Issue 18 / APRIL-MAY 2014
www.lifeonlantau.com
THE GREAT TAXI
SHORTAGE
HOW OUR BLUE TAXIS
LEAVE US FEELING BLUE
CAN YOU SPOT THE DRAGON?
HEAD OUT INTO THE LANTAU HILLS
DAY TRIPPING WITH THE KIDS
A FUN DAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
IT’S TAX TIME!
FIND OUT WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE
s
ine i
agaz
E
FRE
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This
08
08
CONTENTS
REGULARS
04 LANTAU NEWS
The latest news from around Lantau
06 GIVEAWAYS
More fabulous prizes up for grabs!
10 HIT THE TRAILS
Martin takes us on the ‘Flying Dragon’ hike
16 LANTAU FOCUS
29
What’s coming up around Lantau Island
19 SHOPPING CART
What to wear, watch, read, use and splurge on!
20 KIDS’ CORNER
Easter fun for the kids
21 CRAFTY KIDS
Crafty Keira shows us how to make an Easter treat
22 PARENTING
Irlen Syndrome
24 AROUND LANTAU
Recapping some recent events
26 HEALTH AND FITNESS
A look at different types of training
40
28 FINANCE
It’s tax time!
30 MY LANTAU LIFE
An interview with Lantau writer, Jane Houng
32 ASK THE VET
Some handy hints for pet owners
LaDA UPDATE
An update from Lantau Development Alliance
33 Kitchen Kapers
The popular Malaysian dish, laksa
34 COMMUNITY
Some fun snaps from around Lantau
35 SHARE YOUR VIEW
FEATURES
Local community members share their views
on what’s happening on Lantau Island
08 LANTAU’S MISSING TAXIS
36 SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
29 OUT AND ABOUT
36 CLASSIFIEDS
38 DIRECTORY
39 ASK US
The blue taxi blues
Brooke shares her tips for a fun day out with the kids
40 IS YOUR HELPER IN DEBT?
Helping helpers gain control of their finances
Joey Lee Pieterse
The answers to your questions
LIFE ON LANTAU 1
THE
TEAM
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Danielle Higgins
Copyeditor/proofreader
Jennifer Gan
CONTRIBUTORS
Brooke Chenoweth
Robert Clark
Kaye Fraser
Patricia Hamlin
Keira Higgins
Martin Lerigo
Jamie McGregor
Anita Tomasov
Mel Topp
Annelotte Walsh
Lucy Zheng
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chris Coelho
Izabela Ryterska Stolpe
Most of us living on Lantau are familiar with the words “no taxi now, call
back later”. Getting to and from South Lantau, or home from the airport,
ACCOUNTING
Denise Gascoigne
particularly on a Sunday, is often a near-impossible task.
Layout Concept & Design
Vibrandcy Ltd.
www.vibrandcy.com
only getting worse. Will anything be done to alleviate this crazy situation?
Graphic Design
Kit Lee
With the
increasing number of tourists coming to Lantau these days, this problem is
In this issue, Robert Clark asks that very question. Turn to page 8 to find
out more.
Now that the super-cold days are behind us and the super-hot days are
Web Design
Britt Schwaabe
still ahead of us, it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy some of the
PRINTING
Print Plus International Limited
Unit B2, 2/F, Summit Building,
30 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon
is taking us up into the hills of Lantau for some dragon spotting! This is
fantastic scenery Lantau has to offer. Our very popular Hit the Trails section
a great hike, where you can soak up some history, enjoy some fabulous
views, and get some exercise, all at the same time!
ADVERTISING
Booking & Inquiry
[email protected] or
or call us: 9801 5115 / 6112 5905
Regional Advertising Rep.
EBconcepts – Edo Bersma
T. (852) 9641 1936
E. [email protected]
TO CONTRIBUTE
Tel: (852) 9801 5115
[email protected]
Here at Life on Lantau, we love hearing from you. Thanks to our readers
who send us letters with feedback on the magazine and comments about
current issues and activities around Lantau. Turn to page 35 to read some
of those letters, and find out what’s on people’s minds for this issue. Please
email us at [email protected] if you have anything you’d like to share,
or if you just want to say hi!
Happy Reading!
General Information
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASES & PRESS PACKS
PO Box 51 Tung Chung Post Office
Tung Chung, Lantau, Hong Kong
Our publication is produced for our Lantau
community and visitors. Views and opinions
expressed in articles in this publication belong
to the contributor and not necessarily those of
publisher or the staff. All rights reserved.
© DANASHA MEDIA LIMITED
Cover photo by Chris Coelho
LANTAU NEWS
Shek Kwu Chau incinerator
battle reaches climax
The battle over Shek Kwu Chau
looks likely to end one way or
another over the next two months.
The $21 billion mega-incinerator
project is set to go to three key
LegCo committees between now
and the end of May. The final and
most important is the finance
committee, which could hear the
proposal as early as May 2.
T h e E n v i ro n m e n t P ro t e c t i o n
Department (EPD) plan to build
the facility on the near-pristine
island 1 km off south Lantau has
attracted fierce opposition from the
local community and environment
groups.
Several Lantau village committees,
usually supporters of the powerful
Heung Yee Kuk rural group, have
hung banners on South Lantau Rd
to demonstrate their opposition.
The EPD is seeking funding of
approximately $21 billion over the
next 8 years to build the incinerator
and terminal, to which waste
from all over Hong Kong would be
shipped in by barge.
Green groups argue that the
incinerator would deal with just a
third of the territory’s waste – 3000
tonnes a day – and that of this the
residual 800 tonnes of ash would
have to be shipped to Tuen Mun
for disposal. They say city could
achieve virtually the same result
much more quickly and at a lower
cost by building several automated
waste sorting facilities, each of
which can handle up to 700 tonnes.
The Shek Kwu Chau plant will sort
just 10% of the waste, the EPD says.
According to green group Living
Islands Movement, the EPD has told
them the island is too small for any
larger-scale waste sorting.
Critics of the plan have also pointed
to EPD’s inaccurate figures – it
claims the city recycles 48% of its
waste when the true figure is around
10% – and its unusual request to
take a study tour after submitting
the plan to LegCo for approval.
A New Territories group, the
Integrated Waste Management
Action Group (IWMAG), has called
on the government to build a
series of integrated waste-sorting
facilities across the territory that
would share the waste burden and
cost less to construct.
Ferry fares to rise again
Fares on the Mui Wo and other ferry
routes are set to rise once more,
prompting an outburst from Islands
District councillors over the lack of
consultation.
sought a 10% increase as part of their
application for renewed 3-year franchise.
The last price rise occurred during the
previous licence renewal 3 years ago.
Fares on the Central—Mui Wo route
will rise by 6.2% from April 1, while the
operator of the Discovery Bay service,
who raised charges by 9.5% last year,
is seeking yet another price hike.
According to the Transport Department,
the operators blamed “persistently high
fuel price” and labour costs arising from
marine building works. The government
pays $190m a year to subsidise ferry
services.
The outlying island ferry companies had
Fares for the Central ferries to Mui Wo,
4 LIFE ON LANTAU
Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, Yung Shue
Wan and Sok Kwu Wan are to go up by
between 5% and 6.2%. Fares for interisland services between Peng Chau, Mui
Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau will
go up by 4.9%.
Critics of the current system say the
government should offer a 10-year
licence period for all island routes to a
single ferry operator, giving it scale that
would allow them to invest in the service.
NEWSBRIEFS
Ngong Ping 360
numbers up 21%
More than 1.65m tourists took the
Ngong Ping 360 cable car last year, up
21% over 2012. Mainland China was the
biggest source of visitors, accounting for
35%, followed by Asia (27%) and western
countries (19%), the company said. The
number of Chinese visitors grew 56%.
Sunset Peak
rescue
Three hikers were rescued from Sunset
Peak during the cold snap in February.
When the temperature plunged to 3°C
the three males, all aged 28, called police
to rescue them, Ming Pao reported. The
three lacked warm clothing and their
tent was blown away. They were rescued
by the fire brigade unharmed.
Flight
cancelled
after accident
A United Airlines flight was cancelled
after the pilot and two co-pilots were
injured in a road accident on the North
Lantau Highway on February 24.
Driver jailed over Lantau
motorcyclist DEATH
A 25-year-old assistant aircraft engineer
has been jailed for 11 months for causing
the death of a motorcyclist on Lantau last
June.
The man, Cheung Chi-lai, was at the wheel
of a seven-seater car that crossed a double
white line to overtake a bus going uphill at
San Shek Wan on 1 June 2013.
Cheung’s car collided with a motorbike
ridden by Gavin Spier, a 45-year-old Lantau
resident, coming downhill at moderate
speed. Spier was trapped beneath Cheung’s
car and died before reaching hospital.
A British national, Spier was a vicepresident of Siemens Hong Kong and
had lived in Hong Kong for 7 years. He is
survived by a wife and a daughter.
Cheung, who pleaded guilty to the charge
of dangerous driving, was also banned from
driving for 5 years.
Their minibus crashed into road works
and hit two parked trucks near Caribbean
Coast, according to press reports. The
flight captain, two of the co-pilots, a
flight attendant, the attendant’s relative
and the driver were treated at North
Lantau Hospital for minor injuries.
Oil spill
A Vietnamese-registered cargo vessel
ran aground on Cheung Chau on
February 22, causing a 100-metre oil
slick. The 17 crew fled the ship after it
began to list, leaving it to drift with its
engine on until it drifted onto Tung Wan
Tsai beach. The Marine Department is
investigating.
LIFE ON LANTAU 5
For your chance to win,
just email [email protected]
or visit www.lifeonlantau.com
CESAR MILLAN LIVE IN HONG KONG
AsiaWorld-Expo presents international dog behaviour
expert Cesar Millan, who will tour Asia this spring with his
educational and entertaining live show. One lucky reader will
win four tickets (total value $3520) for this fun show, on 11
May 2014. Email us with ‘Cesar Millan’ in the subject line.
2XU COMPRESSION TIGHTS
With an impressive list of features and benefits, these
graduated tights are breathable and lightweight, yet
supportive to major muscles. Body firming and ideal for
both low and high impact training, competition or recovery
demands. To win one of two pairs, email us with ‘2XU’ in the
subject line, and specify either Men’s or Women’s.
TIPS AND TIDBITS
Teacher Pat Kozyra shares her knowledge, wisdom and
experiences after 50 years in the teaching industry. No parent
or new teacher should be without this very helpful book. To
win one of three copies, email us with ‘Tips and Tidbits’ in
the subject line.
9 DRAGONS
Summer is on the way! Get fit with 9 Dragons Fitness, Tung
Chung’s newest fitness facility. To win a 1-week unlimited trial
of classes and a 9 Dragons fitness t-shirt for yourself and a
friend, email us with ‘9 Dragons’ in the subject line.
Entries close 12 May 2014. All winners will be notified via email and names will be
published in our June/July issue. Limit of one prize per person and the final decision is
made by Danasha Media Ltd. GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations to our lucky winners from Issue 17:
Susi Cunningham, Chloe Froissart, Rodel Hernandez, Michael Holmes,
Liubov Milatskova, Lindsey Price
6 LIFE ON LANTAU
Lantau’s missing taxis
Anticipating the difficulty, and unable to book a private bus,
Andrew began calling the Lantau taxi service a week ahead. Each
time the response was the same: it won’t take advance bookings,
but call on the morning and you’ll be sure to get a ride. When
the day arrived not a single taxi was available. Yet as he and his
party made their panicky way to the bus station that morning, they
passed half a dozen cabs parked in Mui Wo. Whatever the reasons
for their unavailability, it wasn’t because they were taking other
fares.
