September 2013
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT SIGN ON TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE FOOTPRINT
FIT TO BE A MUM FUN WAYS TO EXERCISE WITH A BABY ON BOARD
“I am woman, hear me roar.” HELEN REDDY
Helping hands! Surviving the live-in policy crackdown
Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com
Publishers in DB since 2002
SEPTEMBER 2013
閒澄閣 GRACEFUL
$75K
碧濤軒 COASTLINE
$48K
倚濤軒 CRESTMONT
$40K
T
EN
G EA
L
SO
Gross: 2166’ Saleable: 1629’ 3 3
Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1347’
Beautifully renovated duplex with large terrace, huge open space and tranquil surroundings.
蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE
$36K
3 2
2
Beautifully renovated, open kitchen, spacious layout and fantastic sea views.
海蜂徑 SEABEE
$65K/20M
2
Nicely renovated town house, spacious layout and large terrace with amazing sea views. Must see!
頤峰 GREENVALE
$20K/5.3M
2
2
Spacious living room with balcony. Ready to move into.
康慧台 HILLGROVE
$16.3M
2 1
2
Fully renovated with a nice sized garden bright and wonderful. Entertainers delight.
逸澄閣 PEACEFUL
$4.8M
1
Beautifully renovated, spacious layout, clean and tidy. Must see!
$27K/8.2M
Gross: 948’ Saleable: 850’ 3 2
Nicely renovated, spacious layout, balcony with stunning sea views. Tranquil location.
康慧台 HILLGROVE
Gross: 845’ Saleable: 604’ 2
$20K
Spacious layout, balcony with stunning sea views and close to DB plaza and pier.
海寧居 LA VISTA
Gross: 1658’ Saleable: 1326’ 3
Beautifully renovated lowrise, great location, and spacious layout. A must see.
Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’
Spacious living, large garden with great views and in a convenient place.
海澄湖畔 SIENA
Gross: 865’ Saleable: 744’ 3
$35K
2
Gross: 1000’ Saleable:898’ 3
Gross: 1642’ Saleable: 1406’ 3
Good condition, open plan kitchen and generous dining room. Great for entertaining. Must see!
寶峰 PARKVALE
Gross: 1311’ Saleable: 1171’ 3
Gross: 1298’ Saleable: 1108’ 3
$3.5M
Gross: 472’ Saleable: 398’ 0 1
Good sized studio flat with balcony, amazing views and in a convenient location.
> 250 LOTS
VI C
T O RI A
VI C
T O RI A
EXCELLENCE
AWARD < 250 LOTS
VI C
T O RI A
PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C
T O RI A
2012
AWARD
2012
EXCELLENCE
2012
AWARD
2012
LANDSCAPING
2011
HI A APARTMENT
2012
HI A APARTMENT
2010
UDI A DEVELOPMENT
2010
2010
UDI A DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C
T O RI A
2012
UDI A JUDGES’
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CONTENTS FEATURES 34
60
DEAR READER
70
34 40 46 53 60 64 70 76
PROFILE Meet DC principal Mark Beach IN FOCUS Take up the trash-management challenge FAMILY MATTERS Fitness advice for mums-to-be MONEY MATTERS Investing in student accommodation TALKING POINTS Helpers, and the live-in policy crackdown ESCAPES The other side of Hainan, China ACTION Why baseball is big in DB STYLE Kids’ party planner
REGULARS 10 25 30 81 84 87 90 93 96
IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news COMPETITIONS Post your answers at www.arounddb.com to win great prizes ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour DB FACES Candid community snaps CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, local businesses and more PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau HEALTH Q&A Physiotherapy and its many uses
There’s so much to enjoy in DB this month – the All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival September 14, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations September 19, and of course the Discovery Bay Recreation Club Charity Tennis Cup September 28. It’s also the Hong Kong Cleanup, a real challenge for the eco-aware, September 21 to November 1. I encourage you to do your bit by participating in a local trash-collection challenge or at the very least joining DB Green at its monthly beach clean-up on September 21 and 22.
Never say that Around DB doesn’t cover all the bases. This issue we take a look at a hot commodity perennially worthy of investment – student accommodation. And talk to some local experts about the best ways for pregnant women to keep fit (and happy). We also update you on the recent government crackdown which saw six helpers arrested in their DB boarding house this July. Does your helper live-in? Do you have a problem with her boosting her income by taking on a bit of freelance work?
As the new academic year gets into gear, we talk to Discovery College principal Mark Beach, who fills us in on his personal and vocational plans for the future. We also hear from the DB Tigers’ parents, coaches and players at the start of their new season. Prepare to get turned on to Little League baseball. And since the time is always right to throw a kids’ party, we investigate the dos and don’ts – and the importance of good cake.
I look forward to chatting with you on our Facebook page and at www.arounddb.com.
September 2013
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT SIGN ON TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE FOOTPRINT
FIT TO BE A MUM FUN WAYS TO EXERCISE WITH A BABY ON BOARD
DBer’s book launch a blast Photos by Hannah Ball
“I am woman, hear me roar.” HELEN REDDY
Helping hands! Surviving the live-in policy crackdown
Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com
Publishers in DB since 2002
On the cover: Helping our helpers help themselves! Photo courtesy of MFMW
Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial Coordinator Hannah Ball hannah@arounddb.com
DB resident, Lindsey Coen-Fernandes hosted a book launch with a difference on August 16 at Auberge Discovery Bay. Her reading from Phupee Massage – Real Stories For My Friend was accompanied by champagne, hand massages and prize giveaways. Big prizes on offer included massage treatments, fitness classes, running trainers, massage aids and professional teeth-whitening treatments. Attendees were asked to complete a massage survey, record a memorable massage experience and take funny photos with props, which were then posted on a Facebook page dedicated to the book launch (realstory.org).
Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Baljit Gidwani photosdb@hotmail.com Illustration Richard Leschinsky Accounts Lise Dooling accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month Hannah Ball Lauren Gordon Ian Jackson Megaen Kelly Elizabeth Kerr Catharine Nicol 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 www.arounddb.com facebook.com/AroundDB twitter.com/aroundDB youtube.com/AroundDB
Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.
Charity Book Fair at the DBRC Photos courtesy of DBRC
On July 27 and 28, Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) held its first Charity Book Fair. Over 3,000 books were collected in the months leading up to the event. On the day over HK$25,000 was raised for Hong Kong-based charity the Society for AIDS Care (SAC). Established in 1994, SAC is a community-based non-profit providing quality care services to children and adults living with HIV/ AIDS. Find out more at www.aidscare.com.hk. And don't miss out on the DBRC’s next book fair in October.
To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com
IN & AROUND DB
Rugby champs in Nanjing Photos courtesy of Caroline Clery
Congratulations to DB Pirate Aileen Ryan who represented Hong Kong in the Under-18 Girls Rugby team, and DB resident Cameron Smith who represented Hong Kong in the Under-18 Boys Rugby 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team at the Asian Youth Games, August 17 to 19 in Nanjing, eastern China. Out of nine participating teams, the Under-18 boys claimed the HKSAR's first gold medal, beating Thailand 31-12 in the final, while the Under-18 girls bounced back from a challenging start to claim the bronze after beating Thailand 21-5. For more information, visit www.hkrugby.com/eng/news/3204.php.
DBYO summer concerts Photo courtesy of DBYO
Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra (DBYO) showcased its talent at two packed summer concerts last month. The first, on August 4 at Hong Kong City Hall in Central, saw some incredible solos by master-class students, plus a performance by DBYO solo pianist Isabelle Chedin and DBYO artistic director Patrick Pok-man Leung. At the August 31 concert in the DB Community Hall, the whole orchestra will play works by Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven, and there will be a special guest performance by the 4-Way Duo (Patrick on piano and violin with Celeste Williams on violin and viola). To join the DBYO, email Patrick at patrickleungnufc@hotmail.com or Isabelle at isabellechedin@yahoo.fr.
DB boys triumph in Gaelic Football Quarter Finals Photo courtesy of Lauren Gordon
August 4 saw a group of DB boys play in a Hong Kong Under 12s Gaelic football team in Dublin, Ireland. Organised and coached by DB resident JJ Neville, the boys convincingly won their game against a County Donegal team during the All-Ireland Gaelic Football Quarter Finals. The match was held at Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Croke Park stadium in front of more than 63,000 spectators. Team members included DBers Tiarnan and Ruaidhri Neville, Julian Onderwater and Nathaniel Gordon, and former DBer Jack Sisterson. The boys left Ireland undefeated, having also won their three practice matches against Dublin teams.
To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com
September 2013
11
IN & AROUND DB
Summer Wine Bazaar Photos courtesy of DBRC
August 4 saw over 50 different types of wine on sale at Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s Summer Wine Bazaar. With vintages on offer from all over the world – California, France, Spain, Chile, Australia and Italy just to name a few – attendees were spoilt for choice. Advice was on hand from the expert vendors, who also arranged for a number of muchappreciated wine tastings on the day.
Acting Antics at Discovery College Photos courtesy of Acting Antics
This summer saw kids age five to 12 learn to perform and communicate clearly while having fun at the Acting Antics summer camp at Discovery College (DC). Various original plays such as The Day the Moon Caught the Sun, The Dragon's Tears and Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow had everyone involved, and dressed in fabulous costumes. But the fun doesn’t stop there – Acting Antics classes are still running at DC on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visit www.actingantics.com for more information.
12
September 2013
To see more photos of all these events, visit the photo gallery at www.arounddb.com
SEPTEMBER 2013
AT A GLANCE
IN & AROUND DB When
What
Where
September 5, 12, 19, 26
Kadampa Meditation Centre Classes
DB Multi-Purpose Hall
September 7, 2-4.45pm
Plant Market
Plant Nursery, Peninsula Village
September 7-8
Ozzie Cozzie Roadshow
OpenSpace DB, DB North Plaza
September 8, 7am-1pm
Swim-Run-Fun Race
DB North Plaza
September 14, 10am-5pm
All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival
Tai Pak Wan
September 15, 2-5.30pm
DB Swimming Gala
Discovery Bay Recreation Club
September 17, 7-8pm
DB Healthy Living Talk
Child and Family Development Practice, DB Plaza
September 19, 7.30-9.30pm
Mid-Autumn Musical Night
Discovery Bay Recreation Club
September 20, 10am
LBC Ladies’ Helm Race
Off Peng Chau
September 20, 2-6pm
Beach Party Fever Speed Dating Event
Tai Pak Wan
September 21-22
DB Green Beach Clean-up
Tai Pak Wan and Nim Shue Wan
September 21- November 1
Hong Kong Cleanup
Across Lantau
September 22, 12-7pm
Handmade Hong Kong Market
DB Plaza
September 24
North Lantau Hospital Opening
Tung Chung
September 25-29
The Taming of the Shrew
HK Academy of Arts, Wanchai
September 28, 8am
DBRC Charity Tennis Cup
Discovery Bay Recreation Club
September 28-29, 1-6pm
DBN Family Kingdom Carnival
DB North Plaza
September 29, 12-5pm
Flea Market
DB Plaza
If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact hannah@arounddb.com For more information on the above events visit www.arounddb.com
Handmade Hong Kong
DBRC charity tennis
It’s time to stock up on some beautiful handmade items. Head down to DB Plaza on September 22 for Handmade Hong Kong – a huge outdoor market showcasing local, independent vendors’ handmade or self-designed products. Held in DB six times a year, over 100 stalls stock choice items like handmade jewellery, art, home accessories, stationery, paper crafts and children’s accessories. For more information, email register@handmadehongkong.com.
Watch 24 teams play in the 10th Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) Charity Tennis Cup on September 28 from 8am, in support of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association. It won’t be just a great day of tennis – there’ll also be a family carnival on the DBRC lawn from 10am until 5pm, with a bouncy castle, face painting, lucky draw and games for the kids. The whole family can also enjoy a pool-side barbeque from 7pm onwards. For more information, call 2987 7381 or email paul.summerside@hkri.com.
in DB Plaza and carnival
Congratulations to last month’s winners
Camille Grell and Paula Hannan for the Chef's Express offer; Kylie Thomas and Cheung Woon Wah for the Bubs ‘n’ Toys giveaway; Janita Bhana for the Omberry Jackie wrap; and Valerie Little, Jennifer Mathers and Theresa Mendoza for the DBer's book giveaway. Please call our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize
16
September 2013
SEPTEMBER 2013
IN & AROUND DB
Speed dating
Have some
Beach Party Fever on September 20 at Tai Pak Wan is a speed-dating must. Singletons are invited to get to know each other at a cocktail party and by playing beach games. You also pair up to speed date 10 people for five minutes each on mats, before swapping those all-important contact details. Expect prizes for those with the best summer look. Tickets cost HK$250, or HK$200 if you bring a friend. Call 9806 6321 to register or visit www.sdfever.com.hk.
Get ready for the Zoot series SwimRun-Fun, organised by Sports World, on September 8 at DB North Plaza. Registration is at 7am and the event ends with a brunch at the Auberge Discovery Bay. Kids aged eight to 10 swim 200 metres and run 2 kilometres, those aged 11 to 16 swim 400 metres and run 4 kilometres, and adults either swim 800 metres and run 4 kilometres, or swim 1,600 metres and run 8 kilometres. The entry fee is HK$200 for kids, HK$300 for adults on the day. To register, visit www.sportsworld.hk before September 6.
on the beach
Swim-Run-Fun
Spin
in DB There are two new initiatives on offer this month for spinning fans. At Spin Works’ 5 Week Body Blitz, starting September 2, you’ll likely burn 800 calories every class. Head to the indoor-cycling studio in DB North Plaza, or visit www.spinworks. com.hk to find out more. Alternatively, if you want to take your passion to the next level, sign up for Spinning® Instructor Training at Movement Improvement’s brand-new studio in DB North Plaza on September 29. For more information on becoming an instructor, visit www.spinning.com or email claire@movementimprovement.com.hk.
