Around DB February 2022

C O M M U N I T Y

|

L O C A L

I N F L U E N C E R S

|

L I F E S T Y L E

D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

|

PA R E N T I N G

FEB R UA RY 2 0 2 2 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP Keeping kids safe and well online

ROCK CHICK

Niki Parrington’s big, dirty, dub-steppy sounds

ENTER THE TIGER LOOKING FORWARD TO A WILD RIDE IN 2022!

FOLLOW US

GREAT DRINK • GREAT FOOD • GREAT COMPANY

Address: E&F G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza, Tung Chung, Lantau Island Website: www.atavola.hk Tel: 2321 5500

REASONS TO VISIT US: An amazing sunset, al Fresco Dining OUR POLYNESIAN CUISINE AND SERVICE Address: Shop G-12-G15, Sheraton Tung Chung No 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Tel: 2777 8980, 2777 8982 Email: info@cabanabreeze.hk

THE UPPER DECK

The Only American Steak house in Tung Chung whom offer modern dishes and our SIGNATURE steaks with the perfect cocktion level and smoked flavour.

WEEKEND SPECIALS: LIVE BAND FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 9 PM BRUNCH MENU AND FREE FLOW CONTACT INFO Shop 101, 1st Floor, T Bay, Tung Chung, No 9 Yi Tung Road, Lantau. +852 2757 8889 info@theupperdeck.hk

Founding Member of

Advertisement Date : 2022-01-01

EN

T

Midvale Village 畔峰 - 觀柏樓

G

703 SF (S)

LE

A

2 BED | 1 BATH

SO

Ref: #293547

$7.95M

SO

LE

A

G

EN

T

OPEN HOUSE | 19 & 20 FEBRUARY 2022 | 11:00-14:00

The Hemex 尚堤 - 漪蘆

Amalfi 津堤

1,508 SF (S)

1,462 SF (S)

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS

Ref: #296180

$18.5M

Peninsula Village 蘅峯 - 彩暉閣 757 SF (S)

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS Ref: #303788

Ref: #303818

Peninsula Village 蘅峯 - 蘅欣徑 1,171 SF (S) 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS

$20.7M

Siena One 海澄湖畔一段

Ref: #300161

Peninsula Village 蘅峯 - 碧濤軒

1,015 SF (S)

1,282 SF (S)

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS

$8.4M

Ref: #296377

$14.8 M $40K incl.

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS

$40K incl.

Ref: #36307

OKAY.com is a proud Founding Member of Forbes Global Properties and exclusive member in Hong Kong. For homeseekers and property owners alike, experience an elevated level of representation for all of your real estate needs.

Find Your Home with Us. Visit www.OKAY.com today.

2102 0888 | db@okay.com OKAY Property Agency Limited (C-036846) | 15/F, Wilson House, 19-27 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

$38.8K incl.

Enrolment Open from Nursery to Year 12

Reggio Emilia inspired environment

British Curriculum with an international flair

Discovery Bay International School Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong +852 2987 7331 admissions@dbis.edu.hk

www.dbis.edu.hk @dbishongkong

British A Level, BTEC & IGCSE pathways

FEBRUARY 2022 W W W. A R O U N D D B .CO M

15

32

36

48

24

FEATURES 24

Profile DB musician Niki Parrington’s big, dirty dub-steppy sounds

28

Community Wild ride: What to expect from the Year of the Water Tiger

32

Fitness On the mat with Cedric Sum of Daruma Judo Club

36

Parenting

REGULARS

AGENDA

15 DB DESTINATIONS

08 DB EVENTS

What’s new in the South Plaza

42 ESCAPES Falling in love with Paris

48 RECIPES

A racy Valentine’s supper

60 OUT THERE

Peter Sherwood talks back

Digital citizenship: Keeping kids safe and well online C O M M U N I T Y

D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

|

PA R E N T I N G

FEB R UA RY 2 0 2 2 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

30 O N T H E C OVE R

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

ISL AND -WIDE NEWS

|

LOCAL INFLUENCERS

|

L ANTAU DESTINATIONS

|

COMMUNIT Y SNAPS

YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

RU

EE NN

IN G

Keeping kids safe and well online

WE AL S O P UB L ISH AR

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

L I F E S T Y L E

57 LOCAL NUMBERS

YE

6

|

54 CLASSIFIEDS

TH

The bitter truth about sugar (and how much is too much)

I N F L U E N C E R S

52 DB FACES

FR

Insider

L O C A L

18 GIVEAWAYS

5

46

|

20 EVENT ROUND-UP

Predictions for Tiger Year

ROCK CHICK

Niki Parrington’s big, dirty, dub-steppy sounds

ENTER THE TIGER

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

REDISCOVER FREE YOUR BAY DISCOVERY MIND New storesAT and hot properties INSPIRATION LAKE

LOOKING FORWARD TO A WILD RIDE IN 2022!

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF Vecteezy

TUNG CHUNG WILD RIDE SUPPLEMENT

What to expect from the PLUS AofLITTLE XMAS Tiger!

F&B Year the Water

FOLLOW US FOLLOW US

FREE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

2019 / 2020

AGNES PANG

Doing itINTERher way

ISLANDERS

myriem alnet , chun-kit chan and kai-chun yip

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

+

1 (complicated) tax regime 1 (extremely busy) expat 1 (specialist) Buzzacott tax adviser A conversation (you won’t regret)

Nothing is certain but death and taxes. And in Hong Kong making sure your tax liabilities are not overestimated can seem like an impossible task. Especially if you are an expat busy enough running everything else in your life. We are specialist UK and US tax advisers. We have tons of experience and pride ourselves on our down-to-earth approach. Perhaps we should have a chat soon..

Buzzacott, it just adds up Check us out at www.buzzacott.hk Or scan the QR code

DB EVENTS

/

CONTACT US @ B AY ME D IA GROU P P:

+852 2987 0167

W:

www.arounddb.com

E:

info@baymedia.com.hk

_ PHILI P JAY

Publisher/ Owner RACHE L A I N S L EY Managing editor

rachel@baymedia.com.hk RACHE L S A D L ER Assistant editor

rachel.s@baymedia.com.hk S A R A H M U I R H EAD Digital manager

sarah@baymedia.com.hk S A R IN A LE

ENZO’S SUCCESS AT JUNIOR EUROVISION

Congratulations to Discovery College student Enzo Hilaire who placed third in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Paris on December 19. The young French-born rapper represented France with the song Tic Tac, written and composed by French singersongwriter and music technician Alban Lico.

While in France preparing for Eurovision, Enzo signed with @WarnerMusic, and released his first album Tic Tac L’album, which is available on most streaming platforms. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Francois Hilaire.]

sarin@baymedia.com.hk S A M M Y LO

IT/ Graphic designer

sammy@baymedia.com.hk

CO NTRI BU TORS

RAY AU, ELIZABETH KERR, PETER SHERWOOD, SAMANTHA WONG,

NEW ECO-BOOK SET IN LANTAU

SUSANNAH WOOD

P HOTOGRAPH E RS www.evoqueportraits.com R I CH A R D G OR DO N www.richardgordonphotography.com

P RI NTI NG

C H A MP I ON D ESIGN & P RODU CT I ON CO LTD Flat C & D, 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Hong Kong

B AY M EDI A GRO UP

Flat 6E Elegance Court, Hillgrove Village, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island

D I S CL AIME R The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. © BAY MEDIA 8 GROUP 2022

8

As we step into 2022, CM is encouraging residents to embrace and celebrate the new normal through a video sharing competition.

You are invited to submit a video (maximum length 2 minutes, format: 720p in mov, mp4, and wmv file) themed happiness in DB. A video montage of joyful DB memories will be made from 20 selected submissions, with winners announced towards the end of the month. To find out more and enrol, head to the Dynamic DB Facebook page.

s g in n e pp a HSTUFF TO KNOW

Art director

B AL J IT G I DWANI

EMBRACE THE NEW NORMAL VIDEO COMPETITION

The Green Dragon and the Rumbly Island is the latest book in the Green Dragon children’s book series by ecoauthor Suzanne Younan. Willy, the Green Dragon, is off on a third Hong Kong adventure, this time to Mui Wo, where he meets some of the island’s indigenous wildlife. As Willy learns how human actions can adversely affect wild animals, young readers are encouraged to be aware, take action and enjoy the natural world responsibly. For more on the author and the Green Dragon book series, visit www.dracoviridi.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Suzanne Younan.]

TRAVEL-SIZED TOILETRIES REPURPOSED In and out of quarantine and stuck with lots of unused amenities? Cleaning out bathroom cabinets and don’t want to waste those travel-sized toiletries?

Drop them off at The Amber Foundation collection point at Bookazine, DB Plaza. The Amber Foundation collects airline and hotel amenities and toiletries, sorts them and repacks them into men and women’s kits, which are distributed to Hong Kong’s homeless, refugees, women in shelters and the elderly. To find out more, visit www.theamberfoundation.org. [PHOTO COURTESY OF The Amber Foundation.]

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

DB EVENTS

ENROL IN THE HLG KART RACE

The HLG Kart Race returns to DB on March 19 (or as soon as COVID-19 restrictions allow) with a 16-foot-long ramp set up on Discovery Bay Road cycle lane. The first race in October 2015 attracted over 20 competitors, the most recent, in March 2019, saw 95 children, aged 7 to 12, vying for trophies. While standard karts are provided, kids also have the opportunity to compete in their own kit-made karts. This year’s enrolment deadline is March 11; to secure your child a spot, register now at www.hlgkartrace.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF HLG.]

! s t n e v E &

/

CHINESE ZODIAC PRINTS

DB artist Eleanor McColl’s Zodiac Collection features prints of all the animals in the Chinese Zodiac, including a splendid Tiger. The archival pigment prints are taken from handmade photo collages of iconic Hong Kong buildings. 2022’s Tiger comes in a choice of background colours, including the Pantone Colour of the Year ‘very peri,’ pictured. Dimensions 13.5 x 9.5 inches, mounted on white board. To shop the collection, visit www.eleanormccoll.com.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Eleanor McColl.]

IN FEBRUARY!

REGISTER FOR THE TRANSLANTAU

Local trail runners are reminded to register for the TransLantau™ by UTMB® in March. Taking place in November, the event offers three races on Lantau – 25km, 50km and 100km. Open to runners of all abilities, it’s hugely popular amongst international runners with 43 different nationalities represented at the last edition. To find out more and register, visit www.translantau.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Clement Dumont.]

SECOND-HAND STORE IN MUI WO

Second-hand furniture supplier 2nd Chance has opened a small store in Mui Wo right above Baan Rao Thai Restaurant, offering a wide assortment furnishings, accessories, artworks and collectibles. All items are discounted for self-collect customers until a delivery service becomes available. 2nd Chance homes Hong Kong’s largest collection of previously loved items at its 10,000 square-foot warehouse store in Tuen Mun. To find out more, visit www.2ndchance.com.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF 2nd Chance.]

VIRTUAL GREEN POWER HIKE

PFS SCHOOL TALKS

The 29th annual Green Power Hike has turned virtual for 2022 and runs through February 21. Participants choose to complete 50km, 25km or 10km of the Hong Kong Trail in one or multiple sessions. The event features four categories – individual, team, family team and cup – and attracts some 3,000 participants annually. All donations go to support Green Power’s work in environmental education. Visit www.greenpowerhike.hk to enrol.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Green Power Hike.]

