Choose to parent better by breaking dysfunctional generational patterns
THINK BEFORE YOU TRASH
Time to get serious about waste reduction and recycling
SELECTION OF PREMIUM GELATO ITALIANO FROM $38
pork Lovers Rejoice!
Chef Jo, renowned for his mouthwatering pork ribs in HK, has outdone himself with a brand new dish - Slow-Cooked and Smoked Pork Knuckle. For long, crowds have flocked to Chef Jo's for his secret-spice ribs, cooked to perfection. Now, he's applied those same techniques to create an equally impressive pork knuckle that's tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor. slow-cooked for hours until it practically falls off the bone, then infused with robust, caramelized smokiness. It's a pork lover's dream come true. Whether you're a longtime fan or first-time diner, you can't miss this new signature dish from Chef Jo...only at dbrasserie until
Attention all football enthusiasts!
Get ready for the ultimate viewing experience at DBrasserie, the official broadcaster of the Euros 24. As the round of last 16 teams kick off, we invite you to join us for the most electrifying live screenings. Indulge in our mouthwatering menu of gourmet dishes and refreshing craft beer while you cheer on your heroes. Don't settle for less than the ultimate viewing experience. Head to DBrasserie and be a part of the unforgettable journey towards European football glory. Call 9848 1101 to book your table now. the viewing Euros the the experience. Head towards European football glory.
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Learn how to make a self-watering planter on July 17, from 10.30am to 12 noon, at the Multi-purpose Hall, Discovery Office Centre. Self-watering planters use subirrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots: the water reservoir at the bottom of the planter allows the plant to drink at its own pace. To book your spot (the enrolment fee is HK$200), visit the Dynamic DB Facebook page.
CEET FOUAD GIFT REDEMPTION
Fans of Shenzhen-based graffiti artist Ceet Fouad can pick up limited-edition gifts emblazoned with his signature “Chicanos” from June 15 to September 1 at the Concierge in DB Plaza. All you need is proof of same-day electronic spending (a maximum of two receipts from different DB merchants). Spend HK$600 to redeem a tote bag, HK$1,000 for a folding umbrella. Fouad’s vibrant murals can be found in cities across the globe from Atlanta to Toulouse and also, of course, here in DB. [PHOTO COURTESY OF HKRCL.]
Happenings STUFF TO
NEW EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FROM PLASTIC FREE SEAS
Prompted by the May axing of the Municipal Solid Waste charging scheme, DB-based environmental education charity Plastic Free Seas has launched new educational materials to help school kids learn how to reduce plastic waste. The animated video and lesson plans are available in English and Chinese, free of charge, to school teachers and administrators who are looking for material to help Hong Kong students learn the facts about plastic, its impact after disposal, and how to reduce single-use plastic in their daily lives.
“We have an addiction to plastic, and we need to break the cycle for the next generation. In Hong Kong alone, 5 million plastic beverage bottles end up in landfills each day. That’s why education about plastic pollution is so important, to help children and their families understand the impact of our actions and the alternatives that are available,” says Dana Winograd, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Plastic Free Seas.
The educational materials include both audiovisual content and written lessons. PowerPoint presentations, learning objectives and supplementary activities are also provided to suit a variety of learning needs ranging from lower primary through to upper primary and lower secondary school students. The flexible range of options means that educators can make use of the materials to offer short-term single lessons, or longer-term units.
“Teachers and other educators have the most important, and the most difficult job in Hong Kong. We aim to support them during changing times with practical, useful materials that will help engage students on a topic vital to all of us,” Dana says, adding. “The video is a fantastic resource for everyone. If you are a parent, watch it with your family. You can share it with friends and co-workers to help raise awareness of the issue and reduce unnecessary waste. We can all be a part of the solution!” Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to find out more, or visit www.plasticfreeseas.org. [PHOTO BY Richard Gordonwww.richardgordonphotography.com.]
DB SUMMER SPLASHTOPIA
DB Summer Splashtopia kicks off on July 13, and will be in place through September 1. Open daily from 10am to 5pm on Tai Pak Wan, it’s billed as Hong Kong’s biggest inflatable beach carnival, packed with water games and inflatables of all sizes.
[PHOTO BY Danielle Booyse Photographywww.daniellebooysephotography.myportfolio.com.]
& Events! KNOW IN JULY!
LANTAU 2 PEAKS REGISTRATION
Registration is open for the CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks, organised by Action Asia Events, and the two peaks in question are, of course, Lantau and Sunset. There are two distances: the 23km (two peaks), which you can run solo, with a partner or in a team of four, and the 15km (half peak), which is run solo. To sign up to race on October 6, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]
O·PARK1 VISIT
As part of its GreenDBers programme, DBSML has arranged for residents to tour O·PARK1 on July 6 to learn more about the incredible facility that processes our food waste. O·PARK1 is the first organic resources recovery centre in Hong Kong, a renewable energy generation plant capable of converting 200 tonnes of food waste per day into biogas. The upcoming tour is free and will be conducted in English, with transportation to and from Siu Ho Wan provided. Enrol on a first-come-first-served basis at https://bit.ly/3QNZsO7.
DB PIRATES NEW SEASON SIGN-UP
DB Pirates is on the lookout for new players of all ages and gender to join its hockey, netball, rugby and dragon boat teams. Founded in 2003 and known as DB’s “friendliest sporting club,” DB Pirates continues to go from strength to strength, with teams competing successfully across Hong Kong and beyond. To register for the new season, and learn about volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dbpirates.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hank Terrebrood.]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
JULY 6 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.
JULY 9 | SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.
JULY 14 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.
THROUGHOUT JULY | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.
THE EUROS AT DBRASSERIE
Determined to see every goal in the UEFA EURO 2024? DBrasserie is providing live screenings of all matches in the lead-up to the final on July 15. The restaurant’s large screens (high-definition projectors with stadium-surround effect) bring the tournament right to your table, as you sample the extensive all-day Asian fusion menu. To help get you in the mood, a German bitter Pilsner is on offer this month, alongside DBrasserie’s signature Wunderweizen – an exclusively brewed, Bavarian-inspired wheat beer. To book your spot, WhatsApp 9849 1101 or visit www.dbrasserie.com.
BLOOD DONATION IN DB PLAZA
JAZZ AT WEST KOWLOON
Looking to donate blood to save lives? The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service’s blood donation vehicle is in DB Plaza on July 5 from 11am to 4.30pm. Given the ageing population and the increasing demand for blood transfusion, BTS is proactively recruiting new donors across Hong Kong. To donate in DB on July 5, register at https://l1nk.dev/UAsY3. To find out more, visit the DB Dynamic Facebook page.
WEEE RECYCLING
Did you know that you can call the EPD to arrange for the collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). As well as monitors, computers, scanners, printers and airconditioners, the service now covers refrigerators, washing machines, tumble dryers and dehumidifiers. To find out more and arrange for pick-up, call 2838 3111. For more ways to recycle in DB, turn to page 32.
Be sure to book seats for West Kowloon Cultural District’s ‘Jazz Signatures: Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet’ on July 26 at the Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre. The signatures series opens this month with the smooth sounds of globally acclaimed trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, whose unique sound merges influences from jazz, classical, blues and hip-hop. Playing alongside Akinmusire are long-time quartet collaborators Sam Harris on piano, Harish Raghavan on bass and Justin Brown on drums. For tickets, visit www.westkowloon.hk/jazzsignatures_ akinmusire. [PHOTO BY Michael Wilson.]
SUMMER AT DISNEYLAND
Beat the heat with a wave of magical experiences on offer at Hong Kong Disneyland this July. Wonderfully wet fun awaits at the ‘Pixar Water Play Street Party’ and Adventure is Out There show at Jungle Junction. You can also explore the world’s first Frozen-themed land, and chill out in Arendelle. To find out more, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hong Kong Disneyland.]
