Exchange & Empower, Hong Kong (2026)

22/03/2026

EE Social Hike #7: Join us for a scenic reservoir to reservoir hike (via Violet Hill) and relaxing yoga in Hong Kong Island South. This hike is part of the social hike series organised by Exchange and Empower supporting foreign domestic helpers living and working in HK. Please feel free to join us if you are a foreign domestic helper or a supporter of Exchange and Empower and would like to explore the Hong Kong countryside.

Details: The hike is 6.5km in length with 300m of elevation gain and 450m of elevation loss. The hike expected to take 3 to 3.5 hours including a 30 min relaxing yoga stretch session towards the end of the hike. Note that this hike includes a climb up to Violet Hill! Please wear comfortable clothing, sun protection (e.g. hat, sunscreen) and sports shoes with good grip. Please bring 1.5L water and some snacks, and a large towel for yoga.

Theme: Hike and Yoga

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3470039639477798524

Meeting Time: Monday, April 6th, 9:00am

Meeting Place: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park Public Restroom https://maps.app.goo.gl/cBfVmeHPCcbVVP6g6

Transport: From Central Exchange Square, take bus number 6 towards Stanley Village and get off at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park. The bus journey is approximately 20 minutes and there is a bus departing every 15 minutes.

Signup: https://forms.gle/aefDThNP13veg6An7

20/03/2026

We had so much fun at our last social hike. Will you join us for the next one?

Exchange and Empower Social Hikes are organised by Exchange and Empower to support foreign domestic helpers/migrant domestic workers living and working in HK. Please feel free to join us if you are a foreign domestic helper/migrant domestic worker or a supporter of Exchange and Empower and would like to explore the Hong Kong countryside.

SAVE THE DATE! Our next hike will be on Monday April 6th (Public Holiday)! Signups will open soon!

17/03/2026

Congratulations to our nine athletes, Bernadette, Cheryl, Collen, Guia, Jovilyn, Luna, Melisa, Neng and Pamela for successfully graduating from the 2025 Exchange and Empower Trail Running Program!

Foreign domestic helpers are the glue that holds together the Hong Kong community, helping us take care of our children, family members, pets, home and ourselves!

They are strong capable women, valuable individuals whose achievements are often unrecognised and under appreciated!

The nine athletes are shining examples of grit, perseverance and excellence! Let’s celebrate the as leaders of our community!

Thank you to all that have been a part of this program! Without you we couldn’t have made this happen!

We will be recruiting for our 2026 cohort in October! Please mark your calendar if you are interested to apply as an athlete!

t8.hongkong
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11/03/2026

They did it!! Congratulations to our 9 athletes from the Hong Kong Trail Running Training Program 2025/2026 cohort! They all successfully completed the 9 Dragons trail running race last weekend, a testament to their grit and hard work in the last three months of training! We are so proud of you!

A big thank you to all of you who have supported their journey!

We will be recruiting for our 2026/2027 cohort after the summer, so stay tuned here if you are interested to join our Hong Kong Trail Running Training Program supporting foreign domestic helpers!

02/03/2026

EE Social Hike #6: Join us for a social hike and a 'Tea Break' from Tai Lam to Ho Pui. We will enjoy a relaxing hike suitable for beginners. The hike starts in Tai Lam Country Park at the end of Pat Heung Road and reaches Ho Pui via a mix of flat and undulating paths. Connect with new friends on the hike and end the morning with a post hike tea break at a local cafe. This hike is part of the social hike series organised by Exchange and Empower supporting foreign domestic helpers living and working in HK. Please feel free to join us if you are a foreign domestic helper or a supporter of Exchange and Empower and would like to explore the Hong Kong countryside.

Details: The hike is 8km in length with 250m of elevation gain and loss. The hike expected to take 2.5 to 3 hours followed by a 30 to 45 min tea break at a local cafe. Please wear comfortable clothing, sun protection (e.g. hat, sunscreen) and sports shoes with good grip. Please bring 1.5L water and some snacks for the hike. Post hike, all participants will be able to enjoy complimentary tea/coffee and a snack during the 'Tea Break'!

Theme: Hike and Tea Break
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3463404068538865612

Meeting Time: Sunday, March 15th 9:00am

Meeting Place: Outdoor Parking Area https://maps.app.goo.gl/MM6Xqfc2NqbB8CNY6
Transport: Numerous buses reach the bus stop just next to the meeting point. Use google maps to find the best bus route.

Signup: https://forms.gle/dJQfHqDFCUd6babD8

27/02/2026

Good luck to our athletes from the Exchange and Empower Trail Running Program who have been diligently preparing for the last three months to slay the dragon in The 9 Dragons 25km trail race this coming Sunday!

You have completed the running training, worked on your strength. You have prepared with yoga and mindfulness! You have recced the course and planned your race and nutrition strategy with your teammates and mentors!

You got this! Best of luck, we are so proud of you!!