Plastic Free Seas (PFS) provides one-hour talks to inform students about plastic marine pollution and related topics such as waste reduction and recycling. Over the years, PFS has reached over 82,000 students in more than 220 schools, delivering engaging talks (and workshops). Talks can be delivered in person or via Zoom/ Google Meet, in English or Cantonese, and they are free. To book, visit www.plasticfreeseas.org. [PHOTO COURTESY OF PFS.] AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

9

DB EVENTS

/

HONG KONG OLYMPIC ATHLETE TRAINING AT DB ICE RINK Sidney Chu, who is competing in the male, 500m, short-track speed-skating events at the Beijing 2022

Winter Olympics has been taking full advantage of the firstrate facilities at DB Ice Rink. The Hong Kong-born athlete’s training sessions at DB Ice Rink ran over seven days from late December to early January.

Sidney qualif ied for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic s in December, 2021, and will make his f irst Olympic appearance this month. Aged just 22, he is one of Hong Kong’s record three Winter Games athletes competing in Beijing. His mentor is Bar ton Lui – the f irst Hong Kong man to compete at a Winter Olympic s (at Sochi on the Russian Riviera in 2014).

“We were delighted to welcome a skater of Sidney’s calibre to DB. Our rink of fers a top-notch ice sur face which is suitable for high-standard training,” says Raul Gomes, Manager of DB Ice Rink. “The ice edging, humidit y control and ice-resur facing of our rink are all well-maintained to provide a professional rink for skaters of all levels. Going into 2022, we will also invest in protec tive cushions to be placed around the corners of the ice rink, which will make the rink safer for speed-skating training.”

DB Ice Rink is a keen suppor ter of high-level ice-spor ts training and of Hong Kong’s elite athletes. It hosts training sessions for Hong Kong’s national figure skating team each Sunday and talks are in place to star t a shor t-track speedskating development programme.

The 2022 Winter Olympic s shor t-track speed-skating events are being held in Beijing’s cit y centre, including at several venues that were used when the cit y hosted the 20 08 Summer Olympic s. The closing ceremony for the Beijing Games is slated for Februar y 20, and the Winter Paralympic s will follow shor tly af ter, running from March 4 to 13. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DB Ice Rink.]

DBCC’S BIG PLANS FOR 2022

Founded in 2005, Discovery Bay Cricket Club (DBCC) sets a high standard when it comes to the promotion and development of cricket both within DB and throughout Hong Kong. To ring in 2022, the DBCC Lions have been invited to play in a Hong Kong-wide Beach Cricket Tournament to be held at different Hong Kong beaches including DB (Tai Pak Wan), Mui Wo, Pui O, Repulse Bay and Clearwater Bay. The tournament is slated to start after Easter, with matches for six teams held every two months. DBCC Lions is the only team who will have the opportunity to play in each leg of the tournament.

DBCC is chaired and led by Cricket Australia- and Cricket Hong Kong-accredited, Level 2 Cricket Coach Nilesh Jhaveri. “DBCC provides a structure under which all players across both genders, regardless of age or ability, can thrive,” says the DB resident, who also runs the primary and secondary cricket programme at Victoria Shanghai Academy, Aberdeen.

“DBCC coaching sessions take place at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club nets,” Nilesh adds. “Our batting and bowling clinics are a great opportunity for players, aged 16 and up, to finetune their technique. Senior squad training takes place on Sunday mornings from 10am onwards.”

In addition to the cricket coaching, DBCC provides players with the opportunity to compete. Club members compete regularly 10

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

throughout Hong Kong, notably in the CHK T20 Challenge League, HKU vs. DBCC 1997 Handover Trophy which is a 30 overs, five-game series.

COVID-19 restrictions allowing, Nilesh hopes to get the DBCC Lions touring internationally again this year (T20 Coconut Cup in Phuket, Chiang Mai 8’s and Asian Cricket Sixes Tour circuit). The DBCC Lions were Shield Champions in the 2020 Chiang Mai Big Bash, and in 2019, they won the Thailand T20 Tri-Series Tournament, taking home the Golden Coconut. For more on the club and to get involved, visit www.dbcricketclub.com.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF DBCC].

Three Sheets Marquee Bar

New Menu Launching in 2022 Set Lunch from $98 Available Monday to Friday

Daily Dinner Specials

New Al la Carte Menu available now And online delivery via www.Lalamovedb.com Happy Hours Drinks all day for DB Residents Bookings for CNY Lunch specials & Valentines, Events, Functions, BBQs please contact: Shop G06 D Deck, Discovery Bay Plaza.

TEL: 2987 0966 WA: 9728 5955

HLG023_2022 KartRace_AroundDB-half-pg Ad_FA.pdf

1

16/12/2021

8:50 AM

THE RACE IS ON! Sat,19 March 2022 • 9am to 5pm

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Standard Category: Age Groups 7–8, 9–10 & 11–12 Freestyle Category: Age Group 7–88

.

W O N TER

EN

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

SHIRTS BY:

MEDIA BY:

This is a community event with all proceeds going to charity.

hlgkartrace.com

ACROSS HONG KONG

/

! y 4 r Februa 1

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

With easy-to-make solutions for cards, bouquets and treats, Kate Farr looks into celebrating Valentine’s Day with the whole family PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels

T

here’s nothing (aside from coffee) that makes the world go round quite as much as love, and February 14 is all about celebrating those warm and fuzzy feelings with the people who touch your heart the very most.

And while your pre-kids Valentine’s Day routine may have included candlelit dinners, chilled champers and lavish lingerie, it’s still possible to embrace that loving feeling with small people in tow.

DIY LOVE LETTERS It first became customary for lovers to exchange handwritten notes back in the 18th century, when Valentine’s cards would be cut into heart-, dove- and cherub-shaped outlines and finished with lace. These days, February 14 sees us showering our loved ones with cards and gifts. It’s jewellery for the ladies, of course, preferably the sort that comes in little Tiffany Blue boxes.

TOP TIP: Encourage children to hand-decorate a card for the person that they love and admire the most – be this a family member, teacher or friend. Add to the fun by encouraging them to send their message anonymously, leaving the recipient to guess who their secret admirer might be. A fun twist for little ones is to sign their name in invisible ink, (make this at home by blending water with lemon juice); they can then provide a few cryptic clues as to their true identity.

The grand reveal can be achieved by simply holding the paper up to the light.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS For many an old romantic, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with red roses. What you may not know is that your bouquet may hold hidden significance 12

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

ACROSS HONG KONG

/

– 50 red roses are said to symbolise eternal love, 12 are for gratitude, while two represent an engagement.

Always count your stems carefully!

But it’s not all about the rose, which – especially at this time of year – can be over-priced and hard to find.

Hinduism recognises the jasmine flower as a symbol of love, while pink, red and white carnations all carry romantic associations. Here in Hong Kong, of course, red peonies are the way to go, and our beloved bamboo not only makes for sturdy scaffolding, but also represents resilience and grace, making it a thoughtful component of any Valentine’s Day bouquet.

RED ROSES SYMBOLISE ROMANCE

TOP TIP: Get kids into some floral fun by making colourful paper bouquets. Cut individual petals, and then use a paper punch to create small holes in the bottom of each one, before threading through a lollipop ‘stem’ to fasten your flower together. Wrap in brown paper for an authentic florist’s feel then let them distribute a little floral sweetness to friends.

Alternatively, take a trip to Prince Edward then wander Flower Market Road, allowing the kids to customise their very own bunch of blooms.

CHOCOLATE-BOX PRETTY Eating your feelings needn’t always be a bad thing.

Packed with tryptophan, a chemical associated with sexual arousal, and phenethylamine, which is released by the brain when you fall in love, chocolate is a known aphrodisiac. There’s also the association with sweetness and luxury, all of which stacks up to a towering pile of calories come Valentine’s Day. CHOCOLATE IS A KNOWN APHRODISIAC

TOP TIP: For a healthier Valentine’s treat that doubles up as a fun family activity, try dipping strawberries in melted chocolate before cooling in the fridge.

(Alternatively, stock up on Belgian truffles and save them until the kids are asleep).

WHAT’S IN A NAME? The origin of Valentine’s Day is something of a mystery, as there are actually not one, but three Saint Valentines to be found in the record books, with little known of their lives.

The Valentine’s Day that we now celebrate was most likely created in the 14th century by the English poet and author, Geoffrey Chaucer. He wrote of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia: “For this was on St Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”

CALL ON CUPID, THE GOD OF LOVE AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

13

Diamantaire de Prestige

Happy Valentines

DISCOVERY BAY’S TRUSTED JEWELLERS SINCE 1987 Email: jhaveri1987@outlook.com Tel: 9011 1319 By appointment only

BESPOKE JEWELLERY • RESTORATION • VALUATIONS

FREE WILL REVIEW As you reflect on 2021, it is a good opportunity to evaluate if there have been any changes in your life that could impact the validity of your Will.

Regardless of your age or health, it is essential to plan, particularly if you own a property or have savings, investments, insurance policies, or own a business to ensure your assets go exactly where you want them to.

Contact our experts to have your Will reviewed free of charge.

info@fsplatinum www.will-experts.com +852 3115 7616

DB DESTINATIONS

At

/

DB Plaza!

LEISURE & SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2022

A

walk through newly renovated DB Plaza (and of course the gleaming new mall) takes you past, and likely into, myriad trendy boutiques and supermarkets, some with a Hong Kong-wide presence and some exclusive to Discovery Bay. We’ve detailed our favourites here.

Lifting the bus terminus level with Discovery Bay Road has created plenty of space not just for a new-and-improved retail offering but also for ever-better recreational facilities.

Our top picks for leisure include Tree of Joy with its Reggioinspired playroom, and MGK Fight Club, led by professional MMA fighter Marc Guyon. International-standard DB Ice Rink provides the icing on the cake!

Leisure

FUN ON THE ICE DB ICE RINK

KIDS & FAMILY TREE OF JOY

MARTIAL ARTS MGK FIGHT CLUB

DB Ice Rink – with its internationalstandard, indoor ice rink – is both sports venue and recreational hub.

Leisure skating sessions are on offer, along with a series of special community-led events. There’s also the skating school, where worldclass professional coaches provide training for all levels in figure skating and ice hockey, plus a regular lineup of performances, competitions and ice-hockey tournaments.

Tree of Joy’s Reggio-inspired playroom encourages kids (aged 12 months to 5 years) to explore and express themselves through playbased activities. Monthly membership is available, with morning and afternoon sessions grouped by age. The toy store curates organic and sustainable play things such as toys made from recycled milk jugs, rubberwood and chemicalfree materials.

The MGK approach of Wing Chun covers all aspects of martial arts from combat sports to self-defence, with an equal focus on health and wellbeing. Group, private and family sessions are available at two adjacent premises. Kung Fu classes are designed to help kids (aged 3 and up) develop key skills such as coordination, balance and self-defence.

