Around DB November Issue 2017

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

NOVEMBER 2017

DB Pirates’ Phillip Baldwin shares the secret of success How packing a BOX OF HOPE can benefit your child Exhilarating regional THEME PARKS for big kids (as well as small) The BIG Picnic: backstage gossip plus your pocketsized TBP programme

BET TERMENT

TONING UP and WAKING UP through yoga!

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

FREE

RENTALS/SALES

November 2017

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海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE

Gross: 1310’ Saleable: 960’

37K

Cosy apartment with lots of natural light. Balcony with nice sea views. Close to schools and Club Siena. Ideal for family.

3 2

Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1159’

尚堤 CHIANTI 4

45K

Spacious living with 24hr concierge service .

Easy access to bus stop and North Plaza.

2

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3

T AD

Gross: 2300’ Saleable: 1787’

68K

5

T AD

Gross: 713’ Saleable: 588’

5.4M

Renovated apartment, modern kitchen and ideal for family. Convenient and quiet.

1

3 2

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N BA

L VA

T

Gross: 1235’ Saleable: 962’

12M 碧濤軒 COASTLINE

Nicely renovated lowrise apartment with spacious living. Close to schools. Good value. Don’t miss.

3 2

Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1347’

14.2M

Renovated lowrise apartment, balcony with great views. Spacious living and in a tranquil location.

B

Saleable: 1723’

3

Beautifully renovated house with outdoor living space. Practical layout and high ceilings. Must see!

IO AT LU VA NT NK E BA AG W EAD O L EL

海澄湖畔二段 SIENA TWO Gross: 2276’ 4

3

$119K/40M

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海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE

TIO UA

BE

4

Gross: 1904’ Saleable: 1889’

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觀峰樓 MOUNTAIN VIEW 3

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

EN

L

SO

119K

Spectacular lowrise apartment, fully equipped kitchen and close to beach, DB plaza and pier. Must see!

4

EN

G EA

Gross: 2075’ Saleable: 1995’

海馬徑 SEAHORSE

Chic apartment, high efficiency, balcony, 24 hr concierge service and in a quiet location.

3

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尚堤 CHIANTI 4

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L

SO

49K

Beautifully renovated lowrise apartment with lots of outside space. Spacious living and close to schools. Must see!

2

EN

G EA

Gross: 1432’ Saleable: 1146’

27.16M/88K

Stunning duplex. Fully equipped kitchen with High ceilings.

Spacious living and panoramic sea views. Must see!

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4 3

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

115K/36M 朝暉徑 HEADLAND

Company sale. Fabulous waterfront house with garden and terrace. Modern kitchen and great for entertaining

4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’

145K/50M

Stunning house with lovely sea views. High ceilings and well decorated. Popular choice of families.

2987 2088

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CONTENTS November 2017

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

YogaUP’s Chaukei Ngai

DB Pirates in the big leagues

22

46

20

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

49

PARENTING Sibling rivalry

57

RECIPES Autumn fruits

67

DB FACES Community snaps

76

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA

IN FOCUS

ESCAPES

Behind the scenes at The BIG Picnic

Top 5 regional theme-park holidays

28

52

FAMILY MATTERS

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

Box of Hope – DB deliveries

REGULARS

08

DB EVENTS

63

HK HAPPENINGS

70

CLASSIFIEDS

72

PROPERTY

73

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER DB’s Chaukei Ngai strikes a pose on Tai Pak Wan To read the cover story turn to page 22

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

NOVEMBER 2017

DB Pirates’ Phillip Baldwin shares the secret of success How packing a BOX OF HOPE can benefit your child Exhilarating regional THEME PARKS for big kids (as well as small) The BIG Picnic: backstage gossip plus your pocketsized TBP programme

42

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

BET TERMENT

TONING UP and WAKING UP through yoga!

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

FREE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

We also publish…

Oct/ Nov 2017

WIN!

Prizes from AsiaWorld-Expo, Cafe Isara, Di Jerk Shed and Tung Chung Vet Centre

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

Join your community online

ON THE RIGHT TRACK 3 WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE LIFE YOU WANT

CHANGING TIMES

2017 / 2018

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE FROM LANDAC AND LIM

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT!

TRASH PLASTIC TO KEEP BEACH POLLUTION AT BAY ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002 Publishers

DINING • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL • EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

Price SALAD (4 LB) Guest name Contact number E-mail Self-collection date and time Or Delivery date Delivery time

11am — 1pm

1pm — 3pm

3pm — 6pm

HK$288

Roast Chicken with Pumpkin, Capsicum and Feta Salad

HK$368

Cranberry and Quinoa Salad with Candied Walnuts

HK$298

Assorted Cold Cuts and Cheese Platter

HK$588

FROM THE OVEN

Delivery address

Total amount HK$ Card type VISA Master Credit card number Card holder’s name Expiry date MM/YY __ __ / __ __ Card Issuing Bank Signature

Roast Vegetable Salad with Caper Dressing

Roast Whole Turkey with Giblet Jus and Cranberry Sauce (6-7kg)

HK$798

Honey Glazed Boneless Gammon with Honey Pineapple Sauce and Dijon Mustard (2kg)

HK$518

Roast U.S. Beef Strip Loin with Herb Jus (3kg)

HK$1,788

Roast Pork Spare Rib with BBQ Sauce (2kg)

HK$598

Dessert Signature must correspond to the specimen signature of the above credit card account.

Christmas Cinnamon Cheese Cake (2lb)

HK$588

Buche de Noel (2lb)

HK$568

Quantity

UBLISHER rinne Jedwood rinne@baymedia.com.hk

ANAGING EDITOR achel Ainsley chel@baymedia.com.hk

SSISTANT EDITOR m Agars m@baymedia.com.hk

PECIAL PUBLICATIONS ONLINE EDITOR aire Severn aire@baymedia.com.hk

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DVERTISING SALES MANAGER nnie Cottam nnie@baymedia.com.hk

ALES ACCOUNT MANAGER onika Carruthers onika@baymedia.com.hk

FFICE MANAGER axine Parry countant@baymedia.com.hk

TERN trina Mercado trina@baymedia.com.hk

HOTOGRAPHER aljit Gidwani ww.evoqueportraits.com

ONTRIBUTORS enry Benjamin te Farr zabeth Kerr ter Sherwood

RINTING hampion Design & Production mpany Ltd. at D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory uilding, Wong Chuk Hang Road, ong Kong.

CLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB not necessarily those of the publisher, editor ontributors. The publisher and editor cannot held responsible for differences of opinion or ements published in good faith. The publisher, ributors, their employees and partners are not onsible for the results of any actions, errors omissions taken on the basis of information ained in this publication and expressly disclaim nd any liability for any such action of any person. mention of specific companies or products in les or advertisements does not imply that they endorsed or recommended by this magazine s publisher in preference to others of a similar re which are not mentioned or advertised. No of this magazine may be reproduced in any form out permission.

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www.evoqueportraits.com

DISCOVERY MIND’S FUNFILLED DAY

Kids enjoyed exciting activities and found out all about what Discovery Mind has to offer at its Funfilled Day on October 21.

DB EVENTS

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

www.evoqueportraits.com

KIDS IN THE PARK

The Discovery Bay International Community Church and Discovery Bay Alliance Church’s Kids in the Park was a hit on October 21, with fun and games aplenty.

 www.arounddb.com November 2017

9

DB EVENTS

Photos courtesy of Love.Together@DB

DB BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

DBers battled it out in the DB Basketball Tournament Community Health Cup at Discovery College on October 22 in an effort to promote healthy living. Run DBB were the day’s champions, while G.Six were the runners up, HK Barbarians came third and Sniper fourth.

10

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

Year 1 and 2

DBIS GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY COMP

Winner Gabby Sandham.

Chose this subject because it reminded me of my Nanna and Grandad’s garden in England.

Being Green means not to litter and to recycle as much as you can. 

Following its introduction last year, Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) Primary held its second Green Photography Competition in September, with the winners announced during Sustainability Week assembly. Tung Chung-based photographer Tim Draper ran workshops with each class, focusing on aspects of framing, composition and focal points.

The enthusiasm from the 100 entrants was incredible, especially when discussing the photographs and their passion for their surroundings. Prizes for the winners and runners-up were provided by Green Mondays, Plastic Free Seas and Eureka Socks.

Year 1 and 2



Runner-up Amelia Bay. Chose this subject because you can see the sun coming through the trees.

Being Green means keeping nature nice. Green is the colour of nature.

Year 3 and 4 Winner Ruby Moriarty.

Chose this subject because it was in the rubbish and the tree was pretty.

