Hong Kong Living October 2020

DINING | DATING | MENTAL HEALTH | NEON LIGHTS

hongkongliving.com

OCT 2020

The heat is on The battle to become Hong Kong’s best chef

BLUE SKIES AHEAD Businesses pushing through the pandemic

Hong Kong’s most haunted Creep it real good in the city’s SCARIEST spots

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CONTENT S — 1 0 / 2 0

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COVER STORY

Pandemic pivots

Businesses that pushed through the pandemic

4 Contributors

30 Health & Wellness

Meet our team

35 Covid-19 Dating

Fighting the stigma around mental health

6 Snapped

33 Pets & gardening

Life on Hong Kong Island

Valentina Tudose on keeping the spark alive during a pandemic

36 Backpage

Monthly news on homely matters

Nury Vittachi lightens the mood

8 Planner A round up of the city’s most spooktacular events

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10 News

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Local news your dying to know about

13 Business Innovator Elaine Shiu of Ejj Jewellery on powering through the pandemic

14 Local Preserving Hong Kong’s neon lights

23 Dining Who will win chef of the year at our Dining Awards?

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27 Nibbles Eat, drink and be scary

28 Big Day Out Hong Kong’s most haunted locations

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“If You’ve Got It, Haunt It” ~ Rose Pressey

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EDITOR’S LETTER One of the best things about October is we can take a bit of break from adulting and let loose.

There’s something pretty magical about Halloween. It takes us back to our childhood and lets us stay there for a while. This is something we should all practice to catch some perspective and peace of mind in 2020.

Never ever in the year is there a better excuse to eat a ton of candy and dress up than the month of Halloween. So in case you can’t tell, Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year and we’ve put together some great content for you to creep through this spooky season.

Firstly, with restrictions easing it’s time to get out and about. Check out our planner (page 8) which we are ecstatic to share is filled with events that are both on and offline. After all, human interaction is probably the second most exciting thing this Halloween season.

Get nostalgic over our local story on preserving Hong Kong’s famous neon lights (page 14). Or look ahead as we take a peek at nominees to win chef of the year, as we near the annual Hong Kong Dining Awards (page 23).

It would not be a Hong Kong Living edition without shining light on some of the positive parts of 2020. Our cover story (page 17) is truly an inspirational one. We speak to five business leaders who have shifted and adapted to the changing nature of the business world as the pandemic progresses.

Editorial Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editor Melanie Cox, melanie@hongkongliving.com Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com

Design Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang, yankee@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

Things are truly looking onwards and upwards in Hong Kong.

May you eat, drink and be scary.

Happy Halloween.

Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip, chrissie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Circulation Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com

Publisher Matt Eaton, matt@hongkongliving.com

Things we love

Founding Director 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

Bellroy

We may not get to a beach anytime soon and travel is limited, but October’s comfortable temperatures makes for a fabulous atmosphere to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking, camping, indoor workouts, yoga, picnics or chilling by a reopened pool, Tesalate’s “sandfree” towels are the perfect ready-to-go accessory for any occasion. worldwide.tesalate.com

In Hong Kong we work hard and play even harder. With one of the most notorious work cultures on the planet, a good bag makes a world of difference. Bellroy is an Australian accessories brand whose carry goods combine style with sustainability. The Mini Sling is big enough for your basics and small enough to feel effortless in the city, while the Studio Backpack is a beautifully simple bag designed for urban environments. bellroy.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.com talk@hongkongliving.com @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: Graham Uden

Tesalate

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CONTRIBUTORS THANK YOU GUYS

Charlotte Harris When the world stops traveling, what does a travel agency do? From helping clients find their way home to finding new revenue streams, Charlotte Harris, managing director of Charlotte Travel, explains how she managed to steer the family-owned business through unprecedented waters.

Keith Rumjahn Keith Rumjahn launched his fitness app OliveX in 2017 and has since notched up more than two million downloads. He tells us how AI has reshaped the fitness industry.

Vincent Tsui As the work from home mandate kicked in, co-working spaces emptied out. Vincent Tsu, CEO of WOOM Workspace Booking Platform, made a shift and his business peaked. He shares how he reimagined the role of offices while creating a safe working environment.

Payal Shah The founder and creative director behind luxury jewellery brand L’Dezen

by Payal Shah explains how the new world of digital retail has reshaped the luxury jewellery sector. Her jewellery has garnered a worldwide following and has become a Hollywood favorite. Shah shares wisdom on the thriving business.

Zahir Mohammed Graham Uden This month’s cover comes courtesy of Hong Kong Living’s photographer Graham Uden. The man needs no introduction. A former war photographer, Uden has shot (photographs that is) of gun-toting Khmer Rouge soldiers and spent time in the trenches of Afghanistan dodging bullets from the Taliban.

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Zahir Mohammed is in the process of opening two new restaurants in the midst of a global pandemic. The boss of Hong Kong’s most-loved sourdough bakery, Baked, shares how he turned a not-so positive year into a success.

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PEOPLE

Out and about on Hong Kong Island

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SNAPPED

Behind the scenes of this months cover shoot

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PLANNER

What’s on this October

OCT 7- 28

Online Morning Yoga with Janet Join certified yoga instructor Janet Fong from The Balanced Jungle every Wednesday for a virtual yoga class featuring her signature yoga flow.

9-10am. $50. thehivesaikung.com.hk

THROUGHOUT OCT

Green Outing Practice yoga, meditation and SUP Yoga at locations around Ocean Park, including the aquarium and water fountain. From $80. Ocean Park, Aberdeen. oceanpark.com.hk

THROUGHOUT OCT 80’s Dim Sum Night

OCT 9-11

Head over to Duddells and feast on a variety of nostalgic dim sum, street snacks and desserts.

Every Monday - Thursday. 6-9pm. Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion 1 Duddell Street, Central. duddells.co

Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island clubhouse, sailors will compete in a variety of windward, leeward, geometric and island courses. chinacoastraceweek.com

China Coast Regatta

OCT 10

Italian Wedding Fair Create your own Italian love story and be inspired

by SPIGA and Portico’s latest creations. 10am8pm. SPIGA, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central. spiga.com.hk

OCT 4

Kapuhala GreenRace 18 A 18km trail race across Shuen Wan Country Park. The race finishes at Hong Lok Yuen Country Club where participants can enjoy a spread of food and beer. 8am-6pm. $740. tgr.run

OCT 7 OCT 1

Mid-Autumn Festival Eat a mooncake, light up a lantern and enjoy the four-day weekend.

