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Showing posts sorted by date for query Sikap. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Sikap. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sikap turns 40

Posted on 26 November 2024 No comments

 

Lester Esquilona speaks in the shadow of his mentor and predecessor, Sikap founder Rey Vital

Forty years. That’s how long this group of Filipinos in Hong Kong has managed to not only stay together, but also to continue having fun together, as they do their bit to help other people in the community.

Last Sunday, Nov 24, Sikap Association Hong Kong (short for Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Pilipino) led by its hardworking president, Lester Esquilona, held not just one, but two big events, to celebrate the milestone.

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Kickstarting the celebration was a lunch party held at Rosedale Hotel in Causeway Bay, where the Sikap family, made up by about 70 Filipino residents as well as foreign domestic workers mostly working as family drivers, entertained each other and their guests with songs, dances and lots of surprises.

The fun did not stop there, as the members regrouped at their usual hangout at the Hong Kong Tennis Court on Wong Nai Chung Road in Wanchai, for an even bigger and more raucous celebration, this time in the company of Labor Attache Mel Dizon.

Fun is in the air as Sikap members celebrate their 40th year

“I really wanted our 40th anniversary to be special because I wanted to show everyone that Sikap Association Hong Kong not only looks after the well-being of its members, but also help needy members of the Filipino community,” said Esquilona.

“I wanted everyone to feel the warmth and love coming from our group,  embrace and love from our group, as we continue gathering every Sunday after playing tennis to have meals and fun together, just like any other Filipino family.”

Esquilona also took time to pay tribute to the well-loved Sikap founder Rey Vital, who became literally the group’s president for life, as he remained at the helm until his passing in 2022.

Keeping the group together was his way of preserving Vital’s legacy of kindness, humility and hard work, said Esquilona. (See story on Rey's passing here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/search?q=Sikap )


The celebration at their Wong Nai Chung hangout, where Labatt Mel caught up

Part of the surprise was the awarding of prizes to members who excelled in tennis, the sport that has bound them together for decades.

Named Players of the Year for scoring the biggest number of wins for the entire year were Liza Marco in the women’s category and Robert Dayao in men’s.

The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap who was the guest speaker, handed out the trophies. In her speech, Mandap praised the group for sticking together for so long that they have become one of the oldest Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong.

Mandap also commended Sikap for giving back to the Filipino community, especially to the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, which has been their beneficiary for many fund-raising events.

One of the specially made trophies handed out as part of the celebration

The other awardees were Jaquilyn Rodriguez and Liza Marco, champions in Ladies Doubles Category B; with Melody Ytis and Helen Bade as runners-up; and Canolyn Luciano and Marissa Naquila, champions in the Ladies Doubles Category C; with Angeline de Guzman and Aiza Remollena as runners-up.

Taking the crown in the Men’s Doubles Category A were Bingbong Quicho and Elmer Palma, with runners-up Robert Dayao and Leo Hibaya. In Category, the winners were Arnel Dimapilis and Michael Morales, with Roldan Arellano and JM Sabado as runners-up.

For the Mix Doubles, Jonathan Nicolas and Canolyn Luciano teamed up to take the champion’s trophy while Roldan Arellano and Teng Fulgencio settled for second prize.

Named most improved female players in the beginner’s category were Cecil Sabado and Marissa Naquila while in the men’s division, the awardees were Roldan Arellano and Arnel Dimapilis.

The awarding would not have been complete without two fun players being recognized. Named “Most Funny Player” among the men was a boisterous Wilfredo Dario, while Lilia Miguel who was also all smiles won in the women’s division.

There were also prizes galore as different companies serving the Filipino community in Hong Kong donated goods, from cellphones to door-to-door boxes and meal coupons.

Employment agency owner Merlinda Mercado who headed the raffle committee, made sure many of her fellow members went home happy.

A dance by 'oldies' was one of the surprises at the party 

Rounding up the committee of fun were engineer Ric Mercado and coach Randy Vilan, who acted as hosts.

Sikap was founded in 1984 by Rey Vital with the objective of organizing sports events and tournaments to promote unity among Filipinos in Hong Kong. Initially they focused on basketball and volleyball, but later ventured into tennis which now serves as the group’s sport of choice.

