September 2011 issue

Discovery Bay's independent community magazine

Asia’s best in golf Top courses a short distance from DB

Fountain of youth Playing in a band to soothe a midlife crisis

Dealing with pudgy kids How parents can help their children fight obesity

SEPTEMBER

2011

Publishers in DB since 2002

Legal expertise wherever you are

We’ll support your family in the UK – when you can’t be there Moving overseas and leaving loved ones behind can be hard, but leaving elderly parents without the emotional and practical support upon which they have become reliant is distressing.

At Mogers we have been helping expats who have elderly parents in the UK manage long distance care for decades. Our Concierge Service offers hands on local and practical support, such as paying bills, dealing with tax returns or finding suitable long or short-term care solutions which take away a real burden and give genuine peace of mind for everyone concerned.

To learn more about this service and how it can benefit your family please contact Derwent Campbell on +44 1225 750001 or email derwentcampell@mogers.co.uk. Further details regarding all our expat services can be found on our website www.expatlaw.co.uk

CONTENTS FEATURES 20

48

54

20

PROFILE DB musicians discover the secret of staying young

24

IN FOCUS China's environmental revamp

28

FAMILY MATTERS Parenting to avoid child obesity

34

MONEY MATTERS The allure of precious metals

40

HOW TO ... Read faces

42

ESCAPES So near, yet so far out: Shenzhen

48

ACTION Teeing up around the region

54

STYLE Say hello to hi-tech living

REGULARS 12

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

60

HOTSPOTS Hip happenings around Hong Kong

64

TECH TREND In search of Google

66

DB FACES Community snaps

70

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals!

74

DB NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB

76

HEALTH Q&A Teenagers and drugs

DEAR READER

We’re back - and better than ever!!

After nearly a decade of bringing you news and happenings around Discovery Bay and beyond, we are relaunching, rebranding, and revitalising ourselves with a new magazine – Around DB. Our philosophy stays the same: to produce a community magazine that is totally dedicated to our fellow residents.

share your thoughts on various issues, your personal experiences and of course your opinions. Around DB is, as Inside DB was, primarily interactive and community oriented. We hope we will continue to be your companion on the ferry, when you want to relax at the Plaza, or just during those precious quiet moments at home.

As founder of the original Discovery Bay magazine - Inside DB - it was a challenge to produce a magazine similar in focus to Inside DB but improved in format and quality of content. We think we have succeeded and hope you will agree.

In this month’s issue of Around DB you will find features on 'globesity', a growing epidemic around us; how Shenzhen has changed from an under-the-radar factory town to a shopping mecca; DB people in midlife finding expression through music; and a whole lot more.

This is an exciting time for the whole team and we hope this magazine will be as fun for you to read as it has been for us to produce. As a ‘welcome back’ gift of sorts, we have four competitions for you to enter – two for our young readers and two for the more...mature in our audience.

Always feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you very soon.

We welcome you all to use this monthly magazine as a medium to

Publisher

Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editorial

Megaen Kelly Lori Campbell Tighe editor@arounddb.com Advertising

Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction

Terry Chow Photography

Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Terry Chow Accounts

accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month

Lori Campbell Tighe Dr Gordon Cheung Lorraine Cook Andrew Dembina Martin W Hennecke Elizabeth Kerr Paula Lepore Burrough Kitty Ng Catharine Nicol Karmel Schreyer General enquiries

info@arounddb.com Published by

Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533

Meet

our team

Corinne Jedwood

Some of our regular contributors:

Founder of Inside DB in 2002 and publisher until 2008, Corinne is a long-time DB resident, arriving in the fall of 2000 with her seven-week-old son. By the time Inside DB was launched, her son was two and a baby girl had just been born!

“It was the best idea for the community and so exciting every month”, she says.

Corinne also started Hong Kong’s Square Foot magazine and website in 2005.

She has lived in France, South Africa and Israel and created six companies in three different continents. In her spare time, she teaches kickboxing.

Lorraine Cook is a business owner, writer and also a psychologist. She lives in DB and compiles our “In & Around DB” column.

Lissa Morris Originally from the Philippines, Lissa has been in DB forever (or since 1994 anyway!). She still enjoys living here and contributing to the community through her work with Inside DB and now Around DB. She also volunteers as chairman of the DB Angels Football Club, the only all-girls team in DB.

Lauren Gordon is a long-time DB resident. She has been working in international journalism and business for the past 20 years, as writer and editor.

Martin W Hennecke is a regular guest on CNBC and Bloomberg. He is also the Associate Director of Tyche Group Ltd.

Terry Chow

Elizabeth Kerr is an arts, culture and lifestyle

Terry is the creative touch in our team and was working as art director for Inside DB and Square Foot magazines. In his spare time, Terry is a multimedia guru and loves using his photography, video and Internet skills to create new fun sites.

Matt Mclaughlin lives in DB and specialises in

Megaen Kelly Disclaimer The views expressed in A ro u n d D B a re n ot n e c e s s a r i l y t h o s e 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 adver tised. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Andrew Dembina is food and wine editor for Baccarat magazine and writer of the select Hong Kong guidebook. He compiles our “Hotspots around Hong Kong” section.

Megaen is our editor-at-large. Megaen is very familiar with the DB scene as she was the Inside DB editor, back in 2005! When not editing magazines and newspapers, Megaen enjoys doing virtual animal welfare work.

Lori Campbell Tighew An award-winning writer, Lori wrote and edited US daily newspapers and magazines for 15 years. Now a DB resident, Lori specialises in environmental, family and health features.

Tracey van Geest Tracey is a professionally-trained photographer. She has previously worked in Australia, as a wedding and portrait photographer. She lives in DB and her great passion is children and family portraiture.

writer, contributing film, travel, property and lifestyle features to local and international publications.

sports and travel features. He is an avid adventure racer and an accomplished athlete.

Paula Lepore Burrough is an expert in

educational technology and a recognised Apple Distinguished Educator. She works as the technology coordinator for all Island schools.

Catharine Nicol is the editor-at-large for AsiaSpa magazine and specialises in spa and health, sport and travel features.

Karmel Schreyer lives in DB. She has worked as editor of a local parenting magazine, columnist in Canada, and is author of textbooks, children’s books, and a popular history book.

Phillippa Stewart is a former DB resident. contributes to Time Out Hong Kong, CNN, Forbes and The South China Morning Post.

SEPTEMBER 2011 IN & AROUND DB

SEPTEMBER 2011

Auditions begin

Game, set and match for charity

Youthful Productions will be performing Cindy, a pantomime updated from the Cinderella tale. All the roles are currently filled, except for two. They are looking for two adult males, one to play the role of...

Gladys (the stepmother!) and one to play the character of Arthur, Cindy's father. If you’d like to find out more or arrange an audition, please contact Berni at youthfuldb@yahoo.com.

You can hit some balls for charity on September 17 from 12pm to 5pm when the Discovery Bay Residents Club hosts the eighth Annual Charity Tennis Tournament. This year, all proceeds go to The Art Link - an association that helps people with Down's Syndrome. For those who would rather watch, it is going to be a great show and there will be game booths for the smaller ones. For registration, visit: www.dbrc.hk or call 2987 7381.

Non-performing volunteers are also needed in many areas, so get in touch if you’re looking for lots of fun and a chance to work with this great community group.

The performances will be on December 2-4 at the Discovery College theatre.

Fierce ball players Why not kick-start autumn by joining the DB Tigers Baseball Club? It is accepting players of all abilities, ages five to 13. The club organises bus transport to the pitch at the YMCA Christian College in Tung Chung.

The programme runs on Saturday afternoons, from September to April. If you are interested, contact the club at info@dbtigers.com or visit their website: www.dbtigers.com.

Lantern festivities Tuesday, September 13 sees the annual DB celebration of the MidAutumn Festival. Traditionally, the festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, with the moon at its fullest and brightest. Be sure to bring lanterns to the beach and the Plaza.

Family fun Check the Royal Family of DB North Kingdom on September 24-25 as they continue to bring laughs to your kids.

Prince and Princess Happy have designed some new games such as Jolly Boating, Sticky Jump, Water Gun and many creative workshops for children. It's free and happening at DB North Plaza 3-7pm. Visit www.dbnplaza.hk for more information.

12

Compiled by Lorraine Cook

September 2011

The long run This year, the DB 10km run, held on November 13, will support the Child Development Centre at Matilda. The organisers need sponsors (prizes and donations) and marshals. If you would like to help out, call Kobi Janssen at 9307 7375 or email kobi@netvigator.com.

To register for the race, you can pick up a form from Pen n' Paper, or download it from www.dbrunforcharity.org.

Participants must be over 18.

SEPTEMBER 2011 IN & AROUND DB

Community art

Island art

D Deck and Chokoli Strawberry have launched an International Artists Exhibition at Shop 101 of D Deck. At the exhibit, you will find sculptures, large format paintings, and projections of original artworks. It's happening every weekend 11am-2pm and 5-8pm and it's open to the public. For more information, you can visit www.ddeck.com.hk, call 6113 8812 or email anais@chokolistrawberry.com

Long-time Peng Chau resident, Cedric Alexandra, is looking for investors to develop a unique art project, the Peng Chau Arts Street. It will ultimately include a restaurant, gallery, antiques shop, wine outlet, martial arts centre, and some art stalls. His group has a four-year contract for a grade-3 Historical Monument, composed of several houses over 100 years old.

Special events, concerts and other activities will welcome up to 750 people. If you are interested, contact Alexandra at alexced8@gmail.com.

Fun day you can bank on!

Come and join the fun on Saturday, September 17 at National Australia Bank’s booth at the DB Plaza from 10am-6pm.

From 12:30-2pm and from 3-4:30pm, kids will learn how to make balloon animals and adults can enter lucky draws to win supermarket and coffee vouchers. While at the booth, you can also pick the brains of the bank’s staff on a wide variety of financial matters.

Convenient dental care The North Plaza is now home to a new child-friendly dental practice, with a special spaceship room for the kids. Dr Sandeep Jain and his staff have over 20 years experience in dental practice. Note that they also do braces! You can check out their website at www.baysidedentalhk.com or simply drop in for a coffee and a chat.

You can find them at Unit 1, Ground floor, North Plaza near the Wellcome.

Any local heroes in DB? DBers, we need your stories! Around DB is working on a feature about people who have stepped up to a challenge in a big way, and we want to hear from you.

A brave minesweeper, a selfless mountain climber, a mum to the rescue, and let's not forget the dance teachers who helped deliver a baby at the old Star Ferry pier ... Who else can we add to the ranks of our local heroes? Contact info@arounddb.com and type "local heroes" in the subject space.

Backyard Bazaar Want to find something priceless from Hong Kong's finest indie-craft talents? Come to DB Backyard Bazaar on September 18 at the DB Plaza. It is brought to you by Handmade Hong Kong. Shoppers are sure to find unique gifts from fine jewellery items, incredible ceramics, ecofriendly stationery, organic goods, and more. If you are interested, visit: www.ddeck.com.hk

September 2011

13

SEPTEMBER 2011 IN & AROUND DB

SEPTEMBER 2011

Meditations for daily life

Following the success of meditation classes this spring, Kadampa Meditation Center Hong Kong is bringing a new series of meditation classes to Discovery Bay starting in early September. There is no cost and participants are welcome to join a single session or the entire series. Come to the Multi-Purpose Hall in DB Office Centre on Thursday September 8 and 15 between 7:30-9pm. If you would like to participate, email info@meditation.hk or call 2507 2237.

Win tickets to see Ben 10 Live We have great prizes to give to our community this issue. Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Live is coming to town. It’s the first time that our kids can enjoy the show live. The show is expected to bring action, adventure, special effects and way-out stunts, all hero stuff!

Around DB is offering you a chance to win tickets for the show. Just answer the following question: what are the names of Ben’s cousin and Grandpa?

