Southside Magazine Sep 2016

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | ARTS & CULTURE

it’s our

fifth birthday!

September 2016

Your guide to South Island Art Day 50 reasons why life is better on the Southside

Snap!

How to yogagram

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The really useful magazine September 2016

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 8 Happening in September What’s on.

FAMILY 16 Back to school Essentials for the new academic year.

NEWS 18 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS 22 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

24 Will Cho Prince of the galaxy.

LOCAL

EATING

26 Street smart Grate Art launches in Stanley.

NEWS FROM THE GREENS 27 Hard truths Why it’s time to act now.

FEATURE 30 50 reasons we love the Southside Outdoor adventures, food, festivals and more.

EDUCATION 48 Hong Kong Adventist Academy We chat to the principal.

ARTS & CULTURE 52 South Island Art Day Our pick of the must-see exhibitions.

56 Mooning Hong Kong Where to buy your mooncakes.

Plus nibbles.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 80 Cop shop The Old Stanley Police Station.

BIG DAY OUT 60 Lamma panorama Nigel Griffiths takes a tour.

YOGA YODA 66 How to yogagram Tips for the perfect #yogaselfie.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 68 Ice queen Esther Chan tries cryotherapy.

PETS 70 Gobble, gobble Strange things pets eat.

CREATURES 70 The East Asian porcupine A prickly individual.

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contributors

Belinda Bamford

Nicole Roquel

Esther Chan

Belinda is our freelance portrait and travel photographer. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Financial Times. Belinda has a passion for storytelling, whether it takes her to tribal festivities in Papua New Guinea, the dusty streets of Bagan, Myanmar or the lush terraced hillsides of Indonesia. If she stops you for a photo, smile - you could end up on the cover!

Our fifth birthday cover was illustrated by Nicole Roquel, a 21-year-old senior from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. Nicole is doing a bachelor’s degree in Illustration. Her art muse is Tim Burton. She loves reading fairytales and fantasy stories, such as those by the Brothers Grimm. She also enjoys singing and playing music and is the proud owner of two pet turtles, ET and CK.

Curious about everything from arts to current affairs, fitness and fashion, Esther previously enjoyed a brief stint in the fine art world and is now an avid journalist. Drawn to new ideas and interesting conversations, she isn’t scared to try everything at least once. Esther puts that to the test with a visit to Hong Kong’s first cryotherapy treatment centre on page 68.

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

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese

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people EPT Health Fest, Central Harbourfront

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people Feng Shui Acro SUP Yoga, Stanley Main Beach

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

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happening in September

SEP 1 - DEC 1

Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge

Now in its 16th year, this annual cleanup couldn’t come at a better time, given the amount of waste washing up on Hong Kong’s beaches in recent weeks. Over five million pieces of rubbish were collected last year. Grab your friends, family and colleagues and sign up a team today at hkcleanup.org

SEP 4 2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council election

evening of September 1 with a drawing session on September 3, 6-7pm. Visual Arts Centre, Kennedy Road, Central. Free admission.

Cast your vote for the sixth Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Polling hours: 7:30am - 10:30pm. www.elections.gov.hk/legco2016

SEP 6 Southside Market Long Lunch

SEP 4 HMV Foodie Market Learn how to make the best whiskies and your own healthy snacks while trying out a wide assortment of food and listening to live music.

11am to 7pm. HMV Flagship store.

4/F, Pearl City, 22-36 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay. Free entry.

UNTIL SEP 5 The Celebration of Colour An exhibition by Life Inspired - a group of artist friends who meet regularly for life drawing. The Celebration of Colour aims to push its audience to relate to a diverse expression of what it means to be alive. Opening reception on the

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The monthly Butchers Club’s shindig returns after the summer break. Feast on a range of signature Butchers Club dishes, including dryaged steak sandwiches, sausages, and more on the restaurant’s spacious Aberdeen rooftop.

Plus, face painting, balloon twisting, t-shirt printing and live music. Tickets are $550 for adults, $250 for under 18s and free for children under eight. Book at www.ticketflap.com

SEP 10 Green Council International Coastal Cleanup 2016 Hong Kong 9am to 1pm, Stanley Plaza and Stanley Main Beach. www.epd.gov.hk

UNTIL SEP 11 Indoor Summer Garden Cinema Every Sunday, Ovolo Southside collaborates with Hushup Cinema to screen cinematic classics including Edward Scissorhands, The Karate Kid and Little Miss Sunshine. 4-6pm, Ovolo Southside. Tickets $180 each. Book online at hushup.hk. Plus, receive a 15 percent discount at Cirqle’s Southside Sunday Brunch Sessions (usually $298 per adult; $168 per child).

SEP 11 Step Out for Children Charity Walk and Carnival Hosted by the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children, Step Out for Children returns this year to raise funds for Primary Immunodeficiencies Diagnostic Tests. The full course is just over 7km.

Performances, game booths, puppet shows and more on the day. Registrations before August 10 require a minimum donation of $200pp; $250 thereafter. Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyberport. www.srdc.org.hk

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planner SEP 14-16 Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Parades A Mid-Autumn Festival tradition. This annual three-day event involves a 67-metre long Fire Dragon, over 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks and a lot of firecrackers. Tai Hang, Causeway Bay. Free entry.

SEP 14-18 Pep Bou’s Bubble Magic

SEP 11 Ladies Lads and Lassies Race A 3.5k run open to runners aged seven and above. Runners below six may join the fun run.

Registration fees are $100 for Hong Kong Ladies Road Runners Club members aged 19 and above; $85 for ages 18 and under. Fees for nonmembers are $120 (ages 19 and above); $100 for ages 18 and under. Register by September 3.

Lugard and Harlech Road, The Peak. www.hklrrc.org.hk

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Award winning mime artist Pep Bou creates a fun and captivating story about an eccentric professor and his assistant through the poetic language of bubbles. Show times vary. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Tickets from $395 at www.hkticketing.com

SEP 15 Mid-Autumn Festival Also known as the Moon Festival, today families gather around to celebrate a good harvest and gaze at the full moon - a symbol of unity. Try a local mooncake, shop for colourful lanterns and watch fiery dragon dances. Head to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay for magnificent lantern displays and other entertainment, 8-11pm. Don’t forget your lanterns!

Dancing in the street at Mid-Autumn Festival.

SEP 15 International Day of Democracy SEP 15 Pok Fu Lam Fire Dragon Parade Chase the dragon from Pok Fu Lam Village to Waterfall Bay. 6.30-11.30pm, best viewing at the entrance to Pok Fu Lam Village.

planner SEP 15-18 Asia Contemporary Art Show

SEPT 16 Day After Mid-Autumn Festival

A diverse lineup of over 80 exhibitors from more than 15 countries. Browse original paintings, limited editions, sculptures and photography from both new and emerging artists. $220 per person at the door. If you register online ahead of time, you can take a friend for free. The Conrad, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. www.asiacontemporaryart.com

Public holiday.

and visual effects, Road to Ultra: Hong Kong offers a multi-sensory experience and a lineup of the most popular electro artists. 12-10pm. Ticket prices vary. Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District.

SEPT 17 Road to Ultra: Hong Kong 2016

SEP 20-25 The Hunting of the Snark

The largest annual and most renowned electronic music festival comes to Hong Kong for the first time ever. Boasting an exuberant atmosphere along with a unique blend of audio

After a sold-out show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, The Hunting of the Snark is on a world tour. A touching fatherand-son story, this musical comedy adventure story is perfect for the whole family. Show times vary. Regular tickets from $395. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre. www.hkticketing.com

SEP 21 AWA Welcome Back Coffee Hosted by the American Women’s Association (AWA) of Hong Kong. This annual event is a way to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones while discovering what the AWA can offer you. 9:30am at the American Club, Tai Tam. Registration is open to women of all nationalities. www.awa.org.hk

“Best Mate” by Du Xi, on display at the Asia Contemporary Art Show.

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planner SEPT 24 International Schools Festival Thinking of sending your child to an international school? Head here to meet representatives from a selection of these schools and listen to panel discussions and information sessions. Free upon registration. 9:30am, Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, Level 8, Concord & Oasis Room, 1 Harbour Road. www.internationalschoolsfestival.com

SEP 24 South Island Art Day Featuring contemporary dance performances and art exhibitions in 24 art spaces. This annual event is hosted by The South Island Cultural District (SICD) and a great way to meet local and international artists while enjoying free food and drinks. 12-8pm. Free admission, sicd.com.hk Challenge yourself at Aqua Terra: HK Island.

SEP 25 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon Open to amateur and professional cyclers in seven categories. The registration deadline has passed but you are welcome to watch and enjoy a range of exciting game booths or shop for cycling merchandise. The “International Criterium” features top cyclists from all over the world so be sure to check it out. 5:30am-5pm.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. www.discoverhongkong.com

SEPT 25 Wellness 360 Carnival Browse carefully selected products from a range of wellness brands. Plus, free fitness performances, street dance classes, kickboxing lessons, face-painting booths and much more.

12-7pm. Lee Garden One Driveway. Contact rachel@josootang.com

SEPT 25 Aqua Terra: HK Island Choose between an aquathlon (1km swim, 6km run) or a 16km trail run - both begin at South Bay Beach and end at Hong Kong Parkview.

Participants must be aged 18 or above. 9am2pm. Entry fee is $250. www.terramar.hk

SEPT 25 Very DVCR project See Des Voeux Road Central - from Morrison Street to Pedder Street - transformed into a 1.4km pedestrian area for just one day (2-5pm).

The project aims to engage the general public to explore innovative, creative ways to co-create and manage public spaces.

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SEP 28 Queen + Lambert On Tour in Hong Kong With over 70 sold out shows across the world, you’ll have to be quick if you want to catch these guys in Hong Kong. Tickets from $580 at www.hkticketing.com. Concert starts at 8pm at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

UNTIL SEP 30 In the Midst of the Storm: Hong Kong’s Early Typhoons

UNTIL OCT 2 The Gruffalo’s Child A children’s classic, The Gruffalo’s Child returns as a musical adaptation with songs, laughs and scary fun. Times vary from 11am to 5pm depending on date. Regular tickets from $195.

