IMPROVE YOUR
LOVE LIFE GO INTO BUSINESS WITH YOUR
SPOUSE
GAGA ABOUT
GOA!
WHAT A MONSOON MINIBREAK’S GOT GOING FOR IT
“She’s gonna ShimmyShake and All that Jazz!” FRED EBB
7 ways to get your groove back (Right here! Right now!) AUGUST 2012 Publishers in DB since 2002
AUGUST 2012
畔山徑 MIDDLE LANE 1616
3 2
Family home with garden. Newly renovated, tranquil location.
寶琳閣 WOODLAND 1134
3 2
2
2
$18M
Spacious family home with good renovation throughout, large garden, great for entertaining.
康和閣 BRILLIANCE 919
3
$32K
Spacious living area. Balcony with stunning sea view. Ready to move in.
海澄湖畔 SIENA TWO 1388
3
$75K
$7M
Great space and very practical layout, walking distance to DB Plaza and Pier.
海堤居 LA COSTA 1355
3 2
Fully renovated. Large open plan living & dining w/ high ceiling. Convenience location.
彩暉閣 VERDANT 889
3 2
2
2
$60K/17M
Bright renovated stylish duplex, very good condition with sea views.
頤峰 GREENVALE 999
3
$23K
Newly renovated and very practical layout with stunning sea views. Bright and airy.
倚濤軒 CRESTMONT 1707
3
$68K/20M
$5M
Newly renovated. Spacious living and dining area. Bright and airy.
海澄湖畔 SIENA TWO 1582
4 2
Large balcony with high ceiling. Bright and airy. Close to school and Club Siena
海濤閣 ONDA 760
2 1
3
1
$40K/11.5M
Successfully combined unit with good layout, renovated to a high standard with en-suite.
寶珊閣 CORAL 432
0
$19K/ 5.8M
Great renovation throughout, balcony with full sea views. Walking distance to DB Plaza and Pier.
尚堤 CHIANTI 1793
4
$48K
$2.88M
Great renovation. Good size studio flat with great views.
CASA Real Estate Limited
海堤居 La Costa 527’
Licence No. C-051906 AUG 2012 E-mail : services@casa-db.com
2914 2987
嘉盛 物
業
$12-13K
有
限
公
司
海澄湖畔 Siena 792’+Terrace
$26K
畔峰 Midvale 863’
$25K/$4.55M
Unique 1 bedroom flat with balcony facing open view. Walk to bus terminal, pier and shops in mins. Ideal for single or small family.
Stylishly renovated 2 bedroom flat with private terrace, close to supermarket. Fitted with brand new appliances and plenty of natural light.
Tastefully decorated and fully furnished home with 2 bedrooms; warm interior design and surrounded by green mountain view.
海澄低座 Siena 2 Low Rise 1570’ $48K
Beach Village 1133’
碧濤軒 Peninsula Village 2174’
This 4-bedroom low-rise home with a balcony offers the views of the bay and lush green garden. It is renovated thoroughly in light colour tone; the balcony and big windows allows sunlight & breeze.
Newly renovated 4 bedroom low-rise duplex with open kitchen. Private balcony and terrace facing the big lush green lawn.
$55K
$90K
Enjoy panoramic seaview with this charming 5-bedroom seafront duplex home. Fully renovated interior and open kitchen. Seaside view balconies and a practical roof terrace provide ample outdoor space for relaxation.
FOR SALE 觀星樓 Starview 713’ LE
SO
$3.23M
曦欣閣 Twilight Court 665’
$3.7M
海澄二段 Siena 2 816’ $4.28M/$14.5K
NT
E
AG
Value for money. High potential and comfy apartment with 2 bedrooms at unbeatable price.
Character home with modern renovation. This hi-tech stylish apartment offers 2 bedroom plus open kitchen. Ideal for single or young couple.
Overseeing the lush green view and filled with natural light. This 2 bedroom apartment has a practical layout, with an open plan living room and there is plenty of daylight.
海寧居 La Vista Mid-rise 781’
海堤居 La Costa Low-rise 1037’ $8.8M
尚堤 Chianti 1793’
Enjoy a peaceful bay view from balcony. This waterfront 3 bedroom low rise home with high efficiency. Absolute convenient location with walking distance to pier, bus terminal and shops.
Luxury adjacent units with access to club facilities. This unique apartment has bedrooms and a large balcony with open views of greenery. Good value, a must see apartment.
$4.8M
New refurbishment on external wall. This 2 bedroom apartment open to sea breezes and captivating balcony views of clear-blue seas and rich greenery.
Welcome to list your property with us!
$11M/$40K
歡迎業主放盤及查詢
CONTENTS FEATURES 20
30
DEAR READER
48
20
PROFILE Hear it from Nelda Agustin – DB helper and singer
24
IN FOCUS Communicating across cultures
30
FAMILY MATTERS Would you work with your spouse?
35
MONEY MATTERS The lowdown on Real-Estate Investment Trusts
40
TALKING POINTS Naturopathy in a nutshell
42
ESCAPES What Goa’s got going for it
48
ACTION Get into DB’s dance scene
54
STYLE Why fans are cool
REGULARS 8
IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news
18
SOUTH LANTAU What’s happening island wide
58
HOT STUFF Hip happenings around Hong Kong
60
LOCAL FACES Community snaps in DB and Lantau
65
CLASSIFIEDS Great deals
69
PROPERTY Hot local listings
70
DB NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB
72
HEALTH Q&A Cutting-edge advice about hair loss
This month I’m particularly happy that we are, for the first time, profiling a local helper, Nelda Agustin, to find out about her background, working life and perhaps more importantly her on-stage singing career with The Voices. It seems so appropriate to talk to Nelda this month, as it’s in August that many of us rely on our caregivers the most. We always seek out local experts to offer hands-on advice, and this issue you’ll be hearing from even more than usual. Psychologist and culturalist Lesley Lewis looks into cross-cultural communication, while couples’ counsellor Pascale Aline outlines the pros and cons of going into business with your spouse. Moving on to medical matters, DB’s Dr Yau gives the lowdown on hair loss; and Dr Benita Perch provides an introduction to naturopathy. We hope you’ll also enjoy Peter Mitchell’s article on Real-Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), after all Peter is the chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Real-Estate Association.
We’ve also got some hot summery stories for you. In the escapes section you can gen up on Goa – there’s much more to this bustling Indian province than beautiful beaches. And with temperatures really heating up, we also take a look at the great A/C versus fan debate. Did you know that using a fan can knock as much as 45 percent off your monthly electricity bill? And that ceiling fans are easily as iconic as the Greyhound bus. Stay cool!
IMPROVE YOUR
GAGA ABOUT
GOA!
LOVE LIFE
WHAT A MONSOON MINIBREAK’S GOT GOING FOR IT
GO INTO BUSINESS WITH YOUR
SPOUSE
“She’s gonna ShimmyShake and All that Jazz!” FRED EBB
What a blast! Photos by Hugh and Michael Rowland
7 ways to get your groove back (Right here! Right now!) AUGUST 2012 Publishers in DB since 2002
On the cover: DB resident Alex Sauvegrain
Publisher
Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor
Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Community news
Dana Winograd dana@arounddb.com Advertising
Check out these amazing photos of Typhoon Vicente, the tropical storm that battered our shores on July 23. Authorities hoisted the No. 10 tropical cyclone signal (T10) for several hours overnight, making this one of the strongest typhoons to hit Hong Kong in the past decade. Strengthening galeforce winds overturned trees, churned up huge waves in Victoria Harbour and sent debris flying – hopefully most DBers were safely tucked up in bed!
Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction
Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography
In DB: Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co In South Lantau: Zoe Lyle zlyle@me.com Illustration
Richard Leschinsky Accounts
Lise Dooling accountant@arounddb.com
Lakeside race at Disney Photo courtesy of Kipmovin
Contributors this month
Andrew Dembina Megaen Kelly Elizabeth Kerr Lesley Lewis Matt McLaughlin Peter Mitchell Dr Benita Perch Hugh Rowland (Intern) Mary Singer Dr Yau General enquiries
info@arounddb.com
The Hong Kong Amateur Athletics Association (HKAAA) organised a challenging, 5.7-kilometre run around Inspiration Lake at DisneyLand on June 24. The race was dominated by members of DB running school Kipmovin. Despite the heavy rain before the run, 20 DBers – 11 adults and nine kids – stood the course. An impressive performance by some of the kids saw them outpacing the adults! Kipmovin founder, Thomas Kiprotich, profiled in our July issue, won the race.
Published by
Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533 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.
Graduation day at YMCA – Tung Chung Photos courtesy of YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
June 16 saw the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, Tung Chung students (Forms 6, 7 and A2) celebrating their graduation. Reverend Andrew Au-ming Chan, Bishop of the Diocese of Western Kowloon, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and Legislative Council Member, Regina Ip were the guests of honour.
AUGUST 2012
IN & AROUND DB
AUGUST AT A GLANCE
WHEN
WHAT
WHERE
August 1-26
Summer Lucky Draw
DB North Plaza
August 4
Plant and Organic Vegetable Market
Across from Haven Court
August 4 and 5, 7pm-9pm
Soul Traders
D Deck
August 11, 6pm-10pm
African Fire Night
Club Siena
August 13
Back to School
Discovery College
August 18
Love for Children Workshop
Club Siena
August 23
Back to school
Discovery Bay International School
August 26
Flea Market
DB Plaza
August 26
Water Fun Day
Club Siena
August 29-30
DB Wild Camp
Club Siena
If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact dana@arounddb.com
Glassware giveaway from Pantry Magic
COMPETITION
Pantry Magic is Hong Kong's go-to destination for all things culinary. The lovely store is within walking distance of the DB ferry in Central and stocks over 2,000 items to please the cook in your family.
This month, Pantry Magic is launching a new line of tableware by the French brand Garde Manger. To celebrate, it is offering two readers a set of glassware worth HK$398. Can you tell us what the Garde Manger slogan La Batterie de Cuisine means? The first two readers to email the correct answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Pantry Magic) will win. Be sure to email us, as there are also a few HK$100 Pantry Magic coupons up for grabs.
Support
Mui Wo resident’s charity fun run
Abby de Beer is organising a fun run for charity on September 15 in Sai Kung. Abby, a Mui Wo resident, and personal trainer/ owner at Impact Fitness, is aiming to raise funds for the Children's Hope Charity. “We need to raise HK$60,000 in order to rebuild an orphanage that houses 55 children,” she explains. “By participating in this event (walk if you want!), you will help achieve this goal and bring smiles to these children’s faces." For HK$150, you can opt to run either 3, 5 or 10 kilometres. To register, make a donation or volunteer as a marshal, contact Abby at fitness@impactfitness.com.hk or call 6902 2250.
Congratulations to last month’s winners Olivia Miranda, Linda Au Chin King, Pauline Robertson, Michael Au and Russell Broughton for prizes from Red Wizard and Southern Cross Books; Iris Lun and Joy Carbonell for McSorley’s dinner vouchers; and Connie Chang for a book giveaway from GirleffectHK. Please call our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.
10
August 2012
AUGUST 2012
IN & AROUND DB
about DB Make a date in your diary for the Everything in DB Fair, September 5 at Discovery College from 5pm-8pm. This is the second annual event put on to inform parents about all the educational, sports and entertainment options available in DB. It’s also the perfect way for anyone new to Hong Kong or Discovery Bay to see what's on offer. For more information, call Discovery College on 3969 1000 or email Christine Skeels at christine@connectingdb.com.
Win a bubbly
good time!
Louis Pearl, the Amazing Bubble Man, has been bubbling professionally since 1980. Now, Louis has teamed with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and one of the UK's top artistic directors, Tony Mercer, to create a brand new show. The Amazing Bubble Man combines breathtaking art, a diversity of music, non-stop comedy, ingenious sets and lighting, plenty of audience participation and of course spellbinding bubble tricks. Catch it at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, September 12-16. For tickets call 31 288 288, or visit www.hkticketing.com; find more about the show at www.lunchbox-productions.com/louis-pearl-the-amazing-bubble-man. COMPETITION
Everything you need to know
Lunchbox Theatrical Productions are giving three lucky readers a pair of A-Reserve tickets each to see The Amazing Bubble Man. For your chance to win, email us at info@arounddb.com (subject line: bubble man) naming the show’s artistic director.
Win your seat at
a murder mystery dinner show in DB
COMPETITION
It’s 1956, Havana. You’re at the birthday party of oil tycoon, JJ Prescott. Everyone’s happy and having a great time, that is until JJ is murdered on the dance floor! Who did it? You? On September 15, Chunky Onion Productions will be performing Murder in Havana, an interactive murder mystery dinner extravaganza in DB. During the show, the audience is encouraged to get involved in the dancing, play games, and of course solve the mystery. For more information, turn to page three or visit www.chunkyonion.com.
Chunky Onion Productions is offering one lucky reader two tickets (each worth HK$600) to see Murder in Havana. To win, be the first to email us at info@arounddb.com (subject line: Chunky Onion) naming the main character in the show.
DB student
at School Choir World Championship
Congratulations to DB resident Jovita Ho who participated in the School Choir World Championship last month in Cincinnati, Ohio, US. Representing her previous high school, Diocesan Girls' School, Jovita and her peers came in second – an amazing achievement! Star student, Jovita recently graduated from Li Po Chun United World College, Ma On Shan, and in her final year she was speaker coordinator for TEDx Youth Day Hong Kong 2012, as well as the school’s choir conductor. In 2010, Jovita represented Hong Kong at the United Nations’ Climate Conference in Copenhagen. You go girl!
August 2012
11
AUGUST 2012
IN & AROUND DB
Educate yourself in DB
about child poverty
World Vision Hong Kong, a Christian/ Humanitarian organisation working towards improving the lives of people living in poverty, has put together a three-anda-half-hour workshop focused on child poverty in developing countries. Don’t miss this Love For Children Workshop on August 18 at Club Siena; there’ll be interactive activities and games for the whole family. All proceeds go to World Vision Hong Kong’s Child Sponsorship Programme. Contact Club Siena, DB on 2987 7382 for more information or visit www.worldvision.org.hk.
Dip into
DB's Summer Lucky Draw
Don’t forget to try your luck in the DB North Plaza Summer Instant Lucky Draw running through August 26. Spend HK$100 or above (one single receipt) at designated DB North shops and you have the chance to win a two-hour, sunset-and-cocktails cruise on The Bounty. Take a look at www.thebounty.com.hk.
