KARTING FOR A DECADE
Enrol to compete in the 10th HLG Kart Race
MAVERICK WANG IS COMMITTED TO LIFE IN DISCOVERY BAY AND TO CRAFTING BEER IN DB FOR DBERS
RUN BEYOND LIMITS
How to train for a 10K in eight weeks
WASTE NOT WASTE NOT HUNGER
NOT HUNGER NOT
NOT‧
WITH LOVE WITH LOVE
Food AngelFOOD ANGEL FOOD ANGEL
Food Angel is a food rescue and food assistance program different sectors of the nutritious and communities in
Food Angel is a food rescue and food assistance program launched in 2011 with the mission of "Waste Not, Hunger Not, With Love".
The program rescues edible surplus food from different the food industry that would otherwise be disposed of as waste. Following strict safety protocols, the rescued food items will then be prepared as nutritious meals in our central kitchen and food packs. They will be distributed to serve the underprivileged communities Hong Kong.
Currently, Food Angel rescues 33 tonnes of edible surplus food each week, producing over 20,000 nutritious meals and helps distribute over 6,500 other meals and food packs daily free of charge for people who are in need of food assistance.
Food Angel nutritious food assistance. over and 32
million nutritious and is both body and
Since its founding in 2011, Food Angel has collected over 16 million kg of edible surplus food and produced over 32 nutritious meals. By reducing food waste and providing food assistance, our mission is to nourish both the body and soul of those who need it most.
HELP US SERVE 40,000+ MEALS A DAY HELP US SERVE 40,000+ MEALS A DAY
NOT‧ US DAY A DAY
Food Angel Jockey Club Food Production Centre is a new milestone for Food Angel this year. It helps to expand the meal production capacity to 40,000 meals or more daily with larger facilities and automated machinery. To support our daily operations, we require more food ingredients and volunteers. Community and business support are essential for increasing production to 40,000 meals or more, allowing us to meet the needs of our society.
The Food Production Centre a new milestone for Food Angel this year. It helps to production daily larger facilities and automated and essential increasing allowing needs of our society.
difference! Your support help and foodangel.org.hk
Join us in making a difference! Your support can help us secure the ingredients and resources necessary to provide hearty meals and warmth to those in need.
Together, we can let lives be enriched through giving and receiving! foodangel.org.hk
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES ANDFULLKITCHEN OUTDOOR BBQ
WorkspaceDiscover Your Ideal
PRIVATE ZOOM MEETINGANDROOM
HIGH-SPEED WIRELESS AND WIRED INTERNET
, where innovation meets comfort! Nestled in the blend of indoor and outdoor environments designed to cater to today’s dynamic work needs. in our thoughtfully designed hybrid workspace. bined with a sun and comfort. Whether you prefer the tranquility of indoor environments or the refreshing open air, we have the perfect spot for you – with views!
Our layout encourages integration and interaction among members. Engage with fellow professionals and cultivate relationships in an inspiring setting that encourages creativity.
Our workspace is equipped with everything you need for a productive day, including a printer, scanner and shredder, a full kitchen and outdoor BBQ for social gatherings. We also provide free coffee and snacks to fuel your work!
Join us and become a part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
CONTACT US
P: +852 6117 1889
E: info@arounddb.com
W: www.arounddb.com
RACHEL AINSLEY
Managing editor rachel@arounddb.com
KRISTIN JIANG
Sales manager kristin@arounddb.com
SARIN ALE
Art director
sarin@arounddb.com
KAYLI LIEBENBERG
Digital marketing coordinator kayli@arounddb.com
ANDREW SPIRES
Photographer andrew.j.c.spires@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Ray Au, Mervyn Black, Elizabeth Kerr, Peter Sherwood, Andrew Spires, Inka Viirret
PRINTING
Promise Network Printing Ltd, G/F, Block B, Phase 4, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, Kwun Tong Rd, Kowloon
ADB OFFICE
L/G Unit 3, Block 1, 92 Siena Ave, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
CLIMATE FRESK CHALLENGE
BLOOD DONATION IN DB PLAZA
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.
© AROUND DB 2025
Through September 28
Climate Fresk – the global non-profit, gamified education tool for climate change – has arrived in DB with a shorter, family-friendly version of the workshop lined up for October 18. In the two-hour workshop, players (aged 10 to 15) create a Fresk (fresco) alongside their parents, using simplified cards to link the causes and effects of climate change. The aim of the game is to engage participants in the fundamental science behind climate change and empower them to take action. To find out more and enrol, email Sophie at climatefreskhk@gmail.com or scan the QR code to register.
If you are in good health, weigh 41kg or above and are aged between 16 and 65, you are eligible to donate blood to save lives. Given the ageing population and the increasing demand for blood transfusion, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service is proactively recruiting new donors across Hong Kong. The BTS’ mobile blood donation vehicle is in DB Plaza from September 26 to 28 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. To book a time to donate, go to https://forms.gle/NBswTbjS4DF94eUX7. To find out more, call 2238 3601.
Happenings STUFF TO KNOW
LOVE IS IN THE AIR: PAVILION POP-UP CAFÉ
Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong’s iconic Pavilion has transformed into an inviting and hugely Instagrammable pop-up café, open every Saturday and Sunday through September 28 from 2pm to 7pm. This is your chance to enjoy a refreshing selection of drinks and desserts at one of Hong Kong’s most romantic, beachfront venues!
Should time spent at the Pavilion pop-up café lead to a marriage proposal (and why wouldn’t it?), know that you are in the right place. The Auberge’s expert event planners can coordinate every element of your ceremony and reception, from the floral arrangements and menu choices, to entertainment options and celebrants, leaving you free to enjoy every moment.
First stop the Pavilion to exchange your vows: standing at a stately 16m with towering beams, the space is flooded with natural light and welcomes up to 120 guests.
With the ceremony taken care of, there’s the option to party on at either the Auberge’s Grand Azure Ballroom or the first-floor Marine. For couples who opt for a formal sit-down dinner, the Grand Azure can welcome up to 576 guests. Measuring an expansive 702m² and featuring 7.8m ceilings, the sumptuous, pillar-free space can also be transformed into a cocktail reception for 700 guests. The Marine, meanwhile, comes in at 349m² and provides an equally flexible backdrop for your celebration. Full-length windows invite plenty of natural light, as well as panoramic sea views. To find out more and get talking to a wedding planner, visit www.aubergediscoverybay.com.
MAKE A FLORAL CONE
You can enrol to take part in a family-friendly Floral Cone Workshop on September 6 from 11am to 1pm at Discovery Bay Office Centre in DB Plaza. Instruction is in Cantonese and English, and all ages are welcomed – up to three people in a group. Register on a first-come-first-served basis at https://forms.gle/ g4fwcGK6YGdvm6jD7.
& Events!
IN SEPTEMBER!
RUN THE DB 10K
Open to runners, walkers and families alike (bring your strollers and your pets), there’s a place for everyone at the DB10K on November 1. This year’s proceeds are going to two local rescues: Hong Kong Paws Foundation and Tails of Lantau. To join the community in celebrating fitness, friendship and philanthropy, visit www.db10k.com.
Dear readers,
We're excited to announce that we'll be unveiling a brand -new website in mid -SeptemberI The site, designed by longtime DBer Thomas Corbin and the team at Digital Nova, is packed with info, has a fresh look and is easy to navigate. By visiting www.arounddb.com, you'll be able to read our latest articles, stay updated on community news and events, sign up for our newsletters and explore advertising opportunities. Plus, there'll be the option to dive into our archives, to read articles from every issue dating back to our very first in 2002.
