Southside Magazine January 2014

January 2014

New Year

new you Horizon Plaza made easy

Going green in Pok Fu Lam

Easy like

Sunday morning

183 things to do

The really useful magazine JANUARY 2014

PEOPLE

INTERVIEW

4 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

18 Harold de Puymorin How this photographer gets inspired.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in January Things to do in 2014.

NEWS 10 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

charity focus 20 Children’s Heart Foundation Twenty years at the heart of the matter.

FEATURE 22 14 goals for 2014 New Year’s resolutions

LETTERS 12 Have your say The latest from our readers.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

14 The fashionista Sheryl Bolden sorts your style.

LOCAL 16 The year ahead Wishes and predictions for 2014.

28 Horizon Plaza made easy A shopping cheat sheet.

EATING 34 Trim and tasty Sai Kung’s favourite healthy dishes. Plus Nibbles from the dining scene.

38 Fergus on Food Mijas Spanish Restaurant.

EDUCATION 40 Robots for kids Pluck your brains with these robotic classes.

FAMILY 44 Sunday afternoon activities Turn Sundays into fun days.

HOME 48 Zero waste Green is the new interior.

BIG DAY OUT 52 Mong Kok market trail Seven markets, one day. Here’s how.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 56 Diet and detox The trends of 2014.

PETS 58 Lost and found Sally Andersen on finding a lost dog.

CREATURE FEATURE 59 Small Indian civet The facts.

MARKETPLACE 60 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS 66 Loads of random useful local stuff ULTIMATE GUIDE 68 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

MY SOUTHSIDE 70 Chan Cudennec Meet Southside’s wellness guru.

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Lao Tzu

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Stanley Carnival

St Stephen’s Christmas Fete

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

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planner

happening in january JAN 5, 12, 19 & 26

Island East Markets Local organic food and other goodies, with live music and fun stuff for children. Dogs welcome.

10am-5pm. Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay.

JAN 12

James Blunt Moon Landing 2014

It’s going to be beyootiful. It’s true. Live at AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets $580-$980 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JAN 31-FEB 3

Lunar New Year

Public holiday to welcome the Year of the Horse. Let’s hear it for the gee-gees.

JAN 1

Ends JAN 1

Hello, 2014!

Games, lucky draws and dinosaur-themed fun for kids. 11am-7pm. Cyberport Arcade, Pok Fu Lam, www.cyberport.hk.

New Year’s Day JAN 1

Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza Hong Kong’s largest collection of mythical beasts, including a record-breaking parade of unicorns, shimmies through Tsim Sha Tsui.

Starting 2pm, Canton Road. For details, visit www.DragonLion.hk.

Christmas Funland

JAN 12

The Clearwater Bay Chase

The annual race over 10km for adults, or 1km for parents and kids. Starts 8.30am, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, 2335 3752, www.cwbgolf. org/cwbchase.

JAN 14

Sarah Brightman Dreamchaser World Tour The superstar soprano sings. AsiaWorld Arena, Lantau. Tickets $580-$1,180 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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planner JAN 15-FEB 16

JAN 25

Stage productions of nine favourite children’s stories, including The Gruffalo, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Private Peaceful. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$395 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The second installment of the uber-successful garage sale. Go rummage. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942.

Kidsfest!

Winter Garage Sale

JAN 30

Lunar New Year’s Eve

Join the thousands lighting incense and making a wish at Wong Tai Sin Temple just after midnight.

JAN 31

Lunar New Year Parade

JAN 25-31

Lunar New Year Flower Market It’s blooming lovely. Possibly the busiest but best-humoured place on the planet this week.

Noon til late. Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Lions, dragons, floats, dancers and 120,000 people crammed into Tsim Sha Tsui.

Party on, Hong Kong. Details at www.discoverhongkong.com.

JAN 31, FEB 3

Lunar New Year Cup The annual international soccer tournament pitting Hong Kong against four Asian teams. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, www.hkfa.com.

JAN 17-FEB 9

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Bamboo Theatre

JAN 31

A capella and jazz artists share the stage with Hong Kong’s best Chinese opera troupes.

Western Kowloon Cultural District. Tickets $200-$280 from www.urbtix.hk, 2734 9009.

Quiz Night

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Rack your brains. 8pm-10pm, Pickled Pelican, 90 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4313.

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Lunar New Year Fireworks

FEB 13

Avril Lavigne

MAR 9

Wahhh! Victoria Harbour, 8pm.

The sk8er girl’s back.

AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $380-$780 from www.hkticketing. com, 3128 8288.

A last chance to see Mick and the boys?

Not likely! Cotai Arena, Macau. Tickets $580-$14,880 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The Rolling Stones 14 on Fire

FEB 15 FEB 2

Cold Half Swim

Back a horse, watch it run. First race 12.30pm, Sha Tin Racecourse.

Hardy swimmers race from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island, followed by a warming beach party at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Register by Feb 7 at www.openwaterasia.com.

Lunar New Year Race Day

MAR 29-30

FEB 18-MAR 22 Hong Kong Arts Festival World-class opera, theatre, music and dance. Highlights include Lohengrin by Savonlinna Opera, Bullet Catch, African Tales by Shakespeare, puppetry A Midsummer’s Night Dream, charming animation The Magic Piano, Grammy winners Gregory Porter, Roberto Foseca and pianist Maria Joao Pires, Giselle by La Scala Ballet and Highland Fling by the Scottish Ballet.

Details at www.hk.artsfestival.org.

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Bruno Mars The Moonshine Jungle In town for the first time. AsiaWorld Expo, Lantau. Tickets $599-$1,088 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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news It ain’t half cold

Vote and win!

Vote for your favourite Southside businesses, places and people in the second Southside Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. We want to know all about your favourite restaurant, picnic spot, bar, shops and services. Want to share a best-kept secret? Now’s your chance.

Voting commences this month and every entry joins a draw to win fantastic prizes. The results will be revealed in our April issue. To have your say, visit www.southside.hk

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A brand new endurance event links two of Hong Kong’s premier distance races on the same weekend. The Cold Standard starts with the 15km Cold Half Swim from Stanley Main Beach to Middle Island on February 15, and continues with the Standard Chartered Marathon on February 16.

Competitors will have to complete both events.

“We have seven participants in the first ever Cold Standard race,” says organiser Doug Woodring. “We have some pretty amazing swimmers coming, too, including Ned Denison, former UC Berkeley Water Polo Player, and now global channel crossing swimmer.”

The annual Cold Half Swim sees water temperatures of 20ºC-21ºC and air temperatures that can drop to 12ºC (shivers). After the event, swimmers and supporters can warm up at a beach party held at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club on Middle Island. To take part, register by February 7 at www.openwaterasia.com.

Calling young artists Budding artists can display their work at Colour My World’s forthcoming exhibition, “FOUND! In Hong Kong”. The gallery is inviting children to enroll by January 2 as exhibiting artists to show art pieces made from found – and sometimes lost – objects. The exhibition will be held in February at the Shum Wan art studio. Enroll online at www.colour-my-world.com.

in your backyard

Seeing Red

AppJamming for kids

Tree celebrates the Year of the Horse with masses of festive red. Flowers are a traditional part of Lunar New Year. Decorate your home with festive plants and flowers arranged by Tree’s floral artists and delivered to your home.

Also available are ceramic kitchenware – dining plates, soup bowls and rice bowls – decorated with Hong Kong landmarks and icons. Other red coloured items include recycled glass pieces from Denmark, and the Alluring Tu Textiles cushions with a Chrysanthemum flower or horse design. Gold Lai See packets are also available for your lucky money. 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, 2871 1583.

High-school students can create their own mobile apps at the debut mobile phone development course at First Code Academy.

Adapted from high schools in Silicon Valley, the AppJamming Extensive program teaches everything from fundamental computer concepts to creating a mobile application from scratch. A semesterlong programme, classes will be held on Saturdays from January 11 until June, with a final presentation for students to showcase their work.

The programme will be held at Canadian International School, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, and cost from $200 an hour. Spaces are limited. To enroll, contact hello@ firstcodeacademy.com.

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Headline letters

have your say

Traffic trouble Pok Fu Lam is supposedly a nice area to drive around but lately it’s been getting less and less tolerable. There seems to be more drivers during the weekends and a lot of them are just driving too slow for the roads, going about 30km to 40km, what is that? And there are an alarming amount of probationary drivers on the

roads - which is great for them but it doesn’t help the weekend traffic at all I find. And there are so many cars parked on the road of Cyberport during 3pm and 4pm on weekdays, I guess because of all the parents and drivers picking up the children. But it blocks up the whole road and it’s very inconvenient.

Sometimes I wonder if someone could look at limiting the number of cars parked outside the school, or push them towards the Cyberport carpark. Okay, that’s enough from me now, but surely I can’t be the only one annoyed by all of this?

Jennifer Carter Pok Fu Lam More giveaways please!

Thank you for your article on Hong Kong by helicopter. I’d like to put my name down for the ticket giveaway please. I had no idea that you could hop on and fly around Hong Kong so easily (and cheap too!). Next time they

HK_ss_Jan2014_190x120mm_FA_P.pdf 1 2013/12/16 17:31:06

visit, I’ve decided I will be taking my parents up on one. They don’t really enjoy Hong Kong’s crowded streets, but I know one day they will fall in love with this beautiful city if they see it from up there.

