Around DB June 2015 Issue

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W A p a c wa k i n a k ag e n i n B o d a t T e, a g c l y e h v an d e Po o u c h an s in wd e r g Ru c s s i la s s e r R t o u an e o s s o B al a t m , e le t t he S ch o ol

Diem!

Paddle a dragon boat! Star in a musical! Climb a mountain! Support Nepal!

Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002

JUNE 2015

JUNE 2015

逸澄閣 PEACEFUL MANSION

$24K

海藍閣 SERENE COURT

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EN

G EA

1

Fully renovated apartment with open kitchen.

Convenient to transport. Must see!

$50K

2 1

Renovated garden lowrise with great views.

Popular choice. Don’t miss!

哥爾夫球車 EZGO GOLF CART

T

$2.2M

Gross: 1165’ Saleable: 848’

Well appointed unit with good size living space.

Stunning sea views and in a tranquil location.

海馬徑 SEAHORSE

Gross: 1368’ Saleable: 1295’ 2

G EA

Gross: 723’ Saleable: 555’

海燕徑 SEABIRD

3

$30K

L

SO

Gross: 890’ Saleable: 631’ 2

閒澄閣 GRACEFUL

EN

L

SO

$24K

$135K

3

Fully furnished apartment with great views. Easy access to all transport. Bright and airy.

2

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’

Gross: 2075’ Saleable: 1995’ 4 3

Nicely renovated duplex, spacious living and fully equipped kitchen. A must see!

頤峰 GREENVALE

$4.08M/14.5K

$190K

4

Breathtaking, tastefully renovated house, private pool and ample storage space. Don’t miss!

4

觀濤樓 MARINE VIEW

$10.8M/36K

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EN

G EA

L

SO

Gross: 533’ Saleable: 436’ 1

Under value last sale was 2.26M. Call Charles for viewing (+852) 6140 7971

頤峰 GREENVALE

1

$11.5M

尚堤 CHIANTI

Gross: 1644’ Saleable: 1406’ 5 2

Beautifully joined unit, good location, spacious living and Ideal for family. Vacant sale.

Located in convenient area for all bus routes and airport. Don’t miss!

$18M/61K

Gross: 1412’ Saleable: 1157’ 3 2

倚濤軒 CRESTMONT

2

Good condition combined unit, spacious living & 24 hr concierge service. Easy access to transports.

$19.8M

Gross: 1707’ Saleable: 1436’

Gross: 2095’ Saleable: 1610’ 4

Beautifully renovated apartment with amazing sea views. Ideal for family. Vacant Sale.

3 2

Stunning duplex with terraces and private rood terrace commanding panoramic sea views. Vacant Sale!

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Skip Hop Zoo Rolling Luggage & Back Packs

from

Iplay Reusable Swim Nappies

from

$165

Fred’s Swimtrainer Swimseat

$299

$199 (various designs)

Pool Volley Ball

Phil&Teds Traveller Cot

Smiling Fish & Friends Pool

$255

$1,950

$275

Wooden Lidded Sandpit Swimwear

Havaianas

Football Goal

from

$299

Body Boards 37�

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$125 (designs vary)

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$188 (styles and colours vary)

Suncreams & Mossie Sprays

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$450 Maclaren Globetrotter

$1,529

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www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk

JUNE 2015 FEATURES

30

30

PROFILE Meet DB eco-educator and Cousteau naturalist Estelle Davies

42

IN FOCUS Discover Asia’s top three real estate hotspots

49

FAMILY MATTERS Why kids love summer camp, plus what’s available in and around DB

54

ESCAPES Darjeeling: Another side of incredible India

61

ACTION Could you keep up on dragon boat race day?

REGULARS 37

28

COMPETITION Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

37

TALKING POINTS DB helper, Liza Avelino’s Himalayan triumph

64

MOMENTS DB brothers starring in The Sound of Music

68

DB FACES Candid community snaps

80

LAST WORD Devastation in Nepal – what DBers are doing to help

AGENDA 49 64

10

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

66

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

70

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

74

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

77

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

61

ON THE COVER

Readers with a feature story idea, please email rachel@baymedia.com.hk If you would like to publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email lissa@baymedia.com.hk Around DB, Bay Media, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Call 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

Facebook

Ca

Diem!

on boat! Star

Paddle a drag Join

Instagram

in a musical!

ity online your commun

DB dragon boaters gearing up for this month’s big race

Aw Win pac akenin a Bod kag y g at The e, a vou cleans ing and Pow cher Rus classe der Roo to use sian m, Ballets at the Sch ool

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ort Nepal!

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Climb a mou

Publishers

in DB since

JUNE 2015

2002

Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

Twitter and www.arounddb.com

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk Managing editor Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk Production & operations manager Danielle Higgins danielle@baymedia.com.hk Advertising & sales manager Lissa Morris lissa@baymedia.com.hk Art direction Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk Assistant editor & business developer Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk Accounts Beatrice De Magistris accountant@baymedia.com.hk Photography Baljit Gidwani Illustration Rift Leschinsky Contributors this month Hannah Ball Angie Bucu Josh Clery (intern) Richard Cowley Elizabeth Kerr Cecilia Yee Printing Fantasy Printing 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors.

The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Photos courtesy of Discovery Mind Primary School, Steve Chitty, Sophie Grangier and Myriam Bartu

HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH Throughout DB

May’s Helper Appreciation Month – a community-driven initiative set up to ‘inspire public and private acts of gratitude and appreciation towards domestic helpers’ – was a resounding success.

Discovery Mind Primary School organised a Helper Appreciation Day; Hemingway’s hosted Inspire Me, an empowerment talk; two stress-management workshops took place at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS); and Enrich HK held a series of training sessions at Discovery College (DC). Congratulations go to Steve Chitty, Bree Ainsby, Myriam Bartu, Holly Allan, David Bishop and Scott Stiles for organising the event, as well as all of you who donated your time and ideas.

Find more photos of community events @ www.arounddb.com

IN&AROUND DB

DB AID FOR NEPAL Throughout DB

DBers have been digging deep to help those affected by the earthquakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12, with businesses, schools and individuals investing time and money into the relief effort. To find out more, turn to page 80.

Photos courtesy of Calvary Church Discovery Bay and Lisa Dowson

CINCO DE MAYO Tai Pak Wan

DBers celebrated Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday held to acknowledge victory over the French in 1862, with a football tournament on the beach on May 3. With as many as 400 people present throughout the day, the eight-team tournament was taken out by the DB Nachos. The football was followed by a ‘fiesta’ at iCaramba! Mexican Cantina in DB.

Photos by Kenneth Tjon

June 2015

11

IN&AROUND DB

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Discovery Bay International School The Globe Theatre at DBIS was rocking on May 5 as the students locked horns in the school’s annual Battle of the Bands competition. The best bands on the day, Girls on Fire, Stereo Hearts, Rock n’ Angels and LINC, won the right to perform live at Hemingway’s this month. Check the Around DB Facebook page and www.arounddb.com for an exact date.

Photos courtesy of Alison Wyatt

DB FOOTBALL CLUB AT THE SEVENS Hong Kong Football Club

After being crowned champions in the Hong Kong Legal League on April 18 (pictured), Discovery Bay Football Club (DBFC) took part in the Masters Tournament of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens, alongside teams from some of Europe’s top clubs, from May 29 to 31. Around DB apologises to the DBFC and to our readers for publishing an outdated team photo in the May issue.

Photos courtesy of Discovery Bay Football Club

12

June 2015

IN&AROUND DB

10TH SPORTSMANSHIP MEET Discovery College

Congratulations to the many Sportsmanship gymnasts, aged three to 15, who showed off their skills at the 10th Sportsmanship Friendly Meet on May 24. Funds raised went to Harmony Home Association, Taiwan, which helps those living with HIV/ AIDS. To find out more, contact Charles Chan at sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com or visit www.hhat.org.

Photos by Josh Clery

DBIS GREEN DAY

Discovery Bay International School DBIS students went all out for Green Day on May 6, wearing green, walking to school and taking part in various activities focused on marine health. The school also kicked off a new eco-campaign, with the help of Plastic Free Seas, requesting McDonald’s to stop serving take-away drinks in plastic bags. The campaign will involve various international schools throughout Hong Kong in the lead up to Zero Waste Week in July.

Photos courtesy of Alison Wyatt

14

June 2015

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW SAT 6 th & SUN 7th JUNE

O A W F PI M N I LY S W I M E A R S H O P N G E STOP

Homeopathy & Naturopathy at IMI Discovery Bay Safe and effective natural medicine for your entire family: • Fever, common colds & flu • Allergies, asthma & eczema • Digestive troubles & food intolerance • Natural pre & post natal care • Learning, behaviour, ADD/ADHD • Anxiety, depression & sleep disorders Visit our clinic in North Plaza! Please call 2537 1087 to make a booking or talk to our Integral Health Advisor for guidance towards the most appropriate treatment for you and your family.

G-02 Office Block Two, North Plaza www.imi.com.hk Phone: 2537 1087

10

am

-6

pm

OpenSpace Studio DB North 96 Siena Avenue, Unit 6/GF, Block Two Enquiries: 9462 0352

IN&AROUND DB

DBEES AT MEGA 5’S Mega Ice, Kowloon

Photos courtesy of Fabio Lavarone

Congratulations to DB ice hockey team, the DBees, who competed against teams from Asia and the Middle East at the annual Mega 5’s tournament, April 27 to May 2. For the first time ever, the DBees entered three teams: a mini-squirt team (under eight), a pewee team (under 12) and a bantam team (under 15). The mini-squirt and the pewee teams both made the semi-finals, while the bantams made it to the final of the A Division Cup before losing to Singapore, 5-1.

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS!

IN&AROUND DB

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com Photo courtesy of Animals Asia Foundation

ut Througho June

DBEAR T-SHIRT COMPETITION Throughout DB

DBers Clara Chan and Dr Francis Chiu are raising funds to name and support a moon bear for the community, through Animals Asia Foundation. The first fundraiser, open to students aged eight to 17, is a competition to design the DBear t-shirt, which will be sold throughout DB. The deadline for entry is August 15; submission details are available at www.facebook.com/dbearproject and designs can be sent to DBear888@hotmail.com. To make a donation to help put an end to bear-bile farming, visit www.justgiving.com/nabdb. Find more information on the campaign at www.arounddb.com.

DB PIRATES BALL Auberge Discovery Bay

DB Pirates are ready to party at the annual DB Pirates Ball, themed this year on the 1920s.

You don’t have to be a DB Pirate to attend and you can expect a four-course dinner and dancing. For more information and tickets, visit www.dbpirates.com.

June 6

ISLAND DANCING Y-Theatre, Chai Wan

Photo by Sharon McEneff

The dancers at DB’s Island Dance are set to show off their skills and put a modern twist on classic fairy tales, including Cinderella, The Little Mermaid and The Wizard of Oz in their annual end-of-term show, Once Upon a Dance. To book tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.urbtix.hk, or call 3761 6661.

