Congress inquires into ex-Labatt's case

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Congress inquires into ex-Labatt’s case
By Daisy CL Mandap
A Congressional inquiry into
alleged misdeeds by former
Labor Attache Manuel Roldan
and his driver, Donald
Retirado, will go ahead as
planned.
The assurance was given by
Rep.
Walden
Bello
(Akbayan), chairperson of the
Committee on Overseas
Workers Affairs, in a
telephone interview with The
SUN.
“We want to assure
everyone that we are making
this a priority,” said Rep.
Bello. “We just need to get the
approval of House Speaker
Sonny Belmonte since he will
have to approve the budget for
it.”
Rep. Bello said he is
hopeful the inquiry will go
ahead within the next two
months.
Apart from looking into the
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and Globe GCash available thru Villarica Pawnshop
• SSS and Pag-Ibig
cases against Roldan and
Retirado, Bello said his panel
will also investigate reported
cases of abuse committed by
employment
agencies,
particularly
the
illegal
collection of placement fees.
He cited a study furnished
his committee by a Hong
Kong-based non government
organization which showed
that recruiters routinely
collect
as
much
as
Php150,000 from every
Filipino worker they deploy to
Hong Kong as domestic
helpers.
Under Philippine laws, no
placement fee is allowed to be
collected from Filipinos
deployed abroad as domestic
workers.
The planned Congressional
probe was prompted by a
report released on Sept. 29 by
a fact-finding committee
formed by the Philippine
Continued on Page 2
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INSIDE
Ex-POLO staff in conflict
of interest mess threatens
suit
Page 2
OWWA plans to hold
weekly PAOS
Page 6
LGUs, Consulate staff in
anti-trafficking drive
Page 11
1,000 gather for Misa de
Aguinaldo
Page 14
NGO shows the right path
for pregnant maids
Page 20
2
The SUN January 2015
Ex-POLO staff in conflict of interest mess threatens suit
By Daisy CL Mandap
Apologize or I’ll sue.
This was the threat aired by
a former driver at the
Philippine Overseas Labor
Office (POLO) who resigned
at the end of September amid
an investigation into whether
he was allowed to operate an
employment agency in
violation of civil service laws.
Donald Retirado, a former
domestic helper with driving
duties who became a “local
hire” of the Department of
Labor and Employment
(DOLE) in 2000, made his
threat in a letter dated Dec 18,
and sent to Consul General
Bernardita Catalla, POLO
office in charge Nena
German, Adrielle Panares of
International Social Service,
and this writer.
He called on all four to issue
a public apology and step
down from their respective
posts because.”you brought
disgrace to yourselves and to
the offices you represent”.
Contacted by email for a
Continued next page
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Retirado
James International Placement Services
Unit 5, 2 nd Floor, PS Bank Building, 641 Boni
Avenue, Mandaluyong City, (From Boni Ave. at
EDSA, take a jeepney going to GABBYS. Get off
at PS Bank, on Boni Ave.) Tel: (02) 5849896 •
0915-2379877 (Dadong) • 0918-6252337 (Lyn)
James International Placement
Services(Pangasinan Branch)
2/F, Dinato Bldg. (at the back of STI)
Mc.Arthur Highway, Nancayasan
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Tel. (75)
568-5652/ 624-2307
For free consultation or advise, call or visit us now.
JN
Retirado’s shop at United Centre.
Congress inquiry into exLabatt’s case on, says Bello
From Page 1
Consulate General in Hong
Kong which suggested
Roldan had violated civil
service laws by allowing
Retirado to operate an
employment agency while
working as his driver.
Worse, Retirado’s work
contract appeared to have
been tampered with, in an
apparent attempt at a coverup.
The Coalition of Service
Providers
for
Ethnic
Minorities (CSPEM), which
initiated
the
complaint
against Roldan, said the
apparent tampering of an
official document alone
should
prompt
the
Department of Labor and
Employment to conduct a
separate investigation.
In a later interview, Labor
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz
had said that an investigation
was already underway, adding
that the DOLE probe would
be more impartial than the
one done by PCG.
However, there has been no
indication
if
DOLE’s
investigation team would visit
Hong Kong to gather
information first-hand.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Over 24 years of service in Hong Kong (Serbisyong Walang Katapat)
7A Winner Bldg., 27-37 D’Aguilar St., Central, Hong Kong
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Tel. Nos: 2530-1730 • 2804-6603 • Fax: 2973-0078
The SUN January 2015
reaction, Congen Catalla said:
“There is absolutely no reason
for me to apologise, much less
to resign. I did my work, and
well.”
Retirado’s demands came
as an offshoot of German’s
decision not to allow
Magnificent
Maid
Employment Agency, a
company registered in the
name of Retirado’s daughter,
EMRY’s
Frances,
to
process
employment contracts.
Asked for an explanation,
German cited a report by a
fact-finding team formed by
Continued on Page 29
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in Hong Kong.
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Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155
Email: [email protected]
Wanchai Branch:
Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd.,
Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166
Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected]
[email protected][email protected]
Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com
Refund Scheme
Employers will get a
refund for cancelled
application.
Services Offered
1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer
HK$5,680.00
2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,976.00
3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$4,500.00
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3
The SUN January 2015
4
BUHAY PINAY
Note: Unless properly identified, people reported here have
been given fictitious names to protect their privacy.
Walang awa
Awang awa si Sonia sa kanyang kaibigan nang mabasa ang
status nito sa facebook. Kahit na namatay na daw kasi ang
asawa nito ay hindi pa rin siya pinauwi ng among Arabo. Ayon
sa mga post sa facebook ng kanyang kaibigan, nagmakaawa na
siya pero hindi pa rin pinayagang makauwi kahit saglit lamang
para masilayan ang asawa sa huling pagkakataon at maihatid
ito sa huling hantungan. Hindi makapaniwala si Sonia na
mayroon pala talagang ganoong mga uri ng tao na may pusong
bato. Bigla niya tuloy naalala na kahit masungit ang kanyang
amo ay pinayagan siyang umuwi nang biglaang pumanaw ang
kanyang pinakamamahal na asawa. Bukod dito, ang amo pa
niya mismo ang kumuha ng kanyang tiket dahil hindi na niya
alam ang kanyang gagawin sa oras na iyonl. Dahil nagdaan siya
sa parehong sitwasyon ay nagpadala siya ng mensahe sa mga
kakilala ng kaibigan sa facebook, para kahit paano ay
makatulong siya na maibsan ang sama ng loob nito. Ayon sa
kanyang kaibigan, malaking bagay daw na may nakakausap
siya sa social media para mailabas niya ang kanyang sama ng
loob, at gumaan ang kanyang pakiramdam. Kung hindi daw
dahil sa facebook ay malamang na nabaliw na siya, sabi ng
kaibigang nabalo.Si Sonia ay 45 taong gulang na Ilokana at
tubong Cagayan Valley. - Marites Palma
Regalo
Makulit ang kapitbahay nina Vangie na amo, Nakaapat na
tawag ito sa kanya isang umaga, para lang sabihin na ibibigay
itong mga damit na pinaglumaan daw ng mga anak.Natuwa
naman si Vangie dahil may pandagdag siya sa kanyang
ipapauwing door-to-door box. Nag mamadali na tinapos ni
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siyang pinapasok ng amo at pinakape pa, bago sila
nagkuwentuhan na parang mga tunay na magkaibigan.
Matapos ang ilang minutong kuwentuhan, pumasok ang amo
sa kuwarto at paglabas ay may dala-dalang dalawang
malalaking bag na puno ng damit. Pagkaabot ng mga ito sa
kanya ay dali-daling umuwi si Vangie dahil excited din daw
siyang tingnan isa-isa ang mga laman ng dalawang bag.
Nguni’t ganoon na lang ang kanyang pagkadismaya nang
makita ang laman ng mga bag dahil puro naman luma ang mga
ito at hindi na magandang suotin. Ang bagsak, dinala din niya
ang dalawang bag sa back door. Sa mga sumunod na araw ay
nakakasalubong niya ang among nagbigay ng mga damit, at
masaya silang nagkukuwentuhan lagi. Ayon kay Vangie, iyong
ipinakitang kabutihan ng amo ay hindi masusukat sa materyal
na bagay, at ito ang lubos niyang pinahahalagahan. Si Vangie
ay bago lang sa Robinson Road ngunit nakapalagayang loob na
ang karamihan sa kanilang gusali. — Cris B. Cayat
Basahin muna
Masinop si Wilma sa mga gastusin; hindi siya agad namimili
kahit pa naka sale ang mga tindahan. Maingat din siya
pagdating sa kanyang ipong pera sa bangko. Minsan ay
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isang magandang insurance na may medical, dental, at
accident insurance. Ayon pa sa sulat, limang taon lamang ay
matured na ang kanyang policy at pwede na niyang makuha
ang interest ng kanyang pera. Hindi na nag-atubili si Wilma at
agad ibinigay ang kanyang paunang bayad. Makalipas ang 11
na buwan, naisip nyang kumustahin ang kanyang investment.
Nang binasa niyang muli ang policy ay ganoon na lang ang
sama ng loob niya dahil nakasaad doon na matatapos lamang
ang kanyang pagbabayad ng buwanang hulog paglipas ng 20
taon, taliwas sa sinabi ng ahente na nag-alok sa kanya ng
naturang insurance. Nang sabihin niya ang tungkol dito sa
kanyang amo ay sinamahan siya ng amo para magreklamo, at
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manager ng bangko, at tinanong kung bakit binentahan ng
ganoong insurance si Wilma na ang kontrata ay dalawang taon
lang at $4110 ang sahod sa isang buwan. Nanakot din ang amo
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na kung hindi ibinalik ng buo ang ibinayad ni Wilma ay
dadalhin nila sa korte ang kaso. Sa bandang huli ay pumayag
din ang bangko na isoli kay Wilma ang lahat ng ibinayad niya.
Sabi naman ni Wilma, dapat talagang maging alerto sa mga
pinipirmahan. Huwag mag-apura at basahin mabuti ang
dokumento, lalo na yung may maliit at mahahabang patakaran,
bago ito pirmahan. —Cris B. Cayat
Kabado sa pagbabago
Hindi pa man ay aligaga na si Jay dahil sa aasahang malaking
pagbabago sa kanyang buhay sa Hong Kong sa darating na
taon. Malapit na kasing magretiro ang kanyang amo at
kailangan na nilang umalis sa bahay na tinirhan nila sa
nakalipas na 24 taon. Nabanggit na rin sa kanya ng amo na sa
New Territories balak nitong bumili ng bahay na kanilang
lilipatan. Pero kailan lang ay nagdesisyon itong sa Discovery
Bay bumili ng flat. Bagama’t gusto rin ni Jay ang lugar na iyon,
hindi pa rin maalis sa kanya ang malungkot dahil sa loob ng
mahabang taon niya dito sa Hong Kong ay sa Pokfulam at
karatig na lugar lamang siya tumira. Isa pa ay malayo na ito sa
kanyang mga kaibigan. Hindi na rin nais ni Jay na humanap pa
ng ibang employer dahil ayaw na rin naman niyang manibago
na naman sa pakikisama. Mahigit 20 taon na siya sa kanyang
among propesor na Briton. May posibilidad din na tapusin na
lang niya ang panibagong dalawang taon na kontrata at baka
umuwi na rin siya sa Pilipinas. Matagal na rin kasing
hinihikayat si Jay ng kanyang mga kapatid na mag for good at
doon na lang sa Pilipinas magtayo ng negosyo. Hindi pa rin
makapagdesisyon si Jay sa mga bagay na ito dahil tila nasanay
Continued on Page 32
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All branches open everyday 9:30am- 6:30pm
The SUN January 2015
5
6
The SUN January 2015
OWWA plans to hold weekly PAOS
By Vir B. Lumicao
Enhanced
post-arrival
orientation seminars for
newly arrived OFWs may be
held every week when the
Philippine Overseas Labor
Of fice moves to its new
address in Admiralty Centre.
And if necessary, weekday
sessions would be held for
domestic workers who cannot
take a day off on Sundays.
This information was given
to The SUN by welfare officer
Kris Furaque as the last of
2014’s monthly seminars on
Dec. 21 saw a “standing-room
only” crowd of 74 all-female
workers.
The information seminar is
currently held at the
Consulate, with staff of the
Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration organizing.
“Kapag nakalipat na kami
at magkakaroon na kami ng
sariling room, magho-hold na
kami ng weekly orientation
seminars,” Furaque said.
“Just in case yung turnout
pag Sundays kapag nag-once
a week kami ay marami pa
rin, mag-weekday kami para
yung mga mga darating ng
Monday to Saturday, as much
as possible, ay maka-attend
ng PAOS,” Furaque said.
“Iyon ang balak namin
para sa PAOS. It’s our way of
HK OFWs are 6th largest remitters of foreign currency
OFWs get special welcome at the airport’s arrival area during Christmas holidays.
Overseas
Employment
Administration (POEA) data
showed that for JanuaryOctober 2014, job orders
reached 768,74. Of this, 39.8
percent were processed job
orders intended for service,
production, and professional,
technical and related workers
in Saudi Arabia, the United
Arab Emirates, Kuwait,
Taiwan, and Qatar.
The
bulk
of
cash
remittances came from the
United States, Saudi Arabia,
the United Arab Emirates,
Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong
and Canada, in that order.
Katulong mo sa iyong
pangangailangan
• May Special High Value para sa mga sangla ng mga Pilipino.
• 4 months expiry date, plus 6 weeks allowance para may panahon
kang mabawi mo ang iyong naisangla.
KEI WAH SANGLAAN
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Hang
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Pottinger St.
amounted to US$22 billion.
The total remittances were
up 6.7 percent from the same
period last year.
However, there was a
noticeable drop in remittances
in Hong Kong in October,
obviously as a result of the
Occupy Central protests that
began in late September. The
rallies that paralyzed key
parts of the city for weeks
appear to have prevented
many OFWs from remitting
money.
BSP Governor Amando M.
Tetangco Jr. said the steady
demand for skilled and
professional Filipino workers
supported the growth in
remittance inflows.
Preliminary
Philippine
Queen Victoria St.
Cash that you had sent home
through a bank or a
remittance shop in Hong
Kong has made Filipinos here
the sixth largest dollar
contributors to the Philippine
economy.
Figures released by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
in mid-December showed that
dollar remittances from Hong
Kong Filipinos during the
first three quarters of the year
rose to US$566.4 million, up
26.68 percent from the same
period last year.
The
Hong
Kong
remittances make up 11.25
percent of the total money
sent home by overseas
Filipinos all over the world for
the same period, which
conducting an enhanced
PAOS na madadagdagan ang
frequency,” she said.
OWWA also wants to tap
faith-based groups to help
conduct PAOS, so it is now
training church leaders.
Furaque said the enhanced
training could be started once
OWWA acquires its own
seminar room in the new
POLO offices. However, she
is still uncertain as to when
this could take place. She said
the move-in target was at the
end of December but the
renovation works have yet to
be finished.
“So far, the crowd was the
biggest group of attendees
since we revived the PAOS in
2012,” Furaque said.
She added that last
Sunday’s session might also
be the last to be organized by
her, as she would be returning
to Manila shortly.
Furaque’s tour of duty was
supposed to end on Dec. 8 but
she had to stay on because her
replacement is still processing
the documents needed for the
Hong Kong post.
She said she would be
returning to her office in
Region 4-B or Mimaropa
(Mindoro,
Marinduque,
Romblon and Palawan).
7-Eleven
To Worldwide Plaza
HUNG WAH
SANGLAAN
Shop 80 on G/F, Fortune Plaza, No. 4 On Chee Road,
Tai Po, N.T., Tel 2660 0938
The SUN January 2015
7
8
The SUN January 2015
Chinese course to readied for HK-based Pinoy students
Ethnic minority students in
senior secondary schools will
get an additional channel to
gain an alternative Chinese
language
qualification
starting next school year.
These students will be
beneficiaries of the Applied
Learning Chinese course, or
ApL(C), to be introduced in
phases at the senior secondary
level, according to the
Education Bureau.
Education Secretary Eddie
Ng Hak-kim said the bureau
encourages and supports the
non-Chinese-speaking
students’ bid to improve their
Chinese-language ability and
to
integrate
into
the
community.
Filipino parents have long
clamored for Hong Kong
schools to offer Chinese
courses for their children in
order to give them better
chances in the city’s highly
competitive job market.
In September 2012, the
Equal
Opportunities
Commission discussed with
education
officials
the
provision of an effective
Chinese language support for
Filipino children and those of
other nationalities.
One EOC recommendation
is for the bureau to seriously
consider
developing
a
Chinese Proficiency Program
and Testing System that can
provide
an
alternative
language qualification and a
benchmark for language
proficiency recognized by
different trades and job
groups.
The Education Bureau said
ApL(C) is designed from the
perspective
of
second
language
learners
and
provides a simulated applied
learning context in which
students can learn Chinese.
Ng said the EDB will fully
subsidize schools in paying
the course fee for ApL(C) so
students need not pay it.
He said in addition to the
Hong Kong Diploma of
Secondary
Education
Examination qualification,
ApL(C) is pegged at the
Qualifications Framework
Levels 1 to 3. Students will
obtain QF certificates upon
meeting the standards set at
different QF levels of ApL(C).
Obtaining both the HKDSE
and QF certificates will
facilitate the further studies of
non-Chinese-speaking
students and enhance their
employability, the education
secretary said.
He said all eight University
Grants Committee-funded
schools and most postsecondary institutions have
accepted ApL(C) as an
alternative qualification in
Chinese language for the
admission of non-Chinesespeaking students with
“Attained” as the minimum
grade required.
The Civil Service Bureau
accepts “Attained” and
“Attained with Distinction”
in ApL(C) as meeting the
Chinese language proficiency
requirement of relevant civil
service ranks.
Major employers and
professional bodies, such as
the Hong Kong Institute of
Human
Resource
Management and the Hong
Kong Retail Management
Association, have also given
recognition to ApL(C), the
education bureau said.
During the 2015-17 school
year, the Education Bureau
will offer a total of 40 ApL
courses, among which 10 are
new.
These include the two
ApL(C) courses, “Chinese for
the Service Industry” and
“Practical
Chinese
in
Hospitality” for non-Chinesespeaking students, for nonChinese-speaking students, as
well as “Fashion and Image
Design”, “The Essentials of
Dramatic Arts”, “Magazine
Editing and Production”,
“New Media Communication
Strategies”, “Entrepreneurship for SME”, “Marketing
and Online Promotion”,
“Electrical and Energy
Engineering” and “Computer
Forensic Technology”.
The bureau organized a
four-day exhibition on ApL
courses and taster sessions on
Dec. 17-20 to give parents,
teachers and students the
necessary information to help
them choose suitable courses
for these students.
The exhibition was held at
Chamber 1 and Chamber 2 of
InnoCentre, 72 Tat Chee
Avenue, Kowloon Tong. VBL
Christmas gift-giving: In the spirit of giving this Christmas, the officers of Sikap Association
paid a courtesy visit to Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge in Sheung Wan to present
their monetary gift to executive director Edwina Antonio in support of the Coins for Bethune
fund raising project. - JC
The SUN January 2015
9
10
The SUN January 2015
Erwiana’s fight for justice fires up protest
By Vir B. Lumicao
About 500 foreign domestic
workers urging justice for
abused helpers and for an end
to their slave-like conditions
marched on Dec. 14 to mark
International Migrants Day.
Rallying behind the cry
“Justice for Erwiana”, the
marchers called for changes
in Hong Kong government
policies that leave domestic
workers vulnerable to abuse..
“We are closely watching
Erwiana’s hearing and are
supporting her efforts to
achieve justice,” Eni Lestari,
chairperson of the Asian
Migrants’ Coordinating Body
said at the rally outside the
Immigration Department in
Wan Chai.
“We are expressing our
grave disappointment with
the Hong Kong government
for failing to institute changes
to policies that makes us
domestic workers vulnerable
to abuses that Erwiana and
numerous
more
have
experienced,” Lestari said.
The marchers were mainly
Indonesians,
and
were
supported by a small
contingent of Filipinos and
South Asians.
They carried placards
showing graphic photos of
abused maids and streamers
condemning exploitation by
their employers.
Among the familiar faces
on the placards were alleged
victims of maltreatment led by
Indonesian maid Erwiana
Sulistyaningsih,
whose
former employer is now
facing various charges in
District Court.
Filipina maid Rowena
Uychiat and Indonesian
Kartika Puspitasari who both
claim to have been maltreated
by their respective employers
also joined the march.
Dolores
Balladares,
chairperson of the United
Filipinos in Hong Kong and a
spokesperson of the AMCB,
pressed the Hong Kong
government to lift its ban on
live-out arrangements for
domestic helpers.
She also urged the
Immigration Department to
remove its two-week rule for
those whose contracts are
prematurely terminated.
“We are here because we
want to reiterate our demand
to
the
Immigration
Department to allow us liveout arrangements. This is very
important today because our
live-in condition make us
vulnerable to exploitation by
evil
employers,”
said
Balladares.
She said about 350,000
domestic workers play a big
role in supporting Hong
Kong’s economy but all that
they get in return are
government policies that
discriminate against them and
open them to abuses.
“We want to stop the
discrimination, we want to
stop the social exclusion, and
we want to end the slavery
treatment
of
migrant
workers,” she said.
Speaking to The SUN after
the rally, Lestari said , that
despite the international
media attention given to
Sulistyaningsih’s case, there
has been no improvement in
domestic workers’ situation.
“These (cases) are not
similar to Erwiana’s, like
there’s an Indonesian who
suffered a stroke …Like
Rowena she was confined (in
the employer’s house), she
said, ‘I never go out’,” Lestari
said.
“What we have is a similar
practice against the domestic
workers. They don’t have a
day off, they are not given
proper food, their passports
are kept by the agencies,” she
said.
Hong Kong has a law
making it illegal for any
company or individual to keep
another person’s passport, but
the practice persists “because
the government knows but
doesn’t do anything about it”,
Lestari said.
Unifil secretary general
Eman Villanueva told The
SUN that as long as the Hong
Kong government continues
its policies of mandatory twoweek rule, live-in policy and
exclusion from statutory wage
hikes, domestic workers will
remain
in
slave-like
conditions.
Asked if domestic workers
would find it convenient to
live outside their workplaces
with Hong Kong rents
ridiculously high, Villanueva
said that would be optional for
the helper.
“Employers could find a
place for their helpers and
rent it for them. In fact, there
are many employers who
prefer this arrangement
because they are not
comfortable
having
a
‘stranger’
in
their
household,” Villanueva said.
Moreover, the live-in policy
exposes domestic workers to
all sorts of abuse because no
one else sees what’s going on
inside their employers’
homes, he said.
Are you pregnant and afraid your employer
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Kong and you don’t know what to do?
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All services are FREE of charge
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The SUN January 2015
11
LGUs, Consulate staff tapped in anti-trafficking drive
By Vir B. Lumicao
Local government units in the
Philippines, especially in the
countryside, will be tapped to
help as an inter-agency body
intesifies its campaign against
human trafficking.
This was what Vice Consul
Fatima Guzman told The
SUN, after taking part in the
regional
anti-trafficking
workshop for Philippine
diplomatic staff held in
Osaka, Japan, on Dec. 10-15.
Guzman said the plan is to
bring the campaign to the
grassroots, so apart from LGU
representatives, Consulate
personnel will also be trained.
She said the next training
session will be held in Europe
next year,
“The workshop wants to
provide Trafficking 101 to the
LGUs kasi meron pang mga
lugar like farms and barrios
where most of the victims
come, so there’s a proposal to
educate the people about
trafficking through the local
government units,” she said.
Harnessing the LGUs,
educating the general public
on the problem, and setting up
a feedback mechanism on the
prosecution rate of traffickers
were
among
the
recommendations suggested
at the Osaka workshop.
Guzman said the workshop
was spearheaded by the Office
of the Undersecretary for
Migrant Workers Affairs
(OUMWA)
of
the
Department of Foreign
Affairs and the Inter-Agency
Council against Trafficking
(IACAT), made up of the
foreign affairs, justice, labor,
Trafficking convictions
quadruple in Aquino term
There has been a four-fold
jump in the number of
convictions for trafficking in
persons
during
the
administration of President
Benigno III compared with
those during the term of
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Figures
from
the
Department of Justice show
that from July 1, 2010, when
Aquino
assumed
the
presidency to Nov. 30 this
year, Philippine courts had
made 130 convictions for
trafficking.