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Wednesday Night Social Run Enjoy weekly runs and meet fellow runners while exploring Hong Kong trails. 7.30-9.30pm. $20.

Hong Kong Sports Centre, 29 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. tgr.run

WHAT’S ON OCT 17

Broadway Ball: At home

Photo Credit: Sunny Lee

Enjoy a traditional celebratory night hosted by Theatre Charlotte from the comfort of your own home. Take part in an online auction, watch streamed performances and even get a sneak peak of the new Quarantine: The Musical.

7-11.30pm. Free. theatrecharlotte.org

store at this outdoor monthly market. 11am.

Free. Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Road, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com

OCT 24 OCT 18

DB Sunday Market Grab a bargain and support a local independent

OCT 31

Halloween Put on your scariest costume and get ready for a night of fright.

HK50

OCT 31

Explore some of the best viewing points on Hong Kong Island including Mount Butler, Jardine’s Lookout and Violet Hill along the Hong Kong Trail.

7am-5pm. $790. Starting location is The Peak Galleria. actionasiaevents.com

The eighth edition of the Salomon Lantau 70 is back, welcoming solo and relay teams of four.

8.30am. From $990. China Bear, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo. thetrailhub.com

Book Now

Lantau 70

NOV 22

Drinkination Hong Kong

NOV 6-7

Enjoy tasting some of the world’s finest wines and spirits in a two-day celebration.

12-10pm. $250. 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. wine-luxe.com

Hong Kong Mental Health Conference Hosted by Mindful HK, this year’s conference will feature over 45 local and international speakers talking about a variety of topics from the perinatal period to transitioning into the workplace. 9am-8pm. $715. HKEX Connect Hall and Centricity, 1/F, Exchange Square Block 1 and 2, Connaught Place, Central. hkmentalhealthconference.com

NOV 28

St. Mary’s 120th Anniversary Dinner Explore the campus and tuck into a delicious Chinese banquet. 6-9pm.

St. Mary’s Canossian College, 162 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. smcc-canossian.org

NOV 7-8

Qile Cake Charity Sale Going into its 25th year, Qile Cake Charity Sale raises funds for Haven of Hope Christian Services’s non-government funded elderly services. Each purchase will help provide daily necessities and medical equipment to the elderly. 1-6pm. Goods priced from $29. Online and selected shopping malls. hohcs.org.hk

NOV 28-29

Spartan APAC Championship Trifecta Weekend The world’s largest obstacle course is back for two testing days. Step out of your comfort zone for the chance to win cash and prizes worth up to $200,000. $500. Kam Tin Country Club,109 Shui Tau, Yuen Long. spartanrace.hk

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

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NEWS

HONG KONG RUGBY UNION SET TO KICKSTART 2020-21 SEASON

END WILDLIFE TRADE

The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) has announced plans to kick off competitions for the new season on November 7. Abiding by local guidelines about limiting the spread of coronavirus, HKRU has confirmed a minimum four-week return to play protocol for this year’s domestic season. The protocol outlines a five-step plan for rugby leagues to return to training and participate in matches – progressing from small group, non-contact

Pet supplies brand Whiskers N Paws (WNP) and WildAid have partnered up to support the #EndTheTrade campaign, with an aim to end the commercial trade of wildlife for consumption. From now until March 2021, WNP is supporting the campaign through a series of virtual activities and sales of the ‘Love Animal Love Life’ collection.

All proceeds will contribute to WildAid’s wildlife conservation projects in Hong Kong. endthetrade.com

training to full squad, contact training and the final phase of domestic competition. HKRU chief executive Robbie McRobbie says the union contains roughly two years’ worth of reserve to help them see through at least another year. While HKRU is operating on the assumption that the 2021 Sevens will go ahead next April, McRobbie reassures sports fans the union have contingency plans on the ready. hkrugby.com

TEDXTINHAU RETURNS Amidst growing concerns about the environment, TEDxTinHau has announced the return of its annual speaker event – this time with a sustainability focus. On October 17, a host of Hong Kong-based climate change activists will use the theme of Countdown to discuss ideas and actions to fight climate

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change. The talks will take place from 3pm to 6pm at The Fringe Club and will be attended by invitation only, to abide with social distancing guidelines. Viewers can tune into live streams at Explorium HK, Banyan Workspace and various WeWork locations. tedxtinhauwomen.com

IN YOUR BACKYARD

MASK UP If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to single-use surgical masks, you may want to check out Uniqlo’s hugely popular Airism masks. The highly sought-after masks, which were sold out within hours when they were first released in Japan, have arrived in Hong Kong. Offering wearers the same level of protection as surgical masks, the Airism masks carry a three-layer structure, which includes a breathable mesh layer; a middle layer that blocks out 99 percent of particles using nano filter technology; and an outer layer which blocks 80 percent of harmful UV rays. The masks are available online and in all Uniqlo store locations across the city. uniqlo.com.hk

PINK DOLPHINS GET FRISKY

The pink dolphin population has risen by 30 percent since high-speed ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau came to a standstill in February. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also known as pink dolphins, are native to the Pearl River estuary and listed as protected species in Hong Kong. There were 250 pink

dolphins inhabiting the city’s waters in the 1990s, but over the last two decades, that number had dwindled to only 32, before the Covid-19 outbreak. Dr Lindsay Porter, a senior research scientist from the University of St Andrews, has been studying Hong Kong’s pink dolphins since 1993. “From visual observations the dolphins are spending much more time socialising, splashing around on the surface, quite a bit of foreplay, quite a bit of sex. Hong Kong dolphins normally live on the edge, they’re stressed, so it’s really great to see them playing and having a good time,” Porter said. To help protect the endangered species, she suggests making better use of the Hong KongZhuhai-Macau Bridge and limiting the number of ferries running between Hong Kong and Macau.