MEMORY TRAINING COURSE
Children aged seven to 12 years can register now to take part in a memory training course at Discovery Bay Alliance Church Community Centre from August 6 to 8. Various different games and tools will be used to help children master the techniques of mnemonics and enhance their memory. Kids who enrol together for two or more classes of the same category get HK$50 discount per class. To find out more, WhatsApp 9063 0960; to register, visit https://l1nk.dev/0WvnX.
BREATHWORK AND ICE BATH SESSIONS
Boost your wellbeing and beat the summer heat at one of YogaUp’s Breathwork and Ice Bath sessions in DB North Plaza. The breathwork aspect of the class is said to tune up your physical presence, light up your emotional intelligence and awaken your spiritual essence. The ice bath that follows builds emotional resilience, increases vitality and accelerates the recovery of injured muscles. To find out more and make a booking for an open or private session, WhatsApp 6805 4996 or visit www.yogaup.com.hk.
VOX ACADEMY INNOVATIONS
Now in its third year providing creative musical education for gifted children, Vox Academy aims to revolutionise the way students immerse themselves in the world of music, fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, growth and technological advancement.
“With a focus on critical thinking, communication and collaboration, instructors at Vox Academy use art and music to challenge the brain to perform and understand abstract concepts,” says Vox Vanguard founder and Artistic Director, Matthew Tosca. “Through exploration of ideas such as confidence, imagination, problem-solving and routine, students are taught not only how to interact with their instrument, but with the world at large.”
Through individual and studio sessions in violin, viola, piano, voice, vocal coaching and conducting, as well as innovation courses and workshops, young creatives at Vox Academy progress through five levels on their path of discovery. You can learn more about the Vox Academy philosophy and the benefits of the newly launched Vox Academy Portal at https://acesse.dev/DHaE4. In this NOW TV interview, made in collaboration with Shadow Factory, Matthew Tosca outlines how Vox Academy has connected innovation with education, utilising the cutting-edge technology of Web3.
Vox Academy is running an innovation workshop, “JamTech: The Future Of AI & Beats,” weekdays through August in MidLevels for kids (aged 8 years and up) and their parents. In each 90-minute workshop, participants are introduced to AI-generated music and its uses, explore the influence of Web3 technologies on the music/ art sectors, and take part in collaborative projects that enhance teamwork and problemsolving abilities. Designed to ignite creativity and innovation, the workshops utilise cutting-edge AI, music and art creation technologies to create an immersive and interactive learning atmosphere. For more on Vox Academy, and to book your place on a workshop, visit www.voxvanguard.com.
NOTHING MUCH & PEEPS STUDIOS
IS OFFERING AROUND DB READERS AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT ON TICKETS TO SEE THE NAKED FLOWERS EXHIBITION THIS MONTH
Next-generation, multi-sensory art exhibition Naked Flowers is running through October 27 at 1881 Heritage, Tsim Sha Tsui. Created by Japanese digital-art collective NAKED Inc, and brought to Hong Kong by Nothing Much and Peeps Studios, Naked Flowers invites you into a fully interactive secret garden, where walls, floors and even pieces of furniture bloom before your very eyes. There are eight glorious digital-art spaces to explore each revealing the beauty, fragrance and universal language of flowers.
During July, Around DB readers can take advantage of discounted tickets to see the show: adults (12 years and above) HK$50 (discounted from HK$180); children (3 to 11 years and full-time students) HK$130 (discounted from HK$150); children under three years, disabled guests and the elderly (65 years and above) free of charge. Naked Flowers is open daily from 11am to 10pm, and you can also rent the exhibition space for private events (inquire through caitlyn@selvel.com.hk). To find out more, visit Instagram @nakedflowershk.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUE’S WINNER
Aarna Manaktala for a placement on Faust World’s summer programme
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 QR code or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form. (Terms and conditions apply.)
DMR School of Ballet
2024 - 2025 Schedule is now available!
Do not miss out on enrolling for our new academic year, starting in September 2024. We have classes for little dancers (18 months +), RAD Ballet, Modern(Jazz) and Tap!
Annual Performance
Each year, DMR Dancers showcase their hard work and passion in our annual performance. The ‘Toy Box’ was a great success and we can wait to start preparing for next year’s show!
Hong Kong Disneyland
Our dancers, aged 6+, have an amazing an exciting opportunity to perform at Hong Kong Disneyland, along the parade route. Enrol now to ensure you can join this magical day!
In Full Bloom! NAKED FLOWERS
Take a stroll through a next-generation, fully interactive, digital-art garden: the leading immersive light show in Japan is yours to enjoy through October at 1881 Heritage, TST
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Nothing Much and Peeps Studios
Afully interactive, digital-art garden has sprung to life in the heart of the urban jungle: Naked Flowers is showing through October 27, at 1881 Heritage, TST. Created by visionary Japanese digital art collective NAKED Inc and led by the legendary Ryotaro Muramatsu, the exhibition sets out to reinvent the familiar, give it new value, and wow audiences. NAKED Inc uses the very latest technology to create next-generation, highly theatrical, virtual experiences, and brings a 27-year understanding of immersive space construction.
There are eight glorious digital-art spaces to explore within the Naked Flowers exhibition each revealing the beauty, fragrance and universal language of flowers.
The experience begins at the ‘Big Book’: a massive, page-turning installation that marks your entrée into a world where the secrets of various flowers are revealed. From here on in, all exhibits are multisensory, and you will be invited to interact with them through sight, touch and movement. Get ready to watch in wonder as walls, floors and even pieces of furniture bloom before your very eyes.
Petals spill forth from the ‘Big Book’, providing a glimpse of the digital wonders to come, and leading you into the venue via an immersive ‘Flower Path’. The whimsical path – a surreal tunnel of petals – lights up as you walk along it, and snowflakes fall.
Moving into the ‘Big Flower Garden’, a bank of larger-than-life flowers awaits, making a dramatic introductory statement, and filling the space with their gorgeous fragrance. Petals fly across the walls, drawing you gently into the adjacent ‘Wildflower Garden’. Here in the fourth participatory space, you can interact with the digital artwork to make flowers grow, and watch while they bloom and glow. There’s also the opportunity to become one with your surroundings, dancing and weaving among the flowers as a butterfly.
The next three spaces form the heart of the exhibition, where the inner workings of flowers are revealed as giant blooms appear on the walls, seemingly spurred into life by your presence. In the ‘Mozaic Flower Garden’, interactive displays provide detailed information about each flower featured in the exhibition. In ‘Microscopy of Flowers’, flower cells are put under the microscope. As you zoom in on the interactive walls, the inner structure of flowers opens up; mirrors rotate in all directions, creating a dazzling kaleidoscopic effect. In cherry blossom-filled ‘Ousai Garden’, the lifecycle of flowers is dissected: when you approach a wall, flower seeds appear, sprout and transform into plants.
The Naked Flowers experience draws to a close with ‘Dandelion’, a statement digital art piece with a profound and timely meaning. Dandelions transmit their seeds to every corner of the globe and can be said to connect the world. For this reason, Muramatsu and his team are intent on planting/ installing ‘Dandelions’ in venues across the globe to represent a collective wish for world peace. As you blow on the dandelion clock and make your wish, the seeds float gently to the ground to bloom into a new flower.
Naked Flowers has been shown across Japan since 2016, and the Hong Kong exhibit marks its international debut. From its roots in video production, NAKED Inc now stands at the forefront of art-related technology and is expanding into the immersive entertainment market not only in Asia but also in Europe and the US.
FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION
In order to maximise viewing pleasure, only 200 people are admitted to Naked Flowers per hour, so you are well advised to book in advance. There is also the option to rent the entire exhibition space for private events (of at least two hours, maximum 200 guests) and private dinners (7pm to 10pm, maximum 30 guests). Here the opportunities for interaction really open up as the venue lends itself to events of all kinds – children’s parties, work trips, hen nights, proposal dinners. The venue is also pet-friendly at certain times, so you are limited only by your imagination.
