Southside November 2021

HEALTH | CHRISTMAS | DINING | HOROSCOPES

November 2021

O CHRISTMAS TREE Where to get yours in the city

HONG KONG DINING AWARDS An exclusive look at this year’s winners

BE A MAN, TAKE A BREAK

Meet six leading male entrepreneurs this Movember 1a SS Cover_V1.indd 1

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CONTENTS — 11/21

18 COVER STORY

Meet six male entrepreneurs this Movember

2 EDITOR’S LETTER Hello from our editor

4 CONTRIBUTORS

Meet the ones in the spotlight this month

15 FIVE MINUTES WITH

32 PETS

16 HOME & LIVING

33 HOROSCOPES

Fion Lee, co-founder of The Editors Company

‘Tis the season for Christmas tree shopping

6 PEOPLE

Out and about in Southside

8 THE PLANNER

24 DINING

Highlights from the Hong Kong Dining Awards

What’s on this November

10 CHRISTMAS BAZAARS

26 MUST HAVES

12 NEWS

28 VISIBLE

Where to shop for goodies this season

What’s new in the city

18

All you need for a sparkling Christmas

Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions

What’s in the stars for you this month?

34 SECRETS

The story of Stanley’s tiger

36 ZIM CITY

Paul Zimmerman on the City2Trail

24

Jill Carter shares the story of a trans woman

30 NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE Explore Tsim Sha Tsui

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34 15

“Seize opportunity by the beard, for it is bald behind.” — Bulgarian proverb

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editor’s letter Movember is a worldwide, nonprofit cause that brings about flocks of mustaches and beards to cities every penultimate month of the year. It’s a time when people, particularly men, take stock of the importance of their health, both mental and physical. For this month’s cover story, I spoke to six male entrepreneurs from various industries to get a gras​​p of what life is like for men in Hong Kong. Do they feel supported? Perhaps overworked? We chat about the lessons they’ve learned when it comes to how to find fulfilment and balance in life, and the steps that need to be taken to make sure you’re living a life that’s sustainable to you.

After Movember comes Christmas!

I’m betting I’m not the only one who is in complete disbelief that we are once again nearing the most wonderful time of the year— but hey, no complaints here. To get you and the family geared up for festivities, we’ve shared the Christmas bazaars (page 10) taking place across the city.

I do believe I’m getting ahead of myself though—let’s backtrack to October for a second, which is when we received the results of the Hong Kong Dining Awards 2021. The people have spoken and the readers’ choice winners for everything from ‘best new bar’ to ‘restaurant of the year’ are here. Take to page 24 to get an exclusive.

Editorial Editor-in chief Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Editor Cheyelene Fontanilla, cheyelene@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com

Design

Graphic Designer Jason Lau, jason@hongkongliving.com

Finally, I have to take a moment to say a huge thank you to Amri and Stephen, some very loyal Southside readers who sent me a very sweet email during the typhoon 8 last month. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read Southside magazine. I love hearing from the community so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email! I hope everyone had a spooktacular Halloween (especially you, Stephen and Amri)!

Happy reading, folks.

Graphic Designer Natalie Cheung, natalie@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Debbie Ky, debbie@hongkongliving.com Elaine Li, elaine@hongkongliving.com Janessa Chan, janessa@hongkongliving.com Jasmine Hung, jasmine@hongkongliving.com Events Manager Pranali Gupta, pranali@hongkongliving.com

Publisher

Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com

Things we love Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Dressing to impress

Venture to Sai Wan Ho in the Eastern District and take a stroll along the harbour. There, you’ll find an array of restaurants with ocean views, but one in particular stands out among the rest. Cull N’ Pistol ​​ has some fantastic dishes, from their deliciously vibrant tacos to their high quality seafood selections. California-inspired food done well is what you’ll find here.

Beam Bold is a Caribbean-inspired clothing brand by Audra Gordon, who has a wonderful selection of colourful statement pieces as part of her fashion line. Beam Bold embodies comfort and individuality, with effortless pieces that are made with pockets for functionality. If you or (or your child) are looking to stand out with an outfit, give Beam Bold a look.

HEALTH | CHRISTMAS | DINING | HOROSCOPES

November 2021

O CHRISTMAS TREE Where to get yours in the city

HONG KONG DINING AWARDS

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

An exclusive look at this year’s winners

BE A MAN, TAKE A BREAK

Meet six leading male entrepreneurs this Movember 1a SS Cover_V1.indd 1

Covid-19 update

As Southside Magazine 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.

Photography by Jason Lau

Seafood with a seaview

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Southside 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. 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 publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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contributors

Thank you to our contributors

Paul Zimmerman Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks and Southern District Councillor of Pok Fu Lam. This month, Zimmerman writes about Hong Kong’s new platform that is working to map out hidden hiking routes.

Letao Wang Founder of the Healing Kingdom, Letao has been practising professional astrology and spiritual counselling in Hong Kong for over seven years. He reveals what’s in store for each sign this year in our horoscope section.

Jack Sealy As the co-founder of Sauce Barbershop and a professional footballer, Jack Sealy talks about men’s health in this month’s cover story. He also played host for this month’s cover shoot at Sauce Barbershop.

Malbert Lee Malbert Lee is a sound alchemist who uses crystal singing bowls and gongs to produce sound waves to relax and cleanse the mind. He speaks about men’s health and mental health in our cover story this month.

Fion Lee Fion Lee is the Creative Director of The Editors Company. She is responsible for the creative direction and the design service of the company. In our five minutes with interview, she tells us about her entrepreneurial journey.

Jill Carter Jill Carter is a professional photographer in the middle of completing her Masters in Counselling. In her new full-page column, Visible, she touches on what it’s like to feel unseen or overlooked when women turn a certain age, and the amazing stories that go unnoticed because of it.

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people

Snaps from Southside

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say cheese

Behind the scenes of our cover photoshoot

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planner

UNTIL NOV 7

Hong Kong Food Carnival Fair An event that showcases a range of food and beverage products to try and buy. 10.30 am-7.30 pm. Kwai Chung Sports Ground, 93 Hing Shing Road, Kwai Chung. foodhk.com.hk

UNTIL NOV 14

Hong Kong Asian Film Festival During this 19-day extravaganza, over 70 films from 13 selections of themes across Asia will be showcased. The festival also pays homage to the directors of Japanese and Afghanistan documentaries.

NOV 5-7

Hong Kong Bridal Fair and Wedding Expo

NOV 13

Steelcase Dragon Run An international surfski event taking paddlers from Clearwater Bay Beach to Stanley.

