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Maria and her story amidst the protests in Hong Kong

In a city marred by protests, a Hong Kong couple finds extra hands from a Filipina domestic helper to look out for their children while they are in the streets joining clashes with police in demonstrations against mainland China.

The Filipina domestic helper “Maria” (real name withheld) shared with ABS-CBN reporter Jacque Manabat that although she could not understand fully why they need to go on protest, she supports them in any way she could.

Like Joy in the movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” Maria treats her employers as second family in Hong Kong.

She even takes the time to wash the black shirts the couple wore during the protests.

Like Joy’s character in the movie, Maria also worries about the couple. There was a time when they went home soaking wet from rainwater and sweat.

Sometimes, she also chats with the couple to check on the kids and also ask about their situation.

There was also a time when the couple envied Maria for being a Filipino and having the right to vote the candidate they want.

Maria said she is lucky to have them as her employers who also treat her like real family.

Maria’s story is just among other similar stories of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, who chose to stay despite the current unrest.

There are approximately 240,000 Filipinos working in Hong Kong, according to the Philippine Consulate. Of the total number, some 80 percent are household service workers like Maria.

Household service workers who have managed to stay for three years, can even apply for a residency status that would allow them find other employment opportunities.

Like the story of Joy in the movie, most OFWs in Hong Kong would rather choose to come back and possibly stay there to provide for their family back home in the Philippines.

Like Joy, OFWs take the courage to go to places even uncertain of their own safety just so their family could have a better future.

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

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