The first reader to email us the correct answers will win four, A-reserved tickets for the show at Star Hall, KITEC between 11-13 November. You can read more details about the show on page 19 of Around DB. Email your answers to: info@arounddb.com (subject line: Ben 10 competition)

14

September 2011

DB in the international spotlight DB resident Emi Kingan spent her summer at "Peace of Cake Village", a UNESCO-affiliated youth peace camp in Oslo, Norway. Emi was one of the four 11-year-olds selected from across Hong Kong to be part of the Hong Kong delegation. Emi, who was born here, is the first native English speaker to represent an Asian country at any of the camp organisation's programmes, reminding us history is coming full circle, and Hong Kong really is Asia’s World City with DB supplying a lot of the talent seen on the global arena.

SEPTEMBER 2011 IN & AROUND DB

SEPTEMBER 2011

Creating happy children

Wiggly competition!

Hadas Hecht, a long-time DB resident, is bringing an amazing programme to Discovery Bay that builds children’s social skills, emotional resiliency and self-esteem, starting in September. FRIENDS Program is the only anxiety prevention programme acknowledged by the World Health Organization for its 12 years of comprehensive evaluation and practice. Check friendsprogram.com.hk or contact Hadas Hecht at 9096 3674.

The Wiggles, one of the world's most popular children's entertainers, will return to Hong Kong with a new show this month. You can read details of the show on page 61 of Around DB. All DB kids will be able to watch the Wiggly dancers and all their friends - Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword - on stage for three shows only at Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Join the Wiggles and Around DB competition. You can win three tickets (A-reserved tickets) if you are the first two readers to correctly guess which Wiggly friend is missing from the list above. Email your answer to: info@arounddb.com.

Please write in the subject line: “Wiggles competition.” Don’t miss the show!

PLAYGROUPS IN DISCOVERY BAY ORGANISER

DESCRIPTION

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Newborn to 7 yrs

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18 months to 4 yrs

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16

September 2011

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6 months to 6 yrs

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Sat, Sun and PH

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18

September 2011

THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.

4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com

PROFILE

Midlife in the band hits a high note Lori Campbell Tighe explores the rockin’ side of middle age

T

he band names tell their story: Midlife Crisis, Cougar Bait, and the NonCommitments. The players reached middle

age

and

began

to

want

something more. They dusted off their lifelong dream to play in a band. This same dream has launched 12 bands in Discovery Bay, surely a record for a residential area of 20,000.

Neil Keating (left) of @ONE and @ONE's backup singer, Monique Franz

Those of us slugging away in the working world

20

September 2011

wonder how these middle-aged rockers work their day job, love their spouse, parent their kids and play late nights in a band, when the mojo starts to slip.

“It’s a passion,” says Matthew Collingwood, Discovery Bay resident, lead singer and creator of @ONE, a techie-yoga inspired name for music uniting people. “You always make time for your passion. If you do that, everything’s going to be OK.” By day, the New Zealander works as a risk manager and helps raise three daughters. By night, he dances with the microphone stand and sings Red Hot Chili Pepper tunes.

Then Collingwood quickly adds with a grin, “You also need a very understanding wife.” Angela Collingwood, the very understanding wife, once

PROFILE

yelled, “Hey! What the hell are you doing?” at

Someone

an inebriated woman who jumped on stage

musician Janet Rebbeck of North Wales, who

and tried to kiss him at Carnegie’s in Wan Chai.

plays saxophone for the Non-Commitments.

There’s payback, of course. Collingwood knows

“It’s just what you need in your 40s,” she says

he has to wake up early with his active, chirping

with a laugh. Rebbeck has toured with the UK

daughters, ages 5 and 10, after playing a late

musical, Cats, and played with the Hong Kong

band gig. “That’s the payment. You had your fun,

Philharmonic Orchestra. “You can switch off from

now it’s your turn,” he says, still grinning.

midlife and focus on what you’re good at. It’s also

with

professional

experience

is

a nice way to meet new people,” she says. @ONE's lead guitarist, Neil Keating, rolled his suitcase into Hemingway’s, the local mecca for bands, still in his Cathay Pacific pilot's uniform from his Jakarta flight. He fist-tapped Collingwood and then hugged his family. His three sons helped

It's a recreation of love - we're not in it for the money. Monique Franz

set up the stage. The two younger boys then went home, while the eldest who turned 13 at midnight, stayed up till the band sang him 'Happy Birthday'.

Committed to life

As Collingwood sang and Keating played ‘Owner

The Non-Commitments can’t help but create

of a Lonely Heart,’ creating an electrifying sound

a hair-raising sound with 13 band members

for a band that practices just twice a month,

including seven horns and a full rhythm section.

Keating’s wife, Carla, smiled and answered the

The band’s name honours the blues band, The

question of why they play: “It’s exciting.” Does

Commitments, with a twist to leave room for

playing in the band help Keating of South Africa

life. “We didn’t want to commit to

deal with middle age? He says, “Obviously I look

playing every week,” says founder, 

a lot older than I am.” Then he adds, “My wife says it’s much cheaper than buying a Porsche.”

Ladies please It’s not all about the guys. Barely middleaged Monique Franz sings lead for the NonCommitments and back-up for @ONE. She raises four children with her husband and works full-time for a humanitarian missions company. Where does this American find energy for all this? “When I sing it’s like eating soul food,” Franz says. “When there’s Matthew Collingwood of @ONE

something you love, you have energy for it.”

The Non-Commitments and @ONE asked Franz to join them after hearing her gospel-bluesy voice in a DB musical, Disco Inferno. “There is this air of midlife crisis,” she says. “You have your family, career, and this burning passion for music. You have a sense that you may not make it big, but we still want to sing.”

September 2011

21

PROFILE

“We’re relaxed about who plays with us and we

Q & A with Discovery College drama teacher, Frank Donnoli of Cougar Bait, an acoustic rock band.

don’t expect a permanent commitment.” Hmmm,

Q: The name is hilarious, who thought of it and why?

Mark Willett, a British environmental consultant.

sounds like an open marriage, but no. “Many of us are friends,” says Willett, who’s played for @One, Signal 8 and Soul Traders. “It’s a real community.”

True to its name The first DB band to grasp the meaning of midlife began 18 years ago, Midlife Crisis. A bunch of middle-aged guys “needed to do something different,” says Greg Judd, an Australian captain at Cathay who founded the band. “It’s better than buying a sports car and getting a divorce,

Q: Who’s in the band?

A: The band consists of four members (all Discovery College teachers) who also happen to be very good friends. On lead vocals and guitar is Martin DeBarr (Y4 teacher); on lead guitar, harmonica and vocals is myself; on bass guitar is Matt Baron (Y4-6 leader); and on Caj’on and percussion is Matt Davis (music teacher).

I suppose,” he says with a chuckle. Midlife Crisis

Q: Where do you play?

still performs, but the members have gravitated

A: We have played around DB, mainly Hemingway’s and McSorley’s, and were part of the “Party in the Plaza” in 2010. We’ve played at Coast and Bar V13 in Mid Levels and have an upcoming gig at The Wanch in Wan Chai. Our most significant gig was “Pray for Japan.” It was an honour to use our music to raise awareness and contribute to the recovery of Japan’s tsunami disaster in March.

to other projects. Judd also plays lead guitar for a folk rock band gaining attention, “BenziNe,” now recording an album.

“Playing in the band keeps you young, mentally alert and you get a bit of adrenaline out of it.” Now that he's conquered the 'crisis' part, Judd plans to enjoy midlife as long as possible.

Monique Franz

For upcoming gig info, check out @ONE’s website: www.rockin-hongkong.com, and BenziNe’s website: www.benzinetheband.com.

22

A: The name of the band came about one night when we were laughing about how some of the “cougars” would need to get a day pass from the nursing home to fill the criteria. A unique subculture has emerged from our audiences where it is now quite acceptable to be any age or gender to be a “cougar.”

September 2011

Q: Any embarrassing, wild, funny band moments to tell?

A: After the MC introduced us at “Pray for Japan,” building us up, I broke a string halfway through the first song with a sea of faces looking on. Luckily Martin yelled out that I should go off and replace the string while the band stalled for time. Competent roadies helped me replace the string in record time. I swaggered back on stage to take my place feeling quite happy, when the audience was met with a totally out-of-tune guitar on my first strum. It pays to be humble. Part two to this story is that at our next gig at Bar V13, Martin broke the same string during one of our songs. Breaking strings is unusual so we started to wonder if we were being haunted by the G-string ghost.

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The Enneagram is a well-established system grounded in modern psychology and used all over the world for more than 30 years, to help people answer these and other important questions.

Now workshops are offered here in Discovery Bay by internationally qualified and experienced Enneagram trainer and coach, Carol Bagattini (EPTP, USA). Workshops run from 9h00 to 15h00.

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A member of

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INFOCUS

China's environmental

revamp

Karmel Schreyer takes a look at China’s environmental strategy for the next several years and also asks what Hong Kong is doing to clean things up

24

September 2011

INFOCUS

C

hina has long been viewed as the poster-

transpired in the ‘blue jean town’ (see sidebox) of Xintang –

child of unimpeded economic and industrial

gain attention in the Chinese media, this does not translate

growth with all its attendant ills: tainted food,

into sufficient government action.

toxic rivers, heavy-metal poisoning, and

enormous algae blooms. However, signs in recent years show that China’s leadership no longer wants to ignore the environment. It wants to make sustainable development

Experts believe that 90% of the soil in China is polluted with heavy metals.

a top priority. China’s 12th, Five-Year-Plan (2011-2015), released in spring of this year, may be evidence of

Energy by the numbers

heightened awareness among the Chinese leadership that things need to change.

In 2010, China became the world’s largest energy consumer, and with energy production traditionally

Earlier this year, China’s Ministry for Environmental Protection

reliant on coal, this is especially worrisome. As a result,

(MEP) stepped up monitoring of heavy-metal poisoning

the country is now developing alternative energies and

incidents and has enforced plant closures. Heavy-metal

Christine Loh, head of Hong Kong’s Civic Exchange think

pollution is especially worrisome in southern China, where

tank, notes the impressive-sounding statistics of the

the majority of mining takes place and where rare-earth

Five-Year-Plan in her recent report: Contrasting Realities:

metals mining is booming, all in close proximity to agricultural

China’s Environmental Challenge.

activity. Studies have shown that as much as 10% of Chinagrown rice is tainted with cadmium, and the International

Ironically, while China is first in the world in wind power-

Herald Tribune quoted experts saying they believe 90% of

generating capacity, 34% of that is not connected to

the soil in China is polluted with heavy metals.

the grid. China is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of solar panels, but the country itself only

The China State Council has allocated 59.5 billion yuan over

produces one gigawatt of solar power. The current plan

the next 10 years to control heavy-metal pollution in China, a

calls for an extra 90 million kilowatts to be connected to

legacy of the ‘wild west’ industrial development of previous

the grid by 2015, and for a significant increase in solar

decades. And while extensive efforts are being undertaken

energy capacity.

to clean up the environment, experts say enforcement of environmental laws and government transparency still have

Other targets in the Plan include cutting water and

a long way to go. Others suggest that while environmental

energy consumption, as well as reducing carbon dioxide

issues and stories of extreme cases – such as what has

emissions per unit of GDP (termed energy intensity, which 

September 2011

25

INFOCUS

basically measures how energy efficient a country's

responds Dr. Li Lin, Deputy Country Representative at

economy is). The Plan also calls for the forest coverage

WWF China.

rate to rise to 21%, and for forest stock to increase by 600 million cubic metres. A 15% reduction in heavy-metals

Loh agrees. “To say the least, China has adopted quite

emissions in key areas from 2007 levels is also planned.

ambitious targets,” and adds “China needs to be able to do two things at the same time: be more energy efficient

To meet these and other targets, the Chinese authorities

and continue to develop, which will require still more

are placing an emphasis on innovation. Expenditures on

energy overall. As China needs more energy, the issue

research and development will increase substantially,

is how China can continue to push efficiency, promote

as environment and clean energy become increasingly

conservation and get on track sooner rather than later to

more important in the Chinese near-term growth strategy.

cut usage.”

Substantial

improvements

in

water

conservation,

agricultural irrigation, water resource efficiency and flood

Hong Kong’s attitude

resistance are also to be undertaken.

