November 2014 issue

AS GOOD AS

INVASION FROM

YOUR WORD WHY WE RAIL AGAINST BROKEN PROMISES

N OV 2 014

THE NORTH

ALL HAIL! TAXIS AND PUBLIC COACHES IN DB!

aid!

e v i L

ts icke d t e tr te t h ea c r af n , Win d hand popcor s! an les, oken d t c an s an d toy

How Picnic in the Park changes kids’ lives!

Find your 4-page pull-out programme for PiP 2014 inside!

Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

noveMBer 2014

海愉閣 VISTA COURT

$15K

寶安閣 BloSSoM

$25K

海藍閣 Serene CoUrt

$38K

T

EN

G EA

L

SO

Gross: 556’ Saleable: 438’ 1 1

Well maintained with good sized balcony.

Walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

觀濤樓 Marine view

$39K/9.2M

Gross: 814’ Saleable: 708’ 3

Gross: 1099’ Saleable: 829’

Charming apartment, fully equipped kitchen and in a tranquil location.

2

觀灣樓 Bay view

$55K

3

Fully renovated with open kitchen, beautiful sea views from balcony and all windows.

2

海澄湖畔二段 Siena two

$60K

T

EN

G EA

L

SO

Gross: 1412’ Saleable: 1157’ 3 2

Stunning renovation throughout, fully equipped kitchen, spacious living and in a tranquil location.

尚堤 Chianti

$4.2M/15K

Gross: 1388’ Saleable: 1110’

Gross: 1323’ Saleable: 1085’ 2

Charming duplex, fully equipped kitchen, spacious living and with amazing sea views.

1

庭安閣 CheriSh CoUrt

$4.6M

3

Rare in market. Beautiful large lawn and patio.

Fully upgraded with all new appliances.

2

海燕徑 SeaBird

T

Gross: 665’ Saleable: 511’ 1 1

Particle layout with balcony and 24 hour concierge service. Good value.

海澄湖畔 Siena two

$16M/50K

1

2

Very rare unit. Has extra loft room. Good sized home. Stone’s throw to all transport.

One of a kind renovation! Open plan kitchen.

A must see!

尚堤 Chianti

Gross: 1530’ Saleable: 1183’ 4

SO

Gross: 629’ Saleable: 546’ 2

$16.5M/55K

Gross: 1280’ Saleable: 962’ 3 2

3

Well presented apartment with modern open kitchen, and ample storage throughout.

Lovely renovation lowrise, terrace with full green views and walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

海蜂徑 SeaBee

$21M

Gross: 1642’ Saleable: 1406’

Gross: 2041’ Saleable: 1587’ 4

G EA

L

L

SO

T

EN

EN

G EA

$11.55M

5 2

Beautifully renovated townhouse, terrace with stunning sea views. Popular choice for investors.

The wait is over.

Hong Kong’s First Exclusively Dedicated Hair SPA. Do you want to improve the health of your hair and scalp with an exceptional therapeutic treatment?

Equipped with state of the art technology to perfect your hair and scalp with clinically proven results.

Giving you beautiful healthy shiny hair.

A relaxing therapeutic experience from the moment you enter the door.

SErvicES offErEd: Hair Analysis: Take the guesswork away. Get a diagnostic approach to understand what hair type you really have .

Hair treatments: Detoxification, Nutrition, Hydration and Transformation, to make your hair the best it can be.

Get your individual personalized hair / scalp home management plan to maintain beautifully healthy hair and scalp.

like us on

for Hair Treatment Tips

Flat 16-17 1/F Block 2 DB North Plaza (above Paisano

os)

Healthy proven by Science

Book now

your appointment

www.strandandscience.com

info@strandandscience.com

Ph. 2886 3820

MON & THUR

All Day Happy Hour

TUE

Quiz Night

WED

Brandy Promotion

FRI SAT & SUN

Whisky Night Live Premier League Football Match

Santa shops at

My First Castle

$799 Le Grand Garage

Skip Hop Bandana Buddies

Mini Micro Scooter

Fairview Manor

Bag $189 pink or blue

$899

each

$199

various colours

$790

$1,500

Princess Coralie Beauty Centre

Seaside Slope

Oven & Hob Set

CD Player

$499

$425

$999

$650 blue/red or pink

Baby Laptop & Baby Riding Train

Marvins Magic Hat & Paint a Tea Set

Junior Basket Ball

Raleigh Bikes 3yrs - 10yrs

$189 $599

from

$225 $1,499

$575

from

$1,290 $125

NOVEMBER 2014 FEATURES

41

41

IN FOCUS What the Umbrella Revolution says about broken promises

46

FAMILY MATTERS How Picnic in the Park changes young lives

54

PROFILE Meet Daruma Club Judokas Cedric Sum and Emily Lau

61

MONEY MATTERS MBA funding

70

ESCAPES Extending a Hanoi minibreak to take in Ha Long Bay

74

ACTION DB 10km Run for Charity

81

LIFESTYLE Easy ways to update your home for winter

REGULARS 46

37

COMPETITIONS Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

59

MOMENTS Rugby international Seru Rabeni signs with the DB Pirates

66

TALKING POINTS How do we feel about taxis (and public coaches) in DB North?

88

DB FACES Candid community snaps

100 OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 54

59

10

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

31

ACROSS LANTAU See what’s happening island wide

85

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

90

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

94

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

97

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

74 Readers with a feature story idea, please email editor@arounddb.com If you would like to publicise a local event, email hannah@arounddb.com For general enquiries, email info@arounddb.com To advertise, email lissa@arounddb.com Around DB, Bay Media Ltd, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Call 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

Facebook

ON THE COVER

FROM INVASION H

RT THE NO AND L! TAXIS

AS AS GOOD

ORD YOURRAIWL AGAINST WHY WE ES PROMIS BROKEN

aid!

e

Liv

ts ke tic d tre afte n, thea ndcr pcor !

Win d ha , po kens an les d to candys an to

! ds’ lives anges ki 4 inside!

201 e Park ch e for PiP gramm cnic in th How Pi 4-page pull-out pro

014 N OV 2

r

Find you

Join your

On stage at Picnic in the Park!

ALL HAI S IN DB! COACHE PUBLIC

online community

rounddb.com @ www.a

Publishers

in DB since

2002

Photos courtesy of Picnic in the Park

Twitter and www.arounddb.com

YOUR ROUNDUP OF RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial coordinator Hannah Ball hannah@arounddb.com Advertising Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Accounts Beatrice De Magistris accountant@arounddb.com Art direction Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography Baljit Gidwani Koharu Urawa (intern) Emma Yong (intern) Illustration Fred Boot Rift Leschinsky Contributors this month Harriet Adams Beverly Au Jane Clyde Richard Crowley Loryda Erasmus Elizabeth Kerr Katrina Raimann (intern) Nina Rossiter (intern) Peter Sherwood Kate Whitehead Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors.

The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Photos by Terry Chow

ber Septem

27

Lantau Buffalos DUATHLON Siena Park

Male and female winners in each age category: • Ava Dubinsky and Alejandro Castro Rebolledo (2007-2008) • Alice Ypersiel and Aryan Jain (2005-2006) • Chloe Kucher and Daniel Bruce (2003-2004) • Eugenia Chow and James Dingley (2000-2002)

Find more photos of community events @ www.arounddb.com

IN&AROUND DB

er 4

Octob

Photos by Emma Yong, Rosanna Sy-siong and courtesy of DBRC

Charity TENNIS CUP

Discovery Bay Recreation Club, DB Plaza The three winning teams: • Thai Coup: Charity Cup • Two By Two: Goodwill Cup • Bad Mime Calls: Best Dressed

November 2014

11

IN&AROUND DB

YRock DB HEAT Solera, DB Plaza

• The winners: DB residents, Kira Gregory and Phoebe Whalley • The finalists: Mikayla Boonstra, Poppy, Aden & Cam, and Emergency Exit (all from DB), together with Elecent and One Day More • DBers Square Head and Vaniden also made it to the YRock Final, at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai, on October 25 • See all the finalists, along with YRock pick, the Glass Onions, performing at Picnic in the Park on November 8. For the full line-up, turn to page 49.

12

November 2014

er 11

Octob

Photos by Baljit Gidwani

Brew Yourself a Favour!

Recharge and relax with us at

THE PIER BAR and UNCLE RUSS COFFEE! Your first stop for freshly brewed coffee, or an alcoholic brew Bring your full UNCLE RUSS COFFEE chop card to THE PIER BAR and enjoy a FREE drink of your choice!

Proud Sponsor!

Bring your full THE PIER BAR chop card to any UNCLE RUSS COFFEE and enjoy a FREE drink of your choice!

Team FEAR Junior Challenge Sunday 16 November and Discovery College Family Fun Day Saturday 15 November

Hours: Mon – Sun (12pm – 12am) www.unclerusscoffee.com.hk www.facebook.com/thepierbarhk

IN&AROUND DB

Pink FIZZ FUNDRAISER! McSorley’s, DB Plaza

Movement Improvement’s Pink Fizz Fundraising Entertainment Evening was a roaring success, raising over HK$26,000 for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation!

3

Photos by Emma Yong and John Dickson

er 2 Octob

KIDS IN THE PARK Siena Park

Organised by Discovery Bay International Community Church and DB Alliance Church.

5

er 2 Octob

14

November 2014

Photos by Koharu Urawa

Wanganui Collegiate School is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious schools We offer Hong Kong families • Genuine 7-day boarding.

• Outstanding examination results • A policy of sport and culture for all.

• A very competitive fee structure • The best preparation for university as our students live independently in a co-educational campus environment.

The Headmaster, Mr. Chris Moller, extends an invitation to any interested families to come along to the event below:

Evening Reception

Monday, 17 November 2014. 6pm – 8 pm.

The Verandah, The Foreign Correspondents Club Hong Kong.

2 Lower Albert Road, Central Hong Kong.

Around dB resident’s ChoiCe AwArds 2014! whAt’s the Best restAurant in LAntAu? it’s your ChoiCe! List your Lantau business for free @ www.arounddb.com Criteria to consider Share your top restaurants, bars and coffee shops with the rest of the community, and see how your picks compare! Note that fast food joints do not qualify. In making your recommendations, consider not only the quality of the food, but also the ambience, standard of service and value for money.

How it works To nominate your favourite Lantau restaurant, simply review it at www.arounddb.com.

To post a review, go to www.arounddb.com/restaurants. (You can get there directly by clicking on the QR Code below.) Choose the restaurants you want to nominate – you can nominate a few! Then, scroll down the page and post your comment under ‘user review’.

Your reviews can be as long, or as short, as you like. Feel free to add in photos and video links!

• November 25: Deadline for review submission at www.arounddb.com The shortlist The three Lantau restaurants that get the most reviews go into the final, for an online vote on the Around DB Facebook page.

• December 1: The three finalists are announced on the Around DB Facebook page and www.arounddb.com The online vote The Lantau restaurant that gets the most ‘likes’ during the online, public vote wins!

• December 1 to 7 (until 6pm): Online voting on the Around DB Facebook page • December 9: The results of Around DB Resident’s Choice Awards 2014 are posted on the Around DB Facebook page and www. arounddb.com Awards for finalists First place: a full page, colour ad in Around DB for three issues, plus a framed award.

Second place: a half page, colour ad in Around DB for three issues, plus a framed award.

Third place: a quarter page, colour ad in Around DB for three issues, plus a framed award.

Around DB Resident’s Choice Awards 2014 winner will be interviewed in the January issue.

For more information, email info@arounddb.com Find us on

Facebook

Twitter and @ www.arounddb.com

Free admission - Open to the public

, 10am to 8pm

,

10am to 8pm

Preview the fairs at www.prestigefairs.hk Organised by:

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS!

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com www.boxofhope.org

Give a BOX OF HOPE

ber Novem

3–7

All DB schools

During Box of Hope collection week, local school kids collect and pack useful/ educational gifts to donate to underprivileged children in Hong Kong and Asia.

All DB schools are participating in this annual charity drive, along with Sunshine House, Discovery Mind Kindergarten and Discovery Mind Primary School in Tung Chung. To find out more, visit www.boxofhope.org.

PICNIC IN THE PARK! Siena Park and Bayside

mber 8

Nove

Enjoy non-stop live music, dance and family entertainment from 10.30am to 9.30pm, at the ninth annual Picnic in the Park (PiP). This year crowds of over 12,000 are expected at Hong Photo by Terry Chow Kong’s largest live music and dance festival, with some 200 performers (50 acts) rocking out on two stages. Read about PiP’s involvement with local children’s charities on page 46. Find your PiP 2014 pull-out programme on page 49.

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET

across from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm. r

Throughout Novembe

TO ADOPT A PET

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

November 9

JOIN A BEACH CLEANUP

at Nim Shue Wan, organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at 1pm.

DB 10KM RUN Start: DB Plaza

You have until November 6 to sign up for the 10th Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity, starting at 8am. This year funds are being raised for Hong Kong-based Watchdog Early Education Centre. Read all about the race, the charity angle and those in it to win it, on page 74. For more information, visit www.dbrunforcharity.org.

November 1

SHOP THE HANDMADE HONG KONG r8 Novembe

Photo by Tracey van Geest

bazaar in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

November 9

November 2014

19

IN&AROUND DB

TEAM FEAR

Family FUN DAY! Discovery College

The annual Discovery College (DC) Family Fun Day, running 12pm to 5pm, offers up music and entertainment, bouncy castles, game booths, a treasure hunt and face painting, plus commercial and charity stalls to shop. This year you can also play football wrapped in a giant bubble of plastic, courtesy of Bubble Soccer Hong Kong!

To find out more, email pta@dc.edu.hk.

ber Novem

15

Registration: Discovery Bay International School Kindergarten Show your support for the 700 adventure racers, aged between eight and 18, who are taking part in the 13th annual Team FEAR Junior Challenge.

The hotly contested, annual event sees kids trail running, swimming, rock climbing, coasteering and mountain biking, all around DB! Start times, for the different age groups, are between 7.45am and 9.45am. For more information, visit www.team-fear.com.

ber Novem

16

Photos by Imee Macpherson and courtesy of Bubble Soccer Hong Kong Photo by Paul Christmas

Walk for OPERATION SANTA CLAUS!

ber Novem

15

Start: Discovery Mind Kindergarten, Coastline Get your festive gear on for the Discovery Mind Operation Santa Claus (OSC) Sponsored Walk, now in its ninth year! Open to the whole community, the 4-kilometre walk starts at 9am at Coastline and finishes at Siena Park, where you can enjoy entertainment from a clown (sponsored by Around DB), and a bake sale, put on by Discovery Mind Parent Teacher Association. You can pick up a sponsor form at Discovery Mind Kindergarten, and find out more at www.dmk.edu.hk.

20

November 2014

Photo courtesy of Jane Wilson

IN&AROUND DB

ber Novem

International FOOD FAIR

22

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

Discovery Bay International School

Photo by Baljit Gidwani

Open to the whole community, you can expect a huge array of international food stalls at the annual Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) International Food Fair, 12pm to 4pm. Entertainment this year includes music from the school’s rock bands and choirs, classrun activity stalls, dancing and gymnastics. You can also stock up on an international range of Xmas gifts. For more information, email Alison Wyatt at awyatt@dbis.edu.hk.

