Around DB May Issue 2017

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MAY 2017

SUPER AUNTIES

Empowered and financially secure Life skills for tots and teens

Wildlife holidays to rock your world DELIGHT IN THE MOMENT

Mother’s Day matters

DRAGON SLAYERS ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

“Discover the freedom to flourish”

St David’s College

U No for K s 1 c Pr Dys hoo ov le l isi xia on

North Wales, UK

From our foundation, St David’s College has pioneered teaching that enables pupils with additional learning needs to reach their academic potential, whilst allowing pupils with no specific learning needs to thrive and excel. Alongside this we aim to develop every individual’s character, enabling them to gain an extraordinary range of skills and discover true self-confidence.

“St Davids has offered Orin more than just education, the vast selection of outdoor activities has added to Orin’s enjoyment of education. Boarding has given Orin new skills and a tremendous improvement in his learning ability and confidence.”

Morag McGinn Discovery Bay “Both my daughter and son go to St Davids College in Llandudno North Wales. My daughter Olivia is Dyslexic, and is coming up 16 this July. My Son James is not Dyslexic, but still attends the school. Both are boarders.

All I can say is this: It was the best decision my wife and I have ever made. It is by far an exceptional school that has given both our children the skills to approach their futures full of confidence and with a sound knowledge of all that is necessary for the rest of their lives.

I would highly recommend this school to any prospective pupils, and am available should any parent wish to contact me for more details.”

Dave Maidment Tel: (+852) 6808 7976 Email: dave.maidment@btinternet.com

For a prospectus, email admissions@stdavidscollege.co.uk or visit our website www.stdavidscollege.co.uk

contact

St David’s College, Gloddaeth Hall, Llandudno, North Wales, UK +44 (0) 1492 868836 admissions@stdavidscollege.co.uk www.stdavidscollege.co.uk

RENTALS/SALES

May 2017

T

海澄湖畔二段 SIENA TWO 2 1

2

22K

Cozy apartment, balcony with stunning sea views.

Very convenient for transport and shops.

碧濤 BEACH 3

Gross: 858’ Saleable: 629’

Gross: 1357’ Saleable: 1282’

62K

Lovely renovated garden lowrise with equipped kitchen. Walking distance to beach and DB Plaza.

SO

康頤閣 GLAMOUR 2 1

2

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’

25K

Saleable: 1703’

康頤閣 GLAMOUR 2

Great location and walking distance to the plaza. Must see!

悅堤 POSITANO 3

G EA

L

L

SO

T

EN

EN

G EA

Spacious living with beautiful sea views.

Tranquil location and 24hrs concierge service.

NK BA W TION O L A BE ALU V

25K

Nicely renovated with modern open kitchen and walking distance to the plaza.

1

70K

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’

朝暉徑 HEADLAND 4

Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’

105K

Refurbished garden house with open views.

Highly efficient layout and in a tranquil location.

3

T

EN

G EA

L

SO

Call Meeta for viewing (+852) 9047 7252

蘅峯 PENINSULA 3 2

Gross: 814’ Saleable: 708’

18K/6.2M

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Practical layout. Located in a tranquil location. Vacant sale.

康慧台 HILLGROVE 3 2

Gross: 919’ Saleable: 776’

8M/28K

Renovated apartment, balcony with stunning sea views. Close to DB plaza and pier.

2 2

Gross: 933’ Saleable: 837’

13.5M/39K

Cosy garden lowrise with open kitchen. Walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE 3 2

3

Gross: 1486’ Saleable: 1206’

38K/12.1M

Great condition, big bedrooms, best efficiency. Panoramic views! Must see!

2

!

NT

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

海寧居 LA VISTA

觀濤樓 MARINE VIEW

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LE

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1381’

18M

Nicely renovated garden lowrise, open kitchen and with magnificent sea views. Vacant sale.

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

36M

Company sale. Detached house, great views, spacious living and great for entertaining.

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

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Covering: Discovery Bay | Gold Coast | Aberdeen | New Territories

CONTENTS May 2017

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

Brent and Pamela Wallace

DBIS Green Photography Competition

28

44

IN FOCUS

ESCAPES

Financial empowerment for helpers

5 winner wildlife holidays

34 FAMILY MATTERS The meaning of Mother’s Day

50

REGULARS 25

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

47

PARENTING Hacking life skills

55

RECIPES Floral treats

65

DB FACES Community snaps

76

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA 10

DB EVENTS

61

HK HAPPENINGS

66

CLASSIFIEDS

71

PROPERTY

73

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

DBICC dragon boaters

To read the cover story, turn to page 28

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MAY 2017

SUPER AUNTIES

Empowered and financially secure Life skills for tots and teens

Wildlife holidays to rock your world DELIGHT IN THE MOMENT

Mother’s Day matters

38

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

DRAGON SLAYERS ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

We also publish…

April/ May 2017

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

Join your community online

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

WIN!

tickets to see Pitbull in concert and a Zen Sisters bracelet

UNDER SIEGE BATTLE FOR THE INCENSE TREES

OLD-SCHOOL ACTIVIST

TOM YAM

INTEGRATE! 整合 UNCOVERING THE ROLE OF THE EXPAT

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002 Publishers

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING AND SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHER Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com CONTRIBUTORS Kate Farr Patricia Jover Elizabeth Kerr Katrina Mercado (intern) Sharon Lesley Le Roux Peter Sherwood Samantha Wong

PRINTING Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen, Hong Kong

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB 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.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

www.evoqueportraits.com

EASTER EGG HUNT AND FUN FAIR Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza were buzzing with activity on April 14 and 15 as the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Fun Fair saw kids aged three to 10 get into the spirit of Easter.

DB EVENTS

YOUR ROUNDUP

OF RECENT COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

www.evoqueportraits.com

DB DOG CARNIVAL DB dog lovers came together on April 9 to take part in a dog parade, a talent competition and behaviour training.

www.arounddb.com May 2017

11

DB EVENTS

BONAQUA LIFEPROOF ACTION SPRINT Starting in DB Plaza, the Bonaqua Lifeproof Action Sprint on April 23 saw competitors take to 13 kilometres of DB’s beaches, trails and roads.

www.evoqueportraits.com

SEVENS FEVER HITS DB Photos courtesy of Harvey Law Group and Monica Ling

12

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

April saw the Guyana National Sevens team, sponsored by Harvey Law Group, train with players from the DB Pirates, while the Classic Wallabies, in town for the Hong Kong Tens and featuring former Australia players, also trained with the Pirates.

DB EVENTS

HARVEY LAW GROUP ANNIVERSARY Harvey Law Group celebrated the fifth anniversary of its DB office at the Bounty Bar on April 21.

Photos by Andrew Spires

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY AT HKILA Hong Kong International Learning Academy (HKILA) marked World Autism Awareness Day on April 13 with a technicolour celebration. Staff and students were asked to wear an array of bright clothes, symbolising that the human brain comes in a range of types as varied as the colours of the rainbow.

Photos courtesy of HKILA

14

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING

COMMUNIT Y EV ENTS

Throughout May

Photo courtesy of Myriam Bartu

HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH Throughout DB

May is Helper Appreciation Month, offering up a full, free wellness and empowerment programme for DB helpers. Classes are being provided on a voluntary basis by DB-based professionals. For event information, visit the Around DB Facebook page, to read an article on helpers’ financial empowerment, turn to page 34.

May 2-4

YOUNG WRITER’S COMPETITION ONLINE VOTE

Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages Congratulations go to the finalists in this year’s Young Writer’s Competition, Janice Ho (DBIS), Sienna Bertamini (DBIS) and Kayla Lee (YHKCC), and to the runners-up, Micah Zirkelbach (DBIS), Seo Jin Park (DC) and Maika Ono (Island School). The finalists met with their mentors in April, so you can look forward to voting for your favourite story from May 2 to May 4, on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages. The winning story will be published in the June issues of both Around DB and Life on Lantau. The prize giving will be held at Bookazine in DB Plaza in May. May 6

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET

across from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm.

For more information, call 2238 3617.

Throughout May

TO ADOPT A PET

through Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

May 3

DMR’S YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Y Theatre, Youth Square, Chai Wan Discovery Bay’s DMR School of Ballet is holding its annual show in May – the Yellow Brick Road based on the Wizard of Oz. Kicking off at 7.30pm, the show features boys and girls aged six to 17 performing ballet, modern, jazz and tap. The Inventum Women’s Choir is also performing, with tickets available at www.urbtix.hk.

May 7

PROVERSE HONG KONG’S second international literary prize opens this month, with more information available at www.proversepublishing.com.

16

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

Photo courtesy of DMR

May 11

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST at Zak’s, DB, kicks off at 8am. For information and registration, head to the DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast Facebook page or visit www.t8events.com.

May 13

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP,

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Sam Pak Wan from 3pm to 5pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

May 14

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the amazing

and dedicated mothers in the Discovery Bay community. For an article celebrating mothers, turn to page 38.

May 14

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

May 18

TRISHA HUGHES BOOK LAUNCH Bookazine, Prince’s Building, Central

Regular Around DB contributor and 2017 Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writer’s Competition mentor Trisha Hughes is launching her latest book, Vikings to Virgin – The Hazards of being King, the first in a three-part historical trilogy, at Bookazine’s Meet the Authors night from 6.30 to 7.30pm.

Trisha is the author of the bestselling www.trishahughesauthor.com memoir Daughters of Nazareth, and she has just signed a contract with Austin Macauley Publishers for her first crime novel, Out of the Ashes. The Bookazine event is free, so head to enquiries@bookazine.com.hk to register; for more on Trisha and her books, visit www.trishahughesauthor.com or www.vikingstovirgin.com.

