Sexy Lady Hikers Filipino Group (now simply called SLHFG, given quite a few men have since joined) was started back in 2013 by five friends – Lyn lyn Gerona, Josephine Ebora, Dell VA, Liezel Garcia, and Nora Donguya – with a shared passion for hiking and traversing Hong Kong’s numerous trails. They quickly discovered that many other migrant domestic workers (MDWs) shared similar interests, and the group soon started to grow. 

While most of the founding members have since left Hong Kong, Nora Donguya – or Norz Benz to everyone who knows her – continues to act as the group’s chairperson. 

Quick to smile, Norz has the confident bearing of an individual who has faced life’s challenges head on. Originally from Isabela, Philippines, she admits that when she arrived in Hong Kong in 1994, she had very little interest in outdoor activities. “Kapag day off ko, bahay-church, church-bahay, lang ako” (On my days off, I’d just go home-church, church-home), she shares.

She has come a long way since those early days; aside from hiking, she has also been competing in Spartan endurance races since 2017, having completed a total of 6 so far, including the Spartan Sprint, Super, and the notoriously challenging Beast (30-35 obstacles over 12-14 miles of rugged terrain). “Growing up, I was the girl who didn’t want to get muddy or sweaty,” laughs Norz, “so I have surprised even myself with how much I enjoy the outdoors now!”

Almost all the hikes and outings organised by SLHFG double up as fundraisers to help their fellow migrant workers and their families back in the Philippines. With almost 20 charity events under their hiking belts (a number which could have been even higher were it not for COVID-19 restrictions in recent years), SLHFG have supported a wide range of causes, including raising funds for a cancer patient, food donation drives, beach clean-ups, coverage of medical bills, and many more. 

Having overseen SLHFG for almost 10 years, Norz is beginning to contemplate the fact that she won’t be in Hong Kong indefinitely.  Though the group is in safe hands; Norz already works closely with three trusted leaders – Juana Alcalde Mentez, Venus de Azevedo, and Lannie Garcia – who help with organising the hikes and moderating the group, so when she finally returns to the Philippines, she knows they’ll be ready to step in and take up the baton. Until that day comes however, Norz continues to spend her weekends doing what she loves; hiking with her friends and doing her bit to help the migrant community. 

Norz has seen participants come and go over the years, as members inevitably relocate or return home. But with almost 2,000 followers on Facebook, SLHFG’s hikes always remain popular and attract a good turnout, especially given their focus on helping others in need.

Having lived and worked in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, life hasn’t always been easy for Norz. But her positive attitude to overcoming challenges along the way is telling: “Akyat nalang ako ng akyat” (I just kept climbing), she muses. She credits the great outdoors for building her mental strength and well-being and offers these words of encouragement to others, “Don’t think that you can’t do it,” she says. “We all start as newbies; just remember the practical things like wearing the proper shoes and clothes for the terrain and weather, bringing some snacks and water, and of course, don’t forget to have fun!” 

FAST FACTS: HIKING IN HONG KONG

• 78% of Hong Kong land is protected
• Around 130 official hiking trials, covering a distance of more than 610 km
• One of the world’s most walkable cities, with 85% of the population living within 100m of car-free places
• The MacLehose Trail is the city’s oldest trail, covering around 100km