BDO Mobile App, Error Code 10

Have you experienced this "error code 10" after BDO updated their mobile app last year?

 

BDO Error Code 10

If you did and can’t still use the app after all these months, I got the solution for you.

 

On your mobile phone, go to Settings, then find the Date and Time Settings. Enable or toggle ON the Automatic date and time setting.

Date and Time Settings

 

That should fix the error.  You can now log-in on your BDO app and use it as normal.

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BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccination in Hong Kong, Cancelled

We were supposed to get our first shot of BioNTech vaccine last Saturday, March 28.  However, due to the recent news of inconsistency in the vaccine's packaging, the Hong Kong government decided to cancel the vaccination, pending the result of an investigation by BioNTech and Fosun Pharma--the importer of the vaccine in Hong Kong.

 

We received an SMS message 3 days before our reserved date.  It mentioned that a rescheduling arrangement would be sent on a separate message and to just wait for it.

 

SMS Message

We are now back on the waiting game and hoping that after the authorities had completed their investigation and found no systemic problem nor risk on the vaccine’s packaging, the inoculation would resume this week.

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Covid-19 Vaccination HK -- Domestic Workers Included

Good news to all domestic helpers in Hong Kong!  They are included in the priority list of individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccines, for free, which is currently being administered at various Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) and General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs).  Online booking is required to ensure that safety protocols are being followed.

 

How to book your vaccine shot appointment?

Online Booking Site

To book an appointment, simply go here.

Each CVC can only administer one type of vaccine, so you will need to choose which vaccine you would like to receive.  There are two types: Sinovac (Vero Cell) and BioNTech (Cominarty).

Cancellation of your booking can also be done on the above link.

 

What are needed to book an appointment?

To book, you will need:

·         Hong Kong ID number

·         Access to internet

·         Mobile number, where you’ll receive your booking confirmation

 

What is Sinovac (Vero Cell)?

Sinovac (Vero Cell) is a vaccine from China, used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 18 years and above.  The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) -SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which causes the immune system to produce anti-bodies and blood cells that would work against the virus, giving the immunized person protection against COVID-19.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 28 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

What is BioNTech (Cominarty)?

BioNTech (Cominarty) is a vaccine used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 16 years and above.  Unlike Sinovac, BioNTech uses mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside the body.  That immune response produces antibodies which protects the person from getting infected if the real virus enters the body.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 21 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

Are there side effects when getting the vaccine?

As with any vaccine, side effects can be expected at various degrees depending on each individual’s bodily reaction to the vaccine.  Some of the more common side effects, that may affect more than 1 in 10 people are:

Sinovac (Vero Cell)	BioNTech (Cominarty)
pain at the injection site	pain & swelling at the injection site
headache	tiredness
fatigue	headache
	nausea
	muscle pain
	joint pain
	chills, fever

 

There is also a remote chance of experiencing severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.  Signs of severe allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, dizziness, and weakness.

 

After the vaccination?

After vaccination, you will be required to stay in the observation area for 15 to 30 minutes.  Any adverse effect while in the observation area will be treated immediately.  The Department of Health (DH) is monitoring and collecting data on any adverse side effect experienced by everyone following the vaccination.

To reduce pain and discomfort to the area where the shot was administered, apply a hot compress, and gently exercise your arm.  Drink plenty of fluids if you experience a mild fever.

Seek professional advice from your doctor or other health care professional if you experience any of the following.  Make sure to inform your doctor about your vaccination and any medication you might have taken.

·         the pain or redness at the injection site increases after 24 hours from injection; or

·         your side effects do not seem to be going away in a few days; or

·         your side effects or symptoms are worrying you

 

Should I get the vaccine?

If you are included in the priority list, you are greatly encouraged to get the vaccine immediately.  However, the vaccination is wholly compulsory.  This is actually a great opportunity to take advantage off.  When getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but importantly, protecting those individuals that are in the high-risk category but cannot get the vaccine.  Those individuals include people with co-morbidity, pregnant, infants and children, and persons with known adverse effects to medicines.  Being healthy is not an excuse not to get vaccinated.

Will I be 100% immune to COVID-19 after getting vaccinated?

No, there is still a chance that you can contract or be a vector (carrier) of the virus after getting both doses.  However, the risk of getting a severe illness due to the virus is greatly reduced after immunization.  Also, at least 2-weeks is needed before the body can fully create the anti-bodies needed to fight the virus after vaccination.  In this regard, vaccinated individuals are still encouraged to mask up and follow all safety protocols.  Herd immunity, where at least 70% of the population is inoculated, is the goal for rolling the vaccination to the masses.  At this stage, the opportunity of the virus to find a new host or mutate is greatly reduced, and might even be completely irradicated.

 

What is Electronic Vaccination Record?

The Hong Kong government has set-up a website (www.evt.gov.hk) to facilitate public downloading of their own COVID-19 vaccination and testing record, as electronic version of the record.

 

What is Indemnity Fund?