Distances range from 6km to 24km. From $800. Hongkongdragonrun.com.hk

THROUGHOUT NOV

Watch-making discovery masterclass A two hour masterclass hosted by a Swiss Watchmaker teaching basic watchmaking skills and the dismantling process in LUOXO’s comfortable workshop. $1100. W50, Room 3601, 36/F, 50 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. luoxo.com

NOV 1-5

ITF Seniors Open 2021 The Hong Kong Veterans’ Tennis Association is hosting the ITF Seniors Open at the Hong Kong Country Club for men and women above the age of 45. The prize money for the 18-category tournament is $389,000, and there will be a singles and doubles tournament. $480. 188 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Deep Water Bay. hkvta.com.hk

Showcasing an array of flowers, bridal gowns, wedding cars, makeup and men’s suits and more, this fair will give you all the inspiration you need for your big day. 12-8pm. $20. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive , Wan Chai wedding.expo.com.hk

NOV 5-15 with special tasting kits delivered to your door. discoverhongkong.com

Hong Kong International Literary Festival

NOV 4 Diwali

A 10-day programme of readings, workshops and panel discussions. Prices, times and venues vary. festival.org.hk

Celebrate the festival of lights on India’s biggest celebration of the year.

NOV 10

NOV 5-7

Outdoor & Sports Expo Stock up on sporting equipment or try your hand at something new at Hong Kong’s first Outdoor & Sports Expo. The expo has eight categories of sporting equipment from fitness and yoga to camping and van life essentials. $40. Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. exhibitiongroup.com.hk

Hong Kong Dining Awards Celebrate the winners of this year’s dining awards with a fabulous award ceremony and free-flow drinks. 3-5.30pm. hongkongliving.com

NOV 1-31

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Paying tribute to Hong Kong’s reputation as the Culinary Capital of Asia, this month-long culinary fiesta provides self-guided wine-tasting experiences from the comfort of your own home,

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what’s on

NOV 20-21

Spartan Race Sprint Are you ready Spartans? This 5km race includes over 20 obstacles through rugged terrain built for new and returning racers.

9:30am. From ​​$780. Kam Tin Country Club, Shui Tau Tsuen. spartanrace.hk

NOV 25

Thanksgiving Day Get your turkey in the oven and celebrate a day of gratitude with friends and family

NOV 30

Shave the Mo Raise awareness and funds for Movember with an afternoon of beers with the bros. 3-5.30pm. $250. hongkongliving.com

NOV 13

NOV 13

Enjoy an evening of classical music performed by the award-winning Hong Kong Philharmonic while overlooking the stunning skyline over Victoria Harbour. Free. 7.30pm. Central Harbourfront Event Space. hkphil.org

In place of the annual parade, Hong Kong Pride is organising an indoor market featuring 30 LGBT supportive booths and rainbow art installations to encourage equality. 12-8pm.

Free. 8/F, The Wave, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong. facebook/hkpride

Swire Symphony Under The Stars

NOV 13

Rainbow Market

Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair

NOV 20-21

Wine lovers commence, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will showcase a range of products including brandy, sake and champagne. Guests will be able to purchase unique spirits from around the world and talk to experts and connoisseurs on the day.

10.30am-6pm. event.hktdc.com

Need the little ones to blow off some steam?

Spartan Race Kids includes a 1.6km or 3km race course with over 10 obstacles for children to conquer. Open to a range of age categories. From $480. Kam Tin Country Club, Shui Tau Tsuen. spartanrace.hk

Spartan Race Kids

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christmas bazaars

THROGHOUT DEC

Stanley Plaza Wild West Adventure Christmas Market 2021 A festive open-air market taking place in the Amphitheatre at Stanley Plaza.

With 60 booths, this cashless market will have plenty of stalls to shop from, along with an AR game, a Santa Meet & Greet and more. 12-8pm. Stanley Plaza, Stanley. linkhk.com

NOV 7, 21 & DEC 12 Discovery Bay Christmas Market

Browse for trinkets at this openair market and purchase oodles of stocking stuffers and one-of-akind gifts made by local artists and small business owners. 11am-6pm.

Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com

NOV 11

AWA Charity Bazaar The 34th Annual AWA Charity, established by the American Women’s Association, will be using its proceeds to fund charity and community organisations, featuring 50 unique vendors from all over Hong Kong. 11.30am-7.30pm. PMQ, Aberdeen Street, Central. awa.org.hk

THROUGHOUT NOV 36 Cochrane Street

NOV 13 & 14 The Good Gift Christmas Fair

This year, local charity Crossroads is partnering with Fair Trade Hong Kong to host a family Christmas fair at its Gold Coast location. Kids can enjoy tree climbing, zip lining, arts and crafts while parents can shop for gifts. 11am-7pm. Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun. crossroads.org.hk

Style Base Central’s popular event space, 36 Cochrane Street, is getting a festive makeover this month with decorations and stocking fillers.

Instagram: @popuphk

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christmas bazaars

DEC 2-5

White Christmas Street Fair After a two year hiatus, The Swire Properties’ charity fair is back. This year’s fair will feature a range of booths selling Christmas decorations, skincare, homeware, jewellery, kids items and pet friendly products. All funds raised will be donated to Operation Santa Claus.

12-8pm. Tong Chong Street and 1/F Office Lobby, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay. swireproperties.com

DEC 4 & 5

Glam and Glitters Christmas Shopping Fair A Christmas fair that supports local business owners. Expect niche and artisanal brands, selling unique jewellery, children’s clothing, natural cosmetics, fashion, art and vintage goods. 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. shoppinghongkong.net

DEC 4-5 & 18-19

Sai Kung December Market Bazaar

DEC 9

Prestige Christmas Fair

Support local Sai Kung vendors and shop for toys, gifts and handmade items at Man Yee Wan Recreation Centre. 11am-8pm. Man Yee Wan Recreation Center, 25 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung

The Prestige Christmas Fair is back for another year, selling jewellery, gourmet food, homeware, clothing and babywear from vendors across Hong Kong. 10am-8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk

UNTIL DEC 31

Landmark Christmas Market Well-known for its elaborate annual Christmas display, Landmark’s Christmas market will surely get you in the holiday mood. Browse through all kinds of lifestyle products, homeware and designer items that will make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. 15 Queen’s Road Central. landmark.hk

Christmas

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news

Rare residential land in Repulse Bay to be auctioned

It looks like a bidding war is in the cards for a small plot of land in Repulse Bay. The site, located at South Bay Road, covers an area of 21,097 square feet and is predicted to attract around 10 developers, seeing as it is rare for land in Repulse Bay to be up for government tender. The last government land auction in

Hong Kong Cyclothon will take place on the Hong Kong-ZhuhaiMacao Bridge

Hong Kong welcomes Phuket opens a new museum to vaccinated travellers

After two years of postponements, the Hong Kong Cyclothon is back and will be taking place this November on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Spanning 42 kilometres, cyclists will race along the Hong Kong-link section of the bridge. Due to travel restrictions, only Hong Kong residents will be permitted to participate, but it is expected that over 2,000 cyclists will join.

