Around DB December Issue 2019 by Around DB Magazine

DECEMBER 2019

Hot places to spend the Xmas holidays

Spiritual lessons your child needs to learn

Showstopping seasonal sides

Eco-friendly gifting and decorating

FEELING FESTIVE! Where to eat, shop, play and unwind this month (and why we still love panto)

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

December 2019

PROFILE - 34 The Renzis’ larger embrace

IN FOCUS - 38 Eco-friendly tips for a green Christmas

EDUCATION - 44 Spiritual lessons your child needs to learn

ESCAPES - 50 Hot places to spend the Xmas holidays

RECIPES - 54 Showstopping seasonal sides

34 REGULARS

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email philip@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email corinne@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

AGENDA

SPOTLIGHT HK Philharmonic Orchestra

DB EVENTS

SUCCESS STORY Healthy Chicken

GIVEAWAYS

WISH LIST December must-haves

HK HAPPENINGS

DB FACES In and around the plaza

CLASSIFIEDS

PROPERTY

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER

DB performers Tara O’Brien and Sara Davies with Sleeping Beauty (Rachel McCorkell) in the Hong Kong Players’ 58th annual panto

We also publish… TH

YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

IN G

DECEMBER 2019

Hot places to spend the Xmas holidays

Spiritual lessons your child needs to learn

Showstopping seasonal sides

Eco-friendly gifting and decorating

FEELING FESTIVE! Where to eat, shop, play and unwind this month (and why we still love panto)

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

To win tickets to Sleeping Beauty, turn to page 33

2019 / 2020

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

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk GENERAL MANAGER Philip Jay philip@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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Tim Hall Liz Kerr Peter Sherwood Dorothy Veitch Samantha Wong 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. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

www.evoqueportraits.com & www.colsimphotography.com

THE BIG PICNIC

Residents and visitors flocked to Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza on November 9 to enjoy The BIG Picnic. The organisers delivered a full-on festival experience with music and dance performances across four stages, plus a market, kids’ zone and food stalls.

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

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

www.arounddb.com December 2019

DB EVENTS

TEAM FEAR

On November 17, kids, aged eight to 18, conquered obstacles and raced across DB. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team FEAR Junior Challenge benefitted local charity Youth Outreach.

www.colsimphotography.com

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

HALLOWEEN HIJINKS

There was fun to be had all over DB at Halloween. EpicLand got a head start on October 26 with an ‘epic’ haunted-house party, and on October 27, there was a spookily themed arts-and-crafts workshop and costume contest at Club Siena. On October 31, Headland Drive was filled with witches, superheroes and zombies trick or treating.

Photos by Terry Chow & www.evoqueportraits.com

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

THANK YOU DISCOVERY BAY COMMUNITY! Thanks to Zak’s, T8, Around DB and Bookazine the fair was a success! We had 50+ vendors participating in our new venue site at Zak’s.

We were excited about the many new families we met at the event and community members who had this opportunity to find out more about services and programs offered by our DB organizations. The money raised this year was used to invite 13 DB Non Profit/Volunteer led groups to a full-day Primary and Secondary Care course held on Nov 9. The accreditation course focused on Primary Care (CPR, AED, Serious Bleeding, Shock and Spinal Injuries) and Secondary Care (First Aid) and provided the participants with not only the theory but a degree of practical experience in dealing with life threatening situations. For more information, contact kimwhiley@gmail.com.

THANK YOU DB COMMUNITY AND SEE YOU AGAIN AT THE FAIR IN 2020!

DB EVENTS

DISCOVERY COLLEGE PTSA QUIZ

A good time was had by all on November 8 at a McSorleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ale House quiz night, hosted by the Discovery College Parent Teacher Student Association.

www.colsimphotography.com

DBIS REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

At the second Discovery Bay International School Remembrance Day Service on November 11, the community came together to give thanks, and remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

Photos by Nigel Baillie

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AT

DISCOVERY BAY T

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Resort

his year, as residents and guests get set to celebrate the holidays, Discovery Bay is paying homage to the proverb that it is better to give than to receive, with festive decorations throughout the resort featuring traditional gift boxes and ornaments in signature Christmas red and green. The fun starts at the gift box-bedazzled tunnel of Christmas lights along the waterfront promenade at D’Deck, and the gleaming installation is hung with ornaments delivering festive blessings such as ‘Love,’ ‘Peace’ and ‘Hope.’

The gift-giving theme continues in DB North with artistic Christmas tree decorations made with gift boxes of different sizes. Visitors to the plaza are welcomed by a decorative installation at the fountain, which features giant gift boxes and a scenescape of a classic Christmas town.

Spend HK$200 or above in a single transaction at any of the designated DB restaurants¹, and you can redeem a special DIY Christmas ornament pack upon presenting the original same-day receipt. You can hang the ornaments on your tree at

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

home, or use them to create unique Christmas gifts for loved ones. They can also be customised with English letter initials of your choice. When it comes to buying gifts, look no further than the Discovery Bay Christmas Sunday Market, organised by Handmade Hong Kong. The European-style market, being held in DB Plaza on December 8, is packed with unique vendors – many of whom are local artists and creators. This is your chance to stock up on Christmas decorations, handmade jewellery, eco-friendly apparels, baby products, home

decorations, Christmas wine, party snacks and more. If a ‘ye olde’ Christmas feeling is what you’re after, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride in DB North to enjoy the Europeanstyle architecture lining the route and breath-taking views along the coast of Yi Pak Wan. Tickets for the Christmas Horse-drawn Carriage Ride are available at the Activity Centre at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. Each ride lasts for about 10 minutes, with a maximum of four people per carriage. While Jack Frost may not be nipping at your nose, you can wind down

and warm up with the Chestnut and Ginger Afternoon Tea Set at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong (HK$328).* Alternatively, you can enjoy a wide selection of international cuisine and special festive feasts at D’Deck and DB North restaurants. Spend HK$880 or more in a single transaction at any of the designated DB restaurants¹ and present the original same-day receipt at the Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter in DB Plaza to receive a HK$100 dining voucher to be used for a subsequent transaction. With so much to enjoy, visitors may choose to make the most of the Christmas feeling with a

special Stay in the North package at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. Starting at HK$2,288* (you can upgrade to an oceanfront room for an additional HK$400*), the package is available from December 24 to 26, and December 31 to January 1, 2020. It includes a one-night stay in a mountainview room with breakfast buffet and a festive dinner buffet for two. There’s also the option to treat yourself to a 90-minute ‘Ultimate Delight’ treatment at Spa Botanica, which includes an eye and scalp treatment with aroma massage or luxurious customised facial treatment, for HK$1,090.* Merry Christmas!

