At the Megacities 2000 conference held between February 8 and 10, at Hong Kong University, a somewhat surprisingly close interest was taken in the appearance of the Filipino community in Central on Sundays.
It was noted by one participant, with some horror, that the Government's hawker control teams were seen chasing sellers of clothing and foodstuffs as if those people were thieves.
It was suggested that the phenomenon created by the Filipino community is an integral part of Hong Kong's cultural heritage, not only that, beyond that, the assembly was seen in a very positive light as something of interest to visitors, something that adds to Hong Kong.
Also, that it filled a gap of the inner city - a problem seen worldwide - that is used simply as a business district that shuts down after business hours and over weekends, leaving a desert of dust-blown buildings. All that expense and yet, nothing.
The Hongkong Bank was given special mention, as having its ground floor as an intended gathering place by the building's architect. It was designed to be a public space. Therefore it is appropriate that it is being used in accordance with the designer's wishes by the Filipinos.
Many buildings in Central have inhibiting streamers preventing anyone sitting near their hallowed walls. Even on weekdays would-be diners are chased from fountains by alert security guards. What a shame.