UMAC_Bridges_Fall_2011 by Umac Bridges

fall 2011 fall 2011 issue #35 issue #35 since 2000 since 2000

wha wthd aot d thoetyhey thintkh:ink: spacse psaa cb esou atbout macm acao ao

2011: 2011: AA Space Space Odyssey Odyssey on cover on cover

pg.3 pg.3

features features

Macao Macao & Hengqin & Hengqin

Alternative Alternative Pets: Can Pets:I Have Can I a Have Place? a Place?

Opportunities Opportunities Ahead Ahead

Flowing Flowing HomeHome

REVISIT REVISIT OUROUR MEMORIES MEMORIESpg.55 pg.55

One End One Is End Another Is Another Start Start Can Factory Can Factory Manufacture Manufacture Art? Art? Feels Like Feels a Like Female a Female SpaceSpace NeedsNeeds People People A ManAinMan His World in His World Don’t Don’t LeaveLeave Me Alone Me Alone Flea Market Flea Market at Lin Kai at Lin Mio Kai Mio Just a Just Bed... a Bed...

contents on cover

Macao & Hengqin: Opportunities Ahead

It’s no doubt that this space has been undergone series of developments and it is unarguably clear, from an oversea view of casinos, that this once-a-village space is Hengqin Island.

pg. 3-10

features 13 15 17 19 21 23 25

Struggle in Life, Fight for Space Feels Like a Female Let’s Live Together A World Surrounded by Love One End Is Another Start Just a Bed Don’t Leave Me Alone

29 31 33 35 37 39

Dance with Zeal, Dance in Zeal Alternative Pets: Can I Have a Place? Space for Treasures Way of an Artist: A Painter’s Life Karting Means It All Start from Zero

43 45 47 49 51 53

Neighborhood Tastes Flowing Home Lanes in Macao One Land, Multiple Cultural Interactions Senado Square Is My Home? Flea Market at Lin Kai Mio

61 63 65 67

Housekeeper of Disused Firecracker Factory Be a Local Live on Your Own A Man in His World

71 73 75 77 79

Imperls Art, Space Needed Headz Is a Concept Fresh Hand in Creative Handmade Space Needs People Can Factory Manufacture Art?

other spaces... 81 83 85

What Do They Think: Spaces about Macao Workspace: Just Find It! Personality Test

editor’s note

While Stanley Kubrick brought us to an adventurous but self-reflective space voyage in his movie “2001: A Space Odyssey”, we do the same thing to bring you to a voyage of different spaces in Macao in “2011: A Space Odyssey”. This Fall issue of Umac Bridges purposely chooses “space” as the central theme. Space can be regarded as a three-dimensional area as large as Macao or as small as our home; space can also be a fluid concept, varying with our perceptions like personal space. Yet, we believe that every space, regardless of the form, can tell us a bit about the world, so we will bring you to different spaces in Macao to understand our beloved city in different angles and perspectives. Umac Bridges is a campus publication as well as the academic project produced by 4th year English Communication students in the Department of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Macau. Through this publication, students can apply skills of journalism, desktop publishing, web design and event planning and implementation which they have learned throughout the academic years to an actual project. The aim of this publication is to cultivate the sense of news of UM students and call their attention to issues happening around them. The magazine also has an online version which experiments some multimedia news stories. On behalf of the MadHouse Production, I would like to give special thanks to who have helped in producing this publication and I hope you can enjoy this space odyssey.

Chief Editor Tony, Lai Chou In

REVISIT OUR MEMORIES Tranquil Life in Taipa Workers Stadium Tap Seac Court

pg. 55-58

cover story

MACAO & HENGQIN:

OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD Cecilia, Ma Hei Man Cristal, Chan Kai Ian Tony, Lai Chou In Wendy, Wong Weng Si

Continuous waves of low-pitch noises are resonated through the whole area, together with rocks and boulders kept bumping to each other at the back of the trucks. Whenever a truck drives past the terrains with towering piling rigs and drillers, a new cloud of dusts and sands is born to join its peers permeating in the air and acting as hair clay in people’s hairs. The traces of the dusts can still be found in the more populated area, where bricks – grey, red, white – can almost be found in every corner of the streets, together with apartment rental advertisements stuck or hanged everywhere.

It’s no doubt that this space has been undergone series of developments and it is unarguably clear, from an oversea view of casinos, that this once-a-village space is Hengqin Island. Hengqin Island - connected to Macao through the Lotus Bridge and the pier at Coloane - is about three times as big as Macao whose total area is 29.7 km sq till 2010, mostly with mountains and open areas. Its population of around 4,000 to 6,000 people is about 90 times smaller than Macao. This rural island has not come to people’s attention till recent years, as a pioneer project to illustrate the cooperation between China, Hong Kong and Macao, according to the wish of the Chinese government. While this project is expected to bring more spaces and opportunities to Macao, it certainly pushes Hengqin to a new level.

Due to the recent development, there are trucks, piling rigs, and drillers everywhere in Hengqin with some old huts ready to be demolished 05

Hengqin Brings Spaces to Macao The Hengqin project has been in discussion for several years. Yet, it first came to the table in January 2009 when Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said that Guangdong and Macao would work together to develop Hengqin, helping diversify the development of Macao. Liu Bolong, professor of University of Macau and director of Social Science Research Center on Contemporary China, shared with Umac Bridges, “Macao is lack of land. Developing Hengqin, a large piece of land just next to Macao, is beneficial to both places.” The overall development plan of Hengqin Island was passed by the Chinese government in 2009, the same year that Hengqin was regarded as Hengqin New Area, the third state-level new area in China. This plan gives rights to Macao in developing a 5 sq km land in the east of Hengqin with Guangdong. Among the land, one-fifth is rental to University of Macau for its campus for 40 years. Legislator and developer Lau Veng Seng told Umac Bridges, “Hengqin is a virgin land and it can provide resources, in terms of space and manpower, for Macao to strive for its position as an international leisure center.” Both governments of Guangdong and Macao signed Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement on March 6, 2011, placing emphasis on and refining the details of their joint development on Hengqin. In their key joint industrial zone, both parties aim to develop Chinese medicine,

education and training, and creative industries, which Lau labeled as the “high productivity industries”. “With the appropriate use of spaces in Hengqin, the rental costs for the local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be reduced,” said Lau. “For manpower, Hengqin can attract and recruit quality personnel from all parts of the world.” The Macao government has several preferential policies for the local enterprises to invest in Hengqin while there are procedures to facilitate the crossborder movement between the two places, according to the official presentation session on GuangdongMacao Cooperation Framework Agreement in this August. But Liu had doubts on whether this project can have direct impact on the diversification of the local economy because the diversification does not occur inside Macao. “The houses, training centers and government departments can move to Hengqin while the precious spaces left in Macao can be used for the diversification of the economy,” said Liu, adding that this idea may be difficult to implement as the use of land in Hengqin is not up to the sole decision of the Macao government. While one of the pressing issues – the housing problem – has still not been solved through the current mode, Liu thought the government could ask for more land from the central government as the land in Hengqin is so “precious” to Macao. umac bridges

Alternative Views: Changes in Hengqin

hile some Macao residents focus on what opportunities and spaces can this development bring to Macao, some of them emphasize on what changes are brought to Hengqin.

Frank Lei, artistic director of Macao OX Warehouse, organized a photo exhibition about Hengqin during July and August this year, aiming to let more locals know more about this place in terms of its history and culture. “Hengqin was a village, a typical one to be found in China, but it has changed a lot due to the development,” said Lei, adding a lot of its culture like old huts and red forests are vanishing. A young local photographer Wong Kei Cheong, who also joined the Hengqin photo exhibition, thought that Hengqin now gives him a feeling of desertedness with the trucks and construction sites. “It has changed a lot in such a short period of time, somehow like Macao. There were some traditional grocery stores and fields when I went there a few years ago. But now they’ve almost gone,” said the young photographer. Wong Io Man, in his fifties, who has moved from Hengqin to Macao since his teens, found his childhood in Hengqin was happier, when he could run from a mound to another and catch fish or oyster from ponds. “Now it’s all about money,” said he. Yet, Lau agreed that the development of Hengqin cannot keep the culture and environment completely intact, but it’s a “tradeoff”. “If you want to have development, you must have sacrificed something to get more,” said the legislator.

Opportunities in the Development

he development has also turned a new page for Hengqin. It’s no longer a rural open area with rocks and trees, but a place with construction sites, trucks, and piling rigs. For the future, when the highprofile projects have been completed, an open island suited for business, residence, and technology facilities is waiting ahead, as claimed in the overall development plan for Hengqin in 2009. “There have been a lot of infrastructures in these recent years,” said Li Liang, a tourist driver who has been living in Hengqin since he was 14. “With no doubt, I welcome Macao and other regions to come to develop Hengqin. It was a land with nothing, but it has more and more chances now.” The opportunities are not only for the foreign investments like Macao, but also for Hengqin residents. Once there were two cotton trees in front of a restaurant which was expropriated by the government for development. In return of the two cotton trees with years of history, the government paid the owner 1,500 yuan for each tree. This news was spread among the public and everyone vied for the compensation by planting the seeds of cotton trees in their land. “Home for Cotton Trees” is what the Zhuhai media used to describe this frenzy. “But they couldn’t get what they wanted as the government was smarter,” said Li. “The authority set restrictions regarding the compensation on the cotton trees.” This quest for cotton trees might have been stopped but the frenzy is yet to cease.

NO MORE HUTS?

2 3

1/ These apartment rental advertisements can be found at many places in Hengqin 2/ The number of old huts is diminishing while the number of newly-built houses is kept on rising 3/ Zhao is looking forward to the future with his houses waiting to be expropriated

There are 11 villages in Hengqin and most of the villagers live in their self-built houses. With the recent favorable policies and development projects, home prices keep rising in these few years. “It cost 600 yuan to rent a one-bedroom flat two months ago, but it costs 800 yuan now. I think it will be getting higher and higher after the settle down of University of Macau,” a Hengqin estate agent Xie Sulian said. With the consecutive increase on home prices, the villagers adopt a wait-and-see approach and thus the housing market has slowed down. Many are waiting for the price appreciation or the housing requisition from the Chinese government in return of compensation. The compensation will be decided, basing on the house dimensions and the number of floors. So many houses can be rented but not be bought. “Most of the houses in Hengqin are newly-built with floor additions. The owners are waiting for the government requisition of their lands, which might cost at least 25,000 yuan per sq m,” said Zhao, who has been living in Hengqin for 18 years and owns a few of five-story self-built houses.

Their houses are usually four-story or five-story high, as the authority would not compensate from the sixth story or upwards. The old huts or houses with two stories are not the trend now, so they will rebuild their houses to maximize the compensation for the land requisition, or build one when there is land. Zhao also seizes the chance and invests on the houses with the ownerships of lands entitling to the others. Once the lands are expropriated for development, he can share a proportion of the compensation with the owner. Besides the compensation, the residents can move to New Home residential area, which is still under construction for the relocation of the villagers whose land is expropriated, too. Chen, a Hengqin villager for over 20 years, thinks differently. “Many locals follow the trend of using up their money to build five-story houses for the compensation,” said he. “But who knows when the requisition can happen.”

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More Job Openings A

nother villager Cao, who is unemployed but catches fish as his interests, expects other opportunities like the job openings propelled by the economic cooperation between Macao and Hengqin. “When the constructions are completed, there must be many jobs available in Hengqin and what I can do is to stay prepared,” he said. Hengqin residents can indeed gain more job opportunities from the foreign investments. Eight entrepreneurs held two job fairs at the end of this October, which in total provided about 200 job vacancies of more than 30 different types of works. “The infrastructure construction provides more opportunities for us. Before, Hengqin residents suffered from hunger and wandered around with no productivity. Now, men can work as security guards while women can work as cleaners for the construction sites,” another local Ao Yu said.

1 2 3

1/ Cao is not worried about his livelihood as he expects there are more job openings in the future

2&3/ Some Hengqin residents have worked at the construction sites since the development

The Diminishing Industry

he requisition does not only affect the residents, but it also influences the former main industry of Hengqin – oyster industry. The number of oyster fields drops and there are not many places to eat oysters now because of the massive construction projects. Zhi, owner of an oyster export company, moved his company to a new location after the land requisition. “If the government expropriates my land again, I may move back to my hometown Yangjiang and continue running my business there,” said the company owner. “Hengqin development is mandatory so we have to give up the land. The government will give me a reasonable compensation for the requisition but the payment is only once,” said Wang, another owner of an oyster company. “I do not know what to do for the rest of my life without my oyster fields.” While the owners may not express their unwillingness in the land requisition explicitly, there are still a few Hengqin residents that are deviant from this mainstream frenzy. Their voice may not be heard but can be found in banners along the new-built roads saying “Against the mandatory land requisition from the government”. “I miss about the old times when people were not longing for spaces to build houses, the times when life is simple,” said Wong Io Man, who is experiencing the rapid changes of his hometown Hengqin, in a nearby city Macao.