¹ The designated DB restaurants are: 22° North, Three Sheets Marquee Bar, Coyote Mexican Cantina, Ebeneezer’s, Figos, First Korean Restaurant, Hemingway’s, Il Bel Paese, Koh Tomyums, McSorley’s Ale House, Pascucci Italian Caffe & Fine Food, PizzaExpress, Shanghai Breeze, Solera, Zak’s, Cali-Mex, Mirch Masala, MooFish, Tiger Lily, Peony Chinese Restaurant, D’Café and Café bord de Mer & Lounge. * Terms and conditions apply; all prices are subject to 10% service charge

www.arounddb.com December 2019

DB’s got talent

SPOTLIGHT

Back row, left to right: Michael Wilson (oboe), James Boznos (timpani), Linda Stuckey (flute/ piccolo) Middle row, left to right: Christian Goldsmith (trombone), John Schertle (clarinet), Marrie Kim (oboe), Jarod Vermette (trombone) Front row, left to right: Meg Sterling (flute), Miyaka Suzuki Wilson (violin), Rachael Mellado (violin)

Catching up with 10 DB-based members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Beverly Au gets the lowdown on their extraordinary win at the 2019 Gramophone Classical Music Awards

T Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

o say that the DB-based members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) are excited by their recent win at the 2019 Gramophone Classical Music Awards would be understatement – as they settle in for their photoshoot in DB Plaza, they are still on cloud nine. And rightly so. Being named Orchestra of the Year at the Gramophone Classical Music Awards is a big deal. In layman’s terms, it’s like taking home Best Picture at the Oscars. “This award is a great honour, not just for our orchestra, but for all of Hong Kong. The support of our audience and sponsors played a huge role in making this achievement possible,” DBbased HKPO violinist Rachael Mellado says. With its Orchestra of the Year award, Gramophone magazine, ‘the world’s authority on classical music,’ sets out to celebrate ensembles that have made an outstanding contribution to recorded music

in the past year. What’s more, while the nominees are chosen by Gramophone’s editors, the winner is decided by a public vote. It’s testament to HKPO’s popularity with music lovers all over the globe that it placed first this year, beating nine other major international ensembles.

a monumental work, with a total playing time of about 15 hours. “I remember the Artistic Committee Meeting when Jaap first proposed recording the complete Ring Cycle, and some people didn’t believe it could be done. Yet, here we are, and it’s a great thing for all of us to celebrate,” Rachael says.

To add icing to the cake, HKPO’s achievement is a first for Asia. “We are especially proud since we are making history by being the first orchestra in Asia to receive this prestigious and highly acclaimed honour,” HKPO music director Jaap van Zweden explains.

“The Ring Cycle, conducted by Jaap van Zweden and recorded live by Naxos Music Group, is a magnificent achievement,” James Jolly, Gramophone’s editor-inchief said at the ceremony.

At the award ceremony, held on October 16 in London, HKPO was honoured for its live recordings of the complete Ring Cycle by Richard Wagner – a massive project, which took the musicians four years to complete. Based loosely on characters from the Norse sagas, the Ring Cycle is

You can grab your copy of HKPO’s the Ring Cycle on Amazon.com. Meanwhile, hot-ticket HKPO performances in Hong Kong this month include A Jazz Night with Hiromi, December 23 to 24, and A Viennese New Year, December 30 to 31, both at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui.

FIND IT • Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, www.hkphil.org www.arounddb.com December 2019

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SUCCESS STORY

DB entrepreneurs of the month

Percy Hung, Regan Yeung and George Yang, founders of Healthy Chicken

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

ur business is an affordable and convenient dining

option that doesn’t skimp on quality. We have stores in Kennedy Town and Central, we opened in DB North Plaza in July and just last month in Lan Kwai Fong. We credit the success of our business to the entire staff at Healthy Chicken; without them it would have been impossible to achieve so much. They are our family. Our aim at Healthy Chicken is to bring healthy food to people across Hong Kong without blowing a hole in their wallets. Our chicken is farm-grown and air-shipped to us daily from Brazil, and our food is prepared fresh every day using only the ﬁnest, all-natural ingredients. We want to prove that healthy food tastes great, and foster a community of people who care about their health and the environment. The thing that interests us most about our business is that we can see the way Hong Kongers’ tastes are slowly changing. People are starting to put a heavier emphasis on health and wellbeing. It’s exciting that Healthy Chicken is part of that trend. Each meal we offer contains at least one serving of all the major food groups. To succeed in business, you need to be as nimble as a cat, always observing a constantly changing environment. You also need a lot of capital to back your business up – don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise! The reason a lot of winning business formulas fail is because they lack the cash reserves to make it beyond the ﬁrst or second stage. To start up our business, we have worked very hard. In July, we brought the DB North Plaza store to life in a matter of weeks. We practically slept at the shop. The greatest challenge we face is growing the business at the pace we want to. For instance, we have not been able to offer delivery from DB North Plaza yet due to a shortage of manpower. But we have found a solution and will be implementing it soon. Our greatest achievement is that we have already won hearts and minds in DB and across the rest of Hong Kong. Our plan for the future is to bring reasonably priced, healthy food to the rest of South East Asia and maybe China on a daily basis. The entrepreneur we most admire is Eric Lundgren. He is best known for electronic waste recycling, The Phoenix recycled electric car, and for championing right to repair electronics legislation. We recommend you check out the video about him on Vice News. Our personal motto is ‘Work hard, play hard.’ It’s an oldie but a goodie, and very Hong Kong.

FIND IT • Healthy Chicken, G13A DB North Plaza, 6882 9762, Healthy Chicken Facebook page

Percy Hung, Regan Yeung and George Yang

www.arounddb.com December 2019

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 place on a Faust CNY programme Faust International Youth Theatre is oﬀering two readers a place on either its Chinese New Year Holiday Theatre or Creative Writing programme (worth HK$1,790). Each three-day programme will be held from January 29 to 31, 2020 at the Faust studio in Sheung Wan.

www.faustworld.com

Faust’s Holiday Theatre programme allows children, aged four to 13, to learn or build on their drama and performance skills, with plenty of fun and action to encourage creativity and self-expression. The Creative Writing programme helps children, aged six to 13, develop their writing skills and creativity in a fun and relaxed environment. For more information, visit www.faustworld.com.

Win tickets to The Snowman & The Bear City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) is oﬀering one reader four tickets, each worth HK$250, to its popular Christmas event The Snowman & The Bear on December 21 at Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, Sha Tin at 4.30pm.

©Snowman Enterprises Ltd, www.thesnowman.com

Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman and The Bear are two Christmas-themed adventures set to enchanting music by Howard Blake. Experience them on the big screen as CCOHK performs the orchestral score at 2pm and 4.30pm, with young solo singers and storytelling by Forrest Morr and Tania Martin. To ﬁnd out more, visit www.ccohk.com; for tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.urbtix.hk.

Win tickets to Sleeping Beauty – The Panto Hong Kong Players is oﬀering two readers a family ticket, each worth HK$1,700, to Sleeping Beauty – The Panto, on December 8 at Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai at 3pm. A family ticket comprises a total of four tickets for two adults and two kids.