Can the same be said about Hong Kong’s ambition? How

Big problems for a big country

long have we waited for pollution to be tackled on the home front? The notion of putting the blame for Hong Kong’s dirty

But, is all this too little too late, especially for one of the

air at the feet of mainland China is growing old. Ironically,

world’s largest countries that is only just beginning to

many of Guangzhou's factories, funnelling dirty air into

experience the ‘thrill’ of modern-day consumption?

Hong Kong, are owned by Hong Kong businesses.

However, China needs to integrate its economic and development plans with its energy objectives, as well as

In addition, studies claim that much of the brown air

protect the environment and ecosystems.

encapsulating the territory is due to vehicle exhaust, mostly aging trucks and buses. Local marine traffic notoriously

Still, China’s road to sustainability is being met with cautious

uses ‘bunker fuel’, a waste product of traditional fuel oil

optimism by environmental watchdogs. “The Plan shows

processing, many times more polluting than marine-fuel

China’s determination to move on a more sustainable

types used around the world.

path. This is an important turning point, one that can have

26

fundamental impacts on the world. We hope, and have

So far, here in corporate-friendly Hong Kong, little effort

reasons to believe, central and local authorities increasingly

has been made to apply economic incentives or impose

recognise that future economic development and people’s

penalties on businesses to resolve the problems. Perhaps

well-being depend on a healthy natural environment,”

Hong Kong can take a page from China’s book. “Hong Kong

September 2011

is an energy glutton and we too can do a lot better,” says Loh. “The government needs to further tighten its building and energy codes so Hong Kong can become much more energy efficient. No way Hong Kong can get there without strong policies!”

Loh concludes her commentary on China’s environmental strategy with a unique perspective, and challenge to all of us.

Western countries have yet to be successful in transitioning to an environmentally-sustainable development model, because developed nations still equate economic success with increasing material consumption. The West is in the best position to develop a growth model based on wellbeing rather than material consumption. Some groups in society already speak of this shift in consciousness, decrying the accumulation of stuff. ‘Spirituality-finding’ is becoming a growth industry.

As China needs more energy, the issue is how China can push efficiency, promote conservation and cut usage.

As China still develops and expands its population, it would seem unrealistic for them to take the role in forcing this shift in consciousness, from ‘having’ to ‘being.’ Perhaps any real breakthrough in this regard will not come from a political leader, or from any one nation, but from an international trend where groups of like-minded people follow the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “we must be the change we wish to see in the world”. Now that sounds like a plan…

CNN reports that the Pearl River on the banks of the Chinese town of Xintang in Guangzhou – known as the “blue jean capital of the world” – looks the colour of its most famous export when seen from a satellite. The river has actually turned a blue black, with a large portion of denim production waste being dumped into the river.

The town has thousands of textile, denim and dyeing facilities. The denim is made here with traditional dyeing methods. Cotton yarns are dyed by dipping them into small, hot indigo baths. This kind of dyeing produces more indigo waste, and the small dyeing units don't have the needed water treatment facilities.

FAMILY MATTERS

28

September 2011

FAMILY MATTERS

parents may be weakest link in 'globesity' Lori Campbell Tighe reports on how experts tell parents to toughen up

I

n the movie Wall-E, obese people sip

Island Health. “They say, ‘Oh, she’ll grow out of

supersized drinks in reclining hover chairs

it,’ and ‘He’s just big-boned,’ or ‘They’re hungry.’

and watch holographic TVs. They live on a

They’re not hungry. Kids dictate way too much.

spaceship planet because they trashed the

It’s about the parent being the role model and

real planet Earth. Fictional? Yes. Future reality?

taking back control. Parents give in to their kids;

Quite possibly, as the rate of global obesity, or

they don’t want to deal with the tantrums. Parents

'globesity,' explodes around the world.

have to stay strong – it’s called tough love.”

The World Health Organization has declared obesity a worldwide epidemic. Rates have doubled since 1980, with 1 in 10 adults obese.

Overweight children have tripled in a generation,

Just because you have the gene doesn't mean you'll get fat. You can control it!

numbering 1 in 3 American kids and about 1 in 4 European kids. The Chinese are gaining weight as fast as their economy, with 1 in 5 children under

Fined for fat

age seven now overweight.

A debate now roiling in the US has shocked “We have a truly global epidemic which appears

many parents. Dr David Ludwig, an obesity

to be affecting most countries in the world,” says

specialist at Harvard University, recommended

Dr Philip James, chairman of the International

that extremely obese children be removed from

Obesity Task Force. “This is going to be the

their parents and placed in foster care. The UK is

first generation to have a lower life expectancy

also debating whether to punish or fine parents

than their parents.” Yet apathy and acceptance

of obese children to help pay for their rising

continue, as does the weight gain. He adds, “It’s

medical bills. Doctors are finding three-year-old

like the plague is in town and no one cares.”

obese children with signs of heart disease. These children also have higher risks for diabetes, sleep

Although Discovery Bay may have less of an

disorders, cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol

obesity problem because its layout promotes

and emotional problems.

exercise, even here, parents with overweight kids are finding the finger of blame increasingly

Many parents think their chubby child will outgrow

pointed at them. “Parents are in denial big time,”

their fat, but studies show overweight children have

says Denise Fair, a Discovery Bay dietitian at

a 70 percent chance of becoming obese adults.

September 2011



29

Photo courtesy of: freshhealthyvending.com

FAMILY MATTERS

“Parents today do not seem to think it’s their

“want to think there is a metabolic syndrome

responsibility,” Professor Nick Finer, of the UK's

causing them to be overweight,” she says. “But

Centre for Obesity Research, told the British

it’s very, very rare. It has to do with overeating,

Medical Journal. While waiting at Finer's clinic for

poor nutrition and lack of exercise.”

obesity problems, parents have fed their children crisps and biscuits. “You can see the problem

Meant to be fat

being passed down the generations.”

Many parents also believe their overweight

Like mother like daughter

children have a genetic predisposition, and that may be the case. But even if children carry the

In fact, obese parents increase the risk of raising

overweight gene, they are not doomed to be

obese children. Obese mothers are 10 times more

overweight, Tuscher says. “Researchers have

likely to raise obese daughters, and obese fathers

studied when you exercise more it can level the

are six times more likely to raise obese sons.

gene. Just because you have the gene doesn’t

Researchers conclude that learned behaviour,

mean you’ll get fat. You can control it.”

rather than genetics is the cause. Having an obese parent does not affect children of the opposite sex.

The solution to 'globesity' is clear, but often torturously hard to change: we must eat smaller,

While parents are the primary factor, Fair says

healthier portions and exercise more. “No parent

contemporary culture worsens the problem with

wants to be told it’s your fault when it’s been

“monstrous” restaurant portions, reduced gym

under their noses,” Tuscher says. “Parents are in

time in school and the increasing use of technology.

denial. They think their kids will grow out of it.”

In addition, Hong Kong kids have helpers bribing

Tuscher tells parents, “It’s not your fault. Start to

them with food to behave, as well as doing all the

open your eyes and see what’s in front of you and

household chores for them. According to a study

deal with the problem.”

from Chinese University of Hong Kong, doctors predict 1 in 4 Hong Kong kids aged six to 18 will be

Through diet and exercise, kids can learn tricks

obese by 2013.

to keep their metabolism high.

The number

one thing is exercise. Kids need to start moving

30

Nine out of 10 parents who walk into dietician

and stepping away from their computers, video

Gabrielle Tuscher’s office at the OT&P clinic in

games and mobile phones – and watch their

Central seeking help for an overweight child

portion sizes.

September 2011



FAMILY MATTERS

How does Fair dish out tough love to her two children

age

five

and

seven at home? They stick to set meal and snack times, and if they don't like something they are served, Fair says calmly, “Well, I guess you’ll be really hungry for breakfast tomorrow.”

Then she doesn’t give in. No food is completely forbidden, or they’ll want it more. Fair allows sweets in moderation, saving sugary cereals for the weekends. “The rule is the parents decide what they eat and when they eat. If kids decide, they’ll hold out for ‘better’ foods.’’

Denise Fair serves food to her kids with "tough love".

10,000 steps a day At the world’s first boarding school for overweight children, Wellspring Academies in California and

Parents: stay firm but calm • Stick to three meals a day of reasonable portions the size of your child's fist.

North Carolina, students learn to change their

• Stick to set meal and snack times, so they’ll

dangerous lifestyle habits. The school encourages

be hungry for healthy foods on their plate.

kids to walk 10,000 steps, or eight kilometres a

If they ask for more, they can have more

day, and eat three healthy meals of 1,200 to 1,400

vegetables or fruits.

calories each. The kids can eat as much as they want of three foods: soup, salad and fruit.

• Eliminate sugary drinks from soda to apple juice. Even 100% juice is high in calories and low in nutrients.

Wellspring Academy director Eliza Kingsford says parents are responsible for helping their overweight kids by providing healthy foods and encouraging exercise. “But the kids need to want to be healthy for themselves as well,” Kingsford says.

• Eat together as a family so parents can model healthy eating. Kids eating in front of computers and TVs don’t focus on their food.

• Don’t bribe your children with food for good behaviour. Otherwise, they learn to turn to

Parents should teach and model healthy habits to their children, especially from ages one to 10, Fair

• Slow down speedy eaters. Fast eaters don't

says. However, many parents need educating

taste the food, so the body fails to signal the

themselves. “We don’t learn about nutrition these

brain that the stomach is full.

days and it has snowballed. We’re having to teach parents now,” she continues.

32

food when they need comfort.

September 2011

MONEYMATTERS

preci

protecting your wealth through

us metals

There’s more than gold to add lustre to your portfolio advises Martin W. Hennecke

N

owadays there is great investor

that the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent

uncertainty about the state of the

PIIGS crisis only worsened the balance sheets

global financial markets. In particular,

of these ‘stronger’ four countries’ governments,

since the US downgrade credit rating,

since the original projection was made through

there appears to be confusion about whether the

expensive bank bailouts, PIIGS bailouts and

Eurozone as well as the United States are actually

stimulus packages. So it appears that, if anything,

in recovery, or whether further substantial crises

such a scenario may actually unfold even sooner,

are looming. Moreover, if another crisis was to hit,

as indicated by the downgrade of the US five years

there is also the question as to which form such

ahead of the originally projected date of 2016.

crisis would take: which asset class may provide a safe shelter from another storm and which may suffer the most.

In order to really understand this issue thoroughly, and be able to anticipate and prepare for the future, one firstly needs to understand the present trajectory of debts and deficits of the Western nations across the board, not just Greece, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain, but also Italy, France, Germany, the UK and the US. What is most important to understand about the In fact, Standard & Poor’s projected as far back

immediate recent developments are two matters:

as March 2005 that France, the US, Germany and

34

the UK, at the time widely believed to have the

1. It is a widely held belief in financial circles that

strongest economies, were all heading toward junk

a Greek default could trigger the bankruptcy

status, a projection they have not updated since. It

of Portugal and Ireland within days. One of the

should be quite clear even to the casual observer

great Euro proponents, current President of

September 2011



MONEYMATTERS

the European Council Jean-Claude Juncker,

the currency unit, and therefore are fully exposed

recently admitted that such contagion may

to inflation risks.

also hit Belgium and Italy very fast, even before Spain, and now even the safety of France has

Alchemical cures for financial woes

been put into question. With Italy’s debt alone standing at two trillion Euros, such contagion

Therefore, precious metals should be included as

would be catastrophic and clearly the worst

a core holding in any investor’s portfolio at this

nightmare of Eurozone politicians and central

point, whether one is seeking safety or upside

bankers at this moment.

potential. Historically, this asset class provides reliable inflation and financial crisis protection.

2.

In the event of a domino-style collapse contagion, Eurozone politicians may well agree

When evaluating major precious metals’ recent

to yet further bailouts. Ultimately, however, they

performances, it is noteworthy that gold, the

would just be gaining time as opposed to solving

most widely held precious metal, has been rising

the problem, simply because even the perceived

relatively steadily of late, yet silver has been

stronger countries are in fact already facing

subject to exceptionally volatile price movements.

budget deficit/debt crises of their own. German

It saw a steep correction from the recently reached

finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble stated

high of just under US$50 per ounce back down

that even Germany was now “not swimming in

to US$34 per ounce, whereas platinum has simply

money but drowning in debt.” And, if history is

been drifting sideways.

any guide, what usually happens when major countries lose control of their debt? They often seek to reduce or erase their unserviceable debt burden via inflation, for example through money printing now called quantitative easing.