NEW TO DISCOVERY BAY? DO YOUR KIDS LOVE TO DANCE? PERFORMANCE DRAMA PERFORMANCE SINGING MUSICAL DRAMA Discovery College - Black Box Theatre
We are offering FREE TRIAL classes in September. At all our DB venues. • Freestyle/Hip Hop • Coolbeatz Jazz Tap • Creative Dance (3 – 4 years) • Baby Ballet & RAD Graded Ballet • RAD Interfoundation • Adult Ballet
Call our office for more details Tel : 2987 1571 Email: dance@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk
Classes start on 27 & 28 August COME ALONG FOR A FREE TRIAL FULLY COSTUMED CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES & TIMES:
Tues 3:30pm Tues 4:30pm Wed 3:30pm Wed 4:30pm
ACT I (4-5yrs) ACT III (7-11yrs) ACT II (6-8yrs) ACT III (9-12yrs)
Junior Acting Antics (Musical Drama) Performance Singing Performance Drama Performance Drama
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
www.actingantics.com / admin@actingantics.com
Tel: 8122 9475 / 6842 8092 Practice reading & speaking in clear expressive English Learn to sing with confidence & style Explore creative & dramatic potential Learn stagecraft & theatre etiquette Learn communication & public speaking skills FEES: Season 1 (Aug-Dec) $2960.00 (Includes resources, scripts, rights, costumes, make-up, Certificate of Achievement)
SEPTEMBER 2013
IN & AROUND DB
Keep fit at Curves Mid-Autumn All-girls
to win prizes
Musical Night beach rugby in DB
September at Curves, DB’s all-women fitness studio, is all about collecting stars. You need eight stars to enter a lucky draw, for the chance to win a HK$3,500 Kate Spade bag. Stars are easily obtained – work out three times a week for four weeks in a row, do four advanced workouts over the month, or get weighed and measured. Stars are also being given to ladies who attend a one-minute ‘madness class’, or try out their Zumba in circuit class. There are also daily prizes to win. And don’t forget you can sign up for bootcamp right through September. For more information, call 2987 0772.
With a live band playing Canto hits all night long, amusing riddles to solve and a fun lantern-making workshop, Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s (DBRC) Mid-Autumn Musical Night is likely to be lots of fun on September 19. And be sure to take your lanterns down to the beach afterwards and continue to celebrate with the rest of Discovery Bay. The event is being held in the DBRC lobby from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Entry is for club members only and is free. For more information, call 2987 7381.
On September 14, the DB Pirates gals are set to shine in the All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival at Tai Pak Wan. This invitation-only event sees teams from all over Hong Kong (Under 10s to Under 19s) competing in Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield competitions. Last year 37 teams participated, with close to 500 girls taking part. Off-pitch entertainment includes a bouncy castle, music and refreshments. For more information, email admin2@dbpirates.com or call Sharon McEneff on 2517 8248.
Exciting New Performing Arts Classes at BMSE
Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not seeing double...
Wednesdays 2.45-3.45pm Musical Drama for 4-6 year olds A fabulous new course for younger starlets who want to build the confidence to get up and perform. In this course students will get to sing, dance and act every week.
The ONLY TRUE HAPPY HOUR in DB
3.45-4.45pm Musical Theatre 7-10 year olds A great course for slightly older students who wish to develop their Musical Theatre technique. Learn how to act through performance and create fun, believable characters.
4.45-5.45pm Acting & Drama 11 years upwards An intense acting course for students who wish to train in professional acting techniques. Students will be expected to develop skills quickly, work at home and participate in regular performances.
Fridays 3.45-5.45pm Performing Arts Camp 7-11 years
2 for 1
on all draft beers, house wines and spirits
A 2 hour intensive course that offers training in acting, singing and dancing. (Only 1 place available!) All courses offer an open class for friends and family at the end of each term!!!! For any inquiries about courses at BMSE give them a call on 2259 3422 or Bmse@naac.org.hk or contact Emma on 9225 6775 Please note that all courses are very popular and have limited numbers, so book your place now!
Monday to Friday 4.00pm till 7.30pm Weekends and Public Holidays 3.00pm till 6.00pm 10% service charge applies
Exciting new menu starting
September 9!
For reservation, call 2987 2298 | www.22north.com.hk
SEPTEMBER 2013
IN & AROUND DB
DB Pink Walk
for Breast Cancer
For the fifth year running, Movement Improvement invites the whole community to join its DB Pink Walk for Breast Cancer to raise funds for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year, the event raised a whopping HK$140,000. So get your walking boots and pink gear ready to show your support on October 6. The 5-kilometre sponsored walk starts and ends in DB North Plaza, and you can register now at Dymocks or Movement Improvement in DB Plaza. Volunteers (who will be treated to breakfast at 8.30am at the Auberge Discovery Bay) are also being sought to marshal along the route, from 10am to 12 noon. To find out more, contact Claire Dickson at claire@movementimprovement.com.hk or go to www.movementimprovement.com.hk.
DB Swimming
Gala
Don’t miss out on the Discovery Bay Swimming Gala, supported by Hong Kong swim club Harry Wright International on September 15 – a unique chance to show off your swimming skills and meet other enthusiasts. With races for four-year-olds and up, as well as parent-and-child relay races, there’s a chance for everyone to get involved. The gala starts at 2pm at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC), and to take part in a race you pay HK$50. Pick up an application form at the DBRC or Club Siena, or call 2987 7381 to enrol before September 7.
OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW SAT 7th & SUN 8th SEPT
O A W F PI M N I LY S W I M E A R S H O P N G E STOP
20
-6 ON 0% S DI ALE SC OU
Contemporary soft furnishings for every home NT
Soft throw cushions are an effective way to: • Brighten up small spaces • Change the look and feel of a room • Add colour and texture to existing furniture • Create a comfortable and relaxing ambience
OpenSpace DB
96 Siena Avenue, Unit 6 G/F, Block Two, DB North
Enquiries: 9462 0352
ENHANCE YOUR HOME
Visit our website to select from the latest collection or enquire about our custom-design service
At Home in DB Interiors info@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com
Playgroups in
DB
FUNFIT, CLUB SIENA
9380 5771, info@funfit.hk, www.funfit.hk Active learning programme helping to develop children’s balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and more! Health and fitness is a focus. For kids age six months to six years.
BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN, DB NORTH PLAZA
LITTLE EXPLORERS, PHASE 1
6114 2436, ramesha@bayview.hk, www.bayview.hk Early Childhood Educational Centre (bilingual English and Mandarin) for kids age 12 months to six years. With an outdoor play area, gardening activities, pet caring, daily art education, science activities and more!
2987 2897/ 9327 0507, littleexplorers@team-fear.com Well-established playgroup for kids age two years and up. A caring and stimulating learning environment with an emphasis on learning through play and having loads of fun!
CRAFTYBABES, DB PLAZA
MIDGET GEMS KID’S CLUB, DB PLAZA
5466 4150, crafty.babes@hotmail.com, www.craftybabes.com A friendly and creative playgroup offering sensory play for babies age five to 14 months, and weekly toddler arts-and-crafts sessions for kids age 14 months to three years.
2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, www.midgetgemskidsclub.com Established and dedicated playgroups in English, German, Mandarin and Spanish for kids age two to four years. A great learning environment with the emphasis on the fun factor.
DUMPER TRUCKS AND DAISIES, DB PLAZA
MY KIDZPLACE, SIENA 2
9667 6921, mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com A Montessori playgroup for kids age six months to four-and-a-half years focusing on the growth and development of the whole child. With introductory maths and phonics, yoga and Mandarin.
6496 8662, my_kidz_place@yahoo.com.hk Mandarin playgroup for children age 18 months to six years. Native teacher speaking only Mandarin, to create an environment where children pick up the language effortlessly through interactive activities.
EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, THE GREENS
PLAYTIME, CHERISH
9511 2107/ 2987 9644, info@earlyadventures.net Well-established playgroup with bright and spacious facilities for kids age 20 months to four years. In a warm and caring environment, kids reach their full potential through interesting activities.
9054 0565/ 2623 4099, playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com Established playgroup run by a Montessori-trained teacher in a colourful and spacious environment for kids age six months to four years. Activities include baking, singing and dancing.
FIRST FRIENDS, SECOND FRIENDS, CLUB SIENA
WOODENTOTS, DB PLAZA
9151 5545, firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com, www.firstfriendshk.com DB’s longest-running playgroup providing parent and child groups. Small classes, dedicated teachers. Thousands of toys and fun! For kids age 18 months to three+ years.
6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for kids age two-and-a-half to five years. A caring and nurturing environment, where children grow and learn through selfdiscipline and self-discovery.
After-school activities DANCE
THE ARTS
Dance for Joy HK
Acting Antics
9264 8597, danceforjoyhk@gmail.com Tung Chung Man Tung Road Sports Centre, Tung Chung Dance for Joy offers a variety of different types of dance sessions such as Zumba and Hip Hop, for children age seven to 12.
DMR School of Ballet 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com DB Plaza, DB Children (age three and up) and teenagers have the opportunity to learn to dance, in a professional and enjoyable environment. A full schedule covers a wide variety of choices from Ballet to Tap and Modern or Jazz.
Hong Kong School of Highland Dance 9123 0863 (Nicola), highlanddancehk@gmail.com Movement Improvement Studio, DB North Plaza, DB Nicola Mackay aims to bring her Scottish roots to Hong Kong by passing on her love of Highland Dance to others in the community. Classes are for kids age four upwards.
Island Dance 2987 1571, dance@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk DB Plaza, DB Island Dance offers a variety of fun and energetic dance classes for students age 18 months to 18 years. Dance styles range from Disco Freestyle and Funky Tap, to Ballet and Hip Hop.
Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Barton Irish Dance 6779 9743, dance@oconnor-bartonid.com, www.oconnor-bartonid.com Discovery College, DB Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Barton Irish Dance offers Irish Dance classes for children age three and up.
6842 8092/ 8122 9475, admin@actingantics.com, www.actingantics.com Discovery College, DB Acting Antics is a performance-based theatre company, offering a variety of classes for children age four to 12.
DB Glee www.dbglee.com Discovery Mind Primary School, DB North Plaza, DB A community singing group for men, women and children age eight to 80. Kids groups are primary (minimum age eight) and secondary (12 and up). A chance to learn some harmonies, have a laugh and de-stress.
Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra info@piano-violin.com, www.piano-violin.com Siena One and Parkridge Village, DB The Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra is a non-profit organisation aiming to introduce orchestral music to young musicians of any age.
Junior Snappers 9849 0050, juniorsnappershk@gmail.com, www.juniorsnappers.com Discovery College, DB Junior Snappers is a film club for young people age seven to 12 who are crazy about film and want to develop their passion.
Performers Studio 9225 6775, emma.performersstudio@yahoo.com Discovery College, DB Performers Studio runs two-hour camps on the weekend for kids age four and up. Founder Emma Tielus-Ward, a professionally trained actress and dancer, gives expert skills training in acting, singing and dancing.
The British Studio of Art 9132 5249, bsoahk@gmail.com, www.bsoahk.com DB Plaza, DB Catering to all ages, a full spectrum of art techniques are taught, such as encaustic art, decoupage, water colours, acrylics, needlework, photography, collage, clay work, mosaics, cross stitch, felting, knitting and crocheting.
FITNESS Cobra Sport 6807 1975 (Elliot), elliot@cobrajudoclub.com, www.cobrajudoclub.com Discovery College, DB A Judo and boxing club for kids age five and up. Judo training takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with boxing on Tuesdays.
KIPMOVIN 6180 3256 (Thomas), www.kipmovin.com Various locations around DB KIPKidz Fit at KIPMOVIN is a programme designed to make exercising fun for kids age four and up. Classes include running, as well as core and flexibility training to strengthen growing bodies.
Sportsmanship Gymnastics 2870 3524, sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com Club Siena and Discovery College, DB This fun programme for gymnasts age four and up allows for step-by-step progression. Children gain confidence, basic control of their own bodies and, most importantly, an understanding about health.
For more after-school activities, visit www.arounddb.com If you organise a kids’ club and you are not listed there, email hannah@arounddb.com TEAM SPORTS
WATER SPORTS
Auskick
Aqua Gym
kirstydavies3015@gmail.com, www.auskick-hk.com Discovery College, DB Auskick in Hong Kong is based on the Australian Auskick programme. It caters for children (five to 13 and 14 to 16) of all skill levels and from any football code.
2914 0658, www.aquagym.com.hk Public Pool, Tung Chung Aqua Gym is a triathlon school that combines swimming with running and cycling. It has an IRON-kids Aquathon programme for children age eight plus.
DB Angels Football Club
Discovery Amateur Swim Club
membership@dbangelsfc.hk, www.dbangelsfc.hk Discovery Bay International School Pitch, DB The DB Angels Football Club is a community-run club open to all girls between the ages of six and 14. Parents are the coaches, and the club generally meets on Sundays.
www.dbswimclub.com Discovery College, DB Kids age six years and up, who can swim 15 metres of either freestyle, backstroke or breaststroke, are welcome to join the fun at Discovery Amateur Swim Club.
DB Dragons Football Club
Harry Wright International
greg@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk Discovery Bay International School and DB North Plaza Pitch DB, and YMCA Tung Chung A football club for children age three to 15. The Dragons tailor each of the football coaching sessions to suit the students’ level of ability.
DBees Ice Hockey 6473 4277 (Steve), 9743 6384 (Fabio), info@dbeeshockey.com, www.dbeeshockey.com Elements Ice Rink, Tsim Sha Tsui The DBees is a non-profit, community-based ice hockey team. Its programme is available for kids of all skill levels, age five and up.
DB Pirates Rugby Football Club admin@dbpirates.com, www.dbpirates.com Discovery Bay International School and Club Siena Pitch DB, and YMCA Tung Chung DB Pirates is a non-profit club that welcomes boys and girls age five upwards. It has a minis section (U6 to U12) and Colts/ youth section (U14 to U18).
DB Tigers
2575 6279, swimming@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk Discovery Bay Recreation Club and Club Siena Pools, DB Harry Wright International has an Infant Aquatics Programme for children from four months to four years. The Learn to Swim programme is designed for children age three and up, with lessons to accommodate all skill sets.
OTHER Caissa Chess Club 9681 2869, info@caissahk.com, www.caissahk.com DB North Plaza, DB Chess club for children under 12 years of age meets on Thursdays and Saturdays.
