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Happenings & Events STUFF TO KNOW IN FEBRUARY!

2022 GOT OFF WITH A SURPRISINGLY BIG BANG

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED THROUGH CHINESE NEW YEAR

The government has extended its latest round of COVID-19 restrictions into February, which means we’re in for another muted Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. Venues like gyms, cinemas and bars will remain closed and the dine-in ban after 6pm will continue at least until February 3, the third day of the Lunar New Year.

The annual CNY fireworks show, once a memorable start to welcome in the holiday, has been cancelled for the third consecutive year. Largescale events like the annual flower fairs have also been cancelled.

Looking back, it’s interesting to consider how much better we fared on January 31, with two large-scale countdown celebrations ringing in 2022 after two years of cancellations.

There was the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s free overnight concert on December 31 at the West Kowloon Cultural District, headlined by Mirror, AGA, Gin Lee and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. And there was the HK$30 million drone show and concert, organised by NEW TV at the Central Harbourfront, held over two consecutive evenings – December 31 and January 1. The event was live-streamed by TVB, with 600 drones flying above Victoria Harbour. Aaron Kwok, Vivian Chow and Grasshopper performed live for crowds of 16,000 people per night.

These high-profile events contrasted with a rather more low-key gettogether at Ngong Ping on December 31, where Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Abbot Sik Jin-yin ushered in the new year by ringing the bell next to the Big Buddha. About 300 people, including political figures and top Beijing officials, attended the closed-door ceremony at Po Lin Monastery.

Local trail runners are reminded to register for the TransLantau™ by UTMB® in March. Taking place in November, the event offers three races on Lantau – 25km, 50km and 100km. The demanding course is on trails for 80% of the race, covering two country parks and taking runners past iconic locations including the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O. Participants get to connect with nature as they push their limits and immerse themselves in Lantau’s glorious countryside.

TransLantau™ by UTMB® is a leading race in Hong Kong, and the latest event in Asia to join the UTMB® World Series. Open to runners of all abilities, it’s hugely popular amongst international runners with 43 different nationalities represented at the last edition. To find out more and register, visit www.translantau.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Clement Dumont.]

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

In addition to writing environmental books for children, Suzanne is the founder of Green Dragons HK, a collection of dragon boat paddlers from different Hong Kong teams, who are committed to eliminating single-use plastic during training and race events. For more on the author and the Green Dragon book series, visit www.dracoviridi.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Suzanne Younan.]

February is probably the best month to be single, at least at Sheraton Tung Chung Hong Kong. The hotel’s pre-Valentine’s Day Speed Dating Singles Party Package, running February 12 and 13, is tailor-made for all those looking for love. Likeminded singletons can enjoy speed-dating sessions hosted by professional matching counsellor Karin Tsang, ice-breaker games and a romantic set dinner. The package also includes one (or two) night’s stay in a deluxe room and daily breakfast.

Those who have already found love will want to check out the Sheraton’s Beyond Romance Staycation Package, available right through February. In addition to a room romantically decorated with flower petals and balloons, the package includes breakfast for two in Café Lantau and a Moët & Chandon Afternoon tea set for two in the Lobby Lounge. To create lasting memories at the Sheraton in February, call 2535 0035. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Sheraton Tung Chung Hong Kong.]

WILD LANTAU RACE

LESSONS FOR LIFE

NEW ECO-BOOK SET IN MUI WO

SPEED DATING AT THE SHERATON

Congratulations to Cheung Sha resident Enzo Hilaire who placed third in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Paris on December 19. The young French-born rapper represented France with the song Tic Tac, written and composed by French singer-songwriter and music technician Alban Lico. During the contest, which combined online and jury voting, Enzo was singled out for his energy, professionalism and unique voice.

While in France preparing for Eurovision, Enzo signed with @WarnerMusic, and released his first album Tic Tac L’album, which is available on most streaming platforms. Aside from the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Enzo also participated in season 7 of The Voice Kids France in August 2020, where he made it to the final with judge Soprano. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Francois Hilaire.]