Win a HK$1,000 voucher from
Tickitey Boo
COMPETITION
Tickitey Boo is Hong Kong’s only online store focusing exclusively on kids’ homeware and decor. There’s a fun selection of bed and bath products, dinnerware, lighting options, artworks, accessories, school items and travel gear – all presented within an easy-to-use website. Tickitey Boo carries leading brands such as Australia’s Lilly & Lolly, Forwalls, Mor Stor, Bobble Art and Whimsy; the US’s Itzy Ritzy, LunchBots, Hello Hanna and Mini First Aid; the UK’s Bold & Noble; and Austria’s David Fussenegger. See for yourself at www.tickitey-boo.com.
12
Tickitey Boo is offering two lucky readers a HK$1,000 gift voucher. For your chance to win, simply name the brand of the lunchbox that appears on the Tickitey Boo homepage. Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Tickitey Boo). Good luck!
August 2012
Discovery College kids to wow at
ESF concert
On September 18 at 7pm, the English School Foundation (ESF) Orchestra and Choir will perform its annual concert at the Academic Community Hall of Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong. Around 200 students (Year 10 to 13) from seven ESF secondary schools, including Discovery College, are rehearsing now for what promises to be a professional and highly enjoyable performance. For tickets, email orchestra@esfcentre.edu.hk.
Go wild at local camp
Kids aged eight to 15 are invited to take part in the DB Adventure Wild Camp, August 29-30. There’ll be hiking, cooking and camping, plus plenty of outwardbound, team-building games. Run by experienced instructors, it’s a challenging weekend activity that promises to be a lot of fun. For more details, call Club Siena on 2987 7382.
Lantau’s first
trail-running festival
F
ollowing the success of the first Lantau50™ in March 2012, South Lantau residents Clement Dumont and Pierre Arnaud Le Magnan have dreamt up the first Raidlight Hong Kong TrailRunning Festival. Over the weekend of September 22 and 23, they will be organising three races all on Lantau. "The objective of this two-day event is to push yourself at a fast pace over relatively short distances and diverse terrain,” says Clement. The first race comprises a 1-kilometre run on Pui O Beach, a 600-metre climb and a 1-kilometre downhill run to Nam Shan. The second starts in Nam Shan and includes a 3-kilometre uphill trek. On the last day, teams of two compete in a three-hour relay. Although there will be individual timing and ranking, only the cumulative time of both team members will be used for the final ranking. During the event, Clement and Pierre will provide running clinics to assist the participants in stretching, trail-running technique and nutrition. And after the Saturday races, there’ll be a barbeque at Palm Beach. Only 150 teams can take part, so you are advised to register now at www.hktrailfest.com.
AUGUST 2012
IN & AROUND DB
Feel at home
Take home in DB Matthew Harrison’s new novel
Splash out at
water fun day
On August 26, Club Siena is hosting its annual water carnival with lots of interesting and exciting water games for the little ones! Kids aged four to 12 are sure to enjoy making a splash! For more details, call the club on 2987 7382.
14
August 2012
COMPETITION
Enjoying life in Discovery Bay just got easier, with the launch of At Home in DB – a new business offering a variety of services, courses and tours designed to benefit both newcomers and long-term residents alike. “Newcomers’ Orientation courses start this month focusing on DB’s extensive range of activities, clubs, products and services,” says founder Sue Meldrum. “Participants will also have the opportunity to quiz a panel of long-term DB residents.” Visit www.athomeindb.com or email Sue at info@athomeindb.com.
Have you ever wondered what a take on UK TV comedy The Office or the US version would be like set in Hong Kong? While you won’t find out from Benjamin Bunce, the new novel from local author Matthew Harrison, it is an enjoyable and light-hearted reflection on what it’s like to work, live and love in Hong Kong. Benjamin Bunce is priced at HK$78, with all proceeds going to charity; it’s available at local bookshops or directly from the author at www.matthewharrison.hk.
Matthew Harrison is offering five lucky readers a copy of Benjamin Bunce. For a chance to win, name two other books by the same author. Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Matthew Harrison).
African night at Club Siena If you feel like travelling to Africa and still waking up in DB, then this familyfriendly African Fire Night is for you. On August 11 from 6pm-10pm, Club Siena is celebrating the Dark Continent around a camp fire with African drumming, dancing and artwork. The whole family (age four up) can take part in these activities. For more information, call Club Siena on 2987 7382.
Learn to dance like a
Scot
Highland dancing is coming to DB in the fall, thanks to DB resident Nicola Mackay, who has just set up the Hong Kong School of Highland Dance. A fast-paced dance form, and not for the fainthearted, it provides a terrific work out. As Nicola explains, "It was used as part of the physical-training programmes for Highland Regiments." Find out more in our DB dance-dedicated feature on page 48, or email Nicola at highlanddancehk@gmail.com.
ADVERTORIAL
Are you a champion shopper?
Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung is presenting a special summer promotion in August 2012: ‘The Spirit of Shopaholics’. It’s a chance for you to win great prizes, enjoy fun-filled performances and of course shop! This exciting campaign was a big hit in 2011, and this year, as an added bonus, it has been themed up to celebrate this summer’s international sporting event.
Join and take photos with the performers at the parades! You’ll be wowed by the way Citygate Outlets has injected its annual shopping fest with a vibrant theme. Shoppers are invited to a fun-filled parade every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm. There’ll be performances by a ‘weight-lifting gold-medal winner’, and this year’s gorgeous games’ ambassador, Candy Girl.
Exciting Reward: Stylish Canvas Bag for champion shoppers! Citygate Outlets has specially created a stylish “Shopping Champion Canvas Bag”. Shoppers can redeem this exclusive reward by simply spending HK$800 or more by credit card or EPS in a single day. Offer valid till 31 August only, don’t miss it!
The Spirit of Shopaholics World Games Summer Parade Date
Time
Venue
August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 (Every Saturday and Sunday, two sessions on each day)
2pm-2:45pm
G/F, Citygate Outlets
4pm-4:45pm
Level 2, Citygate Outlets
Discounted movie tickets for students
The Spirit of Shopaholics Grand Lucky Draw
Full-time students will be able to catch a whole load of movies at UA Citygate this summer, thanks to some amazing discounts. Simply present a valid full-time student ID card to get a 2D-movie ticket for HK$40 or a 3D-movie ticket for HKD55*.
Throughout August, shoppers at Citygate Outlets spending HK$800* or more in a single day are entitled to:
(*Terms and conditions apply; not valid on weekends and public holidays; promotion period: from now until August 31, 2012)
• A complimentary “Shopping Champion Canvas Bag” • One entry to the mall’s “The Spirit of Shopaholics Grand Lucky Draw” for a chance to win a HK$50,000 Citygate Outlets’ Shopping Voucher (*Each transaction must be for HK$100 or above, and must be paid for electronically by credit card or EPS.)
For further details about ‘The Spirit of Shopaholics’ campaign, please visit www.citygateoutlets.com.hk Address: MTR Tung Chung Station Exit C Hotline: 2109 2933 Trade Promotion Competition Licence No. 38609
August 2012
15
After-school activities ART AND MUSIC
Hong Kong School of Highland Dance
ColourStorm Art Centre
2325 3999; colourstorm@biznetvigator.com; www.colourstormartcentre.com Location: LG 10, Office Block One, North Plaza, Discovery Bay ColourStorm Art Centre offers quality art classes in an inspiring and fun environment. It offers painting and drawing classes for children age four and up, along with art parties and art jamming for all ages.
Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra
info@piano-violin.com; www.piano-violin.com Location: Discovery Bay The Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra aims to introduce orchestral music to young musicians, hoping that their experiences may favour not just the broadening of their musical knowledge and the development of their artistic abilities, but also their human and spiritual growth.
Grand Piano Ltd
www.grandpiano.hk; info@grandpiano.hk Location: Discovery Bay Professionally qualified music teachers strive to instil a love of music in Grand Piano Ltd’s students. It holds an annual recital in City Hall so that kids can gain experience performing their favourite pieces.
9123 0863 (Nicola); highlanddancehk@gmail.com Location: Discovery Bay Whether you’re completely unfamiliar with Highland Dancing or you’re looking to perfect your technique, Hong Kong School of Highland Dance will make it a great experience for you. Classes are available for all ages from four years up.
Island Dance School
2987 1571; dance@islanddance.com.hk; www.islanddance.com.hk Location: Discovery Bay Recreation Club and Club Siena, Discovery Bay Island Dance offers internationally recognised dance classes in an energetic and enjoyable environment for dancers age 18 months to 18 years. Dance styles taught range from Disco Freestyle and Funky Tap, to Ballet and Hip Hop.
O’Connor Barton Irish Dance
dance@oconnor-bartonid.com; www.oconnor-bartonid.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay O’Connor Barton Irish Dance offers Irish Dance classes for children age three and up. There are also one-hour private lessons for teens seeking a more focused learning experience.
DRAMA Acting Antics
The British Studio of Art
9132 5249, 6170 2875; info@bsoahk.com; www.bsoahk.com Location: DB Plaza, Discovery Bay The British Studio of Art caters to all ages. Art techniques taught include encaustic art, decoupage, water colours, acrylics, needlework, photography, collage, clay work, mosaics, cross stitch, wet felting, needle felting, knitting and crocheting.
6842 8092; 8122 9475; admin@actingantics.com; www.actingantics.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay Acting Antics is a performance-based theatre company, offering a variety of classes for children aged four to 18. It aims to empower and encourage students to become individuals while working in a group environment.
COOKING
FITNESS
Apron Strings
BluRoo Yoga and Pilates
9735 5724; booking@apronstrings.com.hk; www.apronstrings.com.hk Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay Apron Strings offers weekly cooking classes for kids age five and up. Classes are educational and fun, and involve hands-on cooking activities.
LittleBigChefs
6462-6797 (Vivienne Roepke); littlebigchefs@gmail.com; www.littlebigchefs.com Location: Discovery Bay LittleBigChefs offers interactive, hands-on cooking classes, as well as Holiday Cooking Camps and Private Cooking Parties for children age three to six (Little Chefs) and seven to 11 years (Big Chefs).
DANCE
6570 3662 (Sandy Porter); blurooyoga@gmail.com; www.blurooyoga.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay At BluRoo Yoga, children learn in a fun and creative environment. Using interactive games and animated poses, kids learn about animals, nature and basic anatomy. They improve their flexibility, concentration, focus and breathing.
Capoeira
6846 0789 (William); hongkongcapoeira@gmail.com; www.capoeirahk.com Location: BMSE Community Centre, North Plaza, Discovery Bay Capoeira is a complete high-energy workout blending dancing, acrobatics and self-defence. Classes incorporate fun, challenging games and movements involving progressive balance, flexibility and coordination skills.
Alex Dance Studio
6077 4109; alexjazzstudio@gmail.com; www.alexdancestudio.com Location: Club Siena, Discovery Bay Alex Dance Studio’s philosophy revolves around three core themes: technique, expression and musicality. Jazz dance classes are offered in French for kids age ten and up.
AT Dance Sport Academy
9755 5393 (Alexia Fung); 6160 1280 (Terence Lam); alexia_fung@hotmail.com Location: BMSE Centre North Plaza, Discovery Bay From Samba to Cha Cha Cha, AT Dance Sport Academy has Latin dance classes to suit all ages. Apart from learning how to dance, kids age four and up benefit from physical training, stretching, balancing and team building.
DMR School of Ballet
2987 4338; info@dmr-hk.com; www.dmr-hk.com Location: DB Plaza (above HSBC), Discovery Bay DMR School of Ballet gives children, teenagers and adults the opportunity to learn to dance, in a professional and enjoyable environment. DMR offers pupils a full schedule covering a wide variety of choices, including ballet, tap and modern.
Capoeira
Apron Strings
Do you want to lose weight, improve $39 per day (for 90 days) is all it is going health risk factors (i.e., cholesterol, high to cost you to get into phenomenal shape! blood pressure etc), feel better and look For $3,510, join the IMPACT Body better? Here’s your chance! Learn the secrets of good nutrition and exercise that will get you to your goal. Tel : (852) 6902 2250
Transformation Challenge and change your life.
The next IMPACT Challenge starts on 22 September 2012, don’t miss it!
Email : fitness@impactfitness.com.hk
Website : www.impactfitness.com.hk
Discover just how much is on offer in DB for kids – here are our top 30 things to do Kipmovin
6180 3256 (Thomas); www.kipmovin.com Location: Discovery Bay KIPKidz Fit at Kipmovin running school is a programme designed to make exercising fun! Small-sized classes mean kids of all abilities and fitness levels benefit. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sportsmanship - Gymnastics Programmes
sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com; www.sportsmanship-gymnastics.webs.com Location: Club Siena and Discovery College, Discovery Bay The founder and head coach of Sportsmanship, Charles Chan, graduated from Beijing University of Sports. Through his gymnastic programmes, children gain confidence, basic control of their own body and most importantly, a consciousness towards true health.
MARTIAL ARTS Chinese Martial Arts - Wing Chun with Sifu Kurk
9249 1021 (Sifu Kurk Leung); kurkleung@yahoo.com Location: Discovery Bay Sifu Kurk runs classes in DB for children age six to 14 and 14 and up in the world-renowned martial art, Wing Chun. The aim is to improve participants’ self-confidence, self-defence ability, patience, physical fitness and mental toughness through practice, competition and performance.
DB Cobra Judo Club
68071975 (Elliot Stewart ); 90122509 (Claire Phillips Stewart); elliot@cobrajudoclub.com; claire@cobrajudoclub.com; www.cobrajudoclub.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay At DB Cobras Judo Club classes are held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays for children (five to seven years, and eight to 12 years), teens and adults.
Korea Taekwondo Cheung Do Kwan
3482 8461; mail@hongkongtaekwondo.com; www.hongkongtaekwondo.com Location: Club Siena, Discovery Bay Korea Taekwondo Cheung Do Kwan offers classes for children age four to 12. Much emphasis is put on the physical training requiring strength, body coordination and free-fighting techniques.
Wing Chun Kung Fu
oliverchank@hotmail.com; www.wingchunoliver.weebly.com Location: DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay Learn traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu (Sticking Hands, Wing Chun Forms, Wooden Dummy Forms) in Sifu Oliver’s exciting training courses.
