Around DB August Issue 2019

AUGUST 2019

Beat the back-to-school blues Why the Brownies are a big hit in DB

Chinese banqueting etiquette 8 reasons to visit Nha Trang

CHORAL ACCLAIM

Woman of Inspiration award-winner Jane Engelmann ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

Lantau International School

Please contact us if you would l ike to visit the school

Reception and Primary 1 - 6 places still available

Enquiries: 2980 3676 / 2984 0302 Website: www.lis.edu.hk E-Mail: lisadmin@lis.edu.hk FB: lantauinternationalschool

EAA LIC C-033418

We are proud to celebrate 30 years in DB! After three decades, we know that our specialty is matching the right properties to DB residents.

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

August 2019

PROFILE - 28 Jane Engelmann discusses Unsung Heroes

IN FOCUS - 34 Why the Brownies are a big hit in DB

EDUCATION - 44 Surviving the new school year

TOP TIPS - 55 Chinese dining etiquette

ESCAPES - 58 8 reasons to visit Nha Trang

34 REGULARS 25

SPOTLIGHT James Lambert

10

DB EVENTS

32

SUCCESS STORY Kavita Mathur

27

GIVEAWAYS

41

WISH LIST August must-haves

64

HK HAPPENINGS

DB FACES In and around the plaza

69

CLASSIFIEDS

66

72

PROPERTY

76

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

73

LOCAL NUMBERS

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 To advertise, email monika@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email corinne@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

AGENDA

ON THE COVER 2019 Woman of Inspiration award winner Jane Engelmann

We also publish…

FREE August / September 2019

AUGUST 2019

Beat the back-to-school blues Why the Brownies are a big hit in DB

Chinese banqueting etiquette 8 reasons to visit Nha Trang

CHORAL ACCLAIM

Woman of Inspiration award-winner Jane Engelmann ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

To read the cover story, turn to page 28

2018 / 2019 WIN! Day passes to Hong Kong Disneyland

Publishers in Lantau since 2002 TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE ISLAND’S BEST BEACHES

BOOST THE FENG SHUI ON YOUR BALCONY OR TERRACE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

www.arounddb.com

HIKE THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 10 TO 12)

Remarkable Renee

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

2 01 9 YO U N G W R IT E RS C OM P E T I T I O N W I N N E R NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

CAREY, SUEN WILL SERVICES

tel: +852 9160 7855 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

ANNETTE M HOULIHAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CAREY, SUEN WILL SERVICES, SHARES A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE OF THE DANGERS OF NOT WRITING YOUR WILL If you die without making a will, your assets will be distributed according to the law and not necessarily according to your wishes. There are many things to consider, but with a little preparation the process can be less painful and expensive than you might think – and certainly preferable to the chaos and confusion that can happen if there is not a will in place.

One area that should not be delayed, is what happens to your minor children should both parents pass away prematurely.

Clients of mine, an Australian mum and French dad could not decide who should have custody of their children if they both died. Should they go to their grandparents in Australia or in France? Both were very patriotic and so they could not agree, which held up finalising the will even though they were both in agreement as to what should happen to their assets.

Tragically, the couple were killed on holiday in a car accident, and the families of both sides got into a quarrel as to whom should care for the children. Both sets of grandparents were young enough to look after the three young children, so both applied to the Hong Kong Family Court.

As part of the case proceedings, I was contacted by both sets of grandparents, who wanted to know if their children had left instructions in their wills. They asked if there was anything I could do to help.

It was a tough decision for the courts, but even harder on the children. It’s impossible to imagine how the elder children must have felt with deceased parents and squabbling grandparents, and not knowing where they would live, only that they would have to leave their home in Hong Kong.

By finalising their will – and deciding who should have custody of their children in the event of their death – my clients could have saved their families untold heartache and trauma.

Email Annette M. Houlihan at annette@careysuen.com for a free consultation Carey, Suen Will Services 8B Wing Yee Commercial Building, 5 Wing Kut Street, Central

tel: +852 9160 7855 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com INTERN Kayla Adara Lee production@baymedia.com.hk CONTRIBUTORS Jason Broderick Elizabeth Kerr Claire Severn Peter Sherwood Dorothy Veitch Lydia Yang PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong

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.

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www.actionasiaevents.com

DB KAYAK N RUN

Competitors kayaked and ran along the Nim Shue Wan coastline to Man Kok Tsui at the Action Asia Kayak n Run – Discovery Bay race on July 13.

s t n e v e y t i n u rece nt c om m

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

www.arounddb.com August 2019

11

DB EVENTS

FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP

Lisa Ai from Sparkles Flowers taught the art of flower arranging on July 6 and 7 at the HanMade Teahouse in DB North Plaza.

SUMMER SURVIVORS DINNER

Members of the Discovery Bay Church – and survivors of the sparsely populated summer months in DB – enjoyed a relaxed group meal and fellowship on July 13 at Koh Tomyums.

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

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BUS STOP AUBERGE HOTEL

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NORTH PLAZA

DB EVENTS

DANCE EVOLUTION

Island Dance presented its annual showcase, Dance Evolution, from June 14 to 16 at Youth Square in Chai Wan. Students from Discovery Bay, Mui Wo and all over Hong Kong danced to songs that have evolved over the years. www.islanddance.com.hk

SIMPLY SALSA NIGHTS

Dancers grooved to the beat of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Reggaeton on Thursday nights in July at A Tavola Bar & Grill, Tung Chung. A free salsa class from Dance with Style was followed by the opportunity to dance, drink and dine till late.

Photos by Duey Tam & courtesy of dancewithstylehk.com

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A SEA OF COLOURS AT DB’S FUNTASTIC BEACH CARNIVAL

Photos courtesy of HKR

W

16

hether you are looking to lead your #bestlife on social media or seeking a summer escape right in your own backyard, DB’s Funtastic Beach Carnival, running through August 25, has you covered.

adorable shapes and designs are available on weekends, from 12pm to 6pm. Watch your cares float away as you perch on the back of a giant inflatable flamingo – and be sure to take a selfie with the brilliant blue sea as your backdrop.

with a playful installation of flaming pink flamingos providing another great photo op. And on weekends, from 12pm to 6pm, there’s more fun on offer for the kids, with entertainment booths providing balloon twisting and face painting.

Tai Pak Beach is decked out with brightly coloured beach huts that give it a French Riviera feel, and make it an Instagram-worthy backdrop for summer vacation photos. Colourful beach benches and umbrellas provide plenty of open space and shade for adults and children alike, as they sit back to enjoy some beachside fun.

Also available on weekends at Tai Pak Beach, from 2pm to 6pm, is the Wet N’ Wild Foam Party, where kids (they have to be at least 90 centimetres tall) can create their very own foam ‘clouds’ and romp in a sudsy sea of bubbles. A visit to a food cart for cotton candy and popcorn is next in line.

Should you choose to take a dip, Funtastic beach floats in

The summer extravaganza continues in DB North Plaza

So how do you take advantage of everything that’s on offer at this year’s Funtastic Beach Carnival?

That’s easy – you need activity passes, and to get your hands on these, simply spend HK$180 or more at any DB restaurant.

You then present an on-day dining receipt at the Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter in DB Plaza or an Activity Booth in DB North Plaza to redeem one activity pass (plus a free ferry ride into town).

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

PICK UP AN ACTIVITY PASS To be eligible for one Funtastic Beach Carnival activity pass and the Dine ‘N Ride promotion, spend just HK$180 at any DB restaurant (at DB Plaza, D’Deck, DB North Plaza or Auberge Discovery Bay), and present an on-day dining receipt at the Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter in DB Plaza or an Activity Booth in DB North Plaza.

HAVE YOURSELF SOME FUN One activity pass entitles you to: • • • •

Two hours of inflatable fun! When you borrow a Funtastic beach float, registration and a deposit of HK$100 are required, with the deposit refunded in full upon the return of each inflatable Free admission to the Wet N’ Wild Foam Party on Tai Pak Beach One free serving of popcorn or cotton candy from a food cart on Tai Pak Beach Free balloon twisting and body painting at DB North Plaza

TAKE A SUMMER STAYCATION Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong is offering two special summer accommodation packages, available from July 12 to September 1.

• •

Summer Family Adventure package includes a one-night stay in a mountain-view room, breakfast buffet for two adults and one child, and EpicLand tickets for one adult and one child. HK$1,688* for two adults and one child aged below 11 years The Summer Stay & Dine package includes a one-night stay in a mountain-view room, plus breakfast and dinner buffet for two adults. HK$1,988* for two adults

*Terms and conditions apply. All prices are subject to 10% service charge.

www.arounddb.com August 2019

17

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

E H T TO

L A I T N E S UPCOMING ES COMMUNITY EVENTS

FUNTASTIC SUMMER CARNIVAL

SUMMER SURVIVORS DINNER

Tai Pak Wan and DB North Plaza

Zak’s With so many expat families away over the summer, DB can get a bit lonely, so Discovery Bay Church has organised a getwww.unsplash.com together. Enjoy a relaxed group meal, fun and fellowship at 7.30pm. To get involved, email markrogers@discoverybaychurch.org.hk.

August 3

Through August 25

VETERANS NETWORKING CRUISE Victoria Harbour August 8

Photo courtesy of HKR

Spend just HK$180 at any DB restaurant and present an on-day dining receipt at the Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter in DB Plaza or at an Activity Booth in DB North Plaza to enjoy free access to DB’s Funtastic Summer Carnival. Rent an inflatable, enjoy the Wet N’ Wild Foam Party and get a free serving of popcorn or cotton candy! There’s also free balloon twisting and body painting at DB North Plaza. To find out more, turn to page 16.

