Around DB May Issue 2018

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MAY 2018

Book ahead for a sensational

summer staycation

How executive coaching can put you in the driving seat

Celebrating our aunties in HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

MILLENNIALS

Young Writers Competition finalists: Serena, Eleanor and Kayla ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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RENTALS/SALES

Gross: 669’ Saleable: 602’

寶峰 PARKVALE 2

18K

Renovated lowrise apartment. Walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

1

頤峰 GREENVALE 3

Gross: 865’ Saleable: 744’

May 2018

24.5K/6.8M 海堤居 LA COSTA 3

Bright and nicely decorated. Modern well fitted kitchen. Ready to move into.

2

Gross: 1355’ Saleable: 1189’

49K/ 24.5M

Lovely garden house with stunning sea views.

Spacious living and close to DB plaza and pier.

2

N

IO AT LU A V T NK EN BA D AG OW LEA EL

B

逸澄閣

PEACEFUL

4

Gross: 2276’ Saleable: 1723’

75K/28M

Company sale. Fantastic renovation, very bright and amazing views. Great for entertaining. Excellent Investment opportunity.

3

碧濤 BEACH 4

AD

T

Gross: 796’ Saleable: 689’

6.8M

Well renovated 2 bedroom apartment. Walking distance to DB Plaza and pier.

1

G EA

4

2

T

EN

AD

Gross: 1088’ Saleable: 947’

8.95M

AG

Stunning apartment located in a convenient location to all bus routes, stunning views to Central.

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3 2

Gross: 1235’ Saleable: 962’

12M

Lovely renovation lowrise apartment. Close to schools. Must see!

N

NT

LE

200K

LE

頤峰 GREENVALE 4

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’

Gorgeous garden house with private pool. Stunning modern interior perfect for a large family.

4

T

L

SO

寶峰 PARKVALE

朝暉徑 HEADLAND

EN

LE

2

95K

Newly renovated garden lowrise, spacious living and stunning sea views. Must see!

2

EN

AG

Gross: 1703’ Saleable: 1626’

IO AT LU VA NT NK E BA D AG W A LO LE

E AG

SO

BE

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3 2

Gross: 1248’ Saleable: 966’

13.5M 畔山徑 MIDDLE LANE Gross: 1616’

Renovated lowrise apartment. Balcony with great veiws. Close to schools and club Siena.

3 2

Saleable: 1520’

56K/21M 海蜂徑 SEABEE

Spacious garden lowrise with panoramic sea views. Great for entertaining.

4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

115K/36M

Company sale. Fabulous waterfront house with garden and terrace. Modern kitchen and great for entertaining.

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

Lantau International School

Enquires: 2980 3676 / 2984 0302 Website: www.lis.edu.hk E-mail: lisadmin@lis.edu.hk Facebook: lantauinternationalschool

Recep%on Class (Age 4 to 5) at Cheung Sha Campus

Lower Primary (P1 to P3) at Tong Fuk Campus

Upper Primary (P4 to P6) at Pui O Campus

The Greenest School in HK

Open Day on 16th June 2018 (Tel.: 2980 3676)

Bri$sh System Experienced, Expatriate Teachers

CONTENTS May 2018

PROFILE Young Writers Competition finalists

30

IN FOCUS

38

FAMILY MATTERS

TALKING POINTS

Celebrating Helper Appreciation Month

Learning English as a foreign language

42 ESCAPES Why a staycation is the way to go

REGULARS

How you can benefit from executive coaching

46 For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

27

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

55

WELLNESS Nutrition

63

RECIPES Mother’s Day treats

73

DB FACES Community snaps

80

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA 08

DB EVENTS

69

HK HAPPENINGS

74

CLASSIFIEDS

76

PROPERTY

77

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER Young Writers Competition finalists: Serena Wong, 13, Eleanor Lambert, 14, and Kayla Adara Lee, 14 To read the cover story, turn to page 30

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MAY 2018

58

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

To read Kayla’s YWC winning story, turn to page 35

Book ahead for a sensational

summer staycation

How executive coaching can put you in the driving seat

Celebrating our aunties in HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

MILLENNIALS

Young Writers Competition finalists: Serena, Eleanor and Kayla ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

We also publish…

April/ May 2018

a HK$500 Curry Lounge dining voucher and tickets to Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic World Tour

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email katrina@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

TAI O: THE VILLAGE THAT TIME FORGOT

LOCAL SHOOTERS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SNAPS

WHY YOU NEED TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SWIMMING

G -COMIN UP-AND STAR ACTION SERTO Y CA TOMM NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

2017 / 2018

DINING • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL • EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & SALES ASSISTANT Patricia Jover patricia@baymedia.com.hk

highjumpphotography.com

DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katrina Mercado katrina@baymedia.com.hk

DBIS SPRING CONCERT

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING & 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 Elizabeth Kerr Kayla Adara Lee Ray Robertson Suveera Sharma Peter Sherwood PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 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

Discovery Bay International School presented an inspiring night of musical entertainment at the annual Spring Concert on March 23 in DB North Plaza.

s t n e v e y t i n u rece nt c om m

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

LANTAU BUFFALOS RUN

The Lantau Buffalos Run at Siena Park on April 21 saw kids aged six and seven compete in a 2-kilometre run, while kids aged eight to 14 and parentchild teams raced 5 kilometres.

www.evoqueportraits.com

www.arounddb.com May 2018

9

DB EVENTS

DB PIRATES SESSION WITH CLASSIC WALLABIES

The Classic Wallabies dropped into DB for a rugby session with the DB Pirates on April 3 at the DB North Plaza pitch.

Photos courtesy of Nicholas Wilson, Julie Buddle, Tom Grainger

EASTER EGG HUNT AND FUN FAIR

At the Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s Easter carnival on March 30 kids enjoyed entertainment stalls, game booths and an egg hunt.

Photos courtesy of Discovery Bay Recreation Club

10

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

SKH WEI LUN ATHLETIC AND ENGLISH FUN DAY

SKH Wei Lun Primary School held its first athletic meet at Tsing Yi on April 10. Students enjoyed a day of fun with team sports and races. For the school’s English Fun Day on April 19, themed Wonderful World of Books, students, dressed up as book characters, enjoyed game booths, drama shows, word hunts, singing and dancing.

Photos courtesy of SKH Wei Lun Primary School

AUSKICK TRIAL SESSION DB-based Australian Rules Football club the Lantau Lizards hosted a trial Auskick session for kids aged five to 14 on April 21. The kids learned the basic skills of AFL at the DB North Plaza pitch.

Photos courtesy of Imogen Barr

12

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

YWC PRIZE-GIVING

Congratulations were in order for this year’s finalists in the Around DB and Life On Lantau Young Writers Competition at the prizegiving event at Discovery Bay International School’s Globe Theatre on April 24. This year’s finalists and runners-up received book vouchers amounting to HK$2,500 from competition sponsor Bookazine. To read all about the competition and the talented writers involved, turn to page 30. To read Kayla Adara Lee’s winning story, turn to page 35.

www.evoqueportraits.com

GREEN.ICON GRAFFITI DESIGN COMPETITION AWARD CEREMONY The artworks of the winners of the Graffiti Design Competition were displayed at the GREEN.Icon@DB Open Day on April 21.

Guided tours were available following the award ceremony. First place went to Eric Wang from Hong Kong International Learning Academy in the primary category, and Rishima Mathur from Discovery College in the secondary category. www.evoqueportraits.com

14

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

L A I T N E S S E E T O T H UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Throughout May

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.

Photo courtesy of Myriam Bartu

HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

May 2

Throughout DB

May is Helper Appreciation Month and there are numerous activities lined up for DB helpers. To stay updated on the free classes and events on offer, turn to page 42 and visit www.arounddb.com. You can view The Helper documentary, which features DB helpers, at Zak’s on May 8.

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

HAVE YOUR PRE-LOVED FURNITURE, clothes, books and more

collected at your home every Wednesday from 2 to 4pm, or bring them to the Environmental Toy House collection bins at Brilliance Court, Costa Court and Midvale bus stop. WhatsApp Nikki Boot at 9677 6676.

THE CRAYON RUN Tai Pak Beach

Join a morning fun run with May 5 your family and support kids in need! The Crayon Run is divided into four categories: adult and child (up to five years, six to eight years and nine years and up) and fabulous helpers. All proceeds go to charity, with a presentation www.evoqueportraits.com at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay at the end of May. The Crayon Run is also supporting 12-year-old DB resident JP Castillo, who is undergoing brain surgery in June. To register, visit www.thecrayonrun.com.

16

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

www.sweetsecrets.com.hk

SWEET SECRETS’ VEGAN TREATS

35 Graham Street, Central Sweet Secrets’ new range of cakes is super healthy and a great choice for vegans, being free of refined sugar, gluten, nuts, eggs and dairy. You are invited to an exclusive tasting of the new creations – Turmeric Ginger Lime and Beetroot Chocolate cakes – and desserts in Central from 4.30pm to 6pm. To know more, contact the store’s DB owner Sarah Lee at sarah@sweetsecrets.com.hk or 2545 8886, or visit www.sweetsecrets.com.hk.

May 5

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven

Court, 2pm to 4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

OZZIE COZZIE ROADSHOW

May 5-6

ALBUM LAUNCH

The Fringe Club, Central

OpenSpace, DB North Plaza

May 9

Find fabulous swim and resort wear for the whole family at Ozzie Cozzie’s twoday pop up. The beautiful and high-quality collection comprises brands from Australia, New Zealand, the US and Hong Kong, with great discounts (up to 50% off) on offer. To know more, call 2810 1356 or visit www.ozziecozzieco.com.

Photo courtesy of Deborah Mannas

www.ozziecozzieco.com

May 10

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

at Zak’s kicks off at 8am. For more information and registration, visit www.t8events.com.

May 12

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Sam Pak Wan, from 2pm to 4pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

LANTAU LIZARDS MATCHES

DB North Plaza and Discovery College pitches

Tung Chung resident Deborah Mannas is launching her debut album Inspired! Music for the Soul from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Deborah performs regularly around Hong Kong with her jazz band, Syzygy, and is backed on the album by Agnes Q and the Soul Sessions. Tickets priced at HK$190 are available at the door.

WOMEN’S HEALTH COFFEE MORNING IMI, DB North Plaza

Integrated Medicine Institute May 11 is holding a relaxed and informative coffee morning focused on women’s health.