And if I don’t win, I’ll be on the lookout for other giveaways (more helicopter rides maybe?).

Cheryl Fung Aberdeen Thank you Southside magazine is indeed the really useful magazine! I love it, especially the Planner section. It helps to gather all the events taking place in town or nearby where I live. I went to St. Stephen’s Christmas Fete and it was awesome. My two daughters and I had such a wonderful afternoon. A big thank you to you and your team.

Wish you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Fiona Yau

Please email your letters to editor@southside.hk. We may edit for length.

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香港藝術節的資助來自 The Hong Kong Arts Festival is made possible with the funding support of

five minutes with...

in the closet

The wardrobe editor

Sheryl Bolden revamps your wardrobe to create a whole new you. By Cherrie Yu. Marks & Spencer, Zara, Evans and Etam.

Working with factories, selecting colours and fabrics and in product development, got me into fashion for all types of women.

It’s not about brands, but what style suits a woman and making the best of what she owns

Fashion is attainable for all women, regardless of size, shape and budget.

Over the past 12 years, I have worked in Britain and Hong Kong for brands such as

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After years answering friends’ queries and helping reorganize their wardrobes, I began Make My Wardrobe Work in September after moving to Hong Kong permanently. I help women review their existing wardrobes and establish what suits their style and flatters their shapes.

I travel to my clients’ homes, mainly on the Southside. My current clients are expats: the youngest is 26 and wanted to get ready for

society, the oldest is 50. “The Edit” session is popular.

It’s not about brands, but what style suits a woman and making the best out of what she already owns. Before I meet clients, I ask them to fill out a short questionnaire so I can understand their lifestyle.

Some clients own several similar pieces in the same colour, others find it difficult to determine their body sizes. It is very satisfying to hear clients tell me I’ve made them fall in love with their wardrobe again.

For 2014, I’m looking into starting a blog. The project is evolving as I get ideas and suggestions from clients. One man wanted to buy his wife a session as a gift – vouchers are on their way.

For details, call 9166 2711 or visit www.makemywardrobework.com.

local

in a perfect world

Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk

Graphic Designer Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz jonathan@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Executive Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Adele Rosi Carolynne Dear Fergus Fung Sally Andersen Cherrie Yu Steffi Yuen Olivia Lai Forrest Lau Michelle Koh Morollo Sophie Sherrard Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central Hong Kong Give us a call!

Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Southside Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Southside Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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A swimmer competes in The Five, one of many Southside events to look forward to in 2014.

Southside wish list Wishes and predictions for Southside in 2014.

If Christmas is a time for reflection, old friends and fond memories, then the New Year is all about looking forward to good things yet to come. As the dying notes of Auld Lang Syne still hang in the air, we asked Southsiders their wishes and predictions for the area in 2014 and beyond.

“Aberdeen will become the new ‘trendy’ area, much like Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo have been in the past,” predicts Jonathan Glover, founder of The Butchers Club in Aberdeen. “Maybe not in 2014, but within the next three years, Aberdeen will become the place to be seen.”

He’s not the only one foreseeing great things for the area.

Southern District Council (SDC) secretary Ming Lin is excited about several new developments coming up in Aberdeen: “The South Island Line (East) to be completed in 2015 and the related development; Ocean Park’s new hotels and water

paradise; and the SDC’s signature project scheme – a seafood eatery beside Aberdeen Fish Market, facing the typhoon shelter.

“In 2014, we will continue to bring in more exciting literary and cultural activities as well as consider making some of the festival hits into annual highlights for visitors.

And we will construct three of the five Southern District Literary Trail landmarks in memory of Hu Shih in Stanley, Cai Yuen-pei in Aberdeen and Eileen Chang in Repulse Bay.” The SDC’s plans should interest G.O.D founder Douglas Young.

“I wish for the Southside to have more cultural events,” he says. “I think the people who run Stanley Plaza are doing a great job with wonderful new restaurants and shops, so I expect them to continue their success.”

Meanwhile, restaurateur Jean-Paul Gauci, owner of Shek O’s Cococabana and Deep Water Bay’s Coco Thai, dreams

of improvements to the area for more physical activities.

“My wish list? It would be for a cycle path spanning the whole length of Southside,” he said.

Finally, the Ocean Recovery Alliance director and co-founder Doug Woodring is hoping for good news for the environment.

“It will be a big year for the environment, not only in Hong Kong, but around the world,” he notes. “[I’m looking forward to] the 10th anniversary of the Shek O Challenge Swim in early July, the eighth annual Clean Half Extreme Swim in October, and further proof from the ocean that the ban on trawling is making a great, positive impact.”

Woodring has one more wish for 2014 that we share wholeheartedly: “The opening of the Pulse mall in Repulse Bay. Maybe this will bring cause, reason and attention to finally stop all the tour buses from idling there.”

Picture: Mike Pickles, The Power of Sports Images, “The Five”

Art Director Reynaldo Dela Paz rey@fastmedia.com.hk

International and Afterschool

interview

Bold Inception Fine-art photographer Harold de Puymorin tells Hannah Grogan how Hong Kong changed his life.

Tell us about yourself...

I’m 31, French, and I’ve been living in Hong Kong for about three years since the company I was working for previously offered me the

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opportunity to come to Asia.

Since then I have become passionate about Asia and Hong Kong – its spirit, architecture and ambience. It allowed me to be where I am today, doing something I would never have considered before: working using my passion. I am thankful to those who gave me the opportunity to discover what I really wanted to do. Hong Kong is a place where fulfilling your dreams can be a reality.

What kind of work do you do?

Early last summer I decided to jump out of the nest and start a new venture called Inception with my passion for photography. I have an online boutique selling limited-edition fine-art photographs and I offer photography services such as portraiture, events and corporate shoots. Inception offers a different vision of Hong Kong and other cities in Asia. Between chaos and beauty, confined areas and spaces, Asia’s cities are full of paradoxes and contrasts.

The pictures are mainly focused on architecture and abstract, digitally modified for a sensation of “diving” into the picture. I wanted to get away from traditional Hong Kong city skylines.

How does the Southside influence your work?

Living in Southside is a completely new experience for me. I lived in Central for about

topsy turvy Like the eponymous movie that inspired the images, de Puymorin turns Hong Kong on its head in his Inception series (left and below). Right and bottom: images from his City Street Life series.

Hong Kong is a place where fulfilling your dreams can be a reality two years before moving to Stanley. It is a completely different Hong Kong, not only for the architecture but in the way you live, out of the crowd and noise. It helps me to get a better focus and better vision for my work. It also helps me think and be creative. It is close to some European landscapes, especially southern Europe.

What are your favourite places on Southside?

I really like the road from Stanley to Shek O, Chung Hom Kok has a very pleasant beach.

What’s your favourite local restaurant?

Being French, I would say Stan Café in Stanley

Plaza. They have an amazing variety of cheese and a fabulous duck saucisson that is just mindblowing. Most of their products are imported directly from my hometown, Toulouse, in southwest France.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’ve been working most days for the past six months – and loving it. Before, I would go out taking photographs, gathering with friends, travelling around, cooking too.

Best advice you’ve been given?

I went to a party once, where a girl had a bag that said, “Start doing what you love”. Simple and true. I like that.

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charity focus

♥

Children’s Heart Foundation Olivia Lai on a matter of the heart.

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) was set up in 1994 to provide financial support for parents of children born with heart defects who are unable to afford treatment. It also purchases new medical equipment, sponsors ward upgrades, arranges overnight accommodation and even brings overseas surgeons to Hong Kong for special cases.

Heart defects are typically caused by genetic or environmental factors, and affect an estimated six or seven babies out of every thousand born in Hong Kong. Treatment is expensive and can involve heart surgery to fit pacemakers, followed by a long period of postoperative care. CHF chairperson Jenny Cheng says hospitals simply don’t have enough staff or resources for after care.

“Our role is mostly with the parents and targeting the right needs, sharing small but significant information that can potentially save a child from a heart attack,” she explains.

Psychological support is also important, assuring a child that they are no different from their friends.

In 2000, CHF opened the House of the Heart accommodation block close to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam so parents of children in the paediatric cardiac ward can stay close by. The House of the Heart also acts as a

community and support centre for families. As the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, Cheng is happy to report that the survival rate for children with heart defects has risen to 90 per cent-95 per cent. However, the demand for post-op care has increased. On her wish list for the future is a permanent centre where social workers are available to help parents and to provide a place for the community to gather.

“We are like a big family, the infants and parents that we helped years ago often come back and volunteer when they grow up,” she says.

For more information and donations, please visit www.childheart.org.hk, or call 2553 0331.

How to help • Donate a red packet for Lunar New Year, every little helps and can go a long way in saving a child’s life.

• Volunteer as a Friend of CHF. Children going through surgery need a lot of support and friendship.

H K ’s P r e m i e r Tr a i n i n g P r o g r a m m e

S O U T H S I D E ’ S B E S T T R A I N I N G FA C I L I T Y

MON - FRI Personal Training 5:30am Academy Students 6:30am Conditioning Class 4:30pm Conditioning Class 5:30pm Strength Class 6:30pm Strength Class 7:30pm

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FIRST SESSION FREE IN JANUARY B a s e d i n Ta i Ta m

www.primalstrength.com.hk

Pictures: Patrick Chapman

feature

14 2014

Clockwise: learn to surf at Big Wave Bay, revamp your home at Tree, your wardrobe at Seed Heritage or buff up at Primal Strength.

goals for

Michelle Koh Morollo makes some New Year’s resolutions.

