AROUND DB MAY 2020

A little love and affection Fostering kids’ self-esteem

Mother knows best:

Homecooked classics for May 10 Armchair travel:

Dreaming of Rajasthan #DealingWithIt in DB

Helpers’ experiences of COVID-19

Our new publisher

Philip Jay

discusses the takeover and the future of Bay Media

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

FREE M AY 2 0 2 0

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

May 2020

PROFILE - 18 Meet our new publisher Philip Jay

IN FOCUS - 22 DB helpers’ experiences of COVID-19

EDUCATION - 30 Fostering children’s self-esteem

ESCAPES - 34 Armchair travel: Rajasthan

18

RECIPES - 38 Homecooked classics for Mother’s Day

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

AGENDA

27

Q&A Relationship advice

08

DB EVENTS

43

WISH LIST May must-haves

17

GIVEAWAYS

44

DB FACES In and around the plaza

45

CLASSIFIEDS

52

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

49

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER Teaching self-love: Joanne Hay with her daughter Skye

We also publish…

TH

FR

5

YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

YE

R

EE

A

RU

N

To read the cover story turn to page 30

#DealingWithIt in Lantau

FREE YOURSELF OF COVID-19 FEARS

G

Fostering kids’ self-esteem

IN

A little love and affection

N

April/ May 2020

2019 / 2020

HIKE THE DOG’S TEETH RIDGES STAY HOME AND COOK HEALTHY MAXIMISE KIDS’ HOME-STUDY TIME

Mother knows best:

KITESURFING FOR A CLEANER OCEAN…

Homecooked classics for May 10 Armchair travel:

Dreaming of Rajasthan #DealingWithIt in DB

Helpers’ experiences of COVID-19

MEET TONG FUK’S HILLIAN SIU

Our new publisher

Philip Jay

discusses the takeover and the future of Bay Media

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

FREE M AY 2 0 2 0

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

WIN!

A Hong Kong Trail Map and a place on a Treasure Island Spring Adventure Camp

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

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

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

PUBLISHER Philip Jay philip@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Aude Garderet Joanne Hay Suveera Sharma Peter Sherwood Bruce Taylor Dorothy Veitch PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person.

The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

Photo courtesy of DB Green & by Baljit Gidwani

EARTH DAY

In honour of Earth Day, April 22, and in collaboration with DB Green, DB residents have been doing their bit to take care of the planet. Whether it was picking up rubbish, using reusable containers, recycling their trash or making compost, DBers worked hard to make a difference.

THE HOTTEST

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

IN DISCOVERY BAY

DBIS VIRTUAL CHOIR

During the COVID-19 schools’ closure, the music and technology departments at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) teamed up to create a virtual choir for students, parents and staff. Music teacher Kaytie Harding decided the choir would sing Three Little Birds. “It is such a laid-back, positive song at a time when our families are feeling anxious and stressed,” she says. “It seemed a great way to bring the DBIS community together while we are apart.” To see (and hear) the choir in action, visit youtube/HsRXMqaFFgA.

www.dbis.edu.hk

www.arounddb.com May 2020

9

DB EVENTS

CELEBRATING DB DANCERS!

As a result of social distancing, the annual shows of many dance schools, including DB’s own Island Dance School and DMR School of Ballet, have been postponed. These photos from previous years honour the hours of practice put in by the dancers both prior to and during the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to future performances!

DMR School of Ballet!

www.dmr-hk.com

10

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Island Dance School!

www.islanddance.com.hk

www.arounddb.com May 2020

11

DB EVENTS

RAINBOWS FOR HOPE

Children have been spotting rainbows all over DB! The global Rainbows for Hope initiative started as a way to keep kids active and entertained during the COVID-19 crisis, while providing a way for communities to feel united by a shared activity. In addition to making and hanging rainbows in their own windows, children ‘hunt’ for these messages of hope, keeping count of them as they take their daily walks.

12

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

to the history of Mother’s Day It’s technically a different holiday in the UK. Though now commonly called Mother’s Day, the date on which UK kids are expected to honour their mothers is actually a church holiday, Mothering Sunday. Before World War I, household servants were traditionally given the fourth Sunday of Lent off so they could go ‘a-mothering,’ spending the day with their families at their ‘mother church,’ which was either the parish they were baptised in or the local cathedral.

The Hong Kong Mother’s Day holiday that falls on the second Sunday in May (on May 10 this year), comes from more secular stock. During the American Civil War (186165), social activist Ann Jarvis galvanised mothers of soldiers to help improve the sanitation conditions of both Union and Confederate camps. In 1868, Ann began her efforts to establish a Mother’s Friendship Day, which was meant to bring families together who had lost sons on both sides of the conflict. Ann died in 1905 before the holiday was established, so her daughter Anna took up the torch.

The traditional flower of the holiday is a white carnation, in memory of Ann Jarvis. When Anna held the first official memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, she distributed 500 white carnations as that was Ann’s favourite flower. Five years later, when the memorial had a nationwide following, Congress passed a law calling on all government officials to wear a carnation on the second Sunday in May in observance of Mother’s Day. Florists then came up with the idea that people should wear a pink carnation if their mother was alive, and a white one if she was dead.

The singular possessive is the correct way to punctuate Mother’s Day. Even before the holiday was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, Anna had trademarked the phrase Mother’s Day. She felt that the word Mother’s should “be a singular possessive, for each family to honour its own mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world.”

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

The holiday has become overly commercialised, Anna Jarvis thought so herself! Anna was arrested in 1925 for ‘disturbing the peace’ at a protest to rescind the holiday due to its commercialisation.

She was eventually forced into a sanatorium where she died in 1948, her bills paid for by the floral and greeting card industries. In her obituary in the New York Times, she was quoted saying: “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother – and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.” Food for thought when planning to celebrate the most important woman in your life.

