Hong Kong Living January 2020

FA M ILY | P RO P E RT Y | SP O RT | L I V I N G

JAN 2020

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Keep on running

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5 trails for the new year

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Learn a new skill The best evening classes in 2020

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CONTENTS — 0 1/ 2 0

22

COVER STORY

We meet six fitness gurus at the top of their game in 2020

2 Contributors Meet our team

19 Local

6 Snapped

41 Books & podcasts

Roll up, roll up… the AIA Carnival comes to town

Life on Hong Kong Island

8 THE PLANNER

26 Influencer interview

What’s happening in January

44 Pets & gardening Monthly news on homely matters

29 Dining

Truly local news

The Hong Kong chefs hot on sustainability.

Plus dining news

15 Must haves Cosy up in small spaces

42 Horoscopes Will 2020 be your year?

Ex-MMA fighter and psychologist, Dr. Kimberley Carder

12 NEWS

Hong Kong reads for January

48 Backpage Nury Vittachi lightens the mood

34 Education

17 Hong Kong Philanthropist Meet the lady on a mission to clear our streets of shark fin

Learn a new skill in 2020 at these evening classes

34

36 Sports Five trails to run this January

38 Zim city

15

Hopes are high for new district council

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17

38

26 ‘If you are trying to stop her wheel from turning, you of all men are the most obtuse,’ Lady Philosophy tells Boethius, ‘You are seeking to regain what really did not belong to you.’

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Photo credit: Graham Uden

EDITOR’S LETTER

hongkongliving.com talk@hongkongliving.com @hongkongliving facebook.com/hongkongliving852

Editorial Managing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com

New decade. New year. New magazine!

When planning a new magazine, high on the checklist includes, nailing a great cover, choosing an engaging theme and connecting with knowledgeable-yet-humorous writers.

For us, the stars aligned.

Welcome to The Positivity Issue: our cover shoot is centered around The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, or as we like to think of it ‘the wheel of positivity’. What goes up must come down and vice versa. We believe Hong Kong is in for a great year!

Our cover stars are some of Hong Kong’s most influential people in the yoga, fitness and meditation industries. (Big thanks to Melanie Cox for helping to get everyone together in the same place at the same time!) Read how they defeated adversity to rise to the top of their game in our cover story on page 22.

The cover photo was shot by none other than famed Hong Kong photographer Graham Uden. And we’re proud to work with writers including Hong Kong-based author and contributor to the New York Times, Nury Vittachi.

So here’s to hoping you love this issue as much as we do. It’s packed with events, interviews, dining, evening classes and trails to run this January. I’d love to hear your feedback: gemma@hongkongliving.com Lastly, a quick reminder to join us on January 19 as when we return to The Hong Kong Observation Wheel for our New Year Urban Retreat. The event is packed with nutritional workshops, yoga classes and meditation sessions aboard the wheel itself! Tickets at hongkongliving.com/shop

Want to write for Hong Kong Living Magazine?

Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | hongkongliving.com

Editorial Assistants Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Design Graphic Designers Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Managers Mathew Cheung, mathew@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Operations Management Trainee Edwina Chan, edwina@hongkongliving.com Digital Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com Publisher Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Living 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. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Graham Uden

Melanie Cox

Nury Vittachi

British-born photographer Graham Uden arrived in Hong Kong in 1992. His work has involved being held up by AK-47 toting ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers in Cambodia and squatting metres from Taliban trenches in Afghanistan.

Graham currently specialises in corporate and commercial photography as well as reportage in the Asia region. grahamuden.com

Half Australian, half Chinese Melanie was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is dedicated to the practice of yoga and meditation and is amongst other things, the Programme Director of IRIS: Your Escape. We can’t thank Melanie enough for her help in arranging this month’s cover shoot.

Nury Vittachi is the Hong Kong-based author of more than 40 books, several of which have been published internationally in multiple languages. His journalism has appeared in more than a dozen publications, including the New York Times and Reader’s Digest. nury@vittachi.com

Yasmin Hingun

Alvin Cheng

Dr Pauline Taylor

Our contributing journalist began professional writing as a teenager. This month she sat down with psychologist, weight-lifter and ex-MMA fighter, Dr Kimberly Carder to discuss setting goals for the new year. Read the interview on page 26.

Alvin is an experienced graphic designer who has worked on Hong Kong publications including HK Magazine, New Travel Magazine, Kee Magazine... He’s also heavily involved in the fitness scene and is a NASM certified trainer. Using both sides of his brain helps Alvin maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Pauline is a senior vet at Pets Central and specialises in small animal medicine. She graduated in Scotland and spent 10 years practicing in New Zealand before moving to Hong Kong with her various four-legged family members. She is passionate about animal welfare and answers readers questions in our monthly pet column on page 44. pets-central.com

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS 4 | hongkongliving.com

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PEOPLE

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PEOPLE

Southside Christmas Charity Lunch 2019

We’re on Facebook

Scan here to view the full photo album hongkongliving.com | 7

PLANNER UNTIL JAN 1

Hong Kong WinterFest Join in a spectacular New Year’s countdown on the harbourfront. Free. Locations vary. discoverhongkong.com

UNTIL JAN 2

Pacific Place “Sincerely Yours” Pacific Place transforms into Santa’s very own printing house. It’s not too late to make giant Christmas cards. Free. 88 Queensway, Admiralty. pacificplace.com.hk

UNTIL JAN 12

Disney’s The Lion King Musical Get in on the action for the Hong Kong premiere of Disney’s The Lion King. Times vary. $399. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau Island. hkticketing.com

UNTIL FEB 16

AIA The Great European Carnival This year’s carnival brings with it games, great prizes, European street entertainers and thrilling rides. Central Habourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. tgec.asia

JAN 19

New Year Urban Retreat Kickstart the new year with classes and workshops led by prominent figures in the yoga, fitness, meditation and nutrition industries. 11am-5pm. $180 (early bird $99 until Jan 3). The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central. hongkongliving.com/shop

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WHAT’S ON Public holidays in 2020 Jan 1 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 28 Apr 4 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 30 May 1 Jun 25 Jul 1 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 26 Dec 25 Dec 26

New Year’s Day Lunar New Year The Third Day of Lunar New Year The Fourth Day of Lunar New Year Ching Ming Festival Good Friday The Day Following Good Friday Easter Monday Birthday of Buddha Labour Day Tuen Ng Festival HKSAR Establishment Day National Day The Day Following Mid-Autumn Festival Chung Yeung Festival Christmas Day The First Weekday After Christmas Day

JAN 1

New Year’s Day Hello, 2020!

JAN 1

New Year’s Horse Racing Place your bets! Sha Tin Race Course. hkjc.com

JAN 6- 9

JAN 12

Not just for kids! This fair is in its 46th edition and features the latest products from over 2,000 exhibitors. $100. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. hktoyfair.hktdc.com

The theme is Eat, Play, Run - the further you run, the more you eat! Distances of 32.195km and 10km. From 4am. $428. streetathon.com

JAN 11

Icelandic pop band tour their long-awaited new album Fever Dream. 8.30pm. $550.

MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok. lastbulletproductions.com

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair

HK 50 Series-Hong Kong West 50 Race three of the HK 50 Series, covering distances of 6km, 10km, 25km and 54km.

From 6.30am. $280. Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater, Tsuen Wan. actionasiaevents.com

Photo Credit: Graham Uden

JAN 12

Clockenflap Presents: Lewis Capaldi The Scottish singer songwriter returns to Hong Kong. 7.30pm. $490. MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok. ticketflap.com

Hong Kong Streetathon

JAN 14

Of Monsters And Men

JAN 15 - FEB 23

Hong Kong KidsFest Nine fantastic shows include The Gruffalo and Mr Men and Little Miss. Times vary. $195. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. kidsfest.com.hk

JAN 5

Hill’s X SPCA Dogathon 2020

Credit: Steve Ullathorne

Woof woof! The biggest dog carnival of the year descends on Lantau. 8.30am-3pm.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Coach Park. dogathon.spca.org.hk

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PLANNER JAN 16 & 18

HK Phil: JAAP’s Beethoven 1 with Lang Lang Jaap van Zweden conducts superstar pianist Lang Lang in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven. 8pm. From $980.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui. ticketflap.com

JAN 17-19

Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race One of the world’s most popular trail running events. Choose from a distance of 56km or 103km. 8am. From $900. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. hk100-ultra.com

JAN 19

Photo credit: Lao Yao

Gammon China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon

JAN 26

Chinese New Year Fireworks Boom! 8pm. Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong’s oldest marathon and half marathon enters its 40th year. 8am. $400. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. avohk.org

JAN 27

JAN 25

Strike it lucky at Sha Tin Racecourse!