Recommended for children 3+ but no minimum age. Get 10 percent off for groups of ten or more. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Drama Theatre. www.hkticketing.com

UNTIL OCTOBER 8 Athletic Veterans of Hong Kong 5K Series 2016 Four 5K races with junior and senior age categories. Race one has already passed but there are three remaining: Race two (September 10, Bowen Road), three (September 24, Wanchai Gap Playground), and four (October 8, South Bay). All races begin at 8am. Registration fee for non-members is $150 and $120 for AVOHK members. www.avohk.org

A glimpse of life during the catastrophic storms of 1874 and 1906. The exhibition was initiated by master mariner Michael J Jones, who has spent years researching Hong Kong’s typhoons, and the HK Observatory. Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

UNTIL OCT 1 Lea Salonga: Disney & Broadway Magic Lea Salonga, the voice behind disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan, joins the HKPhil - Hong Kong’s largest symphony orchestra - in a magical concert of broadway and disney classics. Tickets from $280. 8pm, Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. www.hkphil.org

Competitors at last year’s AVOHK race.

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BOOK NOW OCT 8-9 2016 FIA FormulaE HKT Hong Kong ePrix Get ready as FormulaE hits Hong Kong for the very first time. The use of electric powered cars means the race is emission-free. Not only will you get to witness an international racing event, but also a supercharged line-up of worldclass musical acts. Meet the racers in person, experience interactive booths and enjoy a delicious selection of cuisine. Tickets from $150. Hong Kong Central Harbourfront. www.ticketflap.com

NOV 5 & 6 Spartan Race Hong Kong

NOV 25-27 Clockenflap

Not for the faint hearted. This obstacle-based race is split into two categories: Elite for experienced athletes and Open for novices.

The best competitors will be eligible to compete in the 2016 World Championships in the US. Kam Tin Country Park. $650 for early bird tickets, regular tickets are $890. For more information, visit spartanrace.hk

The annual music festival will change location to Central this year, after five years at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The line-up includes Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós, reggae Kiwi band Fat Freddy’s Drop and Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist José González.

Tickets from $850 from www.clockenflap.com.

Concessions available.

OCT 23 MSIG HK50 - Hong Kong Island Choose between a 24km or 50km trail run from The Peak Galleria to Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. Race begins at 7am and is only open to runners aged 18 or above. Entry fees vary from $380 to $660 depending on distance and time of registration so sign up as soon as possible! www.actionasiaevents.com Stuck in the mud at the Spartan Race.

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

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family Multi-use labels (Gelati medium) $169 for a pack of 26 from Stuck on You www.stuckonyou.hk

Novelty pens $40 each from Typo www.cottonon.com/HK

Zoo lunch bag $115 from Bumps to Babes www.bumpstobabes.com

Back to school Supplies to kick start the new term.

By Robyn Ma.

Meal Planner pad $75 from kikki.K www.kikki-k.com

Dinosaur pencil case ÂŁ7.95 from Ohh Deer

Bella Bunny Cooler Bag $249 from Mirth M/F, B T Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2553 9811 www.mirthhome.com

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A4 ringbinder From $19.90 each from Prints Prince’s Building, Shop 230, 10 Chater Road, Central, 2523 9811, www.prints-international.com

family Lepidoptery No.1 A4ish notebook £4.95 (plus £8 shipping; free shipping for orders over £30) from Ohh Deer www.ohhdeer.com

Mushroom sharpener and eraser $45 each from Seedling www.seedling.com.hk

Paper Play Design Headbands $500 from Gusella Shop No. 224, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, 2940 2238, www.gusella.com

‘Prosperity’ A4 file holder $14 from G.O.D Shop 105, 1/F, Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, 2673 0071, www.god.com.hk

Silver satchel by Bakker made with love $520 from Mirth

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news

in your backyard

CHARITY RACE ON THE PEAK

Applications for the 2016 Sedan Chair Race are now open. The annual race - now in its 42nd year - sees teams of eight runners and one lucky passenger race along the 2.1km route on Mount Kellett Road to raise money for small local charities. The Sedan Chair Charities Fund has raised over $68 million for 134 charities since its inception. Superheroes,

smurfs and even Egyptian pharaohs have been seen making the arduous climb and this year promises to be no different - expect an array of colourful costumes and elaborate chair designs. Games, food and live music will be held at Matilda Hospital for all the supporters and finishers. Sunday, October 30. Visit sedanchairace.com for more information.

POKEMON GOES SOUTHSIDE Since the launch of Pokemon Go, players have been swarming all over PokeStop locations across Hong Kong. Ovolo Southside has jumped headfirst into the action with a charging zone, themed cocktails, luring opportunities, prizes and incentives for the city’s keenest Pokemon trainers. The first Hong Kong player

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to catch all 142-some Pokémon and snap a photo of themselves at the hotel for Ovolo Hotels’ social media channels will win a 3-day, 2-night stay in the hotel’s Long Loft suite, plus enough App Store credit for 5,200 Pokecoins.

Visit www.ovolohotels.com for more information.

REPULSE BAY TYCOON BURGLED Police are investigating a burglary at the Repulse Bay mansion of former New World Development chairman, Cheng Yu-tung, last month. According to Cheng’s eldest son, Harry, the family suffered minor losses with some gold decorative pieces stolen from the corridors. None of the family members was disturbed as they were all in their rooms at the time - around 6am - with the doors locked.

It’s thought the burglars may have approached the area from a hill at the back of the residence. The criminal investigation team of the Western Police District has taken on the case.

Another house in Repulse Bay - less than two kilometers away from the Cheng mansion - was also targeted on the same night. According to the Hong Kong Economic Journal, the resident (an expatriate) managed to subdue a 36-year-old suspect and alert the police. The police are investigating whether the two cases are linked.

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news

OCEAN PARK CELEBRATES GIANT PANDAS’ BIRTHDAYS

Jia Jia - the oldest giant panda ever in captivity along with fellow pandas An An, Le Le and Ying Ying all celebrated their birthdays last month, turning 38 (the equivalent of 114 in human terms), 30 and 11 and 11, respectively. The pandas, who are in remarkably good health for their age, were presented with specially made icy cakes from Häagen-Dazs. Suzanne Gendron, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Education said, “Given their advanced years, An An and Jia

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Jia are living with geriatric conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritic pain, yet they are considered in satisfactory health. Our animal care team will continue to offer them exemplary care to ensure they enjoy the highest quality of life in their sunset years.”

In the meantime, younger pandas Ying Ying and Le Le completed their sixth mating season earlier this year. Ying Ying is being monitored closely for signs of pregnancy. Happy birthday to them all!

SAFARI KID LAUNCHES ONE FOR ONE PROGRAMME International preschool, Safari Kid launches its One for One school program this month.

Under the program, the school will open education centers in underprivileged areas throughout Asia where it will sponsor one enrollment for every fee paying student in its regular schools. Since opening its first preschool in Asia in 2014 (the Pok Fu Lam campus), Safari Kid has opened preschools in Malaysia, Dubai and India. The first One for One school will open in India, as the school has recently expanded in the region and the board has identified areas severely lacking educational support. Fiona Chan, Principal at the Pok Fu Lam campus said, “This is a great opportunity for our parents, and indeed students to get involved in the global community. We will be featuring stories, photos and updates on the children’s progress enrolled in the One for One schools so our parents can see how their choice in school has not only benefited their child but another.”

news

DATE ANNOUNCED FOR CENTRAL RAT RACE

NEW PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Performing arts training studio and official LAMDA examination centre CentreStage Studios HK launches a series of new courses this month across the Southside. Venues include Hong Kong International School, Maggie & Rose, The Repulse Bay Club and West Island School. Hone your public speaking skills, master the art of musical theatre or build your confidence through the Speech, Drama & Communication course. Courses start in the first two weeks of September and are available for children aged three to 18 years. Prices start at $290 per hour for The Drama Club and The Young

Cubs; $750 for three hours for The Academy (acting, singing and dancing). All new joiners receive a complimentary first class and siblings enrolling in the same course are eligible for a 10 percent discount. Plus, workshops and castings for the studio’s upcoming production of Annie start at The Academy at The Repulse Bay Club on Saturday, September 3. Enrolments are limited. To sign up, email admin@centrestagestudioshk.com or call 5689 2272/ 5236 7960, www.centrestagestudioshk.com

Hongkongers will have the chance to take part in a different kind of rat race next month. The 11th edition of the relay-style CENTRAL Rat Race, to be held on October 16, requires teams to overcome obstacles themed on a typical day in the office as they navigate a racecourse plotted through the heart of Central. Expect new challenges, more runners, bigger crowds and a host of creative activities for families and the wider community. The race aims to raise funds for MINDSET and awareness of mental health issues affecting families in Hong Kong and mainland China. Sign up by September 15 at www.centralratrace.com

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win at www.southside.hk

free stuff GIVEAWAYS

enter to win!

The Gruffalo’s Child This award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo is a heartwarming story of bravery and perseverance. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up.

We have a family set of four tickets to the opening show on September 30 at 5pm to give away.

Deadline: September 23

Mulberry House ​​ Fast track your child’s Mandarin learning journey through interactive and engaging activities at Mulberry House. The Mandarin Immersion Programme for children from eight months to eight years old allows children to speak, read and write Mandarin with experienced native teachers. With a maximum class size of six children, your little one will get lots of personal attention and be on their way to learning the language in no time. www.mulberryhouseasia.com

Escapade Sports

Pizza Express

Back to school equals back to sport!

Whether it’s a new rugby kit, hockey stick or even swimwear you’re after, Escapade Sport is a one-stop shop for all your sporting needs. Safety and comfort is their number one priority - make sure to ask their customer service team for expert advice.

Twelve weeks’ training is the minimum given to a Pizza Express pizzaiolo (pizza maker). Their pies are always made with the freshest ingredients and baked to order, with a variety of combinations to satisfy even the pickiest eater.

Two $500 vouchers are up for grabs.

We have ten $250 vouchers to give away.

We have one $2,000 voucher for six 60-minute classes to give away.

Deadline: September 21

Deadline: September 26

Deadline: September 22

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: www.southside.hk/subscribe

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five minutes with...

Editor Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Contributing Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk

WILL CHO The Aberdeen-raised Prince of the Galaxy talks to Kristy Wong about his passion for photography.

The sho t that c ha Will’s lif nged e

Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk Carolynne Dear carolynne@fastmedia.com.hk Editorial Assistant Eric Ho eric@fastmedia.com.hk

Hong Kong National Geographic’s 2013 Photo Contest. The media gave me the nickname, “Prince of the Galaxy”, I was overwhelmed!

