. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) has recommended the cancellation of the accreditation of two more employment agencies in Hong Kong after they sent Filipino domestic workers to work illegally in China. In a memo to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Labor Attaché Nenita Garcia recommended the cancellation of the accreditation of the two agencies---with initials F.E.T.S. and P.S.E.S.C.L.---after they deployed two Filipinos to work in Xiamen. “By allowing the OFWs to work with employers different from those stated in their employment contract, (they) violated the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995,” Garcia said in the memo dated April 15. The two agencies are the second and third Hong Kong agencies to get the axe within a month’s time. Also last month, the POLO recommended the cancellation of another agency’s accreditation after the police rescued two Filipina domestic workers who were locked up in its apartment in Macau. “There are just too many agencies here (that recruit Filipino domestic workers). We need to cut down their number,” said one source at the POLO. “So when they commit a violation, we go after them. And usually, the POEA PUBLISHED BY HK PUBLICATIONS LTD. TEL: 2851 1766 (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) follows our recommendation that their accreditation be cancelled,” the source added. Cancellation of accreditation means the agencies can no longer process the hiring of domestic workers from the Philippines. The case of the two agencies stemmed from the complaints of domestic workers Sheryl V. Barola and Julita Vicente who were recruited in Mnaila. They were supposed to work in Hong WEBSITE : WWW.HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Kong but they ended up being employed and overstaying in Xiamen, China. Barola arrived in Hong Kong on Sept. 3, 2014 but then left for China two days later to work with another employer. The government considers Barola as a “victim of human trafficking,” Garcia said. One of the two agencies was also suspended earlier for its refusal to attend a Turn to page 12 2 NEWS May 1, 2015 Indonesia spares Mary Jane By Cheryl Arcibal “The Lord has answered our prayers.” The Indonesian government has spared the life of Mary Jane Veloso, the 30-yearold mother of two, who was set to be executed for drug trafficking. “We are relieved that the execution of Mary Jane Veloso was not carried out tonight. The Lord has answered our prayers,” said Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose on April 29. Veloso was supposed to be executed by firing squad before dawn on April 29 with eight other death row inmates but Jakarta decided to spare her after her illegal recruiter surrendered in Nueva Ecija and president Aquino again requested for a stay in the execution. In a text message to media, Tony Spontana, the spokesman for Indonesia’s Attorney General, said Veloso’s testimony was needed to prosecute her illegal recruiter, Veloso Maria Kristina Sergio. “There was a request from the Philippine president regarding the perpetrator who’s suspected of committing human trafficking and surrendered in the Philippines. MJ is needed for her testimony,” Spontana said. President Aquino has made a last-ditch effort to save Veloso by urging Jakarta to tap her as a state witness to combat the drug trafficking problem in Indonesia. Sergio, voluntarily turned herself in to police authorities in Nueva Ecija at 10:30 HONG KONG NEWS a.m. On April 28. Sergio, who along with Julius Lacanilao and a certain “Ike,” is facing cases of trafficking, illegal recruitment and estafa with swindling, said she was receiving death threats. According to the National Bureau of Investigation’s complaint against Sergio, Veloso “does not know that there were illegal drugs in the luggage she was carrying and that she was a victim of deception and manipulation by her illegal recruiters.” The NBI also found that Sergio and Lacanilao had no license or authority to recruit persons for overseas employment. HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 3 4 May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 5 6 NEWS May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS Disneyland offers ‘promo’ for FDHs By Peter C. Castillo BECAUSE of its success over the years, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has again launched an exclusive “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” ticket offer for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs). The amusement park said the promo will run from April 1 until June 23, 2015 and will cater exclusively to FDHs or those with HKID card with a W/WX prefix. “Foreign domestic helpers can enjoy an exclusive offer of Buy 1 Get 1 Free Hong Kong Disneyland 1-day ticket and have fun with their friends,” the amusement park said in a statement. “To top off the trip, they will receive two coupons for a free frozen lollipop,” it added. The amusement park said FDHs can avail of the promo at the ticket booth of the Hong Kong Disneyland Main Entrance. “With so many wonders to explore, foreign domestic helpers could enjoy enchanted rides and all the spectacular shows in Hong Kong Disneyland together with friends, creating memorable moments to treasure forever,” the park said. “Over the second half of 2014, many new attractions were introduced, includMickey Mouse at Disney ing the adored Frozen characters.” Xyza speaks at TEDx Hong Kong By Peter Castillo XYZA Cruz Bacani continues to makes waves. The former domestic worker and noted street photographer was featured as one of the speakers in the popular TEDx talks here in Hong Kong. Bacani, who is now a full-time photographer, spoke during the session entitled “Sights and Sounds” at TEDx Hong Kong on April 18 at Cyberport. “Ms. Bacani talked about her life as a HSW, her passion for photography, and the acclaim she garnered for her work. She also spoke of her struggles in life, and how her passion for photography has made her see Hong Kong from a different perspective and how she is able to project Hong Kong to the world,” a Department of Foreign Affairs statement said. “Ms. Bacani said that being discovered and featured in the New York Times Lens Blog and CNN, and her being awarded as a Magnum Fellow for the 2015 Magnum Foundation Fellowship for Human Rights in New York did not stop her from honing her craft,” the statement said. “These recognitions have also inspired her even more to help her fellow (household service workers) in Hong Kong in anyway she can,” it added. The DFA added that some audience members who were inspired by Bacani’s story gave her a standing ovation after her speech. TEDx Hong Kong is a non-profit project which gathers leading thinkers and doers to share their respective experiences in the fields of Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED). The other speakers included Benjamin Grubbs, YouTube Asia Pacific Head of Family Entertainment & Learning; Piotr Grzywacz, Head of Learning & Development at Google Japan; and Ronald Li, Founder of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium. Bacani giving her talk (DFA photo) HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 7 8 NEWS May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS FDH acquitted in child abuse case By Philip C. Tubeza “May Diyos talaga.” Because of her four-year-old ward’s conflicting testimony in court, a Filipina was acquitted of child abuse charges in the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Jennet A.B., a domestic worker, heaved an audible sigh of relief inside the courtroom after Magistrate Jason Wan Siuming junked the “assault occasioning actual bodily harm” case against her on April 17. “Finally, natapos na. May Diyos talaga,” Jennet said after the judge announced his verdict. The Filipina was accused of hitting her ward on the face while they were playing inside his bedroom on October 29 last year. However, the judge said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Jennet intended to hurt the boy. “I find the defendant not guilty of the charge…(The boy) gave confusing and sometimes contradictory evidence even on the most important issue,” Judge Wan said. “His evidence is not clear so this court cannot be sure (of Jennet’s alleged guilt). The medical evidence shows that he had an injury but it’s not clear how he got it. There are doubts that cannot be resolved,” he added. Judge Wan said to prove an “assault occasioning actual bodily harm” case, prosecutors should be able to show the “hostile intent” of the assailant. He noted that sometimes even parents who hit their children are acquitted of this charge because they reason out that they were only trying to discipline their children. “I believe that this principle should also be applied to domestic helpers. Hostile intent should be proven,” the judge said. “Otherwise, it is not a case of abuse…it is not a case of assault,” he added. Jennet and the boy were having a “pillow fight” in his bed when the Filipina allegedly hit him in the face. Jennet said the boy accidentally hit a window sill and she even called her female employer to tell her about what hap- Eastern courts pened. But when the female employer got home later, the boy told her that Jennet hit him. During the trial, defense lawyer Vandana Rajwani questioned the boy, who admitted that it was an accident and “it was nobody’s fault.” But when the judge questioned him, the boy changed his tune and said the “accident” was different from the incident when Jennet supposedly hit him. “The evidence provided by this boy is self-contradictory,” Rajwani said. She noted that the boy claimed that he cried for two hours after Jennet hit him but CCTV footage showed him sleeping afterwards. “And when he gave evidence, there were no tears or emotion. It was not a harsh memory of abuse (for him). He just looked tired or bored,” she added. Elderly tourist admits to pick-pocketing A 62-year-old tourist from the Philippines was sentenced to jail for trying to steal the wallet of an MTR commuter in Central. Eastern Magistrates Courts judge So Wai-tak sentenced Cornelio F.S. Jr. to eight months in prison after he admitted to the charge of attempted theft. Court records showed that the victim was going up an escalator at the Central MTR Station when Cornelio, who was behind him, suddenly pretended that he stumbled and held on to the back of the victim. The victim did not mind the elderly man but after he got on another escalator, Cornelio again pretended that he stumbled behind him. This time around, the tourist held on to the victim’s back pocket which had his wallet. The victim became suspicious and called the police to have him arrested. PCT HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 9 10 NEWS May 1, 2015 Labor chief asked: What will HK do if Manila and Jakarta stops sending FDHs? By Peter Castillo A lawmaker quizzed Labor Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung as to what Hong Kong will do if the Philippines and Indonesia stops sending domestic workers to the city. Legislative Council (Legco) member Chan Kin-por, who represents the insurance industry, said there were 323,400 foreign domestic helpers---166,200 Filipinos and 149,700 Indonesians---as of March. However, he noted that there were reports that Manila and Jakarta will stop sending domestic workers abroad in a few years time? “Will the Government inform this Council whether it has studied the shortterm or long-term impacts, of the cessa- tion of export of DHs from the Philippines and Indonesia to Hong Kong, on Hong Kong in areas such as the economy, labour and family,” Chan said on April 15. “(And) whether the authorities have projected the demand of Hong Kong households for FDHs in the next decade, and whether the supply of FDHs can meet the demand,” he said. Chan also wanted to know what the government was doing to encourage employers to “employ local domestic helpers” and “whether they have assessed if Hong Kong has been over-dependent on FDHs in recent years.” In his written reply, Labour Secretary Cheung said the government has not commissioned “any study on the actual demand for and supply” of FDHs in the next decade. He noted that the government does not allow those from the Chinese mainland, Macau, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nepal and Vietnam to work as FDHs in Hong Kong. “Save from the above, the government has not imposed any restrictions on, nor will it promote the employment of FDHs of, any particular nationalities,” Cheung said. “Employers may, having regard to individual requirements, decide to hire FDHs from any countries and regions other than those specified above,” he added. He said Hong