G /F, 2234 0187

Shop G77, 3742 8772

Shop G75-76, 9688 4744

enquiry@dbicerink.com www.dbicerink.com

shop@treeofjoydb.com www.facebook.com/treeofjoydb

contact@mgkfightclub.com www.marcguyon.hk AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

15

DB DESTINATIONS

/

felix & mina Island Wake

POLISH FOOD.hk

YOPE

Red Velvet Designs

MGK Fight Club

Tree of Joy

! p o r d ou y l il t ‘ Shop ! a z a l P DB European Touch

16

AARROOUUNNDD DDBB / / FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22002222

Shopping

DB DESTINATIONS

/

HEALTH & BEAUTY YOPE

HOME DECOR RED VELVET DESIGNS

KIDS & FAMILY FELIX & MINA

YOPE offers bathroom and kitchen soaps with complementary body and hand lotions, shampoos, candles and cleaning products. Its beautifully fragranced products comprise over 90% natural ingredients meaning they can be used by children and people with sensitive skin.

YOPE’s hand wash, shower gel and dishwashing detergent are all refillable instore.

Most of Red Velvet Designs’ furnishings and home accessories are designed and produced inhouse, with others painstakingly sourced from across Asia. The focus is on style, function and affordability.

Red Velvet Designs provides expert advice about bespoke items, like its rugs and carpets, which can be custom made to order.

Best known for its own-brand sustainable kids clothing and ecofriendly range of toys, felix & mina also has an extensive product line of clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery for adults. Its collections are fun, functional and affordable, and a tailoring service is available (check www.facebook.com/felixandmina).

Purchase instore or online with free delivery within DB.

Shop G73, 2185 6044

Shop G74, 9010 5832

Shop G68, 2130 7013

info@xavi-era.com www.xavisoap.com

redvelvelvetdesigns@hotmail.com www.redvelvetdesigns.net

hello@felixmina.com www.felixmina.com

SPORTS ISLAND WAKE

SUPERMARKET EUROPEAN TOUCH

SUPERMARKET POLISHFOOD.HK

A one-stop shop for surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and skateboarding gear, Island Wake also sells a wide range of beachwear, bags and accessories for men, women and children. Bigname international brands are well represented, including Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy, Reef and Sun Bum. Island Wake’s DB store is its fifth location in Hong Kong.

European Touch sets out to bring the flavours of Europe to DB, providing freshly imported meats, cheeses, fruit and vegetables at affordable prices. There’s a deli corner (pastries, cold cuts, seafood and meat), an instore bakery and a ‘grab and go’ express (hot and cold items), plus a wide range of dairy, grocery and farm-fresh items.

Shop G69, 2636 0601

Shop 154-156, 3611 2887

Shop G72, 9804 1233

online@islandwake.com www.islandwake.com

info@europeantouch.hk www.facebook.com/ europeantouchhk

sales@polishfood.hk www.polishfood.hk

POLISHFOOD.hk is the only shop with Polish food in Hong Kong offering unique cold-cuts, cheeses and chocolates imported directly by plane. Signature products include kabanosy (thin, dried sausage), E. Wedel’s chocolate-covered vanilla mousse, spadziowy honey and a variety of vodkas and meads.

Delicious pierogi (dumplings with various fillings) are made locally.

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

17

GIVEAWAYS

/

ELEAN O R M CCO LL IS OFFERING ONE READER A ZODIAC UMBRELLA FROM THE ZODIAC COLLECTION (WORTH HK$280) British-born, DB-based artist Eleanor McColl’s Zodiac Collection comprises unique Chinese Zodiac-inspired pieces that are ideal for gifting. To welcome the Lunar New Year, Eleanor’s Zodiac Collection features limited-edition luxury Lai See Packets, a range of Zodiac Prints (including of course The Tiger), a Zodiac Umbrella and more.

The Zodiac Umbrella’s design originates from Eleanor’s love of rainbows. Emblazoned with every animal in the Chinese zodiac, one on each spoke, it promises to brighten up the darkest of rainy days.

The Zodiac Umbrella has an aluminium metal base and an automatic opening and closing mechanism. To shop online, head to www.eleanormccoll.com.

CONGRATUL ATIONS TO L AST ISSUE’S WINNERS

Elizabeth Law and Karen Boag for tickets to see The Gruffalo Live on Stage, and Helen Karniewicz for a KRSV tiger print silk scarf

HOW TO WIN!

Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply.

Simply scan the barcode or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Quality Frozen Meat dondonshop.com

Savoury l Sweet Cakes, Soups Sauces & Treats

Raw Vegan 'Cheesecake' l Tahini Cookies l Nut Butter l Caramel Hummous l Plant Mylk l Golden Mylk Paste l Cashew Parmesan l Basil Gremolata

EGG FREE

GLUTEN FREE

VEGAN

DAIRY FREE

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

NOTHING ARTIFICIAL

TO PLACE AN ORDER CONTACT 9441-4452

18

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

Discovery Bay

www.coconutandwhat.com

coconutandwhat

Nepalese

TaKeaWay Curry nighT Thursday and friday evenings

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE Effectively Addresses •Immune System Disorders

•Emotional Disorders

•Allergies And Intolerance

•Sleep Disorders

•Weight Control

•Gut Issues

•Chronic Pain

•Addiction

WE OFFER 20 MINUTES FREE CONSULTATION SUSAN SMITH (Sekhem Master Teacher, Reiki practitioner) 9276 7229 ANGIE TOURANI (Adv. Certified BodyTalk Practitioner) www.bodytalksystem.com.hk / www.imi.com.hk 6683 5755 ADINA WONG (Certified Hypnotherapist/ Energy Healer) www.nadihealings.com 9314 3905

Mention ADB Magazine and Get a HKD200 Discount on Your First Booking Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Delivered to the Central ferry pier 3 or Pick up by arrangement in DB plaza Chicken Curry & Rice

$88

Chickpea Curry & Rice

$68

Chicken Chwella & Rice

$98

10 Momos (Nepalese Dumplings) Chicken Pork Vegetable or Mixed

$88

Side dish - Alu Dum (potato curry)

$25

For Full Menu and online order : Direct Order : +852 55978871 Home delivery for a minimum of 10 people with 3 days prior notice.

! t u o b A & t u O WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!

EVENT ROUND-UP

/

LANTAU 50

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events

Lantau 50, the second trail race in Action Asia Events’ Hong Kong 50 series, took place on December 4, 2021 over 16km, 27km and 54km. The event, which started in Tung Chung, took runners up to Nei Lek Shan, Ngong Ping, Keung Shan ridge, Shek Pik, Lantau Peak, Sunset Peak and Pak Mong with over 3,100m of elevation gain.

20

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

EVENT ROUND-UP

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

/

21

EVENT ROUND-UP

/

CHRISTMAS ON ICE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DB Ice Rink

DB Ice Rink’s first Christmas programme was packed with fun activities. There was a Christmas Figure-Skating Show, performed by the skating school’s coaches and students (December 18 and 19); Busking on the Ice (December 24 and 25); a China Hockey Group Ice Hockey Tournament (December 27 to 30); and a Skating Countdown Party (December 31).

A TREAT FOR KIDS AT EPICLAND: On the evening of December 10,

EpicLand in DB North Plaza opened its doors to HK Christian Action and Be the Change where 200 children were invited to play at Hong Kong’s tallest indoor entertainment centre. Unfortunately, the ethnic minority children were wrongly referred to as orphans, and EpicLand sincerely apologises for the error in the January print magazine.

22

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

Adding sparkle and wonder to inquisitive minds through creativity, exploration, observation, life skills and outdoor learning.

Playgroup - for little ones from 18 months old 2 years old

Drop off Stepping Stones classes for 2-3 year olds

Pre-School K1, K2 & K3 3-6 year olds

enquiry.db@sunshinehouse.hk | www.sunshinehouse.hk / 2185-6134

Tang Dynasty Brought to Life

By Elsa Cheng

Having lived and grown up in China, my parents have always ensured I had exposure to my ancestral roots. I have great memories of weekend visits to museums, but nothing as exciting as a recent visit to the Indra and Harry Gallery at the City University after attending a riveting talk by Professor Kwok on “A Glimpse of Tang Prosperity from Murals,” an exhibition that is ongoing from now till end of March 2022.

Professor Elaine Kwok at the Chinese University of HK shared stunning examples that compare and connect modern Western art and ancient Eastern art. Through art, and the exhibits, I learned about the life and prosperity of one of the most glorious periods of ancient Chinese history, i.e., the Tang Dynasty (about 600-900 AD). While difficult to pick, I would highlight the top three things that I have learned below: Busty and rounded body figures are signs of beauty in ancient China because they are indicators of a woman’s ability to bear children. This is very important in the Chinese concept of family and kinship. The heart of the city center in the capital of Beijing (Chang’An), consisted of both an Eastern and a Western Market, which suggested that trading between the West and the East was a phenomenon back then, a thousand three hundred years ago.

In the amazing artwork by a local artist in Hong Kong to retell “Life in Chang’An” in the Tang Dynasty, I saw many things that were familiar to me. In particular, I saw artwork of players on horseback with long sticks, engaged in a ball game or competition. While I have always understood “Polo” as a Western sport, I now could see its Eastern counterparts. Later in the talk, I learned that this sporting game was as much a matter of national defence as it is a past-time; back then, it was important that soldiers and army were able to fend off threat from the Mongols in the North, typically nomads who were great at horseback riding and archery.

Check this out for yourself, and see how the exhibition brought a piece of Chinese history to life.

“A Glimpse of Tang Prosperity from Murals” and “Glories of the Celestial Empire” at the City University - Indra and Harry Banga Gallery (a.k.a「盛世壁藏」及「天朝風華」展覧) Website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/bg/ Now until end of March 2022 (suspended until 3 February, 2022) A snapshot of the mural paintings in the exhibition, depicting players on horseback, much like polo players.

Elsa Cheng, a Form 1 student at Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section), is an avid debater, a pipa player (a chinese string instrument), and is passionate in arts and culture.

PROFILE

/

is that people " listenThetoproblem this music in a club, late at night. And I have to go home at 10pm

- NIKI PARRINGTON

24

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

!

B & D DB

PROFILE

/

ROCK CHIC

Niki Parrington leans into the digital revolution and helps to make the resort just a little funkier. Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOS BY What The Fox Studio, IG@whatthefox.studio MAKEUP BY Joanna Worthington, IG@jomakeupartist

A D&B FAN SINCE THE EARLY ‘90S

particularly one tuned in to all things electronic, and she’s as much at ease chatting about how soft a touch she is with animals (“At one point I had eight cats. A dog followed me home one day, so then I had a dog.”), as in admitting we all turn in to our grandmothers: “You can’t fight it. It’s going to happen.” Peter Jackson’s eight-hour mega-doc Get Back piques her interest. She’s not a huge Beatles fan, but a deep dive into the creative process intrigues her.

D

espite the ‘frigid’ temperature swooping down on Hong Kong, Niki Parrington is sitting on the outdoor patio of a Discovery Bay coffee shop, not particularly over-dressed or distressed.

Niki’s locks drape well below her shoulders, and are easily imagined held back by a pair of highspec headphones as she fiddles behind a console during a performance.

Niki’s here to tout an upcoming single, following an EP she released last May. Though to say she’s ‘touting’ is misleading. “I’m not doing this for the money. I’m not hardcore into marketing,” she understates of her second career as a drum & bass artist. “I know friends and family are listening, but beyond that I’m honestly not really sure.”

If that sounds low key, then it is. Niki is decidedly chill, contrary to the popular image of the musician,

The London native who’s been living in Hong Kong since the age of nine has a pragmatic side to balance her artistic one. A student of psychology and holder of a master’s degree in neuroscience, Niki calls music her ‘other’ job; the one she does when she’s not working on her own business in medical writing and clinical research.

