EASTER | SUNRISE HILL | JELLYFISH | HOME & LIVING
hongkongliving.com
APR 2021
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CONTENT S — 0 4 / 2 1
16 COVER STORY
Celebrate our first-ever Home & Living Awards
4 CONTRIBUTORS
24 BIG DAY OUT
6 PEOPLE
26 DINING
8 THE PLANNER
28 EDUCATION
Meet the team
Out and about in Central
What’s on in April
10 NEWS
What’s happening in our backyard
13 FIVE MINUTES WITH
Aaron Lee founder of Dash Living
15 LOCAL
32 HOROSCOPES
Wake up on Sunrise Hill
33 PETS
Our top picks for Easter brunch
An exclusive look around Invictus School Hong Kong
Dr Pauline Taylor on a sad reality of rabbits and chickens
35 HONG KONG DATING
31 MUST HAVES
Here’s what’s written in the stars for you this month
How to resolve relationship conflicts
36 BACKPAGE
Easter goodies for your basket
10
Nury Vittachi on the Royal family
24
The Hong Kong Jellyfish Project
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26 28
“A house is made of brick and mortar, but home is made by the people who live there” ~ M. K. Soni
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EDITOR’S LETTER If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that our home is more important than ever. Recognising this, Hong Kong Living is proud to present the firstever Home & Living Awards (page 16), celebrating the brands and designers who make our houses feel like home. We shot this month’s wonderful cover at the recently opened Hari Hong Kong. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the suite we photographed boasts timber panelling, natural linen wallpaper and plush velvet upholstery. Speaking of feeling at home, we sat down with Aaron Lee, founder of co-living community, Dash Living (page 13). He shares his plans for the new generation of rental solutions for urban professionals. You can’t stay at home all the time, so with Easter around the corner there is no better time to get out and about. We round up the best brunch spots in town for a beachside munch or a harbourview free-flow (page 26). While you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for jellyfish, outdoor education professional John Terenzini has set up The Hong Kong Jellyfish Project to help track those mysterious creatures (page 15). Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend with lots of chocolate and a cheeky glass of bubbly.
Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaine@hongkongliving.com Dining Editor Amber Lai, amber@hongkongliving.com
Design Graphic Designer Vicky Lam, vicky@hongkongliving.com Yankee Tsang, yankee@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Sales and Partnership Manager Debbie Ky, debbie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com
Publisher
Things we love
Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us 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
talk@hongkongliving.com
Explore the world
CBD cookies
Just because we can’t travel freely at the moment doesn’t mean our taste buds can’t either. Nespresso’s new coffee range, World Explorations, features coffee rituals from six cities across the globe including Tokyo, Vienna and Cape Town. nespresso.com
As if Cookie DPT couldn’t get any better, the popular baked goods brand has joined forces with Life Pure CBD to offer a sweet treat with a relaxing kick. The CBD infused cookie is available until April 18. cookiedpt.com
Covid-19 update
As Hong Kong Living goes to print we have done our best to keep our content as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but life under Covid-19 regulations means things tend to change, often from day-to-day. Please check with local businesses for operation hours and services available and remember, stay safe.
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@hongkongliving @hongkongliving852
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com 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.
Photo: Karin Bremer Location: The Hari Hong Kong
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CONTRIBUTORS
Valentina Tudose
Nury Vittachi
Certified relationship coach and clinical hypnotherapist Valentina Tudose, shares her advice on how to resolve ongoing relationship conflicts in our monthly dating column.
Nury Vittachi is the Hong Kongbased 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
Adrian McCarroll The driving force behind the bespoke residential interior design service, Original Vision is Adrian McCarroll. With over twenty seven years of experience working as an architect in Asia, he has overseen the company’s growth and continues to be actively involved in all projects. He shares his story in this month’s cover story.
Karin Bremer Dutch-Australian photographer Karin runs photography company Karin Bremer Photography offering a range of photography services including family portraits, events and commercial product services. This month she shot our interior design influencers at The Hari Hong Kong. karinbremer.com
Oliver Corrin The Hari Hong Kong The location for this month’s wonderful cover was The Hari Hong Kong’s suite living room. The newly opened hotel was designed by Tara Bernerd of Tara Bernerd & Partners.
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As regional director at CADA Design, Oliver Corrin has spent over the last decade managing large scale F&B/retail and hospitality projects. Working with clients such as Fortnum & Mason, The Dorchester Hotel, Aldi and Lotte creating both commercially successful and pioneering concepts.
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PEOPLE
Out and about in Central
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SNAPPED
Hong Kong Living x Aston Martin celebrate International Women’s Day
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PLANNER
Mark your calendars for these April events $280. Star Hall, Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre. hkticketing.com
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Hong Kong Living Easter Fair Join us at The Pulse for two days of pop-ups, activities and Easter fun. Children will love the rooftop activities and a fun-filled Easter egg hunt. 11-6pm. Free. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. hongkongliving.com
APR 10
The Vow Open Day For those looking for the perfect wedding venue, The Vow’s open day will let you experience the breathtaking 180º Seaview of Repulse Bay where you can say I do. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. thevow.com.hk
APR 5
HK50 WEST Run from Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater across Maclehose Trail to the Lung Mun Country Trail in a 6km, 10km, 25km or 54km race. 6:30am. From $180. Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater, Tsuen Wan. actionasiaevents.com
UNTIL APR 4
UNTIL APR 17
A five week live theatre festival with classical piano, Western opera and ballet performances. Online and in various locations including Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. From $170. hk.artsfestival.org
The third and final constituent of the Monsoon Series 2020-2021. The spring boat race will take place in outer Port Shelter and the outlying islands. From $225. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk
Hong Kong Arts Festival
San Miguel Monsoon Spring Series
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Life Mart – Scream It Out! Pet Carnival Support over 100 local businesses at this handicraft market. Featuring hilarious screaming chickens and fascinating workshop experiences. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. thepulse.com.hk
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Hong Kong International Film Festival Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the festival through virtual and theatre screenings of films celebrating Chinese cinema and local talent. From $55. hkiff.org.hk
APR 2
Good Friday Enjoy the long weekend and keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny.
APR 2-3
Peppa Pig Live Follow along with Peppa and friends at her live show, featuring new music and adventures. From
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UNTIL MAY 3
Le French May Exhibition From April 29 to May 3, enjoy a showcase of over 20 foreign photographers and sculptors with the theme of rebirth to celebrate the energy of life. All profits will be donated to Children of Mekong, to educate children and access a better life. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. thepulse.com.hk
WHAT’S ON
Book Now MAY 2
MAY 9
Mother’s Day
women and girls in sailing. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung. hhyc.org.hk
Run like a hero in Hong Kong’s first Wonder Woman Run. Individual participants can choose between a 3km, 5km or 10km course, while families can run together on a 3km course. A portion of proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong. 7am-3pm. From $398. Hong Kong Science Park. wonderwomanrunhk. championchiphkc.com
Celebrate mum this Sunday. Flowers and breakfast in bed would be much appreciated.
