The List #241, Jul 15 2015

I’m from a simple family. I have six siblings. My parents were farmers. I was married, separated with one kid. I’m supporting my son. I came to Hong Kong in 2008, and had

an employer in Sai Ying Pun. I worked with them for one year and five months, and they terminated my contract. It wasn’t a happy time. My life now is very different.

I would have to eat their leftovers with their chopsticks still in it. My seat was next to the rubbish bin—sometimes I couldn’t take it anymore and I would just slowly pour the food into the trash, and I’d just eat rice. As long as I had something in my belly. At night, I had

to sleep in the kitchen, along with the washing machine, the rubbish and everything. They asked me to put my clothes on top of a cupboard in the bathroom, because they said

they didn’t have room for me. I didn’t complain, I just worked. I needed to support my son. If I went back in the Philippines, I would have to struggle again. I have to sacrifice

for that.When I first arrived, I didn’t feel homesick because I kept thinking of the money I owed

to the agency. Every time I received my salary, I knew there was nothing left for me. I needed to send money to my son but it wasn’t enough. I couldn’t even buy items for my

hygiene. Last year, I was really depressed because my mom had passed away. Of the seven brothers and sisters, I am the one who has stable work.

I am the one who has to support everything. Claire helped me pay for the burial. When I came back, I was so stressed becauseI was thinking about my future. I didn’t have any savings and I owed money to Claire. I worried about my son and his school-ing. I think life is like that. We need to struggle sometimes. It’s a lesson to learn. Now I am going to two classes at [financial literacy training center] Enrich: “Money Wise”

and “Investments.” They have helped me learn how to budget. Before [with my previous employer], my mind was always closed. I couldn’t go out. I couldn’t talk with anybody.

When they were at work, I used to sit at the window. I had no freedom.Here, it’s very different. The ambiance of the house is happy. For me, I want to be comfortable with an employer. If they’re happy for me, I’m happy for them. I met my fourth employer through HelperChoice. I didn’t really have a hard time adjusting to Hong Kong in the

beginning because I worked previously in Singapore for four months. For me, the work-ing relationship is most important. I don’t want to be working with an employer who

nags. I want to be working from my heart and with love. But you have to live with the person to know them well. Back in the Philippines, we don’t have many job opportuni-

ties. I didn’t finish my university studies because I didn’t have the money to complete my course. Until I got married, I was carrying my family on my shoulders. A few years back, when my mother was hospitalized—she has been bedridden for many years now—I used

to send every single penny that I earned. But the culture in the Philippines is that after you get married, you support your family less. You have to focus on your own new fam

HELP WANTED!

ISSUE 24115 JULY 2015

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT K N O W S

T H E U N S U N G H E R O E S O F T H E H O U S E H O L D

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05 EDITOR’S LETTER

06 HOT TICKETS Blurred LinesSee Britpop legends Blur in Hong Kong

09 DATE NIGHTHot DatesIdeas for couples out on the town

10 WISHLIST About TownTiny Footprints launches planning sessions for parents in a pickle

LookbookThe Polska Traveller’s Yeung Sau-lun shares his vintage inspirations

Beauty and Wellness Get the gear at Lululemon’s new SAR flagship

What’s InThink summery with Rebecca Minkoff’s bright colors

18 RECIPESKiss the CookMust-make recipes for the perfect summer bites

20 FEATUREHelp WantedInspiring stories from four domestic workers

26 HAPPENING ’HOODSSai Ying PunHealthy eats and edgy art

28 WOMEN IN FOCUSMabel AuThe Amnesty International director shares her passion for equal rights

50 MRS. KNOW-IT-ALLHire PowerTrusted ways to find help

Common Questions p.30 Helpful Classes p.38Employment Agencies p.34 Employer Handbook p.42 Sunday Funday p.46

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Copyright 2015 The List Magazine Media Ltd. The contents of The List are the property of The List Magazine Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. The List may not be distributed without the express written consent of The List Magazine Media Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in The List must comply with the Publisher's terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, N.T.

Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising contents in our magazine. The contents in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company. Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.

THE MAGAZINE THAT KNOWS

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EDITORIALEditor-in-Chief | Luisa Tam

Managing Editor | Daniel Creffield

Senior Editor | Kate Springer

Editor | Charlotte Mulliner

Acting Editor | Evelyn Lok

Staff Writer | Andrea Lo

Contributors | Natasha Fernandes

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EDITOR’S LETTER

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

WORK IN PROGRESSFrom looking after the kids to caring for the elderly, foreign domestic workers have all-important jobs in many Hong Kong homes. To celebrate the work they do, we’ve dedicated this issue of The List to learning more about the issues domestic workers face—we hope it’s a springboard for conversation as well as a guide for employers.

In our feature, Help Wanted (p.20), we sat down with four domestic workers in Hong Kong to talk about past challenges and how they’ve eventually found happiness and empowerment in their work.

For those of you looking to hire a domestic worker, check out Employment Agencies (p.34) for listings of trustworthy centers. We’ve compiled some tips and expert advice in Common Questions (p.30) and Employer Handbook (p.42). Turn to Helpful Classes (p.38) for personal development courses, and free hobby groups in Sunday Funday (p.46).

Hopefully you can learn a little about these inspiring women, and be better equipped to be a caring and responsible employer should you choose to hire a helper.

The List Team

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HOT TICKETS

MAKE A DATEOur picks for the month

Through September

Move Over, DisneyHong Kong’s beloved Lai Yuen Amusement Park, which closed down in 1997, makes a comeback for a pop-up carnival event. Established in 1949, the amusement park was originally located in Lai Chi Kok, and boasted the iconic Lai Yuen Castle, a zoo of exotic animals, swimming pools, fairground rides and even a skate rink. Aside from nostalgic animal replicas, the pop-up fair will feature a selection of 10 vintage attractions, straight out of Hong Kongers’ childhood memories. Through to early September (date TBC). Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Rd., Central, 3929-9500, www.laiyuen1949.com. Free entry; game tokens from $10 each

July 22

Blurred LinesAttention Britpop fans: Blur is coming back to Hong Kong. Last time Albarn, Coxon et al. were here, they were inspired by the city to make their latest album, “The Magic Whip,” released on April 27. Start listening to it on loop now, so you can sing along to all the lyrics.8pm. Grand Hall, HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. $480-880 from www.hkticketing.com

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HOT TICKETS

July 16-18

Have a BallGear up for the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) Volleyball World Grand Prix: world champions USA will go head to head against China, Japan and Thailand for the prestigious title and a share of the US$165,000 prize pot. Six matches will be played across three days (July 16-18) at the Hong Kong Coliseum. For the first time, a video challenge system will be introduced in Hong Kong.Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd., Hung Hom. $80-650 at the door

July 15-21

Reading RainbowPrepare those eyeballs: The 26th edition of the annual Hong Kong Book Fair is back. It’s not just an excuse to buy books, either. There are talks and seminars with authors including Booker prize winner Ben Okri, Swiss thinker Alain de Botton and biographer Carol Thatcher. Better start coming up with intelligent-sounding questions now…HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. $10-25 at the door

July 15-17

Gargoyles Sound OffThe Oxford Gargoyles are returning for their second a cappella tour in Hong Kong. The dapper ladies and gents will be putting on a selection of concerts taking place across town, with appearances at the Sha Tin Town Hall (Jul 15) and the Hong Kong Arts Centre (Jul 16), as well as a charity performance at HKU’s Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre Grand Hall (Jul 17).Jul 15, 16, 8pm; 17, 7pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251, $190-240 from www.urbtix.hk or www.hkticketing.com

July 25

All That JazzHeaded by music director Shoichi Chinda, the Island Express Jazz Orchestra is Hong Kong’s very own big band. The international musicians and solo vocalist Ela Alegre will be performing a vibrant selection of big band jazz standards, including songs by contemporary jazz composers Bob Mintzer, Frank Mantooth and Matt Catingub.10pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $120-150 includes one drink

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Win a Total Makeover!In celebration of its first Asian flagship hair salon, Jean Louis David is offering the chance to win an exclusive consultation with Lorena Severi, Jean Louis David's Asia Artistic Director and complete makeover valued at $4,500. Expect a new cut, color, makeup and mani-pedi that will leave you looking and feeling brand new.

About the brand: Jean Louis David is one of Europe’s leading hair and fashion brands, with over 1,200 salons across 24 countries, including a brand new salon in the heart of Central. The focus is on total quality and luxury; an inclusive hair service inspired by the latest trends and techniques from the ultimate fashion capital: Paris.

Jean Louis David, 12/F, New World Tower 2, 18 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2997-9828, www.jeanlouisdavid.com.hk

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THE LIST GOODIES AND GIVEAWAYS

Check here every month for beauty, travel and dining treats

Looking for a brand new look? Write in and tell us why you

could use a makeover, in 50 words or less.

Email: [email protected]

Write in to Win!