Stay tuned for updates on the launch of the all-new www.arounddb.com on Facebook I Instagram aAround DB, and get ready to explore DB like never beforeI
We hope you like what you seeI
The Around DB team O
Peony Chinese Restaurant has secured the coveted title of Must-Eat Cantonese Restaurant with the highest number of online votes in Weekend Weekly’s Dining Award 2025. This prestigious award scheme gathered top restaurants from across Hong Kong, inviting foodies to vote for their favourite establishments. Peony chefs were praised for capturing the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine, while embracing innovation. To book a table, call 2215 0833.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SEP 06 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit FB @DynamicDBers.
SEP 14 | SHOP THE DB MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.
SEP 20 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 2.10pm. 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.
WOLVES
PRIVATE CLUB
Three-year DB residents Tatiana Solomatina and Vladimir Bourov have launched Wolves Private Club: a paid membership club exclusively for men. Says Tatiana: “The Wolves motto is ‘Support, Uplift and Empower One Another’. As an executive leadership coach and former military special forces instructor, my husband is committed to raising awareness and inspiring others by leading by example.” Every week, different activities and events are provided where members come together to share challenges and triumphs, forge deeper connections and develop their understanding of longevity and leadership. While Wolves is designed for men, family-inclusive events are also a focus. To join the pack, visit wolveshk.com.
SLIDER NIGHT AT SMOKEY JOE’S
Beef, beer and barbeque!
Chef Joey has a new smoker!
Smokey Joe’s in DB North is our new go-to for juicy, handcrafted burgers, hearty sandwiches and perfectly aged steaks. Head there on Thursday evenings – slider night –to sample delicious sliders grilled at Chef Joey’s new smoker and enjoy an extended happy hour. Special offers include three sliders and a side of fries or onion rings for HK$120, and eight smoked wings for HK$98. To book a table, visit smokeyjoesdb.com, or call 5784 7101.
MY PET STORE SUPPORTING RESCUES
Kudos to the team at My Pet Store in DB North who were inspired by the recent black rain storms to bring the community together to support animals in shelters. They’ve set up collection points – at the store and on Headland Drive – to enable residents to donate old towels, sheets and blankets to help keep rescues warm and dry. All donations will be taken to Villa Kunterbunt Lantau, the Mui Wo-based sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehoming pets. To know more, call My Pet Store on 2987 8873.
September 13 Hawaiian
BOTANICAL PRINTING WORKSHOP
Residents aged six years and up are invited to take part in a Botanical Printing Workshop on September 13, from 10am to 1pm, at Discovery Bay Office
Centre in DB Plaza. Instruction is in Cantonese and English, and attendees learn how to make their own printed tote bag and printed cotton canvas using locally foraged plants or kitchen waste. This is your chance to get creative, learn new skills and practice eco-friendly living. Register on a first-come-first-served basis at https://forms.gle/MfyzPvWg7MTqNSmi8.
ALOHA KELAPA!
DB-based @gabymakes has branched out with a new Hawaiian shirt business – Kelapa, meaning coconut in Bahasa. Crafted for comfort and designed for impact, the shirts are sourced, printed and handmade in Bali, and brought to life by a global network of textile designers, tattoo artists, illustrators and painters. The team has pledged to donate 5% of each shirt sold to a Balinese charity of your choice: Green School Foundation, Bali Children Foundation or ZeroWaste Center. Sign up to receive 10% off your first order at www.kelapabrand.com.
World Cleanup Day! September 20!
Help clean a DB beach
GET READY TO CLEANUP
On September 20, World Cleanup Day, millions of people in over 190 countries are expected to participate in cleanup efforts and educational initiatives related to waste management and sustainable practices. World Cleanup Day is a global social action programme focused on tackling the issue of solid waste and pollution worldwide. Cleaning beaches is a focus in DB.
JOIN DB’S WORLD CLEANUP DAY EVENT
Our main beach, Tai Pak Wan, is cleaned once a day by DB City Management contractors, but the other beaches such as Sam Pak Wan and Nim Shue Wan are not part of DB so they do not get the same treatment. Government contractors clean maybe once or twice a week, or less. Volunteers sometimes clean the beaches and, together with Plastic Free Seas, DB Green has been hosting a monthly beach cleanup for residents since 2007 when DB Green was founded. Sign up for their World Cleanup Day event at Sam Pak Wan by emailing info@plasticfreeseas.org.
ORGANISE YOUR OWN BEACH CLEAN-UP
1. C heck the Clean Shorelines website to ensure that no one e lse is cleaning the beach around the time you are planning. I nform Clean Shorelines of your cleanup.
2. C heck the HK Observatory website for the tide level in your l ocation. Look for tides of 1.5m or less and going out.
3. B ring used courier or shopping bags to collect rubbish in, or g arbage bags.
4. B ring reusable gloves (e.g. garden gloves), c losed-toe shoes, a hat, su nscreen and bug spray, a nd a full reusable w ater bottle.
5. Take your full rubbish bags to the closest rubbish bins, or a sk the FEHD to collect your bags from the beach, leaving t hem well above the highest tide line.
6. I f you find clean, good condition plastic water or soda b ottles, or drink cans, recycle them in the closest recycling bins.
START SMALL! MAKE A BIG IMPACT!
Together, our choices create a cleaner, greener future for everyone!
Find more from DB’s homegrown environmental charity at www.plasticfreeseas.org.
What's Happening Across HK!
CENTRESTAGE 2025 –ASIA'S FASHION SPOTLIGHT
Running from September 3 to 6 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Centrestage 2025 – Asia's Fashion Spotlight celebrates Hong Kong designers and their influence on the fashion world. Expect panels analysing the latest fashion trends, a catwalk, parades, seminars… and shopping opportunities galore. Hong Kong’s Young Designer Contest is an annual highlight. Admission is free.
September 4 to 7
September 3 to 6
HOT AIR BALLOON FEST HONG KONG
Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong is making its debut from September 4 to 7 at Central Harbourfront space. Viewable from sunrise to sunset, the 16 hot air balloons can reach heights of 10 metres – they are programmed to light up the sky and synchronised with music. The four-day event also features live performances from the likes of Joey Yung, LMF, Gin Lee, Kay Tse, Leo Ku and Louis Cheung, plus game booths, pedal boats and inflatables. Book your tickets at HK Ticketing.
September 6
THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL
The Hungry Ghost Festival is held annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, September 6 this year, to appease the restless spirits who are believed to haunt the living during ‘ghost month’. Make your way to Victoria Park to observe festival offerings and traditional rituals, sample traditional vegetarian food and enjoy live folk and Cantonese Opera performances. Admission is free.
September 12 to 27
HONG KONG LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL
Asia’s longest-running LGBTQ international film festival, the Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is in town from September 12 to 27. The festival, now in its 36th year, showcases both award-winning and underthe-radar feature films, documentaries and shorts. This year’s opening films are Taiwanese drama The Time of Huan Nan and Canadian-Pakistani co-production The Queen of My Dreams . To find out more and book tickets at various cinemas and venues around Hong Kong, visit www.hklgff.hk.
September 27 & 28
SEVENTEEN IN CONCERT
K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN is performing at Kai Tak Stadium on September 27 and 28 before heading to the US and Japan for more electrifying shows. Since their 2015 debut, SEVENTEEN continues to grow their global reach: last year, their concerts attracted over 1.5 million fans, including sell-out shows at Seoul World Cup Stadium and Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium. Purchase tickets at Klook.
Enter the all-new
ADB SCAVENGER HUNT!