TEAM SPORTS Athletes in Motion (AIM)
9538 6411 (Mark Scott); mark@aimdb.net Location: Club Siena, Discovery Bay AIM runs basketball and sports classes for boys and girls age four and up. Classes aim to develop basketball skills, as well as hand-eye coordination, team-work skills and agility.
ColourStorm Art Centre
DB Angels FC
Auskick Hong Kong secretary@auskick-hk.com; www.auskick-hk.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay Based on the Australian Auskick programme, Auskick Hong Kong caters for children (age five to 13 and 14 to 16). It welcomes kids of all skill levels and from any football code. Cricket Centre of Excellence 5400 4109 (Lal Jayasinghe); coach@smashercricket.com; www.smashercricket.com Location: Discovery Bay Recreation Club, Discovery Bay With Smasher Cricket, children learn to play cricket in a friendly and fun environment, while making new friends. Junior Smasher Kids play in the Hong Kong Cricket Association Junior Leagues. DB Angels Football Club membership@dbangelsfc.hk; www.dbangelsfc.hk Location: Discovery Bay International School The DB Angels Football Club is open to all girls between the ages of six and 14. Coaches are the parents. The club generally meets on the pitch on Sundays. DBees Ice Hockey 6473 4277 (Steve); 9743 6384 (Fabio); info@dbeeshockey.com; www.dbeeshockey.com Location: Discovery Bay The DBees’ ice hockey programmes are available for all skill levels, for kids age five and up. The DBees practice at the Elements Ice Rink every Saturday. DB Dragons Football Club greg@dragons.hk; www.dragons.hk Location: Discovery Bay International School and DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay At DB Dragons Football Club, the coaching programme enables kids (age three to 15) to learn the skills of the game in a fun, safe environment and to play with competence and flair! DB Dragons motivate the youngsters to try new things, become proficient at playing, and realise their full potential. DB Pirates Rugby Football Club admin@dbpirates.com; www.dbpirates.com Location: Club Siena and Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay DB Pirates’ mission is to promote the playing and study of rugby in all its forms, and to help develop rugby and/ or other sports skills to their full potential. It welcomes boys and girls from five years up. Discovery Bay Tigers Baseball Club info@dbtigers.com; www.dbtigers.com Location: Discovery Bay International School and DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay The DB Tigers baseball programme is run for boys and girls aged five to 13. On-pitch practice is on Saturday, with kids grouped according to their age.
WATER SPORTS Discovery Amateur Swim Club www.dbswimclub.com Location: Discovery College, Discovery Bay Kids age six years and up who can swim 15-metres freestyle, backstroke or breaststroke, can join the fun at Discovery Amateur Swim Club! Discovery Amateur Swim Club is a non-profit community club staffed entirely by parent volunteers. Harry Wright International 2575 6279; swimming@harrywright.com.hk; www.harrywright.com.hk Location: Discovery Bay Harry Wright International’s programme is designed to give children all the skills they need to benefit and enjoy the sport of swimming, as well as providing pathways of excellence for competitive swimmers. Kids as young as four months can join the Infant Aquatics Programme.
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New colonial hotel opens in Tai O The Tai O Heritage Hotel, a nine-room boutique hotel, has just opened in the restored, 1902-built Tai O Police Station. Run as a non-profit, the hotel is all about celebrating its locale – this month, be sure to check out I Love Tai O – Colours of Tai O: Madame Hung Wai-lan’s Memorabilia Collection, which comprises 60 rare black-and-white photos, some shot by Madame Hung back in the 1950s. On August 18, you can also tour Tai O with Madame Hung, visiting more than 20 shops, cafés, stalls and schools. Email marketing@ taioheritagehotel.com, or visit www.taioheritagehotel.com.
Palm Beach celebrates its third birthday More than 1,000 people enjoyed the open day party on July 2, as Palm Beach celebrated its third anniversary. Ever yone had the chance to tr y out dif ferent watersports, such as paragliding, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and skimboarding. For more details about the activities offered by Palm Beach on Cheung Sha Beach, visit www.palmbeach.com.hk.
STUDY IN ENGLISH IN SOUTH LANTAU at Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College (BFHMC) • Small classes • Low tuition: HKD300/month (10 months) • Culturally-diverse student population • Full English stream • Full Chinese stream • Local curriculum (HKDSE) • GCSE Chinese • School buses from Tung Chung and Mui Wo • Boarding houses available Address: 99 Tai O Road, Tai O, Lantau Island Email: bfhmc@eservices.hkedcity.net Website: www.bfhmc.edu.hk For more information contact Cynthia Lee or Raj Gill on (852) 2985 5365
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South Lantau paddlers give it their all On July 4 and 8, the South Lantau Paddle Club participated in the Club Crew World Championships held in Victoria Harbour on a specially built course. Club chairman Joel Crawford says, “We tried hard, and gave it our best! We came first in the minor final of the 200-metre Mixed Senior A (over 40) races and second in the minor final of the 500-metre Mixed Senior A races.” Congratulations to the paddlers: Joel Crawford, Ed Mangles, John Cock, Pete Hauptfleisch, Steve Quilkey, Stuart Kingham, Jan Volavka, Pietro Poma, Sarah Wilson, Alicia Panday, Sophie Tse, Kelly Crawford, Andrea Cadoret, Chris Meecham, Sandra Keys, Viki Brymer and Lin Cheung. To find out more about the club, email joelkel@netvigator.com.
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August 2012
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PROFILE
finding a
voice
Seven-year DB helper Nelda Agustin shares some life experiences, and tells Megaen Kelly how music has not only enriched her life, but the lives of those around her
H
onestly speaking, domestic helpers are the backbone of Hong Kong society. From taking care of our young children and elderly parents to walking dogs and cleaning houses, helpers are indispensable in allowing us to lead the kind of lives we choose. Yet, how much do you know about your helper’s life? What hobbies does she enjoy in her precious free time? What brought her to Hong Kong in the first place? Here we take the chance to learn a bit about one such vital person to our community – Nelda Agustin.
smooth. “The job description that I applied for was a private tutor,” she recalls. “But when I got to Singapore I found out that I was a victim of an illegal recruiter. There was no tutor job and I was really scared as I didn’t have any idea what to do next. Somebody took me to an agency for domestic helpers and I decided to stay and look for a job. “At first it was really hard,” Nelda continues. “I slept on the floor without a blanket, pillow or anything to cover my body except my clothes. I almost surrendered but I didn’t want to go home because people would look down on me or laugh at me.”
The day job Nelda, originally from The Philippines, has been living in the territory for seven years. Right now she works for the Lepore Burroughs in DB, taking care of their two young sons, two-and-a-half year old Finnley and Kieran two months. She describes her work as a domestic helper as very rewarding. It’s also essential for her to send money home to the Philippines where she has a two-and-a-half year old son of her own, JC. Nelda’s employer Paula Lepore Burrough, who is incidentally our regular tech columnist at Around DB, has this to say. “Nelda is always in a good mood and happy to do whatever is needed. Both of these are so appreciated.” Prior to coming to Hong Kong, Nelda worked in Singapore for seven years but the experience was anything but
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Eventually Nelda found a job with a ‘good family’, who hired her as a private tutor for their three kids. “The salary wasn’t much as my papers said I was still a helper,” Nelda explains. “But I learned how to cook Chinese and Malay food and I found I could really cook! The children loved music and that’s how my life as a helper really began.”
A musical life Actually, music has played an integral part in Nelda’s life from the beginning. Her father was a musician and taught piano lessons. From an early age Nelda’s parents encouraged her to sing, and she found she had an affinity for it. Her musical influences run to songstresses such as Celine Dion, Patti Labelle and the late Donna Summer. She admires these women not just for their singing ability but also for
PROFILE
Nelda Agustin, who moonlights as a DB helper, entered her first singing competition before she reached her teens
August 2012
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PROFILE
Nelda in helper mode with Finnley and Kieran
their star quality. “It makes me dream of being a star like them someday,” she enthuses. Nelda entered her first singing competition at the tender age of 10. This was the start of a pattern that has continued to this day. She joined a band in high school and since coming to Hong Kong, she has pursued her love of performing, eventually forming an a cappella group called The Voices with four other helpers – Sola Reyes, Ma. Theresa Estabillo, Cristina Intia and Glessan Fajardo. Nelda explains how the members first met and decided to team up. “I kept on joining singing competitions whenever I had the chance. And I kept seeing the same five lovely ladies at every competition. Each of us won at least one contest. We finally decided to build a group since we all have the same passion for singing. “We sing not just because we love to sing but because we want people who watch us to be happy despite any problems they may have, especially my co-Filipino workers,” Nelda adds.
The Voices Nelda’s group originally had six members but now The Voices are a solid band of five who have been performing for the past year. They sing along to CDs they bring to the concert venue, so it is similar to karaoke but in a more public space. Depending on who they are performing for, the group may charge a fee – often The Voices perform gratis. The Voices specialise in singing pop ballads, and sometimes
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Photos by Bebotcbello
Photo by Tracey van Geest
The Voices – Nelda Agustin, Sola Reyes, Ma. Theresa Estabillo, Cristina Intia and Glessan Fajardo
Nelda on stage
encourage the audience to sing along with them. They are advised before a show whether they should perform in English, Tagalog or even Cantonese. When asked about The Voices’ most memorable gig, Nelda recalls, “This would be when we performed in Yuen Long at a minority charitable show hosted by the Hong Kong Government. They requested an encore, and luckily we were able to deliver the song they wanted to hear. Just like in the saying, ‘You should always be ready in an emergency’, we were able to fulfil their wish.” She goes on to note of The Voices, “In every show we are performing we are proud to say that we never let our audience down. We are not a regular performing group; we do it by invitation often at the request of our kababayans (fellow Filipinos). Our audience appreciates our talent not just our appearance. We are open to perform for anybody who would like us to sing for them.” Not surprisingly, Nelda’s employer Paula is one of her biggest fans. “We love her voice and always ask her to sing for us at Christmas,” she says. “With our new-born baby her singing works some magic.” Happily too, The Voices are looking into performing at Picnic in the Park, DB for the first time this year. Since all the members of The Voices have day jobs, they can only get together to practice once a week. So if you are out and about doing your errands on a Sunday, and hear a particularly good group of singers, you may just be in the presence of Nelda and her four talented friends.
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IN FOCUS
lost in trans Illustration by Richard Leschinsky
We as human beings are always looking for the desired outcomes but all too often cross-cultural communication results in confusion and disappointment. Lesley Lewis looks into a common DB dilemma
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IN FOCUS
lation
L
iving in Hong Kong whether that’s Discovery Bay, Sai Kung or Central, we all have to communicate across cultures on a daily basis. In the variety of situations we encounter, from the minute we wake up, to boarding the bus and then walking onto the ferry, we are surrounded by different cultures and languages. The tone, style, presentation, expressions and verbiage used in these daily meetings can be positive, or result in negative feedback by the recipients. For example, a friend of mine was recently in a restaurant ordering a meal. He was very explicit about the way he wanted his meat cooked: very rare, no salt, and with garlic and onions. The waiter replied, “Yes sir”, took the order and 20 minutes later the meal was served. My friend took one bite, and called the waiter back over as he was very unhappy. There was salt, and no garlic or onions. The communication between the two people appeared to be clear, but something had been lost in translation. May I add, Lost in Translation (2003) is one of the best movies ever made about crosscultural communication. Another example. A team meeting is held one Tuesday morning for 10 colleagues working on a project. Certain tasks must be completed by Friday. There are two Australians, one Canadian, three Hong Kong Chinese, one Indian, one Brit and two Germans comprising the team. The meeting runs for over two hours and at the end everyone seems to be on board. Three days later another meeting is held and the team leader requests the work previously discussed. Some of the team hand in their completed tasks, while others produce only half-completed work. Again, the communication over what was required appeared to be clearly understood by all, but something was lost when it came to acting upon it. In order to understand and create awareness with our style of communication, we first must understand the definition of culture.
What is culture? When people first arrive in Hong Kong, they will hear primarily Cantonese being spoken. English, French, Spanish, Hindi and other languages are noted but the predominant language is Cantonese. They will certainly see high-rises and crowded areas like Central and Mongkok, and note the appearance of the people, the islands, ships and other obvious aspects. This is called Primary Awareness. But in order to understand a culture there are many more variables – the ‘in-depth’ characteristics to learn. A few of these are education, family structure, leadership, thinking, and communication styles. The more subtle variables are not as recognisable, and take time to learn. The transition phase, before we access the benefits of cross-cultural communication, can create cultural pitfalls, whether personally
August 2012
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IN FOCUS
Good cross-cultural communication is essential in business (www.vtzinternational.com)
or professionally. In building cross-cultural skill there must be an awareness of self to start. Then an understanding of other cultures develops, until finally a cultural knowledge will form. The basic components of culture are manners, beliefs, ceremonies, laws, food, language, values, accepted ways of being, and the list goes on. The definition of culture is basically the values, ideas, communication, customs and art that are passed on from person to person and from generation to generation. Given this information, it is no wonder communication becomes convoluted; discussions result in judgements and subjective conclusions, along with emotional exchanges. Cross-cultural communication is dependent on how we were raised and the many cultural encounters we experience through life. How do we let go of the stereotypes of a culture and open ourselves to learn, understand and integrate our knowledge to be more content in our engagements?
Getting the message across There are two types of communication – verbal and nonverbal. Some cultures will use many words, and be more direct and impersonal when speaking to people. Then there are cultures that rely on non-verbal clues, such as voice
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August 2012
Bill Murray gets lost in translation in the 2003 movie (www.myfreewallpapers.net)
tones, body language, facial expressions, eye contact, status, speech patterns and silence, to transmit information. Gestures are used to get the message across, and more assumptions are made within the context of the relationship. This results in the social and cultural conscious surrounding individuals, organisations and communities. Some researchers and authorities state 30 percent of communication is verbal. Dr Albert Mehrabian, known for his pioneering work in non-verbal communication, believes only 7 percent of communication is done through words. These percentages can be surprising to many as our perceptions and assumptions think ‘the spoken word’ is the main channel of communication. Yes, in some cultures but not in others. Last week I (belatedly) watched the academy-award winning, 2011 movie The Artist. To me, the most intriguing part of the film is its silence: there is no talking and very little music. Few words and all forms of non-verbal communication convey the central themes. The actors’ postures, gestures, dress, eyes and facial expressions relay the story. Why has this movie been so successful? Possibly because people are in need of a little quiet. What is immediately striking is that communication is largely non-verbal. We can understand more about people if we ‘listen’ with our eyes and yes, sometimes with our ears.
