PH Consulate General, Sentro Rizal Hong Kong Highlight Literary Works of “Migrant Domestic Worker Creatives” Featured in Anthology “Ingat”

Poems from the anthology. “Ingat,” are exhibited in Sining Malaya Freedom Art Wall. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 08 April 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong opened the 2024 National Literature Month (NLM) with a feature of the book “Ingat: An Anthology of Works by Migrant Domestic Worker Creatives in Hong Kong,” an anthology of prose, poetry, and photography, at the Consulate’s Sining Malaya Freedom Art Wall last 7 April 2024. “Ingat” was co-published by a collective group of migrant domestic worker creatives in Hong Kong, including members of the Migrant Writers of Hong Kong, Lensational, and Small Tune Press.

“Ingat” was intended to carve a space to learn more about the work of “migrant domestic worker creatives” based in Hong Kong, to celebrate them, and to gain awareness and support for their work in the future. The title was inspired by a word that Filipinos say when parting ways, a reminder to take care of oneself, or even a prayer for one’s safety.

In commemoration of the National Literature Month, with the theme “Literature and Peace” or “Panitikan at Kapayapaan”, and to further the important role of literature in our society, three poems from the anthology were placed on the spotlight, namely: (1) “Gamit ng Ingat” by Ms. Anne Maureen, (2) “Journey Bound to Succeed” by Ms. Margie Belardo, and (3) “Bilin ni Ina at Ama” by Ms. Rubilyn Cadao. These three works, with Cantonese translations, perfectly revealed the experiences of the featured Filipino domestic worker creatives, allowing the readers to momentarily experience comfort in the word “Ingat”, be inspired to succeed in their chosen profession, or even feel a parent’s emotion as they say goodbye to their child to work abroad. All three poets are members of the Migrant Writers of Hong Kong.

Philippine Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan delivered the welcome remarks where she expressed how this year’s theme emphasized the importance and contribution of literature in maintaining and spreading peace in the country, and abroad. Vice Consul Allan G. Revote introduced the poets, and Migrant Writers of Hong Kong President, Ms. Nemy Lou Rocio, provided a brief background on the book.

Established in 2021, Migrant Writers of Hong Kong provided a safe space for aspiring writers and artists in Hong Kong and in other countries where they can freely share their works. They also advocate for mental health awareness and self-expression through writing, collaborative workshops and activities. END

Philippine Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan delivers her opening remarks during the short program. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

From left to right: Vice Consul Allan G. Revote introduces the contributors of the anthology represented by Ms. Nemy Lou Rocio, President and co-founder of Migrant Writers of Hong Kong, where she provided a brief background about the book and shared the inspiration behind the works and contributions of the writers and photographers featured in the anthology. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan (5th from left) together with Consul Maria Sheila Monedero-Arnesto (6th from right), Vice Consul Allan G. Revote (5th from right) and Labor Attache Melchor B. Dizon (2nd from left) join the members of the Migrant Writers of Hong Kong in a group photo after the short program. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.