GLOW UP Elysia Redoleo is collaborating with Japanese first-line beauty salons for the The Glow Getter Miracle Masque. The natural mask is made with beetroot, oatmeal and aloe extract to provide a bright and moisturised finish. Elysia Redoleo’s products

do not contain any fragrances, pigments or additives, making them suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women or people with sensitive skin. Each box includes three silk masks and two test tube masks. elysiaredoleo.com

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BUSINESS INNOVATOR

Keeping the sparkle Nicole Slater speaks to Elaine Shiu, executive director of Ejj Jewellery on powering through the pandemic Born and raised in Hong Kong, Elaine Shiu has always been business savvy, starting her first business, trading red coral for luxury jewellery, during her second year of university.

Shiu’s parents and professors didn’t believe she could handle the pressure of owning a business and keeping up with her studies, but she proved them wrong in 2017 after being nominated as coral expert.

Upon graduating Shiu decided to establish her own brand, Ejj Jewellery, noticing a gap in the market for affordable fashion jewellery.

“I decided to fill that gap and design my own jewellery with high quality pieces without a huge price tag,” she says. Taking inspiration from fashion blogger and entrepreneur, Chiara Ferragni, Shiu wanted to empower women with her elegant but wearable designs.

Ejj Jewellery went on to become the first Hong Kong based jewellery brand to 3D-print products, collaborating Forbidden City on a unique collection in 2019. The collection received both a MUSE Design Award and an A’ Design Award earlier this year.

There is a saying in Chinese which translates to ‘crisis creates opportunities’ While 2020 started on a high for Shiu, the ongoing pandemic has been hard for the startup business. “There is a saying in Chinese which translates to ‘crisis creates opportunities’ and I feel that there are still opportunities out there, I just needed to adjust my business plan,” she says. By improving Ejj Jewellery’s online platform over the past few months, Shui has been able to connect with customers virtually and showcase her designs online. Shui believes that business owners should always be prepared for the best and worst situations in order to keep up with changing times.

You can find Elaine’s award-winning designs online at ejjonline.com

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Photo from Pascal Greco’s Hong Kong Neon

LOCAL

Where did the lights go Apple Lee meets the people who are fighting to preserve Hong Kong’s fast-disappearing neon lights Kenji Lee Kun-lun, the executive director and chief executive officer of Tsui Wah Group, stood outside his cha chaan teng on Parkes Street in Jordan as he watched the removal of his restaurant’s main neon sign. It took a team of more than 10 workers and two large tractors to keep the nearly nine metres-tall sign suspended while it was being detached from the building.

Before the sign was lowered to the ground, the neon lights were switched on, which bursted into dazzling hues of contrasting colours, in a symbolic move to pay tribute to the sign’s cultural significance.

The removal and preservation of the Tsui Wah neon sign was the first major project that Tetra Neon Exchange (TNX) took on. Born out of a reaction to the city’s fast-disappearing neon signs, TNX is a newly founded non-profit

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organisation that aims to preserve Hong Kong’s neon culture. The group hopes to salvage neon signs of the city and display them at exhibitions to encourage more people to learn about this iconic Hong Kong artefact. Instead of heading to the landfill, the decades-old Tsui Wah neon sign is now safely tucked away in a storage space, waiting to be restored by a local neon signmaker.

“Neon lights are the visual and cultural identity of Hong Kong. Growing up in the 80s, I was surrounded by countless neon signs when I strolled down the streets of Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui,” says Cardin Chan, general manager of TNX. In the last two decades, up to 90 percent of Hong Kong’s neon signs have disappeared. The decline of the city’s neon lights can be traced back to the late 1990s when LED technology arrived on the scene. Compared to neon, LED is cheaper to produce, more energy efficient and easier to maintain. At around the same time, many neon companies also started relocating to mainland China where the rent and labour cost were cheaper.

In 2011, a new government regulation concerning outdoor structures around buildings came into existence. The control system mandates business owners to remove signs that pose public safety risks. Since then, the

LOCAL

government has retired a staggering number of neon signs. It’s reported that more than 5,000 sign boards were taken down in 2009 alone.

“People often express their pity when they see a neon sign removed, but they are also quick to move on from it. I encourage them to look up more when walking the streets and notice the neon signs that are still there. Go to businesses that have neon signs on and tell them that their signs could bring in businesses for them. You don’t have to wait until something is gone to show your appreciation for it,” says Chan.

Outside of its conservation work, TNX is dedicated to raising awareness about Hong Kong’s neon culture. Its latest project involves a collaboration with Swiss photographer and

filmmaker Pascal Greco to publish a neon photography book. Greco had visited Hong Kong annually for seven consecutive years between 2012 and 2019 and captured more than 300 photos of the city’s neon signs on his Polaroid and film cameras – some of which no longer exist in our streetscape.

To pay homage to Hong Kong’s visual heritage and neon signmakers, Greco has handpicked 170 of his photos and compiled them into a dedicated photography book. Titled Hong Kong Neon, the book is accompanied by interviews with two local neon masters and an essay by Christopher Doyle, the acclaimed cinematographer best known for his work with Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai in Chungking Express, Happy Together and In the Mood for Love.

Due to the global pandemic and its devastating economic impact, the Swiss publisher that Greco is working with is struggling to pool together enough funds to cover the printing costs for Hong Kong Neon.

In September, Greco launched a month-long crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to raise money for a limited run of 500 copies and got in touch with Chan to help to get the word out.

“After talking to [Greco] on the phone for hours, I was moved by how much he cares about Hong Kong neon lights and the work that he

has put behind shooting all the photos. There hasn’t been a photography book dedicated to Hong Kong’s neon lights since the 90s. Hong Kong Neon is more than a collection of pictures, it also serves as an important archive for our conservation work,” says Chan.

The online crowdfunding campaign for Hong Kong Neon is open until October 8.

Supporters will receive a signed copy of the book by pledging $340 or more. Greco relies on the community support to bring his book to live. If Hong Kong Neon does not reach its crowdfunding goal, the book will not be produced. To learn more about TNX or support the crowdfunding campaign, visit TetraNeonExchangeTNX on Facebook.

Pascal Greco

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

Pandemic pivots Melanie Cox meets Hong Kong’s business owners pushing through uncertain times If history has taught us anything, it’s that pandemics have happened in the past and will likely happen again. While we can’t prevent them from emerging, we can prepare

for ways to soften their impact on society.

This month Hong Kong Living shines a light on five business leaders that have shifted tactics and successfully steered their

brands through unprecedented waters.