A few Hengqin residents express their discontent in the banner

Oyster industry was once very prosperous in Hengqin umac bridges

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The eternal silence of these infinite spaces fills me with dread.â&#x20AC;? -Blaise Pascal, French Mathematician

where you find connection

Selling sex is considered as a taboo in the Chinese society and there is always a moral conflict about selling sex. Sex workers, prostitutes, or go-go dancers, no matter how people call them, are always linked with guilt, disease and immorality. Chitang Women Association, a non-profit organization, was established in 2006 to provide assistance to sex workers under the support of Zi Teng Hong Kong. Yim Yue Lin, founder of Chitang, has spent 15 years to help the sex workers and lessen people’s discrimination towards them. She said the discrimination in Hong Kong and Macao is severe and some may even express their discrimination and dissatisfaction through actions.

Hong, 30, coming from Sichuan, has been a sex worker in the form of One-woman brothel for two years. “There are a lot of ways to earn a living, but this job allows me to earn money quickly,” said Hong, who started this job owing to the loss in investment.

“There was a time we visited some sex workers in a residential building, and the neighbors splashed “One-woman brothel” is a special brothel in Hong urine on the sex workers and us,” said Yim. “This is Kong and Macao: one sex worker in one apartment. insulting.” This brothel is in the grey zone; as long as it is done behind closed door, it is legal. However, it is likely for them to encounter sex violence, robbery and payment refusal, such as many cases happened in Hong Kong. The sex workers dare not call the police as they may have the risk of repatriation. “These happen frequently but we can’t help ourselves,” said Hong. Macao, for many sex workers from the mainland China like Hong, is just a space to make money. Being a sex worker can help Hong to repay all her debts more quickly. She believed every sex worker has his or her own story behind. “After repaying the debts, I will surely go back home and choose other jobs,” the sex worker said without hesitation.

Struggle in Life, Fight for Space Elaine, Lam Chi San 13

Hong works in Macao because nobody knows her occupation except a few of her friends. “This job is criticized by people. If I tell my family and friends about my job, they cannot accept it,” said she who thought her family would be ashamed if they knew about it. She always worries that she will be repatriated. She is tired but forced to keep on doing something against her will. Moreover, she cannot share her feelings to her beloved ones. “I can’t tell my mother about my sufferings,” she said.

and reducing discrimination via workshops in schools. She confessed that it is hard to change one’s mind and education is a useful way but it takes time. Protecting sex workers through law can be another way. “There is no law to protect the sex workers from sex violence in Macao,” Yim added, urging the government and society should raise their awareness towards the sex workers. “Once the sex workers engage in this industry, they have to bear a great pressure. They may be criticized by the society, abandoned by their family and sweated by others they work for,” said Yim. “They still survive in such a bad environment. They have a strong will to live. They are the Life Fighters.”

“Besides my apartment, I seldom go out for sightseeing or having fun. I’m afraid my neighbors will know about my job,” said she, whose way to relieve stress is drinking alcohol. “Being sober can let me forget about my pain.” Hong needs to be a sex worker for 4 to 5 more years to pay back the debts. After the repayment of her debts, she plans to go back to her hometown and form a family. Hong is now single but she is hopeful about her future partner and family. “After going back to my home, I will start a new life and forget about my past,” she said. Yim has helped the sex workers for 15 years through teaching them the Basic Law, personal hygiene

umac bridges

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FEELS LIKE A FEMALE

When you click on the gender options, there are no longer only “Male” or “Female” options, because the Sign Up page of Google+ offers the “Other” option for gender!

Adeline, Hong Tak Leng

With the new option, you may wonder what is meant by “Other”. It refers to those who are not comfortable in choosing either “male” or “female”. However, do people really feel better with this “other” option? “No, I always prefer to be female,” said Maimai, who underwent surgery to physically change herself to female 10 years ago. Regardless of the sex reassignment surgery, she always identifies herself as female because she is comfortable with that. Maimai was born in Chiang Mai, a city in the northern part of Thailand. She identified herself as a female once she was born.

“I’ve never thought that I am a man,” said Maimai. Unlike other boys of the same age, Maimai knew her way when she was just a kid. During her early age, she walked and dressed like a girl. She loved playing with girls, and her childhood had totally been a fantasy to her until secondary school. One day her mum said that “you are my son and you are a man”. She was lost and depressed, but she still believed in her choices. Eleanor Cheung Pui Kei, gender scholar at University of Macau and University of Hong Kong, said that some gender variants, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people,

experience a lot of distress when they come to make the decision of changing the gender. After Maimai had graduated from the university, she made up her mind and chose to do the surgery. Surprisingly, ten days after the surgery, when her dad first saw her, he said, “Here’s my girl.’’ Maimai was relieved when her parents finally accepted who she was. Although she has been to many places like Japan, New Zealand and Hong Kong, she has never been to Macao. Last year, she heard from her friend that Macao is a metropolitan place in which the Eastern and Western cultures meet, so she decided to

experience this unique culture. At first, she did not think Macao was great, and indeed the first impression was negative - a crowded and boring place. Yet, her perspective changed after she had started working in one of the Macao casinos. She enjoyed going to different clubs with her colleagues after work, and she loved to hold some Thai parties during holidays.

things get better as they are more visible, at least the transsexuals can change their gender status on the identity cards.” “The government is providing gender spaces and legal recognitions to the transsexuals. They don’t face as much prejudice as before, and eventually less people will suffer from Gender Identity Disorder (GID),” said Cheung.

“I’ve never thought that I am a man!”

However, things did not turn out the way she wanted. She had some troubles of getting into some Macao casinos and discos. Maimai recalled that one time she went to visit a casino (company name not disclosed); a security guard did not allow her to enter the place because the staff said that her gender status did not match the information shown in her identity card. Maimai thought that this was an “unfair” practice. In response to this incident, Alison Tam, a manager of that casino, said that the company does not have any regulations to restrict transsexuals, people who underwent sex reassignment surgeries, to enter the casino.

“The transsexuals in Hong Kong are getting more attention from the public,” said Cheung. “Comparing to the community few years ago,

GID is a disorder which a person feels a strong identification with the opposite sex, resulting in behaviors similar to the opposite sex and desires to alter their physical appearance.

“Most transsexuals want to live equally in the community. They’ve changed their gender to conform to the norms of the community and the public should respect them all the times,” Cheung said, who has previously joined several transsexuals’ gatherings in Hong Kong. “In order to increase the public awareness and acceptance, I think that education is an essential approach,” added Cheung. “The educational authority should help the young generation to enhance their understandings and reduce their prejudices towards those minorities, meaning not to be affected by the community construction of the gender norms.” Despite these treatments, Maimai is an optimistic person who feels overwhelmingly happy to live in Macao. She cherishes her times in her present company and with her colleagues and friends in Macao. “I am happy to live in Macao.This place offers me freedom and I love to live as a female,” said Maimai.

Gender scholar at the University of Macau and Univeristy of Hong Kong

Yet, Maimai is still hoping to go back to Chiang Mai after the age of 30 to build a happy home with her beloved ones.

umac bridges

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Let’s Live Together Linda, Chan Lai Man

Save Money for Future Home Agents of Macao real estate companies said that the local property price has skyrocketed since 2009. In Areia Preta (黑沙環), an apartment with one living room and two bedrooms cost MOP 600,000 in 2001 but costs MOP 3.8 million in 2011, according to Ming Pao. Many couples have difficulties in affording their own house, so they live with their parents like the case of Kam and Kuong who now earn about MOP 25,000 per month. Their target is to save around MOP 500,000 for the mortgage payment and housing decorations. “We will buy our own house sooner or later,” said Kam. Share the Same Space There are two living rooms and two bedrooms in the house of Kuong’s mother. Kuong and Kam share one room, while Kuong’s mother and 17

younger brother share the other one. “I believe my younger brother needs his own private space, especially for his study in Master degree, so one living room will be used as his study room,” Kuong said. For Kam, she used to watch television in her own room before. After she has lived with Kuong’s family she realizes that she needs to spend time on communicating with Kuong’s mother. Kuong’s mother expressed, “I feel glad to live with them. Living with my daughter-in-law is just like having one more daughter.” Eight in One For how to share the space with the family members, Kam may take a look at Zoё Cheng’s family. She has married with Teddy Leong for two years with two sons. Cheng and Leong now live with Cheng’s parents and her two younger sisters. Totally, there are eight people sharing the same

Turning into a wife, Helen Kam entered another stage of her life. She married with Kuong Chi Kong in this June. At this moment, the couple has moved into Kuong’s house to with his brother and mother before they can save enough money to buy a house.

space in their home. The house with three bedrooms is big enough for a family with three daughters, but it seems a bit crowded for eight people and thus the couple and their sons have to share one room. Cheng said, “I don’t think it is overcrowded. I just feel close to my sons.”

With a tight working schedule, Leong needs somebody to look after his sons. Instead of hiring a babysitter, he would prefer his mother-in-law to take care of his kids as she is an “experienced mother” who brought up three daughters with her amazing cooking skills. Cheng’s mother enjoyed taking care of the children as she said, “I don’t need to work now and I love to spend time with my lovely grandsons.”

Why Living Together?

Be Independent

Before their marriage, Leong only lived with his mother and younger sister. At that time, he visited Cheng’s family and found that they lived happily together. After he has moved in, Cheng’s parents treat him as if he were their own son. “Now I can also share their happiness,” said Leong.

Everything seems nice and they are having a good time at this moment. However, Cheng realized that it is inconvenient to share the same room when their sons grow up. Therefore, four of them are going to move to a new apartment. Although she is not willing to move apart from her parents and sisters, she said, “We need to build up our own space with my Leong works as a casino teller so he needs to be on husband and sons.” shift. “When I go to work, my children are sleeping and they have gone to bed when I come back,” Leong expressed. umac bridges

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A World Surrounded by Love Alda Alice Manuel Sawimbo

Many of us could have thousands of questions about the world of the autistic children, but how many of us know about a space for them in Macao? Macau Child Development Association (MCDA) is a small place that can be described as a home for the autistic children. It assists around 60 children with learning difficulties, such as autism. The center was created by the parents and the citizens who are worried about the future of those autistic kids. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each kid, coming for the first time to our center, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regard the place as their second home immediately, because they feel it as a strange place,â&#x20AC;? said Mary Wong, a trained interventionist teacher, teaching a small group of kids that are behind the grade level of the healthy kids at the same age. In order to make the kids quickly adapted to their new home, the staff at the center use all possible ways of communications and therapies to make the kids feel better.

The facilities in the center can also help to give the kids a warm atmosphere with a sense of security. The center consists of two main facilities with classrooms and a main playground, especially designed for autistic and disabled children, on which all the kids can freely enjoy themselves. There are also therapy rooms with art tools for them to exhibit their creativity. “After some time, they start getting adapted and it is great to see the children love to come here,” said Wong. Wong’s colleague Andrea Calderon also shares the same thought. Calderon, 22, is an assistant teacher of MCDA, who learned how to interact with the kids through her autistic brother. “One of my inspiring moments is when I see the smiles on the children’s faces”, said Andrea Calderon. Calderon has developed her own style to handle the children. She follows a technique called the reinforcement strategy. In order to be successful, she has to know what the children really like, such as a toy or a game. During reinforcement strategy, the kids have to choose what they really like. For the autistic kids, they might not follow the instructions since they might have sensory issues and feel very uncomfortable in certain environment or activities. Therefore the teacher needs to work on de-sensitizing them first and introduce the activity slowly. “Autistic kids are not alike. They are all unique individuals because they all behave in different ways,” said Wong. “The most important thing is to know their needs and from there we can design programs to support them.” Teaching autistic kids is not easy but Wong and Calderon will not give up. “We don’t stop when we see improvement and we’ll look for more areas to support them,” said Wong. “Giving children equal opportunity and interacting with them are what we are doing.”

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One End Is Another Start Cecilia, Ma Hei Man

What will you think of when you hear Green Island (Ilha Verde)? Wooden house? Reconstruction or social housing? For Lee, 83, the village head’s wife, the Green Island is a memory of her life. Since the reconstruction for the public housing in the district in Feb 2011, the Lees’ life in Green Island has come to a full stop. The end of one space is the start of another.

“If you ask me what have been changed, inevitably everything except my heart.”

Green Island is Mrs. Lee’s 3/4 life memory The Lee’s family had been living in Green Island since 1950s. However, soon after moving into Green Island, the Lees encountered a conflagration that destroyed all the huts, including theirs. Fortunately, the Macao government, Ho In’s family and four local nonprofit organizations donated to rebuild Green Island so that the people had houses to live again.