The Indemnity Fund for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI Fund) with COVID-19 vaccine aims to provide financial support to eligible individuals who have proof of suffering unexpected serious adverse events (SAEs)—including death and serious injury—associated with COVID-19 vaccine.  To qualify, the SAE must be reported by medical professionals to the Department of Health, so make sure that you seek a doctor immediately, in case you’ve experience any side effect after vaccination.

The levels of maximum payouts for fatality or injuries relating to vaccination have been drawn up with reference to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).

Adverse Effect	Age at the age of last dose	Amount of Payout (per individual)
Death	under 40	HK$ 2,500,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,000,000
Injuries	under 40	HK$ 3,000,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,500,000

 

For more information about the vaccine and the vaccination program, visit the Hong Kong Government’s Covid Vaccine website here.

Covid Vaccine Banner

Their comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) are here.

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HK$5000 Spending E-vouchers for All Residents - HK 2021 Budget

Last February 2021, as part of the 2021 fiscal budget of Hong Kong, the government announced a distribution of HK$5,000 (US$645) to all residents and new arrivals 18 years old and above. A measure that would benefit some 7.2 million residents and would cost the government about HK$36 billion.

 

Photo courtesy of www.thestandard.com.hk

The handouts will be in the form of electronic spending coupons, to be distributed in stages of HK$1,000 per month, thru existing e-payment tools licensed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.  Primary among those e-payment operators that the government may tap are Octopus, Alipay and PayMe.  The measure aims to invigorate spending and boost consumer confidence, alleviating the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, that has seen a 6.1% decline in the economy.

It would also incentivize small and medium-sized merchants to install e-payment terminals in their establishments for them to benefit from the consumer activity the scheme would produce.

The government chose electronic payment for security and swiftness, after 80% of the applicants from last year's HK$10,000 handouts were made online.

As of this writing, the application guideline and where to apply for the e-vouchers has yet to be announced. However, it is eagerly anticipated by all, especially those that did not qualify from last year's handouts.

Related Government Link: Consumption vouchers set

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How to Renew Your Passport When in Hong Kong?

Passport renewal in Hong Kong has gotten a lot easier, but a lot longer too, in this pandemic times.
 
To renew your passport, follow these three easy steps as published by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong Facebook page.
 
Step 1: Book an appointment online at hk.passport.gov.ph
Step 2: Bring the following documents on your appointment date.

1.      Passport

2.      Application Form

3.      Photocopy of passport and visa or HKID for Permanent Residents

4.      Mailing envelope with HK$32 postage stamp

Step 3:  Wait for your passport to be mailed.
 
Read our comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below for more information and clarification.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong Facebook Page

FAQ:

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Learn Cantonese and English Language by Caritas Hong Kong

Caritas HK - Language Program For Foreign Domestic Workers & Ethnic Minorities

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong had this posted in their official Facebook page (www.fb.com/PHLinHK) yesterday, March 14.

A Cantonese and English language program for domestic helpers and minorities, run by Caritas Hong Kong, thru the sponsorship of the Home Affairs Department of Hong Kong.

The program will run during weekends of April 11 to August 07, 2021 and costs 100HKD per course, for a total of 50 hours. All courses will be delivered via Zoom.

This is a great way to get a certificate, as the program is giving a Certificate of Attendance for those whose attendance reached 80%. Cost-wise, it would be difficult to get a language course at this price, save for free YouTube tutorials.

The course has both written and spoken Cantonese from Basic, Intermediate to Advance.

Grab this chance to learn Cantonese and English!

For those interested, contact Caritas HK by calling ☏ 2147 5988 or thru their Whatsapp ✆ 5497 2899.

For full details, see photos below or visit the Philippine Consulate Facebook page here.

**All photos courtesy of Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

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An Artistic Day in Peng Chau – HK Outlying Island

Picture for first timers!

We went to Peng Chau at the end of February, as a whim. Something to pass the time and get out of the bustling city.  Peng Chau is a small island-99 ha-located off the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island.  To get there, you would need to take a short ferry ride from Central Ferry Pier 6 at Victoria Harbor.  Ferry schedule and fare price are listed at the end of the post.

What to do in Peng Chau?

·         Bike Rental – unlike Mui Wo, where biking is a top attraction, Peng Chau is tiny to have a leisure bike ride, so do not expect a sprawling bike rental service here.  Although there is a small bike repair/rental shop along Chi Yan street, near Peng Chau public pier; at the time we went there, only 3 bikes were available. We opted to do leisure walk instead.

·         Vitamin Sea – following Chi Yan street, you will get to the other side of the island, where it faces Tung Wan Bay.  Walk along Wing Tung street or get down in the beach and take a stroll in the sand.  Find some treasures like seashells, small jellyfish or like us, find this pendant half-buried in the sand. I wonder if this is real gold?

Tung Wan Bay

Jellyfish

Pendant

·         Barbecue by the Sea – there are public barbecue pit along Wing Tung street, but due to Covid restrictions they are close.

·         Visit a Temple – there are three temples that you can visit. Lung Mo Temple (Yuet Lung Sing Yuen) is along Wing Tung street, while Tin Hau Temple and Kam Fa Temples are at Wing On street.

