Liv Magazine November 2020

E E K M TA H O E

M

!

EE FR

FITN E SS NU T RIT ION WELLBEING T RAV EL ECO S PA

I’M

NOVEMBER 2020 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE

c i x To linity

u c s Ma

Open Wide

Trying out a fingers-in-mouth Buccal facial

Dinner Pawty

Hypnotic Relationship

The mesmerising world of hypnotherapy

How manning up is costing men their health

The best pet-friendly restaurants in the city

WIN: a bamboo silk bedding and skincare set, and a two-piece activewear outfit on p.12!

NOVEMBER 05 Editor’s Letter

LIV | MORE

LIV | NEWS

30 Recipe

06 Wishlist

32 Pamper

Lovely things we want right now

08 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

10 Fresh Cuts

Dog-friendly dining establishments

14 Reviews

Gyrokinesis at the Mandarin Oriental, and sports massage at Thrive Health

Greek yoghurt banana bread

The jaw-dropping magic of a Buccal facial

34 Travel

How a travel bubble with Singapore will work

36 Family

Ideas to keep kids connected with overseas relatives during a pandemic year

06

LIV | STORIES 18 Man's Paining

The negative side effects of toxic masculinity on men's health

26 Trance Challenge

A firsthand account of hypnotherapy

34 10

30 3

Sponsored Feature

FROM ZERO TO 100 A local Hong Kong brand, natural beauty purveyors ZeroYet100 have won fans across the city for their all-natural, zero-waste skincare. Recently named Best Skincare Brand at the Wellness & Lifestyle Awards, Liv speaks to founders Sheetal Alvani and Anita Patel about their journey and their expansion plans.

Q What does this award mean to you?

It's a big and loud "we love your products!" from our customers. To receive this award at this time truly means the world to us, and the endorsement is a great encouragement at this time. We are now totally charged up and ready to come out with new, effective products that offer natural and sustainable solutions. We are so grateful, and would like to thank all our supporters and believers.

Q Tell us more about your journey.

It all started with a personal need for a natural deodorant. The next thing we knew, we were fulfilling this need for thousands, and more! Users loved the switch from chemical-based skincare to natural products. Taking feedback from regular users, and by studying the benefits of these natural products, we created a wider range.

Along the journey, we realised that a sustainable skincare brand should come in sustainable packaging. This brings us to today. We are proud to say that we are more than 95% plastic-free!

Q What was the turning point as entrepreneurs?

When we received repeat orders from more than half our buyers. That's when we got our boost and truly knew out that friends and family weren’t just buying to be nice to us or to support us, but because our customers loved what they bought and wanted more. Knowing that there was a market that believed in what we believed in and users that trusted us, we decided to take it to the next level.

Q What has the feedback been for your products? Has Hong Kong responded well to the brand?

Hong Kong is already very environmentally conscious and aware of the benefits of using products made of all-natural ingredients.

We weren’t completely taken aback with the phenomenal response. Hong Kong is a great market for new brands and the city remains our key market, though we are now expanding overseas.

Learn more about the brand and order online at zeroyet100.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

THE F WORD

I

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

t’s funny how some words can be so triggering to people, or more accurately, how words can carry such different meanings to different individuals. Liv Media announced its inaugural

“Great Big Feminist Quiz Night” last month, and although the response was generally very enthusiastic, I was surprised to see a lot of apprehension around the F-word: “feminist”.

I’m not exactly clear on what people have against the word itself, but I’d like to think that most people these days align themselves with the basic principle: “the belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men,” according to the Oxford Dictionary.

Maybe it’s that the term has suffered from an association with more extreme movements, or maybe people just don’t want to be too political in such a polarised time in the world. But it’s

Zoe Belhomme shares her favourite ways to stay connected with older family members on p.36.

been interesting to simply observe how a seemingly objective concept can be interpreted so subjectively, depending on a person’s experience and knowledge of it.

I felt the same way, for different reasons, when I started to write this month’s cover story on (brace yourself) TOXIC MASCULINITY. It sounds like a loaded term, but as I researched it and read up on some of the sociological science of it, I realised it’s less antagonistic than I’d originally thought. A term first coined by men to describe undesirable behaviours they were observing in other men, toxic masculinity is something that negatively affects boys and men in a number of long-term ways, including their physical and mental health. Read more about this potentially touchy subject and how to address it, on p.18.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be hypnotised? The field of hypnotherapy has been

Time to travel again?

Kate Springer explains how a trip to Singapore could work in the near future on p.34.

around since ancient times and popularised in the nineteenth century by the likes of Freud, yet still suffers from misconceptions, due to common mischaracterizations of the practice in popular culture. First-time contributor Stephanie Smailes gets in the hot seat of a Hong Kong hypnotherapist to tell us what it’s really like on p.26.

Hong Kong isn’t always the most pet-friendly place, but that seems to be changing when it comes to the city’s F&B scene. No more lying about how your pet is a medically required therapy animal, because we found some of the best pet-friendly dining establishments (p.10) in the city to treat a good boy or girl! We also review the jaw-widening magic of a Buccal facial (p.32), explain how a Singapore travel bubble might work (p.34), and share a heartwarming list of ideas on how to stay connected with your older family members during longer-than-

Guest contributor Stephanie Smailes falls under the spell of hypnotherapy on p.26.

expected pandemic time on p.36.

To quote the great feminist icon Hermione Granger Emma Watson, “If you believe in equality, you’re a feminist. Sorry to tell you.”

Sorry not sorry!

Sarah Fung learns about all things temporomandibular with a Buccal facial on p.32.

CARLA THOMAS EDITOR

facebook.com/livmagazine.hk

www.liv-magazine.com

liv.magazine, #livmagazine

Say hi hello@liv-magazine.com

Buy an ad sales@liv-magazine.com

Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI DIGITAL & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER TERRY HU EDITOR CARLA THOMAS SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, ZOE BELHOMME PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2020 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.

5

Retail Therapy

WISHLIST

Here's what we're crushing on this month

BREATHE EASY

Lightweight and breathable, this antimicrobial mask from Aveita makes it easy to mask up in comfort.

HERBAL MAGIC

Boost your wellbeing with MingCha Wellness, a line of fortifying tea blends designed to aid with digestion, sleep and a range of other concerns.

FACE FORWARD

HIT RESET

This top-quality CBD tincture has just launched in Hong Kong. Use it to calm the nerves, improve sleep and clear the mind.

Glow up with the help of this all-natural face mask from ZeroYet100, which purifies, soothes and exfoliates.

DRINK UP

Level up your spritzer wih these botanical infusions that add a touch of taste to any drink.

6

Retail Therapy

AIR SUPPLY

FEELING BOOKISH

Feeling fruity? This Womanizer intimate toy uses air pressure technology for a feeling that has to be experienced.

CRUNCH MUNCH

Trust us, these poppadoms are incredibly moreish, and a healthier alternative to chips.

Stuck in a rut? Vex King's "Good Vibes, Good Life" examines self-love, and how you can unlock your greatest potential by learning to love yourself.

BONE AGE

These calcium tablets are made with algae, not limestone, making them more readily absorbed by the body.

BERRY TASTY

Made from Brazilian jabuticaba berry, this antioxidant-rich juice is super good for you and absolutely delish.

Love the products you see here?