January is the month for resolutions, goal setting and dreaming big dreams. At their core, most of our resolutions are driven by one thing – to become better, more well-rounded versions of ourselves. For those looking for personal growth and a fuller, more interesting life in the New Year, here are 14 ideas to help you kick start 2014.

1. Go to boot camp Burn off that Christmas and New Year excess and transform into a leaner, healthier you with Primal Strength’s 12-week boot camp.

This results-based strength-training fitness programme is designed to challenge you within your individual capabilities. Train four times a week for 12 weeks at Primal Strength’s

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4,000-square-foot gym with state-of-the-art strength-training machines and apparatus.

Head trainer Ian Wilson explains: “We believe high-intensity forms of exercise, in particular strength training, should be the nonnegotiable foundation of everyone’s exercise plan, regardless of their goals. Apart from the acute effect of burning massive amounts of calories during the session and the associated recovery, it elevates anabolic hormones, which increases fat burning. Strength and conditioning also play a huge part in injury prevention, and performance enhancement in athletes, or anyone else.”

Hong Kong International School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, 5305 6323, www. primalstrength.com.

opportunities knock

2. Update your wardrobe Allow your inner fashionista to blossom with help from Australian fashion brand Seed Heritage.

Made from light fabrics and luxuriously soft cottons, these casual, breezy designs are perfect for Hong Kong weather.

Head designer Karla Fitzpatrick says her creations are for the “everyday woman who still wants to look stylish”.

The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2543 0131, www. seedheritage.com 3. Revamp your home Donate your old furniture and update your home with eco-friendly, sustainable teak pieces from Tree. Cool and contemporary furniture is

made from recycled, reclaimed or responsibly sourced wood certified

by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or directly supported through the Tree4Trees Foundation. Tree also makes home accessories out of reclaimed materials, including tyres and abandoned Indonesian fishing boats. 28/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2870 1582, www.tree.com.hk.

4. Eat organically Make this the year you rid your body of pesticides, chemicals, additives and other toxins by switching to wholesome organic groceries. Kinoa is an eco-friendly online supermarket that delivers organic groceries, wines and even chemical-free household goods and toiletries direct to doorsteps throughout Hong Kong, except Shek O. For details, please visit kinoa-shop.com.

5. Get green fingers Tending plants is truly rewarding.

Helping a plant survive and thrive during the changing seasons teaches patience, persistence and responsibility, plus they’re

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feature Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2812 0948.

6. Adopt a puppy Looking for a furry friend? Head over to Whiskers N Paws on any given Sunday for Puppy Adoption Day, held in partnership with Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). Those who don’t want to adopt immediately can volunteer at HKDR, a great way for children and families considering dog ownership to meet and interact with puppies in a safe and fun environment.

“Looking after animals is a great way to teach children compassion and responsibility.

Having a pet is a wonderful way of bringing family members together too,” says Whiskers N Paws’ owner Vada Chung.

Sundays, 2pm-5pm, 10/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2552 6200, www.wnp.com.hk. beautiful and they improve the air quality. Grow a window box, pot plants or, if you’re feeling ambitious, start a small garden or vegetable patch. The space-challenged can grow an indoor vertical garden. Margaret Chen at SquAir Spaces can show you how. 6/F, The Factory, 1 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, sqspaces. com. For pot plants, visit P&F Garden, 50 Shui

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7. Awaken your inner artisan Home jewellery makers, fashion designers, jam crafters and sculptors rejoice. Handmade Hong Kong organizes craft markets where craftspeople of all stripes can show and sell their wares at monthly events in Discovery Bay. “Art and craft makes us better people because by appreciating them – or better

yet, engaging in their practice – we develop discipline, confidence, imagination, recreation and aesthetic sensibility,” says Handmade Hong Kong Director Jacinta Read. “Some people can add a stream of income to that as well. Whether or not there is a monetary reward, there is a huge sense of enjoyment that comes from using your hands to make things.”

For details, please visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

8. Hare around with the Hashers The Royal Southside Hash House Harriers was formed in 1978 primarily by British military personnel in Royden Court, Repulse Bay (now The Lily), looking to combine exercise

feature and socializing. The army types are long gone, but the hashers are still here, chasing elusive “hares” along chalk trails laid across the hillsides and through the undergrowth of Southside’s glorious scenery, usually followed by drinks (down downs) and often by dinner.

“People love the hash for the outdoors, the camaraderie, the friends they make, and the places they otherwise wouldn’t go,” explains hash master Steven Pyle.

Join the hash on January 1, when it ushers in the New Year with a meeting on Repulse Bay beach and a family run through the hills. For details, please visit www.rs2h3.com.

9. Take a family portrait Time passes, children grow up, memories are precious. Before the kids leave for college, capture the spirit of your family in a professional portrait. With more than 30 years in the business, Tin Tin Photo Service offers both studio and outdoor professional photography that will last for generations. It can also turn your own photographs into professionally produced albums. Shop 304, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2813 8060.

10. Learn to surf Southside has some of the finest waves in Hong Kong, so take advantage of living here by

Be pampered at Sense of Touch, adopt a pup from Whiskers N Paws or grow a plant.

learning to surf at Big Wave Bay, near Shek O. X Game is a hip surf and skate company that offers theory and practical surfing lessons at Big Wave Bay for $500 a person for groups of two to four people, or $800 for a private one-toone lesson. Hang ten, dudes. For details, call 2366 9293 or see www.xgamehk.com.

11. Om Meditation is good for you. Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that, over the long term, people who regularly meditate have more active “disease-fighting genes” and are able to fight off illnesses more effectively than non-meditators. Meditation

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feature 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 9668, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

Feed the soul at Spring Workshop.

13. Support the arts Feed the soul at Spring Workshop. This nonprofit arts space in Wong Chuk Hang offers a cross-disciplinary programme of exhibitions, music, film, performance, curatorial residencies and talks by local and international artists.

“Through art, we get to see the world through the eyes of others,” says founder Mimi Brown. “We get to see ourselves reflected or attracted or sometimes even repulsed by something that is (most of the time) inanimate.

These processes are what let us come to know ourselves better and let us come to connect more deeply with others.”

3/F Remex Centre, 42 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 2110 4370, www.springworkshop.org. also helps physical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and psoriasis and lowers blood pressure. Psychological perks include increased focus, clarity, calmness, motivation and intuition, diminished stress and emotional balance. Begin making meditation a part of your daily life by sitting in the lotus position for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before bed. Close your eyes and inhale while counting to five, then exhale while counting to six and focus on your breathing.

12. Be pampered Start the year with a massage, body treatment or facial at Sense of Touch Spa in Repulse Bay. This award-winning day spa is an oasis of wellness where you can indulge in stressrelieving, aromatherapy, slimming, anti-ageing and other therapies.

“We offer result-oriented treatments with a blissful, feel-good effect. Downtime at a spa is very important in helping us feel special, beautiful and nurtured,” says managing director Anna Treier.

Sale Starts

14. Train for a triathlon If you want to stick to a fitness routine, set a goal. And few aims focus the mind quite like signing up for a triathlon – swimming, longdistance running and cycling – with the Hong Kong Triathlon Association. Each sport uses different muscles and requires a lot of stamina.

But if you can complete a triathlon, you’ll feel ready to take on anything the year throws at you. And you’ll be looking pretty good too.

For details, visit www.triathlon.com.hk.

Friday 3 January up to 50% off rd

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 www.bumpstobabes.com 26 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

Southside Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 Go to www.southside.hk, vote for your favourite things in Southside, and win great prizes.

VOTE TO WIN Entry Deadline:

March 15

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Heliservices Family Helicopter Ride for 5 people Valued at $6,000 www.heliservices.com.hk

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Sense of Touch Love is a Many Splendoured Thing Couple’s Treatment Valued at $3,500 www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Butchers Club Sous Vide Class for Two Valued at $3,000 www.butchersclub.com.hk

3-night stay at Villa Roca in Koh Samui Win a three-night stay in the luxurious Villa Roca on the stunning island of Koh Samui, Thailand. This four bedroom hilltop private villa offers sea views, open plan living and is equipped with an infinity pool, gym and pool table. www.villa-rocca.com

SOL Wellness Green Detox Valued at $2,500 www.sol-wellness.com

Cellar Masters Case of Gemtree wines Valued at $2,400 www.cellarmasterwines.com

Pacific Coffee Company Capsule Machine Valued at $2,000 www.pacificcoffee.com

Sheer Lingerie Gift Card Valued at $2,000 www.sheer.com.hk

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South Africa Shop Gift Basket Valued at $2,000 www.thesouthafricanshop.com

Itsie-bitsie Boutique Gift Card Valued at $2,000 www.itsie-bitsie.com

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feature

Horizon Plaza cheat sheet Sophie Sherrard charts three routes through the Ap Lei Chau shopping complex.

When it comes to shopping for furniture, discount designer fashion or baby essentials, one destination springs to mind: Horizon Plaza. Navigating the 23 floors of this vertical warehouse-turned-shopping centre on Ap Lei Chau can be overwhelming, so we’ve planned three routes to save you time and energy while still hitting the highlights.

Furniture heaven With flagship stores, discount outlets, bespoke furniture makers, antiques (retro and repro, Chinese and Western), outdoor

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furniture specialists and more, there’s something here for every home and budget.

