Around DB September 2020

Leo Bartu-Hong: Meet the kidpreneur with magic powers

Tips for investors:

How to profit from the coronavirus markets Stress management through mindfulness Feng shui to put you in the command position

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS Join your community online at www.arounddb.com

SEPTEMBER J U LY 2 02020 20

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

SEPTEMBER 2020

PROFILE - 22 Meet children’s entertainer Leo Bartu-Hong

IN FOCUS - 26 Playing the market in a time of pandemic

EDUCATION - 30 How mindfulness can help you beat stress

ESCAPES - 40 Armchair travel: Seville and Granada

RECIPES - 44 It’s barbecue season! Here’s how to grill to perfection

26 REGULARS

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk

AGENDA

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HELP LINE Support for FDWs

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DB EVENTS

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GEOMANCY Introductory feng shui

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GIVEAWAYS

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DB FACES In and around the plaza

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CLASSIFIEDS

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OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

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LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER DB magician Leo Bartu-Hong, 11

We also publish…

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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Meet the kidpreneur with magic powers

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ESSLIN TERRIGHENA UNLEASHES TAILS ANIMAL RESCUE

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Tips for investors:

How to profit from the coronavirus markets

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MUI WO:

Stress management through mindfulness Feng shui to put you in the command position

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS Join your community online at www.arounddb.com

SEPTEMBER J U LY 2 02020 20

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, SHOP

Photo by Col Sim

AND HANG OUT PLUS: A HIKE OVER ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN TO TAI O

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS

Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

WIN!

A signed copy of Hitchhiking to Hong Kong

by Tom Gorman

FREE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

SPONSORED CONTENT

Okooko by European Bedding invites you to sleep right in pure eco-luxury

S Photos courtesy of www.europeanbedding.hk

pending more time at home and in bed, and still struggling to get enough Zs? Now’s the perfect time to pay more attention to one of the most (if not, the most) important pieces of furniture in your home – your mattress! Concerned that you’re getting a greater exposure to toxic chemicals in your bed than anywhere else? Investing in a mattress and other bedding products made of luxurious eco-friendly materials will ensure you rest easier.

In your pursuit of the ultimate night’s sleep, look no further than Okooko by European Bedding, a Belgian company, with a store in

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Central, that focuses on natural and sustainable bedding products. Its Heveya® mattresses are made of 100% natural organic latex, tapped from organically grown rubber trees that grow free of pesticides and fertilisers. Heveya® mattresses are made without any springs, synthetic foams or glue, which means you don’t need to worry about toxic off-gassing and electromagnetic radiation issues.

Heveya® organic-latex mattresses are also the perfect solution for people who are prone to allergies.

The latex core is breathable due to its open cell structure and pinhole design. This ensures perfect

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

moisture regulation and enhances the mattress’ natural ventilation capabilities. Dust mites, mould and bacteria simply don’t thrive in natural latex. In addition, Heveya® mattresses are incredibly easy to clean since they are encased in a sustainable bamboo cover which is easy to remove and wash.

Recommended by chiropractors, latex mattresses are well-known for the excellent support and comfort they provide. Due to its elasticity, latex conforms to your body shape, promoting good spinal alignment.

Heveya® organic-latex mattresses are designed with seven comfort zones which correspond to each

section of the body’s curvature in order to promote good spinal alignment. This in turn helps alleviate back pain. Body pressure is also well distributed, which results in better blood circulation and allows your body to relax fully.

Available in multiple levels of thickness and firmness, Heveya® organic-latex mattresses cater to all kinds of builds and preferred sleeping positions. What’s more, each kingsize mattress is customisable with dual firmness options. With one firmer and one softer side, both partners can enjoy the personalised body support that suits them individually. No more compromising!

Of course, there’s more to a conducive sleep environment than a great mattress. You also need to pay close attention to your bed base, pillows and bed linens. At Okooko by European Bedding, you can find adjustable, slatted bed bases made of FSC-certified beechwood, super-supportive organic-latex pillows, and luxurious bamboo lyocell sheets, all of which

work together with your Heveya® organic-latex mattress to create a healthy, comfortable and, above all, natural sleeping environment. Talk to the sleep consultants in the Central store to find out which options are most suitable for you.

Sleep, being the most important human need, is definitely worth investing in!

FIND IT • Okooko by European Bedding, 13F The Plaza LKF, 21 D’Aguilar St, Central, 6286 1132, www.europeanbedding.hk

www.arounddb.com September 2020

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PUBLISHER Philip Jay MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL MANAGER Jan Yumul jan@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk OPERATIONS MANAGER Amber Kahu amber@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Liz Kerr Peter Sherwood Boon Tiong Tan Dorothy Veitch Samantha Wong Sherry Yasay PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong BAY MEDIA LTD 6E Elegance Court Hillgrove Village Discovery Bay Lantau Island Hong Kong Tel: 2987 0167 Advertising enquiries: info@baymedia.com.hk

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB 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.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

www.colsimphotography.com

VIRTUAL EVEREST CHALLENGE

To celebrate her 50th birthday, ultramarathon trail runner Nikki Han ran a DB ‘Virtual Everest Challenge’ last month. Starting at 6am on August 15 and finishing at 9am on August 16, she completed 20 laps (elevation 8,984 metres) from the bottom of the golf course road to the top of Tigers Head and back down. The community came out in force to cheer Nikki on, and she was joined by 15 trail running friends who ran alongside her for one lap each. Nikki’s run was part of the Asia Trail Girls Elevation Challenge, August 15 to 24.

THE HOTTEST

ts n e v e y t i n u m rece nt c om IN DISCOVERY BAY

WORLD FRIENDSHIP DAY

In honour of World Friendship Day on July 30, we asked Baljit Gidwani to photograph some of DB’s best buds out and about in the plaza.

www.evoqueportraits.com

www.arounddb.com September 2020

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DB EVENTS

MICROPLASTIC POLLUTING DB BEACH

Significant quantities of black rubber crumb-like microplastic (similar to that used as the infill for Astroturf on DB pitches) washed up in Yi Pak Bay, the small rocky beach between DB North Plaza and Siena Club at the end of July and beginning of August. The Environmental Protection Department and Plastic Free Seas (PFS) have since collected over 2 tonnes of the pollutant from the beach and seabed. Samples of the microplastic have been sent to an independent laboratory for testing and PFS is awaiting the results.

www.colsimphotography.com & plasticfreeseas.org

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

PRIZES FOR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

The best photo wins! Check out the first nine winning photos in this year’s Uncle Russ Instagram Contest. Each month we ask local photographers to upload a photo to Instagram with the hashtag #arounddb to win a week of free drinks from Uncle Russ. Upload your photo to Instagram and tag it #arounddb to win this month. You can also turn to page 12 to enter this year’s #beautifuldb2020 photography competition – there are two categories for 2020: DB Scenic Beauty and DB Community Spirit. The submission deadline to Instagram (#beautifuldb2020) is September 16.

@emm_martin, @chui_han_8201, @richard_gordon_photography, @realerinnoel, @lucasnam, @sickbocks, @_talapekz_, @alberthktsang, @bittenheroes

www.arounddb.com September 2020

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#beautifuldb2020 photography competition

In hosting the #beautifuldb2020 photography competition, we are again asking residents to post their best shot of Discovery Bay on Instagram for an online, community-wide vote on Facebook to win prizes.

The competition was a huge hit in 2019 and you can take your inspiration from the top two prize-winning photos pictured on these pages.

The aim of the #beautifuldb2020 photography competition is to recognise the talented photographers in our community, while celebrating the beauty of DB. This year there are two categories: • DB Scenic Beauty: DB’s incredible natural diversity, it’s gorgeous flora and fauna, and inspiring landscapes • DB Community Spirit: The people of DB, who work (and play) so hard to sustain our loving and caring community culture

ENTRY METHOD • Upload your photo(s) to Instagram with the hashtag #beautifuldb2020. If you are selected as a finalist you will be required to resubmit your photo in high resolution (9 -11MB, 2600 x 3900 pixels or above) • The submission deadline to #beautifuldb2020 is September 16, 2020 • The competition is open for entry to all DB residents of any age COMPETITION INFO • From the photos received, a judging panel comprising popular DB photographers Baljit Gidwani and Col Sim shortlist this year’s most outstanding entries • The finalists’ photos are published in the October issue of Around DB, followed by an online community vote on the Around DB Facebook page, from October 9 to 16, to pick the winner in each category • The winners are announced in the November issue of Around DB • Prizes are awarded to the finalists in each category • Visit www.arounddb.com to find out more

Photo by Jules Angeline (second place 2019) Love.Together@DB is a community-caring platform initiated by Hong Kong Resort Company dedicated to serving the Discovery Bay community. The platform supports and co-organises diversified corporate social responsibility initiatives with NGOs, community leaders and volunteers to promote a loving and caring culture in the sustainable and multicultural DB community.