You can get all of them and more when you buy a JENG! box! The boxes are just $480, with a retail value of more than $1,000. Order online at jengbox.com 7

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW With Jo Robinson

PARK IT

After what feels like an eternity under construction, the Belcher Bay harbourfront open space is finally open to the public! The 5,900-square metre park spans the distance between Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui, with loads of space and seating areas that we foresee becoming a new hotspot for Hong Kong’s outdoor fitness fans. There’s also an off-leash dog area where pet owners can bring their pups for gatherings (at least someone can enjoy them!) and a 2,000-square metre community garden that combines hydroponics, aquaponics and organic farming. According to an official press release, a series of activities and classes will also be offered later in the year for budding gardeners - watch this space!

Shing Sai Rd., Kennedy Town

PERFECT ZEN

You might not think of TST as a hub of slow living, but the arrival of boutique Japanese grocery store GUU SAN might change all that. Designed to impart the benefits of living mindfully, this foodie’s oasis gives visitors a less hectic shopping experience with open spaces, Japanese architectural features, and healthy, organic import items from - where else Japan. Peruse fresh fruit and veg, snacks, beverages, and lifestyle products, then tuck into a salad, soup or rice ball at one of the store’s in-house dining areas.

It’s also got a pet-friendly outdoor seating area, a zero-waste section, and an actual wishing fountain!

Shop 01-02, G/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2892-0868, guusan.hk 8

Cool Stuff

ART WITH A HEART

Exploring the art of self-care, The Extraordinary Exhibition is a community art project that aims to help overcome the taboos women face when discussing their health. Sponsored by cancer charity The Karen Leung Foundation, this female-focussed art exhibition features works by two dozen emerging and established artists from across Asia. The pieces focus on themes of empowerment and celebration of the body, while raising awareness of genealogical cancers. The free exhibition will be displayed first at Eaton Hotel, until November 6, before moving to Tai Kwun from November 9-23. karenleungfoundation.org

HIRSUITS YOU

It’s November again, and that can only mean one thing: moustaches, and lots of them! Grassroots men’s health movement Movember has taken over the eleventh month every year since 2003, asking men across the world to valiantly sacrifice their bare lips in the name of fundraising and awareness for prostate and testicular cancers. How can you help support the hairy masses? Here in Hong Kong, local tech startup Bravera has teamed up with breast cancer awareness organisation Phenomenally Pink, to launch the virtual #MoSteps Walkathon, a self-paced 60km walking challenge over 14 days. Download Bravera and join the #MoSteps group, make a donation of $250 or more, and you’ll be entered in a draw to win prizes from Beef & Liberty, Lane Eight and Dough Bros, plus you’ll be supporting a brilliant cause. bravera.fit/blog/mosteps2020

PLATE TIME

If you’re looking to make planetfriendly changes to your diet but unsure where to start, sustainable dining guide Food Made Good has teamed up with WWF Hong Kong and Hysan Development to host a series of cooking workshops from leading local chefs. The One Planet Plate Sustainable Chef Workshop teaches students how to make small, easy changes that can really add up, such as shopping local and seasonal foods, sourcing fish sustainably, and opting for more veg. You can catch one (or all) of the workshops at the WWF Visitor Centre in Central. Morning and afternoon sessions are held every Monday throughout November, with a suggested donation of $450, of which all proceeds will go to WWF Hong Kong.

GOING UP The Festive Season

Halloween is out of the way, and now the Christmas Countdown begins! Get organised with our gifting guide on p.16.

Singapore

Travel to the Lion City is now a possibility thanks to a new travel corridor.

Is it time to finally hop on a plane?

Mask Ear First there was Maskne.

Now there’s Mask Ear, the chafe you get on the crease of your ears caused by the rubbing from your mask elastic. Gah!

Sai Kung We love Sai Kung, but the day-tripper crush every weekend is making it IMPOSSIBLE to get around lately.

wwf.hk/33RSK1i A lover of all things wellness, Jo is an NASM-certified personal trainer and Liv’s Director of Partnerships. She loves nothing more than discovering the latest wellness news in Hong Kong. Got a tip? Email jo@liv.media

GOING DOWN 9

Dining

WINE, DINE, & CANINE It’s long been recognised that animals offer therapeutic benefits to humans, from reducing blood pressure, increasing endorphins, and improving one’s overall psychological state.

So do yourself a furvour and bring a paws-one along to one of these pet-friendly eateries.

By Carla Thomas

SIP SONG As if we needed any more reasons to love Sip Song, this beachside hotspot in Repulse Bay welcomes pups of all pedigrees, and even has a special “Doggy Chow” menu! Reward your good boy or girl with a bowl of rice and flaked Norweigan salmon, free range minced chicken, or pumpkin seeds and veg, and while you’re at it, order yourself one of the delicious Thai salad options, like roasted eggplant, compressed fresh watermelon, or classic green papaya.

Shop 114-115, 1/F, The Pulse, 26-30 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2328-8385, sip-song.com

PEAK GALLERIA Head for the hills, with a hike up to Peak Galleria’s brand new pet-friendly rooftop lawn! The super spacious outdoor area with panoramic views of Hong Kong now offers “Peaknic” combos, signature sets from the mall’s participating restaurants, which come served up in old-school picnic baskets that are perfect for picnicking on the lawn. Peak Galleria also has a slew of other pet-friendly amenities like complimentary pet strollers, a pet photoshoot station, and discounts for pet-owners at select merchants.

3/F, Peak Galleria, The Peak 10

LE MERIDIEN CYBERPORT Treat your pet to more than just a bowl of warm water at Umami, the dog-loving Japanese garden restaurant in Le Meridien Cyberport.

Conveniently located next to pet-friendly Cyberport Waterfront Park, Umami is catering to its furry clientele with a tailor-made menu for dogs - think mini-beef bones, superfoodinfused rabbit meat with kale and apple, and salmon ice cream. There’s plenty of healthy options for the hooman in your party as well, with high-quality sashimi and sushi, with fresh seasonal ingredients imported from Japan.

100 Cyberport Rd., Cyberport, Hong Kong, 2980-7406

Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

LOCOFAMA This healthy dining hotspot in Sai Ying Pun has been bowwowing us for years, with an organic menu that caters to paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and lactose intolerant, plus loads of al fresco chill-out space for four-legged diners.

9, 13 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, 2547-7668, locofama.com

HOOMAN BY THE SEA Don’t be fooled by its name - this West Kowloon Cultural District Park cafe is all about man’s best friend. Dogs are the name of the game here, from a signature hot dog menu (all named after canine breeds, like Poodle, Husky, or Corgi), to dog-friendly seating areas inside and out. They also offer an Omnipork hotdog, plus a nice selection of yoghurt parfaits, teas and coffees to carry you through an entire dog day afternoon.

Unit GF-07, G/F, 22 Museum Drive, West Kowloon, 6749-0777, facebook.com/hooman.cafe

BALI TYCHE This brand new vegan/vegetarian Balinese eatery on Lamma Island gets brownie points for being both plant-based and pet-friendly! Snag a seat at one of the outdoor tables, perfect for people- and pooch-watching, while you enjoy one of their signature vegan burgers, acai bowls, or dairy-free cheesecakes.

There’s also a pet shop next door, so you can tick off any petrelated shopping you had on your to-do list.

39 Sha Po Village, Lamma, 5664-6722, facebook.com/balityche

VEGAN BAGEL CAFE OPENS IN SHEUNG WAN Our fave plant-based bagel purveyor, 404 Plant, just opened the doors to their very own cafe on Jervois Street! Owner Bodhi has been selling her doughy delights via social media and through a friend’s cafe on Peel Street for most of this year, finally making the move to her own shop last month. Check out their vegan bagels and cream cheese, plus some mouthwatering new bagel sammy recipes, like the Meaty Impossible or Spicy Guacamole.