Tree Start at the top and swoon for Tree’s signature reclaimed and recycled timber furniture for living, dining and bedrooms.

There’s a tailor-made service, cool kids’ range and vintage and modern styles to choose from, plus a lovely cafe and a play area. Retail therapy that makes you feel good? Yes, please. Open daily, 10.30am7pm. 28/F, 2870 1582, www.tree.com.hk.

Everything Under the Sun This 16-year-old local company supplies top brands of outdoor furniture for homes, hotels and clubhouses. Knowledgeable staff can offer great advice on arranging a comfortable and beautiful outdoor living spaces, from awnings to barbecues, sun loungers to mist fans. Open 10am-6pm. 9/F, 2554 9088, www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk.

Indigo and Indigo Kids Indigo sells contemporary furniture and homeware with an Asian twist in stylish living,

shop, drop

DON’T SPEND YOUR LIFE ON THE CAN AGE SPECIFIC PROBIOTICS FOR HEALTHY INTESTINES Clockwise from left: home heaven at Tree, Indigo and (right) Shambala.

dining and bedroom displays.

Indigo Kids has children’s bedroom and nursery furniture, decorating bits and pieces, plus a small range of Stokke products and children’s toys. Open 10am7pm. Showroom, 6/F. Outlet 10/F, 2555 0540, www.indigo-living.com.

Shambala Shambala feels otherworldly with its mixture of antique, vintage and Asian-influenced styles. Explore every part of the store in the hunt for something different, then head to the Pacific Coffee concession and adjacent children’s play area for a well-deserved break.

Open 9am-7.30pm. 2/F, 2555 2997, www.shambala.com.hk Tequila Kola People who arrive at Tequila Kola disinterested in furniture, leave inspired. The main showroom store boasts spectacular styling of modern and vintage-style pieces.

As well as substantial carpet, upholstery and cushion-making services, there’s a small area for kids and a Classified coffee shop.

The outlet store brims with sale items at discounts of 10 per cent60 per cent rather than damaged and display stock. Showroom: open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm,

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feature

Clockwise from above: contemporary chic at OVO Studio; Asian pieces at Oriental Home; designer discounts at Lane Crawford; toys at Bumps to Babes.

weekends 11am-7pm; 1/F, 2877 3295. Outlet: open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, weekends noon7pm; 17/F, 2518 3193, www.tequilakola.com.

Westwood and Max Mara look a little tired, but if a winter coat is on the shopping list head there. Follie Follie has discount bags.

clothes, toys and food. It’s not a discount store, although it can feel like one. 21/F, 2552 5000, www.bumpstobabes.com

26/F This floor has three specialist furniture stores.

Ad Lib (2552 0222) has lovely Western and Asian antique and vintage pieces, Okooko (2870 1132) has beautiful bedding and bedroom furniture, and Zense (3904 3666) offers custom-made furniture by local designers.

18/F The real star is Ralph Lauren with friendly staff, big discounts, lots of sizes and last year’s winter range. Also on this floor – and all excellent – are Marc by Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Imaginex, Hit Gallery and A.T.

Mothercare Smaller than some of its other Hong Kong branches, this British stalwart is packed with maternity, baby and toddler essentials. 19/F, 2518 0528, www.mothercare.com.hk.

Worth a visit Oriental Home: antique, new and custom Asian furniture. 20/F, 3542 5336.

OVO: beautiful, modern and funky international designer pieces. 20/F, 2529 6020.

Jervis Bay: barbecues. 12/F, 2792 7268.

Garden Gallery: outdoor furniture. 7/F, 2553 3251.

Discount fashion Horizon Plaza’s fashion outlets boast major designer names, a wide range of sizes and the correct (if not current) season. Many offer increased discounts when you buy more pieces.

27/F Hugo Boss, Marni and Diesel are the standouts, with discounts of more than 50 per cent.

Juicy Couture has smaller discounts but a good range and lots of sizes. The large Moda Mia stocks mainly winter clothing. Vivienne

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Big-label hunters The big designer bargains can be found at the large Lane Crawford, Joyce and Pompeii outlets. Joyce is a retail Tardis, Lane Crawford is stale-smelling and fluoro-lit, and the staff at Pompeii seem put off by customers. But perseverance pays off, with discounts of up to 90 per cent on major labels. While you’re at Pompeii, pop into its 22/F neighbour, Armani.

Lane Crawford: 25/F, 2118 3403.

Pompeii: 22/F, 3586 9026.

Joyce: 21/F, 2814 8313.

Child’s play While Horizon Plaza isn’t great for shopping with kids, it is a great place to shop for them.

Bumps to Babes New parents come to Horizon Plaza just to visit the ultimate baby shop with its knowledgeable staff and huge range of strollers, cots, bassinets, carriers, car seats,

Worth a visit Tree: cool but costly sustainable kids’ furniture. 28/F, 2870 1582, www.tree.com.hk.

Okooko: modern but sweet kids’ bedroom furniture. 26/F, 2870 1132, www.okooko.com.

OPEN DAY January 18 th 2014

..............................................

Tin Hau Campus 62 Tin Hau Temple Rd

• Genuine Montessori Learning Environment – Enquiry-Based Learning Through Doing – Curriculum Prepares Students for IB/International Schools • Dual-language Immersion (English/Putonghua) • Toddler through Primary Program (2-12 years) • Four campuses on Hong Kong Island FIRST ACCREDITED MONTESSORI PRIMARY SCHOOL IN GREATER CHINA Open Day Registration: email: info.session@montessori.edu.hk

R.S.V.P: +852.2156.9033 www.montessori.edu.hk

STANLEY CAMPUS OPENING FEBRUARY 2014 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW! Stanley · Tin Hau · South Horizons · Mid-levels

feature Navigation aids

Toys and more at Pollux Books.

Nerd Kids for Living: desks, chairs and sofas for older children. 19/F, 3105 9887, www.nerdkidsforliving.com Inside: a small but cute kids’ range and some furniture. 12/F, 2873 1795, www.inside.com.hk Flexa: hip furniture (bunkbed slide, anyone?) and soft furnishings for ankle biters. 11/F, www.flexaworld.co.uk.

Indigo Kids: all you need for a nursery or a kid’s room in one place. 6/F, 2555 0540, www.indigo-living.com

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Birthday shopping Pollux Books: good selection of books, toys, DVDs and more. 21/F, 2873 6962.

Toys’ Club: toys, boardgames, books, party supplies and more. 19/F, 2836 0875.

Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. Drivers’ instructions: after crossing Ap Lei Chau Bridge, take second left onto Lee Nam Road, second left onto Lee Hing Street and first left into Horizon Plaza car park.

• Pick up a shopping guide on arrival – it’s invaluable.

• Plan a route starting at the highest floor on your list.

• When it’s busy, take the stairs.

• Give yourself plenty of time. There are no quick trips to Horizon Plaza.

• Don’t take the kids. There may be a few small in-store play areas, but there are no open spaces to run off a bit of energy.

• If possible, avoid weekends.

• Only the brave would attempt to cover fashion and furniture in one day.

• Toilets alternate between men’s and women’s on each level in the stair wells and aren’t bad, but staff smoke in the disabled toilets with the baby-change tables.

• The toilet at Tree (28/F) has a baby-change table.

For 35 years Woodland has set the standard in Hong Kong for quality early years education. With ten schools, Woodland offers the only accredited early years education in Hong Kong.

Seven of our pre-schools use ‘Traditional’ teaching methods in line with the UK National Curriculum’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These schools are fully accredited by the Pre-School Learning Alliance, London. Three of our pre-schools offer ‘Montessori’ teaching methods that are fully approved and accredited by the Montessori Centre International (London). At Woodlands we recognise the benefits to children of learning Mandarin, and offer the option of bilingual classes.

Tai Tam Montessori Repulse Bay Montessori Mid Levels Montessori The Peak Pre-School Repulse Bay Beachside Happy Valley Pre-School

Tel: 2525 1655 Tel: 2803 1885 Tel: 2549 1211 Tel: 2849 6192 Tel: 2812 0274 Tel: 2575 0042

Pokfulam Pre-School Woodland Waterfall (Pokfulam) Woodland Harbourside (Aberdeen) Sai Kung Pre-School

www.woodlandschools.com

Tel: 2551 7177 Tel: 2872 6138 Tel: 2559 1377 Tel: 2813 0290

eating Healthy but hearty Olivia Lai is well nourished.

and veggie burgers, but we recommend the all-day salads and starters menu, which is filled with yummy options, such as green pea cappuccino soup and wood-baked tuna with Sichuan pepper, roast pumpkin and organic leaves. You will be glowing with health. Sit in the courtyard. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 3/F, Harbour Industrial Centre, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, info@artichokecanteen.com, 2580 0293.

Artichoke Canteen’s take on a veggie burger.

Artichoke Canteen Yes, there are plenty of artichokes on the menu (try the artichoke eggs Benedict, $108) at this new restaurant that specialises in

creative vegetarian dishes, with a few fish options for the carnivorous. Its ingredients are organic, locally sourced, non-processed and non-preserved. There’s a range of wraps

Classified A top spot for a healthy brunch, Classified has homemade granola with Greek yoghurt, elderflower honey, fresh fruit and toasted hazelnuts ($48). Other healthy dishes include grilled organic chicken salad ($92, consider holding the bacon), soy- and sesame-glazed salmon with couscous, coriander, apricots and almonds ($163), plus a selection of delicious salads. Or go for the cheese fondue for two ($295) and start the diet

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LOSE UP TO 10lbs IN 9 DAYS!

not just for veggies

again tomorrow. G/F Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2573 3455, www.classifiedfood.com.