Photo by Albert Cheung

Hong Kong Players’ 58th panto is a spectacular re-imagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Beauty is destined to fall asleep for a 100 years on her 18th birthday, but as the big day approaches, she ﬁnds she has bigger problems to deal with. Can the princess, along with some unlikely allies, overcome all the troubles that face the kingdom? To ﬁnd out more, visit www.hkplayers.com; for tickets, starting at HK$350, visit www.urbtix.hk.

Win a gift set of soy-wax candles from Red Velvet Designs Red Velvet Designs is oﬀering two readers a gift set of four soy-wax candles in reusable tin boxes (worth HK$200 per set).

www.redvelvetdesigns.net

Lantau-based online homestore Red Velvet Designs provides the ultimate in convenience shopping. Specialising in decorative lighting products and customised rugs and carpets, Red Velvet Designs also oﬀers bespoke products including lacquer jewellery boxes, aromatic candles and cushion covers. See for yourself at the Red Velvet Designs Discovery Bay HK Facebook page, or by visiting www.redvelvetdesigns.net.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Ingrid Halim and Wan Yam Tsang for a place on a Faust winter holiday programme; Trina Esquivelzeta for a photo session with DRF Photography; and Nicholas Jones for tickets to see The Snowman & The Bear. www.arounddb.com December 2019

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

PROFILE

The larger embrace

DBer Lucas Renzi serves up a little holiday tonic to remind us that some of us still do the right things. Elizabeth Kerr reports December 2019 www.arounddb.com

that impact women. I’m sure having an adopted child of colour will turn me on to issues that impact him. I come from a single-mum home… so my ideas of what a ‘normal’ man and woman should do have always been blurred.”

ucas Renzi’s house has very little in the way of an adult vibe. Furniture in the living room is pushed off to the sides in order to make room for a play space in the middle, a space surrounded by tidy storage containers chock full with Lego. One of the bedrooms is covered with judo matting for tossing bodies around (more on that later). Lucas’ workbench has been coopted for the construction of a doll’s house. “Every room has been dedicated to the kids,” he says, with an astounding degree of understatement. Lucas, trained in primary education, and his wife, banker Carli, wouldn’t have it any other way. After we settle in at the dining table – amazingly untouched by toddler hands – Lucas spins the story of how he and Carli came to be a family of five (maybe six one day). It’s the kind of story we could all use during the holidays, particularly this year’s holidays.

Five and counting The story actually begins in the couple’s native Melbourne in 2000, when Carli was training with the Australian Olympic judo team (here comes the tossing) and Lucas, looking to take up a martial art, offered to be the team’s official punching bag as a way to train with his future wife. By 2008, the couple were talking about children, and right away agreed that they wanted two biological and two adopted. “That was always the plan,” Lucas says. After competing in the 2012 Olympic Games, Carli decided to refocus on her career and the couple moved to Singapore, where they had their two biological children, Asha and

Is a partner competitive at judo on an international level an incentive? “Yes, having a wife that can beat me up helps,” he adds with a chuckle.

“Having a daughter has made me more focused on issues that impact women. I’m sure having an adopted child of colour will turn me on to issues that impact him” Leo. Lucas happily took on the ‘Adam’ role in the family [it’s an old ’80s comic strip. Google it], taking jobs from call centre management to hospitality to make time for the kids. Despite the fact that it’s 2019, Lucas’ choice to be a househusband still – still – raises eyebrows, but ask him if his unconventionality forced any reconsideration of gender roles and he’s quick to answer. “Not for me. I’ve always gravitated to this kind of role. Having a daughter has made me more focused on issues

All kidding aside, Lucas and Carli took a step closer to two adoptions a couple of years ago. After relocating to Hong Kong in 2016, they dove into the adoption process and were matched with infant Kai in a remarkably quick three weeks after finalising their paperwork. According to Lucas, Carli wanted the kids closer together in age than not, and so, as of early 2020, Kai, Asha and Leo will be three, four and five. “It’s going to be pretty intense for about eight years when they’re almost independent,” Lucas cracks, again, in massively understated fashion.

Because they can In addition to the ‘simple’ desire to give a child a permanent home, there are 101 reasons why individuals, couples and families choose to adopt, but adoption remains a bafflingly thorny subject. Lucas is quick to point out how even casual language can be confusing and misleading for everyone – language that is ultimately not far from a slur. “Carli and I chose to adopt but we did not ‘choose’ our son – we ‘adopted’ him. Children don’t understand the legal permanence of adoption and the word ‘choose’ can be misinterpreted to imply that the adoptive parents could  change their minds. Similarly, Kai

www.arounddb.com December 2019

PROFILE

is not a ‘gift’ because gifts can be given away. Importantly too, it’s an injustice to his story to label Kai as ‘lucky’ because it omits the trauma and loss he experienced before joining our family.” So, what compelled the Renzis to adopt? As Lucas reasons, it was any combination of intangible factors, among them doing something to help others. “We decided we could give part of our incomes to a cause but that’s an inefficient use of my time. I could work for an NGO, and that might be fulfilling from a work perspective, but not from the relationship side. Fostering can be short-term. In the end it came back to, ‘We have enough love and enough wealth to give, so why not?’” he says with an easy shrug.

“That’s the short and sweet of it. Because I can.” About that fourth kid… That has been ‘backburnered’ for now, mostly at the suggestion of the agency the family worked with to adopt Kai. “They told us to give ourselves time – and they were right.” For now, the five are leaning on Adoptive Families of Hong Kong for support and readying for sticky conversations about cultural identity, anger, race and a host of others, but that’s a long way off. “In my teaching experience, children don’t recognise those differences,” Lucas says. “They’re not conscious of it. Now that Leo and Asha are at kindergarten they mention their ‘peach-coloured’ skin and Kai’s

being ‘brown.’ We work it into Duplo blocks, and I try to read as much about raising an interracial family as possible. We try to see doctors, for example, that are Indonesian, so Kai sees professionals. And being blind to colour is not helpful.” For now, Lucas is content with being one of the few men on the playground, pretending he gets the comments about swollen ankles. It’s proof that Discovery Bay was the right choice. “It feels a lot like Singapore, and I really liked that experience,” he concludes. “I heard the saying about DB standing for ‘dogs and babies’ but I’m quite happy to be surrounded by dogs and babies. It’s nice to have people around us with things in common.” Mostly in common anyway.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

ENROL AT CLUB SIENA OR DBRC RECEPTION MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS SPRING TERM 2020 2020春季課程 4 JANUARY TO 13 MARCH 一月四日至三月十三日

MONDAY TO SATURDAY 星期一至星期六

LOW RATIOS QUALITY INSTRUCTION STRUCTURED & PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME ESTABLISHED IN 1975 小班教學重視教學質素課程循序漸進創於1975年，歷史悠久

CLUB SIENA 海澄湖畔會所 MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS 歡迎會員及非會員報名

報名請到海澄湖畔會所或愉景灣康樂會接待處歡迎會員及非會員報名

IN FOCUS

And may all your Christmases be

green

Samantha Wong provides the lowdown on eco-friendly gifting and decorating, and reveals how easy it is to ‘be the change’ in DB

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

M 38

ake no mistake, ‘tis the season to be jolly. Christmas is about decking our ‘halls;’ giving our loved ones fabulous, thoughtful gifts; and eating, drinking and being… merry. The good news is all this merry-making doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little effort and imagination, each and every one of us can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season. The trick is to start small – commit to bringing cloth bags to the store with you every time you shop,

commit to recycling properly (the bins are right outside your front door), commit to sending e-cards and commit to using the Christmas wrap you saved from last year, or wrapping your gifts in cloth or brown paper. But don’t get me wrong, your green Christmas endeavours don’t end there. There’s a lot more you can do without being accused of turning into a Scrooge.

