SB19 HK fans out in droves for ‘Pagtatag’ documentary

 A'Tins or SB19 fans pack cinema lobby in Tai Koo

Fans of the Philippines’ highly popular boy band, SB19, were out in force today, Wednesday, to watch ‘PAGTATAG!' a documentary which chronicles their idols’ ups and downs during their highly successful world concert tour in 2023, and the temporary uncertainty that followed when they were stopped from using the name that made them famous.

Most of those in the sold-out screening were Filipino domestic workers who have been worshipping from afar the five-man band made up of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin - but there were local fans, too.

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Among them was Iris, who says she has been to the Philippines and Japan to watch the foremost  P-pop (Pilipino pop) group in concert, and was such a fan that she showed up at the movie house wearing a t-shirt and lanyard bearing their name.

“I like them because of their music, the message from the songs, their extraordinary talent and their life stories that keep me in their fandom,” the 20-something Iris said.

HK fan Iris says she's been to Japan and the Philippines to watch the SB19 in concert

She said she started out being a fan of K-pop (or Korean pop) music, but after she discovered SB19 and learned about their extraordinary struggle to keep on making music as a group, they became her utmost favourite.

Iris said that she expects her fellow SB19 fans from Macau to come to Hong Kong on Sept 22 to watch the documentary, which has been booked for five more screenings across the city due to the overwhelming support for the initial shows.

Not to be outdone were the band’s Filipina followers, especially the “admins” (administrators) of the Facebook page, SB19 Hong Kong A’TIN (the name by which their fans are known), who made sure they were at the cinema way ahead of time to display their band merchandise and take photos.

To them, the band is not just SB19 but also “Mahalima”, a term of endearment that translates  to “Mahal na lima” or (Beloved five).

Fans call them 'Mahalima' for 'mahal na lima' (beloved five)

One of them, Lucy, said they love the group because the members are all so talented, but also because they believe in supporting “ang sariling atin” (our very own).

“Mas suportahan natin ang sariling atin, para magkaroon tayo ng sariling P-pop, para maipakilala ang OPM sa buong mundo,” Lucy said (We should support our own so we  could have our own P-pop and OPM (original Pilipino music) will be known all over the world.

One of her companions has another reason for being A’TIN. She said she considers SB19 a godsend as she first heard of them while she was undergoing severe mental stress due to her work as a domestic helper.

“Dumating sila sa buhay ko…noong 2019. Super depressed ako noon so I said, ‘God help me, I can’t live anymore. Sila po ang pinadala. It’s a miracle talaga na dumating sila sa buhay ko,” she said. (They came to my life in 2019. I was very depressed then so I asked God to help me as I felt I could not go on living. He sent them to me. It was really a miracle that they came into my life).

This avowed A'Tin regards the SB19 band 'godsend'

Such stories are one of the reasons they keep on going, according to SB19 leader Pablo in one of the interviews the group had as they were starting to be recognized.

But such back stories are not part of the documentary, which assumes that those who watch it are already A’TINs. There are no extensive concert footages, not even a song sung in full by the band.

Instead, the film focuses on the preparations as well as the state of mind of the five band members during the PAGTATAG World Tour across the United States and Canada in the summer of 2023, until early this year during the promotion of their EP (extended play recording).

The film reaches a climax when, just as they were about to continue their tour to countries nearer home, the group was told that they could no longer use the name SB19. The band members were filmed being gripped by uncertainty as their scheduled tour to Japan, Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore were cancelled one after another.

But just as everything seemed lost, and the band faced a repeat of the years of struggles they had to go through before striking it big in 2019, we are told that a settlement had been reached, and they could resume using the name that made them the country's foremost P-pop band.

It's all good vibes inside the cinema as fans sing one of SB19's hits during the closing credits

‘PAGTATAG,’ which began screening in theaters on Aug. 28, is now officially the country’s highest grossing documentary of all time.