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Twin fundraisers held for Bethune House

Posted on 01 October 2024 No comments

 

Social Justice officers at start of "Amazing Walk for Bethune House'

Various migrant workers’ groups spent their National Day holiday today raising much-needed funds for the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.

This was in response to Bethune House’s recent appeal for help to meet its needs providing shelter and various forms of assistance for about two dozen clients.

Through its “Save our Shelter” (SOS) campaign, the 38-year-old Bethune House said it intended to raise about $1 million to pay for its expenses until the end of the year, after two funding grants failed to materialize as expected.

Antonio enjoins walkers to keep supporting Bethune House

Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio said the shelter was in danger of closing down as it had only enough money to cover its expenses for two months.

The shelter which was founded in September 1986, raises funds from private donors to provide food and shelter to distressed women primarily, but also for some incidental expenses like visa extension fees.

One of today’s activities was the final submission of cans for the year-long Coins for Bethune on Chater Road in Central, and the subsequent counting of donations held at Kowloon Union Church Space in Jordan.

Among those who showed up to turn over a coin-filled can to the organizers was Lester Esquilona, president of Sikap Association, a group composed mainly of domestic worker-drivers in Hong Kong.

Sikap's Lester Esquilona turns over a full can for 'Coins for Bethune' project

About 50 other volunteers joined the coin-counting, which has become a virtual tradition since the project was first conceived in 2011 by Filcom leaders Rosel Abrenica and Daisy CL Mandap, editor of The SUN.

According to Antonio, more than $33,000 was raised from the Coins project this year. This should go up some more, as a number of cans have yet to be submitted

The recurring fundraiser is usually closed for the year every September, to coincide with the anniversary of Bethune’s founding.

Also held today was the “Amazing Walk for Bethune House,” which was organized by Social Justice for Migrant Workers, one of the biggest online groups catering to the needs and concerns of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

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The walk along the Peak Trail kicked off at about 10am, and was led by SJMW founder Marites Palma. Antonio showed up to personally thank the walkers and rally them to continue supporting Bethune House.

More than 40 workers belonging to various organizations took part in the walk, and donated at least $20 each for the cause. By the time the campaign ended at about noon, nearly $3,000 was raised for the shelter.

Palma said her group aimed to help Bethune House to remain standing, and to raise awareness within the migrant community about the invaluable help the shelter has provided for more than three decades.

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She thanked everyone who joined the walk and donated to the cause, saying what was raised would be a big help to the shelter which is struggling to keep afloat.

Sana ipagpatuloy natin ang pagsuporta sa Bethune House dahil ang shelter na ito ang may pusong nagpapatuloy sa mga cancer warriors, mga biglang nawawalan ng trabaho, at mga may labor cases,” said Palma

(I hope we will all continue supporting Bethune House, which has the heart to provide shelter to cancer warriors, those who suddenly lose their jobs, or are involved in labor cases).

Huwag po nating hayaang mawala ang Bethune House na syang nagsisilbing tahanan ng mga distressed workers sa loob ng mahigit 30 yrs.”

Palma (with sunglasses) lead the walkers along The Peak for the fundraiser

Let us not allow Bethune House to collapse, as it has served as a second home to distressed workers for more than 30 years.

Among the groups that joined the walk were Hong Kong Masikhay Eagles Club, Romblon Community of HK and Angat Pinknoy, with some unaligned individuals.

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5 groups join forces to clean up Shek O highlands

Posted on 20 May 2024 No comments

 

Participants of the clean-up drive show the results of their labor

Five organizations joined forces yesterday (March 19) morning to clean up walking trails in the hills that surround the Shek O Beach.

Some 100 members were able to fill more than 50 garbage bags with used plastic bottles and bags, and other litter as they walked up the Blue Ridge to converge at the peak, after two hours.

The clean up drive is a community service project of the the Grand Hong Kong Eagles Club and its counterpart, Grand Hong Kong Lady Eagles Club (GHKEC/GHKLEC).

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They were joined by Sikap Association, Anda Hope Association Hong Kong and GS Indonesian community group. 

"This is the first community service that we held in Shek O highland," said Sikap President Lester Esquilona.

"By picking up plastic and all the garbage along the pathways of the trail, we are able to help the environment."

Their next project will be to sweep through Repulse Bay Beach to Deepwater Bay Beach on June 10,  bearing garbage bags up and down the beach to pick up litter.