June 5-7

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW

OpenSpace, DB North Plaza Kit yourself out with top-quality swimwear from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Hong Kong at the Ozzie Cozzie Roadshow from 10am to 6pm. Call 9462 0352.

June

www.islanddance.com.hk

18

June 2015

6-7

www.ozziecozzieco.com

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

June 6

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET

June

across from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm.

For more information, call 2238 3617.

13

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP at Nim Shue Wan, organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at 1pm.

Visit www.dbgreen.org.

DB PIRATES HOCKEY REGISTRATION Training sessions start in September, so now is the time to sign up to play. Visit www.dbpirates.com/join_us to register; email hockey@dbpirates.com, or call 2517 8248 for more information.

June 15

Photos courtesy of Ilona van Scheers

DB DRAGON BOATING

e Jun

20

Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza

At the annual DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival, 48 teams compete off Tai Pak Wan from 8am to 3.30pm, battling it out across the men’s, ladies’, mixed and youth categories. This year, the new community race is sure to be a hit. The awards ceremony kicks off at 4pm, followed by a performance from Hong Kong Disneyland’s cheerleaders. For more information, call 2238 3601.

For more on DB dragon boaters, turn to page 61.

June 21

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

all the fantastic dads in our DB and Lantau community.

June 2015

19

IN&AROUND DB

CONGRATULATIONS CINDY REID

ALINE JAHNS

Co-owner of DB’s The Hit Room, Cindy Reid ran fifth in the Taipei 101 on May 3, completing the 91 floors and 2,046 steps of one of the world’s most highly regarded run ups in just over 16 minutes. Cindy followed up from her victory at the Hanoi Landmark in April with an impressive effort and is currently ranked third in the world in the Elite Female class of the Vertical World Circuit.

Photo courtesy of Cindy Reid

After months of study and research, Aline Jahns from Strand and Science HairSpa in DB North Plaza reached a significant milestone recently, becoming a certified trichologist and, as a result, the Ambassador of the World Trichology Society in Asia. Don’t hesitate to consult Aline about any hair or scalp issues you may have – we have an expert in our community.

Photo courtesy of Strand and Science HairSpa

MATT PRIOR

Photo courtesy of Action Asia Events

DB resident Matt Prior recently completed the first ever circumnavigation of Siberia’s Lake Baikal, on the ice on a WWII Russian motorbike. Undertaking the epic journey for charity, Matt battled temperatures as low as -30˚C and winds over 110 kmph. Matt has just founded Indonesia-based Adventure Academy to help others prepare for similar challenges. See for yourself at www.mpadventureacademy.com.

KURT LYNN Congratulations to DB resident Kurt Lynn who, with teammate Thierry Gloor, finished third in the Otterbox Action Asia Challenge in Tai Lam Chung on May 10. Kurt’s Gatorade SportsWorld team finished the 30-plus-kilometre adventure in an impressive 4:17:35.

The race saw participants trail run, mountain bike, abseil and ocean kayak.

Photo by Marcin Klocek

Photo courtesy of Matt Prior

IN&AROUND DB

NEW IN DB VIKINGS FOOTBALL CLUB

Photo courtesy of Nilesh Jhaveri

JUNIOR CRICKET ACADEMY After a 12-month hiatus, Nilesh Jhaveri’s Junior Cricket Academy ( JCA) is back, offering a vast range of coaching and summer camp options. The JCA offers coaching sessions for under 6s, 11s and 15s at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) on Saturdays, and for under 15s, 17s and 19s at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) on Sundays. For more information, call Nilesh on 9011 1319, or email jcadiscoverybay@hotmail.com.

DB resident, English Football Association qualified coach and Vikings founder Richard Hainsworth is running football courses for Mini Vikings (aged 18 months to four years) and Pro Vikings (five to 12 years) at Discovery College (DC).

Professional Hong Kong footballers are on hand to coach, ensuring the best possible tutelage. For more information, call Richard on 9533 2600 or email richardhainsworth@hotmail.com.

Photo courtesy of High Jump Photography

COMMUNITY PITCH AT DC

Photo courtesy of Richard Hainsworth

DB sports lovers have reason to celebrate, since a brand-new synthetic pitch has just opened at DC. The pitch is available for school sports and casual use by the community. Sports clubs and other organisations can also book on-pitch time.

For information and bookings, contact DC business manager Pat Romano on 3969 1000.

DB Playgroups BRIGHTSPARKS PLAYGROUP, PARKRIDGE VILLAGE 18 months to 3.5 years 9632 4287, brightsparksdb@gmail.com A fun, safe and interactive environment that nurtures children’s creativity and self-discovery. Afternoon phonics, cooking and art classes for kids 3 years+ are also offered.

POSITIVE STEPS 2 to 4 years 6341 5764, positivestepsplaygroup@gmail.com Previously Midget Gems, a long-established and dedicated playgroup, that’s big on the fun factor. Encouraging friendships and independence through creative play, in a well-equipped and nurturing environment.

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, GREENS 20 months to 4 years 9511 2107, 2987 9644, info@earlyadventures.net, www.earlyadventures.net A long-running playgroup with bright and spacious facilities.

A warm and caring environment where children are offered exciting and interesting activities, so they can achieve their full potential.

PLAYTIME KIDS, CHERISH COURT 6 months to 4 years 9054 0565, playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com A well-established playgroup, run by a Montessori-trained teacher with lots of experience. A great, supporting, stimulating and loving environment for little ones to learn from.

FUNFIT, CLUB SIENA 6 months to 3 years 9380 5771, info@funfit.hk, www.funfit.hk An active learning programme which helps develop children’s balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and much more. Caring for your children’s future health and fitness.

TREE OF JOY, VERDANT COURT 14 months to 3 years 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com A playgroup offering a variety of fun classes to children from 14 months to 3 years+. A nurturing and enriching environment, classes are run by a qualified and experienced teacher.

LITTLE EXPLORERS, PHASE 1 18 months and up 9327 0507, littleexplorers@team-fear.com An established playgroup, providing a caring and stimulating learning environment with an emphasis on learning through play and having loads of fun.

WOODENTOTS, DB PLAZA 2.5 years to 5 years 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com A caring and nurturing environment, run by a qualified Montessori teacher, in which children grow and learn through self-discipline and self-discovery.

W

NE

IN

DB

Sessions can be done in English or French We’re all about pregnancy: before, during and after!

Come and visit our new DB Centre “BELLY MEET UP” & “MUMMY MEET UP” Our “Belly Meet Ups” for pregnant ladies - “Mummy meet ups” for new moms are running every Monday afternoon.

All you ever wanted to know about pregnancy & delivery and the few months after baby’s arrival...

Join our groups & meet with a Doula, stress & pain therapist, Nutritionist, Physiotherapist... in a friendly atmosphere to help you share this beautiful experience and express all of your questions & concerns

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.centreforpregnancyandnewborn.com OR BY EMAIL: centrepregnancyandnewborn@gmail.com

TEL: 6256 0406

Sessions can be done in English or French

COMMENCEMENT OF PRACTICE

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Jean Chan BAppSC (SpPath) (Syd) HCPC HKAST SPA

Island Health Family Practice Shop 109A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 2987 7575 Fax: 2987 8055 enquiries@islandhealth.com.hk www.islandhealth.com.hk

IN&AROUND DB

LANTAU EVENT HIGHLIGHTS TAI O DRAGON BOATING Tai O and Mui Wo Dragon boaters are set to battle it out in various races across Lantau this month. Head over to Silvermine Bay Beach for the Mui Wo event, running from 8am to 5pm, on June 14, and to Tai O Promenade on June 20, from 8am to 2pm. At the Tai O Dragon Boat Festival, you can watch the ancient Tai O Deities Parade, in which sampans carrying deity statues are towed by dragon boats along local waterways.

14 June

& 20

FATHER’S DAY BUFFET

For more Lantau events, read Life on Lantau, check the Around DB Facebook page, or visit www.arounddb.com

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Treat your Dad to a scrumptious Father’s Day buffet at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel’s SkyCity Bistro. The lunch buffet, running from 12pm to 2pm, costs HK$298 for adults and HK$208 for children (aged three to 11), while the dinner buffet, from 6pm to 10.30pm, costs HK$488 for adults and HK$298 for children (aged three to 11).

To make a reservation, call SkyCity Bistro on 3969 2500.

June 21

kor.theasian.asia

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley Kelly Merrick Anne Gnadig

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14M HAM TIN VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Roof

Tastefully renovated Village House. 4 Beds & 3.5 Baths (1 ensuite) Open plan kitchen with breakfast bar. Living room leading out to fenced garden with grass. Large master with walk in wardrobe and ensuite. Maids room & utility. Sea views from rooftop.

4.2M MUI WO FLAT 493’ Net

Lovely renovated flat in heart of Mui Wo. 2 Beds & 1 Bath.

Separate kitchen with outside space for washing machine. 2 Good size bedrooms.

Large living room with sea views. Building has a lift.

9.98M MUI WO VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Roof

Newly built village house. Currently Tenanted. 4 Beds & 3 Baths.

Open kitchen. Maids room. Stunning mountain views from rooftop.

Short cycle ride to ferry pier.

38K LEYBURN VILLA 1382’ Net + Courtyard + Garden

Stunning villa in sort after complex. 3 Beds & 2.5 Bath (1 ensuite). Beautifully decorated with large open plan kitchen and living area. Large bedrooms. Sea views and private car space. Can come furnished. Complex with pool, tennis court & gym.

7.9K PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 350’ + 350’ Roof

Making you feel at home is our business

Lovely flat in great position. 1 Bed & 1 Bath.

Large living area leading out to balcony.

Newly painted. Comes partially furnished. Great views from rooftop.

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

dent Paul Fortune, Hong Kong-born, three-year DB resi boat/ yacht sales the owner of marine brokerage and shop consultancy AquaBlu Marine, talks

List your Lantau business for free @ www.arounddb.com

Tell us something about your business.

I started AquaBlu Marine in May 2014, after having acquired 30 years of experience in all aspects of marine law and marine insurance, and having been raised on friends’ mega and super yachts.

I want to raise the bar: I strongly believe clients can and should expect higher standards from the professionals they rely on.

What is the secret of your success?

Having a 100% understanding of your product and getting to know your clients’ needs and expectations is vital. This leads to recommendations from satisfied clients, and nothing beats that. The contact network I’ve built up throughout the shipping/ boating world, together with government departments, is also invaluable.

Do you have a funny ‘on-the-job’ moment to share?

When I first bought a boat and she was at her fixed berth, I kept complaining that she was moving too much, even in light winds. After a few weeks, my boat keeper finally found the courage to tell me: “It’s because you're on a boat, sir!” Nothing like a boat keeper to put you in your place!

Which well-known business person inspires you?

Richard Branson. He’s a gifted and unconventional maverick, who is not afraid to go with his gut feeling and follow whatever interests him. He is prepared to take calculated risks. I’ve been a fan since he started Virgin Records out of a tiny shop in Cardiff, Wales.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am very easy-going in my private life but extremely competitive in my business life. The latter comes from my training as a lawyer in London and Hong Kong. The day I joined my London firm, there were 200 associate solicitors; seven years later when I made partner, there were only two of us left. So I guess, I have good survival skills! I am passionate about my family, my flat-coated retriever, Formula One racing, Blues music, gardening and decorating.