In Hong Kong, today’s screening at ‘Movie Movie’ in Cityplaza, Tai Koo Shing, was one of two that sold out in just a couple of hours despite the hefty $150 tickets. 

Because of this, the cinema company lost no time scheduling five more screenings on Sunday, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29, in various cinemas in Hong Kong and Kowloon. As of this writing, the one scheduled at 1:30pm on Sept 22 at Premier Elements, in West Kowloon, is already sold out.

The other screenings are on Sept 22 are at 11:35am, Movie Movie at Pacific Place, Admiralty; 1:30pm at Palace IFC in Central; and 4:15pm at Gala Cinema, Langham Place, Mong Kok. There will be another screening at Movie Movie in Tai Koo Shing on Sept. 29 at 2pm.

Ultimately, though, the A'TINs are all dreaming of seeing their idols, live in concert. Sony Philippines, with whom SB19 has a recording contract, says this could happen by next year. But before this, at least one of the band's members could come to Hong Kong to be with their fans. A'TINs, take note. 

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Freebies galore on 75th National Day, Oct 1

 

All cinemas will offer half-price tickets on Oct 1 (from Movie Movie website)

Half-price cinema tickets are just some of the benefits that people in Hong Kong may enjoy on Oct. 1, as the city joins the celebration of National Day, or the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The day will also be marked with free rides on trams and cross-harbour ferries, while train passengers will get a 25% discount for trips on most MTR lines. Children can ride buses for free on most routes.

According to the MTR, the discounts will apply to trips to the border at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau, except for first class. Not included in the discounts are the Airport Express and Express Rail.

drive.

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Meanwhile, the Star Ferry said the free cross-harbour trips between Central and Wanchai to Tsim Sha Tsui can be availed of for three days, or from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

In addition, there will be free admission at all government-run museums, many public sports facilities, as well as the Wetland Park.

The National Day bonanza was announced by Chief Executive John Lee before the weekly Executive Council today, Sept. 17,

"The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is a big day when the whole country rejoices,” he told reporters.

“I encourage the public to eagerly take part in different activities, so as to celebrate enthusiastically the country's 75th anniversary.”

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki along with other senior officials later held a press conference to provide more details about the festivities.

CS Eric Chan (center) announcing details of the National Day celebrations

In addition to the free or discounted rides, about 3,000 eateries will offer discounts, as well as many shopping malls, tourist spots and more than 10,000 shops at local wet markets.

Free dental checks will also be given to 750 elderly residents, while 7,500 people will enjoy subsidised local tours.

The CE said 75 civil servants will provide volunteer work during the National Day celebrations.

added. 

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DH caught waitressing in restaurant jailed 3 months

 

Verdict was handed down in Shatin Court

A domestic helper who insisted in a trial at Shatin Court that she was not working as a waitress in a Shau Kei Wan restaurant when she was arrested for ilegal work last Feb. 24 , was jailed for three months today for breaching her condition of stay.

Jenny Guzman, 44 years old, failed to convince Deputy Magistrate Li Cheuk-wai that she was simply doing a “kind gesture” while waiting for her boyfriend to finish his work as a cook in the restaurant. 

As a domestic helper, she is forbidden by her condition of stay set when she was given an employment visa, from accepting any work other than domestic helper duties for her registered employer,

Magistrate Li gave weight to the testimonies of Immigration officers who posed as customers and were served by Guzman who opened the door for them, took their take-away order, accepted their payment and gave their change and receipt.

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Citing the testimonies of the three prosecution witnesses, which she described as honest and reliable, Li said Guzman even charged them $2 for the take-away container, indicating her familiarity with restaurant procedures, and gave them water while they were waiting for the food they ordered.

She also noted that Guzman operated the cash register without consulting  the restaurant’s owner, who was sitting nearby and who was also called as witness in her defense.

“Defendant does not have proof to prove her innocence,” Li concluded, rejecting the testimony  of Guzman and the restaurant owner.