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DATE NIGHT

HOT DATESCouples’ night out

Tycoon TannOpened by the folks behind Loyal Dining and Shanghai Lo, Tycoon Tann’s Mod Bar harks back to classic old-world charm: imagine what a tai-pan’s drawing room would look like and then add on expertly mixed drinks and creative twists on traditional Chinese bites. Come back for Tycoon Tann's upstairs dining digs, which has its own separate menu and dedicated wait staff.G-2/F, 74 Wellington St., Central, 3125-3228

Thai NaSai Ying Pun boasts yet another new restaurant: Thai Na, opened by former five-star hotel chef Tom Saranjit. As you might guess, Thai Na serves authentic Thai fare, from grilled meat skewers to soupy beef ball noodles. The cozy, hipster interior is covered with mural art and intense red walls. Dishes include grilled fish, curries and kway teow (fried noodles).124 Second St., Sai Yung Pun, 2803-2331

BounceAthletic couples, rejoice—trampoline park Bounce is set to open this month. Jump to your heart’s content on more than 80 interconnected trampolines. Other adrenaline-pumping activities include dodgeball as well as a a series of tumble tracks. Nervous about making a fool out of yourself in front of your date? Don’t sweat it: the tumble tracks come equipped with a soft landing spot. G/F, E-max, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay

ShokuShoku finds its beat with a binchotan (white charcoal) grill, dishing out smoked fish, prawns and other sizzling treats in a bright and colorful environment. And because the venue is right by the beach, there is a whole range of cooling cocktails on offer.Shop 109, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2808-2333

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WISHLIST

Life in the Hong Kong lane with Charley MullinerABOUT TOWN

All Pakt UpFind your way around perennial storage problems with Hong Kong’s new wardrobe storage service, Pakt. This idea, from Barbara Yu Larsson, sounds very sophisticated: The “clothing management service” will take away your garments, photograph and catalogue them, and create a digital wardrobe on the website. Need something back? Not only does rummaging through your virtual clothes rail make it feel like you’re making a new purchase, but you can request your items be returned at the click of a button. Add on a dry cleaning or pressing service and they’ll actually be delivered back to you in better condition than when they left!www.pakt.hk

Day with JCalling all little fashionistas: trendy kids’ store Love by Mary J has just opened its doors in North Point. You’ll find a heap of cool international designs here such as Ruff and Huddle’s casual streetwear (recently worn by the Beckham brood), matching mom-and-daughter outfits from Lovie by Mary J, and popular French label Coq en Pate. Fun, colorful accessories include children’s handbags, cartoon cushions and Japanese candles. What’s more, if your little ones are fed up of shopping, they’re free to doodle on the walls! The tantrums might come when you try to leave…22 Fort St., North Point, 9302-6563, www.maryj.com.hk

Lasting Imprints If you’ve ever shopped for your first born, then you’ll recognize that complete panic on walking into a store to be surrounded by such an overwhelming choice of products. How do you work out what’s necessary? Now Tiny Footprints has introduced its Parents to Be Planning Sessions, to help you figure out exactly what is important in those first few months. The free sessions are 45 minutes (with drinks and snacks provided!) to walk you through the options available—from strollers to furniture to feeding accessories—and help you plan and budget for your new arrival. July 25 and Aug 9 group sessions, or book a one-on-one session any time. 10/F, 1 Duddell St., Central, 2522-2466, www.tinyfootprints.com

LIST LOVES

FASHION FAVES

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WISHLIST

1. The Polska Traveller RingI always wear my one-of-a-kind Polska Traveller jewelry. It’s good to be the first one to try them out before selling to customers. I’m attached to this “failed” ring the most. The imperfection of the ring reminds me of the value of each piece of handmade jewelry.

2. Old cutlery from PolandThere is a collection from The Polska Traveller which is made of antique cutlery, aiming to revive deadstock

materials and transform them into contemporary jewelry.

3. Ant Ngai Painting This is a painting by Hong Kong Artist Ant Ngai. Her work is inspired by dreams, old masters’ paintings and scenes plucked out from her surroundings.

4. Legitymacja Radnego Driving License Card HolderA card holder made with an old Polish driving license, one of the things I

bought from the Old Market. I had it made into a card holder after I returned to Hong Kong.

5. Old Polish MapI was in Krakow, Poland, for a one-year internship, and the place inspired me a lot. This old Polish map is another thing I bought from the Old Market. I hang it on my studio wall to remind myself of the country.

LOOKBOOKYeung Sau-lun is the founder and designer of local jewelry brand The Polska Traveller, which produces jewelry made from vintage items, heavily inspired by a trip to Poland. Yeung shares some of his style with The List.The Polska Traveller, 10/F, Foo Tak Building, 365 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, cargocollective.com/thepolskatraveller

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What a LemonEveryone’s favorite yogawear brand has just opened a new shop in IFC, selling all its usual stretchy goodness plus some new debuts. Look for a full range of Lululemon men’s clothes, alongside women’s cardio gear and running apparel for those sweatin’ it out without a yoga mat. The new store is spacious and minimalistic, with 1,300 square feet of space, new products every season and lots of community events in the pipeline. There’s even a new swimwear line should all that exercise pay off…Shop 1908B, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, www.lululemon.com.hk

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WISHLIST

Your guide to looking fit and fabulousBEAUTY & WELLNESS

TRIED & TESTED

HOT OPENING

Bikini FitThe Tester: Kate Springer

The Basics: This is not your average boot camp. The women-only Bikini Fit program runs for 12-week cycles at a time, with six classes a week. You’ll also get access to one-on-one consultations, daily private Q&A sessions with coaches, educational workshops on everything from nutrition to injuries, emotional eating and juicing. There are four training locations—all outdoors—in Hong Kong Park, Sun Yat Sen Park, Kowloon Park and Victoria Park.

The Experience: The first week can be a bit intimidating for newcomers, as many of the women are returning for their second—or seventh!—cycle. However, coaches quickly get newbies up to speed, explaining complicated movements and lifting techniques. Every day the workout is different, with tabata interval timing, TRX suspension training, power ropes, dumbbells, yoga, boxing and, yes, even a little bit of running. Even though there are about 20 women in each session, the coaches make the extra effort to get to know each member. Even when I was traveling, my coaches were there to offer advice and workout ideas through a special travel Facebook group.

The Takeaway: Though it’s quite pricey, Bikini Fit delivers a personalized program unlike anything else available in Hong Kong. With dedicated coaches and a motivational community, this program is great for anyone who is serious about getting into shape. $9,540 for 12-week cycle. 3/F, Hong Kong House, 17-19 Wellington St., Central, 2799-9603, www.bikinifit.com.hk


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WISHLIST

GET THE LOOK: Just Mist itWhat are bright eyes with a tired complexion? Wake up with Kate

Somerville’s new Nourish Mist. It aims to hydrate, firm and condition skin using green tea, ginger, algae and beetroot extracts. Added bonus: it smells like lavender and orange. $440, hk.katesomerville.com

3Wow BrowsA shapely set of eyebrows can light up your whole face—sculpt to your

heart’s content with Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Brow Kit. It comes with a creamy wax and a waterproof filler so you can face off against Hong Kong’s humidity. $420, www.makeupforever.com

1LOOKIN’ FRESH

Like a ProSleep deprived this summer? Try Elemis’ new Pro-radiance

Illuminating eye balm. The cooling, smooth-on formula is out to combat dark circles and shadows using some powerful ingredients, such as Bird of Paradise flower, chamomile extract and apricot kernel oil. $520, www.elemis.com

4The Right TouchYves St Laurent’s award-winning Touche Éclat

highlighter pen has a brand new look: the Rock Resille limited edition is all sexy polka dot and lace. Swipe it on your brow bones, inner eyes and cheek bones for an instant pearly glow and to forge the look of beauty sleep. $330, www.ysl.com/hk

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WISHLIST

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Tanya Top$TBC$TBC

Effie Skirt$2,490

Ian Dress$2,990

Boho Bangle Set$890

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WISHLIST

Stones & Blades Necklace$1,290

Mab Tote Mini$1,890

Lindley Dress$3,490

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RECIPES

Monthly recipes from Mango Menus KISS THE COOK

Pizza is a clever way to present fruit, which hopefully means you and your kids will eat more of it! There are endless possibilities, from savory appetizers to full on fruit salad. Here we have a watermelon pizza, with shredded coconut masquerading as grated cheese, and toppings of blueberries and kiwi fruit. You can also try slices of peach, banana (soak it in lemon juice fi rst to prevent oxidation) or cherries and grapes.

Check that your watermelon is red inside, as many are yellow in Hong Kong. And do try to buy whole melons rather than pre-cut pieces, as there is less chance of bacteria getting in.

YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 watermelon

• 2 kiwi fruits

• 100g shredded coconut

• 200g blueberries

METHOD:

• Take time to cut perfect whole slices of watermelon, shaving bits off to make them the right height.

• Scatter with the shredded coconut, blueberries and slices of fruit.

• You might like to use interesting shaped cutters for the fruit.

Makes two watermelon pizzas with watermelon left over for juicing!

Watermelon Pizza

Makes two watermelon pizzas with watermelon left over for juicing!

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RECIPES

Looking for a summery salad that’s as healthy as it is delicious? Try this zucchini, feta, mint, edamame and pea salad, which is packed with vitamins, nutrients and protein. You can shave your zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler, or use a spiralizer to make “zoodles,” aka zucchini noodles. The saltiness of the feta works well with the sharpness of the lemon herb dressing, and the salad is bursting with fl avor thanks to all the fresh herbs.

YOU’LL NEED:

Salad:

• 1 large zucchini

• 150g barrel-aged feta cheese

• Small bunch mint leaves

• Small bunch coriander leaves

• 300g of edamame and peas (or use broad beans)

Dressing:

• 100ml of fi ne extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of half a lemon

• Handful of fresh coriander leaves

• Handful of fresh mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon sugar

METHOD:

• Place your frozen peas and edamame in the same saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil then remove from the heat and de-pod the edamame. Leave to cool.

• Shave your zucchini into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. If you have a spiralizer, make zoodles.

• Wash your mint leaves. Leave them whole. Combine with the zucchini strips, peas and edamame.

• Crumble feta cheese on top.

• For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in the food processor and blitz until a green sauce appears.

• Dress the salad, season if required and enjoy!

Serves two as a starter or light lunch.

Founded by Helen Scott, Mango Menus creates unique, mouth-watering recipes that contain healthy and nutritious ingredients. www.mangomenus.com

Fresh Summer Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

Founded by Helen Scott, Mango Menus

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Employing a foreign domestic worker has become increasingly common in Hong Kong, particularly among those with young

children or elderly family members. According to government statistics, there were 330,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong in 2014, compared with 285,681 in 2010.

