June/ July 2017
WIN!
an overnight stay at L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre and a Japanese acupuncture treatment at IMI
LOCAL LITERATI YOUNG WRITER’S COMPETITION 2017
PENG CHAU DAY TRIP
ALIVEANDKICKING
GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
WHERE TO FIND ROCKIN’ LOCAL BANDS ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com
Publishers Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002
2  LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
14
FEATURES 14
DISPATCH Rockin’ local bands and where to find them
23
HEALTH Japanese acupuncture – no pain just gain
26 PERSONA Young Writer’s
Competition (YWC) finalists
30
40
26
SPOTLIGHT YWC winning story by Kayla Lee
REGULARS 18 19 35 36 40
GIVEAWAYS Win great prizes PULL-OUT GUIDE Summer camps LADA UPDATE Evolving technology LANTAU FACES Community snaps INSIDER Peng Chau day trip
AGENDA 04 33 37 38
19
LANTAU EVENTS HK HAPPENINGS CLASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS
June/ July 2017
23
WIN!
an overnight stay at L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre and a Japanese acupuncture treatment at IMI
We also publish Discovery Bay’s original community magazine
For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk
JUNE 2017
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Fantastic summer camps and where to find them
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LOCAL LITERATI YOUNG WRITER’S COMPETITION 2017
ON THE
COVER The Folk Ups: Jasmine Kelly and Ryan Harling
PENG CHAU DAY TRIP
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GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
WHERE TO FIND ROCKIN’ LOCAL BANDS ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com
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LOCAL LITERATI Read all about the Young Writer’s Competition 2017 ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE
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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 SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS LANTAU Find more photos of community events @ www.lifeonlantau.com
LANTAU DRAGON BOATING Silvermine Bay Beach was a hive of activity May 21, with the annual Dragon Boating Carnival seeing competitors lock horns in a host of hotly contested races.
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 CONTRIBUTORS Patricia Jover Kayla Lee Katrina Mercado (intern) Jack Page Jason Pagliari Samantha Wong PRINTING Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen, 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.
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Photos by Andrew Spires
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RACE Over 500 runners tackled a 30-kilometre loop from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay and back on April 22, with teams of three of the same nationality teaming up.
Photos courtesy of Nic Tinworth
www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU  5
LANTAU EVENTS
DRAGONS HIT TUNG CHUNG One of the world’s best invitational tens sides, the Asia Pacific Dragons visited the Tung Chung Rugby Club on April 2 in the lead up to the Hong Kong Tens. Featuring a number of big names – including Fijian sevens stars Pio Tuwai and Isake Katonibau – the side ran a session for Lantau’s youngsters and mingled with the crowd.
Photos courtesy of Rachael Guan, Rosa Maria Wong and Po Wong
YWC PRIZE-GIVING There was plenty to celebrate at the Around DB a n d L i fe o n L ant au Yo u n g W r i te r ’s Competition prize-giving on May 24, with the three mentors in attendance. This year’s f inal is t s r e cei v e d b o o k v o uch er s f r o m competition sponsor Bookazine totalling HK$1,900. To read all about the competition and the talented writers involved, turn to page 26. To read Kayla Lee’s winning story, turn to page 30.
www.evoqueportraits.com
6 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
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LANTAU EVENTS
DANCE FOR JOY RECITAL Tung Chung-based Dance for Joy’s annual recital, Around the World, saw students take the stage on May 7, alongside guest professionals from Samoa, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Photos courtesy of Dance for Joy
STAIRMASTER SERIES The HOKA Stairmaster Series, organised by Lantau Base Camp, ran over two weekends in April and took place in Lantau and Stanley. In the Lantau event on April 8, participants scaled both Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak twice on a gruelling 20-kilometre course.
Photos courtesy of LBC
SNAKE WORKSHOP Resident Lantau snake expert William Sargent, who also organises the ever-popular MoonTrekker, gave an introduction to Hong Kong snakes in Pui O on May 21. The talk covered snake types, their behaviour, the risks involved and how best to respond to an incident.
Photos courtesy of Katrina Hamlin
8  LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
LANTAU EVENTS
ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY www.barclaysmoontrekker.com
Find more information and events @ www.lifeonlantau.com
June 1
BARCLAYS MOONTREKKER Registration open
Time to sign up for the ninth annual Barclays MoonTrekker – places sell out in a flash each year, so go straight to www.barclaysmoontrekker.com and secure your spot. The overnight races cover some of the toughest sections of the Lantau Trail and kick off on October 13. You can sign up for the Sunrise 43, which starts at 8.30pm, or the Moonlit 30, which heads out at 11pm. Registration starts at HK$740 per person, while there is also a minimum fundraising commitment of HK$650.
Throughout June
REGAL AIRPORT’S BEEF FEAST Chek Lap Kok
June 2
HONG KONG WOMEN’S CHOIR GALA CONCERT Western Market, Sheung Wan
www.regalhotel.com
Beef enthusiasts will be in their element at the Regal Airport Hotel’s Cafe Aficionado throughout June, thanks to the unique array of tender French beef on offer. Expect perfectly marbled, juicy and buttery meat, with roasted beef ribs and pan-fried beef neck two of the specialties. The dinner buffet starts at HK$448 per adult. To make a reservation, call 2286 6238.
June 3
www.thkwc.org
Being performed on the Grand Stage at Western Market, the Hong Kong Women’s Choir’s gala concert includes dinner, dancing and a lucky draw. The choir – which features a number of Lantau residents – is raising money for children’s charity Variety. For tickets, and to find out more about the choir and its 20 years of charity fundraising, visit www.thkwc.org.
TO ADOPT A PET
through Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.
THE FOLK UPS LIVE The China Beach Club, Mui Wo
Catch Mui Wo fo lk duo Jasmine Kelly and Ryan Harling – T h e Fo l k U p s – a t The China Beach Club from 6pm. The 17-year-olds are joined by two other Photo courtesy of The Folk Ups bands on the night, with The Celestial Sound System and The Lantau Singers also taking the stage. For more on South Lantau’s live music scene, turn to page 14. www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 11
Like us on IN&AROUND DB www.facebook.com/LifeonLantauMagazine for event reminders Throughout June
June 4
NORTH POLE MARATHON FOR CHARITY Causeway Bay
Lantau resident Elina Makilammi and her husband Diarmuid O’Shea ran the North Pole Marathon on April 8, raising funds for eco charity 350. Elina described the challenge as massive both physically and mentally, Photo by Diarmuid O’Shea with the race taking nearly eight hours to complete in temperatures as low as 40°C. Visit www.gofundme.com/350HKgoestothePole to donate to the cause.