After seven years of construction, Hong Kong’s latest cultural centre, M+ Museum is set to open its doors on November 12. With 33 galleries, three cinemas and 17,000 metres of exhibition space, M+ Museum is set to wow Hongkongers with its learning hub and rooftop garden with views of the Hong Kong skyline. Located at the West Kowloon Cultural District, entry will be free for Hong Kong residents for the first year.

Repulse Bay was in 2012. The plot at 110 Repulse Bay Road was sold to Tai Cheung Holdings for $1.67 billion, making this year’s auction the first to take place in the area in nine years. Surveyors say that the South Bay Road site has great potential to be developed into luxury apartments.

While Hong Kong’s 21-day quarantine restrictions are still in place upon your arrival into Hong Kong, fully vaccinated residents can now travel to Phuket without facing any quarantine. What Thailand officials are calling the sandbox scheme, has already been in effect for low-tomedium risk countries since July, and is now open to all countries. The push for tourism comes as a result of the country’s economic performance, which has reached its lowest in 20 years thanks to travel restrictions.

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in your backyard

Eco-friendly wines In order to raise awareness and reduce Hong Kong’s ever-growing waste problem, Sea Change has launched a collection of vegan, ethically-sourced and eco-friendly wines in Hong Kong. Billions of bottles of wine are consumed each year and the vast majority are packaged with single use plastic, Sea

Change wines have minimal packaging, including a light-weight glass bottle and a label made from post-consumer recycled waste and grape pulp, each bottle also has a biodegradable cork. Sea Change currently offers sauvignon blanc, rosé, merlot, malbec and prosecco but will be launching an organic range featuring a Spanish bobal, chardonnay and prosecco rosé in the coming months. hk.seachangewine.com

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Fion Lee

five minutes with

Cheyelene Fontanilla speaks to the co-founder and creative director of The Editors Company

Fion Lee made her start as an interior designer in what some would deem the dream environment for such a profession. ​​ Working high-end hospitality and residential projects, Lee loved her full time job, but she didn’t feel like she was quite fulfilling her purpose. As a creative person, she wanted to service a broader network of people without sacrificing the artistry in what she does.

“I’ve always thought about how to make home design more accessible and to bring a sense of character to daily living at home. So when I met my business partner Aaron Chin, who had a very similar idea, we decided to team up to create an accessible interior styling platform.” Enter The Editors Company. “We are home stylists. We help you create or makeover your home without making structural changes. That means we collaborate with you to put together the right furniture, accessories, lighting, rugs, curtains, and wall colours for you.”

It’s been one big learning curve for Lee and Chin, but what they’ve achieved is something that can only be done through experience, through trial and error and through a willingness to pivot in order to find

what works best for their business. As most entrepreneurs will tell you, priorities change as you find your footing.

“I think in the beginning we thought that being accessible meant that our service needed to be super-efficient and quick for customers, so we worked very hard to be quick. But over time we realised the essence is to create a relationship with clients so we can create homes that feel personal to them.”

It is through realisations like these that entrepreneurs and creators determine the values with which they operate. It serves as the foundation for their business. To Lee, a human touch and quality collaboration with customers goes a long way, so it had to serve as one of the layers of their foundation.

“While our service is online and rather easy to use for customers, we now make sure that we don’t compromise the time needed for the involved design conversation.

All of our customers need to know that upfront,” says Lee. When asked which part of her job she finds the most fulfilling, she responded “We are happiest when our customers really like their new home and tell us how much they

have enjoyed the process, and appreciate the small details that go into enhancing their space and subsequently, quality time with loved ones.”

This way of design is much more collaborative than the traditional interior design work Lee has done in the past, making it more personal and intentional.

“Building a start-up is tough work in general.

But one of the things we’ve learned a lot is how to be a great listener and collaborator with our customers. As designers we have to be opinionated, but at the same time we cannot create a home that feels personal for customers without their meaningful feedback,” she says.

“So a core skill as a home stylist on our team is learning how to be vulnerable, and approaching the customer with an attitude of ‘dear customer, this is what I’ve heard, here is what I think will work for you, but let me get your feedback and feelings and I will iterate until we get it right for you.’” I suppose the reason for the success of The Editors Company is no secret. They work with heart to help their clients turn their houses into homes.

Find out more at editorscompany.com

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home and living

Where to buy a Christmas tree

Decking your halls for the festive season? Nicole Slater rounds up the best gardening stores to bring home your dream fir If we learned anything from last year, it’s that we need to prepare early for Christmas. With many trees sold out by the time December 1st rolls around, consider scheduling your trip to the flower market earlier or reserve a fir at one of Hong Kong’s boutique flower stores.

Van der Bloom Priding themselves on having the freshest Noble Firs from Oregon, your house will be smelling like Christmas in no time. Van der Bloom has a selection of miniature trees along with a wide range of wreaths and table trees, along with workshops to create takehome festive bouquets. vanderbloom.com.hk

Indigo Living Stylish, sophisticated and magical, the range of faux Christmas trees at Indigo Living is so cheery you’ll have Santa skipping through your door in no time. The upscale furniture store stocks everything from a glittered fir

tree planter to an artificial evergreen topped with frosty accents. Don’t forget to check out the collection of tinsel and baubles after picking out your favourite tree. indigo-living.com

P&F Garden A bit of nature in the heart of the city, P&F is a haven for gardening lovers. With a wide variety of wholesale and retail plants, the gardening specialist offers an extensive selection of Douglas Firs in a range of sizes.

For a truly Christmassy activity, drop by the nursery and pick your own tree. Delivery services are also available. pnfgarden.hk

Wah King Garden This family-run nursery and garden offers a range of indoor and outdoor plants, potted trees and shrubs. The garden centre takes orders for Christmas trees by email, before inviting you to choose your tree. Its pines are hugely popular and sell out fast so make sure

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christmas trees to get in touch early to guarantee your decor. wahking-garden.com

Prince Edward Flower Market If you can’t find it in Mong Kok, it doesn’t exist. You could easily spend the whole day just browsing in the locals’ go-to for flowers and plants. The trusty flower market has a huge range of reasonably priced floras and faunas, hop around the local stores to handpick your Christmas tree and poinsettia.

