Around DB September Issue 2015

CHINESE WHISPERS

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE RECYCLABLES YOU TRASH

WHY KIDS NEED TO LEARN PUTONGHUA

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BEST INTENTIONS

W t pas ickets in th s e s , ar e a t r ,f te e s e s o o t ba x hib i fitn sion ll co tion e s s s a ac h ing c la n d s se s

clever!

How martial arts are making a comeback Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002

An all new ESF International Kindergarten is coming to Tung Chung

Online Enrolment K2 - September 1 K1 - October 1

Where Inquiry Begins Start your child’s learning journey with ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung Our purpose-built, spacious kindergarten will provide the perfect environment for young learners. As the largest of the ESF Kindergartens, our space is being carefully planned to provide places of beauty that will support learning, stimulate imaginations, nurture children, families and staff, and truly inspire the wonderful memories of childhood.

New! Tung Chung at The Visionary Tel: 3572 8533 Email: kinder@tc.esf.org.hk

With well-resourced classrooms, great access to current learning technologies and indoor and outdoor play areas, young children will be presented with multiple opportunities to learn, socialise and develop their skills. Through inquiry-based learning and play, we encourage children’s natural curiosity and creativity, develop their personal and social skills, inspire them with a life-long love of learning and the confidence to fulfil their potential.

Our other Kindergartens: Abacus at Clearwater Bay

Free Play Session - for K2 applicants on Sunday, 27 September 2015 at ESF International Kindergarten, Tsing Yi (Maritime Square, 33 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi, N.T., H.K) To enrol and find out more about ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung please send an email to kinder@tc.esf.org.hk.

opening for the 2016/2017 School Year

an IB World School

Tel: 2719 5712 Hillside on Stubbs Road an IB World School

Tel: 2540 0066 Tsing Yi

an IB World School

Tel: 2436 3355 Wu Kai Sha

an IB World School

Tel: 2435 5291

www.esfkindergartens.org.hk

SEPtEMBER 2015

康慧臺 HILLGROVE

$15K

寶峰徑 PaRKVaLE

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G EA

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SO

Gross: 669’ Saleable: 602’

Fully renovated studio with balcony. Partially Furnished. Walking distance to DB Plaza and pier.

1

$48K/16.5M

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G EA

Gross: 472’ Saleable: 398’ 0

畔山徑 MIddLE LaNE

EN

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SO

$33K

尚堤 CHIaNtI

$56K

3

Gross: 1616’ Saleable: 1547’

Rare lowrise with large garden, walking distance to DB plaza and pier. A must see!

1

海蜂徑 SEaBEE

$75K

3

Nicely renovated lowrise, balcony with stunning sea views and in a tranquil location.

2

海馬徑 SEaHORSE

$120K

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G EA

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Gross: 2020’ Saleable: 1615’ 4

Nicely joined unit with spacious living, modern kitchen and balcony. 24 hr concierge service.

3

哥爾夫球車 EZGO GOLf CaRt $2.25M

Spacious townhouse in a good condition.

Conveniently located for schools and transport.

3

菘山閣 GREENWOOd

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G EA

Lovely bright duplex, highly efficient layout & well equipped kitchen. Great for entertaining. Ready to move into.

4

康寧閣 ELEGaNCE

T

SO

觀濤樓 MaRINE VIEW

$10.8M

2 1

L

SO

Huge living and dining area with 2 good sized bedrooms.

Close to schools and all transport to MTR and airport.

倚濤軒 CREStMONt

$19.5M/$52K

Gross: 919’ Saleable: 776’ 2

Tastefully renovated, vacant sale! Literally 2 minutes’ walk to pier and Plaza. Converted from 3 beds to 2 with open kitchen!

1

朝暉徑 HEadLaNd

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Beautifully renovated apartment with amazing sea views. Ideal for family. For sale with tenancy.

G EA

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Gross: 1412’ Saleable: 1157’ 3

$115M

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Gross: 776’ Saleable: 649’ Under value. Last sale was 2.26M. Call Charles for viewing (+852) 6140 7971

$8.2M

EN

L

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$5.1M

5

EN

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G EA

Gross: 2075’ Saleable: 1995’

Gross: 1642’ Saleable: 1406’ 4

Saleable: 3187’

Gross: 1707’ Saleable: 1436’ 3 2

Lovely duplex lowrise with large terrace and balcony. Bright and airy. Great for entertaining.

5 4

Renovators delight. House w/ private swimming pool & huge garden. Company sale & Vacant possession.

Equipped with the best and most innovative equipment and cutting edge brands, we offer a wide range of relaxing and CUSTOMIZED Therapeutic Hair Treatments; all with the latest medically proven methods and results.

strand

and

science

Strand Science is a Hair SPA and a Hair-Loss Institute

We assess and treat all kinds of hair shaft problems (hair breakage, splint ends, knotted hair, gray hair, and frizzy hair), scalp disorders (dandruff, Seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis) and hair-loss (alopecia).

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hairloss institute Arrange your consultation in total confidence with our certified trichologist for diagnosis, treatment and holistic advice.

UNIT 17, 1/F, BLOCK 2 DB NORTH PLAZA DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU Tel. 2886 3820| 9680 8025

September’s Hot Picks at

Children’s Snacks

from

Oundle Single Bed Silk White

Skip Hop Lunch Kits & Stainless Steel Bottles

$3,999 (mattress sold separately)

from

Forget Me Not Range

from

$59

Start-rite School Shoes

from

$425

$115

Stelatopia Range

from

$106

$6.50

Gabol Back Packs

from

$138

WoodFreddie en LiddOrganic ed Sandpit Little Baby Food

Hot Dots Lets Learn Maths

Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board

$18.90 (11 Varieties)

$299

$1,289

Jack & Lily Bedside Crib

Maxi Cosi Rodifix

$1,999 (mattress sold separately)

$2,790

Original Sprout

from

$128

(with detachable seat)

(adapters sold separately)

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 Stanley Plaza Store 2/F Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley T: 2555 6318 Sai Kung Store G/F 7 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories T: 2976 0223

www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk

SEPTEMBER 2015 FEATURES 34

34

PROFILE Meet chef Philippe Moriau of Brasserie 22° North

38

IN FOCUS Recycling in DB: why, where and how

44

FAMILY MATTERS Why kids need to learn Putonghua

53

MONEY Opting for pre and postnuptial agreements

58

ESCAPES Getting the most out of the Galapagos Islands

66

ACTION How martial arts can make you fit

44

REGULARS 31

COMPETITION Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

50

TALKING POINTS How five DB divas are driving DB’s newest realtor

64

MOMENTS Tim Henderson’s concert for guide dogs

76

DB FACES Candid community snaps

88

OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 50 64

66

10

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

73

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

78

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

82

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

85

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

BEST INTENTIONS

CHINESE WHISPERS

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

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

ON THE COVER

ENS TO THE WHAT HAPP H LES YOU TRAS RECYCLAB

NEED TO WHY KIDS NGHUA LEARN PUTO

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comeback Publishers

2002 in DB since 2015

SEPTE MBER

Errol Samuels of DB’s Blackout Boxing Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

and www.arounddb.com

Latest Property Listings Real Time Updates Responsive Agents

Award-winning Website

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk Managing editor Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk Advertising & sales manager Lissa Morris lissa@baymedia.com.hk

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

Art direction Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk Assistant editor Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk Project manager Danielle Higgins danielle@baymedia.com.hk Office manager Beatrice De Magistris accountant@baymedia.com.hk Photography Baljit Gidwani

Photos by Sam Agars

GIANT SLIDE FUN Tai Pak Wan

Discovery Bay Sliding Fun on the Beach was a huge hit throughout August, with the 56-metre-long, 11-metre-high slide attracting thousands of fun lovers.

Contributors this month Beverly Au Talla Buffery (intern) Steve Corbin Richard Cowley Elizabeth Kerr Peter Sherwood Melissa Stevens Rebecca Tomasis Kate Whitehead Arnold Yung (intern) Printing Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors.

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

DB’S DOUBLE DECKERS DB Plaza Bus Terminus

A healthy crowd turned up to the launch ceremony of DB’s six new double-decker buses on August 12. Vincent Chua, head of City Management and Transportation, led the ceremony, before onlookers were invited on board one of the buses for a trip to Sunny Bay.

Photos by Sam Agars and Oscar Law

IN&AROUND DB

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

Discovery Bay International School The fifth annual Back to School Fair was held at Discovery Bay International School on August 22, with local clubs and businesses sharing their services and wares with the public.

Photos courtesy of Around DB

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Bayside Dental, DB North Plaza Over 100 DBers celebrated India’s Independence Day on August 15. Organiser Sandeep Jain hailed the event a success, saying the main motivation behind the day was to inform Hong Kong-born Indian children about their homeland and culture.

Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and Ai Lau Photography

September 2015

11

IN&AROUND DB

ALL ABOARD PLASTIC FREE SEAS Lantau waters

The Plastic Free Seas (PFS) Sea Classroom set off from DB on August 12 for a trip along the Lantau coast to Fan Lau. Nineteen Lantau residents joined the PFS crew to examine microscopic organisms and learn about marine plastic pollution. PFS is now running school programmes on the Sea Classroom, so if you would like your child to participate, have their school get in touch. Find out more at www.plasticfreeseas.org or by emailing julia@plasticfreeseas.org.

courtesy of PFS Photos courtesy of Plastic Free Seas andPhotos Victoria Mikhaylenko

INTERNATIONAL PLAY CENTRE • KINDERGARTEN • PRIMARY SCHOOL

International

Funfilled Day Sat. Sat. 10 10 Oct, Oct, 2015 2015 th th

Event Location 1st Floor, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay (Near Wing On Dept. Store) Event Time 10:00am to 12:00noon Enquiry DB International Play Centre 2987 8028 DB Kindergarten 2987 8088 DB Primary School 2914 2202 TC International Play Centre and Kindergarten 2987 8070 TC Primary School 2915 0666 www.discoverymind.edu.hk

DISCOVER THE WORLD WITH A GLOBAL MIND

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW SAT 5th & SUN 6 th SEPTEMBER

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

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

To make a booking please call 2987 226 Follow us on Facebook for updates: Nailed It DB

O UP N S TO AL 50 E %

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

IN&AROUND DB

Photo courtesy of We Deserve Better

WE DESERVE BETTER ACTION GROUP

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS!

1 ber m e t Sep wards on

Throughout DB

The We Deserve Better Action Group, launched by DB resident and COC member Dr Francis Chiu, is calling on all Discovery Bay residents to join up and help make DB a better place. The group is looking for those with innovative ideas and positive energy to help them implement measures to ensure the increasing needs and expectations of DB residents are met. Contact 5502 5855 or DBActionGroup@gmail.com, or head to www.facebook.com/wdbDB.

WIN CASH PRIZES FROM SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com

SOLO ART EXHIBITION Artland Gallery, Wanchai DB artist Ngai Ning Yu is holding her first solo exhibition at the extraordinarily young age of 11, with I Love – a showcase of artworks of people and things that move her. The Discovery College (DC) students’ Wanchai exhibition runs from 9am until 7pm, and it will be on show in DB in January 2016.

September 1-3

Throughout Hong Kong The Sovereign Art Foundation, a Hong Kong charity helping disadvantaged children, is giving all local secondary school students the chance to win HK$30,000 for their school and HK$5,000 for themselves. Students should talk to their art departments about submitting an entry. The top 20 works are exhibited in Hong Kong and voted on by the public, before being sold in the name of charity. The competition has been a hit amongst DB schools in previous years and entry is open from now until March 25, 2016. For more information, email art@sovereignartfoundation.com or visit www.sovereignartfoundation.com. ber 1 m e t Sep wards on

Photo courtesy of Ngai Ning Yu

r5

e Septemb

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from

Photo courtesy of Sovereign Art Foundation

14

September 2015

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

IN&AROUND DB

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW OpenSpace, DB North Plaza Kit yourself out with top-quality swimwear from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Hong Kong at the Ozzie Cozzie Roadshow from 10.30am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday. Expect big sales, with 50% off some items. To view the collection online, visit www.ozziecozzieco.com.

6 September 5-

P.A.L.S ADOPTION DAY DB Plaza

September 6 & 20

Protection of Animals Lantau South (P.A.L.S) is holding a P.A.L.S in the Plaza adoption day from 2 to 6pm. P.A.L.S is also holding a Market Mania and Adoptathon on September 20 between 12 and 4pm, also in the plaza. For information on pet adoption, or contributing your unwanted goods to the market, call Jacqui Green on 2984 1626 or 9197 4371.