Andrew was so inflamed by the event that he started a Facebook
page, but he’s not the only one talking about it. The chronic shortfall
has become a source of dissatisfaction in both Chinese and expat
communities. People complain about the uncertain service, about
the anxiety in getting to the airport, and in particular the common
practice of having to pay extra to ensure a cab arrives.
On this last point, the Transport Department says a surcharge
for priority service is not illegal, although admits it “may amount
to overcharging.” Lantau people would respond that they are not
paying for priority service, but for any kind of service.
Which highlights the problem: to Lantau taxi users this looks
like a straightforward case of under-supply, but those who are
responsible for administering this monopoly see it differently.
Photography by Chris Coelho
Weddings, as anyone who has walked down the
aisle can tell you, are equal parts triumph and
trauma.
Mui Wo resident Andrew* and partner Anna*
tasted the bliss when they tied the knot last
Christmas before a boisterous crowd of family
and friends.
But they experienced severe wedding stress as
they tried to get themselves and their 20-strong
party to the airport on Christmas Eve.
8 LIFE ON LANTAU
The key organisations are the Transport Department, which
manages government transport policies, and the Lantau
Taxi Alliance (LTA), which operates the blue taxi service. The
department says it is still “collecting data” on the issue, and that
it carries out surveys on taxi stands and roadside checkpoints
as well as using data from taxi meters. Chan Kam-hung, the
chairman of the LTA, would not respond to any questions from
Life on Lantau.
Just 50 light blue cabs work Hong Kong’s biggest island, compared
to 15,250 red and 2,840 green taxis. The number hasn’t increased
since 1997 when, with Chek Lap Kok opening, the Transport
Department added another ten plates. The previous increase was
in 1984.
The problem is the increasing number of tourists. We don’t
know exactly how many come to Lantau or take cabs, but we can
extrapolate from other statistics.
For example, last year 1.65m passengers rode the cable car to
Ngong Ping, up 21% from 2012, while a record 7.4m visitors made
their way to Disneyland, a 10.4% increase. The total number of
visitors rose 11.7% last year and 16% in 2012. Tourist numbers
have in fact increased three and a half times since 2003 – that’s
roughly 15% a year.
FEATURE STORY
By Robert Clark
With those hefty numbers and steep annual growth, it’s easy to
see the strain on service on a fleet of just 50 vehicles covering
everywhere from Tai O to Disneyland.
Of course, Disneyland did not even exist a decade ago. Now a
good portion of the taxi business has shifted to North Lantau.
Blue taxis can do the Chek Lap Kok—Tung Chung—Disney circuit
more profitably than standing at the Mui Wo pier. For pennypinching tourists, the Lantau cabs also have the attraction of
being slightly cheaper – a $17 flagfall versus $22 for the red
cabs.
This change in demand seems to correspond to South Lantau
residents’ complaints of taxis being either unavailable,
demanding extra fees or not being on shift at all.
The problem has not gone unnoticed. The Oriental Daily
newspaper splashed a full page on the topic last October,
describing a queue of 200 people at the Tung Chung MTR stand.
Andy Lo, the chairman of the Islands District Council transport
committee, says the council has called on the Transport Dept
on “multiple occasions” to examine the issue, but without any
effect.
Bill Tang, a member of LegCo as well as the District Council,
asked James Tien, then chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism
Board (HKTB), in a LegCo hearing in February about complaints
that Lantau public transport was “inadequate” on weekends and
public holidays.
Tien replied it wasn’t a HKTB issue, but said that on holidays and
special occasions, the Transport Department would liaise with
transport companies “to make special arrangements to meet
the need of the visitors and local commuters.”
The only “special arrangement” the Transport Department could
cite is that the taxi company had issued “radio reminders by its
call centre to optimise supply” of cabs.
In an emailed statement the department said its surveys showed
“no evidence” to suggest that Lantau taxis just serve a certain
part of their service area. It said the average taxi journey in 2013
was more than 8 km, up from 7 km in 2008 to 2012.
It did say it was “open-minded” on whether to issue further
taxi licences, but a spokesperson said the department had no
timetable for doing so and was not conducting an active inquiry.
“No taxis for 3 hours straight”
La nta u p eop le h a ve not
been shy about expressing
their views on the island’s
taxi shortage. Here is what
people have been saying on
Facebook:
“…it took us about 1 hour to
get from Shenzhen to Tung
Chung, then more than 3
hours to get from Tung Chung
to Mui Wo, on a Sunday night...
There were no taxis available
for 3 hours straight! At one
point the dispatcher admitted
there were only 10 taxis
working at that time out of 50
on the island. We ended up taking the red cab to the airport and
a night bus from there.” – MH
“Always happen in Night Shift. If U want a cab U have to pay
EXTRA.” – FY
“Midnight at the airport trying to get a taxi home with a trolley
full of luggage and a toddler. The majority of this queue were not
going to South Lantau … Tried to call, no cabs according to the
lady on the phone line; a $50 extra promise and miraculously
one could get there in 5 mins.” – EP
“One has to double up the fare just to get a taxi from Ham Tin to
Mui Wo or even to Tung Chung for the taxi to show up, otherwise
they just ignore you.” – RK
What you can do
Unhappy customers can fill out a form from the Transport
Department website to complain about specific taxi
drivers. But what do you do if you have a problem with
the taxi service as a whole?
If you have had a bad experience with your Lantau taxi
service, the best thing is to let others know:
•
•
•
Call the HK government complaint line 1823, or use
the 1823 web page or mobile phone app.
Call Transport Complaints Unit on 2889 9999.
Join the Lantau Taxi Shortage Facebook page and
post details there.
* Not their real names
LIFE ON LANTAU 9
HIT THE TRAILS
THE FLYING DRAGON
By Martin Lerigo
The ‘Flying Dragon’ walk takes you deep into the remote
valleys of West Lantau, providing a chance to decompress
amongst the peace and quiet of nature.
The walk will take you 3 to 5 hours depending on
your pace and level of fitness. It involves a steep
ascent at the beginning and a steep and prolonged
descent at the end which can be tough on any
underlying injuries or recuperating joints.
The ‘Flying Dragon’ refers to a colourful
ornamental dragon built on the hillside in the
1980s to ‘protect’ the Tsz Hing Monastery which
sits in its shadow. Some say the dragon wards off
evil spirits whilst others say his primary duty is to
scare away snakes.
The walk forms part of section five and six of the
Lantau trail, a particularly remote part which is
often overlooked. The start point is on the South
Lantau Road immediately adjacent to the turning
for Big Buddha. By public transport, take the Tai
O bus from Mui Wo or Tung Chung. The stop you
need is called ‘junction of Keung Shan Road and
Sham Wat Road’.
The walk follows the Lantau trail way marker
posts for most of its duration. The starting point
is marked by a large archway signposted ‘Lantau
Trail’ with a noticeboard to the side – follow the
sign for Man Cheung Po. In front of you is the
daunting start to the walk, a steep ascent for 300
m up the imposing Kwum Yam Shan, a rounded
hilltop with beautiful views from its peak. Take
your time on the well-made path and enjoy views
over the layers of hills to your east. On days with
mist or sea fog these hills look like something
from the tales of Shangri-La, a mystical and exotic
feast for the eyes.
10 LIFE ON LANTAU
Past the L037 distance post you’ll come to a
saddle between two hills – look out for the
amazing views of Shek Pik reservoir beneath and
the Soko Islands like glittering jewels in the far
distance out to sea. Soon you’ll descend into a
lush valley, a varied and colourful carpet of flora,
with plenty of oranges and reds plus the beautiful
white, pink and purple blossoms of early spring
flowering plants. Ignore a signpost to your left for
Tai Long Wan catch water and instead follow the
sign for Ling Wui Shan. Twenty metres further
on, the path forks: if you are feeling weary the
right fork for Man Cheung Po Lung Tsai offers a
shortcut that will take 45 minutes off your walking
time. If you are still in good shape, push ahead into
the dragon’s lair, being sure to listen for the fabled
roar that he lets out when strangers cross his
path. The route now takes you up another ascent
to the top of Ling Wui Shan where you can rest and
enjoy the views by the trigonometric marker post
that adorns the summit.
Stay on the path and descend to distance post
L045, ignoring the sign for Kau Ling Chung catch
water and follow the Lantau trail sign for Man
Cheung Po. This is dragon country so keep your
eyes peeled; the flying dragon is a shy beast and
not easy for the untrained eye to spot. Over the
years he has allowed his nest to grow around him
and is now very well camouflaged. He is quite
close to distance post L047, look up to your right,
he is about 100 m above you in the jungle.
Keep on the path, shortly passing a sign for the
Man Cheung Po campsite. Ignore this and follow
the yellow Lantau trail signs, now marked for
Tai O. The path sees some temporary diversions
caused by landslips, each is well signposted with
the Lantau trail symbol. Those that have taken the
shortcut will re-join near this point.
From here you continue downhill, following the
Lantau trail way markers signposted for Tai O. The
descent is steep on a concrete path that can be
treacherous in wet weather, so please be careful
and take your time. This section is a test for the
knees and you’ll be pleased to reach the bottom
on the outskirts of Tai O village. By a children’s
playground take a right turn along the seafront
road until you reach the quaint stilted fishing
village of Tai O. This is journey’s end, a fitting spot
to partake of a well-earned jar or two. There are
several really good traditional seafood restaurants
that serve great food or you can explore the newly
arrived vegetarian scene with three or four cafes
that have set up on the riverside with waterfront
verandas.
Hope you enjoy this one. The weather is still fairly
cool so it’s a good time to think about the longer
walks.
This information is provided for reference only.
Hiking trails vary in levels of difficulty. It is essential
to bring suitable equipment and ensure you are in
adequate physical condition to undertake any hike.
Life on Lantau assumes no responsibility for injury
as a result of the use of the information in this
article.
natural food from real food
takeaway health to your home
We are a newly open take away shop in Mui Wo providing 100% homemade food and drinks i.e.
-
Yogurt
Detox vegetable and fruit juice
100% fruit or vegetable juice from cold press juicer
Non dairy milk
Chapattis
Christmas hamper
Apart from the homemade food and drinks, we also provide :
Organic products i.e. grains, rice, pasta, crackers, snacks…..
Gluten free products
Farm vegetables
Herbs and spicy
Cold press oil
Raw food material, equipment and tools
We are free deliver to South Lantau, Discovery Bay and Tung Chung.
Eshop : www.naturalplus.hk
Shop : shop a, seaview building, mui wo, lantau island
Telephone / whatsapp / wechat : 6285 2233
Facebook : naturalplushk
DESTINATION –
DB NORTH PLAZA
Opened in 2010, DB North Plaza is the ultimate hot spot
for both residents and visitors. Located right on the
beautiful Discovery Bay waterfront, DB North Plaza offers
a spectacular location and a relaxing environment.
Comprising two shopping arcades, two office buildings and
an open piazza (complete with water fountain, clock tower
and alfresco seating area surrounded by tropical palms),
DB North Plaza offers a refreshing alternative to the hustle
and bustle of everyday life.
