“HONG KONG HAS many migrant workers, I am happy that we are giving them the recognition they deserve”, says Lorna Pagaduan, president of the Filipino Nurses Association and Pathfinders ambassador, at a recent interview on RTHK Radio 3 show Pinoy Life. The topic of discussion: the Celebration of care, a special community event on 19th December, 2021, to mark International Migrants Day. 

The festival saw a coalition of migrant-focused organisations and community groups gather together near the Star Ferry pier in Central, to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of migrant workers – not only to the lives of their employers and their families back home, but also within their own communities.

The cross-cultural programme served to showcase the many talents of Hong Kong’s migrant workers, with acting, storytelling, traditional Indonesian dance, and even a fashion show – with members of TCK Learning Centre modelling their handmade dresses – all on the agenda, not to mention several lively group dance numbers, with audience participation strongly encouraged!

Two of our very own Pangyao moderators – Jerick Mora and Horizons founder Ody Munson – were also on the bill, with Jerick entertaining the crowd with a song and Ody reciting one of her own poems. “Although we are from different organisations, we are here to represent ourselves,” Ody tells us. “I am doing this because I am migrant worker representing myself. The best care is by helping the community.”

There was also plenty more to explore away from the stage, with The Filipino Nurses Association offering free blood pressure readings, Umela – a wellness and  livelihood migrant group – providing free massages, books on offer from two members of Migrant Writers of Hong Kong (Ailenemae Ramos and Bernadith Dela Cruz), and of course, our ever-enthusiastic Pangyao moderators handing out the latest edition of Pangyao Magazine! 

I am doing this because I am migrant worker representing myself. The best care is by helping the community.

- Ody Munson, founder of Horizons

“The care festival is a celebration for migrants, by migrants”, says Widia Fronika, an ambassador for HELP for Domestic Workers.And looking around at the beaming smiles of everyone who attended the event, it is evident that, even through all the challenges and sacrifice, we can always make time to care for others, to care for our families, and a to care for oneself.