109 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 5593-4040, 404plant.hk

PICI LAUNCHES GREEN MENU Authentic Italian kitchen Pici is joining the green party, with the launch of a meat-free menu that’s good for the mind, body and environment! The new limited-time menu includes a vegan strozzapretti with cashew and kale pesto, beetroot and goat cheese ravioli, and a smoked eggplant spread served in baby gem, with loads of superfood ingredients like poppy seeds and red chard. 24-26 Aberdeen St., 2755-5233, pici.hk 11

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

GREAT GARBANZO From the culinary minds of K-Town faves Mama Malouf and Catch comes Chickpea, a new takeaway shop on Lyndhurst Terrace. This blink-and-you’ll-miss it food stall serves up some primo cheat day treats as well as healthy fare, catering to all the days of your dietary schedule! If you’re feeling indulgent, tuck into an order of their saucy fries, loaded with pickles, harissa and tahini with your choice of halloumi, chicken or lamb ($78-$98).

We also love us some gooey halloumi bites, served with a harissa-honey dip ($70) or cheesy pastries with a fig jam dip ($70). If you’re trying to stick to something lighter, Chickpea also makes a mean hummus bowl, combining stacks of chickpeas, roasted cauliflower and carrot, pickled cabbage, and made-from-scratch hummus, as well as freshly made salads, rice bowls, and pita pockets. Open from noon till midnight every day.

Shop 3, Union Commercial Building, 12-16 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, chickpea.hk

12

GIVEAWAYS Visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!

Free stuff!

WIN: A skincare and bedding gift set from ZeroYet100 and Naked Lab Up your self-care game with a two-in-one powerhouse pampering kit! Courtesy of Naked Lab and ZeroYet100, this gift set contains eco-friendly skincare from ZeroYet100, and bamboo silk bedding courtesy of Naked Lab. Both brands are committed to being kind to the environment and gentle on your skin, with ethically sourced materials and no chemicals used during manufacturing - talk about a match made in wellness heaven!

The set is worth $2,592 and we have one to give away.

WIN: A two-piece activewear set from B.Y.O Active Keep cool in the gym with this gorgeous activewear set from B.Y.O Active. Comfy, cute, and strong enough to withstand even the deepest squat, we can’t get enough of this homegrown athleisure brand. Pair one of their dusty pink halter tops with some sleek black leggings, and you’re good to go from the gym straight to brunch with the girls. Bonus points for the built-in pockets that are roomy enough to bring your smartphone along for a gym selfie or two. The set is worth $1,195 and we have one set up for grabs.

Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before Novbember 28 to win!

Reviews

TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

WELLNESS

TREATMENT

Sports Massage at Thrive

Gyrokinesis Workshop at Mandarin Oriental The Buzz: Gyrokinesis is a movement-based practice, and was the precursor to the Gyrotonic method, which uses pulley-assisted machines to isolate and tone muscles. Unlike Gyrotonics, however, Gyrokinesis uses no equipment - just a mat and chair to explore all the natural movements of your spine and breath. Lisa Souissa is a guest practitioner in Gyrokinesis at the Mandarin Oriental, and we joined one of her workshops.

The Class: We arrive and find four yoga mats with a chair and towel for each. Lisa takes us through some easy stretches before diving in, literally; we spend the first 15 minutes of classes doing what can best be described as seated dive-bombs, in order to learn more about our posture and elongate our spines. We pay a lot of attention to body parts like the scapula, sternum, and shoulders, which altogether contribute to the poor posture that many office workers and perpetual smartphone scrollers (guilty, as charged) are prone to.

We move into some balance and core twist movements, said to stimulate the nervous system and clear our energy pathways, before finishing up with some group work movements.

Verdict: This workshop takes mindful movement to the next level! While we felt comfortable with our knowledge of breath and movement, thanks to several years of yogic practice, Gyrokinesis is a whole different ball game when it comes to proper alignment. Perfect for anyone looking to get deeper into their body’s natural rhythms, or walk a little bit taller after class.

Cost: $1,000 per person for 60 minutes. mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoria-harbour 14

The Buzz: Although we’re no massage novice, we’re usually indulging in a bit of hot stone or aromatherapy. Sports massage, on the other hand, is uncharted territory. This form of massage is designed to help athletes of all levels, targeting muscle systems to promote blood flow, prevent injury, and, in the case of strain, aid healing. Concerned about a possible injury that we’ve incurred from training, we head to Thrive Health, an integrative musculoskeletal clinic in Wong Chuk Hang, to see how they can help.

The Treatment: Upon arrival, we’re sure we’ve died and gone to heaven; we’re ushered into a room with a top-of-the-line massage chair for us to wait in! After some automated prodding and pummelling, we meet our sports massage therapist, Ron. We tell him about a small back pain that we’re concerned might be a herniated disc, but he puts our fears to rest with a series of mobility tests that indicate it’s unlikely.

Ron gets to work on our back, quickly identifying the root of the problem: an enormous knot right next to our spine. He gets deep into the tissue with strong, sometimes uncomfortable pressure, and provides clear guidelines throughout on how to communicate our pain threshold to him.

The Verdict: No oils, no candles, no Enya playing in the background...and yet, this was one of the best massage experiences we’ve ever had! Our range of motion was much improved at the end of our onehour session, and the mid-back discomfort we’d been struggling with was reduced significantly. Absolutely worth the moments of pain for the blissful release that came afterwards, and a happy return back into our fitness-filled lifestyle.

Cost: $950 for 60 minutes 2106, Global Trade Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2522-6972, thrivehealthhk.com

Sponsored Feature

SO YOU FOUND OUT THAT YOU'RE EXPECTING? Congrats! Welcome to the most glorious and hectic 9 months of your life.

Luckily, technology rushes to your aid. The Pregnancy Tracker app, a much loved digital pregnancy helper and guide, is incredibly handy.

Sleek and intuitive, Pregnancy Tracker has a bunch of cool and useful features.

Assistant to check if a particular food or activity is recommended, log in your weight and belly growth and see how your baby size compares to different fruits.

Calendar to set all your appointments, tasks, and reminders for medicine and supplements.

Money saving Market to find the best discounts and offers.

No need to look further. Pregnancy Tracker is an all-in-one app you don't want to miss out on during your pregnancy.

15

Sponsored Feature

your

CHRISTMAS, sorted

Stumped for gifting inspiration? Support local businesses and get organised for the festive season with our favourite products from our partners.

hashtag BLESSED Make it personal this Christmas, with an engravable necklace from minimalist jewellery line Kookii B. Their Blessed Crystal Pendant Drop Necklace can be personalised with a name, mantra, or milestone date, with complimentary engraving. $980 from Kookii B, IG: @kookiib, kookiib.com

heaven SCENT Upgrade your mask game with the innovative FLO DiffuserTM. This lightweight oil diffuser attaches to your face mask or clothes with a strong magnet.

Simply add a few drops of your favourite oil for a refreshing aroma all day long. Gift set with oil and engraving available to make it extra special!

From $280 for diffuser only. From $400 for gift set with oil. flojewellery.com, IG: @flojewelleryofficial

mask UP Time to upgrade your mask! Soft, breathable, sustainable and anti-microbial, these 100% bamboo masks from Bamboa come in a rainbow of cheerful colours. If you’re still using disposable masks, it’s time to make the switch. $130 (adults) or $110 (kids) from bamboahome.com

heal THYSELF Get your fill of bioactive collagen to help improve the health of your skin, hair, nails and gut. Just add a scoop to your smoothie! This version by Nutra Organics consistently gets rave reviews online. $220 from detox-me.asia

16

snooze CONTROL

Transform you or your loved one’s bedroom into a 5-star staycation.