Photos by Jo sh Clery

How do you see your business looking in five years’ time?

We are already being asked by companies in the Far East if we would like to form associations.

It’s too early yet, but who knows what the future holds?

Call AquaBlu Marine on 6017 7802, or email oceanblu@netvigator.com.

THE RED LANTERN

Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late ‘Ching Dynasty’

Six minutes walk from the Mui Wo ferry to the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

TEL: 2984 0099 FAX: 2980 4833 EMAIL: glandam@netvigator.com

Probiotics, Supplements, Cleansing & Detox

Available in DB at Just Green or at bodyawakening.net

COMPETITIONS

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

Take-home cleansing package YOUR PRIZE: Body Awakening is offering five readers a monthlong cleansing package (worth HK$1,200 per package).

Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until June 10 to submit your answers.

To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code below. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!

Where can you find Body Awakening products in DB?

When did The Powder Room’s Central store open? www.thepowderroom.com.hk

The Powder Room giveaway www.body-awakening.net

FIND THE ANSWER: At Body Awakening, founded in 2012 by Mui Wo residents Jessica and Zachary Williams, nutrition consultants are on hand to help out with subclinical imbalances and provide individualised diet plans. A highquality range of supplements, probiotics and cleansing and detox products are available at the Central store, at www.body-awakening.net, and in DB, at Just Green and The HIT Room. To find out more, call Body Awakening on 8192 7636.

YOUR PRIZE: The Powder Room is offering one reader a HK$1,000 voucher to redeem either women’s loungewear or Danish homeware at its new lifestyle store.

FIND THE ANSWER: When Pui O resident Gina Reid founded The Powder Room in 2011, its gorgeous line of homeware, women’s loungewear and kids’ clothes was only available online and at local fairs. But the good news is The Powder Room, a brand-new lifestyle store, has been open in Central since March. For more information, visit www.thepowderroom.com.hk, or The Powder Room Hong Kong Facebook page.

Win Russian ballet classes YOUR PRIZE: Russian Ballet School is offering two readers three ballet classes (worth HK$200 per class) to take before August 31.

Where are the Russian Ballet School’s DB classes held? www.russianballetschool-hk.com

FIND THE ANSWER: Both adults and kids (aged three to 16) are welcomed at the Russian Ballet School, OpenSpace, DB North Plaza. Classes led by highly qualified, Russian ballet teachers follow the Vaganova training system. Free classes are available through June 28, and from August 17 to 31. For the full schedule, visit www.russianballetschool-hk.com, or call 2570 2006.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Julie Mexted for tickets to see The Incredible Book Eating Boy; Leanne Sercombe for tickets to see The Wind in the Willows; Linda Stuckey for the Soccer Sevens weekend passes; and Kate Wade and Maren Williams for the Farmer’s Kitchen vouchers.

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June 2015

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PROFILE

AMBASSADOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT Living the dream in Hong Kong and French Polynesia, seven-year DB resident Estelle Davies speaks to Angie Bucu about getting kids to fall in love with the oceans through education

H Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Estelle Davies

ave you ever thought that one day you might actually get a chance to have that dream job, you know the one where you get to do all your favourite things every day and teach others at the same time?

Well meet Estelle Davies, one of the few people I know who does just that, year round.

30

As an Ambassador of the Environment for Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society (OFS), Estelle gets to spend over three months a year in French Polynesia inspiring children to behave responsibly to protect the oceans. The rest of the time, based out of DB, she does much the same thing with local kids. But more of that later.

Roots and wings Estelle has lived in DB for the past seven years, and in Hong Kong since she was just nine months old. She was transplanted here from Cyprus with her twin sister, Zoe, her older sister Lauren and her (British) parents, when her father signed up with Cathay Pacific Airways.

June 2015

Though they grew up in Clearwater Bay, Estelle and her sisters completed their education in the UK from age 10.

Of the third-culture kid conundrum, Estelle says, “I see children connecting to their parents’ culture. If they are Australian they will consider themselves Australian even though they are born here.”

Estelle is impressed at how tolerant and culturally aware local children are, particularly those growing up here in DB. “My niece Amelia [a Year 4 student at Discovery Bay International School] tells me all sorts of things about cultural traditions from other countries, which she learns from her friends, at school,” she says.

The Cousteau connection It’s clear that growing up as an expat kid hasn’t done Estelle any harm, quite the opposite in fact. A marine and environmental science graduate, she returned from the UK to Hong Kong to research Chinese White Dolphins with Dr Samuel Hung, now chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society. Her love of

marine life and blue environments soon led her to Queensland, Australia for a Master’s degree in Tropical Marine Biology, and from there it was a hop, skip and dive to her dream job with OFS in 2005.

Estelle joined OFS’s Ambassadors of the Environment marine exploration and adventure programme as a Cousteau naturalist, and what a job title. She found herself travelling the world’s oceans, giving talks and lectures to guests on all matters marine, ecological and sustainable – an experience she credits with instilling her desire to educate young people.

In 2005, OFS offered Estelle the opportunity to run the Ambassadors of the Environment programme in French Polynesia aboard the awardwinning M/S Paul Gauguin cruise ship. Unable to forego the temptation of teaching, snorkelling and diving in some of the most pristine waters in the world, Estelle now spends the months of June, July and August and the Christmas and New Year period, frolicking amongst stingrays, reef



PROFILE

As an eco-educator, Estelle Davies splits her time between DB and French Polynesia

June 2015

31

PROFILE

sharks and other animals that live on the coral reef. Oh and did I mention she’s teaching children too?

Of Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of Jacques Cousteau, famous explorer and conservationist, Estelle shares: “Jean-Michel is kind and thoughtful and one of the most inspiring individuals I know. He is a very modest man and his life is dedicated to ocean conservation, especially education. He believes, as do I, that people only protect what they love.

So we need to go out and make people fall in love with the ocean, the coral reefs and the animals that live there.”

e OFS ok part in th elia, who to gramme last year m A ce ie n her pro Estelle with s of the Environment Ambassador

Teaching locally with Asi a Pacific

Which is precisely what Estelle does with the kids, aged nine to 17, who sign up for the programme during the seven- or 10-day cruises. The idea is to provide direct, hands-on experience learning about marine and island ecosystems, and the children even get to swim with sharks.

Adventure

“They learn about the magic of the coral reef,” says Estelle. “We teach them what the animals do on the reef, their role on the reef. The children also learn about the ever-present human impact on blue environments both on the coral reefs, and at home – that of plastics.”

Spreading the word auguin the M/S Paul G Teaching class on

Providing hand s-on experience about marine

32

June 2015

and island ecosys tems

When she’s not ambassador-ing for Cousteau, Estelle is happy to hunker down in DB, where she lives with her twin, a Cathay pilot. “Family, a place where I can hear the ocean and where frangipanis grow,” she says is what’s needed in a home, and DB ticks those boxes. She also appreciates the outdoor lifestyle: “I get to do the things I enjoy in nature, like rowing and hiking,” she says, “and it’s so quiet.”

“I’m amazed by the DB people I meet and read about in Around DB,” Estelle adds. “I think of all the places in the world, of all the things they’ve done in their travels, and that they choose to live in DB. It makes me think that DB is a good place to live.” 

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PROFILE Estelle’s ‘day job’ is as client liaison for Hong Kong-wide outdoor skills training and youth adventure company, Asia Pacific Adventure (APA). In the three years she has worked with APA, she has been teaching children to develop a better understanding and appreciation for Hong Kong’s spectacular environment and its marine life, and how to live more sustainably.

“We take the children to remote parts of Hong Kong and challenge them to try something new and go beyond their comfort zone,” says Estelle. “On camping trips, the children (aged eight to 13) have to be independent and take on various responsibilities, like preparing food and cleaning up,” she adds, something many local kids may never do at home.

About environmental activities in DB, Estelle says, “I love that there are

beach clean-ups and that the kids are being educated, that organisations like Plastic Free Seas (PFS) and DB Green are getting involved in the school community and they are being welcomed into schools.”

While Estelle has plans to collaborate with DB Green and PFS, her focus for now is APA. “At our beach clean-ups, we get the kids to identify what most of the things they collect are made of, and of course it’s plastic,” she says.

“We teach them about the impact of plastic, and this approach has them asking how they personally impact the environment.”

Estelle suggests that there is a need for more environmental education in Hong Kong: “At APA we get kids out on the water, and teach them about marine ecosystems by seeing and feeling.” To appreciate everything and take nothing for granted are messages Estelle hopes to pass on to the children she teaches.

Find it • Asia Pacific Adventure, www.asiapacificadventure.com • Ocean Futures Society, www.oceanfutures.org • Paul Gauguin Cruises, www.pgcruises.com/ambassadors-environment-youth-program

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TALKING POINTS

A

rriving in DB from her home in Davos, Philippines, for her first job as a foreign domestic helper, 24-year-old Liza Avelino dreamt that one day she would travel the world. Almost 20 years on, now with her third family in DB, Liza has just completed one part of this dream, a remarkable achievement that most of us wouldn’t even dare to attempt.

This April, Liza trekked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal (5,360 metres), and came just 600 metres short of scaling 6,190-metre Imja Tse, better known as Island Peak. “People say I’m the first Filipina helper to climb in the Himalayas,” Liza says with a smile.

“I thought if you go up to one of the highest points in the world, you’re on top of the world,” she adds. “And that means you get to see the whole world, sort of like a shortcut.”

Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Liza Avelino

Sharing the love In achieving her dream, and despite the meagre wage of a foreign domestic worker, Liza did not fundraise or ask for handouts. “It’s really sweet when it comes from your own pocket,” she says, having paid for the expedition for the greatest part from her salary and bonuses. Her employers, Phil Smith and Julia Aufenast paid for her flights to and from Nepal and she accepted some small gifts of money and equipment from friends both in DB and around Hong Kong.

When her story was shared on social media by DB friends Myriam Bartu of Enrich, a local charity that offers financial advice to domestic workers, and Steve Chitty, organiser of May’s Helper Appreciation Month in DB, Liza was flooded with well wishes and offers of financial support. Rather incredibly, Liza has redirected all donations to Enrich, so that the charity can continue helping other migrant workers like herself.

On May 5, a week or so after her return from Nepal, Liza participated

Mountain woman, Liza Avelino is all about seizing the day

CARPE

DIEM

DB helper Liza Avelino has worked hard to make her own dreams come true, and now she’s helping others do the same. Just back from a Herculean Himalayan climb, she’s a living inspiration, writes Angie Bucu on a compelling panel discussion at Hemingway’s in DB, about what it is to inspire and be inspired by others. While the story of her climb is inspirational in itself, Liza also shared her first-hand experience of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on April 25. In Kathmandu with her fellow trekkers, just days after their climb, she slept outside in a tent, too afraid to sleep inside in case of aftershocks. The group’s Sherpa brought them warm tea and food in the morning, despite just having heard that his village had been destroyed.