Second-hand gifting TO ENRICH!

Discovery Bay International School Enrich, founded by five-year DB resident Myriam Bartu, wants your unwanted gifts and lightly used toys (especially wooden toys and board games for kids up to the age of 12) to sell at the DBIS International Food Fair! You can drop them off at the Enrich stall in front of the DBIS Globe Theatre, between 11.30am and 1pm. Funds raised go towards Enrich’s work to empower migrant women in Hong Kong. To find out more, email toys@enrichhk.org, or visit www.enrichhk.org.

Rapid chess tournament CAISSA CHESS CLUB BMSE Community Centre, DB North Plaza You need to enroll by November 28 to take part in Caissa Chess Club’s Autumn Open Rapid Chess Tournament, organised by 10-year DB resident David Garceran Nieuwenburg. The open category (14 and up), plus all three junior categories (U10, U12 and U14), each involve seven rounds, with 20 minutes on the clock for each player. Entry is HK$250 for club members, HK$350 for non-members. Visit www.caissahk.com/rapid2014.

ber Novem

er 22 Novemb

29

Photo courtesy of Enrich

Photo by Around DB

DB FAMILY FARM TO CLOSE? Siena Park

The government has requested that Hong Kong Resort Company (HKR) close DB Family Farm, following a complaint by a DB resident. The local initiative, which opened in October, has already seen all its 40 plus plots put under cultivation. Fighting to keep the farm open, chairman of Siena Two B Village Owners Committee, Francis Chiu organised two petition campaigns at DB Ferry Pier on October 16 and 18, and received over 700 signatures.

Check out the Around DB Facebook page for updates, or call City Management on 2238 3601.

22

November 2014

Photo by Around DB

Photo by Around DB

IN&AROUND DB

CONGRATULATIONS!

EVOQUE PHOTOS

NEW DB AUTHOR

Congratulations to 24-year DB resident Ajit Gidwani and his father, Around DB photographer, Baljit Gidwani, on their new fine-art photography venture, Evoque Photos. “The photos in our collection were taken over many years, in many different places, for our own personal memories,” says Ajit. You can check out the stunning images at the Handmade Hong Kong bazaar on November 9, and at the DBIS Food Fair on November 22.

Prices start at HK$440. Visit www.evoquephotos.com.

South African-born Federico Favini, a DB resident of threeand-a-half years, published his first novel, After The Rain, in August. A rollicking ride of love and betrayal, double agents and state secrets, it spans apartheid South Africa and the Cold War. You can pick up a copy of After The Rain at Dymocks Discovery Bay, or www.amazon.com.

Photo by Ajit and Baljit Gidwani

Photo courtesy of Emma Yong

AROUND DB videographers!

Around DB interns, Nina Rossiter, 17, and Emma Yong, 16, are celebrating their first place win in Hong Kong Resort Company’s Happy Discovery Video Competition!

Their short film, designed to showcase DB’s people, culture and natural beauty, takes in Tai Pak Wan, DB Plaza and DB North, and was judged on its creativity and innovation, production techniques, and visual effects. You can view it on the Around DB Facebook page very soon!

Photo by Natalia Segura

Photo courtesy of Alysha Gauthier

Independent DB ARTIST Toronto-born Alysha Gauthier, a DB resident of six months, released her third album Candlelit Chandeliers in June.

Readily available on iTunes and from her website, the album features a series of classical piano pieces with a hint of Pop, composed and performed by Alysha. Collaborative musicians in Los Angeles, Macedonia and the Netherlands provide the strings accompaniment and orchestration. Alysha is soon to perform in Hong Kong; for dates and details, visit www.alyshagauthier.com.

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

SAVE THE DATE DISCOVERY Arts & Culture Festival!

10 er 2-

emb Dec

Discovery College DC is preparing for a week of visual and performing arts and music for students and parents, during its annual Discovery Arts & Culture Festival. The whole community is invited to a performance by UKbased, award-winning children’s musical theatre performers Scotty & Lulu on December 5 at 4pm. You can pick up tickets at the DC Parent Teacher Association shop, or www.ticketingover.com. For your chance to win tickets to the show, turn to page 38.

24

November 2014

r5&

e emb Dec

19 Photo courtesy of DBRGS

DB GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS!

Discovery Bay Golf Club

Photo courtesy of Dorothy Ng

It’s Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society’s (DBRGS’) Annual Championship on December 5, and the Big Sai Wan Golf Society’s (BSW) Big Sai Wan Masters, on December 19. For more on DBRGS, visit www.dbrgs.com; for BSW, visit www.bigsaiwan.com.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

r of Central-based Co-owner and managing directo Deelite, 11-year DB cake-decorating store Complete resident Agnes Chin talks shop

List your Lantau business for free @ www.arounddb.com

Tell us a little about your business.

Complete Deelite originated from my daughter Jacinta’s dream to develop a one-stop ‘celebration’ store. We started out in a small corner of Solid Rock Café and Country Store in Discovery Bay in 1998, and expanded into a full store located in Central in 2004. Now we have a cake-decorating learning centre, and we provide decorating and party supplies, and customised cake orders. Complete Deelite celebrated its 10th anniversary in September!

What’s the secret of your success?

My daughter and I are passion driven, and we love to innovate. Working together as a family and not compromising standards to make a quick return has been vital. As this is an art form, we are constantly developing new programmes and workshops, and bringing in new products and ideas. It really is a very sweet feeling to be a market leader in this field.

Which well-known businessperson inspires you?

I’m inspired by anyone who dares to take the road less travelled. Most of all, I’m inspired by my former housekeeper. She escaped the insurgency in Borneo in the 1970s on foot.

My mother took her in and helped her get proper papers. She cooked and tended to us, and saved every penny she earned. Eventually she got married and opened a cooked food store. She is now a retired grandmother, living in the US. Her laughter, big heart and positive attitude have made her life so fruitful and successful.

Do you have a funny, on-the-job moment to share?

One time, a client, who was attending one of our parties, laughed so hard, her false teeth dropped out! She was so amazed by the cakes and food!

How do you see your business looking in five years’ time?

Photos courte

sy of Complet e Deelite

Distributing more of our product range in Hong Kong and regionally, and promoting cake artistry through fairs and conventions.

Call Complete Deelite on 3167 7022, email info@completedeelite.com, or visit www.completedeelite.com.

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley Kelly Merrick Angie Lindsay

9664 4749 9331 8141 6175 0155

(S-415474) (S-365384) (S-472175)

NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG

9.8M MUI WO VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ + Large Garden (govt land)

Stunning home in peaceful surroundings! 8 Beds & 3 Baths. Originally built 8 years ago as 3 units.

Now converted to one home. Multiple living areas, bedrooms and kitchens! Partially built in roof top with stunning views. Very large fenced garden rented from government and totality private.

12M/35K PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Rooftop

Renovated village house with great views! 3 Beds & 3 Baths. Open plan kitchen/ living area. Bright and airy, neutral fixtures and fittings. Partly covered rooftop perfect for enjoying views of mountains and beaches.

9.8M SHUI HAU VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Rooftop

Wonderful location in picturesque and peaceful area! Can be purchased as whole house or duplex for $7.3M or G/F for $2.5M. Total home 6 Beds & 3 Bath. 2 living areas and 2 kitchens.

Beautiful renovation. Stunning views from the rooftop. Parking nearby.

13K 2/F HAM TIN VILLAGE HOUSE 700’ + 700’ Rooftop

Quite location in desirable Ham Tin. 3 Beds & 1 Bath. Large open plan living/dining room opens to long balcony. Tiled throughout, includes blinds, washing machine and fridge. Large rooftop perfect for entertaining. Great value!

12K G/F MUI WO VILLAGE HOUSE 700’ + Terrace

Making you feel at home is our business

Easily accessible and near to beach! 2 Beds & 2 Baths inc 1 ensuite.

Open kitchen with fridge freezer. Comes fully furnished.

Tastefully decorated with lots of natural light.

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

C-044849

New classes and offers for adults!

New KipCross Training classes Special rate for unlimited monthly classes

SEE WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS LANTAU!

Find more photos of community events @ www.arounddb.com

www.actionasiaevents.com

Suunto LANTAU 2 PEAKS Start: Citygate, Tung Chung

Octob

er 5

A special shout out goes to Pui O residents Matthew Moroz and Zein Williams, both top finishers in this gruelling Lantau trail race! DB’s Emma Bruce also had a great run, finishing fourth for the ladies.

e Octob

r 10 - 1

1 Photos by Assaf de Courcy Arbiser

Barclays MOONTREKKER Start: Mui Wo Ferry Pier

So many Lantau runners successfully completed the Barclays MoonTrekker last month, but special congratulations go to Pui O resident Valerie Lagarde, who finished first for the ladies in the Sunrise 43 Solo. We’d also like to congratulate Around DB contributor, Nic Tinworth, who finished first Mixed Team (and second team overall) with Tilly Heaton, Paul Ridley and Brendan Lee, setting the Mixed Team course record on this year’s new Sunrise 43 route.

November 2014

31

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY!

ACROSS LANTAU

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com Photo courtesy of Liina Klauss

Create art, NOT WASTE!

Novem

November 1

be r 1

JOIN A BEACH CLEANUP

Shui Hau Wan

Help Tong Fuk-based environmental artist, Liina Klauss create a huge waste-toart installation! The event coincides with DB resident Bruce Pye’s 75-kilometre swim around Lantau, with his coach Olivier Baillet, to raise funds and awareness for the local eco-charity Plastic Free Seas (PFS). Starting at 9am, Liina is looking for volunteers to help create a beautiful artwork from waste washed ashore. Find out more at www.liinaklauss.blogspot.hk.

Salomon LT 70

Start: Mui Wo (China Bear) Show your support for trail runners tackling the entire 70-kilometre Lantau Trail, in Lantau Base Camp’s Salomon LT 70 race.

Starting at 9am, participants race individually or in teams. The event is an official twopoint qualifying race for the 2015 North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®, which sees participants run through France, Switzerland and Italy. Visit www.lantaubasecamp.com.

be r Novem

at Shui Hau Wan, organised

by PFS at 1pm.

LIS RECEPTION Cheung Sha

New in !

Lantau

Lantau International School (LIS) opened LIS Reception in Cheung Sha in September. The 4,500 square-foot campus, which was previously home to Cheung Sha School, holds two classes for kids age four to five. Buses to the school run from DB and Tung Chung.

Visit www.lis.edu.hk.

1

e 10

Jun

www.lantaubasecamp.com

www.lis.edu.hk

THE RED LANTERN

Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late ‘Ching Dynasty’

Six minutes walk from the Mui Wo ferry to the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

TEL: 2984 0099 FAX: 2980 4833 EMAIL: glandam@netvigator.com

ACROSS LANTAU

SAVE THE DATE

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders

MSIG LANTAU 50

Start: Tong Fuk and Tung Chung Sign up now for Action A sia’s MSIG Lantau 50, the final race in the HK50 Series. You can choose from the 88-kilometre race, starting at midnight on December 6; or the 50-, 25- and 13-kilometre races, all starting on the morning of December 7. To warm up, why not enter the MSIG Lantau VK, starting at 5pm on December 5, and run the short but steep, 5 kilometres up Lantau Peak. Entry for both races closes on November 30. For more information, visit www.actionasiaevents.com.

D ec e m

be r 5 , 6

-7

www.actionasiaevents.com

be r 13 Photo courtesy of YHKCC

INTERNATIONAL FUN FAIR!

All the fun of the XMAS SCHOOL FAIR!

YHKCC, Tung Chung

Tong Fuk Book your stall now for the LIS Fair, a great shopping opportunity in the lead up to Xmas, taking place from 11am to 4pm.

To book a stall, costing HK$300 for LIS students/ parents and HK$400 for everyone else, email the school’s vice principal, Jim Lambert at james@lis.edu.hk; to find out more, visit www.lis.edu.hk.

D ec e m

D ec e m

be r 6

Photo courtesy of Jim Lambert

Y MCA of Hong Kong Christian C o l l e g e ( Y H K C C) i s l o o k i n g f or s p on s or s h ip f or it s a n nu a l International Fun Fair, running from 11am to 9pm. With stalls to shop, varied student performances and fabulous ethnic food, proceeds go to student activities and community services. To book a booth, or find out more, contact Amanda Shek at 2988 2028 or iff@ymcacc.edu.hk.

ng kong

-

The sou -

ho

shop an

th afric

Check out our website for enrolment information

Where Inquiry Begins

New! Tung Chung at The Visionary Tel: 3969 1066 Email: kinder@tc.esf.org.hk

Start your child’s learning journey with ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung

opening for the 2015/2016 School Year

Our purpose-built, spacious kindergarten will provide the perfect environment for young learners. As the largest of the ESF Kindergartens, our space is being carefully planned to provide places of beauty that will support learning, stimulate imaginations, nurture children, families and staff, and truly inspire the wonderful memories of childhood.

Our other Kindergartens: Abacus at Clearwater Bay an IB World School

With well-resourced classrooms, great access to current learning technologies and indoor and outdoor play areas, young children will be presented with multiple opportunities to learn, socialise and develop their skills. Through inquiry-based learning and play, we encourage children’s natural curiosity and creativity, develop their personal and social skills, inspire them with a life-long love of learning and the confidence to fulfil their potential.

To find out more about ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung please give us a call or send an email to kinder@tc.esf.org.hk.

Tel: 2719 5712 Hillside on Stubbs Road an IB World School

Tel: 2540 0066 Tsing Yi

an IB World School

Tel: 2436 3355 Wu Kai Sha

an IB World School

Tel: 2435 5291

www.esfkindergartens.org.hk Around DB - Half Page - Tung Chung - OCTOBER.indd 1

24/10/2014 16:15

The Dream ticket giveaway!

COMPETITIONS

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here).

You have until November 10 to submit your answers. To enter, email info@arounddb.com, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code overleaf.

Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!

To celebrate the Bard’s 450th birthday, London’s Globe Theatre Company is performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), Wanchai. Join Shakespeare’s famous lovers, from November 19 to 23, as they take refuge in the woods and wander into the midst of a dispute between the King and Queen of the Fairies. For tickets, starting at HK$395, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Where are Ester & Erik candles imported from?

Photo courtesy of Kristin Thoresson

Handcrafted candles to take home!

If Shakespeare was alive today, how old would he be?

Photo by Simon Kane

ABA Productions is offering three readers a pair of A-Reserve tickets (worth HK$795 per ticket) to see the show on November 20 at 7.30pm.

Six-year DB resident Kristin Thoresson has been importing beautiful, handcrafted candles from Denmark since April. Manufactured by family-run Ester & Erik, the candles are fragrance-free and come in all the colours of the rainbow. You can pick one up at Embody Studio in DB Plaza, for as little as HK$30. To find out more, visit the Candle HKG Facebook page, email Kristin at thoresson_2000@yahoo.com, or call Embody on 6624 8712.

Kristin Thoresson is offering two readers HK$250-worth of Ester & Erik candles.

Catch Puss in Boots: The Panto!

Hong Kong Players’ Puss in Boots: The Panto is showing December 5 to 7 and 11 to 14 at the Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai. Set in London in the run up to Xmas, the story follows Puss in Boots, Dame Trifle and Alice (a publican’s daughter), as they Name one of get the better of bumbling Mayor Puss in Boots’ Boris and the evil Queen of the Rats. trusty helpers.

For tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.urbtix.hk, or call 2111 5999.

Hong Kong Players is offering three readers a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$330 per ticket) to see the show on December 11 at 7.30pm.

Photo by Albert Cheung

November 2014

37

COMPETITIONS

Win Discovery Bay Sweetwalk treats!

Discovery Bay Sweetwalk, organised by Untitled Entertainment Asia, is set to spice up DB Plaza on November 29 and 30, from 11.30am to 6.30pm. There’s every kind of sweet treat on offer, from cupcakes and macaroons, to brownies and creampuffs, plus face painting, balloon twisting and bouncy inflatables for the kids. You pay for everything with tokens, purchased in the plaza on the day.

For more information, contact Kaylyn Tang on 2733 0949, or kaylyntang@untitled.asia.

Who conceived SEUSSICAL The Musical?

Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

SEUSSICAL The Musical ticket giveaway!

Name one of the treats on offer at Discovery Bay Sweetwalk.

Photo courtesy of Untitled Entertainment Asia

Untitled Entertainment Asia is offering 10 readers HK$100-worth of tokens, plus popcorn and a limited edition stuffed toy (worth a total of HK$260 per prize).

SEUSSICAL The Musical, showcasing the fantastical, bombastical, songtastical world of Dr Seuss, hits the Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wanchai, from November 28 to 30. Co-conceived by Tony Award-winning writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and Monty Python’s Eric Idle, the show follows the adventures of Horton the Elephant and the microscopic Whos. For tickets, starting at HK$295, visit www.hkticketing.com.

ABA Productions is offering two readers a pair of A-Reserve tickets (worth HK$595 per ticket) to see the musical on November 28 at 5pm.

See Scotty & Lulu live in DB!

Where are Scotty & Lulu based?

Photos courtesy of Scotty & Lulu

UK kiddie-pop sensations Scotty & Lulu are on stage at the Performing Arts Theatre, Discovery College (DC) on December 5 at 4pm, during the DC Arts Festival. The award-winning duo, who have performed more than 5,000 shows worldwide, are set to entertain with an hour of song, dance, comedy routines and story-telling. Tickets cost HK$190 for both adults and children, and are available at www.ticketingover.com, or from the DC Parent Teacher Association (PTA) shop.

DC PTA is offering two readers a pair of tickets (worth HK$190 per ticket) to see the show on December 5 at 4pm.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Patrick McCool, Mihoko Tsang and Winita Onglaor for tickets to see THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; Marion Udall and Olaf Kasten for a team place in the Team FEAR Junior Challenge; and Leighann Garnier and Leanne Sercombe for tickets to see Stick Man.

38

November 2014

Photos courtesy of www.independent.co.uk, www.nbcnews.com, dalocollis.files.wordpress.com, www.catneverdie.hk, www.japantimes.com, www.extremetech.com

IN FOCUS

Occupy Central with Love and Peace pro-democracy protestors paralyse Hong Kong’s financial district

WHAT’S YOUR WORD WORTH?

It is said that we are only as good as our word, writes Peter Sherwood. Is keeping agreements then the foundation of trust and integrity? Most of us believe we keep our word, but do we really?

I

f you don’t believe in the power of broken agreements to cause anger and chaos, try wars, divorce and civil and corporate litigation. And think of the huge Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations.

The protesters’ anger is not due to a sudden yearning for democracy, but because it was agreed in Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

One of the Basic Laws’ stated aims is to introduce universal suffrage for the election of the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive following ‘nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee’.

Nothing about that committee having to be anointed by Beijing. The protest represents a furious reaction to a broken agreement.

Out of integrity I tell young graduates, “If you want to be outstanding, do everything you say you will do, and on time. Be meticulous about it. If you are unable to follow through, renegotiate your agreement. You will shine because most people do not keep their word.”

And I can prove it.  November 2014

41

IN FOCUS There can be no get-out-of-jail cards: our word, promises and agreements are all the same. A recent Huffington Post piece by prominent human resources man, Greg Savage was headlined, ‘How did it get to be OK for people to be late for everything?’ It’s a sad commentary on broken agreements and their destructive potential, beginning with the simple act of continually being late for appointments.

phones A ‘candlelight vigil’ – with mobile

Why is it such a big deal? Because there is no such thing as a small broken agreement. If I continually break agreements, trust and integrity are destroyed. We truly are only as good as our word. It’s a universal truth.

A small broken agreement?

Greg’s article touched on a malfunction in society that goes much deeper than irritation, and to the roots of trust created by keeping our word.

Yet we break trust and fall out with integrity on a daily basis just by being late, and making the same old silly excuses, while failing to understand the destructive implications.

Students get busy with hom ework at a sit in

Writes Greg: “As far as I am concerned, it’s not OK. In recent years it seems that a meeting set to start at 9am for some people means in the general vicinity of the numeral ‘9’. People drift in at 9.10am or 9.20am, or even later. And they smile warmly at the waiting group, totally unconcerned that others arrived on time. How much has that cost the business?”

Greg misses the wider and more sinister point. This ‘being late’ is one of many broken agreements that permeate our lives; it is endemic, damaging and so ingrained that we hardly notice it. The being late syndrome is about shattering trust, the glue that holds all relationships together. As Nietzsche noted: “I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.”

s estors cleaning up after themselve Only in Hong Kong! Young prot

42

November 2014

Greg says we all live busy lives and it’s a cop out to use that as an excuse. “Some people no longer even pretend that your time is as important as theirs,” he

IN FOCUS says. “And technology makes it worse.

It seems texting or emailing that you are late somehow means you are no longer late. Rubbish. You are rude and inconsiderate.” Being impolite is a mild infraction of good manners compared to severe implications that go beyond civility and into the rupturing of relationships, distrust and the lowering of self-esteem. Ask any psychologist.

More than a million people I’ve worked with numerous trainers who over 35 years have facilitated personal development events with well over a million people. The outcomes are illuminating, the evidence comprehensive and consistent: We do not keep our agreements.

First evening of the seminar, participants numbering up to 300 are read 10 rules to be adhered to for the duration of the training such as, be on time, do not discuss with anyone outside the room the words or actions of your fellow participants, and so on.

Simple stuff. We hand out a printed sheet, spend an hour or two answering questions and ask everyone to agree to the rules. They eventually agree.

Two days later we stop abruptly and read the rules again – and ask who broke a rule. Slowly hands go up, until almost everyone has a hand in the air.

On average more than 90% of people break at least one rule; a big majority breaks multiple rules – and many break them all. One million people of all ages over 18, from dozens of countries, male and female and from all ethnic and religious backgrounds: We do not keep our word.

An unlikely symbol of resistan ce – umbrellas used as a shie ld against police pepper spra y

re of the Installation art is a unique featu

Umbrella Revolution

Our tribal pact The knee-jerk defence? “It’s only a small thing in a seminar.” (As if we are different people inside the training and out. We are who we are, and behave as we do 24 hours a day.) Is it really unimportant? Here’s the deal: If I cannot be trusted on small promises, why should you trust me with significantly more important ones?

Worse, I get to decide on agreements I’ll keep and those I won’t. It’s secretive

and sinister, and destroys trust. It chips away at the self-esteem of both parties.

“Broken vows are like broken mirrors,” New York Times bestselling author, Richard Paul Evans wrote in Promise Me. “They leave those who held to them bleeding and staring at fractured images of themselves.”

If I constantly break my promises to

you the message is clear: your time is less important than mine and of little value, and if that’s the case, then axiomatically, you are also of less value to me as a human being.

So common is society’s split with integrity that we no longer see it. We have bought into an unspoken tribal arrangement called, ‘You buy my lies, and I’ll buy yours’. Breaking our  November 2014

43

IN FOCUS

Photos by T ung Chung resident Em ilie

word is routine; the reasons and lies pathetic: “Sorry I’m late, caught in a meeting.” “Oh, that’s OK.” No it is not.

Whether it’s being late for a lunch or business meeting, a date for coffee and beyond into business partnerships or vital personal commitments, it’s not OK. “Sorry, heavy traffic… Terribly busy… Had an urgent call in the office.” Undignified nonsense.

Greg considers serial lateness a character flaw. But it’s not. It’s a choice, and often a game of oneupmanship, in which if I’m constantly late I see myself in a position of power because my time is more important than yours. I am more important than you. Broken agreements hurt, and create suffering. This constant twisting out of alignment of what is right into what is convenient is psychologically damaging – and it destroys relationships.

Veringa-Tob ias

We’re left to wonder why low selfworth is rampant, and depression now among the biggest medical burdens; why there is so much distrust in the world. The answer is broken agreements, including those we make with ourselves.

The Litmus test A Litmus test for our daily alibis: If we were guaranteed HK$1 million for every time we kept our word, how many times would we be late, or let down our partner or our children by cancelling time promised to them?

How often would we simply do what

November 2014

No, it’s not that I couldn’t be punctual – and if circumstances changed, failed to renegotiate our agreement – it is simply a matter of priorities.

I have placed you on the bottom of my list, and we both know it, as we politely lie, “It doesn’t matter”. It does matter, as the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have discovered.

If I keep my word I will automatically build trust. Broken agreements break trust. But we believe we can get away with the buying of each other’s lies. It doesn’t work. I promise.

A 16-year DB resident, Peter Sherwood is the author of So You Want to be Happy?, and he is the editor/ contributor of Robert White’s book Living an Extraordinary Life. Peter has worked in personal development seminars with more than 10,000 participants.

Find more topical local topics

44

we said we would do?

@ www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

ROCK STEADY By getting kids in on the act, Picnic in the Park changes young lives.

Kate Whitehead reports.

Photos by Baljit Gidwani and Terry Chow, and courtesy of Hong Chi Association, HKSAS and YRock

Hong Chi Association kids on stage

46

P

icnic in the Park (PiP) isn’t just the biggest music and dance festival in Discovery Bay – it’s the largest in the whole of Hong Kong. And when the 50-odd acts rock Siena Park on November 8 they will be doing more than ensuring a fun day out and raising money for charity; they’ll be having a positive impact on children’s lives.

Now in its ninth year, it says a great deal about the festival that the core organising committee remains the November 2014

same – a group of committed DBbased music lovers who want to do something for the community.

Giving kids a chance Right from the start, the PiP team decided proceeds would go to a local children’s charity. Hong Chi Association, that assists some 7,000 mentally challenged local children and their families, was a good fit. Jim Alba-Duignan, chair of the organising committee, was impressed with the

charity’s response to their initial offer of support.

“They said, ‘Great, can we bring the kids?’ And now we have some of the kids perform on the day. It’s not just about the money for them – though of course they need the money – but the fact that the children come and get involved,” Jim says.

In 2008, the festival started assisting Hong Kong Student Aid Society (HKSAS). It supports orphans as

FAMILY MATTERS

YRocker Victoria Bird, 15

Hong Chi Association activity booth

Hong Kong Student Aid Society stall

well as children who have difficulty living with their parents. PiP has become such an integral part of the charity that when new teens arrive at the hostel they are asked if they’re interested in music, and if they are, they are encouraged to join a band.

All the musical instruments – guitars, base, amplifier, speakers and drum set – have been bought with funds raised

by PiP. “Picnic in the Park is a chance for our children to learn something new

and then to perform in public and get recognition – this is really important for them,” says Jowie Chan, HKSAS’s publicity and fundraising officer.

With most of the band members aged 16 to 18, Jowie says the benefits to the teens cannot be understated. Jim recalls hearing an interview with a singer in the HKSAS band after he’d won a 10-kilometre running race, in which he credited his success to the confidence he got playing in a band at PiP.

YRocker Campbell Harris, 15

Developing teenage talent Also deeply committed to PiP is YRock, a programme that allows teen bands to perform regularly.

Belinda Howard, founder and CEO of YRock, got involved when she moved to Discovery Bay in 2010.

The opportunity to play on the Siena and Bayside stages is hotly contested and Belinda arranges three rounds of heats and then a final competition to determine which bands get to play on the big day.  November 2014

47

FAMILY MATTERS

Jim Alba-Duignan, PiP organising committee chair

“Apart from the fact that this is a fantastic opportunity for them to get up and perform in public, they get to meet other musicians and hang out with them all day,” Belinda says.

Mikayla Boonstra, a 15-yearold student at Discovery College performed at PiP for the first time last year and describes the experience as terrifying but ultimately rewarding.

The second time around, she says she’s grown from the experience and is looking forward to getting on stage – to sing and play the piano.

“It’s crazy, there are so many people there and the atmosphere is amazing.

There are people with their families, people laughing, some people getting drunk – it’s really open to everyone in DB and outside. It’s awesome,” Mikayla adds.

Also performing at PiP for the second year running will be YRocker Victoria Bird, 15, who is with the rock and pop band the Glass Onions. After a tense first few minutes up on stage last year (playing with the Bottle Caps), she said she loved it by the end of the 15-minute set.

“It really boosted my confidence and that feeds into other things, into your social life and school. I'm more

YRocker Mikayla Boonstra, 15

confident because of it,” Victoria says.

Providing live aid Of course, teenagers aren’t the only ones who get a boost from being on stage at PiP. About 70% of the estimated 200 performers are adults.

Before moving to Hong Kong and having a family, Jim was a touring technician with Elton John and also worked with Premier Drums.

“That was another lifetime. When I moved to Hong Kong I never thought of playing the drums, so I bought a guitar and taught myself to play,” says Jim, who, as it turns out, will be drumming for the headline act – The Vibes – as well as the Black Cat Blues Band on November 8.

“For amateur bands like ourselves, to be able to perform on a professional stage with a full sound system… where else would you get the chance to do it?” he adds.

Almost 10 years ago, when DB residents Jerri Wiseman, Jim, Mark Rawson, Mark Basford and Nigel Stamp started throwing around the idea of a big festival, Jim says the resort was a hotbed for live music but there were few places to play aside from the Discovery Bay Recreation Club. Only

when they started speaking to Hong Kong Resort Company about the possibility of a festival at Siena Park did they realise the park was specially designed to host a big music event.

“When we got the plans of the park from resort management we realised that Siena is actually designed in the shape of a guitar. And then of course it has a stage – and a power supply which is critical,” Jim explains.

Last year PiP raised HK$250,000 for charity, bringing the total collected over the past eight years to HK$1.5 million. That’s a hefty amount of cash for two very good causes, but the even greater benefits are those that you can’t put a price tag on – the real boost in confidence that young people (and some not so young!) get from performing on a big stage to a 12,000-strong crowd.

it Find • Hong Chi Association, www.hongchi.org.hk • Hong Kong Student Aid Society, www.hksas.org.hk • Picnic in the Park, www.picnicintheparkhk.com • YRock, www.yrock.com.hk

Find your PiP 2014 pull-out programme here 48

November 2014

THE FUN CONTINUES AS

PRESENTS

HEMINGWAY’S 10PM TILL LATE

THE LINE UP - don’t miss out on seeing your favourite band!