14

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

What’s NEW in DB POSTCARDS FOR A PLASTIC FREE WORLD

plasticfreeseas.org

SHUN GRANOLA

LUCENT NEBULOUS EXHIBITION

www.shungranola.com www.instagram/jeeumgallery

Created by local design house PaperRoses, Plastic Free Seas’ (PFS) Postcards for a Plastic Free World highlight Hong Kong’s marine plastic problem, while enabling you to connect with friends and family near and far. Paper-Roses is donating a portion of the sale of each set of three postcards to support the PFS education programme in Hong Kong schools. To pick up your postcards, priced at HK$70 per set, visit plasticfreeseas. org/postcards-by-paper-roses.html.

Shun Granola – from DB resident Michael Li – relies on healthy Asian ingredients to make breakfast the most delicious part of your day. The granola is available at HK$60 per 350g bag, with free delivery in DB, and there are three flavours to choose from: Original (pumpkin seeds and almonds), Black Sesame (organic cold-pressed coconut oil and black sesame paste), and Cocoa (unsweetened Belgian cacao powder and almonds). To order, visit www.shungranola.com.

DB-based installation artist Miranda Smith’s first solo exhibition, Lucent Nebulous, is showing from May 8 to 31 at Gallery Jeeum in DB North Plaza. By day, viewers are invited to experience a series of prints that capture the complex relationship between colour and light.

At night, you can interact with the experiential light installations that are the basis of the prints. For more information, visit the Gallery Jeeum Facebook page.

HONG KONG KIDPRENEURS

SING.HK VIRTUAL CHOIR

CRAFT BEER DELIVERY

Photo courtesy of Crystal Lee

A new Facebook group organised by DB resident Crystel Lee, Hong Kong Kidpreneurs focuses on helping children develop entrepreneurial skills by providing them with educational resources, plus a space in which to exchange business ideas with their peers. It will evolve into a summer school programme, with an exhibition planned for the autumn. Find out more at the HongKongKidpreneurs Facebook page.

www.evoqueportraits.com

SING.HK Virtual Choir, the new crowdsourced brainchild of long-time DB resident Jane Engelmann, aims to keep people singing together even during social distancing. Participants download a backing track and lyrics, video themselves singing their part, and then upload the video for it to be combined with a medley of faces and talents. To get involved, visit keepholdingon2020. wixsite.com/keepholdingon.

www.rottenheadfest.com

Aiming to expand the palate of beer drinkers across Lantau and beyond, Tung Chung residents Alan Chung and Andrew Spires, the duo behind the long-anticipated Rotten Head Music and Craft Beer Festival, have launched Rotten Head Craft Beer Delivery. Their handpicked, locally produced artisanal beers and ciders are available in cases of six, 12 or 24, with free delivery in Tung Chung. To place an order, visit www.rottenheadfest.com/shop.

www.arounddb.com May 2020

15

GIVEAWAYS

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

WIN A PLACE ON A CAMP APA SUMMER PROGRAMME Asia Pacific Adventure is offering one reader a place on one of its core Camp APA summer programmes (worth up to HK$5,180).

Camp APA’s week-long outdoor adventure programmes, for youth aged seven to 17, are specifically designed for each age group to have fun, while learning new things. Whether the kids are rock climbing or kayaking, hiking or stand-up paddleboarding, the aim is for them to develop confidence, and leadership and communication skills. For more information about the Camp APA programmes, running in July and August, head to www.asiapacificadventure.com/campapa.

www.asiapacificadventure.com/campapa

Congratulations to last month’s winners Rebecca Tolian and Nery Palic for a 500ml bottle of Lebanese premium extra-virgin olive and a nine-piece box of Baklawa from Zeitouna Olive Oil

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Philip Jay

PROFILE

18

MEET

PHILIP JAY! The new publisher of Bay Media sits down with Rachel Ainsley to discuss the value of community news, the power of advertising and his plans for the future

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

P

hilip Jay has the gift of the gab. He can talk nonstop for 57 minutes, barely pausing to take a breath. I know this because I just timed him. That’s fine by me – he’s answered my questions without my having to ask them – he clearly knows what he’s about.

And he comes across as driven, funny, open and surprisingly selfdeprecating; I like his energy.

This is also fine by me because Philip’s my new boss – he took over as the publisher of Bay Media in February.

Trusting my first impressions and having had a good look at Philip’s resume, it seems to me that Bay Media, and by extension the communities it serves, are in good hands. Philip has 35+ years publishing experience across community and trade magazines.

And that’s all in Hong Kong. Here are some highlights: Publisher and founder, Jewish Times Asia (2006 to present); managing director, Localiiz.com (2018 to 2015); senior business development director, SingTao/ Standard Newspaper Group (HK) (2003 to 2005); founder and managing director, Technology News Asia (2000 to 2003); general manager, Thomson Financial Publishing (1997 to 2000).

“What I’m good at is seeing a connection. I see advertisers around an editorial idea and then, if I’m convinced it will work, I get the right people to write it and the right people to sell it,” Philip says.

“You need a good pitch and a good line of patter in this business, then you hire people to cover your own inadequacies. It also helps if you have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.”

It’s clear that Philip took over Bay Media at an… interesting time (more on that later), so what drew him to the business and to Around DB specifically?

Plans for Bay Media “I’m struck by the strength, the positivity and the inclusiveness of the DB community, and I think Around DB reflects that,” Philip says. “Given its location and energised spirit, we are in a fantastic position to continue to progress and move forward.

It’s a great magazine and I am immensely proud to be picking up the baton.

“Around DB is editorially driven and it serves the community well; I always get great feedback on the content, so while I’d like to refine it a bit, and make it bigger and better, there’s not much I want to change. Fundamentally, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Jewish Times Asia, which Philip founded in 2006, was Asia’s first community tabloid, and though it’s on hold temporarily, there’s a definite parallel with Around DB. “I understand the value of community news,” Philip says.

“People really enjoy it, and they take it in more than general news.

It’s good to see people you know and can relate to in a magazine.”

