Sai Kung Magazine February 2016

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LAI SEE

February 2016 Coffee buzz We rate Sai Kung’s cafés

Happy birthday, Sai Kung Stingrays!

W e lo ve Sa i Ku ng !

Cruising Tung Lung Chau

That ding thing, explained

FEELIN' LUCKY?

Go ape this Lunar New Year

The really useful magazine February 2016

PEOPLE

NEWS FROM THE GREENS

6 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life.

THE PLANNER 10 Happening in February What’s on.

NEWS

21 Avoidance issues The 2016 Policy Address.

LOCAL 22 Disrupted paradise The Small House Policy, explained.

FEATURE

14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS

24 Monkeying around What’s on for Lunar New Year.

SPORT

18 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

20 Kerensa Heywood Sai Kung’s ‘Balloon Lady’.

28 Celebrate the good times Sai Kung Stingrays celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

EATING 30 Caffeine fix Best coffees around Sai Kung. Plus nibbles.

EDUCATION 36 Child’s play Understanding emotional intelligence.

BIG DAY OUT 40 A rocking day out Exploring Tung Lung Chau.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 48 Trimming the fat Sweat and lose weight with Hypoxi.

HONG KONG CREATURES 50 The Orange Staff Sergeant The true butterfly.

VINES IN SAI KUNG 56 I can’t get no satisfaction Threatening letters, barren notice-boards and happy campers.

TRAVEL 44 Home sweet home Six Hong Kong staycation ideas.

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“REMEMBER THAT NOT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT IS SOMETIMES A WONDERFUL STROKE OF LUCK.” – DALAI LAMA

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contributors

Polly McGovern

Rory Mackay

Steffi Yuen Pui-yan

Polly McGovern is a British TV director who moved to Hong Kong three years ago with her husband and children. Polly has filmed throughout Asia for international broadcasters and NGOs focusing on human rights issues.

Polly catches up with Sai Kung’s ‘balloon lady’, Kerensa Heywood on page 20.

New dad to twin daughters, Skye and Siena, Rory is no stranger to adventure. Whether sailing to the North Pole or cycling solo across Africa, he loves to explore new places. Get inspired by his latest Hong Kong adventure on page 40.

Steffi, who is still a student, has already worked as a dolphin trainer, a reporter, a translator and a columnist. Steffi’s work has been published in the Hong Kong Economic Times and the SCMP. Read her latest creature feature on page 50.

Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese

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people

UCI Track Cycling World Cup

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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planner FEB 6 Double Haven Islands Tour Tour via speed boat through one of Hong Kong’s most stunning remote landscape. The tour starts at the Wong Shek Pier and goes through the Geopark and the abandoned Kat O Village. 9am-6pm, $390 per person including taxi from University MTR to Wong Shek, speed boat transfers and experienced geopark guide.

Tickets from www.eventbrite.hk. Seafood lunch in Sam A Tsuen is an additional $100/person.

More info at www.adventuretours.hk

UNTIL FEB 7 Kidsfest!

Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board

Stage productions of The Gruffalo, Little Red Riding Hood, Aliens Love Underpants and more. Don’t miss out on the three-week festival of world class theatre for young people. Tickets from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. Full details can be found at www.kidsfest.com.hk

FEB 7 Lunar New Year’s Eve FEB 7 Walk for a Cause Fat Big Heart Sai Kung Hong Kong have organized a charity walk, with a raffle draw and prizes. Pak Tam Chung, 10am-3pm. $35 registration fee, contact Liezel Villariez to register, 9341 5216.

FEB 8

Lunar New Year Night Parade

Welcoming the year of the monkey, 2016’s night parade features floats, marching bands, acrobats, dragons, lions, firecrackers and more as they march through Kowloon.

Roadside viewing free. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com, 2508 1234.

FEB 4 Piano Opera: Music from Final Fantasy Presented by Sound of Faeries, this piano concert is dedicated to the music of the video games series Final Fantasy in their first world tour. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $340$890 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

FEB 6 Sai Kung District Music Festival Youth Opera The HKAPA bring a modern twist to Cantonese Opera with special lightings & effects. 4pm-7pm Tin Hau Temple Square (near Po Tung Road), Sai Kung. Free admission. www.districtcouncils.gov. hk/sk, 3907 0132.

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FEB 8-10 Lunar New Year Kung Hei Fat Choi!

UNTIL FEB 8 Lunar New Year Flower Markets To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Victoria Park will be transformed into a sea of flowers and plants, all available to buy. Free entrance, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

FEB 9 Lunar New Year Fireworks Don’t miss one of the most spectacular fireworks in the world. 8pm, free, Victoria Harbour.

FEB 10 Chinese New Year Race Day Featuring a grand opening show, traditional lion dance, cultural performances and merchandise bazaar, The Hong Kong Jockey Club goes all out for one of Hong Kong’s most popular horse racing events. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

happening in February FEB 10-29 Pulse 3D Light Show

FEB 18 Board Games Night

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre will showcase a stunning Lunar New Year themed light show. Free, 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com.

The Hive in Sai Kung hosts a free monthly board games night open to the public and with no reservations required. Enjoy games such as Scrabble, Risk, Cards Against Humanity, Carcassonne and more plus attendees are also welcome to bring in their own games. 6-9pm, The Hive, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, thehivesaikung.com.hk

FEB 13-16, 24 & 25 Sai Kung District Music Festival Chinese Opera Cantonese, Shanghainese and Beijing opera performances will be performed in various areas.

Tickets will be distributed on Jan 29. For more info on dates, times and locations, visit www. districtcouncils.gov.hk/sk

FEB 14 Valentine’s Day Time to splash out for some chocolate - for your lover or for yourself!

UNTIL FEB 17 Out to Sea? The Plastic Garbage Project With the aim of raising public awareness of plastic waste, this exhibition combines science and art to show us the destructive effects of plastic waste on birds, marine animals and the environment. Tickets: $25, $17.50 (for groups of 20+), $12.5 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays.

Check the website for opening hours. Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 2732 3232, www.hk.science.museum

FEB 17-21 Circus in Town: Bianco by NoFit State Circus (UK) This circus performs above, behind and all around a standing audience, immersing them in this dramatic, jaw-dropping promenade performance. Queen Elizabeth Stadium Arena, Wan Chai. Tickets $380 (no audience seating available) at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.

FEB 19 Concert in Commemoration of the 4th Centenary of the death of William Shakespeare Musica Viva Limited takes us back to high school English Literature classes with this concert to honour one of history’s literary geniuses. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $150-$220 at URBTIX, www.urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.

FEB 19-MAR 20 Hong Kong Arts Festival The city’s annual culture bonanza is just around the corner. Opera, music, theatre, dance and more. Full details at www.hk.artsfestival.org

FEB 20 MSIG Sai Kung 50 - HK50 Series

Event Space. Tickets $125 ($90 for children aged three-11 years), www.tgec.asia

FEB 26 Sai Kung Open Air Cinema Club Enjoy a movie under the stars at The Hive in Sai Kung, this month they are screening Jumanji. In addition to the movie, there will be live performances and a BBQ. Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm. $120 per person with a complimentary drink and popcorn.

The Hive, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, thehivesaikung.com.hk

Get active for a trail run or hike. Race starts at Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden, Sai Kung. Prizes for age group winners. 6.30am start for 50km, 7am start for 12km and 21km. www.actionasiaevents.com

FEB 20 Kundalini Yoga Fest Open to all ages, levels of flexibility, and experience. Experience the techniques fo KY yoga and leave with a tool kit usable in everyday life. 9am-6pm, Red Doors Studio, 21/F Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2110 0152. Contact info@red-doors.com

FEB 20 A Soldier’s Story The New Generation by Hong Kong Sinfonietta Stravinky’s The Soldier’s Tale is presented in a unique way as a ‘concert drama’. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $180-$400 at URBTIX, www. urbtix.hk, 3761 6661.

UNTIL FEB 21 AIA Great European Carnival Enjoy the last few weeks of rides, games and prizes at the winter carnival. Central Harbourfront

FEB 28-29 Double Handed Race From 12am Sunday to 12am Monday, teams of two will race on sailboats. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, 10.5 Miles Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. www.hhyc.org.hk, 2719 9682.