DOWN ON DB FARM Siena Park

From August 1

www.pexels.com

DB military veterans and their spouses and guests are invited to join a sundowners networking and social cocktail cruise, enjoying canapes and drinks as they cruise Victoria Harbour. The boat leaves Central Pier 10 at 6.30pm and returns by 9.30pm, and tickets cost HK$200 each. For more information, contact steve@sjt-assoc.com or visit t8events.com.

OPEN STUDIO ART EXHIBITION DB North Plaza DB-based artist Alicia van Thiel is hosting a one-day open studio art exhibition, Secret Gardens and Hidden Paths: A Journey Through Plein-Air. A classically trained www.aliciavanthiel.com painter and sculptor, who exhibits internationally, Alicia works exclusively from life often in plein (outdoor) light. For more information, visit www.aliciavanthiel.com.

August 17

www.evoqueportraits.com

You can sign up this month to farm a plot at DB Farm in Siena Park.

Enrolment is open to all DB residents and is free of charge. Forty-four plots are available for the next planting season August to December. To bag your plot, call 2238 3601.

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

WATER FUN DAY

BADMINTON COMPETITION

Club Siena

DB North Community Hall August 24

www.pexels.com

Residents need to sign up for this year’s DB Badminton Competition by August 9. There are six divisions – men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, men’s singles, women’s singles and children’s singles (for kids aged nine to 14 years old). Each applicant can enrol in a maximum of two divisions. To register, visit www.amyung.org.hk.

AUSSIE RULES INTERCLUB MATCHES Discovery College and DB North Plaza pitches August 24

Photo courtesy of Lantau Lizards

Support junior Australian rules football players (aged five to 15) as the Lantau Lizards compete against the Sandy Bay Scorpions from 8am to 11am. For more information, email Rebecca Williams at lantaulizardsfc@gmail.com.

August 25

www.dbrc.hk

Kids, aged four to 12, can enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Club Siena indoor pool from 2pm to 5pm. Tickets are on sale at the club – HK$110 for members and HK$190 for member’s guests, with a registration deadline of August 18. For more information, call 2987 7382 or email dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk.

TETRA PAK RECYCLING Hemingway’s August 25

AFTER-SCHOOL & WELLNESS FAIR Zak’s August 24

Photo courtesy of Claire Severn

The After-School and Wellness Fair, running from 9am to 12pm, features DB businesses and education providers.

Residents can check out over 50 local sports, education, arts, social and health organisations all in one place. To find out more, email Kim at kimwhiley@factory2home.net.

www.arounddb.com

Get your (cleaned and sorted) Tetra Pak-style cartons and polyfoam packaging recycled by dropping them with a DB Green representative at the outdoor seating area of Hemingway’s from 9am to 11am. To find out how to clean your Tetra Paks and polyfoam for recycling, visit www.arounddb.com.

REGULAR DB EVENTS HAVE YOUR PRELOVED EMS COLLECTED at your home onITAu gus

t 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 2pm to 4pm. WhatsApp Nikki Boot at 9677 6676.

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OPT A PET through Hong Kong Paw s Foundation (PAWS) in DB Plaza on August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 2pm to 6pm. Ca ll Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

s at ELPERS classe H R O F A G O from Y 25 ENJOY FREE th Plaza on August 4, 11, 18 and k.

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Call 2238 3617. www.arounddb.com August 2019

19

DB EVENTS

HEALTHY CHICKEN

NEWinDB

GUIDES AND HAPPY BEES

Photo courtesy of Bethan Clark www.pexels.com

You can now find Central-side favourite, Healthy Chicken in DB North Plaza. Best known for its rotisserie chicken and burrito-style chicken wraps, Healthy Chicken prides itself on using natural ingredients, and preparing everything from scratch every day. To find out more, call 6933 6990 or email eathealthychicken@gmail.com.

With two flourishing Brownie packs already in DB (find out more on page 34), Discovery Bay Guiding is launching a Guide company for girls aged 11 to 15, and a Happy Bees hive for girls aged four to six. There are a few spaces left for the Saturday morning meets at Discovery Bay International School. To get involved, email contact@db-guides.com, contact@db-brownies.com or visit www.db-brownies.com.

SAVE the DATE

DONATE!

CONGRATULATIONS

YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT

SUPPORT HANNAH’S HEROES

RUGBY UNION U20’S SQUAD

September 9-13

Photo courtesy of Gaylene Meeson www.wikimedia.com

Join 20-year DB resident Shitu Saini in the tranquil mountains of Chiang Mai, as she leads her annual yoga and meditation retreat. The early-bird registration deadline, with prices starting at HK$6,800 (twin share), is August 10. To find out more, visit the Yoga with Shitu Facebook page. To reserve a space, contact Shitu at 9469 0050 or yogawithshitu@ymail.com.

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In her bid to raise funds for childhood cancer research, DBer Gaylene Meeson is shaving her head for the seventh time on September 20. Gaylene’s daughter Hannah is a brain cancer survivor and she attends Hong Kong International Learning Academy. Over the past six years, Hannah’s Heroes has provided St Baldrick’s Foundation with over US$2 million for childhood cancer research around the world. To make a donation, visit www.stbaldricks.org/participants/gaylene.

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

www.hkrugby.com

DB residents Mikkel Christensen, Tiarnan Neville, Julian Onderwater and James Rivers competed in the 2019 World Rugby U20 Trophy in Brazil, playing for the Hong Kong Rugby Union men’s U20’s squad. Eight teams from around the world competed over four match days from July 9 to 21 in São José dos Campos. For more information, visit www.hkrugby.com.

DB EVENTS

LANTAU HIGHLIGHTS HIDDEN FORESTS

SUNTREKKER

Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Admiralty

Start: Nam Shan

August 31

Through September 8

Photo courtesy of Sally Grace Bunker

Mui Wo resident Sally Grace Bunker is showing 30 of her gorgeous watercolour illustrations (as featured in Portraits of Trees of Hong Kong and Southern China) as part of Hidden Forests. The cross-disciplinary arts and culture programme aims to strengthen public awareness about forestry and biodiversity in Hong Kong by bringing together expert ecologists and local artistic talent. To find out more about the exhibition, visit asiasociety.org. For more on Sally, visit www.leafy.hk.

MOONTREKKER MANGROVE CLEAN-UP

www.barclaysmoontrekker.com/en/suntrekker

Register before August 29 to take part in SunTrekker. The ‘relaxed’ 18-kilometre run/ hike covers some of Lantau’s most beautiful coastal trails. A barbecue and New Zealand craft beers are included in the registration fee of HK$490, as is a H$50 donation to Gary Stokes’ new NGO OceansAsia.org. For more information and to register, visit www.barclaysmoontrekker.com/en/suntrekker.

ONE COLLAR, ONE LIFE South Lantau

Tung Chung Bay

August 17

www.barclaysmoontrekker.com

New this year, the guys at MoonTrekker have teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to organise a cleanup of beautiful (but overlooked) Tung Chung Bay. This is your chance to give back and learn more about the importance of shoreline estuaries, their biodiversity and the challenges they face. The event runs from 3pm to 5pm and for HK$100 per person, you get snacks, drinks and clean-up equipment. To sign up, email registration@moontrekker.com.

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Photo by Andrew Spires

A registered NGO since 2014, Tai O Community Cattle Group (TOCCG) is revisiting its One Collar, One Life (Saving Feral Cattle) fundraising campaign, aiming to produce 100 new ‘Road Safety & No Feeding Bilingual Cow Collars.’ The collars help TOCCG with daily monitoring of South Lantau cattle, act as a deterrent to those tempted to feed the cows, and reduce the risk of cattle being involved in road accidents. To make a donation (each collar costs HK$150), visit gogetfunding.com/one-collar-one-life-saving-feral-cattle.

SPOTLIGHT

DB’s got talent Vice-principal of Lantau International School James Lambert, an 18-year DB resident, discusses his hilarious new children’s book, The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School Tell us a bit about The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School. It’s very silly and daft and aimed at children aged eight to 12. My publishers, Austin Macauley (UK), describe it as a hilarious yarn about a school located right on a beach, and its slightly bonkers teachers, students and parents. The school is flattened by Hurricane Soft and Fluffy and the children of Mr Bell’s class are asked to redesign it. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.

As vice-principal of Lantau International School (LIS), you must have plenty of material to draw on? I love our school as we are so close to nature and the beach, and that was a big influence in how the book turned out. I have taught upper primary for a long time now, I’ve been at LIS for 18 years, so it made sense to write about what I know. I make notes when funny things happen at school, then try to sit down and expand the ideas in short stories.

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

The big question is how closely does Sandy Primary School resemble LIS? Calamitous school fairs, perilous bus journeys and parent warfare… There is a small nugget of truth in all my chapters. But, to protect the innocent (and guilty) and avoid legal action, I can’t say too much. Sports Day has been eventful for sure, usually during the parents’ race!

So, what makes kids laugh? You’d have to ask them! But they definitely giggle about the gluey guinea pigs and daft doctors in The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School.

There’s also a local artist with a big plastic windy bottom…

What’s great about the book, is that it’s an entertaining read for parents as well as kids. I try to write things that make me laugh. There’s lots of silly stuff

for kids in my book but also plenty of jokes aimed at adults.

Going back to the gluey guinea pigs… you share your home with a long-haired guinea pig called George? I do. And my wife, Suzy; daughter, Eleanor; and son, Joe. Eleanor was a finalist in the Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writers Competition last year. I obviously taught her everything she knows!