Design

Senior Graphic Designer Cindy Suen cindy@fastmedia.com.hk

I spent 10 days in the wild on Lantau Island for the live TV show “Round the Lantau Island” - it was a fantastic experience! We explored the whole of Lantau Island, from Tai O to Tai Yam Teng, capturing the best photographic scenes and introducing different hiking routes. I hope Hong Kong people are more willing to step out of their comfort zone and explore nature. Just grab your camera and climb the mountains!

Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz anna@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Amanda Sheppard Dr. Anders Kulhavy Belinda Bamford Esther Chan Kimberley Woo Kristy Wong Nicole Roquel Nigel Griffiths Nissa Marion Rebecca Simpson Robyn Ma Robyn Or Rory Mackay Sérgio Marçal Stephanie Brown Victor Chau

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Illustration by Nicole Roquel

I grew up in a fisherman’s family in Aberdeen. I lived on a boat with my parents and grandparents. I still remember my mother tying me to the boat with ropes during typhoon season to stop me falling overboard.

There was no fresh water on board. We didn’t have a kitchen; we used a kerosene stove on the floor to cook dinner every night.

We traveled to mainland China everyday on our houseboat to catch fish. When I began kindergarten my family stopped fishing and moved to Ap Lei Chau so that I wouldn’t miss out on school. Besides, the earnings from fisheries were minimal.

I dropped out of my diploma programme and worked in Starbucks for a few years. My life was pretty ordinary until a spontaneous trip up to Tai Mo Shan

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one night. It was the first time I had ever been up high enough to see a sea of clouds underneath a entire sky of twinkling stars. Since then, I’ve spent three to four nights every week in the mountains, taking photos, camping and waiting for the sunrise.

One of my photos of the galaxy received thousands of likes on Facebook and I started attracting attention. I didn’t expect it as I was merely doing what I love. I decided it was time to quit my job and pursue my dream of being a landscape photographer. Another of my photos of the galaxy, taken at Lantau Peak, won the Most Popular award in

I never feel alone in the mountains. Often, I see other photographers waiting at the top of another mountain with their tripods and cameras, ready for the sunrise. The photographer community is strong as we share a passion. I started photography just a few years ago and even though I have never used a single lens reflex (SLR) camera, I am still able to capture wonders!

I’d like to think of myself as an artist, landscape photographer, blogger and freelancer. I’m slightly confused about my identity, but content with what I have. After all, I quit my job to chase my dream. My next goal is to go on a roundthe-island bike tour of Japan!

Additional reporting by Robyn Or

Editorial

starry night

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local

Digital

Digital Marketing Manager Charmaine Mirandlila charmaine@fastmedia.com.hk

xxxx

STREET SMART A street art project to create cleaner oceans has launched in Stanley.

Shreena Patel reports.

Sales & Marketing Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk

Sales & Marketing Executive Egbert Cheung egbert@fastmedia.com.hk Maria Jones maria@fastmedia.com.hk Bonnie Li bonnie@fastmedia.com.hk

Accounting

Accounting Executive Jason To jason@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Printer

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

www.southside.hk ads@fastmedia.com.hk @southsidemag facebook.com/SouthsideMagazineHK

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside 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. Southside Magazine 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 pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Doug Woodring, co-founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance, and Hiromasa Suzuki, Japanese environmentalist, at the installation of the first tile in Stanley.

T

his summer, Hong Kong’s media has been flooded with shocking photos of local shorelines strewn with rubbish. But it’s not all doom and gloom - the coverage has also shined a light on the people and the projects doing something about it.

One such project is Grate Art. Launched by Ocean Recovery Alliance, this public art installation aims to reduce the amount of litter going into Hong Kong’s drainage system, one of the main sources for debris outflow into the ocean. Under the initiative, hundreds of beautifully designed small ceramic plaques are being installed on pavements above storm drains throughout the Southern District, each with a bilingual message to remind people not to throw litter into drains. There are eight designs in total, created by eight different artists (six local and two from China).

The project was funded through donations raised by Simon Holliday and Shu Pu, for their record breaking

Clean Cross Swim from Hong Kong to Macau in 2014 which raised over $235,000. After two years of waiting for approval, the first plaque was finally installed along Stanley’s waterfront promenade last month. A further 150 have since been installed in Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen, Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay and Stanley.

Co-founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance, Doug Woodring, said, “Given the recent high levels of trash on our beaches, this need for awareness and education comes at an important time. We believe these vibrant artistic messages will mark a new turning point in drawing awareness to the detrimental consequences of drainage pollution and littering, while reminding the Hong Kong public that we are all linked to the ocean, even when walking down our city’s streets.”

Joining Woodring for the installation of the first plaque was Hiromasa Suzuki, who runs an NGO in Okinawa, Japan, tackling marine litter. Suzuki came to Hong Kong

alone to help clean up after seeing coverage of the pollution online.

“I saw news on CNN that a huge amount of rubbish had been washing up on Hong Kong’s coastline. I decided to come to see exactly what was happening and find out if there was anything I could do to help. While here, I learnt about the Grate Art project from Doug and I installed the very first plaque with him. I think art is a great approach to raise awareness.”

I ask Suzuki why he feels so passionately about the environment and creating cleaner oceans. “Ever since I was little, I have wanted to do something good for the earth”, he replies. “In particular, I am hoping that cleaning the ocean gives people hope. Environmental issues are so big and there is a temptation to feel hopeless and give up. I see myself as a ‘first penguin’ - after the first penguin jumps into the water, others follow.”

For more information, visit www.oceanrecov.org

news from the greens

HARD TRUTHS

Photo courtesy of Andy Cornish

Nissa Marrion gets a wake up call.

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was out scrabbling along a beautiful rocky shoreline recently in Sai Kung. There was no path, no beach, no easy human access. It was slippery, craggy and unfriendly - the right kind of place for nature to thrive, and humans to avoid. The only other person around was a lone fisherman on a boulder a hundred yards down.

And yet, in this seemingly untouchable corner of Hong Kong’s natural world, I saw trash. Not a few bits of trash. Heaps of it. There were plastic bags, water bottles, toothbrushes, lighters, shoes, medical waste, plastic rope, polystyrene boxes, broken toys, wadded tissue, food wrappers, plastic netting, lifejackets, pieces of fiberglass, pottery, fishing lures, beer cans, broken glass...the list goes on. It was heartbreaking.

I wasn’t “looking” for these obscenities. Quite the contrary. I paused to gaze at the scenery with squinted eyes, trying to blur out the tideline of garbage, but could not find a single direction to look that did not include a major dose of yuck and a depressing reminder that we are already at the 11th hour.

At first it made me incredibly sad. But then I became all the more determined to be part of the change.

Because this cannot be what evolution comes to.

It seems like an insurmountable task sometimes, but I believe that

somehow we will win the battle against our own bad habits. We just need to open our eyes and see that we’re almost at the breaking point, that the issue is urgent - that it’s not about intangible “future generations” but about us, here, now!

From now until December 1, you can sign up a team for the Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge, and I know many of you will. But here’s my invitation to you: don’t go to an easy, lifeguarded beach, or a paved hiking trail with toilets and parking lots. If you can, push your boundaries and go somewhere less convenient – take a ferry, hike in, or even hire a junk. Because it’s the tough trails, the hidden bays, and the rocky shorelines that never get cleaned and need the most help.

But no matter where you go, whether it’s knee-deep in plastic or just a light scattering – rest assured that your participation in the Cleanup Challenge is making a difference, by contributing vital data as well as showing your support for a cleaner Hong Kong. For this, I thank you.

Visit HKcleanup.org for details about the 2016 Cleanup Challenge.

Nissa Marion is the Editor-in-Chief of Ecozine and co-founder of the Hong Kong Cleanup. She loves to talk trash. nissa@hkcleanup.org

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happy 5th birthday to us

Stanley Peninsula

Redhill Peninsula, Tai Tam

Shek O beach

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Wong Nai Chung Gap The Dragon’s Back

50 we love

Big Wave Bay

things

about the Southside

Shek O Golf and Country Club

by Robyn Ma and Shreena Patel.

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Shopping for local knick knacks at Stanley market. This seaside maze of shops and stalls has everything from Chairman Mao memorabilia to good luck charms and counterfeit bags. If you’ve just moved in, pick up a painting or two here for a bargain price.

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49. Park life. Southside has an abundance of country parks: Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, Tai Tam...take your pick! Round up the kids and the family pooch and head here for a good dose of fresh air and exercise, away from the pollution and noise of the city.

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Where else can you watch a blockbuster movie and have almost the entire cinema to yourself? Choose between Broadway Cyberport and MCL South Horizons. Ovolo Southside and Cyberport are known to have outdoor screenings on occasion so keep an eye out. See hushup.hk, www.cinema.com.hk, www2.mclcinema.com

47. Celebrating Mid-Autumn festival with colourful lanterns at Repulse Bay beach.

46. Every Sunday (2-5pm) is a chance to adopt a new family member at Horizon Plaza’s Whiskers N Paws. Hong Kong Dog Rescue brings the puppies. If you’re not yet ready for the commitment, you can still go along to play with them. www.wnp.com.hk

I love living in the Southside - it’s a short car ride from the city centre, yet an oasis away from the hustle and bustle.

My kids love the beach and the open space.

Fergus Fung, District Councillor for the Bays Area 32 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Photo by Karsten Heinrich

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Seaside strolls. Seaview Promenade, between Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, is a particularly peaceful stretch. There’s a mini beach along the trail where dogs can go for a swim. Plus, a new set of outdoor fitness equipment is being installed this month.

a favourite dessert amongst fishermen. Open 4am-4pm, 102 Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen.

Cash only, book in advance. Call 2177 7872 (you might need the help of a Cantonesespeaking friend).

44. Aberdeen Fish Market. This is the

The blossoming arts scene. Over 26 galleries, studios and exhibition spaces are located here, part of the South Island Cultural District. Annual events include Art Day (September 24), Art Night and Art Brunch, to name a few. So what are you waiting for? Get out and explore! www.sicd.com.hk

biggest and longest-running wholesale fish market in Hong Kong. At one time, it only supplied seafood to the Tai Pak Floating Restaurant and the Jumbo Floating Restaurant. Now, over 70 percent of the city’s live seafood is traded here. Run by fishermen for fishermen, the market’s restaurant takes the catch direct from the boats and prepares an array of Cantonese-style dishes. There is no menu; tell them your budget they will source the best seafood of the day for you.