The organiser has the discretion to use the photos for promotion purposes and reserves the right of final decision in the event of any disputes. Terms and conditions apply.

ONLINE VOTE: October 9-16, 2020

Photo by Col Sim (first place 2019)

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 16, 2020

DB EVENTS

L A I T N E S S E E UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS TO TH

YOUR GUIDE

NEW IN DB

HAIRCUT CORNER

NEW IN DB

COMMUNITY UPDATE

DB Plaza

Across Lantau

EMBODY

DB Plaza

RACEBASE EVENTS

Photo by Lucien Chan Photo courtesy of Haircut Corner

New in DB Plaza, Haircut Corner provides everything from children’s haircuts to luxury treatments for adults.

The salon is family focused, with fancy unicorn seats for young clients, as well as a safe play area. Haircut Corner supports sustainable brands, such as Davines, and promotes an eco-friendly work culture. To make an appointment, call 3997 3520.

Photo by Roy Esterhuysen

Still located in DB Plaza but with a brand-new owner, Gill Welgemoed, Embody offers fitness classes throughout the week including Pilates reformer, yoga and Zumba.

To book a session, call 5205 3736.

RaceBase’s upcoming 2020 races – such as Country of Origin and the Lantau Beer Dash – have been postponed until 2021 as the organisers have not been able to obtain the necessary approvals and permits from the government. All 2020 race entrants will be transferred to the 2021 editions and RaceBase hopes to announce the 2021 dates soon.

Registration remains open for 2021.

Find out more at www.racebase.asia.

COMMUNITY UPDATE DEVELOPMENT OF AREA6F

OVERNIGHT FERRY SUSPENDED

Photo courtesy of HKR

Photo courtesy of HKR

On August 7 Hong Kong Resort Company won a judicial review challenging the Town Planning Board’s rejection of their application to rezone Area 6f. HKR has proposed to redevelop Area 6f, which had been set aside for staff quarters that are no longer necessary, into two mid-rise residential buildings with 476 flats to house an estimated 1,190 residents.

To read the full judgment (ref no. HCAL 645/2017), visit www.judiciary.hk.

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COVID-19 FARE SUBSIDIES

Since COVID-19 has led to a decline in ferry ridership, the daily overnight ferry service between DB and Central has been temporarily replaced by the DB08R bus route. The last ferry sailing from Central to DB is at 12.30am and the last sailing from DB to Central is at 12am. The first ferry sailing to DB is at 6.30am and the first sailing to Central is at 6am. For more information, and the DB08R bus timetable, visit www.dbcommunity.hk.

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

stock.adobe.com

In order to ease the financial burden of commuting during COVID-19, the government has introduced a special measure to relax the monthly threshold of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme from HK$400 to HK$200 until December 31. To find out more, call 2969 5500 or visit www.mtr.com.hk.

CONGRATULATIONS

ENZO HILAIRE

ALEJANDRA QUESTER

COMPETITION

#BEAUTIFULDB2020

www.colsimphotography.com

Photo courtesy of Francois Hilaire

Cheer on Lantau local Enzo Hilaire as he competes in TheVoice Kids France, now airing every Saturday night on French TV. A Year 7 student at Discovery College, Enzo started singing when he was just two years old and hasn’t stopped since. The casting team of TheVoice Kids France spotted him on YouTube and invited him to a Skype audition, where he won his ticket to ‘the blinds’ in Paris. See why at www.youtube.com/enzothesinger.

Photo courtesy of Alejandra Quester

DB mum Alejandra Quester’s collection drive to support low-income families who have been hit hard by the COVID19-fuelled recession was a big success.

Residents donated non-perishable food items and hygiene products, which were either collected in a designated trolley at Fusion or dropped off at Alejandra’s home. Nauzer Moving Services volunteered to deliver a full van of donated essentials to Impact HK on August 9 for redistribution.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

SEEK NATURE HK

HANNAH’S HEROES

Love.Together@DB, the community caring platform initiated by Hong Kong Resort Company, invites all residents of any age to celebrate DB through their photography. To enter the #beautifuldb2020 photography competition simply upload a photo of DB to Instagram (#beautifuldb2020) before September 16. This year, there are two categories: DB Scenic Beauty and DB Community Spirit. The winners will be chosen via an online community vote on Facebook in October. To find out more, turn to page 12, or visit www.arounddb.com.

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET in DB Plaza on

September 13 from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP at Nim Shue Wan with Plastic Free Seas on September 19 from 2pm to 4pm. Visit plasticfreeseas.org.

BRING YOUR DRINK CARTONS, COFFEE CUPS/ LIDS AND POLYFOAM (food containers,

www.inaturalist.org

As part of her PhD on the impact of learning experiences in nature on Hong Kong youth, Smriti Safaya is asking secondary school students to take part in the Seek Nature HK biodiversity challenge. To participate, you simply get out into nature somewhere in Hong Kong, and record what you see on the free Seek by iNaturalist app.

Your observations will contribute to a global biodiversity database and support research to bring about environmental change. For more information, visit misssmritisafaya. wixsite.com/seeknaturehk.

Photo courtesy of Gaylene Meeson

In her bid to raise funds for childhood cancer research, DBer Gaylene Meeson is shaving her head for the eighth year in a row… and this time she’s doing it at home. Gaylene’s daughter Hannah is a brain cancer survivor and she attends Hong Kong International Learning Academy. Over the past seven years, Hannah’s Heroes has provided St Baldrick’s Foundation with over US$2.4 million for childhood cancer research around the world. To make a donation, visit www.stbaldricks. org/participants/gaylene2020.

packaging and fruit nets) for recycling at the waterfront side of Hemingway’s on September 20 from 9am to 11am.

You can also now recycle your contact lens packaging. Visit the DB Green Facebook page to see how to prepare the materials for recycling.

HAVE YOUR PRELOVED ITEMS COLLECTED from your

home and rehomed to charities and individuals in need. WhatsApp Nikki of DB Mothers and Friends at 9677 6676.

HELP YOUR HELPER! Enrich HK workshops equip helpers with the tools to save, budget and plan for a future with greater financial security. Visit www.enrichhk.org.

www.arounddb.com September 2020

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DB EVENTS

Save lives amid the pandemic by donating blood!

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) continues to provide blood donation services during the pandemic to help meet patient’s needs. However, with people forced to stay at home as much as possible this year, the number of blood donations being made has dropped significantly. As a result, BTS is finding it difficult to meet the daily demand from local hospitals, and is calling on the general public to take action and support blood donation immediately.

Blood donation services are essential to ensuring the health of the community. and are not considered ‘mass gatherings’ – they are controlled events with trained staff and appropriate safety measures to protect donors and recipients. In response to the pandemic, BTS has implemented stringent measures to safeguard blood safety and infection control. Donors are required to put on a mask, have their temperature checked, and sanitise their hands before entering a donation area. The blood collection sites are also disinfected regularly.

Anyone aged between 16 and 66 years, who is in good health and weighs 41 kilogrammes or above can apply to donate whole blood.

BTS screens donors (health history questionnaire, hemoglobin and blood pressure checking etc.) and only accepts donations from those who meet the exact eligibility criteria. Anyone returning from overseas must wait 28 days from the date of their arrival in Hong Kong before donating blood. Those who have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must also defer from blood donation for 28 days.

Photos courtesy of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service

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The ‘whole blood’ collected is a mixture of Red Cell (red blood cells), Platelets and Plasma.

Platelets are critically important to the survival of many patients with clotting problems (aplastic anaemia, leukaemia) or cancer, and patients about to undergo major surgeries. Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, helps with clotting and supports immunity. It contains antibodies that fight off infections. Maintaining an adequate supply of these lifesaving, perishable products is an ongoing challenge. BTS must keep enough stock to ensure a 100% supply of blood while keeping time expiry losses at a minimum.

The nearest donor centre to DB is the Central District Donor Centre. You can use the QR code (left) or the HK Blood App to make an appointment to donate blood at a centre that suits you best.

The whole process, including health screening and post-donation rest time, takes about 45 minutes. To find out more, visit www5.ha.org.hk.

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

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To order: Contact us via Social media or email: progeny.wines@gmail.com For more information please follow us on Instagram and Facebook @progenywines

SPONSORED CONTENT

Discovery Bay

sets the standard in environmental sustainability

W

Photos courtesy of Discovery Bay Services Management Limited

hen it comes to being committed to sustainability, Discovery Bay leads the way for many communities in Hong Kong. Working together with residents, Discovery Bay Services Management Limited (DBSML) – commonly known as City Management in DB – is dedicated to creating a ‘greener’ way of life by providing a variety of innovative green services, such as DIY recycling information sharing sessions, plant markets and floral workshops. As a result, DB residents enjoy a greener quality of life than they would in many places in Hong Kong.