UNCLE RUSS INSTAGRAM COMPETITION
SOLVE A RIDDLE, TAKE A PHOTO, WIN PRIZES!
You are invited to take part in the ADB Scavenger Hunt! We’ve elected to make it a little harder – and much more fun –for you to win four complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar!
HOW TO PLAY: Answer the riddle above, head to the DB destination we’re hinting at, take a photo and share it on Instagram #arounddb. You have until the 15th of the month to enter.
If you win, we’ll contact you on Instagram #arounddb, on the 15th of the month, and ask you to email us the winning photo in high resolution
RIDDLE OF THE MONTH
WHERE AM I? WHAT AM I?
I sit up high where eagles dare, A viewing platform with sea and air. From Greenbelt Court, your climb is steep, But the views I give are wide and deep.
Win vouchers for free drinks!
Find and photograph me before the 15th of the month and share the photo on Instagram #arounddb
Out & About! WHAT
YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!
DB SUMMER SPLASHTOPIA
In situ from July 17 to August 31 on Tai Pak Beach, DB Summer Splashtopia provided a lot of fun for local families and visitors alike. The annual event is billed as Hong Kong’s biggest beach water park, providing eight massive inflatable bouncy areas and a 10-metre water slide, plus myriad splashtastic games and sports. [PHOTOS BY Sarin Ale.]
CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH OWS
DB-based NGO One World Spirit has been busy this year providing an exciting series of cultural exchange events. Residents have benefited from a Chinese tea seminar at a Lai Chi Kok teahouse, cultural tours of Guilin and Tibet, and a CNY village party at Midvale with a Fai Chun competition. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWS.]
AT THE CINDERELLA ADVENTURE POP-UP
Cinderella Adventure has landed at our favourite DB North playcentre, the former EpicLand and will be in place through December – hopefully longer. Head there to enjoy access to all the play facilities, plus handicrafting workshops. [PHOTOS BY Kayli Liebenberg & Chloe Parker.]
Something's Brewing!
THE BEER GUY
Chengdu native Maverick Wang is committed to a life in Discovery Bay, and that includes providing us with a signature homegrown brew. Elizabeth Kerr reports
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Spires
“B
eer is very local, and every town, or village or community should have its own beer,” opens Maverick Wang Hengyi, owner, head brewer, marketing chief, finance officer, sanitation crew and master of any other job that needs doing at two-year old DB Brew. Maverick is parked at a long table at Coffee Academics: he’s wearing shorts, sunglasses on his head, tee-shirt and backwards baseball cap, looking a fraction of his 43 years. It’s hard to know what it is that keeps him looking so spry. Maybe it’s the running. Or the skiing. Or the mountaineering. Or maybe it’s the beer.
Sitting on the table are four cans of DB Brew and a glass, some of the gear the three-year Discovery Bay resident has carted along from the brewery floor – aka his kitchen. “Yes, right now I’m doing everything myself. I have a partner in Shenzhen but he’s not really doing the beer part. When we moved here, I decided to try something I really wanted to do. I enjoy a beer and I thought, ‘Where’s the local brew?’ So I decided to start a brewery from my home.”
Maverick landed in Hong Kong in 2022 via Beijing, Shanghai (where he met his wife), Shenzhen and Chengdu. The couple lived on Hong Kong Island for a stretch upon arrival, but moved to DB almost right away. “I like the diversity; it feels like a real neighbourhood, and now it’s easy with a twoyear-old.”
It’s almost as if Maverick were destined to colour outside the lines, finding it easy to live up to the ‘unorthodox’ name he picked up in university. “One of my professors explained what it meant and for whatever reason he thought it suited me. I do like it now,” he says.
Maverick started his work life on a more traditional finance track, before detouring into app development. He created the app Hua Bei (still available) as a way to combine two of his personal interests, skiing and photography – kind of like Vivino for wine drinkers or Letterboxd for film buffs. As a matter of fact, Maverick’s not long back from his latest ski adventure in Aspen. On the alpine climbing front, he’s completed the north face of both Eiger and Matterhorn – and yes Grandes Jorasses is on his bucket list. “Climbing is going to have to take a break for a while though,” Maverick admits. “I have a young son now, so I’m less tempted to do dangerous things.”
Maverick still runs, however – he’s a UTMB and UTMR finisher – and while he hasn’t made an app for it, he’s tapping the local running community with beer runs (held on the last Thursday of every month), each of which ends with a cold, convivial DB Brew. “We meet at around 6.30pm and do a
“SELLING OUT IS GREAT, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING DB BREW OVER MORE COMMERCIAL BRANDS. IT ALSO MEANS I DON’T HAVE TO CARRY FULL KEGS BACK
UP THE HILL
- MAVERICK WANG
500m lap of Tai Pak Beach,” Maverick explains. “Our community is full of people who love life, enjoy running and embrace every moment. The DB Brew Beer Run combines the thrill of running with the joy of craft beer.”
At last count, Hong Kong had upwards of 30 microbreweries in operation, among them the high-profile Young Master, Moonzen, Black Kite and Gweilo, and Maverick’s adding DB Brew (www.dbbrewbeer.com) to that roster. Despite limited quantities (he can produce 30 to 40 litres in one go) it’s a regular sell-out when he lugs a few kegs down to the DB Sunday Market.
“Selling out is great, because obviously people are choosing it over more commercial brands,” he says with a wide grin. “It also means I don’t have to carry full kegs back up the hill.” DB Brew comes in standard 355-millilitre cans, and handy 3-litre party kegs, and despite the boutique operation, Maverick’s not price-gouging: a can will run you HK$50. “Will you pay more for better?” he asks. Yes, I will. He seems relieved.
As it stands, Maverick has a stable of regular brews he cooks up, but kind of like a winemaker, he can’t guarantee they’ll be identical each time. He has his basic ideas, but depending on where he gets
his hops, or what extra local ingredients catch his eye on any given day the profiles can change. It doesn’t get more craft than that.
“I select different hops – sourced from countries like New Zealand and the US – based on the distinct flavour profiles I aim to achieve in each beer,” Maverick explains. “Local ingredients also play a big part. For instance, when brewing my Lychee Sea Salt Gose, I forage wild lychees from DB, at a secret spot few people know about.
“Some batches are seasonal releases, some are crowd-pleasers, back by popular demand,” he adds, starting with a breakdown of the popular (for good reason) Hong Kong Sister double hazy IPA. “It’s unfiltered and it’s hazy because of the extra hops. This one is very popular because it’s refreshing, perfect for the city’s sweltering summer nights.” It’s among his bestsellers, alongside what may be DB Brew’s signature Harvest Pumpkin Ale: clear, golden and loaded with autumn spices. As is evident in the name, it was supposed to be a Halloween one-off that’s now a regular thanks to widespread interest. Maverick’s meaty Chungking Express stout has all the richness of Coffee Stout, the citrusy Pier Belgian Witbier – a spicy wheat beer and his wife’s favourite – is an elegant sipper for the terrace, and a pair of all-purpose IPAs in the light Tai Pak Beach and its stronger cousin TGH Sunset complete the current stable.
Hong Kong Sister and Chunking Express each won a prize in the Home Brew section at the 2025 TalosMaster Cup China Beer Tournament in March. Sister won 4th Place in the Hazy IPA category and Chungking took Bronze in the Medium Dark Ale group.
Maverick can go on at length about hops – how mixing up the ratio of New Zealand, American or Czech varieties changes his beer profiles – and about how temperature control is his biggest hurdle. He’d prefer to work closer to home, but he’s on his way to a meeting in Shenzhen to see about a larger space to use as a proper factory.