This represented a surge of
about 440 percent from just 29
convictions during the entire
Arroyo presidency.
The number of persons
convicted for trafficking also
rose to 149, up about 5.5
percent from just 30 under the
Arroyo administration.
The DOJ published the
figures on its website as it tries
to project the gains made by
the Philippines in combating
all forms of human trafficking
that had put the country in a
bad light globally over the
past decades.
The US State Department
still has the Philippines on
Tier 2 in its Trafficking in
Persons Report for 2014
released last November.
This means the Philippines
is still seen as “a source
country” and, to a much lesser
extent, a destination and
transit country for men,
women,
and
children
trafficked for sex and forced
labor, the TIP report said.
The report noted that “a
significant number” of the
estimated 10 million Filipino
men, women, and children
who go abroad for skilled and
unskilled jobs end up
“subjected to sex trafficking
and forced labor”.
The TIP said trafficking
remains a significant problem
in the Philippines, affecting
women and children in
disaster or conflict-hit rural
areas, and those who are in
poor urban areas. The victims
arer subjected to domestic
servitude, forced begging,
forced labor in small factories,
and
sex
trafficking,
principally in Manila, Cebu,
Angeles, and cities in
Mindanao, and such tourist
destinations as Boracay,
Olongapo, Puerta Galera, and
Surigao,
The report recommended
that the Philippines step up
efforts to hold government
officials
criminally
accountable for trafficking
and
trafficking-related
offenses. It also called for
intensified
investigation,
prosecution, and conviction of
a growing number of labor
and sex trafficking offenders
in the country and abroad.Vir B. Lumicao
and
social
welfare
departments.
“It was a workshop on antitrafficking for all the AsiaPacific posts so the DFA
decided to hold it in Osaka,”
Guzman said, explaining that
Japan has the best practices in
combating trafficking..
The Philippine government
is holding the workshops as it
adopts a non-nonsense
strategy against a problem
that has victimized an
undetermined number of
people over the years.
“It’s an ongoing training
on the trafficking issue, kasi
hindi lang ATN ang i-train.
Frontliners are also important
in identifying potential
trafficking victims kasi pagapply ng passport, there might
be indicators that the
applicant is a victim,”
Guzman said.
“Next year, we are
definitely going to have a
training for our personnel
here,” she added.
The UN Office on Drugs
and Crime describes human
trafficking as a modern form
of slavery in which victims
are recruited, transported,
transferred, harbored or
received “by means of threat,
use of force or other forms of
coercion, for the purpose of
exploitation”.
The US State Department’s
Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
Report of 2013 said Filipino
human trafficking victims
had been identified in more
than 37 countries across five
continents.
For 2014, the report said “a
significant number of the
estimated 10 million Filipino
men,
women, and children who
migrate abroad for skilled and
unskilled
work
are
subsequently subjected to sex
trafficking and forced labor,
including through debt
bondage, in factories, at
construction sites, on fishing
vessels, on agricultural
plantations, as engineers or
nurses, and in the shipping
industry, as well as in
domestic work, janitorial
service, and other service
sector
jobs
in
Asia,
throughout the Middle East,
and increasingly
in Europe.”
“Marami tayong kaso”,
Guzman admitted. “But what
is good about the Philippines
is that we are actively
implementing programs to
combat
trafficking
in
persons.”
She said the International
Organization for Migration of
Japan has lauded the
Philippines for holding these
workshops for its diplomatic
posts “because not all
embassies, not all countries
provided
workshops
worldwide for their personnel
to
identify
potential
trafficking victims and lessen
these cases, too.”
She said the mere creation
of the inter-agency body
shows how serious the
government is in combating
trafficking.
Guzman, together with
Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr.,
officer of the Consulate’s
assistance to national section,
represented the Consulate in
the workshop.
Continued on Page 12
12
The SUN January 2015
Anti-trafficking drive
Daily flight movements hit new record
If you left and arrived in Hong
Kong on Dec. 20, you were
among those who helped set a
new record for daily flight
movements.
On that day, 1,178 flight
movements were handled at
the Hong Kong International
Airport, setting a new daily
record, a spokesman for the
Civil Aviation Department
(CAD) said.
The
1,178
flight
movements
broke
the
previous single-day record of
1,172 set on March 29 last
year and exceeded the daily
average of 1,073 movements
recorded in 2014 by 9.8 per
cent.
Moreover, 685 flight
movements also operated
through the Hong Kong
Flight Information Region on
December 20, making up a
total of 1,863 flights handled
by the CAD within the 24hour period.
The increase in flight
movements was attributed to
the high demand during the
Christmas and New Year
holidays. The extra flights
were operated to destinations
in Northeast and Southeast
Asia. Taipei was the most
popular destination, followed
by Seoul and Bangkok.
“The CAD’s Air Traffic
Management Division has
deployed additional staff to
cater for the seasonal demand
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From Page 11
Representing the partner
agencies were Senior State
Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo
for the Department of Justice;
former labor attachè
to
Kuwait and Jeddah David Des
Dicang; Department of Social
Welfare Region 11 (Davao)
director Director Priscilla
Razon, and Undersecretaries
Jesus Yabes and Reynaldo
Catapang of OUMWA.
Guzman said the DOJ
discussed how traffickers are
prosecuted and how potential
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Dumating ang araw ng kaniyang paguwi at bago magbiyahe
patungong airport ay nagwisik siya nitong seksuwal na
pabango. Habang nakasakay sa airbus ay napuna niyang halos
hindi mapakali sa kinauupuan ang katabi niyang foreigner,
panay daw ang ngiti nito sa kaniya at kalaunan ay sinambit na
“I like your scent of perfume,” nagpasalamat siya at ngumiti.
Nadama din niyang panay ang sagi ng siko nito sa kaniyang
waistline na very intimate for her.
Pagkadating niya sa Pinas ay sumalubong ang kaniyang
chatmate at buong higpit siyang niyakap. It was the first time
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traffickers and their victims
are
identified.
The
Department of Labor and
Employment
explained
procedures on combating
trafficking, while the DSWD
discussed
provision
of
psycho-social support for the
victims.
The Asia-Pacific workshop
was the third conducted by the
OUWMA. Last year, it held
the first in the Middle East
and the second in the United
States.
“Based on the workshop,
we would like to create a more
streamlined process on, first,
how to immediately assist the
victim, until the prosecution
stage of the trafficker because
we’d like to be involved in the
whole cycle,” Guzman said.
“For the DFA, we would
like to be updated on what
happened after we gave the
report to the IACAT on the
trafficking victims, kasi paguwi nila, IACAT na ang in
charge. We would like to be
updated as well … kasi kahit
na-assist na natin ang mga
victim, kahit nakauwi na sila,
kung
mababa
ang
prosecution rate, the problem
will persist,” she said.
Guzman said the rate of
trafficking through Hong
Kong involving Filipinos is
quite low, thanks to
safeguards put in place by the
SAR government.
She identified the sectors
affected by trafficking as labor
for servitude; sex trafficking;
drug trafficking; and even
infant trafficking for adoption
or sale.
She said as part of its effort
to combat trafficking, the DOJ
has been providing incentives
to victims in the form of
allowances so they will be
encouraged to pursue cases
against the traffickers.
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The SUN January 2015
COMMUNITY
13
ROAD-HK celebrates a bountiful year
ROAD-HK gives awards to its
outstanding members for a
bounty of honors they earned for
the organization, including The
SUN Challenge, a rigorous
current events quiz organized by
The SUN. At right, ROAD-HK
p resident Weena Advincula
(right) and vice president Mercy
Permales bring the house down
with a rendition of Sampaguita’s
Bonggahan, complete with faux
guitars, scarves and rocker
clothes.
There was a lot to cheer about
when
the
Radiant
Organization of Amiable
Drivers (ROAD - HK)
celebrated Christmas at
Ramada Hotel in Western
District on Dec. 14.
The biggest feather in their
cap came just a week earlier,
when the group beat three of
the most competitive Filipino
organizations in HK to win
The SUN Challenge, a
rigorous current events quiz
organized by The SUN
newspaper.
ROAD took home $3,000
in cash, a certificate and a
gold medal for each of its
three competitors.
At the party, ROAD paid
tribute to its winning team,
and handed out its own
certificates to each of its three
members.
Other members were also
cited for winning or
competing
in
several
community-wide competitions such as :”Tuklas ng
Talino” at Bayanihan Centre.
Eight received special
awards, including president
Weena Advincula and vice
president Mercy Permales.
The others were Cookie
Espiritu, Babes Azucena, Cris
de la Cruz, Sheena Sandoval,
Miriam Carpio and Star
Pagaduan.
Of the eight, three were
cited further as “outstanding
members” - Advincula,
Permales and Pagaduan.
ROAD adviser and The
SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap
said she was happy and proud
of the group’s achievements,
and urged them to keep
coming up with projects and
activities that give them
additional skills and enrich
their lives while in Hong
Kong..
She said driving is such a
valuable skill, especially in
Hong Kong, that more
Filipino workers should try
getting themselves a licence..
Not only is the pay far higher
than the minimum wage, it is
also more flexible and less
tiring than working inside the
house.
As editor of the biggest
Filipino newspaper in HK, it
gave her special pleasure to
see ROAD trumping other
groups in their knowledge of
current events.
As in its first ever
Christmas party as a group,
ROAD spiced up its this
year’s celebration with wacky
dance competitions.
But it was a mock rock
number by its two top
officials, Advincula and
Permales, complete with
shiny guitar props, that
brought the house down.
HKU launches Pinoy health project
By Gina N. Ordona
Meaningful Christmas: The GSSI (Guardians Socialite Society) Tiger Bond HK Legion
held a Christmas party on Dec. 25 at Hoi Me Beach in Tsuen Wan. GSSI founder Elpidio
Rubio, Jr., called on fellow officers and members to reach out to the needy and spread
goodwill. In his message he said Christmas is not really just for children, as it has a deep
meaning that only adults could understand. More than the bountiful food and the gaily
wrapped gifts, he said Christmas is all about how Jesus Christ humbled himself so He could
save mankind. Rubio gave special thanks to the event organizer, James Romay and to all
officers and members of GSSI in Hong Kong. Romay said the group is guided by the vision of
helping less fortunate people in the Philippines. In the coming year, for example, his group
will conduct a “Balik Eskwela” program to provide school supplies to needy students.
Are varicose veins linked to
hypertension?
This was one of the
questions tackled by Dr.
Michael M. Manio during the
first in a series of six talks
under the Hong Kong
University’s Pinoy Project:
Health & Nutrition Talk. The
initial lecture was held at the
Consulate on Dec. 4.
The project which aims to
empower domestic workers
about their health is presented
in collaboration with the
Hong Kong University Center
of
Development
and
Resources of Students (HKUCEDARS) and the Consulate.
Manio
focused
his
presentation on hypertension
and varicose veins, including
their risk factor, symptoms
and treatment.
He pointed out that varicose
veins might be connected to
hypertension because the
bulge with pools of blood may
result in blood failing to
circulate properly.
He said varicose veins are
often associated with older
age, being female or obese,
the onset of pregnancy or
menopause, as well as
standing or sitting for long
hours.
“Particularly, yung mga
kababaihan mahilig maghigh heels. Wala naman pong
problema kung naka-high
heels. So I usually advise my
patient na alisin (ang heels)
pagdating sa office. Wala
namang
nakakakita,
tanggalin at maglagay ng
upuan para elevated,” he said.
He also said that those who
usually cross their legs while
sitting are more prone to
getting varicose veins, and
doing so could affect the blood
circulation.
To avoid complications
from having varicose veins,
he
suggested
wearing
compression stockings as a
remedy.
“Meron pong compression
stocking na mabibili for
varicose viens. The more na
mahigpit, the better.
He said raising the legs
above the heart, three or four
times a day for 15 minutes
will help improve the blood
Continued on Page 35
14
The SUN January 2015
1,000 gather
for Misa de
Aguinaldo
By Jo Campos
Christmas among Filipino
Catholics will not be complete
without the traditional Misa
de Aguinaldo, or Midnight
Mass.
In Hong Kong, this annual
tradition was again observed
on Christmas eve, when close
to a thousand Filipinos led by
Consul General Bernardita
Catalla braved the winter chill
to gather in Chater Garden to
pray and celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ.
In her address to the crowd
before the mass, ConGen
Catalla said that she was
impressed by the huge
number of overseas Filipino
workers who were able to
attend mass, and celebrate
with their friends this
Christmas.
She said the OFWs should
be thankful for this privilege,
as many of their counterparts
in other countries do not enjoy
the same treatment.
She also told them that the
songs of praise and prayers
Awarding of prizes to the winners of PaStaran parol contest
they just recited should be put
into practice. Lastly, she told
symbol
of plastic softdrink bottles of
the OFWs that they should traditional
different sizes and colors
Christmas
in
the
Philippines.
lways look forward to being
molded into a star shape with
The
year’s
Grand
Winner,
reunited with their loved ones
a nativity centerpiece, and
takig
$5,000
cash
prize
was
back home
bright lights. The group took
Suyo
Association,
which
Another highlight of the
home $2,500 cash prize.
created
an
intricate
parol
annual gathering was the
The third place was bagged
made
of
used
plastic
bottle
announcement of the winners
by
Bangar Association of
caps
and
aluminum
of the “PaStaran” parol Hong
Kong, which received
Nespresso
coffee
packs.
making contest, where several
Layers
of
paper
and
cardboard
$1,500.00;
while NOPT and
Filipino
community
served
as
the
frame
of
the
Lakbay
Dangal
won the
organizanizations took part.
parol
held
aloft
with
an
fourth
and
fifth
places
The contest is held to
improvised
wheeled
cart.
respectively,
taking
cash
showcase the creativity and
Taking
second
place
was
prizes
of
$1,000
each.
artistic talent of OFWs in
Each parol entry had to
Brotherhood,
creating eco-friendly parols or Guardians
meet
certain specifications. It
whose
parol
was
made
of
lanterns, which are a
should be made out of
recycled
materials
and
measure between 0.80 x 1
meter in diameter, should
have lights that are battery
operated, and should be
hanged alone on a stand.
Each eligible organization
was allowed to submit all only
one entry. All competing
entries were put on display in
Chater Garden ahead of the
mass, drawing admiration
from thousands of passersby.
Everyone marveled at the
hard work and creativity of
the people who made the
lanterns.
The Misa de Aguinaldo
started promptly after the
presentation
or
prizes,
followed by a procession of
the lit parols.
The Misa de Aguinaldo in
Chater is a yearly event
organized by the Philippine
Consulate
General
in
cooperation with the Filipino
Chaplaincy of the Catholic
Church in Hong Kong and
different Filipino community
groups.
The SUN January 2015
15
Pasko sa Padyakan
Nagtipon-tipon ang pitong
grupo ng mga Pilipino sa
Harcourt Garden sa Admiralty
noong Dis 21 para gunitain
ang Pasko. Napuno nila ang
parke para sa kanilang
kasiyahan.
Kabilang sa mga grupo ang
1 Ganap Guardians Hong
Kong, Anak ti Ilocos Norte,
Force Recon Airsoft Group
HK, Musang- Pilipinas and
Pa-Staran Parol-naking conteat winners: Grand Prize - Suyo
Association HK (above); 2nd place- Guardians Brotherhood
Inc. (above, right); 3rd place- Bangar Association
Gawing radio
ang iyong
smartphone!
At makinig ng Pinoy music
mula sa SUN Radio HK.
Isa sa pitong grupo na nagdiwang ng Pasko sa Padyakan sa Harcourt Garden sa Admiralty.
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dahil Western calendar ang gamit namin at hindi Chinese lunar
calendar.
May sariling App, kaya isang
click lang, konektado ka na.
SHING FUNG
PAWN SHOP
Makinig araw-araw. Kahit
anong oras. Kahit saan
na may wi-fi connection
(gaya ng inyong bahay,
sa mga bus, at sa inyong
tambayan na katabi ng mga
government building at mga bangko).
Shop Y1, Ground Floor, Euro Trade Centre
21-23 Des Voeux Road Central, HK
Convenient location
Des Voeux Road
ad
Ro
r
ate
Ch
Pedder Street
Para malaman kung
papaano magdownload ng
The SUN Radio
app para sa Android,
magpunta lang sa
www.sunradiohk.com
International
Marshal
Society, Batangas Varsitarian
International Hong Kong
Chapter, Association of
Filipino Builders in Hong
Kong at Balikatan sa
Kaunlaran Hong Kong. Nagambag ambagan din ang mga
grupo para sa dalawang
miyembro
na
nangangailangan. — Cris
Cayat
Worldwide
House
Eurotrade
Centre
Connaught Road
16
The SUN January 2015
Passinhons
showcase Ilonggo
food in cookfest
By Jo Campos
The aroma of home-cooked
Ilonggo dishes wafted in the
air as an array of dishes filled
a makeshift table at one corner
of the City Hall grounds in
Central on Dec. 14.
It was the day of judgment
for 13 entries in a unique
culinary event called “Lutong
Ilonggo sa Pasko” organized
by Passi City (Iloilo)
Association of Hong Kong.
The cookfest showcased
authentic Ilonggo cuisine
from various participants,
from the classic pancit molo
and arroz valenciana, to the
tasty binakol na manok. The
other entries were pork
estofado, adobong Ilonggo,
fish sarciado and escabeche.
But what caught the fancy
of many was the KBL or
kadios, baboy at langka The
dish is similar to sinigang, but
the difference lies in its sour
base, as tamarind or sinigang
mix is commonly used in
sinigang, while traditional
KBL uses “batuan”, a small
but very sour round fruit
found in Iloilo.
In most dishes, the cooks
used fresh turmeric or luyang
dilaw as in the adobo, giving
it a distinct taste and color.
The sweet and savory taste of
estofadong baboy also recalled
memories of the festive season
back home.
But in the end, it was the
binakol na manok which
helped win for Margarita
Panes the title Master Chef of
the competition. The tender,
succulent and tasty stew of
chicken
cooked
in
lemongrass, ginger, garlic
and onion is similar to
tinolang manok.
Lilibeth
Alcantara’s
Estofadong Baboy took
second place while Mary
Grace Mendez’ pancit Molo,
delicious parcels of meat in
molo wrappers floating in
steaming broth, won the
hearts and palates of the
guests as well as the third
place in the contest.
Another specialty dish
served was Iloilo’s pride,
Lapaz batchoy.
The
traditional noodle dish was
prepared by one of the group’s
members whose family runs a
small restaurant in Iloilo with
Lapaz batchoy as their
specialty.
The group’s leader, Wilma
Padura, thought of the unique
concept of the event with
Libreng app para sa
iyong Android Phone!
Passinhons and friends in group photo (above). Winner
Margarita Panes (right) with her ward.
Christmas in mind.
Padura said that by sharing
these home-cooked dishes,
each of the members would
feel like being home on
Christmas. She added that the
event is also a perfect way to
The other winners:
Estofadong baboy,2nd
place;Embotido, 3rd
place. The winning dish
is on page 30.
showcase and discover the
culinary talent of the Ilonggos
in Hong Kong.
The participants and their
entries are:
1. Elsa Quesada –
Sarciadong tilapia and arroz
Valenciana
2. Marlyn Pardenilla –
Embotido and KBL
3. Margarita Panes –
Binakol na manok
4. Magdalena Talero –
Afritadang manok, Tilapia
escabeche and Dinuguan
5. Lilibeth Alcantara – Pork
estofado
6. Marlon Algabre –
Adobong Ilonggo
7. Belinda Santiago Paksiw na baboy
8. Mary Grace Mendez Pancit molo and Adobo mix
Puwedeng
makinig
maghapon o
magdamag.
Pinoy ang
kanta, Pinoy
ang programa.
Para sa ating
mga Pinoy!
Upang malaman kung
papaano i-download ito,
magpunta lang sa Facebook
page ng Sun Radio HK:
www.facebook.com/SunRadioHk
First graduation : The first batch of graduates of the first call center training course offered in Hong Kong pose with their
trainors from Empowerment Center International composed of Tony Mendoza (3rd from left), Diosy Mendoza (2nd from left)
and John Mark Mendoza (5th from left). The 8-week call center training course aims to prepare OFWs for reintegration in
the Philippines by giving them quality training as call center agents. The course also teaches proper English pronunciation
and diction, as well as conversation skills. The graaduation rites were held at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center on Dec.
21. -JC
The SUN January 2015
Bannatiran group
celebrates Xmas
By: Ramon Dizon Jr.
Dozens of the Bannatiran of
Hong Kong (BoHK) members
celebrated Christmas by
raising funds for their projects
on Dec. 14 at Harcourt
Garden in Central.
Proceeds from their search
for Miss Bannatiran 2014,
won by Marietta Tenozo, will
be used to fund a key project
in their hometown of Banna,
Ilocos Norte.
The other contestants in the
fund-raising pageant were
Saniata Gabriel, Ms Faith;
Lucy Agustin, Ms Love;
Veron Balura, Ms Peace; and
Eva Grace Day-Os, Ms
Friendship.
“We have donated hospital
beds, wheelchairs, wheeled
stretchers, cribs for the newborn and a fully automated
dental chair to our municipal
health center during our seven
years of existence,” claimed
BoHK president Dick Garcia.
Garcia also lauded their
three-month
campaign
against malnutrition a few
years ago.
“Around 100 children aged
between 1 and 4 years
benefited from the project,” he
said. “We coordinated with
the local government unit to
identify the two barangays
with the most number of
malnourished children and
we supplied them with milk
and vitamins, plus medical
check-ups twice a week.”
Bannatiran group
celebrates Christmas with
a group gathering at
Harcourt Garden in
Central.
DOMO HK holds induction during Christmas party
Ang mga bagong opisyal ng
Dynamic Overseas Migrant
Organization Hong Kong, na
mas kilala sa pangalang
DOMO HK, para sa susunod
na dalawang taon ay
sumumpa sa tungkulin sa
harap ni Vice Consul Charles
Andrei Macaspac sa isang
seremonyang ginanap noong
Dis. 14 sa Konsulado.
Nahirang na pangulo sa
ikalawang pagkakataon si
Mercy
Moncayo,
at
pangalawang pangulo si Rose
Andrada. Ang iba pang mga
opisyal ay sina: Fely Rose
Leaban, sekretarya; Dyesebell
Bravo,
pangalawang
sekretarya; Violy Escultura,
tesorera;
pangalawang
tesorerasi Alma Aquilena;
auditor
si
Regina
Constantino; at sina Jacquelin
Pascual at Cecilia del Castillo,
mga
tagapamahala
sa
negosyo. Nahirang din sina
Malou Sagun at Marlyn
Cendaña bilang mga press
relations officer, at si Flor
delos Santos bilang livelihood
trainer at choreographer.
Sina Arnold P. Grospe, Joel
Almeda,
Engelbert
E.
Causing, Merlinda Mercado,
at Rosabelle L. Woolf ang
nagsisilbi
nilang
mga
tagapayo.
Matapos ang kanilang
panunumpa, lumipat ang
grrpo sa Lan Kwai Fong Park
upang doon ipagdiwang ang
kanilang Christmas party.
Ang maghapong sayawan,
kantahan, at kainan ay
simpleng pagtitipon bilang
pasasalamat sa patnubay ng
Panginoon sa buong grupo,
sabi ng kanilang presidente. –
–Cris B. Cayat
T&H Employment Centre
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17
18
The SUN January 2015
STAR’s double celebration
By Cris B. Cayat
There is a mix of new and old
in the line-up of officers of
Samahang
Tarlaqueno
Association Hong Kong or
STAR HK. Abelardo Guevara
has been reelected as
president, while Colleen
Navarro remains as general
secretary. However, the rest of
the officials are all new. The
group held the induction of
the incoming officers on Dec
14 at their Christmas party in
Repulse Bay.
The officers are Guevarra,
president; Gil Capumpue,
vice president; Navarro,
general secretary; Cristy
Sumibcay, assistant secretary;
Albert Macalino, treasurer;
Jenifher Duque, assistant
treasurer; Siony Asuncion,
auditor; Deborah Espiritu,
assistant auditor; Lerna
Capitly, business manager;
Cely Sibal, assistant business
manager; Ritchell Amurao,
Lenny
Santos,
Analie
Guevarra, Evelyn Gajo,
Manny Mejia, press relation
officers.