Mum Veggie + Coffee + Sweet For a light vegetarian lunch, try the homemade roasted mushroom rice cake at Mum Veggie + Coffee + Sweet. The portions are not big, but ordering a salad or soup on the side makes a substantial meal. Mum Veggie serves a fusion of Western and Asian dishes with lunches for $58-$68, and a selection of interesting daily specials. The tropical pineapple smoothie, made from fresh fruits, is deservedly popular. G/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2115 3348, www.mum-hk.com.

Lucy’s This Stanley Market stalwart has plenty of satisfyingly healthy dishes on its tempting menu. Swerve away from the slow-roasted pork belly with roast potatoes (we know it’s not easy) and opt instead for char-grilled tuna fillet with miso and sweet-potato mash ($240) or chicken breast with quinoa, roast pumpkin,

puy lentils, seeds, nuts and herbs ($230). It’s so delicious that it feels like you’re being wicked even when you’re doing your body a favour.

64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055.

Grassroots Pantry Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthy desserts such as the Highland apple galette ($98) made with quinoa puff and walnut butter crust, or try the “guilt-free affogato”, a dairy-free coffee ice cream with dark chocolate. Dishes like these are just the icing on the cake of Grassroots Pantry’s menu of healthy dishes made from fresh organic produce grown in Hong Kong. 12 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 2873 3353, www.grassrootspantry.com.

EskiMo’s All the froyo at EskiMo’s is made from Italian low-fat yogurt and costs $33-$40, depending on your choice of toppings. A froyo and vegetarian pizza combo is a good option for late-night munchies.

Shop 416, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2758 0002.

Highland apple galette from Grassroots Pantry.

The Genie Concept Kale juice is sweeping in Hong Kong – rich in vitamins C and B6, it’s also particularly good for women as it helps protect against breast and ovarian cancer. Try it as part of a juice cleanse from The Genie Concept, which delivers a daily pack of six freshly pressed juices for a one-, two-, four- or six-day cleanse in a reusable cooler. Or drop by for a juice. G/F, 5-13 New Street, Sheung Wan, 2803 0369, www.thegenieconcept.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 35

eating

Nibbles Where to eat before blast-off Try some new restaurants in the New Year. For ideas, pick up 200 Dishes to Try Before Moving to Mars, the latest edition of the WOM Guide by Southside Magazine columnist Fergus Fung and Samantha Pong. It features an updated list of 200 Hong Kong must-try restaurants, choice recommendations for special occasions and pull-out recipes. WOM is also running a competition for a chance to win a twonight trip to Singapore (not Mars, sadly). For details, please visit www.womguide.com.

New Michelin Guide Also out now is the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2014, with two new three-

star entries – Sushi Shikon in The Mercer Hotel, Sheung Wan, and “demon chef” Alvin Leung’s Bo Innovation in Wan Chai. There are three new two-star restaurants, Pierre at the Mandarin Oriental, T’ang Court at the Langham Hotel and newcomer Wagyu Takumi in Wan Chai. The Four Seasons’ Caprice dropped from three to two stars.

With a list of Bib Gourmand restaurants that offer exceptional value for money, plus a long list of recommended restaurants, there’s no excuse for not eating well in 2014.

Nose-to-tail pig out Nose-to-tail dining is not news in Chinese cuisine, long known for using parts that are discarded in the West, such as duck webs and fish maw (swim bladders). But the concept is a growing trend internationally. Try the Western version at Central restaurant The Salted Pig, which is introducing a nose-to-tail sharing menu featuring dishes such as potted pork shoulder with green peppercorns and caper berries and 12-hour prepared pig cheek with sultana ragu and celeriac remoulade. The six-course menu

is $750 for two and available until March.

For details, visit www.thesaltedpig.com.hk.

New Year with a View Welcome the Year of the Horse with a panoramic view of the fireworks on February 1 from the Lobby Lounge at the InterContinental Hong Kong. From 6pm10pm, it is offering live jazz, a choice of two “tappetizers” and two standard drinks for $808 a head. Alternatively, go for afternoon tea and order its famous Red Box contemporary Chinese tea set ($588), with regional Chinese pastries and tea. For details, visit www. hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com.

Winter Warmer For an evening pick-me-up, try the new alcoholic menu at Pacific Coffee on Lyndhurst Terrace. Available from 6pm till closing time, it includes Irish coffee (with brandy), Bailey’s latte and Cointreau chocolate – perfect for battling the winter chill. 43 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, www.pacificcoffee.com.

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food by fergus

review

Mijas Spanish Restaurant Fergus Fung says ola to the festive Stanley favourite.

Christmas is over, roll on Lunar New Year. What better way to keep up the festive spirit than by dining at a restaurant with live music? My threeyear-old twins love the two guitarists and singer at Mijas Spanish Restaurant and make numerous song requests when we visit, joining in with the singing. The musicians’ repertoire is formidable, and they’re very good.

Music aside, Mijas is a great addition to the Southside food scene. Located in the beautiful Murray Building in Stanley, it boasts a sensational seaview from the L-shaped terrace. We’ve become regulars, partly because our kids love the music, partly because it has high-chairs, and partly because the food is decent.

The choice of appetisers is plentiful, with a good selection of traditional and modern tapas as well as salads and soups. Manila clams in white wine and chilli broth is a delicious dish to start.

The spice awakens the taste buds for the other dishes to come and the clams are fresh and a decent size. The grilled sardines come with saffron

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sauce, although we usually ask them to hold the sauce as the fish are great simply grilled. The meatballs are fun, with an umami-packed surprise filling of truffles and mozzarella cheese. However, while Mijas offers 5J 36-month Iberico ham

Mijas is a great addition to the Southside food scene tapas, which is absolutely delicious, it is a tad too expensive given the small serving size.

For the main course, we like to share the roast suckling pig, which is served with crispy skin.

Another favourite are the carabineros, jumbosized deep-sea prawns with a distinctive red colour that are simply salted and grilled and taste absolutely divine. We have also tried the braised wagyu beef cheek with potato purée, which is slow-cooked for 16 hours until the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. Our kids usually share a pasta from the varied list.

Also on the menu are a number of paellas, which we have yet to try, and several types of oyster, including our favourite white pearl and gillardeau in season, which are shucked to order. At weekends, Mijas also serves a fairly priced lunch and tea buffet.

Staff always try to upsell a King Parrot membership card, which offers discounts at all the group’s restaurants. If you make Mijas a regular haunt, I guess it’s good value.

Mijas is packed with “local tourists” at weekends, but quiet and pleasant on weeknights – unless we’re there with the kids belting out La Bamba, Ritchie Valens-style.

Shop 102, Murray House, Stanley Plaza,

Stanley, 2899 0858.

Fergus Fung co-founded the WOM Hong Kong restaurant guide, available in online and print versions. He is also a wine consultant for Bonhams 1793 and a Southern District Councillor.

education Robots for kids

Brainchild challenges smart kids with robotics classes in Aberdeen. By Hannah Grogan.

Jimmy Choy and his robotics workshop in Aberdeen.

It can be a challenge finding the right activity for your child, especially one with an accelerated IQ or attention difficulties. That’s where Brainchild comes in. Based in Aberdeen, the company runs courses in robotics and engineering for talented youngsters.

Company founder Jimmy Choy, who has worked as a lecturer, engineer, lawyer and even as a chef in the family restaurant, established Brainchild 10 years ago to help his son, who has ADHD, progress with his learning. The idea started with a small solar-power project his son brought home from school.

“I watched him bring home something that didn’t work and I said, ‘No, you can’t teach my son if it doesn’t work’,” he recalls.

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He gave up his day job and opened a small workshop on Star Street, Wan Chai, to indulge his love for engineering and robotics, and engage his son. Through word of mouth and referrals, other gifted children joined them, and two years ago he moved to a larger space in Aberdeen. He now has 20 children of all abilities, aged four to 15, in his afternoon workshops.

Choy uses existing robotic toys, powered by batteries and remotely controlled, as a starting point. He teaches the children to modify them to run on solar power and operate more efficiently, making them faster and even programmable.

Choy has even created his own wind tunnel, where the children can check the streamlining of their models and measure air

resistance.Aerial enthusiasts can sign up for special classes to explore how to make planes and other things that fly.

The kids have plenty of freedom to make and create their robots. They’re challenged to think of ways to improve their projects: what type of engine will make it go faster? Should it be wind-powered, belt- or gear-driven? Once the children are happy with their robots, they give them a fierce paint job – and hold a drag race.

The last part of the project is to review, reflect about their model and think of ways to could improve the design in future.

Helping them stay motivated are toys as prizes. Brainchild works on an incentivebased point system in which the students are

it’s not (quite) rocket science One aspect he’s keen to grow are children’s robotics parties, combining fun and creativity.

Choy has a space for private parties next to his workshop, or will come to a venue of your choice. Unusual party games include spending a happy hour creating a maze then racing small battery-operated robotic bugs through it.

He charges $400 per child, for a minimum of six children, which includes an instructor and all materials.