You launched The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School at LIS in April. How did it go down? A friendly audience, but they loved it. I may have mentioned this already but it’s a really funny book! I’ve also read it to a great bunch of kids at Hong Kong International Learning Academy, who really got involved in the presentation, and at Vibe bookstore in Mui Wo (standing room only). I hope to go to other schools this term and I’m available for author visits (hint, hint Discovery College and Discovery Bay International School!).

Who are your favourite children’s authors? I wasn’t a big reader when I was young but Roald Dahl just caught my imagination. Today, David Walliams is superb, his books are great for adults to read to kids. But my favourite kids’ book is Wayside School by Louis Sacher. It’s funny, slightly surreal and I love reading it to my class. If you want to buy a child a book, buy that one. Actually, don’t… buy mine instead, then go to the library and get Wayside School. I need the money!

The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School, published by Austin Macauley UK, is available on Amazon, at Bookazine and at Vibe in Mui Wo.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com August 2019

25

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 a free childrenʼs haircut Afflatus Hair Workshop in DB Plaza is offering three readers a free children’s haircut (worth HK$160).

Afflatus offers top-quality services, including cutting, colouring and straightening. The professional team of stylists is dedicated to providing the best quality service. As a special bonus, the mirrors in the kids’ area are fitted with televisions to keep children entertained while they are having their hair cut. To make an appointment, call 2987 0283. stock.adobe.com

Win day passes to Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland is offering two readers two day passes (worth HK$639 per ticket) to ‘the happiest place on earth.’

With more than 30 attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland comprises seven lands – Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. There are exciting live shows on offer, including Festival of the Lion King and Mickey and the Wondrous Book, plus the chance to meet your favourite Disney characters.

For more information, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com. www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Congratulations to last month’s winners Andrew Carrick for a place on a Faust International Youth Theatre summer programme; and Georgina Chan, Wendy Lee and Rodel Hernandez for tickets to see Matilda The Musical.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LANTAU LIVING FREE

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Domestic Harmony

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com & courtesy of Jane Engelmann

Jane Engelmann helps Hong Kong’s domestic workers find their voices – and make the rest of us hear them. Elizabeth Kerr sits down with the 25-year DB resident and 2019 Woman of Inspiration award winner

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

“L

ook at my coffee.

How posh,” says Jane Engelmann in a dry tone that’s a mix of genuinely impressed and slightly bemused. Her cappuccino has been thoroughly branded at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon in ifc Mall. The only thing missing from the chocolate dusting the top of the foam is an umlaut. That’s okay: It doesn’t say “Joël.”

The backstory

Jane is on her way home from Peak School where she’s head of Performing Arts, but she takes time to sit down for a meandering chat first. We agree that dogs should not travel by handbag and cats should never be blow-dried. We touch on Imposter Syndrome (look it up), and how women find it frustratingly difficult to take credit for their achievements.

“I was going to stay for one year,” she recalls with a chuckle. “I was trying to figure out if I could cope with being a single parent for a year. The prospect of going back to England was quite bleak. It was a tough time, but it worked out.”

“I tend to downplay things for fear people are going to look at my photo and say, ‘Oh who does she think she is?’” Jane says. “I feel like any moment I’m going to be found out. I always brush it off with, ‘Hong Kong’s a small pond.’ We denigrate too much.”

It follows then that during our twohour chat, Jane nimbly glosses over the Hong Kong Women of Inspiration Award she received at the Women’s Empowerment Forum in March.

She took home the honours in the Performing Arts category for her work with Unsung Heroes, the local choir composed entirely of foreign domestic workers.

Founded in 2014, Unsung Heroes has long generated media headlines with CNN, Al-Jazeera and the like, and soon, Time magazine. “The word’s getting out there,” says Jane, before adding with typical humility.

“The attention I’ve got has come for my giving up Sundays… But I could afford to, because of what the choir gave to me.”

Unsung Heroes was truly born in 1993. That was the year Jane arrived in Hong Kong from the UK with her husband, who worked for the Foreign Service. She had an infant son, and soon a young daughter, but in short order found herself a single parent – her husband was sent back to England and went alone.

Perfectly happy in the Hong Kong swelter and a teacher by profession – she also did a stint as a children’s television presenter on Tube Time – Jane found a way to stay on. To pay the bills, she set up the Jane Engelmann Theatre School (J.E.T.S. HK) tutoring piano and drama, and got herself a full-time gig at Discovery Bay International School, where she taught for 12 years.

Naturally, helping her do all this work was a domestic helper. After 20 years in the city and with grown children moving off to Australia and London, she found herself with spare time, and Unsung Heroes was born.

“I’d always had this idea to put together a choir of domestic helpers because I’d heard them sing and…

I love the power of people singing together,” she says. “This was also a way for me to say ‘Thank you.’”

The inspiration Jane had plenty of inspiration beyond her own gratitude. The double standards, the lack of real civil rights for domestic workers and the ease with which many are

taken advantage of, coupled with a keen understanding of a mother’s willingness to sacrifice for her children, led to the first draft of the choir’s signature, I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight, a hymn to sacrifice and loss.

“That’s where my mission was sort of coming from,” Jane explains, pointing out that there’s a danger of becoming immune to the circumstances which lead so many domestic helpers to Hong Kong. She concedes many see the salaries they can earn as worth the separations, if it builds a better life for their children. Nonetheless, abuse is rife. “It can be dreadful.”

While working on the song, Jane put the word out for singers, and admittedly recruitment got off to a rocky start. There seemed to be little interest among helpers, and the few that showed up for the first try-out did so at the pressing of employers.

This came after a commitment to perform at Picnic in the Park that year… in a little over two months.

But word-of-mouth did the trick, and Jane wound up with 60 women in her choir before the next challenge reared its head.

“The dynamic was all wrong,” she remembers of the early rehearsals.

The song was just words. So, Jane went back to the drawing board, and remembered the shattered feeling she experienced when her children left home for university.

“If I felt this way, how did these women leave their children in the Philippines, in Indonesia? What they were giving up must be…” She trails off for a moment as she puts herself in someone else’s shoes again. “It really resonated with me.”

And it made I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight more honest. “It became more real to them because it was coming from a place they all understood.” It was off to the races. 

www.arounddb.com August 2019

29

PROFILE

Unsung Heroes with Jane

The mission Since hitting its stride, Unsung Heroes has been flooded with performance requests from charity and holiday events, private clubs and music festivals. In 2017, the choir sang with the legendary Nile Rodgers at Clockenflap.

Janes notes that over the years choir members have begun to exert more agency and autonomy. “I ‘head up’ the choir simply because I can arrange for them to perform in many different places. They have the talent. They have the power,” she says with a smile.

A TEDx speaker, with an IMDb producer credit (for Joanna Bowers’ documentary The Helper), Jane stresses that she’s not interested in politics or politicking. So, what is it about Unsung Heroes that

works so well now? Jane chalks it up to a combination of rising community service everywhere and the increased sensitivity people are exhibiting towards those around them. Also, of course, the helpers’ story is very relevant.

“It has a human element that touches all of us. We all have people we miss and, at some point, nearly all of us in Hong Kong have employed a domestic helper,” theorises Jane. “We are surrounded by them; we see them in the streets sitting on their cardboard boxes on Sunday. And the mother-child connection really speaks to everyone… It’s just a story that was waiting to be told. It made everyone realise it was time to wake up.”

Jane and Unsung Heroes have big plans for the coming months.

They’re working on a new song, A Voice from Home, and an ambitious plan for a binational visual presentation involving child singers in the Philippines. “It’s been met with great enthusiasm,” Jane says.

“It really works. But I’ve learnt my lesson. If something doesn’t take off on its own, you don’t need to drive it.

There’s something to be said for the organic process.”

Most grandiose is Jane’s determination to get a second gig for Unsung Heroes at the Hong Kong Sevens – this time on the pitch. She might not be in Hong Kong during the summer, but she isn’t forgetting her singers. “I am vacationing,” she finishes, “but I’m always working.” She pauses to tap her temple. “Up here.”

The All Blacks won’t know what hit them.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

30

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

SUCCESS STORY

DB

Entrepreneur of the Month Kavita Mathur, Founder of Red Velvet

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

M

32

y business is an online home store making exquisite, quality bespoke products available to customers at a click. Red Velvet is a reflection of myself; I am a house-proud person and love everything spectacular in any living space. In setting up Red Velvet my husband and I had many brainstorming discussions about how best to tap my potential as a creative person and form a good business model that would be sustainable in such a competitive world – we realised being online was the key. The thing that interests me most about my business are my products. I take keen interest in designing them and finding the right sources to produce them. It is a journey I embark on every day to curate something unique and bring a wide range to my customers. To succeed in business, you need to be positive, motivated and confident. It is easy to give up but it takes a lot to move forward knowing the difficulties that lie ahead. You have to be passionate about your work and own it.

To start up my business, I followed my heart but at the same time learnt the importance of supply and demand. There are times when the heart takes over the mind and I had to learn to make choices that were led by logic rather than my creativity. The greatest challenge I face is that I’m a product-based business which requires me to keep a lot of stock. Skyrocketing Hong Kong rentals and very expensive storage spaces make it difficult for me to manage overheads, while shipping from overseas. My greatest achievement is the sense of accomplishment I feel when someone says, “Oh you are Red Velvet.” (My heart does a little happy dance!) The credit, of course, goes to my clients who bestow their faith in me and my business – they give me the motivation to keep going – and most importantly to my family and friends who continue to encourage me. My plan for the future is to set up a website, so I can grow from being a localised business to a regional one that taps into the larger market in Hong Kong and Asia. The potential for an online business is immense, keeping in view the increasing overheads, especially rental, in running a traditional store-based business. Eventually, I hope to be on a par with the big-league home stores. When hiring staff, I always look for someone with dedication and respect for the work they do. The entrepreneur I most admire is J K Rowling. I admire her creativity and imagination. She came from a humble background and rose to success by means of her own capability.