DB North Plaza is adjacent to Auberge Discovery Bay
Hong Kong, the deluxe resort and convention hotel. The
connected oceanfront promenade offers 180 degrees
of panoramic views of the South China Sea, a perfect
match with the European ambience and lush greenery
environment in Discovery Bay.
TRANSPORTATION TO DB NORTH PLAZA
A wealth of choices are available for you to travel to and from DB North Plaza. Take
the Free Express Shuttle, which departs from DB Bus Terminus every 30 minutes on
the half hour and on the hour, the internal shuttle bus services between DB Pier and
DB North Plaza, or by external buses from Tung Chung or Sunny Bay MTR stations.
An hourly coach service is also available between DB North Plaza and the airport.
12 LIFE ON LANTAU
ADVERTORIAL
WORK, SHOP, EAT OR PLAY – THE POSSIBILITIES
ARE ENDLESS AT DB NORTH PLAZA
WORK
With magnificent views and tranquil surroundings, DB North Plaza offers the ultimate
in office or retail shop options.
Combining thoughtful interior design and layout, picturesque views and natural light,
DB North Offices offer flexible and stylish office spaces to cater to different businesses
and professionals. All office units come with their own individual terrace boasting a
180° sea view overlooking the South China Sea, where you can enjoy the spectacular
Disneyland fireworks every night. On a clear sunny day, you can even catch the
commanding view of the skyscrapers in the central financial district on Hong Kong
Island.
With sizes ranging from around 600 to 1,600 sq ft, each office unit includes individual
terraces ranging from 200 to 1,500 sq ft. With ceilings as high as 12 ft, built-in
accessories such as filing cabinets, pantries and storage spaces, toilet facilities and
24-hour access, DB North Office is the perfect choice for your business, offering
unparalleled style, space and sophistication.
For further details on leasing, contact
Mr Cheung on 2987 3399, or Mr Wang on 2987 3388.
SHOP
With a wide variety of retail outlets, DB North Plaza offers
something for everyone. Whether you need children’s wear, toys,
homewares, a hairdresser, or a florist, the North Plaza has you
covered. There’s even something for the four-legged members of
the family. A favourite spot amongst residents and visitors is the
very popular Wellcome supermarket. With its wide aisles and huge
selection, it’s no surprise that people travel from afar to shop there.
EAT
DB North Plaza offers food options to
suit every taste. Whether it’s a coffee and
a quick bite, a long lunch or a romantic
dinner, the spectacular surroundings and
varied menu options make dining in the
North Plaza an unforgettable experience.
PLAY
DB North Plaza offers regular family activities, such as DBN
Family Kingdom, where kids can blow off some steam playing
fun inflatable games. And after all the fun, the unique “Short
& Sweet Carriage Ride”, which takes guests for a relaxing
ride around the plaza, is an experience not to be missed.
DB North Plaza is also home to a number of play centres,
kindergartens, learning centres and a Primary School.
LIFE ON LANTAU 13
GET HEALTHY,
STAY HEALTHY
With summer on the way, it’s a good time to get
your body moving and get healthy. DB North
Plaza offers a wide range of fitness and health
options to get you, and keep you, in tip-top shape.
THE HIT ROOM
The HIT Room opened its waterfront premises at DB North Plaza in
June 2013, as a direct response to fill a void of fitness training in the
Lantau market. Cindy and Wesley created a dedicated facility which
offers functional training, freestyle programs and Les Mills group
exercise classes including the traditional favourites: BodyPump,
BodyCombat, and BodyBalance.
MOVEMENT IMPROVEMENT
Helping people reach their fitness goals since 2001, Movement
Improvement owner Claire Dickson and her team pride themselves
on having a cheerful, friendly, highly motivated and enthusiastic
team of instructors from all over the world.
With the popularity of their classes increasing, they needed a bigger
fitness studio and more equipment, so they relocated to DB North
Plaza in September 2013. With a proven record for quality teaching,
they are are a licensed Instructor Training facility, with many HK and
Macau Instructors attending their continuing education courses.
Movement Improvement has a variety of instructors and training
methods – high and low impact, gentle flow or challenging, high
intensity training – ensuring that you have a choice of how and when
you want to train.
Classes on offer include Pilates, Yoga, TRX, Spinning®, Zumba,
kettle bells, Circuits, Personal Training, as well as unique events
such as their upcoming half day Yoga retreat.
14 LIFE ON LANTAU
The HIT Room is the first gym
studio in Hong Kong to offer
Les Mills’ latest and greatest
high-intensity interval training
program, “GRIT Strength”. In
addition to this, they offer
TRX, Boxing Circuit, Legs/
Bums/Tums, Step, Bootcamp,
Stretch Fusion and Yoga for
Athletes. If that’s not enough,
they are adding RPM Indoor
Cycling classes and Crossfitinspired programs in a matter
of weeks as part of their
expansion plans.
HIT stands for High Intensity Training, with programmes dedicated
to getting you in the best shape of your life, in a short space of time.
The North Plaza provides an ideal backdrop, with a beautiful outlook
across the ocean from the studio. The HIT team also utilise the
great outdoors, engaging their clients to run or sprint along the
waterfront, do stair-runs, or boxing drills.
ADVERTORIAL
INTEGRATED MEDICINE INSTITUTE (IMI)
SPORTS WORLD
The recently opened IMI clinic, at Discovery Bay North Plaza
Office Block Two, offers integrated health solutions for adults,
children and infants through natural medicine in Homeopathy and
Naturopathy, Osteopathy and Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Chiropractic
and Sports Therapy, and Psychotherapy and Counselling.
In April 2012, Sports World
took the opportunity to
move from their previous
lo c a t i o n a n d re - o p e n
their store at the newly
launched DB North. They
felt the location, with its
close proximity to the
Astroturf soccer pitch
and Club Siena, would be
easily accessible for the
community and visitors alike. Their vision is to provide high-end
sports apparel, gear and products to people with an active lifestyle.
IMI Co-Founders and
Directors Carole and
Graeme Bradshaw, who
reside in Discovery Bay
with their 5-year-old
son, believed there was
a demand for a natural
medicine resource in the
community, and opened
the clinic in order to serve
the growing number of
families on Lantau island and provide greater convenience for
the many Lantau-based families who are currently clients of IMI’s
practice in Central.
The clinic features more than
1,300 square feet of space,
with five consultation rooms
and a homeopathic and herbal
dispensary with over 300 kinds
of popular natural products
and supplements, prescription
herbs and remedies of the
q u a l i t y I M I i s k n o w n fo r
regionally. In addition, a terrace
overlooking the waterfront offers clients a relaxing and tranquil
environment.
BAYSIDE DENTAL
After running two clinics
in Central for the last
10 years, Dr Jain had
the opportunity to open
a practice in the newly
built DB North Plaza,
and he grabbed it with
both hands. The clinic
opened in August 2011,
and presently has four
surgeries, fully equipped with the very latest in dental technology
and ceiling-mounted TVs for patient entertainment whilst treatment
is being carried out. One surgery is designed as a spaceship with
clouds on the ceiling and rockets on the walls, where the children
can feel relaxed and comfortable. The emphasis is very much on
family dentistry, with a large children’s playhouse on the terrace for
the kids to enjoy when they are visiting.
Bayside Dental’s dentists provide a
comprehensive service, including general
check-ups, fillings, crowns, root canal
treatment, implants, veneers and in-house
or home teeth whitening, as well as a
specialist orthodontist.
The emphasis is still on old-fashioned
values like prevention and practising family
dentistry with a friendly touch. Their aim is
to provide premium comprehensive dental
services in a relaxed environment.
Their staff offer product expertise, objective technical information
and unparalleled service to cyclists, runners, swimmers, triathletes,
hikers and anyone interested in living a healthy lifestyle.
Not only do they offer sports apparel and equipment for adults
and children, they also offer bicycle sales and maintenance – all
conducted by their bike specialist, fondly known as “Bikeman”, who
has over 30 years of experience as a bike mechanic. They also offer
a racquet-stringing service in store.
“We at Sports World love
being outside, we exercise
and complete goals while
improving ourselves. Being
active isn’t something we
do, it’s who we are”, says
Sports World Retail and
Marketing Director, Karen
Fairley.
OPENSPACE
OpenSpace DB provides a beautiful facility for trainers, teachers
and group leaders of all sorts to hold classes and events.
Discovery Bay has numerous experts offering classes for kids
and adults but offers few good facilities. With its open and flexible
interior, large private terrace and beautiful floor to ceiling ocean
views, OpenSpace provides a great venue for an array of teachers
and trainers offering various activities, such as yoga classes, Nia
movement classes, health and fitness information sessions, Zumba
events, dance classes and capoeira classes for kids.
OpenSpace DB is a convenient and flexible solution for trainers in
search of a spectacular facility in which to teach their lessons.
LIFE ON LANTAU 15
LANTAU FOCUS
A RETAIL HAVEN – RIGHT HERE ON LANTAU
For the past 3 years, The Powder Room has brought beautiful
independent designs to Hong Kong, including bestselling Tutu du
Monde dresses, lounge wear by Papinelle and Elegantly Scant lingerie.
Their latest venture is The Village Tea Room in Pui O – a retail haven in
South Lantau. Head along for some ‘Designer Retail Therapy’ during
their Open House every Wednesday from 10 am until 3 pm (or by
appointment). Enjoy a cup of tea and homemade goodies whilst you
browse, and the kiddies can have fun playing in the garden. If you are
lucky, you might be presented with tea in one of The Powder Room’s
vintage tea sets.
For more information,
email: [email protected]
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Handmade Hong Kong (HMHK) craft markets are an opportunity for
the most special artists, makers, designers and bakers to show Hong
Kong what they’re made of.
These craft markets showcase local, independent vendors selling
their handmade or self-designed wares. Featuring items such as
handmade bags, jewellery, home accessories, fine art, stationery and
paper craft and children’s accessories, these markets are filled with
one-of-a-kind and limited edition items found nowhere else!
HMHK craft markets are held right here on Lantau at the Discovery
Bay Main Plaza. Upcoming markets will be held on 13 April 2014 and
11 May 2014, from 11 am to 6 pm.
For more details, visit www.handmadehongkong.com.
AUSSIE RULES ... ON LANTAU
Are you looking for a great summer activity for your children?
Ever heard of Australian Rules Football? Auskick is the developmental
program for children to learn to play. It is a great way for children to get
active, learn new skills, and compete in a safe environment.
Lantau Island has a club for children under the age of 14 (girls and
boys).
Starting in May, Saturday mornings at the DB North Pitch.
For more information or to register visit: www.auskick-hk.com
16 LIFE ON LANTAU
LANTAU FOCUS
KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN
DB Green is an organisation that works on moving DB to an evergreener community, by contributing to and enhancing the existing
recycling and environmental practices in place, as well as developing
and expanding on possible new ideas in order to preserve the
wonderful qualities of Discovery Bay.
Join DB Green for their regular beach cleanup events. Bring a reusable
water bottle, and don’t forget the hat and sunscreen. They supply
cotton gloves, trash bags and water refills.
Join in this important community event, and help keep our beaches
clean.
REMEMBERING THE DOLPHINS
Head along to Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau on Saturday 5 April at 10.40 am.
