Mid-levels Sep 2017

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Mid-levels It’s our first birthday!

magazine

September 2017

Temple Street The history of Happy Valley’s Tung Lin Kok Yuen temple

Afte racti school v FO ities

RK

IDS

Behind the scenes at Ohel Leah Synagogue Interior design with...

Rowena Gonzales, founder of Liquid Interiors

Mooncake madness

Get yours in time for Mid-Autumn Festival

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Mid-levels magazine

The really useful magazine September 2017

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31 41 34

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Life around Mid-Levels THE PLANNER 6 Happening in September Events for your diary NEWS 10 What’s going on?

In your backyard FIVE MINUTES WITH...

14 Itzik Sachs Youth and Education Director at Ohel Leah Synagogue LOCAL 16 Intangible heritage Hong Kong’s new list of cultural treasures

38 EDUCATION 18 After-school activities Where to keep the kids occupied SPORT 26 An interview with Jo Hull Who led Hong Kong’s women’s rugby team to the World Cup EATING 30 Mooncake madness All about lotus paste treats.

Plus Nibbles HOME & LIVING 34 Interior design with Rowena Gonzales Top tips from the founder of Liquid Interiors

14 PICTURE THIS 36 Painting of the month A painting of HKU’s Main Building,

by Noble Wong

COVER STORY: BUILDING OF THE MONTH 48 Tung Lin Kok Yuen Happy Valley’s red-brick temple

NEW!

BIG DAY OUT 38 Aberdeen Fish Market Why you should visit this iconic seafood market HEALTH & BEAUTY 40 Skin-deep The latest all-natural skin care HOROSCOPE 42 Signs from the stars Adam White predicts your future ZIM CITY 44 Paul Zimmerman on...

How best to use our country parks

‘TRY TO BE A RAINBOW IN SOMEONE’S CLOUD’ - MAYA ANGELOU

MID-LEVELS.CO | 1

contributors

Mehul Dhakka rt ist, wa rd win ni n g a ... is a n at io n a l a g K on g, who se cra zy on n ow ba sed in H a s to bu y T he Wa lt w m a re d child hood ul is a . By d a y, M eh by ny pa om C ey n is D st a rt u ps in A si a; co ns ulta nt fo r IT n a rt ist. F in d hi s late st rt oo nig ht, he is a ca g e a n d on I nsta g ra m C pa work on th e T O d ha n dt oo ns.com an ns oo @ m yh a n dt

Jessie Yeung ...i s a jo urna lis m st ud ent, bo rn a nd ra ise d in H on g Ko ng a nd cu rre nt ly st ud yi ng in N ew Y or k. Sh e’s wo rk ed with Ti m e Out H on g Ko ng a nd Pa ss po rt M ag azin e, co ve rin g lif esty le, LG BT ne w s a nd tra ve l.

Outs id e of w rit in g, sh e enjo ys hi ki ng, watchi ng re ru ns of Fr ie nd s a nd fi ndin g ne w co ff ee sp ot s arou nd th e cit y.

Julia Poon rrently K on g a n d is cu g on H in p u ... g re w re e at hi c d e sig n d eg e lo ve s p ra g a g in u rs pu s. S h l Sa int M a rt in n d er L on d on C entra a ca m era a n d w lm fi er h e k and ta to ill on th e bea ch t ch s, ie er ll a g a ro u n d a l site s. A K on g ’s hi st oric a rk et s g on H re lo p ex em fi n d h er in th th e wee k en d, t fo od. die s a n d g re a oo g r fo g in nt u h

Want to write for Mid-levels Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com

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MID-LEVELS.CO | 3

people Mid-levels snaps

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have your say “What changes would you like to see in Mid-Levels?”

I would like cleaner leisure parks for my kid to play in, usually I can see cigarette butts and rubbish on the playground, I don’t really like that.

- Masami & Hannah More parks and leisure areas for me to relax.

- Christina Since I am a big cat lover, I wish there were more cat cafes. I like that Hong Kong has both an urban side and a natural side, but it’d be great if there were more rooftop bars!

- Auri & Mika I think that people should stop looking at their phones and get more social! Men aren’t as gentlemanly anymore and I wish there were more bars or social venues to meet new people.

- Bea We desperately need more dog friendly areas, there are not many places I can walk my dogs. The closest dog park for me is right next to Macau ferry pier, but it’s always crowded from 5-7pm.

- Mao Mao When I was last at the beach the water was quite murky. I could see small bits of plastic floating in it. I was surprised as Hong Kong is a clean city, but the beaches and water are not as clean.

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planner

SEP 2

Deep Water Bay Kayak n Run

Enjoy some family fun in this action-packed course around Middle Island and Deep Water Bay. Minimum age 6.

Children under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets provided.

7.30am start, tickets at actionasiaevents.com

SEP 1-8 Fabric pop-up sale Fabulous fabric lengths from Altfield’s top decorative brands at up to 50 percent off.

Freshen up your look with a dash of colour and beautiful patterns. 10am-6pm (Mon–Fri); 10am–5pm (Sat), Altfield Interiors HK Central showroom, Shop 1101, 9 Queen’s Road Central, 2525 2738, altfield.com.hk

SEP 1-30 Kin Hong Seafood Festival Local non-profit Ocean Recovery Alliance is organising its second seafood festival to build public knowledge of sustainable seafood. There are over 100 participating restaurants, retailers, and F&B groups this year, including companies from San Francisco, Shanghai, Beijing, and Macau. Find out why you should care about where your food comes from at the panel discussion on September 21 at Metta in LKF. Visit oceanrov.org for more details.

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SEP 5 The Yu Lan Hungry Ghost Festival According to traditional beliefs, the seventh lunar month is when restless spirits come out to wander the earth, and the height of ghostly activity falls mid month - September 15 this year. People around the city will be honouring their ancestors by burning offerings and presenting food. A highlight of this festival is the Chinese opera performances staged on pop-out theatres to honour deities and deceased alike. The Federation of Hong Kong Chiu Chow Organisations is holding a series of events from September 1-3, including a Yu Lan Festival exhibition and a ‘Hong Kong Blessings’ ceremony. Head down to Soccer Pitch 1 in Victoria Park to join in the festivities.

SEP 8 International Literacy Day

SEP 8 - 10 DOWNTOWN COCKTAILS Over 15 bars are gathering together in Chater Garden to serve up their unique drinks. Master bartenders will host cocktail making classes and compete to see who can make the best drinks.

There will also be alcoholic ice-pops distributed

by Nice Pops, gold tattoos by Anoosh, glittery makeup by Mopsamsterdam, and live music by several bands - a booze themed Coachella in the heart of the 852, if you will! Tickets are $130 in advance at downtowncocktailshk.com, or $180 on the door.

SEP 9 Tea-Dye & Tea Ceremony: A Sustainable Workshop Revert back to simpler times with this sustainable and minimal wastage workshop, where you can participate in the ancient technique of colouring using natural pigments.

Lead by Anna Cennamo of Extraction Project,

happening in September Squash Angels Tournament

learn how to extract colours from natural sources like tea to dye paper and fabrics.

The two-part workshop in Aberdeen will also include a tea ceremony facilitated by Resham Daswani of Spiral Spaces, exploring the wisdom and healing rooted in the art of tea. Tickets cost $469, for booking and more details visit eventbrite.com

Rug Lane Vintage & Secondhand Markets

SEP 10

Rug Lane Markets is back for its third installment in Hong Kong with an array of vintage and secondhand goods. Rhoda’s Executive Chef Nate Green has lined up a series of livefire dishes designed exclusively for the event. $150 early-birds, $165 standard ticket. Food and drink included. 11am-4pm, Rhoda Hong Kong, Ground Floor, Upton, 345 Des Voeux Road West. Tickets at ticketflap.com

As part of the global Women’s Squash Week, a new women’s open squash tournament is premiering in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Cricket Club. A total of 64 women from Hong Kong’s sports clubs, universities, and schools will be participating - all females aged 10 to 60+ are welcome to join. Entrants will be placed into three draws based on the HK Squash League ladies grades, with equal prize money for the winner of each level. Match play will run from Friday through Sunday, and there will also be a Saturday social at the HKCC where all players can meet award-winning players and coaches. For more details, visit squashangels.com

embarking on a mindful walk in the woods of Lantau Island. Organised by Kembali, this fully guided walk is different from a normal hike - it aims to retune your body to nature’s clock through invoking awareness of your senses, yourself, and others. Start your journey to lower stress levels and improve emotional clarity by signing up at eventbrite.hk. Visit kembali.org for more details.

SE 15-1P7

sensation Zedd. 12-10.30pm, Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets available at hongkong.roadtoultra.com. Call 3758 9005 for more details.

SEP 16 SCMP International Schools Festival 2017 The Education Post is hosting an event for parents to discover the best international kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools in the city. Plus win a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Auckland. Tickets at $40 per head, 9am-4pm, JW Marriott, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.

Tickets available at eventbrite.hk and internationalschoolsfestival.com

SEP 16 Variety HK Gala Dinner 2017

SEP 16 Road to Ultra 2017

SEP 13 ESF Language & Learning Centre Parent Information Session ESF Language & Learning Centre is holding information sessions to introduce parents to its facilities and programmes. 7pm-10pm.

2/F Prime Mansion, 183/187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Visit esf.org.hk for more details.

SEP 16 Nature and Forest Therapy Guided Walk Reconnect with the natural world around us by leaving behind technology for half a day and

The electronic dance music festival is coming back to Hong Kong with an exciting new lineup.

Get ready to groove with Dutch DJ Hardwell, Norwegian superstar Kyogo, and German

Asia Contemporary Art Show A diverse lineup of over 25,000 unique artworks spread around 80 living spaces. This autumn edition features a new series entitled Intersections, highlighting Japanese works.

Browse through original paintings, sculpture, and photography by some of today’s most interesting mid-career and up-and-coming artists. $240 on the door or register early and bring a friend for free. Event running at the Conrad Hong Kong.

Visit asiacontemporaryart.com for more details.

The Children’s Charity of Hong Kong has organised a dinner to help raise funds for physically, mentally, and socially disadvantaged children in the city. Tickets at $2,100 per head.

Black tie dress code, cocktails at 7pm and dinner at 7:30pm. Ladies’ Recreation Club, 10 Old Peak Road, Mid-Levels. Contact info@variety.org.hk or donhesshk@gmail.com for further information.

SEP 21-24

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planner SEP 21 Kedington Annual Wine Fair 2017

SEP 24 Swim for Millions

Eight countries, 18 producers and over 100 wines. Enjoy special offers on all wines on show, plus stand a chance to win rare large format and library vintage bottles in the Lucky Draw. 6:309:30pm, The Upper House, Beyond the Lawn, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. $330 per person ($290 when booking in a group of six or more). Tickets include a $100 wine voucher.