My favourite social media platform is Facebook; my business thrives on it. It is an amazing platform for small businesses to connect with their diverse and dispersed customer base, and it helps increase visibility and marketability.

My personal motto is: Push yourself, no one else is going to do it for you.

FIND IT • Red Velvet, 9010 5832, redvelvetdesigns@hotmail.com, Red Velvet Discovery Bay Online Store Facebook page

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

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33

C-044849

IN FOCUS

Brownie points A Brownie Guide thinks of others before herself and does a good turn every day.

Claire Severn meets the young DBers who are here to lend a hand while having fun

Photos courtesy of Bethan Clark and Gaylene Meeson

I

34

t’s Saturday morning and Discovery Bay International School is alive with the sound of children chatting, eagerly greeting their friends and helping each other adjust their uniforms.

The girls, all aged between seven and 10, are here for a Brownie Guide meeting, and they’re looking forward to another interest-packed couple of hours ahead.

Originally founded in the UK in 1914 by Lord Robert BadenPowell, the Brownies are a relatively new addition to DB’s youth activity scene, the resort’s first public unit having launched

in September 2018.

The Brownie Programme

Led by DB mums Sharon McEneff (Brown Owl), Kris Fong (Tawny Owl), Wendy Seager (Snowy Owl), Kate Lorenz (Little Owl), Eleanor McColl (Barn Owl) and Bethan Clark (Eagle Owl), the group, officially known as Unit 424A NT, quickly proved popular.

Part of the larger global guiding family, the aim of Brownies is to give its young members the opportunity to discover new things and challenge themselves, while supporting each other and the wider community.

Soon there was a waiting list for places, and so, in January 2019, Unit 424B NT was formed, led by another enthusiastic bunch of DB mums – Gaylene Meeson (Brown Owl), Karen Mason (Hawk Owl) and Burcin Gezer (Fluffy Owl).

Again, spaces filled up fast.

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

The premise – and in fact the format of the meetings – has remained very much the same over the years. “Some aspects of a typical meeting haven’t changed in over a century!” says Bethan, Eagle Owl for Pack A. “We open each meeting by singing the Brownie Song while getting into a ring. We then recite the Brownie

so enthusiastic. Some of them can be earnt at home by doing things such as making their beds, while others come from taking part in the activities each Saturday. We have a ceremony once a month to give them out.”

Brownies do their best The range of badges the girls can work towards is extensive and includes everything from cycling and swimming to calligraphy, photography, friendship, crime prevention, cooking and computing, to name just a few.

“It’s very hands on,” adds Bethan. “It’s not about sitting in a classroom and being taught; Brownies provides the girls with non-formal education in a supportive, friendly, all-female environment.”

Brownie Pack A on a field trip

Promise and Law, and the sixers [the oldest in each group of six girls, which are all named after fairies or woodland creatures] fill in the log books. To close meetings, we have a pow-wow and then sing the Brownie Bells.”

In between, the girls are engaged in a number of activities based around the eight-point Brownie Programme and the Brownie Promise and Law. On this particular morning, the two packs are enjoying completely different sessions, demonstrating just how diverse the opportunities for exploration are. Pack A is learning about different faiths

with four special guests from the local community, while Pack B is enjoying a good-old-fashioned game of bulldog and taking part in a practical session on road safety.

With each activity, the girls have the opportunity to work towards earning badges in recognition of the skills they’ve learnt. “Getting badges makes you feel you have achieved something,” says Olive Probert, 10, seconder for Pack A’s Sprites. “We do lots of different activities each week – it’s really fun.”

“The kids are keen as mustard to earn their badges,” says Gaylene, Brown Owl for Pack B. “They’re all

The girls have certainly been busy over the last few months. “Since setting up Pack A last September, we have learnt knotting, map reading, first aid, skipping and painting,” says Bethan.

“We’ve visited the horses in DB North Plaza, taken part in a World Thinking Day event at Hong Kong Girl Guides Association headquarters in Jordan, and travelled to Kadoorie Farm to do our gardening badge. We’ve even introduced the girls to the concept of microfinance. No two meetings are ever the same, which keeps us all on our toes.”

Environmental matters are high on the agenda for DB’s Brownies too. “We recently teamed up with Plastic Free Seas to clear an amazing 52 kilogrammes of plastic from DB North Plaza beach,” says Sharon, Brown Owl for Pack A. “We want the girls to be involved in the community.”

“Being a Brownie means striving to be the best you can be,” continues Bethan. “The important thing is that this is going to be different for every girl. It’s not about being ‘the  best,’ it’s about simply trying to be

www.arounddb.com August 2019

35

IN FOCUS

your best self. Brownies try to do a good turn every day.”

Pack leaders Of course, the girls wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the ladies who generously give their time each week to plan and run the meetings.

“Each pack is led by Brown Owl, who ensures that everything is running smoothly,” explains Bethan. “She is supported by a ‘parliament’ of owls, who each take on various roles, such as badge administration, meeting planning, communication, website and finances.”

“We’re lucky to have a great group of leaders, who all bring different areas of expertise to the table,” adds Pack A’s Barn Owl Eleanor.

“It’s a really interesting thing to do outside of work and family. For me, the best part is seeing the girls grow in confidence each week and form lasting friendships. It’s great to see the older girls looking after the younger ones, too. The sixes are all made up of mixed age groups, which helps to develop leadership and teamwork skills from a young age.”

The parents are happy, too. Atika Sandham, whose daughter Gabby, 8, is a Pixie in Pack A, says she loves the wholesome, worldly skills that Brownies teaches. “Brownies expands the girls’ minds with things that aren’t in the curriculum,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for the children. And the best thing is that our daughter can now make us a cup of tea!”

Guides and Happy Bees Looking ahead to September, the leaders are planning to widen the scope of guiding in DB by launching a Guide company for girls aged 11 to 15, and a Happy

Both DB packs meet at DBIS on Saturday mornings

Bees hive for those aged four to six.

“Being a Guide is the next step in the adventure,” says Bethan.

“Guides have much more autonomy and choice about what they do. Providing a service to the community is a large part of being a Guide, so I am excited to see what plans we come up with in DB.” And for the younger girls? “The principal aim of Happy Bees is to encourage the girls to develop their independence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. They’ll focus on things like kindness, being environmentally friendly and

being happy. They get a sticker in their book after completing each unit – it’s all rather sweet and yet meaningful at the same time, and it’s excellent preparation for moving up to Brownies when they turn seven.”

As the girls gather at the end of the morning for their pow-wow, I think back to my own experience as a Brownie – a Pixie to be precise – all those years ago in the UK. So much is familiar – the uniform, the salute, the sense of belonging, and I smile at the fact that DB children have the opportunity to be part of such a long-lasting, positive movement.

FIND IT • DB Brownies, www.db-brownies.com • DB Girl Guides, contact@db-guides.com.

• DB Happy Bees, contact@db-brownies.com • Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, hkgga.org.hk

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

36

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Back to school

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EDUCATION

BEAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES The start of the autumn term can be tough for kids, particularly if they are about to enter the dreaded exam years. To ease the transition, Jason Broderick suggests you prioritise their health and wellbeing over their academic timetables

Photo by Brad Neathery – unsplash.com

Studying 24/7 is not productive

44

T

he holidays are over and the autumn term has begun. This can be a stressful, even depressing time for children especially if exams are looming. They need to feel confident and organised as they head back to school, and mentally prepared to knuckle down and revise when the time comes. So, what can parents do to help?

Being prepared is not necessarily about hours of study, study, study – of course this will in time become

an essential part of the approach but first let’s discuss the foundations.

Establishing a firm footing will enable your child to survive this intense period unscathed and ensure the family is still on speaking terms when the next summer holidays arrive.

Positive health and wellbeing – including mental health – contribute to a child’s ability to flourish, thrive and achieve. Equipping young people with the skills to cope with potentially stressful situations will enable them to navigate the

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

challenges that might lie ahead.

If children are nurtured in an environment that promotes positive wellbeing, not only are they likely to meet or exceed their potential during term time, but they will leave school and embark on further education or employment much more confidently.

Wellbeing 101 In terms of children’s general wellbeing, there are three key areas

to consider. Are your kids sleeping well? Are they getting enough exercise? What is their daily diet?

Of course, routine bedtime hours are unappealing to teenagers but a huge part of being prepared and coping is being able to function – without sleep we can’t function at our best.

With 10 months until the exams, there is time to work on lifestyle choices. Monitor your children’s routine for a period of time and discuss areas that could be improved. Strengthen their understanding about how these three key areas boost wellness and set us on the path for success.

Your aim is to assist by being supportive and realistic. If you add unnecessary pressure beyond ensuring your children are revising, sleeping, implementing movement and eating well, ask yourself, what message are you sending?

Another thing to keep in mind is that everyone in your child’s year group is in the same boat, and so are their families. Students all get the same lessons and sit the same exams. Knowing they’re not alone can be a comfort to children, and to bring this home you should encourage them to start revising with friends. In fact, getting your kids to set up group chats for each subject is a great idea. They can share notes and help out with work, thereby making revision time more efficient.

Results aren’t everything

positive personal characteristics such as kindness and integrity – all of which are important. Results don’t always tell the whole story.

Encourage children to do their best, rather than be the best.

Exams are for a season. They’re important and need to be taken seriously but, however tough they may seem, they’ll be over in the blink of an eye.

