A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2019 / January 2020

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • December 2019 / January 2020 THANK YOU! We thank our fantastic partners for their support to the AWA WISE Series 2019-20 Event REINVENT YOURSELF & SWITCH CAREERS

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The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956 We are a vibrant organization of international women. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect and contribute in Hong Kong.

AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM EDITOR Stephanie Chan [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITOR 15 Samantha Merton CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Chan Annie Fifer Carmela Gollogley Vanessa Lenzlinger Nimmi Malhotra Contents Augusta Nichols-Even Andrea Roth Vasavi Seethepalli Gail Sousa News from the Board 2 AWA Enjoys 3 GRAPHICS Jacky Ngan Better Know a Member 5 ADVERTISING MANAGER Catching Up with AWA’s Scholarship Recipients 6 Rehana Sheikh [email protected] 12 Calling All English Speakers! 7 Thick Air in Hong Kong: Insights from Experts 8 Introducing the Champion: Alisa Camplin 12 PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY R&R Publishing Ltd. Maligayang Pasko! Filipino Christmas Traditions 14 2126 7812 [email protected] Charity Bazaar 2019 15 www.rrpublishing.com.hk Sparkling Wines to Kick Off the Holidays 21 Calendar 22 PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE AFTER READING. 21

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Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. Copyright 2019. The content of the AWAre publication is the property of the American Women's Association. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association. NEWS FROM THE BOARD

News from the Board By Gail Sousa, 2nd Vice President, Membership

IT’S ALWAYS interesting when one attends different story, listen attentively and show respect and kindness to events but takes away complementary ideas. I recently other. attended an AWA WISE networking event where I had 45 As VP of membership I was in charge of our seconds to “tell my story” to someone I didn’t know. It Welcome Back Breakfast earlier this fall. I felt it was time makes you think: what is important or different to tell to refresh the format, so I decided to mix things up: new someone so they’ll remember me? Being succinct and room layout, a buffet breakfast set up outside the offering something memorable is especially important in a ballroom, club and activity representatives mingling networking environment. Afterward we discussed what it inside the ballroom, vendors, a panel discussion with means to tell your story: how to highlight your three speakers representing different types of AWA background, recall conflicts or tough scenarios (and the members, and random seating to encourage meeting solutions), and explain how those experiences might be new friends. I loved how many of you stayed to chat useful in the future. It can be hard to admit failures or more after the presentation. This event always reminds setbacks, but discussing and then moving past them me of all the great things AWA does. Seeing helps us grow and be successful. representatives from all facets of our organization The day after the networking event was our board engaging with everyone in attendance was wonderful. development day, an annual mini-retreat when members As was depicted throughout the morning, we really do of the board set priorities for the year ahead and learn offer something for everyone. about each other’s working and So I encourage you to spread the communication styles. One of our word. As strong as our membership first activities was to pick a photo is, there are still many women — your from our phones, show it to another friends — who are unaware of the board member whom we did not breadth of AWA. Why not invite know well, and explain what the someone to a volunteer event, photo meant or why it was important fundraiser, WISE networking event, to us. The activity reminded me of coffee morning or OWL? All our the exercise the night before: tell ongoing activities allow for guest your story in 45 seconds. It was participation — it’s an easy way for interesting how seeing an image nonmembers to get a glimpse of and listening to a descriptive what they are missing out on. narrative can aid in knowing and Between now and year-end, bring a remembering a person. friend along to an activity you are Later we spent time on listening attending. It’ll be a good warm-up to for cues in conversation of what’s our “Share the Love” membership important to someone. Picking up drive, coming in February. on something, remembering it and Happy holidays. I hope you enjoy asking about it in the future can celebrating with family and friends. forge great teamwork and And don’t forget to come out and productiveness. We all have raise a glass at the AWA holiday different styles and motivators, but party at the bar at the Armoury in Tai we should all be able to tell our Kwun, on December 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

2 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 AWA ENJOYS

Walking Tour with Jason Wordie: Western District

Sunset Survivors Yau Ma Tei Walk with Lindsay Varty

Traditional Chinese Medicine 101 with Claire Cheng

Welcome New Members

Anita Atapattu Heather Latva-Kiskola Caroline Bouquet Patricia Mahadevan Maria Brusuelas Shalini Mahtani Jacqueline Deley Nimmi Malhotra Justyna Gomula Toni Mandoli Molly Grogan Julie Murray Megumi Harker Adrienne Ogier Sigrid Haszonits Stacey Osborn Stephanie Heydolph Tina Over Mid-Levels Coffee Claire Ikeda-Thew Maitreyi Rao Anne Jacquet Mary Roche Barry Lorraine Keeble Priya Subberwal Melodie Konforti Sandy Sveden Seow Ling Lynn Lan

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 3 AWA ENJOYS

Pink Walk for Breast Health

Halloween Pub Quiz at Little Creatures, Kennedy Town

Human and Animal Interaction in Hong Kong: CityU Veterinary College

AWA Afternoon Book Club, October meeting. The group will meet next on December 10 to discuss The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, and January 14 to discuss Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan. For the list of books and dates through next May, visit the AWA website under Activities – Ongoing Clubs and Sports – Afternoon Book Club.

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Better Know a Member: Lee Ann Verderese

How long have you lived in Hong Kong? Since August 2016. How long do you think you are going to stay/live in Hong Kong? I will be moving to New York City this summer of 2020, so I will have lived here for four years. Where are you from, and where have you lived? I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to New York after university to join Macy’s department store in their management training program. After a long career in buying and executive management for Macy’s, my husband’s job took us to Geneva, Switzerland. We had young children and thought a “few years” in Switzerland would be a great experience. Our stay in Geneva ended up being 14 years, after which we relocated to Hong Kong — also with my husband’s company. Children/family status? My husband and I have three children: Olivia, who is a senior at Syracuse University in the U.S.; Lucas, who is a senior at HKIS; and Cai Rose, who is in year 13 at South Island School. We will be attending three graduations this May! What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being with family and friends doing something I love, such as travel, sport or relaxing together at a beach. What is the quality you most like in a man? Humor, kindness and integrity. (Cannot choose just one!) What is the quality you most like in a woman? Same as What do you wish someone had told you in advance of above. your move? Don’t bring your baby grand piano! What has been your favorite AWA moment? The recent trip Where is your favorite travel destination? Japan. I’ve to Bhutan is my new favorite AWA memory. Fabulous tour, visited three times, but would definitely like to spend more great organization, very fun group of people, plus lots of time there. hiking, exploring, eating the local food and participating in Where are you going on your next trip? Singapore with my local customs. Amazing! I also have really enjoyed the two teenagers. classes and have learned to play mahjong, bridge and golf What do you most value in your friends? Support. while meeting new people. What is your current state of mind? Cannot wait until all the What do you most love about HK? I love having access to college applications are in! outdoor activities while living in an exciting and vibrant city. In If you could change one thing about yourself, what would 15 minutes, I can be at the beach or on a hiking trail. Best of it be? I would like to find the courage and time to launch my both worlds. I also like how easy it is to meet people and next career/business/project — my next chapter during the make friends in the large expat community. empty nest phase. It’s never too late! What do you dislike or find most challenging about HK? “Better Know a Member” is a series highlighting the diversity Not much to dislike here for me, just the polluted air days. of AWA’s membership. To suggest a subject (or to volunteer yourself!), please contact Annie Fifer at [email protected].