Silky, soft, and sustainably made, Hush Home’s Egyptian cotton sheets give the gift of amazing sleep night after night.Sets start from $730. hushhome.com

Sponsored Feature

holly JOLLY

sun SALUTATION

Price upon application from Austy Lee Art Jewellery.

Share the good vibes with this beautiful Aventurine Soleil Ring. Representing strength and vitality, Aventurine carries the energy of good luck and abundance, while the sun symbolizes life and cosmic power. Onyx and garnet gemstones also available.

Stand out at your holiday party with this show-stopping ruby and yellow diamond ring green-plated ring, which reminds us of a sprig of festive holly.

home SPIRIT This loving-crafted and award-winning gin uses the bauhinia flower, Hong Kong’s emblem, as one of eleven botanicals to create a fitting tribute to the city that inspired it. Pick up a limited edition Christmas gift box, complete with stainless steel tumblers and premium tonics to enjoy over the festive period.

$480. karmalinksjewellery.com, IG:@karmalinksjewellery

$580 from winemoments.com

happy HAMPERS How adorable are these hampers from Naked Lab? The bamboo bedding brand is partnering with local businesses such as BeCandle, Petit Tippi and ZeroYet100 to launch Prices start at $680 from nakedlab.me

fit and you KNOW IT Functional and flattering, this chic activewear set will upgrade your workout.

The black leggings feature asymmetric stripes to elongate your legs, while the backless bra comes with a breathable mesh and adjustable hooks to give you extra support. $720 (leggings) and $490 (bra) from byoactive.com, IG: @byoactive

17

UNDER PRESSURE November is men’s health awareness month. For this issue, we take a closer look at the idea of toxic masculinity, and how it negatively affects men’s health, both physically and mentally. By Carla Thomas

H

ongkonger Aaron Stadlin-Robbie had his first panic attack seven years ago, a moment he describes as overwhelmingly frightening and disorientating.

“I had never experienced anything like that before,” says Stadlin-Robbie. “It honestly felt like I was having a heart attack. It was terrifying.”

“At first, I had no idea what was going on.

I tried to rush home and felt if I slept then it would go away. It didn't work and I had another major panic attack at home.” StadlinRobbie was first misdiagnosed with a Vitamin B12 deficiency, and battled panic attacks for an entire year before he was properly diagnosed. The experience led him to launch

Cover Story

with physicians across their lifespan compared to women, and were twice as likely to have gone two years or more without visiting a physician.

Researchers believe that the kinds of male cultural norms Stadlin-Robbie is referring to - a desire for control, stoicism, an aversion to vulnerability - are caused by what’s commonly referred to as “toxic masculinity.” And while the term has made its way into the popular lexicon in recent times, what does it actually mean and how is it affecting men’s health?

Talking Mental, a podcast aimed at removing the stigma around mental health issues, particularly in men.

“The stigma exists for everyone, but I would definitely say more so for men,” says StadlinRobbie. “In my opinion, men like to feel in control. We always want to showcase that we are confident of the path we are taking [...], and with mental health, it's easy to feel you aren't in control.”

Aaron’s perception that men struggle more than women to address health problems isn’t unusual - it’s actually a proven fact.

A 2012 British survey found that men are much less likely to use primary care services regularly, with nearly nine out of 10 men stating they wouldn’t seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist unless they felt they had a “serious problem.” A similar study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that men make fewer contacts

AARON STADLIN-ROBBIE

19

Cover Story

A Toxic Load

Toxic masculinity is a term that’s used to describe the negative aspects of exaggerated masculine traits, such as a need for dominance, violent behaviour, hyper-competitiveness, and suppressing most emotions other than anger. While it might sound like an anti-male concept, the term was actually coined by men during the mythopoetic men’s movement, a New Agestyle men’s self-help concept popular in the 80’s and 90’s.

The movement offered workshops and retreats to facilitate what they deemed a spiritual reawakening of the “deep masculine identity,” which was seen as separate from the “toxic masculine” traits of modern society, such as aggression and an inability to express emotions.

Social environments cause toxic masculine behaviour by setting misguided and unrealistic expectations about what a male experience should be.

20

For better or worse, the term caught on, with everyone from women’s rights organisations to far right wing groups co-opting the idea for their own ideological gains. Razor company Gillette even released a commercial in 2019 calling out toxic masculine behaviour, a move that sharply divided its mostly male clientele, some of whom retaliated with a #BoycottGillette campaign.

Today, the term is frequently misunderstood to mean that male behaviour as a whole is problematic, when that’s far from reality. Modern sociologists have argued that traditionally masculine ideals like physical strength or sexual potency become maladaptive only when they set unattainable social standards for men and boys to live up to. Toxic masculinity isn’t an inherent flaw in all men; it’s more accurate to say that social environments cause toxic masculine behaviour by setting misguided and unrealistic expectations about what a male experience should be.

Cover Story

ROBERT DUNNE

They may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness

Masculinity and Men’s Health

Regardless of the fine print of what it does and does not mean, toxic masculinity does have undeniable implications for men’s health.

Men are more likely to suffer from preventable or treatable health problems, including mental health issues like depression. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), men are 3.5 times more likely than women to die by suicide, and their life expectancy is nearly five years shorter than women’s.

In 2019, the APA actually released its first ever guidelines on treating men and boys, citing startling statistics like male homicide and suicide rates, life expectancy, and risk of violent crime as a basis for the move.

The APA said the guidelines were aimed at helping practitioners with their male patients, contending with social forces that may affect their

mental health. Advice included encouraging fathers to engage more with their children and steering men towards healthy behaviours.

The APA guidelines drew on more than 40 years of research, concluding that, “traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful and [...] socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes damage that echoes both inwardly and outwardly.”

Robert Dunne, Hong Kong country manager for men’s cancer awareness campaign Movember, agrees that a reluctance to appear emotional may prevent men from seeking help. “Some men may have a tendency to hope that if they ignore issues, they might go away, or fix themselves,” says Dunne.

“Others may feel that they need to remain strong and look after the family. They may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness, or when it comes to mental health, may feel that they will be judged.”

It’s one of the reasons why Movember, a grassroots advocacy movement that challenges men to grow moustaches during November, was launched in 2003: in order to raise awareness of prostate cancer, a subject few men at the time were willing to talk about publicly.

“It’s a fun way of getting men to talk about male health issues. People will ask men why they are growing a moustache, or why they’ve shaved off at the beginning of Movember; it’s a brilliant conversation starter.”

The moustache challenge grew into a global movement, and Dunne says Movember now targets a wide spectrum of men’s health issues, the most pressing of which he believes is mental health.

“Time has moved on and the pressures, challenges and environment have changed. As a society, issues around men’s mental health have become more prominent, particularly during current times.”

21

Cover Story

The C Word

A reluctance to talk about or take control of one’s health inevitably leads to negative outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which are all leading causes of premature death in men.

Dr. Ho Yap-lin is a specialist urologist, who says that prostate cancer is one of the most common and easiest cancers to treat in men, yet is often difficult to catch early on due to a lack of awareness or willingness to be tested.

“It is currently the third most common cancer in men,” says Dr. Ho. “There is also a rising trend recently, with new case incidence almost doubling in the last decade [...], most noticeably in men under 65.”