To book, call 2898 9323 or visit ticketflap.com/kedington2017

Head down to Repulse Bay Beach to take part in this charity swim for all levels. Participants can join under different categories with different race courses. There will also be beach games booths for those not swimming to also enjoy.

Registration and details at commchest.org.hk

SEP 23 Sleep Training Solutions Learn how to create a feeding, nap, and bedtime schedule for your infant with registered nurse and first aid instructor, Joyce Edmondson.

4-5pm, ESF Language & Learning Centre, 2/F Prime Mansion, 183/187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Register at esf.org.hk

SEP 23-24 Pinky Fest @ Central Harbourfront Health- and beauty-conscious ladies, rejoice!

Aiming to showcase the best in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion, Pinky Fest is a two-day carnival tailored for women. Think makeup classes, aerial yoga, pole dancing taster sessions, and more. There will be snacks and gifts, a gigantic inflatable maze, and a “Pinky Party” on the night of the 23rd. Part of the event proceeds will go towards supporting Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. Tickets are available at $90 for one day and $160 for both days, at cityline.com . Visit pinkyfest.com for more information.

SEP 27 Ladies, Lads and Lassies Race A 3.5km run for runners aged 7 and up.

Runners aged 6 and under can join the fun run.

Registration fees range from $85 to $120. Entry deadline Sep 18. Race starts 8.30am, Peak Road. Register at hklrrc.org.hk

SEP 28 Art de Vivre - Baguette Masterclass

Celebrate Navratri in Hong Kong. Featuring the live performers Gujarati Shakira (Anita Sharma) and Rockers band from Surat, India, Wan Chai’s Southorn Stadium will be transformed into a Dandiya and Garba performance area for both professionals and amateurs alike. We hear there will even be a few Bollywood celebrities dancing among the crowd this year. Tickets are retailing for $250, call Apoorva on 6416 6777 or Tanya on 6434 8876.

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UNT SEP 2IL 9

Launched in partnership with Parkview Arts Action and WildAid, Hong Kong Maritime Museum is presenting a special exhibition showcasing the importance of shark preservation.

Through the works of 36 internationally recognised artists, filmmakers, and photographers, this first-of-its-kind exhibition strives to raise awareness about the negative impacts of the shark fin trade. Tickets are available at the museum ticketing office at $30, running from 9:30am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.

Learn to make the traditional French baguette in this masterclass hosted by the Alliance Française de Hong Kong. 6.30-9.30pm. Levain Bakery, H105, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street. $231 for Alliance Française cardholders, $330 for non-members, tickets at afhongkong. extranet-aec.com

UNTIL SEP 29 Pop-Up Farmers’ Market Farmers are gathering at Tong Chong Street Market in Taikoo Place to bring locally grown seasonal produce to the city. Support the local farming community - you can rest at ease knowing your weekly shopping is fresh and organic. Open Monday to Friday, noon till 6pm.

SEP 30 Rainbow Snowy Mooncake Class Just in time for this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival,

SEP 24 Delia School of Canada Navratri Utsav 2017

On Sharks and Humanity Exhibition

learn how to make your own snowy mooncakes in rainbow hues. All supplies and tools will be provided, and each participating group will bring home six mooncakes. 10am to 12 noon, 2/F On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central.

Tickets cost $550 per head (bring a child for an additional $100), for booking and more details visit completedeelite.com

happening in September

BOOK NOW OCT 5-8 MICHELIN guide Street Food Festival Street food is undeniably one of Asia’s best culinary offerings and for the first time, Michelin is giving street food its well deserved place in the spotlight. Sample flavours from eateries all across Asia at Studio City Macau’s Gourmet Walk, including the world’s first street food stall to have been awarded a Michelin star. Open 12-8pm daily, free admission. Visit guide.michelin.com.hk

for an after-party. Items in the charity auction inlcude a week at a luxury villa in Bali. Funds raised will go directly to Angels for Orphans to support their work with underprivileged children. 10am-2pm, and 2:30-10pm for the after party. Early bird tickets cost $920 per person until September 24. Group tickets are also available at farmersmarket.com.hk

NOV 18 Women’s Five November Run Women’s Five combines yoga and running to help ladies achieve their fitness goals.

Registration includes a five-week health and wellness program prior to the run and weekly training meetups. You can also register for the run only. Prices start at $390, with discounts for teams. Register at womensfive.com

NOV 7 Melbourne Cup Charity Long Lunch To coincide with one of the most anticipated dates in horse racing, Farmer’s Market is teaming up with local charity Angels for Orphans to host a long lunch at the Aberdeen Marina Club. There will be free-flow drinks and canapés, a three-course meal, followed by transport to The Butcher’s Club Secret Kitchen

and rugby training programmes. $2,488 per person including a gourmet dinner, all-night drinks, and a concert by World Classic Rockers. Black tie dress code. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Book at ticketflap.com/hkrucharityball

NOV 11 Hong Kong Rugby Union Charity Ball Enjoy a night of classic rock and help to raise funds for Po Leung Kuk, to support Hong Kong’s underprivileged children via education

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

MID-LEVELS.CO | 9

news

Beaches shut after palm oil spillage

Twinkle Dance Company opens new studio Put on your dancing shoes because Twinkle Dance Company is opening its second studio in Causeway Bay on September 3.

The opening-day launch party will run from 12-2.30pm Sunday afternoon, with food, a drinks reception, a kids’ magic show by Rumple and Friends, and a lion dance. Families and friends are invited to enjoy a showcase of the best of Twinkle Dance Company and a special dance by Twinkle’s own Production Team.

Twinkle Dance currently offers dance lessons to adults, and children aged 14 months and above. Courses include, ballet, “ballet with mommy”, jazz, and special needs classes.

9/F Capital Commercial Bldg, 26 Leighton Road. Visit twinkledance.com for more details.

Last month, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department unexpectedly announced the closure of nearly a dozen public beaches after the spillage of over 1,000 tonnes of palm stearin into Hong Kong waters. The spillage occurred when two ships collided.

The ships, now identified as belonging to Singapore-based company Pacific International Lines (PIL) and Japan’s Global Marine Service (GMS), had made contact southwest of Hong Kong.

The closed beaches included Repulse Bay, Middle Bay, South Bay, and Chung Hom Kok beach.

Though several have already been reopened, non-profit marine awareness

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organisation Eco Marine says the cleanup efforts will take several more weeks and traces of the oil will be present on beaches and in Hong Kong waters for “many more months after”. Until then, dog-owners are reminded to keep their canine pals away from affected beaches as the stearin is highly toxic for dogs.

ASB Biodiesel has confirmed that they have signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Department to turn half of the waste palm oil into biodiesel. However, it is unclear what will become of the other half.

The Marine Department is currently discussing compensation costs with the Department of Justice.

Contactless parking meters hit the streets The Transport Department has launched field trials for contactless parking meters. A total of 20 the new parking meters, covering approximately 60 parking spaces, can be found at Oi Kwan Road in Wan Chai and Man Nin Street in Sai Kung. The trials run until early 2018.

Contactless payment is not exactly a novel concept as standard parking meters all charge via Octopus cards, but the new meters also accept contactless credit cards enabled with Visa payWave, MasterCard Contactless, and UnionPay QuickPass functions. Charging rates and hours of operation remain unchanged.

During the trial run, kerbside indicators will be installed nearby to provide assistance and to mark meter locations, so keep your eyes peeled.

MID-LEVELS.CO | 11

news

New Pacsafe store at Shun Tak Centre Travel junkies rejoice! Pacsafe has opened its first standalone store, and it’s in Hong Kong’s Shun Tak Centre.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1998 by Aussie expats and gallivanters Rob Schlipper and Magnus McGlashan, Pacsafe is an anti-theft travel brand. It all started with one product—a lockable eXomesh net invented by Schlipper to fit around any backpack; many patents and products later, the brand is now sold in over 33 countries worldwide. The new store will feature the brand’s latest backpacks, luggage, travel accessories, and anti-theft technology.

Enjoy 15 per cent off when you shop there until the end of September.

No. 283, 2/F, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road, Sheung Wan

Two-week fashion pop-up store opens in Central

Trendyland closes stores Popular Disneyland souvenir chain Trendyland has closed thirteen of its sixteen outlets, seemingly without notice. Some stores, including the chain’s office in Kwun Tong, have been found vacated whilst others have simply covered up their shopfronts with paper.

As to the cause of the closures, some are claiming that the 20-year-old company has gone out of business because of mounting rents.

The troubled firm was popular for offering lower prices for popular Disney merchandise.

HKU Surgeon first local doctor to win Denis Browne Gold Medal Becky Bloomwoods amongst you take heart.

Luxury second-hand online retailer Guiltless is opening its first ever pop-up store right here in Hong Kong. Rummage through racks of designer clothes, bags and accessories, all at up to 80 per cent off the original price.

In-store customers will also have access to exclusive discounts, giveaways and lucky draw promotions not available on the Guiltless website.

50 Wellington Street Central, 2-14 Sept, open 11am-8pm

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HKU Professor Paul Tam Kwong-hang has become the first Hongkonger to be presented with the prestigious Denis Browne Gold Medal.

Each year since 1968, the medal has been awarded to mark outstanding contributions to paediatric surgery.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Professor Tam began his paediatric rotations after graduating in 1976. He returned to Hong Kong in 1996 after working as Reader and Director of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Oxford. His work focuses on regenerative medicine for birth defects and minimally invasive microsurgeries.

MID-LEVELS.CO | 13

five minutes with

Mid-levels Itzik Sachs magazine

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Carolynne Dear carolynne@hongkongliving.com Editor Eric Ho eric@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Catharina Cheung catharina@hongkongliving.com

Design

Design Manager Cindy Suen cindy@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz anna@hongkongliving.com

Ohel Leah Synagogue’s Youth and Education Director speaks to Viola Gaskell I was born and raised in Israel.

My parents are from South Africa and Chile and my wife is from England. I’m a typical Jew who comes from all over. Growing up in Israel I was in the military, of course, and the reserves.

About a year and a half ago my wife saw a Facebook post from a Hong Kong synagogue seeking a Youth and Education director.

I was doing sales and marketing for a high tech company in Israel and my wife used to work for a big corporation. She said, “What do you think about a change?” So I opened Google Maps to find out where Hong Kong actually is, and

Digital

Digital Assistant Cora Chan cora@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to

Adam White Jai Rane Jessie Yeung Julia Poon Kiyoko Yamaguchi Mehul Dhakka Paul Zimmerman Rory Mackay Viola Gaskell

To describe the Jewish community in Hong Kong, I would use the Hebrew word gavan

Published by

Hong Kong Living Ltd. Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Illustrated by Kiyoko Yamaguchi

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

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a few months later we moved here with our two daughters.

To describe the Jewish community in Hong Kong, I would use the Hebrew word gavan. It is the word you use when you want to describe the colour of a rainbow. You could say it is red, it is blue, it is yellow, but in the middle there are many shades. Gavan is a shade, the many shades. In a similar way, the Jewish community here is very multicultural. There are those who’ve lived here for a long time— about 30-50 families, who are the foundations of the community— and the rest of us, who are just passing through.