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 5 FEATURE

OUR Spanish Una Summer Degree Program: Bachelor of Arts Cultural Studies, Year 4 Internship: Product Catching Up with AWA’s development for Future Genius, maker of educational Lingnan University games for marginalized children (Barcelona) Scholarship Recipients Una already felt passionate about utilizing social media platforms to By Augusta Nichols-Even, Education and Scholarship Chair give a voice to marginalized groups, particularly around gender discrimination. Working closely with David, the impassioned founder of Future Genius, sparked Una’s I HAD THE privilege of catching up with the three Lingnan imagination to develop educational games for students with University students to whom the AWA awarded scholarships specific needs, such as ADHD students in Hong Kong and for summer internships abroad last spring. Mary, Una and China. She credits the experience with making her “more Rabia spent six weeks in Spain gaining valuable experience self-sufficient, adaptive, and globally informed.” living in Europe and working with startups. For all three, this was their first experience living away from home and having Rabia to be self-sufficient. Degree Program: Bachelor These impressive young women, true to their generation, of Business Administration are certain to find ways to contribute to society in the future. Marketing, Year 4 They are especially grateful to the AWA for affording them Internship: Market research this valuable experience. and promotional design and production for Elzerouno, a marketing communications Mary and game design company (Madrid) Degree Program: Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Translation, Rabia, inspired by Malala Year 3 Yousafzai and the fight for women’s rights, already described herself as “determined, Internship: Script translation for Cloud Guide, a mobile hard-working, creative” when we interviewed her for the app for tourists (Barcelona) scholarship. Her market research for Elzerouno was so Mary learned sign compelling, the company is expanding to Asia. And she was language growing up to entrusted with launching a Kickstarter campaign for a new communicate with her deaf game, conceptualizing the reward to attract contributors: a parents. Out of this grew a limited-stock custom game controller. She then researched passion for language, manufacturers in China and signed a deal in the final week of influencing her choice to study translation. Over the course of her internship, receiving praise and a job offer upon the internship she found her speaking voice, which came graduation. across clearly in her new confidence communicating in English. Because of this program, she said, “I feel more knowledgeable, more passionate, and have a stronger belief in what I am doing.”

6 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 FEATURE

Calling All English Speakers: AWA’s Local School Programs Need YOU!

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” —Malala Yousafzai English language volunteering in local schools has been a pillar of the AWA for decades, spearheaded by women who honor the next generation by sharing the gift of education. Every English language program we currently offer is in need of fresh volunteers this year to fill the shoes of those who have left Hong Kong. In Mei Foo, the Kei Chun Primary School alone has 17 volunteer opportunities open (see chart, right); classrooms full of children eager to learn from you. You may leave a lasting impression that can change the world. Email coordinator Shirley Andruko at [email protected] to learn more about the Mei Foo program or to sign up. Email addresses for all other program coordinators are listed on the Contact Information page at the back of this magazine.

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 7 FEATURE Thick Air in Hong Kong? Insights from the Experts

By Andrea Roth

IF YOU HAVE BEEN in Hong Kong in the past two months, you have noticed those days when visibility was low and the view out of the window was hazy. The air seemed to be of a grayish to yellowish color, and you might even have felt a bit of a scratchy feeling in your throat. In short, the air pollution level was so high that you couldn’t help but see and feel it. You are not alone. Ninety-one percent of the world’s population lives in places where air quality exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits. While there is little you can do about the air quality, you can still make informed decisions on how to react to high levels of air pollution. This is why the AWA Environmental Committee organized a panel discussion about Hong Kong air on October 18. Here is what we learned from L to R: Dr. Michelle Wong, Dave Ho, Sonalie Figueiras, Chiara Rodriquez, Patrick Fung the very knowledgeable speakers who shared facts, insights and tips with us. neurodevelopment and childhood obesity. Dr. Ho stated that pollutants harmful to fetuses have even been detected in the Why does air pollution matter and who is placenta of pregnant women. Moderator Sonalie Figueras, at risk? the founder of the Green Queen website, added that a recent According to Dr. Michelle Wong, senior communications university study in China found a link between “silent manager at the Hong Kong University of Science and miscarriages” and high levels of air pollutants. Other Technology (HKUST), air pollution contributes to 7 million vulnerable groups include the elderly, people with heart and deaths globally every year, including deaths due to strokes, lung conditions and people with already stressed body heart and lung diseases and cancer. Several air pollutants defense systems, such as smokers. have been identified as potentially harmful to our health, especially fine particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5. How bad is the air in Hong Kong and what High PM2.5 readings are considered a risk for long-term are the main causes? health, as those particles can deposit in the lungs and other It came as a surprise to me that the air quality in Hong Kong organs. Ozone, another air pollutant, poses the highest risk has improved substantially over the past six years. Yet for short-term health. Dr. Marco Ho, the president of the Hong despite the progress, pollution levels are still too high, Kong Institute of Allergy, confirmed a correlation between exceeding the guideline limits recommended by the WHO. excessive ground-level ozone and asthma episodes, Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and PM2.5 can be especially in children. captured at the source or reduced by eliminating the Young children are particularly vulnerable as they breathe sources, such as diesel vehicles or sulfur-rich fuel for vessels. more often and their respiratory systems are still developing. Ozone can’t be as easily controlled, as it is formed by Patrick Fung, CEO of the Clean Air Network, a local NGO, chemical reaction and influenced by a combination of factors. explained that air pollution can affect children’s health in In California, for example, it took more than 40 years to bring many ways, including not only respiratory problems such as the ozone levels down to the recommended level, said David asthma, chronic bronchitis or reduced lung function, but also Ho, assistant director of the Hong Kong government’s

