STADIUM STORIES
Four residents reveal their best Sevens moments
FROM APP TO AMP
Riding the tech train to Nashville
POSITIVE PARENTING
The art of raising happy children
Life on the Fairway!
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PRINTING
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March 7 and 8
30TH TENNIS NATIONS CUP
DBRC is hosting the 30th Tennis Nations Cup on March 7 and 8 with match play from 8am to 6pm. Twenty teams (eight men and four women per team) are taking part, and all players are encouraged to wear fancy dress. There’s also a carnival from 10am to 5pm on both days at the DBRC lawn area – expect face painting, game booths, food kiosks and a bouncy castle. To find out more, visit dbrc.hk/en. [PHOTO BY www.richardgordonphotography.com.]
Starting March 20
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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. © AROUND
LOVE FROM LUKE BLOOD DRIVE
Founded by Discovery College alumni Jessica Inkin in 2022, Love From Luke is held annually to support Hong Kong’s blood donation efforts. There is truly no substitute for human blood, which is why every donor counts. A single donation can save up to three lives! This year’s drive is being held on March 3, from 11.30am to 6pm, at DC’s Senior Student Centre. Residents aged 16 and up are invited to participate and support. Scan the bar code to register.
Happenings STUFF TO KNOW
DUFFY AND FRIENDS PLAY DAYS
Everyone’s favourite Disney character franchise is taking centre stage at Hong Kong Disneyland from March 20, with Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel and LinaBell providing a series of fun fan experiences that feel both magical and warmly familiar. What we, and so many across Asia love about the gang is their curiosity, kindness and love of adventure, values that shine brightly during this seasonal event.
Bring your plushies along as you explore and stop for springtime photo ops set up just for Duffy and Friends’ fans. You can also drop by the Duffy and Friends Playhouse for a hug and a quick chat, then catch all seven characters marching, singing and dancing together in Friendtastic, the park’s largest parade.
StellaLou fans can see her perform with the Hong Kong Ballet in StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet , and the whole gang appears in Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle! alongside Mickey and Friends and the Disney Princesses. As night falls, Duffy and Friends are back on stage making a special appearance during Momentous: Party in the Night Sky.
If you’re planning an overnight stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, be sure to checkin on a Tuesday, with access to the Kingdom Club where Duffy, ShellieMay and LinaBell are taking turns to say goodnight to fans. Bring your own bedtime plushie and stop by before turning in for the night. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Hong Kong Disneyland.]
PROSPECTIVE PARENT OPEN DAY AT DC
Discovery College is holding an Open Day for prospective parents on March 11 from 8.30am to 10am. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the campus, get a deeper understanding of the school’s unique educational approach, observe lessons in progress and meet members of the student body and leadership team. Register to attend at https://shorturl.at/ZlMN5. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DC.]
& Events! IN MARCH!
COMMUNITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The DB 3X3 Community Basketball Tournament is back on March 14, from 9am to 4pm, at the Club Siena outdoor basketball court. The competition is open to players aged 15 and up, and in the mixed category there must be at least one female player on court. To find out more and enrol, visit FB @db.community.hk.
ORGANIC FARMING WORKSHOP
March 7
Learn how to grow healthy and delicious organic vegetables at DB Community Green Square on March 7, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The workshop is led by a team from from O∙PARK1, the city’s first organic resource recovery centre, with instruction in English and Cantonese. To find out more and enrol, visit FB @db.community.hk.
DBIS PTSA INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR
Head on down to Discovery Bay International School from 12pm to 3.30pm on March 7 to sample delicious foods from around the world at the DBIS PTSA International Food Fair. Choose from a wide variety of cuisines, enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, and catch up with friends while listening to live music. For more information, visit FB @dbishongkong. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
MARCH 07 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in Community Green Square from 2pm to 4.30pm. Visit FB @db.community.hk.
MARCH 14 | SHOP THE DB WEEKEND MARKET in DB South Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit handmadehongkong.com.
MARCH 15 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 2pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org.
ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit FB @dbmf.collection.
SWAP & SHOP FASHION SHOW
The student-led Swap & Shop Fashion Show, being held at Discovery College Theatre on March 13, from 6pm to 7.15pm, sets out to redefine style sustainably. In collaboration with Plastic Free Seas, the aim is to promote sustainable fashion practices within our community, while highlighting the talent and dedication of DC’s student designers and models. All proceeds from the show will be donated to PFS. Everyone is welcome, with tickets available at https://shorturl.at/cFyEb.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF DC.]
Through
March 26
LAI SEE PACKET RECYCLING
Do your bit by getting behind CM’s Lai See Packet Recycling Campaign running through March 26. You’ll find recycling boxes, where you can deposit as-new red packets at the DB Office Centre, DB Pier ticket counter and local management offices. To find out more, visit FB @db.community.hk.
ALL-WOMEN'S RUNNING GROUP
Fondly known as the Running Cult, DB’s all-women running group hits the trails four to five times a week. Regardless of individual distances, paces, or health goals, the ladies set out to support and inspire each other, finding solace and camaraderie in their shared passion for running. New members are welcome! To get involved, call Anita Schneider-de Vries on 5629 8123. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Anita Schneider-de Vries.]
DBIS SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENT
Discovery Bay International School is hosting a Sixth Form (Year 12 and 13) open event on March 12, from 6.15pm to 7.45pm, for parents of current and prospective students. Join the Secondary School’s leadership team for a presentation and tour of the school’s North Plaza campus, and find out why studying A Levels at DBIS is the right choice for your child. Go to dbis.hk/OpenEvents2026 or scan the QR code to register. For more information about DBIS, visit dbis.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]
PFS SCHOOL TALKS
For over 12 years, DB’s homegrown environmental education charity Plastic Free Seas has provided free education on plastic pollution to students of kindergarten age right through to university. The team has reached over 150,000 students in more than 400 local and international schools across Hong Kong. If you are a teacher, parent or student and would like to have PFS visit your school, visit www.plasticfreeseas.org.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF PFS.]
What's Happening Across HK!
HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVA L
Through March 29
Hong Kong Arts Festival, now in its 54th year, delivers a monthlong celebration of world-class performing arts through March 29. The festival is taking place across multiple venues including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, City Hall and Academy for Performing Arts, featuring music, dance, theatre, opera and mixed-media. For programme details and to book tickets, visit hk.artsfestival.org.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL
March 1 to 8
Running March 1 to 8, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival sees over 100 writers and artists gather at venues across the city for a series of talks, workshops, book launches and panel discussions. Now in its 25th edition, the festival highlights diverse voices across genres and themes, and covers everything from poetry to memoir, fiction to non-fiction. Book your tickets at eventbrite.com.
HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW
March 20 to 29
If you didn’t get your fill of flower power over CNY, head to the Hong Kong Flower Show from March 20 to 29 at Victoria Park. This year’s theme is ‘A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong’, and stocks are the featured flower. Expect vibrant floral displays, curated potted plants and stunning landscaping from over 200 local and international horticulturists. Admission is free.
March 21 to 22
COMPLEXCON HONG KONG
Premier pop and street culture festival
ComplexCon Hong Kong is back at AsiaWorld-Expo from March 21 to 22 bringing live music, curated fashion, exclusive sneaker drops and art. The twoday concert is big on K-hip-hop with Jennie, Jay Park and Crush headlining, alongside groundbreaking American rage rap artist Yeat. Book your tickets at klook.com.
March 21 to 29
HKWALLS STREET ART FESTIVAL
HKwalls Street Art Festival returns for its 11th edition from March 21 to 29. The event sees international and local artists painting murals across Central and Western, with guided tours and workshops for the general public. In the weeks leading up to the event, property owners can ‘donate’ a wall to see it transformed into a work of art. To find out more, visit hkwalls.org.
Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE
BEEN UP TO!
AT THE VIUTV SOUND BEAR FAMILY RUN
A whopping 4,000+ people turned out for the ViuTV Sound Bear Family Run on January 31 at DB South Plaza, and there was something for everyone: a 10km race (16 years and above); two 3km races (10 to 15 years, 16 years and above); and two parent-child beach obstacle races, plus a carnival. [PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires.]
ROMANCE ON THE BEACH
Tai Pak Beach transformed into the perfect setting for a romantic photo op on February 14 with over 7,000 LED candles arranged to form a galaxy of hearts. Live music was provided by local buskers The Flame. [PHOTOS BY Claire Al-Halabi.]
CNY CELEBRATIONS ACROSS DB
CNY was a blast in DB this year with a dedicated market on February 14 and 15, and lion dance parties at the DBRC and Club Siena on February 18. [PHOTOS BY Claire Al-Halabi.]
⾹港聖公會弘道堂 ⾹港聖公會弘道堂
Sundays 10am Wei Lun School Hall
逢星期⽇ 上午⼗時半
聖公會偉倫⼩學
Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Community Service
Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Community Service
第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜
第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學
第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜 第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學 Learn more
To a Tee!
LIFE ON THE FAIRWAY
DBGC coach and former golf pro Mimi Ho Miu-yee reflects on family, discipline and the unlikely joys of a game she loves playing far more than watching. Elizabeth Kerr reports
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Spires
Mimi Ho Miu-yee is sipping a drink at Coffee Academics looking, for lack of a better word, very golf-y, albeit in bright pink. Perhaps to no one’s shock, she’s just finished a round of golf, and lunch, with her dad and she’s in between coaching sessions. The Discovery Bay Golf Club coach and former pro begins with greetings on behalf of her mum, artist and past Around DB profile Judyanna Li, before reflecting on what took her to golf, a sport some call ‘a good walk, ruined’. Mimi chuckles, not taking it personally, and admits she can see where all those golf jokes come from.
“I don’t really watch golf movies. I don’t really watch that much golf,” she says, surprising herself. “On a list of sports I want to watch, golf would be last. When people say, ‘Oh, I love watching live golf,’ I say, ‘You’re joking right now.’ You’re literally fighting for a spot to see a sliver of a player 170 yards away. And then you bust your ass running to the next hole. If I do watch golf, it’s at home and I let the cameramen do their work.”
Mimi is relatively new to the DBGC coaching gig, but she knows the course like the back of her hand. She’s the sporty one of the family, having tried everything from tennis to tag rugby, and when she discovered the competitive nature of golf, she was hooked. She’s happy to mention her best game at the DBGC par 72 course, but her worst? “Let’s not go there,” she chuckles.
Mimi’s family (mum Li, older sister and construction entrepreneur dad Danny Ho), has been living in DB
since its earliest days in the 1980s. Mimi started playing at seven when her parents took up the game, at the time when Tiger Woods was peaking and spurring broader interest in the sport. “Seven is late, by the way. Right now, I’m coaching some kids that are three. It’s amazing,” she says of golf’s appeal. “For us, golf became a family thing, and it has thankfully stayed that way. There’s actually a good sense of a community to golf; it’s very sociable. And as cheesy as it sounds, you do learn a lot from it. It keeps you humble; you meet a lot of different people in different stages of life.”
Mimi, just shy of 30, was raised in DB, and after demonstrating a natural aptitude for golf, she attended Discovery College on a full scholarship (Year 9 to 13). Though the Kowloon school she started at was a good one, the local school system couldn’t support her travel for golf tournaments when her career really started to take off. “I was actually falling behind in school. I’m not wired that way, to do the work in that manner. My sister did really well in that system but international school was the right path for me.”
Mimi is almost wistful as she recalls her golf development days as a kid, journeying well over two hours to Hong Kong’s only public course, Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung, to practise. Her dad would lug her golf bag through the MTR, and occasionally take her golf clothes to work with him and pick her up after school to hit at a driving range.
“My dad made a lot of big sacrifices,” she says. Sacrifices that ultimately paid off when Mimi won a
THERE’S ACTUALLY A GOOD SENSE OF A COMMUNITY TO GOLF; IT’S VERY SOCIABLE
- MIMI HO MIU-YEE
full golf scholarship from California State University, Fresno, where she also completed a master’s degree in Sports Administration and certifications in golf biomechanics, elite coaching and kinesiology. “We’re not football players,” she cracks.
But Mimi credits her DB home town, where she still lives, as a critical factor in shaping her career. “The course at DBGC is a tricky one. It’s quite challenging. It’s slope-y, it’s mountainous. I think any golfers that come out of training there have a really good short game. There’s a saying, ‘You drive for show and you putt for dough.’ At the end of the day, you’ve got to get the ball into the hole and DB trains you to be a really good short game player. It was a perfect environment to get me where I am now.”
Which is a former HKGA Junior Squad member (at age 10), a national team member (12), and an NCAA Division 1 athlete. Mimi had intended to stay in California and work at the collegiate level
until Covid derailed her plans but returning to Hong Kong brought new opportunities. She got licensed by the Hong Kong PGA, coached at the American Club for 18 months and, in 2021, finally decided to go pro.
“I still had that itch to play,” she recalls. “I played with friends that had turned pro and I was, like, 'Dude, I still have my game.’ So I just bit the bullet.” Mimi played on the women’s Thai, China and Taiwan tours until 2025.
Currently Mimi coaches at the DBGC and teaches after-school programmes for kids from kindergarten age to 16, every day. She’s also an advisor at ChipChipGolfHK, which runs junior development programmes around the city that are open to all ages and all skill levels, designed especially to provide beginners with a feel for the game. “That’s how it should be,” states Mimi of making golf more accessible. She understands the perception of the game in Hong Kong as a pastime for the ultrawealthy and would like to see that change. Mimi has scads of tips for anyone considering taking up golf.
