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PAGE 3 12 COVER STORY
In search of the SAR’s dwindling tongues It’s been a week packed full of news, and you know
News Quiz
what that means: It’s time for our semi-occasional News Quiz! Can you pick the correct answer from the maelstrom of tomfoolery that was this week in the SAR?
1) The Court of Final Appeal has ruled that the Chinachem Charitable Foundation should not have greater control over the $83 billion estate of tycoon Nina Wang. This means that the Foundation will have to spend the money in accordance with Wang’s last wishes, which were...
3) Plans have been revealed for Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex yet, to be built next to Terminal 2 of Hong Kong International Airport. Critics are concerned that the mall will...
a) To institute a “Chinese Prize” which will be the equivalent of the Nobel Prize
b) Detract from the bucolic delights of Tung Chung’s picturesque Citygate Outlet Mall.
b) To secede from Hong Kong and set up the independent nation of Ninatopia.
c) Attract all the stupid, annoying people who normally go to Macau instead.
c) To rebuild Teddy Wang: better... stronger... faster.
d) Suck.
d) To fund an elaborate process by which a dead woman’s estate is wrangled over at painful, unpleasant length through a series of interminable court cases and all her secrets laid out in the public eye.
4) Engines which are illegally kept idling have been found to be the least enforced infraction in the SAR. Potential reasons for this are:
18
a) Legitimate exemptions, such as for idling taxis.
ESCAPE ROUTES
2) A survey by think tank Civic Exchange has revealed that Hongkongers want to reform the small-house policy which allows indigenous male villagers to build houses which they could potentially sell for profit. Respondents... a) Supported restrictions on the resale of small houses and residency requirements before those eligible could apply. b) Are just jealous they can’t build apartments on prime real estate for a song. c) Are considering sex change operations so that they can qualify for an antiquated, gendered law, because property is king. d) Are amazed that you can get away with calling a 2,100 square foot, three-story house in Hong Kong “small.”
a) Not cater to local shoppers, instead targeting the lucrative mainland tourist dollar.
b) Pollution is significantly less important than a dry underarm.
Book a room at the Godzilla hotel for a GRARRRRRRRRRR
c) Cops have been going easy on all those sexy shirtless lorry drivers. d) The Toyota Alphard is rumored to run not on gasoline, but on the tears of Mother Earth herself. 5) An official report shows that air quality in the Pearl River Delta improved last year, but harmful ozone levels are on the rise, up 5.6 percent. Reasons for this might be: a) Poor weather conditions, or ozone being blown from elsewhere into the Pearl River Delta region. b) The Occupy protesters releasing extra ozone into the atmosphere during the protests, because why not go ahead and blame it on them?
20 DISH
Not all Sichuan and roses: China’s other regional cuisines
25
c) Everyone thinks that Ozone is just that club in ICC, so they don’t really care about it.
UPCLOSE
Talking the SAR’s young talent with curator Eric Leung
d) Xi Jinping, a leaf blower, and a big ol’ tub of ozone.
Who’s in charge? Editor-in-Chief Luisa Tam Managing Editor Daniel Creffield Editor Adam White Features Editor Kate Springer Senior Associate Editor Adele Wong Staff Writers Andrea Lo, Charlotte
Mulliner, Evelyn Lok, Isabelle Hon Reporter Adrienne Chum Contributing Photographer Kirk Kenny
Director of Sales Gary Wong Strategic Sales Director Jan Cheng Senior Sales Manager Joyce Wu Senior Advertising Manager Kent Ma Advertising Manager
Production Manager Blackie Hui Art Director Pierre Pang Senior Graphic Designer Mike Hung Graphic Designers Elaine Tang,
Dominic Lucien Brettell Advertising Executives Bonita Yung, Celia Wong, Lamy Lam
Production Supervisor Kelly Cheung
Ryan Chan, Tammy Tan
Finance Manager Karen Tsang Senior Accountant Alex Fung Accountant Winson Yip Assistant Accountant Coa Wong Administrator Olivia Ma I.T. Manager Derek Wong Web Developer Timothy Cheng Messenger Li Sau-king
Advertising & Marketing Coordinator Cover by Tammy Tan
Yan Man
Where to find us! HK Magazine Media Ltd. 302 Hollywood Centre 233 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Tel: 852-2850-5065 Fax: 852-2543-1880 E-mail: hk@hkmagmedia.com Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising content in our magazine. The content in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company. Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.
HK Magazine is published 52 times a year by HK Magazine Media Ltd., GPO Box 12618, Hong Kong. Copyright 2015 HK Magazine Media Ltd. The title “HK Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of HK Magazine are the property of HK Magazine Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for HK$30 each. HK Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of HK Magazine Media Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in HK Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, N.T.
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Radio host Gary Ngan on knowing when to stay silent HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
3
MAILBAG Mr. Know-It-All’s Guide to Life Dear Mr. Know-It-All, Why do all films in Hong Kong have subtitles? It’s really distracting! –Sub Terranean There’s a popular legend which says
Putonghua vocals made sense, but
the British Government passed a law in the
you couldn’t guarantee everyone would
1960s, mandating that all films produced in
understand it—you still can’t, in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong had to be subtitled in English.
However, dubbing is costly, especially if you
That way colonial officials could easily
have to produce multiple tracks for multiple
keep an eye on any attempted sedition
dialects. The easy solution presented itself:
and stop the wrong messages from getting
subtitles. It didn’t matter if you spoke
out. It was all part of maintaining a grip on
Cantonese, Hakka or Hoklo: you could
a colony which was beginning to display
read the standardized Chinese subtitles
some uneasiness with life under British rule.
and get the plot.
It’s a great story. But in fact there was
British-ruled Hong Kong—so why not throw
Hong Kong’s bilingual subtitling system are
in English subtitles, too? That way you could
much more prosaic: It’s all about the money.
show them to interested colonial types as
Your philosophical musings:
well as export them to the United States.
Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong.
Chinese subtitles broadened the market for
Movie mogul Run Run Shaw pioneered
your films across Asia; bilingual subtitles
Hong Kong cinema, cranking out classic
widened your reach across the world.
film after classic film, defining in particular
OUR TABLET APP: OUT NOW!
But the films were being made in
never any such law. The reasons behind
The 1960s was the heyday of the
Know your words
The unforeseen consequence of this
the look and feel of kung fu flicks for
money-making decision? The global spread
generations to come.
of a localized kind of cinema, whose culture
But Shaw’s audience was never
and visual language have indelibly shaped
just Hongkongers. He owned cinema
western filmmaking over the last 50 years.
chains spread over Southeast Asia, and
Kind of impressive, when all the Shaw
distributed his films straight to the Chinese
brothers really wanted was to make an
populations of Singapore, Malaysia and
extra buck or two.
more. But there was no single language that would cater to this Chinese diaspora, who all spoke different dialects of the language. So Shaw standardized his films in Putonghua, reasoning that it was the
“Every rigidness in the universe is surrounded by uncertainty ” Don’t Know Jack
Holy Cow
We’ve all lived through “Hammer Timer”
In a recent restaurant review of new
[Hongkabulary, May 8, issue 1095], being woken
gastropub Crafty Cow [May 1, issue 1094],
up every morning at 7am by a jackhammer
we described the cuisine as a “mish-mash”
outside your flat. Our exhausted Facebook
of flavors. A Facebook reader appreciates
readers can relate.
our word choice.
So accurate
Funny how a Yiddish word (‘Mish-Mash’)
Prada Leung
most universal dialect around. The fact that
got even into HK Magazine Elad Goz
Shaw had snapped up some of China’s finest filmmaking talent as it filtered south
So familiar
to Hong Kong in the 1960s probably didn’t
Eleanor Holroyd
hurt, either.
Paying so expensive rent to have this quality of Mr. Know-It-All answers your questions and quells your urban concerns. Send queries, troubles or problems to mrkia@hkmagmedia.com.
life, crazy ridiculous... Trinke Trinkete
On the Radio After some reports that Hong Kong has particularly high levels of radioactivity compared with other cities, Mr. Know-It-All looked into the issue [May 8, issue 1095] and found that these elevated levels are unlikely to do us any harm. One Facebook reader urges us to keep an
Truly
#PrivateEyeHK
Jhuna Rai Great when you work nights and have to sleep at 7am jackhammer gits Mick Yexley
open mind. Nothing is 100 percent safe, every rigidness in the universe is surrounded by uncertainty, as much as we cannot find the creator neither can we find an actual truth. Tamn Yausi
Write in and Win!
Gloomy Harbor Photo by Chris Chambers
4
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
Got something to say? Write us! Our letter of the week gets an HK Magazine notebook, umbrella (pictured) and copy of “Historical Hong Kong Hikes,” total value $470.
THE WEEK MON 5/25
FRI 5/29
SUN 5/24
Friday 5/22
Monday 5/25
Thursday 5/28
Veuve Clicquot is doing a string of promos for its Yellow is the New Black campaign. This weekend, hit up Tazmania Ballroom for the “Yellow Nights,” with special bottles all around. There are also Veuve happy hours at more than 10 bars, including Solas, Ozone and TOTT’s (daily, 6-9pm through May 31). May 22-23. 1/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St., Central, 2801-5009. $150 at the door. Visit vcseason-asia.com.
The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival has evolved from its religious roots into the cultural celebration it is today, complete with bun-tower-climbing challenge, parades and dances aplenty. The festival is five days long, but you can spend the public holiday catching kung fu shows, a parade and more— plus all the bun-scrambling action (11:30pm-12:30am). May 22-26. Cheung Chau. Bun challenge passes given out from 10pm onwards next to Pak Tai Temple; first-come, first served.
Manila-based indie jazz band Extrapolation is performing on Sevva’s terrace for three nights. A good view and live jazz— what more could you ask for? 8pm, May 28-30. 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2537-1388. Free entry.
Bubble Trouble
Saturday 5/23
What a Riot
Hit up Pui O for Made in Paradise Presents Summer Riot, a one-day festival with drinks from the likes of AmeriCraft and Kopparberg Cider and food from Mavericks, plus games, prizes and surprises. Any excuse to drink on the beach, right? 5-11pm. Pui O Beach. Free; RSVP to putmeonthefuckinglist@1800-paradise.com.
Sunday 5/24
Silent Downward Dog
The Yoga Room brings us an unlikely form of relaxation in its Silent Disco Yoga Class. You’ll have music and instructions coming through illuminated, wireless disco headsets. 6-7pm. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, Sai Ying Pun. $150 from www.eventbrite.hk. BYO yoga mat.
Bun Fight
Tuesday 5/26
Forbes Fillers
Kennedy Town neighborhood joint Forbes 36 has changed hands—and with it comes a brand new happy hour, with 30 percent off drinks. Grab a beer and watch gentrification happen right in front of your eyes. Daily, 4-8pm. 36 Forbes St., Kennedy Town, 2974-0688.
Wednesday 5/27
Relax, Don’t Do it
Take a mid-week break. Go home and have dinner with your family. Your Home.
Extra, extra
Friday 5/29
Good Girls Love a Sailor
Hit up The Yacht Week Prosecco Party at Panevino, put on to celebrate the opening of its Thailand route. There’ll be free-flow Prosecco for two hours. What’s Yacht Week, you ask? Picture a group of bronzed, toned people sailing and partying. On the other hand, you could always get a junk for $300 per head. 8-10pm. 36-40 Tung Lo Wan Rd., Tai Hang. $220 at the door.
Saturday 5/30
Into The Unknown
Hipster amalgamation alert! The Unknown Pleasures Rooftop Sessions are a series of events that offer a platform for young, up-and-coming musicians to perform live. Expect to see a lineup of DJs and rappers take to the stage. Watch this space for afterparty details. BYOB. Location TBA. Free for the first 50 guests; $50 at the door otherwise.
DO THIS
Brunch Crunch Can’t decide which brunch spot to visit for overpriced eggs? Hushup is back with the Secret Brunch Club, which removes the element of choice completely. Expect free-flow everything, plus the queen of drag queens La Chiquitta and DJs from Cliche Records spinning live—but you won’t know where until the time comes. Hope you like surprises… May 30. Brunch, 2-5pm; after-party, 5-8pm.$650 from hushup.hk.
6
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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NEWS Last Week In Reality
Talking Points We read the news, so you don’t have to. Photo: Edward Wong/SCMP
Sat 09 Chopper Rescue After a long night of
partying in Stanley, a British expat takes a taxi to his home on Conduit Road. He veers off the path and gets trapped in the forest, injuring his leg. He calls the police, who send a helicopter to search for him. He is found around 200 meters from Lugard Road on the Peak and is airlifted off the mountain.
Sun 10 Cab Cuffs A drunk man in Causeway Bay tries to get a cab at 2am with a
female friend, but the taxi driver refuses to accept the fare. Enraged, the man
IPCC chairman Larry Kwok
starts to stike the taxi, and so the driver gets out to confront him. The drunk man shrugs off his friend and leaps onto the taxi driver. The police are called
Police Complaints Council Shrugs Off 30,000 Complaints
and both men are taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Mon 11 Pig Parade A wild boar swims through
a pool in Tsuen Wan Park at 11am. At 6:30pm, another wild boar falls through a false ceiling of a Chai Wan children’s clothing store and into the shop’s display case. Both are caught and tranquilized. The Tsuen Wan boar is released into the wild immediately, while the Chai Wan boar is held for observation before being released.