Philip describes himself as “an oldfashioned publisher; a traditional print man,” but he’s also the man who transformed Localiiz.com from an A to Z of small businesses (a glorified telephone directory), into one of Hong Kong’s most popular social-media sites. Needless to say, he has big plans for Bay Media’s online presence.

“We have 40,000+ visitors to our website every month, and we have a very active Facebook presence with 18,000+ followers, so there’s a lot of potential there,” he says. “I plan to expand our digital reach.

The more online communication the better, not just for followers and influencers but also for advertisers.

We need to provide more tailor-

made marketing campaigns that reach our unique readership, with split print/ digital opportunities for clients.”

As for Life on Lantau, Philip’s again looking to go bigger. “I’m aiming to build up Life on Lantau over the next two to three years, and transfer some of Around DB’s strengths to it,” he says. “It needs its own website and I’d like to boost the content to focus on all the different Lantau districts. In fact, there might be room for two separate magazines – one for Mui Wo and one for Tung Chung.

“Bay Media already brings out Best of Lantau twice a year and I plan to build on that by introducing more guides,” Philip adds. “A guide for tourists focused on nature and hiking; a property publication; a F&B guide; a directory of Lantau businesses… I want more out of the landscape. Maybe a magazine for Cheung Chau, and for the other outlying islands.”

Last but not least, Philip plans to increase the Bay Media Design Studio vision. “From logos, leaflets and company brochures, to book publishing and website creation, we’re in a position to help all businesses,” he says. “Bay Media Design Studio provides an important service. It’s another aspect of the business that I want to see develop and grow.”

Family matters Before we get into the in and outs of the February takeover, I ask Philip about his family. “My wife’s name? It’s Marilyn. As in Marilyn Monroe,” he says, without missing a beat. “We met in Hong Kong in the early ‘90s when we were in our early 30s. It was love at first sight. On my side anyway. Marilyn played hard to get. She didn’t give me her phone number and I had  to wait well over a month to see

www.arounddb.com May 2020

19

PROFILE

her again. In life you have to be patient, especially when you are picking your life partner. We are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year.”

Philip’s kids Joshua Jay, 16 and Jessica Jay, 14, share the nickname JJ. “Names that are short and sharp appeal to people, which is one of the reasons I called my first Hong Kong venture Philip Jay Publishing,” he says. “That and the fact that people need to know you first if you’re going to sell to them. But back to the kids: I wanted them to have names that roll off the tongue and are easy to remember. Everyone wants a JJ on their team; JJs don’t get teased in the playground.”

The family lives in Clear Water Bay and it takes four trains and a bus to get Philip to DB every day. “I’m the person with Hong Kong’s longest commute, I wouldn’t do that if I wasn’t passionate about Bay Media,” he quips. And moving to DB is not on the cards at present.

“My wife works for a shipping company in Kowloon Bay and the kids are nearing the end of their IB [at Elsa High School in Shau Kei Wan], so it would be difficult to relocate in the short term,” he says. “We live in a small house in a quiet village, there are dogs and birds and it’s very scenic. I need that to think.

“What’s important is that I already feel connected to DB, I work here.

I’m here every day,” Philip adds.

“Having an office in DB is a breath of fresh air after having worked in Central for so long. There’s no smog, very little pollution; everyone’s very welcoming and there’s a strong community spirit.”

Philip at home with wife Marilyn and their kids Joshua and Jessica

was hired as general manager, by then publisher Corinne Jedwood Rechter, to oversee the dayto-day workings of Bay Media.

“Corinne had been commuting back and forth from California for a couple of years, and from Israel before that, and she was beginning to feel the strain,” he explains. “Within a month or two of my coming onboard everything was running more efficiently, and she was visiting less and less. In February, she told me she wanted to move away from the business; she wanted to make a clean, quick break and she asked if I wanted to step in.

The takeover

“Corinne’s so happy to have someone to keep Bay Media going,” Philip adds. “She doesn’t have to worry about her staff, her clients, or the community.”

Philip has been commuting to DB since October last year, when he

That’s all well and good but who in their right minds (sorry Philip)

would decide to take over a business four months ago, right when the COVID-19 outbreak was really starting to kick in? “I’ve never experienced anything like this – SARS was a short sharp shock by comparison – this one could be a year,” Philip admits.

“But you have to be proactive even in the worst financial times.

We need longevity and patience – we need to be strong, tough and resilient. Hopefully then we’ll all survive. To keep Bay Media afloat, we’re 100% relying on people, on the community. If people still like reading the magazines and seeing themselves in them, and if advertisers stay with us, the longterm prospects are fantastic.

“I’m staying positive,” Philip concludes with a grin. “I look forward to going to work every day, to seeing the new issues come out and to getting advertising for people.”

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

20

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Get ready to dance your socks offf...

Reopening soon!

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com | www.dmr-hk.com

IN FOCUS

#DealingWithIt in DB Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

How is the COVID-19 outbreak affecting the lives of our domestic helpers? Leny Ysulan and Severina Malazarte share their experiences with Suveera Sharma

22

T

hese past months, we have all had to adapt to a new way of living, with working from home, social distancing and home schooling becoming the new normal. COVID-19 has thundered into our homes and lives like a tornado, blowing away the frills and leaving us with just the essentials. Helping us keep it all together in Hong Kong is an army of 400,000 foreign domestic workers, working tirelessly in the background. The virus has hit them hard and disrupted their lives in many ways, more so with

the added stress of being away from their own families.

says that “the testimonies collected are surprisingly positive.

HelperChoice has been closely monitoring the situation, amid early reports of pay cuts and job losses, travel bans and new regulations.

The agency, which provides a transparent and ethical platform for employers and helpers to match with each other, has carried out an online survey in which 921 domestic workers share how the virus situation is affecting their daily lives. Without denying the plight many helpers find themselves in, regional manager Mahee Leclerc

“Despite the situation, 90% of the foreign domestic workers remain optimistic about Hong Kong and do not wish to move out,” Mahee says.

