Around DB June Issue 2016

ALTRUISTIC DRAGON BOATERS BE INSPIRED BY

JACQUI GREEN OF PALS 20+ SUMMER CAMPS

TO THRILL YOUR KIDS TOP ASIAN RESORTS

FOR A LONG WEEKEND SUICIDE WATCH

WILLIAM SARGENT

SNAKE

IS YOUR FAMILY AT RISK?

CHARMER ALSO: ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002 JUNE 2016

New specialised programmes for children aged 2-4 and 9 and above

ESF Sports

Summer Sports Camps & Clinics

Open to ESF & Non ESF Students ENROL ONLINE

Weekly sessions from 27 June - 12 August 2016 9:00AM - 12:00PM & 1:00PM - 4:00PM Ages 2-11

ESF Discovery College (multi sports) ESF Kowloon Junior School ESF Renaissance College ESF South Island School Australian International School Hong Kong Academy Multi Sports • Football • Gymnastics • Swimming • Tennis • Full Day Sports & Language Camp Check out our website for more details

sportscamps@esf.org.hk F

ESF SPORTS

Tel: 2711 1280

www.esf.org.hk

Rentals/sales 頤峰 GREENVALE

$16.5K

津堤 AMALFI

Gross: 856’ Saleable: 703’ 2 1

Nice renovation with open kitchen, convenient for all transport.

$58K

1

Quality renovated duplex lowrise, bright and airy.

Garden with nice sea view.

頤峰 GREENVALE

碧濤軒 COASTLINE

畔山徑 MIDDLE LANE

$5.5M/17.5K

$65K

3 2

Nice renovated lowrise with big garden, bright and airy.

2

寶晶閣 CRYSTAL

$6.2M

Very nice renovated lowrise with nice renovation, open kitchen and Marina sea view.

海燕徑 SEABIRD

$65K

Gross: 1368’ Saleable: 1295’

Gross: 1616’ Saleable: 1520’ 3

$50K

Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1314’

Fully furnished apartment with dual balcony and 24 hours concierge service. Rare layout. For rent or Vacant Sale!

1

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1381’ 2

$18.5K/5.9M

Gross: 655’ Saleable: 523’

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE

3

JUNE 2016

3 2

Beautiful renovated with garden, few minutes to beach, ferry and Plaza.

寶晶閣 CRYSTAL

$9.5M

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Gross: 689’ Saleable: 592’ 2 1

Nice renovated, balcony with nice sea view, convenient for all transport.

旭暉閣 JOVIAL

$9.8M

2 1

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S

Successfully combined unit with modern open kitchen, spacious living and in a tranquil location. Don’t miss!

4 2

1 2

Very good condition, fully equipped open kitchen, balcony with stunning sea views. Quiet area and vacant sale!

Combined unit with nice renovation, balcony with sea view.

倚濤軒 CRESTMONT

$13.5M/47K

n d un Atio o u Ar Al v nk A b

Gross: 1023’ Saleable: 777’

Gross: 1446’ Saleable: 1220’ 2

$10.5M

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5

Cozy apartment, balcony with great views, walking distance to DB plaza and pier. A must see!

海澄湖畔 SIENA ONE

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AG

Gross: 1267’ Saleable: 1090’

Gross: 835’ Saleable: 722’

Gross: 1282’ Saleable: 1108’ 3 2

Superb family home, fully equipped open kitchen & generous living space throughout. Garden w/ panoramic sea views.

www.headlandhomes.hk

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

Jervisbay Barbecue World 1213, 12/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St., Ap Lei Chau, Tel: 2792 7268 www.jervisbaybarbecues.com

A unique environment dedicated to the finest in barbeque equipment, accessories, recipes and ingredients.  OUTDOOR KITCHENS  GAS BARBEQUES  CHARCOAL BARBEQUES  BARBEQUE TOOLS  OUTDOOR HEATERS  FIRE PITS  FUELS AND STARTERS  OUTDOOR REFRIGERATORS  COOLER BOXES AND FREEZER PACKS  PLYCARBONATE GLASSES  PLATES DESIGNED FOR OUTDOORS  TABLE ACCESSORIES  NAPERY  INSECT PROTECTION  GOURMET BARBECUING ACCESSORIES  SMOKING WOODS  BARBEQUE COOK BOOKS

NEW Jer vis in Cob Bay , bG as!

Present this ad for a great gift and get a competitive price at our shop

Bringing a festival of comedy to your door in one hilarious show!

CAL WILSON

PHIL WANG (UK)

BOB FRANKLIN

IVAN ARISTEGUIETA

18–24 July Fringe Club hkfringeclub.com 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong BOOK NOW! www.hkticketing.com 31 288 288

Summer holidays at

Trunki Zimba the Zebra & Paddlepak

$499 Goodbaby Pockit Stroller

Summer Lovin' Beach Play Pool

Swimwear

denim, purple, pink, ocean blue

$299

from

$249

Suncreams & Mossie Sprays

$299

from

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

Water Gun Plane Ride-on

Camelbak Eddy Kids Bottles 0.4L

$2,560

$139

$150

Waterball

Hippychick Robes

onanoff Headphones Travel Buddies

Fred's Swimtrainer Swimseat

$199

from

$249

$299

$1,790

from

Havaianas

from

$188 (styles and colours vary)

styles vary

$225

$66

Horizon Plaza Store, Ap Lei Chau T 2552 5000 Pedder Building Store, Central T 2522 7112

Stanley Plaza Store, Stanley T 2555 6318

Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223

D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923

www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk

ESF LANGUAGE & LEARNING SUMMER CAMP 2016 4 JULY - 26 AUGUST

Beacon Hill School Bradbury School Discovery College ESF Causeway Bay Hillside Kindergarten Kowloon Junior School Liu Po Shan Memorial College Renaissance College South Island School Tsing Yi Kindergarten Wan Chai Learning Centre

Open to ESF & Non ESF Students

As the premier provider of extracurricular English language and enrichment education in Hong Kong, we look forward to your children joining us this summer for exciting and rich learning experiences across a VARIETY OF COURSES. Suitable for all pre-school and school age students, our small group courses are run by our friendly, qualified, English speaking teachers.

English Language Learning The World Around Us

Enrichment Programmes Ready for Kindergarten Drama Ready for Primary Young Artists Science Writing Debating Club Interview Skills Coding Spanish Mandarin

SUMMER CLASSES AT DISCOVERY COLLEGE Art • Drama • Writing • Science & Discovery • Debating • Spanish

Playgroups

tel 2711 1280

language@esf.org.hk

www.esf.org.hk

JUNE 2016 FEATURES

10

28

PROFILE Meet Lantau snake charmer William Sargent

40

IN FOCUS Suicide: What puts people at risk and what are the warning signs?

45

FAMILY MATTERS Time to sign your kids up for summer camp

51

ESCAPES SE Asian destinations for the ideal minibreak

56

ACTION Dragon boating for a good cause

REGULARS 32

27

COMPETITION Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

32

TALKING POINTS Angels for Orphans 2016 Fitness Challenge

37

MOMENTS Jacqui Green of PALS – voted Lantau’s most inspiring woman

64

DB FACES Candid community snaps

76

OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 37 45

10

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

61

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

67

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

70

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

73

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

56 ALTRUISTIC DRAGON BOATERS BE INSPIRED BY

We also publish…

JUNE/ JULY 2016

2 0 1 5 TUNG CHUNG STORY

FROM BACKWATER TO NEW TOWN

LANTAU-WIDE SUMMER CAMPS

TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED

TO THRILL YOUR KIDS

TOP ASIAN RESORTS

FOR A LONG WEEKEND SUICIDE WATCH

WILLIAM SARGENT

SNAKE

IS YOUR FAMILY AT RISK?

CHARMER ALSO: ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002 JUNE 2016

ON THE COVER William Sargent on a mission to do away with ophiophobia

Photo by Terry Chow

Win wo rks a kid and hop ’s the Chi tick wit atre Ban tty Chi ets to h Fau g tty see st, Bre and Ban aks # Flu g Eve ffy n

YOUNG WRITER’S COMPETITION

READ THE WINNING STORY

(AND MEET THE FINALISTS)

ALSO: ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Join your community online

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk 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/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

JACQUI GREEN OF PALS 20+ SUMMER CAMPS

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

SPORTS • LIVING • PETS • HIKING • DINING • HEALTH • COMMUNITY

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

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 Assistant editor & magazine coordinator Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk Advertising & sales manager Lissa Morris lissa@baymedia.com.hk Sales executive, office manager & accounts Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk, accountant@baymedia.com.hk Art direction Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk Digital coordinator Carlos Magno carlos@baymedia.com.hk Photography Baljit Gidwani, www.evoqueportraits.com Contributors this month Fred Boot (Illustration) Elizabeth Kerr Katie Scott Peter Sherwood Samantha Wong Cecilia Yee Printing Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 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 DB Pirates

DB PIRATES BALL The DB Pirates delivered a typically brilliant evening, a Venetian Masquerade Ball, at the Auberge on May 21, with revellers dancing the night away after a good feed.

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

IN&AROUND DB

HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

Congratulations go to the key organisers and everyone who offered their services during May’s Helper Appreciation Month. While the free wellness programme and educational workshops were a resounding success and very well attended, local schools also got in on the act, hosting a series of special events to allow students to thank their aunties.

Photos courtesy of Myriam Bartu and by www.evoqueportraits.com

June 2016

11

IN&AROUND DB

DBRC PROTEST

The protest against Hong Kong Resorts’ (HKR) decision to turn a lawn area at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) into a golf-cart parking lot stepped up a pace on May 17, when digging started. DB representative on the Islands District Council Amy Yung said at the protest: “Now the purpose of the land is recreation, if HKR wants to change it to a car park it has to go to the Town Planning Board and through a public consultation process.” According to HKR, however, it owns the lawn area and the new golf-cart parking lot is simply an ancillary facility to the DBRC. HKR referenced the Outline Zoning Plan: “All building, engineering and other operations incidental to and all uses directly related and ancillary to the permitted uses and developments within the same zone(s) are always permitted.” As such, it says no separate submission to the Planning Department or Lands Department is required.

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Photos by Around DB and courtesy of Gardenia Kwok

IN&AROUND DB

DMK MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Discovery Mind Kindergarten and International Play Centre held a Mother’s Day charity event on Tai Pak Wan on May 7, with benefits going to Hong Kong community care charity, Asia Women’s League.

Photos by Around DB

LANTAU BUFFALOS VERTICAL RUN Kids aged six to 14 took to the trails of Discovery Bay on May 14, with sixand seven-year-olds tackling a 2.7-kilometre course and eight- to 14-yearolds running 4 kilometres.

Photos courtesy of Lantau Buffalos

ADVENTURE SPORTS ACADEMY Football and Basketball Training Programs Ages 18 months - 16 years old Internationally Qualified Coaches

SUMMER CAMPS NOW AT EPICLAND!