Never downplay the fact that schoolwork is hard. If your child is having trouble with a certain subject, let him know this is totally acceptable, not something to feel bad about. You can’t stress this

enough. Schoolwork is hard.

Students are not supposed to understand everything straight away – that’s why there are teachers and study guides, and services like tutors. It might take a couple of goes for your child to review the content before it sticks, and that’s fine because the exams are months away. That said, now is the time to identify any areas with which your children need help, and to get them that help.

If you do all this, your children will be well set up to enjoy the new school year, and perhaps even the end-ofyear exams.

Checklist for parents Ensure R

your children are eating and exercising well, and getting a suitable amount of sleep

R Encourage them to engage in activities that involve going outside, and avoid overuse of screens – this can apply to leisure pursuits as well as revision techniques

R Set realistic academic goals, and manage both of your expectations R Involve yourself in your children’s schoolwork and help when you can, while encouraging them to revise with friends

R Attend

any meetings the school invites you to about exams. If you hear from the teachers about how, where and when the exams will take place, you can support your child to be organised and prepared

R Direct any questions or concerns you have about exams to the school, rather

than to your child, and arrange for extra tuition in certain subjects if you need to

R Encourage

your children to talk to their form tutor or subject teacher if they are stressed about their exams. Remember that a small amount of anxiety is normal and not harmful

R Start each week on a positive note and also give your child something to look

Remember, whilst exams are important, they generally focus on what your kids are capable of academically. They won’t necessarily reflect how talented they may be in other areas, and they certainly won’t highlight

forward to. Plan to go for a walk together at the weekend, or suggest they invite friends over

Jason Broderick is a wellbeing coach and counselling psychologist at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS). To follow him on Instagram, head to @wellbeingcoach101. For more on DBIS, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

Find more on education @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com August 2019

45

EDUCATION

6

brain-boosting study tips

W 1

hether you’re heading back to school after the summer vacation or after a 20-year hiatus, now is the time to review your homework habits.

Where you choose to study is up to you, just make sure it’s a distraction-free zone.

Try turning off your phone notifications or blocking Twitter (temporarily) on your computer, so you can concentrate on your homework. And don’t feel you have to be tied to your desk, you can study just about anywhere… in libraries, coffee shops and parks.

If you’ve given yourself a whole day to study, vary your location every once in a while, a change of scenery can prompt your brain to retain information better.

2 Photo by Eliott Reyna - unsplash.com

Getting into a study routine is important. Set time aside to do your homework every day, remembering that this can change from day-to-day, depending on your schedule. And be realistic about the time allotted. Gauging how long it will take you to complete an urgent paper will help you plan how much additional homework you can do at one sitting.

46

3

Cramming the night before a test may work in the short-term, but your brain is unlikely to store what you’ve learnt for more than a day or two. You’re better

Don’t feel tied to your desk

off studying a little every day and going back over it regularly. Make a habit of looking at your notes each night. Fill in details, edit the parts that don’t make sense, and highlight the bits of information that you know are most important, or don’t fully understand. Interacting with your notes will help you remember them.

4

If you’ve got a big assignment looming, stay motivated by completing a piece of the project every few days.

Write a paragraph a night, or do five algebra problems from your problem set at a time, and then take a break.

5

Get hold of a calendar so that you can plan ahead and organise your time. Make sure you’re marking down your extracurricular activities, and work and social commitments, as well as your homework assignments.

6

It’s important to organise your study notes systematically.

You might choose to have one big binder for all your classes with colour-coded tabs, or keep separate notebooks and a folder for handouts. Keep the system simple – if it’s too fancy or complicated, you are less likely to maintain it.

Find more on education @ www.arounddb.com August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Extracurricular Fun! As the kids head back to school, here are 14 activities they can enjoy outside of class Outdoor



ARK EDEN

Performance

   

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET FAUST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE ISLAND DANCE TWINKLE DANCE COMPANY

Sports

    

DBEES ESF SPORTS HK DRAGONS FOOTBALL CLUB KAPUHALA MGK FIGHT CLUB

Mandarin

 

DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS

Maths & More



PREETI’S PASSION FOR TEACHING

Playgroups

 

48

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP LITTLE EXPLORERS

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Extracurricular Fun! Outdoor

Performance

ARK EDEN

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET

Ark Eden brings out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children aged five to 11 years by providing them with educational outdoor fun. Held in the foothills of Mui Wo, the eco-based programme offers various different activities, including gardening, treehouse building, campfire cooking and swimming in waterfalls.

Established in 1984, DMR School of Ballet offers students from the age of three to adult, the opportunity to learn to dance in a professional and enjoyable environment. In addition to ballet, tap and modern, there are creative nonsyllabus classes such as Fun Ballet and Tots in Tutus.

2988 5355 info@arkedenonlantau.org www.arkedenonlantau.org

FAUST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE Island Dance provides dance instruction in disco freestyle, ballet, hip-hop and tap at over 17 venues across Hong Kong and Kowloon, and in DB. The school’s diverse, creative and talented instructors train over 1,000 students from the age of 18 months to adult, preparing them for a career in dance and performing arts.

2987 1571 info@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk

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

TWINKLE DANCE COMPANY

ISLAND DANCE Island Dance provides dance instruction in disco freestyle, ballet, hip-hop and tap at over 17 venues across Hong Kong and Kowloon, and in DB. The school’s diverse, creative and talented instructors train over 1,000 students from the age of 18 months to adult, preparing them for a career in dance and performing arts.

2987 1571 info@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk

From locations across Hong Kong, including DB, Twinkle Dance provides a variety of dance classes, including ballet, jazz and contemporary for both children and adults. With classes available for children as young as 18 months, Twinkle Dance prioritises safety and fun, and all classes allow children to explore and enjoy the creativity, artistry and physicality of dance.

6608 6689 info@twinkledance.com www.twinkledance.com

www.arounddb.com August 2019

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Extracurricular Fun! Sports DBEES

ESF SPORTS

Non-profit DB community-based ice hockey team the DBees offers year-round coaching for girls and boys of all skill levels, aged five years and up. With a new rink opening in DB in April 2020, the DBees are looking for more participation from the DB community – players, coaches and support volunteers. Join the team now to participate in the 2019-2020 season at Elements Rink in Kowloon.

Each week, over 4,000 young athletes run, jump, throw, kick, balance, smile, laugh and develop their love of sports with ESF Sports. The role and power of sport in the development of young children cannot be underestimated. ESF Sports uses its knowledge and passion for sport to provide a range of fun, exciting, challenging and structured sports programmes, across Hong Kong and at DC, which are designed to foster a lifelong love of sport. All ESF sports are open to both ESF and non-ESF students.

nstuartwinchester@gmail.com www.dbeeshockey.com

HK DRAGONS FOOTBALL CLUB HK Dragons Football Club offers yearround coaching in DB, Pui O and Stanley for girls and boys of all abilities, aged three to 18 years. Coaches aim to motivate players to try new things, develop their game skills and realise their full potential, both on and off the pitch.

5322 5556 theoffice@dragons.hk www.dragons.hk

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2711 1280 www.esf.org.hk/sports/overview

KAPUHALA

MGK FIGHT CLUB

Kapuhala kids’ classes are a great outlet for children to learn about fitness from professionals, and to develop great posture and get strong. The DB classes are led by knowledgeable personal trainers with extensive experience.

Check the schedule for a variety of classes, including pre-teen boxing for kids aged eight to 14 years, teen boxing for kids aged 14 to 18, and Kapuhala ‘teen warriors’ for kids aged 13 to 18.

MGK Fight Club in DB Plaza brings all the benefits of martial arts to children of all ages. Training after school in different martial-arts (striking, grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defence) helps kids develop core skills, which benefit them both on and off the mat. Through practice, students grow stronger mentally as well as physically, and improve their concentration, team work, adaptation, self-confidence and antibullying techniques.

6101 8434 tribe@kapuhala.com www.kapuhalaspace.com

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

9303 2996 marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com www.dragons.hk

Extracurricular Fun! Mandarin DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE

MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS

Dr Bear Education Centre in DB offers a range of courses through which students can learn Mandarin and develop their language skills in a creative and motivating environment. For children, aged two to three-and-a-half years, there’s a Mandarin Fun Playgroup, while students, aged three-and-a-half to five years, enjoy play-based learning on the Mandarin Boost Course.

Regular Mandarin courses for native and non-native learners are also available.

The Mandarin for Munchkins® programme uses the ‘learn through activities’ teaching approach to create an engaging and immersive environment for children aged three to five years.

The Mandarin Focus® programme, for children aged six years and above, provides a tailor-made class in a semi-private class setting. A free assessment and trial class is available at the DB centre in September.

9685 7856 or 6762 6264 (WhatsApp) drbearschool@gmail.com

Maths & More

2486 9012 learn@yifanmandarin.com www.mandarinformunchkins.com

Playgroups

PREETI’S PASSION FOR TEACHING

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

Year 1 to 12 students can explore and excel in maths, science, economics and business studies at Preeti’s Passion for Teaching. The aim is to strive for progress not perfection, as children get ready to take the IB Diploma, A Levels or IGCSE, and MYP/ PYP. One-on-one and group tutorials are held in DB, with a 10% discount offered to DB residents.

Operating for the last 14 years out of Greenvale Village, DB, Early Adventures Playgroup provides both morning and afternoon sessions. Children, aged 20 months to four years, are given the opportunity to participate in fun and interesting activities that help them achieve their full potential. The bright and spacious playgroup environment, in which children learn through play, is designed to encourage all areas of development.