May 13

LANTAU BUFFALOS 5KM RUN Start: Siena Park

The Lantau Buffalos 5km Run is sponsored by Around DB and open to children aged six to 14. Those aged from eight to 14 run the full 5-kilometre course, while six- and seven-yearolds tackle the 2-kilometre track. For the first time, this year’s event features a parent/ child team category covering the 5-kilometre course.

Registration is now open, so head to www.lantaubuffalos.org to lock in your spot.

www.lantaubuffalos.org

May 14

WELSH MALE CHOIR AT DC Discovery College

Discovery College’s (DC) Primary Cobra Choir and DB’s Unsung Heroes are joining the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir on stage in the DC Performing Arts Theatre, with Photo courtesy of DC the show set to kick off at 2pm.

Prior to the concert, you can expect a costume clearance from 12.30pm in the main school lobby, with hundreds of costumes and party goods for sale. Tickets for the performance (HK$100 for adults, HK$50 for children) are available at the DC PTA Shop or at www.ticketingover.com.

To win tickets turn to page 25; for more information, contact pta@dc.edu.hk.

SPLASH!

Discovery Bay International School Splash, the free learn-toswim programme launched in DB by local resident Olivier Baillet to teach helpers how to swim, is looking for volunteer coaches. To find out more about the next course in August, or volunteer as a swim coach, visit the Splash Facebook page or www.splashfoundation.org.

New in DB

www.splashfoundation.org

www.arounddb.com May 2017

17

May 20

May 20

THE CRAYON RUN

THE PIRATES BALL

Tai Pak Wan

Auberge Hotel

www.dbpirates.com www.thecrayonrun.com

The Crayon Run, organised by the Crayon Society, kicks off at 8.30am, with different categories catering for kids aged from oneto 14-years-old and their parents, as well as helpers. Registration is a must but the fee is simply a ‘give what you can’ donation, with all proceeds going to the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children/ Duchess of Kent Children Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. Expect prizes on the day, plus a collection of used crayons and old running shoes. To register, head to www.thecrayonrun.com or contact thecrayonsociety@gmail.com.

May 26-28

DBFC AT THE SOCCER SEVENS Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley

May 23

FILMS 4 CHANGE MOVIE NIGHT is screening The True Cost ,

a story about the clothes we wear and the people who make them. From 7.30pm at Zak’s; visit the Films 4 Change DB Facebook page.

Fond adieu!

FAREWELL TO THE SEA CLASSROOM After two-and-a-half years in operation, Plastic Free Seas’ (PFS) learning programme aboard its Little Blue Trawler came to an end in late April.

Over 1,600 students and teachers have travelled on the vessel, learning about and seeing at first-hand the impact of plastic marine pollution.

PFS is now focused on www.plasticfreeseas.org strengthening and further developing its land-based programmes and is determined to bring as much learning from the sea classroom to the traditional classroom as possible. Visit www.plasticfreeseas.org.

18

The annual Discovery Bay Pirates Ball is again shaping up to be a hit, with the Moulin Rouge-themed event featuring a three-course dinner and a selection of fine wines. Everyone is welcome to enjoy cocktails, cigars, whiskey and even a casino. Head to www.dbpirates.com to secure your ticket (HK$1,500).

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

Catch Discovery Bay Football Club (DBFC) playing in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens alongside clubs from Europe and Asia. Sponsored by Tanner De Witt and 606, Photo courtesy of DBFC DBFC’s side features exprofessional players Roberto Losada, Cristiano Cordeiro, Dejan Antonic and DarkoVergec – all now coaching in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.hksoccersevens.com.

May 28

DRAGON BOATING IN DB Tai Pak Wan

The annual DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival sees 38 teams compete off Tai Pak Wan from 8am to 5.30pm. There’s men’s, ladies’ mixed and youth categories, as well www.evoqueportraits.com as the popular community race and market stalls on the beach. For more information, call 2238 3633. To read about The Ripple Effect, Discovery Bay International Community Church’s dragon boat team, turn to page 28.

OZZIE COZZIE

www.ozziecozzieco.com 503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, L.K.F., Central, H.K Enquiries: 2810 1356

LIVING ON THE SOUTH SIDE

17 mins drive to the airport 2-storey detached houses in 3- and 4-bedroom layout Private front and back gardens with spacious rooftop Overlooking panoramic views of the mountains and sea Dedicated concierge services by Swire Properties

AVAILABLE FOR SALE & LEASE

A Contemporary Architectural Vision

A Sense of Calmness & Openness

A passion for creating homes that function in harmony with their surroundings guides the design work of the renowned London-based architectural firm, PDP London.

Set amid the unspoiled beauty of South Lantau, WHITESANDS effortlessly achieves this harmony, with every house enjoying unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

At WHITESANDS, houses are set within landscaped gardens that provide a feeling of calm seclusion, while the surrounding panoramic views evoke a sense of openness.

The full-height windows, including frameless corner windows, accentuate these views, seamlessly connecting the open interiors and the lush natural world beyond.

Houses ranging from 1,954 sq ft to 2,598 sq ft, the 3- and 4-bedroom homes come with private front and back gardens and an open-plan living and dining area that connect seamlessly with the outdoor spaces.

Selected houses are now available for sale starting from HK$34.6M# and for lease at a monthly rental from HK$85,000 up.

ENQUIRIES 2922 4888 sales@swireproperties.com

Website: WWW.WHITESANDS.COM.HK District: South Lantau Coast Name of the Street and Street Number: 160 South Lantau Road The price refers to House 10, including 3% discount by selecting 90-day Payment Plan and 15% discount from Ad Valorem Stamp Duty Cash Benefit. It is subjected to the availability of the house. For details, please refer to the relevant price list and sales brochure.

The contents of this advertising material are published by the Vendor, Bao Wei Enterprises Limited, or are published with its consent. A prospective purchaser is advised to refer to the sales brochure for any information on the Development. | Vendor: Bao Wei Enterprises Limited Holding Company of the Vendor: John Swire & Sons Limited, John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited, Swire Pacific Limited, Swire Properties Limited Authorized Person: Mr. Ronald P.C. Liang of LWK & Partners (HK) Limited l Building Contractor: Gammon Building Construction Limited Solicitors for Vendor: Mayer Brown JSM l Any Authorized Institution that has made a loan, or has undertaken to provide finance for the construction of the Development: Not applicable l Any other person who has made a loan for the construction of the Development: Swire Properties Limited | Date of Printing: 25 April 2017 | Swire Properties Real Estate Agency Limited

#

SUNDAY MARKET

rem ipsum dolor

fre ent e ry May 14

S T F A R C , S T R A IE D IN IY D IR A F ' s R E D A R T L L A M S &

June 11

Don't miss these vendors!

AUGust 13

DB Plaza 11am - 6pm City Hydroponics

78

Kristin Green

58

Urban farming - grow your own, in the city!

Custom made organic fabric products.

6053 6076 info@cityhydroponics.hk www.cityhydroponics.hk

5505 3909 kristingreencollection@gmail.com www.kristingreen.com

1

FINCH Designs

FINCH Designs eco-swimwear for women, men and children is made exclusively from Repreve recycled PET bottles and offers complete UPF50+ sun protection. info@finchdesigns.com www.finchdesigns.com

Original 101

98

94b

Hoopla

MyAfric Designs

6385 0196 lydiah@myafricdesigns.com www.myafricdesigns.com

Nuan Nuan

Health and wellness educator, Hoopla for Essentials supplies therapeutic essential oils, aromatherapy resources and coconut products.

Childrenswear, accessories and backpacks handmade with love.

Practically pretty.

9774 1222 hooplaessentials@gmail.com www.facebook.com/hooplaessentials/

9385 7318 ingridchen@mac.com www.facebook.com/lovenuannuan/

106

Silk Road Desire

Zen Sisters

Original 101 is focused on kitchenware and houseware. Aiming to bring functional and funky items to everybody at a low cost, Original 101 its motto is ‘Designer items for less’.

Silk Road Desire brings 5-star hotel luxury to your home.

Its premium range duvets, bed sheets, covers and pillow cases are all hotel grade, certified and extremely luxurious.

Outstanding products at affordable prices.

Unique jewelry in high quality precious and semi-precious materials and natural stones to complement your style and personality. Create your own Zen with this extensive collection!

2116 2103 leonardo@interchinatrade.com www.original-101.hk

2194 4265 / 9400 2955 contact@silkroaddesire.com www.silkroaddesire.com

6344 4520 christa@zensisters.com www.zensisters.com

WWW.SILKROADDESIRE.COM

EMAIL: STEVE@SILKROADDESIRE.COM PHONE: +852 9400 2955

74

Inspired by African prints - unique, beaded and hand-crafted products.