The Independent Police Complaints Council has received 30,748 complaints since October 17, 2014 against 10 of its own members, all of which they have classified as “unfounded” or “unsubstantial.” Complaints were issued against members such as Shanxi CPPCC member Lawrence Ma, who was named more than 28,000 times, IPCC Chairman Larry Kwok and Vice Chairman Chan Kin-por, who were each mentioned on almost 17,000 occasions. The Council replied that more than 20,000 of the complaints had been sent from the social media account of internet radio station D100. The IPCC said that the complaints largely criticized the “biased” potition of the IPCC with regards to Occupy Central. Chairman Larry Kwok responded that these complaints were merely “expressions of opinion.” Our take: So what do you call 800,000 people on the streets of Hong Kong? Also “unsubstantial”?
Lesbian Couple Fights for Dependent Rights Tue 12
A lesbian couple has challenged the Immigration Department for refusing to recognize their
Hungry Hungry Python At 10am in Sai Kung,
civil union when processing a dependent visa. Lawyers for the Immigration Department have
a dead goat is found next to a swollen
argued that same-sex marriage is illegal and the Department has a duty to protect “the
10-foot-long Burmese Python. The snake has
social well-being of Hong Kong.” Lawyers for the couple say that denying LGBT people
eaten the goat’s 3-month-old kid. A snake
the same benefits that others enjoy is discrimination against sexual orientation and gender,
rescuer captures the snake and tries to
saying that even polygamous families may choose a “principal” wife to obtain a dependent visa.
make the bloated python regurgitate the
The case continues.
animal. He is ultimately able to pull the kid
Our take: All you need is love… and a good legal team.
out of the snake, and discovers that the python has also likely eaten a cat.
Weirdly Politicized New Holiday Coming Soon Wed 13
Following the Chinese government’s declaration of September 3 as a one-off “Victory Day of
Happily Ever After Disney Enterprises threatens to sue Memehk.com for reporting
the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” holiday, the Hong
on Hong Kong-originated Disneyland parody “Buddhaland.” Netizens of the HK Golden
Kong government has proposed to follow suit. The day marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s
forums had uploaded images of a Disneyland-style theme park based on Lantau’s Big
official World War II surrender ceremony in Tokyo. Critics suggest that it is part of the “China-
Buddha. Space Mountain was transformed into the “Five Finger Mountain,” the hand
ization” of Hong Kong, while some business owners are concerned that the unanticipated
with which Buddha imprisoned the Monkey King. Meme.hk reported on the viral news,
holiday will cause profits to dip. The “Special Holiday Bill” will be tabled at LegCo on May 27.
but did not originate any of the content.
Thu 14
Our take: As if Hong Kong doesn’t have enough public holidays: Let’s add a weird creepy one too!
Fri 15 Student Protest (Again) Baptist University
old woman is spotted hiding under
students storm an interview panel with
the northbound platform at Tai Po
Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong, the candidate
Market Station. She sticks her head
for university president, claiming that the
out, prompting the train driver to hit
university’s administration has not consulted
the emergency brake, and then climbs
the student body properly. There had been
out and walks along the tracks. The
three question-and-answer sessions with the
police take her off the tracks and to the
professor, but the BU Student Union president
hospital, but she does not explain her
suggested that the meetings had been
police in their handling of the wrongful arrest of an autistic man for murder.
actions. Her husband says that she has a
scheduled in the middle of exam season to give
history of mental illness.
students limited access to the meetings. Chin
Video evidence of the man in a home for the intellectually disabled was
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
“The more information that is revealed, the more we realize that the police are basically lying.” Fernando Cheung, vice chairman of the Labour Party, voices his distrust of the
agrees to delay the appointment date to give
presented to the police as an alibi before the man was charged, but the police
students more chances to meet with him.
appeared to ignore the evidence when pressing charges. The police have
Illustrations: Ryan Chan
8
Quote of the Week
Railway Stowaway At 10am, a 52-year-
issued a statement expressing their “regret” for the incident.
UPFRONT HongKabulary
Street Talk
Splashdodge VSO ȢGČGŢ Q Leaping around in the street to avoid the large, warm drops of what you really hope is water falling from the sky. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if it was an old air-con or a spitting granny, so I executed the perfect splashdodge to avoid it.â&#x20AC;?
Caption This HONG KONGâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing launches the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Energy Saving For Allâ&#x20AC;? campaign. (Felix Wong/SCMP)
Environment Secretary Questions Life Choices That Led Him Here er shy One-Eyed Monst Man Hugs Giant Fle
ENERGY SAVING BEGINS BY BURNING THIS MALFORMED EFFIGY FOR FUEL
Fast Facts
New Tongues
What new dialects are we learning to speak these days?
â&#x17E;˘ Mumbled incomprehensible Chinese spoken only by crochety grandmothers.
â&#x17E;˘ Emoji, the only extant form of communication among under-25-year-olds.
â&#x17E;˘ The language of love (business proficiency only). â&#x17E;˘ Putonghua, but petulantly. â&#x17E;˘ Sticking to our guns by keeping it monolingual.
Creating a work of art isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly a piece of cake for the average person, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doubly difficult when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the use of your hands. One of only a few foot painters in Hong Kong, Yeung Siu-fong tells Isabelle Hon about losing her arms and how she became an artist. HK Magazine: When did you start painting? Yeung Siu-fong: I went to a foot painting exhibition in 2007 and met my teacher Chan Wai. After that, I studied sketching, watercolors and Chinese art with her intermittently for eight years. Since she lives in Canada, we could only have lessons during her trips to Hong Kong. She knew that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough money, but saw my interest in painting and never asked for a dollar.
HK: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your source of inspiration? YF: I like landscapes a lot, so every time I go somewhere I take pictures. I also capture screenshots from arty movies, especially those with stunning cinematography. One of my favorite paintings is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maple Treeâ&#x20AC;? (above)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my earlier works, from 2007-09. At that time most of my painting was in color. The maple tree stands still, yet a breeze moves the leaves slightly. I love this natural motion.
HK: What happened to your arms? YF: I was playing on a roof when I was 9 years old and there was a high-pressure electricity leak. My arms were damaged from the electric shock, and after many attempts to operate failed, my family and I decided to get rid of them. The first time I tried to use my feet instead of my hands was actually to paint. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until later that I tried to use them for routine things such as picking up food.
HK: What do you have planned for the future? YF: Right now I am studying for a higher diploma in fine art at Hong Kong Art School, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still exploring and trying to build up my own style. I would love to eventually work in art therapy. In addition, I am having an exhibition showing around 15 of my early works, mainly watercolors. I would like to incorporate more current issues like global warming in my work to arouse public awareness.
HK: Did you receive any special training? YF: At first people fed me, but I wanted to do learn how to take care of myself. I took two weeks and trained myself to use chopsticks to grab yellow beans, and that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so hard. I also trained my flexibility and control by standing still and drawing curves. To paint, I have to focus and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shake at all. Sometimes I stand and sometimes I sit: Standing without shaking is tiring, but when sitting, I have to bend my waist and that also uses lots of energy.
HK: Any hobbies besides drawing? YF: I run 10K races, go hiking and swim in my free time. I actually represented Hong Kong in the 2010 Asian Games as a disabled swimmer, and also swam in the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou. Every time I practice a sport or take part in a competition, it uses a lot of energy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiring, but I just enjoy doing it. See Yeungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works through July 5 at Citywalk Gallery, Shop 126, 1/F, Citywalk, 1 Yeung Uk Rd., Tsuen Wan.
Screw you, globalization.
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
9
A series of stories, recommendations and tips on Hong Kong from people in the know. Explore our city based on the travel experiences that interest you and get itineraries for off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.
6SRWOLJKW RQ (DVWHUQ 'LVWULFW Spanning the length of Hong Kong Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easterly coastal reaches, the Eastern District played a significant role in the development of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal defenses. From the very early years of Chinese settlement when the area was known by fishermen as Sai Wan, to its time as a strategic outpost for southern China, and as a military battlefield during World War II, the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maritime heritage still resonates today. $EHUGHHQ 7\SKRRQ 6KHOWHU
0DULWLPH +LVWRU\ Hong Kong is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading cosmopolitan cities, yet from the moment you set foot on its shores you can see how the modern-day status is inextricably linked to a rich maritime heritage. Before the city became the world-famous free trade port it is today, it was throughout its history a maritime base for pirates, a resource for Chinese traders, a home for traditional fishing villages, and a colonial staging post.
/LYLQJ RII WKH 6HD Long before the British hoisted a flag at Possession Point, Hong Kong was home to a myriad of communities living onâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and offâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the water. One such location is Tai O, an ancient stilted village that was once a shining port of the Pearl River Delta, thriving on salt production and fishing. Further north on the shores of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories is Sam Mun Tsai New Village, another quaint fishing community that grew up around salt production.
/LYLQJ RQ WKH 6HD For a livelier water community, make your way to Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest natural inlet providing protection from the elements. Over the years it has attracted a large population of hard-working Chinese settlers looking to make a living. Although the fishing industry is no longer what it once was, this stretch of water is still busyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;riddled as it is with working harbor boats, fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sampans, luxury yachts and tour boats.
2Q WKH 6KRUHV Hong Kong has such involved, complex ties to its waters that the best place to cover a lot of history in a short space of time is the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. With more than 5,000 artefacts and some 15 galleries of exhibitions covering everything from sea bandits to the making of Victoria Harbour, no exploration of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past is complete without a stop here.
6KDX .HL :DQ 7\SKRRQ 6KHOWHU
&RDVWDO 7ULEXWHV For an overview of the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maritime importance through the centuries, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, a British-built former fort that was a pivotal force during the 1941 Battle of Hong Kong. Now it contains the 600-year history of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal defenses. Alternatively, the tranquil Sai Wan War Cemetery in Chai Wan honors Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war effort, containing the graves of those who died during the Japanese invasion.
6HDVLGH 6KULQHV One of the earliest indicators of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing heritage is Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay. Built by the Hakka Tai family from southern China in the early 18th century, the story goes that the family happened upon a statue of Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, in the rocks on the shore one day while scavenging for grass and erected a temple to protect it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still managed by the Tai family today.
6HDIRRG (DW )RRG For a district that thrived on the sea, here is where you should of course sample some fresh seafood. At Wong Lam Kee Chiu Chow Fish Ball Noodles the owners still buy their fish each morning from the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter and locals flock here for the spring onion fish balls in soupy noodles. Tung Po Seafood is another gem that delivers fresh, tasty produce: try the deep-fried shrimp, which is sold by the catty and flavored with handfuls of garlic crisps. Head online to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ InsidersGuide to create your personalized itinerary for Eastern District.
For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide
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1DWXUDO +HULWDJH Hong Kong may be a buzzing urban metropolis, but its little-known secret is that some 40 percent of the territory is formed of country parks and nature reserves. Step outside of downtown and you’ll discover steeple-top mountain chains, remote hiking trails, rugged coastlines and wild beaches. Plus with more marine diversity than the Caribbean and one third of the total bird species in China, you’ll soon want to spend all your precious time outdoors.
5RFN\ %HJLQQLQJV The most prominent protected nature reserve is the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, in the northeasterly Sai Kung. One of the prettiest of these areas is Yan Chau Tong Marine Park: a happy result of violent volcanic eruptions some 180 million years ago. Protected by mountain ranges, erosion through the ages has been kind—it’s worth a visit to explore the rocky headlands and cliffs which are surrounded by picturesque bays and turquoise waters.
8QGHU WKH 6HD To discover what lies beneath Hong Kong’s calm waters, escape to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park (Hoi Ha literally translates to “under the sea”), a sheltered bay that’s famous for its coral collection. You might be able to spot more than 60 species of hard coral just from a clear spot on the surface, or dive down further to happen upon colorful soft coral and more than 120 species of fish.
6SRWOLJKW RQ <XHQ /RQJ Travel up into the far northwestern reaches of Hong Kong and you may be surprised to discover that the once rural outpost of Yuen Long is now a thriving modern town. The district has certainly come a long way since its first Chinese settlers in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), but large parcels of land are still devoted to the birdladen wetlands, scenic nature reserves and tranquil waterside villages.
6HWWOLQJ 'RZQ Settlers from Guangdong, the Tang Clan, first established their walled villages in Ping Shan. They constructed a large number of traditional Chinese buildings—halls, temples and pagodas—that you can see if you follow the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. This 1.6km-long route offers a window into the unique characteristics of life in Yuen Long. While you’re here, try poon choi—a time-honored village dish with layers of ingredients served in a metal basin.
6OHHS\ 9LOODJHV From traditional walled villages to ancient fishing villages, Yuen Long prides itself on protecting its ageold buildings and its lush green spaces. Head to Lau Fau Shan, a rural fishing village in Deep Bay that’s
traditionally famous for its oyster farming—and its oyster sauce. Life today is somewhat sleepier: you’re more likely to find old fishing boats, rafts gently floating in the shallows, and expansive mudflats.
6SHFLDO 6XQGRZQHUV As the sun sets, the shoreline of Ha Pak Nai becomes a shutterbug’s paradise as crowds gather at the water’s edge, looking across the bay to Mainland China, while the day’s departing rays bathe the mangroves, fish ponds and sandy flats in a warm glow. Another unmissable Yuen Long stop before the day’s end is Ho To Tai Noodle Shop—a famous 1940s era eatery that serves bowls of firm, springy wonton noodles. Head online to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ InsidersGuide to create your personalized itinerary for Yuen Long.
