OFW from Isabela one of those killed in Hong Kong fire; “Nakaragragsak koma ti Christmas mi, ngem kastoy met ti napasamak” – OFW’s father

Jones, Isabela – An expected joyful family reunion turned into grief for the family of Maryan Pascual Esteban, a 40-year-old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Jones, Isabela, who died in a massive fire that hit a high-rise residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26, 2025.

According to her parents, Maryan was supposed to come home this December to celebrate Christmas with them and her 10-year-old son, had the tragic incident not happened.

In an interview with a national media outlet, Jaime Esteban, Maryan’s father, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter, recalling that they spoke with her just two days before the tragedy.

Esteban shared that Maryan informed them she was scheduled to return to the Philippines on December 16 and planned to take full custody of her son upon her homecoming—never expecting she would return in a coffin.

“Nakaragragsak koma ti Christmas mi, ngem kastoy met ti napasamak diay anak ko” (“Our Christmas would have been joyful, but this happened to my daughter”), Jaime said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

He also shared that the day Maryan died was his birthday, but they did not celebrate it because of their grief. He further expressed hope that her remains will be brought home as soon as possible.

“I hope they can hasten the return of her remains. I hope they can do it in three weeks,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported that they have already visited the victim’s son in Cainta, Rizal, assuring him that the agency will support him until he finishes college. OWWA likewise stated that assistance will be extended to the bereaved family.

In its official statement, OWWA said, “Sa pagdalaw, tiniyak nina Secretary Hans at Administrator PY na sisikapin ng pamahalaan na maipauwi agad sa Pilipinas ang labi at tutulungan ang pamilya sa lahat ng kinakailangang proseso. Ipinabatid din nila na ang anak ng OFW ay makatatanggap ng tulong pang-edukasyon hanggang sa kolehiyo mula sa OWWA sa ilalim ng Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). Tiniyak din nila sa pamilya ang patuloy na tulong ng pamahalaan at hinimok ang anak na mag-aral nang mabuti at ipagpatuloy ang pangarap ng kanyang ina na siya ay makatapos ng pag-aaral.”

According to the latest reports from Hong Kong media, the death toll from the blaze has climbed to 151. As of this writing, Maryan is the only Filipino confirmed to have died in the incident.