January 2013 issue

January 2013

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

BIG PLANS FOR 2013

TOUR THE WORLD

LOCAL ENGINEERS BUILDING HK’S

WITH THE KIDS

FUTURE

IN TOW

“Therefore, O Students! Study mathematics and do not build without foundations.”

LEONARDO DA VINCI

t s u J

do it!

Prioritise your wellbeing! Renovate your kitchen! Become a rock jock!

Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

JANUARY 2013

碧如臺 BIJOU

$95K

海澄湖畔 SIENA

Gross: 1801’ Saleable: 1556’ 3 3

$43K

3 3

2

Nicely renovated, spacious living and dining areas, balcony with amazing sea views.

朝暉路 HEADLAND

$35M

2

2

Excellent location, exquisite renovation, exceptional garden, unique.

海藍居 LA SERENE

$12.5M

2

2

Renovated throughout, modern kitchen and bathroom, amazing sea views.

$100K / 35M

3

Grand luxury house, nicely renovated, stylish design. Great for entertaining

寶晶閣 CRYSTAL

$36K / 8.2M

2

Beautifully joined unit, wonderful living and dining areas, balcony with full sea views

$15K / 3.8M

Gross: 629’ Saleable: 546’ 2 1

Nicely renovated, spacious living and dining areas, clean and tidy.

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE

$14.9M

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1405’ 3 3

Beautiful lush garden, fantastic south facing views, great for entertaining

海澄湖畔 SIENA

Gross: 1267’ Saleable: 1090’ 4

Beautifully combined unit with stunning sea views, modern kitchen and bathroom

寶安閣 BLOSSOM

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’ 4

Gross: 1228’ Saleable: 1048’ 3

Beautifully renovated, modern kitchen, with stunning sea views.

海蜂徑 SEABEE

Gross: 1904’ Saleable: 1889’ 3

$23K

3

Gross: 889’ Saleable: 755’ 3

$50K

Gross: 1778’ Saleable: 1513’

Beautifully renovated duplex, very good condition, near school and Club Siena.

霞暉閣 HAVEN

Gross: 1500’ Saleable: 1347’ 3

彩暉閣 VERDANT

Gross: 2005’ Saleable: 1604’

Renovated garden house, large open living space with high ceilings. Tranquil location.

碧濤軒 COASTLINE

$63K

$4.8M

Gross: 590’ Saleable: 451’ 1 1

Nicely renovated, spacious living and dining areas, great investment opportunity.

Sale starts 4th Jan up to 50% off 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

Whats is RugBees?

Dedicated activity programme inspired Structured play sessions teaching key Creative themed sessions & equipment

by Rugby.

motor & social skills.

providing variety & lots of fun.

ball skills, balance, co-ordination, Activities focused on running, footwork, spatial awareness & colour recognition.

nition, focus and social skills.

Improve your child’s confidence, cog

k all around Hong Kong.

Classes available throughout the wee

Explorer, Jungle Adventurer, Creatively themed terms- Underwater .

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child today!

Following the success of our Jungle Adventurer term, we are now taking bookings for our

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TERM JAN - MAR 2013

What people are saying about RugBees?

I know the kids that go to RugBees love it. We are all very impress ed by the way the classes are run.

I think they are extremely well planned and organised, focusing on essential skills. - Mrs O’Kane

Great class with enthusiastic teachers and interesting activitie s which made the time go by really fast. - Mrs Lee

There was a lot of praise. The children felt very happy during Kids loved the session so much, they didn't want to take their

class. - Mrs Clarke

kits off when it was bedtime.- Mrs Ng

The Coaches at my son’s class were all clearly very committed and doing their best to make it enjoyable for the kids. - Ms Rooks

+852 2117 3055 f www.facebook.com/RugBees

Enrol your child at a class near you Pokfulam Discovery Bay Sai Kung Repulse Bay Clearwater Bay Mui Wo Happy Valley Wanchai Kowloon Tai Po Stanley

www.

.com

CONTENTS FEATURES 18

22

DEAR READER

28

18

PROFILE Meet DBer Sam Ferrer of big-news band, Shaolin Fez

22

IN FOCUS How four ladies from Lantau are building Hong Kong’s future

28

FAMILY MATTERS Taking a year off to travel – with kids

34

TALKING POINTS Getting a clean bill of health in Thailand

37

MONEY MATTERS 2012 in review, and market predictions for 2013

42

ESCAPES Getting away from it all in Guangzhou

46

ACTION Rock climbing in the territory – and at Club Siena

50

STYLE What to prioritise when renovating your kitchen

REGULARS 8

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

16

ACROSS LANTAU What’s happening island wide

54

HK HAPPENINGS Hot stuff from across the harbour

56

DB FACES Candid community snaps

59

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, local businesses and more

62

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

64

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

68

HEALTH Q&A Bayside Dental discusses the future of dentistry

With this New Year New You issue we aim to inspire you to do the things you have always wanted to do. If you’re a closet rock jock turn to the action section, where you’ll discover that some of the best crags are right on our doorstep. On a more practical note, if you have long planned to renovate your kitchen turn to the style pages for essential (space-saving) tips on how it’s done. Are you always saying you’ll see more of China? Check out Guangzhou in this month’s escapes.

This year, you can look forward to Around DB further embracing the world of digital media. The website, www.arounddb.com, gets bigger and bolder every day, and we will also be building on the success of our burgeoning facebook page. What’s more, we’ve just set up an Around DB TV channel – take a look at our first YouTube video filmed at the Wellcome Junior Challenge organised by Team FEAR in November.

As always the magazine is packed with inspiring local people’s stories.

We introduce you to four female engineers who are at the centre of Hong Kong’s latest building boom; and the Courtels, who took 10 months off to visit 22 different countries and reconnect as a family. We are also thrilled to profile Sam Ferrer whose band Shaolin Fez is set to reinvent our live-music scene in 2013.

I look forward to meeting up with you online at www.arounddb.com, and I wish you a fantastic 2013!

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©2012 CBRE HK Limited. Part of the affiliate network. We obtained the information above from sources we believe to be reliable. However, we have not verified its accuracy and make no guarantee, warranty or representation about it. It is submitted subject to the possibility of errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing, or withdrawal without notice. We include projections, opinions, assumptions or estimates for example only, and they may not represent current or future performance of the property. You and your tax and legal advisors should conduct your own investigation of the property and transaction. Our services are provided exclusively in relation to properties outside Hong Kong and thus our personnel are not required to hold any license pursuant to the Hong Kong Real Estate Agents Ordinance. † Parking at additional cost. * On selected apartments only.

January 2013

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

BIG PLANS FOR 2013

TOUR THE WORLD

LOCAL ENGINEERS BUILDING HK’S

WITH THE KIDS

FUTURE

IN TOW

“Therefore, O Students! Study mathematics and do not build without foundations.”

LEONARDO DA VINCI

Ju st

Carols on the Pitch Photos by Tracey van Geest

do it!

Prioritise your wellbeing! Renovate your kitchen! Become a rock jock!

Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

On the cover: Lady engineers of Lantau Photo by Baljit Gidwani

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial Coordinator Dana Winograd dana@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com

It was a wonderful winter night for the rescheduled Carols on the Pitch, December 12. Over 1,000 Discovery Bay International School students and teachers participated, with each year group in the primary school performing along with the school choirs and orchestra. This year the pitch was again packed with hundreds of people.

Needless to say, litres of mulled wine were drunk along with copious amounts of hot chocolate and mince pies. Talk about the holiday festivities bringing the community together! Check out facebook.com/AroundDB to watch a video of the event.

Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Baljit & Radhika Gidwani photosdb@hotmail.com Illustration Richard Leschinsky Accounts Lise Dooling accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month Hannah Ball (Intern) Andrew Dembina Megaen Kelly Elizabeth Kerr Dorothy Lee Catharine Nicol Karmel Schreyer Juan Miguel Sevilla Mary Singer Alex Walker General enquiries info@arounddb.com Published by Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533 www.arounddb.com facebook.com/AroundDB twitter.com/aroundDB Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Nativity in the plaza Photos by Tracey van Geest

The balmy weather on December 9 helped make The Nativity Celebrations in DB Plaza a treat for all.

The carol singing and Nativity re-enactments were accompanied by a choir, brass band and other musicians from the four sponsoring DB churches.

After the programme, a lot of children visited the manger scene, and some 500 adults generously gave toward the ACCESSDB Rehabus project.

Four donation boxes were filled to the brim! Find more photos of the event at www.arounddb.com (event gallery – homepage).

IN & AROUND DB

Chanukah DB Photos by Lissa Morris

Around 200 people enjoyed Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, in DB Plaza on December 12. It was a fun evening for everyone with the lighting of six candles on the huge Chanukiah (nine-branched candelabrum) preceded by an hour-long performance by Big Ben, the clown. And if that wasn’t enough, the following night more than 40 people celebrated at Discovery College. To contact Chabad Lantau, email Chabadlantau@chabadhk.org or call 6622 3770. Check out www.arounddb.com for more photos.

Rehabus launch Photos by Baljit Gidwani

Plenty of people came down to support the launch of the ACCESSDB Rehabus on December 16. It’s going to really help less mobile DBers get around, and Edwin Stevens (pictured right), a student at Discovery College, already has a few trips planned. Hong Kong Broadband has been the lead donor for the project, having contributed HK$500,000, and a total of HK$850,000 has been raised in total so far. For more information about ongoing fundraising initiatives at McSorley’s and iCaramba, click on the news tab at www.arounddb.com.

Racing action in DB Photos by Tracey van Geest

The second leg of the three-race MSIG HK50 series took place on December 8 – starting and finishing in DB North Plaza. Luckily for the runners the weather prior to the race was dry, so it didn't turn into the mud bath some had anticipated. In fact, many said this was one of the most beautiful courses they had raced on. DBers ranked well at the finish line. To name a few, Martin Knight and Andy Pickles (second place, 27 kilometres, Men's Team of Two), Emma Bruce (third place, 27 kilometres, Women's overall), Bruce Pye (second place, 50 kilometres, Men's 40-49) and Emile Touzard, a local teenager, placed fifth overall in the Men's, 14-kilometre race. Don't miss the final leg of the series which will take place in Sai Kung on March 3. Check out a great video of the DB race, posted December 10, on facebook.com/AroundDB.

January 2013

9

JANUARY 2013

JANUARY AT A GLANCE

IN & AROUND DB

WHEN

WHAT

WHERE

January 5, 2-4.45pm

Plant Market

Across from Haven Court

January 12, 3.30-5pm

French Movies for Kids

La Petite Enfance, DB North Plaza

January 16-February 9

KidsFest 2013

HKAPA, Wanchai

January 19, 10am-12pm

Open Day

DMK (Coastline and DB Plaza)

January 25-27

Art Exhibition and Workshops

Club Siena

January 26-March 24

Miniature Models Exhibition

Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier, Tai O

January 31-February 3

Michael Morpurgo's Kensuke’s Kingdom

HKAPA, Wanchai

If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact dana@arounddb.com.

Please visit www.arounddb.com to participate in our competitions. From the homepage you click on the competitions tab.

You have until January 10 to submit your answers along with your name and phone number.

Win tickets to see

Kensuke’s Kingdom

COMPETITION

On January 31, and February 2 and 3 at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Wanchai, a talented cast of 40 young actors from Faust International Youth Theatre will bring Michael Morpurgo's Kensuke's Kingdom (by award-winning writer Michael Morpurgo) to life. With a unique use of lighting, sound design, puppetry and choreography, the performers will transform The Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre into a deserted Pacific island and take you on a magical journey across the seas. The show is ideally suited for children aged seven and up. Book your tickets at www.hkticketing.com or call 3128 8288.

Faust International Youth Theatre is giving away four tickets each for the opening night of Michael Morpurgo's Kensuke's Kingdom to two lucky readers who can tell us the name of another fantastic book written by Michael Morpurgo. For your chance to win, click on the competitions link on the sidebar at www.arounddb.com (homepage) by January 10. Please give us your name and telephone number along with your answer.