“At the beginning, we, including my husband, children, and parents-in-law, were difficult to find a big house. Luckily, Green Island was big and spacious enough, and the house cost less than MOP 100 dollars only,” Lee recalled. Before the reconstruction, the Lees owned two houses and one grocery store named “Cheong Kei”. Living in Green Island was a good time for Lee as she described, “I could open and close the store whenever I liked. Although I only earned around MOP 300 a day, I enjoyed my life.” Even though she has moved out, she still misses her times in Green Island. “At that time, many friends and relatives came to the grocery store and chatted with me. We chatted like we had forgotten the time as we usually kept chatting until the midnight,” she said. “Everything has changed except my heart.” Finally, the Lees had to move away and end their life in the Green Island without any choice. The government compensated MOP 160,000 for their houses and the grocery store, while the Lee’s family needed to pay MOP 230,000 in buying an apartment near the Border Gate. As she mentioned, everything has changed except her heart, resembling the situation of Green Island that everything has disappeared except the temple. And the temple has become the only connection between Lee and Green Island. “I visit the temple around 11 am everyday unless I do not feel well,” said Lee. “That’s my habit for over sixty years, which cannot be changed.”

She loves Green Island, not only because of the place itself, but also the relationship built among the community. As many neighbors live in the same building together, they can continue to keep in touch with each other. “It is nice that the government moved the Green Island residents into the same building after they had moved out.” Moving out means it is really the beginning of her retired life. Without the grocery store, her life becomes very boring. “My husband likes watching television at home every day, and I have nothing to do except going to the temple. That’s my life now,” Lee said. In the future, she has a wish No matter how much Lee misses the old days, it’s just part of the history. The end of one space brings another start. She cannot keep the old space; she only wishes her son can inherit the house when she passes away. Lee said, “I am very worried that one day if I have gone to the heaven, my son won’t have a living space. It’s very ridiculous that I bought the apartment but I cannot pass it to my son.” In fact, Lee said that the government regulates the right to the apartment use under the name of Lee and her husband only. She cannot control the disappearance of the old Green Island, so do the future ownership of her house, and the only thing she might do is to enjoy the present moment.

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Just a Bed Tony, Lai Chou In

While some people on top of Macao Tower are excited to jump off to explore the limits of their life, a 62-year-old man nearby on top of his bed is trying to get past the trough of his life.

With a slightly stained white tee, a pair of frayed cut-off jeans, and white slippers, Chan, who goes by the last name, is just like everybody, or somehow resembles a construction worker. But it is beyond comprehension to judge from his appearance or his characters that he has been ending up on the street since his unemployment early this year. A bed mattress under the flyover at Praça do Lago Sai Van - the open area adjoining Macao Tower and Sai Van Lake – has become Chan’s recent living space, where he has only been staying for a few weeks.

“I had stayed at several places like Barra and Patane (沙梨頭) before I cycled to here,” said Chan, noting that Sai Van has more fresh winds and air. A bed mattress, a bicycle, a few cardboards, and some clothes. Those are what Chan literally owns now and carries with him from place to place. Most of them are from the times when he still had a regular living space - a home. They can bring him a fleeting sense of home, such as sleeping on the bed mattress.

With scarcely bank savings, he now only relies on the general subsidy offered by the Social Welfare Bureau and a few hundreds he barely gets from his children. But it’s still not enough to get him a regular dwelling. “I know he wants to rely more on himself rather than to become a burden,” said Ah Cheng.

With an aim of getting a regular living space like sharing an apartment, Chantried to find a job by getting news from his old acquaintances and flipping through some newspapers fetched from “Sometimes when I am just awake, I feel like I the janitors of the public toilets. am staying at home, not in the street, for some Qin, under a fictitious name, a toilet janitor, has seconds,” said Chan. seen several homeless staying in that area in Chan had been like most of the local citizens – these few years. She had an experience that he had a home and a job – before his life started the homeless would always make a mess like puddles of water in the toilet after they had used to turn upside down. it, but Chan turned out to be different from other After separation with his wife more than a homeless. decade ago, he rented an apartment with two friends for several thousand patacas. During the “He’s gentler than many people I have seen times, he had worked at a local bakery until he here. We sometimes talk when I have finished quitted the job this year for his age and health. my work and he is not asleep, though he isn’t “It was more like a mutual decision. Chan knew a talkative type,” said Qin, who used half of her that his shoulder and back could not stand with salary to rent just a bed in a shared apartment. “I the hard work and our boss thought that his understand what he’s going through.” performance could not reach the standard,” said Ah Cheng, Chan’s friend and colleague in Once he had an appointment, set up by his children, with the staff from Social Welfare Bureau the bakery. about his housing condition, but he didn’t go as Afterwards, he has difficulties in reentering the he said he had forgotten it. He only revealed labor market, as his age has become one of he might seek help from the government again his obstacles. So now no job, no money and no later. living space. Chan said, “Staying in the street is just a choice “They [Chan’s children] know my situation but without alternatives that you have to deal with.” what they can do,” said Chan, having a son and a daughter who also suffer from economic difficulties to support their respective families, needless to say in providing him a living space.

The flyover near Macao Tower, where Chan is currently staying with his scarcely belongings like his bed mattress. umac bridges

where you find connection

Holding a dog, a woman walked in. She wandered around and watched the trembling dogs in cages. Then she walked into the office. Out with one of the staff she came to the front of a cage, where she was going to abandon her dog. She expressed how reluctant she was to give up her dog and burst out crying. Finally her dog was locked in the cage. Seeing its flurry, the woman cried like a kid. This is not an uncommon scenario to be found in Macao Municipal Kennel.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Leave Me Alone Vena, Kou Wan

Macao Municipal Kennel, a public animal shelter run by the Department of Food and Animal Inspection and Control of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, provides abandoned dogs a home. Generally there are two kinds of dogs waiting for adoption. One type is stray dogs which are caught from the streets while the other is dogs which are abandoned by their owners and handed over there. If the stray dogs are not adopted within 72 hours after being caught, they could be euthanized according to Macao Municipal Kennel. Based on the statistics from the official website of Macao Municipal Kennel, the number of stray dogs had an increasing trend from 2006 to 2010. In terms of animal euthanasia, 811 stray dogs were caught and sent to the government animal shelter in 2010 in which nearly 90% were euthanized. Although the organization is a shelter for abandoned dogs, many of them lose their lives there.

In Macao Municipal Kennel, there are not many cages for the dogs. Whenever people step into the space, it’s ordinary to see there are several dogs sharing a tiny cage together, showing the lack of room. Lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho had once raised concerns on the issue of abandoned dogs. He urged the government to increase the capability of adopting abandoned animals and not to end the animals’ lives hastily because of the lack of room. “I don’t want to agree with animal euthanasia but I have to,” said Lam Weng Si, a former dog owner. She said that it is impossible for Macao Municipal Kennel to adopt all abandoned dogs in that small space and thus animal euthanasia is inevitable. Lam argued that more spaces for abandoned dogs may contrarily encourage more people to abandon their dogs. She suggested that the government should start from education to raise people’s attention towards the problem of abandoned dogs. “The extension of Macao Municipal Kennel can be a good move for the sake of dogs,” said Mak Ng Ben, a vet who had once worked in Macao Municipal Kennel for four years. He pointed out that staying in a small space for a long time would have bad impacts on the dogs’ psychological and physical aspects, so the extension of the space will improve this situation. “But the extension of the space won’t solve the problem of abandoned dogs radically. What the government should do is to start from education to raise the awareness of Macao citizens towards this issue so that the dogs can really get help,” Mak said.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sky is no longer the limit.â&#x20AC;? -Richard M. Nixon, the 37th President of the United States

where you find passion

Dance with Zeal Dance in Ze al Karen, Lei Hio Ieng

Street dance is not new in Macao and has become more popular. Many people, especially teenagers, learn dancing and the street culture is spreading widely and rapidly. In many ways, ZEAL Dance Studio plays an important role in the local development of street dance. ZEAL provides a space for dancers to practice, a space for people who are interested in street dance to make their first step, and also a space for street dancers from different countries to exchange their ideas and experiences. “ZEAL is a dream place for me, physically and spiritually: a stable space for me to dance heartily and freely, and a home for dance,” said Jun Loi, one of the founders of ZEAL Dance Studio, who has been a street dancer for 10 years. He experienced how street dance has developed in the recent years.

“Street culture in Macao was barren,” Loi said. He has started dancing since high school and street dance was not popular at that time. He just brought some VCDs and imitated the dances, instead of having formal lessons. Later he chose to continue the higher education in Taiwan. He then joined the dancing club in school and had his first formal training. After coming back to Macao, Loi continued his dancing career - joining dancing competition overseas with several partners with the same interest. They used to apply for the government subsidy but just received a small amount of money. “We didn’t have any groups or organizations to support us,” he said. “No places for us to practice. We could just dance in street which was not stable at all.

Street dancers usually practice at the “Red Bricks”, a public space which is near the Golden Lotus Square. Street dance is just for “adding more fun”, according to Loi. Some organizations invited them to perform but many of them were for “charity” and dancers were not paid. “Street dance is kind of art. We are devoted to this art which is valuable but many people don’t respect it,” said Loi. “People who want to learn dancing have no way to know more about it. No social activity for the others to understand the street culture. Just several of us to promote is not enough,” he said.

forge a career as a dancer. Kid-dance and courses for adults can also be found. Besides teaching street dance, ZEAL also holds dancing competitions and promotes street culture including graffiti and beatbox. Moreover, ZEAL has been invited to perform in concerts, universities, and even kindergartens. “Promotion of a culture is boundless,” Loi said. Loi defined ZEAL as a “half-public” and “half-private” space: it is open for all people who are interested in street dance, but all those should be serious in dancing and be respectful. Their slogan is “build for sure,” which means the dancers can build up their confidence in ZEAL.

“Dancing may not enable me to earn a living, but I chose it.” Once street dance being commercialized, more people can know about the street culture and it can be enhanced and expanded. Thus, they need to build up an image, a brand, in order to strive for the support. “That is why ZEAL is here,” Loi said. “ZEAL” represents “passion” and “aspiration” in their dancing. To establish a dance studio is not easy in Macao Dancers in foreign countries can find jobs in the dancing companies. However, as Loi mentioned that, “Street culture in Macao was barren”, so they are forced to establish one to go on.

Now Loi is a full-time auditor in casino. In order to arrange time for teaching dancing, he has changed his job several times. “Dancing may not enable me to earn a living, but I chose it,” Loi said. “So I should find a stable full-time job.” Loi has some plans for future in his mind. “To enhance street dance culture in Macao so that the atmosphere and level are similar to those in foreign countries. Secondly, open a shop on the ground floor. As ZEAL is located upstairs now, we need to organize activities more frequently to get others’ attentions.”

Loi and four other partners finally established ZEAL Dance Studio in March 2010, which is the first local To popularize a culture is not easy. There is still a long dancing and entertainment company in Macao. It way to go. provides professional training for people who want to

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Alternative Pets: Can I Have a Place? Christy, Cheng Oi I

“I will never forget the first time I’ve seen her. Her pair of innocent eyes seemed to beseech me to take her home,” said Mafalda Remedios while lifting her little lizard. With already 10 pets kept at home, inclusive of fishes, parrots, birds and dogs, Remedios’s great affection for peculiar species cannot stop her from having another 50 amphibians and reptiles, which have turned her more mother-like.

First Touch It was a coincidence for Remedios, a Year 4 student of Macao Polytechnic Institue (IPM), to find her interest in amphibians and reptiles by surfing a forum with pictures of reptiles years ago. “Through a reptile peddler, I bought my first reptile, a very adorable lizard which was abandoned by its owner, and decided to bring it up,” said she earnestly. However, it requires her time to gain more knowledge on reptiles from books and forums. “There are guidelines for the beginners from the forums, like how often we need to feed and clean up their living places, how we can adjust their living environment and what we can do when they are sick,” said she. Share Sleeping Place Till now, Remedios has around 50 amphibians and reptiles - snakes, geckos, frogs and tortoises -in her bedroom, which are all kept in glass chests. Most of them were bought second-hand. As the owner of the only licensed reptiles’ shop, Animal Club, Lee Wing Kwong said, “The second-hand market of the reptiles is tremendously larger than other pets due to the low recognition from the public and the lack of promotion from the government.” Remedios is attentive to their accommodation. Though they occupy one-third of her bedroom, she tries to clear up her reading desk to squeeze out more spaces for them. Besides, as different breeds of reptiles require different food, like pinky mice for snakes and mealworms for geckos, she has to reserve some spaces for storing their food in containers. During the transition periods between seasons, Remedios needs to adjust the room temperature and the living environment for her pets. “It’s necessary to prepare heat mats for keeping them warm in winter, and lamp illuminations, as well as to enhance their appetites,” said she.