Book in advance and make sure to end your feast with French toast with condensed milk,

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Sundays at the dog park. Cyberport Waterfront Park is the most popular but there are plenty of others, including one beside Horizon Plaza and a new path linking Wong Chuk Hang and Aberdeen. Search Facebook to find Hong Kong doggy groups, many of which hold regular meetups.

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Photo by Hello Hong Kong

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The new MTR South Island line - travel from Admiralty to Ocean Park in just four minutes and bypass the dreaded traffic of the Aberdeen Tunnel! Due to open at the end of the year.

40. Taking a stroll in Stanley’s Ma Hang Park is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Stanley market. Follow the boardwalk to the small hillside temple, built in 1805 (when the main activity in the area was fishing) and dedicated to Pak Tai - a god special to fishermen. Steps lead up to a platform with views across Stanley Bay. There’s also a seating area and public toilets at the top.

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Hunting hidden treasures, from the ancient rock carvings at Big Wave Bay to the tiger skin housed in Stanley’s Tin Hau Temple - the six-foot creature supposedly roamed the Stanley countryside in 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. Locals were in fear of their lives until an Indian policeman by the name of Rur Singh came along. Singh shot the tiger and presented the skin to the villagers in 1942.

It has been exhibited in the Tin Hau Temple on Stanley Main Street ever since.

38. Plummeting down a rollercoaster (no hands, of course) and visiting the weird and wonderful attractions at Ocean Park.

37. Junking. Our favourite spots include South Bay (slightly secluded and a great place to catch the sunset) and Po Toi Island (good for a seafood lunch). Or, if you don’t have enough people to hire out a whole boat, how about hopping on the Aqua Luna for an afternoon cruise from Victoria Harbour to Stanley? See aqualuna.com.hk for prices and times. For junk hire, try hellohongkong.com.hk

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After a hectic schedule in the city, there’s nothing more I want to do than put my feet up and relax on the balcony, glass of white wine in hand. Living in the Southside is great because I get to return home to a gorgeous view of the lush greenery along with the peaceful beach.

Audrulee Ma, Tai Tam

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36. Finding stocking fillers and more at

34. The annual International Dragon Boat

the annual Christmas markets in Repulse Bay and Stanley Promenade. St Stephen’s Chapel’s annual Christmas Fete (known for its Christmas puddings and fudge) is always on the first Saturday in December. Expect bouncy castles, games, stalls, coconut shy and plenty of food and drink, plus marching bands, Chinese lion dancers and acrobats. Last year, Santa arrived by helicopter. www.ststephen.org.hk

Races, where crowds of over 30,000 flock to Stanley to watch local and international teams battle it out in sweltering heat. Legend has it that the festival dates back to when old man Qu Yuan, an official disillusioned with his country’s government, drowned himself in protest by jumping in the river. The locals rushed to the site in long boats, banging drums to scare away anything that might harm Qu Yuan in the hope of rescuing him, but they were too late. www.dragonboat.org.hk

35. Watersports. Try anything from flyboarding and surfing, to wakeboarding, SUP Yoga and sailing. Island Wake (islandwake.com), Surfing Hong Kong (surfinghongkong.com), SUP Yoga HK (supyogahongkong.com) and Flyboard HK (flyboard.com.hk) are just a few of the companies that offer lessons. Many of the LCSD-run watersports centres have equipment for hire too. Find your nearest centre online at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/watersport

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History - the Southside is home to one of Hong Kong’s oldest surviving public buildings: Murray House. Built in Central in 1844 as officers’ quarters of the Murray Barracks, it was later used by Japanese military police as a command centre - and place of execution during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.

After World War II, several government bureaus used the building as offices. It was believed to be haunted and sightings of ghosts were so frequent that the government had it exorcised twice. In 1982, Murray House was dismantled into over 3,000 building blocks to make way for a new Bank of China Tower. It was resurrected brick by brick in Stanley in 2001 and is now home to an H&M, a few restaurants and a regular weekend bazaar - it’s also a popular spot for wedding photos.

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32 I love the ocean view from my Ap Lei Chau apartment - looking out and seeing the Jumbo restaurant and all the boats docked is refreshing and gives a great sense of Hong Kong culture.

Michelle Jetton, student at HKIS

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31. Exploring the island’s last remaining 32.

Great restaurants with fabulous ocean views to boot. Choose from Japanese, Italian, Caribbean, Balinese and more at the pulse; Mediterranean at Shek O’s Cococabana; or get a taste of posh-colonial style dining at The Verandah or Spices at The Repulse Bay. For more of an industrial-chic vibe, head to Aberdeen - vegetarian eatery Artichoke Canteen has a lovely outdoor terrace. Stanley Promenade also has great options, including the winner of Best New Restaurant in the 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards: Beef & Liberty.

villages. Pok Fu Lam village dates back to at least 1868 - its narrow lanes and twisted alleys were once the site of the original Dairy Farm, established to produce an affordable supply of hygienic cow’s milk for Hong Kong.

Remnants of the old farm are scattered throughout the area, which continues to face pressure from urban redevelopment plans. A program to restore a historic house as a heritage interpretation center is due to be completed by the end of the year. The community’s most important tradition is the Fire Dragon Dance that takes place during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. An incense-lit hay dragon visits each household, bringing blessings to the residents.

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Photo by waterfallsandcaribous.com

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30. The Southside Market Long Lunch. The 28. Children’s activities. Southside is home monthly Butchers Club’s shindig returns after the summer break on Sunday, September 6. Feast on a range of signature Butchers Club dishes, including dry-aged steak sandwiches, sausages, and more on the restaurant’s spacious Aberdeen rooftop. Plus, face painting, balloon twisting, t-shirt printing and live music. Tickets are $550 for adults, $250 for under 18s and free for children under eight. Book at www.ticketflap.com

to an array of clubs and schools - from sports clubs, to performing arts academies and a horse riding club in Pok Fu Lam. Adults don’t have any excuse for getting bored either - there are plenty of gyms, fitness studios (and spas, for something more relaxing). See the 2016 Southside Family Guide for our selection.

29. Going for a hole in one at Shek O’s

the Mobile Softee van along Stanley Waterfront.

Mini Golf Course, behind the beach. It’s open from 9am-5:30pm for just $13 a round. www.travelsouth.hk

27. Enjoying a $9 soft serve ice cream from 26. Southside Magazine. A heartfelt thank you to all our readers and supporters for helping us reach our fifth birthday. Here’s to many more issues!

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25 25. Shek O’s annual Cantonese Opera Festival. This celebrates the birthday of Tin Hau (goddess of the sea), to whom people pray for safety, security, good weather and fruitful productivity. Traditionally, Tin Hau’s birthday falls on 23rd of third lunar month, but Shek O citizens chose to celebrate it in October to avoid typhoons. The four- to five-day celebration includes a parade, lion dance, Chinese opera in a theatre made entirely out of bamboo, and lots of poon choi (a traditional Chinese dish). This year’s festival takes place from October 18-23.

Wong Chuk Hang combines the past, present and future of the city. Old factories that smell of printing presses and candles, the Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market with its great milk tea and the new MTR station - they all exist here alongside each other.

Mimi Brown, founder of Spring Workshop 40 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

24. Taking part in an outdoor challenge.

There’s no better location than Southside for beach, running, boating and swimming events.

The Clean Half Extreme Marathon Swim (October 8, Stanley to Deep Water Bay) and the International Hong Kong Beach Water Polo Tournament (October 22-23, Repulse Bay) are just a couple to get you started. For more information, visit openwaterasia.com

23. Learning about the history of Hong Kong’s prison system at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum in Stanley.

Exhibits include prison records, two reconstructed cells and an array of gruesome equipment used for corporal punishment. www.csd.gov.hk/emuseum

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Stanley Plaza - there’s always something fun going on here, be it live music, dance performances, close up magic or breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest dog yoga class…

21. Beachside barbecues. Don’t fancy doing all the work? Try Invisible Kitchen’s BBQ catering packages - you can cook the food yourself or opt for a fully catered package. Salads, disposable plates, cutlery, and beverages also included. Packages start at $340 per head for a minimum of 15 people.

The Beach BBQ Pack uses the barbecue pits in Shek O (www.invisiblekitchen.com).

Alternatively, book a private barbecue site. Liu’s Barbecue at Shek O Main Beach charges $230 on weekends and public holidays; $180 from Mondays to Fridays, 2809 4579.

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19. Jumbo Kingdom. Like a phoenix, this Chinese imperial palace-inspired floating restaurant rose from the ashes (it was engulfed by fire a few days before its grand opening in 1971) to become an Aberdeen icon. Tom Cruise, Chow Yun-fat and Queen Elizabeth have all visited. To get there, head to Sham Wan Pier Drive in Wong Chuk Hang and enjoy the sampan trip to the boat. www.jumbokingdom.com

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18. Private kitchens. Tucked away in side streets and unassuming industrial buildings, private kitchens are abound in Southside great for more intimate events or, frankly, when your group of friends is too noisy for a normal restaurant. At M Cuisine, you can even help to cook your meal under the guidance of Chef Michael Erlik, www.m-cuisine.com

17. Touring Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park on a pedal boat. Lifejackets are provided free of charge and you can buy bread to feed the fish from the kiosk. A four-seater pedal boat is $100 (weekdays) and $120 (weekends and public holidays) while a two-seater costs $20 less.

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Can’t make it to the Rugby Sevens?

Don’t worry, there’s always the annual March Repulse Bay 5s. A great weekend of beach rugby and partying. Postponed this year but we hope it will be back in 2017.

15. Da Jiu Festival. This happens just once every 10 years in Shek O, which has the longest history of celebrating Da Jiu Festival of anywhere in Hong Kong. As the spirit of Da Jiu drives away evil, the community unites to pray for safety and security from the god Pak Tai. Offspring from around the globe are expected to fly back to the village for this once-a-decade festival, which takes one or two years to prepare for. During Da Jiu, people must eat vegetarian food. Celebrations, which include parades and (you guessed it) more Chinese opera, take place in November.

Photo by Ruth Benny

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Luxury bargain hunting in Ap Lei Chau.

Horizon Plaza is host to an array of fashion and furniture outlets and more - don’t forget to check out the Prada and Miu Miu Outlet in the nearby Marina Square.

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8 14. Cheung Chau’s five-day bun festival. Ok, 12. Shek O village. These quiet backstreets this one’s a bit further south(west), but where else can you watch people racing up giant towers of buns at midnight against a backdrop of colourful parades, gongs and lion dancers?

