Monday, 10 December 2012

The Life of Filipino Maids in Hong Kong

By Alice Sy


Among the average 7 million inhabitants of Hong Kong, Filipino workers comprise at least 140,000 of the population. Majority of these workers, mostly women, are Filipino maids or referred to by the locals as feiyungs. Life in the Philippines is hard but for these helpers, life in Hong Kong is perceived to be harder but the chance to harbor income is higher, but might as well take the risk. But how does life go on in Hong Kong?

Wherever Filipinos go, there's something that keeps them similarly rooted to their land-their deep faith in the Almighty God. Philippines, being one of the top Catholic countries in the world, the Filipinos practice religion no matter how far they are from their country. In Hong kong, there are presence of Protestant Filipinos and other congregations but Roman Catholics comprise the majority. Every Sunday, Catholic Houses of Praise are seen full of Filipinos. Oftentimes, the mass is versed in tagalog, the official language in the Philippines.

The Big Day After a 6-day workweek, Filipino maids are entitled to a day off. The Big day is usually on Sundays for many. In this day, there are major places in Hong Kong where Filipinos come together. Central, Victoria Park or the Hong Kong Cultural Centre are among the favorite spots to jam and unwind. From far away, lively sounds and commotion can be heard.

The local Hong Kong government recognizes this weekly practice of socializing and relaxation that the main central's roads are often closed for at least 10 hours as Filipinos enliven their street party. Concerts are sometimes held to make their day more energizing while "no littering" signs are flashed in tagalog aside from English and Cantonese, proof that Filipinos indeed rule this side of the city.

For Filipino maids, Life goes on wherever you are. No matter what the risks as long as it is for the betterment of everyone's future, it is worth taking. In the eyes of the hopeful maids working in a foreign land, life is working hard 6 days a week, a day of enjoyment and constant faith everyday.




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