Being Green means flowers and saving the world.

12

November 2017 www.arounddb.com



Year 3 and 4



Runner-up Keira Holburn.

Chose this subject because they were beautiful plants with coloured flowers in a concrete jungle.

It looked unusual.

Being Green means helping the earth by recycling plastics, glass, paper and metal.

Year 5 and 6



Winner Ella Rush.

Chose this subject because the water was so perfectly lined up. It created a mirror image of the mountains, which made it look like a floating island.

Being Green means everyone doing their part to make our world a better place for future generations.

Year 5 and 6



Runner-up Sana Takamatsu.

Chose this subject because I thought it would be very interesting to see the wings up close. I think dragonflies are beautiful.

Being Green means caring about the environment by not wasting or littering. This is important because if we keep littering everywhere and not caring, our Earth will be a mess, which affects us and nature on our planet.  www.arounddb.com November 2017

13

DB EVENTS

November 2

YOUR GUIDE

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

TO UPCOMING

COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

at Zak’s, DB, kicks off at 8am. For information and registration, head to the DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast Facebook page or visit www.t8events.com.

Throughout November

TO ADOPT A PET through Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

November 4

If you would like to see an event listed in this section, email sam@baymedia.com.hk

THE HIT ROOM’S SPARTAN CHALLENGE Kam Tin, New Territories November 4

www.evoqueportraits.com

THE BIG PICNIC

DB Plaza and Tai Pak Wan Running from 10am until 10pm, get ready to join your friends for a thrilling day of first-rate bands, acoustic vibes and talented dance groups at The BIG Picnic. The much-loved DB institution sees your favourite acts from years past joined by exciting new talent across four stages. Read all about it on page 28, and find the event programme within these pages.

November 4

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven Court, 2pm to

4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

14

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

www.thehitroom.com.hk

A team from DB’s The HIT Room is competing in the Hong Kong Spartan race, with successful Spartan racer Douglas Nairne, a DB resident, acting as technical adviser. Douglas has run seven Spartan races to date and has one booked every month until the end of this year in various parts of the world. The HIT Room is encouraging enrolled participants to train hard, build strength and come out on top. For more about the race, head to www.spartanrace.hk/en.

BOX OF HOPE

November 4, 12 & 26

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

All DB schools

in DB Plaza at The BIG Picnic from 10.30am to 8pm on November 4 and also on November 12 and 26 from 11am to 6pm.

November 6-10

November 7

MELBOURNE CUP CHARITY LUNCH

Photo courtesy of DC

After collecting an amazing 27,253 boxes for underprivileged children in 2016, Box of Hope is targeting 29,000 this year. All DB kids need to do to help those in need in Hong Kong and throughout Asia is fill a shoebox with new and interesting educational gifts and have it ready when collection week rolls around from November 6 to 10. To find out more, turn to page 42.

Aberdeen

FRENCH SPECIAL AT IMI! IMI, DB North Plaza

Photo courtesy of Farmer’s Market

Expect champagne, wine, beer, canapés and a three-course meal at this year’s Melbourne Cup lunch, a collaboration between Farmer’s Market and the DB-driven charity Angels for Orphans. All proceeds will go to the good work Angels for Orphans does in helping underprivileged children through projects by Bali Kids and Sunrise Cambodia. The event raised over HK$123,000 last year and this year’s target is HK$200,000. Auction items include a week’s stay in Sri Lanka and in Bali. For tickets, head to https://goo.gl/b7e9XU.

WATER & WINE EXPO

DB 10KM RUN

Discovery Bay Marina Club

Throughout DB November 11

www.evoqueportraits.com

Drop in for coffee and November 10 snacks at 9.15am and meet Integrated Medicine Institute’s French-speaking practitioners – clinical massage therapist Marilyn Chevalier, naturopathic doctor Joelle Bradford, sophrologist Celine Pellarin www.pixabay.com and osteopath Jonathan Vallade. Find out about different natural therapies for your family and receive complimentary assessments or mini treatments. For more information, call 2537 1087 or email receptiondb@imi.com.hk.

One of DB’s favourite annual events, the DB 10km Run for Charity is set to light up the streets this month. The 13th running of the event starts and finishes in Siena Park; registration comes in at HK$400 and is open until November 9. Volunteers are needed, so head to www.dbrunforcharity.org.

Enjoy the unique combination of wine tasting and shopping at DB’s own Water & Wine Expo. Tickets, which include a custom wine glass, are HK$120 for the www.wikimedia.org first ticket and HK$80 for the second if bought in advance, or HK$150 on the door. To secure your spot, head to www.t8events.com/Water-&-Wine.

November 11

www.arounddb.com November 2017

15



DB EVENTS

WALK FOR OPERATION SANTA CLAUS Discovery Mind Kindergarten

November 16

PROVERSE PUBLISHING PARADE

November 18

Garden Road, Central

Photo courtesy of DMK

Dress up in your festive best and join the 12th annual Discovery Mind Operation Santa Claus Sponsored Walk.

Proceedings kick off at 9am, with walkers starting at Discovery Mind Kindergarten and finishing at Siena Park.

Find out more by calling 2877 6355.

November 18

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP,

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Sam Pak Wan from 2pm to 4pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

Photo courtesy of Gillian Bickley

Proverse Hong Kong, founded by long-term DB residents Verner and Gillian Bickley, is holding The Proverse Publishing Parade. The event sees a number of authors launching and signing their books, including Ivy Ngeow, 2016 Winner of the Proverse Prize, who is flying in from London to launch her novel, Cry of the Flying Rhino. To sign up for the reception, visit www.proversepublishing.com.

Team FEAR Throughout DB November 19

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY FUNDRAISER Café Duvet, DB Plaza

The Rotary Club of Discovery November 24 Bay and the Hong Kong French Overseas Association are joining forces to raise funds for the French Muscular Dystrophy Association. The association is composed of patients and their families who are affected by neuromuscular diseases, and it www.wikimedia.org supports the development of innovative therapies for rare diseases. Admission is HK$150 for members and HK$200 for guests, including cheese bites and two complimentary drinks. For more information, visit www.afm-telethon.com.

FIRST FREE PANTO OF THE SEASON! November 30 Club Siena Photo by Vincent Ypersiel

Team FEAR, under the new name of the Uncle Russ Coffee Adventure Challenge, sees eight- to 18-year-olds run, bike, coasteer, abseil, swim, canoe and rock-scramble in support of Youth Outreach Hong Kong. To find out more, head to www.team-fear.com.

16

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

The students of DB’s Hong Kong International Learning Academy (HKILA) are performing their own hilarious version of Aladdin Trouble to kick off the festive season.

Tickets are free but places are limited. To reserve your seat, call 2416 3198.

www.studyhkila.com



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Unique home in Mui Wo village. 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths inc 1 ensuite, helpers room & study. Open plan kitchen/dining/living area leads out to very large landscaped & walled garden with private entrance. Lovely mountain views from rooftop. Very rare property!

$3.95M

MUI WO FLAT 429’ NET

Bright and conveniently located flat in the heart of Mui Wo. 2 Beds, 1 Bath. Recently painted living room and bedrooms, and new wood style tiling laid with original separate kitchen.

Gorgeous views and very close to shops and Silvermine beach, viewing highly recommended!

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$28K

$47K SAN SHEK WAN VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Rooftop

Elegant and exquisite renovated home situated in quiet South Lantau village.

4 Beds, 2.5 Baths inc 1 ensuite. Desirable and modern open plan kitchen and unique breakfast bar. This beautiful home offers good sized bedrooms, stunning sea and mountain views with village parking, close to beach and public transport.

CHEUNG SHA - LEYBURN VILLAS 850’ NET

Inviting and attractive villa in very popular complex with great facilities! 2 Beds, 2 Baths. Kitchen with new appliances and a big living room leading out onto balcony overlooking beautiful sea view. Private covered car park, complex with swimming pool, tennis court and BBQ areas. A must see!

$8.8K

UAVAIR teach to Australian standards. We are registered under the UAS International Standards program to certify that we meet the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards. The course will cover the differences between Hong Kong, Australian (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and American (Federal Aviation Administration) unmanned aerial vehicle standards.

MUI WO STUDIO 264’ NET

Elegantly renovated studio located in Mui Wo centre. Light and airy and fully furnished with a bed, sofa and cabinets. This home is great for commuters and very close to shops, restaurants and the beautiful Silver Mine beach. Ideal for that tranquil and quite lifestyle in mind, with great sea and mountain views.