The growing FDW economy has the potential to benefi t both parties: the extra help around the house enables families to earn double incomes and advance socioeconomically, while FDW can earn a better living to support their families back home.

Yet shady loan lenders, manipulative agencies, diffi cult living conditions and abusive employers can lead to dodgy situations. We’ve spoken with four domestic helpers about their path through Hong Kong, lessons learned and healthy work relationships.

I’m from a simple family. I have six siblings. My parents were farmers. I was married, separated with one kid. I’m supporting my son. I came to Hong Kong in 2008, and had an employer in Sai Ying Pun. I worked with them for one year and fi ve months, and they terminated my contract. It wasn’t a happy time. My life now is very different.

I would have to eat their leftovers with their chopsticks still in it. My seat was next to the rubbish bin—sometimes I couldn’t take it anymore and I would just slowly pour the food into the trash, and I’d just eat rice. As long as I had something in my belly. At night, I had to sleep in the kitchen, along with the washing machine, the rubbish and everything.

HELP WANTEDNo matter which way you slice it, working as a foreign domestic helper

in Hong Kong is not an easy job. Evelyn Lok sits down with four workers to hear about their experiences.

Moving from her hometown in Mindanao in the Philippines, Virginia left behind her 8-year-old son to work in Hong Kong. Claire Glover is her second employer in Hong Kong.

Virginia Ballon

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COVER STORY

They asked me to put my clothes on top of a cupboard in the bathroom, because they said they didn’t have room for me. I didn’t complain, I just worked. I needed to support my son. If I went back in the Philippines, I would have to struggle again. I have to sacrifi ce for that.

When I fi rst arrived, I didn’t feel homesick because I kept thinking of the money

I owed to the agency. Every time I received my salary, I knew there was nothing left for me. I needed to send

money to my son but it wasn’t enough. I couldn’t even buy items for my hygiene.

Last year, I was really depressed because my mom had passed away. Of the seven brothers and sisters, I am the one who has stable work. I am the one who has to support everything. Claire helped me pay for the burial.

When I came back, I was so stressed because I was thinking about my future. I didn’t have any savings and I owed money to Claire. I worried about my son and his schooling. I think life is like that. We need to struggle sometimes. It’s a lesson to learn.

Now I am going to two classes at [fi nancial literacy training center] Enrich: “Money Wise” and “Investments.” They have helped me learn how to budget. Before [with my

previous employer], my mind was always closed. I couldn’t go out. I couldn’t talk with anybody. When they were at work, I used to sit at the window. I had no freedom.

Here, it’s very different. The ambiance of the house is happy. For me, I want to be comfortable with an employer. If they’re happy for me, I’m happy for them.

When we interviewed Virginia, we found that she was knowledgeable, polite, friendly and respectful. Her contract had been terminated, and from what I could see, her previous employer had not been particularly nice. She returned to the Philippines and came back just after my eldest was born.

It’s a really vicious system: These women put up with a lot in situations that aren’t the best, because the last thing they want is to be terminated—it means they have to go home, and employers are less likely to hire them.

I’ve tried to make it as business-like as possible: set hours, with an hour for lunch—just as I would treat any other employee. Obviously, over the years, Virginia’s become part of the family. She has an amazing ability to give.

Always treat someone as you wish to be treated. I would never ask her to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.

I helped enroll Virginia in the courses at Enrich, because you see so many workers get into incredible amounts of debt. It is about fi nancial literacy and managing money—but it’s also about empowering an individual.

Virginia came back a different woman. It allowed her to take back control of her life.

EMPLOYER’S TAKEClaire Glover hired Virginia Ballon fi ve years ago. After Ballon suffered a family tragedy, Glover helped her join fi nancial literacy courses held by Enrich (p.38).


22

Julie moved from Northern Luzon in The Philippines to work in Hong Kong in 1997. She used the online platform HelperChoice (p.35) to fi nd her current employers.

Julie Martinez Abuena

I met my fourth employer through HelperChoice. I didn’t really have a hard time adjusting to Hong Kong in the beginning because I worked previously in Singapore for four months.

For me, the working relationship is most important. I don’t want to be working with an employer who nags. I want to be working from my heart and with love. But you have to live with the person to know them well.

Back in the Philippines, we don’t have many job opportunities. I didn’t fi nish my university studies because I didn’t have the money to complete my course.

Until I got married, I was carrying my family on my shoulders. A few years back, when my mother was hospitalized—she has been bedridden for many years now—I used to send every single penny that I earned.

But the culture in the Philippines is that after you get married, you support your family less. You have to focus on your own new family. My brothers are now helping me. I don’t have to shoulder everything.

I didn’t really encounter any problems with my previous employers, except for the contract that I terminated. This was because I had to wash all the clothes by hand, even during winter. I broke the contract after one year, and looked for another employer through HelperChoice.

Working in Hong Kong, I’ve also gotten the opportunity to visit different countries: like this coming July, we are going to France for a month. That’s one of my dreams.

My advice for both the worker and the employer is to put your feet in each other’s shoes. Different people have different lifestyles, different cultures, and treat people differently, right?

Julie moved from Northern Luzon in The Philippines to work in Hong Kong in 1997. She used the online platform HelperChoice

Julie Martinez AbuenaJulie Martinez Abuena


23

COVER STORY

so they were always mad at me. I told them that I was willing to learn, to try. But it was very hard to work with them. Maybe because we weren’t comfortable with each other.

My fi rst employer here in Hong Kong was kind, but my job was tough. I had a curfew. I tried my best to tolerate my female employer, who had a bad temper. I also have a bad temper so we always fought.They were good people, but they treated me like a servant. Unlike here with the Lees,

where they treat me like family.

You know, if you’re treated like a servant, it’s very hard to tolerate. In the Philippines, we are not that rich, but we have happy families and neighbors that talk to each other. If you are an employer and you want to keep your helper around, you have to treat them as a human.

My husband and I had marital problems and he’s no longer around. By working here I have supported my three kids through their studies, and my youngest one when she needed an operation on her eye. I bought a house just two years ago.

Originally from Mindanao in The Philippines, Fely fi rst worked abroad in Singapore to save money for a placement in Hong Kong. She has been working with her current employer, Doris Lee, for 10 years.

Fely O. Tabay

In some ways I’m similar to my helper: I’m a working mother, and I also moved to Hong Kong from somewhere else.

Living where we do, there are a lot of domestic workers around. We started to hear about the things affecting them.

Like the rest day—workers get one day off, but they couldn’t spend it as they wished or had to come back early. There are worse things, like the place they’re given to sleep is not really a bed.

The fi rst time I hired a domestic worker, I was expecting my fi rst child. I was not that eager, because it felt strange to live with a totally new person in the same small house.

There were some things I didn’t know how to deal with. Things like, who buys the shampoo? What will you do after dinner?

With our helper now, Fely, we eat together, and we watch TV together when there’s a movie on.

EMPLOYER’S TAKEDoris Lee is the co-founder of Open Door Hong Kong, which began as a network of concerned employers posting stories of domestic workers, promoting peace and good relations. See p.42 for more advice from Open Door.

I worked with my fi rst employer for fi ve years and six months. Her mother-in-law introduced me to Doris. My family had a farm in the Philippines. But we needed money. For over a year, our harvests were not good. I talked with my husband and decided to work abroad.

I left home October 1, 1994. I still remember. At that time my sons were still in primary school. My Singaporean employers were rich—both doctors—and were demanding. I worked in a big three-story house with a driveway and two cars to wash, a dog to walk and a fi sh tank to clean, all by myself.

But as it was my fi rst time working abroad, I didn’t have any idea yet how to do certain things,


24

As chairperson of the Thai Migrant Workers Union, Dang and her team campaign against unfair treatment of domestic workers. She’s worked here as a foreign domestic worker for 25 years.

Before I was here, I worked in a factory. We worked eight hours a day, starting at 8am and leaving at 5pm with a break for lunch. After work, we would go out with friends. But as a domestic helper, you wake up at 6am, sometimes you go to sleep at 11pm. With my fi rst employer I had to sleep next to their kid.

Apart from the working hours, I was also very far away from home. I have three daughters—back then they were about 2 years old. My husband had passed away.

My second employer was in Tuen Mun. He kept chickens on the roof—this was allowed back in 1998. I had to sleep in a room next to the chickens. I was sick all the time, and I went to the hospital twice. When there was a typhoon, the wind blew all the chicken feces into my room. The granny liked to yell at people—she had a good heart, but a bad mouth. I learned a lot of swear words from her.

I worked with my third employer for 10 years. My boss was good to me, but in the fi rst three months, we argued about the granny’s food. She suffered from diabetes. When the old lady eventually passed away, I cried. I slept next to her, ate with her, did everything with her every day. The granny even called her daughter-in-law by my name accidentally. Her son got jealous!

I’ve been working with my current employer for fi ve years. My boss knows about my work with the union, and supports me, even when I have to leave the country to attend meetings—in Malaysia, in Switzerland, in

America. She helps me write letters to get my visas.

The most important thing is communication. We need to talk to our employers more. If they yell at you, you can say “Am I doing this right? If not, teach me.”

A newly arrived [helper] may not be used to the Hong Kong lifestyle. Hongkongers are very fast and impatient. Nowadays, even I talk fast and do things in a rushed way. For a newly arrived helper, the fi rst thing they’ll probably hear from the employer is “man tun tun!” [So slow!]

Coming from the countryside, you arrive in Hong Kong and are only taught once to use electronics like the washing machine. You might not necessarily learn it right away.

A good relationship with an employer is like a friendship: if you chat well, and are good to each other, that’s how you continue staying friends. If I’m unhappy and there’s a friend who is willing to take time and understand my problems, my heart will feel warmer too.

As a helper, you have to look at yourself too—nobody wants a worker with a pissed off face and messy work. I have been able to pay for my three daughters’ college educations and they can all make their own livings now. I have a piece of land, and I built a house for my family. It has all been worth it.