EDGE ‘N POINTE ANNUAL SHOW
Jockey Club Auditorium, HK Polytechnic University
www.edgenpointe.com
Tung Chung-based Edge ’n Pointe’s annual show, Cinderella, kicks off at 2.30pm. Students, aged three to adult, perform ballet, contemporary, jazz, Latin and musical theatre. For tickets, starting at HK$150, head to www.urbtix.hk.
June 17
WORLD OCEANS DAY Throughout Lantau June 8
www.wikimedia.org
Celebrated across the globe, World Oceans Day is focused on encouraging solutions to plastic pollution and ensuring a better future for our oceans. To do your bit on Lantau, you can join a beach clean-up or dive against debris by visiting the Eco Marine HK Facebook page.
LIS OPEN DAY Tong Fuk Find out all there is to know about the greenest school in Hong Kong at the Lantau International School (LIS) Open Day. With campuses in Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk and Pui O, LIS takes kids right through primary, while www.lis.edu.hk making the most of its natural surrounds. Running from 12pm to 2pm, the event is taking place at the school’s Tong Fuk campus. For more information, email lisadmin@lis.edu.hk.
EAST LANTAU METROPOLIS HOTS UP Throughout Lantau
June 18
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the amazing and dedicated fathers throughout Lantau. Enjoy your day!
12 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
T h e d e a d l i n e fo r t h e p u b l i c consultation on Hong Kong 2030+ passed on April 30, with the Save Lantau Alliance submitting a petition with 3,000 signatures objecting to the East Lantau Metropolis (ELM) to the office of www.wikimedia.org chief executive elect Carrie Lam. If it goes ahead, the ELM will connect Mui Wo to Central via a commercial centre built on reclaimed land. Lantau residents concerned about the impact ELM will have on the environment and the damage it will do to the fabric of South Lantau living can find out more at www.savelantau.org.
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Illustration by Andrew Spires, photos by and courtesy of Jason Pagliari
DISPATCH
ROCKIN’ IN THE FREE WORLD Thanks to talented local musicians and welcoming venues, Lantau’s live music scene is alive and kicking. Jack Page reports
I
n this digital age of Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud and even YouTube, it’s never been easier to access the music you want to listen to. Gone are the days when you had to hand over HK$120 dollars plus in a shop for a CD in order to hear something new. But what has all this accessibility done for live music? Do people still head to a bar to listen to a favourite local band? With the ever increasing popularity of electronic music and all its sub-genres, do music lovers even bother to learn to play instruments anymore? Factor in the exorbitant price the big local venues, like AsiaWorldExpo, charge for tickets, and you might think we Lantauers have little opportunity to enjoy live music. Added to this, there’s no denying the scarcity of small Hong Kong venues that cater to local bands. But let’s investigate the current state of Lantau’s music scene, to find out what’s going on around and about.
known as Picnic in the Park) is an annual treat, now performed on Tai Pak Wan and in DB Plaza, across three stages. Even closer to home, and giving The Big Picnic a run for its money, the Silvermine Bay Music Festival is always a blast, showcasing Hong Kong-wide musical talent. South Lantau music lovers have also been known to rock out at community-based local festivals, like Mother Earth Groove and Imagine Peace. If you like your live music weekly, in small, welcoming venues, South Lantau also supplies. In Pui O, Tap Tap Bar & Restaurant is known for its rockin’ weekend jam sessions, and over in Mui Wo, Bahce Turkish Restaurant headlines live music every other Friday – several bands play on a rotational basis, notably the folksy Mary Jane and Bambi’s Friends. The China Beach Club and Cafe Isara in Mui Wo, and JK Club in Pui O also host the occasional band.
Festivals and venues Lantauers are the sort of people who enjoy live music – and festival-going – and, as it turns out, there’s a lot on offer locally. Over in Discovery Bay, The Big Picnic (the festival previously 14 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
Long Island restaurant on Lower Cheung Sha Beach plays host to the jazzy, chilled-out sound of Pui O band Indigo every Saturday evening. These seasoned musical veterans have been playing professionally together for years in one form or another, with a focus on smooth jazz and 1960s Brazilian bossa nova.
SPOTLIGHT
Lastly, a shout-out to MTR commuters: Zentro Garden in Tung Chung features acoustic music Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the outdoor patio. Now that you know where it happens, let’s hear from three popular local bands: The Ad Hocs, The Branded Kraits and The Folks Up. Seasoned performers The jam sessions, held every couple of weekends at Tap Tap Bar, featuring local musicians’ collective, The Ad Hocs, are gaining quite a bit of notoriety. Depending on who’s playing, on any particular night, you could get a loose improvisational jam, or songs from across the spectrum of modern music. The Ad Hocs: Rock-jazz drummer Kenneth Villarin, with Rob Ellis-Geiger on trumpet “It all started back in 2013 when a triathlon buddy mentioned that he played sax, and that his then wife was a fantastic singer,” music, it’s something I’m pleased to host regularly,” says owner explains founder member, keyboardist, rhythm guitarist and Tong Paul Wellham. “We’ve had a whole heap of musicians passing Fuk resident Zoltan Feledy. “We did some standard covers at a few through. Many are friends of Zoltan from town, the lads from places like The Gallery in Tong Fuk and also at Ooh La La in Pui Indigo join in often and we have our resident maestro, Rob EllisO [now Mavericks]. Then we bumped into a bunch of other locals Geiger (keyboards, vocals and trumpet), who leads the band on who sat in, playing various kinds of music and we kept inviting many nights.” them. Folks would come out of the woodwork... banjo players and fiddlers who worked at Disney.” Rob, from Pui O, a professor of music at City University of Hong Kong, is well known locally, having composed music for Hong Back then, The Ad Hoc’s vibe was very folksy – bluegrass sounding Kong filmmaker Johnny To’s Election 2. “With my background in at times – and the Ooh La La jams really took off. “The beach scene was fantastic,” Zoltan says. “But when Ooh La La was revamped, teaching, music production and having conducted the Hong Kong the vibe got less local. So we started looking for spots that would Philharmonic Orchestra several times, The Ad Hocs is a great way take on our unrehearsed jams.” to stay grounded and not be too serious about playing and enjoying music,” he says. “I like to play the old Joe Cocker songs with a bit Tap Tap Bar, with its corrugated outhouse, ideal for a band stage, of Elton John, Eric Clapton and old blues standards. It goes down has been The Ad Hoc’s new home for over a year now. “I love live well with the customers and we all have a good time.”