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Global Alliance, patuloy na tumutulong sa mga kumukuha ng OEC

Posted on 19 November 2022 No comments

 The SUN

 

Sabay-sabay na inaasikaso ni Nuval (nakasalamin) ang mga dumagsa sa St Joseph dahil sa OEC

Isa ka ba sa mga pauwi sa Pilipinas at nahihirapang kumuha ng OEC (overseas employment certificate) exemption na kailangan mo para makabalik sa trabaho mo dito sa Hong Kong?

Huwag nang magtanong kung kani-kanino dahil may mga grupo na matiyagang tumutulong sa mga kailangan ng OEC, nang walang kabayaran na hinihintay.

Kabilang sa kanila ang Global Alliance Hong Kong sa pamumuno ni Marites Nuval, isang dating regular na volunteer sa Philippine Overseas Labor Office na ang talagang tinututukan dati ay ang pagtuturo at pagtulong sa mga kapwa niya migrante para makakuha ng OEC.

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Magmula nang magbago ang pamunuan sa POLO na sinundan pa ng pandemya ay tinanggal na ang mga volunteer na dating nakatalaga sa computer room ng kanilang opisina. Dahil dito ay kanya-kanyang sikap na lang ang mga pauwing manggagawa para makakuha diretsa ng OEC exemption, o appointment sa POLO kung kinakailangang baguhin ang kanilang record.

Sa mga nagdaang buwan ay kinupkop ng Metrobank ang GA at pinagamit ang kanilang opisina sa 15th floor ng United Centre Building para maalalayan ang mga hirap makakuha ng OEC.

Pero mula noong katapusan ng Oktubre ay hindi na libre ang kuwartong pinapagamit sa mga volunteer kaya nagtiyaga na lang silang mag-istambay sa may footbridge ng United Centre kung saan matatagpuan ang opisina ng POLO at ng Konsulado, para ituloy ang pagbibigay nila ng napakahalaga at napapanahong serbisyong ito.

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Ngayong nagluwag na ng patakaran ang Hong Kong para sa mga pauwi, at nalalapit na rin ang kapaskuhan ay lalong dumadami ang nangangailangan ng tulong para makakuha ng OEC, na siyang unang-unang hinahanap sa airport sa Pilipinas sa mga paalis ng bansa para magtrabaho.

Marami din kasi ang ilang taon nang hindi nakakauwi at mismong ang Immigration na ang nagsabi na kailangan nilang mag- exit o bumalik muna sa bansa na kanilang pinanggalingan.

Dahil alam niya ang kahalagahan ng serbisyong ito ay nakipag-ugnayan si Nuval sa Filipino group sa St Joseph’s church sa Garden Road, Central para doon ituloy ang kanilang pagseserbisyo.

Ang karatula para sa libreng serbisyo ng Global Alliance at St Joseph Church

Agad na dinagsa ng mga nagsisimba ang kanilang puwesto sa ilalim ng simbahan sa unang dalawang linggo na naitalaga sila doon – noong Oktubre 30 at nitong Nov. 13, mula 9am hanggang 3pm. Dahil sa dami ng mga dumulog sa kanila ay napagdesisyunan ng mga taga St. Joseph na ituloy ang serbisyo bukas, Nov 20, at sa susunod na Linggo, Nov 27, sa kaparehong oras.

Ayon kay Nuval, malamang ay magpapatuloy pa ito hanggang Disyembre dahil mas marami sa mga migrante ang nakatakdang umuwi sa Pilipinas para doon mag Pasko.

Tutok at tiyaga lang daw ang puhunan nila sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo na ito dahil mahirap talagang makakuha ng OEC exemption o kahit ang appointment na kailangan ng mga bagong-palit ng amo, sa ilalim ng bagong sistema na ipinatupad kamakailan lang.

Nakadagdag pa ang pagpapatupad ng bagong regulasyon na kailangang maging miyembro muna ng Pag-IBIG Fund ang isang OFW bago makakuha ng OEC exemption.

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“Marami sa mga hindi naman nagpalit ng amo ang hindi rin makakuha ng OEC exemption sa bagong website, kahit dati na nila itong nagagawa sa dating sistema sa ilalim ng Balik Manggagawa Online,” sabi ni Nuval.

Dagdag-pasakit din daw na cell phone lang ang kadalasang gamit ng mga nagbabasa sa website, o yung mga dapat sagutin ang form para makumpleto ang pagrerehistro nila o pagkuha ng appointment.