PICNIC IN THE PARK 2014

PICNIC IN THE PARK 2014

11.45 Seasons Change

10.00 Capaoeira

SIENA STAGE

12.15 AT DanceSport 12.30 Black Cat Blues Band 13.00 DMR Senior Dancers

BAYSIDE STAGE

10.10 Echoes of Erin 10.20 AeroKids DB 10.30 Highland Dance 10.40 Susanne Chambers

13.15 Lost Influence

10.50 Surprise on the Day

13.45 El Pedro

11.00 DMR Junior

14.15 DB Big Band

11.15 DC Bands

14.45 HKSAS Band and Hip Hop Crew 15.00 @One 15.30 Future Stars Show Team

11.45 Island Dance Junior Team 12.00 Glee Club 12.15 DBIS Rocks 12.45 O’Connor-Barton Dancers 13.00 Oya

15.45 Soul Traders

13.15 Kassia Women’s Choir

16.15 Zumba Party

13.30 The Hairy Family Jam Band

16.30 Benzine

13.45 YROCK (incl. Hong Chi Children at 2.30pm)

17.00 Hong Kong Disneyland presents Team Mushu Dancers

16.00 Grounded

17.15 The Blades

17.00 Louise Thoreau Singers

17.45 It’s a surprise on the day

17.15 Rebellion

18.15 Shaolin Fez

17.45 Tania Martin Singers

18.45 Island Dance Show Team 19.00 H3 19.30 It’s another surprise on the day 20.00 Red Stripes 20.30 Audience Singalong 20.45 The Vibes and Friends 21:30 Stage close

16.30 League of Gentlemen

18.00 Deer 18.30 The Performers Studio 18.45 Cougar Bait 19.15 Hong Kong Disneyland presents Team Mushu Dancers 19.30 Bad Train Men 20.00 Thank yous and catch up 20.15 Horus 20.45 Stage close

PICNIC IN THE PARK 2014 With your generous support we will raise over $250,000 on November 8th. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Hong Chi Association and the Hong Kong Student Aid Society Hong Chi Children’s Home provides residential care service in a family setting for children and teenagers aged 6 to 15 with mild mental handicap whose families have difficulties in taking care of them. Through proper training in self-care, household chores, daily living and social skills, we aim at helping the residents lead a happy life, grasp self-care skills, enhance self-reliance and integrate into the community.

Their daily living is not our only focus. We also emphasize the development of their full potential. Human growth is not limited to Intelligence Quotient, but Multiple Intelligence. Integrative and dynamic developments are life-long pursuit for you and me, and to those children with mental handicap as well.

Founded in 1957, the Hong Kong Student Aid Society is a non-governmental organization which provides a wide spectrum of residential child care, education and community support services for children and young people with a less fortunate background.

We operate 3 children’s homes, 7 small group homes and foster care service. We also run education services by operating a nursery, a mainstream primary school and a school for social development. We serve and educate the needy children who mainly come from families with inadequate care by providing them with the necessary care and concern to develop their potential to the fullest. In recent years we have also extended our services to Tin Shui Wai. Our “Family Energy” aims to give early intervention and support to families and children so as to enhance family harmony and minimize the risk of family violence.

Our motto is ”All for Children”. Our work has gained wide recognition by the government and the community. With your generous support, we are able to serve more children and young people in need.

Bring cash for food, drinks, kids activities, market stalls and Official 2014 PIP Merchandise.

Leave your golf cart at home and get the C9 bus from the plaza.

Check out the silent auction for brownie-point Christmas presents and the merchandise stall for stocking fillers.

Write your phone number on your kids’ arms and arrange a place to meet if they get separated from you.

OUR TOP 10 TIPS FOR ENJOYING PIP Essential brings are picnic rugs, sunscreen, bug spray and CASH.

A reminder no glass is allowed on site.

Bayside Stage will be a little quieter for picnicking and has a huge kids’ zone and food and drink stalls.

There will be a charity collection point on entry this year for voluntary donations via cash or Octopus.

PIP is LOUD so we suggest no dogs.

We start at 10.30am this year so get there early!

Now Open in discovery bay north Shop G12, G/F, DB North Plaza, Lantau Island (2987 1373)

Other shop locations: LANDMARK PRINCE’S

Shop 309, 3/F, Landmark Prince’s 10 Chater Road, Central Tel: 2522 1785

EXCHANGE SQUARE

QUEEN’S ROAD

WANCHAI

LYNDHURST TERRACE

Shop 305-07 One Exchange Square, Central Tel: 2542 1133

Basement, Canton House 54-56 Queen's Road, Central Tel: 2521 1649

Shop 117, Shui On Centre 6-8 Harbour Road, Wanchai Tel: 2802 4932

Shop 1, G/F, Oriental Crystal Comm Bldg 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central Tel: 2970 3999

Photos by Terry Chow and courtesy of Cedric Sum

PROFILE

Daruma’s Cedric Sum and Emily Lau live and breathe Judo

54

November 2014

PROFILE

THROW DOWN

With DB’s Daruma Judo Club, Peng Chau residents Cedric Sum and Emily Lau are venturing down a road less travelled, and challenging others to do the same. Elizabeth Kerr reports

O

n a sweltering Saturday morning in Discovery Bay, the not so pitterpatter of little feet echoes from a room in Discovery College.

It’s more of a steady thump as the four boys and one girl in Hong Kong natives, Cedric Sum and Emily Lau’s Judo class are put through their paces.

Parents wait patiently on the side lines, watching proudly (maybe anxiously) as their kids finish up stretching, drilling and tossing each other around, before rising from a cross-legged position in proper protocol (knees, right leg, up).

Watching these kids try their best to emulate Cedric and Emily, who have a combined weight of 180 kilogrammes, is at times amusing but mostly inspiring. And just a little bit terrifying.

Some of the students in the class are holdovers from when the couple’s Daruma Judo Club was the Discovery Bay Cobras Judo Club. The Cobras’ owners went home to the UK at the beginning of 2014, and Cedric and Emily, both registered Judo coaches, took over and created Daruma. It was the right time and the right place for the Peng Chau-based, 28-year-olds to

make a break from the corporate life they were both heading for.

Shared passion After class, Cedric and Emily are relaxing on the floor, looking far less intimidating than a few minutes earlier when they were banging the mats and stretching in unnatural positions. Emily, who smiles a lot, complementing Cedric’s deadpan demeanour, goes into a story about their early years.

“When we were dating, my friends would ask what we did. I’d tell them Judo,” she says with a laugh. “What do you do when you get together after work? Judo. What about riding on the bus? Read Judo books.” Cedric just nods. When the conversation turns to living and working together he notes with a smirk, “We don’t talk on the mat too much. We try to keep it separate.” And his reaction to Emily’s first successful throw of him? “Pain.”

Third-Dan (a black belt to laymen) Cedric and Second-Dan Emily met through friends nine years ago when she was working in logistics and he

was in hospitality. Cedric was already serious about Judo; he’d started studying it in high school, after dabbling in boxing and Muay Thai.

He says Judo’s more philosophical approach appealed to him.

“For me, it’s not an aggressive combat sport. You don’t always start with attack,” he explains. “I think boxing and such are quite aggressive; people are always punching you in the face. I don’t like that. For me Judo is better because… I have choices. I think it’s the safest contact sport.”

Cedric’s dedication to Judo was Emily’s entry point; her curiosity was immediately peaked. “Judo isn’t just a sport or a martial art,” she says. “It’s a culture, and there’s a mind angle – you need to keep clear in the mind, and you need to sit and calm down and relax when you’re done.”

The couple, who got married in 2012, moved to Peng Chau this summer to kick start Daruma, and they have discovered a shared passion for island life. “We always go fishing when we are free, and we love that there are no vehicles in the street,” Cedric says.

November 2014



55

PROFILE

On moving to Peng Chau and escaping the rat race

Fishing is one of the reasons island life appeals

“We like the quiet environment and, of course, it’s a short ferry ride to DB.”

Different strokes Daruma Judo Club is a bit of a dream job for them. “I was afraid I would become a ‘salary man’, and get fat and drink every night and so on,” begins Cedric, explaining the impetus for striking out with a dojo (Judo club) in Bruce Lee’s hometown. “I wanted to have a happy life, and do something I wouldn’t regret, while I was still young.”

Emily agrees and remembers clearly the joy of giving up cushy office jobs to pursue something more fulfilling. “We wanted to own our own club,” she says.

“I didn’t like sitting in an office.”

When Cobras became available the pair jumped at the chance; their families, however, were more sceptical. “My parents were easier about my decision, but his couldn’t understand it,” says Emily. “He’s a university graduate, he speaks Japanese; he’s earned a high salary and has worked in management.

Then he goes into Judo. But all that

allows us to teach more students.”

Neither Cedric nor Emily have been disowned or anything so dramatic, but theirs is an unusual career choice in pro-business Hong Kong. “We’re not rich but we get by just fine,” Cedric says a little defensively. “Before we have children we want to give what we really want to do a try. At least try.”

Future goals Speaking of the special bond he has with his Japanese Jujitsu teacher, Muso Takeda Ryu, Cedric points out that in Chinese, the word ‘muso’ means dream.

“My Japanese teacher encourages me to treat any discouragement as a stepping stone to achieving goals,” he says. “A dream will not stay as just a dream if you try your best to make it come true.”

Certainly Cedric and Emily have big plans for Daruma, a product that is rare in a city that has just recently learned to appreciate wellness, fitness and healthy living on a wide scale. One of their new classes is aimed specifically at office workers and housewives, who

Find more local heroes

56

November 2014

Cedric and Emily met on December 6, 2005 and got married on December 6, 2012

get little exercise. Aside from selfdefence, the focus will be on fitness and stretching.

“Judo is for all ages, not just for kids”, Emily points out. “Many of the Daruma students started training in their 40s.”

It’s clear that Cedric’s teacher has helped him find his way in life, and he wants to share this with his own students. “Something that has influenced me is the spirit of the samurai,” he says. “It’s about learning to have respect for everything – being thankful to nature and everyone.”

“We want our students to feel a physical and mental change. You learn to protect yourself and it will work for your whole life,” Cedric finishes. “Judo means ‘generous way’. It’s something that applies to life. It teaches you to be considerate of others.”

Find it • Daruma Judo Club, darumasports@gmail.com

@ www.arounddb.com

HARRY WRIGHT INTERNATIONAL The Premier Swim School

From Parent & Infant...

To Beginners...

To Champions...

Convenient locations Professional instruction Structured and progressive programme Indoor heated pool www.harrywright.com.hk

Accepting Enrollment for Autumn Term November - December 2014 & Spring Term January - March 2015

IMI is a trusted natural medicine and wellness clinic. Our experienced and caring practitioners specialise in: • Strengthening immunity • Digestion and nutrition • Allergies, asthma and eczema • Stress, anxiety and insomnia • Women’s health • Children’s learning and behaviour • Naturopathic detox and weight loss • Sports therapy, back and joint pain • Family and relationship counselling Call 2537 1087 now for more information.

Web: www.imi.com.hk Phone: 2537 1087 Location: G-02, Office Block Two, North Plaza

DBMOMENTS

SERU ONSIDE Club players across Hong Kong are shaking in their boots because renowned rugby international, Fijian-born Seru Rabeni has just signed with the DB Pirates. Harriet Adams reports.

T

he Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club started out with just 30 child players in 2003; it now boasts around 1,100 members.

While the club has expanded into field hockey, netball and dragon boating, the focus is now firmly on the rugby, thanks to the September signing of big-name rugby celeb, 35-year-old Seru Rabeni.

senior rugby. “Seru, as head coach, is set to play a big part in leading and steering the development of the club by observing, guiding and mentoring the 90 volunteer coaches, who can then pass on the skills they gain,” says DB Pirates’ chairman, 15-year DB resident, Steve Kean. “We want him to challenge the way we do things and help us raise the bar in every way.”

Renowned at both club and international level for his physicality and bone-crunching tackles, Seru, aka Rambo, has 13 years of hard core, professional rugby behind him. Career highlights include representing his country in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, in the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and 2007, and at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens in 1999 and 2000.

He has played for premier clubs around the world, such as New Zealand’s Otago Highlanders, the UK’s Leicester Tigers and Stade Montois in France.

He spent 2013 in the US (Saint Charles, Missouri), as assistant coach for Lindenwood University’s college rugby team.

Photo by Sharon McEneff

So how did Seru come to hook up with the DB Pirates in the first place?

Well, interestingly enough there’s a love angle. In 2010 when Seru was in Hong Kong with the Asia Pacific Barbarians, he met and fell in love with Susan McDonald, a DB resident since July 2013. Susan, who describes being immediately attracted to Seru’s “calm energy”, is senior director for Asia at the educational entertainment company LeapFrog, which is one of the DB Pirates’ sponsors.

With Seru based in France, the couple’s relationship started out long distance, and in December 2013, their daughter Ayami was born in Hong Kong. Seru, who is all set to take a post-graduate diploma in Sports and Recreation Management at HKU SPACE, says he finds fatherhood very rewarding, and he is already a big fan of DB! “It’s friendly and relaxing; I feel like I’m home,” he says simply. “And I really feel myself working with the DB Pirates.”

“I want to maintain high standards in my own play to set an example and improve the play of those I coach,” Seru concludes. “I hope I can encourage club members to give their best. I want to give back what rugby has given me.”

Seru, an inside centre, played his first game with the DB Pirates’ Championship Team on October 4, against the SCAA Standard Life Causeway Bay Rugby Football Club. Not surprisingly, the DB team won.

Aside from match play, Seru will be working with coaches and players across all age groups, with a particular focus on youth and

Knock-on effect

Find it • Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club, www.dbpirates.com Seru Rabeni set to beef up DB Pirates’ play

Find more local heroes

@ www.arounddb.com

November 2014

59

Specialist Mortgage, the No.1 provider of Australian property finance to international investors

Australasian Taxation Services, the leading Australian Expat & property tax experts Why pay tax on your Australian Property investment when with legal tax planning it can be eliminated.

If you own an Australian Property, you must lodge annual Australian income tax returns.

ATS can ensure you remain fully compliant with Australian taxation requirements and can help you to a tax free investment and tax holiday through proper tax planning.

Don’t risk high penalties and tax bills.

ATS

Making the right decisions on your Australia property

We can: •

Prepare your Australian Tax Return

•

Ensure tax free Australian property investment

•

Ensure you pay no tax for a period on your return to Australia

•

money and give you peace of mind for the future.

of all lenders and therefore can professionally guide you to the best loan

Expat tax planning

for your individual circumstances.

For a free, no obligation discussion contact: Helen Wong +852 3571 8700 Email: helen.wong@smats.net

•

We are fully independent

Provide full Migration and service

•

finance can save you

specialist mortgage

•

•

Choose from a range of interest rates in AUD, SGD, USD, HKD & GBP Access to over 30 banks and financial institutions ensuring the best range of loan products for your Australian property The most flexible lending criteria and repayment options Our service is FREE of charge

For a free, no obligation discussion contact: Dwight Stuchbery +852 3571 8700 Email: dwight@smats.net

Visit Our Website at www.smats.net

Since 1995

specialist mortgage

ATS

Level 24 Onfem Tower, 29 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong Australia | China | Dubai | Hong Kong | Malaysia | Singapore | Indonesia | UK | USA

Australian Credit License Number: 385201

MONEY MATTERS

INVESTING IN

YOUR FUTURE With the cost of living in Hong Kong skyrocketing and competition for high-level jobs on the increase, getting an MBA is a shrewd move, writes Beverly Au

A

ccording to the Forbes List in October 2014, the average five-year benefit (factoring in two years of forgone compensation, tuition and required fees) after gaining an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business is US$99,700 (HK$773,300). That’s quite a return on educational investment.