NOV 5-7
Wonder Woman Run
MAY 21-30
Steering the Course Hebe Haven Yacht Club and Sailability HK will be hosting a global women’s sailing festival featuring on-and-off-water activities and events to encourage participation by
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Hong Kong’s biggest party is back (hopefully) with a three-day rugby fest. Put on your best costume and head to the South Stand early. hksevens.com
NOV 26-28 Clockenflap
The harbourfront music festival returns after a two year hiatus. Artists and performers are yet to be announced. clockenflap.com
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
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NEWS
INSTAGRAM PIER CLOSES TO THE PUBLIC The popular Instagram Pier in Kennedy Town, also known as the Western District Public Cargo Working Area, has been closed to the public. While access to the pier was never legal, the government tolerated its use and the pier was even promoted on the Hong Kong Tourism Board website. Residents and visitors were shocked to find its gates locked and guarded last month. Those who attempted to access the location were informed they needed a staff card to prove they worked there. The Hong Kong Government has since stated Covid concerns as its reason for closing the pier, but many residents believe rising tension between visitors and cargo workers was the cause.
HONG KONG SETS RECORD FOR HIGHEST RENT The city’s property market has done it again. A house on 11 Plantation Road, located on The Peak has been rented out for $1.35 million a month, setting the record for highest rent in Hong Kong. At a whopping 10,804 square feet, the luxury home is one of seven stunning houses and
has its own elevator, a private garden, roof and garage and spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline. The property project is owned by Wharf Holdings which reportedly has plans to sell four of the seven properties overlooking Victoria Harbour and will attempt to rent the other three houses.
CATHAY PACIFIC SUSPENDS PET TRANSPORTATION UNTIL MAY Cathay Pacific recently announced that pets travelling as check-in baggage or cargo on flights out of Hong Kong will be unavailable until April 30. Pet owners planning to relocate in the coming months have already found it difficult to book pets
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on a flight. With even less options, there is a worry many will be left abandoned. “We have temporarily stopped pet shipments. The service may resume again in May, but there will be an update in mid-April,” a spokesperson from Cathay Pacific said.
IN YOUR BACKYARD
RELAX IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Opening just four months ago, The Hari hotel is offering a special spring/summer staycation package for Hong Kong residents. Describing themselves as a home away from home, The Hari Hong Kong offers guests modern luxury and social dynamism. With 210 guest rooms
including three signature rooftop suites, two high class restaurants, Zoku Restaurant & Terrace and Lucciola Restaurant & Bar, The Hari is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Causeway Bay. Staycation by The Hari package offers the perfect opportunity for
guests to experience the hotel fully with a nights stay in one of its luxurious hotel rooms or suites, a free breakfast for two, $400 dining credit and 3pm check out. The package is available until June 30 from $1,300. thehari.com
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FIVE MINUTES WITH
Five Minutes with Aaron Lee Dash Living founder Aaron Lee breaks down the success behind the serviced, co-living community. By Cheyelene Fontanilla Living in the middle of a bustling city is a thrill unlike any other. You never feel alone. You’re hardly ever left wanting more, whether it’s food, entertainment, business, opportunities or nightlife. This is especially true for those who stay at Dash Living, a Hong Kong and Singapore-based serviced co-living company or as founder Aaron Lee puts it, ‘the new generation of rental solutions for urban professionals’. Dash Living’s locations are chosen very carefully. Designed for millennials and anyone who’s ever grumbled about their overpriced rent or ridiculously long commute, Dash is at the heart of the most happening neighbourhoods in Hong Kong and Singapore. “We like to talk about quality of life. My mom and dad used to measure quality of life with ‘How big is your house? How much do you make?’ But in our generation, it’s all about community, it’s all about the people. The places we go, the things we learn and experience. So at Dash Living, it’s all about experience, the interactions and the people that you get to meet.” As a serial entrepreneur, Lee is no stranger to using technology to disrupt traditional industries – a skillset that won him a place on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2016. The industry he’s disrupting now? Real estate. “I’ve always enjoyed solving problems. That’s what inspired me to become an entrepreneur, because essentially, being an entrepreneur is not so much about the money. The bottomline is important but it always comes down to solving problems for people.” When it comes to Dash Living, the issue he’s managed to tackle is one we’re all familiar with. “Every one of us can relate to paying expensive accommodation, right? Especially in dense cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. Everyone can relate to that, which is why this is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever built,” says Lee. Being at the helm of burgeoning businesses in Asia seems to be Lee’s joie de vivre, having been the CEO of Groupon Hong Kong, a Board Director at Time Auction and the co-founder of multiple businesses. Taking a close look at how Dash Living operates, it’s easy to see that he has thought out every element of living. “Let’s say we have 10 buildings, instead of all of them having their own facilities, like a gym or a co-working space, we outsource it all. We actually have over 50 perks that our tenants can redeem at other businesses. So our buildings’ facilities are focused on essentials, like a cooking
space, laundry space, things that are used daily. When you walk into a normal building, you see the gyms are usually empty. That’s a waste of real estate. Here, we value cost efficiency and a sharing economy.” Spoken like an entrepreneur who knows what he’s doing. To top it all off, Dash’s frontline operations teams have professional backgrounds in five-star hotels. “It’s
not just about living. Quality of life is something that we always focus on in every touchpoint.” When asked what his biggest “we made it” moment was, he responded simply, “Honestly, I’m very proud of the team, especially during these tough times. We emerged as a way better company after these two years of struggle. It’s worth acknowledging.”
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LOCAL
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All stings considered
LOCAL
Nicole Slater meets John Terenzini, Environmental Manager of the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project The lack of public interest around jellyfish has meant that no funding has been given to research these unique sea creatures. Even sting records around Hong Kong have not been documented by hospitals due to limited affects. Terenzini hopes that his personal project will be able to shine some light on Hong Kong’s jellies.