“First, I say do it. You can play it forever; you can play with knee pain. You can’t play basketball in your 60s. Well you could but it’s not going to be fun. You can make the game easier or harder; you can choose how athletic you want to be. And again, there’s that humility element. Most people are not humble enough.”
Mimi encourages trying out driving ranges, skipping the coach to start, playing mini golf and buying second-hand gear. “In Australia, anybody can play; you can literally get off work and just go in your jeans. When I was in college in California, we’d go to some public courses in sandals. I get the negative impressions golf leaves, and in Hong Kong it’s a business thing. But it’s a game. Make some mistakes. Have fun.”
When Mimi’s not at the gym or coaching, she’s probably firing up some horror or dystopian science fiction on her Kindle (current read: “crazy” splatter punk novel Blender Babies ). And because golf is one of those games whose fans have robust bucket lists (think baseball fans coveting a game beside Boston’s ‘Green Monster’), Mimi has a couple of targets too…
“Augusta,” she says immediately. “My teammate in college played its first collegiate women’s invitational, and the second year I was supposed to go with her as an assistant coach. Then Covid,” she laments. “And St Andrews. My dad is an official rules tester and he told me it’s pretty cool, but also really flat,” she finishes. “But really, in the end, the wind might be different and the ball might roll weirdly, so I could play DBGC one million more times. It’s never the same and I don’t think I’d get bored.”
MIMI AT DISCOVERY BAY GOLF CLUB
Festival Fever! SEVENS DREAMS, LOCAL ROOTS
In the lead up to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Sam Agars sits down with four Discovery Bay residents who have made it onto the game’s biggest stage
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Alessandro Nardoni, Hong Kong China Rugby Club, Pam Mirabella & Tim Alexander
There are few Hong Kong sporting events as iconic as the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and the three-day festival of rugby holds a special place in the hearts of many Discovery Bay residents.
In a place where rugby is such a big part of the community through the DB Pirates and beyond, the path from DB to Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po was well-trodden. That path now leads, of course, to the new stadium in Kai Tak and this year’s pilgrimage will be extra special as the Sevens, on from April 17 to 19, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
While most DBers will be going as fans, some will actually get to grace the turf of Kai Tak Stadium,
whether as part of the mini and youth rugby games and march past which gives youngsters the chance to soak up the atmosphere of the crowd, or – in the case of Alessandro Nardoni – actually representing Hong Kong.
After first living in DB way back in 2009 and starting his rugby career with the DB Pirates, Alessandro is back living in the community and, all going as expected, will be playing in his sixth Sevens come April.
While Hong Kong teams are no longer in the main draw of the Sevens and play in the Melrose Claymores competition – in which Hong Kong’s men and women were both victorious last year –
ALESSANDRO NARDONI (THIRD FROM RIGHT) RUNS OUT FOR A MELROSE CLAYMORES MATCH AGAINST CHINA LAST YEAR
FANS GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE CATHAY/HSBC HONG KONG SEVENS
TIM ALEXANDER (BACK ROW, THIRD FROM LEFT) CELEBRATING SHIELD SUCCESS IN 2010
RAPH AND TEDDY MCLEAY AT KAI TAK STADIUM IN 2025
PYROTECHNICS LIGHT UP KAI TAK STADIUM 12 MONTHS AGO
Alessandro has been lucky enough to play in the main event. He considers victory in the 2023 Shield – the award given to 13th place of the 16 teams –as his standout Sevens’ moment.
“Three years ago in the old stadium, we won the Shield, beating Canada in the final. That hadn’t been done by Hong Kong for over 10 years. Beating two circuit teams, that was definitely the highlight for me,” he says.
“As players, we want to inspire the next generation and show them there is the opportunity to become a professional in Hong Kong,” Alessandro adds. “The opportunity is there.”
While Alessandro has been blown away by the new stadium, he’ll never forget the buzz of running out at the old venue. “The atmosphere of Hong Kong Stadium was amazing,” he says. “Not many people get the support we do from the home crowd when we’re playing for Hong Kong. Just thinking about it now gives me goosebumps. There is a big change going to Kai Tak. The technology, the laser show, the atmosphere of a closed stadium and the music – it’s also amazing,” he says with a grin.
Alessandro has experienced every facet of the Sevens, playing in the mornings as a youth, living it up in the famed South Stand and competing against the best.
“I also went to the Sevens as a fan and spent time in the South Stand. That part is just unreal,” he says. “It just feels like a three-day festival. I enjoy rugby so I was actually watching some of the rugby but some of my mates had no idea what was happening on the pitch and they were just having a good time.
“The Sevens is special because there’s such a big buy in from people that live in Hong Kong – everyone looks forward to it. It’s a big party; people are dressing up, people enjoy a drink and the city comes alive during the weekend. There are a lot of events going on outside the stadium as well and that adds to the enjoyment.”
Like most, Alessandro is rather circumspect when asked for his best South Stand memory: “It is very good fun. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Another DBer who was lucky enough to play in the Sevens is Tim Alexander, stepping out for Hong Kong at the tournament on two occasions and experiencing Shield success in 2010.
“We beat Wales [in the pool stage], who were the world champs at the time,” says Tim. “The last try we scored [in the final], we got a turnover and it
went through four or five sets of hands to score. It was almost a length-of-the-field effort.
“The crowd was ridiculous. To be playing deep into day three on the Sunday when everyone was just topping themselves up from the Friday and Saturday, it was very loud. It was the first silverware Hong Kong had won at the Sevens for a long time.”
Tim, who has lived in DB for almost 10 years, is a Sevens regular as a fan these days and he’s under no illusion as to what makes the event so special: “The atmosphere is amazing and it’s truly global. It’s not just people from Hong Kong but people from every corner of the globe and they’re all there for the one reason and that’s to have a party.”
A raft of DB youngsters will again make the trek to Kai Tak this year to ply their trade on the pitch before the main event begins, including the McLeay brothers – 12-year-old Raph and nineyear-old Teddy. The boys have been to the Sevens twice, playing for the first time last year, with both brothers winning their games.
“It was cool because a lot of people were watching and it felt like you were actually playing in the Sevens,” says Teddy. “Being seen on the big screen was really cool.”
“The stadium is just so big. Playing and then getting to watch the rugby too was great. We won and at the end of the match there was a bit of a fight – a player threw the ball at one of our player’s heads and things got a bit heated,” adds Raph.
While the crowd was still building when they played, Raph and Teddy enjoyed being able to soak up the atmosphere during the march past later that afternoon. “Around 3pm we walked around the pitch before the next teams played and it was cool because everyone was there by that stage,” says Teddy.
While the players will be leaving no stone unturned to ensure they perform at their best at the world’s most-loved Sevens tournament, there will be plenty putting almost as much time into a different sort of preparation – costume selection.