A separate committee for
sports was formed with Albert
Tubig as chairman, Jun
Laxaman as assistant to the
chairman, while Reddy
Gonzalez, Celer Castro, Rita
Nakpil and Agnes Balassu are
all consultants.
The group chose Jimmy
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Sequence Numbered
Mabibili ang upgraded version
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body essence lotion sa
halagang $98 lamang mula sa
Fiesta Mart, Victory
Supermarket, Sun Fung
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Ang iyong kagandahan ay magiging tunay na kaakit-akit. Mabibili na
sa Hong Kong ang upgraded version ng Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 Body
essence lotion na gawa sa laboratoryo sa England ng La Cite
Parfumeur S.A. Paris mula sa mga piniling sangkap na galing pa sa
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Ito ay may Limang Katangian:
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Anti-Aging: Ang anti-aging ingredient ay nagbibigay ng sustansiya sa kailaliman
ng balat upang ito ay magkalaman at mawala ang mga pileges, upang ikaw ay
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Protein Moisturizer: Ang moisturizing ingredient sa tulong ng Vitamin E ay
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Nakamit ang maputing kutis
na kaakit-akit at mahubog na
katawan
Matagal nang
gusto ni Angel Cabias
na magkaroon ng
glamorosang hitsura
katulad ng isang
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ang kahanga-hangang
Angel Cabias ,
produkto. Pinayo ng
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kaibigan na bumili at
after
gumamit siya ng
upgraded Dream Love
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essence lotion na gawa sa England mula sa Victory Supermarket
sa Worlwide plaza sa halagang HK$98 lamang.
Ang lotion ay napatunayang epektibo para sa pampapayat,
pampaputi, may Vitamin A, D & E protein moisturizer, antiageing at pagtanggal ng mga peklat mula sa tagihawat at maiitim
na bahagi ng balat na matatagpuan sa iisang tube lamang.
Pagkauwi ay ginamit niya ang lotion ayon sa instruction sheet,
nakita niya ang naging pagbabago sa katawan sa loob ng
dalawang linggo. Nabawasan ang timbang habang 1 inch naman
ang iniliit ng kanyang baywang, braso, balakang at hita.
Nagkaroon din ng magandang hugis ang kanyang katawan.
Ngayon ay tuwang-tuwa na siya kapag nakikita ang sarili sa
salamin dahil nakamtan na ang hitsurang artista na matagal na
niyang pinapangarap.
The group during their
Christmas
party
and
induction.
Macaspac as the chair of their
advisers, which is also made
up of Mayo Libunao, Fidel
Manuel, Mark Mateo, Dante
Baysa, Melody Sotero and
Amelia Atienza.
Adding spice to the
celebration was the ballroom
dancing contest, which was
won by partners Melody
Sotero and Rudy Quintonia
who did the cha cha.
There were also fun games
like banana eating, which was
won by Agnes Balassu; dirty
dancing, won by Evelyn
Braga; and apple eating, won
by Edward Sebastian took the
title for the apple eating.
A raffle draw was held
using telekonek, and the two
lucky winners, Evelyn Gajo
and Ritchell Amurao, got the
sony walkman gadget.
The group prides itself as
being able to unite all Tarlac
residents in Hong Kong, and
for looking after each other,
even after members have
returned to the Philippines.
STAR also makes an effort
to reach out to needy
members, like when it held a
one-day basketball league
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web: www.filipinohk-travel.com
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The SUN January 2015
19
Filipina softbelles post 9-4 revenge win vs. SCAA
by Vir B. Lumicao
Filipina sluggers Fate A has
carried over the feud with
rivals SCAA Topaz to the
premier group of the Hong
Kong women’s softball league
at Tin Kwong Road, exacting
vengeance on the only team
that beat them in last season’s
Group B matches.
With Fate taking the bat at
the opening, Ma. Eva
Mendez, Joelle Galapin,
Margie Occenola and Jesse
Duque ran home via a series
of hits as the local women
figured out how to stop the
Filipinas.
Then team captain Don
Gaborno, the unchallenged
pitcher of the match, held the
South China softbelles
scoreless, 4-0, in that inning
as she struck out the
opponents one by one.
The younger and faster
SCAA Topaz began rattling
the Filipinas in the second
inning when they foiled all
but one of Fate’s attempts to
run home.
First, the local lasses halted
Bong Baraoidan on second
base and struck out Galapin,
but failed to tag Mendez on
her run home after Gaborno
hit a high ball at infield.
Romela Osabel tried to
score with a rolling ball to the
left infield, but she was caught
on the first base to keep the
score unchanged at 4-0.
The Topaz sluggers kept
their pressure on the Filipinas
at their turn on the plate,
hitting three rolling balls, one
of which bounced on the
ground and smacked Fate
short stop Baguitan on the left
side of her face, leaving a
nasty black-eye and a swollen
cheek.
Topaz’s No. 17 struck
Team members celebrate their win.
In the dark about how
to reach the Filipinos
in Hong Kong?
Go with the No. 1 newspaper.
The leader since 1995.
another rolling ball that she
converted into the team’s first
run in the match.
Coach Bernie Cabasal had
to remind the Filipinas every
now and then not to get rattled
and focus on the ball as they
succumbed to error after error
forced upon them via rolling
hits by the well-prepared
Hong Kong women.
“Don’t be rattled, focus on
the ball, focus on the ball.
You’re five points up,” he
would shout to his players.
With their opponents’
weakness exposed, the SCAA
batters then blasted three
more homers and held Fate
scoreless in the third and
fourth innings as they tried to
catch up with the Filipinas.
But despite their early woes,
the Filipinas added four more
runs in the fifth courtesy of
Gaborno, Duque , MRose
Salvador and Baguitan to stay
comfortably ahead at 9-4.
Late in the fifth inning,
Galapin blasted a long ball
that sent home Navarro and
Mendez from third and
second base, but the home
plate umpire called a foul on
SPORTS
Galapin for blocking when
she romped to first base. The
umpire also nullified Mendez
and Navarro’s home runs.
The call drew a protest from
Cabasal and the agitated
Filipinas that halted the game
for a few minutes as the
umpire sought the opinion of
his line umpires. In the end,
the match official’s ruling
stood.
With Fate’s turn at the field,
the team urged Gaborno to
exact revenge, and she did so
seamlessly in the next few
minutes, striking out batter
after batter from SCAA to
keep the score at 9-4.
With five minutes left in the
match, the local players
returned to the field expecting
Fate to bat. Occenola batted
first but was struck out before
the umpire declared the game
over.
“Okay lang ang laro ng
mga player. Kabado lang sila
pero malakas sila. Kahit
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for service
in the last
19 years
A rare commendation
from the Hong Kong
government for service to
ethnic minorities. Given
personally by HK Chief
Executive C.Y. Leung
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the Filipinos trust
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Our latest: A University
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recognition of our
expertise and our
commitment to the
community.
kulang ang team sa player,
ipinakita naman nila na kaya
nila ang SCAA Topaz,”
Cabasal told The SUN after
the match.
Then turning to his players,
he said: “Guys, ang comment
ko lang sa inyo, pag nasa
game kayo nara-rattle kayo.
Kapag naglalaro. Huwag
kayong ma-rattle.”
“Today you proved that
even if the team is
undermanned, you can still
win,” Cabasal said.
The triumph was sweet
revenge for Fate as SCAA was
the only team that beat them
in
the
Group
B
championships last summer.
Both teams were promoted to
Group
A
after
the
tournament.
Future game schedules:
Jan. 4, 2:30pm — Fate A
vs. TB at Tin Kwong
Jan. 18, 1pm – Fate B vs.
Joker at Shek Kip Mei
20
The SUN January 2015
NGO shows the
right path for
pregnant maids
By Vir B. Lumicao
Some 2,500 female domestic
workers in Hong Kong who
got pregnant in the past seven
years have been helped by a
non-governmental
organization set up to keep
both the mothers and the
babies legally protected.
This is PathFinders, the
only NGO in Hong Kong that
has been helping pregnant
domestic workers since its
founding in 2007.
Pathfinders says most of the
pregnant maids it has helped
were Indonesians, but the
second biggest ethnic group
were Filipinos.
Thr group seeks out
expectant migrant women in
parks and other places where
the helpers congregate on
their days off and tries to win
their confidence by teaching
them about their basic rights
as women. Every Sunday it
conducts outreach services in
Central and Victoria Park,
and a few remote places
where illegal immigrants are
known to abound..
“Most of the time the
women don’t know their
rights,” Carmen Lam, senior
program
manager
of
PathFinders, told The SUN in
a recent interview.
“Sometimes they think that
it is illegal to get pregnant as
domestic workers in Hong
Kong, so they decide to get rid
of the baby, and we try to get
them to come for counseling,”
Lam said.
Educating the expectant
mothers is one the three
programs that PathFinders
has adopted to help domestic
workers
handle
their
pregnancies. The other two
programs
are
mother
empowerment and child
protection.
“In the education program,
(the
pregnant
migrant
workers) have nowhere to go,
so, they come here and learn
about their legal rights, and
we have professionals who
conduct
woman care,
newborn baby care … and
then, how to adapt to partners,
child care, and parenting,”
said Lam.
Since the majority of the
maids who get pregnant are
Indonesians, most of the
counseling and lectures that
PathFinders conducts is in
Bahasa “so that they can
know about their rights and
protection in Hong Kong,
what is the basic entitlement
of every domestic worker, like
We’re
closed on
Dec. 25 & 26
Lam
the minimum wage, maternity
leave with pay, free medical
treatment, paid annual leave,
air ticket and things like
that,” Lam said.
“We also emphasize their
maternity
right
and
protection, so we want them
to know that employers
cannot fire their workers —
except due to misconduct –
just
because
they’re
pregnant,” the PathFinders
executive said.
“We really want to
emphasize this information
because if any of the
employers terminate their
domestic workers (for being
pregnant), they can be liable
for prosecution and, upon
conviction,
be
fined
$200,000,” Lam said.
“The domestic worker can
actually the go to the Labour
Department and the Equal
Opportunities Commission
and the employer will be fined
and prosecuted,” she said.
PathFinders is driving this
message home through its
outreach programs so that the
more migrant women know
about their rights, the better
they would be protected and
they won’t feel totally helpless
when
they
encounter
problems
over
their
pregnancy.
The NGO also provides all
the information the helpers
need, such as where they can
go if they are suddenly cast
out of their employers’ homes.
“Often, once the employer
finds out the domestic worker
is pregnant, she tells her to get
out. If that happens, the
helper becomes homeless,”
Lam said.
Hong Kong’s strict law on
two-week stay for a
terminated helper often drives
her to hide or stay with friends
and overstay her visa.
“If they know their rights,
they’d
talk
to
their
employers,” said Lam. “I
think we can find a solution to
the pregnancy in a legal way
because firing them is illegal
and not good for the domestic
worker later on, as she won’t
be able to get medical
treatment, she won’t have a
safe environment for the
baby.”
Lam said if the pregnant
workers need assistance they
can go to PathFinders and
attend the Monday education
workshop the NGO holds to
teach them what to do.
“If they want to go back
home, we can hep them.”
For 2014, Lam said
PathFinders had helped about
500 domestic helpers who
became pregnant out of Hong
Kong’s more than 300,000
maids.
“So if you take only 1 to 2
percent of this population,
that already works up to 3,000
of them,” Lam said,
explaining that domestic
workers come to Hong Kong
in their early 20s and so it
happens that some meet men
they into relationships with. If
they get pregnant, “they’re
terminated and are trapped in
Hong Kong, so we’re here to
help them,” she said.
PathFinders’ 2013 annual
report shows it had helped
589 migrant mothers that
year, up 9 percent from the
previous year. Of these,
Indonesians made up 82
percent and Filipinos, 16
percent; while others such as
Thais, Sri Lankans, and
Bangladeshi
formed
2
percent.
Lam said Filipina maids
who had come been to Hong
Kong for over 20 years seem
to know more about their
rights, are more open and
vocal about what they need. It
is a different case for the
Indonesians, who have been
coming here only for the last
few years, and who do not
have a firm support system.
With
the
help
of
PathFinders, 60 percent of the
migrant mothers in 2013
eventually married their
partners and changed their
visa status, enabling them to
remain employed in Hong
Kong. The remaining 40
percent decided to return
home.
Of their children, 45
percent became Hong Kong
residents, 7 percent were
referred for adoption in the
city, and 48 percent returned
home with the mother.
Despite the huge number of
cases that they have to deal
with, PathFinders operates
with only 10 full-time staff
made up of a case manager, a
program manager, and a
program officer. Seven other
staff members help attend to
clients Monday to Friday at its
Tung Chau offices in Tai Kok
Tsui, and doing outreach on
Saturdays and Sundays.
Pathfinders runs a hotline
from 9 am to 9pm, and a
shelter in Yau Ma Tei that
houses six clients a month
who get rent-free stay, free
food, and free checkups for
both mothers and babies by a
nurse and midwife every
Monday.
A sponsor rents the
PathFinders shelter for
$15,000 a month while a
director of the NGO pays for
the office rent of about
$20,000 a month.
A team of pro bono lawyers
helps secure birth certificates
for the babies and visa
applications for the mothers,
assist them in court cases, and
help find the fathers for
maintenance claims.
Lam said the NGO’s main
income comes from private,
individual and corporate
donors, and its board
directors, but none from the
Hong Kong government.
“We tried to reach out to the
Hong Kong Jockey Club for
local fund but they said, ‘Oh
they’re not Hong Kong
permanent residents, they are
not eligible for assistance. We
can only help Hong Kong
residents.”
This shouldn’t be the case,
Lam said. “We want to get the
message across that those who
really need of help in Hong
Kong, we should not divide
them into whether they are
residents
or
not…any
nationality who is in need…
These domestic helpers are
also Hong Kong residents,
they work in Hong Kong, we
should not discriminate
against them,” she said.
The SUN January 2015
Ginulat kami kamakailan ng
isang masayang pagbati nang
mapasyal kami sa Konsulado
noong Dis. 17.
“Kuya, hindi mo na ako
nakikilala?” sabi ng isang
babaeng nakaupo sa sofa sa
tanggapan ni ATN officer
Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr.
Paglingon namin ay nakita
namin si MI Magbujos, na
ngiting-ngiti at masiglangmasigla. Si Magbujos ay dati
naming dinadalaw sa Queen
Mary Hospital kung saan siya
naratay ng mahigit anim na
buwan dahil sa kanser.
Pinalabas na pala siya sa
ospital noong Dis. 12 matapos
ang matagal-tagal ding
gamutan.
Naka bonnet siya dahil
nalagas ang kanyang buhok
bunga ng pagkakasalang niya
sa
10
sesyon
ng
chemotherapy, ngunit ang
dati niyang mapusyaw na
mukha ay nagkakulay na, at
ang kanyang mga matang
dating malamlam ay mayroon
nang kislap.
Nakatakda siyang lumipad
pauwi sa Pilipinas noong
umaga ng Dis. 18, para
kasamang mag-Pasko ng
kanyang mga kapatid at
pamangkin sa San Jose del
Monte, Bulacan.
Si
Magbujos,
isang
dalagang
nagtapos
ng
pagkaguro, ay nagtrabaho
bilang domestic helper sa
Hong Kong ng may 18
buwan.
Namasukan siya sa isang
pamilyang Intsik sa Tsing Yi
mula Marso 2013, ngunit
hindi niya natapos ang
kanyang kontrata roon dahil
nagkasakit siya at natuklasan
na may stage 3 vaginal can-
cer.
“Bilib ako
s
a
batang
iyon. Basta
sinabi ko sa
kanya, ‘Hold on
to your faith at
dagdagan mo ang
determinasyon mong
mabuhay. Uuwi kang
maganda,’ sinabi ko sa
kanya,” salaysay ni welfare
officer Kris Furaque.
“Noong una, dinadalaw
namin iyon, ngunit sinabi ng
mga doktor sa Queen Mary na
mas makabubuti kung hindi
kami dadalaw nang madalas
para makaiwas siya sa
infection dahil napakababa pa
ng kanyang immune system,”
sabi pa ni Furaque.
Nagsadya sa Konsulado si
Magbujos upang mag-ayos ng
mga papeles at alamin kung
ano ang mga dapat niyang
asikasuhin sa Pilipinas,
gayundin ang mga tao ng
social welfare at iba pang
ahensiya ng gobyerno na
aalalay sa kanya roon.
Bago siya umalis ay inayos
na rin ng ATN ang kanyang
aplikasyon sa PhilHealth
upang magamit niya ito sa
Pilipinas na pantulong sa
pagpapatuloy
ng
pagpapagamot niya roon.
Masayang
Pasko para
sa isang
biktima ng
kanser
Ni Vir B. Lumicao
“Siyempre, masaya ako
dahil uuwi na ako at
makakapag-Pasko ako sa
amin,” ani Magbujos, na
umuwi sa kanyang ate sa
Sapang Palay dahil ulila na
siya sa mga magulang.
Ibang-iba ang hitsura ni
Magbujos sa pasyenteng
dinadalaw namin noong tagaraw sa cancer unit na nasa
ika1 3
palapag
ng main
building ng
Queen Mary.
Putlang-putla
siya, payat na
payat at nangingitim
ang balat dahil sa mga
gamot na itinutusok sa
kanya.
Minsang dumalaw kami sa
kanya ay katatapos lamang
niyang
isalang
sa
chemotherapy. Hapong-hapo
at naduduwal siya, at maya’tmaya’y nagtutungo sa kubeta
upang sumuka.
“Akala ko noon ay
mamamatay na ako,” ani
Magbujos.
Pagkaraan lamang ng
mahigit sa isang taon sa Hong
Kong ay biglang sumama ang
pakiramdam
niya
at
natuklasan ang kanyang sakit
pagkatapos
ng
isang
masusing pagsusuri.
Agad siyang ipinailalim sa
panggagamot,
na
ang
pangwakas ay 10 sesyon ng
chemotherapy, isang labis na
nakapanghihinang paraan ng
paggamot sa kanser.
Marami ring bag ng suero
ang itinusok sa kanyang ugat
upang magdala ng gamot sa
mga bahagi ng kanyang
katawan na hindi nararating
ng kanyang mahinang daloy
ng dugo.
Sa ikalawang linggo niya sa
Queen May ay dumating sa
ospital ang amo niya at
iniabot sa kanya ang isang
termination letter dahil ubos
na ang kanyang sick leave.
Nasundan iyon ng isang
mas mariing dagok: dalawang
linggo pa lang siya sa ospital
at lantang-lanta ang katawan
ay dumating ang balita na
pumanaw na ang kanyang
ina. Ang kanyang ama ay
nauna nang namatay, noong
siya ay bata pa.
Kasabay niyon ay tumawag
ang kanyang kasintahan para
makipagkalas sa kanya dahil
magpapakasal na raw sa iba.
“Hindi ko na mapigilan
21
ang pag-iyak dahil nasa
ganoong kalagayan ako nang
sunud-sunod na dumating
ang tatlong dagok sa akin,”
sinabi niya nang unang
dalawin namin siya sa Queen
Mary noong Agosto.
“Bigla na lang nawala ang
lahat sa akin. Parang ayaw ko
na tuloy mabuhay.”
Ngayong lumakas na ang
katawan
niya
ay
magpapahinga raw sa bahay
si Magbujos bago maghanap
muli ng trabaho. Hindi pa raw
siya nakatitiyak kung babalik
siya sa Hong Kong. Nakatuon
lamang siya sa pagbabalik sa
piling ng kanyang mga mahal
sa buhay.
Tinatayang humigit sa
$250,000 ang dapat bayaran
ni Magbujos sa ospital dahil
sa matagal na pagkakaratay
roon, ngunit sa pakiusap ng
Konsulado at sa tulong ng
gobyerno ng Hong Kong ay
hindi na. Sa kabilang banda,
nakatakda siyang tumanggap
ng kabayaran mula sa
Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration
at
sa
mandatory insurance niya sa
Pilipinas dahil sa kanyang
pagkakasakit nang malubha.
CALENDAR
Have your association’s upcoming activities
published here. IT’S FREE!
Call Tel. 2544-6536 during office hours.
Post-Christmas and New Year Party
Jan. 4, 11am - 6pm
Pier 3, Central, Hong Kong
Organized by: Capiznun in HK
Open to the Capiznun friends
Hope and Healing
Jan. 4, 9am and 11 am service at BP International House #8 Austin Road TST Kowloon1pm and 3pm service,
Breakthrough Centre, 191 Woosung Road, Jordan,
Kowloon
Lecturer: Eric C. Maliwat, life coach and community
service advocate
Organized by: His Sanctuary
For details, contact: Winderose Frias & Dang Hermosa 90121723.
“Come Let us Worship the Lord Our God Almighty”
January 11, 2015, 11:00 am – 5:00pm
Ap Lei Chau Community Hall
328 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road
(to get there, take bus no. 90 & 91 from Central, No 171
Kowloon bus)
Organized by: Christ, King of the Ages Catholic
Charismatic Ministry
Contact person: Sis. Tessie S. Wong, 9197-0421. 25667542
Walk for a Cause
Feb. 20, 10 am onwards
Lions’ Nature Education Centre, Sai Kung
Organizer: Fat Big Heart
Contact: Bong/Liezl 9585 9014
22
The SUN January 2015
PHILIPPINE NEWS
Gov’t to prohibit
flight overbooking
The
Department
of
Transportation
and
Communication (DOTC) is
considering to prohibit
airlines from overbooking
their flights during peak
travel seasons after thousands
of passengers of Cebu Pacific
Air were stranded at the
airports during the Christmas
holidays.
There is a need for the
government to take drastic
action to avoid a repeat of
Cebu Pacific’s mass flight
cancellations and delays in
the days leading to December
25, which affected thousands
of
airline
passengers,
according toTransportation
Secretary Joseph Emilio
Abaya.
“Mukhang kailangan nang
pag-aralan namin if the
government can step in to
control, limit, if not prohibit
or completely eliminate
overbooking,” he said when
interviewed on radio.
Abaya said that Cebu
Pacific
should
have
considered the likelihood that
passengers who first booked
the flight will show up
because it is the peak holiday
season.
“Hindi kami natutuwa [at]
hindi dapat matuwa ang
pamahalaan na porke’t napenalize
[ang
airline
company] after the fact ay
tapos na ang iyong role... So
dapat bago pa mangyari ‘yon
(dumami ang stranded na
pasahero) ay may ginagawa
na
ang
pamahalaan.
Kailangang magkaroon ng
clear policy addressing
overbooking
and
undermanning of check-in
counters,” he said.
Peso continues to weaken;
OFWs stand to benefit
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Governor Armando Tetangco
Jr. expects the Philippine peso
to continue weakening in the
coming months as the dollar
gains strength due to the
sustained recovery of the US
economy.
Tetangco said that the
dollar’s rally was inevitable
but assured that stable
macroeconomic conditions
would support the peso.
He said though that the
central bank will not
intervene but would rather
keep its policy of allowing the
local currency to move
according to market forces.
“We won’t go against the
fundamental trend,” he said.
Economists say that a weak
peso does not mean a weak
economy. It can make exports
more competitive, boosting
output in Philippine factories
and creating more jobs for less
skilled workers. At the same
time, weaker peso encourages
more remittances from
Filipino workers abroad,
spurring spending by their
families in the country.
The BSP can influence the
peso’s value by buying and
selling dollars in the foreign
exchange market. To keep the
peso from weakening, the
BSP floods the market with
dollars from its foreign
exchange reserves. Doing the
reverse has the opposite effect.
On the last trading day for
the year on December 29, the
peso was pegged at P44.61 to
the US dollar. Last Dec. 23 or
before the holiday break, the
peso closed at 44.68:$1 versus
the end-2013 closing of
44.395:$1.
Hong Kong dollar was at
P5.75, or US$ 0.129: HK$1.
At the start of 2014, the
peso had weakened to P45 to
the US dollar.
Tetangco said the BSP
would keep watch of market
activities that could increase
volatility in foreign exchange
markets.