DISCIPLINE • RESPECT • TEAMWORK

Adventure Sports Academy

+852 3998 4042 INFO@ADVENTURESPORTSACADEMY.COM WWW.ADVENTURESPORTSACADEMY.COM

IN&AROUND DB

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS 1 June

www.barclaysmoontrekker.com

MOONTREKKER REGISTRATION Act quickly to secure your registration in this year’s MoonTrekker, one of the biggest annual events to hit Lantau. Registration for the overnight trail race, which sells out in a flash each year, starts at HK$710 and also requires each entrant to raise HK$650 for charity. Visit www.barclaysmoontrekker.com to lock in your spot.

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com

SNAKE DAY IN DB Hemingway’s, DB Plaza

June 2

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST at

Zaks, DB, kicks off at 8am. For information and registration, head to the DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast Facebook page.

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from

Pui O resident William Sargent, a driving force behind TrailWagger and MoonTrekker, is probably best known as the Lantau Snake Man. William will be sharing his love of local snakes at a talk in DB on June 4. You can purchase tickets (HK$75) from Hemingway’s.

June

4 June

4

Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW Open Space, DB North Plaza

& June 4

Get ready for the summer with the latest designs from leading swimwear brands Seafolly, Baku, Moontide and Sunseeker.

With something on offer for men, women and children and certain items on sale, this truly is a one-stop family pop-up. For more information, head to www.ozziecozzieco.com.

16

June 2016

5

t ghou Throu ay M

Photo courtesy of Ozzie Cozzie Co

Photo by Terry Chow Photo courtesy of Irene Flanhardt

EMBODY FATBURN CHARITY CHALLENGE Discovery College Sports Hall

In tandem with the Angels for Orphans Fitness Challenge, April 17 to June 11, Embody is hosting a charity challenge at Discovery College from 9.30am to 10.30am. The one-off, fat-burning class, run by Mariles de Guzman, is donation based with 100% of the proceeds going to Bali Kids, and its educational initiative that aims to keep kids from smoking. To read more about the Angels for Orphans Fitness Challenge and the DB teams involved, turn to page 32.

June 5

IN&AROUND DB Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza

June 9

At the annual DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival, 40 teams compete off Tai Pak Wan from 8am to 3.30pm, battling it out across the men’s, ladies’, mixed and youth categories. You can also expect market stalls on the beach and in DB Plaza. For more information, call 2238 3633; for more on DB’s dragon boaters, turn to page 56.

www.evoqueportraits.com

ISLAND DANCERS – MOVIE MAGIC! Y-Theatre, Chai Wan

Photo courtesy of Mariles de Guzman

DB’s Island Dance students show off their skills at their annual end-of-term show, Movie Magic. The show is set to songs from popular movies, like Grease, The Matrix, The Hunger Games and Inside Out. You can purchase tickets by visiting www.urbtix.hk, or calling 3761 6661.

June 10-12

WATCH BAG IT – IS YOUR LIFE TOO PLASTIC? and

learn about plastic pollution solutions in Hong Kong at Zaks, DB at 7pm. Tickets are HK$35 on the door, kids get in for free.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the amazing

June

Photo courtesy of Island Dance

14

JOIN THE LAST BEACH CLEAN-UP BEFORE SUMMER at Sam Pak Wan,

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, from 2pm to 4pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

June

19

and dedicated fathers in the DB community.

25 June t

u gho u o Thr June

TO ADOPT A PET through

Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

June 18

& 26 Photo courtesy of Valerie Cheung

DB RESIDENTS ON TOUR Through her work with Butterflyers Association and the Hong Kong Civic Association DB Area Committee, six-year DB resident Valerie Cheung has begun organising recreational tours to give residents more leisure-activity options. A recent trip to the Gudou Hot Spring Resort in Xinhui, Guangdong, was a big success and you can sign up now for a trip to Huizhou, Guangdong.

To learn more, call Valerie on 9779 0191.

June 2016

Photo courtesy of DMR

17

IN&AROUND DB

CONGRATULATIONS DB SMASHERS

MASTER CHEF BRETT

The DB Smashers staked their claim as Hong Kong’s best under-11, softball cricket team on April 30 with victory in the 2015-16 Hong Kong Cricket Association Junior Cricket League U11 championship. This capped an amazing eight-month transformation for the team, many of whom were trying their hand at competitive cricket for the first time at the start of the season. Batting first in the final, the Smashers piled on 124 in their 14 overs and proceeded to skittle the Avengers for just 62, coasting to a 62-run victory.

Congratulations to long-time DBer Brett Carter, who is currently plying his trade on MasterChef Australia. Head to www.tenplay.com.au/masterchef to follow the Cathay Pacific captain’s endeavours live on TV. You can also keep up-to-date with Brett’s challenge on Facebook, as well as on Instagram and Twitter by searching @Cartscancook.

Photo courtesy of Mark Panckhurst

EAA Licence No. C - 018050

Over 10 Years experience in the Property & Boat Market - Largest up to date Boat Portfolio - Most Experienced and Comprehensive service in DB Boat market

- Property Sales and Rentals - Renovation Project Management - Property Management - Short Term & Serviced Apartments

Boats - Property - Golf Carts - Speed Boats - Club Debentures A wealth of Knowledge on your side Contact Info:▼_______________________________________ Telephone: Web Site: 2914 0888 www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Fax: Email: 2914 0880 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

Photo courtesy of Network Ten

Demystifying Natural Medicine

Free Health Advice Sessions

DB’s Corporate & Business, Services & Solutions Provider

With so many different therapies in natural medicine, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your health concern. Do you start with a naturopath, homeopath, acupuncturist, osteopath, or counselling?

To guide you in the right direction, IMI is offering FREE 20-minute sessions with an Integral Health Advisor, with no obligation.

IMI is a trusted natural and integrated medicine clinic. For more than 20 years we have supported thousands of people back to health. Let us be your guide to optimal wellbeing in mind, body, emotions and spirit.

Free sessions available during May and June. Call 2537 1087 to make an appointment today!

Corporate Services

flexible, scalable, customised business solutions Forming a company in Hong Kong involves a series of specialized procedures and attention to rules compliance. Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited by Guarantee Company or Limited by Shareholding Company – we’ll help you decide which is best for your business.

T8’s Company Formation services, take the strain and stress out of the process. We can prepare all statutory documents, provide company secretarial filings and provide bank setup assistance.

Our dedicated and proficient professionals are fully versed in the HK Companies Ordinance and in conjunction with our legal partners we can also assist in the formation of off-shore companies.

Whether you need company setup, maintenance, government filings, accounting services or even just a registered address, T8 can assist.

www.t8-consulting.com

www.imi.com.hk G-02 Office Block Two, Nor th Plaza, Discover y Bay

Unit 2, G/F, Office Block 1, 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Hong Kong Drop in for a chat or call 2517 8248 or email sharon@t8-consulting.com

Taste of Home.... at a

Click Away !

Free delivery* of more than 300 different kinds of imported meat, Swiss cheese, locally-made sausages, ham and more!

Place your order now at www.leosfinefood.hk . * Terms & Condition applies

Entering discount code DISCOUNT5 to enjoy 5% off on your 1st purchase !

Leo’s Fine Food (852) 2814 1780 Premium Food Manufacturer Since 1985.

csweb@leosfinefood.com.hk

IN&AROUND DB

SAVE THE DATE WOMEN’S RETREAT Chiang Mai, Thailand

r Join long-time DB mbe e t p Se o 20 residents Shitu Saini and 15 t Marie Marchand on an invigorating, powerful and self-affirming five-day retreat at the The Pavana Chiang Mai Resort. You will engage in insightful conversations which will help you deal with www.oldtownyoga.com life’s challenges, and undertake daily yoga sessions. Shitu is a qualified yoga teacher and Marie is a consultant and facilitator for Parenting Dialogue. To register and find out more, email yogawithshitu@ymail.com or mariemarchand.parenting@gmail.com.

NEW IN DB ROTARY CLUB LANDS IN DB Hong Kong’s first community-based Rotary Club is currently being set up in Discovery Bay. Members are DB residents, and the primary focus will be on community and environmental issues.

Should you know anyone in need or wish to bring a project to the attention of the organisers, please contact Christian Chasset at christian.chasset@gmail.com, or call 9812 0548.

Professional Cricket Coaching in Discovery Bay DB’s own Junior Cricket Academy  Internationally Qualified HKCA Accredited Coaches  Structured, progressive & tailor-made programmes for boys & girls aged 3.5 - 13yrs old

Est. 2005

Presented by: Discovery Bay Cricket Club

Contact: Head Coach, Nilesh Jhaveri

Email: jcadiscoverybay@hotmail.com

Tel: +852 9011 1319 Website: www.jcahk.com

Playgroups in

DB

POSITIVE STEPS, DB PLAZA

2 to 4 years, 6341 5764, positivestepsplaygroup@gmail.com, www.positivestepsplaygroup.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.

PLAYTIME KIDS, CHERISH COURT

15 months to 4.5 years, 9054 0565, playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, GREENS

20 months to 4 years, 9511 2107, 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.

FUNFIT, CLUB SIENA

6 months to 3 years, 6302 6327, 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. The focus is on caring for kids’ future health and fitness.

LITTLE EXPLORERS, PHASE 1

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.

TOTS & TEAPOTS, JOYFUL MANSION

0 to 18 months, 9500 3253, totsnteapots@gmail.com, Tots & Teapots Facebook Page A safe environment for parents (Mondays) or helpers (Fridays) to bring babies from birth. Located in a long-established playgroup – providing social interaction, stimulation, toys and group singing.

TREE OF JOY, PENINSULA VILLAGE

14 months to 3 years, 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com A playgroup offering a variety of fun classes in a nurturing and enriching environment. Classes are run by a qualified and experienced teacher.

WOODENTOTS, DB PLAZA

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.

2.5 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.

Lantau International School Enquiries: 2980 3676 / 2984 0302 E‐mail: lisadmin@lis.edu.hk

Website: www.lis.edu.hk Facebook: lantauinternaDonalschool

Recep%on Class

Reception Class Open Day Upper Primary

Lower Primary

Primary 1 to 6 and RecepDon Places sDll available

22

June 2016

Date: 18th June (Sat.)

Time: 12nn to 3pm

Venue: Cheung Sha Campus

BriDsh System Experienced, Expatriate Teachers

OPENING HOURS:

Monday to Friday 9am -7pm Saturday & Sunday 10am -7pm Professional nail services in a relaxing environment, conveniently located in the Plaza.

Call us for an appointment

2987 2266

AquaBlu Marine Setting higher standards

DB’s premier, professional & preferred boat brokers Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution

PLEASURE CRAFT

STAY-ON-BOARDS

SUPER YACHTS

There has never been a better time to buy a stay aboard.

* Contact Paul for all boat listings from $5-12M

Paul Fortune, LLB (Hons) +852 6017 7802 Email: Oceanblu@netvigator.com

Professional - Discreet - Effective

AquaBlu - often imitated but never equalled.