8 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 FEATURE

Environmental Protection Department (Air Policy Division). air pollution even further, as Dr. Wong explained. They have Vehicle emissions are responsible for 90% of roadside air developed the app PRAISE-HK, which provides real-time pollution, Fung explained. Their impact is increased in urban and forecasted air quality and health risk information down to areas through the “street canyon effect,” caused by high the street where you are located. The data are generated by buildings on both sides of the street that create a wind a complex and very comprehensive modeling system that shadow and trap emissions. uses artificial intelligence. Comparison between modeled air The improvement of the air quality in Hong Kong has quality data and measured air quality (using sensors on been achieved through a mix of government policies. One smart lamp poles) in a test area in East Kowloon confirms important factor is the close cooperation with Guangdong PRAISE-HK’s data to be over 90% accurate. province, as air doesn’t stop at frontiers. The cooperation includes the management of a regional monitoring network What can you do? and the joint establishment of emission reduction targets. Dr. Ho, of the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy, has three Yet there remains a lot to do. Fung suggested looking at recommendations: First, take vitamins E and C to defend other cities worldwide for potential future air quality against the effects of ozone. Second, don’t engage in improvement policies, such as introducing traffic-free areas outdoor exercise when air pollution levels reach very high in the city or banning sales of cars that run on fossil fuels. He levels (red or brown on AQHI). Outdoor exercise at those also pointed out that environmental injustice exists in Hong levels will be harmful for everyone, not just vulnerable Kong. Schoolchildren, who spend their days in poorly populations. Finally, wearing a mask might help to prevent ventilated school buildings, and roadside workers, for the worst effects, if only to defend against viruses that are example, are exposed to higher health risks on days with often activated by high air pollution. high air pollution. He demanded to formulate a plan to Dr. Wong advises using the forecasting data of PRAISE- improve air quality for everyone in the community. HK to make informed decisions about the best time and location for a family outing, for example. The HKUST team is What is the best way to inform yourself in the process of refining the app to allow for personal about the current and forecasted levels of exposure tracking and personal symptom reports. air pollution? A big thank-you to the panelists, Dave Ho, Dr. Marco Ho, There are several apps and websites that inform users about Dr. Michelle Wong and Patrick Fung; to moderator Sonalie L to R: Dr. Michelle Wong, Dave Ho, Sonalie Figueiras, Chiara Rodriquez, Patrick Fung the current air quality in Hong Kong. What’s confusing Figueras; to Chiara Rodriquez, chair of the AWA though is that they tend to give different measurements and Environmental Committee, for having organized such a assessments of the level of air pollution. As I write this article, brilliant panel discussion; and to Explorium Hong Kong for the current air quality is rated as fair by Australia, moderate generously sponsoring a fabulous venue for the event. (6) by Hong Kong and red (exceeding the maximum level of ozone by 123%) by the WHO. The reasons for these different assessments are threefold: first, not all indices take into account the same air pollutants; second, they base their evaluation on different health guideline limits per pollutant; and third, they weigh the importance of single pollutants within the combined index differently. The Hong Kong government uses AQHI, a health-based air quality index. Thirteen general and three roadside stations deliver data that are then evaluated against 10 levels of health risks, based on the correlation between level of air pollution and hospital admissions. As ozone has the highest impact on short-term health, it’s weighed as the most important factor in the AQHI. While levels of almost all pollutants have decreased, levels of ozone (O3) have increased HKUST has improved information about strongly. Chart courtesy of David Ho, assistant director, Environmental Protection Department (Air Policy Division)

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 9 G Have you wondered where the money raised from the many AWA activities, N

I fundraising events and membership fee goes? Many AWA members, both S

I new and old, may be curious how we fund the work that we do. A R D N U F

W W H E R E D O E S A Y O U R M O N E Y G O ? Under

Revenues from fees and advertising support essential R E V E N U E overhead expenses including our office, utilities and salaries. GtALhA BAeLL FSUNDReAIaSER

MEMBERSHIP FEE ASIAN TOURS FUNDRAISING EVENTS ADMIN FEE BAZAAR, FASHION SHOW, GALA + MORE! The net revenue earned via LIVE fundraising events is used to fund our charitable giving & scholarships LIVE HOW DO WE DECIDE WHERE TO GIVE? BAND PERFORMANCES LOCAL TOURS ADVERTISING ADMIN FEE (AWARE MAGAZINE, NEWSLETTER) AWA Charitable Donations LUCKY Committee (CDC) has a rigorous process to vet local Hong Kong charities for distribution of our DRAW E X P E N D I T U R E fundraising dollars WHO DO WE GIVE OUR MONEY TO? DANCING! 4-COURSE AWARD FOR DINNER UTILITIES SALARIES BEST DRESSED SILENT AUCTION

OFFICE EXPENSES PROFESSIONAL 28 MARCH 2020 MARRIOTT OCEAN PARK & MAINTENANCE SERVICES 10 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 PURCHASE TICKETS NOW @ WWW.AWA.ORG.HK G Have you wondered where the money raised from the many AWA activities, N

I fundraising events and membership fee goes? Many AWA members, both S

I new and old, may be curious how we fund the work that we do. A R D N U F

W W H E R E D O E S A Y O U R M O N E Y G O ? Under

Revenues from fees and advertising support essential R E V E N U E overhead expenses including our office, utilities and salaries. GtALhA BAeLL FSUNDReAIaSER

OFFICE EXPENSES PROFESSIONAL 28 MARCH 2020 MARRIOTT OCEAN PARK & MAINTENANCE SERVICES PURCHASE TICKETS NOW @ WWWDecember.AWA 2019.OR / JanuaryG.HK 2020 AWARE 11 FEATURE

Introducing the Champion,

Alisa Camplin By Vasavi Seethepalli An Olympic gold medalist and motivational speaker, Alisa talks about her transition to success THE FIRST Australian woman to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, aerial skier Alisa Camplin overcame many barriers to pursue her passions — from learning to ski at the age of 19 to setting up her own consultancy business. At the time of her Olympic victory in 2002, she was also working as a senior executive at IBM. Camplin now works with both small and large organizations across various industries to help them achieve success in a competitive world.

You were slated to speak about career transitions at AWA WISE’s November event (currently being rescheduled). I’ve had many significant transitions in my professional career. More generally, I’ve been continuously evolving for two decades, and I’m always working to narrow the gap between the life I’m living and the life I desire. From a very young age, I was inclined towards elite sport. While studying for a double degree in IT and business, I took up skiing so I could become an aerial skier. I joined IBM after graduating and began training for the Olympics, working on my basics and doing my first somersaults. For a few years I enthusiastically juggled a sports career parallel to my accelerating professional career. Eventually, as I got closer to the Olympics, I needed to take unpaid leave from IBM to 100% focus on achieving my ultimate potential as an athlete. After winning the gold medal in 2002 at Salt Lake City, I did a lot of ambassadorial work with large organizations around the world, including IBM, while remaining the No. 1 aerialist in the world. I faced a lot of emotional and physical setbacks during that period, so I was happy to retire after taking the bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. Satisfied with my sporting endeavors, I returned to IBM in order to reboot myself as a professional. really enabled me to grow holistically. Sadly though, our son, Initially, I felt like a fish out of water, as I had matured Finnan, passed away ten days after birth with a congenital considerably and been through some unique high- heart disease. It was a complex space to be in, and so I performance experiences. But with patience and hard work, I resigned from IBM. gained respect from my peers and was promoted from sales Quite quickly thereafter many new opportunities opened into a management and leadership role in the Technical up — I was invited to join the board [of] a large government Services division. Having established a good repute, I agency, I was asked to mentor [the] CEO of a medium-sized eventually took on [an executive] Strategy and Transformation startup…Before I knew it, I had a new portfolio, which now role for IBM Global Technology Services [in] UK and Ireland. expanded to become very fulfilling — being a company From that point, my next big transition came when I fell director, keynote speaker, consultant, philanthropist, brand pregnant. Despite being uncomfortable with the concept of ambassador, regular TV commentator and performance slowing down my career and going on maternity leave, it manager to Australia’s Winter Olympic team.