Illegal drugs, luxury gadgets, cash found in Bilibid
An early morning surprise
inspection of the New Bilibid
Prison (NBP) on December 15
yielded illegal drugs,
expensive watches and
gadgets, sex dolls and
pornographic CDs, and a bath
tub and a game console.
Justice Secretary Leila de
Lima joined more than a
hundred operatives of the
National
Bureau
of
Investigation (NBI) and the
Philippine National Police
(PNP) in inspecting the
national penitentiary in view
of reports that some
influential drug lords who had
been convicted and detained
there have managed to
continue with their illicit drug
trading activities.
The raiding team found
millions of pesos and other
currencies in cash, and luxury
watches in three vaults inside
the cell of convicted bank
robber Herbert “Ampang”
Colangco. The search also
yielded eight watches -five
Rolex, one Philip Stein and
one Cartier.
There was also a Prada
wallet with P5,000 cash,
Hermes with P10,000, and
Louis Vuitton with P62,000.
Cash in foreign currencies
were also found: $600 and HK
$23,000.
Colangco has been serving
time at the maximum security
compound since 2009. While
in prison, he launched a
singing career and released an
album early this year, titled
“Herbert C: Kinabukasan.”
The
team
likewise
confiscated home items such
as air-conditioning units, a
48-inch flat screen television
set, PlayStation 4, dining sets,
closed-circuit
television
(CCTV), signal jammer,
Internet broadband sticks,
several firearms, P175,000
and at least $2,000 in cash.
“Certainly, heads will roll.
Lalo na ngayon. Pero ayaw
ko muna sabihin ano ang
nasa isipan ko at ano ang
irerekomenda ko sa Pangulo
na aksyon dahil gusto ko
muna makuha ‘yung buong
report,” de Lima said in an
interview with reporters.
The
inspection
was
conducted inside the NBP
maximum security compound
where 20 convicted drug lords
are detained in the wake of
reports that they still manage
to continue their illegal trade
even inside the national
penitentiary.
The convicted drug lords
had been moved from the
BuCor facility to the NBI
compound in Manila to
“incapacitate” the drug
syndicate from continuing
their
operation
while
investigations are continuing.
“This is to completely
incapacitate them from
pursuing
their
illegal
transactions,” de Lima said,
adding that the 20 inmates
will be secured by an elite
team from the BuCor and the
PNP-SAF to ensure that they
cannot escape and contact
their accomplices outside.
Their visiting privileges were
also suspended.
At the same time, de Lima
ordered the NBP and the
Registration going on! Register now!
Bureau
of
Corrections
(BuCor) to demolish the
inmates’ “kubols” inside the
prison compound.
De Lima had said that
BuCor officials have received
death threats following their
crackdown against drug
operations inside Bilibid. The
BuCor operates Bilibid and
six other prison facilities in
the country.
In November, prison
authorities confiscated from
the cells of the convicted drug
lords 11 signal boosters, four
booster
chargers,
46
aluminum outdoor antennas,
four Wifi sticks, four Wifi
antennas, nine repeaters, five
rolls of electrical wires, one
splitter, one distributor and
Continued on Page 23
The SUN January 2015
Making money off the papal visit
Some
people
with
enterprising minds have
started to take advantage of
the visit of Pope Francis to
earn big bucks by designing
for commercial sale T-shirts
and other souvenir items to
remember the momentous
event.
However,
Archbishop
Socrates Villegas, president of
the
Catholic
Bishops
Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) issued a warning this
early to the public against
being deceived by buying
shirts with “misleading”
papal messages.
In a statement on December
29, the Catholic prelate
cautioned that the public
should beware of shirts and
merchandise
with
fake
statements that Pope Francis
had supposedly said.
“We urge our Catholic
faithful not to patronize items
with misleading posts and
statements,” Villegas said in
the statement posted on CBCP
News.
In particular, Villegas
pointed to the shirts with the
words “No Race No Religion”
printed on them as “definitely
misleading and quite frankly
erroneous.”
Shirts printed with the
design of the official logo of
the papal visit have gone on
sale bearing the texts “Ganito
ako. Ganyan ka. Who am I to
judge?” and “No Race No
Religion. Embrace Diversity.”
While Pope Francis has
been known for his openness,
Villegas said that the Pope
would never disregard both
race and religion.
“He has never said and
taught that religion and race
Holidays to welcome pope
To allow more Filipinos to
witness the activities of Pope
Francis when he visits the
Philippines next month,
President Benigno Aquino III
has declared special nonworking days on January 15,
16 and 19. January 17 and 18
fall on a weekend.
The President issued
Proclamation
No.
936,
declaring three days next
month as special non-working
days but only in Metro
Manila.
Pope Francis is scheduled to
arrive on January 15 in
Manila where Aquino will
welcome him at the Villamor
Air Base in Pasay City. The
formal welcome will take
place the following day at the
Kalayaan grounds of the
Malacañang Palace.
The Pope will then meet
with the President and other
top government officials,
including members of the
diplomatic corps, at the Rizal
Centennial Hall of the Palace
before proceeding to the
Manila Cathedral for a Mass.
Later in the afternoon, the
Pope will have a meeting with
families at the Mall of Asia
Arena in Pasay City.
On January 17, he will go to
Tacloban City and Palo in
Leyte to officiate mass and
meet with survivors of super
typhoon Haiyan (local name:
Yolanda).
He will have another mass
that will be open to the public
on January 18 at the Quirino
Grandstand in Rizal Park,
Manila, then leaves the
country on January 19.
Contrabands found in Bilibid
From Page 22
seven units of power supply
charger.
Some of the high profile
convicts at the national
penitentiary were said to be
staying in luxurious quarters
that could pass for high-end
condominium units from
where they allegedly operate a
nationwide drug syndicate.
One “kubol,” a space in the
New Bilibid Prison (NBP)
converted into a special
detention area, even has a
jacuzzi.
Another has a sauna, widescreen television sets in every
room, Wi-Fi and split-type
air-con units. Still another
kubol has a generator and a
music studio with top-of-theline equipment.
The operatives also found
bags and sachets of white
powder believed to be “shabu”
(methamphetamine
hydrochloride) in the first four
kubol at the start of the
operation. They also found
cash totaling more than P2
million.
De Lima said she was more
than disgusted at the
discovery.
“I
thought
problems like that are being
dealt with because sometimes
they (prison officials) conduct
raids and they report results to
me. They even have list of
[seized] contraband. It now
appears it’s just the tip of the
iceberg.”
The convicts who had been
transferred to the NBI
headquarters in Manila were
Eugene Chua, Sam Li Chua,
Vicente Sy, George Sy, Tony
Co, Joel Capones, Herbert
Colangco, Peter Co, Imam
Boratong, Clarence Domingo,
Tom
Chua,
Rommel
Capones, Jojo Baligad, Willy
Chua, Michael Ong, Jacky
King, Willy Sy, Noel
Martinez and Dona Agojo.
“Based on our study, their
removal from the NBP would
validate the combined reports
of anti-illegal drugs agency
that the inmates control the
narcotics industry in the
country,” de Lima said.
The justice secretary said
the inmates would be stripped
of communication tools and
their visiting privileges
suspended.
According to an insider of
the NBP, a kubol is sold for a
minimum
of
P300,000
depending on its size.
“The proceeds are divided
between the jail guard and the
occupant of the kubol,” the
insider said.
Bureau of Corrections
Director Franklin Bucayu said
items that should not be
brought in a kubol could be
classified into two: those that
were “bad per se,” such as
drugs, firearms and bladed
weapons; and those that were
“not per se bad but are
prohibited” as they were
considered “luxury items.”
He said the antennae,
boosters, television sets and
jacuzzi, among others, fell
under the second category and
would be removed.
Bucayu acknowledged that
some NBP personnel may
have had a hand in the entry
of prohibited items inside the
facility, as these prohibited
objects did not just “appear
(there) as if by magic.”
do not matter, because they
most certainly do,” said
Villegas, who is also the head
of the archdiocese of
Lingayen-Dagupan. “It is
what selfish, uncharitable and
judgmental people do with
religion and race that is a
problem.”
“Pope Francis is aware of
the fact that he heads an
organized religion with a vast
membership throughout the
world,” Villegas said. “He is
also as aware that race forms
part of the identity of
individuals and of peoples.”
11.4 million
Filipinos
rated selves
as poor
About 11.4 million Filipino
families consider themselves
poor, the fourth quarter 2014
survey of Social Weather
Stations (SWS) indicated.
The survey conducted from
November 27 to December 1,
showed that 52 percent of
families consider themselves
as “mahirap” or poor while 41
percent consider the food they
eat as poor.
The survey involving 1,800
adult
respondents
was
conducted through face-toface interviews and most
questions were directed to
household heads, SWS said.
The latest self-rated poverty
rate is three points lower than
the previous quarter’s rate of
55 percent.
The 2014 average self-rated
poverty rate is 54 percent
which is above the 52 percent
average of the past two years.
For the self-rated poverty,
the
respondents
were
presented a showcard with the
choices “not poor,” “on the
line” and “poor” and were
asked to place where their
family would be.
A similar showcard was
shown for the self-rated food
poverty.
He said if there was
“sufficient evidence” that
some personnel “facilitated
the entry of these,” charges
would be filed against them.
“We are very strict about
that. We have already
suspended many… Dismissal
(is also a possibility),” he said.
23
NEWS BRIEFS
Cavite ex-governor Remulla dies
Former Governor Juanito “Johnny” Remulla who had built a
powerful dynasty in the province of Cavite, passed away on
Monday morning, December 29. The 81-year-old Remulla is
the father of Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla Jr., incumbent governor
of Cavite, former Congressman Gilbert Remulla and incumbent
Congressman Jesus Crispin Remulla. Reports say the former
governor was confined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Asian
Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City for a week
before his death. He was a close ally of Ferdinand Marcos, one
of the most influential presidents of the Philippines. Remulla
was a lawyer before going into politics. He was a senior partner
at the Remulla, Estrella and Associates Law Office. He served as
chairman of the board of privately-owned Covelandia Island
Resort in Binakayan, Cavite; MVS Cinema, Inc.; president of
Superior Cane Plantation, Inc., and Midtown Theatrical and
Commercial Corp. He placed fourth in the 1956 bar
examinations after graduating from the University of the
Philippines College of Law.
7 years’ jail for P7-k bribery
A court in Manila meted a seven-year jail term for an employee
of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after
finding him guilty of graft and estafa for asking money from a
security agency executive in exchange for the approval of a
permit issued by the department. The case file showed that
Labor Employment Officer III Martin dela Merced, alias
Arnold Cruz, demanded and received P7,000 from complainant
Rudy Cariaga, vice president and treasurer of a security agency,
for the issuance of an Occupational Safety and Health
Practitioner Certificate of Accreditation. Apart from the
maximum of seven years imprisonment, dela Merced was also
disqualified for life from public office for violating the anti-graft
law, and a maximum of six years imprisonment and fine of
P5,000 for his conviction for estafa through falsification of
public document. The court also ordered dela Merced to return
the P7,000 he received from Cariaga.
MRT, LRT fare increase
Starting January 4, the fare rates at the Metro Rail Transit
(MRT) 3 and Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2 will be increased
from P9 to P11 for the base fare, plus additional one-peso per
kilometer of travel. Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya said
the adjustment is necessary to improve the poor state of the
railway system. The adjusted fare rate means an MRT trip from
North Avenue to Taft would cost P28, from the current fare of
P15. A single journey LRT-1 trip from Roosevelt to Baclaran
would be P30, from P20. A single journey LRT-2 trip from Recto
to Santolan would be P25, from P15. The last time fares for
LRT-1 went up were in 2003, while fares for LRT-2 have never
been increased since it opened 11 years ago. Meanwhile, since
the MRT was opened in 1999, its fares were cut twice.
More tax exemptions set
Beginning January 2015, benefits under collective bargaining
agreements (CBAs) and productivity incentive schemes will be
exempted from income tax on compensation following
President Benigno Aquino III’s approval of a measure
expanding the list of de minimis benefits. The Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) said in a statement that the
government expanded the list of de minimis (minor) benefits to
be exempted from income tax on compensation, to include
benefits under CBAs and productivity incentive schemes.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said this
means an additional P10,000 tax exemptions on the benefits
that workers receive. The total amount of de minimis benefits
each taxpayer can claim will reach up to P104,225 from
P94,225, DOLE said. The additional tax exemption translates
to P16.9 billion forgone revenues.
24
The SUN January 2015
Pagbabago
Ayon sa isang survey na
Social Weather Stations
kamakailan, 93 sa bawa’t 100
Pilipino ay umaasa na mas
maganda ang dating ng
bagong taon.
Mas lilinaw ang sulyap
natin sa pag-iisip ng Pilipino
kung ihahambing mo ito sa
isa pang SWS survey na
nagpapakitang 52 sa bawa’t
100 pamilyang Pilipino ay
nagsabing sila ay mahirap, at
41 pamilya ang nagsabing
naghihikahos sila sa pagkain.
Nagpapakita ito na kahit
hirap sa buhay, naroon pa rin
sa atin ang pag-asang mas
mabuti ang hinaharap sa
susunod na mga araw.
Siguro, kung gagawin ang
survey na ito sa Hong Kong,
ganito rin ang magiging
resulta.
Pero hanggang palaasa na
lang ba tayo?
Ngayong Bagong Taon,
pag-isipan
natin
ang
magagawa para malampasan
ang pagiging palaasa lamang
at baguhin natin mismo ang
ating kinabukasan.
Simulan natin ito sa ating
bulsa. Halimbawa, tayo ba ay
may ipon, o kaya ay may
binabayarang ari-arian na
kayamanan sa hinaharap?
Kung wala ay bakit wala?
Dito sa Hong Kong,
lumalaganap ang kaalamang
tinatawag na “Financial
Literacy” sa pamamagitan ng
mga libreng seminar na
ginagawa ng organisasyong
gaya ng CARD at Enrich HK.
Back and ahead
Ni Ate Kulit
Kung
susumahin
sa
madaling salita, ang kanilang
itinuturo ay kung papaano
makakaipon mula sa kahit
anong laking suweldong
natatanggap buwan-buwan.
Magugulat ka sa malaking
pagbabagong naidulot na ng
kaalamang ito sa buhay ng
dumaraming
Pilipinong
nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong.
Ang pangalawang dapat
baguhin natin ay ang
pagiging kontento sa ating
nalalamang
paraan
ng
paghahanap-buhay. Itanong
sa sarili: habambuhay na lang
ba tayong ganito?
Kung may computer ka at
internet, may libreng paraan
upang mag-aral ng mga
kakayahang habambuhay na
magagamit : ang e-Tesda.
Magpunta lamang sa http:/
/e-tesda.gov.ph/
upang
malaman kung papaano magenroll sa mga kursong gaya
ng
Web
Development,
Animation,
Computer
Servicing, Massage Therapy,
at marami pang iba.
Makukuha
ang
mga
kaalamang ito nang libre.
Ang kailangan lang dito ay
ang hangaring matuto.
Published and distributed
free twice a month by
Leade Publishing Co. as a
service to OFWs.
Published by:
Leade Publishing Co.
Leo A. Deocadiz
Publisher
Unit 1002, 10/F, Yue Shing
Daisy CL. Mandap
Bldg., 15 Queen Victoria St.,
Editor
Central, Hong Kong
Vir B. Lumicao
Associate Editor
Tel 2544 6536
Johna M. Acompanado
Fax: 2366 8841
E-Mail:
Administration
[email protected]
Hong Kong Edition printed by
Apple Daily Printing Ltd.
No. 8, Chun Ying St., TKO Industrial Estate
West, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced
in whole or in part, whether in hard copy or
through electronic means, without the written
permission of the publisher.
GUARANTEED CIRCULATION:
Main Edition: 50,000 copies per issue
Mid-Month Edition: 25,000 copies per issue
Visit our Website: http://www.sunweb.com.hk
Of all the events that
happened in Hong Kong in
the past year, nothing could be
more significant for Filipinos
than the end of hostilities over
the Luneta hostage crisis
After nearly four years of
uncertainty, at times made
worse by angry rhetoric from
politicians, cordial ties
between Hong Kong and the
Philippines were again
restored.
It was an event that many
OFWs greeted with relief, as
it came amid dire warnings
that they would be the first to
go if the situation worsened
further.
That was in April last year.
Before, and after, as in many
years past, our community
was again beset with
problems
over
illegal
recruitment.
January saw The SUN
focusing on complaints
against Pacific Management
company, which until a few
months earlier, looked solid
and perfectly capable of
fulfilling its promise of
sending hordes of Filipinos to
Canada.
It turned out to be just an
illusion. The company was
struggling, and had to
eventually cease operations.
By April and March, at
least two of its OFW
applicants managed to secure
a favorable judgment in court,
though it was largely illusory
as the agency operator refused
to pay. Again, it’s a story that
has become all too familiar in
our community.
With the problem of illegal
recruitment comes an even
more persistent problem: the
illegal collection of placement
fees.
The problem is as old as
time, but appears to have
gotten worse when our
government declared, way
back in 2006, that our workers
who go abroad as household
helps need not pay a single
cent.
Everybody knows that this
no-placement fee policy has
never been followed, but it
took one particularly greedy
agency to bring matters to a
head.
In July, a hardy group of
OFWs decided to pursue a
claim against Satisfactory
employment agency, which
charged each recruit $21,000
in placement fee. The money
was to be paid over seven
months, leaving the hapless
worker with barely enough to
live on.
After being told that
conciliation at POLO was not
possible because the agency
had denied collecting money
from them, the complainants
looked elsewhere for support.
They got it from Bishop
Gerry Vallo, who helped
Travelling tips
for OFWs
Travelling between two
countries is not the same as
taking an aircon bus from
Manila to Baguio. You have to
make sure many things are in
order before your intended
trip. Here are some tips to
ensure a hassle-free travel:
1) Make a to-do-list. There
are many things to think
about before flying out that it
is almost impossible to
remember them all: gifts for
family, buying an air ticket,
getting an OEC (overseas
employment
certificate),
ensuring the validity of your
passport for at least six
months, exchanging your HK
dollars to pesos, etc.
2) Buy your air ticket from a
licensed travel agent. If
something goes wrong, you
have an office address and a
receipt that proves the link
between you as passenger (or
buyer) and travel agent
(seller). Make sure you read
and understand the conditions
attached to the ticket you are
buying. Most tickets are now
non-rebook. able (date or time
cannot be changed) and non
refundable (you cannot get
back the money you paid for
it).
It is also very important for
the buyer to:
-Check the spelling of her/
his name.
-Check the dates and times
of departure and return
-Check the destination
-Check baggage allowances
-Ensure that the ticket has
confirmed reservations and is
not a mere itinerary
Treat the purchase of a
ticket like a bank transaction
or a remmitance. Once you
EDITOR’S
NOTE
By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap
bring their case all the way to
the Philippine Senate, and
eventually, POEA.
November turned out to be
their lucky month, for that
was when the POEA took the
bold step of cancelling the
licence of Satisfactory’s
counterpart
in
the
Philippines, Findstaff. On top
of this, each plaintiff was
awarded the full amount of
her claim, to be paid out by
the agency’s insurers.
It came as no surprise that
Findstaff, which prides itself
as the Philippines’ first
licensed recruitment agency,
had filed an appeal. The
claimants will now have to
wait and see if 2015 brings
them a better luck.
If the Satisfactory case gave
him worries because of
allegations he had cosied up
with its owners, what came up
after must have caused Labatt
Manuel Roldan a lot of
sleepless nights.
As he was preparing to
return to the Philippines at the
end of September, having
finished his tour of duty
abroad, Roldan found himself
facing serious allegations of
impropriety. These included
allowing his driver, also a
DOLE employee, to operate
an employment agency, in
clear violation of civil service
rules.
Things got worse when,
right in front of his boss,
Labor Secretary Rosalinda
Baldoz, Roldan was told that
he was to be investigated over
the allegations by a factfinding team formed by
Consul General Bernardita
Catalla.
The committee’s report,
when it came out, was
damning for Roldan. Not only
did it suggest that he had
known about the illicit agency
of his driver, Donald
Retirado, it also implied that
he was somehow involved in
an apparent tampering of
Retirado’s work contract in a
bid to avoid liability.
Again, we will have to wait
for the new year to show us
how this story pans out.
But all things considered,
2014 turned out to be a
positive one for Filipinos in
Hong Kong. Shocking in
some aspects, but enriching
and empowering over all.
May we have more of such
positive years in 2015.
Happy New Year to all.
MIGRANTS’ FORUM
By Anna Lissa Payawal
Christmas is a time for
travel for many Filipinos in
Hong Kong, especially
overseas Filipino workers
who prefer to spend the
important occasion with
their loved ones back home.
But in the rush to fly home,
not a few Filipinos find
themselves
facing
problems, from misplaced
passports and excess
baggage, to having
unconfirmed reservations.
For this month’s column we
asked Anna Lissa Payawal, a seasoned travel consultant
and part-owner of B&S Travel, to provide tips that could
help ensure a stress-free travel to OFWs. Those who want
additional information from her may call or visit her at
the B&S office, whose advertisement is regularly printed
in The SUN. -Ed)
leave the office, everything is
final. If the spelling of your
name is wrong by one letter,
you will have to pay a lot of
money to have it corrected.
Continued next page
The SUN January 2015
Dear CF,
You are right to be
concerned that the Php200k
that your husband left you can
easily be used up in your
everyday expenses. You are
probably in your senior years
and this means you cannot
take any risky investment.
Unfortunately also, the
available
options
for
investment with less risk will
also earn you very little
income. It seems that you can
only take the following
options:
1)
Try to preserve your
Php200k and place in a time
deposit earning only 3-4% per
annum. The interest would
only be about Php6000-8000
per year or only Php500-700
per month. But if you use up
any of the Php200k, the
interest amount will further
go down.
2)
Another possibility
is if you can build something
with your Php200,000.00 that
can generate rental income of
say, Php5,000 more per
month to cover your living
expenses. Added to your
pension, you should be able to
put aside something for you to
learn new skills, like baking
which you want.
You are blessed to have
your SSS pension. You need
to sit down with your children
to further reduce your
expenses and live within that
pension. Each one has to
contribute
to
making
sacrifices.
Your nurse
daughter should look into
other job possibilities and not
limit her options to nursing.
As a nursing graduate, she
should have other skills to
offer to other potential
employers.
3)
The fact that you
convinced your children to
transfer to TESDA means that
they understand and want to
help. In addition, they could
learn other skills to bring in
other income as quickly as
possible to help the family.
They do not have the capital
to invest so these skills could
be anything like beauty
services (manicure/pedicure/
you have no money to pay, so
they will pity you and let you
in. These are myths. They are
not real. Listen to your travel
agent and read the restrictions
printed on your ticket and on
your receipt. They are giving
you information and not just
“sabi-sabi” (stories with no
real basis).
Pack all liquids in your
check in luggage. Perfume,
lotion, shampoo, etc should
all go in your check-in
luggage, along with sharp
items like swiss knives,
sewing kit, nail cutter and
even umbrellas and selfie
sticks, if you do not want to
risk them getting taken from
you by security staff.
The “padala” (please bring
this for me) is the most
dangerous part of the packing.
Some people have gone to jail
because they brought illegal
things for other people. Do
not be a victim! Just recently,
a Filipina maid working in
HK was caught with drugs
which were inside “padala”
shoes.
Aside
from
drugs,
passengers have been used to
bring highly taxable items
such as smartphones, jewels
and gold) wrapped as small
gifts.
Even “padala” of money
can be a crime. If you have
more than Php10,000 in cash
or more than USD10,000 (or
its equivalent in other
currency) in cash you have to
declare it at customs.
Php10,000 is just ten
Php1,000 notes that can easily
fit in a small envelope. That
small “padala” could lead you
into trouble.
Thus, our advice is, do not
accept “padala” from anyone.
But if you must, then accept
only from people you
absolutely trust, and even
then, always inspect the
contents of the cargo or packet
you are bringing for them, as
they themselves may not be
aware of the danger that their
padala could lead you to.
4) Put all the documents
that you need for your travel
in your hand-carried bag.
These documents include
your passport, air ticket, OEC
and visa. Make sure to have
photocopies somewhere else
just in case you lose the
originals. It is recommended
that you have one set of
photocopies in the house, and
another set of photocopies in
your check-in luggage. You
can also take photos of your
documents
using
your
cellphone.