While there is the option to bring in outside catering (and furnishings) for private events, the Naked Café Bar is a permanent fixture set just outside the main exhibition space. Various snacks and beverages are on offer, many of them floral-themed, and an interactive table takes centre stage – place your drink on it and watch flowers bloom across the surface.
Naked Flowers is brought to Hong Kong by Nothing Much and Peeps Studios: two burgeoning marketing and entertainment companies, headed up by local entrepreneur Paul Kohli and visual artist MJ Lee, a Discovery Bay resident since 2001.
True to his DB roots. MJ has secured an exclusive discount for Around DB readers eager to purchase tickets to see Naked Flowers. Adults (12 years and above) HK$50 (discounted from HK$180); children (3 to 11 years and full-time students) HK$130 (discounted from HK$150); children under three years, disabled guests and the elderly (65 years and above) free of charge. Meet you at the Naked Café Bar!
Naked Flowers is open daily through October 27 (11am to 10pm) at 1881 Heritage, TST, and you can also rent the exhibition space for private events (email caitlyn@selvel.com.hk). To find out more, visit Instagram @nakedflowershk.
Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!
AMPCONTROL DB AT THE SOCCER SEVENS
Initial disappointment had a silver lining for Ampcontrol DB who came through to win the Masters’ Plate at HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens 2024, held May 24 to 26. The team lost Friday night’s game 2-0 to HKFC Masters. On the Saturday, they won 1-0 against PFA All Stars (eventual cup winners), but drew 1-1 with HKFC Chairman’s Select. Finishing third in their group, Ampcontrol DB went on to beat Singapore Cricket Club Masters 2-0 in Sunday’s plate semifinal. On Sunday afternoon, they dominated the plate final against Kowloon Cricket Club eventually winning the title 2-1 in sudden death penalties. Ampcontrol DB would like to thank their sponsors Lippmann Lee (Ampcontrol), Matija Maretic (Marvelsoft), Bonnie Chan (CTC Productions), Craig Barnett (The Chippy), Rafael Lopez (606) and Tim Drew (Tanner De Witt). [PHOTOS BY Nigel Baillie.]
AT DBDB TRAINING’S
STRENGTH COMPETITION
Teams dressed in their best to compete in DBDB Training’s Strongest 2024 on June 15 at DB North Plaza Pitch. The Dangerous Dragons placed first having undergone various gruelling strengthbased exercises. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBDB Training.]
AT DB DEFINITELY
BEST
The final of the DB Definitely Best singing contest was played out at DB North Amphitheatre on June 1 under Typhoon Signal No. 3. There were six finalists per group (DB and Public) chosen from over 200 entrants. This year’s judges were Brian Chow, T-Ma and Walton Pun Van Taylor. The DB Group Champion DBIS student Phoenix Broderick and Public Group Champion Tong Ying and Friends were invited to perform at the Nextwave Beach Music Festival on June 29. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF HKRCL.]
CEYLON FARM VILLAGE VISIT
Working alongside the Sri Lankan Buddhist Culture Centre and International Union of Professional Development Institutions, DB’s One World Spirit Association arranged a cultural exchange trip to Ceylon Farm Village in Sheung Shui on May 19. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the traditionally built Buddhist hub and commune, exploring the living accommodation, shrine rooms and farmlands, viewing the Buddha statue and Bodhi tree, and sampling the vegetarian food. They met Chulani, the Hong Kongborn daughter of a Sri Lankan domestic helper, and were inspired by her hard work and initiative: she has just taken her master’s and plans to become a teacher. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWS.]
YOGA FOR A GOOD CAUSE
DB yogis got together on June 15 to do 108 sun salutations All participants completed the challenge, with enrolment fees (HK$200 per person) going to Hong Kong Cancer Fund,the city’s largest cancer support organisation. The event was organised by DB City Management, and supported by DB North Plaza yoga studio, YogaUp. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBSML.]
For enrolment into Year 3 to 11 in 2025 Students aged 8-16
SATURDAY, 24 AUGUST 2024
AISHK offers a Kindergarten to Year 12 education, all on one campus
For more information and to register, scan the QR code to sign up via our online form by Friday, 9 August, 2024 .
Contact admissions@aishk.edu.hk for more details.
ITHE MAVERICK MUSICIANS
Strings Theory!
Tim Chen and Juan Andrés Carmona are shaking up Hong Kong's classical performance scene, and training the next generation of musicians to keep shaking it. Elizabeth Kerr reports
PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphtography.com
t’s sweltering outside. The stairwell and lift of DB North Community Centre are stuffy and warm, but the room where partners in musical crime Tim Chen and Juan Andrés Carmona are rehearsing with their fledgling DB Youth Orchestra (DBYO) is cool and comfortable. It’s a typical public space: unfussy and utilitarian, but it’s also relaxed and welcoming.
On this day, Juan is running three of the DBYO’s musicians, Ella, Matt and Serena, all in their early teens, through Strauss, Pachelbel and You Raise Me U p, made famous by Josh Groban and boy band Westlife. Tim picks up a violin to check its tuning, and he makes the few seconds of Canon (in D) sound effortless. These kids are in good hands.
GETTING ESTABLISHED
Tim and Juan make quite a pair. Tim is youthful and verbose; his enthusiasm for the violin and music in general is visible. He’s been playing since he was about five, learning he had perfect pitch, which he didn’t even fully understand, in high school. Juan is more low-key, with an air of serendipity about him, which in many ways is what brought him to Hong Kong. The pair met when they were studying at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and shared a house. Juan was there from Almería, in southern Spain. Tim headed back to Hong Kong after finishing his degrees, but Juan, also a violinist had a year to go, and he was less sure
of what he wanted to do. Hong Kong was Tim’s idea. “Oh, he came because of me!” he declares.
“I wasn’t sure if I should stay in London or go back to Spain,” recalls Juan. “So I went home for a few months and we talked and Tim started getting quite busy here in Hong Kong and suggested I come over. I trusted him, so I came for a visit, and he helped me connect to an orchestra, and it’s been seven years already.” Juan’s since become a regular with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and an instructor at Discovery Bay International School.
Alongside his parents, Tim was an early adopter of DB, and a workload that sees him roaming all around Hong Kong (to his own music studio, to Kellett School), and up to Shenzhen for music camps is among the reasons he resettled here when he got back from London. DB is ideal for decompressing.
“I grew up in Tsuen Wan, but I’ve lived in Discovery Bay since 1995. The funny thing is when I first moved here, aged around seven or eight, it was the middle of nowhere – there was no Tung Chung, no Sunny Bay, only the ferry. It was so inconvenient,” Tim recalls with a chuckle. “But my parents liked the vibe, the atmosphere, the community; there was less pollution. Now they feel like this is it. They’re not planning to move again. And when I came back from the UK after 10 years, well,” he hedges a bit. “I don’t really like Tsim Sha Tsui, I don’t like Causeway Bay. Now when friends suggest going out for dinner, it’s ‘You mean the plaza right?’ Outside DB is too far now.” Ironically, Juan lives in Causeway Bay.
MAKING SOME NOISE
In making Hong Kong homebase, both Tim and Juan wanted to play in an orchestra according to their own rules, without a traditional structure, and to maybe instil that passion in a younger generation. Enter Asiartic, a music education organisation, the two-year-old Asiartic Camerata chamber orchestra, and of course the DBYO (for kids elementary to high school-aged; get details at tim@tim-chen.com, or Facebook @Discovery Bay Youth Orchestra).
Putting together a professional orchestra with other freelance musicians around the city for Asiartic Camerata wasn’t difficult; Hong Kong is teeming with talent and the group has already found modest success with small, intimate performances in venues like Soho House (its next is at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in September). The Camerata is an odd duck, to be sure. “We do it without a conductor, which is very unusual,” says Tim. “We don’t want to be all, ‘I’m the boss’: everyone’s the same; any ideas and comments are equal. We just want to work together as a group; that’s the purpose. Same for the DB Youth Orchestra.”