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How did you find your current niche as a What were the challenges you faced moving to consultant in the resilience, mindset and high- Hong Kong? performance space? I moved to Hong Kong predominantly for my husband’s Still being highly active in elite sport means I have the work. Until then, we had both been chasing all our continued privilege of working with world-class sports professional opportunities, so I felt a bit vulnerable stepping psychologists. Performance psychology enabled me to back to be a trailing spouse for the good of our team. I knew achieve my dream in sport and more importantly, it equipped it was an opportunity of a lifetime for my family, and I’ve me to survive the grief of losing my son. I realized then that I always pursued an adventurous life, and here it was. While was eager to help others to become more resilient. I could settling in my children, I worked hard to find new support introduce skills and help everyday working people to structures and to understand how things work here. To gain implement mindset, performance psychology and behavioral traction professionally, I utilized my Australian and science tools and techniques that would help them become international contacts, and proactively connected with as their best self — personally and professionally. many people as I could. I also took on early pro bono work to prove my worth. We love it here in Hong Kong and I look Tell us a bit more about your passion project. forward to all that the years ahead have in store for me. Losing our son Finnan to congenital heart disease (CHD) was heartbreaking. My husband and I wanted to raise awareness What is the most common misconception people of CHD and to change the game in some way, so that other have when getting back to work or starting patients and their families wouldn’t need to suffer like we had. something new? So we created a charity called Finnan’s Gift, and we’ve People expect to feel comfortable, know and understand raised more than AU$2.5million to date in support of cardiac everything, and be at ease more quickly than is realistic. care at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Consequently, they judge themselves too soon, which only leads to self-doubt that actually impedes performance. You How would you describe yourself in a few words? should step back from your expectations and have some Real, practical, grateful and courageous, because I’m always trust as you navigate this early phase. taking on new challenges and pushing outside my comfort zone. I love learning and enjoy surrounding myself with How do you balance being a mother and a people who are experts in their field. Excellence is a personal professional? value of mine; I am very results-oriented and I’m passionate Hong Kong is a great place to be a working parent. The about helping other people achieve their highest potential. question I always ask myself is: What’s the right balance for my children and me right now? I try to compartmentalize What has motivated you to get to where you are based on my priorities so I can be fully present and maximize and what advice would you have for others who my time and focus, whether I have my mom hat on or my want to set off in a similar direction? work hat. Shifting careers can be daunting. If you have passion for what you wish to What are you excited about and pursue, then invest heavily in the looking forward to in the future? preparation that’s required for success. Delivering my resilience and high- Whether it is learning more on a performance workshops here in Hong particular subject, taking courses/ Kong and across Asia is extremely workshops, seeking expert advice, satisfying, because I can really see the goal planning or scenario planning, it impact on people and organizations will elevate your confidence and set alike. By delivering a series of you off in the right direction. Nobody concurrent workshops within a can be 100% ready for what’s to come, company, I get to support people/teams but you will be more agile and ready to on a journey and help them to build the pivot quickly and maximize traction that enables sustainable high- opportunities if you put in a little effort performance results. I feel incredibly upfront. Be ruthless about your time fortunate that I get to be a part of and priorities and ask your friends and unlocking that here in Asia. family for their support; then you will be more prepared to jump and land!

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 13 FEATURE Maligayang Pasko! How Overseas Filipinos Celebrate Christmas By Vanessa Lenzlinger and Carmela Gollogley

FILIPINOS ARE big into Christmas. How big? Filipinos make Once their boxes are signed, sealed and delivered, what the 12 days of Christmas look lame — they get started on the is left then for Filipino helpers to do during Christmas? festivities four months before. If it’s a month ending in “-ber,” Unfortunately, most would be hard-pressed to find the you can guarantee that you’ll be hearing Christmas songs in opportunity to celebrate the two big Filipino Christmas Philippine shopping malls. This comes as no surprise, as 84 traditions here in Hong Kong — the nine-day series of pre- million, or roughly 82.9% of Filipinos profess to be Catholics. dawn Masses called Simbang Gabi, and Noche Buena, a Filipino helpers in Hong Kong certainly find ways to take Christmas Eve feast. part in the Christmas festivities back home. Their blood, Thankfully, Filipinos are active churchgoers who find sweat and tears are literally boxed in special “balikbayan opportunities to celebrate the season by hearing Mass and boxes” (balikbayan means “return home” in Tagalog). In the attending church-based Christmas parties. Some parishes months leading up to Christmas, helpers look out for bargains hold parties for the English-speaking community, which is and meticulously add gifts to this box to send to their families predominantly composed of helpers, so they can get a back in the Philippines. chance to sing or dance in a Christmas program and Balikbayan boxes are special because there are no exchange gifts. It is said that going to church is the one weight restrictions and the contents are exempt from constant that grounds a Filipino when he or she is living Philippine duties and taxes, so helpers can fill up the box with just about anything they like: chocolates, biscuits, plush towels, bed linen, toys, soap, clothes, shoes, kitchenware, the list goes on. Some consider the boxes the culmination of all their hard work. A lot of love, time and money goes into these boxes, especially if the senders are not able to come home for Christmas. There is pressure, not only from the immediate family but possibly overseas, so attending Mass on Christmas Day is a tradition also from extended family who are looking forward to that they can hold on to, wherever they are. And Hong Kong receiving presents, so depending on where their family lives, is no exception. some helpers will send out boxes as early as October to If the helper is lucky enough to go home for Christmas, make sure they arrive by Christmas. there is the added pressure of being greeted by family and Sending balikbayan boxes is a massive operation that friends who come out of the woodwork at the faintest whiff of happens not only in Hong Kong, but anywhere in the world the family’s top earner. Kids especially will knock on their where the 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers (OFW) live. If door, wishing them “Merry Christmas” and expecting a bit of you walk past World-Wide House, the Filipino-centric cash. This is why some helpers choose to come home for shopping arcade in Central, during December you will hear graduation month in March instead. the ripping sounds of packing tape as they seal their boxes to Nonetheless, the majority of helpers see it as a wonderful send to loved ones in the Philippines. According to a survey welcome, as this is the one time that they can see all their conducted by HelperChoice in 2017, 89% of helpers will family and friends in one festive occasion. It’s worth facing send gifts to their families — which is why more than half of the pressure and the expectations in order to be able to them would prefer to receive cash as a Christmas gift from finally hug their loved ones, sit at the table, come together as their employers. a family and celebrate the season of giving.