9200 4354 tutor.doorstep@gmail.com www.facebook.com/preetsmath

LITTLE EXPLORERS The longest running playgroup in DB, Little Explorers aims to make the transition between home play and kindergarten easier. Children, aged 18 months and up, are provided with a caring, stimulating environment which facilitates early learning through gross and fine motor skills activities and play.

9327 0507 littleexplorers@team-fear.com

9511 2107 sarah@earlyadventures.net www.earlyadventures.net

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Progressive Sports Asia:

Innovative and Technical Sports Coaching for Kids

A

lthough football is often described as ‘the beautiful game,’ Dirk Haddow and Barry Brown, co-founders of Progressive Sports Asia (PSA), have used their considerable experience to build coaching programmes that are more science than art.

As almost any renowned expert in his field will tell you, the recipe for success largely consists of discipline and practice, with maybe a soupçon of natural talent or ability. Often initial affinity is what ignites a lifelong love of a sport but, if that is the spark, then practice and discipline are the real fuel for the fire.

Photos courtesy of Progressive Sports Asia

Between Dirk and Barry, PSA has a combined 30+ years of experience coaching kids to excellence – on and off the football pitch – by perfecting the method of practice, correction and repetition.

54

Over his 12-year coaching career, Dirk has gained a wealth of experience both as a parent and coach and has built relationships with Hong Kong and English professional teams, as well as UK schools with pathways into football. UEFA B-licenced Barry has been coaching for 19 years, previously with UK academies and as ESF Football Programme Manager in Hong Kong. Barry has also completed professional development courses on growth

mindset, emotional intelligence and person-centred coaching.

Building on their experience, Dirk and Barry have created two programmes to enable children to be the best they can at football and other sports, while encouraging them to enjoy physical activity and improve their physical wellbeing.

PSA’s Dynamic Movement programme (group or one-on-one) uses circuit and high-intensity interval training to help students and athletes (of any age and of all sports) to develop and increase their speed, agility, balance, quickness and coordination.

players practice dynamic highintensity drills that encourage a lot of touches of the ball in short periods of time. In an average training session, a player may touch the ball 200 times. With Tekkerz, players touch the ball 200 times in the first five minutes, and over 1,000 times in a session. That can only be good for a player – it’s not how long you train that counts, it’s how you train to maximise learning.

Meanwhile Tekkerz, the programme PSA is best known for, is an intense ‘maximum touch’ football programme designed to develop the technical skills and overall game play of individual players of all ages starting from U5.

Tekkerz also encourages practice through its revolutionary Player Development Platform (PDP).

Players and parents get access to a video-skills library separated into 12 levels, from beginner to advanced, with players receiving certificates for mastering each level. The aim is simple – to encourage children to practice as much as they can, and get the parents involved. After all, that initial affinity is often influenced by a parent’s love of a sport.

Besides working on hundreds of skills and ball mastery drills,

Through the PSA programmes, practice really does make perfect.

FIND IT

Dirk Haddow and Barry Brown

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

For the new season, Tekkerz is running boys and girls programmes from U5 to U14 at various locations including the Discovery College and DB North Plaza pitches, in partnership with DB Angels and Discovery Bay International School.

• Progressive Sports Asia, 9770 4548 (Dirk), 9043 3095 (Barry), admin@prosportsasia.com, train@tekkerzfootball.com, Progressive Sports Asia Facebook page, www.prosportsasia.com

Let US help YOU!

•

HK Visas

•

HK Company Incorporation

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Accounting & Taxation

info@prismvisas.com | +852-3464-5200

www.prismvisas.com

TOP TIPS

Chi fan le mei you?

You can slurp and burp as much as you like in a dai pai dong but don’t be deceived, at a Chinese banquet or corporate dinner, you’ll be judged on your table manners.

Lydia Yang has the lowdown

Photo by Krista Stucchio – unsplash.com

I

n traditional Chinese culture, sharing a meal with someone is more than socialising, rather it’s a way to honour guests (and host), strengthen bonds between friends and make connections in the world of business. Thus, expats need to take formal Chinese dining as seriously as any company meeting; the manner in which you conduct yourself during a meal will be used to judge you in other aspects of life.

Here are some of the basic rules you should follow.

Let’s be seated The seating arrangement is probably the most important part of Chinese dining etiquette, and

for this reason the host arrives in advance to lead everyone to their seats. You should allow your host to tell you where to sit. Be sure to formally introduce yourself to your fellow guests.

In general, when seated at a round table, the guest of honour faces the entrance with his back to the wall. The most notable guests are seated nearest the guest of honour and the host. The ‘least important’ person sits closest to the entrance, directing and communicating with the waiters.

Toasts are common during Chinese banquets, with the first being made by the host and the second by the guest of honour.

Personalised toasts are then made around the table, so be

prepared for your moment in the spotlight.

Time to order Tea is served as soon as you sit down in a restaurant, while you consult the menu. After filling everyone’s cup, the waiter leaves the teapot on the table, guests then serve themselves, and each other.

We use both hands when we offer someone tea – hold the handle with one hand and the bottom of the cup with the other hand.

When someone pours tea into your cup, tap the table with your first two fingers two or three times – this is a way of saying thank you. The pourer will stop pouring  when seeing this gesture, since

www.arounddb.com August 2019

57

TOP TIPS it indicates that you have had enough. Table tapping is also a way to signal to your waiter that the teapot needs refilling.

Although guests are encouraged to look at the menu and say what they would like to eat, it is the host who places the order. Expect him to be very solicitous and ask questions like, “Is there any food that you don’t eat?” “Which dishes do you like?” “Would you like me to order more?”

If your host insists you order a dish, choose an inexpensive one that everyone is likely to enjoy. Remember that when dining formally, we seldom order individual plates of food – dishes are placed in the centre of the table for everyone to share.

The main event At the beginning of a formal Chinese meal, you will be offered a wet towel on which to wipe your hands, don’t use this to mop your face. If you are going to eat lobster, chicken or fruit, you will also be given a small bowl of water – don’t drink it, use it to wash your fingers.

Note that the rice bowl is for your food; the small plate is for bones, seeds and other scraps that you find inedible.

In the West, people rest their plates on the table and bring the food to their mouths with a fork; we Chinese pick up our rice bowl, bring it close to our mouths, bend over the table, and eat facing the bowl. You pick up your bowl with your thumb on the mouth of the bowl, your first, middle and third finger support the bottom of the bowl and your palm is empty.

Try not to be the first to start eating, and always wait for your host to say, “Let’s eat,” before you begin.

When helping yourself to the shared dishes, you should take food from the plates in front of you rather than those in the middle of the table or in front of others. You are free to fill your bowl yourself but you should also take the initiative and fill the bowls of those around you. If fellow guests add food to your bowl, always express your thanks.

Leaving the table

As often as not, a Lazy Susan will be provided to make the sharing of dishes easier. Before you spin the ‘turntable’ (very gently), check to see that no one is in the process of serving themselves from a shared plate.

A formal Chinese meal can last three hours or more and you should try to stay the distance. But if you decide to leave early, quietly inform those seated beside you (don’t say goodbye to everyone at the table), and then make your excuses to your host. You need to apologise to your host without taking up too much of his time – keep him talking for too long and he would be forced to neglect his other guests.

If you can, sample a little of each dish (even the bird’s nest soup) and don’t be surprised if your host continually asks you to eat more, and try everything. At the end of the meal, be sure to leave a small amount of food in your bowl to honour your host’s generosity.

Things get complicated when it comes to paying the bill. As an invited guest you must show that you are willing to pay – you need to ask to do so several times – but you will always be refused. The bill has to be paid by the host eventually, otherwise he will lose face.

On using chopsticks

Do… • Learn the art before dining with Chinese friends – you need to be able to grasp food securely with your chopsticks and move it smoothly to your mouth • Separate pieces of food into two by exerting controlled pressure on your chopsticks while moving them apart • Put your chopsticks on the table to indicate you have finished your meal. In between courses, place them on the chopstick holder or the edge of your plate

Don’t…

• • • • •

Tap your chopsticks on the table or on your bowl Point at anyone with your chopsticks or wave them around too much Stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl Stab or skewer food with your chopsticks Use your own chopsticks to pick food from the central dishes; use the serving spoons or serving chopsticks provided • Burrow through the central dishes to find the tastiest morsels for yourself

Mandarin Time School offers Mandarin classes, a summer camp for kids and tailor-made Chinese-culture workshops at its Central campus and also in Discovery Bay. You can contact founder Lydia Yang at 6111 0523 or lydia@mandarintimeschool.com. For more information, visit the Mandarin Time School Facebook page or www.mandarintimeschool.com.

Find more top tips @ www.arounddb.com

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Never empty your bowl – this would imply your host has not provided enough to eat.

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

8 reasons to visit Nha Trang White sand, azure waters and plenty to see and do, Dorothy Veitch reports from the best beach resort in southern Vietnam

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

1 The Main Strip

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Nha Trang on Vietnam’s south coast has quite a beach – a 6-kilometre crescent-shaped swathe of golden sand lapped by clear turquoise waters. Long popular with backpackers, it’s gradually transforming into a bustling resort town that’s being likened to those found on the French Riviera. You won’t see A-list celebrities mooring their

yachts off Nah Trang (yet) but there’s potential.

2 Scuba Diving Divers credit Nha Trang with good visibility (around 10 metres) and zero current. There are numerous interesting sites to sail out to including Madonna Rock, where you dive down 20 metres to enjoy a couple of narrow swimthroughs and explore a small

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

cave. Alternatively, you can dive up to 16 metres right from the beach, where the clear waters pulsate with cuttlefish, octopus and lionfish.