Green contribution The Green Lifestyle Committee, established by City Management

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and whose members include people from its different departments, has conducted an in-depth study to identify solutions to improve DB’s environmental sustainability.

Through the study, the committee found that glass bottles made up a high percentage of the refuse and recycling collected in DB. Instead of sending the glass to Tuen Mun to be recycled, the committee identified the alternative solution of processing the glass recycling on site in DB. With support from Discovery Bay City Owners Committee, City Management purchased a glass processor in 2014, which enables glass to be processed, recycled and and reused for upcycling activities all within the local DB community.

In addition, this reduces the

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

community’s carbon footprint since the glass is no longer sent away to be recycled.

The DB glass processor The effectiveness of the DB glass processor in reducing environmental impact can be seen in the 6% reduction of recycling sent for processing in Tuen Mun from 2018 to 2019. The monthly average sent out in 2018 was 8,870 kilogrammes, in 2019 the monthly average was down to 8,321 kilogrammes.

To collect the glass for recycling, City Management has provided glass recycling bins at each village.

Once the glass recycling has been collected and transported to the recycling site in DB, the glass is put

in the crushing machine, where it is turned into fine glass sand. This glass sand is then bagged and made available to DB contractors for construction works and infrastructure projects.

The ability to upcycle the recycled glass is important, as recycling succeeds best when the recycled materials can be used to create something more sustainable and valuable. In the case of City Management’s glass processor, the recycled glass sand has been used for infrastructure maintenance and road paving within DB. City Management has also enlisted 11 designated ‘green contractors’ who are welcome to collect the recycled glass sand free of charge for use in interior renovations of individual DB flats.

City Management is also working on plans to make road ramps, drainage covers and other traffic facilities from tyre waste and the recycled glass sand produced by the DB glass processor.

An unused refuse collection chamber prior to 2018, GREEN. icon@DB serves to educate future generations of DBers about the importance of environmental protection, while spreading the word on how to make DB greener and more sustainable. GREEN. icon@DB houses displays of different environmental initiatives already in place in the community, and also acts as a food and glass recycling demonstration and operation centre.

“Credit must be given to DB residents for their support of our many green initiatives,” says a City Management spokesperson.

“Residents are our number one concern and we can work with them to build a better community.

Our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability in DB will continue long into the future.”

Glass bottle upcycling in DB

Glass is collected

GREEN.icon@DB To encourage the continued practice of recycling glass in the DB community, City Management has prioritised community education and outreach. In 2018 the Green Lifestyle Committee opened GREEN.icon@DB as a green education centre, making DB the first residential area in Hong Kong to have its own dedicated space for environmental education.

These efforts were recognised on June 8, when City Management was awarded the HSBC Living Business SDGs Awards silver medal for Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, plus the HSBC Living Business ESG Awards Certificate  of Merit.

Glass is crushed in the glass processor on site

Glass sand is created and bagged for reuse

Glass sand is used for infrastructure maintenance and flat renovation within DB www.arounddb.com September 2020

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SPONSORED CONTENT

City Management has developed pioneering waste reduction and recycling practices throughout its operations. Waste collection and separation facilities are in place to encourage residents to recycle glass and plastic bottles, tyres, clothes, books, toys, fluorescent tubes and energy-saving bulbs.

Green bus recycling The commitment to sustainability and waste reduction doesn’t stop with small-item recycling or even with the DB glass processor – it extends to DB’s entire fleet of buses.

Discovery Bay Transportation Services Limited (DBTSL) is highly committed to making a green contribution.

To ensure that all vehicles in the DB bus fleet are functioning properly and meeting the highest emission standards possible, each bus is regularly serviced by DBTSL’s certified maintenance provider. As part of this regular maintenance process, older and damaged engines and mechanical components are replaced. The regular inspection and maintenance process helps reduce metal waste as the inevitable damage to mechanical components can be

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routes serving Tung Chung and Sunny Bay.

caught and replaced before causing additional damage to the rest of the vehicle, which if left unchecked, would result in the entire bus having to be replaced, thus generating more waste.

Older buses that are replaced as part of the maintenance schedule are sold to developing countries through dedicated sellers.

Alternatively, DBTSL contacts qualified waste recyclers who collect the old buses and process the scrap metal for recycling.

Euro V/VI-standard buses Reducing the environmental impact of the vehicles in the DB bus fleet is another key concern. For example, DBTSL has recently purchased two new MAN Euro VI double-deck buses to be added to the DB bus fleet and used on external bus

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

The Euro VI emission standard is the highest emission standard in the market. In comparison to the Euro V emission standard, the new Euro VI buses emit almost 80% less Nitric Oxide (NOx) and 50% less Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP). In high concentrations NOx emissions can cause inflammation of the airways and, together with RSP emissions, they are central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground level ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects. In addition to reducing NOx and RSP emissions, Euro VI buses, in comparison to Euro V, emit 50% less PM. In addition to the two newly purchased MAN Euro VI buses, almost 90% of the vehicles in the DB bus fleet meet either the Euro V or the Euro VI emission standard. This makes the DB bus fleet one of the greenest and youngest in Hong Kong.

“Along with passenger and pedestrian safety – which is always our highest priority – we’re committed to building a greener community; it’s one of our long-term objectives,” a DBTSL spokesperson concludes.

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!

GIVEAWAYS

Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply. Scan the QR code, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form

WIN COFFEE FROM COWBIRD COFFEE ROASTERS Cowbird Coffee Roasters is offering five readers each a 225g bag of roasted coffee (worth HK$108).

Cowbird Coffee Roasters is a small batch artisan roastery offering a roast-to-order service in DB. Simply make your bean selection and quantity, and the team will roast and deliver it to your door. Cowbird Coffee Roasters offers free delivery within DB on all orders with code DBFREE. Beans can be ordered in 225g/ 500g/ 1kg quantities. For more information and to order, visit www.cowbirdcoffee.com.

www.cowbirdcoffee.com

WIN A TRIAL CLASS AT MGK FIGHT CLUB DB martial arts studio MGK Fight Club is offering two readers a trial class (worth HK$300).

www.marcguyon.hk

Founded by professional MMA fighter Marc Guyon, and now based in a bigger and better space in DB Plaza, MGK Fight Club offers private classes and high-level open training sessions to the whole family and members of all ages. Programmes cover all aspects of martial arts from combat sports to self-defence, while also focusing on health, wellbeing and making new friends. To find out more, visit www.marcguyon.hk.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Christian Sjoberg, Maria Ho and Rebecca Tolian for a ‘play all day’ pass at EpicLand; and Javier Maldonado, Brendan Inns and Karen Boag for a child’s haircut at Afflatus Hair Workshop

PROFILE

Tricks up his sleeve

Photos by Col Sim

Enterprising DB student Leo Bartu-Hong is spreading a little much needed magic, two kids at a time. Elizabeth Kerr reports

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A

bout 30 minutes into a suitably socially distanced chat with young Discovery Bay magician Leo Bartu-Hong, he performs a trick involving my ‘favourite’ playing card. I choose the queen of clubs — because she’s queen. Leo absently glances around, saying the card name to himself as he shuffles, and asking for certainty on my part. He fans the standard looking deck of Bicycles, face up, and on second fanning a single card is face down.

He gently waves the deck at me, hinting I pull it out. Indeed, it’s the queen of clubs. He repeats the trick, this time with the five of hearts, to the same result. His hands have been visible the whole time. It’s baffling.

Leo, 11, has been purveying his card and visual tricks since 2018, when he became what has to be one of Hong Kong’s youngest business owners with Kiddy Magic (www.kiddymagic.org). He may not be registered with the Inland Revenue Department yet, but Leo has business cards, and with his long shaggy hair he’s the picture of a hipster entrepreneur.

“I’ve always been active that way,” he says of the origins of Kiddy Magic. “Not really for traditional business, more for enterprise.”

He can’t really explain why, and his taste for commerce is even more curious given Swiss mum is a meditation instructor and his Taiwanese dad is a mathematician.

Leo started ‘working’ at around six, by selling lemonade, books and compost water outside his house, and later home-made iced lollies at the beach. Still, he’s more Bill Gates than Jeff Bezos. Kiddy Magic runs on a pay-what-you-can donation model.

“It doesn’t feel right to demand HK$300 dollars from another kid

for a show, and I don’t want people who are less wealthy to feel like they’re missing out,” Leo explains.

“Those who can afford it pay more, and those who can’t pay what they can. It’s worked out pretty well.”