Rethink your gifting

you give. How about agreeing with other adults in your family and immediate circle of friends that this year, it’s gifts for kids only. And while you’re at it agree on a spending limit, this will help everyone from feeling they have to max out their credit cards (again). Remember too, the best gifts are thoughtful ones. Why not bake cookies for your neighbours this year and, if you’ve got enough hours to ﬁll, make personalised books for the kids in your life.

First off, buy less. Find a way to cut back on the number of gifts

Secondly, buy smart. Where you can, choose eco-friendly

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

5 and December 6, and show your support by dropping off unwanted, gently-used and like-new toys, games and books at the school from December 2 to 5.

Make your own baubles

Gift your own cookies

gifts made from recycled or sustainable sources, and make a point of giving battery-free gifts. Even rechargeable batteries ﬁnd their way into the waste stream eventually, and there are plenty of great gifts, even naturally powered toys, that you can choose instead. Buying local is another eco-smart. Many of the things you ﬁnd in malls come from overseas, and the impact of their transportation contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming. So, make the effort to hunt down Christmas gifts at local boutiques

and craft fairs. Don’t forget to shop the Discovery Bay Sunday Market in DB Plaza on December 8 for last-minute stocking ﬁllers. Remember too that re-gifting is kosher. If you receive something you really don’t need, it makes sense to pass it on to someone who can use and enjoy it. What’s more, it’s also becoming acceptable to gift second-hand items. The secondary students at Discovery Bay International School know all about this… be sure to head to their Pre-Loved Christmas Gift Sale on December

Incidentally, there’s nothing forcing you to give an actual parcelledup gift – you can gift an experience instead. The idea is that by giving someone an experience, anything from cookery lessons to a piece of rainforest to protect, you are giving them something memorable and/ or useful that they can enjoy for years to come. So, let’s say you’re stuck on what to get your helper this Christmas. Don’t buy her yet another scented (soy) candle, sign her up for something empowering instead, like a finance workshop at Enrich HK. This gift will give her the tools to save, budget and plan for a financially secure future – it’s the gift that keeps on giving. What’s key with experience gifting is that you’re not just giving people random stuff that they don’t need, that in all likelihood they don’t want, and that, given the size of most DB apartments, they’ll be hard pushed to find room for. Most of us are already drowning in possessions – toys, clothes, gadgets – why fan the materialistic flames, why increase one another’s carbon footprint?

Reduce the bling Without doubt, there’s something about an earth-friendly Christmas that harks back to a bygone era. It’s time to limit the excess, reduce the bling and create some family traditions that don’t revolve around the mall. So, if you don’t already own one,  get hold of a sizeable ‘Christmas

www.arounddb.com December 2019

IN FOCUS

box’ and fill it with good-quality, eco-friendly decorations that you can bring out year after year. Your aim is to decorate your home with products that are fairly traded and ethically sourced, or get creative and make your own. I’ve read that Christmas tree lights left on for 10 hours a day over the 12 days of Christmas produce enough CO2 to inflate 12 balloons, so turn them off when they’re not needed. To be more environmentally friendly, try switching to either LED lights, choosing lights that are powered by rechargeable batteries, or installing an energy-saving bulb to offset the energy usage. And while you’re at it, rethink (plastic) tinsel, it may transport you back to childhood but it’s tacky, and landfills are loaded with it. And so, to the tree, the traditional Christmas centrepiece no home can be without. Is artificial the only way to go? Not necessarily. Although, fake trees last for longer, most are made from nonrecyclable plastic, and have likely been shipped great distances. Real trees are the more earth-friendly choice, as long as you consider where and how they’ve been grown, and get one from a sustainable source. Incidentally, Lantau-based Christmas Tree Hong Kong is donating HK$20 to ImpactHK for every Nordmann fir purchased, and its trees are imported from an ethical supplier in Germany. To save on costs and greenhouse emissions, the trees are being delivered to DB on December 7. And, did you know there is a service in place in DB to remove Christmas trees and give them a new lease of life? Starting December 26, you

Personalise boring (earth-friendly) brown paper to make festive gift wrap

can arrange for Winson Cleaning Services to have your tree collected for a small fee. City Management will then have the branches cut off, and have the trunks either recycled into decorative items (like the wooden stools already appearing at DB bus stops) or processed into wood chips.

Of course, if you want to go all out green this Christmas, you could forgo your turkey (and all the trimmings) and donate the money you’ve saved to charity. But here’s a better idea. Buy six cases of Prosecco instead of 10, and donate that saving instead. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly.

FIND IT • Christmas Tree Hong Kong, www.christmastree.hk • DBIS Pre-Loved Christmas Gift Sale, www.dbis.edu.hk • Discovery Bay Sunday Market, www.handmadehongkong.com • Enrich HK, enrichhk.org • Winson Cleaning Services, 3176 3188

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December 2019 www.arounddb.com

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Glad tidings

WISH LIST

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www.arounddb.com December 2019

EDUCATION

Getting spiritual Whatever your beliefs, you’ll want your child to know that life has meaning and that the good we do in the world matters. Soaking in the wonder of life as a family – walking in the woods or building a bonfire on the beach – can be a great way to achieve this, as Tim Hall reveals

Photo courtesy of St David’s College

rue education is not just about academic excellence. It is about preparing a child to be ready to take on life as an adult, to know who they are, to have developed their full potential, to be able to make complex ethical and moral decisions, to be a leader or a great follower, to be fully who they were made to be. At St David’s College in North Wales, where I am chaplain, we have inherited from our founder, the image of a three-legged stool as an illustration of a complete educational model. Whole person

education is about developing the intellect, the physical and the spiritual. Each of these is a leg of the stool. When all three are well developed, just as a three-legged stool can stand on uneven ground without rocking, so a person will be able to stand firm when life’s ground gets churned up. Developing these three aspects of a child is tricky and it works best when the development of all three is interwoven and integrated. However, because developing the spiritual is challenging – even defining it is a bit of an enigma – let’s explore elements of it.

