When: SUNDAY
Where: CHATER ROAD
Who: Filipino migrant workers
Some people, definitely not friends of mine, find Filipino domestics sitting on the cold concrete of Chater Road an eye sore.
They think that them domestics are a weird contrast to Prada, Mandarin Hotel and the posh grandiosity of Central.
I think otherwise.
While Chater Road was not really closed for the sake of domestic helpers (that will be too considerate of Hong Kong), it has become a completely different community of people I can easily relate to, enjoy the heat of the sun while eating home-cooked meals with, brave the cold winds of yesterday’s climate while gulping hot coffee, think about our future while discussing our present.
It has become my new Manila as Victoria Park is Bandung for an Indonesian friend.
During weekdays, Chater Road teems with suits and ties, red cabs and cars.
On Sundays, and sometimes holidays, it simply teems with life.
At least for me.
25/01/2009 at 23:29 Permalink
ang saya naman nila. ang galing talaga ng pinoy kiks. nakakakita pa rin ng saya sa mga bagay–kahit na sa mga pagtitipon na ganito–kahit pa man na sa kani-kanilang pamilya sa pinas ay may mga kwento ng lungkot at sakit.
26/01/2009 at 05:07 Permalink
I remember sa isang travel show nang pinityur nila ang Hong Kong kasama na doon ang Chater Road. Grabe pati pala overpass may mga Pinoy doon. Bongga huh!
Anyway, congrats sa iyong bagong-bagong blog!
08/02/2009 at 22:29 Permalink
yes, victoria park on winter reminds me of Bandung, my hometown