13. The whale skeleton at Cape D’Aguilar, next to the Swire Institute of Marine Science.

Exactly whose skeleton it is remains a mystery.

Some say it’s the female Orca (killer whale) “Hoi Wai” who performed in Ocean Park for 18 years until her death in 1997. Others say the bones are those of a juvenile Bryde’s whale found stranded between the pillars of a wharf in Victoria Harbour in 1955. In any case, this lesser known part of the southern district is a hidden gem. Named after Major-General George Charles D’Aguilar, D’Aguilar Peninsula sits at the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island. It’s a quiet, wild and wavelashed place with a 20-hectare marine reserve, mangroves, caves, a coral reef and a heritage lighthouse dating back to 1875 - the first in Hong Kong. The lighthouse and Swire Institute of Marine Science are not open to the public but visitors can explore other areas.

are home to numerous colourful narrow houses, quiet cafes and even a Mahjong Club. Ben’s Back Beach Bar is a local favourite. Head here for for sundowners, cold beer, reggae music and good company. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Wed-Fri, 6:30pm-1am; Sat-Sun, 1pm-1am. 273 Shek O Village, 2809 2268.

11. It’s always sunnier on this side of the island! Even during storms, unobstructed views of forks of lightning bursting across the sky above the South China Sea are something to behold.

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Exploring Wong Chuk Hang - there is something new here every week but you have to be curious and to enjoy it. Choose a building, start at the rooftop and make your way down floor by floor.

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Boat watching. Southside is a hive of boating activity, with everything from massive cargo ships to luxury yachts and sampans.

Although that converted Star Ferry in Tai Tam is still a mystery...

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Flora and fauna - the Southside has everything from ancient trees and wild boar to horseshoe crabs, snakes and porcupines (see page 70). A 24-hour ecological survey of Hong Kong Island’s last remaining mangrove in Tai Tam Tuk Village last year identified 578 species.

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Photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board

13 Photo by Chensong at itishk.com

Photo by Erlina Widyawati

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Ernest Hemingway was a guest at The Repulse Bay Hotel.

Living in the playground of the rich and famous. For many years, the Southside has been the destination of choice for the cream of Hong Kong society, from the tai-pans of Shek O to the business moguls of Deep Water Bay (the wealthiest neighbourhood on earth according to Forbes, 2015). During its 62 years of operation, The Repulse Bay Hotel hosted a number of special guests, including American actors William Holden and Marlon Brando and writer Ernest Hemingway.

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Natural beauty at your doorstep - the mountains and the beaches are just a stone’s throw away, and it’s still less than 30 minutes away from Central.

Country Club, The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and - as of last December - family club Maggie and Rose. Check out the 2016 Southside Family Guide for the inside scoop.

5. Strange tales - from the Deep Water Bay

3. Hiking through the SAR’s lush green

kidnappings by “Big Spender” Cheung Tzekeung to pirate legends and the cursed statues of Douglas Castle (now HKU’s University Hall), Southside has no shortage of curious incidents and ghostly accounts...

backdrop. The Dragon’s Back, winner of best hike in our 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards, is a Hong Kong classic, but for more of a challenge we recommend The Twins (Parkview to Stanley).

4. Clubs. Southside is home to some of the

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best private membership clubs in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Country Club, Hong Kong Golf Club, The American Club, Aberdeen Boat Club, Aberdeen Marina Club, Shek O Golf &

2. Lazy beach days. Our three favourites are Shek O (delicious food options and parasols for hire), South Bay (peace and quiet) and Repulse Bay (a stone’s throw away from shops at the pulse and The Repulse Bay). Help to keep Hong Kong’s beaches clean by signing up at hkcleanup.org

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1. community /kə’mju:nɪti/

noun a group of people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures with one particular characteristic in common: we Southside!

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education

back to school

Hong Kong Adventist Academy Rebecca Simpson visits Hong Kong’s only Adventist private school.

value education - how to apply and understand values in life. In high school we have ethics – how Christian values can be applied in life.”

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estled on a shared campus in Sai Kung is Hong Kong’s only private Adventist school, Hong Kong Adventist Academy (HKAA).

Opened in 2011, the school is led by a veteran Hong Kong educator and offers its 130 pupils a values-based education. Students learn via the Griggs program and the first HKAA graduate is due to finish school in the summer of 2017. HKAA is still finding its feet but it could be the beginning of something special for the Adventist community in Asia.

Leveraging the Adventist network The Adventist community supports, and is supported by, a network of learning and community institutions in Hong Kong. These include two hospitals and the Sam Yuk schools which are partly government funded. HKAA is unique in this ecosystem as it is entirely funded by school fees with the support of the Adventist community.

HKAA shares a spacious campus with Hong Kong Adventist College, a private program affiliated with Andrews University, the flagship university of the Adventist Church.

This affords students the opportunity to join the campus in reception and continue on to finish their tertiary studies in the same place.

However, as many parents know, not all

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students are interested in continuing their education in Hong Kong; most want to fly the nest and head overseas. With this in mind, graduating HKAA students are issued with the Griggs Diploma which is recognised by Maryland State and opens up opportunities at universities in Europe and America.

Dr. Frank Tam, Principal at HKAA, explains that the system is similar to that taught at the American International School: students are awarded an SAT score and a GPA. “The first HKAA batch graduates next summer - with one student. She came to the school from Costa Rica, she has a very good GPA and her English is at the 7.5 level already. She is ready to go to a UK university. I hope she will apply to a top university.” Dr. Tam has high academic hopes for HKAA students and explains that the school plans to help them with university applications.

While the school offers an Adventist education, it also accepts non-Adventist students. “We accept students of all faiths, even those with no religious background,” says Dr. Tam. “We call this a mission school, meaning we use the school as a means of spreading gospel to the students. However, we don’t do it in an indoctrinating way. We have a solid religious curriculum. In elementary school we tell bible stories and sing songs in religion classes. In middle school we do what’s called

A small community with plans for growth HKAA opened in 2011 and remains a small and growing community that offers an all-through education. In 2015/16 the student body was 130 students and for the 2016/17 school year that number is jumping to 170.

As of last month, a newly renovated separate building houses the reception students. The school has capacity for 300 children in 31 classrooms and now offers places in all school years, except the final year.

The school is working towards a 10-year plan to have a full school with two classes per year level.

Students come from all over the world to attend HKAA, including a large population of Korean children, many Japanese and USA students, and some from Australia and Central and Southern America. 40 percent of students are from local Hong Kong or Mainland Chinese families. This means the playground language swings between English and Mandarin.

Experience at the helm Dr. Frank Tam joined HKAA as principal in 2014 and has brought with him an extensive wealth of knowledge about education in Hong Kong.

Some families may remember Dr. Tam from his time as principal at Sam Yuk Secondary School in Tai Po. A passionate teacher of teachers, he also taught teacher training at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and continues to lead night classes there.

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education

School Report

Established: 2011 Number of students: 170 Class size: 15 Curriculum: International curriculum plus Chinese subjects Fees 2016/2017: $79,000/year (G1-6) $99,000/year (G7-12)

Non refundable capital levy: N/A Address: 1111 Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung Tel: Primary 2251 6671; Secondary 2623 0034

Since he started in 2014, Dr. Tam has completed the sizeable task of shifting the school from a local curriculum to an international, inquiry-based curriculum. “This is a dream school for me. I have the opportunity to run the school according to my vision and I have a group of people who are very supportive.”

His vision and dedication have seen him successfully shift not only the curriculum, but also the perception of parents at the school, most of whom have become very supportive of the new approach. “I have made these changes over two years. Parents have been very supportive. Only one student has left.”

A caring, international teaching body Dr. Tam leads a team of over 20 teachers.

“The majority come from North America”, he says. We recruit via the church’s North American website.” The website serves as an international job posting board that attracts teachers from all over the globe.

This small community of teachers lives on campus alongside the students, forming a close bond and a home away from home for boarders. Dr. Tam speaks with kind regard for his teaching staff and the learning environment they create. “They are really committed Christians and are willing to make friends with students and help them personally.”

Boarding option for secondary students HKAA offers a boarding option for secondary students aged 12 and above, “We have a

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dormitory with 140 places. This allows us to bond with those whose parents aren’t always present in Hong Kong,” says Dr. Tam. Boarders live on campus in a facility adjacent to the HKAA building. Dorms are separated by gender, with HKAA students sharing the premises with Hong Kong Adventist College boarders.

“Most of the students, when they enter the dormitory, are in high school - grade seven or secondary one. We have a lot of students from the mainland who have to stay in the dormitory because their parents aren’t in Hong Kong,” explains Dr. Tam as he gives an insight into the life of boarders at HKAA. The school offers two types of boarding five days for those who live in Hong Kong and seven days for international students whose parents are not Hong Kong-based.

A traditional, modest student life The excesses of Hong Kong’s consumerist culture are discouraged at HKAA in favour of a simpler and more traditional approach to school life, “We are a simple school, we don’t encourage children to play with expensive toys or wear make up,” explains Dr. Tam. He states there are no expensive toys, no phones and no jewellery allowed at the school.

Instead, there’s a focus on reading real books, not iPads or Kindles. “We have a focus on reading - we encourage children to read a lot of books,” says Dr. Tam. He recommends about two hours a day of reading: 30 minutes at home and 90 minutes at school. The school

library offers a spacious place for students to enjoy a good book - each book is personally read by school staff before being placed on the shelf for students.

When asked about the homework load, Dr. Tam shares, “They do have homework - maybe an hour’s worth. For middle school and up it would be two hours. We have a reasonable amount of homework that is not very stressful for our students.”

Exploring the world and its challenges Beyond HKAA’s green campus lies the world at large, and students are encouraged to explore beyond the walls of the school. Students from all levels of the school go on regular field trips and special focus days off campus.

Dr. Tam shares, “We have field trips three times a year. The next one is planned to Ocean Park. Students have an environmental day where they spend half a day on the beach, helping with a beach clean up and playing games. We also have a recreation day and sports day.”

Senior students are encouraged to explore further afield with an overseas trip. “We host mission trips overseas to help with different projects. Next year the students are going to Thailand for the ‘Keep Girls Safe’ project which explores the issue of human trafficking in Southeast Asia,” shares Dr. Tam. During the nine-day trip the school will collaborate with ADRA Thailand - a relief agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

sponsored column

IELTS – the world’s leading English proficiency benchmark

by Andrew Hall, Director, ITS Education Asia Many new players have entered the English proficiency scene in recent years. After something of a struggle, one exam has been left standing - the IELTS. The IELTS exam is recognised as the gold standard for immigration and study in Englishspeaking countries. It is also increasingly used by many multinational corporations as an indicator of a job applicant’s language ability.