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

The awe and the wonder We have all been there. At the top of a mountain seeing the clouds dissolve in front of us revealing a stunning view; running down a mountainside and exploding out of the cloud base; floating through a magnificent secret gorge feeling free as a bird... whatever it was, wherever it was, we have all been there. That ‘wow’ moment that can come with being somewhere truly special and seeing something amazing, either alone or in the company of others. To some, whatever their beliefs, it is proof that there is a higher power at work and a deeper aspect to each

of us. To others, it is a powerful feeling of being alive, of being part of something special, knowing you have purpose and meaning. A number of years ago, I approached our Outdoor Education Department to see if we could explore this wow moment a little more deeply. The spirituality days we created have been running for seven years now, and they have drawn out some interesting and thought-provoking ideas from the young people involved. Spirituality days are designed to go hand in hand with students’ regular outdoor education days, which see each year group getting out of the classroom for one day every other week. Students are asked to reflect on the experiences they have had during their outdoor education days and focus on those wow moments – the awe and wonder.

What it means to be alive One example of a spirituality day revolves around what it means to be an animal, and how that relates to being human. Activities involve students hiding away in a forest using camouflage, running as fast as they can to compare their speed to that of other animals and undergoing a test of strength – camouflage, speed and strength being things that animals use to stay alive in the wild. Lunch is always fun as well, as we try to go back to basics, eating food with our fingers (chicken legs, corn on the cob, bread, baked potatoes) and sitting around big tables to encourage conversation and interaction. In the afternoon, we run workshops designed to explore what it means to be alive and what makes us as human beings different from other animals. Pupils bake bread, produce a song about their experiences in the morning sessions, and take part in a play based around giving thanks.

The bread, music and drama are then shared with the whole year group at the end of the day. In a school following a strong Christian ethos, it is natural to lean towards giving thanks to God in these afternoon sessions. However, a day like this is wide open to interpretation. The aim is to explore what it means to be a part of such a wonderful world, and what we can do to better experience it – sharing as a community, serving others, conserving the places where we find these ‘wow’ moments, trying to understand why these moments make us feel so alive... and if they make us feel part of something special.

When thought becomes prayer Another such spirituality day is based in a forest, which has a sense of magic. It has views across to the mountains of Snowdonia, a broad expanse of beach, and a remote spit of land, sometimes an island, on which the church of St Dwynwen once stood. In some places, the forest feels wild and ancient, in others it feels warm and welcoming. It’s a great place to experience awe and wonder! Here, the first activity is a solo activity, which involves students going out from a set point to find somewhere to reflect by themselves in silence. No phones, no tablets – just themselves, and a piece of paper and a pen in case they want to draw or write something. The children love this solo activity. They realise that being on their own can be a valuable and positive experience and, for some, thought becomes prayer.

Another activity focuses on decision making. We use a hashing trail for this, with the group making decisions about which direction to take. This is then linked back to what decisions need to be made in everyday life, and where these decisions may take us. Other activities focus on the environment around us – what fits in and what does not fit in? What are the implications of our actions on where we live and on the living environment around us? Food is, again, an outdoor eat-withyour-hands affair. We then gather on the beach to build a volcano on the sand, and get a fire going inside it. For those of you who have never done this, go and do it! There is something magical about sitting on a beach, looking out to sea, sat next to a smoking sand volcano. Smoke has been used in spiritual and religious ceremonies since time began, and it is easy to see why when doing this. In the weeks that follow, it is really important that all the pupils involved have an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences. The hope is that students will continue to reflect on the awe and the wonder, with prompting and further input. Spirituality days have revealed that students are prepared for challenge, for alone time and for processing those moments of awe and wonder. Having looked deeply into their own meaning and purpose in life, many students begin to explore how they can use a faith system to give this expression through worship and prayer, compassion and service.

Tim Hall is chaplain at St David’s College, a co-ed boarding school in North Wales that specialises in whole-person education. Registration is open for September 2020 and beyond. For more information, visit www.stdavidscollege.co.uk.

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

EDUCATION

spiritual lessons your child needs to learn

Photo courtesy of unsplash.com

he value of gratitude. Thankfulness is a timehonoured spiritual path that holds true regardless of our beliefs about the nature of the divine. The deeper our gratitude, the greater our ability to receive, and to reach out to others. Modelling is the best way to help children appreciate their many blessings. Develop simple habits like giving thanks before each meal, and commenting regularly on your family’s good fortune. Encourage your kids to say thank you at bedtime for all the wonderful things they have experienced that day.

The meaning of trust. Whether or not your spirituality includes a supreme being, children need to feel that the universe smiles on them. As Einstein said, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in

a friendly or hostile universe.” Children are innocent and, of course, they need to be taught how to keep themselves safe, but the knowledge that some people are not to be trusted should not keep them from trusting people in general. On a deeper level, children need to know and trust that life has meaning and that all of us can make a positive contribution. The importance of service. We live in an imperfect world, so it’s important to teach children that the angels – literally or figuratively – need their help. All of us have a need to contribute, and children seem happiest when they are helping others; it’s an outlet for their compassion through which they gain a sense of value and significance. Again, you can lead by example by being a good citizen both on a personal level (helping a

stranger who drops his groceries) and on a community level (volunteering.) Find ways for your kids to make a positive difference (put them in charge of the recycling at home), so they can enjoy and learn from the experience. The power of stillness. Children, even more than the rest of us, need quiet time to be present with themselves, and to appreciate the natural world around them. Instead of rushing your children past the wondrous moments of everyday life, take time to marvel at them together. The rising moon, a waterfall, kittens being born, even a spiderweb glistening with dew reminds us of the miracle that is life. The natural wonder and magic children find in nature can be the beginning of spirituality. Limit technology, so they can hear the stillness.

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Winter camps CODING

CREATIVE CODING

December 16-January 4 Creative Coding’s fun and educational STEAM Camps are available at Discovery College, and at Coastal Skyline Circle in Tung Chung: Young Engineers (robotics, Lego, science and coding), Minecraft FUN STEM and Christmas Animation Coding & Crafts for kids aged ﬁve to eight years; Coding with A.I., Epic Minecraft Coding Adventure, Micro:bit STEAM, and Animations & Game Design for kids aged nine to 15 years. 2707 6578, WhatsApp 9469 8225, www.creativecoding.hk/wintercamps

CREATIVITY

BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN

HAPPYNEWS

December 16-20

Bayview House of Children provides one week of Christmas fun for children aged three to six in DB North Plaza. Held in the mornings, the creative programme includes arts and crafts, musical movement, science and cookery. This camp is three hours drop-off from 8.45am to 11.45am. 6114 2436, ramesha@bayview.hk, www.bayview.hk