FEB 28 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup As part of the Hong Kong Speed Series, both local and international racers will compete for HK$10mil. Get ready for it to be intense. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

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planner

BOOK NOW MAR 10-13 Taste Festival

MAR 15 The BMW Hong Kong Derby

Bringing together some of Hong Kong’s best restaurants including Aberdeen Street Social, Duddell’s, Yardbird and Serge et le phoque, The Taste Festival gives foodies the chance to create their ultimate tasting menu, plus attend interactive workshops from visiting international chefs. Hong Kong Central Waterfront. Tickets range from $108-$608 per person and available from www.ticketflap.com/tasteofhongkong

Racing for one of the most historic and coveted prizes, the BMW Hong Kong Derby is the battlefield of four-year-old horses. Derby winners often go on win at international level.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

UNTIL MAR 21 Wearable Blessings: Traditional Chinese Children’s Clothing Exhibition More than 200 items and sets of clothes dating from the late Qing dynasty to the Republican period will be displayed. See the auspicious patterns that adorned clothes and accessories that were believed to repel evil spirits. Tickets starting at only $10. Free on Wednesdays.

Opening Hours: Mon, Weds-Friday, 10am6pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays, 10am-7pm; Chinese New Year’s Eve, 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year. Hong Kong

Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, 2180 8188, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

MAR 23-26 Art Central Over 100 exhibitors showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established contemporary galleries from across Asia and the globe. With 30,000 collectors, VIPs and the art-loving public attending the first edition, Art Central has firmly established itself as a must-see event in the annual art fair calendar.

MAR 29-APR 1 Easter Camps at Hong Kong Academy Extend your child’s learning this spring holiday at Hong Kong Academy. There’s something for everyone including academic, athletic and artistic offerings in tailormade half and full day programmes. Courses run from 9am to 3pm.

For more information call 2655 1111 or visit www.hkacademy.edu/extendedlearning

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.

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news

in your backyard

Farewell Anthony Blair Sweet

Anthony Blair Sweet, chef and owner of Anthony’s Ranch died very suddenly on December 23, to the great distress of the many people who loved and respected him. He was a quick-witted, funny, likeable character who was respected by his family, staff, customers, friends and acquaintances.

Blair was different. One of his former bosses described him as “The Man from Planet Blair”, a description that many of those who loved him will immediately recognise.

I know little about his early life, save for what I have learned from his many friends.

He graduated from the CIA (before people assume I am joking, that is the Culinary Institute of America) and worked in a number of high quality restaurants in the US before coming to Hong Kong 25 years ago to be the Executive Chef at Dan Ryan’s.

After leaving the world of employment, Blair set up Anthony’s Catch which became a superb secret among those who knew it. By this

stage he and Candy had come together and later they had a son, Skylar. The joy that Candy and Skylar brought to Blair was apparent to anyone who saw them together. Subsequently the Ranch opened. It became the place to go to in Sai Kung for many of us, for the food and drink, but also - and more importantly - for the chance to speak with Blair, Candy and their tremendous staff.

He was a person with an open heart, was addicted to communication and to people, and brought immense fun and enjoyment to everyone with whom he had contact. It is not a hyperbole to say that Blair became the essence of a large part of the Sai Kung community and that many of us feel a very personal loss on his passing.

He will be sadly missed.

Miles Henderson, one of his innumerable customers and friends.

Blue Sky Dragon Boat Team Recruitment Day Blue Sky Sports Club is calling all keen paddlers to join its dragon boat team. Male and female, as well as local and overseas participants are welcome to try out at their recruitment day on Feb 27 at 9.30am-11am on Sha Ha Road. Participants must be over 18 and physically fit. Experience in dragon boat racing is preferred, however beginners are also welcome. Training for the dragon boat season will start on Feb 29 for the first race in April. For more information contact info@bluesky-sc.com or call 2791 0806.

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HKA Spring Break Camps

Registration for Hong Kong Academy’s Spring Break Camps is now open. Camps take place from March 29 to April 1 where children from two- to 17-years old can engage in a range of classes including academic, sports, tech and arts. Children can attend half- and full-day programmes which start at $2,000 and are held at HKA’s state of the art facilities. Camps are open to HKA and non-HKA students. For more info call 2655 111, or visit www.hkacademy.edu.hk/extendedlearning

Baby boom At the end of February, Bumps to Babes will be welcoming the newest member to its family and opening its doors in D Park, Tsuen Wan. Open seven days a week, 10.30am-8pm, the new Tsuen Wan store will stock the leading brands from around the world in baby essentials, baby equipment, toys and children’s ranges from birth to eight years. 1/F, D Park, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, www.bumpstobabes.com

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news New reads Andrew Reid to launch new design book on kickstarter

in your backyard

Maven opens new store in Sai Kung

After four years in the making, Sai Kung-based British designer and author, Andrew Reid, is launching his new book, Design, the Practice of Making. Reid’s book will be launched on the kickstarter platform in March and includes projects on notable Hong Kong buildings and inspiration he gained from Sai Kung. His book offers an insight to the architectural design process and provides detailed analysis on how design principles evolved into effective solutions.

Available at Kidnapped Bookshop. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bigredpublishing or email Andrew at bigredpublications@gmail.com

Sarah Brennan launches newest book in Chinese Calendar Tale Series Tai Po-based author and mother Sarah Brennan has launched her 10th book in the Chinese Calendar Tale series, The Tale of Ming Kee Monkey.

The book follows the story of the mischievous Ming Kee the monkey and her journey through the jungle, while exploring Chinese culture and history. Available at Bookazine. To see more of Brennan’s work, visit her website www.sarah-brennan.com

Artisanal homeware store, Maven has opened a new branch in Sai Kung. It has two stores in Hong Kong already. Eager to make your home cozy and pleasant, Maven offers a beautiful range of handcrafted home decorations and fragrances. You will find everything from Castelbel Porto’s fragranced soaps and candles to embroidered cushion covers from India.

Those looking for style can also find handwoven cashmere and Zod men’s shirts in store.

G/F, 37 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 6388 4398, mavenhk.com

letters

“From the waterfront in Sai Kung, taken the morning of January 6 after the rain cleared out.”

- Markus Hartwig Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #saikungmag on social media!

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giveaways

win at www.saikung.com Asia Contemporary Art Show

Mothers en Vogue

March in Hong Kong is officially the month of art. At the Asia Contemporary Art Show (March 24-27), browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists – from emerging and mid-career artists, to those who have already achieved recognition in private and public collections, and at auction. We have 10 pairs of tickets to giveaway.

Deadline: March 10

Flatter those growing bumps and postpartum curves with Mothers en Vogue’s nursing and maternity wear. Products are stylish, practical and are made from natural and eco-friendly fabrics. We are giving away three $500 vouchers. www.mothersenvogue.com Deadline: Feb 29

Grobag Baby Sleeping Bags

AwareStore

The adorable Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag is a great solution for babies who kick their covers off in the night, leaving them cold and disturbing their sleep. Keep little ones snug, safe and looking great with these cute 2.5-tog sleeping bags worth $389 each. We have 20 to giveaway.

Deadline: Feb 23

Go green with AwareStore. The e-store sells a range of eco-friendly products including baby care, bamboo toothbrushes and waterproof zip bags. All products are made of raw materials, biodegradable and can be recycled. We are giving away ten $100 e-coupons.

Deadline: Feb 20

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe

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five minutes with...

up in the air

Editorial Managing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Acting Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Editor-at-large Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Sub-editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Hazel Yin Tong Janet Chan Kristy Wong Margaret Yeung Polly McGovern Paul Zimmerman Rory Mackay Steffi Yuen Stephen Vines

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Up in the air Polly McGovern catches up with Sai Kung’s ‘balloon lady’, Kerensa Heywood.

I have been a trailing spouse for 11 years. In the UK, before having kids and living abroad, I was an IT business systems analyst.

We moved to Hong Kong from Singapore and now my husband commutes and works in Kuala Lumpur. It would be nice to have him around more but I keep busy so the time passes quickly.

Until recently, I was the parttime Parent Teacher Association Administrator at Clearwater Bay School. I got to know a lot of people and it was really fun. I learnt about event planning and dealing with government departments. At the end of last year I became the first full-time employee of Sai Kung Stingrays.

Stingrays was established ten years ago and has gone from starting out with 20 players to around 1400 members. An administrator was needed just to keep things running smoothly. It’s a lot of work but I am really enjoying it.

