By Hermione So and Renee Ho

Since 2012, RCHK's legacy project Jie Jie Day has been celebrating the school community’s domestic helpers, known as Jie Jies, who work endlessly every day to manage their household duties. This year’s event with 400 participants was hosted on the 9th of December 2022, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on the outdoor basketball courts. 

Participating jie jies were over the moon upon arriving at the school on December 9th. Luzviminda Real said: “I always look forward to this event[Jie Jie Day] because I get to reunite with my friends, relax and have fun. It is excellent. I enjoy it a lot.” 

“This is my first time participating. I am so grateful and happy my Ma’am signed me up,” CC, another participant noted, with a bright grin across her face. 

We interviewed Michelle Wong, a Jie Jie Day organiser, to learn more about the event.

Bring us to the day of the event – what activities were there?

Wong: Throughout the 90-minute event, the jie jies enjoyed a wide array of stalls, including tarot card readings, a tattoo station, bracelet-making, a juice-cycling machine, gratitude boards, a refreshments table, and a photo booth. With the generous donations and support of the RCHK community, RAPT Committee, and SP@RC, Jie Jie Day committees indulged the jie jies with special treats. Every participant received a goodie bag with a custom mug, custom cookies, snacks, masks, COVID test kits, and cosmetics. As the cherry on top, a highly-anticipated raffle draw boasted the grandest prizes yet: Jollibee and Wellcome vouchers, Ocean Park tickets, smartwatches, laptops, and more!

Jie Jie Day has been ongoing since 2012 – what was special this year?

Wong: We were very honoured to welcome Consul Paolo Saret from the Philippine Consulate as our opening speaker. Students also graced the stage, with music performances from Sgt. Pepper’s TOK Band and dance showcases from NYXIS, Veryfragile, and Hrithik Samtani. The Athletics Council won over the crowd with a demonstration of tinikling, a traditional Philippine folk dance — even the jie jies and Senior Leadership Team jumped in! As usual, special guest Utah Lee’s interactive and dynamic dance session was a hit, marking a yearly highlight of our event.

As an organiser, what do you think about Jie Jie Day?

Wong: From participating in Jie Jie Day as a volunteer, deputy and now as an organiser, Jie Jie Day has truly been an enriching experience for me. Having grown up with Jie Jies throughout my life, I recognise how much they have sacrificed for us and can't even fathom the difficulties that they've been through, so it's imperative for us to be kind and show thanks for their contributions. 

Participants loved the event – how can students continue to help make this a successful event?

Wong: If students wish to become part of the organising team, they can sign up to become deputies for JJD 2023; keep an eye out for an email about this later on in the school year! Volunteering and performing opportunities are also available to students as well. It is highly encouraged to join the meaningful event to show thanks to Jie Jies!

With the event coming to an end, Jie Jie Day committees came together and said, “Watching the whole event come together and seeing our planning translate into enjoyment for our jie jies was a truly gratifying experience. Thank you to all the performers and volunteers for taking the time to help by sorting donations, packing goodie bags, manning the stalls, and fostering a positive atmosphere. Moreover, we are especially grateful for Dr Brown, Mr Hureau, Mr Georgiou, Mr Nicolson, Vivien, Scott, Nancy, Bosco, and the Blue Team for their help in carrying out Jie Jie Day 2022.”

This event is like no other at RCHK; through enthusiastic signups, countless donations and active support from the secondary leadership team every year, Jie Jie Day is an event that the school community holds dear.