Congratulations to last month’s winners

Susan Sutherland and Nerida Kiprotich for the three-month Sqooll membership; Claire Tuppence and Michael Au for Xmas high tea for two at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel; Jane Engelmann and Sue Barrow for the book This is China, An Expatriate's Perspective; Tanya Menzel, Julie Mexted, Venky Vembu, Susan Ho and Mr/ Ms Barnes for the calendars; and Alison Libra for the treatment from MTM Spa. Please call our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

10

January 2013

Retraction

Apologies to our regular tech columnist Paula Lepore Burrough! In the November issue, Paula filled us in on the new IOS6 update, and explained that the new operating system does not shorten battery life with the 4S. In finalising the article, the less techie editorial team added some information about the 5S. Wrong on two counts – the latest iPhone is the iPhone 5, and it does not require an upgrade as it comes with IOS6.

JANUARY 2013

IN & AROUND DB

JANUARY 2013

IN & AROUND DB

For French-speaking

DB kids Something new in DB for French-speaking DB kids age five to 12: monthly short stories and movies, hosted by La Petite Enfance and L’Ecole Pierre Et Marie Curie.

Started in December, the second showing is on January 12 at La Petite Enfance in DB North Plaza, with a session a month planned through June 15. Each event will run from 3.30pm to 5pm, featuring five or six short stories/ movies and one or two audio tales as well. For more information email info@la-petite-enfance.com or call 6710 0391.

Discovery College

Arts Fest

on show at Siena

The Discovery College Arts Fest, an annual event, bringing local and international artists involved in every aspect of the performing and visual arts into the school, runs February 4 to 8. One of the highlights is the Arts Fest Fair on February 6, which hosts local artists who have created their own original pieces of art. The organisers are looking for participants to share their vision and techniques with the students, parents and visitors during the evening event. The artists' work will be on exhibition and available for sale.

Another exciting part of Arts Fest is the online silent art auction, where you can bid on the students' collaborative works of art. Email dcptachair@gmail.com for more information.

Artist and beloved DB art teacher Judyanna Li held her first exhibition at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club in 1997. You can catch her latest exhibition there from January 25 to 27. Judyanna is also providing half-hour Chinese-painting workshops on January 27 from 1.30pm to 5.30pm for anyone five years and above. For more details contact the club at 2987 7381. Note that 50% of funds raised from the art sales (and the HK$80 workshops) will go to the Somaly Mam Foundation, a charity dedicated to abolishing sex trafficking. For more information, visit www.somaly.org.

Win dinner for two at

Berliner

COMPETITION

Open for over a year, German bar and restaurant, Berliner, with its unique facade, open kitchen and micro-brewery, is now a well-established local fixture. To keep you coming back for more, a variety of specials are on the menu from Monday to Sunday, and there’s a fantastic daily set lunch and a delicious afternoon tea. At the weekend you can also enjoy a hearty Berliner breakfast. So make a point of dropping by, whether it's sausage, schnitzel, or a glass of Holsten you’re after!

12

Berliner is offering two lucky winners a dining voucher for HK$300 each.

For your chance to win, go to the competitions link on the sidebar at www.arounddb.com (homepage) by January 10 and tell us in which year Berliner opened in DB. Don't forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer.

January 2013

Judyanna Li

Can you help Rocky Perez?

DB resident Rocky Perez is battling with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

He desperately needs a bone-marrow transplant, but tragically he cannot find a match. Without a donor his doctors fear that Rocky may only have months to live.

Have you ever considered registering with the Hong Kong Bone Marrow Donor Registry in Hong Kong? Initially all you need do is have a basic blood test.

Call 2710 1206. You could help save someone's life.

JANUARY 2013

IN & AROUND DB

Order your DMK Open Day CNY puddings

You can order your Lunar New Year puddings from Peony at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club from January 2 to February 9 – ready for pick up January 25 to February 10. The puddings are freshly made to order so allow the chefs at least a day. Find an order form in the ClubTimes, at Peony, or call 2500 1950.

Discovery Mind International Play Centre in DB Plaza and Discovery Mind Kindergarten at Coastline are holding an Open Day on January 19 from 10am to 12 noon. Parents will be able to look around the schools and meet the teachers and staff who will fill them in about the international and bilingual curriculums. There’ll be a variety of fun activities, including cooking, face painting and crafts, in place to entertain the kids. Call 2987 8028 or 2987 8088.

Attend KidsFest 2013

for free

COMPETITION

Five live-theatre adaptations of bestselling books – Horrible Histories Barmy Britain, The Gruffalo, Mr Benn, Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans and Room on the Broom – performed by professional theatre companies from London, will make up the core of Hong Kong's largest children’s theatre festival in English, KidsFest 2013. Shows, at The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in Wanchai from January 16 to February 9, will be complemented by interactive educational workshops. Find out more at www.kidsfest.com.hk or call 2547 7150. Book your tickets at www.hkticketing.com, or call 3128 8288.

14

ABA Productions is offering two readers three tickets each to see Mr Benn on January 31. For your chance to win, simply tell us how many different live-theatre adaptations are being shown at KidsFest 2013. Click on the competitions link on the sidebar at www.arounddb.com (homepage) by January 10. Please give us your name and telephone number along with your answer.

January 2013

Embody DB

gets a facelift

Susan Oliver, who sells beautiful exercise wear through Sunwood by Design, has taken over DB exercise studio Embody.

There are obvious synergies between the two businesses, and we look forward to all the new developments. Offering Pilates and yoga, Embody’s schedule remains unchanged – so you can still attend all your favourite classes. The redecorated studio reopens on January 2. Contact the studio at 6624 8712, embody-hk@live.com.

Let's friend

each other in 2013!

We already have over 1,000 fans on facebook.com/AroundDB, and our tech team reports that some messages receive over 30,000 viewers. Wow! Friend us and we will keep you updated on all the best DB and Lantau events, plus the big happenings Hong Kongside. Be sure to visit the fan page, and keep your information about events, promotions and openings coming!

Thanks to all of you who are embracing Around DB online.

http://sqooll.com/db

ACROSS LANTAU

JANUARY 2013

Christmas in South Lantau

Exhibition

Tai O

FERRY SCHEDULES Mon-Fri (except Public Holidays) From DB 7.15am 3.05pm

From Mui Wo 7.45am 3.35pm

Sat, Sun and Public Holidays

Artist: Annie Kwong

Over 100 Lantau children and their families came out for an early Xmas celebration on December 2. There was a beautiful performance by the Lantau Children’s Choir, and Santa made time in his busy pre-Christmas schedule to arrive in a Lantau-friendly mode of transpor t – an outrigger canoe. What a fantastic star t to a fabulous festive season!

From January 26 until March 24, Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier in Tai O is holding an exhibition of miniature models of typical Hong Kong shops. There will be more than 30 models on show by four artists.

To find out more about this exciting show, visit www.fgua.com.hk or call 2882 3390.

The gallery is also accepting photographic submissions for an exhibition, The Ever Evolving Lantau Island which will be held from April 1 to May 31. Check out news at www.arounddb.com for more information.

From DB 7.15am ＊ 8.45am # 10.45am 11.45am # 1.15pm 3.05pm # 4.15pm 6.15pm 8.05pm

From Mui Wo 7.45am ＊ 9.15am # 11.15am 12.15pm # 1.45pm 3.35pm # 4.45pm 6.45pm 8.30pm

＊ Operates on Saturday (except Public Holidays) only ＃ Operates on Sunday and Public Holidays only

YHKCC International Fun Fair Celebrating the cross-cultural diversity of YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), the International Fun Fair on December 8 made history of its own with its 10th anniversary celebration. Having over 43 different nationalities represented at the school made for an exciting and educational event. Cirque Du YHKCC was the theme, and attendees enjoyed everything from juggling, peddlecar racing and bouncy castles to talent shows. Visitors also shopped the bazaar and got the chance to try food from all over the world. It was a truly fantastic celebration of the school’s first 10 years! You can watch a video of the event on youtube.com/AroundDB.

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Now you can shop online at Bizzie Lizzie Visit http://www.bizzielizzie.wazala.com

THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.

4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

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Address: 99 Tai O Road, Tai O, Lantau Island Email: bfhmc@eservices.hkedcity.net Website: www.bfhmc.edu.hk For more information contact Cynthia Lee or Raj Gill on (852) 2985 5365

PROFILE

experiments

in sound

Shaolin Fez led by DB resident Sam Ferrer delivers an eclectic blend of jazz, world music and funk. The band is going to be big news in 2013, writes Juan Miguel Sevilla

L

ike great wine, great music is hard to come by and like wine, the notes can be complex, bold and daring. Every sip of fine wine should be a brand new discovery and the same goes for quality music. Every time it reaches your ears, its complexity and richness should reveal something new for you to cherish.

This complexity is the cornerstone of Shaolin Fez, a new musical group led by Sam Ferrer, a long-time DB resident who earns his bread and butter as a double bassist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO).

Sam and Jennifer on stage at Clockenflap in December

The band, which features vocalist Jennifer Palor and Sam on electric guitar and double bass, has been performing locally since the launch of its album this past summer – and was a smash at Clockenflap in December. Sam brought along a 13-piece band for Shaolin Fez’s first run at the bigname international music festival.

Photos by Richard Bamping

The back story

18

Sam put Shaolin Fez together in order to introduce something new to Hong Kong’s live-music scene. In an environment filled with cover bands and pop-oriented songs, what Shaolin Fez delivers is a distinct voice, a sound so original it defies definition.

A publicity shot for the album Calm Your Storm

January 2013

“I've always been perplexed that the live-music scene in Hong Kong has been considered categorically inferior to that of Beijing and Shanghai. To me, the perception that mainland Chinese cities now have live-music scenes that surpass that of Hong Kong is rather shocking,” says Sam. “What people

PROFILE

are referring to is that Beijing and Shanghai have more original performance-oriented ensembles (large ones in particular).

As traditional jazz ‘big bands’ are not usually classified as original, to my knowledge Hong Kong has no large-sized ensemble that presents its own music, featuring elaborate arrangements, performed by professional musicians.”

Sam would like to think there is a demand for truly happening live music in Hong Kong. Undeniably, the talent is here.

But he notes that few local groups have been successful in developing their own sound and identity. Venues are a problem but not an insurmountable one. “I came to believe that what was needed was the impetus – the will,” he says.

“It needed someone to take the lead, launch a major project here and create something altogether new.”

The voice Interestingly, much of Calm Your Storm was written with the lead singer’s voice in mind. With all the different sounds and instruments involved, Sam knew he needed one binding voice to corral all the elements together, and he found that in Jennifer Palor.

Sam considers Jennifer to have the best voice in Hong Kong – a huge compliment in a city filled with great singers.

Jennifer earned her stripes young, as a constant on the livemusic scene back home in the Philippines. After performing all over Asia, she found herself in Hong Kong singing in hotels and jazz clubs. Now she’s one of the premier voices in the city, regularly collaborating with Ginger Kwan and other big-name local jazz artists.



The album Enter Shaolin Fez: a passion project for Sam, two-and-ahalf years in the making. Influences include Sting, Steely Dan and Jamiroquai. Performing a unique blend of acid jazz, disco, alternative and funk, it’s a band that struggles against being boxed into any one genre.

Twenty-two musicians came together to record the debut album Calm Your Storm early in 2012. Some, like Chris Collins, Shaun Tilburg and Miya Suzuki, are from DB; others, like Roel Garcia, are big on the local jazz scene. The children’s choir that performs on one of the tracks includes Isabella Ellis-Geiger, daughter of film composer and DB resident Robert Ellis-Geiger.

The album was recorded in some of the best studios in Hong Kong – Zeal Music Studios, Zoo and Q2. It features Andy Abad, the guitarist of many years for Marc Anthony, Clay Aiken and the Backstreet Boys. Andy was nominated for a 2012 Latin Grammy for producing all-girl group Trio Ellas’ album Con Ustedes… Trio Ellas. Sam and Andy met while studying at the University of Southern California (USC), and came together years later to collaborate on Calm Your Storm.