Chiropractic Prenatal Care Tips for Pregnant Mums and Dads Are you pregnant? Join us and learn the simple ways that help relieving discomfort during this special time in life. The primary focus is on safe soft tissue therapy, stretching and exercise therapy. Dr Back will cover a range of do’s and don’ts related to pregnancy. The first session of this seminar series is for mums, while the second session is designed for expectant couples. The focus is on what birth partners can expect to look forward to and how they can offer help to expectant mums. Dates:
Monday, 20 Aug 2012, 3:00-4:00pm (for mums, $300 per mommy) Thursday, 23 Aug 2012, 7:00-8:00pm (for mums and dads, $500 per couple)
Venue: Integrated Medicine Institute, 17/F Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Seats are limited. To make a booking, please call IMI reception: 2523 7121 or email events@imi.com.hk
GROUPS OPENING IN SEPTEMBER THINK GOOD FEEL GOOD! (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) Teaches helpful strategies for coping with new/challenging situations, problem-solving skills and strategies for controlling worries and thoughts
GIRLS (GIRLS IN REAL LIFE SITUATIONS) (8Y-10Y & 11Y-13Y) Develops coping strategies and improves problem-solving skills
SUPERFLEX program (4Y-6Y & 7Y-9Y) Increases children’s awareness of social behaviour. Focuses on skills like: flexible thinking, changing behaviour according to social context, different perspectives, thinking about others and others’ needs, social expectations, All programs designed to help children reach balanced development of social, emotional, cognitive & communication skills and are suitable for children of all abilities.
For more information and registration visit: www.childdevelopment.com.hk
Tel: 2914 2223
info@childdevelopment.com.hk
IN FOCUS
Key cross-cultural communication skills
Be a good listener
In your cross-cultural encounters, be patient – look for the similarities rather than the initial differences. Always provide time for relationships to build and take the time to allow other people to speak. Listen to the complete message as it is intended – note the content, not the delivery. Observe other people’s distance requirements and learn to appreciate nonverbal cues. Allow for longer pauses. Silence allows people to think about what is being communicated; it can be a very effective negotiating tool.
• Concentrate on what is being said • Employ silence • Listen for central ideas • Check for cultural assumptions • Try to interpret the speaker’s cultural perspective • Don’t rush to fill-in the gaps • Ask questions • Restate, paraphrase and clarify
When you open a conversation use open-ended questions: this allows for confirmation and clarity. Avoid closed-ended questions that allow for yes or no answers only. Paraphrase, restate and use reflective statements, these allow the speaker to explore the issue. And of course listen actively: pay attention and avoid distractions.
• Tuning out: becoming distracted • Detaching: removing oneself from what is being said • Filtering: listening to what you think is important • Judging: making assumptions and being closed to new ideas • Controlling: trying to command what is being said
Cross-cultural communication is an art form. It takes time to develop. To become more effective at work, in your home and community, take a step back, assess the situation and consider your messages so they can cross cultural boundaries.
Lesley Lewis is the founder and director of Culture3Counsel. She is a psychologist, coach and culturalist. Contact her at lewis@culture3counsel.com, www.culture3counsel.com
Listening blocks to avoid
Photos by Tracey van Geest
FAMILY MATTERS
George and Bernadette Deden with their two daughters
common interests
uncommon bonds Mary Singer talks to three DB husband-and-wife teams, who are finding that sticking close for a common interest is good for the love interest
O
ne could be forgiven for assuming that the concept of working with your spouse or partner is a relatively new phenomenon, a result of recent economic development and evolving genderrole attitudes – and the lifestyle choices that these changes bring to couples. But as local couples’ counsellor Pascale Aline reminds us, “Until the industrial revolution, couples normally worked together, in shops, on the farm, etc. The separation of roles, first man at work and woman at home, then later, both in employment at different companies, is a concept only 200-years old at most.” In post-industrial Hong Kong, many couples are opting to work together – but with a thoroughly modern mind set. Says Pascale, “Learning to work side-by-side with your partner can be a rewarding experience. Think about working
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in a conventional environment, eight hours a day spent with colleagues – people we did not choose to have in our lives, and with whom we may have various conflicts – compared to working with a person we have chosen to be with.” Nevertheless, Pascale stresses that troubleshooting will be necessary. “A couple who did not fit at the beginning of their relationship and has habits that are either incompatible or toxic, eventually falls apart and separates. Working together would accelerate this process as either enmeshment or power struggles take hold and remain unaddressed.” On the other hand, Pascale adds, a couple working together who has a healthy relationship and enough outside interests has all the ingredients for greater solidity, friendship and intimacy. Let’s see what three DB couples have to say.
FAMILY MATTERS
Sabrina and Clement Dumont en famille
Co-founders of SOS Lanka Action “Bernadette and I cooperate closely and continually for SOS Lanka Action, our joint charity which we set up here in DB in 2002,” begins George Deden proudly. “Apart from the altruistic fact that a couple working together must be a fundamentally harmonious one, our experience of jointly working for this charity is that there must be total conviction, dedication and the will to succeed present in us both, or this project is bound to fail.” The Dedens’ duties are firmly defined. “I contribute on the marketing side, Bernadette does the budgets and bookkeeping,” explains George. “We manage the household without domestic help which is possible due to Bernadette’s considerable skills and keen working attitude as a housewife and mother.” When they talk about their charity work, the Dedens’ commitment to it, each other and their two daughters is evident. Says Bernadette, “We both very much share the same passion, and it is also a huge team effort as a family. George's support is tremendous as a volunteer and, as my husband, he is always willing to help – even if he has just arrived after a long business trip. Being self-employed, he is always willing to give people a chance and try to bring the best out in them.” They agree that their work together is also cementing the family unit. “I love the fact that we are involved as a
Carole and Graeme Bradshaw with their son
couple and as a family, and we are able to have this great connection through this charity,” says Bernadette. “No one feels left behind in any way.”
Fellow adventure racers Sabrina Dumont met her husband Clement six years ago in Martinique, on a hike with mutual friends. They now run together regularly and find their shared passion boosts their relationship. When the Dumonts first got together, their fitness regimes were unalike, however. “Clement ran two hours morning and night, with long trail runs on weekends,” says Sabrina. “At the time, I was jogging 45 minutes, with shorter hikes. I told Clement I wanted to experiment running in nature, and he was happy to share this with me. He was more motivated to run with me, rather than alone, and I felt reassured to go on trails with him.” With the willingness to compromise came the discovery that their joint training actually worked well. “We both improved our pace. We will never be at the same level of fitness, but we have the same spirit of enjoying nature while pushing the limits of physical effort,” Sabrina says. The couple has tried a few mixed-team road races and really enjoyed it. “Obviously, for my husband, this kind of race is more an opportunity to coach me, because it is an easy pace. I admit it can be frustrating to see him with a big smile while I am struggling to catch my breath, but at the end we are proud to share the experience together.”
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FAMILY MATTERS
The Bradshaws – brains behind IMI
Co-directors of the Integrated Medicine Institute Carole and Graeme Bradshaw first met in Koh Samui, Thailand, where Carole was living, helping to set up the now highly respected wellness sanctuary and holistic spa, Kamalaya. Graeme was founding director of the Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), a clinic for integrated and holisitic medicine, here in Hong Kong. They soon partnered up to provide holistic-detox, and yoga retreats in Thailand. “This was our first experience of working together,” says Carole. “It took us a few years to cultivate this, and to learn to work together harmoniously. After a few years, it became much smoother and people really appreciated the different aspects, personalities and strengths that we each brought to help them on their healing journey.” Upon returning to Hong Kong, married and with their threeyear-old son, it was a natural step to work together at IMI. “It was an intense start, as we took on a very ambitious expansion,” says Carole. “Although we had the earlier experience of working together on week-long retreats, this was a very different challenge altogether! With a major renovation, significant personal investment into our company, the usual stresses of Hong Kong, a family life and quite a complex new vision to develop, there was a lot of initial pressure. On top of that we found our working styles were very different, and with both of us being active directors initially, this was not an easy time, yet it was a time of growth where we each learned a lot about ourselves and each other.” Carole adds that their shared sense of purpose, vision and creativity brings depth, experience and complementary skills to the complex puzzle of how to help people improve their health, well-being and quality of life. “Seeing each other’s strengths come out in an active way at work has given us added respect for each other,” she concludes.
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The Dedens in action with SOS Lanka Action
The Dumonts sharing a passion
Six steps to success Graeme and Carole Bradshaw of IMI share the clearly defined objectives that are helping them achieve personal and professional success: 1. We are clear about the top priority of our relationship, which is our intimacy, and being parents. As part of this we keep one to two dates per week, and book a hotel for our special dates. Romance matters 2. We have the majority of our work-related discussions at work. But sometimes in more intense periods, while walking the DB hills on weekends, we also talk about issues and strategies related to our practice 3. Our work roles are clearly defined; we know who’s responsible for what. We work in separate areas, on different floors of our office. We keep much of our social lives separate too 4. We found it helped us to hire a part-time English nanny to assist with our children’s development at home 5. We do what it takes to remain in integrity and offer each other sensitive support. Clearing up disagreements as soon as possible is important as it does impact more with work and home life inextricably connected 6. We offer support to each other in our own health and spiritual practice, without becoming each other’s therapist. We remind each other to take our health supplements, for example, or encourage each other to take some time to meditate
Find it • Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), www.imi.com.hk • Pascale Aline, counsellor, info@canterel.com • SOS Lanka Action, www.sos-lanka-action.org
Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup Our Playgroup program is as follows: Crawlers & Explorers (accompanied) 10 months + Tots & Toddlers (accompanied) 16 months + Preparation Class (unaccompanied) 2 years + Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup offers young children a loving and learning environment based on attitudes of respect and understanding. Using Montessori Methods our focus is on growth and development of the whole child, creating an environment that nurtures their physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth. We strive to complement parents’ efforts to provide experiences that help the child feel worthy, competent and unique, establishing a positive foundation for their growing relationships. Our Playgroup program is for children from 10 months up to 48 months of age and designed to give them an opportunity to be with other children of similar ages in a loving, supportive play situation. Class sessions are lead by a qualified teacher and assistant teacher, and split in to three categories; ‘Crawlers & Explorers’ from 10 Months, ‘Tots & Toddlers’ from 16 Months and ‘Preparation Class’ from 24 Months.
For more information & enrollment please contact Miss Mandy Tel: 9667 6921 Email: mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com
MONEY MATTERS
Singaporean REITs have been around since 2001 (www.blogiproperty.com)
the REIT stuff As we face worldwide economic turmoil, Peter Mitchell gives us the lowdown on the benefits and challenges of investing in REITs
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ith high volatility in the stock market and low interest rates, Real-Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – funds that invest in incomeproducing residential and commercial properties – could be a welcome alternative. Since REITs do not move in sync with equities, brokers stress their diverse appeal. REITs, as the name suggests, make investments that are related to real estate. In most cases, REITs own and operate income-producing real estate. In some jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, they cannot invest in anything else. Elsewhere in Asia they can invest in developments, but only to a very limited extent. REITs have developed into a mature asset class over the last 50 years. Now listed on the stock market, they provide access to quality, investment-grade real-estate portfolios with liquidity. REITs have a long and successful history in the US and Australia, but were only established in the UK in 2007 and France in 2003. The various REIT markets in Asia have only been around since 2001. Globally, there are currently 511 REITs in 22 countries with a total market capitalisation of around US$800 billion.
Seductive benefits The important investment features of REITs include liquidity, diversification, high-income yields, tax transparency, quality real-estate portfolios and professional managers. REITs have both sector-specific and diversified realestate portfolios and include access to both domestic and international real-estate portfolios. Real-estate sectors in REITs include office, retail, industrial, hotel and residential, with a strong emphasis on commercial real estate. Whilst different management/ regulatory structures for REITs apply in the various countries, REITs typically are conservatively managed with low gearing (borrowing). The requirement in most countries that REITs distribute at least 90 percent of their net income sees high-dividend payouts, attractive to investors seeking annuity-style performance. Global, regional and country-specific real-estate securities funds have also been established to provide institutional investors with access to these global REIT markets. For smaller pension funds, REITs provide an effective and liquid exposure to the real-estate asset class, whilst larger
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MONEY MATTERS
for example. Importantly too, investors are able to choose what real-estate sector and geographical footprint they would like exposure to.
Is it a long-term investment? While REITs experience some short-term volatility due to stock-market volatility and less diversification benefits with shares than seen by unlisted real estate, they are expected to reflect the performance of direct real estate in the longer term. Similarly, while REITs were adversely impacted by the global financial crisis, most countries have seen significant recovery and growth in their REIT markets in the post-crisis period as well as new IPOs launched and successful refinancing. This has been reflected in strong REIT performance in many countries recently; typically outperforming their respective stock markets and direct realestate markets.
The market in Malaysia includes unique Islamic REITs (www.property-report.com)
pension funds receive increased liquidity into their illiquid, unlisted real-estate portfolios. The mandatory high-dividend pay out, provides REIT holders with a comfortable and stable source of dividend income. In addition, in most countries REITs benefit from tax transparency, meaning that they are exempt from income tax at the corporate level and investors are taxed only on the dividends at their own personal rate. With REITs, investors also enjoy a high-dividend yield, a liquid (easy to buy and sell) means of purchasing real estate (and real estate of a size and quality otherwise denied to them), the opportunity for capital appreciation and an access to high-quality, real-estate assets (not only from the residential sector). This latter factor is especially important for investors who do not have the professional knowledge to manage non-residential real estate – a retail building Hong Kong REITs Champion REIT Prosperity REIT The Link REIT Yuexiu REIT Regal REIT Hui Xian REIT Sunlight REIT Fortune REIT
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Real-Estate Sector Office Office Retail Retail Hotel Diversified Diversified Diversified
REITs provide diversification benefits to a traditional stocks-and-bonds portfolio. In a research report recently published by the Asia Pacific Real-Estate Association (APREA), Asian REITs (particularly those in Hong Kong and Japan) were shown to provide significant diversification benefits with stocks. In all Asian markets REITs provide strong diversification benefits with bonds. With bonds paying low interest rates, and stocks sometimes being volatile, yield-starved investors are hungry for dividends. REITs give the vast majority of income generated through a property portfolio to their investors. Because of this, REITs are often considered a good income investment, meaning something that pays you cash regularly. Studies have shown that over the long term, REITs perform similar to their underlying real estate. REITs are generally a long-term investment held for their strong dividend yield and opportunity for capital appreciation, though of course it is also possible to make short-term trades in REITs. Right now, it’s cheap to borrow money, and REITs are taking advantage of this in their refinancing and growth strategies.