Anglo Chinese Florist Bouquets and blossoms are it’s specialities, but during the holiday season the Anglo Chinese Florist sells Noble and Douglas Fir trees in a variety of sizes. The shop also offers festive orchids, garlands and artificial trees that won’t leave a chaos of pine needles behind. Browse the variety online and get them sent to your doorstep. anglochinese. com

Gift Flowers HK Gift Flowers HK sources its Christmas trees directly from sustainable North American tree farms. The florist offers noble fir trees with three choices of size (four to five feet, five to six feet and six to seven feet) and prices include a free tree stand and free delivery.

Recycling service can also be provided with an additional fee so you can have an ecofriendly Christmas. giftflowers.com.hk

Sophie’s Christmas Trees Sophie’s Christmas Trees invites you to order online and have your tree delivered to your door for the ultimate convenience. You can choose from Noble Fir, Fraser Fir and Douglas Fir trees before selecting your prefered tree size, width and height. lukyeegarden.com

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cover story

BE A MAN. TAKE A BREAK. Cheyelene Fontanilla meets six leading male entrepreneurs this Movember

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movember

James Thomson-Sakhrani Founder of Style Standard

James Thomson-Sakhrani is the founder of Style Standard, which is, as he puts it, “all about making great style and grooming accessible to the everyday guy.” James is also the director of his family foundation, The Amber Foundation where he runs the environmental programme, creating hygiene kits to be distributed to charitable partners around Hong Kong.

As a Harvard graduate, he dabbled in a few other fields before landing on this one.

“Over the course of my career, I fell into the men’s style and grooming world and realised there was a distinct lack of clear support and guidance for men who wanted to start dressing and looking better, so I ended up starting Style Standard as a way to make men’s style and grooming easy to access for all sorts of men around the city and region,” he says.

When it comes to his own health, James has found that sometimes, being disarmingly honest about what you’re going through is the only way to go. “I got diagnosed with ADHD when I was pretty young and it’s been a long

journey of discovery and understanding in terms of figuring out what that means for how I work and function,” says James. “Through a large part of my life, I really struggled with understanding that my issues with ADHD and the anxiety and depression that came with it weren’t a personal failing or representative of who I am as a person, so I’ve really tried to help spread that message within my own circle. In fact, I’ve found that by discussing these things and being as honest and upfront as I could be has helped a few other friends realise that they may have similar issues and are now in the process of getting checked out and helped.”

For James, it is these values that intersect with the passion he has for making people feel good about themselves at Style Standard.

“American football player Deion Sanders once said, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.’ I’ve always firmly believed that taking care of the way you look is incredibly important to mental health and development. I wanted to make that available to all sorts of men.”

Jack Sealy

Co-founder of Sauce Barbershop As most Hongkongers will tell you, life in this city can be a tad overwhelming at times, and Jack Sealy is no stranger to the hustle and bustle. While he is one of the founders of Sauce Barbershop on Elgin Street in Central, he’s also a professional football player. “I have been playing football full time for the last 10 to 11 years, so apart from training six times a week with my team, I also go to the gym three to four times a week. When I’m not in training, or I’m in the off season, I hike, swim, and am partial to a bit of wakeboarding too.”

Needless to say, Sealy is someone who, over the years, has learned how to take care of himself not only in a physical capacity but in the emotional sense, too. To him though, it’s one and the same. “Men’s health is such a major talking point at the moment, and for me I think it’s really about letting your emotions out, and the rest will follow. I feel if you are open with your feelings, eventually you’ll have a clearer outlook on things and hopefully feel more confident, have more clarity about life, work, relationships etc, and have a drive to stay active and healthy,” he says.

Sometimes, it can be easier to open up to people you don’t know very well. Since Sealy is the man in charge of front of house operations at Sauce Barbershop, he’s seen that very dynamic between barber and client.

“Working in a barbershop, men tend to talk about things they may not even tell their wife or best friend, so we may have to lend an ear to just be there if people want to talk. It’s great people feel so comfortable talking as soon as they are in the chair, they create such trust, and bond with their barber that it can sometimes turn into a therapy session, with both client and barber sharing stories,” says Sealy. “It’s a safe space for guys to talk, and it’s brilliant to see.

Looking good and feeling good also plays a part in our industry, because if you come out feeling a million dollars after a fresh haircut, you’re going to have that extra bit of confidence to tackle whatever is thrown your way.”

When asked whether there was any advice he wished he’d had when he was younger, he responded simply: “Never feel scared or embarrassed to talk about anything. And never compare yourself to others.”

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cover story

SHAVE YOUR MO

MOVEMBER 5-8 PM NOV 30 SAUCE

Speeches, Networking, Drinks & more Wanna be part of the FUN? E-mail pranali@hongkongliving.com

Main sponsor:

Prize sponsors:

Silver sponsor:

Venue:

In Support:

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movember

Michael Wong

Co-founder of Maicapital.io

Michael Wong is a co-founder of MaiCapital, a leading asset management company in Hong Kong that combines SFClicensed operation with deep technologies to offer a range of funds that invest in blockchain/ crypto-related assets, and other investment assets. Founded in 2018 by two Hong Kong natives and Standord alums, MaiCapital became one of the first Hong Kong SFC licensees to offer institutionalised wealth products that invest into Blockchain assets.

It’s safe to say that Wong knows all about the highs and lows of a demanding lifestyle in the city. When you work in his industry, things are typically high stakes–as are his stress levels, which is why he has learned to keep his priorities in check. “In the digital asset industry, the markets never sleep. This can add a lot of mental stress to everyone on the team. We aim to raise more awareness within our company and industry to take better care of physical and mental health.”

On a personal level, Wong believes it’s important to be motivated by the right things.

“My wife’s support is key, especially from the

emotional side. She’s like a best friend to me and just talking to her helps relieve stress.”

Today, within Hong Kong, there are only a handful of Blockchain-themed investment funds that are managed by a properly licensed fund manager. “Our company is not only a leading fund manager in the Blockchain space, but we also have an auditable track record of over two and a half years that showcases how we consistently generate superb growth for our funds while operating under a regulatory compliant framework.” There are no other SFC-licensed Blockchain fund managers in Hong Kong that have a track record this long.

To get to this point, Wong learned that if you’re going to be shooting for the stars, you have to try and keep your feet on the ground too.“When I was younger, my health was always an afterthought. This obviously doesn’t work and was quite ironic. I aimed to build a business that’s sustainable, yet I didn’t do the same for myself. I realised that I have to dedicate time to take care of myself so I can become more ‘sustainable’, for myself, my family and my business.”