In mitigation, Guzman’s duty lawyer said she was a single mother and was the sole breadwinner for her son and daughter who are now both in college in the Philippines.

He sought a lenient sentence so she could resume sending them money sooner.

Magistrate Li said the sentencing guidelines prescribe the penalty for Guzman’s offense as three months in prison. “No more further reduction,” she added.

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Social Justice to hold charity walk for Bethune House on Oct 1

 

Poster for Social Justice's charity walk for Bethune House

Another big migrant workers group has responded to the call for help for cash-strapped Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge, the biggest shelter in Hong Kong for migrant workers in distress.

Social Justice for Migrant Workers headed by Marites Palma is holding a charity walk at The Peak on Oct 1, starting at 10am. The charity fund raiser dubbed Amazing Walk for Bethune House” will be held around The Peak Trail, and will start and end on Lugard Road. 

The SUN Hong Kong is supporting the charity fund-drive.

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Participants  are asked to give at least $30 each for the fund that will be raised for Bethune House, which only recently sent out an SOS (Save Our Shelter) appeal, saying it only has enough money for two months of operation.

According to Bethune’s executive director Edwina Antonio, the shelter needs at least $1 million to tide it over until the end of the year, after two expected institutional grants fell through.

“Please give generously,” Palma advised all participants to the Walk. “This is just a small way for us  to give thanks to a shelter that has helped so many of our fellow migrant workers in distress for the past 38 years.”

Social Justice, a mainly online group with 86,000 members, provides counseling, legal and financial help to its members. In pursuit of these goals, it has worked with Bethune House in cases where the distressed worker needed  shelter while fighting a legal battle, or getting treated for a dreaded disease like cancer.

Palma also recalled that during the pandemic, her members worked alongside Bethune’s officers and clients in providing “ayuda” or help in various forms, to migrant workers who were in quarantine.

SJMW is the latest Filipino community organization to lend a hand to Bethune House. Last Sunday, three Lady Eagles groups visited Bethune House in Jordan and brought with them boxes of goodies. They also handed over $1,000 cash to help alleviate the shelter’s immediate need for financial assistance.

A fourth Lady Eagles group also took time to bring assorted food stuff to the Mission for Migrant Workers office in Central, in response to Bethune’s appeal for help.

This coming Sunday, Sept. 22, the Single Parents group headed by Marie Rivera will also visit Bethune House in Sheung Wan to extend help. Rivera said her group has been helping another church-based shelter for the past several years. “Pass muna kami doon para makatulong sa Bethune.” she said.

Those who are interested to join the “Amazing Walk” are asked to assemble at the steps in front of The Peak Galleria before 10am for registration. For details, send a message to the Social Justice for Migrant Workers Facebook page.

Those who want to donate directly to Bethune House may do so through Alipay or direct bank transfer as shown in the photo below:

Bethune House has been serving migrant workers in crisis since 1986. It runs two shelters: one in Jordan and another in Sheung Wan, both of which can accommodate about 40  clients at any given time.

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30 people rounded up in latest anti-illegal worker raids

One of those arrested in a near-record haul in the anti-illegal work campaign

A four-day operation against illegal work conducted by the  Immigration Department from Sept 9 to 12 resulted in the arrest of 30 people.

According to a press statement by Immigration, those arrested included  22 suspected illegal workers, five employers and three overstayers.

In initial raids on 34 target locations including premises under renovation and restaurants, six  suspected illegal workers comprising five men and one woman aged 23 to 44, were arrested.

Among them, two men were holders of recognisance forms or asylum seekers, who are prohibited from taking any employment.

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The rest of the arrests, including those of the suspected employers and the overstayers, happened during raids on various locations in Central, Eastern, Wan Chai and Western districts, including car parks, food stalls, massage parlours and restaurants.