How to choose a good REIT The REIT investor is taking a position on both the underlying real estate and the quality of the management team. Hence, it is crucial that the investor is comfortable with the REIT’s Yield 7.44% 6.86% 4.09% 7.12% 6.67% 5.91% 6.67% 5.82%
Debt / Asset 26.70% 25.07% 15.90% 26.82% 26.63% 12.22% 29.54% 25.55%
More than 50 years international experience supporting businesses. • Accounting & Taxation • Business & Operation Consulting • China Trade Advisory • Information Technology Implementation • Company Formation & Secretarial • Pre-Initial Public Offering Advisory & Corporate Finance • Financial Planning • Immigration (Visas & Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Application) For a free consultation, please contact Martha Tang or Alice Chung Suite 1801, 18th Floor New Victory House 93-103 Wing Lok Street Hong Kong
Tel: Fax: Email: Website:
(852) 2851 8081 (852) 3590 9901 info@alcamat.com www.alcamat.com
Discovery Bay Property Agents & Boat Brokers
MONEYMATTERS
management. An investor would be able to glean some insight into how management makes and communicates decisions by reviewing past corporate actions and communications with investors.
Since 2001, Asian REITs have gone from strength to strength, now accounting for around US$100 billion in market capitalisation, representing 12 percent of the global REIT markets.
Aside from the management team, it is really about the real estate. Don't be lured by high yields alone. Sometimes REITs with the heftiest dividends are also the ones that carry the most risk. And remember, REITs with lots of variable-rate debt may be exposed if rates rise. Another protection for investors is that regulations in all jurisdictions in Asia limit the extent to which REITs can borrow – normally, 35 to 45 percent of gross asset value.
There are REIT markets in seven Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, all with significant, high-quality real-estate portfolios. Asian REITs offer attractive investment features including liquidity and high yields, as well as unique features such as Islamic REITs in Malaysia. They also include investment-grade real estate in China and India, which currently do not have REIT markets.
And what of the risks? It is also important to understand how the REIT may fare in terms of property metrics like rental, vacancy rate, lease expiry profile, etc., relative to the general property market. Investors are advised to research the outlook for the property sector a REIT is invested in, based on factors such as demand, supply, macroeconomic and policy influences. Some REITs are diversified by property type and geographic location, while others limit their investments to their home location. You can own the best-managed REIT available, but if the portfolio of properties, or the broader economy, isn't doing well, it may be hard to generate a good return. If you are not sure how to choose the right REIT for your risk-comfort level, you can also own REITs through dozens of securities funds that focus on this sector. Global, regional and country-specific real-estate securities funds have been established to provide investors with access to the global REIT markets.
Increased advantages of Asian REITs With Asia being a major global economic growth engine in both the developed and emerging markets, and with much brighter economic prospects than in the West, the increase in the level of wealth and economic activity in this part of the world should fuel demand for property across all sectors. The retail and hospitality property sectors benefit from rising wage levels and spending power. Foreign firms looking to tap the economic growth would also need to take up office and industrial space, while the serviced-residence sector gains from higher volumes of professional expatriates.
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Investing your money in any asset carries an element of risk. The risks associated with investing in REITs are similar to those of investing in stocks. There are macroeconomic, external risks and specific asset-class risks. The latter includes the underlying property market and management performance. However, it is my opinion that specific risks of REITs can be somewhat mitigated because of conservative management dictated by regulation and regulatory oversight and the high level of scrutiny provided by media and analysts. This is an asset that can be touched, felt, is simple to understand and, at least in Asia, is simply structured. You have the advantage of owning real estate without the headaches of direct ownership. Like any asset, buying wisely requires extensive analysis. Like all assets, REITs perform differently, with some providing the benefits of liquidity and performance better than others. It tends to be these REITs that benefit from extensive market coverage.
Peter Mitchell is chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Real-Estate Association (APREA). A non-profit, APREA represents and promotes the real-estate asset class in the Asia Pacific region. To contact Peter directly, email peter.mitchell@aprea.asia
AroundDB-Aug.indd 1
7/12/2012 4:11:32 PM
TALKING POINTS
nature’s
way
Herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation aid naturopathic healing (www.drfaryalluhar.wordpress.com)
DB’s best-known naturopath, Dr Benita Perch sheds some light on natural healing, and how best to battle stress and fatigue
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aturopathic medicine blends centuries-old knowledge of natural therapies with current scientific advances in health and human systems. It has its roots in all ancient healing methods. As a general family practitioner, I employ a mix of homeopathy, herbal medicine and clinical nutrition. By way of an introduction to naturopathy, let’s take a look at the six defined principles.
Defining principles of naturopathy First and foremost, naturopaths believe in the healing power of nature. Simply put, the body has the ability to heal itself. Naturopaths work to restore and support these
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inherent healing systems by using methods, medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural processes. The second guiding principle is, do no harm. Naturopaths prefer non-invasive treatments that minimise the risk of harmful side effects. We are trained to know which patients we can treat safely and which ones must be referred to other healthcare practitioners. Thirdly, identify and treat the cause. Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of lifestyle, diet, habits or emotions. Naturopaths strive to find and remove the underlying cause of disease. We also consider that we are all individuals – 10 people with anxiety may have 10 different ‘causes’ and require 10 different treatment strategies.
TALKING POINTS
Fourthly, we see doctors as teachers. Naturopathic medicine is all about educating the patient and emphasising self-responsibility for health. The fifth defining principle for naturopaths is to treat the whole person. Health (or disease) stems from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors – as naturopaths we take all these factors into account. Lastly, emphasise prevention. The naturopathic approach to healthcare can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases. It also teaches a healthy lifestyle which can reduce the risk of infection.
How treatment works In treatment too, the naturopath follows a clear series of steps. The first is always to remove obstacles to cure. Here we consider many lifestyle factors, including sleep, water intake, exercise, diet, stress and exposure to sunlight. We look to see if there are certain foods aggravating a patient’s condition through food intolerance testing, we consider work and relationship stress, and look at environmental toxin exposure. The aim then is to institute a more healthful regimen. If this is not enough, then the second step is to stimulate the body to heal itself. This is done through homeopathy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy. However, some systems require more than just stimulation, for instance where organs are weakened or damaged, or systems are blocked or congested. If this is the case, we need to strengthen the immune system, decrease toxicity, normalise inflammatory function, optimise metabolic function, balance regulatory systems, enhance regeneration and harmonise the life force. This is accomplished through the use of herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation. At other times we need to correct structural integrity. Many structural problems, for instance digestive, are the result of stress on the internal systems. So no matter how much manipulation or massage is done, the problem will not improve until the underlying condition is treated. When the problem is simply structural, due to trauma for example, then osteopathy, chiropractic and massage are needed. Lastly in more serious conditions, often a combination of natural medicine, pharmaceuticals and surgery is necessary. For everything from coping with stress, to overcoming the flu or more serious conditions like autoimmune disease and cancer, naturopathic medicine is a beautiful and effective system of healing.
Combating stress and fatigue 1. Changing the way you eat takes huge stress off the body and helps it cope better with external pressures. Adopt a well-balanced diet, and drink sufficient quality water to help the body detox and stay hydrated 2. Getting adequate amounts of exercise is essential. If you have a stressful job and lifestyle then some of the best forms of exercise are walking, swimming, yoga, pilates or tai chi 3. Cultivate positive feelings and experiences. Listen to music that you love on the way to and from work to relax your mind. Watch movies and read books that bring joy to your life. Wake up each day and remember the things you are grateful for 4. Connecting to other people socially can help combat stress. Being present to the spiritual aspects of life can also help to give perspective to situations 5. Simple rest is completely underestimated. Give yourself two rest periods a day of five to 10 minutes each. Close your eyes and just breathe. Alternatively join a meditation class or buy a visualisation CD to help you meditate at home 6. Sleep a lot – this is how the body regenerates and rejuvenates. Six hours is seen as an acceptable amount of sleep though research suggests most people need an average of eight hours a night. Note that from a naturopathic perspective every hour of sleep before midnight is worth two hours after midnight 7. If you need extra help to de-stress and rest, consider homeopathy and/ or acupuncture 8. There are many herbs and nutrients that are effective in combating stress and boosting energy: the most important are vitamins C and B. Always get an individualised assessment to see which supplements would be most effective for you personally
Dr Benita Perch is a naturopathic physician practicing at the Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) in Central and at Discovery Bay Medical Centre on Tuesday afternoons. Email her at drbenitaperch@gmail.com
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ESCAPES
48 hours in
Goa
If you have the chance to visit Goa, however briefly and even during the monsoon, go for it! Matt McLaughlin makes the most of a magical minibreak
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moke-belching trucks clog the road ahead. Their tailgates are adorned with hand-woven tassles, good luck talismans, murals of Hindu deities, caricatures of Bollywood movie stars and strangely polite signs: ‘Horn OK Please’, ‘Blow Horn Please’, and my favourite: ‘Drive carefully if the driver is not observing’. As the trucks weave erratically along the narrow country road, madmen on scooters duck in between them, risking life and limb as they overtake on blind corners, their pillion passengers oblivious to the danger facing them. “Are the roads always this crazy?” I ask our taxi driver. He glances back at us, flashing a smile and giving a subtle head waggle. “Of course Sir! This is India!” he proudly exclaims. We have come to the manic, crazy and wonderful jumble of humanity that is India for a 48-hour stopover in Goa.
Portugal remained colonial masters of Goa until 1961, when protests by the Goan independence movement led to Indian re-occupation and self-rule. Today Goa is a curious mishmash of Portuguese and Indian culture, with the crosspollination of culinary styles and architecture the most conspicuous signs of its dual personality.
A smile as wide as Ganesh’s trunk is long Our driver dropped us off in Goa’s capital, the quietly elegant town of Panaji. Its tight alleyways are lined with Portuguese-style homes with arched windows, wroughtiron balustrades and distinctive red-tiled roofs. We stopped for lunch in a modest restaurant on the northern side of the town’s municipal gardens, refuelling on masala dosa (ricebatter pancakes stuffed with spiced potato) and chai (spicy milk tea).
A little bit of history The mention of the place probably evokes images of beach parties, hippies, trance music and illicit narcotics. This aspect of Goa, although still present, is but a small part of what’s on offer, as we were to discover. Situated in western India, Goa has a rich history as an international trading centre stretching back to the 9th century. Muslim invaders took control of the area in the 14th century, and Goa (then known as Gove) became a centre for the spice trade. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama landed south of Goa in 1498, and seeing an opportunity to break into the lucrative flow of spices between Asia, the Middle East and Europe, the Portuguese made moves in 1510 to occupy the sites of present-day Panaji and Old Goa.
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I had harboured a fantasy of chugging through Goa’s streets on a vintage Royal Enfield Classic 500 (think James Dean on a 1955 Triumph), but options were limited and we left Panaji astride a 50cc Honda Activa scooter. We had zero street cred but the bike was practical, easy to ride and cheap to run. I was soon beeping and jostling and ‘HornPlease-Horning’ with the best of them, sporting a smile as wide as Hindu god Ganesh’s trunk is long. Although the wet season proper was yet to kick off (we visited in early June – the off-season), the landscape was already an explosion of green. Roadside stands of lanky coconut palms and banyan trees merged with plantations of areca nut palms, rice, sugarcane and rubber trees; beyond
A Calangute street scene
August 2012
Photos by Matt McLaughlin
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that dense tropical jungle melted into India’s Western Ghats mountain range. It was a one-hour ride to Anjuna, the spot we had picked as a base for our Goan adventure. Here we checked into a mid-range hotel near the clifftop shacks overlooking Anjuna Beach. Late in the afternoon we sipped cold Kingfisher beer and watched the sunset. Dark clouds hung ominously over the Arabian Sea to the west, a forewarning of the monsoon rains that were due to arrive any day.
Forts and flea markets The next morning, guidebook in hand, we set off in search of an ancient fort. Although the Portuguese had control of Goa by 1543, they continued to be harassed by Muslims from the north, Hindu Maratha horsemen from the east and the local chieftains, and so built a series of fortifications between the 16th and 17th centuries. The most notable of these was Fort Aguada, guarding the approaches to Goa’s harbour at Panaji. The ramparts of this fortress are now straddled by the five-star Taj Vivanta Fort Aguada Resort. Deciding on a more authentic experience, we headed north to Fort Chapora. This extensive complex sits atop a hill overlooking the Chapora River. Not much remains – rustbrown ramparts, cylindrical turrets and the faint outlines of housing that once filled its expansive interior. Tunnels lead from inside the fortress walls to the beach below, a covert means of both resupply and escape for the Portuguese troops once stationed here.
Anjuna Beach – one of Goa’s most famous, and New Age destinations
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Our next stop was the Anjuna Flea Market. This is a great place to browse for souvenirs, with vendors selling textiles, clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, henna and spices. That night we dined in nearby Vagator, feasting on sopa de camaro (prawn soup), spicy Goan sausages and fragrant yellow fish curry.
New Age beaches Our last day saw us heading for Goa’s two most famous beaches, Baga and Calangute. During peak season (December to January) Goa is blessed with perfect weather, and this is where all the action is – it’s India’s answer to Ibiza. Year-round, enterprises here offer courses in yoga, Indian cooking, ayurveda and all things New Age. We grabbed a quick breakfast at Brittos, a Baga Beach institution, sheltering from a morning downpour and nibbling on croissants. As we ate, an Indian family bravely cavorted in the choppy beach-break, rain lashing down at them from angry monsoon skies. They were a stoic bunch, determined to enjoy themselves. Later, as we rode south to Calangute, an overloaded lorry glanced the boughs of an ancient banyan tree, bringing branches crashing down on the power lines. There was stunning inaction by road users and pedestrians alike, as the wires sparked and fizzed across the bitumen. We waited here for an electricity department road-crew to show up and rectify the problem, killing time browsing the roadside stalls for souvenirs. We settled on a bottle of the local
The Basilica of Born Jesus in Old Goa
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ESCAPES
firewater – cashew Feni. At 30 percent proof, it makes the perfect gift for friends back home you want to incapacitate.