RDB – Rock Da Boat youth@dbicc.org, www.dbicc.org Discovery College, DB A free, Friday night youth group (secondary and up) run by Pastor James of the Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC).
info@dbtigers.com, www.dbtigers.com Discovery Bay International School Pitch, DB DB Tigers is a parent-run, non-profit organisation for players of all abilities, age five to 13. It runs a baseball programme for kids age eight to 13 and a t-ball programme for kids age five to seven.
Eye Level
Junior Cricket Academy
Wiseowl
9011 1319 (Nilesh), jcadiscoverybay@hotmail.com Discovery Bay International School and Discovery Bay Recreation Club With Junior Cricket Academy, children age six and up learn to play cricket in a friendly and fun environment. Sessions are held on Saturdays and Sundays.
9522 3297, info@wiseowl.com.hk, www.wiseowl.com.hk DB Plaza A learning centre for children age four and up, where kids can complete their homework in a quiet, supervised environment. Individual or small group tutoring is offered in Mathematics and literacy.
Pure Tennis Academies 9079 2987, puretennisacademies@gmail.com DB Golf Club Tennis Courts, DB Giving members and guests the opportunity to improve their game, the programme includes regular performance ratings, geared towards individual progression. For kids age seven and up.
Tinytots Soccer 3488 7724, info@tinytots.com.hk, www.tinytots.com.hk Community Centre Pitch, DB Tinytots Soccer is a professional sports-play programme specially designed for children age 16 months to five years.
9366 0000, hi@hicentre.biz (Hermann), www.hicentre.biz DB North Plaza A fun way for children age three and up to better their Mathematics and English.
For your chance to win these great prizes, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com. You have until September 10 to submit your answers, and don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number
COMPETITIONS
Starlight Express ticket giveaway Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller-skating sensation, Starlight Express hits the stage at Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in Wanchai from October 4 to 20. The rock musical, which has been performed all over the world, including the West End and Broadway, follows a child’s dream in which a toy train comes to life and must compete to become the fastest engine in the world. With the entire cast of 28 on roller skates, this really is an exciting spectacle. Book your tickets now at www.hkticketing.com. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is offering three readers the chance to win a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$850 each) to see the musical live on stage at the Lyric Theatre. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us how many cast members will perform.
Become a better runner Founded by elite Kenyan-born athlete Thomas Kiprotich, DB outdoor-fitness training club Kipmovin is introducing a 10-week running programme on September 4. It involves attending two classes a week (Wednesday evening and Saturday morning), and is designed to improve participants’ running stamina and pace. Five percent of the fees will be donated to charity. For more information, visit www.kipmovin.com or the Kipmovin Facebook page.
Kipmovin is offering two readers a slot in its 10-week running programme (worth HK$2,500). For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us where Thomas was born.
The Taming of the Shrew ticket giveaway Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is performing The Taming of the Shrew at Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts Wanchai on September 25. This is the first time Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has performed in Hong Kong, and an allfemale cast will act out the well-loved comedy. The play follows the love lives of two wealthy sisters of marriageable age. The beautiful Bianca has no shortage of suitors, but for her ‘shrew’ of a sister, Katherina, love is not so easy and it takes a cunning man like Petruchio to drag her to the altar. To purchase tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com. ABA Productions is offering three readers the chance to win a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$695 each) to see the performance at the Lyric Theatre. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us whether this Shakespearean play is a comedy, a tragedy or a history.
September 2013
25
COMPETITIONS
For your chance to win these great prizes, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com. You have until September 10 to submit your answers, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to give us your name and telephone number
Something for art lovers Featuring 72 galleries of quality, international artwork, Asia Contemporary Art Show returns to Hong Kong from October 3 to 6 at the JW Marriott, Admiralty. With over 2,000 new works on sale from over 300 promising artists, as well as 60 artists on hand to explain the inspiration behind their works, the show really is a must see. You can find out more at www.asiacontemporaryart.com.
Asia Contemporary Art Show is giving away a pair of VIP exhibition tickets (worth HK$240 each) to six readers. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us when the show opens.
See next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest shows Book tickets now for hysterical performances at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wanchai. In One Man Lord of the Rings, October 1 to 6, Canadian comedian Charles Ross narrates the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy in just 60 minutes. Bubble Magic, created by world-renowned mime Pep Bou, October 3 to 13, presents a wonderful world of fishbowl, animal and even high-wire bubbles. And in his oneman eponymously titled hit show, October 8 to 13, celebrated comic artiste Ennio Marchetto parodies some 50 top celebrities, magically morphing from Marilyn Monroe and Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber and the like. For tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and ABA Productions are offering three readers the chance to win a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$695 each) to see one of these shows. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us which comedian stars in One Man Lord of the Rings.
Great gifts for party planners Need supplies for an upcoming party? Look no further than DB Party Lovers, the online party supplier offering free delivery in Discovery Bay. From balloons to gift bags, candles to cards, DB Party Lovers has all the key ingredients, and it also provides a personal service whereby it will try to source any extra items you need for your celebration. For more information, visit www.dbpartylovers.com or call 9132 5249.
DB Party Lovers is giving away HK$300 worth of balloons or party accessories to two readers. For your chance to win, simply go to www.arounddb.com and tell us one item that the company sells.
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September 2013
ACROSS LANTAU EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS
Pui O flea market Photos courtesy of Henny Robertson
Some 32 tables were packed full of second-hand goodies at Garden Plus’ High Summer Flea Market in Pui O on August 4. It was a great opportunity to pick up everything from clothes and electronics to kitchenware, books and jewellery. There were also delicious refreshments on sale (including cupcakes, vegetarian wraps and fresh fruit juices) to fortify bargain hunters. Watch out for Garden Plus’ Autumn Flea Market on October 6.
OFFICE 3483 5003
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9664 4749
(S-415474)
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(S-301473)
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2.18M MUI WO STUDIO 252’ + 228’ Roof terrace
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8.8M CHEUNG SHA VILLA 800’ + Roof
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Renovated 3 bedroom flat with fantastic views of Mui Wo, surrounding hills & the sea. Long balcony ideal for entertaining. 5 minutes walk to ferry pier. Great location & great views!
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C-044849
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SEPTEMBER 2013
Hand-made kid’s clothes, baby accessories, personalized bathroom towel sets, kids swim wear and more… OPENING HOURS: Wednesday – Monday 11am – 6pm Closed on Tuesdays
Email: patchworkjack@gmail.com
Tel: 9762 1957
CHEF EXPRESS Quality Meats, Fish, Poultry and Value-added Products Check us out... HOME DELIVERIES: Available for Tung Chung and Discovery Bay www.foodhub.com.hk or email info@chef-express.hk
Tel: 6504 4208 OPENING HOURS: Wednesday – Monday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Closed on Tuesdays
360° Sports Bar & Restaurant Watch all your favourite sports LIVE! Functions (kids parties, office nights) can be arranged. Indoor & outdoor seating. Kids playground is right outside. Pool table available.
Tel: 2109 4360 OPENING HOURS: Monday - Sunday 12pm – Late
All 3 shops are located under the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminus (below the cable car), 3 min walk from the DB bus stop (DB01R) Ground Floor, Shop 2, District Open Space Area 2, Tat Tung Road Garden, Tung Chung
ACROSS LANTAU
SEPTEMBER 2013
Help clean a beach!
Trail runners apply now
Photo courtesy of Ecovision Asia
Photo courtesy of www.stylecab.com
Join over 100,000 volunteers in this year’s Hong Kong Cleanup September 21 to November 1. The 12-year established eco event is part of a global year-round effort to keep our environment free from trash and safe for all. Anyone can participate and it’s free. Numerous coastal clean-ups have already been registered all over Lantau – simply choose a date and a beach, and sign up online! To get involved, visit www.hkcleanup.org; to find out more turn to page 40.
Elite runners can register now for the Salomon LT 70 on November 9. With three checkpoints (or relay exchanges for relay runners), the race starts in Mui Wo and covers the whole 70 kilometres of the Lantau Trail. In the solo race, athletes run all 12 sections, starting and ending in Mui Wo. In the relay race, individual runners make up teams of two or four running half or quarter of the race respectively. Remember that the LT 70 is a qualifying race for the North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® taking place next year from August 25 to 31. For more information and to register, go to www.lantaubasecamp.com.
THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.
4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.
Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com
SEPTEMBER 2013
ACROSS LANTAU
Ladies at the helm Photo courtesy of Lantau Boat Club
It’s Lantau Boat Club’s annual Ladies’ Helm Race on September 20. Men and women are both welcome to join but the rule is that all boats must have a female at the helm! Ladies, get ready to show the men what you’re made of! Briefing is at 10am, and the race starts at 11am off Peng Chau. Don’t forget to stick around for the barbeque after the race. For more information, visit www.lantauboatclub.com.
North Lantau Hospital open Photo by Terry Chow
The long-awaited North Lantau Hospital, located near Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung, opens on September 24. Previously, the nearest hospital for Lantau residents was the Princess Margaret in Kowloon. With the hospital opening in phases, Accident and Emergency Services are initially available for eight hours a day, from 9am to 5pm. The Tung Chung general outpatient clinic is being relocated to the new hospital this month.
MUI WO FERRY SCHEDULES Mon-Fri (except Public Holidays) From DB 7.15am 3.05pm
From Mui Wo 7.45am 3.35pm
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays From DB 7.15am ＊ 8.45am # 10.45am 11.45am # 1.15pm 3.05pm # 4.15pm 6.15pm 8.05pm
From Mui Wo 7.45am ＊ 9.15am # 11.15am 12.15pm # 1.45pm 3.35pm # 4.45pm 6.45pm 8.30pm
＊ Operates on Saturday (except Public Holidays) only ＃ Operates on Sunday and Public Holidays only
PROFILE
league
Photos by Baljit Gidwani and Danielle Libine
of his own
34
Inside the principal’s office
It’s been five years since Discovery College opened its doors as a ‘through train’ school from Year 1 to 13, offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum in a state-of-the-art facility. Lauren Gordon talks to principal Mark Beach about the journey September 2013
PROFILE
“R
iding a speeding train” is how Mark Beach, principal of Discovery College (DC), described moving the school from its Lai King campus to the then new HK$330million building in Discovery Bay in 2008. At that stage the private independent school – the newest member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) – had 700 students, from Year 1 to 8, and a brief to grow to 1,200-plus students through to Year 13 by 2013.
Mark reached a highpoint in his career in 1995, winning the coveted position of principal of Tahatai Coast; the first new government school to be built in New Zealand in 20 years. At this “flagship primary school for the 21st century”, Mark says he greatly enjoyed developing a modern, inquirybased curriculum.
Mark’s next challenge was the directorship of The Correspondence School, New Zealand’s distance education school, with 20,000 students and over 700 staff. His first Following that first, hectic year, international move was to Qatar Mark says, the “speeding train” took where he signed up to train teachers At DC Sports Day 2013 on a “tough but rewarding, long, hard and principals for the Supreme Education climb” to reach the position it enjoys today. Council. “The job was fascinating,” he says. Mark sees his role as establishing DC as one of the “They had to develop a brand-new curriculum and leading educational institutions in Asia. “In fact,” he adds, they had a very traditional teaching style which needed smiling, “I think we have one of the most amazing schools changing.” After two-plus years in Qatar, Mark made the in the world.” move to DC in 2007.
Personal resume
Curriculum, staffing and community
Mark’s career in education began in schools very different to DC. The second of four boys, he was born in a small coastal town in New Zealand. His parents were both in education, his mother a teacher and his father a school principal.
Mark describes his first few years at DC as “extremely rewarding and very hard work with challenges along the way”. Initial and urgent requirements included building the curriculum and gaining authorisation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) for the school’s three programmes – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).
Continuing pursuits he began as a child, Mark enjoys “the great outdoors” when not at work, especially running, skiing and surfing. He likes travelling and visiting different countries and cultures, and also returns to New Zealand at least once a year to see family and friends. “I had a goal to run 20 marathons and have managed to get to number 19,” he says. “It would be good to get to 20 but I haven’t any immediate plans to do that, mostly due to work commitments.” On completing primary school teacher training, Mark joined Volunteer Service Abroad and found himself in Tonga, relishing the challenge of teaching classes of 70 students, with scarce resources and limited facilities. On returning home he was assigned to a school for delinquent boys. “You had to completely reform what you did and how you taught to make an impact on these kids,” he says. “You had to make the curriculum work for them.” With a Maori grandmother, Mark is fluent in New Zealand’s native language; apt then that his first role as principal was in a bilingual school, largely attended by Maori children. Here he says he was delighted to have the opportunity to improve curriculum, academic results, facilities and resources for this poor community.
With this achieved, DC’s PYP had its first IB evaluation last year. “We were thrilled to receive such an outstanding PYP Evaluation,” Mark says. “The report highlighted many commendations, identifying areas in which we are above and beyond in standards and practices typically seen in a PYP school.” As DC has grown by a full year group each academic year, another priority has been recruitment, with from 12 to 20 new members of staff joining every year. “We’ve built an excellent team across the school,” Mark says with pride. “We have teachers who are recognised IB-workshop leaders, called on to share their curriculum expertise with other IB teachers around the world. And we have staff members who are IB moderators and examiners. This brings incredible benefits. Through them, we see the quality of work produced by IB students around the world, which allows us to compare the achievements of our own DC students.” Mark says another focus has been building a sense of “family” and identity for the college, and establishing DC
September 2013
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Photo courtesy of Discovery College
PROFILE
ICAS medal-winning students as a valuable member of the wider community. “When we opened we had a big impact on transport, on noise and on the busy-ness of the area. Not all residents were happy. I think now people are seeing the contribution we are making to the students who attend DC, to their families and also to the wider community.” Mark describes last year as a “watershed” for developments in the school’s Community, Action and Service programmes. Student-driven community engagement committees and initiatives were introduced, such as secondary students teaching English in Tung Chung.