“This is a good outcome for Hong Kong society, as today one out of seven families rely on their help.”

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Mahee has this advice for helpers as they deal with both the situation in Hong Kong and their concerns for families back home: “It is very important to be well informed and not to believe everything

outbreak. In their absence, she takes care of their apartment and pet cat.

Until just a few months ago, Severina was busy caring for two little boys aged five and three, and she admits to feeling lonely without them. “I miss the boys and my employers. It’s boring being here all by myself. Even though I get busy when they’re around, I don’t care. I really want them to be back. The boys are now in school in Australia so I am not sure when that will be.”

As a single mother, it’s natural that Severena’s thoughts turn to her two daughters living in the Philippines.

“I miss them all the time,” she says.

“But they’re grown up, so even though I do think of them, I am not incredibly worried as I know they can take care of themselves.”

DB-based Filipina helpers Leny Ysulan and Severina Malazarte

that you see on social media. A concerning result from our survey was that 84% of the respondents declared social media to be their primary source of information. We advise that the best practice is to follow your consulate web page for information. HelperChoice also tries to provide verified information and updates every day on its Facebook page.”

Adjusting to the new normal The COVID-19 lockdowns have been tough on all of us, more so for helpers who don’t have their

immediate families (and in some cases even their employers) around them. Talking to Leny Ysulan and Severina Malazarte, two DB-based Filipina helpers, sheds some light.

Leny arrived in Hong Kong a year ago. She has been with her employers in DB the entire time, helping them cope first with the civil unrest and now COVID-19.

Severina, who first came to Hong Kong in 2003, has worked in DB for the past four years. Her employers left for Australia in January at the very beginning of the virus

Unlike Severina, Leny at least has her employers here with her in DB to keep her busy, and provide support and companionship. But how is she coping? “It is nice to be with a family here when we are mostly stuck indoors, but I often feel sad and think of my family back home, particularly my nine-year-old daughter,” she says. “I am worried for them as now there are so many people infected even in the Philippines.

Luckily my family is in a small town far away from the city and the crowds, so hopefully they are relatively safe. It is very stressful to be away from them during these times, and sometimes it’s tough to concentrate on my work.

“My employers have been very supportive,” Leny adds. “They have provided me with masks and sanitisers. They always remind me to be careful when I go out and to stay away from crowded areas.”

Being ‘home’ alone since January, Severina has had a tougher time.  “My employers try to take care of

www.arounddb.com May 2020

23

IN FOCUS my needs but since they are not here it gets difficult,” she says.

“They did give me a few masks but they ran out very soon. Friends have shared masks with me when they had a few surpluses.

Thankfully I have a few masks with me now.”

Staying home and hopeful Living in lockdown isn’t easy. In our darker moments, we’ve all experienced feelings of insecurity, helplessness and fear. How are Leny and Severina dealing with their anxiety? How are they keeping their sanity and finding some sense of normalcy in their lives?

“I don’t feel very safe these days, especially as there are cases in Discovery Bay,” says Leny.

“Before the outbreak it was great, as I would go and spend my day

off with my friends; we would sing and dance at the beach and have a picnic, but now it’s so different.

Before this virus situation, I would go to church with my friends on Sundays. But now everything is closed, so there’s not much to do.

I just go down to the plaza to buy my food, go for a walk and then come back to my room to relax for the rest of the day. In my room, in my free time, I watch shows and news on my phone. If I’m stressed, I like to sing and pray. Talking to my family also makes me happy.”

Severina echoes these feelings: “It is difficult now to be outside. I am scared of the virus and do not want to catch it. It is not good to meet friends, I feel. I do not go to Central unless it’s absolutely necessary. I mostly stay in the house to be safe and come out to shop for food for myself and the cat. The only time

I am able to meet friends in small groups is on Wednesday night when we have a prayer meeting. I look forward to that.”

Returning to the Philippines is not on the cards for either Severina or Leny, at least for the foreseeable future. “Now in the Philippines there is a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals. It is not worth going at this time. Also, there is no guarantee of flights coming back,” says Severina. Leny feels the same way: “It is not safe now to travel. I would rather avoid it as I don’t want to put my family at risk too.”

Indeed, staying home and staying hopeful is the best way forward for all of us. Like many other challenges that we have faced in the past, this too shall pass, and we will come out the other side much stronger than before.

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

Q&A

DEAR AUDE AND BRUCE Can you help? I want to change my life but don’t know where to start!

I know I’m supposed to be using this global pause to slow down and reprioritise but it’s just not happening. Though I’ve been working from home with more time to myself, I don’t feel I’ve changed or developed during COVID-19. How can I use this time to grow? STUCK IN DB

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

BRUCE: What a difference four months has made both here in Hong Kong and globally. Thinking back to the beginning of the year, we were just starting to hear rumours of a virus outbreak in Wuhan, but life continued as normal. Our daily routine stayed the same, flights and holiday plans remained fluid, and we were optimistic that this was just another blip. Fast forward to the start of April and life as we knew it changed dramatically. Trying times to say the least. But looking at the positives, this pandemic has brought out the best in us (Clap for Carers, social distancing, global healing meditations etc). And you are right, dear reader, it’s also given us an extended moment to pause and reflect. You ask how you can best use this time to grow.

Well, where there is adversity there is opportunity, let us give you the tools to find it.

without realising it. Simply by working from home, without meetings or a lengthy commute and so on, we have all begun to define a new work-life balance.

AUDE: By slowing down, and

taking some time out to rest and recover, we have begun to see what was out of balance in our lives, what was draining us, and making us sick, tired and stressed.

This is clearly a positive but it can also be frightening. Deep introspection can raise difficult

questions; it can raise issues that we’ve been determined to avoid.

BRUCE: Going into these tough discussions and realisations, and uncovering more about ourselves and our needs, can indeed be frightening. But in these moments, take heart and ask yourself a simple question: ‘What am I still holding on to that no longer serves me, my greater good and my higher self?’