Phobsuk “Dang” Gasing Gasing Gasing


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26

HAPPENING ’HOODS

DAYS OUT WITH A DIFFERENCESai Ying PunThe new MTR station has made this western neighborhood much more accessible. Explore a wealth of restaurants, cafés and shops on these narrow streets—there’s even an escalator to help you navigate the hills.

1. Conservancy Association Centre for HeritageThis non-profi t conservation group, aka CACHE, runs exhibitions and workshops all about Hong Kong heritage and culture. Currently you’ll fi nd an annex dedicated to vintage postcards depicting historic Hong Kong trams. The building’s courtyard on Third Street is also home to an old-school red QEII postbox.Annex Block, 36A Western St., 2291-0238, www.cache.org.hk

3. Above Second GalleryOpen since 2010, Above Second adds a slice of urban attitude to the city’s vibrant art scene by showing work straight from the forefront: be it art schools or the streets. You can fi nd anything from graffi ti and graphic design to loud, often controversial pop art here.9 First St., 3483-7950

4. Sun Yat Sen Memorial ParkThis waterfront park in Sai Ying Pun is named after Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who used to meet his supporters aboard a boat at the park’s current location. The enormous open space is ideal for letting the kids run around—it also boasts a playground—plus sports courts, a swimming pool and lots of green lawns for picnicking. Plus, it’s one of the city’s few dog-friendly spaces.18 Eastern St. North, 2858-2493

5. The AwakeningSai Ying Pun’s former Awakening Café has done an about-face, transforming from a carb-heavy American diner into a CrossFitter’s dream. Now, The Awakening serves up tasty gluten-free, paleo-friendly and vegan dishes. It’s an easily accessible space just off the escalators (and can fi t a stroller or two), so it’s a great weekend hangout for a healthy brunch. Ying Wah Terrace, 1-6 Centre St., 2858-0005

2. Corner CaféThis little hole-in-the-wall on Centre Street is a bit of a fi nd if you’re after a sugar hit. Grab a window seat and enjoy a brew from Australia or Italy as you choose your sweet or savory treat. The best bit? You can order your delicious cakes from Eat My Cakes down the road and tuck into them here. We’re big fans of the tangy and gooey lemon meringue cupcakes.56 Centre St., 3480-8842, www.eatmycakes.com.hk

11 In the Hood Jul 15.indd 26 10/07/2015 12:33 PM

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28

WOMEN IN FOCUS

The director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, Mabel Au is an advocate for feminism and human rights. She talks with Adrienne Chum about her early days as a documentarian and her experiences fighting for migrant workers’ rights. Additional reporting by Yanis Chan.

When I was a secondary school student, my friend asked me if I had any free time to volunteer for migrant workers—to talk to them in Cantonese and English, so they could learn from our conversation.

A lot of foreign domestic workers come here but don’t really know the language. Learning Cantonese and English helps with their work, especially when they go to markets to shop for food and ask about prices.

Some migrant workers who come from Indonesia don’t speak English at all and can’t navigate their contracts.

The more I got involved as a volunteer, the more I knew about the world, but the more I didn’t understand.

I didn’t understand why migrant workers had to work such long hours without any rest, or why workers who had accidents at work couldn’t get compensation.

In university, I studied film production. I made some documentaries involving labor disputes.

I filmed women workers in the clothing industry, and that helped me understand more about the lives of workers from different sectors.

THE LIST’S LEADING LADIES

MABEL AU“Hong Kong has the

background of an international city...

I do hope that people can embrace diversity.”

I don’t have a domestic helper myself, as I live alone. Neither does my family—my mother helps take care of all the grandchildren.

I have a friend whose domestic helper is in a lot of debt. The helper became worried and depressed all the time, which affected my friend too.

The [illegal] agency fees are our top priority. We have been highlighting again and again that it’s unreasonable for workers to pay an equivalent of seven months wages in the first and second contracts.

The Erwiana case last year showed that they have no one to turn to. The frustrating thing is that we have not seen any improvements.

The Chief Executive promised to bring agencies and employers to justice if they violated the law. But up to now we’ve only heard of one to two that have been questioned by the government.

Even if you are not a domestic worker, you should support the migrant groups and demand the Hong Kong government regulates agencies.

Hong Kong has the background of an international city and people from different cultures. This is an asset. I do hope that people can embrace diversity.

12 Woman in Focus.indd 28 10/07/2015 12:35 PM

29

Contact us: On the following pages you’ll fi nd a huge array of practical information. We cover more than 200 topics a year. Tell us what you need to know! Email: [email protected]

30-32

Common Questions34-36

Employment Agencies38-41

Helpful Classes

42-45

Employer Handbook46-49

Sunday Funday

KNOW & TELAn outing with the YMCA’s Overseas

Domestic Workers Programme, which

offers courses for personal development.

Turn to p. 38-41 for more information.

13 KT Cover Jul 15.indd 29 07/07/2015 6:43 PM

KNOW & TEL

30

HIRING PROCEDURESQ: Do I need to have a formal contract with a foreign domestic worker (FDW)?A: Yes. You must enter into a two-year Standard Employment Contract (Form ID 407) with your worker and submit this contract to the Immigration Department in order for the working visa to be processed. This is a legally binding document that sets out the wages, accommodation and duty requirements between both parties.

Q: Can I extend a contract beyond two years?A: No. You need to submit a fresh application to the Immigration Department, within eight weeks before the expiry of the current contract. Your FDW must return home, with

air fares paid for by you, while a fresh visa is processed.

Q: I want to take on an FDW whose existing employers are leaving. How do I do this?A: Workers’ visas are tied to a named employer and you cannot just take over someone else’s contract. The employee will need to return to their country of origin while a fresh visa processes. You may be able to postpone this home leave by one year if all parties are in agreement.

Q: What if either party wants to break the employment contract?A: As with most contracts, either party can break it by giving one month’s notice (or one month’s pay in lieu). You must then

Learn the legalese

COMMON QUESTIONS

14 KT01 Employment Q&A Jul 15.indd 30 10/07/2015 12:36 PM

KNOW & TEL

31

four thereafter, on presentation of a medical certificate.

Q: I’ve heard some FDWs live in shared accommodation that I can pay for. Is this true?A: There have been cases of domestic workers living together in boarding houses, but this is illegal and has been known to lead to arrest and prosecution of both parties. As stated by law, you have to provide live-in accommodation, free of charge (unless you hired your FDW before April 1, 2003). The legal requirement is “suitable accommodation and reasonable privacy”—so be sure you actually have the physical space before taking another person into your home.

Q: What if our FDW doesn’t want to eat with us?A: Some people choose to provide free food at home for their domestic workers—either they can share their meals with the family or help themselves when they wish. But you can choose to provide a food allowance instead, so they can buy their own food: the minimum per month is $964.

inform the Immigration Department in writing within seven days. There are certain circumstances where, as an employer, you can terminate without notice, which includes if your worker breaks the law, commits misconduct, fraud or dishonesty, or habitually neglects her duties. However there must be documented evidence of such behavior, in case of follow up by the Labour Department.

Q: Can my FDW drive us around?A: As outlined in the employment contract, domestic FDW duties are very specifi c,and do not include driving. If driving duties are to form part of the job description, a special application must be submitted to the Immigration Department.

SALARY AND EXPENSESQ: How much should I pay? A: The minimum monthly wage is $4,110 per month. Many families choose to pay more than this, depending on the type of duties involved (newborns, dog walking, etc.) and the worker’s experience. Your best bet is to ask around and see what the going rate is. You may wish to introduce small raises and bonuses as trust develops. You can pay wages into your FDW’s bank account or give cash—but you should keep monthly receipts.

Q: What medical expenses do I need to cover for my FDW?A: You must provide free medical treatment to your FDW in case of injury or illness. This includes medical consultations, hospital stays and emergency dental treatment and applies to whether or not an injury occurred during work hours. Your best bet is to obtain a comprehensive insurance policy that will provide this coverage and find a dedicated doctor for them to consult as necessary.

Q: Do I have to pay for sick leave?A: Yes, the rate is four-fifths of the usual wage. Domestic workers are entitled to two paid sick days a month in the first year;


KNOW & TEL

32

HOLIDAYSQ: Most FDWs seem to get Sundays off. Is this mandatory?A: No, you don’t have to give Sundays off—but you do have to provide at least one “rest day” off per week. If these cannot be the same each week, you should come up with a schedule at the start of each month. If your worker consents to work on their day off, if it should be required, you must provide an alternative day off within 30 days.

Q: Do domestic workers get all public holidays off?A: Confusingly, there are 17 public holidays in Hong Kong but only 12 that are statutory. The ones that are excluded are: Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Buddha’s Birthday and Boxing Day. Domestic workers must get the 12 statutory days off but you may decide to give all 17. It’s important to make this clear at the start of any contract so confusion doesn’t occur further down the line.

Get More Info:www.fairagency.org

www.labour.gov.hk

www.gov.hk

Q: How much annual leave do I grant?A: Domestic workers are entitled to paid annual leave after one year’s service. By law, it’s seven days of annual leave a year for the first two years of employment. Each year thereafter, you must grant an additional day per year, up to a maximum of 14 days. You don’t have to pay for their flights home, but you may find that a worker may want to take their leave when they renew their contract with you—when you are required to fund a return flight home.

Q: My FDW is pregnant, what do I do?A: In keeping with Hong Kong legislation, your worker is entitled to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave if she’s been employed by you for more than 40 weeks before leave begins. She has to provide a medical certificate with date of confinement in order to obtain maternity leave pay: four-fifths of the normal wages. You can be prosecuted for firing a pregnant domestic worker. Note that you may need to have a discussion to amend her household duties.

Q: I have heard I must pay for my FDW to return home once a year. Is this true?A: Partly. Upon renewal of your worker’s employment contract (every two years) you must provide an open or fixed air fare to your worker’s home country, including expenses of $100 a day for the length of the travel portion of the journey (usually one-two days). Any other air fares would be part of a private arrangement between both parties.

