April 2014
WAITING
DIFFERENT
GAME
STROKES
WORK EXPERIENCE FOR EXPAT TEENS
WHY WESTERN MEN LOVE ASIAN WOMEN
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W
W in t Con ickets t t em oA S h o p o r a r y s ia w , Bi r t h B ar n A r t e d Cesa ay Bas y’s h , an r Mi ll a n d L i ve !
on!
Introducing the winners of Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition 2014! READ NAVIN JAIN’S WINNING PROFILE ON PAGE 40
Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com
Publishers in DB since 2002
% Arabica PMQ We will open our second shop in SOHO in May. It will be a take away based cafe, and we sell drinks and beans ***
% Arabica Kyoto We will open our 3rd shop in Kyoto, Japan, in June. This shop will be cafe + guest house concept. See you in Kyoto ***
% Arabica Green We have started selling cute indoor plants at DB North shop.
% Arabica Cooking Class - 3rd April Our April cooking class will be sushi!! Let's learn the genuine sushi making from the professional sushi chef, Moto-san ***
Percentage Card We will start our point card system soon!! If you collect 10 stamps, we'll oer one free coee drinks ***
% Arabica Facebook Page Please "Like" our Facebook page for the latest info. www.facebook.com/percentage
APRIL 2014
康慧台 HILLGROVE
$17K
海藍居 SERENE COuRt
$20K
尚堤 CHIANtI
$32K/10.5M
T
EN
G EA
L
SO
Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’ 2 1
Gross: 723’ Saleable: 555’
Nicely renovated, with balcony. Walking distance to DB Plaza and pier. Convenient location.
蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE
$47K
2
Picture perfect sea view from entire apartment. Suit professional couple or singles. Very well maintained.
1
朝暉徑 HEADLAND
Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1381’ 3 2
Renovated duplex with large garden, spacious layout and full green views.
頤峰 GREENVALE
$4.82M
2
Good size unit with balcony. Located conveniently for all amenities. Good potential for full renovation.
海澄湖畔 SIENA
$11.9M
$90K
2
Large family home, in good condition throughout. Garden and balconies.
4
尚堤 CHIANtI
$8.1M
Nicely renovated, with balcony. 24 hr Concierge service. A must see!
2
倚濤軒 CREStMONt VILLA
$16.5M
$110K/40M
Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403 4 3
Renovated house, large terrace with panoramic sea views. A must see!
海馬徑 SEAHORSE
Gross: 1163’ Saleable: 904’ 3
Rare & efficient layout. Great for large families. 24 hr Concierge & Residents’ pool facilities. Vacant Sale!
海蜂徑 SEABEE
Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’ 4
Gross: 865’ Saleable: 744’ 3
Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1159’ 4
$11M
Gross: 1280’ Saleable: 962’ 3 2
Plenty potential for renovations. Large secluded terrace. Sought in location. Priced to sell.
蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE DRIVE
$18.7M
T
EN
G EA
L
SO
Gross: 1315’ Saleable: 1020’ 3 2
Low rise apartment in very good condition. Located close to all amenities. Quiet area.
Gross: 1707’ Saleable: 1436’ 3 2
Nicely renovated with unblocked sea view. Large roof terrace. Viewing by appointment!
Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1405’ 3 2
Completely renovated family home with grass garden offering sea views. For sale with tenancy.
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APRIL 2014 FEATURES 30 PROFILE Meet the winners of the Around DB Young Writers’ Competition (YWC) 34 IN FOCUS The big attraction: expat men and Asian women 44 FAMILY MATTERS Why expat teens are heading to D’Deck for employment
24
49 MONEY MATTERS Your DB real-estate update 55 ESCAPES Taking time out in Rishikesh 58 ACTION Improving kids’ motor skills through sports 65 LIFESTYLE Eco-friendly decorating for natural-looking rooms
30
REGULARS 22 COMPETITIONS Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com 40 TALKING POINTS YWC winner Navin Jain profiles The Village Dentist 52 HEALTH Time to quit smoking 72 DB FACES Candid community snaps 84 OUT THERE Thoughts on island life
AGENDA
44 55
10 IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news 24 ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide 69 HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour 74 CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more 78 PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent 81 LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau
65
30
WAITING
April 2014
GAME
T DIFFEREN
ERIENCE WORK EXPAT TEENS FOR EXP
S STROKERN MEN
ON THE COVER
STE WHY WE AN WOMEN LOVE ASI
Readers with a feature story idea, please email editor@arounddb.com If you would like to publicise a local event, email hannah@arounddb.com For general enquiries, email info@arounddb.com AROUND DB, Bay Media Ltd, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Call 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533
For the latest AROUND DB updates, find us on
Facebook,
Win tickets to Asia Contem porary Show, Barne Art y’s Birthday Bash, Cesar Millan and Live!
on!
ite
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Introducing Join your
READ
NAV
online community
@ www.ar
ounddb.com
4!
ition 201
s’ Compet ng Writer DB’s You FILE ON PAGE 40 s of Around G PRO the winnerIN JAIN’S WINNIN
Publishers
in DB since
2002
YWC 2014 winners Sean Ho Lok Sung, Navin Jain and Laila Joy Albuquerque
Photo by Terry Chow
Twitter and www.arounddb.com
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YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial coordinator Hannah Ball hannah@arounddb.com Digital media coordinator Vicki Yu vicki@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography Baljit Gidwani www.photosdb.net Nancy Paddison npaddison@gmail.com Illustration Fred Boot Rift Leschinsky Accounts Rebecca Wong accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month Talla Buffery (Intern) Jane Clyde Navin Jain Elizabeth Kerr Catharine Nicol Pauline Sanders Karmel Schreyer Peter Sherwood
Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.
Photos courtesy of Alison Whalley, Rosanna Sy-Siong, Tessa Weinrath, Olivia Gregory, DBRC and by www.photosdb.net
All the fun of the
TENNIS NATIONS CUP! On the weekend of March 1, teams from 14 different nations represented their home countries in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club Tennis Nations Cup. Congratulations to everyone who took part! Australia Kirra Beach team won the cup; the Philippines took second place; and USA 1 placed third. Team Canada won the prize for the best dressed on court, Team USA for best dressed at the after party.
A cracking Tennis Nations Cup, and a 12-hour relay race for charity! The Around DB Young Writers’ Competition prize-giving party! Two awesome live gigs, and For more a concert event photos to save visit the photo gallery at moonbears! It’s all been www.arounddb.com happening in DB!
IN&AROUND DB
April 2014
11
IN&AROUND DB
Photos by Terry Chow
Racing from
SUNRISE TO SUNSET March 1 saw 139 participants take part in the Sunrise to Sunset charity relay race at Siena Park. Eleven teams ran as many laps as they could in 12 hours, raising HK$19,560 for Chungking Mansion Refugee Service Centre (CMSC). Congratulations to Team 2 NameItAnything, who won the race, completing 226 laps. NameItAnything team member and Discovery College student, Minato Umehara ran some 76 laps, clocking in a whopping 100 kilometres!
YROCK GIG!
Sigson LIVE! www.photosdb.net
Photo by Nancy Paddison
March 13 saw 18-year DB resident Maren Sigson put on a one-woman show, Breaking In at The Venue Brazil Churrascaria and Bar (The Venue), DB North Plaza. Depicting the struggles of a young actor hoping to make it in the entertainment industry, Maren performed songs from Rent, In the Heights and The Little Mermaid. For more events at The Venue, visit www.thevenuehk.com.
Twelve young performers took to the stage at Hemingway’s on March 9, for an acoustic gig. The teens, who had each attended YRock’s Songwriting and Gig Preparation workshops, all performed their own material, and wowed the audience. To keep up-to-date with future YRock events, visit www.yrock.com.hk.
Photos by Nancy Paddison
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April 2014
AGS_HK_Around DB_92.5x270_en_1403_ctp.pdf 1 14/03/2014 08:21:34 AM
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Contact us for a free quote today AGS HONG KONG Room 905-6, 9/F, Eastwood Centre, 5 A Kung Ngam Village Road, Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong T. +852 2885 9666 E. ags-hongkong@agsfourwinds.com
Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section
IN&AROUND DB
Photos by Terry Chow
YWC PRIZE GIVING
Friends, family and mentors helped the Around DB Young Writers’ Competition winners and runners-up celebrate at Dymocks on March 19. While all the finalists received a copy of I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb, first-, second-, and third-place winners took home HK$1,000, HK$500 and HK$400 Dymocks book vouchers. Congratulations to Navin Jain, Sean Ho Lok Sung, Laila Joy Albuquerque, Karthik Immaneni, Barak Michaelis and Jasmine Alberts! To read more about this year’s winning scribes, turn to page 30; to read Navin Jain’s winning profile, turn to page 40.
Concert FOR
MOONBEARS
At the annual Moonbear Concert on March 15, class acts included DB songbirds Tania Martin and Louise Thoreau, and Lee King Chi on the guzheng, Alice Cheung on the pipa and Alex Cui on piano. Further entertainment was provided by DB band Benzine, some of the teen YRock stars and Trinity Chapel Choir. On the night, HK60,000 was raised for Animals Asia Foundation; kudos to the afterparty hosts at Hemingway’s, who donated HK$6,240 from their day’s takings!
Photos by Terry Chow
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April 2014
YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
IN&AROUND DB
Photo by Carolina Kollmann
DB ARTIST'S exhibition
out April
Through
Look out for five-year DB resident Carolina Kollmann’s solo exhibition at DB Pier. Born in Argentina, Carolina studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, London. Her mixed-media/ acrylic on canvas artwork has been exhibited internationally, and you can pick one up in DB this month for as little as HK$6,000. For more information, visit www.carolinakollmannart.com.
Ozzie Cozzie
ROADSHOW! For hot swim- and resort-wear from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Hong Kong, check out the first Ozzie Cozzie Roadshow of the season at OpenSpace, DB North Plaza, from 10am to 6pm. For more details, visit www.ozziecozzieco.com.
April 4-5
18
April 2014
April 6 BUY AND SELL all your lightly used goods at the flea market in DB Plaza from noon to 5pm.
Photo courtesy of Ozzie Cozzie
CHINESE FREE-STYLE painting! View long-term DB resident Judyanna Li’s Chinese free-style painting on show at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC). Judyanna is also providing 30-minute painting workshops (HK$90 each) for enthusiasts aged five and up, at the DBRC on April 5 and 6. You don’t have to be a club member to register for a class. Proceeds go to UNIHEART, supporting its work with special-needs kids and elderly people with dementia. To find out more, call 2987 7381 or visit www.dbrc.hk.
Try your hand at Chinese free-style painting and view exhibitions by top-class DB artists. Join a new wine tasting group, and help clean a beach! Shop the Handmade Hong Kong, flea and plant markets! Get the kids involved in an adventure race, and an Friend us Easter egg on Facebook hunt! It’s all for event happening reminders this month in DB!
GOOD LUCK
Bruce! April
6-12
April 4-6
Photo by Karen Veen
Photo courtesy of DBRC
Sports World’s managing director, DB resident Bruce Pye, is running the 29th Marathon Des Sables, ranked by Discovery Channel as the toughest footrace on earth! The event requires athletes to race 250 kilometres over six days through the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Racers must be fully self-sufficient, carrying everything except water and a tent on their backs. Watch out for an in-depth report on Bruce’s journey in our May issue!
IN&AROUND DB
April 13
April 12
SHOP THE HANDMADE HONG KONG bazaar in DB Plaza
STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from
Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm.
from 11am until 6pm.
April 12
April
JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP
18-19
at Sam Pak Wan, 1pm to 4pm with DB Green and Plastic Free Seas.
Join DB
WINE TASTERS!
The DB Wine Tasters Group is meeting for the first time at La Costa for a Tuscany Evening, from 5pm to 7pm. DB founder Michael Dilena is challenging attendees to see who can bring along the best Tuscan red for under HK$150. To find out more, call Michael on 6449 3156, or email researchaid@yahoo.com.
April 13
www.ddeck.com.hk
EGG HUNT in the sand! Photos courtesy of Michael Dilena
Spinning – a HIT! The HIT Room and Spinworks have joined forces. And you can now choose from 12 programmes and 44 classes each week, combining resistance- and strength-based High Intensity Training with the calorie-burning, energetic cardio workout of indoor cycling through Les Mills RPM and free-style Spin. There’s a special offer this month – your first class is free! For more information, visit www.thehitroom.com.hk.