11am. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse Stand, Sha Tin. hkjc.com

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Race Day

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

BOOK NOW

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

FEB 8-9

FEB 13-MAR 14

Performed by the Hong Kong Ballet. Times vary. From $200. The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District. hkballet.com

A month-long performing arts festival.

Times, prices and locations vary. hk.artsfestival.org/en

Sleeping Beauty

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok. hkticketing.com

APR 2-26

Cirque du Soleil The famous Canadian circus returns to Hong Kong with Amaluna. Times vary. From $450.

Big Top, Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central. hkticketing.com

FEB 14-16

Longines Masters of Hong Kong This prestigious equestrian event debuts the Asian Arabian Horse Show for the first time.

And a hobby horse competition for kids!

Times vary. From $230. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. longinesmasters.com

Credit: Dancers (from left): Dong Ruixue, Henry Seldon | Creative: Design Army | Photographer: Dean Alexander | Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet

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MAR 18

Marilyn Manson Live in Hong Kong Standing is the only way to go. From $898.

WHAT’S ON

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NEWS

POWER HIKE Electricity bills in Hong Kong are set to rise from January 1. Customers of CLP Power, serving Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau, can expect tariffs to increase by up to 2.5 percent, whilst customers of HK Electric, supplying Hong Kong Island and Lamma, will see tariffs increase by up to 5.2 percent. These increases are the result of the two firms reducing their reliance on coal and moving to cleaner fuel sources in order to meet Hong Kong’s emission targets this year.

However, the announcement of subsidies offered by the government should offset the increases, so that consumers should not be left feeling out of pocket.

PARADING AWAY The Hong Kong Tourism Board has announced that, for the first time since 1996, the 2020 Lunar New Year Parade will be cancelled and replaced with a carnival. The parade which was scheduled to take place on the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year has been considered too risky since the route travels through Tsim Sha Tsui, an

area hard hit by recent protests. In its place, a four-day carnival will feature international acts, food stalls and games. The carnival is scheduled to take place from January 25 to 28, however, the venue is yet to be confirmed. For the most up to date information, visit discoverhongkong.com

HKFC 10S RUGBY TOURNAMENT CANCELLED

FREE SPORTS SESSIONS WITH PROACTIV SPORTS

Last month, the Hong Kong Football Club announced that the 2020 HKFC 10s Rugby Tournament, scheduled for April 1-2, will no longer go ahead. The club cited, “owing to the ongoing situation in Hong Kong, the tournament has, for the first time, had difficulty in attracting and securing firm commitments from enough overseas teams of sufficient quality”. The club goes on to say that in making the decision to cancel what would have been a diminished event in 2020, they instead want to focus on making the 2021 edition even better.

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ProActiv Sports is a one-stop sports solution for both kids and adults, making sporting experiences as convenient as possible.To kick off the new year, the company will be offering free trials on a range of activities including soccer,

basketball, tennis, swimming and gymnastics.

To sign up for a trial, complete an online booking form. Classes are held at locations across Hong Kong, including schools, sports clubs and condos. hk.proactivsports.com

IN YOUR BACKYARD

OCTOPUS ADDS VALUE

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART REOPENS Late last year, Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) in Tsim Sha Tsui reopened after a major renovation. Established in 1962, HKMoA was originally housed in City Hall and featured art from ancient to contemporary. The museum moved to Tsim Sha Tsui in 1991 and closed in August 2015 for renovation and expansion. Exhibition space

On December 1, Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) increased the stored value limit of newly issued Octopus products from $1,000 to $3,000. Existing Octopus customers can upgrade their limit via the Octopus App or at any Octopus Service Point. More than 30 merchants already support payments of up to $3,000 with more merchants expected to follow suit. “From a fast electronic way to pay fares on public transport, the Octopus payment system has expanded to encompass the retail sector covering all walks of life including entertainment, bill payment, charity, online and offline,” says Mr Sunny Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of OCL. “Therefore, we have increased both the stored value limit and transaction value of Octopus to meet customers’ greater spending needs.” octopus.com.hk

was increased to 10,000 square metres and five new galleries were added, including a nine-metre high gallery for larger artworks. Four different entrances to the reception lobby are now open to visitors with a range of new dining outlets looking out over the harbour. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. hk.art.museum

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MUST HAVE

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MUST HAVES Pomegranate Noir Deluxe Candle $560 from Jo Malone jomalone.com.hk

Nelson Style Sunburst Clock, Walnut $1,180 from Decor8 decor8.com.hk

Black Edition Kensu Cushion, Viridian $2,600 from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

Bedroom furniture and accessories to keep you cozy this winter. By Nicole Slater LC4 Chaise Lounge $3,290 from Decor8 decor8.com.hk

Marble Look Octagonal Photo Frame $179 from Marks and Spencer marksandspencer.com/hk

Watercolour Floral Print Duvet Cover $599 from Zara Home zarahome.com/hk

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HK PHILANTHROPIST

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HK PHILANTHROPIST spend my days running HKSF. Most Hong Kongers are against the consumption of shark products. Yet when they are at a friend’s wedding and shark’s fin soup is served, some will still consume the soup out of respect or politeness. This is called passive consumption and is one of the biggest difficulties when it comes to raising awareness in Hong Kong.

Conspicuous consumption is also a problem.

Shark’s fin, like an expensive handbag, is a symbol of luxury so people will consume it just to show off and impress others.

The biggest challenge is acquiring funding.

The older generation in Hong Kong – the people with money and economic status – tend to prefer to donate to charities that centre around helping children, elderlies, the disabled and ending poverty.

Spreading awareness with the team

Meet Hong Kong’s Shark Lady Charmaine Ng talks shark consumption with Andrea Richey, Executive Director at Hong Kong Shark Foundation Shark finning is the practice of cutting the fins off sharks after they are caught and then throwing the carcass of the animal back into the sea. It’s cruel because sharks need to move constantly to keep oxygen-rich water flowing through their gills in order to breathe. Removing their fins results in sharks suffocating and suffering a slow, painful death.

Hong Kong. There are over 400 species of sharks yet only 10 endangered species are protected by law. What’s more, you cannot tell what species of dried shark a fin comes from unless you run complicated DNA tests. This makes the practice of shark finning even harder to stop and even more difficult for shark conservation groups like HKSF to protect sharks.

When it was first introduced in ancient China, shark’s fin soup was celebrated for its succulence and hugely well-received by royalty. Over time, it became a symbol of prestige. Today, it is served at wedding banquets or during special occasions to show off the host’s wealth and status, as well as being a mark of respect to guests. But the biggest reason why shark’s fin, along with three other delicacies – abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw – is still so popular today is because they are heavily marketed by Chinese restaurants.

Sharks play a vital role in regulating the marine environment. They are apex predators and help to control the fish population. Marine ecosystems are delicate and upsetting them could have a destructive effect on the environment.

Scientists estimate that around 100 million sharks are killed each year globally. 50 percent of the world’s shark’s fins are traded through

There are loads of things one can do, no matter how young. Make a pledge, sign petitions, volunteer, raise funds… we have even introduced a Shark’s Ambassador Program for IB students to help raise money and awareness and complete their CAS module while doing so.

What do I hope to see? I hope one day, people will stop buying shark products altogether and understand why we need to each do our part to conserve shark populations to preserve the oceans and the planet.

I was originally working in the corporate world.

It made me delve into what life was really about and what I wanted to do with mine.

I live in Sheung Wan and every day I pass by rows of shops selling shark products. When I started volunteering for charities, the one that stuck out to me the most was working with sharks – sharks don’t have a voice to advocate for them.

I spent three years volunteering full time and now I

Educating children on shark conservation

HKSF is a registered charity dedicated exclusively to shark conservation. Find out more about the trade and how you can help at hksharkfoundation.org

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LOCAL

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LOCAL

Roll up, roll up, it’s showtime

Fairground fun on the Wave Swinger

AIA Carnival lights up the harbourfront. Nicole Slater reports Globe of Death. Tickets from $200 and family packages from $700.

Drum roll please… The AIA Carnival has returned to Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront Event Space for the sixth year running. The Carnival takes place annually between December and February and features amusement rides, carnival skill games, performances on a community stage and The Great Circus of Europe.