Making you feel at home is our business

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

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DB EVENTS

NEW in DB TEKKERZ

SAVE the DATE

ADVENTURE BACKPACK DC FAMILY FUN DAY KICKSTARTER December 9

Photo courtesy of Tekkerz

Tekkerz, one of Hong Kong’s premier technical skills football programmes, is now available in DB. An intense ‘maximum touch’ football programme, Tekkerz develops individual skills and overall game play by maximising touches through dynamic passing drills, enhancing ball control and body positioning, and improving balance, agility and decision making. The programme is selection-based and is initially focusing on under 11 to under 13 kids. For more information and to register for a trial, head to http://prosportsasia.com/tekkerz.

Photo courtesy of Mario Jutronic

DB resident Mario Jutronic and former DB resident Jensen Pauwel are running a 45-day kickstarter project to launch their adventure/ camera backpack. They are confident their product will become the industry standard – the sample has been stress-tested in the lab and across the Nordics. The campaign runs until November 19; to check out the bag and pledge your support head to www. kickstarter.com/projects/899256448/ fjord-36-action-pack-by-nya-evo.

Photo courtesy of DC

Expect live music, entertainment, food and commercial stalls at Discovery College’s annual bonanza, with something on offer for all ages. The event runs from 12pm to 5pm; for more information and to book a stall, contact pta@dc.edu.hk.

2017 PRESTIGE

Gift & Lifestyle Fair

Wednesday 15 November, 10am - 8pm

Pre-Christmas Gift Parade Monday 27 November, 10am - 8pm

Christmas Gift Showcase Saturday 2 December, 10am - 6pm

Grand Ballroom Conrad Hong Kong

FREE ADMISSION OPEN TO PUBLIC

GIVEAWAYS

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

Win a place at a Faust International Youth Theatre holiday workshop

www.faustworld.com

Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one reader a place at either its Creative Writing or Holiday Theatre workshop (worth up to HK$2,280) from December 19 to 22 or 27 to 29, subject to availability.

Faust’s Creative Writing and Holiday Theatre workshops, held at the Faust studios in Sheung Wan, provide a fun-filled learning environment for children aged four to 12. For more on the Christmas programmes, visit www.faustworld.com.

Win tickets to Aladdin – the Panto Hong Kong Players is offering two readers a pair of tickets (each worth HK$320) to Aladdin – the Panto on December 7 at 7.30pm at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai.

Hong Kong Players’ 56th annual Christmas pantomime is an all-singing-all-dancing ensemble for the whole family. Meet Aladdin and his pals at this year’s spectacular show – it’s Genie-us! For tickets, starting at HK$300, visit www.urbtix.hk.

www.hongkongplayers.com

Win tickets to Hairy Maclary and Friends

Win a gift box from The South African Shop The South African Shop is offering one reader a gift box containing South African wine, Biltong, Droëwors and other goodies (worth HK$1,000). The prize will be delivered to your doorstep in Hong Kong.

The South African Shop is an online family business born out of the excitement of receiving much anticipated goodies from South Africa. Stocking Biltong, Droëwors, Boerewors, cereals, condiments and all your favourite South African snacks, the owners also accept product requests. Call 9457 0639 or shop online at www.thesouthafricanshop.com.

www.wikimedia.org

Photo courtesy of Eoin Carey

ABA Productions is offering one reader four tickets (each worth HK$435) to see Hairy Maclary and Friends, as part of KidsFest! 2018 on January 18 at 5pm at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai.

An official stage adaptation of the much-loved Hairy Maclary children’s books by Lynley Dodd, Hairy Maclary and Friends is suitable for kids aged two and up. Favourite characters, like Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm and Scarface Claw appear live on stage.

For tickets, starting at HK$195, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Raphael Martins for Mathnasium; Selene Lam, Edith Mccosker, Susan Ho, Ruby Mathew and Janita Bhana for Zhizhi Chinese Education; Tony Webster and Hana Hesova for Head to Toe Spa; and Ashley Wang for Emily Brown and the Thing.

20

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

PROFILE

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Perfect Balance 22

DB’s Chaukei Ngai is a welcome breath of fresh air for the wellness community.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

Chaukei Ngai with her eight-year-old son Osiris and his father Esak

October 2017 www.arounddb.com

ď‚„

“I

’m lazy,” declares Chaukei Ngai almost laconically as she putters around her DB North Plaza yoga studio wrangling tea and firing up some music before a chat. It’s a typically soupy DB day and she’s between classes, so rushing to her email isn’t high on her to-do list – hence the ‘lazy’ crack. She’s here; that’s good enough. Unstressed is probably a better word to describe her work and life ethic.

Chaukei has been fortunate to marry work and life at the 18-month-old YogaUP after coming home from Boulder Colorado.

When she made that decision, she was playing it by ear. Make no mistake: Chaukei is as even-keeled and as calm as, well, a yogi, but she’s not distracted or anything less than sure-footed. Chaukei has simply learnt to filter the stress out of her life.

“I never really handled stress well,” she recalls of her life before yoga.

trip to A&E, her doctor suggested her breathing issues might be psychological. So Chaukei quit her job and went to study psychology in Toronto. “That’s how it all started,” she says.

I was more connected to the environment or something,” she finishes with a dismissive wave of her hand.

In this case ‘all’ is her yoga path, one that took Chaukei to – no joke – the high-status International Yoga Asana championship in 2013.

Her first brush with yoga came in Taipei in 2005, and she continued to practise when she noticed a remarkable improvement in her breathing. The regular hospital visits stopped, and Chaukei claims she, “gained the tools to become aware of this one little element. It took a while to figure out.”

Chaukei’s down-to-earth attitude and the dearth of brand names on the athletic gear she’s wearing make it easy to see why YogaUP has developed such a following so fast.

Harmonising body and mind

The studio, however, wasn’t part of a master plan when she made her way back to Hong Kong in 2014, Osiris in tow. Chaukei had been teaching out of her DB home, but travelling too. “It was an organic decision. Every time I went away my devoted students stopped their practice, so the studio worked for them too. It was very simple,” she says.

People come here and start opening up, not just physically but in the heart and mind. And people connect to each other organically.

Yoga has its own magic

The art of finding stillness Born and raised in Hong Kong, in the Sai Wan area, Chaukei went to university in Vancouver to study interior design in 1995. That led to a deadline-driven, pressurepacked job in Taipei, which also brought a lifelong breathing problem back to the fore.

A four-pound, premature baby, Chaukei first developed breathing problems aged two. “I’d be gasping for air, and it was really scary,” she says. “There were lots of hospital visits but we never really knew what caused it. I just learnt to live with it.” Following an episode in Taipei and another

Chaukei continued with yoga in Toronto and eventually headed to a teacher training course in Los Angeles. More changes were in store, as that’s where she met her eight-year-old son Osiris’ father, Esak, also a yoga champion.

The last stop was Boulder. “I was attracted to the mountains,” she says simply. While it wasn't exactly a culture shock, it was a new kind of life.

“After these cities, the fast pace and lots of Asians… I get to Boulder, which is not very diverse,” Chaukei says with a laugh. “But it was very natural, and the first time I saw it I thought, I could live here. I was pregnant, so maybe

The space in DB North Plaza was perfect, a terrace making for an easy-going social spot, which was key. For Chaukei it’s all about community. “I like seeing everyone hang out on the terrace after class,” she says.

Discovery Bay was an organic choice too, never mind the fact that Osiris prefers it to the city and Chaukei herself is over the in-your-face nature of Central and Kowloon.

“I needed to pick a middle ground between Boulder and Hong Kong.

I connected to DB right away,” she says. “My parents live in the New Territories, and there will always be a place in my heart for Hong Kong; it’s my home. But it just doesn’t work with a child. I knew DB would be the only place I could live if I  Slap bass player for The Triplejacks, Chris Parker came back.”

www.arounddb.com November 2017

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PROFILE

Sustaining consciousness So here she is. And despite being a yoga champion – we’re getting to that – Chaukei is careful about cultivating a space that’s not just for “crazy yoga poses,” but also focuses on the discipline’s core tenet. YogaUP is for toning up and waking up.

“People come here and start opening up, not just physically but in the heart and mind. And people connect to each other organically. Yoga has its own magic,” Chaukei says.

Chaukei will help with contortions if asked, but these days her goal is betterment. After all, a yogi who needed to find a way to concentrate on his inner self created the asana. Similarly, Chaukei wants clients “to learn about themselves – to become a better mom, husband, person”.

She respects the likes of Pure Yoga and its ability to spread the yoga gospel, but wanted her studio to be more personalised.

Chaukei’s seven years of competition actually laid the groundwork for YogaUP. Competing was more about learning to shut out the external noise. “When you’re up on stage, it doesn’t matter how much you practice if you don’t maintain focus and stay present,” she says. “We’re all afraid of falling in front of people.”