Liza is encouraging people to donate to victims of the disaster by contacting the leader of her expedition, Ian Taylor, who is providing direct aid to Nepali villagers in need.

Seizing the day Over the years, Liza has impressed and inspired many people with her determination and commitment, to both her work and her dream. Of her work she says, “My belief is that if you are employed to do a job you do it well no matter what, or you don’t do it at all.

When I work I give my all and I think  June 2015

37

TALKING POINTS

my employers feel that. I’m certainly not ashamed about my job.”

for altitude experience, and Japan’s Mount Yarigatake at 3,180 metres for a rehearsal in snow climbing – her first ever experience in the snow.

As a full-time helper, with two young children in her care, the bulk of Liza’s hiking (and training) is limited to Sundays. She enjoys the gruelling trek from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping, via the twin peaks of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak; and for something a little less strenuous, she takes on Tiger’s Head, via the trail behind the Greens.

Liza says she’s been drawn to the hills and hiking since she first moved to DB. At the suggestion of her then employer, former DB resident Jackie O’Brien, she joined The Hong Kong Trampers, a group set up in 1997 with a mission to explore the local countryside with like-minded people.

In recent years, she has organised hiking expeditions for fellow ‘trampers’ to remote, mountainous areas of the Philippines.

Neither climb however, prepared Liza for what was to come in the Himalayas.

“The altitude is difficult, and then there is the cold. It’s nothing like what I have felt before,” she says, explaining that a severe drop in temperature after 4,420 metres accompanied by unrelenting snow and rain frequently tested her determination.

Liza near Everest Base Camp in Nepal

The next step on Liza’s road to Everest Base Camp was completing the 100-kilometre Oxfam Trailwalker in 2010. “We finished in 34 hours and I was the only Filipina in my team, I felt so proud of myself,” she says. “I found it quite challenging but I like that kind of thing.” She completed the race again in 2011, this time as a team leader.

Liza has a physical memento of the Trailwalker, one that she turns to daily, a tattoo of a dragonfly with the words carpe diem (seize the day) in Sanskrit on her wrist. “I chose a dragonfly because even though they have a short lifespan, they live every moment of it to the fullest,” she explains. “When I look at this it reminds me to do just that.”

Scaling great heights Lantau’s toughest trails and highest peaks aren’t nearly enough to prepare a climber for a 6,100-metre ascent in the Himalayas. So Liza’s training saw her conquer two other impressive mountains in Asia: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah Malaysia at 4,100 metres

Hiking in the Philippines

Scaling Japan’s Mount Yarigatake

June 2015

Liza soon discovered that her clothing wasn’t adequate for the -15◦C conditions. She was also finding it difficult to breathe, so on the advice of her guide she opted to fall short of her 6,190-metre summit target, by just 600 metres.

Many valuable memories remain: A helicopter ride around Everest Base Camp gifted by her trekking companions, lasting friendships, and a commitment to return to conquer Island Peak and collect the Philippines flag left for her on the summit.

ALAYAS AID FOR THE HIM In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck the region on April 25 and May 12, aid is urgently needed throughout Nepal, Bangladesh and India. You can make a donation by contacting Liza’s Nepal-based expedition leader, Ian Taylor Trekking. For other ways to help, look to the Around DB Facebook page.

Find it • Enrich, www.enrichhk.org • Ian Taylor Trekking, iantaylortrekking.com/our-current-plan-to-help-in-nepal • The Hong Kong Trampers, www.hktrampers.com

Find more local heroes

38

Liza’s expedition guide, Ian of Ian Taylor Trekking, says on his website that the weather was strange with colder temperatures, more snow and stronger winds than usual, perhaps a precursor to the earthquake on April 25.

@ www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

ASIAN REAL ESTATE

HOTSPOTS Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Low prices and double-digit growth may be a thing of the past, but Asia still has its share of hot property markets. Elizabeth Kerr reports

42

W

hat a difference a year makes. It was just 2013 when property markets across AsiaPacific were all but on fire, with prices trending up, rental yields strong and investment in all sectors robust. But affordability issues in Taipei, Singapore and Hong Kong, political instability in Thailand and (again) Hong Kong June 2015

and a cooling economy in mainland China have slowed things down, if not brought them to a screeching halt. The years of double-digit price growth are more than likely in the rear view mirror.

coming from a low base, like Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. Each has the potential for strong appreciation, but are fraught with all manner of risk and regulatory hurdles for overseas buyers.

Asia-Pacific is heading for a flat 2015 in real estate, but investors with an eye to the long-term stand to benefit substantially in locations that are

Indonesia: still looking good For two years running, Indonesia was APAC’s best performer, with

IN FOCUS

80% cheaper. “More people are buying more land. They still see a lot of value [in Lombok] and it’s still early on the curve,” notes Raoul Preller, director of Hong Kong-based boutique developer Loftliving, which has a new project on the island. “It’s more on the fringe.

It’s less developed. It’s more a lifestyle location for people who don’t want to be in the thick of the big commercial districts and 400-room hotels.”

Nicholas agrees, but adds Lombok’s different ethnic mix and hospitality infrastructure (despite a new airport) means its true value is several years down the road. “Certainly some investors have been jumping in. If you were looking at what’s next you could say Lombok,” he states. Add Lombok to Indonesia’s emergent second-tier cities – Surabaya, Medan and Bandung – “and the Indonesia growth story is still pretty positive”.

Philippines: strong and steady

Luxury properties are now becoming available on Lombok, Indonesia

Jakarta experiencing nearly 150% price growth in prime properties over the last five. However, “The feeling is that the bull-run is coming to an end,” theorises Nicholas Holt, Asia-Pacific head of research for Knight Frank.

“The last three, four years have seen unbelievably strong price growth.

You have to put this in a regional context. It’s been catching up with other markets.”

Until recently, Jakarta’s prime real estate was less expensive than comparable properties in Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok. Now that it rivals its regional peers, the massive price leaps are petering out. “We’ve already seen sales volumes come off and there’s also a threat of a luxury tax on highend property, which slows the market down,” Nicholas continues. “We’re expecting it to stay flat this year.”

Indonesia is also burdened with a complex buying process. It’s ‘legal’ on paper for foreign nationals but can be risky in some circumstances – involving local nominees and corporate purchases. Buying in Jakarta is relatively uncomplicated for residents with a valid visa (it’s an end-user/ domestic market), but it’s a case of caveat emptor for everyone else, and clear, incontestable legal title can be just the opposite. In addition, the Indonesian government is making noises about clamping down on questionable purchases and nationalising the property.

Nonetheless, international buyers do indeed invest in Indonesia, particularly in Bali and, increasingly, Lombok.

Land values in Lombok rose 25% between 2013 and 2014 and they’re still a fraction of Bali’s – as much as

Another burgeoning vacation home market and emerging business hub with strong rental appeal is the Philippines. Like Indonesia, the Philippines had a banner 2013/ 14 and according to Antton Nordberg, head of research at Savills’ international associate KMC MAG Group, that’s going to continue. “The commercial sector is not showing any signs of slowing down thanks to the very well performing occupier market,” he says.

On the investment side, Manila still offers attractive yields and risk-adjusted returns, which will maintain the favourable investment environment.

As Antton sees it, Manila is currently performing better than Jakarta, despite heading for a slow-down in the coming months.

“In the luxury segment, capital values have significantly outpaced rental growth in the past few years, so I think the growth there will be more conservative in the next year or two – just to catch up with the rental market again,” he adds. “However, the lower segments will take care of the overall  June 2015

43

IN FOCUS

residential growth. That’s where most of the demand is.”

Like Thailand, foreign nationals are allowed to buy only a percentage of condominium development properties (40%), and as in Indonesia, other purchase types are questionable. Bill Dousse, director of Philippines-based real estate company Maison Tropicale, theorises the residential market would get a boost if, as an example, retirees were allowed to purchase their own property. “It is one thing for a large Chinese company to buy 5,000 hectares of farmland and another for a guy like me to buy 400 square feet for my own retirement house,” he says, arguing more foreign investment, and the reforms to allow it, would be good for the Filipino property market.

Bill doesn’t mince words, stating competitive taxes, including capital gains and documentary stamp, plus interest rates well below the current 8 to 11% would make the country more attractive to individual overseas investors. “With inflation now less than 3% in the Philippines, possibly less than in Hong Kong, why are mortgage rates 9% on average while they are less than 3% in Hong Kong?

Who is sucking the blood of whom?”

Japan: on the up Though Antton puts the Philippines ahead of it, Japan, and Tokyo in particular, is Asia’s current star. As the third of only three transparent, freehold, safe haven markets in Asia (with Hong Kong and Singapore), Tokyo is reaping all the benefits of rising urbanisation. “In Tokyo, centrally located condominiums perform pretty well. I think it was about 8% price growth in 2014,” remarks Nicholas. Low interest rates, a relatively weak yen and no additional stamp duties are making purchases attractive.

Aside from the traditional property bump that followed the city’s winning bid for the 2020 Olympics (and the Rugby World Cup in 2019), there’s a

44

June 2015

Homes in the Philippines, particularly Manila, have strong rental appeal

great deal of work going into making Tokyo a global force to be reckoned with. Spearheaded by Abenomics, foreign investment is up and being more actively encouraged than in the past. It’s a major business centre with an enormous (and growing) tenant pool and it habitually performs well on quality of life surveys.

“The demand is still there. Studio flats are very leasable. People are getting older, living together, closer to their kids,” reasons Joe Law, managing director at wealth management firm JL Advisers. “And there’s a new bullet train coming that will make the trip from Tokyo to Nagoya in 40 minutes,

which will become another economic zone.” Right now, Joe estimates new studio flats can earn up to 5% yields, and up to 8% on second-hand residential property isn’t unheard of.

Increased internationalism is driving much of the inbound investment, and that could rise if the government’s efforts to stimulate tourism succeed.

Overseas investors already dominate Niseko, arguably Asia’s premier ski destination, and vacation homes there have been a popular investment for several years.

“The Niseko leisure/ ski market is very welcoming. Most property-related 

IN FOCUS

Overseas homebuyers dominate Japanese ski resort, Niseko

companies and developers are run by foreigners with foreign investment monies,” notes Niseko Property director Grant Mitchell. Owners are nearly guaranteed full occupancy during peak ski season. And if the country’s closed casino market opens up, the property landscape will change again.

Though the proposal has been tabled for the time being, it’s estimated Japan’s gaming market could be worth as much as US$40 billion and have the kind of impact that Macau’s casinos had on the other SAR.

Find it • JL Advisers, www.jladvisers.com • KMC MAG Group, www.kmcmaggroup.com • Knight Frank, www.knightfrank.com.hk • Loftliving, www.loftliving.com.hk • Maison Tropicale, williamdousse@hotmail.com • Niseko Property, www.nisekoproperty.com • Savills, www.savills.com.hk

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@ www.arounddb.com

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FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT HELLO RESIDENTS OF DB, LANTAU AND THE REST OF HONG KONG! It’s time to consult THE EXPERT about your financial planning!