AUDE: The easiest way to get

some answers to this question



AUDE: What we have here is the chance to turn inward and really evaluate where we are and where we are going. Deep introspective work is called for… But how do you do that? And just as importantly, what is holding you back?

BRUCE: Firstly, don’t put yourself down.

I’m sure you’ve already grown from this experience

Aude Garderet and Bruce Taylor of A and B Therapy

www.arounddb.com May 2020

27

Q&A

and create change in your life is to sit in meditation. You don’t have to contort yourself into the lotus position and chant ‘Om,’ just sit with your back straight, relax and breathe slowly and fully. Once in that still space, ask yourself the question Bruce posed above… and then wait. Wait for a minute, or a few minutes, and if nothing comes, ask the question again… and then wait again. Eventually you will begin to hear the answer, or you may ‘see’ the response. In time, the path you need to take will become clear, and therein lies the beauty of this global pause.

BRUCE: Indeed, and with that truth you will gradually be able to shed any discordant activities, people, memories and traumas that you are holding on to. There is nothing to fear here as you are only going to go as deep as your ego allows.

Whether you are taking baby steps or bigger leaps, your conscious mind will be your guide. Just trust, sit, relax, ask and witness.

AUDE: You can sit in meditation alone, with your partner, or as a family. Taking the time to do this is well worth the effort as it will help you shed past issues, find a new space to exist and establish a new balance.

BRUCE: So how can readers

who’ve never meditated before, either individually or as a family, make a start with this?

AUDE: First, take time for yourself.

If you can find 30 minutes to sit and reflect, that’s fantastic. To meditate as a family or with your spouse, set a time to unplug, detach and find individual space; aim to sit together for five to 10 minutes. This simple practice has real benefits, at the very least you’ll soon feel a renewed sense of calm and balance.

Don’t put yourself down. I’m sure you’ve already grown from this experience without realising it.

Simply by working from home, without meetings or a lengthy commute and so on, we have all begun to define a new work-life balance BRUCE: So, let’s say you’ve set your intentions and you are working on your meditation practice, the next step is to dive deeper into what presents itself. If something uncomfortable comes up, perhaps something that your partner or children did that you haven’t resolved yet, you need to talk openly about it. Open dialogue, free from accusation or blame, is the way forward; it’s the way to help resolve these tensions.

AUDE: When raising these issues,

you need to find a way to express how you feel without going on the

attack. Talk about how an action or event (rather than a person) made you feel. Make it clear that you aren’t blaming anyone but you would like to be heard and to have their help in resolving the issue.

BRUCE: As you talk through these issues, you are freeing yourself up from past resistances.

A lot of good can come of that.

During this act of introspection, you might also ask yourself questions like: ‘What am I super passionate about and how can I turn this into a side profession?’

‘What have I always wanted to explore/ learn/ accomplish that I could start on today?’ To get some answers, simply ask the question when you are meditating, and wait for guidance.

AUDE: You are figuring out how to

craft your best life, which is fantastic but be aware that fear may present itself again here. After all, the lives most of us lead are blighted by self-imposed limitations; we’ve persuaded ourselves that we aren’t courageous or worthy enough to follow our dreams. If and when this fear comes back up, breathe through it, and realise that the greatest fear any of us ever faces is fear of the unknown.

BRUCE: COVID-19 has forced the whole world to hit that pause button, stop and take a breath. So, take that breath, face the unknown, and start walking towards a life that you dictate.

FIND IT Aude Garderet is a Practitioner of Psychotherapy and Bruce Taylor is a Reiki Master Healer, both are DB residents. You can contact them at A and B Therapy, aandbtherapy@gmail.com, www.aandbtherapy.com.

For more on Aude, visit www.brieftherapyhk.com; for more on Bruce, visit www.brucechi.org.

Find more from Aude and Bruce @ www.arounddb.com

28

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Who am I?

KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native English-speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

My thoughts

As the new coronavirus continues to spread, there is probably no better time than now to look into your health insurance policy and make sure you are receiving adequate coverage.

You may think you are covered, but depending on where you seek treatment you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars.

Health premiums vary tremendously. Here’s how to make sense of a four- tier medical system: 1. Government hospitals – you know how that works.

2. Lower tier insurance – basic coverage for those of you on a budget. This type of insurance is good for the self-employed and for non-travellers (limits can be really low for Europe, Australia and North America). It can be used at local private hospitals but may leave you short if any major surgery is needed. Be aware too that if you have a large claim your next premium will increase considerably. For outpatient claims, reimbursements are not so high especially if your doctor is in Central or DB. 3.

claims and doctors’ bills in DB and Central. This type of insurance is typically for those at managerial level. It works for frequent travellers, even those heading to Europe, Australia and Canada but those travelling to the US will need a bit more protection.

4 Top-tier insurance – high-end cover for just about any hospital, anywhere in the and free delivery for pregnant women. Top-tier insurance is popular with senior executives, independently wealthy people and women who want kids.

do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

9811 1554 kailash_k3@hotmail.com / kishus@i-cable.com

EDUCATION

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

PLEASE BE

30

YOU!

How we communicate with our children is key to helping them develop unconditional self-love. Joanne Hay reveals how we can foster self-esteem and resilience in our kids DB mum Joanne Hay wrote the empowering children’s book Please Be You! for her daughter Skye

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

T

he digital age has opened us up to a whole new world. Social media creates unrealistic personal, social and lifestyle expectations, which can cause low self-esteem and feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Now, more than ever, is a time for us to teach our children important concepts of self-love in order for them to appreciate their own worth, accept themselves for who they are, and feel confident, just as they are.

It’s never too soon for children to learn to love and accept themselves, empathise with others, have an open mind and so on. Here are some ways we can teach our children these allimportant concepts.

Be a role model Kids learn from watching the people around them, so we need to lead by example. We need to be mindful about what we say in front of them. For instance, if we constantly complain about being overweight, how can we expect our children to accept their bodies?