On a glorious September day we sat down to hear how these inspiring leaders adjusted, adapted and came out smiling.

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COVER STORY

As with every financial recession consumers are reluctant to spend, particularly on luxury goods.

“With continuous lockdowns, businesses closing down and changing consumer buying habits, the infrastructure of our business had to change,” says Payal Shah, founder and creative director of the award-winning L’ Dezen by Payal Shah.

Founded in 2011, L’ Dezen by Payal Shah specialises in one of a kind designs. Shah has seen success on a global scale, travelling to trade shows around the world and even dressing some of the top names in Hollywood.

Things took an unforeseen turn in the middle of 2019. “Our business took some big hits,” says Shah. “Almost every trade show in Hong Kong went from 100 percent capacity to 10 to 15 percent.”

In October 2019, Shah shifted her entire product line from retail to online, knowing an economical turn was not guaranteed, her quick call-to-action to go digital proved to be pivotal.

“We started revamping our user experience by adding virtual try-ons on our website and created marketing campaigns to encourage all

consumers to start shopping online”.

While you may think it would be impossible to select a piece of jewellery without even touching it, Shah partnered with software company ‘Camweara’ to allow clients to see how the piece looks on them before purchasing.

With so much displacement in the global workforce, Shah is particularly proud to see

that her digital transformation has championed L’Dezen to not only maintain healthy revenues, but see a higher return in investment.

“With reduced costs on trade shows, external travelling expenses and marketing costs we reduced immensely and are so proud to have not laid off any of our employees.” ldezen.com

If you’re on Instagram, you have most definitely seen one of South African chef-proprietor Zahir

Mohamed’s sourdough-based dishes. Tucked away Elgin Street, Baked is notorious for its hour long queues on weekends, even amidst a global pandemic.

“We were encouraged to act fast and not compromise Baked’s belief system, providing a fulfilling experience with respect to

our community,” says Zahir Mohamed, founder of Baked. “During this period, we looked at the gaps and got personal on social media and in service. This allowed us to show more compassion to our customers,” says Mohamed.

Each wave taught Mohamed a new lesson.

Baked was able to test the water and find new streams of revenue to further the brand’s success.

“The business continues to grow differently with each wave. When the second and third wave hit, we reacted quickly with take away offerings providing a channel for people to pre-order,” says Mohammed.

Mohamed’s love for the community is a two way street. Even during the toughest of times, Baked’s loyal customer base has been the brand’s strongest asset. This enabled the team to retain all staff and avoid salary cuts.

Perhaps most impressive of all is that Baked Restaurant Group will be opening not one, but two new spaces amidst the pandemic. The first is Acme, a cosy diner situated at the top of Soho and the second, Yung & Lazy, tucked away in Wan Chai with a similar easy-going vibe as Baked.

While the future of dining may be unclear.

Mohammed’s focus remains clear. “This is an amazing time to focus on growth. It is time for us to put our thinking caps on and think outside the box.” bakedhongkong.com

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COVER STORY

Few industries have fallen as fast as the travel industry. So what does one do when the world stops travelling? Charlotte Harris, managing director of Charlotte Travel, acted quickly to shift the predominant nature of travel to offer domestic travel packages, staycations and unique experiences to keep the boutique agency afloat.

One thing that has remained during this period of change is the formidable ethos at the heart of the family-owned business.

“Early in the pandemic we were seeing friends within the travel industry closing shop or furloughing staff. Our management team decided that giving up was not an option,” says Harris.

“Not only did we come through 2019 with one of our best years yet, but in a time of crisis, we helped hundreds of clients get home.”

When countries began closing their borders to travellers in late January, clients were calling for advice to rearrange their travel plans. Adhering to their company values, Charlotte Travel kept its doors open every single day to help passengers gain access to travel during restrictions. “Clients called from around the world needing expert advice,” says Harris. “All of them were able to speak to a human within three rings, during the

day and through the night.”

Harris has seen firsthand that in unprecedented times, there are no rules. But this is where personal growth emerges. “Do what you want and what is best for you,” she says. And that’s exactly

what she did. In between adapting the nature of her business, Harris got married and is now also in the process of launching a virtual wedding business, Gold Ring Virtual Weddings. charlottetravel.com.hk

The world of health and fitness as we know it is facing an unprecedented economic crisis.

From cancelled tournaments to yoga studios and gyms shutting down, the future of sport remains uncertain when we are reduced to the confines of our homes.

But this shift has inspired more businesses to go digital. New opportunities have emerged for fitness trainers to carve out direct revenue

streams and virtual home workouts have exploded in popularity.

“Home workouts are going to be a trend.

People will discover that they can actually do a lot more at home,” says Keith Rumjahn, CEO of OliveX. OliveX is a digital lifestyle company with a focus on health and fitness. Under its umbrella of apps is KARA Smart Fitness, aimed at busy people who still want to workout. KARA operates through an interactive smart fitness mirror, powered by artificial intelligence to detect its operators body movements.

2020 has seen a new digital ecosystem appear via platforms such as Zoom, YouTube, IG Live and Facebook Live, enabling fitness coaches to build consumer relationships beyond their studios.

Rumjahn has exemplified that where there is loss, there is opportunity. Riding on the theme of connected fitness and stay at home trends, OliveX was able to execute an initial public offering (IPO) in Australia in August. “This would not be possible without the support of our coaches and community during times of uncertainty,” says Rumjahn. olivex.ai

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

As some may say, right place, right time. And that is exactly the case for Vincent Tsui, Co-founder and CEO of WOOM Workspace Booking Platform.

The leading workspace book platform began in 2018 and allowed users to reserve meeting rooms, work desks, and business event spaces within minutes. “It is just like a UBER of workspaces,” says Tsui.

At the start of this year, WOOM had over 50 business centres under its portfolio as Covid-19 has reshaped the traditional workforce and office setting.

The timing was perfect as WOOM was seen as the ideal service provider and economical problem solver for businesses looking to downsize their office space and reduce their expenditure as budgets tightened.

Additionally, WOOM has recently expanded their business into hotel day passes for the local business community.

“Within one month we had a network of hotels distributing work from room packages.

That became a great hit in the market and

replenished our revenue loss from the business travellers that originally was the bread and butter of our business.”