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My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. But the mandatory insurances required by the Hong Kong Government (including domestichelper insurance and automobile coverage), are always worth due diligence.

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Homeowners insurance is a security blanket. It is designed to protect you in the event of a catastrophe. Therefore, when you are choosing a policy, don’t always look to save money – the best deal may cost you more in the long run.

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Consider whether you have too much coverage. It’s common for policies to contain inflation-protection provisions that automatically increase your coverage amount. You may want to adjust your coverage amount to a more realistic figure.

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.

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Summer Camp

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Camp 1 29/06/15 to 04/07/15 Camp 2 06/07/15 to 10/07/15 Camp 3 03/08/15 to 07/08/15 Full day camps with Mandarin for Munchkins available

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FAMILY MATTERS

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org, Edge ‘n Pointe, Daruma Sports Club, Harry Wright International and La Cantera Football Club

SET ME FREE With so many summer camps available throughout DB and Lantau, choosing the right one for your kids doesn’t have to turn your world upside down. Read on to find 25 of the best local options, and some sure-fire ways your kids will benefit

When choosing a summer camp for your child, focus on their special interest

June 2015

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FAMILY MATTERS

D

on’t delay. Now’s the time to sign your kids up for summer camp. Many are already filling up and some of the most popular are already at capacity, or waitlisted. But the good news is there are still plenty of exciting local options to choose from.

And don’t panic. With DB and Lantau summer camps, you’re looking at enrolling your kids for a week or so, no more. And they’ll be busy for just a few hours a day, before coming home at night.

Harry Wright International in DB

The first (and obvious) thing to do is match your kids’ interests with a camp they’ll enjoy. And this is a no-brainer locally. Over the summer, children can concentrate on everything from arts and music, to sport, cooking and technology. Educational camps, for those playing catch-up at school, are also available.

Once you’ve honed in on the right camp and factored in the costs, start asking questions. Find out how the staff are screened and trained, what the camp return rates are, and how it handles student discipline. It’s essential you know what you are getting in advance: remember most summer camps are parent-free zones.

La Cantera Football Club in Tung Chung

Having fun learning Time spent at summer camp gives kids something to do over the long, summer vacation. It allows them to focus on a special interest, or on something they are not excelling in at school. But there’s more to the experience than that.

At summer camp, children get the chance to develop essential coping strategies. They learn how to swim, build a fire, or play a team sport. Then there are the more complex challenges of getting along with a new group of friends and learning how to rely on others, all without a parent holding their hand.

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June 2015

Daruma Sports Club in DB

Children make new relationships at camp, not just with peers, but with trusted adults they’ve just met. Being able to negotiate on your own with an adult for what you need is, of course, an essential life skill.

A positive camp experience will bolster children’s confidence. They may not be the best dancer, or the fastest computer programmer, but a good camp leader will help them find something to be proud of. Simply

Edge ‘n Pointe in Tung Chung

put, camps can help children feel competent and in control of their lives.

They will learn how to problem solve – something that will benefit them long after the summer of 2015 is forgotten.

Another wonderful thing about summer camp is that kids are given a chance to feel like they belong. With their goofy chants and team songs, camps engender a sense of identity and community that helps children feel rooted.

Indoor heated pools Convenient locations Professional instruction Perfect safety record since est. 1975 Structured and progressive programme

UPCOMING COURSES Summer Holiday Programme July - August 2015 Summer Camps 27 June - 14 August 2015 Competitive Camp 10 - 14 August 2015

Learn to Swim with Harry Wright International. swimming@harrywright.com.hk www.harrywright.com.hk (+852) 2575 6279 /HarryWrightInternational

GET CREATIVE Junior Snappers offers fun and educational filmmaking, photography and videography workshops for kids aged 8 to 16, in DB. Contact 9849 0050, juniorsnappershk@gmail.com, www.juniorsnappers.com.

Clement Art School is offering a summer programme for budding young artists in Tung Chung on selected dates in July. Early-bird discounts are available. Contact 9021 1502, clementartschool@hotmail.com, www.clementart.com.au.

Dramatic English (Mui Wo) Education Centre's Little Reporter course for kids aged 2.5 to 16, teaches them how to interview people and speak in front of the camera, building self-confidence. The course runs throughout July and August. Contact 2109 9886, www.DramaticEnglish.org.

GET GROOVY DMR School of Ballet in DB is offering a storybook-themed summer camp, where kids aged 6 to 16 can tap, twist, kick and shout their way into a new set of moves, then strut their stuff on stage in the final show. Contact 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com.

Island Dance is offering dance camps for 4 to 8-year-olds and workshops for 9 to 12-year-olds, throughout July and August in DB. Dance styles include Freestyle, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, Lyrical Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary. Contact 2987 1571, dance@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk.

Edge 'n Pointe’s summer workshop runs for children aged 2.5 and up, in Tung Chung this August. Offering quality classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Kindermusik and Zumba. Contact 6688 2167, admin@edgenpointe.com, www.edgenpointe.com.

GET SMART Bayview House of Children in DB is offering a Time Traveller Fun Camp every morning for kids aged 3 to 6, and Time Traveller Reporter in the afternoons for kids aged 4 and up, starting June 29. Contact 6114 2436, ramesha@bayview.hk, www.bayview.hk.

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June 2015

Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club’s DB summer camps start July 2, for beginners to experienced players. Kids learn basic theory and how to play, and improve their technical skills. Contact 9681 2896, training@caissahk.com, www.caissahk.com.

Discovery Mind Primary School in DB and Tung Chung offers three exciting weeks and themes, for kids aged 5 to 11, running from June 22 to July 10. Contact 2914 2202 (DB), 2915 0666 (TC), enquiry@dmps.edu.hk.

Lantau International School in Tong Fuk offers kids the chance to ‘travel’ to a new continent and play exciting games, while learning about different country's traditions. For kids aged 4 to 11. Contact 2980 3676, lisadmin@lis.edu.hk, www.lis.edu.hk.

Lao Shi Lantau is running an intensive programme of Mandarin lessons in Mui Wo, during July and August.

Contact 5197 4647, kairan_devine@gmail.com, Facebook: Lao Shi Lantau - Mandarin Teacher.

Little Stars at Play’s summer classes in Tung Chung include English Adventures, Tiny Tunes, Kindermusik, Crafty Me! and Yummy Yummy, during July and August. Contact 6479 0390, Facebook: Little Stars at Play.

OWLS Centre Mui Wo is offering a variety of fun-filled activities including music, story time, cooking, arts and crafts, mini-gym and creative play for kids aged 2 to 10, in July and August. Contact 2984 0006, owls@netvigator.com, www.owlsschool.com.

Sakura Kids offers Japanese lessons in Tung Chung, with a summer course in August. Classes taught by native Japanese teachers involve flash cards, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, songs and dance. Contact 6674 6194, sakura. kids.hk@gmail.com, Facebook: Sakura Kids.

GET SPORTY DB Pirates & Hong Kong Scottish are running rugby camps for boys and girls from under 6s to under 12s, in Discovery Bay. Free Sunday summer-fun rugby classes are also offered. Contact 2517 8248, admin@dbpirates.com, www.dbpirates.com.

DMR Daruma Sports is offering a DB summer camp, covering Jujitsu (self-defence), Judo, Sumo, Kata and physical training, from July 7 to 10. Contact 6244 6093, darumasports@gmail.com.

Embody’s DB summer programme offers children, aged 3 to 11, morning and afternoon sessions of Yoga and Zumba, throughout July and August. Contact 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk, www.embody.hk.

School of Ballet Est 1984

At DMR it’s more than just a dance!

Harry Wright International offers swim camps in DB for children from 4 months to 12 years, catering to all levels from babies to improver level, throughout July and August.

Contact 2575 6279, swimming@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk HK Dragons summer camps in DB and Tung Chung start June 29. Courses provide a fun learning environment for football players aged 5 and up. Contact 2987 4274, office@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk.

Movement Improvement is offering five-day and half-day camps in DB in conjunction with Mandarin for Munchkins.

Suitable for kids aged 3 to 8, during July and August. Contact 2987 5852, admin@movementimprovement.com.hk, www. movementimprovement.com.hk.

RugBees in DB is providing Fun in the Farm themed camps for the summer. Kids, walking to 4 years, learn the basics of rugby such as kicking, catching, passing, key motor skills and teamwork. Contact 2117 3055, nicepeople@rugbees.com, www.rugbees.hk.

Epic Tung Chung is offering Epic Little Ninjas summer camps for kids aged 5 to 11, including AntiGravity® Kids, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and Gymnastics/ Tumbling. Contact 2786 9699, info@epicmma.com, www.epicmma.com.

La Cantera Football Club is offering summer camps for kids aged 5 and up, in Tung Chung. Goalkeeper training is provided in partnership with Asia Goalkeeper Academy. Contact 5410 1092, office@lacanterafc.hk, www.lacanterafc.hk.

Aqua Gym offers intensive summer swim and triathlon courses for children aged 3 and up, in Tung Chung in July and August. Contact 2914 0658, info@aquagym.com.hk, www.aquagym.com.hk.

Treasure Island on Pui O Beach offers three camps for kids aged 5 to 18: Grommets for 5 to 9-year-olds, Surfers Intermediate for 9 to 15-year-olds, and Adventure Camp for 9 to 18-year-olds. Contact 2984 8711, surf@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com.

Enrollment for 2015 summer programme will be opening soon!

Contact us for more details

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay HK

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com - www.dmr-hk.com

ESCAPES

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong and www.wikimedia.org

DARJEELING EXPRESS

54

Exploring yet another side of incredible India, Cecilia Yee takes in steam trains, tea plantations and majestic mountains in the foothills of the Himalayas

W

hen someone says India travel, what comes to mind are the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the rich and colourful palaces of Rajasthan, and the chaotic, big city bustle of Mumbai. But there’s a lot more to India than that. Its fascinating diversity covers dramatic deserts and palm-fringed beaches, verdant valleys and mighty mountains, wild jungles and sculpted Mughal gardens, quaint bazaars and opulent malls.

June 2015

The Toy Train and Tiger Hill

in the foothills of the Himalayas, the town stands at an elevation of 2,165 metres. Its development dates back to the mid-19th century, when the colonial British administration set up a sanatorium and military depot, and surrounded it with tea plantations.

The long, three-flight journey from Hong Kong culminates in a threehour overland transfer from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling town. Located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal

The name Darjeeling comes from the Tibetan words, dorje (thunderbolt) and ling (place or land), so it means land of the thunderbolt. And to add to the mix, the old town, despite

This trip, I decided to explore a side of India that most people only know about through reading history books, and now watching a certain Wes Anderson movie: Darjeeling.

ESCAPES

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India, known locally as the Toy Train

its preponderance of old-colonial landmarks, reminded me of Nepal – even the people look Nepali.

After resting up in town, day two saw us embarking on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Connecting the town with the plains, it has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India, known locally as the Toy Train. Following in the footsteps of the three zany brothers in Anderson’s

The Darjeeling Limited, we hopped on and made the journey to Ghum, the highest stop on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at 2,258 metres.