MEET AND GREET COFFEE MORNING Discoveryland, DB North Plaza

www.ozziecozzieco.com

ber 13

m Septe

SHOP THE DB SUNDAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

FREE BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH TALK IMI Discovery Bay, DB North Plaza

Integrated Medicine Institute homeopath Mina Weight is hosting a talk on children’s health, focused on how to keep your children healthy and happy this school year. Mina will share basic principles about homeopathy, including choosing the right remedy and knowing how often to take it. To register for the talk, which is free and runs from 12.30 to 2pm, call 2537 1087 or email events@imi.com.hk.

16 mber Septe

At the At Home in DB coffee ber 10 morning, everyone is welcome to Septem come and meet new friends, greet other DB residents and learn Photo courtesy of Sue Meldrum about life in DB. Running from 9.30am to 12pm, attendance is free but a HK$100 donation is requested, with all funds raised going to DB Mothers and Friends, the DB-based charity that helps redistribute unwanted household items to Hong Kong’s less fortunate. For more information and to register, head to www.athomeindb.com.

THE HELPER DOCUMENTARY Throughout Hong Kong

Until r 16 mbe Septe

Get behind the Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the production of The Helper, a documentary set to follow The Unsung Heroes, a choir of domestic helpers founded by DB resident Jane Engelmann from DB Glee. To learn more www.kickstarter.com about this unique project and to make a contribution – so far US$21,000 (over HK$160,000) has been raised of the targeted US$80,000 – www.dbglee.com head to www.kickstarter.com/ projects/1500194098/the-helper-a-hong-kong-documentary.

September 20

Photo courtesy of IMI Discovery Bay

BUY AND SELL all your lightly used goods at the DB Flea Market in DB Plaza, from 12pm to 5pm.

September 2015

15

IN&AROUND DB

PARENTING YOUNG CHILDREN – NEW COURSE

ber 20

Septem

Discovery Bay International School

www.bartsbash.com

Parenting Dialogue’s new seven-week Parenting Young Children course is brought to you by parenting dialogue expert and long-term DB resident Marie Marchand – a parent, teacher, parenting consultant and coauthor of bestselling children’s book Home from Home, with over 26 years’ international early-childhood teaching experience. The seven workshops focus on understanding children and their behaviour, raising selfesteem, listening and talking to children, helping children learn to co-operate, discipline, and emotional and social development. Head to the What’s On section at www.parentingdialogue.com for more details and to register, or email 22 September mariemarchand.parenting@gmail.com.

BART’S BASH Lantau waters Bart’s Bash, officially the biggest sailing race in the world, is set to grace the waters to the east of Lantau, with the Lantau Boat Club and the Discovery Bay Yacht Club holding a joint event to raise money for Hong Kong sailing charities. The concept of Bart’s Bash is simple – any boating group the world over can host an event on September 20 in the name of charity. To get involved, head to www.lantauboatclub.com or www.dbyc.net.

UNIVERSITY FAIR Discovery College

Photo courtesy of Marie Marchand

3

ber 2

m Septe

With representatives from over 120 colleges and universities from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, the DC University Fair is a must for DB or Lantau students planning on heading to university next year. Running from 9am to 1pm, it’s open to students and parents from any school; entry is free and registration is not necessary.

JOHN DICKSON RIP

Discovery Bay lost one of its true gentlemen recently, with John ‘Dicko’ Dickson passing peacefully in his sleep on August 12. He is survived by his wife Claire, the owner of DB business Movement Improvement, sons James (28) and Alex (25), who live in Sydney, and Jack (six).

Born on September 30, 1959 in Sydney, Australia, John lived in DB for over 20 years and was an integral part of the community. A largerthan-life character who loved his family, John got on well with everyone and had an especially good rapport with children, shown through his role as one of the DB Pirates junior coaches. He and Claire were keen supporters of women’s breast cancer awareness and organised many fundraisers throughout the years.

John was farewelled at a memorial service at St John’s Cathedral on August 20. Claire has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the DB community and expresses thanks on behalf of Jack and herself for the outpouring of sympathy, support and love.

16

September 2015

Photo courtesy of DC

IN&AROUND DB

RUN HONG KONG RUN BOOK SIGNING Bookazine, DB North Plaza

r 26

mbe Septe

DBEAR FAMILY FUN DAY

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

DB Plaza Get involved in the DBear Family Fun Day, 11am to 6pm, and do your bit to help raise funds to name and support Discovery Bay’s very own moon bear. The day offers live music and a presentation acknowledging the winner of the DBear t-shirt competition, with the winning design on sale. Entry is free.

Look out too for the DBear charity booth at the September 20 flea market in DB Plaza.

September 26

Photo courtesy of Crystal Lee

Get your copy of Run Hong Kong Run signed by the author, from 4.30 to 5.30pm. The children’s book is about a horse that learns about sportsmanship and friendship on the way to winning the Hong Kong Marathon. Crystal Lee, who lives in DB with her marathon-running husband Stefano Passarello, was inspired to write the book by her three-year-old son, and she hopes it will encourage kids to lead an active lifestyle.

r 26 and

e Septemb

28

Photo courtesy of Animals Asia Foundation

MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS Throughout Discovery Bay

Tai Pak Wan is the place to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, with seemingly the whole community gathering to eat mooncakes and show off their lanterns. DBRC members can also get into the festive groove at the club from 8 to 10pm. For more information, call the DBRC on 2987 7382. er 27 Septemb

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP at Nim Shue Wan on the 26th, organised by HK Cleanup, Plastic Free Seas and DB Green as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, from 1 to 4pm. You can also help tidy up Tai Pak Wan after the MidAutumn Festival on the 28th from 8 to 10am. For information, head to www.dbgreen.org or www.hkcleanup.org.

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September 2015

Photo courtesy of DBRC

ONE TO ONE SMALL GROUPS CLASSES

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR EDUCATION JOIN THE ITS ONLINE SCHOOL Real-time, fully interactive online classroom.

Personal learning account accessible 24/7.

Tutorial support and full-time courses available.

Operated from our accredited schools in Hong Kong.

Flexible timings from the comfort of home.

Save time and travel costs and lower your carbon footprint.

www.itseducation.asia

In Hong Kong since 2005

Pathways to Learning ITS Central: 3rd Fl., Sun House, 181 Des Voeux Road Central Tel: 2116 3916 ITS Tsim Sha Tsui: 5/F, Cameron Plaza, 23-25A Cameron Road Tel: 2116 3258 info@itseducation.asia www.itseducation.asia If it’s education, it’s ITS HK Reg. No.: 566985

14012015 SIS AD.indd 1

Adress: G/F , EMAX, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong

1/26/2015 11:33:20 AM

JOIN the Free-Jumping REvolution!

Open Hours: Sun –Thurs: 9am – 9pm Fri – Sat: 9am- 12am

for more info & to book now FREEJUMPING RE VOLUTION

WWW.BOUNCEINC.COM.HK or call us at 2556 9555 bounceinc.com.hk

IN&AROUND DB

SAVE THE DATE DC FAMILY FUN DAY Discovery College

ber Octo

18

Photo courtesy of Life Cycle

CYCLE CHINA FOR CHARITY

Get set for this year’s DC Family Fun Day, which is sure to keep the whole family entertained with music, games and face painting.

The commercial and charity stalls offer up a great pre-Christmas shopping opportunity. If you are interested in renting a stall (HK$500 for DC parents or staff, HK$1,000 for others), contact Koren Thomas on korenthomas555@me.com or visit the DC PTA shop at the school.

28 mber e v o N

Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, China Discovery Bay resident Steve Chitty is calling on all DBers and Lantau residents to get involved in Life Cycle’s upcoming cycling adventure and help make a difference. Life Cycle supports four charities – Who Will Village, Cambodia Charitable Trust, Hagar International and Sala Bai – helping people affected by poverty and human rights abuse. The Fujian Cycling Adventure will take you on a family-friendly, five-day tour through the character-filled Guangdong and Fujian Provinces. To register, contact Steve Chitty at info@lifecycleasia.org or on 6492 7040; for more information, visit www.lifecycleasia.org.

Photo courtesy of DC

Elly beauty of HSE

Graduated from ITEC of London UK with years of experience working as a therapist beautician in Hong Kong.

All services including waxing & hot stone.

Acne skin or all skin type treatment with high frequency, microccurent anti-ageing and lasers.

Please call today for you appointments 5217 0102

Omega 3

Antarctic Krill

from the world’s finest source Available in DB at Just Green or at bodyawakening.net

Performing Arts courses taught by industry professionals!

BRAND NEW COURSES ADDED Performing Arts camp Friday 3.30-5.30pm aged 7-11

A challenging fun course including acting, singing and dancing.

The Performance Team

Friday 5.30-7.00pm aged 12 plus with experience

A highly demanding course for those older students who wish to push their performance skills to their maximum.

ALL COURSES OFFER AN END OF TERM PERFORMANCE AS WELL AS ONE FULL PRODUCTION IN A PROFESSIONAL THEATRE EACH YEAR! For more details about the courses on DB then please contact Emma at emma.performersstudio@yahoo.com or on 9225 6775 All courses held in the North Plaza All places are offered on a first come basis and entry to The Performance Team may require an audition.

AquaBlu Marine You only live once

Contact us for an alternative lifestyle!

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution Pleasure Craft Cruisers Super Yachts

傅 耀 宗

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

Telephone: Paul (852) 6017 7802 / Karen (852) 5145 3966 Email: Oceanblu@netvigator.com

* No commission is charged to buyers Covering: Discovery Bay | Gold Coast | Aberdeen | New Territories

IN&AROUND DB

LANTAU EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IMAGINE PEACE FESTIVAL Treasure Island, Pui O Beach

Enjoy live music, yoga, art and plenty of good vibes at the Imagine Peace Festival, held to celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. Organised by Imagine Peace, an organisation founded by Lantau resident Kay Sugisaki and committed to building peace and community in Hong Kong, the festival is run entirely by volunteers and will be raising funds for the Nepal relief effort. For more information and to buy tickets (starting at HK$220), visit http://www.ticketflap.com/imaginepeacefest.

-20

OPEN PLAY SESSION

For more Lantau events, read Life on Lantau Aug/ Sep issue in print or online

ESF Kindergarten, Tsing Yi The soon-to-open ESF Kindergarten in Tung Chung is holding an open play session for all children born in 2012. As the Tung Chung venue is yet to open, it will be held at the ESF Kindergarten in Tsing Yi. To find out more, contact Betsy on 3572 8533 or kinder@tc.esf.org.hk. ber 27 Septem

er 19

emb Sept

Photo courtesy of ESF

www.imaginepeace2014.com

LANTAU 2 PEAKS

SALOMON LT 70

Lantau 2 Peaks is on the horizon and registration for this 23-kilometre trail run is a must. Men and women over the age of 18 can compete in this gruelling race, either individually or as a team of two or four. Visit www.actionasiaevents.com for more information and details on how to register.

Be sure to secure your spot now for the ever-popular Salomon LT 70, a 70-kilometre race for individuals and teams of four along the Lantau Trail. Up until October 9 registration includes a race shirt, so head to www.lantaubasecamp.com and sign up.

31 ber o t c O

Start: Tung Chung

ber

Octo

4

Photo courtesy of Action Asia Events

22

September 2015

Start: Mui Wo

Photo courtesy of Lantau Base Camp

W

NE

IN

DB

We’re all about pregnancy: before, during and after!

Come and visit our new DB Centre Stay in DB in a warm and confortable environment to get support from our professional team making your pregnancy a wonderful experience with our: - Doula - Pre or Post Natal Yoga - Qualified Hypnotherapist and Sophrologist - Qualified Nutritionist - Clinical Psychologist

You can book now on our online schedule! Both in English and French

Help and advice provided by:

- Sophrology therapist Aude Mahoudeau - Doula and yoga instructor Jeanne Hauguel

Playgroups in

DB

BRIGHTSPARKS PLAYGROUP, PARKRIDGE VILLAGE

18 months to 3.5 years, 9632 4287, brightsparksdb@gmail.com

A fun, safe and interactive environment that nurtures children’s creativity and self-discovery. Afternoon phonics, cooking and art classes for kids aged 3+ years are also offered.

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, GREENS

20 months to 4 years, 9511 2107, info@earlyadventures.net, www.earlyadventures.net A long-running playgroup with bright and spacious facilities. A warm and caring environment where children are offered exciting and interesting activities, so they can achieve their full potential.

FUNFIT, CLUB SIENA

6 months to 3 years, 6302 6327, info@funfit.hk, www.funfit.hk An active learning programme which helps develop children’s balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and much more. The focus is on caring for kids’ future health and fitness.

Contact: 6256 0406

www.centreforpregnancyandnewborn.com

LITTLE EXPLORERS, PHASE 1

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

POSITIVE STEPS, DB PLAzA

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

PLAYTIME KIDS, CHERISH COURT

15 months to 4.5 years, 9054 0565, playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com A well-established playgroup, run by a Montessori-trained teacher with lots of experience. A great, supporting, stimulating and loving environment for little ones to learn from.