Using his illusions Indeed it has. The Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) student has come a long way, in a short time, from performing ‘street tricks’ around DB Plaza and his first official performance, a show at a birthday party, which he admits was a bit of a flop. “It was really bad. I learnt never to do card tricks for children. They were so bored,” he deadpans, before breaking into a chuckle.

But Leo plugged on, kept practising, and found himself a mentor – well-established DB magician César Rocher, 13. Also a student at DBIS, César (@cesar_ magician) has been growing his reputation as a kids’ entertainer in DB since 2017, and he’s been happy to share his art – and his client base – with magic buddy Leo. The boys continue to perform together from time to time, most recently at a couple of outdoor shows earlier this year.

Leo scored his first paid solo show aged nine on the heels of some good old-fashioned wordof-mouth. A friend of his mum’s was fretting over cancelled entertainment for a party and Kiddy Magic stepped in. That was a success.

“I got paid a lot. It was, like, HK$1,000!” Leo recalls enthusiastically.

“A thousand dollars and a free cookie for half an hour? I thought my life was sorted.”

Born in Hong Kong and a resident of DB his entire life (except for the first few months which he spent

Kowloon-side), Leo is shockingly mature and adjusted, but still 11.

He was bitten by the magic bug at age four, after his godmother bought him a magic set (a deck of cards and a wand). He lost interest as he got older, but magic clips on YouTube prompted him to dig the kit out of storage. His ‘earnings’ from Kiddy Magic – right now consisting mostly of small-group workshops for kids aged five to nine – go right back into the business.

Leo has a repertoire of 30 individual tricks, and three flowing, interconnected routines rather than a series of gags. A show can run up to two hours. And there’s more to it than sleight of hand, Leo has clearly worked out what it takes to be an entertainer. “At the start of a show I ask everyone’s name,” he says. “They forget my name, but when I throw out a ‘Hey Greg,’ they’re always amazed. You need to have that connection with your audience.”

One of the many slightly novel things about Leo is that he doesn’t have a mobile phone – and doesn’t really care. “You don’t need a phone to do this kind of stuff. I do want one but my mum doesn’t want me getting addicted to it – it’s happened to other kids – and she wants to keep my screen time down. I think she’s right. I use her phone to WhatsApp friends, and I send emails.” So he hasn’t been tempted by Apple’s new ‘affordable’ iPhone SE? Nope. “It has a price that’s just so high,” he says. “It’s crazy.”

Another novelty? Leo loves documentary films. His normal weekend viewing comprises a Marvel 616 film on Saturdays – the ones that take the Marvel (DC Comics) stories and put them into historical, cultural and societal context. And then on Sundays, he  enjoys a doc chaser, something

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PROFILE

like Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things or Netflix’s snarky social experiment 100 Humans: Life’s Questions.

Answered. Well, he’s mostly 11.

Admittedly the COVID-19 lockdown has been challenging and if Leo had his way, he’d be in class rather than in front of a computer screen. He spent some of the winter lockdown in Taiwan, where he brushed up on his magic in Mandarin (on top of French and English), but he admits to missing the ‘normal’ school day.

“I didn’t like the [online learning] hours; it was about eight every day.

It’s too many hours online. It’s too much,” he states of the disrupted school year.

At the time of writing, (we meet in the middle of August), Leo has no idea what the new school year will bring. He might even be heading to Zurich to stay with the uncle who taught him his earliest magic tricks.

Magic powers After Leo packs up his magic kit, now a considerably more extensive affair which comes with its own silver hardcase, his mum picks him up at the café; she’s the third person and so not allowed to join us. It’s easy to see where he gets his sense of egalitarianism, as she notes that however flawed conventional education may be, take it away and kids suffer, creatively or developmentally.

Filling the gap where school should be is vital, and she hopes her son is helping to do that.

Ask me and I’d say that’s exactly what he’s doing. Leo loves to hear from clients who go home thinking, “Wow.” He also prides himself on the ‘angry’ emails he receives from parents who can’t get their kids to stop practising after a show or workshop.

Leo has a repertoire of 30 individual tricks

A look at the reviews on Leo’s website more than confirms his mastery of magic and just as importantly, his ability to entertain. “Leo is one of the best kid magicians I have ever known.

Book him now to have the best magical time of your life,” reads one. Another: “Leo is a natural entertainer. His passion for magic and laughter is contagious!” And: “Leo came to our place in DB for a private show and workshop. He managed to keep the 10 kids (three to five years old) entertained for

one hour! He is a great entertainer, magician and teacher. We all learned three cool tricks.”

All that being said, magic is likely to remain a hobby for Leo, or at least a side line. Though he’s just heading to secondary school, he already has bold career ambitions.

“I want to create a solution to the climate crisis,” he finishes. “I haven’t done a lot of science in school yet, but I’d love to create a truly biodegradable material.” Talk about a magic trick.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

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Looking to profit from the coronavirus-fuelled market volatility but don’t know where to start investing your money?

DB finance expert Boon Tiong Tan has some advice for the 99%

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tocks from A to Z have seen heaven and hell this year. Apple stock’s year low is US$212, while its high is US$499. Zoom is even more impressive, zooming from US$66 to US$296. And it’s not just technology companies that have had all the fun. One of DB’s favourite brands, Lululemon has risen from US$128 to US$370. If only we’d all bought the stocks as well as the yoga apparel.

Crisis in Chinese is made up of two words, 危 which means dangers and 机, opportunities. So, is investing in a time of pandemic highly dangerous or a fantastic opportunity? For millions of investors from Germany to Japan, the US to Singapore, it’s proving to be the latter – the number of people trading stocks is soaring globally. Whether it is because of government handouts or boredom at home, companies like Netflix and

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Tesla have attracted and excited a new generation of investors.

A number of new developments have contributed to the ballooning stock trading by individual investors. Last year, Charles Schwab cut the stock commission to zero. Others followed. When trading is free, traders trade freely.

Banks like HSBC and Citibank are still charging as high as 0.25% commission. It might not seem

much but, for active traders and over the years, the savings are not small. Think of what that money could buy you.

A single share in Tesla costs about US$1,500 and Amazon US$3,000.

Not everybody can afford one share. In response to this, firms like Interactive Brokers have rolled out fractional trading. Customers can specify a dollar amount – for instance, spending US$100 to trade a slice of Amazon, or they can specify what percentage of a share they want to trade. While fractional shares are not new, what’s new is the ease with which you can trade them during market hours.

Technology has made opening a stock account fast and easy, and you can buy and sell stocks anytime, anywhere on your phone.

Robinhood has become the app of choice for millions of millennials.

Understand what’s happening The US stock market was breaking highs at the beginning of the year.

Then COVID-19 struck. The stock market entered a bear market at record speed. Perplexing to some and insane to others, the stock market has since recovered all its losses and a bit more.

While one can argue the stock market is overvalued, it is not insane. Not yet. The question is how can the stock market perform so well when the economy is plunging and unemployment surging?

to move their money out of banks and into the stock market. Zero interest rates also lower the cost of borrowing for companies and makes their future earnings more attractive.

Second, early on in the outbreak, the US, Eurozone and other governments put together trillions of dollars of rescue packages at an unprecedented speed and size. Unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus was unleashed to support economies floored by the pandemic. In March, the G20 promised to inject more than US$5 trillion into the global economy to limit job and income losses

and “do whatever it takes” to tackle the pandemic.

Third, S&P 500, the market capitalisation-weighted index of the 500 biggest US companies, is already positive for the year.

Why? The top five (technology) companies listed – Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Facebook – have all experienced a rise of over 30%. Other sectors like oil, banks and airlines are in a bear market. The huge disparity in performance between these sectors makes sense. Technology companies are making even more money in the midst of this crisis because they are facilitating our move from the real to the virtual world. As they generate huge cash flows and have solid balance sheets, they are now also seen as defensive stocks.

Finally, the stock market looks ahead as well as reflecting what’s going on. Will there be a vaccine soon? Surely the governments and central banks will do more if things get worse?

Some in the media are talking about a stock market bubble.

Clearly there are signs of a bubble.

Hertz, a bankrupt company, saw its shares shoot up eight-fold in three days in  June. Kodak

First and most importantly, the Federal Reserve decisively cut the interest rates to zero in March this year, which unleashed massive bond buying. As Warren Buffett explained, interest rates act as gravity to stock prices. With interest rates near zero and even negative, the stock market has little resistance to flying higher.

Zero interest rates entice investors www.arounddb.com September 2020

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IN FOCUS

shares closed at US$2.62 on July 27. Two days later, they almost reached the sky at US$60.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 P/E ratio is above long-term average but it has yet to reach the highs of the late 1990s dot-com bubble. A bubble usually lasts longer than most people expect. Ex-chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan famously said the stock market was suffering from “irrational exuberance” in 1996. The dot-com bubble lasted another four years.