Fairground rides

While the organisers note that 2019 has been a challenging year for Hong Kong, they have been committed throughout the past few months to deliver an event that Hong Kong people from all walks of life can experience and enjoy. For general admission there is a “freeze” on last year’s entry prices, here are some of the highlights.

Game Booths

The Great Circus of Europe Located in the iconic gigantic tent, The Great Circus of Europe from the UK will be led

by Ringmaster Ryan and feature clowns, a swinging trapeze and motorbikes in the

New rides include a Ghost Train that cruises through spooky scenes. While the ever popular Starflyer which provides bird’s eye views of the Central Harbourfront will remain a firm fixture. For something more serene, the River Rapids allow a family of four to ride together.

Throw a hoop and win a prize! Succeed at classic game booths such as the Can Smash and Ring Toss to win plush cuddly toys such as The Snowman and characters from Toy Story 4.

Local element While the carnival has a European influence, unique Hong Kong touches remind us to celebrate our home. Local food options include

HK Street Snacks while the event is sponsored by local companies including Salvage Grooming, Asia Miles and Renaissance Hotel.

Environmental considerations As a socially responsible company, the organiser of The Great European Carnival has introduced new environmentally-friendly initiatives throughout the space and reduced their use of single-use plastics. A toy donation station has also been set up to help minimise wastage.

The Great European Carnival runs until February 16. Tickets are $130 including entry and 10 tokens, some online discounts apply.

Entry only costs $40. Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central. tgec. asia/tickets

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COVER STORY

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POSITIVITY

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COVER STORY

The Wheel of Positivity How Hong Kong’s major fitness influencers stay positive in the face of adversity. By Charmaine Ng 22 | hongkongliving.com

New year, new beginnings. This month, we interview six fitness gurus in Hong Kong about their practice and how exercising turned their life around. Even during the worst of times, these inspiring individuals have managed to rise and transform, setting an example for all of us to follow. Their success through turmoil is an important message for our city at the moment.

POSITIVITY JAM ES GAN NABA N Yoga Instructor

Y

oga master James Gannaban has come a long way since 2015 – the year he almost died in a drug overdose. His inability to deal with a stressful Hong Kong life had finally come to a head and in that moment of desperation, his only choice was to seek change. He found yoga at a substance addiction rehab facility along the muddy banks of Chiang Mai’s Ping River and it was there, inundated by subtropical humidity and giant mosquitoes, that he first experienced serenity. After almost a year of self-searching, James returned to Hong Kong and immersed himself in yoga, staying sober to this day.

Through yoga, I learned to slowly accept myself. I learned I didn’t need to conform or please other people. I learned to get out of my own head. I learned all about balance. Life can be frenetic; the body gets tired. As much as we put ourselves through on a daily basis, we need to be mindful to take the opposite actions of rest and recover.

How did fitness turn your life around or help you be more positive?

I had always struggled with some type of addiction. I was a 200-pound teenage overeater. In my 20s, I struggled with alcohol and drugs. I realised through rehab and therapy that my addictions were filling a bottomless hole of insecurity, growing up ‘different’ as the first-born child. I later came to terms with being gay, of which I assumed a permissive and ‘alternative’ lifestyle were de rigueur. I wanted so badly to belong.

How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

Often, my perception of the outside world is a reflection of my internal state.

I take a breath. Taking a breath is my magic “pause” button. It’s the easiest thing I can do to make myself feel better. I literally take a moment to reflect and accept the things I can’t change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

What advice do you have for someone going through a difficult time?

Ask for help. You don’t need to go through this alone. You’re deserving of help. You’re worthy.

U TA H L E E

Nike Master Trainer

F

itness instructor and model Utah Lee is Hong Kong’s first Nike Master Trainer, known for her signature blonde ponytail and positive attitude towards fitness.

Her foray into fitness began more than two decades ago in a chance encounter with an entrepreneur who was setting up a gym in Hong Kong.

Utah decided to help out, starting with odd jobs in customer service, sales, fitness programming and even cleaning, but eventually moved on to teach dance classes. She went on to extend her knowledge by taking numerous fitness training courses has since been teaching to a variety of clients in Hong Kong.

How did fitness turn your life around to help you be more positive?

I have always been an introvert, but since I had to work with people in the service industry, I learned how to ‘fake it until I make it’. Now I love to entertain people and I actually enjoy connecting with strangers and of course the people that I train.

How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

For my work, I often face and interact with a wide range of people and always expect the unexpected. People fighting in class, dealing with sports injuries, embarrassing moments… I usually handle situations like these seriously with a chill attitude. My solution is to stay calm, think clearly and deal with it somewhere else.

What’s your personal definition of healthy?

Exercise regularly, eat relatively healthy, get enough rest and be kind – that leads to a positive and happy mindset!

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COVER STORY V I CTO R CH AU

Co-director of IRIS: Your Escape

A

s a teenager, Victor Chau suffered from a heart disease called ventricular tachycardia, which involves abnormally fast palpitations of the heart of up to 160 to 180 beats per minute for no reason. He was ordered not to do any strenuous exercise and not to drink coffee by the doctor until after his two heart surgeries. When the whole ordeal was over and done with, Victor joined a gym for the first time in his 20s, started doing some light exercise, moving on to a spin class and finally yoga classes. He recalls how unfit he was when his fitness journey began – in fact, he hated yoga when he first started – but he kept trying and eventually got hooked. Today, he exercises regularly, practices yoga everyday and takes his yoga mat wherever he travels.

How did fitness turn your life around or help you be more positive?

Fitness and health is not about being not sick.

It can be seen as a bank where you can never have enough health in your life. If someone like me who had a heart condition for 10 years and two surgeries can now run four to five kilometres, do yoga and teach yoga to hundreds of people, do a handstand for two minutes and do a split, anything is possible. But you need to trust the process and put in the hard work. Not only have

yoga and fitness changed the way my body looks and feels, it also gives me an internal purpose to improve and get better.

How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

There are two reminders for me when things get a little rough in life: 1. Nothing is permanent. Good times, bad times, people we hate, people we love – they shall all pass.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. You just need to work hard to get through it.

2. Be grateful. It is a miracle that we can do what we can today as a human species. Be grateful to people you love, events in your life, big or small. This will give you a whole new level of perspective in life.

What advice do you have for someone going through a difficult time?

Glass half full, half empty? It’s entirely your choice. As mentioned, everything shall pass -

nothing is here forever. When you’re down, the human mind can only see what’s right in front of it. Difficult or happy times – they come and go.

And remember, you are the only person who’s responsible for your health and happiness, stop blaming other people or the circumstances and take ownership of your life.

M A L B E RT L E E Sound Meditation Yogi

M

albert Lee had been practising yoga since he was a teenager but it wasn’t until 2016, during yoga teacher training, did he discover sound meditation.

His favourite teacher would play a singing bowl and gong sound track at the end of each class, which always managed to soothe him. Shortly after, Malbert decided to get his first crystal singing bowl.

He still remembers the first time he chimed the bowl – his whole body instantly filled with warmth, joy and a sense of ease.

It shaped his passion and mission to use sound to destress and elevate the world. Since then, his collection of sound instruments has grown and thousands of people have benefitted from his sound experience internationally.

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How did fitness turn your life around or help you be more positive?

Sound vibration from instruments such as the tuning fork, singing bowls and gong is highly efficient and effective in creating space within our body, promoting circulation and improving sleep quality. When everything flows in harmony in my mind-body, my well-being improves.

How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

Working with high-frequency sound vibration elevates my energy and puts me on a higher state of mind. I’m more aware of the surrounding environment and have the ability to respond to everything calmly instead of reacting with my emotions.

If you could contribute to the Hong Kong society right now in one way, what would you do?

Keep doing what I’m doing right now – use sound vibration to elevate and improve people’s well-being.

POSITIVITY H E M A M I R PU R I

Founder of The Yoga Room

H

ema Mirpuri’s yoga journey began 20 years ago. Drawn in by the physical aspect of the practice, she found her place with hot yoga as it provided her with a challenge. Over the years, her attitude towards yoga began shifting organically – now, Hema focuses more on inner awareness and breathwork rather than simply the physical look of a pose. She sees yoga as a continuing education and is constantly evolving to become a better teacher. Her passion for the practice eventually led her to open her own boutique yoga studio, The Yoga Room, in 2008. The studio offers small focused classes and personalised instructions, led by Hema herself and a team of professional yogis, in the heart of Sheung Wan. How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

I accept that nothing is permanent in life and that

there will always be changes. It is important to stay positive, have faith and know that things will eventually settle and find a balance.