Also, make sure that your
passport is valid for at least
six months. So if the expiry
date is 31 Dec 2015, it means
you can use it for travel only
until 30 Jun 2015. Best to
follow
the
Philippine
Consulate General’s advice to
apply for a renewal at least
eight months before the
expiry date so you need not
worry about having a valid
passport in case you need to
make an emergency exit from
Hong Kong.
If you are travelling with
your child, bring an original
or a certified true copy of the
birth certificate to prove your
relationship. One OFW who
needed to take her daughter
out of the Philippines recently
was made to pay the travel tax
in full because she was only
carrying a photocopy of the
birth certificate.
Check your visa validity.
Some people forget this and
are not able to get on the flight
back.
All documents required for
the trip are the responsibilty of
the traveller. Make time to
consult the proper authorities;
immigration
department,
consulate, airline and travel
agent on whether you are
carrying the correct and
updated documents.
5) Checking in should be at
least two hours before the
flight. You can still do it one
hour before but you may miss
the cut-off time and be refused
to
board.
altogether.
Checking in early allows you
time to ask for the seat that
you want. Window or aisle
seat? With your friend or
family member? There are
more chances of getting your
preferred seats if you are
early. This will also give you
time to deal with unexpected
problems like your baggage
being overweight by one or
two kilos. For bigger
problems like not having a
booking when you arrive at
the airport, there is time to
take action.
If you are holding a
confirmed ticket that you paid
for in full, but do not have a
seat on the flight, first try to
understand what happened.
Did the flight get cancelled?
Did the airplane get smaller
from a Boeing 747 jumbo jet
that has 400+ seats to an
Airbus 319 with 130+ seats?
Is the weather an issue? Or is
it mechanical trouble? Or is
the ticket not valid? Or maybe
you checked in on the wrong
date? Understand it before
getting emotional.
If the airline is at fault, they
will get you on the soonest
available flight. You might
have to wait for your turn, but
there should be no cost for
getting the date and time of
your flight changed. Airlines
also provide food and lodging
if the wait will be more than a
few hours.
Widow needs
advice
Wishing you all a Happy,
Peaceful and Properous
2015!
CF wrote: Can you teach
me what to do with the money
worth Php200, 000.00 that
my husband had left me? How
can I make this money grow
so that I can continue to
provide for my children who
are still dependent on me? We
live in the province.
I have four children. My
eldest is already a nurse but is
still jobless. The other three
are still in college. The tuition
fee of my children each year
used to cost up to Php108,
000.00 per year but, by next
school year it would decrease
to just Php76, 000.00 because
one of my children would be
enrolled under TESDA. Their
expenses, including their food
and fare would cost up to
Php6, 420.00 monthly. The
other monthly expenses are
Migrants’
Forum
From Page 24
Travel agents are people,
and people make honest
mistakes. The buyer must
make sure that the product
she/he is buying is the correct
one. So read and understand
the ticket before leaving the
office.
3) Pack well and ensure you
conform to your baggage
allowance. Packing is where
many Filipinos fail in
travelling. Travellers try to
bring too much and end up
paying too much also. If the
baggage is 20kg and 7kg for
your handcarry, do not expect
the staff manning the checkin counter to be nice to you if
you brought one 24kg bag and
a 10kg handcarry Do not
expect that.”baka puedeng
palusutin na lang” (maybe
they could just let it go
without you paying for the
excess weight). That is a very
wrong attitude and could lead
to serious problems or
wastage if you did not bring
extra cash to pay for the rather
costly penalty for excess
baggage.
Some people could advise
you that the last flight allows
30kg if you only have one bag.
Some others will advise you to
tell the check in counter that
the electricity bill Php2,
500.00; water, Php400.00, the
cable/internet, Php800.00
and food, Php9,000.00
monthly.
I have no job and I only
depend on my SSS pension of
Php7, 677.00. I am afraid that
the money that I have kept
would eventually run out
because of our daily expenses.
I am thinking of building a
small store here in our place
but, we are inside a
subdivision and not on the
main road. There are already
a lot of sari-sari stores here in
our place. I also wanted to
study how to bake so that I
could sell pandesal every
morning. I don’t know what
to do.
I hope you could advice me
PERA MO,
PALAGUIN MO!
By Francisco J. Colayco
Si Francisco J. Colayco, Ph.D. ay mayakda ng tatlong librong pare-parehong
bestseller: Wealth Within Your Reach (2004
Book of the Year for Business and Economics
Awardee), Making Your Money Work, at Pera
Palaguin Workbook.at ng Money for Kids.
Para sa iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa
kaniyang mga itinuturo at adhikain, pumunta sa www.
colaycofoundation.com o magpadala ng e-mail sa
info@colaycofoundation. com. Maaring mabili ang mga libro
sa Shop 367 Worldwide Plaza 19, Des Voeux Road, Hong
Kong or in the Philippines, at National Bookstores,
PowerBooks, 0917-8537333, 02-6314446
25
haircutting etc.) or sewing etc.
They are young and they can
use these skills in the future,
whatever course they graduate
with.
4)
In the same way like
your children, you need to get
training for new skills that
will not need capital
investment. Going into
business is the highest risk
investment.
You cannot
afford to lose your investment
especially because of your age
and because you may have no
other way to get it back.
We hope this has helped.
If the airport check-in staff
says that your ticket was not
issued by your travel agent
then take the following steps
to protect yourself
a) go to the police office in
the airport and file a report
b) go to the Travel Industry
Council to file a complaint 17th floor Fortress Tower,
250 King’s Road (Fortress
MTR Station, Exit A)
Telephone number 2807 1199
c) after filing the complaint,
while you are in the Travel
Industry Council, call the
travel agent and make your
complaint, demand a valid
ticket
and
demand
compensation for the trouble
they caused you.
During the Christmas
seasons of 2012 and 2013
many travellers were stranded
in HK airport and Manila
airport because a certain
travel agent did not issue
them tickets. The agent
accepted the payment from
the passenger but did not pay
the airline, so the reservations
got cancelled.
In 2012, the affected
passengers were given their
flights two or three days after
their original date. Some seats
were even expensive business
class seats. But that time, no
one filed a formal complaint
with the police nor to the
Continued on Page 29
Be part of the KsKCoop.
Check out:
www.kskcoop.com or visit
KSK Information Services
Limited Room 1701, 17th
Floor, Yue Shing
Commercial Building, No.
15-17 Queen Victoria
Street, Central, Hong Kong
For your family in the
Philippines, watch out for
Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo sa
DZXL 558 every Monday
from 11am to 12 noon and
be part of conversations
regarding money.
26
The SUN January 2015
Walang matarik
na bundok sa
D’Ultimate
Hikers
Ni Marites Palma
Katangi-tangi
ang
pinagmumulan
ng
inspirasyon ng mga umaakyat
sa kabundukan ng Hong
Kong, tulad ng napapabalita
sa mga pahayagan na iba’tibang pangkat ng mga
Pilipino na humaharap sa
hamon ng mga talampas.
Si Edith Uy, 63 taong
gulang, ang nagbigay ng
ideya sa mga kaibigan na
subukan nilang akyatin ang
matatarik na bundok upang
makita ang napakagandang
likha ng kalikasan.
Lunar New Year nang
magpasiya
ang
pitong
magkakaibigan na ibahin
naman
ang
kanilang
pagdiriwang sa apat na araw
na iyon, sa halip na
magpahinga. Napagkaisahan
nilang isagawa na ang balak
ni Uy na pag-akyat upang
masukat
ang
kanilang
kakayahan sa mahabang
paglalakad, magkaroon ng
kinakailangang
ehersisyo
para
mapanatili
ang
magandang kalusugan, at
makaranas ng kakaibang
pakikipagsapalaran.
Unang inakyat ng pitong
magkakasama ang Sunset
Peak,
ang
tinaguriang
ikatlong pinakamataas na
tugatog, at ang Lantau Peak,
ang ikalawang pinakamataas
na bundok sa Hong Kong.
Naglakad sila ng walo’t
kalahating oras hanggang sa
halos gumapang na sila sa
hirap, ngunit walang sumuko;
bagkus ay nagtulungan sila
upang
makababa
nang
maayos mula sa inakyat na
bundok.
Tuwang-tuwa
sila
tagumpay ng kanilaang
unang pag-akyat, at sa
pagkakataong iyon ay tumimo
sa kanilang isipan ang isang
aral. Naisip nila na ang pagakyat ng bundok ay
maihahalintulad sa tunay na
buhay – na kahit gaano
kahirap at kabigat ang mga
pagsubok,
kailangang
harapin ito nang buong
tapang at may determinasyon
para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang
buhay.
Natuto rin ang grupo na
tapusin kung ano ang
kanilang nasimulan para sa
ikatatagumpay ng bawat
pangarap.
Nasundan pa ang kanilang
pag-akyat sa Kowloon Peak,
Tai
Mo
Shan
(ang
pinakamataas na bundok sa
Hong Kong), Pingnam
Stream,
Stanley
(Rock
Formation), Wong Lung Han
Stream, at Tiger Roar Rock
River.
Sa kanilang paglalakad ay
naranasan
nilang
makasalubong ang isang
ahas, na nagsanhi para
umakyat ang ilan nilang mga
kasamahan sa puno sa
sobrang takot. Minsan naman
ay hinabol sila ng mga
bubuyog, at sa panahong ito
ay nasukat ang kanilang bilis
Ilan sa mga kasapi ng grupo matapos akyatin ang Tai Mo Shan, ang pinakamataas na
bundok sa Hong Kong
sa pagtakbo. Noon lang nila
natuklasan na may mga
kasamahan
pala
silang
mabilis tumakbo.
Naranasan din nilang
kuyugin ng mga pulang
langgam, at mayroon ding
natatapilok, napapadausdos, o
nasusugatan, pero napapawi
ang lahat ng kanilang hirap sa
sandaling marating na nila
ang tuktok ng bundok at
mapagmasdan
ang
kagandahan ng kalikasan.
Bilang pagbubunyi sa
kanilang
nararating
ay
pinagsasaluhan ng grupo ang
kanilang
mga
dalang
pagkain.
Minsan ay naligaw sila ng
landas sa gitna ng kagubatan
at kinabahan sila dahil
papalubog na noon ang araw
at walang-hanggang daan
lamang at napakakapal na
kahuyan
ang
kanilang
nakikita.
Inabot na sila ng dilim pero
hindi pa rin sila nakakalabas
sa kagubatan, at ang ilaw ng
kanilang mga mobile phone
ang tanging tanglaw para nila
para makita ang daan
papalabas. Sa pamamagitan
ng sama-samang pag-iisip ng
kanilang gagawin para
makalabas nang ligtas at
kumpleto mula sa kagubatan
ay nasukat ang halaga ng
kanilang nabuong samahan:
walang sumuko at humina
ang loob hanggang sa sila ay
nakalabas.
Naubusan man sila ng tubig
at pagkain sa daan at nahapo
sa matinding sikat ng araw,
nagbigay ng lakas at
inspirasyon sa kanila ang
pinakamatandang kasama
nila upang tapusin ang
nasimulan. Ayon sa pangkat,
kung nakakaya ng isang may
edad na ay kakayanin din ng
mga di hamak na nakababata.
Dito
umusbong
ang
pangalang
D’Ultimate
Hikers, dahil wala ni isa
mang sumuko sa kanila.
Sa ngayon ay umabot na sa
20 ang kanilang bilang.
Bihasa na sila ngayon sa
paglalakad at pag-akyat sa
mga
matatarik
na
kabundukan.
Hindi na sila naliligaw
dahil pinag-aaralan muna
nilang mabuti ang lokasyon
ng kanilang aakyatin bago
mag-umpisa.
Inaalam din muna nila ang
panahon para hindi sila
abutan ng sama ng panahon
sa kabundukan.
Nagdadala na rin sila ng
mga first aid kit para may
magamit
sakaling
may
masugatan
sa
kanilang
paglalakad.
Habang tumatagal ang
grupo ay nagiging malapit na
rin sila sa isa’t isa. Nasanay
na rin silang maglakad o
umakyat nang napakalayo.
Naging regular na ang pagakyat ng grupo sa bundok at
nag-aanyaya rin sila ng iba
pang mga manggagawang
kasambahay na gustong
makaranas ng kakaibang
pakiramdam sa pag-akyat sa
bundok.
Para sa mga nais sumama,
maaring
tawagan
ang
numerong 54000851.
May style pa rin kahit
nagpapahinga ang grupo
mula sa pag-akyat sa
inakamatataas na bundok
sa Hong Kong.
DIY Travel
From Page 27
Doon din malapit sa City
Hall pumupuwesto ang
Friends of Bethune at iba
pang mga grupo na dahil
malawak at hindi pa matao
ang lugar. Habang kanyakanyang praktis sila dito at
doon, nasaksihan nila ang
pagbangon ng balangkas ng
higanteng tsubibo hanggang
sa ito ay nakatawag-pansin sa
lahat.
Kapag
naglilitratuhan,
magandang lumugar sa harap
ng City Hall at nakatalikod sa
Hong Kong Eye dahil kahit na
ilang metro ang layo ng
tsubibo ay makukuhanan pa
rin ito katabi ang isa pang
higante, ang International
Financial Center 2.
At kung ang nais ay
maglakad-lakad
lamang,
maaaring baybayin ang
tabing-dagat
mula
sa
Bauhinia Square sa Wanchai
hanggang sa Sun Yat Sen
Park sa Western District.
Samantalahin na rin ang
pagkakataon na tumigil sa
may Central at sumakay sa
matayog na Hong Kong Eye
para makumpleto ang inyong
pamamasyal..
The SUN January 2015
27
DIY TRAVEL
Hong Kong
Eye, bagong
atraksiyon
sa Central
Ni Cris B. Cayat
Isang bagong atraksiyon sa
Hong Kong ang nagbukas
kamakailan sa madla. Sapat
Nagsimula ang operasyon
ng higanteng ferris wheel o
tsubibo na tinaguriang “Hong
Kong Eye” noong Disyembre
6, na tamang-tamang pangakit sa maraming turista at
lokal
na
mamamayang
magagawi sa Central nitong
Pasko at Bagong Taon.
Ang tsubibo ay may taas na
60 metro at may 42 gondola.
Isa sa mga ito ay pang-VIP at
may sahig na salamin. Sa
halagang $100 para sa mga
may gulang na at $70 sa mga
bata, makikita ng sasakay ang
nakapalibot na kagandahan
ng Hong Kong.
Ang ferris wheel ay iikot
nang mabagal tatlong ulit sa
loob ng 20 minuto. Sapat
nang panahon ito upang
makita ng mga nakasakay
nang walang harang ang apat
na sulok ng Hong Kong mula
sa itaas.
Ang pinakamainam na oras
ng pagsakay sa tsubibo ay
takipsilim, kung kailan
papalubog na ang araw at
nagsisipagsindi ang libulibong ilaw ng mga gusaling
nakapaligid at tila mga
bituing nagkikislapan at
nagpapaligsahan
ng
ningning.
Ayon sa pag-aaral ng mga
grupong nagtayo ng ferris
wheel, inaasahang may 2,740
katao ang sasakay sa dito at
makakaragdag nang malaki
sa turismo ng Hong Kong.
Ang lokasyon ng Hong Kong
Eye ay mainam dahil nasa
Central ito at madaraanan ng
mga turistang papunta sa
Tsim Sha Tsui o di kaya’y
patungong Hong Kong
Island.
Ang
tsubibo,
na
napapalamutian ng LED
(light emitting diodes) sa
buong balangkas nito, ay
unang
napabalita
na
Ang Hong Kong Eye, na nakunan mula sa pathway papuntang ferry terminal.
magkakaroon
ng
“soft
launch” noong Setyembre
upang maiparanas sa madla
ang naturang atraksiyon, ayon
sa Harbourfront Commission,
Hong Kong Tourism Board,
mga kinatawan ng mga
distrito at ng pamahalaan ng
Hong Kong.
Ang Swiss AEX, ang
kumpanyang gumawa ng
naturang tsubibo, ay may
tatlong taong kontrata upang
gawin ang bagong atraksyon.
Sinimulan nito ang paggawa
noong June 2013, at nag-soft
launch pagkaraan ng mahigit
isang taon.
Ang tsubibo ay nakatayo sa
isang bakuran na may sukat
na 9,620 metro kuwadrado sa
harap ng Pier 9 at 10 sa
bagong Star Ferry Pier o
Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier.
Ang
daungan
ay
nakasanayan nang tawaging
“Star Ferry” at ito ay ikatlong
lokasyon na ng nasabing
pantalan; ang nauna ay sa
kinatatayuan ngayon ng
Mandarin Oriental at ang
pangalawa ay sa tabi ng
General Post Office. Inilipat
ang daungan noong 2007 sa
bagong Edinburgh Place.
Ang clock tower na inilipat
sa bagong pantalan ay naging
sentro ng pagtatalo ng mga
conservationist at ng gobyeno
ng Hong Kong dahil gusto
noon ng pamahalaan na
gibain ang tore. Nauwi ang
pagtatalo sa martsa na
nagbunga ng maganda dahil
inilipat ang orihinal na tore
sa bagong kinatitirikan nito
sa Edinburgh Place Ferry
Pier, sa halip na gibain na
lamang.
Ang Hong Kong Eye ay
siyang pantapat ng Hong
Kong sa London Eye at sa
Singapore Flyer na higit na
matataas ngunit naiiba ang
hubog ng mga gondola. Ang
London Eye ay may taas na
135 metro at ang Singapore
Flyer ay may 165 metro. Ang
hubog ng mga gondola ng
dalawa ay parang kapsula at
makakapaglakad sa loob ang
mga sakay nito.
Sa taas na 60 metro, wala
sa kalahati ng higanteng
tsubibo sa London at
Singapore ang Hong Kong
Eye, at ang mga mga pasahero
nito ay mananatiling nakaupo.
Ang bawa’t gondola ay
makakapagsakay ng walo
hanggang 10 katao, at may
koneksyon sa wifi. Ang Hong
Kong Eye ay nagbubukas
mula ika-11 ng umaga
hanggang ika-11 ng gabi.
Ayon kay Luz Peñaranda,
isang Pilipinong nakasubok na
sa Hong Kong Eye, banayad
lang ang pag-ikot nito at hindi
nakakahilo, kaya nagalak siya
at kanyang mga kaibigan nang
sakyan nila ito. Sumakay sila
banding ikaanim ng hapon
kaya napagmasdan nila ng
mabuti ang kagandahan ng
Hong Kong, kabilang ang
maraming ilaw sa paligid na
sari-sari ang kulay at
kumukutitap
dahil
magpapasko.
Sa magkabilang tabi ng
ferris wheel may kanyakanyang
pakulo
ang
malalaking kumpanya gaya ng
Carnaval na nag-aalok ng
maraming larong masasalihan
Dagsa angmga turistang gustong makasakay.
sa entrance fee na $90 na may
kasama nang mga token na
nagkakahalaga ng $70.
Ang
Carnaval
na
ititangkilik ng AIA ay bukas
mula Dis. 23 hanggang Peb.
22. Sa kabilang gilid ng ferris
wheel ay may pakulo rin ang
Hongkong Telecom kung
saan ang lahat ng kliyente
nito ay makakapasok nang
walang bayad.
Ang kinatatayuan ng Hong
Kong Eye ay bahagi ng
malawak na reclamation site
sa harap ng City Hall at
Central Post Office. Mula
nang binuksan ang liwasan,
maraming Pinoy nagpupunta
roon,
tumatambay,
namamasyal, o di kaya’y
nagdaraos
doon
ng
malalaking programa.
Halimbawa, noong Dis. 7
ay ginanap sa likuran ng
General Post Office ang isang
malaking konsiyerto ng mga
sikat na mang-aawit na
Pilipino, kabilang na si Arnel
Pineda. Sa araw ding iyon,
itinanghal
ng
Benguet
Federation ang Adivay, isang
malaking pagdiriwang na
dinaluhan ng mga kilalang
tao mula sa probinsiyang
iyon.
Noong
Nob.
2,
ipinagdiwang ng CorAll HK
ang ika-16 na taon nito sa
likuran ng Post Office. Bukod
sa di gaanong dinaraanan ng
tao, mas malawak ang lugar
para sa community dance na
pat-tong, na nangangailangan
ng sapat na espasyo para
maraming taong makakasali.
Continued on Page 26
28
The SUN January 2015
PEOPLE
A peek behind
the curtains at
‘The Phantom
of the Opera’
By William Elvin
Exactly 10 years after
transforming the Arena at
Hong Kong’s AsiaWorldExpo from a highly energized
rock haven into an elegant
theater fit
for one of the most
successful stage musicals of
all-time, Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s ‘The Phantom of
the Opera’ is back.
The Broadway and West
End classic that has been
wowing
and
haunting
audiences worldwide is once
again making its stop in Hong
Kong through Australiabased company, Lunchbox
Theatrical Productions.
The SUN was privileged to
be invited to the production’s
Final
Technical
Dress
Rehearsals on ——which
served as a preview to the cast
and crew’s invited guests.
With Eugene Titus.
Although the performance
boasts of many spectacular
elements such as the breathtaking set pieces and
pyrotechnics, Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s
music
is
undoubtedly the star of this
modern gothic opera.
In this show, Filipino
pianist Mary Anne Espina is
part of the 15-piece orchestra
playing live to tell the
Phantom’s story musically.
She graciously gives The
SUN unique and valuable
insights on how this big
spectacle is put together.
Although
she
is
a
classically-trained pianist and
a faculty member in the UST
Conservatory of Music,
Espina has developed a love
for musical theater by
working in Filipino musicals.
She has been a part of
Tanghalang
Pilipino’s
Touring musicians.
production of the sarswela
‘Walang Sugat’, and was also
one of the pioneering cast
members of Ryan Cayabyab’s
musical adaptations of ‘Noli
Me Tangere’ and ‘El
Filibusterismo’.
In
2001,
she
first
experienced being a part of
the international tour of Miss
Saigon which held shows in
Manila, Hong Kong, and
Singapore. Through this
With Guy Simpson
production, she met musical
supervisor Guy Simpson, who
later invited her to be the
piano accompanist in the
musicians’ auditions for the
Manila leg of The Phantom of
the Opera Tour in 2012.
“When the auditions were
over and it was only the two of
us in the room, I asked Guy if
he wanted to hear me play as
an audition,” she says.
Right then and there, she
was offered to be the
keyboardist for the Manila
run. In 2013, she was invited
to be a part of the touring
group. She has since
performed with them in
Bangkok,
Singapore,
Shanghai, Korea, and Taiwan
for almost two years now.
“May mga paisa-isang
umaalis, so they fly in people
from every city they
performed in,” she reveals.
After auditioning for new
musicians and performers,
they would then start a twoweek rehearsal period to
refresh the cast and warm
them
up
again
for
performances. “Lahat lahat
na
‘yun.
Singing,
choreography, and staging,”
she describes.
In these sessions, Mary
Anne would serve as the
rehearsal
pianist,
accompanying the performers
as they shape up for the next
two weeks straight of
performances.
This rigid process, as she
has observed, allows the
multinational cast to form
friendships with one another.
This is proven by the strong
friendship she has established
with the productions’ head of
wardrobe, Eugene Titus from
South Africa.
“Eugene has 10 people
working under him on
wardrobe, and they work on
the costumes everyday,” she
says,
emphasizing
the
dedication of the people in the
production.
“We know that we’re doing
this 2 hour and 30 minute
show for 8 performances a
week. But even if I know the
whole show by heart, I still
need to practice,” she admits.
“And also, we have to do
something to keep it fresh for
every show, otherwise we’ll
get bored,” she adds.
Since it is a live
performance,
the
cast
members of ‘Phantom’
acknowledge that no two
shows will be the same. “I
think they all need to change
their approach from time to
time,” she says.
“Of course, the direction
and the blocking must always
be kept, and you can’t change
anything from what the
composer has written. But the
delivery and the approach can
be different,” she explains.
The glitz and glamour of
musical theater can lure
anyone into dreaming that
someday, they too can be a
part of a spectacle like ‘The
Phantom of the Opera’.
But just like the rigorous
process a production team
goes through to put up a
special
show,
she
Continued on Page 29
The SUN January 2015
Hari Harilela, 92
Hari Harilela, a long-time
friend of the Filipino
community in Hong Kong,
died on Dec. 29 after a long
illness. He was 92.