33 years international and local experience in maritime and shipping matters and marine insurance. *No commission is charged to buyers

Covering: Discovery Bay | Gold Coast | Aberdeen | New Territories

d of ou rs ark Pr orte e P h pp t Su ic in cn Pi

The 3 vital stages for successful wealth management Getting to know the client This will involve agreeing the broad content and scope of the service and crucially how much it will all cost. There’s likely to be an enormous amount of information to be gathered together about a person’s financial circumstances: savings, investments, property, mortgages, wills, pensions and much more.

Making a plan The planner’s job is to find out what the client wants to achieve with their money, both now and in the future. That means gaining a thorough understanding of their views about such issues as borrowing, investing, spending now and in the future, retirement and estate planning. The aim is to build a portfolio of investments that will provide the returns the investor requires and with which they are comfortable.

Finding the right solutions Once the client’s needs and wants have been identified, it’s time to do some specific research into funds, tax wrappers and insurance products. Wealth managers will, as required, work with other professionals such as lawyers and accountants, who can provide specialist legal and tax advice and help with the implementation of aspects of the plan.

It is possible to carry out your own wealth management if you have the knowledge, time, patience and self-discipline.

But there are good reasons why you probably won’t want to – even if you have all these characteristics. You may also find it hard to make these big decisions alone. If you’re unsure talk to wealth management specialists, St. James’s Place.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

NOW CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT DISCOVERY BAY PLAZA AND NORTH PLAZA – WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

For further information, or to request your complimentary copy of The Investor, please contact:

JOHN PARSONS

JASON WHITE

Partner

Partner

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

The Stephen Putnam Practice Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

T: +852 2433 6981 E: john.parsons@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

T: +852 2433 6980 E: jason.white@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

T: +852 2915 0388 E: stephen.putnam@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/tspp

STEPHEN PUTNAM Principal WINNER

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Hong Kong represent St. James’s Place (Hong Kong) Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group and is a member of The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers CIB, a licensed corporation with the Securities and Futures Commission, and registered as an MPF Intermediary.

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Win tickets to see The Gruffalo’s Child

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

COMPETITION

Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until the YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions 10th of the month to submit your answers.

To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, is offering one reader, four tickets click on the competitions link at (worth HK$435 each) to see the www.arounddb.com, or scan opening performance of the QR Code below. Don’t forget The Gruffalo’s Child at the to give us your name and telephone number!

What big, Academy for Performing bad creature Arts, Wanchai, on lives in the deep, September 30, at 5pm. dark wood?

Where does Dwayne Perkins hail from?

Photo courtesy of TakeOut Comedy Club

Win tickets to see Dwayne Perkins on Stage www.aba-productions.com

FIND THE ANSWER: September 30 to October 2, Tall Stories Theatre Company presents a magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s awardwinning book. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and enters the deep, dark wood. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? Visit www.aba-productions.com to learn more; for tickets visit www.hkticketing.com.

YOUR PRIZE: The Charterhouse Causeway Bay is offering three readers, two tickets (worth HK$250 each) to see Dwayne Perkins on Stage at the TakeOut Comedy Club, SoHo, on July 15, at 9pm.

FIND THE ANSWER: One of the HK International Comedy Festival headliners, New York native Dwayne Perkins returns to Hong Kong for three straight nights of hilarity, July 14 to 16. His unique brand of comedy has featured on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Comedy Central Presents. For tickets and more information, call 6220 4436, or email jami@takeoutcomedy.com.

Win tickets to see Mister Maker and The Shapes Live On Stage YOUR PRIZE: CBeebies and MEI Live are offering two readers, four tickets (worth HK$385 each) to see Mister Maker and The Shapes Live On Stage at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai, on June 17, at 5pm.

How many shapes join Mister Maker?

FIND THE ANSWER: With a fabulous supporting cast and art at its heart, this fantastic live show, running June 17 to 19, encourages ‘mini makers’ and grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise.

There’s a big ‘make’ to take part in, lots of audience participation and, of course, The Shapes – Circle, Square, Rectangle and Triangle!

For tickets, call 31 288 288 or visit www.hkticketing.com.

Photo courtesy of MEI Live

Congratulations to last month’s winners Nanci Xu for the tickets to Roald Dahl’s James and the

Giant Peach; Isabelle Porter and Robert Wyatt for the weekend passes to the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens; and Elsie Dean-Leung and Ivy Panganiban for the tickets to An Afternoon of Music.

June 2016

27

PROFILE

Photos by Terry Chow

SNAKE CHARMER 28

Pui O snake buff William Sargent aims to remove the fear factor from some of Lantau’s most numerous residents.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

William Sargent is sharing his love for snakes on June 4 at Hemingway’s, DB

June 2016

PROFILE

W

hen Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) escapes his rival archaeologist by plane at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark, he finds himself sharing his cockpit seat with Reggie, his pilot Jock’s pet snake. “I hate snakes Jock, I hate ’em,” Indiana growls as they fly away. Questionable representation of South American indigenous peoples aside, the classic character gives voice to what many of us feel about our legless, eyelid-free reptile friends.

As Pui O resident William Sargent sees it, that’s an unfair assessment, which he’s changing one snake-hater at a time.

Discussing the educational Snake Day he’s hosting in DB on June 4, William admits that the potential danger in snakes plays a large part in the perceptions we all have. And their association with other man-eaters – ‘dinosaurs’ like sharks and crocodiles – doesn’t help. But get to know snakes, like William has over the course of his life, most of it on Lantau, and they become just another animal, albeit a cool one.

“When you see a snake in the wild, in its natural habitat, it’s a fascinating and beautiful creature,” he says.

A life-long passion Now 40, William relocated to Hong Kong at the ripe old age of one (“I moved here for tax purposes,” he quips) with his British father, a civil engineer, and Swiss mother. As a kid growing up on Lantau (mum and brother still live in Chi Ma Wan), getting outdoors was encouraged, and animals, including snakes, were just a part of life. Given that, how did he come to fixate on snakes and not, say, monkeys?

“I get asked that quite a lot,” says William with a grin, looking very

much like a refugee from a Guy Ritchie movie but less angry and quicker with a laugh. “If you look at this objectively, why is it someone will go crazy for puppies, for horses, for pigs, but they hate snakes?” he asks.

With the exception of rats (which he likens to wingless pigeons), William says he likes all wildlife pretty much, and he attributes this to the fact that he grew up surrounded by animals.

“My brother used to catch snakes with his mates and bring them home,” he says. “As a 10-year-old that’s dangerous and exciting.” He’ll still cop to the adrenalin rush that goes with it, as part of the charm of snakes.

When William’s not slinking around looking for snakes (or rescuing them from felons, more on that in a bit), he works as an event planner, which he segued into after a career in publishing.

Though organising more and more corporate hikes these days – for 220 Bank of America staff, or Prudential Asia-Pacific’s 160 – William serves as director for MoonTrekker, the 73-kilometre overnight hike that has raised money for children’s charities in the past, and currently for The Nature Conservancy.

Less gruelling is TrailWagger, an 8-kilometre jaunt from Mui Wo, that William organised on April 16 in support of Animals Asia. This year, the event’s first, about 100 humans and over 100 dogs took part in the hike that ended in Discovery Bay with a barbeque.

“TrailWagger was really, really fun,” William says. “It was so nice to be part of an event with such a friendly and enthusiastic group. Some participants ran but for most it was a leisurely hike.

The dogs were really well behaved, and I was really touched by the positive feedback.” What was on the barbeque? “Hot dogs.”

But back to the snakes. William

married long-time girlfriend and teacher Karen in late March, and when asked, recounts their second date nearly five years ago. After a lovely dinner/ drinks/ movie kind of start, their second outing saw William taking Karen on a snake hunt. At night. He thought it was completely normal though her friends were boggled. “That’s how they knew she was into me,” he recalls. She’s used to it now and occasionally wrangles a snake for neighbours when he’s not around.

Which brings up the felons. William also works with the Hong Kong Police, capturing snakes when they wander into schools, homes and, yes, prisons, like the 10-foot python that got stuck in a drain at Tong Fuk Correctional Institute a while back.

And yes, pythons are indigenous to Hong Kong, one of 50 types that are.

To put that in perspective, the Amazon region – one of the most ecologically diverse spots on the planet – is home to 150 species. As William, a selfdescribed Hong Kong snake snob says, “That’s pretty impressive”.

DB Snake Day At Snake Day – the June 4 talk William is holding on all things snakey at Hemingway’s, DB – there will be live snakes and, thankfully, a working bar. Friends encouraged the self-taught aficionado to start sharing the knowledge back in 2014 and he’s since held about a dozen such talks. “I limit the number of engagements I do, as it’s a hobby after all,” he says. “I am always motivated to do more by seeing the change in people’s attitude.”

William starts with the basics: education and understanding. “The mind draws pictures that are not necessarily good. It’s like being scared to fly. If you don’t know what the sounds are, you’re going to crap  June 2016

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PROFILE

yourself. Sit down with a pilot and [they] explain it and you’re fine. It’s the same with snakes,” he explains.

“Once you understand them you’ll be a lot more comfortable. I’m not just saying that; I’ve seen it. I’ve done talks with people who have phobias of snakes. I’m not suggesting it cures everything but it definitely goes a long way to making it easier.

“Snakes are so understudied and misunderstood, and there’s so much myth around them you only need to know a little bit and that puts you ahead of most people,” William adds.

As for the location, is it really a good idea to bring ‘serpentes’ to a bar where attendees can get a drink? “Yeah,” William says, “it’s recommended.”

Find more local heroes

William with wife Karen at home in Pui O

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Weapons of Mas Reduction: Top row: Tania Pickett, Katie-Louise Daly and Rosalia Pico. Bottom row: Candida Clemmow and Katy Day, with Claire Mas far right

32

GUARDIAN ANGELS Seven DB ladies are competing in the Hong Kong-wide Angels for Orphans 2016 Fitness Challenge, improving their health and fitness and raising money for children in Bali at the same time. Katie Scott reports June 2016

TALKING POINTS

I

t’s not every day that you get an email from an angel, and the chief angel at that. Suzanne Sadler is the Hong Kong leader of the charity, Angels for Orphans, a big-hearted not-for-profit which partners up with other charities, from Bali to the US, and raises money to support their work.

For its Angels for Orphans 2016 Fitness Challenge, the charity has enlisted the help of six coaches across Hong Kong, including DB fitness trainer Claire Mas. These fitness pros have volunteered their time to train the (mostly female) teams to hit their personal fitness aims. The 53 participants are driven by the support of their team, motivated by their trainer and have the shared goal of raising sponsorship money for the charity.

Training with Claire The eight-week challenge kicked off on April 17, and Claire was there to get to know the DB teams. She tested their endurance, took their measurements and then formulated her plan as to how to get them trim and healthy. “My hope is to motivate people who perhaps aren’t training at the moment and for whom the charity is a draw,” Claire says. “The people who contacted me are time poor and the incentive is the programme. It’s not about weight loss but about improving yourself.”