How did fitness turn your life around to help you be more positive?

By doing yoga I find an inner calm within myself whether I am teaching or practising. Coming out of the yoga room, I feel more grounded and ready to deal with what life has in store for me with a more positive outlook.

What’s something not many people know about you?

Aside from teaching adults, I also teach kids.

I started my teaching journey as a kids yoga teacher and have been doing this for more than 16 years. I teach kids of all ages and I think they can be your biggest teacher as they have no issue giving you honest feedback. Teaching them can be a challenge but seeing them grow their practice is so rewarding.

M EL AN I E COX

Programme Director of IRIS: Your Escape

M

elanie Cox grew up playing all types of sports as a kid. She would go swimming and play tennis with her dad before school. After school, she got into field hockey and football, and in her free time, she would rollerblade, skateboard and even go horse riding.

As a teenager, she played for three hockey teams and at one point also three football teams – seven days a week she was on the move. Melanie’s excessive exercise habits eventually led to reoccurring injuries, forcing her to take a year off from sports and running. This seemed like the end of the world to teenaged Melanie but it was a blessing in disguise as it guided her to a spiritual movement journey in yoga, meditation and trekking.

How did fitness turn your life around or help you be more positive?

One of the hardest things to hear as a teen was my physiotherapist telling me that if I didn’t take a break from running I wouldn’t be walking properly by the time I turned 40. It was tough mentally and physically, but the universe works in funny ways. My grandpa had begun to teach me some simple pranayama and chakra meditations.

Simultaneously, my parents suggested I try yoga since they had given it a go for a year. Five years later, I still work daily on getting in tune with my body and maintaining well-being on physical, mental, spiritual and energetic levels.

How do you maintain inner calm when the external world gets chaotic?

Meditation is key, particularly in a city like Hong Kong and with my lifestyle managing several projects at once. It is fundamental to give myself the time to set my day right. By setting intentions, by slowing down my breath to ground me and ultimately to align my inner and outer world so I am present to see the day for what it is and what comes at me. Giving time for myself to meditate is the best gift anyone can give themselves – and it’s free!

What advice do you have for someone going through a difficult time?

Be grateful. It may not feel like it, but tough times mean an opportunity for shift and growth. It is human nature to get settled and comfortable, but

the universe shaking things up and occasionally taking the ground beneath your feet is a blessing in disguise. Be present and mindful of where your lesson is and what growth you can take on.

Your turn! Pull on your gym gear and kickstart 2020 at our Hong Kong Living New Year Urban Retreat on January 19. There will be classes and workshops led by prominent figures in the yoga, fitness, meditation and nutrition industries – and who knows, you may meet some of these fitness influencers yourself! Tickets are $180 (early bird $99 until January 3). The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central. hongkongliving.com/shop

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INTERVIEW It’s that time of the year again: time to turn a new leaf with your 2020 resolutions, start that new workout regimen, and finally join that class you’ve always wanted to try.

But what exactly is it that you want to do?

Clinical psychologist, ex-MMA fighter and local weightlifting champion Dr. Kimberley Carder sees a great deal of clients around this time of year and suggests they tackle this question from a different angle. Instead of agonising over what you want, she suggests you begin by asking yourself who you are now and who you want to become. This mindset helped her decide between two wildly different careers.

CAG E F I G HTER O R C L I N I CAL PS YC H OL OGIST ?

Dr. Carder was given the chance to pursue a career in MMA fighting when, in 2015, she won her first professional bout at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Faced with the choice between completing her psychology doctorate and a cage fighting career, she picked the former.

“I love pushing my body to its limits and seeing what I’m capable of,” says the Hong Kong bred Island School alumnus. “But I was pulling myself too thin. I realised it should be less about proving myself to others, and more about doing things for me.”

Today, Dr. Carder remains active in fitness winning in her age bracket for Hong Kong’s 2018 Powerlifting Championships - but also counsels men and women of various ages.

Here Dr. Carder will coach you through developing your own personal manifesto to help you improve your goal-setting.

Goal setting with a cage fighting psychologist Ex-MMA fighter, weightlifter and clinical psychologist Dr. Kimberley Carder shares her goal-setting secrets with Yasmin Hingun 26 | hongkongliving.com

STEP 1.

PRACTIC E MINDFULN ESS Put aside time everyday to pay attention to your thoughts, mental state and intentions. In order to do this you need to shut out distractions.

“Companies are being paid to steal our attention, so it’s easy to get lost in today’s world,” says Dr. Carder. “But a quiet mind gives you the ability to make good choices.”

The benefits of mindfulness and meditation in reducing stress and gaining mental clarity have long been extolled by thought leaders, from Linkedin CEO Jess Weiner and HuffPo founder Ariana Huffington. With self-awareness, the next steps are easier to progress through.

KIMBERLEY CARDER STEP 2

D RAW IT OUT “We are often crippled by the number of opportunities we have,” observes Dr. Carder.

“Why are you doing what you’re doing?”

To understand yourself in a more structured way, Dr. Carder suggests creating an identity mind map. Start with your name in the middle, then draw branches representing different parts of your persona. Consider the following roles; Familial (mother, partner) Career (entrepreneur, teacher) Interests (actor, basketballer) Friend (party animal, mediator) Cultural (Asian, European, mixed-race) For each branch, write down why it is important to you, outline the skills and activities you have, and play around with how different branches connect to others. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of who you are and a better idea of your values.

STEP 3

C O N S I D E R YOUR VA LUES Your values - for instance integrity, recognition,

challenge, or community are critical to goal setting. “We have some obtuse goals sometimes, especially around New Year’s,” says Dr. Carder.

“But is your life better if you reach that goal?”

A simple exercise can be looking at a long list of values and picking our top three to five, using commonalities between branches in your identity map to single out core principles. “For example, I look at my roles as friend or sister and I see that my value is intimacy, I like to have close connections with people. So I can already see I could attach a goal to that,” explains Dr. Carder.

STEP 4

WRIT E IT DOWN Finally, armed with your identity map and core values, you can write up a personal manifesto, a single sentence that can drive your actions moving forward.

Dr. Carder’s personal manifesto is that she is a clinician, business owner and athlete who engages with people around the mind and body.

“I can say “no” when opportunities don’t align to this, I can ask, ‘why am I pursuing it? It’s not what I want to create’.”

and purposefully in the process of creating your personal manifesto.

R E F L E C T A S AND W H E N N E C E SSA RY “Everyone is different,” points out Dr. Carder. “If your life is moving in a way that resonates with you and you have internal peace, then I don’t think it’s necessary to do an excessive amount of internal reflection, and for some people, they do move through life very smoothly.”

However, when life takes an unexpected turn, Dr. Carder encourages self reflection, which may take the form of following the steps above, or could look entirely different.

“And, as the saying goes, ‘there are people who watch what happens, there are people wonder what happened and there are people who make things happen.”

Dr. Kimberley Carder spends most of her time in Shanghai, but maintains her client base in Hong Kong, returning to her Hollywood Road office on the third weekend of every month. drkimberleycarder.com

Your goals naturally begin to surface more clearly

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DINING

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Changing the world one meal at a time

Meet the Hong Kong chefs at the forefront of sustainability.

By Charmaine Ng and Apple Lee Uwe Opocensky, Executive Chef of Island Shangri-la Hong Kong

DINING Our sustainable picks in Hong Kong

Roganic Chef Simon Rogan has expanded his concept overseas, bringing his original British cooking to Hong Kong just one year after the opening of Roganic in London and four months after the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star. Roganic Hong Kong showcases produce from local farms with a member of staff whose sole job is to source high-quality local supplies. Shop 8, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. roganic.com.hk

John Anthony Cantonese restaurant John Anthony is a shining example of sustainability – it was built and furnished with environmentally-friendly materials, plant-based paints and even the staff uniform was created from deadstock fabrics. The restaurant, adhering to Maximal Concepts’ plastic-free promise, puts a large focus on fully recyclable and biodegradable takeaway containers and has an established relationship with its suppliers regarding produce origins. Shop B01-B10, B1/F, Lee Garden Three, 1 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay. johnanthony.hk

Asaya Kitchen There are local, sustainable food suppliers in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, they are located in rural areas and transportation is not developed enough to reach them easily.