I have also launched ‘Sai Kung Balloons’. It’s a small, local business that relies on word of mouth to succeed. I sell foil and

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latex balloons, inflate them and deliver anywhere in the area. I can also have them ready to be collected from my home.

I took the business over from a friend because I thought it had a lot of potential as a niche market and that it would be fun. Then I changed the name of the company to make it my own.

I usually get requests for a table bouquet of balloons or a giant number to celebrate a birthday.

Sometimes I get more unusual requests such as balloons that look like a string of bubbles. I have also done traffic lights and I can do crabs and even an octopus!

Most of my stock comes from the UK because I want to guarantee the quality. Some of the balloons available in Hong Kong just pop immediately or deflate within a few hours. I am also planning to stock disposable cans of helium so that clients can fill their own balloons at home.

There are thousands of balloons under my bed! At least they don’t take up much space...

People think that a simple helium filled balloon might be cheap. But helium is actually quite expensive.

My delivery costs are lower and customers do have the option to collect from my house if that’s more convenient.

Running your own business can be challenging. People’s expectations are particularly hard to manage. Being nice to everyone is important especially in a small place like Sai Kung where your reputation can mean everything.

At the moment, I am happy to build up the business gradually and keep it ticking along. Valentine’s Day will be busy and I might struggle to fit all the balloons in the car!

For more information visit www.saikungballoons.com

news from the greens Avoidance issues Paul Zimmerman is more concerned with what wasn’t in the recent 2016 Policy Address.

There will be an increase in the seating capacity of minibuses.

The 2016 Policy Address paper must have been printed before the start of the year. Describing Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world no longer holds true after the disappearance of booksellers.

The lack of views on nurturing Hong Kong’s liberties and freedoms was jarring. And not a word on political reform and democratic development. No explanation either of how the government seeks to enhance and institutionalise “One Country, Two Systems”.

Avoidance of difficult stuff was blatant – not a peep on the Small House Policy, one of the most destructive and insidious types of development, rife with illegal activities.

I’m cautious on the plan to cover Hong Kong with hotspots.

This may backfire: the multitude of hotspots may incentivise low income families to give up their service contracts, restricting rather than liberating kids. What we really need to enable innovation is much improved bandwidth throughout Hong Kong, both mobile and via fixed lines. That would liberate all talent to work from low cost properties anywhere. And this would relieve pressure on our transport network. How will the government make this happen with the commercial service providers?

When it comes to the environment we did score a few wins: the promise of an ivory trade ban - late but never too late.

In response to the #MissingSeats campaign by Designing Hong Kong, $80m is now earmarked to add to seats at 1,000 bus stops.

Another win is the increase in the seating capacity of minibuses.

And a big step forward to improving walkability is the waiving of land premiums to encourage landowners to construct footbridges or subways between buildings in Kowloon Bay. Exorbitant premiums have also stopped the expansion of secondary pedestrian networks below and above ground in TST, Central and Mong Kok. I’m less impressed with the plan to sell Murray Road Car Park before new parking facilities have been built. It would be better to first complete new facilities near the main roads and create a truly “park ‘n walk” environment. With most parking full during peak hours, the early closure of Murray Road Car Park will simply result in vehicles circling around Central waiting for their pick-ups.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

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local

disrupted paradise

Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Assistant Egbert Cheung egbert@fastmedia.com.hk Maria Jones maria@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Accounting

Accounting Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Accounting Assistant Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk

Small House Policy 101 The lowdown on the policy that has everyone talking.

Printer

Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

www.saikung.com ads@fastmedia.com.hk @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication.

The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

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People are up in arms about the Small House Policy, but what exactly is it?

The New Territories Small House Policy gives any male indigenous villager, above 18 years old and descended through the male line from a resident in 1898 of a recognized village, the right to apply to build a small house. It was created in 1972 to protect and support indigenous villagers.

The policy specifies that the house, with a maximum height of three stories and 700 square feet per floor, may be built privately on a person’s own land. There are also a number of grants which give permission to build elsewhere, including on government land.

Discriminatory and unfair to non-indigenous persons, the Small House Policy has resurfaced as a hot topic in the past few months as developments have emerged detailing the illegal transfer and selling of land rights by indigenous villagers to property developers for personal profit. Specifically, 11 indigenous villagers from Sha Tin have been found guilty of taking

part in the illegal transfer and prosecuted.

The high court sentenced the villagers to two-and-a-half to three years in prison, ruling that they and the developers are equally culpable for the act.

The indigenous villagers are backed by Heung Yee Kuk, the statutory board which includes representatives of the Rural Committees in the New Territories.

According to Heung Yee Kuk, the rights of the villagers are “constitutionally protected�, and the villagers are only in breach of the terms of the lease and not guilty of fraud. In 2007, the former Secretary for Development wrote a letter to the Heung Yee Kuk Rural Concern Group to assure that the suspected villagers would not face criminal prosecution for transferring their rights. However, this agreement has since been made void in a statement issued by the Lands Department on December 7.

Initially designed to protect the villagers, the Small House Policy has now been capitalised by property developers to execute

commercial projects. Hong Kong independent think tank Civic Exchange conducted a survey into the public opinions on the Small House Policy. It estimated that there are still 85,600 to 91,700 outstanding small house claims which would occupy approximately 11 to 12 square kilometres of land.

However, like anywhere else, land is limited in the New Territories.

Exploitation of the Small House Policy has been publicly, widely and frequently reported on, but law enforcement agencies have turned a blind eye to the issue for many years.

The sudden enforcement of the Policy has led to much concern amongst both indigenous and nonindigenous villagers who purchased properties from the developers involved in the illegal transfers.

Would amendments to the Small House Policy make a difference or should the Small House Policy be abolished?

Got a story? Tell us about it by emailing editorial@fastmedia. com.hk.

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feature

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Sai Kung As winter comes in full force, preparations for Chinese New Year begin.

From traditional activities such as spring cleaning and lion dancing, to modern light shows by the harbour, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many ways.

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photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board

Forever playful, curious and and energetic, monkeys are the masters of happiness and challenges. In the Year of the Monkey, we find out how Sai Kung residents are celebrating the festival and bring you a series of traditional and exciting events to kick off the Lunar New Year!

feature

Mane man Q&A with Master Lee of Yun Fook Tong

FLOWER POWER Mr Fang from Kwan Kee Florist

What is lion dancing?

Lion dancing is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture where a group of people mimic a lion’s moves, wearing a lion costume.

What is the meaning behind lion dancing?

It is believed to bring joy and good luck to people and drive away bad things for the new year. Lion dancing represents the Chinese culture of happiness and performing lion dances in a group is very festive and joyful.

What does the lion symbolise for Chinese New Year?

It symbolises the beginning of a new year.

To give people a healthy, prosperous and energetic year ahead.

How do you prepare for lion dancing performances?

It depends on the type of lion dancing performance that we do. For “Mui Fa Chong” performances, it takes beginners months

and sometimes years to complete an act.

However, for the traditional act, it takes about a few weeks. We practice three to four times a week for around four hours. Training involves presence of mind, good body posture and patience.

How many people are in one team during performances?

Usually for a competition it involves eight members. Each has a different role and responsibility.

How did you get involved in lion dancing?

I learned Kung fu and lion dancing during my younger years and I stayed in the profession. I am a teacher and also the coach of Yun Fook Tong. It brings me happiness every time I see the audience enjoy the show.

“It will get very busy for us from two weeks before Chinese New Year, which is usually when people start to prepare. Flowers represent the formation of fruits: if there were no flowers put up in a family’s home, it would impact the family’s fortune in the coming year.

China Orchids and Lilies are a popular choice for the Lunar New Year. In Chinese culture, orchids signify refinement, integrity and nobility. They come in a variety of colours that are lucky for Chinese New Year. Plum and Cherry Blossoms are also very popular: they are the first to bloom in Spring and they represent the promise of new life.

Some favoured colours for flowers are red (‘hong’) which means good fortune and joy, and yellow (‘wong’) which symbolizes royalty.

I will be going back to my hometown to see family. It will be a very traditional celebration for us. Most of my siblings and extended family will travel to be there. We will have a reunion meal together at home.”

G/F, 31 & 35 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6962.

What is the age range for new members who want to join your team?

Children from the age of five years can start learning the moves. They need to be fit and have a joy of learning.

What performances are you doing for Chinese New Year?

We will be performing a lion and dragon dance, and drum and Kung Fu performance. We will be performing at Hong Kong International Academy and different malls and villages around Hong Kong.