Indeed, it was the kids that caught Tim’s attention. As a typical Hong Kong student back in the day, he understood music class is often treated as a way to juice high school and university applications, but for the students with genuine interest – or who simply enjoy playing – outlets are few and far between.
“I said to Juan, ‘I teach in DB, you teach in DB, why don’t we form a youth orchestra?’ There wasn’t much going on in DB outside of school; the term ends, the orchestra stops, and the kids don’t really get any one-to-one lessons beyond a certain level. In school, you don’t get a lot of chances to play your part and stand out. And that’s a shame. DBYO is a chamber group that meets to play music together. I’m trying to get the kids to understand exams are not the main purpose of music.”
It’s paying off. The DBYO is just a few months old, with a handful of musicians so far, but Tim hopes it will grow, particularly after parents who see their kids blossom away from grading pressures talk to other parents. Luckily, Tim and Juan have allies in the community centre management, which generously lends its rehearsal and performance spaces, including the auditorium.
At today’s rehearsal, everyone’s focused on the Summer Concert, the DBYO’s second, coming up in a few days [June 29]. Tim admits some of the kids get a bit of stage fright and push back on stepping into the spotlight, but he’s pleased
“I’M TRYING TO GET THE KIDS TO UNDERSTAND
EXAMS ARE
NOT THE
MAIN
PURPOSE OF
to note 100% get over it. “So many enjoy it, and they’re doing really well. Even if we only had two or three kids, we wouldn’t give it up.”
In the coming months and years, Tim and Juan will expand their educational reach at Asiartic to welcome kids from around the region, and get involved with more charity work – as performers and teachers for kids with fewer music opportunities. But for now, they’re concentrating on the DBYO’s strings’ players (other instruments are coming) and the Camerata’s forthcoming gigs, one of which might be a DJ set featuring Vivaldi, at Soho House. “No one has ever done something like that in Hong Kong,” says Tim. “So again, we like trying new things, and not doing what you think classical music should.”
Sept 14-16, 2024
Business of the Month! NOTHING MUCH & PEEPS STUDIOS
Ask a bunch of entrepreneurs what drives them and most will say their passion, their belief in whatever it is they are sharing with clients. Visual artist MJ Lee is no exception. As co-founder of Peeps Studios and creative director for Nothing Much, MJ is all about proactive collaboration, and he finds himself in the right place at the right time.
"Nothing Much is a marketing and entertainment company, and Peeps Studios is a creative, design and lifestyle agency,” MJ opens. “We aim to bridge the gap between art and business, and connect people together. We know how to party and we know how to bring people to the party!
“Our motto is ‘Life Is Simple,’” MJ adds. “We can make everything from event planning and execution to social media management (Instagram to Xiaohongshu) easier. We have the skills to help clients create content, build brand awareness, find sponsorship opportunities... Our strength is that we operate a fully diversified business; our area of expertise is broad, so we can offer clients multiple solutions.”
Partnered with local entrepreneur Paul Kohli, founder of Nothing Much and co-founder of Peeps Studios, MJ is currently working on creatives for Perrier-Jouët. The team are also responsible for bringing Naked Flowers to Hong Kong: NAKED Inc’s celebrated, fully interactive, digital-art exhibition is showing through October 27 at 1881 Heritage, TST.
“We’ve worked with brands and local celebrities such as Audemars Piguet and Billionaire Boys Club, and in March 2023, I created paintings, key visuals and main event logos for the LACMA Art Basel party as a contributing artist,” MJ says. “This one-night-only event brought together the global creative community and is credited with restarting Hong Kong’s art scene after the pandemic.”
On the entertainment side, Nothing Much specialises in securing professional, multi-talented performers
and musicians for all kinds of events. “One of our key services is booking artists,” says MJ, “and there are plans to bring a roster of global artists to Asia in 2025.”
Looking to the future, MJ hopes to keep growing the business. “We aspire to work with diverse artists, athletes and socialites, while also forging partnerships and collaborating with renowned global brands,” he says. “Simultaneously, I aim to host exceptional events and parties, all the while nurturing my own artistic growth and development. Anyone who likes the sound of what we do at Nothing Much and Peeps should know that we are currently looking for interns.”
It’s clear MJ has a “work hard, play hard” ethic. So, what does the 23-year DB resident do to relax? “I find solace in a multitude of activities, including travelling, capturing moments through photography, painting, drawing and constructing terrariums for my pet reptiles,” he says. Life is simple.
Nothing Much and Peeps Studios: 10/F Wellington Plaza, 56-58 Wellington St, Central, 2810 9217, gigi@selvel.com.hk, www.nthmuch.com, @nthmuchpeeps.
KEY VISUALS AND LOGOS FOR ART BASEL LACMA “RESTART ART CLUB”
STRONG KONG PAINTING FOR ART BASEL LACMA “RESTART ART CLUB”
www.aerocentre.com.hk
Aerocentre’s summer programme introduces children, aged 7 years and up, to aviation through simulation training and theory teaching. Children can enrol in a three-day workshop to experience flying in a simulator, a five- or six-day camp to complete the Junior Pilot / Youth Pilot Course, and an 11-day camp to gain actual flying experience. The programme runs from July 1 to August 11 in Quarry Bay.
WhatsApp: 9255 3011
Email: info@aerocentre.com.hk
Football BOXING
veranoboxingclub.com
Verano Boxing Club summer camp runs throughout July in Sai Ying Pun, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 10.30am. Kids, aged 6 to 12 years, learn boxing skills and enjoy engaging team activities. The camp promotes fitness, coordination and a sense of achievement in a fun and supportive environment. Coaches provide personalised attention and guidance every step of the way.
WhatsApp: 9356 9055
Email: enquiries@veranoboxingclub.com
i GYM
www.facebook.com/igymhk
Kids of all ages get to unleash their inner superhero at iGym DB from July 3 to August 8. Programmes include Superheroes and Sidekicks (12 to 24 months), Tumble Tots (2 to 3 years), Gymnasts Summer Camp (6 to 11 years) and Gymnastics & Adventure Camp, Holiday Extravaganza (7 to 14 years). Kids experience heartpumping, skill-building fun in a supportive atmosphere under the guidance of qualified, experienced coaches.
WhatsApp: 6077 2758
Email: igymhk@gmail.com
FUNTASTIC
BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN
www.bayview.hk
Bayview’s Ultimate Summer Fun programme runs from July 2 to August 9 in DB North Plaza. Kids aged 3 to 6 years can enjoy various activities tailored just for them during morning or full-day sessions. The morning programme includes arts and crafts, outdoor games, music and cooking. In the afternoons, the multi-sport programme features fun games and access to Bayview’s bouncy castle, trampoline and swimming pool.
Tel: 6114 2436
Email: info@bayview.hk
Languages
MANDARIN TIME SCHOOL
www.mandarintimeschool.com
Mandarin Time School’s full immersion summer programme provides kids aged 5 to 15 years a 100% Mandarinspeaking environment, with oncampus teachers holding degrees in TCFL or related majors. Running through August 29, there are morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. DB kids enjoy a complimentary daily pickup and drop-off service from DB Pier in Central.
WhatsApp: 6111 0523
Email: info@mandarintimeschool.com
Languages
DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE
www.facebook.com/drbearschool
Dr Bear Education Centre’s Mandarinimmersive summer camp offers children a creative, motivating and cheerful environment to work on language development. Over the span of six weeks, from July 2 to August 9, the DB-based camp covers different topics including summer, family, cooking, sports, Chinese culture and nature. The camp is split into two time slots, morning for ages 3.5 to 5.5 years; afternoon for ages 5.5 years and up.