While a handful of Pui O locals play regularly for The Ad Hocs, like Barrie Roebuck (bass), Jason Pagliari (electric guitar), and John Zel Valerio and Lambert Azur (drums, guitar and vocals), other performers come and go. “We had an amazing fiddle player from Hong Kong Island a while ago,” Rob recalls. “One night, he managed to break his fiddle and the next time he came over, beer got spilled on his amplifier which proceeded to smoke and had to be unplugged. We haven’t seen him since, but he was really great.” New on the scene Since they teamed up a year ago, Steve Gardner and Jason Pagliari of The Banded Kraits have been making quite a name for themselves, playing not just locally at Tap Tap Bar and JK Club, but also Hong Kong-side at The Wanch, at Orange Peel, and even at this year’s Rugby Sevens. The Banded Kraits: Barrie Roebuck, Jason Pagliari, Oz Walker and Steve Gardner
Guitarist and singer Steve, a long-time Peng Chau resident, www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 15
DISPATCH
It’s well rehearsed and our styles complement each other, so it’s not a competition to see who can ‘out-shred’ the other guy
The Ad Hocs: John Zel Valerio, Lambert Azur and Barrie Roebuck
has been composing his own music since the 1980s, and he programmes backing rhythm tracks for the band’s songs in his home studio. Alongside fellow guitar player Jason, Barrie of The Ad Hocs fame (bass) and Oz Walker (congas and percussion) bring up the support. Steve’s fluttery jazz solos with synthesiser effects offset Jason’s classic blues-rock playing style. “It’s well rehearsed and our styles complement each other, so it’s not a competition to see who can ‘out-shred’ the other guy,” says Jason, a Ham Tin resident. Steve chimes in: “Also, our backing tracks mean we don’t require a stick drummer, which gives us flexibility in the types of places we can play.”
Bossa-nova band Indigo
About 75% of The Branded Kraits’ music is original, and they do covers by classic artists like Traffic, Hawkwind, Frank Zappa and The Doors. Think extended guitar improvisations and song lyrics that critique social norms and you sort of get the idea. Right at the other end of the musical spectrum, teenage folk duo The Folk Ups – Jasmine Kelly and Ryan Harling – are another exciting, up-and-coming act, who started writing music a yearand-a-half ago. The 17-year-old Mui Wo residents are both in the midst of study for final exams but still manage to jam weekly, alongside Shelby the Suitcase-drum. “Ryan made ‘her’ in a stairwell a year back with a saw, his bare hands and a lonesome suitcase,” says singer Jasmine. “We’ve been described as a toe-tapping, foot-stomping folk-duo,” Jasmine adds. “We’ve got six originals on our self-titled EP, which you can find on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and basically any other website you get your music from. Right now, we’re recording our second EP which will have a lot more textural depth than the stripped-down sound of our first recordings.” The pair performed at this year’s Rugby Sevens and were the sole student band at Clockenflap in 2016 thanks to a Battle of the Bands competition organised by YRock, the pop-culture platform for local teens. Their next scheduled gig is on June 3 at The China Beach Club. See you there. 16 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
The Folk Ups: Ryan Harling and Jasmine Kelly
FIND IT • • • • • • •
Bahce Turkish Restaurant, Mui Wo, 2984 0222 Cafe Isara, Mui Wo, 3101 9876 JK Club, Pui O, 2984 0220 Long Island, Cheung Sha, 2320 2001 Tap Tap Bar & Restaurant, Pui O, 2984 9091 The China Beach Club, Mui Wo, 2983 8931 Zentro Garden, Tung Chung, 2802 8000
GIVEAWAYS
Here’s your chance to win great prizes!
WIN A JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURE SESSION AT IMI YOUR PRIZE: Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), in DB North Plaza, is offering one reader a one-hour Japanese acupuncture session (worth HK$1,000).
Life on Lantau competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until June 10 to submit your answers. To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.lifeonlantau.com, or scan the QR Code above. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!
FIND THE ANSWER: Relying on ultra-thin needles and shallow insertion, Japanese What acupuncture can treat a wide variety of health health conditions, including abdominal conditions pain, anxiety, high blood pressure and can Japanese women’s issues. To book an appointment acupuncture with IMI’s Galit Cohen Nagar, call 2537 treat? 1087. To find out more, visit www.imi.com.hk, or turn to page 23.
WIN A STAYCATION AT L’HOTEL NINA ET CONVENTION CENTRE
Where is L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre located?
YOUR PRIZE: AsiaWorld-Expo is offering two readers an overnight stay in a harbour-view room at L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre (worth HK$2,000)*.
FIND THE ANSWER: L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre, located in Tsuen Wan, offers over 1,600 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, 32 square metres and larger with a majority of queenwww.lhotelgroup.com size beds. Numerous function rooms of various sizes and elegant ballrooms are available for business meetings, conferences, cocktail parties, private dinners and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.lhotelgroup.com/en/hotel/lhotel-nina/Home. * Offer is subject to room availability. Block-out dates: July 17 to 22, July 27 to August 9, August 29 to September 3, and September 13 to 17.
Congratulations to last issue’s winner Lynn Thorburn for a Zen Sisters bracelet. www.imi.com.hk
English Bespoke Tailors Club of Sartorial Elegance Get yourself pampered with custom luxury in the comfort of your home, office or hotel. Hong Kong’s only tailors to make personal visits with fittings twice weekly in DB, Lantau and Mid-Levels. Book an appointment
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Suits from HKD1999 Shirts from HKD349 Tux from HKD2499 Topcoat from HKD2999
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Tung Chung Rugby Club We are a communityled rugby club for girls and boys aged 4-13. Also touch rugby for youth and adults.
Join us via Facebook: Tung Chung Rugby Club, www.tcrc.org.hk or email: tc.rugby.fc@gmail.com TCRC is a company limited by guarantee and part of the Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union.
Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com
PULL-OUT GUIDE
A C M P Y P E P R A S H Holiday activities to keep kids entertained all summer long
Covering all your household needs
PULL-OUT GUIDE
E V I T A E R GET C July 3-August 11
June 28 onwards
ARK EDEN 2984 8514, jasmine@arkedenonlantau.com, www.arkedenonlantau.com Ark Eden’s eco camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged five to 11. Held in Mui Wo and other naturally beautiful sites across Lantau, each day is different, such as Survival Camp, A Day on the Farm and Wizardry and Potions. Activities include forest play, making a treehouse, campfire cooking and netting in the streams.
ACTING UP info@phoenix-hk.com, www.phoenix-hk.com
Acting Up is holding its drama summer camp at the Lantau Diner on Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Kids, aged five and above, can learn and practise skills such as improvisation, mime, mask work, script writing and more. Photography classes are also on offer for all ages, while kids aged 14 and above can get involved in filming, editing and drone classes.
June 26-August 25 June 26-August 25 FAUST INTERNATIONAL 2547 9114, info@faustworld.com, www.faustworld.com.hk Faust International is bringing its summer theatre camps to DB for the first time, along with classes on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Kids, aged three to 14, have the opportunity to learn drama techniques in the week-long Summer Theatre Programme, while the Creative Writing Workshop develops the creativity and skills of budding writers.