TREE OF JOY, PENINSULAR VILLAGE

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

WOODENTOTS, DB PLAzA

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

BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

DISCOVERY BAY, TUNG CHUNG & SOUTH LANTAU ART AND MUSIC Clement Art SChool, tung Chung 9021 1502, clementartschool@hotmail.com, www.clementart.com.au Clement Art School offers a step-by-step method of learning how to draw, in which children are supported by experienced teachers.

Classes are held in Seaview Crescent.

DB glee, DISCoVerY BAY jetshk@rocketmail.com, www.dbglee.com Within this fun, community singing troupe, the junior groups are for kids aged 4 to 11. DB Glee is run by Jane Engelmann, a fully qualified and experienced teacher, musician and actress.

DANCE DAnCe For JoY, tung Chung 9264 8597, dance4joyhk@gmail.com, www.danceforjoyhk.com Fun and engaging dance and fitness classes, including Funky Dance, Hip-Hop and more! Dance parties for birthdays and other special events are available.

Dmr SChool oF BAllet, DISCoVerY BAY 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com Children, aged 3 and up, and teenagers have the opportunity to learn to dance in a professional and enjoyable environment in DB Plaza. The full schedule covers a wide variety of styles from Ballet and Tap to Modern and Jazz. eDge ‘n PoInte DAnCe Centre, tung Chung 6688 2167, admin@edgenpointe.com, www.edgenpointe.com Edge ‘n Pointe offers quality kids classes in Ballet (using the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum), Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and Zumba.

Future StArS DAnCe ACADemY, DISCoVerY BAY 2987 6867, melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com, www.futurestarsdanceschool.com Dance classes based on the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) requirements are conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment. hong Kong SChool oF hIghlAnD DAnCe, DISCoVerY BAY highlanddancehk@gmail.com, www.highlanddancehk.com Students learn the traditional highland dances, and they also learn the history about how the dances came about. Training sessions are held every Monday at Island Dance Studio in DB Plaza.

ISlAnD DAnCe, DISCoVerY BAY & muI Wo 2987 1571, dance@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk Island Dance offers a variety of dance classes for students aged 18 months to 18 years. Dance styles range from Disco Freestyle and Funky Tap, to Ballet and Hip-Hop.

DRAMA ACtIng AntICS, DISCoVerY BAY 8122 9475/ 6842 8092, admin@actingantics.com, www.actingantics.com In Acting Antics classes, children, aged 4 to 12, enjoy acting, singing, fabulous costumes and performing live! Every student gets a role with dialogue, while building self-confidence and communication and presentation skills.

24

September 2015

DRAMA FAuSt InternAtIonAl, DISCoVerY BAY 2547 9114, info@FaustWorld.com, www.faustWorld.com Faust offers drama and theatrical education through weekly drama workshops that develop self-confidence and teamwork in a fun filled learning environment for ages 3 to 18.

EDUCATION mInDFulneSS mAtterS, DISCoVerY BAY & muI Wo 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com Angie Bucu, certified mindfulness instructor, is offering Mindfulness Matters courses for children, aged 9 to 11, and teenagers, aged 12 to 15. Mindfulness can help youngsters to pay attention and concentrate more fully, notice what is going on in their minds and bodies, stop and calm down, and regulate their emotions.

SAKurA KIDS, tung Chung 6674 6194, sakura.kids.hk@gmail.com Sakura Kids offers Japanese lessons for kids with native Japanese teachers. Educational tools include flash cards, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, songs and dance. the StorY StuDIo, DISCoVerY BAY, tung Chung & South lAntAu 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio is for children who love writing stories and for parents who would like their children to improve their writing skills and explore their own, unique creativity.

WISeoWl homeWorK CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 9522 3297, info@wiseowl.com.hk, www.wiseowl.com.hk Wiseowl takes the stress out of homework by providing private tutoring for kids aged 4 and up. All teachers are qualified and have years of experience in primary and secondary levels.

FITNESS AeroKIDS, DISCoVerY BAY 9154 6841, Kylie@AEROkids.hk, www.AEROkids.hk A sport aerobics and dance fitness programme aimed at children and teenagers, AEROkids is a fantastic way to improve fitness, flexibility and coordination.

DArumA JuDo CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 6244 6093, darumasports@gmail.com, Daruma Judo Club Facebook page Judo classes for adults and children aged four and up are offered at Discovery College. Training takes place every Monday and Saturday. emBoDY For KIDS, DISCoVerY BAY 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk, www.embody.hk Fun, fit, flexi and fab! Embody for Kids in DB Plaza offers kids, aged 3 to 11, the chance to learn Yoga and Pilates. Yoga for teens is also offered. hong Kong SChool oF CAPoeIrA, DISCoVerY BAY 6846 0789, hongkongcapoeira@gmail.com, www.capoeirahk.com The art of Capoeira, a Brazilian dance/ martial art is open to children aged 3 to 17. The focus is on balance, flexibility, strength and coordination.

FITNESS KIPmoVIn, DISCoVerY BAY & tung Chung 6180 3256, thomas@kipmovin.com, www.kipmovin.com KIPMOVIN provides fitness and running classes for kids aged 5 and up.

moVement ImProVement, DISCoVerY BAY 2987 5852, admin@movementimprovement.com.hk, www.movementimprovement.com.hk Movement Improvement is offering new kids Yoga classes at its studio in DB North Plaza. Kids Aerial Yoga teaches important Yoga principles, plus supported, inverted and upside-down poses, in a bright and fun environment.

SPortSmAnShIP, DISCoVerY BAY 9705 2608, sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com The Sportsmanship gymnastics programme focuses on boosting children’s confidence, health and physical fitness. the hIt room, DISCoVerY BAY 6621 7410, info@thehitroom.com.hk, www.thehitroom.com.hk Focusing on key motor skills such as coordination, strength and agility, the HIT Room’s child programmes aim to make getting fit fun. Kids, aged 6 to 11, are taught the importance of making healthy choices and taking a disciplined approach to how they treat their bodies.

YD tAeKWonDo KoreA, tung Chung 2337 9992, inform1@ydtkdkorea.com, www.ydtkdkorea.com Teaching self-control, self-esteem, positivity and confidence, YD Taekwondo Korea aims to help students achieve their best.

Classes, for kids aged 4 and up, are held at Coastal Skyline.

TEAM SPORTS CAnterAno FootBAll CluB, South lAntAu 5611 2490, info@CanteranoFC.com, www.canteranofc.com Canterano provides professional football training with a Latin style, which is fast, fun and dynamic. It also offers educational initiatives, such as Eat Like a Pro, Say No To Drugs and The Leader in Me for the overall betterment of young players.

DISCoVerY BAY AngelS FootBAll CluB, DISCoVerY BAY chairman@dbangelsfc.hk, www.dbangelsfc.hk The only all-girls football team in DB, Discovery Bay Angels Football Club (DBAFC) is a community-run club, open to all girls between the ages of 6 and 14.

DISCoVerY BAY CrICKet CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 9011 1319, jcadiscoverybay@hotmail.com, www.dbcricketclub.com Discovery Bay Cricket Club is an internationally acclaimed club providing a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability can thrive.

DBeeS ICe hoCKeY, DISCoVerY BAY 9743 6384, dbeesicehockey@gmail.com, www.dbeeshockey.com DBees is a non-profit, community-based ice-hockey team for children aged 5 and up. It caters to all skill levels.

TEAM SPORTS hK DrAgonS FootBAll CluB, DISCoVerY BAY, tung Chung & South lAntAu 2987 4274, office@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk HK Dragons is Lantau’s premier football coaching company.

It welcomes all players aged 3 to 21 for challenging, fun and interactive lessons. lA CAnterA FootBAll CluB, tung Chung 5410 1092, office@lacanterafc.hk, www.lacanterafc.hk La Cantera aims to create an enjoyable, professional atmosphere where young players can learn and develop. Coaches focus on nurturing skill and talent. tInYtotS SoCCer, DISCoVerY BAY 3488 7724, info@tinytots.com.hk, www.tinytots.com.hk Tinytots is a professional sports-play programme designed to help children, aged 16 months to 5 years, develop social skills and physical fitness. Classes are at DB Community Hall. tung Chung rugBY CluB, tung Chung tc.rugby.fc@gmail.com, www.tcrc.org.hk A parent-led inclusive community rugby club for girls and boys aged 4 to 12. Cantonese and English speaking coaches help foster a warm community spirit.

VIKIngS FootBAll CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 9533 2600, vikingshk@outlook.com, www.vikings.hk Run by an English Football Association qualified coach, Vikings FC provides professional soccer coaching for kids aged 18 months to 8 years.

WATER SPORTS AquA gYm, tung Chung 2914 0658, info@aquagym.com.hk, www.aquagym.com.hk Aqua Gym triathlon school combines swimming, running and cycling. IRON-kids Aquathon is for children aged 8 plus, swim classes are for babies, pre-schoolers and 4 to 7 year olds.

DISCoVerY AmAteur SWImmIng CluB, DISCoVerY BAY discoveryasc@gmail.com, www.dbswimclub.com Community-run DASC holds swim meets for children age 6 plus every Friday, from 5pm to 6.30pm at Discovery College pool. eSF ShArKS, DISCoVerY BAY 2711 1280, swimming@esf.org.hk, www.esf.org.hk/esf_sports With professional coaches and individualised attention, the ESF Sharks swimming programme provides a positive and fun experience for all levels. Kids learn to swim or improve their skills in the Discovery College pool. hArrY WrIght InternAtIonAl, DISCoVerY BAY 2575 6279, swimming@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk Established in 1975, Harry Wright International offers a successful programme of swimming lessons and training for children.

Classes are held at Club Siena. treASure ISlAnD, South lAntAu 2546 3543, surf@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com Treasure Island offers an Adventure Camp, with outdoor sport activities for 8 to 15 year olds, at various locations on Lantau.

There’s also an over-night camp at Treasure Island’s private campsite (usually from Thursday to Friday).

OTHERS

DISCoVerY BAY PIrAteS rugBY FootBAll CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 2517 8248, admin@dbpirates.com, www.dbpirates.com DB Pirates is a non-profit rugby club that welcomes boys and girls, aged 5 and up, for rugby and hockey. It has a Mini section (U6 to U12) and Colts/ Youth section (U13 to U19).

CAISSA CheSS CluB, DISCoVerY BAY 9681 2896, contact@caissahk.com, www.caissahk.com In addition to regular club-meet activities, Caissa organises various chess events throughout the year, including open tournaments, matches, chess clinics and training.

DB tIgerS BASeBAll, DISCoVerY BAY info@dbtigers.com, www.dbtigers.com DB Tigers is a parent-run, non-profit organisation for players of all abilities, aged 5 to 13. It runs a baseball programme for 8 to 13 year olds.

DISCoVerYlAnD, DISCoVerY BAY 2441 0098, info@discoverylandhk.com, www.discoverylandhk.com Hong Kong’s largest indoor adventure playground keeps families entertained year round. It’s a great party and team building venue, with monthly and annual passes available.

September 2015

25

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

of Bookazine, Shonee Mirchandani, co-owner talks shop Discovery Bay in DB North Plaza,

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

Tell us something about your business.

Bookazine is a family-run business started by my parents, Mohan and Nisha, 30 years ago.

Initially it was something for my mum to do as a hobby; now there are eight stores across Hong Kong. I started working at Bookazine in 2002 and took over running the business with my sister, Arti, when my father passed away in 2003. We opened Bookazine, Discovery Bay in DB North Plaza in September, 2014.

What’s the secret of your success?

We try to go out of our way for our customers, and we help authors get established and suppliers grow their businesses. We also try to be flexible with the wonderful team of people who work with us.

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

We often have customers who ask us things like: “Do you have that book? I can’t remember the name, but it has a green cover.” The funny thing is, nine times out of 10, we are able to find the book for them!

Which well-known businessperson inspires you?

As much as I learn from reading about famous entrepreneurs, I would say my father, who was a natural leader. He was incredibly well-loved by the Bookazine managers and all the authors and customers who met him. Whenever I face a business challenge, I think about how he would handle it and that gets me through.

Tell us three things you enjoy outside work.

I love throwing myself into a good book. Usually that is whenever I’m travelling, which is my second favourite thing to do, alongside indulging in my third passion – good food!

How do you see your business looking in five years?

Photos courtesy of Shonee Mirchandani

We’re constantly evolving as a brand to reflect our customers’ needs and tastes. In December 2014, we opened a brand-new concept store in Central, called Partytime, for anyone needing party accessories. Ultimately, our customers will continue to be the main focus of whatever we do.