Malbert Lee Sound alchemist

In a city where most people are accustomed to the rush of city living, from working long hours to de-stressing through fast and furious means, Lee strives to show others that joy can be found in the quieter moments. He works to fight against men’s health stigma by setting an example. “Sound-healing is something that I’m very passionate about and I would like to use it as a way to make a positive impact on the world,” he says. Lee is a professional sound-healer and yoga teacher. As a leading man in the wellness industry, Lee has spent the entirety of his career trying to help people grapple with stress. How does he do this?

“I offer sound experiences with the use of various instruments such as singing bowls and gongs. The effect can be healing, relaxing, energising and rejuvenating. My expertise in sound therapy and the modern approach can benefit everyone, especially with our stressful urban life.” Lee is professionally trained with 10 sound-healing experts around the world, with years of experience offering one-on-one and group sessions to clients including international banks, hotels and luxury brands. “I enjoy what

I do and it doesn’t feel like work. What I do as a sound healer is a way of living. There’s no on or off switch. It made sense to start my own business so I can pursue my passion with flexibility, freedom and continuity by investing in myself,” he explains. When it comes to the topic of men’s health, he believes that it should be a balance of yin and yang. “Yang focuses on the physical body such as exercise; yin focuses on the mental and energy body such as meditation, mindfulness and sound therapy to de-stress and relax.”

These mindful practices have become a fundamental part of who Lee is and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He is dedicated to showing people that sometimes, you just have to slow down and take a minute to check in on you. “Men can benefit from taking part in slower-paced activities,” says Lee. “There’s still a lot of people who believe in ‘no pain, no gain’ or ‘if I don’t break a sweat nothing improves.’

With the mental health crisis we are facing and so many illnesses that are stress-related, I think we can all agree that this kind of belief needs to go.” We agree, Lee.

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cover story

Gary Wong

Founder of New Life Medicine Technology Co. Ltd

As the founder of New Life Medicine Technology Company Limited (NLMT), Gary Wong is on a mission to innovate medical technology to help detect illnesses. “Current medical systems are far from perfect; hospitals are understaffed and patients have to wait years for a proper scan. Fortunately, my scientific research is achieving satisfying results and I feel obliged to come up with practical solutions.”

Wong is also the head and chair professor of the Department of Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University, of which NLMT is a spin-off company.

They are constantly looking for new ideas with the belief that innovative research and development will bring a breakthrough in medicine tech, with the goal being to help tackle the current challenges of traditional clinical diagnosis. “Research for New, We serve for Life. This is our motto,” says Wong.

When it comes to his personal view on men’s health, Wong is familiar with the stigma of seeking help. “Most men tend to be more masculine and confident, especially in Asian communities. They often don’t speak out when

they feel uncomfortable,” he says. Because of his profession, Wong is acutely aware of the significance of taking care of yourself. However, as someone living in one of the busiest cities in the world, he also understands that it can be difficult to find balance. “It’s important for men to have an open-mind when discussing health.

As a scientist, it’s easy to convince myself of the potential downsides when I don’t live a balanced lifestyle. But as long as I understand the importance of it, I will always make time.”

As an expert on the subject that’s close to home for the Movember cause, Wong says it’s essential to make their health a priority by getting regular checkups. “One of the reasons we chose to work on prostate cancer diagnosis was that we discovered it to be one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. But the fact that prostate cancer diagnoses often involve a painful and possibly embarrassing procedure in the form of digital rectal examination have put men off getting checks,” he explains. “We hope that our approach can show men around the world that early diagnosis is key and they should not be afraid of it.”

Johnson Zhou

Founder of Bottle Wander

Johnson Zhou is in the wine business, but because he loves what he does, he doesn’t speak about his vocation like it’s work. “I fell in love with wine the first time I visited an ancient Abbey in Burgundy, and we drove through vineyards with exceptional views. For me it isn’t just the taste of wine itself, it’s the experience that brings me the most joy.” Bottle Wander, his company and brainchild located on Hollywood Road in Central, operates as a wine merchant who imports wines from boutique wineries that produce high quality wines. “There are new generations of unconventional winemakers, Bien de Altura from Canary Island in Spain for example, who is focused on preserving and reviving ancient, abandoned vineyards,” says Zhou, commenting on the changing culture within the industry that has been brought about by a new demand for more than just a good bottle.

“We want to bridge the gap between traditional wine shops and formal wine education by offering small-sized, casual and fun wine workshops to our customers every week. The new wave of wine drinkers is no longer satisfied with just drinking the same

wine every day. They are keen to experience different grape varieties, different climates and soils from different regions, and different winemaking” he explains. While Zhou is from the telecom industry, it’s the love he has for wine that brought him and his team together. “We’ve done intensive training in wine and traveled to a lot of places to build our knowledge so we can better share our passion with our customers.

We wanted to bring people together.”

Beyond his role at Bottle Wander, Zhou is also a dad. “As a father of two kids, health is the most important thing in my life.” To feel fulfilled and content, it’s all about balance. Zhou is a firm believer in knowing your limits when it comes to work. “I don’t think work and play are at different ends of the spectrum. I try to balance my work with my family and it is my family that gives me the most support for my work.”

The steps that this entrepreneur is taking to make sure he’s in a good place in his life are simple: “Exercising, eating healthy food and reading. I don’t think there is a guide or a bible that teaches you how to be healthy. It is a life journey of learning and experiencing.”

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dining

Hong Kong Dining Awards 2021 Celebrate the city’s best restaurants, bars, chefs, pop-ups and more in our third annual awards ceremony READER’S CHOICE WINS Restaurant of the Year 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Since opening its doors on the second floor of the Landmark Alexandra over ten years ago, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA has become the only Three Michelin Stars Italian restaurant outside Italy. Spanning 4,700 square feet, the restaurant’s interior is just as delightful as its menu, which features freshly prepared Italian dishes prepared by chef and co-owner, Umberto Bombana. ottoemezzobombana.com

Best New Restaurant Casa Cucina After four years of training under Richard Ekkebus from Amber at Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Executive chef Anthony Cheung opened his own restaurant venture, Casa Cucina at the start of 2021. With its name translating to home in Italian, this neighbourhood eatery has won the hearts of Hongkongers for its welcoming environment and cicchetti-inspired menu. casacucina.hk

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dining awards Chef of the Year Prabir Banerjee, Chaiwala As Executive Chef of modern Indian restaurant Chaiwala, Prabir Banerjee is passionate about food and has spent over 18 years in the culinary world. Born and raised in India, Chef Prabir specialises in Indian cuisine and never fails to impress with delectable dishes and beautiful presentation.