And Chaukei admits the idea of competitive yoga seems contradictory to the message, even though competitions in India go back a hundred years. “To most people in the West or in Hong Kong, it’s about someone else losing, and that doesn’t sound like yoga at all,” she says.

Chaukei strikes that perfect balance between Goop-style wellness prophet (without being asinine) and ambitious businesswoman – though one who staunchly refuses to give herself an ulcer. She does work with brands such as Adidas, and she’s a serious social media influencer.

“I have to find a balance between that and working with the brands I do. If you asked me three years ago, I wouldn’t teach for Adidas,” she admits of the free classes the company offers staff. Chaukei can take ‘selling out’ if the ends justify the means.

FIND IT

• YogaUP, www.yogaup.com.hk

“If people get into yoga because they want to show off their Lulu Lemon outfit or they want a tighter butt… it doesn’t really matter,” she finishes. “Just as long as you get people into the class.”

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

24

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

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WELLBEING

2626

WELLBEING

November 2017 November 2017www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com

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FITNESS

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www.arounddb.com 2017 www.arounddb.comNovember November 2017

27 27

IN FOCUS

The big picnic

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

wants

28

YOU

Join your community for a full day of music and dance on November 4! With two stages on Tai Pak Wan and two in DB Plaza, the little festival that was has finally hit the big time. Elizabeth Kerr reports

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

TBP’s organising committee: Ricky Cumes, Mona Gadalla-Carter, Belinda Howard and Nick Flavell

I

t’s a muggy afternoon in Discovery Bay when Mona Gadalla-Carter, Nick Flavell and Belinda Howard drop into Pacific Coffee by the ferry pier. They’re sporting The BIG Picnic (TBP) t-shirts, and are totally hyped about promoting this year’s event.

discovered that the move to DB Plaza and Tai Pak Wan was the opportunity they hadn’t realised they needed to make TBP even more festival-y.

Bayside blowout

A consummate diplomat, Mona doesn’t have a preference for one location over the other. “For me they’re two very different things.

It had a different vibe when it was in the park. The beach is something else. I wouldn’t say I have a preference,” she says.

Belinda, however, is adamant that TBP’s new home is her first choice, if the universal gesture for ‘here’ that she’s demonstrating is any indication.

Ricky’s sponsors will ultimately go toward paying for a whole host of new features that could earn TBP a spot on Hong Kong’s must-do event calendar. Set for November 4, the community event that was Picnic in the Park (PiP) at Siena Park is reaching toward even loftier heights. The crew had a chance to kick the tires last year, and

“We’ve got a fantastic Beach Stage and a great place for acoustics if that’s what you do, and the two stages in the plaza. We couldn’t have that in the park. There’s an atmosphere and a ready-made crowd, and the location is so much easier to get to. It’s more immediate, the outlets love it, the bands love it, and there are more

The DB-based trio makes up three-quarters of TBP’s organising committee, and with roughly 60 days to go, Ricky Cumes – the man chasing sponsors – is absent.

Because he’s chasing sponsors.

More on that later.

toilets. It’s something you can actually grow, too,” Belinda argues.

On another note, Nick recalls one PiP that turned into Glastonbury when bad weather brought out the mud. “Now,” he says, “if it rains on the beach, it goes away. If it rains in the plaza, it drains away. That contingency plan is so much better, and there’s shelter for everybody.

[Siena Park] was brilliant for years but we outgrew it. [PiP] had to have enough momentum to move it here.”

And it’s certainly got that now.

Inbound ferries and buses were busy last year, and even more telling, response to the call for talent this year was staggering.

Belinda and Nick were still combing through entries in midSeptember. “If we’ve got that much talent to showcase, maybe it’s a precursor to adding another half day,” muses Belinda, who runs YRock, an organisation that cultivates musical talent in youth. 

www.arounddb.com November 2017

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IN FOCUS

This page: Rocking out at The BIG Pic nic

2016

Backstage business Which brings us back to Ricky, who’s still looking for sponsors a few weeks before show time for the simple reason that the quartet wants to keep the event a free one. Twelve years after starting life as PiP and a year after shifting locations, the popular event that regularly draws upwards of 12,000 people still has trouble covering costs. But the tide could be turning.

“Last year, after changing venues, raising sponsors was like starting all over again. Everyone wondered if it would work,” says Ricky later, by telephone. “But now that I

30

have more tools to work with – photos, video, hard numbers – it’s a bit better. I’ve been able to bring in HKR International, RMD Kwikform, ForEverGreen, AMC Wanhai Securities and Around DB, among others.”

The first beach-and-plaza-based event was a success in part due to its wristband policy, which was Ricky’s idea. “We don’t want to go asking for money every year, and the only way for the event to survive was to monetise it somehow,” he says.

TBP is still free simply because, first, it’s a community event, and second,

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

entry fees are, says Belinda, “too difficult to police”. Last year, the HK$100 wristband was good for food, beverage and market discounts (two beers paid for it), and entry into a lucky draw (flights to Bangkok last year). “Everybody loved it,” Belinda continues. “Half the money goes to the event and half goes to charity – this year, KELY Support Group, Plastic Free Seas and Sunnyside Club.”

Purchasing a wristband on entry is not compulsory but it’s an easy way to contribute. The ugly reality is that events like TBP cost a lot of money to mount. Ideally, the wristband will help organisers get ahead

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IN FOCUS

of the game and build up a nest egg heading into the next event.

“Besides, who goes to an all-day music festival and pays nothing?”

Belinda asks.

DB’s Coachella But enough business. This year’s TBP – call it HK$100 at the door for 25 bands – is certainly the biggest yet, spread across four stages. Cali-Mex, Pizza Express, Golden Pig, Mavericks, Hello Molly Gelato and Chef’s Choice (get the Cubano) are all setting up on the beach, and there will be a special space dedicated to kids from toddler to tween.

“Last year we didn’t do as much as we could have for kids. As a mum

of two myself, I thought it would be nice to have more for kids. And if I felt this way, I was sure a lot of other moms did too,” says Mona of this year’s new Kids' Zone, which will have its own all-access HK$100 wristband (no digging into pockets for another HK$10 or HK$20 for rides).

TBP is all about family and community but music is, of course, the main draw. In the Monterrey Jazz-y plaza, Handmade Hong Kong’s 50-odd market stalls (selected from another staggering number of applicants) will go with music by Hippogroove, Loud Shaft, Hard Luck Kings, budding Discovery College and Discovery Bay International School bands, and the YRock composing

competition finale. There’ll also be a Dance Stage showcasing local studios and community acts (not a dance floor with EDM DJs on the stage).

Down the road on the beach, it’s Coachella meets Lollapalooza, with the chilled beach bar, Beach Stage and Acoustic Stage. Sets

by Grounded, Sonic Space, Jack Rabbit Slim, Helium3, Mue, and the Jaywalkers will go until 10pm. Newcomers this year include the vaguely Celtic The Privateers (here’s hoping for a The Night Pat Murphy Died cover), Sisters First (think Haimlite), Huckleberry Friend (folky and Ben Folds-y), and the John Mayer-ish Supper Moment.

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Creative Coding HK teaches computer programming to kids aged five to 15, incorporating elements of science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM). The aim is to encourage creative thinking and a better understanding of how things work in the real world. Camps on offer in DB and Tung Chung include SMART Kids, Let’s Java with Minecraft and Creative Coding with mBOT.

Ark Eden’s Christmas camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged five to 11. Held in a naturally beautiful site in Mui Wo, each camp has a different focus, such as survival skills, forest play and farming.

December & January

This festive season, Rumple and Friends provides children, aged three to seven, with the opportunity to put on a fantastic, hilarious Christmas play at its Sheung Wan studio. The Big Christmas Mix Up covers drama, magic, musical theatre, puppetry and circus, and it’s full of awesome characters, like the elves (Snotty and Dotty), Jack Frost and Mr Scrooge.

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HK Dragons offers football camps in DB and Pui O for kids, aged three and above, of all abilities. Children learn teamwork, fair play and a competitive spirit in a fun and safe environment. Professional coaching from UEFA/ FA qualified coaches ensures an improvement in skills, match awareness and fitness.

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35

Languages

DR. BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE 6762 6264, drbearschool@gmail.com, fb.me/drbearschool Dr. Bear Education Centre’s Christmas Mandarin Immersive Camp in Discovery Bay provides a relaxing and joyful learning environment for kids aged two and above.

Classroom-based learning includes topics such as Christmas, winter, travelling and the New Year.