How can readers get involved in your team?

They can call me at 8201 6788 or visit my website at www.yunfooktong.com.

Feeling gifty Four-year old, Sophy Chan Tze Ching, from China Hong Kong Academy of Fine Arts has designed a red pocket leading up to the Year of the Monkey. Each pack (20 pieces per pack) is $60, with all proceeds donated to Hong Kong Adventist Hospital’s Cancer Fund to provide PET/ CT & MRI scans to underprivileged cancer patients. To order, visit www.hkahf.org.hk

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feature

How are you celebrating?

Restaurant prep MRS TSE FROM MAN NIN WAH ROASTED MEAT RESTAURANT

Jennie “I will definitely take the kids to see lion dancing and firecrackers! We will have dinner at my husband’s family’s home on Chinese New Year Day. I know it’s still early but I have already started decorating my house, I visited a garden where mandarin trees are on sale and bought some for the house!”

Mrs. Lam and Tsz Him

Mery, John and Caitlin

Tsz Him: “I am looking forward to getting many Lai Sees from members of my village. I will play with my friends during Chinese New Year and eat seafood at home, especially scallop, which is my favourite! I will also go see the lion dance!”

“Our family lives in Sai Kung so, apart from taking Caitlin to Hong Kong Disneyland, we plan to celebrate around this area. We will go out for a meal at one of our favourite seafood restaurants in Sai Kung and walk along the harbourfront.”

Mr. Lam and Jeannie

Mr. Lee and Kiki, Chui Tong Garden

“There will be firecrackers and a lion dance organized by our village, Sha Tou Mei Chuen.

Many of our neighbours will go and see the performances. On the day, we will go and have a look but we have to go to our family’s home to wish them well before our reunion dinner in Kowloon.”

“We will have a reunion dinner at home with our family and buy some seafood from the markets in Sai Kung to cook at home. It is cosier at home. There will be lion dancing performances at our housing estate. Kiki is looking forward to the lion dancing and red pockets!”

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“The most popular dishes during Chinese New Year are roasted pork, chicken or Char Siu. Most people buy it for reunion dinners or for worshipping gods. During the Lunar New Year, we stock up with more meat as people usually buy a whole chicken for dinner to serve more than eight people. It is very busy on Chinese New Year’s Eve as we close on New Year’s Day. As for decorations, we put up auspicious couplets and Fai Chuns around the restaurant to wish for good fortune for the business in the coming year.”

G/F & M/F, 28 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2791 7371

AH PUI FROM LOAF ON “The most popular dishes during Chinese New Year are steamed fish and fried tofu.

The Chinese word for fish (yue) sounds like the word for abundance, it’s important that the fish is served as a whole, as a symbol to receive good luck from start to finish and avoid any bad luck phases throughout the year. The entire restaurant has a spring clean a day or two before Chinese New Year to wash away all the bad luck.

Our restaurant is extremely busy during Chinese New Year: we’ve been open for over a decade and many families come to our restaurant for reunion meals. The lion dance parade will also pass by on the day so it’s extra festive at our restaurant!”

G/F, 49 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 9966

feature

CALENDAR

WHERE TO CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB 7

FEB 7

Start the Lunar New Year off with a bang at Ocean Park’s Lunar Fiesta. With a variety of Chinese New Year inspired shows taking place throughout the park, from leaping lions and dragon dances to a tribe of monkeys performing in a drum troupe, what more could you ask for?

This year sees the return of the Kaleidoscope Ice Spectacular - a grand circus on the ice with acrobatic aerial acts choreographed by the Winter Olympic Games team.

Help to wake up the lion and announce his arrival at the Tin Hau Temple in Shek O Village.

The dance - performed by members of the local Shek O teenagers sport club - starts at 11pm and continues around the village over the CNY period.

Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta

Lunar New Year’s Eve

The three Sichuan golden monkeys at Ocean Park.

UNTIL FEB 8

FEB 8 - LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB 8-22

Welcoming the year of the monkey, 2016’s night parade features floats, marching bands, acrobats, dragons, lions, firecrackers and more as they march through Kowloon. Roadside viewing free. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com, 2508 1234.

Experience the tradition of throwing wishing cards attached to mandarins onto the tree at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square to receive good luck throughout the whole year. Food, wishing lanterns and other stalls on site. Free admission. Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. 9am-7pm, 2638 3678, www.lamtsuen.com

FEB 9 - LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB 10 - LUNAR NEW YEAR

FEB 10-29

Don’t miss one of the most spectacular firework displays in the world. 8pm, free, Victoria Harbour.

Featuring a grand opening show, traditional lion dance, cultural performances and merchandise bazaar, The Hong Kong Jockey Club goes all out for one of Hong Kong’s most popular horse racing events. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin, www.entertainment.hkjc.com

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre will showcase a stunning Lunar New Year themed light show. Free, 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly. Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui. www.discoverhongkong.com

FEB 11-13

FEB 22

UNTIL FEB 23

The Lantern displays take place for a month while the Lantern Carnival is scheduled on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. Many auspicious Chinese symbols which bring good luck and fortune, will be displayed.

Don’t miss out a series of guest performances and events at the Lantern Carnival! The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui, time TBC.

Celebrate this Lunar New Year with Sesame Street. Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster will all be there. Make your own Hui Chun (50 places per day) from 1pm-6pm at weekends until Feb 6. Visit The Arcade on the eve of the Lantern Festival for presents, confectionaries, lion dances and acrobatic shows, traditional New Year stalls and a special appearance by the Money God.

Lunar New Year Flower Markets To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Victoria Park will be transformed into a sea of flowers and plants, all available to buy. Free entrance, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Lunar New Year Fireworks

Anastassia’s Art House Chinese New Year Workshops Here, children can celebrate Chinese New Year with creative paintings and collage. Projects range from “Kung Hei Fat Choi Monkey” and “Cheeky Monkey & Tangerine Tree” to “Cheerful Chinese Dragon with Lanterns” paintings. Branches in Sai Kung. Book online at www.arthouse-hk.com

Lunar New Year Night Parade

Chinese New Year Race Day

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival

Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival

Pulse 3D Light Show

Cyberport Arcade x Sesame Street

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sport

celebrate the good times

Sai Kung Stingrays 10 year anniversary

F

rom 22 kids at the first ever Stingrays training session to 655 players and 148 coaches today, Sai Kung Stingrays reaches a big milestone this year - its 10th anniversary. The club was founded by a small group of parents in Sai Kung in 2006 when they saw a gap for rugby in Hong Kong. It is now one of the largest clubs for girls and boys’ mini’s (under-8’s) in Hong Kong and has launched a netball team. Future plans for Sai Kung Stingrays include developing a seniors team and branching out into different sports. As the club celebrates its ten year anniversary, we ask the people involved how they will commemorate the occasion.

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abroad is very special. Also, who can forget the sea of blue and pink that walks around the Hong Kong Stadium pitch during the parade at the Hong Kong Sevens!

What are some of the challenges you have encountered in the last ten years?

Definitely pitch space and the administration that comes with organising 655 players in 16 teams in over half a dozen locations throughout the territory. Oh, and kitting them out…

What has made Sai Kung Stingrays so successful?

Our kids and their parents! We are supported by a passionate committee who volunteer for absolutely no glory whatsoever, coaches who forego a cherished lie-in to impart experience, enthusiasm and energy to your and my sons and daughters.

What are some of the proudest achievements from the last ten years?

From the start we have developed and championed girls rugby in Hong Kong. Our rugby alumni - girls and boys - have gone on to play for Hong Kong, and most recently, England. But perhaps our proudest achievement is recognising what an important role mini rugby plays in our kids’ social development. Our sponsors tell us they honoured to be associated with the club, and that is humbling.

What have been some of the fondest memories?

Seeing some of our kids go on to play representative rugby both in Hong Kong and

How is Sai Kung Stingrays' celebrating their 10th anniversary?

We are holding a 10th anniversary ball in May

sport

for members of Sai Kung Stingrays (more details to come). We also have a new range of commemorative merchandise available online through our kit supplier www.kukrisports.hk/teamshop/saikungstingrays What does the club hope to achieve this year and in the next ten years?

The club is still growing - we want to encourage more local kids to play rugby. We want to offer more sports and we hope to get our own home pitch. We'd also like to see some Stingray players represent Hong Kong in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!