3 Full Moon Parties A hot new contender for South East Asia’s best beach party destination, Nha Trang kicks into high gear once the sun sets. Start your evening on the rooftop at

Rice paddies

Madonna Rock dive site

Vinpearl Land

Skylight Nha Trang for inventive cocktails and stunning views of the resort, and then head to Sailing Club Nha Trang, right on the beach, for club beats that go on past dawn.

4 The Theme Park Take a cable car to Vinpearl Land, a Disney-inspired theme park for rides and attractions aplenty. There are several

Skylight Nha Trang

sections to explore, including an outdoor water park (the main event), outdoor and indoor arcade centres, an aquarium and shopping street. Mermaid shows, ash mobs and traditional Vietnamese dance performances are put on in the late afternoon.

rice paddies (and villagers in conical hats) that Vietnam is wellknown for. Before you head back, stop by Memento Country Home, a charming boutique resort with stilt-style lodges, and rest up in the shady garden with a long cool ice tea.

5 Rice Paddies

6 Surfer Culture

Drive just 30 minutes west of the resort to see the beautiful terraced

Nha Trang Beach is a blast but ď‚„ if you want to get further off the

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ESCAPES

Nha Trang Beach

beaten track, drive 30 minutes south to Bai Dai. There’s a long sandy beach and not much else – apart from rolling waves ripe for surfing, particularly from September to April. To rent a board or learn to surf, make your way to the northern edge of the bay.

7 Gothic Architecture Overlooking the town from a lofty hillside, Nha Trang Cathedral was built in the early 20th century in the French Gothic style, and it still serves the local Catholic community.

Made entirely of stone, it boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and an elegant clock tower. Vietnamese influences are felt in the neon lighting – pink on the tabernacle, red outlining the crucifix, blue on the arch and a white halo for the St Mary statue.

Nha Trang Cathedral

8 Temple Ruins A legacy of the Champa Kingdom – the Chams ruled southern Vietnam from the 2nd to 15th century – Po Nagar Cham Towers is still a thriving spiritual centre.

It comprises two well-preserved temples built for Shiva and Parvati, and a shrine to their son Ganesha.

Women pray to a 10-armed black stone Parvati statue; men ask Shiva to grant them their hearts’ desires.

Find more exciting escapes @ www.arounddb.com

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Po Nagar Cham Towers

LISTING ALL FLOORS

YOUR GUIDE TO

HORIZON PLAZA AP LEI CHAU

2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2554 9089 About a 15-minute walk from South Horizon MTR Station Exit C Show this to your taxi driver: 香港鴨脷洲利榮街2號新海怡廣場

26/F CARPET BUYER www.carpetbuyer.com

Scan the barcode for further directions

7/F GARDEN GALLERY www.gardengallery.com.hk

CARPET BUYER 50% Discount Outlet

Asia’s largest rug warehouse stocks 5,000 handmade rugs.

A discount outlet with 50% off fine, tribal, modern and shaggys.

2850 5508 sales@carpetbuyer.com

Established in 1996, Garden Gallery specialises in outdoor and landscape supplies, ranging from outdoor furniture and gardening equipment to lighting, storage, tents and all kinds of barbecue stoves.

2553 3251 info@gardengallery.com.hk

8/F HARBOUR 1976 www.harbouroutdoor.com.au

Harbour 1976 offers premium indoor and outdoor furniture collections designed to withstand the great outdoors. The lifestyle brand focuses on unique design, incredible durability, and a deep sense of culture derived from Australia's beautiful coastline.

2754 6188 info@harbouroutdoor.com.au

G/F Natuzzi Stylish selection of exclusive home furniture G/F Roche Bobois Celebrating the French Art De Vivre around the world 2/F Sonder Living Premium home furnishings and lifestyle products 5/F OvoHome Exquisite custom-made furniture 6/F Indigo Stylish and eclectic furniture 7/F Garden Gallery Quality European outdoor and landscape supplies 7/F MOD High-end furniture and stylish home accessories 7/F Nook Living Stylish Italian furniture design at competitive prices 8/F Bowerbird Home Thoughtfully curated furniture, accessories and homeware 8/F Harbour 1976 Uniquely designed outdoor furniture with incredible durability 8/F Organic Modernism Fine and functional home and office furniture 9/F Barbecue in All Wide range of barbecue and living gear 9/F Everything Under the Sun The latest quality outdoor furniture for high-end homes 10/F Areahome Indoor and decorative items for the home 11/F Flexa Eco-friendly kids’ furniture 11/F Spaceman Space-saving furniture 11/F The Red Cabinet Upscale beautifully finished one-of-akind and contemporary pieces 12/F Infurniti Homes Sophisticated classical furniture with a contemporary twist 12/F Sun Garden Premium Quality outdoor and barbecue supplies 15/F Irony Home Top-grade indoor and outdoor furniture 16/F Marc James Design Stylish furniture, lighting, accessories and flooring

16/F MARC JAMES www.marcjames.com

Mark James provides stylish, modern furniture, lighting, accessories and flooring.

2517 2000 info@marcjamesdesign.com

7/F NOOK LIVING www.nookliving.com.hk

Nook Living offers modernstyle designer furniture and accessories. It also specialises in custom-made wardrobes.

2276 4315/ 2698 0937 info@nookliving.com.hk

16/F

8/F ORGANIC MODERNISM

PHOENIX CURTAINS

www.organicmodernism.com

Organic Modernism is a Brooklyn based company specializing in nature-inspired pieces made of bronze and American walnut.

2556 9499 horizonplaza@ organicmodernism.com

16/F Patio Mart Quality outdoor lifestyle products at reasonable prices 16/F Phoenix Curtains Fine classic and modern curtains, plus custom-made sofas and upholstery 16/F Takumi Stylish and timeless Japanese furniture and accessories 19/F Toys Club Quality toys for kids of all ages

Phoenix Curtains is a onestop shop for curtains, blinds, custom-made sofas and upholstery.

2866 6691 5242 9369 (WhatsApp) info@phoenixcurtains.com.hk

20/F Fink - The Art of Living Unique decorative items for the home 20/F Oriental Home Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan antiques and bespoke furniture in different styles 26/F Ad Lib Oriental antiques, vintage Western lights and decorative arts 26/F Carpet Buyer Hand-made Persian rugs (antique), tribal carpets and contemporary rugs

26/F PAIDI Kids World Quality eco-friendly children’s furniture and beds 26/F Zzue Creation Outdoor furniture of all types by wellknown international brands 28/F Tree Traditionally crafted, sustainable furniture in contemporary designs

HK HAPPENINGS

BOOKAZINE CHARITY BOOK SALE Throughout Hong Kong

Through August 31

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

SUMMER WATER BATTLE Ocean Park

www.pexels.com

Enjoy 70% off selected books at all branches of Bookazine, with proceeds donated to Room to Read, the global nonprofit that transforms children’s lives through literacy and education. There are donation boxes in the stores if you want to make a direct gift to Room to Read. To find out more, visit www.bookazine.com.hk.

Through September 1

KIDS FILM FESTIVAL Throughout Hong Kong The Hong Kong Kids International Film Festival (KIFF) celebrates the art of cinema and aims to nurture the next generation of film enthusiasts. Feature films, animation filmfreeway.com and shorts are being screened through August 5, and at the carnival, running through September 1, you can expect parades and workshops. For more information, visit www.kiff.asia.

Through September 1

www.oceanpark.com.hk

Ocean Park is bringing the largest ever One Piece-themed interactive event to Hong Kong. See Waterfront Plaza transform into a water battle zone where kids get to face off against each other in classic scenes from the popular Japanese anime series.

To find out more, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk.

BECOMING JANE Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Through October 2

MURAKAMI VS MURAKAMI Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art Through September 1

www.artspace.com

Focused on fashion, cosplay and graffiti, Takashi Murakami has carved out his own multifaceted universe, which he shares through a continuous stream of exhibitions.

Murakami vs Murakami features over 60 massive paintings and sculptures, plus costumes, videos and merchandise created by the artist. For exhibition information, visit www.taikwun.hk.

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August 2019 www.arounddb.com

hk.science.museum

Noted humanitarian and environmentalist, Dr Jane Goodall started out observing the behaviour of chimpanzees in their native habitat. Becoming Jane – Inspiring a Shared Planet provides an overview of her early scientific discoveries, while showcasing her contribution in environmental conservation and youth empowerment. For more on the exhibition, visit hk.science.museum.

MONSIEUR CROCHE

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Throughout Hong Kong Enjoy multi-media puppet and music-theatre performance Monsieur Croche: The Dreams of Composer Claude Debussy at Hong Kong City Hall (August 1 to www.hkiac.gov.hk 2), Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre (August 3) and North District Town Hall (August 4). Spain’s La Companyia del Príncep Totilau presents a live Debussy piano recital alongside talented actors and appealing puppets, large-scale video images, intriguing lighting and wild dance. For tickets, starting at HK$140, head to www.urbtix.hk.

August 1-4

THE CHAINSMOKERS AsiaWorld Expo, Chek Lap Kok

August 23

HONG KONG FOOD EXPO Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai August 15-19 gazettereview.com

www.hktdc.com

The annual Hong Kong Food Expo is a rich and varied culinary experience dishing up cooking shows, award shows and tastings. Given their determination to reduce waste, the organisers are again encouraging attendees to bring along their own recyclable shopping bags. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com.

Grammy award-winning and Billboard chart-topping EDMpop duo, The Chainsmokers are bringing their sell-out World War Joy Live tour to cities across Asia this summer. The pair started out by releasing remixes of songs by indie artists, and had their breakthrough in 2014 with #Selfie. For tickets, starting at HK$588, visit premier.hkticketing.com.