102A

69

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ORIGINAL 101 98 Paper-Roses 35B Pashlili 21 Peacock Fine Foods 82 Petit Chat Noir 87a PICER 90a Planetlocal 32B punkdragon 63 Pure Elegance 88A Ressa Tea 88C Rêve de Provence 80b Rich Wake Art 32A Ronney&Claire's Art Design 7 Ronnie English 17 Ruth E Morris Photography 31b Segeburger 68 SHEERBLUE&SUNNY FIELD 104A Silk Road Desire 106 Solidayz 85 Soul Art Shop 創藝無限心靈便當店 13 Suite Works 27a SUMMER 77 Sundara Collections 62 TeeShop.HK 53 Tepp & Saito 24 Teresa's Turkish Towels 57 Thorn and Burrow 72 TimTimTom Books 38C Tinydragon 34B Trace Memories - lifestyle photography 14a Turtle Handmade Natural Essentials & Jo+Jo Natural Essentials 36b Wandrian Handmade / 萬華畫廊 66 We Loft 27b Wild Mylk 6 Willow & Ford 84 WINE MOMENTS 79 Wolfpack Workshops 73a Xperience 50 YEENAH 32C Yellow Sunshine Designs 102C YinaSpiration 37a Zen Sisters Jewelry 69 ZoharZ ArtZ 41a ZZP 39A 好老皮 Good Leather 33A 無茶苦茶 MuChaKuCha 89B 然本澗。ESSENTIAL NATURE 96a 華 様 花 間 61

D’Deck Restaurants

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69 4

70

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McSorley’s

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100 102 103 104 102a 105

109106 108107

Ferry Pier

Bus Terminus

N 8

57 56 54 55

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86

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HSBC Fusion

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Vendor Listings A-Z

Greenville Ha Ha Land Handmade Hong Kong Healthy Living HK Liquor Store hk-accessories Honeywood HongKongWetShave.com Hoopla for Essentials iGLOOZ Ltd J.W Workshop Jameelah Handicraft jessyueh Juice App plus Juxian Guan Ltd Kimaris Garden 悦農 kindanaturals Knit Cat Cafe Kristin Green Kurashiki Collection LEA JAMES PURSE ORGANIZERS Lemon Kiss Accessories Levain Bakery LIFT LIFESTYLE Lilly&Co Little Caleb Lou Harvey Lovely Handmade by Helen Lovester Lucky Fish Photography Art & Design Luzid Designs macau ceramics Master B. Gift Shop Meowlos X Obi's Kitchen Meraki Handpainted Leather Bags Miox mj's Select momogutgut / nuhox Moreganic Sweden MR DIY WATCH My Chic Bunny MyAfric Designs N*ICE POPS Nick Gleitzman Photographs No Less Créateur Not Only Olives Nuan Nuan Oil Therapy One Day Tea Open Jaw Designs Opsy Craft

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To advertise your stall in the June issue, call 2987 0577 or email info@baymedia.com.hk

Vendor Map

2nu Sunglasses / Bae Vino 5th Avenue Collection / 13th Element Alpas & Co. ANAKATIRA ANATOLIA CULTURAL CENTRE Angel Soaps & Skincare Ankyra Home Anniegurumi Any place Aoyama Notebooks * Enjoy Citizz Ashni Baby Sonata Beer & Biltong Bella Blu Design Bluyonda / Picture Finders Book Wise BuluTomo BuranoMurano BusyBee - Korean Handmade Products

BY Studio Ca Lisa Jewellery Carbu CG Handmade Bags Chak Kee Co CHAPPY YARN Chilled Wine Chromatic Fashion City Hydroponics Coderia Jewellery Cookie's Tale Corner Shop Curate D.r.trade(Hong Kong) DB Party Time DB-Eshop Dee Gogh Dulce Jewellery etcétera Hong Kong + EL COLMADO Emma's Kitchen Estelle CAGNAT Eye Market Fairy Face HK Farm Workshop FINCH Designs Firefly Clothing HK First Code Academy FREEOCLOCK Tea House FYI LTD Ginny Malbon Photography Granny Puckett Vintage green cosmo

Experience

BodyTalk FREE Mini-Treatment Available BodyTalk is a consciousness-based, non-diagnostic therapy that works with the body in its healing process and stimulates the body’s innate ability to balance and heal itself on all levels.

Advance Certified BodyTalk Practitioner Angie Tourani is offering FREE 20-minute mini treatments during the month of May in IMI Discovery Bay.

Please call 2537 1087 to make a booking today!

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES! Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until the 10th of this month to submit your answers.

To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code below. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!

Win a meal for two at Airport Izakaya YOUR PRIZE: Airport Izakaya at the Regal Airport Hotel is offering one reader two Abalone Teppanyaki Sets with Australian M8 Wagyu beef (worth HK$977 per set). Vouchers are valid through August.

Name one component of Airport Izakaya’s new menu.

www.regalhotel.com

FIND THE ANSWER: Airport Izakaya’s new menu highlights Teppanyaki, Tonkatsu and a choice of sashimi straight from Japan. For more information, visit www.regalhotel.com.

Win a travel insurance package from Lifestyle Insurance

What is the Business Class www.lfsinsurance.com Group’s target market?

YOUR PRIZE: Lifestyle Insurance, Hong Kong’s leading independent insurance brokers and a member of the Business Class Group, is offering one reader an annual travel insurance policy (worth HK$1,950), which provides over HK$5 million of protection.

FIND THE ANSWER: The Business Class Group is a selection of companies built to provide a holistic range of quality services to expats. With offices in Hong Kong, China, Russia and Thailand, it assists individuals and businesses both regionally and beyond.

For more information, visit www.lfsinsurance.com or www.businessclassgroup.com.

Win a summer surf camp from Treasure Island YOUR PRIZE: Treasure Island is offering one child a place at one of its 10-week surf camps (worth HK$4,000), running from June 19 to August 25 at Pui O Beach.

Name one activity campers can enjoy.

www.treasureislandhk.com

FIND THE ANSWER: Treasure Island’s surf camps (Gromnets Beginner Surf, Surfers Intermediate or Adventure Camp) target kids aged five to 16. In addition to surfing, beginners learn water safety and ocean education, while intermediates can enjoy SUP, kayaking, hiking, coasteering and camping. For more information, visit www.treasureislandhk.com.

Win tickets to An Afternoon of Music Who is performing with the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir?

Photo courtesy of DC

YOUR PRIZE: Discovery College (DC) PTA is offering two readers two tickets to An Afternoon of Music (worth HK$100 each) at Discovery College on May 14 at 2pm.

FIND THE ANSWER: The Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir is coming to DC, with the school’s Cobra Choir and DB’s Unsung Heroes joining the group on stage. For tickets, head to the DC PTA Shop or www.ticketingover.com; for more information, contact pta@dc.edu.hk.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Vrunda Arora and Colette Leung for tickets to SYZYGY live; Nuri Lopez for tickets to Da-Bangg The Tour!; Natalya Spendelow for a Farmer’s Market BBQ pack; Claire O’Neill, Emily Koon, Shann Anderson, Olivier Bonnemaison and Kong Man Wai for a copy of ITS’ The Unique Asia Schools Guide; Jerome Martinet, Sara Shaw and Jennifer Gan for tickets to West Side Story; Angela Drake and Hallie Goldschmidt for tickets to Geronimo Stilton, Live in the Kingdom of Fantasy!; and Agathe Lory for a two-week unlimited HIT+Spin package with The HIT Room. www.arounddb.com May 2017

25

PROFILE

AGAINST THE WIND

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Pamela and Brent Wallace proudly paddle against the current with Discovery Bay International Community Church’s The Ripple Effect – and do a little good along the way. Elizabeth Kerr reports

M

aggy is nowhere to be seen. It’s late on a rainy afternoon in Discovery Bay and Pamela Wallace shows up at the ferry pier without Maggy, her and husband Brent’s eight-year-old pooch and unofficial The Ripple Effect dragon boat team mascot.

The Wallaces relocated to DB six years ago after selling everything – house, cars, horse – except Maggy,

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Pamela and Brent Wallace with Maggy, unofficial The Ripple Effect team mascot

who also had a hand (paw?) in deciding to call DB home.

“DB is such a nice stepping stone from a regular American town. It’s a very unique little community. There are some amazing people here.

Something about DB drew us,” says Pamela. Maggy, however, isn’t too keen on rain.

Ohio native Pamela, now 51, lived

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

within an 80-kilometre radius of Detroit most of her life before moving to the SAR, and Brent, 50, is a native Texan who bounced around the US growing up. Brent’s job at BASF brought the couple and their tween and teenaged kids, Kelsey, now 19 and studying in Hawaii, and Mitchell (21, in Ohio), to Asia. Both kids have hinted that they would like to return to Hong Kong after school for work.

“They grew up as teenagers here after moving from the Midwest of America. It was such a different experience; they could safely get on the MTR and go to a movie, take themselves to school and everywhere. They didn’t need me to drive them around. They became very independent!” notes Pamela.

“We like Hong Kong, we really do. It’s a very special place to live, especially Discovery Bay.” Emailing from Berlin, Brent chimes in on the subject, adding that DB’s transient nature has made it a place where it’s easy to find acceptance. “We really love the openness of the community here,” he begins. “Everyone is happy to add new friends and relationships. There’s no need for cars, just jump on and off any bus, anytime. Plus, when I’m in town, it’s very easy to get to the office, and a ferry beer on the way home always helps to melt the office tensions away.”

Dragon slayers But back to Maggy, and the dragon boating, a shared passion the Wallaces discovered almost on moving to DB. They now manage the Discovery Bay International Community Church’s (DBICC) The Ripple Effect dragon boat racing team, which serves as an outreach programme.

Dragon boating appealed to Brent’s outdoorsy side, and he jumped at the chance to join The Ripple Effect, having connected with the church shortly after arriving in Hong Kong.

By year three Brent was sold on the sport and when the team captain was transferred to Kuala Lumpur, he took over, quickly drafting Pamela in to help.

“I don't think either of us would want to do it alone,” he reasons.

Pamela agrees: “It’s something we can do together, which has been

awesome as our new empty-nest life has evolved since the kids went to university.”

of athletes and it does bring the awareness to a different group of people.”

Competing purely in the mixed competition at the DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival, The Ripple Effect isn’t exclusively for church members – it’s something that “allows Christians and nonChristians to join in unity,” Brent explains. The team regularly makes it to the mixed finals and won the inaugural Community Cup in 2015.

The Ripple Effect only races once a year in DB but the Wallaces are so into the sport, they also paddle for the Sea Cucumbers – the Cukes – a more competitive local team.

“Last year was the first year that the Cukes were invited to race in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in Victoria Harbour. I was extremely proud to race there,” Brent says. “It was thrilling, even if the weather did not cooperate; it was pouring rain much of the day. We (the Cukes) are invited again this year and plan to enter two teams.”