Being an entrepreneur is about adapting to change and Tsui is living this philosophy to its best.

“There’s never a set formula that can give you success forever,” says Tsui. “I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit in my heart, observing the market trends and it’s needs has always been my hobby.” woom.io

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Photo: Chef Vicky Lau

Dining

DINING

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DINING

A cut above the rest Ahead of our Hong Kong Dining Awards, Melanie Cox takes a look at the chef of the year nominees

Richard Ekkebus

Vicky Lau

Director of culinary operations and F&B at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Executive chef and owner TATE Dining Room

Perhaps best known as the only female Asian chef with a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong, no chef of the year shortlist would be complete without Vicky Lau. As the head chef and owner of the iconic TATE Dining Room, Lau won the title of best female chef in Asia voted by World’s 50 Best

No stranger to success, Ekkebus’s honours include championing two-Michelin starred Amber, the hotel’s contemporary French restaurant, to be one of the most sought after degustation tables in the world. For the twelfth consecutive year, Amber has been awarded two Michelin stars, made the ranks of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and voted 31st best restaurant in the world by World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020. Respectful of tradition yet dedicated to innovation, Ekkebus’s passion for sustainability has seen his influence reach far beyond Amber’s four walls as he paves the way forward for ethical dining.

Head chef, Club Rangoon

Fusing her passion for travel and translating it through her menus, Karisa Cheque’s dishes are inspired by her own personal explorations wherever she goes. Her in-depth knowledge of global cuisine is charismatically crafted through artful plating, catching the attention of discerning chefs and diners.

Cheque has come a long way since earning a Gastronomy degree in São Paul and has worked alongside world-renowned Brazillian chefs Alex Atala and Vivi Araujo. Now heading Club Rangoon (also nominated for best new restaurant of the year), Cheque’s nomination for chef of the year puts her alongside some of the biggest players on the dining scene.

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Restaurants. Her cuttingedge creations and intricate plating earned TATE Dining Room a prestigious Michelin star in 2013, only a year after its conceptualisation. One thing that’s certain is that Lau remains the undisputed queen of French fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong and a favourite to win chef of the year.

DINING John Nguyen Executive chef, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Head chef, Xuân

Who doesn’t love a good pho in this city? The name chef John Nguyen is one that is synonymous to one of the city’s most loved dishes. His dedicated approach and extensive knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine has allowed him to make his mark in the culinary world. After winning awards at New York’s reputable Hanoi House, Nguyen found fame in Hong Kong upon taking charge of popular eatery Chom Chom.

This year, Nguyen found success again with his first-ever opening of modern Vietnamese restaurant Xuân. Doing so amidst the pandemic in 2020 has reinforced exactly why Nguyen is a heavyweight contender to win chef of the year.

With over 33 years of experience as a chef, Uwe Opocensky has spent time in some of the

best kitchens in the world, including a six-month stage position at the three Michelinstarred El Bulli in Spain. He has also cooked for the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and former president Bill Clinton. Currently, Opocensky is responsible for the culinary offerings and daily operations at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, overseeing the hotel’s eight restaurants and bars.

He plays a leading role within the culinary team at Restaurant Petrus, as well as the Michelin-starred Summer Palace, award-winning Lobster Bar & Grill and Nadaman, in addition to the hotel’s banquets and private events.

Chef patron, jean may

Chef de Cuisine, Caprice

French native Guillaume Galliot joined the Caprice team in 2017 with the mission to inject his personality into the cuisine, in order to further elevate and complete the dining experience of Hong Kong’s quintessential French fine dining restaurant. He has ushered in a new era for the renowned French restaurant, earning the Four Seasons its third Michelin star. Caprice is one of only two French restaurants in the city to earn Michelin’s prestigious three-star award, illustrating why Galliot is one of the biggest names in the world’s dining scene.

If you can successfully open a restaurant amidst a pandemic, you’re doing it right. It comes as no surprise that chef and co-owner Tiff Lo has been nominated along the likes of the city’s culinary titans. Lo brings with her meticulous training from the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu London Culinary School, before refining herself under the tutelage of some of Europe’s most legendary chefs, such as three-Michelin starred chefs Michel Roux Jr, Phil Howard, Eric Chavot and Pierre Koffmann. Lo soon returned to Hong Kong with a wealth of knowledge ready to inject into her solo venture jean may. The neighbourhood modern French bistro uses a flavour-focused approach to French cooking and

has established itself to be one of the hottest openings of 2020, thanks to Lo at the helm.

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DINING NEWS

Nibbles

Foodie Picks In line with this month’s cover story; here are three resturants and bars that have opened this year.

Aria Since opening in August, Aria joins the likes of Kyoto Joe, Fumi and Porterhouse to add to a world-class culinary portfolio in California Tower. At the helm of Aria is executive chef Andrea Zamboni, who brings 20 years of Michelin-rated restaurant experience. ariaitalian.com

Katsumoto When word gets across town that Sean Mell (the former executive chef of Silencio and Nobu Hong Kong) is heading up a cosy modern izakaya in Sai Ying Pun, you know you’re in for a treat. Despite opening in the third-wave of covid-19, the daily que of discerning guests verifies that Katsumoto is a top contender to be one of the hottest openings in 2020. bistro-concept.com

Monsoon season has arrived A new Southeast Asian inspired restaurant, Monsoon has opened its doors in ELEMENTS. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef Will Meyrick, serves up Southeast Asian street-food dishes with a modern twist, including Indonesian Wagyu beef rendang,

Salmon Amok and Kampung Snicker. The tropical decor and extensive range of fruity cocktails will transport you to the white sandy beaches of Thailand, perfect for these travel free months. Monsoon also offers a weekday set lunch and daily free-flow drinks package. monsoonoriental.com.hk

New shisha lounge FJAKA opens

Lounge Hakuba

Fjaka, a word originating from Croatia, describes a subliminal, laidback state of mind in which one aspires for nothing. With a name that conjures up images of relaxing at home, this new Causeway Bay lounge offers an intimate shisha experience with a 10-seater VIP room, semi-private lounge and open-air terrace.

FJAKA serves fun and creative shisha flavours like cotton candy milkshake, honey lemonade and coconut yoghurt along with sumptuous light bites like tuna tartare with watermelon and deep fried risotto rice ball. 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay.