Q: Can my worker travel abroad with us?A: Yes, provided the worker’s passport allows it and that the necessary visa laws are followed with respect to the visiting country.

32


FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE

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KNOW & TEL

34

ArrowArrow is a reputable agency established in 2005 by Allan and Lone Smith. It aims to be a helpful bridge between employers and workers, with a team in the Philippines that works to evaluate and train applicants and prepare them for Hong Kong. The company offers new employer orientation classes and several other resources. Room 1603B, Sunbeam Commercial Building, 469-471 Nathan Rd., Yau Ma Tei, 2151-1125, arrowes.hk

Bandung EnterprisesA member of the employment agents association, Bandung Enterprises offers extensive services for domestic helpers—such as arranging documents and visa fees for registration at the consulate, HKID application assistance, medical checkups upon arrival, plus language and cooking classes. A two-year follow-up service is also included. Room 1004, Hua Qin International Building, 340 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2851-0138, www.bandung.com.hk

Fair Employment AgencyA non-profi t organization working to connect employers and helpers, Fair Employment Agency tackles the problem of exploitation of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. The agency does not charge helpers placement fees, and also helps employers fi nd a helper suited to their needs. Unit 282, 12/F, Ping Lam Commercial Building, 280-282 Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai, 3568-6858, www.fairagency.org

Maid For YouRun by four expat women, Maid For You does all the legwork for you in the complicated hiring process. It offers employers personalized package services, which include interviewing potential helpers, hiring and training, plus tips and advice in between. www.maidforyou.com.hk

Fair Employment Agency

Port of call

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

Arrow

15 KT02 Employment Agencies Jul 15.indd 34 10/07/2015 12:38 PM

KNOW & TEL

35

Helper ChoiceDon’t want to deal with a middleman? Established in 2012, Helper Choice is a growing website in Hong Kong for employers searching for domestic helpers. Employers can put up ads detailing what they’re looking for, and workers can also create profi les that include their personal details—like a LinkedIn for domestic workers. Employers can learn more about workers through their profi les before deciding to reach out. There’s a $290 charge for employers looking to advertise, but for potential domestic helpers looking for work, it’s free. www.helperchoice.com

Lotus Employment AgencyLotus Employment Agency offers comprehensive information to employers before they begin the hiring process. Founded a decade ago, Lotus is experienced with the application process from the pre-selection to visa and arrival arrangement stages. There’s a worker search function on its website

for you to get a better idea of the available candidates. There are branches in Causeway Bay, Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Kowloon City.Room C, 6/F, Guangdong Tours Centre, 18 Pennington St., Causeway Bay, 2577-6111, www.lotusmaid.com.hk

FairmaidA sister company of Maid For You, Fairmaid offers a database of helpers that you can peruse at your leisure. Employers pay a registration fee of $400 (or a $100 fi ve-day trial) to access the database, which they can browse through before contacting and interviewing prospective helpers.fairmaid.com

Overseas Employment CentreLongstanding agency Overseas Employment Centre was established way back in 1972. Having found helpers for more than 200,000 families in Hong Kong, it is an authority on the subject. OEC helps you fi nd the right domestic worker for your family’s needs, with free follow-up home visits, Chinese cooking classes and translation services during the fi rst year of employment. Various branches, including 2/F, Commercial House, 35 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2524-6195, www.overseas.com.hk

Technic Employment Service CentreTechnic works with domestic helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. The agency offers a package for employers looking to hire, which covers the helper’s fl ight to Hong Kong, medical checkup expenses, insurance, and assistance with reporting to the consulate—just to name some of the services. There are seven branches across the SAR. Various branches, including Unit A, 8/F, Man Hing Commercial Building, 79-83 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2522-6162, www.technic.com.hk

Fair Employment Agency

Helper Choice

Arrow

No

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KNOW & TEL

36

Interview IQFind the best fit for your family with these interview tip and tricks.

• Get the basics out of the way, such as name,

age, nationality and marital status.

• Learn more about why the workers moved to Hong Kong.

• Get information about the worker’s medical history.

• Check important documents such as passport,

work permit and HKID, if applicable.

• Ask scenario-based questions, such as how they

would react during a particular incident.

• Avoid asking simple yes or no questions, for example,

“Do you enjoy spending time with children?”

• Discuss your approach as a manager, suggested work load

and how to maintain a professional relationship

Ask AwayA few questions to get the right answers.

• Why did you decide to come to Hong Kong?

• How long have you been in Hong Kong?

• Do you plan on going home in the future?

• How many families have you worked with?

• What are your strongest skills?

• How do you manage your schedule?

• What is your favorite dish to cook?

• How much experience have you had

with children?

• How do you handle incidents where the

child has behaved badly? How would you

handle a situation where we disagree?


Hong Kong may be a buzzing urban metropolis, but its

little-known secret is that some 40 percent of the territory

is formed of country parks and nature reserves. Step

outside of downtown and you’ll discover steeple-top

mountain chains, remote hiking trails, rugged coastlines

and wild beaches. Plus with more marine diversity than the

Caribbean and one third of the total bird species in China,

you’ll soon want to spend all your precious time outdoors.

Rocky BeginningsThe most prominent protected nature reserve is the Hong

Kong Global Geopark of China, in the northeasterly Sai

Kung. One of the prettiest of these areas is Yan Chau Tong Marine Park: a happy result of violent volcanic eruptions

some 180 million years ago. Protected by mountain ranges,

erosion through the ages has been kind—it’s worth a visit to

explore the rocky headlands and cliffs which are surrounded

by picturesque bays and turquoise waters.

Under the SeaTo discover what lies beneath Hong Kong’s calm waters,

escape to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park (Hoi Ha literally

translates to “under the sea”), a sheltered bay that’s

famous for its coral collection. You might be able to

spot more than 60 species of hard coral just from a clear

spot on the surface, or dive down further to happen upon

colorful soft coral and more than 120 species of � sh.

Feeling ReservedKeep your feet on dry land at the renowned Hong Kong Wetland Park, some 60 hectares of wetland reserve with

specially designed habitats for its water-bird species.

The large visitor center holds regular themed exhibitions,

plus you can meet the salt water crocodile “Pui Pui.” Mai Po Nature Reserve is another must-visit wetlands that

supports thousands of birds during migratory season—

plus a whole host of vibrating insects and gei wai

freshwater shrimp.

For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide

A series of stories, recommendations and tips on Hong Kong from people in the know. Explore our city

based on the travel experiences that interest you and get itineraries for off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Settling DownSettlers from Guangdong, the Tang

Clan, � rst established their walled

villages in Ping Shan. They constructed

a large number of traditional Chinese

buildings—halls, temples and

pagodas—that you can see if you

follow the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. This 1.6km-long route offers a window

into the unique characteristics of life

in Yuen Long. While you’re here, try

poon choi—a time-honored village dish

with layers of ingredients served in a

metal basin.

Sleepy VillagesFrom traditional walled villages to

ancient � shing villages, Yuen Long

prides itself on protecting its age-old

buildings and its lush green spaces.

Head to Lau Fau Shan, a rural � shing

village in Deep Bay that’s traditionally

famous for its oyster farming—and its

oyster sauce. Life today is somewhat

sleepier: you’re more likely to � nd old

� shing boats, rafts gently � oating in the

shallows, and expansive mud� ats.

Special SundownersAs the sun sets, the shoreline of

Ha Pak Nai becomes a shutterbug’s

paradise as crowds gather at the

water’s edge, looking across the bay

to Mainland China, while the day’s

departing rays bathe the mangroves,

� sh ponds and sandy � ats in a warm

glow. Another unmissable Yuen Long

stop before the day’s end is Ho To Tai Noodle Shop—a famous 1940s

era eatery that serves bowls of � rm,

springy wonton noodles.

Head online to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide to create your personalized itinerary for Yuen Long.

Spotlight on: Yuen LongTravel up into the far northwestern reaches of Hong Kong and you may be surprised

to discover that the once rural outpost of Yuen Long is now a thriving modern town.

The district has certainly come a long way since its � rst Chinese settlers in the Song

Dynasty (960-1279 AD), but large parcels of land are still devoted to the bird-laden

wetlands, scenic nature reserves and tranquil waterside villages.

Get insights and tips on

your tablet from Hong

Kong Insider’s Guide

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Natural Heritage

Ha Pak Nai

supports thousands of birds during migratory season—

plus a whole host of vibrating insects and

freshwater shrimp.