Accordingly, investors should brace for potentially turbulent times ahead, and avoid leverage and debts/mortgages in order to reduce financial risk, while at the same time being aware that unlike in 2008, Western government bonds and cash may not be the safe haven asset classes this time

36

around. This is due to the rising inflation outlook

This recent relative underperformance of platinum

foreshadowed by unsustainable deficits/debts in

and silver should invite investors to not just look

those major countries. Bonds and cash — unlike

at gold, but to consider gaining some exposure to

commodities and equities — have no intrinsic

silver and platinum as well, since their prices have

value beyond the promise of purchasing power of

become reasonable again.

September 2011



Diversifying a precious metals portfolio between gold, silver and platinum can also reduce overall investment risks, because their relative price dynamics are driven by different factors: while gold prices mostly depend on investment and jewellery demand, silver and platinum are affected to a much larger degree by industrial demand from different industries which is anticipated to remain strong amid rising production costs.

The good Earth Similarly, some exposure to the agricultural sector is highly recommended, as another commodity diversification element. That sector has seen a significant correction of late, making it good value once again, particularly given the rising Asian demand and global inflationary outlook.

All in all, the best investment strategy appears to be an unleveraged portfolio that is diversified across different asset classes, including a healthy exposure to precious metals and various commodities, as well as selected equities, convertible bonds and local currency bonds across Asia and other relatively more healthy economies, noting that the balance sheets of emerging markets generally, and Asia in particular, tend to be much healthier than those of the West.

Martin W. Hennecke is Associate Director of Tyche Group Ltd, an established premier independent investment and financial advisory firm. For more information, you can email him at: mhennecke@tyche-group.com

HOWTO

behind Around DB uncovers the art of face reading with Eric Standop

S

ome people seem serenely kind while others make your toes curl - just by looking at them. Does this sound familiar?

In Discovery Bay, we all love to drink our coffee or beer at the Plaza's outdoor tables for hours.

We watch frantic people running for the ferry, little ones stumbling to catch balls and gorgeous ones seeking fun in town. Everytime we see someone we read their face.

Face reading is an ancient art, commonly attributed to the Chinese, but it has existed in the traditions of many different cultures. “Face reading has been used for thousands of years,” says face reader Eric Standop of www.readtheface.com. “In the past, it was the only tool people had to find out what was inside someone else, and it was used all over the planet.”

Confucius used face reading, and was alleged to have said that a child is not responsible for his face but a man at the age of thirty has all his life mirrored in his face.

40

DB faces

September 2011

HOWTO

faces So if you thought we look like we do because of our genes, think again. Genes are responsible for only a very small part of what makes up our faces. “You inherit a certain amount,” says Standop, “but tissue, bones, colour, shadows, any remarkable spot, lines, and wrinkles can all dramatically change according to your lifestyle.”

Think for a moment about how relatively alike babies’ faces seem. With 43 muscles in the face, the ones that are used most often leave a telling shape on the physiognomy and structure. So, as we age, our experiences, our personality and our influences literally redesign our face. As a result our health, stress levels, thoughts, and character, and even our destiny can, up to a point, be interpreted by a face reader.

Standop left a corporate life, in which he was working himself to illness in order to study the art of face reading. At the same time he left an overstressed face behind, swapping it in time for a healthy and glowing appearance. He is a living example that as all our organs are connected to our face, health or nutrition imbalances will leave a mark, while improving your lifestyle can dramatically brighten your look.

He explains that the art of face reading is extremely powerful. Companies hire face readers to help them by pointing out the likely strengths of potential employees when hiring. Standop also looks out for micro-expressions, the fleeting ones that subconsciously show on our faces and mean emotions can be read even if we are trying consciously to hide them.

In general, Europeans and North Americans use face reading as a health and nutrition diagnostic tool, while in South America face readers mostly focus on relationships and love. In Hong Kong? It’s all about the future, destiny and, of course, money.

8 basic tips to read faces 1. Face shape

Broad: you’re confident and influential.

Long and thin: you’re a born worrier.

Round: you’re a friendly, sociable person.

Protruding cheekbones: likely to seek adventure.

2. Forehead Straight: you’re a logical thinker.

Sloped: you make snappy decisions.

Curved: you’re full of creative ideas.

3. Eyebrows Straight: you’re logical.

Angled: you like being in control.

Thin: you could be lacking confidence.

Curved: you’re friendly.

4. Eyes Wide distance between eyes: focus on the bigger picture.

Smaller distance: you're more narrow-minded.

Small eyes and dart around: nervous temperament.

Deep set eyes: observant and sometimes intense.

5. Nose Big: you’re a natural leader.

Too big: you may tend to violence.

Turned up: you’re very trusting.

Turned down: you’re more skeptical.

6. Mouth Big lips: you’re caring and a great storyteller.

Small lips: you’re more private.

An upturned mouth: you’re an optimist.

A downturned mouth: logically the opposite!

Straight: you’re pretty balanced.

7. Teeth Long front teeth: you might be stubborn.

A big gap between your teeth: you're a risk taker.

8. Chin Squared: you’re competitive.

Round: you're friendly.

Small: you're very sensitive.

September 2011

41

ESCAPES

so near, yet so far −

Shenzhen

Kitty Ng shows us how Shenzhen has gone from a sleepy backwater to a major player in the world of business and tourism

42

September 2011

ESCAPES

S

henzhen is the epitome of new China.

mid-CBD, the Futian Shangri-La. Reasonable in

If you tried visiting 30 years ago, you’d

price, crazy in design, is Vision Fashion Hotel.

have been wandering around a fishing

Its Marilyn Monroe suite comes with your very

village full of paddy fields. Fifteen

own dance floor.

years ago and it was all Hong Kong businessmen’s mistresses, massage parlours and mountains

What to do

of fakes. And now? Thanks to former Premier Deng Xiaoping, aka ‘the father of Shenzhen’

Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. If

and his mantra ‘Development is the overriding

you’re staying overnight, you can leave your

principle’, today’s Shenzhen has morphed into the

Luohu Commercial City run until your return to the

city with China’s highest GDP. This is the place

border. For similar fakes and fuss, Dong Men is

where previous low-key villagers are now multi-

the market to visit. For the real stuff MixC, Kingkey,

millionaires, lording it over the special economic

Citic City Plaza, and COCO Park do medium and

zone that has ousted the factories for flagship

high-end goods.

stores of global luxury brands. Shenzhen is an international playground of five-star hotels, a real

For something less commercial, OCT Loft is

estate haven of extravagant condo complexes,

one of Shenzhen’s hidden gems. Near the

and a fertile ground for international investment.

InterContinental, this cobbled-street village of

Shenzhen, for visitors, is a fascinating glimpse into

former factory buildings is home to an exciting

this brave new world. Here are some highlights to

array of designers, art galleries, boutique shops,

get you started.

restaurants, bars, and cafes. As art, in all its shapes and forms, is one of China’s booming

Where to stay

commodities, it’s well worth taking a look at what the new generation is up to.

What’s great about Shenzhen is that not only are you spoilt for choice, but your money also goes

From classic culture to popular culture, Shenzhen

further than it does in Hong Kong. Half an hour

is home to countless theme parks. Whether you

from downtown is the OCT East complex with

visit out of pure curiosity or for a tongue-in-cheek

a hotel replicating the Swiss town of Interlaken,

experience, you can visit the rest of China, even

a Buddhist hotel, another hotel themed around

the rest of the world, without leaving Shenzhen. At

cars, and one around water. The OCT East

Windows of the World, the Sydney Opera House,

complex is perfect for families. Children can

Angkor Wat’s temples and the Eiffel Tower stand

enjoy aqua shows, a giant waterfall, and plenty

cheek by jowl. At Splendid China, the Forbidden

more kids' activities.

City, Terracotta Warriors and Three Gorges Dam mean you never actually have to visit Beijing, Xian

Alternatively, you can choose according to the

or the Yangtze River, respectively.

facilities – for beachside there’s the Sheraton Dameisha, for golf there’s the JW Marriott or

What to eat

Mission Hills, for city views the Grand Hyatt rules. If you have a thing for men in pink tights

Take a guide book with some popular dishes

it’s got to be the InterContinental, and for being

written out in Chinese characters, as most still



September 2011

43

Photos courtesy of: Catharine Nicol

ESCAPES

won’t have an English menu. Otherwise, you could

with urns of beer on each table has Thai covered,

be ordering intestines, cuddly animals or tongue-

alongside the more local fare.

in-beak if you’re not careful. Laurel is one of the leading Cantonese restaurants, prettily set in

Where to drink

the leafy lakeside surrounds of Portofino condo complex, or you could try the new Shanghai

The nightlife in Shenzhen is on steroids. If you’ve

Garden at the Futian Shangri-La. LSD Party (don’t

been lapping up the atmosphere at COCO Park,

be put off by the name) in OCT Loft serves up divine

then the rooftop bar La Vie is just above you with

Sichuan (alongside Mediterranean strangely).

its chattering crowds. For live music the Sugar Jar Coffee Bar in Luohu will have you rubbing

44

The new roll call of hotels means there’s plenty of

shoulders with Shenzhen’s cool young crowd, or

excellent international food. A kind of Windows of

go back to OCT Loft for the Donkey Bar, or the

the World in victuals, Cafe Vienna at the Crowne

brilliant Galleon at the InterContinental. For a

Plaza serves up wiener melange and sacher torte

splurge on the 38th floor of the Grand Hyatt, the

as if you’re in Austria. The InterContinental’s

Penthouse is renowned for its Bloody Dragons

Pipette leads the French food stakes. At the JW

(vodka, mint, lemon, and cranberry) and the

Marriott’s Shizuku the omakase menu is sublime.

view. The bar street in Shekou is something of

The Ritz-Carlton’s Italian Paletto gets rave

an education, but you might find things a little

reviews. Most of the hotels serve up a superb

less rough and ready in Yi Shu Book Bar. And for

weekend brunch, definitely worth taking some

shaking some bootie, D’Club in Shekou in Sea

time off shopping for. But for something a little

World is more like an international club, V Bar at

more down to earth, COCO Park’s alfresco dining

the Crowne Plaza dances the night away to a live 

September 2011

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT….

Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani at your service, a native English speaker with strong presence in Discovery Bay.

My thoughts: Welcome back DB Residents and Hong Kong locals, the holidays are now over and at last I am finally changing my ad so hopefully someone will notice.

Well what can I say about insurance that I haven’t already mentioned before? Obviously, we all need it and should have certain kinds, especially medical, saving, life and home owners, otherwise my placing the ads here has been a waste of time.

I do encourage all of you to take the time, (really it’s time well spent), to go over your collection of policies and ask yourself, “Is this enough or too much or just right?”

I would be more than happy to sit down with you at no cost and go over your existing coverage, just give me a ring on an email.

Your questions: It’s time to return to old fashioned, traditional, life and savings products with guaranteed returns; medical and critical illness products to protect against a heart attack when you look at your investment portfolio. Our multinational company has plenty of such products. I can be your one-stop insurance broker.

My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you, to check if you have the right product at the right price…Free of charge.

CONTACT ME ANYTIME

9811 1554 Kailash_k3@hotmail.com kishus@i-cable.com Watch out for next month’s column with more useful tips!

ESCAPES

How to get there Buses depart from the Wan Chai bus station directly for the border.

Or take the MTR’s East Rail Line to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau.

Photo courtesy of: The Grand Hyatt Hotel

Visas For a non-Chinese passport you do need a visa. Buy one from China Travel Services, which normally takes 3 – 4 days.

Some nationalities can buy a single-entry, five-day Special Economic Zone Tourism Visa on arrival at the Luohu border. But check carefully if your nationality is included.

Practical information www.travelchinaguide.com will give you information on entry fees and opening hours of different attractions mentioned in the article.

band, and Soho is a taste of local ‘clubbing’ with its sticky floors, dice games, whisky and green tea shots, and hair-raising singer.