The Kinder Joy Discovery Bay Easter Egg Hunt and Fun Fair is back for the eighth year running! Kids can hunt for 30,000 eggs hidden on Tai Pak Wan, and enjoy the fun fair in DB Plaza and the special DBN Easter Family Kingdom in DB North Plaza. For more information, visit www.ddeck.com.hk.
EASTER SUNRISE celebration!
In addition to their individual services, you can join DB Trinity Chapel, Discovery Bay Anglican Church and Discovery Bay International Community Church, as they gather for an Easter Sunrise Celebration service at 6am on Tai Pak Wan. For more information, visit www.dbicc.org.
April
Photo courtesy of Cindy and Wesley Reid
20
www.theisleofpeace.com
April 2014
19
Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section
IN&AROUND DB
April 27
Bonaqua
ACTION SPRINT
Don’t miss Action Asia’s Bonaqua Action Sprint, starting at 9am in DB Plaza. The 13-kilometre adventure race sees participants run, jump, swim, hike and rock scramble to the finish. Entry is limited to 450 athletes aged 14 and up, and costs HK$380. Helmets are recommended for the race. For more information, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.
April 27
ADOPT A PET through
Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS) in DB Plaza, from noon to 4pm.
www.photosdb.net
www.jumpingcastles.com.hk Jumping castle rentals hotline: 9662 1747 info@jumpingcastles.com.hk
COMPETITIONS
Here’s your chance to win great prizes!
Asia Contemporary Art Show ticket giveaway
Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until April 10 to submit your answers. To enter, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com or email info@arounddb.com. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!
The spring edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show is taking place at the Conrad Hotel, Admiralty, May 15 to 18. Occupying four floors, the show features 100 participating galleries from 18 countries, and some 3,000 artworks, ranging from original paintings to sculpture and photography. You can book tickets, starting at HK$180, at www.asiacontemporaryart.com or www.hkticketing.com.
How many galleries are participating in the show?
www.asiacontemporaryart.com
Asia Contemporary Art Show is offering three readers a pair of VIP tickets to the show (worth HK$260 per ticket).
Where is Barney’s Birthday Bash taking place?
Photos courtesy of Midas Promotions (HK)
See Cesar Millan Live in Hong Kong!
What is the name of Cesar Millan’s magazine?
Catch international dog-behaviour expert Cesar Millan performing live at AsiaWorld-Expo, on May 11. Known for his hit television series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, best-selling books and the magazine, Cesar's Way, Cesar is widely accepted as a leading authority in the field of dog rehabilitation. You can learn how to read your dog’s body language and identify dog behaviour triggers by watching him work with dogs on stage. For more information visit www.cesarsway.com; for tickets, starting at HK$480, go to www.hkticketing.com. Midas Promotions (HK) is giving away two pairs of C-reserve tickets (worth HK$480 per ticket) to see Cesar Millan Live in Hong Kong on May 11.
Win tickets to Barney’s Birthday Bash
Photo courtesy of Smile Live Entertainment
Smile Live Entertainment is giving away three pairs of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$450 per ticket) to see the show on April 18.
Celebrate with Barney on his birthday, with a live stage concert-party taking place at Star Hall, Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC), Kowloon Bay from April 18 to 20. The show provides fun for all the family, and features favourite sing-along songs like Mr Knickerbocker, Dino Dance, Baby Bop Hop and Rock n’ Roll Star. You can purchase tickets, starting at HK$150, at www.hkticketing.com or call 31 288 288.
Congratulations to last month’s winners Shiu Hiu Yan, Nazera Haluman and Veronique Clarambaux for a bottle of Ybera’s Universal Leave-in hair treatment; Bonny Loo, Marina Watt and Sharon Wong for tickets to see TAP DOGS; and Susan Huggett, Hei Ton Lui and Dolly Chandiramani for the dim sum lunch buffet for two at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.
22
April 2014
ACROSS LANTAU
Photos by Terry Chow
Dashing for A BEER! At the family-friendly Lantau International Beer Dash on March 22, 350 participants raced five kilometres, picking up (an optional) free beer at each one kilometre checkpoint. Wearing crazy costumes is compulsory at this event, so kudos to Horsing around, who won the prize for best-dressed team. Geoff Carr finished first overall, and the first team to finish was Team Mostly. The event saw HK$105,000 raised for three Lantau-based animal welfare charities.
24
April 2014
SEE WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS LANTAU!
The Prodigy Running Youth Trail Championships, and the Skirt Chaser! The TransLantau and the For more Lantau event photos Beer visit the photo gallery at Dash! It’s www.arounddb.com all been happening in Lantau!
ACROSS LANTAU
Now you can shop online at Bizzie Lizzie Visit http://www.bizzielizzie.wazala.com
www.bizzielizziehongkong.com Email: Bizzielizzie.hk@gmail.com Tel: 2984 2227 Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 to 6.30, Sunday 10.30 - 6.00, Monday closed.
ACROSS LANTAU
LBC’S DOUBLE WHAMMY! March 2 saw Lantau Base Camp’s (LBC’s) eight-and-a-halfkilometre Skirt Chaser, and the second leg of the Prodigy Running Youth Trail Championships head out from Mui Wo. With women starting eight minutes before the men in the Skirt Chaser, special congratulations go to Pui O resident Zein Williams and DB’s Emma Bruce who came in first and second. For information on upcoming LBC races, visit www.lantaubasecamp.com.
www.lantaubasecamp.com
Racing the TRANSLANTAU On the weekend of March 14, 2,000 athletes tackled the TransLantau 100-kilometre, 50-kilometre and 15-kilometre trail races. Congratulations to the overall winner, Pui O resident Jeremy Ritcey, who completed the 100-kilometre race in just over 13 hours. This year, the event raised more than HK$60,000 for the Nepal Youth Foundation. To make a donation, visit www.nepalyouthfoundation.org.
Photos by Eddie Chiu and Michael Ma
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ACROSS LANTAU
ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY!
Photo courtesy of Tracey Read
Get your GROOVE ON!
il 4 Apr
Head down to Cheung Sha Beach (4.30pm onwards) for SPRING LOVE by South Lantau Groove, the Plastic Free Seas’ fundraiser organised by four-year Cheung Sha resident Eva Ewins. As well as performances from the likes of West African band ONE Harmony, fire dancer Michael Hazen, percussion ensemble Salvaje, and singer Karmen Cheung, you can enjoy dance shows, Zumba demonstrations and craft stalls. Expect eco-educational talks and games, coorganised by local non-profits Plastic Free Seas, Ark Eden and The Naked Islands Project. Visit the SPRING LOVE by South Lantau Groove Facebook page.
Eco-art FOR DOLPHINS! Join Mui Wo non-profit Ark Eden at Lower Cheung Sha Beach at 10.40am, to create beach art – etching 98 lifesized dolphin silhouettes into the sand as a memorial for the 98 Chinese W hite Dolphins that have died locally since 2003. Ark Eden activists are using this event to voice their concerns about development plans, which they believe will contribute to the decline of Lantau’s already fragile ecosystem and habitats. Email jasmine@arkedenonlantau.com.
il 5 Apr
Photo by Jasmine Nunns
Party at a South Lantau Groove extravaganza on Cheung Sha Beach! Participate in an eco-art event on Lower Cheung Sha Beach. And involve the kids in some Easterinspired activities at the Regal Airport Hotel. It’s all Friend us happening on Facebook this month for event reminders in Lantau!
EGGSTRA FUN at the Regal! Celebrating Easter at the Regal Airport Hotel, Chek Lap Kok, kids can join in fun activities like balloon twisting, a bunny colouring competition and Kiddieland Egg Hunt. At the Be a Young Chef cooking classes, children can learn to make cookies, mocktails, dim sum and sushi rolls. Easter buffets and set menus are also on offer at the hotel’s five restaurants. For more information, visit www.regalhotel.com.
-21 April 18
www.regalhotel.com
THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.
4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.
Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com
DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB • Offers Judo classes for children of all ages • Increase in physical fitness, strength & flexibility • Boosts self-esteem & confidence • Improves discipline • Self defense • Make new friends & have FUN!
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PROFILE
Photo by Talla Buffery
WORD UP!
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YWC 2014 winners Sean Ho Lok Sung, Laila Joy Albuquerque and Navin Jain
April 2014
PROFILE
To celebrate the second successful edition of Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition, last year’s winner Talla Buffery introduces the 2014 winners Navin Jain, Sean Ho Lok Sung and Laila Joy Albuquerque
T
his year in Around DB’s second Young Writers’ Competition (YWC), secondary school students living and/ or studying in Lantau were asked to profile a local resident. Some wrote about their parents, many wrote about their friends and one even wrote about a cow!
writing, and she also took me through the subbing process, explaining why certain changes needed to be made. On winning the competition I was on cloud nine, and my friends and family were all very happy for me (especially my grandma – she started telling all her friends about her “superstar granddaughter!”).
From all the entries received (double that of 2013), this year’s mentors Lauren Gordon, Karmel Schreyer and Peter Sherwood selected three winners and three runners-up. The winners were then mentored in order to produce three perfectly polished profile pieces that went up for an online vote on the Around DB Facebook page, from March 12 to 17. More than 1,000 people voted for their favourite to win! The ultimate winner was crowned at a Dymocks DB prize giving on March 19.
Before meeting the three winners, this year’s runners-up deserve a special mention: DB resident Karthik Immaneni, 12, from Discovery College (DC), who wrote a profile about fitness instructor Fanny Wong; Tung Chung resident Barak Michaelis, 17, also from DC, who wrote about his basketball coach Brandon Nichols; and Tung Chung resident Jasmine Alberts, 12, from YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), who profiled local geologist Michael Alan Hawkins.
In 2013, Sophie Green and Ken Arima (the other finalists) and I likened going through online voting to entering a war zone. I remember constantly checking the Facebook page to see who was winning, and I had many sleepless nights. However, working with my mentor made the whole experience worthwhile. Lauren helped me feel more confident by pointing out the strengths in my
My congratulations go to YWC 2014 winner, DB resident Navin Jain, 15, from West Island School, who profiled his father Dr Sandeep Jain. Also of course to second- and thirdplace winners: Tsing Yi resident Sean Ho Lok Sung, 17, from YHKCC, who profiled his school principal Dion Chen; and DB resident Laila Joy Albuquerque, 12, from Hong Kong University Graduate Association College, who profiled her mum, English tutor Shirley Saldanha. You can turn to page 40 to read Navin’s winning article, but before you do, here’s your chance to get acquainted with all three of the exceptionally talented winners.
Here’s looking at you Laila Sitting in a DB coffee shop, the first thing I learn about YWC third-place April 2014
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PROFILE
winner, Laila, is that she loves hot chocolate and hates coffee. She has a very protective older brother, and is currently attempting to watch all 10 seasons of the American sitcom Friends. This is Laila’s first time to enter the YWC (last year she was underage) but she recalls recently writing a “very awkward” profile about herself at school. It’s clear that at just 12, Laila is an extraordinary talent, and she is already working on a book – it has no plot, as she likes to write without knowing what’s coming next. For the YWC, Laila profiled her mum Shirley Saldanha, who got her into writing and tutors privately in English. As for the mentoring process with Lauren, she says it was “overwhelming and amazing at the same time… I was nervous to get my work edited but I was at ease in knowing that any changes made would be the right ones.” When asked which writers she likes, Laila says, “Asking me to choose my favourite writer is like asking a mother to choose her favourite child!” After some serious debate and consideration, she manages to single out Neil Gaiman as her most recent go to.
Introducing Sean Looking to develop his writing experience, second-place YWC winner, Sean, entered the competition for the
first time this year with no expectations. “I put a lot of effort into every aspect of the profile but I never expected to be one of the winners,” he says. Outside of writing, Sean has a passion for basketball and a big dislike of spoons and forks clanging together. At 17, Sean is used to writing environmental and business-related articles as part of his studies at school. Writing for the YWC, in a different style, has clearly broadened his perspective. He says his confidence was definitely boosted when working with his mentor, Karmel, as she gave him plenty of “useful tips” and helped him “simplify” his work. For his profile, Sean wrote about Dion Chen, his school principal. “I wanted to get to know him,” he explains. “He’s contributed a lot to my school in the span of 10 years. I wanted to know in detail what he has done over that time.” Subsequently, Sean has become very inspired by the way Principal Chen advocates a balance between conserving and developing Lantau. Despite not reading much, Sean admits that he would love to write a horror-themed book. “I find the idea really exciting,” he says, “even though I’m scared of watching horror films! I don’t get inspired easily but I’ll watch a couple of shows and then suddenly become inspired.”