“Kapag talagang kulang na sa oras ay sa Pilipinas na lang namin sila binu-book ng appointment para makakuha ng OEC,” sabi pa ni Nuval.

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Dahil sa paulit-ulit nilang pagpasok sa napakahirap na website para sa OEC ay marami na daw silang nakitang paraan para mas mapabilis ang pagkuha ng exemption ng isang pauwing manggagawa.

Ang isa dito ay ang pagpunta online sa iba-ibang sangay ng POEA sa Pilipinas para mapabilis ang pagkuha ng panibagong password ng mga hindi mahanap ang kanilang record sa bagong website. Ayon kay Nuval, may sangay na naipapadala ang password sa loob ng 24 na oras, samantalang inaabot ng ilang araw bago ito makuha sa ibang lugar.

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Nalaman din nila na iyong mga hindi pa nakakuha ng membership number sa Pag-IBIG ay maaring laktawan muna ang patlang para dito para makakuha na ng appointment sa POLO. Masyado daw kasing mahaba ang pila lagi papunta sa opisina ng Pag-IBIG sa Konsulado kaya kung ito ang inuna ng isang aplikante ay mas lalo pang matatagalan ang pagkuha niya ng appointment.

Ibayong tiyaga ang kailangan, lalo at telepono lang ang karaniwang gamit ng mga pauwing OFW

Sa hirap nang pinagdadaanan ng bawat migrante na kailangang makakuha ng OEC para makauwi ay hindi mapigilan ni Nuval ang umasa na sana ay payagan na silang makabalik at pumirmi muli sa POLO para mas lalo pang dumami ang kanilang matulungan.

Kailangang kailangan din daw kasi ito ngayon dahil sa dami ng mga migranteng manggagawa na nangangarap na makabalik nang muli sa Pilipinas pagkatapos ng ilang taong “pagkakakulong” sa Hong Kong sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi na daw sana sila pinahihirapan pa.

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Rey Vital, SIKAP's president for 38 years, dies of cancer

Posted on 21 June 2022 No comments

By Daisy CL Mandap

 

Rey Vital kept SIKAP intact, strong and relevant for nearly 38 years

One of the most-loved Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong passed away yesterday, Jun 20, after a long bout with cancer.

Rey Vital, known to many in the community as the founder and leader of SIKAP (Samahan ng mga Nagkakaisang Pilipino), the oldest migrant workers’ group in Hong Kong, died less than two months after returning home to his hometown of Sta Ana, Pampanga.

He was 65.

He is survived by his wife Amy, a fellow migrant worker who worked with him in the same household in Hong Kong for decades; and their son, Reyniel, who was born in the city and is now a permanent resident here.

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Unknown to many except for SIKAP members and some close friends, Rey had struggled with colorectal cancer for years, and had been through several rounds of treatment in Hong Kong hospitals.

But in-between his treatments, Rey always went back to driving for his employer, and when he was off, would go early to the Wanchai Tennis Court to book hard-to-come-by courts for his friends and fellow SIKAP members.

On Apr 25, he met with his SIKAP buddies at the Wong Nai Chung tennis grounds to say goodbye and for the first time since 1984, relinquished the group’s leadership to his longtime friend, Ben Bataller.

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As he boarded the plane on his final return home on May 1, Rey told The SUN that his doctors had told him that they had done all they could for him. He was given three months to live.

Rey is survived by his wife Amy and their son, Reyniel

But ever energetic and feisty, he did not let the dire prognosis stop him from doing what he loved the most - which was tennis, and tennis coaching.

Fifteen days before he was rushed to hospital where he breathed his last, Rey was back in court for the first tennis clinic in his name co-organized by his friend and kabalen, actor Allen Dizon.

Though looking noticeably thinner and frail, Rey could be seen in photos taken at the event intently giving pointers to the young participants, and even standing up to throw them balls and correct their stance.

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Dizon was to post after being told of Rey's death: "You will be missed, koy (short for koya, or brother). Dakal sa salamat, koy." (Thank you very much, brother).

Rey (in blue) coaching young tennis enthusiasts in his hometown on Jun 8

Eight days after the tennis clinic, a visit by some of his best friends from SIKAP who are now all back in the Philippines, reportedly left Rey teary eyed. He was so beside himself with joy that he ordered them the best Pampango dish he could get at short notice, and even arranged a visit at a nearby park near Mt Arayat.