(Fans of the 2007 flick, and the incredible Indian landscapes it reveals, will not be disappointed.)

Day three, we drove out to Tiger Hill, the summit of Ghum at 2,585 metres, to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range. Nine kilometres outside of town, you drive or walk

to Tiger Hill through Chowrasta, Alubari (the oldest tea plantation in the district), and then climb to the summit, which takes about two hours at an easy pace. After hours of waiting, in below freezing temperatures, the sun slowly revealed itself, the clouds parted, and there it was, the big ticket item – Mount Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain in the world at 8,586 metres.

From Tiger Hill, 8,848-metre Mount Everest is just visible, peeping out   June 2015

55

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through two other peaks standing by its side. The distance in a straight line from Tiger Hill to Mount Everest is 172 kilometres.

While at Tiger Hill, you can also visit Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers up great picnic spots, and two picturesque reservoirs. Ghum Monastery is another highpoint.

Thanks to the colourful prayer flags and prayer wheels, and the pungent smell of wafting incense and yak butter, I felt transported to Tibet.

Time for tea?

During the British Raj, Darjeeling’s temperate climate led to its development as a hill station for British residents seeking to escape the summer heat of the plains. While the town became known as a health resort, extensive tea plantations were established in the surrounding hills.

The early tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques; the resultant Darjeeling tea now ranks among the most popular in the world.

Many of the tea plantations (also called tea estates) in Darjeeling now provide getaways for tourists, and we were treated with genuine hospitality at Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel. Established by a Scottish tea company in 1859, Glenburn has belonged to the Prakashes, one of India’s pioneering tea-planting families, for four generations.

The Prakash family carries almost a century of tea knowledge in their inheritance, and the tour of the estate is informative as well as fun. We were taken through the tea-making process – from plucking to drying – and offered at least 12 different types of tea.

Traditionally, Darjeeling tea is black, however oolong, white and green varieties are becoming more common.

Thin-bodied and light-coloured, with a floral aroma, Darjeeling tastes slightly astringent, with a little bit of musk and spiciness thrown in.

Glenburn is a heavenly retreat nestled

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June 2015

Darjeeling town stands at an elevation of 2,165 metres

Tea plantations stem from the mid-19th century

The Manjitar Suspension Bridge leading to Sikkim

Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel

Hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas

on a hillock above the banks of the Rungeet River. Here, hiking is a must. One of my favourite walks took us through Simbong Forest to the Manjitar Suspension Bridge, which connects Darjeeling to neighbouring Sikkim. Our guide helped us identify the forest’s glorious birds, butterflies and plant life.

Exploring Sikkim After a good few days relaxing in and around the tea plantations, we decided to head north to Sikkim. A landlocked state high up in the Himalayas, it was once a part of Tibet, and after gaining independence from the British in 1947, it remained an independent 

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monarchy until 1975 when it became a part of India.

home to spectacular glaciers, flowerfilled alpine meadows and verdant rice terraces. Peaceful, quiet and lush.

You need to obtain an Inner Line Permit in advance to gain entry to Sikkim; and at the border, you go through ‘immigration’ to get your passport stamped.

back from this trip inspired and rejuvenated. What I saw in and around Darjeeling was a million miles from the stereotypically loud and busy India I’d experienced before.

As clichéd as it may sound, I came

ALAYAS

AID FOR THE HIM

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is modernising apace but there’s still a strong Buddhist presence and plenty of ancient monasteries to visit. Gangtok’s 1-kilometre cable car ride offers up spectacular views. We also explored the surrounding villages, where Tibetanstyle monasteries and colourfully painted houses are stacked on top of each other against mountain ridges.

Darjeeling and its people escaped much of the devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck the region on April 25 and May 12, but aid is still urgently needed throughout Nepal, Bangladesh and India. Find out what you can do to help by checking the Around DB Facebook page.

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in first-class yet affordable flights and holiday packages. To book your India getaway, give the expat travel consultants a call on 2830 2776, visit www.flightcentre.com.hk, or drop by the retail stores in Central, Happy Valley or Wanchai.

In Sikkim, we were able to get better acquainted with Mount Kanchenjunga, and the region is also

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ACTION

The DB-based Latin Dragons training for dragon boat season

Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of the LBC

HERE BE DRAGONS

The old saying ‘train hard, race easy’ is as true for dragon boating as it is for most other sports. Richard Cowley finds out what it takes from three of DB’s top paddlers

A

s the heat of the summer takes hold, so does dragon boat fever, with hundreds of teams taking part in numerous races all over Hong Kong and the outlying islands. At the June 20 DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival, 48 teams from all over Hong Kong converge on Tai Pak Wan to take part in the fierce, yet mostly friendly competition.

This month, you’ll spot many a

weekend warrior, paddle in hand, heading off to a training session or competition, but how fit do you actually need to be to join a dragon boat team? Can anyone just turn up and have a go? And what training is involved?

Paddlers in sync In this 2,000-year-old sport, which traces its roots back to southern China,

team members paddle in time to the beat of a drum. Just one paddler being out of whack can make the difference between the team finishing first and last, so there’s no room for error.

Tim Osborne, chairman of the Lantau Boat Club (LBC) paddling section, and a 15-year DB resident says, “Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can start dragon boating, and the best gains are to be had by joining a June 2015

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ACTION

The Discovery Bay Pirates Dragon Boat team

team at the beginning of the season and progressing gradually through regular training. Someone joining a team on race day with no training under their belt is going to struggle and risks injury.

Apart from fitness, there is much to learn. Our early season training [starting in February] is usually one, one-and-a-half hour session per week but as the season progresses [May] this increases to two sessions.”

Training also starts early for the Discovery Bay Pirates Dragon Boat team, part of the Discovery Bay Pirates Sports Club. Manager for the club’s dragon boat section (as well as its women’s sports division), Renee McCreadie, a 20-year DB resident, points out that even though the DB Pirates are a social team, weekly two-hour training sessions started in February. “As long as you can get three to four training sessions in before a race, you should be able to compete,” she adds.

The DB-based Latin Dragons have been training for one hour, three times a week since September last year.

Setting the bar high, manager Stefano Passarello, a six-year DB resident, says, “It takes around two years and two races to be really competitive in the dragon boat.”

A hard-core workout Dragon boating is a great way to get fit and stay fit, and it provides a focus with a group dynamic to help people meet their goals. Paddlers are encouraged

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June 2015

The Lantau Boat Club dragon boaters

Latin Dragons living it up

to do other forms of exercise between dragon boat training (like running, cycling, swimming and gym work) to improve their general fitness.

“As well as training on the water, the Latin Dragons also train on land, which really benefits the whole team and their performance,” says Stefano, who holds the Standard Chartered Hong

Kong Marathon record for a locally based runner. “Dragon boating was the natural choice for me, personally, for cross training, and it’s a great core stability workout.”

Pointing out that a dragon boat race requires an explosive start, a sustainable middle section and then an acceleration to the finish, Tim

ACTION

says the LBC training season starts by covering all the various aspects, before combining them into full race pieces.

“Technique focuses on engaging the core muscles to maximise power in the stroke, holding the paddle at the correct angle, and synchronising timing of the stroke throughout the team,” he explains.

encouragement and have an open environment for questions. Paddlers need to be willing to take advice.”

“Dragon boating is a very inclusive sport where men and women of all ages can compete side by side,” Tim adds, “and it’s a great way to make

friendships for life.”

Stefano gets the last word: “Sport is good for both body and spirit,” he says. “This dragon boat thing is the best expression of what DB can offer in terms of letting people feel integrated and energised.”

“A key aspect of training is the mental side: Drilling the race sequence so that it becomes second nature, and developing focus and awareness of timing and calls from the boat captain or steersman,” Tim adds. “Technique requires time to develop the muscle memory so that it becomes automatic.”

For the Discovery Bay Pirates, training drills also change by the week. “At first we concentrate on fitness and endurance, building our cardio and abdominal strength; then over the next few weeks, we concentrate on our sprint pace and power,” says Renee. “Most novice paddlers come in thinking that it’s all about upper-body strength, but this is not the case.”

A great workout both mentally and physically, dragon boating clearly has numerous health benefits. Tim explains: “Training increases strength (particularly core muscles of the abdomen and back), aerobic fitness, recovery and flexibility. Many people do lose weight; intense exercise like this kick-starts the metabolism and helps burn calories long after the workout has finished.”

Fringe benefits In addition to the purely physical gains, dragon boating is all about building team spirit and socialising with fellow paddlers. There’s also the pleasure and excitement gained from racing in fiercely contested competitions.

“It’s about liking being competitive and having fun,” says Renee. “As in any team sport, we aim to provide

All for a good cause

The DB-based Sea Cucumbers

Dragon boating in DB is a story of passion, commitment and true community spirit, made even more so since the majority of teams actively support local charities.

One such, the Sea Cucumbers, has caught our eye this year, since it’s donating 12% of its sponsorship funds and 12% of its dues to Plastic Free Seas (PFS), the DB-based NGO run by Tracey Read.

“Our passion for dragon boating is matched by our commitment to cleaning up our local beaches, promoting a pollution-free marine environment and educating our members and the community about the importance of tackling marine pollution at source,” explains three-year DB resident Rikki Stancich, who paddles for the team. “The Sea Cucumbers carry out beach clean-ups before training; we also participate as a team in the beach clean-ups organised by PFS and we support broader Hong Kong events organised by the Ocean Recovery Alliance.”

This year is the first year that the Sea Cucumbers have competed outside of DB. Special congratulations go to the women’s team, who placed second in the Plate Final at the Lamma 500 dragon boating event on April 26.

Find it • DB Pirates, www.dbpirates.com/Dragon-boating • Lantau Boat Club, www.lantauboatclub.com • Latin Dragons, www.facebook.com/groups/468727069887552 • Sea Cucumbers, seacukes.db@gmail.com

Find more clubs and activities

@ www.arounddb.com

June 2015

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MOMENTS

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! DB brothers Teddy and Jonny Sealey are sharing the coveted role of Friedrich von Trapp in the West End production of The Sound of Music, which opens in Hong Kong this month. Hannah Ball catches up with them

O

ozing confidence and fun, and ready to burst into song at any given moment, Teddy Sealey, 12, and Jonny Sealey, 10, both students at Discovery Bay International School, were clearly born to strut their stuff on stage. And this month, they’re all set to perform alongside a 30-strong international cast in the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, showing at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai.

Teddy and Jonny, both DB residents of three years, are sharing the role of Friedrich, the eldest boy in the von Trapp family. From a total of 600 local children, who auditioned back in January, the boys are two of just 20 actors and actresses, age seven to 13, chosen to play the six youngest von Trapps (Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl).

teacher Louise Thoreau for advice.

“When casting for shows you look for that bright spark; kids have to be able to catch on quickly,” says Louise, who has lived in DB on and off for 15 years. “Jonny and Teddy are both very musical, and they’re athletic, so I knew they’d catch on to the dance steps. They are also very playful, a key element in timing for actors.”