Practitioners share about hormonal changes and balancing, fertility, pregnancy and more. Complimentary assessments and mini www.imi.com.hk treatments are on offer.

The event starts at 9am, to book your seat, call 2537 1087 or email receptiondb@imi.com.hk.

May 13

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

May 12

to all the wonderful mums in DB! There are plenty of dedicated events happening around the resort, including Discovery Bay Recreation Club specials at Club Siena, D’Cafe and Peony.

Photo courtesy of Lantau Lizards

Support DB-based Australian Rules Football club the Lantau Lizards’ U6s, U8s, U10s and U12s teams as they play against the Happy Valley-based HK Typhoons. The games start at 8.30am.

For more information, contact Rebecca Williams at 6846 1200 or lantaulizardsfc@gmail.com.

May 13

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

www.arounddb.com May 2018

17

DB EVENTS May 17

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

yorkshirecarnegie.com

SERU RABENI FUND PUB QUIZ McSorley’s

The DB Pirates continues to raise funds in the name of Seru Rabeni, the Fijian rugby union player and Pirates’ coach, who died in 2016. Proceeds from the pub quiz will go towards building a kindergarten in Seru’s hometown of Nasolo, and to supporting Fiji’s U19 rugby players. The quiz starts at 7pm and has six multimedia rounds for teams of six. To register, at HK$150 per person, visit www.t8events.com.

May 20

Catch the Discovery May 18-20 Bay Football Club playing in the Master’s tournament of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens alongside clubs Photo courtesy of Teruko Maeda from Europe and Asia.

The team has recruited ex-Wellington Phoenix striker Daniel Cortes, and ex-Kitchee Captain and current Kitchee coach Roberto Losada. To find out more, visit www.hksoccersevens.com.

BONAQUA C3FIT ACTION SPRINT Start: DB Plaza

BUY AND SELL all your lightly used

goods at the DB Flea Market in DB Plaza from 12pm to 5pm.

May 19

HONG KONG WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT Discovery College

The Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir is teaming up with Discovery College’s Primary Cobra Choir and the Unsung Heroes to give families a musical treat.

The show is set to kick off at 2pm. For tickets, priced at HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for children and domestic workers, head to the DC PTA shop or visit www.ticketingover.com.

May 20

Auberge Hotel

Tai Pak Beach

18

Starting at 8am, the 11-kilometre Bonaqua C3Fit Action Sprint takes runners off the main trails, over Lo Fu Tau and along the Lantau coast. To know more, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.

DB PIRATES END OF SEASON PARTY

ROWING OPEN DAY TRY-OUT Lantau Boat Club is holding a rowing open day with free try-outs, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The club provides an outlet for experienced and beginner coastal rowers to explore the waters around Discovery Bay and beyond. To reserve a slot, call Mary on 9818 7930; for more details, visit www.lantauboatclub.com.

www.actionasiaevents.com

May 26

www.lantauboatclub.com

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

Celebrate the DB Pirates’ end of season with a sumptuous dinner, free-flow wines and fabulous prizes, and dance into the night with DJ David Tong on deck. Guests are www.pinterest.com encouraged to come in lounge attire. The event is from 7pm to 12am. To RSVP or book a table, at HK$850 per person, contact events@dbpirates.com.

May 26

ONE WEEK ONLY!

G! N O K HO NG

Five hilarious acts, one huge show!

Don’t miss the freshest and funniest from Australia’s largest comedy festival! micf_roadsho w

micf_roadshow

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Hong Kong Fringe Club • 9 – 15 July Book now! hkfringeclub.com

DB EVENTS

CONGRATULATIONS GIFT-A-DEED MOBILE APPLICATION

Photo courtesy of Navin Soni

DBer Navin Soni, founder and CEO of Gift-a-Deed (GAD), is launching an Ambassador programme, which will encourage students and millennials to help those in need. GAD, a social enterprise Mobile-App, bridges the gap between the have and have-nots by ensuring the needy receive essentials such as food, water and clothing. To get involved, visit www.giftadeed.com.

YOGA BAY

www.skhweilun.edu.hk

SKH Wei Lun Primary School is celebrating its 25th anniversary. At a thanksgiving service and open day in February, the students created slogans and logos, designed posters, took part in drawing competitions, and created a mural in the school’s covered playground. To know more about the school, visit www.skhweilun.edu.hk.

NEW in DB

DB North Sea Promenade

Photo courtesy of Jean-Luc Karlin

Yoga Bay yoga and aerial yoga studio opened in April at DB North Sea Promenade. It offers a wide array of yoga lessons including hatha, power, vinyasa, yin and aerial. Group classes, private lessons and workshops are available for kids and adults of all levels. To find out more and book a class, email namaste@ yogabay.hk or visit yogabay.hk.

20

SKH WEI LUN PRIMARY SCHOOL

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

PROTEIN SMOOTHIES

Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar

www.thepierbar.com.hk

Uncle Russ’ and The Pier Bar’s new Protelicious Protein Smoothies are made with gourmet whey protein from grass-fed cows. Free of antibiotics and hormones, they promise to restore your health and boost your immune system. Tasty flavours include guilt-free chocolate, healthy strawberries and cream, and an immunity-boosting matcha latte. Call The Pier Bar on 2520 2166.

Happy Hour From 4-8pm

Belly dancing and

ladies’night coming in May

Tel: 2321 5500 www.atavola.hk /atavolahk Shop E&F G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza Tung Chung, Lantau Island

c i s u m Live

ay and d i r F y r Eve ‘til late t h g i n aturday

S

Delicious fresh food

DB EVENTS

ACTION ASIA KAYAK N RUN Nim Shue Wan

June 2

SAVE the DATE DAYDREAM BELIEVER Shouson Theatre, Wanchai June 2-3

25 YEARS OF ISLAND DANCE Y-Theatre, Chai Wan

June 22-24

Photo courtesy of Performers Studio www.actionasiaevents.com

The Action Asia Kayak N Run offers up a family team category and an adult team category. Competitors kayak and run along the Nim Shue Wan coastline to Man Kok Tsui. To secure your slot, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.

Performers Studio, a boutique theatre company with studios in DB and around Hong Kong, presents Daydream Believer. Join Maggie Appleton as she goes on adventures with weird and wonderful characters in this eccentric 1960s musical. For tickets, starting at HK$180, visit www.ticketflap.com.

www.islanddance.com.hk

To celebrate its 25th year, Island Dance is presenting a very special year end showcase. Tickets go on sale on May 21 at www.urbtix.hk.

Gourmet whey protein

smoothies

from grass fed cows

••Available now!••

health building protein smoothies Protelicious Gourmet whey protein from grass fed cows

Immune boosting • Great for your health!

Your favourite

Uncle Russ coffee

Is available at

THE PIER BAR

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply.

Simply scan the barcode, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Win an EpicLand single-entry day pass

Win a place at Faust’s Summer Theatre or Creative Writing programme Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one reader five days’ enrolment in either its Summer Theatre or Creative Writing programme (worth HK$2,980).

Workshops run from June 25 to August 24, with Summer www.faustworld.com Theatre workshops held at Discovery Bay International School, King George V School and the Faust Studio in Sheung Wan, and Creative Writing workshops held at the Faust Studio.

Faust’s Summer Theatre programme is suitable for children aged three to 14. The week-long workshops focus on drama and performance skills, with plenty of fun and action to encourage creativity and self-expression. The Creative Writing programme sees kids, aged six to 13, developing their writing skills and creativity in a fun and relaxed environment. For more information, visit www.faustworld.com.

Win tickets to Irish Celtic – Spirit of Ireland

www.epiclandhk.com

EpicLand is offering five readers a single-entry day pass (worth HK$188 each), which includes free entry for one parent or helper.

Covering a full 14,000 square-feet in DB North Plaza, EpicLand is one of Hong Kong’s largest indoor playgrounds.

It features massive indoor slides, an air-trek obstacle course, four climbing walls and an all-new Virtual World that has kids aged seven and up embarking on an epic virtual reality adventure across a range of attractions. For more information, call 2441 0098, or visit www.epiclandhk.com.

Photo by Philippe Fretault

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is offering three readers a pair of tickets to see Irish Celtic – Spirit of Ireland (worth HK$745 each) at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on June 12 at 7.45pm.

Feet are about to get tapping as Irish Celtic – Spirit of Ireland makes its Hong Kong debut in June. Set in a pub in southern Ireland, the show offers up traditional music, high energy dance routines and lively storytelling. Discover the classic folk songs, legends, traditions and dance of the Irish Celts. For tickets, starting at HK$445, visit www.hkticketing.com.  www.arounddb.com May 2018

27

GIVEAWAYS

Win a place at a Treasure Island surf camp

Photo by Hunt Smith

Treasure Island is offering one child a place on one of its fiveday surf camps (worth up to HK$4,200), running from June 18 to August 17 at Pui O Beach.

Treasure Island’s surf camps (Grommets 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 C3Fit tights from Action X Store

Win tickets to Shakespeare’s Globe

www.aba-productions.com

ABA Productions is offering one reader a pair of tickets to see Shakespeare’s Globe: Twelfth Night (worth HK$795 each) at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on September 25 at 7.45pm.

Shakespeare’s Globe is returning to Hong Kong this September with a company of eight actors performing three of the playwright’s most popular plays: Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew. Audience Choice shows are on offer where the audience has the power to choose the play just before the performance is set to begin.

For tickets, starting at HK$395, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Action X Store is offering two readers a pair of C3Fit Inspiration long tights (worth HK$980 each) and one reader a pair of C3Fit Impact Air 3/4 tights (worth HK$1,180).

Action X Store in Discovery Bay is the proud sponsor and race pack pick-up location of Bonaqua C3 Action SPRINT Trail Series 2018. The sportswear store is a specialist in trail running gear, selling men’s and women’s sportswear, along with hiking gear. Brands on offer include Black Diamond, Hoka One One, Salomon and The North Face. See for yourself at Shop G16A-G16C, DB North Plaza. For more information, visit www.actionxstore.com.

www.actionxstore.com

Congratulations to last month’s winners Thuan Forrester, Rowienna Porteous and Irene Pappas for tickets to see Evita; and Lindsay West for a place at MAS FIT by Claire Mas’ six-week Summer Bootcamp.