This beautifully crafted lounge lodge may be the closest one gets to the pristine slopes off Nagano, Japan, with travel restrictions in place.

The camping inspired alfresco terrace is perfect to sit back with friends.

Guests can experience Hong Kong’s first shisha omakase experience, best enjoyed with seasonal Japanese cocktails and bar snacks.

Room 309 x Two Moons Distillery tarot-card themed pop-up A tarot-themed pop up is coming your way this autumn. From September 28 to November 14, Room 309 and Two Moons Distillery will be serving four cocktails at the Mystic Nights pop up, using Two Moons’ Five Flowers Tea Limited Edition Dry Gin. Complimenting the mystical cocktails, tarot card reader Olivia Luk will be making an appearance every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm

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BIG DAY OUT

Haunted Hong Kong Nicole Slater investigates some of the city’s scariest places this Halloween With a city as densely populated as Hong Kong, there is a horror story around every corner. So turn off that scary movie and step into some of Hong Kong’s most haunted locations.

Bride’s Pool Located in the northeastern New Territories in Plover Cove Country Park, Bride’s Pool is a scenic area, made up of several waterfalls and pools. While this whimsical location may sound like the perfect day out, the tale behind its name may stop you in your tracks. Legend believes

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that a bride-to-be was carried along the pools by four porters in a sedan chair on her way to meet her groom during a storm. One of the porters slipped and the bride and her porters fell over the waterfall and drowned in the pool below. She never made it to her groom and is believed to lurk around the pools dressed in her traditional gown waiting for him. While the story is just folk law, Bride’s Pool was listed as a hiking accident black spot by the Hong Kong Government, after a series of serious accidents and fatalities in the area.

Nam Koo Terrace

BIG DAY OUT Nam Koo Terrace In the heart of Wan Chai lies a two-storey red house dating back to WWII. History states that the house was turned into a brothel during the Japanese reign and many women were forcibly taken there and subjected to a range of horrors, the house has been abandoned ever since. Over the years many passersby have reported hearing screams and seeing shadows during the night.

A group of youngsters broke inside the house to search for ghosts in 2003, resulting in one girl being hospitalised after it was believed she became possessed.

King George V School Originally built on Nathan Road in 1894, King George V School moved to its current location in Kowloon City in 1936 due to the increase in the number of students. When the Japanese army invaded China a year later, many women and children fled Shanghai and needed a place to stay. The school became a refugee camp and as the war continued the site turned into a hospital for the British forces. When the Japanese took over, KGV was used as a hospital for prisoners of war. It was rumoured that the Pavilion was once a torture chamber and the field adjacent was a mass grave. After an extensive excavation in preparation for an artificial playing field in 2002, no such evidence was found. While many of the rumours have been debunked, people still report seeing the lost souls in the clock tower and room P14.

during the Japanese occupation. It is believed that over 4,000 Hong Kong residents were tortured and murdered on the premises. After the Second World War the house was handed back over to the Hong Kong Government and converted into offices. Many workers reported ghost sightings and odd occurrences such as blueprints going missing and equipment breaking down. The reports were so troubling that in 1963 the government brought in 90 Buddhist monks to perform an exorcism at the house. The ritual took a grueling 10 hours to complete but despite their best efforts the reports didn’t stop. A second exorcism was held in 1974 and televised throughout Hong Kong. No further activity has been reported since.

Blake Garden

Sai Ying Pun Community Complex

During the 19th Century, Blake Garden was a residential complex housing hundreds of families. When the bubonic plague struck in 1894, thousands of people across Hong Kong were subjected to a slow and painful death. The complex was one of the most affected areas and was demolished soon after. A garden was built as a remembrance to those who lost their lives and to this day reports of children dressed in traditional clothing playing in the park are a common occurrence.

Located on the corner of High Street and Eastern Street, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex was built in 1892 and served as quarters for international nurses, later transforming into an asylum. During World War II the building was used as an execution ground and thousands of bodies were dumped in a mass grave just across the road. The building was abandoned in 1970 and many stories of headless ghost sightings began to surface. The building was repurposed in 1990 and is now a community centre for local residents.

31 Granville Road The apartment block on Granville Road is the scene of one of Hong Kong’s most horrifying murder cases. In 1999 a 23-year-old girl was kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured in the apartment by three men. The case was nicknamed The Hello Kitty Murder after parts of the girls body were found stuffed inside a Hello Kitty doll. Rumour has it CCTV cameras have captured images of her ghostly body standing outside the building’s entrance.

Murray House Originally located on Queen’s Road East, Murray House was once used as an execution spot

Blake Garden

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Seize the day

Nicole Slater meets the people fighting the stigma around mental health in Hong Kong This year has been tough on the mental wellbeing of many Hongkongers, with job cuts and political tension, many people are nervous about the future.

According to research conducted by Mind HK earlier this year, 1 in 7 people in Hong Kong will experience a common mental health disorder in their lifetime, but only 1 in 4 will seek help. We spoke with councillors across the city who are doing their part to keep us thinking positively about the future.

Jessica Yeung Common Care Central

Through her own personal experience with mental health, Jessica Yeung founded Common Care Central, an online mental health resource, to help those needing a convenient and affordable form of therapy. With sessions available seven days a week, Yeung is on a mission to normalise mental health and increase access to mental healthcare.

What makes Common Care Central unique?

finding a good match, so our platform provides a service that helps you find a suitable match by considering your needs, preferences, and budget.

Second: it’s important to go in with the right expectations on what therapy is about. Therapy is a therapeutic alliance and it takes hard work, persistence and patience. Healing takes time.

Dr Ivan Chow Marina Medical

Through her own personal experience with mental health, Jessica Yeung founded Common Care Central, an online mental health resource, to help those needing a convenient and affordable form of therapy. With sessions available seven days a week, Yeung is on a mission to normalise mental health and increase access to mental healthcare.

How can people start?

Getting started is the hardest part. I would say that there are two things that are important when you are considering beginning therapy: First: Finding a therapist you feel comfortable and suits you is the most important part. I personally had a costly trial-and-error experience when

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Dr Ivan Chow is a physician in family medicine who has worked in primary care for many years.