Student achievements Mark’s vision for DC continues to be that it is first and foremost a leading academic school, with a strong focus on Mandarin as a second language, and an emphasis on the arts and creativity. As an IB school, preparing internationally minded and globally aware students is a high priority. The college’s academic strength was recently highlighted at International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), where DC outperformed all other competing schools
Find more local heroes
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September 2013
Congratulations to ICAS-topping DC students Nine secondary students at DC this year earned the highest score in an academic subject in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). This highly academic competition is administered and marked by an external company, and is offered to students across Hong Kong. Well done to the nine winners – Kevin Xin, Howard Cheng, Cherie Ho, Emily Weinstein, Emily Lo, Jason Chan, Zoe Franklin, Viola Graef and Isabella Dia-Tsi-Tay – who were awarded their ICAS medals at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers, Tsim Sha Tsui over the summer.
in Hong Kong. Around 226 DC students participated in this competiton and achieved 82 High Distinctions (top 1 percent in Hong Kong), 194 Distinctions (next 10 percent) and 178 Credits (next 25 percent). DC students also won nine ICAS medals, awarded to the student with the top score in each individual competition across Hong Kong in that year level.
www.arounddb.com
Ballerina Butterflies
Photos by Bradley Wayburne
& Tapping Lollipops
We teach all kinds of magical creatures at
DMR School of Ballet Now taking enrolments for the School Year 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014 Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, 29874338 info@dmr-hk.com www.dmr-hk.com
PROFILE
Mark says a highlight this coming academic year will be the graduation of DC’s first cohort of Year 13s. “That feels fantastic,” he says with a smile. “They are an amazing group of students. Each year they have been our trailblazers, our student leaders. This past year especially we have really seen them come into their own. They’re tracking positively to some very good DP results and we’re very optimistic of their success.”
Enrolments, fees and the future Along with the successes of the past five years, Mark acknowledges challenges faced. One of the most frustrating aspects of his job remains enrolments, with all primary and early secondary year groups waitlisted. Good news for DB families is that, from 2015, DC will no longer offer priority to applications from Education Services Ltd (ESL) kindergartens, which means greater opportunity for DB-based children to access the college. Finances and student fees have proven a difficult issue, especially in recent months. Mark notes that from the beginning he was aware of the discrepancy between school-fee revenues and the actual costs of running the
school, and also the need to pay back the loan made by ESF to ESL to build the college. While ESL directors have agreed to extend the loan’s repayment terms, DC families will face fee increases of 7.6 percent this academic year, with further increases to come in subsequent years. A compulsory annual non-refundable building levy (NBL) per student has also been introduced. So where does Mark see DC five years from now? “I’ve no doubt we will see outstanding academic results. We will continue to work to retain our excellent staff and students and be the excellent, creative school we desire to be. The school will continue to have strong student numbers and be financially robust. Reflecting on the past five years, the most satisfying thing for me is coming into the school each day and seeing this vibrant learning community that the staff and students have created.” Of his own plans for the future Mark says, “I love this community and am very happy and committed to this school. I began my career working with underprivileged students and this may be a focus for me after Hong Kong, however, I certainly have no plans to move at this stage.”
IN FOCUS
trashed! Photos courtesy of Tracey Read
The annual Hong Kong Cleanup is being unleashed this month across beaches, parklands and urban locations city-wide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that means Lantau too. Hannah Ball finds out why you need to get involved
40
At a recent DB Green beach clean-up
September 2013
IN FOCUS
D
id you know that in Hong Kong every year we throw away over 10 billion plastic bags and bottles, 162,000 tonnes of paper, 603 million aluminium cans, and 1.1 million tonnes of food waste? And did you know that even though we have 18,000 recycling bins around the city, the amount of waste being produced (around 6.4 million tonnes each year, 20 tonnes of that being produced every day in DB) has led the government to predict that by 2015 all our existing landfills will be full? This is the inconvenient truth as outlined by Lisa Christensen, founder and CEO of Ecovision Asia, the environmental events and education organisation that has spearheaded green initiatives across the city for the past 13 years. “Waste in Hong Kong is a real issue, and one that many are blind to,” she says. “Our landfills are getting fuller, tourism is being affected by the waste on our beaches, and the 1.1 kilogrammes of plastic entering our ocean every hour is not only killing marine life, it’s turning our sea from ‘marina litter’ to ‘plastic oceans’!
Call to action
it through rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling,” Ecovision co-founder Nissa Marion adds. Here DB Green founder, Kate Wade draws attention to the government-funded DB Waste Management Programme, a two-year trial aimed at reducing our waste footprint. Some 100 DB families are involved, supplying the government with basic information, such as the time of day that they deposit their food waste. City Management also does its bit detailing total amounts of waste produced in DB per month, as well as listing the amount recycled. For example, in June, over 19 tonnes of plastic, metal and paper was recycled in DB.
Message in a bottle Walking around Lantau, the stand-out problem areas are our beaches, where all too often piles of plastic line the shores. Much of the beach refuse is made up of locally collected waste that is sent to already full landfills, or swept down storm drains and washed out to sea. Shockingly, at DB Green’s last beach clean-up, volunteers collected around 1,500 plastic cups. “Choose reusables whenever you can for outdoor eating and drinking,” says Tracey Read, DB Green beach clean-up leader.
In setting up the Hong Kong Cleanup, which this year runs from September 21 to November 1, Lisa’s aim is “to inform, Tracey is of course inspire, engage and no stranger to plastic empower the Hong pollution since she Kong community was heavily involved to drive behaviour in the drive to clean change”. The event is our beaches after the divided into Coastal, Plastic Disaster of Country and City July 23, 2012, when Cleanup Challenges thousands of plastic for which you can sign pellets were dispelled up online. Numerous Recycling bins are readily available all over DB from containers lost at challenges have already sea. Shortly afterwards, Tracey set up Plastic Free Seas, been registered across Lantau. DB Green, the local nonwhich aims to promote awareness of plastic pollution profit that has been leading the way locally on all things through corporate events, action campaigns and school eco since 2007, is holding its monthly beach clean-up to programmes. From November 21 to 23, the non-profit is coincide with the start of the Hong Kong-wide campaign hosting the first Plastic Free Seas Youth Conference for – on September 21 at Tai Pak Wan and September 22 at secondary school students at the Hong Kong Science Park Nim Shue Wan. Last year, DB Green won two Hong Kong in Shatin. “There will be international speakers on the subject Cleanup awards: most trash collected and largest nonof plastic waste, including two speakers who have sailed the corporate team at a Coastal Cleanup Challenge. world’s oceans for research purposes,” Tracey says. “We hope to have 25 schools taking part, including Discovery In Hong Kong, according to Lisa, we generate 6 million College and Discovery Bay International School.” tonnes of waste every year – giving us the largest waste footprint in Asia. It’s essential to note that food, paper and Recalling the beach clean-ups following last year’s Plastic plastic waste accounts for 85 percent of Hong Kong’s Disaster, Tracey is quick to point out some positives. Municipal Solid Waste. And that most of it can be recycled. “After great support from the government and with a lot “We all must address the urgent issue of waste and resolve
September 2013
41
IN FOCUS
Tracey Read educating kids at a DB beach clean-up
of manpower, over 8,000 volunteers helped to clear over 150 tonnes of pellets over four months. This then led to corporate clean-ups and a huge increase in those joining DB Green’s monthly beach clean-up. We got the schools involved in September 2012 and had over 300 volunteers.” The crisis also saw the start of the government’s Clean Shorelines Programme. The twin messages of the on-going campaign are ‘Use reusable instead of disposable items at the coast’ and ‘Take one’s rubbish home’. The government website links to community groups working to clean Hong Kong’s beaches. Here Lisa adds that, “The government has stepped up its support this year through the Clean Shorelines Programme, and also announced an ambitious plan to reduce municipal
Find more topical local topics
42
September 2013
solid waste by 40 percent and invest 30 billion in just 10 years.”
Waste not, want not One of the ways the government proposes to deal with the waste crisis – by building a 3,000-tonne-a-day waste incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau Island just off Pui O Beach – is however causing controversy, and calling local environmentalists to action. “We all need to be aware of the waste management crisis in Hong Kong and take responsibility,” says Lindsey Price, co-founder of Lantau-based environmental group The Naked Islands Project. “While intellectually simplistic, the super-incinerator is the most expensive solution for dealing
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GROUPS OPENING END OF SEPTEMBER 2013: SUPERFLEX program – (4Y-6Y & 7Y-9Y) focuses on skills like: flexible thinking, different perspectives, social expectations and problem solving skills (combining some Cognitive-Behaviour approach). THINK GOOD FEEL GOOD! (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) Designed to teach helpful strategies for coping with new/ challenging situations, problem solving skills and strategies for controlling worries and thoughts(based on CognitiveBehaviour approach). GIRLS -Girls In Real Life Situations (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) during sessions, girls will develop coping strategies and improve problem-solving skills. All programs (for social skills, preventing anxiety and resiliency building) are suitable for children of all abilities. For more information and registration contact us at: info@childdevelopment.com.hk www.childdevelopment.com.hk
Tel: 2914 2223
info@childdevelopment.com.hk
INFOCUS
with Hong Kong’s waste, it will cost billions of taxpayers’ money to build and it will destroy one of Hong Kong’s few remaining areas of outstanding natural beauty. The environmental impact of this incinerator will mean more air pollution and emission of dioxins, and it will put Lantau’s wildlife in danger.” So what’s the real solution? “Chiefly, our resource mentality needs to change; we need to have a zero-waste policy and stick to it,” says Lisa. “More stores could start asking people to bring their own bags and reuse water bottles; we need to start seeing plastic as socially unacceptable.” “There needs to be more education on the effect waste management uses are having on our planet,” Lindsey adds. “A good place to start is by watching the 2012 movie Trashed narrated by Jeremy Irons, and everyone taking steps to recycle.” Another must this month, is of course to get involved in the Hong Kong Cleanup. “It’s the largest free, environmental event in Asia and now we have over 40,000 people who take part each year,” says Lisa. “Last year, we cleared over 100 tonnes of trash! It’s all community driven which is what we want to see.”
Upcoming events • DB Green Beach Clean-up, September 21 and 22 • Hong Kong Cleanup, September 21 to November 1 • Plastic Free Seas Youth Conference, November 21 to 23
Find it • Clean Shorelines Programme, www.epd.gov.hk/epd/clean_shorelines/index-2.html • DB Green, www.dbgreen.org • Ecovision Asia, www.ecovisionasia.com • Hong Kong Cleanup, www.hkcleanup.org • Living Islands Movement, www.livingislands.org.hk • Plastic Free Seas, www.plasticfreeseas.org • The Naked Islands Project – HK Facebook page
Snappers to the Rescue
Super Hero Filmmaking Children learn about the basics of filmmaking, storyboarding, directing, camera angles, props, sets & sound while working together as a team to produce a short movie.
New Classes in September @ Discovery Bay
www.juniorsnappers.com
email: juniorsnappershk@gmail.com
tel: 9849 0050
DB 10km Charity Run Training Program 10 weeks beginning September 4th For all levels from beginners to those chasing a PB
5% of all fees towards race charity
FAMILY MATTERS
birth fit Childbirth is like running a marathon, you have to train for it. Hannah Ball finds out how from some dedicated local experts
Photos courtesy of A Mother’s Touch, BluRoo Yoga, Dorna Revie, Embody and Movement Improvement
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regnancy can be the most wonderful time in a woman’s life, but it can also be fraught with stressful challenges, as your body makes the biggest change of all, adapting itself for the birth of another human life. With the strain put on the body, the food cravings and the general effort required simply to get out and about, it becomes easy to let your body go. But it doesn’t have to be this way. From the plethora of fitness techniques and mind-andbody exercises available, pregnant women need only take their pick when putting together a wellrounded exercise programme. We canvass four local experts (plus a Sophrologist to help you online) to talk Pilates, yoga, reflexology and more.
Prepare with pre-natal Pilates Focusing on strengthening the core, Pilates is now a hugely popular fitness choice for pregnant women. Why? Susan Oliver, owner of DB fitness studio Embody, tells us it can assist with breathing techniques that can be used effectively during labour. It strengthens the pelvic floor to prepare the body for birth, and it can improve body alignment and help minimise back pain. It can also relieve common problems associated with pregnancy, such as thoracic pain, sciatica and ligament pain. Not only this but Pilates is a great way to exercise without putting undue stress on the joints, helping to keep you mobile and ready to recover shape and tone after birth. A well-rounded exercise programme is essential for mums to be (www.yogafairy.com)
September 2013
Combining Pilates with yoga, to help relieve stress and build stamina, Claire Dickson, director of DB’s Movement
FAMILY MATTERS
DB resident Charlotte Martin practising yoga at BluRoo Yoga
Improvement, runs weekly pre- and post-natal classes for women. Claire, a mum of one little boy, who uses her background in dance to help pregnant women keep fit, says, “The best advice I can give is just to keep moving. It’s simple, the more you keep active before you give birth, the easier it will be post-pregnancy.” Alison Kutrzyk, who gave birth to her first son in February this year, started Pilates with Movement Improvement two years ago. She found that not only did it help with her pre-existing lower back and neck pain, but the breathing techniques greatly helped to relieve her stress. “During the hour, all I thought about was the exercise and my breathing, I wasn’t caught up thinking about work and all the things I still hadn’t done for the next day,” she explains. “As a busy Year 2 teacher at Beacon Hill School, I found this time invaluable.” Alison was back at Pilates class three weeks after giving birth. Susan runs dedicated ‘Pregi-lates’ classes at Embody – for small groups or in one-on-one sessions. “Exercises are modified throughout a pregnancy for the ever-changing body of the pregnant client,” she says. “Props and apparatus are used to ensure the client’s safety and comfort.”
DB resident Alison Kutrzyk enjoys Pilates at Movement Improvement
Roll out the yoga mat Helping with posture and breathing, yoga is another popular way to stay fit during pregnancy. “A surprising number of women come to yoga for the first time when they are expecting because it’s such a nice way to stay active whilst pregnant,” DB resident and founder of BluRoo Yoga, Sandy Porter explains. “We focus on a range of techniques from physical exercises such as stretching (often done sitting on a fitness ball) to meditation. “I always stress the importance of breathing,” Sandy continues, “which is the very essence of giving birth. That and body awareness. Pre-natal yoga teaches forms of breath that can help alleviate heartburn and morning sickness, help the mother push and or control the urge to push during labour and delivery, and even help her connect with the baby once hearing is developed.” At BluRoo Yoga, mums-to-be pair up to share their birth plans as well as their fears and feelings. “Talking about your emotions and staying focused and fit mentally is a huge part of staying fit physically,” Sandy says. “Our sessions not only focus on fitness, but they also double up as a therapy session and support group.”