Jonny says rehearsals are “much more fun than school”. “We’re usually singing all the way home afterwards,” Teddy adds. “And we’ve made great friends with the other cast members. In fact, we’re all part of a Whatsapp group and each time we have a rehearsal, we all have to come dressed in a particular colour. One day, we all had to go dressed in pink!”

After the three-day auditions back in January, rehearsals began in earnest on April 2. “The vocal and dance training sessions are intensive,” says Lucy. “It’s a proper commitment.”

It’s show time!

Jonny and Teddy Sealey – two of The von Trapp Family Singers

“I’ve had several nightmares where the curtains open and I completely forget my lines, or forget my part in a song,” admits Teddy. “For one scene, we have just 30 seconds to change outfits, which worries me a bit too.

But mostly we’re both just really excited to be in one of the biggest musicals of all time.”

Making the cut

Photo by Josh Clery

“The boys love being on stage,” says mum, Lucy. “Last summer, they took part in a week-long drama workshop at Wells Performing Arts Dance and Theatre School in England, and they absolutely loved it. I guess it helps too, that we’re quite a musical family.

Both boys play the piano, Jonny plays the trumpet, and Teddy plays drums and percussion. Their dad and I both played musical instruments when we were younger, and we sing in the DB Glee choir.”

64

The boys heard about the auditions for the show through school, and they looked to their private music

Find it

Seru Rabeni set to beef up DB Pirates’ play

Find more local gossip June 2015

Enjoying sell-out seasons in Singapore, New Zealand and China, and seen by over two million people in London’s West End, this production of The Sound of Music is quite a coup for the boys’ professional debut. Set to perform in 15 of the 45 shows each (Freddie Fawcett, 11, from Stanley, is also playing Friedrich), I ask them if they’re experiencing any stage fright.

The Sound of Music is showing at the Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai, from May 15 to June 21.

For tickets, starting at HK$395, visit www.hkticketing.com, or call 31 288 288.

@ www.arounddb.com

HK HAPPENINGS

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Prestige Events

SUMMER GIFT FAIR

June

Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

Stock up on unique designer gifts, stylish jewellery, fashion, accessories, gourmet food, homewares and children’s products at the 2015 Prestige Summer Lifestyle & Gift Fair. You can expect over 140 vendors displaying products from all corners of the globe, plus a resort wear catwalk presentation, a food and wine tasting and visual presentations. The event runs from 10am to 7pm and admission is free. Visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

SEVEN DAYS OF SWING

Hong Kong City Hall and Hong Kong University

9

3June

www.cumplenhoy.com

The Hong Kong Summer Jazz Festival is back and this year’s edition is as action-packed as ever. Take advantage of a range of classes and talks featuring world-renowned musician Bob Mintzer, as well as a host of live performances headlined by Mintzer, Andy Scott and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.bbjf.org.hk; for tickets, visit www.urbtix.hk.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

7 June 5Catch Talking Scarlet and ABA Productions’ brilliant musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless children’s classic. After three successful tours of the UK, Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad take you on a daring quest to regain Toad Hall from the weasels and restore their way of life. For tickets, starting at HK$195, visit www.hkticketing.com or call 31 288 288.

POOL PARTY W Hong Kong, West Kowloon W Hong Kong’s Shock Wave Summer Series kicks off this month, and the first of four pool parties, featuring international yoga identity Tara Stiles and Barcelonabased band Josep, is sure to be huge. Head to Hong Kong’s highest and most spectacular outdoor pool, some 76 floors up, and take part in a photo contest for the chance to win tickets to the remaining three parties. For tickets, starting at HK$400, visit www.hkclubbing.com.

June 6

Evolution Asia Yoga

4 June 11-1

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai

www.samuipedia.com

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Asia’s biggest and best yoga and wellness conference brings you over 160 classes and workshops, suitable for participants of all abilities, levels, disciplines and interests. A range of expert presenters from around the globe are set to discuss the many and varied styles and levels of yoga, while the convention also offers free community events. For more information and to register, visit www.asiayogaconference.com.

June 2015

www.w-hongkong.com

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders www.centerontheaisle.com

THE LEGEND OF MULAN

June 12-14

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, TST

Check out Hong Kong Dance Company’s award-winning stage show The Legend of Mulan. A young Chinese girl, Mulan shows courage and bravery that belie her years to protect her father and the rest of her family. Tickets, starting at HK$100, are available through www.urbtix.hk; for more information, visit www.hkdance.com.

Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai

hout g u o r Th June

Faust International Youth Theatre

out June h g u o r h T Summer is here and it’s time to hit the water, the Hong Kong way.

1. Saffron Cruises – With one of the biggest fleets of junks in Hong Kong, Saffron Cruises can cater to your every need with its red-sailed junks, yachts and modern cruisers. www.saffron-cruises.com.

THE FAUST FESTIVAL

Brought to you by the Faust International Youth Theatre, The Faust Festival sees children aged from four to 16 perform in a host of shows designed to entertain. Many of the shows have been written especially for the festival, with some of the highlights including The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and A Midsummer Night’s Phantasy. Tickets cost HK$80 for children and HK$120 for adults, and are available at www.urbtix.hk.

TOP JUNK TRIPS

ust 2

Aug e 19 –

Jun

www.cof.gov.hk

CHINESE OPERA FESTIVAL Various venues throughout Hong Kong

Treat yourself to the best of Chinese opera during the two-week annual Chinese Opera Festival. There is something for all opera lovers, with the festival featuring seven different genres of opera and a host of wellknown artists, as well as talks, forums and exhibitions. Visit www.urbtix.hk for tickets, or www.cof.gov.hk for further information.

2. Hong Kong Junks – Boasting a fleet of three impressive junks, Hong Kong Junks can cater for up to 40 people and offer the added option of water sports. www.hongkongjunks.com.hk.

3. Junks.hk – Providing great catering, water sports and more, Junks.hk is a good option for parties. Any add-ons are delivered to your boat, so all you need do is show up and enjoy your day out. www.junks.hk.

4. Other popular Hong Kong junk companies include Jubilee (www.jubilee.hk ), Aqua Luna (www.aqualuna.com.hk) and Lazy Days (www.lazydays.com.hk).

HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Various coastal locations

What better way to spend a summer’s day than immersing yourself in the colour, culture and atmosphere of a dragon boat race. One of the biggest events of the season is the Stanley International Dragon Boat Races, with local and international teams locking horns at Stanley’s main beach. You can also get in on the action at Aberdeen, Sai Kung, Cheng Chau and of course DB. For more information, go to www.discoverhongkong.com.

June 20

Saffron Cruises

www.districtcouncils.gov.hk

June 2015

67

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

Email your photos for DB Faces to sam@baymedia.com.hk. Around DB accepts no liability for the photos sent

Who do you know? Find more familiar faces @ www.arounddb.com.

COMPETITION

www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

A

B

Y

C

Congratulations to last month’s winner Jeremy Tan! Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

our challenge this month is to identify which of the 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 photos is the exact copy. You can contact us via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, by clicking on one of the QR Codes, or by emailing info@baymedia.com.hk by June 10. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer. Good luck!

RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1

25/03/2013 4:13 PM

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

HOME & REPAIRS

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY

FINANCE & INSURANCE

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (MORMONS)

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

Sunday 1pm.

4/F Discovery College.

Visitors welcome. Call 9029 1251

EMPLOYMENT

Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

THE BEACH HOUSE

We are now looking for the following staff for new modern Western beach café & bar opening in Cheung Sha in June.

• Head chef – specialising in modern Western nutrition & health cuisine, including gluten free cooking, low sugar & low sodium.

Must have working knowledge of food allergies & intolerances • Assistant manager – must speak Cantonese & English • Bartenders – must speak Cantonese & English • Chefs – must speak Cantonese & English Five-day week, medical benefits & good working environment.

Please email your CV & references to info@thebeachhousehk.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail Biting • Insomnia • Exam Jitters Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

DB-BASED REALTOR SEEKS EAA-LICENSED AGENTS Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage.

Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented.

Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates.

Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

Gourmet-Deli Takeaway - Bar/Restaurant

(Full-time position) Excellent command of English &/or Cantonese required.

Job location: Discovery Bay. Mature, hardworking & detail-oriented.

Good PC skills & MS office application.

Interested parties please email your full CV to hr@dmk.edu.hk

PETS

EXPERT MOVER

THE PLACE WHERE THE PETS GO - PETCODB

• Mover • Storage • Handyman Competitive rates.

Professional quality service.

Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk.

Visit www.expertmover.hk

In Wan Chai we are looking for: Bar Tender – 15K per month

Junior Chef – 13K + per month Cleaner – 13K per month Barrista – 12K per month

Grooming & Pet Care Services.

Trust us to provide loving & safe care for the ones you love!

Contact 2914 0382, info@petcodb.com.

Visit www.petcodb.com

DOG SERVICES

HOUSE DOCTOR HANDYMAN

Fluent in English Hong Kong permanent resident • Plumbing • Electrical • Aircon installation & repairs • Curtain, blind, picture, mirror, shelf and picture hanging • Ceiling fan & light installation • Kitchen & bathroom renovation • Assembly of Ikea products • House Painting Contact Frank on 9141 5706, housedoc999express@gmail.com

KIDS

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

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

Looking for a place to stay? www.arounddb.com

A NEW ITALIAN FOOD CONCEPT

PRIMARY SCHOOL SEEKS ADMIN ASSISTANT

HOME SERVICES

Home boarding, behaviour modification, Tui Na Massage & grooming. Reliable & honest.

100% safety record over the past 11 years.

Contact Dave Chan on 9872 5439, www.quoquoclub.com

RETAIL ABBELIO WINES

Great value! High scoring! Wines from around the world!

Free delivery & special offer for Discovery Bay residents.

For details, visit http://abw.hk/db, or call 3170 8458

DB MARINA CLUB DEBENTURES

Do you have a C Class or B Class Debenture you are not using?

Or one that is expiring, or coming up for extension?

Lifestyle Homes has interested buyers. To find out more, contact info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

Looking for a business?

www.arounddb.com

HOUSE RENOVATIONS & PAINTING BY UNITEK HK All works undertaken by UK Tradesmen including electrics, plumbing, tiling, carpentry and many more!

Food Preparation Assistant – 12K per month

Benefits: Annual Leave, Incentive Holidays, Medical Benefits, Meal Provided, etc.

Please contact us at 2232 9439 or email: connie.leung@davia.hk

www.unitekhk.com Tel: 2984 9381 / 9491 2605 June 2015

71

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

SINCE 1997

OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

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June 2015

Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 Lantau hotline: 5668 2667 www.aa-hk.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com SERVICES ACCOUNTING & COMPANY SERVICES

Prepare management accounts, weekly, monthly or yearly.

Whatsapp 9673 7730.

Email et@ponyservices.com

NOTARY SERVICES

Now available in DB at affordable rates. For enquiries, 9143 0799, notary@hpi.com.hk

TRAVEL CONCORdE TRAVEL

Leisure Travel & Cruise specialists since 1978.

Call 2526 3391, or visit www.concorde-travel.com.