Assistance for organic farmers, who are in the minority, is another challenge. There isn’t enough support from the government for these farmers to implement proper farming methods.

They need more guidance, funding and an association to turn to for advice and help.

Recycling is also a problem here that needs to be addressed. This starts with education through to developing policies and guidelines for people to follow.

At Island Shangri-la, I have introduced ORCA, an innovative food waste handling solution. With ORCA, we collect the food waste from all restaurants and pour it into a machine that breaks down the waste and turns it into

a liquid that can safely flow into the sewage system. This helps us to cut down the food waste by almost 50 percent.

We are also working on menu engineering by looking at portion sizes to ensure we are not producing extra wastage. On top of this, we are considering having a glass crusher which reduces glass to powder or sand and we are planning to collaborate with some local artists to create art pieces from our “garbage”.

I’ve always been keen on sustainability, as well as organic farming. I often do research on the internet to see if there are any new technologies or initiatives going on in other parts of the world that I could implement at Island Shangri-La. There are some Danish leaders in sustainability, such as Chef Christian Puglisi and a restaurant called Amass. These are

Located on the sixth floor of Rosewood Hong Kong, Asaya Kitchen enjoys stunning views of the harbour and serves wholesome, health-conscious fare with responsible sourcing from the sea and soil. Expect an artful Mediterranean and healthy Japanese diet-inspired menu focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers, fisheries and artisans. 6/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. rosewoodhotels.com

some of the people and places that inspire me.

Workshops on related topics are also available for international chefs to discuss and learn.

It is not that difficult to eat sustainably. You can reduce your protein intake by eating less meat and fish, choosing vegetables that are organically grown and by supporting local farmers and producers.

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DINING

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DINING Richard Ekkebus, Culinary Director of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

on the menus of fine dining restaurants to show value and indulgence.

At Amber, we also eliminate single-use plastics. It’s been five years and we are currently 98 percent single-use plastic-free. Another major obstacle is that there are biodegradable alternatives to vacuum bags and cling film, but that these types cannot be processed in Hong Kong yet.

Dairy products have been eliminated from our menu. In total, we have cut down on 35,000 kilograms of produce imported by air – a huge reduction of carbon footprint. We also serve only NORDAQ fresh inhouse filtered and bottled water, which defers plastic and glass bottles from the landfill in huge numbers. We pay attention to every ingredient, sourcing certified fairtrade sugar, chocolate, vanilla, coffee and tea.

The setting at Amber has also been rethought.

We have eliminated tablecloth in favour of naturally tainted off-white linen that cannot be industrially washed with corrosive detergents. We only use energy-efficient LED light fixtures.

There are many problems regarding food sustainability in Hong Kong. The biggest ones are the lack of public and industry awareness and buy-ins.

We have shifted to a new concept in Amber restaurant. Vegetables aren’t simply garnishes, they play the leading role. This is something we still receive a lot of pushback for as guests feel that protein should be featured in large quantities

Shane Osborn, President of Food Made Good Hong Kong and Chef Owner of Arcane and Cornerstone

My family and I shifted to a predominantly plant-based diet last year. But we still eat eggs and dairy from time to time and high-quality animal proteins on rare occasions. travel. We work with smaller farms based around Asia that do everything on site – so we know they are not transporting the produce back and forth between processing plants.

I don’t think it’s normal to be having 500 grams of steak for a meal. You wouldn’t have 500 grams of fish or pork, so why is it okay to have that much steak at once? We serve Wagyu beef here, but we never go over 100 grams of Wagyu per portion.

It’s all about balance and moderation. We can’t tell people to not have meat, but we can give them better quality meat and encourage them to not eat meat as often. If you’re having a threecourse meal and want to have meat as your main, go for a plant-based starter. Instead of having beef all the time, there are so many other options for protein like chicken, pork and fish.

We all need to do something. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing something big or small.

Everyone has a responsibility to take care of the environment. I have two teenager kids and it’s pretty frightening to think of what the world will look like when they grow up.

The biggest carbon footprint in Hong Kong’s restaurant business comes from transportation. We import 95% of our produce and unfortunately there’s no way to get around that. What we can do though is to try to reduce the miles. At Arcane, we do our research and talk to suppliers to find out how far does their produce

You need to understand where your food comes from and how it’s grown to truly appreciate food. Starting from January, everyone in Arcane, both front and back of house, will be working on the terrace, taking care of herbs and produce. When you’re working in the garden, you realise how much time and effort it takes to grow something. You’ll be much less inclined to throw out something just because they are bruised or don’t look pretty.

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DINING

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DINING NEWS

Dining News Dine with legendary culinary figures

Lobster boil Island Shangri-La’s new Sunday brunch brings New Orleans’ iconic flavours and laid back dining experience to their bespoke dining room. Diners can enjoy free-flow whole Boston lobster, short neck clams, blue mussels, razor clams, prawns, sweet corn and French beans – all served from a table side cooking pot. Enjoy free-flow Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Young Master craft beer or join in on a table-side Bloody Mary crafting session for the ultimate Southern experience. $898 per person. Island Shangri-La, Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty. shangri-la.com

TATE Dining Room’s popular Chef-patron, Vicky Lau, will be collaborating with some of the world’s most celebrated female chefs for exclusive dinner events throughout 2020. The legendary culinary figures include Ana Ros, Founder of Hisa Franko; Manu Buffara, Executive Chef and Owner of Restaurante Manu; and Leonor Espinosa, Founder of Restaurant Leo. The collaborations will take place from January through to May, with Ana Ros on January 16-17, Manu Buffara on March 18-19, finishing with Leonor Espinosa’s collerbation on May 13-14. Information about each menu will be unveiled closer to date. 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. tate.com.hk

2020 Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong The 2020 MICHELIN Guide for Hong Kong and Macau was unveiled at City of Dreams in Macau on December 17. The 12th edition of the guide features over 90 restaurants in the region and this year’s list sees plenty of newcomers as well as a few notable omissions. In total, there are two new three-star restaurants, three new two-star restaurants, and 10 new one-star restaurants.

The newly crowned one-star restaurants include powerhouses such as Aaharn, opened by David Thompson in Tai Kwun; both Rùn and L’Envol in St Regis Hong Kong; and our very own editor’s pick for best new restaurant at the Hong Kong Dining Awards 2020, Roganic. Arbor, Wing Lei and Sichuan Moon were awarded two stars while the three-star list remains largely unchanged with Caprice, Jade Dragon, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Lung King Heen, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Robuchon Au Dome, T’ang Court and The Eight retaining their titles. For more information visit hongkongliving.com

Goodbye Cé La Vi Lan Kwai Fong’s popular rooftop bar and Japanese restaurant Cé La Vi has sadly closed its doors after calling California Tower home since 2015. Iconic Locations Limited, the company behind Cé La Vi, comments in an official statement that it is currently exploring other locations in the city to bring back the brand. The

luxurious bar impressed guests until the very end, departing with a bang at its final New Year’s Eve party. Those who still want a taste of Cé La Vi’s unbeatable Japanese cuisine can head over to the recently opened venue in Tokyo and in January 2020, Dubai.

Nectar says goodbye After just half a year, progressive plant-based fine dining restaurant Nectar has announced its closure in late December. The restaurant, previously known as Grassroots Pantry, reopened as Nectar in July 2019. In an official statement, Executive chef and owner, Peggy Chan, stated, “over the past few months we have done everything in our power to restore cash flow and keep the business afloat. As a family run social enterprise, our financial resources are only so limited. My team and I are so incredibly proud of what we have put out these past couple of months and we are honored to have served every single guest.” The restaurant will remain tentatively at its current location until March 2020 and will still be open for hosting private dinners and events. G/F, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. nectarexperience.co

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EDUCATION S P O RT S Pure Yoga Pure Yoga offers yoga enthusiasts and current teachers a wide range of workshops, retreats, and Yoga Alliance Accredited Teacher Training courses ranging from 25-hours CETs to 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training. Tuition fees range from $3,500 to over $56,000. Module dropins and morning intensive options are available.

Multiple locations including 16/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central. pure-yoga.com

Aberdeen Boat Club

Insight School of Interior Design

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

From pottery to interior design, learn something new in 2020. By Charmaine Ng From art classes for adults to learning the ukulele or spinning a pottery wheel, it’s never too late to do that thing you’ve always wanted to learn how to do. Now is the perfect time to enrol in a hobby class. Not only will you have a new skill, but challenging yourself at any age can be rewarding in itself.