Don’t forget to spa

Stay and food www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton www.marriott.com www.hyatt.com

Finally, exhausted from the fun, you’ll need somewhere to relax. The five stars, such as the Grand Hyatt, have phenomenal spas, it goes

Bars and clubs

without saying, but for a Shenzhen experience it’s

La Vie Club: Shopping Park 3/F (Monday, it's

got to be the infamous Queen Spa. Hundreds of

free drinks for ladies).

treatment rooms arranged like a warren, army-

Donkey Bar: 5 Xiang Shan East Rd, OCT Loft,

sized rows of foot massage chairs, pools, sleeping

Nanshan District.

pods (in fact you don’t need to book a hotel at all), free fruit, and best of all, if you’re going back to Hong Kong straight from here, their gold metallic Rolls Royce can shuttle you ceremoniously to the border − for peanuts. Then run the gauntlet of the Luohu Commercial City if you have the energy, and wave goodbye to the giant New China theme park that is Shenzhen.

46

September 2011

Spa www.queenspa.cn www.shenzhen.grand.hyatt.com

ACTION

teeing up ar und the regi n Catharine Nicol highlights some outstanding golf courses within a short distance from Discovery Bay

48

September 2011

ACTION

P

lenty

of

exercise

within

calming

green

impressive eco-friendly efforts. Look out for deer as you

surroundings absorbing vitamin D from the

play along the immaculately kept fairways, contrasting

sunshine and bonding with friends as you drive

with the wild and rugged coastline, above which eagles

around the course – golf is a great addition

and egrets soar.

to a healthy lifestyle. If it wasn't for the mental stress of having to get that pesky ball with a mind of its own into that

The Gary Player-designed walking North and cart South

ridiculously small hole ...

courses are par 72, 6,692 yards and par 69, 5,838 yards, respectively (par 73, 5,177 yards and par 70, 4,651 yards

In Discovery Bay, the rolling green grass carpets with holes

for ladies), while the Nelson and Haworth designed East

and flags overlooking the town satisfies most local golfers.

Course is par 72, 6,640 yards for men, 4,593 yards for

But if you want to venture outside DB, you are spoilt for

ladies. The South Course’s front nine holes are short and

choice with some of the best courses in the region on

easier than the back nine, and the renowned North Course

your doorstep. Four hours or under, door to door, and you

being the most demanding, with the 14th hole a signature

can be far from the demands of the city, gazing down the

par 3 down onto an island green.

fairway and teeing up your first shot. And of course looking forward to some celebratory beers on the 18th.

MANILA

Around DB has rounded up five of the best golf courses

Numerous courses in and around Manila bear testament

that Asia has to offer.

to just how popular the sport is in the Philippines. The Manila Golf and Country Club is the city’s oldest, opening

HONG KONG

in 1901, while the Club Intramuros is also very central and established, having opened just six years later.

In space-strapped Hong Kong, although there are numerous clubs, they tend to be for members only. You

At the JW Marriott Hotel Manila (www.marriott.com) the

don’t even want to know how long the waiting list is or how

concierge recommends TAT Filipinas Golf Club for its

many of your children you’ll have to sell just to join those

proximity to the hotel, which has a peaceful view out over

lofty ranks.

the fairways lined by more than 4,200 trees.

At the Peninsula Hong Kong (www.peninsula.com/

TAT Filipinas Golf Club

hongkong) the concierge recommends the only public course, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Golf Course. Set on

Opened in 1964, the par 72, 6,490m 18-hole, all-weather

a stunningly beautiful island off Sai Kung, it is well worth

course was designed by renowned Japanese architect

the extra time it takes to get there.

Seiichi Inoue, with an emphasis on integrating the fairways into the green surroundings of San Pedro. In 1992 the

Kau Sai Chau The Jockey Club Golf Course

course was renovated, and facilities include a floodlit driving range, putting green, club house, Japanese/ Korean restaurant, sauna, Jacuzzi and spa, lake fishing,

Despite being a public course, Kau Sai Chau is one of

and accommodation.

the most reputed golf courses in Asia. Three 18-hole links courses, a 60-bay floodlit driving range, putting green,

The course is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty

and spacious club facilities are reached via the fleet of

of the area and becoming environmentally sustainable.

solar-powered ferries, adding to the course’s already

HANOI Left: Y. B. Rai, Uncle Russ owner and long-time DB resident, won the Bulthaup June Stableford tournament in Discovery Bay Golf Course this year. Well done to Y.B. as it was a hard-fought tournament that day.

Around Vietnam’s most exciting and popular city a handful of golf courses take advantage of the beautiful countryside and clear air. With one of the most unusual designs in Asia, the Hanoi International Golf Club of Vietnam  saw Susumu

September 2011



49

ACTION

Fujiwara place the clubhouse in the middle of the course for 360-degree views of the sport.

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s (www.sofitel.com) concierge recommends King’s Island Golf & Country Club as one of the longest established clubs set beside Dong

Angkor Golf Resort

Mo Lake in King’s Valley.

King’s Island Golf & Country Club The first 36-hole course in the north of Vietnam, King’s Island includes a clubhouse and restaurant, driving range, putting greens, a practice bunker, pro shops, pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Most memorable is that the course is accessible only by boat, making you feel as if you really

King's Island Golf and Country Club

are in another world as you arrive.

The Lakeside Course, opened in 1993, was designed by American architect Robert MacFarland. It is a par 72 of 6,454 yards, and includes water features in 14 of the 18 holes. Its signature par 3 is the 16th hole, bunkers and water making it a tricky one to play. The par 72, 7,100 yard Mountainview Course, which launched in 2004, was designed by Pacific Coast Design of Australia and features

Tat Filipinas Golf Club

fairways more suitable for a wide range of handicaps.

50

SIEM REAP

Angkor Golf Resort

Of course you’re here for the temples, but Siem Reap’s

The par 72, 7,279-yard course at this club offers a strikingly

golf courses include three relatively newly-launched ones:

beautiful mix of impeccable fairways, water features,

the Angkor Golf Resort, the Phokeethra Country Club,

bunkers and groves of trees, with players striding over

and the Siem Reap Lakes Golf Resort, all of which have

the Paspalum grass alongside the efficient and friendly

international standard courses and generally few of the

caddies. Worth also noting the clubhouse's restaurant run

crowds found in other parts of Asia.

by popular Siem Reap eatery, Blue Pumpkin cafe.

At Hotel de la Paix (www.hoteldelapaix.com) the concierge

The course is known for being challenging, the second

recommends the Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort,

hole’s small and tightly guarded green tripping many

just ten minutes from the centre of town and renowned for

players up from the start, while the final hole is a trademark

its excellent maintenance.

Faldo challenge, being a long par 4 at 437 yards.

September 2011



ACTION SOUTH CHINA Golf in China, like everything in the country, is in the middle of an extraordinary boom with clubs popping up everywhere. In the south of the Mainland, Mission Hills’ new Haikou course opened to celebrity fanfare and is set to take over as the largest in the world from its Shenzhen/ Dongguan-based counterpart.

The

Ritz-Carlton

Shenzhen’s

(www.ritzcarlton.com)

concierge recommends Mission Hills Golf Club, being just 40 minutes from the hotel but offering the most extensive

Mission Hills Golf Club

facilities in the region, with 216 holes. However, the concierge advises that as Mission Hills is a members’ only club, players interested in playing must stay a night at the resort to be eligible to play.

Mission Hills Golf Club Home to the World Cup since 1955, the club’s signature World Cup Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and was the first course in the country to be accredited by the US PGA, while the rest read like a Who’s Who of the sport

Discovery Bay Golf Club If you just want to stay close to home, then Discovery Bay Golf Club, set up on a hill, has a long round covered with a 27-hole Championship Course. In fact, it is made up of a menage-atrois: Diamond, Ruby and Jade. The Diamond is reputed to be the most challenging, with the Ruby renowned for spectacular views from its highest points, while the Jade is more focused on water features.

with the Annika, Duval, Els, Faldo, Leadbetter, Norman, Olazabal, Ozaki, Pete Dye, Vijay, and Zhang Lian Wei courses. The Annika course represents the first design by

Information

the most famous female golfer in the sport’s history, with

Kau Sai Chau - Hong Kong: www.kscgolf.org.hk

golfers playing through particularly beautiful landscapes

Tat Filipinas - Manila: www.tatfilipinas.com

and finishing on a tough par 4 18th hole.

Some of the best tuition in the world is available here, with academies by Cindy Reid and Hank Haney as well as the club’s own. Facilities include a resort, three spas, tennis academy and numerous restaurants.

COMPETITION Golf fans, this is not to be missed! Golf Hideaway, specialising in golf simulators and training sessions with professional golfers in Hong Kong, is donating a one-hour session with the golf simulator to two lucky readers. Each winner can bring up to four persons to enjoy the action together. Each person is also entitled to one free drink. The gift voucher is valid until 30 November 2011.

Simply email us your name and telephone number to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Golf Hideaway). The first two emails we receive will win the vouchers from Golf Hideaway. Good luck and keep on swingin'!

52

September 2011

King's Island Golf & Country Club - Hanoi: www.kingsislandgolf.com Angkor Golf Resort - Siem Reap: www.angkor-golf.com Mission Hills Golf Club - South China: www.missionhillschina.com Discovery Bay Golf Club - Hong Kong: www.dbgc.hk

Get Into Shape at DB’s own

Embody Wellness Studio

Check us out at: www.embody.com.hk or call us on 2987 8923 Pilates, Yoga And So Much More, Quality Instructors, Package Discounts.... Guaranteed Results

STYLE

intelligent living Smart homes are the wave of the future predicts Elizabeth Kerr

Gorenje SmarTable with integrated refrigerator

54

September 2011

STYLE

S

mart is the buzzword of the day when it comes to electronics. The airwaves, Internet and advertising are flooded with talk of smart technology,

perpetuating the idea that it won’t be long before we’re all living in Star Trek and a “smart” microwave will give us tea. Earl Grey. Hot. Our smart gadgetry extends far beyond the iPhone. It’s not out of the question to have a smart home too — or at least partially smart. Completely automated ultra-high tech homes may still be the stuff of fantasy, but increasingly computerised home electronics are paving the way for smart homes. Dozens of manufacturers are already applying intelligent features to their products.

The wave of the future While Korean producers such as Samsung and LG are taking the lead in home entertainment, the Europeans are leaping to the front of the queue in the rest of the house. Italian kitchen specialist Del Tongo is one such pioneer. “The iPhone is so attractive because it creates a trend, a new usage.

Del Tongo has the same effect with the Exclusive line. It is called Exclusive because it anticipates customers’

demands

and

lifestyle

trends,”

theorises Kitchens + Interiors’ Winston Lam. It’s Italian, so pointing out Del Tongo’s impeccable aesthetics is redundant but the automated, hidden hardware — perfect for maximising small spaces — is functional as well. “We have tables that move electrically up and down and sideways, a breakfast top that slides electrically over an island and doors that slide open with a soft touch. All are operable by remote control,” Lam enthuses. “Del Tongo was one of the first to use automation in the kitchen as a result of cooperation with car design studio Guigiaro and product designer Makio Hasuike.”

But they’re not alone. From tiny Slovenia comes Gorenje, quickly developing an enviable line of household appliances that feature smart tech.

Among the cleverest are the SmarTable and the

September 2011



55

STYLE

iChef. The SmarTable is exactly what it sounds like: a dining table with an integrated refrigerator that uses touch pad concepts and remote controls to raise, rotate and chill your food and drink. No more slimy cheese in 30-degree temperatures.

The SmarTable can be configured in stainless steel or lacquer-coated steel, with a wood, glass or granite table top, which in turn can be made to fit in homes or commercial spaces.

The iChef, on the other hand, is an ideal oven for the culinarily-challenged among us. More iconbased touchpad technology complements its builtin cookbook, memory storage for recipes, and automated weight/temperature/time calculator, which ensures perfectly cooked food every time.