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Mandarin for Munchkins’ 12-day Mandarin Immersion Camp is designed to get kids speaking the language. Screen-free morning camps are suitable for kids aged three to sevenand-a-half; afternoon camps are for children aged eight and up. DB classes are tailor made to suit students’ individual needs from speaking and presentation, and reading and writing to exam preparation.

DB’s Zhizhi Chinese Education’s five-day Mandarin camp is for primary and secondary students of all language backgrounds and levels. Students boost their confidence in Mandarin through Chinese art, Kung Fu, food, games and community interaction. The camp, led by experienced international school teacher Debbie Tai, is relevant, interesting, challenging and engaging (RICE).

December 18-22, December 27-29 & January 2-5

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

December 18-22 & January 1-5

www.arounddb.com November 2017

36

FAMILY MATTERS

hope in a box Kids across Lantau are experiencing the gift of giving in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Sam Agars reports on Box of Hope’s 10th anniversary

Halloween hijinks on Headland Drive 2016

Photos courtesy of DC, DBIS and DMK

At Discovery Bay International School

42

F

rom humble beginnings in founder Nicole Woolhouse’s living room, Hong Kong charity Box of Hope has grown into something of a phenomenon, and it doesn’t look like slowing down as it reaches its 10th birthday.

An annual initiative, Box of Hope sees children, aged three to 18,

fill shoeboxes with new, useful and educational gifts, which are then distributed to underprivileged children across the region. This year’s collection date is November 6 to 10, with collection points set up in schools across Hong Kong.

The DB connection Discovery Bay kids are in full

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

swing preparing their boxes, looking to better the 1,780 boxes collected here last year.

Kindergartens and schools eager to do their bit in DB are Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), Discovery College (DC), Discovery Mind Kindergarten, Discovery Mind Primary School, Discovery Montessori Academy, Hong Kong International Learning Academy,

At Discovery College

At Discovery Mind Primary School

SHK Wei Lun, Discovery Montessori School and Bayview House of Children.

“I do Box of Hope because people around the world are less fortunate than us,” DC student Zali Saunders says. “They don’t have good resources for studying and learning or fun activities to do. Giving them something educational helps them learn. It makes me feel happy that someone else is going to get the same happy feeling that I get when I get a present.”

Box of Hope also thrives elsewhere on Lantau, with a total of 260 boxes collected in Tung Chung last year and 250 more throughout South Lantau. Schools involved for 2017 are Discovery Mind Kindergarten, Discovery Mind Primary School, Little Lantau Montessori, Lantau International School and Bui O Public School.

What the teachers say Box of Hope aims to up kids’ socio-economic awareness and

At Discovery Mind Primary School

show them how they can make a difference. It’s no surprise then that so many DB schools have made the initiative a key part of their curriculum.

“Box of Hope is a great initiative for our children, as it supports them in thinking about the lives of children who are a similar age to themselves and in locations which are incredibly close to their home country of Hong Kong,” says Hannah Cole, deputy head of DBIS. “The initiative goes beyond raising money for a cause and supports children to think carefully about the ‘giving’ process as well.

“Students are always so surprised to hear how grateful children around the world would be for basic accessories, such as soap and toothpaste,” Hannah adds. “The children absolutely love the videos of the receivers opening the boxes and the joy it brings. We have a great focus on internationalism and service to others within the school, so Box of Hope supports our children

in developing as global citizens, as well as supporting a very worthy cause.”

DC primary student counsellor Tracey Chitty coordinates Box of Hope at the school and says the students are always eager to get involved. “We had 520 boxes come in last year, which is huge, and that’s just in the primary school,” she says. “I think children just love it because they love Christmas, and we also know giving is good for people and it makes people feel good.

“Even though not everyone has got lots of money, our children are so privileged compared to lots of other children,” Tracey adds.

“For that reason alone, I think it’s an amazing opportunity for them to give in an authentic way; the children really get behind it.”

How it works Initially launched by Nicole Woolhouse and Harriet Cleverly as  a way to teach their children the

www.arounddb.com November 2017

43

FAMILY MATTERS MATTERS

value of helping others, Sian Trodd came on board as director this year after four years’ involvement with the charity. “I was delighted to be able to take it over,” she says. “It is proof that children want to help and want to do a little bit that makes a difference. The main thing it shows is that Hong Kong is a very giving society.”

When Nicole and Harriet started Box of Hope, they had no idea just how popular it would become. In the first year they were expecting about 50 boxes and collected 800, with the number up past 15,000 within five years. After the initial spike in growth, box numbers have plateaued to a degree, but are still increasing steadily each year.

For 2017, kids have until November 10 to ready their boxes.

Then, from November 13, four or five vans circle Hong Kong for a fortnight, picking up boxes and bringing them into Exchange Square, where the charity has a donated office. “Every box has to be opened and checked for shipping purposes,” Sian explains.

Boxes find their way to the Philippines, Cambodia, China and Macau, as well as Hong Kong, with the Philippines receiving the majority of the boxes and China only a small percentage due to customs restrictions. Around 34% stayed in Hong Kong in 2016, something Box of Hope is looking to expand.

hand out some boxes; the charity that we go through there looks after the low, low income group.

They live in bits of tin made into a hut and then they receive a box – somebody has thought of them.”

are similar and contain the basics.

A toothbrush, toothpaste and bar of soap must be included in each box. “You help a whole family with items like that, it’s not just the kids,” says Sian.

The charity is lucky enough to have a number of donors and sponsors who help keep things ticking over, and more than 120 schools and kindergartens are taking part in Box of Hope this year.

“The whole ethos of Box of Hope is children helping children,” Sian finishes. “It’s no coincidence, of course, that the campaign runs just as the festive season is approaching. Children understand the importance of gift-giving and sharing, and they can make the connection between filling a Box of Hope and their own anticipation of the holidays.”

Balls, cuddly toys and drawing utensils are common objects found in the boxes, while there are guidelines that ensure all boxes

How to make your box • F ind an empty, medium-size shoe box, approximately 18 x 30 x 13cm • Wrap the lid and box separately in wrapping paper • D on’t wrap any items individually.

Secure the lid with an elastic band; don’t seal the box as it will need to be checked to ensure it meets customs requirements

For Sian, it is clear to see the impact these boxes have on their recipients. “There is that little bit of hope that somebody cares,” she says. “I’ve had the privilege of going down to the Philippines to

• B e sure to include a toothbrush, toothpaste and bar of soap

FIND IT

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

drop off the box

• Box of Hope, boxofhope.org

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

44

add the new gifts

• Pack items that are fun, educational and new

• Think about including toys, stationery and hygiene items

Children helping children

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The

Leagues Sport in DB is in good health, as the recent successes of the DB Pirates go to show. Henry Benjamin reports

Photo courtesy of DB Pirates

D

46

iscovery Bay’s biggest sports club, the DB Pirates is having an increasing impact on the Hong Kong rugby scene, with a total of seven current or ex-Pirates selected in the Hong Kong squad for the recent men’s World Rugby U20 Trophy in Uruguay.

Focusing on basic skills

The group, which made up more than a quarter of the 26-man squad, included current Pirates Jake Barlow, Zak Baldwin, Mikkel Christensen and Lachie OliverKirby, as well ex-Pirates Austin Robertshaw, Mark Coebergh and James Karton.

“It shows how, despite being a small club, the Pirates has a great coaching set up,” he says. “It shows the younger players that the club can help them develop their rugby potential. Hopefully it will inspire the younger players, and we can build the club into

Pirates’ committee member Phillip Baldwin, who represents the Pirates on the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s colts committee, says the selection acknowledges the emphasis the club puts on fostering talent.

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

a major force at all levels from minis to youth to seniors.”

It’s not only the boys who are thriving in the national age-grade scene, with Discovery College (DC) students Flo Symonds and Anjalika Ybema representing Hong Kong in the girl’s Sevens at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament in Japan in April.

“We’ve always focused on the basic skills,” Phillip says. “The secret to success is no secret at all really. Becoming extraordinary means doing the ordinary things

tournament in Uruguay, losing all four of its matches to finish eighth out of eight teams. However, a close loss to eventual finalists Portugal showed that the Hong Kong players were not too far off the mark.

Mikkel, Lachie, Zak and Jake played in the forwards and Austin, Mark and James in the backs, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of the Pirates’ development pathways.

Mikkel, one of the youngest in the squad at just 17, Lachie, Jake,

one but it’s never materialised.

It would complete the jigsaw in terms of sporting infrastructure in DB and be of enormous benefit to schools, sports clubs and the entire community, as well as a huge draw for people to become residents.”