This will be the site of a large-scale beach art created by volunteers and concerned
citizens to underline the drastic decline in the Chinese White Dolphin and finless
porpoise population. One life-sized dolphin silhouette for each dead dolphin since
2003 will be etched into the sand, enough to cover the beach.
In 2003, 158 dolphins were recorded; 10 years later we have 61, which is more than a
60% decline in population. In February the body of Ringo, a female pink dolphin, was
found washed ashore in Hong Kong.
This event is in remembrance of the 98 dolphins that have died, and to raise
awareness of how severely further development plans would impact the environment.
For more information, contact [email protected]
EXPANDING THE VISION
Vision Pilates is happy to announce their expansion into South Lantau.
With classes currently being held in Tung Chung several times a week, instructor Jo Taylor saw a
demand for classes in South Lantau. With over 4 years’ experience in teaching Pilates to Lantau
residents, certified Personal Trainer Jo felt it was a natural progression to start some new classes in
the Mui Wo and Pui O areas.
A Wednesday evening TRX class is planned in Mui Wo; plus Circuit training on a Tuesday and Thursday
morning at Pui O football pitch.
Additional Pilates classes can be arranged either in the privacy of your own home or at one of the many
open training areas in South Lantau.
For more information, contact Jo on 5132 3213, or email: [email protected].
LIFE ON LANTAU 17
LANTAU FOCUS
GET YOUR GROOVE ON
South Lantau Groove presents ‘Spring Love’, an
afternoon of fun, entertainment and education on
Cheung Sha beach, South Lantau, from 4.30 pm till
late on Friday 4 April.
Everyone is invited to join this community event in
support of Plastic Free Seas.
In its third year of operation, South Lantau Groove
is fast gaining a reputation as a really fun day for
all the family. There will be children’s dance shows,
Zumba, local craft stalls, music, a special food
menu from the main sponsor The Stoep. There will
also be a lucky dip with wonderful prizes, as well as
plenty of children’s entertainment (bouncy castle,
face painting, arts and crafts, and education).
All the money raised will be donated to Plastic Free Seas, a Hong Kong-based charitable non-profit
organisation dedicated to advocating change in the way we all view and use plastics in society today,
through education and action campaigns.
Get your groove on and we will see you there... Friday 4 April at 4.30 pm.
ONE-STOP FITNESS SHOP
Discovery Bay’s premier and pioneering fitness studios, The HIT Room and Spinworks,
are merging to be an awesome “one-shop stop” for your fitness training needs.
Variety in your training is the secret of getting in tip-top condition. The team work hard
on the schedule to create varied, fun, challenging and sustainable programs for you.
All you have to do is show up.
Whether you are after Les Mills BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyBalance, highintensity GRIT Strength; or high-calorie burning spin classes and Les Mills RPM; or
the ever-popular TRX blast circuits; freestyle classes including Boxing circuits, Total
Core training, Legs/Bums/Tums, Cardio Step, Bootcamp, Stretch Fusion and Yoga for
Athletes, there is something for everyone.
Offering classes from beginners’ level, to intermediate and the advanced, you
determine how far you want to go in each program. Complimentary first-time trials
are offered.
The HIT Room and The Spin Room will continue to offer a top-of-the-line selection of
merchandise and supplements. From protein powder to green health supplements,
TRX home kits to Newton running shoes, work-out gloves to gel seats, ready-to-drink
protein shakes to Vitamin/Coconut water, they take a holistic approach to support
your health and fitness objectives.
18 LIFE ON LANTAU
SHOPPING CART
WISH LIST!
READ
NO CITY FOR SLOW MEN
By Jason Y. Ng
No City for Slow Men is a collection of
essays that examine the social, cultural
and existential issues facing Hong Kong.
It takes the reader on a tour de force from
the gravity-defying property market to the
plunging depths of old age poverty, from
the culture-shocked Western expat to the
misunderstood Mainland Chinese and the
disenfranchised foreign domestic helper.
Available at Dymocks, $128
DIVERGENT
By Veronica Roth
For 16-year-old Tris, the world changes
when she is forced to make a terrible
choice. Turning her back on her family,
Tris ventures out alone, determined to find
out where she truly belongs. Shocked by
the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust
no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who
seems to both threaten and protect her.
The hardest choices may yet lie ahead.
Available at Dymocks, $136
SPLURGE
Sense of Touch Discovery Bay spa is inspired by Indian and
Middle Eastern settings, offering a truly unique and relaxing
ambience.
Enrich Ritual (Scrub,
Wrap and Massage
$1590/2 hours) is a
luxurious treatment
designed to nourish
body and soul. A
b o d y e x fo l i a t i o n
stimulates the
circulation to revive
tired-looking skin. Your body is layered in hydrating marine
algae and then massaged, Swedish style with a blend of oils.
Skin is then protected with moisturising body butter. Finally
a scalp massage dissolves tension so that mind and body are
nourished and rejuvenated.
USE
Voted as the Product of the Year winner for
household cleaning by the Women’s Weekly
Magazine Australia, the ENJO floor set offers
a toxin-free, eco-friendly, effective solution to
floor cleaning. A selection of floor fibres are
available to cater for different needs. Can
also be used for ceilings and walls.Pole,
plate and any two floor fibres $1,700.
Contact Megan on 9819 7970 or Enjo.
[email protected]
WATCH
CESAR MILLAN LIVE IN HONG KONG 2014
11 May 2014 – AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10
International dog behaviour expert
Cesar Millan will tour Asia this spring
with his educational and entertaining live
show. Known for his hit television series,
Millan will share unique techniques and
perform live dog demonstrations. Dog
lovers will be inspired by the key to
happier, healthier relationships between
humans and their canine companions.
BARNEY’S BIRTHDAY BASH
18-20 April 2014
Join the loveable, huggable Barney and
Friends as they sing and dance in a new
family musical show. Celebrate with
Barney on his birthday at this “superdee-duper” live party, featuring more
than 25 much loved sing-along songs
including Mr. Knickerbocker and Baby
Bop Hop. Children will be dancing to old
favourites If You’re Happy and You Know
It, Wheels on the Bus and Itsy Bitsy
Spider.
For tickets, please call Hong Kong Ticketing on 31 288 288 or visit
www.hkticketing.com
WEAR
The Powder Room, the retail haven
offering beautiful independent designs,
sleepwear, giftware and accessories, has
opened in Lantau! Head for their weekly
Open House, to view their gorgeous
products in a relaxed setting.
Pictured: Chloe Jade 3/4 Pants & Tank
Top. $650 for the set
Order by email:
[email protected]
LIFE ON LANTAU 19
KIDS’ CORNER
Colouring
Competition
Reprinted with permission from ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy
PRIZE - STAEDTLER STUDENT SET
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Age:_______
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Mobile: _________________________________
(Age categories: 3–4 years old, 5–6 years old, 7–8 years old)
Shop 10 Ground Floor, Coastal Skyline Circle, Tung Chung. Deadline 28/05/2014
20 LIFE ON LANTAU
ENTRY
Includes colour pencil set, lead pencil set, crayons and eraser. Value $120
CRAFTY KIDS
BALLOON
EASTER
EGGS
Spring
Word Search
n
Crafty Keira shows us how to make these cute Easter
eggs, with a delicious surprise inside!
d
s
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s
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p
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m w m
s
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a
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YOU WILL NEED
f
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o
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b
r
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t
n
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s
d
t
l
q
e
s
i
b
d
s
i
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l
s
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o
•
•
•
•
•
•
l
m
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f
g
w
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STEPS
blossom
daffodil
green
growth
melting
puddle
rainbow
raindrops
Insert two chocolate eggs
inside the balloon. This is a
little bit tricky, so you may
need to get an adult to help
you.
umbrella
Blow up the balloon, and
tie a knot in the end.
seeds
sunshine
tulips
Copyright © www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy
competition Winners
Water balloons
Glue
Cotton string
Small chocolate eggs
Scissors
Paint
Cover the balloon with
glue, then stick pieces of
string all over the balloon.
Reapply more glue over the
string to make sure it’s all
covered. Leave to dry.
Once dry, you can paint the
string, or just leave white.
Pop the balloon and take
out all the pieces.
Give your egg to someone
special this Easter, or open
it up yourself, and enjoy!
Laura
Age 7
Nazry
Age 4
Talia
Age 6
LIFE ON LANTAU 21
PARENTING
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
By Patricia Hamlin
IRLEN SYNDROME - the symptoms
Comments from some of my pupils
“I am seeing grey dots on the extremities of every letter in every
word and on every page and a faint purple glow around the page.”
“All the letters around the edge of the page are fidgeting!”
These problems are generally inherited and in my experience
many parents who have observed their child being assessed have
reported that they too have experienced distortions throughout their
life but thought this was normal!
What effect does this have on achievement, learning
and performance for both struggling and good
readers?
Approximately 46% of those with reading problems, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD),
learning difficulties, autism or dyslexia can be helped as well as
those children seen as underachievers with behavioural, attitudinal
or motivational problems. Good readers may be mistakenly thought
Do you see a cup or two faces in
this drawing? Do they compete
for your attention?
of as “not trying hard enough” or avoid reading altogether. It can
About Irlen Syndrome
If a child has difficulties in any of the following areas, the Irlen
Irlen Syndrome is a specific type of perceptual problem that
affects the way the brain processes visual information. It is not
an optical problem.
For those with Irlen Syndrome, the brain is unable to process
full spectral light. This results in:
• a range of distortions in the environment.
• a range of distortions on the printed page. It keeps many
children and adults from reading effectively, efficiently or
at all.
• physical and behavioural symptoms.
It is exacerbated by environmental factors such as lighting
(especially fluorescent lights), brightness, glare, high contrast,
patterns and colours. Irlen Syndrome affects people of all ages.
It is not an obvious problem to either parents or teachers.
It is frequently undetected by optometrists, medical and
educational assessments.
Image: Bryan Derksen, CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-sa/3.0/), via Wikimedia Commons
help adults and children who suffer with migraine or have depth
perception problems when mounting escalators or stairs or who
frequently bump into things.
method may be helpful.
READING DIFFICULTIES
•
Poor comprehension – need to re-read several times
•
Skips words or lines
•
Reads slowly or hesitantly
•
Cannot sustain reading for a long period. Complains the print
moves or disappears or is blurry
•
Loses the place
•
Avoids reading wherever possible
•
Reads in dim lighting
•
Misreads words
•
Results do not reflect effort expended
•
Avoids textbooks, preferring abridged versions in note format
•
Reads beginning and endings of books, skipping chapters
•
Difficulty reading on glossy or white paper – white background
competes with the print
•
Difficulty skimming or scanning a text accurately
Sample distortions
A simple solution with immediate benefits
If the self-test is positive then an Irlen screening can be done to
identify specific areas of difficulty and severity of symptoms.
Various coloured overlays are then tried with the child or adult and
a single colour or combination of two colours is given to the child to
try for a few weeks.
If after a short period there has been noticeable improvement, the
child can continue to a further diagnostic assessment for patented,
colour filter lenses from an almost limitless number of options.
This is done by an Irlen diagnostician as the colour of the tint has to
be exact. The child can then wear these instead of using overlays.
The colour of the lenses may be totally different from the overlays
and will not colour what the child is looking at in the way that the
overlays do. The lenses filter the colours which cause the visual or
environmental distortions.