)HHOLQJ 5HVHUYHG Keep your feet on dry land at the renowned Hong Kong Wetland Park, some 60 hectares of wetland reserve with specially designed habitats for its water-bird species. The large visitor center holds regular themed exhibitions, plus you can meet the salt water crocodile “Pui Pui.” Mai Po Nature Reserve is another must-visit wetlands that supports thousands of birds during migratory season—plus a whole host of vibrating insects and gei wai freshwater shrimp. For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide
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Sik jor fan mei? Yannie Chan meets some of the last speakers of Hong Kong’s disappearing dialects. Photos by Emily Chu
Putonghua usage may be increasing in Hong Kong, but the same isn’t true for China’s many other dialects. According to the 2011 census, the number of people in the city who speak another variant of Chinese
TANKA The Tanka, or boat people, stay true to the name. They have traditionally resided on boats and junks along the southern coast of Hong Kong, living a simple fishermen’s life. They don’t call themselves Tanka, which some view as offensive, but sui seung yan, “people of the water.” Cheung For-yau is a spokesperson for the Hong Kong’s Fishermen’s Association.
as their main language is on the decline: from 352,562 in 2001 to 273,745 only 10 years later—that’s just 3.9 percent of the population. With fewer and fewer people speaking these dialects, we meet those keeping the old tongues alive and they give us the universal greeting: sik jor fan mei—have you eaten yet?
I was born in Tai O into a fishing family. The Tanka I know is already very different to that spoken two or three generations ago. Most people my age, including me, learned Cantonese first, but with a heavy Tanka accent. Even my grandmother did not speak pure Tanka. Hers was a mix of Tanka and Cantonese. My family have always been fishermen. My grandfather’s grandfather’s generation moored their boats in Tai O and gradually built settlements in the area. We use Tanka phrases. We refer to fishing as hoi sum, which means “happy” in Cantonese. I am a water person and was born into a fishing family, but still, I get seasick every single time. If we were going on a one-week fishing trip, I’d be sick the first day and throw up. I only begin to feel better the second day.
nets, tear them and eat the fish. We don’t welcome them. But now fishing by nets is banned, this perception has probably changed. My kids no longer have the Tanka accent. No one speaks Tanka anymore. A couple of years ago, there were three elderly Tai O residents who spoke only Tanka. They have all passed away.
“We refer to fishing as hoi sum, which means ‘happy.’”
The fish maw of the Chinese bahaba was the most sought after. It used to cost $30,000 a catty. That was a lot of money back then. Now I’ve heard it’s worth about $100,000 a catty! But you rarely see the fish in these waters anymore.
I once caught it and the dried fish maw alone weighed more than two catties. We didn’t have to worry about money for a few months. Fishermen avoid dolphins. We call dark dolphins “black taboo” and Chinese white dolphins “white taboo.” Dolphins follow our fishing
Before a wedding, the bride-to-be is required to sing folk songs for two nights straight to thank their families. No one follows it now, but my big sister did it. She sang folk songs for two nights, from evening till the next morning. She sang it along with my mother and aunties.
As the Tanka dialect disappears, the culture and practices are going away as well. Hardly any Tanka practices will be passed onto the generation after me. I don’t really have any strong feelings about it. We can’t force a language to live on. After I left Tai O to work, people made fun of my accent. They still do! I never really took it to heart. I know my accent comes from the Tanka dialect and is part of our culture.
Hack fau meh?
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
DIALECT DISHES Teochew: Shantou Ting Hoi Lo Sze Restaurant Known as the “King of Marinated Goose,” this venerable restaurant serves some of the most authentic Teochew dishes in town. “I’m not sure if ho lok is on the menu, but you can ask for it,” says Teochew dialect instructor Hui Bak-kin. “It’s fluffy scrambled eggs with oyster. It’s the best I’ve had in Hong Kong.” Also try the Teochew foie gras, white pepper and pork belly soup, and fried yam sticks with a hard sugar coating.
Weitou: Tai Wing Wah Village Cuisine Tai Wing Wah Village Cuisine opened in Yuen Long in 1950 helmed by well-known Chef Hugo “To To” Leung. Walled village cuisine is all about seasonal ingredients and fatty meat, so consider yourself warned. Popular dishes include suckling pig, made with high quality soy sauce, homemade poon choi pork, steamed fish head and Chinese lard rice. Various locations including G-1/F, 1 Stewart Rd., Wan Chai, 2511-1663.
37-39 Lung Kong Rd., Kowloon City, 2382-6899.
Tanka: Ping Fat A specialty dried goods shop in busy Tai O market, Ping Fat sells salted fish, dried fish belly, fried oysters, dried squid and more. It’s one of the few remaining shops to dry its own fish maw. 12 Tai O Market St., Tai O, 9471-2517. Hakka: Hak Ka Hut This chain was specifically created with the intention of keeping classic Hakka dishes alive and is a reliable option for the newbie. 3/F, 26 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 8300-8103.
Hokkien: Zhen Zhen Food Stall Chun Yeung Street Wet Market in North Point is also known as “Little Hokkien,” as it houses several stores specializing in Hokkien food and snacks. Among them, Zhen Zhen Food Stall—said to be a favorite of legendary food critic Chua Lam—serves hard-to-find Hokkien dishes. Savory rice, a signature Hokkien dish, is a mix of white rice, glutinous rice, mushrooms and peanuts, seasoned with soy sauce. Shop B, 70-74 Chun Yeung St., North Point. CHECK OUT MORE REGIONAL CHINESE RESTAURANTS ON P.20!
WEITOU A close cousin of Cantonese, “Weitou” means “walled village.” The dialect is spoken, increasingly rarely, within the walled villages in the New Territories and among older generations in Shenzhen. Chung Yung-kwai (right) and Chung Hoi-wai (left) are indigenous villagers of Chung Uk Tsuen in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. They are the last generation who can speak fluent Weitou. Cliff Chung, also an indigenous villager in Chung Uk Tsuen, has mapped out the genealogy of the entire Chung family in his village. Chung Yung-kwai: I am 84 years old, the 26th generation of Chung Uk Tsuen villagers. The first language I learned was the Weitou dialect. The next generation spoke Cantonese as their first language. There used to be ‘blind’ marriages. If a man was out in the city working, his family would find him a girlfriend and then use a chicken to represent him at the wedding. People returned to find that they’d got married! When we speak of these things, and how poor we used to be, people don’t seem to really believe it. We don’t teach our children the Weitou dialect. It is very similar to Cantonese anyway. There’s no need for them to learn. I don’t feel sad about it.
I have no problem understanding the Weitou dialect but I have trouble speaking it. To be honest, I think the younger generation is simply not aware of Weitou. Only several village elders still speak it.
“The Weitou you find now has been diluted. More Cantonese phrases slip into our everyday speech.”
I began a website and posted some Weitou phrases, hoping that would get people to share and learn the dialect online. After one more generation, I’m sure the Weitou dialect will become extinct. Whenever I hear and speak Weitou, I remember my grandmother. Visit Chung’s website: www.chunguktsuen.com.
Chung Hoi-wah: My father went to England to work in the 50s. I followed him later in the 60s. In most families in England, the Weitou dialect seems better preserved. The Weitou you find in our village now has been diluted. More Cantonese phrases slip into our everyday speech, and the dialect has become closer and closer to Cantonese. Cliff Chung: I built a graph mapping all the people in our village. I realized I am a true Hongkonger: My family has been here for more than 700 years. It makes me feel very proud.
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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TEOCHEW Teochew, or Chiu Chow, originates in Eastern Guangdong province. The dialect preserves much of the pronunciation and vocabulary of Old Chinese, which dates back to the beginning of written records. Notable Teochew Hongkongers include Li Ka-shing and Emperor group chairman Albert Yeung. Hui Pak-kin teaches a Teochew dialect course at Polytechnic University.
SPEAK THE DIALECTS Greetings Teochew: Hello, luh hoh Hokkien: Good morning, ja sin Delicious! Hakka: hao sit Teochew: o jak Thank you Cantonese: ng goi Hakka: ng goi Teochew: lui luh Hokkien: gum sia I love Hong Kong Cantonese: ngo oi heung gong Hakka: ai oi heung gong Teochew: wa ai hiang gang Hokkien: wo ai hiang gang
I was born in Chenghai, Shantou. I came to Hong Kong when I was 11 years old. My father taught me three sentences in Cantonese before my first day of school: “I don’t understand Cantonese,” “I can’t speak Cantonese,” and “I don’t know.” Many from my father’s generation see Hong Kong as only a temporary home. They came to Hong Kong not to find a better home, but to make money. They believe that they will return home in the end. When many Teochew elderly say they want to go home, they mean Teochew, not their Hong Kong homes. My name is pronounced “Hui Bak-geen” in Cantonese but my father told me it was pronounced “Hoy Bak-geen,” because of his accent. So that’s how I said it in school. People would laugh at me and I didn’t know why. It wasn’t until a year later, when someone with the same surname came into our class that I found out it was pronounced Hui!
In Teochew, lo li refers to a truck. It came from the English word “lorry.” Many Teochew people went to southern Asia to work and adopted the word. My favorite part of Teochew culture is kung fu tea. It is not about the quality of tea leaves, but the social ties. Teochew people never drink kung fu tea alone—whenever people visit, they make kung fu tea. So kung fu tea really stands for relationships among people.
“There’s a saying: ‘You’d rather argue with Teochew people than chat with Chaoyang people.’”
It used to worry me that I speak Cantonese with an accent. I had this fear that the minute I spoke people would notice and laugh at me. I only truly stopped caring much later in life. There is actually no single Teochew dialect because Teochew consists of many different regions. Each area speaks its own version of the Teochew dialect. There’s a saying: “You’d rather argue with Teochew people than chat with Chaoyang people.” Teochew refers to the capital within Teochew city, and Chaoyang was another region under the bigger Teochew umbrella. People from the capital spoke very gently because they were upper class, and Chaoyang people were known for being loud and rude.
Many of my students want to reconnect with their past. They grew up listening to Teochew, but cannot speak it well. When they were younger, some avoided and looked down on their dialect.
Jak bung meh?
The mother of one of my students speaks only Teochew. Before his wedding day, he asked me to teach him to read a speech in Teochew. During the wedding, he dedicated the speech to his mother. It was very moving. The Teochew dialect is disappearing. There’s no stopping the trend. A language is spoken to communicate with others. When it gets to a point where everyone can reach the US in two hours, languages will become increasingly similar.
HAKKA “Hakka” literally means “guest families,” thanks to a long history of migration: From north China to the south, and then overseas. Hakka people have long been prominent in public affairs. Well-known Hakka Hongkongers include politicians Martin Lee and Lau Wong-fat, and actors Chow Yun-fat and Leslie Cheung. Lau Chun-fat founded the Association for Conservation of Hong Kong Indigenous Languages, and studies the Hakka dialect. I was born in Tsuen Wan. We later moved to Leung Uk Tsuen in Pat Heung, Tuen Mun, and became villagers here. In the past, from Pat Heung to Tsuen Wan, everyone spoke Hakka. At school, we were not allowed to speak Hakka, just like how schools nowadays make students only speak English in school. All our parents wanted us to speak perfect Cantonese. It would be easier to find a good school, get a decent job and climb up the social ladder. It was bad if people could hear from your accent that you spoke Hakka at home. I found out later that people sacrificed Hakka to speak Cantonese. It’s one of the reasons Hakka is diminishing in the New Territories.
In 1982, I was collecting water samples from wells in the New Territories for a project when I came across a 10-year-old boy. I asked him in Hakka where the closest well was. He did not understand me! I was shocked. My own kids, who were born in Germany, speak perfect Hakka. I wanted my children to know it—but when they came back, no one spoke it anymore. I was sad and wondered if my children would give up on Hakka because no one their age speaks it. Even adults were unwilling to speak it to my children.
“Hakka folk songs are really impressive. It’s like Chinese rap.”
I don’t think of Hakka as an inferior language, but when I discussed this with my wife and relatives, I found that they do. They didn’t like Hakka because it signified you were “from the village.” Some relatives even urged me to not speak Hakka to my son, calling Hakka “an ugly language.” But if I speak English or German to my son, they say he’s a genius.
Seek or fan ng chian o?
wondered if all languages share a common ancestry.
When I was a child, there were no Cantonese songs. All songs were in Putonghua. I had no idea it was a different language. I thought singing meant you had to say words in a funny way. I’ve always been interested in linguistics. Speaking many languages—Hakka, Weitou, some Teochew, Cantonese, English— prompted me to consider some philosophical questions. In Hakka, “I” sounds like ai. In Cantonese, it’s ngor. But in English, “I” comes closer to the Hakka version. I always
In 2000, I became a doctoral student and studied the Hakka dialect. A friend told me that Weitou is suffering a worse fate. We decided to set up an organization to actively conserve indigenous languages.
Cantonese used to have the “sh” consonant. So the names of MTR stations were not a result of bad transliteration—it was really how they were pronounced! So Sha Tin, Tsim Sha Tsui and Sheung Wan were pronounced with the sh sound in Cantonese. The sh sound began to disappear in 1900, because there were more people learning Cantonese and the language was gradually simplified. Hakka folk songs are really impressive. It’s like Chinese rap—the singer improvises the lyrics. Hakka people mostly sing them to woo the opposite sex. After a work day, they would sing these songs across mountains. The content can be quite explicit. Very explicit sometimes!