This is the main shul (synagogue) in Hong Kong; we have another three or four congregations, but they are very small. Holidays are the busiest times of year. We do events for all ages. My family and I go to the schools for outreach work and we do a lot of Hebrew teaching,

storytelling and history lessons.

The Rabbi does sessions with the Mosque and other churches in the area. He sits on a panel of religious experts and they have debates at Hong Kong universities.

Our Rabbi is very open minded and it’s a way for him to share some of our wisdom and heritage.

religious studies The synagogue was built in 1902. During the Japanese Occupation, it was turned into a horse stable and fell into disuse. The Jewish community grew in the 50’s and 60’s, and by the 1970’s, the synagogue had been restored to its original form. In the 80’s, the community really established itself in Hong Kong, in MidLevels in particular. There were hundreds of families, most of whom came to the synagogue.

This place will be here forever. It’s on private land, it’s the centre of our community and it’s the only real synagogue here. There are about 5,000 Jews in Hong Kong and I’d say about 1,000 of them use this facility daily. If you include everyone, from those who attend the on-site kindergarten to the travelers who come here to eat at the kosher restaurant or shop in the kosher supermarket, it’s about 3,000.

Chinese people are very curious about Judaism. We share a lot of similar values: family, eating together around the table, respecting our elders...Every day I get dozens of emails from people who want to visit and learn more, and it isn’t just curiosity, most of them want to be a part of the community. But if we were to open our gates to everyone we would be flooded.

Israel is a world renowned start-up nation.

I think Chinese people want to absorb that part of our culture. The reason why we can think outside the box is because every Jewish child is taught, as soon as they can speak, to ask why. You tell them to wash their hands and they ask why. We don’t prize obedience unless it’s rooted in understanding why.

Chinese people are very curious about Judaism. We share a lot of similar values: family, eating together... respecting our elders

I think Hong Kong is a religiously tolerant place, based on what I see and hear. I always walk with my Kippah on my head around the MTR, I’ve never heard of anyone being insulted for these kinds of things at all. I guess people here either don’t know what it means, or they just don’t care. I like it.

I think the Mid-Levels community is very isolated. People are very nice—if you drop something on the escalator, people will help you pick it up—but I come from a very warm country where if you are on the bus with your baby and you need to pay for your ticket, you give your baby to the stranger next to you and get out your wallet, pay the driver, and take the baby back. If you don’t have sugar, you knock on your neighbour’s door. Here, not so much.

The multiculturalism is what I love most about Hong Kong. Israel is an immigrant country, so you get people from all over but everyone is Jewish. Here, you go to the park and every person has a different story, different beliefs, and they are from a different continent with different heritage. I saw a man recently with a tattoo of a Christian cross on one arm and the Zen bands on the other, it’s very interesting.

Sometimes I just stare at people. I think I could sit for hours and wonder about people, who their parents are, where they came from, what they believe in.

For more information on the synagogue, visit ohelleah.org M

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local

Mid-levels New list of “intangible heritage” magazine

Sales & Marketing Sales Director Hilda Chan hilda@hongkongliving.com

The government has compiled a new list of 20 cultural items of value for preservation. Catharina Cheung finds out what’s on it

Sales & Marketing Executive Kiran Hiranandani kiran@hongkongliving.com Venus Man venus@hongkongliving.com Isamonia Chui isamonia@hongkongliving.com

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Mid-levels Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living 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. Mid-levels 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.

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

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ong Kong is such an ultra-modern multicultural hub it’s all too easy to forget that at the heart of this city is a society deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

To ensure such cultural capital does not get swept away in the waves of globalisation, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced last month the first ever Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong (yes, we know it’s a mouthful). The twenty-strong list (compiled from an inventory of 480 items) will act as a basis for prioritising resources and safeguarding measures for intangible cultural heritage items, in particular those of high cultural value or in urgent need of preservation.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee (ICHAC) had set very stringent criteria so as to make sure the items brought forth for consideration were truly worth preserving. These specifications included culture that “carries

Pop-up Chinese opera performed for spirits during Yu Lan Festival

significant historical, literary, artistic, scientific...values”, has been “transmitted from generation to generation”, “has a dynamic and living nature”, and that “exerts significant influence on the community”. In addition, the government launched a three month long public consultation earlier this year to gauge general views on the recommended items and gain majority support before finalising the choices.

We’ve gone through the list and highlight, below, a few social practices and traditions that we found especially interesting.

Perhaps next time you’re out and about you will keep an eye out for these cultural resources that make the 852 unique.

Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Chiu Chow community According to Chinese tradition, the seventh month of the lunar calendar is when the gates of the underworld open, letting spirits of the deceased return to the realm of the living to visit their loved

ones, known as the Hungry Ghost or Yu Lan Festival. Many Chinese make offerings to these transient spirits during this month, burning incense, paper money and effigies of varying degrees of luxury so their dearly departed can still enjoy material comforts in the afterlife.

In case other-worldly iPhones fail to entertain suitably (perhaps signal down yonder is flaky), Chinese operas and dramas are performed live especially for ghostly audiences. Auspicious rice is also distributed and auspicious objects held for auction. The Chiu Chow community in Hong Kong has held such performances for over a hundred years, and its festivities have been inscribed among the 480 items in ICH’s main inventory since 2011.

Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique There’s nowhere else that does milk tea quite like Hong Kong. A world apart from the builder’s mug, 852 style milk tea is brewed with a blend of different tea leaves, and

you can’t touch this Herbal Tea

Traditional brass herbal tea dispensers

the milk and tea are force-poured through a piece of stocking fabric hooked around a little circular frame. This process supposedly is what lends the beverage its smooth texture. A true fusion of East meets West, and therefore a most fitting drink to represent Hong Kong We’re going to stop you right now from rummaging around in your underwear drawer, and recommend a couple of tried and tested “silk stocking milk tea” places instead. Prepare for queueing time if you visit Lan Fong Yuen at 2 Gage Street, but its throngs of fans prove it is well worth the wait. Aside from milk tea, Cheung Heung Yuen at 107 Belcher’s Street in Kennedy town do fantastic pineapple buns and egg tarts as well.

Fire Dragon Dance of Tai Hang and Pok Fu Lam The village of Tai Hang was originally a Hakka settlement. Legend has it that a plague broke out in the 1880’s, and in order to ward off disease the villages crafted a model dragon and planted joss sticks in it, parading the fire dragon through the village and setting off fireworks for three consecutive nights. The plague allegedly ended after this ceremony, and to this day the villagers of Tai Hang still perform a three-day fire dragon dance every year to bless their homes.

The festivities happen to fall on the 14th to the 16th day of the eighth lunar month, which perfectly coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival each year. We reckon as far as celebrations go, the bigger the better.

A very similar event is held annually at the same time in Pok Fu Lam in order to invoke blessings for well-being and peace. Residents of the neighbourhood actively participate in the crafting of the dragon, the consecration rites,

Pouring Hong Kong style milk tea

wielding the dragon for its dance in the parade, ending the ceremony by sending the dragon back out to sea.

Visit either of these events to witness the fire dragon chase a joss stick ball as it weaves through the streets, and bring a festive touch to your Mid-Autumn this year.

Known as leung cha, which literally means “cooling tea”, herbal tea is a staple in Hong Kong culture and the Chinese drink it to dispel “heatiness”. This—frankly rather vague— concept that nearly every Chinese person naturally understands but somehow cannot explain, can be caused by climate, types of food and drinks consumed and inherent body type.

In order to dispel this heat and cool the body, you’ll find people guzzling various concoctions of medicinal herbs.

Overindulged and suffering a hangover?

Drink some leung cha. Have a sore throat or minor swelling in the inside of your mouth?

Leung cha is the answer. Feeling slightly under the weather? Who knows what it might be, but have some leung cha anyway.

Herbal tea shops have been around for roughly a hundred years, and used to also function as your friendly neighbourhood gathering place. Nowadays, brands specialise in different types of leung cha and the most popular ones are generally packed with throngs of die-hard believers. Here are a couple of our favourites.

Make a trip to Yip Heung Lau at 104 Johnston Road, where the slightly savoury cress tea is amazing; just ask for yeh got choi. Also worth checking out is Gong Lei at 60 Hollywood Road - the sugar cane juice and turtle jelly is renowned.

The General Chinese Charities Fund will launch a pilot scheme to source funding for activities that promote intangible cultural heritage items at the community level. Watch this space for such events and support Hong Kong’s idiosyncratic heritage! If you would like to view the list or recommend events and items you think should be on it, you can do so online at lcsd.gov.hk

Fire dragon dance in the streets of Tai Hang

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education

After-school activities for kids Now that the new term has started, Jessie Yeung rounds up the best after-school activities for kids

Academics ActiveKids Dive into physics experiments and chess showdowns with the ActiveKids after-school programme. Students can choose from six courses which cover science, chess, cooking, robotic programming and fashion design. Most of ActiveKids’ locations in international schools, local schools and private clubs are exclusive to students and members, but the main centre in Kennedy Town is open to everybody.

Programmes follow school term schedules, and run in the afternoon, from Monday to Saturday. Starts at $240/session. 3480 4199, activekidshk.com

Baker & Bloom Education centre Baker & Bloom offers a variety of classes for kids in Kindergarten through to Grade 12, emphasizing creative thinking and intellectual curiosity. The courses, which support AP and IB curriculums, include reading

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and writing, public speaking, entrepreneurship and myriad STEM options. The autumn term is split into two modules: one from late August to October and the second from October to December. Students can take either module or both. Classes run from Monday to Saturday.

Prices start at $320/class. 2110 4788, bakerandbloom.com

Bricks 4 Kidz Here, kids can construct their own worlds using LEGO. Students build machines, catapults, buildings, and other structures with LEGO, all the while learning about engineering, architecture and physics. The models are an engaging way to present concepts such as torque, friction, geography, and more. Classes are open to the public in two main centres in Sai Kung and Causeway Bay; membershipexclusive classes are also held in seventeen

private clubs and schools across Hong Kong.

Following the ESF calendar, the autumn term runs from September to December. $220/ class. 2791 0007, bricks4kidz.com.hk

Elephant Community Press For the aspiring young writer. Running for 15 weeks from September to December, the autumn term offers seven courses for age groups from 4-13. Courses include Around the World, which explores travel stories and travelogues; Chapter Chasers, which focuses on novel study and analysis; and Student Trumpet, in which students’ works are published in the Trumpet magazine. Private classes also offered.

Based in Central, classes begin September 2 and enrollment continues until mid-September.