And Germany’s Siemens certainly isn’t resting on its laurels. The 160-year-old engineering behemoth is turning its eye toward environmental intelligence as well as consumer convenience. Siemens aspires to be synonymous with innovation and creativity. “‘Progress in the service of mankind’ was the aspiration of the company’s founder and with this goal in mind, Siemens' engineers continuously Exclusive Del Tongo

endeavour to optimise home appliances for water and energy efficiency,” explains Jeffina Yeung, Marketing Manager for Siemens Home Appliances.

Comprehensive smart homes are still a few years away, but the working parts are stepping out of the fantasy realm and into reality.

To

that

end,

Siemens’

new i-Dos is the world’s first integrated, intelligent washing machine. Sounds pedestrian, but most of us use far too much water and way too much soap when we do our laundry. Awarded the

EU’s

A+++

energy

efficiency rating for efficient power Gorenje iChef

56

September 2011

consumption,

the

i-Dos has a raft of sensors 

STYLE

to determine the most appropriate wash cycle

have … These all create a demand for automation,

based on load size, fabric and how filthy your

which is a trend that is forming.”

clothes are, then doles out the precise amounts of detergents and softeners. “Siemens has always

Clearly, smart homes are a trend that will continue

considered environmental protection essential

into the foreseeable future.

and strives to innovate its products with intelligent technology that lowers energy consumption and minimises the impact to the environment,” claims Yeung.

So is all this smart cooking and cleaning a natural evolution of appliance engineering or is it based on consumer demand? Are we so enamoured with our iPhones that we want everything to do our work for us? It’s a bit of both if you ask Yeung and Lam. “Even before consumers demanded ‘green features’, Siemens has been at the forefront in leading the trend,” says Yeung. As Lam sees it, “Hong Kong customers always ask for something special, for something unique, for customisation.

They want to have something other people do not

Find it: Del Tongo Kitchens + Interiors 11 Duddell Street, Central (2810 0979) www.gruppodeltongo.com Gorenje Toptech Gallery 3/F Great Eagle Centre 23 Harbour Road, Wan Chai (2828 4488) www.gorenje.com Siemens G/F Baskerville House 13 Duddell Street, Central (2802 8860) www.siemens-home.com.hk

HOTSPOTS

What's

new

around

Hong

Kong

compiled by Andrew Dembina

Brit Art Retrospective If you’ve got any interest in world-class contemporary visual art, there is an exhibition not to be missed at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. The exhibition, ‘Made in Britain: Contemporary Art from the British Council Collection 1980-2010’ features some of the UK’s biggest names in fine art. All kinds of media are used, from paintings to projections and plenty in-between. This third showing of the touring exhibition was specially selected from one of the most comprehensive holdings of modern and contemporary British art in the world, containing some 8,500 artworks by over 1,650 British artists.

This exhibition showcases nearly 150 works produced by 35 groups of British artists, including big names such as Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas and Gilbert & George, as well as a handful of Turner Prize winners. Associated programmes and events will run through the exhibition period – which ends on October 9.

The Heritage Museum itself, on the banks of Sha Tin’s Shing Mun River, is a pleasure to visit and has some particularly interesting permanent displays of Chinese and Tibetan art and artefacts.

For more details visit: www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

Restaurant Reborn

For more than 30 years, Tsui Hang Village’s flagship branch (2nd floor, New World Tower, 16-18 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2524 2012) has won awards and the hearts of local diners for its refined Cantonese fare. It has recently been renovated; out with the old traditional red and gold decor, and in with a cool grey palette.

There’s even a James Bond touch: flat-screen TVs concealed in wall panels in semi-private areas and private rooms. Notable dishes here are barbecued meats with preserved vegetable, shredded pork and mushroom in lotus leaf, a slow-baked dish with meat that falls off the bone.

60

September 2011

Food Trend:

The Tomato Heirloom tomato salads have proved quite a hit this summer. They’ll still be on menus this month, and hopefully beyond. ToTT's & Roof Terrace (34th floor, Excelsior Hotel, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2837 6786) serves an excellent one – several varieties of tomato come with a scoop of house-made balsamic sorbet. Liberty Exchange (Ground floor, Two Exchange Square, tel: 2810 8400) presents mixed tomato cuts as cerviche – marinated for around 15 minutes in a citric-based marinade. It comes with orange segments and mozzarella cheese wedges.

Bettys (Shop 2075, 2/F, IFC Mall, tel: 2979 2100), serves one with good tomato variety, fresh herbs and burrata cheese.

Heirloom tomato salad with balsamic sorbet at Totts & Roof Terrace

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINERS

THE FAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Due to popular demand The Wiggles return to Hong Kong for one big Weekend this September. See Anthony, Jeff, Sam and Murray with their Wiggly friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and Henry the Octopus in a brand new show for the whole family!

Book your tickets today to avoid disappointment!

Star Hall - KITEC

SAT 10 SEPTEMBER 2pm & 5pm SUN 11 SEPTEMBER 11am Book at www.hkticketing.com Phone 31 288 288

www.thewiggles.com © 2011 The Wiggles Pty. Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

HOTSPOTS

Booze News At newish bar and Japanese restaurant Sakesan (18 Shelley Street, Soho, Central, tel: 2525 1660), six types of full-flavoured boutique beer from Baird brewery in Japan are available by the eye-catching bottle. Based in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, these craft beers are the brews of resident American management, using hops imported from the UK and local spring water.

Numazu Lager, Rising Sun Pale Ale, Red Rose Amber Ale, Angry Boy Brown Ale, Shimaguni Stout, and Suruga Bay Imperial Stout are all offered in 360ml bottles. They can also be bought retail in Hong Kong from www.ForeignDevil.com

Bread Book

Ever fancied trying your hand at making your own bread?

Executive pastry chef at Four Seasons, Hong Kong – Gregoire Michaud – shows us how in his new book, La Boulangerie - Baking at home with Gregoire Michaud. In it, he guides the reader in straightforward steps through the processes of making savoury and sweet-baked items. Try your hand at baguettes, classic ciabatta, sun-dried tomato and pancetta rolls, dark chocolate and sour cherry bread, prune and walnut bread. and a lot more. Available at most good bookstores in town, priced $98.

Family Edutainment Ocean Park's Rainforest Zone is home to more than 70 species of Amazon animals, presented to “edutain” visitors. There certainly are a number of unusual mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects, with plenty of information about them and their endangered habitats. Statistics displayed on boards and interactive screens in this area reflect on rainforest biodiversity. The world’s largest rodent, snakes and fish all live in this new enclosure, as does the planet’s smallest monkey. There is also a new ride in the Rainforest – the Rapids – where passengers share a nine-seat rubber raft as it spins along a rushing river. But look out for water guns and buckets operated by mischievous visitors who stand on the boardwalk overhead, waiting to see if they can soak you.

For more details: www.oceanpark.com.hk Pygmy marmoset – the world’s smallest monkey

62

September 2011

TECHTREND

times Paula Lepore Burrough shares how Google is more than just a search engine

M

y days of Internet browsing began with Netscape, then a few short years later Internet Explorer, then I moved on to Mozilla Firefox, as well as Safari depending on the task. Now I frequently use Google Chrome. Browsing with Google Chrome makes me feel like I am with the times; it is fast, secure and simple to use. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the browser automatically translates any text to your preferred language, but there are far too many other reasons why I am a Google follower. Here are a few worth mentioning:

64

Google Art Project

Google Body Browser

Google +

Google Maps Mobile

This fabulous project allows you to explore popular art galleries and museums from around the world.

Whether viewing a Peter Bruegel in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City or a Michelangelo at the National Gallery in London, all can be seen in super high quality from the comfort of your home.

This is also a great tool to introduce art to your kids.

On a rainy day, you can add your favourite masterpieces to your personal collection by simply logging into your Gmail account and if you choose to, you can share your private collection with other friends and family members who are art lovers.

Google Body Browser is a clean and cool tool to discover our body’s anatomical parts in high resolution 3D. You can easily search for muscles, organs, bones and more by typing in a structure at the top right-hand corner of the page. What makes it an amazing online lab is the body browser’s ability to peel back layers of the human body one by one.

Any image you are viewing can be shared via Twitter or a URL with a simple click found on the right side of the page. A tip for you though: a browser that supports WebGL such as Google Chrome is required to run Body Browser.

Google + is the new sharing network site. It offers the user an intuitive way of sharing pictures and videos, making site recommendations (referred to as +1’s) and sending messages by organising your contacts into circles.

Also in Google +, check Sparks for feeds to topics that might interest you. As for the video chat function, what currently makes it unique is that you can spontaneously start a video chat with a maximum of 10 people in the circle by letting them know you are hanging out. However, be aware that everyone in the hangout has the ability to invite others via the URL to join the chat.

This app works using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular towers to find your current location. What is required is an address, and Google Maps will provide you with directions to your destination. A marker then tracks your movement on a Google map. To get started visit m.google.com/maps using your phone’s browser, and Google will send the correct map app for your phone to download. If you are already into using Maps, you might want to try the Google Latitude app, which gives you the coordinates of someone’s location based on the GPS location of his/her mobile number.

September 2011

COMPETITION

DBFACES

Great prizes from Uncle Russ (DB Plaza)!

A

W

B

C

Tamarisk

e have a fun photo challenge for you this month. While the three pictures above appear the same, if you look closely you will find they are not exactly the same.

Your challenge is to identify which of the three photos is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. The first person to send us the correct answers will win a complementary drink at Uncle Russ Coffee (DB Plaza) every day for a week.

Email your answers to: info@arounddb.com (subject line: Uncle Russ competition) or fax us at: 2987 0533. Good luck!

There is a moment in your life that you just “can’t let go”...

shadow.com.hk

Life Casting : Silver, Bronze, Plaster...

Tel : 9150 4033 or Email : shadow@shadow.com.hk

DBFACES

Everyone has questions and concerns about the birth of their baby and becoming a parent - antenatal classes can help prepare you and your partner for your baby's arrival. They will also provide you with the chance to meet other parents-to-be.

This course will walk you through your labour, birth and beyond whilst addressing the following topics: • Signs and stages of labour • Natural birth and Caesarean Sections • Induction of labour • Pain relief and epidurals • Birth plans

• What to expect after delivery • What you really need • Vaccinations • Breastfeeding • Safe sleeping

To ensure your place, please book and settle payment. Classes will run on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course will be held at:

Time: 7pm to 9pm.

Island Health Family Practice Shop 109A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 2987 7575

Cost: $1,500 for 3 classes (non-refundable) We recommend that you start classes from 28-30 weeks of pregnancy.

CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS HAPPY 6th-YEAR ANNIVERSARY MIDGET GEMS KID'S CLUB! IT'S A GIRL! Congratulations to the proud parents of Shirley Lam born on June 26.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITA MARLENE! From Angel.

COMMUNITY

DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB

The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information, visit http://www.dbangelsfc.hk

THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION (HK) is recruiting volunteers to conduct small discussion groups in English for adults.

Call 2186 8449, or visit www.esuhk.org CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT? DB Green, a local action group promoting public awareness & environmental education, is looking for new members to promote ‘green-ness’ in DB. Visit www.dbgreen.org LA LECHE LEAGUE For breastfeeding information & support.

English-speaking monthly meetings in DB & Tung Chung, plus new Cantonese meetings in DB. Visit www.lllhk.org/ Meetings.html for details.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the Riding for the Disabled Association. No experience necessary as training is provided. Visit www.rda. org.hk, or call Rose on 2875 7711 for more details.

DOMESTIC HELP LOOKING FOR EMPLOYER Edita Cedoria. Married, 10 years' experience with one employer. Good experience in looking after young children, taking care of dogs & doing household chores. Interested parties please call 9182 9843.

LOOKING FOR EMPLOYER Doreen Marie Sarce, seven years in Hong Kong. Finishing her contract on Oct. 3. Honest & hardworking.

Please call 9301 5794.

70

RHUDIEFIN FAUNILLO Graduated as an elementary-school teacher. Took care of elderly employer for the last 14 months, with good reference. Experienced with taking care of children, can help children with their homework & English language needs.

Can do interview with you anytime, please contact 6157 5410.

I AM A FILIPINA 42, I’ve been working here in Hong Kong for 15 years. Can do general household chores, dog & cat minding, child minding and I can cook Western & Asian dishes. Kindly contact me if you’re interested at 6159 6247 (Bhey Ramirez), I am available for an interview at your convenience.