An eye test must be done by an optician first to check vision.
Copyright © 1991, 2005 by Helen Irlen. This material was reproduced from
Reading by the Colors by Helen Irlen, Penguin Putnam/Perigee Group (USA)
Inc., with permission. All rights reserved.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS (during reading or perceptual tasks)
• Strain or fatigue
• Tired or sleepy
• Headache or nausea
• Fidgety or restless
• Bothered by glare, fluorescent lighting, white boards
or screens
• Child shades the page with elbows
• Moves his or her head when reading
• Uses a finger to follow print
• Blinks a lot/squints/opens eyes wide/rubs eyes
WRITING OR COPYING TASKS
• Trouble copying
• Unequal spacing or letter size
• Finds difficulty taking notes
MATHS, COMPUTERS OR MUSIC
• Strain or fatigue from computer use
• Difficulty reading music
• Careless maths errors
• Misaligned numbers in columns
• Ineffective use of study time
DEPTH PERCEPTION
• Clumsiness
• Difficulty catching balls
• Difficulty judging distance or poor coordination
• Difficulty mounting an escalator/climbing stairs
• Difficulty driving or parking
HOW ARE THE DIFFICULTIES SOLVED?
Results with both the overlays and filter lenses are immediate and
can be dramatic with their positive effect:
• Better comprehension
• Read faster and for longer
• Improved accuracy
• Reduced strain and fatigue
• Improved flow and fluency
• Improved motivation
• Improved academic performance
• Better attention/concentration
• Improved ability starting/completing tasks
• Better self esteem
RESEARCH
The Irlen method is backed by professional and scientific advisory
boards of leading experts in the fields of medicine, optometry,
ophthalmology, neuroscience, research, education, autism and
dyslexia experts.
DOES IT SOLVE PROBLEMS
FOR ALL CHILDREN?
It does not replace the need for instruction or remediation but
removes a barrier to learning and achievement (which in some
cases may have been misdiagnosed as dyslexia or ADHD or a child
may have been labelled as “lazy”). It is simple and easy to use and
overlays are not expensive. Some children and adults have found
this life-changing.
Doing the self-test on www.Irlen.com is a good place to start for
both you and your child.
Further information:
• www.Irlen.com
• Reading by the Colors by Helen Irlen, Penguin Publishers
(ISBN 0-399-53156-4)
• The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception
and Your Life by Helen Irlen, Square One Publishers (ISBN
978-0-7570-0236-6)
Patricia Hamlin is a certified Irlen screener and a specialist teacher
for specific learning difficulties.
Contact: [email protected] or 6775 9735.
Firstly, if you or your child are experiencing any of the above you can
do a “self-test” online and you can view some of the distortions a
child may experience (www.Irlen.com).
LIFE ON LANTAU 23
AROUND LANTAU
Arts Fest Extravaganza at Discovery College
It was a week-long arts extravaganza at Discovery College when
the school held its 6th Annual ‘Discovery Arts Fest’ from February
23 to March 3. All 1200-plus students were involved in a range of
wonderful music, drama and visual arts activities, run by leading
local and international artists, educators and entertainers.
Just some of the events for students included stage fighting
workshops with Faust International Youth Theatre, graffiti art
with acclaimed contemporary artist Ceet Fouad, street dance
with DMR dance school, capoeira, Chinese watercolour painting,
dragon dance, percussion and more.
Senior students enjoyed specialist workshops – which included a
special behind-the-scenes tour of the Disney film and TV dubbing
studios, a backstage visit to the HK Academy for Performing Arts,
an architecture and design workshop with former University of
Southern California lecturer Christine Lampert, cake decorating
at the Complete Deelite studios, a singing master, app building,
movie making, photography and more.
The DC Annual Concert and Artwork Exhibitions showcased the
outstanding talent of the College’s students. And many of the
public events, such as the ‘Andrew the Brilliant Balloon Man’
shows and ‘Stand-Up Comedy Night’, were sold out.
Making a Difference... Two Wheels at a Time
Life Cycle is a local charity whose mission is “helping everyday
people break the chains of poverty and slavery”. In March they
kicked off their fund raising with two very unique cycle rides.
The first ride was ‘entry by donation’ and led people through
the character-filled roads, back streets and tracks of the New
Territories (and right up to the border of China). A couple of
weeks later they pulled out their “big guns” and children aged
from 2 to 8, who were sponsored, rode or scootered from The
Marina Club to The North Plaza in DB. Over $26,000 was raised
by both rides.
Life Cycle’s rides are for ‘everyday people’ of all abilities. If
the issue of human trafficking concerns you, and, you’d like
to get involved by riding a bike, simply email the team at
[email protected].
THE FESTIVAL OF COLOURS
Holi – the festival of colours – is undoubtedly the most fun-filled
and boisterous of Hindu festivals. It’s an occasion that brings
unadulterated joy and laughter, fun and play, music and dance,
and (of course) lots of bright colours! This is what the Indian
community in Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung did on 9 March 2014.
A fun-filled afternoon with colours, snacks and lots of smiles.
Special thanks to our wonderful organisers, Manjari, Anu, Parul
and many others.
Edge ‘n Pointe
!
!
Dance Centre, Tung Chung
Train with the Pro.
We offer quality dance training
for you and your kids.
Classical Ballet
(With the American Ballet Theatre®
National Training Curriculum)
Ladies Ballet / Adult Beginners
Contemporary
Jazz
Cardio Latin
Tap
Zumba
Musical Theatre
www.edgenpointe.com
call/text 66882167
What sort of training
should I be doing?
By Jamie McGregor
By Jamie McGregor
Happy April team! I hope your fitness goals for 2014 are still on track and you are
enjoying the spring. When we decide to exercise we can be faced with a multitude
of options: gym, run, combat, Pilates, yoga, bootcamp, sports, hike, bike,
swim…the choices are immense! However, it is important to know what
the benefits of these exercise styles are going to be for our bodies so we
can see if they sync up with our goals. This month we will be looking at the
benefits of different training types.
Cardiovascular Training (CV, cardio)
What it is
We usually consider cardio as any exercise
that we use to keep our heart rate raised over
a sustained period of time, increasing blood
circulation around the whole body.
Examples
Running, swimming, cycling,
cross-training, rowing.
Benefits
The heart is a muscle that needs to be trained, otherwise it will get
weak. By challenging the heart to pump more blood around the body,
it becomes stronger and more efficient. As a result of good training
the heart will be able to pump more blood in each beat.
Cardio improves our lung function, which will help the body send
more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. When we exercise, the
muscles being used get more ‘thirsty’ for oxygen, so when the
lungs are strong the body can give larger doses to the muscles
with each breath.
Cardio also boosts metabolic function, which means it
burns up those dreaded calories.
Flexibility
What it is
Flexibility is the range of motion that can
be achieved through each joint in our body
individually.
Examples
Dynamic stretching, static stretching,
Pilates, yoga.
Benefits
By having a greater range of movement in our joints we can reduce the chances of injuring the
muscles and tissue around them. Increased flexibility can also lead to better posture, balance,
co-ordination and muscle control.
Holding stretch poses and focusing on breathing, centering, and relaxing are a brilliant form of
stress relief in both the muscles and mind.
Dynamic stretching before an event can help us get mentally and physically ready for the task at
hand, while static stretching after exercise can prevent blood pooling in the muscles and speed up
the recovery process.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Resistance training
What it is
Resistance training is where we increase
the performance of the muscles by using
weights, whether they are dumbbells,
barbells, bands or our own body.
Examples
Weight training, power lifting,
Olympic lifting.
Benefits
Lifting weights regularly will improve muscle strength and tone. We can manipulate
the workload to reflect our goals.
It also helps us increase or maintain bone density, which will reduce the risk of
osteoporosis.
Once we have increased muscle mass, our metabolism speeds up and we have the
ability to burn more calories as lean muscle requires more energy to function. The
offset benefits of this are reductions in the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity
to name a few.
SO, WhAT’s BEST?
This is a question that trainers get asked
regularly. The answer here requires
considering a few factors. To begin with,
I think a healthy mixture of all three types
of training can only lead to good things
but we need to go back to what our goals
are to see what one is going to use the
majority of the time.
For example, if your goal is to run a
marathon by the end of the year then
your training regimen would need to be
dominated with lots of running so the
focus will be on cardio. It will also be
beneficial to do flexibility work to keep
a great range of movement through the
joints and minimise the damage caused
by hours and hours of running each
week. It will also be handy to do a bit of
resistance training to strengthen legs and
get more out of each stride.
In contrast, if someone wants to bulk
up and add a lot of muscle mass they
will be on a periodised programme that
is focused on strength and hypertrophy.
Lifting progressively heavier weights
will take precedence over going on long
runs or bike rides. Once again, flexibility
training will be a good complement here
as achieving full range of motion through
the joints will help us load the muscles
and deliver more force through them.
until you find the ones you like. Results
come from a very basic formula: energy
input versus energy output. Everything we
do in the fitness world is tied in to this in
some way or another.
The tricky bit perhaps is choosing an
exercise regime that we can stick to
over a period of time to help us get the
results that we need. A careful selection
of exercises that will challenge us but
motivate us to come back and train
is essential. For example, I have the
attention span of a sleeping goldfish
and last all of about two minutes on a
treadmill before my mind wanders off
and I get bored. Motivation levels gone,
session over. However, if someone was
to suggest a leisurely jog up into the
wonderful hills that grace Lantau then
game on! I would have fallen asleep in
that afternoon meeting anyway, so let’s
get running!
The roads to getting stronger, faster,
leaner, smaller, bigger, meaner or
whatever are not easily travelled. They
will require a structured fitness plan that
addresses our goals. They will require
commitment, discipline and willpower.
They will require us to eat smart and to
train hard even when we don’t want to.
The point here is to know your body and
know what you will enjoy doing. There is
no law against going to lots of different
classes and trying lots of different things
So now that you know what to train for,
make sure you have a good stretch and
a warm-up to get in the zone and a good
cool down and stretch to speed up the
recovery. The stuff in between, well that
is going to be entirely up to you. Happy
exercising!
Jamie McGregor is a personal trainer
with Perun Fitness (www.perunfitness.
com, ph: 6443 6597).
LIFE ON LANTAU 27
FINANCE
FUNDING TAX PAYMENT
Tax time is upon us again – have you been putting money aside
for it? I certainly hope so!
But if you prefer a more automated system, there is a Plan B.
The Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department has a Tax Reserve
Certificates (TRCs) scheme. It is similar to the pay-as-you-earn
system some countries have. Basically you open a TRC account
with the Inland Revenue Department, then instruct your bank
to automatically transfer funds to the TRC every month at an
amount nominated by yourself. As a rule of thumb, 15% of
your regular salary is a good starting point. You can change
the amount or suspend it at any time. For your irregular bonus
income or the like, you can make one-off payments to the TRC
account. When a tax payment is due, your TRC account will pay
it automatically. Easy!
If you have not set aside tax money yourself and don’t have a
TRC, there is a Plan C. Most banks in Hong Kong offer tax loans.
As with all loans, you borrow a lump sum now and pay back the
bank later with an additional interest component. The interest
rate on a tax loan is relatively low compared to, say, a credit card.
However that is not the main issue – what you need to realise
is that you are effectively borrowing from your future income to
meet a past commitment.