Call Bookazine, Discovery Bay on 2987 1373, email bookazinedb@yahoo.com, or visit www.bookazine.com.hk.

Asia Contemporary Art Show HONG KONG 2015

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

Win tickets to see LA SOIRÉE YOUR PRIZE: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is offering three readers, two A-reserve tickets (worth HK$795 a ticket) to see LA SOIRÉE at 7.30pm on September 16.

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

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

COMPETITIONS

In what year did Embody open?

How many times has LA SOIRÉE been performed in Hong Kong?

Photo courtesy of Embody

Get fit with Embody Photo courtesy of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions

FIND THE ANSWER: Making its Hong Kong debut from September 16 to 20 at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai, the Olivier Award-winning circus-cabaret show LA SOIRÉE is simply not to be missed. Offering astonishing acrobatics and mind-bending feats that will leave you in awe, the show has thrilled crowds in all corners of the globe. For tickets starting at HK$395, visit www.hkticketing.com or call 31 288 288.

YOUR PRIZE: Embody in DB Plaza is offering two readers the chance to win a combination of five Pilates, Yoga and Zumba classes valued at a total of HK$650 per package.

FIND THE ANSWER: The only studio in Hong Kong to offer classic Pilates and use Peak Pilates equipment, Embody offers Yoga, Pilates and more. Since opening in 2008, Embody has focused on providing its clients with specially designed classes to cater for bumps, babes, kids, tweens, teens and adults. For more information, call 6624 8712.

Asia Contemporary Art Show giveaway YOUR PRIZE: Asia Contemporary Art Ltd is offering six readers ‘money can’t buy’ double VIP invitations to the Asia Contemporary Art Show being held at the Conrad Hong Kong from October 8 to 11.

How many artworks will be exhibited at the Asia Contemporary Art Show?

Photo courtesy of Asia Contemporary Art Show

FIND THE ANSWER: The seventh edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show will see more than 60 galleries from 17 countries exhibiting some of their finest works. There will be over 2,000 artworks on show by well-known artists and emerging talents alike, including paintings, sculptures and photography. For tickets, starting at HK$220 for two if bought before the show, head to www.asiacontemporaryart.com or  www.hkticketing.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Lisa Tsang and Estelle Davies for tickets to see What the Ladybird Heard, and Jonathan Leung and Leung Chi Ping for Singin’ in the Rain tickets.

September 2015

31

COMPETITIONS

Hit the field with the Vikings YOUR PRIZE: Vikings Football Club is offering three readers, six one-hour football coaching sessions (valued at HK$900 per package) for children aged two to 12.

Where does the Vikings Football Club run its sessions?

Experience the wonder of KidsFest 2016 YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions is offering two readers, four A-reserve tickets (valued at HK$435 each) for a show of their choice at KidsFest 2016 in January and February next year.

What are two of the shows that make up KidsFest 2016?

Photo courtesy of Vikings FC

FIND THE ANSWER: Run by DB resident and English Football Association qualified coach Richard Hainsworth and a team of professional footballers, Vikings Football Club offers football coaching sessions for Mini Vikings (aged two to four years) and Pro Vikings (five to 12 years) both inside and outside at Discovery College. For more information, contact Richard on 9533 2600 or vikingshk@outlook.com.

Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

FIND THE ANSWER: KidsFest 2016 is set to be huge, with a plethora of entertaining shows being put on, mainly at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wanchai.

Old favourites Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs will be joined by Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo, amongst others. For tickets, starting at HK$195, visit www.hkticketing.com or call 31 288 288.

OPEN DAY September 8, 2015 Tour Schedule: Early Years 9am-10.30am Primary 11am-12.30pm Secondary 11am-12.30pm Please book in advance, as places are limited.

You are also very welcome to make an appointment to visit at other times.

The Open Day will include opportunites to meet our outstanding students, talk to the school's senior leadership team, as well as a tour of the school to experience teaching and learning in action.

To confirm your interest, please visit:

www.dbis.edu.hk/399 or call 2987 7331

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is a very special international community school. Situated in the heart of the wonderful community of Discovery Bay, our students enjoy a distinctive learning journey that begins in the Early Years, progresses to Primary and culminates in the Secondary section.

The DBIS student experience is characterised by a highly personalised learning environment, creative approaches to teaching and learning, and a broad range of extra curricular activities.

At the heart of our education philosophy are the values of care, cooperation, consideration and respect. Our talented teachers aim to ensure every student is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their individual potential. We are a learning community committed to the constant pursuit of excellence in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our students.

Please do come and visit, see the school and meet both the teachers and students. It is the only way to get a feel for the unique DBIS atmostphere.

Paul Tough Head of School

Coming to Discovery Bay this September!

d ite m es e!

Li c bl a pl ila a av

New weekly Saturday drama groups from September 17th 2015 at Discovery Bay International School 10.00am to 12.30pm Ages 4 - 5 Group DB1

Ages 6 - 7 Group DB2

With qualified and experienced leaders, unrivalled resources and over 15 years of experience, we offer the best in drama and theatrical education

2.00pm to 4.30pm Ages 8 - 11 Group DB3

Ages 12 - 16 Group DB4

“You have a wonderful programme that does a world of good for kids” Faust Parent

Contact us now to reserve your child’s place for this September Call 2547 9114 or email info@FaustWorld.com Call 2547 9114 Email info@FaustWorld.com Visit www.FaustWorld.com

FaustHongKong

5 Floor, Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan th

PROFILE

BON

VIVANT

Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com

Charming and challenging in equal parts, chef Philippe Moriau keeps things old school at Brasserie 22° North, a DB Plaza favourite, writes Elizabeth Kerr

34

I

t’s a bright morning after a short rainstorm and chef Philippe Moriau is mulling over some paperwork in his restaurant.

Damp cushions are piled high around Brasserie 22° North, a homey eatery in a tucked away corner of DB Plaza, but Philippe looks remarkably relaxed, cool even. That calm demeanour belies an emphatic temperament that has him waving his arms and telling it like it is – often hilariously so, when he gets to talking about food.

September 2015

And it’s certain he knows his stuff.

A 15-year resident, Philippe’s first DB venture, still going strong, is the catering/ cookery course provider Chef Pour Toi. 22° North got off the ground in 2010.

Calling DB home The self-trained Belgian-born FrancoItalian chef (“That doesn’t make me a nice person,” he deadpans) landed in the SAR after a stint in Cape

Town from 1992 to 1996, just as South Africa was cultivating a true service sector in the wake of Nelson Mandela’s election. Cape Town then wasn’t the chic, cosmopolitan holiday destination it is now, and Philippe considers himself fortunate to have seen its emergence. Best of all?

Meeting Mandela himself – twice.

“Of all the people I’ve met in my life he was probably the most charismatic, amazing person,” Philippe says. “He

PROFILE

writer-chef Auguste Escoffier, who was all about unfussy dishes, Philippe has no problem calling out industry nonsense. Regarding the proliferation of trendy steakhouses, where a rib eye runs to HK$800, all he offers is a baffled: “Really, guys? You’re being ripped off.”

Molecular cooking, which he thinks was born out of frustration, despite a professional admiration for the technique behind it, elicits a dismissive: “Do I want to eat a fillet that tastes like foie gras that has no foie gras in it? No. If I want foie gras, I’ll order foie gras.

You can’t reinvent hot water, so you have to invent something else.”

Celebrity chefs are also on Philippe’s list of culinary curiosities. “Where is Robuchon? Why do I pay prime prices and then extra when he comes [to his restaurant in the Landmark in Central] and cooks once a year?” he wonders.

“That makes food like clothing. You’re paying for the brand name.”

Do not, under any circumstances, ask Philippe’s opinion on “the greasy sponge with cheap ingredients on top” that is pizza here, or about salting food before even tasting it.

Classic home cooking

Chef Philippe Moriau takes a break from cooking in 22° North

just had that indescribable aura; he radiated something even though he said very little.”

Flash forward to 1996 and Philippe’s arrival in Hong Kong, where he met his former partner and the mother of his 15-year-old daughter, Julia. “I’m happy Julia was raised here because it’s such a cosmopolitan society,” he says.

“She’s at Discovery College and she has a fantastic life in DB.”

Culinary commentary Since he’s been in Hong Kong, Philippe has developed plenty of criticisms of the restaurant industry – as well as the related property sector, government policy, labour laws, lack of industry training, credibility of the Michelin guide in Hong Kong and consumers too willing to accept sub-par food.

But he keeps his most pointed comments to food. A proponent of

It’s misleading if all that makes Philippe sound like a curmudgeon.

He’s quick with a joke and possessed of a sly wit. The comments about him on local food forums bandy words like ‘charming’ and ‘welcoming’, and as impossible as it is to please all the people all the time, 22° North’s – and Philippe’s – personality is grounded in genuine connection.

“On any given night I know 85% of our clientele by name. We know their kids, we know who’s got a new job, we know everything about them,” he says. “And that’s quite nice compared to a restaurant in a big shopping mall, where in a year seven people come through the door more than once.

Where’s the satisfaction in that? My job isn’t just to feed people. That’s easy.

September 2015



35

PROFILE My job is to ensure they leave here and say: ‘This was a pleasant experience’.”

Awards and press clippings aren’t motivators for Philippe; sharing his “reasonable understanding of what’s edible” with DB is. With so many influences going into what he considers good food, Philippe cleaves closely to tradition, serving up the comforting stalwarts grandma would have served. “We’ve had fusion, we’ve had molecular cooking and on and on.

Nobody does that at home,” he says. “If no one does it at home, it’s not a trend that’s going to stay.”

Pleasure comes first Cooking aside, Philippe has been doing some personal reprioritising recently following a heart attack a few months ago. “It was terrifying and frustrating

because I didn’t know what it was,” he recalls. “I’m taking things easier now, realising there are a few things I won’t be doing ever again. But one thing I’m going to do more of is sport – I enjoy sailing and playing rugby, occasionally for the DB Pirates.”

In line with keeping things more relaxed, Philippe has no intention of relocating to Central or SoHo, where he could have a higher profile and find more conventional success as a restaurateur. “What’s the point? Do I want to become one of those massmarket food factories? When I opened 22° North, I’d been here for several years and I knew a lot of people. Putting my face on the restaurant was part of the reason it worked. Because people knew me,” he argues with a knowing smirk, admitting plenty of DBers probably steer clear because of him too.

Find more local heroes

Ultimately, Philippe is staying put simply because he still enjoys being in the kitchen and seeing his regulars, and he remains philosophical about success. Pleasure comes first.

“Do what you enjoy and occasionally you’ll see a reward,” he says. “It may be less than you’d like; we can’t all climb Mount Everest and we can’t all be Bill Gates. But we can enjoy every day.”

Find it • Brasserie 22° North, www.22north.com.hk • Chef Pour Toi, www.chefpourtoi.com

@ www.arounddb.com

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School of Ballet Est 1984

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams�- Eleanor Roosevelt At DMR , we help make those dreams come true Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay HK

2987 4338

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

IN FOCUS

RUBBISHING Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org and by www.evoqueportraits.com

THE NAYSAYERS

38

DB is awash with recycling bins, clearly labelled paper, plastic, metal and glass. But what of the rumours that the items we sort simply end up in one of Hong Kong’s three overworked landfills? Beverly Au reports

M

any people I know in Discovery Bay refuse to separate their recyclables from their rubbish, largely because they believe our recycling programme is failing at the point of collection. The main reason for this is that (grey) recycling bags are sometimes thrown together with (black) rubbish bags on the collection trucks and the sceptics among us assume the whole lot is headed straight to a local landfill.

September 2015

You only have to talk to DBer Dana Winograd of DB Green, however, to be assured that this is not the case.

“Proper recycling does happen in DB,” she says. “So much so that after a night out I have been known to carry my recycling back home to DB, so that I know it will get recycled.”

Increase your recycling rate DB Green has in fact been working with Winson (and before that Swan),

the contractor in charge of waste collection in DB, for many years, to ensure that our recycling programme is top-notch. Winson has a training programme for its staff, which includes recycling, and the company takes it very seriously.

“DB Green, along with DB’s Environmental Protection SubCommittee, a sub-committee of City Management, has over the years followed the recycling trail to its

IN FOCUS

The less we recycle, the more stress we put on our landfills, which are expected to be full by 2020

next destination after DB and we can assure you that it does happen,” says Dana. “Anyone can go to the rubbish sorting station across from the Mui Wo/ Peng Chau Ferry Pier in DB to see this for themselves.”