He treats his patients with a holistic approach,

MENTAL HEALTH managing their physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects. Currently, he is based at Marina Medical, a private outpatient clinic providing primary and speciality care services.

Growing up, Glen Heyburgh was always compassionate and ready to help others.

After fighting his own battles he decided to study psychology and help give back to society. Heyburgh joined Centre Minds in 2018 and has been a listening ear to those who feel alone, unheard, irrelevant or unwelcome.

What are the most common issues you encounter?

Anxiety and depression. This year in particular has seen a rise in patients experiencing mood problems and those who have recovered from mood problems are having relapses. I encourage everyone to pay more attention to themselves, think positively, engage in physical activity and don’t let the fear of being labelled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help.

Is there social stigma about mental health in Hong Kong?

There is a social stigma attached to mental health, however this is not unique to Hong Kong. The more mental illness remains hidden, the more people think it’s something to be ashamed of. Most discrimination comes from people who have little or no experience of mental illness. Try to consider it as their problem, not yours.

What are some warning signs to look out for?

If the following warning signs occur, I will suggest they seek help from a mental health professional: Dramatic changes in sleep and appetite, decline in personal care, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, drop in functioning, problems with concentration, memory and speech, loss of motivation, suspiciousness of others and suicidal ideas or deliberate self-harm.

Do you have advice for those close to someone suffering?

Listen, give support and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Learn about the symptoms, causes and consequences. Don’t say things like, calm down or stop stressing. Feeling depressed or anxious is not a choice.

Dr Mark Greene and Dr Michael Eason Lifespan Counselling

What advice do you have for those suffering this year?

In psychology, there is a concept known as post-traumatic growth (PTG); that is, we can grow and evolve from challenging experiences.

If we can accept the temporary nature of events in life, then 2020 certainly provides many long-term opportunities for growth and an awareness of resiliency.

What are the most common issues you handle?

In Hong Kong, many people struggle with work/ life balance issues, which in turn leads to stress, depression, addiction and relationship issues.

By treating mental health like any other health concern, we can further encourage people to seek counselling when facing issues that impact them psychologically.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to start?

Reaching out to someone you trust and asking if they have any personal referrals is a good idea. If you view seeking help as an empowering process, you begin therapy from a position of strength and self-awareness.

Glen Heyburgh Centre Minds

What advice do you have for those struggling through Covid-19?

How you respond to stress during the Covid-19 pandemic can depend on your background, support system, financial situation and many other factors. Excessive stress can affect your body, take care of your mental health and seek help from a qualified professional.

Do you have advice for couples struggling during this time?

Lockdown rules have forced couples to spend longer periods of time together. These periods of close contact have acted as a stressor, which has intensified negative relationship behaviours and dissatisfaction for couples with existing vulnerabilities. Couples should constructively deal with conflict by working together towards solving issues and responding sensitively when the other is feeling stressed.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact the Hong Kong Samaritans 24-hour hotline, 2896 0000 Common Care Central commoncarecentral.com Marina Medical marinamedical.hk

With over three decades of counselling experience between them, Dr. Mark Greene and Dr. Michael Eason founded Lifespan Counselling.

The boutique psychology group practice has a diverse team offering support for a wide range of topics including addiction, stress addiction, stress, relationship issues and child therapy.

Lifespan Counselling lifespancounselling.com Centre Minds centreminds.com

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PETS

Ask a vet...

Dr Pauline Taylor shares her thoughts on the latest dog poisonings A new spate of sudden dog deaths around Sai Kung and Southside is worrying and I want to encourage dog-owners to always be alert when taking your dog for a walk, keep your dog in your eyesight at all times. When I arrived in Hong Kong in 1995 one of the first things my boss told me to be aware of was poisonings along Bowen Road and Blacks Link on Hong Kong Island.

At the time I had no idea that I would soon be saving the dog of the last Governor of Hong Kong, Whiskey Patton, a small, lovable, but greedy Norfolk terrier that ate poison on Blacks Link.

Over the years a variety of different poisons have been involved, some identified by chemists, many not. They include slug and rat killers, weed destroyers, insecticide and worm and mite nerve paralyzing agents.

Many are easy to purchase over the counter.

The poison used recently on the Island is deep pink granules mixed with an aroma-strong snack of tasty fresh food laid near starting points of common walks.

Once eaten, it’s a race to the death to get the poisoned food out of the dog’s stomach by whatever means possible. Vets use drugs to make a dog vomit, but by the time this happens,

it’s usually too late. Vets will do everything in their power to save a poisoned dog, but in reality this is not an easy task.

What to do if you suspect your dog has eaten poison: • Try and remove the poison from the dog’s body • Get a photo or sample of what your dog may have eaten • If the suspected poison has already been swallowed then making your dog vomit is critical and as soon as possible • Give salty water if you can. I’ve also recommended washing soda lumps pushed over the throat followed by some water to wash it down. (Pets Central Animal Welfare Foundation provides samples of washing soda free of charge at any of our clinics or hospital) • Immediately call a nearby vet. Any vet. Let them know what is happening to give them time to prepare.

• If your dog loves eating things on walks consider muzzling them We just don’t know who is poisoning dogs.

Don’t push the wrong buttons with people who may want your dog to go away forever.

What to plant in

October

Weather facts: - Average high temperature: 28°C - Average low temperature: 23°C - Average rainfall: 100.9mm - Average rainfall days: 7.4 days For my years acting as superintendent of the Botanical Gardens, I found October the most pleasant of all months. Temperatures in this delightful month range from 23°C to 28°C. The air is relatively dry but not intolerably. Ah, the browning of the leaves reminds me of my important duty.

October soil is the most nurturing of all, best used to grow nourishing vegetables. Seeds of the following may be sown: mustard and cress, delicious lettuce and radish, adorable brussel sprouts and flavourful parsley, sage and thyme. You shall also plant out cabbage, cauliflower, vegetable marrow and celery.

Flowers, whilst their life most fleeting, will dress your garden with magnificent colours. Seeds of the following flowers are most preferable to plant: French and African marigolds, nicotianas, sweet alyssum, daisy, sunflowers and pansy. Prune your roses and nourish them with a generous dressing of manure. Remember, you shall not sow your seeds too shallow nor too deep, water your plants too much, nor too little. Moderation is key.