“There’s only so much I can make on my own in my kitchen, and having a toddler around isn’t ideal, for him,” he says. “I’ve been looking around DB and Hong Kong but the right space is still hard to find. A bigger space means I can produce more regularly, then I can offer it to restaurants and shops. This is my career now, so that’s the goal.”
Maverick is also actively exploring retail spaces in DB: “I’m hoping to establish a permanent home where our community can easily find us,” he says. “This will allow me to consistently serve high-quality craft beer but it all hinges on finding landlords who value local brands and offer reasonable rents. After all, great beer deserves a welcoming space, and supportive landlords make that possible.”
If all goes to plan Maverick will be able to enter DB Brew in the Professional section at Talos-Master Cup one day, but for now he’s concentrating on building the brand. Of course, he’s got a digital inventory tracker that tells buyers if their six-pack is available, and if you don’t feel like picking up Maverick delivers – within reason.
“Well like I said, I’m just one guy right now, so I can only deliver around DB,” he finishes, adding with a cheeky grin, “but if you order enough 3-litre kegs I might make an exception.”
DB BREW ON SALE AT THE MONTHLY DB SUNDAY MARKET
Calling All Discovery Bay Families!
Join us for Malvern College Hong Kong’s Open Day on Saturday, 27th September.
Discover our world-class campus with cutting-edge facilities, including modern classrooms, advanced science and tech labs, art studios, and the Sky Pitch. Engage in hands-on IB curriculum activities, from science experiments to creative workshops, showcasing how we inspire critical thinking and global perspectives. Meet faculty, students, and families to experience our vibrant community.
MCHK Open Day
Saturday, 27 September 2025 th 10:00am - 2:00pm
For Discovery Bay Families:
A dedicated bus service departs from North Plaza Discovery Bay at 9:00 AM and returns around 12:30 PM for a convenient, hassle-free visit.
Sign up to experience Malvern learning journey.
Iris Mathews'FAVOURITE THINGS
Digital marketing assistant at a Korean beauty company, Tung Chung resident Iris Mathews moonlights as a model, and has appeared in advertising campaigns for the likes of New Balance, Frites UAE and Gahsp Media. An economics and marketing graduate from HKUST, Iris enjoys the creativity of the marketing industry. Be inspired by her style…
Jeans T-shirts
Sneakers
Victoria Secret
Lululemon
Jacquemus store Edikted, NYC shopping mecca
IN THE PHOTO: Skirt
Mee & Gee. Top
@wh0sthatgirl.co
Necklace Hües
Bracelets Pandora
Gucci, Lily & Roo
Eyes Urban Decay
Lip Liner, Elf Lip Oil
Sally Hansen
Always having my nails done . Tai . Dream holiday The Maldives Red Corpse
Alila, Bali Light pink . by Elsa Hosk
Rosey, my Cavapoo puppy . Favourite . Favourite dessert
Hummus Print . A Thousand Splendid
iPhone 13 in pink @irissmathews
AirPod Pro . Sound system . Favourite TV shows
Modern Family, New Girl, Criminal Minds Modern Most played (especially AI go. Your next tech purchase
If you’d like to see a friend (or yourself) featured as ADB’s Style Guru of the month, please email the editor: rachel@arounddb.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Gretl Chan @grxtl
All Aboard! CHARTER THE GOOD TIMES
September’s the perfect month to hop on a junk, and if you’re looking for pick-up and drop-off in Discovery Bay, Mervyn Black has you covered
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Andrew Spires, Charter Junks HK & Floatudio
There are many ways to see Hong Kong, but few experiences leave you fully appreciating what an extraordinary city we live in like a day on a junk. The moment the boat leaves the pier, the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most densely populated cities is a distant memory, replaced by lapping waves, popping corks, splashing water, catchy tunes and, most importantly, good company.
Junks have been setting off from piers all over Hong Kong for decades and there are any number of places you can spend an afternoon, but for Discovery Bay residents, jumping on a junk is as easy as catching the morning ferry – and far more exciting.
THE LOCAL TOUCH
Junk trips are synonymous with Hong Kong and for DB resident and Charter Junks HK founder Sharon McEneff, it’s easy to see why. A 10-year veteran of the junk industry, including five years running Charter Junks HK, Sharon loves getting out on the water just as much as she loves using her boats to bring joy to her customers.
“I think it’s just the views. Hong Kong is around 70% greenery and there are so many pretty views,” says Sharon when asked why Hong Kong and junks are such a perfect match. “And the skyline is iconic, especially at night when the lights come on. We’ve had someone come across from Singapore and propose to his girlfriend on the junk in front of the skyline, which was just lovely.”
While summer is officially behind us, there’s plenty of warm weather ahead and Sharon is quick to reassure anyone who thinks they’ve missed the chance to get out on the water in 2025. “There’s less risk of rain as the year goes on and people know it’s not as humid. Even now, you’d be surprised how cool it is on the water. You’ve generally got that little breeze as well,” she says, adding that there’s no better place to view the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks than from a junk.
Charter Junks HK stores its two boats – Kitty and Poppy – in Aberdeen but will pick up partygoers “basically wherever there is a pier”, including Aberdeen, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and, of course, DB.
Whether you fancy a day on the water somewhere off South Lantau or beyond, Sharon and her crew have you covered. “Normally we will cruise 45 minutes from DB and there are a number of really nice coves to explore,” she says. “Cruising for 45 minutes and then stopping is ideal because then you can move around and talk to people and it’s much easier to party.
“When we take the junk out at night with friends we go to Lamma for a seafood dinner. Even just cruising up to the container ship port and sitting among all the boats and lights is really good fun. That’s one of my favourite spots. We also go to Clearwater Bay. It’s really pretty there.”
Charter Junks HK even provides a Container Port Tour among its wide variety of offerings, which start at HK$800 per head for all-inclusive food-anddrink nighttime packages (HK$900 daytime). Boat-
“NORMALLY WE WILL CRUISE 45 MINUTES FROM DB AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REALLY NICE COVES TO EXPLORE - SHARON MCENEFF
CHARTER JUNKS HK CAN ACCOMMODATE PARTIES OF UP TO 70 PEOPLE
only options are also available, plus kids’ junks with special menus, life vests and trampolines on request.
Kitty and Poppy feature high-quality sound systems with Bluetooth and loudspeakers, and there is plenty of room for a band or DJ. There’s also a good variety of food – everything from Indian to Mexican, barbecue, Thai and Chinese – plus the option to add a speedboat for wakeboarding and banana boating.
“We’ve got a lot of nice floaties. We’ve got a C-shaped bench seat so you can have your feet dangling in the water with drinks in hand,” says Sharon. “We’ve got these little floating baskets that we push the drinks out in. And if you want to swim to shore, we’ve got noodles and paddle boards.
“We don’t do slides – they are really dangerous – but we get a lot of kids jumping in and we’ve got nonslip mats,” Sharon adds, pointing out that customers can request extra staff to help look after the children if needed.
By mooring Kitty and Poppy together Charter Junks HK can accommodate parties of up to 70 people but they are also looking into ways to cater to small groups. “We want to try and arrange a set day of the month where we do combined parties for people who can’t quite get a full party together but can get eight or so together and want to mix with another party,” Sharon explains.
While Sharon admits she runs Charter Junks HK very much for the fun of it – “there’s a lot of maintenance, so what money comes in, goes out” – she’s been pleased to see an uptick in DB-based clients, with at least 25% of her business currently homegrown.
And while good times are the name of the game for Sharon, there is a part of the business that is close to her heart: “Poppy was named after the Royal British Legion. We do a lot for them and anybody who is a RBL veteran we give 5% back on the booking.”