Besides, she said that they have to absorb Vitamin D3 to prevent them from diseases, but there is no registered clinic for reptiles in Macao. Once they are severely ill, they could just await for death. Lee added, “Very few locals specialize in the reptile industry, and poor medical knowledge reduces Macao people’s motivation in opening a reptile clinic.” Take into Action In order to promote the public’s interest and knowledge on amphibians and reptiles, Remedios established the first reptile association Macao Reptile and Amphibian Enthusiast Association in 2010. Most importantly, there’re spaces for members to exchange reptiles’ news and knowledge. Till now, members have increased to around 20. Remedios said she was glad to see that there are more and more reptile enthusiasts. Impact and Change Remedios mentioned that she had struggled for the family’s approval to keep the reptiles, but she tried to relieve her parents’ worries and panic by introducing the nature of these species to them that reptiles do not hurt or bite people. “Of course they would draw back the first time, but gradually they’ve found that reptiles aren’t that awful,” she said. And now, her mother also keeps some pets like frogs. Significantly for Remedios, she also understands the hardship of parents through bringing up her pets. She’s like a mother to look after them all along, so this enables her to understand more about the hardship of her parents to bring her up. Yet, she said that even though there are not enough spaces for the pets, she will not give up raising them as they are her lovely kids. Last but not least, Remedios hopes that both reptile and non-reptil e owners can be aware of the existence of reptiles and amphibians, and respect their lives.

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Space for Treasures Sandy, Vong Nga Ieng

Everyone has their treasures. Some people collect stamps, banknotes, luxury cars or even tissues while some may collect bullets and Coca-Cola bottles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fate brings the visitors here,â&#x20AC;? Brian, Ho Lok Yan, son-in-law of the owner of Sound of the Century, said. Sound of the Century is a private museum of phonographs and antique electrical appliances, opened at the 125th anniversary of the invention of phonograph. Unlike other museums, visitors can touch all the displays in Sound of the Century and learn the stories behind them.

Chan, owner of Sound of the Century, was an apprentice in repairing electrical equipment in the 50s. Since then, his interest in collecting electrical appliances has not been fluttered. Chan feels satisfied and accomplished by collecting phonographs, which he keeps depending on the repairable level but not their values. He loves to share his treasures to others rather than keep them at home. Chan’s most valuable phonograph is “Edison 4 Min Phonograph”, created in 1911 with code 4668, which was originally owned by his Canadian friend. He, 84, who got a serious illness, sold the phonograph to Chan and hoped Chan would cherish it. Ho said, “He regretted a lot afterwards. Every phonograph has its own story behind.” Just a street next to the museum, another collector’s story can be found. Wei Lon, owner of So Ta Fao Antique which was opened in 1991, said, “This is my only occupation to earn a living.” The term “So Ta Fao”, meaning Macao, is used to describe people who lost all their money after gambling in Macao in the past. Their pockets were empty, just like being washed with washing soda - So Ta in Cantonese. “I chose this name because it is funny, and I miss the old times,” Wei remarked.

comic books, illuminations, cigarette cases, bank notes, watches and glasses. “I have started my collection since I was a child and I believe there must be a value behind every object,” Wei said. Wei thought of closing the store due to the financial problems in 1999, but he sold some of his own collections in order to keep the store running. There are indeed meanings behind his treasures. Once an old neighbor visited Wei and he shared some of the old Macao photos with her. Among them, she surprisingly found an old photo of her marriage. Wei loves to stay at the store to meet people with the same interests. There is a corner in the store displaying Coca-Cola souvenirs. “I like showing these to people instead of keeping them at home. They are not for sale because most of them are very rare,” Wei said. Collecting old items brings him satisfaction as well as knowledge, as he has learnt a lot about the world from what he has collected. Although the treasures are not alive, they bring the owners friendship and sense of accomplishment. The key is sharing – sharing treasures, spaces, happiness and satisfaction.

The store has lots of antiques like toys, celebrity photos, magazines, Coca-Cola souvenirs,

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where you find passion

N OF A WAY

e f i r's L

ARTIS

e t n i Pa

g Yiu

n Win

Poo mie,

Public in Macao may know little about the definition of art or how is the life of an artist, especially who engage in painting. An artist may somehow be mysterious to the public people don’t know about their workplace, how they work or even if they exist. Poon Kam Ling, a local painting practitioner, has more than 40 years of painting experience and has taught several hundreds of students. Poon has also participated in several art communities such as Macau Artist Society and International Women Artists Council. “I, as a practitioner of painting in Macao, devoted most of my life in the name of art and lived a life of frugality,” said Poon, placing emphasis that her personal goal in life is spiritual,

which is a path towards the destination of a true art piece - to seek perfection in art. “The path of perfection is a railway of no destination. What we can do is to improve our knowledge and skills of art day by day and never let this stop.” Poon believes that art is a beauty. In Poon’s definition of art, a true art piece should be attractive no matter what the theme is. It should indeed always give people a feeling that only the word beautiful can describe how they feel, and should be able to make others feel the same way as it is intended. Poon has begun to focus her art pieces on natural beauty rather than any cultural heritage for four years. Among all of the natural

“I, as a practitioner of painting in Macao, devoted most of my life in the name of art and lived a life of frugality,” said Poon Kam Ling.

beauty, Poon prefers to flowers – not a specific type, but any of them. Quite a lot of different flowers can be found in Poon’s home for her sketches. Poon said, “It is my home where I work most of the time; it is the place where I draw my paintings and teach art.” Poon’s home is used as her workplace while her art pieces are sometimes presented in the exhibitions in Macao. Various art tools for different uses can be found in Poon’s drawing space, a large room in her apartment. Though they are dated, Poon still treasures them like her family, and will never dispose them.

her workspace as an excellent place for meditation and relaxation and a perfect space for her students to learn drawing. She said her home is the best space for any art lovers. Poon lives differently comparing to others. “It is not a mansion that an artist cares, nor it is wealth that an artist’s living place represents. It is just a sense of art, where artists can feel that they exist,” said the veteran painter.

Her home is also full of various art pieces such as a jade tree. It is a home of art, a space of art. Poon said that the workspace she designed gives people a feeling of warmth which makes

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where you find passion

Karting Means It All Sharon, Kuok Un Pui

There are some places one can feel comfort, passion and sense of belonging. Kartodromo de Coloane (Karting Field at Coloane) is such a space for Cheong Chi On, who has been engaging in karting for seven years. The Kartodromo features with a kart track of 1200 meters and many competitions have been held there like 2011 AAMC Karting.

“I enjoy driving very much,” Cheong said. Every time he comes to the Kartodromo, he feels energetic. He likes the kart field because he likes to drive, but also the people there. The thundering engines, people who are busy at fixing their cars and the smiles on their face are what he loves about. Cheong loves to hang out with friends there. Chatting and laughing with his friends or even competitors delight him every time when he is at the field. He has also developed good communication skills because his seniors teach him not only to drive but also to get along with the people. “Everyone is so friendly to me”, said Cheong.

with common interests. He feels belonging to the space where he feels he is completed, especially when he is driving alone with the wheel of the car held at his hands. This young man indeed has a very strong mind towards what he likes. He was only a high school student when he started to acquire the knowledge on how to control a kart. His persistence and passion on karting gained him a chance to be one of the racers in the 58th Macau Grand Prix 2011.

Cheong also reflects on how he treats the people around him and other things at this space. He thinks of what he does every day, and how to treat people around him in a better way. “Driving gives me a quiet and clear mind,” said the young kart racer.

Cheong said he was looking forward to the Grand Prix and he treated it as a bonus to “see more and feel more”. Moreover, it is his first time to participate in such a big event. Regarding himself as a player instead of a racer, he just hoped he would enjoy and get a valuable experience. “This competition can refine my skills and let me know more people with the same interests,” Cheong said.

He knows everyone and is familiar with everything when he steps into the Kartodromo. He is able to forget any unhappiness when he meets the people

He said he would like to become an amateur for karting in the future rather than a professional racer. “To enjoy is my goal,” Cheong added at last.

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where you find passion

Start from Zero

Liz, Lao Ka Wai

Regarding a leisure space, people can enjoy their leisure times in a number of ways. Some people may want to go shopping, some may want to listen to music, and some may go clubbing. Yet, enjoying a cup of coffee in a tourist region can actually be another good choice. Thronged with tourists near the Ruins of St.Paul’s, an ordinary café named “Zero Workshop” can be found among huge crowds of people and souvenir shops. An eye-catching red light box with the name “Zero” is hanged by a building. Take the stairs and a strong smell of coffee will lead you to the second floor. When you step into the café, relaxed music fills the air and the exquisite decorations on the wall builds up a tranquil atmosphere. Café “Zero”, is named after its owner, who worked as an assistant of a construction company and used to be an instructor of some dessert workshops before running this café. Drinking coffee everyday becomes her habit and it is always an extra bonus for her to meet coffee lovers, too. She may look like an unconventional waitress, but Zero’s passion towards coffee is what really sets her apart.

Start of Zero “It was an old, antiquated apartment before,” Zero said. “But now it’s a comfortable and relaxing little private space. I designed most of it by myself.” “Zero” starts the business by chance as her friend wanted to rent out an apartment for some distinguishing features, and she knew another friend selling superior coffee beans at that time. The idea of opening a café proposed by her friend attracted her to accomplish her little dream in 2010. Special Open Hours The style of “Zero Workshop” is particularly different from other coffee shops in Macao. Most of the coffee shops are usually open during peak hours like 2-10 pm, but very few customers come during day time regarding the location of her café. Furthermore, people who work at office may want to enjoy a coffee in a relaxing mood after work instead of drinking it within their short lunch break. This is why the café is only open from 6 pm till 1 am during weekdays.

“I’m always looking for new things,” one of the customers Tam said. “I am used to eating out three to four times a week. This is a quiet place that allows me to have my own private space, for instance reading a book.” Thier Own Spaces Zero realized it is not attractive enough to just provide a space for people to enjoy coffee, so workshops of desserts are held from time to time. “Zero Workshop” is also a platform for the enthusiasts of coffee and desserts to exchange their knowledge and experience. “This is a place for visitors like us to take a rest after crazy shopping, and enjoy the show of the audiovisual mapping at the Ruins of St. Paul’s,” said Lee, a Hong Kong tourist. “The view from here enables us to watch the show clearly and the most important thing is that we’re not among the crowds of people downstairs.” Satisfaction Becomes Encouragement Zero felt fatigued when she had put lots of efforts in regenerating an old apartment with four white walls into a unique coffee corner. However, the satisfaction and admiration from the customers are the main reasons to keep her going. “It is not easy to maintain this kind of café and I find it tough, but I have the determination to keep on, because I like it and I can get satisfaction from it,” Zero said. umac bridges

where you find culture

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Space, like time, engenders forgetfulness; but it does so by setting us bodily free from our surroundings and giving us back our primitive, unattached state.â&#x20AC;? -Thomas Mann, German Novelist

where you find culture

Becky, Lam Iok Wa

Pang Kei Neighborhood Tastes Having a cup of coffee or a delicious meal in a highclass and stylish restaurant would be a nice thing to do, but eating in an open area would be another unique experience. The vanishing of the old times favor seems to be the side-effect of the rapid urbanization. Dai Pai Dong, a roadside food stall in Asian countries, keeps decreasing in number in Macao. The Municipal Council of Macao has forced most of the roadside food stalls to move indoor to have a better sense of urban aesthesis since the early 1990s.

Pang Kei, situated on Rua do Parde João Clímaco (桃花崗) next to the Mercado Vermelho (Red Market), is one of the few remaining outdoor food stalls in Macao. Without splendid decorations, air-conditioners and even a piece of comfortable dining furniture, Wong and his staff serve their “neighbors” nearby day after day. Wong, 60, is the current owner of Pang Kei. He takes over the business from his retired father. He has started his life at Pang Kei since he was 16. “My father has started this stall since the 1950s,” recalled Wong. “I did not go to school. I stayed here to learn how to help my father serve the customers.” The early establishment in the 1950s has earned Pang Kei a longstanding reputation in the neighborhood. Most of its customers are the residents nearby, but several tourists from Hong Kong or the mainland China may sometimes go there. Pang Kei is in a simple and casual style. Stir-fried noodles and pork chop bun are the only dishes. An awning, an open kitchen, several sets of stools and small tables are all the arrangements there. The casualness can also be found in starting the conversation there. Cooking in the open kitchen allows Wong to stay closer with his customers. He usually comes out of the kitchen and sits next to them in his spare time. “It is natural to chat with the person who is sitting at the table next to you,” said Mew, a frequent customer and a friend of Wong who has been coming to Pang Kei for almost six years. “And this is how you make new friends.” “The milk tea and coffee prepared by the Chinese traditional cooker are what attracts me to come here. The milk tea has a rich and smooth taste. I cannot find this kind of milk tea elsewhere,” Mew commented. Wherever the customers come from, they are all welcome and treated as one of Wong’s friends. The Cantonese old saying “First time we are strangers; the second time we become friends” can best describe this atmosphere. Calling others’ full name would not be their habit. They indeed just prefer nicknames. “Social etiquette is not necessary here. We talk about everything,” expressed Lu, an old staff of Pang Kei, “Social issues, gossips and even trivial stuff in our daily life.”