His courses are held in English and are held after school, at weekends and during school holidays. They’re fun for all children, but can also be useful with school work.

“Children come to do their school DT projects and get help,” Choy says. “We can help them with the physical projects and to better understand their written theory work.

When kids need extra help, they can come here and excel and help them feel better.” rewarded for their hard work and encouraged to participate, learn and earn points in order to redeem them a robots or toy of their choice.

“Currently all of our students have been coming to us through word of mouth,” says

Choy. “But the company is seeing a great deal of growth, which we hope to continue in the New Year.”

He’s hoping to build the business up enough to expand into One Island South.

Classes are $650 an hour for one-to-one sessions, or $450 a head for groups of three to four kids. 23/F Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, 2528 6216.

Facebook: Brainchild DIY Workshop.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41

education

A-levels vs IB ITS School Placements explores the differences between the two programmes.

Both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and A-levels are school programmes for students preparing for university. While they are both broadly acceptable for entry to most universities around the world, the two qualifications differ in many ways. AS-levels and A-levels (in full, General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level) are national secondaryschool qualifications for England and Wales, whereas the IB is an international qualification that has no country of origin.

IB For the IB diploma, students take six subjects, with three at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL). This must include one subject each from five groups – language and literature, a second language, experimental sciences (such as biology, chemistry, physics), maths, individuals and societies (including history, geography, psychology, anthropology) and a sixth subject from either an arts group or any of the five other groups. For each of the

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six subjects, the highest mark is a seven; the maximum total aggregate score is 45, with three points available for the “core subjects”. These include the compulsory Theory of Knowledge (TOK) unit, which encourages critical thinking, and a 4,000-word extended essay on a topic of the student’s choice. Students must also complete 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS).

AS and A-levels For AS and A-levels, students can choose up to five subjects. AS-levels are taken either as individual qualifications or as the beginning of a full A-level course. Typically, AS Levels are finished by the end of Year 12 and A2 exams are taken in Year 13 to comprise a full A-Level. Although students can choose up to five subjects, most take four subjects in Year 12 and drop one subject after the AS-level exams, continuing three subjects through Year 13. Assessments for AS/A-levels are largely through exams, although some subjects include coursework and there is a practical component for some sciences, art and drama.

Which is better for university entrance?

There has been some debate over the difficulties faced by universities in distinguishing between students taking the two programmes and they are seen to be relatively equal. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the programme that will allow each individual student to excel, whether they are more broad-minded or prefer specialism.

For university admissions tutors, it is key to be able to assess the applicant’s academic attainment to ensure the university’s minimum criteria are met for a particular course.

For more information on the IB diploma, please visit www.ibo.org. And for details on how these translate into UCAS tariffs for entry to UK universities, please see www.ucas.com.

ITS School Placements provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@tuition. com.hk, 3188 3940 or www.itseducationasisa.com.

family

easy like sunday mornings

Sunday fun days Bored? Olivia Lai finds fun activities for winter weekends.

Interact with a dino at “Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs” at the Science Museum. Below: a “family bike” in Tai Po Waterfront Park.

What the dino saw Tangle with a Tyrannosaurus, browse with a brachiosaurus or play tag with a velociraptor at the “Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs” exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum. Interact with animatronic dinosaurs – our favourite is feeding the farting triceratops (yes, really) – go on a virtual paleontological dig, and discover a whole world of fossils, including the Lufengosaurus magnus, the first dinosaur skeleton ever displayed in China. $20 ($10 for students). Open weekends and public holidays 10am-9pm, weekdays 10am-7pm, closed Thursdays and January 31-February 1 for Lunar New Year. 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2732 3232, www.hk.science.museum.

Bicycles made for three Hong Kong’s cool, crisp winters are perfect cycling weather. The New Territories boasts miles of family-friendly cycle track, from Ma On Shan through Sha Tin and all the way to Plover Cove, but for little legs we love the Tai Po Waterfront Park. Spectacularly located on Tolo Harbour, the 22-hectare park is the largest

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managed by LCSD. Head for the Good Luck Bike Shop, near the tower, which rents bicycles for $30 an hour ($80 for a day), plus tandems and “family bikes" – a three-wheeler with a seat for two at the back – and get the kids to drive for a change. Cycle along the water’s edge, through Chinese gardens and past pavilions, or take a picnic and let the kids run wild on the acres of lawn. Dai Fat Street, Tai Po; goodluckbike@yahoo.com.hk, 6605 9978.

Ice is nice It’s cold outside anyway, so go the whole hog and wrap up for a spin on the ice. The Rink at Elements has introduced a “pay as you skate” system for peak periods, instead of fixedtime sessions (it charges $1 a minute to your Octopus card). Novice skaters can scoot across the ice with cute model penguin guides to keep them upright. Parents can access the changing rooms to help their children strap on their skates, then retreat to the adjacent coffee shop, with a 180-degree view of Victoria Harbour. Off peak, children and students pay $40 (adults $60) for a whole day of skating. Open daily from 10am, please check the website for special events and ice-resurfacing breaks. 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2196 8016, www.rink.com.hk.

Picnic in the park Enjoy Victoria Harbour in all its glory with a family picnic (and perhaps a sneaky afternoon kip) on the lawns of the Tamar Promenade, a rare stretch of green space along the harbour front from Central Pier 10 to Tamar Park. Host

family The Gruffalo live at Kidsfest 2014.

to events such as the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival and last month’s Very HK, it’s open to the public year-round. Make a day of it with a visit to the Maritime Museum in Pier 8.

Tamar Promenade, Admiralty, www.lcsd.gov.hk.

Strike!

Rainy days are made for indoor activities, such as ten-pin bowling. Dragon Bowling in Ho Man

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Tin is modern and spacious, with 30 lanes, bumpers and light balls for children, and even funky disco bowling. Bring your own bowling shoes or borrow them for free. At weekends, it’s open 10am-11pm, and charges $24 per person per game (children $15) until 2pm, then $28/game (children $22). 2/F, Oi Man Shopping Centre, 60 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, 2116 1536, www.dragonbowling.com.

Shows for kids Kidsfest, APA Productions’ annual festival of children’s shows, runs through January and February. This year, it brings nine theatre productions to Hong Kong based on favourite children’s books. Fun and often irreverent, just like the original stories, this year’s shows include The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, plus The Snow Dragon and What the Ladybird Heard. Older children can choose from two Horrible Histories (Awful Egyptians and Terrible Tudors) or Michael Morpurgo’s tearjerker Private Peaceful. Book two or more shows for a 10 per cent discount. HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, 3128 8288, www. kidsfest.com.hk.

Just keep swimming Few things keep children as happy as playing in water. In winter, transfer your affections to Hong Kong’s many indoor public swimming pools. On Hong Kong Island, these include the remodelled Victoria Park Swimming Pool in Causeway Bay, the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Pool in Sai Ying Pun, Morrison Hill Swimming Pool in Wan Chai, Island East Swimming Pool in Sai Wan Ho and the Siu Sai Wan Swimming Pool in Chai Wan. For details and opening hours, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.

home Clockwise: Claire Sancelot with her homegrown vegetables; the compost system; skincare refills; and a $20 Halloween costume.

Living green How six people and one dog produce almost zero waste. By Cherrie Yu. “Recycling is the last resort. Recycling is way over. The order has to be refuse, reuse, repair, reduce and then recycle.”

That’s the mantra of green-living advocate Claire Sancelot, a Pok Fu Lam mother of three, who has successfully introduced a zero-waste lifestyle, throwing out only the occasional toothpaste tube or razor blade.

Sancelot began her green crusade by de-cluttering, giving away anything her family didn’t need, and found it liberating. It’s fun to be green, she insists. It has certainly stretched her creativity. The family’s notepads are made from old receipts stapled together, they grow their own vegetables (fertilised with leftovers), make their own lip balm, and instead of 730 cotton balls a year, Sancelot cleanses her face with a reusable sponge.

Avoiding shops, she surfs the web for secondhand clothes (often designer), toys and furniture: curtains, baby cribs, cabinets, beds.

Even her daughter’s Halloween costume, a

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cute green tutu, cost just $20 secondhand.

Instead of disposable products, she washes out cloth diapers, and takes her own tupperware containers to the deli counter for cheese and cold cuts instead of wrapping them in plastic.

You save money, you save space and you save time shopping Having blazed a green trail, she’s encouraging the rest of Hong Kong to follow in her footsteps on her blog, Hong Kong Green Home (www.hongkonggreenhome.com). She documents the family’s green journey, sharing tips on everything from composting to cleaning the house with vinegar and baking soda.

What began as a Sunday-morning blog last June has evolved into a growing online community. As well as offering advice, she has taken practical steps to help others go green, including organising deliveries of fresh produce from local organic vendors to about 30 households in her apartment complex. She shares information about stores and brands with their own eco initiatives, such as Mac,

make do and mend which offers makeup refills, and local company Bella Sapone, which offers refills of its locally made organic skin-care products. She is even looking into making her own toothpaste.

“You save money, you save space and you save time shopping,” she explains.

“Sometimes we forget that the most important thing is to be together.”

At her daughter’s birthday party, for example, the children had so much fun

decorating boxes for Box of Hope, blowing out the birthday candles and eating cake that her daughter didn’t notice the lack of gifts.

Not that Sancelot disapproves of presents.

For Christmas, she hosted a toy swap, inviting her neighbours to get together and buy each other’s pre-loved boardgames, puzzles and other toys.