THE CHEUNG CHAU CONNECTION
Charter Junks HK is far from the only junk provider that offers pick-up and drop-off in DB, with Kingdom Club Yacht Chartering giving exclusive discounts to DB residents and Hong Kong Junks providing special trips around Cheung Chau and Lantau. Cheung Chau-based Floatudio, the brainchild of Sarah Yip and third-generation Cheung Chau fisherman Rex Law, is another top pick with trips focused on local waters around Cheung Chau, Lantau and Lamma.
Floatudio caters for up to 37 passengers, with a fullday, boat-only junk trip starting from HK$7,800 on weekdays and HK$8,800 on weekends. Different
kinds of boat rental services are on offer, such as round-the-island tours, fishing, squid fishing and private boat parties.
These days, Floatudio also heads out to Tai A Chau, the largest of the Soko Islands in the far southwest of Hong Kong’s waters. On this trip, you have a good chance of spotting pink dolphins, and you can enjoy a real desert-island experience on disembarking. Once home to a thriving farming community, Tai A Chau became a refugee camp for Vietnamese boatpeople in the 1990s and is now uninhabited.
It’s nuggets of information like this that you gain from a trip with Floatudio – Sarah and Rex both have extensive knowledge of the outlying islands, local waters and marine life which they are more than willing to share.
The couple has been actively involved in marine conservation since 2019, when they upgraded to a 60-foot wooden motor junk, and formed Eco Cheung Chau, an NGO dedicated to protecting local waters and raising awareness particularly among outlying islanders and local fishermen.
They provide guided, tailor-made eco-tours, as well as specialist sea workshops where you get to handcraft fishing nets and upcycle your creations into art pieces, while learning a little bit about Hakka traditions.
That being said, a trip on the Floatudio can be anything you want it to be. It’s fully equipped with everything you need for a fun day on the water – a sound system, barbecue grill, karaoke and floaties –and you can opt for the usual add-ons like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Jolly junk fun!
CHEUNG CHAU IS AN IDEAL DESTINATION FROM DB
SARAH YIP & REX LAW ON THE FLOATUDIO
BETHUNE HOUSE
- It takes a community to shelter a migrant in need
Who we are
Since 1986, Bethune House has been Hong Kong’s most reliable refuge for migrant women in crisis. Bethune House is a community-driven emergency shelter that provides food and other forms of assistance. Through providing for basic needs, we enable migrant women in crisis to seek justice and achieve empowerment because of insufficient support systems in Hong Kong for these women.
Our services
Food shelter
Guidance & Assistance
Case guidance
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There is a high demand for service with very few providers. We will not be here without supporters ike yourself!
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The women behind Bethune House
RESIDENCY-BYINVESTMENT PATHWAY: NEW ZEALAND
HARVEY LAW GROUP OUTLINES THE NEW AND IMPROVED ACTIVE INVESTOR PLUS PROGRAM FOR WANNABE KIWIS
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, clean environment and high standard of living. But beyond the scenery, it is also one of the most politically stable, safe and transparent countries in the world, making it an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Through the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Program, New Zealand welcomes investors seeking permanent residency. The newly improved program has no language, education or professional background requirement.
The AIP Program leads to permanent residency at the end of an investment period which can be as short as three years, and the investor (and his/ her dependents) are free to live, study and work in New Zealand right away, even before their permanent residency is issued. The main applicant can include his/ her partner, and dependent children up to 24 years old. Children who are yet to be born will also qualify for residency through their parent’s permanent resident status.
Investors can opt for either the Growth Category or the Balanced Category. Under the Growth Category, a minimum investment of NZD5 million in direct investments and/ or managed funds is required to be maintained over a three-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of only 21 days in aggregate over the investment period).
The Balanced Category requires a minimum investment of NZD10 million to be maintained over a five-year investment period (with a minimum physical presence of 105 days in aggregate over the investment period). The physical presence requirement can be reduced to 63 days with a larger investment. Under the Balanced Category, investments can be made in diverse products
including bonds, listed equities, philanthropy and property development (new residential or new/ existing commercial or industrial).
An interesting fact about this program is that the modest physical presence requirement only applies to the main applicant, not his/ her dependents.
Five years after obtaining permanent residency, the investor and family members are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship, provided that certain conditions are met. Requirements include basic English language skills and having lived in New Zealand for at least five years as a resident (i.e. at least 240 days per year for five years and at least 1,350 days in total). New Zealand allows dual citizenship so new citizens do not need to surrender other nationalities to enjoy the benefits of a New Zealand passport (i.e. automatic permanent residency rights and a pathway to citizenship in Australia).
Some applicants are drawn to New Zealand for its breathtaking landscape, fresh air and laid-back lifestyle, while others are focused on its strong education system, excellent healthcare and political stability. For many individuals and families in Hong Kong, New Zealand offers an appealing balance of quality of life, future security and global mobility.
If you are considering the AIP Program, you may contact Harvey Law Group for advice. We have over 32 years of experience in investment residency and citizenship programmes all over the world.
5-DAY ITINERARY: NEW ZEALAND
HARVEY LAW GROUP (HLG)
Five days barely scratch the surface of New Zealand’s wild beauty, so here’s an action-packed introduction to the North Island
rldwide presence expediating your immigration goals
Day 1 ⇢ Coromandel Peninsula & Hot W ater Beach
� L and in Auckland early and pick u p a rental car. Head east through s leepy farmlands to the lush, t ropical hills of the Coromandel P eninsula. Expect pristine b eaches, misty forests and a laidb ack vibe
� V isit Hot Water Beach at low tide a nd you get to dig your own n atural hot pool in the sand, just m etres from the Pacific Ocean. T he long sandy beach extends from t he hot-spring area with plenty of s ecluded spots for sunbathing
� O vernight at Cooks Beach in windy W hitianga. Enjoy seafood risotto a t Go Vino: drink local wine and l isten to the waves just outside yo ur window
Day 2 ⇢ Cathedral Cove & Auckland City Str oll
Day 3 ⇢ Kiwis & Glowworms
� D rive south to Otorohanga and v isit the Kiwi House to spot New Z ealand’s elusive nocturnal icon; o ver 20 species are homed in s pecialised moonlit houses, and t here are daily keeper talks
� C ontinue to the Waitomo Gl owworm Caves for a surreal, s ubterranean boat ride. As your e yes grow accustomed to the d ark, you’ll see a ‘Milky Way’ of l ittle blue lights – this is bi oluminescence emitted by t he glowworms
� D rive to Turangi, a little town just s outh of Lake Taupo – check into a l akeside Airbnb. Fall asleep under clear skies and plan for an early start
Day 4 ⇢ Tongariro Alpine Crossing
, Har vey Law Group is a prem ier multinational law fir m, s peciali zing in estment ( RB I) and Citize n by In v estme nt (CBI) for over 30 y ear s. W it h world w ide representing over 30 di ffe rent cou n tries and th eir res pecti ve igratio n progra ms , Harve y Law Group h as prov ided it s se rv ices to ov er
� S tart the day with a short drive to H ahei and a 2.5km hike to C athedral Cove. The sculpted c oastline is straight out of a movie s et ( The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian ) with a picture-perfect a rchway framing a stunning beach
� T ake a shuttle to the filming l ocation for Mordor in the Lord of t he Rings movies. Trek 19.4km p ast red craters, steaming vents a nd neon-green lakes
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 rvey 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
Day 5 ⇢ Thermal Pools & Geysers
SHOUT-OUT TO READERS:
If you have a favourite New Zealand recipe to share, please email it to rachel@arounddb.com, along with photos of you preparing or eating the dish. You may find yourself featured in the next issue of the magazine, or in our upcoming ADB Around the World Cookbook
Reside n cy by I nve st ment i n ov er 6 c on t in ents o v er 2 0 c ountrie s
Ou r p rogram s:
� G rab lunch in Hahei, then drive back to Auckland via scenic coastal r oads. Be sure to stop off at M t Eden (196m) for panoramic v iews and a peek into the dormant v olcanic crater
Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific
� D rive north to Rotorua, known for i ts geothermal energy, bubbling m ud pools and strong Māori c ulture. Soak sore muscles at the Polynesian Spa, overlooking Lake Rotorua. (Mineral pools + lake b reeze = perfection.)