Learn more about the Association for Conservation of Hong Kong Indigenous Languages at www.hkilang.org.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
HOKKIEN Hokkien people, also known as Hoklo, hail from eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian provinces. This area was a trading and migration center, and so the Hokkien dialect is commonly encountered overseas, particularly in Taiwan and the Philippines. So Chi-keung is the chairman of Tai Wong Yeh Temple Management Office at Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po. My family was from Hong Kong island at first. We fished along the shores, and gradually found and settled in Tai Po in the 1940s.
nothing we could do. The city has to develop and we should accommodate the changes. Most Hokkien stopped being fishermen. Many went into the construction industry.
Hokkien is my first language. I didn’t start learning Cantonese until the 1950s, when it became popular. You had to learn Cantonese to do business and buy daily essentials.
Hoklo culture is very much different to what it was when I was a child. They’re very fond memories to me, but I don’t really miss it. What’s the point?
Hoklo people have a bad reputation for being ferocious. In the past, Teochew people occupied the piers. If Hoklo people weren’t aggressive enough, we couldn’t do business. We were also bullied because we came from the sea. People who had already settled in an area saw us as intruders. Everywhere we went, people on the land would try to get us to leave. We had to be aggressive.
“I had never been proud of being Hoklo. There was nothing to be proud of. Now, it’s better. ”
People would say mean things to us. I’ve been told that because I was a fisherman I had no future and no prospects. I had never been proud of being Hoklo. There was nothing to be proud of. Now, it’s better. People are accepting and are interested in our culture.
Jak bung weh?
In the 70s, the government wanted to develop Tai Po into a new town, and moved us from fishing villages to public housing. There was
A lot of people still speak Hokkien. My siblings’ grandchildren speak it very well. In newer families, however, its use is decreasing because Hoklo people rarely marry other Hoklo anymore. Dragon boats are a big part of our weddings. When we still lived on fishing boats, we used them to carry the bride to the husband’s boat. We would tie several fishing boats together to hold a wedding banquet.
When my son got married, all the boats came together for the wedding banquet. The feast lasted for three days. It’s a real achievement to welcome a daughter-in-law. Hoklo culture and its dialect will probably die out eventually. But I can’t be sad about it. I mean, in the past, women couldn’t eat until the men finished eating. Now? If they don’t feel like it they won’t cook for us. Things change and most of the time it’s for the better.
Learn more about Hoklo culture at the Tai Wong Yeh Temple, Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po.
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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Mexican Beef
Best for Flavor Quality comes first when it comes to Mexican Beef; that’s why it is one of the world’s most sought after food products. Many people may think first of beer and tequila, but the
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GET MORE OUT OF HK | SHOPPING + TRAVEL + DINING
Make Me Marimekko Now with six shops in Hong Kong, Finnish fashion and homewares brand Marimekko has amassed a loyal following thanks to its quirky and colorful designs. This summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s styles take a note from nature, with splashes of ocean blue and forests of verdant green. We particularly love the watercolor-inspired plates and moody, paint-splashed glassware from the Weather Diary collection. With these wild patterns, your next dinner party will feel like a force of nature. Saapaivakirja Weather platter, $1,095; plate, $430; pitcher, $795. Various locations including Shop 42, Lai Chi Building, 42-52 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 2203-4214.
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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TRAVEL ESCAPE ROUTES with Kate Springer
“Technically immaculate.” The Strad
“An attractive combination of silk and steel.” BBC Radio 3
Violin
Gaggan with the wind
© SIMON FOWLER
• Winner, George Enescu International Competition 2005
Photo: TM & © Toho Co Ltd.
Photo: Allwecandid
Valeriy Sokolov
Gaggan's smokin' coconut lassi
Programme
Symphonic Variations Violin Concerto No 2 Symphony No 4 in D minor, Op 120
Bartók Schumann
6.6.2015 (Sat) 8pm
Valeriy Sokolov’s Performance © ALYONA SEMENOV
“Expert direction.” The Wall Street Journal
Tickets at URBTIX
For ages 6+ Hong Kong Sinfonietta reserves the right to change the programme and artists
Snuggle up to Godzilla
After Chef Gaggan Anand snagged the top spot in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards this past March, the eponymous restaurant shot to the top of my to-do list on a recent trip to Bangkok. I wasn’t really sure what to make of “progressive Indian” cuisine but it's just as creative as it sounds. Having visited a few other molecular dining rooms in the past, I was expecting most of the dishes to be served up with a side of pretention. But from the moment you walk in to Gaggan's white-washed colonial building, you are treated like family. The sommelier is quick to offer you the perfect cocktail or glass of wine—don’t miss the smoking coconut lassi—and makes sure your glass stays half-full. As for the food, Chef Anand applies lots of technological tricks to his cooking, which transforms some Indian staples into a feast for the eyes as well. Picture an “explosive” sphere of yoghurt, edible plastic bags full of nuts and spices, or lamb chops with smoked whisky. You can try a sampling with one of the tasting menus, which start from a very reasonable THB1,800 ($415) and go up to THB4,000 ($924). I say without hesitation that the 21 courses I ate at Gaggan were 21 of the best bites of my life.
“Look mommy, a dinosaur!” Tokyo welcomed yet another wild hotel last month, with the Godzilla-themed Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. Nope, it’s not at Universal Studios—the address opened in Tokyo’s nightlife and entertainment epicenter of Kabukicho. The monstertastic property is offering two types of Godzillathemed rooms: one top-floor suite with special-effect walls and a huge claw coming out of the ceiling over the bed; and six other “Godzilla View” rooms that peer right into the red eye—a life-size replica of the film star’s head. The location is quite fitting, as it’s inside a new entertainment complex, complete with 12 cinemas. With any luck, you’ll get to see the King of the Monsters in action on the big screen… and then again before bed.
68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, (+66) 2652-1700, www.eatatgaggan.com.
From JPY13,000 ($845). 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, (+81) 3-68332489, shinjuku.gracery.com.
Sweet dreams at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Zero to Hero
2111 5999 | www.URBTIX.hk
Programme Enquiries: 2836 3336
Gaga about Gaggan
Photo: TM & © Toho Co Ltd.
Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall $320 $220 $140
Monster mash-up
Conductor
Ken Lam • Music Director, Charleston Symphony Orchestra
Hong Kong Sinfonietta is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Tree-hugging travelers out there will want to bookmark the new travel guides from Kiosk, a local lifestyle website that focuses on sustainable living. This year, the company has been rolling out a series of new Zero guides—all of which highlight eco-friendly places to stay, eat and drink in major cities across the world. The first guides to publish were London, Copenhagen and Singapore, but there’s one for Hong Kong out now as well as eight more to come this year. Even if you have no plans to leave the city, the website’s focus on eco-friendly news around town might just inspire you to clean up your act. $128 from Page One, Shop LG 1-30, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, 2778-2808. Learn more at discoverkiosk.com.
Hong Kong Sinfonietta is the Venue Partner of the Hong Kong City Hall
Have a query you need answered or a travel tip you’re keen to share? Email me at kate.springer@hkmagmedia.com or tweet @KateSpringer and #hktravels.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
MADE IN
ITALY QUALITY & LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE May 26
ITALIAN CAR NIGHT: Discover the Best Italian Motors (Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, CWB)
June 4
OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Giando x Mia (Wan Chai)
June 6-7
ITALIAN MARKET: Music, Food & Beverage and More (Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam)
June 11
OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Tosca x Martin Foot (Ritz Carlton Hotel, ICC Tower)
June 16
OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Gaia Ristorante x Angelo Buonumori (Sheung Wan)
June 19
ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Luca (Tsim Sha Tsui East)
June 22
ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Fabio (Central)
June 25
OSPITALITÀ ITALIANA X ART COCKTAIL: Nicholini’s x Annalu’ (Admiralty)
June 1-30
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July 7
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July 9
ITALIAN CULINARY WORKSHOP: Join Chef Francesco (Central)
July 10
DESIGN ITALIANI PREVIEW at SICIS The Art Mosaic Factory (Wan Chai)
July 15
CHINESE CONTEMPORARY ART MEETS ITALIAN WINES (Central)
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DINING
Going to Regionals Had your fill of the same boring Sichuan meals? Evelyn Lok and
Kate Springer seek out some overlooked regional Chinese cuisines.
The Cuisine: Hokkien Hokkien cuisine is somewhat similar to Taiwanese fare, made with delicate and precise preparation: think fine knifework and high-quality produce. Named after the coastal city in Fujian, Putien is a popular chain from Singapore with two outposts in Hong Kong. The expansive menu boasts dishes such as chilled bitter gourd—it’s sliced super-thin, supposedly to make it taste sweeter. Be sure to try the salt-and-pepper fried pig knuckle, as well as the dumpling soup, in which the wrappers are made by pounding ground pork and potato starch into paper-thin slices. Two branches including Room A, 7/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival St., Causeway Bay, 2111-8080.
The Cuisine: Islamic Chinese Islamic cuisine takes much of its inspiration from Beijing: think plenty of soupy noodles and dumplings. A long-time Kowloon City mainstay is Islam Food. Established in 1950, the eatery has its walls lined with photographs of celebrity patrons and news clippings, all invariably touting its signature veal goulash pockets. Be sure to angle them over a bowl or spoon to catch all the juice. The curry here is also exceptional, with an addictive, party-in-your-mouth tang that matches the hefty varieties of mutton, ox-tongue or beef brisket on offer. 1 Lung Kong Rd., Kowloon City, 2382-2822.
The Cuisine: Chiu Chow (Teochew) Chiu Chow is particularly known for its da lang late night feasting tradition, serving up seaside delicacies such as cold, brined crabs or rice soups packed with ingredients—either as a nightcap or to be washed down with a few beers. Opened just over a month ago, Sum Yeh Loi Chiu (˼֭դᆾ)—which translates poetically to “satisfying a craving for Chiu Chow food late at night”—is a Mong Kok hotspot that’s open until 3am. You won’t find typical soy sauce-marinated meats here: instead it serves up a variety of chilled seafoods, ranging from sea urchin to baby oysters to crab brimming with orange roe. The signature dish, however, is a unique take on the humble Chiu Chow rice soup, made with a clear vegetable tea and topped with sliced mushroom and peanuts. Shop A, G/F, Skyline Tower, 18 Tong Mi Rd., Mong Kok, 6737-8676.
The Cuisine: Hunan If you like Sichuan food then you’ll love Hunan cuisine, and Shek Tong Tsui newcomer Jiang’s Hunan Chef is a fantastic spot to whet your appetite. This friendly restaurant is all about great spice, using a mix of bright red, golden and green chili peppers. A few of the signatures include a huge, silky carp covered in chili peppers, super juicy lamb chops with chili, spicy green beans with chili and tiny fish fried whole on a bed of chilis… seeing a pattern here? The place is owned by a husband-and-wife team and a family atmosphere permeates the whole place. G/F, Fu Ga Building, 13 Yat Fu Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, 3956-8873.
The Cuisine: Hakka The Cuisine: Xinjiang Xinjiang cuisine from the northwest mostly derives from Uyghur culture, with a huge spotlight on mutton. Despite the name, North Point’s Beef Noodles specializes in intense, meaty mutton noodles, while rice and noodle bowls and cumin grilled lamb skewers round out the menu. Visit the smaller branch on King’s Road (Shop 10, G/F, Everwin Building, 406-408 King’s Rd., North Point, 3565-6553), where more Xinjiang dishes are on offer, such as mutton with roasted flatbread and zhua fan, a carrot rice with mutton and onions. 41A Kam Ping St., North Point, 2151-0506.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
The food of the Hakka people is usually best home-cooked, and it can be hard to find in restaurants. In Hong Kong, Hakka tastes have developed over time to emphasize seafood and vegetables. One such signature dish is jin mun yeung dau fu (right) braised tofu cubes topped with minced meat and salted fish, available at Chuen Cheung Kui. Salt-baked chicken is also a Hakka staple, but perhaps the most well-known dish is the decadent and aromatic mui choy kau yuk—a large casserole of pork belly slices layered with preserved mustard greens, and steamed with spices and rice wine. Bring a large, hungry group and go to town. Various branches including Shop C & 1/F, Alliance Building, 133 Connaught Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2388-7488.
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DINING 1(: $1' NOTED with Adele Wong
Mana! Raw gets even healthier
A Raw Deal
If Mana’s flatbreads are starting to get a bit repetitive, there’s now Mana! Raw (G/F, 97 Wellington St., Central, 2259-5125), serving (mostly) uncooked, meat-free, possibly glutenfree food and drink that would make a regular vegan blush. Highlights at this takeout bar include the “vushi”: lovely sushi-like items stuffed either with brown rice (not raw) or a celeriac blend (raw) and greens; and leafy green wraps—veggies wrapped in more veggies. I swear, your skin will glow a shade brighter just stepping into the shop. Freshly blended juices, raw puddings and other treats round out the menu.
Kimchi’s the New Kebab
Hanjan has you covered
Looking for a late-night bite in LKF that’s not kebabs? Hanjan (G/F, 4-5 Wo On Lane, Central, 2408-6000) might do the trick. The ground floor venue is backed by local celebrities Adrienne Lau and Connie Man, and serves kinda-Korean dishes like
Moules and, yes, Frites
kimchi mozzarella balls, steak tartare, cheeseglazed ribs, kimchi pancakes and tofu seafood soups. But let’s get to the heart of the matter, which is: The space is conveniently open ‘til 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.
I’ll Have Frites With That
Frites (1/F, 198 Wellington St., Central, 2217-6671) is back in Central! It took the guys a while, but Concept Creations group has finally found another massive space to host the popular Belgian establishment that used to be at Queen’s Palace. The new Frites is all dark wood, stained glass and pew-like seats— but not to worry, there will be no sermons: only Leffe on tap. Large parties can book the “abbey” room for private functions away from the plebs. Pork knuckle, steak frites, moulesfrites and long-ass sausages are highlights on the menu. Email me at adele.wong@hkmagmedia.com or follow me on Twitter: @adelewong_hk.