Kong had to take in FDHs because “very few local workers have been willing to take up live-in and full- time domestic jobs for a long period of time.” “There has been an acute and long-standing shortage of labour in this trade, failing to meet the demand of local employers,” he said. “The Government has thus allowed the importation of full-time live-in domestic workers according to the above-mentioned policy,” he added. Nevertheless, Cheung said the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) provides courses for the domestic services industry to eligible local residents to promote “local non-live-in domestic services.” “In the past three years, an annual average of 47,000 vacancies was registered... Around 30,000 vacancies were successfully filled by graduates,” he added. HONG KONG NEWS ‘It is illegal to be an ISIL member in HK’ By Cheryl Arcibal IT is illegal to be a member of the notorious Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Hong Kong, Secretary for Lai Security Mr Lai Tung-kwok said. Lai told the Legislative Council that ISIL had already been declared a terrorist group under the city’s United Nations Ordinance. “According to section 10 of the Ordinance, a person commits an offence if he becomes a member or recruits another person to become a member of a specified body, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years on conviction,” Lai said on April 22. “Section 3 of the Ordinance stipulates that such an offence applies to a Hong Kong permanent resident outside Hong Kong. In other words, it is against the law for a Hong Kong citizen to join in any places such terrorist bodies as a member,” he added. Lai made the statement after lawmaker Christopher Chung inquired about reports that some people have recently distributed flyers to Indonesian domestic helpers, recruiting them to join an international radical organization. “The police have been conducting timely assessments of the terrorist threat for Hong Kong, and maintaining close liaison with law enforcement agencies of other regions to exchange intelligence and threat assessments,” Lai said. “At present, there is no specific intelligence suggesting that Hong Kong is a potential target of terrorist attack, and the threat of terrorist attacks for Hong Kong remains at the “moderate” level,” he said. “No one was arrested for terrorist activities during the past two years. If any unlawful acts are identified, the Police will take resolute enforcement actions,” he added. Filipino Muslims in Hong Kong earlier expressed their commitment to peace after reports that the terrorist group ISIS was recruiting in the city. Filipino members of the group Helpers of Islam urged city residents not to easily judge people of other faiths. “We request everyone not to judge the religion by the actions of a few, rather judge it by its original scriptures and sources. There are bad apples in every basket,” they said. HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 11 12 NEWS May 1, 2015 FDHs urged to name abusers By Philip C. Tubeza A Department of Labour official has urged Filipina domestic workers to name abusive agencies and file formal complaints against them. Bicky Lee Woon-sheung, manager of the Labour Department’s Workplace Consultation Promotion Division, urged Filipinos to file complaints, especially if they are forced to pay illegal placement fees. “Do not hesitate. We need to have the name so that we can carry out the investigation,” Lee said in a talk at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. She spoke to two batches of newly-arrived Filipina domestic helpers during a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar on April19. “I’d like to remind you, under Hong Kong labor law, the employment agency can charge you a maximum of 10 percent of first month salary as their commission,” Lee said. “So, anything more than 10 percent may be an offense to law. Tell the agency ‘No, nothing more than 10 percent,” she said. “If they insist that they charge you more, please report to the Labour Department… with the name of employment agency,” she added. Lee said domestic workers who need assistance can call the Labour Department’s hotline: 27171771. Those who are abused, need hospitalization, or need police assistance can call 999. She also urged FDHs not to sign any document that they do not understand. “Do not sign anything which you disagree or not sure of just to protect your interest. Do not sign any blank paper. You never know the people who could write on it,” Lee said. Some of those who attended the seminar complained that they were made to pay up to P50,000 by their Hong Kong agencies. “Hiningan ako ng P45,000 na babayran ko ng four months dahil sila raw ang HONG KONG NEWS PCG: Learn to say ‘no’ to your employer By Philip C. Tubeza Lee speaks to newly-arrived FDHs at the POLO on April 19 naghanap ng employer dito,” said one Filipina. Another said she was made to pay because her employer allegedly did not pay her employment agency. “Kasalanan niya yun. Mahina siyang dumeskarte. Hindi mo dapat sasaluhin,” said Consul Charles Macaspac, head of the consulate’s assistance to Nationals Section. “Pagmay ganyang reklamo, basta willing kang gumawa ng affidavit, sasampahan namin yang ahensiyang na yan. Pwedeng mawalan yan ng lisensya,” Macaspac said. “Huwag kang makinig sa agency. Pagnangulit, sabihin mo mo kausap mo ang konsulado na nagsabi bawal ito.” 2 HK employment.... From page 1 conciliation meeting at the POLO and for failing to comply with Manila’s “no placement fee” policy. It also allegedly forced overseas Filipino workers to apply for personal loans so that they can pay its exorbitant placement fees. The POLO requested that the names of two agencies be withheld until the POEA issues its decision on their cases. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing earlier issued a warning that it is illegal for Filipinos to work as domestic workers, tutors, or nannies in mainland China. “Foreigners cannot be employed as household workers in mainland China as it is against Chinese laws,” the embassy said in an advisory. It also warned against individuals who offer tourist visa extensions for Filipinos in the mainland for a fee. “These visas or individuals are involved in illegal recruitment (and) break Chinese laws,” the embassy added. FOREIGN domestic workers (FDWs) should say ‘no’ to their employers if they are given orders that would violate the law, a Philippine Consulate General official said. Consul Charles Macaspac, head of the consulate’s Assistance To Nationals section, said FDWs should maintain an “excellent level of communication” with their employers so that they can “respectfully” decline any illegal order. “Siguraduhin natin na maganda yung level of communication with employer natin para pag alam natin na hindi tama, masasabi natin sa kanila na sa paraan na may respeto pa rin naman tayo sa kanila,” Macaspac said. “Para marealize na rin nila na hindi tayo papayag na gumawa ng mga alituntunin na iligal dito sa Hong Kong,” he added. Macaspac made the comments after the Shatin Magistrates Courts convicted a Filipina for breach of condition of stay after she was paid an extra $500 for lining early in the morning to book a tennis court for his employer, a tennis instructor. “Yun ay breach of condition of stay. Hiningan ng extrang pabor ng employer. Nagbibigay ng extrang amount $500 para magreserve,” he said. “Nung nasita, hindi rin nag right to remain silent. Inamin lahat nung aaminin kaya siya ngayon yung napahamak,” he added. The court sentenced the 39-year-old Filipina guilty to 8 weeks in prison, although this was suspended for three years. “The offense in this case is a very serious one. An immediate custodial sentence is the norm,” said Magistrate Ho Chunyiu. “However, having heard your mitigation, clean record, and guilty plea, I’m prepared to give you one chance,” he added. The Filipina’s lawyer said the case would not have been filed “if her employer was not a tennis instructor.” “We should also consider the reality of the life of a domestic helper. It is difficult to deny a request from one’s employer,” the lawyer said. He added that, in the place where he lives, he would often see domestic helpers fall in line in the bus stop early in the morning for their employers. Macaspac HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 13 14 NEWS May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS MIAA tells airlines: Quit claiming air traffic congestion By Bing Jabadan THE head of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said “air traffic congestion” should no longer be considered as a valid reason for flight delays and cancellations. MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said they intend to impose fines and other penalties on airlines if their flights are delayed or cancelled and they use “air traffic congestion” as an excuse. “The airlines can easily get away with the delayed or cancelled flights by using the word ‘traffic congestion,’ but once we impose fines and penalties, they will be disciplined to keep their aircraft in flying condition,” Honrado said. With the summer travel season heating up, Honrado met with airline officials on April 10 to address the causes of flight delays and other reasons behind the failure of the airline companies to comply with their flight schedules. In many instances, Honrado said airlines delayed or cancelled their flights without any explanation at all and airline staff members “were inconsiderate to or insensitive towards the affected passengers.” He said imposing fines and penalties would hurt the pockets of airline companies and, hopefully, compel them to improve their services and their treatment of affected passengers. Honrado said most flight delays were caused by “prolonged aircraft servicing on the ground and the late arrival of aircraft from their point of origin.” Air traffic congestion, on the other hand, stems from the inability to handle the volume of aircraft in a terminal. However, Honrado insisted that this “is not a major factor since NAIA is capable enough to accommodate all its flights.” In 2014, flight data showed a total of 236,442 arriving and departing flights in all terminals – or an average of 648 flights a day. Honrado also renewed his appeal for airline companies to make sure that flight schedules and arrangements always take into account the well-being of their passengers. Passengers and their familes at NAIA Terminal I At the meeting, some solutions proposed were to hasten ground servicing of aircraft and to adjust passenger loading time. Honrado said he himself experienced a delay in an early morning flight recently. He said he was at Davao International airport to catch the first plane to Manila when he heard the ground crew of the airline make an announcement that their flight will be delayed due to “traffic congestion.” “After I heard the announcement made by the ground crew of the airline saying that our flight will be delayed due to the traffic congestion, I stood up and immediately approached the airline counter and reprimanded the ground crew for conveying false information,” Honrado said. Due to the tight schedules at NAIA, a single delayed flight could cause a chain reaction that would affect succeeding flights, Hondrado said. “For instance, if the first wave of flights set from 4am to 7am were delayed, it will affect the succeeding flights of the day,” he added. He noted that a three-day average in January this year showed that 27 flights were delayed “during the first wave alone.” This caused an average of 103 delayed flights for the rest of the day, Honrado said. Honrado said that based on the international standards, 15-minute delay and 10-percent overbooking of passengers are allowed, but the MIAA will already cancel an aircraft’s landing or takeoff schedule once the flight had been delayed for 40 minutes. Honrado said affected passengers had the options to re-book or refund their tickets during such instances. He explained that the Air Passengers Bill of Rights’ provision was clear: In the event of delayed departures, airlines are required to offer free food, drinks, Internet access, phone use and, in extreme circumstances, hotel lodging until the flight departs. According to Honrado, a flight is considered cancelled if it is delayed at least 6 hours after the original departure time. The passenger would then have the right to be compensated accordingly. Honrado added that, if the flight is cancelled, the passenger has to be notified beforehand via public announcement, a written notice, or through a text message. If an air carrier cancels the flight because of force majeure, safety or security reasons, the passenger shall have the right to be reimbursed for the total value of the fare, said Honrado. He said that if the passenger arrived within the designated check-in area at least one hour before the flight’s published time of departure, the passenger will not be considered late and the carrier is obliged to make sure that the passenger is checked in within the deadline. For overbooked flights, Honrado said that under the law, an airline is allowed to overbook a flight -- an industry practice of selling more than the seats the aircraft has, based on demand-supply for a specific flight -- as long as the passengers who are bumped off do so voluntarily. If the passenger volunteers to choose a different flight, the airline will have to offer passenger compensation in the form of amenities or cash incentives. If the number of volunteers is not enough to resolve the overbooking, the airline is mandated to increase the compensation package by adding more services until the required number of volunteers is met. For offloaded baggage, Honrado said that if a passenger’s checked-in baggage were offloaded from the flight due to “operational, safety, or security reasons,” the airline has to inform the passenger as soon as possible, give the passenger a report, and ensure that his offloaded baggage is carried by the next flight with available space. Honrado said the airline should deliver the baggage within an hour after arrival and pay P2,000 for every 24 hours that his or her baggage is delayed. HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 15 16 NEWS May 1, 2015 No to... From page 1 Socialist Action was one of the local groups that joined the protest. Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo expresses her solidarity with protesting Filipinos in Chater Garden. Protesting FDHs vs. Ip ified” to become a complainant because she was not an “alleged victim” of Ip’s article. “Ms. Ip is not just an ordinary individual here in Hong Kong. She is a member of the Legislative Council (Legco) and also of the Executive Council, which is equivalent to the Cabinet in the Philippines,” Villanueva said. “This means she should have been more responsible about what she writes and what she says,” he added. Ip’s controversial article in Chinese came out in the Ming Pao newspaper on April 17 and immediately generated widespread criticism. She was commenting on the recent case of a former Filipina domestic worker whose daughter jumped to her death in Repulse Bay. The undocumented Filipina had lived together with a British insurance executive without them getting married or registering their two children. “In Hong Kong, there are quite a lot of cases where expat employers and Filipino domestic workers have an affair. When I was the Secretary for Security, I received complaints from expat women residing HONG KONG NEWS in Discovery Bay. They complained that the Hong Kong government had tolerated Filipino helpers who seduced their husbands,” said a portion of Ip’s article, which had been translated into English. “A few expat friends of mine who live in Discovery Bay told me that they have heard of broken marriages resulting from husbands with families in Hong Kong having suspiciously intimate relationships with their Filipino domestic workers. Why would these Filipino domestic workers cohabit with their expat boyfriends or employers without getting proper recognition?” she said. “Apart from reporting on inappropriate behaviour of employers, should the foreign press not also keep a closer eye on why a great number of Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong have become sexual resources for expat males?” she added. Ip later apologized on April 24 after protesters picketed outside her political party’s office in Wan Chai. “My sole purpose of my Ming Pao article...was to raise a question as to whether there is widespread exploitation of Filipino maids in Hong Kong and to express my concern,” Ip said in her apology. “Unfortunately, the way my article was misinterpreted in some quarters has led many to believe that I was sexist or racist and was pointing a finger at the Filipino maids. I strenuously deny such allegations,” she said. But a joint statement signed by 130 Filipino organizations and 27 Filipino individuals in Hong Kong took issue with Ip’s claim that she was just misunderstood. The statement was submitted by the protesters to the Central Government Office. “We have read the full English translation of her column piece…and agree that what she had written was anti-Filipino, anti-immigrant, and anti-women,” the statement said. They urged the government to take steps to ensure “that no one, least of all its top officials like Mrs. Ip, does any act that fosters discrimination against any ethnic group, particularly Filipinos.” “We are doing this to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate any form of abuse or discrimination, especially those that target the most vulnerable members of our community, our migrant workers,” they added. Among the signatories were the Abra Migrant Workers Welfare Association, Alliance of Luzon Overseas Workers, Chaplaincy for Filipinos In Hong Kong, Filguys Hong Kong, Helpers of Islam Group, the Isabela Federation, the Mindanao Alliance, the Mindanao Federation, the Philippine Independent Church, Section Juan, and Womed Hong Kong. For its part, the EOC said that negative or stereotypical portrayal of migrant domestic workers should be discouraged. “Everyone should exercise sensitivity when portraying people of different ethnicities,” the EOC said. “Unfair remarks about migrant domestic workers can reinforce stereotypes...It is advisable that all public officials should adopt a gender-sensitive and racially sensitive approach in making comments on social issues,” it added. HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 17 18 TRAVEL May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS Inviting turquoise waters in HK By Philip C. Tubeza WHEN one dreams of a perfect beach escapade---finding and reaxing in a beach with clear, turquoise waters---Hong Kong does not usually come to mind. Beach bums usually flock to Thailand or Boracay and other exotic islands in the Philippines to get their respite from city life. But if you look closer, hidden in the hills of Sai Kung is a stretch of sand that offers beach bums their fix. Long Ke Wan beach, considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong, provides visitors with a tranquil place to unwind. It has those blue-green waters and light brown sand that remind one of idyllic times in the tropics. Long Ke Wan also has a camping site with lush trees that is similar to that in Anawangin Cove in Zambales. However, there are no restaurants in this beach so don’t forget to bring your own food and drinks. Also, it takes some effort to get there. To get to the beach, one could take Bus 96R from Diamond Hill (during Sundays or public holidays; the travel time takes more than an hour), or Bus 94 in Sai Kung town proper, and get off at Pak Tam Chung stop. To get to Sai Kung, one could take the 1A Green Minibus at Choi Hung MTR station Exit C. From the Pak Tam Chung stop, veteran hikers can follow the first stage of the MacLehose Trail to Long Ke. The hike could take three hours but this would give you the opportunity to take in the breath-taking views of the High Island Reservoir. For those who want to get the beach as soon as possible, they can hire a taxi from Sai Kung town or the MTR University station. The taxis can take them up to the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. From there, it’s a 30-minute hike up a hill, with the trail winding up until you get your first glimpse of the beach with its inviting turquoise waters. To get home, especially on weekends, it is advisable to call a taxi and have it wait at the East Dam since the beach is a popular weekend getaway for the adventurous. The trail up a hill leading to Long Ke Wan The East Dam of the High Island Reservoir The inviting turquoise waters of Long Ke Wan The view that greets hikers before they go down the beach The campsite by the beach HONG KONG NEWS FEATURE May 1, 2015 19 Oxford University Press survey says: Parents concerned about FDH English By Peter Castillo PARENTS in Hong Kong are concerned about the accuracy of their foreign domestic helper’s English grammar and how this affects their children, according to a Oxford University Press (OUP) survey. The OUP survey on ‘Parent-child English Learning and Role of Domestic Helpers’ was conducted in March in collaboration with Richard Wong, Assistant Professor of Department of Early Childhood Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. ”The results underlined parents’ concerns about interaction between domestic helpers and their children in eight major aspects, particularly highlighting accuracy of English grammar, which could hinder learning,” a OUP statement said. “While parents should not be unduly wary, experts suggested they spend more time reading with their children, in order to expand vocabulary. Furthermore, quality interaction between children and domestic helpers not only facilitate communication, it also improves English learning ability,” it added. The Oxford University Press is a department of the prestigious University of Oxford, and the world’s largest university press. The survey showed that the parents’ 8 major concerns about “interaction between their children and domestic helpers” included grammatical errors, spoiling the children and undermining their learning effectiveness, difference in culture and values, inaccurate pronunciation, low educational level, neglecting instructions, watching TV with children, being too close with children. “OUP has been committed to promoting English learning, and we have sponsored surveys on children’s English learning experience for four consecutive years. According to previous surveys targeting parents and children from different backgrounds, parents want their children to be proficient in English and even with native-level fluency,” said Adeline Cheung, OUP’s Chief Teacher Trainer. “In particular, middle-class parents are concerned about grammatical accuracy in learning English. As it is common for local families to have two working parents and a domestic helper, children may spend most of their time with the helpers,” she said. “So, parents may encourage their domestic helpers to play a role in creating a better English learning environment at home,” she added. The survey noted that over half of parent-respondents said they wanted their children to speak English as their first language instead of Cantonese or Putonghua. “Hong Kong people value bi-literate and trilingual abilities. Among the families surveyed, over 80 percent have a household income of over $40,000, one or two children aged under 6, and employ domestic helpers,” Professor Wong said. “Over half the parents preferred their children to speak English instead of Cantonese or Putonghua as their first language, reflecting their emphasis on mastering English. (More than half or) 66.4 percent of parents spent at least $3,000 per month on their children’s education,” he added. Wong said international studies have proven that “expanding one’s English vocabulary reinforces grammar skills.” He also suggested that parents optimize their children’s interaction with domestic helpers “so as to foster children’s interest in reading and expand vocabulary.” According to research conducted by children’s language experts overseas, children can learn a language quickly if they use it 25 percent of the time a day, and they may even reach a high level of proficiency by using it 60 percent of the time, Wong said. He said children who have at least three English-speaking companions demonstrate stronger skills in daily English usage and are more efficient learners. “Many middle-class families in Hong Kong need to rely on domestic helpers to take care of their children, making the helpers the best candidates to enhance the children’s English learning experience,” the OUP said. “According to the survey, local parents usually have a harmonious relationship with their domestic helpers, so they may encourage the helpers to establish quality communication with their children,” it added. The survey revealed that most of the mothers read with their children, though the fathers were more educated (63.1 percent of fathers and 56.5 percent of mothers held university degrees). Professor Wong encouraged fathers to read with their children “as a key English-speaking companion.’ The survey also interviewed 49 highly-educated domestic helpers who were identified “as the principal English-speaker” about how they interact with the children. Claiming to be proficient in English, nearly 70 percent of them could not speak Cantonese and usually communicate with the children in English, the OUP said. They were willing to interact with children mainly through singing, playing and chatting, but storytelling only ranked sixth among the most common form of interaction, it added. Wong recommended parents to actively engage in storytelling with their children – to create a better English learning experience by developing storytelling skills, using quality targeted learning materials, chatting with or telling stories to their children in English. These techniques enhance communication and allow children to use English 25 percent of the time in their everyday life. Parents may also contribute to their children’s English proficiency by developing a reading habit at young age (54.5 percent of parents let their children to read before the age of 1) and keeping a library of English children’s books (55.8 percent of fam- ilies had over 21 English books at home and 46.7 percent had over 21 Chinese books, reflecting the higher importance attributed to reading in English), They should also utilize community re- sources ( nearly half of the parents [or 46.9 percent] visited public libraries with their children and 47.6 percent of them visited bookshops) or they should also enroll their children in playgroups (43.6 percent of families enrolled their children in playgroups). Some practical English learning tips include repeating a new word at least 12 times, and have three English-speaking companions.” 20 BALITANG PH May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS still on Reformist Customs chief resigns Binay top of polls By Maia Lopez CUSTOMS chief John Phillip Sevilla has resigned from his post, saying he does not want to see the agency turned into a “milking cow” by politicians as he admitted feeling “political pressures” as the 2016 presidential elections draw near. Sevilla, who took on the helm on the Bureau of Customs in December 2013, also said that an influential religious group has been lobbying for the appointment of certain individuals to “very sensitive” posts in the agency. “I am sad that I could not finish what I started,” said Sevilla, referring to the reforms he pushed to increase the bureau’s collections and minimize corruption. “I did my best to improve the process in Customs to make it easier for legitimate importers, to reward good behavior and penalize bad behavior. This is a work in progress,” Sevilla added. Well-placed sources said Sevilla’s main beef was the appointment of lawyer Teddy Raval, acting chief of the bureau’s Intellectual Property Rights Division, to the Enforcement and Security Service in charge of anti-smuggling operations. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) chief Jessie Dellosa was also reportedly opposed to Raval’s promotion. Sevilla also referred to “fund-raising activities” involving the bureau during election years. “We are changing that, and I think we have done a lot to change that. Whether it is an election year or not, politician or not, corruption is wrong. Period. We should fight it,” he said. President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Air 21 president Alberto Lina, a close associate of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, to replace Sevilla. Both Lina and Purisima are members of the “Hyatt 10” group of Cabinet officials who bolted the Arroyo administration at Sevilla the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. Lina previously served as Custom’s chief for five months in 2005 before he resigned. For his part, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged Sevilla to name the persons exerting political pressure on him. “I think he should identify the people he claims are pressuring him and what these people want him to do. Since he has already resigned, he should tell all he knows to prevent a repetition of the political pressure he mentioned,” Marcos said. “What does he mean when he is being told to do something in preparation for the election? What does it mean exactly? That because of the 2016 elections political pressure was exerted on him and by whom? I think when he referred to pressure, he was being asked to do something illegal. That would be important for the Justice Department to investigate,” the senator added. The opposition United Nationalist Alliance also described Sevilla’s resignation as proof against the administration’s much trumpeted “daang matuwid” policy. “Theirs is not straight path. Instead there are signs that Sevilla could not stomach the twisted path of the administration,” UNA president and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco said. Tiangco accused the Liberal Party of being “a corruption machine working in the background and putting pressure on government appointees in sensitive positions, to milk the government coffers in the last two minutes of the Aquino administration and to contribute to its fundraising.” BIFF chief dead THE head of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has died of cardiac arrest in Maguindanao. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal confirmed the death of Umbra Kato, whom the military said had been frail since he suffered a stroke in November and another just this April 7. Kato, believed to be 68 or 69 years old, broke away from the MILF in 2008 after the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the controversial memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain. With Kato’s death, Iqbal said the MILF is calling on its former comrades to the fold and support the ongoing peace process between the government and the rebel group. But the MILF official clarified that only BIFF members “who are not facing criminal cases filed in courts” will be accepted back. A former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command that figured in the bloody Mamasapano clash in January reportedly took over Kato’s position. Ismael Abubakar, alias Kumander Bungos, was voted by the BIFF Central Committee as the new leader of the separatist movement. Abubakar, a Maguindanaon, edged BIFF vice chairman for political affairs Kagui Karialan. Abubakar was said to have studied in the Middle East and an expert on Shariah law. Maia Lopez By Maia Lopez VICE President Jejomar Binay remains the frontrunner in the latest Social Weather Stations survey of top presidential bets for the 2016 polls but Senator Grace Poe is closing in rapidly at just five points behind. Poe gained 10 points from the previous survey in the fourth quarter of 2014, finishing second at 31 percent while Binay lost one point to 36 percent. Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte were tied for third place at 15 percent. Roxas, the presumptive standard bearer of the Liberal Party, lost four points from the previous survey, while Duterte gained 10 points. Tied for fourth place were Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada at 11 percent, followed by Senator Francis Escudero (8 percent). Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (7 percent), and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (4 percent). On the other hand, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and former Senator Manny Villar were tied at eight place with three percent, followed by former senator Panfilo Lacson; Senators Loren Legarda, Franklin Drilon and Bong Revilla Jr., and Sarangani Rep. and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao at one percent each. The latest survey was conducted from March 20 to 23, using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide, broken down into 300 each from Metro Manila, balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The survey, which the SWS said was not commissioned by any third party, has a margin of error of 3 percent for national percentages and 6 percent in the regional percentages. Binay’s spokesperson for political affairs Atty. Rico Paolo Quicho said the Vice President welcomed the survey results and will continue working for the benefit of the Filipino people. “The Vice President is truly grateful for the trust and recognition as shown by the results of the latest SWS presidential survey. This is defined by the competence and compassion of the Vice President as manifested in his programs in Makati especially in health and education and assisting OFWs as presidential adviser on OFW concerns,” Quicho said. “The Vice President is focused on the task at hand and would continue to provide his kind of leadership and performance whoever will be the other presidential aspirants,” Quicho added. Binay HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 SC junks Smartmatic deal By Maia Lopez THE Supreme Court has struck down the government’s P268.8 million contract with Smartmatic-TIM to repair and refurbish vote counting machines to be used in next year’s elections. This left the poll body with less than a year to find and commission a new service provider to repair about 80,000 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines before the May 9, 2016 polls. The High Court said the the Commission on Elections (Comelec) failed to justify negotiating a deal with Smartmatic instead of holding a public bidding. China reclamation projects hit By Maia Lopez THE Philippines has accused China of being a “big-time squatter” in the West Philippine Sea with its reclamation activities damaging at least 300 acres of coral reef systems, resulting in economic losses to coastal states of about $100 million annually. Beijing, through a tabloid with close ties to the ruling communist party, retaliated by calling Manila a “cute little submissive” of the United States. “These artificial walls of sand that China is building eliminate centuries-old pristine coral reefs in our exclusive economic zone,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said. “It spells not only environmental disaster in relation to climate change but also denies the livelihood of the next generation of Filipinos. Our fishing industry will be adversely affected because we’ve no more coral reefs and fishing grounds to depend on,” he added. AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said China’s aggressive reclamation was violating the Declaration of Conduct that Manila and Beijing—including Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia—had signed. “China’s massive reclamation activities are causing irreversible and widespread damage,” he said. SC stops CHEd policy on Filipino THE Supreme Court has stopped the Commission on Higher Education from implementing its memorandum that excludes Filipino and Panitikan as core courses from the curriculum for college. The High Court issued a temporary restraining order enjoining CHED from implementing its Memorandum No. 20, which prescribes the new General Education Curriculum for college. The memorandum reduced the GEC to a minimum of 36 units and excluded Filipino and Pan- itikan in the core courses. SC spokesman Theodore Te stressed that the TRO is effective immediately. The petitioners - National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and party-list representatives Antonio Tinio (Alliance of Concerned Teachers), Fernando Hicap (Anakpawis), and Terry Ridon - earlier argued that the CHED order violated constitutional provisions on the national language, Philippine culture, nationalist education, and labor policy. Maia Lopez The court agreed with the petitioners - poll watchdog Automated Elections System (AES) Watch led by Auxilliary Bishop of Manila Broderick Pabillo and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - that Comelec committed a grave abuse of discretion in approving the deal, which was signed by former poll chairman Sixto Bril- BALITANG PH lantes Jr. just before he retired in February. Earlier, Comelec said it did not have enough time to conduct a public bidding before the 2016 elections that is why it awarded the deal to Smartmatic. Smartmatic president Cesar Flores said his company would file a motion for rePCOS machine consideration. 