Success breeds success Phillip is confident the talent coming through will translate to senior success for the club, with its top side currently in the third tier of the senior set-up and coached

The secret to success is no secret at all really. Becoming extraordinary means doing the ordinary things excellently Austin and James all attended Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), while Zak had stints at both DBIS and DC. Mark, who captained the side and is part of the full-time senior Hong Kong setup along with James, attended YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College in Tung Chung.

Back row: Mikkel Christensen, Zak Baldwin, Lachie Oliver-Kerby and Jake Barlow. Front row: James Karton, Mark Coebergh and Austin Robertshaw

excellently. Do the simple things well. That’s why we focus so much on basic skills, working hard and having fun.

“Youth and mini rugby player development is not about winning leagues and cups but teaching the players to do the 100 things that help them win,” Phillip adds.

“If they focus on the process then the scoreboard will take care of itself.”

Leading the charge to improve Hong Kong had an up-and-down

The current group is the latest in a swag of talented players produced by the Pirates since the club was established in 2003, and Phillip sees even bigger and better things in the future.

“We have a great set up and will continue to grow as a club,” he says. “That rugby and sport in general in DB is in good health and that the Pirates are leading the charge to improve, says the potential is even greater than the present.

“It helps that DB is a very sporty place,” Phillip adds. “But it’s a shame we don’t have a full-size sports pitch. Imagine what we could achieve? We were promised

by former Fiji Deacon Manu.

international

“Success breeds success, and we have a great group of players coming through,” Phillip says. “The Pirates proves that you don’t have to be a massive club to nurture talent, but you do need the right set up.”

More importantly, Phillip says, the Pirates will continue striving to be a club where everybody feels welcome. “We’re incredibly proud of all our players no matter what level they achieve,” he says. “As a community club, we welcome everyone no matter whether they have played previously or not.”

Noting that rugby is first and foremost a game for all, Phillip concludes: “While we have a great crop who have attained national age-group status and will hopefully serve to inspire others to attain this high standard, what really matters is for the kids to give it a go and enjoy their rugby and other sports.”

Find more clubs and activities @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com November 2017

47

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PARENTING

J

Do your kids love to hate each other? Kate Farr looks to Marie Marchand, the owner of DB-based Parenting Dialogue, for some tips on changing things up

ealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters can start right after the birth of a second child, and it can continue throughout childhood. Parents dealing with sibling rivalry will find it slightly soothing to learn that it is a concern for almost everyone with two or more kids. But only slightly soothing. This statistic doesn’t actually ease the burden, or provide you with the tools to put an end to the seemingly constant squabbling.

more assertive brother or sister,” Marie says.

“Parenting style is also a major factor,” adds Marie. “If a parent is seen to favour a sibling, giving him encouragement while tending to direct blame at another, this can create a sense of disconnect

The aim is to help reinforce the bond between parent and child, enabling children to feel secure in their relationship, which translates into calmer behaviour.

If you feel like you’re rearing sparring partners, rather than lifelong allies, how do you change things up?

Celebrate individuality

Photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Provide one-on-one time Opening the discussion, Marie Marchand, the principal of City Kids preschool and the owner of DB-based Parenting Dialogue, explains there are a number of factors that may contribute to tension within the sibling relationship. “Birth order, age gap, gender and a child’s individual characteristics can all play a part. For example, a particularly sensitive child may clash with a

But how can busy parents best channel this desire for attention into positive behaviours? Marie suggests starting with oneto-one attention. “Take some time to connect with each child individually,” she says. “This should ideally happen daily, and can be something as simple as playing a quick game together, reading a book or taking a short walk.”

within the family, causing a child to misbehave in order to gain the parent’s attention.”

“It’s also important to recognise that all children are different,” says Marie. “Recognise their uniqueness but avoid drawing comparisons or labelling. For example, you could say, ‘Ýou are really good at reading,’ rather than, ‘You are the smart one in the family.’ This acknowledges one child’s distinctive talents without any negative associations implied towards the other children.”

When it comes to elder siblings’ behaviour, Marie believes that 

www.arounddb.com November 2017

49

PARENTING

we can often have overly high expectations.

“Don’t expect perfection from older children, and try not to force them to always be the ‘big boy or girl,’” she says.

“They may not wish to play with their little brother, or give their little sister a cuddle, and we should respect that.”

This also applies to children’s negative feelings. “Acknowledging children’s feelings helps them process things. Saying, ‘I can see that you would like some quiet time away from your brother,’ or ‘You seem disappointed that your sister has a play date today,’ helps children to realise that their feelings are valid, and that it’s OK to vocalise them.”

with working out differences positively,” Marie says.

When it comes to specific methods for handling conflicts, communication is key. “Allow children to express their feelings and encourage them to ask for help without blaming others,” Marie says. “For example: ‘My

agreed solution to an issue by brainstorming possibilities. This can be as simple as sharing a toy by playing together, or even setting a timer to ensure both children get an equal turn.”

Be creative and, after a while, you may find that your children no longer need your mediation

Teach children how to deal with conflict from a young age, reinforcing this throughout childhood

Let them battle it out Of course, occasional tensions and conflicts are bound to arise within any close relationship.

Does Marie believe that we should shield our children from this? “First and foremost, our responsibility is to ensure our children are safe,” she says. “Beyond that, we should ideally teach them how to deal with conflict from a young age, reinforcing this throughout childhood.”

Marie suggests that, wherever possible, parents use positive feedback, rather than negative reinforcement to get their message across. The focus should be on strengthening children’s negotiation and listening skills, as well as stressing the importance of compromise.

“Once children are confident in their own ability to handle conflict, parents can take a step back and allow them to experience the satisfaction that comes

sister took my favourite book and it made me feel sad. Could you help me find another book please, Mum?’”

quite so often. Which is surely the most reassuring and hopeful message of all for any parent of siblings.

Be there to mediate Marie suggests reinforcing this with some hard and fast ‘getalong rules,’ such as using kind words, being gentle and sharing, while also respecting each other’s belongings. “This gives you a great opportunity to encourage positive behaviour when you see it, such as when your child shares his toy, or comforts his sibling,” she says.

Marie also recommends taking on the role of a mediator to avoid the ‘he-said-she-said’ arguments that can arise when unpicking everyday squabbles. “Don’t take sides,” she says. “Try to facilitate a mutually

FIND IT

Top tips for tackling sibling rivalry • Don’t compare your children • Acknowledge children’s feelings – both positive and negative • Stay neutral and aim to mediate • Give your children the tools to resolve conflict for themselves

• Parenting Dialogue, www.parentingdialogue.com

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

50

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

THE PIER BAR DB ferry travellers will be happy to hear that they can now grab a drink when getting on or off the ferry in Discovery Bay at The Pier Bar - the latest branch of the popular establishment.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and Uncle Russ coffees. Cheers everyone!

Family S n o i t c a r Att Pack your sense of adventure and hold on tight! Kate Farr checks into the five wildest theme parks in the region Resorts World Sentosa

W

hether you have kids at home (or are just a big kid yourself!), a great theme park is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

ESCAPES

52

Of course, Hong Kong is wellserved with its own parks, with both Disneyland and the homegrown Ocean Park being surefire crowd-pleasers. But if you’ve ridden Space Mountain one too many times or are on first-name terms with the entire Ocean Park panda enclosure, here’s just a taster of some of the very best theme parks in the region.

Legoland Malaysia Resort Everything is awesome at Legoland Malaysia Resort, an

interactive tribute to one of the world’s most popular toys.

Consisting of a 30-hectare theme park with over 70 themed rides, shows and attractions, plus a separate water park packed with slides, rapids and pools, it’s impossible to tackle the entire resort in just a day.

Instead, book yourself into the onsite Legoland Hotel, which consists of 258 Lego-themed rooms and suites, not to mention the vast block-built structures and free play area in the reception (making this one of the easiest check-ins ever for those with small children).

Located in Johor Bahru, Legoland Malaysia Resort is just over an hour’s drive from Singapore,

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

making it ideal for a twin-centre theme park holiday when combined with a visit to…

Resorts World Sentosa The mother of all Asian family attractions, Resorts World Sentosa is home to Universal Studios Singapore, with its seven distinct movie-themed zones packed with rollercoasters, rides and games. But that’s just the tip of the immersive iceberg: Resorts World also plays host to the vast S.E.A. Aquarium – one of the world’s largest – and Adventure Cove Water Park, for wet-and-wild fun and games.

The site spans 49 hectares, and also boasts Singapore’s only tall ship, the Royal Albatross, a multisensory Maritime Experiential

Legoland Malaysia Resort

Shanghai Disney Reso

Enchanted Kingdo

Resorts World Sentosa

Museum and Eye Museum.