What to do if you get stung • Get out of the water • Remove the tentacles on you with tweezers or a sharp plastic card • Wash the area with vinegar (avoid fresh water as this can make the sting worse) • Take pain management medicine if needed
Fun facts about jellies
Pink dolphins tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to Hong Kong’s marine life, but there’s another species lurking in the depths. Known for their sting, jellyfish are the oldest multicellular animals on the planet, dating back 500 million years. Despite this abundance of time, little has been researched about these unique creatures especially the ones in Hong Kong, until now. At the beginning of this year John Terenzini decided to document Hong Kong’s jellyfish in order to gain more insight into their species, routine and whereabouts. Specialising in outdoor education Terenzini knows to keep a safe distance from jellies, but has always had an interest in the species. “Since many outdoor
education classes and clubs were put on hold due to government regulations, I had more time to focus on jellyfish and noticed there was a gap in research about them.” While never being stung himself, Terenzini believes it is only a matter of time before he does and wants to be well informed about Hong Kong’s jellyfish. “The last recorded data about Jellyfish in the area was in the 1980-1990’s, at that time only six species were mentioned.” With the aim to contribute to scientific literature, Terenzini created his own site and database, Hong Kong Jellyfish Project, where residents can submit their jelly sightings across Hong Kong. “You don’t have to be a swimmer or a kayaker, you don’t even have to like jellyfish to submit a sighting,” says Terenzini. The process is simple, upload a photograph of the jellyfish you’ve spotted to the website (hkjellyfish.com) and fill in some information about the time and location. From that information Terenzini can hopefully document trends and even discover a new species in the area. Information has already poured in about a large quantity of ghost jellyfish and crystal jellyfish, which have been spotted everywhere from Clearwater Bay to Cheung Chau.
• Ten species of jellyfish are considered edible and many people across Asia enjoy the unique snack • Jellyfish can be used as a nutritional supplement • Jellyfish venoms are currently being researched for their potential anticancer properties • Their collagen can be used for routine cell culture and medical device research
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COVER STORY
Hong Kong Home & Living Awards 2021 Tune in as we celebrate the city’s most creative individuals and innovative projects. By Charmaine Ng If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that our home is more important than ever. With the events of the past year forcing us to stay indoors for an extended amount of time, there has been a growing interest in rethinking,
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redecorating and rezoning our spaces. Recognising this, Hong Kong Living is proud to present our first-ever Home & Living Awards. The new initiative aims to highlight the most creative and groundbreaking
designs in Hong Kong, as well as the designers behind some of the city’s most innovative projects. Turn the pages to celebrate the winners of the inaugural awards.
HOME & LIVING AWARDS Best Kids’ Furniture Ikea This Swedish brand needs no introduction. Offering ready-to-assemble furniture, home accessories and even home services, Ikea is our winner for Best Kids’ Furniture. It has a whole section dedicated to children’s
furniture, toys and accessories both instore and online, sorted by collection and age. Colourful and functional, Ikea allows you to furnish your kids’ rooms from baby to teen at an affordable price. ikea.com.hk
Best Outdoor Furniture Zzue Creation As a sole agent of high-quality worldwide outdoor furniture in Hong Kong, Zzue Creation represents more than 50 overseas renowned brands of outdoor products. Offerings at the showroom and online are handpicked by Zzue’s team and include daybeds and loungers, sofas and dining tables, swings and hammocks, awning and pergola, green tiles and rugs, outdoor accessories and facilities and more. The branch has also recently launched a small balcony project along with its housing, garden and contracting projects. zzuecreation.com
Tara Bernerd
Interior Design Influencer
Tara Bernerd & Partners
Tara Bernerd & Partners, a leading interior architecture studio with roots in London, is known for its timeless designs across an international portfolio of hotels, home and yachts. Founder Tara Bernerd, whom the firm is named after, grew up entranced in design. “My earliest memories were a fascination with not only art and design but also architecture,” she shares. “A poignant memory was going to an exhibition of both Norman Foster and Richard Rogers at the Royal Academy. I also remember as a young girl my father taking me to hear Norman Foster speak and to meet him.” Bernerd is no stranger to Hong Kong, having worked on projects in the city since 2008. Because of this, returning for The Hari Hong Kong, the firm’s latest project, was pivotal for her. “I have known Dr Aron Harilela for many years and he is a close friend, as well as a valued client,” says Bernerd. “We originally worked together when we designed The Hari London, so it was a joy to be able to bring The Hari home to Hong Kong.” Finally opening in December 2020, the hotel took five years from inception to completion. “It was important to us to infuse some of the design DNA into The Hari Hong Kong, which brings
the charm and elegance of The Hari London, while simultaneously delving into the energy and dynamism of bustling Hong Kong.” Sure enough, both hotels have a laid back, relaxed, approachable luxury that makes them feel like a home away from home. At the heart of both properties is the lounge, which in Hong Kong is on the first floor and is lined with bookcases and booth seats. These are familiar themes seen in the Hari London, but they have been reimagined with a Hong Kong twist, using
a different palette and fabric finishes more in keeping with the locale. The Hari Hong Kong joins Bernerd’s portfolio, which includes Four Seasons, Fort Capital, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Belmond, Starwood Capital, Thompson Hotels, SIXTY Hotels, Palace Hotels and the Berkeley Group. With so many high-profile clients under her belt, it’s no wonder Bernerd is one of the most successful and sought after interior designers in the world. tarabernerd.com
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COVER STORY Best Mattress
Best Bedroom Furniture
Best Lighting
Okooko by European Bedding
Tequila Kola
Zodiac Lighting
Founded in 1991, Tequila Kola is a Hong Kong brand with humble beginnings in a small shop in Princes Building. Today, it has a large flagship showroom in Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, where you’ll find beautiful striking displays of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture dominating the inspirational space. We love its dramatic bedrooms furnished with trendy accent pieces – which is why it was awarded Best Bedroom Furniture. tequilakola.com
A homegrown brand established in 1988, Zodiac Lighting is one of the leading lighting companies in Hong Kong with two showroom locations. It is the sole distributor for a number of international lighting companies and has a professional design and manufacturing team dedicated to custom lighting solutions for clients. With a strong network within the industry, it takes home the award for Best Lighting. zodiaclighting.com
With sustainability continuing to be a key trend in 2021, eco-friendly Okooko by European Bedding is the people’s choice when it comes to premium bedding catering to all regular and custom bed sizes in Hong Kong and Singapore. Organic latex mattresses, which are naturally anti-dustmite and hypoallergenic, can be complemented with Okooko’s organic latex pillows, ergonomic wood bed frames and bamboo sheets. europeanbedding.hk
Best Air Purification Company Dyson No one makes air purifiers better than Dyson. When Covid-19 struck, the British technology company was fast to release updated models of its air purifiers with both heating and cooling for the public. It offers six models that destroy formaldehyde continuously; remove H1N1, H3N2 and EV71 viruses; and effectively filter and project clean air throughout your room. dyson.com
Joseph Yung
Interior Design Influencer