Throughout his time at Chaiwala he has helped craft the restaurant’s unique menu and showcase the traditional flavours of India in a modern and sophisticated fashion.

‘It’s a great honour for me to receive this award. I am thankful to all the guests who have dined with us over the years, your love and passion has kept us going through the tough times. Most importantly I want to say thank you to my team, they have been amazing and Mr. Manuel Palacio for giving me the opportunity and showing his confidence in me with Chaiwala.” chaiwala.hk

Best Takeaway Bengal Brothers Recreating the hustle and bustle of streets in India, Bengal Brothers brought the famous kati roll to Hong Kong in July and has become a go-to option for takeaways.

It’s Flaky paratha flatbreads are filled with chargrilled meat and vegetables and generously drizzled with chutneys and sauces. bengal-brothers.com

Most Sustainable Concept Green Common

Best Collaboration Shake Shack X Yardbird

With nine locations across Hong Kong and more on the horizon, Green Common hopes to advance global food technology innovations by promoting a sustainable and revolutionised food mindset. The plant-based eatery and grocery shop prioritises fair trade, cruelty-free, local sourcing, working with organic farms, social enterprises and SMEs. Grab a meal at one of its restaurants, including Kind Kitchen in Central, before browsing the shelves and bringing home some sustainable products. greencommon.com

This one-day-only collaboration on June 12 caused quite a buzz around town, with queues for the limited edition menu taking over ifc rooftop. To celebrate Shake Shack’s three-year anniversary in Hong Kong they partnered with the Michelin-starred modern Japanese izakaya restaurant Yardbird for an exclusive burger, bites and drink. shakeshack.com.hk

Best Online Grocery Shop Marks & Spencer Well-known for its large selection of British produce and treats, many expats think of M&S as their home-away-from-home.

Since launching their delivery service last July, its online delivery service has become a go-to option for stocking up before a typhoon or for those wanting to enjoy a delicious meal at home without the hassle. marksandspencer.com

Best Charity Initiative A Freaking Dumpling A Hong Kong grassroots initiative by F&B professional Kingsley Wong, A Freaking Dumpling sells delicate, dumpling-shaped ceramic chopstick rests. Working with local charity Feeding Hong Kong, for every one handmade ceramic dumpling brought, six real dumplings will be donated to those in need. Instagram: @afreakingdumpling

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must haves

Christmas mistletoe dangle charm $499 from Pandora hk.pandora.net

Zodiac hanging decoration $180 from The Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com

Christmas bauble $220 from The Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.hk

Velvet stocking $149 from Marks and Spencer marksandspencer.com

Countdown to Christmas decoration $199 from Marks and Spencer marksandspencer.com

A spar

Holiday cheers Santa Claus candle holder $799 from Swarovski swarovski.com

Christmas 2021 caramel truffle baubles $158 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com

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christmas prep Gold leaves & berries wreath $799 from Indigo Living indigo-living.com

on

ss

Rituals advent calendar $1,025 from Rituals rituals.com

parkling Christmas

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style Christmas berries large candle $650 from The Candle Company candles.hk

Tea lovers advent calendar $398 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com

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Visible: I see you, Jessica Park

visible Jill Carter speaks to an ex-pilot from the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force about her journey as a transgender woman

I first met Jessica Park, a tall transgender woman with a blonde ponytail and soft bluish grey eyes, in 2012 as a client at Professional Wills, the company she founded in 2006 after selling a successful security firm she started 33 years prior. Jessica ventured into both businesses knowing little about either. In her words, “To start [the will writing business], I checked the dictionary and found there are two Ls in Wills. I thought that was a good start.”

In April of this year, I returned to Professional Wills to take their company headshots. At 70 years strong, Jessica wasn’t too keen. Her staff warned me that Jessica dislikes having her photo taken and probably won’t smile. After the business portrait shoot (she did smile a little), I suggested that we take some

family photos of Jessica, her wife Tana and their two cat babies, who are permanent grumpy fixtures at the office. That was when I saw a different Jessica, one who couldn’t stop smiling. Now I understand why.

When launching “Visible” I thought of Jessica as a striking example of a person who is identity secure.

Jessica was hesitant to do the interview as Visible is about “inspiring women over 50”. She wanted to be clear that she will only speak from the perspective of a transgender woman.

Jessica agreed to meet me for coffee, and over two hours, she relayed the incredibly emotional experiences of her transition, which happened in her late-40’s. She was honest about the deep pains she went through during the darkest times, along with happier tales of

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the many people who supported her along the way, and the joys she has found in living the life as her “androgynous” self with her Thai wife Tana, whom she met 21 years ago. “I was working in Bangkok – looking for a husband, I thought,” she smiles, “and instead found Tana.”

Pre-transition, Jessica was Stewart, a masculine, motorcycle-riding, fixed wing aircraft and rescue helicopter pilot with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force from 1971 to 1994. She was married with three kids and ran a successful business with 110 employees in offices across Asia.

Jessica’s gender confusion came to a head between 1996-98. “Pandora’s box was opened, and I was a very messed up individual,” she recalls. To try to understand what was happening, she attended transgender conferences around the world.

“I was stunned seeing such an array of good people trying to understand themselves and doing so with such conviction and – I could say strength or courage – but I prefer trepidation,” she states. “To understand, one has to accept that maybe there is no understanding, and it is just so.”

The next few years Jessica describes as “hellish, with hundreds of nights of screaming – just trying to understand.” She

lost her relationships with her former wife and children and… lives with that. Jessica entered a full depressive state. She was straddling both gender identities, wearing men’s clothing at work and women’s clothing on the weekends. In 1998 she swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and woke up hallucinating in a straitjacket fastened to a bed at Queen Mary Hospital. After three days of confinement, Jessica was finally allowed to leave. She went downstairs to the cafeteria and ordered a bowl of porridge. As she sat eating what she describes as “the most delicious bowl of porridge ever”, while the sun streamed in through the windows, comforting and warming her. Jessica thought to herself “That was a close call. This is the last day I will wear men’s clothing. I’m going to be Jessica.”

The people that brought her to the hospital unconscious were her church friends. A year later she was publicly, humiliatingly excommunicated from the same church without concern for her life or care for her difficulties. At the time, this reinforced to Jessica all the shame, guilt, and self-hatred she was feeling. Jessica sought help from counsellors (twice a week for a period) and found support from others, including colleagues and her employees.

She set up a transgender support group in Hong Kong in the early 2000s and spoke at transgender conferences to help others. She grew from the depths of despair to become the confident and caring person she is today.