Harilela, the wealthiest
Indian in Hong Kong and a
philanthropist, was host of
numerous gatherings for
Filipino residents at his
mansion in Kowloon Tong.
He had also attended several
Philippine Independence Day
balls over the years.
Harilela’s death prompted
HK Chief Executive C. Y.
Leungto express profound
sadness through a statement.
“Dr Harilela was a
successful entrepreneur and
devoted much effort to the
development of the hotel and
real estate sectors in Hong
Kong. He was also a
renowned philanthropist and
made
tremendous
contributions to the tertiary
education sector,” Leung said.
“Dr Harilela was wellrespected and highly regarded
by all in the community. On
behalf of the Government of
the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, I
would like to extend my
deepest condolences to Dr
Harilela's family,” he added.
Dr Harilela was awarded
the Grand Bauhinia Medal in
2009, and Gold Bauhinia Star
Harilela
(GBS) in 2000.
He was also a Life Regent at
Pepperdine University in the
United States, and is an
Ex-staff in POLO mess threatens suit
From Page 3
Congen Catalla, which found
that Retirado’s agency was
formed in violation of
Philippine civil service rules.
But Retirado disputed this
finding, saying he was never
an employee of DOLE, but a
mere sub-contractor who was
not subject to the Philippines’
civil service laws.
Thus, he argued, neither
Catalla nor German had
authority to suspend the
processing of documents by
Magnificent Agency.
He also accused Congen
Catalla of bringing disrepute
to her position and of
“colluding” with Panares,
The SUN and this author in
publicizing false information
about him and his agency.
As head of the Coalition of
Service Providers for Ethnic
Minorities (CSPEM), Panares
was the signatory of a letter
sent to Congen, asking for an
investigation of suspected
irregularities in POLO, then
headed by labor attache
Manuel Roldan.
The SUN was the first to
report on the PCG’s findings,
which were forwarded to
various government agencies
on Sept. 29.
Possibly the most damning
finding was the visible
alteration made to Retirado’s
contract, in an apparent
attempt to make it appear
Magnificent was set up when
he was no longer connected
with POLO.
But in his demand letter,
Retirado was adamant the
alleged alteration did not take
place.
Retirado demanded that an
apology be published within
five days in the Philippine
Consulate’s website, to be
followed by the same being
printed in three Filipino
community
newspapers,
including The SUN.
To date, however, no public
apology of any sort has been
uploaded on the Consulate’s
website.
STAR’s double
Travelling tips celebration
for OFWs
From Page 18
From Page 25
Travel Industry Council, so
the next year, the same travel
agent did it again, and again,
many
passengers
were
stranded.
This time some passengers
complained and in the course
of the investigation, the
Travel Industry Council
found it best to cancel the
licence of the travel agent in
order to protect travelling
passengers.
recenty to help member
Bheng de Mesa, who is
suffering from lung cancer.
The group raised $8,740 for
her.
Another beneficiary was
Romy Alonzo who suffered a
stroke; and is now in the
Philippines recuperating.
Navarro said the group is
putting together another
project which will be held in
February next year, and it will
be on financial management.
Congen also said she
immediately
forwarded
Retirado’s demand letter to
the Department of Foreign
Affairs for appropriate action,
and is just waiting for a reply.
Under art 43 of the Vienna
Convention on Consular
Relations, consular officers
and staff are provided
immunity from suit when
exercising consular functions.
This was upheld in the
2006 case of Roland Ilan
v.Consul General Corazon
Belmonte, et. al.,in which the
District Court ruled that the
officers and staff of the
Philippine Consulate were
entitled
to
diplomatic
immunity as they had acted as
agents of the government
when they signed the contract
that was the subject of the suit.
Honorary Court Member of
the Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology.
Harilela won a Lifetime
Achievement Award at the
4th Annual Asia Pacific Hotel
Industry
Investment
Conference on March 27,
2001.
Harilela began his business
success when he opened a
clothing store/tailoring shop
and then pioneered the sale of
custom-made suits by mail
order.
He ventured into the hotel
and real estate sectors in 1959
when he and his two brothers,
George and Peter, founded the
Hariela Group.
The Harilela Group has
since grown into the owner of
19 hotels in Asia-Pacific, such
as the Holiday Inn in Hong
Kong, and other properties in
Macau, Singapore, Penang,
Bangkok and Sydney.
Harilela is survived by wife
Padma, whom he married in
1947, and his son, Aron, who
has taken over as chairman of
the Harilela Group.
Halilela has a long list of
roles in the Hong Kong
government.
He was appointed member
of the Hong Kong Basic Law
Consultative Committee in
1985 and Hong Kong Affairs
Advisor to the Government of
the People's Republic of
China in the 1990s.
As member of the Hong
Kong Chamber of Commerce,
he was elected to the Hong
Kong
SAR
Election
Committee from 1996 to 2006
which was responsible for
electing the Chief Executive
of Hong Kong.
A peek behind the curtains at
‘The Phantom of the Opera’
From Page 28
acknowledges that it may not
be easy for Filipinos to study
or pursue music as a career.
“The question is always
‘May pera ba diyan?” she
states.
Using herself as an
example, she says that success
can always be achieved
through dedication, hard
work, and passion.
“I got my Bachelor of Music
degree in St. Scholastica’s
College after 15 years because
I had a lot of jobs in between,”
she admits.
She recalls the time when
she had to work as a solo
pianist in some restaurants
and hotels in Manila to earn
money, before eventually
making a name for herself
playing
for
many
international artists. “You just
have to have the discipline to
sit down for about two hours
every day, seriously practicing
music.”
But as a warning, she tells
aspiring Filipino music
students to not let the craft
take their lives away. “Go out
and live normally. Party and
drink when you have to,” she
says. Not taking heed to this
advice, she says, can probably
drive one crazy. Or be like
The Phantom, who now plays
his music in an underground
lair alone.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’
runs at the AsiaWorld-Expo
Arena from December 21,
29
Community
Announcements
Have your association’s upcoming activities
published here. IT’S FREE! Just send email to:
[email protected]
The Philippine Consulate will be closed on the following
days:
Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Last Day of the Year
Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
There will be no official business transactions on these days,
including the issuance of the OEC. For emergency, call:
9155 4023 (consular assistance); 6080 8323 (labor) or 6345
9324 (OWWA)
Seminar for Teacher-Applicants in the Pbilippines
The Philippine Association for Teacher Education
(PAFTEHK) will conduct a Seminar on Guidelines for
hiring of DedEd Teacher 1 in the Philippines. Invited guest
speaker is Dr. Liezl S. Cancino, education program
supervisor from the Department of Education in Dagupan
City, Philippines. She is expected to discuss the guidelines
covered in Teacher 1 requirements prescribed by the DepEd
in the employment of public school teachers. The seminar
will be held for two days:
Jan 24 - Saturday Participants
Jan 25 - Ssunday Participants
The venue for both days is the Capstone College Study Hall
at 235 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, at 9:30am. Limited
seating only.
Please confirm your attendance by calling PAFTE HK/
Capstone College at 25438059 and 25214954
The seminar will be followed by PAFTE/Capstone’s first
LET Review Session to be conducted by Dr. Reymond
Villare from the Lite Review Center of Dagupan City.
Limited Seating Only.
Wanted: Women’s baseball players
The Philippine Sluggers team is accepting applications for
try-outs. Those who are interested may call Cecil at 6385
8948 or Eli at 96870540.
Cultural dancers wanted: The Knights of Rizal is looking
for more Filipino groups for its cultural dance and song
presentations in the Philippine booth at the annual Flower
Show at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Selected groups
will also be asked to perform at the cultural presentation of
the Knights of Rizal on the main stage of the Flower Show.
Those interested may contact organizing committee
members: Pieter Nootenboom, at 6299-7888; Aida
Rebutiaco Villanueva, 6235-5486; or Merle M.
Nootenboom at 6299-8887
The Philippine Cultural Art Dance Ensemble (PCADE)
Tinikling Chapter is looking for male/female dancers for
modern and cultural dances. No age limit. Contact Marie
Velarde at 9770 1899 or Mayette at 9171 3421.
Calling all OFWs from Aringay, La Union
The Aringay Overseas Workers Association, a newly
formed organization, is inviting you to join the group, and
get to know your town mates. Those interested, please call
Shane at 54498080
2014 to January 18, 2015. For
more details and ticket
enquiries,
visit
www.hkticketing.com.hk
The arena at Hong Kong’s
AsiaWorld-Expo has been the
venue for many international
music acts since it opened on
the 21 st of December, 2005. A
long list of world-famous pop/
rock stars that includes Lady
Gaga, The Backstreet Boys,
Coldplay, and Green Day
have all made people dance
and bounce around in the
14,000-seater facility.
30
The SUN January 2015
ty
CelebriFOOD
TRIP
Ilonggo ‘master chef’ in HK
By Jo Campos
In the recently concluded
Lutong Ilonggo sa Pasko
cooking contest organized
by Passi City (Iloilo)
Association HK, Margarita
Panes was declared the
Master Chef. Her winning
entry? Binakol na Manok.
It’s a popular dish among
Ilonggos, the traditional
tinola given a twist.
In this dish, the juice
from young coconuts,
along with the soft and
creamy flesh, are cooked with
the chicken, and given a
flavorful and fragrant taste
with the addition of
lemongrass, sautéed garlic,
onion and ginger.
Margarita came to Hong
Kong 23 years ago. Now 43
years old and still single, she
has always loved cooking and
is often challenged to try and
whip up something new.
Seventeen years ago, she
started working for a French
couple who often hold dinner
parties at their residence on
Seymour Road in MidLevels.This presented no
problem to Margarita, who
enjoys each challenge of
planning and preparing for
the dinner party.
She relates that her
employers offered to send her
to cooking lessons but she
instead suggested that they
just buy her different
cookbooks.Apart
from
helping her employers save a
substantial amount, the
cookbooks have helped
Margarita exprience the thrill
of whipping up a dish all on
her own.
Over the years, Margarita
has not only provided for the
nutritional needs of the
couple, but has also helped
raise their two children, now
aged 15 and 8. Dinner parties
in the household have
dwindled to just a few over the
years, but Margarita still
cooks sumptuous dishes for
the family. Part of her duties
include planning the week’s
menu consisting of French,
Mediterranean and Middle
Panes
Binakol na Manok
Ingredients:
fresh whole chicken
2-3 stalks of lemongrass
1 fresh young coconut
garlic
onion
ginger
salt and pepper
long red and green chilies
green papaya
oil
Cooking instructions:
1. Wash chicken thoroughly, cut into about 2-inch thick..
2. Peel and slice onion, crush garlic, peel and slice ginger into thin strips.
3. Wash and trim lemongrass, lightly pound the stalks to release flavor and tie into a knot.
4. Using a heavy cleaver, crack the coconut shell and pour coconut water in a jug, scoop the tender
flesh and set aside.
5. In a large deep pan, heat oil and sauté ginger, garlic and onion till fragrant.
6. Add chicken pieces and sauté till brown, season with salt and pepper.
7. Add lemongrass, coconut water and flesh. Add more water to the broth if desired.
8. Add green papaya and chilies.
9. Cook slowly in low heat till the meat is tender.
10. Serve hot.
Eastern cuisine. Among
the Asian dishes that
Margarita prepares, those
from Thailand are a big
hit. Her creamy and spicy
tom yum soup is the
family’s favorite.
Her employers, who
were present at the Passi
contest tp give support,
say Margarita deserves to
be called the Master Chef.
Her female employer
says that over the years
that Margarita has been
cooking for them, .
all items that she
prepares for them are
superb. and never ceaze to
amaze them each time.
With or without the
contest, she will always be
for them, the best cook
there is.
The SUN January 2015
Acquitted maid hits back with cash claim
A Filipino domestic worker
accused by her employer of
stealing various household
items in September last year,
is pressing a claim for more
than $60,000 after her
acquittal in a Fanling court.
Dominga Bagalacsa, 47,
and her employer, Au Yang
Ka-wai, are to meet on Jan. 7
at the Shatin Labour
Department office to settle the
Filipina’s
claim
which
includes payment for the
unfinished portion of her
contract.
“I am claiming for one year
and four months’ loss of
income totaling $60,105, the
cost of air ticket to the
Philippines, and $3,920 in
lieu of one month’s notice,”
Bagalacsa told The SUN.
The employer terminated
the work contract after the
Filipina was arrested.
Bagalacsa said she waited
seven months for the Tai Po
police to file the case against
her. At the time she was
staying at the Filipino
Workers’ Resource Centre
run by the Philippine
Overseas Labor Office.
“I told the police they
should file a case if they had to
because I had waited so long
and had no income to pay for
my needs, but they said the
employer’s evidence against
me was weak,” she said.
A
migrant
support
organization, Helpers for
Domestic Helpers, filed a case
against the police for delaying
their action on Bagalacsa’s
behalf. That apparently
prompted the police to lodge a
theft case against her in court
a week later.
Baglacsa said that after the
Labour meeting, she would
try to look for another
employer before flying back to
Manila. She still has to collect
her belongings, including the
court exhibits, from the
police.
The Filipina had been with
Au for only nine months
when the employer accused
her of taking 37 items
including rings, earrings,
necklaces and other goods .
Au claimed the goods were
worth $30,000.
Deputy Magistrate Cherry
Hui Shuk-yee acquitted
Bagalacsa on Dec. 8 on the
ground that the prosecution
failed to establish that the
exhibits presented in court
belonged to Au.
Earlier
in
October,
Bagalacsa, a mother of four,
had identified a fancy ring
and necklace from the
exhibits as her own.
At the same time, two
defense witnesses, including
the defendant’s former
employer, appeared in court to
give evidence.
The Filipina’s former
employer testified that she
gave the silver ring and
necklace with pendant, both
studded with crystal known as
Russian
diamonds,
to
Bagalacsa as a birthday gift.
The rest of the stuff that Au
claimed were stolen by the
Filipina were apparently the
helper’s own belongings.
These included a Jockey Club
watch given by the accuser’s
father to Bagalacsa as a
present, as well as a fancy
bracelet and necklace that the
employer’s son gave her.
Au called the police on
Sept. 23, 2013, to report that
some of her jewelry and other
belongings valued at around
$30,000 had gone missing.
Police investigated and on the
same day arrested Bagalacsa.
Bagalacsa said that before
she was arrested, her
employer took all her
documents, including letters
from her previous employers
that she had been keeping
inside a cabinet in her
bedroom.
After her arrest, she went
back to her employer’s home
without a police escort to
retrieve her suitcase.
But when she opened the
suitcase, she allegedly found
clothes that did not belong to
her, “The reference letters
were not there, so were two
Philippine passbooks, my
children’s birth certificate,
school
diploma,
SSS
documents, house-and-lot
documents, my Canon camera
with memory card and all my
winter and summer clothes,
perfumes and some jewelry,”
she said.
Bagalacsa said she came to
Hong Kong on March 30,
2004 to work for a certain
Mrs. Kwan but she did not
finish her second contract as
the employer terminated her
service for financial reasons.
She returned home but was
back on Aug. 4, 2009 to work
for another employer.
The helper said she also did
not finish her second contract
because she resigned to
pursue her application for a
$0 Agent Fee!
31
job in the United States but
realized later she had been
scammed. She was hired by
Au shortly after.
Bagalacsa said during her
nine months with Au, the
employer would frequently
nag her. On one occasion,
when the two were at a
birthday party given by one of
Au’s friends, the employer
shamed her by accosting her
in front of the other guests for
allegedly
using
the
employer’s sling bag.
But the maid said the bag
was given to her by her
previous employer.
Sa mga TAPOS O ‘DI
TAPOS NG KONTRATA!!
HELPER HK.com
HONG KONG FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS
SMS/What sApp/Viber: 9853 5384
Telephone: 3480 3450
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.helperhk.com
Address:
Flat 1511, 15/F., Lucky Centre, 165-171
Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Licence No.:352626
CHEAPEST TICKET FOR WORKERS
Pinakamurang Ticket
Para sa mga Pilipino
HKG - MANILA - HKG
HKG-MNL-LAOAG-MNL-HKG
HKG to U.S.A., CANADA etc.
BOOK FOR
CHINESE NEW YEAR!
CALL US NOW!
For more details please call Mercy:
HOTLINE: 2851 9595
After office hours please
call Mercy (Filipino staff):
(Open every Sunday-10:00 am-5:00 pm)
6336 4003
8/F Crawford Tower, 99-101 Jervois St.,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
YIP SING INTERNATIONAL
With 20 years Professional Experience in Employment Services
* We are now processing working visa to Russia.
* Looking for more qualified applicants to CANADA under Live-in caregiver
program (with 4 years in college and 1 yr experience). We have many employers
& reputable tie-up agencies in Ontario (Toronto), British Columbia (Vancouver) &
in other places in CANADA.
* Domestic Helpers to Hong Kong (we select good employers), accepts bio-data
from Phils./other country - can email at [email protected]
For enquiries, pls. call Tata or Mr. Wong at 97553658 or 26812197 from 2-8pm or
visit our office at Shopstall #D023, Lok Fu Bazaar, Lok Fu Plaza, 198 Junction
Rd., Wang Tau Hom, Kowloon (Lok Fu MTR Exit A)
32
The SUN January 2015
Buhay Pinay
From Page 4
na siya sa pamumuhay dito sa Hong Kong at natitiyak niyang
maninibago siya doon. Halos 30 taon na dito sa Hong Kong si
Jay at kalahati ng kanyang buhay ay dito na niya ginugol.
Doble ang singil
Sa araw-araw na pamamalengke ni Shiela, halos kilala na niya
ang mga nagtitinda sa palengke ng Kennedy Town . Mula sa
puwesto ng mga isda, karne at mga gulay, may mga suki na siya.
Isa dito ay ang mag asawang intsik na matandang nagtitinda ng
gulay. Suki na ni Shiela ang mga ito kaya’t dampot na lang siya
ng dampot ng mga gulay na kailangan niya at sabay-sabay na
itong tinitimbang at binabayaran niya. Maraming namimili ng
araw na iyon kaya’t inilagay muna ni Shiela ang pinamiling
gulay sa isang tabi matapos niyang bayaran at sinabi niya sa
matandang babae na babalikan na lang niya ito. Pumunta muna
si Sheila sa ibaba ng palengke para bumili ng manok at isda.
Nang bumalik na siya para kunin ang pinamiling mga gulay,
sinita siya ng matandang lalaki na hindi pa bayad ang mga
gulay na kinuha niya at pilit itong sinisingil sa kanya.
Pinaliwanag naman ni Sheila na bayad na ang mga gulay na
iyon ngunit malakas na ang boses ng matandang lalaking
kausap niya. Pinagbibintangan na siyang nagpapalusot at kahit
anong paliwanag ang gawin niya ay hindi nakikinig ang
kausap. Tila napahiya na si Sheila dahil pinagititinginan na
siya ng ibang mga namimili kaya’t binayaran na lang niya ang
mga gulay. Umiwas na lang siya sa gulo dahil baka makasuhan
pa siyang magnanakaw. Nakalimutan din kasing humingi ng
resibo sa kanyang pinamili dahil maraming tao nang magbayad
siya. Kinabukasan nang mamalengke muli si Sheila, sadyang
hindi bumili sa kanyang suki dahil sa nangyaring pagbibintang
sa kanya. Nakita siya ng mag-asawang suki at tinawag siya.
Naiinis man ay lumapit siya, humingi ng paumanhin ang
matanda sa kanya dahil pinagbintangan siya nito na hindi
nagbayad. Dahil suki nga siya, tinanong ng matandang lalaki
sa kanyang asawa kung nagsabi siya ng totoo at napatunayang
nagkamali ang suki sa pagbibintang sa kanya. Mula noon,
alin man ang bilhin niya ay humihingi si Sheila ng resibo
bilang patunay na bayad na ang kanyang pinamili.
Pinaalis
Noong Dec 21, ay lumipat ang pamilyang Aussie mula Chi Fai
Path papuntang Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung, dahil sa petition
ng mga kapitbahay nila, pinagsanib na pwersa ng mga amo at
kani-kanilang katulong na paalisin sa lugar nila ang
pamilyang ito. Napakastrikto ng lalaki, isang pulis sa Sai
Kung. Bantay ng bayan ang bansag ng mga Pinay. Araw-araw
na lang ay nakabantay sa paligid ng village. Bawal umihi ang
mga aso ng mga kapitbahay sa kung saan-saan at pagnakita
niya sa akto na umiihi ang aso sa gulong ng kanyang sasakyan
tiyak susugurin nito ang may-ari ng aso at paglilinisin,
sasabunin at babanlawan hanggang sa siya ay masiyahan. Si
Lyn, ay mag-aapat na taon na sa kanyang amo na ka-duplex
ng pamilyang Aussie, ay nakailang beses din sinugod nito
dahil sa alaga niyang aso na mahilig umistambay sa labas ng
kanilang bahay. Nakikita daw ng kapitbahay nya na iniihian
ang kanyang kotse. Meron ding kapitbahay na enireport ang
kanilang dalawang aso dahil walang leash collar ang mga ito,
at ang masaklap, isa pang may ‘di naman kalayuang
kapitbahay na itinawag ng kapwa niya pulis dahil kumakahol
ang mga ito tuwing gabi. Tumagal din ng apat na buwan sa
Chi Fai Path ang pamilya bago nagdesisyon na petisyunan na
paalisin ang mga ito. Sa ngayon, masaya na si Lyn at maaari
na niyang pakawalan muli ang mga alaga niyang aso.—
Liezel delos Santos
Pahamak
Ang alok ng amo ni Dan na tumira siya sa bahay ng anak nito
ay sadyang mahirap tanggihan, lalo at sinabi na pwede din
niyang isama ang asawa na stay-out din sa amo.Pinayagan na
siyang lumipat nitong Disyembre pero kailangan daw muna
nilang makilala ang misis niya bago ito sumunod. Nakiusap
ang drayber na sabay na lang silang lumipat pag may oras na
ang mga among makapanayam ang asawa niya. Ngunit ilang
araw na ang lumipas pero hindi naman nila pinapatawag ang
misis niya. Laging “later” ang sagot ng mga ito tuwing
tinatanong sila ng Pinoy. Nakahanap na rin si Dan ng papalit
sa inuupahan nilang bahay upang mabawi ang kanilang
paunang bayad. Kailangan din nilang umalis sa inuupahan sa
huling Linggo ng Disyembre. Kung hindi pa niya kinulit ang
mga amo nitong Dis 24 ay hindi niya malalamang nagbagongisip na pala ang mga ito. Ginugol niya ang buong araw ng
Pasko sa paghahanap ng malilipatang bahay. Natawagan na
niyang lahat ang mga bago at dating kakilala na nasa kanyang
phonebook ngunit walang tagumpay. “Wala akong alam,”
“walang bakante ngayon,” “tawagan mo si ganito,” ang halos
magkakaparehong mga tugon sa kanya. Halos hindi siya
nakatulog sa gabi sa kaiisip ng matitirahan. Pinalad naman
silang nakakakita ng bahay kinabukasan bago magsara ang
ahensiyang huli nilang nilapitan. - Ramon Dizon Jr.
Tinangay
Sobra ang panghihinayang ni Vilma sa nawalang isang
kahong pang-door to door sa inuupahan nilang bahay sa
bandang palengke sa North Point. Mga mamahalin at paborito
niyang damit ang laman nito na gusto niya sanang itabi na sa
Pilipinas. Hindi nila natapos mag-asawa ang pag-iimpake
noong Linggo, Dis 21, kaya iniwan lang nila ang kahong wala
pang pangalan sa labas malapit sa elevator. Walang guwardiya
o kamera sa kanilang gusali pero nakiusap siyang tingnan ang
kuha sa kamera ng isang shop sa ibaba. Wala silang nakita sa
video sa mga oras na tantiya nilang pagkawala ng kahon kaya
palagay niya’y itinago lang ito ng kumuha sa kanilang gusali.
Tumawag agad siya sa pulis upang magpasama sanang
kumatok sa bawat palapag ngunit kailangan daw munang may
search warrant. Hindi na niya ito hinangad at tinanggap nang
hindi na mababawi pa ang kanyang nawala. Ngunit ilang
umaga din siyang nagsadya sa mga ukay-ukay sa paligid at
The SUN January 2015
talagang idudulog daw niya sa pulisya kung may makita siyang
kahit isa sa kanyang mga damit. - Ramon Dizon Jr.