Reti reme nt Vi sa s
� W alk Queen Street to the harbour, t hen over to Parnell to soak up the c ity’s colonial charm. Stumble into a s treet festival or lantern-lit park p arty in Auckland Domain, if the t iming’s right
Citi z en s hip by Anc estry
� S ample a Hāngi, with meat and v eggies cooked the traditional w ay in an underground oven. I f time permits, stop by Te Puia to catch a geyser eruption and l earn more about Māori traditions
Bay: Unit 3, L/G Unit, Block One, DB North Plaza T: +852 2416 8618 Email: contact@harveylawcorporation.com
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WHY KEEP UP APPEARANCES?
Honesty is always interesting, writes Peter Sherwood , because there’s so little of it about
s long as I’ve been writing this stuff, many have called me ‘grumpy’, as if the appellation deserves applause as an original insight. I also get ‘grumpy old man’ from people who don’t know I was crotchety at 25. (As comic genius Jerry Seinfeld said recently, “I’m a very happy man. I hate everything.”) My critics are incurably literal, while I am loose, satirical, reckless, comedic and ridiculous, and no match for pedantic, pompous, priggish and nitpicking, which makes for difficult friendships and impossible long-term romantic entanglements.
Grumpy and negativity are necessary foundations for both humour and life lessons. Neither one originates from luxury, extravagance, wealth for its own sake, and being extrovertedly high on the brain’s natural pleasure chemicals. They develop from pain, suffering, failure, change and discomfort.
Nothing of great value ever arose from opulence, or a world cruise, which will only get you fat and bored.
I used to inhabit the disreputable world of public relations, sometimes coaching executives in communication. My favourite topic was excuses, and how lies are the bread and butter of social cohesion. The lies we tell each other daily are ingrained in the culture. I call these amusing exchanges ‘You buy my bullshit, and I’ll buy yours’. As in ‘lovely to see you, we must get together soon’. ‘Absolutely. I’ll have my people call your people.’ This cringing exchange pretends to give a damn, born out of the daddy of all fears: being disliked.
Dishonest, me? Weeks go by and you’ve not heard from me, you might call and ask if I’m OK, a sly way of letting me know I’ve broken an agreement. My response is the side-splitting, “I’ve been very busy.” So: I am asking you to believe that I could not find 10 seconds out of weeks to send a message. A lie, of course. But you say, “That’s OK.” Now we’re both deceitful, as I have formally placed you at the bottom of my priorities list, making us both feel shabby.
Any care or concern – or truth – would upset the social order, and so it’s easier to buy each other’s bullshit.
We pass like ships in the night, and shout with fake surprise the entertaining stock phrase, “How nice to see you. Are you well?!”, as we hurry by. All very polite, cleverly avoiding any possible compassion, care or what might pass for genuine interest, emotion or warm human contact, and making sure there’s no time for a reply that might go: “Well, I’m glad you asked. If you have a moment, things are terrible. I’m desperate. I lost my job, and the wife left me.”
Imagine saying goodbye at the funeral home with the hysterical: “I saw him only yesterday and asked if he was well. He should have said something.”
Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.
PHOTO COURTESY OF Pexels
LIES MAKE THE WORLD GO AROUND
Ramped Up! KARTING FOR A DECADE
Launched in 2015 by Harvey Law Group’s Managing Partner Jean-François Harvey, the HLG Kart Race turns 10 in November. Take a look at how the event has evolved over the years
The action unfolds on Discovery Bay Road cycle lane where an eight-foothigh ramp, almost 16-foot long and eight-foot wide, is set up. The track covers approximately 150 metres.
The race is divided into agegroup categories, so the kids race against their peers. While racers can choose to construct their own karts, and compete in the freestyle category, with or without a parent riding pillion, most are provided
April 23 & November 6 2017 June 10 2018 March 17 2019 March 16
20 RACERS aged 8 to 12
The success of the first race calls for two editions in 2016
HK$20,000 is raised and donated to Heep Hong Society 2015 October 31
60 RACERS aged 7 to 12
HLG karts are fitted with an improved handbrake system and the freestyle category is introduced
80 RACERS aged 7 to 12
Around DB becomes a sponsor for the HLG Kart Race’s fourth edition
84 RACERS aged 7 to 12
HLG karts are fitted with double bearing wheels which makes them very fast
95 RACERS aged 7 to 12
HLG karts are built with custommade parts thanks to the event’s main sponsor Milwaukee. Martin Blondeau, a DB-based pilot and aviation engineer, has been a major contributor to all the technical aspects of the race – the karts and ramp –from day one. THE HLG KART RACE IS POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
HLG consistently supports Heep Hong Society, a local charity dedicated to providing training, education and support services to children with diverse abilities – such as autism and dyslexia –and their families.
50 RACERS aged 7 to 12
80 RACERS aged 7 to 12
A pedal brake replaces the handbrake on HLG karts meaning more competitors can make it to the finish
156 trials and qualifying races are held: 220 one-on-one races in total
November 23
95 RACERS aged 7 to 12
New HLG Super Karts are introduced that are 10% faster and a lot more stable to drive
See you at the 10th edition this November!
OPEN TO RACERS aged 7 to 12
Enrol to compete at www.hlgkartrace.com or by emailing kartrace@harveylaw corporation.com
Rules of Engagement!
Founder Jean-François Harvey shares some race strategy and kart-handling tips ahead of the 10th HLG Kart Race in November
“All the HLG karts are the same; they all have the same wheels, the same steering system. As long as you know how to drive left and right, you will be fine
“If you are making your own kart, the maximum width is 91 centimetres, and the minimum distance between the front and rear axle is 72 centimetres. Freestyle karts must be capable of being steered, they need to have a braking system and they are limited to gravity power (no propelling mechanisms)
“Racers are advised to keep their foot off the brake as much as they dare. Ideally, you should brake only after crossing the finish line
“Parents should know that participant safety is paramount. Competitors are required to wear properly fitted bike helmets, closed-toe shoes and race shirts. They are advised to wear long trousers and gloves
“Staying calm and steady is very important. It’s quite something to go down that eight-foot ramp. Then the track goes down quite fast all the way to Seabee Lane. Some courage is necessary, especially in the first heat. Self-confidence is key
“Parents make up the bulk of the race committee, and each kart is checked and serviced throughout the race. Most of the people who provide sponsorship or volunteer to help out on race day are DBers. The event is put on for the community by the community, and we rely on Hong Kong Resort Company Ltd and City Management to make it happen
“SUCCESS IN THIS RACE COMES DOWN TO MAINTAINING SPEED AND AVOIDING UNNECESSARY TURNS. YOU NEED TO STEER YOUR KART TO THE FINISH IN A STRAIGHT LINE, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A TURN, YOU LOSE SPEED, SO THE KEY IS TO KEEP TO A STRAIGHT LINE
A strong turnout is expected next month – you can email kartrace@harveylawcorporation.com to book your child’s spot
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Top Tips! RUN BEYOND LIMITS
Most couch-to-5K programmes are nine weeks long. Follow Andrew Spires’ advice and you’ll be running a 10K in eight
PHOTOS
Ashark could swim faster than me, but I could probably run faster than a shark. So in a triathlon, it would all come down to who is the better cyclist.