Starts at $350/class.3487 3153, elephantcommunitypress.com

après-school

First Code Academy Learn computer programming at First Code Academy’s weekly coding classes. With classes available Monday to Sunday (afternoons) until December for children aged 4-18, students learn everything from the basics of computational thinking to app development and programming languages like Python. At the advanced Entrepreneur course level, students design solutions for real life problems encountered by local non-profit organizations. Classes begin September 5 in Sheung Wan and Yau Ma Tei. Enrollment ends September 29. $660/ class.2772 2108, hk.firstcodeacademy.com

and technical skills, such as grammar and vocabulary, the language program also covers in-depth cultural study, storytelling and test preps (IGCSE/GCSE and DELE). Students can choose to take one or multiple classes a week, which run in quarters every year. Starts at $1,600 per month. 2530 9888, gaialanguage.com

Spanish World

GAIA Language Pick up a new language or polish your existing skills at GAIA Language, which offers afterschool lessons for English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Latin. Located on Caine Road, Central, classes are split into age groups ranging from children to adults. Apart from fundamentals

Running Monday-Sunday, classes cover English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese, and are taught by native speakers. Enrichment programs on drama, arts, music and cooking are also available, with the option to be held in different languages for full immersion. Prices start at $192, with 10 per cent off if you register before 30 September.

2877 6160, hkkidz.com

Imagination Land

Aprende español con estas clases. Spanish World can help you understand the previous sentence, with classes for kids aged 3-17.

Playgroup classes immerse the youngest students with the language; the Kids class forms a base for secondary school Spanish curricula, and the Teens class helps students prepare for the HKDSE, IGCSE, A levels, IB and DELE Spanish exams. The weekly classes are located in Central, and run year-round. Classes start at $260. 2526 9927, spanishworldhk.com

Art meets science at Imagination Land, where kids aged 3-10 can explore a variety of subjects.

Younger age groups have reading and guided art sessions, while older kids learn storytelling and crafts. For budding scientists, the Science Class is open to children aged 6+, and includes easy experiments with electricity, microscopes and magnets. Year-round classes run Monday to Saturday (afternoons) in the Sai Wan studio. $270 per class, or $2100 for a nine-class package. 2553 0311, ilandhk.com

HK Kidz Want to hone your language skills? Learn to cook? Become an actor? HK Kidz teaches it all to kids aged 1.5-12, with three locations in Central, Wong Chuk Hang and Sai Kung.

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cover education story

Sports Aberdeen Boat Club Students at seven international schools can learn to sail with the Aberdeen Boat Club’s after-school programme. Beginners learn the basics and work towards the Hong Kong Sailing Federation Level 1 qualification. More advanced students can learn new techniques with the ABC’s fleet of RS Fevas, Lasers and Laser 2000’s. Prices and term schedules depend on the school. 2552 8182, abclubhk.com

AGA (Australian Golf Academy) HK Junior Golf Learn to chip, putt and swing with the Australian Golf Academy (AGA) HK Junior Golf programme. Ratified by the Australian Golf Teachers Federation, the Kowloon golf centre offers classes to kids aged 4-18, and welcomes beginners and advanced golfers alike. Kids can learn basic golf rules, stance and posture, or progress to practicing bunker shots and refining their form. Classes are available from Monday to Sunday year-round, and prices start from $260 per lesson, with a $200 trial lesson. 2271 4953, juniorgolf.com.hk

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Get your daily dose of exercise with Asia Pacific Soccer Schools’ open classes for kids aged 2-12, running every day of the week. There are multiple locations across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, including the Hong Kong Football Club and YWCA Centre. Kids can join the autumn season starting in September, practice with experienced coaches and

compete against other teams. Elite squads and girls’ programmes are also available. Prices start at $190/session. 2385 9677, apsoccer.hk

Ballet Blanc Put on your tutu and get twirling with Ballet Blanc, which holds jazz and ballet classes Monday through Saturday. Open to dancers aged 3-15, the classes cater to different skill levels, introducing basic positions as well as more advanced moves. Students will develop their form, flexibility, isolation, and core muscle training at the Causeway Bay and Kowloon locations. Private lessons are also available throughout the week. $250/lesson. balletblanc-hk.com

ESF Sports For a wide selection of sports, look no further than the ESF Sports programme. Open to both ESF and non-ESF students, the programme is available at 23 schools across Hong Kong Island and Sai Kung. The extensive list of options include swimming, gymnastics, kung fu, netball, water polo, and more. Open to students aged 2.5-19, there is also a special Baby and Me program for babies aged 4-30 months.

Runs until December 15. Starts at $2,700 per term.2711 1280, esf.org.hk

Float Plus It’s never too early to learn to swim, and Float Plus is offering swim lessons to kids as young as 6 months. The autumn term, which runs until December 15, introduces water safety and proper breathing to the youngest swimmers, while older students develop their stroke technique and competitive skills. Classes are open to the public in Float Plus’ Repulse Bay location, and exclusive to members at three other private clubs. Starts at $175 per class.

6504 8283, floatplus.hk

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education

Littlies Blooming Buds Open to both students and non-students of Blooming Buds, the extracurricular club follows the preschool’s Reggio Emilia Approach, which encourages self-directed learning and creative expression. The Language and Literacy Buds programme builds English and Mandarin skills for children aged 2-5. Hands-on activities like cooking and art help to immerse students in the language while allowing for sensory exploration.

Classes are $360 for students and $400 for nonstudents. 2887 9921, bloomingbuds.com.hk

Mini Mandarins HK Basketball Academy

Tiny Tots

Get your head in the game this season with HKBA’s youth basketball programme. With multiple locations across Southside and Kowloon, the autumn program runs from August until December, with signups open throughout the term, depending on course availability. Open to boys and girls aged 5-18, the programme includes everything from basic ball handling and footwork to competing in Premier League tournaments. Alternatively, sign up for one-on-one training with HKBA’s experienced coaches. Starts at $250/hour.

6681 7774, hkbaallday.com

Get your kids dribbling and shooting this autumn with Tiny Tots. A branch of the Brazilian Football Academy, Tiny Tots offers coaching from professional and former football players for girls and boys aged 5-12. Covering basics such as passing and shooting, as well as Brazilian football tricks and more advanced techniques, classes are held in Pok Fu Lam and Discovery Bay. After-school classes are also held in four international schools, exclusive to those students. Course fees average out to around $195-220 per session, depending on location and age group. Courses typically span 12-15 sessions. 3488 7724, tinytots.com.hk

Mindful Wing Chun Channel your inner Ip Man with Mindful Wing Chun, which offers a variety of traditional martial arts classes for kids. With age groups from 3-13, the classes are a mix of exercise and philosophy, including meditation practice. The class options focus on different aspects of Wing Chun, such as the fundamentals, the form and fitness. Running year-round, lessons are held Monday to Thursday and Saturday, usually once or twice per week. Prices start at $800/month.

6620 7050, mindfulwingchun.com.hk

Mulberry House

The Rink @ Elements Get your skates on at The Rink @ Elements, TST, which offers weekly half-hour figure skating lessons. Classes are available daily, with added options of group, semi-private, private and stroking classes. Experienced coaches and various level groups ensure that you’ll be twirling and leaping across the ice in no time. Participants can choose to buy classes individually or in packages of up to five for a discount. Prices are higher at weekends. Check the website for details.

2196 8120, therinkltd.com

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Kids aged 1.5+ get the best of both worlds at Mini Mandarins, which combines language learning with interactive play. With made-toscale models of real world places, children are immersed in everyday situations to develop fluency and practical vocabulary. The “Mini Metro” includes a supermarket, restaurant, and animal clinic, where children explore using curriculum vocabulary. Classes run year-round, Monday through Saturday in Central and Causeway Bay. Starts at $375/class. 2320 1128, minimandarins.com

Twinkle Dance Company Get your groove on this autumn at Twinkle Dance Company, which offers weekly classes of jazz and ballet for kids aged 2-11. The autumn term runs from September to October, with five locations across Hong Kong Island open to the public. Weekly classes are also held at Canadian International School, Harrow International School and The Repulse Bay, exclusive to members and students. Prices start from $1,960 for the term. 6608 6689, twinkledance.com

Tailored for kids from newborns to 8 years old, Mulberry House’s Mandarin programme encourages full immersion and an inquirybased curriculum. The playgroup and activity centre holds playgroup, preschool and primary classes which focus on improving speaking, reading, writing, and listening fluency. STEAM Enrichment classes offer language immersion in a more creative setting, covering subjects such as calligraphy and drama in Mandarin. The autumn term runs from September to December.

Starts at $350 per session. 5598 0509, mulberryhouseasia.com

Tutor Time This international nursery and kindergarten is opening up after-school enrichment programmes to students and non-students alike. Programmes range from sports to arts to academics; just a

après-school YMCA With over 400 children’s and family classes, the YWCA International Kids Club has something for everyone. The autumn term runs from September to December, with registration open throughout. Some of the most popular classes include the 3D Printing Workshop, the Star Wars-themed Makers Workshop (ever made your own lightsaber?), The Kinder Kicks Soccer programme, Pitter Painter, and the Gymnastics and Trampoline classes. Age groups depend on the activity, and classes run throughout the week. Starts at $140/ class. 3476 1340, clle.ywca.org.hk few options include Lego Education, Mandarin, Kung Fu, Soccer and Tumbling Time. Most programs are aimed for kids aged 3-6, but Tumbling Time is open for ages 2.5+. The autumn term courses, which run from September to December, are located in Tutor Time’s Braemar Hill and Kowloon Tong campuses.

Prices start at $2,980 for 10 sessions.2529 1833, tutortime.com.hk

Woodland Pre-Schools With multiple locations across Southside, Mid-

levels and Sai Kung, Woodland Pre-Schools is offering a 24 after-school clubs to both Woodland students and non-students aged 3-7, from languages (English, Mandarin and French), to academics, sports and arts. Whether you’d like to pick up a new musical instrument, brush up on your math or learn karate, this afterschool programme has it all. The clubs follow the pre-school schedule, with open enrollment running throughout the term. Seven-session term packages start from $1,890. 2559 4855, woodlandschools.com

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education

Arts, crafts and baking Art Loop Art Loop offers a new and interesting theme for every term of after-school art sessions, and this autumn students will focus on renowned painter Edward Hopper - specifically, his seascapes and landscapes. Weekly classes in Wong Chuk Hang run from Tuesday to Saturday (afternoons) and are open to kids aged 3-12+. This term, kids aged 3-5 will do sea paintings, ages 6-11 will learn architectural painting, and ages 12+ will do perspective drawing. A final presentation at the end of term will showcase all the children’s work for family and friends. Runs from September to October, starts at $280 per lesson. 5238 8186, artloop.hk

Banana Art Club Kids can get their hands messy at Banana Art Club’s after-school classes. Held throughout the week in Causeway Bay, the classes run year-round and offer everything from painting and mixed media to ceramics and art portfolio development. With classes designed for different skill levels, the programme is open to kids aged above 3, teenagers and adults.