Photos courtesy of www.picturesofmoney.org

The question is, are the returns comparable on a Hong Kong-won MBA, and how much will attaining the degree set you back?

Assessing the costs There’s no denying that getting a premier MBA costs a pretty penny.

The most talked about in Hong Kong, the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA programme comes in at HK$1,205,000 for an 18-month course. Ranked No. 1 in the world by the Financial Times for five years in a row (2009 to 2013), the programme is based out of Hong Kong

University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in Clear Water Bay. Students can opt to complete global electives at Kellogg partner schools in the US, Germany, Israel and China; graduates become alumni of both Northwestern University (Illinois, US) and HKUST. There are, however, some respected and decidedly cheaper alternatives here in Hong Kong.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s CUHK Business School offers a full-time, 16-month programme for HK$500,000. The institute’s parttime MBA course costs HK$320,000.

“Roughly 45% of our MBA students do the full-time course, while 55% take the part-time degree,” Lawrence Chan, CUHK’s director of marketing and student recruiting, explains.

CUHK was the first university in Hong Kong to offer entrepreneurship

specialisations for an MBA. The university, located in Shatin, also offers MBA concentrations in venture capital and private equity.

According to Lawrence, five years after gaining their MBA, students’ salaries can rise by as much as 70%.

HKU SPACE, an extension of the University of Hong Kong, offers its MBA in International Management programme in conjunction with the University of London, through a combination of distance learning, online learning and optional teaching sessions. Course fees currently come in at around HK$170,000.

Aline Loh, programme director at HKU SPACE, reveals that 90% of HKU’s students take their MBAs on a part-time basis. The course takes two to five years to complete, depending on the amount of study time the individual student has at  his disposal.

November 2014

61

MONEY MATTERS Aline suggests that students can reasonably expect to see a 20% to 30% jump in their salary after acquiring their MBA. “Students from senior management, moving upwards or horizontally in their field, may achieve a 50% increment on their pay or more, depending on the post they are applying for,” she adds.

course are foreigners and the medium of education for this class is English.”

Another popular MBA course in Hong Kong is the part-time Executive MBA programme jointly offered by Kaplan Higher Education and the University of Hull in the UK. According to Kaplan’s assistant marketing manager, Penny Chan, the 24-month degree sets candidates back around HK$130,000.

It’s a similar situation at HKU SPACE. “Most of our students come from middle to senior management backgrounds and are usually earning between HK$40,000 and HK$100,000 per month,” Aline says. HKU SPACE’s distance-learning, MBA courses have been especially designed for working adults. All lectures are delivered at the university’s Admiralty Learning Centre.

This breaks down to 18 months of coursework and a further six months to complete the dissertation.

University of Hull dons fly out from the UK to teach each module at the Wanchai campus.

Finding the funds Best-case scenario is, of course, if your company spots your potential and pays for you to take your MBA. But those shouldering the financial burden themselves basically have two options.

Some dive into a full-time course over a one- to two-year timeframe that they pay for either out of their own pockets, or through a personal bank loan.

Others continue to work full time to fund distance-learning courses.

For MBA graduates entering the charity sector, some US universities have developed a loan forgiveness programme to lessen the financial burden. This is not the case in Hong Kong, but scholarships are available at CUHK for students of merit; and in most cases, students can pay as they go, in instalments. Local students can also apply for government loans, though the coverage is limited.

The MBA students, tutored at Kaplan, are mainly full-time employees or business owners. “Most are working adults in their late 30s or early 40s, with solid working experience, looking for career advancement,” Penny says.

Reaping the benefits Most MBAs carve out a career in finance after receiving their degrees, and this trend continues. That said, jobs in this sector are not as plentiful as they were prior to the 2008 financial crisis, and a growing number of graduates are going into other industries.

According to Lawrence, “There was a rapid bounce back in people wanting to do MBAs in Hong Kong after the banking crisis in 2008.”

Aline backs this up, saying: “Most of our HKU SPACE students are looking to update their skills to standout more in competitive industries. They see

it as a good networking opportunity.

We enrol senior executives and professionals from such fields as accounting, finance, engineering, banking, medical and marketing.”

Lawrence notes that graduate interest in the Tier 1 Chinese investment banks is growing, in anticipation of the introduction of direct share trading between the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock markets. “About 40% to 50% of our MBAs work in the banking sector,” he says. “The rest come from the hi-tech, luxury goods and consultancy sectors.”

Doubtless, getting an MBA is a shrewd move, whatever your profession. As Penny says: “Students build an understanding of the complexities of the global business environment. The vast majority of graduates go on to improve upon their current positions by becoming upper-level managers or directors across many different industries.”

Find it • CUHK Business School, www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk • HKU SPACE, www.hkuspace.hku.hk • Kaplan Higher Education, www.kaplan.edu.hk • Kellogg-HKUST, www.emba.ust.hk

“Most of our students have eight to nine years of working experience before embarking on our MBA courses at CUHK,” Lawrence says. “The majority of those taking the full-time Find more monetary advice

62

November 2014

@ www.arounddb.com

# #

27 27#27

ession ession MBA Information Session Central / Nov 12 (Wed)

ffers you rigorous and dth and depth of knowledge; ffers you Being the longest rigorous accredited MBA Program and in the region, CUHK MBA offers you rigorous and ay to the ever-changing dth and well-structured depth theoretical teachings of and knowledge; arms you withworld. unrivaled breadth and depth of knowledge;

ay to the whereas the ever-changing diversified practical learning experiences pave world. the doorway to the ever-changing world. e top business schools in Asia.

e topCome business join us to know the advantages schools of obtaining an in MBA inAsia. one of the top business schools in Asia.

#

MBA Information Session

2014 ( Wednesday) PM (Registration starts at 7:00 PM) 2014 ( Wednesday) Date: November 12, 2014 (Wednesday) wn Centre Time: (Registration starts at 7:00 PM) PM 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Registration starts at 7:00 PM) a Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central Venue: wn Centre CUHK MBA Town Centre n Exit J3 OR Admiralty Station Exit B)

CUHK MBA Central / Nov 12 (Wed) Info. Session a Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central te: light refreshment will be provided. n Exit J3Register OR Admiralty Station Exit (MTRB) Central Station Exit J3 OR Admiralty Station Exit B) Now!

27

Being the longest accredited MBA Program in the region, CUHK MBA offerswillyou rigorous and Note: light refreshment be provided. well-structured theoretical teachings and arms you with unrivaled breadth and depth of knowledge; whereas the diversified practical learning experiences pave the doorway to the ever-changing world

te: light refreshment will be provided.

Come join us to know the advantages of obtaining an MBA in one of the top business schools in Asia

CUHK MBA Info. Session Register Now!

Date: November 12, 2014 (Wednesday) Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Registration starts at 7:00 PM) Venue: CUHK MBA Town Centre

1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central (MTR Central Station Exit J3 OR Admiralty Station Exit B) Note: light refreshment will be provided.

WHAT IS LEGACY PLANNING? Home Purchase Capital Accumulation

Investment Property Purchase Education Planning

Retirement Savings

Personal

Family

Estate

Health

Tax Mitigation Trusts

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

Critical Illness Cover and Permanent Disability Cover

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) Wills and Living Wills

Guardianship

Income Protection

Legacy Planning is the art of having personal and family affairs in order for the present, with a design for the future.

No plan is exactly the same and it must be tailored to your needs.

As you can see from the circle above, one area will have an effect and/or interconnect with another, at some point during your lifetime.

Legacy Planning allows you to keep your circle in motion; not only to give you peace of mind but to ensure that everything you do is beneficial for your needs and not detrimental. You are not always aware of how each aspect of the circle connects to another.

For example, for certain nationalities, extra life insurance can cause a higher death tax bill when claimed on, if not set up properly for your situation. Or property purchase can cause un-necessary income taxes if not purchased correctly. Or Wills and Guardianship are not updated on the birth of a new child. Or, worse, still, Wills are not updated on Divorce (a marriage revokes a Will, but Divorce does not.)

The service we offer not only allows you to consider these aspects individually but provides you with the knowledge and efficiency of how one area connects and affects another.

Your “Legacy Planning� is never complete... simply up to date, hopefully...

Please feel free to contact us for a consultation to discuss your own personal needs and requirements.

Carey, Suen& Associates Limited Suite 1201, General Commercial Building 156-164, Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong (+852) 2388 2331 www.careysuen.com info@careysuen.com

Illustration by Rift Leschinsky

TALKING POINTS

ALL HAIL Taxis and public coaches in the northern end of Discovery Bay? How do residents feel about the coming invasion?

Harriet Adams reports

“O

ne of the things I like about DB is that there isn’t that much traffic.

When you add speeding taxi and coach drivers to the mix, it can only reduce two of DB’s assets, namely safety and tranquillity,” says DB

66

November 2014

resident Richard Williams, who moved here from Mid-Levels six months ago.

This is the response to Hong Kong Resort Company’s (HKR’s) decision to allow taxis and public coaches into DB North that an outsider would

probably expect from a DB resident.

But is it in fact representative? Are the majority of residents actually delighted? Certainly there were a fair few of us hailing down the first taxis into DB North Plaza on October 26, and the general cry was what took them so long!

TALKING POINTS

A long time coming Despite the original planning concept of DB as a car-free, pollution-free enclave, the advent of Lantau, Kowloon and Hong Kong taxis has, of course, been on the cards for years.

According to Islands District Council Member (Discovery Bay), Amy Yung, “The idea has been present since before the tunnel was built in April, 2000. The government did not allow taxis to enter DB back then, but left the door open by including specific provisions in the Discovery Bay Tunnel Link Ordinance to allow the regulations to be relaxed if HKR paid a higher royalty.

“HKR first tried to get support to

lobby the government to relax the ban in 2004, but this effort was rejected by the DB community,” Amy adds. “The present efforts began with a strong public relations campaign by HKR to woo DB residents in October, 2009.”

accessibility of DB and it is welcomed by many residents. For residents who do not perceive any need for a taxi service, it will be an option available in case they need it.” In other words, we can take it or leave it.

While HKR’s survey to residents in 2009 showed that 71.62% of the 2,477 respondents supported the introduction of taxis, a survey conducted by Amy in 2010, saw just 28% of the 863 respondents in favour.

An invasion from the north?

Five years on from the HKR survey, the battle has finally been lost or won. In an email to Around DB on September 4, a HKR spokesperson wrote, “The introduction of a taxi service will greatly enhance the

For all those concerned about road safety, and increased noise and air pollution, the HKR spokesperson emailed these assurances on September 4. “We would like to emphasise that taxis will only be allowed to enter DB North area. With approval by the Transport Department, traffic signs will be erected to prohibit taxis from going beyond DB North. Any taxi driver who contravenes the traffic signs  November 2014

67

TALKING POINTS will be stopped and handed over to the police. Gates and CCTVs will be set up at strategic locations and manned by security guards.”

And what of the so-called public coaches that are now also allowed access to DB North? Looking at either poll, Amy’s or HKR’s, it’s clear that this is the issue that most concerns residents. HKR’s survey saw 49.55% of the respondents against public coaches, Amy’s 91%.

Again, our peace of mind rests on access being confined to DB North.

Discovery Bay Transit Services (DBTS) assured Around DB in an email on October 24 that, “Buses providing tour, hotel, employees and contract hire service can access DB North Plaza area only. [People] who want to hire these services need to apply to City Management. HKR will monitor and control vehicles entering DB North closely.”

DBTS also affirmed that existing services will stay the same. “Buses providing student services [clubs and schools] and services for people with disabilities can continue to access any area in DB in future.” The only stipulation is that, “Buses [hire coaches] must obtain a prohibition permit from the Transport Department which will be valid for one year.”

DB shopkeepers and restaurateurs will

likely welcome coach (and taxi) loads of day trippers, but less so us residents.

“There will be more folk visiting from out of town and more hustle and bustle,” says Richard. “In fact, it will become more like Hong Kong and less like Lantau.”

And, according to Amy, despite the assurances from DBTS, road safety in DB North remains an issue. “We don’t know yet if there will be restrictions on the number of taxis and coaches allowed, or how the signage will be done so that kids are not in danger,” she says.

Oh but the convenience!

Prior to October 26, residents had to rely on the bus to get in and out of DB by road, so having 24-hour access to taxis has an undeniable upside. Late-night revellers will now be able to hop in a cab, and speed to DB North after a big night in Central.

Residents travelling to and from the airport, those working inconvenient hours, the sick, disabled, elderly or pregnant will all benefit, particularly in emergency situations.

For 18-month DB resident, Phillipa Carson, who is due to give birth at the end of November, the introduction of taxis couldn’t have come at a better time. “I think inviting taxis into DB North is a fantastic idea. It will certainly help to reduce the stress of getting to the hospital when the time comes,” she says.

Find more local gossip

Taxis also provide a reliable way for students, who live outside, to get to DB schools. “Since the cancellation of the Tung Chung to North Plaza bus, it has become increasingly difficult to get our children to Discovery College in peak travel times,” says 10-year Tung Chung resident Ben White. “Having taxis in DB will also assist us in getting bulky items to school for projects or school fundraisers.”

Two-year DB resident, Christopher Fordham also expects the taxi service to make his life easier. “Anyone with bulky camping gear or sports equipment will be better able to access more of Hong Kong,” he says. “It will finally be easy for us to take our dog to other places around Hong Kong, like the New Territories.”

Only time will tell how DB will fare.

Maybe 10 years from now, our once vehicle-free enclave will look more like Central during rush hour than a sleepy island hideaway. Or maybe our quiet haven will remain much as it is; except we’ll have a comfortable way home when we miss the 2am ferry.

Find it • Discovery Bay Transit Services, 2987 7351 • Hong Kong Resort Company, 2238 1188

@ www.arounddb.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT HELLO RESIDENTS OF DB, LANTAU AND THE REST OF HONG KONG! It’s time to consult THE EXPERT about your financial planning!

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

My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs. But the mandatory insurances required by the Hong Kong Government (including domestichelper insurance and automobile coverage), are always worth due diligence.

Your home is your castle, so why not protect it from the elements, drunk guests, clumsy kids and thieves?

A home package can do all that and more! Whether you rent or own your home, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Homeowners insurance is a security blanket. It is designed to protect you in the event of a catastrophe. Therefore, when you are choosing a policy, don’t always look to save money – the best deal may cost you more in the long run.

But be sure to shop around. When you receive your annual renewal statement, check to see if you can snag a better deal elsewhere.

Consider whether you have too much coverage. It’s common for policies to contain inflation-protection provisions that automatically increase your coverage amount. You may want to adjust your coverage amount to a more realistic figure.

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

RS_GERMANCOMMUNITYAD.indd 1

25/03/2013 4:13 PM

Samui Luxury Pool Villa Private pool villa for sale by owner, consisting of 3 buildings with a pool in the middle. Located in gated villa resort in the best area on the North Coast with sea-views to Koh Phangan, and a 3 minute walk from the beach.