For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide

HKTB List FP 2015 May 2.indd 1 06/07/2015 5:20 PMAd Jul 15.indd 37 07/07/2015 6:49 PM

KNOW & TEL

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AnnerleyWith about 55 years of collective experience in entrusting their own children with qualified helpers, the staff at midwives’ clinic Annerley are dedicated to having helpers receive the right training to maintain a safe and happy household. For families expecting their first baby, the “My First Helper” package ($6,280) includes an initial consultation, an 18-hour course on how to take care of a newborn—taking into account emergencies where first aid and CPR are needed—and an additional 6-hour course on all the important changes when your baby grows into a rowdy toddler. A workshop on managing food in the household, food safety and general childcare is also included.17/F, Tak Woo House, 17-19 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2983-1558, www.annerley.com.hk

EnrichFounded in 2007, Enrich holds subsidized training sessions for migrant workers—usually the sole breadwinners who, in some cases, are working in debt to pay off placement fees. Taught in the migrants’ own languages, these

workshops aim to empower and help individuals not only get out of debt, but gain financial literacy and, for those interested, entrepreneurship skills. Enrich currently offers four courses: Money Wise Migrants teaches about visualization, setting financial goals and planning better budgets; Investments for Migrants helps with building long term plans; Speak Up is a course on assertive communication; and Setting Up My Business teaches the practical steps before starting a business. Courses are held across town, either at the Enrich center, in Discovery Bay, or at the YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui.1102 Enterprise Building, 228-238 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2386-5811, www.enrichhk.org

In Safe Hands Maternity and childcare agency In Safe Hands offers nanny, maternity nurse, and one-off babysitting or mother assistance services. Want to equip your domestic worker with skills to handle any emergency at home? In Safe Hands offers CPR and First Aid courses, held either in the client’s home or at physiotherapy center The Body Group

in Central. Baby massage classes, feeding and sleeping consultations are also part of the center’s other services. 2323-2676, www.insafehands.com.hk

Maid For YouTeaming up with midwives’ clinic Annerley, Maid For You offers helper courses tailored to the needs of a Hong Kong household, with anything from caring for newborns or toddlers, adjusting for your child to spend more time with your domestic worker (perfect for moms planning to return to work) as well as classes for food safety and first aid. www.maidforyou.com.hk

Safety, skills and support

HELPFUL CLASSES

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Matilda International HospitalThe Matilda International Hospital holds regular health education courses, with some directly aimed at domestic workers, equipping them with practical knowledge to better take care of young children. The full day, eight-hour childcare course covers hygiene and play, bathing, feeding and nappy changing, as well as the all-important topic of how to deal with a crying infant. Students will receive a record of attendance after passing a multiple choice exam and performance evaluation at the end of the course. Pediatric first aid is also another course option. 41 Mount Kellett Rd., The Peak, 2849-0111, www.matilda.org

SuperhelperSuperhelper offers ongoing home management and cooking workshops for domestic workers. Home management courses cover everything from caring for and cleaning different fabrics, pet care, table setting, and more. As for cooking, classes include everything from vegetarian cooking to

Western to Asian. The recipes sound pretty awesome—think ceviche, Mediterranean-style fish and cashew and herb-crusted lamb rack. Single sessions start from $500.36A Island Rd., Deep Water Bay, 2812-0446, www.superhelper.org

The Family ZoneRun by Yvonne Heavyside, a nursing consultant and trained Health Visitor, The Family Zone offers postnatal visits and support on breastfeeding and helping to monitor newborns until 5 months old. It also offers an 11-hour course for foreign domestic workers to better care for babies and young children, equipping them with childcare, First Aid and CPR skills. All safety scenarios are covered and practiced in a real home. Classes are held across two Saturdays in Pokfulam, and come with a handbook, test and certificate upon completion. thefamilyzone.hk

Towngas CookingTowngas Cooking is known throughout the SAR as one of the authorities in cookery, and often has a focus on creative and healthy recipes. A six-course certificate course is available for domestic workers—it covers all the basics of Cantonese home cooking, including long- and quick-boiled soup, congee, steaming, stir-frying, shallow and deep frying, stewing and braising, as well as making a range of Chinese desserts. Classes are conducted in English and Cantonese.Shop 9A, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival St., Causeway Bay, 2576-1535, www.towngascooking.com

YMCA At the YMCA, domestic workers can partake in all sorts of courses for personal development—from professional beauty courses to English or Cantonese lessons—or for better preparedness for at-home duties, such as baby care and caring for the elderly. Computer courses are available, from basic computer operation to Microsoft Access taught in Bahasa. Business-related skills such as bookkeeping classes are also offered, with some classes on personal and business finance management offered by the local financial literacy training center Enrich.41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2268-7736, www.ymcahk.org.hk

YWCA Centre of Learning and Life EnhancementYou’ll find a whole host of cooking courses catered to domestic workers at the YWCA. They’re all categorized by types of dishes, so if you wanted your helper to master dishes such as baked chicken fingers or even Jamaican jerk chicken, then check out the “Chicken-Tastic” course. Fish-centric classes, vegetarian cooking, as well as dessert sessions, are also available. Classes start from $500. clle.ywca.org.hk

YWCA Centre of Learning

and Life Enhancement


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The List: How did Helpers Campaign come about?Tom Grundy: I founded it with a friend last year amidst the Erwiana torture case. It’s a multimedia advocacy campaign, which promotes the rights of domestic workers with three campaign points that we developed in consultation with legal experts, domestic workers themselves and other NGOs. The points focus on the two-week rule, maximum working hours and illegal agency fees. We act as a kind of bridge between NGOs and the media, and we have worked with photographer and videographers to produce mini campaigns that nudge cultural values and embrace domestic workers as part of the community in Hong Kong.

The List: Why is Hong Kong so dependent on domestic workers?TG: We believe that domestic workers are the engine of the economy and the backbone of the middle class. Without them, Hong Kong’s economy and how it functions could be quite dire. They enable women to work in Hong Kong and enable double-income households, and they fi ll in the gaps where the government is failing to provide things like childcare and elderly care. We respect them as an important part of Hong Kong society. When you arrive as a foreigner, it can feel a bit odd. But domestic helpers want to work, and employees want to employ them.

The List: What other social impacts does this have?TG: Another way to think about it is that you have a displaced mother

phenomenon. These women are coming from The Philippines, Indonesia and other places, in order to work and create a better situation for their own families. They’re looking after someone else’s family while the mother is absent during day—so in both cases, the mother is displaced but they’re both doing these things in order to make the best situation for these children.

The List: What exactly is the two-week rule?TG: If an employer ends a contract, the domestic worker has two weeks to leave the territory. It’s unreasonable, since it can take immigration up to a month to transfer a work visa, and should be extended or scrapped altogether. It’s also discriminatory: this is not the case with other foreign workers in Hong Kong. We are treated like expats, whereas a domestic worker is treated like an immigrant. There are some political parties that want to make the “two-week” rule “zero days” so that you can sack your domestic worker and they’d be obliged to leave immediately. But this is an archaic rule that’s been condemned by Amnesty International and other human rights agencies as being out of step with the rest of the world.

The List: What should employers be aware of when hiring from an agency?TG: If the agency has confiscated the worker’s passport, then it’s a red flag that there might be a debt bondage issue at play. As Amnesty International pointed out in a report two years ago, debt bondage is a form of slavery. What happens,

particularly in Indonesia, is that the workers are made to work off a debt that they’ve accrued during a training program. They can get into tens of thousands of dollars in debt, which entraps workers in potentially harmful situations. If you’re hiring a domestic worker, it’s worthwhile to ask to see the contract and check on any unreasonable demands.

The List: What are common misconceptions about domestic workers?TG: We talk a lot about the rights of domestic workers—the amount time they have off and having reasonable living space. There are some simple things that surprise employers: for example, the day off on Sundays is a full day off—that’s 24 hours, not just 9am-5pm. The same goes for public holidays—domestic workers are entitled to full days.

Help Your HelperCo-founder of advocacy group HK Helpers Campaign, Tom Grundy talks about domestic workers’ rights, scrapping the “two-week law” and how you can be a more responsible employer.


KNOW & TEL

The List: How else does discrimination affect domestic workers? TG: Treatment in shops and day-to-day discriminations are among the main complaints we hear from domestic workers. Aside from separate queues at immigration and border points, domestic workers are also not included in the census—they’re not treated like real people. On Sundays in Victoria Park, when the place is packed, there’s a shopping center that charges $5 to use the lift—but only on Sundays.

Tom Grundy is a Hong Kong-based journalist and human rights activist who co-founded HK Helpers Campaign (hkhelperscampaign.com) and has just launched Hong Kong Free Press (www.hongkongfp.com).

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Be a better boss

EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

We asked experts for their advice on how you can be a more professional, compassionate and responsible employer.

DORIS LEE Co-founder of Open Door

The nonprofit member-based organization promotes mutual understanding and respect between foreign

domestic workers and employers in Hong Kong. It conducts cultural activities as well as talks and

workshops. Open Door is in the process of putting together an Employer Best Practice Handbook

and welcomes readers to share their ideas online. www.opendoor.hk

Communicate ExpectationsWork expectations should be communicated as clearly and early as possible. Employers may want to focus on delegating the tasks at hand, while leaving some autonomy to the worker regarding how to complete them. Also remember that English or Cantonese might not be the domestic worker’s native language, and the employer may want to have the domestic worker repeat the instructions, especially if it’s a new task. To avoid miscommunication, encourage the worker to request clarification if they have not fully understood something.

Check In RegularlyAfter establishing a new work routine or set of tasks, meet with the worker regularly during quiet times. Ask about problems or suggestions regarding the new routine, and also give feedback on work performance.

Be ConstructiveOne of the top wishes of domestic workers—even more important than a high salary or appropriate types of work—is that they simply be treated with respect and patience by their employer. If the worker has not completed a task or met your expectations, do not react angrily or humiliate them. You may create a distant and hostile relationship and destroy an important feedback channel: the honest and accurate reports from the worker about what happens in your absence, or how certain arrangements are affecting their life. Instead, respond briefly, patiently and clearly when you note a mistake by the worker. During your regular check-in, create an open atmosphere that’s conducive to two-way communication and discussing how the overall routine can be improved.

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A Helping HandEasy ways to show you care.

Welcome PackWhen your new worker arrives, greet them with a small welcome basket of practical items that they might need, like towels, shampoo and snacks.

Pay it ForwardIn most instances, workers won’t get paid until the end of the fi rst month, so they will be very tight on cash. Offering to give a portion of their salary in advance could help them feel less anxious.

Family MattersRemember that most domestic workers are far away from their families, often leaving small children behind. To help them cope with the feeling of displacement and homesickness, ask to talk about their families, look at photos, learn the names of their children and set aside time so they can call home.

Provide PrivacyHong Kong homes tend to be small and there are often no clear working hours for live-in domestic workers. Thus domestic workers are often worked to exhaustion. During the least demanding times of day—typically after the children have been sent to school or after dinner—allow the worker to have their own time, space and freedom to enjoy an activity or some company.