The dragon boat racing plays a vital part in ensuring the charity work of the church is as effective as possible

The DBICC and the team support a number of charities, among them Back to Jerusalem, which, when not performing traditional mission work supports safe houses for former ISIS trafficking victims, and Hong Kong’s Filipino Fire Choir – the “most joyful people” Pamela has ever met.

The church is also behind various DB events, including Kids in the Park and Nativity in the Plaza.

For Brent, the dragon boat racing plays a vital part in ensuring the charity work of the church is as effective as possible. “It targets individuals that are not in a lot of our other outreach things,” he says. “Here it’s a lot

Judge not, lest ye be judged It’s clear that one of the few things the Wallaces did bring with them from home was their dedication to community. The second was their faith. Brent professes that his Christianity poses no real issues personally or professionally, but Pamela agrees the current social climate puts them on their guard. A Sunday dog walk recently ended with her having vitriol hurled at her by a stranger.

“It wasn’t like this 20 years ago, not in my experience,” Pamela says. “[Hostility] comes out in a lot of different ways. When people first find out I’m a Christian, sometimes they back off a bit, but as they get to know me they realise I’m just another normal person… I like to think the people who are friends with me, who don’t share the same faith, respect us and the fact that we love everybody. My upstairs neighbour is Muslim and last week she sent down food. These are two faiths who, according to the media, hate each other, but that’s not always the reality of people.

“The best way to reflect on your faith is to treat people a certain way and not judge them. I don’t know if 

www.arounddb.com May 2017

29

PROFILE enough Christians have done that, and how much of it is a [lunatic fringe] that makes the rest of us look bad or how much is media propaganda. Probably a little of both,” Pamela argues.

Putting bigger issues aside, Pamela and Brent have a lot of training to do ahead of the DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival on May 28. So for now it’s back to the dragon boat grind, fortunately a grind they both enjoy, and yes, more ministering, such as it is.

“I would love to tell people about Christ, but I can’t do that if they don’t trust me,” finishes Pamela.

“Sometimes I’m not the one that leads them to the Lord. Sometimes it’s just being their friend. It’s the ripple effect.”

The Wallaces also paddle for the Sea Cucumbers in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

FIND IT

• Discovery Bay International Community Church, www.dbicc.org

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IN FOCUS

freedom

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Shirley Johnson

Songs of

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As we celebrate DB’s third Helper Appreciation Month, Sam Agars focuses on three domestic workers who have got themselves out of debt bondage, and the people who are working to solve the problem at its root

E

ach May, we have the opportunity to show our appreciation for DB’s domestic workers – the women and men who are our helpers, carers, friends and family. It’s a time to focus on the hardships they endure but more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate their triumphs.

While you often hear of domestic workers who have been overcharged

by corrupt employment agencies and as a result find themselves in unmanageable debt, DB is now teeming with helpers who have successfully lifted themselves out of debt and poverty... with a little help from their friends.

At Fair Employment Agency, DB residents David Bishop and Scott Stiles are setting the market standard for ethical recruitment practices

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

in Hong Kong, by not charging domestic workers for recruitment services. DB resident Freedom Jackman does similar work at his agency Maid For You. Holly Allan, another DBer, is at the helm of HELP for Domestic Workers, a charity that offers free counselling to helpers and connects them with pro-bono legal services through a large network of local and international law firms.

And then of course there’s Enrich,

That equates to HK$421, a far cry from HK$9,000, but often domestic workers don’t know any better and are thrown into a spiral of debt that sees them forced to take out additional bank loans simply to survive, while providing for their children at home.

“Most of us have difficulties because before we enter Hong Kong we spend a lot of money to pay the agency fee,” says DB helper Jovita Wangag, who has a husband and two teenage children in the Philippines.

“We have to ask for some help from the Philippines and you have to pay that back before you can save.”

Success stories When seeking a solution, Jovita heard about Enrich and she is quick to explain how its workshops helped her out of trouble. “What I did was I borrowed money from a bank and I paid my debt and then I slowly paid my debt to the bank,” she says.

“Enrich taught me how to manage my money and how to grow my money because the salary is not that much. They taught me how to spend it wisely. There is the needs and the wants, you have to identify what you really need.”

Lorna Mauricio, Marilou Canaway, Jovita Wangag

the charity dedicated to promoting helpers’ financial empowerment, co-founded by DB resident, Myriam Bartu.

best ways for employers to get on board.

While Myriam is no longer at the helm, Enrich has held over 650 workshops and directly influenced the lives of over 10,000 migrant workers in Hong Kong since its establishment in 2007. As a result, many helpers are now on top of their financial struggles and thriving in the investment market. To celebrate Enrich’s 10th anniversary, we talk to three DB helpers who have benefited from its workshops and outline the

Opening the conversation, DB helper Marilou Canaway, the president of the Association of Concerned Migrant Workers, reveals that many migrant workers are illegally forced to pay up to PHP60,000 (more than HK$9,000 agency fee) just to get to Hong Kong.

“The agency fee is supposed to only be 10% of the monthly salary and the minimum wage is HK$4,210,” she says.

Understanding the debt spiral

Fellow DB helper Lorna Mauricio tells a similar story. On arriving in Hong Kong almost 20 years ago, she not only had to pay her agency fee, she also owed money to the lending company that funded her coming here – a debt that needed to be paid on a three-month instalment basis.

“It was quite difficult to manage my finances because my monthly repayment was HK$3,000 at that time and my salary was only HK$3,860, so there was not much left for me to send home to my three kids,” Lorna says. “Luckily I was introduced to Enrich and they taught me how to budget, even if I only had a small amount. I have followed the rules and I was able to manage 

www.arounddb.com May 2017

35

IN FOCUS

Support Super Aunties

my debt within six months. Enrich reminds us why we are here and the goals we have.”

Inspired by the financial advice given to her own helper, South Lantau’s Shirley Johnson is raising funds to help Enrich provide domestic workers with 10,000 hours of financial education this year. To get on board, check out the special edition ‘Super Aunty’ T-shirt and other items in Lantau Ren’s T-shirts for Good collection.

HK$40 from every shirt sold is being donated to Enrich.

To purchase a T-shirt, head to www.lantauren.com.

Having worked their way out of debt, the next step for a lot of domestic helpers is to start building some stability for the future, with many investing in cooperatives back in the Philippines. Ten-year Hong Kong resident Jovita has done just this, as has Marilou who first attended an Enrich workshop in 2008 and now has a house north of Manila.

“I didn’t have difficulties when I first went to Enrich because I had managed to get out of debt already, but I learnt where I should put my money and how to save it and calculate it,” says Marilou, who has lived in Hong Kong since 1994 and has one married son back home.

“Even if you have money to start a business, it’s not enough, so you must learn how to start it and how you are going to run it.

“The best thing I learnt from Enrich is that when you start a business in the Philippines you must be there, so I haven’t started a business yet but I have learnt to invest my money,” Marilou adds. “I am an investor, not a business owner. I have invested in two cooperatives in the Philippines and Enrich’s one-on-one mentoring sessions have helped me understand investment procedures.”

Advice for employers Anna Maria Andreoli, head of development at Enrich, explains how employers can play a big role in ensuring their helpers stay focused on their goals. “Firstly, ensure your helper has a bank account,” she says.

“Some banks in Hong Kong are not very welcoming to domestic workers, so you may need to accompany her to the bank to open an account.”

There are also simple things you can do at home, Anna Maria explains: “For example, ask your helper to manage your grocery money. This gives her the opportunity to learn about money management without you encroaching on her private life. You can also encourage your helper to think longterm, several years in advance. Ask what her goals are for the future, and how she plans to achieve them.”

While Anna Maria admits that even nowadays it is common for migrant workers to come to Hong Kong with some level of debt, there are measures employers can take to see that it isn’t compounded. “You can help her keep track of her income by giving her monthly pay slips and paying her salary into a bank account rather than in cash,” she says. “Transfer her salary on the last day of the month and don’t delay payments.”

It is important to understand that

FIND IT

The perfect thank you gift for DB helpers this May

some level of debt is to be expected, particularly if your helper is new to Hong Kong and will likely still be repaying her employment agency fees. “Where possible, hire a helper using a direct-hiring platform or use a reputable and ethical employment agency that does not charge the helper,” Anna Maria advises.

Should you suspect your helper is facing unmanageable debt, Anna Maria says it is important to discuss possible solutions in a calm and nonintimidating manner. “If she has taken out a loan, you may be willing to consider taking over the loan so that she pays you back,” she says.

“This can save her, and you, from getting harassed by loan agencies and from paying exorbitant interest rates.

If you feel your helper needs more support, Enrich offers a confidential one-to-one financial counselling service where we will help calculate how much is owed and develop a realistic repayment plan.”

• Enrich, www.enrichhk.org • Fair Employment Agency, www.fairagency.org • HELP for Domestic Workers, helpfordomesticworkers.org • Maid For You, www.maidfor.com.hk • Find more on DB Helper Appreciation Month at the Around DB Facebook page

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2017 www.arounddb.com

Illustration by Andrew Spires; photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Sharon Lesley Le Roux

FAMILY FAMILYMATTERS MATTERS

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May Bouquet Lantau mum and one of the mentors in this year’s Young Writer’s Competition, Sharon Lesley Le Roux reflects on the reasons we celebrate Mother’s Day

DB mums celebrate Hong Kong Mother’s Day on May 14

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

A

s a child growing up in the north of England, Mother’s Day was all about a handful of daffodils (my mother’s favourite flower) picked from the garden, a handmade, coloured-in card containing a message of love, and a Mother’s Day breakfast that consisted of my mother’s favourite marmalade or curd, with toast and coffee, all delivered on a tray to my mother in bed.

For my mother, I’m certain it wasn’t about any of these gifts at all. It was knowing the pleasure that bringing them all together had given me, her child. It was understanding the excitement I felt about being able to ‘surprise’ her on her special day.