Diversify and think long term While the coronavirusfuelled volatility creates many short-term trading opportunities, you should never forget diversification and the long term.

be scorned by the Tesla stock traders but a dollar will compound to US$6.73 in 20 years. This performance can be achieved by simply buying a S&P 500 ETF. The tough part is to sit tight for 20 years, come rain or shine, thunderstorm or typhoon. Too often, investors try to time the market and end up selling low and buying high.

Long-term investing requires discipline to stick to the buy-andhold strategy and the patience to let compound interest work its magic. If you are able to make 30% annually for 13 years, you

order and wait. Alternatively, while waiting, you can sell a put option to earn a premium – aka the free lunch. These premiums earned, unlike dividends, are tax-free.

Say Netflix is trading at US$550 and you want to buy at US$500.

Instead of placing a buy order at US$500, you can sell a one month put option at exercise price US$500 to earn a premium of US$5. If the share price is below US$500 in a month’s time, you will own Netflix at US$500. If the share price is above US$500, you miss the chance to own it. Either way, you’ve earned your US$5 free lunch. This is 1% return in one month or 12% annually.

Technology companies are making money in the midst of this crisis because they are facilitating our move from the real to the virtual world.

As they generate huge cash flows and have solid balance sheets, they are now also seen as defensive stocks

For diversification, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are a good option for investors. When you buy an ETF, you’re buying a basket of stocks. For instance, if you buy a S&P 500 ETF, you buy into all 500 companies.

Diversification reduces your risk since you are not putting all your eggs in the same basket. You can trade ETFs just like stocks and they pay dividends too. What’s more, the annual management fees are generally below 1%.

Know that individual stocks, no matter how big and reputable, can go into a long-term decline. Eastman Kodak and Sears Roebuck, both part of the Dow Jones Index for nearly 100 years, went bankrupt in the 2010s. A favourite share among DB investors, HSBC’s share prices have declined 80% from their peak in 2007.

The US stock market has an average annual return of about 10% over a century. This might

turn US$1 into US$30. If you think that seems easy, Warren Buffett’s average annual return over more than 50 years is ‘only’ 20%.

Enjoy a free lunch Most investors who want to buy a stock at a lower price just place an

You can also sell put options on ETFs. Take SPY, a S&P 500 ETF, which is trading at US$330. You can sell a one-year US$260 exercise price put option to earn a premium of US$13. The 5% return is way better than a time deposit. And you get to own shares in 500 of the biggest US companies if they drop by more than 20% in a year’s time.

For the free lunch to work, make sure you have enough money in your account to buy the stocks if the options are exercised. And remember, only sell put options on stocks you want to buy.

DB resident Boon Tiong Tan (CFA) has worked as a trader with banks like HSBC and Morgan Stanley for over 20 years. The author of A Stock Investment Book For The 99%: By A 99%, BT’s aim is to educate regular folk about the stock market and how to invest successfully. His book is available at Bookazine, Amazon and Book Depository; for information about the finance courses he offers in DB, email tbt444@gmail.com.

Find more investment tips @ www.arounddb.com

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EDUCATION

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Roll with it!

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You can’t change the fact that stress will show up in your life, but you can learn to change the way you respond to it.

Mindfulness educator Sherry Yasay reports

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rom a very early age, most of us learn to label ‘stress’ as negative or bad. To find out if this is true for you, stand in front of a mirror. Now think about the word stress, or if you’re feeling daring, think about exams, university applications, a recent pay cut or even better, someone at school or work – a teacher or fellow student, boss or colleague – who stresses you out.

What do you notice? Do you see any sudden changes in your facial expressions? Are you frowning?

What about verbal reflexes? Do you find yourself sighing, groaning or even growling? How about your body language? Do you feel any tightness or pressure in your body? And do certain thoughts instantly pop up? Maybe you even see someone’s face. Maybe your mind automatically jumps to a specific memory.

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

As you stand in front of the mirror, you may not feel you are doing much, however just by taking the time to understand how you react to the word stress, you can gain real insight into how you function.

Do you see how one simple word alone has the power to impact you both physically and mentally? Most of the time, these reactions happen so fast, they’re so automatic, we aren’t even aware of them, that is until we really try to be.

To handle stress, we need to understand how we react to it and what our triggers are. (We all have these triggers – you know the ones that give you an immediate headache or a knot in your stomach or make you feel like you want to run for the hills.) By noticing what emotions show up when we feel stressed and by seeing how our bodies react, we can regain control. Becoming self-aware gives us the power to change the way we respond to stress – and to build resilience to it.

Become resilient What does it mean to be resilient?

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

It follows that a person who is resilient has a positive relationship with stress. They have a clear understanding of what they need to do to face challenging times and, in some cases, thrive. Someone who is identified as demonstrating or having resilience is able to ‘roll with the punches.’

The key difference between someone who is resilient versus someone who is not, is that resilient individuals work positively with stress and are able to identify and call on the resources and support they need to bounce back. In fact, the more resilient we are, the less stress we experience – we have developed the knowledge and self-awareness to navigate life’s many ups and downs.

It’s never too late – or too soon – to become resilient. Resilient children find it easier to manage the negative effects of stress; it doesn’t leave them feeling anxious or uncertain. They feel free and safe to experiment with new things through trial and error. This in turn allows them to develop a growth mindset, embracing a ‘can do’ attitude.

Children come to understand

Mindfulness enables Sherry to respond positively to stress and work with it

that the most important question to ask themselves is not did I win or lose but what did I learn from this experience. They recognise that perceived failures are a part of life.

Rewire your brain In order to understand how we can build resilience, we first need to understand how stress impacts our brains. We all know

that stress can have detrimental effects on our bodies, but how does it affect our brains?

A negative mindset to stress is most commonly highlighted by three main reactions. The first is that the mind overthinks challenging situations. This in turn leads to higher levels of stress and it results in a snowball effect of obsessive thoughts and  anxious ruminating.

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EDUCATION

As our thoughts become chaotic and we replay scenarios in our minds, the third reaction kicks in, which is tunnel vision.

Our overwhelming bombarding thoughts cause our brains to stress so much that we go into panic mode. Tunnel vision is induced by fear. When we get stuck in the fear zone, we find it difficult to see the bigger picture and the positive, creative possibilities in front of us.

As our perspective shrinks, so too does our tendency to connect with others. We tend to play into our worst-case scenarios and we often feel disconnected. This feeling of isolation can lead to further anxiety and an inability to cope.

So how can we avoid falling into this cycle of negativity and self-doubt?

Well, we can teach our brain new tricks. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s amazing capability to change and adapt to suit our needs. If we rewire our brains to handle stress differently, we become better able to cope with challenging people and situations. And how do we rewire our brains? Through mindfulness. Afterall, you cannot change what you are not aware of.

Practise mindfulness Mindfulness is a practice that can help us become more attuned to our bodies and minds. We simply take a moment to check in with ourselves and ask: What am I feeling right now? Where do I feel it in my body?

By strengthening our minds through this simple yet powerful practice, we become aware of the subjective experience of stress; we realise that stress is simply part of the human experience. We grow our ability to step back and acknowledge our stress without labelling it as bad or negative.

From there, we can make the

5 ways mindfulness can help you beat stress 1 2

Understand what your stress triggers are

3

Step back and gain clarity – respond to your stress, don’t react to it

4 5

Shift your attention away from obsessive negative overthinking

Become aware of how stress shows up in your body and what thoughts it brings up

Reflect on the positive outcomes that could result from the situation you find yourself in

transition from reacting emotionally to responding logically.

Cultivating a mindfulness practice and learning to integrate it into our daily lives builds and nurtures resilience – we become observers, open to and inquisitive about our own thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. The self-awareness that mindfulness brings allows us to recognise difficult emotions, and the thought patterns and bodily sensations that come with them.

Through this self-awareness, we begin to understand how to balance and reduce the negative impact of stress, so that we can respond positively to it and work with it.

A consistent mindfulness practice can help us see things in a

different light. For example, instead of mulling over a stressful situation and spiralling into negative thinking patterns, we can intentionally shift our perspective.

Mindfulness helps us step back and gain clarity; it allows us to practice the pause. We learn to put aside defeatist questions like: Why is this happening to me? And instead, we start to ask ourselves: What can I learn from this experience? What is life trying to teach me?

Now have another look in the mirror and another think about stress. But this time instead of getting stressed out, be curious and open about how your stress is showing up – take the opportunity to practice mindfulness.

DB resident Sherry Yasay is a licensed mindfulness educator and the founder of The Mindfulness Community, a platform promoting mindfulness practices. She works with children and adults both one-to-one and in groups. For information about classes in DB, contact Sherry at 5967 5170 or syasay@gmail.com.