Addressing the concern that bags of recycling get sent to local landfills along with bags of rubbish, Dana says: “The recycling is only picked up on its own a certain number of times a week (dependent on location), while

the rubbish is picked up daily. If there is a lot of recycling on other days, the cleaners will bag it in a grey bag and send it off with the other rubbish (in black bags). The grey bags are put on a truck with the black bags simply to get them out of the way – not every location has enough storage space.

“This is not a problem,” Dana continues. “I have witnessed the cleaners separating these bags at the the rubbish sorting station.”

Make good use of separation bins Paper, metal and plastic separation bins are located at all DB villages, either on each floor in the rubbish rooms, or in the basement. For some low-rise blocks and houses, the separation bins are located on the roadside nearby.

Glass recycling bins are also available at all villages but only at the bottom of the buildings or nearby, as it is not safe for cleaners to have to transport large amounts of glass from individual floors.  September 2015

39

IN FOCUS

Separation bins in DB Plaza for recycled plastic, glass, paper and metal

Paper is collected from the villages on Mondays and Thursdays, plastic on Sundays. Metal is collected by the cleaners themselves, and the cleaners tell the foremen to have the glass bins emptied when they are full.

There are separation bins all over DB, including both plazas, and here Dana warns that those at the DB bus stops are the least reliable. “People are generally not separating properly in these locations,” she says. “The bins at bus stops are not well labelled, so it’s easy to mix up the recycling.”

Waste that is not recycled goes to landfill and, as many of us are aware, the three Hong Kong landfills are set to be filled by 2020. In order to drive this message home, Discovery Bay International School has labelled its non-recyclable rubbish bins: ‘Landfill’. “Hopefully people will think about what they are throwing into the Landfill bin, and be reminded to recycle if possible,” says Dana. “They might also think about the waste they are creating, and whether there is a way to reduce that waste, thereby sending less to the landfills.”

How to recycle effectively It’s essential of course that we use the separation bins properly, and know what can and cannot be taken away for recycling. It is not the job of the cleaners to sort through the bins

40

September 2015

should their contents get mixed up, or if we are attempting to dispose of nonrecyclable items.

Residents should note that recycled paper and plastic is clean, meaning it’s free of paint, oil, plastic and food residue. Remove the plastic window from envelopes, don’t try to recycle plastic coated paper (no disposable coffee cups), and don’t put your newspapers in a plastic bag.

Cardboard boxes should be flattened and left next to a paper separation bin. CDs and DVDs are recyclable as plastic but try to dispose of a number at the same time so that they can be collected together.

Most metal items can be recycled – soda cans, food cans, pots, curtain rods, chair frames – but all need to be clean. Similarly, glass jars and bottles are acceptable, as long as they are rinsed and have had their lids removed.

Items that are non-recyclable include polystyrene, and windows, mirrors, light bulbs and (glass) dinner or cookware. Milk and juice cartons (sterile, aseptic containers) are not recyclable, neither are crisp packets or candy wrappers (made from a combination of plastic and metal).

Correction fluid, medicine containers, aerosol cans and chemical containers are not recyclable. 

Priority No. 1: waste reduction By now proper source separation of recyclable materials should be second nature to us but first and foremost, we need to reduce the amount of waste we create.

Worldwide, most plastic water bottles (and other forms of packaging) end up in landfills, incinerated or in the ocean – they are not recycled. To ease this problem, DB resident Tracey Read of Plastic Free Seas recommends: “Bringing your own bag to the shops, carrying your own water bottle and not buying plastic disposable bottles, saying no to straws and plastic disposable cutlery, and making the choice to buy products with less packaging.

“The government has plans to start charging for any waste that isn’t recyclable,” Tracey warns. “It is therefore in everyone’s best interest to cut back on non-recyclable waste, while recycling what they can. To find out more, visit www.wastereduction.gov.hk.”

IN FOCUS

Where your recyclables end up So what happens to all our recycling once it’s been assembled at the DB rubbish sorting station? Again DB Green and Plastic Free Seas have the answers.

“Glass is crushed in DB with a special machine and taken to the glass recyclers,” explains Dana. “Metal is sold by individual cleaners for cash, and paper generally has a high enough value to be exported for recycling in other countries.”

for more plastic processors to open up in Hong Kong.

China’s Green Fence policy limits the type – shredded only – and amount of plastic that it will import for recycling.

While some of the higher value plastic recycling from DB gets exported, the rest is stored, waiting for either a change in the Green Fence policy, or

“The challenge with used plastic is that the purchase value is not high.

Unsorted plastic is especially low in value,” Tracey notes. “Although it might seem that recycling plastic is not worth it given the Green Fence policy, the more clean plastic that

Proper source separation of recyclables is key

Find more topical local topics

is separated properly, the more cost effective it will be for the recyclers to get it processed.”

Find it • DB Green, www.dbgreen.org • Plastic Free Seas, www. plasticfreeseas.org

@ www.arounddb.com

Natural Medicine For Families in DB

IMI is a trusted health clinic for natural and integrated medicine. We draw on the wisdom from different medical and healing traditions, and combine modern medical sciences and diagnostics to offer effective and lasting health solutions.

Our herbal dispensary offers an extensive range of natural and health products carefully selected, tested and recommended by our practitioners. These include clinical-grade wholefood supplements and remedies, herbal superfoods, natural skincare, high quality air and water filters and more.

Services offered in our Discovery Bay clinic: • Naturopathy & Homeopathy

• Osteopathy & Cranial Sacral

• Sports therapy

• Clinical nutrition

• Medical tests

• Naturopathic detox & weight loss

• Japanese Acupuncture

• BodyTalk

• Reflexology

• Psychotherapy and counselling

Visit our clinic in North Plaza or call 2537 1087 for more info.

Web: www.imi.com.hk

Email: receptiondb@imi.com.hk

Location: G-02, Office Block Two, North Plaza, Discovery Bay

Illustration by Fred Boot; photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org and Yifan Mandarin

FAMILY MATTERS

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September 2015

FAMILY MATTERS

MASTERING MANDARIN Cantonese may be Hong Kong’s unofficial official language but it is Putonghua that our children need to pick up as early as possible.

Rebecca Tomasis reports

P

utonghua is the official language of mainland China where it attempts to unite over one billion people. It is also the official language of Taiwan, and one of four official languages in Singapore. While Cantonese is the dominant language in Hong Kong, the official languages are listed somewhat vaguely as English and Chinese, with Chinese encompassing not only Putonghua but Cantonese and any number of different dialects as well.

Putonghua, however, has been a compulsory subject in Hong Kong’s government schools (where Cantonese is still the medium of instruction) since 2005, and from 2008 it was made compulsory in the majority of ESF schools. Most, if not all, international schools in Hong Kong teach Putonghua and many have dramatically increased the amount of exposure their students have to the language since 2007.

Cantonese is not taught to international school students.

wanting their children schooled in the language.

Post-handover, many believe children will need Putonghua to stay competitive in Hong Kong’s employment market. Noting that Cantonese is spoken only in Southern China, DB-based parent Eva Lam takes this idea a step further. “Putonghua is not simply going to give Hong Kong children an edge locally, in the corporate world,” she says. “It’s rapidly becoming a minimum requirement for anyone wishing to stay competitive in the global market.”

This is a driving factor for many parents who seek to ensure their children use their time in Hong Kong to learn Putonghua. According to DB parent Ya’ara Delgoshen: “Putonghua will benefit children in their future careers regardless of where they eventually end up. It will also help them connect with people as they travel around the world later in life.”

Long-term benefits

Picking up Putonghua

In the 2001 Hong Kong Population Census, a third of us listed Putonghua as one of our spoken languages; by 2012, this number had risen to 48%.

As the number of people who speak Putonghua in Hong Kong rises, so does the demand from parents

Countless studies have shown the benefits of language learning for children in all areas of their life.

Children with several languages have been shown to have keener memory skills and are able to respond better to problem solving activities. Knowing

several languages is also believed to delay the onset of brain related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Parents and educators alike agree that the earlier children are exposed to new languages, the more proficient they are able to become. Studies suggest that children are born with the natural ability to pick up the rules of pretty much any language they are exposed to, whereas with adulthood this ability decreases.

This is something Ya’ara can relate to. She recently took up Putonghua lessons herself, believing it would help motivate her own children in their learning. Despite the fact that she already speaks several languages, she feels she would have found learning Putonghua much easier as a child.

On the plus side, for learners of all ages, Putonghua has fewer tones than Cantonese (the number of tones in both languages is constantly a matter for debate and ranges from four upwards) and is thus a slightly easier language to master. The fact that Putonghua has its own phonics system and that educators make use of pinyin in their teaching also seems to make it easier to pick up. Easier but not necessarily easy.

Hong Kong parents are united both  September 2015

45

FAMILY MATTERS

Putonghua is best learnt in dedicated environments

in their desire to ensure their children learn Putonghua and their acceptance that it is by no means an easy language to learn. Kids use their Cantonese on a daily basis but opportunities for them to apply their Putonghua in Hong Kong are few and far between. Many children struggle to understand the relevance of the language to their lives.

If neither parent speaks the language, the challenge becomes even harder.

Our eight-year-old son has Putonghua lessons every day, and has done since he was five. Putonghua homework is a battle every time, and we find our inability to help him very frustrating.

Our pronunciation, he complains, is always wrong or we are using a word incorrectly. We are unable to distinguish between the characters and certainly unable to help him write or form them.

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September 2015

Extra-curricular classes Fred Jiang of the Mandarin Chinese Classroom in DB believes that a tutor or extra-curricular classes are a must for children who do not have Putonghua-speaking parents at home.

This is a sentiment I share. “Learning Putonghua is reliant upon interactive and interesting teaching methods including reading, storytelling, and games,” Fred says. “The key is both to attract and hold the children’s interest.”

Kate Zhou, director of Yifan Mandarin in DB North Plaza and Central, says that parents’ expectations for their children’s Putonghua learning have changed considerably in the past decade. “Until 2007, most parents were happy if their children managed to pick up some vocabulary and learnt to sing a few songs,” she says. “But in recent

years, expectations have changed.

Parents now want their children to speak Putonghua as a second, third or fourth language. A smattering of vocabulary and a few songs are no longer enough.

“Language acquisition comes,” adds Kate, “when children are encouraged to speak a language as much as possible.

In Hong Kong, where opportunities for children to use their Putonghua are not easy to find, dedicated environments, such as summer camps, homework clubs or art classes, need to be created.”

Suggestions for parents Learning Putonghua is easier if you already know Cantonese, and vice versa. So there’s a lot to be said for our using our presence in Hong Kong 

FAMILY MATTERS

to learn Cantonese with our children.

Kids see the relevance day to day and hopefully pick it up quickly. Putonghua acquisition comes next, and at a much quicker pace.

Needless to say, by making regular trips to mainland China or Taiwan, we can encourage our children to use their Putonghua language skills in context, and more frequently. In addition, we need to offer them plenty of interesting learning materials.

Putonghua storybooks, textbooks, workbooks and CDs are all easy to find locally.

The key is ensuring children get the support necessary to enable them to stay motivated and engaged in what can be a challenging subject. Zhu ni haoyun!

In the Yifan Mandarin classroom in DB

Find it • Mandarin Chinese Classroom, jiang60719643@yahoo.com • Yifan Mandarin, kate.zhou@yifan-mandarin.com.hk

Find more child-centric stories

@ www.arounddb.com

ADVERTORIAL

SCHOOL SELECTION and ADMISSIONS

By Anne Murphy (Cohen)

O

ne of the most problematic tasks for parents is getting their children admitted to a school of their choice – this is not easy, even at the tender age of four.

There is no dearth of international schools in Hong Kong but thanks to the population explosion, the number of students is increasing every year.

Admission: Years One and Seven

Photo courtesy of ITS Education Asia

Admission at Year One is generally based on an interview. The main objective of the interview is to observe children’s character, ageappropriate skills, English ability and overall readiness for ‘big school’.

Other qualities examined are children’s interest in puzzles, books and classroom activities, their ability to understand what the teacher says and their receptiveness.

Children are observed on their recognition of letters, food, colours, shapes, animals and common objects. They may also be asked to recite nursery rhymes, or do basic letter and number tests. General questions asked include: What is your name, what are your mum and dad’s names, where do you live, how old are you and do you have a brother or a sister. Kids may also be asked

their teacher’s name, which games they like to play and the name of their favourite book.

Year Seven admission is made on the basis of a written test and interview.

The written test is generally taken in English and Maths, plus Mandarin at bilingual schools. A few schools also opt for an aptitude test, so be sure to check in advance.

Schools put a strong emphasis on previous academic reports and comments from teachers on prospective student’s behaviour, strengths and overall academic ability.

Preparation tips What goes on around your children is of immediate concern. Try to stimulate their curiosity about their environment, so as to develop interest and knowledge. Be sure to provide children with every opportunity to develop their creativity – never try to curb their urge to learn new things, or to learn more about something that interests them.