Afternoon classes also run in five international schools across Hong Kong, exclusive to those students. Starts at $1,180 for six sessions. 6020 5476, bananaartclub.com

Bonart Of Hong Kong’s numerous art studios, Bonart may be the only that offers so many niche art forms. Participants can choose between designing hanging terrariums, candle-making, leatherwork, latte art, flower pressing and even

making their own DIY skincare kits. Located in Kowloon, the workshops run throughout the week, and make for a relaxing artsy afternoon.

Bonart also offers birthday party packages, including cooking parties and group magic lessons. Starts at $300/workshop.

2789 2782, bonart-hk.com

$1,040 per month excluding material and firing fees, which depend on weight and volume.

2528 0672, coboworkshop.com

Cobo Ceramic Try your hand at ceramics with Cobo Ceramic’s year-round classes. Students attend once a week, with afternoon and evening options available from Monday to Saturday. Located in Causeway Bay, the classes are open to adults and teenagers over 16. Students of all levels are welcome; beginners can learn the basics of pinching and coiling, while more advanced ceramists can sculpt and throw on the wheel.

HK Art Tutoring Fire up your creative potential with HK Art Tutoring’s weekly after school classes at its North Point studio. With lessons available Monday to Saturday, classes offer various mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Regular lessons are useful for art students working on portfolios for IB, GCSE, A-Level, or AP, while life drawing

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après-school sessions are also open on Wednesday evenings for older students and adults. $500 per class.

9722 8353, hkarttutoring.com

Hong Kong Photography Workshop Runs group classes every week. Beginners can take Photography 101 and 102 to learn the basics such as exposure, motion shots, framing and composition. Those wanting to advance their skills can choose other classes on night photography, street photography, architectural photography and photo editing software.

Prices start at $800 per class. 9172 9101, hkphotoworkshop.com

Little Picasso It’s never too early to learn new forms of selfexpression, and this autumn Little Picasso is introducing journaling to all its young artists.

Children will draw inspiration from awardwinning artist Shinsuke Yoshitake, and create a unique art journal with watercolour, markers, collage, crayons, and whatever else they can get their hands on. The six-week term runs from September 11 until October 27, Monday to Saturday, in Wong Chuk Hang. Signups are open throughout, to children aged 2-10+. $1,800 per term. 5220 7720, littlepicasso.hk

Performing arts Centre Stage Studios Theatre fans, dancers, and singers alike can find their niche at Centre Stage Studios, which holds after-school programmes for kids aged 3-18. The courses cover public speaking, drama and communication, acting, musical theatre, ballet, tap dance, jazz, to prepare students for global LAMDA examinations. Workshops are located in thirteen different international schools and membership clubs; seven are exclusive to members and students, and six are open to the public. Term dates depend on location.

Prices start at $200 per class. 5689 2272, centrestagestudioshk.com

Stage Right HK Slip into someone else’s shoes with Stage Right’s afternoon drama classes. The autumn workshops from September to December are the first of three terms, which will culminate in a festival showcase next summer. This term, children aged 4-13 will learn fundamental theatre skills such as voice projection, stage presence, emotional expression and storytelling.

Workshops take place in various international schools across Hong Kong, and all but two are open to non-students. Starts at $1,980 for the term. 9225 8924, stagerighthk.com

The Patsy At Wong Chuk Hang cooking school thePatsy, kids aged 7+ can take hands-on cooking classes every week, Monday to Saturday.

Themes vary by course and age level; Ohana classes allow parent-child partnered cooking for a family experience, while Kidder classes allow kids to gain independence in the kitchen. Kidder incorporates maths and science into cooking and emphasises healthy food choices. Older students can learn knife skills, herb use, and sourcing global ingredients. Prices start at $400 per class. 2503 3198, thepatsy.com.hk

to all students aged 3-18 and culminates in an annual summertime Faust Festival celebrating student performances. Term runs for ten weeks beginning on September 16. Starts at $3,180 per term, with discounts for a multi-term package.2547 9114, faustworld.com.hk

Faust International

Starlit Voice

Unleash your inner drama queen (or king) for Faust International Youth Theatre’s autumn term. Weekly class slots are available Monday through Saturday in various locations across Hong Kong, including several international schools. Apart from the technical skills of performance such as body language and stage blocking, Faust’s after-school workshops also explore different themes including improvisation, pantomime, stage-fighting, playwriting and puppetry. The program is open

Shoot for the stars with Starlit Voice, which provides classes on drama and the performing arts. Additional programmes prepare students for the international LAMDA qualification in performance and communication. Held in nine international schools, classes cover acting, singing, dancing, and other aspects of musical theatre. The programme runs September to December throughout the week, though students can join anytime. Starts at $360 an hour. 2108 2182, starlitvoice.com

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sports sport

Hull at the helm Hong Kong Rugby Union national coach Jo Hull talks to Jessie Yeung about leading her team to the Women’s Rugby World Cup

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wo years ago, after seeing a job advertisement, Jo Hull packed up her things in the UK and moved to Hong Kong to be head coach of the national women’s rugby team. Last month, she led her team to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland—the first-time any Hong Kong team has featured at a fifteen-a-side World Cup. We caught up with her before they set off.

Hong Kong rugby is a great community.

We’ve got an established league and we have the infrastructure. Now it’s a case of trying to grow the numbers at grassroots. We need to get rugby into schools, but these kids are playing four or five other sports competitively; it’s always a challenge for rugby to compete.

We also need to raise the numbers of women and girls playing and staying in the game.

For me, rugby all started when I was sixteen.

A friend took me down to a local club and I just got hooked. I fell in love with the sport - I played at university, with the clubs in England and became the coach of my club team.

To anyone thinking about joining rugby, it’s an amazing sport because it genuinely caters to everybody. Rugby is a team where we actually need people to be different - different shapes, different sizes, different personalities.

That’s the beauty of it - there is a place for everybody, no matter how tall, short, or big you are.

I realised I loved coaching and eventually went on to work with club teams in Canada and the Scottish national team. My position now is Women’s Performance Manager and Head Coach of the Hong Kong national team. It’s been a real honour.

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There are a lot of unique values in rugby like integrity, teamship, discipline, camaraderie.

Rugby is a traditionally male-dominated game—as are most sports—but there’s such a great culture in Hong Kong.

All the clubs are very supportive of women and girls. More widely, I’ve seen some really positive changes over the last 15 years, most significant of which is that whether it’s men’s or women’s, it’s rugby.

The challenge we face in Hong Kong is the limited player base. Other teams like England, Scotland, or Canada are playing regularly against each other. So it’s a challenge for us to get exposure to other national teams at a high level.

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sports

That’s why this World Cup is so important we’re playing New Zealand and Canada, two of the top three teams in the world. Then we go against Wales—a very strong, fiery, passionate team. If you’re going to go to a World Cup, you want to challenge yourself against the best in the world. We’ll take it one game at a time - every time we play it’s a privilege and an honour.

We went through a rigorous process to choose the Cup lineup. The team has gone for combinations which will work well together.

It’s really important to have the right balance of people. We’ve gone for some players with a lot of experience, and others who are younger to bring in a bit of new blood into the game.

The team is a mixture of students, full-time professional players, and those with full-time jobs. Those in the last group have basically done a full-time rugby training program while working their full-time jobs over the past eight months. Sometimes they’ll be getting home at half past ten at night after training, then they’ll be back in the gym at six o’clock the next morning. If you want to compete against the best in the world, that’s the kind of training you have to be prepared to do.

We know we’re probably not going to win the World Cup, but the big win for us is setting that legacy here in Hong Kong. This is the first time any Hong Kong team, men’s or women’s, has ever competed at a fifteen-a-side World Cup. Now that we’re days away from the Cup, the team is very focused. It’s been a challenging couple of months and they’ve been through tough training. They’re excited too, which is great because my message to them is to enjoy this experience - it’s going to be one of the best

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of their lives. For us, it’s a lot more than just playing the game, it’s about leaving a legacy for women’s rugby in the future.

The big one for us is New Zealand, that’s a huge game for us. But that first game against Canada is going to be really fast, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on both teams.

After this, the players will be ready for a bit of a rest. Then they’ll be coming back into the gym, and next year we look forward to the Asia Rugby Championship.

World Cup 2017 Results Canada v Hong Kong: 98-0 New Zealand v Hong Kong: 121-0 Wales v Hong Kong: 39-15 Spain v Hong Kong: 31-7 Japan v Hong Kong: 44-5

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eating

Mooncake madness Catharina Cheung’s quest for the city’s most interesting mooncakes, ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival, pays off

A

perfect marriage of sweet and salty in flaky disc-shaped packages, mooncakes are once again making their annual appearance preceding Mid-Autumn Festival. This traditional Chinese festival occurs on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, falling rather late on October 4 this year. Various countries across Asia—such as Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, and Sri Lanka—all celebrate the festival under different names, but its origins are the same.

Historically, ancient Chinese emperors would perform sacrificial rites to the sun in the summer and the moon in the autumn, to bring rain and plentiful harvests. The lay people later adopted these imperial rites and put their own twist on the festivities. Under the light of the

full moon, scholars recite poems in its honour, children play with beautifully crafted lanterns, and families and friends ask each other lantern riddles. Most importantly, everybody partakes in lotus seed paste pastries.

Legend has it that mooncakes have also served a revolutionary purpose. When Ming revolutionaries conspired to overthrow their Mongol rulers during the Yuan dynasty in China, they circulated pastries with slips of paper inside them bearing the message “Rise up on the 15th day of the 8th month”.

Lunar worship has disappeared now, but mooncakes still remain. From the traditional to the unique, take your pick from Hong Kong’s most sought after food of the month.

Tycoon Tann

Ms B’s CAKERY

Elegantly designed, Tycoon Tang’s limited edition mooncake boxes are inspired by ancient apothecary cabinets, paying cultural tribute to this deeply rooted Chinese festival yet carrying a modern twist in its black and gold detailing.

Opening out to reveal a six-grid cabinet display, this box of egg custard pastries is sure to make a lovely gift. Retailing at $338, with an early bird discount at $298 if ordered before August 15.

Available to order at Tycoon Tann, Central. tycoontann.com

Ms B’s CAKERY makes its second foray into the mooncake game with a health-conscious, low sugar option. The white lotus seed paste and egg yolk fillings are flavoured with Maltitol, a natural sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables. We think this gives you an excuse to have another one. $620 for nine pieces, with early bird discounts if purchased in bulk before September 4. Available at four different locations including Central.

Visit msbscakery.hk for more details.

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XTC Gelato XTC Gelato serves up more of its gelato mooncakes this year, with four seasonal flavours – Blueberry, Chocolate, Lychee Coconut and Pistachio. Each mooncake contains a “yolk” made from Philippine mango sorbetto, and is also coated in a layer of dark chocolate. In a thoughtful touch, each boxed set of four comes with a reusable cool bag and two ice packs. Retailing at $315, there is a 30 per cent early bird discount if purchased before October 4.

Available at three locations, including Cochrane Street, Central.