14 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 15 16 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 17 18 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 19 20 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 FEATURE It’s Not a Party Without Bubbles… Seven sparkling wines to kick off the festive season By Nimmi Malhotra

THE FESTIVE SEASON is knocking at the door. Bring out unfortunate reputation of being cheap but my pick below, your party wear, high heels and pop open the sparkling wine! made by Gramona, begs to differ. Whether you’re drinking a vintage Champagne or youthful Prosecco, there’s something special about a flute filled with New World Offerings tiny bubbles rising up to celebrate the season’s best with you. Every wine-producing nation offers a sparkling wine, but it’s Before I embarked on my wine studies diploma, bubbles the ones inspired by Champagne that you want to go for. meant Champagne. Since then, the world of fizz has opened Look out for sparkling wines from Tasmania, South African up and revealed its secrets! Fine sparkling wines are made wines labeled “MCC” (for méthode cap classique), and my all over the world, not just in Champagne, and you can find a selection below from Napa. vast selection right here in Hong Kong. I’ve tasted through hundreds of wines and here are my recommendations for the The Top Seven best bubbles to liven up your next soiree. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs; recommended retail price (RRP) HK$680 The Champagnes Ruinart is one of the oldest Champagne houses and Champagnes come from the region of Champagne, France produces the finest blanc de blancs (Champagne made only and are made with any or all of the following grapes: with chardonnay grapes). It is a complex wine with notes of chardonnay, pinot noir and the lesser-known pinot meunier. white peach, flowers, honey and pastry. Enjoy it with white This hallowed land is renowned for its ancient chalky white fish tartare or salt and pepper squid. soils and its rich history and tradition. Champagne’s method Delamotte Brut Non-Vintage (NV); RRP HK$488 makes it unique — the méthode traditionnelle involves two A much smaller house, Delamotte is a gem. It is unofficially fermentations, the second of which takes place in the bottle, the second label of the prestigious house of Salon, and gets developing the finesse of the bubbles and aroma profile over access to any grape Salon doesn’t deem worthy of its name time. (and HK$4000-plus price tag). The non-vintage brut is stylish, elegant and always a safe bet. Proseccos and Other Italian Sparkling Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV; RRP HK$400 Wines It’s the top-selling Champagne in France and is now sold in Proseccos are made with the Glera grape in northeast Italy. Hong Kong. Nicolas Feuillatte is not a big brand name, but a The wine is fruity with softer bubbles and floral notes. It’s not farmer’s cooperative. They produce an honest and friendly nearly as complex as Champagne, because it doesn’t want wine, approachable in taste and price. For pairing, I would go to be. Prosecco is a sparkling wine in its own right, and its for cheese or oysters. At HK$400, it’s a spectacularly priced youthful verve livens any party. Champagne! In addition to Prosecco, Italy has its own version of Bisol Crede Prosecco 2014; RRP HK$170 Champagne, called Franciacorta. Made in the north near With delicate flavors of hay, honeysuckle and citrus, this is a Milan with chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, it follows the lovely Prosecco to start the evening. It has a milder mousse, same traditional method as Champagne, with a concerted or head, and a softer acidity, so drink it on its own or pair with focus on quality. light aperitifs like cold cuts or vegetable crudités. Schramsberg Brut Rose, North Coast 2016; RRP HK$528 Cava This Napa star is the preferred sparkling wine brand served Spain offers a bright, bubbly, budget-friendly wine, cava. It’s at White House state dinners. Look for notes of peach, melon, painstakingly made with the traditional method, using local lemon curd and biscuit. Pair with seafood — crab cakes, grapes or chardonnay. Cavas have the calamari fritters — or mushroom-based entrées. Gramona Cava, Argent Gran Reserva 2011; RRP HK$328 The Argent uses chardonnay and pinot noir grown in Penedès, Spain. The acid profile is softer and fruit a little riper and rounded. Pair with chicken and creamy vegetables. Ca’ del Bosco Franciocorta Cuvee Prestige Brut NV; RRP HK$268 Citrus notes, dried fruit and brioche pastry mark this Franciocorta. The bubbles are delicate and elegant with a complex finish.

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 21 CALENDAR - UPCOMING EVENTS

Festive Shopping Morning and Lunch at The Peninsula Cooking with Passion: A Taste of India – 2 When: Monday, 2 December, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Approx.) When: Wednesday, 8 January, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Register by Friday, 29 November (Approx.)

Cooking Demo and Lunch Series: Discover Japanese Arts/Crafts & Design Series: I Love HK Skyline Collages Food and Ingredients and Walking Tour When: Monday, 13 January, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM When: Tuesday, 3 December, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Approx.) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Series: Register by Friday, 29 November Understanding Your Body Constitution When: Tuesday, 14 January, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Educational Series: The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement Educational Series: Ethnic Heritage Presentation and When: Tuesday, 3 December, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch on Lamma Island (Approx.) When: Wednesday, 15 January, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Register by Tuesday, 19 November Register by Sunday, 13 January

Educational Series – Historical Talk with Jason Wordie: Mental Mastery for Manifestation: Make a Wish Come Women in 20th Century Hong Kong True When: Thursday, 5 December, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM When: Thursday, 16 January, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Register by Wednesday, 4 December (Approx.) Register by Saturday, 11 January Entertainment Series: High Tea at The Drawing Room, St. Regis Hotel Lunch Series: Al Fresco Lunch and Prosecco Reception When: Friday, 6 December, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Approx.) at Cucina Register by Friday, 29 November When: Friday, 17 January, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Approx.)

Educational Series – Walking Tour with Jason Wordie: Cooking with Passion: A Taste of Southeast Asia – 3 ”The Gin Drinkers Line”- Shing Mun Park WWII Tunnels (Domestic Helpers Class) When: Saturday, 7 December, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM When: Wednesday, 22 January, 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM (Approx.) (Approx.) Register by Wednesday, 4 December

Educational Series – Walking Tour with Jason Wordie: Looking Forward Kennedy Town When: Thursday, 12 December, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM February (Approx.) Register by Tuesday, 10 December Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Series: Matching Your Diet to Your Body's Needs Cooking Demo and Lunch Series: Natalia's Ukrainian When: Tuesday, 11 February, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Christmas Cooking When: Tuesday, 7 January, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Approx.)