Casey Stone, another acquaintance from USC and one of Hollywood’s top sound engineers, who has mixed over 100 major motion pictures, also offered his services. Sam says he couldn’t believe his luck in having all this great pedigree behind the album.

The album itself is a journey into a diverse collection of musical influences, all grounded in jazz. It’s a sound that stirs the imagination. In fact, Sam sees his musical collective scoring for movies one day. But for now, the band is focusing on live performance.

Find more hot local talent

A DB resident, Sam is the super-cool creator of hot new band Shaolin Fez

www.arounddb.com January 2013

19

PROFILE

“When I heard her, I knew I’d found what I was looking for,” Sam says simply. “Sam’s music was something I’d never heard before,” Jennifer recalls. “I was very excited about working with him, trying something different and exploring my craft.”

Grass roots

with the Hong Kong Philharmonic – alongside several longtime friends. Sam has now been living in DB for more than 10 years.

“I chose to live in Discovery Bay because I felt I’d fit right in with only minimal adjustment,” Sam says. “It is such a relaxing, serene space.”

And what of the man behind the music? Sam is originally from Northern California in the US. He graduated from USC in music and did his Masters (also in music) at Yale. On graduating, an opportunity came up to fill in for his professor – he soon found himself playing with the Big Apple’s finest classical musicians in Carnegie Hall.

After that, he successfully worked the live-music circuit in New York. However, he felt that he didn’t want to freelance for an indefinite period of time. He wanted something more stable.

Sam recording with the Shaolin Fez brass section

On tour in Hong Kong with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra – one of America's most famous classical ensembles – he found himself looking over at the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui. With drink in hand, he said to himself, ‘If I ever have a chance for a job in Hong Kong, I’m going to take it’. The rest as they say is history. In 2002, he found himself a spot

Calm Your Storm is available on iTunes and at www.shaolinfez.com. You can also visit the website for information on upcoming local gigs.

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B r i t i s h

B u i lt

W o r l d

C l a s s

IN FOCUS

the excitement is

Lead photo by Baljit Gidwani

building

22

January 2013

IN FOCUS

Karmel Schreyer takes a look at the major infrastructure projects slated for the Pearl River Delta – and introduces a few of Lantau’s resident women engineers who are helping bring these plans to life

H

ong Kong’s long-term engineers consider the years leading up to the 1997 handover as the good old days. That’s when many came here to work on the then-colonial government’s HK$158billion Airport Core Programme (The Ten Core Projects), which included Hong Kong International Airport, the airport railway, Kap Shui Mun Bridge, Tsing Ma Bridge, Western Harbour Crossing, North Lantau Expressway, West Kowloon Expressway, Central and West Kowloon reclamations, and Phase 1 of a place which was, at that time, just a twinkle in some urban planner’s eye – working title North Lantau New Town – our beloved Tung Chung.

Many of those who laboured on these projects left the territory upon completion, others stayed on, and some even returned. Now, environmental challenges notwithstanding, the green light is shining bright again in the Pearl River Delta, with ambitious plans to capitalise on the region’s competitive advantage as a logistics hub. Hong Kong’s infrastructure programme is likely heading for another golden era with the Ten Key Projects blueprint.

These projects include the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, both of which have commenced construction. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Express Rail Line, which will link Hong Kong International Airport and Shenzhen’s Baoan International Airport, are in the active planning phases. Plans to expand the airport at Chek Lap Kok with a third runway and concourse, and a Port Rail Line project designed to connect the Kwai Chung container port to Lo Wu, are proceeding apace.

On Hong Kong Island, construction continues on the MTR Corporation’s West Island and South Island Lines. The West Kowloon Cultural District and the Kai Tak Development Plan are also moving forward, as are plans for a series of New Development Areas, smaller than previous New Towns and incorporating sustainable development best practices, to be located in Fanling North, Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling and Hung Shui Kiu. Local engineers Lindsay Pickles, Arlene Goode, Lianna Tsui and Elizabeth Richardson on the beach in DB

Here we talk to four engineers – all Lantau residents and all women – who are involved in shaping Hong Kong’s latest building boom. They discuss the projects they are working on, the importance of sustainability, and the ease with which they balance work and family life.

January 2013

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23

IN FOCUS

Arlene Goode A chartered civil engineer and chartered water and environmental manager at engineering firm Arup, Arlene Goode has been involved in delivering water-related infrastructure projects for the past 21 years. She moved to Hong Kong in 2001, after working on different water/ wastewater projects around East Asia.

“At that time, as now, the government was implementing many major and complex infrastructure projects and I was drawn here because of the sheer scale and pace of projects,” she says. Arlene was involved in Hong Kong’s Harbour Area Treatment Scheme to treat domestic wastewater. “That was a particularly interesting project due to site complexities and construction interfacing issues. I’m proud to be part of the team which will ultimately have contributed to the improvement of water quality in Victoria Harbour. This is very important to me, as is working for a company with strong sustainability ethics,” she adds.

Arlene Goode

Elizabeth Richardson

Arlene and her husband, who live in DB, have three children, all born in Hong Kong. “Working in the engineering industry here is challenging: the complexities and pace of project development and implementation is incredible,” she says.

Arlene’s role has expanded to water, energy and waste and her focus has shifted to business development in East Asia. She is now less involved in the nuts and bolts of engineering, and her employer has been very supportive – offering her part-time hours so that she can also focus on her all-important job as Mum.

“The construction industry in the UK was quiet and our Hong Kong office was busy,” she explains. “Transferring to Hong Kong was a fantastic opportunity and we moved within a couple months of receiving an offer.” Elizabeth has since worked on the team providing structural support on a sewage-treatment works, and has, more recently, been involved in (Arup) bids for various projects around Hong Kong, including the West Kowloon Cultural District and a number of tourist landmarks.

“The group that I work with is responsible for the design of a number of landmark buildings in Hong Kong, which is hugely inspiring. Clients have high expectations, which requires a great deal of motivation and commitment from the design team in delivering projects within tight timeframes,” she says. “Being part of the continually changing face of Hong Kong is rewarding.” Elizabeth admits that balancing work and family is difficult, but her senior managers are supportive. “Hong Kong is a great place to work,” she adds, “and Discovery Bay is a great place to come home to.”

Lindsay Pickles

Lianna Tsui

Lindsay Pickles Lindsay Pickles moved to Hong Kong 18 years ago with her geotechnical engineer husband Andy, who had been hired to help build Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art airport. “We came to Hong Kong because there was a lot of infrastructure development and it was more likely that we could both work in the same country,” she explains. “I initially worked on environmental/ waste management projects, mainly on the Design Build Operate contracts with the Environmental Protection Department.”

Elizabeth Richardson Senior structural engineer Elizabeth Richardson, Arlene’s colleague, moved to DB with her family two years ago.

Find more local heroes

24

January 2013

Despite the demands and rewards of her profession, 14 years ago Lindsay and her husband decided to start a family. But instead of this choice resulting in an end to her

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IN FOCUS professional journey, it led to a fortuitous fork in the road.

“When our daughter was born I took the opportunity to start up as an independent facilitator, leading workshops to move projects forward.” Later on, by then living in DB, Lindsay was involved with the redevelopment project at Ocean Park, something which would have surely impressed her young daughter.

chief resident engineer in the Central-Wan Chai Bypass construction project.

Lianna, who lives in Tung Chung with her family, feels very fortunate that her employer allowed her sabbaticals when her two daughters were born.

“URS/ Scott Wilson recognises the important contribution of women in the workplace and can be flexible in “There are lots of good aspects to finding work arrangements that benefit being an engineer in Hong Kong,” staff as well as the company. When the she says. “There are plenty of time came for me to return to the office, infrastructure projects, the city is URS/ Scott Wilson allowed me to continually redefining itself and is work part-time. They are a full-service able to invest in these.” design, engineering and environmental consultancy, which lends itself to more flexible work conditions,” explains Lianna Tsui Hard-hatted lady engineers Lianna, who joined the company on graduating 15 years ago. Since then she has been involved Lianna Tsui, principal engineer at URS/ Scott Wilson, in multi-disciplinary planning, design and construction for offers her thoughts on being a woman in an industry that highways, housing and leisure infrastructure projects. is commonly perceived as a man’s domain. “I would say that society has become more used to seeing women in Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings, the construction industry as compared to 15 or 20 years thereafter they shape us.” The stories here serve to remind us ago. And in Hong Kong, we now have more women that civil engineering (and its associated fields of endeavour) engineers taking up higher engineering positions, such is not about building monuments – it’s about people. as the technical secretary in the Development Bureau and

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Photos courtesy of Cecile Courtel

FAMILY MATTERS

different strokes

At Volcano Kawa in Ijen, Indonesia

What happens when a DB family takes 10 months off to travel the world?

The Courtels meet with Dorothy Lee to share the highs and lows of their journey, and explain how their life has been changed forever 28

January 2013

FAMILY MATTERS

C

ecile and Philippe Courtel (late 40s), along with their children Ronan (14), Victoria (11) and Tanguy (7) took time off – October 2011 to July 2012 – from work, school, extended family and friends to travel the world and experience new cultures. After living in DB for 12 years, they had felt the need for a radical change and ended up exploring a whopping 22 countries over 10 months.

Enjoying a refreshing change in Canada

“This is a dream from our youth,” Cecile explains. “Philippe and I have always wanted to travel; we had 40 countries on our wish list when we got married. The idea was to visit two countries per year. But as soon as we started having kids, the travelling slowed down a lot.”

A dream come true Cecile recalls, “A year ago, Philippe was ready for a change; he wanted to quit his job. I was itchy to travel, having been a tourist guide all my life. At that time, we also felt we wanted to reconnect as a family without worrying about work, homework and day-to-day stress. We wanted to live just the five of us together, sharing a life experience as a family unit.

Our decision to travel for a year came quickly and without too much thinking.”

Each of the Courtels made a list of countries they wanted to see. Tanguy hoped to visit ‘the country where Father Christmas lives’; Ronan wanted to go to Canada; and Victoria was keen to ‘see animals in nature’. Cecile and Philippe, meanwhile, had some 40 countries they wanted to visit but their budget was a limitation. Upfront, they discarded places that were too close to their own culture and too expensive, such as the whole of Europe, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. But the rest of the world was only a flight away.

Walking like Egyptians – at the pyramids

As it turned out, the children were very reluctant to leave their friends, helper and comfortable DB life. But after a bit of convincing, the family started out on their journey. Their budget: 80,000 Euros (HK$800,000).

Armed with backpacks, 20 kilos per adult and 12 kilos per kid, the family’s first destination was Turkey and the Middle East. For Cecile, Jordan was a real highlight. “The rockcarved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm,” she says. “As soon as you enter, it strikes you!” Tanguy remembers running on dunes in Jordan and eating with Bedouins in their tent.

At Uyuni Salt Lake in Bolivia

In Africa, Kenya and Tanzania were among the family’s favourite destinations. And towards the end of their trip, they spent a whole month in Indonesia – only three days in Korea.

Flexibility was of primary importance to the travellers, and while they spent one-and-a-half months touring Argentina by car, they hit Chile for just two days simply to see a volcanic eruption.

January 2013

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FAMILY MATTERS

At Cape Agulhas, South Africa

Practical matters It was not all sightseeing, however. It’s compulsory for French kids under the age of 18 to have home schooling if they cannot go to school. So, Cecile and Philippe doubled as tutors. “I would not have bothered if we were not going to live in France again,” says Cecile. “But as it was we studied Math and French with the three kids at their own levels, three times a week.”

When asked if all the climatic and dietary changes disrupted their health, Cecile proudly admits that none of the family had to visit a doctor. The only time she needed some extra help was to cope with altitude sickness in South America.