At last, I offer you advice of utmost importance for your craft. Plants demand care and love likened to our soul. Mere skill does not maketh a good gardener, but passion and heart. Take care of your plants with the care and attention you would give your children a motto every earnest gardener should keep at heart.

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.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

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MARKETPLACE

marketplace

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

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COVIDATING

Is the lockdown a blessing in disguise for your marriage?

Relationship coach Valentina Tudose on keeping the spark alive during a pandemic actual conversation happens) are great ways to build a new level of intimacy.

Relationships are mirrors of ourselves

A few months ago, there was much chatter about the end of this year seeing both a baby boom and/or a flood of divorces as a consequence of Covid-19. There was even a rush to stock up on condoms back in March, which meant people were trying to prevent one or both of those possible outcomes. Pre-travel ban and work from home, many relationships were surviving because the partners had managed to avoid each other. Our lives were so full of work-related travel, social distractions and never-ending to do lists, that most people simply forgot how to ‘be’ with each other. Suddenly they didn’t have a choice.

Husbands who’ve not spent 2 weekdays with the family in years, had nowhere to go and were forced to face their parenting duties. Mothers who felt guilty about not being there due to work pressure were thrust into the primary educator role and had to deal with an everpresent husband (shock to the system, I know.)

Working with many couples to ‘fix their problems”, I’ve boiled it down to three messages that have made the biggest difference:

Distance doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder Whether we are talking about physical distance due to not being in the same place at the same

time or emotional distance that comes from years of rejection and neglect, a relationship is like a garden. If you want your flowers to grow, you need to water them, prune them and ensure weeds don’t steal their sunlight. For love to pass the test of time, we need to tend to our partner every day. We need to show them love and appreciation, resolve conflicts and misunderstandings and deal with the expectations that are inherent to the social construct of marriage.

Covid-19 has brought a lot of anxiety and disruption to our lives and many people have been shocked by their partner’s reaction to the crisis. Tempers are flaring and the smallest thing has made a lot of people call for an emergency coaching session. The truth is people come into our lives to help us discover who we really are.

When we are triggered by external events, that conflict offers a wonderful opportunity to reveal parts of ourselves we buried deeply and hoped we’d never see again.

For example, if we don’t feel loved and appreciated, it is usually a reflection of the fact that we don’t in fact truly love and appreciate ourselves. People who don’t feel prioritised by their partners are usually the ones who put everyone else first and never do anything for themselves. Just as the qualities that we admire in others are things we love most about ourselves, what triggers our anger and disappointment are reflections of what we don’t actually like about ourselves.

Love is an endless process of discovery and rediscovery A lot of people think the reason they lost the spark is because they know their partner too well. That there is nothing to explore. That all conversations have already been played out.

The more realistic explanation for the distance and lack of intimacy is that they don’t understand who their partner has become. Because they haven’t even noticed that they themselves have become a different person.

Couples who took advantage of this time to rediscover new shared interests and started doing things together (not just as parents but also as a couple), have seen major improvements to their connection. Going on pretend first dates and exploring new activities together (in which

Valentina Tudose is a relationship coach and founder of Happy Ever After. For more information visit happyeverafter.asia

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BACKPAGE

Are you listening, m’lud?

Nury Vittachi on courtroom etiquette A dramatic controversy is raging in the corridors of international justice. We all know judges have to be present at trials. But do they have to be paying attention? Do they have to be awake?

And—here’s the cruncher—do they have to be alive?

These are important issues, particularly since many judges are, to use the recognised medical term, “drooling old codgers”.

I was alerted to this topic by a reader named Harsha who told me about a trial which was cancelled in Australia. At first, court officials were pleased at the jury’s copious note-taking. But then they noticed that several were doing Sudoku. The trial was abandoned on the basis that people need to be paying attention.

But in a similar case in the same country, a different conclusion was reached. A Judge named Dodd fell asleep during the arguments, but woke up in time to sentence the men in the dock to prison sentences. The men afterwards complained that it was not their fault that their fates bored the judge.

Senior judges considered the issues and concluded that the law required judges to be PHYSICALLY present, but added that they didn’t have to be mentally there. One legal commentator summed up the finding as good news for judges: “they are entitled to some quality sleep time.”

Some lawyers sneakily interrupt judges’ beauty sleep. At a 2001 trial in Ontario, Canada, a judge fell asleep during a lengthy trial. Lawyer Kim Schofield found a copy of The Criminal Code, a 2,136-page hardback and dropped it onto the desk. “His honour was visibly stirred from his slumber,” she said afterwards.

In Asia, courts are sleepy places with occasional bursts of drama for which we wake each other. For example, there’s one case in my diaries which really should appear in any listing of the world’s most important criminal cases. A furious man stormed into a Sri Lanka courtroom holding a bag of excrement. He flung it at the judge. But he aimed too high.

The substance hit the ceiling fan. You can imagine the mess. This defendant illustrated the truth in an adage (“the **** hit the fan”) that is widely used, but had probably never before been scientifically tested.

Of course, everyone stays awake for murders and sex crimes—but even they can be dull in Asia. In my files is a news report about a pair of Israeli newly-weds who were

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arrested in Rajasthan, India, because they kissed after getting married. The judge found them guilty of “lewd behavior in public” and fined them the equivalent of US$22.

Incidentally, I often wonder how a place which takes prudishness to such extremes can have a population explosion? Do husbands and wives stay in separate buildings and Fedex ova and spermatozoids to each other?

But back to our topic. What if the person in charge dies on the job?

Having been a court reporter in my youth, I can testify many judges sit with their eyes closed, unbreathing, for hours on end.

It is impossible to tell whether they are awake, asleep or deceased. I remember shaking hands with one judge after a lengthy case and I’m sure I could feel rigor mortis in his arm.

Although the Australian finding says judges are only required to be physically present, consider the incident that took place in the US city of Denver. Judge Frank G. Henderson died right there on his bench in the middle of a hearing. The case was halted. (I wonder how people left the room, since no one is allowed to stand up and leave before the judge does? Is everyone still there?)

If they had followed the findings in the Australian case, lawyers could have just pointed out that Judge Henderson was still physically present and carried on regardless. They would probably have enjoyed having fewer interruptions from the bench.

And the jury, of course, could have finished their Sudokus.

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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