21 22 WORLD May 1, 2015 68 Filipinos arrested in Malaysia crackdown Last month, three Filipino teenagers were killed during immigration operations by the Eastern Sabah Security Command against undocumented persons. ESSCom secretariat division director Newmond Tibin identified the victims as Nordin Akang, 16, Lahudin Nasir, 17, and Alex Nasir, 18, of Kampung Bakau, Lahad Datu. Newmond, however, denied that the three Filipinos were killed after being sprayed with gas during a crackdown at the Lahad Datu market, adding that the victims drowned while attempting to evade arrest. “The Philippine embassy is deeply concerned about this turn of events, and even as the cause of the deaths of the three Filipinos, two of whom are minors, are being investigated, the embassy calls for humane treatment of undocumented individuals, including the manner by which operations are conducted,” the Philippine embassy said. Lahad Datu was the site of a 2013 standoff between Malaysia’s security forces and claimants of Sabah from Tawi-tawi, led by the brother of the late Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. the international community in denouncing the aggression directed against foreigners during these three weeks of unrest, which has resulted in loss of lives and has divided communities,” the DFA said. “The South African government and the international community must rise to the challenge and work harder to eliminate such senseless and brutal violence in multicultural and multi-ethnic communities,” it added. Alert Level 1 is raised when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, or external threat to the host coun- try. South Africa, with a population of about 50 million, is home to an estimated 5 million immigrants, including at least 3,000 Filipinos. Periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence have been blamed on high unemployment, officially around 25 percent. The recent eruption of xenophobic violence has already prompted the South African defense minister to deploy the army to prevent further violence. The recent attacks on immigrants in Johannesburg and Durban have left seven people dead. By Maia Lopez AT least 67 Filipinos were rounded up in Sarawak as Malaysia continues is crackdown on illegal immigrants. The Borneo Post said the arrested Filipinos consisted of 56 Suluks, seven Badjaos and four Yakans from Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. Sarawak Immigration Enforcement Chief Gary Belayong said the Filipinos were found hiding on a two-story house in Kipkomo by Malaysian authorities. “All were Filipinos from the Southern Philippines. Most of them did not have proper documents,” Belayong said. The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has already dispatched a team to the area to help the Filipinos and ensure that they are treated humanely. Sarawak DFA warns OFWs in South Africa By Maia Lopez THE Department of Foreign Affairs has raised Alert Level 1 (Precautionary Phase) in South Africa due to the recent attacks against migrants in areas around the country. Filipinos in South Africa Kurdistan have been instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and take extra precaution. “The Philippines condemns the wave of violence aimed at foreign workers and joins the South African government and HONG KONG NEWS Two Pinoy mountaineers survive Nepal quake By Maia Lopez TWO Filipino mountaineers survived the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal that left at least more than 4,000 people dead. Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose identified the Filipinos as Jessica Ann Nicole Ramirez and Jose Francisco Oracion. Jose said the two had checked in at Khwopa Guest House in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, but are now in Durbar Square for safety. The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi is sending a team to Nepal to assist the two Filipinos, who were among the mountaineers at Base Camp of Mt. Everest when the temblor struck, Jose said. There are less than 200 Filipinos in Nepal. Officials described the earthquake as the worst disaster to hit the Himalayan nation in more than 80 years. Offers of help have poured in from governments around the world. New scam in UAE By Maia Lopez FILIPINOS in Abu Dhabi have been warned against a new scam using professional social networking sites to steal their money. The Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi said some Filipinos received messages from a bogus organization calling itself the Middle East Compensation Package. “The recipients were instructed to make arrangements with the paying bank for the release of this compen- sation. The phone number and email address of the contact person were also provided by the sender,” the embassy said. “The recipients will be asked to pay certain amount for the release of the said compensation which does not really exist,” it added. Upon consultation by the embassy with the Information Technology and Fraud Department of the bank being mentioned in the scam, it was determined that the message was designed to steal money. Explosion injures Pinoy in Yemen AN overseas Filipino worker was injured in an explosion in strife-torn Yemen, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said. “He was taken to a hospital for treatment and subsequently released. He is now out of danger and is recuperating from his injuries,” Jose said. The DFA official said the building explosion occurred in Fajhateen district in capital Sana’a. The Philippine government has enforced a mandatory evacuation of its workers in Yemen in February due to heightened security concerns. Since the evacuation started, the government has been able to bring home 537 workers, but close to 300 have remained.Maia Lopez HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 23 24 FORUM May 1, 2015 Editorial HONG KONG NEWS As We See it Regina AT a time when we are constantly bombarded by news of intolerance, xenophobia, and other discriminatory ills all over the world, it is confounding why a Hong Kong politician would stir a hornet’s nest and identify Filipino household service workers as home wreckers. Regina Ip has of course (sort of) apologized, but there should have been no need for such if she had been more sensitive to the plight of Filipino household service workers. We recognize that she had every right to express her belief. There is, after all, freedom of speech in Hong Kong. However, we must remind her that this privilege comes with responsibility. She is a politi- cian, and as a public figure she is someone with authority. Also, spare a thought for the many Filipino household service workers who left their home and their family so they could provide for their loved ones. A deed of one or several Filipino household service workers should not be made as a basis to condemn an entire race for the actions of a few. We hope that Filipinos are not subjected to such an unwarranted statement again. After all, the many Filipino household service workers in the territory help keep the Hong Kong society together by taking care of the children, the sick, and other family members who need their services. konektadong_pinoy The Mira THE MIRA is a luxurious design hotel that compares in beauty and elegance with the other hotels and shopping malls of tourists-plentiful area of Tsim Sha Tsui, in the always crowded Nathan Road and nearby streets Canton, Austin and Chatham. With so many newly refurbished hotels and shopping centers, the place is now a complete modern upscale transformation from what it used to be 20 years ago. But along Chatham Road stands still a structure that needs no refurbishment for its beauty is intact even after more than 100 years of existence, - the Rosary Church. ROSARY CHURCH, the oldest Catholic church in Kowloon, is the place of worship that OFW Virginia R., 45 , attends during her Sunday off. The church has become a haven of refuge and source of strength for her while on overseas assignment in Hong Kong. She always thanked God for the opportunity that was given to her for this overseas job which started in 2005 under a single employer. Her faith and work ethics makes her a good, diligent, responsible OFW in the eyes of her employer from day one till now. Upon her departure for HK in 2005, she has carried with her the mes- sage of a popular song at that time containing the lyrics “ Pinoy ikaw ay pinoy, Ipakita sa mundo kung ano ang kaya mo..”, a tune popularized by the group Orange and Lemons. ORANGE AND LEMONS or ONL is a Filipino band formed in 1999 by high school friends. Their musical genres consisted of OPM and Pinoy rock and alternative rock. Their hit songs include, among others, “Hanggang Kailan,” “ Heaven Knows,” “Abot-Kamay”, “ Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad” and surely the “Pinoy Ako”, which was made more popular by the reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother, Though a young group conceived in the 90’s, the band was influenced by the melancholy tunes of the early generation band THE BEATLES. THE BEATLES were an English rock band that formed in 1960. It was the era of the Beatlemania that captivated the rock and roll in the 60’s and captured the screams and hysterics of girl fans wherever they went around the world. On June 9, 1964 the Fab Four invaded Hong Kong and performed before a packed audience at the Princess Theatre in Kowloon – today the site of hotel THE MIRA. Currents Norman Uy Carnay Walang puwang ang diskriminasyon DAPAT lamang bigyan muli ng maligayang pagbati ang mga aktibista dito . Naging mabilis ang kanilang pagsalubong ng protesta laban sa artikulo ni Regina Ip na lumabas sa isang dyaryo at sa kanyang Facebook page na nagsalaula ng reputasyon ng mga kababaihang migrante. Rasismo ito! Diskriminasyon! Paglabag sa karapatan ng mga babae at ng mga migrante! Anti-Filipino! Iyan ang naipatampok na pagsusuri sa naisulat ni Regina Ip. Dahil sa malaganap na rekasyon ng publiko, napilitan siya na tanggalin sa kanyang Facebook ang naturang artikulo. Nagmatigas pa noong una si Ip. Bakit daw siya hihingi ng paumanhin? Pero nang nag-rally sa harap mismo ng headquarters ng New People’s Party, ang partido ni Ip, at nang umanib ang paparaming bilang ng mga organisasyon at indibidwal na Pilipino at maging mga lokal at iba pang expatriate dito sa HK, nag-iba na ang ihip ng hangin. Kaibigan naman daw siya ng mga Pilipino at ng mga migrante. Wala daw siyang intensyon na hamakin ang mga Pilipinang domestic worker bilang mga mang-aakit ng mga among puti at bilang maninira ng pamilya. Kung nakasakit man daw siya ng loob, humihingi siya ng dispensa. At diyan nakasentro ang pagbibigay ng congratulations sa mga nanguna sa protesta at pagkilos laban sa rasista, anti-babae, anti-migranteng pahayag ni Ip. Kabahagi di lamang ang laging maasahang mga aktibistang grupo ng mga OFWs kungdi ang iba pang concerned na organisasyon at indibidwal sa Filipino community. Hindi biru-biro na mapalabas sa bibig ng isang Regina Ip ang paghingi ng paumanhin. Mantakin niy - isa siya sa beteranong pulitiko rito, kabahagi pa ng Executive Council ng Hong Kong at nasa LegCo. Isa si Regina Ip sa mga konserbatibo, pro-business at anti-manggagawang opisyal na nagkakalat ng kasinungalingan na ang mga domestic workers ay nagasasagawa ng “job-hopping” at nangoonse ng mga employer. Nangampanya siya para hindi mabigyan ng right of abode ang mga migrante. Walang problema daw sa long working hours ang mga katulong dito. At batay nga sa mismong artikulo niya , dapat daw imbestigahan at kastiguhin din ng internsyunal na media ang mga kasamaang ginagawa tulad ng “pang-aakit” ng mga katulong sa kanilang mga amo. Kaya congrats muli sa mga nagsama-sama para sa kampanyang ito. Mabuti nga at nag-apologize si Regina Ip. Mabuti nga at nabigyan siya ng leksyon. Dapat malaman niya at ng iba pang tulad niya na talagang walang puwang ang diskriminsasyon ditto sa Hong Kong. Dear Editor Dear Hong Kong News, SUMUSULAT ako sa Hong Kong News upang iparating ang aking sentimyento sa mga kasong kinasasangkutan ng mg Pilipino sa Hong Kong. Nakalulungkot isipin na ilan sa mga kababayan natin dito ay naloloko pa din ng iba’t-ibang uri ng scam. Paalala ko lang na maging matalino at maingat sa pakikitungo sa ibang tao. Oo, matulungin ang mga Pilipino pero kailangan din na siguruhin natin na mapagkakatiwalaan ang mga taong kausap natin. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Mahirap kasi kung lolokohin ka nang kausap mo at ikaw pa ang mapapahamak. Kaya ka nga nangibang-bansa ay upang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng pamilya mo. Pero paano mo ito magagawa kung may kaso ka o nakakulong ka? Mabuti din na basahin natin ang mga paalala ng POLO at ng PCG upang malaman natin ang mga bagong modus ng mga mandarambong. At kapag tayo ay naloko, huwag tayong mag-atubiling magsumbong kaagad sa mga kinauukulan para pagbayarin ang mga lomoko sa atin. Kaya sila dumarami dahil tayong mga biktima ay walang ginagawa at nanahimik na lamag. Dapat mahinto na ito. Panahon na para sila ay tugisin hanggang mabulok sila sa bilangguan. Muli, nawa matuto tayong mag-ingat. Tandaan na nasa ibang bansa tayo kaya’t dapat lamang na maging mapagmasid. Jeneth P. Julve Philip C. Tubeza Cheryl Arcibal Managing Editor Editor Associate Editor-Manila Corelene B. Cruz Sales & Marketing Executive Suma sainyo, Myra T. Advertisers are responsible for the content and accuracy of their advertisements. Hong Kong News will not be liable for inaccurate advertising and / or legal disputes involving third parties. Joko Harjanto Nin Tang Assistant Sales Manager Senior Designer All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Published by HK Publications Ltd. Unit 1008, 10/F, Fook Hong Industrial Building, No.19 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon Telephone: 2851 1766 Fax: 2858 8979 E-mail: [email protected] PO Box # 60185 at Tsat Tsz Mui Post Office Printed By: Superflag Printing and Communication Limited 1/F., 8 Chun Ying Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong HONG KONG NEWS BARRIO PINOY May 1, 2015 AirAsia offers piso fare promo for travellers By Peter Castillo AIRASIA Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years, will resume its flights between Hong Kong and Manila. Staring May 8, the budget airline will have flights four times a week or every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Ang introductory seat sale of P1.00 one way (base fare only*) from Manila are available now at www.airasia.com for guests traveling from 8 May to 23 October 2015. “We are opening Manila – Hong Kong route as part of our commitment to give passengers especially our Filipino overseas workers and leisure travellers more choices, better value and only the best, quality service at super low fares,” said Joy Cañeba, AirAsia Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer. Guests can also book their promo flights via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as its mobile site mobile.airasia.com. “Take advantage of the summer break and AirAsia’s low fares by traveling to Hong Kong where food and shopping are not only major attractions but wonderful experiences,” Cañeba added. Discover more of Hong Kong and the Philippines by downloading AirAsia’s travel guides at http://www.airasia.com/ travelguides. The travel guides are free and include essential travel information at each domestic destination such as accommoda- tion, transport and the must-see’s and must-do’s. For more updates on AirAsia’s latest news, as well as promotions, activities and contests, connect with them via Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh). AirAsia, the leading and largest lowcost carrier in Asia, services an extensive network with over 90 destinations. Within 12 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 250 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 180. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and India, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries and beyond. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2009 – 2014. AirAsia is the first airline globally to collaborate with INTERPOL to implement the I-Checkit system to screen the passports of all its prospective passengers against information contained in the world police body’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database. AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Zest operate a combined fleet of 15 aircraft servicing domestic destinations of Kalibo (Boracay), Tagbilaran (Bohol), Tacloban, Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro with international points in China, Korea and Malaysia from its hub in Manila, Kalibo and Cebu. GALLERY Owtel Shop Manager Ms. Razil Rubia awards the winners of the Kata raffle draw that was held last April 19 at Shop 218. The Luzon Alliance International held its Search for Mutya ng Luzon 2015 and Luzon Fiesta Extravaganza last April 26 at Chater Road in Central. (Photo Credit – Weng Manayaga) Mommy Sonia with students of Culinary Arts Centre taking up meat processing class. For enquiries, please call 2850 7724 / 2850 7714 25 26 BARRIO PINOY Emergency Hotlines Numbers To Remember EMERGENCY PHILIPPINE CONSULATE For emergency cases, call or text: Assistance to Nationals 9155 4023 Labor 6080 8323 OWWA 6345 9324 SSS 2823 8552 Pag-Ibig 2823 8561 Consulate Trunkline 2823 8500 Office Fax: 2866 9885 Email: [email protected] Website: http://philcongen-hk.com/ Facebook: Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong Hong Kong GOVERNMENT Independent Commission Against Corruption 2526 6366 Central Government 2835 2500 Complaint Against Police 2866 7700 2200 4460 to 62 Consumer Rights Hotline 2929 2222 Department of Health 2961 8989 Equal Opportunities Commission 2511 8211 Immigration 2824 6111 Labour Department 2717 1771 Legal Aid 2537 7677 Race Relations Unit 2810 3203 Social Welfare 2343 2255 Transport 2804 2600 Postal Hotline 2921 2222 NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants 2723 7536 Asian Migrant Center 2312 0031 Christian Action - Shine Center 3188 4555 Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos (and other Asian Migrants and Ethnic Minorities) 2526 4249 Alliance of Progressive Labor 2770 0411 Bayanihan Trust Centre 2817 8928 Filipino Migrant Workers Union 9104-1411; 9758-5935 Hong Kong Christian Service - CHEER Ce nter 3755 6811 International Social Services 2836 3598 Mission for Migrant Workers 2522 8264 The Bethune House 2721 3119 2522 8264 Helpers for Domestic Helpers 2523 4020 United Filipinos in Hong Kong 3156 2447 AIRPORT AND AIRLINES Airport Inquiry Cathay Pacific Airways Cebu Pacific Air Philippine Airlines 2181 8888 2747 5000 2722 0609 2301 9300 HONG KONG NEWS Ex-FDH is now a teacher By Remedios V. Bato Hong Kong Observatory (Weather) 2835 1473 Police, Fire Services, Hospitals999 Police Report Hotline 2527 7177 May 1, 2015 MY name is Remedios Vinluan Bato, a former OFW here in Hong Kong. I worked here for almost 22 years, from March 1991 to November 2012. I have worked with five different families and I could say I am fortunate because they were all good employers to me. My stay with the last family that I worked with lasted for 12 years. The whole family cared a lot about me and, up till this time, they still let me feel their love, care, and concern. In fact, I am here in Hong Kong for a vacation. My former employer sent me a ticket so I can come to visit them. On Christmas and during my birthdays, I always received something from them. The amount is not that big but still I feel grateful because, even if I am not working here anymore, they still remember me. It was not easy for me to leave this family. They were so good and people like them are rare in Hong Kong. It was last November 2012 when I made GALLERY The De La Salle Alumni Association-HK raises $6,000 for its scholars during its “A Rockin’ Good Time!” event at the Shore bar in Central. one of the most difficult decisions in my life. I had a lot of what if’s in my mind. Why? Because I was going to give up my work here to practice my profession in the Philippines as a teacher. When I came here way back 1991, I was not a teacher yet. But I am a college graduate though. I finished Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in accounting. Since I got married when I was about to enroll my fourth year in college, and had my eldest who happened to be twins a few months after, finding a job was not easy for me. In other words, I was one of those holding a diploma who couldn’t land a job. Life was not easy, especially when after a year of giving birth to my twins, I had my second pregnancy. Life became much harder then. That is why, when my kids started going to school, I decided to work abroad with the dream of having my kids finish college. But that didn’t happen. None of my three boys graduated from college. I felt so disappointed. I have a daughter whom I conceived when I took my vacation in 1995.She is now a third year pharmacy student at SLU. Hopefully, she will graduate next year. In 2004, there was the “Balik-Turo” program launched by the government where teachers working abroad were encouraged to avail for the items given by the government so they can go home and teach. God knows how I wished I was a teacher that time so I can avail of such an opportunity so that I can go home for good with a job waiting for me. But I could. Nevertheless, I told myself I can be one if I wanted to. So, when I read the advertisement inviting college graduates who are non-education graduates to enroll in 18 education units in order to qualify to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers, I grabbed the opportunity. I enrolled nine units at a time and, when I have finally completed the required units, I took the LET in 2005. Luckily, I was one of the more than 15,000 who passed among the 50,000 plus examinees who took the said examination. It was not easy. I was working here and, in order for me to apply, I had to go home and submit all the necessary documents. I also had to undergo an interview and do the demo. I started submitting my application in 2008 and, although I was in rank 1, I was not employed at once. It took me at least four years before I was finally hired as permanent teacher. Being a teacher is not easy, especially nowadays. The learners of yesterday are much, much more disciplined and more focused. It is very stressful to teach but, at the end of the day, if you see that your pupils learned a thing or two from you, you will be more inspired to teach the next day. So, the bottom line of this, fellow Filipinos, is plan your life. Don’t be contented of what you are now. I passed the LET when I was 43 years old. I was employed as a permanent teacher at 50. I am now 52 and proud to say that I am enjoying my profession as a teacher because, for me, nothing is greater than to touch young learners’ lives. The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-Hong Kong (UPAAHK) invites boxing fans to watch the much-anticipated Pacquiao-Mayweather fight at the Embankment Bar in Causeway Bay on May 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $250 and will include a free drink and buffet lunch. For inquiries, call 92030872 or email [email protected]. The proceeds will go to UPAAHK projects and its scholars. HONG KONG NEWS BUHAY OFW May 1, 2015 27 Hindi sagabal ang matarik na bundok para makamit ang pangarap By Vilma Ramos • Anak ng OFW Name: JULIUS CAESAR MASI AMOYEN Date of Birth: April 5, 1995. Name of parents: Rogelio B. Amoyen & Petronila Masi Amoyen. Country where his mother works as OFW: HONG KONG Ang kanyang kwento: Anim na taong gulang pa lang ako noong bumalik si mama sa HK upang magtrabaho ulit bilang OFW. Dati na kase siya sa Hong Kong bago sila nagkakilala ni papa. Masakit po sa kanya na iwanan kaming tatlong magkakapatid at si papa pero yon lang ang tanging paraan para ma-tulungan si papa sa aming mga pangangailangan. Sa aking murang edad, ramdam ko kung gaano kalaki ang puwang nang mawala si mama sa aming piling...Masakit...Taon Parang bagong salta By Imelda Mae Bustinera SA pakiramdam ni Lyn, kung ituring sya ng kanyang among babae ay bago at wala pa siyang karanasan mamasukan mula ng bumalik sya galing sa tatlong linggong bakasyon sa Pilipinas. Inuutusan at sinasabihan si Lyn ng amo kung ano at alin ang dapat gawin at unahin sa mga gawaing bahay samantalang pangatlong kontrata na ni Lyn ang kasalukuyan niyang binubuno. Iniisip na lang ni Lyn na dala siguro ang kanyang amo sa naranasang pagod at hirap sa mga gawaing bahay ng sya ay wala kaya bumabawi ng utos at gustong maramdaman uli ang buhay ng pagiging amo. Sa totoo lang, nakaramdam ng awa si Lyn sa amo nya kasi may benda ang dalawang kamay nitio sa may wrist. Siguro sumasakit sanhi ng sobrang dami ng trabaho. Hindi raw kasi sanay ito sa marami at mabibigat na gawaing bahay. Nahihiya namang magtanong si Lyn kung napano o kung ano ang nangyari sa mga kamay. Para medyo mabawasan ang nararamdamang pagkaawa ni Lyn sa amo ay sinasabi na lang nya sa sarili na mabuti naman at naramdaman ng amo kung gaano kahirap ang trabaho ng kasambahay. Si Lyn ay 39 taong gulang, may asawa, dalawang anak, at tubong Tarlac Daming trabaho 2004 biglang nagkaroon ng napakalaking dagok sa aming buhay. Na-stroke si papa. Pero nagpapasalamat pa rin kami sa Panginoon dahil naka-survibe siya. Ninais namin na sana’y uuwi na lang si mama dahil papaano na kami kung hindi na makabangon si papa. Pero hindi umuwi si mama at nagpatuloy sa pagtrabaho sa abroad dahil kinailangan na ng maintenance ni papa. Napakabait ng Diyos at nakalakad rin si papa pero pilay na, gayon pa man hindi siya inalis sa kanyang trabaho bilang treasurero ng Barangay. Napakabigat man ang situasyon namin sinikap kong hindi maapektuhan ang aking pag-aaral at napanatili ko po ang aking pagiging first honor sa elementary Walang high school sa aming barangay dahil nasa remote area po kami kaya ako’y nag-aral ng seconday sa Old Sudipen Na- Julius tional High School sa kabilang barangay kung saan isang mataas at matarik na bundok ang pagitan. At ang means of transportation ay mga motorsiklo kung saan ang one way fare ay 100 pesos. Napakalaking halaga na sa akin yong 100 pesos dahil wala akong sapat na allowance kaya nag-decide akong lakarin na lang ang mataas na bundok papunta sa aming school dala-dala ang aking baon. Kung minsan tinatawanan ako ng mga lumalampas sa akin habang naglalakad pero kailangan kong magpakatatag at tiisin ang hirap at naging inspirasyon ko ang aking pangarap na makapagtapos sa pagaaral. Noong mag-high school na rin ang nakababata kong kapatid, may kasama na rin akong naglalakad paakyat at pababa sa bundok. Hindi man ako laging number one sa secondary naging consistent honor student po ako hanggang 4th year kung saan ako na ang valedictorian. Lalo ko pong pinag-igi ang aking pagaaral noong nasa college na ako. Ayaw ko pong malaglag sa pagiging scholar dahil alam kong napakalaking tulong na po sa aking mga magulang ang free tuition. At naging Dean’s lister at Chancellor lister rin po ako ng ilang semesters. Noong nakaraang April, nagtapos po akong MAGNA CUM LAUDE, BS Agriculture, sa DMMMSU (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union North). Gusto kong ialay ang tagumpay ko sa aking pag-aaral ss aking nanay na nagpapakasakit sa ibang bansa at sa aking tatay, na kahit may sakit siya, he did not give up. Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon. Naniniwala po ako na Siya ang nag-provide sa akin ng strength & wisdom. Kaya, sa mga tulad kong mga anak ng OFW, don’t give up. CONQUER the HIGH MOUNTAIN at anumang hadlang upang makamtan ang ating pangarap. Julius’ mother Petronila wants to covey her sincerest thanks to her employers Mr & Mrs. Leo & Auspina Leung of Sai Wan Ho, HK for their kindness. 28 ENTERTAINMENT May 1, 2015 Lead singer ng Alamid pumanaw na By Cris Kasilag PUMANAW na sa edad na 49 si Gary Ignacio, ang lead singer ng pop rock band na “Alamid,” dahil sa sakit na cancer. Nuong nakaraang taon lamang nasuri na may karamdaman si Gary. At pagkatapos ng walong buwan na pakikipaglaban sa cancer, pumanaw siya sa piling ng nasa paligid ang mga mahal sa buhay. Ayon sa pamilya niya, binawian ng buhay si Gary mga 2:50 p.m. sa National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) dahil sa multiple organ failure. Si Gary at ang kanyang banda ang nagpasikat ng mga kantang “China Eyes” at “Sama-Sama,” pero ang pinakasikat niyang awit ay ang “Your Love.” Naiwan ni Gary ang kanyang misis na si Buena, na 22 taon niyang nakasama, at tatlo nilang anak na sila Ashley, Sean, at Gavin. Ang kanyang mga labi ay ibinurol sa Sto. Rosario Village Chapel, Barangay Baritan, Malabon City bago na cremate. Sinabi ng kapatid ng singer na si Gail na mayroong pure vocal talent at raw passion HONG KONG NEWS para sa pagkanta kaya naman tuwing siya ay nag pe-perform sa harap ng mga tao ay todo bigay ito. Ang mga ibang mang-aawit na nakilala at nakasama ni Gary ay nagbigay puri rin sa kanilang kaibigan. Ayon kay Jett Pangan, frontman ng bandang The Dawn, itinuturing niyang isang Gary malapit na kaibgan si Gary. Gerald at Maja, break na By Cristy Kasilag PAGKATAPOS ng dalawang taon na pagtatanggol sa kanilang pagmamahalan, nagtapos din ang relasyon ni Maja Salvador at si Gerald Anderson. Matatandaan na hindi naging madali ang pagtanggap ng mga tao sa relasyon nila at nagkalamat pa ang matagal na pagkakaibigan nila Maja at Kim Chiu dahil kay Gerald. Unang naging boyfriend ni Kim si Gerald, pero pagkatapos ng ilang taon ay nagbreak din sila. Umusbong naman ang pag-ibig ni Gerald kay Maja nuong taong 2013. Naging masakit kay Kim na parang ang best friend pa niyang si Maja ang pinalit ni Gerald sa kanya. Tinawag pa niya ang samahan nila ni Maja na “wasted” friendship. Pero nuong Marso 2014, napabalita na nagbati na si Kim at ang kanyang dating best friend. Napansin na tila may problema ang relasyon nila Maja at Gerald nung hindi sila magkasama nagbakasyon nuong Holy Week. Sa Bali, Indonesia nagpunta ang 26 anyos na aktres kasama ang ilang kaibigan samantalang ang 26 anyos na si Gerald ay nakita sa Subic kasama ang ibang kaibigan, tulad ni Rayver Cruz. Matipid ang mga sagot ni Gerald nung natanong siya kung ano ang dahilan ng kanilang hiwalayan. “We are taking a break muna sa relationship namin,” ang sabi ng aktor sa isang interview. “Okay kami. We are on very good terms and nag-uusap kami together. We’re taking this step together,” dagdag pa niya. Gerald at Maja HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 Buhay ni Pacman, isinapelikula By Cristy Kasilag BAGO pa man ang inaantabayanang laban ni Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao at ng Amerikanong si Floyd Mayweather Jr., may isang pelikula ng inaabangan ang fans ng Filipino boxing legend. Ang “Kid Kulafu” ay kwento ng buhay ni Pacquiao bago siya sumikat bilang isang boksingero, nakamit ang lahat ng yaman niya, at bago siyang naging congressman. Isinasadula dito ang buhay ni Pacquiao sa probinsiya, nung sila ng pamilya niya ay baon pa sa kahirapan sa General Santos City. Ang 17 anyos na actor na si Robert “Buboy” Villar Jr., ang napili na gumanap ng batang Pacquiao. Si Alessandra de Rossi naman ang gaganap na Nanay Dionisia. Sa simula ay hindi raw ginusto ni Mommy D na maging boxingero si Manny dahil ang pangarap niya sa kanyang anak ay maging pari. “Kid Kulafu” ang tawag kay Pacquiao Sen. Ralph, umaming nagtaksil kay Ate Vi By Cristy Kasilag KAMAKAILAN ay inamin ni Batangas Governor at Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto na sa loob ng 23 taon na magkasama sila ni Senator Ralph Recto ay hindi naging palaging perpekto ang samahan nilang dalawa. Tulad ng ibang mag-asawa, nagkataon din pala na naging mahina si Senator Recto at nag-taksil siya sa kanyang asawa. Ang maganda lang ay nung tinanong siya ni Vilma, umamin ang senador sa kanyang pagkakasala. Sampung taon ang agwat nilang dalawa. Nung nagkakilala sila ay 31 anyos ang aktres habang 21 at nag-aaral pa si Ralph. Meron sila ngayong isang anak: si Christian. Ayon kay Ate Vi, simula pa lang ng kanilang relasyon ay meron na silang usapan na kung si Ralph ay nambabae ay umamin na lang ito. Idinagdag pa niya na dahil siya ay galing sa larangan ng entertainment, madaming tao ang nakakakilala sa kanila kaya madami ang maaaring magsumbong kay Vilma kung may makakita sa kanyang mister na may kasamang ibang babae. Sinabi ng 61 taong gulang na Batangas governor na mas gusto niya na umamin at manggaling ang totoong kwento mula kay Ralph kaysa madinig pa niya ito sa ibang tao. Baka raw kasi mapatawad pa niya ito. Sa isang panayam sa telebisyon, sinabi ni Ate Vi na minsan nga ay umamin si Ralph na nagtaksil ito sa kanya. Nung merong narinig ni Ate Vi na may tsismis tungkol sa pambabae ni Senator Ralph, tinanong daw niya ito. “Tinanong ko, ‘Totoo ba itong ganiyan-ganiyan?’ Sabi niya, ‘Totoo,’” sabi ni Ate Vi. Sa pag-amin ni Ralph, ang sagot naman ng nag-iisang Star for All Seasons ay, “O, sige. Next time, be careful.” Ate Vi at Sen. Ralph “Nag-sorry naman siya, umiyak nga e,” sabi ng aktres. Nang tinanong kung baka may anak si Ralph sa ibang babae, ang sagot ni Ate Vi ay baka wala. “Siguro naman kung mayroon, lumabas na iyon, ‘di ba?,” aniya. Nung una silang nagkakilala ay kasama ni Vilma ang ibang artista na sila Charito Solis, Marilou Diaz Abaya, Aga Muhlach at Gabby Concepcion. Lumapit daw si Ralph sa kanila at nagpakilala. “Sabi niya, ‘Excuse me, my name is Ralph, Ralph Recto. May I dance with you?’ Sabi ko, ‘Later’,” sabi ni Ate Vi. “Kaya nga po ako humanga, e, kasi ang lakas ng loob. Na-attract ako. Gwapo naman kasi siya; maganda magsalita; alam mong may laman ang utak,” dagdag niya. Pitong taon sila naging magnobyo bago nagpakasal nuong taong 1992. Nung panahon na iyun ay Batangas congressman si Ralph. Si Ralph ang pangalawang asawa ni Vilma. Ang una niyang pinakasalan ay si Edu Manzano, kung kanino meron siyang anak na si Luis. nung bata pa siya dahil nangongolekta siya ng mga bote ng inumin na Kulafu, o syoktong, para ibenta. Ang sabi ni Buboy, sobra raw na madrama ang buhay ni Pacquiao. May mga araw na wala silang makain kaya yung mga tinatapon na bituka ng isda sa palengke lang ang ulam nila. “This is the untold story of our People’s ENTERTAINMENT Champ, way before the fame, fortune, and championships. It goes way before the time he started to wear boxing gloves,” sabi ni Paul Soriano, ang director ng pelikula. “It is not about his career as a professional boxer, it is an in-depth look into his early years, from his birth up to his teenManny age life,” aniya. 29 30 ENTERTAINMENT Richie D’ Horsie namayapa na By Cristy Kasilag PUMANAW na ang sikat na komedyante nuong dekada 80 na si Richie D’ Horsie. Si Richie---Ricardo Reyes sa tunay na buhay---ay pumanaw na sa edad na 58. Ayon sa kanyang mga kamag-anak, namatay si Richie sa kanyang bahay dahil sa multiple organ failure. Sumikat at nagningning ang estrelya ni Richie sa mga sikat na palabas noon na tulad ng “Iskul Bukol,” “TODAS,” at “Eat Bulaga.” Naging sikat na sidekick din siya nila Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto at Joey de Leon sa ilan nilang pelikulang pang komedya. Meron din siyang pinasikat na kanta “Sobrang Talinong Tao,” kung saan si Vic Sotto ang producer. Ngunit sa likod ng tagumpay na kan- May 1, 2015 yang nakakamit bilang isang komedyante, dumaan siya sa isang matinding pagsubok dahil sa iligal na droga na sumira sa kanyang buhay. Hinuli siya nuong taong 2000 at 2004 dahil sa krimen na illegal drug possession. Nuong 2008, medyo nakabalik siya sa pag-arte nung binayaran ni Vic Sotto ang P120,000 bail bond niya para panandalian siyang makalabas ng kulungan at makasa- HONG KONG NEWS ma sa reunion na pelikula na “Iskul Bukol… 20 Years After.” “Si Ritchie naman, matagal na ang pinagsamahan namin niyan. Sa simula pa lang ng Eat Bulaga! at Iskul Bukol, nandiyan na ‘yan. Sa mga naging pelikula namin, hindi siya nawawala. Nagkataon na talagang nalihis siya ng landas. Kami naman, ginawa na namin ang lahat para matulungan siya. Bilang mga kaibigan ay gagawin namin ‘yon hanggang sa makakakaya namin,” minsan nasabi ni Vic sa isang panayam. “Kasi tatlong beses na namin siya tinutulungan. Pero tuwing okey na, bumabalik siya sa bisyo niya,” sabi ni Vic. Kumbaga, ayaw na namin dahil hindi siya nagbabago. Tiniis namin siya talaga kasi hindi siya natututo talaga,” dagdag ng komedyante. By Cristy Kasilag 2011. Ang mga nakatrabaho at malalapit na kaibigan ni Ai-Ai sa Channel 7 ay lubos ding natuwa sa paglipat nito mula sa ABSCBN, kung saan naging Kapamilya star siya ng mga 10 taon. Binati siya ni Marian Rivera sa Instagram at sinabi na ninanais niyang muling maka trabaho si Ai-Ai. Naging malapit na magkaibigan ang dalawang aktres nung gumawa sila ng pelikulang “Kung Fu Divas.” Sa katunayan, ang tawagan nila sa isa’tisa ay “kambal.” Ang magaling na aktres na si Eugene Domingo, na gumanap na kaibigan ni Ai-Ai sa mga pelikula nito, ay malugod ding bumati sa kanyang paglipat sa GMA7. Inaabangan na nga ni Eugene ang “bf” o bestfriend niya na magguest sa game show niya na “Celebrity Bluff.” Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na tumapak si Ai-Ai sa Channel 7. Matatandaan na mula sa kanyang pagiging stand-up comedienne, naging regular siya sa palabas na “R.S.V.P.” na umere mula 1991 hanggang 1994. Naging parte din siya ng iba pang palabas sa GMA7, tulad ng “Salo-Salo Together” at “Lunch Date,” bago siya lumipat sa Kapamilya network. Ai-Ai, balik Kapuso na ENGRANDE ang pagsalubong ng GMA7 sa Quen of Comedy na si Ai-Ai de las Alas, o si Martina Aileen de las Alas sa tunay na buhay. Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa GMA7, pumirma ang 50 anyos na komedyante ng dalawang taong eksklusibong kontrata sa nasabing istasyon. Bago pa nasapubliko ang kanyang pagtawid sa GMA 7 mula ABS-CBN, may mga pahayag na si Ai-Ai na “I shall return” sa kanyang mga social media accounts. Naging emosyonal siya sa kanyang pagbabalik. Sinabi niya na nung nagkita sila ulit ng kanyang ina, may sakit na ito na Alzheimer’s disease at nakalimutan na siya. Pero ang GMA7, kahit na may ilang taon na ang lumipas, hindi siya nakalimutan. Sa katunayan ay naglatag pa ang istasyon ng red carpet sa lobby ng kanilang gusali para i-welcome si Ai-Ai. May mga inihahandang proyekto ang GMA7 kay Ai-Ai, tulad ng pagkakaroon ng pelikula kasama si bossing Vic Sotto na nakatrabaho na din niya sa pelikulang “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” isang fantasy comedy, na pumatok sa takilya nuong taong Ai-ai HONG KONG NEWS ENTERTAINMENT May 1, 2015 31 Marian Rivera, naglilihi sa White Rabbit By Cristy Kasilag MAGKAKA-ANAK na ang primetime couple ng GMA7 na sina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera. Kamakailan ay inanunsyo ng mag-asawa na nagdadalang-tao na si Marian. Napabalitang dalawang buwan na siyang Diana Zubiri, nagtapos ng kolehiyo By Cristy Kasilag TULOY-TULOY ang mga magagandang pangyayari sa seksing aktres na si Diana Zubiri, o si Rosemarie Joy Garcia sa tunay na buhay. Una, nakatakda na siyang ikasal sa kanyang matagal na nobyo, ang modelo at host na si Andrew Smith. Ikalawa, kamakailan ay nagtapos siya ng kursong Applied Arts Major in Theater mula sa Miriam College. Nuong Pebrero, isinapubliko ni Diana sa pamamagitan ng kanyang Instagram account ang engagement ring na binigay ni Andrew nung nagpropose ito sa kanya sa Japan. Kalakakip nito ang ilang linya mula sa kantang “This I Promise You” ng bandang N’Sync. “And I will take you in my arms. And hold you right where you belong. Till the day my life is through, this I promise you. This I promise you,” sabi ng post. Meron na din silang ginawang prenup photo shoot na kinuha din sa Japan. Kinuha nila ang serbisyo ng NicePrint photography para kunan ang mga malalambing na litrato. Ang pangangailangan na itaguyod ang kanyang anak ang dahilan kung bakit naisip ni Diana na mag-aral ng mabuti. “Malalaman niya na hindi lang basta artista ang mommy niya kundi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” aniya. Announcement: Prize of winners: Samsung Notebook 270E5J HS Finance is pleased to announce there are 3 winners from our CRP contest - Ms. V. CASTA, Ms C. PARINAS and Ms. R, RAMIREZ. They won by having the highest numbers of referral among all contestants during the contest period. We appreciated their good participation and they could claim the above model of Samsung Notebook as prize. Congratulation to all winners and you will be contacted by our office staff within a week. buntis. Sa opinyon ng mag-asawa, na ikinasal lamang nuong Disyembre, ang pagbubuntis ni Marian ay isang biyaya na binigay ng Diyos sa kanila. “And alam naman natin yung pagkakaroon ng anak ay isa sa mga mahalagang bagay para magkaroon ng isang pamilya. So, magmula nun, ipinagdasal ho namin, kung ibigay po sa amin, sana ibibigay po sa tamang panahon,” sabi nila sa isang panayam. Sa kanyang paglilihi, ayaw ni Marian maka-amoy ng masyadong matapang na pabango at nahihilo siya sa mahahabang biyahe. Nagpapabili din siya ng mapuputi tulad ng White Rabbit na candy. Nung una, sinabi ni Marian na kahit siya ay nagdadalang-tao, ititutuloy pa din niya ang paggawa ng bagong soap opera para GMA7----ang “The Rich Man’s Daughter.” Titigil lang daw siya sa paghost sa Eat Bulaga. Pero makalipas ng ilang araw ay naglabas ng statement ang GMA7 na nagsasabi na hindi na itutuloy ni Marian ang “The Rich Man’s Daughter.: “GMA Network fully supports Marian’s decision and strongly believes that Marian and her baby’s safety is first and foremost,” ang sabi ng network. 32 ENTERTAINMENT May 1, 2015 By Cristy Kasilag Donita Rose, may pinagdadaanan MAY dalawang pagbabago ang dumating kamakailan sa buhay ng aktres na si Empress Karen Carreon Schuck. Una, lumipat na naman ng “tahanan” si Empress. Mula sa ABS-CBN Star Magic ay kasapi na siya ngayon ng GMA. Ikalawa, nagdadalang tao ang 22 anyos na Filipino-German. Pero klinaro ng kampo ni Empress na bumalik siya sa GMA bilang isang freelance artist. Nagkataon lang na merong magandang proyekto na ibinibigay sa kanya ng Kapuso network. Kabilang siya sa palabas na “Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali.” Ibinunyag din niya sa isang panayam sa television nuong ika-11 ng Abril na siya ay tatlong buwang buntis. Ang ama nang nasa kanyang sinapupunan ay ang modelo na si Vino Guingona, apo ng dating bise president Teofisto Guingona. Sinabi ni Empress na si Vino ay isang NGAYON na 11 taon na silang nagsasama bilang magasawa, inamin ng aktres at television host na si Donita Rose na meron silang pinagdadaanang pagsubok sa buhay ng kanyang asawa na si Eric Villarama. Ikinasal si Donita Rose Ramos Cavett-Villarama kay Eric nuong June 2003 sa Santa Barbara, California. Binyayaan sila ng isang anak na lalaki, si Joshua Paul na 10 taong gulang na. Pero ayaw na muna isapubliko ni Donita kung ano man ang problema nilang mag-asawa dahil iinisip niya kung paano nito maapektuhan nang kanyang anak na lalake. Alam daw niya na nasa showbiz siya pero ang hiling niya ay panatilihing pribado muna ang isyu dahil nga sa anak niya. “But it’s hard… because meron akong anak na nasasaktan din sa mga pangyayari, and I just need to protect him,” ang Buntis si Empress HONG KONG NEWS By Cristy Kasilag Vino at Empress family friend. Parehas silang taga Zamboanga at isang taon na silang magkasintahan. Sinabi ni Empress na nung una niyang nalaman na buntis siya ay unti-unti niyang naisip kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa kanyang buhay. At nung naliwanagan na siya kung ano ang maaring takbo ng kanyang buhay ay naiyak siya. Paano kaya ito tatanggapin ng kanyang pamilya? Ano ang magiging epekto nito sa kanyang career at paaano ang magiging reaksyon ng publiko, lalo na ng kanyang mga taga hanga? Tulad ng inaasahan ni Empress, nagulat at nanghinayang ang kanyang ina nung inamin niyang siya ay buntis. Pero alam naman ng batang aktres na hindi mawawala ang pagmamahal ng kanyang magulang sa kanya at todo pa rin ang supporta ng mga ito sa kanya. Pangako niya ay babawi din siya sa kanila. Eric at donita sabi niya sa isang pahayag. “I’m begging everyone, please… you know, I have a son. He doesn’t really know what’s going on right now. I’m just really worried about him,” dagdag pa niya. Kung meron mang “third party” na nasali sa problema, ay pa iwas na sagot muna ang binigay ng 40 anyos na aktres at dating FHM’s 2001 Sexiest of the Philippines. Aniya tulad sa ibang mag-asawa, may mga pagkakataong may darating na problema. Bridal shower ni Isabel By Cristy Kasilag BAGO ang kanyang kasal, binigyan si Isabel Oli ng isang surprise bridal shower ng kanyang mga malalapit na kaibigan. Sa buwan ng Mayo nakatakdang magpakasal si Isabel kay John Prats sa farm ng pamilya Prats sa Batangas. Sa araw ng kanilang kasal, isang wedding gown na gawa ni Vera Wang, na binili pa nila sa Los Angeles, California, ang susuotin ni Isabel. Ang kanyang magiging hipag, si Camille Prats, ang tatayo bilang maid of honor. Siya rin ang namuno sa paghahanda ng surprise bridal shower na ginanap sa Posh Nails sa Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Para mas “Isabel” ang dating ng kanilang party, naglagay sila ng mga pastel colors na paborito ni Isabel. Ang hinanda nilang pagkain ay ilan din sa paborito niya tulad ng afternoon tea, champagne, at pastries. Nakasuot ng puting dress at wedding veil ang bride-to-be. Naging masaya ang pagtitipon dahil nandun ang mga matalik na kaibigan ni Isabel, tulad nla LJ Reyes, Nikki Valdez, Sherilyn Reyes, Kris Bernal, at Chynna Ortaleza. Samantala si John naman ay natreat ng kanyang Banana Split family sa isang bachelor’s party. Andun ang best friend ni John, si Angelica Panganiban. Sinabi ni Isabel, na ang tunay na pangalan ay Maria Olivia Daytia, na handa na siyang maging ina. Sa katunayan ang balak nila ay magkarooon silang apat na anak ni John para maging masaya ang kanyang pamilya. Dalawang taon nang magkasintahan ang 33 anyos na si Isabel at ang 31 anyos John Paulo Prats nung nag propose si John sa Eastwood City, Quezon City nuong ika-24 ng Setyembre taong 2014. HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 33 34 ATPB Horoscope Capricorn December 22 to January 19 Huwag kang mapagod. Minsan ang pinakaasam ay malapit nang makamtan ngunit nauudlot ito dahil sumusuko ka. Ipagpatuloy ang pagsisikap. Aquarius January 20 to February 18 May 1, 2015 What’s Cooking? Lighten up your summer days with this mouth-watering dish that leaves your palate with a hint of chili and lemon. Impress your friends with the delectable Spicy Lemon Shrimps during your snacks or get-togethers at the beach. Enjoy! Tanggapin ang mga mabubuti at maging hindi magandang katangian ng mga mahal sa buhay. Walang taong perpekto. Mas magiging masaya ka kung mauunawaan mo ito ng lubusan. Ingredients: ¼ cup sunflower oil ¼ cup minced garlic 1 pound shelled shrimp (tiger prawns) 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 pieces dried chili 2 teaspoons chopped fresh spring onions 2 tablespoons rice wine 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce Aries March 21 to April 19 Procedure: In a large saute pan over medium heat, Pakinggan ang payo ng mga nakatatanda sa iyo. Mainam na pag-aralan ang sinasabi nila sa iyo dahil ang mga ito ay galing sa kanilang karanasan. Pisces February 19 to March 20 heat the sunflower oil. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to soften. Add the shrimp and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the shrimp is cooked through and the flavors have combined, about 4 to 6 minutes. Serve hot. Nino. Sabay tingin ang dalawa kay Toto... Toto: “Hoy hoy, wag ‘nyo kong maisali-sali sa kalokohan nyo ha!” Taurus April 20 to May 20 Inday: Father, mangungumpisal po ako. Tuwing magsisimba ako, naiisp ko na ako ang pinakamagandang babae sa simbahan. Kasalanan po ba ito? Pari: Hindi, iha. Joke iyan. May mga anghel na tutulong sa iyo. Andiyan lamang sila sa iyong paligid at may busilak na puso na handang umalalay sa iyo. Magpasalamat sa mga taong humubog sa iyo kung ano ka ngayon. Alalahanin ang mga taong tumulong, nagmahal, at kumalinga sa iyo. Cancer June 21 to July 22 Baka magsisi ka. Kung ang lagi mong iniisip ay ang kinabukasan at hindi mo pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang kasalukuyan. Ang kasalukuyan ang nagtatakda ng ating kinabukasan. Leo July 23 to August 22 Iwasan ang basag-ulo. Hinay hinay lang at walang magandang maidudulot ang mainit na ulo. Juan: “Tay, nagpapatanong si ma’am kung ano raw ang profession mo. Tatay: “Sabihin mo, cardiologist” Juan: “Ano po ba ginagawa ng cardiologist ‘tay?” Tatay: “Hina mo naman. E di taga-ayos ng radio sa car!” Nagaaway ang magkaibigan... Pedro: “Ano gusto mo, away o gulo?” Juan: “Away na lang, para walang gulo! Noel: “Ipapangalan ko sa anak ko “LE0N”, baliktad ng pangalan kong Noel.” Nino: “Sakin naman “0NIN”, baligtad ng Matutong magpatawad. Nagkakamali ang mga tao, at ang mahalaga ay kilalanin nila ang kanilang naging pagkukulang at magsikap na baguhin ito. Libra September 23 to October 22 May mga pagkakataon na minsan lang talaga dumating sa buhay. Dapat mo nang sunggaban ang magandang oportunidad sa iyong buhay. Ito ang panahon upang maging matapang. Scorpio October 23 to November 21 Kapag nawala na ang isang bagay ay mahirap nang ibalik ito. Pagingatan kung anong mayroon ka ngayon. Sagittarius November 22 to December 21 Kung mahal mo ang isang tao ay ipakita mo. Mahirap itago ang tunay na nararamdaman. Teacher: Class, gayahin niyo ang mga langgam. Lagi nagsusumikap at hindi naglalakwatsa. Juan: Ma’am kalokahan yan! Nandun kami kanina sa Luneta, nandun din sila! Umuwi ng bahay si Pedrito… PEDRITO: Nanay! Pinapatawag ka sa Principal’s Office! NANAY: Bakit?! May ginawa ka na namang katarantaduhan?! PEDRITO: Ako ba?! Baka ikaw?! Ikaw ang ipinapatawag, di ba?! Isip isip naman dyan. For enquiries, please call 28507724 or 28507714 Teacher: Juan, ano sinabi ng mga magulang mo nang makita ang grades mo? Juan: Lahat po ba o tatanggalin ko yung mga bad words? Teacher: Tanggalin mo yung bad words. Juan: Wala naman po. Misis: “Mananawagan po sana ako sa mister ko. Dinala niya po kasi ang limang anak namin.” Host: “ Sige po, go ahead!” Misis: “ Honey, ibalik mo na ang mga bata. Isa lang naman ang sa iyo diyan e!” PEDRO: Pare, gagawa ako ng pelikula... Ako ang direktor, producer, cameraman, ako rin ang bida... ang title: “Ang akin ay akin, ang iyo ay akin pa rin” ano, ayos ba? JUAN: Pare, ang haba naman ng title, ba’t di mo na lang gawing “Ang Sugapa”? Crossword Puzzle PAHALANG Virgo August 23 to September 22 By Chef Jay Dator For more recipes, enroll at Culinary Arts Centre Room 502, 5/F #172-176 Winfull Commercial Building Wing Lok St. Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Masaya ang adventure. Kailangan mong maglibang. Kung may pagkakataon, magbakasyon upang makapagpahinga at makapagrecharge. Gemini May 21 to June 20 HONG KONG NEWS 1Lamat 5Usok 10Latin: daglat 11Pagtatanong 12Istorbo 14Lungsod sa Italy 15Katay 16Makintab na papel 17Pera: pabalbal 18Alagang hayop 19Natural: daglat 20Butas 21Sasakyang de metro 23PBA sa US 24Kopya 25Hinablot 28Tuyong sapa 29Pagsusungit 30Asarol 31Mister 32Libo 33Sana 34Parangal PABABA 2Idaiti 3Sermon 4Marahil 5Hospisyo 6Dagit 7Banas 8Hinaing 9Kalawakan 11Naghintay 13Paslit 16Lock ng hikaw 20Paraya Answer to last puzzle 21Sikat 22Karne sa tagiliran 23Tungayaw 24Inakay 26Pita 27Lunes o Martes 30Tatay HONG KONG NEWS May 1, 2015 35 36 May 1, 2015 HONG KONG NEWS
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