HONG KONG (SE): To provide refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong with a platform to showcase their talents and culture, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul launched the second series of its “Kitchen for Friends” event at the beginning of the year. The first event, held at Sing Yin Secondary School on January 4, featured traditional Filipino dishes prepared by the Galang family, who impressed attendees with their cooking, painting, and musical skills.
Over 40 participants, including priests, religious sisters, and laypeople serving migrants, attended.
The society introduced the “Kitchen for Friends” initiative last year, featuring cuisines and cultural presentations by asylum seekers from Indonesia, Yemen and Sri Lanka. According to Maurice Yeung Kwok-leung, convener of the Hong Kong Refugee Services Group under the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the events successfully fostered friendships between refugees and the local community, earning widespread positive feedback. Many participants encouraged the society to continue the programme.
Yeung highlighted that the initiative also aligns with the appeal made by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong, in his 2024 Lenten message, urging people to journey with displaced persons and refugees and to understand their struggles.
He further shared that the Yemeni and Sri Lankan families who participated in last year’s events have since resettled in Canada. This year, the series will feature a Pakistani family and another family from Indonesia.
The January 4 event began with a prayer led by spiritual advisor, Deacon Vincent Chan Lok-wang, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share food and culture, fostering connections among those present.
The Galang family prepared a Filipino-inspired menu, which included spring rolls and embutido [meatloaf] as appetizers; adobong manok [chicken in vinegar sauce] and skewers as main dishes; and cassava cake and cheese puto [steamed rice cakes] for dessert. Melody Galang, the mother, prepared the dishes overnight.
Beyond food, the family also shared stories about their hometowns in the provinces of Tarlac and Ilocos Sur, and showcased their artistic talents. They displayed their painting of the Last Supper and presented a video of their eldest son’s drumming performance.
Joan Sigua Galang, the father, reflected on his joy at attending the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Cardinal Stephen on 4 November 2023, following his elevation to the College of Cardinals that September. He also shared his pride in meeting the cardinal alongside members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Joan told the Sunday Examiner that his family has lived in Hong Kong since 2015 and considers it their second home, despite facing significant challenges. One such challenge is the restrictive immigration policy, which requires weekly reporting for the entire family on weekdays, disrupting their children’s education.
He also recounted experiences of discrimination, particularly from supermarket staff when using food coupons issued by the International Social Service.
For instance, one of his sons received no grades in certain subjects due to frequent absences caused by immigration obligations. Joan emphasised the need for more flexibility in these requirements.
He also recounted experiences of discrimination, particularly from supermarket staff when using food coupons issued by the International Social Service. Despite these difficulties, Joan expressed deep gratitude to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for its long-standing support, which has inspired him to give back in any way he can.
Remilene Marcelino, an assistant social welfare officer from the Philippine Consulate who attended the event, praised the initiative. She emphasised the importance of supporting Filipino nationals and shared how the event evoked fond memories of home, particularly during Christmas and New Year celebrations when children joyfully help prepare meals.
In addition to the “Kitchen for Friends” events and regular visits, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul organises other activities for refugees each year, including a talent show, day camp, and fun day.