RUMPLE AND FRIENDS 9830 8287, info@rumpleandfriends.com, www.rumpleandfriends.com Rumple and Friends’ Big Top Academy Summer Camp in Sheung Wan allows kids, aged three to 10, to explore a diverse range of theatrical techniques through script work and musical theatre. Themes include magic and circus, explorers and adventurers, and pirates and mermaids. The courses are taught by professional performers with extensive teaching experience.
July 10-August 24 THE STORY STUDIO 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio offers creative fun for imaginative kids, aged seven to 13, at its summer writing workshops in DB and Tung Chung. The holiday workshops are for imaginative kids who enjoy reading, and love writing their own stories. Fun activities get the creative sparks flying, helping students create personal writing portfolios to take home.
July 15-August 17 WINKY’S WORKSHOP 9324 3754, chan_wai_ki@hotmail.com, fb.me/wkworkshop
Winky’s Workshop is offering a visual arts summer programme for kids aged three to 15. Themed all things ocean, activities include fun crafts, DIY workshops, experimental drawing, sketching and acrylic painting. A performing arts programme is also offered with ballet, jazz-fun, K-pop and hip-hop classes. (Enjoy a 5% earlybird discount on or before June 17.)
GET June-August DANCE FOR JOY 9264 8597, info@danceforjoyhk.com, www.danceforjoyhk.com Dance for Joy is holding its dance and performing arts classes over the summer in Tung Chung for children aged three and above. Aimed at sharing the joy of dance with the community, classes include hip-hop, jazz-funk and K-pop. Fun workshops provide a perfect opportunity for kids to step into the spotlight.
GRO
OVY
June 26-August 25
Y T R O P S ET
G
July 3-July 14 HK DRAGONS 5360 0565, acc.admin@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk HK Dragons offers football camps in DB, Pui O and Stanley for kids, aged three and above, of all abilities. Children learn teamwork, 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.
July 3-July 8 IGYM 6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, fb.me/IGymGymnastics iGym’s summer gymnastics camp offers its regular early morning gymnastics programmes in DB, for kids aged three to 14. Beginner and intermediate classes involve innovative gymnastic programmes, arts-and-crafts and games, to create a high energy learning environment. Kids develop new skills and a sense of adventure, while making new friends and gaining confidence.
LA SYLPHIDE SCHOOL OF BALLET 6199 6601, lasylphideschoolofballet@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/La-Sylphide-School-ofBallet-560102984143377/ La Sylphide School of Ballet’s five-day Summer Princess Dance Camp is held in Tung Chung for kids aged two-and-a-half to five-and-a-half. In the princess-themed classes, kids are inspired by their favourite Disney characters from Princess Elsa and Cinderella to Belle. The children then get to weave their own fairytale through group and solo dances for an end-of-programme show.
July 3-July 8
IGYM 6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, fb.me/IGymGymnastics iGym’s new All-Day Mixed Sports Camp allows campers to experience a large variety of sports including gymnastics, soccer, basketball, volleyball and touch rugby. With qualified staff and expert camp counsellors, activities run from Monday to Saturday. Kids, aged eight to 14, can expect excursions to Ocean Park, Disneyland, EpicLand and a day of surfing. The aim is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle in today’s youth.
TREASURE ISLAND 2546 3543, inquiries@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com Treasure Island gives children, aged five to 16, the chance to learn to surf on beautiful Pui O Beach at one of its surf camps (Grommets Beginner Surf, Surfers Intermediate and Adventure Camp). In addition to surfing, beginners learn water safety and ocean education, while intermediates can try SUP, kayaking, hiking, coasteering and camping.
June 19-August 25
OFFICE 3483 5003
Sharon Riley Misako Takato Sharon Leong Kim Jomar
www.homesolutions.hk
9664 4749 9757 0927 9222 9077 9748 2367
(S-415475) (S-287062) (S-238367) (E-352962)
NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG Meet the HomeSolutions Team
Sharon Christine Riley
Misako Takato
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Sharon Leong
+852 9664 4749 sharon@homesolutions.hk
Languages: English, Japanese and Spanish
+852 9331 8141 property@homesolutions.hk
+852 9222 9077 sharonleong@homesolutions.hk
+852 9757 0927 misako@homesolutions.hk
$12.8M CHEUNG SHA VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Rooftop + Terrace
Beautifully renovated home near beach! 4 Beds, 3 Baths (inc 1 ensuite). G/F with open plan kitchen and dining area. Living room and 2 beds on 1/F. Master bedroom on 2/F with ensuite. Ceiling fans and balconies in all rooms. Extra room on roof for entertaining and enjoying views.
$45K GOLDEN COAST VILLA 1119’ NET + Rooftop + Garden
Gorgeous family home in desirable Cheung Sha complex. 4 Beds, 3 Baths (inc 1 ensuite). Split level living area with both levels leading out to beautifully landscaped garden. Fully fitted kitchen with plenty of storage. Cost effective solar panels for electricity. Private electric covered vehicle car port next to house. Available July.
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$6M 1/F & 2/F PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 1400’ + 700’ Rooftop
Fantastic location in Pui O. 4 Beds, 4 Baths (inc 2 ensuite). Currently 2 separate flats. Original condition with separate kitchens. Great potential. Currently tenanted so great for investor.
$24.5K TUNG CHUNG CRESCENT 813’ Net + 41’ Bay Window
Recently renovated flat in desirable complex walking distance to Citygate! 2 Beds, 2 Baths (inc 1 ensuite). Separate kitchen. New air cons, lighting, curtains and blinds throughout. Uninterrupted sea views from all living areas. Complex with all amenities.
$55-57K VILLAS IN CHEUNG SHA 1500’ Net + 1356-3122’ Net Gardens
Last few remaining luxury villas in Cheung Fu Street! Each villa has 3 beds, 2.5 Baths (inc 1 ensuite). Master bed leads out to large terrace. All villas have large gardens perfect for entertaining. All villas with private covered parking.
$13M TUNG CHUNG CARIBBEAN COAST 1113’ Net + 44.1’ Bay Window
Beautiful flat in the desirable Caribbean Coast Complex. 3 Beds (generous master w/ built in wardrobe) & 2 Baths, including an en-suite & an office. Large open plan living/ dining area w/ mountain views. Fully fitted kitchen w/ lots of cupboard space. 2 large balconies & a helpers room. Amenities all close by!