WhatsApp: 9685 7856
Email: drbearschool@gmail.com
Languages
YIFAN MANDARIN
www.yifancamps.com
Yifan Mandarin’s summer Mandarinimmersion programme in DB North Plaza encourages children to learn the language through fun and varied, hands-on activities. Half-day, week-long summer camps, for kids aged 3.5 to 8 years, run from July 2 to August 9. 一帆中文夏令營已在愉景灣開辦逾十五年，透 過生動有趣的活動，讓孩子沉浸式學習和練 習普通話！
WhatsApp: 9208 7611
Email: learn@yifanmandarin.com
Languages
LIMITLESS SPANISH
www.facebook.com/holalauraspanish
Limitless Spanish is providing two DBbased summer camps from July 1 to 5: Young Learners, 9am to 11am, for primary school students, and Be Ready for Y7, 11am to 1pm, for students who have just graduated from Y6. The flexible tailor-made camps are tutored by Laura Motta, a native Spanish teacher with a master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language and over 10 years’ experience in international schools (IGCSE, IB and DELE).
WhatsApp: 9035 2858
Email: lauramottahk@gmail.com
MARTIAL ARTS
MINDFUL WING CHUN
www.kidsmartialartsclasses.hk
MWC is holding daily sessions from now through August 25 at its headquarters on On Lan Street, Central. With a focus on movement, fitness, strength, partnership and team games, the camp is ideal for children aged 3 to 11 years. Kids gain self-defence awareness skills, explore the art of mindfulness and develop coordination, mobility and strength in a modern Chinese Kung-Fu setting.
Tel: 6620 7050
Email: info@mindfulwingchun.com.hk
MUSIC
VOX ACADEMY
www.voxvanguard.com
Vox Academy music summer camps are running weekdays through August in Mid-Levels for kids (aged 8 years and up) and parents. In each 90-minute workshop, participants are introduced to AI-generated music and its uses, explore the influence of Web3 technologies on the music/ art sectors, and take part in collaborative projects that enhance teamwork and problemsolving abilities.
Tel: 9263 2661
Email: info@voxvanguard.com
Outdoor
HONG KONG SURFING LESSON
www.hongkongsurfinglesson.com
Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one-day or three-day non-overnight surfing camps run through August 28 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14 years, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for beginner to intermediate surfers of all ages.
WhatsApp: 6199 0904
Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com
TREASURE ISLAND
www.treasureislandhk.com
Treasure Island’s Summer Surf and Adventure camps run through August 23 on Pui O Beach, and are bookable by the week or day. From hiking and kayaking to raft-building, youth, aged 5 to 9 years, 9 to 13 years, and 13 to 17 years, get to experience a wild range of outdoor pursuits, while developing eco-awareness and leadership skills. Specialised Surf camps are also available for kids aged 5 to 9 years, and 9 to 13 years.
Tel: 5236 7016
Email: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com
Football
SOCCER
SWIMMING
HK DRAGONS FC
TINYTOTS SOCCER
HARRY WRIGHT SWIM SCHOOL
dragons.hk
www.tinytots.com.hk
harrywright.com.hk/SA_DB.asp
www.faustworld.com
HK Dragons FC’s winter camps, for children aged 4 to 14, run from December 19 to 23 and December 27 to 30. Held at DB North Plaza Pitch, the camps are led by experienced coaches and open to players of all abilities. Themed daily sessions include small group training, and focus on players’ technical ability, physical conditioning and tactical understanding.
Tinytots Soccer summer programme runs through July and August on Mondays and Fridays at DB Community Hall, from 3pm to 4pm and 4pm to 5pm, for children aged 18 months to 4 years. Tinytots is a professional sports play programme specially designed to develop children’s social skills and promote physical fitness in a structured and fun atmosphere.
Tel: 2987 4274
Harry Wright Swim School’s summer programme is being held at the Club Siena pool from July 2 to August 10 for kids aged 4 months to 16 years. Children can choose between the three-day camp (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), the five-day camp (Monday to Friday) or the daily programme (Monday to Saturday). Both club members and non-members are welcome to enrol at Club Siena or the DBRC reception.
Tel: 2575 6279
Faust’s nine-week summer programme runs through August 23, with Summer Theatre and Musical Theatre for 3- to 15-year-olds, and Creative Writing for 6- to 14-year-olds. In any given week, children can participate in all three classes focusing on performance skills, theatre knowledge and writing skills, while developing leadership and teamwork skills, individual expression and confidence.
Tel: 2547 9114
WhatsApp: 6417 3303
Tel: 3488 7724
Email: info@tinytots.com.hk
Email: swimming@harrywright.com.hk
Email: info@faustworld.com
Email: theoffice@dragons.com.hk
WEEKS 6 WEEKS
SUMMER SUMMER CAMP CAMP
Bouncy Castle
Waste Less! THINK BEFORE YOU TRASH
With the MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) Charging Scheme binned, we need to take matters into our own hands and get serious about waste reduction and recycling
PHOTOS BY Joanna Hewitt
Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastics began on April 22 this year (Earth Day). All expanded polystyrene tableware, as well as disposable plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates are now banned, alongside numerous other items, including umbrella bags, cotton buds, glow sticks and all oxo-degradable plastic products. However, the government’s controversial, twice-delayed MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) Charging Scheme, scheduled for roll-out next month, has been shelved.
Under the MSW Charging Scheme, household waste would have been subject to charging: in line with the polluter-pays principle, charges would have been based on the quantity of waste generated by each household. The idea was that as people became more aware that waste disposal comes with a cost, they would work harder to reduce and recycle.
Each day, the equivalent of 1.53 kilogrammes of waste per person is released into Hong Kong landfills – the scale of the problem becomes evident when you multiply that by 365 (days in a year) and then by 7 million (Hongkongers). We all need to “dump less” whether or not we are incentivised to do so by the government, and the easiest way to reduce solid waste is to recycle.
Now more than ever, we need to take steps to reduce the amount of waste we create and follow through by sorting and recycling the waste we do create correctly. The good news is that here in DB we are in a good position to do just that.
FOOD WASTE PILOT SCHEME
Discovery Bay Services Management Ltd (DBSML) introduced its first Food Waste Collection Programme over a decade ago, in 2012, to enable residents to “recycle” their domestic food waste. Under this programme, food waste collected by residents is transformed into fertiliser, which the DB landscaping team uses for composting. In 2022, DBSML stepped up its commitment to foodwaste handling, boosting the measures already in place by implementing the Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) pilot scheme on food-waste collection.
Under the EPD pilot scheme, food waste is collected on a daily basis from DB and transported to O•PARK1 in Siu Ho Wan (Hong Kong’s first organic resources recovery centre) for recycling. Capable of handling 200 tonnes of food waste per day, O·PARK1 uses anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas (a source of renewable energy similar to
natural gas) for electricity generation. Residues from the process are converted into compost.
From the get-go, all residential units in DB were invited to participate in the EPD pilot scheme, and food-waste collection bins are now in place outside most villages. The Auberge, Discovery Bay Recreation Club, Fusion and some DB schools, including Discovery College, are now also participating. Reducing wasted food and using the food-waste collection scheme is an easy way to ease the pressure on Hong Kong’s landfills: the bins are purpose-built – leak-proof, impervious to moisture and fitted with secure lids – you simply drop your biodegradable food waste in, unbagged.
GREEN@COMMUNITY COLLECTION
Refuse! Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! We all need to use less, re-use what we can and, most importantly perhaps, treat our waste like the waste industry sees it – as a resource. Drink cartons are being converted into paper pulp, glass into eco-bricks, plastic bottles into (new) plastic bottles or clothing… the type of waste that can be recycled is rapidly expanding. So, now’s the time for all of us to recommit to recycling, ensuring more of our waste stays out of landfill and gets a new lease of life.
Recycling in DB couldn’t be easier: there are communal separation bins at all villages, clearly labelled for glass, plastic (bottles), paper and metal, and we can also look to the governmentfunded Green@Community collection point, open on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, at the Green Icon@DB. It’s the place to dispose of hard-to-recycle items like plastic film and polyfoam, along with liquid cartons (Tetra Paks), disposable coffee cups and fibre food containers, rechargeable batteries, energy-saving light bulbs and waste electronics.