The other day, my daughter, Skye, asked me to draw a unicorn and I mumbled, “Oh, I am not very good at drawing,” and she immediately corrected me by saying, “No Mummy, you are the best and I love you.” The truth is, I wasn’t even aware I was putting myself down.

Now I am more mindful about how I self-talk in front of my children, which in turn, helps me boost my own self-esteem.

What’s important is that we foster not just self-love but selfacceptance in our children. It is inevitable for kids to compare themselves to others because, in all fairness, adults do it all the time. A day will come when they realise other kids have more toys, newer phones, cooler shoes and bigger houses, and their selfesteem will be put to the test. We

need to teach them to accept and embrace who they are. As an example, my daughter used to have a hard time with her hair; it’s beautiful but unruly and she hated having it brushed. Now though, we compare her hair to a lion’s mane and she shouts, “I love my crazy hair!”

Be present Have you ever spoken to someone and have them nod or even simply ignore you, while mindlessly scrolling through their phones?

How did that make you feel?

Annoyed? Hurt? Invisible? Children need to grow up with a sense of belonging and significance, so we must pay attention to them and listen to them.

I read somewhere: “If you don’t listen to the little things when they are little, they won’t tell you the big things when they are big.”

This really scared me. I realised that when my daughter showed me her artwork, I used to thank her and immediately put it to one side. Now, I excitedly ask her to tell me about her drawings and the concept behind them. I listen to every word she says very carefully.

Skye immediately got up, wiped away her tears and hopped back on her scooter.

Be positive We need to avoid criticising our children, especially in public, as it can be traumatising – it can make them feel ashamed and worthless.

Instead of scolding them, we can choose to empower them by implementing positive discipline techniques. Remember there are no bad kids, just bad behaviours.

For instance, instead of hurting your children’s egos by telling them they are untidy, say, “I would like you to tidy your room.” Rather than focusing on what your children did wrong, show them how to set things right.

Be strong Don’t think that because you’re a parent, you don’t have to apologise, or that to do so would be a sign of weakness. It’s crucial to show children that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that we all need to find the courage within ourselves to say sorry in order to find a way to move forward.

To understand how our children feel, we need to try to see the world from their perspective. For example, when they fall down and graze a knee, we should refrain from saying, “You’re okay! Don’t cry, it doesn’t hurt that much.”

Although we might have good intentions, this type of response invalidates their feelings and suppresses their emotions.

When your children have done something wrong and say they are sorry, talk about their motivations and the impact their behaviour has had on others. But most importantly, remember to tell them, “I forgive you.” If our children feel safe and unconditionally loved, they will not be afraid to tell the truth. If they are brought up to be honest about their feelings, thoughts and behaviours, they will grow into empowered adults.

One time when my daughter fell off her scooter, I said to her, “It’s okay to cry, Mummy cries when she falls hard!” Skye was really surprised and said, “Really? You cry too?” “Of course,” I said. “If it really hurts. But what matters is we get up again, and we keep trying!”

It won’t happen overnight but if we define the values that are important to us, we can model them and share them with our kids. The first step is to recognise that we need to accept our children for who they are, so they can learn to love and accept themselves.

Be empathetic

www.arounddb.com May 2020

31

EDUCATION

The 4 Es in self-esteem: Why kids need to be empowered, enabled, encouraged and extoled!

Joanne with her family in DB

1

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Empowered kids feel important and they get the reassurance that they matter. We need to remember that our kids are capable, often far more capable than we give them credit for. Let them make decisions, for instance let them choose their clothes, let them choose their shoes. Enjoy the crazy outfits they come up with and, above all, let them be themselves! Also, let your children help out. Let them put the laundry in the washing machine, let them carry bowls to the kitchen… and always shower them with praise for having done so.

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2

Enabled kids learn on their own. Out of love, we tend to jump in prematurely to try and help our children, but this actually takes away their learning opportunity. Try and sit back and stay quiet. Give kids space when they are talking through an issue and allow them to verbalise their thoughts. Your role is to listen to understand instead of listening to respond. Be there for them but let

them learn on their own. Let them put their pants on the wrong way around, they will fix it when they feel uncomfortable; let them put the puzzle in the wrong place, they will move it later. That said, there will be times when your children are truly stuck and need your help. When this happens give them suggestions instead of handing them the solution. Ask leading questions to guide them such as, “Maybe you can put your foot here? Maybe you can try this puzzle piece?”

3

Encouraged kids try new things. Children are learning about themselves and their surroundings every day, so praise them when they discover something new. Tell them you are proud of them whether or not they get something right the first time, help them understand that the

learning process is as important (and enjoyable) as the end result.

If they are scared to fail you, they will not try new things – they will worry you will be angry or disappointed. Encouragement is key as it allows kids to feel safe to get out of their comfort zone and grow.

4

Extoled kids feel good about themselves. We can boost our children’s self-esteem by verbally praising them for all the good things they do. “You were very kind when you gave your friend a hug when he cried… Thank you for saying thank you… I was so proud of you when you shared your candies with your cousins… You were so brave about swimming in the deep end of the pool… I love you.”

Joanne Hay is the author of Please Be You!, an ABC book that aims to foster self-love, self-acceptance and resilience in kids. To grab your copy, head to Bookazine, Kelly and Walsh, Swindon or Hong Kong Book Centre, or email Joanne at pleasebeyoubook@gmail.com.

Find more on education @ www.arounddb.com May 2020 www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL:

RAJASTHAN

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com & stock.adobe.com

Making your way anti-clockwise from Jaisalmer through Chittorgarh and Udaipur to Agra, Rajasthan’s magnificent sites are simply staggering. Dorothy Veitch reports

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Jaisalmer rising from the sand dunes

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

1 Jaisalmer If you only have a week, limit your Rajasthan tour to the so-called Golden Triangle, taking in New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but if you have a fortnight or so you can do the full circuit. Your first stop is Jaisalmer, with its 12th-century sandstone fort rising magically from the sand dunes. Enter via elephant-sized doors to explore bazaars, temples and the former maharaja’s seven-storey palace, now a museum.

