* Filipinos' event axed for first time in 20 years
Organisers unable to find suitable place after protests over earlier venue
By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 28 May 2014
Organisers unable to find suitable place after protests over earlier venue
By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 28 May 2014
AN ANNUAL Independence Day celebration for the Filipino community here has been cancelled for the first time in more than 20 years, in the wake of protests from some netizens here about the event's venue.
The organisers told The Straits Times yesterday in a statement that they had problems finding a new venue, after they were advised to drop plans to have the celebration at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza in Orchard Road on June 8.
They had done so after being advised by the police about "public order and safety" concerns over the weekend. When contacted, the police said organisers "had withdrawn their application".
The organisers, the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), also said in their latest statement that they had considered other venues "in consultation with Singapore authorities". "However, these did not pan out for various reasons," the PIDCS added, citing factors such as their availability on June 8, accessibility to public transport and capacity constraints.
The celebration to mark the 116th anniversary of the Philippines' independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, was staged at Hong Lim Park last year, and in Suntec City in 2012. It has been held yearly since the mid-1980s.
The Straits Times understands that Labrador Park was one venue considered. Calls to the organisers went unanswered.
The cancellation of the celebration, usually a carnival with cultural presentations and games, comes after hundreds of netizens here voiced unhappiness last month over the event being held in Orchard Road. Others also objected to the council's use of the Marina Bay skyline in a logo for the event. The negative comments prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin to weigh in on Facebook. In an April 19 post, Mr Lee said he was "appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers."
About 172,700 Filipinos work here, the Agence France-Presse reported on Monday, citing Philippine government data.
Meanwhile, two migrant worker groups here - the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training - said they planned to host Independence Day celebrations here.
The cancellation has disappointed some people here.
Ms Luz Mesenas, a 58-year-old publisher who is from the Philippines, is a regular at the event. She said: "It's sad that there is no Philippine Independence Day celebrations this year. Hopefully, the committee can continue to plan for celebrations next year."
Filipina Charlyn Librazan, 49, who works as a maid, added: "Whatever the circumstance, we can still celebrate with a group of friends."
Sociologist Paulin Straughan said: "What is worrying is that those who protested against the event will see this as a victory.
"I believe most Singaporeans do not share their sentiments. This is a situation where the silent majority should speak up for our foreign friends so it does not come across as a victory for protesters."
Filipino group gets online flak over event
By Royston Sim And Amelia Tan, The Straits Times, 16 Apr 2014
By Royston Sim And Amelia Tan, The Straits Times, 16 Apr 2014
The online response came as a shock, they said, though they still intend to proceed with the celebration on June 8 at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza, pending approval of permits from the authorities.
The Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), a group of Filipino volunteers, put up a post on Facebook about the event last weekend and drew fire almost immediately.
Negative comments from Singaporeans flooded in, with Facebook page "Say 'No' to an overpopulated Singapore" urging locals to protest on the PIDCS page.
The page, which has 26,000 "likes", is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here and said that festivities should be confined to the Philippine Embassy compound.
It took issue with the PIDCS for using the Marina Bay skyline in a logo for the event, which is meant to celebrate the Philippines' independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
It also opposed the PIDCS using the terms "two nations" and "interdependence" in posters for the event.
The PIDCS decided to take down the Facebook post after it drew hundreds of anti-Filipino comments, with many slamming the PIDCS for holding the celebration in Orchard Road.
Its co-chairman Rychie Andres said the vitriol took him by surprise and that it was "sad and disheartening".
He said the intent of the event is to celebrate by reaching out in the host country, and added that the slogan about interdependence had been misunderstood.
"We are not saying that we are trying to take over. Our drive is to be part of the community and try to open up to other nationalities," he said. "Interdependence doesn't mean Singaporeans depend on us, but that we all help each other."
In the run-up to the celebration, the PIDCS organised a blood donation drive and a visit to an elderly home. Mr Andres said the council has held celebrations in past years at Hong Lim Park and Suntec City, but has never received criticism on this scale.
Ms Cecilia Lim, 28, a self- employed Singaporean, felt some of the online comments were excessive. She said: "People should have the right to celebrate their independence day if they are granted the permits, just as we celebrate Singapore Day overseas."