Congratulations Navin! I’ve met first-place YWC winner, Navin, a few times but I never knew he had a passion for writing – and as it turns out, until very recently, neither did he! This year is the first time he has entered the YWC, and he says his interest in writing was sparked when he started his GCSE coursework. “It randomly came to me,” he says. “And I started to enjoy reading books by Roald Dahl and Morris Gleitzman. “I enjoy adopting a creative and funny writing style and writing from the heart,” adds Navin. This influenced his decision to profile his dad, Dr Sandeep Jain, a dentist working in Discovery Bay. “I chose to profile my dad because it’s easier to do family,” he explains. “You know them, you’re close to them and you understand them.” At just 15 years old, Navin, a tennis ace, already has his future planned out. “I want to head into the business side of dentistry,” he says. “My dad is a dentist. I look up to him and hope to become as successful as he is.” Navin says he gained a lot of inspiration from the YWC mentoring experience. Peter described his writing as “perfect”, and it turned out that only minimal improvements were needed. “Peter was very supportive,” Navin says. “This profile would not have been at its best if not for the great tips and encouragement from my mentor.”
sword ightier than the Why the pen is m Navin: “The pen can motivate or change the attitude of many people at once. Decisions taken by violent means are never long-lasting and they create hatred and war among people.” Sean: “Swords strike fear into people, they don’t let them ‘speak’. You have to take into account people’s views and opinions. The pen lets you do that and the sword doesn’t.” Laila: “Writing is communication – and that is the key. Despite people taking weapons more seriously, you grasp a person’s attention more through the written word.” Find more photos of the YWC prize giving on
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April 2014
YWC 2014 finalists and mentors, Jasmine Alberts, Lauren Gordon, Laila Joy Alburquerque, Karmel Schreyer, Sean Ho Lok Sung, Navin Jain, Peter Sherwood and Karthik Immaneni
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IN FOCUS
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There are a number of expat men completely taken with Asian women who show little or no interest in anyone else
April 2014
IN FOCUS
AN ASIAN FASCINATION What’s the deal with Asian women and expat men? (Even the word Caucasian has Asian in it.) Peter Sherwood reports
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aving for decades soaked up tales of expat men straying from the family nest, succumbing to the inscrutable orient via the mystique of Asian women, I was asked to report on this phenomenon. Why me? I never married and have only ever had Caucasian girlfriends: a surfeit of prospects never entered the equation. Yet I’m aware that many expat-Asian relationships work well and are long lasting. In days of empire, a colonial taking up with a local was disparagingly called ‘going native’. Today in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, the gossip on expat men hot for local ladies is known as ‘Asian fever’ (there also exists a pejorative version of that much hyped appellation), much to the chagrin of many expat wives and singles. That leaves the question: what is it about Asian women that appears so attractive to many expat men, and does it often lead to the breakup of expat marriages and partnerships? Or is it mostly myth and paranoia?
A numbers game For male expats newly arrived in Asia it starts as a numbers game: relatively few expat men in a rollicking sea of available single women. Like free beer
at a football game, most have never experienced anything close to this ludicrous advantage back home. With percentages and variety wildly in their favour, is that all there is? Is there more to the allure? Are the slender, almond-eyed Asian ladies really more captivating? Certainly there are a number of expat men completely taken with Asian women who show little or no interest in anyone else. For expat men, the lifestyle in Asia can be a sexual feast. In the Philippines and Thailand local men with expat women is a rarity, but it is common – and just a bit weird – to see a range of older expat men with teenage-looking girls. Some men are of pensionable age and get hooked up out of loneliness and for a shot at rejuvenation (or are on pathetic ‘sex tours’). For the women the exchange is financial security for themselves (and often for their extended family). Whatever their background they share an aspiration for a better life. But then isn’t some sort of social and financial safety what we all aspire to? An increasing number of the relationships I see played out in DB Plaza are between expat men and Chinese women (often their equals in education and spending power). A decade ago my friends were marrying Asian maids and bar girls. Regardless, it seems to me that a successful mixedrace union is dependent on a meeting of minds. Either cultures clash and the
relationship founders, or couples find common ground despite their apparent differences. At the deepest level most of us simply want to love and be loved, accepted and respected, and perhaps race has little to do with it. “My husband found a girl from Thailand who, he said, made him feel like a real man because she was not ‘super woman’; she needed him financially and emotionally and he was in charge. It lasted six months.” Expat divorcee, Discovery Bay. “I met my wife 17 years ago when she was fresh off the boat from the Philippines, waiting tables in Wanchai. I’ve never looked at another woman since.” Expat husband, Discovery Bay.
Some perceptions and misperceptions Expat men on Asian women: traditional values, lovingly supportive; gentle, sweet, tender, submissive and conservative. Asian women on Western women: wily, opinionated, sexually liberated, domineering feminists. Andrea Gutwirth, 15-years a counsellor and CEO at SoulTalk, a charity for women in relationship crisis, has worked with a few hundred Hong Kong women with marital problems and the breakdown of family. She is very familiar with stories of infidelity, of expat husbands and Asian women. That should not be surprising when most women in Asia are… Asian. But it April 2014
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IN FOCUS
could be alarming considering the big increase in the expatriate population here compared to 20 or 30 years ago. Analysing expat men’s general perception of Asian women and why they might be attracted to them, Andrea says, “The perception of Asian women is that they are softer, more passive and shower a lot of affection. Most western women, especially those you are married to, can be more opinionated and domineering, whereas Asian women, at least at the beginning, behave in a way that makes a man feel more wanted, more important and more powerful. Also sex is a big pull as these women know exactly how to talk to a man, who may not feel happy emotionally and sexually, who may not feel listened to. Men find this very alluring and even exciting.” For expat men the lifestyle in Asia is very different to their home countries. Often they come to Hong Kong with a high-level job and their salary and perks are greater. A maid to help in the house and club memberships, hard work, hard play, and travel to different parts of Asia gives men even more freedom. It can lead to a ‘master of the universe’ feeling. This new-found privilege and power can end in love and sex elsewhere. And if his partner doesn’t have a career she can feel lost and alone. It’s a recipe for relationship upheaval. As for the attractions of expat men for Asian women, Andrea says, “It has long been recognised that Asian women find expat men very appealing because they will spend money on women; and they may say how unhappy they are which allows Asian women to ‘take care’ of them, empathise and want to make them happy. I think Asian women
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April 2014
Asian women, at least at the beginning, behave in a way that makes a man feel more wanted, more important and more powerful feel that expat men are worldlier and maybe will treat them better than someone from their own culture.”
A recipe for relationship upheaval Does Andrea think expat men are more likely to have extramarital affairs than men living in their home countries? “In Hong Kong, with easy local travel and the promise of so many single women, it’s hard to say no,” she says. “Back home, men may have more responsibilities with immediate and
extended family, but in Hong Kong opportunities to stray are everywhere. There is simply greater temptation living here, surrounded by a number of poorer societies where many single women can view an expat man as a prize.” According to Andrea, a good number of broken expat marriages were less than solid before the couples arrived in Hong Kong, and were unable to withstand the pressures of upheaval and cultural change. A common theme in the breakdown of relationships for women lies in something as elementary as choosing the wrong partner. While we can never be sure how a union will work out, innovative psychotherapist and author, Dr Nathaniel Branden provides a clue: “A woman in love will do almost anything for a man, except give up the desire to improve him.” Branden was not being ironic. Conscious or unconscious, the notion is as real as it is potentially disastrous. Andrea says it is a tragically repeated theme for women in relationship crisis: “It would seem to be our Achilles’ heel.”
The fallout Most wives and live-in girlfriends whose expat partner has left them for an Asian woman blame the Asian lifestyle. They are of course very angry, feel hurt and often want revenge.
For expat men life in Asia can be a sexual feast
“Affairs can go on for a long time because the wife is in denial, and when she confronts her husband the whole marriage breaks down,” Andrea says. “Often these wives lose their home and they certainly lose the life they were accustomed to. Many women have trusted their husband with all the finances and
IN FOCUS
have no money of their own or haven’t worked in years because they’ve been raising the children. When an affair happens, or a man leaves his wife for an Asian girlfriend, the whole structure of a woman’s life changes overnight. The man’s career is still blooming. He has it all. Women feel total despair with no support. Everything they knew has just been stripped away and their life feels like one big lie.” Incredibly post-divorce, many women are left stranded in Hong Kong, others without resources, money, profession, or visas have to leave. While some reach a decent financial settlement, others do not. “Breaking up over an affair is highly emotional, very painful and many women never fully recover,” Andrea says.
Warning signs What then are the signs a woman should look for if she thinks her man has a lover? “If your husband is lacking in respect, love, affection, admiration and care, and isn’t interested in your feelings, your company, or your thoughts, then most likely he is having an affair,” Andrea says. “If a couple is not spending time together and not being intimate, the marriage is suffering and the man is likely having his needs met outside.” Pointing out that most divorces are caused by four elements: contempt, criticism, defensiveness and stonewalling, Andrea says: “If you feel any of these fit into your relationship, then you need to ask for help if you want to save your marriage. If your marriage is important to you and you love your husband and want to keep your family together, then you must communicate, communicate, communicate.”
Find it • Harmony House, www.harmonyhousehk.org • SoulTalk, www.soultalk.org SoulTalk is temporarily closed. See Harmony House for similar services.
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TALKING POINTS
THE VILLAGE
Illustration by Rift Leschinsky, photo by Terry Chow
DENTIST
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Around DB’s Young Writers’ Competition 2014 winner, 15-year-old Navin Jain profiles his father, Dr Sandeep Jain, revealing what drew him to DB, how active he is in the community and why he gets such a buzz out of dentistry Meet DB dentist Sandeep Jain!
April 2014
TALKING POINTS
I
t was love at first sight for our local dentist Sandeep Jain when he first stepped off the ferry pier in Discovery Bay almost 14 years ago. He had just moved to Hong Kong from New Zealand and was looking for a place to call home. Unfortunately the tunnel linking DB to the airport had not opened yet and this would’ve meant a really long commute for his wife Cherie, a Cathay Pacific employee. He missed the opportunity of living in DB by just three months, as that was when the tunnel opened. By then he was already settled in Tung Chung, but his heart always beat for Discovery Bay.
On numerous occasions, DB residents have called upon Sandeep when they are suffering from a terrible toothache or some kid has jumped and knocked his tooth out. Even at weekends he has been happy to help. I ask him why he is so passionate about such a seemingly boring job. He says he finds dentistry thrilling, as he never knows who will
He finds dentistry thrilling, as he never knows who will walk in the door and what problem he will be asked to solve, much like a reality show
For the next 10 years Sandeep kept pestering his wife to move to DB. His persistence paid off when his youngest son Aryan started to lose interest in rugby. In the concrete jungle that is Hong Kong, the Jains found it impossible to give their kids the active lifestyle they wanted for them, so they decided to move here in 2011. The family has never looked back, and the very next year Aryan won a DB Pirates’ rugby trophy.
walk in the door and what problem he will be asked to solve, much like a reality show. This happens every hour, every day, and coupled with the satisfaction of getting people out of pain, it gives him quite a high.
A clinic like no other
Parties, Pirates’ rugby and causes
Sandeep jokingly calls himself the “village dentist” and he is, in every sense of the word. He started the Bayside Dental Practice in DB North Plaza three years ago, after moving here. He runs two practices in Central but says the DB one is his favourite. It is his “baby” as he started it from scratch unlike the Central ones, which have a more than 30-year history. It is unlike any clinic you have ever seen, with a huge terrace overlooking the bay, a big interior with four surgeries and, this being DB, some really relaxed chilledout patients.