JESSIE ALANZA Filipino, 41, married. My working experience: housekeeping, gardening, taking care of elderly, children & dogs.

Know how to cook Asian food.

My other skills include driving (Phil. & International licenses) & computer hands-on for almost six years.

I am responsible, patient, good, honest & hardworking.

Call me at 9885 0342.

NOEMI 41, Filipina, 13 years working in Hong Kong, good experience in taking care of newborn baby & also elderly, can cook Chinese & Western dishes, can handle household work & also can take care of dogs. Any employers interested, please call 6993 4019.

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT WANTED Indian male, HK resident. Old but energetic. Immediately available.

Delivery person/running errands (not for food or flowers).

Part-time or full-time job.

Call 9145 6731.

LICENSED ESTATE AGENTS (Full time) & GENERAL INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS (Part time) We are looking for the following people for our new office in Discovery Bay: 1. Experienced, self-motivated, licensed-estate agents.

2. General insurance administrators enthusiastic persons fluent in written & spoken English to provide administrative support for our General Insurance business.

Full training given.

Both posts offer a good basic salary+commission.

Send brief details or CV to info@businessclassgroup.com to request an interview.

September 2011

FINANCE, INSURANCE AUSTRALIAN-REGISTERED TAX AGENT We specialise in tax-return preparations, tax planning for Australian expatriates, & private ruling for deductions. Holistic Business Consulting Pty Ltd Chartered Accountant. Call 6901 8136; email holisticbus@gmail.com

HEALTH & WELL-BEING COUNSELLOR KAREN MILNE

Australian-trained, professional, confidential counsellor for individuals, couples & adolescents. Located in Central. Suitable for anyone with stress, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, loss, trauma or sexual abuse. If you need assistance in gaining some clarity, direction & empowerment in your life, contact Karen on 6773 5562, or clarityoflife@gmail.com

HYPNOSIS &/OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly. Resolve: • Fear of flying/public speaking • Overeating • Couples conflicts • Career & command-training stress • Anger management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist.

Post-divorce coaching at 2575 7707 www.mindmatters.hk

ZEN MASSAGE

Professional therapist offering Swedish oil massage in DB Plaza or home visit ($300 per hour).

Yoga & Zumba lessons also available.

Call for details and appointments.

Tel: 6382 4606

THE SKIN THERAPY CENTRE DB FULLY QUALIFIED BEAUTY THERAPIST

With over 16 years’ experience in the Beauty Industry Trained in the UK • C.A.C.I.- THE NEW CACI ULTIMATE, incorp MICRODERMABRASION, L.E.D LIGHT THERAPY, to treat lines and wrinkles plus facial toning using microcurrent exclusive to C.A.C.I • FACIALS, Dr Murad VIT C, Glycolic peels, Anti-aging treats.

• GUINOT – HYDRADERMIE with Lifting Plus treatment.

• Nobel prize winning SKEYNDOR stem plant system cell facials & homecare, DERMALOGICA, • AROMATHERAPY • BODY MASSAGE / BODY SCRUBS/ WRAPS for slimming/detoxifying.

• REFLEXOLOGY • WAXING • EYE LASH TINTING, using top quality/best products available Also available: • COLOUR Me BEAUTIFUL make-overs and COLOUR ANALYSIS • Gift vouchers GILLIAN on 9604 6920 or 2987 0764

HOME BIOCYCLE (HK) LTD

Safe & Ecological Pest & Termite Management. ISO14001 & ISO9001 Certified. UNIQUE biocide, BioKill®, “POISON” Label Exemption.

Tel: 3575 2575; website: www.biocycle.hk; email: info@biocycle.hk

EXPERT TRANSPORT & RELOCATIONS MOVER * HANDYMAN * STORAGE

Local & international movers, cargo collection storage & disposal house, painting & tiling work installation of TV, picture, fan, etc.

All sorts of handyman work All-in-one professional service at attractive rates. Call 2566 4799 www.expertmover.hk

FTC LOGISTICS

Local & international movers.

• Packing, moving, storage • Handyman services • Home repair services • Inbound shipment clearance DB moves: one call does it all.

Call 2814 1658, or visit www.ftc.hk

The deadline for the October issue of the Classifieds section is

September 9!

AKASH MOVERS

For all your moving needs.

Provide packing materials, full packing & moving services.

Small deliveries & handyman services.

Also doing Lantau Island moves.

Payment upon complete satisfaction.

Best Move – Best Rates Tel: 2421 8088 www.akash.hk

PURE PAINTING

Residential & commercial Paint specialist For a free quotation, kindly call Peter: 9831 6051.

SIX HANDYMAN SERVICES

Specialised in solid wood work, indoor/outdoor furniture repairs, Furniture polishing, picture hanging.

All types of stitching, Indian/ Pakistani suits for ladies, Kurta, pajamas, shirts & dresses.

Any kind of alterations, Curtains, bedsheets, pillowcases, quilt covers.

Better quality service/ attractive rates.

Complete Satisfaction.

Call Peter 9674 7531.

For ladies call Farnaz 6681 9520. perfecthandyman@ymail.com

KIDS

MIDGET GEMS KID’S CLUB ROOM RENTAL Have an idea for a children’s business? Available for rental, afternoon time slots.

Please contact Koren 9176 2990.

GEMS OCCASIONS

Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem? A colourful, safe and fun environment with toys and dress-up clothes. We have an entertainer upon request.

We also tidy up!

Please contact 9176 2990. info@midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

LITTLE ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development. Come and look at our facilities. Classes from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning and afternoon sessions.

For more information contact 9511 2107. www.earlyadventures.net

EARLY ADVENTURES PARTY TIME

Need a venue for a party? Ideal playgroup environment with toys and activities. For further information contact 9511-2107. www.earlyadventures.net

CLASSIFIEDS PETS

DB DOG DAY Need a place for your dog to stay while you are on holiday? Try this loving home environment, now in larger premises in Sai Kung. Call Andrew on 9284 1491, andrew@dbdogdayz.com; or visit www.dbdogdayz.com

QUOQUO DOG CLUB DOG SERVICES: GROOMING, BOARDING & BEHAVIOUR CLASSES Responsible, patient & detailed conscious in a hygienic & relaxed environment. Call Dave Chan, Associate Member of The Animal Care College, Berkshire, UK, on 9872 5439, or visit http://quoquoclub.com

GROOMING & DOG SERVICES Patient, caring & loving, Japanese speaking. Welcome Graduate of Petco Grooming School & Tokyo Pet Business School. For enquiries, please contact Peter Tse 9360 3048. www.petcoDB.com PAWS GO POSH Professional dog grooming, 5-star pampering for your canine friend.

Reasonable rates and loyalty programme.

Demand the best. Contact Julie on 9365 7584, faseyj@yahoo.com

MIDGET GEMS KID’S CLUB

Established playgroup for children from 2-4 years.

Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon.

A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified and experienced teachers.

NOW TAKING ENROLMENT FOR SEPTEMBER Bilingual Gems, German & Mandarin - afternoon sessions Please contact us for more details.

Tel: 2987 0272 info@midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

September 2011

71

CLASSIFIEDS PROPERTY IN DB

DELUXE SERVICED APARTMENTS FOR LEASE

Fully furnished one/two bedroom apartments with beautiful decor, WiFi, Now TV, well-equipped kitchen, luxurious beddings, weekly cleaning service.

Contact Warren on 2987 2626, email: warren@appletravel.com

THREE-BEDROOM FLAT SHORT-TERM RENTAL

Fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat in Jovial Court.

Linen & fluffy towels provided, baby items available. LCD TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, telephone. washer & dryer.

Fabulous views. Non-smoking flat.

Contact 6905 3765 evenings and weekend, or email jovialflat@gmail.com

GREENDALE COURT Brand-new, fully furnished apartment.

Deluxe renovation, high floor, mountain view, 1 bedroom (533’).

Call 9108 5525.

1-BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHED FLAT High floor with sea view. Close to pier & plaza. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985.

2-BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT In Greenmont Court, nicely & fully furnished. Call 9108 5525.

PROPERTY OVERSEAS AUSTRALIA

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

We provide professional entertainers • Character actors • Clowns • DJs • Magicians • Musicians & bands *Birthdays*Anniversaries *Themed parties Call 2110 0014 or email info@chunkyonion.com www.chunkyonion.com

TUITION & COURSES NEED HELP WITH APPLICATIONS TO IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS?

Want a perfect CV, report or cover letter? WriteWorks provides custom writing & editing by published writers.

Tel: 9702 4934 Email: writeworks@ymail.com www.writeworkshongkong.com

Looking for a place to stay?

Check out the short-term rentals advertised in Around DB

Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia.

Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 8) with private pool 5-minutes drive from Bang Tao Beach and Laguna Resort. For more details & availability, check out www.villabonitaphuket.com or email: vivmccreadie@hotmail.com PHUKET VILLA FOR RENT Located adjacent to Laguna Resort & Golf Club. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, private pool. For more details & availability, contact 9050 4772 or email: atsea@netvigator.com PHUKET HOUSE FOR RENT Family friendly, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom town house with communal pool. Conveniently located for beach, horse riding, restaurants, shops and golf courses.

For more details and availability, contact kimanderson@netvigator.com

Greenery Court, 1-bedroom flat with deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with Internet & 37-inch LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, or sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk NEED A PLACE TO STAY? Bright, quiet & well decorated.

Short or long-term lease, fully furnished one-bedroom flat with garden view, TV, DVD & towels provided. Weekly & monthly rates also available.

Call 9212 4247

72

PARTY PLANNERS

We understand how important a really memorable party is!

Looking to plan a cocktail party, children’s party, birthday party, baby shower, anniversary, hen or bachelor night, or a themed party?

We will organise the venue, decoration, catering, entertainment, bands, DJs, florist, invitations, filming & photography.

Contact us now for a free consultation at (852) 2815 7919, email info@entertainingasia.com, or visit our website, www.entertainingasia.com

Newly renovated, 550’ high floor.

Fully equipped open kitchen w/bar. Filtered drinking water incl. Flat screen TV, NOW TV, stereo/DVD, free WiFi, split-type aircons. Beddings & towels provided.

Weekly cleaning available.

Contact: dbaygreenish@gmail.com

SHORT-TERM RENTAL

NEW SHORT- OR LONG-TERM RENTAL

Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in Hong Kong.

Contact Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, or helen.wong@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

LUXURIOUS 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT

Fully furnished, nicely renovated studio flat with balcony, near plaza & pier. Sleeps up to 4. Broadband TV, free Wi-Fi, local calls, washer & dryer.

Towels & linen provided.

Please contact 9190 7348 or niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk

CHERISH COURT TO LET Fully furnished, 2-bedroom apartment.

Tranquil with sea & Disneyland views.

Close to pier. Photos available.

Contact 9811 0718, or jacquelinedb@gmail.com

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

RENOVATED MODERN EXECUTIVE FLAT FOR RENT IN DB 550’ 1-bedroom apartment. Quiet, high floor, mountain view. Fully furnished, well-equipped with open-plan kitchen.

LCD TV, broadband, telephone & Wi-Fi. Contact 6680 2007, or greenmountain123@gmail.com

NICE SHORT-TERM RENTAL

From HK$700 per night.

2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms & studios all with balcony. Luxuriously furnished with TV, DVD, cable & broadband.

Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier.

Contact Brian on 9098 6951, or brian@headlandhomes.hk

SERVICES

SHORT-TERM RENTAL Bright, fully furnished 2-bedroom flat.

Fully equipped kitchen, Internet access, broadband, towels & linen.

Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

Newly renovated studio flat with open kitchen, five minutes to pier.

Fully furnished, cable TV and broadband service.

Contact 2987 2468, or dbshortlet@yahoo.com.hk

SHORT-TERM LET, PENTHOUSES

FRESHLY ROASTED COFFEE BEANS DELIVERY Roasted today! Sent to you tomorrow!

Kitamura Coffee Company http://www.kitamuracoffee.com For enquiry & order email: sales@kitamuracoffee.com, T: 8200 3480 F: 2303 4443, ask for Ms. Kitamura.