彭記

“Some of my customers have been coming for tea or breakfast since my dad’s time, and now they bring their kids to hang around,” said Wong. “Sitting on the stools recalls both their memories and my memories of working with my dad in the past. That’s why I am not going to make any changes to the dining furniture.” The opening hours of Pang Kei used to be between 6 am and 5 pm. The workers of the nearby firecracker factories would come for breakfast and lunch. “Now we have a lunch break between 11 am and 2:30 pm as we do not have enough staff,” Wong explained. “People tend to apply for jobs in casinos which offer them a better salary.” Wong also remarked that his son would not take over his business. It is his friendship with the neighbors that motivates him to keep going. “Though it’s tough working here and it’s not easy to run a business at such a high inflation rate, I enjoy staying with my staff and customers. Friends returned from foreign countries will still come for my pork chop bun too.”

5 1 Wong and his staff chat with a neighbor 2 Neighbors’ leisure time at Pang Kei 3 Stools at Pang Kei 4 Parents and a kid enjoy their pork chop bun 5 Wong’s preparing dishes in the open kitchen

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where you find culture

Flowing Home

Elsa, Ip Ka Weng

We, in Macao, are lucky to have fresh seafood everyday. Yet, when we are enjoying the delicious seafood from the sea, have you ever thought about how they are caught so that we can purchase them in markets? How is the fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life in Macao?

eong, 60, has worked as a fisherman for over 35 years. Leong has witnessed the rises and declines of the fishing industry in Macao over the decades. He understood that the fishing industry is not attractive to the new blood anymore but fortunately his son has interests in it.

But living on the boat is indeed not a simple matter. Electricity is a basic element to build up a home and this also applies to the life on the boat. Leong mentioned that there is a generator providing electricity to the lights, water heater and other electric appliances on the boat.

Leong, his son and his daughter-in-law all live and work on the boat, except his wife who stays at home on the land at night while works with them in the afternoon. They will stay on the boat unless they are sick, or they have to return to their home on the land during typhoon and fishing moratorium.

During the 12 hours of fishing, food is also needed to keep their energy up. Electronic cooking, rather than gas cooking, is preferred and cloddy fish becomes the main dish for them, as all the expensive and quality seafood are sold to the wholesalers. Dining table cannot be found on the boat and they need to have their meals on the floor. Leong said it is a kind of traditional fisherman’s culture in the area of southern China.

In order to catch seafood, he and his son usually set sail at 2 am every day from the inner harbor and reach the location called “Po Toi Island” in an hour, which is 80 km far away from Macao. They are then back to the harbor at 2 pm. Because they start to fish at the daybreak, they sleep in the morning. They sleep on the simple and thin mattresses, which are placed on the floors at the middle part of the boat. Besides the fishing time, they are not sluggish on the boat. They need to prepare for the next round of fishing, such as refilling the petrol tank, cobwebbing the fish net and cleaning some vessels of the boat. “I would not feel tired and contrarily I feel so relaxed on my boat. I like the feeling of working and living at the same space,” Leong explained.

Leong lives at his apartment with his wife during fishing moratorium, but he still checks his boat everyday and ensures the performance of the engine. He does not spend much time living with his wife as he stays in the boat while his wife on the land most of the times. He feels caught between his two “homes”. “If I have to choose one out of two, for sure I will choose my boat to be my home, the place where I have spent half of my life,” Leong said.

Life During Fishing Moratorium Fishing moratorium lasts from May to August every year. During the moratorium, the fishermen are forbidden to fish so they usually use this time to get rest and prepare their fishing tools. For instance, they mend the net, and repair or replace new engines for the boats. The Macao government also provide some working chances for the fishermen to maintain their incomes. The Macau Fisherman Association has once held a fishing boat visit for the local residents, aiming to promote the traditional culture of the local fishermen to them, and to provide a communication channel between the local fishermen and the visitors.

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where you find culture

Lanes in Macao Tami, Wu Ka Kei

Thronged with the locals and tourists to hunt for their goods in lines of stalls of multi-colors, it is a lane called “Travessa o Barbeiro” with hawkers selling different items like clothing, fruit, jewelry.

This travessa – a lane located near Senado Square – is one of the examples of the lanes in Macao that has its own characteristics and charisma. Some are well-known for their ambiance, some are popular for the business running there, and some are distinguishable for their background and history. “Travessa o Barbeiro” is unique in many ways. “Barbeiro” means barber in English. It was named in this way as many lanes and roads in Macao are named based on the business found in those streets. Beco do Tintureiro which means an alley for dyers, and Beco do Ferreiro which means an alley for blacksmith, are lanes and streets, following the same naming system used in Travessa o Barbeiro.

“We start working at around 9am and work till 7 pm,” said Lei, owner of a clothes stall on Travessa o Barbeiro, where barbers cannot be spotted anymore but hawkers and customers. Every day, the owners like Lei have to stay in their little store, waiting for customers to come. But they never feel bored. “We are like neighbors. We chat with each other every day,” said Lei, adding that the owners of the little stores are good friends as they have to meet and chat almost every day. Many housewives love going to this little lane. Though the hawkers are not busy and unable to earn lots of money every day, they still enjoy their work in this narrow lane. While Travessa o Barbeiro is crowded with people, another lane is relatively more deserted, but it just gives people a totally different feeling. The lane can be found near Rua do Campo (水坑尾), named as Bairro de São Lázaro church located there. Opposite to the church, there was a leper asyliumin in the district, so many local also call this space as a space for lepers in Chinese The Old Ladies House (Albergue da Santa Casa da Misericordia) in this lan was also activated and became an artistic wonderland, as different types of exhibitions can be found such as the rabbit lantern exhibition. The yellowish house 10 Fantasia, a creative industry incubator, is another place for the local creative and art industries that can be found in the lane. “I have joined many programs offered 10 Fantasia and each of the programs is different to me,” said Christy, a frequent visitor to this lane. This artistic lane, together with the brilliant scenery, attracts many couples and photographers to take photos. “My dream is to take my wedding photos in Europe, but it is too expensive,” said Chan, who takes wedding photos with her husband in the lane. “So we choose here as it is romantic with a mixture of different cultures.”

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where you find culture

ONE When Clovis Ribeiro, 24, first stepped in Macao he felt he was in a different world. Everything was too different from his hometown in Cape Verde, an African country. The city, the people, and the food were totally new to him. Everyone may experience cultural interaction once they are in contact with another cultural group. The ability to

communicate and share other’s culture is how the interaction begins. Students from different countries and cultural backgrounds come to study in Macao, a place where many cultures can be found. “I remember the first day I arrived in Macao and everything seemed so different. I told myself that I was in a different world, and I was surprised with the city, people, food and everything,” said Ribeiro, a foreign

LAND him time to be familiar with. The different tastes of dishes were not what he was used to as he had never tried the Chinese cuisine before. “The taste of Chinese food is sweet and salty at the same time,” he expressed. Chinese festivals were all new to him. It aroused his interests towards Chinese culture, and thus he started engaging in various discussions and activities with his Asian friends. Clovis was not the only one facing

student who has studied at University of Macau (UM) for four years. He is one of those students who experienced the culture interaction once exposed to the Macao culture. The integration into the community was not easy at the beginning but with time he started to get used to his “new home”. Moreover, adapting into a new place was not the only challenge. The traditions and food also took

the cultural interaction. Halen Nappoco from Guinea Bissau, another country in Africa, also had difficulties in interacting with the locals when he first came to Macao. He graduated from the University of Macau majoring in Law, and he has been living in Macao for six years. For Nappoco, language was a key problem as he came from a Portuguese speaking country, and it was complicated for him

comfortable with the Chinese culture and they are more accepted in the community. They frequently hang out with their local friends in different places like nightclubs (MGM, D2, Belini, Cubic), dormitory at East Asia Hall of UM, Mc Donald’s, and Chinese restaurants in Taipa. In addition, the students share their cultures through different activities like barbecues, soccer games and students’ parties.

MULTIPLE

Dalila dos Santos, an exchange student for one year from Brazil studying business administration, found that the integration was not a difficult process.

CULTURAL INTERACTIONS Patricia Ferreira

“I’m very open-minded in making to communicate with the locals. friends here. I met many exchange students that know a lot of local “Once I wanted to go to students, so it was quite easy,” somewhere in Macao, but I had Santos said. She admitted that difficulties to communicate with Chinese people are really shy to the driver because I didn’t know make friends, but she understood the name of the place in Chinese,” he said. He is now learning Chinese that it is part of their culture. with the help of his local friends. Santos has learned a lot about The difference in the students’ Chinese culture from her local backgrounds brings different friends who are also curious to cultural impacts on them. know about Brazilian culture. “Once you start making friends and engaging in conversation with Chinese people, you will discover that they like to learn about your culture,” she expressed.

“We have so much fun and share many things with the locals and other foreigners during the barbecue and the party. Sometimes it does not seem that we are from different countries,” Nappoco added. Sharing their culture background through dances, food, language, and traditional games is a way they feel related with the locals. There is a new era of interactions. “We share our culture. There is nothing more enriching than interacting with students from different cultural backgrounds,” said Ribeiro.

Foreign students now feel more

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where you find culture

Senado Square Is My Home? Ami, Fan Weng Chi

Many Filipino domestic helpers can be spotted at Statue Square in Hong Kong while Macao also has such a space - Senado Square (Largo do Senado). On Sunday, it is not difficult to find crowds of the Filipinos chatting and singing at Senado Square, as if they were at home.

Start from Senado Square

Brad, 26, has come to Macao from the Philippines for 5 years. Graduated from secondary school, she works as a domestic helper in taking care of a family with a monthly salary of MOP3500.

Senado Square is the place in Macao she feels most impressed as it was the first place she joined the gathering with her peers. She thought that Senado Square is prosperous and full of characteristics. “In the villages of the Philippines, we like to stay in the park and chat with our friends,” said Brad. “We are poor and we cannot get many Hi-tech products so we can only bring a radio and dance together. This is our greatest entertainment.” In Brad’s view, Senado Square can help them to remind their youth so they can stay there for a day just chatting with each other.

Moments in Senado Square

Brad’s happiest time is on Sundays and holidays because it is comfortable to stay with her friends from the same country and she can find a sense of belonging in this small space which they share their happiness and sadness. Joeli, a Filipino domestic helper in Macao for 15 year, plays guitar in Senado Square every Sunday afternoon. She treats this little space as her studio where she can find a lot of people who love her music and exchange ideas with her. For some Filipinos, it is a place where their love story begins. Manuel, a security guard in Macao for 6 years, met his girlfriend during one gathering in Senado Square. He thinks that it is a place gathering many Filipinos together and giving him a chance to make more friends.

Yet, not many Macao citizens are like those two teenagers. Eurine, an assisant manager in a hotel, understands that the Filipinos gather in Senado Square because they do not have many leisure activities as the locals. She does not dislike their gatherings as they are not there every day.

Locals’ View

The Filipinos know some Macao people think that they are noisy when they gather. Brad recalled that they held a gathering in Senado Square in one Christmas, and two teenagers insulted them with rude words and poured the coke on them. They almost got a fight, but luckily the police intervened.

“The locals think that we are illegally staying in the public area and creating noise,” said Brad, adding that she hopes the locals can change the opinion towards them one day.

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where you find culture

Flea Market at Lin Kai Mio Sunnie, Cheang Sok Cheng

When most of you are still sleeping, some hawkers have already been awake and prepared for their business. They go to the stalls in Lin Kai Mio (蓮溪廟) near Cinema Algeria, which are designated by the Macao government, at 7 am every day. The Lin Kai Mio flea market first began in the 1950s and later became the tradition of San Kio (新橋). The flea market is now divided into two parts: the dawn market at Largo Da Cordoaria (打纜前地), which closes at noon, and the hawker stalls in front of Lin Kai Mio, which closes at 4 pm. There are more than 20 hawker stalls in the flea market, in which antiques, daily necessities, and second-hand clothes are mainly sold on the floor. The size of each stall is about one sq m. “Collecting old stuffs has been my hobby since I was a child,” said Cheong Chin Chiu. Cheong, 57, has become one of the hawkers in the dawn market since last year. He mostly sells old stamps, coins and groceries.