And, because she was my mother, she would have overlooked the soil I’d brought in on my shoes, not seen where I’d coloured outside the lines, not cared one jot about the burnt bits I hadn’t managed to scrape off.

Thanking your mother Whoever, and wherever, we are in the world, we all observe Mother’s Day. The same day my mother and I were busy celebrating, so were mothers and their children in Ireland, Nigeria and Bangladesh. Mother’s Day is one of only a handful of celebrations observed by families all around the world; each nation setting aside a date once a year – the second Sunday of May in Hong Kong – to celebrate the relationship of mother and child.

In the 21st century, what is Mother’s Day about? Is it just another of those ‘Hallmark’ occasions which businesses cash in on? I don’t think so. Handmade cards made by small hands still beat shop-bought ones, just as they did when I was a child. Phone conversations with mothers and grandmothers abroad are priceless compared to flowers, chocolates or gifts ordered online.

Mother’s Day isn’t just one special day in the year when children get to show their awareness of, and appreciation for, the things their mothers do for them; of course this happens in households all over the world every day. For children, Mother’s Day acts as a reminder to stop and think what their relationships with their mothers mean.

This year (being an English mother, my family and I celebrated on March 26), I asked my two girls what Mother’s Day means to them. My 13-year-old believes Mother’s Day is “a way for women to feel good about themselves, especially those who’ve gone through the hard work of having kids and raising them. And, it’s for the children to appreciate what their mothers have done, and gone through, to make their lives as good as it can get for them.” My five-year-old feels Mother’s Day is about “giving lots of love to your mum, and giving a big love heart for loving us”.

Appreciating your child For mothers, Mother’s Day is a time when we are reminded to pause a while in our busy lives, and reflect on just how absolutely awesome it is for us to be able to bring life into the world. It’s for us to remember

there was a time when our little people didn’t exist, and to acknowledge how much richer, as a result, our lives are for having them. It’s a time for us to look back and see how, as each year goes by, we are changed by the act of motherhood. We are changed by the sacrifices we make daily, simply to put our children before ourselves. And we are changed by feelings of protection and empathy and joy and more, the depths of which we didn’t experience before we had children. In creating our children we, in turn, have evolved and grown.

We appreciate the blessing and the privilege that comes with the role of motherhood. We send messages of love to our own mothers, understanding only now the sacrifices they made for us when we were children. And, we send our friends who are mothers Happy Mother’s Day messages, acknowledging our shared membership of one of the most rewarding clubs in the world.

Honouring unconditional love Not so long ago, my mother sent me a Helen Exley collection of quotes and poems: In Praise and Celebration of Daughters. On one of the pages of the book, I found this: “I even love her bones. We are so close. She is my very best friend.”



 Sharon Lesley Le Roux with daughters and helper Ruth www.arounddb.com Mayher 2017 39

FAMILY MATTERS

Mother’s Day isn’t just the time to celebrate the mother figures we are to our children, but also the friends we are to them – and they to us. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to leave our separate interests aside, and do something together we enjoy. My children have two mother figures here in Hong Kong – myself and Mama Ruth, our family’s domestic helper who my kids have known, and loved, all their lives. The day before Mother’s Day this year, my girls, Mama Ruth and I went to the cinema. Sitting on vibrating seats, we watched Beauty and the Beast through 3D glasses. We enjoyed the movie and each other, as we laughed and cried together.

There’s a Filipino saying that translates as: ‘Even with the food all ready for her to consume, the mother will always find the need to give every last morsel to her children.’

This is true of all mothers, but here in Hong Kong especially, mothers like Ruth are a perfect example of just how far mothers will go for their children. A few years before she joined our family, Ruth had come from the Philippines to Hong Kong, leaving her two-year-old son in the care of her brother. She came because working here meant she would be able to put her son through school, and put food on his table.

Ruth is in no way unique. In Hong Kong thousands of women have

An international celebration Mother’s Day has been observed, in some way or other, throughout history. The Greeks and Romans held annual festivals to honour their mother goddesses. In 17th century England, Mothering Sunday – the fourth Sunday of Lent – was the day faithful people returned to their ‘mother church,’ the church they were baptised in. After a prayer service to honour Mary, Mother of Jesus, children of the parish would give the gifts and flowers they’d brought for their own mothers. On Mothering Sunday in Victorian times, girls working in service as housemaids went home to visit their mothers.

In early-20th century America, one daughter’s successful campaign for a national day to celebrate and honour the sacrifices mothers make for their children is why today millions of people around the world celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In Hong Kong, as in the US, children celebrate their mothers by giving them a card and a bouquet of flowers. Carnations are a popular choice.

Schools encourage children to dedicate poems to their mothers and to help out in special ways at home. As it is a holiday, families often mark the occasion with a big get together. given up that precious relationship with their children we western mothers take for granted, so they can give them a better life. Ruth’s boy will soon be 23, and will be graduating from nursing college.

His mother is justifiably proud of him, as we are of her, knowing the sacrifices she has made to get him to where he is today.

Be it as children or as mothers, the meaning and traditions we each attach to Mother’s Day are rooted in love and honour and

respect. Though it may well have become a commercialised event in recent years, still it remains a celebration – of motherhood and of the relationship between mother and child. Mother’s Day is the recognition of the protection, nurture, sacrifice and unconditional love that mothers give their children, and the happiness and love their children give in return.

Whenever, and wherever, you are celebrating this year, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

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Nanny services, tutoring services and child-care consultations are also offered.

MELINDA MATERNITY 5177 7240, melindamaternity@gmail.com, www.melindamaternity.com As a qualified postnatal carer, newborn care educator and mother of five, Melinda Hunt offers bespoke newborn-care training for parents and helpers, plus night nurse services. Baby-care education services include advice on newborn settling and soothing techniques, consultations on infant sleep and breastfeeding support.

RAW & RICH 9633 5573, corinne@rawandrich.com, www.rawandrich.com Through raw & rich, Corinne Konrad Calder offers doula support, pregnancy and birth coaching, active birth education and prenatal yoga classes.

She is passionate about helping mothers have a positive birth experience, so new families can begin their journey with ease, joy and confidence.

EPICLAND 2441 0098, events@epiclandhk.com, epiclandhk.com EpicLand’s Epic Explorers sessions are suitable for tiny tots and new mums, with activities that include movement, exploration, sports, singing and dancing. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and on Thursday mornings at the indoor playground in DB.

THE BEAT 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk The Beat offers fun and interactive Babywearing classes for mums who want to get back into shape and get strong after giving birth. DB classes combine easy-to-follow dance routines with fitness elements, while giving mums the chance to bond with their babies in a relaxed atmosphere.

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May 2017 www.arounddb.com

EMBODY 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk, www.embody.hk Embody’s prenatal yoga classes can greatly benefit mums-to-be. They can improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of the muscles needed for childbirth, and decrease lower back pain, all while connecting mums with their babies. Embody also offers postnatal Pilates classes in its DB studio.

Covering all your preand postnatal needs Newborn keepsakes

SHADOW LIFE CASTING 9150 4033, shadow@shadow.com.hk, www.shadow.com.hk Shadow Projects offers life-casting to preserve precious moments in time, casting baby bumps, baby bums and baby hands and feet, as well as other art and creative projects. The sculptures are realised, at the Mui Wo studio or on location, through a range of materials, such as bronze and silver, with non-metal options.

WRIGHTSON & PLATT 9038 1658, anitac@wrightsonandplatt.com, www.wrightsonandplatt.com/hk A casting appointment with Wrightson & Platt captures special moments in your baby’s life.

The casts are taken at casting artist Anita Cowley’s home in Pokfulam then turned into bronze, glass or silver sculptures by the London-based company.

Photography

BETTITUDE PHOTOGRAPHY 6082 3199, info@bettitudephotography.com, www.bettitudephotography.com Bettitude Photography captures glowing pregnant bellies in a private Kwai Chung studio or on location. You can choose between fully-clothed, playful sessions and half-naked, contemporary shoots with or without your significant other.

TRIX MALAN PHOTOGRAPHY 6053 6069, info@trixmalanphotography.com, www.trixmalanphotography.com There is no time quite as special and exciting as preparing for, and welcoming, your new baby into the world. Trix Malan is passionate about capturing these precious moments, through location shoots, and documenting them for families to keep as treasured memories.

Maternity wear and baby products

BUMPS TO BABES 2522 7112, sales@bumpstobabes.com, www.bumpstobabes.com Bumps to Babes provides a one-stop shopping experience, at stores across Hong Kong, for new and expectant mothers. In addition to exclusive maternity wear, it also stocks baby and child clothing from around the world, together with thousands of toys from leading brands. Essentials include baby equipment and nursery furniture, pushchairs, car seats, infant formula and food.

MOTHERS EN VOGUE 2866 7171, shopping@mev-hongkong.com, mev-hongkong.com Mothers en Vogue’s maternity-nursing wear allows expecting mums to embrace pregnancy in style and breastfeed in confidence. Balancing style, comfort and function, the collection is carefully crafted to flatter growing bumps and postpartum curves. (Simply mention Around DB at the Central store to enjoy a 10% discount through June 30.)

www.arounddb.com May 2017

43

TALKING POINTS

ECO

SHOOTERS Samantha Wong showcases some of the winning photographs in the DBIS Green Photography Competition and hears from the budding young photographers

W

hat does being green mean to primary school students? This is what the teachers at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) aimed to discover through their first Green Photography Competition. The children (aged five to 11) were asked to submit an ecologically themed photo, with the results announced just after Easter.

The competition coincided with the school’s annual Green Week, March 27 to 31. “We invited the students to explore their local environment,” says competition coordinator, Year 2 teacher and green enthusiast Jack Hoskin. “The challenge was to capture a photograph inspired by one of Green Week’s three environmental themes: appreciation, protection and sustainability.”