Just as building funds for retirement or your children’s
education, when there is a known financial commitment, plan A
is the good old-fashioned saving and investing. And the earlier
we start the easier it comes because time is on our side.
This article is contributed by Lucy Zheng, Senior Manager Financial
Planning at Orb Global Wealth Management Limited. Please note this
is general reference only. Do not act on any information in this article
without seeking professional advice.
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28 LIFE ON LANTAU
FEATURE
Out and About...
with kids in tow
Like many expats our time in Hong Kong is limited. So, last
summer we made a pledge to see as much of Hong Kong as
we possibly could while we’re here. Our first day trip was close
to home, but to a place we had only been to once in our 6 years
on Lantau – Tai O. It’s a small fishing village on the western tip
of the island and it’s renowned for its stilt houses, streets lined
with dried fish and sea creatures, and the elusive dolphins that
precariously inhabit the local waters.
On the surface it looks like a very traditional Chinese village,
mostly untouched by Western influences, but it is very much
geared towards the hordes of tourists who visit every week. Tai
O is about 45 minutes by bus from Mui Wo and Tung Chung. You
could also charter a sampan and arrive in style!
Our first priority was lunch. While
we were drawn to some of the local
restaurants offering fresh fish and
local delicacies, with two kids in tow
we weren’t as intrepid as we could’ve
been, and when we stumbled across
Melt, a western-style cafe with a very
kid-friendly menu, we sat right down.
The boys split a sausage sandwich and
an apple juice and we shared a plate of
nachos and lime sodas. Melt was clean
and fresh and the food was just what we needed. It’s located next
to some pretty cool little cafes and local shops selling food. The
Tai O Bakery sells delicious egg tarts and Chinese donuts, local
delights we simply couldn’t pass up.
Next up was a wander through a fascinating little village. The boys
loved looking at the tanks of fish, crabs, and even eels, for sale
along the streets. The smell of incense and dried fish made me
feel like I was very far away from home, and took me back to the
time I first fell in love with Asia. The click-clack of mahjong tiles
and the chatter of everyone around us provided a nice soundtrack,
and a relief from the city noises of traffic and construction. There
are no cars in Tai O, only boats, and a boat ride is a must. We piled
into a small sampan with a handful of other “tourists” for a tour
of the village.
Hong Kong offers a
multitude of choices for a
fun and interesting day out.
Taking kids along on these
day trips adds another
dimension, and some prior
planning will help to make
the trip a success. Brooke
Chenoweth lets us tag along
as she heads out ... with kids
in tow.
The stilt houses are quite remarkable, and after being here for a
few typhoons myself, I marvelled at how they manage to withstand
such weather extremes. The view was completely lost on the boys
but they were both pretty excited to be on a boat!
Before heading out into open water, the boat passed by the Tai
O Heritage Hotel. Built in 1902 as a police post, the building was
restored and turned into a boutique hotel and granted heritage
listing in 2009. We haven’t had a chance to visit the hotel, or
its famed glass-roofed restaurant, The Rooftop, but we will be
making a special trip back for dinner soon. It’s only accessible by
boat, and is yet another glimpse into a different time and place.
We wound up the boat tour with a brief stop offshore where the
local pink and white dolphins are known
to hang out. There are a number of boat
operators taking tourists out to see the
dolphins all day, every day, and the spot
is littered with debris from the boats.
There are also markers in the water
so the boats know where to stop, but
it is disheartening, especially with the
airport not far away and the spectre of
the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
rising out of the sea mere kilometres
away, threatening to destroy the dolphin’s
habitat. Then suddenly we saw a disturbance in the water, a
splash and flash of silvery white in the distance. All ten of us on
board gasped in delight, and again when one of the dolphins leapt
out of the water, putting on a show just for us. It’s impossible to
take photos as they move so fast but I felt like I was watching
something very special. The boat ride costs $20 for 20 minutes
and children under two ride for free.
We had a fantastic day but we did get a little sunburnt. Despite the
weather being wet and grey in Cheung Sha, it was sunny and clear
in Tai O, so my advice for anyone planning a visit is go prepared
for all seasons! All in all it was a great day out, and we were home
having a cup of tea by 3 pm. Rediscovering the place we call home
is off to a very good start!
LIFE ON LANTAU 29
Writing from Lantau
Lantau’s peace and beauty brought writer Jane Houng
here. Now they’re her inspiration.
LoL: How did you come to live on Lantau?
JH: My partner and I like hiking. Around ten years ago, when we were exploring the country parks on Lantau, we saw a house for sale
in Tong Fuk and decided to buy it. At the time, I was living in Mid-Levels and working as a NET teacher at St. Paul’s Co-Educational
College. Initially, we carried on living on Hong Kong island and only visited Lantau at weekends. But we found ourselves enjoying it
here so much that we moved here full-time as soon as I didn’t have to commute into town on a daily basis.
LoL: When did you start writing full-time for children?
JH: About five years ago. I had always wanted to write, and had already published some educational material and some adult fiction.
But I knew that to write for children would take some discipline and application, so I quit work to give myself a chance to succeed.
The first novel I completed was for 8 to 12 year-olds and called No Time to Waste. It’s about a group of children who race around the
world trying to save endangered animals. Great story. Terrible read. The manuscript is currently festering in the bottom drawer of
my desk.
A ‘young adult’ novel I wrote called Bloodswell was more successful. It was acquired by a local publisher, Commercial Press, and
published in December 2012. It is a romantic thriller set in Hong Kong about a young Chinese couple who are soulmates and have
shared past lives. After reading Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight, I discovered that no-one had written a full-length Chinese vampire story.
Which struck me as an opportunity, given the Asian belief in ghosts and reincarnation. Many chapters of my book take place in Lantau,
where the vampires have a second home.
30 LIFE ON LANTAU
MY LANTAU LIFE
Another book is called Twinkle Toes. It’s about a
girl whose father lives on Lantau and has bought
her a pony. In the course of her adventures she
sees dolphins, rescues abandoned dogs, and
becomes friendly with a local boy. Later, she meets
a mainland couple who have come to Lantau to set
up a petting farm, where children can pet animals.
It’s currently being published weekly as a serial in
the children’s magazine Goodies.
Another one is called Cat Soup, about two cats
rescued from a storm drain in Discovery Bay. I
won’t give away the story because chapter one
starts in the Goodies at the beginning of March!
LoL: Tell us about Lantau as an inspiration.
JH: I just love the natural life, the peace and quiet
and the beauty of nature. Flora and fauna are
definitely a potent source of inspiration for me.
But Lantau is developing very, very fast.
Sometimes I feel nostalgic for times when it was
less populated and there was more attention paid
to maintenance of country parks and natural
areas. Also, I meet parents who wish their
children knew more of what Hong Kong used to
be like when it was more agricultural.
LoL: How did the Lantau parts come to you?
JH: Quite organically really. I read somewhere that to write meaningfully,
you start imagining what could happen outside your own window! And I love
Lantau, especially southern side: it is rural and quiet, and has an interesting
history. Also, Lantau contrasts with the stereotypical view of the city. There
are cows, buffaloes, mountains and (until recently) an unpolluted sea here.
And the air is relatively clean.
For these reasons, I find myself using this island as the setting for nearly all
my work. I really value the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of unspoilt
environments. Hopefully, by setting stories in naturalistic settings, I can
develop an appreciation of nature in future generations.
LoL: How has Lantau featured in your other writings?
JH: I’ve written a chapter book for 6–9 year-olds called Lantau Life. It’s
about a Chinese boy who is reluctantly relocated to Lantau by his parents
when a flu pandemic breaks out. At first he misses the city, but he gradually
learns new skills and grows to love animals. Then, when his father falls
ill, he is able to save him with the help of an old lady who grows a Chinese
remedy.
Another inspiration is seeing how city children
respond when they visit Lantau and run around
gardens or swim at a beach. Their fun and
laughter remind me of the importance of play, and
reading good fiction!
LoL: You’ve recently won an important award.
Can you tell me about that?
JH: I have won an award called the Candlewick
Scholarship. It was for a picture book of mine
called Asian Elephant Art. Based on an amazing
true story, Khun the elephant learns to paint as
part of his therapy to get over the trauma of being
orphaned.
The scholarship was offered by the big US
children’s publishers, Candlewick Press. It was
a cash award but also includes “the right of first
refusal” for the book. I should find that out in the
next couple of months.
Jane’s book Bloodswell is now available as an e-book
on Amazon.
Further information about Jane Houng and her books
can be found at http://www.janehoung.com
LIFE ON LANTAU 31
ASK THE VET
LaDA Update
HANDY HINTS
Doggie manners
We teach our children to say
‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and to
be polite members in society.
This should hold true for our
dogs as well, especially those
that are taken into public areas.
‘Sit’ and ‘stay’ are two basic
commands that help keep social
order in the busy dog parks and
communal areas.
Start early – as soon as you get your puppy. Remember, short daily
training sessions are far more effective than trying a longer session,
especially in younger dogs. Train to a reward – a happy praising voice
and treats are the rewards your pet is looking for whenever they
follow your command. Dogs do NOT respond to being hit – this just
leads to more behavioural problems.
The Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA) is a group of
enterprises on Lantau that have come together to promote
development of the island’s economy. LaDA updates Life on
Lantau readers on its activities via this column.
With the new development of cross-border infrastructures,
including the opening of the Hong Kong—Zhuhai—Macao
Bridge in 2016 and the Tuen Mun—Chek Lap Kok Link in
2018, Lantau’s functions and development potential are
expected to undergo fundamental change.
In the development of Lantau, emphasis should be placed
on both social and economic aspects. There is already broad
consensus on a number of social and economic development
objectives for Lantau. It is important that we take hold of
these objectives and establish them as the foundations for
future discussions. These foundational objectives should
include:
“Help, my cat’s litter box stinks!”
A small Hong Kong apartment and a litter box that smells is never a
good combination.
A few tricks can help save everyone’s sanity and hopefully prevent
any behavioural problems such as your cat urinating in other places
in the flat.
1. Invest in a good-sized COVERED (igloo-style) litter box, as these
help keep odours contained. They also usually have a filter on
top to help neutralise odours.
2. Scoop poo out of the litter box two or three times a day
(depending on how often your cat poos).
3. A great secret is to buy a box of baking soda and sprinkle this at
the bottom of the just-cleaned litter tray BEFORE you pour your
cat litter in. This is a great cheap fix that sucks up that nasty cat
urine smell.
If you TOTALLY clean the box – empty, wash, and scrub with hot water
and detergent – every two to three days and use the baking soda,
then everyone at home will be happy.
There is no need for multiple litter boxes. I have four cats at home
and only need one litter tray as it is cleaned every 48 hours without
fail. Otherwise, my cats protest (they have trained me well!).
Remember, cats are fussy and don’t want to eat/drink near their litter
boxes and want a clean box. Just like us really – who would want to
eat in a public toilet or use one that’s dirty?