The sense of community is very strong in Discovery Bay, as reflected in the many charity events held
Find more local heroes
Sandeep, Navin, Aryan and Cherie Jain
here. Sandeep is an ardent supporter of school fundraisers and many local charities, such as the DB Pink Walk, which supports breast cancer awareness and Down Syndrome. Last year, Sandeep even threw a big After Team FEAR Junior Challenge Race Party on his clinic terrace, where all the kids had pizza with drinks and the adults soaked themselves with alcohol. It was a big hit, attended by more than 500 kids and race volunteers. An avid sportsman, Sandeep is a regular at Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) tournaments in various sports. He and I are the current runners-up in the Father and Son Table Tennis Tournament. Due to Sandeep’s encouragement and hard work, Aryan won the DBRC Future Champions tennis trophy last year. Aryan, as a typical DB kid, competes in numerous races not to mention Team FEAR. Sandeep was last seen tearing up Tiger’s Head hill trying to follow his nine-year-old triathlete son, who soon left him miles behind. Sandeep didn’t play rugby as a child but he thinks that as a converted Kiwi he knows enough about the sport to be a DB Pirates’ coach. Like every Indian, he’s also a diehard Bollywood fan. Sandeep and Cherie have twice hosted the Bollywood night at Discovery College where he kept the audience enthralled with his wacky sense of humour. This he believes is his USP [unique selling proposition] in putting nervous patients (aren’t we all) at ease. My father is easy-going and friendly, so don’t hesitate to say hello when you see him sprinting in the morning to catch the ferry.
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April 2014
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FAMILY MATTERS
AT YOUR SERVICE
Photos by www.photosdb.net
Those of you who worked your way through university (and maybe even finished off high school) by waiting tables, may have noticed that there are a few extra-youthful faces among the ranks of DB’s smiling servers. Karmel Schreyer checks in with a few of the hardworking teens of D’Deck
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Connor Defalco, Adam Sinclair, Paula Murcia and Elisa Ronga on D’Deck
April 2014
FAMILY MATTERS
I
t’s not easy for teens to find rewarding jobs these days, anywhere, but it is especially hard in the world’s ‘expat enclaves’. Delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, babysitting, bagging groceries, washing cars… these jobs simply do not exist in DB, or they are the reserve of other sectors of the workforce here. The misconception that expat teens don’t have to work is something that can also get in the way of young people gaining skills and independence. Happily though, the local food and beverage industry welcomes expat teens looking for gainful employment. Here, many discover that food service is a great way to make friends and earn good money. Y B Rai, owner of DB’s Uncle Russ, has strong opinions about the importance of the food and beverage industry as a learning experience for youth, and he speaks as a parent as well as a business owner. Of course, he is partial to the job of barista in particular, and who can blame him? “Working as a barista is an excellent job for youth,” he says, “they can learn so much: people skills and money management, as well as making the food and beverage products themselves, and serving them to the customer. As a barista, they do it all!” And when rush hour strikes, and the barista is facing down a line of people eager to catch their morning ferry, they must learn to do it all very quickly.
Teens on the job While Y B does not currently have teens on staff, many DB restaurateurs do. Elisa Ronga, 18, a student at Discovery College, has been working at Brasserie 22° North on D’Deck since last September. Born here, she returned last year having grown up in Japan, Mexico and Russia. I talk to her as she is opening the restaurant on a Sunday morning. Is the job hard? “Define hard,” she says, not breaking
stride, as she moves about setting tables and refilling salt and pepper shakers – there’s lots to do when you are expecting hundreds of paying customers for the next 12 hours. “It’s difficult in the sense that every customer is different, with different likes and needs,” Elisa says. “Opening is more like physical work, and serving the customer is more mental work; you have to understand what they want – and you have to give it to them.” She does find the work rewarding, and the DB clientele charming, too. “On my first day I spilled a tray of glasses,” she recalls. “Instead of being annoyed everyone asked me if I was OK. I didn't expect that.”
Connor at Hemingway’s
Adam Sinclair, 18, and on his gap year from YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), has been working at 22° North for less than a year, and is in the process of applying to UK universities to study video-game design. Adam says many of his friends work at restaurants all over Hong Kong, but in his case, his mother scouted out a job for him in DB, perhaps to help him avoid a long commute. In any event, he likes the job, which is primarily as ‘food and drinks runner’. “It’s really interesting,” Adam explains. “You learn how to deal with customers. If there’s a problem you have to think quickly and problem solve. It definitely helps with your communication skills.” These skills
have rubbed off elsewhere, too. “I am more conscientious at home,” he adds. “I will clean things up if I see a mess. It’s instinct now. That’s useful. And my parents are pretty happy about that.” Paula Murcia, also 18, is a student at Hong Kong University; she majors in English and dreams of a literary life. Her job at 22° North is not her first on DB; she spent over a year working at Paisano’s in DB North Plaza, “doing pretty much everything – making pizza, waitress, cashier…” She was on call and says things would get crazy at times, especially in summer. What does Paula feel is the greatest benefit of a job in this industry? “Definitely my communication and people skills have improved,” she says. “Somehow my self-esteem, too, because you are constantly interacting with different people, doing different things and being selfreliant.” Paula has learned to make the most of her free time, another useful life skill. “For people my age, I recommend this type of job. It’s a great way to earn money,” she says. “My parents are proud, but they say that I look tired sometimes.” Connor Defalco, 18, recently returned to DB after graduating from boarding school in Queensland, and has just started work at Hemingway’s. He walked in and asked for the job after seeing the ‘Help Wanted’ sign in the doorway. Connor says he is drawing on the team-building skills he learned at his previous high school, YHKCC. “There’s a lot of communication going on behind the kitchen doors,” Connor says. “There are people of all nationalities (and accents) working at Hemingway’s – so teamwork is necessary.” Being a self-starter is also a necessity. “We always pay attention to the guests,” Connor adds. “If you see something that needs doing you do it. We are constantly on the move.” He April 2014
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FAMILY MATTERS
also says that one develops patience working as a server though, like the other teens, he finds that DB has “very understanding customers”.
Employers’ point of view Both Philippe Moriau and Gary Stokes, owner/ operators of 22° North and Hemingway’s, respectively, welcome the opportunity to work with young people, teenagers included. “It actually works out real well for both sides,” says Gary. “The holiday periods, when they are looking for work, can be our busy times. And the summers, though slow, are a time when we can give our core staff time off by hiring students.” It doesn’t take long to spot those who are up to the task, but this is something of course that doesn’t relate to age. “We have hired students under the age of 18, though they will not be handling alcohol,” Gary says. “Some love the job.” Chef Philippe concurs. “DB is a challenging place to find staff. I need part-timers who are flexible and have a character that is suited to the needs of the restaurant; someone who will take on the challenge and put their heart into it, even if they won’t make it a career. If they’re enjoying themselves, it rubs off on the customers.” And this doesn’t mean you need to be outgoing to be a successful server. “I used to be very shy,” Gary says. “But my years in this industry have changed that. I may not recommend the restaurant business to my son as a career, but definitely I would want him to be a server for a while.” Certainly Paula, Adam, Elisa and Connor are getting a lot out of working in the industry – if only for a short time. Well done to all you hardworking teens… see you on D’Deck!
Paula, Adam and Elisa at Brasserie 22° North
ion
in Expert op
Marie Marchand, consultant and trainer for Parenting Dialogue in DB, draws up a long list of what working teens can learn in the food and beverage industry. For starters: punctuality, financial awareness, customer service, creative problem-solving and time management. “Teens find that [with money of their own] they become contributing members of the family, able to make choices about charity and gift-giving, as well as enhance their own learning opportunities without having to ask permission from parents. “They will also learn to respect authority,” Marie adds. “They have a boss and they will learn to do what they are told.” This of course leads to further food for thought; students will begin the journey of understanding their strengths and weaknesses as a member of the workforce. They will begin to ask themselves questions. For example: do I like working in a team, or do I want to be my own boss? They may also question whether a particular industry is really to their liking. If it isn’t, says Marie, “the students get motivated to continue studying and build up their credentials, so that they can get a ‘better’ job”. That’s sure to please the parents, too!
Find it • Brasserie 22° North, www.22north.com.hk • D’Deck, www.ddeck.com.hk • Hemingway’s, Hemingway's DB Facebook page • Parenting Dialogue, www.parentingdialogue.com • Uncle Russ, www.unclerusscoffee.com.hk
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April 2014
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MONEY MATTERS
STEADY
AS SHE GOES Despite a volatile bigger picture, Discovery Bay has managed to stay on an even property keel so far in 2014. Elizabeth Kerr reports
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Lead photo by Vincent Ypersiel
ong Kong has one of the most volatile property markets in the world. Guessing when its peaks and valleys will hit and where is an art form, and those who were dubbed crazy for buying up real estate in 2003 – during SARS – look like realestate Einsteins now. Sometimes it’s one sector (retail and industrial are currently smart buys) and sometimes one district (kudos to those who predicted a westward migration on Hong Kong Island due to the West Island MTR line), but through it all, the Hong Kong market holds on. Comprising a little mass-market property, a little super-luxury and everything in between, Discovery Bay marches to the beat of its own drum. In the year after the government’s cooling measures, how exactly is it performing vis-à-vis the rest of the SAR?
Enduring appeal That can depend on who you ask. Overall, residential sales transactions
Tenants get more for their money in DB than they do in comparable havens on Hong Kong Island
valued at HK$21.1 billion in February clocked in at 3,159, a record low going back to January 1996 according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s ( JLL) March Hong Kong Property Market Monitor. Those 3,000-odd transactions also represented a 29.6 percent contraction over the previous month, which had shown a surprise bump in volume, largely due to developers offering substantial discounts on new projects. But DB is still popular with corporate clients looking to house overseas staff with very Western expectations. Dollar for dollar, DB continues to provide similar lifestyle and amenities for much less than can be found in comparable havens on Hong Kong Island. And despite a lingering ‘Stepford Wives’ image, good schools, a high standard of living and a welcoming village-y atmosphere keep its appeal high. “DB is a far more stable market. Prices have not come down like on Hong Kong Island,” notes Stephanie Gräfin vom Hagen, a consultant with Hong Kong Sotheby's International
Realty. “You can try and negotiate but landlords tend not to barter on rentals. In some areas you’ll see a rise in rent, but in general it’s quite stable.” Stable is clearly relative. “The market has been flat for some time because people were expecting the new stamp duties to be lifted,” says Katie Jepson, co-owner of Headland Homes. “Now they have been passed into law, people who were on the side lines waiting are buying again.”
Lifestyle choice Of course, it’s one thing to be looking for a home and quite another if you’re a property investor, particularly in light of 2013’s stamp duty increases. The opposite ends of the price spectrum (mass and super-high) haven’t been too affected but the luxury market, in the HK$10 to HK$50 million range, has. Potential purchasers with longterm plans for Hong Kong are either playing a waiting game, or making bold, well-below bank valuation offers in the hopes of a bargain. April 2014
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MONEY MATTERS
“I would still say DB is a good place to invest, but I see it as a long-term investment, because prices are steady. You won’t see such a spike in prices, or a drop in prices, as you do on Hong Kong Island,” says Stephanie. A host of factors go in to what makes a strong investment, key among them supply and demand. The floundering global economy has made major multinationals cautious, with many cutting back on extravagant housing allowances. As noted by JLL and Colliers in recent weeks, tenants are not necessarily leaving, but they are relocating, and that’s putting DB in the spotlight again. On average, a tenant can get more for his money in DB than he can in Repulse Bay or Mid-levels. “Absolutely. You get more square footage,” Stephanie says. “We’ve had people moving in from Stanley because they like the community feel and they want or need the space. In that respect DB is still an attractive area to invest in, particularly two- or three-bedroom apartments because it’s so family orientated.” Rebecca Wong, director of residential leasing at Savills, however, is quick to point out it’s not always comparing apples to apples – at least not in more intangible ways. “[DB] has an appealing living environment and affordable house prices, while [Repulse Bay] is for branding and one’s position in society. Sai Kung is similar to DB in living ambience and resident targets. As for yield, DB is better than Repulse Bay or The Peak.”
Hot properties Another advantage to DB for both end-users and investors? Houses. “If you’re investing in houses here, they’re never going to build any more in DB,” Katie points out. “Amalfi has just been finished, and they’re building and building away, but there are no more houses. Flats and low-rises have
Houses are a wise investment since supply is limited
Comprising a little mass-market property, a little super-luxury and everything in between, DB marches to the beat of its own drum hit their peak for the moment. House prices are going to soar. I think they’re one of the best investments here.” And that tenant pool is another factor. As long as there are families moving into Hong Kong and a limited number of houses, the supply and demand will favour investors. “The yields are way higher here than they are on Hong Kong Island. The average yield there is about three percent, maybe. Here, four or five percent is normal,” Katie explains. “If they’re really clever and do a nice job [on a property] some people are achieving an eight percent yield. Not to mention that the capital
April 2014
Even still, prices are trending down for the moment. According to Savills, older flats (20 years) average at roughly HK$6,500 to HK$7,000 per square foot; high-rises built after 2002, are averaging at HK$7,000 to HK$7,500. “It is also worth noting that DB’s pricing situation can be quite unique in the sense that houses on the same street can be priced so differently,” adds Rebecca. It’s not unusual for a 3,088 square-foot house with a garden to sell for HK$85 million (one did in September 2012), while a house measuring 2,099 square feet with a smaller garden sells for just HK$36 million (November 2012). Basically, it’s come down to bucking up and diving in, or not, for the rest of 2014. “I think sales are still going to happen but the rental market is going to go through the roof,” Katie theorises. Rentals have risen nearly 30 percent over the last few years in DB and a lot of that has to do with downsizing corporate budgets. “We’re in a good position. We’re sitting here in the middle.”