While most subscribe to the mantra of ‘what happens in the South Stand stays in the South Stand,’ plenty also like to keep a lid on their costume ideas until the big weekend. If history is anything to go by it should be easy to spot the likes of Darth Vader, Wonder Woman, Superman, Ronald McDonald and the Harlem Globetrotters in the South Stand.
If you look hard enough, you might even find Wally.
CONNECT WITH KRISTIN JIANG TO REACH AN ENGAGED AND AFFLUENT AUDIENCE IN DISCOVERY BAY!
Discovery Bayʼs original community magazine, Around DB is the trusted provider of local information for DB residents. The magazine is delivered to every village in DB, plus key local businesses and we now also have a very active online presence. Our website receives over 45,000 visitors per month, and the Around DB Facebook and Instagram pages have more than 25,000 followers.
We are currently offering special advertising packages (both print and digital) for 2026.
For tailor-made advertising packages to reach our unique readership, email our sales manager Kristin Jiang at kristin@arounddb.com
FROM ROOTS TO RIGHTS
HARVEY LAW GROUP REVEALS HOW EASY
IT CAN BE TO CLAIM FRENCH CITIZENSHIP THROUGH LINEAGE
Many people are surprised to discover that you don’t need to be born in Europe – or have ever lived there – to qualify for European Union (EU) citizenship. For those with European roots, this opportunity often comes through Citizenship by Ancestry programs. Among these, France stands out today as one of the most generous and accessible options within the EU.
Nestled in Western Europe, France is a country celebrated for its diverse landscapes, historic cities and vibrant cultural life. Its capital, Paris, sits along the Seine River and is renowned as a global centre of art, fashion and gastronomy. With its excellent rail and air connections, Paris links seamlessly to major European destinations such as Brussels, London and Geneva, making France both a cultural beacon and a well-connected European hub.
CLAIMING CITIZENSHIP THROUGH ANCESTRY
In France, citizenship can be granted through jus sanguinis , or the right of blood. This means eligibility may be established based on ancestry, regardless of where you were born, the language you speak, your health status, or your familiarity with French culture. If you have a parent who was a French citizen – either by birth or naturalisation – at the time of your birth, you may qualify to apply for French citizenship by ancestry.
What’s remarkable about this pathway is that this opportunity isn’t limited to biological children; it extends to fully adopted children, provided the adoption took place at birth or during childhood.
In fact, eligibility under this path can flow through generations, making it possible for those with a French grandparent to claim citizenship. For example, if your grandparent was born in France to French citizen parents, your parent can secure French nationality through descent, allowing you to do the same. This ancestry connection opens the door for many to reconnect with their heritage and embrace the French way of life.
One critical aspect of this citizenship pathway is that your French ancestor must have retained their nationality to pass it on. Specifically, this means that French parents, settled outside France, must not have lost their connection to France for 50 years prior to submission of their children’s French citizenship by ancestry applications. This requirement ensures that the right to French citizenship can be transmitted seamlessly through generations.
WHY FRENCH CITIZENSHIP MATTERS
The advantages of acquiring French citizenship are substantial. With a French passport, you can live, work, or study anywhere within the EU without the need for a visa or strict residency regulations. It also opens doors to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 174 countries worldwide. Plus, since France permits dual citizenship, you can retain your current nationality while enjoying the freedoms that accompany being an EU citizen.
According to the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, by the end of 2024, over 1.7 million French citizens and their descendants living
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a worldwide presence expediating your immigration goals
lawyer to guide them through the application process, which includes submitting the application to the Paris Court. If everything checks out, a positive decision will be granted, opening the door to applying for a French passport, along with the rights and privileges of being an EU citizen.
Although processing timeline can vary by case, French authorities typically take about one to two years to process applications. Thankfully, there’s no need to travel to France during this process, making the path to French citizenship both accessible and manageable.
DISCOVERING YOUR PATHWAY
For individuals unsure of where to start or how to navigate the application process, professional legal guidance can be invaluable. Harvey Law Group, with over 30 years of experience in global residency and citizenship programs, is here to assist you in confirming your eligibility, preparing the necessary paperwork, and guiding you through each step toward obtaining French citizenship.
abroad were registered in the French civil status registry. The estimated total, including those not registered, is around 2.5 million. This statistic highlights the vast reach of the French diaspora worldwide, with many individuals unaware of their potential eligibility for citizenship through ancestral ties.
PROVIDING PROOF OF LINEAGE
Navigating the journey to French citizenship through ancestry begins with gathering the essential documentation that establishes the applicant’s connection to a French parent.
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What makes Harvey Law Group stand out in a sea of legal advisors? It’s their unique alliances with genealogy companies specialising in uncovering historical documents across more than 100 countries. This partnership is particularly invaluable for those who may not have clear lineage documentation, allowing you to find essential evidence that could strengthen your application.
Residency by I nv estme nt in over 6 continents over 20 c ountri es
Our progra ms:
For those lacking sufficient proof of this lineage, a thorough search for relevant records might be necessary before diving into the citizenship application. Once the required papers are in place, attention turns to preparing the certificate of French nationality application for submission.
Retirement Visas
Applicants living outside of France often find it beneficial to work with a knowledgeable French
The Harvey Law Group team also collaborates with apostille companies and government-approved translators in France, ensuring your documents meet all application standards and are accurately translated. This meticulous attention to detail means you can submit your application with confidence, knowing that every requirement is expertly handled.
So, if you're interested in securing French citizenship by ancestry, we recommend that you reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com. Our seasoned team specialises in guiding individuals through the complexities of the application process, ensuring that you get personalised support, expert advice and clarity at every stage of your journey toward obtaining French citizenship.
Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific
Citizenship by An cestry
HONG KONG
South Africa Vietnam Ivory Coast
Türkiye
Dominica
United Kingdom
At the Movies! 20 QUESTIONS
How much do you know about
Hong Kong cinema?
01. Which film, directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, is the inspiration behind Martin Scorsese’s The Departed ?
