HK ushers in Year of Snake

 

Fireworks light up Victoria Harbor

Hong Kong is returning to normal after it ushered in the year of the Snake with the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, a spectacular fireworks display on Victoria Harbor, and Lunar New Year Fairs in 15 districts.

“There's no better way, anywhere on earth, to welcome in the New Year than by following - and revelling in - Hong Kong's magnificent Chinese New Year Night Parade,” said Chief Executive John Lee at the opening of the New Year Parade on Jan. 29.

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“This year's celebration is led by 55 performing groups and floats from 14 countries and regions. Here in the world city of Hong Kong, to dance, sing and perform, skip, juggle, cheerlead and otherwise amaze and delight you, on this most auspicious of days,” he said.

“The Night Parade floats you see tonight, together with some of our performers, will find their way to Lam Tsuen, from tomorrow night, for the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival. This year, the floats are on display there until February 13,” he added.

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The next night, a 23-minute fireworks display lit up Victoria Harbor.

The fireworks drew auspicious symbols in the sky, “as well as adorable pandas - showcasing Hong Kong's giant panda family, now counting six and readying for their first full public appearance at the same time in mid-February,” Lee said.

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Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year (LNY) fairs held at 15 locations for seven days from January 23, attracted about 2.3 million visitors.

The number of visitors peaked on Jan. 28, with more than 215 000 visitors in the LNY Fair at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, according to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that it was pleased with the public support.

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The department’s waste reduction and recycling measures resulted in 107 tons of materials with reusable value such as waste paper, plastics and metals were collected from the 15 LNY fair sites during the one-week period.

The FEHD also gathered some 1 600 unsold pots of flowers and plants donated by licensees at the fairs. These were delivered to 242 elderly homes/residential care homes for persons with disabilities and five public hospitals by 21 volunteer teams comprising FEHD staff members.

Despite the conclusion of LNY fairs, the Che Kung Festival Fair and the Fong Ma Po New Year Fair at Lam Tsuen in Tai Po will be held until February 12, the FEHD said.

Power bank warning after HK-bound Air Busan jet catches fire

 

Investigations are underway into the fire that gutted an Air Busan aircraft (Yonhap photo)

Air passengers are being advised to ensure their power banks are of good quality and in good condition before bringing them along for travel, after a Hong Kong-bound Air Busan flight caught fire Tuesday, and initial investigations pointed to a charging device as the cause.

Investigations have begun into what caused the fire aboard the aircraft that remains on the tarmac at Korea’s Gimhae International Airport in the southern city of Busan.

A total of 169 passengers and seven airline staff were evacuated from the Airbus A231 using inflatable slides. Seven minor injuries were reported.

The fire broke out at 10:15pm on Tuesday, Jan. 28, as the single-jet was preparing to leave for Hong Kong after being delayed for about 20 minutes.

It was first detected by a flight attendant in an overhead luggage bin in the rear left-hand side of the plane.

Witnesses  quoted by local media said they heard a crackling sound, like an electronic device burning, before smoke coming from the overhead compartment began to fill the cabin.

This prompted suspicions that a portable battery may have caused the fire.

A local news report said that just seven weeks ago, another Air Busan aircraft had a similar problem, when a fire, triggered by a portable battery problem, was detected. Flight attendants had to use fire extinguishers to put it out.

At least two other battery-related incidents were also reported in Korea last year, one involving an Eastar Jet plane in July and another aboard an Asiana Airlines flight in April.

Authorities conducted a risk assessment of the plane on Friday, and ruled out a terrorist attack. They determined that the plane still had a large amount of fuel and oxygen onboard but was safe for a full-scale investigation.

Tuesday's incident came about a month after a Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, which killed all but two of the 181 people on board.

 

 

HK Labour Secretary holds meet on migrant workers concerns

 

Secretary Sun (6th from left) with the groups serving MDWs and employers

Nineteen organizations serving migrant domestic workers and employers in Hong Kong met recently with the Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, on enhancing future collaborations.