Find it
• Headland Homes, www.headlandhomes.hk • Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty, www.hksothebysrealty.com • Jones Lang LaSalle, www.joneslanglasalle.com.hk • Lifestyle Homes, www.lifestylehomes.com.hk • Savills Hong Kong, http://search.savills.asia/hk-en/
Find more monetary advice
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growth is always here. We’ve gone way past 1997 prices.”
at www.arounddb.com
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HEALTH Q&A
time to quit Smoking – a habit so easily started, yet so hard to break. Dr Yau Wing Him of Discovery Bay Medical Centre gets serious about this harmful addiction
W
hy is it so easy to get addicted to smoking? It’s simple really. Within seconds of inhaling cigarette smoke, nicotine travels from the lung to the brain. As nicotine binds to receptors in brain cells, it can enhance concentration and memory and reduce anxiety. It causes pleasurable sensations and of course it relieves nicotine-withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The main dangers of smoking are multiple cancers of the lung, intestine, pancreas, bladder and kidney. Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, and lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are both high-risk factors. Smoking also causes high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes.
Can smoking ever be casual?
Photo courtesy of www.donnamoderna.com
Smoking is a strong dose-related risk factor for lung cancer. That means your chance of developing lung cancer and dying from it increases with the quantity of cigarettes you smoke, the tar content of the cigarettes and the number of years you smoke.
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To illustrate this point, at least 90 percent of all lung-cancer cases are directly caused by smoking. Nonsmokers account for about five percent of all lung-cancer deaths, possibly as a result of ‘passive’ smoking. Another example is that a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes per day) is 40 times more likely to die from lung cancer than a non-smoker. Any smoking is harmful because nicotine is an addictive drug. Once
At least 90 percent of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking
Nicotine is tolerance producing (smokers need more and more to achieve the same positive effect), causing physical and psychological dependence started, nicotine is tolerance producing (smokers need more and more to achieve the same positive effect), causing physical and psychological dependence. This can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and cravings when smokers try to stop.
What is the best way to quit? Enumerating all the advantages of giving up can increase motivation, and antismoking support programmes can be a great help. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine gum, lozenges and transdermal nicotine patches are popular options. Prescription drugs such
Find more on health and wellbeing April 2014
as Chantix (containing varenicline) or the antidepressant Bupropion can also be used. Varenicline blocks nicotine receptors; Bupropion helps reduce the brain’s craving for nicotine. Quit rates vary according to different studies. The quit rate at one year for nicotine patches varies from five to 16 percent versus nine to 30 percent for Bupropion. The higher success rates include behavioural support. Studies show that a large number of ex-smokers report weight gain in the first year of stopping. Women seem to be more susceptible than men. The average weight gain is 5 kilogrammes for women and 4.4 kilogrammes for men. The most probable explanation for this is that smoking reduces appetite and energy intake; quitting smoking increases appetite and calorie intake. Dietary counselling in smoking cessation is important to prevent or limit weight gain. You can contact Dr Yau Wing Him on 2987 5633.
at www.arounddb.com
CUSTOM SPORTSWEAR
ESCAPES
HIMALAYAN
HEALING Rishikesh, on the banks of The Ganges, is one of northern India’s most sacred sites. Catharine Nicol drops in to relax and rejuvenate
Photos courtesy of Catharine Nicol and http://en.wikipedia.org; additional reporting by Pauline Sanders
T
here’s no better time to go on retreat than when you’re physically exhausted, mentally stressed and spiritually lost. I had caught the modern malaise of needing busy-ness at all times, spending my days physically rushing from one deadline or appointment to another, mentally harassed and unable to switch off, and spiritually – well, I didn’t even know what the word meant.
(now closed), and it’s still known as the World Capital of Yoga. Ashrams pepper the town as densely as Starbucks in Seattle, and picturesque Swarg Ashram (Heavenly Abode) is a definite highlight. Situated at the foot of the Himalayas on the left bank of The Ganges, it’s the spiritual ‘ground zero’ of Rishikesh, positively jammed with ashrams and temples. Here I squeezed in three Rishikesh essentials: yoga practice, a ‘holy’ dip in The Ganges and a palm reading.
Following three days at an intense conference in Delhi, I decided it was time to head to Rishikesh, a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. My mission was to find the ultimate wellness centre but typically, on arrival I couldn’t resist first industriously checking out the area.
This is one of India’s most sacred towns, and if you are planning to visit, you should note that non-vegetarian food and alcohol are banned. Both northern and southern Indian food is however widely available, and I was thrilled by the wealth of delicious Ayurvedic and health-food restaurants. The sleepy downtown streets are also lined with wooden pushcarts selling in-season fruit and veggies, plus tasty local sweets, like jalebis and imartis.
Scenically located where The Ganges hurtles down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by to visit Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram
What
with
eating
and
temple
Rishikesh on the banks of The Ganges
hopping, and eating and dodging the food-stealing monkeys, I had only a little time to indulge in the other big Rishikesh experience: outward bound. There’s trekking, white-water rafting, rock climbing, cliff jumping, rappelling and bungee jumping on tap; after all, this is the glorious Gateway to the Himalayas.
Vana, Malsi Estate Getting back to the real purpose of my trip, I finally checked into Vana, Malsi Estate, a new retreat just outside Rishikesh. Guests are calling Vana a five-star ashram, but the contemporary luxury, high-end wellness cuisine and range of therapies leave the modest surrounds, practical duties and limited facilities of an ashram far behind. Vana means ‘forest’, and with the retreat set within 21 acres of the Sal Forest and acres of mango and lychee orchard, the uber-modern architecture comes as a surprising contrast. As uncompromisingly contemporary as April 2014
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ESCAPES
Cliff jumping on the outskirts of town
A saffron-robed disciple worships Mother Ganges
the hardware is, inside the wellness software comes in authentic traditional form, with Ayurveda, Tibetan healing and local musical performances, as well as the more typical yoga, meditation, spa and fitness elements. Go for the Ayurveda Retreat and the 5,000-year-old philosophy will balance you via treatments, supplements and nutrition, including panchakarma (Ayurvedic toxin cleansing), to allow the body to self-heal. Or try the Tibetan Healing Retreat, little about Tibetan Medicine is internationally known, and this is the place to experience it. Seasoned spa-goers will recognise aspects of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatments.
Ananda in the Himalayas My next point of pilgrimage was one of India’s best-known retreats, Ananda in the Himalayas. Craving stillness, quiet and space, the mountain top
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Ganga Aarti, a ‘happy hour of spirituality’, on the banks of The Ganges
What with eating and temple hopping, and eating and dodging the food-stealing monkeys, I had only a little time to indulge in the other big Rishikesh experience: outward bound location behind the maharajah’s palace proved perfect, high up in the clouds above Rishikesh. I relinquished all responsibility for making decisions of my own and followed the Yogic Detox itinerary of yoga, food, treatment, food, yoga, treatment, food and sleep. I wore the Ananda uniform of white kurta trousers and top. And even the food was prescribed (by my Ayurvedic doctor). On my first morning, after nine hours of glorious sleep, I woke up without the pressure headache from the day
The maharajah’s palace from Ananda
before, feeling rested already. There was no way I was going to make it for early morning yoga though, so I picked up the book left in the room, Vedanta Treatise. Although I didn’t want to even think about work, I still had that city need to be doing something. It sounded a bit heavy but Swami A. Parthasarathy talked me through what was essentially an Enlightenment 101. Far less serious than it sounded, I started to devour it, reading up on what could be described as the meaning of life. Throughout the next five days I revelled in the fresh air and silence, the calming and friendly staff, the bodyand mind-stretching yoga lessons, the Ayurvedic-inspired treatments, and the beautifully fresh food. A highlight was the trip back down ‘Hairpin Hill’ as I called it, to Rishikesh for the Ganga Aarti on the banks of The Ganges. Here Guru
ESCAPES H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji of Parmarth Niketan Ashram leads a so-called ‘happy hour of spirituality’. Ashram students, locals, long-term India travellers and tourists all sit on the steps leading down to the sacred river to be transported into spiritual gratitude and worship of Mother Ganges, the source of life and a goddess to locals. Fire lamps are lit at the end of more than an hour’s chanting, symbolising the light of truth as they fire up, and the destruction of the ego when they burn out. The heady mix of chanting and fire, the saffron-robed disciples ref lecting the setting sun and the cool waters of The Ganges were visually entrancing. It made for a powerful goodbye to Rishikesh and an empowering preparation for the real world to come.
there
et How to g
Fly in to Dehradun Airport from New Delhi or Mumbai with SpiceJet, Air India or Jet Airways.
o
g When to
Year-round: being in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is relatively cool although the summer months can heat up with the monsoon during July and August.
it Find
• Ananda in the Himalayas, www.anandaspa.com • Vana, Malsi Estate, www.vanaretreats.com
Find more exciting travel destinations
at www.arounddb.com
Photos courtesy of 9 Dragons Fitness, DMR School of Ballet (by Tracey van Geest), Harry Wright International, Hong Kong Dragons Football Club, Island Dance, RugBees and Sport4Kids
ACTION
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9 Dragons Fitness’ Komodo Kids’ programme
April 2014
ACTION
LEARNING TO FLY Many factors contribute to the speed and finesse with which kids develop their motor skills. Hannah Ball consults 11 Lantau experts to find out how an early introduction to sports can help
B
abies’ movements are largely reflexive but from the moment they are born they start developing motor skills – the ability to produce intentional goal-orientated actions. They learn to sit up, then they start crawling, then walking and eventually even riding a bike. The age at which all the motor skills are mastered varies between six and 12, so how can we ensure our kids catch on quickly?
Multi sports
One of the best ways to develop these skills is through gentle, yet regular exposure to a wide range of physical activities. We can be thankful that here in Lantau, we have a wealth of activitybased kids’ clubs right on our doorstep.
“Anything which involves a cross-over of the body is bound to be beneficial for developing good balance,” adds Melanie, who is quick to deter parents from introducing their children to one-handed/ sided sports too early. “Racquet sports and other activities that use just one side of the body, if started too young, may affect the child’s balance later on.”
Swimming Before babies can move on land, they can move in water. And you can explore this curious phenomenon through the adult and baby programme put on by Harry Wright International at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC). According to Beverly Wright, aquatic manager at the swim school, babies can hit the water as early as four months. “At this age they have no fear, and it’s easy to teach them to go under the water,” she says. “It’s a great way to help them get used to kicking and submerging and it’s a wonderful way to help improve their confidence.” Melanie Potgieter, physiotherapist at Island Health Family Practice in DB, adds that, “Swimming helps build bilateral coordination as children must move their arms and legs together to move effectively”.
To further develop coordination as well as balance, Gary Fan, clinic manager at Tung Chung-based Skyline Physiotherapy recommends any activity which involves kicking or throwing. “When children kick or throw something, they shift weight from one side of their body to the other, thereby developing balance,” he explains.
Sport4Kids’ Mini-sports programme, with coach Natasha Langan at Club Siena, is open to kids aged 18 months and up. It’s a good option as children have the opportunity to try out a wide variety of sports, while developing their motor and social skills. “Our classes combine a variety of sports, including football, rugby, basketball, gymnastics, tennis and hockey,” managing director and cofounder, Jimmy Quinlan explains. “Each sport introduces its own set of skills. For example, when running children learn how to pump and move their arms to increase their speed; learning to bounce a basketball improves hand-eye coordination; and playing rugby introduces the concepts
of throwing and catching. Taking part in the programme develops hand-eye coordination, hand-foot coordination, peripheral vision, plyometrics, speed and agility, balance, control, and above all communication skills. “We start Mini-sports by playing some age-appropriate games to improve each child’s sense of balance and coordination and general body awareness, such as zig-zagging, tip-toeing, jumping, and running backwards and sideways etc,” Jimmy adds. “Children pick up new skills really quickly; developing these skills is all about teaching the body the correct movement, and repetition.” At Tung Chung-based 9 Dragons Fitness, the Komodo Kids’ programme, for children aged three and up, includes a range of activities, such as CrossFit, Capoeira, Zumba, gymnastics and circus classes. “Our kids’ programme is designed to help children develop many physical skills including key motor skills, spatial awareness, strength and self-assurance,” explains the gym’s co-owner Douglas Pieterse. “The children do a lot of climbing, running, jumping and throwing, as well as problem solving and team-building exercises. All this is done in a fun-filled environment, where the kids learn about fitness and health through games and challenges.”