Licence No 350343

Birth & Postnatal Support Antenatal Classes Breastfeeding support Placenta remedies

TUITION & COURSES

DOULA

Trust in yourself when it matters...

LEARN SPANISH

Meet our customer of the month "Kismet" Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

Shop G09-92 Siena Ave. DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 8873 Open Daily 10am – 7:30pm

© Cyril Almeras

Native speaker, DELE examiner.

Experienced teacher.

IB, IGCSE, A-Levels & HKDSE Business Spanish & courses for adults.

Flexible schedule & locations.

(Special offers to students who live in DB & Tung Chung.)

For enquiries please contact Mr Erik R at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

Jeanne Hauguel

6496 4318 | jeanne@doulabirthstory.com | www.doulabirthstory.com

CHINESE (MANdARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

• Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools, Year 1 to 13 • For students & adults (homework/ exams/ business) • Mother-tongue Chinese tutors from the PRC (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics tutors (UK B SC) • Native English tutors.

(MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, graciasx@hotmail.com

MANdARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM

In the Greens. Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

Call 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

2168

or

il err

BLA

info@sooqcentral.com

om

oo.c

: 6926ofit168@yah TEL Ema

www.sooqcentral.com

G O XasI BNoxfit B T - O U nown

C K Formerly k

FULLY QUALIFIEd SCIENCE TEACHER

With Honours Bachelors Degree.

Offering tutoring for KS3 & IGCSE Science (all disciplines) & IB/A’ Levels Physics.

Contact 6079 2052, mr.m.walker@yahoo.com.uk

Sunday, Monday & Wednesday at Movement Improvement.

Learn precise boxing techniques to strengthen and condition your body.

June 2015

73

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB

PROPERTY DB

MODERN 1-BEDROOM FLAT

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

Spacious open layout. Quiet, high floor.

Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer.

English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack!

Competitively priced. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com

Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service.

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

CHERISH COURT 2-BED APARTMENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished.

Call 9108 5525

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

COSY NEW 1 BEDROOM NEW 1-BED APARTMENT Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment in Greendale Court. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

Cosy & brand-new 1-bedroom flat with sea view, convenient location, fully furnished with bed linen, kitchenware, washer/ drier & English & Chinese TV channels. Free cleaning once every 3 days upon request. Minimum stay 3 nights. Contact Mary on 9726 6219, marydbay@gmail.com

PROPERTY OVERSEAS SERVICED APARTMENTS SIENA 2 Quiet with sea views, near Club Siena & tunnel.

Fully furnished, with bed linen & kitchenware.

55” TVs, wi-fi, Blu-ray home theatre, washer/ drier. Short or long lease. Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED

53’ SAILING YACHT, LANGKAWI & THAILAND

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

Stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom sailing yacht in a Langkawi marina, for overnight stay or private charter around Langkawi and Southern Thailand. For details, contact 9732 2544, garry@saffron-marina.com

Stunning cliff-top 2-bedroom beach cottage offering uninterrupted 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, just a 5-minute walk to Laguna Beach. For more information, contact 9732 2544, garry@saffron-marina.com

LUXURY 2-BED Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

SLEEPS 4 Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband.

Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

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June 2015

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

PHUKET VILLA SHORT-TERM RENT Deluxe, spacious 4-bedroom villa, with ensuite bathrooms & private pool.

Wireless internet access, sala, bar & BBQ area.

Fully equipped kitchen with laundry area.

Close to Laguna. Contact Roenel on 9050 4772, atsea@netvigator.com

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc‌ For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

Get Ready Sizzling Summer!

Importing all natural, handmade products from small British producers

GMT FOODS Tel: +852 6647 2292 email: gillian@gmtfoodshk.com www.gmtfoodshk.com www.facebook.com/gmtfoods twitter@gillian_GMT

est. 2009

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel Shoesee Foldable

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 5502 6128 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Deli Viet Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2109 0036 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2109 1927 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 3969 1888 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

Asian Hairdressers Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

3147 4088 2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

LEARNING CENTRES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool The Story Studio Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2109 4962 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

9 Dragons Fitness Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2786 9699 2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1809 3661 1694

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Maverick’s Restaurant, Pui O Tak Chai Kee Seafood Taco Loco The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep

2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 5465 5511 5402 4154 2984 1265 9022 5737 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dalcroze Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design Unitek

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 2984 9381 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten The Story Studio

2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 6341 3989

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Friendly Bike Shop Lantau Base Camp Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2134 1234 2984 2278 5463 6060 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0099 9586 3459 SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Phoenix Wills Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio)

9662 1747 2984 0060 3100 0101 9025 3949 3114 0030 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza Beautiful Gate 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 Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2323 0738 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 9029 1251 2259 3422

Island Dance A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome.

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

A drop-off playgroup for ages 18 months upward. Your child will have heaps of fun and make lots of new friends.

9327 0507

2812 2660 2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

2987 4401 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 6 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life 2116 1333 www.harveylawcorporation.com

Grooming & Pet Services With Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love 2914 0382 info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com Amity Shoes Care Gillian florist, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

The Best Travel Agency in DB 2987 2626 cas@appletravel.com

PetcoDB

Playtime Kids DB

DAILY NECESSITIES

Apple Travel

Harvey Law Group

Little Explorers

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BtoKidz, North Plaza In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite

OTHER SERVICES

Previously Midget Gems Kids Club www.positivestepsplaygroup.com positivestepsplaygroup@gmail.com

5369 2329 2529 8256 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located. 9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk

Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com

LEARNING CENTRES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year 8122 9475 admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com

Brightsparks Playgroup Fun, safe and interactive environment for your children.

9632 4287

Dumper Trucks & Daisies A Montessori-based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child.

From 16 months to 4.5 years old 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

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June 2015

Art is a Verb, North Plaza Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

2682 8099 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 9380 5771 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine, North Plaza Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777

AQUABLU

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution 6017 7802 Oceanblu@netvigator.com

Lifestyle Homes & Boats 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Okay.com Savills Hong Kong

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2102 0888 2987 1919

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza 2885 1312 info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay

Around DB’s July issue is coming out June 30

2987 2298 2295 8288 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Café McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Salt & Pepper Solera Subway Super Super The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zaks

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2172 7099 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2336 8001 2555 0772 2914 0005 2914 1308 2777 8411 2682 0068 2682 8110 2987 6232

Movement Improvement Pilates, Yoga, Spinning, TRX, Zumba, Personal Training The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training.

Located at North Plaza 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Bayside Aquatics

Tinytots

“Everyone is a swimmer” Affordable Swimwear, training equipment & accessories.

9725 3142 www.baysideaquatics.hk

A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age.

34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 8 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@outlook.com www.vikings.hk

CAISSA Chess Club HK The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center 9681 2896 contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com

DARUMA SPORTS Offering Judo classes for adults & children at Discovery College & Community Hall 6244 6093 darumasports@gmail.com Discovery Bay Cricket Club An internationally acclaimed club which provides a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability, can thrive.

Tel: 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

6624 8712 susan@embody.hk www.embody.hk

Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Ltd. Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club

2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

Junior Cricket Academy Cricket for 3.5 to 15 year old girls and boys Tel: 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 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

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601

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

2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELLBEING .

A Mother’s Touch

Specialists in Pregnancy & Newborn Care Tel: 2851 9654 clientservices@amotherstouch.com.hk www.amotherstouch.com.hk

Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities 2914 2223 www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk

My Health Coach Lulu Improve your life balance through health and self awareness. I am able to offer a bespoke program just for you.

9154 1570 lulu@myhealthcoachlulu.com www.myhealthcoachlulu.com

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure.

2987 0614

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES

Nailed It

FÊTE Event Planners

Bespoke event planning services, from coordination to execution, making your event stand out.

5199 9743 www.fete-eventplanner.com Babyland Bo Bo House Discoveryland Toysland

2997 8080 2987 4230 2441 0098 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

DB NUMBERS

Limousine Rental

Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com ACCESSDB Rehabus DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

MOW | Grooming & Skin Care A unique retail & treatment space at DBN, that caters to your grooming, skin care & therapeutic requirements 2499 8826 / 6773 3103 www.mowhk.com mowhk@mowhk.com Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Body Talk Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena Strand and Science HairSPA, North Plaza

2987 0283 6683 5755 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382 2886 3820

View the business directory

@ www.arounddb.com June 2015

79

LAST WORD

REACHING OUT DB residents’ response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal on April 25 and May 12 has been wholly emphatic, with people donating money, time, clothing and bedding, amongst other things, to help those in need. Sam Agars reports

YB Rai

Discovery College’s Nepalese Rupee Rush

T

Photos courtesy of YB Rai, Discovery College, Pastor Robert Escueta and KIPMOVIN

he range of ways DBers have come up with to help those in need in Nepal has been nothing short of inspiring. A wave of people pitched in to help after the first quake on April 25, and the support being offered went up another notch after tragedy struck a second time on May 12. Here’s our shout-out to just a few of those involved.

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Thomas, Nerida and Noah Kiprotich

focuses on education, healthcare and rural development in Nepal.

Likewise, Embody DB ran a Nia class, a fun-filled, meditative workout, on May 17, with participants donating funds to Shangri-La Children’s Home, a shelter in Kathmandu that gives homeless children a warm bed and food.

YB Rai, the owner of Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar, has been one of the catalysts behind the fundraising, promising to donate 10% of every coffee and beer sold in his stores throughout the month of May, or HK$100,000 (whichever amount was larger). He also received significant contributions in donation boxes in his stores.

May also saw plenty of DB schools raising funds. Discovery Bay International School held a mufti day and cupcake sale, raising HK$67,000.

And Discovery College hosted a Nepalese Rupee Rush, an interhouse competition, raising over HK$30,000. All donations went to UNICEF, who will use the money to provide children with first aid, food, shelter and psychological support.

Other local businesses also got in on the act, with Thomas and Nerida Kiprotich of Kipmovin holding a charity run in Siena Park on May 10, attended by 61 runners. The HK$65,000 raised went to See Change Foundation Nepal, which

While Discovery Mind Primary School had a fundraising wear-your-own-clothes day and school disco, Woodentots playgroup is planning a bike-athon, riding, walking and scootering from DB Plaza to DB North Plaza to raise money for villagers in Bunkot.

Find more local heroes June 2015

Pastor Robert Escueta

Stuck in at ground zero A number of DBers actually made it out to Nepal last month to provide direct aid. Pastor Robert Escueta of the Calvary Church in DB, travelling with Hong Kong-based Calvary pastors John Malcolm and Kevin Har, focused on the villagers of Bangare.

The trio used funds collected by their church to purchase much-needed relief goods, including a month’s supply of basic food.

DB resident Parmila Gurung Christensen also spent four days in Nepal, donating food, clothing and medical supplies that she had collected in DB. She purchased HK$15,000 worth of medicine in Nepal and, along with husband Allan, she continues to raise funds while planning a second trip.

Readers are advised to look to the Around DB Facebook page this month to see who’s doing what to help the people of Nepal – and how to get involved.

@ www.arounddb.com

June 2015

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