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

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.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

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.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

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.

PRESS FOR DETAILS!

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.

Press for details

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.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

 

“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.

PADALA NA!

CALL US!

Call us!

Sikap turns 40

 

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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 40^th 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.

PRESS FOR DETAILS

Sikap still going strong at 33 years

Sikap officers and members led by Rey Vital (front row, 2nd from right) are joined by guests for the annual Christmas lunch.

One of the oldest Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong held its annual  Christmas and anniversary get-together at Empire Hotel in Wanchai on Nov. 26.

Sikap (for Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino sa Hong Kong) turned 33 this year, an event celebrated by more than 60 of its members, friends and family members.

The organization made up mostly of Filipino drivers in Hong Kong is headed by Rey Vital, who founded the group way back in 1984.

The group has built camaraderie among its members mainly through tennis, although in its earlier years it was engaged mainly in organizing basketball tournaments.

Through the years, many of Sikap’s members have raised their own families in Hong Kong that it now counts as part of its tightly knit community most of the minor children of migrant workers granted right of abode here recently.

Vital says Sikap will continue holding friendly tennis competitions and holding regular fellowships to further strengthen the friendship and unity it has built for more than three decades.

In fact, he said that right after their anniversary lunch, they would again gather at their Sunday hang out at the Wong Nai Chung court to play tennis, then continue talking over a hotpot dinner. - DCLM

Sikap celebrates 32nd year

The yearly lunch-get-together marks Sikap’s anniversary celebration.

Sikap Association, one of the oldest Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong with possibly the biggest group of male drivers as members, celebrated its 32nd founding anniversary with a buffet lunch at The Harbourside in Wanchai on Nov 27.

Many members brought along their family members, turning the lunch get-together into one big, happy celebration, with about 100 people in attendance.

Afterwards, most members led by their longtime president, Rey Vital, crossed to a nearby park for a group photo.

The lunch get-together also served as farewell for one of its longtime members, Jo Campos (also a regular contributor of The SUN), who is due to return home to the Philippines for good on Dec. 18.
Sikap ( for Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino) Association was founded in 1984 by a group of sports-minded OFWs whose objective was to organize sports events and tournaments. Through the years, Sikap Association has evolved into a tennis-oriented group, with focus on organizing friendly tournaments and clinics for those who wish to learn the sport or hone their skill in the sport. The games also serve to promote camaraderie and good health among members and friends. - DCLM

Sikap tournament: Magno-Buenavista team-up wins

Anna Liza Magno has teamed up with Irene Buenavista to beat the sisters tandem of Evangelyne Turner and Jane Pante, 6-4, in the latest tennis tournament held by Sikap Association at the Hong Kong Tennis Centre on Mar. 6. Sikap hones members’ skills by training newcomers and inviting tennis players from different Filipino tennis groups to play in its tournaments. Through the games, Sikap is able to build the confidence, competitiveness and sportsmanship of its members. – Jo Campos

Bethune celebrates Christmas

Christmas Eve 2015 was a happy, memorable occasion for 27 clients of Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge.
A multinational Christmas dinner and party at the KU Space hall at Jordan Road in Kowloon lit up the faces of the women residents of Bethune House as food and drinks galore, carol singing, parlor games and exchange gifts transformed the event into one big family reunion.
Bethune's executive director Edwina Antonio and  Mission for Migrant Workers general manager Cynthia Tellez co-hosted the gathering attended by about 60 guests, which included student volunteers and supporters from various migrant organizatons.
The annual event to celebrate Christmas is meant “to give warmth, love and company to our migrant domestic workers who are miles away from their homes and families.”
The evening was enlivened by emcee Rey Asis, whose funny remarks and antics added to the merriment.
In her welcome remarks. Antonio said that “despite all the challenges of 2015, we are here for the residents of Bethune House, we are here to celebrate."

Other groups that celebrated Christmas in their own ways:

Double celebration: Members of Sikap Association trooped back to their home ground in Hong Kong Tennis Centre on Wong Nei Chung Gap Road in Wanchai on Dec.25 to celebrate a twin event: Christmas and the birthday the following day of their founder and longtime president, Rey Vital. The group's day, was, however, not complete without their usual dose of tennis.  Earlier, on Dec. 6, Sikap held a more formal Christmas party at Charter House in Wanchai, attended by about 80 people. - Jo Campos

Christmas at the Park: The Eagle Commando group, along with its affiliates Black Tiger and Black Cobra, held a joint Christmas Party at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Sheung Wan on Dec. 20.