The UK government has streamlined its visa requirements by effectively making the IELTS the only qualification that applicants may submit. Almost every UK educational institution admitting adults has an IELTS entry requirement for applicants from countries where English is not a native language.

Success in the IELTS exam (reaching a required “band,” or score) is not out of the reach of most properly-prepared test takers.

For the most part, it takes a familiarity of the exam-taking process and an ability to apply knowledge correctly within the exam format.

First, the standard information: there are two versions of the IELTS exam – the Academic

version and the General Training version. General Training is usually taken by those who are sitting the exam for immigration purposes. The majority of IELTS candidates sit the Academic version.

While the different versions offer different papers at different levels, the speaking and listening test is the same for both Academic and General training candidates.

In addition to Academic and General Training, a brand new version of the exam has just launched – IELTS Life Skills. This exam is to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes. It only assesses candidates’ listening and speaking skills.

It’s important to remember that, for all of the exams, an IELTS score is only valid for two years. After the two year period, the score is said to be stale and candidates must take the exam again to have a valid score.

What can an IELTS exam taker do to get the best score possible? First and foremost, familiarise yourself with the test format. Practice your English, every day. There is, of course,

a variety of freely-available preparation material on the internet (often of poor quality, unfortunately). Or, you can take an exam preparation course.

One option is ITS Education Asia’s IELTS Exam Preparation course, offered fully online and available anywhere in the world. It includes live sessions with a real teacher, teacherguided self-study, exam tips and strategies, and assignments and practice papers marked with full tutor feedback. It’s a cost effective, high-quality option for students around the world looking for an IELTS course. For more information, visit www.itseducation.asia/online/ielts.htm 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 3188 3940, es@itseducation.asia or visit www.itseducation.asia.

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arts & culture

SOUTH ISLAND ART DAY 2016 Amanda Sheppard speaks to the founder of the South Island Cultural District and picks the must-see exhibitions.

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n September 24, the fourth annual South Island Art Day takes place, embracing the district’s hard earned title as Hong Kong’s new arts hub.

Organised by the South Island Cultural District (SICD), the day promises to be filled with art, music, dance and more. The SICD represents over 20 post-industrial art galleries, artist studios and art spaces in Wong Chuk Hang, Ap Lei Chau and Tin Wan, whose high ceilings and wide-open spaces are the perfect setting for displays of contemporary art.

Free shuttles run from Central throughout the day, so you can come and go as you please, though with 22 participating galleries to visit, I can’t imagine you’ll be running off too quickly. Read on for my top picks.

Dominique Perregaux, Founder of the SICD and owner of Art Statements Gallery What does art mean to you?

Art is fundamentally human, and therefore difficult to explain; it is something intuitive which has no real function. For me, art is like love. We can live without it, but once we are touched by love (and art), our life changes completely and we step into a wonderful new realm.

What art most appeals to you?

Besides the artists I discovered when I was a kid, who influenced my tastes and for whom I still have strong emotions, I like art that is unique. I like to feel that I have never seen before what I am experiencing. The medium is not important. I collect paintings, sculptures, installation, photography and video works.

Tell us about your personal collection…

One of the art works I am the most attached to is a large black and white drawing by American artist Robert Longo from the series Men in the Cities. My parents gave it to me on the publication of my first novel, A Taste for Intensity. It depicts a suited silhouette of a man tripping or being shot, in a very choreographed manner. He symbolises to me life’s journey: continually tripping, recovering, learning and getting stronger.

Why did you start the SICD? Our sole aim is to raise awareness about the SICD as “Hong Kong’s new destination for contemporary art. Many art lovers still do not know how dynamic the art scene here is.

When I moved Art Statements from Central to Wong Chuk Hang a few years ago, there were only five galleries in the region. Now the SICD has 26 galleries.

What can people look forward to this year?

Art Day is a day of discovery. The first edition welcomed 1,500 visitors. This year, we expect at least twice that number. We have a wide program of exhibition openings, artist/curator talks, art performances and guided tours. We also have a kids corner for parents in need of some quiet time. We give every participant a leaflet with a map and program outline, as well as a colourful Art Day wristband. They may seem anodyne, but these bands allow participants to recognise each other, to talk and exchange impressions - they raise the (already high) spirits of art lovers!

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For SICD founder Dominique Perregaux, art is llke love.

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arts & culture Beautiful Decay, Rossi & Rossi

Aniwar Mamat, Pekin Fine Arts

Four years on from his first solo exhibition (Tibetan Spirit, at Rossi & Rossi’s London space) Tibetan artist Tsherin Sherpa presents his latest works at the gallery’s Hong Kong site. Sherpa studied traditional Tibetan thangka painting under his father – a notable thangka artist in his own right. His works have been exhibited in London, Beijing, and across the United States.

Despite his international success and appeal, Sherpa (who was born in Nepal but now resides in the United States) maintains his trademark nods to tradition and references to his Buddhist philosophy.

Unit 3C, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street. www.rossirossi.com

Having hosted Aniwar Mamat in Beijing, Pekin Fine Arts now brings the Xinjiang artist’s works to its Wong Chuk Hang space. Launching on SICD Art Day, this exhibition showcases Mamat’s unique reworked interpretations of traditional Uyghur wool felt tapestries. Mamat - who comes from Uyghur, a remote village in Western China - has worked closely with local tapestry weavers to develop a style that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary approaches to art. A previous winner of the 2014 Xinjiang Art Biennale, Mamat now resides in Beijing, though he maintains strong Uyghur roots.

16/F, Union Industrial Building, 48 Wong Chuk Hang Road. www.pekinfinearts.com

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arts & culture Translatio, CHARBON Charbon Art Space opens a new exhibition on SICD Art Day, in celebration of the gallery’s first anniversary and the life of famed French artist Édouard Levé, who passed away in 2007. In memory of the self-taught painter, photographer and novelist, artists Mark Chung, Enoch Cheng, Phoebe Hui, Cally Yu, Christophe Bonacorsi and Regis Gonzales are exhibiting works in several mediums – including sound design, performance art, installations, novels, photographs and a series of talks and lectures.

It promises to be an immersive experience.

8/F Sing Tek Factory, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road. www.charbonartspace.com

Icones II, Art Statements Takeru Amano’s iconic works are on display until September 30. Drawing influence from pinup models, Amano (himself a pinnacle member of the Japanese ‘New Art Movement’) carefully examines uniquely Japanese circumstances through a lens shaped by his international background – Amano studied painting in Paris before returning to Japan.

His work has been exhibited in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and throughout Europe. Icones II references popular culture and iconic mythology through a reworking of the popular anime style, leaving the audience to interpret the blank, expressionless faces of Amano’s subjects.

Gee Chang Hong Centre, Factory D, 8/F, 65 Wong Chuk Hang Road. www.artstatements.com

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eating

Over the moon Annie Wong samples the city’s tastiest mooncakes.

Round, flaky and full of calories. Mooncakes are typically eaten during Mid-Autumn Festival and is traditionally filled with lotus seed paste.

However, modern versions of the festival staple are filled with custard or ice cream, and some with more questionable ingredients.

Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, with this year’s festival falling on September 15. Families and friends gather to gaze at the moon, light lanterns and share the stodgy and highly calorific (700-1,000 calories per mooncake, if

you must know) Chinese pastry during this traditional celebration.

Orders are being accepted starting this month so we scour the city for the traditional, quirky, and most sought after mooncakes.

GODIVA CHOCOLATE Putting a FEVER modern twist to the traditional delicacy, GODIVA has brought out their Mid-Autumn Chocolate Pastry Mooncake. The mooncake mixes in silky chocolate, nuts, all on top of a moist cake, complete with an imprinted lotus flower on the chocolate crust. Flavours include sea salt with hazelnut milk, raspberry dark chocolate, crunchy nuts milk chocolate and almond dark chocolate.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

MOST SOUGHT AFTER

Light, airy and delicate - the limited edition Spring Moon mini egg custard mooncakes from The Peninsula melts immediately in the mouth. While the exact proportions and nature of the ingredients are kept under wraps, the team uses a traditional recipe using rich duck eggs to bring out the best in both texture and flavour. Unfortunately the

Mandarin Oriental Packaged in a contemporary-designed box with shapes of crescent moon, half moon, and new moon, it represents the natural progression through the full lunar cycle. Specialty mooncakes include golden or white lotus with egg yolk ($468 for four pieces), mini red bean paste with egg yolk and mini egg custard mooncakes ($378 for six pieces). This year the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Man Wah will also offer limited edition mini mooncakes with only 500 boxes available ($588 for six pieces). Available until September 15.

Order by calling 2825 4008 or emailing mohkg-cakeshop@mohg.com, www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

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online ordering deadline has passed (the mooncakes are only available for order for three days). $485 per box. Each box contains eight mooncakes.

For more information call 2696 6828 or email mooncakephk@peninsula.com, www.peninsula.com.

A gift box of four starts at $278, $448 for eight pieces and $598 for ten pieces.

Available at GODIVA shops and online, www.godiva.com.hk

G.O.D. Unfortunately G.O.D. aren’t bringing out their cheeky ‘moon’cakes (mooncakes shaped like a bum) this year but they are partnering with Tai Cheong bakery and showcasing their signature mini mooncakes. There will be six bite-sized mini mooncakes in each box, containing three red bean and three custard flavours. $159 per box. Available in stores across Hong Kong including the Sai Kung branch.

Shop 105, 1/F, Stanley Plaza, 22-23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2673 0071, god.com.hk

eating The Royal Garden The Royal Garden has pulled out all the stops for Mid-Autumn Festival. Mooncakes come in a range of flavours - white lotus seed paste with two or three yolks, egg custard filling, mini red bean paste with dried tangerine peel. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, the Yunnan ham with mixed nuts is also a good choice which uses olive seed, walnuts, almond, watermelon seed and sesame. Gift boxes with eight pieces available.

Starts from $336 per box and

vary for different flavours. Available until September 14.

G/F, 69 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2733 2045, www.rghk.com.hk

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin Cased in a two-tier designer gift box, Hyatt Regency in Sha Tin will be showcasing two flavours of mooncakes: white lotus seed paste with two yolks and mini custard. There are three combinations to choose from - all white lotus seed paste mooncake (four pieces), mini custard mooncake (eight pieces) or an assorted box.