September 2013
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FAMILY MATTERS
DB ladies exercising at Embody
Sandy’s sessions also focus on Savasana – the complete and total relaxation of every part of your body. During these 15-minute sessions, women are encouraged to centre themselves and meditate. “I get the ladies to put their hands on their stomachs and actually have a conversation with their unborn child. It’s so important to have a positive awareness of your child throughout your pregnancy,” she says. Amazingly, yoga can also help rotate a breech or posterior baby, limiting the possibility of a caesarean section, mumof-two Sandy explains. “Select poses can also shorten the birth canal up to 30 percent when practised during labour and delivery, and squatting poses shorten the distance that the baby has to travel.” Restorative reflexology at A Mother’s Touch
Experiment with hip alternatives In Switzerland, where the method originated, Sophrology is one of the top four methods pregnant women use to get in shape, and it’s one of the top two in Korea. “Sophrology, originating from yoga, provides quick, effective mind/ body exercises to help relax, focus and move through life’s challenges with ease,” explains mum-of-two Dorna Revie, who has been teaching Sophrology for over 20 years. In 2012, Dorna started the first English-taught Sophrology school online, running classes with people all over the world, including three DBers via Skype. “Sophrology helps improve sleep, concentration, selfconfidence, and above all, it helps pregnant women become aware of their bodies,” Dorna explains. “During class, we focus on four attitudes: no judgement, living each moment as though it were your first, putting any preconceived ideas
Sophrology eases both body and mind
Find more on health and wellbeing
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September 2013
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FAMILY MATTERS
into a box, and repeating all three again, asking how the body is reacting to each one.” Adopting a mix of yoga and Pilates in its tailor-made fitness sessions, South Lantau-based A Mother’s Touch also promotes the practice of massage and reflexology for pregnant women. “Reflexology is one of the single most important treatments for pregnant women,” says cofounder and trained reflexologist Liz Purnell-Webb. “During pregnancy, the body will go through significant changes; these changes affect a pregnant mum’s emotional, hormonal and physiological balance. Reflexology can help to alleviate or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance and restore the body’s equilibrium. Research shows that regular treatments can shorten the duration of labour, with many women requiring less pain relief.”
exercise routine, and regularly preparing mentally with hypnosis, visualisation, breathing, touch relaxation and birth rehearsals.” Whatever your method, remember to always get clearance from your healthcare provider before undertaking an exercise programme. Get this sorted, and you are well on your way to a healthy, happy pregnancy.
Find it • A Mother’s Touch, www.amotherstouch.com.hk • BluRoo Yoga, www.blurooyoga.com • Embody, www.embody.webs.com
Unique to A Mother’s Touch is a specialised course, Bump 4 Joy. “Our primary aim is getting women birth fit – that’s being not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally fit,” mum-of-three and grandmother-to-two Liz explains. “This means releasing fear and focusing on the task ahead in a positive light. It’s about setting yourself an achievable
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• Movement Improvement, www.movementimprovement.com.hk • Sophrology, www.sophrologycenteronline.com
MONEY MATTERS
Photos courtesy of Bricks Capital
global asset class
Student accommodation performs well because supply falls short of demand
Thinking about investing in student accommodation? You’re not alone. A large number of likeminded people have already done so. Ian Jackson reports
A
ccording to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the student-accommodation sector is being underpinned by significant rises in global student mobility. Global enrolments have risen exponentially from 98 million in 2000 to 165 million in 2011. This increasing trend is forecast to continue, topping 263 million in 2025. A whopping 52 percent of these international students hail from our own backyard – Asia. This comes on the back of burgeoning middle classes in countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. And they all want to be educated in the internationally recognised language of English. In fact some universities in Europe, where a nonEnglish curriculum prevails, are now offering English-only degree courses to supply this demand.
Investment fundamentals 101 The student-accommodation sector performs so well because the rise in supply continues to fall short of the mounting demand. Universities themselves have been
unable to keep pace, none more so than in the UK, leaving a large gap in the market for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Traditionally the US was the most popular choice for international students, but its market share is waning. This is largely due to its higher education fees relative to the likes of the UK, and the realisation that equally good value can be obtained in alternative markets. Investment in quality student accommodation provides steady income and solid rental growth; it delivers relatively secure, steady income growth outpacing inflation. What’s more, the sector performs ably in all markets and is decoupled from negative market sentiment, in that it fares well even in global economic downturns. This is highlighted by the fact that in difficult times, more individuals ‘selfenhance’ with education to remain competitive in a demanding labour market. The multi-tenant nature of PBSA and parental financial guarantees combine to provide surety of yields and
September 2013
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MONEY MATTERS
maintain relative low risk compared to the reward nature of the sector.
What to invest in The opportunities come down to two basic structures: funds/ Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and direct investment. Both offer exposure to returns of around 10 percent per annum. Naturally, each also has its constraints for consideration. Two big players in the funds sector are the UNITE UK Student Accommodation Fund and the Brandeaux Student Fund. The main reason for investment through these is diversification – each fund manager will invest your money across a range of different properties.
Invest in a university town like Newcastle, where students are guaranteed a quality lifestyle
Generally, funds will hold a a portion in cash to cover investors wanting to exit and to provide a degree of liquidity. What they are exposed to is higher than normal redemptions. But note that property of any sort is illiquid to a degree and takes time to sell. When investors require their investment back and the fund cannot sell fast enough, there is the risk of delays in getting returns back. This can be driven by the herd mentality of selling that characterises fund- and paperbased asset investing when nervousness prevails.
The Tyne Bridge at night
An aerial view of The Glassworks, Newcastle
Take this example The Glassworks is a brand-new purpose-built development constructed to capture Newcastle's inherent undersupply of student accommodation. Here are seven reasons to consider investing there. 1. Top university city for the past three years 2. Over 55,000 students with a 10,000 undersupply of rooms 3. Completes July 2014
Direct investment involves the purchase of your own room or studio and having it managed on your behalf, in general receiving the net-rental income. Note though that in direct investment, the issue of buying your own room or studio could be categorised as a lack of diversification. Because you hold the title to that single property, you are governed by how well it does and at what price you can or are willing to sell.
Find more investment advice
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September 2013
4. Yields as high as 10 percent net with three-year rental assurance 5. Developer finance available 6. Construction underway 7. Low capital required – only HK$434,000 (GBP35,750)
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MONEY MATTERS Student accommodation checklist Firstly, select a tier-one city. Heritage universities, like Manchester, Durham, Newcastle, Leeds and Edinburgh, offer some of the best and most sought-after courses, thus maintaining demand and high occupancy. Secondly, when selecting a university city to invest in, use a well-respected benchmark. Students are very choosy. They want the best student experience, not only in terms of academia, but also of lifestyle. Such university cities are found in the Russell Group – the UK’s top 24 universities based on this criteria. Another useful check is MSN Travel UK, which annually ranks the ‘best student city’. Number one for the past three years has been Newcastle, whose university is also a member of the Russell Group. Always ensure that your chosen developer can prove that the land upon which your room will be built has been bought. Often developers have options over land, conditional upon number of sales made. If they fall short, land can’t be secured so you’re unlikely to get your room built. Also garner proof that planning permission is in place. Statutory planning permissions in the UK are, at best, achieved after three months. If your developer has not made the necessary applications, you could be waiting a long time. The room you’ve invested in may be delivered later than advertised – if at all.
If you own an Australian Property, you must lodge annual Australian income tax returns. ATS can ensure you remain fully compliant with Australian taxation requirements and can help you to a tax free investment and tax holiday through proper tax planning. Don’t risk high penalties and tax bills.
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Ian Jackson is director at Bricks Capital, part of the Bricks International Group Ltd (BIG) – a dynamic global group of companies headquartered in Hong Kong. The group prides itself on unearthing unique property investment opportunities primarily in the UK, complemented by exceptional service and measurable results. For further advice call 2242 8989 or email info@bricks-capital.com.
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Lastly, use a solicitor with experience in the conveyancing of student accommodation. He will protect you legally and ensure the above matters are answered independently of who is selling you the room. Good agents will encourage you to talk to a solicitor as part of your consideration before investing.
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Beware too of sales gimmicks. In a competitive marketplace, big and generous offers stand out. Are they genuine? For example, are long rental guarantees backed by legally protected funds or are they priced into the cost of your room and then paid back over a period of time? With this in mind, assess your agents’ track record. What previous schemes have they sold? Has what they have sold been built? Ask them to show you their successes in terms of what has been delivered to clients.
ATS
September 2013
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South lsland Industrial & Office Sales / Lease
The Photographs, images, drawings or sketches of the property shown above only represent the artist’s imaginative impression of the development concerned. They are not drawn to scale and/or may have been edited and processed with computerised imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the development. The developer also advises purchasers to conduct on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.
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(S-130432)
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TALKING POINTS
Photos courtesy of Mission For Migrant Workers
the help
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Time to stand up for helpers’ rights
Following the arrest of six foreign domestic workers in their DB boarding house, Hannah Ball finds out why the 2003 government ruling that helpers live in the ‘family home’ is still an issue with employers and employees alike September 2013
TALKING POINTS
S
ince the 1970s, the government has encouraged foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to live and work in Hong Kong to meet the shortage of fulltime local domestic helpers (LDWs). Our helpers are employed on special visas which require them to work exclusively for us, their employers. Interestingly, it was only in 2003 that the government ruled that all FDWs must live in the homes of their employers. This live-in policy came into effect as it was believed that many FDWs were illegally freelancing and thereby depriving LDWs of work. The idea was that if FDWs were required to live with their employers, they would be compelled to work for them alone. Prior to this date, helpers could live independently, as long as their employers were willing to cover their costs. Ask around however – look to your friends’ homes or let’s face it your own – and you’ll find that this government policy is widely flouted. If you need proof, six FDWs were arrested in July in Discovery Bay and four are pending investigation for a suspected breach of the law – not living in the same place of residence as their employer. If found ‘guilty’, the helpers will be prosecuted and may not be allowed to work in Hong Kong again. If their employers are found ‘guilty’, any future application to employ FDWs may also be refused.
The practicalities
policy does is deprive employers in Hong Kong who would otherwise have the proper resources to provide FDWs with jobs,” Cynthia says. It’s clear that requiring FDWs to live-in assumes all of us have an extra bedroom to spare – and that we are happy to welcome full-time help. “I’m quite certain I’m not the only employer in Hong Kong who loves and cares for my helper, but I would like the option to have my own space, and I’m also sure that my helper is not the only helper in Hong Kong who would like hers too,” explains DB resident Maria Phillips [not her real name]. “As the recent DB arrests have shown, the policy hasn’t ever really stopped employers from letting their helpers live out. Instead, it’s created uncomfortable situations where both employers and their helpers end up lying to the Immigration Department, or putting up with unsuitable living arrangements for both parties.” “Interestingly, government policy used to state that employers must provide ‘private accommodation’. Now, it’s been reduced to ‘suitable’ livein conditions and ‘reasonable privacy’,” Cynthia adds.
The primer And just how suitable are these live-in conditions? “The live-in policy is actually one of the major concerns of FDWs, as it has resulted in many forms of abuse and exploitation among our fellow migrants,” explains Eman Villanueva, vice chairperson for the Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union (FMWU).
So why is this live-in policy Foreign domestic workers have been such a contentious issue? Talking helping Hong Kong families practicalities Cynthia Tellez, general since the 1970s manager and founder of Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) says simply, “The It is this issue that has sparked MFMW, the longestsolution adopted is not a proper solution. FDWs running migrant-serving institution in Hong Kong (founded and LDWs serve two different markets. What’s more, it’s in 1981) to conduct a number of focus-group discussions been over 10 years and the government’s original objective and publish a primer strongly advocating making liveto stop FDWs moonlighting is no longer the issue, since in arrangements optional for FDWs and employers. many FDWs living with their employers still have part-time Supported by Her Fund (a local charity that empowers work elsewhere.” women to create change in their communities), MFMW’s study was carried out in May and comprises interviews When you consider that the minimum wage for a FDW with 3,004 migrant workers. is HK$3,920 per month, it’s understandable that many employers ‘allow’ their helper to boost her wage with a spot “Amongst other things, our study shows that forcing FDWs of freelance. And have you ever tried to get a Hong Kong to live with their employers makes crimes like physical abuse domestic helper? It’s a no go. possible,” explains Cynthia. Startlingly, the primer details case studies of women who had been sexually (six percent), In discussing this subject, we also must consider typical verbally (58 percent) or physically abused (18 percent). In local concerns such as space and privacy. “What this
September 2013
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TALKING POINTS
On arrival or in-between jobs, helpers can stay at MFMW shelters
fact, 25 percent of those who participated say that they did not feel safe in their working environment. “Since 2010, we have known that despite having knowledge of such cases, we needed the statistics to be presentable – that’s why we decided to publish this primer,” says Cynthia, who has been right at the heart of the struggle to make livein arrangements optional for FDWs and employers since the live-in policy was first introduced. In the MFMW study, 900 of the 3,004 women interviewed reported that they shared a room with another family member. “Many FDWs have to put up with makeshift rooms which just have curtains to separate them. Some told us that they have to contend with sleeping with adult males, or sleeping in the living room, kitchen or storage rooms. One woman even described sleeping in the bathroom,” Cynthia adds.
Food provision is another issue of concern. The MFMW primer details the plight of one FDW who was given only a cup of rice and a chicken wing per day, divided into three separate meals – and others who were forced to survive on out-of-date food. The live-in policy has been in place for over 10 years, despite protests, and we have just seen it heavily reinforced in DB. But that doesn’t stop MFMW and other local support groups standing up for helpers’ rights. “Our next aim is to gather signatures from as many FDWs as will sign,” Cynthia concludes. “We also plan to conduct a study for employers to find out what they really think about the policy.”
Find it • Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union – HK Facebook page
Another issue broached in the MFMW primer is that working hours for live-in helpers are not necessarily regulated, resulting in many FDWs being on call 24 hours a day, carrying out duties above and beyond their stated requirements. “Many admitted to working for around 15 to 16 hours daily,” Cynthia says.