28

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

PROFILE

l r Gi talk

Kayla Adara Lee, 14, YHKCC

The 2018 Young Writers Competition asked participants to gaze into the future – and a Lantau dystopia gazed back.

Elizabeth Kerr chats with the three finalists

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

W

30

h oever it was that suggested teens are a carefree lot, without worldly problems and with nary a deep thought in their heads, clearly haven’t been paying attention. While their peers march on Washington DC to affect policy, Lantau secondary school students are making their thoughts known too in the Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writers Competition.

This year’s finalists, 14-yearolds Eleanor Lambert and Kayla Adara Lee, and Serena Wong, 13, thankfully don’t have to worry about guns in their schools, but they do have to contend with rapid changes to their environment.

The prompt for the island-wide competition was Lantau life in 2030+, and a distinctly dystopian tone emerged from all three finalists. They represent just three of the stories submitted from students ranging from 11 to 17 May 2018 www.arounddb.com

Serena Wong, 13, DC



Eleanor Lambert, 14, DBIS

YWC runners-up: Renee Tan and Harsh Varde, both 13, DC, and Cherry Tam, 14, YHKCC

years old, from Discovery College (DC), Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), and farther flung Island School, West Island School and Singapore International School – the best response to the contest to date.

After mentors and judges Trisha Hughes, Sharon Le Roux and Peter Sherwood worked their magic, this year’s winner of HK$1,000 to splash around at Bookazine turned out to be Kayla Adara Lee (read her story on page 35), though all three young women prove the future is in good hands, no matter what we do to it.

The thinker Kayla Adara Lee works very hard at self-awareness. A YHKCC student born in Hong Kong to Malaysian and Indonesian parents, Kayla started writing at around six years old (about dinosaurs, when she wanted to be an archaeologist) and reading before she talked.

“I was one of those kids whose parents were worried about me,” she says with a laugh. Given her

history, it’s no surprise Kayla’s a repeat competitor who won last year – for her story written from the point of view of the Angel of Death, Joseph Mengele.

That’s heady stuff for anyone but Kayla puts considerable thought into quite a bit. She makes room for LGBT characters in her writing; she’s got no time for Chuck Palahniuk’s privileged white guy angst, though she’s enjoying Invisible Monsters; she’s got less time for fantasy love triangles; she can’t fathom JK Rowling’s ‘Asian’ Cho Chang and considering Harry Potter’s abusive backstory, she’s baffled that JK waffled on condemning the casting of Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts series. She’s 14.

Kayla’s spare, symbolic story is a call to action, in which there may still be time to save a futuristic Lantau that has fallen victim to commerce. As former South China Morning Post columnist and mentor Peter Sherwood noted, we are driving life extinct, rapidly, and the teens sense it. “Kayla's

piece reflected deeply on what the future might hold for our tiny island. She wrote in a prose-poetry style, not heavy-handed or bluntly obvious. I think that approach is quite effective.”

Kayla says Peter’s greatest contribution was to character work and spotting clichés, and she is confident she’s a better writer now than she was a year ago, with her “cringe-worthy red hair and Black Parade t-shirt” (her words), though she’s still fond of My Chemical Romance. And Fall Out Boy. “Last year I was trying too hard for that 18th century, one sentence per page thing,” she says. “I was really emo back then; I was seeing things in black and white. My outlook has changed and I’ve learnt to see things from different perspectives.”

Is Kayla planning on entering next year’s contest? “I’m going to keep entering until I’m old enough to become a mentor.” Fourteen.

The prodigy Tung Chung native DC student Serena Wong is clearly punching 

www.arounddb.com May 2018

31

PROFILE above her weight when it comes to school, but she somehow finds time to be a Marvel devotee (“Wonder Woman was okay,” she shrugs) and, since seeing The Greatest Showman, she says she’s learnt to appreciate musicals. A reader like Eleanor and Kayla, Serena rejects rigid genre dedication, though she’ll cop to favouring sci-fi, fantasy and thrillers, like Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, if she has to pick. Diarytype books classified as ‘Life’ in the school library, are out – “It’s typical teenaged girl stuff and I find it really boring” – and ultimately, she prefers sci-fi movies to literature.

listening, which paid off in a better story than when she started. “I love that Trisha is an author. I didn’t really understand the concept of writing, and she taught me flow, how to say things differently. She didn’t change the story at all, but it’s a better story now than when I first submitted it.” Spoken like a true wonder woman.

I was thinking about what was technically possible in 10 years, and about the main problem in Lantau, which is air pollution

Serena’s Dust-esque entry into the competition started as a compulsory assignment, with submission up to her. It pivots on a Lantau where everyone lives underground because the outside world is toxic – and the cynical reaction to the people’s demands to go out.

“I was thinking about what was technically possible in 10 years, and about the main problem in Lantau, which is air pollution,” Serena explains. “I didn’t want it to sound too unrealistic, so no travelling to other planets, but if air pollution is really bad, what do you do?”

It worked, according to her mentor, author Trisha Hughes: “What made Serena’s story stand out for me was her vivid portrayal of what could be a realistic future for us all. Her emotions and descriptions were beautifully written and I could feel the sorrow emanating from the words she wrote.”

The final product was the result of Serena’s constant questioning and

The enigma Eleanor Lambert is hard to pin down. “I didn’t realise there were so many people to talk to afterwards,” says the DBIS student, flustered at the battery of profile interviews and photo shoots required of a finalist.

It’s Easter weekend, and Eleanor is celebrating her birthday weekend with dinner, a junk trip and a jaunt to Thailand for a family wedding.

The Hong Kong native and lifetime Discovery Bay resident has a loose, relaxed attitude that belies the content of her story, a dual timeline piece about a girl who grows up on the beach only to see it fade into history at the expense of progress. Like

many 14-year-olds, Eleanor can’t explain everything that motivates her at this very moment; she entered the contest as an offshoot of a writing class, she enjoys writing because she enjoys reading – from young adult writer David Arnold to Charlotte Brontë.

She’s fond of math and art, and is interested in architecture long term, but only partially sees the connection among the three.

She does, however, recognise the generational connection that inspired her story.

“I basically took problems that we’re having today, like littering and pollution, and looked a few years into the future. I don’t think things will change,” Eleanor says. “I think of the girl as a really depressing version of me.”

Envisaging an environment under attack is something Eleanor shares with her peers, and though her story is melancholy, it’s not depressing. “I don’t think life will be really bad in the future but… we’re filling up our landfills,” she says. “I’m sure great things will happen too, but this isn’t going to change.”

Eleanor’s mentor, Sharon Le Roux of The Story Studio, agrees. “The story isn’t apocalyptic. It’s only a span of 18 years, which I feel is enough time for a big change, but not an apocalypse. Hence, this story feels real.” Together, they found the perfect amount of tension – “Every story needs conflict, or else it’s not a story,” remarks Sharon – for the reflective tale, one Eleanor thinks is better for her mentor’s input. Ultimately, Eleanor puts the proverbial game above winning: “The process was rewarding enough.”

This year’s Young Writers Competition saw the mentors pick finalists Eleanor Lambert, 14, DBIS, Kayla Adara Lee, 14, YHKCC, and Serena Wong, 13, DC, and runners-up Renee Tan, 13, DC, Harsh Varde, 13, DC, and Cherry Tam, 14, YHKCC. The top three stories were then posted on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook page for an online vote, April 17 to 22. Kayla placed first with 299 votes, Serena second with 83 votes, and Eleanor third with 57 votes. Our thanks go to competition sponsors Bookazine for providing the prizes – HK$1,000, HK$500 and HK$200 book vouchers – and to DBIS for hosting the prizegiving on April 24 at the Globe Theatre.

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May 2018 www.arounddb.com

SPOTLIGHT

A Miser’s Paradise Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and Andrew Spires

Lantau 2030+

By Young Writers Competition winner Kayla Adara Lee

T

he southern winds have no power here.

Small island utopia, home to magnificent water buffaloes and blue skies. Built on vast swathes of tussocks, Lantau is home for the old man across the street, the dog that begs for scraps every evening. It’s home for all of us.

We grew among the trees, free from the smoke machinations of surrounding lands.

Slumbering volcanoes lie in repose along the coast, a cradle for the woodland creatures that now roam through the bushes and shrubs.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, they battered and shaped the land into the near paradise it is today –

an oasis in an urban world. The small scatterings of modernity have managed to peacefully coexist with their rural counterpart so far. Complacent and warm; the quintessential sun-warmed incubation of childhood.

Underneath the iridescent surface, there lies the sinister encroachment of greying skies, that carry both the stench of pollution and corruption. For all the time that our kind have lived in this world, species have been born and died, both noticeably and silently. Sailors could once, on any given day, glimpse white dolphins leaping through the skies. Pods that engaged in play with tourists, careening and pirouetting for joy.

But humans have not been kind.

We’ve destroyed their habitats.

Denied our faults. And still claim they live, despite none being seen since. Soon, perhaps, it may be our turn. Karma does have its repercussions. In our time, the hourglass drains faster.

Gone by the multitudes, dying by the millions. We do not notice it until too late, until our ignorance has paid the price. We are but an island in a sea of skyscrapers, Atlantis against the world. A paradise soon to be lost.

I see skies choked with dark smoke one day, then fleetingly pale and devoid of anything the next. Even the acrid smell

www.arounddb.com May 2018



35

SPOTLIGHT

Kayla Adara Lee

We have caused the Sixth Extinction, a mass extermination of all we once took for granted

is better than staring at the emptiness of the purely colourless dome overhead.

The water buffaloes are gone, sunken into the deep bogs and fields that once grew wild until now. Presently, they lie trapped with every leaf and every blade of grass beneath a cobblestone surface.

Big Buddha is gone, razed, and in its place, corporate beasts, 1,000-feet tall and twice as wide.

We question if we have the power to stop what is coming for us. Of an age dark and terrible, when all that we’ve known will be forgotten from history – as easily as slipping into quicksand.

36

It may be an inevitability, but we have the choice to delay it. We play deities both cruel and benevolent, after all; to the animals below us, it seems almost as if we have all the power in the world.

The lilies in the next-door garden and the coalescence of stars in the night sky that I weave my irises through at night tell me otherwise. We are merely human, susceptible to beauty and alone in the universe. It’s not too much to ask; the simple act of joining our hands to protect a single island.

I am a jaded person, but a starling on my window sill never fails to let a smile play on my lips, if only for a few moments.