Call us any time2016 at www.arounddb.com 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK November C-044849
HEALTH
NO PAIN
Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com
JUST GAIN How does getting stuck with tiny needles you can’t quite feel benefit your health? Samantha Wong consults Japanese acupuncturist Galit Cohen Nagar
Acupuncturist Galit Cohen Nagar
www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 23
HEALTH
T
raditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have been developing acupuncture techniques for thousands of years as a way to open energy channels within the body and release blockages. The aim is to relieve tension and cure ailments, while getting to the root cause of the problem. Tracing its roots to early 17th century Chinese texts, Japanese acupuncture has been making ground since the 1920s, and it now gets as much publicity and credit as Chinese acupuncture. Complaints treated include aggravated stress (fatigue, insomnia, depression); localised pain (headaches); muscle and joint pain; sprains, strains and bruises; gastric problems; immunity support and women’s health issues. Japanese acupuncture is suitable not only for adults but for babies, children and the elderly. The techniques are often gentler and more subtle than those used in TCM. Another major difference is in the language of the treatment. Instead of the traditional concepts of the five elements as in TCM, Japanese acupuncture prefers Western medicine terminology meaning it is easier for patients to understand the diagnosis and the treatment plan. “Japanese acupuncture is different from Chinese acupuncture in a number of ways, but most significantly there is no pain,” says Galit Cohen Nagar, Japanese acupuncturist and reflexology practitioner at the Integrated Medicine Institute in DB and Central. “The needles for Japanese acupuncture are much thinner than the typical TCM needles, and the insertion is quite shallow compared to TCM. Some clients feel a prick when the needle is inserted, many feel nothing at all.” Diagnosis and treatment Following the Kiiko Matsumoto method, Galit works on structural imbalances which can indicate areas of strength and weakness in the body, as well as energy blockages. To uncover the needs of a client and “find disharmony in the body,” Galit uses pulse diagnosis. “While in the West doctors use the pulse to understand heart health, in Chinese medicine you refer to the pulse a bit differently,” she says. “In fact, acording to TCM, we can hear 12 different pulses and each of them represents a different organ system. This means pulse diagnosis allows us to learn about organ health.” Palpation, a form of touch diagnosis, is also used, allowing both practitioner and client to receive instant feedback on how well the session is going. Using palpations, the muscles and joints along the frame of the body are tested to investigate any structural imbalances. This is referred to as root treatment diagnosis. The practitioner then narrows in on diagnosing specific issues by palpating around the abdominal region. The client’s reflexes, as well as the constant feedback he is asked to provide, allow the practioner to determine the treatment protocol. After the diagnosis and treatment plan have been discussed,the needles are inserted. Point selection, point location and needle
24 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
Japanese needles are thin and the insertion is shallow
technique are all important, and vary according to the client’s presenting symptoms. “Needles are placed along the meridian, and sometimes in the painful area, but first we use a distal point to relieve the painful area,” says Galit. Japanese needles are incredibly thin and the insertion is shallow, but the effect is still powerful. Treatment lasts up to an hour, with the practitioner continuing to palpate around the areas the client is experiencing pain or sensitivity. After just 20 minutes of acupuncture treatment, most clients find that their pain has been significantly reduced. Reaping the rewards It is this immediacy of the result that encouraged Galit to move from TCM, which she practiced for eight years, to Japanese acupuncture. “Experiencing immediate relief is important because it enables the patient to play an integral part in his own healing,” Galit says. In most cases follow-up treatments are required, with many people choosing to return monthly to ensure that their energy channels remain open. Galit recommends clients combine acupuncture treatments with yoga, meditation or other lifestyle adjustments, to help them maintain improvements experienced during a session. This holistic approach to healing also involves exploring the nonphysical side of a client’s issues. “Aside from understanding the mechanisms of the body, the function of the musculoskeletal system and inner organs, it is very important that I see how the body and mind work together,” says Galit. “People often forget that physical pain can be linked to emotional issues. After a few sessions, patients realise that we can do more than simply correct the physical body through structural alignment and they begin to help themselves too.”
Galit Cohen Nagar provides Japanese acupuncture and reflexology sessions at the Integrated Medicine Institute in Discovery Bay and Central. For more information, you can contact her on 2537 1087.
PERSONA
LANTAU LITERATI
Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com
Kayla Lee, Janice Ho and Sienna Bertamini, the finalists in this year’s Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writer’s Competition, sit down with Sam Agars to discuss penmanship and inspiration
The finalists: Sienna Bertamini, Kayla Lee and Janice Ho
A
love for writing as an escape from the pressures of school and daily life is something shared by the three finalists of this year’s Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writer’s Competition (YWC). Kayla Lee, 13, from YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College, Janice Ho, 13, and Sienna Bertamini, 14, both from Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) were the three standouts this year, and all highlighted the role writing plays in ensuring they live a balanced life. Tackling the challenging topic of telling a story from the
26 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
point of view of a famous historical figure, the three finalists delved deep into the minds of complex individuals with skill and imagination. It was then up to judges Peter Sherwood (Sienna), Sharon Lesley Le Roux (Janice) and Trisha Hughes (Kayla) to mentor their selected finalists and help them shape their work. M a k i n g t h e i r s e le c t i o n f ro m e n t r i e s a c ro s s s e v e n schools, the judges also chose three runners-up – Micah
The runners-up: Seo Jin Park, Micah Zirkelbach and Maika Ono
Zirkelbach, Seo Jin Park and Maika Ono, all DB residents. Micah, 13, a DBIS student, wrote from the point of view of Jesus Christ, Seo Jin, 14, a Discovery College student, Albert Einstein and Maika Ono, 13, from Island School, Katharine Hepburn. In the subsequent online vote, conducted on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages, Tung Chung resident Kayla was crowned the winner of the Bookazine-sponsored competition with 284 votes, while Janice placed second with 116 votes, and Sienna third with 76 votes. You can read the finalists’ stories at www.lifeonlantau.com/ articles, and Kayla’s winning story on page 30, but first let’s learn a little more about the writers and their work. Kayla: Josef Mengele It was on noticing that people often write about good people that Kayla chose Josef Mengele, the SS physician, infamous for his inhumane medical experimentation on concentration camp prisoners at Auschwitz during the Second World War. Kayla, who lives in Tung Chung, has Josef grappling with what is right and wrong as he struggles with the lack of recognition for his monstrous deeds.
day have a book published. “I really loved working with Trisha, she taught me how to delve more into the complexity of Josef Mengele,” Kayla says. “I am working on two books at the moment and I have a character who is based on Josef Mengele, my villain, and I thought it would be a good creative exercise for me to get to know my villain for my book.” Trisha says Kayla “listened beautifully and took all of my suggestions on board”, and that she chose her story because it was different from the rest. “For a 13-year-old I could see a lot of emotion in there,” says Trisha, the author of best-selling memoir Daughters of Nazareth and the just-published historical novel, Vikings to Virgin: The Hazards of being King. “If she can produce this now at 13, then she has got the world at her feet.” It only took minor tweaks to enhance Kayla’s story. “Her story was good, but I knew it could be better,” Trisha says. “I knew she had it in her because she had already brought out a lot of the arrogance and the disdain of what Mengele was like.” Janice: Anne Frank
Kayla says she wanted to write from Josef’s point of view because “people tend to see others in only black and white. I decided to write about Josef Mengele so that I could detail the depths of the human personality.”