All priced at $338 per box, available at Cafe or Sha Tin 18 at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, 3723 1234.

XTC Gelato

GELATO INFUSED

XTC Gelato is combining artisanal gelato with mooncakes. Available in a box of four flavours with a Hong Kong twist, XTC Gelato uses only natural ingredients.

Flavours include pistachio, milk tea, raspberry and original vanilla. The yolk in the classic mooncakes is replaced with mango sorbetto made fresh from Philippino mango. $285 per box, available until September 16.

Available at several locations including Shop B, 45 Cochrane Street, Central, 2541 0500, xtc.com.hk

L’Hotel Island South

MOST TRADITIONAL

L’Hotel is offering the most traditional flavour of the delicacy this Mid-Autumn Festival with their own lotus seed paste with double egg yolk mooncakes. The mooncakes are encased in a specially designed gift box with Chinese characters signifying “full moon” (月圓) when closed and “reunion” (團圓) when opened. Priced at $268 for a set of four.

Make your own mooncakes at Yan Toh Heen If you want to make your own mooncakes for the celebrated festival, join Yan Toh Heen’s Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai’s masterclass on September 10. Chef Lau will teach guests how to make their custard cream and gold dust mooncake, with a choice of inscription of up to two Chinese characters. The masterclass includes a feast of the restaurant’s signature dim sum, mooncakes and freshly brewed Chinese tea, with one box of custard cream and gold dust mooncakes to take home. $1,488 per person. 12.15-2pm. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 2313 2323.

InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.hongkong-ic. intercontinental.com

LIS Cafe, Podium Level 3, L’Hotel Island South, 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3968 8833, lhotelgroup.com

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eating

NIBBLES

News from the dining scene.

Shoku shakes up Southside Head out to Southside and enjoy the sea breeze. Japanese binchotan grill restaurant Shoku is bringing out new dishes - graze on their Shoku bombs, fresh sashimi salad with shoyu dressing and fatty tuna and sea urchin sushi. Plus, there is live music every Friday, 7-10pm, from Shoku’s in-house music trio. G/F, Shop 109, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2808 2333, shoku.hk

Lovely bubbly Searching for a last minute dinner party gift? Champagne house Veuve Clicquot launches two new gift sets this month, inspired by travel and exploration. Madame Clicquot frequently declared that she wanted her champagne to be the best the world over “from New York to St Petersburg”. Put it to the test with either the Clicquot Arrow, inscribed with one of 29 destinations, or the Clicquot Trunk, which comes already emblazoned with a set of stylized travel stickers. Each holds one 75cl bottle of Yellow Label. Available at all good wine retailers from September 2016.

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Birthday celebrations at The Verandah

Maximal Concepts launches Blue

Available throughout the month of September, those celebrating their birthdays can enjoy a complimentary classic set menu at The Repulse Bay. Guests must book a table for four adults or more. The offer is available on Wednesday to Sunday evenings.

From Maximal Concepts (the group that gave us Limewood) now comes Blue - Butcher and Meat Specialist. This latest venture replaces Blue Butcher on Hollywood Road and will offer a bespoke butchery service, led by resident butcher Jonny Farrell.

Blue is expected to welcome guests early this month, although the exact date is to be confirmed.

Not only will guests be able to take home cuts of meat, but the space will also feature craft beers on tap, specially-designed cocktails and a newly refined menu created by Culinary Director Malcolm Wood, Executive Chef Edgar Sanuy and Head Chef Aki Chan. For bookings, email reservations@bluebutcher.com

Kitchen Infinity Kitchen Infinity opens its newly expanded showroom this month.

The new KI Island South Galleria occupies a space of 15,000 sq. ft. on the 19th floor of One Island South. Showcasing a wide range of kitchen cabinetry and appliances from top European brands, Kitchen Infinity also displays Aber, its own range of products. Watch product demonstrations or get hands-on in the KI Culinary Studio, with classes instructed by international Michelin-star chefs. Freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries available everyday while

staff help tailor kitchen solutions for you. 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2890 1522, info@kih.com.hk

The Repulse Bay Wellness 360 Fair Hong Kong’s popular health and wellness vendor series is back, this time at The Repulse Bay, with carefully selected products from a range of wellness brands. Get ready for a fun-filled day with free fitness performances, street dance classes, kickboxing lessons, face-painting booths and much more on September 10 and 11. 10.30am-6pm. Free entry. For more information contact wellness360@josootang.com

PizzaExpress Stanley renovating and reopening The Stanley branch of PizzaExpress is undergoing renovations and will reopen in mid-September. The menu will be the same. To celebrate the grand opening, there will be a surprise pizza drop at Stanley Beach on September 10 and 11, where staff will be giving away free slices of pizza and special discount offers. Diners will also be able to enjoy live music performances at the restaurant. 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 7363, pizzaexpress.com.hk/stanley

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big day out

LAMMA PANORAMA Nigel Griffiths hikes across lovely, laid-back Lamma Island.

L

amma is one of Hong Kong’s bestknown outlying islands, with a rep for superb seafood, pretty beaches and hippies. The last is a little out-dated, because while some of the 5,000 residents on the 13 sq km island embrace an “alternative lifestyle”, a fast ferry service to Central means it is also home to plenty of professionals seeking a close-knit community and a laid-back, carefree, after-hours environment.

For the rest of us, it’s a great place to take a breather from the frantic pace of Hong Kong life.

Located southwest of Hong Kong Island, life on the territory’s third largest island revolves around two relaxed villages – Yung Shue Wan (Banyan Tree Bay) in the north and Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay) in the east. Few people live on

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the southern part of Lamma and access is only by hiking or private boat. The south’s biggest beach, Sham Wan, is an important breeding site for sea turtles.

Catch a ferry from Central or Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan. From the pier, the fishing harbour of O Tsai lies to the left with the smallest Tin Hau Temple I have seen in Hong Kong. To the right, the main harbour also serves as a typhoon shelter. Head along the harbour side to the main street. As well as various restaurants, from Cantonese seafood to organic vegetarian, there are two bars and the main Tin Hau Temple, built in 1876 and guarded by peculiar western lions. Apparently, when the temple’s original Chinese-style lions were damaged in 1960, the mason hired to replace them specialised in Western-style stone lions.

The result is a fitting motif for this east-meetswest community.

Half way down the street, a well signposted left turn leads to Sok Kwu Wan. The signpost suggests a hiking time of an hour and 20 minutes, but I suggest allowing at least two hours to take in the views.

Follow the footpath through Tai Yuen and Wang Long villages to Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

The going is flat and beautiful orange flowers and purple grasses attract butterflies and many species of birds. The golden beach is peaceful during the week, but it gets busy at weekends, with shower and changing facilities, and a barrestaurant in season.

From here the path heads uphill, curling around the headland to give a great view over the beach and beyond to the power station.

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big day out

Tin Hau temple in Sok Kwu Wan.

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The sunsets are magnificent. There are plenty of sidetracks for those wishing to venture off the concrete path and a pavilion shelter that makes a good place for a rest. From there are views of the hard-to-reach Tit Sha Long Beach and the island’s mountains, including imposing Mount Stenhouse.

The trail is up and down. When the sea appears on the left, the hardest part of the hike is over and it’s downhill the rest of the way. Pass a cement works jutting out to sea, another pavilion overlooking Picnic Bay and some beehives. At Lo So Shing Village is an impressive graffiti mural painted in 2013

by Hong Kong Smilemakers. Walk through the village to lovely Lo So Shing Beach with barbecue pits, changing facilities and shallow rock pools on the headland for children to explore.

Returning from the barbecue pits, before the LCSD block, stairs ascend and a footpath beckons through green vegetation and past the defunct Lo Shing Village School. If you did not turn off through the village to the beach but continued straight, it is here that the footpaths meet again. Walk around Picnic Bay past a sandy shoreline with egrets stalking fresh fish and the Kamikaze Caves, dug by the Japanese during the wartime occupation to hide boats filled with explosives to destroy British ships

big day out should they come near. Be brave and walk inside: there are no bats or other wildlife, just a stone face at the end.

Soon Sok Kwu Wan’s seafood restaurants appear across the inlet. Cross a bridge past a few houses and pathways leading left and right. The right track heads to a fenced-off pool teeming with wildlife. There are birds in the trees and frogs call at dusk. As well as a multitude of brown tree frogs and Asian common toads, this is where John D. Romer discovered the rare and endangered Romer’s tree frog in 1952.

Keep your eyes open for a frog 2.5cm-3cm long with has a brown snake-like pattern on its back.

Carry on the footpath and past another Tin Hau Temple, built after 1826, and into the strip of restaurants. The only one that doesn’t sell seafood is Lo So Kitchen, which has a vast selection of beers and German-style sausages.

From here, take a ferry back to Aberdeen or Central. The path continues on to Mo Tat Wan, which has a pleasant beach fronted by The Bay Mediterranean restaurant. The Cheun Kee Ferry calls there between Sok Kwu Wan and Aberdeen.

From Sok Kwu Wan or Mo Tat Wan, keen hikers can set out to climb Mount Stenhouse (Shan Tei Tong), Lamma’s highest at 353 metres. There are several routes up and down.

Be warned: it’s not for the faint-hearted

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F

yoga yoda

acebook and Instagram are updated every minute with more photos of yoga aficionados broadcasting their every pose: whether it’s showing off their latest pair of brightly coloured leggings in standing split or doing a headstand while eating a cupcake. If you’ve just mastered the handstand but are still in the process of mastering the photo, here are my tips for the perfect #yogaselfie.

Location, location, location For indoor photo shoots, find a clean, uncluttered background as your photo backdrop, ensuring the focus is you alone. If you’re outside, find an interesting location that can tell a story.

Beaches and mountains are great. Hong Kong’s busy street or market scenes will make an interesting photo.

Use the right tools for the job Your smartphone or tablet is definitely a must.

If, like me, you plan on taking more than just the occasional yoga selfie, a tripod with a smartphone attachment is worth investing in (getting your partner or friend to take photos for you can break up a lot of relationships). If you don’t have a tripod at hand, try leaning your smartphone on your shoes, a water bottle or yoga blocks. Or simply stick it in an empty glass for an ad hoc camera stand.

Imperfection is the new perfection There is nothing more beautiful and genuine than showing pictures of your “imperfect” yoga poses. They tell the story of your #yogajourney.