Niki, her web designer husband Ali, their six-yearold daughter Maya and a pair of rescue dogs (see?) moved to DB from Lamma in 2018. “We had a kid, and I have MS, and that walk to the ferry pier was getting harder and harder,” she recalls. “DB was just more convenient.”

Convenient is also handy considering her family is scattered to the four winds: Her mother joined her four half-sisters and a half-brother in the UK last year.

Ali’s family is now in Australia. Like most of us, it’s been two years since she last left town and saw any of them. “My mum and daughter really miss each other, because my mum used to take her out. They had a little Wednesday ritual. It’s hard. Of course, I miss my mum as well.”

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

25

PROFILE

/

they had started. She took some courses and got help from friends who knew the job. She released an EP, For Rafe, on May 4, 2021 (Rafe was a big Star Wars fan.).

It’s a mix of trap, dubstep and D&B, which she got mastered by UK D&B titan Nu:Tone. She enjoyed the challenge of producing, and the intricacies involved in pulling all the parts together – music producers are viewed as akin to film directors for a reason – and it’s inspired her to commit to more.

“I’m really glad I got that out, because you can sit and tinker with something for an hour and it will sound no different to someone outside the bubble. Now I need to draw a line under the next one,” she states.

WHAT KUTOFF DID NEXT NIKI’S SOON TO CUT HER NEXT SINGLE

TURING APPLES But there’s always music to fall back on. Niki never studied music officially, but she developed a keen interest in it in her teens, when Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill and No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom were making waves. Eventually, she and a school friend, Rafe D’Aquino, started a band doing covers. 1993 was a turning point when a summer trip back to the UK saw her cross paths with a family friend who introduced her to D&B. “It was jungle, and I thought it was amazing,” Niki remembers. “The next day I went straight to Camden Market and bought every cassette I could find. That was 1993.” School and work took her in and out of Hong Kong for several years, but when she returned in 2011, she and Rafe reconnected and committed to their shared love of all things electronic and digital.

The duo formed Turing Apples – “like Alan Turing; we thought it was really clever,” Niki quips – and dropped their first EP in 2014. They performed at The Big Picnic twice.

For the time being Niki’s focus is on the next, nearly completed single, and while she’s no Prince, she’s trying her best to rival the Purple One’s famed unreleased catalogue. “I have a whole library of stuff to finish.

There’s a lifetime of work in there,” she says.

Anyone who wants a listen can hear For Rafe on Bandcamp (similar to Soundcloud) by searching Kutoff, Niki’s stage name; Turing Apples is there too.

“It’s available for people who just want to listen and don’t want to buy on Apple Music and Spotify. But I encourage them to buy. I split everything – like HK$600 – with Rafe’s wife.” She rolls her eyes. Streaming really isn’t that great for artists. But that’s another story.

Going forward Niki is probably sticking with her beloved D&B, but she’s not making any promises. “I’m still experimenting with styles because I’m learning the skills. My library is a million different things but I think I’ve found my style. The problem is that people listen to this music in a club, late at night. And I have to go home at 10pm,” she says with a chuckle.

Niki maintains an interest in a broad range of music, as most musicians do, but she admits the last couple of years, since For Rafe, she’s immersed herself in D&B. She chuckles again. “Mostly just one long, two-year song.”

At a youthful 42, Niki is willing to admit D&B (think Aphex Twin, Goldie, Pendulum, Roni Size) isn’t for everyone. “It’s a real love or hate situation,” she says with a laugh after debating the genre’s status as one long song.

She and Rafe continued working on new music, and Nikki took an extra interest in production in 2020, for the worst possible reason: Rafe had a sudden heart attack and, sadly, passed away in May that year. “We had been working on a bunch of stuff, but I didn’t really know anything about production. I would just sit beside him and be the annoying person saying, ‘Make it sound more like that!’ And I remember the last time we practiced together saying, ‘I should learn this stuff, shouldn’t I?’ And I got the look.”

Painful as it was, Niki was determined to finish the music 26

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

WITH RAFE D’AQUINO IN 2014

WELCOMING OUR NEWLY LAUNCHED WEBSITE

wwww.lifeonlantau.com

COMMUNITY

/

! e d i r Wild

GET READY TO ROAR! Ray Au outlines what we can expect from 2022, the Year of the Water Tiger

28

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

COMMUNITY

A

ccording to Chinese astrology, each year corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig), a cycle that repeats every 12 years. To complicate things a little, each year also corresponds to one of the five Chinese zodiac elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood), a cycle that repeats every five years.

2022 is the Year of the Tiger (the last one was in 2010). More specifically, it is the Year of the Water Tiger (the last one was in 1962). So, what does that mean for you?

Tiger years such as 2022 are about going all out and experiencing life to the full – very different from 2021’s Year of the Ox, which was all about steady progress, pragmatism and hard work. We can expect a year of dramatic changes, intense emotions and big decisions. That’s because the Tiger is courageous, daring and extravagant – and known for doing everything on a grand scale.

The Tiger is placed third in the Chinese Zodiac (after the Rat and the Ox) and he’s one of the most powerful zodiac animals, alongside the Dragon and the Horse. Tigers are regal, impressive and ferocious; they like doing things their own way, and once they set a goal for themselves, they will do anything to make it happen. Tigers are quick to action, so in 2022, be prepared for situations to change abruptly without prior warning. Tempers will flare, there’ll be plenty of drama, and extravagant dreams can become reality. This can apply to personal relationships, career developments, and, on a larger scale, to the world around us. Know that political unrest can easily lead to social revolution in a Tiger year. Tigers are loyal and fiercely protective; they make great humanitarian leaders.

Drawbacks to the Tiger’s passion for life include a tendency to be impulsive, rebellious and quick tempered. Tiger years, therefore, can be very explosive times. When Tigers are angry, they can do unspeakable things. Be sure to calm down, relax and think before you speak (or act) in 2022 – meditation and yoga could be useful.

“

/

Tigers are quick to action, so in 2022, be prepared for situations

to change abruptly without prior warning. Tempers will flare, there’ll be plenty of drama, and extravagant

dreams can become reality

ARE YOU COMPATIBLE? The Chinese zodiac signs most compatible with the Tiger—and, thus, most likely to have a good year – are the Horse, Dog and Pig. The Horse’s vitality, Dog’s idealism and Pig’s courage all vibe well with the Tiger’s intense and creative energy. These are the signs that will most likely be rewarded for taking risks in 2022, in everything from finance to love.

Dragons and Roosters should do well in 2022, since they share the Tiger’s enthusiasm and boldness. However, Dragons may encounter some power struggles, and Roosters will need to find a way to keep their Tiger-year passion in check. Rams and Rabbits can also expect a good year, as long they make time for rest amid all the excitement. These gentle signs can’t always keep up with the wild Tiger.

For the most part, Tigers are empowered by their year, but they must watch their tendency for excess (particularly overspending) and be mindful of their health.

Unfortunately, Rat, Ox, Snake and Monkey are not so comfortable with Tiger energy. Rats are cautious and methodical, Oxen are pragmatic and routine-oriented but careful plans don’t always amount to much in a fast-paced, unpredictable Tiger year. Snakes’ reserved nature is at odds with the Tiger’s boldness, and limelight-seeking Monkeys will not enjoy the fact that everyone will want to do things their own way in 2022.

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

29

COMMUNITY

/

LOVE AND HEALTH The Year of the Tiger 2022 is under the influence of the Water element, which bodes well for health, specifically our ability to overcome disease. Water is an extremely powerful natural force. It’s the strongest element – even stronger than fire – because it can go around any obstacle in its path. Empowered by the Water Tiger, most signs will enjoy good health in 2022 – and there’s every reason to hope that his strength will help us beat COVID. Out of all of the Chinese zodiac elements, Water has the greatest connection to the emotions – to sensitivity, creativity and falling in love. 2022 promises to be a lucky year for those who are single and ready for romance (watch out for your beloved in April, May and November). Those who are married or in longterm relationships find their feelings intensified in a Tiger year, though miscommunications may create challenges for some. Auspicious months for marriage are June, July and August.

Kung Hei Fat Choy

2022 will be a year of very strong, wild emotions, which will be liberating for some, for others, however, emotional extremes can mean chaos, and some of the negative attributes that come with the Water element can be fear and indecisiveness. These are things each sign will have to contend with and overcome in 2022.

MONEY AND WORK The Water element also represents wealth, so we can hope for a rewarding 2022 as far as finances are concerned. Money flow should be ample, especially for those born in an Earth year, and all signs, particularly Dragons, can hope to recover earnings lost during the pandemic.

Financial windfalls are common in a Tiger year (particularly for Tigers and Roosters), so 2022 could be a good year to invest in stocks, notably crypto. Just be sure to reign in that Tiger-year impetuosity – show caution in your investments, limit overspending and cut out unnecessary expenses. Fortunes have been made under the influence of the Tiger but they have also been lost.

Fired by the Tiger’s drive and determination, 2022 should be a positive year career-wise for most signs – a time filled with promising changes and good developments. February and March are the best months to change jobs or cash in on all that Tiger creativity by starting new, independent projects.

30

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

If you are your own boss, start dreaming big and looking into expansion – in a Tiger year, you will have the time and resources to grow your business. If you are an employee, your chances of promotion and salary increase are high, particularly if you have a male boss. 2022 looks set to be a great year for Roosters, who are looking for a promotion, and for Dogs and Pigs, who will be amply rewarded for their hard work and dependability.

Best advice for career progression in 2022: Control that Tiger-year temper, while drawing on his drive and determination. Think out of the box and be adaptable!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

corporate & business services

T8 Corporate offer a professional dedicated service with a wide range of solutions to help all company needs.

• Company Incorporation • Company secretariat • Accounting services • Government filings and returns

• MPF & Payroll • Bank account set up • Virtual office • Registered address

Unit 2, G/F, Office Block 1, 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Drop in for a chat or call 2517 8248 or email sharon.m@corporate.com

www.t8corporate.com

Your Basecamp with expert advice from staff who run, hike, and bike in Lantau Excellent bike service, delivery service from DB, Tung Chung, HK available

852 9889 4375

@lantaubasecamp

G/F Shop B, Silver Centre Bldg, 10 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road

FITNESS

/

JUDO IS FOR EVERYBODY who wants

to workout, keep fit and focus their mind. It’s a common misconception that you need to be a certain physique to practice judo; size doesn’t matter. In classes and competitions, opponents are matched with similar sized players.

JUDO FOCUSES ON FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTHENING MUSCLES making it

! y a w hT e gentle UNARMED COMBAT

There’s much more to judo than using holds and leverage to submit an opponent. Fifth Dan judo coach Cedric Sum of Daruma Judo Club introduces Rachel Sadler to the mat PHOTOS COURTESY OF Daruma Judo Club 32

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

a low-intensit y, fullbody workout – even for beginners. Junokata judo is a par ticularly low-impac t workout, it ’s designed to teach the fundamental principles of judo but it doesn’t involve any throwing.

FITNESS

/

JU MEANS GENTLE AND DO MEANS WAY, which together means ‘gentle way of life.’ This definition represents one of the martial art’s major concepts – that gentleness controls hardness. Judo also has a moral code, which includes the principles of politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship.

JUDO ENGAGES AND STRENGTHENS THE CORE. Each technique

JUDO RELIES ON TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY not brute strength.

