PAHK to host first-ever OFW Independence Day fest

 

Kwong (in pink), and her directors offer a toast at the PAHK Independence Day Gala

Hong Kong’s oldest professional and business group, the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, will host its first-ever Independence Day luncheon gathering for overseas Filipino workers tomorrow at Hotel Alexandra in North Point.

The event called “Alab,” will gather Filipino leaders from various sectors to celebrate the 126^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence from Spanish rule. Everyone is encouraged to come in Philippine native attire for the festivity.

“Alab” comes close on the heels of the PAHK Annual Independence Day Ball called “Hiraya,” held on Jun 8 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, a traditional fund-raising event held each year by the 63-year-old organization.

PAHK officers in last-minute planning for 'Alab'

PAHK chairperson Scylla Kwong said “Alab” is the group’s way of giving OFWs a chance to enjoy the same experience that its members and guests had at the Saturday dinner gala, but held on a Sunday and at a time that is most convenient for migrant workers.

“We are thinking of doing this as a PAHK signature event in the future,” said Kwong, who is head of OSW PrimeCredit Ltd., which is co-organizing both Alab and Hiraya with First Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

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It is not, however, the first dress-up Independence Day gathering to be organized for the OFW community in Hong Kong. Philippine Alliance, a mostly OFW group, first staged the “Kalayaan Ball” more than a decade ago. However, a fiasco that erupted last year about how the yearly event was allegedly turned into a business seminar by the organizers, Global Alliance, disheartened many OFWs.

Guests at the 'Alab' luncheon will be able to 'dance, dance until the end'

The PAHK decided to step in and organize an event separate from the one being held this year by GA on the same date and time at the Grand Ballroom in Tsim Sha Tsui, in hopes of allowing OFW leaders a chance to have a really good time.

At “Alab,” there will be a live band, a raffle draw, and lots of chances for the guests to mingle with each other and dance to their heart’s content, all for the heavily subsidized ticket cost of $150.

According to Kwong, the tickets should have cost $550 each, so the sponsors who are footing the rest of the bill will be given the chance to speak, but their pitch should not last longer than five minutes to prevent the party event turning into another business event.

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“The program rundown is simple,” said Kwong. Apart from the sponsors’ time, the program will only include a speech from Kwong and Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, and a presentation of the PAHK’s Board of Directors.

“We will have a band and singers so our OFWs will be able to dance, dance until the end of the program,” said Kwong.

Some of the past chairpersons of PAHK lent support for this year's Ball

Until last year, the PAHK was a key organizer of the Filipino community’s Philippine Independence Day celebration on Chater Road, which has traditionally followed its Ball the previous night. In fact, until only a few years ago, PAHK was the main organizer of the event, with the Philippine Consulate General billed as the main supporter.

When the Consulate took over the helm, it started tapping OFW groups like Global Alliance and Philippine Alliance to organize the whole-day show, including getting corporate sponsors and inviting Manila-based talents to entertain the crowd.

This year, PAHK decided to bow out of the bigger extravaganza for the first time in decades, but not without trying.

“We reached out to both the PCG and GA at the beginning of the year to see how the PAHK could continue playing a role in the celebration of Philippine Independence Day with the community,” said Kwong. “But we were given the impression by GA’s Leo Selomenio that she needed $300,000 to cover the expenses of the Sunday event.”

Since the PAHK did not have the money they were quoted, and since its sole purpose for organizing events has always been to raise funds for charity, Kwong said her Board of Directors decided to opt out of the Chater event and allow GA to go to corporate sponsors directly.

She said the PAHK has not given up entirely on being part of the event it started in the first place, and for which transparency in the handling of funds is its key asset, being a registered non-profit with the Hong Kong government.

But for now, it has “Alab” to show that PAHK remains committed to providing the kind of quality entertainment that the country’s unsung heroes in Hong Kong richly deserve.

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Checks on people bringing fresh meat, eggs into HK stepped up

 

Sniffer dogs are deployed at the border to detect regulated food being brought in

The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has stepped up its campaign against people illegally bringing regulated food into Hong Kong, in particular raw meat.

The effort includes taking interception and enforcement actions against violators, including the use of quarantine detector dog duties at various land boundary control points.

This comes amid concerns about the rise in the number of people bringing in raw meat from the mainland, which experts say could lead to a spike in food poisoning and other health problems.

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CFS said that on Wednesday alone, a woman entering from the mainland was detected by a quarantine detector dog of bringing in regulated food.

Subsequent investigations revealed that she had in her luggage, various raw meat packaged in foil, which did not come with an import licence and an official health certificate issued mainland authorities.