Here, they followed a local tradition: chewing Coca leaves.

Being 24/ 7 with other people is always a challenge, and Cecile admits she was worried about the family spending

Find more inspirational local stories

30

January 2013

so much time together. “But surprisingly, it went very smoothly,” she says. “And now it feels that we have found a new harmony.”

For the kids, the real challenge was to find friends of their own age. Victoria says, “We could not make real friends because we did not go to a real school.” She is quick to admit however that there were surprising benefits. “We were in Tanzania on my birthday – just us in the hotel,” she explains. “It was very dark and there was no electricity. But suddenly, I heard some Maasai tribes people singing Happy Birthday to me. It was a very special moment. I will always remember it.”

Cecile adds that everywhere they went, they tried to find a family of similar aged kids. In Peru, they reconnected with some DBers. In Kenya, they stayed with a local family. In Bolivia, they met a family touring South America by bike –

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FAMILY MATTERS

10,000 kilometres in one year. “We stayed with friends for a total period of about two months,” Cecile explains. “For the rest of the time our accommodation was very basic.”

Life lessons One thing the family was not prepared for was to see and experience so much poverty and corruption. “The poorer the country, the more corrupt it is,” notes Cecile. “But this meant we were able to show our children another side of life.”

In Kenya, for instance, they met Sister Georgette whose mission helps young girls move out of the townships and give them a safe place to stay. In Madagascar too, they encountered terrible poverty but despite the harsh living conditions, what they remember is the locals’ readiness to share a meal with them. Says Cecile, “We are glad our children have realised that happiness is not connected to material possession. I hope they will keep this in mind for a long time.”

The three children recall being very frightened when a jeep they were travelling in through Tanzania got stuck in mud at nightfall. “We always tried to keep calm and relaxed with the children if we found ourselves in a difficult situation,” says Cecile. “It was important for us to show them that all situations can be dealt with.

“These experiences and life lessons are priceless”, adds Cecile. “We have seen the real world, not the world that the media wants to show us. We have met with real people with real values. Our children are very fortunate to have experienced this at such a young age.”

What the future holds Talking about the future, Cecile says, “The hard part will be foregoing the adrenaline rush that you have every time you arrive in a new place. It’s difficult to get motivated and start all over again. But we have learnt that we don’t need much

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to be happy. I want to reduce our level of consumption and think of the next countries to visit.”

The Courtels are moving back to Hong Kong on January 4, and they intend to settle here for at least a little while. When asked if she is fulfilling her dream, Cecile replies without hesitation, “It is better than our original dream!”

The Courtel’s itinerary 1. Turkey.

2. Jordan.

3. Egypt.

4. Kenya.

5. Tanzania.

6. Madagascar.

7. South Africa.

8. Argentina.

9. Chile.

10. Bolivia.

11. Peru.

12. Canada.

13. Korea.

14. Indonesia.

15. Singapore.

16. Malaysia.

17. Thailand.

18. Hong Kong.

19. Laos.

20. Vietnam.

21. Cambodia.

22. Myanmar.

Cecile’s tips on touring the world – with kids 1. Don’t think too much or you won’t do it.

2. Ensure your kids participate in the choice of itinerary. It’s important they feel part of the decision.

3. Decide on your route and find a network of airlines that will take you to your destinations. It’s cheaper this way.

4. Don’t book in advance. Don’t prepare too much.

Stay flexible.

5. Learn to adapt easily, this way you will avoid stress and worry.

6. Don’t focus on home schooling while travelling.

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TALKING POINTS

The world is your oyster when it comes to medical tourism – and for many Thailand comes out tops (www.news.charlesayoub.com)

club med Medical tourism is on the increase and many DBers are opting to head to sunny Thailand as a way to combine treatment with a relaxing vacation. Mary Singer gets us up to speed

E

veryone wants peace of mind along with a healthy body. The older we get, the more we want it and, perhaps, the more we are willing to pay.

One convenient method to achieve this sense of wellbeing can be dubbed the Thailand Body Check.

DBer Dan Proctor (not his real name) and his wife availed themselves of a deluxe check-up at the Phuket branch of the Bangkok Hospital last year, during their annual mid-term holiday with their three children. The package of services and tests they chose included blood tests, a variety of ultrasound exams, electrocardiogram stress tests, chest x-rays, testing for cholesterol and hepatitis, a pulmonary

34

January 2013

function test, and a physical exam – about 30 procedures in total.

The deluxe check-up “It was very convenient. I just wouldn't have bothered to have so many tests here in Hong Kong”, says wife Dee. “It was fun to do most of the tests together,” adds Dan, “and the atmosphere was peaceful and relaxed, with everything conducted on a separate floor of the hospital.

We’d had to fast since the evening before, and there was about one hour of wait time in between the tests and our diagnostic appointment with the doctor, so we took lunch.

TALKING POINTS

A private room at the Bangkok Hospital, Phuket (www.surgerygetaways.com)

The hospital has several restaurants and we recommend the gourmet sandwich shop – very fresh, with nice desserts and good coffee.”

Post-testing, a doctor went through the couple’s results in detail. They were happy to hear that everything was in order for the most part, although each was told about issues to monitor: a high cholesterol count for Dan and a lesion on the liver for Dee. “We did know about these issues before, of course,” says Dee. “But for us it was good to know that things were not worsening.”

Dan and Dee purchased a package of three additional annual body checks, and feel it is money well spent. Says Dan, “For one thing, due to our age, we have decided to make a greater effort to improve our general health and wellbeing, and we think this kind of monitoring is an important part of that. We also come to Thailand each year anyway, so this type of check is a real timer-saver, and there is a cost-saving, too. Many of these tests would not be covered by insurance in Hong Kong, and we would of course be paying more for them at home.”

Medical tourism is on the increase, as formerly developing countries have graduated into fully formed medical facilities on a par with those in the West. Many Asian hospitals now offer a wide assortment of top-notch medical services. For example, Bumrungrad International Hospital, in Bangkok, lists on its website the following as its top procedures: coronary artery bypass graft, balloon angioplasty, hip replacement, knee replacement, microdisectomy, spinal fusion, gastric bypass, prostate surgery and facelift, in addition to its comprehensive medical check-up.

Find more on health-related issues

Time for a nip-and-tuck Thailand is of course one of the top destinations for those seeking affordable cosmetic surgery. Former DB resident Nancy Bales has this to say. “I had been unhappy with my tummy especially after childbirth and I had always had a large bust with one side being a whole cup-size bigger than the other! A friend of mine wanted a breast reduction, so we did our homework and got many recommendations for the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, and for one surgeon in particular.” Nancy visited the hospital, which incidentally treats more than 400,000 foreign patients annually, before booking the double procedure.

Nancy has nothing but praise for the professional care she received. “They were so organised and took me through each section of the impending procedure. They took numerous tests to make sure I was fit and healthy enough to go through the eight-hour operation under anaesthetic.

The stitches were beautifully done and left almost no visible scar. I had no pain at any time, except for a little soreness when I woke up.”

Nancy says it was the best decision she ever made. “I would recommend it to anyone who needs anything done,” she says.

Find it • Bangkok Hospital, Phuket www.phukethospital.com • Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok www.bumrungrad.com

www.arounddb.com January 2013

35

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Buy, sell or lease in DB and around!

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MONEY MATTERS

It is imperative you manage ongoing asset volatility properly in 2013 (www.themoneyupdate.com)

financial forecast 2

In the first of a two-part series, Alex Walker looks back at market volatility in 2012, and outlines what we can expect from the year ahead

012 was a year that saw everyone banking on a return to so-called normal market conditions with less volatility. The market however had other ideas and we all had another roller coaster ride of it. 2013 looks set to follow a similar course.

The first quarter of 2012 saw global equity markets rising strongly. Then the European markets came back from vacation and reminded everyone that they still hadn’t found a viable solution to the European Union’s (EU) credit problems, and Greece had still not paid its bills. Seemingly, not a day went by without a new global-risk event or political announcement that had equity, bond and FX markets spinning wildly. There was an increase in concern over the exponential rise in High Frequency Trading (HFT) and the algorithms that manage the electronic order flow.

Throughout the year markets remained trend-less with equity indexes grinding higher. Most investors chose to

nurse their paper losses from 2011 or were hesitant to put their money at risk at all.

Market impacting events in 2012 To help put the economics into perspective, consider some of the events that we witnessed during 2012. The EU introduced wide austerity measures; Greece continued to default; and Spain accepted a 100-billion Euro bailout deal.

In the US, Operation Twist continued on from 2011 to help stimulate the economy. Through this initiative the US Federal Reserve buys longer-term treasuries and simultaneously sells some of the shorter-dated issues it already holds, in order to try and bring down long-term interest rates. QE3 – a third round of quantitative easing – was also introduced.

Amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions and social unrest, the conflict between Israel and Gaza reignited; political tensions continued in Syria; and Iran was put under an

January 2013

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37

MONEY MATTERS

Market Scoreboard Asia USD Annual Performance in USD 2011

Cumulated (USD)

Currency

2006

2008

2012 YTD

2006-2012 YTD

MSCI World Index

USD

+18.0%

-42.1%

-7.6%

+11.2%

+4.6%

MSCI Asia Pacific (ex Japan)

USD

+29.0%

-53.3%

-18.0%

+15.2%

+46.9%

MSCI EM

USD

+29.2%

-54.5%

-20.4%

+9.9%

+42.5%

S&P 500

USD

+13.6%

-38.5%

+0.0%

+12.6%

+13.4%

DJ Euro Stoxx 50

EUR

+28.2%

-46.7%

-19.7%

+11.4%

-21.1%

Equities Equities

DAX

EUR

+35.9%

-42.9%

-17.4%

+25.8%

+50.1%

NIKKEI 225

JPY

+5.7%

-31.2%

-13.0%

+3.6%

-23.8%

CAC 40

EUR

+30.9%

-45.1%

-19.6%

+12.8%

-17.3%

SMI

CHF

+24.1%

-31.0%

-8.1%

+16.1%

+16.3%

FTSE 100

GBP

+25.9%

-49.5%

-6.0%

+8.5%

-3.0%

FSSTI

SGD

+37.6%

-48.8%

-17.9%

+22.8%

+70.4%

HSCEI

HKD

+93.4%

-50.7%

-21.7%

+7.1%

+99.4%

HSI

HKD

+33.8%

-47.9%

-19.9%

+19.8%

+48.2%

JP Morgan EMB + Total Return

USD

+10.5%

-9.7%

+9.2%

+17.0%

+91.1%

Citigroup Euro BIG (7-10 Y)

EUR

+10.3%

+3.3%

+0.8%

+14.3%

+53.1%

Citigroup Euro dollar (7-10 Y) AA & >rated

USD

+4.1%

+8.4%

+11.6%

+9.2%

+66.7%

Citigroup WGBI (7-10 Y)

USD

+5.5%

+13.4%

+7.8%

+5.1%

+64.1%

USD

+23.2%

+5.8%

+10.1%

+9.7%

+231.7%

USD

+2.1%

-35.6%

-13.3%

+1.6%

-6.6%

USD

+13.9%

-19.1%

-2.5%

+5.4%

+40.2%

Bonds Bonds

Alternative Alternative GOLD (spot price) DJUBS Total Return CREDIT Hedge F

SUISSE

Tremont

Last data point: 2.12.2012

international oil embargo. Moreover, China, Korea, Japan and the Philippines jostled for control over politically strategic islands.

While there was a major leadership change in China, Vladimir Putin was elected as Russian President, and President Obama won himself a second term in the US.

Risk in review Last year, some investors embraced the uncertainty and took advantage of the wild swings in the market. Others sat on their hands and focused on keeping their jobs to ensure they could continue to pay their bills. The table above is a summary of annualised returns for different markets and asset indexes for 2012.

Find more financial advice and services

38

January 2013

Source: Bloomberg, Credit Suisse/ IDC

In 2012, the global leaders continued to struggle to prevent the world from falling into a recession. Some mistakes were made and some cans were kicked down the road. So far most economies have managed to survive, albeit with uncomfortable levels of government-led austerity measures and/ or high unemployment.