Filipino group heartened by support
S'poreans back plans for Philippine event, slam earlier criticism as xenophobic
By Lee Jian Xuan, The Sunday Times, 20 Apr 2014
S'poreans back plans for Philippine event, slam earlier criticism as xenophobic
By Lee Jian Xuan, The Sunday Times, 20 Apr 2014
Organisers of an upcoming Philippine national day celebration, which initially drew flak online, say they appreciate the outpouring of support they have received from Singaporeans since.
"We are heartened, grateful and happy to receive support from Singaporeans as they have done in the past," members of the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS) told The Sunday Times by e-mail yesterday.
"We have not received any further hate or provocative e-mail or threatening calls for that matter," they added.
Earlier last week, some netizens had lambasted plans to hold the celebration at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza on June 8.
The Facebook page "Say No to an overpopulated Singapore" criticised the event and urged people to protest on PIDCS' Facebook site. As a result of the protests, the organisation took down its own post on its event.
The committee of about 20 volunteers also said that they received anonymous phone calls demanding the event's cancellation.
Since then though, other Singaporeans have shown their support online for PIDCS, deriding the criticism as "xenophobic" and wishing the organisers "the best" for their event.
A Facebook user, Yim Kuan Low, wrote: "Please know that these people are a minority, and there are many Singaporeans who hope you will continue with your event and have a wonderful time."
Both Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin have also denounced the criticism.
Mr Tan branded it as "not acceptable, repulsive even", while Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to be "generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here".
Singaporean Luz Mesenas, who hails from the Philippines and has been a regular at the annual event, said that she is worried that people may turn up to disrupt it.
The 58-year-old, who is a self-employed publisher, also said the event is just good-natured fun.
"There are so many Filipinos living and working here, and a lot of them get homesick. This event is a chance for them to hang out, listen to music and watch the cultural dance and the comic performances. It goes on for half a day and it's very enjoyable," said Ms Mesenas, who has lived here for 14 years.
"They are not trying to invade Orchard Road."
Organisers told The Sunday Times that they had chosen Ngee Ann City as the venue as it is "in an area that is popular and accessible".
Previous editions of the event have been held at places such as Hong Lim Park, and it has been an annual affair since the mid-80s.
The use of the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer in posters is an "artistic expression" to show that the event is held here, the organisers said.
"It would be inappropriate if the poster does not show anything that symbolises Singapore. The skyline is used as it is not regulated, unlike the Merlion."
Academics such as psychologist Leong Chan-Hoong from the Institute of Policy Studies said that the reaction was "not resentment towards Filipinos personally" but to "how more than a third of people on our island are foreigners".
He added: "This is a perfect event for a cosmopolitan city, but at a less-than-perfect timing given the socio-political climate here."
Dr Leong also noted that the hostility came mainly from a small group of people.
"The majority of Singaporeans still feel that these workers need space to celebrate... This is a public space. As long as they don't misbehave or leave behind a mess, it is fine."
Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics executive director Jolovan Wham noted how many Singaporeans hire Filipino domestic workers who "make great contributions to our community".
"We should not begrudge them a space to celebrate," he added.
The organisers now hope to draw a line under the furore.
"We would like to avoid further comments and escalation of the matter," they said.
As for the event in June, which is expected to draw a 10,000-strong crowd, they added: "Everyone is invited to join the celebration".
A taste of home
"There are so many Filipinos living and working here, and a lot of them get homesick. This event is a chance for them to hang out, listen to music and watch the cultural dance and the comic performances... They are not trying to invade Orchard Road."
MS LUZ MESENAS, a self-employed publisher who has lived here for 14 years
'DISGRACEFUL' ATTITUDE
"I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page. They are a disgrace to Singapore.
"I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page. They are a disgrace to Singapore.
"We must treat people in Singapore the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas. Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes. I just attended our Singapore Day in London. How would we have felt if British netizens had spammed our website, and abused Singaporeans living in Britain?
"We must show that we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here. Otherwise, we will lower our standing in the eyes of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of ourselves."
"These actions by those who peddle hate are not acceptable, repulsive even. We should make a stand to say no to such bigotry. They do not reflect who we are as a people and as a nation."
PM Lee appalled by harassment over Philippine Independence Day event
Channel NewsAsia, 19 Apr 2014
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he is appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Singapore. In a post on Facebook on Saturday, Mr Lee said these people are a "disgrace to Singapore."
The Prime Minister posted the comments after recent reports about Filipinos being targeted online for planning to celebrate their Independence Day in Singapore.
Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin had also posted on Facebook on Friday, calling for Singaporeans to take a stand against bigotry.
Mr Lee said in his post that it was fortunate the harassment appeared to be the work of a "few trolls", and he was heartened to see that "many sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behaviour".
He also said that Singaporeans "must treat people in Singapore the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas".
"Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes," he added.
Mr Lee recently attended the Singapore Day in London. He said in his Facebook post:"How would we have felt if British netizens had spammed our website, and abused Singaporeans living in Britain?"
He encouraged Singaporeans to show that "we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here".
"Otherwise we will lower our standing in the eyes of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of ourselves," the Prime Minister added.
Organisers of Philippine event targeted
They receive anonymous phone calls demanding carnival's cancellation
By Amelia Tan And Priscilla Goy, The Straits Times, 17 Apr 2014
They receive anonymous phone calls demanding carnival's cancellation
By Amelia Tan And Priscilla Goy, The Straits Times, 17 Apr 2014
ORGANISERS of a Philippine event in Orchard Road which has ignited anti-foreigner comments online have now become the targets.
But these attacks have prompted some Singaporeans to speak up against the xenophobic comments, which they said have gone overboard.
The event organisers said they have been harassed with anonymous phone calls demanding the cancellation of the June 8 carnival at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza. "The callers say we have no right to hold the event in Orchard Road," said organiser Rychie Andres of the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS).
"We do not dare to pick up phone calls now if we don't recognise the number."
Many calls have been filled with expletives and are often made late at night, said the non- profit group, which is made up of about 20 Filipino volunteers.
The organisers do not plan to report the calls to the police because they do not want to escalate matters, they said.
They had posted their mobile numbers online to allow people who are interested in celebrating the Philippine Independence Day to contact them.
But they did not expect their post on Facebook, which was put up at the weekend, to draw such brickbats from Singaporean netizens. They were criticised for a range of things, from holding the celebration in Orchard Road to using the Marina Bay skyline in a logo, prompting the group to take down the Facebook post.
Still, the full-day carnival will proceed, said PIDCS, which hopes to draw more than 10,000 people. The group has support from local experts and netizens, who condemned the negative comments, and stressed that the majority of Singaporeans do not share these views.
National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser said some Singaporeans see Filipinos as competitors for jobs and "harbour a sense of insecurity".
"However, I doubt the majority share the same strong negative sentiments, even if they would much prefer less competition for jobs, space, amenities, and infrastructures in Singapore."
Many Singaporeans, who spoke up against the vitriol on the Straits Times Facebook page, agreed that most locals are welcoming of foreigners.
Retiree David Kwok, 63, said: "The comments made on Facebook are generally from people who overreact. They are a loud minority."
Assistant product manager Lee Li Ling, 25, added: "The reaction is unjustified and pretty shameful, almost to the point of embarrassment."
Institute of Policy Studies senior research fellow Leong Chan Hoong called on Singaporeans to be generous. "We have our Singapore Day in public parks in London and Melbourne. Why can't we allow foreigners to do the same?" said the analyst of migration and cross-cultural issues.
Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng said netizens have the right to express their feelings but should not "go overboard".
"The Filipino community has been contributing to Singapore in the workplace and helping to take care of Singaporean families," he added.
Filipinos here said they were saddened by the comments, but will take them in their stride.
Finance executive Nilo Lopez, 42, a Singapore permanent resident, said: "Sometimes people don't think before they post comments online. I have never encountered a Singaporean who has been rude to me in person in the 17 years I have been living here."
Many worry over foreigner-bashing
By Jalelah Abu Baker, My Paper, 17 Apr 2014
By Jalelah Abu Baker, My Paper, 17 Apr 2014
AN INNOCUOUS Facebook post inviting Filipinos to celebrate their national independence day in Orchard Road has led to an outcry by some Singaporeans.
The reaction of this minority of Singaporeans, who posted comments online, has left experts and other Singaporeans both surprised and worried.
Senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Mathew Mathews, who examines issues surrounding societal cohesion, said that some may have felt that the Filipinos were "taking over" their space, by celebrating in Orchard Road, which is seen as a Singapore icon.
Sociologist Paulin Straughan, from the National University of Singapore, said that there is no justification for such behaviour, and that it is worrying.