September 2011

RETAIL CITI MART

Premium Indian Groceries & Spices Free delivery to Discovery Bay, Lantau & Tung Chung.

9C Hei Ling Pei, Tung Chung Tel: 2988 1994 / 2988 1774 www.citimart.hk Email: sales@citimart.hk

The deadline for the October issue of the Classifieds section is

September 9!

CLASSIFIEDS

CHINESE MANDARIN LESSONS

are provided in our DB Mandarin Room at Phase 1.

For year 1-13 students: of different levels to meet each student’s needs. Helps with students’ homework, revision, exams & more. For adults: Beginners, intermediate & advanced classes on every Mon, Wed & Fri at 10-11am.

Please call 6071 9643 http://putonghua.isfun.net

DRAWING & PAINTING DAYTIME CLASSES FOR ADULTS

By professional artist Customised individually, small groups. Call Veronica at 6146 7004 or email me at vero.artist@yahoo.com Website: veroartist.wordpress.com

MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION

Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours).

Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & International School students.

Call 9121 0389 ADULT DAYTIME ENGLISH CLASSES HERE IN DISCOVERY BAY, NORTH PLAZA Small class size and private tuition: different levels to suit your need.

Call Karla 6208 1006 or contact windsorlanguage@gmail.com

Classifieds booking:

2987 0577

GET MOVIN' All standard classified ads in the announcement, community, domestic help and employment sections are

FREE!

September 2011

73

DBNUMBERS

Your ultimate guide in DB

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bay Dental Practice, North Plaza

2987 0855

Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel)

2988 1515

DB Alliance Church Community Centre

2987 8136

Discovery Bay Community Hall

2852 4338

DB International Community Church

2987 7061

Discovery Bay Medical Centre

2987 5633

Health & Care Dental Clinic

2666 6183

Herbal Healthcare

2834 7276

Island Health

2987 7575

Island Veterinary Services

2987 9003

The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

2259 3422

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

DESIGNER SHOES, LEATHER BAGS & JEWELS Customised leather shoes, genuine bags and jewels

Good Luck Engineering

2987 1313

DB International School (Kindergarten)

2914 2142

Hoi Yu Transportation

2987 4488

DB International School (Pri. / Sec.)

2987 7331 3969 1000

Home Services Engineering

2987 0061

Discovery College

Hung Kee Co

2987 5087

Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8028

Interior 18

2987 7803

Discovery Mind Kindergarten

2987 8088

Japan Home Centre

2987 1041

Discovery Montessori School

2987 1201

Marc James Design, North Plaza

2765 5700

DMR School of Ballet

2987 4338

Next Furniture

2987 0222

Early Adventures Learning Centre

9511 2107

Rapee-living

2987 7082

HK International Learning Academy

2416 3088

Rich Point Hardware Materials

2987 0789

Les Petits Lascars de DB

2526 8892

Season Art Kitchen Perfection

2987 1990

SKH Wei Lun Primary School

2987 8608

Tai Fat Hardware Store

2987 0789

Sunshine House Int'l Pre-School

2987 0813

Wing On Department Store

2987 9268

Sunshine House Kindergarten

2987 8143

Yaali Designs

3482 5785

Treasure House

2987 4217

Yours Electrical Centre

2987 4428 MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

DB Plaza, Block D, 3. Floor, Apt. 328 Tel: 9433 6870 www.JK-Shoes.com

International Academy of Performing Arts Discovery College www.actingantics.com Contact deborah@actingantics.com 852 6842 8092 - 8122 9475 rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong Tel +852 2526 0720 www.rush.com.hk Mon – Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm

In Style

2987 8226

Little Whale

3480 1348

Nomadic

2987 8460

Bookazine, DB Ferry

2987 1373

Dymocks & Gallery

2987 8494

Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2914 2378

Fun to Read

3105 3588

Movieland

2987 7111

Pen’n Paper

2987 8898

P-Solution

2987 1777

The Bookshop

2987 9372

First Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Dian Clayton 9237 5411 or Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com

OTHER SERVICES PetcoDB Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store

2987 4401

7-Eleven Food Kiosk

2914 1183

Fusion by PARKnSHOP

2987 7486

GNC

2987 9331

Mannings

2987 1720

Watson’s Pharmacy

2987 4089

Wellcome

2947 9092

DB Garden House Montessori Quality Montessori programmes for 6m to 6y olds For details call Ramesha on 6114 2436 ramesha@gardenhousemontessori.com www.gardenhousemontessori.com

Island Dance Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com

Amity Shoe Care

2987 4538

Apple Travel Co

2987 2626

Pets Gallery

2987 0428

The Optical House

2987 1368

Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC

2233 3000

TRAVELEX Money Exchange, North Plaza 2682 1210 Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2987 1851

HOME

Butterfly Dreams Luxury Bed Linens Ltd. “Luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth” Tel. ( 852 ) 9770 4474 / 9779 9424 www.butterflydreams.com.hk

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September 2011

French lessons for toddlers with a French specialist in early childhood.

French kindergarten for school year 2011-2012 open for registrations.

LG-05, 92 Siena Avenue, DB North Tel: 6710 0391 e-mail: info@la-petite-enfance.com

Midget Gems Kid's Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Lifestyle Homes Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk

Centaline Property Agency Limited

2987 8484

Century 21 Newcourt Realty

2987 9729

Headland Homes

2987 2088

Kingsford DB Ltd

2987 6888

Land Master Property

2987 6238

Midland Realty

2987 2888

DBNUMBERS

RESTAURANTS 22º North

2987 2298

Café Duvet

2987 0966

Caramba Mexican Cantina

2987 2848

Ebeneezer’s

2987 0036

First Korean Restaurant

2987 9123

Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise

2987 4768

Hemingway’s by the Bay

2987 8855

il Bel Paese

2987 0202

Ippu Japanese Restaurant

2987 2886

Island Café

2987 9311

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McDonald’s & McCafé

2987 1033

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moorings

2987 8203

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano's, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Roccos, North Plaza

2997 8688

Sopranos

2987 2915

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8108

Wildfire Fresh

2987 8202

Yogurtime

2259 4511

ZAKS

2987 6232

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES MOVEMENT IMPROVEMENT Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

Sports World

All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: bruce@sportsworld.hk

Club Siena

2987 7382

Discovery Bay Marina Club

2987 9591

Discovery Bay Golf Club

2987 7273

Discovery Bay Residents Club

2987 7381

Planting Ideas, Growing Minds.

Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk

Feel good and control YOUR weight!

Start your day right!

Weight Management, General Nutrition & Health Maintenance Tel: 2987-9716 www.ihatemyweight.com

The Skin Therapy Centre

Embody

Lantau Island Outrigging Canoe Club Training every Saturday 8am Tai Pak beach www.liocc.com

WELL-BEING

Tel: 2987 2608 soyhongkong@gmail.com www.seedling.com.hk

Tel: 2987 0772 www.curves.com

Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

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

Unique and individual Tel: 6015 4050 hk@pennyscallan.biz www.pennyscallan.biz

World’s leading fitness programme for women in 30 minutes

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5yrs to 14yrs old girls and boys

2525 6798

Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency hotline Lantau North Report Room Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

Penny Scallan Design

Curves

Tel: 2987 8923 / 9443 8333 Email: embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk

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

Discovery Bay Medical Services

TOYS, CHILDREN'S ACCESSORIES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Exercise for Energy for Life

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

Stuck on You Label It, Own It, Keep It! Tel: 2549 2245, 2987 2608 sales.hk@stuckonyou.biz www.stuckonyou.biz

CIBTAC,ITEC,BABTAC, City & Guilds Facials, CACI-Face lifting, SKINCARE, Make-up & Colour analysis, Waxing & more!

Please contact Gillian : 9604 6920 / 2987 0764 www.theskintherapycentrehk.com

Afflatus Hair Workshop

2987 0283

Maximum Care

2987 2060

Bo Bo House

2987 4230

Salon De Coiffure

2987 4112

Toysland

2987 7859

Sense of Touch

2987 9198

TRANSPORT SERVICES

DB Golf Cart Services

2914 2727

DB Transit Services

2914 0186

DB Transportation Services

2987 7351

Hire Car Bookings

2987 6348

Passenger Telephone hotline

2987 0208

Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2987 9368

Around DB's October issue coming out

September 30

September 2011

75

HEALTH Q&A

One of the main worries of parents with teenagers is if their child is abusing drugs. Here, Dr Gordon Cheung, family practitioner with Island Health Family Practice in DB, answers some questions about this sensitive topic.

1. How do I know if my child is taking drugs?

There are often few or no signs to indicate your child is taking drugs, and approximately 60% of parents find out one year or more after their child has started taking drugs.

up in teen years, and the World Health Organization has reported that 50% of young people who continue to smoke will die from smoking-related illnesses.

2. Are there any behavioural clues?

Definitely. It's possible that your child’s behaviour has changed, he/she starts breaking rules at home and at school or becomes less communicative, lying more often, maybe also stealing or frequently asking for pocket money. You may also find your child absent minded, under achieving at school, or just avoiding his family and friends.

7. How do you talk to your child if you suspect he/she is taking drugs?

3. Would I see any changes in his physical appearance?

It is possible that his personal hygiene gets worse, that he gets tired and lethargic, lacking interest in things that used to interest him. Also, you may notice frequent nose bleeds, frequent urination or change in bowel habits, and some mood swings, getting more irritable and hostile.

Less detectable: your child may start wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times to hide constricted or dilated pupils, eating mints and chewing gum when he didn’t previously.

4. And what about his peer relationships?

You may notice his regular friends won’t be around anymore and he will have a new set of friends. It may happen that he starts changing his dress style and music taste, staying out later or being frequently absent from home.

5. Is it easier for a teenager to get addicted to drugs than it is for an adult?

Yes. Research studies have shown that teenagers are the most at risk of getting addicted to drugs more quickly and easily than any other age group. It is believed that their developing brains are more susceptible to addiction than adult brains, partly because they have a stronger positive association to the more rewarding aspects of the drug-taking experience compared to the negative consequences.

6. Which drug is the most addictive?

Nicotine from cigarettes is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. It is a habit which is commonly picked

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September 2011

Heroin is the most addictive illegal drug. Ketamine is now the most common illegal drug in Hong Kong amongst people below the age of 21. Cocaine is the most popular illicit drug amongst people above the age of 21.

It is important to choose a good time to bring up the topic, preferably when you are both relaxed and have plenty of time. If you find it difficult to introduce the subject, a good prompt might be a television advert which addresses drug abuse or a relevant article in a magazine. It is important that you talk about your concerns without displaying anger or hostility, and maintain a positive, non-judgemental attitude. Be prepared to listen to things that may shock or upset you, but stay empathic and supportive, or your child may clam up and refuse to discuss the issue further.

8. If my child is still unresponsive and does not want to share anything with us, then what?

If your child is unresponsive, consult with professionals such as teachers and school nurses to provide you with support in understanding and dealing with the problem.

You should also seek help from your family doctor who, if required, can assess your child physically and emotionally and offer further support and assistance to your family.

If you would like to submit areas of interest or even specific questions for our Q&A, please email editor@arounddb.com. In the October issue of Around DB, we will be discussing antibiotics and in the November issue, the topic will be eating disorders.

Discovery Bay T 2987 8143 dbay@sunshinehouse.com.hk

walking on sunshine...

Sunshine House, a group of English-speaking international pre-schools, with specifically designed programs for children from under 2 to 6 years of age. • Bilingual and Mandarin Immersion classes • Primary 1 classes for age 5-6 years Sunshine House is committed to providing a vibrant, nurturing learning environment. www.sunshinehouse.com.hk

Tai Tam T 2813 0713 taitam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Tung Chung T 2109 3873 tungchung@sunshinehouse.com.hk The Peak T 2849 7123 peak@sunshinehouse.com.hk Pok Fu Lam T 2551 3213 pokfulam@sunshinehouse.com.hk Chi Fu T 2551 3781 chifu@sunshinehouse.com.hk Discovery Bay North T 2987 0813 dbaynorth@sunshinehouse.com.hk Clearwater Bay T 2358 3803 clearwaterbay@sunshinehouse.com.hk