A. Hardboiled
B. I nfernal Affairs
C. PTU
02. In Wong Kar-wai’s Chunking Express , what food does Cop 223 obsess over after his break-up?
A. C anned pineapples
B. S trawberry ice cream
C. I nstant noodles
03. In Infernal Affairs , why does Lau Kin- ming panic when a phone rings during a police meeting?
A. H e could be exposed as a police mole
B. H e could be exposed as a triad mole
C. A b omb might be about to go off
04. In Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, why does Mr Chow move to Singapore?
A. To start a new life as a journalist
B. To start a new life with Mrs Chan
C. To care for his ageing parents
05. Which stunt sequence in Police Story is one of Jackie Chan’s most iconic?
A. He slides down a pole covered in Christmas lights
B. H e falls from a clock tower
C. H e jumps onto a moving hovercraft
06. In Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer, what makes the brothers so good on the field?
A. T hey were trained in the UK
B. T hey are superheroes
C. T hey use kung-fu techniques
07. What does Ip Man refuse to do during the Japanese occupation?
A. J oin the Japanese army
B. Teach martial arts for money
C. B eg for food
08. In John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, why is Ho sent to prison?
A. H e is framed by his brother
B. H e is betrayed during a counterfeiting deal
C. H e steals money from his boss
09. What secret do the landlords of Pigsty Alley hide in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle?
A. T hey are wanted criminals
B. T hey have zero fighting ability
C. T hey are retired kung-fu masters
10. In Stanley Kwan’s Rouge, why does Fleur’s ghost return to Hong Kong?
A. To find out why her lover broke their suicide pact
B. To relive her childhood
C. To relive her happiest night with her lover
11. In Peter Chan’s Comrades: Almost a Love Story, where do Li Xiang-Jun and Li Qiao meet years later?
A. London
B. Shanghai
C. N ew York City
12. In Johnnie To’s Election, what tradition determines who becomes the next chairman of the Wo Shing Society?
A. A fight between the two strongest candidates
B. Possession of a wooden dragon-head baton
C. T he elder triads cast a vote
13. In Stanley Tong’s Rumble in the Bronx, why does Keung get into a conflict with the local gang?
A. The gang kidnaps one of his family members
B. T he gang vandalises his uncle’s fiancée’s supermarket
C. H e refuses to join the gang
14. In Ann Hui’s A Simple Life, what happens to Ah Tao after she has a stroke?
A. S he goes back to work as a full-time maid
B. S he returns to her village in mainland China
C. H er former employer becomes her caregiver
15. What challenge does Wong Fei-hung face when he falls for the ‘13th Aunt’ in Tsui Hark’s Once Upon a Time in China?
A. S he belongs to a rival martial arts school
B. S he is his relative (by naming convention, not by blood)
C. S he is already engaged to another master
16. In Ching Siu-tung’s: A Chinese Ghost Story, why does Ning Caichen fall in love with Nie Xiaoqian?
A. S he shows him genuine ‘human’ kindness
B. S he is a reincarnation of his best friend
C. She transforms physically as one of his past lovers
17. In Herman Yau’s The Untold Story, who is Wong Chi-hang’s first victim?
A. M r Tsui
B. M rs Tsui
C. T he Tsui’s eldest son
18. In Mabel Cheung’s An Autumn Tale , what is Cher shocked to discover about her boyfriend Vincent?
A. H e’s been cheating on her
B. H e’s joined the triads
C. H e’s her half brother
19. What medical condition does Bing’s mother suffer from in Jessey Tsang’s Big Blue Lake?
A. Diabetes
B. A trial fibrillation
C. Dementia
20. In Fruit Chan’s The Midnight After where do the minibus passengers wake up?
A. Kowloon
B. Central
C. Macau
You can check your score at www.arounddb.com>post>at-themovies-hong-kong-cinema-quiz
Top Tips! FROM BOILED CAULIFLOWER TO BEETHOVEN
Learning an instrument can be slow, frustrating and occasionally soul-destroying but with smart apps and AI coaches, technology is making it easier (and cheaper) for you to hit the right notes. Andrew Spires reports
PHOTO COURTESY OF Pexels
Ioften wander into the kitchen and wonder why I’m there, and of late it’s taking me slightly longer than normal to remember the answer. Usually, it’s chocolate biscuits. In a wellintentioned effort to make sure my brain doesn’t turn into a boiled cauliflower as I progress into later life, I’ve been trying to learn an instrument.
If you’ve ever taken the time to learn an instrument, you’ll appreciate how soul-crushing the initial stage is. The first few months are akin to Sisyphus pushing his rock up that never-ending hill. It’s worth remembering that all this effort is not without reward. In a study by the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, it was noted that playing an instrument regularly was associated with a 35% lower dementia risk, and like all worthwhile endeavours, learning to play any musical instrument takes time and patience.
Whilst there are no hacks or shortcuts to getting good at tickling the ivories or plucking the G-string, there are now some cool bits of tech to help you on your melodious journey; a journey that’s undergoing a tech revolution.
Where previously you had a teacher and a shared physical space, now you have an app, meaning you can study anywhere you feel comfortable. From artificial intelligence that acts as a personal coach to platforms that transform practice into play, technology is making it easier and cheaper than
ever to puck and plink your way to finally learning an instrument.
Finding a great teacher can be tricky, and finding the time to visit a music coach can be even harder, not to mention the cost. Most teachers charge in excess of HK$300 per lesson, so you need to really want to learn to play Tears in Heaven to justify spending HK$1,200 a month on instruction. If you’re serious about lifelong learning, an inperson, real-life teacher is always going to win out. A friend of mine who has tried using music learning apps is now sending her eight-year-old daughter to in-person lessons. She said, “I think there's a lot you can learn through apps and online, but personally I think it's worth paying for face-to-face lessons if you can afford it. The teacher will not only help you learn but hold you accountable to keep you learning.”
But before you commit, why not try some costeffective tech to see if you enjoy learning an instrument as much as you thought you would.
First up for the piano or keyboard, I recommend Simply Piano. In much the same way kids are taught in schools by slowly building up the information, Simply Piano gently takes your hand and walks you, baby steps, into an actual song, rather than chromatic scales or arpeggios. The benefit of this is that you feel like you’re making progress with
a recognisable tune. Whilst it sounds like a quick fix – it’s crucially important to get the foundations correct before taking an instrument to another level – Simply Piano does get you hooked on learning quickly. The app has an audio function that listens to you play, adjusts the pace accordingly and recognises any bum notes you hit. You can set different goals, ranging from reading sheet music to playing your favourite songs. You can also select how often you want to practise. I recommend being realistic at the outset so as not to fall at the first hurdle and become downhearted.
The Simply Piano app costs HK$1,400 a year, so nowhere near as costly as a tutor, but progress does rely on you practising.
For guitar, I already have the basics down from when I was a teenager trying to learn Smoke on the Water, so I didn’t want to pay for an app. I’ve been really impressed with Guitar Tuna by Yousican. I stumbled onto it when trying to find a way to tune my guitar quickly and accurately. Like Simply Piano, Guitar Tuna can hear the notes you play, meaning you can tune up – and it also provides songs for you to play along with whilst following your speed. If you want to get more technical, there are a range of lessons, such as learning chords and an ‘ear trainer’ which plays a chord sound and you have to match it.
Maintaining motivation is one of the greatest challenges in learning an instrument. Music learning apps tackle this head-on through gamification, essentially applying video game concepts to learning an instrument. By tapping into the intrinsic motivation to keep levelling up, one becomes completely absorbed in the activity. Failing the game makes you want to start over to beat your high-score. This gamification element works especially well with kids. My two like to compete against each other to see who can get the longest clean run on the piano without errors.