Ipinagdiwang ng mga kasapi ng Balikatan sa Kaunlaran Hing Kong Council ang Pasko sa kanilang tambayan sa Admiralty.  Sa gitna ng katuwaan ay masayang pinagsaluhan ng mga kasapi sampu ng kanilang mga bisita ang masaganang handa na nakalatag sa hapag. Kasama ding nagdiwang ng kaarawan ang ilang kasapi na ipinanganak sa buwan ng Disyembre.---Gina N. Ordona

5 groups join forces to clean up Shek O highlands

 

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).

TAWAG NA!

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.

PRESS FOR DETAILS

Twin fundraisers held for Bethune House

 

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.

Pindutin para sa detalye

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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.

PRESS FOR DETAILS

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

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.

Call us!

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.

PRESS FOR DETAILS!

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.

Pindutin para sa detalye

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.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

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.

CALL US!

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.

BASAHIN ANG KWENTONG DREAM LOVE

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).

PRESS FOR DETAILS

Call us!

PADALA NA!

Sikap Inter Team Tennis Tournament

Sikap held its Inter Team Tennis Tournament on April 10 at the Hong Kong Tennis Centre.
At right, members of team champion Red Team and runner up White Team pose with the tournament sponsors.
In photo below, Ladies Doubles champions Lilia Miguel (left) and Liza Marco ( right) with tournament sponsor Irine Buenavista (center), who won the Beginners category.

What's on, where

Financial Health Literacy
Nov 19, PCG Sentro Rizal
Free one-on-one consultation: 1-3 pm
Money Wise Public Forum: 3-5 pm
Organizer: Enrich HK.
To sign up for an appointment, call 2386 5811

Massage Therapy Graduation (Batches 21, 22 & 23)
Nov. 26, 1-4pm. PCG Conference Room
Organizer: United Migrants Entrepreneurship & Livelihood Association (Umela)-HK. For inquiries on how to join Umela’s training, call Maellen Lupera, 5535 2165; Opalyn Albidas, 61387357 and Emma Capal, 9859 5023

CARD HK Foundation Graduation
Nov. 26, 1-5pm. 1/F Auditorium, Duke of Windsor Bldg
15 Hennesy Road, Wanchai
Graduation of batches 41-44 of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Seminars
Contacf: Jessica 5110 4472

Sikap Anniversary and Christmas Party
Nov. 26, 1-3 pm. Empire Hotel, Wanchai
Oeganizer: Sikap Association
Contact: Rey Vital 9639 0758

Migrants Pride Parade
Nov. 26,  1 pm. Edinburgh Place (near City Hall), Central
A campaign to promote the rights and welfare of LGBT migrants in the community, and to fight for equality and against homophobia and discrimination
Details: Shiela Tebia, 9013 1542

Traffic Laws in HK Seminar
Nov. 26, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Central Police Station, No. 2 Chung Kong Rd, Sheung Wan
Organizer: HK Police. Those interested to attend may email  Wendy Yip at sslo-1-cdist@police.gov.hk

Lifestyle Diseases Seminar and Free Consultation
Nov. 26, 11am - 6pm. 15F Nan Dao Commercial Bldg
359-361 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan
Organizer: Noble Life International
To register, call 6625 5924 and look for Ms. Evelyn Leung

Simplicity. Power: An exhibit of traditional Cordillera Art
Dec. 1, 2017 – Feb. 4, 2018. University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong

2017 Migrants’ Health Matters
Dec 10, 10am-6pm. Kik Yeung Football Pitch, Kik Yeung, Yuen Long.
Fun-filled community health day with free health information and basic screenings for migrant workers.
Hosted by: PathFinders and Christian Action and sponsored by Operation Santa Claus. Participating groups: Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, Equal Opportunities Commission and many other migrant support groups. For details, contact PathFinders at Tel 5621 8329 or email infor@pathfinders.org.hk