22 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Festive Shopping Morning and Lunch at yourself. Then on to Fortnum & Mason in the new K11 The Peninsula Musea mall for more shopping, followed by lunch at The WHEN: Monday, 2 December, 9:30 AM – Peninsula’s Verandah restaurant, where dazzling 2:30 PM (Approx.) Christmas decorations will be abundant. (Lunch and Register by Friday, 29 November drinks will be at shared expense.) WHERE: Meet at TST Star Ferry Terminal, lower deck exit (Exact location will be emailed to participants) COST: $60 member/$120 member’s guest CAPACITY: 8 min/10 max (excluding coordinator) COORDINATOR(S): Camilla Born 9836 9691 Susanne Salg 9175 6909 Your merriest Christmas begins here at our festive shopping morning. Our day starts with a visit to Rio Pearl in TST, where you will find a huge array of the finest pearls: South Sea, cultured and freshwater. Pearls are perfect as a gift for a loved one or even as a treat for

Cooking Demo and Lunch Series: Discover COST: $660 member/$720 member’s guest Japanese Food and Ingredients and CAPACITY: 10 min/15 max Walking Tour COORDINATOR(S): Susan Putnam 6272 6700 WHEN: Tuesday, 3 December, 10:30 AM – 2:00 Theresa Lam founded the Hong Kong Academy of Flower PM (Approx.) Arrangement in 1989 under the belief that Hong Kong could Register by Friday, 29 November be the best floral arts center in the region. After managing a WHERE: Meet at Tai Koo MTR station, Exit A2 flower shop for three years, Theresa found herself more keen COST: $610 member/$670 member’s guest to teach and learned her flower arrangement skills in Europe, CAPACITY: 4 min/8 max with inspiration from her Japanese teachers. At this class, we COORDINATOR(S): Mayu Okada 5248 0788 will make a Christmas table decoration, and at the end of the Where can I get real Japanese ingredients, wagyu beef and session, you will have a completed floral arrangement that fresh sushi-grade fish in Hong Kong? What is sushi vinegar? you can take home to adorn your dining room table. Are all soy sauces the same? A Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained Japanese chef who has worked for the French Ministry of Educational Series – Historical Talk with Foreign Affairs in Paris, Mayu will walk with you, visiting Jason Wordie: Women in 20th Century reasonable Japanese supermarkets and shops to explain Hong Kong good-quality Japanese ingredients and products. Tastes of WHEN: Thursday, 5 December, 10:00 AM – 11:30 various ingredients and foods, as well as lunch, are included AM in the price. Please bring your Octopus card, as we may use Register by Wednesday, 4 December public transportation to visit shops. WHERE: AWA Office COST: $330 member/$390 member’s guest Educational Series: The Hong Kong CAPACITY: 10 min/25 max Academy of Flower Arrangement COORDINATOR(S): Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 WHEN: Tuesday, 3 December, 11:00 AM – 12:30 Women in 20th-century Hong Kong were not just “trailing PM (Approx.) spouses.” They were reformers, revolutionaries, and Register by Tuesday, 19 November everything in between. This talk will cover everything from the No refunds will be given at any time. “horse sisters” to Suzie Wong to literary figures, the first WHERE: The Hong Kong Academy of Flower female vicar, and politicians. Join local historian Jason Arrangement, Wan Chai (Exact location Wordie as he highlights the tremendous societal changes in will be emailed to participants) Hong Kong during the 20th century that led to the profound

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 23 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES transformation of the role of women. Broad international and reservoir’s capture by the Japanese, water supplies to urban local circumstances contributed to this evolution and these areas, particularly those on Hong Kong Island, were critically changes are tracked through the fascinating lives and affected; this desperate situation materially affected the careers of various women from diverse backgrounds, eventual outcome of the Hong Kong campaign. Bring a torch educational levels, and socioeconomic circumstances who and come prepared for an unexpected — and very scenic all made their homes in Hong Kong. You will find even the —experience of Hong Kong’s recent past. word karaoke has an interesting twist! Entertainment Series: High Tea at The Drawing Room, St. Regis Hotel WHEN: Friday, 6 December, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Approx.) Register by Friday, 29 November WHERE: Meet at St. Regis Hotel lobby, Wan Chai (Exact location will be emailed to participants) COST: $60 member/$120 member’s guest CAPACITY: 10 min/20 max COORDINATOR(S): Susan Putnam 6272 6700 Kimberley Kleczka 9337 3683 From France to England, the wonderfully old-school tradition of afternoon tea remains popular — all dainty teapots, petits Educational Series – Walking Tour with fours and perfectly cut sandwiches. Tea at the St. Regis is Jason Wordie: Kennedy Town served in The Drawing Room, where you can enjoy WHEN: Thursday, 12 December, 9:00 AM – uninterrupted views of the terrace as you snack on 12:00 PM (Approx.) cucumber sandwiches and mini éclairs served from trolleys Register by Tuesday, 10 December inspired by traditional dim sum carts, which allow guests to WHERE: Meet at HKU MTR station, Exit A (Exact pick and choose from a selection of sweet and savory location will be emailed to participants) options. The high tea will be at a shared cost of HK$388 per COST: $440 member/$500 member’s guest person. CAPACITY: 10 min/18 max COORDINATOR(S): Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 Educational Series – Walking Tour with At the extreme western end of Hong Kong Island, Kennedy Jason Wordie: “The Gin Drinkers Line”- Town is often overlooked. By the 1870s it was recognized Shing Mun Park WWII Tunnels that the city of Victoria (approximately Sheung Wan, Central, WHEN: Saturday, 7 December, 9:30 AM – 12:30 Wan Chai and Causeway Bay) was developed almost PM (Approx.) beyond its existing capacity; Kennedy Town thus emerged Register by Wednesday, 4 December as one of the first efforts at urban decentralization in Hong WHERE: Meet at Tsuen Wan MTR station (Exact Kong. Tucked away amongst new developments are location will be emailed to participants) examples of interwar architectural styles, temples and some COST: $440 member/$500 member’s guest very significant military relics. One of the most surprising CAPACITY: 10 min/18 max sites we will visit is the Lo Pan Temple, on the steep network COORDINATOR(S): Susan Soskin West 9191 1503 of hillside terraces between Kennedy Town and Hong Kong Looking for an exciting way to spend Saturday morning? Visit University. Dedicated to the patron saint of carpenters, the Shing Mun, one of Hong Kong’s most famous parks, and see temple is an architectural jewel. Long-established shops, the surviving WWII tunnels and emplacements of the prewar operating for decades, add to the bustling atmosphere along Inner Line — popularly referred to as the “Gin Drinker’s the last remaining stretch of rocky shoreline on the northern Line.” Local historian Jason Wordie will guide us through the coast of Hong Kong Island. Join local historian Jason Wordie extensive defensive complex that extended right across the to explore the dramatic evolution of this fast-changing Kowloon hills from Gin Drinker’s Bay to Port Shelter and neighborhood. explain how and why these tunnels were built and subsequently defended. The extensive wartime sights played a fundamental role in the tense years that led up to the eventual defense of Hong Kong in 1941. After the

