About Jon Mariano
I’m your ordinary Overseas Filipino Worker trying to make a living in Hong Kong. What I write here are my thoughts based on how I see things.
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Just Plodding Along
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Recent Comments
Hi there.
This is terence.
I have read through your blog and I would like to invite you to answer a few short questions about your life in Hong Kong as a Filipino.
Please let me know if you want to help with my research. My e-mail is terenceyyk@yahoo.com.hk. thanks!
Kwok
November 12, 2006
Hi Jon, please keep up the good work. Many years
ago I also worked in Hong Kong as a maid, now
I am now residing in Jacksonville North Carolina
Lizzie
February 24, 2007
Hi Lizzie,
I hope you’re doing okay, and I wish you the best.
Jon Mariano
February 28, 2007
hello Mr. Mariano,
my name is Erica and I am helping the BBC with a documentary on Hong Kong since the 1997 hand-over to China. If possible, we were wondering if we could interview you on your points of view as a Filipino worker in Hong Kong. Please e-mail me as soon as you can! Thank you so much for your time!
Erica
March 26, 2007
Hi Jon,
We’re planning to take our much-appreciated helper back to Canada with us. Not that we will need her, but we want to give her a better life (i.e. be on her own after 2 years with us in Canada). She has completed school in the Philippines, but not 2 years of college which is required by the Canadian Government (for the live-in caregiver program). If possible, we would like her to do her further education here. Any help to point us into the right direction is much appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Taylor
Taylor
September 9, 2007
Hi Jon,
We’re planning to take our much-appreciated helper back to Canada with us. Not that we will need her, but we want to give her a better life (i.e. be on her own after 2 years with us in Canada). She has completed school in the Philippines, but not 2 years of college which is required by the Canadian Government (for the live-in caregiver program). If possible, we would like her to do her further education here. Any help to point us into the right direction is much appreciated.
Thank you very much, Jon. I’m not sure how often I’ll get back to this Blog, so would appreciate if yoou could email me directly.
Taylor
Taylor
September 9, 2007
i need to find a friend in hongkong. her name is angeliat prangan sanchez.could you help me..please…God bless You.
e-mail me
lovella basug
September 10, 2007
Hi, i heard that it is easier to work in the Canada if you have experience as a nanny in Hongkong? Is is true. I am a graduate of caregiver here in the Philippines and also a 4-year course graduate. Please enlighten me. Thank you.
cristina catalan
October 11, 2007
Hi! I read with interest your take on free newspapers: Advertising is King. Well done. Incidentally, I work for The Standard and contribute articles to a free newspaper for the Filipino community in HK. I’d like to know more about HK blogs. Can you email me? I’d appreciate it. Thanks a lot.
gabby
October 15, 2007
Hi, Derek here – reporter for Inside Story, ATV World’s English feature news segment. I’m interested in doing a story on Filipinos OFW, their lives and views of the world. What do you do for work in Hong Kong? I’m also doing another story on Filipino domestic helpers. I saw Taylor’s comments above. It’s not usual that you have some employer that would go out of their way for their helper. Do you think you could put me in contact with him? Many thanks.
Derek
November 12, 2007
I read about your article and definitely I agree with your idea. It is indeed easier to come here in Canada as a nanny once you worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. The work is easier and there are lots of opportunities here comparing there in Hong Kong if you are just a plain domestic helper. But it is shocking to know that when someone applied through an agency, there are lots of people who paid great amount of money amounting to 25-35000 Hong Kong dollars for the processing of their papers. (which I think is not lawful) Maybe it is time for our government or the concerned people to draft some policies regarding the collection of fees. I have been there in Hong Kong as domestic helper and presently working here in Canada as a live in caregiver. I know there we have lots of fellow Filipina who want to come here but shorthanded because of the exorbitant processing fee. I am indeed wondering if some of the agencies are collecting the fair amount from our Filipinos there who are applying through agency.?
analyn
February 9, 2008
Hi Jon,
I am looking for Tagalog language lessons here in Hong Kong. Either regular course or even private lessons (depending on the rate). My goal is to speak the very simple everyday sentences phrases as I soon go with my Filipino girlfriend to Philippines. On my last visit I “promised” her friends and family that I learn a bit Tagalog. So in order to have a little bit mor skills this time than last year I would need some lessons (I am too lazy to study by myself). My searh on the we was so far not successful. May be you have a contact for me.
Salamat in advance
Tobias
March 17, 2008
Dear Sir:
Greetings from the host and staff of Maalaala Mo Kaya!
Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) is the longest running drama anthology and one of the multi-awarded programs in the Philippines. It remains to be one of the country’s top primetime programs on television today. It is the show’s thrust to maximize efforts to present quality and heartwarming episodes each week.
Part of our aim is to provide grounds for more Filipinos to share their life stories in their own cities, provinces and other parts of the world. Also, our program aspires to inspire Filipinos all over the world thru true to life stories and move them for a good cause (labor, abuse against workers, poverty, etc). This coming month, MMK would like to feature lives of Filipinos working in Asia particularly in Hong Kong and China.
In lieu of this matter, we would like to ask your assistance in helping us find a poignant and touching story in the said regions. The said story will be aired not only in the Philippines but also in other regions thru TFC and help raise awareness of the Filipino working class.
We are hoping if you could aid us in this subject and endeavor. If you have questions and inquiries, you could contact us at our office at (02) 4152272 loc 5126, or at my mobile no. (09065208107) or email us at maalaalamokaya@abs-cbn.com
Thank you and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Alora Ramos
Researcher
Maalaala Mo Kaya
Alora Ramos
April 17, 2008
Hi there friends!, find your filipino or filipina friends at txtmate.com and send them free sms
berto
April 30, 2008
Hello Jon, I need to hire a Filipina domestic helper who is already living in Hong Kong. My son who has just moved to Hong Kong needs someone who will not be a live-in maid. Prefers cook.
Teresa
July 24, 2008
Hi Teresa,
I believe that the best way to hire a helper is through an agency. It will cost a few thousand dollars more but at least you select the helper yourself (though recommendation of the agency and through your personal interview.)
Besides, you want somebody to stay “out” of her official work address. It means extra explanation and extra responsibilities for the employer. An agency can best meet your needs. There are lots and lots of agencies who will be happy to cater to your needs. I suggest using one near where your son lives.
Jon
August 1, 2008
Dear Jon,
This is Alice Hung from the HKEAA. Kindly note that a photo from your blog was reprinted in our question papers. I would be most grateful if you would let us have your email address for sending the reprint request to you.
Thank you.
Regards,
Alice
HKEAA
August 28, 2008
Dear Alice,
Pictures in this blog are not copyrighted. You can use them as you like.
Jon
August 30, 2008
Hi Jon:
I found your website as I was searching for information about Filipino domestic workers for a piece I am writing. Can I send you some specific questions to get your perspective? Many thanks.
Jennie Smith Wilson
September 26, 2008
Sure Jennie, I’m glad to help.
Jon
September 26, 2008
Thanks Jon! Ok, first question… is there an area in Hong Kong where a young Filipino couple might be able to live in an apartment together? I know HK is very expensive, but what would a couple do if their employers do not provide housing?
Jennie Smith Wilson
September 27, 2008
Hi Jennie, sent you an email.
Jon
September 27, 2008
GOSTO KONG EKWENTO ANG TONGKOL SA BUHAY KO AT PAMILYA KO KY CHARO SANTOS
ARLYN
January 10, 2009
Jon, ilan ang Filipino domestic helpers sa HK? Binabasa ko lang ang wikipedia for info pero and latest stat was in 2005, giving me the impression that pinoys make up more than half of the DH (3% of the pop). I plan to spend few days in HK next week, at interesado akong magblog about HK and write something about the Domestic helpers, na main export natin. thanks,
Joy
March 1, 2009
The number of pinoy DH in Hong Kong is about 105K.
Jon
March 2, 2009
Hi there! I find this site so inspiring. And it made me share my very first travel (out of the country) in Hongkong as a tourist (for sight seeing and visiting some friends.) And i am now starting an article about this first trip and especially about our co-filipino workers who left Philippines just earn money so they have soemthing to send to their family in the Philippines. It’s really terrible i see what our co-filipinos sacrificed. Many of filipinos tell their story to us if not sad, tears falling from their eyes, and worst one filipina there was kneeled infront of me thanking me when i offer her my food. I hope to share with you my article bout the domestic helpers in hongkong when i am fully done. Thanks and best regard mr. jon.
Hanako
May 28, 2009
Nice site.. If you decide to send stuff back to Manila (including remittance)..
http://www.remitako.com
Benedict Bueno
June 28, 2009
Hi Jon, I have been here for nearly a year now, working as a Market Researcher. My husband, mom and daughter are living with me. While we are happy as we are, I am also interested in meeting other Filipino families living here, primarily for my daughter 2.5 years old to have playmates. Can you refer me to Filipino communities here? Thanks!
Tess
July 6, 2009