The event raised $7,000 for the Philippine Red

Cross and sorted out the Christmas shopping. All the remaining toys went to the YMCA’s Toy Bank.

“I hope everyone can do the same and keep toys, and especially plastic, away from the landfills,” she says.

For details and more tips, visit www.hongkonggreenhome.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 49

big day out

kooky kowloon

Play the markets Hannah Grogan blazes Mong Kok’s market trail.

Mong Kok isn’t for everyone, especially when the mercury climbs into the 30s, but the cooler weather makes this the perfect time to explore the city’s liveliest district and its weird and wonderful specialist markets. The market trail stretches from Prince Edward to Yau Ma Tei. The Hong Kong Tourism Board offers a guided walking tour ($450), but you can do it yourself for free. Seven markets, one day. Here’s how.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden There was a lot of fuss in 1997 when the government moved the long-established Bird Street from a back alley in Yau Ma Tei to permanent market stalls in the Urban Renewal Authority’s special “garden”. But even diehards have to admit it’s a pleasant place today, with its flame trees, moon gates, mosaics, pagoda roofs and all those trilling exotic birds, handcrafted bamboo cages and bags of live crickets. Owners still “walk” their songbirds here, making this a living part of Hong Kong’s cultural history. Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward (MTR Exit B1).

Flower Market Right next to the bird garden, the flower market is a jungle of exotic smells and sights with more than 100 shops selling seasonal blooms. Ahead of Lunar New Year, the stores will be upping the ante with lucky orange trees, scented flowers and lots of greenery. Flower Market Road, Prince Edward (MTR Exit B1).

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Fa Yuen Street On the other side of Prince Edward Road, Fa Yuen Street’s discount fashion outlets attract more locals than tourists. Shops and stalls sell fluoro sweater sets, ski gear, towels, Christmas decorations and fruit, but it’s the outlets piled high with Western chain store and designer clothes that draw the crowds. Stop for a freshly squeezed juice on the corner of Bute Street, or shop for yarn and handmade scarfs, gloves and beanies at the stall at the junction with Nullah Road. When it comes to haggling, saying please and thank you will get you a long way. Or try “Tai gui la” (too expensive) and take it from there.

Goldfish Market Just round the corner is the goldfish market, lined with shops dedicated to selling fish of all varietes (and prices) from all corners of the globe. There are stores specialising in certain species, goldfish and koi carp in all shapes and sizes, plus pets, reptiles and amphibians. Tung

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Choi Street North, Mong Kok (Prince Edward MTR Exit B2).

Ladies’ Market Further down the same road, and popular with tourists, Ladies’ Market is the place for knockoff wallets, tacky mobile-phone covers, slogan

big day out Show and tell A quintessential part of visiting markets is shopping. When you’re ready to drop, head to Langham Place Hotel’s alfresco terrace and bar, The Backyard, for a show-and-tell session to check out each other’s bargain buys and unwind over pizza and cocktails. Open daily from 5pm. 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, 3552 3388.

Getting there The MTR is your friend. Alternatively, there is parking at Grand Century Place on Prince Edward Road West, opposite Yuen Po Street Bird Garden.

Temple Street fortune teller Uncle Wong makes some uncanny predictions.

T-shirts and beaded jewellery. It’s busy and not all that interesting but there’s a string of Japanese restaurants serving decent lunch sets if you’re hungry, or head to the corner of Dundas Street for Kowloon’s tastiest chips at Ireland’s Potato (43P-43S Dundas Street, Mong Kok, 2151 0887). Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok MTR, Exit D2.

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Jade Market This long-established covered market has more than 500 stalls selling mostly jewellery, plus “antiques” and other bric-a-brac. It’s a fun place to shop for seed pearls, beads and all sorts of jade, from zodiac animals to rings, bangles and carved hangings. Open daily till 6pm. Kansu Street, Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit C.

Temple Street Night Market Another iconic market that’s not quite what it used to be, the night market sells cheap CDs and DVDs, knock-off bags and clothing but it’s the delicious market food that makes the visit worthwhile. Grab a seafood dinner and round out the night with a blast of live Cantonese opera or fortune telling.

health & beauty

New Year, new you

Five detox and diet programmes for 2014.

Clean 9 What is it? The latest nutritional cleansing programme (or detox) to sweep Clearwater Bay and Sai Kung is a nine-day plan designed to help purge the body of toxins and waste build up, and return to healthy eating. It involves several days of drinking shakes and taking supplements, progressing to a 600-calorie meal towards the end of the detox.

Upsides: Weight loss, clear skin, a kickstart to healthy eating habits.

Downsides: Hunger and boredom.

Where from? Sold as a nine-day complete package, including all supplements and shakes, for $2,030 (plus $30 delivery). Contact Monica Wong on 9211 3322, monicapswong@gmail.com, or Melanie Bridger on 9180 9308, foreverclean9hk@gmail.com.

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Fast Diet What is it? 2013’s worldwide diet craze was created by Dr Michael Mosley and involves intermittent fasting. Eat normally with little thought for calorie control for five days a week, then slash your intake for the other two days (it doesn’t matter which two) to just 500 calories for women and 600 calories for men.

Upsides: Those who stick to the plan lose weight and improve their insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels and lower their blood pressure.

Downsides: Hunger, headaches and constipation.

Where from? The Fast Diet book

by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer is available from Dymocks.

Cambridge Weight Plan What is it? One of the original meal-replacement weight-loss

undo the damage

regimes has now expanded from shakes into own-brand soups, bars, porridge and rice pudding. These can be used as the sole source of nutrition or combined with food for more gradual weight loss.

There’s a range of programmes for all requirements and one-to-one consultant support.

Upside: Weight loss.

Possible downsides: Constipation, mild ketosis (bad breath) and nausea.

Where from? Call the Hong Kong branch at 2525 7165.

Punch Juice What is it? A three-day fast with no food but plenty of packs of easy-to-digest juices (hint: steer clear of tempting cooking smells).

The fast not only eliminates toxins, but also gives the body a timeout and a chance to divert the energy used to digest foods to expel toxins and repair damage caused by processed foods, alcohol and other vices.

Upsides: Clearer skin, better sleep,

strengthened immune system.

Downsides: Boredom, feeling chilly.

Where from? Order the juices online at www.punchdetox.com.

Weight Watchers What is it? Lose weight through controlling portion sizes and calories, supported by weekly get-togethers with other Weight Watchers. An international programme that has been running for 50 years, WW works in the long term (just check out Jennifer Hudson’s transformation) by encouraging healthy eating habits through its Propoints Programme and education sessions about how to make the right food choices and satisfy your cravings while losing weight.

Upsides: No hunger and plenty of support from other dieters.

Downside: It takes a while.

Where from? There are local Weight Watchers groups across Hong Kong. For details of your nearest group, please visit www.weightwatchers.com.hk.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 57

pets Lost and found Sally Andersen’s tips for finding a lost dog.

Recently I spent three weeks searching for a lost dog that ran away from its prospective adopter on the very first day.

Happily, the dog is now safely back after her adventure “holiday”, but it’s not the first time that I’ve had to spend my rare days off in the wilds trying to find a lost dog. So far, I’ve always been successful except for one case where the dog is still living free and happily in Central.

It’s not unusual for adult dogs to run away shortly after adoption, which is why we advise using both a collar (non-slip) and a harness, with a leash attached to each. I’ve seen timid dogs wearing full bondage gear until they settle and get to know

the neighbourhood. While that’s not always necessary, at least it guards against the anguish of a runaway new pet.

There are a few general rules that apply to finding these four-legged fugitives, with surprisingly few exceptions. Unless they’re close to a previous home, most dogs will stay in the area where they ran away.

Once the initial panic has subsided, instinct kicks in and a dog will find a place to hide, and will not usually venture out during daylight or if there are people around.

Dusk and dawn are “hunting” times, when the dog will search for food and water before

Picture: Kat Kuok

LOST DOG

returning to its safe place. Rubbish bins and barbecue sites are good food sources.

Once a dog has gone to ground, all you can do is wait for a chance sighting. Early-morning joggers and people walking in the evening are most likely to spot a furtive dog, so it’s essential to put up posters as soon as possible.

While people may volunteer to help search, groups of strangers calling a runaway dog’s name will only send it deeper into hiding. Keep the numbers to just a few people who act as spotters only. Once a dog’s location has been verified, only the person or people the dog knows should try to catch it. Even then, once instinctive survival behaviour has taken over, the dog may not readily respond to a familiar voice. If that happens, leaving food in one spot will keep the dog coming back, and eventually it should relax enough to let itself be caught.

There are now GPS tracking collars available, which I would use if there was any

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2/8/13 12:14 PM

creature feature

fenton!

Small Indian civet aka Viverricula indica

chance of a dog getting lost on an unfamiliar walk, or if it was nervous and easily spooked.

Alternatively, an extra-long training leash is great for allowing dogs freedom to run while having the security of guaranteed recall.

Retractable leashes are not recommended, by the way, as they are dangerous and can cause injury or worse. Always use a collar that won’t slip off, but never a choke chain as these can not only damage a dog’s trachea but can result in strangulation. A semi-choke will tighten just to the point where it can’t come off, but no further and for nervous dogs use a T-shaped harness as well as a collar. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

BASKETB ALL

SOCCER

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

which is made from coffee cherries that have been eaten and partially digested by the civet. Coffee made from the beans has a unique aroma and flavour and can cost up to US$100 a cup in some parts of the world.