Find more on education @ www.arounddb.com

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) draws upon the rich heritage and ethos of Malvern College UK, a co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1865. MCHK, an IB candidate school, offers small class sizes with dedicated tutor-time, and the school’s strong pastoral care system is built around an active house system.

Malvern College Hong Kong is glad to announce its first phase application timeline for 2021/22: Submit application: on or before

Interview: on or before

Releasing results: on or before

Friday

Saturday

Friday

9 Oct

14 Nov

18 Dec

Prospective parents are welcome to sign up for our Online Malvern Meet information session on Wednesday, 16 September 2020 at 4:00 pm.

Malvern College Hong Kong Email admissions@malverncollege.org.hk Phone +852 3898 4688 For more information please visit www.malverncollege.org.hk.

HELP LINE

Financial advice for migrant domestic workers from the team at Enrich HK!

Photo courtesy of Enrich HK

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he last few months have been hard for migrant domestic workers, many of whom have been dealing with the severe impact on their finances caused by the pandemic. If you are a domestic worker who has faced financial challenges recently, we’re here to help.

Did you know that 83% of Hong Kong’s migrant domestic workers are in some level of debt? Loan issues are certainly something we hear a lot about, so we’re going to dig deeper into understanding

some of the common difficulties.

It could be that you signed as a guarantor for your friend’s loan and now she can’t make her repayments, or maybe you need to take out a loan but you’re worried about the interest rate you’ve been offered. Either way, if you’re the borrower or the guarantor, it’s important to know your rights and understand the options available to you.

Understanding interest rates You need to take out a loan and you’ve been offered an interest

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

rate of 6% per month. This sounds OK to you but someone told you it’s too high. How do you know if it’s a legal rate?

Your friend is right – 6% per month might not sound like a lot, but it is certainly too high, and it’s actually illegal. Here’s how you can tell.

According to Hong Kong law (The Money Lenders Ordinance), a loan with an effective interest rate that exceeds 48% per year is presumed to be extortionate.

This means that before a court will enforce repayment of the loan, the

you’re being charged a ‘daily’ rate of 0.4% or a weekly rate of 1%: 0.4% x 365 = 146% 1% x 52 = 52% The daily rate is way over 60% per year so it’s off-the-charts illegal; the weekly rate is legal but it exceeds 48% per year, so it would be considered extortionate in a court of law. Look for a fairer rate!

Note that fees for processing or establishing your loan, as well as most types of late charges are also illegal and, if charged, the loan cannot be enforced.

When you take out a loan, it’s absolutely necessary to understand all the terms – especially the interest rate. There are many unethical moneylenders who might try to present you with illegal terms, but understanding how interest rates work can ensure you don’t get taken for a ride. lender must prove that charging such a high interest is not unfair or unreasonable. Loans with annual interest rates above 60% are completely illegal.

The law talks about ‘annual’ interest rates, but you’ve been given a ‘monthly’ interest rate. To calculate if that falls within the legal maximum annual rate of 48-60%, you simply need to multiply your rate by 12 (the number of months in a year): 6% x 12 months = 72% Unfortunately, the rate you have been provided is definitely illegal.

Some loan contracts might provide ‘daily’ or ‘weekly’ interest rates. To calculate whether these are legal, you multiply by 365 for a daily rate, or by 52 for a weekly rate. So, if

Signing as a guarantor You signed as a guarantor for your friend’s loan. Your friend’s contract has been terminated and she cannot pay the loan so the agency is calling you. Do you have to pay?

It’s understandable that this might be a shocking call to receive.

Unfortunately, if you have signed as a guarantor, you most probably do have to pay back the loan. But you still have rights, and there are important steps to consider.

First, speak to your friend and try to understand her situation. Is there a way she can start repaying the loan again?

If speaking to your friend is not an option, then confirm with the agency that you have definitely signed as a guarantor, and not as a ‘witness’ or ‘reference.’ Guarantors are legally obligated to repay a loan if the borrower cannot, but witnesses and references do not have this obligation. Some unethical agencies will try to hold you accountable as a guarantor even if you have only agreed to be a witness or reference, so it’s important to understand exactly what you signed.

If you have really signed as a guarantor, find out as much as possible before agreeing to pay anything. How much of the loan has already been paid? What is the interest rate and is it legal? (The maximum legal annual interest rate is 48%-60%.) Are there any penalty fees? What is the loan duration?

Ask for written documentation.

You can then negotiate, for instance, can the loan be restructured or can an alternative payment plan be agreed upon? Remember, it is in the loan agency’s interest to cooperate with you so that they can get their money back.

In general, we never advise you to sign a loan as a guarantor unless you understand your responsibilities and the risks involved. As a guarantor, you are agreeing to repay the loan if your friend cannot.

Enrich HK is an award-winning Hong Kong charity providing financial and empowerment education to migrant domestic workers.

For a free, confidential one-to-one financial counselling session and to learn about the courses on offer, visit www.enrichhk.org. If you have a question you would like to have answered on this page, email info@enrichhk.org.

Find more advice from Enrich HK @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com September 2020

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GEOMANCY

FENG SHUI: THE BASICS In the first of a new series, Samantha Wong introduces the all-important theory of the five elements and reveals how you can put yourself in the command position

F

ormalised as an art and science over 3,000 years ago in China, feng shui’s aim is to improve quality of life. Feng means ‘wind’ and shui means ‘water,’ and we Chinese associate wind and water with good health, so if you get the feng shui in your home right, you can expect good things to follow.

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

Feng shui contains elements of various branches of study, including physics, philosophy, astronomy and astrology. It’s a complex body of knowledge that takes years to master but you don’t have to be an expert or own a luopan (a feng-shui compass with 24 directions marked on it) to start working it into your home and reaping the benefits.

The command position The first thing you need to know is that according to feng shui everyone and everything is interconnected, and everything is filled with chi (energy). For this reason, the placement of yourself

and objects within a room affects your wellbeing. One basic tip is that the bed, desk and stove need to be placed in the ‘command position’ – this is important because the bed represents you, the desk represents your career and the stove represents your wealth. When you are in these spaces, be sure that you can see the door without being directly in line with it – this puts you in the command position; you are in command of your life and you are receptive to positive outcomes.

Feng shui is all about mindfulness too – slowing down and noticing the details in your life and living space so that you can create harmony. Dusty corners represent areas of your life that are stagnant and ignored, so clean them up.

Get rid of or fix any broken objects because they are obstacles in your life, causing stress that holds you back. And create space in your wardrobe. If it’s overstuffed, you’re giving out the message that your life is complete and you don’t need anything else.

We often intuitively know when something is not quite right in our homes, so work out where you feel uneasy and sit there, quieting the mind. You may be able to energise the space simply by moving things around, for instance placing an armchair in front of a window, but if that doesn’t do the trick, you’ll need to look to a core feng-shui principle, the theory of the five elements.

The five elements Wood, fire, earth, metal and water – the five elements – are a big deal in feng shui. Simply put, feng shui works to balance these five natural elements in your home, and by extension in your life. You need to ensure that all five elements are present in each room and working harmoniously together. To achieve this in a living area, you might combine wood and metal furniture, light some candles (fire), install an aquarium (water) and place a potted plant (earth) in a corner. But you don’t have to think so literally  – each element is represented by

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GEOMANCY

a specific colour (see the sidebar opposite), so colour-use is an easy and effective way to harmonise the five elements within your home.

By using colour to include all the elements in your decor, you can improve your quality of life, but there’s more to it than that. Each element is also associated with a specific life attribute – wood with vitality; fire with passion and recognition; earth with stability; metal with clarity and self-discipline; and water with tranquillity and wisdom – so upping the presence of a particular element in your home can bring you more of the attribute it represents. To go at it another way, if something is lacking in your life, you will likely see that the element it corresponds to is poorly represented in your decor.

Let’s say you lack stability and don’t take good enough care of yourself. Chances are you need more of the earth element (yellow, orange, and brown) in your home.

If you’re looking for more clarity, self-discipline or structure, look to the metal element and surround yourself with grey, white, cream and metallic tones. Silver photo frames are a quick fix.

By calling on the element of water, you can invite tranquillity and wisdom into your life. Try sitting on a black cushion when you’re at your computer or painting a feature wall midnight blue. Wood energy, associated with the colour green, can help kickstart new beginnings and increase your vitality.

Finally, if you’re looking for passion or recognition, play around with red fire energy. Light some candles – fire is symbolised by real flames – or place red peonies in a favourite vase. Adopting a pet will also do the trick because having an animal in your home immediately fires things up.