26/02/2026

We had an incredible time at last week's 'share the love' social hike that supports and encourages foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong to be active and to connect with nature!

After tackling a challenging and adventurous hike, we had a hiking and sports gear giveaway including new and gently used gear contributed by our local community! Everyone parted with big smiles!

❤️

24/02/2026

Two Distances & Two Worlds: One Unforgettable Experience.

Experience the serene beauty of Shing Mun and the challenge of Tai Mo Shan. Whether you're chasing UTMB & ITRA points on the 50km or a scenic hike on the 12km, this race is your platform to connect with Nepalese culture and fellow trail lovers.

🗓 **22 March, 2026**

⚠️ **Spots are quickly filling up!**

https://raceresults.com.hk/event/446
👆👆Click the link above to secure your race bib. Let's find your limit together!

22/02/2026

Join Himalayan Harmony Ultra Trail Race to support Exchange and Empower! Each race entry included a donation to our programs to empower women from disadvantaged communities via trail sports!

22/02/2026

We are delighted to announce the final athlete from our 2025 Hong Kong Trail Running Training program! Introducing Cheryl Telino Apic!!

I'm Cheryl, I've been working here in Hong Kong for 18 years. I come from the north of the Philippines. Since I was a child I often explored the mountain and hiked for days.

I have loved running since I was in primary school. I often watched and read about female runner athletes like Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros and Nancy Navalta. But because of change in my priorities and goals I lost interest in running.

When I came here to HK, I started to hike a lot and met new friends who encouraged me to try trail running, but I wasn’t confident enough to try. Finally I joined a trail run , but I was not prepared, no water, no training as in nothing. Although I finished the run, I didn't have fun and suffered and I was full of regret. So I learned a lesson there.

And now I'm so grateful that I'm included in this program of EXCHANGE AND EMPOWER and I learned a lot from preparing, exercises and food , to enhance my body for trail running, and I practiced it during my training. Since this is my first time to officially join in a major long distance trail running (for me),my goal is to finish the 25km without injury and to enjoy and have fun while participating in this trail running event.

I would also like to say once again thank you to all the people who are behind this program that helps others or the underprivileged , to help them realize their value in the community that they can do more. Thank you also to all the mentors and sponsors.

18/02/2026

We are delighted to introduce Collen Ruth Zurbito, an athlete in our Hong Kong Trail Running Training Program!

My name is Collen, a 35-year-old single mother to a 17-year-old son, and I am from Sablayan Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines. I have been residing and working in Hong Kong for the past seven years. My journey into running and trail sports began when I relocated to Discovery Bay, where I was captivated by the region's stunning landscapes, including its trails and beaches.

I am currently a member of two dragon boat teams: TADOS, which is composed entirely of domestic helpers in Discovery Bay, and the United Valley Mui Wo Dragon Boat Team, a mixed team. In addition to my dragon boat training, I regularly participate in hiking activities and run each evening after work.

Two years ago, I began competing in trail and road races, where I discovered a profound excitement and adrenaline rush with each finish line crossed. The sense of achievement I feel, especially as I tackle longer distances, serves as a constant reminder of my personal growth and capabilities.

Sports have become a source of tranquility amidst the challenges I face. They provide an essential outlet for stress relief after six days of work and have become an integral part of my identity. Through my athletic pursuits, I am able to reconnect with myself and find peace and comfort, despite the difficulties of being away from home.

I’m excited and happy to be part of the Exchange and Empower Trail Running Training Program. I am grateful for the great support of my mentor and all of the program coaches.

15/02/2026

Introducing Bernadette Briquillo, an athlete in our Hong Kong Trail Running Training Program supporting foreign domestic helpers!

Hello, my name is Bernadette, though you may call me Bela. I am 36 years old and hail from Marinduque in the Philippines. For the past three years, I have been working in Hong Kong, where I dedicate my days off to pursuing meaningful activities that foster personal growth and well-being. Hiking is a constant in my routine, as I have a profound affinity for nature—the sight of majestic mountains, the melodious chirping of birds, and the gentle caress of the wind against my skin invariably alleviate my stress. These excursions evoke memories of my hometown, nestled near mountains and rivers.

My passion for sports also shapes how I spend my leisure time. I have explored various disciplines, including boxing, volleyball, badminton, running, and rugby. Running, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, as it forms an integral part of our rugby training regimen. I often run along the seaside, where the rhythm invigorates me and fills me with a sense of vitality. Seeing groups of swift and resilient runners has been inspiring, and I hold them in great admiration.

One day, our team manager shared a link about the Exchange and Empower program, which focuses on trail running. Thrilled by the opportunity, I eagerly signed up and was fortunate enough to be selected. Now, as a participant in their trail running initiative, I am filled with joy and anticipation, eager to discover where this running journey will lead me.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the mentors, nutritionist, sponsors, and founder of Exchange and Empower.

Exchange & Empower

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