ISLAND-WIDE NEWS

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED THROUGH CHINESE NEW YEAR

The government has extended its latest round of COVID-19 restrictions into February, which means we’re in for another muted Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. Venues like gyms, cinemas and bars will remain closed and the dine-in ban after 6pm will continue at least until February 3, the third day of the Lunar New Year.

The annual CNY fireworks show, once a memorable start to welcome in the holiday, has been cancelled for the third consecutive year. Largescale events like the annual flower fairs have also been cancelled.

Looking back, it’s interesting to consider how much better we fared on January 31, with two large-scale countdown celebrations ringing in 2022 after two years of cancellations.

There was the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s free overnight concert on December 31 at the West Kowloon Cultural District, headlined by Mirror, AGA, Gin Lee and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. And there was the HK$30 million drone show and concert, organised by NEW TV at the Central Harbourfront, held over two consecutive evenings – December 31 and January 1. The event was live-streamed by TVB, with 600 drones flying above Victoria Harbour. Aaron Kwok, Vivian Chow and Grasshopper performed live for crowds of 16,000 people per night.

These high-profile events contrasted with a rather more low-key gettogether at Ngong Ping on December 31, where Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Abbot Sik Jin-yin ushered in the new year by ringing the bell next to the Big Buddha. About 300 people, including political figures and top Beijing officials, attended the closed-door ceremony at Po Lin Monastery.

REGISTER FOR THE TRANSLANTAU

Local trail runners are reminded to register for the TransLantau™ by UTMB® in March. Taking place in November, the event offers three races on Lantau – 25km, 50km and 100km. The demanding course is on trails for 80% of the race, covering two country parks and taking runners past iconic locations including the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O. Participants get to connect with nature as they push their limits and immerse themselves in Lantau’s glorious countryside.

TransLantau™ by UTMB® is a leading race in Hong Kong, and the latest event in Asia to join the UTMB® World Series. Open to runners of all abilities, it’s hugely popular amongst international runners with 43 different nationalities represented at the last edition. To find out more and register, visit www.translantau.com.

WILD LANTAU RACE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEMENT DUMONT

NEW ECO-BOOK SET IN MUI WO

The Green Dragon and the Rumbly Island is the latest book in the Green Dragon children’s book series by eco-author Suzanne Younan. Willy, the Green Dragon, is off on a third Hong Kong adventure, this time to Mui Wo, where he meets some of the island’s indigenous wildlife. As Willy learns how human actions can adversely affect wild animals, young readers are encouraged to be aware, take action and enjoy the natural world responsibly.

In addition to writing environmental books for children, Suzanne is the founder of Green Dragons HK, a collection of dragon boat paddlers from different Hong Kong teams, who are committed to eliminating single-use plastic during training and race events. For more on the author and the Green Dragon book series, visit www.dracoviridi.com.

LESSONS FOR LIFE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZANNE YOUNAN

SPEED DATING AT THE SHERATON

February is probably the best month to be single, at least at Sheraton Tung Chung Hong Kong. The hotel’s pre-Valentine’s Day Speed Dating Singles Party Package, running February 12 and 13, is tailor-made for all those looking for love. Likeminded singletons can enjoy speed-dating sessions hosted by professional matching counsellor Karin Tsang, ice-breaker games and a romantic set dinner. The package also includes one (or two) night’s stay in a deluxe room and daily breakfast.

Those who have already found love will want to check out the Sheraton’s Beyond Romance Staycation Package, available right through February. In addition to a room romantically decorated with flower petals and balloons, the package includes breakfast for two in Café Lantau and a Moët & Chandon Afternoon tea set for two in the Lobby Lounge. To create lasting memories at the Sheraton in February, call 2535 0035.

lOVE IS IN THE AIR

PHOTO COURTESY OF Sheraton Tung Chung Hong Kong

Congratulations to Cheung Sha resident Enzo Hilaire who placed third in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Paris on December 19. The young French-born rapper represented France with the song Tic Tac, written and composed by French singer-songwriter and music technician Alban Lico. During the contest, which combined online and jury voting, Enzo was singled out for his energy, professionalism and unique voice.

While in France preparing for Eurovision, Enzo signed with @WarnerMusic, and released his first album Tic Tac L’album, which is available on most streaming platforms. Aside from the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Enzo also participated in season 7 of The Voice Kids France in August 2020, where he made it to the final with judge Soprano.

HIS FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT

PHOTO COURTESY OF Francois Hilaire

FRONTLINE ACCOUNT OF THE VIETNAMESE BOATPEOPLE

In his latest book, Along the Southern Boundary, former Marine Police officer and 10-year DB resident Les Bird tells of the harrowing sea journey to Hong Kong made by tens of thousands of refugees in the years that followed the end of the Vietnam War. His frontline account includes a previously unpublished collection of personal photographs – of makeshift boats and people-smuggling vessels – taken as he patrolled Hong Kong’s southern maritime boundary.

Les joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976 and he served for two decades in the lead-up to the handover. He was first stationed at then remote Tai O Police Station, now Tai O Heritage Hotel. Along the Southern Boundary and Les’ bestselling memoir, A Small Band Of Men, are available at bookshops throughout Hong Kong.

LES BIRD’S LATEST MEMOIR

Photo Courtesy of Les Bird

DEVELOPMENTS AT LIVING ISLANDS

Merrin Pearse has stepped down as Chairman of Living Islands Movement (LIM) after seven incredible years. The 14-year Lantau resident relocated to New Zealand late last year, and has been succeeded by Louise Preston, as LIM’s Acting Chair.

LIM is a community-based organisation that aims to promote sustainable development on the outlying islands, with a focus on Lantau. Its volunteers work tirelessly to protect the islands both culturally and environmentally, and they are committed to working and co-operating with local residents, and governmental and non-governmental organisations to realise quality-of-life goals. Ongoing issues of local concern include waste management, transport, parking, illegal dumping and landfill – and money raised through donations and membership fees goes directly into funding campaigns. To find out more and help secure ‘A Liveable Lantau for All,’ visit www.livingislands.org.hk.

A LIVEABLE LANTAU FOR ALL

PHOTO BY TERRY CHOW