Dr. Ho, who partners with the Hong Kong Movember campaign, says that because prostate cancer can be asymptomatic, early detection and diagnosis is crucial.

The easiest and most essential screening method involves a blood test, and should be done by men who are experiencing urinary symptoms, such as urinating more frequently, as well as men over 50, or men over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer.

Time to Talk

DR. HO YAP-LIN

22

Although it might seem like an uphill battle, awareness of the problem is key to finding solutions.

That’s why groups like the APA and Movember are encouraging men to open up and discuss their feelings and concerns, reducing the risk of isolation and further health problems down the line.

“The more we talk about it, the more we break down the barriers,” says Dunne, who believes women are a vital ally to producing widespread change. “Each year, we also invite Mo Sisters to get involved [in the Movember campaign], as we acknowledge that women also play a significant role in encouraging their fathers, brothers, and partners to seek help for anything that is bothering them.”

The problem of toxic masculinity isn’t one that will be solved overnight. But through awareness, open conversations, and a commitment to changing the culture of dominant masculine ideals, healthier outcomes for men - and the families they belong to are within reach.

Cover Story

Toxic or Positive?

Check yourself! Effect change by starting to recognise potentially problematic behaviour and long-held patterns in your daily life.

TOXIC

POSITIVE

Bonding with your male friends by endlessly mocking them

Being emotionally available, and making sure they know they can talk to you about anything that’s bothering them

Repressing your feelings, feeling like having a stiff upper lip is the only way to cope

Making sure you have a healthy outlet for negative emotions, such as hobbies, personal relationships or therapy

Refusing to go to the doctor until something is seriously wrong

Following medical guidelines for checkups and screenings

During disagreements, stonewalling, yelling or burying the issue

During disagreements, talking through the issue, sharing your feelings and reaching a resolution

Rejecting certain things that interest you because they’re “not masculine”

Embracing all kind of interests and finding joy in pursuits that are not traditionally masculine

Never crying because it’s a sign of weakness

Crying when you feel like it. Crying is fine!

23

Sponsored Feature

Emerald & Mother-ofPearl & Diamond Ring

Ruby & Yellow Diamond Earrings

Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold with Emeralds, Mother-of-Pearl, Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds.

Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold with Rubies, and Yellow Diamonds.

FESTIVE

FLAIR

24

Sapphire & Emerald & Rubellite & Diamond Earrings

Yellow Diamond & Morganite & Diamond Ring

Earrings set in 18K White Gold with Blue Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubellites, Onyx, and White Diamonds.

Ring set in 18K Rose Gold with Yellow Diamond, Morganite, Champagne Diamonds, and White Diamonds.

Sponsored Feature

Emerald & Mother-of-Pearl & Diamond Ring Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold with Emeralds, Motherof-Pearl, Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds.

Emerald & Onyx & Diamond Ring Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold with Emerald, Onyx, and White Diamonds.

Jade & Ruby & Diamond Earrings Earrings set in 18K White Gold with Green Jades, Rubies, and White Diamonds.

Emerald & Lapis & Yellow Diamond Earrings Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold with Emeralds, Lapis, and Yellow Diamonds.

Ruby & Emerald & Pearl & Diamond Earrings Earrings set in 18K White Gold with Rubies, Emeralds, White Pearls, Champagne Diamonds, and White Diamonds.

Morganite & Diamond Ring Ring set in 18K White Gold with Morganite, Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Yellow Diamonds, and White Diamonds.

aUSTY LEE Art Jewellery Address: Shop A, G/F, Kam On Building, 176 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2388 0212 austy_lee

25

Hypnotherapy

Healing With Hypnotherapy You are getting very sleepy.... If you’ve ever wondered just how accurate on-screen portrayals of hypnosis are, Stephanie Smailes is here to separate fact from fiction, as she sits (or lies down) in the hot seat of a Hong Kong hypnotherapist.

I

always imagined hypnotherapy would be like it is on TV. I imagined staring at a Sigmund Freud lookalike waving a pocketwatch as he urged me to look into his eyes. Images of stage performers commanding me to behave like a dog in front of thousands of laughing onlookers came to mind. Or lying in a dark room surrounded by New Age objets d’art watching a pendulum swing as I open up my subconscious and innermost thoughts, without even realising what’s happening.

Unsurprisingly, hypnotherapy is actually nothing like any of the representations I have seen.

After nine sessions, I can say with total certainty that I was completely aware of everything that took place in my sessions. I didn’t have to stare deeply into the eyes of my hypnotherapist or watch myself give up my deepest darkest secrets without restraint, nor did I hop on one leg while touching my nose on command.

What I have found to be true about hypnotherapy was how effective and meaningful it was, and the difference it made in my day-to-day life. It may not be for everyone, but I do believe that if you go into it with an open mind, a willingness to change and a clear intent about what you want the outcome to be, you can have an extremely rewarding experience. Here’s how it worked for me:

26

Session

1

I met with my hypnotherapist, Olivier, to have a casual discussion about whether hypnotherapy would be suitable for me. We discussed my reasons for seeking out this strand of therapy, the kinds of difficulties Hypnotherapist Olivier Courret I was facing, and I gave an overview of my life and experiences. Olivier felt confident that hypnotherapy would be appropriate and asked me to complete a suggestibility assessment... to be answered as my 16-yearold self. Olivier explained that this helps the hypnotherapist to ensure that the metaphors and guided visualisations are ones that will appeal to my subconscious. We booked appointments for the following week, and my course of hypnotherapy began.

Hypnotherapy

Session

3

Session

2

In the first actual “session” we revisited the reasons why I’d come. One significant question Olivier asked me was if I could wave a magic wand and have something be different - what would it be? Olivier also conducted a sort of word association assessment where he prompted me with different words and I had to say the first word that entered my mind. I found this quite triggering and frustrating.

I lay back, comfortable on a chaise longue with a blanket, and followed Olivier’s voice as he guided me through a talking meditation. I thought I would feel really sleepy and that I would fight to stay awake, but instead I was incredibly focussed and present.

I noticed my mind wandering, but compared to how often my thoughts go adrift in short 10-minute meditations at home, this was nothing. I realised at the end of the session that I had actually been in a trance state for about 30 minutes.

This session was exhausting and totally draining. Olivier had planned for us to do two different exercises under hypnosis, but by the time our session was over I had been in a trance-like state for nearly the full 90-minute session and we had only covered the first exercise. It was a guided visualisation where Olivier prompted me to conjure people I had imagined who I felt had taken something from me that I needed to take back. It was quite surreal; I imagined a safe place, a room that was familiar to me where Olivier requested there was a lot of light and a door.

Everytime he prompted me, I was to open the door and see who was standing there waiting to be let in. It was quite daunting, but I realised quickly that while I didn’t know who I was going to see standing there, my subconscious would.

It was emotionally draining to dredge through difficult relationships and see people I consciously avoid thinking about.

It was harder still to say the things to them that I needed to and take back the energy that they had taken from me. Out of all of the sessions, this was the one where I was entirely focused without any deviation. I left feeling like I’d run a marathon.

Session

4

After one hour in hypnosis, I requested to stop. I felt a very strong resistance. Nothing seemed clear and I was unable to visualise anything complete. I experienced a sense of haziness and was deeply unsettled; I couldn’t focus, and felt irritable and fidgety. This session was frustrating and left me feeling like I’d failed. Something was starting to shift inside me and I was experiencing a really strong aversion to whatever hypnotherapy was beginning to help me address.