If you have the right skills, you can throw someone who is bigger than you. Judo teaches mind over matter – if you have an open mind, you can succeed and reach your goals both on the mat and in everyday life.

involves keeping your back straight, so it’s a workout that fixes bad posture and subsequent back conditions.

You learn body coordination exercises which are the foundation to controlling the body, and classes star t with a warm-up of head-totoe stretching.

JUDO DOES NOT ALLOW KICKS, STRIKES, OR HITS

but it’s a very effective martial art for self-defence. You learn smart and strategic ways of taking your opponent down through both force and balance. Once to the ground, judo teaches students to find the quickest and easiest way to make an opponent submit.

YOU CAN START JUDO AGED THREE,

and children’s classes are grouped by age. For under 12s, there’s no contact around the neck and under 14s can’t use arm locks. Judo teaches valuable life lessons; children learn how to break their fall and how to protect their head.

JUDO TEACHES YOU DISCIPLINE and to

be considerate of others.

You learn respect for your opponent and your teacher.

In training and competitions opponents always begin and end a match with a bow to their partner; it’s about good sportsmanship.

CONTROL, EMOTION AND BODY POWER

are at the core of judo moves.

The aim is to achieve maximum efficiency (both physically and mentally) with minimum effort. There is always more to learn, and new fitness levels to reach.

Daruma Judo Club holds classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays for students aged 3 and up in Discovery Bay, Mui Wo and Peng Chau. To find out more and enrol, call 6244 6093, email Emily Lau at darumasports@gmail.com or visit the Daruma Judo Club Facebook page.

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

33

RELOCATION OF C HILDREN AMIDST A PANDEMIC Joanne Brown, Partner, Head of Family at Tanner De Witt, outlines legal issues parents need to be aware of The world is exercising its third pandemic year. As we continue to deal with uncertainty with travel bans, restrictions and quarantine, the Family law team at Tanner De Witt has seen an increase in enquiries from parents wishing to permanently relocate from Hong Kong with their children. The motivations to permanently relocate are myriad and include loss of employment or a desire to be closer to family members. Where parents cannot agree the terms of a relocation, they must take out a relocation application with the Family Court.

Even before the pandemic, a relocation application is a difficult one. A Judge must carefully balance factors such as whether the relocation application is genuinely made, whether the relocation proposal is realistic and well-researched, whether the other parent’s opposition is genuine and how access between the child and the parent ‘left behind’ will be maintained. Having considered all these factors, the Judge must decide whether or not the relocation is in the child’s best interests. Where a child is of sufficient maturity (generally from 10 to 11 years old), their wishes will also be given strong weight.

In 2020 and 2021, there were a number of relocation cases in which judgment was given which granted a relocation despite COVID-19 and the uncertainties surrounding travel. Specifically, a recent decision from the Family Court in Hong Kong addressed concerns about how the pandemic and the resulting difficulties with the global economy should affect how a Judge considers relocation applications. The Court demonstrated that it will not let the pandemic be a sufficient reason to delay or prevent relocations where applications are genuinely made and well-founded.

Have a realistic, well-researched and organised plan.

Be prepared to inform the Court where you will live, what school the children will attend and what the childcare arrangements are. The Court will also consider earning potential in the target country and travel arrangements.

Have an open and honest discussion with the other parent, including whether mediation is an appropriate means for a resolution. If the other parent does not agree, the process of applying to the Family Court for a relocation order is lengthy and costly. It may take up to 12 months before the application is before a Judge and a trial on the matter can span days or even months.

It is also worth noting that a recent change in policy on extensions of stay by the Immigration Department is now permitting applications to be made by applicants who are unable to return to Hong Kong before the expiry of their employment or dependant visas. To be eligible, the applicant must have a visa that is expiring within the next four weeks or have expired for not more than 12 months. The caveat is that the applicant must return to Hong Kong within six months of the approval of the application.

PRACTICAL TIPS What can a parent do if they wish to relocate with their child, but there is no consent from the other parent?

Consider why and when you wish to move. The Court is generally more inclined to grant an order for permanent removal if the requesting parent is moving back to their home country and/ or the parent can show that they have a good support system in their home country or new location.

Consider whether it is the right time to move. Is the intention to move at the end of the academic year or the end of an employment contract or lease expiry? The court will take such factors in to account.

34

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

Tanner De Witt was established in 1999 and now has a team of over 100, including more than 50 Hong Kong lawyers. The firm’s family team can talk you through the legal issues surrounding relocation with children. For more information, visit www.tannerdewitt.com.

Rapidly growing Training and Equipment Distribution Company based in Discovery Bay is looking to employ Administration Assistant Summary of position: F Communication (written and verbal) with students and customers F Liaison with associates in Hong Kong and Mainland China F Sales and Customer Service support (particularly in Mainland China) F General office and systems administration The ideal candidate will have: F A university or post high school degree/diploma graduate F A HK work visa F At least 3 years relevant work experience And be: F Fluent in English and Mandarin (Speaking, Reading and Writing) F Hardworking, diligent, independent and reliable F Able to work with team members and with people in general F Proficient with computer software and IT systems F Prepared to undertake limited travel in Asia-Mainly China (post-Covid) We offer: F A friendly and comfortable working environment F Competitive salary/leave package commensurate with candidate education and experience F Challenging and interesting role in a rapidly growing company F 5 day work week (with limited OT) in Discovery Bay (occasional trips to HK Island/Kowloon may be required) F Scope for advancement in a growing company environment IMAA is a management company that handles the administration of different health and fitness brands, including Pilates teacher training, various fitness equipment and products, as well as a Pilates studio in Hong Kong.

Contact careers@imaa.world to get more information

! w o n k o t d ee n s t n e r a What p

PARENTING

/

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

In a world where likes are king, Susannah Wood explores the challenges families face when it comes to keeping kids safe and well online PHOTOS COURTESY OF Discovery Bay International School (DBIS)

I

f the last two years have taught us anything about the role technology will have in our lives going forward, it’s to expect more. More apps, more devices, more online interactions. To use a term we’re sadly all too familiar with these days: it’s endemic. Technology is ingrained in every part of our lives, whether we realise (like) it or not.

As humans, it’s in our nature to strive for progress, and we’ve certainly achieved a lot in recent years.

But every new advance we make brings its own challenges, its own downsides, and as adults, it’s our job to support the next generation in navigating the highs and lows that creates.

What makes things tricky is that our children often know more about technology than we do. We might think we’re tech savvy, but most of us aren’t staring at our phones to research the latest online trends and the potential impact they’ll have on our offspring; no, we’re reading the news, we’re scrolling through Facebook, we’re uploading photos to Instagram, we’re escaping from reality for a while.

CITIZENS OF THE MODERN AGE One of the most thought-provoking points I came across while researching this article was from a podcast with Angela Moriarty, Head of Learning Technologies at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS, www.dbis.edu.hk), who pointed out that if we’re going to put devices in our children’s hands, we have a responsibility to make sure they are safe while and as a result of using those devices.

It seems kind of obvious, but it got me thinking.

Have I done everything I can as a parent to really understand how my children are using the devices they have access to? Do I check in with them enough?

How are they being treated by their online contacts, and how are they treating others? Are my children good digital citizens?

Digital citizenship may be a contemporary phrase, but it’s not necessarily a contemporary concept.

36

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

“You could almost take the word ‘digital’ out of it,” says Angela. “At DBIS, we ask our students to think about what being a responsible citizen means to them. Once they’ve explored that, we introduce the digital element. We ask them to think about who they interact with online and how those interactions make both them and their online contacts feel. Are they

PARENTING

/

making a positive difference to the world in the way they use digital tools?

“As soon as students are exposed to using any kind of technology within our school, it’s our responsibility to make sure we educate them how to use it safely and responsibly. With our youngest children, it might be as simple as learning how to respect technology and handle it safely, but it can also be about understanding the importance of permissions, such as asking permission before using technology or asking for consent from another child to take their photograph.”

For older children, the topic becomes much broader, with multiple complex issues to consider, such as cyberbullying, privacy, fake news and social media – concepts that most parents never had to consider when growing up. These days, the online world is such a huge part of our children’s lives that schools have entire programmes dedicated to digital wellbeing.

“DBIS has a very robust digital citizenship programme,” says Angela. “We teach core concepts throughout the year and also run an annual Digital Citizenship Week, during which students focus on specific, age-appropriate themes.” Angela explains that it’s important to consider

CHILDREN NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE PERMANENCE OF ONLINE ACTIONS

digital citizenship in all areas of learning and life and not just confine it to Learning Technologies lessons. In English classes, for example, students can be taught how to safely conduct effective online research and how to use the information they find appropriately and correctly – valuable skills for the ‘real’ world.

CHALLENGES AND PITFALLS What we as parents need to ensure is that our children’s awareness of digital issues doesn’t get left at the school gate. Within the school environment, students are limited as to the digital content they can access. The concepts they’ve been taught are also fresh in their minds while on campus. It’s much trickier for children to stay mindful of digital responsibilities and model positive online behaviours when faced with real-life scenarios that aren’t necessarily being monitored.

Take WhatsApp for example. Officially, you have to be 16 years old to use it, but how many of us have family groups set up for ease of communication? Many children also set up groups with friends or classmates, although most schools actively discourage this. Nevertheless, these groups exist, and it’s all too easy for children to get caught up in the moment and type something they might later regret.

Angela warns that children need to be mindful of their ‘digital tattoo.’ “We used to use the term ‘digital footprint,’” she says, “but it’s actually more serious than that. The decisions we make online can shape us. Children need to understand the permanence of their online actions. Yes, you can delete something, but once it’s been published, and maybe seen by someone else, it can never truly be undone.

ANNUAL DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP WEEK AT DBIS

“Of course, children make mistakes from time to time, and in many subject areas students are taught that mistakes are good learning AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

37

PARENTING

/

THE BEST PARENTAL MONITORING TOOL IS BEING PRESENT

opportunities, but when it comes to digital citizenship, there are certain mistakes you don’t want children to make. We will always support students if they get themselves into a difficult digital situation, but the more discussions parents can have with their children on the topic to reinforce what we’re teaching at school, the better. Social media isn’t going anywhere; it’s just going to keep getting bigger, so we’ve got to do everything we can as adults to support our children in navigating it safely.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUY-IN One mistake many parents make is laying down a set of digital rules without involving their children in the decision-making process. Angela warns against this. “Children are more likely to adhere to a set of agreements if they’ve been involved in the creation of them,” she says. “Children need a voice; they need agency. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution though. It all comes down to your family values.”

It’s important to remember while discussing online guidelines and boundaries with your children that not all elements of the virtual world are equal. Now, more than ever before, children have access to a plethora of information due to online advances, including a wealth of enriching, educational content. Not everything screen-based is passive, and blanket technology bans can put children at a disadvantage. If a child is happy, engaged and learning from something they’re reading online, is that really any worse than if they’re reading it from a book?

38

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

PARENTAL MONITORING AND EDUCATION Whatever rules your family decides to put in place, it’s vital that you monitor your children’s online activity.

It’s also important that your children know you will check in from time to time and that they understand why that is necessary. Monitoring software can help, but physically looking through chats etc. will give you a much better idea of your child’s digital behaviour.

The best parental monitoring tool, however, is being present when your children are using technology.