C AREER CH AN G I N G

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) The international college for creative minds, SCAD, has four campuses offering full-time, parttime and less-than part-time creative-industry related degrees. But for those who are unable to gain access to a SCAD campus, you also go online. 292 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po. scad.edu

Insight School of Interior Design

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK)

Insight School is Hong Kong’s only specialised interior design school where students are taught by international experts in the industry and get to work on real-life projects with real-life clients.

The school offers over 20 short courses on topics like Design & Styling, Feng Shui and Art & Interiors year-round. There are also part-time and full-time certificates and diplomas. 24/F, Federal Centre, 77 Sheung On Street, Chai Wan. insightschoolhk.com

OUHK provides about 220 full-time and parttime programmes in a wide range of practical and professional courses from Art & Social Sciences, Business & Administration, Education & Languages, Nursing & Health Studies as well as Science & Technology. Apart from four campuses around Kowloon, a new learning facility, the Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare in Ho Man Tin will be completed in 2020. 30 Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin. ouhk.edu.hk

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Aberdeen Boat Club has adult beginner sailing courses that you can enjoy during the weekends.

Learn how to operate the “Pico” one-person dinghy and the “Laser 2000” two-person dinghy before embarking on a journey from Aberdeen to Middle Island. 20 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen. abclubhk.com

Hong Kong Sports Institute Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, there is always a sports programme for you at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, which offers a variety of programmes specially designed by professional coaches. Courses include swimming, badminton, tennis, table tennis, squash, Tai Chi and wushu, organised for participants of all ages and abilities. 25 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. hksi.org.hk

M US IC M.int Academy Cultivate your musical talent with M.int Academy, which provides private one-on-one and semi-private classes for adults in more than seven different instruments. Or grab a buddy and join the adult’s choir or acapella group.

ADULT EDUCATION Chen Style Tai Chi Institute

No auditions required! 19/F, Casey Aberdeen House, 38 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. mintacademyhk.com

Sign up for a course at this local Tai Chi school ($1,500 for four classes) to experience how this internal martial art can do wonders to your mind and body. 135 Bonham Strand Trade Centre, 135 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. taichielite.com

Hong Kong Harp Chamber The harp is a relatively easy stringed instrument to learn and it emits a beautiful, haunting sound.

The Hong Kong Harp Chamber offers classes for beginners and amateurs ($1,080 for three lessons) at its centre in Wan Chai. 18/F, CKK Commercial Building, 289 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. harpchamber.com

Parkland Music Institute Fancy learning the guitar but dread the tricky chords? Try the ukulele, a reduced version of the guitar with four strings instead of six and reachable notes that can minimise wrist tension.

Parkland Music Institute with various locations runs Ukulele course for people of all levels (from $125 for 30 minutes). 8/F, Ginza Square, 567 Nathan Road, Mong Kok. parklandmusic.com.hk

A RTS AND C R AF T S LUMP Studio LUMP Studio is a community of potters and ceramic makers of all levels. Inside their workshop, you will find dedicated areas and special equipment for pottery and stocks of different clays, glazes, oxides and slips. 11A, Gee Luen Hing Industrial Building, 2 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang. lumpstudio.com.hk

International Social Service HK

Hong Kong Photography Workshop With classes like Photography 101, Neon Nightcrawlers and Intro to Lightroom, photographers of all skill levels can explore Hong Kong in a new light under the guidance of professional photographers. Class sizes are small with no more than eight students. Classes last three to four hours and private lessons are also available. Unit 602, Yue Shing Commercial Building, 15 Queen Victoria Street, Central. hkphotoworkshop.com

Twinkle Dance Company Twinkle Dance Company offers adult dance programs in both Contemporary and Ballet.

Experienced dance teachers instruct each movement, perfect for those who have a little or no dance experience. Twinkle Dance Company holds both Contemporary and Ballet classes for adults twice a week. Shop 311, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. twinkledance.com

HKTA offers 10-week acting courses throughout the year in both English and French languages.

With professional coaches covering body exploration, voice work, teamwork and characterbuilding, they will bring out the inner talent in each individual. 1/F, Kai Wah Building, 137 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan. hkta.org.hk

TakeOut Comedy Club

Art Loop has something for all aspiring artists, from beginners to those who want to become art teachers. There are a variety of adult art courses including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and art history. Come with your old friends or meet some new ones and learn in the gallery-like environment. Unit 1001, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang. artloop.hk

CO O K ING

PER F O R M ING A RT S

HK Theatre Association (HKTA)

Art Loop

Hong Kong government offers heavily subsidised beginner, intermediate and advanced Cantonese courses for just $100 at the International Social Service’s HOPE Centre in Wan Chai. The 50-hour course, held over about 17 sessions, focuses on learning spoken Cantonese with a local teacher, covering topics such as food, culture, shopping, travel and weather. It primarily caters for nonChinese speaking ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, but leftover places are offered to any non-Chinese speaking expatriates. 6/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. isshk.org

The first full-time comedy club in Asia offers standup comedy workshops once a month for people who want to practice their public speaking or simply bring more joy to their lives. The course is $800 and includes a free one-on-one session with the coach. All classes are held in English. 34 Elgin Street, Central. takeoutcomedy.com

C H INE S E CULT UR E Homeland Tea Garden Tea drinking is a refined activity for personal enjoyment or with fellow tea lovers. Homeland Tea Garden runs a two-hour introduction course on tea appreciation conducted in English. 7 Mallory Street, Wan Chai. homelandteagarden.com

Complete Deelite Complete Deelite has a huge selection of classes to choose from including decorating basics, seasonal workshops and even allergy-friendly courses. 2/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central. completedeelite.com

Yum Cha If you’re a fan of Yum Cha’s cute steamed buns with googly eyes, you’ll be delighted to know that they offer a private dim sum workshop for $500 per adult. The restaurant’s chefs will guide you through the process of making hot custard buns, shrimp siu mai and more. After the hard work, reward yourself with a complimentary afternoon dim sum tea set, where you can sample your own creations as well as Yum Cha’s other quirky offerings. 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central. yumchahk.com

ABC Cooking Studio Japanophiles, rejoice! You can now learn the art of Japanese cuisine at ABC Cooking Studio, which offers small group classes catered for beginners. The studio has five types of courses – Bread, Cake, Cooking, Wagashi and Kids – so let your appetite choose for you! Multiple locations including Shop 148, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing. abc-cooking.com.hk

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SPORTS

Keep on running Nicole Slater kick starts her New Year resolutions on these running trails 36 | hongkongliving.com

TRAIL RUNNING

Photo credit@ Joe Ho

Tai Hang/Black’s Link/Bowen Road loop Distance: 7km This popular trail takes you around Wan Chai and Happy Valley on natural running ground interspersed with occasional pathed sections.

Kick off with a steep incline at the taking you up to the Peak, once you’ve reached the top it’s all downhill from there, with a significant portion of the trail being flat. The 7km route takes about 20-30 minutes depending on your running ability, perfect for a pre-office workout.

Trail runner, Joe Ho

promise of a swim at the end of it all will ensure this run feel anything but strenuous.

Kowloon Waterfront Distance: 4km Hop aboard the Star Ferry over to Kowloon and take a leisurely run along the waterfront. From the Star Ferry Terminal head east and continue through Hung Hom Promenade before rounding off your 4km Fisherman’s Wharf. This run is flat all the way with plenty to see including Canton Railway Clock Tower, Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art, just be sure to avoid this run on weekends when the waterfront can get a little too crowded!

The Central Green Trail Distance: 5km If you fancy something with more of an incline, The Central Green Trail winds up towards Victoria Peak from Barker Road, following the tram line.

The route can be a little strenuous but this is counteracted with stunning views. When you reach the top take your pick of breakfast spots including the recently opened Rajasthan Rifles which opens from 8am and firm favourite, The Peak Cafe.

Pauline Revet

Hong Kong Trail Distance: 50km If you’re in it for the long run, so to speak, the Hong Kong Trail covers a 50km radius and divides into eight sections, from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay. Start at Lugard Road and follow the marker posts every 500 meters. You don’t have to commit to running the full 50km in one day as there are exit points every 11km.

Need a break from the trails?

Happy Valley Race Track Infield is a public park in the centre of Happy Valley Racecourse.

Within the park is a 1.37km jogging track open to the public daily, except on race days.