What happened at the Pinewood Battery? *
*Learn about this and other fascinating facts in
Historical Hong Kong Hikes A guide to 15 remarkable treks, detailing the rich history of the SAR’s peaks, valleys and urban neighborhoods
In all major bookstores now! www.historicalhkhikes.com
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
All of our reviews are independent and anonymous!
Chibee ★★★★★
Bocadito ★★★★★
Korean Fried Chicken. 7/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2838-5777.
Spanish/Mexican Tapas. G/F, 40 Staunton Street, Central, 2549 2878.
was dry and crisp, and the whole dish paired wonderfully with the wasabi-flavored sauce we were given. We just couldn’t have enough. There were also pickled veggies and a salad to balance things out. The smoky, creamy chibee instant noodles ($65) accompanied with spam were another hit.
Fried chicken of all kinds is still the “it” food of the mo, and the Korean variety is leading the way. Enter Chibee, brought to you by one of the guys behind the Three Monkeys group. This KFC joint serves the poultry in numerous different flavors, mostly deep-fried. HIT The spring onion chicken ($178), which consisted of a massive portion of deep-fried, bone-in goodness literally topped with a bush of spring onion. The meat was juicy, the batter
MISS The ham and cheese toast ($65) was touted as a crowd-pleaser that always sells out, but when we received our order we were not impressed. The rolled-up sandwiches looked awesome, but tasted rather pedestrian: neither the cheese nor ham was memorable in flavor. The homemade ketchup that came with the toasties was too herby and reminiscent of pasta sauce to make a harmonious pairing. BOTTOM LINE Always on the lookout for the next best KFC joint? Chibee holds its own on the fried chicken front. Open daily 5pm-3am. $$
Ratings ★ Don’t go ★★ Disappointing ★★★ We’ll be back ★★★★ We’ll be back—with friends ★★★★★ You MUST go
Price Guide $ Less than $200
$$ $200-$399
$$$ $400-$599
$$$$ $600-$799
$$$$$ $800 and up
garlic, coriander and achiote chili sauce, were refreshing and the fish was incredibly tender. We’d happily order them again. Co-owner Phil was very happy to sit down and guide us through the menu and the tastes of Spain, which is always great.
You can’t miss Soho’s Bocadito, thanks to the huge mouth which forms the entrance to this tapas joint. Inside Bocadito is full of beautiful psychedelic mosaic décor, inspired by the Barcelonan architecture of Antoni Gaudí. HIT Special lenguado al pibil ($78) sole tacos came topped with almond and a large slice of grilled pineapple, giving a sweet kick to a mildly spicy dish. More sole tacos—lenguado con salsa achiote ($78)—topped with tomato, onion
MISS Gambas al ajillo ($130), prawns sautéed in olive oil with garlic, parsley, chilli and white wine, were very fresh and mildly spicy, but a touch over-salted. The Vientre de cerdo con pure de batata ($118) was four pieces of pork belly with a sweet potato puree, but the flavor was too similar to the roast pork you’d get in a char siu shop. BOTTOM LINE A good restaurant for a quieter SoHo happy hour and a few bites with friends. Open Mon 6pm-1am, Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-1am. $$$
Our Policy Reviews are based on actual visits to the establishments listed by our super-sneaky team of hungry reviewers, without the knowledge of the restaurants. Reviews are included at the discretion of the editors and are not paid for by the restaurants. Menus, opening hours and prices change and should be checked. New restaurants are not reviewed within one month of their opening. Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective. Ratings are awarded in accordance with the type of restaurant reviewed, so the city’s best wonton noodle stall could earn five stars while a fancy French restaurant could be a one-star disaster.
6SRQVRUHG )HDWXUH
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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CULTURE + NIGHTLIFE + FILM
Let There Be Light Catch a dual show featuring Vaan Ip and Leo Wong Chun-yam at YY9 gallery. In “City Memory,” Ip will showcase his glowing golden sculptures (pictured), which reference the rapid urbanization and pulse of the city. Wong will present two of his latest sculpture series, one of blurred iconic views of Hong Kong, and the other capturing buildings remembered from his childhood. Through Jul 31. Unit 206, 2/F, Phase I, Chai Wan Industrial City, 60 Wing Tai Rd., Chai Wan, 2574-3730. Mon-Tue by appointment only, closed Sun.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
ARTS
Need to Know
Theater & Arts
Urbtix (credit cards) Urbtix (enquiries) HK Ticketing HK Arts Centre Fringe Club HK Cultural Centre
Edited by Evelyn Lok evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com
2111-5999 2734-9009 3128-8288 2582-0200 2521-7251 2734-2009
HK City Hall HK Academy for Performing Arts Kwai Tsing Theatre LCSD Music Programme Office LCSD Dance/Multi-Arts Office LCSD Theatre Office
2921-2840 2584-8500 2408-0128 2268-7321 2268-7323 2268-7323
UPCLOSE Eric Leung
Eric Leung Shiu-kee is a veteran curator and a seasoned scholar of the Hong Kong art scene, best known for organizing the annual Fresh Trend Art Graduates Joint Exhibition. He returns for the third year to curate the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong’s Young Talent Exhibition. He tells Evelyn Lok about the new opportunities that the exhibition brings to local artists. HK Magazine: How has the Young Talent Exhibition differed over the years? Eric Leung: In the first year, the preparation time was a little tighter, so the theme was more of an overall review of what Hong Kong young artists were doing at the time. Our selection was also slightly “cleaner”—works were creative and groundbreaking, but still kept to more traditional art forms such as painting and sculpture. In the second year, it was a little more focused. Titled “Extraordinary Ordinary,” it was all about finding uniqueness through commonplace things in everyday life. This year, the works are a little more experimental. The theme is “Reveal”—all about expressing yourself. The artworks this year are a little
Classical
more narrative-based: They express their views on the surrounding environment and society.
to industrial buildings or to Western district but once they do that, most report a loss.
HK: Why should we be paying attention to younger artists? EL: 10 years ago, it was pretty much just Grotto Fine Art which was showing young Hong Kong artists. Now there are a lot of art fairs that showcase local art—they provide greater exposure. Galleries often have their own fixed client base, but with fairs such as Art Basel, it’s the whole world. One reason is that their work is relatively cheaper, and it provides collectors with more room to imagine [how artists will develop]. Another undeniable fact is that the training young artists now receive has a stronger emphasis on concept: It’s more clever. They know how to package their pieces. The techniques may not be mature, but the works have a solid narrative, which satisfies the current trend in contemporary art.
HK: What are some of the best ways to find and support young local artists? EL: Young Talent represents young Hong Kong artists who have expressed something which pertains to that specific year’s curatorial angle. But if you want to see the specialties of [universities], then of course you’d go to the graduate shows.
HK: Do you see a trend with increased public art in recent years? EL: The problem now is that the non-commercial art arena—with alternative art spaces and art institutions—has diminished in recent years. But what the alternative art space was doing before, commercial institutions are doing now. Today, any public space can be an art space: think JCCAC, PMQ, and the up-and-coming Central Police Station. There’s actually a lot more spaces to do and show art. Everyone’s focus has already moved to a commercial or half-commercial format. HK: What is the main predicament in the current art scene? EL: I don’t think more than half of galleries are earning money. In 2015 so far, the number that have closed are greater than those that have opened. It’s just like opening a cha chaan teng: once the rent goes up and they close, there’s just a change in name. Another fool will come by and open another one. The current trend is to move away from Central
Dance Photo: Rodolphe Marics
Paquita. Bolero. Carnival+
Royal Festivities at the French Court in the 16th Century The Doulce Memoire Ensemble will be taking on some serious French nostalgia by reenacting the atmosphere of the royal court during the 16th century, in celebration of the 500th anniversary of King Francis I’s reign as part of Le French May’s overarching theme this year. It’ll be a splendorous event filled with music, singing, dancing, and beautiful period costumes—presumably omitting the hereticburning, chamberpot-tossing, tactical-wedding shenanigans of the time. May 28, 8pm. Concert Hall, City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. $180-380 from www.urbtix.hk.
XCEED is a group which created 3D mandalas on rapidly spinning iPads.
Chan Kwan-lok drew scenes above and below the sea on large circular canvases to look like the portholes of a ship— a comment on environmental issues.
Eric Tsang Tsz-yeung built a camera from Ikea parts, which takes photographs from the point of view of a crippled leg.
Sim Chan is known for cutting silhouettes from the skyline and painting them into kites. This time, his work has taken on more political themes.
Arts Festivals
Contemporary classical darlings Western District will be playing a night of German masters, with a program ranging from the 1600s until the present day (that’s lots of Hans Zimmer). Doors open at 9pm. Jun 6, 9:30pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $150-180 from Fringe Club; includes one drink.
The Island Express Jazz Orchestra is Hong Kong’s very own big band—headed by music director Shoichi Chinda, the musicians and solo vocalist Ela Allegre come from a variety of international backgrounds. They’ll be playing a tasty selection of big band jazz standards and songs by contemporary jazz composers Bob Mintzer, Frank Mantooth and Matt Catingub. May 30, 10pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $120-150 from Fringe Club; includes one drink.
The Hong Kong Ballet’s season finale is a seamless showcase of five different pieces performed by five guest principal dancers from all over the world. The pieces range from the much-adored classic “Paquita,” the first ballet by “the father of classical ballet” Marius Petipa; to the world première of “Bolero”—an intense, introspective piece about the emotional struggle of the lead female dancer, set to Ravel’s composition of the same name. The performance wraps up with the Hong Kong debut of “Le Carnaval des Animaux,” where dancers will enact animals such as elephants and jellyfish against a playful, 14-movement-long score by Saint-Saëns. May 29-30, 7:30pm; May 30-31, 2:30pm. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $140-1,000 from www.urbtix.hk.
Stay tuned for Eric Leung’s “Fresh Trend Art Graduates Joint Exhibition,” which he is putting together for the 10th year.
ARTISTS TO WATCH AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 2015
Western District: Das Konzert
Island Express Jazz Orchestra Live at Fringe Dairy
Don’t miss the Young Talent Hong Kong show at Affordable Art Fair this weekend: May 22-24, Hong Kong Convention Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wan Chai, 2582-8888. $80-150 from www.hkticketing. com. affordableartfair.com/hongkong.
Umbrella Festival
The Legend of Mulan Returning right after its successful tour performance in New York in March, the Hong Kong Dance Company brings “The Legend of Mulan” back to the Hong Kong stage. Originating in the 5th century, the classic folktale is all about a courageous peasant girl who disguised herself as a man to go into war in her ailing father’s place, invariably befriending a fire-breathing lizard while singing about her reflection. Just kidding: This is based on the real tale, not the Disney deal. Jun 12-14, 7:45pm; Jun 13-14, 3pm. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui. $100-320 from www.urbtix.hk.
Musicals Legally Blonde: The Musical Everyone’s fave lawyer bombshell Elle Woods will be bending and snapping all over the Shouson Theatre this June. Local theater mainstay Face Productions is taking on Broadway’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical” with a cast of local ladies, as they retell the story of carefree blonde Elle Woods becoming a hotshot lawyer at Harvard through hard work, confidence, and the power of friendship. Jun 4-6, 8pm. Jun 6-7, 3:30pm. Shouson Theatre, Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai. $220-395 from www.urbtix.hk.
Presented by CUHK, the Umbrella Festival is a two-week multidisciplinary response to last year’s Umbrella Movement. The festival not only gathers the artwork created during the protests in the fight for democracy, but also presents recently created works in the performing and visual arts. Among an array of special events, you can take part in a reflective three-day workshop, titled “As the Dust Settles,” where participants can engage in responsive art-making, drama enactment, and reflect on images to gain clearer insight into the events. Through May 31. Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin St., Shek Kip Mei, 2353-1311. Various events; workshop $550 from ticketflap.com. www.umbrellafest.com.
Theater Ivor Gurney: A Voice Apart Ivor Gurney is a poet and composer who left behind 200 musical pieces and over 300 poems when he died, informed by his experiences as a private during World War I. Written by the late Hong Kong playwright Piers Gray, “Ivor Gurney: A Voice Apart” explores traumatic memories of the trenches and thoughts of lost love, as Ivor looks back on his life during his stay in a mental institution—all the while borrowing excerpts from Ivor’s own compositions. This performance is held in commemoration of the Great War, and will accompany film footage and a photographic exhibition at the Fringe Club. All proceeds from the play will go to the Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen’s Association. May 22-23, 8pm; May 23, 2pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $220 from Fringe Club.
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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ARTS Exhibitions
Tsang Chui-mei: Some Landscapes Showing at Grotto Fine Art this month is Tsang Chui-mei. Always straddling Chinese tradition and western abstract painting, the artist’s newest works are all acrylic “virtual landscapes— neither mountainscapes nor urban scenes, but a mixture of both—painted with energetic bright colors and serene, cerebral detail, to draw the viewer in. Through Jun 6. Grotto Fine Art, 31C-D, 2/F, Wyndham St., Central, 2121-2270.
Nortse: Paper Dreams Tibetan artist Nortse returns for his third exhibition with Rossi & Rossi, this time bringing a mixed-media funbag of symbolic works that look at topics such as pollution, violence, and the loss of cultural identity through mass production and globalization. Cheery! Through Jun 6. Rossi & Rossi Hong Kong, Unit 3C, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat St., Wong Chuk Hang, 3575-9417.