These days, that’s easier said than done. The pandemic and subsequent phases of online teaching have caused families to spread out into separate rooms when working or learning remotely, and that’s led both children and adults to develop new online habits. As parents, we need to recognise this and act accordingly, which includes making sure we model positive online habits and behaviours ourselves.

We also need to make sure we’re well informed; if you’re uncertain about something, look it up. Angela recommends two key online resources for parents: Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org), which offers need-to-know information for children, parents and teachers about online entertainment, and Thinkuknow (thinkuknow.co.uk), a UK-based education programme aimed at protecting children both on- and offline.

Resources such as these are invaluable when it comes to protecting children, and they give parents a fighting chance of staying informed in a world where the next big thing is just a click away.

Contact us today for a free assessment.

Mathnasium of Discovery Bay WhatsApp/Phone : 2628 3362 mathnasium.com.hk/discoveybay Shop 105-B North Plaza

CITIZENSHIP-BY- ANCESTRY: A pathway to obtaining second citizenship and passport by bloodline REPORTING BY Polly Ho

Nothing quite revealed the true power of a second passport like the inability to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With COVID-19 travel restrictions still persisting two years into the pandemic, inquiries for foreign citizenship have never been higher. Citizenship-by-Ancestry options are becoming particularly popular, as they offer direct pathways to foreign citizenships through the applicants’ bloodlines,” states Jean-Francois Harvey, Global Managing Partner of leading business immigration law firm Harvey Law Group.

Citizenship-by-Ancestry is where an individual acquires the citizenship of either his parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents and in some cases even more distant ancestors, irrespective of where the individual was born.

Today, more than 50 countries around the world offer some form of Citizenship-by-Ancestry pathway, each with its own eligibility criteria, process and complexity.

“If you do not think you have any ancestors with foreign nationality, I urge you to take a closer look at your family tree, as you may find an ancestry link that could be your ticket to a second nationality and passport, which could profoundly impact your residential mobility, lifestyle and career opportunities,” advises Harvey.

The first step to understanding whether you are eligible for Citizenship-by-Ancestry is to figure out which ancestor you are claiming citizenship through and which country you want to become a citizen of. Whilst most countries that offer Citizenship-by-Ancestry require applicants to have at least one parent who is a citizen of their countries such as Canada, France and South Korea, there are countries that allow you to obtain Citizenship-by-Ancestry through a grandparent who is a citizen of their countries including Greece, Ireland, Nigeria and Portugal. In very rare cases, countries extend Citizenship-by-Ancestry to descendants of any ancestor who is a citizen of that country such as Italy and Poland.

they have an ancestral link to an Italian ancestor who has never lost or renounced his/ her Italian citizenship. To claim Irish Citizenship-By-Ancestry, there is a special route for people with Irish greatgrandparents that would render the applicants eligible if they have lived in Ireland for about three years prior to filing their applications.

Typically, the process to obtaining Citizenshipby-Ancestry involves you gathering the required supporting documentation including proof of lineage, and submitting an application form either online or at your local consulate. If you can dig up birth certificates and other required documentation that prove your ties to your ancestor are legitimate, you may be able to acquire a second citizenship between eight months to three years.

“It is important to note that a degree of uncertainty is involved in proving lineage because the immigration authorities may refuse your application if you cannot provide sufficient evidence to support your relationship with your ancestor or if they find that your ancestor had voluntarily renounced or lost his citizenship before you were born. To better determine your eligibility for Citizenship-byAncestry, I advise that you complete a free eligibility assessment with one of our lawyers. You can reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com,” Harvey concludes.

Aside from ancestry link, each country has its own unique requirements that need to be complied with in order to be eligible. For instance, those looking to claim Italian Citizenship-by-Ancestry must demonstrate that Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a leading multinational law firm founded in 1992 by Jean-François Harvey.

Headquartered in Hong Kong with over 24 offices worldwide, HLG is a leading provider of professional and responsible advisory to High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) on immigration law and business matters. The firm’s lawyers and employees comprise 20 nationalities, speak over 15 languages, and are licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions. For more information, visit harveylawcorporation.com.

40

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

! l e v a r t r i ha c m r A PARIS FOR LOVERS

ESCAPES

/

An affair to remember PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels

THE FRENCH CAPITAL IS BUILT ALONG A BEND in the

River Seine and it has two islands at its heart. Ile de la Cité is the place to start your tour since it homes many of the city’s best-loved landmarks including the glorious French Gothic Cathédrale Notre Dame.

MUSEÉE DU LOUVRE, WITH ITS GLASS PYRAMID, vast courtyard

and ornate façade, is one of the world’s most visited museums. Its raison d’être is to present Western art (primarily French and Italian, but also Dutch and Spanish) from the Middle Ages to about 1848.

JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG IS AN INNER-CITY OASIS of

formal terraces, orchards and lawns. Parisians gather there to sail boats on Grand Bassin pond, watch puppet shows and ride the carrousel. Since 1958 the Palais du Luxembourg has housed the Sénat, the Upper House of the French Parliament.

42

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

THE INTRICATELY SCULPTED ARC DE TRIOMPHE has

ESCAPES

/

stood guard over Paris since 1836, and it was built to commemorate one of Napoléon’s many victories (at Austerlitz, 1805). From the viewing platform – 50 metres up via 284 steps – you can look down on some of Paris’ most glamorous avenues, including the Champs-Élysées.

SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY HAS TO BE THE MOST ROMANTIC bookshop

in the world. Specialising in new and second-hand Englishlanguage books, it doubles as the Tumbleweed Hotel, somewhere down-on-their-luck young writers can stay for a few nights – following in the footsteps of Lawrence Durrell, Allen Ginsberg and Henry Miller.

MOULIN ROUGE, PARIS’ LEGENDARY CABARET,

gleams beneath a neon-lit replica of its original red windmill.

Performances are divided into a series of disconnected, dream-like sequences – a whirl of fantastical costumes, sets and choreography.

Late night shows close with the world-famous, high-kicking cancan.

NAMED AFTER ITS DESIGNER, GUSTAVE EIFFEL, the Tour Eiffel was

built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Painted six different colours in its lifetime, work is underway to strip the previous 19 coats and apply the original yellow-brown shade, giving it a new golden hue in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

43

THE COST OF NOT REVIEWING YOUR WILL REGUL ARLY Matthew Dorrell, of Soteria Trusts and Platinum Fiduciary Services Hong Kong, discusses the importance of an updated Will When Anita died unexpectedly last year, her new husband of three years learned he would not receive the stocks and investments she had, as she purchased it and kept it in her name before their marriage. Anita and her husband did not write a new Will after their marriage, and therefore, her personal estate will be divided according to the testacy law of Hong Kong. This means that her stocks and investments will be divided between her husband and her 15-year-old son from a previous marriage.

Moreover, now Anita’s husband will have to go through a lengthy probate process to be able to access these parts of her estate.

Many people think that making a Will is a once-ina-lifetime activity, but it is important to get your Will reviewed every time your circumstances change. For those who own assets in multiple countries, those tasks are more complex, as they require a separate Will for each jurisdiction in which they own any assets.

Your children or grandchildren are born. The birth of a child or grandchild should act as a reminder to review and update your Will. Adding your child as a beneficiary and naming a legal guardian should be a priority when you welcome a new addition to your family.

You sell or buy property, move house, or have a notable change in your life. After any significant change in your financial situation, you should review your Will – especially if you sell or move house, or even move countries, as the testacy rules might be different there.

The real cost of not reviewing your Will regularly is not quantifiable until something happens. But it could be hundreds of thousands of dollars, or it could be a lifetime of family disputes or months or years in probate court.

WHEN TO REVIEW YOUR WILL You need to review your Will after any major life events.

Some particularly important times to review or write your Will are when: You acquire your first assets. Anyone with assets, be it a pension, an investment or a property – even if they are not married – should have at least a basic Will drafted.

If there is no Will at all, your assets might be subject to local testacy rules, and it may create unnecessary trouble for close family to access them.

You get married or enter into a civil partnership. Marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes any Will you may have had previously. This means that it will lose its legal effect and will not have an impact on what happens to your estate. Instead, your estate will be governed by intestacy rules. To retain control over your estate, it is important to create a new Will as soon as possible.

You divorce or dissolve a civil partnership. Divorce does not invalidate a Will. However, it automatically deprives your former spouse or civil partner of any benefit they may have received under the Will. At the same time any gifts for other beneficiaries remain intact, for example for the ex-spouse’s child, which may not be in line with your wishes. Therefore, it is crucial to get your Will updated after divorce and before remarriage.

44

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

If you would like to have an expert review your current Will to see if it’s up-to-date and in line with the latest regulatory changes, contact info@fsplatinum, or www.will-experts.com. A review will not cost you anything, it only costs you the time to send the copy of your Will.

CENTRE MINDS

Your Trusted Partner in Moving !

COUNSELLING SERVICE

WHAT CAN COUNSELLING DO FOR YOU? REGAIN EMOTIONAL BALANCE ABILITY TO SET BOUNDARIES INCREASE ASSERTIVENESS BUILD GREATER SELFCONFIDENCE BETTER RELATIONSHIPS TRAUMA RESOLUTION STRESS RELIEF LESS ANXIETY

www.centreminds.com Tel or Whatsapp: 5322 6674 Level 12, Infinitus Plaza, 199 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan

CREATE A LIFE WHICH FEELS GOOD ON THE INSIDE AND SHOWS ON THE OUTSIDE.

2893-1000

ŵĂŝů ͗ ĞŶƋƵŝƌLJΛĂĞŵŽǀĞƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ŚŬ tĞď ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ĂĞŵŽǀĞƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ŚŬ

INSIDER

/

! on s oi P t Swee

THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR With a slew of bad press and negative opinion, sugar is having a hard time of it of late – and that’s just as it should be. Samantha Wong reports

S

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels

ugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Its ok to eat whole foods that contain natural sugar (carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy) because your body digests these foods slowly and the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. However, problems occur when we consume too much added sugar – the sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavour or extend shelf life.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for daily added sugar intake recommend no more than 5% of calories, that’s 25 grams or 6 teaspoons for adults. And note that the demonisation of sugar isn’t focused solely on the sugars added to processed food and sugary drinks, like glucose, fructose and sucrose, it also includes natural sugars, like those found in honey and freshly squeezed fruit juice.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? A growing number of us are already opting to cut sugar out of our diets. However, many of us still don’t realise just how easy it is to consume more than the 6 teaspoonfuls recommended.

Let’s take a typical afternoon-slump snack of iced coffee (Frappuccino) and a muffin from Starbucks.

According to HK’s Centre for Food Safety’s (CFS) committee, this amounts to about 49 grams of sugar (12 teaspoons) – 28 grams for the iced coffee and 21 grams for the muffin. Of course, this assumes that the coffee comes with sugar, which it does at 46

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

ONE GIN AND TONIC CONTAINS A WHOPPING 8 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR

Starbucks. And what about that gin and tonic after work? That’s 8 teaspoons of sugar per standard drink, right there.

You may also be surprised by the high sugar content of many breakfast cereals. In leading brands of fruit, nut and seed muesli, marketed as ‘healthy,’ sugar content ranges from 23 to 25 grams per 100 grams.

Assuming a serving size of at least 50 grams for an adult, this is already 3 teaspoons of added sugar, or half the recommended daily allowance. Fruit yogurts are also serious offenders, often containing around 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams. With a typical serving size of 125 grams, this amounts to 4.5 teaspoons of sugar.