11

Photos courtesy of DBIS

With over 60 entrants submitting fantastic, locally shot photographs, choosing a winner in each age range proved no easy task. “The judges were impressed by the range of subjects and especially by the care taken by each of the photographers,” says Jack.

44

Looking at the top-placed photos in each age range, and reading the students’ comments, it’s easy to see what kids get out of an environmental education. In aiming to promote eco-awareness, while kick-starting a lifelong love of photography, the Green Photography Competition has surely sewn some worthwhile seeds.

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

2

3

The winners 1 Andrea Bacci (Year 5 - 6 category) “I took this photo because I thought it was a beautiful and rare animal, it is evidence of the diverse ecosystem that we have in Siena Park. I just basically thought it was so cool to see a kingfisher in DB! “Being green means to respect the planet and to not put rubbish on the ground or anywhere. Be more responsible! We need to create less waste in general.”

4

2 Ella Sutherland (Year 3 - 4 category) “I took this photograph because the flower has a little brown on it and that means that nature is dying.

“Being green means to recycle to stop pollution.”

3 Ririko Kurihara (Year 1 - 2 category) “I photographed this flower because it looked pretty and green.

“Being green means you should recycle and not use taxis too much.”

5

The runners-up 4 Luke Joslyn (Year 5 - 6 category) “I took this photo because the beaches in DB are dirty and disgusting. It makes me feel bad because all the trash we throw away is going into our water and ocean and that’s being eaten by wildlife. These animals can then get really sick and can often even die which makes me feel angry.

“Being green means not using as much waste. We need to protect our oceans and save them for future generations.”

5 Andrew Ling (Year 5 - 6 category) “I took this picture just after a beach clean-up by Plastic Free Seas and this polystyrene box floated in from the sea. It shows how polluted the sea is and how we can all make a difference.

6

“Being green means reusing things, reducing the amount of plastic we use, recycling and not throwing things on the floor.”

6 Jasmin Leschinsky (Year 3 - 4 category) “I chose this photo because I wanted to find something that was green.

“Being green means reusing things and recycling and why it is important to stop global warming!”

7

7 Julia Sutherland (Year 1 - 2 category) “I photographed this plant because it was nice and pretty.

“It is important to be green because we have to look after the world.”

Find more student photos @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com May 2017

45

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PARENTING

Skills for life

Teaching kids simple household chores sets them up for adulthood, while allowing them to feel competent and responsible in the here and now. Kate Farr reports

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

W

hile many of us in DB are fortunate enough to have a helper to help with the daily chores, outsourcing all of the domestic drudgery can have some unexpected disadvantages.

For kids who are accustomed to always having ‘Auntie’ around, the university years, and the subsequent forays into independent adulthood can come as a pretty rude awakening. Ultimately, it falls to us parents to ensure that our kids turn out to be productive people, rather than pampered princes and princesses. Here are some helpful strategies.

Constructive games Ever noticed how your toddler mimics everything you do? Small children are like sponges soaking up the influences around them, and, at this age, the strongest influence of all comes from their parents.

Model the type of behaviour that you would like them to learn and encourage them to help with simple household tasks as early as possible.

Most little ones adore tidy-up games, so ensure that your toy storage is accessible, bust out a tidying song, and encourage them to be in charge of putting away

their own playthings. This helps to reinforce the importance of looking after treasured items and soon becomes second nature.

Sweeping and vacuuming are endlessly fascinating to babies and a soft duster is a safe tool for little hands. Laundry time is another great opportunity to turn a chore into fun. Toddlers love to load washing into the machine (be vigilant for stray Duplo and toy cars) and pass pegs... and sock-pairing becomes a great game when they’re matching up colours.

Once they are slightly older, say 

www.arounddb.com May 2017

47

PARENTING

around four, it’s time to engage kids in the kitchen. Chat about ingredients and ask them to name as many of them as they can. Enlist their help in finding items from the cupboards and fridge, and reinforce this by asking them to help put away groceries in the correct locations. If you have the space, get them to stand on a low stool and get hands-on with the food prep. Scooping, spreading, whisking and even some carefully supervised chopping allows children to understand how their meals end up on the table, and can be instrumental in broadening a fussy eater’s culinary horizons.

If time allows, a regular themed food day is a good way to get kids excited about eating. Ask them to pick a country from a map, then spend some time researching facts about the culture, people and, of course, the food. The grand finale is to shop for ingredients together and cook a meal from the chosen country to eat as a family.

Weekly chores Once children start primary school, get them involved with the process of packing their own lunch. Make an event of it by choosing a new lunchbox together (bento boxes or stackable tiffins allow for lots of different flavours). Then make a ‘menu card’ of options that includes plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, a protein, a carbohydrate and something sweet. Kids can ‘place their order’ for the week ahead by ticking individual items from each category then helping to shop for ingredients at the supermarket.

Pocket money can be a major motivator for kids, especially if they are saving up for something really special. While bribing children with cash to get them to do their chores is not recommended, a small cash reward can be a little extra incentive

Assign teens with regular chores

for them to go above and beyond at home. Examples might include stripping the sheets from the family’s beds, or helping younger siblings with their own tidying up.

Tweens become increasingly independent and, from around 10 or 11 years, they can tackle some of the less pleasant household jobs, such as cleaning surfaces, washing up, emptying bins and even scrubbing toilets. This serves to reinforce the message that a clean home takes some effort, and that ‘the rubbish fairy’ doesn’t actually spirit their discarded wrappers away. It will also stand them in good stead for maintaining shared student accommodation in years to come.

Taking charge By the time your children are hitting their teens, they should have a regular roster of household tasks to tackle with minimal supervision. This helps to build trust, and sets a benchmark for cleanliness for your soon-to-be-

A soft duster is a safe tool for little hands

independent young people. Now is also the time to discuss other practicalities, such as how to open bank accounts, pay bills and set up utilities, along with the importance of budgeting and saving.

Whether your teen is a dab hand in the kitchen or completely disinterested in culinary creations, a cooking course that covers all the basics can be a wise move, equipping them with the tools they’ll need to feed themselves in the outside world. Designate one night per week for your older teen to take charge of feeding the family, meaning that they get to hone their skills while you reap the benefits.

By continually reinforcing the message that household chores are everyone’s responsibility, parents are giving their offspring valuable life skills that they can draw on throughout their lives. And the earlier you start, the less resistance you’re likely to encounter along the way. So grab your toddler and a dustpan, and get to work.

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2017 www.arounddb.com

Encourage kids to get hands-on with food prep

ESCAPES

Animal Adventures

When deciding on your next big-ticket vacation, why not go all out and book into somewhere utterly wild?

Kate Farr reports Head to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

F

50

ew places are now so remote that they cannot be reached on a wildlife holiday, meaning there are endless exciting vacation options for those in search of a little animal magic. All the trips listed here give you the unbeatable opportunity to watch animals feeding, playing and interacting in their natural habitat. Importantly too, they are all run responsibly and respectfully, dedicated to taking as good care of the animals as they do of you.

Bird watching in Ecuador The Chocó Rainforest of north-

western Ecuador is found around three hours outside of the capital city, Quito. Recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet, the forest is home to over 900 bird species and 350 different varieties of reptile, many of which are indigenous only to this region.

In the heart of Chocó, tucked away on a 3,200-acre private cloudforest reserve, is contemporarychic Mashpi Lodge. This architectdesigned eco-retreat offers an unparalleled perspective on the surrounding rainforest, with floorto-ceiling glass walls transforming

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

each of its 22 comfortable and stylish rooms into a natural gallery.

Ride the lodge’s innovative skybikes through the forest canopy, 200 metres above the ground, for an authentic bird’s-eye view of the teeming wildlife that calls this corner of the world home.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda High in the misty mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you find endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Under the guidance of experienced trackers, it’s possible to observe these fascinating creatures – the

Get up close with gorillas in Rwanda

Sky-bike through Ecuador’s Chocó Rainforest

Track grizzly bears in Alaska

Spot over 900 species of bird in Ecuador

world’s largest primate – going about their daily lives, undisturbed.

And there’s so much more to your trek than just gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is also home to golden monkeys, hyenas, buffalos and a wide range of colourful bird species.

On the banks of picturesque Lake Kivu, in the Rwandan resort town of Gisenyi, lies Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Cloaked in tropical gardens, this comfortable resort offers a range of options, including spacious family rooms and a spectacular pool. There’s also private beach access and a water sports centre

Swim with stingless jellyfish in Palau

for making the most of the lake by windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Ocean exploring in Palau Once in a lifetime, you might uncover one of Mother Nature’s true mysteries, and a trip to the Micronesian archipelago of Palau, and its 12,000-year-old Jellyfish Lake, is certainly a bucket-list experience. Located on Eil Malk Island, this sheltered marine lake has provided the perfect conditions for a remarkable evolutionary quirk to occur. The lake’s millions of golden and moon jellyfish have no natural predators, which

means they have evolved without their characteristic sting. This is a huge draw for swimmers and snorkelers wanting to get up close and personal with these mysterious creatures. Away from the jellyfish, Palau is renowned for its crystalclear waters and fascinating World War Two shipwrecks, offering unparalleled diving.

Palau Pacific Resort is set in 64 acres of tropical garden, with a range of rooms from which to choose. However, the best of the bunch has to be the traditional over-water bungalows, which come complete with glass floors, ensuring

www.arounddb.com May 2017



51

ESCAPES

you don’t miss a moment of tropical reef life below your feet.

Whale watching in Alaska A land of ice and snow, but also one of clear blue lakes and lush green mountains – for a whole new perspective on the US, pack your hiking boots and your camera and make your way to rugged Alaska.

Head to the hills for a wilderness camping trip under starry skies, track grizzly bears with an expert guide, spot migrating whales from a kayak, and hike the Wolverine Ridge for exhilarating views just 20 minutes outside of the city of Anchorage.