Harmony Interior Design Harmony Interior Design was established in 2015 with one principle, to transform a space into a home. Led by Joseph Yung, a veteran in the design industry with over 10 years of experience, the company prides itself on its ability to create personalised, homely designs. Listening to the concerns of clients, it seeks to answer their needs by providing its expertise in design to bring to life their dream house. First and foremost, Yung makes sure that Harmony’s designs adhere to safety standards. “For us, safety is a priority,” he says. “In a duplex apartment that we worked on, we had to communicate very clearly with the engineers to make sure that the stairs met the standards of safety qualifications – while being attentive to the client’s requests in terms of aesthetics. Function and aesthetics play an equal part.” In the past year, Yung has also noticed people paying more attention to their home. “More people are staying home during Covid-19 and discovering the importance of
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their interior environment and how it affects their mental and physical health. We’ve had a few past clients come back to us, wanting to
start a new chapter. Going forward, we’ll be helping them change up their homes to suit their new needs.” harmonydesign.com.hk
HOME & LIVING AWARDS
Naked Lab Born from a mother’s search for skin-friendly bedding for her daughter who was battling very serious eczema, Naked Lab provides comfortable, breathable bamboo silk products that are free from contaminants while using ethically sourced and sustainable materials. Its fabrics are made with pure organic bamboo pulp that is crushed, washed and spun into yarns. Products include baby cot sheets, kids’ bedding sets, pillowslips and eyemasks. nakedlab.com
Best Real Estate Company OKAY.com Our readers know they will be okay in the hands of OKAY.com - which is why they were voted as Hong Kong’s best real estate agents. As Hong Kong’s trusted property agency, OKAY.com has the most up-to-date listings and responsive property agents to help you find your next home or property investment. With a website complete with insights, analysis and property news, you can be sure you’re getting the right information from agents in-the-know. okay.com
Alan Chiu Zzue Creation As a sole agent of outdoor furniture in Hong Kong, Zzue Creation helps customers take advantage of their balcony, roof or garden. It offers handpicked luxury outdoor products that fuse reliability, durability and great aesthetic value, suited to local environmental conditions. With over 50 international brands, Zzue’s curated selection aims to help create the perfect leisure balcony, courtyard or poolside space in homes. GM and co-founder Alan Chiu started Zzue when he noticed that outdoor spaces in Hong Kong had a lot of potential, but were not being taken advantage of. “The outdoor furniture in the market was boring – pieces were made in either plastic or teak, nothing else. Customers had little to no option,” he says. “So the balcony, roof or even garden simply became a place for drying clothes. It was a pity. I started Zzue to dress up and redevelop these abandoned spaces into meaningful open areas that will enhance anyone’s lifestyle.” Although Zzue started off selling furniture, it has since expanded to offer professional shading, top-of-the-line grills and artificial greenery products too. And, with more people staying home in the past year, outdoor spaces
Interior Design Influencer
have become more important than ever, providing a place where city dwellers can recharge. This year, Chiu and his team are working
on sourcing more multifunctional furniture to add to Zzue’s catalogue. The brand offers services for independent houses, gardens and contract projects. zzuecreation.com
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COVER STORY Best Overseas Property Agency Colliers International With operations in 67 countries and more than 15,000 enterprising professionals, Colliers International is a global leader in real estate services and investment management. For more than 20 years, it has helped shareholders gain superior returns and industry growth. Its global network makes it the Best Overseas Property Agency. colliers.com
Best Luxury Residential Complex The Repulse Bay Labelled the “epitome of gracious and sophisticated living”, it comes as no surprise that The Repulse Bay is this year’s winner. Its luxury sea view serviced and unfurnished apartments, connected to a modern shopping arcade, restaurants and clubhouse, are available for short and long term lease. With its location in Southside, The Repulse Bay continues to provide an unrivalled relaxing environment in Hong Kong. therepulsebay.com
Best Home Service Butler Established by entrepreneurs Jonathan Lam, Angues Chan and Jeffrey Ma, Butler provides personalised home services brought to your door as part of a monthly subscription. Recognising a recurring problem in their own lives, the founders realised they needed a quick, easy solution that didn’t take hours of research, correspondence and scheduling. What began as a problem quickly became an opportunity, and when Covid struck, they knew the time to fully commit to their idea had come. “Aside from seeing an opportunity in the market and personally having a need for a service like ours, Covid-19 definitely acted as a catalyst,” they explain. With the pandemic, the purpose of the home changed. What was once a place for showers and sleep quickly became a space to entertain that also had to double as an office. Suddenly, there was a heightened demand for a one-stop shop that caters to a city dweller’s needs on multiple levels. From housekeeping, laundry organisation and restocking groceries to repairmen services, decoration, home event planning and more, Butler has it all. The company even offers a course
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to train employed domestic helpers in order to upskill the workforce. “Our vision is to redefine living, elevate lifestyle and build the future of home management
experiences,” the founders say. With all that they’ve accomplished during a year of global instability, it only seems fitting that they take home the title of Best Home Service. butlerasia.com
HOME & LIVING AWARDS Interior Design Influencer
Oliver Corrin CADA Design
Established over 25 years ago in the UK, CADA started as a general design studio. Its breakthrough came when it was awarded the role of designer for the original Harrods food hall in London, which took over 10 years to complete, at the same time transforming the firm from a general to specialist studio. Since then, CADA has become one of the world’s leading F&B designers specialising in restaurant, food hall and supermarket design, working with clients such as Fortnum & Mason, Dean & Deluca, Disney, Lotte and Pret a Manger. At the head of CADA in Asia is Oliver Corrin, who has been interested in design and interiors since he was 11 years old. “I always wanted to be an interior designer. There’s something about the spaces we live, work and visit and the emotional effects/impact they have on us, whether just for a moment or for the entirety of our lives, I find this really resonates with me on many levels,” says Corrin. For most of his career, he worked in London, but around seven years ago, he was asked to relocate to Hong Kong to oversee and manage the full renovation of the Hong
Kong American Club for CADA. The project took two years to complete and having taken a liking to Hong Kong during this time, Corrin decided to remain in the city, where he assumes the role of Asia Regional Director. Working in F&B design this past year has been tough, with government restrictions and social distancing affecting the industry. “Due
to the pandemic, it has had a huge impact on our daily habits and the way we carry out our day-to-day lives, particularly with regards to retail, both consumer retail and food. We are now looking at how to create contactless experiences when shopping which is both more hygienic and creates a more seamless and convenient customer journey.” cada.co.uk
Best International Property Developer UAU Group Limited UAU Group Limited is an international real estate developer covering all architecture planning and industrial design. It takes home the title of Best International Property Developer, with over 50 years of combined experience across China, Hong
Kong, Australia and Japan. In addition to property development projects, the group is also involved in innovation and technology investment, legal counsel, film and entertainment, car trading and leasing and more.