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

I may be tired, but not enough to forget that I am angry. It is our fault, our inability to prevent the oil-slicked tide that allowed this to happen. We have caused the Sixth Extinction, a mass extermination of all we once took for granted. The next Ice Age will come, felling us by the dozens.

We will retire into a cold slumber, all we’ve made taken back by the tides, until we’re as lost as the volcanoes of old. The starlings will no longer sing in their high sweet tongue – all thanks to being afraid of making a bit of noise.

We may be one island amongst millions, but this is our home – the home of your neighbours, your friends, and your families. If not for you, then raise your voice for them.

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IN FOCUS

Game changer

Photo by Colin Sim - www.colsimphotography.com

Talking to three DBers, Claire Severn explores the increasing popularity of executive coaching and how it is helping career-minded individuals get ahead of the crowd

Trevor Smith, Phil Smith and Linda Sim

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May 2018 www.arounddb.com

“W

hat are you looking to achieve in 2018?”

It’s not an easy question to answer and one that throws me a little.

I’m sat opposite Trevor Smith, DB resident, professional coach and founder of The Orchard Partnership, one of a growing number of executive coaching organisations in Hong Kong.

I’m here to gain an insight into the executive coaching process and discover why more and more companies and careerfocused individuals are finding it an invaluable component in their development toolkit.

“Where are you now in relation to your goal? What options do you have to achieve it? What are you going to do next?” The questions don’t necessarily get any easier but it’s surprising how, with a little nudge in the right direction, I’m able to produce answers and ideas I didn’t even know I had.

“Coaching is the process of using powerful questions to help people see things from a different perspective,” explains Linda Sim, director and executive coach at DB-based Strive Consulting.

“It allows you to dig deep into areas you haven’t previously and provides that fixed time to focus on what’s going on in your world, to ascertain goals and identify priorities.”

“A coach doesn’t give you solutions,” Trevor adds. “Our job is to make you think and reflect, to help you change your perspective, to look at something in a different way. A coach is like a trusted advisor, someone who walks alongside you but doesn’t actually do it for you.”

Fulfilling your potential More focused than traditional business training, executive coaching takes the form of oneon-one, confidential conversations aimed at helping high performers reach their full potential.

“The old style of corporate training is changing,” says Linda, “because you retain very little of what has been taught. The key is sustainable transformation, and

Once you understand how you work with other people, you can get the best not just out of yourself, but also out of them with coaching you provide your own ideas and solutions, therefore lasting results are much more likely to materialise.”

“Most large globals these days have executive coaching as one of the tools in their toolbox for executive development,” offers Phil Smith, founder and executive director of RBG Asia, and also a DB resident. “It extends across all walks of industry, all market sectors.

Here in Asia, I’ve done a lot of work with financial services, energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, aviation, transportation… it’s really very broad.”

So who exactly turns to coaches, and what do they hope to get out

of the sessions? In its purest form, executive coaching is aimed at C suite individuals, but these days the scope is expanding, with small business owners, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders and people who have reached a crossroads in their careers among those discovering its benefits.

In the majority of cases, executive coaches are engaged by corporations looking to develop their staff, however there’s also a growing trend of people reaching out themselves to address their own career ambitions.

Sessions vary according to each individual’s needs, and while coaching is primarily used for progressive rather than remedial reasons, Linda says there are some common issues that crop up. She cites communication as a recurring theme.

“An awful lot of capable people have got to where they are without ever having to fill in a job application because they’ve been seen as ‘high potential,’” says Phil. “Then they get to a stage in their career where they’re out of the nest, and they’ve got to figure out what it is that got them this far and what sets them apart from the other executives at their level, what they need to pay attention to to go further.”

“As your career progresses, the skills you need change and aren’t always the same as when you set out,” continues Trevor. “It’s less about knowledge and more about soft skills – how to run a business, how to recruit, how to manage people, how to lead, how to influence others, how to persuade, how to make decisions – these are some of the areas where coaching focuses.” 

www.arounddb.com May 2018

39

IN FOCUS

Cultural influences Another aspect that often comes into play in Hong Kong is culture.

A melting pot of nationalities, working in the SAR introduces a new dynamic for many people, one that they need to master in order to do well.

“When people come here, they know you can’t always get things done the same way you would elsewhere,” says Phil, “but turning that into practice and understanding what you need to do differently to achieve results is something that takes a bit of thinking and often quite a bit of hard work.

“Then there are people who have already been working for some time in Hong Kong and have moved into regional positions, so they’re having to plug themselves into all of the cultural differences that introduces, which can require some navigation.”

Interestingly, Phil is also working with an increasing number of people who are going from the East to the West, executives who have grown up in Hong Kong and never worked outside Asia.

“I help them think about what it is they do here that has made them effective and what they might need to do to translate that when they go abroad,” he says.

down to knowing yourself. “Selfawareness is core,” she explains.

“Once you understand how you work with other people, you can get the best not just out of yourself, but also out of them. You can work together as a coherent team and ultimately improve the bottom line of the organisation.”

Trevor agrees. “For me, it’s all about understanding who you are, accepting who you are, identifying your strengths and playing to them. The sooner you can identify your shape and plug yourself into it, the more likely you are to be successful, because you’re going to be doing what you’re good at, what you love, what you’re passionate about and enjoy.”

But if you've already reached a senior level, why would you need a coach? Surely you’re already a success? Bill Gates addressed this nicely when he said: “Everyone needs a coach. It doesn't matter whether you’re a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player. We all need people who give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” And if Bill Gates needs a coach, all of us must need someone cheering us on from the side lines.

“I can't run the race for the athlete,” concludes Phil. “My job and my pleasure comes from watching the athlete run the race.”

3

things to consider when looking to hire an executive coach

1. Is the coach you are talking to properly qualified? Does he have recognised credentials, for example accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), one of the main governing body for coaches in Hong Kong?

2. Do you get on with this person?

Are you going to be able to speak openly with him? Before deciding on a particular coach, make sure that you feel comfortable in your initial meeting. If you don’t, look for someone else.

3. Does this person have credible business experience? Does he understand where you are coming from? Has he been there before?

FIND IT

Discovering who you are So what’s the key to getting the most out of your coaching sessions? How do you make sure you achieve your aims?

According to Linda, it all comes

• • • •

International Coaching Federation, coachfederation.org RBG Asia, rbg.asia Strive Consulting, www.striveconsultinghk.com The Orchard Partnership, theorchardpartnership.com

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2018 www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr, and by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

a little help from their friends

42

It’s May. Ask not what your helper can do for you – ask what you can do for your helper.

Kate Farr reports on Helper Appreciation Month

T

ake a stroll around the neighbourhood any day of the week and you’ll see DB’s legion of ‘aunties’ pushing strollers, walking dogs and stocking up trolleys at the supermarket. Without doubt, the people who travel to Hong Kong to work in our homes as domestic helpers make our lives much easier. But as May marks Helper Appreciation Month, we take a look at just a few of the ways in which local groups and organisations are working to help our helpers.

Founded right here in DB and taking place each May, Helper Appreciation Month has a stated aim to ‘inspire public and private acts of gratitude and appreciation towards Hong Kong’s domestic workers.’ The month typically features a range of initiatives, with individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organisations all finding ways to recognise the hard work – and the many sacrifices – of Hong Kong’s oftenoverlooked helper population, which amounts to a staggering 360,000 individuals.

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

Movie making and dragon boating Released in 2017, The Helper documentary gives a rare insight into the lives of just a few of those 360,000 – many of whom have left behind their own families in order to care for others. At once inspiring, thought provoking and deeply moving, The Helper features The Unsung Heroes, a choir composed of DB helpers, founded by DBer Jane Engelmann.

While its cinema release has now come to an end, many schools

Now sponsored by Palma Baby Food, Liza’s dynamic dynamos already number 50, and she hopes to recruit even more members in the future. “We are reaching out to all employers to continue supporting their helpers by encouraging them and giving them permission to join these kinds of activities,” she says.

“My team will start small this year, as we want to show Hong Kong that we are solid and capable of joining this year’s races. We will definitely be appealing to willing sponsors to help and support us next year.”

And Liza’s message to Hong Kong’s wider society? “Please continue to support us in promoting the wind of change on how the rest of the community sees us; not just as helpers doing housework, but as human beings, capable of doing so many things, with our own goals and dreams.”

Financial and physical wellbeing Filipino Dynamo Dragonboat Team

and other community groups continue to privately screen the documentary. Meanwhile, the film’s message of hope and support is underscored by its ongoing Thanks A Million Facebook campaign, which aims to gather one million messages of thanks and appreciation for domestic helpers worldwide.

One of the women profiled within the film is DB resident Liza Avelino, whose remarkable courage, tenacity and sheer willpower has seen her scale both Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp – the first domestic helper ever to achieve these incredible feats. An avid hiker and all-round sportswoman,

Liza has now set her sights a little closer to home, founding Hong Kong’s first all-domestic helper dragon boat team.

She explains, “My team is called the Filipino Dynamo Dragonboat Team. It was inspired by my mountain climbing team calling me the Filipino Dynamo during my trip to the Himalayas. Simply put, we domestic workers are indeed dynamos – an energy-generating machine when it comes to work.

“Initially, there were 27 girls willing to pay for their own registration to join the dynamic dynamos, then we found a sponsor and accepted more who were willing but couldn’t afford the fee,” Liza adds.

Helping others to achieve their dreams is not-for-profit organisation Enrich HK, whose financial literacy and economic empowerment courses are enabling domestic helpers to plan for their – and their families’ – futures. Offering information on everything from retirement planning to which mobile phone contract offers the best value, Enrich also provides a hotline service for those in need of urgent answers to their financial questions.

While Enrich’s classes are heavily subsidised for helpers, it also encourages employers to support their aunties’ on-going financial education. Workshop scholarships, which cost just HK$2,000 for 27 hours of tuition, enable the graduates to fully prepare for a more secure future. 

www.arounddb.com May 2018

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FAMILY MATTERS

Yoga helps the women who attend manage their stress and pressure from work, and on top of that they gain flexibility and strength Andiappan Yoga Community class for DB helpers

Another group offering classes for domestic helpers in DB is Andiappan Yoga Community.

This group of fitness instructors aims to share the many health and wellness benefits of yoga through free classes that take place all over the city. Classes at Discovery Bay International School are held every Sunday between 8.30 and 9.30am.