Old Goa After dropping our scooter back in Panaji, we enlisted a tout for a whirlwind guided tour of Old Goa – famed in its 17th century heyday as the Rome of the East. With some of its grand cathedrals and churches largely intact, the town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986, and nowadays draws domestic and international visitors from far and wide. We started at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This cathedral houses the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits, and is a particularly sacred site. Its exterior cladding of lime plaster was removed in 1950, exposing its lofty facade of red laterite brickwork, and unfortunately leaving it looking like a half-finished renovation project. Gilded altars and vibrant frescoes are a stark contrast to its plain exterior. We also visited the Church of Saint Cajetan, modelled on the original design of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, with its grand yet lopsided Tuscan exterior (one of its bell towers collapsed in 1776).
ATS
Later that day we settled into our seats on board an Indian Airlines 737 bound for Bombay, our all-too-brief layover in Goa complete. Goa is fascinating, and has plenty to offer. Sun-dappled beaches, fine cuisine, an all-hours party scene, historical sites, and accommodation styles for all tastes and budgets. The mishmash of cultures works; while Goa is unquestionably Indian, its inhabitants wholeheartedly and proudly embrace the best aspects of its Portuguese past. It may no longer be the Rome of the East, but it’s definitely a jewel in India’s crown.
When to visit Goa is busiest during the cooler months of November to March, when the weather is wonderful, rain is a distant memory, and the seas are calm and clear. As March stretches into April and May, the weather grows hot and humid, and swimming becomes trickier due to rougher seas. Many Goans, however, feel that the monsoon, which douses Goa between June and the end of September, is when the state is at its very best. Read more at www.lonelyplanet.com/india/goa
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specialist mortgage
ATS
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 domestic-helper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This summer, quality travel insurance should be at the top of your list!
Travel insurance 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. But 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.
ACTION
the world in a To help you decide how to get your groove on, Mary Singer goes on a world tour of DB dancing
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iscovery Bay has long been a community on its toes, due to the long-standing and very popular DMR School of Ballet (don’t let the name fool you… at DMR they teach tap and contemporary too!). And of course there’s the one-and-only Miss Melissa of Island Dance School, who has been keeping our children grooving on local stages and at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens for many years now. But DBers are now taking up dance in a wider variety of forms: cool Capoeira, suave Latin beats or funky-folky Irish. There’s something for everyone right here on the resort!
Ballet If ballet is your bag, Dawnna Wayburne’s DMR School of Ballet has been offering classes in the ethereal art since 1984. “It’s the pretty pink tutus and the stories that come with it,” says Dawnna. “For young students, it’s always going to be ballet that is their favourite. With the older children, modern and tap are more popular. It’s funky, it’s fun, they feel a beat and it’s more trendy.” Today DMR in DB Plaza offers classes ranging from Tots in Tutus to Funktastic. Island Dance School also in the Plaza (as of 1993) offers an equally diverse range of dance classes, and it caters to the ballet-obsessed aged 18 months to adult. Managing director Madhu Kashyap says, “Ballet dancers first start coming to us for Budding Ballerina Classes with Mum and can continue for as long as they like. Ballet is a great way to keep fit; it strengthens and lengthens your muscles, increases flexibility and improves posture. It is very popular in DB."
Modern jazz “Simply put, modern jazz is a form of vernacular dance directly descendant from the Broadway and Jazz traditions, with inherent ballet basics. Therefore people
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ACTION
dance with a classical ballet background will find it easy to fit in,” says Alex Sauvegrain, founder of Alex Dance Studios, operating out of Club Siena. She trained in ballet in Switzerland, under dance master Beatriz Consuelo, exprincipal dancer of the Ballets de Monte Carlo. A broken ankle ended Alex’s stage career, but she never stopped dancing. After 20 years in architecture, Alex opened her studio in 2009 with introductory adult classes and teen classes conducted in French. “I try to transfer to my students my passion for dancing, by introducing them to a gradual understanding of dance techniques, musicality and interpretation,” Alex says. “To feel comfortable dancing, one must find one's own style within a style. It's like a language of the soul and body.”
Capoeira Capoeira trainer William Indio, a Brazil native, moved to Discovery Bay last year and immediately began offering workshops through BSME Community Centre to drum up interest. “Capoeira is a complete high-energy workout blending dancing, acrobatics and self-defense,” he explains. “It was developed in Brazil by African slaves more than 400 years ago to prepare for a fight for freedom. The slaves created a martial art that could be easily disguised as a traditional dance. Not only is it a great form of exercise, engaging all muscles but it is also an activity with a whole spirit of fun and positive energy.” William now heads Hong Kong Capoeira, with the objective of promoting Brazilian arts including Capoeira, Samba and Brazilian music.
Latin Often referred to as ‘ballroom dance’, Latin dance includes Samba, Rumba, Cha Cha, Paso Doble and Jive. (While Samba originated in Brazil and Rumba and Cha Cha from
Alex Sauvegrain of Alex Dance Studios strikes a modern jazz pose
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ACTION
Island Dance students on stage
Budding ballerinas at DMR School of Ballet
Cuba, Paso Doble has Spanish roots and Jive is a variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance with AfricanAmerican roots.) Dancesport offers Salsa for kids and Latin dance for grownups at BSME in the North Plaza. DB enthusiast Joe Kalmar, father to three fine dancers, is now a Latin devotee and has proven his dedication by performing at Picnic in the Park. “I guess after putting my daughters through all their dance classes – ballet, tap and modern it was time for Dad to have a go,” he says. “I've always liked ballroom dance and I especially like Latin dance as it's fast-paced, seductive and lots of fun! I find it a wonderful way to escape from the hectic Hong Kong lifestyle.”
Bollywood Dream of dancing to the beat of India’s genius musicmaker A. R. Rahman, and his Jai Ho theme song to the smash 2008 movie, Slumdog Millionaire? Pooja Laungani teaches at venues across Hong Kong, and in Tung Chung. Pooja is also the creator of Bollyrobics, an exercise method using Bollywood steps, and the author of the Fitness Guru (Bollyrobics) DVD. She has recently been busy at Discovery College’s Arts Fest.
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A Bollywood dance class with Pooja Laungani
Joe Kalmar and his three daughters
Capoeira brought to DB by William Indio
Ulrika, one of the lucky DC students in Pooja’s Year Five Bollywood Workshop, says this about the experience: “The Bollywood dancing was very enjoyable, but extremely fast and tiring. The moves were unique and not what I’m used to, but the dance instructor was good and with her help some of us picked it up quite fast." Pooja has also been teaching Bollywood steps to DC staff and parents, training up a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Bollywood dance team for Bollywood Night last September. “It was tremendous fun, and it was great exercise,” says DC’s PTA chairperson Elspeth Shaw (who is, incidentally, a seasoned highland dancer).
Highland Originally from Thurso, in Scotland, Nicola Mackay started highland dancing at the age of four and competed in numerous competitions in Scotland and Canada before becoming an accredited dance instructor through the Scottish Teachers Dance Alliance. Nicola has recently set up the Hong Kong School of Highland Dance to provide exposure to this traditional art form here. DB classes will commence in the fall. “Whether you're completely unfamiliar with highland dancing or you're looking to perfect your technique, the
Sch $220 ool Bag
40 x $1 h Bo nc Lu
ACTION
school will make it a great experience for you,” says Nicola. “All ages from four and up are welcome.”
Irish If your family is in the thrall of Riverdance, you’ll be pleased to know that Kathryn O’Connor-Barton is teaching kids to set their feet aflame every Friday after school at DC. “The dancers from Discovery Bay are a pleasure to teach and I look forward to each class,” she says. “There is a real sense of commitment from the pupils, which shows they love learning this form of dance. The DB parents are a tremendous support which I feel is very important and I am extremely thankful to them.” Irish dance is often looked upon as a sport, and Kathryn is focusing on organising an inter-class competition in October to give her students a chance to perform in an enjoyable competitive environment. Fellow Hong Kongbased Irish dance teacher Catriona Newcombe, director of Hong Kong’s Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dance, organised Asia's first open feis (competition), in June in Hong Kong. When Irish dancing in Asia goes gangbusters, remember it all started right here!
Find it Ballet, DMR School of Ballet, www.dmr-hk.com; and Island Dance School, www.islanddance.com.hk; both in DB Plaza Bollywood, at various Tung Chung venues, poojalaungani@gmail.com Capoeira, at BSME, www.capoeirahk.com Highland, coming soon to DB, highlanddancehk@gmail.com Irish, at Discovery College, www.oconnor-bartonid.com Jazz, at Club Siena, www.alexdancestudio.com Latin, at BSME, hkdancesport@gmail.com
Ballerina Butterflies
Photos by Bradley Wayburne
& Tapping Lollipops
We teach all kinds of magical creatures at
DMR School of Ballet Now taking enrolments for the School Year 2012 – 2013 Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, 29874338 info@dmr-hk.com www.dmr-hk.com
STYLE
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F
ans are like the Greyhound bus. Fans may not have the Freudian power of cigars, but, like the iconic US intercity bus, they have a vivid, modern pop-culture caché. How many times have you seen the scene where the fresh-faced country boy steps off the Greyhound in the big city (listening to Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City). Fans have that too. Recall the flickering black shadows cast on the floor of the private dick’s office when the femme fatale walks in. Or the incessant tick-ticktick of the overworked ceiling fan – the soundtrack for the gangster’s existential moment. You get the idea. The ceiling fan already plays an enormous role in resort design, and with so many manufacturers making consumer models available it’s not surprising they’re moving into our homes. There are dozens of fans on the market – from standard towers, to sleek ultra-modern bladeless versions, portable clip-on compact units and complex ceiling models that may or may not have shuttle-launch capabilities. And fans are increasingly becoming eco-friendly design options
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for the home. Also? They make for great YouTube videos if you have a cat.
Ventilating your space Many would argue that ceiling fans simply don’t cut it in oppressively humid locations like Hong Kong but that’s a bit of a myth. Face it, you can probably think of a time when you were in an air-conditioned space and still felt sticky. Cold air doesn’t make you cool; moving air does. “In the peak of Hong Kong summers you definitely need both but you just don’t need to run the air conditioner (A/C) for as long,” concedes Jennifer McBride of fan specialist Life’s a Breeze. “There really isn’t any excuse not to have a fan especially as everybody is so environmentally aware. A fan uses a lot less power than an A/C and cools you, not the room. A ceiling fan costs the same to run for 24 hours as it costs to run an A/C for one hour. It can save you up to 45 percent off your electricity bills, and is much better for your
STYLE
fan fair Turn off the air conditioning, crank up the fan and save some money. It’s cooler than you think, writes Elizabeth Kerr
family’s health especially if you suffer from asthma, or have children and babies.” Used in conjunction, Jennifer also points out that fans can circulate cool air more efficiently. Chris Leung, sales manager at fan distributor el: ar, agrees. “Yes, A/Cs dry the air and cool you down but it’s not always comfortable, and an A/C consumes a lot of energy. In hot summers you need both, but you can set the temperature lower and have a ceiling fan to better circulate the flow around the home. A ceiling-fan motor only consumes about 30 to 60 watts. That’s like a lightbulb.”
Looking cool While it may be true that the wicker mesh-look dominated the ’70s and seemed to feature prominently in every episode of The Love Boat, ceiling fans have come a long way design-wise. Jennifer is quick to laugh off that oldschool image. “The designs released over the last five years are amazing, and available in all different shapes,
colours and sizes,” she notes. “They are suitable for indoors and out, also with a misting function. There’s a fan to suit all budgets and with excellent warranties.” Add to that lighting fixtures and you’ve got a low-cost, multifunctional piece of furniture. Chris chalks up the rise in ceiling fan interest in Hong Kong to just this kind of evolving design, both functionally and aesthetically. “In the past people didn’t consider ceiling fans because they weren’t that nice looking. They were outdated; it was a ‘last generation’ product,” he theorises of Hong Kong consumers. But the one-two punch of environmentalism and cost has created a renaissance for ceiling fans. “This is a product that’s fairly new here. The quality is better, the designs are better, streamlined and very contemporary,” Chris says. Blade design and angles that maximise airflow are now just as carefully considered by manufacturers as materials and colour that speak to décor. As Chris summarises, “It’s an
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STYLE
object you look at every day, so why not choose one that makes you feel good?” Cool.
Purifying your air Air quality is an issue and the idea of the sick building syndrome is gaining traction. There’s a reason the public health department constantly stresses good ventilation in its flu advisories. As gross as a smoggy day can be, you could still be better off with an open window. Even buildings like Legco can’t meet basic air-quality standards and that good old recycled air we all complain about is no better. “This is a key point too, and effective in spring and autumn. The fan and open window combination, even without a breeze, will circulate fresh air,” Chris states. But what about airborne contagion, and the constant warnings of mass pandemics, we’ve all become accustomed to? Most of us would agree that air quality is a serious issue that’s not going anywhere, and it has a lot to do with making us sick.
Alen’s Paralda air purifier at Renaud Lifestyle Solutions
With record air pollution levels outdoors (as reported by the South China Morning Post in January) trickling into our homes – largely due to outside ventilation systems – the onus has been placed squarely on homeowners to clean up their space. To whit, the domestic air-purification unit. If you are looking to remove dust particles, tobacco smoke, mould spores, pet dander or other pollutants from your indoor air, purifiers really do the business. Take the Alen® Air Purifiers at Renaud Lifestyle Solutions – these all come with a lifetime guarantee and include advanced multi-filtration technology. “What distinguishes an Alen Air Purifier is that it is the first ecologically friendly air purifier to provide the best possible technology at affordable prices,” says Jason Williams of Renaud Lifestyle Products. “Additionally, Alen offers outstanding customer service, and free home delivery.” The Oxyvital split unit, meanwhile, is an air purifier that uses a technology that will leave your home air beating WHO’s guidelines for indoor air quality. Designed in Hong Kong, the Oxyvital is already widely used in commercial spaces (hotels, gyms, offices, schools) but the slender, domestic unit has only been available for a short time. “We spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors. In these times of new pandemics and health scares, it is important that our families and work force are protected with the best air-purification technology in the world,” states Ilse Massenbauer-Strafe founder and executive director of Oxyvital. So go ahead. Throw open those windows.