Cheong was born in Macao and retired six years ago. He used to work in a firecracker factory, a garment manufactory and Macao Prison. Although he keeps changing his occupation, his hobby still remains the same. “When I was young, I would come here once I was free. After retirement, I have nothing to do, so I come here every day,” he said. He loves hanging out in the flea market to collect interesting items. Last year, he got a chance to run a stall and thus he decided to sell his collections in the dawn market. “My family members have their own jobs, so they seldom have time to accompany me,” he said. “The dawn market provides me a place to spend my spare time.” In his opinion, the interaction between the customers and other hawkers is more important than money as he enjoys his time chatting with others. After the dawn market has closed at noon, Cheong will look for more interesting goods in other places. He indicated that he will continue to run his stalls if he can renew his license successfully. Some people choose to be a hawker because of their personal interests, while some of them become a hawker because they have to earn their livings. Iao, in his sixties, has run a stall in front of Lin Kai Mio for more than 20 years. He said that the local economy was condemned 20 years ago, and being a hawker

was a better option to earn more money in the doomed economy. “The economy was not good in the past. Many people would choose to shop at the flea market,” he said. “However, after the economy has improved, fewer and fewer people come here.” Being a hawker is an important part of his life. Despite the low income, it is still enough for him to maintain his life. “I don’t know what I can do if I give up this stall. I am too old to enter the labor market again. I will continue to keep this stall until I can’t,” Iao said. Every morning it’s not hard to find the flea market filled with crowds of people. The primary costumers are the neighbors and some enthusiasts from the mainland China. “I love to collect old stuff. Sometimes I can find some treasures here,” said Chan, a retiree and regular customer of Iao. He thought that the price of goods in the flea market is cheaper than other places, together with the fact that the interaction between the hawkers and the customers cannot be found in other places. Apart from the numerous hotels and casinos, the flea market is also a key element of this small city that some people can’t let go. It is not just a space for trading. It provides a space for the hawkers to earn their livings, a space for people to spend their spare times, and a space for the enthusiasts to expand their collection.

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cover story

REVISIT OUR MEMORIES Becky, Lam Iok Wa/ Linda, Chan Lai Man/ Liz, Lao Ka Wai/ Ray, Chan Chi Hin Photos provided by: Macao Federation of Trade Unions/ Saga/ Nora Lai

Blocks of skyscrapers, time-honored cakes and pastries, shuttle buses moving within the city and neon lights at night are all the signs showing how prosperous Macao has become. Under the rapid development of Macao economy, it has taken away some spaces from us – the spaces which contains lots of the locals’ memories.

WORKERS STADIUM The Macao Federation of Trade Unions Workers Stadium (AGOM), also known as the “Workers Stadium”, was originally located where the Grand Lisboa is today but moved to the new site near the Border Gate in 2003. At first, it was only a place for soccer, table tennis and basketball. Due to its spacious area and conspicuous location, many associations started to hold events there like Caritas Bazaar and Walk for a Million. The Workers Stadium is not only a field for sport, but also a treasure box full of the older generation’s memories.

Irreplaceable Memories “Workers Stadium was an important place for us to spend our leisure time,” said Lei Su Long, canteen manager of the stadium. Lei and his colleagues used to talk about their life with a cup of milk tea while watching people playing soccer on the field. “I watched my first concert at Workers Stadium,” said Wendy Chan with a smile on her face. Although she is 50 years old now, she can still clearly remember how crazy she was in the concert when she was 20. She said in the past there were not many places in Macao for large-scale activities, besides the Workers Stadium. She recalled the stage was made of bamboo and decorated with some canvas like the traditional Chinese Opera style while the audience seats were only folding chairs.

“Maybe the Workers Stadium was not wellequipped but it was the most memorable place in my life,” Chan said.

Lei Shu Long in the sand soccer field in Workers Stadium

The canteen manager said the locals did not go to the stadium just for the activities but also the cuisines. The delicacies in the canteen were prepared by the famous chefs from various restaurants. Lei added that “baked pork chop with rice, oxtail soup and stewed beef” were the most wellknown dishes in the canteen. “Not only was the food mouthwatering,” Lei said. “But the warm and friendly atmosphere of our canteen was also the reason why people liked to come.” Many people, such as workers, casino dealers and students, loved to go there as its food price was comparatively cheap, comparing to other restaurants in the central area of Macao.

There were a lot of customers inside the canteen of Workers Stadium

The Workers Stadium is not the only reconstruction carried out by the Macao government. The Tap Seac Court, in a similar scenario, was demolished in 2005 to coordinate with the city planning.

TAP SEAC COURT A huge cobblestone-paved square, where a row of neoclassical and earth-yellowish buildings can be found, is one of the tourist spots nowadays. But indeed Tap Seac Square was once a gathering place for many sport lovers. Tap Seac Square, one of the Macao largest regeneration plans in the city center, was originally a stadium called Tap Seac Court used as the rest area and venue for different sports. It was composed of two basketball courts and one artificial turf soccer pitch, located between two avenues.

Favorite Soccer Field Saga, 30, working in a casino, joined a soccer club which had practices at Tap Seac Court in the past. Saga recalled he started to play soccer at Tap Seac in 1992. He went there once a week until it was demolished. “My teammates and I frequently kicked the balls out to the street and hit the cars. It is a memorable experience for me,” said he, who seldom meets the team members now because of the inconvenience brought by different soccer field sites. Tap Seac Court was open from 7am to 11pm every day. The convenience of the location attracted many soccer players and the near-by students to play soccer at different time intervals. umac bridges

PAST PRESENT Saga at Tap Seac Court

“Unlike other soccer fields, Tap Seac Court was always occupied. I didn’t need to worry that there were no teams to join,” said the old man Hoi. “Many of us played until we were asked to leave.” Hoi, 63, who has played soccer for more than 40 years, plays soccer almost every day. Hoi said soccer has brought him not only the health, but also the friendships built in the soccer field among the players of different nationalities. “I still remember I played soccer at 7:30 am under the cold weather of 7 degrees,” said Patrick Van, 23, a frequent soccer player at the Tap Seac Court when he was a secondary student.

Van was very passionate in soccer as he played almost every day. Playing soccer at the Tap Seac Court was part of his secondary school memory. Van said, “I rushed to play soccer with my classmates right after school as my school was very close to the Tap Seac Court.” Both Saga and Van miss playing soccer in Tap Seac. Although there are enough stadiums for the soccer players now, they still prefer the old Tap Seac Court. While the relocation and demolishment of the stadium and the court were noticeable and highly discussed, the changes of the cycling area in Taipa may have slipped out of many people’s attention.

Tranquil Life Taipa, a spacious village-like area filled with cottages in the past, is now occupied with skyscrapers, souvenir shops and restaurants. The nearby seashore is replaced by resort hotels and casinos. Nora Lai, 23, enjoyed cycling with her parents near the Pak Tai Temple (北帝廟) at Taipa on holidays during her childhood. “Riding with the view of cottages and seashore made me feel closer to the nature,” said Lai. Cycling in Taipa as a gathering activity with her family is a precious memory to her. She enjoyed cycling because it gave her a chance to relax. When she felt tired, she could take a break under the trees. “It is happy to ride with a group of people,” recalled Lai. “In the past, the gentle breeze in autumn could always give me a sense of freedom.”

PRESENT

More Vehicles, More Dangerous “The peaceful environment before was much pleasant to me,” said Leong Sin Ying, owner of a bike rental store called Iao Kei. She has been running the store for more than 30 years and also experienced the changes in the area. Iao Kei was originally a wooden cottage near the seashore in 1976, opposite to restaurant Tai Lei Loi Kei. 10 years later, Iao Kei moved to a bigger store which was near Pak Tai Temple. It includes an 1800 ft cellar which can accommodate more than 300 bikes but Leong misses the freedom in the old days. She thinks that it is dangerous to cycle in Taipa nowadays. “After the settle-down of the casinos, there are more vehicles here,” she added. “I could ride to everywhere I wanted,” said Kou, who used to cycle at Taipa when he was small. He sometimes brings back his kids to cycle near the temple now but they cannot enjoy the freedom of cycling as much as he did in the past.

PAST Nora Lai cycling in Taipa

“I won’t stop my business as I love to see the happy faces of the children when they come here to rent bikes,” said Leong, who moved her store for the second time in this October.

1 2 3 4

1&2/ The cellar of Iao Kei 3/ It now costs MOP 20 to rent a bike for an hour 4/ The name “Iao Kei” is painted on every bicycle

Revisit Memories “Sometimes when I walk past the temple and look around, I’ll think I can’t believe it is the same space I used to ride when I was young,” said Lai. Perhaps it is true those old spaces can only be revitalized again in our memories, like what Lai does.

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where you find yourself

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No creature loves an empty space; Their bodies measure out their place.â&#x20AC;? -Andrew Marvell, English Poet

where you find yourself

Housekeeper of Disused Firecracker Factory

Maggie, Loi Chi Kei

Sun has been working in the factory since 1964 till

“I have been living and working here since 1960s,” the old housekeeper Sun Gun said. Can you imagine how an old man lives alone in a disused factory for decades? And what kind of disused space the factory is? Sun comes from Shiqi( 石歧 ) and works at Yi Long Firecracker Factory in Taipa. Before the closed down of the factory, his job was to prepare meals for the factory’s workers. “There were a lot of workers and I had to prepare meals for eight tables every day, including lunch and dinner,” Sun said proudly. Macao firecracker industry has hundred years of history and was one of the leading industries, while Yi Long firecracker factory has 83 years of history, established since 1928. During the most prosperous times, there were seven big firecracker factories and Yi Long was one of them.

now. “I still remember the first day I came to Yi Long is on August 15,” said Sun, who witnessed the rise and decline of the firecracker industry. During the mid-80s, the foreign countries banned the import of firecrackers, so the firecracker industry in Macao started to decline. “After the decline of the firecracker industry, everyone left the factory. I’m the only one who stays,” Sun said. Yi Long is still well-kept – the surrounding walls, the office and the facilities are still there. However, it gives people a kind of loneliness. The factory seems isolated from the outside world. The interior of the factory is very spacious like a village with many little broken houses, many trees and a small temple. There are even a river and a small pond with a small boat deeper inside. Next to the entrance of the factory, it is a building where Sun lives. The building has three rooms, including one sitting room and two bedrooms. Actually, it was the general office of the factory in the past, where workers would get their salary. Besides, there is a toilet, but no kitchen. The

old kitchen has become a cage for his two dogs so he now only prepares his meal at a corner of the sitting room.

Every day, Sun gets up early in the morning and takes a stroll. He then comes back to the factory and prepares his lunch. After that, he stays in his sitting room and spends the whole afternoon listening to the radio. His job is just to make sure everything goes well in the factory. He lives in the factory without

paying rent and the Yi Long Company pays him several thousand patacas as his salary. In his living room, much old stuff can be found but television, because of the electric lines. The lines are too old and are not affordable to the high electric supply.

Although the factory is disused, the owner once allowed the outsiders to go inside and play war game. This attracted a lot of war game fans to visit this old factory. Meanwhile, this raised peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the

protection of the cultural heritage. Many people started to think that this disused factory is an important and valuable place in Macaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. On May 2011, people were not allowed to play war games inside anymore. Legislator Chan Ming Kam asked the government about this issue in 2010. The

1 The roof of a deserted house in the factory 2 Graffiti found on a wall 3 The front gate 4 Where Sun lives 5 The firecrackers in the old days

government replied that they planned to protect the factory by changing it into a firecrackers theme park and they were discussing the details with the owner of the factory. Due to the complex ownership problem, the government needs more time to deal with it. Until now, the factory has still been disused and no specific action has been taken by the government.

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where you find yourself

BE A LOCAL

Terina, Cao Ting Ting

“I much prefer to be regarded as a local here,” said Daddy Ka. But “I am a Shanghainese deeply inside, since the root of my family and me is in Shanghai.” Daddy Ka is one of the mainland China people holding Macao citizenship. He brought his wife and a seven-year-old daughter to Macao in 2001 and they have been living here for a decade. During this long period, his thoughts toward how to define “home” have changed a lot. Their home is located at Iao Han District. It’s not quite a big house, but can be described as an exquisite space. Its dominant tone is green: the wall is painted in bright green and plenty of plants are the best decorations in the house. “Green can make people feel peaceful and cool, and it is suitable for the hot and moist weather here,” said Daddy Ka. Besides the green wall, a big “mirror wall” is another creative and conspicuous interior housing design to create a sense of a larger space.

The space they see as a home now was formerly used by the Ka’s family as a means for the investment immigration. In the first two years, the house was just a “sleeping space” for them.

society as soon as possible because Macao is the home we plan to spend the rest of our life,” said Danny Ka who always encouraged his daughter to make friends with the local kids when she was young.

“It took us around two years to get used to the life here and the house we are staying now is not just a sleeping space. It’s our home,” Daddy Ka said.

Daddy Ka said that the social welfare in Macao and the leisurely living pace are the vital reasons attracting him to choose it as his permanent home. In his eyes, the Macao citizens are contented to remain where they are - they are more patient than the mainland China people.

“Lots of difficulties came to us almost every day when we just came here. Not only the language barriers, but also how to deal with the neighbors,” said Daddy Ka. In fact, it is still not easy for Daddy Ka and his wife to speak fluent Cantonese.

Green:

PEACEFUL & COOL

“Buying food in the market also becomes a tough job,” said he. He feels helpless every time dealing with an old salesman who does not understand Mandarin. Daddy Ka’s daughter Angela is a senior student in high school. Unlike her father, she totally regards herself as a local, although she was born in Shanghai and is good at both Cantonese and Shanghainese. “We hope this can help Angela get to know the local culture and integrate into the local

“It’s the most obvious difference in the characteristics between the mainland and Macao people in my view,” he said.