Whom would you like to thank?

Thanks must go to the Hong Kong Rugby Union for their support of grassroots rugby in Hong Kong, especially in youth and mini rugby.

Hong Kong is very fortunate to have such strong rugby leadership.

For more information or to get involved, contact admin@saikungstingrays.com or visit www.saikungstingrays.org. Alternatively, head down to the stadium on a training day and the committee members will be pleased to help.

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eating

Caffeine fix

Annie Wong and Callum Wiggins scout out Sai Kung’s best coffee for your buck. Additional reporting by Kristy Wong.

18 Grams Alley Coffee ordered | House black coffee Price | $55 Bean origin | 3 Little Pigs; Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua The speciality coffee chain has seven outlets across Hong Kong, including Sai Kung. The café has a retro atmosphere, sporting black and white tones, with brass strobe lights hanging off the ceiling. Each 18 Grams outlet uses a different blend of coffee, with the Sai Kung branch using ‘3 Little Pigs’, which has citrus tones and a dark chocolate aftertaste.

The coffee comes in an impressive coffee apparatus and is served on a wooden tray hipster level unlocked.

Open daily from 8am-6.30pm. Shop 16, G/F, Sai Kung Building, 42-56 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2791 9418, www.18grams. com/alley

Little Cove Espresso Coffee ordered | Signature house black coffee Price | $23 Bean origin | A blend of Kenya Kijiji, Brazil Santos and Indonesia Medaling This quaint Australian-style coffee shop in Sai Kung opened in October last year and has proven to be a top spot with the locals. With floor to ceiling glass doors, an open feel and the use of wooden furniture, Little Cove Espresso oozes a sense of warmth and familiarity.

The house blend aims to give coffee drinkers a balanced cup of coffee with a mix of bitter, sour and sweet notes. The sour and bitter tones in the signature house black coffee are particularly strong in the first sip so if you are a new coffee drinker, opt for a white coffee

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that uses the same blend of beans but with more prevalent nutty and sweet flavours.

Nevertheless, Little Cove Espresso is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon in Sai Kung Old Town.

Open daily from 7.30am-6pm. G/F, 34 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 9423 1655, www.instagram.com/littlecove.espresso Head Barista Cassic Chan shares her secret to a great coffee…

“It’s actually a public secret in the barista club.

I am still exploring how to make a good coffee, and I believe coffee is a form of art. You need to feel passionate and communicate with the coffee and the coffee making process. It’s an ongoing experiment.”

Barista Eric shares his secret to a great coffee…

“It all comes down to the origin of the beans and good roasting. There is no real secret to making a good coffee, it’s about experimenting and practice to know and build your repertoire.”

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eating

Five Coffee Company Coffee ordered | Flat white Price | $38 Bean origin | A mixed blend of beans from El Salvador, Guatemala and Ethiopia Located on Hoi Pong Street is Five Coffee Company, a small café dotted with retro neon signs, blackboards and brass book shelves creating a modern (read hipster) vibe. It is a tight squeeze with limited seating, however, a plus is their outdoor bench which adjoins the interior allowing natural light to come through.

Classified Sai Kung Coffee ordered | Cappuccino Price | $35 Bean origin | Graffeo’s dark 1935 house blend

The flat white is milky with sweet notes, but the taste of the coffee remains, making it a good option for new coffee drinkers or those who prefer a sweeter coffee.

G/F, 3 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2613 1010, www.facebook.com/fivecoffeecompany Co-owner and barista Ah Lam shares his secret to a great coffee…

“There are many factors affecting a cup of coffee and ultimately, making it a good coffee or not, like water temperature and pressure, the beans and so on. It takes time to perfect.”

Classified is your run-of-the-mill café and with ten locations across Hong Kong, it has become a reliable spot for your morning caffeine fix. All staff are trained to use the coffee machine and the Graffeo’s house blend is used in all Classified coffees and across all Classified branches.

The cappuccino has an overly sweet, dark chocolate taste which overshadows the taste of the aromatic coffee beans. You can expect Classified to make a consistent cup of coffee.

Open daily from 8am-midnight. 5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2529 3454, www.classifiedfood.com Supervisor Babu shares his secret to a great coffee…

‘It comes down to good training and good use of a trusted product, like Classified’s Graffeo’s dark 1935 house blend.’

Coffee to your door Newly launched startup, Coffee and Tales, offers a coffee subscription service, where coffee drinkers and lovers alike can discover Hong Kong’s finest artisan roasters and their story.

Customers can choose from three plans, based on their consumption level, starter ($160/ month; 12 cups of coffee), regular ($230/month; 18 cups of coffee) and addict ($285/month; 24 cups of coffee). Each month, two types of freshly roasted coffee will be delivered to your doorstep. Deliveries happen on the last Monday of the month. www.coffeeandtales.com

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BEI Coffee Coffee ordered | Shaken iced drip coffee Price | $70 Bean origin | A mix of Brazil Santos, Columbia, Ethiopia Away from the hustle and bustle of Sai Kung is BEI Coffee and it’s not your usual coffee house - there is no white coffee on the menu. The café has several artistic elements, which take inspiration from owner Michael Mak’s experience and travel to Japan and these transcend into every cup of coffee he makes. Mak’s passion is obvious with the display of his equipment and his way of approaching coffee.

Coffees are recommended based on the customer’s mood, how regularly they drink coffee, and what tastes they prefer.

Coffee is not served with milk or sugar at BEI Coffee.

Open from 10am-11pm. G/F, 3 Sai Kung Tai Street, 2791 5278, www.facebook.com/bei.coffeekan Owner Michael Mak shares his secret to a great coffee…

“A great coffee comes from the heart. Everyone says they know coffee but you have to understand the elements of making a coffee - how it’s done and why it’s done in a particular way.”

Don’t agree with our opinions?

Email us at: editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

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eating

Nibbles Casa tap takeover In partnership with Lion Rock Brewery, Casa will be holding its first beer tap takeover at its Sai Kung branch on February 27. The stars of the night are Lion Rock Brewery’s five locally brewed beers, including Lion Rock Signature Pale Ale, Grandmaestro IPA, Wheat Lover Weisbier, 1997 IPA and Oriental Peal Oatmeal Stout. From 3pm-11pm, a pint of beer is $60.

Takeaway pints available. Shop 1 & 2 Sui Yat Building, Hoi Pong Square, 2440 9288, www.casagroup.co Raiz The Bar x Little Cove Espresso Fall in love at Raiz The Bar’s Valentine’s Day event. Enjoy a free evening of chocolate with Hong Kong’s only local bean-to-bar chocolate makers. The event will also celebrate the launch of Raiz The Bar’s authentic drinking chocolate and mochas - the Little Cove Espresso team will be making both drinks on the night using a variety of non-dairy milks.

What’s not to love this Valentine’s Day? To reserve a spot, email info@rawthenticfood. com. February 12, 7-9pm, Little Cove Espresso, 34 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung.

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Chef’s Choice comes to Sai Kung After two successful branches in Discovery Bay and Tung Chung, Chef’s Choice is opening its third store in Sai Kung on February 13. Chef’s Choice specialises in prime cut steaks, marinated and fresh meats, seafood as well as cheese and wine. The range of produce is sourced from Australia, USA, Canada. Many products are developed specifically for Chef’s Choice and cannot be found anywhere else in Hong Kong. G/F, 4 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2602 6982, sk@chefschoice.com.hk

JIN Cuisine’s Chinese New Year feasts To ring in the Lunar New Year, Chef Law and the team at JIN Cuisine have brought in an all-new dinner set menu ($398 per person Monday-Thursday, $468 from Friday-Sunday and public holidays), along with a new vegetarian poon choi. The dinner set menu includes double-boiled soup with assorted dried seafood, pan-fried garoupa fillet and poached seasonal greens with tomatoes and fish broth. JIN Cuisine’s poon choi ($688 for six people) is filled with over 10 healthy ingredients including US asparagus, Japanese carrot, vegetarian abalone and vegetarian sea cucumber.

Free delivery to Tseung Kwan O. The vegetarian poon choi is available till February 29. Set menu available until end of March. Check website for opening hours. 2/F, Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Kowloon East, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2623 2333, www.ihg.com

eating

make special dishes like black truffle risotto and fillet of beef rossini style with SPOON’s Executive Chef Stéphane Gortina. The class will run from 10.30am-2.30pm and includes a light breakfast and lunch with beverages.

InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 2721 1211, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com, hongkong@ihg.com

Couples cooking at SPOON Show off your culinary skills with your partner at one-Michelin starred restaurant SPOON

by Alain Ducasse at Intercontinental Hong Kong. The restaurant has prepared a preValentine’s Couple’s Cooking Class ($1,888 per adult) on February 6. Couples will learn to

In love with Hyatt Regency Sha Tin A selection of Valentine’s Day dining options has been prepared at the restaurants at Hyatt Regency Sha Tin. Enjoy a four-course Swiss dinner set ($520) which features a countrystyle cold-cut platter, cheese fondue, a range of main course options, and finishes with a chocolate fondue with strawberries, biscuits, marshmallow and ice-cream. Available from February 12-14 (minimum order two persons).

Over at the hotel’s bakery, Patisserie has crafted a special raspberry chocolate crunch cake for $170 (half pound) to be enjoyed from February 1-14. Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 7332, hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

Monkey-shaped Chinese New Year pudding Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a traditional pudding gift set from Courtyard Hong Kong. The pudding is specially crafted in the shape of a monkey and comes in five different flavours: cane sugar and coconut, cheddar cheese, Japanese red bean and coconut and matcha (green tea) and black maple syrup. There are two gift sets available, Deluxe Gift Set ($118 for 6 pieces) and the Petite Gift Set ($68 for 3 pieces).

Orders and collection must be placed before February 14. Courtyard Hong Kong Sha Tin, 2/F, 1 On Ping Street, Sha Tin, 3940 8788, www.marriott.com

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education

EQ or IQ?

Child’s play Child psychologist Dr. Louise Porter explains why understanding a child’s emotional intelligence is essential for healthy and happy children.

How has emotional intelligence in children, and its perception, changed over the years?

I think people of all ages in the developed world have become more aware of emotional language but are just as muddled about what causes feelings - often blaming others - and remain unclear about the distinction between thoughts and feelings.

Are girls better with emotional intelligence than boys, or vice versa?

Parents typically encourage and talk about a wider range of emotional expression in female infants, compared with boys. Because of this and the fact that girls’ language skills (on average) are ahead of boys’, girls develop an understanding of emotions earlier than boys which also allows them to develop emotional self-regulation earlier.

Boys suffer more separation distress than girls, they are told that “big boys don’t cry” and are expected to be independent at an early age. For both sexes, it is important that parents accept the full spectrum of emotions so children can integrate their feelings and exercise choice over their expression.

What is emotional intelligence and why is it important?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and to process our own and others’ feelings.

This means that we can use emotions as a basis for reasoning, problem solving and in order to produce an appropriate response. It is the ability to integrate thinking and emotions to produce effective behaviours, which requires self-awareness, self-monitoring and selfregulation.

What are some of the red flags to look out for in children that have low emotional intelligence, and how can we help them?

Children need to receive empathy from us so that they know how it feels to be understood, they need us to validate their feelings. We need to accept their feelings, respond to these and affirm that the children are worthy unconditionally.

To teach them about their own emotions, you should never blame, shame or humiliate children for their feelings or resulting behaviour. Express your own emotions

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appropriately to show children how to do so and help children who are overwhelmed emotionally to feel safe by giving them support while they calm down.

What is more important, academic intelligence or emotional intelligence?

One justification for thinking of emotional intelligence as being distinct from pure intellectual ability is that it has a dedicated focal area in the brain: namely, the limbic system. The development of this part of the brain has its own timeline which is why we need to ensure that the experiences our children are exposed to do not stress their emotional coping capacity.

Emotional intelligence is closely related to verbal intelligence: both involve the abilities to think and to solve problems. Despite the negative stereotype, people with a high IQ but low emotional intelligence are rare and would probably qualify for placement on the autism spectrum.

How does the school system teach or support emotional intelligence in children and have you seen variances across cultures and countries?

There will be some individual teachers who will foster emotional intelligence but it is not part of teachers’ training and, therefore, when individual teachers are aware of it, this will be because of a personal interest, not from professional training. It is the job of everyone dealing with children to foster emotional intelligence - not least in schools because emotions are not merely the side effects of learning but fundamentally drive our motivation, engagement and satisfaction with learning.

If you would like to learn more about emotional intelligence and behaviour management for children from Dr. Louise Porter, she will be holding a conference at Chinese International School on March 9-11. For more information on Louise’s work, visit www.louiseporter.com.au.

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sponsored column

Inside Scoop: The Changes to The British National Curriculum ITS explains changes affecting primary and secondary school students.

Primary Changes to key stages 1, 2 and 3 have been in place since 2014 and in September 2015.

Maths has increased in difficulty, with more secondary maths topics covered, including long-division, more fractions and decimals, and more multistep problem solving tasks.

Mental Arithmetic is no longer tested and has been replaced with an Arithmetic paper.

Calculators have been banned in the Key Stage 2 SAT. English has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary, handwriting, spoken English and spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Science is now more focused on facts than methodology. Evolution will also be added as a topic of study.

The first SATs based on the new curriculum will be taken in May 2016 by those who started Year 2 or Year 6 in September 2015. Key Stage 1 tests will now be set externally, but still marked by teachers. A new Key Stage 1 grammar, punctuation and spelling test will be introduced.

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GCSEs Perhaps some of the biggest changes to the National Curriculum are with GCSEs. The distinction between Foundation and Higher tier has been removed for many subjects, so all students will be sitting the same exam.

Maths will now include harder subject material, including more formulae to learn, set theory, iteration and functions.

English foundation course has been removed. In fact, English is now split into English Language and English Literature. English Language will no longer assess spoken language; speaking and listening will not count towards the overall grade.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be given more weight, contributing 20% of the overall marks instead of 5%. Students studying English Literature will be required to read a wider range of texts but there will be no set texts.

Grading System is changing from letters (A*-F) to numbers (9-1). 9 will be the highest grade possible and is considered harder to achieve than an A*; only 20% of current A/A* student would be awarded a Grade 9.

A Levels Changes are being rolled out by subject: the first were put in place last September. Students who started Year 13 in September 2015 continue with the old curriculum, except for those who started relevant subjects in Year 12.

AS levels will no longer count towards the overall A Level. Instead, exams will be taken at the end of the course based on two years worth of material. If a student wants to study at AS level only, they may take an exam at the end of Year 12 for a standalone qualification.

If they then decide to pursue a full A Level, they will be re-examined on the material they learned in Year 12 and Year 13 at the end of the course.

ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 39

big day out

cruisin’

A rocking day out Rory Mackay heads to Tung Lung Chau.

R

ugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Lung Chau has a little bit of something for everyone. From familyfriendly outings and historical reccies, to rock climbing and zip lining sessions, this craggy outcrop has all the tricks to keep you more than entertained for the day. Easily accessible, it makes for a convenient full or half-day trip away from the city.

To reach the island, take the ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier in Yau Tong (a five-minute walk from Yau Tong MTR Station). Several sailings make their way to Tung Lung Chau each day until 4.30pm. Make sure to check out climatic conditions the day before venturing onto the water. If the weather is wild, it may not make for the most pleasurable of experiences, but on a fair day the island and its surroundings are simply stunning. Departing adjacent to

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This craggy outcrop has all the tricks to keep you more than entertained for the day

the picturesque Lei Yue Mun Village, the ferry embarks across the open waters of eastern Victoria Harbour. There are brilliant views across the Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the north and to Shek O Peninsula to the south.

After half an hour on board, Nam Tong ferry pier soon comes into view. Once ashore, you’re greeted by a selection of route options.

For those who fancy either a relaxing day out or want to cut out the faff and be thrust straight into the action, hang a left at Nam Tong, following signs for Tung Lung Fort. A twentyminute stroll will take you to the eastern side of the island. For the more intrepid traveler, a longer walk around the island may suit. There is an 8.5km route circumnavigating Tung Lung Chau that takes around four hours to complete and is best experienced in an anticlockwise direction. This trail is a great way to pack in all the sights of the island, including a climb to its 232-metre pinnacle.

No matter which of the two routes you choose, you will arrive at Tung Lung Chau’s northeastern promontory. Close to the campsite lie the remains of Tung Lung Chau Fort, which was built between 1662 and 1722 by order of Yang Lin, Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi.