Chef Nic by Beyond Dessert After the smashing success of his cookie brand, Hong Kong celebrity Nicholas Tse is expanding his culinary endeavours into the realm of mooncakes. Dubbed ‘mooncookies’, the cutely packaged treats are butter and earl grey flavoured, with a traditional sweet lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. Sold in sets of nine, each box retails at $240, with discounts if two or more boxes are purchased at the same time.

Available to order from their flagship store on Gage Street in Central, Mira Place in Tsim Sha Tsui, or online at chef-nic.com/en

lunarlicious Mott 32

Mooncake quiz

Mott 32 partnered with Pierre Hermé (awarded World’s Best Pastry Chef 2016 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants) to challenge standard mooncake tastes and techniques, coming up with four unique layered fillings, each covered with a different chocolate coat. Vanilla contains almond and vanilla, Ispahan has raspberry, rose and lychee, Qi Qiao boasts orange blossom and kumquat, and Qin Yi includes jasmine and grapefruit. Sold in sets of four, each box retails at $690, but preorders are also available until September 19 at $580.

Order online at mott32.com/mooncakes

It is considered tradition for the Chinese to come together and enjoy ‘lantern riddles’ during Mid-Autumn Festival. Gather your friends and family, sharpen your wits, and test your skills with a few of our favourites.

For maximum cultural appreciation, enjoy under moonlight on the night of MidAutumn. Answers at the bottom of the page.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong takes the cake (sorry, we couldn’t resist) for the most daring mooncake filling this year. Chinese Executive Chef Chan Yan Tak has adapted the beloved pairing of truffles and egg for his mooncake creation. Black truffle bits and white truffle oil lend the traditional lotus seed base an earthy aroma and goes beautifully with the salted egg yolk. The pastries are retailing as a set of six for $520, though an assorted set is also available at the same price should you also wish to try the other noteworthy flavours like Preserved Eggs and Pickled Ginger or Five Nuts and Glazed Ham.

Call 3196 8708 or email shop.hkg@fourseasons.com to order.

The Cakery

Gaucho

It is no secret that mooncakes are not exactly the healthiest of snacks—700 to 1,000 calories per piece, if you must know. Just as well that the season for them only comes annually.

This year however, the health-conscious can indulge guilt-free with The Cakery’s range of gluten-free, dairy-free, egg free, and refinedsugar-free mooncakes. Using almond flour and maple syrup as base ingredients, each flavour is made with different kinds of superfood, and has no preservatives or artificial colouring added. Choose from Black Sesame, Red Date, Fig & Orange, or Osmanthus & Matcha, each embossed with a distinctive floral pattern. Sold in sets of four, each box retails at $298, with early bird discounts of 10 per cent off if ordered before September 4. Available for purchase online at thecakery.com

Hong Kong’s Argentine culinario buff Gaucho draws inspiration from one of their most popular desserts, the Dulce de Leche cheesecake, to create a creamy, caramel-ly twist on the mooncake. Made with seasonal ingredients, this daring reinvention is well worth a try for the sweet of tooth. The Dulce de Leche mooncake gift set comes in a box of four and is retailing at $288.

Available to preorder from now until October 5. Visit gauchorestaurants.com for more details.

1. Hot is faster; you can catch a cold; 2. A library; 3. A mosquito; 4. The moon; 5. Chopsticks; 6.A calligraphy brush; 7. A fish; 8. Shoes.

Lung King Heen

1. Which is faster: hot or cold?

2. What building has the most stories?

3. When I slap you, I slap myself. If I do hit you, it is my blood that flows. What are you?

4. I have been around for millions of years, but am no more than a month old. What am I? 5. Twin brothers, both lanky and tall, who only work well with each other. You will often find them reaching for food, but never soup. Who are they?

6. Young, its hair is white. Come old age, its hair is black. When idle, it wears a hat, and only takes it off while working. What is it?

7. I have a head, but no neck. I have wings, but cannot fly. I have no feet, but can travel a thousand miles. What am I? 8. Two small boats, five passengers in each; sails on land but never on water; busy during the day and anchored at night. What are they?

Deliveroo Deliveroo is coming to the rescue. Do your mooncake shopping from the air conditioned comfort of your offices or couches, and have your Mid-Autumn treats delivered straight to your doorstep from a range of restaurants and bakeries. Participating brands include Duddell’s, Godiva, Mrs. Field’s, XTC, Heichinrou, Regal Kowloon, Regal Hong Kong, Sportful Garden, Green Common, Kee Wah, CitySuper, Pokka Group, and Sun Sun Restaurant. Visit deliveroo.hk for further details. M

MID-LEVELS.CO | 31

eating

Dining news

What not to miss this month

Calimex launches Bar & Grill flagship in LKF

New Punjab Club to open in Central

Cali-Mex, which serves up Californian Mexican food, has launched its flagship Bar & Grill restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong.

The new location is a premium version of the Bar & Grill concepts in Stanley, Discovery Bay, Sai Wan Ho, TST, Sai Kung and Kennedy Town.

Unlike the signature fast-casual Cali-Mex Taqueria, the new Cali-Mex Bar & Grill flagship offers a sit-down dining experience with an expanded food and drinks menu; large, strategically placed TV screens show the latest sports games. Classic dishes from the Taqueria menu remain, but customers can now enjoy new additions such as Sizzling Garlic Chili Prawns ($98), Baked Canadian Lobster ($248) and USDA Rib-Eye Steak ($208). The Banoffee Pie is also delicious.

To be opened September 28, the flagship store in LKF boasts chilled beer and white wine taps at every table, a self-serve beer wall (with six draft options) and a Brooklyn Inspired bar—”The Williamsburg”—which specialises in small batch Gins and Ryes. For information, visit cali-mex.com or call 2904 7698.

G/F, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong.

Black Sheep Restaurants has unveiled its fifteenth restaurant: New Punjab Club, a tandoor grill house that celebrates the postcolonial era of Pakistan and India. Co-founder Syed Asim Hussain drew inspiration from his own Punjabi identity, and the new restaurant will be serving up hearty, rustic dishes that reflect his heritage.

New Punjab Club is a tribute to The Punjab Club in Lahore, a private members’ club frequented by Asim throughout his childhood, as well as The Mughal Room, an Indian restaurant on Wyndham Street, owned and operated by Asim’s father in the 80’s and where Asim once waited on tables. In fact, the original tandoor ovens from The Mughal Room have been restored for New Punjab Club.

Along with Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra, Asim hopes to introduce Hong Kong to a new side of Indian cuisine beyond the typical curries.

Located on Wyndham Street, New Punjab Club is now open for business. Make your reservation at 2368 1223.

McSorley’s Ale House returns to Soho Everyone’s favourite Irish pub is back in Soho.

Taking the place on Staunton Street formerly occupied by The Parish, McSorley’s Ale House is spread over two floors. The lower floor has a sports bar vibe, with an open front and large screen TVs above the bar playing

Mussels Madness Mondays at Frites Beat the Monday blues with Mussel Madness Monday at bistro-beer hall FRITES. This new weekly deal offers unlimited mussels for $195 per person at FRITES’ numerous locations, starting 5pm every Monday.

Different mussel flavours include Hoegaarden, Provencale, Mariniere, Laksa, Mediterranean, and FRITES House Mussels.

If you’re feeling peckish, try a bowl of each, along with a wide selection of draught and bottled Belgian beers.

For more food options, FRITES’ regular menu offers traditional European fare and brews. Locations in Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Quarry Bay. Find out more at frites.hk

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live matches. Upstairs is a more private area, which also plays host to the occasional whiskey tasting session (McSorley’s has over 40 whiskeys in its collection). Diners on either floor can enjoy Irish pub signature dishes and Indian specialties.

Other regular events include buffet dinners every Tuesday (6-10pm, $168 per person) and “Think & Drink” quiz nights on the first and third Wednesday of every month, in which winners get dining vouchers and other benefits. Find out more at mcsorleys.com.hk.

To check which games are being shown, visit eclipse.com.hk/sports

Hutong introduces new brunch menu Award-winning Chinese restaurant Hutong has unveiled a new 18-dish weekend brunch menu boasting everything from signature dim sum dishes to new desserts and main courses.

Diners can enjoy Northern Chinese cuisine such as the wonderfully presented and deliciously crispy soft-shell crab, as well as a variety of desserts like Matcha glutinous rice balls filled with sweet potato and steamed egg yolk custard buns brushed with gold.

Enjoy a variety of classic live entertainment too, from calligraphy to fortune telling.

For an additional $200, enjoy unlimited Veuve Clicquot champagne, Asian-inspired summer cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.

Brunch ($428 per person) runs from 12-3pm on weekends and public holidays. Call 3428 8342, or visit hutong.com.hk

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home & living

Rowena Gonzales

The award-winning founder of Liquid Interiors Rowena Gonzales explains how she combined health, wellness, sustainability and comfort in this signature project in Wan Chai.

Tell me about yourself.

I’m from Montreal. I’ve lived in Hong Kong for ten years. I’ve had Liquid Interiors for eight.

How did Liquid Interiors begin?

When I first moved to Hong Kong, design was a lot more about luxury, and it was pretty soulless; I wanted to make a difference. I looked first at sustainability, but something happened a few years later which changed my whole career path. At age five, my nephew became a cancer survivor. Leukemia isn’t hereditary, so the cause had to be environmental factors. My sister saw many different naturopaths, and I was surprised to find them all giving advice on how to change the home - how to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields and make sure the water was pure. It made me realise how many things in the home can make you sick.

How did this event shape your goals for Liquid Interiors?

When the WELL Building Standard came out, I found that most of its criteria were the same things naturopaths were telling my sister to do in her home. So we started incorporating the WELL Building Standard in our residential projects. I’d never received such good

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feedback in my life - people were saying things like their respiratory problems had gone away.

What did the client ask for in this project?

Somewhere she could relax, so we gave her home a retreat feeling. We put a ecosmart fire in the living room, which burns ethanol so there’s no exhaust. The low beams didn’t really work for the space, so we covered them with barn wood and veneer for a relaxing villa feel. For furniture, we chose things that didn’t look new, but weathered - that choice of materials gives a lived-in feeling.

How did you tailor the home for health and wellness?

One thing is the integration of fresh air into their ventilation system. Split type air conditioners just re-circulate the same air, so we installed separate fresh air ducts in the living room. All the bedrooms also have integrated fresh air systems so when they sleep at night, they’re not just breathing the same stale air.

home economics

How did you style the home to her lifestyle?

We created the Den, which is a study room for the kids with workstations and cushions.

There’s also a TV, so they can play video games there and not in the living room. Behind the TV we put a hidden murphy bed - when it’s up, it just looks like a painting. Our client loves art, so we had to do something that makes sense for her.

One thing every home should have?

A lot of the times you come home, you go straight to the TV and turn it on. So I’d recommend the option to close the TV, turn on the fireplace, and just have a reading space.

Best piece of interior design advice?