27

Hypnotherapy

The second half of my hypnotherapy course helped me to address what was continuing to hold me back. One session involved returning to a “safe place” with a basement of objects, to see what representations my mind would present to me. I would then take these objects into a garden of my mind’s creation to let them go, one by one. These visualisations were incredibly freeing and cathartic.

The significance of symbols and metaphor to the subconscious are truly mind-blowing. In discussion with Olivier afterwards, I was amazed at how I could relate meaning from these objects to people, feelings or different times in my life.

Once I had cleared the way for change by accepting and letting go all that was holding me back, I started to understand that everything I need, I already have within me.

A final session to eradicate any remaining obstacles involved manifesting a library and burning and destroying the remaining pages of a book that represented everything that came before this moment. Once again, it was the metaphor and symbolism rather than the actual visualisation that felt healing. I was then prompted to manifest a new book, describing its appearance aloud. In this book, I would picture the life ahead of me, the future, and the version of myself that would take me towards it.

Session

4

to

9

28

I am an extremely organised, punctual, neverforgets-a-birthday, planner-yielding individual and after session three, I completely forgot about and missed the following TWO sessions. I was mortified and extremely apologetic on both occasions, but was astounded that I could make such an oversight twice! When Olivier and I met again after those missed appointments, we discussed the very strong likelihood that the reason I had missed them was because I really didn’t want to come.

Our behaviours and reactions are essentially ways that our minds have learned to protect us from experienced traumas. I think that as I began to unpack the reasons behind the behaviours and beliefs I had that I wanted to change, I had a physical and subconscious reaction to avoid that transformation in order to keep me safe. Luckily, my conscious commitment to addressing and dismantling the coping mechanisms that were making life difficult overrode my subconscious desire to stay the same.

Conclusion

I can honestly say that this kind of life-affirming therapy has changed my outlook, how I feel about myself, and how I feel about my journey. I have always been the kind of person when something goes wrong to shout “PLOT TWIST!” and carry on as best I can, but hypnotherapy has helped me to trust myself, acknowledge and accept my feelings, and move through life with more awareness and understanding.

Sponsored Feature

FEELING QURIOUS? Lifestyle store Qurious has just opened, offering Hongkongers a treasure trove of quirky gifts and lifestyle items to add a touch of sparkle to your life. We are obsessed! Here are just a few of our favourite items from their curated collection.

101 Collective Nouns $250 A beautifully illustrated picture book featuring 101 full-colour animal illustrations, each with its very own collective noun. This book will delight word nerds of all ages!

Bowtie $280 Bowties are back! Swap fabric for wood with this unique conversation-starting bowtie.

Leaf mirror $1,650 Create a tropical vibe in your space with this unique, limited-edition piece, inspired by the lush greenery and graphic shapes of the glorious Monstera Deliciosa plant.

Weave bowl $480

Eye pillow $220 Great for tired, puffy eyes, headaches and cheeky naps, this bold print features banksia flowers on the front, and a lovely and soft turmeric-coloured cotton on the back.

Visit the showroom (by appointment only) at 6/F, 80 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | Shop online at qurious.life debbie@qurious.life

These bowls are the perfect catch-all for keys, jewellery and other bits and bobs you want tidied away in plain sight. They’re beautiful decorative items that add texture and softness to any interior.

In partnership with Qurious

Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

Organic Greek Yoghurt Banana Bread

By Prim The Baker This has been the year of homemade banana bread (just ask Chrissy Teigen), thanks to a dramatic rise in at-home baking due to a pandemic virus that shall remain nameless. Try your hand at this organic, healthier version from local baking blog Prim The Baker (@primthebaker).

Makes four loaves.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS:

• 3 ⅔ cup bread flour

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.

2. Sift flour, baking soda and baking powder together in a large bowl.

3. Beat eggs, brown sugar and banana together until smooth and creamy.

4. Slowly beat the dry ingredient mixture into the wet until no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add yoghurt, milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

6. Add vegetable oil, and ripe banana chunks.

7. Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan, and place in oven.

Reduce the temperature to 165°C (this will give the banana bread a nice crust) and bake for 28 minutes.

8. Rotate the pan 180 degrees, and bake for another 10 minutes.

9. Remove and allow to cool completely in the pan before removing. Enjoy while warm!

• 1 tbsp baking soda

TIME

90 minutes

• 1 tsp baking powder • Salt • 5 eggs • 3 cups overripe bananas, mashed (should be soft enough to squish)

TIP: Drizzle with some icing and pistachios for maximum "wow!" effect

• ⅔ cups brown sugar • 4/5 cup organic Greek yoghurt • ¼ cup milk • ½ cup vegetable oil • ⅓ cup maple syrup

FILLING 2 ripe bananas, cut into chunks

30

Pamper

THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle

ALL FINGERS AND THUMBS Would you let a stranger put their fingers in your mouth in the pursuit of a more youthful appearance? Sarah Fung puts the Buccal face massage to the test.

A

s the therapist slid her latex-gloved thumbs under my top lip, a thought kept playing over in my mind: “It’s just so bizarre to think that someone’s had their hands in Meghan Markle’s mouth like this.”

I was at Sense of Touch, the only spa in Hong Kong to offer Buccal massage. Beloved by the likes of J-Lo and the aforementioned Meghan, Buccal massage is a facial massage technique where the therapist actually goes INSIDE your mouth with her fingers.

This is how it works: after your usual facial steps of cleansing, toning and face mask, the therapist uses her fingers to massage inside your mouth, pressing down on tension spots and pinching your cheeks between thumb (on the inside) and fingers (on the outside) to release tension, reduce water retention and puffiness, boost collagen production, improve blood circulation, and tone the face and jaw. The Buccal massage itself takes around 20 minutes, during which the treatment gets quite intimate, with your therapist probing where no finger (not even your own, I’m willing to bet) has gone before. Rama, our therapist, went right up behind our lips to the edge of gums to manipulate fascia, right down to the back of our jaw to release long-held tension, and everywhere in between.

Bewildered but intrigued after the treatment, I wanted to learn more. I got in touch with UP!Health, a Central-based chiropractic clinic that also offers in-mouth treatments as part of their approach to craniosacral therapy. While their approach is more therapeutically driven, there are definite parallels between the two.

32

“While most people come to us for issues related to jaw pain, tension, headaches or clicking, a number of patients do approach us for cosmetic reasons,” says chiropractor Dr. Gillian Tsang. “Some people notice an asymmetry, such as A Buccal facial in action. All one cheekbone being higher in the name of journalism. than the other, or a lopsided smile, and come to us to correct it.” It usually takes five or six treatments for patients to notice a difference.

One thing that the Buccal massage and chiropractor both treat effectively is tension. “We don’t really understand why, but stress and poor sleep all has an effect on the temporomanidubular joint, or TMJ,” says Tsang.

Paying attention to and treating this often-neglected area with massage can do wonders for relaxation and tension release, leading to fewer headaches, less grinding, and in turn, a more refreshed appearance.

For me, my mouth felt pleasantly roomy, smiley and relaxed after both treatments, with a noticeable reduction in tension that I didn’t even know I was carrying. So if you’re feeling tense and able to get over the inherent weirdness of having someone’s fingers caressing your gums, perhaps it’s time to consider going hand to mouth.

Sense of Touch: 1-5/F, 52 D’Aguilar St., Central UP!Health: 11/F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington St., Central

Pamper

PRODUCT REVIEW

MOLECULAR SELL

Here at Liv we love a good bargain, which is why we’re a tiny bit obsessed these days with the new skincare collection, Good Molecules. What do we love about it? Taking a page out of cult skincare The Ordinary's playbook, this pared-down product line skips overly complicated formulations, focusing on single active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and rosehip seed oil.