The Green@Community team also takes metal, glass and paper recyclables (though there’s no harm in continuing to deposit these items at the communal separation bins). With plastics it’s a little more complicated: we need to take any nonbottle-shaped plastics, particularly soft plastics (film) and polyfoam, to the Green@Community collection point for it to have the highest chance of getting recycled.
What’s key is that all recyclables are cleaned and properly sorted. In order to be recycled, all cartons need to be cut open and washed with the plastic spout and lid removed, and they should be dried, flattened and sorted by type (white-back and silver-back). Polyfoam items, including food
containers, fruit nets and product packaging, also need to be clean and dry, with no food residue, tape, stickers or any other contaminants. Beverage bottles must be empty of liquid, though you can leave the cap and label on.
SMART RECYCLING
Disposing of recyclables at the Green@Community collection point is easy, effective and, of course, free of charge. But it’s not the only option. The EPD’s Smart Recycling Promotion Vehicle provides a similar service and is now a regular visitor to DB Plaza. The bus contains smart recycling bins for paper, plastic, metal and glass: and, as a plus, you can accumulate electronic bonus points, based on the weight of the rubbish you recycle, to redeem gifts.
Mill Mill’s Meow recycling truck also makes regular appearances in DB Plaza. As Hong Kong’s first paper-packed drink box recycling pulp mill, Mill Mill can process up to 50 tons of paper-packed drink boxes every day, plus waste paper of all types (books, magazines, newspapers). Stop by the bus to dispose of waste paper, and you can also drop off plastic bottles and bags, aluminium/ tin cans and containers, laptops and tablets.
In addition, smart recycling machines are cropping up all over DB, where you can drop off unwanted clothing, shoes, bags, toys and accessories.
When using the machines, you can earn points to redeem gifts.
GREEN DBER PROGRAMME
DBSML-led initiatives like these are boosted by eco-related activities supported by the DB landscape team at Community Green Square. There’s also the opportunity to become a Green DBer: the programme encourages residents to join together to embrace a “green” lifestyle.
Once enrolled as a Green DBer, you get access to a green lifestyle newsfeed and receive regular eco-related tips via EDM. You also get up-to-date information about upcoming events and activities, including the ongoing eco workshops, plant markets and family farm projects at Community Green Square. Green DBers have priority access to educational talks and workshops on everything from waste reduction and recycling to upcycling projects for kids.
As part of its environmental programme, DBSML also organises regular recycling days, a dedicated DB Earth Day and visits to O•PARK1, so residents can see how the food waste collected in DB is put to new use.
One thing’s for sure, there are numerous ways all of us, as individuals, can reduce the amount of municipal solid waste we send to landfill. Are you ready to get serious about waste reduction and recycling?
RECYCLING AT DB’S GREEN@COMMUNITY COLLECTION POINT
A Little Bit of Trivia! UFO QUIZ
It’s
World UFO Day on July 2.
How much do you know about extraterrestrials and their Earth landings?
BY Nicole Innocenti
1. W hat does UFO stand for?
A. U nidentified Flying Object
B. U nknown Flying Object
C. U nfamiliar Flying Object
2. W hen and where were the first UFO s ightings recorded?
A. E gypt, 196 BC
B. E gypt, 1440 BC
C. G reece, 1440 BC
3. W hich country now claims the highest n umber of UFO sightings?
A. U K
B. Brazil
C. U S
4. D uring WWII, what was the term used for un explained sightings in the sky?
A. A lien Fighters
B. F oo Fighters
C. F oe Fighters
5. I n the 1950s, the US Air Force investigated co untry-wide UFO sightings, what was the p roject called?
A. P roject Blue Book
B. P roject Condign
C. O peration Saucer
6. W hat is the name given to aliens with l arge heads, large dark eyes and no hair?
A. M artians
B. Greys
C. Or ions
7. W hich secret US Air Force base is said to house alien spacecraft and alien bodies?
A. A rea 51
B. A rea 52
C. S ection 12
8. W ho inspired the alien abduction movie Fire in the Sky ?
A. G reg Hayes
B. F rank Watters
C. Travis Walton
9. Which planet’s moon is believed to home aliens?
A. S aturn
B. Mars
C. N eptune
10. W hich astronomer reported six UFO s ightings in New Mexico in August, 1949?
A. M artin Ryle
B. C lyde Tombaugh
C. Vera Rubin
11. T he founder of which religious m ovement claimed to be in contact w ith extraterrestrials?
A. U fology
B. Mormonism
C. Aet herius Society
12. W hich Beatle claimed to have seen a UFO o ver New York in August, 1974?
A. J ohn Lennon
B. P aul McCartney
C. G eorge Harrison
13. A fter flying saucers, what type of UFO s hape is the most common?
A. F lying cigars
B. F lying footballs
C. F lying triangles
14. W hen was the first World UFO D ay celebrated?
A. 19 60
B. 1987
C. 2 001
15. W hich actor produced a radio version of War of the Worlds that caused mass p anic in 1938?
A. G regory Peck
B. L awrence Olivier
C. O rson Welles
16. W hat is another term for a UFO?
A. UA P
B. UFF
C. S OU
17. W here is the International UFO M useum located?
A. N evada
B. N ew Mexico
C. C alifornia
18. W ho were the victims of the first “credible” alien abduction case?
A. J ohn and Robert Taylor
B. C harles Hickson and Calvin Parker
C. B etty and Barney Hill
19. W hich planet is often mistaken for a UFO?
A. J upiter
B. Mercury
C. Venus
20. In The X Files , which UFO-obsessed c haracter says: “The truth is out there?”
A. F ox Mulder
B. Da na Scully
C. J ohn Doggett
You can check your score at www.arounddb.com> 20-questions>ufo-quiz.
Carrying the Torch! BREAKING
GENERATIONAL PATTERNS
Why parent as your parents did? That’s all you knew but it doesn’t have to be all your kids know. Xing Ni Liu shines a light
PHOTOS BY Sarin Ale
It is Sunday night. My four-year-old asks for a cup of milk. I set it up on the table for him. He takes a sip and turns around to mess with his older brother. They are laughing, I am watching them and smiling. Then, it is almost like I see it coming before it happens, he turns and knocks that cup of milk all over the table and some spills onto the cushioned chair.
“Why aren’t you more careful? Why would you mess around when you are drinking? Look at what you’ve done!” These words almost escape my mouth. Before they do, I see the guilt in his eyes and manage to take a deep breath, “It’s okay. Accidents happen. But you will need to help clean up.” He runs to the kitchen to grab tea towels. “What can we do next time to prevent this from happening again?” I ask. When he realises that he is not in trouble, he is quick to come up with genuine answers. “I can put my cup out of reach, I can also finish the cup before I play with my brother.” “Now, those are great ideas!”
This may not sound like much, but I was very proud of myself for handling the situation without an emotional outburst. It has taken me a lot of practice to get here. I used to be the mum who reacted and let those words go, until one day I heard my own mother’s voice in those words, and remembered how I hated hearing the blaming emotions behind them. I realised that many of the times I was dissatisfied with myself as a parent, I was parenting like my mother. I did not enjoy being rushed to school in the morning, yet I rushed my children, even using the same phrases; I disliked being forced to play the piano, yet I pushed my children towards taking grade exams, even with the same logic; I hated being blamed for things I did not do on purpose, yet I could not stop accusatory words coming out of my mouth when my children made a mistake.
I had always dreamt of being a wonderful mother –always speaking to my children in a soft voice, and creating a relationship where they would always feel safe. So why was I behaving like this? Was I a bad mother? I started talking to other parents, experts and decided to research this topic in my final year master’s degree in psychology.
It turns out, family behaviour patterns can be inherited and replicated from previous generations. This made me breathe a sigh of relief: there was nothing wrong with me; I was just repeating how I was parented. However, I was determined to give my children a better experience. Where to start? I set out to find answers.