3D-tastic

Trick

Resorts World Sentosa’s dedicated kids’ club offers up a packed schedule of shows and events and even the world’s bounciest trampoline (yes, really). Your only dilemma will be how to pack everything into your stay.

Shanghai Disney Resort If you feel that theme parks are synonymous with a certain rodent, then this newly opened Shanghai outpost of The Magic Kingdom is for you. At 390 hectares, Shanghai Disney Resort is some three times larger than its Hong Kong counterpart, with the Enchanted Storybook Castle being the park’s flagship attraction.

The park boasts a plethora of rides, from white-knuckle to toddler-friendly, and there are two large hotels if you choose to stay on-site.

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel offers a free water-taxi service across picturesque Wishing Star Lake, while the 800-room Toy Storythemed property is perfect for fans of Woody, Buzz and friends.

Pack comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and avoid public holidays when the park can become extremely crowded.

Enchanted Kingdom Can’t decide whether you prefer classic fairground rides like Ferris wheels and dodgems; high-speed adrenaline-fuelled

thrills, such as rollercoasters and go-karts; or splash-tastic log flumes and rapids? A trip to the Enchanted Kingdom means you don’t have to play favourites, as all of these and plenty more besides are on offer.

Loosely themed around the adventures of a kindly wizard named Eldar, the 25-hectare Philippine park offers a huge range of rides, shows and other family-friendly attractions. There really is something for everybody, so little ones won’t feel left out while elder siblings hit the big rollercoasters. The food is typical theme-park fare but there is a good selection of options, meaning that even picky eaters should be able to find something they’ll enjoy. 

www.arounddb.com November 2017

53

ESCAPES

Everland

Everland

Best of all is the location – in Santa Rosa. You’re just over an hour outside Manila, so it’s easy to escape the bustle once mummy and daddy start flagging.

Everland Everland resort and neighbouring water park Caribbean Bay cover 100 hectares and combine to create another fantastic doubleheader attraction. Expect all the usual theme park thrills and spills, including ‘coasters, flumes and teacup rides, along with the Zootopia zone – a safari experience where visitors view animals up close and personal, while the inhabitants remain happily undisturbed.

Of course, being in high-tech South Korea (Yongin), there are also a wide variety of virtual reality experiences on offer, including robot rides, an augmented Ferris wheel experience and a live hologram theatre.

Everland

Everland

FIND IT

And a heads up for bargain-savvy Hong Kongers – visitors showing either an old ticket or annual Smart Pass for Ocean Park can bag a decent discount (10% and 15% respectively) off their admission fee.

• • • • •

Enchanted Kingdom, www.enchantedkingdom.ph Everland, www.everland.com Legoland Malaysia Resort, www.legoland.com.my Resorts World Sentosa, www.rwsentosa.com Shanghai Disney Resort, www.shanghaidisneyresort.com

Find more exciting travel destinations @ www.arounddb.com

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November 2017 www.arounddb.com

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Rhubarb crumble Serves 6 • 2 lb rhubarb, chopped • 1,020 g caster sugar • Ground ginger, a pinch • 150 g plain flour • 85 g unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Chop the rhubarb into ½-inch pieces and place in a deep, buttered baking dish. Sprinkle over 510 g sugar, the ground ginger and 2 tbsp cold water. Combine the flour and butter to form a crumbly mixture, add the remaining sugar, and cover the rhubarb with it. Bake for 40 minutes until crisp and golden on top. Serve warm with clotted or sour cream.

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org



www.arounddb.com November 2017

57

RECIPES

Plum and almond pudding Serves 6 • 8 ripe plums, quartered and stoned • Ground cinnamon, a pinch • 2 lemons, zest only • 4 tbsp brandy • 100 g soft butter • 100 g brown sugar • 2 eggs • 100 g self-raising flour • 50 g almonds, flaked

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Toss the plums, cinnamon, lemon zest and brandy together in a bowl, then leave to macerate. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, then tip in the flour and almonds. Mix until completely combined. Tip the fruit into a shallow, buttered baking dish, spoon over the cake batter and garnish with a few flaked almonds.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until browned and cooked through. Serve warm with clotted or sour cream. 

58

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

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Traditional apple pie Serves 6 • 310 g all-purpose flour • 120 g sugar • 285 g unsalted butter, cubed • 115 ml sour cream • 3 lbs cooking apples, sliced thin • ¼ tsp each allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large egg yolk • 1 tbsp cream Preheat the oven to 190°C. Combine 285 g flour, 8 g sugar and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, work the butter into the flour, until the mixture is shaggy. Make a well in the centre and pour in the sour cream; mix until the dough begins to clump. Separate the dough into two equal disks, sprinkle with flour, wrap and refrigerate. Toss the sliced apples with 25 g flour, 112 g sugar, the spices and vanilla extract. Roll out one disk of dough to a 12-inch circle. Place on a 9-inch pie plate, and arrange the apples on top. Roll out the top crust and place over the apples, pressing the top and bottom dough rounds together at the edges. Brush with egg yolk and cream, and cut slits in the top. Bake for an hour, until the crust is golden and juices are bubbling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

60

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

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HK HAPPENINGS November 3-12

www.festival.org.hk

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH!

Across Hong Kong This annual event features established and emerging writers from Nobel laureates to debut authors. Expect literary lunches and dinners, workshops, lectures and debates, and book signings and readings. For tickets, starting at HK$100, visit www.ticketflap.com.

Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

ARTS IN THE PARK Victoria Park, Causeway By

AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION CHARITY BAZAAR

November 3-12

PMQ, Aberdeen Street, SoHo

November 9

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See Roald Dahl’s whacky world brought to life with mesmerising illuminated artworks, spectacular giant puppets and an array of art stalls and stage performances. You can also expect a live storytelling of both Matilda and Esio Trot. For more information, visit www.hkyaf.com.

WINE AND SPIRITS FAIR

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai November 9-11

www.awa.org.hk

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s bazaar sees more than 70 vendors of jewellery, kids’ and ladies’ clothing, Xmas decorations, wine and more. Expect numerous giveaways including the Bottle Pull, a new attraction highlighting bottled products from wine to artisanal olive oil. Find out more at www.awa.org.hk.

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS

Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central November 11

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Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, the largest wine show in Asia, brings in a rich assortment of bevvies from over mediaroom.hktdc.com 37 regions. The last day is open to the general public – expect wine tastings, auctions and cocktail mixing demonstrations. For more information, visit m.hktdc.com.

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Hosted by Harry Wong and conducted by Yu Long, Swire Symphony Under The Stars is brought to you by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Fireworks and the city’s iconic skyline provide a dramatic backdrop for this open-air performance of bestloved orchestral favourites.

For more information, visit  www.hkphil.org.

www.arounddb.com November 2017

63

HK HAPPENINGS

HONG KONG SQUASH OPEN Hong Kong Squash Centre, Central

November 12-19

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

PRESTIGE FAIRS Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty November 15 & 27 www.hksquash.org.hk

World professionals in both men’s and women’s categories compete in the annual Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open. Admission is free for the qualifying rounds, November 12 to 13. For tickets, starting at HK$100, visit www.hksquashopen.com.

CLOCKENFLAP Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central www.prestigefairs.hk

November 17-19

Prestige Christmas Fairs, a one-stop shopping experience like no other, kicks off in November. Everything from clothes, jewellery and lifestyle products is on offer, as well as toys.

November 15 sees the Gift and Lifestyle Fair, and November 27 is the Pre-Christmas Gift Parade. To find out more, head to www.prestigefairs.hk. massiveattack.ie

Hong Kong’s celebrated music and art festival is back for the 10th year with Massive Attack, The Prodigy and Feist headlining. The weekend-long event brings together a sparkling array of local and international talent, and unique attractions for music-loving fans. For tickets, starting at HK$930, visit www.clockenflap.com.

November 23-25

OXFAM TRAILWALKER Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung

One of the biggest fundraising hikes in the city, Oxfam Trailwalker sees participants form groups of four to complete the 100-kilometre MacLehose trail within 48 hours. Proceeds support Oxfam’s poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia. For more information and to donate, visit www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk.

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November 17-19

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Organised by Association Culterelle France-Hong Kong, Lumieres Hong Kong features local and international light artists and is the city’s first light-art event. Major buildings and landmarks in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are illuminated by installations, video projections and art pieces. For more information, visit www.lumiereshk.com.

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Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

HOME SERVICES

TUITION & COURSES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

LEARN SPANISH

• Packing, moving & storage service • Interior painting & patch-up work • Appliance installation • Hanging pictures & mirrors • Blinds, curtains & shelves installation • Lights & ceiling fan installation • LCD TV mounting & switch replacement Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

FTC RELOCATIONS

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau.

