HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Page 2

The No.1 Foreign Newspaper Vol.XVII No.360 January 1, 2017 A 75-year-old Pinay is arrested for trying FDH New Year’s Wish: to withdraw nearly $400M using fake bank documents. ‘11 hours of Page 18 continuous rest’ HAPPY NEW YEAR! Revelers pose and Let us look back at take photos at the the unforgettable giant statue of a moments of 2016 snowman set up at the 1881 Heritage that made it historic shopping centre in not just for Filipinos Tsim Sha Tsui. here in HK but also around the world. Page 28

Heartthrob Alden Richards is By Philip C. Tubeza uninterrupted rest.” us 11 hours of uninterrupted rest,” Vil- ployers,” he added. Eman Villanueva, chair of Bayan Hong lanueva said in an interview. The signatories to the petition included overwhelmed by the MARKING International Migrants Day, Kong and Macau, said they turned over “So, instead of defining our working migrant workers from the Philippines, In- the warm welcome foreign domestic workers submitted a pe- the petition to the office of Hong Kong hours, we are asking that the government donesia, Thailand, and Nepal. tition, with more than 28,000 signatures, Chief Executive C.Y. Leung during the should just ensure that we have several They joined the rally after marching given to him by Hong to the government asking for standardized rally in Admiralty on December 18. hours of uninterrupted rest. This is more Turn to page 15 Kong OFWs. working hours, particularly “11 hours of “We are asking the government to give workable because we live with our em-

PUBLISHED BY HK PUBLICATIONS LTD. TEL: 2851 1766 2 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK P2K SSS pension hike this year Tourist

By Maia Lopez toring of employers’ SSS compliance. The social Security System is also arrested for THE Social Security System (SSS) ex- considering possible joint ventures with pects Congress to give its approval that developers to maximize gains from SSS would pave the way for the release of the assets. trying to P2,000 increase this year. Valddez said these assets include its Social Security Commission (SSC) five-hectare property in Quezon City at Chair Amado D. Valdez said that the re- the corner of EDSA and East Avenue, part withdraw lease of the initial P1,000 this month re- of which can be converted to a high-rise quired congresisonal arrpoval, adding that building for residential and commercial $388M pensions are disbursed to banks a month use. By Philip C. Tubeza prior to their scheduled release. Valdez also said that the East Avenue Valdez said that a Commission Resolu- development will include a high-rise park- A 75-year-old Filipina was arrest- tion shall then be sent to Malacañang, for ing to help ease vehicular in the Efipanio ed by the police after she tried to the formal approval of President Rodrigo delos santos Avenue (Edsa). withdraw illegally US$50 million R. Duterte, before SSS can implement the He said that SSS continues to work SSS members (around HK$388 million) from pension hike. closely with legislators, whom he cred- Hang Seng Bank. “SSS is also guided by the Department he added. life to only until 2025. ited for acknowledging the rationale be- The tourist, with initials M. I. G., of Finance in ensuring that the implemen- The SSS chair said that Finance Secre- “Based on our actuarial valuation of the hind balancing the need to grant higher was charged with using a false in- tation of the proposed pension increase tary Carlos G. Dominguez III was keen on proposed implementation of the initial pensions with preserving the long-term strument at the Eastern Magistrates will not drive the fund to the brink of ensuring that SSS funds would last at least P1,000 hike, SSS funds are projected to viability of SSS funds for the benefit of Courts in Sai Wan Ho after she alleg- bankruptcy,” Valdez said. until 2039. last until 2032,” Valdez said. currently-paying members who are future edly used forged documents to try to “We are wary of possible criticisms for SSS funds are currently projected to last “However, we are optimistic in adding SSS pensioners. withdraw the large amount of money our support for the pension increase, and until 2042, but granting the entire P2,000 more years to our fund life, making it last “The legislators have heeded the voice from the bank. we don’t want to be seen as irresponsible,” pension increase in 2017 will shorten fund until 2050 by 2022 should SSS succeed of the people who have been clamoring The Filipina on December 22 in the innovations it plans to undertake to for the increase in SSS pensions,” Valdez asked that she be allowed to post shore up its revenues,” he added. said. bail, adding that she was willing to Among the early measures targeted by The same sentiment is shared by Pres- post a $100,000 bail and a surety of the new SSS management to strengthen ident Duterte, who understands that the $50,000. revenue intake include investing in infra- current SSS pension amounts are inad- However, Magistrate Jason Wan structure. equate to meet the financial needs of the denied her bail petition due to the These include investments in toll road country’s retirees,” he added. seriousness of the charge against her. and railway projects and securing up to SSS has been consistent in providing M.I.G.’s lawyer said the Filipina 25 percent of ownership in utility corpo- better benefits to its members and- pen was maintaining her right to appear rations. sioners while ensuring the sustainability in court again after eight days, on The agency has also tightened its moni- of the fund. December 30, to file another bail petition. However, Judge Wan noted that he would again be the presiding judge on December 30 at the Eastern courts but nevertheless set the next hearing in the case on that day. Meanwhile, the Filipina was re- manded in police custody and so she was set to spend Christmas behind prison. She had reportedly been hospital- ized after having a heart attack while in Hong Kong.

Eastern Magistracy HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 3 4 January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 5 6 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK 2 Pinays almost get away with $1M

By Philip C. Tubeza The two Filipino women admitted to Banking Corp. (HSBC). defrauding a 67-year-old Australian busi- Cabe was supposed to be the legal heir A District Court judge sent two Filipinas nessman of HK$940,000 from 2014 to to a fortune worth $25 million that was de- to prison after they defrauded an elderly 2015. posited in the bank. Australian businessman of nearly HK$1 “Not a single centavo was recovered “(She) produced documents to substan- million. and the defendant is not in a position to tiate the false claims,” Judge Lam said. Judge Josiah Lam on December 19 sen- pay (the victim),” the judge said. The businessman then told the Australi- tenced Lyrma T. Cabe and her accomplice, The defendants arrived in Hong Kong in an that he was “funding” Cabe because she Olivia A. Ramo, to two years and three November 2012 as tourists but then they “required money to process the claim.” months in prison for after they pleaded overstayed in the territory. But in May 2014, the Filipino business- guilty to fraud and overstaying. Judge Lam said a Filipino businessman man informed the victim that he was hav- “The fraud perpetrated was not sophis- introduced the defendants to the victim. ing some financial difficulties and so the ticated. Nevertheless, it was carried out The businessman told the victim that the victim decided to finance the women to by them with some planning and persis- women were processing an inheritance follow up the supposed inheritance. tence,” said Judge Lam. claim with the Hong Kong and Shanghai “(The victim) believed the inher- itance money story and started financing FDHs rest at the HSBC headquarters in Central (Cabe),” Judge Lam said. From May 2014 to October 2015, fallen victim to a scam and reported the support her family. the Australian gave HK$862,370 and case to the police, who arrested the de- Ramo, 40, is separated from her hus- US$11,000 to the defendants. They al- fendants on Nov. 5, 2015. band and has four children, aged 12 to 16. legedly promised him HK$4 million, and Cabe, 45, was reportedly a former Bu- She claimed that that she did not know increased it later to $6 million, if they get reau of Immigration employee in Manila. about the scam until two weeks after ar- the “$25 million inheritance” from HSBC. She claimed that perpetrated the scam riving in Hong Kong. The judge did not The Australian later realized that he had because she was “pressed for money” to believe her. ‘Expedite case vs repeat offender’ By Philip C. Tubeza cause Delos Reyes was already in jail for had more than a week to do so.” more than a week but there was still no Judge To also asked the prosecutor why A judge in Sai Wan ho has ordered prose- formal charge against him. Delos Reyes remained in custody, and not cutors to expedite the case against a Filipi- The Filipino was arrested on December released on bail, since there were still no no who again got involved in a theft case. 8 after he was allegedly caught on the spot formal charges against him. Eastern Courts Presiding Magistrate stealing from a store. The prosecutor explained that the Fil- Joseph To Ho-shing on December 16 or- But on December 16, or a week later, the ipino was a repeat offender” and that he dered government lawyers to expedite the police had yet to finish the investigation could not provide a permanent address case against defendant R. Delos Reyes, and a prosecutor asked the court to post- here in Hong Kong. She also said that who was accused of shop theft. pone taking his plea. Delos Reyes did not apply for bail. “I’m a little concerned about the case, “The police still have to analyze the Judge To adjourned the case to Decem- given the defendant will have to be put in CCTV footage and check the number of ber 23 but reminded the prosecution to custody,” Judge To said. stolen items,” the government lawyer said. be ready with the formal charges so that- The magistrate raised his concern be- The judge responded: “They already Delos Reyes could give his plea. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 7 8 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK MTR line to Ocean Park opens