Beyond the Sound: New Media Art Exhibition Le French May presents its very first sound art exhibition, featuring 14 works by Hong Kong and French artists. Cedric Maridet, Samson Young, Edwin Lo will each create immersive soundscapes, whereas Pierre Bastien, Bertrand Lamarche and Phoebe Hui’s work investigates the materiality of sound through tangible objects. Through Jun 8. Comix Home Base, 7 Mallory St., Wan Chai, 2824-5303.
Sun Museum Inaugural Show There’s a brand new museum in town: The Sun Museum aims to promote the understanding of Chinese art and culture and contribute to the study of Hong Kong culture by eventually bringing more underappreciated local artists to light. The museum is a collaborative effort on the part of the Simon Suen Foundation and Dr. Yeung Chun-tong, a veteran curator and art scholar with over 35 years of service with HKU’s University Museum and Art Gallery, as well as countless institutions across the city. Its inaugural show features ink paintings by 13 modern masters— from Qi Baishi to Zhang Daqian to Jao Tsung-I. Through Oct 17. Sun Museum, 4/F, SML Tower, 165 Hoi Bun Rd., Kwun Tong, 2690-6790.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
PERKS
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French Afternoon Tea by Michelin-starred Chef
Britain’s Got Talent S9 Semi-Finals
This summer, Hotel ICON welcomes Michelinstarred Chef Christian Tetedoie to tailor design a dedicated French afternoon tea set at the lobby restaurant, GREEN. French savories and sweet treats using seasonal fruits and vegetables will bring you a refreshing breeze on a summer day under the Asia’s largest vertical garden.
The competition in Britain’s Got Talent is heating up with the semi-finals next week! Tune in to find out which acts will make it to the Final. Starting from Tuesday to Saturday, 26th to 30th May at 10:30am as live from the UK and primetime encore at 9pm, don’t miss these exciting performances!
Application deadline: June 1, 2015 (Part-time only)
GREEN, 3400-1388 Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
RTL CBS Entertainment HD is on nowTV Ch 517
Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov plays Bartók
Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour
Winner of the George Enescu International Competition in 2005, Ukrainian violin virtuoso Valeriy Sokolov will collaborate with Hong Kong Sinfonietta on 6 June at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, performing the rarely-heard Bartók Violin Concerto No 2 under the baton of Hong Kong conductor Ken Lam. Programme also includes Lutosławski’s Symphonic Variations and the beloved Schumann Symphony No 4.
For the first time ever, Hard Rock Cafe Hong Kong gives guests a backstage pass to sample Local Legendary™ Burger offerings, showcasing the flavor and ingredients at Hard Rock locations across the globe as part of its new World Burger Tour menu. Cafe will also showcase five different world-famous cocktails during the promotion period until June 30, 2015.
Ticketing enquiries & booking: 2111 5999 (URBTIX)
LG/F, LKF Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong,
Programme enquiries: www.HKSL.org/2836 3336
Central, HK. Tel: 2111-3777
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NIGHTLIFE HK PICKS
W Hotel Shock Wave: #PoseWhenever Pool Party The notorious W Hotel summer pool parties are back. This time, they come with the cumbersome title Shock Wave: #PoseWhenever Pool Party. Splash around in the 76th floor pool and gawk at the beautiful, half-naked people all around you. At the kick-off party on June 6, Barcelona pop band Josep is set to perform, while the after-party at Woobar goes from 11pm until late. Jun 6; Jun 27; Jul 18; Aug 1; Aug 22, 8pm. W Hotel, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2222. $400 before June 6 or $500 at the door, including one drink at the pool and one at the after-party. $950 for “WIP” tickets before June 6 or $1,100 at the door, including free-flow drinks and champagne until 1am. Tickets from www.w-hongkong.com/en/shockwave.
Clubs
Ozone Presents Hed Kandi Just when you thought Hed Kandi parties were kind of all the same, this time the house music label is teaming up with the highest bar in the world. DJ Alice Rose is hitting the decks, who should be pretty used to getting the crowd going thanks to her summers spent spinning on Ibiza. It’s not all just fist-pumping to house beats, either—saxophonist Richie Sax is also joining the fray for what we hope is just the “Careless Whisper” hook on repeat. May 23, 11pm. Ozone, 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2263-2263. $200 from www.hkclubbing.com; $250 at the door, both include a Belvedere drink.
Ben La Desh The Mira’s secret-gardenesque bar Vibes is hosting Netherlands-based Ben La Desh, playing a mix of disco and deep house. Best part? There’s a three-hour open bar. Grab friends and book a 10-people private cabana, which comes with a bottle of Moet bubbly. Why not? It actually works out cheaper. If you have that many friends, that is. May 30, 9pm. Vibes, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315-5999. $308 before May 25; $348 thereafter, including a welcome glass of champagne and open bar from 9pm-midnight. $2,950 for a cabana before May 25; $3,250 thereafter. Tickets from www.themirahotel.com.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
Concerts Mika Is Mika still relevant? Evidently so—the UK singer of “Grace Kelly” fame is doing an intimate set at the Vine Centre in Wan Chai. Jun 3, 8pm. Vine Centre 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai, 2573-0793. $590 from www.ticketflap. com.
Blur Attention Britpop fans: Blur is coming back to Hong Kong. Last time Albarn, Coxon et al. were here, they were inspired by the city to make their latest album, “The Magic Whip,” released on April 27. Start listening to it on loop now, so you can sing along to all the lyrics. Jul 22, 8pm. Grand Hall, HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. $480-880 from www.hkticketing.com. Robbie Williams Unless you’ve pulled a Walden and confined yourself to a wooden cabin on Po Toi, then you’ve probably heard of ex-Take That mischief-maker Robbie Williams, and his string of pop hits including “Angels” and “Let Me Entertain You.” He may be better known for his antics than his actual pipes but the singer is returning to Hong Kong for a onenight concert this September. Fans, jump on tickets quick. Sep 23, 8pm. AsiaWorld-Arena, Sky Plaza Rd., Chek Lap Kok, 3606-8828. $880-1,480 from www.hkticketing.com. Imagine Dragons Did you miss Imagine Dragons’ free gig last year at the “Transformers” premiere? The Las Vegas alt-rock band is coming back for a one-night performance. This time, though, you’ll have to pay. Sorry. Aug 23, 9pm. AsiaWorld-Arena, Sky Plaza Rd., Chek Lap Kok, 3606-8828. $288-788 from www.hkticketing.com.
Gigs We Came As Romans Michigan-based melodic metalcore band We Came As Romans is soon to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and as part of its Asian tour, is hitting up Hidden Agenda. When they play in Italy, does everyone get really confused? May 22, 8pm. Hidden Agenda, Unit 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Building, 15-17 Tai Yip St., Ngau Tau Kok. $380 for regular tickets; $520 for VIP tickets, including meetand-greet. Tickets from Zuk Studio outlets. Music For Nepal A full weekend of indie music that also raises money for a good cause? Count us in. At Music For Nepal, catch a long list of local indie acts all doing their part, including math-rock four-piece GDJYB, metalheads Shepherds the Weak and Cantonese reggae group Sensi Lion. Proceeds after expenses will go to Light On Nepal, a Hong Kong charity run by a group of volunteers. May 23-24, 3pm. Hidden Agenda, Unit 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Building, 15-17 Tai Yip St., Ngau Tau Kok. $120 for one-day ticket; $200 for two-day ticket, both at the door. Sunny Day Service Japanese alt-rock and indie pop band Sunny Day Service formed way back in 1992, and is returning to the SAR for a gig—a whopping 18 years after it first played at the old Hard Rock Cafe in TST. One of the more influential bands to come out of the 90s, Sunny Day Service adds elements of Japanese folk-rock to its cheery, upbeat tunes. May 29, 8:15pm. Musiczone, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. $480 from www.cityline.com.
Noughts and Exes: The Final Show Hong Kong’s indie darlings Noughts and Exes are disbanding! The indie folk-pop band originally burst on to the scene in 2007, gaining traction in 2011 with a second album “The Start of Us.” Two years later they became the first Hong Kong band to release an album through a Kickstarter campaign. Over the years, they became mainstays on the scene, turning into one of the city’s best-loved indie bands. Sadly, they’re now saying goodbye. Luckily for fans—or maybe just to prove this isn’t a Yoko situation— they’re coming together for one last hurrah at the Vine Centre. See them now, or never again. Jun 6, 8pm. Vine Centre 2, 29 Burrows St., Wan Chai, 2573-0793. $180 from www.ticketflap.com; $220 at the door.
The Dapper Club W Hotel’s Woobar joins hands with whisky brand Chivas and luxury watch company Hublot to bring us the Dapper Club, a series of parties taking place over the summer. What’s in store? There’s an open bar with 12 different kinds of whiskies, plus a showcase of new, shiny watches—but as importantly, there are free-flow cheeses, cold cuts, sweet treats and savory snacks. Who can say no to free-flow snacks? May 22, Jun 22, Jul 17, Aug 14, 8:30pm. Woobar, W Hotel, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2222. $300 per person; call to book. Bump in the Water Nightlife promoter Bump is hosting Bump in the Water, an all-day pool party at the Silvermine Beach Resort. Get there early: you’ll get four free beers before noon; three if you show up before 1pm; and two if you amble along after that. Bump is known for throwing elaborate parties with hi-tech lighting, sounds and visuals—and of course, live DJ sets. May 30, 10am-7pm. Silvermine Bay Beach Resort, DD2 Lot 648, Mui Wo, Lantau. $250 from www.ticketflap.com.
Honi Honi Rum Fest Returning for a third year is the Honi Honi Rum Fest, a two-day extravaganza celebrating rum in all its delicious, alcoholic glory. Sample more than 90 different rums, including some varieties that have never been brought to Hong Kong before. Munch on Hawaiian poke from Pololi and learn more about the liquor courtesy of rum expert Ian Burrell, who will be giving masterclasses. May 30, 1pm. Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge, 3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St., Central, 2353-0885. Free entry.
Danang Beach Getaways
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Rosé Revolution The Flying Winemaker’s Eddie McDougall is back with another Rosé Revolution shindig just in time for the hot weather, this time in the garden at Hullett House. Sip on pink wines, meet the Flying Winemaker himself and mingle with like-minded drunks individuals. You might even get a little bit educated at the same time. May 30, midday. Hullett House, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0000. $200 from www.eventbrite.com.
Ladies Who Whisky Hullett House’s Whisky@Stables bar plays host to Ladies Who Whisky, a series of 90-minute classes aimed at getting women to learn more about the tipple. Missed all the previous sessions? Be sure to catch the last two workshops. On May 28, learn exactly how floral arrangements and whiskies go hand-in-hand with pros from Oulala Flower. On June 4, the class’s theme is “the Nordic whisky experience,” helmed by chef Jaakko Sorsa of Scandinavian restaurant FINDS. May 28, 7pm; Jun 4, 7pm. Whisky@Stables, Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0104. $398 on May 28; $350 on Jun 4.
White Party No, it’s not a party for gweilos. The annual White Party is now in its 10th year, and it’s going to be bigger than ever—it’s taking place at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. On the cards: DJs Thomas Gold and Spencer Tarring. VIP tickets ($1,080) will get you all kinds of extras, such as access to the VIP lounge and outdoor terrace, a drink voucher, and fast queue for the bathrooms. You know it’s gonna be a messy one when they offer the VIPs a different line for bathrooms. What is this, the Sevens? May 30, 10pm. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Kowloon City. $480-1,080 from www.hkticketing.com. www.whitepartyhk.com.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
29
FILM
Edited by Evelyn Lok evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com
Mad Max: Fury Road
33333
(Australia/USA) Action. Directed by George Miller. Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult. Category IIB. 120 minutes. Opened May 14.
It’s been 36 years since director George Miller made “Mad Max,” a down-to-earth action flick about a cop hunting down a motorcycle gang in a dystopian future. The subsequent films got ever more crazy and more post-apocalyptic, but the fourth installment in the series—more than 30 years after the last—puts all of its predecessors to shame. “Mad” Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is a scarred, lone wanderer in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, haunted by the past and content to live alone. But then he’s captured by the “War Boys,” a tribe of chalk-white zealots led by King Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne)—a flabby, soreridden, Bane-masked wreck of a man who rules his tribe thanks to his vice grip on a plentiful water supply. Max finds himself strung up as a “blood bag” for the sickly War Boy Nux (Nicholas Hoult): But when elite warrior Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) goes AWOL at the head of a huge “war rig” truck, smuggling out Joe’s five beautiful broodmare wives in the process, Joe sends his entire War Boy army out in pursuit. Soon enough Max is reluctantly helping Furiosa and the wives as they thunder towards freedom. “Fury Road” is a huge single-chase movie; a bright, campy chaos of gasoline and flame. It’s stunt after high speed stunt set in the middle of an oversaturated wasteland, accompanied by cacophonous drums and driving guitars—literally, in the case of the War Boy who wails on a double-necked flame-throwing guitar while hooked to the top of a speeding truck, in front of a wall of amps. It’s unapologetically over-the-top, a riot of destruction and diesel fumes. The film’s endearing campiness, with its overwrought costumes, ludicrous cars and insane stunts—all set against its frenetic, saturated cinematography—throws it into a simultaneously cheesy 80s past and a very modern filmmaking present. The construction of the film means that we’re constantly driving forwards, with little time for backstory or flashback. It’s mostly effective, although that single-minded dedication to the chase does turn into an occasional weakness. At a two-hour run time, that’s a lot of time to spend watching people accelerating, no matter how many explosions get in the way. Tom Hardy has made a career out of portraying taciturn brutes and he’s in fine form here, emoting mainly through scattered grunts and mumbling. Nicholas Hoult is excellently unrecognizable as the hairless Nux, a brainwashed crusader bundled along for the ride. Charlize Theron is great as the female version of Max, the scarred road warrior who finds herself fighting for something other than herself. Often, Theron’s Furiosa is actually more of a hero than Max himself, a total badass who’ll push through anything and anyone to survive. One of the interesting things about “Fury Road” is that it’s an action flick packed full of strong, awesome women: from the Imperator to the wives who fight back (admittedly while clad in strips of gossamer cotton), to the ass-kicking matriarchy Max meets out in the desert. A strong female lead isn’t unknown to sci-fi, but a strong female cast is a hell of a thing for an action movie. “Mad Max” is a camp, relentless chase flick that might occasionally run a little long: But in a world of boring Michael Bay blockbusters, this film is a breath of gasoline-ignited, parched-earth hot air. 36 years on, “Mad Max” is better and crazier than ever. Adam White
Coming Soon
30
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
The Cobbler
Elephant Song
(USA) As the saying goes, you don’t know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Adam Sandler translates this old adage into what looks like another numbingly typical Sandlerfest. This time, it’s about a man who belongs to a family of cobblers, who one day discovers a peculiar ability to live the lives of others if he, literally, wears their shoes. Opens May 28.