They also love to find their favourite tracks from piano instructional videos on YouTube. I always used to use YouTube videos to learn how to change door handles and drain engine oil, but the kids have found a series of instructional videos by using simple search terms like ‘How to Play Für Elise on Piano’. There are great videos showing ‘first person’ hands on the keys, and the notes flow down the screen in a similar fashion to the famous video game Guitar Hero. YouTube doesn’t provide the feedback and structured learning that apps offer, but the videos are great tools once you’ve got to grips with the basics.
When riding the tech train to Nashville, it’s also well worth embracing AI. Moises.ai is a very cool
MAINTAINING MOTIVATION IS
ONE OF THE GREATEST
CHALLENGES IN LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT. MUSIC LEARNING APPS TACKLE THIS HEAD-ON THROUGH GAMIFICATION
application that allows budding musicians to upload any song and separate it into individual tracks. For example, a guitarist can isolate the lead guitar part of Hotel California to learn it note-fornote, or remove it entirely to practise along with the professional backing track. The software can also slow down complex passages without changing pitch and detect chords automatically, making song analysis and practice far more efficient. Ear training (the technical word for recognising a chord or note) and theory, once reliant on workbooks, are now interactive through websites like ToneSavvy and Teoria, which offer exercises cleverly disguised as games.
The future of music education is not about technology replacing human teachers. Instead, it should become a partnership. Whilst the app can sort the analysis of a student’s playing, human teachers are liberated to focus on their irreplaceable role; that of offering passionate encouragement, nuanced and tailored guidance, and the inspirational encouragement a student needs when they feel they aren’t making any progress.
Much like the invention of the washing machine made doing the laundry quicker and easier, music teaching apps offer another layer of support to those with dreams to one day play to an audience. Whilst these tools are breaking down traditional barriers of cost, scheduling and geography, you still need to have the dedication to learn, be able to commit the time and suffer the sore fingers to become a music maestro.
Bucket List!
6 ROCK ’N’ ROLL MUST-READS
For anyone who ever wanted to join a band
DAISY JONES & THE SIX: TAYLOR JENKINS REID (2019)
A Fleetwood Mac-inspired story about a fictional 1970s rock band’s meteoric rise, legendary album Aurora, and mysterious breakup after a final, iconic show. Reid focuses on the volatile, creative and romantic tension between fiery singer-songwriter Daisy Jones and brooding bandleader Billy Dunne, exploring themes of fame, addiction, love and artistry.
LIVING WITH THE DEAD: ROCK SCULLY (1996)
In the first memoir ever published by a member of the Grateful Dead family, one-time band manager Scully provides the full story of rock’s longest-running road show. He brings to life two decades of ceaseless touring, wild antics and musical experimentation, in which the Dead transformed from a folksy revivalist quintet to one of the most enduring legends in music history.
N&N’S INFINITE PLAYLIST: RACHEL COHN (2006)
Two music-loving New York teens embark on a chaotic, all-night adventure as they search for a secret show being put on by a legendary band. Told in alternating chapters, the story unfolds over a single night as they navigate band drama, drunken friends and their own insecurities, culminating in an unexpected first date that’s fuelled by their shared passion for music.
THE COMMITMENTS, RODDY DOYLE (1987)
Jimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed Dubliner, forms The Commitments to bring Motown-style R&B to Ireland. The novel, the first in Doyle’s Barrytown Trilogy, chronicles the band’s raw talent, energetic rise, internal clashes and sudden collapse. The authentic, colloquial dialogue captures the spirit of 1980s Dublin and the transformative power of music.
THE GROUND BENEATH HER FEET: SALMAN RUSHDIE (1999)
An epic rock ‘n’ roll love story about the tumultuous relationship between Indian rock stars Vina Apsara and Ormus Cama, narrated by their childhood friend, photographer Rai Merchant, as they rise from postcolonial Bombay to global fame. Rushdie explores themes of love, loss, celebrity and alternate realities through a reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.
31 SONGS: NICK HORNBY (2003)
A funny, relatable and heartwarming collection of essays in which Hornby discusses his 31 favourite pop/ rock anthems, and what they mean to him. He explores the profound emotional impact of music, and how it serves as a soundtrack to life, delving into why specific tracks resonate, ranging from nostalgic connections to deep lyrical appreciation.
Vacation Time! WEST CORK COAST
The place to be on St Patrick’s Day
ALTHOUGH NOT DEFINED BY A BORDER, the West Cork Coast lies to the west of Cork City and continues down to Ireland’s most southerly point at Mizen Head. Its breathtaking coastal views, historic sites and charming seaside towns are easily equal to those found in the Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry, and they are relatively crowd free.
THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY is a 2,500-kilometre driving route that delivers an unforgettable look at Ireland’s western coast: West Cork’s portion of the route runs from Kinsale to the Beara Peninsula. Marvel at the rugged cliffs and crashing waves; stop off at picturesque fishing villages, like Ballydehob, Skibbereen and Schull; and admire the golden sand beaches.
BANTRY HOUSE IS A STRIKING EXAMPLE of Georgian architecture with glorious grounds to explore. Built by Richard White, the first Earl of Bantry, in the 18th-century, the estate has been passed down through the Hare family for generations. Take a guided tour to admire the grand reception rooms and a marvellous collection of artwork and antiques.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
FASTNET LIGHTHOUSE PROTECTS AGAINST SHIPWRECKS
in the surrounding waters, and is affectionately known as the Teardrop of Ireland. Perched on a rock, it’s not open to the public but you can take a ferry ride out to see it up close. These tours also take you to Cape Clear Island, a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area, which homes a bird observatory.
MIZEN HEAD TOWERS ABOVE
THE ATLANTIC at Ireland’s southern tip. From the Maritime Museum, you can climb down 99 steps to cross Mizen Head Footbridge. This dramatic suspension bridge stretches across a gorge that separates the mainland from the Mizen Peninsula. As you take in the waves crashing 45 metres below, you may spot the resident colony of seals.
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY, March 17 this year, is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Ireland, and arguably the place to be is Clonakilty – De Barra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty, to be exact. Grab a locally brewed Guinness, craft beer or whiskey and settle back as musicians gather to play traditional fiddles, flutes and bodhráns.
THE DRUID’S ALTAR AT GLANDORE
dates back to the Bronze Age. The 9.3-metre stone circle originally consisted of 17 closely spaced stones of which 13 survive. Two taller stones mark the entrance to the circle, and face a recumbent altar stone. This arrangement creates a south-west axis, and orients the monument in the direction of the setting sun during the midwinter solstice.
Beyond Stickers! THE ART OF RAISING HAPPY CHILDREN
Clean rooms and completed homework matter but they’re not what make children thrive. Happiness is built through connection, confidence and resilience – and being shown how to enjoy life
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels
We put a lot of focus into teaching our kids to clean their rooms, act responsibly and do their homework. These things are important, but there’s one thing that’s more important: teaching kids to enjoy life. As parents, there is nothing we want more than to make sure our children are happy. Their contentment and wellbeing, after all, is – in some ways – within our power. But what makes a happy child? Is it giving into their every whim – and granting them more screen time – or is it about building secure attachments, validating their experiences and encouraging autonomy?