The news was relayed through a social media post by the Mission for Migrant Workers , which was among the 19 groups that joined the meeting.

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“Our meeting presented a key opportunity to share, discuss and pave the way for future collaboration with the Labour Department on important areas of mutual interest - not only for the betterment of Hong Kong, but also towards enhancing mutual care and understanding, as the cornerstones of an amicable family and employment relationship,” said the MFMW.

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More than 350,000 migrant domestic workers are now in Hong Kong, where officials often acknowledge their vast contribution to the city’s economic development.

“With a rapidly ageing population, it is anticipated our already heavy reliance on this community will significantly increase over the coming years,” said the MFMW.

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The MDWs are said to represent 10% of the labour force, and are employed by some 13% of all households.

They are credited for enabling many Hong Kongers - especially those with young children and elderly parents - to maintain dual income households.

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According to MFMW, a recent research suggested the hiring of MDWs has facilitated the decision by many families to have a second child, which could be pivotal in Hong Kong’s future development, given its falling birth rate.

The other organizations represented in the meeting were the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, Branches of Hope, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, CARITAS-AMP, Christian Action, EmpowerU, Enrich, Equal Justice, Fair Employment Agency, HelperChoice,  HELP for Domestic Workers, Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions, Justice Without Borders, Migrasia, Pangyao, PathFinders, TCK Learning Centre and Uplifters

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6 would-be OFWs stopped from leaving PH via Palawan

Palawan Airport, where the victims were monitored after traveling from NAIA (PortCalls photo)

Six Filipinos who were promised jobs in Thailand were rescued on Jan 22 as they were attempting to leave the country illegally via Bancalaan Island in Balabac, Palawan via a small boat.

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The victims told government operatives they were recruited via Telegram and offered jobs in Thailand. They said they merely followed the instructions of their recruiter to meet up in Palawan, where their recruiter promised that a boat will be waiting for them.

They were monitored as they travelled from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. From there they travelled by boat to Bancalaan Island where they were stopped in coordination with Balabac Municipal Police and barangay officials.

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Their rescue was disclosed four days ago by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, who said it was mounted by inter-agency law enforcers after they received information of a possible attempt by trafficking victims to leave the country via illegal means.

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Viado said the BI’s immigration protection and border enforcement section immediately coordinated the information to the inter-agency council against trafficking (IACAT), who then relayed the information to operatives on the ground.

After being intercepted at Bancalaan island, the victims were brought back to Puerto Princesa City for further investigation by the NBI.

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Viado lauded the swift action and cooperation of all agencies involved under the IACAT, and vowed to continue proactive efforts to stop the trafficking of Filipinos.

The public is urged to report trafficking attempts to the IACAT’s 1343 Actionline.

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Margie’s ‘ happy home story

 

Margie shares a happy home with young Isabella

(This article from the Mission for Migrant Workers’ newsletter tells the story of Margie and her employers, the Ho family, with whom she won the MFMW’s ‘Happy Homes’ award. This symbolizes that the household fulfills the 10 criteria set by the non-government organization for a truly harmonious relationship between a migrant worker and her employers.)

Amongst the many homes of Hong Kong, nestled in an apartment building, surrounded by two dogs, a 3-year-old girl, and her loving parents, is Margie Mendoza.

Margie has been a migrant worker for 10 years, in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) as well as KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and in Hong Kong, where she has gone through four households before finally feeling peace of mind working with the Ho family.

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Margie helps the family out with regular household chores such as laundry and cooking, as well as looking after their family dogs Mocha and Pearl, but her main focus is her employers’ young daughter, Isabelle.

Margie joined the Ho couple right before the birth of their daughter, and was an integral part in the first-time parents’ lives as she supported them in taking care of her, and taught them with her rich experience.

“I feel really at home with them. They treat me as family. They are very kind and humble. They respect me as a human being. I was really treated fairly and with understanding. I can express myself and I have freedom to choose and to connect with my family. They accept me for who I am,” Margie expressed.