Most of us have by now tightened our own belts, and reduced our personal spending. We have reflected upon how countries are governed and questioned whether or not there is a better way. We have asked our global leaders to try and make non-biased decisions, and to think of the long-term impact their day-to-day decision-making has on our children’s financial future. Some of us were lucky enough to have a job or a business. Some of us managed to make money from our investments, but not without worry. If

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MONEY MATTERS

2012 taught us anything, it was to count our blessings and value those close to us.

2013 – the state of play This year, market performance will be very much dependent on how the US manages its impending fiscal cliff. The concern is how the US will come up with the money to ensure that it doesn’t go over the edge by taxing its economy into recession.

With over 70% of the NASDAQ’s volume now being driven

by HFT, there is a growing argument that the market dynamics are changing, and regulators are moving too slowly to prevent a reoccurrence of the May 2010 flash crash. (You will remember the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged about 1,000 points (9%) only to recover its losses within minutes).

Moderate growth is expected to come from China in 2013 and other emerging markets as they choose to develop their own domestic consumption base, rather than rely on fledging US and EU consumers. This will be the saving

grace for these emerging-market economies, allowing them to grow at a faster rate than developed nations. Doubtless, we will see China evolve as the dominant, global, economic superpower, taking this mantle from the US over the next three to five years.

From here, 2013 looks set to be an exercise in continued austerity. Most of us have also learned that we cannot blindly make investments without prudently weighing all known and unknown risks. Going forward, successful investors will monitor their different investment choices and keep a steady head while others are losing theirs. It will be a year when we think twice about putting our hard-earned savings at risk. We will defer that i-product upgrade and decide our current mobile device is not so bad after all.

Alex Walker, a long-term DB resident, is the director of wealth management for Financial Partners, the oldest independent wealth-management firm in Asia.

You can email Alex at alex.walker@f-p.hk for further information.

HK Boats and Homes Ltd.

Broker lives in DB Marina and exclusively focuses on liveaboards.

Largest portfolio of vessels in Discovery Bay from 1300 sq. ft starting from HK$4M, rentals from HK$40,000. We have the connections, local knowledge and coverage to offer you the very best possible brokerage services.

Happy New Year

For full listing, contact Michele on 6055 0146 or email michelejcameron@msn.com If you are thinking of selling or letting your VESSEL now or in the future, we would be delighted to give you a free, no obligation market appraisal.

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Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native English-speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs.

But the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestichelper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), are always worth due diligence. This month, I want to wake you up to some things you may not have considered about your home insurance policies.

Home insurance Homeowners insurance is a security blanket. It is designed to protect you in the event of a catastrophe. Therefore, when you are choosing a policy, don’t always look to save money – the best deal may cost you more in the long run. Here are five things you will want to consider and know about: 1. Shop around: When you receive your annual renewal statement, check to see if you can snag a better deal elsewhere. Consider moving your auto policy too; bundling home and auto coverage with the same insurer can cut your total premiums.

2. You may have too much coverage. It’s common for policies to contain inflationprotection provisions that automatically increase your coverage amount. You may want to adjust your coverage amount to a more realistic figure..

3. Small claims can cost you, too. Go with the highest deductible you can afford and bank the savings to cover the cost of minor repairs. Filing a claim for every broken window or leaky pipe makes for excessively high premiums. Better to save your home cover for the really big things like fire and theft and typhoons 4. Your home policy is the correct way to protect all your valuables like jewellry, watches, laptops, tablets, mobiles etc all over the world, most people wrongly assume that your travel policy protects these items… it doesn’t, its your home policy that gets to have the expensive stuff tacked on it

My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

ESCAPES

guangzhou

getaway

Photos by Catharine Nicol

Catharine Nicol explores the cultural awakening of the former Factory of the World – and finds there’s an awful lot of fun to be had just across the border

I

’m strolling the quiet lanes lined with art galleries interspersed with cafés and shops, trees stretching over the smattering of people and cool industrial buildings. A sign points to Can Street, and left and right are Thaw Street and Refrigeration Street, but you’ll also find Hanging Garden café with its chilled patio and the hip little diner, Ant Kitchen. This is the delightfully crumbly Redtory, an old canning factory complex turned art hub in Tianhe – Guangzhou’s version of Beijing’s 798 Art Zone.

In theory there could be numerous Redtories, after all this is the city previously known as the Factory of the World, however Guangzhou’s new nickname would be more accurately Display Room of the World. The factories have been edged out, in their place armies of malls, shops and markets below skyscrapers and shiny hotels. In place of bicycles: cars. The traffic gets gradually sleeker and slower as more and more cars are added to the road.

it was a key port for the Silk Road, and later, during the 1970s, it was one of Deng Xiaoping’s showcase cities for his Open Door Policy. Today 14 million people live in China’s third largest city after Beijing and Shanghai, and 150,000 more flood into the city twice a year to import and export at the Canton Fair.

But it’s not all work and no play in Guangzhou and with the easy two-hour train trip, soon to be slashed by highspeed trains, Hong Kongers are beginning to migrate up for long weekends. These getaways provide expats with all their favourite pursuits – shopping and eating, with a bit of sightseeing thrown in. Note that, unless you’re hoping to squeeze in a little business, it’s best to stay away during the bustling Canton Fair weeks in April and October. Autumn and winter are dry and temperate, the best times to visit, as you’ll avoid the humid summer monsoon.

Cultural charm Despite the crawling traffic, Guangzhou and its entrepreneurial, trade-obsessed citizens work at warp speed, or as they call it, Guangzhou speed. The city has long been a forerunner of trade for China. In the 7th century

42

January 2013

To get an anchor on the city’s cultural past, make a trip to Lihuan’s Chen Ancestral Temple, originally set up as an academy for children of the Chen clan, a big family name

ESCAPES

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Shopping Street, Liwan

in this area. In the past the only way to escape the destiny of your birth was to take the emperor’s examination, and as only the rich could afford a home tutor, the Chen temple was built as an academy open to Chen students. The leafy courtyards and traditional buildings and halls are a beautiful place to absorb some culture and they still feel comfortingly conducive to learning.

Not far away, Shamian Island, the previous European Concession, adds a contrast of old-colonial architecture and parks, many recently renovated. As you pass the Pearl River bars, punctuated by narrow strips of park, peer around walls and into homes to catch a glimpse of the crumbling terraces and backyards that still exist.

The opposite end of the chronological spectrum is covered

by Tianhe, where just 20 years ago all was farmland.

Now there’s the new Central Business District’s trifecta of Guangzhou Opera House, a curvy interpretation by celebrity architect Zaha Hadid; the squat but beautifully textured Guangzhou New Library; and its slick counterpart the Guangdong Museum. The latter allegedly houses over 130,000 carvings, porcelain and artworks, as well

as treasure rescued from a shipwreck dating back to the Qing Dynasty.



Look across the river from Tianhe to Haizhu and you’ll see Guangzhou’s tallest building, the Canton Tower. Opened just in time for the 2010 Asian Games, it was briefly the tallest building in the world, and still lays claim to having the highest observation deck in the world at 488 metres – a great option for a clear day. The city launched a Chinawide naming competition, but strangely decided to go with the decidedly unimaginative Canton Tower. However, nicknames abound, with the locals calling her Xiao Man Yao (slim-waisted lady) and westerners calling her The Supermodel.

Popular pursuits While much of the very best shopping here is wholesale, there are numerous markets that are worth visiting, as much for the cultural insights as the actual goods. From high-end fakes, wedding gowns and fabric to jade, pets, plants and medicinal herbs, every shop or stall is an eyeopener of sights, smells and sounds.

January 2013



43

ESCAPES What’s absolutely essential, while you’re in Guangzhou, is not to miss out on even one meal. Although the city shares Hong Kong’s focus on Cantonese cooking, foodies claim the revered cuisine is even better here. Specialities include dim sum, and seafood caught off the nearby coast.

Restaurants have the usual army of seawater tanks ensuring everything’s as fresh as can be when it hits your plate. Note that there are an increasing number of western restaurants if you need some variety between Canto dishes.

Where to stay Four Seasons Guangzhou stretches up to the 100th floor giving an amazing view of the city as far as the eye can see, well past the Canton Tower. Visit www.fourseasons.com/guangzhou.

Shangri-La Guangzhou has guests picked up from the station with in-car wi-fi. It is charmingly Orientalthemed, and not far from the Canton Tower. Visit www.shangri-la.com.

Sofitel Sunrich Guangzhou is a super-sexy hotel with suites set up with yoga mats and DVDs, and cocktail recipes for your mini bar. There’s also a stunning spa.

Visit www.sofitel.com.

Westin Pazhou a little way out of town, has paddy field views. Connected to the Baiyun International Convention Centre, it is popular at Canton Fair time.

Visit www.westin.com/pazhou.

Where to shop • Beijing Road – also known as shopping street • Haiyin Market – for fabric • Haizhu Wholesale Market – for everything • Jade Market, Changshou Road – for jade and pearls Old-colonial Shamian Island

Iron Curtain Gallery in the Redtory

• Jiangnan Road – for Chinese wedding gowns • Qingping Market – for medicinal herbs • Redtory – for art by renowned and upcoming Chinese artists

Where to eat • Shuimu Lianqing Teahouse, in Tianhe, for a Chinese tea ceremony and dim sum • Qi Lin Xuan Restaurant, in the Botanical Gardens, for lakeside Cantonese dining • Hongxingyidu, near Haizu Square, for supper picked out from fish tanks • Wine and Tapas, on Taojin Lu, is popular for Spanish and Italian dining • Joyce’s Kitchen, in Zhujiang New Town, for expat-friendly eats Après ski at Gyu Chen Ancestral Temple’s leafy courtyards

Where to drink • The Paddy Field, near Garden Hotel and now in Tianhe

Locals work hard here, keeping malls, shops and markets open often until 10pm, and although the nightlife gets going quite late, they party hard too. For a quiet drink you may have to search out a western or hotel bar, but to get a feel for how locals kickback head to one of the hugely popular bars along the river. These rowdy joints mix food, drink, music and people at high volume. After all, everything in Guangzhou rushes along at Guangzhou speed, apart from the traffic.

Find more exciting holiday destinations

44

January 2013

• Elephant and Castle Pub near Baiyun Hotel • Loft 345, an art/ music/ performance space and bar, in Haizhu • Tekkwun for live bands in Yuexiu • Lucy’s Café Bar on Shamian Island for outdoor drinks • Baby Face on Yan Jiang Lu is the city’s most popular nightclub

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AroundDB_Jan.indd 1

12/14/2012 4:22:28 PM

ACTION

scaling

new heights

Lead photo courtesy of Steve Turner

Better known for its impressive skyscrapers, Hong Kong’s boulders, crags and cliffs make the territory a desirable rock climbing destination.

And did you know that DB’s Club Siena also boasts a seriously underutilised climbing wall? Megaen Kelly gets the scoop

46

Steve Turner scaling Lion Rock

January 2013

ACTION

W

hether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, Hong Kong has some eye-opening, all-natural places to climb. Plus there are numerous man-made indoor walls where you can get to grips with the sport.

the anchor; as the second follows the route taken by the leader, the second removes the equipment placed along the way in order to use it again on the next pitch. Once both are at the anchor, the leader begins climbing the next pitch and so on until they reach the top.

Discovery Bay resident Steve Turner has been rock climbing most of his life; a father of three, he caught the bug early on from his own father. “Rock climbing for me is just one part of the activity of moving through the terrain, though for others it's a pure challenge in its own right – hard routes are the goal. Every route is a problem, the moves for which need to be figured out,” he says. “In this case it doesn't really matter where the rock face is – it might just be a boulder. I find it amazing what some people can actually climb.”