Daddy Ka also simply used two words to conclude the difference between his home in Shanghai and Macao – “mental” for Shanghai while “life” for Macao. He said that no matter how wonderful his life is or how successful his career is in Macao, Shanghai, after all, has left him too many precious moments that can never be taken away from his heart. “Even though I’m trying so hard to be a local like learning Cantonese and hanging out with my peers in the company, I am still a Shanghainese from the deep down of my heart,” Daddy Ka said.

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where you find yourself

LIVE

ON YOUR OWN Michael, Vai Man Lok

Some people move out from their family and choose to live by themselves. However, some people may think it is not bad to live with their families. So what do you think? What if you don’t actually have a choice?

Boris Choi, 22, having lived by himself for 4 years, certainly knows the feeling of living alone. “I had no idea about living on my own at that time,” said Choi, who suddenly had this experience when he was in Form 3, as his parents suddenly decided to work in the mainland China. They would only come back once or twice a month. “I was happy at that time, not because of the increase in size of the physical space as I used to have my own bedroom,” said Choi. “I was happy because I could have more personal space.” His personal space granted him freedom - he could do anything he wanted free of the scolds and punishments from his parents, such as eating snacks, playing TV and computers games, and staying up late at night. However, this feeling only lasted for a few days.

He found out in one morning that he was in troubles as he had not done any housework. He had no clean uniform for school. “I just realized there was no one to do all these things for me anymore,” said the young man. So he started to wash clothes, prepare meals, get up by himself and basically everything. He started to miss his parents but there was no way to bring them back instantly. “I thought that home was just a space where I stay and sleep,” said Choi. “But I realized a home was more than that. There should be people around.” Choi began to feel lonely because of staying at such a big house on his own. As a result, he usually invited his friends to come over for fun and stay over. They could help Choi to relieve his negative emotions. “I could always talk to my friends, who were really helpful and friendly, but they just couldn’t always be with me,” recalled the young man. It only started to change when Choi met his current girlfriend Wing at the age of 19. Wing at first went to his house and stayed over once a week. As time went by, it seemed like Wing had moved to Choi’s house. Meanwhile, Choi’s parents could go back to Macau more frequently so they lived with Choi again. “I don’t feel like my parents have invaded my personal space anymore,” said he. “We should be living together in one space.” Choi mentioned he has no problem to live with his family again and it is just like getting back some pieces of himself.

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where you find yourself

A Man in His World Sam, Leong Ka Hou

No one is able to go further inside the shop unless the hi-fis, video recorders and televisions are moved away. The only area that allows one to move is the working area, which is the office of the shopkeeper. It is at the entrance, taking 5% of the total area of the shop. The rest, including the second floor, is all occupied by the audiovisual equipments. This unique shop can be found near Lin Kai Mio (蓮溪廟) in San Kio District (新橋區). Ken Leong, a middle-aged audiovisual equipment repairman and owner of the shop, starts his work every afternoon in the shop. In order to enter the office, he needs to move the audiovisual equipments away from their original place. He has been doing so for more than 30 years. “Arranging these Hi-fis, video recorders and TVs is a daily routine for me,” Leong said casually, sitting on a little wooden chair in his office.

GATE TO THE PAST “I like the atmosphere here. The arrangement is similar to my father’s shop in the past. It reminds me of my father and my childhood,” Leong said. When Leong was a child, he and his two elder brothers sometimes helped his father to look after the old items and clean them inside the shop while his father was doing business at the stall just outside the shop. He described the task as “challenging” since many of the items were fragile. “It’s hard to move in that small area,” Leong said, recalling if anyone broke any of them, they would either be scolded or beaten up by a feather duster depending on his father’s mood. “It was scary, but it was usually my eldest brother who got beaten up.” Leong spends nearly half of the day working in his little office – repairing, receiving and buying audiovisual equipments. “My office is a gate that allows me to travel my past,” he said. Leong said once entering the shop, he feels like he has gone to his father’s shop. The only difference is the things that fill up the shop. His father’s shop was crowded with old items like Chinese-styled sculptures, vases and scrolls of Chinese paintings. Besides, the audiovisual equipments remind him of the time when he decided to start learning the repairing skill.

JUST A REPAIRMAN

BECOME A REPAIRMAN Leong chose to be an audiovisual equipment repairman because he was very interested in televisions when he was a child. At that time, the television in his home did not work properly. He would like to know how to repair it, so that his family did not need to spend extra money on buying a new one. This made him start acquiring the skill. According to Leong, he learned how to repair the equipments in a television technology institute which had already closed. He also worked as an apprentice at an electrical appliance store. He enjoys this occupation a lot since it is his interest. “Repairing the audiovisual equipments reminds me of the time being an apprentice,” Leong said.

Leong said that some people have misunderstandings about his and his father’s occupation. “We are not waste pickers,” said Leong, adding that it is kind of disrespectful to his father and him if one says they are “waste pickers” without knowing what exactly they are doing. Leong said his father was a “purchaser”, a person who buys old items and later sells them to others. His father used to get different old items from the customers or go everywhere to have “door-to-door” trades. “We pay for the items, and we don’t just get them from anywhere on the street,” Leong said.

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where you find art

“Space is the breath of art.” -Frank Lloyd Wright, American Architect

where you find art

Impels Art, Space Needed Cristal, Chan Kai Ian

Government efforts on cultural and creative industries in recent years have opened a window for more local artists through financial aids and spaces.

On a bustling square in Central Macao, a noticeable building Casa Amarela (黃屋仔) sits near the Ruins of St Paul’s. From the outside, the building is yellowish, Portuguese-styled and looks like another heritage spot, but inside the basement, the location of Macao Creative Pavilion gathers the art works produced by local artists. Macao Creative Pavilion, kicked off in this March, is one of the early projects about developing the cultural and creative industries by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM). About 20 booths are set up in the pavilion and each belongs to an artist or an art association. Rather than a design concept store, it truly furnishes the local artists with another channel to reach the public and illustrate the creativity and uniqueness of their products. A larger room for development is provided as there

is more exposure to their products. “The concept and location of Macao Creative Pavilion are decent as it can be reached by the locals and tourists with ease. I appreciate it and hope that its scale can be enlarged to display more art works,” one of the visitors said. AO2 handbag design shop, a local brand selling hand-made products founded in early 2005, is one of the participants in Macao Creative Pavilion. “I can benefit from Macao Creative Pavilion as I actually do not need to pay a cent for the booth. The booth raises the awareness of my brand, bestows another space to display my designed bags and also brings me more business,” AoMan, the owner and designer of AO2 said. Ribs, a local clothing brand joining

Macao Creative Pavilion, was founded by five youths having a dream of starting a local brand in 2009, with part-time graphic designers. Topman Ieong is a fresh graduate of Graphic Design from Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM) and now the creative director and graphic designer of Ribs. As a fresh designer, he appreciates the support of ICM on the project of Macao Creative Pavilion. Ieong explained that it is difficult for a fresh graduate to set up his or her own brand. Under the recent development of the cultural and creative industries, Ieong said that he could focus on his design work without necessarily spending his time on any administrative works. “Ribs showcases my works. Without restrictions imposed upon the design process, it brings my design inspiration into full play,” he said. In fact, financial aids and development subsidies are part of the planning to impel the cultural and creative industries. “In these coming two years, ICM will put more resources on the expansion of the cultural and creative industries database, which is the network

between the government and the local artists,” Chan Peng Fai, chief of Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries, told Umac Bridges. The database can provide ICM better information about the local artists. The government department contacts the local artists whose copes of work matched their promotion projects and offers them relevant resources, in terms of subsidies and space, Chan explained. Space is one of the concerns of the local artists. “In the discussion of city planning, we proposed to revive the abandoned buildings and turn them into a space for the cultural and creative industries,” Chan suggested. With the support of space and the financial aids from ICM, the local artists are provided with more opportunities. “There were not many channels to reach our goals before. BUt, it has been relatively easier for the artists to find their room for development in these few years and we can have greater freedom in our works,” Ieong commented.

umac bridges

where you find art

Amy, Pang Ka Wing

HEADZ IS A CONCEPT A little lane sits beside the old site of Centro Comercial Teatro Capitol (國華戲院) where most people go for the dumplings. However, there is a store at the end of the lane. Few people notice where it is as there is no sign along. The letters “HEADZ”, the store name in front of the display window, only glitter when it is in the afternoon.

Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. Having no desire to become an employee, Tang started a business in which he is really interested. Tang set up his store on the back street where he felt tranquil because of the low rent and the two-level compartment. “Don’t you agree that such ‘mainstream’ shops are used to existing in such an unpopular space,” said Tang, who sighed that sub-cultures

From the outside, HEADZ is like a typical boutique, but it is more than that. Besides of being the first

“

THE STORE IS INSTANT, THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT HEADZ

store for selling street wears and lomo equipment, it is also a unique space for sub-cultures, especially for Tang. Tch Tang, owner of HEADZ, holds public events such as music parties and tattoo sharing sessions from time to time for introducing sub-cultures to Macao or “just for fun”. Sometimes he even invites Hong Kong artists to “play” together, making HEADZ more well-known to other cities like 73

“

in Macao are not widely accepted. Tang treated HEADZ as his private place when it was first set up. He slept there and opened the store irregularly. The shop was once open only for a few days in a month. “It is me who created HEADZ, but it seemed to hinder me and control my life,” said Tang, who had once considered HEADZ as the source of his worries.

However, he got a clearer mind as time went by. Tang was clear about what this little space means for him afterwards. He needed to make a living with his job as well as his interest, Headz. “HEADZ store is a public space in daytime, but it will turn into a private space at night,” said Tang, who always invites friends to gather around outside the opening hours.

cultures and arts, including home decorations, exhibitions or meetings.

He makes the ground floor of HEADZ as a store for business and the second floor as a space more related to

Now more and more shops of street wear have launched in Macao. In Tang’s point of view, Macao people are still inactive in sub-cultures. Tang,

started HEADZ in 2008, mentioned that it took him three years to reveal the street cultures to the locals. Tang insisted that HEADZ is doing something unique. For him, HEADZ means more than a store - it is a concept and medium which gets into the locals’ life. “I do think HEADZ brings impact to the locals – I’m not sure what the exact influence is but it will certainly be a ‘negative effect’. Or in better words, an indirect impact,” said he in a light tone.

Recently he has tried to hold events without inviting artists to avoid commercialization. He wants to make things that are related to our daily life. “I want to create a space where everyone can participate and get in touch with,” said he.

“I don’t know why people seem to be afraid of walking into this store. I always wonder why they come here on purpose, but only stay outside for a moment,” said Tang.

“The store is instant. That’s what people think about HEADZ,” stated Tang.

umac bridges

where you find art

Fresh Hand in Creative Handmade Miffy, Io Fan Fan

“I can only treat this as my side job because I can’t earn a living from it,” said Jaquelina Vong, a young handmade artist. Vong sells her creative handmade accessories and decorative iPhone cases on a social network - Facebook. Studying design in university, she has had a strong interest in painting since childhood. Currently, she works in an entertainment production company. “With the prosperity of the economy in recent years, people in Macau have become richer, and chosen to purchase luxury brands to express their sense of social status and lifestyles, but not creative handmade products with unique ideas and designs,” she said.

Handmade production is different from the mass production, which takes less time on manufacturing the products, and maximizes the product quantity and profits. “I cannot set the price high because people will not buy it. Not many people consider the price of handmade works should be higher than the branded one,” she sighed. Vong’s profit on Facebook is little, and it can merely offset the cost of the materials. “I will listen to my customers before I start my production, so each product is tailor-made for them. Therefore, it takes time,” she said. Vong also encountered difficulties in buying materials. The high production cost and the limited choices of materials restrict the diversity of her products. “It is hard to find materials for my handmade works in Macao, so I need to order them from the mainland China or Hong Kong. But I usually need to pay more as I only need a small amount of the materials,” said she, adding that some suppliers even decline her order as she could not meet the minimum quantity.

Seac Art Fair since 2009. The fair, organized by Macao Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), is held twice a year for the creative talents from Macao, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Taiwan to display their works and exchange their ideas. This activity lasts for two consecutive weeks from Friday to Sunday, and the approved applicants do not need to pay any rent for their booths. This year is Vong’s third year of joining this activity. “It is a great platform for the creative talents to showcase their works and products, to learn from others and to improve. This activity has gained more and more attention, and become more popular among the public,” said Vong. “Although the government has paid effort to support and help the development of the local creative industry, I think it’ll be better if there is a permanent platform for us,” said Vong. “For example, the local authority can take the Red House in Taiwan as a reference. It is a permanent and well-organized platform for the Taiwan artists, and attracts many locals and tourists.”

Vong considered running her online handmade workshop as a sideline job or an interest rather than business. It is a space for showcasing her talents, getting supports and admirations from others, and motivating her to insist on her interests.

In Vong’s opinion, beyond the government support, the involvement of the big enterprises can provide spaces for the handmade artists, too.