THE HEALTH LINK No doubt the WHO recommendations are wholly positive. Our bodies simply don’t have the physiological need for all the added sugars that have

INSIDER

found their way into our diet. The science which links sugar to poor dental health, being overweight or obese, liver disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions must not be ignored.

Research is showing consistent relationships between fructose (in particular) and chronic conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and other forms of metabolic syndrome.

Scientists claim that high consumption of fructose may contribute to insulin resistance and other complications, including liver damage.

The WHO guidelines are also supported by evidence linking sugary food and drink to higher levels of tooth decay. Dental professionals welcome the guidelines but suggest we also reduce the frequency of our sugar intake. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque and produces harmful acids for up to one hour after eating and drinking. So, it’s important to limit sugary food or drink to mealtimes.

INDUSTRY IN DENIAL The WHO guidelines centre on the sugars that are added by manufacturers – the ones many argue are hidden from plain view. What we put on our plate is heavily influenced by the food industry giants and clever marketing.

It is this industry that argues that the science is wrong and if sugar is consumed as part of a balanced diet, it is not harmful. Yet sugar is an essential component of processed foods, making them more palatable and acting as a preservative.

It is therefore easy to deduce that the added sugar,

/

often in the form of high fructose corn syrup (or one of 57 other aliases), in processed food isn’t required for a balanced diet and results in the consumption of calories with no nutritional value, while creating health risks.

TIPS ON CUTTING BACK Read nutrition labels and ingredient lists to understand the extent of your sugar intake. There are plenty of apps that convert this information into meaningful data but the simple method is to divide grams by 4 to give you teaspoons of sugar. Avoid products where sugar content is shown as double digits, and watch out for ‘hidden’ sugars like corn syrup.

Eat whole fruit rather than dried fruit. The fibre helps with the absorption of the fructose, making it a better option. Drink even freshly squeezed fruit juice infrequently, and swap sugary drinks for fizzy water. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods.

Use healthy alternatives, like coconut nectar, maple syrup or green stevia powder, sparingly. Raw honey is beneficial since it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels quickly; it may also contain useful antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins.

Reset your taste buds. Our taste for sugar adjusts quickly and after a few weeks even a small amount will add a lot of sweetness, so don’t worry too much about withdrawal symptoms. You’ll soon find that the natural sweetness in fruit and vegetables is heightened and sugary processed foods are almost sickening. Beat sugar cravings with fat and protein.

Get detoxing!

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

47

RECIPES

/

Valentine's Supper These aphrodisiacal dishes are temptingly easy to make, but be warned they may cause passion PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

LOBSTER THERMIDOR Serves 2 1 cooked lobster 150ml dry white wine 1 shallot, chopped fine Handful tarragon leaves, chopped Handful parsley leaves, chopped 1tsp Dijon mustard ½ lemon, juice only 3tsp paprika 2tsp Tabasco sauce 5tbsp parmesan, grated fine 140g butter, softened

48

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

Declaw the lobster and cut it in half. Wash the head cavities under cold water, then lay the lobster, cut side up, on a baking tray. Crack the claws and remove the meat, divide between the head cavities.

Then, to make the butter, put the wine and shallots into a pan, bring to the boil and simmer until nearly dry. Tip into a bowl to cool, and mix in all the remaining ingredients. Roll into a log, using cling film or foil, then chill to harden. Slice the butter into thin rounds and lay it along the lobster so all the meat is covered.

Grill for six minutes until the butter is bubbling and starting to brown. Serve with fresh pasta or fat chips and cheese sauce.

RECIPES

AROUND DB /

FEBRUARY 2022

/

49

RECIPES

/

WINE-POACHED PEARS Serves 2 750ml red wine

1 vanilla pod, quartered

Gently heat the wine, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until the sugar dissolves. Add the pears, making sure they are fully covered by the wine, then simmer for 20 minutes until tender. Remove the pears from the pan with a slotted spoon and boil the syrup for 30 minutes until reduced.

4 firm pears, peeled

Cool, then serve with the thick, sweet syrup.

200g golden caster sugar 2 cinnamon sticks, snapped in half

50

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

WANT TO REACH AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE OF AFFLUENT RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES IN LANTAU?

Special advertising packages available

2022

For 20+ years the Bay Media team has been publishing the original community magazine in Discovery Bay. Around DB is the most trusted source of content for DB residents.

From our humble origins we have grown into another two publications, Life on Lantau and Best of Lantau, and a design studio. We have a very active Facebook presence, over 40,000+ visitors to our website every month and provide tailor-made marketing campaigns to reach our unique readership.

We are currently offering special advertising packages (both print and digital) 2022.

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

DB FACES

/

i n a w d i G it j l Ba

COMMUNITY SNAPS

PH O T OS BY Bal j i t G i dwani w ww.evo q uepo r t rai t s .c o m

UNCLE UNCLERUSS RUSSINSTAGRAM INSTAGRAMCOMPETITION COMPETITION

WIN PRIZES FROM UNCLE RUSS COFFEE AND THE PIER BAR! 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!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST MONTH'S WINNER: Florian Hailwax @fhx.studios

52

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

54

/

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

/

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

24hr hotline: 9073 5922

www.aa-hk.org

Is It Possible to Buy Custom-Made Household Items at a Reasonable Price?

Yes! CREATE YOUR OWN

UNIQUE HOME STYLE WITH TAILOR-MADE FURNITURE,

TO HOME DECOR AND MORE! Contact El Heng of Lewis & Co., Limited at 6333 6891 to Discuss Further

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

Ginger extract hair serum and herbal teas from Thailand.

A range of branded alcohol hand & hand Sanitisers.

Tel: 2527 0118 / 6050 5737 Gmail: essentialssophia@gmail.com

https://sophiaessentials.com

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

55

CLASSIFIEDS

/

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

www.arounddb.com

Unit 17, 1/F, Office Building Block Two, North Plaza, Discovery Bay

+852 9685 7856

DrBearSchool@gmail.com

Mandarin Fun Playgroup COURSE INFO Age From 2 To 3.5 Years Old A Creative, Motivating and Cheerful Environment Various Activities of Singing, Dancing, Storytelling, Playing Games, Artwork and Others Develop Children’s Gross & Fine Motors, Collaboration Ability, Social Skills and Aesthetic Sentiment Daily Life Topics Such As Autumn, Community, X’mas and Others.

100% Guarantee Services

CA8<2>

使用安全環保產品進行

>=6 >=6 !8<8C43 蟲害及白蟻消滅服務

1BJOUJOH %FDPSBUJOH 3FOPWBUJPO $MBEEJOH

Domestic Pest & Termite Management

HOTLINE: 2458-8378

9810-3824 www.trulycare.com.hk info@trulycare.com.hk

5JMJOH

DB PROPERTIESFOR FOR RENT DB PROPERTIES RENT

M O$POUBDU 4UFWF %POPWBO D E R N A P A R T M EMODERN N T S IAPARTMENTS N D I S C OINVDISCOVERY E R Y B A BAY Y

Short or Long Term rents.

Short or Long-Term Rentals.

BU Next to Tunnel and Club Siena with quiet sea views Next park, to Tunnel Club Siena with bed linen, over Fully and furnished, washer/dryer, DBMM PS 8IBUT"QQ 600over kitchenware. sq ft, 60 inch TVs, Wi-Fi, Sound bar. quiet sea views park.

Please contact owner: Fully furnished, washer/dryer, bedlinen, 93170624 or nialady2011@gmail.com USJNDPIL!HNBJM DPN kitchenware, 600sft, 60 inch TV, Wi-Fi, Sound bar.

CO N TAC T T H E O W N E R 9 3 1 7 0 6 2 4 o r n i a l a d y 2 0 1 1 @ g m a i l . c o m

you IIff yo u a are r e l o looking o k i n g t o rto e n trent o r s eor l l asell p r o pae rproperty ty and and would like to see it listed on this wo u l d l i ke t o s e e i t p r o m o t e d o n t h i s p a g epage, , e m a i l info@baymedia.com.hk info@baymedia.com.hk email 56

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

CA8<2> >=6 >=6 !8<8C43

1BJOUJOH %FDPSBUJOH 3FOPWBUJPO $MBEEJOH 5JMJOH $POUBDU 4UFWF %POPWBO BU DBMM PS 8IBUT"QQ USJNDPIL!HNBJM DPN

DO YOU HAVE PLAN B? *Assessing the Different Risks in Life *Taking Actions Now and Tackling Future Challenges DISCUSS WITH JOEY VIA WHATSAPP 9193 7531

#Covid #Hospitalization #IncomeProtection #EducationFund #RetirementPlan #Annuity #HighinterestSavings #Life #QDAP #VHIS #PremiumFinancing #PledgedLoan

LOCAL NUMBERS

LOCAL NUMBERS

/

TUNG CHUNG

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

HOME & REPAIRS Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman ShunYu Engineering

2109 2330 9343 3718 2988 1488

HOTELS Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel SheratonTung Chung

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888 2535 0000

LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Salala Kids’ House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9757 9157 2987 8070 2162 5538 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Hospital North Lantau Physiotherapy Quality Health Dental Quality Health Care Medical Raffles Medical Raffles Medical Emergency

2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 3467 7000 2194 0020 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 2261 0999

REALTORS HomeSolutions

3483 5003

REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Caribbean Coast Clubhouse Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Clubhouse Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Clubhouse Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY ATavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500 Airport Izakaya, Regal Airport hotel 2286 6668 Andante, Novotel Citygate 3602 8828 Cabana Breeze 2777 8982 Café Aficionado 2286 6238 Café Lantau, SheratonTung Chung 2535 0021 Essence, Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Funky Monkey 2427 1111 JasmineTung Chung 2162 8018 La Rosabelle Bar & Grill 2881 8788 LaVista 2368 6866 Lobby Lounge, SheratonTung Chung 2535 0023 Maison Du Mezze 2330 0131 Mint & Basil 2762 8077 Moon Lok Chiu Chow 2116 8149 MyThai 2907 6918 Nha trangVietnamese Cuisine 2234 9199 PizzaExpress 2297 3588 Regala Café & Dessert Bar, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6618

Rouge, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6868 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 The New Chapter 2907 6988 TheTavern 2907 6822 Upper Deck 2757 8889 Yue, SheratonTung Chung 2535 0028 Velocity Bar & Grill, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888 RETAIL FTC Apparel Lantau Balloons

2428 2566 9733 5483

SPORT & RECREATION Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Aqua Gym 2914 0658 B & S Art Gallery 2493 8895 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 ESF Sports 2711 1280 Fitness in Motion 9744 4736 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Rugbytots 5307 6677 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Tung Chung Sports Centre 2109 2421 Tung Chung Rugby Club 6079 0825 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Royal Pets (Pet Sitting) Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung ChungVet Centre

6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Max Beauty Spa OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel Tung Chung Nail Ninjas Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

2162 5752 2286 6266 9551 6468 969 21888

The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen Treasure Island Beach Club

2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 5236 7013

SOUTH LANTAU MEDICAL North Lantau Hospital

3467 7000

REALTORS Findley Leung HomeSolutions

2984 8334 3483 5003

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Lantau South Police MuiWo Fire Department

3661 1696 2984 1570

HOME & REPAIRS KoonWah Hardware LeeWo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design

2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 Lee Hing Loong 2984 2268 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008