I can run faster than a shark, but not much else. In a race with the tortoise and the hare, I’d finish a comfortable last. I recently attended a parentchild relay for my daughter’s sports day in the wonderful Tsing Yi sports stadium. I lined up against the other parents and quietly fancied myself in the top two, or at least a medal finisher. I came fifth out of six runners. One of the mums took a video of the race from the bleachers and sent it on. I looked like my legs were held on with pipe cleaners. It was time to do something about it, not least due to my daughter’s look of dissatisfaction. No dad wants that look…
My mate Alan is a wonder. Every day, regardless of whether he’s been out until 2am drinking tequila out of another man’s belly button, he’ll wake up at 6am and go for a 5km run. Alan is a legend, so when he suggested I try an Action Asia Event’s trail race, who was I to say no? Little did I know that all I had to do was run 15km in the October heat, with a swift 3km sprint at the start, then a scramble up the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail’s 550 metres of elevation. After traversing a mountainside with vertigo inducing views, I’d head back down a 1:13 hill that’s slippery and pushes your toenails so hard into your shoes that they fall off. The toenails, not the shoes.
Obviously, I wasn’t going to undertake such an adventure without full planning. I have a wife and
kids to think about, so I did the only thing any self-respecting newbie runner does. I bought some shoes. After consulting endless running blogs (I implore you not to go down that rabbit hole), I ended up with a great pair of HK$390 Asics. There is usually a deal to be had in Citygate mall if you’re willing to dig about.
Next step was to get out there and make a start. This proved harder than I thought it would be. When you work from home and don’t have a helper, time becomes a valuable commodity, and there was always something that needed doing first before I could lace up the runners. Bit of a life lesson here: try to prioritise important tasks (like running) over those that are merely urgent, but not necessarily critical to long-term goals (like doing laundry).
The solution? Be more like Alan. Set your alarm 20 minutes earlier. Once you sit up and put two feet on the floor, 95% of the chore of getting up is already done. You don’t need to take anything with you on your jog apart from your keys and a water bottle. Have those things ready on a table by the door the night before. Now step outside into the morning sunshine and start to walk briskly. No need to run yet. Walk quickly for 3 to 4 minutes and lean forward as you do this. Now start to morph this walk into a slow jog. Try to keep this up as long as possible. If you find it too much, slip back to the fast walk again.
Once you’ve got into this routine three to five times a week, you’ll start to find the ratio of walking to jogging flips. Not only that, but the
COURTESY OF Juno Spires & Unsplash
MAKE THE ROUTINE OF RUNNING INTO A HABIT AND, I PROMISE, YOU’LL EVENTUALLY MISS IT IF YOU SKIP IT
jogging becomes more like a slow run. This is where it starts to get exciting, but don’t sprint before you can run! A great tip a friend shared with me was this: for longer runs, if you can’t hold a conversation whilst running, you’re going too fast for your level. If you’re training alone, try singing a song out loud as you go along. If you’re
out of breath before the chorus and you can’t hit the high notes for the hook, slow down a little.
Diet is one of the key ingredients to your new fitness success and thankfully I’m not talking about spinach and asparagus smoothies or three grams of creatine injected directly into your eyeballs. You might have heard of carb loading? This is just what it says on the tin. The night before you head out, make sure to include foods like dried beans, lentils, pasta, or potatoes. Balance this with protein (mushrooms, chicken, prawns or emu) and vegetables – broccoli is especially good as it contains potassium, calcium and iron which all help get your body ready for exercise.
Hydration is essential. But water, not beer. Even a couple of drinks the night before a run will make your legs feel like lead and your stamina will drop off hard. Ideally give alcohol a two-day rest before a big run and you’ll thank yourself. I stupidly did a 15km run after an all-dayer at Clockenflap. I tried to pace myself throughout the festival, but still put away about five pints and didn’t get to bed until 1am before a 7am race start. Ouch! Save the beers for after the run.
Energy gels are a gift from the gods when you’re half way through a run or race and you can feel the power draining out of you with every bead of sweat. I recommend two to three gels for a 10 to 15km run. Avoid the caffeine options as they leave you feeling like a Columbian drug lord after sampling the ‘product’.
Get yourself a ‘camel-pack’ which is a small backpack that has a special pocket that fits a water pouch. This has a long tube that you can suckle on furiously as you reconsider your life choices. I found I always put too much water in it at the start which leads to a bumpy, heavy and sloshy ride. Aim for about 1.5 litres and be sure to sip it. Baby sips are your friend. Big gulps leave you cramping and sluggish.
Persistence is key. Think of running like learning a new skill. You wouldn’t sit at a piano and expect to play Flight of the Bumble Bee after your second go, so don’t expect to be hitting sub-25-minute 5km runs in your first month. Be consistent and show up, regardless of the weather. A slow run for five minutes is 100% better than no run. Make the routine of running into a habit and, I promise, you’ll eventually miss it if you skip it.
I awoke at 4.30am on my 43rd birthday in a terrifying hotel with Alan. Not because we’d been out in Wanchai the night before, but because we were about to do the 10K at the Standard Chartered HK Marathon. I never thought I’d do that and I’m so proud of myself that I did. And so are my kids. Now on to the 21K...
ANDREW SPIRES TRAINING FOR A 21K
Sunday School, Youth Group, Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Bible Studies, Fellowship, Community Service Community Service
第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜 第⼀、⼆、四主⽇聖餐崇拜 第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 第三、五主⽇早禱崇拜 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學 每主⽇均有兒童主⽇學 （⼗時半開始） （⼗時半開始）
Vacation Time! MIGHTY MELBOURNE
Experience the good life down under
SPEAK TO ANY MELBOURNIAN,
SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF THE YARRA
River in south-eastern Australia, Melbourne has truly cemented itself as a world-class city. While the Central Business District grid and landmarks such as Federation Square and Flinders Street Station are an Instagram lover’s paradise, the inner suburbs and city fringe are what truly give Victoria’s capital its heart and soul.
and they’ll steer you towards Fitzroy in the uber-cool inner north. Brunswick Street is home to hip cafés, vibrant street art and some great vintage shopping. You can liken the area to downtown Berlin or Seattle. After spending the afternoon visiting the many boutiques and consuming multiple lattes, eat at The Punters Club, home of cheap pizzas and late-night parties.
CROSS CHURCH STREET BRIDGE
and you find yourself on Melbourne’s southside, South Yarra to be precise. Home to Melbourne’s rich and famous, this chic suburb stretches 4 kilometres to the outskirts of St Kilda, where the land meets the sea. Lined with designer boutiques and not a few Ferraris, South Yarra’s Chapel Street also houses some of Melbourne’s swankiest bars and clubs.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
THE GENTRIFIED SUBURB OF RICHMOND
is another must-see with cosy pubs, laneway cafés and some great clearance outlets along Bridge Road. Richmond is also renowned for its live music scene. The Corner is a first-rate venue, famous for hosting bigname bands, such as Pink Floyd, The White Stripes and Midnight Oil, as well as an ever-growing list of local Melbournian legends.
