California Caregivers Now Have Bill of Rights

It was eight years in the making, but Filipino caregivers in California and their advocates can finally celebrate, reports ABS-CBN News. Governor Jerry Brown signed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights into law last week, after two failed attempts in Sacramento.

Women Outnumber Men OFWs from Luzon, Mindanao

Women from the northern and southern areas of the Philippines far outnumber men who go abroad for work, according to a report by the National Statistics Office (NSO), reports GMANews.tv. However, out of the 2.2 million overseas Filipino workers abroad, there are generally more male OFWs.

Filipino Pilgrim Dies on Way to Mecca

A Filipino pilgrim on his way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage died before reaching his destination, reports GMANews.tv. Syamsul Alam Muhtar, 69, died of a heart attack while still in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates last September 16. He was among the estimated 8,000 Filipinos who will take part in this year's Hajj pilgrimage.

NY Filipino Restaurant Makes It to Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide released its 'Bib Gourmand' picks for the 2014 dining guide, and Purple Yam NYC Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant in Brooklyn, made it to this list, reports NY.Eater.com. Owners are Amy Besa and Chef Romy Dorotan, authors of the cookbook Memories of Philippine Kitchens. Updated annually, the Michelin food star rating system is used by the culinary industry to make restaurant selections. Only the best make the cut.

Domestic Worker Jumps Off Building to Escape

Jeddah--A female Filipino domestic worker here was badly hurt Tuesday afternoon after she and a companion tried to escape their allegedly abusive employer by jumping off a building, reports GMANews.tv. The domestic helper, who arrived in Saudi two months ago and was from Bicol.  She landed badly after jumping off the second floor of the building where she was working in Jeddah. Her companion was unhurt

Dozens of Filipino Nurses Face UK Budget Cuts

Dozens of Filipino nurses are among hundreds of people protesting against budget cuts at the largest health trust in the UK, amid plans to cut salaries and revise local services affecting six hospitals in east London, reports ABS-CBN News.

No More Walk-In Passport Applicants Allowed

Starting October 1, the Philippine consulate in Dubai  will no longer accommodate walk-in passport applicants before 10 a.m. on weekends, reports Manila Standard Today. The rules is  intended to reduce the volume of people coming to the consulate. Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin said   250 passport applicants with appointments turn out at the consulate daily. About half of this number are walk-ins.

Harry Potter Now in Filipino

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” has been translated into Filipino. Published by Lampara Publishing House, Inc., and translated by Becky Bravo, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Filipino Edition” was released last Sept. 14 at the Manila International Bookfair (MIBF), reports Inqu irer.net.