Jodhpur’s blue-painted old town

2 Jodhpur Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is regarded as the cultural capital of Rajasthan. The best way to view the blue-block houses in the old city is from the ramparts of Mehrangarh, Jodhpur’s magnificent 15th-century fort. Venture inside and the tangle of winding medieval streets are lined with shops and bazaars selling everything from trumpets and temple decorations to snakes and saris.

3 Ranakpur Built in a forested valley, the temple complex at Ranakpur is one of the largest and most important in Jain culture. Wholly constructed in light coloured marble, it’s supported by more than 1,400 exquisitely carved pillars and covers an area of 4,400 square metres. There are various temples within the complex, the most visited being the 15th-century Chaumukha Temple, which is dedicated to the revered Jain teacher Adinatha.

Jain temple complex, Ranakpur

4 Chittorgarh The enormous, sprawling fortress of Chittorgarh is Rajasthan’s most enduring symbol of Rajput chivalry, resistance and bravery. Built in the 7th century, and now virtually a ruin, it crowns the top of a 180-metre hill that rises from the banks of river Berach.

Known for its seven imposing gates and impressive towers, the fort’s crenelated ramparts protect empty  palaces and temples.

Chittorgarth Fort

www.arounddb.com May 2020

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ESCAPES

5 Udaipur In enchanting Udaipur, life revolves around glimmering Lake Pichola. Be sure to explore the sprawling 16th-century City Palace complex, a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, which houses a museum and a couple of swish heritage hotels. There’s also the sublime 18th-century Lake Palace, built to look like a maharani’s wedding-cake, now an exclusive five-star hotel and occasional movie set.

Udaipur’s City Palace

6 Pushkar You’ll be in the Thar Desert for much of your trip and if you find it to your liking, overnight in Pushkar. This holy, hippy desert town is known for its annual 14day camel fair, scheduled to start on November 22 this year. Arrive early to see the camels, cattle and horses being sold, then enjoy the fair before washing away your sins at the full-moon ceremony of Kartik Purnima.

Camel Fair, Pushkar

7 Jaipur The 16th-century Amber Palace is the real centrepiece of bustling pink-painted Jaipur. You enter through the Ganesh Gate, named after the Hindu god Lord Ganesh, and are free to wander the palace grounds, halls of audience and even the once-taboo Palace of the Winds (women’s quarters). The Palace of the Winds’ 953 latticed windows were designed to allow the ladies of the royal court to watch the drama of the streets unobserved.

Palace of the Winds, Jaipur

8 Agra Your 1,800-kilometre ride around the explosion of the senses that is Rajasthan culminates in Agra at sunrise, when you get your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal.

This white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (and later himself). This extravagant monument to love is incidentally just across the state line in Uttar Pradesh.

Find more exciting escapes @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Taj Mahal, Agra

RECIPES

Mother knows best The recipes that are handed down to us tend to be the ones we revisit the most. Which of these classics will you cook up to commemorate Mother’s Day?

Chicken Noodle Soup Serves 6 • 1 chicken • 3.15l water • 2tbsp mixed herbs, chopped • 1 small leek, chopped • 1 small cabbage, chopped • 4 sticks celery, halved • 1 large onion, chopped • 450g carrots, chopped • 110g peas • 110g egg vermicelli

Photos courtesy of stock.adobe.com

For the stock, cut the chicken into 8 pieces and put it (and the giblets) in a saucepan with the water. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes, skimming off any surface scum. Add the herbs and all the vegetables except the carrots and peas. Simmer gently for 1.5 hours.

Remove the chicken and separate the meat from the bone, reserving it for the soup. Cover the stock and simmer for a further 30 minutes.

Discard the vegetables. Chill the stock overnight, and remove the solid fat that forms on the surface.

Transfer to a large saucepan, cover, bring to the boil and add the carrots. Season and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the chicken into bitesize pieces. Add the chicken, peas and egg vermicelli and cook for about 5 minutes.

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May 2020 www.arounddb.com

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Serves 4 • 300g cauliflower florets • 300g dried macaroni • 90g butter • 4tbsp plain flour • 2tsp English mustard powder • 600ml milk • 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated • 100g Lancashire cheese, crumbled • 100g Cheshire cheese, crumbled • 3tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs • 1tbsp thyme leaves Cook the cauliflower and macaroni in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain, and fold in 30g butter. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Heat the remaining butter in a pan and stir in the flour and mustard powder. Gradually add the milk stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring to the boil over a low heat stirring frequently until the roux thickens. Season well.

Combine the cheeses and add half to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth again, Add the macaroni and cauliflower and mix well to coat. Place the mixture in a large gratin dish. Combine the remaining cheeses with the breadcrumbs and thyme. Sprinkle over the macaroni  mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. www.arounddb.com May 2020

39

RECIPES

Spag Bol Serves 4 • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 sticks celery, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, diced • 5 slices streaky bacon, chopped • 2tbsp olive oil • 400g mince • 1 15-oz tin chopped tomatoes • 1 medium carrot, diced • 1 vegetable stock cube, grated • 1tbsp oregano • 400g spaghetti Gently fry the onion, celery, garlic and bacon in the olive oil until golden. Turn up the heat, add the mince and fry, stirring well until browned all over. Stir in the tinned tomatoes, diced carrot and grated stock cube. Add the oregano and a splash of red wine (optional). Put a lid on the saucepan and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Cook the spaghetti in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and combine with the meat mixture. Season well, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh oregano to serve.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com

40

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

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43

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

Congratulations to last month’s winner: Lucas Torresi (@lucasnam)

44

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!

May 2020 www.arounddb.com

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL/ COUPLES THERAPY

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

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

They are not delivering to DB Or Lantau?