24 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Cooking Demo and Lunch Series: Natalia’s Arts/Crafts & Design Series: I Love HK Ukrainian Christmas Cooking Skyline Collages WHEN: Tuesday, 7 January, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM WHEN: Monday, 13 January, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Approx.) WHERE: Wild at Art Studio, Central (Exact location WHERE: Tseung Kwan O (Exact location will be will be emailed to participants) emailed to participants) COST: $1260 member/$1320 member’s guest COST: $560 member/$620 member’s guest CAPACITY: 4 min/14 max (excluding coordinator) CAPACITY: 3 min/5 max (excluding coordinator) COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison 6415 9880 COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison 6415 9880 We are all here because, one way or another, we love Asia’s January 7 is Ukrainian Christmas! Learn how to make World City: Hong Kong! This wonderful melting pot of races authentic Ukrainian pyrohy (also known as pierogies or and cultures affords us all a way of being that is different potato dumplings), holubtsi (cabbage rolls) and sauerkraut from our own home country. It is a place of spectacular soup using some of Natalia’s mother’s favorite family recipes. views, both natural and manmade, as well as iconic These recipes are in Home Cooking East & West, which structures, scenes and other quirks. And it is a home in need Natalia wrote with her helper, Elsa. of love right now! Come and create your very own homage to Hong Kong in the form of your own artwork. You will be guided to blend paint and collage methods to create a HK scene of your choice; you may choose a skyline, a beach, or island view.

Cooking with Passion: A Taste of India – 2 WHEN: Wednesday, 8 January, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Approx.) WHERE: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa Monte Rosa, Block C, 9 Floor, Flat 1 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) COST: $390 member/$450 member’s guest Series: Understanding Your Body CAPACITY: 5 min/8 max (excluding coordinator) Constitution COORDINATOR(S): Lavinia Hemandas 2838 2199/9090 0931 WHEN: Tuesday, 14 January, 11:00 AM – 1:00 Join our very own Lavinia Hemandas in her many popular PM Cooking with Passion classes to learn the secrets that will WHERE: AWA Office excite your palate and delight your family and friends. She COST: $540 member/$600 member’s guest will show you how to turn simple recipes into a gourmet’s CAPACITY: 10 min/30 max delight! A sit-down lunch will be served with wine. Spice COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison 6415 9880 packs will also be available upon request. Today’s menu: Does it puzzle you when you’ve been eating healthy foods mughlai murgh (moghul chicken in a rich saffron almond and exercising regularly but you still feel fatigued and low in sauce); gobi bhaji (sautéed cauliflower with herbs and energy? Join Chinese medicine practitioner Claire Hiu Ling delectable spices); and samosa (crispy golden triangles Cheng in this seminar, where she will help you begin to see filled with spicy potatoes, onions and peas). your body through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Claire will show you how to identify your body’s current “constitution” and will give you some tips on how to improve your health according to TCM teachings.

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 25 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Educational Series: Ethnic Heritage Lunch Series: Al Fresco Lunch and Presentation and Lunch on Lamma Island Prosecco Reception at Cucina WHEN: Wednesday, 15 January, 10:00 AM – WHEN: Friday, 17 January, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM (Approx.) Register by Sunday, 13 January WHERE: Meet at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel WHERE: Meet at Central Ferry Pier 4 (Lamma) lobby (Exact location will be emailed to COST: $330 member/$390 member’s guest participants) CAPACITY: 8 min/18 max COST: $442 member/$502 member’s guest COORDINATOR(S): Karen Womick 6316 7737 CAPACITY: 3 min/15 max Tracey-Lee Hayes 9130 0851 COORDINATOR(S): Susanne Salg 9175 6909 Join local heritage expert and photographer Paul Kwok- Enjoy a seasonal Italian lunch and prosecco reception al leung at his delightful studio on Lamma Island for a fresco on the Cucina terrace overlooking the dramatic photographic presentation featuring the extraordinarily rich Victoria Harbor skyline. After enjoying a glass of prosecco, diversity of people, culture and heritage in Southern China we will have lunch: a choice of pasta entree or wood-fired and Hong Kong. From the well-preserved ancient culture of pizza, antipasti buffet (salad bar, daily soup, cold cuts, minority tribes in the remote hills of southeast Guizhou, to the cheese, seafood), dessert buffet, and coffee/tea. Cost former British colony of Hong Kong, we will compare how includes tax and gratuity. they developed through time to the present day. Paul will discuss Chinese dynasties, migration, ethnicity, folk religion, deities, clans, ancestor worship, heritage festivals, ethnic textiles, crafts and costumes. Lunch will be at shared expense at a local restaurant. Mental Mastery for Manifestation: Make a Wish Come True WHEN: Thursday, 16 January, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Approx.) Register by Saturday, 11 January WHERE: AWA Office COST: $380 member/$440 member’s guest CAPACITY: 5 min/12 max COORDINATOR(S): Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378 Would you like to make a wish come true this year? The Cooking with Passion: A Taste of ability to turn a dream into reality is a lot like having a Southeast Asia – 3 (Domestic Helpers superpower, but it isn’t reserved exclusively for elite athletes Class) and uber-professionals! Being mindful, developing useful WHEN: Wednesday, 22 January, 11:00 AM – habits and clarifying your mental goals are essential to any 12:45 PM (Approx.) type of manifestation. In this short workshop, you will learn WHERE: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa Monte Rosa, the steps to successful manifestation. You will gain mental Block C, 9 Floor, Flat 1 clarity on your goals and learn to use both your conscious COST: $380 member/$440 member’s guest and subconscious minds to achieve the results you want. CAPACITY: 4 min/8 max (excluding coordinator) The course ends with a simple and powerful meditation COORDINATOR(S): Lavinia Hemandas 2838 2199/9090 0931 technique that you can take home and practice. This talk is Travel through Southeast Asia from Lavinia’s spacious presented by Sonia Samtani, one of Hong Kong’s most kitchen. From chiles and coconuts to lemongrass and highly regarded personal development practitioners, a tamarind to cardamom and fenugreek, these spices, which trained image consultant, clinical hypnotherapist and owner create the wonderful cuisine of Asia, will take you on a true of the All About You wellness center. voyage of discovery! Today’s menu: channa masala with kachoombo (Indian spicy aromatic chickpeas with pickled onion rings); Malay boneless chicken curry; and Sichuan prawns in chili garlic sauce. Lunch will be served to the domestic helpers.

26 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

*The $60 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It is Looking Forward not donated to the Charitable and Education fund. February Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Series: Matching Your Diet to Your Body’s Needs WHEN: Tuesday, 11 February, 11:00 AM – 1:00 CARPET WASHING & REPAIRS PM WHERE: AWA Office PROFESSIONALS COST: $540 member/$600 member’s guest CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES CAPACITY: 11 min/30 max Our cleaning and repair services are the best COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison 6415 9880 in Hong Kong. Free pickup and delivery. In Chinese culture, it is firmly believed that all foods have therapeutic effects if they are eaten in the right way. At the same time, however, if you are unaware of how foods affect you and make the mistake of eating foods that either conflict with your body’s constitution or with a condition you are experiencing at the time, you may end up feeling…less than perfect. Intrigued? Join Chinese medicine practitioner Claire Hiu Ling Cheng to learn more about how this works and whether you might benefit from adjusting your food intake a bit, to better suit what your body needs! SHOP IN YOUR HOME You can buy a carpet in the comfort of your home. Registration Procedures (We can bring the carpets to you with no obligation.) Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are open for registration as of the first of each month in which the activity will be held. CALL : 9018 0897 / 2851 3665 Activities being held in the early part of the following month EMAIL : [email protected] are open for registration on the first day of the prior month. WEBSITE : Iqbalcarpets.hk Check the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk for the most ADDRESS : G/F. 21 PO TUNG RD. SAIKUNG up-to-date schedule and don’t forget to register early as many of the events will sell out.

Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Policies Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$60 Member/ HK$120 Member’s Guest. This base fee is not refundable at any time unless the AWA cancels the event. Charges in excess of the base fee are refundable if cancellation is received by the AWA office at least one full week before the activity date. For example, if the activity is on a Tuesday, cancellation must be received prior to midnight of the previous Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the entire activity cost will be automatically credited to you. Credit notes are not transferable and must be used within six months from the date of issue or by the end of the AWA fiscal year (30 June), whichever is earlier. You may request a check in lieu of a credit at any time before the credit expires. Owing to the popularity of AWA activities, many have a wait list and therefore substitutions cannot be accepted. If you are unable to attend an activity, please, inform the AWA office to cancel your place and allow someone on the waitlist to attend.

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 27 CONTACT INFORMATION Ongoing Clubs and Sports The AWA’s many ongoing clubs and sports offer the most popular and easiest ways for members to make new friends. Keep busy and expand your network of friends with these activities, organized by AWA members for AWA members. One-time registration (at www.awa.org.hk) is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. ARTS/HOBBIES FOOD Afternoon Book Club Penny Van Niel: [email protected] Galloping Gourmet Stella Athanas: [email protected] Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Art Lovers Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Maria Higgins: [email protected] Kumiko Matsushima: [email protected] Penny Soder: [email protected] Photography Group Angela Bellas: [email protected] Lunch Bunch Connie Albracht: [email protected] Sew It’s Thursday Connie Albracht: [email protected] SPORTS GAMES Globe Paddlers (Dragon Boat) Sarah Brundan: [email protected] Bridge and Lunch Social Wendy Maize: [email protected] Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] Games Galore (Mahjong Or Bridge) Beth Hall: [email protected] Golf Society Nicci Button and Tanya Keg: [email protected] Mahjong Madness Katherine Fenton: [email protected] Hiking Group Strenuous Hikes Gail Sousa: [email protected] Alison Doran: [email protected] TOPICAL Moderate/Social Hikes Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Environmental Committee Chiara Rodriquez: Jane Hotchkiss: [email protected] [email protected] Spiritual Literacy Group Kate Weisman: [email protected] Women’s Forum MaryAnn Boone: [email protected] Membership Programs and Meetups AWA BUDDY PROGRAM CHAT (COME HAVE A TALK) The AWA Buddy Program pairs interested new members with a CHAT is an informal drop-in gathering for members, newcomers, and “Buddy” who helps answer questions about life in Hong Kong and/or non-members. the AWA. WHEN: Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM WHEN: Ongoing (except public holidays) COORDINATOR: Alison May, [email protected] WHERE: Café 8 (rooftop of Central Pier 8, above the Maritime Museum) COST: No fee (all food and drink at personal expense) FOON YING – COORDINATORS: Nancy Acee, [email protected] HONG KONG INSIGHTS Avril York, [email protected] Foon Ying means “welcome” in Cantonese and the whole idea of NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEES these sessions (three sessions over a three-week period) is to embark on adventures and embrace new friendships. The program is great If you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join for both brand-new “Hong Kongers” and those of us who have been others in your area for a monthly coffee. Contact your local here a while and watched our first batch of friends and contacts head coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees. home or off to new pastures. Every month HK SOUTHSIDE SAI KUNG WHEN: Jean Han, [email protected] Katherine Fenton, [email protected] WHERE: AWA office or alternate location as agreed COORDINATOR: Helen Pott, [email protected] POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL KOWLOON Annie Fifer, [email protected] Penny Soder, [email protected] AWA WISE DISCOVERY BAY A supportive, nurturing networking and professional development Kathryn Abbott, ykathrynabbotty group for women, offering workshops on trending topics and @hotmail.com networking meetups with other like-minded women’s groups. AWA WISE events are open to non-members. WHEN: Email coordinators or follow AWA WISE on OWL (OUT WITH THE LADIES) Facebook @awawisehk for event announcements COORDINATORS: Priya Bhasker and Josephine Paris, Come join us any week or every week – same time, same place [email protected] (except public holidays). WHEN: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Oolaa, 20 Bridges Street, Soho COORDINATORS: Maureen Brugger, 5504 1515 Jennifer Bartolomeo, 9310 5522

28 AWARE December 2019 / January 2020 CONTACT INFORMATION

About the AWA The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with more than 650 members from 40 countries. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect and contribute in Hong Kong. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. Current members: you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee or CHAT, or an AWA WISE event. If you have any questions about the AWA, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Mon-Thu President Priyanka Agarwal: [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Robin Neiterman: [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Gail Sousa: [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd VP Activities Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Director of Operations Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Treasurer Alison Doran: [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jessica Cheng: [email protected] Charitable Donations Beth McNicholas: [email protected] Community Service Kim Rehmann: [email protected] COMMUNITY Education & Scholarship Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] AWAre Editor Stephanie Chan: [email protected] Sponsorship Debbie Cruikshank: [email protected] Chairperson Kim Rehmann: [email protected] Branding & Communications Soup Kitchen Claudia Ciesielski: [email protected] J’nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Lee Parr: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Hong Kong Hosts: SOCIAL Adopt a Marine/Sailor Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] China Merchants Wharf Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] 3rd Vice President Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Asian Tours Tracey-Lee Hayes: [email protected] EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP Annie Fifer: [email protected] [email protected] Local Tours Natalia Morrison: [email protected] Chairperson Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] English Programs: Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS Pok Fu Lam Liz Clark: [email protected] [email protected] Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] Chai Wan Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Chairperson J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Kathy Barber: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Mei Foo Reading Program Shirley Andruko: [email protected] J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Lai King Karen Prosser: [email protected] Forum Moderator J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Mock Interviews Katherine Payne: [email protected] Dialogue in the Dark Jenlen Ng: [email protected] Joining the AWA is easy, and all women are

MEMBERSHIP [email protected] welcome! Just visit our website at awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961. 2nd Vice President Gail Sousa: [email protected] Membership Discounts [email protected]

December 2019 / January 2020 AWARE 29 JOIN US TODAY

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The American Chamber of Commerce is the largest international chamber in Hong Kong, with almost 50 years of history and inﬂuence in the Asia-Paciﬁc. Our mission is to serve as a center for networking, information and advocacy for our valued members.

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