Jessica advised, “People like to say, ‘I have no regrets.’ Be careful who you say those words to. Of course, I have regrets. I have many – but not being Jessica. I think of the pain that my situation caused my former wife and children, and one has to live with that – but at least living, I am.” After years of active repair, Jessica has a good friendship with her former wife. They plan to travel abroad together to see their children postpandemic.

Jessica’s best memories about her transition include the day she had her ears pierced and the day she received her passport with her name “Jessica Park” and her gender “Female” acknowledged in print.

And of course, there is Tana, whose nickname is Goi. Jessica affectionately calls her “Gooi.” “Tana is the only person in the world I’m in love with,” Jessica beams. “It was nice to find someone who didn’t think there was something wrong with me. She has understanding, indifference, listening, empathy, warmth and is non-judgmental.

What more does humanity want?”

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big day out

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE TO TSIM S Explore the coastal neighbourhood and its diverse range of shops, restaurants and must-see spots

What to do Bird watching in Kowloon Park Located in the middle of the city, Kowloon Park is home to over 100 species of birds. You can find large crowds of flamingos and swans swimming in the Bird Lake. Move to the Aviary, and multi-coloured parrots and Rhinoceros hornbills can be found.

Enjoy the light show Every day at 8pm, a Symphony of Lights brings stunning Victoria Harbour to the next level, where skyscrapers on both sides of the harbour turn into a colourful canvas. Noted as the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by the Guinness World Records, the light show is a sight to behold, accompanied by gripping music by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

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tst Spend a day out at the museums TST is definitely a knowledge blessed place, with four museums located in the area. You can visit Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum and its most recent addition, the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Top tip: visit the Science and Space Museum on Wednesday for free admission.

Attend a show at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Located behind the iconic Clock Tower, the artistic Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a hub of orchestra concerts, European and Chinese Opera, dance and theatre. This is the prime venue of world-class performance with top-notch facilities, including a two-tiered auditorium finished with high quality oak and the largest pipe organ in Asia.

Sail across the Harbour Rated one of the ‘places of a lifetime’ by National Geographic, the charming Star Ferry journey is one of the best ways to travel across the harbour. Sail from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon via this faithful icon, which has been serving the city since 1888.

Where to eat

SIM SHA TSUI

Hue Dining Located along the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui harbour, Hue Dining offers uninterrupted views of Hong Kong Island. With an extensive Australian-inspired menu, the restaurant offers afternoon tea, lunch, weekend brunch and dinner. huedining.com.hk

CHAAT Looking to redefine Indian street food, CHAAT is a contemporary restaurant serving up creative food combinations including black truffle and chilli cheese naan and lobster Tikka. Located in Rosewood Hong Kong, this restaurant books out fast so be sure to reserve a table in advance. chaat.hk Twist & Buckle Serving up freshly made churros everyday, Twist & Buckle is the perfect place to stop for a snack. The shop offers a range of unique colours and flavours, they even put a savory twist on the classic dessert in the form of a churro dog. twistandbuckle.com

HuTong Specialising in northern Chinese food, HuTong offers a traditional experience with Chineseinspired interiors that are as impressive as its views over Victoria Harbour. The menu includes Peking duck which is hand-carved at the table. hutong.com.hk

Where to drink Aqua Spirit Overlooking Hong Kong’s stunning skyline, Aqua Spirit is the perfect place to sip the evening away. This Autumn they have introduced two new cocktail menus: the Icepop Cocktail series which features five boozy icicles paired with a glass of sparkling wine. The second menu features ten unique Travel-Tails showcases flavours from around the world. aqua.com.hk Red Sugar Located in the Kerry Hotel, Red Sugar is a popular spot of sundowners with an extensive cocktail menu and 270-degree harbour view from its outdoor terrace. shangri-la.com

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pets

Ask a vet

Dr Pauline Taylor on doggy etiquette during a staycation It’s so important your dog learns what they should and shouldn’t do from you. Dogs long for commands and to be told what to do in their lives. They don’t look at discipline as cruel, but good discipline should always be friendly, dogs need reminders to be good rather than punished for doing wrong. Good doggy manners matter because a well-mannered dog is welcome anywhere, especially while on staycation.

Here are some things to consider when staycationing with your dog: • Dogs can be polite guests but only if they know what to expect. A bellboy arriving with a suitcase may cause your dog to erupt in a fit of barking that wakes up the whole floor. If dogs bark at home they are likely to bark twice as much in a hotel.

• Even very well-behaved dogs get anxious when they visit new places and especially when they spend time by themselves. They may resort to barking, scratching at the door or on carpets and chewing table legs.

• Dogs are sticklers for routine, if they are used to a “pee walk” at 7am they will expect the same time for their “pee walk” on their Staycation, even though you may want to snooze longer.

• At home dogs take their jobs as protectors quite seriously, barking to alert family members that new scary things are around. In hotels just about everything is new to a dog so it may be a good idea to teach your dog “No-bark” at home a

•

•

•

few weeks before your trip.

Praise your dog after a few barks to stop, make your dog focus on you, and as he stops you reward with a treat. The treat should fill his mouth keeping it occupied so your dog can’t bark.

Leave music on, a TV playing or put on a doggy channel. My own dogs love watching TV and especially animal programmes.

Bring along their own bed or blanket to make them feel at home and depending on where he sleeps at home, be happy to share your hotel bed.

Make sure you brush your dog before you arrive at your hotel and take a hair remover or some masking tape with you to help pick up some shedding hair.

Taking a dog to a hotel is always a challenge, not only for your human companion but for the hotel staff too. Imagine the thoughts of the concierge at The Rosewood seeing your dog lift its leg on the potted plants in the lobby. Enjoy your Staycations but please never forget good doggy manners matter and enforce them as you have fun.

Got a question for Dr Pauline Taylor?

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horoscope

Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month thehealingkingdom.com

AQUARIUS Social activities and academic endeavors will be relevant during this time. If you are studying any courses, expect to have stimulating conversations that will open your mind to new possibilities. You may find your next life partner in this context, so keep your eyes wide open, Aquarius.

TAURUS Your emotional growth will help you to establish a new relationship. You will be able to express love practically and reasonably, allowing you to plan for the long term and experience peace of mind.

Take advantage of this period to analyse the different investment options you can undertake with your partner.

LEO You will discover the meaning of all your past challenges, Leo. You will feel an enormous weight lifted from your shoulders and vitality and optimism will be the protagonists of your life. Embark on a quest for a higher purpose, and cultivate resilience.

SCORPIO On the outside, it looks like you have everything under control, Scorpio, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. Try to accept the feelings you are experiencing, no matter how uncomfortable they are. Be honest when expressing yourself to others, especially in your romantic relationships.