Help your children develop morally, mentally and physically, not by force but through love and care. Focus on developing good habits, social attitudes and manners.

School selection A large number of parents who clamour for their children’s admission to a popular school do not stop to think what they are actually looking for. Research has shown that character is determined by early education, so an institution which puts an emphasis on character building may well be preferable to one known to produce bookworms.

It is impossible to find a school which will impart all the qualities of character to children in full measure. My advice is to select a school which instils the maximum number to the greatest degree possible, remembering that a great school is one which inspires children and broadens their outlook on life.

it Find For more information on school interviews and international school admissions, contact Anne Murphy (Cohen) of ITS Education Asia at anne.m@itseducation.asia, or visit www.itseducation.asia.

September 2015

49

TALKING POINTS

DB DIVAS Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

Real estate agency OKAY.com expanded to Discovery Bay in March this year and right now, it’s in the capable hands of five super-talented DB ladies. Melissa Stevens reports

50

From left: Jeanette Thorsen, Natalie Leslie, Michele Cameron, Nina Schulte-Mattler and Dragana Zankel

September 2015

TALKING POINTS

T

here are two clichés about what happens when you get a group of women working together.

Scenario one is that of a supportive network of women, who are more like friends than colleagues, the other is of a minefield of competitive and underhanded behaviour.

Happily, the new Discovery Bay branch of real estate consultancy OKAY.com, which boasts a staff of five women, is definitely an example of the former scenario. There’s plenty of laughter and some good-natured teasing when the team get together for their weekly meetings. But don’t be fooled by the light-hearted banter – these talented and accomplished women mean business.

Hailing from around the globe, the five DB residents have diverse professional backgrounds which include engineering, architecture, sales and marketing, economics and property, and between them they can speak more than 10 languages.

Natalie Leslie Residential division associate director Natalie Leslie has experienced a rich and varied career. The keen cook and baker was a Navy aircraft engineer for eight years, then began working for a helicopter manufacturer before arriving in Hong Kong.

After her initial stint in the city, Natalie returned to her native UK to run an import/ export business, and later spent some time living and working in Phuket, Thailand. Shortly thereafter, she returned to Hong Kong, and has been a part of the real estate industry ever since.

“I’ve worked in DB real estate for more than six years – and worked in relocation on Hong Kong side for two years. When OKAY.com said they wanted to branch out into DB, I jumped at the opportunity,” she explains.

For the last eight years, Natalie and her family’s home base has been DB, with children now scattered around the globe to study.

Nina, Dragana and Jeanette Consultant Nina Schulte-Mattler, a former architect, moved to Hong Kong from Germany with her pilot husband in 1997 – just two weeks before the handover. The couple stayed for a month in a serviced apartment in Taikoo Shing, then moved straight to DB. Mother-of-three, Nina gave up architecture to have her children, who are now aged 12, 10, and seven and all at school in DB. When it came time to return to the workforce, she followed her natural interest in design, before deciding to focus on property and learn more about the sales side.

Nina came to OKAY.com after a year with another realtor, attracted by the flexibility of the DB role, which allows her to manage her schedule to be available for school pick-ups and afterschool activities.

Dragana Zankel, a qualified economist, also says the flexibility of her consultancy role is appealing, as it allows her to spend more time with her 12-year-old daughter. “When I moved to Hong Kong I was working in transport and logistics, but last year I came to a point in my life where I just wanted to start something new,” she adds.

Dragana, a native of Croatia, came to Hong Kong following a six-year stint in Vienna. She arrived in 2006 and has lived in DB ever since.

Consultant Jeanette Thorsen has spent 21 years in Asia. Originally from Denmark, she was working as a key account manager for Scandinavian Airlines when she arrived in DB 14 years ago with her Danish husband and their two children, now 17 and 19.

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Much of Jeanette’s time in DB has been spent running her own business, selling imported children’s sportswear throughout Hong Kong.

Attracted by the dynamism of the real estate industry, and missing direct involvement with clients, she decided to pursue her personal interest in the property market and turn her hobby into a career by joining the OKAY.com team this year.

Michele Cameron The fifth member of the team, Michele Cameron, has just notched up a decade as a DB resident. Michele, a mother of two girls, grew up in Geneva, and is fluent in four languages.

Like so many DB residents, Michele moved to DB because of her husband’s job – expecting to stay just a few years, the family fell in love with the lifestyle and community.

Michele launched HK Boats and Homes a year after she arrived in Discovery Bay, and she says her involvement with OKAY.com was a natural evolution. “This year I felt it was important to expand into homes,” she explains. “I have sold 81 pleasure craft since 2006, and some of my clients were looking to move on land, so I felt it was the right time to merge with an established firm.”

All passionate, long-term residents, the team of five can certainly talk the talk when it comes to representing Discovery Bay to prospective clients.

And while there is room for staff expansion, it appears the DB branch of OKAY.com will remain, for now, a bastion of girl power.

Find it • www.OKAY.com

@ www.arounddb.com

September 2015

51

MONEY MATTERS

LOVE ACTUALLY Last year, the Hong Kong Government amended the law regarding the enforceability of pre and postnuptial agreements.

How legally binding are they and should you consider one?

DB resident Steve Corbin reports

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

N

o matter what you do in life, planning is often the key to making it work. With this in mind, an increasing number of couples are opting to sign pre and postnuptial agreements. By so doing, they are choosing to make plans for what will happen to their assets should their marriage end.

The contents of these formal, written agreements, entered into by a couple before or after their nuptials, vary considerably. They commonly include provisions for division of property, child maintenance and access arrangement, and spousal support in the event of divorce.

Planning ahead In theory at least, pre and postnuptial agreements are there to protect both spouses, the richer and the poorer, in the event of a marriage break-up.

Tiger Woods’ divorce in 2010 brought the issue firmly into the spotlight.

Known at the time to be worth over US$2 billion, Woods is rumoured to have given his former wife ‘only’ US$100 million when they split. This was thanks to a solid prenup.

Approximately 50% of all marriages in Hong Kong end in divorce and, when the legalities kick in, the starting financial point for the courts

is a 50:50 share of all property and assets. Therefore, if there is a marked imbalance in the relative wealth of the two parties, they may be well advised to sign a prenup. This means a bride or groom who brought their own assets into a marriage – such as a family-owned company or an inherited fortune – will not lose 50% in the event of a divorce.

Prenups are particularly useful for those starting a second marriage or marrying later in life. They allow people to ring fence what they brought into the marriage from an earlier relationship, and ensure that they can pass it on to their children from that relationship.  September 2015

53

MONEY MATTERS Married couples tend to draw up a postnuptial agreement in the event of a change in their circumstances and especially to protect the weakest financial side.

Consider this fictitious case study.

When Mary and Tom Driver got married in Canada 10 years ago, they had no assets or children, though both were working, and so there was no prenup. The couple relocated to Discovery Bay two years ago, at which time their financial situation changed.

Mary gave up working in order to bring up their kids, and Tom was receiving a healthy salary. Mary wanted to ensure that in the event of a divorce, she would be in a good position financially.

Therefore the couple signed a postnup to ensure that, should they separate, they would both know how their assets and income would be split.

A viable option It’s clear that having everything laid out in writing in advance should speed up a divorce and help avoid rancour.

But until June last year Hong Kongers often decided against making pre or postnuptial agreements because there was no guarantee they would be upheld in court. Recent developments in the law have made these contracts much more viable.

In June 2014 the case of SPH v SA [2014] 3 HKLRD 497, (2014) 17 HKCFAR 364, decided by the Court of Final Appeal, brought Hong Kong into line with England and Wales in regards to pre and postnuptial agreements. As such, Hong Kong courts will now generally honour any pre or postnuptial agreement freely entered into by both parties.

This does not mean that all pre or postnuptial agreements will be upheld, nor are they automatically binding.

It’s essential that each party had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice before the agreement was signed and that they entered into the agreement voluntarily. The court will consider whether the terms of the agreement meet everybody’s needs, including

those of any children, and will check to see that all assets were disclosed at the time the agreement was signed.

Given recent court rulings, people can assume that pre or postnuptial agreements will be upheld unless they are shown to be significantly unfair to either party. A further aspect to consider is that it is unlikely to matter where an agreement was signed, provided its validity is not in doubt.

Avoiding legal battles The divorce rate in Hong Kong is spiking at an alarming rate. From 1986 to 2009, the number of divorces increased by 299% (from 4,257 to 17,002) and in 2011, there were 21,000 applications for divorce.

Without a pre or postnup, the way you come out of a divorce can be something of a lottery and if you don’t have an upfront agreement, the legal battle can be timely and costly. While setting up a pre or postnup agreement costs between HK$10,000 and HK$20,000, 

Pre and postnuptial agreements are designed to help avoid rancour in the unhappy event of a marriage failing

54

September 2015

Thomas Kiprotich Founder Tel: 852-6180-3256 www.kipmovin.com thomas@kipmovin.com

8 week training program for

DB 10km Charity Run begins September 16th Beginners to Advanced welcome For details please contact thomas@kipmovin.com Like us on facebook to keep up-to-date with KIPMOVIN Tel: +852 61803256

MONEY MATTERS a couple may pay millions of dollars in legal battles if no agreement was reached before the separation.

One of the longest running divorce cases in Hong Kong, that of William Allen and his then wife in 1994, took six years to complete. A further 10 years of legal arguments followed. In 2011, in the biggest divorce settlement seen in Hong Kong, Samathur Li Kin-kan was ordered to pay his wife HK$1.22 billion.

The number of couples signing pre or postnups in Hong Kong has rocketed since the law was amended in June 2014. People are getting married later in life and are seeking ways to protect their accumulated wealth and inheritance in light of a rising divorce rate. This form of wealth protection may not be big on romance but it’s becoming a must for many.

es

nup claus

uliar pre Some pec

1. Husband pays wife US$2.8 million for each year they were married (Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones).

2. Husband provides wife with courtside tickets for all Lakers home games (Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom).

3. Wife gets a US$10 million lump sum, US$1 million per year of marriage, free use of the couple’s private jet and car collection (Beyoncé and Jay-Z).

4. Wife gets US$500,000 if her husband ever cheats on her ( Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel).

You can contact Steve Corbin, head of the Harvey Law Group’s DB office, at dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, or call 2416 8618.

To find out more, visit www.harveylawcorporation.com.

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ESCAPES

ENCHANTED

ISLES

Photos courtesy of Kate Whitehead and www.wikimedia.org

When you come from a land where we politely refer to smog as fog and have to have our stomachs pumped if we fall in the harbour, the Galapagos Islands are quite simply a paradise, writes Kate Whitehead

58

T

he Galapagos Islands, lying 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, are probably the most famous wildlife-watching destination on the planet. It was this remote, volcanic archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of natural selection and, 180 years since he arrived, it’s still possible to see much of the enchanting wildlife that captivated him.

The isolated terrain, now fiercely protected, shelters an incredible September 2015

diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else on Earth.

visits to these sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions.

Conservation controls

Each designated site has a marked trail that visitors must respect. Most trails are less than half-a-kilometre long, often passing over rough lava or uneven boulders. Some sites have wet landings (you wade to shore from skiffs) and others have dry landings (passengers step foot directly on dry land). The Galapagos National Park limits the number of visitors to each island and keeps a close eye on each tour ship’s itinerary.

The Ecuadorian government recognises that the Galapagos is an absolute gem and so conservation is paramount and wildlife tourism is strictly controlled. An impressive 97% of the land area is designated as national park and visits can be made only to specific visitor sites with certified naturalist guides. The Galapagos National Park coordinates

ESCAPES

The absence of natural predators on many of the islands means that the animals can live and breed without restriction

Conservation laws are tough but that’s not to say the Enchanted Isles (as Darwin called them) don’t have their issues. There are still occasional problems with illegal fishing and disputes over who should take responsibility for policing the waters. Invasive species – such as the feral goats that have stripped some islands of vegetation – have also wreaked havoc, although efforts are underway to control this.

And tourists themselves – about 170,000 a year – inevitably have an impact.

Such is the concern for the wildlife that an excursion to one of the stark islands – all lava rock, cactus and lush green highlands in the distance – is not unlike a trip to North Korea, well organised and strictly controlled.

But if that’s what it takes to keep the Galapagos in its pristine state, then it’s worth it.

own unique landscape and wildlife.

One island is best known for its birdlife, another for prehistoric-looking marine iguanas and yet another for giant tortoises. However, many species, such as sea lions, lava lizards and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, turnstones and whimbrels, are common at most visitor sites.