Path from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay

View from the top

Seaview Promenade Distance: 2.73km Ease into the new year on this flat paved path running from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay. The 2.73km route connects the two beaches, we find it’s best to start early at Deep Water Bay and end at Repulse Bay in time for a hearty breakfast at one of The Pulse’s many restaurants. The

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ZIM CITY

High hopes for new district council Paul Zimmerman on the recent election results in the Southern District The democrats won the district councils with 57 percent of the vote. The election results reconfirmed that between 54 and 60 percent of voters in Hong Kong support the democrats.

What made the difference this time was two-fold.

For the first time the democrats had candidates running in every constituency. Secondly, voters perceived the election as a referendum. One side considered it a referendum on the governance of Hong Kong. The other side considered it a referendum on violent protests. All disregarded the experience of incumbents. As a result, the democrats won more than 80 percent of the seats, or 388 out of 452. With that, democrats will be able to elect 117 more members of the chief executive election committee when it starts its new term in 2022.

Till then what will the democrats do with their control of 17 out of the 18 district councils? The Secretary for Home Affairs congratulated the elected councillors and reminded them of their role: to promote community building and to create a better living environment. The reminder was

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unnecessary. The councillors are keen to do a good job for their communities so that they can get re-elected in four years’ time.

The newly minted councillors can be expected to flex their muscles with engagement of their communities in deciding the works and services required. A major roadblock in getting things done has been removed. In the Southern District Council proposals often died a tortuous death simply because the pro-establishment majority only supported their own ideas.

With 15 out of the 17 Southern District Councillors now democrats we can put weight behind our ideas. We have created a jointplatform and a work plan for the four years ahead. Walkability, cycling, trail enhancement, better hygiene, improved transport, coping with wild boars, and the list goes on. Importantly, we are keen to kick start local economic development to counter the loss of business Hong Kong has suffered with the trade war and contestations over Hong Kong’s governance.

Pok Fu Lam

Importantly, great effort will be made to make the work of the councils more transparent and inclusive. Besides place making programs, councilors are mulling over plans to establish youth councils, inviting secondary school students to propose, to vote on and to nominate ideas for action by the district councils.

I hope that the government will embrace the new councils and give their full support. In the last terms we had access to new budgets for signature projects and extra budgets for minor works. Let’s see that this practice is going to continue. With trust and encouragement I’m confident that the new term of district council will surprise many.

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

ZIM CITY

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BOOKS & PODCASTS

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BOOKS & PODCASTS

BO O K REVIEWS

Sunset Survivors, by Lindsay Varty

A Small Band of Men, by Les Bird

Sporty Girl Journals, by Alicia Lui

Professional rugby player and now author, Lindsay Varty celebrates Hong Kong’s character and cultural identity through her coffee table book, Sunset Survivors: Meet the people keeping Hong Kong’s traditional industries alive. She focuses on Hong Kong’s disappearing traditional industries, also known as ‘sunset industries’, and the tradesmen and women behind them from fortune telling to letter writing. A fascinating look at traditional Hong Kong through candid interviews, facts and photographs taken

by Gary Jones. Available at bookshops all around Hong Kong or buy online from $288 at sunsetsurvivors.com

British-born Les Bird joined the Hong Kong Marine Police in 1976 and shares his tales in A Small Band of Men. As the longest serving officer of the Marine Police, Bird’s gripping memoir details the issues and cases he dealt with over his 20 years of service, such as the smuggling between the mainland and Hong Kong in the leadup to the handover. Both well written and full of Hong Kong’s history, this is a book you won’t want to put down! Available at Swindon, Kelly & Walsh, and Hong Kong Book Centre for $180. earnshawbooks.com

Alicia Lui, founder of volunteer-led non-profit initiative Women In Sports Empowered Hong Kong (WISE HK), aims to encourage girls to participate in sport and make it a lifelong habit. The journals combine stories of inspiring female athletes in Hong Kong, space for recording sports experiences, and creative activities to engage in. So whether you or your daughters are sporty or not, this book encourages positive associations with sports.

Available at Gone Running and T8 Labs (both in Wan Chai), Lantau Base Camp in Mui Wo and Bookazine stores across Hong Kong.

For Hong Kong enthusiasts

For history buffs

For mums & daughters

PO D C AS T REVIEWS

Hong Kong Confidential

#impact with Regina Larko

Morning Brew

For fascinating stories from regular people living their lives in Hong Kong, look no further than Jules Hannaford’s Hong Kong Confidential podcast. Designed to educate and entertain, Hannaford learns about individuals’ personal journeys and secrets from community leaders, psychologists, human rights defenders, business women, LGBTQ+ activists and more. Listen at hongkongconfidential.net

Austrian Regina Larko launched the #impact podcast in February 2017 to raise awareness of those that give back to society, such as charities, social enterprises, NGOs and even individuals. Through Larko’s refreshing and intimate chats with people about what they do and the challenges they face, she encourages listeners to make small changes and be inspired to engage in different causes. Recent episodes include stories from nonprofit KELY Support Group and making sailing accessible from Sailability. Listen at hashtagimpact.com

Add this podcast to your morning routine for music, topical conversation and exciting guests. Host Phil Whelan will keep you entertained with his vast variety of topics ranging from cookery to the arts. Keep up to date with all of the latest news and trends as he delves into a new world of niche interests and political conversation. Past episodes have covered motion dynamics, films and wine experts. Listen on rthk.hk or download from itunes.

For philanthropists

For your commute

For soul-searchers

hongkongliving.com | 41

HOROSCOPE

Hong Kong Horoscopes: January 2020

Jan 21 – Feb 19

May 22 – Jun 21

Sep 24 – Oct 23

Aquarius, I’m certain that something will go your way this month, and it’s all down to your hard work. Good job! But this is no time to rest on your laurels. Consider the city’s skyscrapers: each was the tallest in the city, until the next one was built, and so on. If you don’t keep reaching upwards, you’ll soon find others towering above you.

Door gods, IFC buildings, glasses of wine: Gemini, you don’t need me to tell you that good things come in twos. When it comes to pairs, you know best. But here’s a question: have you thought of doing things in ones? Doublingup often works, but sometimes the simple approach is best. Keep your life elegantly single for a while and see what happens.

Libra, you’ve noticed someone looking particularly good this month. Why could it be? Is it a new haircut, or a new pair of shoes? No, it’s nothing superficial: They must be working on their inner life. Are they making time for themselves?

Following their dreams? Or just getting seven hours of sleep a night? Ask them what the secret is, and next month others will be asking you.

Feb 20 – Mar 20

Jun 22 – Jul 22

Oct 24 – Nov 22

I predict that the month ahead will be a good one for you, Pisces. That’s not because I gazed into a mysterious crystal ball. Nope: I bit into a delicious fish ball. As a delightful mix of texture and flavour exploded in my mouth, I thought to myself: If I can buy a skewer of fish balls for less than $10, then happiness can really be had at any price.

Love can be difficult, especially in this transient city. No sooner do you fall for someone, then they announce they’re moving to Dubai. It’s a tricky thing to manage, Cancer. But take heart from the fact that if they can move, so can you. But not to Dubai: I suggest that you just move on, instead.

Sometimes, getting life to go your way can feel just as impossible as trying to find a taxi to cross the harbour. But then again, there are crossharbour taxi stands - and do you know about the “under the waves” hand motion that tells out-ofservice taxis you want to cross? In taxis and life alike, if you position yourself for success then it’s far easier to get to the other side.

Mar 21 – Apr 20

Jul 23 – Aug 22

Nov 23 – Dec 21

What’s bugging you this month, Aries? Is your boss being difficult about “KPI’s”, “deliverables”, “milestones” and other such interminable business jargon? It can be annoying to listen to, which is why I want to channel your inner OL. Be like a Hong Kong Office Lady and you’ll be able to detach from the stress and concentrate on the important things.

Leo, what was the last really good party you went to? Was it a swanky soiree on The Peak?

A messy Lan Kwai Fong bar crawl? A beachside Shek O BBQ? Chances are, what made it wasn’t even the event itself but the people you were with. Cherish your friends, Leo, before you end up at yet another cocktail party filled with people you can barely stand. taste better.

What’s that smell? Is someone eating tofu around the corner? Feel free to wrinkle your nose - but have you ever tried it, Sagittarius?

I can promise you that the smell is a lot worse than the taste. And an adventure might be just what you need this month. Start with something culinary, and you might surprise yourself.