Dr Anita Tomasov
Pets Central Tung Chung
Ph: 2328 7282
Email: [email protected]
32 LIFE ON LANTAU
Social Development Objectives
•
There should be economic activities that generate
employment for the local population
•
Channels should be established for our next
generation (particularly youths from less privileged
families) to be developed to take advantage of such
employment opportunities and to become upwardly
mobile
•
Environmental conservation should be upheld to build
a green new town
Economic Development Objectives
•
Major areas of Lantau should be better connected to
create economic clustering effect
•
A tourism, MICE and bridgehead economy should be
strategically developed for Hong Kong
Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA) Chairman Mr Allen
Ha, also a member of the Lantau Development Advisory
Committee, said, “LaDA has made good progress in areas
such as local youth development and employment, and has
many new initiatives in place. We welcome people from the
community to join hands with us and to contribute to the
community.”
KITCHEN KAPERS
Lotsa Laksa
A popular Malaysian
dish to make and
share at home
By Mel Topp
Our recipe today has
been shared by Tung
Chung resident Adrian
Gan. Laksa is one
of Adrian’s favourite
dishes. He learnt the
b a s i c p r i n c i p le s fo r
making laksa, and other
Malaysian dishes, from
his Chinese-Malaysian
father. Adrian’s interest
in Malaysian food was
shaped by regular
family holidays to Kuala
Lumpur in his childhood as well as three years working
and living in Singapore.
One of Adrian’s few frustrations living in Hong Kong has
been his difficulty in finding laksa to his taste and he
has solved this problem by making it himself. Adrian
enjoys cooking for family and friends and hopes you
enjoy his recipe for laksa as much as he likes eating it!
Laksa
Ingredients:
• Curry laksa paste (people with seafood allergies need
to be aware that the paste contains dried shrimps)
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 3–4 large prawns per person (shelled and deveined)
• Finely sliced fishcake
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• Deep fried tofu puffs (about 4 per person)
• Deep fried shallots (garnish)
• 400 g rice noodles (vermicelli)
• 400 g egg noodles
• ½ bunch of mint leaves (finely chopped)
• 2 handfuls bean sprouts
• Coconut cream (you can use coconut milk but the
texture won’t be as creamy)
Photos by Mel Topp
Method:
1. Poach (very low rolling boil) the seasoned chicken breasts in about
6 cups of water for approximately 10 minutes. Time will depend
on the thickness of the chicken. Keep the stock for later. Once
cooked, place the chicken breasts to the side to cool. Shred into
fine pieces.
2. In a separate pan add 3–4 tablespoons of curry laksa paste and fry
on a medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, finely
sliced fishcake and tofu puffs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Dust prawns in a little paprika. Pan fry the prawns. Set aside.
4. Distribute all the noodles evenly between four serving bowls.
5. Add half a boiled egg and share the shredded chicken and the
prawns out between all bowls.
6. Add the coconut cream to the laksa soup and mix to warm. Share
this mix between all bowls.
7. Garnish with deep fried shallots and finely chopped mint and bean
sprouts.
Note: These recipe amounts are approximately for four people but
you may vary to taste. Adrian does not use strict measurements so
the amounts stated above are best estimated. All ingredients can be
purchased from the wet market in Fu Tung.
If you would like us to visit your kitchen or to share one of your
favourite recipes with readers of Life on Lantau, please email Mel at
[email protected] with your name and contact details.
LIFE ON LANTAU 33
COMMUNITY
Lantau Life
the faces of our community
34 LIFE ON LANTAU
READERS’ VIEW
Share your view
More Lantau taxis needed
Further to the recent letters from Sarah Bishop and Sudesh T. with
reference to the lack of Lantau taxis, I too would like to comment.
My young daughter does not fly very well, and last August we
arrived after a 13-hour flight from the UK. My daughter fainted
in the Passport Control area and was allowed, together with my
wife and young son, to go to the front of the queue. From there we
went to the Lantau taxi stand, with my wife and I having to support
her. As usual, there were no taxis available and unfortunately she
fainted a second time. I decided enough was enough, and we went
to the red taxi line but no-one would take us to Tung Chung as they
wished for a more lucrative fare. Eventually the controller came to
our aid and secured us a taxi (the fifth in the line of cars), but even
then the driver whinged and whined, and was given a pass to allow
him to get back to the front of the queue after he had taken us to
Tung Chung.
My point is this: the red taxis are more than willing to take you and
your bags TO the airport, and even crawl past the bus stops in the
hope of a fare, but they are not willing to take you FROM it! More
Lantau taxis, please.
Dave Maidment
Tung Chung
Brave little Luke
Just wanted to say thank you to Life on Lantau for sharing the story
about little Luke Inkin. What an incredible little boy. It is simply not
fair that a child would have to endure this type of pain, and I’m sure
I’m not alone in saying that he is in my prayers and thoughts.
This was a heart-wrenchingly beautiful article, which showed the
strength and courage of this incredible family. What a devastating
journey this has been for them, and how inspiring it is to read
how they have fought this battle, and learnt things along the way.
There is a lesson for us all. Enjoy every moment with your family
– something I’m sure the Inkin family will never take for granted.
Maree Simpson
Discovery Bay
Caribbean Coast shuttle bus service
I am a resident at Caribbean Coast and I would like to voice my
concern about the shuttle bus service. The shuttle buses used
to be new and modern, but we recently changed to a new bus
company and the buses are old and rather unsightly, to say the
least!
I was travelling in one of the buses today, and it was old, filthy
and not at all comfortable to be in. As well as that, I’m sure the
look of these buses driving in and out of the estate is not doing
much for the image of the place when people are looking to buy
here. It certainly doesn’t give off a good impression to see what the
residents are being transported in.
I am baffled as to why this company was chosen, I would have
thought there must be a standard they would have to adhere to. I
guess it all just came down to money, as it always does.
John Stevenson
Tung Chung
Editor’s Note:
According to the Caribbean Coast Management Office, the 3-year
contract with Man Yee Coach Service started in October 2013. The
contract states that they must provide new buses within 10 months.
There is currently one new bus in service, and the old ones will be
phased out and replaced by August 2014.
LIFE ON LANTAU 35
SPOTLIGHT:
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
JOEY LEE PIETERSE
BASKETBALL, MUAY THAI, MOTHERHOOD … CROSSFIT WAS THE ANSWER
Since a young age, I’ve always been involved in sports and exercise. I was
playing basketball in College and found my way into Muay Thai boxing
in 2003.
I moved to Hong Kong from Vancouver in 2007 to pursue a career as
a professional Muay Thai fighter and have competed in over 25 fights
internationally, with some being the most prestigious events worldwide
including The Kings Cup and Queens Cup in Bangkok as well as
representing Hong Kong in the 2007 IMFA World Championships.
In January 2010 I started
out the year with six fights
booked and the promise of a
world title fight. I also found
out I was going to be making
my debut as a mommy! My
professional fighting career
was going to be put on hold
for a while ... 9 months at
least! Pregnancy hit me
harder than any punch, kick,
elbow or knee I’d ever taken (and I’ve taken a few!). I started back to
training 6 weeks after the birth and injured my back. A few weeks later,
I’d discovered I’d be going through the 9 month process once again, this
time with a back injury. I suffered for the duration of the pregnancy and
reached my all-time heaviest, [which] took its toll on me mentally and
physically. My husband decided to send me off to Thailand on a training
holiday to get me back in the groove. It was there that I first encountered
CrossFit. I fell in love with it after the first session and came back raving
about this new phenomenon I’d discovered.
At that point we owned a boutique
personal training studio in Central but
lived in Tung Chung, so we struggled
with how little time we had to see
our kids. It was then that we decided
to look into the possibility to bringing
work “home”.
I spent the next 8 months putting
together a business plan to execute my project. In August we received
a letter from our landlord of our studio in Central advising us that they
would be tripling our rent. This increase would put our little boutique
out of business. After a few sleepless nights, I decided there was no
way I was going to allow someone to do that to our business that my
husband and I had put our heart and soul into building. After speaking
to our partners, we decided “go big or go home” was the way we’d have
to deal with Central as well. Seeing the way CrossFit was blowing up in
Hong Kong, we decided to change our business model and open another
CrossFit affiliate (CrossFit 0260).
Our focus for 9 Dragons Fitness was to build a family-friendly community
where people could come together and share fitness as a social activity.
With the space and facilities we have, we are able to provide that and
often after workouts, you’ll find a few of us out there barbequing and
chatting about fitness! We offer over 80 classes per week for kids and
adults with something for every type of fitness enthusiast.
CrossFit 0260 – /F, Man Hing Commercial Building, 79–83 Queens Road
Central, Hong Kong
9 Dragons Fitness – Seaview Plaza, G/F, Shop F, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront
Road, Tung Chung
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36 LIFE ON LANTAU
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Assisting and teaching
students all their homework.
Chinese & English – Dictation,
Grammar…
Additional revision exercises.
teachers.
Based in Lantau, we can meet with you in the comfort of your own home.
F1- F4 Math’s - 4 lessons /
$560 per mth
Phoenix Wills Ltd
Math’s lessons conducted in
English, every Sunday.
Focus on student’s weak
areas, exam preparation, etc.
www. Phoenix-Wills.com [email protected] T: 3100 0101
M: 6108 8471
Email: [email protected]
Call: 2666 5905
DYSLEXIA
Does your child have dyslexia,
reading problems, poor spelling,
and/or illegible handwriting?
I‘m a certified OG tutor
specializing in dyslexia. I am
certified through the Academy
of Orton-Gillingham Practioners
Associate Level and have
experience with dyslexic children.
For more information, please
email: [email protected]
SPORTS
STEPZ STUDIO
in Tung Chung
Children Jazz CSTD
Pre School and
Primary and Grade 1 to 3
Examination Classes
Ballet Class for age 3 to 7
Please contact 3152-7535
Email: [email protected]
www.stepz-studio.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
HEALTH & BEAUTY
TUNG CHUNG FACIAL & NAILS
RADHA’S PLACE
HK Certified beautician
practicing for 20 yrs.
Specialized in full body waxing
and Brazilian bikini at very
reasonable rates in
Tung Chung.
For appointment please call
Ms.Sharma at 53747133
Monday-Sunday: 8am-8pm
Facial $280 up
Aroma or Lymphatic Drainage
Detoxifying Massage $400 up
(2 hours)
Manicure $140
Pedicure $220
We have many treatments,
please contact us.
For appointments:
Facials - Call 6080 3857 (Kit)
Nails - Call 9669 9433 (Denise)
TUNG CHUNG RUGBY CLUB
To advertise in Life on Lantau
[email protected]
FB: Tung Chung Rugby Club.
LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY
TUNG CHUNG
Emergency – Fire/Police/Ambulance – 999
North Lantau Hospital –
8 Chung Yan Road, Tung Chung
Tung Chung Fire Station –
3 Shun Tung Road, Tung Chung.
Tung Chung Police Station –
1 Shun Tung Road.
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot –
2 Shun Tung Road.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chris Coelho Photography 9258 0971
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
REAL ESTATE
Home Solutions 3283 5003
3467 7000
2988 1898
3661 1694
2988 8282
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Public Library2109 3011
Public Swimming Pool
2109 9107
Computer Repairs
Bobby Mirchandani9425 3812
EDUCATION
Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten
Greenfield International Kindergarten
Han Xuan Language Education Centre
Salala Kids’ House
Soundwaves English Education Centre
Sun Island Education Foundation
Sunshine House International Preschool
Tung Chung Catholic School
YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
2987 8088
2162 5538
2666 5905
2611 9193
6204 7387
2420 1068
2109 3873
2121 0884
2988 8123
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
360 Flyers Sports Bar & Restaurant 2109 4360
Chef’s Express6504 4208
Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate
3602 8808
Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674
Hawk Organic Foods & Indian Groceries
2415 4777
McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338
Melody Thai 2988 8129
Moccato Coffee Shop
3602 8838
Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate 3602 8818
Pizza Hut 3180 0000
Resto Restaurant 2886 3156
Sugardust HK Cakes
5110 7431
T Party Cakes 9276 5734
Velocity Bar & Grill - SkyCity Marriott
3969 2583
Yummilicious 6272 2682
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Max Beauty2162 5752
MTM Spa2923 6060
Om Spa2286 6266
Quan Spa3969 2192
Radha’s Place5374 7133
Tung Chung Facial & Nails
9669 9433
HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN
Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths
9625 1392 / 2109 2330
Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488
Sonthra Handyman 9674 7531
Towner Interior Design
3113 4968
Wing Shing Interior Design
5403 0363
HOTELS
Novotel Citygate 3602 8888
Regal Airport Hotel 2890 6060
SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888
KIDS
A Mother’s Touch 2851 9654
Asia Pacific Soccer Schools
2385 9677
AQ Prettiness9527 6202
Clement Art School
5360 0991
HK Dragons 2987 4274
Jumping Castles9662 1747
Kidznjoy 6273 7347
Kindermusik 6976 8867
Kinder Kicks Soccer
2385 9677
Sakura Kids9505 1917
Stepz Studio3152 7535
MEDICAL
Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396
Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2711
Quality Health Dental 2403 6613
Quality Health Medical 2403 6623
Raffles Medical2261 2626
Raffles Medical Emergency
9365 6693
38 LIFE ON LANTAU
REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS
Akash Removals 2421 8088
FTC Relocations2814 1658
ReloSmart2561 3030
SwiftRelo2363 4008
SPORT & RECREATION
9 Dragons Fitness
2786 9699
Dance for Joy
9264 8597
Edge’n Pointe Dance Centre
6688 2167
Kip Movin6180 3256
Perun Fitness6443 6597
Pilates Plus9838 3937
Tennis lessons6025 7990
Ving Tsun5264 3149
Vision Pilates5132 3213
Zumba & Bollywood Dance
6497 8086
USEFUL NUMBERS
Carpet washing, repairs & sales
2623 0499
Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons
9413 0498
Dyslexia/Dyscalculia - Patricia Hamlin
6775 9735
Expat Living Hong Kong
6629 0181
Piano lessons9467 4633
Phoenix Wills3100 0101
VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES
Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting
2988 1534
2328 7282
6314 9887
SOUTH LANTAU
ART & CULTURE
Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)
2882 3390
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Bill’s Computer Repair Services
9843 2075
EDUCATION
Buddhist Fat Ho College
Lantau International Kindergarten
Lantau International School
Little Owls Kindergarten
Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten
ToppTutor for Secondary School
2985 5150
2984 0069
2984 0302
2984 0006
3689 6709
2117 1870
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
Bahce Turkish Restaurant
2984 0222
Bombay Café2984 1847
Café Paradiso2984 0498
China Bear2984 9720
China Beach Club
2983 8931
Como Lake2984 0009
Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar
3484 3095
Garden Plus2980 2233
Lantana5465 5511
Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co.
9095 4543
Natural Plus6285 2233
T Party Cakes
9276 5734
Tai O Espace Elastique 2985 7002
Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453
The Gallery2980 2582
The Kitchen5991 6292
The Stoep2980 2699
LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY
SOUTH LANTAU
HOTELS
Mui Wo Inn
Silvermine Beach Resort
Tai O Espace Elastique B&B
Tai O Heritage Hotel
DISCOVERY BAY
2984 7225
6810 0111
2985 7002
2985 8383
KIDS
Bizzie Lizzie2984 2227
Mummy Made This
5360 0565
Stay & Play
6971 1216
REAL ESTATE
Home Solutions3483 5003
Findley Leung2984 8334
SPORT & RECREATION
Zumba Fitness9861 6657
TRANSPORT
Lantau Tours2984 8255
New Lantao Bus Company
2984 9848
VETERINARY SERVICES
SPCA Mui Wo
2984 0060
To see our updated distributor list please visit our website:
www.lifeonlantau.com/distribution
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/lifeonlantaumagazine
If you would like to be listed in our
directory page, please email us:
[email protected]
Join the Life On Lantau community!
Are you willing to distribute our copies at your restaurant,
shop or clubhouse? Are you a distributor and have run out of
magazines?
Contact us at [email protected] to get our copies and be
listed in print and online.
It’s free and easy to support your community!
COMMUNITY
Club Siena2987 7382
DB Fire & Ambulance
2987 7502
DB Marina Club
2987 9591
DB Residents’ Club
2987 7381
DB Management2238 3601
DB Police2987 4052
EDUCATION
Discovery Bay International School
-Kindergarten2914 2142
-Primary School2987 7331
Discovery College3969 1000
Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten
2987 8088
Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup
9667 6921
Sunshine House International Preschool
2987 8143
Food & RESTAURANTS
Café Duvet2987 0966
Ebeneezer’s2987 0036
Hemingway’s2987 8855
McDonalds2987 1033
McSorley’s Ale House
2987 8280
Paisano’s2673 4445
Sopranos2987 2915
Zaks2987 6232
HEALTH & FITNESS
Curves2987 0772
Kip Movin6180 3256
Movement Improvement
2987 5852
Sense of Touch
2987 9198
Spinworks5145 2776
The HIT Room
6621 7410
MEDICAL
Bayside Dental Practice
2987 0855
DB Medical Centre
2987 5633
Island Health2987 7575
TRANSPORT
DB Golf Cart Services
2914 2727
DB Transit Services
2914 0186
DB Transportation Services
2987 7351
Hire Car Bookings
2987 6348
Limousine Rental5303 3489
USEFUL NUMBERS
Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons
ASK US
9413 0498
Q. Whenever I’m in DB I always seem to
just miss the bus by about a minute, then have
to wait a long time for another one. Is there an online
timetable so I can get there at the right time?
A. Yes! Download the DB Transport app on your phone.
It gives you the schedules for all the buses
and the ferry, as well as a countdown to the
next departure. This should help!
Q. Can I get the newspaper
delivered to my home?
A. Yes, the South China Morning Post
can be delivered daily to your doorstep.
Go to www.scmp.com to subscribe.
Q. I locked myself out of
my apartment. Who do I call?
A. Call the locksmiths at Mega Power
on their 24-hour hotlines:
9625 1392 or 2109 2330.
LIFE ON LANTAU 39
FEATURE
What can you do if
your helper is in debt?
By Annelotte Walsh
One of those organisations is Enrich. Founded in 2007, Enrich is a
registered charity that aims to empower migrant women through
facilitative life skills training to take greater control of their finances
and secure the future of their families and children. Enrich’s highly
interactive financial workshops focus on equipping migrant women
with the skills, knowledge and motivation to calculate their financial
situation, make and implement a budget and a savings plan and get
out of debt.
The workshops are offered in English, Tagalog and Bahasa, and
courses are currently being offered in Tung Chung and Discovery
Bay, as well as many other locations across Hong Kong. Employers
can buy a workshop voucher for their helper for HK$250.
Since it started, Enrich has trained over 2000 migrant women in
Hong Kong. While about 70% were in debt when they joined the
workshop, 60% of these women were able to pay off their debts
within 2 years of attending Enrich’s training. Most of the others
were able to significantly reduce their debt.
Glenda* is a foreign domestic helper and has been in Hong Kong for
almost 8 years now. Recently Glenda’s employer started receiving
calls from strangers asking for Glenda. After confronting Glenda
about the calls, she admitted that she had pawned her passport
to get a loan and that she has also co-signed for loans for several
friends. She has serious debt problems.
Many of you may think that you know your helper and that she
wouldn’t do such a thing, but the sad reality is that many helpers
find themselves in a similar situation as Glenda. A survey by Enrich
found that more than 60% of domestic workers in Hong Kong are in
debt. For many helpers, living on a low budget in an expensive city
is extremely challenging. Faced with competing demands of having
to sustain their lives in Hong Kong as well as supporting their
extended families back home, many women resort to borrowing
money at a high interest rate and buying on credit.
While a loan or buying on credit may seem like a short-term
solution to the helper, the women are often unable to foresee
the long-term financial hardship they are putting themselves in.
In many cases an employer may not realise that their helper is in
debt until she fails to meet her loan repayment, in which case an
employer might find themselves being harassed with phone calls
at all hours to pay off the debt.
Once a helper finds herself in debt, it is not only extremely difficult
for her but it also poses significant difficulties for the employer and
puts considerable pressure on the employer–helper relationship.
Fortunately there are several organisations in Hong Kong that
provide assistance and financial literacy training for migrant
women and domestic helpers, and advice for employers whose
helper may find themselves in financial hardship.
40 LIFE ON LANTAU
For more information about Enrich and their financial workshops
please visit their website: www.enrichhk.org. You can also call
Enrich on 5648 0990 or contact them via email: [email protected].
Enrich is expanding and looking for volunteers to assist in various
areas. For more information visit their website: www.enrichhk.org.
* Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual
concerned.
Tips for employers
•
•
•
•
•
During the interview process make sure you get to know your
helper and ask about her financial situation.
If you suspect your helper is facing financial hardship sit
down with your helper to discuss the situation and possible
solutions.
If your helper has taken out a loan, you may be willing to
consider taking over the loan so that the helper pays you back.
If you are willing to pay off the loan, it is important that you set
up a written agreement about the amount and how she will be
paying for it, the length of time/number of months and how
much per month, and if it will be deducted from her salary.
Have regular conversations with your helper about other
things or issues that are bothering her and ask if there is any
way that you can help.
Annelotte Walsh is a PhD candidate from Hong Kong University
Faculty of Laws and is a member of the Enrich Advisory Board. She
is from Cheung Sha, South Lantau.
㫶奞⩢‥士壆⊈垛Ậⲣ䣉㗇攎‪⊶
Wing Shing Interior Design and Decoration Ltd.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION
StĂrt Ă conversĂƟon
with us!
/ŶŝƟĂů discussion
Interested to
know more!
Project CompůeƟon!
SĂƟsfy
RecƟĮcĂƟon
InspecƟon by cůient
PhysicĂů works
Concept design
DesigŶĐŽŶĮƌŵĂƟŽŶ
ConĮrm quotĂƟon
& signĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ
Project Implementation Flowchart
DetĂiů design
The flowchart here
summarises our working
procedures. Through a
comprehensive project
management system, the
project can be monitored
closely to ensure the quality
of works.
During the daily discussion
with our clients, we will also
contribute value management
ideas in order to achieve
cost-effectiveness.
From the above, we trust that
you will have confidence to
our works.
CARE TO THE CLIENTS
Our designers will take care the needs of our clients, we would
also provide the below services:
‹
Local Materials Tour
‹
Regular Progress Report and Construction Schedule
‹
Special Offer in Materials Procurement
‹
Special Offer in Air Conditioner, Kitchen Appliance,
Sanitary Appliance of selected brand
CONTACT US
Enquiry /Quotation :
:
Email
Address
:
Rocky Ng
(+852) 5403 0363
[email protected]
Shop 236, 1/F TBG Mall Tak Bo Garden,
3 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
(Kln Bay MTR Exit B)

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