Editor's Note |
20 years of service to the community
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Time flies.
Exactly 20 years ago this month, The SUN shone for the Filipinos in Hong Kong. It was
the fulfillment of a dream that took shape years earlier, or shortly after I arrived here in 1987 and
realized there was no reliable information channel serving the community.
But turning that dream into reality proved to be difficult. Several people offered to fund
the publication of a news-paper, but everyone wanted a business model different from what we had
in mind.
Details...
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Anak Araw |
Pagpapabaya
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Nitong nakaraang buwan ay naging saksi tayo sa nangyari kay Manang Gloria Ortinez,
ang OFW na biktima ng tanim-bala sa Manila airport. Halos buong araw kasi ay naglagi siya sa
opisina ng The SUN, kasama ang mga naghatid sa kanya na sina Susan "Toots" Ople na tagataguyod ng
mga OFW, at ang abogado niyang si Atty Spocky Farolan, kaya nasaksihan namin siya nang malapitan.
Details...
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Migrant's Forum |
Nanay Gloria's journey to HK
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III recently told the media that cases of tanim-bala
were sensationalized, citing figures to prove his point. As an OFW advocate, I respectfully
disagree. Looking at this from a purely numbers perspective could lead one to overlook the deep trauma
that such incidents have caused its innocent victims.
Had he met and spoken to 56-year old OFW Gloria Ortinez, our President would have
learned the following:
Details...
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Know Your Rights |
The Mission
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This was the speech delivered by the Mission for Migrant Workers' general manager,
Cynthia Tellez, at the launch of the 10-year Impact Evaluation Report of the Mission's work held on
December 5, 2015 at the Li Hall of St. John's Cathedral.
Details...
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With at least one -- and possibly two disqualification cases in the presidential race --
the Supreme Court has assured the nation politics will not dictate its decisions.
See this month's stories...
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Staff and volunteers at the Mission for Migrant Workers had reason to celebrate when
they launched the non-government organization's 10-year Impact Evaluation Report at Li Hall of St
John's Cathedral on Dec. 4. Nearly all, or 97% of migrants who sought assistance said that they were
helped by the Mission, and more than half of them (57%) said they would recommend the NGO to others.
See this month's stories...
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Mid-December 2015
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Community News
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Staff and volunteers at the Mission for Migrant Workers had reason to celebrate when
they launched the non-government organization's 10-year Impact Evaluation Report at Li Hall of St
John's Cathedral on Dec. 4. Nearly all, or 97% of migrants who sought assistance said that they were
helped by the Mission, and more than half of them (57%) said they would recommend the NGO to others.
The result was an overwhelming endorsement of the Mission, which has been providing
assistance to migrant workers in Hong Kong for more than 30 years.
In her speech at the launch attended by around 100 guests, the Mission's general
manager Cynthia Tellez said the landmark evaluation process was conducted with help from Antonio
Tujan, Jr. of the Institute for Social Concerns and the IBON International in the Philippines.
She said the exercise allowed them to look at their strengths and weaknesses through an
analysis of how their services have impacted migrants.
"The evaluation exercise we did this year was a humbling experience, a learning activity and
a process that brought more vigor to the MFMW to continue with our two-fold mission of
bringing timely, responsive and quality service to migrants in distress while pursuing the rights-based
empowerment of the community for a better, more harmonious and inclusive Hong Kong," said Tellez.
Among the guests at the event were Philippine Consul General Bernardita Catalla, members
of the Mission's Board of Directors and its supporters and partners over the years.
Among the services provided by the Mission, the most widely availed of is its labour
and employment assistance program. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of clients who sought
help under this program averaged around 4,400, which represented a four-fold increase from the
1,000 recorded before 2012.
Most of Mission's clients, or 71%, paid placement fees which in most cases, were far
higher than what is allowed by law.
As a result, the Mission has helped in the recovery of $2.5 million on average of
illegally collected or overcharged agency fees.
Another service that has given the Mission a high profile is its know your rights
seminars, where a total of 1,700 participants were recorded in 2013.
In 2011, with support from the Love Ideas, Love HK program of the Li Ka Shing Foundation,
it pioneered the highly successful Give Care to Our Caregivers project, which provides
day-long pampering to migrant workers.
Six GCC events were held that year, which catered to around 15,000 clients. The number
of beneficiaries peaked to 24,000 in 2013.
PAHK elects new officers
Edith Gomez of PLDT has been elected as the new chairman of the Philippine Association
of Hong Kong during the initial meeting of the 2016 Board of Directors held on Dec. 7.
The other officers are: Eric Quizon (ABS-CBN), vice-chairman; Michael Vincent
(Metro Broadcast), secretary; Emilie Veringa (Wimler), assistant secretary; Edna Hui (PNB),
treasurer; Stephen Go (BPI), assistant treasurer; Fred Valencia (Metrobank), auditor; Leah Nicolas
(PAL), internal PRO; Kissa McDermott (Home Journal), external PRO. The committee heads are
Rex Aguado (freelance journalist) and Jun Paragas (Metro Broadcast), events; Tom Magno (PAL)
and Joanna Uson (PLDT), membership; Yanyan Boyce (Peya Travel), business development; and
Arnold Grospe (Peya Travel), sports.
The officers are expected to take their oath early next year.
Earlier, the members of the board were chosen in an uncontested election during PAHK's
annual general meeting held on Dec. 2 at Mano Restaurant in Central.