Porcelarts: December 14, 15 & 21 Lego® Education: December 18-21, 23-24, 27-28 & 30-31 Kids can get creative at HappyNewsEDU with the Porcelarts and Christmasthemed Lego® Education programme at DB North Plaza. In the Porcelarts class, kids aged ﬁve and up decorate white porcelain to make their own one-of-a-kind tableware. In the Lego® Education programme, kids aged four to nine, explore their creativity and develop their storytelling skills by creating their own short ﬁlm and programming their own Lego® model. 6360 1715, happynewsdsg@gmail.com, Facebook HappyNews-EDU

ENVIRONMENT

MANDARIN

ARK EDEN

December 16-20, & 23-24 Ark Eden’s Christmas camps are all about facilitating a connection between children and the natural world. On a secluded hillside in Mui Wo, Ark Eden offers a unique setting for children, aged ﬁve to 11, to explore an organic, wild environment in safety. Christmas Camp themes include campﬁre cooking with the Grinch, making sustainable gifts in Santa’s Treehouse and the Ark Eden Winter Olympics. 2988 5355, info@arkedenonlantau.org, www.arkedenonlantau.org

DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE Xmas and beyond

Dr Bear Education Centre’s Christmas immersive Mandarin camp in DB North Plaza provides a relaxing and joyful learning environment for kids aged two years and above. Classroombased learning includes topics such as Christmas, winter, travelling and the New Year. WhatsApp 9685 7856, drbearschool@gmail.com, Facebook Dr Bear Education Centre

MANDARIN YIFAN MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS

December 16-20 & December 30-January 3 The nine-day Yifan Mandarin for Munchkins Mandarin Immersion Christmas Camp at DB North Plaza is designed for children, aged three to seven, who enjoy hands-on activities. In the ﬁrst week, kids focus on the ﬁve senses, one sense per day, and the theme for the second week is STEM in Mandarin. Children are taught to create and invent, while speaking Mandarin. 2486 9012, learn@yifanmandarin.com, www.mandarinformunchkins.com

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Cool ways to keep your kids entertained over the Xmas break SPORTS

SPORTS

DBEES

ESF

Non-proﬁt DB community-based icehockey team the DBees offers year-round coaching for girls and boys of all skill levels, aged ﬁve years and up. With DB Ice Rink opening in early 2020, the DBees are looking for more participation from the community – players, coaches and support volunteers. Join the team now to participate in the 2020 season.

It doesn’t matter if you are an ESF student or not, ESF Winter Sports Clinics and Multi Sports Camps are now open to everyone. Kids aged two years and up experience a variety of energetic and challenging sports activities combined with competitive games. DB camps are held at Discovery College.

Xmas and beyond

nstuartwinchester@gmail.com, www.dbeeshockey.com

HK DRAGONS FOOTBALL CLUB

December 17-20

2711 1280, sports@esf.org.hk, www.esf.org.hk

December 16-20, 30- 31, & January 2-3 HK Dragons Football Club’s Christmas and New Year camps at DB North Plaza pitch are suitable for children aged four years and up in the following divisions: Little Dragons (U4 to U5), Junior Dragons (U6 to U8) and Senior Dragons (U9 and up). At the winter camps, children develop their technique, improve their skills and play matches in a fun and safe environment. 5322 5556, theoffice@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk

SPORTS

KAPUHALA SOCIAL TRAINING SPACE

TEKKERZ ®

Kids, aged ﬁve to nine years, can enjoy an active break with friends at the Kapuhala Kids Christmas Camp in DB North Plaza. Each day, the Little Warriors challenge themselves with different activities, such as team games, racing, spin biking and bootcamp, while improving their strength and endurance and learning new skills.

Tekkerz® focuses on developing players’ technical and ball mastery skills using a ‘maximum touch’ approach. Players touch the ball over 1,000 times in a one-anda-half-hour session on average through skills and high-intensity drills. The Tekkerz Christmas camp is open to boys and girls from U5 up to U12 at the DC pitch, with one-on-one and small-group private coaching sessions available throughout the holiday for U13 upwards.

December 16-20

9120 0177, tribe@kapuhala.com, www.kapuhalaspace.com

TREASURE ISLAND

December 16-20

9043 3095, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com/tekkerz-football, Facebook progressivesportsasia

January 18-22, 22-25, 25-29, & January 29-February 1 Treasure Island is holding winter snowboarding camps at Hakuba in Nagano, Japan. Hakuba comprises nine resorts stretched across a broad valley in Japan’s Northern Alps, and provides more terrain, vertical rise and advanced ski and snowboarding slopes than anywhere in Japan. Family packages are available, in addition to individual packages for kids aged eight to 16. 2546 3543, inquiries@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com/bookings/wintersnowboard-trip

www.arounddb.com December 2019

ESCAPES

Xmas Travel: the new

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

HOT LIST

Broaden your horizons with these eight great holiday destinations, writes Dorothy Veitch

Rovaniemi, Finland

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

1 Rovaniemi, Finland Legend has it that Santa Claus lives in the North Pole but, as any Finn will tell you, Rovaniemi, just north of the Arctic Circle, is his true Christmas HQ. In this tiny village, nestled deep in Lapland’s reindeerdotted forests, the kids can visit Santa’s post ofﬁce (manned by elves), and then spend time with Mrs Claus making gingerbread cookies and writing their wish lists.

2 Shymbulak, Kazakhstan

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan

Hoping to see Santa Claus on skis? Then head to Shymbulak, the largest ski resort in Central Asia. Just 25 kilometres from Almaty, it’s not too remote, and it’s well set up having hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Olympics. The ski areas span over 920 metres of vertical drop and nearly 13 kilometres of ski runs. There are three ski lifts, with the highest taking you 3,200 metres above sea level. You can rent skis, snowboards and even sleighs (for added Christmas jingle).

3 New York City, USA If you’re a fan of romantic comedies – like Miracle on 34th Street (1947), When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Serendipity (2001) – you already know that a New York Christmas is hard to beat. There’s skating at the Rockefeller Center under the Big Apple’s biggest Christmas tree, the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, and, of course, shopping on Fifth Avenue.

New York City, USA

4 Nuremberg, Germany A world away from the commercialised glitz of a Hong Kong mall, Christmas shopping is still a magical experience at Nuremberg Christmas Market. The 200 vendors sell traditional handmade toys and holiday goods only (no plastic holly), and you can treat yourself to cookies and mulled wine as you shop. Nuremberg is all about nostalgia for Christmases past, so there’s also an old-fashioned fun fair right by the market, complete with a Ferris  wheel, carousel and steam train.

Nuremberg, Germany

www.arounddb.com December 2019

ESCAPES 5 Singapore 2019 saw The Lion City marking its bicentennial – 200 years since its founding – and this month is your last chance to enjoy a couple of celebratory historical talks, tours, workshops and shows. But if it’s snow you’re after, you can ﬁnd that too. It falls at Christmas Wonderland in Gardens by the Bay; Universal Studios, Singapore; The Rink at JCube and on Tanglin Road, right outside Tanglin Mall.