“Facebook is a good platform for young people to pioneer their business, but it is only a stepping stone,” said Vong. Through her Facebook workshop, she has other opportunities to utilize her creativity, such as image designs and painting.

“Imagine you can find a local handmade brand counter in a big shopping center, just like a Hello Kitty counter in New Yohan,” said the young artist. “It is apparently a great help in promoting the local artists to the public, and through the commercial exposure it increases the consumers’ confidence toward the handmade products.”

Vong also found opportunities and space from the government. She has been participating in the Tap

Jacquelina and her “JQ’s Works” facebook online shop

umac bridges

where you find art

Audio-Visual Cut Association:

Space Needs People Wendy, Wong Weng Si

“Space needs people,” said Albert Chu Iao Ian, founder and consultant of Audio-Visual Cut Association.

The space of Audio-Visual Cut has cultivated and united a lot of people from different related fields in video production throughout these years. It is a non-profit association established in 1999, currently located in a three-story building near Jardim de Luís de Camões (白鴿巢公園). 1 Film screening on every Friday night 2 & 3 Ladders and apple boxes used during shooting

“At the beginning it was owned by a famous local painter Kuok Woon, but unfortunately he passed away in 2003. At that time his wife asked me to make a video to commemorate him and decided to lease his former residence to people in the local cultural fields,” said Chu. A theatre group Comuna de Pedra was also finding a place to settle down at that time, so Chu suggested they could share this building. Since then, this space has served as a sustainable platform for the local art and culture as Kuok’ wife wished.

Apparently Audio-Visual Cut is not a nicely decorated space, in which plasters on the walls peel off, different filming kits and props, books, and DVDs get stuck at everywhere. “The atmosphere of this space is casual but the drawback is too casual, so it is quite disorganized,” Chu giggled and introduced the details of this space. The bedroom of Kuok now becomes the major area for holding activities such as film screenings on every Friday night. “I enjoy watching films here. For me, this space is like home. Even though you go to watch a film alone here, you can share your feelings with the other audience casually after the screening.But you just can’t talk to a stranger like this in a cinema,” said Ian Leung Yi On, who has been a core member of Audio-Visual Cut since 2006. “At first I did not have anything to deal with video production, but film has become important to me because I can learn a lot of video production techniques and rethink about my life through films,” said he, who is still impressed by the first night sitting there to watch a film by a Taiwanese director Edward Yang Dechang. The building where Audio-Visual Cut located is actually an old residential house, which is built with bricks rather than steel and cement with tall ceilings. According to Chu and Leung, the structure of this space keeps the same but the partitions were not like this in the past. “We’ve tried to transform this little area into a mini coffee stand and tuck shop before, so that people can get some refreshments while watching films,” said Leung trying to

dig out some sundries at the pantry area, 4

In addition, sometimes film art is so niche that it isolates people from getting in touch with, especially in Macao. Audio-Visual Cut has also encountered such a problem, as they are lack of people to manage this space daily. Leung added, “Basically this space is abandoned during daytime since not everyone can spare time to stay here all day. So it looks as if this space is not open for public but actually we welcome all people.”

In fact, it is ideal for them to create a local film library for the public. They have planned to set up such things but most of the members are busy, so it takes time to arrange that. Therefore, this space is mainly a place for editing, storing props and watching films right now.

Building up a connection between space and people is always one of their concerns. Luckily, besides those people from the video production field, their neighbors are also aware of the existence of this space. Chu said, “Sometimes, the owner of the restaurant next to Audio-Visual Cut asks me to help him to get a role in a film!”

To make a space “alive”, it needs the involvement of people so as to create more chemistry. These people act as the media and the audience for Audio-Visual Cut. Though it is not a perfect local film base,the members of Audio-Visual Cut are trying to connect people with this space.

“Running this space is not my first priority, but as long as I’m not dead and still capable, I want to see how far we can go with the local young filmmakers,” said Chu smilingly.

4 Abandoned props after shooting 5 Old files and magazines of local films 6 Charity box 7 Eduipments donated by others 8 Backdoor 9 Old posters for film screenings 10 Chinese Film Media Awards 2011- Independent Spirits Award

umac bridges

where you find art

CAN FACTORY MANUFACTURE A R T ? Ray, Chan Chi Hin

When the night falls, there is a gigantic graffiti drawing of a woman’s face glimmering on the entrance gate of an industrial building near Patane (沙梨頭). People may wonder why graffiti appears outside such an old building. The reason is simple because this factory is revitalized.

Macao manufacturing industry was once a flourishing industry, with about 1200 factories, but many stopped operating as time went by. According to Statistic and Census Service Bureau, from 2000 to 2010, 307 factories – about one-fourth of the whole - were closed down, leaving many industrial buildings abandoned. In recent years, with the low rental price and spacious areas, many small-scale art groups have started moving into the industrial buildings, providing a space that seems to fit their needs. On the other hand, those factories get a chance to be reinvigorated as the art groups bring people back to those places. Window Lei, owner of “Village”, said that it was lucky to find a space in industrial buildings. “Village” is a multi-functional space inside a factory at Patane, consisting of a studio for people to take photos, a stage for people to play music and street dance. Lei thought that teenagers need a space for showcasing their creativity on various fields. As “Village” covers many creative fields, the industrial building meets his needs and is also affordable to his limited budget. “How can we find such a spacious place with this low rent in the commercial area? But we can find it in the industrial building,” said Vincent Cheang, president of Live Music Association (LMA), which is located at the factory near Avenida do Coronel Mesquita (美副將大馬路). Cheang saw that there is a lack of places for playing live music in Macao so he has started this place for holding music shows. LMA becomes a space for various music shows, from hard rock music to pop music. Not only are foreign music groups invited but also the local bands. Due to the low rent, LMA sets the entrance fee of the show in an affordable range for the majority of the public. 79

However, the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau of Macao has announced lately that the government notice there are many deserted industrial buildings and they have launched a set of measures to revitalize those buildings. They encourage property developers or the owner to transform the industrial buildings into residential buildings. Concerns arise among the tenants of the industrial buildings, especially the art groups. Will they be kicked out and disappear from the community? “What I am doing now doesn’t count as a very great and contributing work but I guess I’ve put more effort on developing the creative industry than the government,” said Lei, who lamented that the support from the government is not enough. He said places like “Village” can cultivate an atmosphere of art. The employees of “Village” were used to play on-line games at home. After the had been exposed to the cultural activities, they started to think about art and designing. One of them even opened an on-line boutique. She learned how to take photos to promote her clothes. He said that this kind of space provides a channel for people to interact with art.

In addition, the president of LMA said the industrial building next to LMA had already been bought by the property developer. He is so afraid that they will be next. Cheang suggested that government should develop an art zone, like the 798 art zone in Beijing. He said that it would provide a better opportunity for the local creative industry. An art zone is better than “a space inside a factory”, which is the ultimate goal to him. “Art should be open to the public instead of hiding behind the thick walls of a factory,” said Fortes Pakeong Sequeira, a local artist, whose studio is inside a plant at Mong-Há (望廈). Pakeong said he didn’t consider revitalizing factory for creative industry is the best idea. An art zone gives people a chance to recognize what the artists in Macao are doing, and confidence to the youth to start their career as an artist because they can see a brighter future. Revitalized factory may be an alternative habitat for the creative industry. The above are only some suggestions and thoughts from the creative industry. Will there be more revitalized factories or a wellorganized art zone? No one knows. However, as there are many abandoned factories, it is necessary for Macao government and every Macao citizens to think about how to make good use for these spaces.

“Art should be open to the public instead of hiding behind the thick walls of a factory.”

“I’ve put more effort on developing the creative industry than the

government.”

umac bridges

what do they think?

Vitoria Daniela Del Rosario (21) Student From the Philippines

Ansoumane Douty (30) Teacher From Guinea

1. Venetian, I am just completely in love with it.

1. Coloane, a very quiet place.

2. Barra, never appealing to me.

2. D2 (a club), too crowded.

2. Bus stops, always a lot of people

3. Attraction park, more entertaining.

3. Grand shopping malls, Macao is lack of spaces for entertainment.

3 Theme parks, MTRs, more clubs, a perfect place to live where everything’s complete and fun.

San Lao (22) Nurse trainee From Macao 1. Space for dancing like dancing room, feeling free, relaxed and healthy

What Do They Think:

Spaces about Macao?

Emilie Tessier (28) Teacher From Canada 1. Where I live behind New Century Hotel, I have a balcony and the environment is full of trees and birds singing. 2. San Man lo (Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro) and Red Market, too many tourists and too crowded. 3. More facilities for outdoor sports, places where we can cycle or rollerblade without being scared of dying in car accidents.

Mabel Lok (15) Student From Macao 1. Rua do Campo ( 水坑尾 ), I can go shopping there. 2. Ruins of St. Paul's, full of tourists and sometimes the tourists are not polite. 3. Some theme parks like Ocean Park and Disneyland in Hong Kong, Macao is lack of spaces for entertainment.

Shirley Lao (21) Student From Macao

Sio In Leong (60) Civil servant From Macao

1. The old town area, full of my childhood memories and peaceful.

1. My home, it gives me a sense of belonging and security.

2. The central district, I can barely breathe among the crowds.

2. My working place, I like what I am doing but the working hours and working place restrict me.

3. Cycle track, a safer space for people to bike.

3. A large art exhibition hall, an art concentration space for artists in Macao and a landmark for tourist to visit everywhere.

>> 1. What is your most favorite space in Macao? >> 2. What is your least favorite space in Macao? >> 3. What spaces in Macao do you want in the future?

Kent Wai (33) High school teacher From Macao

Sam So (29) Customer service operator From Macao

Grace Snow (27) Accountant From Portugal

1. Macao Tower, I can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Macao.

1.Basketball playground, I like doing exercise.

1. My home is my favorite place because there is no smoke.

2.Disco, very noisy and dirty. 2. The Riviera Macau, affecting the landscape of Macao. 3. More recreation areas, Macao is lack of places for parenting activities and relaxation.

3. A local culture village reformed from some old buildings, providing more spaces for the local artists.

2. Casinos, full of smoke. 3. Smoke-free restaurants everywhere.

umac bridges

workspace: just find it!

He’s angry...

She’s hysteric...

She’s confused...

She’s refreshing...

She’s thrilled...

He’s gay...

She’s hot...

She’s mad...

umac bridges

personality test

Imagine you have a house, which part of the house would you love the most?

A: Bedroom

D. Bathroom

G. Study room

B. Living room

E. Kitchen

H. All

C. Dining room

F. Balcony

I. None

result

A: Bedroom

You are a sociable, passionate and responsible person. You enjoy being a leader.

B. Living room

C. Dining room

You are an independent person. You can go to everywhere and do everything on your own.

You are a dreamer with charisma. The way you speak is special. You can gain attention in public but others may easily be jealous of your talents.

You are a person with good analytical skills. You can still remain calm in case of emergency. Sometimes, what you need is to stay alone and clear your mind before moving on.

You are an idler. Others love you because you can give them a sense of security and good suggestions whenever they need.

D. Bathroom

E. Kitchen

You are a big fan of nature and always put freedom as your first priority.

F. Balcony

G. Study room

You are a materialist and spend a lot in enjoying your life. But what you love and care about is your family.

You are a person with strict disciplines and hope that you can handle everything with ease. You hate being ridiculed and mimicked.

You are a thinker. You are simply interested in observing others but not having any contact with them.

H. All

I. None

umac bridges

our crew

event management team editorial team layout team web authoring & design team

course instructor

project manager

RAYMOND LAI

tony lai adeline

hong

wendy wong chief editor

chief designer

chan

lam

Cecilia Ma

amy pang

tami wu

cristal chan

sandy vong

n ve

ine

elsa ip

ray chan

ela

linda

gi e

lo i

christy cheng

terina cao

ky la

sam leong

miffy io

sunnie cheang

karen lei

bec

sharon kuok

emmie poon

patricia ferreira

ami fan

michael vai alda alice manuel sawimbo

liz

lao

umac bridges

SPECIAL THANKS

Agnes Lam. Benjamin Hodges. Raymond Lai. Eliot Ng. Hugo Lok. Jenny Lou. Winnie Cheang. Frank Lei. Wong Kei Cheong. Chan Ka Keong. Carri Tam. Mafalda Remedios. Jaquelina Vong. Jun Loi. Eliana Calderon. Saga. Nora Lai. Information and Communication Technology Office (ICTO). Macao OX Warehourse. Macau Federation of Trade Unions.

2011: A Space Odyssey. Produced by MadHouse Production. Umac Bridges. Printed in Fall 2011. The Department of Communication Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities University of Macau

fall 2011 issue #35 since 2000

features Alternative Pets: Can I Have a Place? Flowing Home One End Is Another Start Can Factory Manufacture Art? Feels Like a Female Space Needs People A Man in His World Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Leave Me Alone Flea Market at Lin Kai Mio Just a Bed...