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big day out

It used to defend the island from pirates attempting to enter Victoria Harbour from the South China Sea. Climbers, don’t forget your chalk bag!

Regarded as one of the best places in Hong Kong for rock climbing, the eastern escarpments of Tung Lung Chau offer bountiful climbing lines in a spectacular setting. Several operators provide climbing and zip lining sessions here, visit hongkongclimbing.com for more information.

Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for a 5pm return to the mainland, unless you fancy an overnight stay. Camping in Hong Kong can be an awesome experience and Tung Lung Chau is a superb destination

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to experience it at its best. The campsite beside Tung Lung Fort has adequate facilities and a rugged waterfront setting to die for.

Weekends and public holidays can be busy here so time it wisely: try not to visit on a public holiday. If you have time to kill before the next ferry departure, make a detour to see Hong Kong’s oldest and largest rock carving.

The dragon depiction dates back over 5000 years. Alternatively, relax at one of the island’s several dai pai dongs.

All in all, this is a cracking little spot. Among the list of Hong Kong’s many islands, Tung Lung Chau flies under the radar and punches well above its weight.

Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com

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travel

Six Hong Kong staycation destinations Keep it local for your next family holiday.

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f the thought of a long haul flight with the kids fills you with dread, but you are in need of a quick getaway, then a staycation in Hong Kong couldn’t come at a better time. Whether it’s an outlying island bed and breakfast, a campsite deep in the New Territories or something with a little colonial grandeur, there’s something for everyone should a stay in Hong Kong be your preferred choice.

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Heritage Lodge Heritage Lodge, perched on a hillside in Lai Chi Kok, is part of a cluster of red brick buildings which make up the Jao Tsung-I Academy. The historic compound has over time served as a quarantine station, prison, infectious disease hospital and a psychiatric rehabilitation centre.

Don’t let its rather grim history put you off from visiting. The site’s revitalisation into a hub promoting Chinese culture has regenerated the buildings and surroundings into something rather special.

The Lodge has 89 guestrooms spread over five double-storey buildings all furnished with simple yet cosy Chinese décor. A choice of

rooms is available from the smaller standard size to larger suites, which come with an adjoining living room and excellent views over the hillside. While the rooms may not be able to rival modern hotels for comfort and facilities, the beauty lies in the peaceful surroundings and the chance to stay in one of Hong Kong’s historically important buildings. The Lodge is only a few minutes walk from Mei Foo MTR station and Lingnan Garden is just a few minutes walk which is well worth a visit to enjoy the classical Chinese garden designs.

For more information visit www. heritagelodgehk.com

travel

Cheung Chau B&B It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong is blessed with a number of small islands where a quieter and more laidback approach to life is ingrained in the local population. Cheung Chau, easily reached by ferry from both Central and Aberdeen piers, has good food, a couple of beaches and enough walks and sights to keep you occupied over a relaxing weekend.

Cheung Chau B&B with its four-storey yellow and blue painted buildings and rooftop terrace hints towards the Mediterranean but in a

very Chinese setting. The B&B is split into three different buildings - the main building, a smaller one opposite near to Tung Wan beach, and a small building near to Pak Tai Temple.

Rooms are simple but clean and come with all the facilities needed for a couple of nights stay and breakfast is included - toast, eggs, coffee and tea. Get up early or watch the sunset from the rooftop garden for wonderful sea views and a timely reminder of how lucky we are to be in Hong Kong.

For more information visit www.bbcheungchau.com.hk

Mingle Farm Forget camping and go glamping instead at Mingle Farm. Thanks to its location deep in the New Territories, the Tin Shui Wai campsite is situated in a large greenland area and offers a variety of glamping options. The campsite is split into five different areas; Caravan, Box Life, Car Camp, AEcoSphere and Fantasy. The kids will never let you hear the end of it if they are not allowed to stay in the Fantasy zone which features a large inflatable Mushroom House, Candy Castle, Rainbow House, Spaceship or Igloo. Each holds up to six people and comes with air conditioners and heating if needed.

Public toilets and shower facilities are located nearby on the campsite.

Those looking for something even more out of the ordinary should opt for the AEcoSphere zone. Bubble igloo tents and spheres that come in varying degrees of transparency. A romantic night under the stars or awkward moments with the neighbours?

For the more traditional campers, static caravans and the option to bring your own car are available.

Bubble and Fantasy tents start from $1,300.

For more information visit www.minglefarm.com

Stay on a boat Ditch the hotel all together and head to the harbour for a weekend on the sea (albeit docked at the moorings) using AirBnB. A number of boat owners - check out listings in the Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang area - are now using the online booking platform to offer visitors to Hong Kong and residents alike a very different stay. Most boats should come fully-equipped with air conditioning, fresh hot and cold water and other essential amenities for a short stay. Bring a bottle of wine and kick back and relax on deck and imagine the life of living at sea even if only for the weekend.

Check availability and contact AirBnB hosts at www.airbnb.com

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travel

Tai O Heritage Hotel In 1902, a police station was built on the small hill next to the Tai O Ferry Pier. Envisaged as a station to reinforce the police presence on Lantau Island, the police stationed in the rural outpost helped to maintain safety in the island’s villages and patrolled the area in sampans. Declining crime rates saw the station’s presence decline and the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited revitalised the station into a nine room boutique hotel from 2009.

Guests can enjoy the colonial grandeur of the hotel as a number of original historic touches are evident throughout, including the station’s former

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cannons and searchlights. The nine rooms and suites all have sea views and explain their former use in the old police station.

The Tai O Lookout, the hotel’s spectacular glass-roofed restaurant, is a stunning location to dine while watching the sunset or under the stars. The Tai O fried rice made using local

shrimp paste comes highly recommended.

Book in advance to secure a room at the weekend and leave plenty of time to explore laidback Tai O and its surroundings, which feel a world away from busy Hong Kong.

For more information visit www.taioheritagehotel.com

travel enjoy full access to the Gold Coast Kids’ Club, and Water Fun Land featuring water sprayers, bucket soakers, floor fountains and swimming pool. Make time during your stay to check out some of Tsuen Wan’s local sights including Sham Tseng, a seaside town known for its local delicacies and Hong Kong-style desserts, Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery and Ping Shan heritage trail which winds through three ancient villages and a well-preserved walled community.

Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier thanks to its complimentary shuttle bus service operating between the hotel and Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi or Tsim Sha Tsui.

For more information on the adventure packages visit www.sino-hotels.com/hk/gold-coast

Wild Adventures Travel to the wild plains of Africa or get ready for a swashbuckling pirate adventure at Gold Coast Hotel’s themed rooms. Perfect for a short stay with children, dive into a day-long adventure which includes an in-room treasure hunt for a special gift and afternoon art workshop,

before resting tired heads in special themed beds - a Jumbo Jeep in the Safari room or a Caribbean Pirate Ship. The whole family can enjoy the breakfast buffet and afternoon tea set which arrives served in either a giant uncovered treasure box or safari tent.

The fun doesn’t stop there as guests also

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health & beauty

shape up

Trimming the fat Tom Hilditch tries Hypoxi, a system for targeted weight loss.

The vacuum suit has hundreds of small suction pads to target specific areas.

“I would do anything for a good body”, runs the old joke, “anything at all...except go to the gym.”

If that sounds like you, I have good news: Hypoxi is worth trying. But I have bad news too: you still have to work up a sweat and skimp on calories.

Here’s how it worked for me. I’m a middleaged man with a weakness for Pringles, hammocks and shared puddings. I was always busy and skinny, until one day recently, I saw myself in the mirror and realised I wasn’t. I joined a gym, wandered uneasily around the cardio room, dawdled at the back of a spin class, lifted a few weights and set them down again. I felt disconnected, out of step with the gym bunnies.

Then someone suggested I try Hypoxi.

The studio in Central is tucked away down a side street. It’s like a tiny gym, except the staff are not wrapped in lycra and are chosen more for their listening skills than sporting DNA. “We create personalized programs for every member,” says Christine Fong, Hypoxi Studio Manager in Central. “We have people who are new to fitness and people who have been members of a gym for many years.” Each member gets a personalized session, interview and nutrition recommendations. If you are still on your journey to fitness, it’s a friendly, safe and engaging place to be.

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If you are still on your journey to fitness, it’s a friendly, safe and engaging place to be.

Futuristic machines and odd-looking vacuum suits lie at the heart of Hypoxi’s special magic.