Getting around

The best way to see as much as possible is to book a cabin on a live-aboard boat. One such operator, Metropolitan Touring, pioneered travel to the Galapagos in the 1960s and now has  

The Galapagos is made up of 13 volcanic islands, six smaller ones and more than 100 islets, and each has its

September 2015

59

ESCAPES

three tour ships – the Santa Cruz, La Pinta and Isabela II. The ships vary in size, each has accommodation to fit most budgets and they all have packed itineraries, with activities ranging from snorkelling to hiking. In the evening, the ships up anchor and sail to another location, so that each day brings a new island to explore.

The naturalists on board the tour ships ask visitors to keep a 2-metre distance from the wildlife, but since the animals don’t know the rule this can sometimes mean shifting out of the way. Two sea lions cavorting in the shallows seem completely unconcerned by the people nearby and lumber out of the sea, moaning as they flop on the sand, totally relaxed. Lying on the beach, you might hear the swish of a marine iguana as it drags its tail over the soft sand. And wading into the sea, you might experience the thrill of seeing a penguin dive off a rock and dart past you, then circle back for another look.

In fact, one of the most surprising things about the Galapagos is just how fearless the wildlife is. The birds and animals give nothing more than a cursory glance to tourists. And the absence of natural predators on many of the islands means that those that have made it all the way to this remote spot can live and breed without restriction. It makes for some very laidback animals.

Kayaking off Santa Cruz

bird A red-bellied great frigate

A giant tortoi se

Hunkering down If you want a day or two to get back your land legs, or simply can’t face leaving the Galapagos, you can opt to stay ashore on the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana or Isabela and take day trips to nearby islands.

On the south-side of Santa Cruz, 27room Finch Bay Eco Hotel is an idyllic retreat. The simple rooms all have airconditioning and a hammock on the terrace overlooking the mangroves.

The staff is excellent and the hotel’s charismatic manager, Xavier Burbano de Lara, is quick to suggest activities,

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September 2015

View from Bartolomé Isla nd

though he’s also sensitive to the fact that some people may want to recuperate from a long journey or just chill.

Wherever you choose to stay in the Galapagos, you’re bang in the heart of paradise, and you’ll want to explore

a tour ship An iguana watching

it. A short kayak away you might find a sheltered cove where oversized plovers nest in the cliffs and you can catch a glimpse of a turtle as it surfaces briefly for air.

Be sure to make it to picturesque Genovesa Island, known as Bird Island 

ESCAPES

because of the many and varied bird species that nest there. Here you’ll spot blue-footed boobies tapping out their bizarre mating rituals, great frigatebirds flaunting their red bellies and gigantic gulls snuggling up in the crook of a lava rock.

Diving and snorkelling offer even greater rewards, bringing you nose to nose with fabulous tropical fish and rays. Even the sharks are friendly in these Pacific waters – they don’t eat people thanks to the abundance of tasty fish. Still, you have to steel yourself the first time you swim past a herd of white-tipped reef shark.

Make the most of your stay. This is your chance to explore on your own terms and see the Galapagos as Darwin did 180 years ago.

Diving with whale sharks

Planning a trip • The Galapagos is a terrific place to visit any time of year. Temperatures range from 21°-30°C. The warm season is from January to June, dry season is from July to December • During peak season (mid-June through early September and midDecember through mid-January) it is particularly important to make travel arrangements well in advance

Find more exciting travel destinations

@ www.arounddb.com

N E W YO R K

MOMENTS

SIGHT AND SOUND Organising a concert to help Hong Kong’s visually impaired get access to guide dogs is a cause close to Discovery Bay resident Tim Henderson’s heart. Sam Agars reports

A

determination to help Hong Kong’s visually impaired is driving Discovery Bay resident Tim Henderson’s organisation of a fundraising concert at St John’s Cathedral in Central. Taking place on October 12, the concert is one of a series of two featuring Japan’s Classic Arts Chamber Orchestra, with the first taking place in Tokyo on September 13.

player, before his disease put a stop to his sporting prowess and led him back to music. He now plays in a band and alongside his wife Stephanie Fung Sin Tung, an acclaimed concert pianist.

While the birth of their son Foster was the main motivation for Tim and Stephanie’s move to DB in May after 16 years in Central, Tim has personally reaped the rewards. “It’s easier to

The Hong Kong leg will have a distinct local flavour thanks to the participation of a number of DBbased members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Photo by www.evoqueportraits.com

Tim is currently operating with 20 degrees of vision, a third of that enjoyed by a person with full sight, and he is in the process of getting a guide dog for himself.

64

The concert on October 12, which will feature a solo performance by Stephanie, is expected to draw a crowd of up to 450 people. Tim hopes his DB connection will help ensure a strong showing.

“I can’t really be concerned about losing my vision,” says Tim, who runs his own 3D-design product development business. “I have to be more concerned about continuing with the day to day and making sure I make the most of every day. I’m really lucky that I’ve got something I can help out with and that we can make something great happen.”

“We figure we’ve got a great audience here,” he says. “It’s a Monday night, so we think it will be easy to get people to St John’s after work.”

Find it

The concert DB resident with his Seru Rabeni set toTim beefHenderson up DB Pirates’ playwife Stephanie Fung Sin Tung

Find more local heroes September 2015

Tim’s initial motivation to help the HKGDA came after he noticed the lack of visually impaired people on the streets. “There are around 160,000 visually impaired people in Hong Kong but I never see any of them out and about,” he says. “For the visually impaired, trying to navigate Hong Kong, especially the stairs in the MTR stations, is really difficult.”

According to Brian Francis of the HKGDA, there were no guide dogs in Hong Kong at all from the mid-1970s up until 2011. Rather incredibly, the number of guide dogs currently in use stands at just 10. Brian, who is in charge of training adult guide dogs at the HKGDA, is confident this number will grow in the near future and that funds raised at the upcoming concert will help ensure this happens.

Tim is working on the project with the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association (HKGDA). It is a cause close to his heart, since the 48-year-old suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that will eventually render him completely blind.

Educated in music in his youth, Tim was a skilled tennis and ice-hockey

get around,” he says. “I don’t have to have my cane all the time, whereas in Central it was really difficult.”

• Concert tickets, http://www. guidedogs.org.hk/en_shop.php • Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association, www.guidedogs.org.hk

@ www.arounddb.com

ISLAND VETERINARY SERVICES 離島獸醫服務 T: 2987 9003 F: 2987 8339

Louie Sham

Vaccinations Rabies Dog License Desexing Dental and Senior Pet Checks Digital X-rays and Ultrasound In-house Blood and Urine Tests Blood Tests for Overseas Pet Export 24 hour Emergency Consultants Referral to Affiliated Specialists Referral to Sister Clinic for 24 Hour Care (The Ark Veterinary Hospital) We are just a phone call away: ON CALL EMERGENCY NUMBER 9142 9709 ARK VETERINARY HOSPITAL 2549 2330

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ACTION

FIGHT CLUB Photos by www.evoqueportraits.com and Redd Baluyos, and courtesy of Epic MMA & Fitness and Daruma Judo Club

Tired of the treadmill and looking for a new form of physical release?

Time to start fighting to get fit, says Richard Cowley

66

O

ver the past 10 years or so martial arts have entered the mainstream as an alternative and hugely popular way of keeping fit. Talk to people in the plaza and as often as not they’re on their way to a Jiujitsu, Judo or kickboxing class, or extolling the joys of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques.

In DB and Lantau, we are not short of martial arts instructors with a number September 2015

of gyms and recreation centres offering classes. So what motivates people to get into martial arts? And what do they get out of it?

Fitness first The idea will sound insane to some: pay good money to get punched, kicked and/ or wrestled to the ground. But for many, the fighting is an (enjoyable) means to an end. The primary motivation is to get fit.

It’s a somewhat sweeping statement

but all the martial arts offer a superb cardio workout, focused on holistic fitness. Combat sports strengthen your core, and build whole body strength and stamina since so many different muscle groups are used.

As Akiko Uchiyama, director of public relations and marketing for EPIC MMA & Fitness in Tung Chung, explains: “The training involves many components and you have to be fit as well as flexible in order to progress.”

Students work on their speed, accuracy, coordination and power by

ACTION

Errol Samuels (left) of DB’s Blackout Boxing

practising different techniques and moves. “Even if you don’t become a champion, the training never gets boring or repetitive.”

Martial arts fans will tell you that getting fit in the ring or on the mat is far more interesting than doing circuits in the gym. The adrenalin involved when sparring with a partner trumps the boredom inherent in training on a machine. More than this, it’s not like jumping on the treadmill for 30 minutes and pumping away until your time is up. A martial arts fitness

session goes on until one fighter calls a halt, so you can potentially ‘train’ for a lot longer and push yourself further.

When you are engaged in physical combat, you don’t think about the physical exertion; the adrenalin keeps you going.

And what of the pain that a fight of any kind necessarily involves? For the martial arts enthusiast, leaving a session with multiple abrasions, even a black eye, is rather like a runner coming home with a pulled muscle or aching feet. It’s par for the course; no big deal.

Mind game While there’s no doubt that martial arts fans enjoy the physicality of the sport, they also speak of it as a mind game. As with chess, a good player is skilled at planning and strategising and pre-empting his opponent’s next move.

“Boxing is about testing your physical prowess, mental strength and technical skills against another individual,” notes Neil Bullock of DB Boxing. “It is a sport contested in a controlled environment  September 2015

67

ACTION

Jiujitsu training at Epic MMA & Fitness

On the mat at Daruma Judo Club

with a referee and a number of judges.

It’s not a violent sport, it is a physical contest, much the same as rugby.”

Successful martial artists rely on skill and strategy rather than brute force and aggression to win points.

That said, these sports are extremely physical – you are engaged in direct combat with your opponent – so it’s a primordial type of release. The thrill of physically dominating another person is not otherwise present in everyday life. As such, getting fit through martial arts has a real appeal for the otherwise

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September 2015

sedentary and super-civilised, whitecollar worker.

“When you step on to the mat you can put all your thoughts away and focus solely on your Judo,” notes Cedric Sum of Daruma Judo Club in DB. “Many of the adults in my group have taken up Judo in order to gain relief from the pressure and stress of their jobs.”

Of course with a martial art you also get to train with other people instead of by yourself. Students de-stress and compete to become more skilled in a social

With Cedric Sum (left) of Daruma Judo Club

setting that encourages progress. “We have a number of students who started with us in their 30s and 40s and during the training they cheer for each other and offer each other a lot of support.

This provides a sense of community and belonging,” Cedric adds.

Self defence The world, his wife and their children are being drawn into the world of martial arts and while getting into shape may be the main motivation, the ability to defend oneself is a useful by-product.



Adult classes now available every Monday 19:00 - 20:00 at Discovery College Children Schedule: 4-7 year-old Monday Saturday

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As kickboxing supremo Errol Samuels of DB’s Blackout Boxing says: “Let’s not leave out those who gain confidence from the arts. The confidence to stand up to many, when it would be easier just to agree; the confidence to face and do anything you want. There are no limits.

“When my latest kickboxing student joined me, I explained to him what my training entailed,” Errol adds. “He showed shyness towards sparring, and it seemed like he would never spar – not that I blamed him, facing another person who wants to hit you can be scary. But later he had his first spar and did an amazing job. He joined me for fitness, and was able to get a lot more from his training – confidence, which will help him during everyday life in the future.”

Mixed Martial Arts training at Epic MMA & Fitness

Find it • Blackout Boxing, errofit168@gmail.com • DB Boxing, DBayBC@gmail.com • Daruma Judo Club, darumasports@gmail.com • Epic MMA & Fitness, www.epicmma.com

Find more clubs and activities

@ www.arounddb.com

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HK HAPPENINGS

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Photo courtesy of Prime Asia

MO SHAH’S TEST PATTERN INFINITY Fabrik Gallery, Sheung Wan

1-21 r e mb

te Sep

In its first-ever photographic exhibition, Fabrik Gallery presents Test Pattern Infinity, an exhibition by renowned visual artist and photographer Mo Shah. Mo’s work reflects his interest in cinema, culture, history and music, with this particular display taking its inspiration from the test signals of early television. Contact Fabrik Gallery on 2525 4911 for more information.

WEEKEND BRUNCH Porterhouse by LARIS, Central

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

t hou g u Thro tember Sep

Photo by Edmund Leung of Kokai Studio

Porterhouse by LARIS recently launched The Definitive Weekend Brunch, a not-to-be missed culinary experience. Featuring a buffet and main course option (HK$388) and a buffet, main and free flow champagne option (HK$498), you can enjoy an extensive cold seafood station, a salad station and a charcuterie and cheese station.

Throw in a delicious dessert station and a choice of 10 main courses and there truly is something for everyone.