Tutka Bay Lodge has a breathtaking location, nestled between the mountains and fjords in Kachemak Bay. Kayak the bay and you’ll spot orcas, humpback whales and sea otters, entirely undisturbed by human contact. Ease your aches after a long day on the water with a visit to the lodge’s on-site sauna and hot tub, before watching a jaw-dropping sunset from the boardwalk. Aside from the natural wonders, Tutka Bay is home to an acclaimed cooking school that’s uniquely situated on a reclaimed World War Two troop carrier-turned crabbing boat.

South African safari

Spot migrating whales in Alaska

See The Big Five in South Africa

plus over 300 varieties of bird.

Aside from the spectacular animal attractions, one added benefit is the reserve’s malaria-free status, making it an ideal destination for families.

Family-run Madikwe Safari Lodge brings luxury living right to the bush, with its all-suite accommodation,

It would be remiss to discuss wildlife holidays without including at least one safari option, and Madikwe, South Africa’s fifth largest game reserve, is ideal for those hoping to see The Big Five without the Kruger crowds. Situated just south of the border with Botswana, Madikwe is teeming with all the wildlife you could hope for. There are some 66 species that include elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, zebra and kudu,

private plunge pools and outdoor showers. Its Lelapa (literally translated as ‘family’) Lodge offers a full menu of kid-friendly activities, including children’s safaris, a dedicated junior activity centre and even the opportunity to wash the 4X4s after a hard day of animal-tracking.

FIND IT • Alaska – Blueflower, 3975 8193, www.blueflower.la • Ecuador – SPS Travel, 9830 6834 • Palau – Flight Centre Hong Kong, 2830 2899,

www.flightcentre.com.hk

• Rwanda – Lightfoot Travel, 2815 0068,

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• South Africa – A2A Safaris, 2525 2776,

www.a2asafaris.com

Find more exciting travel destinations @ www.arounddb.com

52

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

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RECIPES

Pretty as a picture

Say it with flowers this Mother’s Day by heading to the kitchen and making mum a sweet and delicious floral treat

Lavender flower ice cream Makes 1 quart 1¼ cup soy milk 8 sprigs fresh lavender 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk ½ cup granulated sugar

Warm the soy milk on a medium heat until it begins to boil. Stir in the lavender flowers and buds. Cover and remove from the heat. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl. Pour the soy milk through the strainer to remove the lavender. Whisk in the coconut milk and sugar. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours, then freeze in an ice cream maker. Top with lavender petals to serve.

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org



www.arounddb.com May 2017

55

RECIPES

Borrage and blackberry fool Serves 4

1 cup heavy cream ⅓ cup borage petals 4 cups fresh blackberries 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Put the cream and borage petals in a covered container and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to 24 hours.

Combine two cups of blackberries with the lime juice and ginger and let them infuse for the same amount of time as the cream. Strain the borageinfused cream through a fine-mesh strainer. Purée with the sugar for five minutes, until the cream is soft and billowy but firm. Reserve 4 tbsp of borage cream. Purée the blackberry mixture, and gently fold into the borage cream. Divide the remaining blackberries between four bowls and top with borage blackberry cream. Garnish with the reserved borage cream and  borage petals.

56

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

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RECIPES

Pansy petal pancakes Makes 12

1½ cups milk ½ cup water 1 tbsp sugar 3 tbsp unsalted butter ½ cup buckwheat flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour 3 large eggs 12 pansy flowers Floral syrup

Purée all the ingredients together to form a smooth batter, keeping the pansy flowers to one side. Refrigerate for at least two hours and up to 24 hours. Warm the batter to room temperature and shake well. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Remove from the heat and pour ¼ cup batter in the middle, tilting the pan to distribute it quickly and evenly.

Return to the heat. After about one minute, sprinkle with pansy flowers.

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Find more delicious recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2017 www.arounddb.com

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Throughout May

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One of the biggest cultural events in Asia, Le French May reaches out to the entire community, through art exhibitions, music, film, and more. Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum over 800 Years, a selection of masterworks from all of the Louvre’s departments, looks set to be a definite highlight. For this year’s line-up, tickets and venues, visit www.frenchmay.com.

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND HK! Like us on the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

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A modern-day re-telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is set against the vicious rivalry of teenage gangs in 1950s New York. Expect Jerome Robbins’ original choreography, an allAmerican cast and classic songs including Tonight. For tickets, starting at HK$445, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Courtesy of The May 18 Punchline Comedy Club, the hysterical improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is back, due to popular demand.

Watch Stephen www.wikimedia.org Frost, Steve Steen, Andy Smart and Ian Coppinger take scenarios, genres and phrases, and turn them into comedy gold. For tickets, starting at HK$350,  visit www.ticketflap.com. www.arounddb.com May 2017

61

HK HAPPENINGS

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai

SOCCER SEVENS

May 19-21

Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley

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Fall in love with artworks that suit your taste and budget at the Affordable Art Fair. You can expect to pick up everything from Chinese ink paintings and abstract canvases to sculptures, limited-edition prints and photographs. For tickets, starting at HK$120, visit www.hkticketing.com.

PITBULL: CLIMATE CHANGE TOUR

See the stars of tomorrow and some of the legends of the game at this annual, invitational seven-a-side tournament. The 2017 HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens promises to be the most diverse yet, featuring players from the top French, German and Italian leagues for the first time. For tickets, starting at HK$160, visit www.ticketflap.com.

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May 30

AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

May 29

www.zrarts.com

HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL www.pinterest.com

Pitbull is returning to Hong Kong, following the release of his 10th studio album, Climate Change. The Grammywinning rapper is known for sell-out concerts across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and has sold over five million albums and over 60 million singles. For tickets, starting at HK$688, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Save the date!

Central Harbourfront, Central Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR, this year’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival promises to be the best yet. Watch thousands of the world’s top dragon boaters battle it out at the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and chill out at the San Miguel Beer Fest.

For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

PRESTIGE SUMMER FAIR Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

www.pinterest.com

62

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

The Prestige Summer Gift & Lifestyle Fair on June 1 brings you over 100 pop-up shops. Most exhibitors are local agents and manufacturers or small-business owners who draw upon an international network of contacts to design, manufacture and import specialty items from around the world. The event runs from 10am to 7pm and admission is free. To find out more, visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

WHAT IS

EFFECTIVE

ESTATE PLANNING?

“Effective Financial Planning is to speed up the overall distribution of your estate; and to mitigate unwarranted taxes whilst providing the right people with the right money at the right time!�

- Annette M Houlihan

How does one do this?

Writing your Will - If you die with a Will in Hong Kong, the Grant of Probate (a legal document releasing your assets) can take months. Without one, it can take years!

Setting up a Family Trust - Trusts can be used for Tax Mitigation, Asset Protection and/or Succession Planning and are not just suitable for the wealthy.

Nominate Beneficiaries - If you have any life insurance plans, savings plans linked to life insurance

or are a member of a company pension or death in service benefit, you can have beneficiaries nominated to speed the process of distribution.

Updating and Reviewing - As you acquire assets globally; you should review your estate planning instructions.

We at Carey, Suen Will Services Limited have the knowledge and expertise to assist you in establishing your own estate plan.

Carey, Suen Will Services Ltd

8B Wing Yee Commercial Building 5 Wing Kut Street Central Tel: +852 2542 2285 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

TIG_PrintAD_Around DB_180417AW.pdf

DMR

School of Ballet Est 1984

the….. w o ll fo w o ll fo , w o ll o F

Yellow Brick Road

Congratulations to our students for all their hard work preparing for this performance

May 3rd, Youth Square Chai Wan

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com - www.dmr-hk.com

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DB FACES

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

Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Joel Keen (@joelkeen12).

T

he best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share a photo taken in DB or Lantau on our @around_db Instagram page and hashtag it #arounddb. You have until the 10th of this month to enter – so get tagging.

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

EMPLOYMENT

FINANCE & INSURANCE

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Available full- or part-time.

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR A HELPER OR HELPER LOOKING FOR AN EMPLOYER? Place your free classifieds ad here.

Email info@baymedia.com.hk

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

Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

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

Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Helen Wong, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, helen.wong@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail Biting • Insomnia • Exam Jitters Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com HOME SERVICES

HOME SERVICES

TUITION & COURSES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORKS

LEARN SPANISH

• Packing, moving & storage service • Interior painting & patch-up work • Appliance installation • Hanging pictures & mirrors • Blinds, curtains & shelves installation • Lights & ceiling fan installation • LCD TV mounting & switch replacement

Painting & handyman works, interior & exterior. PU waterproof injection for external walls. Astro-turfing.

Tiling & electrics Contact Roger on 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

• Native speaker • DELE examiner & experienced teacher • IB, IGCSE, A Level & HKDSE Business Spanish • Courses for adults • Flexible schedule & locations • Special offers for DB & Tung Chung students Contact Erik at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

TUITION & COURSES

DEADLINE FOR JUNE ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS

May 19

FTC RELOCATIONS

ENGLISH TUITION

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau.

All levels – kids & adults.

Cambridge University CELTA qualification.

Over 10 years of teaching experience in Hong Kong.

Learn in the comfort of your own home.

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

Contact David at 5165 4372, david88wilson@gmail.com

MANDARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

In the Greens.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

Join us at our new venue

for a coffee and a snack Don’t miss

5 mins from MTR Wong Chuk Hang station

FAMILY MARKET DAY Sat May 13th from 10am.

Bargains Galore, BBQ’s, candles, tableware and more.

Jervisbay Barbecues Limited 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen Flat B 9 Fl Tin Fung Industrial Mansions Tel: 2792 7268 www.jervisbaybarbecues.com Some street parking at rear in Tong Bin Lane or One Island South

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc…

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

Visit the Around DB Facebook page for trending news, events and local discussions. www.facebook.com/AroundDB

Phoenix Wills

Alcoholics Anonymous

Have you appointed guardians for your children?