The DB contingent is made up of Jo Pilcher and Alison Price (Mission Slimpossible) and Katy Day, Rosalia Pico, Katie-Louise Daly, Candida Clemmow and Tania Pickett (Weapons of Mas Reduction).

Claire is currently holding one training session per week, but with the option to add more. “For the group training, the programme will depend upon the current fitness level of the participants, any injuries and medical conditions,” she explains.

“Ultimately though, we need to hit all of the assessment targets.”

DB Angels: Emilie Clairet Zin, Claire Mas and Maria Brusuelas

An Angel’s motivation DB resident Katie-Louise Daly is a member of Weapons of Mas Reduction, one of the two DB teams currently training with Claire. She has this to say about her aims and motivation in signing up for the Angels for Orphans 2016 Fitness Challenge.

“I’d been wanting to get back on the health and fitness bandwagon for a while, especially with my imminent summer wedding. However, being left to my own devices just wasn’t working for me – it was too easy to make excuses. When I heard about the fitness challenge, I knew that this was exactly what I needed to get me where I wanted to be: feeling physically fit and making healthy choices regarding food and nutrition, without feeling like I am depriving myself. The team aspect really appealed to me also – knowing there are other people in the same boat is great motivation. The fact that it was also an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause was the clincher.

“The programme is a great incentive as it’s a win-win for everyone. When I researched Bali Kids, I was horrified to read about the daily struggles that young children have to face in Bali through lack of education and knowledge. As a passionate Early Years educator at Discovery Bay International School, I believe that all children have the right to be aware of how to make informed choices about self-care and healthy practices.

Reading the statistics about the smoking rates among children in Bali made me want to make a difference. What better way to do that than raise money to kick-start an advertising programme to warn young people in Bali about the dangers of smoking and how it affects their health.

“My aim is to raise enough money to make a difference, however small.

Regarding the health and fitness aspect, I am working towards getting to a point where I don’t think twice about making the best choices for my body, as well as feeling strong and healthy.”

Everyone is working towards the final assessment on June 11, at which the DB teams will get to show off the fruits of their endeavours. And the seven ladies will, hopefully, feel all the better for it. As Claire says: “The charity promotes health and happiness – we need to practise what we preach.”

About the charity Founded in 2009 by Helen Whitman, who now lives in the UK, Suzanne recounts that the Angels’ work began when they came across a book

by Geraldine Cox, the founder of Sunrise Cambodia. Geraldine runs  June 2016

33

TALKING POINTS an orphanage in Kandal province, Cambodia but now also helps with family support and sustainable development across the country.

Alison Price, who is competing in the fitness challenge this year for DB’s Mission Slimpossible, first got involved with the Angels because she was moved

by Geraldine’s work. “I collaborated on the Angels for Orphans Cycling to Stop the Traffik challenge from Saigon to Siem Reap three years ago,” she says. “There were five DB residents amongst the 12 riders, who embarked on the 550-kilometre ride, raising funds for victims of sexual slavery and human trafficking.”

The connection with Bali Kids – the organisation that the fitness event is raising funds for – came about after Suzanne visited with her children. In particular, the Angels are supporting an education initiative that will spread the word about the dangers of smoking. Bali Kids hopes to reach 5,000 children in the first year of the campaign using educational booklets.

“We always start small with helping and we always make sure that there is transparency and good governance,” Suzanne says. “The secure knowledge that the funds we send go to exactly what they have been requested for, is very

reassuring. Both Bali Kids and Sunrise Cambodia have a connection with AusAid and I know, from my previous experience managing another international NGO, that they have to jump through lots of hoops to obtain status with that organisation.”

A third charity that the Angels support – New Hope – provides help for children living with HIV/ AIDS and works with the Clinton Foundation in the US. However, there is also a local beneficiary – Po Leung Kuk, a leading Hong Kong social service organisation and fundraiser. The Angels support its after-school development programme for kids aged three to 18, which provides activities including sports, music, arts and tutorials.

Raising funds Suzanne hopes that the Angels for Orphans Fitness Challenge

could become an annual, if not biannual, happening on the charity’s fundraising calendar, which also boasts zumbathons, marathons, coffee mornings and dinners. Its continued popularity seems certain in DB, which has long been an Angels’ hotbed. This year, DBers Maria Brusuelas and Emilie Clairet Zin, who work directly with the charity, are on hand to provide Claire and the DB teams with any help they might need.

Claire encourages residents to support either of the Discovery Bay teams or an individual, and she has set up her own online giving page to raise money to contribute towards her teams’ totals. For those who are ready for a challenge themselves, perhaps get involved in the fitness drive next time. For others, tending towards a more sedate response to this read, there are numerous other ways to provide support, whether with your time or money.

Find it

• Angels for Orphans, www.facebook.com/angels4orphans.hk, www.angelsfororphans.co.uk • Claire’s online giving page, http://simplygiving.com/clairemasfitness

Mission Slimpossible: Jo Pilcher and Alison Price, with Claire Mas centre

Find more local heroes

34

June 2016

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MOMENTS

REBEL WITH A CAUSE Jacqui Green, winner of the Around DB and Life on Lantau International Women’s Day Competition, is an inspiration – for her animal activism, her self-deprecating charm and her willingness to ruffle a few feathers. Samantha Wong reports

T

he founder of Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), Jacqui Green has been rescuing and re-homing animals on Lantau and Peng Chau for the past 20-plus years.

Few islanders were surprised when the Mui Wo resident romped home as the winner of the Around DB and Life on Lantau International Women’s Day Competition in April, or when she modestly accepted the award on behalf of others: “I feel blessed for the support. It’s not just me. It’s all the supporters and volunteers, all the people who foster and adopt. PALS is the sum of the parts of all the people that help.”

to ‘re-house’ pets that have come from other sources. It’s incredibly depressing and happening more and more often,” she says. “The reasons [for returns] are endless and not a single one surprises me anymore. But I’m not the most tactful and I have gotten abuse.

The statuesque, silver-haired Brit moved to Hong Kong in 1979, and settled in Mui Wo 27 years ago. Jacqui recalls seeing “kittens in rubbish bins and puppies in paddy fields or cardboard boxes” and that was when the activism began. “It wasn’t intentional, it just started in a very small way and escalated,” she says.

Rescuing, re-homing and LegCo

Photo by Terry Chow

A familiar face in DB thanks to all the pet adoption and fostering days PALS holds in DB Plaza, Jacqui’s main focus is rescuing and re-homing abandoned and/ or mistreated cats and dogs. In her bid to create awareness, she is not adverse to rubbing people the wrong way and calling out slack pet owners.

Animal returns are a particular bugbear. “PALS has quite a detailed questionnaire that tries to prevent such an event but we are constantly being asked Find more local heroes

“There’s a lot of politicking that goes on, and it’s true: You can’t please all the people all the time,” Jacqui adds, referring to her support of less popular, media-unfriendly animal-welfare positions like euthanasia. “People don’t understand about homing. Unless you want overcrowding and animals suffering, euthanasia is an alternative.

It’s quite contentious.”

Getting new regulations for breeders pushed through LegCo – putting an end to puppy mills – is high on Jacqui’s agenda, something PALS is fronting along with 18 animal charities and societies, including the SPCA. “We’ve been talking for years,” she says, “and now we have a chance to get this into legislation in September.”

PALS has taken up most of Jacqui’s time and energy for the past 20 years and now, aged 66, she is considering retiring to the UK. Whether this actually comes to pass remains to be seen, however.

“I’ve been ‘leaving’ for about a decade”, she admits with a laugh.

Right now, it looks as if PALS will close down if Jacqui relocates. “There is no one else. It’s just the way it is,” she says. “It’s very stressful and timeconsuming, and no one else wants to do it.” Time will tell – a successor may declare themselves – but one thing is certain, Jacqui will stay on long enough to see the policy changes she’s dedicated to, made into law.

Find it • Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), www.pals.org.hk

Fung Tat Choi and Jacqui Green, animal activist Chan Yu Ting

@ www.arounddb.com

June 2016

37

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IN FOCUS

40

BEYOND BLUE

Suicide is often a convergence of factors leading to a sudden, tragic event. What puts children, as well as adults, at risk and what are the warning signs to watch for? Sam Agars reports June 2016

IN FOCUS

S

uicide is something that for many is hard to comprehend and for those not directly affected, much easier to ignore than confront. But a recent spate of suicides in young people has brought the issue to the forefront in Hong Kong and some in the know believe it is time something more was done to help those in need.

What makes someone, of any age, decide that death is preferable to life?

For Sam Kwok of Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise, DB, who took his own life in March, the triggers were, of course, intensely personal. The tragedy was that a man so beloved by the community felt that he had nowhere to turn and no other option.

Triggers and warning signs Despite being a leading cause of death worldwide, there is little hard evidence to explain why people become suicidal. Most people do so for complex reasons, and suffer from feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Factors that affect the risk of suicide include psychological states (depression), lifestyle (drug or alcohol misuse), employment (high levels of stress), relationships (feeling socially isolated) and genetics.

In many cases, a stressful event pushes a person ‘over the edge’. It may only take a minor event, such as having an argument with a partner, or the trigger may be a high-stress event, such as the break-up of a significant relationship, a partner dying, or being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“Suicide is the most difficult bereavement crisis for family or friends to face and attempt to resolve in any effective manner,” notes DB counsellor Kerri Gunthorpe of Recreating Relationships. She is quick to point out that it can be difficult for friends and family to realise that a loved one is feeling suicidal. “Sometimes, but not always, the person who suicides may

have provided some signs that they were suicidal but they are not always easy to interpret.”

Kerri goes on to list some warning signs to be aware of. “These include expression or feelings of isolation (‘No one understands me’). Feelings of worthlessness (‘I am so useless’).

Engaging in risky behaviours (‘I’m happy to try that. I’m not afraid to die’). Feeling like they are a burden to others (‘My family would be better off without me’). Aggressive and irritable behaviour that is extreme and may have increased over time. Giving away clothing, expensive gifts, or pets for no apparent reason. A sense of hopelessness about the future.”

Spike in student suicides According to the World Health Organisation, Hong Kong is below the world average for suicides per capita. In general, suicide rates have been dropping in the city over the past decade and have remained relatively steady for those aged 24 and below in that time. But 22 student suicides since the beginning of the 2015-16 academic year is a damning statistic and one that cannot be ignored.

While in Discovery Bay there has not been a recent student suicide and in general students here, who are predominantly expats, receive strong support networks at school, this is not the case in other parts of Hong Kong and at local schools. Six of the 22 students attended Chinese University, but the majority of the rest were students of local schools – the youngest of whom was just 11 years old.

The notion that students are facing too much pressure from schools and parents is, in a large number of youth suicides, the predominant factor.

However, DB-based psychologist and life skills coach at Mind Matters Hong Kong, Dr Melanie Bryan stresses that a number of factors can drive young children to take their own life.

