For many Filipinos, working abroad as a domestic helper is both a sacrifice and a lifeline. In Hong Kong, tens of thousands of Filipino women leave behind families to work in households, driven by dreams of providing a better life for their loved ones. The job is more than just about cleaning, cooking and looking after young children.
It also involves measuring up to cultural expectations and sometimes finding joy in unexpected places. Here’s a closer look into a typical day in the life of a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
Early mornings start with quiet duty
A domestic helper’s day often begins before the sun rises. Around 5:30 to 6:00 AM, she wakes up quietly, sometimes in a small room barely larger than a closet. She begins her duties by preparing breakfast for the family. This can range from traditional Chinese congee to toast and eggs, depending on her employer’s preferences.
If the household includes children, part of the morning rush involves preparing lunchboxes, organising school bags, and escorting kids to the school bus or walking them to class.
By 8:00 AM, while most Hongkongers are starting their workdays in offices or shops, the helper is already several tasks into her day. After breakfast duties, she begins cleaning the home—sweeping, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing bathrooms. Laundry is another major task, often requiring attention to detail especially with delicate clothing or specific laundry routines.
While doing their morning routines, many helpers find joy in small things. This can include humming their favourite songs, listening to Tagalog radio shows on their phones, or chatting with fellow helpers over the balcony as they hang laundry. These brief moments of connection and familiarity bring comfort amidst their busy day.
Midday routines and brief pauses
Between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, some helpers get a brief pause. Lunch time is often the only moment they can sit down and breathe. In many cases, though, the break is cut short by errands like grocery shopping or taking elderly members to appointments.
Grocery routines often involve an early trip to the wet market for fresh fish, meat, and vegetables, followed by a walk or bus ride to ParknShop or Wellcome for pantry items. Along the way, helpers might grab a mini bun for breakfast and occasionally bump into fellow helpers for a quick chat, sometimes swapping menu ideas or comparing prices.
Some households require elaborate lunch preparations, especially if family members return home to eat or if the employer is working from home. Preparing lunch often involves cooking light but carefully prepared meals like stir-fried vegetables, steamed fish, or soups typical in Hong Kong households, often with minimal oil and precise flavours.
Unlike Filipino lunches that may include saucy dishes like adobo or sinigang with rice, Hong Kong lunches tend to be simpler, smaller portions, and sometimes tailored to specific dietary preferences of employers.
While there are regulations about rest periods and working hours, not all employers follow them strictly. Some helpers are fortunate to have fair and respectful employers, while others face long, demanding hours with little rest.
Afternoon responsibilities and preparing for dinner
By 3:00 PM, the pace picks up again. When children return from school, either walked home, picked up, or driven by the helper if she has a license, her duties shift to preparing snacks, assisting with homework or tutorials, and accompanying them to after-school activities. This part of the day requires patience, multitasking, and often a nurturing presence similar to that of a second parent.
Dinner preparations often begin by 4:00 PM, especially if the meal is elaborate or if the helper is expected to cook both Chinese and Western dishes.
Menu items can range from simple soups and steamed dishes to more elaborate multi-course meals, often requiring helpers to cook separate dishes for children, elderly, or guests with specific preferences. After serving, helpers assist elderly family members with feeding or mobility, then clean up the kitchen, which can stretch into late hours—especially if dinner runs long or visitors drop by unexpectedly.
Dinner cleanup can last until 8:00 PM or later. Only then does the helper begin winding down, sometimes squeezing in her own dinner, shower, or phone call to family or friends, moments that help her emotionally recharge at the conclusion of a long day.
Sunday: the day of rest and freedom
For many helpers, Sunday is their only day off, and it is treasured. Central Hong Kong transforms into a vibrant gathering place for domestic helpers. Parks, walkways, and footbridges turn into mini picnic spots where women chat, eat, play card games, and connect with each other. This weekly gathering is more than just fun, it’s a form of community and therapy.
Beyond the closed streets of Central, many helpers spend their Sundays at beaches like Shek O or Repulse Bay, enjoying picnics and a breath of fresh air. Others attend church services, gather in boarding houses to cook Filipino dishes, or simply relax and bond with friends over laughter, stories, and shared meals.
Sundays are also a time for practical errands—many helpers line up at remittance centres to send money home or visit the Philippine consulate for passport renewals, legal documents, or other official matters.
Some also spend time sorting and packing items for their balikbayan box, carefully choosing gifts and necessities for their families back in the Philippines.
However, not all helpers are given regular rest days. Some still work on Sundays or are asked to “stay home just in case.” In such cases, helpers may miss out on valuable time to relax and engage with others who understand their struggles.
The challenges they face daily
Domestic helpers face a unique set of challenges. One of the most pressing is homesickness. Being away from family, especially children, can be emotionally taxing. Video calls help, but they’re no substitute for being physically present during birthdays, graduations, or even simple dinners.
There’s also the challenge of isolation. Despite being surrounded by people, many helpers feel invisible. Language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the power dynamics of employer-employee relationships often make it hard to speak up when unfairly treated.
Some helpers experience abuse: verbal, emotional, and even physical. Although there are support hotlines and advocacy groups, many fear losing their job or visa status if they report mistreatment.
Opportunities and silver linings
Despite the challenges, many helpers speak of their jobs with gratitude. The salary they earn, though modest by Hong Kong standards, is life-changing back home. Many are able to send children to school, build homes, and support relatives. Over time, some even transition to other careers, start small businesses, or use their earnings to pursue further studies.
There are also support networks and non-profit organisations in Hong Kong that offer skills training, language classes, legal advice, and counselling. These groups help empower helpers to plan for life after their contracts end, whether it’s back in the Philippines or elsewhere.
Finding joy in small victories
Amid all the hard work, there are joyful moments. A child’s genuine hug, a warm “thank you,” a successful meal, or a kind gesture from an employer can make all the difference. On Sundays, laughter shared with fellow Filipinas over a simple Jollibee meal from home is a reminder of their resilience and sense of community.
Even learning how to navigate Hong Kong’s MTR system or communicating with elderly locals in Cantonese can be sources of pride.
A life of strength, heart, and sacrifice
A day in the life of a domestic helper in Hong Kong is full of routine, but also showcase their versatility and resilience. These women are not just helpers: they are mothers, daughters, and breadwinners carrying the hopes of their families across borders.
For Filipinos reading this, it’s a reminder of the incredible resilience of our kababayan. For non-Filipinos, it’s a call to recognise, respect, and advocate for the people who quietly support households, day in and day out. Their stories deserve to be heard, not just on Sundays, but every day.