Being happy, proud and fulfilled aren’t just emotions that leave us feeling warm and fuzzy. Concrete positive outcomes are life-affirming, and they are associated with better school attendance, better academic performance, better self-esteem and better overall health. So how do we raise our children to be happy?
While happiness may seem rather basic – one is either happy or not – many things can contribute to a child’s happiness. External stimuli, for example, may make a child happy (or, conversely, it could make a child sad). Validation can result in peace and contentment, and friendships can be full of pleasure and joy. But there is no one thing which makes children happy. There is also no way to ensure a child is always happy. Full-time happiness is a myth, something that is impossible to attain. Still, there are skills you can teach your children to help them enjoy life to the full.
Nurturing resilience is essential: empowering children to be resilient sets them up for positive, constructive experiences and helps them learn how to deal with difficult situations. It can also help them bounce back, when stressors occur. Encourage your children’s ability to successfully adapt, positively transform and return to their baseline despite being surrounded by stressors and adversity.
Teaching kids to believe in themselves is never a bad decision, so instead of mollycoddling or overprotecting, focus on building autonomy and self-efficacy. Once children have control over their own decision-making and become confident in their decisions, they feel empowered to take an active part in creating their own happiness. Encouraging problem-solving – in school, with friends and with you – is a first step. By talking through difficult situations, you help your child learn how to handle the problems they’re facing currently and that they will face in the future.
Empathy, being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, is a skill everyone should learn. Children benefit from appreciating each other’s
MODEL WHAT HAPPINESS MEANS TO YOU: FROM PRACTISING SELF-CARE TO MEDITATING, READING AND PLAYING PICKLEBALL, ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES THAT BRING YOU HAPPINESS WILL ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO DO THE SAME. ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR CHILD’S WELLBEING IS
TO ATTEND TO YOUR OWN
similarities and differences, and the ability to empathise with the people around them helps them build fulfilling relationships. Likewise, it’s important for children to understand the need for emotional regulation and impulse control. Incorporating mindfulness into their routine and encouraging them to be aware of their feelings helps with this.
Children need to feel supported (and loved) in order to become happy and healthy. They also need to be inspired by your own attitude to life and willingness to embrace happiness. Here are a few ways you can do that.
Foster connections: let your children see that you are actively involved in other people’s lives and, most importantly, their own. Spend quality time together having fun. Have meaningful conversations with them about school, friends and hobbies. Talk through and validate their experiences, and be open and honest about your own.
Model what happiness means to you: from practising self-care to meditating, reading and playing pickleball, engaging in activities that bring you happiness will encourage your child to do the same. One of the best things you can do for your child’s emotional (and physical) wellbeing is to attend to your own.
Practise gratitude: help your children feel safe, secure and happy by expressing thankfulness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, prioritise their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. So how do you foster gratitude in children? One simple way is to ask them to take time daily – before or during a meal, for example – to name aloud something they are thankful for. Then, make it a regular ritual.
Discourage consumerism: children need to understand that while money can give them the opportunity to be happy, they can’t consume their way to happiness. How do you teach them this? Start
by explaining that shopping is not a recreational activity, and follow through by limiting time spent in stores and malls. Many children get so much stuff given to them that it quickly becomes overkill. By giving children too many gifts, you encourage them to believe that having things brings happiness – so try to avoid that, even on birthdays.
As for your own birthday, use it as an opportunity to reinforce your values. You might discourage gifts and instead ask your child to share a memory with you of a favourite family activity. You can also help your children dream up gifts for your spouse that will be meaningful, like a handmade card, a home-baked cake or a self-penned poem.
Play games with your children to demonstrate how much fun can be had with a simple deck of cards. Pitch a tent or bake a cake with them to show the pleasure of a productive activity. Go to a museum to show them the pleasure of an intellectual activity.
It sounds counterintuitive, but the best thing you can do for your children’s long-term happiness may be to stop trying to keep them happy. If we put our children in a bubble and grant them their every wish and desire, that is what they grow to expect… but the real world doesn’t work that way.
To keep from overcoddling, recognise that you are not responsible for your child’s happiness. If we feel responsible for our children’s emotions, we have great difficulty allowing them to experience anger, sadness, or frustration. We swoop in immediately to give them whatever we think will bring a smile to their face, or solve whatever is causing them distress. Unfortunately, children who don’t learn to deal with negative emotions are in danger of being crushed by them as adolescents and adults. Once you accept this, you’ll be less inclined to try to ‘fix’ their feelings – and more likely to step back and allow them to develop the coping skills and resilience they’ll need to bounce back from life’s inevitable setbacks.
Of course, if you really want to bolster your child’s self-esteem, focus less on compliments and more on providing them with ample opportunities to learn new skills. Mastery, not praise, is the real selfesteem builder. The great mistake good parents make is doing too much for their children.
While it can be difficult to watch our children struggle, they’ll never know the thrill of mastery unless we allow them to risk failure. Few skills are perfected on a first try, becoming proficient in something takes practice. And through repeated experiences of mastery, children develop the can-do attitude that lets them approach future challenges with the zest and optimism that are central to a happy life.
ENCOURAGE KIDS TO FIND PLEASURE IN ALL SORTS OF ACTIVITIES: AVOID RECREATIONAL SHOPPING
Win free drinks from Uncle Russ!
Answer the riddle, head to the DB destination we’re hinting at, take a hi-res photo and email it to admin@arounddb.com
GIVE US YOUR INSTAGRAM HANDLE: We’ll tag you when we announce the winner!
WHAT YOU GET: Four complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar
EMAIL US BY: March 15
Caitlin Cakouros
RIDDLE
SOLVED LAST MONTH’S RIDDLE and emailed us this photo of DB NORTH CLOCKTOWER
We hope you enjoy your complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar!
Play Think Create in Discovery Bay!
BRAIN BOOSTER!
AMAZING PINK DOLPHINS OF OUR WATERS!
Lantau’s coast is one of the best places in Hong Kong to see pink dolphins. They prefer shallow waters like those off North Lantau and Tai O. If you’re lucky you might even spot one when you take the ferry to Central. Here are some fun facts!
WHAT THEY ACTUALLY ARE
Their scientific name is Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin though many people call them Chinese white dolphins.
WHY THEY LOOK PINK
Their blood vessels are very close to the surface of their skin so they are pinkish especially when they swim fast.
COLOUR CHANGES
Female dolphins often look pinker than males, and baby dolphins are dark grey – they lighten as they get older.
THIS MONTH’S CHALLENGE!