THE MTR network was set to open its South Horizons Station to Admiralty Sta- Line, the four new stations in the Southern newest line on December 28 which will tion will only take about 4 minutes and 11 District, namely Ocean Park, Wong Chuk extend the rail network to Hong Kong Is- minutes respectively, allowing residents Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons sta- land’s Southern District. with the opening and visitors to save a considerable amount tions, as well as the extended part of Ad- of the South Island Line. of travelling time. miralty Station was opened to the public Upon the commissioning of the South “The Southern District has always relied from 10 am to 2 pm on December 24. Island line, the convenience of railway on road traffic to connect with other parts The MTR Corporation is regarded as service will reach all 18 districts in Hong of Hong Kong, and traffic congestion has one of the world’s leading railway opera- Kong. been an issue affecting residents. When the tors for safety, reliability, customer service The South Island Line is a 7-kilometre new line opens, commuters will have the and cost efficiency. medium capacity rail line connecting option of travelling on the MTR network In its home base of Hong Kong, the Cor- South Horizons Station and Admiral- with reduced journey times and seamless poration operates nine commuter railway ty Station with intermediate stations at connections with other MTR lines,” said lines, a Light Rail network and a high- Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang and Lei Frederick Ma, MTR Corporation chair. speed Airport Express link on which more Tung. “I would like to take this opportunity to than 5.5 million passenger trips are made The new line is expected to serve the thank the local communities for their pa- on a normal week day. 350,000 people living and working in tience and support during the construction Another 5 million passenger trips are those areas. Construction works for the phase. In addition to providing a conven- made on the rail services it operates out- project commenced in 2011. ient mode of transport, the provision of Ocean Park side Hong Kong in the Mainland of China, An official ceremony was held at Ocean a number of pedestrian facilities which the United Kingdom, Sweden and Austral- Park Station on December 19 to celebrate were constructed as Government entrust- the unpaid areas of the stations,” he added. by eye-catching directional signs in light ia. the completion of the project with HK ed works will enhance connectivity in the The extended Admiralty Station will green colour. In addition, the Corporation is involved Chief Executive C Y Leung as guest of vicinity of the stations to the benefit of the be the interchange station for the South Meanwhile, passengers travelling from in a range of railway construction projects honor. local community,” he said. Island Line and the existing Tsuen Wan the Southern District only need to follow as well as railway consultancy and con- The South Island Line will connect the “The convenient station access will al- Line and Island Line, as well as the future the red and blue directional signs to inter- tracting services around the world. Lever- Southern District to the existing MTR net- low members of the public to get around Shatin to Central Link. change with the Tsuen Wan Line and Is- aging on its railway expertise, the Corpo- work at Admiralty Station. the neighbourhood areas more easily by Passengers may conveniently reach land Line respectively. ration is involved in the development Train rides from Ocean Park Station and making use of the lifts and walkways in the South Island Line platforms guided Prior to the opening of the South Island Basta driver, sweet lover? (Narito ang sulat ng isang Pinay sa Canada na iniwan ng asawa para bali- kan ang kabit dito sa Hong Kong) Sumulat po ako para humingi ng tulo- ng na maiparating sa mga kababaihan at kalalakihan na nagtatrabaho sa HK. Kasalukuyan akong nasa Canada as permanent resident. Nagcross country from Hong Kong. Nagtrabaho din ang aking asawa sa HK as driver since 2012 hanggang nakuha ko siya nitong 2016. Nag-antay ako ng limang taon bago ko sila nakuha ng anak ko. Nagkaroon ng ibat-ibang babae ang aking asawa habang nag tatrabaho siya diyan. Tinanggap ko ang lahat mabuo lang ang pamilya namin. Ang masakit, pag- dating niya dito at makuha niya ang PR card niya tuwing may tampuhan kami, ang panakot niya uuwi siya. Hanggang isang araw nagpabook na lang (siya) ng ticket. Umuwi siya nitong November 2. Iniwan kaming mag-ina dito sa Canada. Nalaman ko na lang na babalikan niya ang kabit niya diyan. Masakit para sa anak ko na naghintay na mabuo kami pero sisirain lang pala ng isang babae na ewan ko kung tawag lang ba ng laman o tunay na nagmahal. Gusto ko po sanang kasuhan ang asa- wa ko at ang kanyang kabit diyan sa Hong Kong pero hindi ko alam kung paano, at maaaring dalhin niya dito ang kanyang kabit. Sana magkaroon ng parusa para sa mga taong kagaya nila na home wrecker at sa mga lalaki na babaero. Kawawa ang mga pamilya na nag-aantay sa ka- nila at mas kawawa ang mga anak na umaasa at malaki ang nagiging epekto sa kanila. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 9 10 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK OFWs want OEC abolished totally FDH By Philip C. Tubeza pleyado ng konsulado,” he said. “Kaya kung tutuusin, kahit kanino hindi denies SAYING it was “nuisance” even for the ito paborable maliban siguro sa POEA na consulate staff, members of a migrants’ siyang tumatanggap ng bayad at kolek- rights group picketed the Philippine Con- syon dito sa OEC,” he added. stealing sulate General on December 18 and called Villanueva said that they are calling for for the abolition of the overseas employ- the OEC’s total abolition and not just for ment certificate (OEC). exemptions. bracelet Eman Villanueva, a leader of the Unit- He said the BM Online has not resolved By Cheryl M. Arcibal ed Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-Mi- the problem because OFWs are still made grante), said the OEC was no longer to pay $20 when they register. A Filipino domestic helper has been needed since Filipino domestic workers “May verification na nga, may authenti- charged with stealing a gold bracelet had “so many verified and authenticated cation pa. Ano ba ang pinakita ng experi- from her employer in North Point. documents” proving their legitimate em- ence sa BM Online? Ganun pa rin---pila at Lailane R. B. pleaded not guilty ployment. may bayad pa rin,” he added. to the charge of theft at the Eastern “Sa aming pagtingin, napakaraming Villanueva said the problem with the Magistracy on December 21. Her Chinese employer testified in pamamaraan para mapatunayan ang pa- UNIFIL members protest outside the consulate on Dec. 18 OEC was not limited only to OFWs in giging OFW. Nandiyan ang kontrata at Hong Kong. court that on October 3, she noticed that two of her tea cups were missing. ang Hong Kong ID. Lahat ng kontrata continue despite the implementation of the “Malinaw na pumipila ang libo-libo “Hindi lang yan dito sa Hong Kong pero When she asked Lailane about the tea ay dumaan sa pagproproseso ng Philip- BM Online system. nating mga kababayan. Pati yung mga tau- para sa ibang ring bansa kasi hindi na sila cups, the latter said she did not know. pine consulate,” Villanueva said during “Nakakaawa ang ating mga kababayan han ng consulate na may ginagawang (iba iniisyuhan ng OEC sa mga embassy at This then prompted the employer to the picket. na minsan na lang magbabakasyon sa loob sana) to assist ang ating mga kababayan, consulate doon,” Villanueva said. search the defendant’s room. “Dumaan din sa POEA (Philippine ng isa o dalawang taon e pahihirapan pa hindi na rin nila nagagampanan yun kasi “Talagang automatic idederect sila sa Then she saw a bag hanging from Overseas Employment Administration) bago makauwi,” Villanueva said. nilagay sa counter ng OEC,” Villanueva regional offices or main office ng POEA. the door knob of the room. When kaya hindi namin maintindihan bakit ip- Villanueva said even consulate staff said. Anong mangyayari niyan?,” he said. she inspected it she found an item inagpipilitan pa rin ng POEA na wag alisin who should be doing jobs in other sections “So, hindi lamang po ito perwisyo sa “Yung kanilang maiksing bakasyon, resembling that of a cup, but it was a itong OEC,” he added. of the consulate are assigned to handle the ating mga kababayan na dagdag itong mababawasan para lang kumuha ng “greenish blue cup”, and not the tea Villanueva said the long lines for OEC OEC counters. singilin, perwisyo rin ito kahit sa mga em- OEC,” he added. cups that she was looking for. Upon further inspection, inside the cup, she found a paper cup, which contained fruit seeds and some pa- per scraps. When the contents of the paper cup spilled out on the bed, the employer said she found something that should not have been there. “Suddenly, I felt so sad..I found something that I didn’t expect to find,” she said after telling the court that she found her golden bracelet hidden with the contents of the paper. The employer then called the police. Under cross-examination, howev- er, the employer, who was not work- ing, admitted that on October 1, she asked the defendant about a missing plate. The helper allegedly said that she did not know and that she would look at it. On the same day, she said she took out her golden bracelet from her safe because she would be dining at home with one of her friends. The following day, with Lailane still unable to produce the missing plate, the employer allegedly told the former to replace the plate and go to the mall “Lane Crawford” because that same plate could be bought there. On October 3, however, with Lailane replacing the plate with a similar-looking one from Wing On mall, the employer was allegedly fu- rious with her helper. The defense said the employer then accused the defendant of taking her golden bracelet. “Let’s see who the police will be- lieve,” the defense lawyer quoted the employer as allegedly saying. The lawyer also said that during a conciliation meeting between the helper and the employer, the latter never made any complaint about the missing bracelet. The employer said that “no such thing happened.” The case is adjourned to Jan. 17. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 11 12 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Overstaying FDH gets 2 years for stealing

By Cheryl M. Arcibal ulin at different pawnshops. Police were a psychologist that she remained in Hong able to recover the silver necklace, a gold Kong because the salary as a waitress here AN overstaying former domestic worker bracelet, the two rings, and two of the was more attractive. has been sentenced to two years impris- watches from two pawn shops. In December 2013, Matulin’s husband onment after pleading guilty to stealing In a video interview, Matulin told the was terminated from his job and went jewels including diamond earrings, two police that the diamond earrings, “the back to the Philippines, but she then found bracelets, a silver necklace, two rings and out that she was pregnant. She then relied three watches valued at almost $500,000. on her friends for a place to stay. In sentencing Jill Matulin, District Court “Having been told you needed a lot of Judge David John Dufton on December 16 money to pay for hospital bills for the said her guilty plea reduces to two years birth of the child you became worried. the starting point of three years of impris- Desperate for money you committed the onment for the charge of burglary. burglary and pawned the property you Matulin is also presently serving 10 stole. Clearly the desperate situation you months of imprisonment imposed in Au- find yourself in was very much brought gust at the Tsuen Wan Magistracy for of- about by your overstaying in Hong Kong,” fenses of theft and overstaying. Judge Dufton said. “The offenses are entirely separate and On August 15, 2015, Matulin gave birth distinct. The theft was committed one year District Court to a boy. She is taking care of her son after the burglary and you had already while in custody. overstayed over one year before commit- most valuable” jewelry that the defend- The defendant’s lawyer asked Judge ting the burglary. Consecutive sentences ant stole, were pawned at a pawn shop on Dufton to adopt a lower starting point in are therefore appropriate. Queen’s Road West, but they were unable sentencing Matulin, citing the offense was “You are convicted and sentenced to to find them. Instead, the police found “opportunistic” and the “desperate situa- two years imprisonment with one year and that Matulin pawned five items between tion” that the Filipino was facing. 10 months consecutive and two months March and June this year, but these items However, Judge Dufton said that while concurrent to the sentence you are now were unrelated to the burglary case. some of the property were recovered, the serving,” Judge Dufton said. Matulin’s lawyer, assigned by the Legal most valuable items - the diamond ear- Matulin was charged with burglary for Aid Department, told Judge Dufton that rings, and the Cartier watch, were not. taking the jewelry in July from the home the Filipino came to Hong Kong in 2008 “Notwithstanding the burglary may be of a friend’s employer. to work as a domestic worker, but lost her described as opportunistic the stealing of the The prosecution said that when Matulin job in April 2013. property of substantial value is an aggravat- went to see her friend and found that the At the time, Matulin’s husband was ing feature of sentence for which the start- latter was not at home, the defendant en- working in Hong Kong as a driver so she ing point may be increased. However taking tered the home through an open glass door decided to overstay to be with him. Judge into account the apparent desperate situa- and stole the jewels. Dufton, however, noted that this version tion you found yourself in I do not increase The jewels were then pawned by Mat- was different from what the defendant told the starting point,” Judge Dufton said. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 13 14 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Pinoy tourist cries after acquittal