Respect Food CustomsLive-in domestic workers are nearly all from Indonesia or the Philippines. They may have food customs and preferences different from yours. Take time to learn about them, and when you do your grocery shopping for the household, purchase foods that the worker might want to eat—be it coffee, dried fi sh or snacks. It would be a sign of respect for the worker’s different cultural background, as well as of their contribution to your household.

Set PrioritiesExpecting one person to complete a wide range of tasks to a high degree

of perfection—for example, monitoring toddlers while also cleaning an oily kitchen—can be a recipe for risky situations. Set priorities, and have realistic and reasonable expectations for the rest of the workload. For example, with small children, you may establish that their constant monitoring and safety is the fi rst priority; if the children are much older, you may expect the domestic worker to focus on cleaning or more elaborate cooking.

Choose an Agent CarefullyIf you must go through an employment agency, choose with great care to ensure that workers are treated fairly and not taken advantage of. Choosing one with integrity and good service may require paying a higher agency fee, yet could prevent problems from appearing later—ultimately saving you more expense, time and hassle. One good example is Fair Employment Agency (www.fairagency.org), a unique non-profi t that aims to provide quality and transparent service to employers and helpers alike, and never charges domestic helpers placement fees.

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Set a ScheduleIt’s highly recommended that employers and employees discuss specific working hours, as well as daily schedules, as early as possible. They should write down agreed tasks on a calendar and put it somewhere visible for both parties. This agreement should also include leisure and relaxation time for the domestic worker. A clear set of terms is helpful for both employer and employee and can prevent unnecessary frustration or misunderstandings.

Watch the ClockAs there are no stated maximum working hours for foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, they can often feel they are on call 24 hours a day. Though not legally required in Hong Kong, it is a well-established

REIKO HARIMA Managing director of Asian Migrant Centre

The NGO acts as an education and resource center, pioneering the Asian Domestic Workers Union in Hong Kong in 1989. The AMC provides research, information, training,

development services and advocates for the human rights of migrant workers. www.asian-migrants.org

international standard that the working day should be eight hours. Mutually agreed work schedules will help avoid frustration among both parties.

Be SupportiveThere are a number of associations and trade unions aimed at foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. The activities carried out by these groups vary from cultural activities to leadership training and learning about labor rights. Most foreign domestic workers active in these areas have good relationships with their employers, tend to have a better sense of fulfilment and be more productive overall. New employers should be aware of this, and do not need to be defensive when employees are involved in group activities.

Honor Days OffAs domestic workers are required to live with their employers, their living quarters are located within the employer’s house or flat. It is therefore convenient for workers to continue to carry out their duties—like taking out the trash, doing the dishes, or cooking—even on their days off. Employers should proactively inform the workers that they do not need to perform such duties and encourage them to enjoy their private free time.

Give Plenty of NoticeEmployers should be aware of some of the hardships facing domestic workers, including the two-week rule. Essentially this law requires a domestic worker to find a new employer within two weeks of a terminated contract or else leave Hong Kong. Many send remittances home. Losing their job means loss of income for the family and workers might feel pressured to take on and accept any job offer they can find, making them vulnerable to exploitation by employers and recruitment agencies. Given this situation, employers are advised to inform a worker at least one month in advance if they are planning to terminate a contract.

Know the SystemAll employers should understand their responsibilities as employers, especially when it comes to wages, food allowance, weekly days off, statutory holidays, annual leave and more. Do your due diligence to be a more responsible employer.


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Help!If a foreign domestic worker is in a jam, where can they turn?

Mission for Migrant WorkersThis is one of the city’s longest-running organizations, providing aid for migrant workers in distress since 1981. It runs the Bethune House refuge, which provides shelter to female FDWs who have ongoing police and labor conflicts or who are in between employers. There is an urgent need for volunteers—you can help out through food drives, offer health education or lend an ear and listen to the women’s stories.www.migrants.net

HK Helpers CampaignHK Helpers Campaign was formed by local activists speaking out about the

unfair practices that FDWs experience, and linking them up with the media and authorities. Among various campaign points, they lobby for lawmakers to scrap the “two week rule.” See p.40 for our interview with co-founder Tom Grundy for more information.hkhelperscampaign.com

Open DoorOpen Door aims to promote mutual understanding between employee and employer. Through a range of educational and cultural activities, the charity works to educate Hongkongers to protect and socially include FDWs as part of the city.www.opendoor.hk

PathfindersLocal NGO Pathfinders helps female migrant workers burdened by “crisis” pregnancies, and makes sure the

children of migrant workers in Hong Kong are cared for. Assisting with anything from legal advice to counselling, Pathfinders aims to help mothers and mothers-to-be make informed life decisions.Unit 2D, Worldwide Centre, 123 Tung Chau St., Tai Kok Tsui, 5190-4886, www.pathfinders.org.hk

Helpers for Domestic HelpersFounded by a group of lawyers who regularly worshipped at St. John’s Cathedral—where many Filipino domestic workers also congregate—Helpers for Domestic Helpers provides free legal advice and assistance, as well as counselling for low-income groups. St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Rd., Central, 2523-4020, www.hdh-sjc.org

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Bikini Fit Founded by tough-stuff personal trainer Alex de Fina, Bikini Fit is a 12-week, women-only fitness program that promotes healthy bodies through holistic lifestyle changes. The sessions are held outdoors—at Hong Kong Park, Sun Yat Sen Park, Kowloon Park or Victoria Park—in the morning, six days a week. On the second Sunday of every month, members are invited to bring their domestic workers along to Tamar Park to join the workout.3/F, Hong Kong House, 17-19 Wellington St., Central, 2799-9603, www.bikinifit.com.hk

Harbour RunnersHarbour Runners is a social community-based running crew founded in Hong Kong that aims to connect people through running as well as advocate for exploring Hong Kong’s beautiful cityscape. Started as a group of friends running regularly for the sake of health, the group eventually transformed into a public group workout, meeting every Wednesday at 7:45am. 9774-3322, www.harbourrunners.hk

Hong Kong Arts CentreThe Hong Kong Arts Centre offers free 45- to 60-minute guided tours to the public under four different themes. Participants will get to meet people from different backgrounds and ages, who have all come to share their appreciation for art. The tour can be conducted in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. Reservations are required. Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2582-0231, www.hkac.org.hk

Hong Kong Hiking MeetupThis is a group of enthusiastic hikers who organize about 1,500 hikes a year, which on average, adds up to about four hikes a day! HKHM also has a strong focus on safety and competence when organizing and running the hike. With quality hikes, the group also manages to serve the community by participating in charity, and volunteering to help those in need. This group is free of charge, but participants will need to arrange their own transportation to the trails.9188-5565, www.facebook.com/hongkonghikingmeetup

Kumi Drum JamTap in your inner wild child at Kumi’s monthly free drum jam on Sundays at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, where you can pick up some drum sticks and join in the fun—no experience necessary. The sessions are facilitated by Japanese drum maestro Kumi Masunaga, whose passion in life is sharing the power of the beat, and you can take your pick from dozens of percussion instruments on offer. Check out the website for more details.Piazza, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., 9750-4212, www.drum-jam.com

Language Exchange Hong Kong Language Exchange Hong Kong is a community of local and international language learners who come together to socialize and improve their foreign language abilities at the same time. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and make new friends from all walks of life. There are free weekly language exchanges in English and Putonghua, or English and Cantonese,

Free classes and activities

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Hong Kong Arts Centre

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which usually start with a fun ice breaker that gets you talking, then moves to a quick vocabulary lesson. Check out the website for more details. 11/F, Win Century Centre, 2A Mong Kok Rd., Mong Kok, 9438-0945, www.lexhongkong.com

Laughter YogaLaughter Yoga is all about cheering yourself up through aerobic exercise together with laughter practice, body movement, yogic breathing and a little bit of imagination. You’ll be able to meet others who share the same interests in staying healthy and fi t. With many branches across Hong Kong, laughter clubs are free for everyone and there’s none of the fuss of membership fees or application forms. 9381-0802, laughteryogahongkong.com

Project X TeamExcelling in the art of adrenaline rushes, Project X Team is a diverse group of individuals who love extreme sports and living on the edge. Whether it’s on land, under the sea or high up in the sky, Project X Team is out to take on blood-pumping activities, as well as community events, volunteer initiatives and environmental causes. Climbing and diving make up the most popular outings, but there’s always something new. www.projectxteam.org

Sahaja YogaSahaja Yoga provides free meditation classes in various locations around Hong Kong. The practice of meditation is meant to help people fi nd deep peace, mental control and a sense of awareness, which occurs when the mind is calm, silent yet completely alert. Check out the site for more details.Unit C, 4/F, Gee Lok Industrial Building, 34 Hung To Rd., Kwun Tong, 2915-0092, www.sahajayoga.org.hk

The Art of LivingFounded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living provides creative types with a way to de-stress. With an aim to provide a healthy outlet and a relaxing environment away from the city’s busy daily grind, Art of Living puts on free group yoga sessions every Saturday from 3-4:30pm at different locations around town. Yogis can join in with other like-minded individuals or fi nd out more about the other free classes, which cover meditation and breathing techniques. 2311-2298, www.artofliving.org

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Sahaja Yoga

Harbour Runners

Laughter Yoga


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xxx

Out & AboutFun for all the family: on Sunday or every day

Frozen in TimeEscape the summer heat at the Frozen Village with everybody’s favorite Disney queen. Elsa and Co. will be around this Frozen paradise, breaking into songs from the movie and performing an exciting rendition of “Let it Go”. The magical journey continues in the Frozen Festival Square, where you get to actually build your own snowman, play with Olaf and try out a fun toboggan ride.Through August 30. Disneyland, Lantau Island, 3550-3388, www.hongkongdisneyland.com. $499 for adults; $355 for kids

