This is certainly going to be a stick in the eye of HK'ers. In a stunning case of politics as usual, several close friends of, or who were politically connected with Philippine president Benito Aquino, are apparently being given special dispensation, as all have avoided serious charges or have had charges dropped. An interesting perspective in this, is that Pinoy sentiment, while publicly apologetic, is slowly turning to quiet resentment at how their government is seemingly bending over backwards in catering to HK sentiment. A few days ago, this quiet anger pour into the mainstream media, as a well regarded newsman launched into a tirade, calling Hong Kongers the "...most arrogant in the world." While HK'ers have the right to demand a fair and impartial investigation, compensation from the tour operator for their lack of customer safety, the recent treatment of the Philippines as a nation by HK authorities is rather overboard. I wonder how many HK tourists ever met with fatal mishaps while traveling in the US, Cananda, the UK or Australia; do any of those countries ever get black listed? Further, freezing the wages of foreign domestic workers, the bulk of which are from the Philippines, has the appearance at least, of punitive action towards those, who have no connection (except for one of national or ethnic origin), to the event. This however, was met with a wide margin of HK public approval. That can only add fuel to the already smoldering Pinoy feelings. Justice is warranted and should be expected. But using this incident to further racial hatred, or intolerance agendas, as well an excuse to economically deprive the lowest paid foreign workers of cost of living increases, isn't what HK'ers want to be remembered for.
The loss of these tourists has affected HKers to grieve together and be angry together. I was very surprised be the comments by some of my friends in HK. This incident shouldn't be blamed on the Filipino citizens but the persons handling the situation at the time. I dont' believe that the perpetrator was choosing HKers; but, that the tour bus was filled with HKers. I don't agree with HK freezing the wages or marking the Phillipines as a very dangerous destination. Hopefully, this will not lead to more prejudice. I wouldn't be surprised if the HKers are perceived to be arrogant. As most I've met are. =) But, since most of the Filipinos in HK are working there as their employees most HKers will feel some entitlement. It will be interesting to see what my sister in law's parents have to say when they get back from the Phillipines.
i would go to the Philippines now because it will be dirt cheap, i could careless about how both countries are in talks since they don't affect me in anyway, call me selfish but too bad =)
their blacklist is renewed. Philippines surprised by renewal of HK's 'avoid all travel' warning http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCM...0VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=Hong+Kong&s=News i never care for going to phillipines in the first place so i dont care.
The sentiments of HKer's are still strong regarding the fiasco @ the Philipines. I'm planning on going to the Philipines this year and make a stopover to HK to visit friends. When I told my HK friend he told me that no HKer would go to the Philipines and told me to let him know when I change my plans. He suggested that going to just China and HK would be better. I think he's seriously telling me to change my vacation. I was told by another friend that the Philipines are soon to give another conference regarding the investigation of procedures taken during this incident.