It’s not about the end pose; it’s the effort that you make that counts.

Composition Is king

#Hashtag mania

You can always adjust exposure and colour in photoshop but you can’t really change the composition once picture’s been taken. I prefer the rule of thirds, where you mentally divide your image using two horizontal and two vertical lines, positioning the subject (i.e. you) along those lines. The human eye is drawn to things that are a little off centre.

Now you have great photos. How do you get more likes? Use the relevant hashtags so your pictures are easily searchable. These are some good ones to start with: #yoga #yogaeveryday #yogaeverywhere #yogainhongkong #yogi #yogini #yogagram #instayoga #handstand #headstand #backbend #mendoingyoga #yogagirl #nofilter

Underexpose, not over When working with challenging or harsh lighting (sun rise, or midday sun), always underexpose as you can adjust the exposure later. If you overexpose or keep the exposure just right, you might lose some detail. For the best lighting, shoot at sunset. If shooting indoors, try to use natural light from a big window.

HOW TO

YOGAGRAM Want to show off your coolest yoga moves online?

Victor Chau has some advice.

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4 indispensable apps Camera Awesome Multiple shooting modes. “Intervals” takes shots in regular (adjustable) intervals.

Photo Candy Add words, illustrations and colours.

Layout A spin-off by Instagram, great for putting multiple photos into one square frame.

Snapseed Powerful filters and editing tools.

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health & beauty

CHILL OUT Esther Chan tests the subzero temperatures at Polaris, Hong Kong’s first and only cryotheraphy centre.

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t’s not every day you get to experience Antarctica sans seasickness, snow trekking, and potential iceberg incidents. Lucky for me, the newly opened cryotherapy centre Polaris, the first and only one of its kind in Hong Kong, granted me an opportunity to experience the freezing temperatures of the Antarctic while travelling no further than bustling Causeway Bay. Cryotherapy is a non-invasive treatment aimed at improving athletic performance and enhancing overall wellness. The treatment exposes your skin to dry nitrogen gas that ranges from minus 90 to minus 140 degrees Celsius for several minutes, prompting chemical reactions within your body to stave off death, according to Polaris. This chemically induced self-protection is claimed to strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels and metabolism, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and quicken cell rejuvenation.

Stepping into Polaris’ 2,000 sq ft, well-lit and tastefully-decorated facility, I was immediately welcomed by helpful and smiley staff. And while

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Esther Chan gets the cold shoulder.

health & beauty a happy bunny temperament is all well and good, it was their knowledge and skilled professional attitude that really put me at ease. I was given detailed explanations on the three treatments currently offered - whole body, localised and facials - of which I opted for the whole body and facial treatments.

After changing into a comfortable dressing gown and a pair of particularly warm and fuzzy socks, I was led into a room where my therapist, Patrick, was waiting. He asked me to put on gloves and slippers for my own protection while pre-freezing the cryo chamber. He then took my blood pressure (normal, phew) and asked if I had any medical conditions before the chamber beeped – Antarctica was ready for me.

I never thought I would consider a so-called “near-death experience” as therapy but with the likes of professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and boxer Floyd Mayweather including cryotherapy treatments as part of their recovery programmes, then it’s good enough for me. As someone who is used to working out as a regular part of my day, I was open to the idea of a bit of pain to help my tired muscles recover quicker and grow stronger.

I climbed into the cryosauna and faced the coldest environment my body had ever experienced. Standing and encased from the

neck down, I felt a cool air circulate as I passed my dressing gown to Patrick from the spacious booth; my therapist was ever present to ensure constant eye contact and check I didn’t become a penguin. The first minute was easy enough but by the second minute, exposed to temperatures of minus 100 degrees Celcius, I started to feel shaky as my brain realised the extent of the cold temperatures. By the end of the third minute at minus 110 degrees Celsius, I was somewhat glad the treatment was over; anxiety was setting in and my body felt under attack. After stepping out of the machine, I felt a small knot in my stomach and noticed a faint shade of redness on my arms, but otherwise I felt absolutely fine and surprisingly very refreshed.

Post treatment I warmed up in less than 30 seconds, although my thighs were a little icy when we entered the room for cryo facials a few minutes later. Lying in a comfortable facial chair, I once again braved freezing temperatures - a bit nervous still as this time the freezing gas would be directed at my face. Overall the treatment was a real treat as the cold air took the edge off Hong Kong’s stifling humidity. I left Polaris feeling on the whole pampered, while my skin felt smooth and my mood elevated. Cryotherapy is a unique experience and is definitely a treatment that needs to be experienced first hand to appreciate the unusual sensations.

Essentials Whole Body Cryotherapy at Polaris costs $600/treatment; First timers can try it out at $350.

10/F, Lee Theatre, 99 Percival Street, Causeway bay, open Monday to Sunday 11am-8pm. www.polaris-wellness.com.

2446 6163.

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pets

a pet-culiar problem

...GOBBLE, GOBBLE Dr. Anders Kulhavy recalls a few of the stranger things dogs and cats eat.

D

ogs and cats love to put things in their mouths and sometimes they end up biting off more than they can chew.

When that happens they often end up needing surgery to pull out whatever they’ve eaten. Over the years I have removed some strange things - bottle of glue, a leash, rocks, tennis balls, coins and a stuffed pink elephant.

When cats ingest string it can get caught under their tongues, hanging down to the intestines and sometimes all the way to the colon. This can be a life threatening problem.

Dogs, on the other hand, tend to love eating cat faeces, straight from the litter box. However the excrement can harden and become lodged. Unfortunately I had a patient who didn’t survive surgery after a piece of hard cat poo blocked his intestine.

I remember a German Shepherd who had been shipped over from Germany. He was quite skinny and would vomit from time to time. After a few months we found a rock in his stomach - it had come with him halfway across the world! One dog ate some rib bones and managed to have all of the pieces pass through the stomach, intestines and colon, only for them get stuck on the way out. Another ate an entire pin cushion and managed to pass it without having to have surgery. On one occasion we retrieved a pair of women’s underwear...it turned out they didn’t belong to the wife. Then there was the great dane who escaped from his backyard by eating his entire leash that he was tied up with.

The pets and cases over the years provide great stories, however I have some sad memories of the ones who didn’t make it.

Animals are adventurous creatures. If you suspect your pet has ingested something, big or small, look for the main signs and symptoms like vomiting. Some pets just stop eating immediately. This syndrome is typically seen in younger animals, but certain medications and hormone secreting tumors can cause patients to have a ravenous appetite and eat things they normally wouldn’t (this is termed pica). If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your vet right away. If they are vomiting consistently get some x-rays to make sure things are clear.

hong kong creatures

EAST ASIAN PORCUPINE aka Hystrix brachyura.

Also called the Malayan porcupine, the East Asian porcupine is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, growing up to 83cm long and 25kg in weight. It is among the most common large mammals in Hong Kong, living mainly in forests and cultivated areas.

Found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and southern China, porcupines are nocturnal, which makes it relatively difficult to observe these animals in the wild despite their abundance.

The porcupine is famously covered in spines: the front half of its body is coated in dark-brown spines 3-5cm long, while the rear half has much longer quills that are banded black and white. These sharp, hollow spines can grow up to 23cm long. When threatened, the porcupine rattles the thick quills on its short tail and raises its spines and charges backwards into its attacker.

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Able to swim and gnaw, porcupines are rodents and feed mainly on fruit, nuts, roots, tubers and bark, but they will also eat carrion and insects. They live in small family groups of three or four in large burrows or hollow trees.

Two or three family groups may live together in a social colony. They have few natural enemies, although large cats have been known to attack porcupines and in some areas they are hunted by people for bush meat. Their quills are sometimes used as decoration.

Porcupines can live up to 27 years in the wild.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: countryside areas across the territory (including Shek O, Stanley, Pok Fu Lam and The Peak) except Lantau Island. Last December, a porcupine was spotted wandering around Central’s Citibank Tower at around 3am in the morning.

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College Selector

an interactive tool to compare multiple universities and analyze up to 50 criteria helping you to reach the final decision

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marketplace

南區獸醫中心 Tel : 2805 1318 / 2805 1328 Address: Shop A1 A2, G/F Happy View Bldg, 165-167 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong (under McDonalds Restaurant) 香港鴨脷洲大街 165-167 號, 樂景大廈地下 A1 A2 舖

Open hours: 10am - 8pm daily Monday to Sunday (House Calls Available) Support HKDR, discounts for rescued dogs

Our Services: Routine health checks for dogs and cats

Comprehensive blood tests

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southside secrets

Photos by Ceeseven and WiNG

shhh...

COP SHOP Shreena Patel visits a Stanley supermarket with an interesting heritage.

H

ave you ever shopped at the Wellcome on Stanley Village Road?

The building’s colonial facade, antique wooden floors and large vintage fireplaces are suggestive of a history more colourful than that of a grocery store.

In fact, the two-storey building was once a functioning police station. Constructed in 1859, it is the oldest surviving police station building in Hong Kong, and was declared a monument on January 15, 1984. The station was designed by Charles St. George Cleverly (Surveyor General 1845-65). He also designed Government House and St. John’s Cathedral.

The station wasn’t only used by the

80 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

police. In the early years of the colonial era, the British Army also used the station from time to time because of its strategic location as the southernmost outpost on Hong Kong Island. During the invasion of Hong Kong in World War II (1941), it was the centre for one of the final battles before the surrender.

During the Japanese Occupation, between 1942 and 1945, the Japanese Gendarmerie used the building as a local headquarters and a mortuary was added to the building.

After the war, the building reverted to its original use as a police station until 1974 when a new, larger police station was erected across the road. Since then the old station has been used as a sub-office of the

Southern District Office and a restaurant.

In 2003, the Government Property Agent leased the building to Dairy Farm to open a new outlet of local supermarket chain Wellcome.

How to get there The Old Stanley Police Station is located at 88 Stanley Village Road, near Stanley Village Bus Terminus.

Citybus: 260, 973 New World First Bus: 14, 63, 65

Pets Central North Point is ready to serve you —

day & night!

Starting this September, Pets Central NP is going 24/7!

That means all day, all night, every day of the week!

So come in anytime for round-the-clock service from our world-class vets. It’s care from the heart only Pets Central can give!

PETS CENTRAL NORTHPOINT HOSPITAL G/F, 66 Java Road,North Point, Hong Kong

RealPetsCentral

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