At the AGM, outgoing chairman Gilbert Legaspi reported on the activities conducted by
PAHK during the past year, including its earnings from several events, including the annual
Philippine Independence Day Ball. Out of the money earned, the PAHK donated to several charities,
including Bayanihan Trust, $60,000; Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge, $40,000; and Wimler, $15,000.
PAHK also provided scholarship grants to the children of eight overseas Filipino workers
in Hong Kong, seven of whom are in their last year in college. They are: Maryknoll Abellera,
daughter of Imelda Abellera; Jon Bon Lacaten, son of Ruena Corpuz; Maria Ysabel Landong, daughter
of Yvonne de Guzman; Samantha Esteban, daughter of Marilou Esteban; Jan Ryan Pacalda, son
of Merylin Pacalda; Mary Rose Ramos, daughter of Medina Ramos; Marisol Rivera, daughter
of Soledad Rivera; and Joseph Tanael, son of Jesus Tanael. Everyone is expected to graduate in April
or June next year, except for Mary Rose Ramos, who is finishing at the end of this month.
Double Christmas cheer for Musang, Imaso members
A joint Christmas party attended by around 100 people was held by Musang Martial Arts
Society and the International Marshal Society (Imaso) at Empire Hotel in Wanchai on Dec. 13.
The two groups which are both led by Joseph Bautista, had guests from various martial
arts, business and professional groups.
Guest speaker was Deputy Consul General Christian de Jesus who said he shared the
group's wish that the next president of the Philippines will have the interest of the overseas Filipino workers.
"Ipanalangin natin na magkaroon tayo ng pangulo na pinili ng ating mga OFW," he said in
his speech.
The celebration was capped with a toast to The SUN's 20th anniversary and to its publisher
Leo A. Deocadiz and editor Daisy CL Mandap, who were among the guests at the event.
Giving love on Christmas
This year, instead of spending money on a lavish party, the Radiant Organization of
Amiable Drivers (Road) Hong Kong chose to celebrate Christmas in a different way.
Armed with their song sheets, red hats and some carefully wrapped gifts, Road members
who all work as family drivers in Hong Kong, took to Chater Road to sing Christmas carols and
distribute goodie bags to fellow Filipinas.
Their merriment and gesture of goodwill was so contagious a few Chinese and expat
residents along with their children, joined in the fun. It was truly a memorable Christmas for the members
who managed to prove to themselves that truly, sharing is caring, especially on this holiest of seasons.
Guardians' group donates to Bethune
By Ramon Dizon Jr.
Newly founded Hong Kong Legendary Chapter of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Inc. undertook its first charity work on Nov 29, picking Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge as
its first beneficiary.
"Today, we are going to conduct a 'sagip' program for (the shelter) on Jordan Road. We
heard that they (need help regarding) the daily basic needs of OFWs who have been unfortunate in
their employment," the group said in a statement.
Chapter president Susan Diaz visited Bethune House to deliver grocery items, inquire about
the residents' conditions and find out how her group can help further.
Shelter coordinator Esther Bangcawayan spent almost two hours sharing with them the plight
of the migrants, who are mostly Indonesians.
"Some are seeking help and justice against abusive employers, which is only one of the
many reasons why they are in the shelter," said the chapter statement.
Diaz, a former OFW who is now a Hong Kong resident, is looking to seek help from her
local friends to meet the legal needs of migrant workers. She said most of the funds the group used to
buy the grocery items were collected from her friends and customers at the restaurant where she works.
She said her group has only 26 members, and they were all part of a group they had
previously set up, and became inactive seven years ago.
Prospective members need to attend the group's activities for two months and pass an
examination about their by-laws to be officially accepted.
The group promised to do more charity work especially for Bethune House, in addition
to supporting its member in times of financial emergencies.
"But not very soon, we just reorganized last March," said Diaz.
UPAA-HK has new officers
For the 11th straight year, the University of the Philippines has chosen its new officers at a
party held to also gather members for a Christmas celebration. The party and election was held on Dec.
10 at Osteria Felice in Central.
Elected uncontested as officers for the coming year were: Euvi Regis, president; Rey Asis,
vice president; Bea Siasico, secretary; Dave Centeno, treasurer; and Cyndi Ang, press relations
officer. They will take their oath of office early next year.
The gathering was also highlighted by a report from outgoing president Jeko Abila and
an awarding of token gifts to people who extended help to the alumni group over the past year.
Ayala house winners
Bellavita, an Ayalaland company, thru Ayalaland Hongkong's Country Manager Tesha
Bancod, handed over the certificates of the 2 Gemelli house and lots from its Alaminos, Laguna project to
2 lucky winners during Smart Pinoy's 11th anniversary celebration on Dec 6 near piers 9 and 10
in Central.
Joining Bancod were the Smart Pinoy HK Team and special guests/artists Eric
Quizon, Vandolph, Epy Quizon, Jake Cuenca, Arci Munoz and Long Mejia.
The first winner to receive her certificate of ownership was Lou Anne Anosa, while the
second winner was Wendyline Casibang. Both were ecstatic when their names were called during the
lucky draw.
Bellavita is a brand of Ayalaland group of companies whose affordable and socialized
housing programs are located in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva
Ecija and Cagayan de Oro. For more information about Bellavita homes, visit Ayalaland Hong Kong's
office at Shop 331, 3/F Worldwide Plaza in Central, or call 2810-1190.
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