Spokesperson Eva Kunyi explains, “Yoga helps the women who attend manage their stress and pressure from work, and on top of that they gain flexibility and strength. Our mission is to share yoga with those who may not be able to afford yoga classes.”

With close to 500 participants per week now joining Andiappan’s classes across Hong Kong, this mission can be deemed a success by any definition.

Helper Appreciation Month has grown from a small initiative to a fully-fledged movement, particularly in DB. For updates on this year’s events, visit www.arounddb.com.

DBers Sophia and Daniel Carruthers with their helper Archellie M. Estomo

FIND IT • • • • •

Andiappan Yoga Community, www.yogacommunity.org Enrich HK, www.enrichhk.org Filipino Dynamo Dragon Boat Team Facebook page May Helper Appreciation Facebook page Thanks A Million campaign, The Helper Documentary Facebook page • The Helper, helperdocumentary.com

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2018 www.arounddb.com

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TALKING POINTS

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

The language the world speaks

46

English bridges different cultures and brings people closer, particularly in an expat haven like DB. To find out how kids can best pick up the language, Suveera Sharma talks TEFL with three local educators

Kelley Quinn, Greenfield English (International) Kindergarten

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

T

he world is definitely shrinking, and the cultural boundaries slowly dissolving. Before, one could spend an entire lifetime in the same town, without feeling lacking in any way. Now however, we are global citizens, with English being the ‘world language.’ It has become imperative to speak and understand the ‘lingua franca’ of the world.

English is the language most often taught as a foreign language, and due to its omnipresence in the global market, more and more parents are sending their kids to specialist classes to make sure they become as fluent as they can be. They believe English will help their children get ahead in a globalised world, and that the sooner they get started, the better.

About TEFL A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, is an asset when it comes to teaching English to non-native English speakers. It is an internationally recognised qualification that promises to equip the participants with the skillset to teach the language successfully.

TEFL-qualified teacher Bruce Marsh runs the Kenon English Centre in Nim Shue Wan. “TEFL gives you an edge. It provides you with a structure and framework to most effectively train your students,” he opines. “All our teachers are TEFL qualified.”

Kelley Quinn, another TEFLqualified teacher and DB resident, teaches English to three- to fouryear-olds at Greenfield English (International) Kindergarten in West Kowloon. “TEFL provides you with a template and qualifies you to use your knowledge in the right

Bruce Marsh, Kenon English Centre

way,” she says. “I teach English to very young children, and the approach is very specific to their age group, but in future if I were to teach adults, I would comfortably be able to adapt my methodology to suit their needs.”

DB resident Willie Lau, director of creativity at Holistic Education, is not TEFL qualified, and has a slightly different take on the subject. His company provides underprivileged children with free and subsidised English-language courses. “As educators, our goal is not only to improve our students’ English, but also to inspire and have a positive influence on all of them,” he says.

Willie teaches in community centres across Hong Kong, and he says he is always involved with a varied group of children, some of whom have very little knowledge of English. “How you teach a class is as important as what you teach them,” he says.

“It’s all about strategy and the correct approach.”

an alien language for them. Web tools and unprecedented access to online resources allow teachers to create lessons tailored to the specific needs of a student.

“I start with the basics and try and incorporate learning into daily chores,” Kelley says. “We also use a lot of visual media like flash cards  and worksheets to help them relate

6

ways to support your child’s English learning 1. Learn English together.

2. Play in English.

Teaching methodologies

3. Read stories in English.

The three DB educators agree that the lessons provided must be made engaging and participatory for students, irrespective of their ages. This is imperative to keep their interest in developing real communicative ability in what is

4. Listen to a UK radio station.

5. Sing English songs together.

6. Ask English-speaking friends over for supper.

www.arounddb.com May 2018

47

TALKING POINTS

Willie Lau, Holistic Education

images to words. We use repetition and try and introduce four to five simple new words every week.

With children this small reiteration is essential.”

To illustrate her point, Kelley refers to a young Cantonese-speaking boy in her class. “Every day, while helping him tie his shoe laces, we would sing the same English song. Soon he not only learnt the song, but also the meaning, and he was using words from it in his conversations.”

Working across Hong Kong, Willie says he is constantly changing his lesson plans as children leave and new ones join in the middle of the term. He believes his strength lies in lesson planning and execution.

“I tell my teachers to make lessons captivating like a movie. They must be delivered in an interesting way,” he says. “We have to capture the attention of the students. Children lose focus if they are not engaged.

I incorporate activities into my lessons to add variety and keep their attention.”

Bruce is of the same mind. “We interspace our lessons with songs and rhymes to bring liveliness to the lessons. The children learn a lot when learning is enjoyable for them. The number of children per class is restricted to six so that

personalised attention is given to each student.

“We have the same approach for all nationalities,” adds Bruce. “I try and give them an immersive learning experience.”

Working in DB, Bruce sees students from all age groups, including adults. So how is teaching an adult different from teaching a child? “With children you know what grade they are in, and that mostly gives you an idea of their levels. However, with adults we first need to assess their level of understanding of the language,” he explains. “We also try and understand their purpose and motive behind learning the language, and work on our lesson plan accordingly.”

Supplementary learning While it is beneficial to go and learn a language in a formal setting, it is equally important to learn outside the classroom as well.

Willie regularly arranges for his students to come over to Discovery Bay. “We try and sponsor a meal for them at a restaurant and encourage them to interact with the other people around them,” he says. “It gives them the confidence to speak to strangers in English.”

Discussing how parents can help children improve their English at home, Kelley is equally focused on the importance of conversation. “The more children try and speak, the better they learn. Parents must make an effort to talk to their children in English.

It cements their learning. Reading English books to them every night is another great step forward.”

Bruce agrees, saying, “The best idea is to do a lot of conversational English. I encourage students to practice speaking whenever they can and not be afraid of making mistakes.”

With regard to at-home learning, Bruce again places the emphasis on the fun factor. “Let your children watch cartoons in English for some time every day,” he says. “In today’s age, children respond better to technology.

Parents should look to resources online as well.”

On a final note, parents should try to relax. It’s normal for bilingual kids to make mistakes and mix their languages. When they are trying to express themselves, they use the vocabulary they know, so if they are lacking a word from one language, they will make it up with the other. “Mummy look how well I’m reading, I’m going molto veloce!”

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

48

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

2018 Summer Promotion Ideal for ages 3-14

Early Bird Offer Promotional period for summer enrollments

Promotional offers *

1 May to 31 May

15% off

1 June to 30 June

10% off

1 July to 31 July

10% off

Additional offer (to study) # after promotional period

$200

coupon

Minimum lessons to enjoy promotion

3 months 2 months to 3 months 2 months

promotional offers upon paying IN FULL ( including tuition fee and enrollment fee of $100 ) *# Enjoy The $200 coupon is only applicable for Eye Level programs. You must enroll for 2 months of lessons after the Summer Promotion and it cannot be used with any other offer.

Terms and Conditions: 1. All payments including 8 or 12 lessons tuition fee and enrollment fee of $100 (for new students and those that have quit for over 6 months ) must be settled IN FULL on the enrollment date within the above mentioned promotion period.

2. Students should finish the 2 months to 3 months lessons purchased through this offer no later than August 31, 2018.

3. This promotion will apply to Eye Level Math, Math Online, Play Math, English, English Sparks, Happy Talk or Chinese Junior.

4. The $200 coupon is only applicable for Eye Level programs. You must enroll for 8 lessons after the Summer Promotion.

5. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers, exchanged, refunded or converted into cash.

6. Daekyo Hong Kong Co. Limited reserves the right to all matters concerning this offer and can make any changes to this offer without further notice.

7. In case of any dispute, Daekyo Hong Kong Co. Limited will make the final decision.

9366 - 0000

myeyelevel.com

Eye Level Hong Kong

2018 PRESTIGE

Summer holiday shopping fair Your one-stop summer shopping experience.

A showcase for brands and designers from across the world.

MONDAY 4 JUNE, 10AM - 7PM Grand Ballroom, Conrad Kong Kong Free admission, open to the public.

Enjoy a special 20% shoppers' discount at the Conrad's Garden Café or Lobby Lounge for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

SPONSORED BY:

ORGANISED BY:

Mother and baby guide

Pre- and postnatal clothing, activities, photography and more!

Maternity wear and baby products

Maternity wear and baby products

Maternity wear and baby products

MAYARYA

MOTHERS EN VOGUE

WOWMOM

Mayarya is a stylish yet affordable online store catering to the fashion needs of young mums. It offers up everything from maternity- and nursing-friendly dresses, to tops, bottoms, bras, swimwear, belly support belts and activewear. Mayarya offers free shipping, free returns worldwide and same-day delivery to DB. If you request to try on pieces upon delivery, Mayarya’s delivery staff will take back any unwanted items.

Designed for pregnancy and beyond, Mothers en Vogue’s maternity-nursing wear balances style, comfort and function. Pieces are carefully crafted to flatter growing bumps and postpartum curves, and allow nursing mums to breastfeed with confidence, anytime and anywhere. A matching Moms & Tots Collection is also available at the online store.

WOWMOM is an online retailer offering new and exciting products for babies, toddlers, kids, mums and dads. It stocks leading international brands, such as Skip Hop, Ergobaby, Trunki, Oxo Tot and Nuby, at competitive prices. To celebrate its grand opening this month, WOWMOM is offering 50% off selected Brother Max, Skip Hop and The Gro Company products.

Shoppers who spend over HK$2,000 in May receive a free Skip Hop three-piece sheet set (worth up to HK$799).

Visit www.mayarya.com or email info@mayarya.com.

Health and wellness

Visit www.mothersenvogue.com.hk or email info@mothersenvogue.com.hk.

Visit www.wowmom.com.hk, email hello@wowmom.com.hk or call 3583 2689.

Health and wellness

BLISSFUL FIT

EMBODY

Open to women in all stages of pregnancy and yoga experience, Blissful Fit offers prenatal yoga classes out of DB North Plaza (or in the comfort of your own home), creating a community where expectant mums can share and connect with each other. Instructor Luba Zaltsman is passionate about helping pregnant women stay healthy and fit during pregnancy through movement, focused breathing and relaxation, while preparing and empowering them for childbirth. Private and small group classes offered include Prenatal yoga, Mama and Baby yoga, Kids yoga, and Hatha and Vinyasa yoga.