“There are undoubtedly many factors that can contribute to a teen’s impulsive suicide in addition to academic pressures,” she says. “These include being bullied in person and via social media, being rejected or dumped by a girl/ boyfriend, as well as being gay or transsexual and feeling like a pariah.”

Academic pressures If one thing is for certain, it is that being a kid now is not like it was in the past.

What is supposed to be a carefree, fun time in these children’s lives is in many cases the opposite, with expectation to perform academically heaped upon them at an incredibly young age.

“I think there’s too much emphasis on academia,” says Aileen Valentine, founder of Tung Chung-based, English-language training company Wise Choice Education. “From age six months, kids are put in to some kind of activity, playgroup, nursery, or kindergarten. Every parent wants their child to succeed, but at what cost. There are 22 families out there now without a child and it’s not going to stop there – not until everyone steps back, stops pushing and slows down. Kids need to actually have a life.”

Aileen believes that the added workload created by after-school activities can be too much for children to handle. She believes they often don’t have a choice in what they do and that years of constant pressure and study can wear a child down. “I’ve had phone calls from parents worrying their threeyear-old daughter cannot put a full sentence together,” she says.

According to Melanie, part of the problem is that many people do not fully understand that children’s intellectual capabilities vary. “I’ve thought for a long time that people just assume their children will get straight A’s if they study from dawn to dawn,” she says. “But some kids are better with their hands, they are better in sport,  June 2016

41

IN FOCUS

they are better in subjects that may not advance them as much academically.”

Like Aileen, Melanie is not surprised by the large number of recent suicides and is convinced the hard-line approach of parents is a big contributing factor. “I work a lot with people who are local and have been educated overseas and I have found that giving positive reinforcement is not part of the culture,” she says. “They think that they’ll give their kids a swelled head, so there’s a real deficit, if you like, of kids feeling good about themselves.

If their only reference is getting good grades and they don’t, then they feel like utter failures.”

Support networks in schools While a lack of funding and the fact that some local schools have different priorities have been highlighted as reasons for the lack of support networks in some schools, that is certainly not the case in the international system and in Discovery Bay. Schools here put a premium on pastoral care and ensuring students are developing as people, as well as academically.

“Pastoral issues are as important, if not more important, than academic issues for us because we are dealing with children who are growing up with a unique set of pressures upon them in Hong Kong,” Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) head of school Paul Tough says.

Paul explains that DBIS has a full-time counsellor available to all its students and access to a support network of agencies they can draw upon for specialist advice and support. Teachers are also well-equipped to help students if the need arises. “We put a lot of effort into the professional development of their skills to handle certain crises, such as bereavement or issues to do with stress students might be facing,” Paul says. “Equally, the role of the class teacher in Primary and Early Years, and

Seeking help There are many legitimate websites or organisations to contact for support both if you are having suicidal thoughts, or if you are concerned your loved one, friend or colleague may be at risk. To improve your understanding, Black Dog Institute (www.blackdoginstitute.org. au) and Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au) are both excellent online resources.

“Talking to someone who you believe may be having suicidal thoughts can be challenging but if you are unsure or concerned, simply ask them,” Kerri advises. “Before doing so it is useful to have a plan. Having a strategy in place makes you better able to handle the situation should the answer be yes. Contacting support agencies to develop prior knowledge can be useful.” the form tutor in Secondary, is crucial in providing one-to-one support as and when needed.”

The volume of recent student suicides has prompted the Education Bureau to put measures in place to ensure basic needs, like counselling and trained staff, are available to children in all schools. The Chinese University has done the same, providing increased counselling options to its students.

Find it • Mind Matters Hong Kong, www.mindmatters.hk • Recreating Relationships, hkmediation@icloud.com • Wise Choice Education, www.wisechoiceeducation.info

Find more topical local topics

42

June 2016

But there are many out there that maintain that for a lot of students, the damage may already be done by the time they get to the counselling stage. “The education department, the universities, need to start scaling things back,” Aileen says. “I also think we, as adults, and (as a result) kids, need to take a step back from all the technology to allow for proper interaction – there’s far too much of a focus on gaming and social media.”

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Read on to discover 20+ summer camps to keep your kids entertained all summer long

Faust International

June 2016

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FAMILY MATTERS

Acting Antics International

ESF Language and Learning

I

t’s all happening in and around Discovery Bay over the holidays, with a range of summer camps on offer to suit every child. Drama, dancing, sport, ecology, computing, Mandarin and more are on offer to ensure that your young ones are not only kept busy, but will learn and grow while having fun.

Act quickly to secure your children’s spot in a camp suited to them. Most of the camps run for only a week or two, so they are easy to work around summer vacations, and your kids will be home each night.

Get creative Acting Antics International offers kids the chance to audition, rehearse and perform in The Candy Girls at its acting camp.

There are 18 roles for boys and girls aged seven to 12 and every student gets a role with dialogue. You can expect dancing, fabulous costumes and an internationally experienced director at Discovery College from July 18 to 22. Contact 8122 9475, admin@actingantics.com, www. actingantics.com.

Ark Eden’s eco-camps, held across Lantau in July and August, encourage kids to build relationships with the outdoors and one another.

Children, aged five to 11, become aware of environmental challenges, and feel empowered and enabled to find solutions. Activities include swimming in waterfalls, tree planting,

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June 2016

Rumple and Friends

Faust Groups

organic farming, composting, caring for animals, arts and crafts and rock climbing. Contact 6110 9293, jasm i ne@a rkedenon la ntau.com, www.arkedenonlantau.com.

ESF Language and Learning is offering a number of fun enrichment camps in July and August at Discovery College. These include Spanish, writing, science and discovery and drama courses, plus art and debate for students aged six to 12. Contact 2711 1280, language@esf.org.hk, www.esf. org.hk.

Faust International provides weeklong drama (three to 14-year-olds) and creative writing programmes (six to 13) in Sheung Wan from June 27 to August 26, led by a team of experienced teachers with lots of great new scripts, themes and content for inspiration. Discounts are available for multiple registrations.

Contact 2547 9114, info@faustworld. com, www.faustworld.com.

Faust Groups runs exciting weekly Saturday workshops at Discovery Bay International School from September onwards for kids aged four to 16.

Students experience new theatrical adventures and develop confidence and performance skills, while having lots of fun. Contact 2547 9114, info@ faustworld.com, www.faustworld.com.

Junior Snappers’ annual filmmaking summer camps are fun, interactive

Ark Eden

and hands-on for kids aged eight to 16. The camps are held in Discovery Bay and Sheung Wan, June 27 to July 2, July 4 to 8, August 8 to 12 and August 15 to 19. Contact 9849 0050, juniorsnappershk@gmail.com, www.juniorsnappers.com.

Mopsamsterdam’s Beauty Summer Make-up Camp, held in DB from July 18 to 22, is a workshop for kids aged 11 to 16 years who are inspired by makeup and want to see how it’s done.

Participants learn basic to advanced techniques of some of the most classic and famous make-up looks. Contact 5910 1107, mopsamsterdam@gmail. com, www.mopsamsterdam.com.

Rumple and Friends’ Big Top Academy Summer Camp, from June 27 to August 26 in Sheung Wan, sees students explore a different theme each week using drama, puppetry, circus and musical theatre. Themes include space, magic and circus, mythical beasts/ fairy tales and superheroes. These courses are taught by professional performers and the kids, aged three to 10, put on a show for the parents at the end of the week. Contact 9830 8287, in fo@r u mpleand f r iends.com, www.rumpleandfriends.com.

Get groovy DMR School of Ballet offers kids aged six to 16 the chance to tap, twist, kick and shout their way into a new set

FAMILY MATTERS

Edge ‘n Pointe

Coding Kids HK

of moves at its choreography camps from June 27 to July 2 in Discovery Bay. Using the storybook theme, students dance to ballet and modern music, create their character and have fun with crafts, before strutting their stuff on stage in the final show.

Contact 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk. com, www.dmr-hk.com.

Edge ‘n Pointe summer classes are open to children and adults and feature quality training in ballet, jazz dance, contemporary dance, musical theatre, Kindermusik and Zumba.

The classes take place in Tung Chung throughout July and August and discounted rates are available for those taking full courses. Contact 6688 2167, admin@edgenpointe. com, www.edgenpointe.com.

Get smart Coding Kids HK offers a full coding camp for kids aged eight to 12 from July 18 to 29 in Discovery Bay. The camp blends online, selfguided and self-paced tutorials with unplugged activities that require no computer at all. Although the majority of exploration is done on iPads, coding principles are applied to fun, real-life situations. Contact 6274 1167, info@tmrwdigital.com, www.codingkidshk.com.

Discovery Mind Education Organisation is offering four exciting weeks of discovery, with six different

Yifan Mandarin

DMR School of Ballet

themes, for children aged 15 months to 10 years. Camps are held at the two Discovery Mind campuses (DB and Tung Chung) from June 20 to July 29. Contact 2987 2202, 2915 0666, www.discoverymind.edu.hk.

Kidznjoy offers an ongoing programme in DB, Tung Chung and throughout Hong Kong designed for early childhood. Classes combine learning basics, such as alphabet, numbers, colours and shapes, with fun activities to help build children’s confidence and prepare them for school. Contact 6273 7347, info@kidznjoy.com, Kidznjoy HK Facebook page.

Little Stars at Play offers playgroup classes for kids aged six months to three years, plus ‘drop-in and play’ for kids aged two-and-a-half to threeand-a-half years. Summer classes in Tung Chung, from July 11 to August 2, include English Adventures, Tiny Tunes, Kindermusik and Crafty Me! Phonics for kids aged three to six.

Contact 6479 0390, Little Stars at Play Facebook page.

The Story Studio offers creative summer fun for imaginative kids aged seven to 12 at its week-long writing workshops in Discovery Bay, Mui Wo and Tung Chung. The course, running July 4 to 8, 11 to 15 and 18 to 22, is perfect for children who love reading and writing and want to expand their knowledge of the

Adventure Sports Academy

written word. Contact 6341 3989, www.thestorystudiohk.com.

Yifan Mandarin in Discovery Bay aims to create a 100% Mandarin immersion environment, including classroom theme learning, group activities, cooking, group lunches and field trips, during its camps from June 20 to August 26. Students, aged two-and-a-half and up, learn to speak Mandarin in a natural way, with the focus on the use of vocabulary, syntax and understanding of the language. Contact 2486 9012, lear n@y i f an-mandar in.com.hk , www.mandarinformunchkins.com.

Get sporty Adventure Sports Academy has partnered up with EpicLand, DB, to offer a multi-sports camp followed by a one-hour daily pass entry into EpicLand. The camps, running from July 11 to 15, are catered to children aged from 18 months to six years and aim to see kids have fun while being introduced to the concept of football and basketball. Contact 3998 4042, info@adventuresportsacademy.com, www.adventuresportsacademy.com.

Bayview House of Children in DB provides creative sporting options for children aged three to six at its camps running July 4 to August 12.

The camps combine an action-packed morning at the nursery, with multisport training in the afternoon at DB  June 2016

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FAMILY MATTERS

Harry Wright International

Marina Club. Contact 6114 2436, ramesha@bayview.hk, www.bayview.hk.