The villa is fully managed by a local management company that takes care of all guest services and house maintenance, The villa resort provides 24 hrs security and pool and garden service. It is sold fully furnished and ready to use.

Current owner is renting out the villa with a 50% occupancy rate, making it an extremely good investement for an owner wishing to combine ownership with investment.

For more information and photos contact owner at: samuivilla4sale@gmail.com Sales Price: 4.3 M HKD

Website: samuivilla4sale.wix.com/plumeria

ESCAPES

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

NORTH

70

COUNTRY FAIR A diverse landscape, welcoming people and great food, northern Vietnam has it all. Why not extend a Hanoi city break into a relaxing cruise of Ha Long Bay, writes Loryda Erasmus November 2014

ESCAPES

V

ietnam: fabled land of the ascending dragon. Truly exotic and utterly compelling, it’s a country of breath-taking natural beauty with an incredible heritage that quickly becomes totally addictive. Try it!

The north, in particular, is one of my favourite destinations in Asia. And the perfect time to visit is from November to April, when there’s very little rain and temperatures max at 22ºC.

Hanoi minibreak

Hanoi’s bustling, old-world French Quarter

First stop, Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital: a small, easy-to-navigate city of treelined boulevards, gleaming lakes, elegant squares and weathered colonial buildings. Charming and historic, Hanoi’s centre is an architectural museum piece; its blocks of ochre buildings retain the air of a provincial French town.

The pinnacle of the French Quarter has to be the Hanoi Opera House.

Erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911, it’s a neoclassical masterpiece, modelled on the Palais Garnier, the older of Paris’ two opera houses.

Picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake

Many Hanoi city tours also include the French colonial Hoa Lo Prison as a stop in their itineraries. Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. A particularly gruesome relic is the guillotine, used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries.

Hoan Kiem Lake near the centre of town. The historical and religious displays are impressive, as is a 6-foot long (mummified) tortoise that locals pulled from the lake in 1968.

This island temple opens onto a small courtyard where old men, oblivious to visitors, play Co Tuong, or Chinese chess.

Speaking of relics, most visitors to Hanoi also opt to take in the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, where you can view the Communist revolutionary leader’s eerily lit, embalmed body.

It has to be said that Hanoi’s real charm lies not so much in the official sights, but in the open window it offers into everyday Vietnamese life. Take a walk down one of the bustling boulevards and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialise with the locals and hear their tales, as you shop ‘til you drop.

Vietnamese people are energetic, direct and resilient by nature. The people of Hanoi are known for being

Hanoi is surprisingly rich in Buddhist temples, and one of the most picturesque is Ngoc Son ( Jade Mountain) Temple. This quiet 18th century shrine extends out into

more reserved than their southern compatriots, and at the same time more hospitable.

Vietnamese food is often described as the tastiest in Southeast Asia, and quite rightly in my opinion. It’s also super healthy, thanks to its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables. France’s enduring colonial legacy is evident in the baguette-and-coffee culture you’ll find on every corner, and here in the north the street food is big on punchy Chinese flavours.

While boutique and budget hotels abound, I stayed at the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole, the Raffles of Hanoi. The hotel’s Metropole Wing offers up original, French   November 2014

71

ESCAPES

The dazzling islands and islets of Ha Long Bay

colonial rooms. Alternatively, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is a good choice, located in the north of the city, with beautiful views over the largest lake in Hanoi.

Cruising Ha Long Bay Hanoi has all the right ingredients for a full and varied minibreak, but it’s also the gateway to northern Vietnam. Three hours’ drive northeast of the city, Ha Long Bay is a must see, and if you have the time I’d recommend you book yourself on a two-night cruise.

Ha Long literally means descending dragon. The locals will tell you that in ancient times a family of dragons flew into what is now Ha Long Bay and began spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into a dazzling trove of islands and islets. Over the centuries, Vietnamese poets and artists have extolled the area’s natural beauty, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The advantage of a cruise in Ha Long Bay is that you have more time to

In ancient times a family of dragons flew into what is now Ha Long Bay and began spitting out jewels and jade explore the larger islands and see the traditional fishing communities. You can explore Cat Ba, the largest island in the archipelago, on foot or by bicycle.

Aside from the secluded beaches, there are tropical limestone forests and lagoons. Cat Ba National Park, which covers half of the island, is home to macaques, wild boar, deer and civets, as well as the golden-headed langur, the world’s most endangered primate.

November 2014

Over a thousand species of plants have been recorded here, and you’ll spot hawks, hornbills and cuckoos.

Besides hiking, there is much to do, from caving and rock climbing, to kayaking and sailing. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy exploring Cat Ba’s coral reefs and mangrove and seagrass beds, and you can even take a helicopter ride over the bay.

To book your Vietnamese getaway, give Flight Centre Hong Kong a call on 2830 2776, visit www.flightcentre.com.hk, or drop by the retail stores in Central or Happy Valley. On November 8, you’ll also find Flight Centre Hong Kong at Picnic in the Park, offering special travel discounts!

Find more exciting travel destinations

72

A golden-headed langur in Cat Ba National Park

@ www.arounddb.com

Discover the beauty of Vietnam

Hanoi, Halong Bay and Danang Flights + 5 Nights 5-Star Top Flight Deals

from

7,370*

NZ

2,690*

KA

$

Chiang Mai

$

Dubai

$

*

3,890

*

Hawaii

$

Lombok

$

London

$

New York

$

Paris

$

Phuket

$

Singapore

$

Sydney Tokyo

*

KA

INCLUDES Accommodation at Hilton Hanoi

Opera and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort with daily breakfast.

BONUS Halong Bay day trip.

Economy return from

Auckland

9,499

$

4,550

*

QR KE

3,060

GA

6,780*

BA

*

5,050

AA

5,970*

BA

*

2,820

*

Luxury Beach Getaways Bali Flights + 3 Nights 5-Star

with daily breakfast.

from

KA

Kota Kinabalu Flights + 3 Nights 5-Star

INCLUDES Accommodation at Melia Bali Villas & Spa $

5159

*

INCLUDES Accommodation at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort * $ from 4899 KA with daily breakfast.

KA

Boracay Flights + 3 Nights 5-Star

Flights + 4 Nights 5-Star

INCLUDES Accommodation at Discovery Shores Boracay

with daily breakfast and airport transfers.

$

Ngapali Beach (Myanmar) INCLUDES Accommodation at Yoma Cherry Lodge and

6859 PR *

Hotel Yangon with daily breakfast and airport transfers.

1,220

SQ

$

5,200*

QF

Don’t forget to pass by the Flight Centre booth at Picnic in the Park!

$

*

CX

EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DISCOUNTS!

4,050

from

For more information on these and other great deals visit

flightcentre.com.hk

2830 2776

BONUS Half day Yangon city tour.

from

$

8299 KA *

r Call ou now! rts e p x E e Airfar

49 Caine Road, Mid Levels 8 Sing Woo Rd., Happy Valley

Terms & conditions apply, visit our website www.flightcentre.com.hk for full details. Written quote must be presented prior to booking. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Prices are per person in HKD, exclude taxes & subject to availability, and only applicable when two people are travelling together. Prices are correct at time of print and subject to change without notice.

Flight Centre (Hong Kong) Limited trading as Flight Centre.Travel Agent licence no. 350062

t

Offered exclusively by: Sail with Fred. Olsen this spring and discover fascinating histories, diverse cultures, spectacular landscapes and the natural splendour of the Far East. All this can be enjoyed in the traditional British atmosphere of our smaller, friendlier ships and with great value too.

CITIES & LANDSCAPES OF THE ORIENT

L150156

DANANG, SAIGON & SIAM

L150167

1st Mar 2015 • 15 nights • Balmoral • Departs Tokyo

16th Mar 2015 • 14 nights • Balmoral • Departs Hong Kong

Japan: Tokyo, Kobe (for Osaka) & Nagasaki • South Korea: Jeju City & Incheon (for Seoul) • China: Tianjin Xingang (for Beijing and Great Wall of China) (overnight), Dalian & Shanghai • Hong Kong

Hong Kong • Vietnam: Chan May (for Halong Bay) (overnight), Nha Trang & Ho Chi Minh City (for Angkor Wat) (overnight) • Cambodia: Sihanoukville • Thailand: Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) (overnight) & Koh Samui • Singapore

Cruise only prices:

Cruise only prices:

Inside from HK$19,300

Outside from HK$23,200

Inside from HK$18,050

Outside from HK$19,850

per person twin share basis

per person twin share basis

per person twin share basis

per person twin share basis

To book contact Robert or Graham on 2526 3391 or email info@concorde-travel.com Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but are capacity controlled and may change at any time. Call for the latest prices. Fares are per person based on twin share of a lead-in cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively or combined with other offers. All bookings are subject to terms and conditions, which are available on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. Fred. Olsen reserves the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Some of the activities mentioned are chargeable, optional tours which are bookable six weeks prior to departure, subject to availability. Cruise prices shown are based on cruise only packages and do not include flights and transfers; guests must make their own arrangements to and from the port E&OE. Licence No.350343

ACTION

AMAZING

RACE

Photos by Tracey van Geest and courtesy of Kobi Janssen

Now in its tenth edition, the Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity is going from strength to strength. Richard Crowley reports

74

W

hen it was first held back in 2006 the Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity had 186 participants, and its numbers have grown steadily ever since. By 2010, the race was hosting 450 athletes, and there were 500 in 2013. This year, on November 8, founder Kobi Janssen and co-organiser Erin Bowland are hoping to see an incredible 800 runners at the 8am start in DB Plaza.

“From the first year, when we actually held two races, the response has November 2014

been great,” Kobi says. “For our 10th anniversary we are expecting a massive turnout. DBers are definitely getting sportier and people from all over Hong Kong are welcome in our race. We are mindful of road safety but there’s no definite upwards limit on the number of participants.”

In it to win it While the majority of the DB 10km participants are amateur runners, enjoying the challenge and the camaraderie of a community fun

run, the race also attracts a growing number of top-notch athletes, who are in it to win it.

Gia Mandy was the first woman to win the DB 10km, in a little over 37 minutes; Mark Williams, was the first to win it for the boys in just over 31 minutes. (Times were faster back then because the course was different, taking in fewer hills.)

“Both Mark and Gia were DB residents, but both have now left Hong Kong because of the pollution,” Kobi notes.

ACTION

Runners at the start in 2013, first female finisher Jane Richards second from right

Five-year DB resident, Stefano Passarelli, who finished first for Hong Kong in this year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, has run the DB 10km twice. He won it in 2010 in 33:40, and in 2012, he crossed the finish line, just as memorably but rather more sedately, hand in hand with his mum.

It’s likely that Thomas Kiprotich, who has won the race for the past three years, will be the man to beat again this year. “He is like a gazelle,” Kobi says, “and he never seems to get really exhausted!” One of Hong Kong’s top athletes, Thomas’ personal best in the DB 10km is 32:13 in 2011.

Thomas offers this piece of advice for anyone who is taking part this year: “Don’t get too excited at the beginning and start out too fast; this is a common mistake that a lot of runners make. You need to preserve your energy. Go out and run the

course before the race so you know where the tough parts are; towards the end over to Coastline there are some tough hills.”

As the founder of the fitness training company Kipmovin, Thomas, a sixyear DB resident, has found a way to help his fellow competitors get in shape for the DB 10km – by providing an eight-week training programme in the lead up to the race.

“The idea is to help DB residents get fit for the race and allow them to achieve their own individual targets,” explains Thomas. “It’s a great way for them to train on sections of the course and get used to the speed they will want to run at.”

Female finishers Rather incredibly, neither Kobi nor Erin have actually run the DB 10km

– they are always too busy organising it. Noting that the top women runners regularly make it to the finish just 10 minutes shy of the fastest men, Kobi says there’s no predicting this year’s lady winner. “Every year it seems to be someone else,” she says, “which makes it really exciting.”

Emma Bruce, a 12-year DB resident, has competed in the DB 10km every year since 2006. While Emma came first for the women in 2012, with a time of 43.35, she says she felt best on finishing the race for the first time, when she had just taken up running.

Last year, former DB resident Jane Richards made it home in 40:40, making her the fastest female finisher to date. Jane is a dedicated marathon runner, and competed in the Hong Kong Inter-City Athletics Championships last June.  November 2014

75

ACTION

The DB 10km is first and foremost a community fun run for charity

For newbie road runners, Jane has three useful tips. “Firstly, prepare!

Try to get some training in before the event. You don’t have to kill yourself, but you should try to get out and do some running before the day. Second, pace yourself! It’s a hilly course and it’s often a hot day.

“Finally, and most importantly, have fun!” Jane says. “That’s the reason we all do this. Running is such a great sport because all you need is a pair of shoes and you’re away. It’s social, a chance to challenge yourself, and also an easy way to stay fit and healthy.”

Community challenge The 2014 race starts as it always has done on the waterfront below the steps by the DB Ferry Pier. Runners are required to negotiate sharp turns and even double back on themselves, as they speed down Discovery Bay Road, Seabee Lane, Headland Drive, Siena Road and the Coastline waterfront.

La Costa marks the home stretch.

Here, participants turn

76

November 2014

right and run down the left side of the children’s playground, before following the waterfront path to the finish line back at the pier.

In principle, you can walk the course, since the cut-off time is two hours, but most of the competitors are there to run. DB is of course hilly, so times on this course are slower than a flat 10-kilometre run.

“My running pal, Laura Andrews and I came up with the idea,” 20-year DB resident Kobi says. “We were organising a ‘start to run’ course in DB, and the 10-kilometre run was the end goal for the participants. Then we decided to make the race open to the public and donate proceeds to charity.

“You must be over 16 to compete but the race is suitable for runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes,” Kobi adds.

Raising funds Of course for all the runners, a winning aspect of the race is 

Race organiser and co-founder Kobi Janssen

AquaBlu Boat/Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/Resolution

傅 耀 宗

Over 30 year’s international and local experience in maritime and shipping matters and marine insurance.

Helping you safely navigate uncharted waters.

Pleasure craft Weekenders

Sailing yachts Holiday boats

Super yachts Boat charters

Professional - Discreet - Effective AquaBlu Marine Consultancy Limited Paul Fortune, LLB (Hons) (Cardiff)

Telephone: (852) 6017 7802 Email: Oceanblu@netvigator.com

* No commission is charged to buyers Covering: Discovery Bay | Gold Coast | Aberdeen | New Territories

SPORTS WORLD Major international brands. Full range of sports goods.

Excellent customer service. Delivery to your door.

There’s no reason to shop anywhere else!

www.sportsworld.hk LCK GARMIN SALES & SERVICE CENTRE Office B-02, 4/F Great Wall Factory Building 11 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon Tel: +852 3568 3786 www.sportsworld.hk

ACTION

that it’s a charity fundraiser. HK$1.25 million has been raised to date. This year, funds raised go to Watchdog Early Education Centre, based on the Peak and in Jordan, which provides intervention and early education programmes for developmentally delayed children under the age of six.

“The money we raise is not really a lot, but it means so much to these smaller charities, which have to rely totally on donations from events like ours,” Kobi adds. “Some of the charities keep us updated with new works and what they do; some just call us half a year later to thank us again. This gives us so much satisfaction and is the driver behind the run.”