This was vintage Rey, always generous, both with his time and resources, and always making sure people around him were well-fed and comfortable.

One of his visitors was Jo Campos, who along with three other ex-migrant workers who used to be with SIKAP, were known to be especially close to Rey.

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Jo said Rey again reminded her how happy and proud he was to have been proved right about her writing skills. It was Rey who got Jo to write about their group’s events for  The SUN, not because he wanted the publicity but more to push her to write more regularly.

O di ba, hindi tayo napahiya?” Rey again remembered to tell Jo. (So, you did not me embarass me after all).

Remembering that visit, Jo said in a Facebook post Monday, “Last year, a day before my birthday I lost my sister. Today, a day after my birthday, I lost my bff Kuya Rey Vital. He was an inspiration to many. A kind hearted and selfless leader who untiringly shares his knowledge in tennis, and to be a better person.

“He once told me that I will be a better writer than a tennis player. It was true. (But I still learned to play tennis as much as I could). He introduced me to the editor and publisher of The SUN who took me under their wings and trained. (Later) he would sometimes tease me, saying ‘parang nagsisisi ako na pinakilala kita sa The SUN kasi hindi mo na ako naalala puntahan dito sa SIKAP.

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“Rest well in the arms of our creator. I love you, bff.”

Another member of the group that came to be known as SIKAP’s Fab Four, Liza Cortes, wrote: “I am grateful to have been one of Kuya Rey’s friends in life…a father figure, a mentor in tennis, my closest confidant.

“You were so beautiful inside-out. Death snatched you away from us who love you, and we could only watch helplessly. Someone who is so kind and selfless like you could have stayed a little bit longer…I wish you never had to leave this early.”

This visit by Jo, Liza, Jen and Weng from SIKAP left Rey in tears

Another of his dear friends is Lester Esquilona, who has just been elected as vice-president of SIKAP.

Lester wrote: “Rey Vital is my kuya, my best friend, mentor and coach. Most of all, he was a very good leader of one of the oldest Filipino community organizations here in Hong Kong.”

Ben Bataller, who takes over the helm at SIKAP, was one of the pioneers of SIKAP, and had been with Rey throughout all its ups and downs. He said: “SIKAP was born through the hard work of Rey Vital. Rey was an excellent leader who was well-liked. He was one of a kind and worked towards the good of everyone. We have survived this long as an organization because of him.

“We the SIKAP family are mourning the loss of our great leader. Kuyang, we will miss you a lot. As the new president of SIKAP, I am asking our members around the world to offer a prayer for our late leader. Pare, may you rest in peace.”

Equally poignant was a post from Baba Gozum, a longtime resident and Rey's kabalen who has now resettled back in the Philippines.

He wrote: “Dear Koyang Rey, you took me under your wings like a little brother and made my initial stint in Hong Kong bearable.

I grieve with the thought that another beautiful soul is now gone, but at the same time, a piece of me silently shouts in glee for another angel will be welcomed in heaven.

We will be praying for you as you also pray for Ate Amy, Reyniel and the countless OFWs whose lives you’ve touched, when you’re up there.

Farewell, Koyang. You will be missed. Rest easy.”

 

A memorial mass in Rey’s honor will be said by Fr Jay Flandez, chaplain for Filipinos, at St Joseph’s Church on Garden Road, Central this Sunday, Jun 26, at 1pm. Please help us celebrate his life.

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Rewards offset difficulties of getting a drivers’ license, say veteran drivers

Posted on 05 November 2021 No comments

By The SUN 

The 'Learn to Drive' interview was watched by thousands of viewers

Only about 20% of Filipino domestic helpers who take Hong Kong’s driving test pass it, revealed the leaders of two of the biggest groups of drivers’ groups in the Filipino community.

But speaking in The SUN Interviews on Wednesday, Nov 3, the leaders of Radiant Organization of Amiable Drivers (RoadHK) and Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (Sikap) said the rewards of having a driver’s license far outweigh the difficulty of securing it.

RoadHK president Ma Theresa Aquino said the biggest benefit is the much higher salary given to FDHs with driving skills. 

But the leader of the all-female drivers group said those who are keen to get a license must also bear in mind that driving is skill upgrading that will be a lifelong asset.