Fresh meat seized from inbound traveller last Wednesday

According to the CFS, prosecution may be instituted if sufficient evidence is found against her. An investigation into the case is ongoing.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), each consignment of imported meat and poultry must be covered by an import licence from the FEHD.

In addition, the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), requires each consignment of imported game, meat, poultry and eggs (regulated food), whether for personal use or not, to be accompanied by a health certificate issued by authorities in the place of origin. In the case of China, it is the Mainland Customs authorities.

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Violators face a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

As of Wednesday, the CFS said that so far this year, it has initiated 715 prosecutions against inbound persons for illegally bringing regulated food into Hong Kong.

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Filipino’s visa-from-fake-jobs case elevated to higher court

 

The charges were filed by the Immigration Department

An asylum-seeker alleged to have presented fake documents to the Immigration Department on behalf of clients so they could be given employment visas, had his case elevated from the Shatin Magistracy to the District Court today after 16 more charges were added to the original four.

Immigration accuses Homer Herrera, 40 years old, of conspiring with other people to defraud the Immigration director and his officers by “dishonestly and falsely representing” to them that they were to work for named employers in Hong Kong “and thereby induce Immigration to act contrary to their public duty … in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted.”

The offenses  are contrary to Common Law and punishable under Section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

Magistrate David Chum sent Herrera back to jail  to await the next hearing.

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The first four charges were amended to conform with newly-acquired evidence, while the 15^th to 20^th were additional charges.

In the first charge, Herrera is accused of conspiring to process through Immigration the visa application of Olivia Carino, who was supposed to work for Ernesto O. Herrera, between 2014 and Dec. 9, 2014.

In the second case, Herrera was accused of conspiring with Saraswati Rana and employer Cham Kam-sze, to file a fake work contract, between 2020 and Nov. 2, 2022.

In the third case, Herrera allegedly conspired with Wong Ka-fai Dick, Daljit Singh, Jo-Anne D. Esrada and a man known only as “Scott” between 2021 and July 25, 2023 to make it appear that Singh would work for Wong.

In the fourth case, Herrera allegedly conspired with Lam Ho ming and Rai Vijayta between 2021 and April 19, 2023 to make it appear that Vijayta would work for Lam.

The 5^th to the 20^th charges, which resulted from a wider investigation conducted by Immigration, accuse Herrera of the following:

5^th: Conspired with Chiu Kenneth Kam-to, Roy Avishek  and Lyn Cheng from early 2021 to May 15, 2021, to make it appear that Avishek will work for Chiu.

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6^th: Conspired with Jessebel Questo Clarke, Maria Chona Cagol and Lyn Cheng,  from 2021 to May 28, 2023, to make it appear that Cagol will work for Clarke.

7^th: Conspired with Jessebel Almira Narag Chow, Aprilyn Tupas, Gina Villareal and Lyn Cheng,  from 2021 to May 28, 2023, to make it appear that Tupas will work for Chow.

8^th: Conspired with Ng So-ling, Priti Tamang and Jo-Ann Estrada,  from 2021 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Tamang will work for Ng.

9^th: Conspired with Dhanus Gurung and Analyn Vidal  from 2021 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Gurung will work for Vidal.

10^th: Conspired with Limbu Sancha Kumari and Renaby Enmanuel from 2021 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Limbu will work for Enmanuel .

11^th: Conspired with Lee Ka-kung Raymond and Sukhjinder Kaur from 2021 to June 21, 2022, to make it appear that Kaur will work for Lee.

12^th: Conspired with Abuskar Gurung, Lorelie Agamata and Jo-ann Estrada from early 2021 to Nov. 19, 2021, to make it appear that Abuskar will work for Agamata.

13^th: Conspired with Gurung Gayan Kumari and Mel Valerie Cabrisante from early 2021 to Nov. 11, 2021, to make it appear that Cabrisante will work for Gurung.

14^th: Conspired with Liza Castillo, Jumiati, Lyn Cheng and Gina Villareal from early 2021 to May 13, 2023, to make it appear that Jumiati will work for Castillo.

15^th: Conspired with Jo-ann Estrada and Tri Wahyuni from early 2021 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Wahuni will work for Estrada.

16^th: Conspired with Butt Mohammad Umar Uzair and Mel Valerie Cabrisante from early 2021 to Nov. 11, 2021, to make it appear that Cabrisante will work for Butt.

17^th: Conspired with Analiza Chan and Rai Susma and a person only known as “Scott” from 2021 to April July 11, 2022, to make it appear that Rai will work for Chan.

18^th: Conspired with Virginia Law, Islamiyah, Jo-ann Estrada and Lyn Cheng from 3033 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Islamiyah will work for Law.