Best Smart Living
Best Storage Service
Best Relocation Service
Apple
Boxful
Crown Relocations
Operating across Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul, Boxful is all about creating a lifestyle where space is flexible and at your fingertips. Founded on the belief that storage should be simple, affordable and secure, its service allows you to store and seamlessly manage your belongings from your computer or mobile devices, and know that they’re just a speedy delivery away. We can’t argue with such convenience, which is why it is awarded Best Storage Service. boxful.com
Anyone who has had to make a big move knows that relocating is a team effort. Crown Relocations offers a comprehensive list of relocation services, including all the necessary formalities and procedures, as well as first-hand guidance that will enable you to capture the magic of exploring a new location. With over 55 years of experience, it will help you get the job done, hassle free, which is why you crowned it Best Relocation Service. crownrelo.com
American multinational technology company Apple is primarily known for its Macbooks and iPhones, but its home system is quickly making a name for itself. Leading worldwide brands have begun to offer accessories, from cameras and speakers to faucets and switches, that are compatible with the Home app and Apple devices. All you need to do is tell Siri to “turn off the bedroom lights’’ to control your home easily and securely. apple.com
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COVER STORY Adrian McCarroll
Interior Design Influencer
Original Vision Founded in 1992, Original Vision started out with bespoke residential interior design services at its core. Gradually, it branched into hospitality and office projects and further diversified to residential, hotel and resort developments covering the full gamut of master planning, architecture and interiors. The driving force behind Original Vision is founder and managing director Adrian McCarroll, who is a member of both the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA). With over 30 years of experience working as an architect in Asia, he has overseen the company’s growth and continues to be actively involved in all projects. McCarroll is most proud of developing two concepts that were new to Hong Kong at the time but have now become relatively commonplace in contemporary homes. The first is combining the kitchen and dining areas as a mixed-use space. “We have found that once clients embrace this concept, these spaces become the heart and soul of the home,” he says. The second concerns gardens, terraces or any outdoor space. These had long been treated as hard, dead spaces with little physical or visual integration with the interiors. “We have
championed the concept of indoor/outdoor living where the barriers of walls, windows and doors are broken down and replaced with transparent walls and doors that can fully open up. This effectively increases the size of a home by amalgamating outdoor areas seamlessly with the interiors.” Looking forward, McCarroll and his team at Original Vision will be focusing on technology and the way it is increasingly influencing the
way homes are designed and used. “We are helping our clients shape more adaptable and flexible environments. Home studies and TV rooms may no longer be required as spaces become more interconnected and sociable. Dare I say it, it is an exciting time to be designing and it will be very interesting to see how things develop.” original-vision.com
Best Serviced Apartments Apartment O With locations in Causeway Bay and Happy Valley, Apartment O offers a living experience where style meets convenience in the form of vintage-style serviced apartments. Decked with pieces of beautiful, traditional art and chic antique furniture, take yourself back to the elegance and charm of old Hong Kong and classic Shanghai at Apartment O’s venues. apartmento.hk
Best Living Room Furniture Indigo Living Award-winning home furnishing retailer and interior design provider Indigo Living has offered its services across Asia and the Middle East for over 40 years. With 12 stores, in-house furniture design and design consultancy, it is the go-to provider for home goods that are unique, ontrend and long-lasting. With such a wide range of products and services, it is no surprise that our readers head to Indigo Living to furnish their dream living space. indigo-living.com
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Dining
DINING
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BIG DAY OUT
Start your day the right way Matthew Teague watches the day begin from Sunrise Hill There is something rather magical about watching the sunrise over the outlying islands of Sai Kung. After wading your way through the dark of night and reaching the summit of one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful hills. Sai Kung has the privilege of facing East, which allows for spectacular cloud-level (and cloud-less) sights of a new day springing to life when you are wandering over Section four of the Maclehose Trail, running from
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Kei Ling Ha to Tate’s Cairn at early dawn. For those willing, an early and wholesome nights’ sleep is ideal - especially if preparing for a fresh Saturday morning hike. A muzzy head at 4am after a few too many gins at Momentai may offer a different, albeit interesting, experience. An early start allows for enough time to pack a light breakfast picnic and dive into an icy shower, or whatever helps wake your body up in the
morning. If you can, getting the whole family involved and out of bed this early certainly adds a fun communal early-rise struggle and a story for the family memory bank. If you are not too confident of a nighttime hiker, a head touch can definitely be helpful, along with your most comfortable hiking gear. Although, for the most authentic experience and once you feel comfortable finding your stepping without
SUNRISE HILL
your iPhone’s torch, try to let your eyes adjust to the natural light of the moon, especially if its a full one. However, for those scared of wild boar encounters, you best keep your light on. For a leisurely start, it’s best to begin the hike
from Sai Kung at around 4:15am. Head up Chuk Yeung Road, onto Shan Liu Sheung, and then further onto Wong Chuk Yeung. Once you reach the divide, bear left and you will find yourself on the Maclehose Trail. Continue on and follow the Maclehose trail as it veers off the road left once again, you will find yourself journeying up Ma On Shan mountain. (For an easier walk, a taxi can take you to where the Maclehose Trail crosses Wong Chuk Yeung.) Once you have begun this section of the walk, the path will eventually lead you through a valley to a T-junction. Here, turning right will take you steeper further onto the summit of Ma On Shan, whilst turning left will guide you on a level-path around the north side of a few smaller hills. Continue left until you reach a plateau path running along a ridge, giving you a beautiful vantage point of Sha Tin to the right and Sai Kung to the left. This view will truly put your early morning struggles in perspective. Instead of carrying on across this ridge, take a sharp left. Here, you will find a less-trodden path leading you up a rocky incline, before bearing slightly right through a grassy area. At this point, a torch may be necessary to find your step. Follow this path for a few more minutes, you will find yourself moving up a small hill to your right, through an area of longer grass. If you time it right, you will be reaching the summit of this hill with an awesome view of a reddening sky, facing East over High Island and beyond. Once here, you can sit and just be. This is time for yourself, away from the hectic life of Hong Kong and the thoughts we can become absorbed in everyday. Absorb this
moment - an opportunity to welcome in a new day in its purest form, and take this calm with you throughout your day and into your week. Many ancient teachings of the East mention the importance of connecting with daybreak and day’s end. The two points in which nature’s energies are most influx and transition, from yin to yang, and back again. Understanding these balances are integral to building your foundation for a calmer, more connected life. Once you have experienced the bliss of the mountains it is time for breakfast, sharing time with your nearest and dearest and simply reflecting with the rising sun, you can decide your descent back to Sai Kung. Either retrace your steps down the hill or follow over the ridge towards Po Lo Che. To add an extra walk to your morning you can continue along Section four of the Maclehose Trail towards Tate’s Cairn. Remember to leave no trace, and pick up any rubbish that you see along the way to keep the trail clean for the next person to enjoy. Rest and repeat.