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An interior powered by Oxyvital air-purification technology
Find it Alen Air Purifiers, at Renaud Lifestyle Solutions, www.alencorpasia.com el: ar, www.elar.com.hk Life’s a Breeze, www.lifesabreezehk.com Marc James Design, www.marcjamesdesign.com Oxyvital, www.oxyvital.com
UP
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* G16
North Plaza Discovery Bay Showroom
* only selected items
HOT STUFF
What's
new
around
Hong
Kong
c o m p i l e d b y A n d re w D e m b i n a
Book now for
Gallagher and Hynde Two mega gigs by big-name British acts are on next month, and we’re featuring them a month early, so that you may – hopefully – still be able to snag tickets. The Pretenders and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will play their separate gigs at Star Hall at KITEC in Kowloon Bay, on September 20 and 25, respectively. The former is fronted by feisty singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde, and the latter is the latest offering from the elder of the two Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame. For tickets and information, go to www.hkticketing.com; tickets are also available at all Tom Lee outlets.
Recalling
unsung artists Established local contemporary artist Warren Leung has an exhibition on at the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wanchai actually called Untitled. By randomly browsing through exhibition catalogues and invitation cards at the Arts Centre, and local libraries and art archives, Warren and a few helpers drafted a list of hundreds of artist’s names and then filtered this with an internet search for those who were rarely heard from in the last decade. Warren brought this shortlist to several senior artists and curators, and their memories of the artists have become the basis for three artworks in different media, which are displayed around the Arts Centre. Visit www.hkac.org.hk to find out more.
From Warren Leung’s Untitled exhibition
Brunch at
Noel Gallagher presents the High Flying Birds
The (very great) Pretenders
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The Pen
This summer – or afterwards – there is a rather grand way to spend your Saturday or Sunday mornings (9am1pm) at The Peninsula, Hong Kong. Its Weekend Champagne Brunch at The Lobby, enjoyed to the accompaniment of live musicians, feels quite the occasion. The cold cut of meats and cheese, followed by baked black cod fillet Brunch a la carte was a big hit with this writer – the Western-style starters and mains are truly a la carte. Priced at HK$388 per person, with champagne at HK$88 per glass. For a reservation, call 2696 6772.
HOT STUFF
Polar in
the park Ocean Park has extended its conservation platform to the polar regions with the launch of Polar Adventure. Among the polar animals featured in the new attraction are two precious and rare species – the snowy owl and the northern sea lion. They will join other new animal ambassadors – spotted seals, Pacific walruses and Arctic foxes – at the North Pole Encounter to highlight the impact of global climate change on arctic wildlife and habitats. Additionally, Polar Adventure’s South Pole Spectacular will feature three different species of penguins. And a new ride – the Arctic Blast roller coaster. For more information, go to www.oceanpark.com.hk.
Disney delivers
stars live!
Mickey brings special magic to the show Northern sea lions at Ocean Park
Give the gift The spectacular finale of Disney Live! Kreative teens in the recording studio
If there is a young budding pop star in your household, you might consider a look at what Kreative Studio in Central has on offer this summer and beyond. Providing a pleasant break from the potential overload of academic pursuits for school children, a number of music-oriented diversions are available. Kreative targets kids from pre-kindergarten to teens, and both one-off sessions and courses of music and dance are available. Group and one-on-one activities include multi-media packages – a fun melange of vocal training, recording and video shoots. Check out kreativestudio.org for more details.
Kids can really get their kicks in Kowloon from August 22-26 as Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show hits our shores. In this family-friendly jam session, Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today – there’s something for everyone whether you are into pop, hiphop, reggae, rock or country. As Mickey and friends rock out with the stars of Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Toy Story, the audience is asked to sing and dance along! Star performers include Donald and Goofy; Jasmine and the Genie; Ariel and Sebastian; and Woody and Buzz. Tickets for shows at Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre start at HK$150; go to www.hkticketing.com.
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DB FACES
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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
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COMPETITION
Photos by Hugh Rowland
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Great prizes from Uncle Russ!
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Congratulations to last month’s winner Alison Chui who correctly identified picture C featured on page 21 of our July issue. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.
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. The first person to send us the correct answer will win a complimentary drink at Uncle Russ in DB Plaza every day for a week. Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Uncle Russ competition). Good luck!
Professional Hairdresser and Makeup artist,with international experience, offers home visit services for your convenience! Fluent in German, French and English!
• Haircut & Style for women, men and children • Colour service & Highlights • Styles and Up styles • Full Make Up and /or basic lessons and consultations
KATHLEEN KIPPER
www.kathleenkipper.weebly.com | kath_kipper79@hotmail.com | +852 9708 6959
SOUTH LANTAU HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon
9473 3976 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990
HOME & REPAIRS
THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.
Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com
FERRY SCHEDULES
Sat, Sun and PH Daily except Sat Daily Daily Sat, Sun and PH
2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 9373 0792 2984 0587
HOTELS
4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.
Mon-Sat (except PH) Sun and PH only Sat, Sun and PH Mon-Fri (except PH) Sun and PH only
Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company
From DB
From Mui Wo
7:15am 8:45am 10:45am 11:00am 11:45am
7:45am 9:15am 11:15am 11:30am 12:15pm
From DB
From Mui Wo
1:15pm 3:00pm 4:15pm 6:15pm 8:05pm
1:45pm 3:30pm 4:45pm 6:45pm 8:30pm
Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort
2984 7225 6810 0111
LEARNING CENTRES Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Owls Kindergarten Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten
2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 2984 0006 3689 6709
PROPERTY AGENCIES Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate
2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666
RESTAURANTS & BARS Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear
2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 7471 2984 0498 2984 9720
U NUMBERS RESTAURANTS & BARS
Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Pui O Delicious Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep
3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 2984 2298 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 9160 5986 2980 2699
Feijoada, Seafood Muqueca, Cheese Bread and many more.. Private Bookings - Kit for parties - Takeaway - Catering Shop A, G / F, Silver Centre Building, Mui Wo - Lantau Island
RETAIL Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie’s (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Park ‘N’ Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern Wellcome
2134 1234 2984 2227 2984 2278 2984 0249 2988 1368 2406 8122 2987 0099 2984 7884
Open: Monday to Friday 2 pm to 10:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Tel: 2984 7471
casabrasil.hk @ gmail.com
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
Families Maternity Babies Events Capturing special moments in a natural, warm and casual manner. Stunning portraits to capture the spirit and energy in everyone. Photo by Terry Chow
zlyle@me.com | www.zoelylephotography.com | +852 9834 5498
LANTAU ISLAND OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB
SERIOUSLY
AS A TOKEN OF OUR GRATITUDE, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR MAIN SPONSORS LIFESTYLE HOMES AND VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY for their support in the DISCOVERY BAY DRAGON BOAT RACES - WE WON THE MIXED COC CUP
Join in the fun at www.liocc.com
Proudly sponsored by
Realised by
COMMUNITY
DOMesTIC eMplOYMeNT
DBEES ICE HOCKEY We are committed to the development of youth ice hockey in Hong Kong. For children age 5 & up. Visit www.dbeeshockey.com
PET CARE PROVIDED We offer a dog-walking & pet-sitting service in DB. If you are out of town we are even happy to stay at your home. Dog walking at HK$50 per hour; pet sitting HK$100 per night. Call Susa on 9528 3024, or Shiyama on 5184 5732
DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information visit www.dbangelsfc.hk DB PIRATES RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB We offer Under 6 through to senior team rugby. To join visit www.dbpirates.com DB TIGERS BASEBALL CLUB For children age 5 to 13. To find out more, visit www.dbtigers.com
2012 Summer Camp 3rd –– Aug JulJul3rd Aug31st 31st For kids 1 year and up Activities in Mandarin Activities in Mandarin Kung Fu Munchkins Kung Fu Munchkins Story & Drama story Drama Mandarin muchmore!! more!! Mandarin Chef…and Chef…and much
HeAlTH & Well-BeING
HeAlTH & Well-BeING
THe sKIN THeRApY CeNTRe
HYpNOsIs &/ OR sHORT-TeRM THeRApY
Fully qualified, UK-trained beauty therapist with over 16-years’ experience. • C.A.C.I. – the new CACI ultimate, incorp MICRO-DERMABRASION, L.E.D LIGHT THERAPY, to treat lines & wrinkles plus facial toning using microcurrent exclusive to C.A.C.I • FACIALS – Nobel-prize winning SKEYNDOR stem plant system cell facials & homecare, DERMATOLOGICA products & Dr Murad VIT C, Glycolic peels & anti-aging treats GUINOT - HYDRADERMIE with Lifting Plus treatment • AROMATHERAPY - using 100%-certified organic oils • BODY MASSAGE / BODY SCRUBS/ WRAPS for slimming & detoxifying • REFLEXOLOGY • WAXING & EYELASH TINTING • COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL make-over & colour analysis • GIFT VOUCHERS Call Gillian on 9604 6920, 2987 0764
Advertise your business and get great results with Around DB
2987 0577
Quit smoking quickly. Post-divorce coaching. Resolve: • Fear of flying/ public speaking • Overeating • Couples’ conflicts • Career & command-training stress • Anger management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk
HOMe & RepAIRs BIOCYCle (HK) lTD
Safe & Ecological Pest & Termite Management. ISO14001 & ISO9001 Certified. Unique biocide, BioKill®, ‘poison’ label exemption. Contact 3575 2575, info@biocycle.hk, or visit www.biocycle.hk
eXpeRT TRANspORT & RelOCATIONs MOVeR
For local & international moves. Collection, storage & disposal. All sorts of handyman work: painting & tiling, installation of TVs, pictures, fans etc. All-in-one professional service at attractive rates. Call 2566 4799, or visit www.expertmover.hk
New FRENCH cooking programme designed for domestic helpers available this summer. Everything they need to know about cooking you and your family great value meals with simple French recipes, making the most of your grocery budget, and respecting hygiene, safety and security rules. Training will be in English.
Tel : 2480 3909 Venue: LG 01, Office Block One, North Plaza Email: db@mandarinformunchkins.com
For more information, please call 6538 1578 or e-mail us at info@ecole-discovery.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
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HOME & REPAIRS FTC LOGISTICS
• Local & international • Moving & storage • World-class service • Competitive rates Call 2814 1658, or visit www.ftc.hk
NEED STORAGE?
• Low-cost storage • For a box to a whole house • Humidity controlled From HK$550/ month. We collect & deliver. Call 2578 1865, or visit www.expertmover.hk
KIDS
KIDS
MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB
EARLY ADVENTURES PARTY TIME!
Established playgroup for children from 2 to 4 years. Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon. A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers. Also offering Bilingual Gems, afternoon sessions in German & Mandarin. Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
AKASH MOVERS
For all your moving needs, including packing materials & full packing & moving services. Plus small deliveries & handyman services. Payment upon complete satisfaction. Best move - Best rates. Call 2421 8088, or visit www.akash.hk
KIDS
LITTLE ADVENTURES
August only. For kids age 8 to 30 months. • Monday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons, 2pm-4.30pm • Drop-in sessions with ageappropriate toys & books • Parent/ helper must attend with child • Location: The Greens Contact sarah@earlyadventures.net
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French kindergarten located in DB North open for registrations for school year 2012-2013. French summer camp with fun activities, games and workshops for littles ones designed and led by experienced professionals available from July 3 to August 31, 2012. For more information, please call 6710 0391 or email us at info@la-petite-enfance.com
Need a venue for a party? Ideal playgroup environment with toys & activities. For further information, please call 9511 2107
MIDGET GEMS AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER ENROLMENT
We are enroling now for the next school year. Please have a look at our website & arrange a visit to meet our wonderful team! Email info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
KIDS GEMS OCCASIONS
Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem? A colourful, safe & fun environment with toys & dress-up clothes. We can provide an entertainer. We also tidy up! Please contact 9176 2990, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
EARLY ADVENTURES SUMMER PROGRAMME
All through August, for kids age 2 to 4 years. Weekly themes, sessions offered five days a week Please email sarah@earlyadventures.net
KIDS
PETS
EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP
QUO QUO CLUB DOG SERVICES
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
Grooming, boarding & behaviour classes. Responsible, patient & detail-conscious in a hygienic & relaxed environment. Call Dave Chan, Associate Member of The Animal Care College, Berkshire, UK, on 9872 5439, or visit http://quoquoclub.com
RETAIL AVOID ITCHY BITES ON SUMMER NIGHTS
MIDGET GEMS RENTAL
Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots. Please call Koren on 9176 2990
MIDGET GEMS KIDS CLUB SUMMER CAMP Enrol now for our fun-filled summer camp! Hurry as spaces go quickly! • Ages 3 to 6 years • Weekly themed programmes • 9am-12pm Please email us for details at info@midgetgemskidsclub.com
Check out the amazing selection of citronella candles, coils, table torches, mozzie sticks & diffusers, at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com. Trade enquiries welcome. Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com
RETAIL
SERVICES & OTHERS
KEEP YOUR COOL
AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS
The Esky (Australia’s original brand) is ideal for parties, boat trips & picnics. Take your pick too of jugs & ice bricks at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com. Trade enquiries welcome. Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com
WAREHOUSE STOCK SALE
Head down to Love That Lifestyle Ltd before August 15 to pick up specialist outdoor products at giveaway prices. Assorted garden tools, umbrella bases, clothes lines, and Décor plastic storage boxes (Australia’s Tupperware) plus swimming-pool equipment. At Flat B, 7/F Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang; Monday to Friday, 9.30am–6.00pm
LIBERATE THE CHEF IN YOU The amazing Cobb portable outdoor cooker barbeques, roasts & bakes for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Buy now to get a free multi-tool & a Cobb utensil set at half price. While stocks last! Available at Jervisbay Barbecues, Meat Market (HK) & Porterhouse. Trade enquiries welcome. Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com
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 Hong Kong. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net
LIGHT UP OUTDOORS
For a great al fresco ambiance, take a look at the flares & torches at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com. Trade enquiries welcome. Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com
TRAVEL CONCORDE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS
Leisure travel specialists since 1978. Licence No. 350343.Call 2526 3391, or visit www.concorde-travel.com
FLIGHT CENTRE
We have opened a new store in SoHo, 49 Caine Road! Speak to our travel experts to check out all the special offers & endless holiday possibilities! Contact 2830 2866, enquiry@flightcentre.com.hk, or visit www.flightcentre.com.hk
TUITION & COURSES
CHINESE MANDARIN LESSONS
DB Mandarin Room at Phase 1, DB For Year 1 to 13 students: schedule on demand. Many groups of different levels to meet each student’s needs. Help with homework, revision, exams & more. For adults: beginners, intermediate & advanced classes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10-11am. Please call 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com
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TUITION & COURSES
TUITION & COURSES
CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH Personal Professional Tutoring Service. • Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools welcome • For Students Year 1 to 13 (Children to adults; homework/ exam to business) • Chinese: Mother-tongue tutors from the PRC, www.chinesemandarinsite.com (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics: Tutors (UK B. Sc. Mathematics) • English: Native tutors (MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com
PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN Programme designed by our Specialist (Early Childhood Stage, M.A. in Education) • 12-lesson programme; • Children age group: 6 to 16; • Solve problems; • Increase awareness; • Improve self control; • Express anger & anxiety; • Handle stress; • Build up their self esteem. Please contact: 9107 5655, or email: gracias8@hotmail.com
TUITION & COURSES
I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER!