ESF Sports’ daily camps at Discovery College, running from June 27 to July 15 for kids aged two to 11, are split into separate age groups. All camps combine a range of age-appropriate activities that aim to develop core skills, ranging from basic motor skills (running, jumping, turning and balance) through to more sophisticated gamerelated abilities (teamwork, speed and agility). Contact 2711 1280, sports@ esf.org.hk, www.esf.org.hk.

Forward Motion offers kids, aged six to 16, the chance to try their hand at a wide range of sports, including tennis, basketball, football and baseball. The focus is on having fun, while learning basic motor skills. Kids can also expect mini-competitions and water-based activities at DB Marina Club, from June 27 to August 11. Contact ajit_ gidwani@hotmail.com.

HK Dragons offers football camps where children of all abilities, aged five and up, get to play and learn in a fun and safe environment. Professional coaching from UEFA/ FA qualified coaches ensures an improvement in skills, match awareness and fitness.

Held in DB, Tung Chung and Mui Wo, the camps run from June 27 to 30, July 4 to 8 and August 8 to 12. Contact 2987 4274, www.dragons.hk.

Harry Wright International offers a successful programme of swimming lessons and training for children. It provides three- to five-day swim camps

at Discovery Bay International School, running from June 27 to August 12, for swimmers aged four months to 12 years. Contact 2575 6279, swimming@harr ywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk. iGym is offering weekly gymnastics fun for those aged three to 15, and ranging from beginner standard to advanced. iGym’s innovative programmes, designed to support healthy, happy children, run in DB and include a toddler motor development programme. The camps run from June 27 to July 14. Contact 6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, iGym Gymnastics Facebook page.

KHT International Kindergarten’s multi-sports programme, running from July 18 to August 6 in Mui Wo for children under six, targets specific sporting skills and encourages active participation and team spirit. Kids are encouraged to be eco-friendly through videos, games and craftmaking. Themed mornings (Frozen, Outer Space, Dinosaurs, Construction and more) are on offer and a 10% discount applies on enrolment before the end of June. Contact 2109 9886, info@deikindergarten.org, www. deikindergarten.org.

La Cantera’s summer football camps are tailored for kids aged five and up and offer goalkeeper training in partnership with Asia Goalkeeper Academy. Children learn to ‘make the round ball talk’ through a series of training sessions in Tung Chung between July 4 to 8, July 11 to 15 and

Find more child-centric stories

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June 2016

iGym

August 1 to 5. Contact 6151 3507, office@lacanterasoccerschool.com, www.lacanterasoccerschool.com.

Motiv8 Sports offers weekly camps from June 27 to August 12 using indoor and outdoor facilities at Club Siena, DB. Designed for children aged four to 12, each session focuses on different sports and activities, which include rock climbing, cricket, basketball, yoga, mini Olympics, soccer and tennis.

Contact richard@motiv8sport.net, www.motiv8sport.net.

RugBees Fun in the Farm summer courses, for kids from walking age to five, focus on the basics of rugby, such as kicking, catching, passing, key motor skills, balancing and teamwork.

Private sessions are also on offer. Held in DB and across Hong Kong, the camps run from July 4 to September 4. Contact 2117 3055, nicepeople@ RugBees.com, www.rugbees.hk.

Treasure Island is offering children, aged five to 15, the chance to learn to surf on beautiful Pui O Beach. Qualified instructors run week-long, daily camps from June 20 to August 19. Contact 2984 8711, surf@treasureislandhk. com, www.treasureislandhk.com.

Vikings Football Club offers structured and progressive programmes, designed to ensure enhanced motor skills and coordination. Students, aged five to 11, enjoy professional soccer coaching at Discovery College from July 27 to August 8. Contact 9533 2600, www.vikings.hk, vikingshk@outlook. com.

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Extra care comes standard The support you need to make relocating more successful for the whole family.

In fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes relocations more successful for everyone.

With experienced and knowledgable people on the ground in more than 60 countries we equip you well for your relocation: • We’ll help you get to know the destination well before you go • Show you how to make it easier and more exciting for children, and less stressful for pets • We’ll look after your belongings with expert packing and transport • And when you arrive, we can help you get settled quicker and enjoy the thrill of a new place or a different culture

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ESCAPES

Krabi’s legendary limestone cliffs

THE LONG WEEKEND Looking for a relaxed beach destination that’s got a lot to offer and takes no time to get to? Cecilia Yee introduces her three favourite minibreak resorts in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

S

un, sea and surf are the essence of summertime fun and a short beach break is the perfect opportunity for relaxation, whether romance or quality family time is on your agenda. You’ll want to maximise your time, if you’re planning a weekend jaunt, so consider a destination that’s easy to get to.

My top picks for 2016 are Krabi, Hoi An and Langkawi. Read on to find out what’s on offer at each of these exotic destinations, how to get there and where to stay.

Krabi, Thailand Krabi teems with natural attractions, offering stunning scenery, some of

Situated in Thailand’s south-west, Krabi is also the location of two worldclass beaches, Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le. While Maya Bay gets flocked by tourists year-round, there are plenty of unspoilt spots waiting to be discovered.

You can enjoy the spectacular seascape, limestone cliffs and caves from a kayak, exploring hidden offshore areas at a leisurely pace.

Rayavadee, Krabi

Thailand's best mainland beaches, a coastline with more than 200 islands and a verdant jungle-covered interior revealing towering limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caverns, mystical shrines and exotic wildlife.

Krabi is known for its excellent rock climbing and diving, while classic Andaman Sea destinations like the Phi Phi Islands are easily accessible by ferry. If you feel like a break from the beach, hike up a ridiculously steep and vertigo-inducing hill to the Tiger Cave Temple, a Buddhist site with panoramic views.  June 2016

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ESCAPES

Hoi An’s French-colonial old town

At the far southern tip of Krabi sits Rayavadee, an exceptional destination that embraces its surroundings with low-key but comfortable standalone pavilions and villas. With a spacious spa, a stunning pool surrounded by limestone cliffs, and a number of dining outlets, you’ll find everything you need in this luxurious resort.

Be sure to head to the grotto for a sundowner – the perfect place to finish the day. Visit www.rayavadee.com.

Bringing the family to Krabi, and looking for something more conventional? Consider Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort. The expansive property features luxurious rooms and suites, a 7,000-squaremetre, lagoon-style pool and a wide array of family-friendly dining outlets.

Visit www.sofitel.com/krabi.

Hong Kong Airlines offers a direct, red-eye flight to and from Krabi. If you have more time, consider flying out via Bangkok with Thai Airways – with the right connection you can get there and back in under five hours.

Hoi An, Vietnam The ancient town of Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast, maintains its

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June 2016

Should you feel like a cultural day trip, visit the imperial city complex of Hue – a tranquil, serene city, considered to be Vietnam’s artistic and cultural centre. It is known for its architectural masterpieces, including the imperial citadel, royal palaces, mausoleums and pagodas on the banks of the Perfume River.

The Nam Hai, Hoi An

traditional, French-colonial charm and architecture, having survived a number of wars relatively unscathed. Now considered one of Vietnam’s jewels, this peaceful town thrives on its ideal setting right on the doorstep of the country’s most sought-after beaches.

Offering a picturesque break from the beach, Hoi An old town rings with the sound of sewing machines and street hawkers, and being closed to cars, it’s one of the most pedestrian-friendly towns in Vietnam. Stroll along its ancient streets, exploring art galleries and temples, and of course, visiting a tailor, who will deck you out with a whole new wardrobe in a matter of hours.

The 100 suites and villas that make up The Nam Hai, Hoi An dot the beachfront. They offer ample living space fused with interiors that draw inspiration from ancient feng-shui philosophies of wind and water.

Relax at your private pool villa, or treat yourself to a spa treatment by the koi-populated lagoon. Visit www.ghmhotels.com/en/nam-hai.

At The Fusion Maia Da Nang, you are guaranteed two spa treatments per person per night stay. Set within lush tropical gardens with its own waterfall, the Maia spa is pure pampering heaven, with steam rooms, saunas, private Jacuzzis and beauty salons all available. Meanwhile, the resort’s Natural Living Programme ensures body and soul are nourished too, with thoughtful complimentary activities like meditation, yoga and wellness workshops. Further proof of this 

Economy return from

Boracay

$

Koh Samui

$

London

$

Paris

$

Seattle

$

Seoul

$

Singapore

$

Sydney

$

Toronto

$

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1,180*

PR

3,790

PG

5,490

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*

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4,720

KE

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ESCAPES

Langkawi’s pristine, palm-fringed beaches

resort’s laidback attitude to life? You can breakfast anytime, anywhere. Visit www.maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com.

Dragonair flies direct to Da Nang every day in the morning; the return flight is also in the morning.

Langkawi, Malaysia Located in the Andaman Sea, some 30 kilometres off the mainland coast of north-western Malaysia, Langkawi is the largest and most populous island in an archipelago of over 100 islands. Most visitors stay on the eponymous Pulau Langkawi, with the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba.

Officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, the archipelago is known for its dramatic scenery and profusion of mysteries and legends.

Surrounded by turquoise sea and swaying coconut palms, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungleclad hills. Langkawi is recognised for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities and you’ll want to go island-hopping to enjoy isolated sandy beaches and freshwater lakes.

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi

While on Langkawi, be sure to take the cable car up Gunung Mat Cincang for the breath-taking views, and take a sunset cruise on the Andaman Sea. Kids will love the expansive Underwater World Langkawi and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, where, according to legend, fairies once came to bathe.

Set amid one of the oldest rainforests in the world, and now a UNESCOprotected site, the Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi finds its home

June 2016

Nestled in an ancient rainforest with its own private beach, The Datai Langkawi is the perfect place to sit back and soak up the sun. Get pampered at the majestic spa, or sign up for an adrenalin-pumping sailing and snorkelling adventure. Visit www.thedatai.com.

Fly out in the morning to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines and connect to Langkawi in the afternoon.

On your return, consider flying from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur around noon, and back to Hong Kong in the early evening.

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in tailor-made travel experiences, the widest choice of airfares and unique products, and 24-hour emergency assistance. To book your getaway, call 2830 2776, visit www.flightcentre.com.hk or drop by the retail stores in Discovery Bay, Central, Happy Valley or Wanchai.

Find more exciting travel destinations

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along a white sand coastline. The Moorish architecture contrasts with the destination, but the sizeable accommodation offers luxurious living amid a flourishing and varied ecosystem. Family pools and adult-only pools make this an ideal destination for both families and those seeking a little time out. Visit www.fourseasons.com/langkawi.

@ www.arounddb.com

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ACTION

DRAGON BOATING FOR A CAUSE Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Tuen Ng Festival is one of the most popular on the local calendar and it gives residents yet another excuse to get altruistic. Sam Agars reports

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D

B dragon boaters are out in force, with early morning and late afternoon training sessions intensifying as Tuen Ng Festival on June 9 approaches.