After an interview and measuring session, I am zipped into a vacuum suit that I will wear while jogging on a running machine. I mention that I want to target my bulging love handles so this particular suit has hundreds of small suction pads which create a vacuum on my hips as I run.

“If you do what it takes to lose the weight, we will make sure it comes off in the right places,” says Christine, adding that the process works best for people prepared to follow nutritional guidelines and visit three times a week.

Hypoxi was created in Austria 18 years ago and slowly, “with each happy client” it has spread to 45 countries. Over the years, the technology has improved, but the basic aim of the treatment has not changed. “Hypoxi is targeted weight loss,” says Daniel Ridder,

Hypoxi was created in Austria.

Managing Director for Hypoxi Hong Kong. “If you just want to lose weight and don’t care where the weight comes off then Hypoxi is not for you.

If you want to target a problem area or change your body shape then Hypoxi is your answer.”

I do three sessions a week for a month. I also carry on exercising at the gym and follow Christine’s nutrition program as best as I can.

I lose almost three kilograms and - crucially four centimeters around my waist, which is my target. Cynics might argue I would have lost the weight in any case, but I am not so sure. It was nice coming in to see the team at Hypoxi. They are friendly and expert and, since Hypoxi is a smaller and more personalised operation than your average Hong Kong gym, I felt going there kept me focused on my training. It also helped me pass on those shared puddings.

So Hypoxi works if you work it. Of course, it is not cheap. But it’s not expensive either. At an average of $600 to $650 per session, Hypoxi costs much less than a designer shirt. Plus, should you happen to take off that designer shirt, it’s going to feel a lot better. But you still have to sweat and skimp on the calories.

Hypoxi has studios across Hong Kong, including Central and TST. For more info see hypoxi.hk

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on patrol...

top cop

Fire away Janet Chan explains the regulations of using firecrackers and how to protect your property during the Lunar New Year.

A spectacular fireworks display will be on show over Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Lunar New Year to welcome in the year of the monkey. Firecrackers originated in Chinese homes 2,000 years ago where they were first used to frighten away evil spirits and pray for happiness and prosperity. Over time, this tradition has been developed in the Hong Kong and transformed as a celebration, particularly in rural areas.

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Accordingly, regulations and laws are set to approve the firework display activities and monitor the illegal discharge of fireworks and firecrackers to prevent any incidents and protect the public’s safety.

The illegal discharge of fireworks is not only a breach of the law, but also a serious safety hazard to members of the public and their property. It is an offence to manufacture, store, convey or use fireworks and pyrotechnics including firecrackers, which are subject to control under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, CAP. 295 and the Summary Offences Ordinance, CAP. 228.

During festive periods, remote places in rural areas will have no bearing on the vigorous enforcement action against firework-related offences. Strong advice will be given to local villagers by distributing propaganda leaflets to seek your support and co-operation in our action against fireworks-related offences.

The winter precautionary period has started, police has conducted high risk premise patrols in Sai Kung and promoted crime prevention knowledge to the villagers by distributing anticrime leaflets.

In order to make some quick cash, culprits always take this opportunity to sneak into the premises and look for valuables. Some of the offenders even target attended house properties.

Householders should keep an eye on any suspicious person acting furtively around the area. Check your existing anti-theft measures to confirm whether they are well-functioning.

Police will continue to combat burglaries in the Sai Kung Division and conduct high risk patrols during the Lunar New Year. I wish you all good fortune and health in the coming monkey year!

Janet Chan is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung Division, tel: 3661 1630

hong kong creatures The Orange Staff Sergeant

Photo by Peellden

aka Athyma cama. By Steffi Yuen.

The orange staff sergeant is not an army officer, but a nymphalid butterfly. It’s a member of the largest and most common family of butterflies.

They are commonly known as “true” sergeants to distinguish them from the “false” sergeants of the genus Pseudathyma, a close relative.

The orange staff sergeant has wingspan between 55 and 65mm. The upperside of the wings of the male are dark brown with a white band across them. Those of the female are also dark brown, but with orange-yellow stripes.

The underwings are a yellowish brown, with the

same markings as on the upper side, but in a pinkish or blueish white.

These butterflies are found in tropical and subtropical Asia, including China and IndoChina. They live in low and mid evergreen forests, along streams. Like other members of the Nymphalidae family, they open their wings to capture sunlight and use the heat to raise their body temperature. They like to drink the water that gathers in mud puddles.

They are also known as “brush-footed” butterflies. The name comes from the two curled-up forelegs which have a brush-like set of hairs called setae. These forelegs are greatly reduced so the butterflies look like they stand on only four legs rather than six. The setae are said to be used to amplify the butterfly’s sense of smell and to improve signaling and communication between the species, making them vital for reproduction and survival.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: Ngau Ngak Shan.

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marketplace

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To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

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marketplace

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To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

marketplace

To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772

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vines in sai kung

stephen says...

I can’t get no satisfaction Threatening letters, barren noticeboards and happy campers. Another month in the Kung for Stephen Vines.

Photo by Chong Fat

residence on a campsite at Wan Tsai Peninsular South. He’s been there, living in a tent, for some two years and has no intention of shifting.

While there he has been helping fellow campers, clearing litter and offering food and other materials at no cost, Mr Tsang simply likes the outdoor life and the natural environment.

His family, who were initially a bit put out by all this, now join him for overnight and longer stays. Other senior citizens have also been attracted to the campsites and are discovering the joys of a very simple way of life close to nature.

Although Mr Tsang is committing a prima facie offence of enjoying himself without causing harm to others, there is always the fear that the ever vigilant folk at Ag & Fish will find a way of putting a stop to this because, as far as I know, Mr Tsang is not a member of the Heung Yee Kuk and therefore does not enjoy the usual range of exemptions from government action.

Wan Tsai Peninsular South

The Short Term Tenancy Scandal continues As the harassed holder of a short term tenancy I am, like many other Sai Kung residents in this position, not only subject to arbitrary rent hikes but also regular threats of prosecution by over enthusiastic officials from the Lands Department, who seem to spend their waking hours conjuring up ways of intimidating law abiding citizens.

In August a Mr or Ms H.T. Ng sent out a letter threatening unspecified ‘enforcement action’ and or termination of the tenancy if I failed to take care of trees on the Short Term Tenancy (STT) ‘in a healthy and safe condition to my satisfaction’.

Lamentably, I am not clear just what is likely to satisfy Mr or Ms Ng but I am puzzled by why this alleged public servant cannot write a letter without making entirely unjustified threats, especially to a recipient who has no record of tree negligence. For the record, I keep my trees in pretty good condition but that has nothing to do with these threats, it is simply common sense. I am thinking of sending a letter to the Sai Kung Lands Department to explain the meaning of common sense but I fear that this

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concept is entirely alien to these bureaucrats.

Meanwhile, some neighbours in a nearby village have collectively acquired a SST in the common area outside their houses. When they were issued with a big rent hike they quite reasonably enquired as to the basis for this increase. The ‘public servants’ at Gulag Lands told them that they were not obliged to furnish this information.

One of the more savvy residents hit upon the idea of trying to discover the going rate for other STTs in the area; this information is also being withheld but he is a determined fellow and the last time I spoke to him he came up with another way of trying to obtain this data.

It is best not to elaborate on his method, least the fine people at Gulag Lands find a way of thwarting of it.

All of this raises wider questions about the way the STTs are administered and the secrecy that surrounds their operations.

Enjoying the simple life On a much lighter note, I am intrigued by the story of 65-year old former British-Chinese soldier, Jacko Tsang, who has taken up

Don’t forget to vote Sai Kung residents should be careful to mark the date of February 28 in their diaries, as this is the day of the New Territories East byelection, caused by the resignation of Legislator Ronny Tong Ka-wah. Both the pro-government and pro-democratic camps, with others in between, are making a major effort for this poll.

Residents have an opportunity to decide who will do the best job of holding the government to account as Legco has very few powers to do anything else. It’s an opportunity that should not be squandered. I really don’t think it will be hard to make a choice.

It’s your money that’s paying for this Lastly, an update on the three notice boards that have been erected by the Lands Department on the path to Sheung Yu village near Pak Tam Chung. The latest and most expensive of these structures remains uncluttered by a single notice even though it has now been standing there for months. This is another triumph for the Lands Department.

Maybe they can explain why the public purse needed to be opened for this purpose?

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur.

He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.