Make your home your sanctuary. If you can come home to a place that’s relaxing, it’s just better for your own well-being. It doesn’t have to be big - think about your lighting and have a place for everything.

What is it like being a female designer in Hong Kong?

The interior design field is mostly female dominated. However, most interior design business owners are men, which is disappointing.

What would you tell aspiring female designers?

It’s not easy. It’s a profession that you need to be passionate about to do well. Expect a lot of late nights, but if you’re passionate you will feel much more satisfied and fulfilled with your job than many of your friends.

What are your biggest design influences?

I travel to a lot of eco-resorts, and it makes me wonder why every place isn’t like that. I really like the Alila Ubud in Bali. I love that style modern but still natural.

MID-LEVELS.CO | 35

picture this

Painting of the month: MAIN BUILDING, HKU

by Noble Wong

60 seconds with the artist.

Tell me about yourself.

I enjoy exploring the city and sketching to capture the lives of people and the unique culture of Hong Kong. I started my own illustration company, Noble Sketchbook, in 2015, and have worked with many different clients as well as community art projects like Draw On Wall, HK Urban Canvas and City Momentum. I love hiking too. I’ve always seen the countryside and hiking trails as precious treasures of Hong Kong.

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I love hiking too. I’ve always seen the countryside and hiking trails as precious treasures of Hong Kong

Describe yourself if three words.

Self-disciplined, committed, conscientious.

Where do you live?

I was born and grew up here in Hong Kong.

How long have you been painting?

I have been painting for around 10 years. My final year project for my multimedia degree was a 2D cel animation—a traditional animation technique where each frame is drawn by hand. From then, I continued to find ways to express myself via paintings and other media.

a noble profession

How would you describe your style?

Joyful, with sketchy brushstrokes and vibrant colour. I mainly use pen, ink and watercolour in my paintings.

What’s the story behind this picture?

This picture is about a building in Hong Kong University. Many historical buildings get “redeveloped” in Hong Kong. I try to use my brush to record them first. This HKU main building was one of the iconic buildings that I wanted to paint.

What are you trying to show?

The harmonious yet majestic style of the building—it was constructed in 1912.

Where would you like to paint next in Hong Kong?

Wherever I stumble upon something interesting that I want to record, especially things and places that are historic.

Where can we find more of your paintings? facebook.com/noblesketch M

Have you painted Hong Kong?

Each month we feature a painting of Hong Kong and a 60-second interview with the artist who created it. If you’d like to be featured, email editorial@hongkongliving.com

WWW.MID-LEVELS.CO | 37

big day out

Aberdeen Fish Market The Market is holding a series of tours this summer, as part of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival. Jessie Yeung finds out more

H

ongkongers often swear by their local wet markets, where they can choose their dinner from styrofoam containers of live fish and tanks of swimming shrimp. These markets are packed with fresh seafood and a beloved part of Hong Kong culture. But how does the seafood get here and where does it come from?

In most cases, Aberdeen Fish Market. Every day at 4am, while the city sleeps, Aberdeen Fish Market (“the Market”) comes to life with people, trucks, boats and, of course, fish. This is the 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; but now, over 70 percent of live seafood in the city is traded here, from small middleneck clams to king crabs and Napoleon fish.

Despite the Market’s pivotal role in supplying Hongkongers with their beloved seafood, many residents know little about it. But that’s about

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to change. As part of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival, people will have a chance to explore this local gem and enjoy some of the best seafood in Hong Kong.

The Market’s rich history began in the 19th century, harking back to Hong Kong’s origins as a fishing village. Aberdeen Harbour has always served as an important fishing port and is home to generations of fishermen. Over the years, the Market’s popularity grew.

The trading of live fish is one of the Market’s distinguishing features. In the predawn hours, the place is a flurry of activity, with buyers selecting fish from sellers and fishermen unloading goods - they have to act quickly to preserve freshness.

The fish come mainly from the Dongsha Islands, the South China Sea, Hainan and the Philippines. Upon their arrival at the Market, the first batches are immediately loaded onto trucks, fully equipped with seawater buckets and oxygenated tanks, and transported to wet

markets and restaurants all over Hong Kong.

Live seafood used to be transported to Jordan, Lei Yue Mun and Tai Kok Tsui by motorboat, but trucks started being used following construction of the Aberdeen Tunnel in the 1970s.

It takes only around 10 hours for fish caught in the Philippines to arrive live at wet market stalls. How’s that for fresh? “Most locals like to buy live fish in the wet market, so I ensure all the fish that arrive at my stall in Kowloon are live and active” says Mr. Lau, a wet market fish stall owner.

As part of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has organized a series of tours of the Market, to be held every Saturday morning from mid-August to September. The tours will be held mostly in Cantonese, with a special English session on September 9.

There are three segments to the tour.

First, in “Learn More About Seafood”, market merchandisers will share their veteran

something fishy

knowledge with guests: which species are most popular, what telltale signs determine a good or bad specimen, how to best cook fish and other tricks to the trade. In the second part of the tour, “Exploring the Aberdeen Fish Market”, guests will get the chance to wander the Market and see the action first-hand. The best is saved for last: the tour ends with an optional lunch at the Aberdeen Fish Market Seafood Restaurant.

Usually, the restaurant is so busy and the catch so fresh that there is no set menu and visitors must book in advance to secure a meal. As part of the tour, the finest seafood of the day will be selected straight from the boats and served Cantonese-style. The first two segments of the tour are free of charge; visitors can join the meal at their own expense (highly recommended).

After the tour, there’s plenty left to explore in Aberdeen. It’s a curious mixture of the modern and the traditional, a touch of old Hong Kong amidst the skyscraper-lined harbour. Take a sampan ride or stroll along the Aberdeen Promenade next to classic junk boats saltprocessing the catch of the day. One tip: wear sensible, waterproof shoes. M

Booking info The English-speaking tour is scheduled for September 9. The tour is free, but the optional seafood lunch is $350-400 per head. Download the registration form at travelsouth.hk

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health & beauty

Skin deep The latest in all-natural skincare. By Shreena Patel

I

ncreasingly, people want to know exactly what goes into their skincare products. After all, the skin is the body’s largest organ and we absorb about 60 per cent of what we put on it.

We’ve rounded up a few of the latest allnatural products to hit the Hong Kong market.

Edible Beauty Australia

• All-edible and botanical, but not 100% organic. The brand says some of its wildcrafted ingredients often cannot be certified as they are not farmed commercially • Free from…aluminium, alcohol, artificial

fragrances, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, BPAs, coal tar, DEA, diethanolamine, dimethicone, ethoxylated surfactants, ethylparaben, EDTAs, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, monoethanolamine, methanone, methyl parabens, mineral oils, oxomethane, parabens, petrochemicals, preservatives, phthalates, propyl esters, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate, synthetic dyes, silicones, talc, triclosan • No testing on animals • Vegan Australian made and formulated by naturopath and nutritionist Anna Mitsios, this range was conceived as a way to provide her fertility clients with a skincare product that was literally good enough to eat and free of anything that would disrupt hormone balance. Anna believes in the positive effect herbs and natural foods possess to transform, nourish and revitalize us.

John Masters Organics

• At least 70% certified organic ingredients in every formula • No sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, TEAs or GMOs. No artificial colours, fragrances or fillers • No testing on animals (PETA-endorsed) • The only animal by-products used are honey and beeswax Newly launched in Hong Kong, this New York based brand covers skin, body and hair.

Founder John Masters was a renowned stylist before he left the traditional salon world to develop his own organic products. The range caters to men and women. There is even a pet care line, inspired by Masters’ Golden Retriever, Maya.

Signature products from the (human) range include the

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wonderful smelling Rose & Aloe Hydrating Toning Mist ($295) which aims to hydrate and protect the skin and reduce inflammation.

All products in the range adhere to a set of criteria, including the cold-pressing of all plant oils (as opposed to heat distilling, which kills the therapeutic properties of the oils) and the harvesting of ingredients in an environmentallyfriendly manner (wildcrafting). All the packaging is 100% recycled and biodegradable.

This month, from September 15-16, the company is inviting Hongkongers to drop off their used and unused shampoo bottles at the ifc or Times Square stores in exchange for a brand new full-sized John Masters Organics Shampoo for Normal Hair (with lavender and rosemary).

While stocks last. All used shampoo bottles donated will be sent to HK Recycles; those that are unused will be gifted to J Life Foundation Limited - a local charity committed to helping underprivileged families in Sham Shui Po, one of the city’s poorest districts.

Pop-up stores in ifc and Harbour City.

Permanent store at Shop B236, Times Square, Causeway Bay (3421 0726). johnmasters.com

The range offers four core solutions for all skin types including a cleansing milk, radiance toner, ageless serum, and hydrating lotion.

Additional complementary formulas are available to exfoliate, soothe and contour skin.

The newest offering in the skincare range and exclusive to Lane Crawford is the Express: Bloom of Youth Infusion Mask. Made with bamboo extract (which has an abundance of natural silica) and concentrated doses of Ribose, Swertia Chirata and hyaluronic acid, the mask is designed to promote skin cell renewal, enhance skin firmness, and support collagen production and anti-ageing action. Each pack includes three Bamboo Mask Sheets and is priced at $360.

Available online via lanecrawford.com and sephora.com.hk

lotions and potions

Snow Fox

Pure Lano

• 100% certified organic • No parabens, SLS, phthalates, petroleum, preservatives, harsh synthetics or harmful chemicals • No testing on animals (PETA-certified) • Vegan Originally formulated for hypersensitive skin, this Hong Kong based brand has just three products in its range: a cleansing mousse, detox mask (also recommended for after-sun care) and all-day defense cream. The formula aims to combat and remove grease, dirt and impurities without drying out the skin’s natural moisture levels.

The cleanser (US$35) and mask (US$30 for a pack of five) contain organic peppermint oil extract, which provides natural antiseptic and antimicrobial protection for those with oily or problem skin. The cream ($US55) contains young ginseng extract, jojoba and macadamia oil to soothe, moisturise and repair - use it under or over makeup to protect skin against irritants and pollutants.

MOA

• Not 100% organic, but uses certified organic ingredients including tea tree oil • No “chemical nasties”, parabens (artificial preservatives), perfume, alcohol or lanolin • No animal testing • Vegetarian All the way from the UK, MOA or “Magic Organic Apothecary” MOA creates natural skincare products, inspired by old herbal folklore.

The brand’s hero ingredient, yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), can be found beside hedgerows all

• Uses organic ingredients like Argan oil but so far no certifications • No synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, preservatives or irritants. Gluten-free, parabenfree and made with medical grade lanolin • No testing on animals • Lanolin is derived from sheepswool, but the company says no animals are harmed at any stage of production

Available at Mi Ming Mart (locations across the city, including Causeway Bay); Hair Corner CCS, 22 Wellington Street, Central; Kapok, 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai. snowfoxskincare.com

across the UK and has been used for centuries to heal. The herb is named after Greek hero Achilles, who legend has it, used it to heal his soldiers’ wounds after battle. MOA uses yarrow—which it grows on an organic farm in Somerset—in all its products.