Steffi Yuen.

TAEKWO NDO

Commonly referred to as a “civet cat”, the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) is not a member of the cat family but of the viverrids.

The species is widely distributed across Cambodia, China, India and Indonesia, and was introduced to the Comoro Islands, Madagascar and the Philippines. It is common in forested areas in Hong Kong and the New Territories, but not on Lantau.

A small Indian civet typically weighs 2kg-4kg and can be up to a metre long, including a long tail. It has a relatively small head and pointed muzzle, with a black and white striped neck, small black spots and broken stripes on the body, and six to 10 black and white rings on the tail.

Both males and females have a pineal gland at the base of the tail that produces strongly scented musk, or civet oil, which is prized by perfumers.

The animals are also crucial in the production of kopi luwak, or civet coffee,

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the ultimate guide to southside Events Giselle | Feb 18 - 22 Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre 2111 5999 | www.urbtix.hk Hong Kong Arts Festival | Feb 18 - March 22 2111 5999 | www.hk.artsfestival.org Hong Kidsfest Hong Kong 2014 The Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts | From Jan 15th 2014 3128 8288 | www.hkticketing.com Kong Chamber Music Festival Jan 15-23 2014 3128 8288 | www.pphk.org World Boutique Hong Kong January 13 to 16 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, www.hktdc.com/ex/worldboutiquehk/54.

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Multimedia ABA Productions 2547 7150 | www.aba-productions.com Dadi Precious Photography 6920 6689 | info@dadiprecious.com http://www.dadiprecious.com

directory Education

Education Colour My World

2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com

ITS Education Asia

2116 3916 es@tuition.com.hk www.itseducationasia.com

Morningstar Preschool

Learning through imagination, inquiry, integration and reflection

Morningstar Preschool and Kindergarten 9736 5241 | info@MorningstarSchools.com www.morningstarschools.com

Safari Kid 2177 0001 | info@safarikid.com.hk www.safarikid.com.hk Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 www.southsidemandarin.com

Petit Bazaar 2544 2255 / 2528 0229 / 2407 1892 contact@petit-bazaar.com www.petit-bazaar.com

Tutortime http://www.tutortime.com.hk/

Daily 7/ Daily 10 2543 8262 |customerservice@kidsdailies.com www.daily7-daily10.com

Woodland Pre-Schools 2803 1885 | 2551 7177 www.woodlandschools.com

Mentorhood Learning Center

Sylvan Learning Center 2873 0662 | info@sylvan.edu.hk www.educate.com

Weight Watchers

2813 0814 kmahjoubian@weightwatchers.com.hk www.weightwatchers.com.hk

Annerley – Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals www.annerley.com.hk The Southside Kindergarten 2592 7527 | info@southside.edu.hk www.southside.edu.hk Beijing Mandarin 2528 9319 | www.beijingmandarin.com Bricks 4 Kids 8102 2433 | info@bricks4kidz.hk English for Asia 2392 2746 | bianca@englishforasia.com www.englishforasia.com Les Club Des Cinq 2575 4555 | contact@clubdes5.hk www.clubdes5.hk

Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com

The International Montessori School 2861 0339 info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk

Community & Health 5160 1828 | enquiry@mentorhood.com.hk www.mentorhood.com.hk

Children’s Toys & Supplies

Body Awakening www.bodyawakening.net The Clean 9 Detox 9211 3322 | monica.pswong@gmail.com www.foreverlivinghk.weebly.com Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 | wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 | info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk

Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Professional Services HARVEY LAW GROUP 2116 1333 | contact@harveylawcorporation.com Gail Turner Photography 5662 3630 www.cloonaveel.com www.hongkongdogs.hk Heliservices www.heliservices.com Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk Mulan Florist 2521 8889 | 2110 3461 info@mulan.com.hk | www.facebook. com/mulanfloristhk Professional Wills 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com Sum Hing Carton Box Factory info@boxx.hk | www.boxx.hk Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Ltd 2199 7774 | www.sunkochigurkha.com

Little Dalton Kindergarten Nursery School 2792 2566 | www.littledalton.com Eton House International Pre-School 64821729 | enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk Faust International Youth Theatre 2547 9114 | info@faustworld.com www.faustworld.com Golden Path Education 2164 4888 | www.goldenpatheducation.com HK Kidz 2877 6160 | infokidz@hklanguages.com www.hkkidz.com Les Petits Lascars 2526 8892 | www.petitslascars.com PowerBrain 2302 0180 | www.powerbrainrx.com

Pets & Vets Homevet 9860 5522 | pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk

Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 www.animalemergency.com.hk Pacific Pets @ Stanley Veterinary Centre /Pet shop 2813 7979 | retail@stanleyvetcentre.com

Get listed call 2776 2772 email marketing@southside.hk WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 69

my southside

wellness

Chan Cudennec

The Southside banker turned wellness guru talks to Hannah Grogan.

Tell me about yourself.

I was brought up in Malaysia. Food has always been very much a part of my life as I was growing up. I studied fine arts at university and wanted to be an artist. But life took me in a different direction and after university I taught art history for two years. But I wanted to move back to the city so got my first job in Kuala Lumpur in finance and I became a banker.

I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time. I learnt so much about leadership skills as well as how to communicate with people. I learnt how to navigate myself as a young female in a male driven industry.

Tell us about your work.

SOL is all about how to regain your sense of life, we help to get that. We incorporate different healing remedies and combine meditation and homeopathic remedies, kinesiology and combine different techniques to analyse what’s happening in the body. We offer healing, detoxes and even workshops on preparing foods. Because I believe people can heal themselves through food.

When did you arrive in Hong Kong?

I met my husband when I was 30 and we moved out to Singapore. We had one child then moved to Paris and then Indonesia. We were always moving to places surrounded by good food! We eventually moved up to Hong Kong. But I wasn’t very happy about the banking environment then because it felt cold hearted, it was all about the numbers. It made me very uncomfortable.

I started to face some health challenges when I wanted to have a second child. I decided I would go back to my roots. I started to heal myself and reconnect using herbs and traditional medicines. I began to search in earnest for other forms of healing. Then I came across energy healing and nutrition. When we

photo competiton Submit your shot Here at the Southside Magazine office, we love receiving beautiful pictures of Southside from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Southside, along with a brief description, to photo@fastmedia.com.hk.

This month’s winner: Fiona Cummings.

“Gorgeous end to another gorgeous day in Hong Kong – taken from the sky garden at Larvotto, Ap Lei Chau.”

70 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK

later moved to American I discovered raw and living foods. We came back to Hong Kong in 2003 during Sars, everybody thought we were crazy. We had been living in Florida but missed the dynamic energy and the can-do spirit of Hong Kong. We now live in Aberdeen on a boat.

What draws you to Southside?

I love the energy of the space, it’s cleanliness and how it is very free spirited. You can see eagles flying up above - if the birds are still hanging around there must be something about its clean energy.

Any big plans for 2014?

A lot of my clients are southsiders, so I’ve been thinking of moving out here and want to find bigger space and extend the services of SOL Wellness. I would maybe create a day spa where you can come and detox. I don’t want to create another pampering spa, I would want to create a medical healing spa. Life in Hong Kong is so social and healing is made easier if there is a community and that’s what it would be.

What local issues are you passionate about?

I’m hoping that Southside won’t change and convert into just another Central with high rises everywhere. Also, I think the Southside doesn’t have enough choices for healthy eating, and shops.

SOL Wellness, 16/F Tin On Sing Commercial Building, 41-43 Graham Street, Central, 2581 9699.

shoot for it

Opening night

Vadim Repin & FRiends Russian masteRwoRks

Gala

Closing night gala

15/1 (Wed) 8pm

Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall $800, $420, $280, $120

21/1 (Tue) 8pm Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall

23/1 (Thu) 8pm Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall $600, $400, $280, $100

$600, $400, $280, $100

Happy Hour concert

Brahms and the hungarian spirit

17/1 (Fri) 7pm

The Great German Lineage 16/1 (Thu) 8pm Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts $250, $150, $50

19/1 (Sun) 8pm Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Post-Concert Wine Tasting with Festival Musicians $300 Wine Sponsor

$420, $260, $80

$420, $260, $80 Sponsored by the exclusive classical music e-magazine

For full details of the Festival, please visit

Over 20 artists participating!

www.pphk.org

Tickets are NOW available at www.pphk.org or through URBTIX and HK Ticketing outlets* * Tickets for concerts at the Hong Kong City Hall can be purchased through URBTIX, and tickets for concerts at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts can be purchased through HK Ticketing.

URBTIX Ticketing 2734 9009 (Ticketing Enquiries) 2111 5999 (Credit Card Telephone Booking) www.urbtix.hk

Artistic Director

Cho-Liang Lin

31 288 288 (Booking Hotline) www.hkticketing.com HK Ticketing applies a customer service fee to all tickets purchase via its network. This fee is additional to the face value of the ticket and is payable upon purchase of tickets.

Programme Enquiries 9545 6851 info@pphk.org

For ages 6 or above. The presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.

Premiere Performances of Hong Kong is financially supported by the Springboard Grant under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Festival Sponsor

Hotel Sponsor

Supported by

Media Partners RAL - HONG K NE ON GE G

CAU MA

The content of these programmes does not reflect the views of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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