Those rounded up included 16 suspected illegal workers, five employers and three overstayers. They comprised seven men and nine women, aged 19 to 57.

Among them, three men and three women were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. In addition, one man and two women were found in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards.

Five men, aged 35 to 68, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.

Under Immigration laws, anyone found to engage in illegal work can be jailed up to two years and fined $50,000. The prison term can go up to three years if the offender is an overstayer, illegal immigrant or recognisance holder.

Possessing and or using forged identity cards is punishable with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $100,000 fine.

Employers of illegal workers face up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $500,000.

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Enjoy free tram rides tomorrow but don’t litter, burn wax or fly sky lanterns

 

Free unlimited rides on trams can be availed of by anyone tomorrow

All tram rides will be free tomorrow, Sept. 17, the eve of Mid-Autumn Festival. Anyone can just hop on the trams that travel along the east to the west of  Hong Kong island, and take unlimited trips.

The free rides, which are hosted jointly with Huatain International, also marks the 120^th anniversary of Hong Kong’s tram service.

Meanwhile, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department again reminded people to keep public places clean, not burn wax or put lit candles on the ground, grass pitches or beaches, not throw glow sticks or other objects onto trees, and not fly sky lanterns while celebrating Mid-Autumn.

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Locals have been known to celebrate the occasion, also known as Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival, by going to high places like the Peak or by the beach, to gaze at the full moon and pray for better luck.

They are also wont to celebrate by hanging colourful lanterns and lighting candles in parks, or go around adorned with glow sticks.

More importantly, local families use the occasion to gather and celebrate being together after time spent apart.

Flying sky lanterns is a serious offence

Apart from the LCSD, the  Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) also reminded the public to observe fire safety and keep the countryside clean during the festivity, which starts Tuesday night and throughout the day on Wednesday.

The AFCD warned that people who go to countryside should not release any sky lanterns to prevent hill fires.

Under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), it is illegal to light a fire or release a sky lantern in country parks and open countryside. Offenders can be fined up to $25,000 and jailed for up to a year.

Littering in public places including parks, beaches, barbecue sites and the countryside is also an offence that is punishable with a fixed penalty of $3,000.

Also strictly prohibited is the burning of wax, throwing objects onto trees or flying sky lanterns. The offence is punishable with a maximum penalty of $2,000 fine and 14 days' imprisonment.

Separately, the Transport Department said special traffic arrangements will be in place starting tonight, Sept. 16 until Wednesday, Sept. 18 as part of crowd control measures for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

To facilitate the holding of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, road closure and traffic diversion arrangements will be implemented in the vicinity of Tai Hang from September 16 to 18.

In addition, road closure and traffic diversion arrangements will be implemented in various parts of Hong Kong Island (including Causeway Bay, The Peak, Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay and Shek O) and in the New Territories (including Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Ma On Shan) on Sept 17 and 18.

Some parking spaces, taxi stands and public light bus stands in the above areas will also be suspended.

At the same time, public transportation services will be adjusted as follows:

(i) MTR lines (except the Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line and the section of East Rail Line to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations) will operate overnight, and strengthen services from 3pm onwards;

(ii) Seven light rail routes will operate overnight;

(iii) Tram services will be extended to 1am of the following day, and will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

(iv) Three special bus routes (route Nos. N64P, N272 and 173R) will be operated. Franchised bus companies will also extend the service hours of 10 bus routes and adjust the frequency/departure time of some routes respectively;

(v) 10 green minibus routes will extend their service hours;

(vi) 31 bus routes and 14 green minibus routes will be diverted and adjust their stop locations temporarily in connection with the road closures and traffic diversion arrangements; and

(vii) Star Ferry, Sun Ferry and Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry will strengthen their ferry services subject to passenger demand.

For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements, visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or its mobile application "HKeMobility". Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the public transport operators.

Everyone is encouraged to make use of public  transport as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays.