In his latest book, Along the Southern Boundary, former Marine Police officer and 10-year DB resident Les Bird tells of the harrowing sea journey to Hong Kong made by tens of thousands of refugees in the years that followed the end of the Vietnam War. His frontline account includes a previously unpublished collection of personal photographs – of makeshift boats and people-smuggling vessels – taken as he patrolled Hong Kong’s southern maritime boundary.

Les joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976 and he served for two decades in the lead-up to the handover. He was first stationed at then remote Tai O Police Station, now Tai O Heritage Hotel. Along the Southern Boundary and Les’ bestselling memoir, A Small Band Of Men, are available at bookshops throughout Hong Kong. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Les Bird.]

Merrin Pearse has stepped down as Chairman of Living Islands Movement (LIM) after seven incredible years. The 14-year Lantau resident relocated to New Zealand late last year, and has been succeeded by Louise Preston, as LIM’s Acting Chair.

LIM is a community-based organisation that aims to promote sustainable development on the outlying islands, with a focus on Lantau. Its volunteers work tirelessly to protect the islands both culturally and environmentally, and they are committed to working and co-operating with local residents, and governmental and non-governmental organisations to realise quality-of-life goals. Ongoing issues of local concern include waste management, transport, parking, illegal dumping and landfill – and money raised through donations and membership fees goes directly into funding campaigns. To find out more and help secure ‘A Liveable Lantau for All,’ visit www.livingislands.org.hk. [PHOTO BY Terry Chow.]

HIS FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT

LES BIRD’S LATEST MEMOIR

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Enter The Tiger GET READY TO ROAR!

ANTICIPATING A WILD RIDE IN 2022

The Year of the Tiger started on February 1, 2022 and ends on January 21, 2023, here’s what we can expect from the year ahead.

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

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

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

ARE YOU COMPATIBLE?

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

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

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

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

HEALTH

The Year of the Tiger 2022 is under the influence of the Water element, which bodes well for health, specifically our ability to overcome disease. Water is an extremely powerful natural force. It’s the strongest element – even stronger than fire – because it can go around any obstacle in its path. Empowered by the Water Tiger, most signs will enjoy good health in 2022 – and there’s every reason to hope that his strength will help us finally beat COVID.

2022 BODES WELL FOR HEALTH

A YEAR OF INTENSE EMOTIONS

LOVE

Out of all of the Chinese zodiac elements, Water has the greatest connection to the emotions – to sensitivity, creativity and falling in love. 2022 promises to be a lucky year for those who are single and ready for romance (watch out for your beloved in April, May and November). Those who are married or in long-term relationships find their feelings intensified in a Tiger year, though miscommunications may create challenges for some. Auspicious months for marriage are June, July and August.

MONEY

The Water element also represents wealth, so we can hope for a rewarding 2022 as far as finances are concerned. Money flow should be ample, especially for those born in an Earth year, and all signs, particularly Dragons, can hope to recover earnings lost during the pandemic. Financial windfalls are common in a Tiger year (particularly for Tigers and Roosters), so 2022 could be a good year to invest in stocks, notably crypto. Just be sure to reign in that Tiger-year impetuosity – show caution in your investments, limit overspending and cut out unnecessary expenses.

MONEY FLOW SHOULD BE AMPLE

CAREER

Fired by the Tiger’s drive and determination, 2022 should be a positive year career-wise for most signs. If you are your own boss, start dreaming big and looking into expansion – in a Tiger year, you will have the time and resources to grow your business. If you are an employee, your chances of promotion and salary increase are high, particularly if you have a male boss. 2022 looks set to be a great year for Roosters, who are looking for a promotion, and for Dogs and Pigs, who will be amply rewarded for their hard work and dependability. Kung Hei Fat Choy!