The holocaust theme continues in Janice’s work, with the DB resident choosing Anne Frank, one of the most well-known victims of Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Janice chose Anne for two reasons – her interest in the holocaust and because she was learning about her in drama class.
Through her work with Trisha, Kayla was able to add depth to her writing, something she hopes will help her in her goal to one
“The hiding part of her life really stood out to me and that is what she is well known for,” Janice says. “I don’t usually write diary www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 27
PERSONA
entries so it was different and I really enjoyed writing it.” Janice feels she is a better writer after working with her mentor, Sharon, calling the experience amazing. “She taught me how to drag someone into the story and how to make the reader read in Anne Frank’s voice,” Janice says. Sharon, who runs creative writing workshops for kids through The Story Studio, was impressed by Janice’s original work and says that only minimal changes were needed. “Her piece was really insightful, it obviously touched her, the Anne Frank story, as she really got in character,” she says. “She was really good at showing what was happening in the house and the tensions; she was really good at showing, not telling.”
It’s clear that Sienna gained a lot from working with her mentor Peter, the author of 15 books and a former South China Morning Post columnist. “What I took out of it the most was that to really connect with the reader, you have to understand who you are writing about,” Sienna says. “I had to really research into what Harriet Tubman did and try to connect with how she felt, therefore the reader could feel that same way. Peter really showed me how to do that and gave me some really great tips.” Peter chose Sienna’s piece not because he initially thought it was the best, but because he felt it showed great promise.
Sienna: Harriet Tubman
“Sienna showed she could feel what her subject was experiencing,” he says. “She was able to colour her story with the atmosphere of the situation. She is naturally curious and I thought she had the potential to improve her story further.”
Sienna chose to write from the perspective of Harriet Tubman, a humanitarian famous for her work freeing slaves during the American Civil War. The young DB resident explores Harriet’s thoughts during one of her missions to release slaves, having chosen her as a follow-up to a Year 7 project.
For Sienna, the process has only been a positive one: “The main benefit for me was that overall my writing has improved, especially when I’m writing in historical context. I just find it relaxing, putting words down on paper, it’s a place for other people to see it. I really like what writing can do.”
Positions vacant
PART TIME HYGIENISTS AND RECEPTIONIST
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At Diestel Dental Group, we have five modern clinics located in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and Central. We have recently expanded and urgently require qualified hygienists and receptionist to join our team. We are looking for experienced people with a friendly and flexible attitude to assist across Discovery Bay and Central.
We are a modern, high-tech practice with a full digital environment including CT scans and digital x-rays. We offer good working conditions, hours and salary.
Please email your resume and expected salary to our Operations Manager: manager@diestelandpartners.com.
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Diestel and Partners Family Dentistry
Smith and Jain Dental and Implant Practice
Bayside Dental Discovery Bay
Bayside Dental Tung Chung
Queen’s Road, Central Tel: 2522 2099 www.diestelandpartners.com
North Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel: 2987 0855 www.baysidedentalhk.com
D’Aguilar Street, Central Tel: 2526 2383 www.smithandjaindentists.com
We are looking for the following positions to join our dynamic team: We have five modern clinics located in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and Central. PRACTICE MANAGER (Based in Central, travel to all 5 clinics is also required)
Caribbean Square, Tung Chung Tel: 2185 6550 www.baysidedentaltc.com
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Duties includerequire but not limited to management of staff, administration work, marketing, We urgently receptionists to join our team.
business development etc. Applicant must have good computer skills and be fluent in
English & Cantonese. We areboth looking for experienced people with a friendly, flexible attitude. HYGIENISTS (Based inDental Tung Chung)knowledge an advantage. To be mainly based in the Bayside Dental Discovery We are looking for an experienced hygienist with a friendly and flexible Bay attitude.clinic. We are a modern, high-tech practice with a full digital environment including CT scans and
We offer digital x-rays.good working conditions and hours.
Please We email your CVconditions, to drjain@diestelandpartners.com offer good working hours and salary. Previous experience in a similar role preferred.
Personal data collected betoused for recruitment purposes only. Please email CV and expectedwill salary drjain@diestelandpartners.com. All details will be kept confidential.
Diestel and Partners Family Dentistry Queen’s Road, Central Diestel and Partners Tel: 2522 2099 Family Dentistry www.diestelandpartners.com Queen’s Road, Central Tel: 2522 2099
Smith and Jain Dental and Implant Practice www.diestelandpartners.com D’Aguilar Street, Central Tel: 2526 2383 www.smithandjaindentists.com
Smith and Jain Dental and Implant Practice
Bayside Dental Discovery Bay
D’Aguilar Street, Central Tel: 2526 2383 Bayside Dental Tung Chung www.smithandjaindentists.com
North Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel: 2987 0855 Bayside Dental Discovery Bay www.baysidedentalhk.com
Caribbean Square, Tung Chung Tel: 2185 6550 www.baysidedentaltc.com
North Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel: 2987 0855 www.baysidedentalhk.com
Bayside Dental Tung Chung Caribbean Square, Tung Chung Tel: 2185 6550
Dr Richard Tinlin & Associates www.baysidedentaltc.com D’Aguilar Street, Central Tel: 2117 4180 info@drrichardtinlin.com
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Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of www.wikimedia.org
SPOTLIGHT
ANGEL OF DEATH JOSEF MENGELE
By getting inside the mind of a psychopath, Kayla Lee, the 13-year-old winner of the Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writer’s Competition 2017, brings history to life
30 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
Josef Mengele, 1911-1979
I
never imagined I would find solace in my solitude on the shores of Argentina. The warm feeling of golden sand fades as I step into the midmost mulch, and I search for my homeland over the horizon, millions of miles away. The waves beckon to me, seemingly willing to wash away any traces of so-called sin. The bitter tang of salt on the wind and the ominous calls of seabirds worsen the explosions in my head, elevating them from mere fireworks to nuclear demons at full velocity. Nobody here knows me. There are no admirers here to sing my praises. It irritates me to think that there are people in the world who go to sleep at night without worries, people who have never known the great deeds I’ve done for them. The first day at Auschwitz My head is pounding, so unlike my heart. It does no good to follow the heart. I am a sadist, and rightfully so. Kindness would have gotten me nowhere in these times. I was respected – feared, even, by the strongest of my subordinates. I had the power of life and death in my hands, the power to either condemn prisoners to a painful end or reach out to them as a saviour. I was Julius Caesar and they were the slaves. Or rather, I was the Angel of Death, cold and aloof, separated from mortal woes. I remember the first day at Auschwitz, the hordes of bewildered, trembling creatures herded like cattle. Mothers clutched their children and husbands as if their lives depended on it. Not that it mattered – most of them would have been dead within the year, if not for my intervention. They stank like the dead, and looked halfway there.
into thinking that they deserved the right of German citizens. Liquid has replaced the air. I breathe involuntarily. The migraines have finally left me, long enough for me to have my final thoughts. I hope it ends quickly for me. Will the world know all there is about me? No, I think, as I sink to the bottom, lungs screaming for air as the merciless waves batter me bruised. There is one more thing they don’t know. I am no monster. It was my duty to contribute to science in the grand scheme of the world. But there is a beast in each and every one of us, and it is futile to struggle to cage it. The bubbles stream from my mouth as I smile for the last time. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Nor are the cruel clutches of hellfire waiting to hold me in their grasp – the end I had once accepted. It’s too late for regrets now.