Best local climbs

Steve adds, “Rock climbing locally is more popular than people would expect. The nature of the terrain in Hong Kong means that a lot of the activity is hidden from the view of the casual observer – you generally have to hike in on awkward trails to most of the crags. People also tend not to look up! In the right weather the established spots will be busy, particularly at the weekend, and if you look carefully you will be able to make out the tiny shapes of climbers on the rocks above.”

One of Hong Kong’s most iconic climbs is found at Lion Rock in the New Territories. Although not particularly high – about 250 feet at its tallest point – the granite cliff affords spectacular views of Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour.

Lantau’s Chi Ma Wan has some breath-taking vistas for rock climbers. Temple Crag faces west with views of Cheung Sha and Pui O beaches as well as the islands of the South China Sea. Eagle Crag is on the same side of Lantau as Temple Crag, but it’s a bit higher and it juts further out into the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula. Black Kite Crag will be familiar to DBers, as it is located on this side of Lantau.

On Hong Kong Island, the crags of Shek O offer some enjoyable, familyfriendly sport climbs, as well as some quality bouldering.

Most aficionados agree that the best climbs are found on the small island of Tung Lung Chau. These include a singlepitch sport climbing Technical Wall; As the name suggests, free or sport Sea Gully, which has a steep face with climbing is when you create your own Unknown climber on Eagle Crag, Chi Ma Wan (www.HongKongClimbing.com) compact, featureless walls and soaring route over a rock surface using minimal arêtes (sharp-crested ridges); Big Wall, equipment. Aid climbing routes, on the a multi-pitch sport climb; and Kite Wall (or Kite Rock) which other hand, have set-in bolts which the climber moves up. offers up five short sport climbs across a large boulder of You’ll find expansion bolts on most established routes in the coarse volcanic rock. territory. Bouldering (climbing low rocks and boulders) tends to be technically challenging. While the climber may not go very high, he or she has to be physically fit and very skilled.

Gearing up

Technical talk

Stuart Millis – the man behind www.HongKongClimbing.com, the leading source for rock climbing and bouldering in Hong Kong – lists tips, news, courses and information on gear and climbing locations on his website. “Come climbing!” he says. “The combination of physical and mental challenge makes it worth trying. Plus, it gets you out of the city and into the countryside. It also tends to attract a pretty nice crowd of people so it has a good social scene.”

For most climbs, rock jocks of course really rely on their buddies. Because the climbing rope is of a fixed length, the leader can only climb a certain distance. Thus longer routes are broken up into several pitches. At the top of a pitch, the leader sets up an anchor and then belays the second up to

Find more local sports activities

Knowing what to expect from every climb is crucial, whether you are an expert or a beginner. And you should note that kitting yourself out safely will set you back at least HK$3,000.

But Steve is quick to minimise the sport’s perceived dangers.

“You expect to take a few very small falls as part of the game, especially if you are pushing your personal limits, but they should never be more than a few feet if you have taken the necessary care to set the climbing system up properly.

This is not a difficult thing to do but the consequences of inattention to detail are often serious.”

And for those of us new to the sport? Steve advises, “Try it. If you know someone who climbs, see if they can help you get started with either a visit to an easy rock face or artificial wall. 

www.arounddb.com January 2013

47

ACTION

If not, the climbing clubs and indoor gyms are good places to meet other climbers, get information and safety instruction.”

Stuart adds, “Take a course to see if you get a feel for the sport and then try and get outside somewhere soon afterwards. Climbing walls can be fun but the real stuff is far more enjoyable.”

Artificial walls for rock jocks The YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, has a 266 square-metre indoor wall that is suitable for people of all abilities. This facility is a good place to learn the basic skills of climbing, including rope work.

Call 2268 7099.

The YMCA in King’s Park, Kowloon, has an 18 metre-high outdoor wall with around 25 climbing routes. You need to pass a skills’ test to use this wall but there are classes you can take. Call 2268 7099.

For a bouldering wall on Hong Kong Island, head to Da Verm in Sai Ying Pun, 2803 0567. On Kowloonside, try Just Climb in San Po Kong, 3561 7868.

There are also two government-run outdoor walls at Shek Kip Mei and Shun Lee Tsuen, both in Kowloon. Call 2504 8124 for further details.

Climbing for kids in DB The rock climbing wall at Club Siena is available for private hire, for children’s birthday parties only. The cost of the coach and one hour on the wall (HK$960 for eight kids) is priced on top of the party being held in the rock climbing venue.

Nine-year-old Jack Pringle has this to say about the experience. “It was a The climbing wall at really fun birthday party.

Club Siena I found the climbing easy for the most part except at the very top because it was harder to reach the places to put your feet.”

Mum Sally adds, “It was quite surprising to see who was nervous and who wasn't. Just because a child is sporty doesn't mean that they'll take to climbing quickly. Some of the kids you expected to have no problems found it more challenging and vice versa.”

For more information, call Club Siena on 2987 7382.

Get connected!

Let’s friend each other in 2013!

facebook.com/AroundDB twitter.com/aroundDB

Join your community live @ www.arounddb.com

STYLE

kitchen Photos courtesy of Kitchens+Interiors and Pantry Magic

aids

C

omplaints about the lack of serviceable kitchens in Hong Kong are a dime a dozen. A remodelling job is like death and taxes – a certainty – and when a flat is purchased that's usually factored into the final price.

It’s been said that homeowners should consider putting 8% of the cost of their home into the kitchen. That’s admittedly a Western figure and the majority of Hong Kong’s denizens have a very different relationship to the kitchen than North Americans and Europeans do. “Around 99% of our clients prefer using their limited space for a living area rather than for cooking,” notes Steve Cheng, partner and interior designer at Chun Shing Construction. But the tide is turning, and more and more people are demanding bigger, better kitchens. “I find that more clients are accepting open and semi-open kitchens with bigger entrances and no doors – especially younger clients,” Steve adds.

Achieving spatial functionality In a city where food is traditionally bought a matter of hours before it’s cooked and all that’s required is one

50

January 2013

pot (a wok), there hasn’t been a great demand for kitchen space. Key word there is ‘hasn’t’, past tense. What do people want now?

“More storage and/ or cabinet space, more functionality or a better utilisation of overall design layout based on clients' cooking habits,” says Steve without missing a beat.

“Storage space is definitely the most common request.

However, another request we get that is quite difficult to combine with space efficiency is the appearance of spaciousness. It takes a delicate balance of maximising storage options, and leaving spaces open and clear of big items of furniture,” agrees Dora Sui, business development manager at Kitchens+Interiors.

So space is a no-brainer, but it’s important to know how your kitchen is going to function. That sounds like a ridiculous notion but it’s not. Cast your mind back to the last party at someone’s home you went to. How long was it before everyone gathered in the kitchen? Right. How many people is the kitchen feeding everyday and who’s working in that room? Do you need to house a washer and dryer in there? These are all issues that will impact what you can

STYLE

A less than ideal size doesn’t preclude having an almost ideal kitchen – with or without a fat budget.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

A super-slick, spacing-saving kitchen from Kitchens+Interiors

squeeze into the space on top of more prosaic factors like the placement of structural walls and the likelihood that water drainage systems are immovable.

“To best utilise a space, make a list of priorities and sacrifice the items that really aren't essential to your personal cooking needs,” says Dora. Still, she’s confident a modern, compact kitchen can accommodate most of our wants and needs – albeit for a price. “Either you forego the feeling of openness and spaciousness or you pay a premium for having modern, space-saving design features.”

you’re looking for an eclectic, DIY-type kitchen, Robert recommends a trip along Shanghai Street, Kowloon, the restaurant-supply district. Here you can have industrial steel tables with butcher-block tops custom cut, and seek out separate basins to use as stand-alones. The tall bench-style surfacing available also leaves room underneath for storage or appliances, like under the counter fridges. As a bonus, it’s considerably cheaper than ordering from catalogues.

Robert Esser of Pantry Magic, a former chef, knows his way around a kitchen. “For me the essential elements are nice big countertops to work on and hanging racks. We sell four sizes of racks, both wall- and ceiling-mounted. You need hanging space because you’re going to have a lot of ceiling height you can leverage.”

Commercial stoves and fridges are more cost-effective too, and they have an ultra-modern look that just might fit in with your design aesthetic. The stoves may be slightly problematic – Town Gas will not install them in residences – but other gas suppliers will. The icing on the cake is the considerable power that comes with a commercial oven. In other words: be creative. Broaden your horizons a bit. “You don’t always need to buy stuff for the use it’s intended,” Robert remarks. “I have two large IKEA units, which were originally wardrobe pieces, in my galley kitchen. They’re virtually floor to ceiling, and I use them for storage.”

Though it may seem hopeless at first, there are a good number of options out there for kitchen redesigners. If

If eclectic isn’t your style, the same concepts can be found in more polished products. “Del Tongo offers hidden

Thinking outside the box

January 2013



51

STYLE

This induction oven at Pantry Magic is chic and state of the art

worktops that slide in and out. This means that you can design a kitchen with very little visible worktop space, and still have the ability to pull out a surface to work on,” says Dora. “We do emphasise that having enough worktop space is essential in any kitchen. It's a very common mistake that can completely ruin the way you experience your kitchen.”

Getting your priorities straight Since we live in an East meets West arena, is there a way to mix Chinese and Western kitchen demands in one small space? Can a rice cooker and pasta press co-exist in harmony? “In general, yes, as most Hong Kong households are cooking in both styles. So again, [a designer has] to understand the clients' cooking habits, what kind of kitchen tools and appliances they might need and then try to fit all of them into the kitchen with a sensible ergonomic design,” Steve states.

Either way, if you adhere to the 8% rule of thumb, a new kitchen can cost HK$400,000 on a HK$5-million flat. That’s a fair chunk of change, but considering million-dollar Armani bathroom suites are now on sale it seems positively moderate. Can you get a space-saving, fully functioning kitchen without breaking the bank? Absolutely according to Dora. “Since we work with each client individually we can find a way to make it work. It just depends how much

Find more on DB-friendly design

52

January 2013

of your overall budget you are willing to allocate to your kitchen, and your priorities. For example, some people treasure having a top-of-the-line oven, and a dishwasher is not as important. Others might need a decadent marble counter top, and not be too worried about the cabinetry.”

So what accessories do you put in your awesome new kitchen? According to Robert, you only need 10 or 12 items.

“I prioritise a 12-inch non-stick pan; a large, straight-sided deep sauté pan; and a big [stock] pot. You really don’t need much else,” he says. And in the great blender versus food processor debate: Robert likes the multi-bladed handheld Bamix mixer that stands in for both. “It is the most versatile tool you could put in the kitchen,” he says. “With a little creativity you can do anything with it.” And it takes up barely any space.

Find it • BSD Design Limited 2567 2562 • Chun Shing Construction 2865 0081, www.csid.com.hk • Kitchens+Interiors 2810 0979, www.kitchensandinteriors.hk • Pantry Magic 2504 0688, www.pantry-magic.com

www.arounddb.com

JANUARY 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

What's

new

around

New Continental dining at

St Betty St Betty in the IFC Mall, Central has changed most of its French brasserie menu to a Continental one featuring local produce. Playful Hong Kong ingredient inclusions include 21st century (preserved) egg, with char-grilled asparagus, lemon mayonnaise, and black truffle dressing. Its Sunday roast (beef with all the trimmings) is served medium-rare. Australian grass-fed Angus sirloin, dry-aged in house and cooked in a high-end Josper broiling grill, is pink but not bloody, and its full flavour has an edge of charcoal. Served for a minimum of two, at HK$298 per person, this set is preceded by amuse bouches and ends with a light rhubarb crumble.

For a reservation, call 2979 2100.

Hong

Kong

See Korean teens

go pop!

The 4Minute girls

The Beast(ie) boys

If Korean pop music phenomenon Psy piqued your interest, a younger and more varied pop fest from the same country may appeal. AIA K-Pop 2013 hits the AsiaWorld-Arena stage at 8pm on January 5. The list of current Korean charttoppers features boy-band Beast, sultry girl-collective 4Minute, and seven-piece teen girl-band A Pink. The show, with plenty of choreographed dancing and light effects is scheduled to last two-and-a-half hours. Read more about the bands at www.aiakpop.com, for tickets go to www.hkticketing.com.