Who should inherit your assets if you and your immediate family are all fatalities in an accident?

What happens if the breadwinner in your family is critically ill or in a coma and unable to provide?

Allow Phoenix Wills to assist you with your estate planning to ensure that your loved ones are looked after in the event of your untimely death or incapacity.

W: www.phoenix-wills.com E: info@phoenix-wills.com T: 3100 0101 | M: 6108 8471

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

Anonymous

24hr hotline:9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Trojan Battery Clean energy for life™

Made

Exce

in US

A

ption to go al power lf marin cart and e app licati on

THE GETZ CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LTD. 美商吉時洋行有限公司

Hotline查詢熱線: (852) 3126 2376 Email: ind_eng@getz.com.hk Website: http://www.getz.com.hk

Elly House of Beauty Offering trial prices for new clients, we offer Intense Pulse Light Treatments and Face Photo Rejuvenation.

Interview Language DIY Messy Play Drawing

Cooking Playgroup Oral Tutorial Japanese

PN/N/Kindergarden (+852) 2668 8922 fun.paradise@yahoo.com.hk www.funparadise.wixsite.com/mysite

Visit our Facebook page at Elly House of Beauty or contact us at 5217 0102 (Whatsapp)

Contact todayforfor Contact us us today long­term healthy weight long­term Contact healthy us todayweight for loss.

Advice and to to loss.

Advice andplans plans long­term healthy weight every lifestyle from our suitsuit every lifestyle from loss.

Advice and plans to our Cambridge accredited suit every lifestyle from our Cambridge accredited coaches.

Cambridge accredited coaches. coaches.

Shop 10, Level One, The Visionary 1 Ying Hong Street Tung Chung

Fun Paradise Learning Centre

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY

DELUXE DB SERVICED APARMENTS

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service.

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB Spacious 600’ apartments for short- or long-term rental. Quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

LUXURY DB 2-BED

NICELY DECORATED DB APARTMENTS

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

Nicely decorated, 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom flats available for short-term let. Fully furnished with wi-fi & NOW TV. Weekly cleaning service.

Photos available. Contact Serena on 9236 1806, cow9146@yahoo.com.hk

OVERSEAS PROPERTY

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

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

To advertise your short-term rental Email info@baymedia.com.hk or call 2987 0577

View Discovery Bay short-term rentals www.arounddb.com

AWESOME BAMBOO SOCKS SCHOOL ATHLETIC FUNKY ADULT Eureka (bamboo) Socks aren’t just regular socks, but healthy ones thanks to the natural bamboo fibres which make them gorgeous, soft and comfortable and ready for every step they’ll take!

What’s more, we’re 100% committed to the community ONE PURCHASE= ONE PAIR DONATED Let’s reach our 2017 target together: 100,000 pairs of socks will be donated to children in need.

Order online at

www.eurekasocks.com

EUREKA socks

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine Melody Thai McDonald’s Delivery Olea Pizza Express Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Zentro Garden

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2988 8129 2338 2338 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2109 1297 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Long Island Mavericks Restaurant The Beach House The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo HEALTH & WELLBEING

Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design

HOTELS

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

LEARNING CENTRES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool The Story Studio Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre Epic MMA Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 2786 9699 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

9708 0187 9688 9112 3114 0030 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2984 0222 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 2504 4788 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten The Story Studio

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 6341 3989

PROPERTY AGENCIES

Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Friendly Bike Shop Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2984 2278 9521 8481 5463 6060 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0099 9586 3459 SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills Suzanne Goodwin Photography

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 9025 3949 TRANSPORTATION

Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Development Practice The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES 2987 0855 2259 3422 2987 9909 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 2914 2223 2259 3422

Pen’n Paper P-Solution

Creative Coding

Creative Coding offers high-quality coding and robotics classes for kids aged six to 14 at Discovery College and around Hong Kong. 9469 8225/ 2973 0106 nora@creativecoding.hk www.creativecoding.hk

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

2987 8898 2987 1777

OTHER SERVICES

Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB 2987 2626 cas@appletravel.com

GOODWINS OF LONDON Action X, North Plaza GigaSports Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic

3102 2977 2320 1238 3480 1348 2987 8460

Island Dance A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome.

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store DCH Food Mart Deluxe Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

2987 4401 2792 0530 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

The Beat

Latin & Ballroom dance classes for adults and children. Wedding dance, Salsa, Beat Cardio, Mommies & Babies, Yoga and many more.

5194 9630 info@thebeat.com.hk www.thebeat.com.hk

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Tree of Joy

Tree of Joy provides children with a fun, engaging and supportive environment to play and learn. Programs include: Dropoff Nursery Class, Parent-Toddler Class, Afternoon Camp and a Cooking Class.

Tel: 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Parsons White Wealth Management

Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

2433 6981, 5664 7614 www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp

HOME

Professional Organizing Service Whether a closet, kitchen, office or play area we can help purge, declutter and reorganize 6323 1417 dclutterinternational@gmail.com www.d-clutter.international

74

An International Law Firm in DB North Plaza providing a wide range of commercial and personal legal services.

2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com

DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza Flight Centre, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

9502 2381 2529 8256 2829 2010 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

7+1 Creative Club Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

3709 8466 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 2987 9644 9366 0000 6302 6327 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143 2987 8143 2987 4217

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

May 2017 www.arounddb.com

AQUABLU

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution 6017 7802 Oceanblu@netvigator.com

LEARNING CENTRES 2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

Harvey Law Group

Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com

The Stephen Putnam Practice

Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices.

Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

2987 1373 2914 2378

Lifestyle Homes & Boats 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

Nura Rolls Over 60 varieties of rolls. Outside catering and home delivery available.

G13A, North Plaza, (Next to Wellcome) Tel: 2652 6613 www.nurarolls.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Discovery Bay PostSERVICES Office 2987 6046 UTILITIES, & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Kyama Swim School Training programs for Adults; Private lessons; Learn to Swim courses for our Helper community and development squads for DC students.

Tel: 9487 5049 kyamaswimschool@gmail.com, www.kyamaswimschool.com

Discovery Bay Cricket Club An internationally acclaimed club which provides a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability, can thrive.

2987 0132 www.dbcricketclub.com

The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training.

Located at North Plaza 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

2435 4511 3661 1694 3467 7000 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELLBEING Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand GigaSports Movement Improvement

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 6624 8712 2441 0098 2320 1238 2987 5852

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training Teaching young people skills to direct attention, to be calmer and concentrate better. angie@ingredientsofwellness.com 9048 5425 www.ingredientsofwellness.com

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

2987 0614

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Little Whale, North Plaza Toysland

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES B Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 5303 3489 2987 0208 2987 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Junior Cricket Academy Cricket for 3.5 to 15 year old girls and boys 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 2238 2238

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 3601 3388

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

Yoga with Anna YOGA with Anna

DB resident Anna Coventry is a Yoga Alliance certified teacher offering Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga Classes, Private Yoga, Meditation, Workshops and Retreats. hello@annacoventry.com 9130 8527 www.annacoventry.com

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2987 4112 2987 9198

View the business directory

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

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk

@ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com May 2017

75

OUT THERE

Supermarket mind games

Photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

M

76

As you race through your weekly shop, bargain hunting with the best of them, stop to consider what really lies behind all the discounts. Peter Sherwood reports

aybe I’m beaming a light on the obvious but take a closer look when next you’re on a merry romp to the supermarket, that great swirling black hole into which you dump loads of cash every day.

For awe-inspiring silliness observe the pricing trivia, and tell me this is not twaddle on a galactic level. Tell me it’s all fine and dandy and does not insult your intelligence, perforate an artery, or tempt you to rip the liver out of the jokers who devise it.

– winners and losers. And because they own the game the outcome is predictable.

Ask why a supermarket works to create the illusion of cut-throat competition – with itself. Why frustrate when it could just as easily make shopping fun?

Any effort to express contempt only raises a sly caveat emptor snigger: ‘Hey Scrooge, we saved you 15 bucks on an HK$80 bottle.

Stop your bellyaching.’

Institute of Food Foolery

Among the losers some will be seen as winners, while all victors will become the vanquished soon enough. Simply put, we will eventually discover we’re being mocked courtesy of an infuriating rollercoaster gleefully controlled by suits in Central.

I picture a rollicking meeting each morning as management gather and, blindfold and giggling, throw darts at a multi-price products board. It’s not business rationale that sets the level of customer irritation for the next 24 hours, but luck and a lot of laughs. They don’t call it a game, but sport it is

If I hope for regular sustenance I have to play, starting with wine, that ancient relaxation tonic that stops me whacking retail racketeers on the noggin with a pile of ‘still fresh’ pig parts. The wine fiasco begins with a bottle reduced from HK$80 to HK$65. The eternal sucker in me dives in for a dozen.

Two days later it’s four for HK$108.

Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what

you’re gonna get. Unless, of course, you’re in Spain in August. Every year the impoverished village of Buñol holds La Tomatina, donating 100 tonnes of over-ripe ‘love apples’ for tourists to throw at each other. In Spain, a can of tomatoes costs about HK$4 any day of the week. In our locale it can be anything from HK$15 to HK$30.

So back to our supermarket bosses and their Institute of Food Foolery which attempts to raise the mundane philosophy of flogging baked beans to high art. Rejecting monopolistic accusations, the owners will snigger and point to ‘that other’ emporium with the news that this second voracious same-price vortex that devours your hard-earned cash makes the system a duopoly – inspired propaganda reinforcing a depressing truth for the defeated.

I’ll never know when the vino hits bottom. I’ll consult the law of averages, grab five dozen, and deliver a nervous Shiraz-soaked thank you to Bacchus – at least until tomorrow.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 18 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com May 2017 www.arounddb.com