The Five Elements

WOOD Colours: Green, brown Attributes: Vitality, drive

FIRE

Colours: Red, strong yellow, orange, purple Attributes: Passion, recognition

EARTH

Colours: Light brown, light yellow, sand Attributes: Stability, nurture

METAL Colours: Grey, white, cream

Attributes: Clarity, self-discipline

WATER Colours: Blue, black

Attributes: Tranquillity, wisdom

Find more on feng shui @ www.arounddb.com

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

SPANISH HEARTLAND

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

Though steeped in Moorish history, Andalusia, in the sun-baked deep-south, is the quintessential Spain. Dorothy Veitch recalls how Seville and Granada left her wanting more

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Exploring Seville Seville, the capital, is the life and soul of the Andalusian region. In this spirited and passionate city, the atmosphere – rather like a good flamenco performance – creeps up and taps you on the shoulder when you least expect it. Oozing history and a whole lot of charm, the beautifully preserved old town (Barrio Santa Cruz) is rooted in the Middle Ages when the Moors controlled the whole of the Iberian Peninsula,

Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville

Catedral de Sevilla Built in the early 16th century, Catedral de Sevilla is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world. Its lavishly gilded nave rises to a height of 42 metres and houses some truly inspirational devotional paintings. Further highlights include the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Giralda, the mighty bell tower, which incorporates the former mosque’s original minaret.

Catedral de Sevilla, Seville

The Alcázar Opposite the cathedral is the Alcázar: The oldest and possibly the most beautiful royal palace still in use in Europe today. Originally built by Moorish kings in the 12th century, it’s rich in Islamic influences but it’s been remodelled over the years and now presents a unique blend of architectural styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque.

The Alcázar, Seville

Parque de María Luisa Stretching along one bank of the Guadalquivir River, the orange trees, palms, Mediterranean pines and stylised flower beds of Parque de María Luisa were first planted in 1911.

There’s 800 metres of parkland and botanic garden to explore, dotted with lakes, fountains, bowers and pavilions.

The park is also home to the Plaza de España, which film buffs will recognise from both Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the  Clones (2002).

Parque de María Luisa, Seville

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ESCAPES

Getting to know Granada Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors and their legacy lies all around – particularly in the horseshoe-shaped arches, street stalls and teterías (teahouses) of the historic Arab quarter. As the sun sets, make your way up to the Mirador San Nicolás lookout point for fabled views of the Alhambra served up with a tasty side of tapas.

Mirador San Nicolás, Granada

The Alhambra A grand, sprawling hilltop fortress dating back to the 11th century, the Alhambra is one of the most visited national monuments in Spain. First developed as a walled town and military stronghold, it enjoyed its heyday in the 13th century, when it grew into a Nasrid-designed citadel and fortress, home to sultans and their entourage.

Check out the beautiful palaces before exploring the ornamental gardens built on the Hill of the Sun.

The Alhambra, Granada

The Bañuelo Unearthed at the bottom of a private house, at the foot of the Alhambra, the Bañuelo hamman (steam baths) date back to the 11th century. You can’t take a dip in this painstakingly restored national monument but you can admire the beautiful Arabic porticos, and the dazzling vaulted ceilings, which are studded with star-shaped skylights.

The Bañuelo, Granada

Sacromonte Sacromonte has been home to Granada’s Romani inhabitants since the 16th century. Located on the hillside at Valparaíso, northeast of the Arab quarter, it’s renowned for its cave dwellings, flamenco clubs and music schools. Climb the hill to explore the catacombs and underground cave chapels, and stay on ‘til late to enjoy some of the best flamenco in all of Spain.

Find more dream destinations @ www.arounddb.com

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Sacromonte, Granada

RECIPES

The heat is on!

Tired of burning the steak, cremating the sausages and serving raw chicken? Here’s how to barbecue to perfection

Sirloin steak with soy Serves 8

• 1 cup soya sauce • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar • ¼ cup olive oil • 4 garlic cloves, chopped • 1tbsp pepper • 1tbsp ground ginger* • 1tbsp honey* • 1 (3lb) sirloin steak*

Photos courtesy of stock.adobe.com

In a shallow dish, combine all the ingredients except the steak. Add the steak, turning to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Prepare your grill for indirect heat. Grill the meat on both sides, covered, over medium indirect heat until cooked to your liking. (For medium-rare, an internal thermometer should read 57°C; medium, 60°C; mediumwell, 63°C).

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Sausage skewers Makes 8 skewers

• 2lb Italian sausage* • 1 large red pepper* • ¼lb jalapeno peppers • 1 large red onion* • 1 (12fl-oz) can beer • ½lb mozzarella* Cut the sausage, red pepper, jalapeno peppers and red onion into chunks and place in a large bowl. Pour in the beer. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Prepare your grill for indirect heat. Alternately thread the sausage, red pepper, jalapenos and onion onto skewers.

Cook over medium-high indirect heat, turning regularly until the sausage is evenly brown and the vegetables are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Melt the cheese over the hot ingredients during the last few  minutes of cooking.

Eat The Kiwi delivers grass-fed New Zealand meats direct to your door www.arounddb.com September 2020

45

RECIPES

Southern-style chicken Serves 5

• 2tbsp brown sugar • 2 large cloves garlic* • 10 chicken drumsticks* • ½ cup onions, chopped fine • ¾ cup ketchup • 2tbsp white wine vinegar • 2tbsp Worcestershire sauce Mash the brown sugar and garlic together to form a paste. Coat the chicken with the paste, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Prepare your grill for indirect heat. In a small saucepan, fry the onion until soft. Stir in the ketchup, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Barbecue the chicken on medium-high heat until lightly browned on all sides, about 1 minute per side. Baste with the sauce and cook over indirect heat for another 10 minutes; turn and baste again. Continue to grill the chicken until the juices run clear, 10 to 15 minutes.

FIND IT • Eat The Kiwi, 9785 5706 (WhatsApp), hello@eatthekiwi.com, store.eatthekiwi.com Eat The Kiwi delivers high quality New Zealand groceries* to DB on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 6pm (order by 10am, Monday/ Wednesday). Delivery is free for orders over HK$1,000, and costs HK$120 for orders under HK$1,000.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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September 2020 www.arounddb.com

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

Congratulations to last month’s winner: Kam Purswani (@bittenheroes)

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The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter.

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!

Uncle Russ Instagram Contest!

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL/ COUPLES THERAPY

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

• Local packing, moving, storage & handyman services • All kinds of transport services • Inbound shipment clearance • Having stuff delivered from China?

They are not delivering to DB Or Lantau?

Have it sent to the Akash office in Kwai Chung & delivered to your home.

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

• Virtual-reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying, public speaking, bridges, enclosed spaces, storms) • Couples’ conflicts • Overeating • Career/ relationship stress • Anger management • Nail biting • Exam jitters • Career coaching • Quitting smoking

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist, ypnotherapist.

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

trimco Hong Kong Limited

Painting Decorating

Well known in the Hong Kong MMA community, Marc Guyon guides you through your journey to become a martial artist. As a former whitecollar-turned-professional fighter, Marc’s understanding of looking for peak performance in all your occupations & activities is like nothing in Hong Kong.

Renovation Cladding Tiling Contact Steve Donovan at 6149 0894 (call or WhatsApp), trimcohk@gmail.com

Contact 9303 2996, marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com, www.marcguyon.com

FRENCH LANGUAGE PRIVATE TUITION WESTERN DRAWING LESSONS Experienced, Patient, Mature, Effective, master+ educational level.

Tuition of French language to individuals at about or more than 7 years old.

All levels. Beginners / adults.

French Literature for French students.

Homework tuition.

Offer private Drawing / Painting Art Lessons to individuals / small groups.

All mediums / techniques.

Personalised lessons according to levels & interests.

Home / office visits / venues to be specified.

Please contact gsn6sy@hotmail.com

FLEXIBILITY TRAINER Tired of sore muscles after exercising?

Do you wish for a pain-free life?

Releasing body tension and building core muscles are just some of the solutions.

Get that great posture back with an improved athletic performance with NASM certified trainer Atsuko Nakashio.

MPF Services QDAP Insurances VHIS Protection Wealth Management Candy Cheung Financial Planning Manager Bachelor of Business

(852) 9172 9152 Call Atsuko today at 6751

5717

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

Email: candy_y_cheung@manulife.com.hk | www.manulife.com.hk

CHIANTI-THE LUSTRE “DON’T MISS OUT”

L U X U R Y A PA R T M E N T S I N S I E N A 2

OPEN DAY – SEPTEMBER 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 14:30 to 17:00

SO LE AG EN T

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, NOW TV & sound bar. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

HK$11.38M (Vacant with Key

If you are looking to rent or sell a property and would like to see it listed on this page, email philip@baymedia.com.hk

)

Gross 1,266’ Saleable 977’

Beautiful Sea View, High Floor with Newly Renovated & Open Kitchen, Storage, Balcony, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Big Master Bedroom

Please call Joe: 6770 1566

(E-216093)

The finest selection of lavender essestial oils, shampoos, hand creams, Foam Bath, Wildflower & Geranium, body lotions imported from the U.K. Lavender grown and harvested in the Cotswold with no artificial fragrances.