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

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING FACIAL REFLEX THERAPY IN DB

Try Facial Reflex Therapy for: • Stress management • Normalising menstruation • Sleeping disorders • Skin issues (due to hormonal imbalance, allergies etc) • Depression; ADHD; Bipolar disorder Facial Reflex Therapy is a natural face-lifting beauty regime. It also boosts confidence & learning ability.

Contact Tina at 9855 7086 (WhatsApp)

• Virtual-reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying, public speaking, bridges, enclosed spaces, storms) • Couples’ conflicts • Overeating • Career/ relationship stress • Anger management • Nail biting • Exam jitters • Divorce/ career coaching • Quitting smoking Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist.

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

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

BUSINESS AND LIFECOACH

HOME SERVICES

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FTC RELOCATIONS

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CHECK OUT ARK EDEN WEBSITE for ADDITIONAL CAMPS & WORKSHOPS

環悅設計工程公司一心致力於您們快樂 及自由的頤年生活。 我們將提供專業家居護理評估來改裝您 們的家，使您們能享受家居安老。 聯絡我們 Contact Us

Tel / WhatsApp: 9710 5728 E-mail: joyceworldco@gmail .com joyceworld_creation joyceworldcreation @joyceworldcreation

Visit www.arkedenonlantau.org

Email : info@arkedenonlantau.org Tel : 2988 5355

At Joyce World Creation Ltd, we remodel homes so they are safe for the elderly.

We provide a medical assessment on which you can base your home’s reconstruction and we source suitable equipment for assisted living.

Scan QR code to see our video https://youtu.be/nuZ_sPeIrKw

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2

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

MPF Services QDAP Insurances VHIS Protection Wealth Management Candy Cheung

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

Financial Planning Manager Bachelor of Business

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

KITTY

Looking to host a party or just a great day out with your friends on the water, we have a 35 capacity wooden junk for hire.

Central or Discovery Bay Pick Up info@hongkongjunks.com.hk I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H T 8 C O R P O R AT E A N D B U I S N E S S S E R V I C E S

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

• • • •

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

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

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

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

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

© Anna Kari

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

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

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

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HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

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

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HOT EL S

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

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

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Sparrow Soccer School Hong Kong Tung Chung Crescent Club House

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

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FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

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

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

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

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HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

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

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

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

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

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

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

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

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

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

FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Restaurant

L E A RNING CEN T RES

HOME & REPA IRS

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

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

www.arounddb.com May 2020

49

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

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

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

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

3102 2977 2987 8460

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

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

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

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

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

50

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

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

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

May 2020 www.arounddb.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 (15 years+ experience). Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

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

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

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

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

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

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

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@ www.arounddb.com

WELLBEING

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

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

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bay Spa

ay Spa

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

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

Nail Spa: 2987 2266

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

Massage: 2988 1188

2987 9794 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 0918 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com May 2020

51

OUT THERE

The Great Toilet Paper Caper

We’ve had plenty of things to worry about these past couple of months.

Peter Sherwood questions whether TP supplies had to be one of them

M

y first column in the SCMP in the ‘80s featured a worker who’d rushed into a 7-Eleven and escaped with a box of tissues, both petty theft and a brilliant set-up for some cheap puns. The cops grabbed him and later in court denounced his urgent diarrhoea story as ‘a tissue of lies.’

(I was told his former wife was not involved, making her a Kleen-ex.)

This frivolous misdemeanour got him three months in the slammer.

Meanwhile in the high court, a notorious billion-dollar fraudster was more stunned than the prosecution to hear that after an 18-month trial costing HK$99 million, the government had not presented a strong enough case. What was plenty strong, it turned out, was the aged Scottish beverage the judge was consuming each lunchbreak at his nearby club, which left him slumped over the bench and in no mood to take notes. Seems there was no case to answer because the judge had forgotten what it was. Months of tedious lawyering combined with 45% proof alcohol can have that effect. The moral is clear: If you’re planning a crime, think big.

Illustration by Terry Chow

Not so ancient the report of a major COVID-19-related toilet roll theft – a comic venture and, like the panic purchase of millions of toilet rolls,

52

inherently silly. Apparently, the thieves got away with toilet rolls from a Mongkok supermarket with a street value of HK$1,640; a term that puts the caper right up there with a Class A drugs heist. The perpetrators were swiftly ‘flushed out,’ which is as linguistically gratifying as it is perplexing. Have the cops not got better things to do?

Earlier this year toilet rolls and the hoarding thereof was the talk of the town, as panicked punters stampeded through supermarket aisles to plunder the scarce bathroom commodity, forgetting it was in short supply because they already had rooms full of the stuff at home.

While the history of the common toilet roll may not be fodder for Hollywood, I’ve managed to unearth a memorable snippet: In 1935 Northern Tissue invented splinter-free toilet paper. Simple paper-making procedures often failed to remove small splinters from

the finished product (ouch!) but Northern Tissue engineers solved the problem. Softer, splinter-free toilet paper subsequently became a revolutionary reality.

Panic is defined as a ‘sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behaviour.’ Earlier this year in Hong Kong, observers of human stupidity searched Google for a connection between a respiratory illness and a frantic need for the abovementioned toilet accessory. Having found none they reverted to their original state of disbelief at such frenzied buying, which got them nowhere and left them languishing at the tail end of a 20-kilometre queue for a toilet roll.

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

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

WANT TO REACH AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE OF AFFLUENT RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES IN LANTAU? June / July 2019

WIN! A term’s dance classes with Twinkle Dance Company, tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland, a place on a Treasure Island summer camp and an A Tavola dinner voucher

NEW FESTIVAL ALL SET TO BOOST THE LOCAL LIVE MUSIC SCENE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRAGON BOATING

HIKING THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 7 TO 9)

Love our ocean M E E T E C O M A R I N E AC T I V I S T K E I L E M N G

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

For 17+ 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) for 2020.

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

publishing and design studio