“Apart from a partial payment for the t-shirts, fees for the bibs and insurance, all money raised is donated to charity,” Kobi stresses.

Local stores and businesses (including the magazine you are reading) are always quick to provide sponsorship for the event. “Our most loyal sponsors are from the DB community, however we are getting more and more interest in our run from other sponsors as well,” Kobi explains.

t Find i • Discovery Bay 10km Run for Charity, www.dbrunforcharity.org

Thomas Kiprotich has won the race for the past three years

Find more clubs and activities

• Watchdog Early Education Centre, www.watchdog.org.hk

@ www.arounddb.com

DMR

School of Ballet Est 1984

Help Spread the 9 Dragons Fitness Fever!

Bring in a friend for a free trial in November and December, and you will receive a lucky draw ticket, for the chance to win a year’s free membership at 9 Dragons Fitness, and a 9 Dragons Prize Pack!

To increase your chances, if your friend signs up for a membership, you will receive one additional lucky draw for every month they sign up for! There’s no limit to how many friends you can bring along, although they must reside in Hong Kong.

And since 9 Dragons is all about community, we have a challenge to extend to you! Our goal is to reach 100 new members by December 31, 2014. If we reach that number, we will reward all referring members with an additional free month of membership!

We will also be giving away amazing prizes to the three people, who introduce the most new members to 9 Dragons! Think Travel Voucher! Shopping Spree!

Rugby 7’s Prize Pack!

“Dreams do come true”

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay HK

2987 4338

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

Visit www.9dragonsfitness.com for more information on the prizes up for grabs!

• CROSSFIT • 9DFIT • ZUMBA • KIDS PROGRAM • PILATES • YOGA • AERIAL SILK

Join us now!

Seaview Plaza, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront, Lantau, H.K.

www.9dragonsfitness.com Tel: 2786 9699, 9494 7178 Email: train@9dragonsfitness.com

www.yaalidesigns.com YOUR ONE STOP DESIGN SHOP IN DISCOVERY BAY

For practical storage solutions and great quality Furniture book your free initial consultation today.

Interior Design | Furniture | Home Accessories

Tel: 9685 7785 Email: info@yaalidesigns.com

LIFESTYLE

THE NEW SEXY

Photos courtesy of At Home in DB Interiors, Everything Under The Sun, Madura, Rimba Rhyme and Yaali Designs

To vamp up a room for the coming season, look to eye-popping brights and 50 shades of grey, writes Jane Clyde

Cane Line blankets, made from UV-resistant polypropylene, at Everything Under The Sun

November 2014

81

LIFESTYLE

G

et a bunch of homeware designers or buyers together at the start of a season and 99% of the time, they’ll give you conflicting advice about what’s about to be hot. But not so this year. Having talked with five different, local specialists about soft furnishings trends for winter, it’s clear there are only two ways to go (and these two ways work well in tandem).

In a nutshell, shimmering, textural grey is the colour of this coming winter, for all manner of soft furnishings from cushion covers to drapes. Also juicy, fruity, eyepopping brights are bang on trend.

Savvy home decorators will combine the two to update their decors.

50 shades freed “The colour palette for winter has been described as bright with no rules – a free for all,” Sue Meldrum director of At Home in DB Interiors opens.

“Vibrant tutti-frutti shades of fuchsia, orchid, indigo, yellow, tomato and tangerine should be layered amongst different shades of warm greys, which are the neutral of the moment.”

This suggestion is echoed by Gil Bourgeois, CEO of Madura, who says: “The winter trends are focused on ‘cocooning’, on natural, stonewashed hues but they also include a colourful atmosphere. Oranges and yellows mixed with blues are popular.”

“A great way of making any decor interesting is to add some form of accent colour,” notes Yaali Designs’ director, Rashida Hashim. “This winter, following what is showing in the fashion world, bright colours are in vogue in the home.”

But what’s the story with all the grey (the so-called ‘neutral of the moment’)? “Grey upholstery is really on trend and very big for us now,” says Emma Hurlston, creative director at Rimba Rhyme. “We have focused on abstract designs, soft highlights

82

November 2014

From the Paul & Joe for Madura Collection, at Madura

of texture and tone, subtle sheen and sophisticated handcrafted looks.”

When Emma talks about ‘grey’, she makes it sound totally inviting, sexy even. Describing “a strong masculine palette of silver, steel, onyx and graphite”, she brings out the hue’s glam-luxe factor rather than its dour, industrial edge.

Feels so good As important as it is that our soft furnishings look good, what’s paramount is that they feel that way too. A well-coordinated pile of silk, velvet or suede scatter cushions are there to be touched and nestled upon, not just admired from afar. So what’s hot texturally this season?

“Summer trends were really oriented to natural fibres, such as linen and cotton, and winter trends are surfing on this theme,” notes Gil. “But for winter, we are seeing warmer, stronger fabrics creating a more comforting feeling. In the new Paul & Joe for Madura Collection, contemporary

prints and luxurious materials have been hand-picked to dress, rather than simply decorate, the home. It features fabrics and looks from the latest Paul & Joe fashion shows, including faux fur and reversible feather embellishment.”

On the other side of the spectrum, the soft furnishings at Everything Under The Sun are cool, calm, collected, and hardwearing. “Made for outdoor use, they are also perfect to use indoors,” says general manager Heather Galbraith. “Colour-fast Sunbrella fabrics and polypropylene are UV resistant and easy to wash but also soft to the touch. You can 

Printissimo Home Collection cushion, featuring a digitally printed photo, at Yaali Designs

LIFESTYLE

A well-coordinated pile of silk, velvet or suede scatter cushions are there to be touched and nestled upon, not just admired from afar

Dash and Takara cushions in up-to-theminute shades of grey, at Rimba Rhyme

Custom-made cushions in the latest designs and fabrics, at At Home in DB Interiors

choose from a range of plain colours, luxurious textured fabrics and even real outdoor leather.”

Going into winter, it’s natural for us to do a little nesting, and seek out some sexy-looking, new soft furnishings.

“Now is the perfect time to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the home by introducing contrasting patterns and textures in the cushions, throws and floor coverings,” says Sue, who has lived in DB on and off for five years. “Animal prints, faux leather, rich velvet, linen, embroidered

fabrics and even glitter feature in this season’s trends.”

Likewise, the offerings at Rimba Rhyme are bold and eclectic.

Cushions, in everything from cutvelvet to cotton, feature earthy and organic tribal designs, or powerfully, geometric patterns. There are splashes of embroidery, and traditional crafts and designs are given a contemporary twist. “Our Takara cushions in steel and chalk-grey are based on ink splashes, and drawn using a Japanese shibori effect,” notes Emma.

Find more on stylish living

It seems, in fact, that we need look no further than the humble cushion to update our homes for 2014/ 2015.

“We all know that soft furnishings have the power to totally transform a room into something interesting and unique,” says Sue. “Cushions add softness, comfort and style and provide immediate decorative impact.

They are also the most affordable way to freshen up a room or reflect a change of mood or season.”

t Find i • At Home in DB Interiors, www.athomeindb.com • Everything Under The Sun, www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk • Madura, www.madura.hk • Rimba Rhyme, www.rimbarhyme.com • Yaali Designs, www.yaalidesigns.com

@ www.arounddb.com

November 2014

83

HK HAPPENINGS

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Get your event listed @ www.arounddb.com

r9

mbe e v o gh N

www.emertainmentmonthly.com

LITERARY FEST

u Thro

Various venues around Hong Kong The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) is now in its 14th year. Featuring both established and emerging authors from all over the world, the event, opening October 31, offers up workshops, lectures, debates, literary lunches and dinners, book signings and readings. Previously featured luminaries include Seamus Heaney, Louis de Bernières, Jung Chang and Yann Martel.

View the full 2014 programme at www.festival.org.hk.

Prestige XMAS FAIRS Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty You can start your Christmas shopping early at the Prestige Christmas Fairs in the Conrad Hong Kong’s Grand Ballroom, from 10am to 8pm. Free to attend, the fairs feature hundreds of vendors selling goodies from over 30 different countries, ranging from designer jewellery and beauty products to gourmet food, toys and clothes. Visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

ber Novem11 3&

www.prestigefairs.hk

r 27 Novembe

- 29

www.hkyaf.com

BILL BAILEY LIVE!

BOOZE NEWS

er 6 Novemb

-8

er 19 Novemb

HK Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai More than 1,000 exhibitors from around the globe attend the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair. The show features talks from industry experts, wine education seminars and tasting sessions. Open to anyone over 18 on November 8, you can also buy your fill of highquality wine and spirits, beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Admission, from 10.30am to 6pm, costs HK$200. Visit www.hktdc.com.

OLIVER!

Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Bay See British comedian, musician and actor, Bill Bailey performing his brandnew live show, Limboland, at 8pm. With his trademark intelligence and sharp wit, Bill explores the gap between how we imagine our lives to be and how they really are. Bill is best known for his standup shows, sell-out tours and TV appearances, including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You, QI and Black Books. For tickets, starting at HK$688, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai Catch Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation’s musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist at the Shouson Theatre. Bringing together a cast of 80 young actors from London and Hong Kong, orphaned Oliver is played jointly by Sebastian Clifford and Freddie Fawcett, two 10-year-olds who starred in a Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of To Kill a Mockingbird last year. Showtime is at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Get your tickets, starting at HK$200, at www.urbtix.hk.

November 2014

https://fanart.tv

85

HK HAPPENINGS

Friend us on Facebook for event reminders www.sabrinabeanphotography.wordpress.com

AIA ELECTRIC RUN! Central Harbourfront, Central

r

be Novem29 28 &

The AIA Electric Run (Hong Kong) isn’t just a race, it’s a live show, in which Central Harbourfront is transformed by wild lighting and pumping music. Participants walk, run and dance along the less than 5-kilometre route, wearing anything that blinks, shines or glows! Open to both individuals and teams, from 8pm ‘til late, prices start at HK$500 if you register before November 20. Visit www.electricrun.hk.

Just 20 days after Picnic in the Park, it’s time for Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s premier music and arts festival, now in its seventh year.

The 2014 line-up of top international acts includes Tenacious D, The Lemonheads, Ozomatli and Nitin Sawhney. Festivalgoers can also expect art exhibits, film screenings and cabaret shows, plus dedicated children’s entertainment. There are one-day, two-day and three-day passes available, starting at HK$380; kids under 12 get in for free. Visit www.ticketflap.com or www.clockenflap.com.

ber m e v o N 0 28 - 3

www.youtube.com

ber 30 m e v o N

9 ber 2 7 m e v No ember – Dec www.hkjff.org

Celebrating JEWISH FILM Asia Society HK Centre, Admiralty Catch 27 celebrated Jewish-themed films from around the world, all centred on the theme of courage, at the 15th annual Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival. You don’t have to be Jewish to attend. You just have to love good film! Don’t miss the popular, annual Kosher Dessert Party on the roof garden, after the opening night screening.

For more information and tickets, starting at HK$80, visit www.hkjff.org.

wowed an audience of 1,500 at Cyberport. are expected to attend over three days at the West Kowloon Cultural District.

3 Clockenflap is all about bringing

the community together. In 2011, everyone got in for free (difficulty finding a venue prevented the sale of any tickets).

4 When Glaswegian art-rock quartet Franz Ferdinand headlined in 2013, bassist Bob Hardy told the South China Morning Post that playing festivals “forces you to up your game a bit… and play a more hit-based set”.

5 Clockenflap’s not all about the

music, or the film or the art.

Past attractions have included a Bearded Lady side show, a silent disco and dinosaurs (Terrydactyl, Debby and William).

Race with HEART! Cyberport Waterfront Park

Raising funds for the Adventist Pediatric Heart Fund, Walk & Run for the Heart is organised by the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation. While there are different categories in the charity run, for adults and children age eight and up, kids of any age can enter the walk if accompanied by an adult. To Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital register before November 7, visit www.hkahf.org.hk.

86

1 The first Clockenflap in 2008 2 This year, over 45,000 people

CLOCKENFLAP West Kowloon Cultural District

FUN FACTS: Clockenflap!

November 2014

yccmcb.blogspot.com

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

Email your photos for DB Faces to info@arounddb.com. Around DB accepts no liability for the photos sent

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

COMPETITION

Photos by Baljit Gidwani

Great prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee!

A

B

Y

C

Congratulations to last month’s winner Steve Fisher!

Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

our challenge this month is to identify which of the photos above is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three photos is the exact copy. You can contact us via the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, by clicking on one of the QR Codes, or by emailing info@arounddb.com by November 10. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ every day for a week. Don’t forget to include your name and telephone number with your answer. Good luck!

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

HOME & REPAIRS

View local BUSINESS DIRECTORIES @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A mEssENGER? Michael, an Indian HK resident living on Lantau, seeks post of delivery person for mail/ documents/ small packages.

Full- or part-time. Call 9145 6731

DB-BASED REALTOR SEEKS EAA-LICENSED AGENTS Must have a good command of spoken & written English & Cantonese, an extra language is an advantage. Strong communication & interpersonal skills, mature outgoing personality, proactive, hardworking & detail oriented.

Attractive remuneration package for the right candidates.

Email your full CV to info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

FINANCE & INSURANCE

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return. Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

HEALTH & WELLBEING

INTERCULTURAL COUNSELLING

Assisting with cultural adjustments related to: • Intercultural relationships/ communication – personal & work • Identity & self-understanding (biracial/ multiracial/ multicultural) • Migration & settlement • Diversity (sexual orientation, gender, disability, faith, age etc.)

Extensive experience in intercultural counselling & training.

Taught Social Work, Psychology & Counselling at universities in HK & Canada for the past 23 years.

Biracial, multicultural & multilingual.

Contact Amoy Ong MSW at aymong@aol.com

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

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

RETAIL

KIDS EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development. Come & look at our facilities. Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years. Morning & afternoon sessions. Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

PETS GOOD NEWS FROM PETCODB

Micro Bubble Bath using Nano technology for pets is now available at PetcoDB. This penetrating clean powers deep into the pores, restoring fur condition, regaining moisture & providing relaxation. No shampoo is used.

Recommended for pets with skin allergies, dermatitis & body odour.

Call 2914 0382

DOG SERVICES

Home boarding, behaviour modification, Tui Na Massage & grooming. Reliable & honest.

100% safety record over the past 11 years.

Contact Dave Chan on 9872 5439, www.quoquoclub.com

ABBELIO WINES

Great value! High scoring! Wines from around the world!

Free delivery & special offer for Discovery Bay residents.

For details, visit http://abw.hk/db, or call 3170 8458

DB MARINA CLUB DEBENTURES

Do you have a C Class or B Class Debenture you are not using?

Or one that is expiring or coming up for extension?

Lifestyle Homes has interested buyers. To find out more, contact us at info@lifestylehomes.com.hk

Looking for a business in DB, Tung Chung or South Lantau? Go to

www.arounddb.com

- Japan qualified – skilled piano technician in DB We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters; Creating a good sound to make harmony with your heart!