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DINING
Easter brunching Amber Lai rounds up the best buffets and free-flow lunches this spring
Bathers
Porterhouse
Take your family to the beach for an Easter weekend filled with sunshine and smiles at Bathers in Lantau. The beach-side restaurant will be hosting its breakfast menu until 11am over the long weekend alongside its all-day-dining menu. Its kids menu and selection of wines will keep everyone happy. bathers.com.hk
Head to the steakhouse to celebrate Easter with its seafood and carving buffet. With platters of fresh seafood, oysters with caviar and a carving station, indulge with a range of luxury dishes. To suit the holiday, Porterhouse has created various chocolate eggs and sweet treats for the little ones. porterhousehk.com
Hue The spectacular backdrop of Hue Dining will impress you and your guests this Easter. Share appetizers with your loved ones at its champagne brunch before choosing your own main and dessert. Glasses will be kept topped up with Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne, bloody marys or one of its 10 red and white wines. huedining.com.hk
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BRUNCH Mandarin Oriental The Sunday roast at the Mandarin Grill and Bar will have meat lovers rejoicing this Easter. Start off with the delicate array of snacks before choosing an egg dish, appetiser, roast and trimmings. Make sure to save room for the dessert trolley which includes favourites like apple crumble, tiramisu and its signature 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake. mandarinoriental.com
Ozone Enjoy brunch from Hong Kong’s highest bar and lounge. The brunch includes a semibuffet selection of starters and a choice of one main course. Adults can enjoy free-flow
cocktails and Veuve Clicquot champagne, while children can sip on fancy fruit-secco’s while overlooking stunning harbour views. ritzcarlton.com
ALTO With panoramic views of Causeway Bay, start your morning with brunch at ALTO. For Easter the restaurant is offering a salt-baked lamb leg served with roasted potatoes, carrots and minted peas. Enjoy a complimentary ‘fried egg’ made of white chocolate panna cotta and mango puree. sandshospitality.com
Buenos Aires Polo Club Hosting a three-course prime rib brunch, this tableside carved experience will give diners a true Argentinian experience. The brunch menu
includes a selection of Iberian cold cuts and Argentinian cheese. Its show stopping general pico grass-fed black Angus prime rib is then served with mashed potato, glazed carrots and grilled asparagus. bapoloclub.com
FIAMMA Start your Easter weekend with breakfast on top of The Peak at FIAMMA. Fill up on a range of brunch classics with an Italian twist including a truffle omelette, Italian yoghurt with granola and the Buongiorno breakfast with pancetta and Italian sausages. sandshospitality.com
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EDUCATION
Invictus School Hong Kong
Cheyelene Fontanilla takes a trip to Invictus in Chai Wan to get an inside scoop on the new secondary school Established in 2019, Invictus School was founded with the purpose of providing quality, affordable education that caters to both local and expatriate children. What they promise is a no-hiddencosts education for families in Hong Kong, or as they put it, “accessible secondary education at $120,000 per year.” Despite being new to the scene, the school already has two campuses. The Tseung Kwan O campus is a kindergarten and primary school, while the Chai Wan campus is for Year 7 to Year 13 students. Though Invictus is new to Hong Kong, it’s a part of the Invictus umbrella of schools that originally began in Singapore in 2015.
Cambridge curriculum Upon applying to Invictus Secondary School, children are given the Cognitive Assessment
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Test: Fourth Edition (CAT4) to gauge their ability to reason across four fields: verbal, non-verbal, mathematical and spatial reasoning. Once your child is accepted, they will be under one of the following curricula: Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or Cambridge International Advanced Levels (A-Levels). It all depends on their age, recent qualifications and their CAT4 results.
A holistic learning environment Eager to get a firsthand look at the ins and outs of Invictus Secondary School, we took a trip to meet with Principal Lee Harvey. He is the man who, since he started working for the school in April 2020, is dedicated to fine tuning every element of Invictus Secondary School’s learning experience.
INVICTUS
Campus and facilities
As he gave us a tour around campus, we popped into a few of the classes that were taking place. One was a French class, another was an art class. Each time Principal Harvey was met by a teacher or student, it was apparent that the learning environment he is working to build is one that is open, fun and effortlessly curious and inquisitive. It was easy to see that Principal Harvey’s first priority is the wellbeing of his students – not just academically, but holistically. “We got some furniture from IKEA for our library. So, I’m putting the furniture together when one of my Year 8 students comes in and asks ‘How can I be a librarian?’” says Harvey, beaming proudly as he speaks of his students like members of a flourishing community. “Shortly after, she sent me a list of jobs and things she wanted to do for our library. She wants to implement loyalty cards and games in the library to encourage students to spend time there. She’s even putting a survey together to ask students what books they want. This initiative is something I can’t teach in the classroom. She knows that she can come to me and say, ‘I’ve got this idea.
Do you think it can work? Can I try it?’ And that’s what we encourage.”
Learning support for students While Invictus is in its early stages, Harvey is adamant about taking a more personal approach to each student’s educational needs. Though standardised testing is in place, it’s used as a starting point. “We don’t really use the CAT4 Assessment as a pass or fail test. What we
do look at is the student’s strengths and weaknesses, and whether we’re able to help with those weaknesses,” explains Principal Harvey. “For example, I’m currently in contact with one student who is desperate to get out of IB and into A-Levels. He wants to do A-Level Physical Education and has been doing IB Sports Science. So, we’re looking at what he’s done and going through our syllabus with him and assessing which parts he has covered in IB and which parts have not been covered. We look at every student individually to make sure that we can help them within a realistic timeframe. It’s a caseby-case basis.”
One of the most striking and fitting features of the Invictus campus in Chai Wan is the giant tree that sits smack-dab in the middle of school when you enter through its main doors. According to Principal Harvey, classes are sometimes held beneath the tree, offering students a chance to learn in a space that doesn’t feel as confining as a classroom. Their science laboratories are equipped with high-tech mechanisms that ensure that any gasses or chemicals used in the classroom don’t end up harming the environment. Beyond that, students at Invictus are taught to be held accountable for their actions. From sourcing secondhand books for their library to choosing A-Levels to self-study (should they choose to undertake a discipline beyond the school’s standard A-Level courses of English, Math and various Sciences), Invictus prides itself on being a school that prepares its students for life, not just exams. A perfect example of this is the A-Level students’ break room, a space that Principal Harvey has decked out with beanbags, a kettle and a toaster. A-Level students even have their own private entrance onto campus. On the top floor, there is table tennis, chairs and benches, as well as a running area with a stellar view for kids to enjoy. Just around the corner from that, there is a music/activity room with a small sound studio. If you’re wondering about their sports facilities, Invictus makes use of Hong Kong’s fantastic government sports grounds, where many schools host their annual Sports Days. ”It just seemed to be a no brainer. Why spend money on building something and having to maintain something, when you’ve got government facilities that really are quite close and reasonably priced?” argues Harvey. “For us, it’s about giving students and parents value for money, which we can do without the added costs of building and maintaining things like a badminton court, swimming pool or football field.”