 19^th: Conspired with Chan Chung-yin, Kiki-Tamala, Jo-ann Estrada and Lyn Cheng from 2022 to July 25, 2023, to make it appear that Kiki-Tamala will work for Chan.

20^th: Conspired with Gharu Kiranjet Kaur and Jo-ann Estrada from 2022 to April 29, 2022, to make it appear that Gharu will work for Ho Van Hach.

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Filipino tourist arrivals in HK more than doubled from pre-pandemic levels

 

Secretary Sun, Congen Usudan, Secretary Chan and Senator Cayetano 
offer a toast to further diplomatic and trade ties

A total of 763,778 Filipino tourists came to Hong Kong last year, amounting to a staggering 3,529 times more than the 20,000 recorded in 2022.

That’s according to Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan in a speech she gave at the Diplomatic Reception hosted by the Consulate at the Conrad on Wednesday, to mark the 126^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

PINDUTIN DITO

Filipino tourists have been coming in droves that their number has already reached 114% more than in the days before the pandemic, she added.

Her disclosure prompted Financial Secretary Paul Chan – who was the evening’s special guest - to reply in jest, “Do come more often.”

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Congen Usudan also revealed a significant rise in the number of Hongkongers visiting the Philippines. From a mere 837 Hong Kong tourists who visited the country in 2022, the number spiked to 80,512 last year, or a rise of 8,589 percent.

She added that the mutually beneficial ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong go a long way back.

“Philippine-Hong Kong relations are rooted both in the past and the present – rooted in our mutual goal of progress and success, and rooted in the friendly relations of our people,” she said.

Chan invites more Filipinos to visit Hong Kong

In turn, Secretary Chan said there is still a lot more that can be done to strengthen the ties between the two places.

“We see a vast room for economic and trade cooperation to grow further,” he said. “After all, the Philippines is among Asia’s top performing economies.

He went on to cite the Asian Development Bank’s forecast that the Philippine economy will grow by 6% this year and 6.2% by next year.

He ended his speech by giving thanks to the 220,000-strong Filipino community in Hong Kong, who he said have played a valuable contribution to the city’s vitality.

Another guest at the event, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, likened the relationship between the Philippines and China, and Hong Kong in particular, to that shared by siblings, which he described as “resilient.”

While the two sides have faced issues and problems, he said “we have always found a way to become brothers and sisters (again).”

Mayor Cayetano and DG Wei join the ceremonial cake-cutting

Their speeches were followed by a toast to furthering ties and celebrating Philippine independence, then a symbolic cutting of a bespoke cake, where the three were joined by Secretary for Labour and Manpower Chris Sun, Wei Wenxiu, Director General of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong, and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Consuls general of various countries, heads of non-government organizations, business and professional leaders of Hong Kong, also joined the 200 or so Filipinos who were invited to the event.

Hach. 

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$1.75M money laundering case goes to trial

 

Talay appeared in Eastern Court yesterday

A Filipina will go on trial in August over a money laundering case in which some $1.75 million that she did not own flowed in and out of her bank account last year.

Analiza Talay, 48 years old, had earlier pleaded not guilty. Principal Magistrate Don So scheduled a pre-trial review at the Eastern Court for Aug7 when she appeared before him yesterday, Jun 12.

Expected to be discussed will be the readiness of both the prosecution and the defense to present their respective evidence.

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Her bail of $5,000 was extended until her trial.

Talay is charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense,” which is punishable under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

The case arose from the inflow and outflow of money totalling $1,745,610 in her Mox Bank account between March 19 and 28 last year.

The police complaint alleged that Talay did the offense with an unknown person.

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Labour offers online briefing to employers of FDHs

 

The Labour briefing will cover FDH rights and employers' obligation

The Labour Department is holding an online briefing for employers of foreign domestic helpers on Friday, July 12, and has opened enrolment starting today.

The briefing will provide an overview of the employment rights and obligations of employers of FDHs. A representative from the Equal Opportunities Commission will also share the best practices for creating an inclusive workplace for FDHs.

Employers of FDHs, especially first-time employers, are welcome to attend.

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The online briefing will be conducted in Cantonese via Zoom. It is free but the allocated quota will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those interested may register online at Labour’s dedicated FDH Portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/home.html), or download the enrolment form and submit it by email (fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk) or by fax (3101 0604).

The deadline for enrolment is July 10 (Wednesday). For enquiries, please contact the LD at 3582 8995.

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Filipinos urged to preserve freedom as country marks 126th Independence Day

Consulate officers in photo session with Filcom guests

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. called on all Filipinos to continue protecting their freedoms as the country marked the 126^th anniversary of its independence today,  June 12.