The Dragon Boat Festival is an iconic day in Hong Kong and an event that has gained significant traction in DB’s short existence – just ask anyone who has been involved and they will tell you just how special the experience is.

But it’s not all about the paddling and drum beating. DB dragon boaters have a long history of charity and community work, with a number June 2016

In it for the kids

and a charity organisation in Hong Kong. “The good thing is we all have families, so we are all sensitive to issues related to kids and we are very lucky, all of us,” four-year team member and current team treasurer Stefano Passarello says. “So it’s time to give back – not just to clean our souls but with the intention of contributing a little bit to society.”

Loaded with DB-based parents, paddling to help children is a nobrainer for the Latin Dragons, and the team alternates between supporting a chosen foundation in Latin America

Last year the Latin Dragons raised around HK$20,000 for a school in Bolivia and this year they have decided to do their bit to assist The Society for the Relief of Disabled Children in Hong

of teams over the years using their participation to benefit those in need.

This year, we speak to two local teams, the Latin Dragons and Ripple Effect, who will be going just that little bit harder as they use the thought of those less fortunate as motivation to drive them on.

ACTION

Ripple Effect, the Discovery Bay International Community Church team

Kong. The society provides medical, surgical, rehabilitation and educational services to disabled children at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay, Pokfulam.

The team uses its annual salsa party, held two weeks before race day, as the main vehicle for its fundraising.

“Our boat is quite international, but the vast majority [of the crew] are from Latin America and Spain, so they are big party people,” Italian-born Stefano, a four-year DB resident, says.

“We combine our partying with our money raising.”

Rather than deliver cash directly to the foundation it is supporting, the team uses the funds raised to buy something that’s needed. Stefano says this minimises the risk of people thinking the money may be misused.

This year the Latin Dragons are aiming to raise HK$50,000, which they will use to buy toys for the children at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital.

“We want our kids to go there and deliver them personally,” Stefano says.

The team is also looking at making a difference for sick children through

The Crayon Society, an organisation founded by the Passarello and Ortiz families in May this year. The idea is to collect old crayons, mould them into new ones, and then sell them to raise funds to buy hospital equipment. DB drop-off points for old crayons include Bookazine and Dymocks.

The charity aspect of their dragon boating is crucial to the Latin Dragons and something Stefano says drives the team on when they compete. “It gives it an extra meaning, you paddle extra strong,” he says. His words are borne out by the fact that the team, which  June 2016

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ACTION

was founded in 2012, finished third in last year’s Community Cup. Stefano himself is a distinguished runner, in 2014 he was the first Hong Kong resident to cross the line in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, and he is quick to sing the praises of dragon boating. “It combines physical health with commitment,” he says. “There is a very strong correlation (I’m a runner and I do believe this) to wellbeing and also mental health. If you work out you feel better. It’s a very direct and straightforward link.”

The Latin Dragons team

Paddling for awareness Another DB crew that uses dragon boating to do something good for those in need is Ripple Effect, the Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC) team. Competing allows the church to raise awareness about the many and varied charity and community causes it supports.

Unlike the Latin Dragons, the team competes only in DB, rather than entering other competitions around Hong Kong, to focus purely on giving its charity work as much exposure as possible here. Recent beneficiaries include World Vision Hong Kong, MediCare Resources and Evangel Children’s Home, as well as a range of local community programmes.

Having one of the most creative names on the DB dragon boating scene certainly helps this cause. “It’s a bit of a play on words, because it is exactly what you don’t want to happen in a dragon boat,” quips three-year team manager Brent Wallace.

For Brent, who runs the team with his wife Pamela, DB’s annual dragon boat races play a vital part in ensuring the charity work of the church is as effective as possible. “It targets individuals that are not in a lot of our other outreach things,” he says. “Here it’s a lot of

Ripple Effect team

The Latin Dragons paddling for kids in need

athletes and it does bring the awareness to a different group of people.”

The team is certainly serving its purpose, improving every year since 2006, to the point where it made the plate finals of the mixed competition last year, Ripple Effect’s first finals appearance. Competing purely in the mixed competition and made up of mainly church members, the team

June 2016

could even lay claim to being the best in DB after victory in last year’s inaugural Community Cup. Brent, a six-year DB resident, is hopeful the confidence gained by winning last year’s Community Cup will see the team turn in another solid performance this time around. “Once you start making it into the finals, you never want to fall back out,” he says.

Find it • Discovery Bay International Community Church, www.dbicc.org • Latin Dragons, thecrayonsociety@gmail.com

Find more clubs and activities

58

Ripple Effect in training

@ 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!

My thoughts We all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, insurance may be the last thing on your mind. But you can save yourself a lot of money and stress, by investigating your options well before you conceive.

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Your existing health insurance plan may cover some of the expenses associated with pregnancy, but it is worth noting that most medical plans don’t cover issues related to being pregnant and, if they do, they may cover complications to the mother only. Check to see if it covers all the doctor’s appointments you will need (twice monthly visits for the whole nine months of your pregnancy are recommended). You don’t want to have to start skipping visits in order to save money, as this could create problems for both you and your baby.

If you are looking into specialist maternity health insurance coverage, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. Local plans like AXA are a good bet, as are international plans like AETNA/A+/IHI-BUPA. If you like the look of USA, choose the more expensive USA Premium option.

All specialist maternity health plans are valid for one year, but most maternal insurance plans have a one year waiting period, meaning they must be renewed for a second year.

Each will pay out a maximum amount for a normal delivery and a different amount for a C-section

I AM: KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native Englishspeaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

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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HK HAPPENINGS

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

www.prestigefairs.hk

PRESTIGE SUMMER FAIR Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

June 3

Stock up on unique designer gifts, homewares, jewellery, fashion, accessories, gourmet food and children’s products at the Prestige Summer Lifestyle & Gift Fair. You can expect over 100 vendors displaying products from all corners of the globe. Admission is free.

Visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

The Mira Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

June 3-5

Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

Follow the adventurous, young James and his friends – Miss Spider, Old Green Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm – in this vibrant adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. Tickets, starting at HK$295, are available at www.hkticketing.com.

June 7

www.youtube.com

KOWLOON BAZAAR June 4 Smash pop-up marketplace, Kowloon Bazaar aims to satisfy all your shopping and entertainment needs – under one roof. You can pick up handicrafts, couture and designer wear, household items and gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories, jewellery and more. At the exciting summer edition, you can also expect free wine tastings, cake pops, a tarot card reader and crystal healing. The event serves as a unique platform for small and medium enterprises that have no shop-front to showcase, market and sell their products. Visit www.kowloonbazaar.com.

W POOL PARTY

W Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui To celebrate its fourth year of summer series pool parties, W Hong Kong invites partygoers to dress only in white as they enjoy top sounds by resident DJs, Kenji Hidaka, Andrew Hendley and Parvenu. Advance tickets, starting at HK$350, and season passes, valued at HK$1,500, are available at www.ticketflap.com. To find out more – and win a trip to the Maldives – visit www.w-hongkong.com.

4& June

25

JOYCE JONATHAN The Vine Centre, Wanchai

Iconic French folk and pop singer Joyce Jonathan, best known here through Mandarin versions of her early hit singles Je ne sais pas and Pas besoin de toi, performs in Hong Kong as part of her 2016 Asian Tour. The 26-year-old artist has three studio releases under her belt, including her 2010 platinum debut album, Sur mes gardes. Tickets, starting at HK$380, are available at www.ticketflap.com.

www.w-hongkong.com

June 2016

61

HK HAPPENINGS

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders e Jun

www.dailymotion.com

8

#FLUFFY BREAKS EVEN AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok One of the biggest and most recognisable comedians in America, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias reworks his non-scripted, comedic docu-series on stage, alongside Martin Moreno, Rick Gutierrez, G Reilly and Alfred Robles. As seen on TV, Fluffy and his entourage travel around, asking fans where to eat and, in order to ‘break even’, where to work out. Purchase tickets, starting at HK$688, at www.hkticketing.com.

HK BALLET FOUR IN ONE

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong Ballet’s 2015/ 2016 season closer, Serenade and More, features four ballets by three choreographers. Enjoy ‘father of American ballet’ George Balanchine’s seminal work Serenade, Chinese choreographer Fei Bo’s Over There and Shenren Chang, and Sacred Thread by Edwaard Liang, BalletMet’s artistic director.

Shenren Chang and Sacred Thread were commissioned by the company especially for this event. For more information, visit www.hkballet.com, purchase tickets, starting at HK$140, at www.urbtix.hk.

June 10-12 www.hkballet.com

17June t 10 s Augu www.museumbento.com

CHINESE OPERA FESTIVAL Across 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 event featuring live performances, films and exhibitions, plus talks, forums and exhibitions. The festival is a premier showcase of well-known artists, innovative stage production and Chinese heritage. Visit www.cof.gov.hk for further information; www.urbtix.hk for tickets.

AIR SUPPLY 40 YEARS LIVE!

June 19

A great band to see live, Air Supply performed over 90 shows in over 20 countries in 2015 alone. The celebrated Australian rock duo dominated the charts in the 1980s with hits like Here I Am, All Out of Love, Even the Nights Are Better and Making Love Out of Nothing at All. Tickets start at HK$380 and are available at www.hkticketing.com.

en.wikipedia.org

HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Across Hong Kong What better way to spend a summer’s day than immersing yourself in the colour, culture and atmosphere of a dragon boat race. You can catch international teams as well as local and company-sponsored teams training and competing all over Hong Kong in early June. Top spots to view the paddling include Stanley, Aberdeen, Sai Kung, Cheng Chau, Mui Wo and, of course, DB. One of the biggest events of the season is the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival right on Victoria Harbour. This three-day event lives up to its name and includes live entertainment, stalls and a fabulous BeerFest. Head down to Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade, June 10 to 12.

For more information, go to www.discoverhongkong.com.

ne

Ju rly

Ea

Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre

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June 2016

www.onthegotours.com

M SA EG LE A S!

In-Outdoor Furniture www.aloha-outdoor.com aloha806@gmail.com

ATS

specialist mortgage

specialist mortgage

ATS

Tel: 2552 0036 805 Horizon Plaza 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

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

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

Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Marinda Meeuwis (@marindameeuwis)

T

he best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share a photo taken in DB or Lantau on our @around_db Instagram page and hashtag it #arounddb. You have until the 10th of this month to enter – so get tagging.

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS - For Independent Living PRACTITIONER CREATED HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS . SINCE 2012

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY

FINANCE & INSURANCE

NETWORKING BREAKFAST JUNE 2 AT ZAKS, DB PLAZA

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

Meet local service providers & customers, ask questions & get advice from those who have gone before.

Contact info@t8-consulting.com for more information

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYER WANTED

Cherrie Toriaga, 29, is looking for an employer – her current contract ends on July 12.

A registered nurse from the Philippines, she is an experienced child minder of babies & young kids.

Easy going yet hardworking, Cherrie can cook Chinese & Western food, & handle all household chores.