Invictus School Hong Kong Address: Level 4, 5, & 6, 188 Tai Tam Road, Hing Man Shopping Complex, Chai Wan, Hong Kong invictus.edu.hk
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MUST HAVES
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EASTER TREATS Happy Easter basket $928 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com
Mini eggs cardboard pack $185 from Venchi venchi.com.hk
Rainbow egg macarons $475 from Little Miss Macarons littlemissmacarons.shop
s a h g n i Spr
g n u r sp
Easter goodies and sweet treats
Easter fun bundle $638 from Peninsula Boutique peninsulaboutique.com
Carrot cake $450 from Butter butterbutterbutter.com.hk
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HOROSCOPE
Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month AQUARIUS Your relationships will take an unexpected turn that might cause you to feel slightly insecure. This change will bring a necessary update in how you live with your partner and will renew the love in your bonds. It is a propitious time to plan your future together and discard old rules.
TAURUS You will feel strong and have material stability this month Taurus. The planetary configuration creates a prosperous environment for your professional life. However, try not to lock yourself out of your way of seeing life. Dare to discover new ways of thinking.
LEO An intense season in your life is coming, Leo. Your work may be demanding a lot from you, which can exhaust you in ways you never knew existed. However, avoid confrontation with individuals in management positions. Power struggles will not be favorable because you would likely end up losing.
SCORPIO If you think you can increase and sustain the amount of work you have in mind, you’re in for a surprise, Scorpio. The illusion of power that you are clinging to is coming to an end and you will realise it when it is too late. Do not neglect your health or your relationships to try to achieve an unattainable goal.
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PISCES The relationship with your siblings will take prominence at this time. If there are issues to resolve between you, this is the ideal opportunity to do so. The planets will favor communication, which will help you understand each other without the need to reach a confrontation.
GEMINI You will feel a strong desire to change your life, Gemini. However, try not to get carried away by enthusiasm. Plan your ideas properly and be aware of the people who accompany you along the way. Be careful not to lose yourself over your fantasies, as they can lead you away from your goals.
VIRGO Great energy takes over all your senses. You will be encouraged to try new forms of exercise and make them part of your routine. Also, if you have any romantic interests, it is advisable to take the initiative. The other person will notice you quickly when they see interest on your part.
SAGITTARIUS You will feel very comfortable doing activities that stimulate your intellect. However, be careful not to give too much attention to the left hemisphere of your brain. This can lead you to neglect your emotional life. Focus on your relationships to improve them, Sagittarius.
thehealingkingdom.com
ARIES This will be a period of considerable movement. The planetary alignment encourages intellectual discussions, so your studies will take on great importance. Try to respect others’ opinions in the same way that you expect yours to be considered. Remember that it is not always necessary to be right, Aries.
CANCER You are likely to feel that this is a stressful period, Cancer. Different challenges will demand a lot of your energy, which can lead to emotional imbalance. However, be your best ally and you will make the right decision. Trust the person you are and be receptive to the affection of your loved ones.
LIBRA You have been very busy lately, but now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. No need to rush into new projects, Libra. You deserve a good rest and to share your success with your loved ones. A vacation to a nearby place will help you take a break from your usual environment.
CAPRICORN You have to find all your inner strength during this period, Capricorn. The opportunity to achieve your goals will be at your fingertips, but you must work hard not to lose them. It will be a demanding time, in which you will have to leave enjoyment and free time in the background for a while.
PETS
Ask a vet... Dr Pauline Taylor on a cruel reality of our favourite Easter animals With Easter upon us we are inundated with pictures of cute happy little chickens and baby rabbits. Rabbits make lovely pets and there are over 300 global breeds, from Netherland Dwarf to Flemish Giants all descended by selective breeding from the European rabbit. Chickens too are much loved as pets in many parts of the world and can become very attached to the family they live with. However, because of the demands of our food chain, billions of these animals do not have a life worth living nowadays. Because of the many farming practices employed globally, sadly, billions of these cute animals are born to live a life totally dedicated to feeding and supporting humans around the planet, kept in small cages many consider inhumane with total disregard for ethical farm practices. Once culled, sometimes in horrific slaughtering circumstances, rabbit skins become fur coats and bags. Chicken meat, red and white, feeds countless humans and animals, their feathers fill down jackets and pillows and their excrement, mixed with protein and other ingredients, is processed into concentrated food to feed other
animals including fattening cattle to help them grow, so they too can in turn be killed for human consumption when they have put on sufficient weight. While you keep these sadder facts in mind let me share some other points about these cute animals with you.
Fun facts about chickens Chickens, like birds, were first noticed and painted on pottery around 8000 years ago in areas of SE Asia and originated from a member of the pheasant family, a bird called the red junglefowl. A male is called a rooster or cockerel and is distinguished from the female hen by its colourful plumage and head comb. Free range chickens are omnivores, pecking their food from the soil as they strut around in flocks, raising broods of young that hatch after a 21-day incubation period from multi coloured eggs. The egg colour is determined by the genetics of the hen. They are very social, inquisitive and exhibit interesting behaviour, and creatures who feel pain and distress. According to PETA more chickens are killed for food than all other land mammals
Dr Pauline, Pets Central veterinarian combined and 245 Million are caged to produce eggs for the food chain. Chickens have a complex but strict social pecking order where every flock member knows its place. They see in full colour vision and can recognise at least 100 other chickens in a flock of their own species. They like to sunbathe where they sleep and scientific studies support the fact that they dream like us. They sleep with one eye open and one side of their brain alert as a prey species, so they are always on guard for predators.