Firstly, I wanted to understand the various styles of parenting available to us, broadly categorised as authoritative, permissive, authoritarian and neglectful. Let’s imagine your child skipped a day at school. How would you react? A) Engage the child and understand
“WE ALL TEND TO PARENT THE WAY WE WERE PARENTED, NOT NECESSARILY BECAUSE WE ENJOYED IT, RATHER WE FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF CHILD-RAISING
UNCONSCIOUSLY
why they truanted – explain that such behaviour is not acceptable and agree on a consequence. B) Have a conversation with the child, without discussing consequences or taking action to prevent further absence from school. C) Inflict immediate punishment or D) Have no response.
On paper, most of us would choose A. This option is how authoritative parenting works – parents strive to create positive relationships by setting and enforcing clear rules. In reality, we may consider it more effective or efficient, certainly easier, to choose B or C. Option B represents permissive parenting: the worry here is that children grow up without boundaries, and therefore without any real sense of security. Option C represents authoritarian parenting, there’s a focus on rules, obedience and punishment for disobedience – children can grow up fearful and lacking in confidence. Nobody would knowingly choose option D (neglectful parenting), but there are times when we may be so busy that important incidents slip past us. Children feel unseen and can grow up to have low self-esteem.
We all tend to parent the way we were parented, not necessarily because we enjoyed it, rather we follow the pattern of child-raising unconsciously – that is all we know. Family behavioural patterns have been defined by the American Psychological Association as a characteristic quality in the relationships of a particular family, which is revealed by the way family members interact. Parenting is an important element in the determination of such patterns. We may have
picked up the good that our parents did, as well as the bad. Research shows that violent, harsh and abusive behaviours are passed down across generations; they can have lasting effects into adulthood and they can be exacerbated through repetition.
No doubt we should make a conscious effort to break dysfunctional patterns but how does that work in practice? After reviewing existing research, I came up with my own definition: When parents become aware of unhealthy family-interaction dynamics and apply skills to real-world interactions to change such patterns, so that their children have a more positive experience, they are breaking generational patterns.
Many of us grow up with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs came into the spotlight in the 90s and identified categories of adversities experienced by children that would have long-lasting negative effects on their lives. ACEs are caused by household dysfunction: mental abuse, neglect and domestic violence. This may sound far from you, but the CDC has found that 60% of American adults report at least one ACE, almost 25% report three or more.
Where do we start to make changes? I have identified five key skills that can be practised by anyone in everyday life: self-reflection, emotional regulation, stress management, emotional communication and self-compassion. Each topic deserves attention but here I will focus on self-compassion.
Self-compassion may sound foreign in the parenting setting. Often, we are quite forgiving when our children make mistakes. However, we become far more critical when we make a mistake. Raising children is challenging and we should allow space for mistakes during this process. We often react, and then regret – we beat ourselves up about our reaction. However, what many people do not realise is that we react because we feel triggered, and we repeat how our parents treated us in similar situations.
Instead of thinking “what is wrong with me?”, we could try to understand “what happened to me?”. Self-compassion brings us back to the beginning of our cycle, self-reflection.
When we are self-compassionate, we heal our own wounds and come to feel less friction towards those who have hurt or wronged us. Perhaps this compassion can be extended to our parents. We may be able to see them through a different lens, and realise that though they were not the parents
we wish to be, they may have made every effort to do what they thought was best. In extreme cases, where what was done is not forgivable, we cannot condone the parent’s actions but we can still extend compassion towards them.
Letting go of anger and aiding your own healing is one thing, but I struggled to come to terms with my need to break patterns. I thought of it as a betrayal of my parents, until someone said to me, “You do not know what struggles they went through as a child. You may not be aware of this, but they’ve probably broken a pattern or two themselves. You can just carry the torch and continue to do better for the next generation.”
Perhaps your father used to shout at you when he was frustrated, if you are able to speak to your child in a calm manner in a similar situation, you are breaking patterns. Perhaps your mother used to punish you physically when she was angry, if you are able to hold your hand back in a similar situation, even if you are still shouting at your child, you are breaking patterns.
Each day, I am learning from parents around me. Sometimes through conversations but more often than not, through observing how they handle different situations with their children. We can all support and learn from each other, and together, do better. Every small step we take in breaking dysfunctional patterns is a big step towards building stronger and healthier relationships with our children.
DB resident Xing Ni Liu has just completed her master’s in psychology at Harvard University: she spent the last year of her degree creating workshops for parents to educate them about generational trauma, and help them build stronger, healthier relationships with their children by breaking dysfunctional generational patterns. She is passionate about helping children to reach their maximum potential and believes that mindful parenting plays a key role in this. Find more from Xing, and workshops in the coming school year, on Instagram.
XING NI LIU WITH REMO, ELIO AND AYLA
Vacation Time! BERLIN
Jump into The Big B
REPORTING BY Kayli Liebenberg
PERCHED ON THE BANKS of the River Spree, Berlin Cathedral was modelled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and serves as a house of worship, museum and concert hall. The showy Renaissance-style interior homes a marble and onyx altar, 7,269-pipe Sauer organ and elaborate royal sarcophagi. Climb to the top (267 steps) for stunning city views.
GERMANY’S DIVINELY DECADENT CAPITAL
delivers a vibrant mix of grit and glamour having made it through numerous revolutions, Hitler’s rise to power and the Cold War. Awash with legendary monuments and tangible history, it’s also a supremely vibrant city known for its fabulous food, intense party scene and super-stylish inhabitants.
GET YOUR GLAM ON at the infamous Kit Kat Club, one of Berlin’s most hedonistic hangouts. DJs deliver techno music of all types and there are four dance floors, plus an outdoor pool. There’s also a strict dress code: think 21st-century Sally Bowles –fetish, latex, leather and avant-garde.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels
STEP INTO THE OPULENT
world of Prussian royalty at Charlottenburg Palace, the largest palace in Berlin.
Admire the lavish Baroque/ Rococo architecture, stroll through the picturesque palace gardens and explore the sumptuously decorated rooms. Know that concerts and cultural events are held throughout the year at the Palace Orangery.
ONE OF GERMANY’S BESTKNOWN LANDMARKS,
the Brandenburg Gate has served as a symbol of both the division of Germany and the country’s reunification. An 18th-century neoclassical monument, completed in 1791, it is composed of 12 Doric columns and features a quadriga statue depicting the goddess of victory bearing a symbol of peace.
A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
Site, Museum Island is a must-see, home to five staggering museums. Find architecture from ancient worlds at the Pergamonmuseum; classical antiquities at the Altes Museum; Egyptian relics (including the Nefertiti Bust) at the Neues Museum; 19thcentury European art at the Alte Nationalgalerie; and medieval sculpture at the Bode-Museum.
ART AND HISTORY COLLIDE at the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Stretching for over a kilometre, this open-air gallery showcases vibrant murals and graffiti art painted by artists from around the world, each conveying powerful messages of hope, freedom and unity.
GIVE A TOSS!
Enjoy these sensational summer salads as a main –they’re retro classics for good reason
BY Nicole Innocenti
WALDORF SALAD
Serves 2
50g walnuts, chopped
2 apples, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
100g mayonnaise
2tbsp Greek yogurt
½tbsp Dijon mustard
150g green grapes, halved
3 celery sticks, finely sliced
1 Gem lettuce
Heat a dry frying pan over a medium-high heat and toast the walnuts for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden. Tip into a bowl and leave to cool.
Toss the apples with a splash of the lemon juice to prevent them discolouring. Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard and remaining lemon juice in a large bowl and season well. Mix the apples, grapes and celery with the dressing and toss well. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon over the apple mixture and any remaining dressing. Scatter over the toasted walnuts before serving.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
CAESAR SALAD
Serves 4
225g day-old bread
10 anchovy fillets
60ml red wine vinegar
3tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves
1 large egg
240ml olive oil
30g Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
4 Gem lettuces
Heat the oven to 200˚C. Remove the crusts from the bread and tear it into bite-sized pieces. Bake for about 12 minutes until crisp, then leave to cool. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the anchovy fillets with the vinegar, mustard and garlic, and purée until smooth. Add the raw egg and pulse to incorporate. With the machine on, gradually drizzle in the olive oil to create a creamy dressing. Scrape the dressing into a bowl and stir in the cheese. Season, cover and refrigerate until well chilled and thickened, at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the lettuce leaves with the dressing. Divide the dressed lettuce between chilled bowls and scatter the croutons on top. Garnish with additional anchovy fillets and serve right away with extra parmesan cheese.