Rugby and football Darren Maiden, senior coach at Hong Kong Dragons Football Club, teaches 15 to 17 sessions a week at the Discovery Bay International School April 2014
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ACTION and Discovery Bay North Integrated Services Centre (BSME), half of which are for children aged two and a half and up. “At the club, kids develop motor skills like running, walking, jumping, catching and dodging,” he says. “These are developed gradually by following the ABC method: agility, balance and coordination. We get the kids to dribble and throw the ball, and we set up mini assault courses.” Developing spatial awareness is high on the agenda, and for this Darren relies on a basic game of tag. “It sounds so simple, but during the game the children have to stop, turn and focus on staying within the confines of an area without bumping into someone else,” he explains. “We let the game be the teacher!” Also focused on the fun factor is RugBees, a rugby-play programme for children aged three and up at Discovery College (DC), OpenSpace and DB Community Hall. “Children are taught key motor skills geared towards rugby principles, such as catching, basic ball skills, kicking, balance, coordination, teamwork and most importantly fun,” says director Dee Allan. “We then finish with a warm-down and stretches, followed by fun time to reward the children for good behaviour. “Movements such as running, jumping, skipping and dancing, as well as coordinated moves such as throwing, kicking and catching, help children move easily and avoid delays with their physical and mental development,” Dee adds. Tinytots’ soccer-play programme, held at BSME, is designed for kids aged 18 months and up. “At Tinytots’ walking to 24-months and 24- to 36-months classes, we provide soft music to encourage listening and moving, and we develop small obstacle courses encouraging the children to change direction, run, jump and do lots of kicks,” says owner Carlos Nunes. “We also have many group and individual small-sided games with bean bags and balls, encouraging throwing and catching.”
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Ballet hool of c S R DM
RugBee s’ rugby -play pr ogramm e
ub gons Football Cl Hong Kong Dra
Sport4Kids’ Mini-sports programme
Island Dance
Carlos is quick to warn against tiring or frustrating children with activities that require too much concentrated handeye coordination. “As their motor skills develop, they are able to handle a wider range of physical manipulations. It is important to let them tackle these in their own time.”
Gymnastics At Sportsmanship held at Club Siena and DC, founder Charles Chan holds gym class for kids aged three and up. Children work on improving their balance, flexibility, coordination, strength and discipline at their own speed. “The best way to imprint a motor skill is practice, practice, practice!” Charles says. Lessons begin with a game where the winner is simply the first to complete the instructed action (such as sit or stand). “These kinds of games encourage listening, copying and confidence,” says Charles. “Later in the class, the children develop body coordination, balance, and learn to protect themselves when using the beam and jumping board. They complete tasks together, supporting
Swimming w
ith Harry W right Intern ational
each other for certain movements, thus encouraging a constant sense of teamwork.”
Dance And so to dance. “This is especially great for developing good coordination, balance and posture,” explains Melanie. “Bad posture may restrict the child’s oxygen capacity and reduce endurance in the shoulders, making the child tired and less able to sit still and concentrate well.” “Our classes in DB Plaza, which start with children aged just two-and-ahalf years, help develop a sense of position and spatial clarity, musicality, patterns, peripheral awareness, balance and timing,” says DMR School of Ballet principal, Dawnna Wayburne. “We get the children to stand or sit in a circle, helping them learn about personal space. They hold hands and skip together to build a sense of teamwork. “Children learn biomechanical deceleration techniques,” Dawnna adds. “In other words, they learn how to jump without injuring themselves
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ACTION when they land, or how to skip and stop. They learn how to control movement, which is vital.” Island Dance teacher Rohita Menon, who runs classes for kids 18 months and up at the DBRC, adds, “Dance as a kinesthetic activity helps with reflexes and motor-neurotic activity in the brain,” she explains. “Any genre of dance offers movements such as balances, weight transfer, variations in speed. These give any young and developing brain a creative approach to a physical activity. “The creative aspects of dancing also enhance the body with impulse movement and reflexology,” Rohita adds. “From warm-ups to stretching and across-the-floor technical exercises, we help develop young dancers’ use of space and specific muscle groups and their awareness of
time with rhythms. The choreography also gives young learners a creative way to indulge their bodies in a rigorous but fun motor-skill activity, using their entire bodies to initiate creative patterns.” With all of these sports, each teacher is
quick to emphasise the importance of learning through play. If kids enjoy an activity they will quickly master it, and thereby grow in confidence. Children need positive reinforcement to grow and develop: parents need to celebrate their kids’ achievements every step of the way.
Find it • 9 Dragons Fitness, www.9dragonsfitness.com • DMR School of Ballet, www.dmr-hk.com • Future Stars Dance Academy, www.futurestarsdanceschool.com • Harry Wright International, www.harrywright.com.hk • Hong Kong Dragons Football Club, www.dragons.hk • Island Health Family Practice, www.islandhealth.com.hk • Island Dance, www.islanddance.com.hk • RugBees, www.rugbees.hk • Skyline Physiotherapy, www.skyline-physio.com • Sport4Kids, www.sport4kids.hk • Sportsmanship, sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com • Tinytots, www.tinytots.com.hk
Find more clubs and activities
at www.arounddb.com
Swimming for Children Harry Wright International - The Premier Swim School Lessons from Parent & Infant through to competitive training • • • •
Club Siena Professional instruction Structured & progressive program Indoor heated pool
Please call 2575 6279 or email swimming@harrywright.com.hk website: www.harrywright.com.hk Accepting Enrollment for Easter Camp 14-17 & 22-25 April 2014 & Summer Term
SWIM THE WRIGHT WAY
17 March28 June 2014
DMR
School of Ballet
Est. 1984
Establishing
standards of international excellence... since 1984 MAIN STUDIO:
112 DB PLAZA, DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU Tel: 2987 4338 www. dmr-hk.com
LIFESTYLE
NATURAL SELECTION
Photos courtesy of www.designwithpurposeblog.com, www.fourcornersdesign.com and www.joannacrain.designshuffle.com
For us island dwellers, a back-to-basics, eco-friendly approach to living and interior design comes naturally, says Jane Clyde. The idea is to create a calming refuge in which to take time out, and regardless of whether a scheme exhibits a Japanese aspect or not, it’s all very Zen
Natural style champions freedom of expression, and as an offshoot of this, the desire for personal space is a primary motivation
April 2014
ď‚„
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LIFESTYLE
Pick and mix Applied tone-on-tone or in contrasting layers, beige, with its 101 subtle nuances, is far from basic. But natural style is all about freedom of expression, so you are not restricted to a neutral palette. Introduce some vibrant all-natural hues, like leaf- or moss-green, sky- or harebell-blue, rose and aubergine, to provide a little contrast. If you really want to spice things up, add in a touch of black, or a flash of silver or gold. These schemes represent the ultimate in understatement: they are cool, calm and collected without being bland or sterile.
Top trend Wholly contemporary, the powerful pull of the natural goes with a taste for interiors that minimise clutter, and cut out any hint of excess. Schemes though simple are in no way unsophisticated, and they display an innovative as well as time-honoured approach to design. In this cutting-edge bathroom, the clean-lined look places a clear emphasis on the natural materials used. Raw slate, chunky ceramics, sleek-grained wood and smooth marble provide plenty of textural contrast, and combine well with up-to-the-minute accents of mirror and chrome. Visually relaxing, and soothing to mind, body and spirit, the natural look can be your go to for a spa-style bathroom that’s bang on trend.
Texture is king! The natural
Neo-rustic charm Timeless, quality designs, often wood-based, are in keeping with natural style. Even the most contemporary schemes are rooted in rusticity, so this is your chance to go a little bit country. Use simple, functional pieces to provide decoration, and avoid indulging in ornament for ornament’s sake.
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scheme relies on a kaleidoscopic range of touchy-feely materials for effect. Schemes exhibit a sophisticated blend of all-natural weaves: raw linen, muslin, cotton and silk, enlivened by homespun details, such as button fastenings and trims in leather or lace. Choosing natural materials over synthetics helps you avoid the worst excesses of fashion and affords a more long-lasting tactile and visual pleasure.
LIFESTYLE
A
Framed in wood, stone and natural weaves, even the most contemporary, city-based schemes are rooted in rusticity
knee-jerk reaction to our growing environmental awareness might be to assume that we are using natural materials as little as possible in furnishing our homes, laying laminate (or plain concrete) floors instead of wood or stone and choosing metal or plastic for our furnishings. In fact the opposite is true: raw nature has never seemed more alluring. Having endangered the world around us we are inviting it into our homes, where it can be honoured and preserved in rooms decorated with sustainable timber, indigenous stone and natural weaves. Straightforward and modestly outfitted, natural style is the look of the moment on Lantau not least because it’s very liveable. Where the stringently hue-hewn white-on-white schemes favoured by minimalists can be exhausting, the natural scheme is warm and inviting. Moving through a tender palette of
cream, oatmeal, warm sand, pine and oak, the palette is sophisticated yet robust. Interiors are first-and-foremost comfortable, functional and fuss free, and if you chose your materials carefully, they are easily child and pet proofed! Wooden furniture (and flooring) is of course unbeatably tough and resilient; it also improves with age. While key pieces can be costly, remember that they represent a long-term investment. What’s more, since the natural look is unpretentious and eclectic, you can mix-and-match old and new pieces in varying styles. The best schemes see either dark or light timbers combined, and the current trend sees raw, unpolished surfaces revealed in their natural glory. Those of us who love wood tend to love trees and wouldn’t dream of decorating our homes with anything but sustainable or recycled timber. And in decorating with natural weaves, the same principles apply. We exhibit
Find more on stylish living
our eco-credentials by using materials that have been grown under carefully managed conditions, or utilised as a by-product of the meat industry. Eco-friendly hemp, organic cotton and natural latex are newly cool for upholstery, and hides of all types are chic. Luxuriant leather floor tiles are also popular, as are super-tactile woollen rugs. Sisal or coir matting injects a hip, outdoorsy flavour. Faux materials are out not least because the quality simply isn’t there. A way to replicate the exact feel of mohair or pashmina has yet to be discovered and, while no two sheepskins are the same, a batch of machine-made sheepskin rugs will all be prosaically identical. These schemes are all about touch: the way it feels when you run your hand over a leather sofa, or hold a suede pillow to your cheek. If you like things natural and neutral, it’s a sensual attraction.
at www.arounddb.com
April 2014
67
FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT Who am I?
KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native-English speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.
My thoughts
I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. Besides the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestichelper insurance, house insurance, home-office insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This holiday season, quality travel insurance should be at the top of your list!
Travel insurance
You may see this type of cover as unnecessary and expensive but honestly it isn’t! (And depending on your nationality, having travel insurance can be a requirement for getting your visa!) The primary benefit of travel insurance is the knowledge that should something go wrong while you are abroad, you won’t be responsible for finding the money to put it right, at a time when you are already stressed out. Make sure then that your policy covers the following: 1. Emergency medical treatment 2. Emergency medical assistance 3. Medical evacuation 4. Hospital benefit (a small daily amount covering overseas hospital costs) 5. Cancellation, curtailment and trip interruption 6. Missed departure 7. Personal liability (in the event that you injure a third party or damage their property) 8. Legal expenses 9. Personal accident 10. Personal belongings and baggage A standard travel insurance policy contains many different sections of cover, not all of which everyone needs. For most people a standard policy will cover all the unexpected events that can occur away from home. I wish you a happy and safe holiday!
My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.