By Cheryl M. Arcibal prosecution’s evidence against the Fil- benefit of the doubt [and therefore] he while on board the MTR in April. surnamed Wong, whose bag the defend- ipino had “material discrepancies” and is acquitted of the charge,” said Judge While Marcelo pleaded not guilty, Jol- ants allegedly attempted to pick. FILIPINO tourist Marcelo O. cried at the it failed to prove Marcelo’s guilt beyond Chainrai. ito pleaded guilty to the charge and is The witness said that his bag contained District Court when he heard that he was reasonable doubt. Marcelo O. was charged along with scheduled to be sentenced on January 9. his wallet---which had several HK$100 acquitted of pickpocketing. “I am unable to resolve these discrep- another defendant, Jolito M., also known The prosecution also said that there was a bills and-- his HKID, keys, some docu- Deputy District Court Judge Bina ancies and [while the acts of the defend- as Alvin B., also a Filipino tourist, for at- deportation order against Jolito. Marcelo, ments, and an iPad Pro. Chainrai said on December 16 that the ant] were very suspicious, I give him the tempting to pick the bag of a Chinese man meanwhile, had no previous record in the Judge Chainrai said that while the first city. prosecution witness said he saw Marcelo The prosecution alleged that, on April O. in front of him, the police officer who 25, a police officer observed seven -“for arrested the defendants said Marcelo O. eign” persons between platforms A and B was at the back of the first witness. of the Prince Edward MTR station paying The first prosecution witness also said attention to the belongings of other pas- he did not see or hear the two defendants sengers. talking to each other, while the police of- In the first day of Ortega’s trial, the ficer said he heard them talking in a lan- prosecution presented the Chinese man, guage that he could not recognize. Concert in the Park 2016 THE Philippine Consulate General, in cooperation with the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Hong Kong Musician’s Union, held the annual “Concert in the Park” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza on Dec. 4. A total of ten bands/groups composed of Filipino musicians based in Hong Kong, as well as Hong Kong musicians and band members from Australia, Brazil, China, Cuba France, Sri Lanka and the US, per- The concert in TST (DFA photo) formed for the audience. The Concert in the Park is a major annu- Prime Credit, Social Security System, Mr. al activity of the PCG under the auspices & Mrs. Rubin Benny Dollano, AFREIGHT of Philippines-Hong Kong Memorandum (Asia Pacific) Limited, Gen-Ex Cargo, of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Co- LBC Mabuhay HK Ltd., Jollibee Hong operation signed on February 14, 2003. Kong Central, BDO Remit Limited, BPI The MOU aims to foster cultural exchang- Remittance Centre (HK) Ltd., Metro Re- es especially through arts, culture and ed- mittance (Hong Kong) Limited, Philippine ucation. National Bank, RCBC Telemoney, BP Mu- The concert was supported by Barka- sang International Martial Arts Society and dahan sa Smartone, Pinoy Tayo San Man, Pinoyshots Photography Club. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 NEWS 15 11 Hours... From page 1 added. “Ang nase-sense namin ay ayaw talaga working hours for employees and workers According to the UBS’ annual “Prices He said the 11 hours of uninterrupted nilang isama ang mga migrant domestic would erode the city’s competitiveness. and Earnings” study, workers in Hong from the Southorn Playground in Wan rest for FDHs could be made “flexible” so workers...Kung sakaling i-exclude nila This fear, he said, is unfounded as oth- Kong spent 50.11 hours a week at the Chai to the Hong Kong Central Govern- that domestic workers would still be ready ang migrant domestic workers, hindi nam- er cities that set shorter working hours workplace, the longest hours out of the 71 ment Office in Admiralty. to attend to their employers when they go in inaalis ang posibilidad na mag-take din for their employees and workers have re- global cities included in the poll. Villanueva said that it was harder to home from work. ng legal action kung sakaling darating sa mained competitive. Many foreign domestic workers have push for an eight-hour working day for do- “If the employer comes home at 8 p.m., ganoong punto,” he said. Hong Kong has wrapped up its three- been complaining that they work between mestic helpers because even the working they could set the domestic worker’s un- Villanueva said the Hong Kong govern- month public consultation on standard 12 and 18 hours a day to serve their em- hours of local have not been standardized. interrupted rest to start at 9 p.m. until 8 ment had been saying that standardizing working hours in August. ployers. “That is somewhat an uphill battle be- a.m.,” Villanueva said. cause even local workers, after two to He said this work arrangement was al- three years of public consultations, they ready being implemented in countries oth- have not yet achieved that,” he said. er than Hong Kong. “Instead of legislation (standardizing Villanueva earlier said that they would working hours), they are now saying it take legal action should the Hong Kong should be included in the local workers’ government exclude them from any reg- contracts. But that means it will be the ulation that would standardize working employers who will determine that,” he hours in the territory.

The protesters marched from Wan Chai to Admiralty. ‘Prepare for colder weather’ By Peter Castillo ment and avoid prolonged outdoor expo- sure; Use heaters with care and maintain THE Department of Health (DH) has ad- adequate indoor ventilation,” it said. vised the public to take measures for the The DH said elderly people who are un- expected colder weather in Hong Kong. well should seek medical advice. The DH noted that when the weather “In addition, the public should avoid gets cold, elderly may feel unwell due alcoholic beverages, as alcohol causes to the lowering of body temperature as a blood vessels to dilate and the body would result of their weaker temperature control lose heat,” the DH said. mechanism and less subcutaneous fat. “When the weather gets cold, parents “Excessive drop in body temperature should dress babies or young children in can lead to hypothermia. Persons with appropriate clothing. It is important to chronic illnesses such as chronic respira- keep babies lightly clothed to avoid them tory illnesses or heart disease are vulner- getting too hot,” it added. able to disease aggravation due to cold The DH said parents should observe weather,” the DH said. safety measures when putting their chil- “Some senior persons may have de- dren to bed creased mobility, which in turn slows “Keep the room well ventilated and down the ability to generate and conserve with comfortable temperature; always body heat. Chronic illnesses, including place babies on their back to sleep. Babies hypertension, diabetes and endocrine dis- usually sleep well without a pillow; place orders, may undermine the health of the babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress elderly and lower their metabolic rate, to sleep. Avoid soft objects and loose bed- subsequently causing their body to gener- ding; leave their head, face and arms un- ate less heat,” it added. covered during sleep,” it said. The department said the elderly should The DH said parents should let babies take note of the weather forecast and wear sleep in a cot placed in parents’ room and warm clothing appropriately, including near their bed. hats, scarves, gloves and socks according “In addition, members of the public to the temperature. are advised to take precautions to avoid “Consume sufficient food to ensure ad- influenza and upper respiratory tract- in equate calorie intake; Perform regular ex- fections. Moreover, food-borne diseases, ercises to facilitate blood circulation and particularly those linked to hot pot cuisine, heat production; Stay in a warm environ- are also common in cold weather,” it said. 16 TRAVEL January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Nara By Philip C. Tubeza you can buy biscuits from vendors to feed them. Now feeding the deer in Nara Park “Nahold-up ako ng usa.” is considered to be one of the highlights With a smiley, I sent this message to a of a tourist’s visit to Nara. I saw some of Kasuga-taisha friend after gallivanting across the green them even bowing to other tourists just to expanse of Nara Park. get fed. Nara served as Japan’s capital for But some of them can get pushy. While around a century some 1,300 years ago feeding a deer behind a fence, I did not and so it has beautiful temples and other notice one surreptitiously walk up behind historic places. me. I was on my way to the Todaiji temple I became aware of its presence only complex, which houses the bronze Dai- after it bit my pant’s back pocket. When butsu or the Great Buddha, said to be the I did not pay it any attention, it stepped largest of its kind in the world. forward and bit my back pocket again and But before I got there, I came across again. herds of deer. I swear I heard it say, “This is a stick up, Considered by locals to be the messen- human. Now give me them biscuits.” gers of the gods, the deer are allowed to To make it stop, I stopped feeding the freely roam Nara Park. And for 100 yen, deer behind the fence and instead gave my

One of the Ni-o or giant guardian statues at the Nandai-mon.

The Todaiji main hall HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 TRAVEL 17 Nara biscuits to my assailant. They are tall and are as impressive as I noticed an elderly Japanese lady, who the Great Buddha in the temple complex’s was apparently filming me with her phone main hall. The view from camera, and her husband smile as I quickly For a great elevated view of the city, vis- Nigatsu-do sub- walked away from the four-footed bandit. it the Nigatsu-do, a sub-temple of Todaiji, temple. “What a welcome, Nara,” I said to my- which is perched on the slope of a hill to self, smiling. the east of the main temple complex. After the encounter with the bandit (and To the south of Nigatsu-do is Kasu- messaging my friend about it), I proceed- ga-taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine. ed to the Todaiji. Founded in 745, this Kasuga is famous for its lanterns which temple complex is a UNESCO World Her- were donated by believers. Don’t miss the itage Site and is the world’s largest wood- temple complex’s “dark room,” which has en building. lighted bronze lanterns. But before you get there, make a stop by This room gives a glimpse of what it is the Nandai-mon or the Great South Gate, like during the Lantern Festival in August the main temple complex’s main gate. and February, when hundreds of lanterns It is the largest temple gate in Japan and are lighted in honor of the gods. houses two giant statues of Ni-o or guard- Now if only they zapped that deer that ian deities. took my biscuits.

The Great Buddha

A deer wanders in Nara Park. 18 NEWS January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Goodbye, 2016