A video recording of his message was read out as the Philippine Consulate officials hosted the traditional breakfast gathering of Filipino community leaders.

“Bilang tagapagmana ng kalayaan na tinatamasa natin ngayon, tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na pangalagaan ito, at tiyakin na hindi na tayo kailan man magpapatinag sa anumang banta ng pananakop, pananakot at pang-aapi…” Marcos said.

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(“As those who inherited the freedom that we enjoy today, it is our duty to protect it and ensure that we will never succumb to threats, invasion and oppression).

“Tayo ang mukha ng bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos added. “ Sa sarili nating pamamaraan maari tayong maging bagong bayani ng ating makabagong panahon.”

(We are the face of the new Philippines… “Let us be heroes in our modern times, in our own way).

Officers lead the pledge of patriotism to the Philippines

The breakfast gathering at the Consulate which focused on this year’s theme of “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan (Freedom. Future. History),” was the first, and likely the last, to be hosted by Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, who is set to end her tour of duty at the end of the year.

Congen Usudan thanked the Filipino community leaders for honouring the simple gathering by their presence, and dressing in their best native attires.

She called on everyone to remember how the country  struggled to attain independence.

“Balikan natin ang nakaraan ng pasasalamat, at tanawin natin ang bukas ng buong tapang at pag-asa,” she said.

(Let us look back on the past with gratitude, and look ahead with full courage and hope).

Congen Usudan graciously welcomes Filcom guests to the event

Messages from other top government officials were also read out during the gathering, including one from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, who paid special tribute to the country’s overseas Filipino workers, who he said, blazed the trail for building a bright future for their families, communities, and the country.

“As our modern-day heroes, you brave new cultures, overcome challenges and diligently contribute to the economies of your host countries. Through your hard work and resilience, you uplift your families and showcase Philippine excellence on the global stage,” Cacdac said in his message read out by Labor Attache Mel Dizon.

Cacdac pledged the DMW’s commitment to providing OFWs the protection, support and services (they) deserve.

“ We strive to ensure your well-being, protect your rights, and empower you to reach your full potential as equal partners in national economic development,” he said.

Some of the 100-odd Filcom leaders pay homage to the flag and the country

A video message from Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo was also played, in which he called on Filipinos to dwell on this year’s theme for the celebration, and remember the sacrifices made by the country’s forebears to help achieve independence for the country.

Manalo said that while Philippine revolutionaries managed to attain freedom through weapons and an “extraordinary amount of grit,” modern-day Filipinos must continue the task of nation-building through innovation, ingenuity and perseverance.

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DH jailed 10 months for stealing jewelry worth $181K

 

Laguna Verde in Hung Hom, where the theft was committed

A Filipina domestic helper has been jailed for 10 months after admitting that she stole jewelry valued at a total of $180,600 from her employer on two occasions earlier this year.

Ma. Victoria Barela, 32 years old, pleaded guilty on Tuesday (June 11) at Kowloon City Court to charges of theft at her employer’s house at Laguna Verde in Hung Hom on unspecified dates last January and February.

The charges were filed by the Kowloon City Police last April 26.

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The first charge was for the theft of three necklaces and a pendant valued at a total of $49,000 while the second involved a diamond bracelet, two diamond rings and a gold bracelet worth $131,600.

Magistrate Philip Chan sentenced Barela to four months for the first charge and eight months for the second offense, after deducting the one-third discount to which those who plead guilty are entitled.

Magistrate Chan also ordered that two months of the first charge should run at the same time as the second charge, so the final sentence became 10 months in jail.

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Free rides, museum visits to mark Handover anniversary

 

The free rides on trams on July 1 will be for everyone (HK Tramways photo)

A series of freebies are being planned for July 1, as part of celebrations to mark the 27^th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

The plan was disclosed by Chief Executive John Lee, during a press briefing earlier today.

He said the treats will include traveling for free on trams, light rail and certain MTR buses in the northwest New Territories, as well as free entry to various indoor and outdoor facilities run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

These include the permanent exhibitions at the HK Science Museum, HK Space Museum, the HK Museum of Art, History Museum, HK Palace Museum and all exhibitions at the M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Entry to HK Wetland Park will also be free on this day.

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Visitors to Ocean Park will get 30 percent off their tickets between June 29 and July 1, and children as well as the elderly will get discounted tickets when they take the Peak Tram on July 1. Similarly, round-trip tickets to on standard cable cars at Ngong Ping 360 will be offered at 30% discount to children and seniors.

In addition, more than 1,000 restaurants will offer discounts on July 1 while the HK International Airport and some malls will host various activities and provide special offers.

The Chief Executive said more details will be revealed by various government departments and organizations at a later date.

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