LEARNING CENTRES Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School, Reception, Lantau International School, Lower Primary Lantau International School, Upper Primary Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten MuiWo Language Cafe Silvermine Bay School

2109 9886 2985 5365 2984 0302 2984 0302 2980 3676 2984 0302 3689 7033 5511 6107 2984 0006

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY BahçeTurkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Bathers 2504 4788 Cafe Isara 2470 1966 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 La Pizzeria 2984 8933 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Long Island 2320 2001 Pause Cafe 5267 5549

RETAIL Friendly Bike Shop 2984 2278 Garden Plus 2980 2233 IslandWines 9521 8481 Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. 2984 8346 Lantau Base Camp 9889 4375 Lantau Grocer 2702 0050 Red Hall Chinese Antiques 2988 1368 Tony’s Salon 2984 0990 ValueVigilantes 6132 9120 VIBE Book & Music Shop 9088 2370 SPORT & RECREATION Long Coast Seasports South Lantau Paddle Club Treasure Island Beach Club

5545 5625 6058 8843 2546 3543

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Pause by the Banyan Spa Ambiance

9708 0187 2984 2488

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

57

LOCAL NUMBERS

/

DISCOVERY BAY BUSINESS SERVICES T8 Consulting Ltd

2517 8248

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 China Light & Power Emergency DB Fire & Ambulance Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Police Report Room

2728 8333 2987 7502 2435 4511 3661 1694

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China 2160 8585 HSBC 2233 3000 Parsons White Wealth Management 2433 6981 The Stephen Putnam Practice 2914 0388 HOME & REPAIRS China Light & Power Information DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Hung Kee Co May’s Furniture & Curtain Design Rich Point Hardware Materials Water Fault Reports

Water Supplies Department Well Supreme Laundry

2678 2678 9156 0360 2987 1313 2987 5087 2987 0222 2987 0789 2811 0788 2824 5000 2987 5151

HOTELS Auberge Discovery Bay

2295 8288

LAWYERS & INSURANCE Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 24168618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com,

Manulife 9172 9152 LEARNING CENTRES 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. Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.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 6331 7215, littleexplorersdb@gmail.com Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include a drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & cooking class. Contact 3742 8772, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Bayview House of Children 6114 2436 DBIS 2987 7331 DBIS Kindergarten 2914 2142 Discovery College 3969 1000 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Kindergarten 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Primary School 2914 2202 Discovery Montessori Academy 2812 9206 Dr Bear Education Centre 9685 7856 Epic Adventurers 2441 0098 Eye Level Education Learning Centre 9366 0000 Funfit 6302 6327 HKILA 2416 3198 La Petite Enfance Kindergarten 8191 0813 L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie 8191 0813 Links Parenting 6114 2436 Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909 Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724 Mathnasium 2628 3362 SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608 58

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

Sunshine House International Preschool 2987 8143 Treasure House 2987 4217 Woodentots 6108 9131 Zhi Zhi Chinese 9648 2966 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice DB Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Island Health North Lantau Hospital Quality Health Medical Centre Quality Health Physiotherapy Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lok Kwan Home Care Service Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lok Kwan District Support Centre (Islands) PLACES OF WORSHIP DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Trinity Chapel

2987 0855 2987 5633 2666 6183 2987 7575 3467 7000 2987 5633 2473 6200 2803 2103 2548 0060/

2987 8136 2987 4210 2987 7061 2987 9909

REALTORS Headland Homes 2987 2088 Kingsland 2987 2987 Land Master Property 2987 6238 Okay.com 2102 0829 Savills 2987 1919 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 Hoi Yu Transportation 2987 4488 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES DB Office Centre DB Lost & Found DB Management The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Typhoon Signal Enquiries

2238 3388 3651 2345 2238 3601 2259 3422 2835 1473

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY 101 Tasty House 2658 9696 22º North 2987 2298 Bones & Blades 2383 0792 Café Bord de Mer & Lounge 2295 8299 Caffe Pascucci 2591 1426 Cali-Mex 2904 7698 Coffee Academics 2882 2280 Coyote Mexican Cantina 2987 2848 Ebeneezer’s 2987 0036 Epic Foods 2172 6111 Figos Seaside Café 2987 2915 First Korean Restaurant 2987 9123 HanMade Teahouse 2322 8858 Hemingway’s 2987 8855 il Bel Paese 2987 0202 Island Café 2987 9311 Koh Tomyums 2987 0767 La Creation & Châteraisé 2987 1829 Levain Bakery 2726 4922 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 McDonald’s & McCafe 2987 1033 McSorley’s Ale House 2987 8280 Mirch Masala 2987 1337 Moofish by Zak’s 2987 6318 Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant 5401 8350 Pacific Coffee 2987 1662 Paisano’s 2673 4445 Pascucci Italian Caffe & Fine Food 2591 1426 Peony 2215 0833

LOCAL NUMBERS

/

DISCOVERY BAY PizzaExpress 3164 1340 Robata Master 6176 7573 Shanghai Breeze 2987 7808 Solera 2555 0772 Starbucks 2246 8372 Subway 2914 0005 Sushi No En 3705 9984 Taste of Thai 2987 2010 The Pier Bar 2520 2166 Three Sheets Marquee Bar 2987 0966 Uncle Russ 2840 1188 Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar 2338 8970 Zak’s 2987 6232 RETAIL & DAILY NECESSITIES Bloom 6117 7653 Bones & Blades Butcher 2383 0683 Bookazine 2987 1373 DB Post Office 2987 6046 european touch 2918 0868 felix and mina

2130 7013 Fotomax 2914 2378 Fusion by PARKnSHOP 2987 7486 Gillian Florist 2529 8256 Havana@ DBay 2918 0868 Island Wake 2636 0601 Japan Home Centre 2987 1041 Lareina 6882 8982 Market Place 6882 8982 Open Kitchen 2987 8720 P-Solution 2987 1777 Polishfood.hk 9546 0374 Rapee-living 2987 7082 She Creates Stories 9166 8077 Slowood 2944 5189 Star Mart 2366 6534 Tai Fat Hardware Store 2987 0789 The Dog’s Garden 2987 2077 The Optical House 2987 1368 Nomadic 2987 8460 Red Velvet 9010 5832 Toysland 2987 7859 Watson’s Pharmacy 2987 4089 Watson’s Wine 2987 0268 Wing On Department Store 2987 9268 YOPE 2668 2144 SPORT & RECREATION HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years.

Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, Tap & AcroDance 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 Tekkerz Football programmes for boys & girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com

The Beat A premium fitness centre situated in two convenient locations at north and south plaza.

Offering group fitness, pilates reformer, barre, yoga, kids fitness, personal training and latin dancing. Contact 5721 3000, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk

BMSE Community Centre 2259 3422 Club Siena 2987 7382 DBees 6473 4277 DB Ice Rink 2234 0187 DB Pirates 9255 6133 DB Golf Club 2987 7273 DB Recreation Club 2987 7381 DMR 5210 7208 Embody 6624 8712 EpicLand 2441 0098 Fit 852 9680 7665 Future Stars Dance Academy 2987 6867 Gallery Jeeum 9819 7176 Greenwich Yoga School 9685 8366 Harry Wright International 2575 6279 HK Yoga 6113 6770 Kapuhala Train-in-Space 6101 8434 Korea Taekwondo Cheung Do Kwan 9663 8077 Lantau Yacht Club 2987 9591 MGK Fight Club 9303 2996 The Bike Hub 5402 9970 Yoga Bay 6704 9851 Yogika 6749 7836 YogaUP 68054996 TRANSPORTATION DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2987 7351 5303 3489 2987 9368

VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services

My Pet Shop Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

2987 9003 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training for children, teens & 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

Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 DB Pure Spa 9794 0918 Head to Toe Spa By Nailed it 2988 1188 Herbal Health Care 2834 7276 Maximum Care 2987 2060 Nailed It! 2987 2266 Nest Care 2499 8826 Salon De Coiffure 2987 4112 Sophia Essentials 2527 0118 Spa Botanica, Auberge Discovery Bay 2295 8129

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0167, or email info@baymedia.com.hk AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022

59

OUT THERE

/

! on o p m DB La

PLANET EARTH NO MORE

Peter Sherwood looks forward to a brilliant new age in which drones supply our every need and a can of beer costs more than a 1996 Chrysler Concorde PHOTO COURTESY OF Pexels

Y

ear 2100. Alien, to a lone man in the desert: We’ve been watching your planet. Stinking piles of garbage. Earth is a disgusting mess.

“It’s not Earth anymore, it’s planet Bezos.”

Weird. Where are all your people? You used to be a plague. “They’re at home; orders from Our Great Leader. I escaped, but usually escapees are sentenced to 25 years in an Amazon warehouse.”

What’s that? “Where all the delivery drones come from.” You mean those little helicopter things?

“They are Bezos Buzzers. They deliver everything to your door.”

What’s a Bezos? “Jeff Bezos, the Kim Jong-un of commerce.” Where is he? “He’s everywhere, he owns the planet. Got so rich he bought it all. Sold Donald Trump into slavery. He tends to all our needs so we never have to leave home. Delivers all daily necessities – computer games, beer, pizza... Without Bezos humanity has no hope; brown boxes would stop arriving. We’d starve to death and there would be no more reruns of Friends.”

What happened to Zuckerberg and Gates? “They sort of disappeared… after saying Jeff Bezos was not the first man in space. But we all know that he bravely went where no filthy rich and avaricious man had gone before.” You believe that? “He has even reached out and put a deposit on Venus and Mars.”

Hey, the place is knee-deep in toxic junk. “Maybe to you. We call it MARIOS: material awaiting recycling in outer space. He named it The Great Disposal, rocketing billions of brown boxes into the outer cosmos.” Didn’t he have a list of 16 leadership qualities for management? “That was long ago

DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY BY DRONE

after he made his first quadrillion, to make them feel important while he was earning US$100 million a minute. No more rules like that anymore, just one commandment: ‘Obey or I'll kick your butt.’”

You bunch are a cosmic giggle. I live a billion miles away and I got here in 24 hours – via the scenic route. Well, I have to get back to my planet – if I can make it through the mass of orbiting brown boxes. Before I go, can I get a drink? “Sure, Bezos Beer costs US$1,675 a can.”

By the way, what’s your name? “jeff.” Like Jeff Bezos? “He uses uppercase; we’re only allowed lowercase. Ever yone is called jeff.” And women? “jeff, it’s mandator y.

“Have you heard the poem he wrote that won the Bezos Prize for Best Poem Ever?”

‘I’m your owner, Mr B/ I invented home del-iv-ery/ sent far and wide in boxes brown/ lots of stuff to every town/ I scooped up all that I could get/ and then I bought the Internet/ I deleted Google, Musk and Branson, and Donald Trump - without his pants on/ a bPhone or a garden gnome/ I'll send it to you – at your home!/ there’s so much more that I can do/ my motto is supreme: Screw you/ ‘I replaced Mick Jagger, the one who rocks/ with streaming from a big brown box/ Adele and Elton, Neil Diamond too/ I have them in my music zoo/ and all the movies you can see ‘em/ in my perfect Bezos Museum/ classics are all mine alone/ rent them on your fine bPhone/ Mozart, Brahms or old Franz Liszt/ you’ll have to pay, cause I insist/ I do these things, O Lord above me/ so all you little folk will love me.’

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

60

AROUND DB / FEBRUARY 2022