Embody’s 75-minute prenatal yoga classes at DB Plaza offer a gentle physical activity for pregnant women. Studies have suggested that practising yoga – moving and breathing mindfully – while pregnant, can improve sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety. Through a variety of stretches and strengthening movements, mums build up the flexibility and endurance needed for childbirth. Prenatal classes are held on Mondays at 11.30am, postnatal classes on Fridays at 2pm.

Visit www.blissfulfit.com, email luba@blissfulfit.com or call 6114 1465.

Visit www.embody.hk, email susan@embody.hk or call 6624 8712.

Health and wellness

THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR Special pregnancy packages are on offer at The Feel Good Factor in Central. The aim is to promote comfort and relaxation with pregnancy massage beds, designed to accommodate growing tums, available.

Masseurs avoid pressure points and aim to reduce the fluid retention which often occurs during pregnancy.

Visit www.feelgoodfactor.com.hk, email info@feelgoodfactor.com.hk or call 2530 0610.

Mother and baby guide Classes and services

Classes and services

EPICLAND

RENT-A-MUM

EpicLand’s Epic Explorers, held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.45am to 10.45am, is suitable for kids from crawling to three years. The epic classes combine music and movement, singing and obstacle play. Children learn through play – having fun with bubbles and balls fires up their imaginations and helps them develop gross motor skills. Epic Explorers classes are included in EpicLand’s Happy Hour price of HK$80, with playtime until 11.30am.

Rent-A-Mum offers Western-style postnatal maternity services. Its registered maternity nurses have long-term experience working with mothers and newborns within private domestic environments. Allocating time and energy to each family, Rent-A-Mum prides itself on achieving the best possible match for all parties.

Visit www.rent-a-mum.com, email rentamum@netvigator.com or call 2523 4868.

Visit www.epiclandhk.com, email info@epiclandhk.com or call 2441 0098.

Photography

Photography

BETTITUDE PHOTOGRAPHY At Bettitude Photography, Betty Sham photographs glowing pregnant mums either in her private studio in Kwai Chung or on location. You can choose between fullyclothed, playful sessions and half-naked, contemporary shoots, with or without your significant other. Betty also specialises in organically themed newborn and family portraits.

Visit www.bettitudephotography.com, email info@bettitudephotography.com or call 6082 3199.

52

Photography

EVOQUE PORTRAITS

RSP-PHOTOGRAPHY

With over 30 years’ experience in portrait photography, Evoque Portraits can help you capture your family’s natural moments of love, affection and play. DB photographer Baljit Gidwani treasures the beauty that is so unique to this special time in your life, and helps you immortalise this moment in time. Check out the specially priced Maternity and New Born photo package.

RSP-Photography in DB specialises in a diverse range of portraiture from families and children to maternity and lifestyle. Photographer Rosalia Sempere promises to tell ‘your story’ through her photography, producing pieces of art to be treasured for years to come.

Visit www.evoqueportraits.com, email baljitgidwani@gmail.com or call 9659 6034.

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

Visit www.rsp-photography.com, email info@rsp-photography.com or call 6471 6309.

La médecine naturelle pour la communauté francophone Venez nombreux le vendredi 11 mai à North Plaza à partir de 9h !

Venez rencontrer nos praticiens francophones autour d’un café dans un cadre informel et chaleureux. Nous vous présenterons nos therapies naturelles et la manière dont nous pouvons vous aider vous et votre famille. De courtes sessions de massage, d‘ostéopathie, de sophrologie et de naturopathie vous serons offertes.

• • • •

Dr. Joëlle Bradford (ND), Naturopathe, hypnothérapeute Céline Pellarin, Sophrologue Marilyn Chevalier, masseuse thérapeutique Jonathan Vallade, Ostéopathe, Diplômé d’État Jeunesse et Sport

Sans rendez-vous ni obligation.

Pour plus d’informations, contactez-nous au 2537 1087 ou par email à receptiondb@imi.com.hk.

Address: G-02 Office Block Two, North Plaza Tel: 2537 1087

WELLNESS

C

ut out sugar, cut back on carbs, and eat plenty of vegetables, nuts and seeds – the prospect of re-wiring your diet can seem an unappetising challenge.

As a result, many of us now view food simply as sustenance, or even worse, as the enemy. But this is not how it should be, and definitely not how it has to be.

DB resident and 10-year health coach and personal trainer Claire Mas opens the conversation by saying, “We are intelligent, but we’ve outsmarted our own eating intuition. The last place we look to determine what to eat is inside our own hearts. When people want to know what to eat, they really need to look at and understand themselves.”

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Eating for empowerment As an internationally accredited Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, and an internationally accredited PTA Global Personal Trainer, Claire’s approach to wellness is first and foremost holistic. She talks about the importance of achieving a balance not just in the food we put on our plates, the so-called ‘secondary foods,’ but also in the ‘primary foods’ – relationships, career, physical activity and spirituality.

“Finding balance in these areas is a constant push and pull,” she says.

“We need to focus on the increase of nourishing relationships, career alignment and fulfilment, soothing spiritual practice, and satisfying exercise routine. This is the key to being happy, to gaining a deep understanding of ourselves, and ultimately smoothing out our secondary food imbalances.”

Claire Mas

FOOD for THOUGHT We’re all hungry to understand the healthiest way to eat, while enjoying what we put on our plates.

Ray Robertson consults DB health coach and personal trainer Claire Mas

In her personal training sessions and bootcamp/ group fitness classes, Claire encourages clients not only to get physically fit but to challenge the way they see themselves and to thereby affect positive change in all aspects of their lives. During each workout, she introduces a different mental/ emotional health issue for discussion, anything from goal setting or stress management, to the importance of sleep.

Seeking to empower, Claire is adamant that diets should be based on the individual, not the theory “One person’s food is another person’s poison,” she says. “You have to factor in age, gender, race, blood type and level of activity. No one diet or lifestyle works for everyone. You have to understand what foods you’re attracted to and why.

“Diets don’t really work – there’s 

www.arounddb.com May 2018

55

WELLNESS

no one-size-fits-all,” Claire adds.

“You can’t tell people what kind of relationship to be in or what kind of fashion, movies and music they’re going to enjoy.

Why is it acceptable to tell people what kind of food they should be eating? We are all different... so if you want to prescribe diets, they have to be personally tailored.”

Listening to your cravings Cravings, typically for foods that are high in sugar or fat, can ruin even the most carefully thought out diet plan, unless we recognise them for what they are. Claire explains, “Many people view cravings as a sign of weakness, but really, they’re important messages meant to help you in maintaining balance. A craving is your body’s way of sending you a message, of telling you that something is out of sync. We need to look at the foods, deficits and behaviours in our lives that are the underlying cause of cravings. When you experience a craving, deconstruct it. Ask yourself, what does my body really want and why?”

Emotional eating, which often manifests as a craving for sugary food, can be an indication that you are lacking one of the primary foods. When women experience menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, fluctuating testosterone and oestrogen levels can cause cravings. Cravings can also be a sign that your nutrient levels are out of whack.

For example, inadequate mineral levels produce salt cravings.

“Often times too, cravings come from foods we’ve recently eaten, foods eaten by our ancestors, or foods from our childhood. A clever way to satisfy these cravings is to eat a healthier version of one’s ancestral or childhood foods,” Claire says. “Cravings can also be seasonal. During winter, for example, many people crave hot and heat-producing foods like meat, oil and fat. Cravings can also be chemically created, for example, sugar is one of the most highly addictive substances.

Claire advocates the principle of ‘crowding out,’ adding foods instead of taking foods away.

Eating more fresh whole foods will reduce our desire/ capacity for the foods that we want to cut back on.

Dehydration can manifest as hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water

Secondary foods to increase

“Note the emphasis is on ‘more and less,’ not ‘all and none,’” Claire says. “Once a person understands this concept, sustainable change happens.”

Vegetables • Fruits • Wholegrains • Organic, high-quality animal proteins • Wild fish • Beans • Organic dairy • Nuts and seeds • Healthy oils • Avocado • Raw chocolate • Chia and hemp seeds • Maca • Clean air and water

When we eat sweet foods it induces sugar cravings, which in turn turn creates a vicious cycle.

“Dehydration can manifest as hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water. But excess water can also cause cravings, so be sure that your water intake is well balanced.”

As everyone who has ever dieted knows, if we tell ourselves we can’t have something, then we want it all the more. With this in mind,

Secondary foods to decrease Chemicalised artificial junk food • Processed foods • Refined grains • Conventional and/ or excessive meats and diary • Caffeine • Soft drinks • Alcohol • Tobacco • Sugar • Artificial sweeteners • Trans fat • Toxic air and water

You can contact Claire via the MAS FIT by Claire Mas Facebook page, by visiting www.clairemasfitness.com, or calling 9387 0735.

Find more on wellness @ www.arounddb.com

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May 2018 www.arounddb.com

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SUN 6th

MAY

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S e n s at i on a l

Staycations Holidaying close to home ticks all the convenience boxes, while leaving you relaxed and refreshed. Kate Farr checks out some world-class hotels, where no passport is required

BEST FOR FOODIES

A

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

true Hong Kong experience, Hotel ICON in East Tsim Sha Tsui is owned by PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management – the first teaching and research hotel of its kind in the world. This focus on cultivating hospitality’s rising stars means that guests experience the crème de la crème of service from the moment they set foot in the hotel’s sleek designer lobby.

58

Offering a range of suites and rooms with breath-taking harbour views, and various tempting dining options, Hotel ICON is the ideal choice for a gourmet getaway. Make time for buffet brunch or afternoon tea at The Market restaurant, a semibuffet brunch at GREEN lobby restaurant, and a Peking duck set

dinner at the renowned Above & Beyond. You can work off all that sumptuous dining, while soaking up the skyline, with a dip in the hotel’s rooftop pool.

Book in advance via the hotel’s website for a 10% discount on all rooms, or extend your weekend getaway to three nights for 25% off.

Further benefits, if you book direct, include a 10% dining discount at all restaurants, early check-in and late check-out, priority room upgrade and complimentary access to the Timeless Lounge.

Book a club room or suite to enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at Above & Beyond.

Book Direct Added Benefits packages from HK$2,200 per night, plus 10% service charge; three-night Stay Longer, Save More packages from HK$1,560 per room per night, plus 10% service charge.