Ginger extract hair serum and herbal teas from Thailand.

A range of branded alcohol hand & body gels.

E-mail: essentialssophia@gmail.com

www.sophiaessentials.com

GUITAR LESSONS

British born Music Composer/Producer-GuitaristVocalist, Steve Gardner is offering Home visit electric or acoustic guitar lessons In DB or Online.

I teach at various International schools in Hong Kong since 1994 and teaching in DB since then as well.

I teach young and old, children or adults, beginner or advanced, whether for a fun hobby or guiding students into university via school curriculum or even to take up guitar as a future profession. With many years experience I teach to the very highest standards in a hands on and friendly manner treating each students individual needs.

6645 3280

www.stevegardnerhk.com music@stevegardnerhk.com

Boost your fitness and energy levels.

START TRAINING TODAY! FIT FOR LIFE PERSONAL TRAINING Certified KETTLE BELL, TRX, PRO & POSTNATAL instructor All training is outdoor or in the CONTACT 98580770 cwressmark@outlook.com convenience of your home

Need professional assistance with your designs and graphics? From logos, leaflets and company brochures, to book publishing and website creation...

We can help all businesses.

Freelance or Part-time Fitting MODEL(S) A well-known USA Lingerie brand is currently looking for fitting models based in Hong Kong Office.The person should have a positive attitude and able to give feedback during fitting process.

Lingerie - US Size 38C — *Full Bust - 40 1/2" - 41" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38D — *Full Bust - 42" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38DD — *Full Bust - 43" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38F — *Full Bust - 43 1/2" / *Underbust - 33" *** Other Sizes are also welcome ***

Interested parties, please call 2372 8428 & email personal's measurement to christina.ma@fotlinc.com Please provide an identity proof for legally working at HK for casting.

For further enquiries on details of our packages, please contact Philip Jay, our Managing Director, at philip@baymedia.com.hk.

• • • •

3 Hi resolution retouched digital images Private 15-minute studio session Images delivered in 24 hours HK$800.

t. +852 6620 3421 e. info@colsimphotography.com w. www.colsimphotography.com

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

2321 5500 2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 3602 8838 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 5178 5658

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Restaurant FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Treasure Island Group

9708 0187 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2546 3543 HOME & REPA IRS

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

2421 8088 2109 2330 9343 3718 2988 1488

HOT EL S

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES

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 Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

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 Sparrow Soccer School Hong Kong Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Sports Badminton Union

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 6051 8196 2403 6770 5703 2947

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 L E A RNING CEN T RES

Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School Mui Wo Language Cafe

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 5511 6107

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0990 6132 9120 9088 2370 9586 3459

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr. Chan 24-hours Handyman Shun Yu Engineering

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2997 9070 2320 2001 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331 5236 7013

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

www.arounddb.com September 2020

53

DB NUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2987 2987 2259 2987

0855 3422 8136 4210 7061 5633 6183 7276 7575 9003 3422 9909

3102 2977 2987 8460

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

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China HSBC Parsons White Wealth Management The Stephen Putnam Practice

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, North Plaza Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex, North Plaza Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods, North Plaza Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Gilmore’s by the Golden Pig Healthy Chicken, North Plaza Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Solera Starbucks DB North Plaza Subway The Pier Bar Three Sheet Marquee Bar TigerLily Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

54

DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Red Velvet Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

9156 0360 2987 1313 9010 5832 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2987 0036 2172 6111 2987 2915 2987 9123 2662 9168 6933 6990 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2246 8372 2914 0005 2520 2166 2987 0966 2997 8688 2840 1188 2987 6232

Discovery Montessori School A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori Bilingual (English & Chinese) Education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers (15 years+ experience). Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

Future Stars Dance Academy Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined & safe environment. Contact melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com, Futurestars Dance Academy Hong Kong Facebook page, Instagram: @futurestarsHk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week.

Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Providing Mandarin & Korean education.

After-school Mandarin for Year 1-13 and adult Mandarin classes in a communicative and interactive setting at DB North Plaza. Contact 6375-2015, info@lingostarshk.com, www.lingostarshk.com

Little Explorers The longest running playgroup in DB, Little Explorers eases the transition between home play and kindergarten for children, aged 18 months and up. Contact 6331 7215, LittleExplorersDB@gmail.com

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & a cooking class Contact 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring & nurturing environment in DB Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Contact 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com

September 2020 www.arounddb.com

Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza La Petite Enfance Kindergarten L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie Education centre Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathemagic – home tutoring Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2812 2987 2987 6762 2987 2441 9366 6302 2416 2459 8191 8191 6375 6114 6331 2480 9135 2628 2987 2987 9648

2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 9206 1201 4338 6264 9644 0098 0000 6327 3198 8808 0813 0813 2015 2436 7215 3909 4724 3362 8608 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com

Martina Stevens Photography Photographer based in Discovery Bay specialising in small and exclusive projects. Newborns, Maternity, Family and Lifestyle photography.Contact 9487 5242, martina@martinastevensphotography.com, www.martinastevensphotography.com Gillian florist, North Plaza Manulife P-Solution The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

DB NUMBERS PETS Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

PROPERTY LISTINGS EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property OKAY.COM

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Lost & Found Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years. Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Tekkerz Football programmes for boys and girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena, North Plaza DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby, Netball, Hockey & Dragonboat Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand, North Plaza FIT 852 Greenwich Yoga School, North Plaza Kapuhala Train-in-Space, North Plaza MAS FIT MGK Fight Club Nutrition and Fitness with Emilie YogaBay, North Plaza YogaUp, North Plaza

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www.arounddb.com September 2020

55

OUT THERE

Keeping our distance 10 metres apart? What’s all the fuss about?

We seldom got closer than that anyway, writes Peter Sherwood

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ocial distancing? It’s been around forever in subtle white lies, fibs, vapid speech and meaningless metaphors – irritating, insulting, but acceptable, and guaranteed to keep us disconnected.

“Please give her my regards.” Hey, you know her as well as I do, call her up. He knows I won’t be giving any third-party ‘regards,’ that pathetic salutation of flabby meaning, to our mutual ‘friend.’ He doesn’t expect me to pass on his barren greeting. He didn’t mean it, that much we both know. We part company with a limp grin.

“Oh, please say hello to her for me.”

Say hello yourself, you hypocritical dope. If you remotely cared, which you don’t, you’d have already achieved your noble gesture and without dragging in my sorry self.

Intention is the key, and the only objective in these fatuous exchanges is escape from gossip with some shallow sense of looking good. Anyway, what am I, an errand boy for fustian platitudes?

Illustration by Terry Chow

“We really must get together.”

Must we? Well, we didn’t the last 10 times you offered that gloriously insincere invitation. But we nod our fake agreement. God forbid that

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about now? You seem to have a moment – and luckily so do I – you delusional dummy. By the way, I’ve got some news: You’ve had trillions of spare moments.

Had you wanted to use a couple on me you might reasonably have done it by now. Please just fade away.

people actually did get together every time those worthless words were spoken: The world would be awash with the masses ‘getting together’ and wondering what pointlessness brought them there.

“Let’s get in touch and arrange something.” Yes, let’s. And let’s see if we can make it hopelessly vague to ensure nothing other than insignificant will ever come of it.

“OK, I’ll get back to you on that.”

No, you won’t. You never got back to anyone about anything in your boring life. Let’s just agree that you never will, ever, and we’ll part faux friends. More socially acceptable bat droppings: “I’ll call you when I’ve got a moment.” Right, how

“I’ve been meaning to…” No. You. Have. Not. Not now, not ever. What you’ve been meaning to do is precisely nothing.

And I’m still awaiting a reply from the last time you made that hollow comment. “Thanks, I’ll give that some thought.” Of course you won’t; don’t be silly.

Anyway, I’m not clairvoyant so I wouldn’t know if you’re giving it a vacuous thought or not. What you’re doing is sliding backwards out of this desolate interaction minus even a hint of truth or commitment: This is your futile life, you flatulent fool.

“The wife and I are moving back to Canada to Moosebum, Saskatchewan; you must drop by, it will be lovely to see you.” Oh, boy, I can’t wait to get to Moosebum.

And so our dull interlocutor is off the hook, but he walks away glowing like World Host of the Year; Mr Hospitality. The same tedious moron I’ve known for 30 years who has never been known to buy anyone a drink.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for over 20 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com September 2020 www.arounddb.com

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