Apr 21 – May 21

Aug 23 – Sep 23

Dec 22 – Jan 20

Taurus, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the world is against you at the moment. What with politics, love and finances all feeling a little shaky, no wonder you’re worried. But take heart and stay bullish, Taurus: we live in times of change. And like a wet market butcher brandishing two cleavers, change can cut both ways.

You probably know that “Kowloon” means “nine dragons”. But do you know why? The nine dragons represent the eight peaks of Kowloon… and the ninth is the boy emperor Bing of Song, who fled to Hong Kong to escape the Mongols.

The innocent boy emperor ruled for less than a year and his dynasty ended with him. Remember that what we build up can be taken away, Virgo.

Money worries getting your goat, Capricorn?

Maybe you’re not expecting to haul in as much lai see as usual this CNY? Take heart, friend.

You might not be scooping up Mark Six-style cash - but then again, no one else does either.

Don’t worry: there’s wealth in your future, and it’ll appear like a typhoon 8 on a Monday - just when you need it most.

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HOROSCOPE

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PETS

Ask a vet…

Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.

My dog keeps getting sores and holes in the pads on her paws. Our vet treats with a cleaning solution and cream, but why does this keep happening and what I can do to prevent it?

Your vet should fully investigate the possible causes, or you should consider finding a vet who will.

Obviously the medications you have been given aren’t working. That is most likely because it’s not the correct treatment for the root cause of the problem. Holes in the pads could be due to 1) a local problem such as an infection, trauma, self-destruction, parasites or allergies, or 2) a systemic problem resulting in signs in the pads such as poor nutrition, deficiencies. Your vet has options to perform diagnostic tests including taking tissue specimens, performing cytology on debris in the pad area or blood tests, faecal and urine analysis. Once the results are obtained your vet will better understand the cause and hopefully advise on prevention.

With so much talk about dog poisoning, I really worry about my dog when I take her for a walk.

What should I do if she happens to ingest poison?

The best way to avoid this situation is to NOT allow your dog access to a poison. If that means walking your dog on a lead for exercise with a muzzle, so be it. Keep away from known hot spot areas for poisoners e.g. Bowen Road or around signs advising that rat bait has been laid. If you catch your dog in the act of eating a potential poison first try and remove it. If you know or suspect that your dog has ingested a poison, it’s best to immediately call a vet and let them know you are on the way. Consult with the vet who can if indicated, induce vomiting in your pet and perform gastric lavage (so long as the poison is not more than two hours in the tummy). Try to get a sample and photograph of the poison as that can help the vet work out the best treatment options.

I’ve just lost my hamster and I’m really sad about it. Do you have any advice for dealing with grief after a pet dies?

Dealing with the death of a beloved pet can be very confronting. Suppressing emotions have been shown to be detrimental to health. Being allowed to express feelings of grieving help people cope with the stages of grief. These follow a path that classically starts with 1) shock and denial, plus 2) emotional release or body reactions, often followed by 3) guilt then 4) anger leading to 5) depression and panic to eventually turn into 6) acceptance or idealisation and 7) realisation that you can live with the loss of your pet. I encourage you to discuss your feelings of emotions and thoughts with others and hopefully you can move through the perfectly normal and recognized stages of grief to a stage when you can remember what a wonderful life your pet hamster had with you.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com 44 | hongkongliving.com

What to plant in

J

January

anuary is an intolerable, bleak winter month with an average high and low temperature of 18°C / 14°C (64.4°F / 57.2°F), not to mention the never-relenting humidity.

But that’s the worst our garden will experience. We now stand at the start of 2020, a time of exciting beginnings and self-challenging endeavors. If you have doubt for your garden, appreciate uncertainty, for it keeps us planting.

Chop chop, slap on your apron and roll up your sleeves. Let us roll in the dirt and dig our greens.

Use this time wisely by planting cuttings of Violets, Geraniums and Hydrangeas. If you’re looking to add some creepers to your collection, now is the time to put in Beaumontia Grandiflora, Bignonias Solanum Wendlandii and Tecoma Capensis.

Don’t forget to prune those Allamandas, Clerodendrum Nutans and your Plumbago Capensis!

Moving onto our fruitful vegetable garden, tis’ the season to sow seeds of Chinese spinach, French beans. Peas, Cucumber, Tomato, Sweet Corn and Chinese Long Beans. Be sure to obtain your seeds from a reliable seedsman if you want a guaranteed germination.

Earth up sprouted Celery as required and give the beds a good watering.

Cuttings of the following flowering shrubs may be made at the end of the month: Abelia Chinensis, Allamandas, Barleria Cristata, Beloperone Oblongata and Buddleia Asiatica.

Exciting news for your Gloxinias.

They may now be big enough to shift into their flowering pots, a new home for the new year - how nice.

One piece of advice: Do not set your resolutions lightly, for when unfulfilled, they will haunt you at the end of the deed. Whatever plans and dreams you have for your babies, be responsible, plough through it and make sure they grow and thrive. Don’t worry if errors or unexpected issues arise. That is the way of life and so be it.

By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.

Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.

PETS

hongkongliving.com | 45

MARKETPLACE

marketplace

To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

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MARKETPLACE

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BACKPAGE

A touch of eastern humor Keep the weird news coming or we may be forced to be serious Only in Hong Kong do concrete towers carry names like “Lush Verdant Garden”.

Only in Hong Kong does minced beef in supermarkets cost twice as much per gram as copper on the precious metals market.

Only in Hong Kong are pizzas topped with tinned fruit salad, Thousand Island Dressing, octopus slices and chicken sausages.

Only in Hong Kong are the corridors larger than the apartments to which they lead.

Only in Hong Kong would someone name an eatery “The Quite Good Chinese Restaurant”.

A BOY NAMED Hal Warden, 12, divorced his wife, Wendy, 14. She complained to the judge: “He was acting like a 10-year-old.”

That’s a true story from the US state of Tennessee which is remembered with great affection by humor columnists such as the present writer.

That’s because it appeared in the very first News of the Weird syndicated newspaper column, in 1988.

That was the same year this writer started penning funny-but-true humour columns about Asia, announcing the launch of a medical facility in Taipei called “The Happy VD Clinic”.

Readers with long memories may also remember my news report about the mis-spelling of a Hong Kong psychotherapists’ job title on his business card as “Psycho the Rapist”.

Funny news is important. Without it, people will discuss boring serious things such as politics, the impending end of civilisation, etc.

So I am happy to be working with the team at Hong Kong Living to launch this new column.

How things have changed! The West used to be the homeland of all things amusing. When I started as a reporter, the only news from China was about the National Chinese People’s Congress Plenary Sessions, the mere mention of which induces instant sleep in anyone with a functioning----zzzzzzzz.

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Oops, sorry about that. Just dropped off for a moment.

But Asia has asserted itself in this important area of human achievement.

Now people here share wonderful true stories about happenings in this region. Example: A reader forwarded me a story about a mechanic in Sichuan, China, working on an oversized truck tire which exploded. He flew into the air and landed on a nearby rooftop, perfectly intact except for his trousers, which had “completely vanished” according to the report.

Being deposited whole on a housetop is astonishing enough, but the missing trousers turned it into comedy gold. You can just imagine the householder standing on the roof hanging her washing and the pants-less guy saying: “Esteemed madam! I can explain!”

As well as the great tales pouring from China, we have the happy fact that Hong Kong is definitely Asia’s funniest city.

Only in Hong Kong will you find a building called Greenish Court which is not green—and a short building called Skyscraper.

Only in Hong Kong is ownership of a lawn mower the ultimate status symbol.

Only in Hong Kong do you find mystery foodstuffs labeled “Four-Legged Chicken” in the local supermarket, and “Broiled Salmon Leg” in a Kowloon restaurant.

Only in Hong Kong do you laugh your way through each day.

Laughs are particularly important now, since Hong Kong has been through a terrifying rough patch. I refer, of course, to the rise in the price of pork, which is now catching up, centimeter-forcentimeter, with the cost of car park spaces.

Because the theme of this magazine is Hong Kong Living, we’ll be focusing on stories of life in this blessed city, and because this is an observations-type column, it will rely on shared effort. You send in the anecdotes, I get the money. Think of it as teamwork.

Tag, you’re it.

I mean, think about it: Only in Hong Kong do car park spaces cost more than cars.

Only in Hong Kong do shops have signs saying: “Octopus is Welcome.”

Only in Hong Kong is your security guard eight times older than your building.

Nury Vittachi can be contacted at nury@ vittachi.com or through his Facebook page

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