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

The Market, Hotel ICON

Above & Beyond, Hotel ICON

GREEN, Hotel ICON

Camp Hyatt, Hyatt Regency

The Mira wellness area

BEST FOR FAMILIES The ideal spot for a family stay, the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin is spacious, peaceful and offers as much – or as little – activity as you can handle. With dramatic views over Tolo Harbour and the Kau To Shan mountains beyond, the hotel’s outof-town location gives it a resort feel, with plenty of onsite amenities to make your staycation a success.

Unwind at Melo Spa, which boasts a signature range of pomelo- (also known as Sha Tin grapefruit) based treatments, splash in the alfresco pool, or take a bike ride along the surrounding dedicated cycle paths. When hunger strikes, indulge in chiffon cake made from local Sha Tin honey at Patisserie café, and make sure you book well in advance for fine Chinese dining at Sha Tin 18.

Hyatt

Regency’s

Family

Time

deal allows you to extend your stay over a long weekend, with three consecutive nights for the price of two. You’ll also receive 15% off your food and beverage spend, a 10% discount on Camp Hyatt kids’ club activities and two hours of bike rental per guest.

Alternatively, splash out on a Suite Deal and receive a free upgrade to even plusher digs, plus access to the 25th floor Regency Club, all-day lounge access with freeflow tea and coffee, and a private check in to beat the crowds.

You also get an hour’s meeting room use per day… though we suspect you’ll be far too busy relaxing to use it.

Family Time package from HK$1,200 per room per night, Suite Deal package from HK$2,000 per room per night, both plus 10% service charge.

After a day of rest and recuperation, kickback with some innovative cocktails at Vibes, the Mira’s alfresco lounge bar, and then dine at the hotel’s sleek contemporary Chinese restaurant, Cuisine Cuisine.

Advance bookings of 60 days or more via the Mira’s website are subject to a 20% discount, while guests also benefit from 15% off all food and beverage and à la carte spa treatments during their stay. If you’re keen to push the boat out then the Mira’s spa suites are dressed to impress, with openplan bathrooms, an en suite steam bath and a Jacuzzi made for two.

Don’t forget to put up that Do Not Disturb sign.

Spa suites from HK$2,496 per night, park-view rooms from HK$1,696 per night, both plus 10%  service charge.

BEST FOR WELLNESS Offering five-star views across Kowloon Park and the city beyond, The Mira Hong Kong is a stylish property with facilities that are bang up to date. Featuring a gorgeous basement wellness area with a dreamy heated pool, plus a wide range of massages, facials and other pampering treatments at the onsite spa, you’ll quickly be transported a million miles away from Tsim Sha Tsui’s hectic streets.

Cuisine Cuisine, The Mira

www.arounddb.com May 2018

59

ESCAPES

Mandarin Oriental lobby

BEST FOR THE CIRCUS For old-school glamour with impeccable service, you really can’t beat the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (MO) in Central. This grande dame of Hong Kong hotels – the group’s original, and its flagship to this day – has been the byword for luxury since 1963, and is showing no signs of age yet. From the imposing marble foyer to the plush and elegant rooms, from refined afternoon tea at Clipper Lounge (the scones with rose petal jam are a must) to cocktails with sweeping views at M Bar – a stay at the MO is always a memorable occasion.

The hotel is currently offering a Stay and Cirque du Soleil package that includes a stay in a room or suite, 20% off Cirque du Soleil’s brand-new Central Harbourfront show, KOOZA (when booked through the concierge), daily breakfast for two at Café Causette or Clipper Lounge, and late checkout at weekends. If you’re planning a family stay, the package also includes an optional rollaway bed in your room, as well as circus-inspired welcome amenities for kids. Luxury and laughs? We don’t mind if we do.

Rooms from HK$4,480 per night, suites from HK$5,98 per night, both plus 10% service charge.

Caprice, Four Seasons

Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA

ULTIMATE STAYCATION Sometimes you’ve just got to treat yourself. And when that time comes, how about the ultimate fuss-free extravagant escape – just beyond Pier 3 in Central – at the sumptuous and sophisticated Four Seasons Hong Kong. Offering unparalleled views across Victoria Harbour and up to The Peak from its understated yet luxurious rooms and suites, choose from contemporary Chinese or sleek Western-style decor for a truly personalised stay.

And stay you will. With two Michelin-starred restaurants (Lung King Heen and Caprice) expert cocktails at Blue Bar, a spa rated

by Forbes as one of the world’s very best, not to mention what

Infinity pool, Four Seasons

is probably one of the world’s most photographed infinity pools, there’s really no need to venture any further than the lobby.

The Experience More package offers guests booking two nights in a harbour-view room HK$800 of spending credit, which upgrades to HK$1,500 credit for suites.

This can be used towards spa services or at any of the Four Seasons’ restaurants, making that three Michelin-starred meal a justifiable treat.

FIND IT • • • •

Four Seasons Hong Kong, www.fourseasons.com/hongkong Hotel ICON, www.hotel-icon.com Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, www.hongkongshatin.regency.hyatt.com Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong • The Mira Hong Kong, www.themirahotel.com

Find more exciting holiday destinations @ www.arounddb.com

60

Packages from HK$4,600 per night, plus 10% service charge.

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

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RECIPES

Make mother’s day Looking for an easy way to show mum how much she means to you? Why not give her a treat on May 13 by baking her something sweet

If you would like to see your favourite recipes featured in this section, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk

Raisin Cupcakes Makes 15

• 75 g raisins • 150 g butter • 150 g caster sugar • 3 eggs • 150g self-raising flour

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Preheat the oven to 190°C, and line 15 standard-size cupcake cups (or silicone cases). Bring the raisins to a simmer in a little water, then remove from the heat. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then stir in the flour. Drain the raisins and stir them into the batter. Divide the mixture between the prepared cases, so that each is about three quarters full. Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. 

www.arounddb.com May 2018

63

RECIPES

Queen of Puddings Serves 4 • 570 ml milk • 10 g butter • 110 g white breadcrumbs • 1 tsp grated lemon rind • 50 g caster sugar • 2 eggs • 3 tbsp raspberry jam

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bring the milk to the boil in a medium-sized saucepan, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, breadcrumbs, lemon rind and 25 grams of sugar.

Leave to cool for 20 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to swell. Separate the eggs, beat the yolks and add them to the breadcrumb mixture.

Pour it into a 850-miligram buttered pie dish and spread it out evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Melt the jam over a low heat and spread over the pudding batter. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then whisk in 25 grams of sugar and spoon the meringue over the pudding. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. 

64

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

Shop I, Lifestyle Hub, Fashion Walk, Cleveland St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (T) +852 2570 0307

RECIPES

Pink Jam Slice Makes 24 slices

• 300 g butter • 120 g caster sugar • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large egg yolk • 500 g plain flour • 400 g raspberry jam • 500 g icing sugar • Pink food colouring

Preheat the oven to 180°C, and line a 20 x 30-centimetre baking tin.

Beat the butter, caster sugar, vanilla extract and egg yolk together. Stir in the flour, then use your hands to create a crumbly dough. Press half the dough into the base of the tin and spread the jam over, leaving a 1-centimetre empty border around the edge. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture, and pat it down.

Bake for 35 minutes, then leave to cool. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, and stir in about 100 milligrams of water and a dash of food colouring.

Pour evenly over the slice. Add a sprinkle of food colouring, then use a toothpick to swirl and marble the top.

Leave to set overnight until the icing is hard, then cut into slices.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

66

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

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HK HAPPENINGS

LE FRENCH MAY Across Hong Kong

One of the largest cultural events in Asia, Le French May brings over 120 programmes of music, dance, opera, theatre, film and art. Tributes, a series of exciting presentations in which timeless masterpieces are reinterpreted by modern talents, is a definite highlight of this year’s festival. For the line-up, tickets and venues, visit www.frenchmay.com.

Throughout May

financialtribune.com

KOOZA Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

Throughout May-June 3

SWAN LAKE

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai Follow the classic love story between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette as the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre performs the world’s most famous ballet. Premiered by the hk.asiatatler.com Bolshoi Ballet in 1877, Swan Lake is known for its lavish sets, glorious costumes, sublime choreography and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s wellloved musical score. For tickets, starting at HK$445, visit www.hkticketing.com.

May 1-6

rocknrollerbaby.co.uk

Kooza returns to the origins of Cirque du Soleil by combining acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. Exploring themes of fear, identity, recognition and power, join The Innocent, a melancholy loner, on his journey to find his place in the world. For tickets, starting at HK$488, visit www.asiaboxoffice.com.

HARRY STYLES LIVE Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai May 5

teenzonemagazine.co.za

English singer Harry Styles is on tour following the release of his selftitled debut album, which topped the Billboard, UK Albums and ARIA (Australia) charts. The concert also features special guest American indie rock band Warpaint. For tickets, starting at HK$488, visit www.hkticketing.com.

EVITA

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai Evita charts the life of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, detailing her humble beginnings, rise to fame as ‘spiritual leader of the nation,’ political career and early death. The awardwinning show features some of the best-loved Photo by Pat Bromilow Downing songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and On This Night of a Thousand Stars. For tickets, starting at HK$445, visit www.hkticketing.com.  May 11-June 10

www.arounddb.com May 2018

69

HK HAPPENINGS

DISTRICT RACE Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

May 13

WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? Tamarind, Sun Hung Kai Centre, Wanchai May 17-19

districtrace.com

District Race, presented by AIA Vitality, is a a two-hour immersive race with 80+ virtual checkpoints and challenges spread all over the city. With no set route or distance, the event gives competitors a brand-new experience in strategy and urban exploration. For tickets, at HK$500, visit www.eventbrite.com.

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai The Affordable Art Fair offers everything from abstract canvases, sculptures, editioned prints and photographs to traditional Chinese ink paintings.

Find artwork that’s great for your home, good for your soul and easy on your wallet! For tickets, starting at HK$120, visit www.hkticketing.com.

wooderice.com

Courtesy of The Punchline Comedy Club, the hilarious improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is back due to popular demand. Watch Stephen Frost, Andy Smart, Ian Coppinger and special guest star Niall Ashdown take scenarios, genres and phrases from the audience, and turn them into comedy gold. For tickets, starting at HK$350, visit www.ticketflap.com.

May 18-20

CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau May 19-23 discovery.cathaypacific.com

SOCCER SEVENS Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley Reigning Hong Kong Football Club Citi Soccer Sevens champion Leicester City returns to defend its title at the annual, invitational sevena-side tournament.