One of the brand’s most popular products is The Green Balm, a multi-purpose calming balm.

Use it to reduce scarring, ease allergies, soothe insect bites, help heal bruising and remove makeup, amongst other things.

Available at gooseberrybeauty.com

In 2005, shortly after the birth of her first child, Miranda Coggins was searching for a product to soothe her chronically parched and chapped lips. She started experimenting with ultra pure medical-grade lanolin, a highly refined and purified oil derived from wool grease that is obtained when washing sheep’s natural wool. And so, the The Original Lip Balm was born.

Coggins experimented further with other ingredients including sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba and vitamin E and in 2015, she created the Pure Lano brand - a full a line of skincare products.

While lanolin can be found in many products, its purity is often compromised as it gets mixed with a concoction of damaging chemicals and stabilizers. Pure Lano uses only medical-grade lanolin in its products and claims to be particularly effective for those with dry and damaged skin.

Popular products in the range include the Overnight Revitalizing Treatment ($550), an exfoliating scrub with sea salt and avocado oil.

Available at zalora.com.hk/women/pure-lano

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Horoscopes

hong kong horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21 – Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 – Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21

Hong Kong Island is home to seven boundary stones— stone pillars erected in 1903 to mark the limits of the city of Victoria. But in 2007, the stone on Magazine Gap Road mysteriously disappeared. You might see it as a tragedy, to lose such a priceless bit of history.

But consider: the boundary stone could be anywhere in the world by now. Your boundaries might be a little broader than you’d first thought.

Hong Kong’s pink dolphins are sadly numbered. Ongoing construction is causing their habitat to dwindle. It’s a genuine tragedy, but for the time being you can still see these spectacular mammals in the wild. Cherish that while you still can, Pisces: you don’t want to blink and miss the good things in the world, do you?

Mido Café in Yau Ma Tei is a genuine slice of old-school Hong Kong. Seats overlook the Tin Hau temple, beautiful green-paneled windows fill the air with light… and the French toast is to die for.

There’s a tradition and a history here, and just walking in makes you feel like you’re in a Wong Kar-wai movie. I think you should go, to remind yourself of the value of a slower, calmer life. Also go for the French toast.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be? My dream job is soothsaying, but alternatively I’d be working the late shift at 7-Eleven in Lan Kwai Fong, watching the drunken crowds roll in. Have I idealised this job in my own brain? Undoubtedly. What’s your dream job? I give you permission not to think about the reality of what it would actually be like.

LEO Jul 23 – Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 – Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 – Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24 – Nov 22

Hong Kong’s greatest asset has always been its harbour. It provides sheltered protection from the ravages of typhoons, while its surprisingly deep waters make it ideal for international shipping. Leo, I bet that just like Hong Kong harbour, you too have hidden depths. Plumb them for me, won’t you?

In Cantonese cooking, one aspect is prized above all else: wok hei, the “breath of the wok.” It’s the smokey, fiery note in stir-fried dishes, and no matter how talented you are, you just can’t achieve it at home. That’s not because you’re a bad cook: It’s because Chinese restaurant kitchens work temperatures too high for home stoves. Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t get that wok hei, Virgo: you’re not the limitation.

Have you been to Guangzhou recently? Ugh, you think. It’s messy, dirty, smelly, busy…

WRONG! Guangzhou is actually a fascinating place, with hundreds of years of history, not to mention European influence. There’s even a cool indie arts scene.

Don’t discount things based on what you think might be the case, Libra. Go see for yourself. (Shenzhen still sucks, though.)

One of my favourite peoplewatching spots is Leaf Dessert on Elgin Street in Central. This open-air spot has been around for a century. My task for you this month: grab a seat and a bowl of beef brisket noodles, and see the world roll by of an evening. Getting in touch with Hong Kong is getting in touch with yourself.

As transmitted to Adam White, writer, editor and occasional soothsayer 42 | MID-LEVELS.CO

GEMINI May 22 – Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22 – Jul 22

“Typhoon signal number 8 has been hoisted,” the Hong Kong Observatory tells us, and we all celebrate at having a day off work. But did you know that once upon a time, the signals really did have to be hoisted? Huge signals had to be hauled to the top of warning towers around the city: no fun task in gale force winds. It’s worth remembering that work lies behind every bit of leisure, Gemini.

Let’s spend a moment to cherish the sitting-out area. At first, there’s little to love about these curious half-green, half-concrete constructions. But these little squares are an urban retreat for weary souls tired of the non-stop city – a retreat, in other words, for you. The next time you see a sitting-out area, Cancer – sit out. Recharge, and be thankful.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 – Jan 20

Sha Tin’s Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is home to some 13,000 Buddha statues which line the path leading up the the temple and fill the rooms of this unusual spot. Go and find your very favourite Buddha, and then ask yourself why you’re drawn to him. Is there someone in your life you’re overlooking?

Perhaps the Buddha will reveal it to you.

The Ting Hai Effect, or Adam Cheng Effect, is a phenomenon by which every time a film or show starring actor Adam Cheng is released, the stock market takes a sudden dip. It’s a baffling but documented occurrence.

Capricorn, I don’t know the reasons behind it. But sometimes things happen for mysterious reasons, and you have to have faith that it’ll all work out. Just ask Adam Cheng.

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Country parks

zim city

The latest green issues affecting our city.

A

bout 13 million people visited Hong Kong’s country parks in 2016. To save the parks from those who see them as a cheap and easy land resource we need to increase this number, but by how much, and what should visitors be allowed to do?

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has launched a $2.6 million study into the “Enhancement of the Recreation and Education Potential of Country Parks and Special Areas”. The focus is on enhancing the recreation potential in three areas: overnight facilities, adventurous activities and leisure, and education.

The challenges ahead are ample. The government must be careful not to compromise the conservation objective of country parks.

Some park areas are better suited to a particular activity than others, so solutions can be found with careful design. Funding is critical.

The Country Parks Authority will need more staff and resources.

The big thing is mountain sports. Hiking, running, cycling, rock climbing, cave exploration, bouldering, stream running, coasteering, zip lining and more. All of these already happen.

Some are frowned upon, especially when large events disturb other visitors, damage flora, or leave waste. A better understanding of best practice will be required.

Other activities include camping, BBQ, as well as war games. Again, the risk of waste, sewage, damage and nuisance can be high, so it’s best to embrace these activities, find appropriate places and provide the right amenities.

When it comes to the appreciation of nature, geology, heritage, and history, there are many underused opportunities in our parks, from birdwatching, to studying military remnants.

Let’s not forget water sports. With long coastlines and new dedicated centres with storage facilities for equipment we can attract more swimming, scuba, snorkeling, canoeing, rowing, surfing, sailing, wind surfing, jet ski, wakeboarding and fishing. These might concern some of us, but they are happening today in

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Camping at Wan Tsai Peninsula South, Sai Kung West Country Park

waters adjacent to our parks, so they should be considered.

And finally—my favourite—air sports can be seen throughout the country parks: kite flying, drones, paragliding...Can these be served better?

I probably missed a few, so let me know.

To make all this work sustainably with minimal impact on the landscape and ecology we need to decide carefully on the facilities, such as sports centres, hostels, kiosks, toilets and water refill points.

The enclaves of private land and villages within country parks can be enhanced as amenity areas.

We can use existing structures and improve the local economy for the villagers.

We also need to rethink logistics. Where do we add trails, boardwalks and piers? How do we ensure connections with public transport at the right time for the right volume of people? How do we better control vehicular access? We need to improve information through signage, websites and phone apps.

Critical will be the overall management regime.

Will the enclaves be incorporated under the country park ordinance? Will we develop standards and permits? Will the AFCD have enough manpower?

More park users can protect our parks, if the type and volume of activities are balanced with the opportunities and constraints of different areas.

Share your views via info@paulzimmerman.hk or facebook/PZpage M

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

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Tung Lin Kok Yuen

building of the month

Exploring Hong Kong’s historic buildings

Jessie Yeung finds out more about the red-brick temple in Happy Valley

I

t looks out of place amidst the high-rise apartment blocks and Pacific Coffee shops, and so it should—the red-brick temple on Happy Valley’s Shan Kwong Road, known as Tung Lin Kok Yuen, has been here for decades.

Founded by Lady Clara Ho-Tung, wife of renowned Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist Sir Robert Ho-Tung, Tung Lin Kok Yuen’s history involves the creation of three affiliated schools, an international branch and a continuing family legacy.

Lady Clara had always been a devout Buddhist, but was especially moved by the widespread suffering in China’s tumultuous 1930s. According to her grandson Robert H. N. Ho, the civil unrest and her eldest son’s death strengthened her faith, and she made the Bodhisattva vow to live in service of others.

Lacking a formal education herself, Lady Clara decided to establish the Po Kok Free School for Girls in Causeway Bay—to offer girls a free education—and the Po Kok Society for the Study of Buddhism, in 1931 and 1932, respectively.

She continued to promote Buddhist education by organising numerous retreats and talks, and traveled to famous monasteries across Asia. After receiving sizable funding as an anniversary gift from Sir Robert, Lady Clara put the money towards the construction of Tung Lin Kok Yuen temple in 1935. The school and the society merged into one, and began operating from the temple—also the school’s sponsoring body. The school has been aided since 1949.

As the first free Buddhist school for girls in Hong Kong, the popularity of Po Kok Free School for Girls quickly grew and, in 1951, a new school

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building was built next to the temple. Since then, Tung Lin Kok Yuen has built and operated two more schools: the Po Kok Branch School in Tsuen Wan, opened in 1958, and the Po Kok Secondary School, relocated from Happy Valley to Tseung Kwan O in 2000. In 2003, the original school became co-educational and was renamed the gender-neutral “Po Kok Primary School”.

Today, all the schools are co-ed and teach not only Buddhist Sutras but also general education subjects such as maths, science, English, Chinese and history. The primary school’s motto is “benevolence and fraternity”. With bright red pillars, yellow walls and classical gabled roofs, its traditional Chinese architecture echoes that of its sister temple next door.

Inside Tung Lin Kok Yuen temple—listed as a Grade I Historical Building—are vividly coloured shrines and banners painted with Chinese blessings. Home to a few dozen nuns and devotees, the temple contains dormitories as well as a dharma hall, lecture theatre, library, sutra hall, ancestral hall and extensive calligraphy collection.

And the story doesn’t end there. In 1994, Robert H. N. Ho established the Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society in Vancouver, offering Buddhist education, facilities and services. He also founded the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation in 2005, which supports Buddhist culture and programmes both in Hong Kong and overseas.

Tung Lin Kok Yuen in Happy Valley regularly offers religious services, lectures, and gatherings, making it popular for tourists and Buddhist devotees alike.

To find out more, call 2572 2437 or visit tlky.org, 15 Shan Kwong Rd, Happy Valley M

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