By Philip C. Tubeza commit suicide. “It’s so easy to get a loan here but we THE year 2016 brought historic changes must be careful and think of ourselves around the world, with the United King- because we might end up mired in debt,” dom deciding to leave the European Un- Catalla told OFWs in HK. ion, Donald Trump winning the US presi- In the Philippines, it was predicted that dency, and Rodrigo Duterte becoming the the revenue from the fast-growing busi- leader of 100 million Filipinos on a prom- ness process outsourcing (BPO) or call ise to put on an end to the drug menace in center industry would soon overtake the the Philippines. remittances of OFWs. Let us look back on the many events that also made the year memorable to Filipinos March living here in Hong Kong. NEARLY 500 Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong and their kin complained January that they had fallen victims to the Emgol- THE year started on a good note for over- dex scam. According to the victims, they ConGen Catalla President Duterte wins by a landslide in Hong Kong. seas Filipino workers (OFWs) with finan- invested up to P36,000 each on the prom- cial analysts predicting the exchange rate ise of high returns. “Long working hours topped the labor As of May 25, there were 67 Filipinos be- said overcharging remained the top com- would remain favorable for OFWs. The vote-counting machines from the problem of migrants in 2015 at 83 per- ing treated in the city’s hospitals. plaint against employment agencies that Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strate- Commission on Elections also began ar- cent…Two out of five domestic workers In France, actress Jaclyn Jose won the supply Hong Kong with foreign domestic gist of BDO Unibank, said in our January riving as the Filipino community prepared reported working for more than 16 hours Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film workers. 1st issue that the US dollar to Philippine for the start of the overseas absentee vot- each while three out of five work for 11 Festival for her performance in the film The spokesman said there were 120 peso exchange rate would hover between ing for the 2016 presidential elections. hours to 16 hours daily,” the study said. “Ma Rosa.” It was the first time that a complaints filed in 2013 against agencies P46.5 and P48.5. Also arriving in the city was Labor At- The Filipino community also lost Sol Filipina won the best actress award at the for overcharging FDHs, 114 in 2014, and This prediction became reality espe- taché Jalilo Dela Torre. He replaced Lab- Pillas, Migrante International secretary prestigious film festival. 102 in 2015. cially after President Duterte assumed the att Nenita Garcia, who had gone on sick general, and a former domestic worker Meanwhile, Filipinos in Hong Kong Presidency and the US dollar strength- leave. and community leader who served here in July hailed the decision of the Permanent Court ened. As of Dec. 19, the exchange rate Hong Kong. LABOR Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre sus- of Arbitration that China had no legal ba- stood at P49.97 to a dollar. April pended Emry’s employment agency for sis to claim “historic rights” over islands At the Immigration Department, nearly ELECTION fever started to rise among May offering non-existent jobs in the United in the South China Sea. 600 foreign domestic helpers were denied Filipinos especially after the overseas ab- SUPPORTERS of then Mayor Rodrigo Kingdom and Canada. working visas because they were job-hop- sentee voting (OAV) began on April 9. Duterte in Hong Kong put him on top of A check with the Philippine Embassy August ping. The Philippine Consulate General urged the vote in the territory, where he garnered in London showed that there were no job ON August 9, Former President Fidel On the other hand, Filipinos mourned OFWs who were registered to vote to cast 30,277 votes or 65 percent of the total orders for the jobs Emry’s was offering, Ramos arrived in the territory to hold talks the passing of “Master Showman” Ger- their ballot, noting that Hong Kong usu- number of votes cast for President. Dela Torre said. with Chinese officials on how to resolve man “Kuya Germs” Moreno, who died on ally registered one of the highest turnouts In the vice presidential race, then Sen. The owner of Emry’s claimed she was conflicting claims over the South China January 8 due to cardiac arrest. He was 82. in the OAV. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. edged also duped by her business partner in the Sea. On January 30, comedian Vic Sotto also Meanwhile, the Justice Centre, a out the other hopefuls after getting 25,432 UK. Emry’s was the top provider of Filipi- Six days later, the Labour Department married actress Pauleen Luna despite their non-government organization, released votes. no domestic helpers in Hong Kong. began consultations about proposals to 34-year age gap. a study showing that migrant domestic Labor Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre warned At the Labour Department, a spokesman increase the minimum allowable wage for workers in Hong Kong were vulnerable to OFWs that financial companies can still forced labor. run after them if they flee to the Philip- February However, Consul General Bernardita pines without paying their debts. THE Chinese New Year brought good Catalla said the report did not reflect the “They can’t be sure that (they’ve al- cheer to FDHs weary of overcharging af- general situation of Filipino domestic ready escaped their debts). Sometimes, ter an employment agency in Cheung Sha workers in the former Crown colony. these companies have affiliates in the Phil- Wan—Ka Ying Employment Agency— “I don’t think this refers to Filipinos, ippines,” Dela Torre said. pleaded guilty to overcharging a Filipina Unang-una nga is we have pro-active in- He also warned OFWs against helper. itiatives here at the Consulate, and I think “third-country recruitment” after getting The Labour Department also closed we are able to extend assistance to those a growing number of complaints that down an employment agency in Tuen who come to us,” Catalla said. Emry’s Recruitment Agency was offering Mun—Artellect Limited---also for over- On the other hand, the Mission for non-existent jobs in London. charging a jobseeker. Migrant Workers also conducted a study On May 21, actress Solenn Heussaff The Filipino community, however, was showing that long working hours, the lack married her fiancé Nico Bolzico in Com- saddened after Consul General Bernardita of a private room, and the denial of a 24- burg, France. Catalla announced that financial debts had hour day off were the top woes of foreign OFWs fall in line at the Bayanihan Centre to vote. driven three Filipino domestic workers to domestic helpers in Hong Kong. June A 37-year-old Filipina was charged in court after she took drugs to abort her baby and then dumped the baby in a trash bin in North Point. Vice Consul Fatima Guzman-Quintin also said that cancer in the reproductive system was the top cancer among Filipi- nos in Hong Kong. “Usually ang cancer diseases ng ating workers dito sa reproductive organs at sa breast. Iyong recently, they were in their 40s to 50s at matagal na silang workers dito,” she said. Welfare Officer Judith Santos said, on average, around 21 percent of Filipinos Filipinos in HK celebrate Independence Day. hospitalized in Hong Kong have cancer. FDHs march during Labor Day for standardized working hours. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 19 ung proposed stiffer penalties for err- ing employment agencies after a study showed that Filipino domestic workers were still being charged 25 times the legal limit. “I will bring this up in the Legislative Council (LegCo). I would look into ways to increase penalties for employment agencies violating the law,” Cheung said. Multinational companies in Hong Kong pledged to support the “ethical hiring” of foreign domestic workers in the city. Bello promises to study a proposal to allow direct hiring. FVR visits HK in an attempt to mend ties with China. Meanwhile, Hong Kong prison chaplain Fr. John Wotherspoon warned OFWs that foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. the campaign to ban Filipino domestic skills training before they are deployed the Hong Kong government to make the more and more women were being recruit- UNIFIL-Migrante-HK asked the Labour worker from cleaning windows of high- abroad. food allowance mandatory and include it ed as drug mules and that there were drug Department for a $5,000 monthly mini- rise buildings. “Ang sabi ng TESDA, humigit kumu- in the salaries of FDHs. syndicates recruiting Filipinas in Hong mum wage. He started the campaign after a Filipi- lang P7,000 lang dapat ang training costs. “We also raised na isama ang food al- Kong and Macau. At the Philippine Overseas Labor Office na helper fell to her death while cleaning Kung merong dormitoryo, humigit kumu- lowance dun sa MAW,” said Vice Consul On November 25, former President Fer- (POLO), records showed that there were the windows of her employer’s flat on the lang P15,000 kung may board and lodg- Alex Vallespin. dinand Marcos was buried in the Libingan nearly 5,000 Hong Kong employers in- 49th floor of their building in Tsuen Kwan ing,” Cacdac said. “ We told them that Filipinos love to eat ng Mga Bayani. cluded in its watch list. O. In Tsuen Wan, a Filipino domestic rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Labor Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre also “I’ve suggested na hindi na namin i-ve- worker appeared in court after she was ar- we heard so many stories that the food em- December said that the consulate would ban employ- verify ang contracts pag walang exception rested when she received an airmail pack- ployers provide to their domestic workers MANILA International Airport Authority ers who “frequently terminate” Filipino to the cleaning duties,” Dela Torre said. age from her “friend on Facebook.” were the leftovers of their wards,” he add- general manager Ed Monreal said the Ni- domestic workers. In the Philippines, an agency was fined The package contained 200 grams of ed. noy Aquino International Airport will stop “Pag within a period of one year, for P800,000 after two domestic workers it cocaine. Migrant groups also said that they plan collecting terminal fees from OFWs by example, ganyan uma-appear ng uma-ap- processed for Hong Kong were made to On September 10, comedian Joy Viado to go to court if foreign domestic workers the end of the first quarter of 2017. pear yung pangalan ng employer nay an, work in mainland China. died after she suffered a heart attack. Via- are not covered by proposed standardized The Philippine Overseas Labor Office i-watch list na rin namin,” Dela Torre said. On September 25, Labor Secretary Sil- do was 57. working hours in Hong Kong. began talks with the Indonesian Consulate In Discovery Bay, a Filipino domestic vestre Bello III visited Hong Kong and On October 24, the International Care General so that employers blacklisted by worker received more than $400,000 in promised to study the proposal to allow October Ministries (ICM) charity ball at the Hong the POLO would not be able to hire Indo- compensation after she stood up for her “direct hiring” of FDHs returning to work FILIPINO domestic workers started the Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre nesian domestic workers. rights in an accident with the dog of her in HK. month on a good note after the Hong Kong raised $14.7 million for the ultrapoor in Customs Commissioner Nicanor Fael- employer’s neighbor. Hans Leo Cacdac, then the head of the government increased their minimum al- the Philippines. don also announced that starting Christ- Philippine Overseas Employment Admin- lowable wage to $4,310. Their food allow- mas Day, all balikbayan boxes containing September istration, also reminded FDHs that they ance was also increased to $1,037. November valuables up to P150,000 will no longer LABOR Attaché Jalilo Dela Torre starts should pay only around P7,000 for their The Philippine Consulate General asked HONG KONG lawmaker Fernando Che- be taxed. 20 BALITANG PH January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Duterte reveals his ailments De Lima By Maia Lopez considering the fact that he just keeps go- indicted ing, he’s got an Energizer bunny some- By Maia Lopez PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, 72, has where in there.” revealed that aside from suffering dai- “The President has been very transpar- THE Department of Justice has indict- ly bouts of migraine, he is also suffering ent on his health. People ask should we ed Senator Leila de Lima, filing a case from a rare disorder called Buerger’s dis- have a medical bulletin? But based on re- against her before a Quezon City court for ease which affects his blood vessels. sults, the President seems to be in the pink ignoring official summons from Congress Duterte, who in June publicly berated of his health, you know, considering his as well as for advising her former lover a journalist who asked for his medical schedules,” he added. and driver, Ronnie Dayan, to ignore a con- records, admitted that he also has spinal For her part, Senator Grace Poe urged gressional inquiry. issues and Barrett’s esophagus, which is Duterte to make public his medical re- The DOJ found probable cause to hold associated with an increased risk of devel- cords to show that he is mentally and De Lima accountable for violating Article oping esophageal cancer. physically fit to govern the country. Duterte 150 of the Revised Penal Code, which pe- “I have this migraine every day. I “I think, so that people would actually nalizes “disobedience to summons.” had a bad slip (before) and I hit the ce- blood vessels, resulting in swelling in Duterte likewise admitted “abusing” not be doubting or not be suspecting that The justice department acted on the ment...I have a lot of issues with my spinal veins and arteries. Fentanyl, a potent pain medication used something is going on, the easiest thing to complaint filed by House leaders led by (chord). My doctor would want to operate, “Don’t believe (rumors that I have) by cancer patients. do is just to disclose your medical records. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez against de but you know my wife was a nurse and she cancer. What I have is Buerger’s disease. He said his doctor ordered him to stop That would be the best thing to do,” Poe Lima on Dec. 13. used to work in the US. She said a lot of It’s an acquired thing that you get when doubling his prescribed Fentanyl dosage, said. “Respondent’s advice to Mr. Dayan operations for the spinal went awry, went smoking because of nicotine. Nicotine warning him that the first effect is loss of “Just maybe a certification from a - re through his daughter to hide and not to ap- wrong,” he said. constricts the vessels,” the President said. cognitive ability. spectable doctor that says that the Presi- pear in the house inquiry constitutes an act He denied rumors that he had cancer “So if you see me always with a sad Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella dent is fit and healthy and he has no debil- amounting to restraining another to attend but said he had Buerger’s disease, which mode (one hand pressed to his cheek), I has allayed concerns over Duterte’s health. itating illnesses that will hamper him from as a witness in the national assembly (now is usually found in heavy cigarette and am actually pushing a nerve here to relieve “It’s nothing serious,” Abella said. doing or that will stop him from doing his Congress of the Philippines) and inducing tobacco smokers. The condition constricts the pain,” he added. “He’s 72 years old, give him a break. But job properly,” Poe added. disobedience to a summon,” read the res- olution approved by Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. Under the Revised Penal Code, the of- fense charged against De Lima carries a penalty of imprisonment from one month to six months or a fine ranging from P200 to P1,000 or both. In its complaint, the House cited Dayan’s testimony that De Lima advised him to snub the invitation of the panel in relation to its investigation on the narcot- ics trade at the national penitentiary. De Lima is facing a separate case before the DOJ for drug trafficking, graft, qual- ified bribery and violations of Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Presidential Decree 46 or the law on accepting gifts over her alleged involvement in the NBP drug trade. For his part, Solicitor General Jose Cal- ida branded De Lima as ““Public Enemy No. 1” as he vowed to provide legal assis- tance to groups that earlier filed drug-re- lated charges against her. “Drugs are our enemy, and who is es- pousing the proliferation of drugs? Former Justice secretary De Lima. Therefore, she is Public Enemy No. 1,” Calida said. “Senator De Lima should not be left to her own devious devices at the expense of the people. The high priestess of hypocri- sy and patron saint of narco-politics must not be allowed to make a mockery of our justice system and get away with it. Her shenanigans demand a more vigorous re- sponse from the government she wants to destroy. The people are disgusted and so are we,” the state’s top lawyer said.