Takashi Murakami

debut

Brunch at St Betty

Installation view of Takashi Murakami’s Flowers and Skulls at the Gagosian Gallery through February 9

Chef Shane Osborn

54

January 2013

Flowers and Skulls is the debut Hong Kong exhibition for lauded Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

On show at the Gagosian Gallery on Pedder Street, Central, the subject matter is typical of Takashi – lying somewhere between joy and terror. Here, this dichotomy comes in the form of bright smiling flowers juxtaposed with stylised skulls. Though finished with a laborious process of many layers of acrylic paint, the end product shimmers with gloss-paint drips that may remind some of graffiti art executed with a stencil and spray nozzle. Call the gallery on 2151 0555.

JANUARY 2013

HK HAPPENINGS

C o m p i l e d b y A n d re w D e m b i n a

Yao Ming’s talent –

bottled

Retired China-born NBA star Yao Ming’s US wine company Yao Family Wines has launched its first vintages: Yao Ming 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Yao Ming Family Reserve 2009 Napa Yao Ming with Tom Hinde Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. On sale at Voi.la! wine shops in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and a few other selected retailers and restaurants, the wines do not come cheap at HK$1,700 and HK$6,000 per bottle respectively.

These inaugural 2009 vintages were made in conjunction with Californian director of winemaking Tom Hinde, and received high ratings in Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Gauci

Book now for the

The Australian Chamber Orchestra

Hong Kong Arts Festival

goes organic Many top chefs say that when they are able to source fine ingredients they let them do the talking, rather than complicated cooking styles.

Wild Grass in SoHo certainly adheres to this philosophy.

Natural and sustainable Eco-cuisine – the latest from Gauci ingredients are selected in this no-nonsense diner, headed up by long-time chef and restaurateur Jean-Paul Gauci. Its beef is Australian OBE quality – organic cattle that roam freely, grazing on grass; its full flavour is at the fore in slow-cooked beef-shin with steamed goat-cheese dumplings. Steak, oxtail dumplings and stewed kidneys are other signatures. Freshly baked desserts include warm barley-and-berry oatmeal crumble topped with ice cream. For a reservation, call 2812 1826.

Find local event updates

The China National Peking Opera Company

It’s soon time for the biggest cultural performance and exhibition fix of the year – the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

From February 21 for a month and a day, the cream of some of the world’s most acclaimed acting, dance and musical collectives hit our stages in venues all over the SAR. The National Theatre of Great Britain, The China National Peking Opera Company and the Australian Chamber Orchestra are a mere example of the calibre on show this year. Go to www.hk.artsfestival.org for full listings and ticket booking – act fast, as tickets for this annually anticipated event go quickly.

www.arounddb.com January 2013

55

DB FACES

C O M M U N I T Y

S N A P S

Who do you know? Find more familiar faces @ www.arounddb.com

COMPETITION

Photos by Tracey van Geest and Lissa Morris

If you’d like us to consider your photos for DB Faces, email them to info@arounddb.com (subject line: db faces).

Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent.

NAME THIS MOVIE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES FROM UNCLE RUSS! 1. Call it the all-American (1983) predecessor of Peter’s Friends (1992).

2. College buddies reunite after 15 years at a friend’s funeral.

3. Kevin Costner pays the dead character Alex but we never see his face.

4. Kevin Kline (Harold) is married to Glenn Close (Sarah).

5. The film was shot on location in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Hot flick (www.2.bp.blogspot.com)

Y

Congratulations to last month’s winner Lydia Chan. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

our challenge this month is to name the movie pictured in the still above. We’ve provided a couple of clues to help you. The prize is a complimentary drink at Uncle Russ in DB Plaza every day for a week.

For your chance to win, contact us online at www.arounddb.com (homepage) before January 10. Simply click on the competition tab. Good luck!

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY

design + living Piano Tuning & Repair - Japan qualified – skilled piano tuner in DB

interior architecture design & build

space planning project managment

Tel. 31112062 www.dlcchk.com

dlconsultant@gmail.com

We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters;

One of the keys to piano maintenance is - How to keep your piano in good condition with a subtropical climate www.88keys.com.hk E-mail: info@88keys.com.hk Tel : 9687 0726

ROCKY NEEDS YOU! DB resident Rocky Perez, a Filipino musician, father & husband, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. After having a lung removed, he is now in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. Please register with the Hong Kong Bone Marrow Donor Registry to see if you are a match. All you are required to do at this stage is have a blood test.

Call 2710 1206.

EMPLOYMENT FRENCH QUALIFIED TEACHERS WANTED La Petite Enfance is looking for French qualified teachers (‘Professeurs des Ecoles’). Other qualifications will be considered. Starting date: September 2013. For more information, contact 6710 0391, drh@la-petite-enfance.com TEACHERS AND TUTORS WANTED L’Ecole Française is looking for part-time teachers & tutors of French, English & Mandarin. Classes in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, Kowloon & Hong Kong Island. Contact 8191 0813, or info@ecole-discovery.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in Hong Kong.

Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

DO YOU HAVE AN AUSTRALIAN OR NEW ZEALAND PASSPORT?

Are you interested in saving 30-50% off your Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection insurance premiums?

For a no-obligation quote, contact Alex on 9365 8409, alex.walker@f-p.hk CIB License: 02018

Looking for a place to stay?

www.arounddb.com First time visit only

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

BOTULINUM TOXIN A MASSETER MUSCLE V-SHAPE FACE FOREHEAD WRINKLES

RESTYLANE®

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?

FILL LINES AND WRINKLES

 Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents

SCULPTRA®

 Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients

REPLACING LOST COLLAGEN

LATISSE® GROW EYELASHES LONGER, FULLER, DARKER.

Medicglow Tel: 2522 -2205/ 5499 -1288

11/F , 60 Wellington Street , Central , HK www.medicglow.com www.medicglow.com medicglow@gmail.com

 English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 wwww.dbicc.org

January 2013

59

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com KIDS

KIDS

MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-divorce coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of flying/ public speaking • Overeating • Couples’ conflicts • Career & command-training stress • Anger management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

HOME & REPAIRS

EXPERT MOVER

• Packing & moving • Cargo collection • Disposal service • Handyman services • Packing material supplies • Storage, with humidity control Professional quality service at a low rate.

Contact 2566 4799, sales@expertmover.hk, or visit www.expertmover.hk

Established playgroup for children from 2 to 4 years.

Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon.

A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers.

Also offering Bilingual Gems, afternoon sessions in German & Mandarin.

Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

EARLY ADVENTURES PARTY TIME!

Need a venue for a party? Ideal playgroup environment with toys & activities. For further information, please call 9511 2107

TRAVEL

CONCORDE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

MIDGET GEMS RENTAL

Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots. Please call Koren on 9176 2990

GEMS OCCASIONS

Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem?

A colourful, safe & fun environment with toys & dress-up clothes.

We can provide an entertainer.

We also tidy up!

Please contact 9176 2990, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

@

www.arounddb.com

SINCE 1997

OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

January 2013

WOWOW SALON!

Looking good & feeling great from head to tail?

More than just a grooming salon, we provide dog-sitting, dog-walking & dog-training services.

Please call Kelvin on 6038 9121

Leisure travel specialists since 1978.

Licence No. 350343.

Call 2526 3391, or visit www.concorde-travel.com

TUITION & COURSES

For employment, helpers, second-hand goods, local businesses and more!

Join your community online

60

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development.

Come & look at our facilities.

Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

PETS

HOLIDAY CAMP AT MGKC

Come & join the holiday fun at Midget Gems Kids Club.

Get festive with creative arts & crafts, music & dancing & lots more.

From 9am-12pm, weekdays, for kids age 3 to 6.

Info@midgetgemskidsclub.com

MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS

• For children & adults; small groups or individuals • Any level / place / purpose Call DB Mandarin Room on 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com TUITION & COURSES

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

• Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools, Year 1 to 13 • For students & adults (homework/ exams/ business) • Mother-tongue Chinese tutors from the PRC. (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics tutors (UK B SC) • Native English tutors.

(MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com, or visit www.chinesemandarinsite.com

MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours).

Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & international school students.

Call 9121 0389

L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie is open for registrations for school year 2013-2014.

Full-time French Primary One (CP) and Primary Two (CE1) classes available.

French curriculum as per the French Ministry of National Education with English and Mandarin as additional languages.

For more information, please call 6071 3136 or visit our website at www.pmcuriehk.com or send an e-mail at info@pmcuriehk.com.

La Petite Enfance Kindergarten is open for registrations for school year 2013-2014.

K1 to K3 classes available.

French curriculum as per the French Ministry of National Education with English and Mandarin as additional languages.

For more information, please call 6710 0391 or email us at info@la-petite-enfance.com

Outdoor Group Training experts now in Discovery Bay!  Shred Unwanted Fat  Build Lean Muscle  Cardio & Strength Training in 1 Workout Classes on the beach front on Tuesdays & Fridays from 8 - 9 am.

Don’t miss out, classes start on Tuesday, 15 January 2013

register online NOW! www.impactfitness.com.hk January 2013

61

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com PROPERTY DB

PROPERTY DB

SHORT-TERM LET

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

MODERN FLAT FOR SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL

NEW SHORT- OR LONG-TERM RENTAL

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, brian@headlandhomes.hk

Fully furnished, 1 bed plus study with extra beds & fully equipped kitchen. Sleeps 4. Broadband, wi-fi, DVD, LCD TV & split A/C. Linen & towels provided. Serviced twice a week. Contact 6475 2035, sharmilaproperty@ gmail.com or visit www.dbayhillsuites.com

GREENDALE COURT RENTAL

Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET

For lease. Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service. Contact Cherry on 2987 2626, cherry@appletravel.com

Greenery Court, 1-bedroom flat with deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with internet, 37’’ LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk

NICE SHORT-TERM RENTAL

Newly renovated studio flat with open kitchen, 5 minutes to pier. Fully furnished, with cable TV & broadband. Contact 2987 2468, dbshortlet@yahoo.com.hk

Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near the North Plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Serviced & fully furnished with washer/ dryer, bed linen & kitchenware. Plus wi-fi, broadband, blue-ray & home theatre.

Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET

LUXURIOUS 1-BED FOR LEASE

STYLISH SHORT-TERM RENTAL

Newly renovated, 550’ flat on a high floor with split-type A/C. Fully equipped with DVD & free wi-fi. Bedding & towels provided. Weekly cleaning available. Email dbaygreenish@gmail.com

FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

CHERISH COURT TO LET

Fully furnished 2-bedroom, newly renovated flat. Tranquil with sea & Disneyland view, & wi-fi. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline at 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

FLAT FOR RENT

Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4.

Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband.

Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month.

Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

RENOVATED MODERN EXECUTIVE FLAT FOR RENT

550’ 1-bed apartment. Quiet, on a high floor, with mountain view. Fully furnished with open-plan kitchen. Well-equipped with LCD TV, broadband, telephone & wi-fi. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com

Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to DB Plaza & pier, with fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided. Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk

Fully furnished, with cable TV, DVD, wi-fi.

All linens & towels provided.

Contact 9159 2476, sweet_castillo2001@yahoo.com

PROPERTY OVERSEAS NEW YEAR IN SAMUI

Stunning Villa Syama overlooking a semi-private bay. Close to everything, yet totally secluded. Six ensuite double bedrooms, infinity pool & ocean views! Three hours from HK, two flights a day.

US$700-1,000/ night, 10% off for DBers. Contact Chris on 9688 3309, www.villasyama.com

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

FRENCH VILLA FOR RENT

High-quality villa with magnificent sea views, 5 bedrooms & a large swimming pool.