In the Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writer’s Competition 2017, DB and Lantau secondary school students were asked to write from the point of view of a famous historical figure. Congratulations to the winner Kayla Lee, to Janice Ho, who placed second, and to Sienna Bertamini, who placed third. A well-deserved shout-out also goes to the three runners-up: Micah Zirkelbach, Seo Jin Park and Maika Ono. To read all about this year’s competition and the talented writers involved, turn to page 26. For photos from the YWC prize-giving, sponsored by Bookazine, turn to page 6.
Those foolish soldiers were too idiotic to realise the potential that the prisoners had as my lab rats. All they cared about was their bloody glory. They never realised the full extent I would go to in order to help them, and all of my fellow Nazis. This was my gateway to greatness, and my chance to raise myself above the pawns. And with the earnings that have been hard won by myself, I’ve managed to give my family a good life and future. Rolf, my dear son, will never have to struggle for food nor money. There is a beast in every one of us I am strangely calm as the tainted water envelopes me, seeping through my nostrils and into my lungs. I get up with an aching body and iron will, and tread deeper. And speaking of Rolf, was he the same as all the gypsy twins who called me Uncle Josef? Could they have been just as human and innocent as he was in infantile form, just as susceptible to pain? Did Irene shudder at the thought of my work when Rolf asked what his father did to ensure the both of them were safe and well? Did she think of me as a monster not unlike the ones from my own son’s childhood tales? Or was I a hero to her just as much as I was to Rolf, another man fighting to win the war? No. They were vermin, rightfully exterminated. They would have poisoned the pure bloodlines, and manipulated the innocent Aryans
Kayla Lee, YWC 2017 winning writer www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 31
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GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks. Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye. Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.
© Anna Kari
HK HAPPENINGS
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai
10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH
June 2-4
June 3
Photo by Alastair Muir
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is based on Judith Kerr’s bestselling book (about Sophie, her mother and an anthropomorphised tiger), first published in 1968. This acclaimed musical play, adapted and directed by Olivier Award winner David Wood OBE, is a delight for kids aged three and up. For tickets, starting at HK$195, visit www.hkticketing.com.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
www.wikimedia.org
STING 57TH & 9TH TOUR
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai Music legend Sting is touring his 12th studio album 57th & 9th, named for the Hell’s Kitchen street corner near where it was recorded. While much of the album is pure electric rock, recalling Sting’s wild days with The Police, there are deeper ballads like One Fine Day, about climate change, and Inshallah , recorded with Syrian refugees. For tickets, starting at HK$588, visit www.hkticketing.com.
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai Kids’ Gallery, the independent June 3-4 children’s arts organisation based in Mid-Levels, is performing its annual spectacular, The Wizard of Oz . The musical combines original Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg www.wikimedia.org songs from the 1939 film, with new songs and additional music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. For tickets, starting at HK$280, visit www.hkticketing.com.
OCEAN PARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY Ocean Park, Aberdeen
MY FAIR LADY
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai
Through June
June 9-11
www.wikimedia.org www.wikimedia.org www.wikimedia.org
The Ocean Park 40th Anniversary: Semi-Buffet Dinner is on offer Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, making it a great place to celebrate Father’s Day on June 18. Enter the park after 6pm and you don’t need a general admission ticket to enjoy a meal at Neptune’s Restaurant. For more information, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk.
Following its award-winning productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Into the Woods , Face Productions presents the funfilled classic musical, My Fair Lady . Join Eliza Doolittle on a journey of self-discovery, as she practices her ‘p’s and ‘q’s, guided by Professor Henry Higgins. For tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.hkticketing.com. www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 33
HK HAPPENINGS
CHINESE OPERA FESTIVAL Across Hong Kong
June 9-11
June 13-August 13
www.theperformersstudio.com
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’!
Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai
As in the book by Craig Sodaro, The Performers Studio’s Don’t Stop Believin’! sees a group of New York teens working together to save their community centre from the city councillors who want to bulldoze it. When they hear of a new TV reality contest for glee clubs, they decide to form their own and try out. For tickets, starting at HK$180, visit www.urbtix.hk.
www.wikimedia.org
The annual Chinese Opera Festival offers up not just live performances but films, exhibitions and talks. Featuring well-known artists and innovative stage productions, there’s something for all opera lovers in this two-month event. To find out more, visit www.cof.gov.hk; for tickets, head to www.urbtix.hk.
ASIAN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok
June 15-20
A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING Fringe Club, Central
June 15-17
www.wikimedia.org
www.hongkongsingers.org
Showcasing the exhilarating music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, The Hong Kong Singers present A Grand Night for Singing. Exploring the various stages of romance, this family-friendly musical can be guaranteed to put the audience in the mood for love. For tickets, visit www.hongkongsingers.org.
Like us on the Life on Lantau Facebook page for event reminders: www.facebook.com/LifeonLantauMagazine 34 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
www.lifeonlantau.com
Catch more than 300 athletes representing around 30 countries at the 2017 Asian Fencing Championships. There are 12 events for both men’s and women’s divisions. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.
BRITNEY SPEARS LIVE IN HONG KONG AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok
June 27
www.billboard.com
After the resounding success of her Las Vegas residency, Britney Spears is performing the Hong Kong leg of her massive 2017 international tour. Witness her acclaimed onstage performance and sing along to all your favourite tunes. For tickets, starting at HK$588, visit www.billboard.com.