HK HAPPENINGS
10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH!
www.ifmamuaythai.org
k!
ic Editor’s p
WORLD MUAYTHAI GRAND PRIX! Get set for the WMC I-1 World Muaythai Grand Prix at Star Hall, Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC), Kowloon Bay, on April 28. The two main events are the World Title and International Title Super-4 Championships (67kg and 51kg categories). You can also watch Muay Thai champions from the nine participating countries in six Super Fights. For tickets, starting at HK$200, go to www.hkticketing.com.
JAMIE’S ITALIAN opening soon! Jamie Oliver fans get ready to be happy: a branch of his Jamie’s Italian chain is set to open in Causeway Bay this July. The restaurant will seat 200 diners and serve up allorganic dishes, averaging at HK$260 per head. Jamie is known for his bestselling cookbooks, his TV shows and his campaign for a healthy diet among school children in Britain and the US. For more on the British chef, go to www.theguardian.com www.jamieoliver.com.
Relish Hong Kong’s first outdoor Shakespeare festival, and check out a British artist’s portrayal of Hong Kong. Enjoy the World Muaythai Grand Prix, and the biggest ice hockey tournament in Asia. Get stuck into the Hong Kong Oyster Shucking Friend us Championship, on Facebook and a harvest for event feast at Zen reminders Organic Farm!
15-minute
CHORIZO CARBONARA 1. Toast 25g pine nuts in a frying pan, then add some grated Manchego cheese. 2. Add 1tsp olive oil, a pinch of pepper, squashed garlic, 70g chorizo, one red chilli and a few rosemary leaves. Fry until lightly golden. 3. Mix one large beaten egg, the juice of half a lemon, 2tbsp natural yoghurt and more grated Manchego cheese together in a bowl. 4. Combine your chorizo mixture, creamy sauce and cooked pasta, then season to taste. Serves 4.
ANTONY GORMLEY
sculpts Hong Kong! States and Conditions, Hong Kong by British sculptor Antony Gormley is showing at White Cube Hong Kong, in Central through May 3. Exhibited pieces, depicting the dense urban conditions particular to our city, are dispersed throughout the gallery to provide viewers with a truly interactive experience. Antony Gormley was awarded a knighthood for services to the arts in 2013. For more information, visit www.whitecube.com.
SPRING CULTURAL FAIR!
Photo by David Fung
Expect top entertainment at Island School’s Spring Cultural Fair, Midlevels, on April 4, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. As well as stalls to shop, you can check out a fashion show, a Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese Taiko drumming, and Bollywood, Irish and Morris dancing, plus musical entertainment, comedy skits and sports demonstrations. Entry is HK$20 for adults and HK$10 for students. To find out more, visit www.islandschoolparents.wordpress.com.
www.hkgalleryguide.com
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HK HAPPENINGS
Email hannah@arounddb.com if you’d like to be included in this section te!
vouri mily fa
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www.hkartguide.blogspot.com
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PORT! Bringing affordable, accessible Shakespeare to the people of Hong Kong, the city’s first outdoor Shakespeare festival is taking place at Cyberport, Pokfulam, April 17 to May 4. The programme consists of 20 main-stage performances, six workshops, several free events and interactive performance-art pieces. The two main shows, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and The Taming of the Shrew, aim to explore the Bard’s work in new and inventive ways. Tickets start at HK$150, children under 12 can attend for free. Visit www.shakespearefest.ticketflap.com.
OH SHUCKS! April 12 sees top local chefs go head-tohead in the Hong Kong Oyster Shucking Championship at 10am at Café Deco, The Peak. After the competition, spectators can enjoy an Ocean Friendly Seafood Buffet for HK$388, adding just HK$180 for free-flow Guinness and premium wines. To make a booking, call 2849 5111.
Photo courtesy of Mega Ice
MEGA ICE
Hockey 5’s!
Photo courtesy of Café Deco
Running for two weeks, starting with the Youth Divisions on April 28, the biggest ice hockey tournament in Asia – the 2014 Hockey 5’s – sees over 1,300 international players from more than 75 teams compete at Mega Ice, Kowloon Bay. This is your chance to show your support for DBbased ice-hockey team, the DBees (www. dbeeshockey.com). For more information, visit www.megaice.com.hk.
HARVEST FEAST!
www.trinitygosforth.org.uk
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At the fourth annual Homegrown Foods Harvest Feast on April 5, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Zen Organic Farm in the New Territories, grazing on dishes served by top local chefs while listening to live music. Ticket price (HK$888 13 years and up, HK$98 three to 13 years) includes roundtrip coach transfer from Central, and free-flow food and drink. Admission for children under three is free. For tickets go to www.ticketflap.com/en/events/203/.
OYSTER ALERT! Whether you love them raw, fried, or on the half shell, oysters can provide you with a host of health benefits, among them, a whole raft of Vitamins, including C, D, B1, B1, B2 and B3. In terms of valuable minerals, if you eat just four medium-size oysters every day, you’ll get the recommended daily allowances of Calcium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus and Zinc. Oysters contain high levels of heart- and brain-boosting Omega-3 fatty acids and enough Zinc (the aphrodisiac mineral) to keep your mojo f lowing all night. Here are some more fun facts: oysters have gills and breathe like fish, and they have the ability to change their sex, since their gonads generate eggs as well as sperm. Connoisseurs can figure out where the oysters they are eating came from, just by their taste. Nearly two billion pounds of oysters are eaten world-wide every year.
DB FACES
COMMUNITY SNAPS!
Who do you know? Find more familiar faces @ www.arounddb.com
COMPETITION
Photos by www.photosdb.net
If you’d like us to consider your photos for DB Faces, email them to info@arounddb.com (subject line: db faces). Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent.
Great prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee!
A
B
C
Congratulations to last month’s winner Trisha Renwick! Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.
Y
our challenge, this month, is to identify which of the three photos above is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. Contact us online via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com before April 10. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ every day for a week. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer. Good luck!
View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com
Quality Meat, Fish, Poultry, BBQ packs and Value-Added Products for the best value-for-money in Hong Kong! Chilled Steaks, Marinated Chickens (Flatties / breasts / wings), Pork, Ribs, Lamb, Sausages, Burgers, Bacon, Cold Cuts, Hams, Salamis & Chorizo, Cheese, Smoked Chicken, Duck & Pork, Boerewors, Fresh & Smoked Salmon and a lot more… For home deliveries to DB and Tung Chung please check: www.foodhub.com.hk
OPENING HOURS: HOME DELIVERIES: Wednesday – Monday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Available for Tung Chung and Discovery Bay Call Sami at 6504 or 4208 orinfo@chef-express.hk email info@chef-express.hk | More about us on Closed onFACEBOOK Tuesdays – Chef’s Express www.foodhub.com.hk email
HOW TO GET THERE Chef’s express and patChwork JaCk FROM THE DB BUS STOP IN TUNG CHUNG, WALK UP TO SUNSHINE HOUSE SCHOOL, CROSS THE ROAD AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS TOWARDS THE TUNG CHUNG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND NGONG PING BUS PARKING AREA, TURN RIGHT TOWARDS THE TAXI STAND UNDER THE CABLE CAR. WE ARE JUST BEHIND THE TAXI STAND IN THE OPEN AREA.
NEW!! Summer cotton dresses and party dresses. Girls accessories OPENING HOURS: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 11am - 3.30pm Saturday and Sunday and public holiday 10.30am to 5pm Closed Tuesdays
Email: patchworkjack@gmail.com
Call Jenni 9762 1957
View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A COURIER? Michael, an Indian HK resident living on Lantau, seeks post of delivery person for mail/ documents/ small packages in HK. Full or part time, Call 9145 6731
DB/ TC PRIMARY SCHOOL SEEKS EMPLOYEES Part-time admin assistant & full-time learning support assistant with excellent command of English &/ or Cantonese. Mature, hardworking & detail oriented. Attractive remuneration packages for the right candidates. Email your full CV to hr@dmk.edu.hk
DB-BASED REALTOR SEEKS EAA-LICENSED AGENTS Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage. Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented. Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates. Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk
FINANCE & INSURANCE
HOME & REPAIRS
KIDS
AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS
EXPERT MOVER
EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP
Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return. Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net
• Packing & moving • Cargo collection • Disposal service • Handyman services • Packing material supplies • Storage, with humidity control Professional quality service at a low rate. Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk, or visit www.expertmover.hk
A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play. Activities to stimulate all areas of development. Come & look at our facilities. Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years. Morning & afternoon sessions. Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net
HEALTH & WELLBEING
PETS GOLDING DECORATION UK
HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY
Quit smoking quickly. Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching. Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia • Exam Strategies Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk
House painter, very experienced in maintenance work, & hanging wallpaper & artwork. 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed. Fast, clean & tidy, providing down to earth prices. Call Colin on 9074 5231
NEED SPACE / STORAGE!
Humidity controlled, small/ large storage space, short or long term. Competitive rates. Call 2566 4799 or visit www.expertmover.hk
Looking for a place to stay?
www.arounddb.com
GOOD NEWS FROM PETCODB
Micro Bubble Bath using Nano technology for pets is now available at PetcoDB. This penetrating clean powers deep into the pores, restoring fur condition, regaining moisture & providing relaxation. No shampoo is used. Recommended for pets with skin allergies, dermatitis & body odour. Call 2914 0382
RETAIL
ABBELLO WINES
Great value, high-scoring wines from around the world. Free delivery within Discovery Bay. Special offer: http://abw.hk/db 3108458. Visit www.abbelio-wines.com.hk
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View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com
SINCE 1997
OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)
Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc‌ For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com
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April 2014
View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com SERVICES NOTARY SERVICES
Now available in DB at affordable rates. For enquiries, 9143 0799, notary@hpi.com.hk
COMPUTER PROBLEMS?
Free over the phone repair, or home/ office visit for a nominal fee! 15 years’ experience & a passion for resolving computer problems. Call 9649 9910
TRAVEL CONCORdE TRAVEL
Leisure Travel and Cruise specialists since 1978. Call 2526 3391 or visit www.concorde-travel.com License No 350343
TUITION & COURSES
SPANISH LESSONS
A qualified native teacher with 15 years’ teaching experience offers private Spanish lessons to adults, students & children. Conversation & grammar, plus exam preparation (IB, IGCSE, A-Levels). Contact Eva on 6846 2322, eva.1973@gmail.com
Such a great birthday party !
Deadline for May issue Classifieds
April 10
Call 6710 0391 info@ecole-discovery.com
Looking for a property in DB? (sale, rent, short-term)
TUITION & COURSES GUITAR TUITION
One of Hong Kong’s foremost players offers home tuition in Classical, Blues, Ragtime & Rock. Special rates for morning classes. Contact Graeme on 9627 3043, graememorris1000@gmail.com
You can now search over 1000 listings
@
CLARINET/ SAXOPHONE/ FLUTE TUITION
www.arounddb.com
Available in DB from professional musician with 25 years’ teaching experience & graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK. For enquiries, call 9413 0498, janetwilliams.clarinet@gmail.com
CHINESE (MANdARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH
Personal Professional Tutoring Service. • Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools, Year 1 to 13 • For students & adults (homework/ exams/ business) • Mother-tongue Chinese tutors from the PRC (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics tutors (UK B SC) • Native English tutors. (MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com, or visit www.chinesemandarinsite.com
NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest
LEARN SPANISH
Native speaker. DELE examiner. Experienced teacher. IB, IGCSE, A-Levels & HKDSE. Business Spanish, & courses for adults. Flexible schedule & locations. (Special offers to students who live in DB & Tung Chung). Contact Erik R on 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com
MANdARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM
In the Greens. Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups. Any level/ time/ purpose. Call 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com
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Check out short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB
STUNNING FURNISHED FLAT SHORT OR LONG-LEASE Designer 2-bed apartment, 1 minute from DB Plaza. Renovated to the highest standard. Weekly cleaning available. Contact Maeve on 6408 4227, maeveororke@hotmail.com
MODERN EXECUTIVE 1-BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT Spacious open layout. Quiet, high floor. Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer. English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack! Competitively priced. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com
PROPERTY DB
FLAT FOR RENT Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband. Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com
DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS For lease. Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service. Contact Cherry on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com
STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET 2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished. Contact 9108 5525
Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to DB Plaza & pier, with fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided. Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk
GREENDALE COURT RENTAL GREENDALE COURT RENTAL Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525
800’ 2-bed flat with balcony & nice sea view. Fully furnished, with wi-fi internet access. Contact Sonya on 5241 9806, syeung72@hotmail.com
PROPERTY OVERSEAS LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near DB North Plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Serviced & fully furnished with washer/ dryer, bed linen & kitchenware. Plus wi-fi, broadband, blue-ray & home theatre. Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com
Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal. Free online at www.aussieproperty.com
FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL
PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE
Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985
Perfect holiday house or investment property, close to Surin Beach. Small development, large pool, close to everything. HK$4 million. Contact 9124 0157, pea@hk.super.net
SHORT-TERM LET Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony. Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk
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AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY
April 2014
PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT CHARTER PHUKET Crownline 252 for hire. Tailor-made itineraries, ideal for families. Boat only price, includes tour guide, Thai captain & fuel. Starting at HK$5,000. Contact Kim on 6077 2758, kim@bluewave-cruises.com, or visit www.bluewave-cruises.com
WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS
Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 wwww.dbicc.org
B USINESS OF THE MONTH
ACROSS LANTAU outdoor-fitness company Matthew Chambers, owner of mobile ets of his success Impact Fitness reveals some of the secr When did you open Impact Fitness and what makes it unique?