Find more topical local topics
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September 2013
• Her Fund, www.herfund.org.hk • Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW), www.migrants.net
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ESCAPES
Photos by Catharine Nicol
different
strokes
There’s much more to nearby Hainan Island than the sun-drenched resorts of Sanya. Catharine Nicol reports from the capital, Haikou
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’m in rural China, and yet I’m also in Africa (there are hippos and lions), Turkey (flanked by a small Dead Sea) and The Amazon (with cacti). Now I’m in Ancient Rome, swimming in a bubble-filled Roman bath surrounded by monolithic columns and white marble statues. How is this possible? Of course I’m actually at Mission Hills Resort Haikou’s Hot Springs Valley Spa. There are 168 pools here, each representing an element of the world’s cultures in hydro form – time to embark on an incredible journey of global wellness, in which you travel the world in nothing but your bikini.
it’s impossible to be anything other than almost bonelessly relaxed. Be prepared to sleep like a log.
Hot springs are found throughout China, and are one of the most traditional ways to balance the country’s increasingly hectic lifestyle, especially ideal for visitors new to the chaotic country. Mission Hills, never one to do things by halves, has built an astoundingly huge theme park of wellbeing at its Haikou resort. One of the best reasons to be based in Hainan Island’s capital, by the end of an evening of dips
Although surrounded by sea on three sides, in the northeast of the island, Haikou’s beaches aren’t a patch on Sanya’s. But the town is attractive and relatively calm, with palm trees lining the streets testifying to the tropical, laid-back pace of life and its nickname Coconut City. The famous clock tower is a cultural icon, you can watch local fisher-folk on the Haidian River but best for a stroll is Haikou Arcade Street.
September 2013
Hainan Island, the so-called Hawaii of the East, more usually conjures up visions of beach holidays in and around Sanya. But my visit to the Mission Hills spa gave me the perfect opportunity to explore Haikou, the island’s surprisingly sweet Chinese capital. A stop-off here is the perfect complement to a few days of sun-worshipping in Sanya.
What to buy – and eat
ESCAPES
Mission Hills Resort Haikou – just great for golf
Here new China mixes with old, with one of the beautiful Sino-Portuguese merchants’ buildings restored into a small museum about the area. The architecture follows the style of setting the ground floor back into the building and using it as a storefront, leaving a covered walkway for pedestrians to browse from in shady comfort. The further you walk the older the buildings get, with long-established teahouses and shops. Several dilapidated buildings have no entry signs on them and it’s impossible not to want to buy them up for a song and restore them to their former glory. The street ends in a mix of scooters, people and a bustling market of vegetables, shellfish and fruit. Leafy Haixiu Avenue is a great place to start your souvenir shopping. Popular picks include the island’s most loved specialty, seawater pearls. You’ll also find tea boxes, picture frames and other crafts made with coconut shells. For foodie friends pick up a jar of white or black pepper, fruit (there will be several varieties you’ve never seen before) and
ESCAPES
Impression Hainan – an aquatic spectacular
Ligers at Hainan Tropical Zoo and Botanical Garden (http://commons.wikimedia.org)
a bottle of the islanders’ special spicy sauce made from the indigenous yellow-lantern chilies. On the subject of food, don’t miss the island’s seafood. Haikou duck is also renowned throughout China. Much like the cow in Japan, it is thoroughly spoilt, drinking mineral water and roaming wild, and you can taste the difference. Eat everything with that famous (and delightfully mellow) yellow-lantern chilli sauce.
Volcanic golf If it is fairways and greens that draw you to Hainan, then Haikou delivers volcanic style. Mission Hills is China’s golf super-hero. Current CEO Ken Chu has his father’s foresight to thank, as he sold his lucrative paper-cutting business and invested in huge swathes of land long before anyone else saw the potential. Ken grew up earning pocket money collecting balls and caddying, and his inherited passion for the sport shines through at both the Shenzhen and Haikou clubs. The World Cup was hosted in Mission Hills Resort Shenzhen an unprecedented three times, before it passed the baton to Mission Hills Resort Haikou for the 2011 tournament. And whereas Shenzhen’s courses require membership, at Mission Hills Haikou mere members of the public can play in the
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August 2013
Deliciously dilapidated Haikou Arcade Street
footsteps of golfing greats like Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, and celebrities like Hugh Grant and Adrien Brody. Caddies zip you around in buggies, deftly avoiding the black volcanic rocks that burst from between the fairways, while delivering advice and encouragement. And instructors are on hand to make sure every member of the family can take part. In some resorts being a golf widow (or widower, seeing as more and more women are getting addicted to the sport) turns a holiday into more of a hardship posting. Not so at the Haikou resort, where there’s ping-pong, mah-jong, swimming pools and kids’ activities, plus therapeutically relaxing spa treatments, with traditional Chinese medicine doctors on hand. Meet back together at one of the 12 restaurants to make sure everyone is gastronomically happy. And although it’s tempting to let the resort take the entire strain, take time out to see a little more of Haikou while you’re there.
Day trips Haikou’s mangrove forest in Dongzhai Port Nature Reserve is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is well worth a visit for nature lovers. It’s a huge site of 4,000 square kilometres, encompassing six rivers, a coastline of bays and gullies and the fascinating mangroves set on tidal shores.
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Another interesting site is the Huoshankou National Geopark where the Qiongbei Volcano’s last eruption left an extraordinarily perfect crater. Walk around its upper rim, gazing down on great views of Haikou, and then drop down into the centre and visit an old village inundated with indigenous greenery and renowned for its wood carvings. Families will like Hainan Tropical Zoo and Botanical Garden, where kids can cuddle a tiger cub, feed the giraffes and ride on the camels. It’s here that you’ll find the Tigon (male tiger, female lion) and Liger (male lion and female tiger) hybrids. Indoor activities, if it’s a rainy day in paradise, include the Haikou Museum, which informs well on traditional Hainan village life. Delve back into the island’s past here, or at Wugong Temple (meaning five ministers), with its red roofs soaring over dimly lit interiors of carved wooden screens and elegant Buddhas. The ancient gardens are delightful to explore.
traces the history, culture and beachy lifestyle of Hainan, combining laugh-out-loud moments with dance, video, fireworks and phenomenal lighting. The stage has the real palm-lined ocean as its backdrop, and it fills with water creating optical illusions that astound. Incredibly clever, the show is also fun and light-hearted, and the cast of young Hainanese brings a wonderful energy to the various acts. Impression Hainan finishes around 9.30pm, leaving you plenty of time to head to Hainan’s burgeoning bar district or return to the Mission Hills’ pools for a late-night soak – they stay open until midnight. Which country to dip into tonight?
When to go Haikou is a great destination year-round but its tropical marine climate is especially good for some winter warmth between November and April.
After dark
How to get there
An absolute must see while you’re in town is Impression Hainan; the first show created by genius director Yimou Zhang after his jaw-droppingly incredible Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. The performance
Direct flights from Hong Kong take only 45 minutes. Check out Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air and Hong Kong Express flights.
HAMPTON, WINTER AND GLYNN SOLICITORS, HONG KONG
Solicitors and Notaries, Hong Kong • Contrats commerciaux • Droit immobilier • Droit des societés • Droit du travail et immigration • Droit familial • Contentieux judiciaire et médiation Contacter Jean-Yves Toullec ou Helen Ladret Avocats et solicitors 20/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2847 2300 Fax: (852) 2845 9168 Email: jytoullec@hwg-law.com, helen.ladret@hwg-law.com www.hwg-law.com
RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1
25/03/2013 4:13 PM
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Bills, Ron Cabading, Will Joslyn, Carolyn McKeown and Gwen Yones
ACTION
Clockwise from top: Ron Cabadling, Emily Yones and Carson Bills
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little league Baseball, America’s favourite pastime, is also big in DB. Megaen Kelly gets the score from some of the club players, parents and coaches who make up the DB Tigers
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s a former Commonwealth country, Hong Kong is well-known for its participation in popular English sports, such as rugby and cricket. And now America’s version of rounders (as we Brits still cheekily call it) is beginning to garner a lot of support locally. Here’s the lowdown on baseball from the DB Tigers. A parent-run, non-profit, DB Tigers started out in 2011 with kids training across two age groups – Cubs (t-ball) for five- to seven-year-olds and Tigers (baseball) for eight- to 13-year-olds. This new season (August 31 to December 14) again sees training sessions being held each Saturday on the Discovery Bay International School pitch. This year, the club expects to see some 25 kids in the t-ball programme and 15 in the baseball. Players start out with t-ball (entrylevel baseball) and then progress to the real thing.
The clean-up hitter Big news for the club is the addition of Canadian head coach Ron Cabading. A former professional baseball player, Ron, who has been living in DB for a year, has all the right credentials. He was already playing for the York Pioneers Little League All Star squad in Toronto, age 10. In his teens he represented Toronto in the Minor Baseball Canadian Provincials and Ontario in the Junior Nationals. His senior career included three years with the Burlington Rockies and Burlington/ Milton Athletics, and three years with the Mississauga Yankees. He also helped coach the Mississauga Majors Little League for five years.
Scotty Joslyn
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DB Tigers ready for the club’s Homerun Derby on May 4
Ron, who represented Canada in the 2012 Hong Kong International Baseball Open, and now plays for the Dragonflies Baseball Club (Hong Kong), has big plans for the DB Tigers. “My main goal is to bring not only the etiquette of baseball to the kids but also the passion of the sport. Baseball in DB is recognised by the few but not by the many, so bringing a rigorous but enjoyable method of training for the kids is hopefully the first step towards lots of residents realising how much fun baseball is.” The Tigers still relies on a heavy parental presence for everything from club management to coaching. “Parent involvement is strictly volunteer and fan-based,” says Ron. “Parents generally stick around to watch and any help needed is quickly filled. Many parents have the ability to coach and generally they will ask what to look for and how to correct the children when the situation arises.”
Covering all bases One DB family closely involved with the club is the Joslyns – dad Will has been a parent-coach since sons Scotty (age eight) and Luke (age five) joined the Tigers in 2011. Mum Whitney is the t-ball team manager. “Growing up in the States, my whole family loved baseball. We would play together as a family and attend professional baseball games,” Whitney says. For Will, who played organised baseball until he was a teenager, the thrill now is sharing his love of the sport with his children. “Coaching
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kids requires patience, a little knowledge and a sense of humour,” he says. “The pace of baseball may be a bit slower than other sports, but if the kids understand the rules of the game and some of the intricacies of baseball, they will be hooked for life.” Another DB family active in the club is the Bills – dad Mark, mum Jennifer and son Carson (age six). Jennifer, the club’s new secretary, didn’t play baseball as a child in Canada but she is now a fan because of Carson’s involvement with the team. Mark says that volunteer coaching gives him a good opportunity to spend time with his son. “Besides teaching youngsters the rules, the coaching staff also needs to keep the one-and-a-half-hour practice fun and exciting,” he adds. Reports show that baseball’s popularity is waning in the States, with sports fans preferring faster-paced games like soccer, basketball and ice-hockey, but the Tiger mums are quick to point out how much their kids gain from baseball. “They learn to play a great sport, learn to be a team player and learn great skills,” Whitney says. “It’s a great thing for kids to work together and support one another.” Here Jennifer adds, “It gets them out of the academic environment and while it is still a team sport there is an individual dimension to it.”
Early innings Certainly the little leaguers are having a lot of fun. Third baseman Scotty says, “I got interested when my parents
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took me to Angel Stadium [of Anaheim] in California to watch my first professional baseball game. I am best at hitting, especially with runners on base.” Little brother Luke, who learned to play baseball in his grandparents’ backyard, says simply, “Baseball is my favourite sport. The San Francisco Giants are my favourite team, and Buster Posey is my favourite player.” Second baseman Carson meanwhile is hooked on t-ball. He says, “I like hitting grand slams the best, but I’m good at everything. Baseball is lots of fun.” Another t-ball fan is eight-year-old Emily Yones, she of the pink bat. “The boys back home in America called me ‘Pinktail Power’ because I wore pigtails and had a pink bat,” she says. Emily says she started to enjoy baseball as soon as she learned how to catch the ball. “My favourite part now is batting,” she says. “I love to watch the ball and think, ‘Wow! That went far! I hope it’s a homerun!’” And how does she find being one of the few girls in the Tigers? “I wish there were more girls on the team,” she says. “It’s a good place for girls to learn to play baseball. The coaches are nice and they help you learn the rules.”
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Stepping up to the plate Highlights of last season included an exhibition match on April 20 against the Dongguan Dragons, and an inter-club Homerun Derby on May 4, where players slugged it out to see who could hit the most homeruns. “We were very proud of all of the kids, with many of them hitting one or two homeruns, which is no easy task,” says Jennifer. “The derby winner was Cole McKeown with three homeruns!” While the majority of the Tigers’ tournaments are friendly, team-building events, Jennifer hopes that the new season will present opportunities for them to play other teams from around Hong Kong. Coach Ron concludes, “The sport is not all about learning, but it is about teaching discipline and etiquette. In a team perspective with competition, there will be winners and there will be losers, but with the right guidance and focus, I believe that the real beneficiaries of this programme will not only be the kids but also the parents.” You can contact the DB Tigers at www.dbtigers.webstarts.com, or via its Facebook page.
STYLE
Photos courtesy of Complete Deelite, Jumping Castles and Sweet Secrets
party tricks
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Dragon Age bouncy to rent from Jumping Castles
Throwing a party for kids need not be a headache-inducing trauma or a junk-food bonanza. It can be a blast! Elizabeth Kerr finds out how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done September 2013
STYLE
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hrowing a Halloween party for the neighbourhood kids or a birthday party for your own child – and 25 of her closest friends – should be an easy prospect. After all, there’s no liquor involved, the music is a no brainer (probably One Direction on a loop) and pass the parcel never gets old. But it can be stressful to plan because there’s nothing worse for a six-year-old than to be tarred as the one who had the boring party. Consider that there are three key elements to kids’ parties: supplies, food and entertainment. And your choices will all depend on the party’s theme and location.