School Camp
Little Farmer Weekend Program
Venue Rental for Partys
Allotment Rental
BBQ & Picnic Rental
Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram #arounddb. You have until the 15th of the month to enter. This is your chance to win four complimentary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar. We will contact the winner on Instagram #arounddb. Good luck!
Lantau Wordsearch!
WILDLIFE
ASIAN COMMON TOAD
ATLAS MOTH
BAMBOO SNAKE
BARKING DEER
BIRDWING BUTTERFLY BURMESE PYTHON
CATTLE
CHINESE WHITE DOLPHIN COBRA
EASTERN CATTLE EGRET
FIDDLER CRAB
FINLESS PORPOISE
FIREWORM
FRUIT BAT
FORK-TAILED SUNBIRD
HORSESHOE CRAB
ROMER’S TREE FROG
WATER BUFFALO
WHITE-LIPPED PIT VIPER
YELLOWTAIL CLOWNFISH
SUDOKU
Romer’s Tree Frog
Asian Common Toad
Cattle
Water Buffalo Cobra
Bamboo Snake
Burmese Python
White-Lipped Pit Viper
Eastern Cattle Egret
Fork-Tailed Sunbird
Chinese White Dolphin
Fiddler Crab
Horseshoe Crab
Finless Propoise
Yellowtail Clownfish
Barking Deer
Fireworm
WANT TO REACH AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE OF AFFLUENT RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES IN LANTAU?
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) 2024.
Discovery Bay Anglican Church
Daughter Church of St John's Cathedral
SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery Bay Road
Sung Eucharist (English) at 10:00am Sundays
Email: dean@stjohnscathedral.org.hk
Web: www.discoverybaychurch.org.hk
Priest in Charge: The Very Revd Kwok-keung Chan
Tel: +852 - 2523 4157
Packing, Moving & Storage Services. Fixed price quote upon onsite survey or choose from the rates below:
Hire a Truck: HK$220/hour. Minimum 3 hours. Short Trips: HK$200 & up.
Hire Movers: HK$120/hour per mover. Minimum 3 hours.
Plastic Boxes & Used Cartons can be provided free of charge. (Subject to availability.)
Serves Lantau, DB, Tung Chung and the rest of HK.
LOCAL NUMBERS TUNG CHUNG
EMERGENCY SERVICES 999
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282
Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 1898
Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1999
HOME & REPAIRS
Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 2109 2330
Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman 9343 3718
New Look Design 9783 5840
Papabo 5541 1502
Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488
So Nice Technologies 6206 3497 HOTELS
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong 3602 8888
Regal Airport Hotel 2286 8888
Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0000
The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery 3602 8989 LEARNING CENTRES
Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8070
Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666
Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538
Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068
Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884
YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 MEDICAL
Bayside Dental 2185 6550
Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396
Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000
Quality Health Dental 2403 6613
Quality Health Care Medical 2403 6623
REALTORS
3483 5003
REMOVALS & RELOCATION
Akash Moving 2421 8088
Crown Relocations 2636 8399
FTC Relocations 2814 1658
ReloSmart 2561 3030
Rocket Movers 5134 0044
SwiftRelo 2363 4008
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Caribbean Coast Clubhouse 2109 9277
Caribbean Coast Management Office 2109 9288
Coastal Skyline Clubhouse 2179 6678
Coastal Skyline Management Office 2179 6621
Seaview Crescent Clubhouse 3473 8700
Seaview Crescent Management Office 3473 8833
Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse 2403 6770
Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 2109 1222
RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY
A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500
Andante, Novotel
Silvermine
Ashville
Lantau
SOUTH LANTAU
DISCOVERY BAY
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,
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
EpicLand
Billed as Hong Kong’s tallest indoor entertainment centre, EpicLand is home to the city's first ‘air trek’, complete with eight sky-high obstacles, trampolines, slides and more. Contact 2441 0098, reception@epiclandhk.com, www.epiclandhk.com
Elevate English Centre
EpicLand
Funfit
Guidepost Montessori (DB)
HKILA
Jungle
7856
8228
La Petite Enfance Kindergarten 8191 0813
Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909
Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724
Rigolo comme la vie 5495 8810
SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608
Located in DB Plaza Extension, the THE RINK Italian Kitchen offers guests a unique gastronomical experience of authentic Italian flavours. To reserve a table, call 3709 6451.
The Rink Italian Kitchen
McDonald’s
Pascucci
Pasha
Peony
Pho
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
programmes for boys & girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com
PROPAGANDA POP
Stumbling into North Korea with Friendly Father trending on TikTok, Peter Sherwood has an illuminating chat with the Minister of Tourism
An invitation to North Korea in June to meet the Minister of Tourism was masochistically irresistible. I recorded our conversation:
“On behalf of our supreme leader, aka the Friendly Father, I welcome you to the magnificent Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, Mr Shertree. As you can see, we have a bountiful range of luxury goods, with the finest European brands hand-made by thousands of dedicated workers in a secure environment protected by a high fence and razor wire to keep out the patents’ thieves.” But… “Only the best, Mr Woodwood: Guchy, Looey Viton, Kartier etc., better than French and Italian and a tenth the price.”
But… “Our supreme leader takes care of all his people. As you can see, a free 24-hour buffet.”
But… “Free TV, hot showers and a free massage.” But… “Our wonderful leader is a busy man, working to complete his ingenious perpetual motion machine, and yet he manages – as you can see – to give the people time off to relax in comfort.” But, hey, we’re in the VIP lounge at the airport!
“Do you play golf, Mr Treewood?” No, I hate it. “Good, then you are invited to play our recently opened world’s best 19-hole golf course, designed by our supreme leader, who made the famous Jack Nicklaus courses obsolete.” Nineteen holes? “We are setting new standards for the game, and even your Mr Lion Woods has congratulated our great leader who played the first round on opening day with a score of…” Let me guess: 19 strokes. “Precisely.”
Can you take me to the countryside to see some villages, I hear there are food problems. “Yes, indeed, Mr Branchwood, huge shortages of food for the masses. We’re running low on Atlantic salmon, bluefin tuna, Beluga caviar and Tasmanian scallops, to say nothing of free-range chicken, truffles, goose liver paté, Maryland crab and emu eggs, chestnut soup, organic herbs and petit fours. The cheese shortage is scandalous. We are right out of Bleu d’ Auvergne and Brie de Meau. Yes, a worrying situation, Mr Treeroot, and not at all as your corrupt Western media reports.” But… “Your lying media will be crushed by America’s great Orange Man in Havana.” You mean Florida. “Yes, your man Mr Trumpet will set things straight as a close friend of our leader.”
Is it true you have one of the strongest militaries in the world? “We have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the Earth a hundred times, and almost as many assault weapons as Texas families.” What about your 200,000 political prisoners? “Rubbish. Special guests who have volunteered for our benevolent personal development camp: emotional intelligence, meditation, mindfulness and yoga.
As for architecture, Mr Woodworm, our supreme leader designed the world’s tallest building, the magnificent Ryugong hotel, a staggering 330 metres tall, and pyramid-shaped.” Hang on, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the tallest at 829 metres. “Not so, Mr Woodtree. You see, our brilliant leader fooled the world by building 500 metres of it underground, making it the highest by 1 metre! Pure genius. And another thing, Mr Timberwood, in 2015 our supreme leader played tennis at the Supreme Hall of the Supreme Leader against your R. Redefer and beat him 6-0 6-0. Not many people know that.”
Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.
PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
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