Lung Mo Temple

Source: https://travel.ulifestyle.com.hk/

Tin Hau Temple

Source: http://www.ctc.org.hk/

Kam Fa Temple

Source: www.kamfatemple.org

Kam Fa has an online site (www.kamfatemple.org), detailing about the temple’s history, its service hours and the goddess within.  The site has an English version, which is a fun read, so do not skip.  Apparently, the Goddess Kam Fa is a popular goddess since she is generous in giving favors by granting wishes or prayers to her devotees.  She is also the goddess that popular martial artist Wong Fei Hung (hint: Once Upon A Time In China, Jet Li!) worships. I wish I had known that fun fact before arrival!

·         Make your own Souvenir – from the beach, walk back thru Chi Yan street and you will see three art shops are at the road bend.  You can make your own seashell painted souvenir or buy a hand-painted tote bag with a cool Chinese Dragon motif from Pengchau'er.  Visit Pengchau'er's Facebook page at www.fb.com/pengchauer.

Painted Seashell Souvenir

      

Pengchau'er (www.fb.com/pengchauer)

·         Art Alley, Peng Chau Family Walk – from the art shops, beside a big tree, cut thru the small alley to go thru Peng Chau Family Walk.  The alley is a feast to the eye, with modern, vintage, eclectic and pop art abounds! Mill around, sit by the wooden version of The Iron Throne and feel like a king! Meditate on your consumeristic life, as the art deco’s are made from trash, recycled materials and things we normally throw about.

Peng Chau Leather Shop

Peng Chau Family Walk

Peng Chau Family Walk

Where to eat in Peng Chau?

·         Chi Yan Hutong – taste Sri Lanka in Peng Chau! Try Chi Yan Hutong! We saw this off-the-road eatery on our walk to the beach.  Just a tiny menu placard sitting on a little stand with an arrow at the back pointing to an alley.  The pictures look tasty and the food different from the usual fare that we ventured along, on our way back from the beach. It is a well-worth detour! The food is authentic, plus the ambiance is soothing.  We were served by some very polite teens. Look at the spread we shared.

Clockwise: Beef Curry, Iced Tea & Iced Chocolate, Chickpea Salad, Samosa

The eatery looks like an open canteen with the kitchen on one side, the desserts sitting on the table at the middle, some display shelves with little knick-knacks for sale on the other side, and wood and iron seating spread out at the rest of the space.  Outdoor seating is also available, but we opted to dine inside.  

Chi Yan Hutong

We are only able to explore half of the island. Maybe on our next trip back, we’ll have enough time to do more exploring.

Peng Chau Ferry Schedule & Fare Table

More pictures of our trip on our Instagram.

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Shing Mun Reservoir Walk – Easy HK Hike

Shing Mun Reservoir Trail Info

Trail Name: Shing Mun Reservoir Walk

Location: Tsuen Wan

Distance: 7.5km

Hiking Time: 3hrs

Difficulty:  Easy

 

Shing Mun Reservoir is a good start for first time hikers.  The 7.5km hike might look daunting, but the trail is easy enough to walk, with alternating paved and dirt paths.  The elevation is also mild, dotted with places for picnic and rests, making the trail very popular for families with little kids.  The paperbark trees and of course the water of the Pineapple dam is a stunning site to see.  There are many places where you can walk down the path towards the water shed.  But please, do not attempt to swim on it since there are no lifeguards around and the water is deep in various areas.

Paperback Trees

Pineapple Dam

Grounds near the water changes depending on the season, so you can do this hike several times each year and still be amazed at what nature can offer.  There are plenty of monkeys (rhesus macaques) in the trail and they can be intimidating.  Make sure that you’re not holding any food item or bags containing foods as the monkeys are intelligent.  They know that if you’re toting a plastic bag, chances are there’s food in there. Best is to ignore them or observe from afar.  Try not to make eye contact as they perceive that as a challenge, especially for those big male monkeys.  Personally, I’ve been charged, but not harmed, by monkeys at this hike twice.  They know I’m a coward.  Both times, I’m either holding out my phone taking a picture, or my son is holding food.

There’s also the occasional wild boar roaming around, like these two that we saw.

Most of the time, you’ll be walking in shaded tree area, so minimal sun protection is needed.

Trees along the trail

There’s a food stall and clean restroom at the start of the trail and another restroom at about 500m mark.  Portalets are also available throughout the trail, at different picnic areas.

Food stall and restroom

To go to the Shing Mun Reservoir Trail, take exit B1 from MTR Tsuen Wan station, and get on the green minibus 82 on Shiu Wo street.  Since this trail is plenty popular, there’s always a long line going there, as well as going back to the train station.

Green minibus 82 bus stop

Here’s our trail made using Hiking Trail HK app, during actual hike last February 20, 2021.

Shing Mun Trail

Shing Mun Trail Profile

Read more about Shing Mun Country Park from the HK Tourism board here.

More photos on Instagram.

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