The basics Begin with supplies – and end with them. Public spaces and function rooms obviously need to be cleaned up after a bash, but at different speeds and to different degrees. How many sparkles you really, truly need is a matter of how many sparkles you really, truly want to pick up from a public park. It’s easy to think paper plates, forks and cups and you’re done. Real glassware is the best option for reducing waste, but that’s flirting with disaster at a kids’ fête. As an alternative, fully recyclable cutlery and china are readily available from online suppliers like DB-based Little Miss Green The Party Queen.
“[They] work in Hong Kong because about 60 percent of our parties are held in function rooms. And a function room is the most boring place you’d ever walk into,” begins Ben. And kids love the action. “I think what sets them apart from a clown or a magician is kids will play on these for three or four hours,” Ben says of the charm of the bouncy. Ben’s been renting them out for just over two years now, and figures they work for kids anywhere between two and 12. In addition to them being nowhere near as creepy as clowns, they serve a secondary purpose. “It’s appealing for parents because the kids are kept busy,” Ben says. “The adults can then do what they want to do – socialise, eat, drink. It’s the complete package.” If you are organising an outdoor party make sure you have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather, and a team of friends to help you move food and decorations indoors. (Note too that many of Ben’s bouncy castles have waterslides – the perfect way to waterproof your outdoor party). Come rain or shine, most important is timing. Since the hour before and after the party can be quite stressful, stagger your deliveries so that everything doesn’t arrive at once. This makes things run that much smoother. A must when 26 six-year-olds are running wild.
Colourful and fun party accessories Of course essential supplies also The main event are an essential include balloons (a perennial kids’ favourite), streamers, party hats – and Perhaps most crucial is the food. Kids aren’t those sparkles. Simply Love in Central has that picky and like most people given something much of the same items as say Japan Home Centre, that looks appetising and is actually tasty, they’ll eat it just but in cooler colours, better quality and nearly any theme fine. Bakeries like Complete Deelite and Sweet Secrets in a party-thrower could need. Visit DB Party Lovers online Central can whip up the requisite confection to match any for fabulous UK-imported balloons, gift bags, piñatas and occasion, and it’s worth noting that Complete Deelite also the like. “We aim to have everything under one roof for a provides cake-decorating workshops, for kids as well as successful party, and if we don't have it, with enough notice adults. As of this month, you can actually hold your bash we can get it,” says owner Tina Leamon. Delivery is free in the Complete Deelite classroom/ function room, so that within Discovery Bay. partygoers can bake and decorate cakes together – before eating them!
The fun factor Entertainment is an even bigger factor. Bouncy castles – inflatable forts and playhouses – are always a good bet. Ben White, owner-operator of Jumping Castles can bring one of his 14 EU-certified castles to wherever your party is, set it up, check it and then come back and take it away.
Birthday cake design varies by age and what’s trendy on television, in theatres and increasingly online. But in general, Jacinta Yu of Complete Deelite says, “For girls, there are always a lot of princess-themed cakes – pink and sparkly with blings. For boys, super heroes are popular as are sport-themed cakes, Lightning McQueen cars and
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STYLE Thomas the Tank Engines.” Not surprisingly Canyon Crash is starting to pop on the radar. “Cupcakes are really fashionable at the moment,” says Sweet Secrets founder-director Sarah Lee (and yes, she’s heard all the Sara Lee jokes in existence). “What’s more, they are easy to move from the store to your chosen venue, and physically more manageable for little kids to eat.” Sweet Secrets supplies mini savouries as well – some deep-fried, but all made with natural ingredients wherever possible. “It’s about the message you send,” she says of reducing the junk. “Kids don’t not eat greens. It’s about the taste. Get the presentation and the taste right and they’ll eat it.” There is no sure fire way to guarantee a great party spread but you can come close. First, know what the point of the food is. “It’s a challenge for a lot of people. No host wants to run out of food, so we’re careful to work with clients on portioning the food on the menu,” Sarah, a DB resident, explains. “Are you looking to fill the kids up or give them something to nibble? Go ahead and have extra, but be prepared to deal with leftovers. That goes for cake too.”
Super-girlie princess cake, Complete Deelite
Lightning
McQ ue e n
cupcakes,
Complete
Deelite
Find it
tots e for tiny C ow c a k
, Sweet
Secrets
Find more lifestyle tips
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• Complete Deelite, www.completedeelite.com • DB Party Lovers, www.dbpartylovers.com • Jumping Castles, www.jumpingcastles.com.hk • Little Miss Green The Party Queen, www.missgreenpartyqueen.com • Simply Love, www.simplylove.com.hk • Sugar Cookie Island, www.sugarcookieisland.weebly.com • Sweet Secrets, www.sweetsecrets.com.hk
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SEPTEMBER 2013 HK HAPPENINGS
What's new around Hong Kong
International
comedy fest
Hawaiian comic contender Paul Ogata
Compiled by Hannah Ball
Nuts about
Baileys The latest addition to the Baileys® Irish Cream family – which includes Original, Caramel, Mint Chocolate and Coffee flavours – Baileys Hazelnut is a smooth blend of Irish whiskey, Enjoy Baileys Hazelnut over ice Irish cream and hazelnut. The creamy, nutty liqueur ushers in a host of new after-dinner possibilities, from spiked coffee and hot chocolate to a sophisticated, smooth Baileys Hazelnut Martini that would be the perfect end to any evening. It’s also delicious poured over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, added to a milkshake or used to make hazelnut mousse. Pick up a 700ml bottle for HK$175; get more recipe ideas at www.baileys.com/hazelnut.
Babies “R” Us
openings
Brooklyn-born Dwayne Perkins
Prepare to laugh out loud at this year’s International Comedy Festival, returning to Hong Kong for the seventh year running, September 5 to October 6. This year’s line-up of international performers includes Brooklyn-native Dwayne Perkins; one of Britain’s most in-demand comedy acts John Moloney, who was nominated as Best Live Stand-up at the British Comedy Awards in 1998; and Hawaii-born Paul Ogata, winner of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition 2007. Don’t miss the finals at the Y-Theatre in Chai Wan (the winner takes home HK$40,000, plus US gigs at Hollywood’s The Laugh Factory, Acme in Minneapolis and The Gotham Comedy Club in New York City). To find out more, visit www.hkcomedyfestival.com; to book tickets, call 6220 4436.
Babies “R” Us in iSquare, Tsim Sha Tsui
Your one-stop resource for all things baby has landed in Hong Kong. The first store opened at Popcom in Tseung Kwan O in June, the second at iSquare in Tsim Sha Tsui in August. Select from an international range of safe, high-quality products for mums, and kids up to 24 months. Stores are thoughtfully divided into eight different ‘time zones’: Sleep Time, Bath Time, Feeding Time, On The Go, Play Time, Let’s Get Dressed, Reading Time and Gifting Me Time. You can also see products demonstrated in the interactive play zone. For more information, visit www.babiesrus.com.hk, or the Babies “R” Us Facebook page.
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SEPTEMBER JUNE 2013 2013
HK HAPPENINGS
What's new around Hong Kong
Drink for good
Compiled by Hannah Ball
Moon cakes for
mid-autumn
Drink for HandsOn Hong Kong
Why not join the party and drink with a legitimate purpose this month? On September 4, local restaurants and bars in SoHo, Central, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui are giving back to the community. They are donating HK$5 from every drink consumed to HandsOn Hong Kong – a registered charity that aims to drive change through volunteerism. Donations will enable 100 local disadvantaged and disabled children to experience the thrills of Ocean Park. To join in, simply grab a drink at one of your favourite local haunts, like The Globe, McSorley’s (DB too), Havana, Wild Grass, Iberico & Co, Café Roma, or Wagyu. For the full list of participating bars and restaurants, visit www.drinkforgood.org.
Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival
Suede live
in Hong Kong Great gifts at Fook Lam Moon
Suede – the fathers of Britpop
Catch the original bringers of Britpop, Suede perform at Asia World Expo, Chek Lap Kok on September 29. Back in 1993, the band’s first album Suede soared to the top of the charts, becoming the fastest-selling debut album in almost 10 years. After splitting in 2003, the band reformed in 2010, when they got together for a series of hugely successful reunion gigs. Suede’s latest album, Bloodsports released in March, flew straight to the Top 10 in the UK charts. Sound good? Purchase concert tickets at www.hkticketing.com; prices range from HK$580 to HK$780.
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You can pick up moon cakes all over town in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, September 19, and your first resort might be your favourite Fook Lam Moon restaurant, Kowloon or Hong Kong side. Made with fried olive kernels, salted egg yolks and a rich lotus paste, you can enjoy these savoury delights in many different forms. If you’re after a bit of guiltfree indulgence, the chain’s Signature Duo Moon Cake made with seaweed sugar is a healthy option. For the perfect gift idea, try the Classic Four Moon Cake, which comes neatly packaged with two golden and two white lotus moon cakes – both with double yoke. To reserve your Fook Lam Moon moon cakes call 3423 0388.
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DB FACES
C O M M U N I T Y
S N A P S
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COMPETITION
Photos by Baljit Gidwani
If you’d like us to consider your photos for DB Faces, email them to info@arounddb.com (subject line: db faces). Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent.
Great prizes from Uncle Russ!
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B
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Congratulations to last month’s winner Joon Park! Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.
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our challenge, this month, is to identify which of the three photos above is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. Contact us online via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com before September 10. This is your chance to win a complimentary drink at Uncle Russ in DB Plaza every day for a week. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer. Good luck!
Name Ticklers is the undisputed leader in children’s personalized music and personalized products in the market today. We offer everything from singing alarm clocks, singing teddy bears, personalized CDs, interactive storybook CDs and many other wonderful products to make your child feel loved and special.
A range of truly unique gifts that “Sing Your Name”
www.nameticklers.com info@nameticklers.com | facebook.com/nameticklers.hk
FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native English-speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.
Alcoholics Anonymous
My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. Besides the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestic-helper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), there are many optional insurances worth considering. This summer, quality Disability Income Insurance should be at the top of your list!
Disability Income Insurance
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. No dues or fees. 24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org
Recently my competitors have been pushing Disability Income Insurance (DI) and now I guess it’s my turn. DI is a form of insurance that insures the beneficiary’s earned income against the risk that a disability renders him unable to complete the core functions of his work. It encompasses paid sick leave, short-term disability benefits, and long-term disability benefits. Traditional disability carriers have limitations on the monthly benefits for highincome earners. Note that premiums and available benefits for individual coverage vary considerably between companies and occupations. The salary of various occupations also determines the cost of coverage because disability insurance is based on a percentage of regular earnings. The percentage of replaced income is also a consideration. The primary benefit of DI is the knowledge that should something go radically wrong, and you find yourself unable to work, you won’t be strapped for cash, at a time when you are already stressed out.
My offer: These are oversimplified concepts and different people have different budgets. I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.
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View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY
FINANCE & INSURANCE
DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information visit www.dbangelsfc.hk or email membership@dbangelsfc.hk
AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS
DBEES ICE HOCKEY We are a nonprofit community-based team for kids age 5 & up, at any playing level. If your child is keen to join email stuart.winchester@hk.rcm.com or flavarone@netvigator.com.
EMPLOYMENT
Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return. Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net
European high-end lingerie brand is looking for fitting models sizes 75A to 85F. Fitting upon demand under freelance contract. No previous experienced required. Please contact 2301 5008 or ida.lam@marliesdekkers.com
DB-BASED REALTOR SEEKS EAA-LICENSED AGENTS Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage. Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented. Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates. Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk
EXPERT MOVER
• Packing & moving • Cargo collection • Disposal service • Handyman services • Packing material supplies • Storage, with humidity control Professional quality service at a low rate. Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk, or visit www.expertmover.hk
NEED SPACE / STORAGE!
ARE YOU THE RIGHT SIZE?
HEALTH & WELLBEING
HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY
Quit smoking quickly. Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching. Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia • Exam Strategies Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk
KIDS
HOME & REPAIRS
MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB
Established playgroup for children from 2 to 4 years. A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers. Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
• Humidity controlled • Small/ large storage space • Short or long term • Competitive rates Call 2566 4799, or visit www.expertmover.hk
EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP
Deadline for October issue Classifieds
September
15
A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play. Activities to stimulate all areas of development. Come & look at our facilities. Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years. Morning & afternoon sessions. Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net
WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS
Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 wwww.dbicc.org
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View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com
Notary Services Toys Rental in DB
NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest
Now available in Discovery Bay at affordable rates. For inquiries Call or send a text to 9143 0799 or by email at notary@hpi.com.hk
HANDMADE COOKIES FOR ALL OCCASION Make your next celebration a hit with a selection of beautifully crafted cookies handmade right here in DB. We can customize your order to suit any theme, from baby showers to bachelorette parties and everything in between. We also offer kids cookie decorating sessions, where the kids get to decorate their own cookies, a perfect activity at any children’s birthday party...
An affordable, eco-friendly and fun way to play, through renting rather than buying.
• Pick the toys your kids want • Free delivery and pick up • Save money, space & the environment
6547 2627
cookiemomster1@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/SugarCookieIsland www.sugarcookieisland.weebly.com
ask@bubsntoys.com www.bubsntoys.com
Asian hairdressers
COMPLETE HAIRCARE FOR ASIAN & WESTERN MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN
• Perms • Colours • Highlights Shop 22, G/F Tung Chung Crescent, Tung Chung, Lantau Island (next to Quality Healthcare & near Pizza Hut)
Tel: 3147 4088 (Jimmy Hon)
SINCE 1997
OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)
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View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com KIDS
TUITION & COURSES
MIDGET GEMS RENTAL
MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS
Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots. Please call Koren on 9176 2990
PETS GOOD NEWS FROM PETCO DB
Micro Bubble Bath using Nano technology for pets is now available at PetcoDB. This penetrating clean powers deep into the pores, restoring fur condition, regaining moisture & providing relaxation. No shampoo is used. Recommended for pets with skin allergies, dermatitis & body odour. Call 2914 0382
TRAVEL SO MANY HOLIDAY IDEAS!
www.escortedtoursonline.com. Leisure travel specialists since 1978. Licence No. 350343 Contact 2526 3391, www.concorde-travel.com
Looking for a place to stay?