(Canada) Xavier Dolan, prodigal Canadian filmmaker and actor du jour, stars in this haunting drama as Michael, a psychologically disturbed patient with an obsession with elephants and the opera. His doctor uncovers the frightening truths behind Michael’s disturbances. Based on Nicolas Billon’s stage play of the same name, the story was awarded the Best Adapted Screenplay at the Canadian Screen Awards earlier in the year. Opens May 28.
Need to Know AMC Cinema, 2265-8933 www.amccinemas.com.hk Broadway Circuit, 2388-3188 www.cinema.com.hk
Golden Harvest Cinema, 2622-6688 www.goldenharvest.com
UA Cinema, 3516-8811 www.uacinemas.com.hk
MCL Cinema, 3413-6688 www.mclcinema.com
The Metroplex, 2620-2200 www.metroplex.com.hk
Imprisoned: Survival Guide for Rich and Prodigal (Hong Kong) Ever wondered what sort of antics go down at Stanley Prison? The cast behind “Due West: Our Sex Journey” returns to bring a Hong Kong Golden Forum story of life behind bars to the big screen—allegedly based on true events. Which means, obviously, plenty of seedy Category III-rated business. Opens May 28.
Midnight Diner (Japan) Matsuoka Joji (known for his arty award-winning 2007 hit “Tokyo Tower, Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad”) is an expert at portraying delicate family relationships, and he helms this movie set at an afterhours diner. Manned by an old man referred to as “Master,” the lives of countless quirky characters coincide as they descend on the tiny eatery in the dead of night. If that doesn’t catch your attention, the ample food porn just might. Opens May 28.
The Grand Cinema, 2196-8170 www.thegrandcinema. com.hk
Opening The Age of Adaline (USA) Blake Lively is Adaline Bowman, a woman who has retained the appearance of a 29-year-old for eight decades and hides her secret from the world. Everything changes when she meets Ellis Jones, a charming philanthropist who becomes the spark to set off her suppressed passion for life and love. Can she learn to let someone else in? Does she die a fetus like Benjamin Button? So many questions. Opened May 21.
The Search (French) Michel Hazanavicius’ (“The Artist”) French remake of the 1948 Swiss film of the same name was in competition for the Cannes Palme d’Or last year. The bleak drama stars Bérénice Bejo (“The Artist,” “The Past”) as Carole, an EU delegation head who helps a small boy orphaned during the Second Chechen war. Opened May 21.
Mommy (Canada) Directed by Xavier Dolan, “Mommy” is a drama about a widowed woman who is raising a difficult, often violent son. She receives help from a mysterious new neighbor. Shot in 1:1 aspect ratio (to make it Instagram-ready for the millennial generation, perhaps?), it’s an intimate family drama which won nine awards at the Canadian Screen Awards, as well as the Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Opens May 28.
Pitch Perfect 2 (USA) Get ready pitches, the Barden Bellas are back. After winning three championships since the last time we saw them, the all-girl a capella group is en route to their next victory, but not before a major embarrassment leaves the future of the team in question. In a quest for redemption and glory, the Bellas take on the worldwide a capella championships, duking it out against a German group. Prepare for 90s jams and sing-offs galore—plus a couple of surprise cameos. Aca-awesome. Opens May 28.
Spy (USA) Melissa McCarthy returns in another espionage action-comedy after 2013’s “The Heat.” This time, McCarthy is Susan Cooper, the oft-overlooked CIA desk-agent who is tasked to go undercover to save the world when the hunky male spies (Jude Law and Jason Statham) have failed. Opened May 21.
Tomorrowland (USA) Brad Bird is behind this kooky Disney adventure about Frank, a jaded former child genius who meets Casey, a science-loving teen, as they discover a mysterious place in the fabric of space and time dubbed Tomorrowland. It’s probably just an excuse to give the Disneyland area a back story, but hey—it worked for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” didn’t it? Opened May 21.
Continuing Taxi (Iran) This ain’t some Luc Besson remake, but a heartfelt ode to cinema, art and a candid glimpse of modern Tehran. Director Jafar Panahi bucked his 20-year ban on making films to secretly film this documentary-esque movie in which he poses as a taxi driver, recording conversations with passengers from all walks of life—all of whom remain anonymous. “Taxi” won the Golden Bear and the FIPRESCI Prize at the most recent Berlin Film Festival. Opens May 28.
Tokyo Fiancée (Japan/France) France and Japan have always had a keen cultural fascination with each other. “Tokyo Fiancé” shows us a whirlwind romance between exactly that: a French Japanophile who meets a Japanese Francophile while studying abroad. Quel sugoi! Opens May 28.
Tracers (USA) Taylor Lautner makes a comeback from his “Twilight” werewolfing to play a New York bike messenger who’s just pissed off the local Chinese mafia. He’s rescued by a beautiful girl named Nikki, and inadvertently finds himself in the world of parkour. Upgrade! Opens May 28.
Cart (South Korea) When a large Korean supermarket chain decides to outsource all of its existing part-time roles, the shop’s dedicated and underappreciated cashiers and cleaners decide to rise up and fight for their rights—even going as far as occupying the supermarket grounds. The familiar (and slightly over-the-top) scenes will either irk or tug at the heartstrings of Hongkongers. 333
Mad Max: Fury Road (Australia/USA) See review, left.
The Taking of Tiger Mountain (China) Director Tsui Hark brings a highoctane twist to the famed Chinese bandit tale, originally based on one of the “eight model plays” allowed during the Cultural Revolution. A straight-up satisfying popcorn action romp, with a tinge of arty propaganda ballet-style acting. 333
The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death (UK) Set during the WWII Blitz, a schoolteacher brings the children under her care to a house in the country— a place they discover is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a(nother) woman in black who targets young children. Cue creepy music and plenty of mangled dolls!
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
31
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ROB BREZSNY
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): “Aha!” is your mantra for the coming weeks, Gemini. Keep it on the tip of your tongue, ready to unleash. This always-ready-to-be-surprisedby-inspiration attitude will train you to expect the arrival of wonders and marvels. And that will be an effective way to actually attract wonders and marvels! With “Aha!” as your talisman, all of your wake-up calls will be benevolent, and all of the chaos you encounter—or at least most of it—will be fertile.
CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Do you chronically
the conditioned habits of your own unconscious
consciousness passages are painstakingly
indulge in feelings of guilt? Do you berate
mind? It’s high time to rebel. The quest for
crafted. (Anyone who wonders how the
yourself for the wrong turns and sad mistakes
liberation should be your spiritual calling.
astrological sign of Aquarius can be jointly
you made in the past? These behaviors may
ruled by the rebellious planet Uranus and the
be sneaky ways of avoiding change. How can
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): If you’re planning
disciplinarian planet Saturn need only examine
you summon enough energy to transform your
on breaking a taboo, sneaking into a forbidden
this book for evidence.) Joyce claimed he labored
life if you’re wallowing in worries and regrets?
zone, or getting intimate with an edge-dweller,
over “Ulysses” for 20,000 hours. That’s the
In presenting the possibility that you might
don’t tell boastful stories about what you’re
equivalent of devoting eight hours a day, 350
be caught in this trap, I want you to know that
doing. For now, secrecy is not only sexy;
days a year, for over seven years. Will you ever
I’m not sitting in judgment of you. Not at all.
it’s a smart way to keep you safe and effective.
work that hard and long on a project, Aquarius?
Like you, I’m a Cancerian, and I have periodically
Usually I’m fond of you telling the whole truth.
If so, now would be an auspicious time to start.
gotten bogged down in the very morass I’m
I like it when you reveal the nuanced depths
warning you against. The bad news is that right
of your feelings. But right now I favor a more
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The English writer
now you are especially susceptible to falling
cautious approach to communication. Until your
and caricaturist Max Beerbohm moved away
under this spell. The good news is that right now
explorations have progressed further, I suggest
from his native land when he was 37 years old.
you have extra power to break this spell.
that you only discuss them sparingly. As you put
He settled in Rapallo, Italy, where he lived for
your experiments in motion, share the details
much of the rest of his life. Here’s the twist:
on a need-to-know basis.
When he died at age 83, he had still not learned
LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In the TV comedy-drama “Jane the Virgin,” the fictional character known
to speak Italian. For 40 years, he used his native
as Rogelio de la Vega is a vain but lovable actor
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): There are
tongue in his foreign home. This is a failing you
who performs in telenovelas. “I’m very easy to
many possible ways to create and manage
can’t afford to have in the coming months,
dress,” he tells the wardrobe supervisor of a new
a close relationship. Here’s one of my favorite
Pisces. The old proverb “When in Rome, do as
show he’ll be working on. “Everything looks good
models: when two independent, self-responsible
the Romans,” has never been so important for
on me. Except for peach. I don’t pop in peach.”
souls pledge to help each other activate the best
you to observe.
What he means is that his charisma doesn’t
versions of themselves. If you don’t have
radiate vividly when he’s wearing peach-colored
a partnership like this, the near future will
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): James McNeil Whistler
clothes. Now I want to ask you, Leo: What don’t
be a favorable time to find one. And if you
was an influential painter in the latter half
you pop in? I’m not simply talking about the
already do have an intimate alliance in which
of the 19th century. He advocated the “art for
color of clothes that enable you to shine, but
the two of you synergize each other’s quest for
art’s sake” credo, insisting that the best art
everything else, too. In the coming weeks,
individuation, the coming weeks could bring you
doesn’t need to teach or moralize. As far as he
it’s crucial that you surround yourself with
breathtaking breakthroughs.
was concerned, its most important purpose was
influences that make you pop.
to bring forth “glorious harmony” from chaos. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): It’s a challenge
But the immediate reason I’m nominating him
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Are you willing to
to drive a car through Canada’s far north.
to be your patron saint for the coming weeks
entertain an outlandish possibility? Here’s my
For example, if you want to get from Dawson
is the stylized signature he created: an elegant
vision: You will soon be offered unexpected
in the Yukon Territory to Inuvik in the Northwest
butterfly with a long tail that was actually
assistance, either through the machinations
Territory, you take Dempster Highway. It’s gravel
a stinger. I think you’ll thrive by embodying
of a “guardian angel” or the messy blessings
road for the entire 417-mile trip, so the ride
that dual spirit: being graceful, sensitive, and
of a shape-shifting spirit. This divine intervention
is rough. Bring a spare tire and extra gasoline,
harmonious and yet also feisty, piquant, and
will make it possible for you to demolish a big,
since there’s just one service station along the
provocative. Can you manage that much
bad obstacle you’ve been trying to find a way
way. On the plus side, the scenery is thrilling.
paradox? I think you can.
around. Even if you have trouble believing
The permafrost in the soil makes the trees
in the literal factuality of my prophecy, here’s
grow in odd shapes, almost like they’re drunk.
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Renowned author
what I suspect: It will at least come true
You can see caribou, wolverines, lynx, bears, and
George Bernard Shaw was secure in his
in a metaphorical sense—which is the truest
countless birds. Right now, the sun is up 20 hours
feeling that he did good work. He didn’t
kind of truth of all.
every day. And the tundra? You’ve never seen
need the recognition of others to validate
anything like it. Even if you don’t make a trip
his self-worth. The British Prime Minister
LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): “Glory” is the theme
like this, Capricorn, I’m guessing you will soon
offered him a knighthood, but he refused it.
song of the film “Selma.” It’s an anthem about
embark on a metaphorically similar version.
When he found out he had been awarded
the ongoing struggle for equal rights by African
With the right attitude and preparation, you will
a Nobel Prize for Literature, he wanted to turn
Americans. I want to borrow one of its lines
have fun and grow more courageous.
it down but his wife convinced him to accept it.
for your use in the coming weeks: “Freedom is
The English government also sought to give him
like a religion to us.” I think those will be good
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Aquarian author
the prestigious Order of Merit, but he rejected
HOMEWORK: Choose one area
words for you to live by. Are you part of a group
James Joyce wrote “Ulysses,” one of the
it, saying, “I have already conferred this order
of your life where you will exceed your personal best in the coming week. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.
that suffers oppression and injustice? Are you
most celebrated and influential novels of the
upon myself.” He’s your role model for right now,
mixed up in a situation that squashes your
20th century. The narrative is both experimental
Taurus. Congratulate yourself for your successes,
self-expression? Are you being squelched by
and tightly structured. Its chaotic stream-of-
whether or not anyone else does.