She said that since the debate on the Population White Paper, some people have found it acceptable to "foreign-bash" without valid reason. "We must be more cautious and culturally sensitive when we are making race-related comments," she added.
The event is to be held at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza on June 8.
Event organiser Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS) had to take down the poster for the celebration on its Facebook page, following the backlash.
Mr Rychie Andres, co-chairman of the PIDCS, told The Straits Times that organisers had been harassed by calls and texts asking for the event to be cancelled. "The callers say we have no right to hold the event in Orchard Road," he said. "We do not dare to pick up phone calls now if we don't recognise the number."
Lawyers told My Paper that there is no law preventing the celebration of a community's independence day in public, as long as appropriate event licences have been sought and obtained.
The people behind "Say 'No' to an overpopulated Singapore", a Facebook page that has more than 26,000 "likes", had earlier urged Singaporeans to protest on the PIDCS page.
They said in a post that they were against the use of the Singapore skyline in the logo for the independence day event and using the terms "two nations" and "interdependence".
They updated their post with news of the taking down of the "offending" poster.
On the other hand, other Singaporeans took to the PIDCS Facebook page to show their support, wishing Filipinos a happy independence day, and calling those against the celebration "black sheep".
A 35-year-old Filipino, who has lived here for five years, said she felt that those who were upset were overreacting.
"If it had not been posted on Facebook, no one would have known about it and been upset. There are some people always online, waiting," she said.
There are about 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore.
A question of fairness
ONCE again, xenophobia has reared its ugly head ("Organisers of Philippine event targeted"; yesterday).
In every society, there are black sheep, and Singapore is no exception.
It is inappropriate for some Singaporeans to harass the organisers of a carnival in Orchard Road to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day and demand its cancellation.
We live in a vibrant cosmopolitan city and must be accommodating towards foreigners, instead of regressing to a situation where it becomes the norm to make distasteful comments on issues such as competition for jobs and space.
Making vitriolic remarks only worsens matters, and is not conducive to the strengthening of good ties between Singapore and the Philippines.
As overseas Singaporeans are at liberty to celebrate Singapore Day and National Day in the countries where they live and work, it is only fair that foreigners be allowed to do the same here.
While we expect to be welcomed in other countries, we must also be welcoming of foreigners here.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
ST Forum, 8 Apr 2014
ST Forum, 8 Apr 2014
PUZZLING PROTEST
I am befuddled as to why some Singaporeans are protesting against a plan by some Filipinos to hold a Philippine Independence Day event in Orchard Road ("Filipino group gets online flak over event"; Wednesday).
Don't overseas Singaporeans celebrate our nation's birthday in the cities they live in? What is wrong with Filipinos wanting to do the same here?
For sure, in today's global context, there is a degree of interdependence between Singaporeans and foreign workers.
I hope we have a proper sense of balance and not cry foul over everything foreign workers do in Singapore.
Tan Say Yin (Miss)
ST Forum, 8 Apr 2014
ST Forum, 8 Apr 2014
Curb the anti-foreigner ranting
Editorial, The Straits Times, 18 Apr 2014
Editorial, The Straits Times, 18 Apr 2014
THERE'S much to be said for the spirit of the Chingay Parade, well rooted after over 40 years, which inspires people to "celebrate together as one" the different cultures of Singapore and the world, as its organisers put it. That international flavour has been a highlight of the much-loved street event over the years.
Singaporeans have also come to appreciate the cultural expression of foreign residents, like the Songkran water festival which is synonymous with Thai exuberance. In turn, Singapore citizens abroad and their guests are hospitably treated when they celebrate Singapore Day in a public place, as in London's Victoria Park.
Plans of some Filipinos to hold a celebration at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza in June to mark Philippine Independence Day ought to be viewed in the same light, especially if they aim to follow a similar event held annually along Madison Avenue in New York City. Of course, some of that city's xenophobes might protest now and again but Americans in general have welcomed the enlivening effect of the parade, street fair and cultural show.
Most Singaporeans would like to think the Republic would be no less welcoming to Filipinos.
So, what is one to make of the outrageous outburst of some netizens who object to the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore's use of the Marina Bay skyline in an event logo and the terms "two nations" and "interdependence" in posters?
Making anonymous and threatening calls to the organisers of the Filipino event, demanding its cancellation, is simply beyond the pale. Worryingly, it betrays an intolerance and mean-spiritedness among some that might well be turned on local groups or causes too, that rub such netizens the wrong way.