De Lima HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 BALITANG PH 21 US issues travel warning vs PH

By Maia Lopez pings. Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Ar- “Since January 2016, at least 13 sepa- active in the Cotabato City area, and in the “Terrorist and insurgent groups based in chipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Min- rate kidnappings of foreigners have been Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan THE Department of State on December the Sulu Archipelago continue to kidnap danao,” it added. reported across Mindanao. In western Kudarat provinces, where the government 21 warned American citizens to avoid all foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province The advisory said separatist and terrorist Mindanao, terrorist, insurgent, and crim- maintains a state of emergency and a non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipela- of Malaysia and the southern Sulu Sea groups continue to carry out attacks and inal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings greater police presence,” it added. go and through the southern Sulu Sea. area,” the advisory said. kidnappings against civilians, foreigners, for ransom,” the advisory said. It also noted that a terrorist group con- It also urged Americans to exercise ex- “This area stretches from the southern political leaders, and Philippine security “In central Mindanao, the Bangsamoro ducted a bombing in Davao City, killing treme caution when traveling to the island tip of Palawan, along the coast of Sabah, forces in Mindanao. Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remain 15 and wounding 69 people, in September. of Mindanao, due to continued terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnap- ‘DOLE order to worsen endo’ By Maia Lopez

IT’S dead on arrival (DOA) for the pro- posed new department order (DO) on endo of the Department of Labor and Em- ployment (DOLE) as far as labor groups are concerned. The draft DO, the country’s major labor groups under the labor coalition Nagkaisa said, will not lead to the ultimate end but rather to the further strengthening of the legal standing of contractualization in the country. “DOLE intends to adopt what all labor groups unanimously rejected during the labor summit – the ‘win-win solution’ of DTI. This could signal the end of Pres- ident Duterte’s campaign promise to end endo,” said Danny Edralin, Vice-Chair for the Private Sector of the Sentro ng Nag- kakaisang Manggagawa or SENTRO. “The draft new DO may seem to restrict labor contracting to seasonal and pro- ject employment but these employment schemes may however be extended to cover jobs, work or services which are di- rectly related to the business operations of a company. As such, contractualization of labor would still proliferate in the guise of describing the job, work or service as sea- sonal or project employment,” said Parti- do Manggagawa Chair Renato Magtubo. The working draft of the new DO was presented during the Tripartite Executive Committee of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council last week. Said DO rec- ognizes trilateral employment relationship which has long been opposed by organ- ized labor as it undermines workers’ rights to security of tenure, to organize and col- lectively bargain. For TUCP:“It is a mere rehash of what current laws already provide. It gives nothing new to workers. Change requires a DO that further restricts contractualiza- tion while a new law is needed.”

DOLE 22 FORUM January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Editorial As We See it 2017 wishes AND a new year has come! these two issues are the top concerns of Who would have thought that we’d overly-burdened of the Filipino working finally see the back of 2016, a year that and middle-classes. would probably go down in history as one For many OFWs, we note that change of the most upsetting in recent times? has come. And this came with the removal The year 2016 saw Filipinos choosing a of the fee each time they secure their OEC. new president to lead the country. We also note that here in Hong Kong, President Duterte ran and won the pres- Filipino officials scored a victory by initi- idential polls with a promise to bring ating a step that barred Filipino domestic change to the Filipino nation. For many helpers from endangering their lives by Filipinos, the changes that he promised cleaning the windows of their employer’s could mean as simple as better traffic man- flats in high-rise buildings. agement, and better transportation system. We hope more would be done by the We hope the Duterte administration representatives of the Filipino govern- pays attention to the worsening traffic sit- ment here to protect the welfare and the uation and the inefficient transportation well-being of Filipinos living and working system in the country. We believe that here in Hong Kong.

Jun Haplos at Bigwas Concepcion Pasaway resolutions SA pagpasok ng 2017, ano ano kaya ang na sinalihan mo? Grrrrr! Malas talaga! mahusay na gawin ng mga OFWs dito sa Grrrr!! Pero no problem! May solusyon Norman Uy HK at ibang parte ng mundo? dito. Una, iuntog mo noo mo sa isang Currents Carnay Masayang nakakaloka ang buhay OFW. pader sa Statue Square, pero hinay lang Kaya eto ang listahan ng mga masaya at at baka masira ang pader at baka bayad nakakalokang pwedeng gawin ng mga danyos ka pa. Pangalawa, konting hasa ng Karapatan OFWs sa 2017 -- para di sila maimbyerna sentido kumon. Meron mga MATINO AT KATATAPOS lang ng pagdiriwang ng ng manggagawa na ayon sa Labor Ordi- change employer. Tutal, karapatan naman sa trabahong martir sa abroad. RELIABLE NA INVESTMENTS. Kung International Human Rights Day nitong nance? Kailan pa naging krimen ang pag- iyan, di ba? 1] Kung mambabae mister mo sa Pinas hanap mo matinong payo, pwede akong December 10 at susunod naman ang In- change employer? Kaya’t kung tayo ay may malakas na habang kayod kalabaw ka dito sa HK, PU- tanungin. ternational Migrants Day sa December Maalala rin natin ang sanlaksang mga pandama para sa ating mga karapatan TULAN mo siya . . . ng sustento. 6] Bakit kaya ayaw maging milyon 18. Kung tutuusin, magkaugnay naman migrante na nasa death row o kaya ay bilang mga migrante, mabilis din nating 2] Kung palitan ka niya ng ibang babae ang ipon ko sa bangko? Grrrrrr!! Cool ka talaga ang dalawa lalo pa’t isa sa mga nasa mga kulungan. Maaaring ang mara- madama ang mga kaugnay na usapin ng sa Pinas, wag kang pa cry cry ayon sa kan- lang, mare. Hintay ka lang ng 100 years mayor na usapin sa pagtatanggol sa in- mi sa kanila ay katulad ng istorya ni Flor karapatang-pantao – lalo na mismo sa at- ta ni Sampaguita. Warn him na KARAYIN para limpak pera mo sa bangko! ... he he .. teres ng mga migrante ay siyempre, ang Contemplacion o di kaya ay ni Mary Jane ing bansa. MO ang KUMPARE o UTOL niya kung Kung 1% lang taon taon tubo ng bank sav- kanilang karapatan. Migrants’ rights ay Veloso – mga biktima ng sirkumstansya Mababahala din tayo sa balita na pat- layasan ka niya! Aba, tigasin si mareng ings mo, di ba wait ka ng 100 years bago human rights, ika nga. at kapabayaan. Paano nga naman ang ka- uloy na nakakulong at ayaw palayain OFW, di ba? lumaki ipon mo? Konting aral at 10% tubo Madali nating masapol na ang mga mi- nilang karapatan? Hindi ba’t makatarun- ang mahigit 400 na political prisoners sa 3] Kung batugan Mr mo sa Pinas, pag yearly ay makukuha mo. Kung payo han- grante ay may mga karapatan. Siyempre, gan na sila ay matulungan kung hindi bansa. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang militaris- tulog siya ay IPAKADENA MO PAA ap mo, andito po lingkod ninyo. dahil direkta ang epekto sa atin kapag ang man ay mapalaya? asyon ng AFP sa mga probinsya kahit na NIYA KATABI NG INAHING BABOY! 7] Sampung taon na akong OFW pero mga nasabing karapatan ang tinatamaan, Sa Migrants’ Day ay itutulak ang mga may ceasefire. Mahigit 5,000 na ang na- Para di malungkot ang patabaing baboy hirap pa rin buhay ko! Aray!! Ano kaya tinatanggal o hindi nirerespeto. Halimba- iba’t ibang mga isyu na nakatuntong sag papatay sa war on drugs ng pamahalaan mo doon. gagawin ko? Easy, mare. Di mo need ang wa, ngayon ay bina-blacklist ng HK Im- a pundamental na karapatan natin – ang at hindi napaparusahan ang mga pulis 4] Problema mo ba inutangan ka at milagro. Walang empleyadong yumaman. migration Department ang mga domestic karapatan na magpahinga, makatanggap na sangkot sa mga rubout. Ang bagong ayaw bayaran? Eto ang solusyon kung Pero kung maging ENTREPRENEUR ka workers na madalas daw nagpapalit ng ng sapat na pagkain, tamang sweldo, at hirang na Chief of Staff ng AFP ay may may makulit na gusto uling utangan ka. ay baka Donya Buding porma mo isang employer o nagte-terminate ng kontrata. ang mailigtas sa peligro. Kaya nga kam- bahid ang record sa human rights. Nais Pautangin mo siya pero dapat alam niya araw! Ano ang mahusay na negosyo? Start Pinaparusahan agad ang mga migrante ng panya ngayon na maisama tayo sa reg- ding ibalik ang death penalty. -- na MANGKUKULAM ANG TATAY ka kaya yung alam mo na -- CHINESE walang “due process” at hindi binibigyan ulasyon ng working hours, ang pag-ban Hindi dapat payagan na ipagwalang-ba- MO! COOKING! Sikat at patok ka sa lugar nyo ng visa dahil diumano ay nagjo-job-hop- sa window-cleaning, ang pagtaas ng sa- hala ang human rights, saanman at kail- 5] Na traffic ba ang milyones na inasam kung eto ang pwesto mo -- HONG KONG ping. Hindi ba’t paglabag ito sa karapatan hod, at ang pagtanggal ng parusa sa pag- anman. mo mula sa mga networking companies RESTO NI DONYA BUDING.