PISCES If you have any artistic talent, Pisces, the astral configuration will allow you to delve into it. Therefore, it will be favourable for you to pursue interests and consider turning them into professional endeavours.

If you are unhappy with your current work situation, this could be the out that you’ve been waiting for.

GEMINI Your curiosity will encourage you to venture into new academic activities, Gemini. Your mind will be open to change, so it will be a propitious time to study and meet new people who share your values and opinions. Your thinking will be flexible, so expect to change your views on important political issues.

VIRGO You will feel a great interest in intellectual challenges. Your logical understanding will be high, and your reasoning skills will be sharper than ever. Be careful about having strong opinions when interacting with others. You need to be receptive to new points of view, even if you do not agree with the assumptions presented.

SAGITTARIUS You will have contagious vitality and optimism during this time, Sagittarius. Your reputation will spread in the neighbourhood, which will win you many new friendships. It’s a time to share with your loved ones, have fun and don’t worry about situations that are already in the past.

ARIES Planets will give you the courage needed to take on new challenges and fight for fulfillment of your dreams. However, don’t let your anxiety make you disdain prudence.

Watch your every step carefully and attentively if you want to reach your goals.

CANCER It’s time to come clean about your financial situation, Cancer. Planetary energies will encourage the payment of old debts.

Question yourself about attitudes that keep you from moving forward such as selfindulgence or stubbornness and do your best to eliminate them from your life.

LIBRA You will prioritise duty before love in your romantic relationships. So before embarking on a new romantic adventure, you’ll need to be sure that it’s worth it. You won’t have the patience to waste time on passing relationships, Libra. Put your energy and commitment into someone who makes you happy.

CAPRICORN Work relationships will be particularly favourable during this time. You may partner with someone or obtain a raise or promotion. Consequently, you will have more work and responsibilities than you are used to, Capricorn. So act wisely and don’t make hasty decisions.

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secrets

The story of Stanley’s tiger A look into the true 1940s tale of a tiger shot in the streets of the Southside town

A tiger skin hangs on the wall in a dimly lit cover of the Tin Hau Temple in Stanley.

Blackened by incense smoke and frankly rather crispy looking, with it is a sign that claims it is the skin of the last tiger on Hong Kong Island, which was shot outside Stanley Police Station in June 1942 by Indian policeman Rur Singh.

It’s a good story and Singh certainly shot a tiger, but there’s some debate about what happened to it post mortem. Some accounts claim the tiger was sent to the Government House, where it was eaten by the occupying Japanese and its skin was sent to Japan to be stuffed.

In his book, Prisoner of the Turnip Heads, Stanley prisoner-of-war George Wright-Nooth says the 240-pound tiger was skinned by a fellow prisoner named Bradbury, who had worked as a butcher at Dairy Farm, after nights of terrorising the internment camp.

Wright-Nooths diary entry for May 30 1942 reads: “last night Langston and Dalziel who were sleeping outside at the back of the bungalow were woken up at about 5am by snarls and growls. Langston at Dalziels instigation, got up to have a look. He went to the edge of the garden and looked down the slope to the wire fence. There Dalziel saw him leap into the air and fly back into the boiler room

shouting ‘there’s a tiger down there’. Next morning on being told the story we were inclined to laugh.”

But a tiger there was. Gunshots rang out the following night and next morning the prisoners watched as the hillside was thoroughly searched by Chinese and Indian police under Japanese supervision.

A camp supervisor told Wright-Nooth an Indian policeman had been mauled at 2am.

Sleeping in a room with no windows or doors, the understandably nervous prisoners set their own tiger guards, two men armed with a gang and a gardening fork, until the tiger was caught later in June.

In another book about the Stanley Camp, Hong Kong Internment 1942-1945, Geoffrey Charles Emerson says the tiger was stuffed and “put on exhibition in the city and attracted a great many viewers.”

Some of the meat was given to members of the Hong Kong Race Club and “was as tender and as delicious as beef.”

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tiger tale There’s also debate about exactly where the tiger came from. On rare occasions, tigers had been known to swim across the harbour to Hong Kong Island but Wright-Nooth writes that the big cat shot in Stanley is likely to have been released from a circus that was performing in Causeway Bay at the time of the Japanese invasion.

Whatever the truth, the skin has long been revered for its magical properties.

One story even credits it with saving the temple - and hundreds of people sheltering inside from two wartime bombs that failed to explore after being dropped nearby.

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zim city

City2Trail: Hong Kong’s first Trail Discovery Contest Paul Zimmerman reports on a new platform for residents to identify new hiking routes How to share your route Send an email to data@transitjam.com with: 1. Show GPX/GPS data using TrailWatch. hk or other route-recording app, or simply draw it on a map.

2. Give the route a name or description.

3. Add pictures (trail heads, transport links and landmarks).

4. List proposed improvements to the trail or signage.

5. Include your name and telephone number.

6. Put “City2Trail” in the subject of the email.

For more information, visit transitjam.com/city2trail “City2Trail” supporters: TransitJam, Designing Hong Kong, TrailWatch, Hong Kong Hiking Meetup 香港遠足覓合團, iDiscovery, Hong Kong Living

Trails were created in Hong Kong well before automobiles. They are easily identifiable on old aerial photographs of our denuded hills when trees were used for firewood. Some trails are now impassable to the average hiker. Others lost their head or tail due to slope works, road widening or development. In the meantime, new routes have been forged by adventurous hikers, or simply because residents found short-cuts to new destinations and roads.

These trails are often marked with strings or ribbons tied to branches.

The City2Trail contest is a platform for residents to identify these routes together. We hope to crowdsource routes connecting urban centres with trails, including those long-forgotten or unmarked routes which need care, reinstatement, repairs, enhancement or simply some signage to mark a trail head.

A report of the proposed routes together with an analysis by a team of

judges will be presented to government departments and bureaux. We hope to convince them of investment in wayfinding and any minimal but necessary enhancement works. We are not looking for more concrete, but for recommendations of sensitive and sensible improvements for hiking and jogging.

Taking part Email your route connecting the city to our nature. Enter as many times and as many routes as you like. Judges will look for access, connectivity, feasibility of development, community benefits, originality and communication. The real prize will be to see the government recognise and designate your proposed routes as trails to be signposted, protected and reserved when any future development work is undertaken. The deadline to participate is December 31 of this year.

Paul Zimmerman is CEO of Designing Hong Kong and Vice-Chairman of the Southern District Council. He has been acting as Chairman of the Single-Use Beverage Packaging Working Group and their ‘Drink Without Waste’ initiative since 2017.

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