32
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
37
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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HOME / EVERYTHING ELSE SAVAGE LOVE Dan Savage Yesterday, I found my 5-year-old son putting things up his butt in the bath. This isn’t the first time—and it’s not just a “Hey! There’s a hole here! Let’s put things in there!” kind of thing. The little dude was rocking quite the stiffy while he did it. I’m well aware of how sexual kids can be (I freaking was!), although I wasn’t quite expecting to be catching him exploring anal at this young age. I want to avoid a trip to the emergency room to extract a toy car or whatever else from his rear end, and I don’t want to see him damage himself. So do you have any suggestions of what I can give him as a butt toy? Yes, I am serious, and no, I’m not molesting him. I know he’s going to do this on his own with or without my knowing, and I want him to be safe! Just today, he proudly showed me a toy car that he stuck up his butt. I told him that it wasn’t a good idea due to the sharp bits on it, and while he may have gotten this one out, one could get stuck and then we would have to go to the hospital. Help! – Helping Ingenious Son Make Other Moves
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“HISMOM has handled this really well so far, and I am impressed with her clarity and calm about this situation,” said Amy Lang, a childhood sexuality expert and educator, a public speaker, and the author of Birds + Bees + Your Kids (birdsandbeesandkids.com). “But NO BUTT TOYS for 5-year-olds! This is insane and will cause a host of problems—can you imagine if he says to his teacher, ‘Yesterday, I played with my butt plug!’ Instant CPS call!” I’m going to break in for a second: Do NOT buy a butt toy for your 5-year-old kid—if, indeed, you and your 5-year-old kid’s butt actually exist. I’m way more than half convinced that your letter is a fake, HISMOM, something sent in by a Christian conservative out to prove that I’m the sort of degenerate who would tell a mom to buy a butt toy for a 5-year-old. I’m some sort of degenerate, I’ll happily admit, but I’m not that sort. “This clearly isn’t a safe way for her boy to explore his body for a variety of reasons,” said Lang. “His butthole is tiny, it’s adult-like behavior, and it’s germy.” And while adults who are into butt play are (or should be) proactive and conscientious about hygiene, grubby little 5-year-olds aren’t particularly proactive or conscientious about hygiene—or anything else. You don’t want his hands and toys smeared with more fecal matter than is typical for the hands and toys of most 5-year-olds. “It’s also on the outer edges of ‘typical’ sexual behavior in a young kid,” said Lang. “He may very well have discovered this sort of outlier behavior on his own, but there is a chance that someone showed him how to do this. HISMOM needs to calmly ask her son, ‘I’m curious—how did you figure out that it feels good to put things in your bum?’ Listen to what he has to say. Depending on his response, she may need to get him a professional evaluation to make sure that he’s okay and safe. She can find someone through rainn.org in her area to help. While it doesn’t sound like he’s traumatized by this—he’s so open and lighthearted about it—you never know.” Regardless of where he picked this trick up, HISMOM, you gotta tell him that it’s not okay to put stuff up his butt because he could seriously hurt himself. I know, I know: You are a progressive, sex-positive parent—if you exist—and you don’t wanna saddle your kid with a complex about butt stuff. But think of all the sexually active adults out
there, gay and bi and straight, who have overcome standard-issue butt-stuff complexes and now safely and responsibly enjoy their assholes and the assholes of others. If you give your son a minor complex by, say, taking his toy cars away until he stops putting them in his ass, rest assured that he’ll be able to overcome that complex later in life. “She should tell him that she totally gets that it feels good,” said Lang, “but there other ways he can have those good feelings that are safer, like rubbing and touching his penis, and he is welcome to do that any time he wants—as long as he’s in private and alone. You can also tell him the safest thing to put up there is his own finger. But he MUST wash his hands if he does that. Nothing else, finger only. And did I mention NO BUTT TOY? Seriously.” Follow Amy Lang on Twitter @birdsandbees. I’m a longtime fan, but I disagree with your advice to CIS, the lesbian who wanted to add “not into trans women” to her online dating profile. I’m a straight guy, and if I met a woman online, I would want to be sure she had female genitalia under her clothes. It’s a requirement for me, and that doesn’t mean I’m not a trans ally. I’m not into people who don’t have female genitalia—should I go out on a coffee date with a trans woman just to make her feel better? – Not An Asshole There’s nothing about preferring—even requiring—a particular set of genitalia that will result in your being stripped of your trans ally status, NAA. The issue is adding a few words to your profile (“no trans women”) that might spare you from the horrors of having coffee with one or two trans women over the course of your dating life but that will definitely make every trans woman who sees your profile feel like shit. The world is already an intensely hostile, unwelcoming place for trans people. Why would someone who considers himself (or herself, in the case of CIS) an ally want to make the world more hostile and unwelcoming? Awkwardness and “wasted” coffee dates are built into the online-dating experience. Trans women who haven’t had bottom surgery aren’t going to spring their dicks on you—they’ll almost always disclose before it gets to that point—and you’re not obligated to sleep with anyone you don’t find attractive. I’m a cis straight woman. I went on dates with a lot of guys from dating websites (200+) before I got married. Just writing to say that I agreed with your advice to the lesbian dating-site user. I agree that putting negative/exclusionary notes like “no trans women” or “no Asian guys” in a dating profile is a turnoff—and not just to the excluded group but to those who find those kinds of comments to be mean-spirited and narrow-minded. And are there really so many trans people out there that such a comment is even necessary? Are there really that many trans people out there causing massive confusion on dating websites? And honestly, if someone is trans and you wind up meeting them for coffee, what would be the big deal anyway? It’s just coffee! I don’t understand why this would be such a huge problem. – Straight Chick In DC My point exactly. Check out the Savage Lovecast every week at savagelovecast.com.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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TSIM SHA TSUI agnès b. Café Harbour City Assembly Barista Caffe Bistro on the Mile Bombay Dreams Brick Lane Bulldog's Bar & Grill Burger Republic Café SG Carpaccio Pasta Pizza Vino Castro's Bar CitySuper Creama Cucina Delaney's Eastside Tavern Eaton Hotel El Cid Fatt's Place FINDS Gateway Apartments Gaylord Indian Restaurant Grand Central Bar and Grill Greyhound Café Harbourside Restaurant Hotel Icon Jimmy's Kitchen Joia Ristorante Kowloon Cricket Club Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel & Deli Kool La Villa Restaurant & Bar Langham Hotel Main Street Deli Lobby Cafe - Sheraton Hotel Mega Hospitality Intl Mes Amis
Morgan Stanley Namo Ned Kelly's Last Stand Nomads Outback Steakhouse - TST Centre Pacific Club Page One Papi Pierside Bar, The Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers Pizza Express RA Restaurant & Lounge Regal Kowloon Hotel Ritz Carlton Hotel Ruth's Chris Starbucks - Austin Rd. Starbucks - China HK City Starbucks - Elements Starbucks - Empire Centre Starbucks - Gateway Arcade Starbucks - Granville Road Starbucks - Harbour Crystal Centre Starbucks - I Square Starbucks - K11 Starbucks - Knutsford Terrace Starbucks - Mirror Tower Starbucks - Ocean Terminal Starbucks - Star Avenue Starbucks - Star House Starbucks - The Sun Arcade Stormies Swindon Books Tequila Jack's The Doghouse The Grand The Swiss Chalet Tiffany's New York Bar Triple O W Hotel Weinstube Wired Café Wooloomooloo
KOWLOON TONG Amaroni's Baptist University Student Union Bespoke Caffe Essenza City University Student Union Dan Ryan's Dressed Englishtown Forfar Happy Corner Cakes & Cookies Gallery Oliver's Super Sandwiches Page One Park N Shop PizzaExpress Starbucks - Festival Walk Starbucks - HKBU Starbucks - KITEC Starbucks - MegaBox Starbucks - Millennium City 1 Starbucks - One Kowloon Starbucks - Telford Plaza
SHATIN CitySuper Courtyard by Marriott Starbucks - Fortune City One Starbucks - YATA
SAI KUNG Bacco CC Café Chez les Copains Classified Colour Brown Coffee Duke of York Pub Firenze HEBE ONE o ONE Italiano's Park N Shop Pepperoni's Piccolo's Pizzeria La Gondola Starbucks - HKUST Starbucks - Chan Man St The Bottle Shop
OTHER NEW TERRITORIES Discovery Park Englishtown King's Belly Mr. Steak Park N Shop - Hong Lok Yuen Starbucks - Citywalk Starbucks - Discovery Park Starbucks - Luk Yeung Galleria Starbucks - Tai Po Market MTR Starbucks - Tsuen Wan Plaza
LANTAU Berliner Café Duvet Caffe Ritazza Dymocks Marriott Skycity Hotel Park N Shop - Discovery Bay Regal Airport Hotel Starbucks - Airport T1 Starbucks - Airport T2 Starbucks - Citygate Zentro
HUNG HOM Outback Steakhouse Starbucks - Laguna Mall Starbucks - MTR Hung Hom Starbucks - Whampoa Site 5 Waterfront Bar & Terrace
JORDAN / YAU MA TEI / MONG KOK 18 Grams Berliner Broadway Cinematheque D2 Place Englishtown Kadoorie Hill Langham Hotel Madera Hotel Metrobooks Park N Shop Olympian City Pink Coffee Royal Plaza Hotel Starbucks - Bank Centre Mall Starbucks - Gala Shopping Mall Starbucks - Jordan Road Starbucks - Liberte Place Starbucks - Nathan Hotel Starbucks - New Kowloon Plaza Starbucks - Olympian City 2 Take Two Brunch Coffee Wontomen
HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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FIRST PERSON Photo: Kirk Kenny / studiozag.com
“I’ve learned over the years that it is often better to stay silent.” Radio host Gary Ngan began his life as a DJ at Commercial Radio in 1989. Famous for his smooth, soothing voice, Ngan is now a host on internet radio station D100. He tells Isabelle Hon and Adrienne Chum how he became a radio personality and gives some advice on not talking too much.
I was born and raised in Shek Kip Mei. I have an older and a younger brother.
Even now, people who listen to my channel say, “Mr Ngan, can you talk more?”
I wasn’t a talkative person. The only time I really uttered anything was during speeches, speech contests, or singing. I was always chosen to participate in speaking and singing events at school. I’m not sure why.
When I first started, I wanted to do it part-time because I was still freelancing in the fur design business. But soon after my interview, the station offered me a full-time, three-year contract.
I never particularly wanted to join this industry. I remember well that when my schoolmates discovered where I was working, they were very puzzled. “He doesn’t really talk, so why would he be in this business?”
The guy who hired me said, “Sign it, or don’t. We only offered you a contract because we thought your voice sounded nice.”
I was a fur designer at the time, and was competing in the Asia-Pacific Song Contest. My family did not really recognize the contest—we were a traditional family. My family wanted us to do very “proper” work. But while I was still doing design, I thought, why don’t I try radio? In the 70s, what choices did you have? There was TV, and there was radio. If you didn’t have money to buy records, you would watch TV and listen to the radio to hear the latest songs. When I listened to the radio, I hated when the hosts talked when songs were playing. So I thought: If I ever become a music radio host, I won’t talk over the songs.
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HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
I didn’t think my voice sounded nice. I only thought I was smart. I could answer all of the interview questions about music trends, even about music in Japan, because I was often in touch with overseas clients. I spoke Putonghua, I spoke English, I spoke Japanese. I thought I was great. But he told me, “Your Chinese is bad, your enunciation is bad. Our channel is in Chinese, so besides your voice, you really don’t have anything else to offer.” I was upset, but I didn’t show it. I thought that since I’d trained for speech contests from youth, I could speak clearly. I felt that he did not recognize what I had. Perhaps it was because I spoke so much English and Japanese at school and work. So my Chinese pronunciation may have got worse.
When I took the job, I treated it as parttime: designer by day, radio talk show host by night. In 1987, I finally quit my job and switched to doing only radio. When I met the recording studio’s boss, widely known as Mrs Lau, for the first time, she said to me, “Don’t worry. Whatever people take from you, heaven will give back.” I had never told her about my personal troubles, but what she said hit me very hard. It was around that time I learned who my real friends were.
Personally I hate being pushed, but I never show it on the outside. If you can’t make a decision, the situation will make it for you. That means that whatever you are doing is not right for you. Sometimes, people try to hold on to things because they are afraid of losing and letting go, not because they actually like it. You just have to let go.
I was very trusting, and I assumed that if I treated someone with respect, if I was nice, they would reciprocate. That was not always the case. I’ve learned over the years that it is often better to stay silent. The more you talk, the more things you’ll say wrong. When talking to someone, you have to communicate with the other person’s language. If you only use your own way of speaking, the other person may misunderstand you, and you will be forcing your ideas on them. Advising someone is giving that person the option to change. Pushing someone to change does not work. You can’t get angry if they don’t. I always remind myself that I’ve already told them what I needed to. If they don’t change, there is always a reason.
NEED TO KNOW… Gary Ngan became a household name thanks to his time hosting music show “Tonight the Sun is Bright” at Metro Radio. Ngan hosts music and talk show “Sudden Impulse” on Mon-Thu, 9pm-midnight on D100, the station founded by Albert “Tai-pan” Cheng. Find out more at www.d100.net.
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