Great article. I lived in Hong Kong for some years and saw at close quarters the shameful treatment of domestic workers from the Philippines and Indonesia. And HK is in some respects better than the Gulf as there are legal protections and entitlements (often flouted though). Yet the resilience and cheerfulness of the workers is also noticeable in their gatherings on their one day off a week. They also have strong organisations which try to fight for their rights.
This is wonderful. I lived near Earls Court for a time and saw lots of Filipina domestic workers out and about. And I’ve received care from brilliant Filipino nurses in local hospitals too.
I’m happy to know that the curious hodgepodge of stores and eateries around there are such an important lifeline to the community. It is now my mission to try some Filipino desserts.
Loved this write up, timely as I’m literally on my way to Earl’s Court on the district line! The link between the plight of Filipino domestic workers and food was brilliant.
I've lived in London my whole life (give or take) and I never knew that Earl's Court is a thriving hub for the Filipino community. Huh. Has certainly boosted what I dismissed as a very drab area in my estimation. Thank you for a great article which has educated me on the lives of Filipinos living in London under a variety of (often difficult) circumstances, and described this vital community heart in ways which has brought it to life for me. I can hear the laughter, see the money being wired to loved ones back home, observe ingredients being cooed over and bought, and smell plates of steaming hot food being enjoyed. I'll be making my way over soon to check out that halo halo because it looks fabulous.
My friend took me to Lutong Pinoy years ago and it was my first time trying Filipino food - now thanks to this article I understand the context it sits within.
Great article. I lived in Hong Kong for some years and saw at close quarters the shameful treatment of domestic workers from the Philippines and Indonesia. And HK is in some respects better than the Gulf as there are legal protections and entitlements (often flouted though). Yet the resilience and cheerfulness of the workers is also noticeable in their gatherings on their one day off a week. They also have strong organisations which try to fight for their rights.
This is wonderful. I lived near Earls Court for a time and saw lots of Filipina domestic workers out and about. And I’ve received care from brilliant Filipino nurses in local hospitals too.
I’m happy to know that the curious hodgepodge of stores and eateries around there are such an important lifeline to the community. It is now my mission to try some Filipino desserts.
Loved this write up, timely as I’m literally on my way to Earl’s Court on the district line! The link between the plight of Filipino domestic workers and food was brilliant.
I've lived in London my whole life (give or take) and I never knew that Earl's Court is a thriving hub for the Filipino community. Huh. Has certainly boosted what I dismissed as a very drab area in my estimation. Thank you for a great article which has educated me on the lives of Filipinos living in London under a variety of (often difficult) circumstances, and described this vital community heart in ways which has brought it to life for me. I can hear the laughter, see the money being wired to loved ones back home, observe ingredients being cooed over and bought, and smell plates of steaming hot food being enjoyed. I'll be making my way over soon to check out that halo halo because it looks fabulous.
My friend took me to Lutong Pinoy years ago and it was my first time trying Filipino food - now thanks to this article I understand the context it sits within.
Stunning piece!
loved learning about carinderia, fast food from the Phillipines. hopefully will try some one day