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‘Sampaguita’ among fragrant flowers to go on display at HK Park

 

Arabian jasmine or 'sampaguita' is the national flower 
of both the Philippines and Indonesia

Arabian jasmine, or more commonly known in the Philippines as “sampaguita,” is among different species of fragrant flowers to be shown at an exhibition at the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park starting next Friday, Sept. 20.

Sampaguita, whose sweet scent can carry over long distance, is known as the national flower not just in the Philippines, but also in Indonesia.

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It will be among 700 plants from 40 species of fragrant flowers to be showcased at the upcoming exhibition, which will also include Orange-jessamine, Crepe jasmine, Kwai-fah and Banana shrub.

Orange-jessamine which is also white in color, is known for its powerful fragrance and resilience, making it a common choice for hedges.

The Orange-jessamine

Crepe jasmine, on the other hand, has a refreshing scent and is a popular choice for garden landscaping.

Crepe-jasmine

Kwai-fah, a tiny, yellowish-white flower that emits long-lasting fragrance, is also known for being edible, and is often used for desserts, as scented tea, and for creating floral liqueur.

Banana shrubs are so-called because their pale yellow blooms emit a rich, banana-like perfume. The Chinese name of the plant means "wearing a smile", because the flowers, usually partially open, resemble a person with a shy and reserved smile.

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Along with the flowers, display boards will also be set up to introduce their characteristics, planting tips and propagation methods.

The exhibit is open to the public free of charge, and can be viewed from 9am to 5pm daily from Sept 20 to Oct 31 at the Forsgate Conservatory of Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.

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6 Indo overstayers found working illegally jailed 15 months

 

The 6 ovestayers were found working as cleaners in a food factory (FILE)

Six former Indonesian domestic helpers who had overstayed their visas were all sentenced to 15 months in jail at Shatin court on Thursday, Sept. 12, after being found to have worked illegally at a food manufacturing plant in Tsuen Wan.

The six, aged between 33 to 46, were arrested during an anti-illegal work operation of the Immigration Department two days earlier.

A statement issued by Immigration said they were found to have worked as cleaners at different floors of the food plant.

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An ensuing investigation revealed they all entered Hong Kong as FDHs but had overstayed their visas.

Another person suspected of having employed the six was also arrested and is still being investigated.

The six former helpers all pleaded in court to breaching the limit of their stay in Hong Kong, and working illegally.

Immigration warned that under section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an overstayer, someone who is subject to a removal or deportation order, or who was refused permission to land, is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or  joining any business.

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Anyone found violating this ordinance face a maximum sentence of three years in jail and fine of $50,000.

Employers of illegal workers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of $500,000.

 

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Filipino avoids jail after 7-month overstay

 

Shatin Court

A Filipino avoided getting imprisoned on Friday, Sept. 13, despite pleading guity at Shatin Court to overstaying his visa by more than seven months.

Zhygme Roquero, 37, was sentenced to 14 days in jail, but suspended for 12 months, for having stayed after the two week grace period that followed the expiration of his domestic helper contract on Oct. 17 2023.

Magistrate David Chum told Roquero that he would not need to be jailed if he does not commit any offense in the next 12 months. However, if he does, he will serve the sentence along with the punishnent for the new offense.

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Magistrate Chum reached the decision after listening to Roquero’s lawyer, who said that all he wanted to do now is to bring his daughter home to the Philippines as soon as possible.

The lawyer said Roquero had been taking care of the girl after he parted ways with the mother, who was his girlfriend.

Since he had overstayed, he surrendered last June to the Immigration Department, which filed the charge of breach of condition of stay against him.

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Chum set a starting point for his punishment at 24 days.

Because of his guilty plea, Chum gave him a one-third discount, which brought it down to 16 days.

Roquero was also given credit for surrendering to the Immigration Department, which brought a further discount of two days, for a final penalty of 14 days imprisonment, which Chum further lightened by suspending it for 12 months. 

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