Summer Course (Cantonese/ Mandarin) • Summer course for kids • Easy-to-learn Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) • 12 lessons • From June 15 to August 30 Please contact 3612 5387, gracias@chinesemandarinsite.com
TUITION & COURSES
MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION
Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours). Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & international school students. Call 9121 0389
Deadline for September issue Classifieds
MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS
• For children & adults; small groups or individuals. • Any level / place / purpose Call DB Mandarin Room on 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com
August 13
ellen@englishforasia.com
TRX Suspension Group Training Running Assesments Outdoor Group Training Online Personal Training Nutrition Coaching & Tailor-made Plans Triathlon Coaching & Customized Plans Tel : (852) 6902 2250 Email : fitness@impactfitness.com.hk Website : www.impactfitness.com.hk
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PROPERTY DB
PROPERTY DB
SHORT-TERM LET
DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS
MODERN FLAT FOR SHORT- OR MEDTERM RENTAL
NEW SHORT- OR LONG-TERM RENTAL
Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony. Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, brian@headlandhomes.com
Fully furnished, 1 bed plus study with extra beds & fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for family of four. Broadband, wifi, DVD, LCD TV & split A/C. Linen & towels provided. Serviced twice a week. 6475 2035, sharmilaproperty@ gmail.com or visit www.dbayhillsuites.com
GREENDALE COURT RENTAL
Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525
LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET
Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near the 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
LUXURIOUS 1-BED APARTMENT
Newly renovated, 550’ flat on a high floor with split-type air conditioning. Fully equipped with DVD & free wi-fi. Bedding & towels provided. Weekly cleaning available. Email dbaygreenish@gmail.com
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, cherry@appletravel.com
Greenery Court, 1-bedroom flat with deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with internet, 37’’ LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk
NICE SHORT-TERM RENTAL
Newly renovated studio flat with open kitchen, 5 minutes to pier. Fully furnished, with cable TV & broadband. Contact 2987 2468, dbshortlet@yahoo.com.hk
PROPERTY DB STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET 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 2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished. Contact 9108 5525 SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL Peaceful Mansion, 1-bed flat on a high floor. Panoramic sea views & fully furnished with wi-fi & broadband.Weekly cleaning service. Good price. Contact 9451 9761, peaceful@senzanome.com
PROPERTY OVERSEAS FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL
Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985
AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY
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
CHERISH COURT TO LET
Fully furnished 2-bedroom, newly renovated flat. Tranquil with sea & Disneyland view, & wi-fi. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline at 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com
SHORT-TERM 3-BED RENTAL
Fully furnished, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat in Jovial Court. Linen & fluffy towels provided, baby items available. LCD TV, DVD, wi-fi, telephone, washer & dryer. Fabulous views. Non-smoking flat. Call 6905 3765 evenings & weekends or email jovialflat@gmail.com
SPANISH VILLA FOR SALE
20 minutes from Valencia airport. Four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Large living room/ dining room & kitchen plus garage. Mature terraced gardens with Roman-style pool. Good holiday rental returns: 240,000 Euros. For more details & photos, email snr.cranmer@gmail.com
FLAT FOR RENT
Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps four. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband, towels & linen. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com
RENOVATED MODERN EXECUTIVE FLAT FOR RENT
550’ 1-bed apartment. Quiet, on a high floor, with mountain view. Fully furnished with open-plan kitchen. Well-equipped with LCD TV, broadband, telephone & wi-fi. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com
August 2012
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Your ultimate guide in DB
DB NUMBERS 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 Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza
HOME 2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
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 Season Art Kitchen Perfection Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre
LEARNING CENTRES 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 1990 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428
LEARNING CENTRES
L’ecole Pierre Et Marie Curie
L’Ecole Francaise de Discovery Limited French classes, specialised and tutorial services Block One, LG6, DB North Plaza Tel: 6538 1578 Email: info@pmcuriehk.com
Prince & Princess
Kids Wear & Accessories Shop G13B, G/F., North Plaza Tel: 2947 9228 Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm www.prince-princess.com.hk
Kindergarten, French classes and tutorial services. French kindergarten open for registration for school year 2012-13 Accepting registration for 2011-12 LG-05, 92 Siena Avenue, DB North Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@la-petite-enfance.com
International Academy of Performing Arts Little Explorers
Discovery College www.actingantics.com Contact deborah@actingantics.com Tel: 6842 8092 / 8122 9475
A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun!
rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel +852 2526 0720 www.rush.com.hk Mon – Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm
Sunwood by Design
Tel: 9327 0507 Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com
Apron Strings
Hands-on classes specially tailored for children, teens & adults
Island Dance
Tel: 9735 5724 www.apronstrings.com.hk
Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571
International Bodyfit Swimwear Exercise and Yoga Wear Tel: 6626 5470 www.sunwood-by-design.com
Treat Boutique "Treat yourself, Treat your wallet"
US depatment store handbags, jewelry, ladies wear, men's wear and more... Tel: 6163 3421 In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes
2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098
DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store 7-Eleven Food Kiosk Fusion by PARKnSHOP GNC Mannings Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome
2987 4401 2914 1183 2987 7486 2987 9331 2987 1720 2987 4089 2947 9092
FINANCIAL SERVICES AlcaMat Financial & Accounting Services HSBC HSBC Expat Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd
2851 8081 2233 3000 2822 3927 2682 1210 2987 1851
www.islanddance.com.hk
Bayview House of Children
Early Childhood Educational Center Programmes from 18 months to 6 years old For details call Ramesha on 6114 2436 ramesha@bayview.hk
British Studio of Art Hong Kong
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Established playgroup for children 2-4 years Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
Playgroups, parties, art-jamming and art classes for all ages! Tel: 2325 3999 Address: LG-10, Office Block One, 92 Siena Avenue, DB North Plaza. http://www.colourstormartcentre.com
Dumper Trucks & Daisies
Crawlers & Explorers - Wed afternoon Tots & Toddler’s - Tue & Thur morning, Mon & Thur afternoon Preparation Class - Mon, Wed & Fri morning Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com
DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com
HK School of Highland Dance Furniture, Wall paper, Interior Design and Home Furnishings Shop 119 DB Plaza Tel: +852 3482 5785 www.yaalidesigns.com, info@yaalidesigns.com
Midget Gems Kid’s Club
ColourStorm Art Centre
First Friends & Second Friends “Luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth” Tel: ( 852 ) 9770 4474 / 9779 9424 www.butterflydreams.com.hk
2012 Summer Camp 3 July - 31 August For kids 1 year and up Call 2480 3909 www. mandarinformunchkins.com
New art studio in DB for 2 year-olds to adults www.bsoahk.com info@bsoahk.com Tel: 9132 5249 / 6170 2875
HOME
Butterfly Dreams Luxury Bed Linens Ltd.
Mandarin for Munchkins®
Highland Dance classes now available in DB All ages welcome Teacher qualified by the SDTA Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com
Mountainview Montessori Run by Montessori-trained teacher Come and Join the Fun! mountainview_montessori@hotmail.com
ColourStorm Art Centre, North Plaza DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) DB Garden House Montessori Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Les Petits Lascars de DB SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House
2325 3999 2914 2142 2987 7331 6114 2436 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 2526 8892 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217
MULTIMEDIA Bookazine, DB Ferry Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution The Bookshop
2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777 2987 9372
DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
OTHER SERVICES
PetcoDB
Lantau Island Outrigging Canoe Club
Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com Amity Shoe Care Apple Travel Co Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services
Training at Lantau Boat Club, Tai Pak beach www.liocc.com
2987 4538 2987 2626 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151
Movement Improvement Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk
REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES
Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com
Lifestyle Homes Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency Limited Century 21 Newcourt Realty EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Kingsford DB Ltd Land Master Property Midland Realty
2987 8484 2987 9729 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 6888 2987 6238 2987 2888
Sports World All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: bruce@sportsworld.hk
RESTAURANTS 22º North Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Ippu Japanese Restaurant Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery McDonald’s & McCafé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Sopranos Subway Super Super Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Wildfire Fresh Zak’s
2987 2298 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 2886 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 1033 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 8202 2987 6232
Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club
TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES
Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk
WELL-BEING
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
Penny Scallan Design Unique and individual Tel: 6015 4050 hk@pennyscallan.biz www.pennyscallan.biz
Planting Ideas, Growing Minds. Tel: 2987 2608 soyhongkong@gmail.com www.seedling.com.hk
Stuck on You Label It, Own It, Keep It! Tel: 2549 2245, 2987 2608 sales.hk@stuckonyou.biz www.stuckonyou.biz Bo Bo House Toysland
2987 4230 2987 7859
TRANSPORT SERVICES
Limousine Rental
Professional beauty treatments
by qualified RN & Medical Aesthetics Consultant kittytang@professionals-beauty.com Tel: 5116 1617 www.professionals-beauty.com
HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys
3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000
Nailed It
Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com
embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk
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 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
Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266
Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Discovery Bay
Tel: 2987 8923 / 9060 5240
UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Eco Party Supplies, Toys, Games & Gifts www.missgreenpartyqueen.com
Curves
Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!
2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368
Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk
Little Miss Green The Party Queen
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
Embody
2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381
TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services
limo service in HK & China. pick up from / to DB Tunnel direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@yahoo.com
Spa Siena Ladies-only day spa providing a wide range of massage treatment Tel: 2987 7382
Sher Martelle-Climas, R.M.T. Canadian Trained Therapist offers clinical massage for stress, sports injuries, chronic back pain, pre- & post- natal. EFT also available. My home or yours. Call for rates: 9503 9117 Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch
2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198
Around DB's September 2012 issue coming out
August 31 August 2012
71
HEALTH Q&A
Are you losing your hair and hating it? Dr Yau of the Discovery Bay Medical Centre has some cutting-edge advice
Male-pattern baldness is genetic; it can be treated but not prevented (www.hairgrowth1.com)
My husband is just 40, why is he losing his hair? It’s worth ruling out treatable causes of thinning hair like iron deficiency, thyroid disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, but the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also called male-pattern baldness. This is a genetic condition inherited from either or both parents. It mainly affects males any time after puberty. It is often fully expressed by age 40.
Can stress cause baldness? The second most common cause of baldness (alopecia) is telogen effluvium. This is caused by some precipitating event which causes normal hair to shed but usually less than 50 percent. If the cause is removed, hair grows back after three to four months and hair density returns to normal within 12 months. This can occur at any age, more commonly in women following a variety of physical or mental stressors, such as pregnancy, menopause, crash dieting, surgery, severe illness, anaemia, thyroid disease and nutritional deficiency (of zinc, iron, biotin and fatty acids).
If kids start losing their hair, is it due to bad nutrition? Alopecia areata occurs mainly in children. The cause is unknown though it is associated with autoimmune diseases. The hair loss is distinctive. Round or oval bald areas appear gradually in the scalp over weeks or months. It can remain like this for months before the hair grows back. New hairs are fine or white/ grey. New bald patches may appear while others recover. Spontaneous recovery is common especially when the alopecia areata is patchy. If there is total loss of scalp hair, or total loss of scalp hair and other body hair, the prognosis is poor, especially if the child is under five. Nutrition should not be a factor but it’s worth confirming it is not another form of alopecia by measuring blood iron, zinc, thyroid hormones and lupus antibodies. The most important thing is to support the child emotionally. Advice is available from www.naaf.org.
How can I prevent hair loss? The advertisements will tell you otherwise but other than
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maintaining a healthy diet, there is no scientifically proven way to prevent hair loss. People spend billions of dollars growing scalp hair – and billions on removing hair from other parts of their bodies!
Are there any reputable hair-loss treatments? For alopecia areata, steroids in the form of creams or injections into the scalp can be very effective to induce regrowth. However, the condition returns when the steroid is discontinued. Systemic cyclosporine (a potent immunosuppressant) can be effective, as can deliberately inducing an allergic contact dermatitis with chemical irritants. Photochemotherapy is also an option.
Is it possible to treat androgenetic alopecia? For male-pattern baldness, men can take a low dose of 1mg Finasteride (marketed as Propecia). Most men should see reduced hair loss after three months. After six months there is regrowth. If Finasteride is stopped, the hair that has grown back will be lost within 12 months. Note that Finasteride is contraindicated in women, children and adolescents. Women (but not men) with androgenetic alopecia can take antiandrogens (eg. cyproterone or spironolactone). Lastly, unless you opt for a surgical treatment like hair transplantation, topical Minoxidil can be applied as 2 percent or 5 percent Regaine (shampoo). This may reduce hair loss or partially restore lost hair in both men and women.
Would you recommend Saw Palmetto? Saw Palmetto is a berry which grows naturally in the United States. This herbal supplement may have a weak Finasteridelike action (especially in the homeopathic treatment of benign prostate enlargement) but as with most herbal remedies, good evidence and information is limited. Any evidence it helps reduce hair loss is anecdotal.
You can contact the Discovery Bay Medical Centre on 2987 5633