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Rey Vital, founder and president of 34-year-old Sikap Association, a group of mostly male Filipino drivers in Hong Kong, agreed, saying that the going rate for FDHs with driving duties is at least $18,000 for those who live outside of their employers’ homes.

But he said many still earn only about half of this, especially if they live with their employers, offsetting the high cost of renting a room or a flat and paying for their own meals.

Aquino, who has been driving in Hong Kong for 16 years, said aspiring drivers will be better-placed to find good employers if they obtain a driving license. But she emphasized that FDHs who drive should also bear in mind that they were hired primarily as domestic workers, and driving is just an incidental duty.

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Vital agreed to this, saying that even if he has been with his employers for a long time, he still helps with the housework, especially since his wife is the only other helper in the same household.

He recalled the time in the early 2000s when the Hong Kong government tried to ban driving duties for FDHs after local drivers complained that they were being edged out of their jobs by the migrant workers.

The move was averted when many of the Filipinos’ employers, who were mostly English-speaking business executives, fought to get FDHs back behind the wheel. Though it relented, the government inserted an “addendum” in the employment contract which restricted FDHs to driving only for the children and the elderly in the household.

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Vital said Hong Kong families tend to favor Filipino drivers over their local counterparts for some reasons, particularly because Filipinos are multi-taskers who do not shirk from doing household work when not on the road.

Another reason is that local drivers command a much higher pay, and work on fixed hours each day as they have their own families to go home to. FDHs, on the other hand, could be at the employer’s beck and call, especially those who are under a live-in arrangement.

Filipino drivers spend a lot of time and money getting their licenses in HK

Both drivers said a Philippine driver’s license cannot be swapped for a Hong Kong one, as this privilege is granted only to those holding licenses issued by countries listed down on the Transport Department’s website.

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Thus, most Filipinos will find themselves going through a series of written and practical tests before they are issued a license allowing them to drive on Hong Kong’s streets.

To pass the rigorous tests, driving applicants should either go to a private instructor or enroll in the Hong Kong School of Motoring.

Aquino said the costs of going through driving lessons could be prohibitive, with a full course with a private instructor costing around $10,000. Paying full tuition with the HKSM, on the other hand, could set a learner back by around $15,000.

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But she hastened to add that these amounts are not beyond the reach of most FDHs, especially those who are determined to acquire a new skill that will help boost their incomes.

All they have to do is to set aside some of their shopping money so they can save up for the chance of improving their lot, she said.

Anyone who wants to apply for a learner’s license must go to the Transport Department in Admiralty, Aquino said. She must show her HKID card and proof of address. If it’s an electricity bill, she must bring her contract, as it bears her employer’s name as on the bill.

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The learner’s fee is $510. After paying, the applicant will be told to wait for a letter advising her of the written test date. The wait will take about three months.

The Transport Department says learner drivers without any driving experience should have at least 30 hours of training before taking the tests.

The tests are divided into three parts. Part A is written, Part B includes parallel parking and the 3-point turn, while Part C is a road test, or actual driving. Applicants must pass all three tests before they can be issued a driver’s licence.

Learning to drive in Hong Kong, however, is not an easy task, both Vital and Aquino warned. Aside from the high tuition, the driving tests and road rules are very strict, especially in parking, reading road signs, speed limit and crossing lanes.

Vital advised all those who are aspiring to drive to stay focused while on the road for their safety. He said many Filipino drivers with years of driving in the Philippines fail the test here because of their bad habits.

Aquino said driving in Hong Kong is very different from that in the Philippines because drivers here have road discipline, and the rules are strictly enforced.

For a start, she said aspiring drivers traveling on a bus or taxi should observe the road signs and get familiar with them, instead of spending their time texting or fiddling with their phones.

The online show hosted by The SUN editor Daisy Mandap attracted more than 13,000 views during the live airing. More than 400 viewers stayed glued to the show for much of its hour-long duration.

Most of those who posted comments expressed interest in enrolling in a driving school and obtaining a license, reflecting a strong desire of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong to level up and enhance their market value.

(Those who want to learn more about the hows and the whys of obtaining a driver’s license in Hong Kong could check the Facebook page of Radiant Organization of Amiable Drivers and Friends (RoadHK & Friends) for the schedule of their upcoming driving seminars).

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