Of course, one can always choose to ignore such ranting and raving among people who lack the courage to identify themselves and offer nothing more than empty vitriol. But the damage they inflict on Singapore's image is not to be dismissed. Such anti-foreigner sentiment needs to be rejected by all.
While Singaporeans have made known their unhappiness about the over-rapid inflow of foreign workers in recent years, which resulted in key infrastructure, from transport to housing, becoming more crowded and costly, most would not be blind to the contributions of guest workers in building and running today's Singapore.
The majority of Singaporeans would thus find the unseemly fashion in which foreign guests were targeted to be contrary to what this nation of immigrants stands for, as an open, trading economy, welcoming to people, capital and ideas from around the world.
Singaporeans should make a stand and say no to bigotry, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday, referring to a recent article about harassment directed at organisers of a Philippine event here.
The organisers reportedly received phone calls filled with expletives after they posted on Facebook over the weekend about holding a carnival on June 8 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza in celebration of the Philippines’ Independence Day. The Facebook post also drew a barrage of anti-foreigner comments, forcing the organisers to take the post down.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Tan said: “These actions by those who peddle hate are not acceptable, repulsive even.”
“We should make a stand to say no to such bigotry. They do not reflect who we are as a people and as a nation,” he added.
Mr Tan also noted that there have been Singaporeans who celebrate the Republic’s National Day in other countries, and that he could not imagine what it would be like if attacked in this way.
The organisers have said they would go ahead with holding the event.
Meanwhile, Mr Tan said he was startled by a report, published in The Straits Times on Wednesday, about 26,000 “likes” for the “page that ‘is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here’”.
Meanwhile, Mr Tan said he was startled by a report, published in The Straits Times on Wednesday, about 26,000 “likes” for the “page that ‘is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here’”.
“That there are xenophobes wasn’t the surprising part since there are these sad elements in any society. It was the reported 26,000 ‘likes’ for the page ... that raised my brows,” he wrote. “As it turned out, the reporting was inaccurate.”
The post had, in fact, garnered only several hundred “likes”; it was the page hosting that post that had 26,000 “likes”.
Mr Tan also said he was heartened that many “decent Singaporeans” have spoken out to condemn the actions of those who opposed the event.
The minister said he had recently met the Philippine Ambassador during her farewell call, where they talked about the experiences of Filipinos who live and work here.
He wrote: “Notwithstanding the occasional negative issues, she was thankful for the kindness and hospitality that Singaporeans extended to her compatriots. Singapore was a safe place because of how Singaporeans treated others.”
Philippine Day event: Police yet to receive permit application
By Royston Sim, The Straits Times, 23 Apr 2014
By Royston Sim, The Straits Times, 23 Apr 2014
POLICE have yet to receive an application for a permit for a planned Philippine Independence Day celebration at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.
They also said organisers had not shared any plans relating to the June 8 event with the authorities, as of last night.
The voluntary Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), which runs the annual celebration, withdrew a Facebook post about the celebration last week after it received hundreds of comments from Singaporeans.
Many said they did not want to see it held in Orchard Road.
However, PIDCS co-chairman Rychie Andres had earlier said the celebration would go ahead if the authorities grant the necessary permits. Attempts to contact the PIDCS yesterday were unsuccessful.
The annual event has been running since the mid-1980s in venues such as Hong Lim Park.
A former PIDCS committee member, who declined to be named, said past applications for a police permit were submitted 11/2 months to three weeks before the event.
According to the police website, applications for a permit must be submitted at least four working days before the event.
For those that require a partial or full road closure, applications with the necessary supporting documents must be sent in at least 21 working days beforehand.
Police yesterday reminded organisers of public events that a permit is generally required for any assembly or procession under the Public Order Act, regardless of the number of participants.
A permit is typically needed if the gathering is to:
- Demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government;
- Publicise a cause or campaign; or
- Mark or commemorate any event.A police spokesman said every application will be assessed on its own merits, factoring in potential public order and safety risks.
She said: ''Police may reject applications or impose additional requirements on the organisers if it is deemed necessary to safeguard public order and safety.''
The online furore over the event prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin to weigh in on Facebook.
Mr Lee wrote that he was appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers and spammed their Facebook page. He said Singaporeans ''must show that we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here''.
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