Situated in the Calanques de Cassis National Park near Marseille. For more details go to k6marbel@gmail.com

RENTAL IN THE FRENCH ALPS

Secluded 2-bed duplex on the ski slopes of Les Arcs Paradiski in the French Alps. Sleeps 6/ 7.

Find out more at k6marbel@gmail.com

2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT

At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished.

Contact 9108 5525

Search 1000s of DB property listings!

@ www.arounddb.com

62

January 2013

Post free classifieds @ www.arounddb.com

M Spa

provides door-to-door treatment service and is conveniently located in the Plaza.

• REFLEXOLOGY (Foot Massage) • BACK, SHOULDER, NECK massage and reflexology • FACIAL & SHOULDER massage • MANICURE & PEDICURE (We use OPI products) • BODY MASSAGE

Be pampered! Call us for special offers!

2987 0614

Open 7 days a week, 9 am to midnight

January 2013

63

Your ultimate guide in Tung Chung

ACROSS LANTAU NUMBERS

CLOTHINGS & ACCESSORIES AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Shoesee Foldable

9527 6202 9662 1747 9765 2798

LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Kindermusik Little Academy Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) Tung Yan Day Nursery YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

5360 0991 2987-8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 3520 3500 2611 9193 6204 7387 2420 1068 2109 3873 2109 4000 3194 5120 2988 8123

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Pui O beach

Airport Izakaya Andante Asian Taste Deli Viet Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Dragon Inn Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden

2286 3602 2109 2109 2109 2286 2286 2286 3760 3602 2626 2338 3602 3602 3180 2286 2286 2969 2109 2109 2802

6668 8828 4360 0036 4187 6238 6898 6878 6633 8808 0181 2338 8838 8818 0000 6618 6868 2500 1297 0612 8000

HOME & REPAIRS Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 9625 1392 2988 1488

HOTELS

Sunset at Tai O

Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel SkyCity Marriott

3602 8888 2890 6060 3969 1888

HEALTH & WELL-BEING Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

2109 2109 2988 2328 2109 2403 2403 2261

9396 2288 1534 7282 6800 6613 6623 2626

Photos by Terry Chow

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Impact Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Stepz Studio Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2109 2179 6902 3473 5400 2385 3152 2403

9277 6678 2250 8700 4109 9677 7535 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Tai O fishing village

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694

Your ultimate guide in South Lantau

ACROSS LANTAU NUMBERS

HEALTH & WELL-BEING Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon

9473 9708 6770 2984

3976 0187 1462 0990

2984 2984 2984 2984 2819 9373 2984

8334 8487 1802 9833 6823 0792 0587

HOME & REPAIRS Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company

Feijoada, Seafood Muqueca, Cheese Bread and many more..

Private Bookings - Kit for parties - Takeaway - Catering Shop A, G / F, Silver Centre Building, Mui Wo - Lantau Island Open: Monday to Friday 2 pm to 10:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 10:30 pm

HOTELS Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

LEARNING CENTRES Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten

2985 2984 2984 3689 2984

5150 0069 0302 6709 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666

RESTAURANTS & BARS Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep

2984 2984 2984 2984 2984 3484 2980 2984 6331 2984 2984 2984 2983 2980 9160 2980

0222 1847 7471 0498 9720 3095 3002 8933 8974 7982 0418 1265 8931 2582 5986 2699

2134 2984 2984 2984 2988 2406 2987 2984

1234 2227 2278 0249 1368 8122 0099 7884

2984 9662 2984 9025 9062 6351 9834

1410 1747 0060 3949 0148 8923 5498

2984 2984 2984 2984 9036

2268 8494 8255 9848 3132

RETAIL Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Park ‘N’ Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern Wellcome

SERVICES & OTHERS Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio) Zoe Lyle Photography

TRANSPORTATION Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company Sun Rising Moving Company

Join your Lantau community live @ www.arounddb.com

Tel: 2984 7471

casabrasil.hk @ gmail.com

Your ultimate guide in DB

DB NUMBERS

Discovery Speech Therapy Cabinet d’Orthophonie Clear Communication in French LG-06, Office Block One, DB North Tel: 8120 7835 info@discoveryspeechtherapy.com Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Discovery Speech Therapy, Cabinet d’Orthophonie Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

LEARNING CENTRES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 8120 7835 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422

HSBC Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Season Art Kitchen Perfection Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 1990 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

HK School of Highland Dance Highland Dance classes now available at MI Studio.Teacher qualified by the SDTA. All ages welcome Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com

Island Dance Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre

French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2013-2014 from K1 to K3.

LG-05, DB North Plaza Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@la-petite-enfance.com www.la-petite-enfance.com

Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year Tel: 8122 9475 Email: admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com

Lullaby Layette Online Boutique for Newborns & Infants Tel: 5600-7605, info@lullabylayette.com www.lullabylayette.com

Apron Strings

Hands-on classes specially tailored for children, teens & adults

Prince & Princess

Kids Wear & Accessories Shop G13B, G/F., North Plaza Tel: 2947 9228 Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm www.prince-princess.com.hk

Full-time French Primary One (CP) & Primary Two (CE1) classes.

Block two, LG8, DB North Plaza Tel: 6071 3136 Email: info@pmcuriehk.com www.pmcuriehk.com

Tel: 9735 5724 www.apronstrings.com.hk

Little Explorers A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun!

Tel: 9327 0507

rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel: 2526 0720 Mon–Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm www.rush.com.hk

Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com

Bayview House of Children

Early Childhood Educational Center (Bilingual English-Mandarin) 12 months to 6 years old For details call Ramesha on 6114 2436 ramesha@bayview.hk; www.bayview.hk

Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years

ColourStorm Art Centre

Sunwood by Design International Bodyfit Swimwear Exercise and Yoga Wear Tel: 6626 5470 www.sunwood-by-design.com

Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Playgroups, parties, art-jamming and art classes for all ages!

Tel: 2325 3999 Address: LG-10, Office Block One, DB North Plaza. www.colourstormartcentre.com

Playtime Kids DB

In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP GNC Just Green Mannings Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome

2987 4401 2987 7486 2987 9331 2448 1180 2987 1720 2987 4089 2947 9092

FINANCIAL SERVICES

AlcaMat Financial & Accounting Services Ltd Accounting & Taxation, Business & Operation Consulting, China Trade Advisory, Company Formation & Secretarial, Immigration Assistance Tel: 2851 8081, info@alcamat.com, www.alcamat.com

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January 2013

Crafty Babes

Craftybabes is a fun, informal and creative playgroup for newborn to 24 months.

Tel: 9239 6447 Email: crafty.babes@hotmail.com, www.craftybabes.com

Dumper Trucks & Daisies

A Montessori based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child.

From 12 months to 4 years old Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

First Friends & Second Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com

Playgroup run by Montessori trained teacher. From 18 months to 4 years. Tel: 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House

2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine, DB Ferry Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

MULTIMEDIA Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution The Bookshop

2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777 2987 9372

OTHER SERVICES

Curves Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena

Limousine Rental

Apple Travel Tel: 2987 2626 Email: cas@appletravel.com

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

At Home in DB Information & Services for Residents of DB. Expat Relocation, Newcomer Orientation, Tours, Courses, Networking Tel: 9769 4701 Email: sue@athomeindb.com www.athomeindb.com

PetcoDB

Amity Shoe Care My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

Sports World All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: bruce@sportsworld.hk

Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody

Lifestyle Homes

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 6624 8712

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk

Limo service in HK & China  pick up from / to DB Tunnel  direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@yahoo.com DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELLBEING

Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk

DB Party Lovers 2914 2987 2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

RESTAURANTS 22º North Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Solera Sopranos Subway Super Super Kiraku Tei Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Casa Real Estate Ltd Centaline Property Agency Ltd EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Hong Kong Boats & Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong Ltd

Movement Improvement

Sportsmanship

Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com

The Best Travel Agency in DB

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 2298 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2555 0772 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2987 2886 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 6232

For all your party needs in DB Tel: 9132 5249 Email: dbpartylovers@gmail.com www.dbpartylovers.com

Little Miss Green The Party Queen Eco Party Supplies, Toys, Games & Gifts www.missgreenpartyqueen.com

Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure.

Tel: 2987 0614

Penny Scallan Design Unique and individual Tel: 6015 4050 hk@pennyscallan.biz www.pennyscallan.biz

Planting Ideas, Growing Minds.

Tel: 2987 2608 soyhongkong@gmail.com www.seedling.com.hk

Stuck on You Label It, Own It, Keep It! Tel: 2549 2245, 2987 2608 sales.hk@stuckonyou.biz www.stuckonyou.biz

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266 Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

Around DB's February 2013 issue coming out

February 1 January 2013

67

HEALTH Q&A

dental news The future for our smiles looks bright but don’t throw your toothbrush away just yet!

Stella Phillips, dental health educator at Bayside Dental DB, talks drill-less dentistry, tooth regeneration and good-old fluoride

Achieve a perfect smile in 2013 (www.submitarticle.us)

Are there any new methods to prevent tooth decay?

There is a giant amount of research currently underway.

One of the most interesting in terms of prevention comes from Japanese researchers who have discovered a method in which hydroxyapatite (a biomaterial) can be applied as a barrier to your teeth in thicknesses as low as 0.00016 inches.

A fascinating treatment method that’s under development is tooth regeneration gel. Instead of drilling and filling, dentists of the future may be able to apply a thin gel containing melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) to the cavity.

Currently there are positive results from studies on mice teeth but human studies have yet to be carried out!

What are dental sealants, and how long do they last?

Dental sealants are placed on the occlusal (biting) surface of molars to prevent dental caries (tooth decay). They fill in the pits and fissures of the teeth in order to reduce food trapping.

Sealants are suitable for children, adolescents and adults, and can be expected to last at least five years.

When will drill-less dentistry become a reality?

Drill-less dentistry is already happening – conservative techniques are constantly being developed in order to reduce the classic image of a drill-happy dentist. There are a number of methods out there to remove decay from your teeth. These include hard-tissue lasers and air abrasion, but the most effective way is still with a dental drill.

Is there a way to prevent gums receding?

The best way to prevent gum disease is through your own habits! Gum disease is easily preventable through careful brushing, flossing and mouth rinses, and regular cleaning at the dentist. Habits such as smoking add to the risk of gum disease. Receding gums happen when gum disease has escalated from gingivitis to periodontitis and there is loss of bone. There are experimental drugs, like teriparitide, under development that may help with bone repair but don’t expect them in the near future. We should also avoid brushing too hard to avoid gum recession.

Find more on health-related issues

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January 2013

What’s the latest word on the safety of amalgamtype fillings?

There is absolutely nothing to worry about. The media hype about the dangers of mercury released from amalgam restorations is grossly exaggerated and a number of healthcare associations (ADA, WHO, BDA, FDI, FDA) have all declared amalgams safe. Research has shown that mercury levels released are low but concerned pregnant women or nursing mothers are advised to discuss this with their dentist.

What role are lasers playing in the field of dentistry?

Lasers are becoming increasingly popular amongst dentists but are yet to prove themselves as an essential tool in mainstream dentistry. Lasers can be used in a variety of both soft- and hard-tissue procedures in a safe way for tooth whitening.

Do over-the-counter whitening procedures work?

The most effective tooth whitening is still achieved at the dentist, through a bleaching tray to use at home or in the clinic. Shop-bought whitening strips and gels can show good results, however, depending on the severity of the discolouration. Whitening toothpastes contain small abrasive particles that remove extrinsic staining on your teeth. Although somewhat effective, they will not do anything to change the actual shade of your teeth if they have discoloured over time.

Is it possible for dentists to reshape teeth?

Yes. Direct methods may include enamel re-contouring and use of restorative materials that blend in with your tooth shade in order to shape your teeth. If the situation calls for it, composite or porcelain veneers can be made after trimming of your teeth to create a nice smile. Veneers are commonly used for smile makeover procedures and studies have shown good longevity.

With so many toothpastes on the market today, which is best?

Go with fluoride.

You can contact Stella at info@baysidedentalhk.com

www.arounddb.com