• Native speaker • DELE examiner & experienced teacher • IB, IGCSE, A Level & HKDSE Business Spanish • Courses for adults • Flexible schedule & locations • Special offers for DB & Tung Chung students Contact Erik at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

MANDARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM

Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

In the Greens.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORKS

• Painting & handyman works, interior & exterior • PU waterproof injection for external walls • Astro-turfing, tiling & electrics Contact Roger on 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR A HELPER OR HELPER LOOKING FOR AN EMPLOYER?

Place your free classifieds ad here.

Email info@baymedia.com.hk

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

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com Caia's Zafari Contact todayforfor Contact us us today long­term healthy weight long­term Contact healthy us todayweight for loss.

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Hotline查詢熱線: (852) 3126 2376 Email: ind_eng@getz.com.hk Website: http://www.getz.com.hk

Life Casting www.shadow.com.hk

Phoenix Wills

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E: info@phoenix-wills.com T: 3100 0101 | M: 6108 8471

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CRAZY WAREHOUSE

CLEARANCE SALE Pool & accessories, Household, Garden, BBQ Products. **Current stock only, while stock last**

www.shadow.com.hk

Tel: + 852 9150 4033 shadow@shadow.com.hk

Unit B, 9/F, Tin Fung Ind. Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, H.K. Open hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Mon – Sun)

Tel: (852) 2792-7268 Website: www.jervisbaybarbecues.com

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB

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, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

LUXURY DB 2-BED

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

OVERSEAS PROPERTY SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS COTTAGE FOR SALE

Charming 3 double-bedroom cottage in the historic spa village of Strathpeffer, Ross-shire for sale. Ideal for walks, golf, fishing & skiing. Airport nearby, reasonable drive to Inverness. Contact evanjones@netvigator.com

BUSINESSES SERVING LANTAU

Mohnani & Associates offers insightful and practical legal advice – 24 hours. It provides a wide range of legal services including celebration of marriages, criminal & civil litigation, commercial, deed polls, divorce, employment, immigration, powers of attorneys, property, regulatory & disciplinary matters, probate & wills. Contact Dheeraj Mohnani on 6200 6069

Flight Centre has its flagship stores in Central, Wanchai & Happy Valley. Natalie Flyazhenkova is acting as a mobile consultant in DB, providing residents with face-to-face consultations. For an appointment with Natalie, contact 2829 2006 or natalie.f@flightcentre.com.hk

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Contact us to promote your business servicing Lantau.

Prices start at just HK$500.

Email info@baymedia.com.hk.

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai My Thai Olea PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Rouge Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

LEARNING CENTRES

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 The Story Studio 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 6341 3989 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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 Tung Chung Crescent Club House

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 2234 5375 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Jill Marshall Pilates Kremer Method/ Bowen Therapy South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

9708 0187 9827 9911 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten

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

PROPERTY AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 9521 8481 5463 6060 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 9586 3459

SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

DB NUMBERS

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services OT&P Healthcare The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2537 2987 2987 2468 2259

0855 3422 9909 8136 7061 5633 6183 7276 1087 7575 9003 3577 3422

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

Island Dance A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome.

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

3102 2977 3480 1348 2987 8460

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

GOODWINS OF LONDON Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices.

Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

Harvey Law Group An International Law Firm in DB North Plaza providing a wide range of commercial and personal legal services.

2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com

Playtime Kids DB

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store DCH Food Mart Deluxe Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 4401 2792 0530 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 6 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

The Beat

Latin & Ballroom classes for adults and children, Zumba, Pilates, Piloxing, Yoga, Beat Cardio Fusion, Belly Dance and many more...

5194 9630 info@thebeat.com.hk www.thebeat.com.hk

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Pen’n Paper P-Solution DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 8898 2987 1777 9502 2381 2529 8256 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

Tree of Joy

Tree of Joy provides children with a fun, engaging and supportive environment to play and learn. Programs include: Dropoff Nursery Class, Parent-Toddler Class, Afternoon Camp and a Cooking Class.

Tel: 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Parsons White Wealth Management

Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

2433 6981, 5664 7614 www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com

The Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

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

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

74

9156 0360 6323 1417 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

LEARNING CENTRES

7 + 1 Creative Club 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 School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza The Story Studio Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

November 2017 www.arounddb.com

3709 8466 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 2987 9644 9366 0000 6302 6327 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 9327 0507 2480 3909 2628 3362 2987 8608 2987 8143 6341 3989 2987 4217 9648 2966

AQUABLU

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution 6017 7802 Oceanblu@netvigator.com

Lifestyle Homes & Boats 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 2987 2987 6238

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

Nura Rolls Over 60 varieties of rolls. Outside catering and home delivery available.

G13A, North Plaza, (Next to Wellcome) Tel: 2652 6613 www.nurarolls.com

22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2172 6111

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei

2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Creation & Châteraisé

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

PizzaExpress

2465 2426

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

The HIT Room

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES

WELLBEING

Bo Bo House Little Whale, North Plaza Toysland

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services

2914 2727

DB Transit Services

2914 0186

DB Transportation Services

2987 7351

Hire Car Bookings Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2987 6348 5303 3489 2987 0208 2987 9368

Water Supplies Department

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training

2824 5000

Teaching young people skills to direct attention, to be calmer and concentrate better. angie@ingredientsofwellness.com 9048 5425 www.ingredientsofwellness.com

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure.

2987 0614

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay 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

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

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

WELLBEING Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza OT&P Healthcare Salon De Coiffure

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2468 3577 2987 4112

Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training.

Located at North Plaza 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

Greenwich Vinyasa

Greenwich specialises in yoga and kickboxing classes designed for kids, women, men and seniors. No package, no joining fee system.

9685 8366, www.greenwich-vinyasa.com.hk.

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand YogaUp

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 6624 8712 2441 0098 8197 5591

@ www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com November 2017

75

OUT THERE

M

ost of my work is madness mild and measured. But today I feel a booming offensive coming on. A shrieking diatribe on a faceless corporate and bureaucratic world, and a society in which the only direct – and sane – conversation available is with my dog.

I need to chat to someone about my travel insurance, anyone with a real name would do. Better still, the bank’s insurance division that flogged me the policy, but they don’t have a phone number. Why would they? Customers might bother them.

Photo courtesy of www.pixabay.com

I’d go to their office but, predictably, they don’t have anything as lowtech and banal as a physical presence listed on their high-tech website. After all, why would they risk a nut-job like me showing up on their carpeted doorstep and making dopey enquiries? An hour’s swearing at the wall finally produced a number and there followed a circular journey – a psychotic labyrinth through through numbers and options in a system designed by a kindergarten class – which ultimately hurled me back in tears to my apoplectic self.

76

This brings me to the juvenile delinquents who run credit card operations.

After slamming in numbers as ordered by a recording that sounds like Darth Vader on amphetamines, I’m told, with a certainty that only loanshark bankers who charge 28% interest can muster, that I am unfamiliar with my own name. I’m incandescent. I want to gouge

Taking it personally Does faceless communication make you feel less than human? Peter Sherwood gets incensed trying to get things done in an impersonal world the throat out of the techno-voice, but the digital interface has no opinion; it does not care, which is its raison d’être.

Humans need not apply Until recently we could sort things out with a bloke in person. I had a bank manager. I used to take dim sum with him, a courteous chap who was always delighted to see me and was once even naively generous enough to lend me a little money. And the Consul General, a genially effective sort, who arranged my new passport over tea in his office. (Actually it wasn’t really tea, but pretty decent 10-year-old Scotch in a flowery Chinese pot. How else was he supposed to get through his terminally tedious day?)

Now it’s a bit different. You’re greeted at the embassy by a body-

and-bag search and scripted personnel behind bullet-proof glass. Each and every one of them is trained to find minor errors in your documentation, like a heatseeking missile locking on to a Taliban cave. No more devious mid-morning drinking. Just animal bellowing through the barrier and muted, asinine responses only a maverick IBM mainframe could generate.

Seriously: “On your birth certificate your mother’s maiden name is spelt with an ‘e’. Our computer says it’s wrong.” (Forget spelling, why do I need a birth certificate to get my sixth passport?) Then change it. “Oh, we can’t do that.”

OK, so what do you suggest?

“You will need to bring a gas or electricity bill from your present address in Hong Kong.” You what?! Like I said, it’s impossible to invent this drivel.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 18 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 November 2017 www.arounddb.com

Winner 2016 Best Overseas Property Agent – UK