The 19th edition of the event sees 16 teams participating, www.hksoccersevens.com with Premier League clubs Brighton and Hove Albion making debut appearances. For tickets, starting at HK$160, visit www.ticketflap.com.

May 18-20

70

May 2018 www.arounddb.com

www.kathrinenorsk.com

The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival offers up Taoist ceremonies, a parade, lion dances and the exciting Bun Scrambling Competition. At midnight on the final day, participants climb up a 60-foot tower and scramble to collect as many lucky buns as possible. To know more about the festival, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

AWESOME BAMBOO SOCKS ANKLE

NO SHOW ATHLETIC 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 2018 target together: 100,000 pairs of socks will be donated to children in need.

Order online at

www.eurekasocks.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10am CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Alcoholics Anonymous •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

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

DB FACES

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

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Stephen Isaacson (@usa2hkg)

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!

www.arounddb.com January 2017

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY Virtual reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying/ public speaking/ bridges/ enclosed spaces/ storms). * Couples’ conflicts * Overeating * Career/relationship stress * Anger management * Nail biting * Exam jitters Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching.

Quit smoking quickly.

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

Yoga for seniors at

Friday mornings 10:30am at DB North Plaza.

Slow and gentle yoga, taught by a qualified yoga instructor.

English-speaking and easily accessible from Sunny Bay MTR station.

9685 8366 www.g reenwi ch-v i nyas a.com.hk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME SERVICES

THERAPY FROM GROWING UP GREAT

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

• Professional therapy & counselling for children, adolescents & adults • Based in Discovery Bay • Office, online & home visits available Email contact@growingupgreathongkong.com, or call Lorraine Cook at 6182 0959, Liz Hemmings at 9387 5305

HOME SERVICES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

FTC RELOCATIONS

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

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORKS

• Painting & handyman works, interior & exterior • PU waterproof injection for external walls • Astro-turfing, tiling & electrics Contact Roger at 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

TUITION & COURSES

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

TUITION & COURSES

ENGLISH TUTOR/TEACHER

• BA degree in English from a US university • Over 10 years’ teaching & tutoring experience, with children, teens & adults at all levels of fluency • DB-based, flexible schedule & reasonable rates • Learn to understand, speak & write English well • Build confidence & increase your vocabulary • Write better essays & improve schoolwork Call, text or What’s App Charles at 9406 8342

NATIVE ENGLISH TUTOR

CELTA qualified with 10 years+ experience, including ESF. Improve your or your child’s written or spoken English through home tuition.

• Interview techniques • Exam preparation • Social & business conversation • Support of class lessons Lessons tailored to suit individual needs for all ages.

Call Anne on 5972 6969

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 Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

Protective waterwear for the whole family

www.bloodred.nunan.com

bloodred@nunan.com

Freelance or Part-time Fitting MODEL(S) A well-known USA Lingerie brand is currently looking for fitting models based in Hong Kong Office.The person should have a positive attitude and able to give feedback during fitting process.

Lingerie - US Size 38C — *Full Bust - 40 1/2" - 41" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38D — *Full Bust - 42" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38DD — *Full Bust - 43" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38F — *Full Bust - 43 1/2" / *Underbust - 33" *** Other Sizes are also welcome ***

Interested parties, please call 2372 8428 & email personal's measurement to christina.ma@fotlinc.com Please provide an identity proof for legally working at HK for casting.

Announcement

SAMA FAMILY WELCOMES JONAH-EARL

Alain Sama and family are delighted to introduce their son Jonah-Earl, born on April 19 at Tuen Mun Hospital. Alain is Head of Year 12/ 13 at DBIS and his wife Melanie is a Psychology teacher at Island School. They have two daughters NialaElle and Ria-Elise. The family currently live in Yuen Long and will be moving to DB in June.

9155-6468

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

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – 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

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

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 DB 2-BED

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

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

BUSINESSES SERVING LANTAU ALC's unique plans provide international private medical insurance cover designed specifically for your needs.

• Large corporate or small groups • Individual or with dependants • Expatriate or local Find out more about what ALC can offer at www.alchealth.com or call 3478 3751 for a tailored quote.

Underwritten by Lloyd’s and regulated in Hong Kong and the UK.

Flight Centre has its flagship stores in Central, Wanchai & Happy Valley. Natalie Flyazhenkova is acting as a mobile consultant in DB, providing residents with face-to-face consultations. For an appointment with Natalie, contact 2829 2006 or natalie.f@flightcentre.com.hk

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

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

2321 5500 2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

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 Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 5178 5658

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

HOT EL S

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES

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

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

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

2421 8088 2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

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

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Long Island Mavericks Restaurant Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Kremer Method/ Bowen Therapy Pause by the Banyan - health ∙ wellness South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

9827 9911 9708 0187 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2984 0990 2546 3543

HOME & REPA IRS

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 L E A RNING CEN T RES

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

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

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Value Vigilantes ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 6132 9120 9586 3459

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

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 Care IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services OT&P Healthcare The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2537 2987 2987 2468 2259

0855 3422 9909 8136 7061 5633 6183 7276 1087 7575 9003 3577 3422

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

4401 7486 1180 4089 9092

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

The Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp Bank of China HSBC

2160 8585 2233 3000

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

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices. Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

Tree of Joy

DAILY NECESSITIES 2987 2987 2448 2987 2947

GOODWINS OF LONDON

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

Latin & Ballroom classes for adults and children, Zumba, Pilates, Piloxing, Yoga, Beat Cardio Fusion, Belly Dance and many more...

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

3102 2977 5690 4960 2987 8460

7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

Future Stars Dance Academy

The Beat

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Little Whale Nomadic

OTHER SERVICES

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

6323 9156 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2886 2987 2987 2987

1417 0360 1313 4488 5087 1041 0222 7082 0789 8555 0789 9268 4428

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 Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Island Dance Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School The Story Studio Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

3709 6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2987 2812 2987 2987 9366 6302 2416 2987 2459 8191 6114 9327 2480 2628 2987 6341 2987 9648

8466 2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 1201 9668 4338 9644 0000 6327 3088 1571 8808 0813 2436 0507 3909 3362 8608 3989 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

Harvey Law Group 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 P-Solution Pen’n Paper The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2529 2987 2987 2987 2987

2381 8256 1777 8898 1368 5151

PETS Kristy’s Paradise - Cat Sitter in Discovery Bay Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery

6201 7749 2987 8873 2987 0428

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS Aquablu Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property

6017 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

7802 8484 2023 2088 2987 6238

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex 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 Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Salt & Pepper Solera Subway The Pier Bar Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2336 8001 2555 0772 2914 0005 2520 2166 2840 1188 2987 6232

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Greenwich Greenwich specialises in Hatha Yoga at DB North Plaza.

Gentle flow. Suitable for busy air flying crew.

9685 8366 www.greenwich-vinyasa.com.hk.

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

Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk 2911 2987 6473 2517 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 9680 6101 9387 6704 8197

4833 7382 4277 8248 9591 7273 7381 8712 0098 7665 8434 0735 9851 5591

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

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

WELLBEING

Vikings Football Club

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 FIT 852 Kapuhala Train-in-Space MAS FIT YogaBay YogaUp

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

2727 0186 7351 3489 0208 9368

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

DB Pure Spa Beauty begins from within.

Body massages available at HK$198 and up. Open 9am to 9pm at DB Plaza, for ladies only.

Facebook: DB PURE SPA Whatsapp: 9794 0918

Elly House of Beauty As DB’s very own highly-skilled skincare specialist, Elly House of Beauty is committed to providing the most effective skincare services to the community. fb.me/ellyAvbeauty/ www.ellyhouseofbeauty.com 6131 9039

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

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

2987 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com May 2018

79

OUT THERE

Bla bla bla

A

m I the only one who notices notices? I once saw a cartoon sign headed: NOTICE. It read, “If you notice this notice you will notice it is a notice. Further notices will be given in our next notice.” I’ve been unwittingly noticing notices ever since.

Probably, I am the only person ever to notice the safety notice in our local buses, and to bother reading it. This reveals the shallow pointlessness of my shabby existence, and how utterly pathetic my life has become. But the bus notice deserves attention, if only for a glorious waste of your time.

The laborious fine print Before I get into the established etiquette of bus travel, time to reflect on a magnificent green and gold sign in the gym at my club.

Nineteen points to ponder and I’ve yet to see anyone read them, except my compulsive self. As annoying as it was, I set the clock on this pedantically dull exercise: five minutes 27 seconds. Next day, I was mercifully unable to recall a single rule.

The gym needs a less exhaustive sign, like: “Try not to act like an idiot.”

That pretty well covers it. Forget any childish safety nonsense.

Illustration by Andrew Spires

Get stuck in a compromising yoga position with feet to the ceiling and a few discs out of whack? Warm up before you start next time, and no extra charge for the lesson. If members want to lie on a bench and drop 100-kilogramme weights on their chest, let ‘em. Fall off the

80

Awake and Aware

There are tools on your iPhone that allow you to disable inane online notifications, but how do you stop yourself noticing all the pointless printed notices that hang around you in the ‘real’ world? Peter Sherwood tries and fails treadmill and smash your face up? Try not to bleed on the carpet, and have the courtesy and good manners to call an ambulance. If you’re not ambulatory, lie there and scream till closing time. It’s a noisy place and no one will mind.

Freedom of expression should also demand that you can work out naked (subject to merciless mockery… naturally).

Now, to the buses. First thing: the safety sign is indecipherable except from nose-to-notice distance by pilots with 20/20 vision. I had to photograph and blow it up on my computer screen before it was anything but a blur of hieroglyphs.

This corporate charade indicates the desire of the owners to have us ignore it (we do), while they reserve

the right to eject or prosecute us for any misdemeanour mentioned in the laborious fine print.

Whoever drafted this missive of monumental monotony must have lost the will to live at the halfway mark. Just reading it produced in me tranquil imaginings of a bottle of gin, a hot bath and a sharp implement.

The read was excruciating, but maybe they make it agonising so that no one ever gives it more than a few irritated seconds.

Masochist that I am, I read the entire 18 points, which says more about my twisted psyche than any therapist might fathom.

I’m told there’s a cure for the obsessive noticing of notices: stop it. Seems like good advice.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 19 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com May 2018 www.arounddb.com