Keeping it simple also keeps the price points low, since you're not paying for a bunch of extra filler ingredients you may not even want. Perhaps most crucially, the products themselves are beautifully packaged in colourful and stylish bottles that dress up a vanity desk nicely. Good Molecules uses very little plastic, opting for glass bottles instead, and with ethically sourced ingredients that won’t harm the environment - checks all of our boxes! goodmolecules.hk

BEAUTY NEWS

TAKE IT SLOW

You know the slow beauty movement has officially gone mainstream when Lane Crawford unveils a massive new line of wellness products, including CBD, supplements, TCM, hair care and more from some of the world’s coolest and most up-and-coming brands in wellness. A couple of the products that really intrigued us included the CBD-infused tampons

by Daye, which are designed to help with menstrual pain. For winter, we also love the Saffron Latte powdered drink by The Fullest. With rave reviews online, fans incorporate it into their daily rituals for a sense of calm, to boost their mood and for a sense of overall wellbeing. Special shout-out to Prima, a clean skincare line that uses CBD in their skincare. We didn’t really have any expectations when trying their face oil, but have been blown away by the brightening and clarifying effects. It’s a great first port of call for this year’s Christmas list - either for loved ones or yourself. lanecrawford.com

33

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

T

he Hong Kong government has been teasing us with “travel bubble” rumours for months. But things may finally be coming to fruition; on October 14, the Hong Kong government announced plans for a quarantine-free “air travel bubble” between Hong Kong and Singapore.

Details are pending, but the concept is pretty simple.

Travelers would take a mutually recognised COVID-19 test before boarding and, possibly, another upon arrival.

If negative, they can travel freely sans quarantine when landing in Singapore, then repeat the process back to Hong Kong.

Before you dust off the old suitcase, though, there are a few caveats. For instance, you would likely need to pay for four tests per person, per trip - two each way - and fly on designated “air travel bubble” flights only. That means space will be limited and ticket prices, let alone the bill for mandatory tests, could be prohibitive for many. What’s more, 20 percent of COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic, according to a recent peer-review study published by PLOS Medicine in September, so it’s not without risk.

“The government is endeavoring to let cross-border travel to resume in a gradual and orderly manner,” says a spokesperson from the Hong Kong government. “In

34

formulating the arrangements, we would be guided by science adhering to the advice of our health professionals, taking into account the epidemic development in Hong Kong and the countries concerned.”

To make the bubble happen, Prenetics, a Hong Kongbased genetics and diagnostic health testing company, is preparing to roll out rapid COVID-19 tests that can ostensibly provide results in 15 minutes to one hour, and cost an estimated $785 per test.

Another important part of the puzzle is the implementation of a “digital health passport” - essentially a mobile app that contains your testing history. Prenetics

Travel

NEXT STOP: SINGAPORE If you’re packing your bags for Singapore, check out a few of my favourite spots.

SEE

Gardens by the Bay

has teamed up with The Commons Project, a non-profit public trust, to provide the testing and app combo with hopes of providing a seamless process. Prenetics is currently trialing the system with Cathay Pacific staff on flights between Hong Kong and Singapore, and they’ve also deployed rapid tests at London’s Heathrow Airport.

“Testing needs to be fast, accurate, easy and cost-effective.

And of course, [the situation] needs to be safe for everyone involved,” says Danny Yeung, Prenetics Group CEO. “There's a lot of pent up demand, so I think these flights will be sold out in minutes [when tickets go on sale]. Initially, demand will certainly outpace the supply. But the key thing is to get this first travel bubble right.”

If the bubble goes well, however, this could open the door to other travel agreements with shortlisted destinations. According to a Hong Kong government spokesperson, a special task force is currently in talks with 10 more destinations: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The task force is also working closely with authorities in mainland China and Macau to gradually resume cross-border travel.

What’s the holdup? For starters, arrangements with Guangdong province and Macau were delayed during Hong Kong’s third wave of infections this summer. Then there’s the issue of mutually recognised COVID-19 testing and “health codes.” Macau and Guangdong both use a digital QR code system that classifies people by three colours - red, yellow and green (green gets to skip quarantine) - based on test results and health status. Hong Kong has yet to implement such a code system, though development is underway.

Gardens by the Bay: A celebration of nature and technology, Gardens by the Bay is best known for its Flower Dome (the world’s largest greenhouse!) and the surreal Supertree Grove (head up to the 50-metrehigh observatory for the best views of Marina Bay and beyond). gardensbythebay.com.sg River Safari: This family-friendly cruise winds through Singapore’s wildlife and nature precinct with more than 240 animal species, including giant pandas, penguins, rainbow sharks, snapping turtles, blue dolphins, dwarf crocodiles, manatees and giant catfish. wrs.com.sg

EAT Poison Ivy Bistro: An organic farm, vegetarian Indian curries, homemade banana bread... this casual bistro does farmto-table dining justice. bollywoodveggies.com.sg/poison-ivy-bistro Joie: For a fine-dining experience, dress to the nines for a seven-course dinner that’s totally meat-free at glamorous Joie on Orchard Road. joierestaurant.com.sg

STAY Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore: Named “Asia’s Leading Green Hotel” by the World Travel Awards for five years running, the Parkroyal promises lush greenery, a water filtration system, efficient lighting, a zero plastic policy, and energy-saving technology. panpacific.com/en/hotels-andresorts/pr-pickering.htm

Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert who contributes to Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, CNN, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. Follow her travels on Instagram @katespringer. Send travel news to kate@kate-springer.com

35

Family

FIT FAM

with Zoe Belhomme

GAME PLAY

A WRINKLE IN TIME This year has been tough on us all but for elderly family members, it’s been particularly devastating. With Hongkongers unable to visit their relatives' homes out of an abundance of caution, parents have to get creative so children can stay in touch with grandparents, aunts, uncles - anyone who could use a little long-distance love! Here are some suggestions on how to make it easier for everyone to stay connected.

VIDEO CALLS

It might be second nature to schedule online meetings for work but making time for video calls with family overseas is often done haphazardly. The older generations are becoming increasingly computer literate so why not schedule times for them to join typical family activities such as dinner or evening storytime? Invest in some good quality technology such as an iPad, plus a stable internet connection, and you’ll feel like they’re really there.

PHOTO BOOKS

A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not help your children collate images for personalised photobooks to send to various family members. Not only is sifting through photos a fun activity for you and the kids, the final product is a compilation of precious family moments that will last a lifetime.

LETTER WRITING

Introduce your kids to the lost art of handwritten letters.

With so much school work done over a computer, writing letters is a chance for children to practice their handwriting, plus it’s a nice keepsake for your older rellies to pin up on the fridge or show off at their next social event (whenever that is.)

36

Online gaming isn’t just for the young!

There are a whole host of multiplayer games that friends and family around the world can take part in. Have a laugh over games such as charades and Pictionary, or for something more strategic, try some online Rummikub.

For younger kids, Caribu allows family members to read, draw, solve puzzles, and even cook together.

VIRTUAL CRAFTING

Does your mum love to knit? Is your dad a keen gardener?

Hobbies and crafting are wonderful ways for younger children to learn basic skills, so why not get them working on a project that grandparents can help out with, over the miles?

Run interactive sessions via Skype or Facetime where your kids can explain what they’ve made, and your parents can give them feedback and advice.