Fun facts about rabbits
‘Easter bunnies’ associated with the beginning of Spring/Easter’ are found wild all over the world except in Antarctica. Descended from the European rabbit native to the Iberian Peninsula, its introduction has often had devastating effects on local biodiversity, causing problems with the environment and ecosystems. Wild rabbits live in underground burrows where females give birth after 30 days gestation, to hairless and blind young rabbits called kittens. A lot is not known about these prey animals, but some facts are. Rabbits have many predators including cats, badgers, ferrets, stoats, weasel, fox and rats, who especially go after the young. Rabbits eat a variety of grasses favouring young succulent nutritious leaves. Their ear flaps can turn almost 360 degrees to pick up threatening sounds and guard duty rabbits thump their feet to alert the family to danger when they are grazing above ground. Their fur has much colour variation and texture hence its popularity in the fur industry while rabbit meat is enjoyed in many places around the world. Many famous rabbit characters exist in our story books and most kids growing up in Western countries hear from stories about Peter the Rabbit, Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh, White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and Bugs Bunny to name a few.
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MARKETPLACE
marketplace
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DATING
Argue less, love more Valentina Tudose on how to resolve relationship conflicts that keep coming up They most likely have no idea why you’re ‘making a fuss’, which is why they never really changed their behavior, despite your repeated complaints. If they think your need to know what time they come home from work is out of a desire to control them, they will not be so willing to work with you to resolve the issue. But if you can explain that information helps you plan your day better so you can spend quality time together, things may be very different. After all, a supportive partner will always try their best to ensure you both have your needs met so don’t be afraid to share your feelings. 3. Make a clear request Even though they now understand your issue, they may not know how to respond to your need to your satisfaction. Just make it clear to them so they can help you get what you want. Frame this as a positive statement and make sure they understand your ‘why’. For example, “what would really work best for me, would be for you to let me know when you are going to work late so I don’t have to worry about preparing your dinner.”
Have you ever noticed that you and your partner tend to argue over the same three or four things over and over again? It may be that he never tells you when he’s coming home late from work or that he always leaves dirty plates in the sink, even though you have a dishwasher. Or maybe that he never tells you that he loves you (even though you know it). It’s amazing how these simple actions can cause a lot of fights. Our natural response when that happens is to complain and nag, blame the other person for not listening or loving us enough and hoping that they will stop doing the things we hate. Complaining rarely works, the fights keep coming up, accumulating more and more frustration, sometimes blowing up into a bigger conflict every time. Most couples have unresolved conflicts like this for years. Although it may sound silly, they end up eroding little by little the respect and positive feelings we want to have for our partners. The dirty little secret of conflict management is the understanding that issues that pop up repeatedly are a signal of unmet needs. This means that we rarely actually
argue about what we think we argue. In reality, your partner leaving you on ‘read’ annoys you a lot more than it should because you may make it to mean you are not important to him. That is a much bigger deal than not knowing what he wants for dinner and therefore the REAL reason you’re giving him the cold shoulder when he eventually gets home. Here are three steps to conflict resolution that work like a charm when you struggle to keep the peace: 1. Identify your needs These small things that bother you are nothing but triggers that remind you of emotional needs that are not being fulfilled in your relationship. Spend some time thinking about what the problem REALLY is and make sure you understand what’s hiding underneath it. 2. Help your partner understand When you know what the issue is, explain it clearly to your partner (ideally not in the moment when you are both annoyed, but after the cobwebs of anger have cleared).
Valentina Tudose is a relationship coach and founder of Happy Ever After and ambassador for YVEREST. For more information visit happyeverafter.asia
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BACKPAGE
A royal watch Nury Vittachi on Diana and her Hong Kong connection Love is blind? I don’t think so. Face it: the majority of east-west couples you see in Hong Kong are tall Western guys with petite Asian women, right? How come there are so few Asian guys with Western girls? “Because Asian men tend to be runtish, puny, wimpy and taciturn, no offence intended,” said my Canadian friend Diana. I chose to take no offence, as those four adjectives do pretty much sum me up. Yet there are exceptions to the east-west rule, and one in particular which has always fascinated me. Britain’s late Princess Diana, the ultimate celebrity blonde of the 1990s, was obsessed with Asian guys. That gal had taste! It’s all in Tina Brown’s book The Diana Chronicles. Since the British royal family has been back in the news lately, thanks to Harry and Meghan, I have been reminded of Harry’s news-dominated mother. I always had a soft spot for her, partly because of the Hong Kong connection. Diana was madly in love with her doctor, a British Pakistani named Hasnat Khan. But his family was suspicious of this married, tiarawearing blond. The lovesick princess bought several midriff-baring south Asian costumes to add to her allure and even plotted to convert to Islam. Hasnat’s family quickly married him off to a ‘real’ Asian girl. Diana, utterly broken-hearted, looked for Asian male substitutes and hooked up with other swarthy, dark-haired men, such as Dodi Fayed. And not just one. She was particularly “close” to Hong Kong-based Indian businessman Gulu Lalvani at the time of her death, the book says. This amazed me. I met Gulu several times but he never introduced me to any royals. The book by Tina Brown, one of Diana’s best friends, is a good read and the inescapable conclusion is that had she not died, Princess Diana would eventually have moved to Asia and become a tai-tai (non-working woman, lady who lunches, etc). Imagine the scene. DI-DI THE TAI-TAI. A oneact play. Diana: What’s this white stuff? Asian husband: Rice. Diana: Oh. Does it have any calories? Asian husband: I hope so. Diana: Well I can’t eat it, then. Do you have any organic lettuce? Asian husband: No. Diana: Isn’t there any British food available in this part of the world? Asian husband: Like what? Diana: Chicken curry.
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Asian husband: Yes, we have that. Diana: Thank God. I guess that’s one of the benefits of colonialism. We can share our British culinary treasures with you people. Is the chicken organic? Asian husband: Well, it has organs, yes. Diana: I don’t think that’s what organic means. Asian husband: Well, it is made of organic material as opposed to inorganic material, if that’s what you want. Diana: Well, I suppose that’s all right then. Hey, where are you going? Asian husband: Out. To get you some chicken curry. Diana: You can’t go outside! This is Asia. You’ll be killed by landmines! Now every time I write something about Princess Diana, I get angry letters accusing me of being disrespectful to a Modern Saint. To which I respond that I am a fan of hers too, but an objective one, and she can only be classified as a saint if she has performed certified miracles, and I’m not sure that sleeping with her guards without getting caught by the media counts. Anyway, I have to say that I’m very sad that her life was tragically cut short, for her own sake, and for the sake of all the rest of us. She was an inspiring character, and, from my entirely selfish point of view, you have to value ANY people of any background who are attracted to guys who look like me. Had her story turned out differently, I’d have made Gulu take me to royal parties and would have made a badge to express my pride in being an Asian male: “Runtish, wimpy, puny, taciturn and proud of it.”
Nury Vittachi is an award-winning author and journalist based in Hong Kong. He is best known for his comedy-crime novel series, The Feng Shui Detective. Contact him via nury@vittachi.com or through his public Facebook page.
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