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

November 2014

91

View local BUSINESS DIRECTORIES @ www.arounddb.com

Come and get pampered at Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

Shop G09-92 Siena Ave. DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 8873 Open Daily 10am – 7:30pm

92

November 2014

View local BUSINESS DIRECTORIES @ www.arounddb.com SERVICES NOTARY SERVICES

Now available in DB at affordable rates. For enquiries, 9143 0799, notary@hpi.com.hk

TRAVEL CONCORdE TRAVEL

Leisure Travel and Cruise specialists since 1978.

Call 2526 3391 or visit www.concorde-travel.com Licence No 350343

TUITION & COURSES PIANO LESSONS

One-on-one classes provided by a professional piano teacher with over 20 years’ experience.

At Caribbean Coast. For a free trial call Miss Chui on 9467 4633

CLARINET/ SAXOPHONE/ FLUTE TUITION

Available in DB from professional musician with 25 years’ teaching experience & graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK. Contact 9413 0498, janetwilliams.clarinet@gmail.com

CHINESE (MANdARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

TUITION & COURSES

JAPANESE PRIVATE TUITION

Native speaker, 10 years’ teaching experience in HK. Any level/ Any purpose/ JLPT. Contact 6050 1731, (WhatsApp, LINE, Viber) micado66@netvigator.com

SCIENCE TUTOR

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME & RDB TEENS

British-educated teacher with Honours Bachelor Degree, qualified teacher status & over 10 years’ experience.

Offers tutoring in KS3 & IGCSE (all Sciences), A’ Level & IB (Physics).

To reserve a place, email mr_m_walker@yahoo.co.uk

Deadline for December issue classifieds

November 10

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

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

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

(MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, graciasx@hotmail.com

LEARN SPANISH

Native speaker. DELE examiner.

Experienced teacher. IB, IGCSE, A-Levels & HKDSE. Business Spanish, & courses for adults. Flexible schedule & locations. (Special offers to students who live in DB & Tung Chung).

Contact Erik R on 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

MANdARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM

In the Greens. Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

Call 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

FRENCH TUITION

Learn or improve your French with a HKU SPACE adjunct lecturer. Tailormade lessons to suit your needs.

Contact Karine on 9338 1961, or email 88karina@live.fr

November 2014

93

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

PROPERTY DB

MODERN 1-BEDROOM FLAT

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

Spacious open layout. Quiet, high floor.

Fully equipped kitchen. Shower. Washer/ dryer.

English movies & news, & wi-fi. Just unpack!

Competitively priced. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com

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

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

STUDIO CLOSE TO PIER 2-BED APARTMENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished.

Contact 9108 5525

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

GREENDALE COURT 2-BED NEW 1-BED APARTMENT Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment in Greendale Court. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

800’ 2-bed flat with balcony & nice sea view.

Fully furnished, with wi-fi internet access.

Contact Sonya on 5241 9806, syeung72@hotmail.com

CHERISH COURT SERVICED APARTMENTS SIENA 2 Quiet with sea views, near Club Siena & tunnel.

Fully furnished, with bed linen & kitchenware.

55’ TVs, wi-fi, Blu-ray home theatre, washer/ drier. Short or long lease. Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

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

Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

COSY NEW 1 BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

Cosy & brand-new 1-bedroom flat with sea view, convenient location, fully furnished with bed linen, kitchenware, washer/drier & English & Chinese TV channels. Free cleaning once every 3 days upon request. Minimum stay 3 nights. Contact Mary on 9726 6219, marydbay@gmail.com

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

LUXURY 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

SLEEPS 4 Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband.

Towels & linens provided. Minimum stay 1 month. Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

94

November 2014

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

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

PHUKET VILLA SHORT-TERM RENT Deluxe, spacious 4-bedroom villa, with ensuite bathrooms & private pool.

Wireless internet access, sala, bar & BBQ area.

Kitchen is fully equipped with laundry area.

Close to Laguna. Contact Roenel on 9050 4772, atsea@netvigator.com

Looking for investment opportunity?

4/F., Lee Fund Centre, No. 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, HK E-mail: grea@grea.com.hk C-049044

South lsland Industrial & Office Sales / Lease Kwai Bo Ind. Building 1,820’ 11.9M

• Walking Distance To Future MTR • With Balcony Sungib Ind. Centre 6,009’ 40M

Grand Marine Centre 3,815’ 26M

• Remodeled into Open Plan Space • Stunning Waterfront Views

Yally Ind. Bldg.

2,350’ 16M

• Next to Future MTR Exit • High Investment

Derrick Ind. Bldg.

1,979’ @5,980

Tin Fung Ind. Mansion 1,182’~17,587’ @5,150 & up

ole

Harbour Ind. Ctr. (Corner Side) 742’~2,315’ 4.0M & up / @10.5

• Ceiling Approx. 12ft High • Windows on 2 Sides of Space One Island South 2,327’ 31M / @19 up

t

en

Ag

S

• Rare Whole Floor • Extraordinary Investment Opportunity in Wong Chuk Hang Global Trade Square 997’~9,820’ @13,000 up

• Grade A Office Space • 13.5ft High Ceiling with Raised Floor System Shui Ki Ind. Building 3,927’ 28M / 55K

• Mutli-Purpose Usage • Ready for Immediate Use Workshops on Ground 1,600’~4,000’ Sale by offer

• High Ceiling • Rare in Market

• Flexible Warehouse Space • Very Busy & Convenient Location in Wong Chuk Hang Southmark 5,402’ 39.8M

• Swimming Pool Facility • Greenery View Office • Mountain View Yan’s Tower 690’~6,300’ 4.2M & Up

• Central Air-Condition • Marble Lobby Design Sing Teck Ind. Bldg.

3,396’ 36K

• Minutes Walk to Public Transports • Price Reduced

• Flexible Warehouse Space • Very Busy & Convenient Location in Wong Chuk Hang Kin Teck Ind. Building 3,750’~5,710’ @6,200

• Full Multi-functional Terrace • Fully Equipped Modern Kitchen with The Appliances Heung Wah Ind. Building 7,226’ 50M / @10

• High Ceiling & Rare Whole Floor • New Development Projects around the Site Hing Wai Ctr. 1,008’~28,000’ @4,000 & Up

• Unobstructed Seaview • Ample Loading Bay

• Opposite to MTR Station • Frontage to Enjoy Inspiring of Ocean Park Aberdeen Ind. Building 3,150’ 14.8M / @10

• Located Inside a Residential Shopping Arcade • Public Transport at The Door Step Fullagar Ind. Building 1,402’ 6.02M

• Internal Toilet • Town Centre at The Door Step Land Acquisition Projects Site Lot Area 6,000’~9,000’

• Revitalizing Industrial Building • Considering Re-zoning the Wong Chuk Hang Area

0911 9326 3293 / 6401 8889 / 9701 6622 3527 24 hours hotline Jeff

(S-130432)

Jacqueline (S-398189)

Dave (S-447427)

View local BUSINESS DIRECTORIES @ www.arounddb.com Birth & Postnatal Support Antenatal Classes Breastfeeding support Placenta remedies

Jeanne Hauguel

DOULA

Trust in yourself when it matters...

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?  Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents  Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients  English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors

© Cyril Almeras

Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years

6496 4318 | jeanne@doulabirthstory.com | www.doulabirthstory.com

A Member Agency of the Community Chest

Greenland Pest Control Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 Lantau hotline: 5668 2667 www.aa-hk.org

96

November 2014

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

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

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

AQ Prettiness Jumping Castles Shoesee Foldable

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

9527 6202 9662 1747 5502 6128 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

360° Sports Bar & Restaurant Airport Izakaya Andante Asian Taste Chef’s Express Deli Viet Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Dragon Inn Erawan Essence Federal Palace Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Hut Regala Café & Dessert Bar Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Starz Wine Bar Zentro Garden

2109 4360 2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4360 6504 4208 2109 0036 2109 4187 2286 6238 2286 6898 2286 6878 3760 6633 3602 8808 2626 0181 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 3180 0000 2286 6618 2286 6868 3969 1888 2109 1297 2109 0612 2802 8000

HEALTH & WELLBEING

9 Dragons Fitness Asian Hairdressers Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Island Veterinary Services Ltd Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

2786 9699 3147 4088 2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 2988 1534 2328 7282 2109 6800 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

3602 8888 2286 8888 3969 1888

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6976 8867 3520 3500 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2109 4962 3194 5120 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Impact Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Socatots Stepz Studio Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2109 9277 2179 6678 6902 2250 3473 8700 5400 4109 2385 9677 3152 7535 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant K’s British Restaurant La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Lantau Taste Restaurant Maverick’s Restaurant, Pui O Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood Taco Loco The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep

2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8708 2984 8933 5465 5511 3489 1282 5402 4154 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 9022 5737 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Dalcroze Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon

6627 4806 6385 0304 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990 HOME & REPAIRS

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 2984 0587 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

2985 5150 2984 0302 2980 3676 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES

LEARNING CENTRES

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

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1809 3661 1694

Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Friendly Bike Shop Lantau Base Camp Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2134 1234 2984 2278 5463 6060 2988 1368 2984 0080 2984 0099 9586 3459

SERVICES & OTHERS

Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio)

2984 1410 9662 1747 2984 0060 9025 3949 3114 0030 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 2984 7918

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

DB NUMBERS

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BtoKidz, North Plaza In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite

2812 2660 2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

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

2987 4401 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

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

MULTIMEDIA

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

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777

OTHER SERVICES

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

9327 0507 littleexplorers@team-fear.com

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

Midget Gems Kids Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years in DB Plaza 6341 5764 dbmidgetgems@gmail.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Harvey Law Group International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life 2116 1333 www.harveylawcorporation.com

PetcoDB

Playtime Kids DB 2233 3000 2682 1210 2987 1851

Bookazine, North Plaza Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 18 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

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

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

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

Let us take the stress out of homework Homework Club and Private Tutoring, conveniently located.

9522 3297 info@wiseowl.com.hk www.wiseowl.com.hk

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

Brightsparks Playgroup Fun, safe and interactive environment for your children.

9632 4287

5369 2329 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

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

LEARNING CENTRES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre

Amity Shoes Care Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 9380 5771 2416 3088 8191 0813 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

AQUABLU

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

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

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 6055 0146 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

Dumper Trucks & Daisies A Montessori-based playgroup programme that focuses on the growth and development of the whole child.

From 16 months to 4.5 years old 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

Future Stars Dance Academy

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

98

November 2014

Around DB’s December issue coming out

December 1

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Movement Improvement Pilates, Yoga, Spinning, TRX, Zumba, Personal Training The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

% Arabica Coffee Roaster & Farm DB North Plaza 2885 1312 info@arabica.hk www.arabica.hk 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay Figos Seaside Café il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Kiraku Tei Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery Life Cafe McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Solera Subway Super Super The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zaks

2987 2298 2295 8288 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 2915 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886 2987 0767 2987 1829 2591 1422 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2555 0772 2914 0005 2914 1308 2777 8411 2682 0068 2682 8110 2987 6232

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

“Everyone is a swimmer” Affordable Swimwear, training equipment & accessories.

9725 3142 www.baysideaquatics.hk

All your sporting needs right here in DB 2914 1323 info@sportsworld.hk

Offering Judo classes for adults & children at Discovery College & Community Hall 6244 6093 darumasports@gmail.com

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

6624 8712 susan@embody.hk www.embody.hk

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

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

A Mother’s Touch

Specialists in Pregnancy & Newborn Care Tel: 2851 9654 clientservices@amotherstouch.com.hk www.amotherstouch.com.hk

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

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

Tinytots A professional sports play program specially designed for children 16 months - 5 years of age.

34887724 info@tinytots.com.hk www.tinytots.com.hk Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Ltd. Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club

2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Toysland

Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities 2914 2223 www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk

My Health Coach Lulu Improve your life balance through health and self awareness. I am able to offer a bespoke program just for you.

9154 1570 lulu@myhealthcoachlulu.com www.myhealthcoachlulu.com

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

2987 0614

2987 4230 2987 7859

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

CAISSA Chess Club HK

DARUMA SPORTS

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

Sports World

TRANSPORT SERVICES

The Club gets together at the DB North Plaza Community Center 9681 2896 contact@caissahk.com www.caissahk.com

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

WELLBEING

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Bayside Aquatics

DB NUMBERS

MOW | Grooming & Skin Care

Limousine Rental

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

6283 9270 2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

A unique retail & treatment space at DBN, that caters to your grooming, skin care & therapeutic requirements 2499 8826 / 6773 3103 www.mowhk.com mowhk@mowhk.com Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Body Talk Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

2987 0283 6683 5755 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

View the business directory @ www.arounddb.com November 2014

99

OUT THERE

KINGS OF CONCRETE Our government is blissfully romantic about the ancient Roman invention, and what better place to keep pouring the stuff than into that economic black hole, the harbour. Peter Sherwood reports

I

n his 1935 essay In Praise of Idleness, Bertrand Russell wrote: “First of all: what is work? Work is of two kinds: first, altering the position of matter at or near the earth’s surface relatively to other such matter; second, telling other people to do so.”

Work can also be gratuitous, a trick to resist a tide of negative economics with hare-brained infrastructure projects. In Hong Kong it can be because concrete is in the DNA. As is building things out of it. The environment is something for wimps, women and geriatric hippies.

Green Island is the name of a 127-yearold local cement company. Perfect.

into our rich cultural heritage – at Hong Kong Disneyland.

and import his kid’s drinking water from Tierra del Feugo.

Many say the bridge could be right up there with the dumbest decisions of the last few hundred years. But plenty of loot will find its way into some already deep pockets, and didn’t Deng Xiaoping say: “To get rich is glorious”? Maybe he’d have changed his mind if he’d had to cart an oxygen tank into the Great Mall of the People

Subjection of country parks

With the gap between Central and Kowloon now threatening to remove Victoria Island’s ‘island’ status, powerful egos focus on a cementpouring extravaganza: a bridge for the hell of it, from Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau. Possibly it’s right up there with Spain’s HK$11 billion Ciudad Real Central Airport, opened in 2009 and closed with undignified haste in 2012. (There was a lack of airline and passenger interest, which didn’t leave a lot of work for the accounting staff.)

‘Save Lantau?’ That’d be nice. The island is so tiny you could drop it on Malaysia’s pipsqueak Penang and no one would notice. It has one of the world’s biggest airports, a cable car worthy of the Alps and the towering city of Tung Chung. And soon it’ll have a serious chunk of a bridge intended to drive more toxic development in nearby Zhuhai, while millions of bored mainlanders tap

Development chief Paul Chan Mo-po has said the government would not rule out building in protected areas to develop Lantau. Really? Now there’s a challenge for DB Green, Plastic Free Seas and the like.

For the love of concrete

November 2014

We’re dealing with a sensitivity impaired crowd, who would engineer a sterile wasteland because their aphrodisiac of choice is concrete, although they’re not completely blind to the wonders of the natural world. A Nature Reserve in Harmony with Development white paper from government is in the offing. Quite probably it will recommend calling in Green Island Cement.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 16 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter

100

Then there’s ‘outspoken’ former Executive Council member Franklin Lam Fan-keung, who has reignited the row over the future of country parks by suggesting ‘green spaces’ on Lantau could be ripe for development.

“The potential exists to upgrade the environment millions of times over by building homes for 300,000 people and creating jobs, and reducing residents’ carbon footprint by cutting their commute,” he told the South China Morning Post on February 10.

You can’t make that stuff up.

@ www.arounddb.com