Mali
Sa isang malaking salo-salo na isinagawa sa Admiralty ng
ilang grupo ng mga Pilipino ay isa si Sean sa inihingi ng tulong
dahil sa kanyang problema. Dating driver si Sean ng isang amo
na nagmagandang loob na palitan ang kanyang visa para
maging skilled worker daw umano siya. Nagbayad ng $18,000
ang amo sa isang employment agency na nangakong aayusin
ang pagpo-proseso ng mga dokumento ni Sean. Sa malas ay
hindi naging maayos ang pag-aayos ng kanyang mga
dokumento, kaya naparatangan si Sean na lumabag sa
kundisyon ng kanyang visa, at pinauwi. Sinabihan din siyang
hindi siya makakapagtrabaho ng dalawang taon sa Hong Kong
dahil dito. Isa sa mga lider na nagtatag sa pagdiriwang ang
nangako na tutulungan siyang ipaliwanag sa kanyang amo ang
tamang proseso para mapalitan ang kanyang visa. Ayon sa lider
ay dati rin itong domestic helper pero nagawan ng paraan ng
kanyang dating amo na mapalitan ang kanyang visa kaya’t isa
na siyang residente ng Hong Kong ngayon. — Cris B. Cayat
Lugi
Habang pino-proseso ang pangtatlong kontrata ni Alex sa
Konsulado ay biglang nagpahayag ang amo na may pagbabago
sa napagkasunduan nilang sahod at oras ng trabaho. Ayon sa
amo, si Alex ay kailangang magtatrabaho simula 7:30 ng
umaga hanggang 12 ng tanghali, Lunes hanggang Sabado.
Malaya na siyang maghanap ng iba pang trabaho sa hapon
nang sa ganoon ay kumita siya ng sapat para sa pambayad sa
bahay, tubig, ilaw, pagkain, at iba pang ggastusin.
Tumatanggap lamang si Alex ng $3,000 bawat buwan buhat sa
amo. Nitong huli ay sinabi ng amo na dadagdagan ng $400 ang
kanyang sahod, nguni’t kailangan niyang magtrabaho ng
dalawang oras bawat gabi. Ibig sabihin, kailangan nyang
bumalik sa bahay ng amo simula 6:00pm-8:00pm. Pinag-isipan
ni Alex nang maigi kung patas ba ang mungkahi ng amo, at
binanggit din na hindi magtutugma ang oras para sa iba pa
niyang trabaho. Nguuni’t sumagot lang ang kanyang amo ng,
“They are not holding your contract, Alex”. Dahil sa tinuran ng
amo ay iminungkahi niya naa mag fulltime na lamang siya sa
kanila, pero dapat ay bigyan siya ng sapat na sweldo, at pasobra
para sa food allowance, renta sa bahay, pati na ang tubig at ilaw
at maging travel allowance niya, nguni’t hindi pumayag ang
amo. Dahil hindi sila magkasundo ay umurong na lang si Alex
sa panibagong kontrata, kahit naghihintay na lang ito na kunin
niya. Sinulatan niya ng pormal ang amo para ipahayag ang
kanyang desisyon, at sumang-ayon naman ito. Si Alex ay
tubong Roxas, Capiz, 44 taong gulang may asawa at isang anak
na nagtatrabaho din sa Hong Kong. — Sanny de los Santos
Super bait
Petisyon
Sa loob ng 15 taong paninilbihan ni Manang Elly sa mga
among Intsik ay hindi nya naisip ang mag for good dahil
napakabait ng mga ito. Maluwag sa trabaho si Manang Elly
kaya may oras siya para mag-ipon ng mga basyong lata at
lumang dyaryo, at ang pinagbentahan ay siya niyang ginagamit
para sa buwanang hulog niya sa SSS sa nagdaang 10 taon.
Nguni’t bigla siyang nakaisip umuwi matapos sumakit-sakit
ang balakang. Sa umpisa ay panaka-naka lang ang kirot, pero
nang tumagal ay hindi na siya makalakad ng diretso.Nang
mapansin ng kanyang amo ang kanyang paika-ikang paglakad
ay pinasuri siya sa doktor, at doon napag-alaman na sya’y may
“left hip AVN” (o avascular necrosis). Dahil dito ay nagdesisyon
si Manang na umuwi na lang, na sinang-ayunan naman ng
amo. Tatapusin na lamang ni Manang ang nalalabing linggo ng
kanyang kontrata bago umuwi sa ika-27 ng Disyembre.
Nakatanggap si Manang ng $39,000 bilang long service
payment, at karagdagang cash mula sa insurance na kinuha ng
amo para sa kanya.
Pinagtuunan din ng pansin ni manang
ang makukuha niya mula sa OWWA at SSS, pero pinayuhan
siyang sa Maynila na ayusin ang mga ito. Nagtrabaho bilang
OFW si Manang Elizabeth Turingan sa loob ng 22 taon: 7 taon
sa Singapore at 15 dito sa Hong kong. Si Manang ay 61 taong
gulang at nakatira sa Tuguegarao Cagayan. Siya na rin ang
nagrekomenda ng kanyang makakapalit sa mga among
nakatira sa Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. - Sanny de los Santos
Kamakailan ay napilitang iwan ng isang pamilyang
Australyano ang kanilang bahay sa Chi Fai Path sa Saikung
matapos mag-petisyon ang kanilang mga kapitbahay laban sa
kanila.Nagsanib-pwersa ang mga amo at katulong sa lugar
nang mapuno na sa abusadong pag-uugali ng mag-anak, lalo na
ng padre de familia na isang pulis. Palihim siyang tinawag na
“Bantay ng Bayan” ng ilang mga katulong na Pinay dahil sa
sobrang pangingialam sa kanilang mga gawain.Araw-araw na
lang ay nakabantay ito sa paligid ng village para bantayan ang
kilos ng bawat isa. Bawal umihi ang mga aso ng kapitbahay sa
kung saan-saan, at kapag nakita niya sa akto ang aso sa gulong
ng kanyang sasakyan ay tiyak na susugurin nito ang may-ari ng
aso at paglilinisin hanggang sa sya’y masiyahan. Si Lyn ay
mag-aapat na taon na sa kanyang amo na ka-duplex ng
pamilyang Aussie, at isa sa mga ilang beses nang sinugod ng
lalaki. Nakikita daw kasi ito na iniihian ang kanyang kotse ng
kanilang aso. Meron pang kapitbahay na ini-report din ng
Australyano dahil wala daw leash collar ang mga aso nito. Ang
mas masaklap, itinawag nito sa pulis ang isa pang kapitbahay
sa may kalayuan dahil daw kumakahol ang aso ng mga ito
tuwing gabi. Tumagal din ng apat na buwan sa Chi Fai Path ang
pamilya bago nagkaisa ang kanilang mga kapitbahay na
petisyunan at paalisin sila doon..Sa ngayon ay masaya na si Lyn
at maaari na nyang pakawalan muli ang alaga nyang aso.—
Liezel de los Santos
RELATIVES OR FRIENDS
COMING OVER FOR A VISIT?
NEED A ROOM AFTER RELEASE?
STAY WITH FRIENDS ON HOLIDAY?
Central:
Rm 502, 5/F, Sunny
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with full air- conditioning,
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Causeway Bay:
Flat B, 7F, Fair View
Commercial Building,
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Cost $90 for 2 hours, $200 for any 8 hours.
$250 for overnight & 300 for one day.
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Single Room for One Person with kitchen and toilet. Only
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Lydia’s Bahay Hotel
(Filipino Owned)
Please call Ricky 9449 5591
1/F., 701 Shanghai St., Mongkok, Kln.
Website: www.lydiabahayhotel.com
HongKong Filipino Services
FACTORY
PRICE
sister company of HONG TAI Agency
Direct Hire Processing HK$2,700
Tagalog Hotline:
High Quality
BEDSHEE
TS, PONY BAGS
BEDSHEETS,
2545 4871
TESDA & Medical truly included in Phil. Package P12,500 only
We have our own Agency in Cubao, Q.C. (near Gateway Mall)
OFW- friendly processing arrangements, free DHL mailing.
Welcome change employer! Re-Contract processing HK$500
(With door-to-door packing
service to the Philippines)
Visit our office to get all necessary Forms free-of-charge!
Rm. C, 12/F, Shing Hing Comm’l Bldg., 21 Wing Kut St ., Central, HK
Tel: 2521-0088 / 9430 9215
Rm 801, 8/F, Yu Sung Boon Bldg., 107-111 Des Voeux Road Central, HK
(Lift in basement of Fortress Shop & besides PCCW & People shop)
CHEAPEST FEE FOR DIRECT HIRE
Guaranteed Fastest Processing
Guaranteed Lowest Processing Fee
HK$2,660 only
No hidden fee
We accept Tourist, Finished Contract or Break Contract in HK.
We need 100 Domestic Helper, Houseboy, Driver, Gardener, Etc.
Searching for business partner to share office
Cheapest processing fee as Nanny in Canada for HK$1,000 only!
33
email: [email protected]
Pony wallet,
bag, etc:
$27up
Paninda bedsheet (more than a thousand designs),
Pony bag, bedcover, kumot, pillow, blanket, panties,
payong, towels,
kolambo, and curtains.
Factory price for Filipino
friends.
Free storage & packing
by packing machine.
Come and visit Mrs. Fung
Mon-Sun & Public Holiday 10am-8pm
Tel: 2361 5735
Flat H 2/F (by lift), Pei
Ho Bldg., 115-117, Fuk Wa St.
Sham Shui Po (above MTR exit B2)
Blk B-C 1/F, Wai Tak Bldg.,
95 B Fuk Wing St., Sham Shui Po
The SUN January 2015
34
Helper fined $400 over falling vacuum cleaner tube
By Vir B. Lumicao
and agreed to pay a fine.
The case stemmed from an
incident on Feb. 2 this year,
when the metal tube of a
vacuum cleaner that Maryann
Beth B. Divino laid on the
balcony ledge of a ninth-floor
flat in Tai Kok Tsui flat fell
and hit a parked private
vehicle, causing damage.
Magistrate Abu Bakr
“All’s well that ends well. Pay
the $400 and go.”
Borrowing from Shakespeare, a Kowloon City Court
magistrate declared the case
of a Filipina domestic helper
closed after she pleaded guilty
to a charge of allowing an
object to fall from a height
Wahab imposed the fine in
consideration of Divino’s
guilty plea, her clear record,
the fact that she did not throw
the tube off the balcony, and
her agreeing to compensate
the car owner.
“Based on our conversation
yesterday, I cannot see a
defense in letting that object
fall from the balcony,” the
magistrate said.
Divino had earlier pleaded
not guilty to the charge, but in
the Dec. 15 pre-trial review,
the magistrate explained the
consequences of not owning
up to the offense.
According
to
the
prosecution report, Divino
detached the metal tube from
the vacuum cleaner and
METRO PINOY ENTERPRISE
TRADING & EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
17A BANK TOWER, 351-353 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT,
HONG KONG. TEL: 2508 6444 • FAX 2510 6224 • Email:
[email protected]
WORK IN CANADA
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Unfortunate
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worse, you can be terminated any time and go home...
But wait, before you worry: Do you know that you can
work in Canada as a caregiver or nanny for just 5 days
a week, 8 hours a day, and after 2 years, you can be a
Canadian citizen? Yes, madam, it’s true!
Grab this chance of a lifetime & have a
BRIGHTER FUTURE!!! APPLY NOW!
• MANY EMPLOYERS AVAILABLE & WILLING TO HIRE.
• NO APPEARANCE, NO INTERVIEW AT EMBASSY
• FAST & EFFICENT PROCESSING OF APPLICATION!
• ALSO WELCOME APPLICANTS PREVIOUSLY DENIED
OF WORKING VISA.
DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING
ALSO WELCOME:
@ $3,500 ONLY,
INCLUDING VISA FEE!
PROFESSIONAL DOMESTIC SERVICES COMPANY
Subok na matatag at mapagkakatiwalaan
mahigit 20 yrs na serbisyong pinoy.
DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING 4- 6 WEEKS/
We
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URGENT PROCESSING
We
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SERVICES OFFERED:
Monday-Friday
Monday-Friday9am-6pm
9am-6pm
9am-6pm
Monday-Friday
Sat
Sat. &Sun
.&Sun
&Sun10am-6pm
10am-6pm
10am-6pm
• Employment for finished contract. Sat.
• Employment terminated w/ or w/o release letter
• We also accept direct hire applicants from Philippines.
Maari ninyong ibigay sa amin ang biodata ng inyong
mga kamag-anak at kami ang bahalang makipag
communicate sa kanila sa mga kaukulang impormasyon.
• We arrange interviews every month in our Manila Office.
For more information please call us at:
25410668/ 25410669/ 25410667
General Commercial Building
Rm. M2, M/Flr.156-164 Des Voeux Rd, Central Hong Kong
(opposite to Sincere Department store)
placed it on the ledge of the
balcony after using the
appliance as she went about
with her work.
At about 6pm, she went
back to the balcony to get the
tube but realized it was gone,
the maid said.
She rushed downstairs and
saw that the tube had fallen on
a car, causing a 7cm by 7cm
centimeter dent on the
vehicle’s roof.
The car owner, who said he
parked the vehicle at 5pm,
noticed the damage when he
returned an hour later and
called the police.
Hong Kong, a city of
towering commercial and
residential blocks, has strict
laws on throwing objects from
heights, as such incidents had
killed people in the past.
A person who drops or
allows an object to fall from
any building, causing danger
or injury to others, commits
an offence and is liable to a
fine of up to $10,000 and six
months in prison.
If the offense occurs during
the construction, repair or
decoration of a building, the
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MTR
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E
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Tram Stop
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Subsidiary of Free Believers in Christ
Fellowship International (HK).
• Subsidized housing accomodations and feeding for limited periods to those who are
terminated from their employment or finished contracts.
• Free counseling assistance on employment cases and all other problems
• Free assistance to Police, Immigration, Philippine Consulate, Labor Department and
Tribunal Courts.
• Free assistance to legal help and representations.
Call anytime for help!
WELLCOME
FROM NORTH
POINT MTR
Room 01, 19/F Everprofit Commercial Bldg., 34-36 Ko Shing St ., Sheung Wan, H.K.
Tel. 2854- 4516 • 2517 3547 • 9305 8594 • 9099 3742 • 9099 3842 • Fax # (852) 2815- 4516.
principal contractor on the
site and the contractor
carrying out the works is
liable to a maximum fine of
$50,000 and imprisonment
for one year.
Pinoy faces
retrial after
conviction is
quashed
A Filipino jailed for three
years for allegedly wounding
a Pakistani in a knife attack
will go through a retrial after
his conviction was quashed by
the High Court on Dec. 18,
Primitivo A. Tidoy will be
tried again “at an early date”
despite pleas for his release by
his counsel. Tidoy was
convicted of wounding with
intent and sentenced to three
years in jail by District Court
Judge Gary Lam on July 8,
2013.
The judge said then that
there was “not a single doubt
in my mind” the defendant
had stabbed Shoukat Khan
with a folding knife during a
fracas on Li Yuen Street West
in Central on Nov. 4, 2012.
Subsequently, Tidoy sought
leave to appeal his conviction,
which was granted by Justice
Ian McWalters on Dec. 1.
But after nullying Tidoy’s
conviction, the judge asked
counsel for both government
and the appellant to file
written submissions on the
issue of retrial within 14 days.
As a result, the court
ordered a retrial, citing “the
seriousness of the offence and
the strength of the evidence”
which he said “was unaffected
by the …quashing (of) the
conviction.”
Counsel for Tidoy had
opposed the retrial, citing “the
amount of time that the
appellant has spent in custody
which means he has served a
substantial part of his
sentence.”
In addition, he said there
appeared to be “evidential
difficulties” in the preparation
of the case, which was
precisely why the appeal was
allowed in the first place.
Judge McWalters agreed
that there was force in the
arguments advanced by
Tidoy’s lawyers, but said that
“public interest in ensuring
the perpetrator of the crime is
brought to justice outweighed
the private interests of the
appellant in enduring a
further trial.”
The SUN January 2015
35
Mobile phone retailers reminded of trade requirements
Hong Kong Customs has
charged 19 retailers in the last
two months with issuing sales
invoices without written
particulars of the products or
failed to retain copies of the
invoices issued, as required
under the Trade Descriptions
(Provision of Information on
Regulated
Electronic
Products) Order made under
the Trade Descriptions
Ordinance.
As of December 30,
prosecution actions have been
taken against 12 retailers. Ten
of them have been convicted
by the Court and fined $1,000
to $20,000. Prosecution
against other cases is in
progress.
A Customs spokesperson
said that with intelligence
gathered and follow-up
investigations earlier, it was
found that some traders had
omitted the written particulars
as required under the
Ordinance on the sales
invoices issued to customers.
The omission deterred
consumers from acquiring
accurate information about
It’s loitering, not burglary
By Vir B. Lumicao
A jobless Filipino had a
burglary charge filed against
him dropped on Dec. 23 after
he pleaded guilty the day
before to charges of loitering
and failing to appear in court
while on bail for an earlier
drug offense.
Appearing in District Court
on Dec. 22, Arnulfo S. dela
Rosa, a resident, pleaded not
guilty to a charge of burglary
lodged against him for
entering an empty flat in
Hung Hom in May this year.
No item was taken by the
defendant from the flat.
But the 38-year-old former
cleaner pleaded guilty to two
other charges — that of
loitering and failing to appear
in court.
Judge Casewell ordered his
$200 bail confiscated and
adjourned the sentencing to
Jan. 12 to wait for a
background report on the
defendant.
During the Dec. 22 hearing,
the prosecution had to consult
the Justice Department on
whether the burglary charge
could be dropped since
nothing was taken from the
empty flat.
The Justice Department
agreed and the judge
adjourned the hearing to the
next day when the third
charge was dropped.
De la Rosa was found to
have entered the vacant flat on
the fourth floor of a block
being redeveloped on 1517
Whampoa St., Hung Hom on
May 28 last year.
A witness, a resident of the
lone occupied flat in the
building, said he saw through
his door’s peephole a man in a
black shirt entering the empty
flat two times that day.
Then at about 8 pm, the
witness again saw the man on
CCTV entering the ground
floor gate holding a rod.
Alarmed, the witness called
the police and the intruder
was arrested.
During investigation, the
police found out that the
defendant had faced charges
of burglary and drug
possession.
In mitigation, the defense
counsel said Dela Rosa was
unemployed after working
previously as a cleaner
earning $5,500 a month. He is
a dependant of his Filipina
mother who came to Hong
Kong in 1998 and separated
from her husband in 2005.
HKU launches Pinoy health project
From Page 13
circulation.
During the open forum,
Consul General Bernardita
Catalla asked Manio whether
it is advisable to bathe less
frequently, especially during
summer.
“In sports medicine, wala sa
number of times maligo pero
kung pagod na pagod po tayo,
dapat maligo tayo within two
minutes lang. Kapag tumagal
pa po dun, marami nang
nangyayari sa katawan na
abnormalities,” said Manio.
Vice
Consul
Chuck
Macaspac mentioned that the
cause of death in many
Filipino nationals his office
has assisted is deep vein
thrombosis. He asked if
varicose veins could lead to
this
Manio said: “Yes, because
yung blood clot na namuo ay
maaring
ma-deposit
in
different parts of the body and
it can be fatal,” he said.
DVT occurs when a blood
clot (thrombus) forms in one
or more of the deep veins in
the body, usually the legs.
As the lecture was going on,
students from HKU conducted
free blood pressure and blood
glucose tests.
The second lecture in the
series will be held in March.
Participants who will be able
to attend at least five of the six
lectures will receive a
certificate of attendance from
HKU.
TOP HILL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
Flat C, 6/F Cornwall Court, 687-689 Nathan
Road, Mongkok, Kowloon. Mongkok •
(MTR Exit A1)
Looking for Employer or Boarding House?
We Accept: Finished Contract, Terminated, Break Contract, Tourist
Helper from Philippines or Indonesia. Bio Data are welcome.
Call Lyn at 9864 9848 or 3485 0392 for Appointment
Email: [email protected]
We are Licenced Agency. Salary Deduction will be considered.
Clerk
• Clerical experience preferably
• Good command of both English & Tagalog.
• Good communication & typing skills
• Proficient in PC applications
Interested parties please apply with full resume to
Technic Employment Service Centre Ltd. at email:
[email protected] or fax: 2890 6006.
the electronic products and
deprived their interest in
gaining access to such
information.
The spokesman reminded
the mobile phone retailers to
comply with the legislative
requirements on completion
of purchase transactions.
Under the Ordinance, the
prescribed information for
mobile phones includes:
(a) network frequency or
operating frequency or band;
(b) the type and storage
capacity of support memory
card (if provided);
(c) data transfer/network
connectivity protocol; and
(d) (when the phone has a
built-in camera) resolution of
the camera in terms of pixels.
Digital audio players,
digital camcorders, digital
cameras, mobile phones and
portable multimedia players
are also regulated electronic
products.
Under the Ordinance, any
person who supplies any
regulated electronic product
shall issue an invoice that
contains all details required
under the Ordinance.
Members of the public may
report any violations of the
Trade
Descriptions
Ordinance to Customs’ 24hour hotline 2545 6182.
EMRY’s Employment Agency
www.emrysemploymentagency.com
Worldwide Office:
Shop 355, 3/F. 19 Des Voeux, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 28156060 • 2815 4114 • Fax: 25459155
Email: [email protected]
Wanchai Branch:
Rm. 802, 8/F. On Hong Commercial Bldg., 145 Hennessy Rd.,
Wanchai, Hong Kong • Tel. 31101491-28504291-28151166
Fax : 31101499 • Emails: [email protected]
[email protected][email protected]
We accept
Luzon,
Visayas and
Mindanao
direct hire
processing.
Visit our website: www.emrysemploymentagency.com
Services Offered
1) Direct Hire Processing: Self-found helper/employer
HK$5,680.00
2) Local Hire Processing: Introduction done by Emry’s Staff HK$3,976.00
3) Canada Hire Processing: Self-found employer in Canada HK$4,500.00
Guaranteed!
No registration
fee & no
placement fee
in the
Philippines &
in Hong Kong.
Refund
Scheme
Employers will
get a refund for
Cancelled
application.
Attention: For Domestic
Helpers who have found
new employers and are
required by the
Immigration to return to
the Philippines to await
the processing of their HK
Visa we offer you our
Direct Hire Processing
• No Agency Fee
Services for only
• No placement fee HK$5,680. This fee should
in the Philippines
be paid by the Employer.
Under HK Labour and
& HKSAR.
Immigration Ordinances
(See Page 1 article 8 of the Employment Contract for
DH), employer pays for all fees and expenses required
for the employment and departure of helper from her
place of origin.
Did
You
Know...
DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING:
HK$5,680 PAID BY EMPLOYER
EMRY’s collects the direct hire processing fee from Employers. We do not collect
Agency Fee and Placement Fee from helpers since they have found their own
employers. The HK$5,680 paid by the employers are used for the complete
processing in HKSAR and the Philippines of your application to work in Hong
Kong. These include: visa fee, Medical Fee, Philippine Consulate Fee, POEA/OEC/
OWWA, PDOS, One wayAirline ticket (Manila/ Hong Kong).
When you process with us we offer the following:
Refund Scheme: We refund unused portions of your payment if the
application is cancelled or refused by authorities.
FREE Counselling for Labour Related Disputes.
Receipt always Issued. Pay only at our office Cashier. Our staff are
not allowed to accept payments outside our office. We have no
recruiters or sub-agents in HK.
LOCAL HIRE: FREE Registration & Consultation
Quick Hiring for qualified finished contract & terminated applicants with good
release letter. Bring original, Passport, Employment Contract plus 2-copies of
release letter, 2- copies of HKID and 2 passport-size photos when you apply.
36
The SUN January 2015
Pinoy Jokes
From Page 39
ko, ang bobo. Pinabili ako ng
apat na case ng beer eh alam
nya naman na hindi ko
kayang dalhin ‘yun lahat!
Pising: Lalo naman amo ko.
Pinapapunta ako sa opisina
para tingnan kung nandun
sya eh may telepono naman.
Motto
Ibinasura ng Department of
Tourism ang mga slogan sa
ilalim ng Pilipinas kay Ganda
dahil
sa nakakahiyang slogan na
lumabas. Ilan lang ito sa mga
slogan:
Bohol : Go To Hill
Thanks
for
coming,
Camiguin
Babaeng Balbon, Marami
sa Malabon
Kalasin ang Bohol
Takpan ang Navotas
Hanap mo ba ay Maluwag ,
Tara na sa Laoag
Global Premier Consultancy
Consultancy Ltd.
Ltd.
DOMESTIC HELPERS/DRIVERS
• FINISHED CONTRACT
• TERMINATED WITH GOOD REASON
• DIRECT HIRE PROCESSING
PLEASE COME TO REGISTER FREE!!!
CALL US AT 2527 7883 • 2527 7889 NOW!!!
Shop 86, 1/F Tin Hau Apple Mall, No. 14 King’s Road,
Tin Hau, Hong Kong (MTR Tin Hau Stn. Exit A1)
Get Dizzy , Iloilo
Boracay , You Beach
—Joshua Buena
Maghubad ka!
Ama si Ambo ng 15-yearold na si Jana, ang nag iisang
anak na ang ina ay nasa ibang
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pag labas sa banyo ang anak
na nakataas ang paa sa
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Kung Tagalog ang pag
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kandidato sa Miss Universxe
ay ganito ang kanilang
sasabihin:
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Sa isang mental hospital
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Pero bago paalisin, isang
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The SUN January 2015
From Page 38
naglalaban-laban bilang topgrosser sa taunang film
festival.
Tila
nagbunga
ang
magandang
suportang
ibinibigay ng mga kaibigan ni
Isabelle gaya nina Solenn
Heussaff, Anne Curtis at
boyfriend nitong si Erwan
Heussaff, Raymond Gutierrez
at iba pa nilang mga kamaanak at kaibigan na hindi taga
showbiz, na nauna nang
dumalo sa preview pa lang ng
pelikula. Alam daw nilang
very proud at nag-enjoy ng
husto si Isabelle sa kanyang
role sa naturang pelikula,
kahit nahirapan at nagtamo
siya ng maraming pasa sa
mga action scenes na ginawa
niya dito.Sulit naman daw
lahat ito dahil nag-enjoy ang
kanyang mga kaibigan sa pagbabago sa kanilang
panonood nito.
relasyon.
Katunayan,
pagkatapos ng proposal ay
SOLENN, SIMPLENG umuwi pa raw sa kanilang
KASAL ANG GUSTO
bansa si Nico upang
Nagulat si Solenn Heussaff ipagdiwang ang Pasko doon,
sa
ginawang
marriage kasama ng kanyang pamilya.
proposal kamakailan ng Gaya pa rin ng dati ang set –
kanyang
Argentinian up ng kanilang pagsasama boyfriend na si Nico Bolzico, hatian sa lahat ng gastusin sa
kahit tatlong taon na silang bahay dahil pareho raw silang
nagli-live in. Lihim na praktikal. Wala pa daw silang
humingi muna daw ito ng balak, kaya definitely, wala
permiso sa mga magulang ni pang kasal na magaganap sa
Solenn bago siya nag-propose susunod na taon.
sa bahay mismo ng mga
Kung sakali mang matuloy
magulang ni Solenn. Isa sa ito, gagawin daw nila ito sa
mga hiningan ng tulong ni malayong
lugar
para
Nico upang maisagawa ito ay mabawasan ang mga bisita at
ang isa sa malalapit na makatipid, ang pabiro niyang
kaibigan ni Solenn na si sabi. Tahimik at simpleng
Isabelle Daza.
kasal lang daw ang kanilang
Kahit masaya si Solenn, gusto, at ise-share lang daw
hindi pa daw nila napapag- nila ang mga litrato at video
usapan
kung
kailan kapag tapos na ang kasal.
gaganapin ang kasal. Maliban Posibleng ikasal din daw sila
sa suot niyang engagement sa simbahan dahil parehong
ring, wala raw malaking Katoliko
ang
kanilang
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Above prices valid for specific departure dates only & subject to
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pamilya.
Handa na rin daw siyang
magka-baby, pero hangga’t
maaari, pagkatapos na raw
nilang makasal, dahil dapat
ay maganda siya sa kanyang
kasal, ang pagbibiro pa ng
aktres.
Si Solenn ay half Filipina,
half French, at maagang
naging independent, gaya ng
iba pa niyang mga kapatid
dahil nag-aral at tumira sila
sa ibang bansa. Pero kahit
lumaki sa marangya at
modernong pamumuhay, siya
ay nananatiling isa sa mga
pinakamabait sa showbiz.
MARTIN, KASAMA MGA
ANAK SA PASKO AT
BAGONG TAON
Tuwing Pasko at bagong
taon, nagta-travel si Martin
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makapiling
ang
kanyang mga mahal sa buhay.
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magpapasko,
B&S TOUR
AND TRAVEL
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itinataon niyang mag-show sa
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ang kanyang anak na si
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na
lalong
nagpapatibay sa kanilang
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TRAVELAGENT LICENCE No.:353215
38
The SUN January 2015
‘Bonifacio: Unang
Pangulo’, best
picture sa MMFF
Hindi man ito panalo sa
takilya, panalo naman ito sa
mga hurado.
Ang “Bonifacio: Unang
Pangulo” na pinagbidahan ni
Robin Padilla ang siyang
tinanghal na Best Picture sa
katatapos na 40th Metro
Manila Film Festival.
Ginanap ang gabi ng
parangal noong Dis. 27 sa
Philippine
International
Convention
Center
sa
Maynila.
Nakamit din ng pelikula
ang dalawa sa pinakamahahalagang award:
• Ang Fernando Poe Jr.
Memorial Award for Film at
ang
• Gatpuno Antonio Villegas
Cultural Award.
Sa kabila nito, hindi
pinalad na manalo si Robin
ng parangal para sa kanyang
pagganap.
Ang tinanghal na best actor
ay si Derek Ramsay at best
actress naman si Jennylyn
Mercado para sa kanilang
pelikulang “English Only
Please.”
Nakamit din ng kanilang
pelikula ang premyo para sa
best director (Dan Villegas);
best editing (Marya Ignacio),
at best screenplay (Antoinette
Jadaone).
Nanalo din ng ilang awards
ang “Kubot: the Aswang
Chronicles” na pinagbidahan
ni
Dingdong
Dantes.
Kabilang dito ang best
supporting actor para kay Joey
Marquez, at best supporting
actress para kay Lotlot de
Leon.
Best child performer naman
si Ryzza Mae Dizon para sa
“My Big Bossing”, na isa sa
tatlong pelikula na kumita ng
malaki sa taunang festival.
Sa bagong kategoryang
“new wave,” nanalo bilang
best
film
ang
“Magkakabaung” ni Allen
Dizon, na siya ring nagkamit
ng award bilang best actor.
Best director si Jason Paul
Laxamana ng parehong
pelikula.
Best new wave actress
naman si Zsa Zsa Padilla para
“M. (Mother’s Maiden
Name).
Ang iba pang mga nanalo
ay ang mga sumusunod:
Best Cinematography—
Carlo Mendoza (Bonifacio:
Ang Unang Pangulo)
Jennylyn Mercado, best
actress
Derek Ramsay, best actor
Best
Editing—Marya
Ignacio (English Only Please)
Best Production Design—
Ericsson Navarro for (Kubot:
The Aswang Chronicles 20
Best Theme Song award—
(Bonifacio: Ang Unang
Pangulo)
Best
Director—Dan
Villegas (English Only Pl
ease)
New wave Best Supporting
Actress—Gloria Sevilla M.
(Mother’s Maiden Name)
New Wave Best Supporting
Actor—Kristopher
King
(Maratabat)
New Wave Special Jury
Prize—M. (Mother’s Maiden
Name)
Samantala,
ayon
sa
pinakahuling
tala,
pinakamalaki ang kita ng
“The Amazing Praybeyt
Benjamin” na pinagbibidahan
ni Vice Ganda Kris Aquino at
anak nito na si Bimby.
Ang iba pang panalo sa
takilya ayon sa kanilang
pagkakasunod-sunod ay ang:
2) “Feng Shui”; 3) “My Big
Bossing”; 4) “Kubot: The
Aswang Chronicles”. , 5)
“English Only, Please”, 6)
‘Shake, Rattle & Roll XV’,
7)”
Bonifacio:
Unang
Pangulo” at 8) “Magnum
.357.”
PARADE OF STARS SA
OPENING NG MIFF
Dumagsa ang mga fans
noong Dis 23 upang saksihan
ang parada ng mga artista na
nakasakay sa mga makukulay
na karosa ng walong
pelikulang kalahok sa 40th
Metro Manila Film Festival
2014. Eksaktong 1:30 ng
hapon nang pangunahan ni
Metro Manila Development
Authority
(MMDA)
Chairman Francis Tolentino
ang pagsisimula ng pitong
One of the production numbers. Photo: Rappler
Ryzza Mae Dizon, Best child
performer
Robin
Padilla,
of
“Bonifacio:
Unang
Pangulo”, Best Picture
Showbiz royalty wedding: Celebrity sweethearts Dingdong
Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in glittering fashion
at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon
City. Among the principal sponsors was President Benigno
S. Aquino III, who acted as Witness of Honor. Reception
for 1,000 guests followed at the Mall of Asia Arena in
Manila. Marian wore a heavy lace gown studded with
Swarovski crystals, by Michael Cinco, who also had a
stunning crown made for her . Dong was in a formal suit
made by Randy Ortiz.
kilometrong ruta ng parade na
nagsimula sa Paranaque, at
nagtapos
sa
Quirino
Grandstand sa Luneta. Dahil
sa
matinding
traffic,
karamihan sa mga artistang
kasali ay hindi nakaabot sa
umpisa ng parada, at sa halip
ay humabol na lang at nagabang sa dadaanan ng parada
para makasakay sa kanikanilang karosa.
Ang
mga
artistang
sumakay sa mga karosa: Kris
Aquino at Coco Martin (Feng
Shui 2), Vic Sotto, Ryza Mae
Dizon, Nikki Gil, Ruby
Rodriguez, Alonso Muhlach,
Pauleen Luna, (My Big
Bossing’s
Adventures),
Dingdong Dantes, Isabelle
Daza, KC Montero, Julie San
Jose at Abra (Kubot: The
Asawang Chronicles), Robin
Padilla,
Vina
Morales,
Rommel Padilla, Jasmine
Curtis-Smith at Daniel
Padilla (Bonifacio), Jeorge
Estregan at Sam Pinto
(Muslim Magnum .357),
Richard
Yap,
Tom
Rodriguez, Vandolph at Vice
Ganda (Praybeyt Benjamin),
Matteo Guidicelli, Erich
Gonzales, JC De Vera, Daniel
Matsunaga, Khalil Ramos at
Jason Francisco (Shake Rattle
and Roll) at Derek Ramsay at
Jennylyn Mercado (English
Only Please).
Ipapalabas ang nabanggit
na pelikula mula December
25 hanggang January 7, 2015.
Sa unang araw ng
pagtatanghal, pukpukan ang
naging laban sa takilya ng
Praybeyt Bejamin, My Big
Bossing at Feng Shui.
Malakas din ang Kubot, na
suportado ng mga fans nina
Marian Rivera at Dingdong
Dantes.
Si Pres. Pnoy ay nagbigay
suporta sa pamangking si
Bimby Yap, nang panoorin
nito ang Praybet Benjamin,
kasama sina Kris, James Yap
at Vice Ganda.
ISABELLE,
NAGPAKITANG GILAS
SA “KUBOT”
Hindi
inaasahan
ang
pagpapakitang
gilas
ni
Isabelle Daza sa pelikulang
Kubot: Aswang Chronicles 2.
Malaki at maganda ang
naging role ni Isabelle dito,
bilang kapareha ni Dingdong
Dantes.
Nag-tumbling,
lumipad
sa
ere,
nakipagbakbakan, at nagcomedy ang baguhang aktres,
sa mala-Twilight na pelikula.
Sa unang araw ng Metro
Manila Film Festival ay
naging maganda ang resulta
nito sa box office, taliwas sa
hulang nasa bottom 3 ito,
dahil hindi gaanong kumita
ang
naunang
Aswang
Chronicles.
Gaya
ng
inaasahan, ang The Amazing
Praybeyt Benjamin, My Big
Bossing at Feng Shui ang
Continued on Page 37
The SUN January 2015
Share a joke! Send it to:
PINOY JOKES
c/o The SUN, Rm. 1002, 10/F. ,
Yue Shing Commercial Bldg., 15
Queen Victoria St., Hong Kong
or e-mail to:
[email protected]
Pinoyed
Shakira Andrea Sison of
Rappler has built up a
collection of punny Pinoy
translations. A sample:
Musicians and Bands
They thought it was an
arrow - Kalapana
I'm just nagbibiro - KD
Lang
Kailangan ko ng panadero Anita Baker
Nagpagupit ang dati mong
jowa - Extreme
Do you have a ponytail
holder? - Metallica
Mga chicks na KJ at ayaw
pa kasi sumama - Indigo Girls
Ako hindi ako KJ kaya
ayain mo ako - Imago
I no longer need a ponytail
holder - Natalie Cole
Yung kapatid kong exajj Oasis
Your isda - Depeche Mode
Malapit na ako sa FX Nirvana
Ambahong prutas, inulit pa
- Duran Duran
Mga bulaklak na galing sa
General Santos City - Guns N'
Roses
Kaingin method of farming
- Cyndi Lauper
Plantsadorang mahinhin Iron Maiden
May jetits pala si madam Dixie Chicks
Dalawampung
kotsekotsehan - Matchbox 20
Mas lalong madali Morrissey
Ang mga sangkap ng
nganga - The Beatles
Tirador, o tooter - Pantera
Pag natapos na ang
Kuaresma - Faith No More
Nahihilo - Jay Z
Tatay mong sultan - Salt N'
Pepa
Mabilis na sastre o hotdog Taylor Swift
Ang Senado at Ang
Kapulungan ng Kinatawan
ng Pilipinas (Senate and
House of Representatives of
the Philippines) - 10,000
Maniacs
Parade of Nations
Does she know? - Albania
Mother, it's flooded Bahamas
Kainis, umuulan - Bahrain
I-jug ang mga babae Bangladesh
Faster! Faster! - Belize
Amo ko - Bosnia
Walang tinta ang bolpen
mo - Denmark
Dirty underground military
leader - Dominica
Andami nila - Germany
Pampadulas - Greece
Simple lang pero - Iraq
Hindi sya peke - Israel
Kapag ayaw mo na
manganak - Italy
Ang bentilador - Japan
Not mine - Kenya
War, war stupid - Lebanon
Mahal kita - Libya
Nanay andyan na yung amo
natin - Macedonia
Lagyan ng Dora ang
sasakyan kasi - Madagascar
Andumi talaga ng utak mo Malaysia
I'll go ahead, ha? - Monaco
Bad trip naman, socy style Oman
Batu-bato sa langit Panama
Oras ng traffic sa EDSA Russia
Hindi dine-in - Togo
Kaya ka nalalasing e Tonga
Oh beautiful - Uganda
Pag nasaktan ang Bisaya Uruguay
Sagot ng amboy - Yemen
Celebrities
Baka manalo ka ng libreng
surgery - Oprah Winfrey
Nilinis ko yung magarang
business district dun sa may
Libis - Clint Eastwood
It's so easy, so hurry! Angelina Jolie
Wag po, please - Yoko Ono
The jump of that stupid
black cat - Sylvester Stallone
Sulat ng anak mong lalaki Liam Neeson
The First Family
Is he a bull, mother? Barack Obama
Is there ice, mother? Michelle Obama
Is it far, mother? - Malia
Obama
Should I get off at Shaw
Boulevard, mother? - Sasha
Obama
Cocktails
Because of us - Kamikaze
The reason you were
replaced - Cosmopolitan
I-jug natin si manong Screwdriver
Paanong gagamitin ito kung naglalagablab?
assistant ko. Ang bobo.
Tingnan mo ha. Rodolfo,
halika dito may uutos ako sa
iyo!
Rodolfo: Ano yun, Sir?
Juan: Ito ang piso, ibili mo
ako ng apat na case ng beer.
Rodolfo: Opo,Sir.
Juan: Kita mo, Pare? Ang
bobo ano? Bibili ng apat na
case ng beer, eh piso lang ang
dala.
Pedro: Mas bobo yung
assistant ko tingnan mo ha.
Pising, halika may uutos ako
sa iyo!
Pising: Ano po ‘yun, Boss?
Pedro: Punta ka sa office ko,
Mas bobo
Juan: Pare, grabe yung
tingnan mo kung nandoon
ako.
Pising: Opo, Boss. Right
away!
Pedro: Kitam?
Sa labas, nagkasalubong si
Rodolfo at Pising.
Rodolfo: Pising, grabe amo
Coninued on Page 36
Pinakabago, pinakamura, at...
HULUGAN!
Interpriter
Kinuha ng Pari si Juan para
mag interpreter.
Pari: The lord was crucified
between 2 robbers.
Juan: Ang Hesus ay ipinako
sa gitna ng 2 goma.
Pari: We need to sacrifice.
Juan: Kailangan natin ng 2
sakong bigas.
Pari: If we do not repent...
Juan: Kapag hindi natin
pininturahan muli...
Pari: The wrath of God will
come upon you.
Juan:Ang mga daga nang
diyos ay pupunta sa iyo.
Pari: Well, well, well.
Juan: Balon, balon, balon.
39
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LCD TV
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Laptops
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3 N9005
Delikado ito para sa mga babae.
Fortress Hill
MTR Exit B
Star
Seafood
Restaurant
Hei Wo St.
Tin Cho
ng
St .
Mannings
New Trend
Plaza
Cheung Hong St.
Tel: 2571 8380
King’s Road
Fortress Hill
Road
Shop No. 4, G/F Empire
Apartment, 293-299 King’s
Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Power St.
COME VISIT US:
Watson’s
MOBILE
EXPRESS
AGL
293-299
King’s Road
HSBC
We are open at 10am to 8pm even on Sundays and Public Holidays
40
The SUN January 2015
Ni Ate Johna
DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/
36/48/60/72/84/96
Huwag mahihiyang humingi
ng tulong sa mga malalapit na
kaibigan sa oras ng kagipitan.
Maayos ang takbo ng mga
pangyayari sa trabaho pero
huwag maging pabaya upang
hindi
masalisihan.
Makakaroon ng malalim na
iringan sa isang kamag-anak
dahil sa pera. Maaring
masaktan dahil sa labis na
pagtitwala
pero
may
magandang
bagay
na
mangyayari pagkatapos ng
unos.
kaibigan dahil palagi mo
silang pinupuna. May
tsansang makilala ang taong
mapupusuan
sa
isang
patitipon na dadaluhan sa
linggong ito. Ingatan ang
kalusugan at maglaan ng
sapat sa oras para sa pahinga
at pagtulog.
TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/
38/50/62/74/86 at 98
Mararating ang tuktok ng
tagumpay sa trabaho kaya
maaring makamit na rin ang
inaasam na promosyon.
Magulo ang relasyon ng magasawa. Kailangang magtipid
ng husto kaya iwasan ang mga
gastos na walang katuturan.
.
DRAGON Isinilang noong
1928/40/52/64/76/88
Maraming tao ang kontra sa
Malakas ang puwersang nag- iyong mga plano pero huwag
uudyok para makamit ang hahayaang maging hadlang
inaasam-asam sa buhay. ito sa magandang nasimulan.
Magaan ang pasok ng pera at Makakamit ang tagumpay at
matindi din ang nais na tatanggap ng maraming
gumastos pero huwag maging papuri. Asahan ang pagdating
palalo dahil may darating na ng tulong sa oras ng
malaking problema sa pera. pangangailangan. Matatag pa
May problema sa pag-ibig rin ang relasyon ninyong
pero huwag mag-alala dahil magkasintahan
kahit
maaayos din ang lahat. Tuloy- magkalayo dahil sa na rin sa
tuloy ang pag-asenso kaya namamagitang tiwala sa isa’t
hindi
nakakapagtakang isa.
dadami ang taong maiinggit
sa iyo.
AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/
41/53/65/77/89
BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/
37/49/61/73/85/97
KUNEHO Isinilang noong
1927/39/51/63/75/87
Mahihirapang mag-ipon ng
ng pera dahil sa dami ng
obligasyon pero walang
imposible kung may tamang
disiplina. Kapansin-pansin
ang pag-iwas ng mga
Minsan pa ay mapapatunayan
ang katapatan ng mga
kaibigan. Pag-aralan ng husto
ang problema para hindi
mapasubo sa paggawa ng
importanteng
desisyon.
May
pagbabagong
magaganap dahil maganda
ang takbo ng negosyo.
Kailangang maglaan ng
panahon ang mga mag-asawa
para planuhin ng husto ang
kinabukasan.
Huwag
magpadalos-dalos sa paggawa
ng desisyon lalo na sa mga
importanteng bagay upang
hindi magsisi sa bandang huli.
Matinding sakit ng ulo ang
mararanasan
kaya
makakabuting iwasan muna
ang matataong lugar.
KABAYO. Isinilang noong
1930/42/54/66/78/90
para makaraos. Magbigay ng
bukal sa loob at huwag umasa
na may matatanggap na
kapalit.
UNGGOY. Isinilang noong
1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Kung gagawa ng desisyon na
base sa sentido kumon ay
siguradong
hindi
mapapahamak.
Laging
masaya ang disposisyon sa
kabila ng mga problemang
nararanasan. Sa mga magasawa, mas mabuting punan
ng
pang-unawa
ang
nakikitang pagkukulang kaysa
ang mali ng bawat isa ang
nakikita. Huwag pabayaan ang
responsibilidad sa mga anak.
Mas lalawak pa ang iyong
koneksyon kaya asahan ang
pagdating ng magagandang
oportunidad lalo na sa trabaho.
Mahirap gumawa ng tamang
desisyon kung puso ang
pinapairal kaya kailangang
pag-isipan din ng maigi ang
anumang hakbang. May iiral
na tensyon sa pagitan ng
magkakaibigan at maaring
magsanhi ito ng hindi
pagkakaunawaan.
TANDANG. Isinilang noong
1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
KAMBING. Isinilang noong
1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91
Mas mabuting tuluyan nang
ibaon sa limot ang naudlot na
pag-ibig para hindi na muling
masawi. Huwag makialam sa
away ng kasamahan sa
trabaho lalo na kung hindi
naman hinihingi ang iyong
opinyon.
Malaki
ang
pangangailangan sa pera pero
hindi solusyon ang umutang
Apektado ang pisikal na
kalusugan dahil sa problema
ng pamilya. Maglaan ng sapat
na panahon upang lutasin ang
lahat
ng
bagay
na
bumabagabag sa iyong isipan.
Maganda ang takbo ng buhay
pag-ibig dahil sa pagdating ng
masayang balita. Doblehin
ang pag-iingat upang hindi
maloko ng mga taong
nakapaligid sa iyo. .
ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/
34/46/58/70/82/94
Magkakaroon ng malaking
problema lalo na kung hindi
tatalikuran
ang
mga
nakasanayang gawi. Maging
alerto sa lahat ng pagkakataon
dahil sa bawat tagumpay na
natatamo ay nadadagdagan
ang iyong mga kaaway.
Walang
problema
sa
kalusugan pero huwag
magpabaya para manatiling
masigla ang isip at katawan.
Matiwasay ang sitwasyon sa
loob ng tahanan.
BABOY. Isinilang noong
1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Kayang-kaya
mong
makibagay kaya hindi
mahihirapang ilagay ang
sarili sa sitwasyon ng ibang
tao. Babalik na ang lakas
pagkatapos
ng
hindi
maipaliwanag na pananamlay
kaya kailangan ibaon na rin sa
limot ang masamang alaala.
Huwag magpadala sa silakbo
ng damdamin. May malaking
problema sa bahay kaya
kailangang tibayan ng husto
ang loob dahil sa iyo
humuhugot ng lakas ang
buong pamilya.
The SUN January 2015
41