Singapore

6 Bethlehem Christmas has become a global festival, irrespective of religion or location, but if you’re a Christian, the best place to experience it is in Jesus’ birthplace. On December 24, there’s enough (spiritual) energy on Manger Square to light candles for everyone, and as the clock strikes 12am, you can drop by the Church of the Nativity for Midnight Mass.

Bethlehem

7 Phú Quoc, Vietnam What the balmy island of Phú Quốc lacks in snow, it more than makes up for in glorious, white-sand beaches, with Sao Beach on the south-eastern coast purportedly the whitest of all. Here, you can sip your yuletide spirit out of a coconut shell, and celebrate with all the other ‘Christmas orphans.’

Phú Quốc, Vietnam

8 Tokyo, Japan Christmas in Tokyo is a neon-lit over-the-top joy to behold. While no one gets time off and Christ really doesn’t come into the equation, the Japanese have gone a bundle on Christmas kitsch. In downtown Tokyo, there are grinches and elves on every street corner, and fairy lights everywhere you look. If you head out to a bar or izakaya, be sure to dress appropriately – wear your reindeer horns. Meri Kurisumasu! Find more exciting escapes @ www.arounddb.com

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Tokyo, Japan

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RECIPES

The main event

These reimagined Xmas sides are so good they’ll give your beautifully cooked turkey a run for its money

Sprouts with pistachios and pomegranate Serves 8 • 940ml pomegranate juice • 8tbsp sugar • 2tbsp lemon juice • 3tbsp olive oil • 500g Brussels sprouts, halved • 50g pistachios, roughly chopped • 100g pomegranate seeds

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

First, make the pomegranate molasses by heating the pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon in an uncovered saucepan. Simmer for about an hour until the sugar has dissolved and the juice has reduced to a syrup. Set aside, or store in the fridge. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Put the sprouts in the pan, cut-side down, and leave them to fry for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally until brown and blistered. Scatter over the pistachios and stir-fry until toasted. Remove from the heat and stir through the pomegranate seeds. Season, and drizzle with a little pomegranate molasses to serve.

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Red cabbage with port, prunes and orange Serves 8 • 50g butter • 1 large onion, sliced • 1 large red cabbage, quartered, cored and thinly sliced • 200ml port • 1 orange, juiced and zested • 1 large cinnamon stick • 1tsp ground cloves • 2tbsp light brown soft sugar • 100g pitted prunes, roughly chopped • 6 bay leaves Heat the oven to 160ºC. Heat the butter in a large pan until sizzled to a nutty brown. Add the onion and fry over a medium heat until soft and starting to colour. Tip the remaining ingredients into the pan and cover with a tight-ﬁtting lid. Place the pan in the oven for 1 hour, then stir, cover and cook for a further 1 hour until the cabbage is tender. If it looks dry, add a splash of water; if there’s still liquid in the pan once cooked, turn the heat up until it evaporates. Season and  serve with a couple of bay leaves.

www.arounddb.com December 2019

RECIPES

Sweet and smoky root vegetables Serves 10 • 75g butter • 75g castor sugar • 1.2kg root vegetables cut in half lengthways • Smoked salt to taste • 1 lemon, juiced • 8tbsp parsley, roughly chopped The day before, put the butter, sugar and 500ml water in a frying pan. Heat until the butter is melted, then bring to the boil and simmer until lightly syrupy. Drop in the vegetables and cook, covered, for 6-8 minutes until just tender. Transfer, with the liquid, to a roasting tin. Leave to cool, then place in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to eat, take the vegetables out of the fridge, and discard the syrup. Heat a frying pan until searing hot then, in batches, put the vegetables cutside down in the pan and cook for a minute on each side until visibly charred. Sprinkle over the smoked salt, lemon juice and parsley to serve.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Discovery Bay Church (Anglican / Episcopal)

Christmas Services in Discovery Bay Church!

Come & Celebrate the Birth of Christ

Sunday 1 December 10am Nine Lessons and Carols Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 6pm Christingle and Nativity Play Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) 10am Family Eucharist

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous Christmas Discovery Bay Church (Anglican / Episcopal) Email: markrogers@discoverybaychurch.org.hk Daughter Church of St.John's Cathedral Web: www.discoverybaychurch.org.hk SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Priest in Charge: Discovery Bay Road The Reverend Mark Rogers 10:00am (English) Sunday Tel: 2987 4210 Mob: 5180 5106

Church of The Incarnation Sunday Services at SKH Wei Lun Primary School Chapel 10:30am Sunday Contact The Church Office 2987 0723

HK HAPPENINGS

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS FAIR Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 16

Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai December 5-8

www.prestigefairs.hk

www.faustworld.com

A Faust International Youth Theatre production, A Christmas Carol is performed by young and talented actors aged eight to 18. Faust’s unique adaptation captures the essence of Charles Dicken’s classic novel, while introducing a spine-tingling twist. For tickets, starting at HK$260, visit www.urbtix.hk.

SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE PANTO Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai

Hong Kong Players December 5-15 has staged a traditional Christmas panto locally for 58 years, and for 2019, it’s a reimagined Sleeping Beauty. Expect an all-singing, alldancing extravaganza, based on a hilarious Photo by Albert Cheung original script. To find out more, visit www.hkplayers.com; to win tickets, turn to page 33; for tickets, starting at HK$350, visit www.urbtix.hk.

The Christmas Lifestyle and Gift Fairs, put on by Prestige Fairs, are an annually anticipated one-stop shopping experience. At this, the last fair of the season, you’ll find a host of festive must-haves including beautiful jewellery, treats for children, delicious food and decorative homeware. Fair attendees enjoy a 20% discount at Conrad coffee shops and selected restaurants for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. For more information, visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

THE SNOWMAN & THE BEAR Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, Sha Tin

Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman and The Bear are two Christmasthemed adventures set to enchanting music by Howard Blake. ©Snowman Enterprises Ltd, Experience them on www.thesnowman.com the big screen as City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong performs the orchestral score at 2pm and 4.30pm, with young solo singers and storytelling by Forrest Morr and Tania Martin. To find out more, visit www.ccohk.com; to win tickets, turn to page 33; for tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.urbtix.hk. December 21

FLOOR BY FLOOR

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 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 Patio Mart Quality outdoor lifestyle products at reasonable prices 16/F Phoenix Curtains Fine classic and modern curtains, plus custom-made sofas and upholstery

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

8/F ORGANIC MODERNISM www.organicmodernism.com

Nook Living offers modernstyle designer furniture and accessories. It also specialises in custom-made wardrobes. 2276 4315/ 2698 0937

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

info@nookliving.com.hk

2556 9499 horizonplaza@ organicmodernism.com

16/F

16/F PHOENIX CURTAINS

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

TAKUMI

Takumi supplies stylish and timeless Japanese and Malaysian indoor furniture. 2517 2000

2866 6686 5242 9369 (WhatsApp) info@phoenixcurtains.com.hk

16/F Takumi Japanese and Malaysian indoor furniture and accessories 19/F Toys Club Educational toys for kids of all ages, from pre-schoolers to teenagers, including the latest STEM toys. 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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Tanya Boychuk@tlo789

The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Let US help YOU!

