16 years away from the Philippines, I embarked on a journey home on November 22, 1972, filled with anticipation to surprise my family. However, my return was fraught with unexpected challenges. At Manila airport, immigration questioned me for only speaking English and not Filipino, then confiscated my expired passports and took me to a mysterious ‘Engineering Island,’ an outdoor ‘waiting room’ for those seeking freedom. With no money, freedom was unattainable despite the cries for it written on the walls. Surveillance was everywhere, and I could only dream of freedom.
I thought this trip would be a beautiful memory, but it turned into an indefinite wait. I hope this is just a brief nightmare and that my brother and mother in Central won’t worry too much. I hope to soon leave ‘Engineering Island’ behind and start the real surprise.
The journey home turned dark as I was detained during President Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law in the Philippines. The lack of freedom was palpable among the detainees. Hot weather led us to cool off in our underwear in the courtyard, and mosquitoes made sleep elusive. Days were spent chatting with foreigners, including Koreans and South Americans, while guards tempted me to gamble away my money.
Money doesn’t equal freedom; it’s about standing up for what’s right and breaking free with belief and perseverance. The door will open not with money but with heart. Let’s explore how to soar without money and turn a new page in life."
The British Embassy issued a Hong Kong entry permit that turned out to be a Visitor Visa for tourism with a maximum stay of 3 months. In fact, I was settling in Hong Kong. This visa is definitely a serious mistake. I wonder if my father overlooked this intentionally or unintentionally.
Unforgettable Journey - My Detention Experience in Manila, Philippines The iron door of the water prison opens occasionally; without money, even the just can’t take flight. It’s been 16 years since I left my homeland, the Philippines. On November 22, 1972, I embarked on a journey home, full of anticipation to surprise my family in the Philippines. But little did I know that this trip home would be so fraught with twists and turns. 😓 Thinking of surprising my family, I didn’t expect to encounter such a “shock”. Immigration officials at Manila airport interrogated me, seemingly puzzled that I only spoke English and not Filipino. Then, I was taken to a small room, and all my expired passports were confiscated. 🛂 Thus, I was taken by three “invisible” immigration detectives to a mysterious place they called “Engineering Island”. It sounded like a secret base for engineers, but in reality, it was an outdoor “waiting room” holding people waiting for their names to be called for “freedom”. There is no freedom here, no wings to fly, although “Return My Freedom” is written in Chinese on the door. In this place, without money, don’t even think about flying. Every corner has more cameras than money; one can only dream of freedom here. 😞 I thought this return home would be a beautiful memory, but it turned into an indefinite wait. I hope this is just a short nightmare and that my elder brother and mother in central Philippines won’t worry too much. 🙏 I hope to end this “Engineering Island” experience soon; the real surprise hasn’t started yet. 1.💰 Wealth does not equal freedom? Digging deep into the truth behind the iron doors of the water prison! 2.💸 Deciphering the old saying: “Without money, even the just can’t take flight” 3.🔒 Facing iron doors, are you really helpless? 4.🚪 The silent protest under the iron doors of the water prison 5.💪 The just should fly; refuse to be bound by money!
Standing in front of the iron door of the water prison, do you feel a deep sense of powerlessness🔒? The old saying “Without money, even the just can’t take flight” seems to mercilessly remind us that in this materialistic world, money is the key that passes all barriers💸. But is it really so? Let’s look at those who ignore monetary constraints and break free with faith and perseverance. They may be penniless but possess justice and indomitable spirit💪. They tell us that the just can indeed take flight if we don’t give up. The iron door will open; not with money but with heart. Facing challenges, we don’t need to show weakness; we just need to stick to our principles and use wisdom and effort to open that door🚪. Money is important but shouldn’t define our lives. Let’s explore how we can soar without money. Are you ready? Let’s turn a new page in life! Unforgettable Journey - My Detention Experience in Manila, Philippines. On November 22, 1972, I embarked on a journey home full of anticipation to surprise my family in the Philippines. But little did I know that this trip home would be so fraught with twists and turns. The dark side of the Philippine government is indeed unforgettable. While President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972 (Marcos served as President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986; he implemented martial law from 1972 to 1981 and retained most martial law powers until he was overthrown by the People Power Revolution in 1986), I was detained during this period upon returning to the Philippines. During my detention, through conversations with other detained Chinese nationals, I learned about the lack of freedom in the Philippines. Due to hot weather and seeing everyone cooling off in their underwear in the courtyard due to heat exhaustion…
Historically, an immigration detention center was built on Engineer Island, now known as Baseco, during the American colonial period in 1932. This center closed on June 14, 1975, and the detainees were then moved to Fort Bonifacio¹]. The current site of BI–Bicutan was built during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos as a political prison, and it has been functioning in its current role since at least May 1999¹[1].
The detention center has faced criticism for overcrowding and human rights abuses, and some detainees have spent upwards of ten years there, neither convicted of a crime nor deported from the country
Moving to a new city or country can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. It requires careful planning, research, and the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth transition. For those intending to move to Hong Kong, one essential document is the Hong Kong entry permit issued by the British Embassy. However, it may come as a surprise to some that the entry permit is actually a Visitor Visa with a maximum stay period of three months.
Let's dive deeper into this topic and understand the implications it has for individuals looking to establish a long-term residency in Hong Kong. First and foremost, it is important to clarify the intended purpose of the entry permit. The Visitor Visa is primarily designed for individuals planning to visit Hong Kong for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study programs. Its validity period is usually determined based on the traveler's itinerary, typically ranging from a few days to a few months.
Now, let's address the concerns of those who wish to settle in Hong Kong but have received this Visitor Visa. It is crucial to understand that the issuance of the entry permit does not determine the length of stay or the right to reside in Hong Kong permanently. It is merely an authorization to enter the city for a limited period. This may have been an unintentional oversight on the part of the applicant's father when applying for the document.
To address this situation, individuals facing the aforementioned dilemma should take proactive steps to rectify the situation. The first course of action is to contact the British Embassy that issued the Visitor Visa and explain the error. Seek their guidance on how to correct the mistake and obtain the appropriate documentation for long-term residence in Hong Kong. This might involve applying for a different type of visa, such as the Employment Visa, Investment Visa, or Dependant Visa, depending on the individual's circumstances.
Additionally, it is crucial for individuals in this situation to consult with immigration professionals or lawyers with expertise in Hong Kong's immigration laws. These experts can provide invaluable advice, review the available legal options, and guide applicants through the process of obtaining the correct documentation for establishing residency.
While encountering this unexpected twist may initially seem disheartening, it's important to remember that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning. This situation can be seen as a valuable lesson in the importance of thorough research and attention to detail when it comes to documentation and immigration processes.
Moving to a new country, especially for long-term residence, is a significant life event that requires careful planning and consideration. It's crucial to be well-informed about the specific requirements, rules, and regulations of the destination country. This knowledge empowers individuals to navigate any hurdles that may arise during the immigration process.
In conclusion, the issuance of a Visitor Visa by the British Embassy for individuals intending to settle in Hong Kong is an unexpected twist. However, it is not the end of the journey but rather an opportunity to correct the mistake and obtain the appropriate documentation for long-term residency. By seeking support from the British Embassy, immigration professionals, and legal experts, individuals can navigate this obstacle and continue their journey towards establishing a fulfilling life in Hong Kong.