Dear Editor Dear Hong Kong News, kaming kontrata at working visa sa aming pasaporte Wala namang problema kung ang iba nating mga Manigong Bagong Taon! upang masiguro na hindi kami biktima ng trafficking. kababayan ay pipiliin pa ring mag-abroad upang ku- Isang taon na naman ang nakalipas, at isang Nagpapasalamat din pala ako na sa taong ito mita ng mas malaki. Sa akin kasi kung may maayos Jeneth P. Julve Managing Editor bagong taon ang dumating sa atin ngayon. magsisimula na hindi na uli isasama sa ticket ng at stable na kita at trabaho sa atin, mas pipiliin ko na All rights reserved. No part of this Ano kaya ang hatid ng bagong taon? mga OFW ang terminal fee. Kahit na kasi sabihing malapit ako sa aking mga mahal sa buhay at nakatira Philip C. Tubeza Editor publication may be reproduced Inaasam ko na sa taong 2017, mas magiging maigi nai-rerefund naman ang terminal fee, abala pa din ako sa sarili kong bayan. without the written permission of ang kalagayan ng mga OFW saan mang bahagi ng ang pagpila at paghahabol sa oras para lang makuha Maraming salamat din ho pala sa Hong Kong the publisher. mundo. namin ang P550. News sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng balita at impor- Cheryl M. Arcibal Associate Editor Katulad ng mga kasamahan ko dito sa Hong Kong, Ang isang talagang inaasam ko sa taong ito ay masyon para sa mga OFW dito sa Hong Kong. Ma- Belinda Bacani-Canezo Sales & Marketing Mgr Published by HK Publications Ltd. ang unang kahilingan ko para sa taong ito ay tuluyan magkaroon ng mas maayos at madaming trabaho buhay kayo! Unit 3-9, 10/F, Fook Hong Industrial Building, No.19 nang matanggal ang OEC. Dagdag abala at gastos sa atin sa Pilipinas upang hindi na kami mapilitang Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon Joko Harjanto Assistant Sales Mgr Telephone: 2851 1766 Fax: 2858 8979 kasi para sa amin ito. mangibang-bayan. Mahirap talaga kasi ang maging Sumasainyo, E-mail: [email protected] Ang mahalaga lang naman kasi ay may maayos OFW. Gigi T. Nin Tang Senior Designer PO Box # 60185 at Tsat Tsz Mui Post Office

Advertisers are responsible for the content and accuracy of their advertisements. Printed By: Superflag Printing and Communication Limited NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Hong Kong News will not be liable for inaccurate advertising and / or legal disputes involving third parties. 1/F., 8 Chun Ying Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 23 24 BARRIO PINOY January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK

Emergency Hotlines Numbers To Remember CAC celebrates EMERGENCY Hong Kong Observatory (Weather) 2835 1473 2016 with Police, Fire Services, Hospitals 999 Police Report Hotline 2527 7177 PHILIPPINE CONSULATE annual fest For emergency cases, call or text: Assistance to Nationals 9155 4023 By Cheryl M. Arcibal this activity we seek to) strengthen the Labor 6080 8323 bond that unites us Filipinos,” Dator said. CULINARY Arts Centre Hong Kong He also thanked the students and vari- OWWA 6345 9324 closed 2016 with multiple reasons to cel- ous stakeholders for their continued “trust SSS 2823 8552 ebrate. and confidence in CAC projects.” Pag-Ibig 2823 8561 First is that, CAC has moved in August The CAC Christmas Festival features Consulate Trunkline 2823 8500 to a much bigger place in Sheung Wan. the annual search for Ms. Popularity, Ms Office Fax: 2866 9885 CAC’s new location is at M/F Cockloft Big & Beautiful Look, Dance Competi- Email: [email protected] Wing Tat Commercial Building #97 Bon- tion, bread- and cake-making competi- ham Strand East, Sheung Wan. tions (Barbie doll category, bread-making Ms. Popularity and Ms. BBL winners (Photos by Sham H.F.) Website: http://philcongen-hk.com/ Chef Jay Dator said moving to a new category, and wedding cake category). Facebook: Philippine Consulate General location would allow them to offer their The annual event also featured the cre- in Hong Kong courses to more students. ative talents of the CAC students through CAC also scored another victory by be- their costumes, dances, and their poses. Hong Kong GOVERNMENT ing listed among the top schools in She- Victoria Trois (Meat Processing student, Independent Commission Against ung Wan. weekdays) was named 2016 Ms. Popular- ity, while 1st runner-up was Sonia Ojeda Corruption 2526 6366 Schoolius (www.schoolius.com) is a website that helps people “find schools all (Asian & Western Cooking student, Sun- Central Government 2835 2500 over the world and follow them (schools) day). Complaint Against Police 2866 7700 on social media.” Meanwhile, Imelda Nicer (Professional 2200 4460 to 62 And as in previous years, the CAC held Baking student, weekdays) was declared Consumer Rights Hotline 2929 2222 its Christmas Festival, now on its 11th Ms. BBL 2016, while 1st runner-up was Department of Health 2961 8989 year, to raise funds for various charities in Noemi Paulino (Hotel & Restaurant Man- agement student, Sunday). Equal Opportunities Commission the Philippines and to bring cheer to and foster solidarity among its students. The event’s sponsors were Hong Kong 2511 8211 Jimmy Dator, CAC Administrator, said news, Kata, Dr. Smith, Gen-Ex Cargo, Immigration 2824 6111 the annual event has raised some $800,000 Taklung Restaurant, and recruitment Labour Department 2717 1771 in funds that were donated to Philip- agency Jobs Are Us. Legal Aid 2537 7677 pine-based charities serving the “margin- Other sponsors were Elisa Angcaya Race Relations Unit 2810 3203 alized, the unfortunate, and the poorest of (Ms. Popularity 2015), Amalia Buena- gua, Carol Felipe, Yvonne Poon, and Rose Social Welfare 2343 2255 the poor” in the country. “The CAC Christmas Festival is being Osanai. Transport 2804 2600 held annually for Filipinos (and through Candidates of Ms. Popularity and Ms. Big & Beautiful Look Postal Hotline 2921 2222

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants 2723 7536 Asian Migrant Center 2312 0031 Christian Action - Shine Center 3188 4555 Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos (and other Asian Migrants and Ethnic Minorities) 2526 4249 Alliance of Progressive Labor 2770 0411 The creation of Lolita Pascual, who Bayanihan Trust Centre 2817 8928 won 1st place in the breadmaking Filipino Migrant Workers Union category. 9104-1411; 9758-5935 Hong Kong Christian Service - CHEER Ce nter 3755 6811 International Social Services 2836 3598 Mission for Migrant Workers 2522 8264 The Bethune House 2721 3119 Enrich Hong Kong 2386 5811 Helpers for Domestic Helpers 2523 4020 United Filipinos in Hong Kong 3156 2447

AIRPORT AND AIRLINES Airport Inquiry 2181 8888 Cathay Pacific Airways 2747 5000 Cebu Pacific Air 2722 0609 The masterpiece of Arjay Pelle, who took the first prize in the Philippine Airlines 2301 9300 barbie doll category. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 BARRIO PINOY 25

GALLERY

Chef Jay with Culinary Arts Centre students taking up a course on bakery management. For enquiries, please call 28507724, Nora Guzman 28507714, wins a Kata V4 28507408, during the VIP 28507438. CAC Artists Club is also one of Christmas Party the top schools on Dec. 18 at the in Sheung Wan Chic Party Place, featured by Kwun Tong. schoolus.com. New Year, New Beginnings AS the calendar pages turn to an end, we ble in Hongkong. It’s about time our hard- open up a new one. The New Year brings working OFWs be offered this high-quali- us hope; it gives us time to reconnect, to ty and reliable service. work hard and a chance to make our fam- BM Express has opened its newest of- ily feel loved. This is the core reason that fice right at the center of Hongkong to ca- keeps BM Express going, bringing its ser- ter to our modern heroes to help them send vices to our fellow kababayans in Hong their love and support, and make them feel Kong. connected to their loved ones. Staying true For almost 3 decades, BM Express still to its promise of connecting people, BM thrives to be in service, bridging the gap Express has been consistently competitive between Hongkong and Philippines by in the courier business to ensure overall making sure all their balikbayan boxes are quality service, bridging the distance be- tightly packed and safely delivered to their tween Filipinos and their relatives back families in the Philippines. home in the Philippines. From the traditional balikbayan box A happy customer Operating with a full support system, sent via sea cargo (available in various BM Express has earned the trust of Over- Doing what it takes to deliver to your loved ones sizes), it also offers parcel delivery via air ASAP. On top of its high quality customer seas Filipino families from Australia, New cargo for faster arrival, perfect for small service, BM Express boasts of its lowest Zealand and now, Hongkong. the promise of a new beginning, the prom- with our loved ones easily and making us items like documents that need to be sent shipment rates making it the most afforda- It is a fact that the New Year comes with ise of hope, the promise of connecting feel that we’re a little closer to home. PCG promotes PH as investment hub at expo THE Philippine Consulate General in and medium-sized enterprises’ competi- Hong Kong SAR and Filipino exhibitors tiveness in the world market. promoted the Philippines as investment, The Philippine Franchise Association business, and tourism destination in three (PFA) also participated in the Hong Kong exhibitions, namely, The World SME International Franchising Show. On its sec- Expo, Hong International Franchising ond year, the franchising event provided a Show 2016 and Business IP Forum Asia, one-stop platform for companies and en- organized by the Hong Kong Trade Devel- trepreneurs looking for franchising brands, opment Council from December 1 to 3 at business partners and top franchising tips. the Hong Kong Convention Center. The show offered numerous franchis- The PCG set up a booth at The World ing opportunities in different sectors with SME Expo to promote the country’s infor- “Catering”, “Non-Catering” and “Inter- mation technology, and business process national” zones to help companies match and outsourcing sector. The World SME with partners and expand their business. Expo is a one-stop platform for market PFA promoted franchises on food such opportunities featuring a full spectrum of as Jollibee, Shakey’s, Max’s Restaurant, SME support services to enhance small Potato Corner); retail such as Karimadon and Plains & Prints; and services such as Bioessence and Mr. Quickie. PFA President, Dr. Alan Escalona, was a panel speaker at the Round Table Meeting at the sidelines of the Show and provid- ed updates on the latest market trends and regulations in the Philippines. The Business of IP Forum Asia 2016 was participated in by a 36-member del- egation from the Intellectual Property Of- The PH expo booth (DFA photo) fice of the Philippines (IPOPHL). 26 BARRIO PINOY January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK US bill for Pinoy vets DOLE eyes Kuwait ban for By Maia Lopez sevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the man of the Filipino Veterans Recognition domestic workers American flag against the Imperial Forces and Education Project. By Maia Lopez since the AVRP, a mutual agreement of Japan during World War II. “Now we can tell our veterans with THE US House of Representatives has which seeks to address the rising number The group KAYA: Filipino Americans pride in our hearts that this grateful nation unanimously passed a bill that seeks to THE Department of Labor and Employ- of illegal expatriates in Kuwait, was im- for Progress thanked US Congress leaders has, at last, granted them recognition for award Filipino World War II veterans the ment is considering a ban on the deploy- plemented last year. for recognizing Filipino war veterans. the selfless sacrifice they endured in war, Congressional Gold Medal, the highest ment of Filipino domestic helpers to Ku- Of the 152 repatriates, 90 were facili- “Today is truly a great day, a signifi- and restored their dignity and honor in ser- honor the US Congress gives to civilians. wait amid reports of abusive employers. tated by the Philippine embassy while the cant seminal period in American histo- vice to their nation,” Taguba said. “Today, the United States Congress The rising number of reported cases of other 62 were from the shelter of the Phil- ry – second only to the liberation of the “For months, we have said that time is took an historic step forward in honoring abuse against foreign household work- ippine Overseas Labor Office and Over- Philippines and surrender of the Japanese running out to recognize Filipino World the more than 200,000 Filipino and Fili- ers has prompted the labor department to seas Workers Welfare Administration. Imperial Forces on August 15, 1945,” said War II veterans for their brave service,” pino-American soldiers that served our study the possibility of halting deploy- “We would like to thank the Ministry of retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, chair- US Senator Mazie Hirono said country during World War II,” said Con- ment of domestic workers to the Middle Interior, the Kuwait Immigration Depart- gresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. East countries. ment for this continuing program and for “With unanimous support from the The department noted that the number helping the embassy in implementing this United State Congress, our bill now heads of runaway expatriates have also contin- Assisted Voluntary Repatriation Program to the President’s desk. I urge the Presi- ued to rise. successfully,” Philippine Ambassador to dent to sign this bill into law before the As this developed, at least 152 undocu- Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa said. year’s end, and honor our veterans with mented OFWs in Kuwait were repatriated DOLE has promised to give the repat- this long-overdue recognition,” Gabbard to the Philippines. riated Filipinos livelihood opportunities added. Their return is part of the Assisted Vol- once they are home, the report added. The bill, which passed the Senate in untary Repatriation Program (AVRP) by Most of the undocumented OFWs July, acknowledges the more than 200,000 the host government in cooperation with worked as household service workers who Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers US Congress the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. left their employers after experiencing who responded to President Franklin Roo- This is the biggest mass repatriation various forms of maltreatment. 450 Pinoys deported from Sabah By Maia Lopez