•

HK Visas

•

HK Company Incorporation

•

Accounting & Taxation

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

www.prismvisas.com

Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Tanya Boychuk@tlo789

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

corporate & business services 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

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

24hr hotline:9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

corporate T8 can&help support with: business services

• • • • • •

Virtual office Company formation Corporate services Book-keeping Administration support Visa Applications

Unit 2, G/F, Office Block 1, 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Hong Kong Email: info@t8-consulting.com Tel: 2517 8248 www.t8-consulting.com

PROFESSIONAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHER

WEDDINGS . BIRTHDAYS . SPORTS . SEMINARS . BALLS . PARTIES

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY IN DB

ARE YOU A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL? Quality HealthCare Medical Services is expanding its presence in DB & looking for healthcare professionals to join its team. Contact 2987 5633, enquiries.dbmc@qhms.com, www.qhms.com

• Natural face rejuvenation & massage with facial reflexology • Mind & body deep relaxation & healing with facial reflexology • Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s & dementia prevention & improvement with facial reflex therapy • Children’s learning support with (face, hand & feet) reflex therapy Contact Tina at vatyh@netvigator.com, 9855 7086 (WhatsApp)

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

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 HOME SERVICES

ENGLISH ASTROLOGER IN DB

Want to know more about your life, love, career or ﬁnances? English astrologer Lynda is visiting DB from December 7 for three months. To book an appointment at HK$600 per hour, text 9851 2622 or 07456 414720 (UK)

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

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

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

We are hiring sales people! Bay Media Group, publishers of Around DB, Life On Lantau and Best of Lantau Thanks to our rapid growth, with our digital media and our design studio, we are looking for SALES PEOPLE (part-time or full-time) to join our dynamic, DB-based team! What’s required: • You are a people’s person and you love talking to existing and potential clients • You are not scared of “cold calling” and closing deals • You have excellent written and spoken English • You are a team player, with great interpersonal skills • You are a problem solver • You are reliable, conscientious and enthusiastic • Previous sales experience an advantage but not necessary Responsibilities: • Drive sales and close deals, i.e. selling advertising space and work for the design studio (brochures, videos, logos, banners, and much more) • Maintain relationship with existing clients and renew and grow contracts

Interested parties please contact our General Manager Please send your full resume to Philip Jay: philip@baymedia.com.hk

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

(852) 9172 9152 Email: candy_y_cheung@manulife.com.hk | www.manulife.com.hk

Greenland Pest Control Tailored ailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, ermites, Ants, Ticks etcâ&#x20AC;Ś For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reading this, so is everyone else To advertise in print or online, email philip@baymedia.com.hk

www.arounddb.com

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com

PROPERTY

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

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

TWO-BED IN CHERISH COURT

ONE-BED WITH HOME OFFICE

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & NOW TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

Smart apartment on a high ﬂoor with sea view. Close to DB Plaza, the bus terminus & ferry. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

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 corinne@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 Sparrow Soccer School Hong Kong Tung Chung Crescent Club House

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

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

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

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

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

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

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

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

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

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

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

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

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

www.arounddb.com December 2019

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

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

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

3102 2977 2987 8460

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

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

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

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, North Plaza Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex, North Plaza Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods, North Plaza Figos Seaside Caf 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

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

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

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

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

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

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

Discovery 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

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

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

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week. Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

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

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

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 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

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 9206 1201 4338 6264 9644 0098 0000 6327 3198 8808 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

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

6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2812 2987 2987 6762 2987 2441 9366 6302 2416 2459 8191 8191 6114 9327 2480 9135 2628 2987 2987 9648

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

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

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 6201 2987 2987 5721

7749 8873 0428 6181

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

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

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

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

WELLBEING

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

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

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

Bay Spa

aay Spa

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

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 December 2019

OUT THERE

Unseasonable greetings Call him a Grinch if you must but Peter Sherwood doesn’t want to steal Christmas, he simply wants it to go away

ast December, after a particularly colourful rant, a friend made the mistake of asking me why I hate Christmas. I don’t, I explained through gritted teeth. It’s the insane industry it inspires that makes me crazy. As soon as my son had had enough of Santa, I also gave up on HK$50 greetings cards, gift junk and jingle bells, and set about avoiding it altogether. Do you know how hard that is? First, I tried the freezing Himalaya and was set upon by a herd of beaming American trekkers in silly Santa hats competing to wish me merry Christmas. Fearing a deputation from Delhi with a mistaken ‘condiments’ of the season (turkey with mango chutney?), and before I might be savaged by a choir of Croatian carol singers, I hightailed it back to Kathmandu to find the iconic Boudhanath Buddhist stupa adorned with wreaths of plastic holly made in China. On to the ancient Pashupatinath Hindu temple, where was displayed a large cardboard Rudolf sporting a red dot in the centre of his forehead. In Nepal, the faithful call this ‘hedging your bets.’ You just never know.

Unless I chose to shamble around blindfolded, there was no way to evade the synthetic white-frosted trees and those annoying little lights. You know, the long twinkling strings of offon decoration that make you want to leap into the bath with a live toaster.

There is no escape With Christmas there is no escape. After 348 days of unconscionable greed, we are asked by vast and grasping Christmas Inc. to enter into the spirit of giving. We take this to mean wrapping meaningless stuff in special extortionately priced paper and handing it over in exchange for a quick, “Thanks, just what I always wanted.” About a week before it shows up for sale on eBay. After exploring the globe for a place to hide and finding none, I tried switching off, ignoring it all. Wearing earplugs, while walking through a mall, eliminated the worst of the cloying Christmas tunes, that are played on a loop designed to tug at your heartstrings and wallet. But, I was still up the creek.

One year, a few of us discussed ganging together to celebrate Christmas in the tormenting heat of July. No Xmas cards, no exchange of gifts, no mushy music, no turkey and minimal booze. We wouldn’t wish each other merry Christmas or even offer season’s greetings, a politically correct invention designed to enable the blandest of well-wishing without mention of why you’re imparting it. Everyone knows it means merry Christmas but it eliminates any possible offence taken by those sensitive souls, who beg to be offended. Having thought it through we abandoned the idea of a July party as it would be... just another day. All things considered I’ve concluded that dodging Christmas is impossible – it’s easier to endure it. And so, please send all greetings cards and expensive gifts to me care of Around DB. Merry Christmas!

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

December 2019 www.arounddb.com

Spend your

Chr hristmas hri istmas is stmas & New Year ear at Belly Dance

Li V E B anD

Great drinks, great food and great company.

Delivery Service

Available

Tel: 2321 5500 www.atavola.hk Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events

atavolahk

Shop E&F G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza Tung Chung, Lantau Island