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• For children & adults; small groups or individuals • Any level / place / purpose Call DB Mandarin Room on 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com
CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH
Personal Professional Tutoring Service. • Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools, Year 1 to 13 • For students & adults (homework/ exams/ business) • Mother-tongue Chinese tutors from the PRC (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics tutors (UK B SC) • Native English tutors. (MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com, or visit www.chinesemandarinsite.com
LEARN SPANISH
Native speaker. DELE examiner. Experienced teacher. IB, IGCSE, A-Levels & HKDSE. Business Spanish, & courses for adults. Flexible schedule & locations. (Special offers to students who live in DB & Tung Chung). Contact Erik R on 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com
A positive, inclusive learning environment. Call 6710 0391 info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com
Fren ench English Mandarin From K1 to P6 in 2014
- Japan qualified – skilled piano tuner in DB We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters;
One of the keys to piano maintenance is - How to keep your piano in good condition with a subtropical climate www.88keys.com.hk E-mail: info@88keys.com.hk Tel : 9687 0726
Selling trinkets and treasures for girls and boys, made from only the best materials. www.littlemilly.com | candiceb@littlemilly.com Also available at Toysland, DB and Bizzie Lizzie, Mui Wo For HK orders please contact Candice at 6596 1817
September 2013
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Check out short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB
MODERN EXECUTIVE 1 BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT Spacious open layout. Quiet, high floor. Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer. English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack! Competitively priced. Call 6680 2007, email greenmountain123@gmail.com
MODERN FLAT FOR SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL Fully furnished, 1 bed plus study with extra beds & fully equipped kitchen. Sleeps 4. Broadband, wi-fi, DVD, LCD TV & split A/C. Linens & towels. Serviced twice a week. Contact 6475 2035, sharmilaproperty@gmail. com or visit www.dbayhillsuites.com
GREENDALE COURT RENTAL Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525
PROPERTY DB
DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS For lease. Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service. Contact Cherry on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com
STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to DB Plaza & pier, with fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided. Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk
GREENBURG COURT RENTAL 517’ 1-bedroom flat with balcony. Deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with internet, 32” LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk
LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near DB North Plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Serviced & fully furnished with washer/ dryer, bed linen & kitchenware. Plus wi-fi, broadband, blue-ray & home theatre. Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com
2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished. Contact 9108 5525
PROPERTY OVERSEAS
FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985
FIVE VILLAS IN PHUKET Three-bed villas with pool for rent. Ten minutes from Phuket International Airport. On the 8th hole of Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Contact 8thonmissionhills.com, 8thonmissionhills@gmail.com
SHORT-TERM LET Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony. Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, brian@headlandhomes.hk
AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY
FLAT FOR RENT
HOLIDAY RENTAL IN PHUKET
Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband. Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com
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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
Small gated community near Nai Harn beach with pool & gym. Fully fitted 3-bed villa with aircon, TVs & wi-fi. Lots of restaurants nearby. Competitive rates. Contact 9752 9775, greenmountain123@gmail.com
View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com
CAR RENTAL
design + living
IN PHUKET Special rates for DB Residents Services Mind Company (SMC) Car rent offers 24-hour Professional Service. We provide pick-up services and vehicle packages including single or round-trip shuttle, daily, weekly and monthly rentals, long-term corporate rentals.
interior architecture
For any enquiries, please contact
project managment
design & build
space planning
Tel. 31112062
(66) 081 273 2855, (66) 089 971 0608 Email: servicesmind_carrent@yahoo.com www.phuketsmccarrent.com
www.dlcchk.com
dlconsultant@gmail.com
Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc… For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com
ACROSS LANTAU
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Inspired by a life-long love of Chinese artifacts, and an interest in anything Chinese, owners Gary Lo and Anthony March tell us about their Mui Wo store The Red Lantern When did The Red Lantern open and what makes it unique? We started our business in 1998 with the desire to sell real Chinese antiques and avoid the reproduction market. If you are looking to buy genuine antiques, and small pieces of unique furniture from the late Ching Dynasty, then The Red Lantern is your place.
What inspired you to start up the business? As a young boy in the UK, Anthony’s elderly neighbour, who was a ship’s boy during the 1890s serving on the tea-clipper ships to China and Japan, had filled his home with large amounts of Chinese and Japanese artifacts. He would often tell Anthony thrilling stories and give him the odd vase or sword as a gift. This had an enormous impact on Anthony, sparking a love for all things oriental – a love that has stayed with him ever since.
How did you first get the word out? Besides word-of-mouth advertising, we found it difficult at first, considering our somewhat remote location here in Mui Wo. Magazine advertisement has, however, helped considerably. Thank you Around DB!
How has the business expanded? Serious expansion is problematic in Mui Wo due to our limited retail premises, but we currently have the largest available unit in Silver Plaza so we intend to make the most of that.
What are your future plans for The Red Lantern? Increases in price in China have made it difficult to find suitable items, but we intend to keep the business running and keep selling quality items that our customers can enjoy for years to come.
Call The Red Lantern on 2987 0099 or email glamdam@netvigator.com
Join your Lantau community live @ www.arounddb.com
Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung and South Lantau
LANTAU NUMBERS
TUNG CHUNG
SOUTH LANTAU
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Patchwork Jack Shoesee Foldable
FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS
9527 6202 9662 1747 9762 1957 9765 2798 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS
360° Sports Bar & Restaurant Airport Izakaya Andante Asian Taste Chef Express Deli Viet Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Dragon Inn Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden
2109 4360 2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4360 6504 4208 2109 0036 2109 4187 2286 6238 2286 6898 2286 6878 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 2969 2500 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Asian Hairdressers Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical
3147 4088 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626
Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep HEALTH & WELLBEING
Dalcroze Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon
2421 8088 9625 1392 2988 1488 HOTELS
Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott
3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888 LEARNING CENTRES
Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Little Academy Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) Tung Yan Day Nursery YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
5360 0991 2987-8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 3520 3500 2611 9193 6204 7387 2420 1068 2109 3873 2109 4000 3194 5120 2988 8123
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Impact Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Stepz Studio Tung Chung Crescent Club House
2109 9277 2179 6678 6902 2250 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 3152 7535 2403 6770
UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station
2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694
6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 HOME & REPAIRS
Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company
2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 9373 0792 2984 0587 HOTELS
Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel
HOME & REPAIRS
Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering
2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 7471 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 6331 8974 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 9160 5986 2980 2699
2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES
Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten
2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006
PROPERTY AGENCIES
Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate
2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL
Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern ZenvarA
2134 1234 2984 2227 2984 2278 2988 1368 2406 8122 2987 0099 9586 3459
SERVICES & OTHERS
Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio) Zoe Lyle Photography
2984 1410 9662 1747 2984 0060 9025 3949 9062 0148 6351 8923 9834 5498 TRANSPORTATION
Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company Sun Rising Moving Company
2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132
Your ultimate guide in DB
DB NUMBERS
LEARNING CENTRES
COMMUNITY & HEALTH
LEARNING CENTRES
Discovery Speech Therapy Cabinet d’Orthophonie Clear Communication in French LG-06, Office Block One, DB North Tel: 8120 7835 info@discoveryspeechtherapy.com Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Discovery Speech Therapy, Cabinet d’Orthophonie Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza
2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 8120 7835 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422
Craftybabes Sensory Play (ages 5 -14 months) Toddler Arts & Crafts (14 months - 3 years) Plus monthly adult craft classes! Email: crafty.babes@hotmail.com, www.craftybabes.com
Dumper Trucks & Daisies A Montessori-based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child. From 16 months to 4.5 years old Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com
First Friends & Second Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
HK School of Highland Dance Highland Dance classes now available at MI Studio.Teacher qualified by the SDTA. All ages welcome Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com
Lullaby Layette Online Boutique for Newborns & Infants Tel: 5600-7605, info@lullabylayette.com www.lullabylayette.com
Sunwood by Design International Bodyfit Swimwear Exercise and Yoga Wear Tel: 6626 5470 www.sunwood-by-design.com
In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes
2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098
FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd
2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851
Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk
French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2014-2015 from K1 to P6. LG-05, DB North Plaza Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@ecole-discovery.com www.ecole-discovery.com
Little Explorers
HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre
Island Dance
2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428
A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun! Tel: 9327 0507 Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com
Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com
LEARNING CENTRES
Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years. Tel: 6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House
6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217
OTHER SERVICES
Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB Tel: 2987 2626 Email: cas@appletravel.com
At Home in DB Information & Services for Residents of DB. Expat Relocation, Newcomer Orientation, Tours, Courses, Networking Tel: 9769 4701 Email: sue@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com
Harvey Law Group International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life Tel: 2416 8618 www.harveylawcorporation.com
PetcoDB Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com Amity Shoe Care My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services
2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151
REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES
Playtime Kids DB Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year Tel: 8122 9475 Email: admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com
British Studio of Art Hong Kong
New art studio in DB for 2 year-olds to adults www.bsoahk.com bsoahk@gmail.com Tel: 9132 5249
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September 2013
Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 18 months to 4 years. Tel: 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com
Lifestyle Homes Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk
Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located. Tel: 9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk
View our business directory @ www.arounddb.com
Centaline Property Agency Ltd EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong Ltd
2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919
DB NUMBERS RESTAURANTS & HOTELS
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
Movement Improvement Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk
% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza Tel: 2885 1323 Email: info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk
TRANSPORT SERVICES ACCESSDB Rehabus DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services
6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368
UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel) Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Cafe McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Solera Sopranos Subway Super Super Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s
2987 2298 2295 8288 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2555 0772 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 6232
Spin Works The Ultimate Workout Certified and friendly staff, located in North Plaza Tel: 5145 2776 www.spinworks.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: info@sportsworld.hk
The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training. Located at North Plaza Tel: 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk
A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age. Tel: 34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk
CAISSA Chess Club HK The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center Tel: 9681 2896 Email: contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com
Curves Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com
Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club
Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk
2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381
Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk
Gillian - The Skin Therapy Centre Fully qualified International Beauty Spa /wellness trainer with over 16 yrs experience in the Spa industry offering full range of beauty services here on DB Tel: 9604 6920, 2987 0764 (Gillian) www.theskintherapycentrehk.com
M Spa DB Party Lovers For all your party needs in DB Tel: 9132 5249 Email: dbpartylovers@gmail.com www.dbpartylovers.com
Offers Judo classes for children of all ages Tel: 68071975; 9012 2509 Email: elliot@cobrajudoclub.com or claire@cobrajudoclub.com
Little Milly Trinkets & treasures for girls and boys Tel: 6596 1817 candiceb@littlemilly.com www.littlemilly.com
Embody Bo Bo House Toysland
2987 4230 2987 7859
TRANSPORT SERVICES
HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk
WELLBEING
TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES
DB COBRAS JUDO CLUB
Classical Pilates, Yoga and more! Tel: 6624 7812 embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk
3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000
Child & Family Development Practice
Tinytots
SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT
24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department
Limousine Rental
Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com
Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure. Tel: 2987 0614
Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266
Nutrition consultations in DB
Improve your diet and achieve your health goals Tel: 9827 8413 Email: lisa@thenutritionclinic.com.hk www.thenutritionclinic.com.hk Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care MOW Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena
September 2013
2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382
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HEALTH Q&A
rehabilitating How can physiotherapy help with everything from sports injuries to back pain and mastitis? Melanie Potgieter of Island Health Family Practice explains What does physiotherapy involve? There are a wide range of techniques, ranging from manual mobilisation of the joints, massage, stretching, and exercising with Pilates or weights to electrotherapy. Some therapists also make use of dry needling or acupuncture to help with muscle release.
Is it all about rehabilitation? Physiotherapists help patients with neurological problems either caused by disease, strokes or trauma, teaching them to move normally. We use chest physiotherapy on patients with severe chest ailments or lung congestion. This type of physiotherapy is also used with patients on ventilators who are unable to cough by themselves. Physiotherapy helps geriatric patients keep fit and strong, and can assist children with development delay. It teaches pregnant women how to regain abdominal strength, helping to relieve any pain caused during and after pregnancy. It can also help with post-natal mastitis and stress incontinency.
Which ailments do you most commonly treat? Physiotherapy is used to get movement back after bone fractures, joint replacements, sprains, dislocations of the joints and after surgery. We see a lot of musculoskeletal problems, particularly backache. A sedentary lifestyle in front of the desk or computer for long hours without stretching or strengthening the back and abdominal muscles results in back pain, as does carrying heavy shopping, laptops and children’s pushchairs up and down stairs. Physiotherapy is often used to rehabilitate patients who have had sport or spinal injuries, like torn or sprained muscles.
How can we relieve post-exercise muscle pain at home? Pain after exercise is mostly caused by micro-trauma in the muscles. By having a cold bath or using an ice pack, you stop all the secondary inflammation by constricting the blood vessels, and limiting the collection of waste products in the muscles. Ice is best used immediately after exercise
Find more health-related issues
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September 2013
you Manual mobilisation of the joints is key (www.physiotherapysalford.co.uk)
or trauma – for 24 to 72 hours. If there is any swelling or inflammation, or if a joint is painful continue icing.
And what if the muscles have gone into spasm? In this case it is better to use heat – electric heat packs or hot-water bottles. Heat helps to increase the circulation and it also relaxes the muscles. Back pain is generally caused by muscle spasm, so usually heat treatment is beneficial. Alternating heat and cold (in the form of ‘contrast baths’) works well as it increases circulation to body parts that have circulatory problems or to areas of swelling.
How can Pilates help with sports injuries? Pilates focuses on muscle stability and body balance. It can be especially helpful with back, shoulder and hip injuries. Strengthening inner core muscles helps the body work more efficiently. When the body tries to compensate for muscle imbalance, energy is often lost. With the lower back, abdominal and gut muscles strengthened, balance is restored. A strengthened core particularly helps distance runners and sprinters by preventing the muscular imbalance which causes injuries from overused muscles.
How important is exercise after an injury? After any injury your body is very good at compensating so that it can function as normal. Different muscles take over the function of the injured muscle. Once the original injury has healed, the muscles that have been affected need to be strengthen to take over the work once again. If this does not happen, then a chronic imbalance of the muscles can lead to later problems. If joints have been restricted in movement during an injury and they are not exercised, joint contractures may even occur. Muscles and tendons need to be strengthened to prevent re-injury. Light resistance bands make exercises easy to do at home. You can contact Melanie Potgieter at Island Health Family Practice on 2987 7575.
www.arounddb.com