I started the business in 2011, and right now I have two Mui Wo-based trainers. What makes us unique? Being a mobile outdoor-fitness company, we have the ability to go to clients wherever they might be!
What resources did you need to start up your own business?
The most important thing was getting to know the South Lantau locals and what it was they were looking for. In the photo you see me (front left) with some Lantau residents after we ran the China Coast Half Marathon in January.
Do you enjoy being self-employed?
Being in control is great. Having to make all the decisions, right or wrong, can be a challenge though.
What has been the most important contribution to your success? Personality! Great personality and high energy is a must!
Which well-known businessperson inspires you?
Bedros Keuilian, a California-based fitness trainer turned trainers’ trainer, who came up with the Fit Body Boot Camp. He is a great inspiration to all outdoor-fitness trainers!
How do you keep your customers interested?
We never teach the same lesson twice! Our priorities are creating a fun atmosphere and an ever-changing fitness session. Since we train clients outdoors, the fresh air and the unpredictability (of weather conditions etc) also helps!
How do you see your business in five years’ time?
Wow, five years! While still keeping the outdoor-fitness business alive, I would like to own my own gym.
Call Impact Fitness on 6385 0304, email fitness@impactfitness.com.hk, or visit www.impactfitness.com.hk.
Join your Lantau community live @ www.arounddb.com
MUI WO FERRY SCHEDULES Mon-Fri (except Public Holidays)
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays
From DB 3.10pm
From DB
From Mui Wo
7.15am ＊ 8.45am # 10.45am 11.45am # 1.15pm 3.05pm # 4.15pm 6.15pm 8.05pm
7.45am ＊ 9.15am # 11.15am 12.15pm # 1.45pm 3.35pm # 4.45pm 6.45pm 8.30pm
From Mui Wo 7.20am -
(Above ferry route via Peng Chau)
＊ Operates on Saturday (except Public Holidays) only ＃ Operates on Sunday and Public Holidays only
Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung and South Lantau
LANTAU NUMBERS
TUNG CHUNG
SOUTH LANTAU
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Patchwork Jack Shoesee Foldable
FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS
9527 6202 9662 1747 9762 1957 9765 2798 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS
360° Sports Bar & Restaurant Airport Izakaya Andante Asian Taste Chef’s Express Deli Viet Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Dragon Inn Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden
2109 4360 2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4360 6504 4208 2109 0036 2109 4187 2286 6238 2286 6898 2286 6878 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 2969 2500 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Asian Hairdressers Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical
3147 4088 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626
Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep HEALTH & WELLBEING
Dalcroze Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon
2421 8088 9625 1392 2988 1488 HOTELS
Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott
3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888 LEARNING CENTRES
Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Little Academy Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) Tung Yan Day Nursery YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
5360 0991 2987-8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 3520 3500 2611 9193 6204 7387 2420 1068 2109 3873 2109 4000 3194 5120 2988 8123
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Impact Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Stepz Studio Tung Chung Crescent Club House
2109 9277 2179 6678 6902 2250 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 3152 7535 2403 6770
UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station
2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694
6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 HOME & REPAIRS
Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company
2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 9373 0792 2984 0587 HOTELS
Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel
HOME & REPAIRS
Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering
2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 7471 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 6331 8974 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 9160 5986 2980 2699
2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES
Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten
2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006
PROPERTY AGENCIES
Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate
2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL
Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern ZenvarA
2134 1234 2984 2227 2984 2278 2988 1368 2406 8122 2987 0099 9586 3459
SERVICES & OTHERS
Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio) Zoe Lyle Photography
2984 1410 9662 1747 2984 0060 9025 3949 9062 0148 6351 8923 9834 5498 TRANSPORTATION
Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company Sun Rising Moving Company
2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132
Your ultimate guide in DB
DB NUMBERS
LEARNING CENTRES
COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Discovery Speech Therapy, North Plaza Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Integrated Medicine Institute Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza
2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 8120 7835 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
OTHER SERVICES
Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB Tel: 2987 2626 Email: cas@appletravel.com
Future Stars Dance Academy
Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment. Tel: 9740 0171 Email: melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com
At Home in DB
HK School of Highland Dance
Information & Services for Residents of DB. Expat Relocation, Newcomer Orientation, Tours, Courses, Networking Tel: 9769 4701 Email: sue@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com
Highland Dance classes now available at MI Studio.Teacher qualified by the SDTA. All ages welcome Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com
Harvey Law Group Island Dance
Lullaby Layette
In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes
2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098
FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd
2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851
PetcoDB
2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428
Grooming & Pet Services With Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com
French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2014-2015 from K1 to P6. LG-05, DB North Plaza Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com
Little Explorers
HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre
International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life Tel: 2416 8618 www.harveylawcorporation.com
Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk
Online Boutique for Newborns & Infants Tel: 5600-7605, info@lullabylayette.com www.lullabylayette.com
A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun! Tel: 9327 0507 Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com
Amity Shoe Care Bookazine, DB Ferry Dymocks Fotomax Movieland My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pen ‘n Paper Pets Gallery P-Solution The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services
REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES
Playtime Kids DB Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 18 months to 4 years. Tel: 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com
LEARNING CENTRES
Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year Tel: 8122 9475 Email: admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com
Brightsparks Playgroup Fun, safe and interactive environment for your children. Tel: 9632 4287
British Studio of Art Hong Kong
New art studio in DB for 2 year-olds to adults www.bsoahk.com bsoahk@gmail.com Tel: 9132 5249
Dumper Trucks & Daisies A Montessori-based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child. From 16 months to 4.5 years old Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com
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April 2014
2987 4538 2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 2987 7111 2987 8873 2987 8898 2987 0428 2987 1777 2987 1368 2987 5151
Lifestyle Boats & Homes Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located. Tel: 9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk
Woodentots
Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency Ltd EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong Ltd
Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years. Tel: 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House
6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217
2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919
RESTAURANTS & HOTELS
% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza Tel: 2885 1323 Email: info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North
2987 2298
Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza
2295 8288
Berliner
2987 8203
Café Duvet
2987 0966
Caramba Mexican Cantina
2987 2848
Ebeneezer’s
2987 0036
First Korean Restaurant
2987 9123
Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise
2987 4768
Hemingway’s by the Bay
2987 8855
DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
RESTAURANTS & HOTELS il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Cafe McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Solera Sopranos Subway Super Super The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zaks
2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2555 0772 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2777 8411 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 6232
Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com
Sports World
A Mother’s Touch
Studio PS Personal Fitness Training (for one to one or small groups) Studio P/S Petra Seeholzer Lang Tel: 6605 2727 Email: petraseeholzer@yahoo.com
Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training. Located at North Plaza Tel: 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk
CAISSA Chess Club HK The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center Tel: 9681 2896 Email: contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com
Tinytots A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age. Tel: 34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk
Curves
Offering Judo classes for ages 5+ Mon, Wed & Sat classes available Email: elliot@cobrasportshk.com
Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club
2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381
TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES
DB Party Lovers For all your party needs in DB Tel: 9132 5249 Email: dbpartylovers@gmail.com www.dbpartylovers.com
Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more! Tel: 6624 7812 susan@embody.hk www.embody.hk
2987 4230 2987 7859
Pilates, Yoga, Spinning, TRX, Zumba, Personal Training The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk
Limousine Rental
Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com ACCESSDB Rehabus DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services
6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368
UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Spin Works The Ultimate Workout Certified and friendly staff, located in North Plaza Tel: 5145 2776 www.spinworks.com.hk
Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk
Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk
My Health Coach Lulu Improve your life balance through health and self awareness. I am able to offer a bespoke program just for you. Email: lulu@myhealthcoachlulu.com www.myhealthcoachlulu.com
M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure. Tel: 2987 0614
24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management
Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266
MOW | Grooming & Skin Care
HK Dragons Football Club
Movement Improvement
Specialists in Pregnancy & Newborn Care Tel: 2851 9654 clientservices@amotherstouch.com.hk www.amotherstouch.com.hk
Nailed It Bo Bo House Toysland
TRANSPORT SERVICES
Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk
2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000
WELLBEING
The HIT Room
DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB
Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department
All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: info@sportsworld.hk
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com
UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES
3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601
A unique retail & treatment space at DBN, that caters to your grooming, skin care & therapeutic requirements Tel: 2499 8826 / 6773 3103 www.mowhk.com mowhk@mowhk.com Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena
2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382
Around DB's May 2014 issue coming out
April 30 April 2014
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OUT THERE
PAST TIMES
Talking poppies and purloined property, Peter Sherwood presents a very brief history of colonial Hong Kong
J
anuary 26, 1841: a British Royal Navy landing party stumbled ashore at Possession Point on Hong Kong Island, planted the Union Jack and stole (Oops! ‘claimed’) this lump of real estate for queen and country. (Never mind that the territory that now comprises Hong Kong was incorporated into China during the Qin Dynasty 221–206 BC.) So much for property rights.
Laissez-faire commercial policy ‘Positive non-interventionism’ quickly came into play, meaning the British colonial government turned Hong Kong into an economic miracle by doing nothing. British foreign secretary Lord Palmerston announced to parliament, “Hong Kong is a barren rock with nary a house upon it. It will never be a mart for trade”. His lordship was right about the rock.
Photo courtesy of www.youusedtobealright.com
Meanwhile, a minor war over the hard stuff was in progress nearby. Pax Britannica controlled India which had more opium than temple rats; they were up to the hem of their dhotis in the stuff. China had enough tea to supply Britain cheaply – forever. Tea for dope seemed like a great deal. It was. For Britain it was a matter of pride, for China a matter of face.
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What really mattered was the matter of filthy lucre. The Brits ended up with a major international trading port. On the mainland they got whacked out on the poison poppy. (Compared to many of Britain’s colonial arrangements over the previous few hundred years, China emerged magnificently.)
‘Positive noninterventionism’ quickly came into play, meaning the British colonial government turned Hong Kong into an economic miracle by doing nothing Like the New York mafia’s move to Las Vegas in the 1960s, the cunning Brits soon parlayed their drug loot into legitimate businesses. The rest is history because it could hardly be called anything else.
Just passing through This brings us to Hong Kong’s oldest surviving hotel, The Peninsula built in 1928. In fact it doesn’t bring us there at all; the hotel is across the water from Government House. The phrase is merely a literary bridging device used to get you seamlessly – if inauthentically – from A to B. This does not imply the physical bridge that will soon join Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. But it will if the blokes in charge do not stop chucking house-size boulders into our only natural resource.
1950s: Hong Kong-based British Army private, Terry Parsons, wins a succession of local talent competitions, then international fame as singer Matt Monro. Hits include the title song from the James Bond movie From Russia with Love. 1960s: Sinatra passes through, asks where he can get his laundry done. 1970s: American sailor in Wanchai discovers Suzie Wong is not real. June 30, 1997: After 155 years, Hong Kong’s colonial past crashed to an end, as did a massive property boom just weeks later. In Central, tuxedoresplendent expats are seen swaying like Emperor penguins outside the Hong Kong Club clutching Champagne by the magnum and enquiring what the fuss is all about.
Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 15 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.
Find more from Peter April 2014
‘The Pen’ has witnessed change spanning the golden age of transcontinental travel. The railway station was out front, berths for ocean liners just down the road. Now that was convenience of 7-Eleven proportions. From the top of the hotel, a great view of Victoria Peak, haven for colonials in the oppressive summer. Up they went, carried in sedan chairs. It was as if the wheel had not been invented. In the greatest misnomer in the history of manual labour, the furiously sweating carriers were called ‘coolies’.
at www.arounddb.com