Hop to ItAs you might infer from the name, Ryze is a popular trampoline park

where kids and adults alike test their athletic skills with high jumps, train their balance on tight ropes or simply jump (or somersault) into a pool of soft cushions. There’s also a basketball post where kids can practice their slam-dunks, or alternatively, a dodgeball court with all kinds of cool angled walls. Unit 302, 3/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Rd., Quarry Bay, 2337-8191, www.ryzehongkong.com. One-hour entry from $150 for adults, $95 for kids

Join the Carnival The International Arts Carnival is bringing together a series of live productions and musical performances. Children can take a walk through a swamp with Australian puppeteer Jeff Achtem in “Swamp Juice,” where snails and snakes come to life in the form of shadow puppets; or dive under the sea into the world of Prince Toto, who is living out an alternative ending

Disney’s Frozen Village

In all major bookstores now! Or order yours at: www.historicalhkhikes.com


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to “Ariel the Little Mermaid” where the princess vanishes into foam. Through August 16. Various theaters. Tickets from www.hkiac.gov.hk

Science of ThingsLearn a thing or two on your next family outing with a guided “Science Explorer” walk around the Hong Kong Science Park. It covers all things technology, as you’re led through the campus in which the city’s

latest scientifi c and technological developments take place. Interactive exhibitions and fun zones will teach children about sustainable practices and introduce the life and achievements of fi ber optics developer Professor Charles K. Kao. Kids can dive even deeper into the world of technology as they venture into TechUniverse, a virtual world of computer interfaces and augmented reality.1/F, Enterprise Place, Science Park, Sha Tin, 2629-6961, www.hkstp.org. Free; booking required

Walk and TalkGet a breath of fresh air in the wilderness of Lantau during this 1.5-kilometer Ngong Ping Fun Walk, which will take you and the little ones through as many as six attractions, from Misty Lantau to Ancient Gateway, Scenery of Lakes to Tea Walk. The 45-minute walk leading up to this scenic journey won’t be dull either,

as it passes through grand calligraphic columns along Wisdom Path and a relaxing Tea Garden nearby.

Getting there: Starting point is a 15-minute walk along the hiking path from the Tea Garden near the Po Lin Monastery. Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. 3666-0606, www.np360.com.hk. $165 for adults; $85 for kids

Ngong Ping Fun Walk

International Arts Carnival


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Dear Mrs. KIA, My helper is leaving and we’re devastated. How do I go about finding someone new and reliable? – Utterly Helpless

This issue of The List has been put together for someone just like you, Utterly Helpless, so I hope it’s given you some useful insights.

The best advice I can give for finding a new helper—and this is advice that I have also received myself—is to rely on word of mouth. This way you can be sure of good references and can quiz the previous employers to your heart’s content. You’ll find that at this time of year in particular, lots of expats are moving away, so their domestic workers will be looking for new employment. Pay attention to Facebook groups (Hong Kong Moms, Discovery Bay Mums, Hong Kong Expatriates)—there will almost certainly be a group pertaining to your locality which will be more useful for hiring someone who’s already settled in your neighborhood.

However if this isn’t working, there is reliable support out there to help you find someone. Helper Choice (www.helperchoice.com) is a database that helps match helpers to employers—both parties

MRS. KNOW-IT-ALL

The List’s very own mom-in-the-know shares her Hong Kong tips and tricks with readers.

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can upload their profi les to the site and make use of the service’s messaging system to whittle down the choices for an interview.

Essentially, fi nding someone who’s the right fi t all comes down to your interview technique. Make sure that you are 100 percent clear on what you would like your helper to do: how many children you have to look after; if you expect cleaning and cooking to be part of the duties; and what benefi ts you are willing to offer. You must be realistic and upfront at this stage, or risk running into problems later.

If you need help interviewing, then Annerley midwifery clinic (2983-1558, www.annerley.com.hk) offers an interesting range of services: there’s a free workshop on hiring a helper, private consultation sessions with a psychotherapist to help you in hiring and training ($1,500), or even a screening and assessment test for your candidates ($1,500) so you can have an expert opinion.

Once you’ve made your choice, the visa process is complicated so be sure to read up on the legalese. There are numerous employment agencies that can fi ll out all the necessary paperwork for you, and the Immigration Department (www.immd.gov.hk) provides a lot of information if you want to go at it alone.

Hope that helps!

The List’s very own mom-in-the-know shares her Hong Kong tips and tricks with readers.

Need help? Send your questions and conundrums to [email protected].

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Stella AbrahamHead of Residential Leasing and Relocation Services, Hong Kong

+852 2846 [email protected]/JonesLangLaSalleHongKonghttp://stellahkrealestate.comwww.jllresidential.com/hk

Stella’s 852 advice: It is important to ask all the questions on your mind because you don’t want any surprises later on. There is no such thing as too many questions!

15 must-ask questions for your helpers-to-be! A 15-minute interview plus a reference is rarely sufficient to determine whether you can trust another person, especially if they are going to be working for you and living in your home.

Knowing the right questions to ask your future helper is key to knowing if they would be a perfect fit for you and your family. Below is a list of recommended questions for you to ask.

Tell me about yourself.

Do you have any medical issues we should know about?

Tell me about your previous work experiences.

How many past employers have you had as a helper?

How long did you work with each of them?

Describe what you liked/disliked about working with them.

What was the most significant responsibility you had with your previous employer?

What is your idea of a perfect employer?

What are your favourite dishes to cook?

Have you worked with children before?

How old were they?

How well do you know Hong Kong?

Do you have any of your own pets?

Would you be interested in taking any courses to improve your skills?

What are your long-term goals?


54

Reach TheList readers browsing right here.

Book this space 2565 2310

CLASSES / HEALTH & BEAUTY

A professional tennis coach

is available for all level and all

ages. Fun. Stokes production, get

fit and match play. Contact Ganes

6447 – 0905

DANCETRINITY STUDIOAll day classes for Salsa, Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tango, Ballroom, ZUMBA and more! See the schedule @ www.dancetrinity.com now! +852 9634-9770

TUTORING IGCSE / A LEVELS / IB / SATMaths, English & Literature. Bio, Chemistry, Physics. Accounting, Bus Studies, Economics, Geography, History, PE, Psychology. French, German, Spanish, Chinese. Years 1 to 13. Key Stages 1 to 3, SSAT & UK Common Entrance 7+ to 16+. ESF, Boarding and International Schools. Call: Tutoring 6461-8690

MANDARIN 漢語/CANTONESE 廣東話

CHINESE NANNIESPlay, read stories, songs, toys, fun games and guide your kids to discover the daily life…CHINESE TUTORSFor kindergarten, primary and secondary students, Experience tutoring students from GSIS, HKIS, CDNIS, KGV, Kellet, ISF, CIS…Help prepare IGCSE, IB, SAT, HSK…Please visit www.call-a-tutor.com2572-8989

THE YOGA ROOM (YOGA & PILATES)We are a boutique Yoga Studio in Sheung Wan offering classes in Hot Yoga, Hatha, Meditation, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Candlelight Yin, Yin Yang, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga, Yoga for kids, Pre-natal Pilates. We also offer yoga private classes at your home, office & our studios. Come and try our 1 free class now! Tel: [email protected]

CONNIE’S HEALTH STATION IN CENTRALParaffin Body Wrap Reduces bloating moisturizes with Vit E 45 mins Trial Offer HK$365 Tel: 6142-4466 Whatsapp: 5598-1359

BODY MASSAGE IN CENTRAL20+ yrs experience First Trial: HK$300 / 60 mins Make a reservation on Whatsapp 6099-8494 Cash ONLY

TENNIS COACH. MOTIVATOR. FITNESS TRAINER U.S. Certified

Professional. Stroke production

and match play. All ages & levels.

Call Larry 9013-8344 /

www.acematchpoint.com


55

CLASSES / HEALTH & BEAUTY


56

HOME

MONGKOK Tel: (852) 5104-83259/F Unit B, Fuk Chiu Factory Bldg, 20 Bute St, Mong Kok旺角弼街20號福照工廠大廈9樓B室

WANCHAI Tel: (852) 5981-16368/F Shun Pont Commercial Bldg, 5-11 Thomson Road, Wan Chai灣仔譚臣道5-11號信邦商業大廈8樓

Wan Chai, Exit B2Mong Kok, Exit A2

MODERN LIGHTINGS

MODERN DINING CHAIRS

SOLID OAK WOOD COLLECTION

MODERN SOFAS


57

HOME / ETC

DR. FIX IT ALL – HANDYMAN Excellent Service-No Job Is Too Trivial, no task too difficult. From hanging pictures to moving / decorating full house, we are your choice. Painting, Shelf & Ceiling Fan Installations, Electrical repairs. More details on website www.drfixitall.hk Tel: 2525-0055 [email protected]

ELITE MOVERS & HANDYMANPacking, Moving, Storage, Handyman, Single-Item move, Disposal Service, All kinds of electrical work, hanging curtains, shelves & TV mounting. T: 8209-1793 M: 9811-2053 www.emdhk.com

HOUSE PAINTING! UK Tradesman. Fast, tidy & reliable. Call: 2815-7929, www.cdihk.com

Mobile DJ Service for wedding,

private, office parties. Offering

disco, club, R&B or by requests.

Mixer provided. Enquiry

9215-8022,

[email protected]


58

HIDDEN GEMS

CHOP ALLEYMore commonly known in the west as company stamps, chops and seals have been in use for thousands of years and were an indispensable part of Chinese culture. Head to “Chop Alley” in Sheung Wan to see traditional seal makers still at work, carving small stone blocks—though modern plastic and metal versions are also now available—that are used on the bottom of offi cial documentation in Hong Kong. You can get your own

design made here if you’re after the ultimate personalized stationery.

Man Wah Lane, Sheung Wan

21 Hidden Gem Jul 15.indd 58 10/07/2015 11:43 AM

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The List #241, Jul 15 2015

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Transcript of The List #241, Jul 15 2015