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH
the heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens on Birdwood Avenue. Its 38 hectares house exotic plants and animals, a beautiful lake and even gondolas – a taste of Italy down under! Visit the gardens on any day of the week to enjoy guided tours, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk and expert-led wellbeing experiences like yoga and forest bathing.
THE ENTRANCE TO AUSTRALIA’S BUSIEST PORT,
picturesque Port Phillip Bay is easily one of Melbourne’s most popular recreational destinations. Port Phillip is actually made up of some 16 bays, and the bustling esplanade offers up fantastic views. Head there for birdwatching, cycling, sailing, snorkelling and swimming.
BANG ON THE SHORELINE,
in St Kilda, there’s only one thing to do, and that’s get lost! Paired with the soundtrack of Melbourne’s busking community, it’s the perfect spot for a Sunday stroll. The sprawling streets are dotted with shops of all kinds, plus interesting cafés and bars. Luna Park is the most iconic landmark, with its magnificent entranceway and scenic rollercoaster providing a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and beyond.
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Recipe of the Month!
PAD THAI
Serves 4
Tip the noodles into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to stand for 5-10 minutes until soft, then drain well. Combine the tamarind paste, fish sauce and sugar in a small bowl. Heat a wok over a high heat: pour in the vegetable oil, add the garlic and spring onions, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Push the vegetables to the sides of the wok, then crack the egg into the centre. Stir the egg for 30 seconds until it begins to set. Add the prawns and beansprouts, followed by the noodles, then pour over the fish sauce mixture.
Toss everything together and heat through. Serve with chopped peanuts sprinkled over and wedges of lime.
3 spring onions, sliced fine
prawns, cooked
egg
beansprouts
PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
A Little Bit of Trivia! 20 QUESTIONS
How much do you know about the month of September?
BY Kayli Liebenberg
01. Children’s author Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916: what didn’t he write?
A. Peter Pan
B. Matilda
C. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
02. What is the name of September’s full moon?
A. H arvest Moon
B. Pu mpkin Moon
C. C ucumber Moon
03. W hich building in NYC was destroyed on September 11, 2001 as a result of terrorist attacks?
A. S t Patrick’s Cathedral
B. W orld Trade Center
C. C hrysler Building
04. W hich singer/ actress was born on September 1, 1996?
A. Zendaya
B. S elena Gomez
C. M iley Cyrus
05. T he Battle of Kowloon happened in S eptember of which year?
A. 1820
B. 1839
C. 1920
06. Taylor Swift’s September is a cover o f which band’s 1978 soul classic?
A. E arth, Wind & Fire
B. K ool & the Gang
C. S ly & the Family Stone
07. W hat is September’s birthstone?
A. Quartz
B. Sapphire
C. B lack Opal
08. S eptember is National Rice Month in w hich country?
A. C hina
B. T hailand
C. T he United States
09. W hich album did the Beatles release o n September 26, 1969?
A. Yellow Submarine
B. Abbey Road
C. Let it Be
10. T he word September comes from the L atin word septem: what does it mean?
A. Silkworm
B. Snake
C. Seven
11. W hich Jewish festival begins on S eptember 22 this year?
A. R osh Hashanah
B. Yom Kippur
C. Sukkot
12. W hat are September’s zodiac signs?
A. S corpio and Sagittarius
B. V irgo and Libra
C. A ries and Gemini
13. W hen was film director Guy R itchie born?
A. S eptember 10, 1967
B. S eptember 10, 1968
C. S eptember 10, 1970
14. W hich Wiccan festival is celebrated i n September?
A. L ughnasadh
B. M abon
C. S amhain
15. W hat did Mao Zedong die of on S eptember 9, 1976?
A. A lzheimer’s disease
B. C ancer
C. H eart disease
16. W hich TV sitcom debuted on NBC on S eptember 22, 1994?
A. Friends
B. Frasier
C. Seinfeld
17. W hich album did American rock band R EM release on September 26, 1994?
A. Murmur
B. Monster
C. New Adventures in Hi-Fi
18. I t’s World Peace Day on September 21: w ho established it?
A. U nited Nations
B. U S Peace Corps
C. J ohn Lennon
19. W hich UK music event is held annually i n September?
A. Gl yndebourne Festival
B. T he Last Night of the Proms
C. Gl astonbury Festival
20. W hich novel did American author Stephen King release on September 5, 2023?
A. Carrie
B. Christine
C. Holly
BY Inka Viirret
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 2025.
For tailor-made advertising packages to reach our unique readership, email our sales manager Kristin Jiang at kristin@arounddb.com
PHOTOS
TUNG CHUNG
Tung
YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC)
Direct Subsidy Scheme, Tung Chung-based secondary school providing an international-style education with English as the medium of instruction. Call 2988 8123
North Lantau Hospital
Rural general hospital in Tung Chung with a 24-hour accident & emergency service. Outpatient services include the North Lantau Community Health Centre. Call 3467 7000
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. Call 2426 8828
Guidepost Montessori
Authentic Montessori programme scientifically structured for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Seafront views & an outdoor play space at DB North Plaza. Call 2185 6134
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. Call 2416 8618
Bernardo Removals
DB-based, HK-wide service: home & office relocations. Full packing & unpacking services, plus handyman jobs & furniture disposal. Storage space rental in DB. Call 9854 4410
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
DISCOVERY BAY
il Bel Paese
Heart-warming dishes made from the freshest ingredients provide the ultimate Italian experience. Simple & inviting decor. Located in DB Plaza. Call 2987 0202
Levain Bakery
Liang She Han Buy Good
McDonald’s
Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant
Pachanga
Pasha
Peony
Pho Bay
PizzaExpress
2726 4922
3618 7827
1033
3619 0937
2215 0833
3619 0932
7808 Smokey Joe’s
Spicy Tiger
7101
2328 3383
Subway 2914 0005
Sunset Bay Bar & Grill
2787 7788
Sushi No En 3705 9984
Rink – Bar Grill & Restaurant.
overlooking DB Ice Rink. Call 5444 6046
Spotlight! DB RETROSPECTIVE
Discover how our community came to be
1980
1977
Dr Cha Chi-ming, the late founder and chairman of HKR International, acquires equity interest in Hong Kong Resort Co. Ltd which owns the development rights of a piece of barren land on the north-eastern coast of Lantau 1979
Development of the first property project on the Lantau site, the later Discovery Bay project, commences. Every facet of the project, including the infrastructure, was conceived and developed by Hong Kong Resort
Tai Pak Wan – Hong Kong’s first man-made private beach – was created in the early 1980s, using 300,000 cubic metres of sand
For DB’s first commuters, ferries were the sole means of transportation, running between DB South and Central. The service was not 24-hour: the last ferry home on Friday and Saturday nights was at 12.30am
DB was a strictly car-free zone in the 1980s – residents got about by internal bus, on foot or by golf cart; there was no external bus service
Phase 1 Beach, Headland and Parkridge villages is launched. Back then, the asking price for a Parkridge high-rise was around HK$300,000
1983
DB’s first school –Discovery Bay International School –opens, housed initially at DB Residents Club
1984
Phase 2 Midvale Village (381 units) is launched
1983
DB Residents Club (now DB Recreation Club) opens complete with a swimming pool and restaurant
1984
Resort-style living is prioritised; to this day greenery makes up two-thirds of DB’s 650 hectares
1986
Phase 3 Headland, Parkvale, Hillgrove and Parkridge villages (800 units) is launched
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 estment ( 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 representing 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 rvey 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:
Reside n cy by I nve st ment i n ov er 6 c on t in ents o v er 2 0 c ountrie s
Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific
Reti reme nt Vi sa s Citi z en s hip by Anc estry
HONG