GENEALOGY

How much do you know about your heritage? Family members will love reminiscing about their past and talking about the family tree to the younger generation.

Combine memories, family documents and online resources to trace your ancestors and find out more about the life they led. A fantastic project that will keep your parents and children occupied for weeks on end.

Family

PRODUCT REVIEW

TAKE A SEAT I’ve just started to wean my second, and with two babies under two years, I was on a mission to find a highchair that took up less floor space than my trusty Stokke Tripp Trapp. After some research, I coughed up for the latest from Swedish brand, Baby Bjorn. Yes, this chair might be made of plastic which is often considered less aesthetically attractive than wooden ones, but the Baby Bjorn still looks sleek and very premium. It’s subtle (so important in small Hong Kong flats), neat, and can easily be folded away when not in use. Even better, it’s easy to clean because there are no fussy parts where food can get caught. The tray itself is what keeps the baby in place so there’s no need for straps and it’s secured at a height that’s perfect if you want to start your baby with babyled weaning. The chair is designed to take your child up to three years old but because it’s a little less robust than others out there, larger children may outgrow it sooner. $2,399 from babybjorn.com.hk

PARENT PICKS

URBAN JUNGLE BOOK As parents, we’ve all used books as a way to talk about serious issues with our kids. From potty training to going to school, books are a fantastic way to kick start conversations.

To help little ones understand COVID-19 and the impact it has on their daily lives, Hong Kong Free Press has launched a free online book, Bobby Baboon and the Invisible Buggies.

It helps children make sense of the pandemic through beautiful illustrations from local artist Kitty Wong, and a fun educational tale written by primary teacher, Daniel Levia. The story follows Bobby the Baboon on his journey with friend Owl, and gives parents the space to bring up topics such as mental health, social distancing, and wearing masks. The book is available to download for free in English and Chinese from the HKFP website. hongkongfp.com

Zoe Belhomme is our resident fitness writer and new mum. She loves working out, eco-friendly parenting, and partnering with her husband to produce some of the region’s biggest sports events at MBS Concepts. Reach out to her directly with your healthy family news at zoe@liv.media.

37

Back Page

@rosiyogi

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverance.

- Henry David Thoreau

@seabeyond.me

MONTHLY MANTRA

@blissbodyretreat_hk

SHOW US HOW YOU LIV! Tag us at @liv.magazine for a chance to be featured in our monthly Instagram roundup!

38

@kawaixx

@zhuzhment

W A N N A LI V?

Pick up a copy of Hong Kong’s wellness magazine at 200+ locations citywide CAUSEWAY BAY

I-Detox

Wagyu

IMC Hong Kong

Waveworks

Elephant Grounds Caine Road

Total Loyalty Company

10/10 Space

Immortal Fitness

weStretch

Emmanuel F

Impakt MMA

XP Fitness Hub

Eric Kayser

KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES

Infiniti Fit

HAPPY VALLEY

Fete Up

Barre Formula

Intelligent Fitness

Classified

Asia Yogies Bodywize Coffee Academics Commons Workshop Dr. Reborn Fivelements Goji Studios Causeway Bay Medi Spa Sci-Fit Company Limited SharedSpace Strokes The Work Project Yoga Aloha CENTRAL 12NOON Alive Wellness Annerley Asia Medical Specialists Atria Properties Aumnie Austy Lee Baby Basics Barre 2 Barre Be-Juiced Bear’s Lab Byrne Hickman Caffe Habitu Central Health City Osteopathy Classified CranioSacral Therapy HK Crossfit 852 Defin8 Dolma Waxing Boutique Dr Jamieson Dr Lauren Bramley Elevate Elu Spa Essensuals Toni & Guy Feather & Bone Feel Good Factor Fitness Compass Flawless Flex Central Fresca Glow H-Kore Health Concept Healthy Chicken HIT45 Hybrid

Iyara Cochrane Street Iyara Hair Spa Iyara Mid-Levels JAB Studio Joint Dynamics Just Green Levo Spa LifeHub Mandarin Oriental Hotel Mindful WIng Chun Moksa Slow Beauty Nature’s Village OnTheList Optimum Performance Studio Options Studio Pilates Ovolo Group Paul Gerrard Pherform Pololi Posto Pubblico Posture Plus

Eric Kayser Feather & Bone Hong Kong Football Club Jaspas Organic Plus Resiglow Utime KENNEDY TOWN Club 9 Crossfit Asphodel Foodcraft Infiniti C Jaspas Kennedy Town Just Green Little Creatures Maison Eric Kayer Makerhive Spicebox Organics Utime Kennedy Town

Goji Studio House of FItness Kita Yoga Knead MANA! Cafe

R3 Personal Training

Feather & Bone

Renewed Edge

Garage Collective

Sense of Touch

High Street Bar & Grill

Shama Serviced Apartments

infiniti C

Sohofama

Locofama

SOL Wellness

Opendoor Cafe

Soul Feet

Organic Oasis

Sparadise

Organic Plus

Strength Culture

Spicebox Organics

Strip

The Winery

The Body Group

Ursus Fitness

The Executive Centre

Utime

The Firm

Warrior Academy

the practice The Right Spot

SHEUNG WAN/MIDLEVELS

The Store

Anhao Wellness

Topfit

Blend & Grind

Torq

BounceLimit

Ultimate Performance

Chicken on the Run

UP! Health

Classified

Urban Bakery

Confusion

van der Bloom

Corner Kitchen Cafe

Vitality Centre

Dandy Cafe

Jaspa’s

Dr. Reborn

Goji Studios Megabox

Naked Hub

Goji Studios Mong Kok

Oolaa

Goji Studios Tsim Sha Tsui

Organic Plus

Goji Studios Whampoa

OVO Cafe

Happy Kidult Yoga

Poke World

Just Green Sai Kung

Spicebox Organics

K11 GO NATURAL

Sweetpea Patisserie

Kowloon Cricket Club

The Hive Sheung Wan

Little Cove Espresso

Versus Performance

Optiumum Peformance Studio

Vulkano Fit Yoga Bam Bam Yoga Room ISLAND SOUTH Byrne Hickman

F45

Crown Relocations

Motion Dynamics

Beef & Liberty

R&R Bagels

Chuan Spa

Feather & Bone Clearwater Bay

SAI YING PUN Cafe Polygon

Base Camp Kerry Sports

Maximus Studio

Waffling Beans

Queen’s Garden

Treats

Classified Classified, The Pulse Flex Island Wake Just Green Le Meridien Cyberport Limewood MuLan Spa Mum Veggie+Coffee+Sweet Quofeteria @ Trybe Sense of Touch Shan Studio Stanley Wellness The Executive Center The Round Clinic Thrive Health TREE Cafe ISLAND EAST Classified Tai Hang Food for Life Taikoo Shing Joint Dynamics O:RIN Ryze Shama Serviced Apartments Three Keys Craft Space

Shama Serviced Apartments United Services Recreation Club WAN CHAI/ ADMIRALTY 12NOON Wan Chai Athletic Juice Bar Bite Unite Classified Eric Kayser Eric Kayser Food for Life Honbo Iyara Wan Chai Le Pain Quotidien MANA! Star Street OVO Cafe Ozone Fitness Santi Space

A new season of self-care Pre-order the December JENG! Box now $1500 worth of wellness treats for $480, delivered to your door

A perfect Christmas gift!

j e n g . b ox @ my je n g box

Order now at

JE NGBOX.COM

Fi r s t b ships atch at the end o N ove f mber