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“This family puts effort into understanding me, and my family in the Philippines— if we have a situation they are always willing to help. They never forget to celebrate my birthday and on my son’s birthday, they give him gifts.”

Margie says her employers treat her like family

Margie’s employer, Lucia Wong, corroborated Margie’s statement, with some of their good memories being their bonding time with Margie’s family. “We really enjoy learning about Margie’s family in the Philippines, and saying hi and chatting with them during video-calls. We love sending gifts to them and seeing photos and videos of them, as well as getting updates on them.”

Another one of Wong’s good memories with Margie has been the delicious meals she makes for them, as well as the baked goods she creates for special occasions.. “Margie enjoys cooking and we have enjoyed many delicious meals and desserts as a result, putting on the pounds too!”

Margie’s employers have also described their disappointment towards the mistreatment of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. “We are disgusted, disappointed, and concerned – Hong Kong is a developed international city,” Wong said. “We are quite embarrassed to know that this could be done by Hong Kong people, or that it’s happening in Hong Kong.”

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Both Margie and Wong have given suggestions to other families as to how to create a Happy Home.

“You have to ensure there’s open communication, trust, and honesty on all fronts,” Wong said. “Treat each other as you would want to be treated, and ensure there is fair treatment and foster a positive working relationship to create a harmonious environment for both the family and the helped," Wong continued.

“The best thing is good communication between the employer and employee and trust towards each other so you will have a smooth and strong relationship for the future while working with them,” Margie added. “I’m very happy and thankful and I’m so proud to my employer and they deserve to be a Happy Home Family. Thank you is not enough for this family, that's why I give my best to them.”

Lastly, Margie and Wong have both expressed their gratitude towards each other for the love and support they have received mutually over the years.

“They give a chance for a migrant domestic worker like me to find a Happy Home with them,” Margie shared. “I never feel like I’m far from my family in the Philippines and they give me hope to continue my dream of my family having a better future. Not everyone is lucky like me to find a family that will become your family in heart.”

For her part, Wong said: “Thank you, Margie, for all your hard work and efforts in ensuring that our family is well taken care of. We truly appreciate all that you do and are so grateful to have you with us! Cheers to many more years together!”

(Visit the Facebook page, Mission for Migrant Workers, to learn more about  Happy Homes HK)

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Lying costs public housing applicant $8,000 in fine

Public housing (photo from Housing Authority)

It does not pay to lie when applying for public housing from the government; it will be found out eventually.

This was the lesson learned by A.Zapata, a 52-year-old Filipino, who not only failed to get the public rental housing he applied for, he was also fined $8,000.

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His case came to light when he appeared at Kowloon City Law Courts last Jan. 27, accused of violating the Housing Ordinance, which prescribes a maximum fine at level 5 ($50,000) and maximum imprisonment of six months, as penalty for false statements.

He had stated in his application for public rental housing that he “did not have domestic property ownership in Hong Kong from the date of completing the application form for waiting list for public rental housing up till date of making the declaration” on Sept. 30, 2019 at the Authority’s Customer Service Center in Kowloon.

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When his lie was discovered, his application was rejected by the Housing Authority because he was unqualified to rent public housing.

The Authority also filed information on the case with the Kowloon City Court.

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Zapata pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $8,000 by Magistrate Kestrel Lam.

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Another 4 Pinays face money laundering charges

Four Filipinas whose ATM cards ended up being used for money laundering, appeared in magistrate courts on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with one of them being moved to the District Court due to the amount of crime money that flowed in and out of her bank account.

Eastern Court Principal Magistrate Don So returned Charity Joy Paculio, 45 years old, to detention after he adjourned her case to Feb. 18, when she appears at the District Court, charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense,” in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

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The case arose from deposits and withdrawals between Feb. 22 and 28, 2024 which amounted to $2,751,387.98 in her Standard Chartered Bank account .