REGGAE SKA FESTIVAL Southorn Stadium, Wanchai August 24

PETER PAN!

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui August 16-18

www.hkballet.com

Hong Kong Ballet opens its 2019/ 2020 season with the Asian premiere of Septime Webre’s Peter Pan! Bursting with irresistible freshness and fizz, this new take on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale transports audiences to an island where dastardly pirates fight naughty boys, who don’t want to grow up. For tickets, starting at HK$140, visit www.urbtix.hk.

thehoneycombers.com

Given the success of last year’s event, the Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival is moving to a larger venue this year with its biggest line-up yet. Lovers of reggae, ska, rocksteady, dub and dancehall are in for a treat. For tickets, starting at HK$520, visit www.ticketflap.com. www.arounddb.com August 2019

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DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

T Congratulations to last month’s winner: Lucas Torresi (@lucasnam)

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

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

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

Anonymous

24hr hotline:9073 6922

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

www.aa-hk.org

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

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Available full- or part-time.

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

HEALTH & WELLBEING

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY 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 Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching • Quit smoking quickly.

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

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

LIFE COACHING & FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY Facial Reflexology in DB:

• Natural face rejuvenation and massage with reflex facial • Mind & Body Deep Relaxation and Healing with Facial Reflexology • Parkinson's, Alzheimer and Dementia prevention and improvement with Facial Reflex Therapy • Children's learning support with (face, hand and feet) reflex therapy

FTC RELOCATIONS

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates • Operating on DB & Lantau Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

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.

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

TUITION & COURSES

HOME SERVICES AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Local packing, moving, storage & handyman service • 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

Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found.

Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

SPORTS

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

Contact Tina for more information: vatyh@netvigator.com Whatsapp: +852 98557086

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY

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

HOME SERVICES

TRIMCO HK LIMITED • Painting • Decorating • Renovation • Cladding • Tiling Contact Steve Donovan at 6149 0894 (call or WhatsApp), trimcohk@gmail.com

EnjoyEnjoy the the lastlast promotion! promotion!

PEUGEOT OPEN EUROPE HOLIDAYS BY CAR

Best duty-free Car Rental in Europe!

- for short & long durations info@eurocardrives.com www.eurocardrives.com

LEARN SPANISH • Native speaker • Experienced teacher & DELE examiner • IB, IGCSE, A-levels & HKDSE • Business Spanish & courses for adults • Flexible schedule & locations • Special offers for students who live in DB & Tung Chung Contact Erik at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

MATHEMAGIC IS AT DB PLAZA

Support classes in mathematics & sciences now available for: • Year 7 to Year 13 • IGCSE • IB (SL or HL) • A level (Standard & Further Modules) • SATs/ PSATs/ LSATs • UKCEE Home tuition available as well as online classes.

Contact Karim Arditi on 9135 4724 (call or WhatsApp), mathemagicMD@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/HLmathemagic, www.hlmathemagic.com

If you’re reading this, so is everyone else To advertise in print or online, email monika@baymedia.com.hk © Anna Kari

www.arounddb.com

SINCE 1997

OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

Greenland Pest Control Tailored ailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, ermites, Ants, Ticks etc…

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

Assistant Sales Executive Business development Requirements: • • • •

Fluent English (written and spoken), Chinese not needed.

Familiar with MS office, ideally also Lotus Notes.

Able to work independently - Problem Solver - Self Starter.

No prior shipping or container knowledge required, we will teach you.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Sales Manager in all aspects of sales to ANZ & UK including: • Seeking new business opportunities • Building on our already established customer database, responsible for managing a selection of existing clients • Conducting end to end sales transactions.

• Admin in connection with sales transactions.

The right candidate should be organized, self-motivated, have good attention to detail, data discipline, strong communication skills, and be an overall team player. Ideally, with a HK work permit but for the right person, we will apply for one.

Interested applicants should forward their resume to

hr@flex-box.com

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY FOR RENT STYLISH APARTMENT IN GREAT LOCATION

Bright, beautifully decorated apartment with every modern luxury. Sleeps one couple & one child. Conveniently located in walking distance of DB Plaza, the bus terminus & ferry. Available for short or long stay. Contact the owner at corinhk@yahoo.com

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2

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

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

ONE BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT

Lovely 645 square-foot flat, great location, one bedroom, spacious office & over-sized Western kitchen. Available fully furnished, for short- or long-term rental. Contact the owner at justinsmith3333rental@gmail.com

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

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

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 Tung Chung Crescent Club House

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

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten 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

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

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

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

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

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

L E A RNING CEN T RES

HOME & REPA IRS

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

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

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

d-clutter DRS Company Good Luck Engineering 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

3102 2977 2987 8460

2987 2987 2448 2987 2947 2366

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

4401 7486 1180 4089 9092 6534

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

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

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

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 9327 0507, littleexplorers@team-fear.com

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

74

1417 0360 1313 4488 5087 1041 0222 7082 0789 0789 9268 4428

Future Stars Dance Academy

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

6323 9156 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

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

PapyrusEDU A family-friendly centre offering 3D Modelling & Printing, LEGO Education After School, Junior Food Art. Lifestyle morning programmes: Decoupage, Porcelart, Food Artist. Contact 6360 1715, info@papyrusedu.com, www.papyrusedu.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 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

August 2019 www.arounddb.com

Discovery Mandarin Tutoring Service Certified native Chinese teachers.

Experienced in supporting IB & IGCSE learners to excel in all aspects of Mandarin: listening, speaking, reading & writing. Contact 9801 1055 to book a 20 minutes free trial lesson

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 Les Petits Pois 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 8191 6114 9327 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 0813 2436 0507 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 DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza P-Solution Pen’n Paper The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2529 2987 2987 2987 2987

2381 8256 1777 8898 1368 5151

6201 2987 2987 5721

7749 8873 0428 6181

PETS Kristy’s Paradise - Cat Sitter in Discovery Bay Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

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

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, GRIT, BODYSTEP & Zumba (fitness, toning & kids). Piloxing, yoga & Pilates, RPM (indoor cycling), plus Latin, belly & wedding dance. Classes for adults & children, & personal training. Contact 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk

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

2911 2987 6473 9255 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 9680 9685 6101 9387 9303 6385 6704 8197

4833 7382 4277 6133 9591 7273 7381 8712 0098 7665 8366 8434 0735 2996 5425 9851 5591

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

WELLBEING

@ www.arounddb.com

Bay Spa

ay Spa

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Massage, facials & nail services in DB Plaza. Contact 9837 0969 (Tel/ WhatsApp)

Elly House of Beauty

Highly skilled skincare specialist committed to providing the most effective skincare services to the DB community. Also postnatal abdominal binding & jamu massage.

Contact 6131 9039, Elly House of Beauty Facebook Page, www.ellyhouseofbeauty.com

Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training for children, teens and their parents and teachers. Offering Mindfulness Matters!, Mindfulness in Education (for adults), AMT Mindfulness Teacher Training. Contact 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com, www.ingredientsofwellness.com

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

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

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

Nail Spa: 2987 2266

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza DB Pure Spa Elly House of Beauty Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

Massage: 2988 1111

2987 9794 6131 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 0918 9039 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com August 2019

75

OUT THERE

It’s the age of sedentary lifestyles and half the Western world is grossly overweight, but you’d be a fool to take up running, says Peter Sherwood

A

s a kid I used to run a lot.

Long sprints to escape irate neighbours after blowing the hell out of their letter box with fireworks. The jogging continued to Hong Kong until one day my spine contacted my lower back to say, “Stop it.”

Like most sage advice I let it slush around in my head for a while, and then ignored it. What finally got my attention were spinal nerves instructing my latissimus dorsi muscle to rip into spasm mode, and then inquire, “OK, now do you get it, moron?”

Illustration courtesy of www.freepik.com

The message was received one morning with such vice-like agony it took me a week to get out of bed. Not that I am averse to the pleasures of the sack. Bed is a wonderful place. I have never understood those who insist it’s a waste of time. I think lying prostrate in the straw is light years ahead of going to work, shopping, pretending to be courteous, airports, flying, competition of all sorts, thinking too much, meetings, pretending to look successful – and television.

76

It was levering myself off the mattress that was unrewarding.

Those large Latin muscles, connected ingeniously to spinal

nerves, snapped shut like crocodile jaws on a kangaroo.

Standing up was the safer option but getting there produced yelps of pain. To Google a remedy meant tentative steps to the computer and more powerful grips to let me know I was not forgotten.

Sitting down was fraught with misery as I studied myriad remedies of physio, surgery and quackery. Everything from tortuous stretching exercises to a syringe full of an ancient Chinese muscle relaxant popped up on my screen, while I devoured fistfuls of antiinflammatories – and whined.

Sciatica comes later Ultimately, I took the course of positive dynamic action I pursue with most crises – do nothing and it will go away.

Soon I was up and running again,

until my left knee objected. To solve the problem, I cleverly favoured my right leg, without caring that my right knee took more than its share of the unnatural pounding on concrete. Soon it inflicted torment not dissimilar to sciatica. I know, because that came later.

For those unfamiliar with it, sciatica is a bit like someone thrusting a white-hot needle into your lower back, while the burning pain radiates playfully down one leg.

There are numerous measures we can take to reduce or eliminate the relentless ache. None of them work. But there is plenty of discomfort (a medical term for intense suffering) to be had in experimenting.

Back pain is endemic and good posture is recommended. So, stand erect and don’t slouch over your Scotch and cigarette.

And try not to walk around like Theresa May.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 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 August 2019 www.arounddb.com

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