Call 6427 3163

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Full/ part time.

Please leave a message on 9145 6731

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

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

HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

PETS

SONTHRA HANDYMAN

THE PLACE WHERE THE PETS GO - PETCODB

Furniture repairing by indoor/ outdoor & polishing specialist. Any kind of solid wood plus hanging pictures (any wall work).

• Better quality • Great value • Low prices • Satisfaction guaranteed Contact Peter on 9674 7531, Sonthrapeter@gmail.com

EXPERT MOVER

• Mover • Storage • Handyman Competitive rates.

Professional quality service.

Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk.

Visit www.expertmover.hk

AKASH MOVING

contact the DBGirls DBgirls@cambridgeweightplan.hk 95223297 or 97578314

Local packing & moving service.

Best move – best rate.

Akash offers a packing/ unpacking service, provides boxes & packing materials & makes small deliveries.

Call 2421 8088, or visit www.akash.hk

DOG SERVICES

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

100% safety record over the past 11 years.

Call Dave Chan on 9872 5439, or visit www.quoquoclub.com

RETAIL ABBELIO WINES

EXPAT PAINTER & DECORATOR

Colourwash, wall papering, artwork, plastering, plumbing, electrical works, picture hanging, shelving & more.

For a quality, fast, clean service, contact 9074 5232, goldingdec@netvigator.com

FTC RELOCATIONS

The experts in local & international moving.

World-class service – competitive rates. FTC also provides short-term storage & handyman services.

Operating throughout DB & Lantau. Call 2814 1658, or visit www.ftc.hk

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

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

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

SERVICES

SONTHRA TAILORING SERVICES

Tailoring for ladies & children.

(Shirts, pyjamas. Shalwar Kameez, baby dresses.)

Individual designs, copies, alterations & modifications.

Bespoke drapery, upholstery, bed & table linens. High quality, excellent service, competitive pricing, satisfaction guaranteed.

Contact 9637 1620, sonthrafarnaz@gmail.com

Deadline for July issue classifieds

June 15

Our Customers of the Month

Tiger

Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

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

June 2016

67

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.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

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June 2016

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 TRAVEL concoRdE TRAVEL

Leisure Travel & Cruise specialists since 1978.

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

Licence No 350343

TUITIon & coURSES

LEARn SPAnISH

Native speaker, DELE examiner.

Experienced teacher.

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

Flexible schedule & locations.

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

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

•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

MAndARIn cHInESE cLASSRooM

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

Any level/ time/ purpose.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

June 2016

69

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

APARTMENTS IN TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU PROPERTY

CHERISH COURT 2-BED

Fully furnished, 2- & 3-bed apartments available for long/ short- term lease. Minimum rental period 1 month. In excellent condition.

Contact Miss Man on 9806 9175/ 9872 7395, tanford787@gmail.com.

Visit http://tanford.webs.com

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

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

NICELY DECORATED APARTMENTS

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

Nicely decorated, 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom flats available for short term let. Fully furnished with wi-fi & NOW TV. Weekly cleaning service.

Photos available. Contact Serena 9236 1806, cow9146@yahoo.com.hk

OVERSEAS PROPERTY LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2 Spacious 600’ apartments for short- or long-term rental. Quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bedlinen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

STUNNING FURNISHED FLAT Designer 2-bed apartment, 1-minute from DB Plaza. Renovated to the highest standard.

Weekly cleaning available. Contact Maeve on 6408 4227, maeveororke@hotmail.com

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

70

HAWKS NEST THAILAND FOR RENT

Fully equipped 2-bedroom villa for rent, including rooftop patio with outdoor kitchen, Jacuzzi tub, pool & internet. Situated just south of Hua Hin Thailand, can arrange Bangkok pick-up. For details, visit www.hawksnestthailand.com or email villa@hawksnestthailand.com

VILLA AMITA, BALI FOR RENT Ocean-view, 4-bed, luxury villa with 25-metre pool. On the cliffs of Bukit, close to Nusa Dua & Jimbaran. Spacious & open at 21,000 square feet. Fully staffed. From US$700/ night.

Contact 9040 7675, catyurim@gmail.com

VILLA IN TABANAN, BALI FOR SALE Quiet, furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa with private dipping pool. Perfect vacation home after minimal renovation. Surrounded by rice paddies & 5 minutes to the beach. Contact onethingadaythatscaresyou@gmail.com, or visit www.sahajasawahresort.com

LUXURY 2-BED

SRI LANKAN PARADISE FOR SALE

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

High-end villa, with pool on 8.5-acre cinnamon plantation, close to beach, Southern Sri Lanka.

Steady holiday rental income, Airbnb and Trip Advisor top ranking. Potential for development into wellness resort or retirement retreat. Visit www.lacanelle.com, or contact the DB owner on 5988 8231, annabeljallen@gmail.com

SLEEPS 4

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

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

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

Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

June 2016

BEEF JERKY, BEEF BILTONG & PORK CRACKLING

HIGH PROTEIN SNACKS WITH NO ADDED MSG

Perfect for sharing & enjoying together T: +852 6647 2292 E: gillian@gmtfoodshk.com W: gmtfoodshk.com

/gmtfoods

@gillian_GMT

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)

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

© Anna Kari

Back by popul ar dem and!

THE B EST O

F LAN

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UNITY

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G • LIVIN

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ING • HIK PETS

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OMM H • C HEALT

An essential guide to all the island has to offer, The Best of Lantau features interesting and informative sections on everything from education and sports to dining and real estate.

We list the top local providers in 12 comprehensive categories.

Contact us to get your business listed!

• • • •

Dining Sports Health Services

• • • •

Living Pastimes Beauty Community

• • • •

Pets Education Excursions Classifieds

From the publishers of Around DB and Life on Lantau Email lissa@baymedia.com.hk or call 2987 0577 to book your advertising space!

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

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Deli Viet Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto 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 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 1888 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

Asian Hairdressers Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Tung Chung Animal Clinic 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 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Mavericks Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The Beach House The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen

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

HOTELS

HOME & REPAIRS

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 9045 2914 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2109 4962 2988 8123 2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 2786 9699 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

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

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 6341 3989

PROPERTY AGENCIES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

LEARNING CENTRES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy 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

6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 9688 9112 2984 0990 2546 3543

LEARNING CENTRES

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

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

2984 0222 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 5465 5511 5662 8552 2984 1265 2504 4788 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 8733 3661 1694

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)

6108 3400 2984 0060 6108 8471 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

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal 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 2259 3422 2987 9909 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 9879 0469 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 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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

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

PetcoDB

Playtime Kids DB

DAILY NECESSITIES

Apple Travel

Harvey Law Group

Little Explorers

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

OTHER SERVICES

LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

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

2529 8256 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

Parsons White Wealth Management

Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

2433 6981, 5664 7614 www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

The Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjp.asia/tspp Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation 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 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

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

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 2016

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 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 Playgroup Eye Level 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

6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 2987 9644 9366 0000 6302 6327 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143 2987 8143 2987 4217

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

2987 1373 2914 2133 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 8898 2987 1777

Around DB’s July 2016 issue is coming out

July 1

AQUABLU

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

Please explore the website, or call Michèle to see any of the listings. +852 60550146 www.HKBoatsandHomes.com

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

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Berliner Café Duvet Café Pascucci 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 il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza

2987 2298 2295 8288 2987 8203 2987 0966 2591 1422 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Kiraku Tei

2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

Sportsmanship

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

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

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zaks

2987 6232

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

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@outlook.com www.vikings.hk

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Ltd. Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club GigaSports

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 2320 1238

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES

King’s Chinese Chess Academy

Offering Chinese Chess tutorials for adults and children chinesechessprofessional@gmail.com 6093 1590 www.chinesechessprofessional.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

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

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

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

Babyland Bo Bo House EpicLand Toysland

2997 8080 2987 4230 2441 0098 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351

DB NUMBERS

TRANSPORT SERVICES Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline VIP Logistic Services Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 1213 2987 9368

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 Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 3467 7000 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELLBEING

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

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266 Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

View the business directory

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

Movement Improvement Specialized training in Pilates, Yoga, TRX, Spinning, Circuits and Personal training. The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

@ www.arounddb.com June 2016

75

OUT THERE

A

s an impoverished journalist in London I was attracted to the public relations business, so I switched sides; an act of betrayal, I agree, but better than continued penury. PR practitioners wrap the craft in magic designed to make us want whatever they are selling. It seems to work.

PR is predicated on the universal truth that perception is reality. In other words, every event in life is neutral. The planet has no opinion. Our individual judgments provide truths for each of us. And so, language, vocabulary, shifts of emphasis and the insertion of facts true or false, and much mumbojumbo, influence our perception and shape our reality.

Lantau lies Hong Kong Government employs a ton of PR people, and while their communication on the development of Lantau is largely drivel and hype, it is wonderfully packaged. Consider this statement from the Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) immortalised in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in March 2014.

Photo courtesy of www.businessinsider.com

“LanDAC member Brave [you couldn’t make that up] Chan Yung warned of more local-mainland friction in the border areas if something isn’t done to make the tourist experience smoother.”

Meaning: Millions of tourists will flood into Lantau when the glorious Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge is completed. You residents don’t matter and your country park status is irrelevant. Get used to it.

76

LanDAC directives are typically fluffed up with a selection of fawning baloney designed to impart that warm and fuzzy glow you’re supposed to get after a luxury spa treatment.

Cuddly words like ‘beautification’ and ‘enhance’, which in development terms means ‘lots of concrete’, feature a lot, while ‘better utilised’ is PR claptrap for ‘rip out some trees and build

Note the continuing joyful emphasis on tourism

THE LANGUAGE GAME Sweet and sentimental words and phrases disguise the devastation about to descend on Lantau.

Prepare to be overwhelmed, says Peter Sherwood

something big, like a 3,000-tonne-aday waste incinerator within a dead pink dolphin’s-length of a marine park’.

In its First-Term Work Report, January 2016, LanDAC revealed plans to “provide visitors with a wide range of ‘journey’ experiences covering various aspects such as nature ecology, culture, heritage, entertainment and tourism”.

What this means is shove in tourists like herds of wildebeest and dump them on a beach, or keep them entertained with some tacky tourist stuff, as they crash mindlessly around. Note the continuing joyful emphasis on tourism… and that mainland tourists won’t cross the bridge a few at a time.

The report goes on to say (and I love

Little Lantau is about to be overwhelmed by massive infrastructure projects – for LanDAC, “there is no end to evolution” and “drastic change” is a prerequisite. All on a speck of land one-quarter the size of tiny Phuket – with a mountainous 60%. And did I mention that Hong Kong’s birth rate is in decline?

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 17 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter June 2016

this): “Existing traffic and transport facilities of Lantau are still lagging behind.” Behind what? It also notes that East Lantau can house “up to a million residents (up from about 60,000) and will create many job opportunities”. I imagine it might, but only if they construct massive office and residential buildings to accommodate these lucky workers.

@ www.arounddb.com