DOLPHIN!
Use paints, crayons, pencils, or anything you like. Any size, any style – just have fun!
BUILT DIFFERENT
They are heavier and bulkier than many dolphin species so they splash about more than they leap.
HOW THEY COMMUNICATE
They swim in small groups called pods, and they use clicks and whistles to ‘talk’ to each other.
ONE EYE OPEN
They surface for air every two to eight minutes, and they swim 24/7 because they sleep with one eye open.
Pink dolphins are naturally rosy, so don’t hold back with the pink!
Ask a grown-up to email your drawing to rachel@arounddb.com. You might see it in the next issue or on our Instagram page!
because of habitat loss, heavy traffic, construction and pollution. So, if you want to see them up close, choose an eco-friendly tour like Hong Kong DolphinWatch.
The DolphinWatch guides provide fun facts about dolphin life and behaviour, and explain why they need our help. They focus on protecting dolphins, not chasing them. The boats keep a safe distance so the dolphins aren’t scared or stressed. @hkdolphinwatch.com
PINK
MAKE IT!
COLOURFUL PAPER KITE
A fun outdoor craft you can fly on a breezy spring day
YOU’LL NEED:
oloured paper or light card
wo short sticks
OW TO MAKE IT: ut your paper into a diamond shape ape or glue the sticks across the back in a cross shape ie string around the four corners to make the piece of string to the centre for flying ue or tape ribbons to the bottom to make a tail ecorate your kite with drawings, patterns
BONUS PUZZLE!
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES
Can you find all five?
Help expand the ADB archives!
The magazine archives at arounddb.com go back to our first ever issue in October 2002 but we are missing some issues from the very early days –2002 to 2010.
Weʼd love to hear from you if you have any old copies that would help us fill these gaps. Weʼd scan and return them! Please email us at admin@arounddb.com.
•Use the food-waste bins and the plastic-bottle, paper, metal, glass and drink-box recycling bins located in every village
•Recycle contact lens packaging at South Plaza
• Deposit good-condition toys in the DB Mothers & Friends’ collection boxes (located at Costa Court, Brilliance Court and Midvale bus stop), and barely-used clothes in one of the many smart bins located around DB
Did you know you can ONLY recycle plastic bottles #1 and #2, paper, metal and glass in your building's recycling bins? Infront of Parkridge 10am - 1pm, 2.30 - 5.30pm
DISCOVERY BAY
Co-working Space@DB
Hybrid workspace encouraging interaction between members.
The hi-tech, ergonomic interior is boosted by a spacious outdoor lounge area Located at DB North. Call 2426 8828
Auberge Discovery Bay
Five-star hotel in DB North with 22 mountain/ ocean-view rooms & suites. Meetings & events, dining, wellness & recreation. 25 minutes from HKIA. Call 2295 8288
Harvey Law Group
International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services, including investment residency programmes. Meeting facilities in DB North. Call 2416 8618
HK Dragons Football Club
Coaching for girls & boys aged 2.5 to 14 years at DBIS & DB North pitches. The professional coaches (FA level 2 or above) are First Aid & CPR qualified. Call 2987 4274
Harry Wright
Trusted swim partner offering expert-led lessons at Club Siena with a structured progression system, small group sizes & international-standard coaching. Call 2575 6279
Tekkerz
Curriculum for U3 to U14 boys & girls designed to develop technical skills & overall game play by using a ‘maximum touch’ approach. Training at DB North pitch. Call 9770 4548
Open Book Learning Hub
Phonics & literacy programmes designed to nurture kids’ reading, writing, spelling & language skills through personalised instruction. Located in DB South. Call 9665 8740
EPS Property Consultants Ltd
DB’s trusted property consultants for buying, selling & renting homes. Top listings & expert guidance provided for first-time buyers, seasoned sellers & renters. Call 2987 2023
Ebeneezer’s
Feather & Bone
Figos Seaside Café
JOO Korean Grill & Bar
Koh Tomyums Thai
Levain Bakery
Liang She Han Buy Good
McDonald’s
MOOJOO Lifestyle Café
ÓNA
Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant
Pachanga
Pasha
Peony
Pho Bay
PizzaExpress
Smokey Joe’s
Spicy Tiger
Subway
Sushi
DISCOVERY BAY
0767
4922
7827
2987 1033
5122 5928
3619 0937
5401 8350
2626 3008
6340 0903
2215 0833
3619 0932
3164 1340
5784 7101
3383
Spring Fever! WHY MARCH FEELS DIFFERENT
Brighter mornings, busier minds and a restless energy in the air – time for a seasonal reset
Warmer Days
UNDERSTANDING THE EQUINOX WHAT’S TRENDING
# 1 World’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Bar Leone, Sheung Wan. Italian-inspiredcocktail popolari & warm hospitality #2 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: The Chairman, Central. Ingredient-forward dishes, Cantonese fine dining
Peach gum: rich in collagen
Tea-forward menus: oolong, pu’er Sakura-flavoured everything Korean Dubai Chocolate Cookie
Bali: TripAdvisor’s #1 travel destination 2026
Mainland cities: Dongguan, Zhanjiang
Phu Quoc: Vietnam's rising star
Tokyo: It’s cherry blossom season!
1/4-page print ad (classifieds)
Digital banner
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
HKD3,000
Full-page print ad (extra HK$500 for main section)
Digital banner
eDM advertorial
2 social media posts (IG + FB)
Editorial coverage
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
Online directory listing (HK-wide businesses)
1/2 page print ad (extra HK$500 for main section)
Digital banner eDM advertorial
1 social media post (IG + FB)
Print and online directory listing (DB businesses)
Online directory listing (HK-wide businesses) (per month)
(per month)
HKD9,500 (per month)
Online directory listing (HK-wide businesses)
HKD6,000
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HARVEY LAW GROUP (HLG)
Fo un ded in 19 92 , Har vey Law Group is a prem ier multinational law fir m, s peciali zing in Res idency by I nv es tment ( RB I) and Citize n by In v estme nt (CBI) for over 30 y ear s. W it h ove r 20 office s world w ide rep resen ting over 30 di ffe rent cou n tries and th eir res pecti ve In ves tme nt I mm igratio n progra ms , Harve y Law Group h as prov ided it s se rv ices to ov er 10 ,00 0 families from all aro un d the w orld. As the de m and for In ve stment I mm igration prog rams grows , var ious emergi ng co m pa n ies ha ve latc h ed on to the se rv ice offe rin g, but Ha rv ey La w Group remai ns the on ly legacy la w fir m that s peciali zes in I nv estment Im m igratio n as a di s cipline .
Ou r p rogram s:
Resi de n cy by I nve st me nt i n ov er 6 c on t in en ts o v er 2 0 c ountrie s
Re ti reme nt Vi sa s
by Investment programs in the
Europe and Asia
ti z en s hip by Anc
HONG