LADA UPDATE
g n i
m o C n o So Your all new Around DB and Life on Lantau website packed full of local news, events, giveaways and community info. Keep an eye on www.arounddb.com www.lifeonlantau.com To discuss advertising opportunities, please contact the Bay Media sales team on
2987 0577
HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
Contributed by Lantau Development Alliance
Photo courtesy of LaDa
C
ritical Communications World (CCW), a global platform attracting over 3,000 critical communications professionals, was a huge success at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) last month. Opened by Nicholas W. Yang, Secretary for the Innovation and Technology Bureau, this year’s theme was network optimisation and transition. High efficiency and productivity mark Hong Kong’s success over past decades, and this is something in which innovation and technology play an important role – our city will become more connected. By enhancing the city-wide technological infrastructure and supporting its evolvement, the government is playing its role in developing Lantau into a smart island and innovation hub. At the CCW, it became clear that data-sharing is enabling a convenient, high-security transportation system that meets the needs of both locals and the growing number of high-end business travellers and tourists. Professionals from local enterprises shared their recent challenges and achievements in performance optimisation at CCW. Representatives from leading, international enterprises also presented valuable case studies on railway transit and airport travel, revealing worldwide trends and new developments. The body of information shared will help Hong Kong benefit from the bridgehead economy and transform into a better connected international hub. To address the challenges of scalability, consultants from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio also discussed communication system enhancement and event security services at CCW. During its 11th anniversary year, AWE is hosting a diverse range of multi-faceted EXPOtainment events. While AWE prides itself on its high security standards, it is facing new challenges, such as crowd control and the efficient flow of information. We believe new technology can be utilised to meet the requirements for mega event operation, as well as serving customers’ needs. We are ready to welcome a new era of technological evolution, are you? Sponsored Content
publishing and design studio
The Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA) is a group of local organisations and enterprises on Lantau that have come together to promote the social and economic development of the island. Visit www.lantau-da.com.hk. www.lifeonlantau.com
June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 35
LANTAU FACES
COMMUNITY SNAPS
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36  LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
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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.
DB - Central - Mui Wo -Tung Chung
24hr hotline:9073 6922
www.thestorystudiohk.com
www.aa-hk.org
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ARROW ACCOUNTING SERVICES LTD
Do you need someone who can record accounting transactions and also give you an idea of how to maximise your company’s profit? We are an accounting firm offering corporate services to small & medium-sized enterprises at a reasonable rate. For details of services, please visit us at www.arrowservicesltd.com. Contact Ms. Raji on 6201 9710 or email arrowservices@netvigator.com
APARTMENT IN TUNG CHUNG FOR SHORT/LONG-TERM LEASE Fully furnished apartment for short- term lease, excellent condition. Min. rental period: 1 month. From 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartments. Interested parties, please contact Miss Man on 9806 9175 / 9872 7395, tanford787@gmail.com
www.little-whale.com Your One-Stop Online Childcare & Toy Store! Free Shipping on orders $300+
@littlewhale.com.hk
Discovery Bay Tung Chung
5690 4960 6310 7074
Writing workshops for creative kids Ages 7-13
+852 6341 3989
AKASH MOVING Local packing & moving service Best Move - Best Rate
Akash offers a packing / unpacking service, provides boxes & Alcoholics packing materials & Anonymous makes small deliveries
Call 2421 8088 or visit
www.akash.hk
Deadline for August/ September 2017 issue CLASSIFIEDS
July 14
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LOCAL NUMBERS 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 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 The Story Studio 6341 3989
38 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
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TUNG CHUNG 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 The Story Studio 6341 3989 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 Como Lake 2984 0009 Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar 3484 3095 Kebab Korner 6429 3507 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. 2984 8346 Long Island 2320 2001 Mavericks 5662 8552 Natural Plus 2984 2233 T Party Cakes 9276 5734 Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453 The Gallery 2980 2582 The Kitchen 5991 6292 The Stoep 2980 2699 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Management 2525 7165 Dietitian - Patricia Castle 5690 0366 Pause Studio 9708 0187 Spa Ambiance 2984 2488 Spa Puretouch 2984 0088 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 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 HIT Room
9681 2896 6974 7707 6244 6093 2517 8248 2987 4338 2987 4274 2987 1571 6180 3256 2987 5852 2575 6279 6621 7410
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
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June/ July 2017
LIFE ON LANTAU 39
INSIDER
ISLAND GETAWAY
On your day off and when the skies are blue, put on those sunglasses and jump on an early ferry to Peng Chau. Within 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself well off the beaten track, writes Jason Pagliari
Photo by Jason Pagliari
A
20-minute boat ride north-east from Mui Wo on the Inter-Island Ferry lies the sleepy island of Peng Chau, familiar from a distance to all who take the ferry into town. Its rustic charm invites Lantauers to head over for a half day or longer and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere, with some good hiking, ‘templing’ and dining options available.
for fertility. The Tin Hau Temple, meanwhile, houses a Qing dynasty stone tablet that attests to a deal the then government made with the villagers, not to commandeer their fishing vessels in the ongoing war on piracy. There are several festivals a year here, including a ghost festival in August for which Taoist monks are brought in from China.
Arriving at the pier, you notice the avenue of Banyan trees going inland and the old folks sitting out, chewing the fat. There’s a Wellcome on the left and an enormous modern sports hall on the right, with facilities that rival those found in Mui Wo. The sleepy main strip, Wing On Street, is lined with old-style stores supplying the usual assortment of Cantonese snacks, cakes, stationary and... bikes.
Taking a hike
A bustling industrial centre during the 70s, thanks to its lime kiln and match factory, Peng Chau is now best known for its temples. At Lung Mo (Dragon Mother) Temple, you can touch the ‘dragon bed’ for good luck and at Seven Sisters Temple, pray 40 LIFE ON LANTAU June/ July 2017
A good plan for the day is to walk clockwise round the island. The coastal trail takes you past some nice beaches and the landmark Fisherman Rock, a precariously balanced boulder over the sea. The trail then cuts inland through jungle before emerging at a horseshoe bay, facing east, where there are barbeque facilities on the beach. On a clear day the ICC mega tower in West Kowloon looks surprisingly close, reminding you of the island’s proximity to modern civilisation. Next up, you’ll want to climb Finger Hill, the highest point of the island at 95
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metres, with its panoramic views and giant boulders. The ascent is well signposted, and you can stop for a cold drink at the little shop halfway up, with its rickety table and chairs and non-stop AM radio music. There’s a trail down the other side of Finger Hill to a pagoda on the island’s east side, if you feel you haven’t walked far enough. Some recommended places to rest up and eat, mostly on Wing On Street, include the two Thai restaurants Tino Club and Chok Dee, and the newly opened Old China Hand. The Viet is a friendly café with good curries and Kee Sum has a decent all-day breakfast, but top of the list has to be Chicken Wing Chan’s, next to the abandoned cinema. ‘Orange chicken’ and, in the summer months, ‘special fried prawns’ are specialties of the house. It’s hard to imagine what will become of Peng Chau should the proposed East Lantau Metropolis be given the go-ahead just offshore. At least for now, day trippers can still enjoy this tranquil island in its timeless state.