ONE-OFF HOLIDAY mber Septe

3

Throughout Hong Kong Take your chance to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War Two with a special one-off holiday. The Japanese officially surrendered on September 2, 1945, with China celebrating Victory Day the next day. The holiday allows Hong Kongers to participate in a range of yet-to-be-announced commemorative activities.

COMEDY FEST Throughout Hong Kong

With a line-up boasting international performers Gina Yashere, John Robertson, Roy Wood Jr and Ben Quinlan, among others, the ninth annual Hong Kong International Comedy Festival has something for everyone.

Held predominantly at the TakeOut Comedy Club in SoHo, one of the largest comedy festivals in Asia also features the annual Hong Kong International English Comedy Competition.

For information about the festival, the competition and to book tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.takeoutcomedy.com or www.hkcomedyfestival.com.

r mbe e t p Se -26 3

HK DARTS MASTERS

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central

ber Septem

4-5

www.oxfordstudent.com

Darts legends Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and Raymond ‘Barney’ Van Barneveld join other big names, including Royden ‘The Wolf ’ Lam and Stephen ‘The Bullet’ Bunting, at the Hong Kong Darts Masters. The first of its kind in Hong Kong, the event sees eight participants fight it out over a host of knockout rounds in a bid to be crowned champion. For tickets, from HK$499, visit www.ticketflap.com/hkdartsmasters.

September 2015

www.weshare.hk

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HK HAPPENINGS

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders er mb

www.wikimedia.org

RACE WALKING

te Sep

13

Chater Road, Central

Some of the world’s top race-walkers are taking to the streets of Hong Kong in the elite 10-kilometre race at this year’s MTR Hong Kong Race Walking. The event also features amateur walkers throughout its junior, senior, master and 3-kilometre categories. There are also corporate and inter-school competitions, so head to www.mtr.com.hk for details.

MID-AUTUMN MOONCAKES Throughout Hong Kong With the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 27 fast approaching, head to one of these retailers to grab your delicious traditional mooncakes.

1 Fook Lam Moon offers classic,

HONG KONG CLEANUP Throughout Hong Kong

Join the 15th annual Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge and do your bit to help deal with the serious rubbish issue facing the territory. Families, groups of friends, companies and organisations can sign up for one of three different challenges (city, country or coastal), while there is also the new zero-waste challenge aimed at corporations. Visit www.hkcleanup.org for information on how to enrol.

5 ber 2 m e t Sep tober 11 - Oc

www.dbgreen.org

MUSE LIVE!

AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

www.madbuzzhk.com

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

Fresh off a sold-out season in London’s West End, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions’ Singin’ in the Rain is ready to take Hong Kong by storm. With all the charm and romance of the iconic movie coupled with 12,000 litres of water, this is an unforgettable show not to be missed. For tickets, starting at HK$445, head to www.hkticketing.com.

September 2015

3 The Mandarin Oriental

cake shop’s wide selection of mooncake delicacies are yours for the asking at 2825 4008 or www.mandarinoriental.com/ hongkong.

4 The Peninsula’s mooncakes are

some of the most highly sought each year and you’ll find them at http://hongkong.peninsula.com.

er 28

emb Sept

British super-band Muse is set to electrify Hong Kong as part of a wide-ranging tour to promote its recently released album Drones.

Formed in Devon in the mid-90s, Muse is world-renowned for its live performances and is sure to deliver one of the best shows to hit Hong Kong this year. Hits from the chart-topping new album, the band’s seventh, include Dead Inside and Mercy. For tickets, starting at HK$780, visit www.hkticketing.com.

74

2 Kee Wah Bakery prides itself on the

supreme standard of its mooncakes.

Drop into one of more than 50 outlets throughout Hong Kong or visit www.keewah.com.

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

er 191 b m r te Sep vembe - No

mini and signature mooncakes.

Call 2363 8810 or visit www.flmfinefoods.com to place an order.

www.muse.mu

Photo courtesy of Fook Lam Moon

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DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

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

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Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Eugenia Chow (#hugefanofdb)

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our challenge this month is to create a buzz on Instagram.

The prize goes to the person who tags @around_db with the most photos, using hashtag #adbinstabuzz. You have until the 10th of this month to enter, so get tagging!

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

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

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

Note that if you rent your home, you need insurance to protect yourself from public liability lawsuits. And if you have a mortgage, your bank may demand that you take out both fire coverage and mortgage protection insurance.

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

But be sure to shop around. When you receive your annual renewal statement, check to see if you can snag a better deal elsewhere.

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

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

MY OFFER: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice, and check that you have the right product at the right price.

CONTACT ME: 9811 1554, kailash_k3@hotmail.com, kishus@i-cable.com.

RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1

25/03/2013 4:13 PM

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME SERVICES

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

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

EXPERT MOVER

Sunday 1pm.

4/F Discovery College.

Visitors welcome. Call 9029 1851

EMPLOYMENT

LANTAU-BASED COURIER

Michael, HK resident, seeks a post as a courier, delivering mail/ small parcels throughout HK. Call 9145 6731

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

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

FINANCE & INSURANCE

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS 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

- Japan qualified – skilled piano technician in DB

MULTICULTURAL TRAINING, CONSULTATION, COUNSELLING & HYPNOSIS

32 years’ experience in USA & HK • Corporate school training • Programme consultation • Parents’ workshops • Counselling for all ages (individuals, couples, families & groups) • Hypnosis • Bilingual in Cantonese/ Mandarin & English • Culturally sensitive, empathic & motivational • Integrate Western-Eastern holistic mind-body-spirit modalities Contact Mary S. Cheung, M.S., C.C.H.T., Trainer, Consultant, Clinical Counsellor & Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (UCB, CSUEB, HTI & ACHE) Discovery Bay & Central office locations 6048 6578, mcheung10815@gmail.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/marycheung

• Mover • Storage • Handyman Competitive rates.

Professional quality service.

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

KIDS EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

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

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

PETS

THE PLACE WHERE THE PETS GO - PETCODB

Grooming & Pet Care Services.

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

Contact 2914 0382, info@petcodb.com.

Visit www.petcodb.com

DOG SERVICES

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

100% safety record over the past 11 years.

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

RETAIL ABBELIO WINES

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

Free delivery & special offer for Discovery Bay residents.

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

DB MARINA CLUB DEBENTURES

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

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

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

We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters; Creating a good sound to make harmony with your heart!

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

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

Looking for a business? www.arounddb.com

September 2015

79

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Dream Home, Dream Barbeque

Meet our Customer of the Month

Char Siu Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

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

80

September 2015

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

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com TRAVEL

THE RED LANTERN

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

concoRdE TRAVEL

Leisure Travel & Cruise specialists since 1978.

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

Licence No 350343

TUITIon & coURSES

LEARn SPAnISH

Native speaker, DELE examiner.

Experienced teacher.

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

Flexible schedule & locations.

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

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

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

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

Birth & Postnatal Support Antenatal Classes Breastfeeding support Placenta remedies

MAndARIn cHInESE cLASSRooM

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

Any level/ time/ purpose.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

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

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

Jeanne Hauguel

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

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

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

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

MUSIc TUToR

Experienced international school teacher, UK conservatoire trained with 17 years successful teaching experience & excellent exam result record.

Available to tutor in international exam boards, ABRSM Music Theory & Cello, plus GCSE/IB/AL Music Tuition. For rates, contact 6076 6740, or debsinhk@hotmail.com

September 2015

81

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

PROPERTY DB

MODERN 1-BEDROOM FLAT

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

Spacious open layout on a quiet, high floor.

Shower & fully equipped kitchen, washer/ dryer.

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

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

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

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

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

Call 9108 5525

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

Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2

COSY NEW 1 BEDROOM

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

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

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

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

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED

53’ SAILING YACHT, LANGKAWI & THAILAND

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

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

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

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

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

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

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September 2015

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

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

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

Wireless internet access, sala, bar & BBQ area.

Fully equipped kitchen with laundry area.

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

Importing all natural, handmade products from small British producers

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

est. 2009

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

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2109 0036 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2109 1927 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 2330 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 3969 1888 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000

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

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

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

3147 4088 2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

LEARNING CENTRES

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

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 9045 2914 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2109 4962 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2984 0222 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 5465 5511 5662 8552 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Asian Hairdressers Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 8733 3661 1694

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 9156 0360 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

PROPERTY AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

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

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

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

6108 3400 2984 0060 6108 8471 9025 3949 3114 0030 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza Beautiful Gate BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2323 0738 2259 3422 2987 9909 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 9879 0469 2259 3422

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

9327 0507

Playtime Kids DB

2812 2660 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

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

2987 4401 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

FINANCIAL SERVICES HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2233 3000 2987 1851

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

LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

9632 4287

Future Stars Dance Academy

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

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

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

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September 2015

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

OTHER SERVICES

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

Harvey Law Group Previously Midget Gems Kids Club 6341 5764, www.positivestepsplaygroup.com positivestepsplaygroup@gmail.com

Tree of Joy A playgroup offering a variety of fun classes to children from 14months to 3years+ under a nurturing and enriching environment.

9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com www.treeofjoydb.com

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

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

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

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

MULTIMEDIA

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

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

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com Art is a Verb, North Plaza Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

Around DB’s October issue is coming out

October 1

2682 8099 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 2987 9644 6302 6327 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143 2987 8143 2987 4217

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

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

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

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

AQUABLU

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

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

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza 2885 1312 info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Berliner

2987 2298 2295 8288 2987 8203

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Café McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Salt & Pepper Solera Subway Super Super The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zaks

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

2987 0966 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2172 7099 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2336 8001 2555 0772 2914 0005 2914 1308 2777 8411 2682 0068 2682 8110 2987 6232

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

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

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

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

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

Tinytots

Bayside Aquatics

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

3488 7724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk

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

9725 3142 www.baysideaquatics.hk

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

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

DARUMA SPORTS Offering Judo classes for adults & children at Discovery College & Community Hall 6244 6093 darumasports@gmail.com

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

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

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES

Discovery Bay Cricket Club An internationally acclaimed club which provides a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability, can thrive.

Tel: 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

Babyland Bo Bo House Discoveryland Toysland

2997 8080 2987 4230 2441 0098 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

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

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

Limousine Rental

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

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay 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

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

WELLBEING

Sportsmanship

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

DB NUMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

2987 0614

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

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

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

View the business directory

@ www.arounddb.com September 2015

87

OUT THERE

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Reporting from DB to the Pyrenees and back, Peter Sherwood discusses the value of victimhood

W

e need not suffer in silence while we can still moan, whimper and bellyache. I don’t usually complain, other than to be interminably annoyed by people who do, and particularly those who whine about the weather. It’s too hot, cold, wet or windy. But that’s what weather does. Every day. Otherwise we would call it a vacuum. Or death. You might as well whinge about gravity. The universal truth about weather is that it is better than none at all. End of discussion.

genuine and substantial beefs, the real deal and not just trashy gossip.

Pyrenees penance For instance: After a few weeks hiking in the Pyrenees recently with friend Carina, I said (not complained) that my aching bones could use a hot tub.

It was the weekend of the French Open tennis and we crossed into La Belle France, to find a cheap hotel with TV. The hotel was fine and the bath spacious, except to save on hot water, there was no bathplug.

Photos courtesy of www.travelbllgr.com

Neither do I wish to malign anyone by expressing thoughts and feelings portraying myself as a victim, but a wider world should acknowledge my agonies. We whiners need to share our burdens in the irrational belief that it will lighten the load.

88

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 16 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter September 2015

Onward, upward then another long, hot soak. For a week we hiked, each day from a different cheap hotel, while I carried the only backpack to look my macho best. On day eight we stopped for the ritual bread, Camembert and a little vin très ordinaire. I removed the pack and sat it on a log, while Carina unzipped the bottom section to retrieve baguette and bottle. Out with a thud fell the rock.

I didn’t complain. Well, not then, but I am now because a grumble of such deserving magnitude needed to marinate a while. Carina had stowed the stone in my backpack in case we found another tub, and forgot it.

Thirty hours I hiked with this gigantic, hernia-inducing thing.

Call me a whiner but the alternative is for me to shut up. That would mean this page would never get written – and I’d be a victim of myself.

According to a delusional side of human nature, misery really does love company, so the worse I can make you feel, the happier I become. That’s the twisted logic.

We thrive on all the sympathy we can get, with the hallucinatory idea that those who appear appropriately saddened by our gripes could actually give a damn.

This is why so many conversations begin with, “I don’t wish to complain, but…” Yes of course, we wish to complain. Most people moan about nothing, but you and I, we have

Coming down from a hike the next day, I spotted a big round stone of around 2 kilogrammes. I took it back to the hotel where I filled the bath, placed the perfectly fitting rock over the hole then laid back in ecstasy. (As I remember, a half decent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was chilling in the bidet.)

@ www.arounddb.com