At Fanling Court, acting Principal Magistrate Veronica Heung Shuk-han, the separate cases against two Filipinas for plea.

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Perla Gerbolingo, 40 years old, will be due for plea – whether guilty or not -- when she returns on April 22 after having been allowed to post bail of $1,000.

She is accused of money laundering because of the $1,319,670.01 that passed through her HSBC account between July 5 and Sept. 9, 2020.

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Marilyn Macanas, 39 years old, was also allowed bail of $1,000 and told to return on the same date.

Her case arose from the $401,000 in crime money that flowed in and out of her HSBC account between Aug. 14 and Nov. 16, 2020.

At Kwun Tong Court, Eva Rose Tacda, 47 years old, was allowed by acting Principal Magistrate Leung Ka-kie to post bail of $2,000. Her case was adjourned to March 11.

Tacda was accused of handling the $255,501 in crime money that passed through her Mox Bank account on Feb. 22-23, 2023.

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Traffic arrangements for CNY festivities bared

 

A float for HK's beloved pandas will be among those taking part in the CNY Parade

The Transport Department has disclosed special traffic and transport arrangements across the city ahead of today’s Chinese New Year Night Parade and the New Year fireworks display tomorrow, Jan. 30.

Road closures along the parade route in Tsim Sha Tsui will begin at 3:30pm, and end just before midnight. The affected areas include Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road, and a section of Salisbury Road between Chatham Road South and Star Ferry Pier.

At the same time, the China Ferry Terminal stop of the cross-boundary coach service between Jordan and Huanggang Port will be suspended from about 3pm.

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The Lunar New Year parade will kick off at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, and wind its way through Canton, Haiphong and Nathan roads, before ending in front of the Sheraton Hotel.

Meanwhile, extensive road closures will be implemented for the fireworks show on Thursday, the second day of the Lunar New Year.

About 400,000 revellers are expected to turn out for the 23-minute fireworks spectacular over Victoria Harbour.

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Major roads near the waterfront will be closed off in phases starting at 5pm on that day, while the marine police will step up patrols on the harbour to ensure the safety of those enjoying the show aboard vessels.

The road closures and traffic diversions will be imposed in four phases across the Central District, Wan Chai and Eastern District starting at 5:30pm.

Road restrictions in Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District will begin at 5pm, until the crowd disperses after the show.

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In addition, a one-way traffic flow will be implemented on footbridges and areas near the waterfront.

Ferry services between Hong Kong island outlying islands will be suspended from about 6:20pm until the fireworks display is over. The affected services will include those provided by Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services, Park Island Transport and Fortune Ferry.

The Transport Department reminded the public that bus and minibus routes in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, but MTR services on most lines will be enhanced to meet passenger demand.

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DH linked to $727K money laundering jailed 8 months

 

Another Filipina domestic helper who got entangled in money laundering by lending her bank account to people who used it as depository for proceeds of crime, was jailed for eight months after she pleaded guilty at West Kowloon court.

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Estrellita Barrientos, 56 years old, was convicted of dealing with property known or believed to be proceeds of indictable offense, in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

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That property was in the form of $726,675.42 in crime money that flowed in and out of her Bank of China account from Jan. 6 to April 22, 2021.

She was accused by Mong Kok Police of dealing in the money with the help of a certain Kurt Oliver.

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HK shivers in coldest winter day this season

 

People all bundled up for the cold during a workday

Temperatures dropped to around 10 degrees in the urban areas yesterday, making it the coldest day so far this winter.

Despite the chilly weather, a number of residents climbed up Tai Mo Shan, the city’s highest peak, where temperature plunged to one degree.

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A number were left disappointed, however, as they failed to catch a glimpse of frost which usually forms up the mountain during unusually cold weather.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, an intense winter monsoon brought cold and very dry weather to China’s southern coast, causing temperatures to plummet across the city.

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The Observatory said the chilly weather will persist throughout today, particularly in the morning, with temperatures ranging between 11 and 18 degrees.

 

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