SOME 450 Filipinos who have been ille- gally staying in Sabah have been deported by Malaysian authorities after weeks of detention at the Papar and Sandakan tem- porary detention centers. State Security Council director Rodzi Saad said 254 men, 112 women and 84 children were sent back to Zamboanga City via the Sandakan jetty. Rodzi also warned Malaysian employ- ers against harboring and hiring illegal immigrants as the crackdown continues. The National Straits Time reported that at least 20,026 illegal immigrants have been sent back to their countries this year. At least 41 Filipinos and 18 Indonesians were also arrested in a raid following the recent deportation. Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte said he has struck a deal with Malaysian authorities during his two-day visit in Kuala Lumpur for the phased deportation of Filipino illegal immigrants detained in Sabah. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Duterte has agreed to Malaysia’s re- quest to deport 7,000 Filipino illegal im- migrants detained in Sabah. “It will indirectly resolve the issue of undocumented Filipinos in Sabah as pro- posed in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (on illegal immigrants in Sabah),” Malay- sian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Sabah holds the largest concentration of Filipinos in Malaysia, with a huge prob- lem in terms of the need for additional consular services and economic support. Every year, between 4,000 to 6,000 Fili- pinos are deported from Sabah. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 BUHAY OFW 27 May hangganan ang lahat

By Imelda Mae Bustinera hay, kaya alam nila kung sino ang bago. tansiya. na kasambahay at napansin ng amo ni Su- Nang magkakwentuhan ang mga kasam- Ang bago nilang kapitbahay ay Hapon Bahala na raw ang kapitbahay kung san sa sobrang lakas ng tugtog. bahay na magkakagusali ay nakikipabili at KUNG gaano na katagal ni Susan, 52, may na may kasambahay na Filipina. Nalaman bumili pa siya ng ibang pagkain. Dahil Hiyang-hiya si Susan sa amo kasi baka nanghihingi rin pala sa kanila ng kung ano asawa at anak, at tubong Marinduque, sa ng amo ni Susan na naka-food allowance mabait naman ang amo ay nakakahiram isipin ay ganun din siya kapag walang ano ang pinababang kasambahay. amo ay ganun din sila katagal sa gusali ng ang kasambahay kaya pinapadagdagan at hingi rin ng kung anong nakalimutang amo.Pagdating ng mga amo ng kapitbahay Napakagulang pala ng kasambahay na flat nila. niya kay Susan ang ipinapalutong ulam bilihin sa palengke sa oras ng pagluluto. ay ikinuwento ang ginawa ng kapitbahay. iyon. Nalilibre na nga sa pagkain, tinitipid Nakailan ng lipat at palit ng mga kapit- at pinapahatiran palagi ang kapitbahay na Pero nang magbakasyon ang mga amo Noon mismo ay pinababa ang kasamba- pa ang pamalengke ng amo. Nasabi tuloy bahay nila, pati na rin ng mga kasamba- kasambahay para makakain ito ng masus- sa Japan ay nagpaparty itong si kapitbahay hay na kapitbahay. nila na may hangganan ang lahat. Kahit saang gubat, may ahas By Imelda Mae Bustinera

NAKADALAWA nang kontrata at binu- buno na ni Marian ang unang taon sa kan- yang pangatlong amo nang magpasya ang huli na kumuha ng kanyang makakasama. Kailangan daw kasi dahil habang lumalaki ang dalawang alaga ay dumarami rin ang extra-curricular activities nila. Sa tuwa ni Marian ay inirekomenda niya ang kaibigan na matagal ng nakikiusap na tulungang makapagtrabaho rin sa Hong Kong bilang kasambahay. Tinanggap din ni amo ang rekomendasyon at madaling nabigyan ng visa ang kaibigan ni Marian. Sa mga unang buwan ay naging maay- os naman ang samahan nilang dalawang magkaibigan. Salitan sila ng araw na pa- hinga. Pero nang medyo nagtatagal na ay nahalata ni Marian na parang nagpa- palakas sa amo ang kaibigan at naramda- man niya ang pagbabago ng pagtrato ng amo sa kanya. Hinayaan na lang niya ito at inisip na kung ano man ang kahihinatnan nito ay may karanasan naman siya kaya madali siyang makakahanap ng panibagong amo. Pero ang hindi niya inaasahan ay ang mawawalan siya ng pera dahil silang da- lawa lang naman sa kanto. Kabibigay lang ni amo ng pera noong nakaraang gabi at binilang pa ito ni Marian sa harapan ng amo bago ipinasok sa kanyang pitaka. Hindi niya binuksan ulit ang pitaka hanggang sa aayusin na niya ito para ha- ti-hatiin ang laman sa mga dapat padalhan. Ang pinagtataka ni Marian ay bakit $2,000 lamang ang nawala. Kung saka- li raw kasing nalaglag ang pera ay dapat lahat ay nawala dahil samantalang mag- kakasama sa pagkakatupi ang $4,000 Hindi niya napigilang umiyak at ikinu- wento niya ang nangyari sa asawa at anak. Sinabi ng anak na hayaan na lang. Kikit- ain at mapapalitan pa niya. Ang mahalaga raw ay hindi siya ang gumawa kasi kahit gaano pa raw kalaking halaga ay hindi na mawawala ang mantsa sa pangalan niya. Si Marian, 38, may asawa at 2 anak.

Nawalan ng pera si Marian 28 ENTERTAINMENT January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Warm welcome for Alden from HK OFWs By Cheryl M. Arcibal Chai on December 18. “Nakaka-amaze na how they keep their “First time ko pong mag-perform dito sa bond kasi I was told na every Sunday KAPUSO actor Alden Richards, the other Hong Kong and I am so happy with the andyan sila. Nakita ko sila on our way to half of the phenomenal AlDub love team results and sana po makabalik ako,” he the venue, kasi galing kaming lunch. Na- and the “Pambansang Bae”, was surprised added. kita ko sila na naka-gather doon sa park by the warm welcome he got from the Fil- For 2017, Alden and Maine Mendoza at nakakatuwa na they come together here ipino community here in Hong Kong. will star in a GMA Primetime soap “Des- naman for one event,” Glaiza said. “Hindi ko ini-expect iyong ganung ka- tined to be Yours” and may headline a She said that for 2017, “Encantadia” init na pagtanggap ng mga Kapuso nating movie too. will continue to entertain and surprise its Pinoy sa mga concerts natin,” Alden told The duo will continue to feature in the fans. Hong Kong News. “Kalyeserye” segment of “Eat Bulaga!”. “Madami pang dapat abangan. Ngayon Alden was joined by Glaiza de Castro, Alden will also continue his stint with pa lang nagflo-flourish ang story. For two who plays Sang’gre Pirena in fantaserye “Sunday PinaSaya”. months nagre-tell kami para doon sa mga “Encantadia”, and comedian Kim Idol, in Glaiza, meanwhile, said she felt proud as hindi nakaabot 10 years ago. Ang takbo the “One Fine Day with Bae Alden Rich- she saw Filipinos gathering in various parks kasi ng storya ng ‘Encantadia’ anything ards” held at the Southorn Stadium in Wan and streets in Hong Kong that Sunday. can happen, and anyone can die,” she said. ALDEN GMA 7 revives Christmas ‘magic’ Vhong, hindi pa nag-iisip MAGIC unfolds on television as GMA the Season,” says GMAChairman and embrace the meaning of our Christmas Network launches its 2016 Christmas CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon. message this season,” GMA President na magpakasal ulit campaign dubbed “Maniwala Sa Magic The story, Magic Crayons, is the first in and COO Mr. Gilberto Duavit Jr. shares. By Inaki Garcia “Meron talaga dapat [timeframe] kaya Ng Pasko,” the first locally-produced 3D this 3-part series and highlights the mag- The Maniwala Sa Magic Ng Pasko lang feeling ko hindi aabot. Ang dami ring animated Christmas campaign. The cam- ical feeling of having one’s wish granted Christmas campaign comes at the heels HINDI pa nag-iisip na magpakasal ulit dumating na kailangang asikasuhin ko paign airs worldwide on GMAPinoy TV. for Christmas in the eyes of a child. The of GMA’s animated anthology series Ala- ang sikat na artista at TV show host na si muna. Alam naman ni Tanya ‘yun. Hin- With its latest offering, the station that network marks another first as it makes mat’s win of the country’s first “Best of Vhong Navarro. tayin ko lang ‘yun matapos and soon, pap- is one-in-heart with the Filipino audi- use of 3D graphics in its new Christmas Festival” Award at the US International Sinabi niya na hinihintay pa niya an unta din naman kami doon,” aniya. ence brings to life three endearing and campaign, a first in the local television Film and Video Festival (USIFVF), a gang “perfect timing” para hilingin sa Sinabi ni Vhong na gusto niyang mag- magical stories that will inspire viewers industry. recognition given to an outstanding en- kanyang kasintahan na si Tanya Bautista ing sigurado na, kapag siya ay nagpakasal to believe in the magic of Christmas. “It is felt that the use of animated im- try among Gold Camera awardees in the na magpakasal. ulit, iyon na ang huli. “During such a busy time of the year, ages best complements the essence of USIFVF. “Sobrang happy ako for Anne and Pinakasalan dati ni Vhong si Bianca we hope that, by spreading the message our Holiday message this year – to be- The theme song of this year’s Christ- Erwan and Billy and Coleen. Mga kapa- Lapuz ngunit naghiwalay din sila at na-an- of hope, every Kapuso will get to expe- lieve in the magic of Christmas. Through mas campaign is sung by Julie Anne San tid ko ‘yang mga ‘yan…Maganda ‘yung nul ang kanilang kasal noong 2010. rience the joy and limitless possibilities this, it is hoped that even our youngest Jose with lyrics written by BJ Camaya moment nila so dapat ibigay ko muna sa Sinabi ng sikat na “It’s Showtime” host that come with believing in the magic of Kapusos will enjoy our campaign and and Nicolle Castillo. kanila,” sabi ni Vhong. na swerte siya kay Bianca. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 29 30 ATPB January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK

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HERE’S another reason to love lobster: our 1 red bell pepper sliced Capricorn December 22 to January 19 very own Steamed Lobster in Curry Sauce. Our Directions: Kung dati ay mataas ang iyong pride, mas makabubuti kung featured recipe is a combination of the most 1. Blanche celery, carrots magpakumbaba at mabuhay ng walang sama ng loob. Maaaring swerte compelling tastes in the culinary world–a bit and add in salt and sa iyo ang bagong trabaho; pangalagaan ito at makikita mo ang katas sweet and spicy–so it’s guaranteed to satisfy pepper ng mga pinaghirapan. every food-lover’s craving. 2. Steam lobsters for Try it now and find out why this recipe, about 12-15 minutes whipped up by Dhara C. Maculbe, may just be until the meat is Aquarius January 20 to February 18 the best combination ever. It was the grand tender. Set aside. Lahat ng pagsubok sa iyo ay malalampasan mo kung positibo ka at hindi winner in the Chef’s Competition of the Culinary 3. Meanwhile, sauté nawawalan ng pananampalataya. Pag-igihan ang trabaho sa pagpasok Arts Centre. garlic with onion, ginger and turmeric. ng taon at may naghihintay sa iyong magandang sorpresa. Ingredients: Add in the remaining 2 fresh and large lobsters ingredients with butter and coconut milk, stirring 1 carrot sliced continuously. Pisces February 19 to March 20 1 pc celery sliced 4. Pour the sauce to the steamed lobster and cook Ginger minced until well blended. Hindi madali ang iyong ginagawa at nangangailangan ito ng tibay ng 1 medium sliced 5. Serve hot. loob. Dumulog sa Diyos at maging malapit sa mga mahal sa buhay. Sa 1 tsp. turmeric powder For more recipes, enroll at Culinary Arts Centre kanila ka kumuha ng lakas. 1 tsp. sugar M/F Cockloft, Wing Tat Commercial Building ¾ cup coconut milk #97 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong By Chef Jay 2 Tbsp. butter For enquiries, please call at 2850 7714 or 2850 7724 Dator March 21 to April 19 Aries May dahilan ang bawat pangyayari sa buhay, at lahat ng iyong nakikilala Pedro: “Easy lang ‘yon Ma’m, D’ posit is leaking.” SALESGIRL: “An apple?” Teacher: “No, no, no, you got it wrong. Let MAN: “No.” ay maituturing na blessing. Mas maging positibo ngayong taon dahil me explain it to you further. You know BANK SALESGIRL: “Ahh…an egg?” marami pang blessings ang naghihintay sa iyo. Buksan ang puso at DEPOSIT. See the relationship? BANK DEPOSIT?” MAN: “YES, but fried!” isipan, magpatawad at magmahal ng lubusan. Pedro: “Oh, I got it.” Teacher: “Okey, I’ll give you another chance, use ‘deposit’ in a sentence.” Letrang S Taurus April 20 to May 20 Pedro: “D’ posit in the bank is leaking.” ANAK : Tays! kakains nas tayos! TATAY : Hoy! Tigilan mo yang kalalagay mo ng Magpasalamat sa lahat ng iyong natanggap na biyaya, kahit ang mga Dalawang unano ‘ S ‘ sa mga sinasabi mo ha! Ano ba ang ulam? pagsubok ay ipagpasalamat din dahil sa mga aral na iyong napulot. First Night Dalawang unano, nag-goodtime sa Beer Garden ANAK: BANGU na may KAMATI, ARDINA na may Swerte ang 2013 sa iyo dahil dito mo aanihin ang mga itinanim na AMA: O, anak kumusta ung first night nyo? at Karaoke bars. To cap the night, nag-motel IBUYA! pa at kumuha ng magkatabing kuwarto. kagandahang loob at hirap sa trabaho. ANAK: Itay, di ako nakaiscore magdamag.. AMA: Bakit? Anong nangyari? Disappointed ang isa dahil hindi siya ginanahan. ANAK: Ei kasi itay nung hinubad ko yung damit, Kahit anong gawin niya ay wala pa rin. Miss Universe Pare1: pare parang malalim iniisip mo? May 21 to June 20 may nakalagay sa panty.. “PRIVATE PROPERTY, Gemini DO NOT ENTER” Lalong lumaki ang disappointment niya Pare2: nanaginip ako kagabi. kasama ko 50 Kung noong nakaraang taon ay binigo ka ng isang minamahal, asahang AMA: E2 anak suotin mo. E2 brief na may nang marinig ang nasa kabilang kuwarto na contestants ng ms.universe bumibilang ....ISA .....DALAWA...... TATLO...... Pare1: suwerte mo ano problema mo? magiging maganda ang kapalaran sa larangan ng puso. Pag-igihan din nakalagay na “PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAY, DEMOLITION TEAM DO NOT DELAY” UMMPPP sa boung magdamag. Kinabukasan, Pare2: pare ako ang nanalo!!! ang trabaho. sa kanilang pag-uusap: “Disappointed ako dahil Prusisyon kahit anong gawin ko hindi ako tigasan.” “Eh, PARI: Ang mga boys, sunod sa karo ni San Jose. di mas lalo na ako, HINDI AKO MAKASAMPA SA Watch the exit Mga girls, sa karo ni Mama Mary. KAMA.” Police Chief: “Guards, may nakawalang Cancer June 21 to July 22 BAKLA: Kami father, saan kami susunod? hoodlum! Bantayan ang mga exits!” PARI: Mga bruha! Follow me! A man wanted to buy bra for his wife but Later... Huwag lamang sumuko sa pagdarasal at panatilihing buhay ang pag-asa doesn’t know the size. Guard: “Sir, nakatakas ang hoodlum.” sa iyong puso. Diringgin ng Diyos ang iyong mga dasal sa tamang oras at Deposit SALESGIRL: “Is it as big as papaya?” Police Chief: “Paano nangyari iyun?” pagkakataon. Maging mas mapagpatawad. Teacher: “Pedro, use ‘deposit’ in a sentence.” MAN: “No.” Guard: “Sir, sa entrance siya dumaan.”

Leo July 23 to August 22 Huwag hayaang magpatuloy ang inyong away sa bagong taon. Crossword Puzzle Ngayong taon ay matuto na ring mag-ipon dahil hindi ka na bumabata. Gamitin ang lakas upang magtrabaho ng mabuti at makaipon para sa PAHALANG Imelda kinabukasan. 1 Magaling 40 Pangalan ng babae 7 Lugar ng tulisan 41 Partner ni ninong Virgo August 23 to September 22 Hingin ang basbas ng Panginoon, pati ng mga kapamilya at kaibigan, 11 Dahong medisinal para sa planong gusto mong isakatuparan ngayong taon. This is your 12 Modelo sa PABABA year, ika nga. Gawin ang lahat para mapabuti ang buhay mo at buhay ibang bansa 1 Hindi mabuti ng iyong mga minamahal. 13 Marami 2 Bodyguard 14 Habi 3 Sapal Libra September 23 to October 22 15 Damihan ng asin 4 Palos Mapupuntahan mo ang isang lugar na matagal nang gustong bisitahin. Matuto ring mag-ipon ng maayos habang may lakas ka at kapasidad 16 Okay 5 Asa na magtrabaho. May makikilala ka ngayong taon na babago sa iyong 17 Higit 6 Kaunting bukas buhay. 18 Enrique ___ 7 Tanyag 20 Hindi ko gusto 8 Sawa Answer to last puzzle Scorpio October 23 to November 21 23 Paos 9 Hindi panalo Naging maganda ang trato mo sa mga tao sa paligid at naging positibo 27 Answer; daglat 10 Bulong ka sa mga problema. Ipagpatuloy ang ganitong gawain at makikita mo ang katuparan ng mga pangarap sa buhay. Alagaang mabuti ang sarili 29 Bulaga 19 International 26 Question, Tagalog at umiwas sa sakit. 30 A ng UAE Model 28 Bimpo sa likod 33 Bubungan 21 Ibayo 30 Sa hulihan ng dasal Sagittarius November 22 to December 21 36 Nut; Tagalog 22 Kabaligtaran 31 Dami Ipagpaliban muna ang planong mag-travel ngayong taon dahil may 37 Clown sa Pinoy ng OFF 32 Balat sa ulo isang magandang sorpresa ang naghihintay. Pagbutihin pa ang trabaho at pakikitungo sa kapwa dahil ito ang magiging daan sa swerte. 38 Palayaw ni Emilio 24 Kalat 34 Buhol 39 Dating artistang 25 Utusan 35 Nandiyan HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK January 1, 2017 31 32 January 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK