Life on Lantau December 2017/ January 2018 by Life on Lantau magazine

Dec 2017/ Jan 2018

WIN! tickets to see The xx and football classes with HK Dragons FC

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR! MEET MUI WOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OWN SANTA AND HIS ELF

PARTY-SEASON SURVIVAL KIT HOW TO DETOX AS YOU GO

A TIME FOR GIVING

Our altruistic running community (and top local races) ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2017/ January 2018

FEATURES 10

DISPATCH Lantau’s altruistic running community and three top local races

PERSONA How Peter Loyd and Terry Walker celebrate the silly season

24 SPOTLIGHT What you can expect from the East Lantau Metropolis

HEALTH A naturopathic guide to Xmas (plus the ultimate hangover cure)

REGULARS

04 9 29 36 40

GIVEAWAYS Win great prizes THE NETWORK All about AWE LANTAU FACES Community snaps PUZZLER Mind games and conundrums

AGENDA 04 34 37 38

LANTAU NEWS HK HAPPENINGS CLASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS

Dec 2017/ Jan 2018

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COVER

WIN! tickets to see The xx and football classes with HK Dragons FC

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR! MEET MUI WO’S OWN SANTA AND HIS ELF

PARTY-SEASON SURVIVAL KIT HOW TO DETOX AS YOU GO

A TIME FOR GIVING

Elina Makilammi and William Sargent are all about racing to give To read the cover story, turn to page 10

Our altruistic running community (and top local races) ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

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2017 / 2018

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

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If you would like to see a news story or event featured in this section, email katrina@baymedia.com.hk PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & SALES ASSISTANT Patricia Jover patricia@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katrina Mercado katrina@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com Jason Pagliari Andrew Spires Duey Tam CONTRIBUTORS Graeme Bradshaw Trisha Hughes Elizabeth Kerr Tom Yam PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong. DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

LANTAU BUFFALO DEBATE HEATS UP

ebate around Lantau’s cows and buffalo rages on despite the Hong Kong government suggesting in its Sustainable Lantau Blueprint, released in June, that it will endeavour to protect the Mui Wo and Pui O wetlands and the animals that live there. While many view the herds as an integral part of the fabric of South Lantau, others are determined to see them moved on for good.

Photo by Natasha Ramsey

In an email sent in November, environmental sustainability group Living Islands Movement (LIM) urged people to sign a petition objecting to the relocation of cows and buffalo to Tai A Chau. According to LIM, district councillor Randy Yu and a number of village chiefs have once again suggested that some cows and buffalo be moved to the Soko Islands, which are located south of Lantau and include Tai A Chau. “Our district councillor Randy Yu and several of the local village chiefs have once again suggested that some of our much loved cows and buffalo be relocated to the Soko Islands,” says LIM’s chairperson Dr Merrin Pearse. “LIM vigorously opposes such a move, which would fly in the face of the government’s own June-released blueprint for Lantau. LIM will be meeting with Randy Yu in the near future to seek clarification and an explanation as to why he has made this proposal once again. In the meantime, we urge everyone to sign the petition.” The petition currently has over 4,000 signatures, with organisers hoping to reach at least 5,000 by December 25. The proposal to relocate the herds was first brought up in September 2016 but was rejected by the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) due to concerns about transporting the animals and maintaining their wellbeing. However, the proposal was raised again last month by the Lantau Area Committee, who cited concerns regarding the safety of residents and villagers due to fights between the animals. It has been reported that district councillors and village representatives have put pressure on the AFCD to relocate part of the herd as a trial run. “The proposal must be stopped at all costs,” said Kathy Dixon, chairperson of the Tai O Community Cattle Group. “It is unfeasible due to the fact [that Tai A Chau] is uninhabited, which could lead to people taking [the animals] to China. There is no transportation to check on the cattle’s wellbeing once there. It would most likely be a death sentence, all due to the Mui Wo development plans supported by the rural committees.” To sign the petition, visit http://supporthk.org/en/petition/object-relocation-cowsand-buffaloes-tai-chau.

LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING ISLAND WIDE! HIKERS URGED TO TAKE THEIR LITTER HOME

he onus will be on hikers and walkers to do the right thing from January onwards, with the Hong Kong government announcing that it hopes to remove all rubbish bins from Hong Kong’s country parks by the end of this year. The plan forms the latest phase of the Take Your Litter Home programme, originally launched in September 2015, and follows a successful trial in which rubbish bins were removed from selected trails across Hong Kong, including part of the Lantau Trail. According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (ACFD), the amount of rubbish in the trial locations has fallen significantly since the programme began. It hopes that this trend will continue in this new phase of the scheme.

www.wikimedia.org

FLOOD DEFENCES TO BE STRENGTHENED IN TAI O

he fallout from August’s Typhoon Hato continues in Tai O, with Lantau News reporting that the government is planning to strengthen flood control following severe flooding during the typhoon.

According to Lantau News, the measures will come due to the fact that the existing 220 metre-long embankment was not able to keep out the extreme weather. Drainage Services Department director Edwin Tong told Ming Pao that the department will install a temporary flood-control flap to increase the height of the embankment from 3.3 metres to 3.8 metres.

webs-of-significence.blogspot.com

According to Edwin Tong, a review showed that the existing embankment isn’t high enough, and that it had taken too long to move sandbags and install floodgates to compensate for this. www.lifeonlantau.com December 2017/ January 2018

LIFE ON LANTAU 5

LANTAU NEWS

BOOST YOUR HOLIDAY WITH CHEAPER DUTY FREE!

HONG KONG HOMEWARE GIANT HITS LANTAU

NSIDE, Hong Kong’s go-to homeware boutique, is opening a new shop in Mui Wo in December, offering a carefully curated selection of unique furniture, homeware, gifts and fashion accessories.

Created by Catherine Trotman in 1997 with the mission to source unique, handcrafted furniture and homeware products from around the globe, INSIDE prides itself on the values of quality, charm, versatility, freshness and the concept of upcycling, since it restores and breathes new life into vintage furniture. INSIDE is brimming with inspiration for every room of the house and is a valuable resource for both interior designers and retail shoppers. The new branch of INSIDE is located behind the wet market and Silvermine Beach at G/F, 17 Chang Hau Street, Mui Wo, and shoppers enjoy a 15 percent discount on their first visit.

oliday goers can get their winter break off to the perfect start with c h e a p e r d u t y f re e shopping at Hong Kong International Airport.

www.wikimedia.org

The China Duty Free Group (CDFG), which has taken over the contract with Lagardère Travel Retail, has promised to set a new benchmark in the liquor and tobacco duty-free industry, focusing not only on products, but also on customer experience and service. In a statement on the company’s website, CDFG said that customers could expect “an appealing product mix, including the world’s largest Chinese liquor and tobacco corner, a house of single malt, plus an exclusive Asian liquor concept store”. CDFG also plans to introduce interactive customer zones that showcase the manufacturing process of products, as well as tasting bars and VR (virtual reality) shopping. According to The Standard , CDFG intends to keep prices competitive and will offer “double the difference best-price guarantees”.

Photo courtesy of INSIDE

CDFG takes over the contract from DFS Group, which is owned by the luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

CHRISTMAS BAZAARS WHAT: CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE BEACH WHEN: December 9 WHERE: Lower Cheung Sha Beach WHY: Food and drink stalls, local merchandise, movies for kids and a bonfire CONTACT: frankie.yuen@me.com WHAT: YHKCC INTERNATIONAL FUN FAIR WHEN: December 9 WHERE: YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, Tung Chung WHY: Talent shows, ethnic food, a bazaar and fun kids’ activities CONTACT: amanda.shek@yhkcc.edu.hk WHAT: CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET WHEN: December 18-19 WHERE: Regal Airport Hotel, Chek Lap Kok WHY: Christmas shopping, food and drinks, plus a gift-giving Santa CONTACT: www.regalhotel.com

6 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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SPONSORED CONTENT the Lookout Point? With the weather cooling down, it’s the perfect time of year to get out and about. Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without good food, and DB’s restaurants are all gearing up to serve festive treats that are sure to delight. What better way to celebrate than sharing a delicious meal with loved ones under the dazzling festival lights. Merry Christmas, everyone!

HAVE A BLAST IN DB

over the holidays!

hristmas in Discovery Bay is always a special time of the year, as people from all over the globe come together to celebrate the festive season. This year, there are even more reasons to visit DB as events to mark its 40th anniversary are underway. During DB’s lively winter festival, you can expect a host of events to delight the whole family. A real highlight of the holiday season is, of course, the Handmade Hong Kong Christmas market in DB Plaza on December 10. Running from 11am to 6pm, it’s the perfect place to stock up on last-minute gifts, bump into friends, and get into festive mode. Another sure-fire crowd pleaser this Christmas is the Sparkling Nostalgia Party. Taking place from December 23 to 26, this celebration sees the area in front of the main ferry pier transformed into a Christmas dance floor. The glitzy ’70s and ’80s theme gives a nostalgic nod to the era in which DB was envisioned and built. From 6.30pm till 8pm each evening, you are invited to enjoy the party music (everything from ‘70s classics to the latest No.1 hits), travel back in time, and get on down with family, friends and a troupe of professional dancers.

Photos courtesy of HKR

The Christmas decorations that light up DB each year are always integral to the festival. Eco-friendly and/ or recyclable, the brilliant, ultra-modern installations provide a dramatic backdrop for photos with friends, for selfies and, of course, your latest Instagram posts. Step off the ferry, and you are immediately welcomed by a large, brilliantly lit Christmas centrepiece; spectacular arches forming a Tunnel of Illumination lead off along D’Deck Promenade. Head up to DB North Plaza with the kids, and they can hop on the Multicoloured Christmas Express, a kaleidoscopic train signifying the incredible journey that DB has enjoyed over the last 40 years. Whatever your interests, DB has plenty of entertainment to offer the whole family over the festive break. This year, you can visit 40 hand-picked attractions to rediscover DB – indeed, the Christmas holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the many novelties that DB provides. Why not hike up to DB Reservoir, or take in the view from 8 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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REDISCOVER Discovery Bay! To celebrate DB’s 40th anniversary, Hong Kong Resort has put together a list of DB’s top 40 attractions. By revisiting just five of these attractions (and getting your guide stamped), you win yourself a free instant photo shoot at the Christmas Illumination Photo Station in DB Plaza. Simply pick up a guide at DB Pier, Central Pier 3, DB Plaza, DB North Plaza or Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, and start rediscovering Discovery Bay!

GET INTO THE festive spirit! Have your photo taken at the Christmas Illumination Photo Station in DB Plaza, through January 1, 2018. It’s open 2pm to 11.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 12.45pm to 11.30pm (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays). Shop ‘till you drop at the Handmade Hong Kong Christmas market on December 10. Head on down to DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Dance your socks off at the Sparkling Nostalgia Party, December 23 to 26. It’s all happening in DB Plaza from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance to win great prizes! WIN TICKETS TO THE XX, LIVE IN HONG KONG

GIVEAWAYS WIN HK DRAGONS FC TERM 2

Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy FOOTBALL CLASSES to get your hands on, and you have until December 10 to apply. Simply scan the HK Dragons FC is offering one child a place barcode, or go to at its Term 2 programme (worth HK$2,200) in www.lifeonlantau.com/giveaways, DB, from January 8 to March 29, 2018. select the giveaway you want, and enter your details HK Dr agons FC of fers football classes in into the online form.

www.asiaworld-expo.com

AsiaWorld-Expo is offering two readers a pair of tickets (worth HK$720 each) to see The xx, Live in Hong Kong at AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok on February 1 at 7.30pm. YourMum presents The xx, Live in Hong Kong, as the sought-after indie pop band returns to Asia for its biggest run of shows to date. With three hugely acclaimed albums behind them, Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith are at the very top of their game, and touring with a full production sound and light show. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketflap.com.

Discovery Bay, Pui O, Mui Wo and at YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, Tung Chung for kids, aged three and above, of all abilities. Children learn team work, fair play and a competitive spirit in a fun and safe environment. Professional coaching from UEFA / FA qualified coaches ensures an improvement in skills, match awareness and fitness. For more information, visit www.dragons.hk.

www.dragons.hk

Congratulations to last issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners Christal Maasdorp and Marie Marchand for tickets to see Shawn Mendes in concert; Justine Garrett and Alex Beattie for dinner vouchers from Di Jerk Shed; Sandra Tapia and Marat Yu for dinner vouchers from Cafe Isara; and Sarah Wilson for a grooming session and two bags of pet nutrition from Tung Chung Vet Centre.

Photos by Andrew Spires and Alex Reshikov, and courtesy of Elina Makilammi, William Sargent and Nic Tinworth

DISPATCH

RACING TO GIVE Echo Gong, co-owner of Lantau Base Camp

Here in Lantau, it’s always a time for giving. Sam Agars talks to four actively altruistic members of the running community

f there’s one thing that sets Lantau apart from the rest of Hong Kong, it’s its tight-knit community made up of people who enjoy life in the slow lane. But there’s something else that dominates any conversation about Lantau, and that’s running. Lantauers are mad for it and the trails on the island are some of the best in the territory.

MoonTrekker’s 1,400

Not surprisingly, when you cross a neighbourly, generous bunch with a group of people that thrives on testing itself in all sorts of endurance events, you get a running community ever ready to do its bit for charity.

The event takes place in October, with the 1,400 participants taking their pick between 30-kilometre and 43-kilometre night-time treks. Both races go up and over Lantau Peak, covering some of the steepest terrain in Hong Kong. The aim is to reach the finish at Pui O Beach before sunrise, either solo, as a pair or in a team of four.

There are numerous ways for people to contribute to the greater good, while getting their kicks on the trails. The Lantau-based founders of three of the island’s top races, Barclays MoonTrekker, Salomon LT70 and Country of Origin, explain how it works. 10 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

www.lifeonlantau.com

MoonTrekker is one of Lantau’s best-known running events and it’s certainly a heavyweight from a charity point of view. Dreamt up by Pui O resident William Sargent, it’s raised over HK$13 million during its nine years in existence.

In a sense, there are two ways to win MoonTrekker – you can do so by finishing first in your category, and/ or by raising the most funds. Runners set up a Simplygiving fundraising page as they register,

SPOTLIGHT

Nic Tinworth, founder of Country of Origin

People who live on Lantau seem to be a lot more laid back, friendlier and more involved and invested in their community. They are more motivated to support charities and the causes they promote

with each participant required to raise at least HK$650. This year’s event exceeded its target by a quarter, raking in over HK$2.5 million. Funds raised by each competitor or team in each category are tracked on an online Fundraiser Leaderboard, and competition is fierce. This year, Prudential Corporation Asia came out ahead in the Corporate Cup category with HK$154,500; Team HOKA in the Corporate Team category with HK$50,000, NocturnOwls in the Team category with HK$41,235; Try Club HKG 10 in the Pair category with HK$29,066; and Zheng Junhao in the Solo category with HK$611,500. MoonTrekker sells out in minutes each year and initially raised money for Room to Read, an educational literacy charity that does work in Nepal. For the last two years, however, funds have been directed to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a conservation organisation William is passionate about that works around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters. To date, TNC’s dedicated supporters have been responsible for the protection of more than 119 million acres worldwide, including cross-border initiatives in the Coral Triangle and the forests of South East Asia. www.lifeonlantau.com December 2017/ January 2018

LIFE ON LANTAU 11

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DISPATCH

Elina Makilammi and William Sargent look out at the Lantau Trails…

… discussing their next adventure

William Sargent, founder of Barclays MoonTrekker

“TNC is big in the US and big in China and it is now doing projects in Hong Kong, so part of all of this is evangelising the brand and getting awareness in Hong Kong – letting people know what the charity is doing,” says William, who has lived in South Lantau since he was 12.

Nic says it is obvious how much the 450 Country of Origin participants enjoy “doing good,” while they run. What’s more, he is not surprised that the Lantau community is so supportive of good causes.

“TNC is doing stuff that is so pertinent to Lantau but people don’t realise it,” he adds. “There are not many large conservation charities that are actually deploying projects on Lantau, and TNC is doing exactly that through two key projects – oyster reef restoration and bio-diversity mapping.”

“Generally speaking, people who live on Lantau seem to be a lot more laid back, friendlier and more involved and invested in their community, which definitely has parallels because as caring people they are more motivated to support charities and the causes they promote,” he says.

Country of Origin’s 450

The past couple of races have also seen teams from Free to Run competing and getting involved by helping out at checkpoints. “Apart from being really fun for them, it really helps to raise awareness and is great for the runners to see,” Nic says. “This year, there were a lot of participants at the finish clapping all the teams in, and many of the registered runners and teams made extra donations when they signed up.”

Nic Tinworth’s Country of Origin trail race kicks off in Mui Wo and brings 150 teams of three of the same nationality together for a 30-kilometre run along the Lantau Trails. Teams must start the race together, stay together and finish together and, while running in national colours is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. Held annually in April, Country of Origin supports Free to Run, a charity which uses running, fitness and adventure to empower and educate women and girls from conflict-affected communities. Free to Run strongly believes in the power of sports to transform lives, and is committed to making that happen. Country of Origin donates five percent of each race registration to the charity and, boosted by further individual donations, raised close to HK$30,000 this year. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised over HK$100,000. 12 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

www.lifeonlantau.com

Salomon LT 70’s 500 No ordinary trail-running and hiking store, Mui Wo-based Lantau Base Camp (LBC) is another Lantau organisation that encourages the community to give back. It’s been organising trail races since 2012, and offers participants the option of making a donation to a charity whenever they sign up to compete.

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HYDROPONICS THE FUTURE OF FOOD PRODUCTION

FourEverGreen is a hydroponic farming company that grows high quality, healthy food, using sustainable production methods. We are committed to ensuring our processes and produce meet our four core values; healthy, sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical. Our vision is to create more food security for the growing world. There are many reasons why we need to continually research and develop new and alternative food production methods: We have a growing water shortage on the planet: Hydroponic farming uses 90% less water as it feeds the plant directly, rather than the soil that the plant is growing in. Many countries suffer from food shortages: We need to grow food faster without GMOs and other damaging modifications. Our harvests grow 300% faster than arable farming.

Certain parts of the world are obsolete for growing conditions and creates land shortage: A lot of land previously used for farming is now unusable. How do these nations provide food? Climate change is having a huge effect on our ability to produce enough food: Our historic growing methods need to be reviewed. We cannot grow food like we used to. Hydroponics can be grown anywhere, during any season.

The world is growing in population: We over have 7.4 billion people now, and expecting another 1 billion within 30 years; but can only sustain 10 billion people in total globally with current food growth methods.

HYDROPONIC OPPORTUNITY Hydroponic farming is a great way to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs under totally controlled conditions. Check out our website www.fourever.green to see how you can get involved today!

FourEverGreen Limited

1601 Yu Sung Boon building 107-111 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: 3611 6864 email: info@fourever.green

DISPATCH

Elina Makilammi ran the FWD North Pole Marathon in April

FWD North Pole Marathon’s 52 Of course, Lantauers are not confined to the island in their pursuit of hard-core endurance races and fundraising opportunities. Tung Chung residents Elina Makilammi and her husband Diarmuid O’Shea ran the FWD North Pole Marathon in April this year, raising around HK$36,000 for 350, a charity that fights climate change and believes in developing 100% clean energy solutions. The 52 competitors in the ‘World’s Coolest Marathon’ literally race at the top of the world. The 42.195-kilometre race is run on

LBC holds six runs a year – including the two-leg Hong Kong Stairmaster Series and the LBC Valentines Race. The biggest of the lot is the Salomon LT 70, which takes place in October. Limited to 440 solo runners and 15 teams of four relay runners, the LT 70 starts out from Mui Wo. The race unfurls over varied terrain, from rough, steep, mountainous single tracks to flat concrete footpaths, and covers the whole 70 kilometres of the Lantau Trail. “Seventy kilometres on the Lantau Trail is not a walk in the park,” LBC co-owner Echo Gong says. “Your biggest climbs are within the first 13 kilometres. Later, the concrete catch-water sections make your knees hurt. Then you have a 200-metre climb up Nam Shan before the trail heads downhill into Mui Wo. Go out too hard and you’ll be smashed by Tai O. Pace yourself early and you’ll finish like a champ!” This year, the LT 70 raised an estimated HK$3,000 for Tai O - Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College.

14 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

www.lifeonlantau.com

a small, 4.22-kilometre loop, over hard snow and ice floes less than a metre thick. Elina describes the challenge as massive both physically and mentally, with the eight-hour race taking place overnight in temperatures as low as -40°C. “My husband is always looking into crazy races and he wanted to do this for a while,” Elina says. “For us, it’s always important to give money where it’s needed, we thought it was a great opportunity to raise awareness and money for a good cause.”

“We team up with local charities, and people have the option if they want to donate or not and how much they want to donate. There is nothing compulsory,” Echo says. “We offer an additional channel for people to be able to contribute to charity and give back to the community. The running community are always willing to help and they are very generous and eager to give back.”

FIND IT • Barclays MoonTrekker, www.barclaysmoontrekker.com • Country of Origin, www.countryoforigin.asia • FWD North Pole Marathon, www.npmarathon.com • Lantau Base Camp, www.lantaubasecamp.com

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HO,HO,HÓU!

Photos by Duey Tam

PERSONA

Mui Wo residents Peter Price and Terry Richardson come into their own each Christmas as Santa and his Elf. Elizabeth Kerr chats with them over a beer in The Water Buffalo

16 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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t’s coming up on happy hour at Pui O’s The Water Buffalo, and so the little eatery’s proprietor, Chris, talks up the local brew: Night Trail Brown Ale. As a proponent of supporting local business, I try it. It’s not bad.

Perhaps Chris can sense that meeting Mui Wo’s own private Santa Claus – and his Elf – is going to demand a drink. After all, this writer’s favourite on-screen Santa is Billy Bob Thornton’s foul-mouthed Bad Santa. Talking of Xmas movies, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is fine until the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes, and the best part of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the subversive elf Hermey (ah, the ’60s). But when the soft-spoken 74-year-old Peter Price and sixtysomething Terry Richardson show up in full Christmas regalia – cheery, relaxed and already drawing attention from some kids grabbing a bite on the patio – I’m quickly won over. They immediately prove a point, which is that the simple pleasures of the holiday disarm even the most cynical among us. “What we do puts a smile on people’s faces,” says Terry. “Kids are kids. Even old ones. Even us.” A Mui Wo tradition Mui Wo residents know Peter and Terry for their annual walkabouts in the district, around the public schools and supermarkets and such, dressed up in full red Santa suit and green elf gear, dishing out sweets to children. (Terry dons a particularly stellar pair of elf shoes that Peter wangled from a UK shop window.) They don’t do it for money. They don’t do it for fame. They do it because it’s fun. And because Peter has a real, kick-ass white beard.

friends. I moved as soon as my contract was finished and never looked back. I know the people and I wouldn’t think about moving anywhere else.” Peter agrees, remembering his surprise that somewhere like Pui O existed in the territory. When his wife lobbied to relocate from Beijing to Hong Kong for their son’s schooling, he initially balked. “I resisted that for a long time because to me Hong Kong was Central and Causeway Bay, but one day a friend offered me a stay in his house in Lam Tin, and that was it.” Santa and his Elf met and became friends after Peter had some work done on his home that Terry was overseeing. Keeping the magic alive

“That’s how it started, with a kid on the bus who was curious about the beard, because it was Christmas time,” recalls Peter between sips of his own Night Trail. Roughly five years ago, a little girl on a bus was mesmerised by Peter’s facial hair and worked up the courage to ask him if he was Santa. He said no, but that Santa was an ancestor, and now he helps out in December. Immediately after that, Terry was doing a promotion for the models he makes and the duo decided to do it up Christmas style. Thus was born a Mui Wo tradition. Tales of Christmas past A retired marine engineer and automotive executive, the Welshborn Peter – “make sure you put that in there,” he says. “I’m from Wales” – has been in Hong Kong for nearly 25 years, and in Pui O for 10. Similarly, London-native Terry, an architectural model builder and construction industry pro, landed in Hong Kong 21 years ago, and with the exception of a short stint in DB, has called Pui O home ever since. “I lived in Discovery Bay for the first year, for the convenience,” Terry explains. “But I spent most weekends around here with

Peter and Terry’s Santa and his Elf jaunts (starting on the last school day before Christmas) come from a very simple love of the holiday; both call it their favourite of the year. “For me it’s a family time. I can’t be bothered with birthdays and anniversaries too much, but Christmas is when the family gets together,” says Peter. Terry agrees that Christmas is his favourite celebration, for much the same reasons. At the end of the day, it’s a family affair,” he says. “I’m into the magic of Christmas. I was 21 before I realised Santa wasn’t real.” That’s the key to Peter and Terry’s success as roaming Santa and Elf. They keep it genuine and just have a good time. Hong Kong laws make it impossible to prop kids on Santa’s knee for photos, but they have a magic stool that helps. The stool sits beside Peter, who tells kids it will indicate to Santa if they’ve been naughty or nice during the year. “One boy heard that and asked, ‘Can I stand up?’” Terry notes. “We could barely go on we were laughing so hard.” Peter and Terry have dozens of stories like that, which is its own reward.

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LIFE ON LANTAU 17

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PERSONA

This Santa and his Elf prefer to keep the gift-giving modest. They won’t be appearing in Tung Chung for HK$1,200 per hour. “We like it to be local and we like it to be fun. Once you put money into the equation, it changes the whole thing,” says Peter. The duo do break out the leprechaun gear for St Patrick’s Day, but beyond that, they’ve kept their eyes on the Christmas prize. And for the record, no: They are not in the market for a Mui Wo water buffalo they can stick antlers on. Overall, Peter and Terry’s Christmas fantasy works like a dream, though they do encounter the occasional suspicious mind. “It’s one thing to see Santa but then they see me in my elf gear, and they’re not quite sure what to make of it all,” says Terry. Peter has his share of ‘pork pies’ to tell, but it’s worth the effort. “I remember being so disappointed when I found out Santa wasn’t real. I wasn’t quite 21.” He waits a beat. “He was 19,” Terry finishes for him, to a chorus of laughter. “It’s nice to keep the magic alive. Kids need that, especially nowadays.” Hermey would approve.

For Terry and Peter, the festive fun starts on the last school day before Christmas

SPOTLIGHT

SETTLEMENT HIER Photos by Duey Tam and courtesy of Tom Yam

Do you want to see a high-rise new town connected to Mui Wo swell its population to tens of thousands? Tom Yam of the ELM Concern Group pans the government’s plan for an East Lantau Metropolis

f you love Lantau for its mountain and coastal vistas, forest trails, sandy beaches, low population density, rich history, sleepy old villages and wetlands where buffalo roam, enjoy them while you can. You have some time before this natural refuge from Hong Kong’s concrete jungle is transformed into… another concrete jungle. The concrete, if proposals go ahead, will cover 1,000 hectares reclaimed from the sea around the islets of Heiling Chau and Kau Yi Chau east of Lantau, which will be connected to Mui Wo on South Lantau to create the gigantic East Lantau Metropolis (ELM). Is HK$400 billion too high a price to pay? ELM will be a high-rise new town and business district with MTR stations, malls, housing and infrastructure for a projected population of 400,000 to 700,000. (Mui Wo’s current population of 5,500 will swell to tens of thousands.) Bridges or tunnels and railways totalling 29

24 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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kilometres will link ELM with the rest of Lantau, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The total cost, estimated from real expenditure on previous and current large-scale infrastructure projects, will be over HK$400 billion, exceeding the combined costs of the third airport runway, high-speed train to Guangzhou and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. That will make ELM the most expensive development project in Hong Kong’s history. The government is seeking HK$248 million from LegCo to fund a feasibility study. Since former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced the plan in his January 2014 policy address, the government has seen ELM as a solution to Hong Kong’s land and housing shortage. The plan was rubber-stamped last month by the new Task Force on Land Supply, convened by the government to consider reclamation as a means to meet Hong Kong’s housing needs.

Government representatives met with the community at a meeting in Mui Wo on August 9

The East Lantau Metropolis would change the face of Mui Wo

RARCHY Will ELM address the housing crisis? If ELM proceeds, it will take at least 30 years to be ready for population intake (though the construction will start years earlier). So in the short term, it will not alleviate the problems of unaffordable housing, the long wait for public housing, or the dire living conditions in partitioned flats. But in the longer term it will lead to housing overcapacity. If ELM and other housing developments are built as planned, Hong Kong will have the capacity to house over 9 million people. However, according to the Census and Statistics Department, our ageing population and low birth-rate means that the population will peak in 2043 at 8.22 million, decreasing to 7.8 million in 2064. This suggests that ELM is not the solution to Hong Kong’s current housing problem and is not necessary in the long term. Should we really be destroying a natural environment at the cost of HK$400 billion when that money could be spent on healthcare, education and other pressing social needs?

The proposed site of the East Lantau Metropolis

strategic land supply, 46.4 percent opposed reclamation, while 33.6 percent supported it. The survey was based on proper statistical sampling methodology with a 95 percent confidence interval and the sample population chosen randomly, reflecting the population as a whole. In a 2016 public opinion survey on Lantau’s development, 51.2 percent opposed ELM and 31.6 percent supported it. Regardless, the government included ELM in the Sustainable Lantau Blueprint published in June.

Do Hong Kong people support ELM? Two rigorous public consultations have already shown public opposition to land reclamation and ELM. In a 2011-2013 survey on

It’s three years since ELM was announced, and the government has yet to answer in any detail basic questions such as the need for it, the estimated cost and the risks of rising sea levels, resorting

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LIFE ON LANTAU 25

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SPOTLIGHT

Local herds may be living on borrowed time

Traditional village life continues in Mui Wo, at least for now

instead to vague, feel-good buzzwords such as ‘space for all,’ ‘sustainable development’ and ‘green tourism.’ Residents of Mui Wo and South Lantau, which will be directly impacted by ELM, have repeatedly asked government departments for meetings at which they can voice their concerns and give input. Three years on, on March 22, representatives from the Planning Department came to Mui Wo to present the government’s development plan, dubbed 2030+, which includes ELM. The event was not well publicised, and it was held on a Wednesday evening at a time when many residents were commuting home from work. With most residents unaware of or unable to attend the meeting, it was packed with members of the pro-development rural committees. When the session came to a close, government representatives could claim that Lantau residents support 2030+. Are Lantauers getting sufficient representation? So what can Hong Kong citizens, and specifically Lantau residents, do if they want to prevent Lantau from becoming another concrete jungle? In brief, get organised, tell your family and friends. Lobby government officials, legislators and district councillors. Ask them to deny the government funding for the ELM feasibility study. At the South Lantau level, residents need to change the dynamics of decision-making on matters that affect their community, environment and welfare. Traditionally, issues affecting South Lantau have been deliberated and decided by the four rural committees: the Mui Wo Rural Committee, South Lantau Rural Committee, Tai O Rural Committee and Tung Chung Rural Committee. With changing demographics 26 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

www.lifeonlantau.com

Signs of development are already creeping in

and an increasingly diverse population on Lantau, our district councillors should reach out beyond the rural committees and regularly inform this wider community, seek more representative views and reflect them to the government. If concrete starts pouring for ELM, don’t think you can escape to another island either. It’s also likely to be a target for reclamation. Our Hong Kong Foundation, set up by former Chief Executive Tung Chee-wah, has proposed that 2,200 hectares be reclaimed off south Cheung Chau. This proposal has already been tabled to the government-appointed Task Force on Land Supply, which is identifying land for reclamation. The foundation is also proposing reclamation off Lamma and Po Toi. If we don’t make our voices heard, no one should be surprised when these proposals are accepted too.

ELM Concern Group, comprising 20 civic, environmental and professional groups, was set up in 2016 to oppose the East Lantau Metropolis plan. To get involved, visit the ELMConcernGroup Facebook page, or email Tom Yam at goodgovernance@live.hk.

Authentic Caribbean food

Season’s Greetings from all at DI Jerk Shed

Inspired by the culinary delights of Trinidad and Jamaica, Di Jerk Shed offers weekly specials, Sunday brunch, discounts for airline crew and free transport to Mui Wo, Tung Chung and surrounding areas.

Infusing Style and Skilled craftsmanship in your home this Christmas

NOW OPEN IN MUI WO! TEL: 2234 5375 COME VISIT! ach g Sha Be 50 Lower Cheun

hookah, 100 hkd beer bucket and pizza

STORE LOCATIONS Prince’s building, central T: 2537 6298 Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau T: 2873 1795 The repulse Bay, Repulse Bay T: 2812 6685 17 Chung Hau Street, Mui Wo T:2890 8606 E: sales@inside.com.hk Shop I, Lifestyle Hub, Fashion Walk, Cleveland St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (T) +852 2570 0307

SHOP ONLINE www.inside.com.hk

AROUND DB AND LIFE ON LANTAU

YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION 2018 NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!

THE CHALLENGE

Write a 600- to 700-word account describing Lantau life in the future – in 2030. Open to all secondary school students living and / or studying in Lantau.

DEADLINE:

MARCH 7

Check the YWC guidelines on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages or www.arounddb.com. Submit your article by March 7 to rachel@baymedia.com.hk.

THE REWARD

The winning article is published in the May issue of Around DB and the June issue of Life on Lantau. There will be prizes for the three winners and three runners-up, provided by Bookazine.

LAST YEAR’S FINALISTS: KAYLA LEE (YHKCC)

JANICE HO (DBIS)

SIENNA BERTAMINI (DBIS)

THE NETWORK

TRANSFORMATIVE COLLABORATION Contributed by Aero-Bridgehead-Economy Employers Network

Photo courtesy of The Network

T Come in for a casual meal, a night out with friends, or sit back and watch the game. With friendly service and a relaxed ambiance, Cafe Isara is a great place to unwind in Mui Wo... Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri Tue Sat, Sun

For an economic model to evolve, top executives agree that a successful leader must demonstrate his capability in relationship management, knowledge adoption, innovation and creativity, and diversity and inclusion.

12:00 - 0:00 17:00 - 0:00 09:00 - 0:00

18A, Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Shop 3, G/F Bookings/Takeaway: 2470 1966

facebook.com/cafeisara

he challenge for any enterprise is constantly to upgrade and transform; innovation and collaboration is the way forward, especially in fostering a world-class EXPOtainment venue. A number of business stakeholders and industry leaders from small and medium-sized enterprises gathered at Sparkling Luncheon, an event organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, in early October, to share their insights on innovative collaboration and management strategy.

instagram.com/cafeisara

The local MICE industry is a good example of one that is being transformed and upgraded through innovative collaboration. For instance, Critical Communications World, in May, attracted over 3,000 industry professionals from across the globe with its enticing combination of exhibitions, conferences and themed discussions. Meanwhile, the Korean Brand & Entertainment Expo, in July, saw conferences, exhibitions, cultural activities and entertainment brought together under one roof. Hundreds of Korean companies (suppliers of cosmetics, fashion, electronics and food) were given the opportunity to network, and participants from the public enjoyed a Mega Sale and live K-pop performance. These iconic, debut events successfully demonstrated how AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) is redefining Hong Kong’s MICE industry by giving visitors a brand-new experience. Strategic innovation is also adding value to well-established local events. In February, the Longines Masters was ‘upgraded’ to a cultural experience, with the addition of art, Michelin-star gastronomy and entertainment. With more and more world-class events, AWE is experiencing not only double-digit business growth but enhanced international recognition. AWE was crowned Best International Venue at the Exhibition News (EN) Awards in March, a real breakthrough for Hong Kong’s MICE industry. It’s clear that innovation and creativity is the key to unlocking economic potential and shaping a better Lantau. Sponsored Content

Aero-Bridgehead-Economy Employers Network (The Network) aims to capitalise on the advantages of Lantau’s future development through strategic and innovative solutions. It has been established to upgrade and transform Lantau and the Northwest New Territories. To find out more, email info@abeen.com.hk. www.lifeonlantau.com December 2017/ January 2018

LIFE ON LANTAU 29

Christmas Marketplace EUREKA socks

EUREKA SOCKS

HK PLAYERS

info@eurekasocks.com, www.eurekasocks.com

9852 2668, producer.hongkongplayers@ gmail.com, www.hongkongplayers.com

Eureka Socks’ range includes school, athletic, men’s, invisible and funky socks – something for everyone this Christmas. All the socks are eco-friendly, and have thermoregulating qualities to keep feet extra warm in winter. For every purchase, Eureka Socks donates a pair of socks to someone in need across Hong Kong and Asia.

Kick off the festive season right by taking the whole family to see Hong Kong Players’ Aladdin – the Panto. Based on the original fable but with a brand-new script and jokes for the young and young at heart, Aladdin is showing at the Shouson Theatre, Wanchai, December 1 to 3 and 7 to 10. For tickets, starting at HK$280, visit www.urbtix.com.

LOVE MY DESIGNS 9736 2972, lovemydesigns@hotmail.com, www.lovemydesigns.org For beautiful Christmas gifts and cards, look no further than Love My Designs. The Hong Kong-based design company specialises in personalised prints, special occasion cards and invitations. It has a range of online designs available, or you can have a unique design created for a special occasion.

ZEN SISTERS 6344 4520, christa@zensisters.com, www.zensisters.com Offering timeless, contemporary jewellery for men, women and kids, Zen Sisters has something for everyone on your Christmas gift list. Use discount code FESTIVE to receive a 20 percent discount from selected collections at the online store, or book a private viewing.

30 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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KIDZ WAGON 6774 6567, hello@kidzwagon.com, www.kidzwagon.com Kidz Wagon offers a collection of premium Japanese baby and children’s products that are ideal for Christmas gifting. Check out its unique range of wooden toys from Japan; fun to play with, they are all handcrafted with local wood and dyed with natural colourings.

HEALTH

PARTYSEASON SURVIVAL KIT

Lashings of booze, late nights and rich food can make December a long month. IMI’s founding director and naturopath Dr Graeme Bradshaw reveals what gets him through the festivities

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

eing mindful and reducing our consumption of rich foods and alcoholic drinks is of course advisable, and yet, most of us indulge more than usual in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The reality is you’re probably not going to change your ‘work hard, play hard’ lifestyle any time soon, so here are some practical remedies to help you eliminate toxins as you party on! The trick is to support your liver to eliminate those extra toxins from your system… faster, so you can reduce the effect of hangovers, weight gain and stress. Essentially you can detox as you go by making wise alcohol choices, and introducing nutrients and supplements to your daily routine. Make wise alcohol choices When we drink alcohol, our blood sugar levels soar then sink. This can lead to inflammation, causing hangovers. But it’s important to remember that some drinks are ‘better’ for you than others. Stick to

low-sugar spirits, such as tequila, scotch or vodka, and drink them with a non-sugary mixer and lemon or lime. With wine, red is your best choice because it’s lower in sugar than white or sparkling. Most hangover symptoms are from dehydration. The tip here is to alternate your drinks with a glass of water to stay hydrated. You’ll be glad you did! Nominate several alcohol-free days each week, and aim to stick to three or less drinks at any one time. Four drinks and more is damaging to health, whereas one or two are beneficial, three are neutral. If there’s extra alcohol to process, take Liver Support – a potent clinical-grade formula containing milk thistle and other effective herbs that give your liver a boost. Take two or three capsules before you go out (it works best if taken prior to alcohol) or at bedtime, and say goodbye to hangovers. Ola Loa is not only an easy-to-take rehydrating vitamin C drink, but also a stronger detox version than the popular Berocca or

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HEALTH

Emergen C. It provides active vitamin B, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, along with electrolytes and 1,000mg vitamin C. Your liver needs all these nutrients to detoxify alcohol, reduce stress and boost your immune system. It’s good to take before, during or after a party – drink it before and it gives you an energy boost too! Be kind to your stomach To manage your intake of rich food at parties, be sure to combine all the high-calorie carbs and fats with plenty of veggies, whether cooked or as dips. If you’re drinking alcohol, your sugar intake will already be high, so skip dessert or limit yourself to a spoonful or two – you’ll find this is all you need. Nux Vomica 30 is a popular homeopathic remedy for partying. It helps relieve the digestive stress and acidity caused by too much rich food and alcohol. You can take it hourly to ease an upset stomach and hangover. Survive holiday stress

the day and supports normal sleep at night, making you feel calmer and yet more energised. Resolve to detox More people sign up for a detox in January than at any other time of the year. From the onset, it’s important to recognise that the lifestyle implications of a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, lack of sleep, and alcohol- or drug-use cannot simply be flushed or purged away. But a detox can help cleanse your body and allow you to jump-start a healthier lifestyle. Advocates for detox typically describe the liver and kidney as acting like filters – toxins are physically captured and some are retained. These organs need to be cleaned out periodically, like you’d rinse out a sponge, or change the air filter in your car. But not all detox programmes are created equal. The key to an effective detox is to up-regulate the liver function, and this takes specific amino acids that help to bind and release pollutants and other toxins, while also speeding up elimination from the gut and bowel.

Holiday stress is not uncommon. The array of demands if you are travelling – long-haul flights, traffic jams and over-tired children – can be exhausting. Even if you are staying home, the pressure of last-minute shopping, food preparation, family dinners and social obligations can be overwhelming.

Conveniently, there is no shortage of detox solutions to absolve you of your sins, while overhauling your body and soul for 2018. Be sure to opt for a guided programme. Happy cleansing!

The key to dealing with holiday stress is to keep your expectations balanced and don’t try to do too much. Pay attention to signs of tension, and to your stress levels, and take a short break when you need one. Natural supplements can also help support your system to cope with stress, while restoring vitality. Here are my top three:

Go-to supplements for a fast fix

1 Stress-Relax Serenity Formula. The potent adaptogenic herbs in this formula include Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha and Siberian ginseng, which help restore and rejuvenate the body’s stress-coping systems. The lavender provides a calming effect. 2 Lavela WS 1265. This is an encapsulated lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil indicated for occasional anxiety; it has been shown to promote relaxation and calm nervousness with safety and efficacy. 3 Stress-Relax Serenity Response. Based on ashwagandha extract and Siberian ginseng, this herbal supplement promotes vitality during

32 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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• O la Loa – mix with water and drink up to three glasses a day to rehydrate and detoxify • Liver Support – take two or three capsules before you go out to help your body process excess alcohol • Stress-Relax Serenity Response – take two tablets twice daily to keep you feeling calm and yet uplifted

To make these tips practical, you can find the recommended supplements at the Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) in Discovery Bay or Central. IMI also offers a 10-Day Detox Programme that you can do without taking time off work. For more information, visit www.imi.com.hk.

English Bespoke Tailors Club of Sartorial Elegance

Tung Chung Rugby Club We are a communityled rugby club for girls and boys aged 4-13. Also touch rugby for youth and adults.

Suits from HKD1999 Shirts from HKD349 Tux from HKD2499 Topcoat from HKD2999 English Bespoke Tailors www.englishbespoketailors.com Club of Sartorial Elegance (+852) 9816 3280

Join us via Facebook: Tung Chung Rugby Club, www.tcrc.org.hk or email: tc.rugby.fc@gmail.com

info.hk@englishbespoketailors.com himarkmt@netvigator.com Room 603 Tower A, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Road T.S.T Kowloon, Hong Kong

Book an appointment

TCRC is a company limited by guarantee and part of the Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union.

Your Trusted Natural Medicine and Wellness Clinic Our experienced and caring practitioners specialise in: • Digestive troubles & nutrition • Allergies, asthma & eczema • Women’s health, pre & post natal care • Children’s learning and behaviour • Athletic performance optimisation

• Fever, common colds & flu • Naturopathic detox and weight loss • Anxiety, depression & sleep disorders • Sport injuries, neck, back & joint pain • Family and relationship counselling

Visit our clinic in Discovery Bay or Central! Please call 2537 1087 to make a booking or talk to our Integral Health Advisor for guidance towards the most appropriate treatment for you and your family.

Discovery Bay clinic: G-02 Office Block Two, North Plaza. Tel: 2537 1087 Central clinic: 13 & 17/Fl Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street. Tel: 2523 7121 Web: www.imi.com.hk

Email: health@imi.com.hk

: facebook.com/imihk

HK HAPPENINGS Through December

SCREAMS

White Cube Hong Kong, Central

www.whitecube.com

C h r i st i an M arc l ay’s fi rst ex h i b i t i o n i n H o n g K o n g includes a series of unique, large-scale woodcut prints that explore the physical and cultural intersection of sound and vision. The combination of collage, digital technology and traditional printmaking techniques provides the potential for m u l t i p le n a r ra t i ve s . Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t www.whitecube.com.

HONG KONG WINTERFEST

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Like the Life on Lantau Facebook page for event reminders

Across Hong Kong

December 1- January 1

ALADDIN – THE PANTO Shouson Theatre, Wanchai

Hong Kong Players’ Aladdin – the Panto features well-loved char ac ter s , an ens emble of all-singing, all-dancing y oun gs ter s and a br and new script that’s appealing to the w hole f amily. In pantomime, the audience is the most important element, s o e v er y o n e is inv i te d to p a r t i c i p a t e . F o r t i c ke t s , s t ar ting at HK $ 3 2 0, v isit www.hongkongplayers.com www.urbtix.hk.

December 1-3 & 7-10

www.artistsinmotion.co

Hong Kong Winterfest offers up special holiday events, attractions, shopping and more to get you in the festive spirit! Make your way to the iconic Statue Square Christmas Tree and watch the multimedia shows – A Symphony of Lights and the Hong Kong Pulse Light Show . For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

HONG KONG E-PRIX Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central December 2-3

GREAT WINES OF ITALY: HONG KONG GRAND TASTING Four Seasons Hotel, Central December 7

www.wikimedia.org

The HKT Hong Kong E-Prix is the opening event of the Formula E season, the world’s premier electric street racing series. Due to the successmediaroom.hktdc.com of last year’s inaugural event, Hong Kong is hosting two races, making it the first Asian city to host a double-header. For tickets, starting at HK$1,190, visit www.ticketflap.com. 34 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

www.lifeonlantau.com

www.wikimedia.org

J o i n A m e r i ca n w i n e c r i t i c James Suckling at the Great Wines of Italy: Hong Kong Grand Tasting, the region’s largest premium wine showcase. Savour and discover a selection of Italy’s most sought-after wines from over 90 prestigious brands and premier boutique wineries. For tickets, starting at HK$850, visit www.eventbrite.com.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin

Get your events listed @ www.lifeonlantau.com

December 10

CREAMFIELDS AsiaWorld-Expo, Chep Lap Kok December 15-16 www.wikimedia.org

The Longines Hong Kong International Races are a top attraction in world racing, with horses from every continent aiming to enhance their reputations. With legendary hospitality and a HK$64 million prize pot divided between the four main races, challengers and their entourage are welcomed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. For more information, visit www.hkjc.com.

THE NUTCRACKER Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui December 15-26

www.wikimedia.org

Experience the magic of Clara and Fritz’s great adventure in The Nutcracker . Let them capture your imagination and transport you to a world of toy soldiers, dolls, sword fights and snowflakes. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic music performed by Hong Kong Sinfonietta. For tickets, starting at HK$180, visit www.urbtix.hk.

www.electricsoul.com

The UK’s largest electronic music brand is bringing the biggest electronic dance party to Hong Kong for the first time. Expect a world-class line-up of powerful, energetic and unique performances, and a top-notch production crew. Headliners include Above & Beyond, Flume, Galantis and Marshmello. For tickets, starting at HK$888, visit www.hotdogtix.com.

December 31

EAT-PRAY-ART IMMERSE DAY 3812 Gallery, Sai Ying Pun

During this three-hour immersion activity, you get the chance to taste creative, quality food and wine, while discovering hidden art galleries and street art in one of Hong Kong’s hippest districts. The combination of culinary, gallery and street art makes for a lot of fun. For tickets, starting at HK$750, visit www.eventbrite.hk.

December 23

www.ilovehongkong.org

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN Victoria Harbour

www.timeout.com

Glamorous, exciting Hong Kong is a great place to welcome in the New Year! Take part in the countdown celebrations and enjoy amazing fireworks and pyrotechnics that light up the skies as the clock strikes midnight. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com. www.lifeonlantau.com December 2017/ January 2018

www.billboard.com LIFE ON LANTAU 35

LANTAU FACES

like ed uld r o w u eatu If yo photo f l mai hk our e y , e e g e m. to s is pa edia.co h t on aym @b w e r and

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

Photos by Duey Tam and Andrew Spires

36â&#x20AC;&#x192; LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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ADVERTISE HERE

LIFE ON LANTAU CLASSIFIEDS

Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If Alcoholics you want to stop, we can help.

Anonymous No dues or fees.

24hr hotline:9073 6922

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Tung Chung Vet Centre

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Best Move - Best Rate All your vet needs, surgery, dentals, vaccinations, acupuncture, retail and grooming.

Tel: 2328 7282

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Shop Q2, Seaview Crescent Retail, 8 Tung Chung Water Front Road, Tung Chung (near Zentro Bar)

Akash offers a packing / unpacking service, provides boxes & Alcoholics packing materials & Anonymous makes small deliveries

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January 15

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TUNG CHUNG

COMMUNITY SERVICES Public Library 2109 3011 Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 COMPUTER REPAIRS Bobby Mirchandani 9425 3812 EDUCATION Christian & Missionary Alliance Church Education Centre 3141 7319 Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten 2987 8070 Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538 Han Xuan Language Education Centre 2666 5905 Salala Kids’ House 2611 9193 Soundwaves English Education Centre 2164 7210 Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068 Sunshine House International Preschool 2109 3873 The Story Studio 6341 3989 Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884 YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 EMERGENCY – FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCE – 999 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282 Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 1898 Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1694 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Curry Lounge 2960 1977 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Olea Restaurant - NovotelCitygate 3602 8818 Pizza Hut Delivery 2330 0000 Resto Restaurant 2886 3156 Velocity Bar and Grill - Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Management 9576 2147 Hairdresser - Ricky 9882 9741 Max Beauty 2162 5752 MTM Spa 2923 6060 Om Spa 2286 6266 Quan Spa 3969 2188 Radha’s Place 5374 7133 Tung Chung Facial & Nails 9669 9433 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 2109 2330 O-Live Decor 8105 2588 Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488 Tung Chung Handyman - Peter 9161 0348 Towner Interior Design 3113 4968 Wing Shing Interior Design 5403 0363 HOTELS Novotel Citygate 3602 8888 Regal Airport Hotel 2286 8888 Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel 3969 1888 KIDS 4 Dimensions+ (Dance, Gym, Drama, Art) 9446 6013 Clement Art School 9021 1502 Jumping Castles 9662 1747 Little Whale 6310 7074 Kidznjoy 6273 7347 Little Stars Playgroup 6479 0390 Sakura Kids 6674 6194

38 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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MEDICAL Bayside Dental 2185 6550 Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396 Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288 Maternal & Child Health Centre 3575 8370 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Quality HealthCare Medical 2403 6623 Quality HealthCare Physiotherapy 2403 6328 Raffles Medical 2261 2626 Raffles Medical Emergency 2261 0999 Skyline Physiotherapy 2194 4038 PHOTOGRAPHY RedJacq Photography

9313 6887

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions 3483 5003 REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS Caribbean Coast Club House Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

SPORT & RECREATION Aqua Gym 2914 0658 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Canterano Futbol Club 5611 2490 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 Epic Tung Chung 2786 9699 ESF Sports 2711 1280 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KIPMOVIN 6180 3256 La Cantera 2557 8007 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Pilates Plus 9838 3937 Tennis lessons 6025 7990 Tung Chung Basketball 6355 7674 Ving Tsun 5264 3149 YD Taekwondo Korea 2337 9992 Zumba & Bollywood Dance 6497 8086 USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Arrow Accounting Services 6201 9710 Carpet washing, repairs & sales 2623 0499 Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons 9413 0498 Dyslexia/Dyscalculia - Patricia Hamlin 6775 9735 Expat Living Hong Kong 3480 7614 FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre

9099 9959 6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

Add your business - www.lifeonlantau.com SOUTH LANTAU ART & CULTURE Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)

DISCOVERY BAY 2882 3390

EDUCATION Buddhist Fat Ho College 2985 5365 Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery 2109 9886 Lantau International Kindergarten 2984 0302 Lantau International School 2980 3676 Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons 5197 4647 Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten 3689 6709 Mindfulness Matters 9048 5425 Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten 2984 0006 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Bathers/ Beach House 2504 4788 Cafe Isara 2470 1966 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar 3484 3095 Di Jerk Shed 2234 5375 Kebab Korner 6429 3507 Lantau Grocer 2702 0050 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. 2984 8346 Long Island 2320 2001 Mavericks 5662 8552 Mucho Gusto 6422 5009 Natural Plus 2984 2233 Robert’s Market 9193 2937 Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453 The Gallery 2980 2582 The Kitchen 5991 6292 The Stoep @ High Tide 2980 2699 The Water Buffalo 2109 3331 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Management 2525 7165 Dietitian - Patricia Castle 5690 0366 Greenstyle Organic and Healthcare 9802 0553 Kremer Method/ Bowen Therapy 9827 9911 Pause Studio 9708 0187 Spa Ambiance 2984 2488 Spa Puretouch 2984 0088 Thai Palin 9062 0148 Thai Sa Baai 5228 6552 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN New Look Design 9783 5840 Unitek 9156 0360 HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions 3483 5003 Findley Leung 2984 8334 RETAIL INSIDE 2890 8606 Quay House 2882 8710 SPORT & RECREATION Lantau Base Camp 5463 6060 Long Coast Seasports 2980 3222 Pause Studio 9708 0187 Treasure Island 2546 3543 TRANSPORT New Lantau Bus Company

2984 9848

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Phoenix Wills 6108 8471 VETERINARY SERVICES SPCA Mui Wo

LOCAL NUMBERS

2984 0060

COMMUNITY Club Siena DB Recreation Club DB Fire & Ambulance DB Marina Club DB Management

2987 7382 2987 7381 2987 7502 2987 9591 2238 3601

EDUCATION DBIS Kindergarten DBIS Primary School Discovery College Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Mandarin for Munchkins SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool

2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8088 2914 2202 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143

FOOD & RESTAURANTS 22˚ North Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice Hemingway’s McSorley’s Ale House Uncle Russ - DB Plaza Uncle Russ - DB North Plaza

2987 2298 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 8855 2987 8280 2682 0068 2682 8110

HEALTH & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 Maximum Care 2987 2060 M Spa 2987 0614 Nailed It! 2987 2266 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Health and Care Dental Clinic 2666 6183 IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute) 2537 1087 Island Health 2987 7575 OT&P Healthcare 2468 3577 Quality Health Physiotherapy 2473 6200 RETAIL Bookazine Little Whale P-Solution Wing On

2987 1373 5690 4960 2987 1777 2987 9268

SPORT & RECREATION Caissa Chess Club d. Be FIT Daruma Sports DB Pirates DMR School of Ballet HK Dragons Football Club Island Dance KIPMOVIN Movement Improvement Harry Wright International The Beat The HIT Room Yoga Up

9681 2896 6974 7707 6244 6093 2517 8248 2987 4338 2987 4274 2987 1571 6180 3256 2987 5852 2575 6279 5194 9630 6621 7410 8197 5591

TRANSPORT Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline

2987 6348 2987 0208

PROPERTY LISTINGS AND BOATS AquaBlu Marine Headland Homes HK Boats & Homes Lifestyle Homes & Boats Mandarin Yacht Savills Hong Kong

6017 7802 2987 2088 6055 0146 2914 0888 9142 4343 2987 1919

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel Island Veterinary Services

9073 6922 2295 8288 2987 9003

www.lifeonlantau.com December 2017/ January 2018

LIFE ON LANTAU 39

6 26

19 10

19 4

19 19

In this Code Cracker, letters have been replaced by number 17 numbers, 214 19 10and 21 each 19 7 13represents 22 24 15 the 6 same letter throughout the grid. You’ve been 15 15 11 10 5 23 10 given a few pre-determined letters, use these to 24 10 11 11 26 21 11 19 25 6 11 24 decipher the code. 17

Can you crack the code?

10 18

19 20

13 8

18 8

26 3

13 13

A B C D E F

G H I J

K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

2 15

3 16

7 20

9 22

10 23

11 24

? ?

Our brain can unscramble words that are badly misspelled or intentionally mixed up as long as the first and last letters of the word are correct.

Yuo cna porbalby raed tihs esaliy desptie teh msispeillgns.

• Sudoku was originally named Number Place • Months that start on a Sunday always have a Friday 13 • Ralph Lauren’s original name was Ralph Lifshitz • All of the clocks in the movie Pulp Fiction are fixed to 4:20 • Before beginning his move career, Keanu Reeves managed a pasta shop in Toronto, Canada

4 6

Sudoku is an excellent brain game, improving concentration and overall brain power. Can you fill this 9x9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9?

8 6 9 2 1 5

G H I J

15 13

7 15

13 6

18 25

15 13

25 23 26

1 24

19 8

7 25

11 19

21 6

14 19

K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

9 22

4 7

4 1

5 3

6 6

15 3

7 24

20 18

10 1

1 5

18 6

214

23 18

19 13

Sudoku Brain Game

A B C D E F

DID YOU KNOW?

18 26

24 2

24 7

6 26

18 7

4 5 6

12 25

5 13 26

7A 9 6 2 4

FIND THE SOLUTIONS AT WWW.LIFEONLANTAU.COM/LIFE-ON-LANTAU-ARTICLES/PUZZLER-SOLUTIONS

24 2

PUZZLER INSIDER 26 19

Get those synapses sizzling!

18 22

Two-year DB resident Trisha Hughes is an ardent puzzler. She is also a crime fiction writer, and the author of the best-selling memoir Daughters of Nazareth. Trisha’s V 2 V trilogy traces the British Monarchy from the Vikings through to Elizabeth The Virgin Queen and Queen Victoria, and back again. For more on Trisha, visit www.trishahughesauthor.com.

40 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2017/ January 2018

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ALC Health is a trading style of à la carte healthcare ltd. Registered in England no 4163178. Registered Office: Chanctonfold Barn, Chanctonfold, Horsham Road, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3AA, United Kingdom. à la carte healthcare ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). à la carte healthcare ltd is part of the IMG Group of Companies.