Against the Odds: A gambling addiction can destroy your health, wealth and personal relationships

Gambling as a form of recreational activity has been pursued for millennia, but its harmful effects when undertaken in a reckless and irresponsible manner are only now being fully considered. When gambling crosses from a fun occasional pastime into a behavioural addiction, it can manifest as a chronic mental health condition. The need for a proper understanding of the risks involved has grown urgently with the vast proliferation of forms of gambling and its increased accessibility due to the widespread penetration of the internet.

Devastating online craze

Online gambling can easily escalate into a compulsion which harms not only the player but also their family, friends and society at large. One alarming recent example to hit the headlines was the teenager in Henan province who frittered away his father’s life savings after becoming addicted to a lottery game on the short video app, Kuaishou. The game cost 100 yuan a go, with the enticement of bagging 20,000 yuan. The boy only bet small amounts at first, a few hundred yuan at a time, but over three months the amounts grew exponentially until nothing was left of the 200,000 yuan (about HK$200,500) his father had in the bank.

Understandably devastated by his son’s actions, the father appeared on a television programme in a bid to undo the loss. It was revealed that the 15-year-old was able to access his father’s bank account as it shared the same password as the Kuaishou app, plus the ‘teenager mode’ on the app which limits daily usage was easy to turn off.

Families destroyed

This sorry story illustrates how this addiction can impact families. In some instances, it can destroy relationships and careers, and end in prison terms.

Consider the awful case of Tony O’Reilly from the Republic of Ireland whose marriage and life fell apart after his gambling addiction unravelled. Initially, he tasted some success, betting correctly on the exact score of a 1998 World Cup match between the Netherlands and Argentina and who would score the first goal (Patrick Kluivert). This whetted his appetite, and he began to bet regularly on football and horse racing as a fun recreational activity. Once he secured an online account, though, compulsive behaviour took hold. His betting was conducted in secret and became increasingly reckless and desperate.

Theft to feed the habit

By the time of his wedding, he was effectively broke, but one last gamble paid off when a horse at the Epsom Derby came from nowhere to win. New costs and new risks then arose after the couple had a baby, and he started stealing from his employer to pay off his debts. His continual thieving amounted to a whopping EUR 1.75 million (HK$14.63 million) binge, and he went on the run when the auditors arrived.

But O’Reilly could not hide forever; he ended up doing time for his crimes and losing everything – his job, his marriage and his home. But one bright spot from a tale of woe is that he became a gambling addiction counsellor and now lectures in schools and clubs about the dangers of betting.

Forms of gambling

Addictive gambling behaviour has been described over the years as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, though today it is more commonly called problem gambling. It is classified as a mental disorder if certain diagnostic criteria are met. It should be noted that there are many forms of gambling, and not all of them are prone to addictive behaviour. They mainly fall under four categories: gaming, betting, lotteries and speculation.

Gaming is the exchange of money on the outcome of a game, which could be cards, fruit machines and other slot machines, video-poker machines and casino games such as baccarat and roulette. Betting is staking money on the outcome of a future event, such as horse races or football matches. Lotteries are the distribution of money by ‘lot’ or number and can take the form of scratch cards, bingo, sweepstakes and raffles (for physical or cash prizes) as well as lotteries. Speculation is gambling on business, insurance or stock markets.

What is known for certain is that different types of gambling present different levels of risks of leading to problem gambling. Two factors are thought to play a major part here – the opportunity to place single large bets (such as in horse racing or casinos) or frequent small bets over relatively short periods (such as in fruit machines or online gambling), where the interval between play may be less than 20 seconds.

Phases of addiction

Problem gamblers such as O’Reilly tend to pass through three phases of gambling addiction: the winning phase, the losing phase and the desperation phase. The initial fun winning phase may lead to fantasies about winning more and more as the pastime is perceived as an easy way to earn money.

However, luck never lasts and the losing phase then kicks in, with gamblers starting to lose more money than they can afford in an attempt to chase their losses. During this phase gamblers may become secretive, start borrowing unsustainably and neglect home life. The third and final desperation phase sees the gambler caught in a never-ending cycle of chasing losses and bigger and bigger debts. It is at this stage, studies have suggested, that some 60% of compulsive gamblers will commit a non-violent crime such as theft, passing dud cheques, shoplifting and embezzlement or misappropriation of company funds.

Telltale signs

Ultimately, problem gambling is often accompanied by numerous behavioural, psychological, financial and health signs. The gambler may stop doing things they previously enjoyed, or experience changes in patterns of sleep, eating or sex. They may start to frequently borrow money or ask for salary advances. Unpaid bills will be an issue, as well as cashing in savings and insurance plans prematurely.

Telltale health signs include headaches, stomach and bowel problems, and excessive eating or complete loss of appetite. Conflicts with other people may arise and misuse of alcohol or other drugs may develop. As well as lying, secretive and irritable behaviour, the problem gambler may develop suicidal thoughts.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment interventions include psychological therapies, medications and self-help initiatives. Scientific research has highlighted how antidepressants may be effective in reducing the symptoms of pathological gambling, even if the person evidences minimal symptoms of depression or anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy has shown to be effective after six to 12 months following intervention. Many countries around the world operate self-help groups so gamblers can help each other to recover.

Top Of The Pops: Uncorking a bottle of Champagne is a slice of the finest things in life

Champagne is synonymous with sparkling wine the world over, but the uniqueness of its precious provenance is stringently protected. Only sparkling wine made and bottled in the Champagne region in the traditional method can be called Champagne and no other bubbles come close as symbols of luxury and celebration.

Sara Checchi, Group Head Sommelier and Beverage Manager of restaurant group Maximal Concepts, has always been intrigued by Champagne due to its unique history, terroir and production techniques. The 50 years from 1670 to 1720 were a turning point for the region as this was when specific techniques for making sparkling wines were developed. Legendary Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon played a significant role in perfecting the méthod Champenoise, or the traditional method, in which wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to produce carbon dioxide and thus the effervescence essential for its sparkling quality.

Aside from the fascinating history of the area, Checchi also adores the beauty of the landscape, its villages and “the breathtaking panoramic view over the vineyards”. The hillsides, houses and cellars of Champagne were added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2015.

Climate impact

Checchi says Champagne benefits from a unique combination of both oceanic and continental climatic influences, being neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer, in which grapevines used in making the region’s famed pour – predominately Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – thrive.

The soil in the area, located 90 miles east of Paris, also contributes in an incisive way. “Deep in Champagne subsoil are layers of sedimentary rocks composed of chalk, marl and limestone. This type of subsoil allows for good drainage,” explains Checchi.

She does warn, however, that the continental influences can lead to freezing temperatures in winter, bringing frosts that can be devastating for the vineyards, and this occasional occurrence makes Champagne a challenging wine-growing area.

Salon salute

Asked for her Champagne of choice, Checchi unhesitatingly plumps for Salon. “It is definitely my favourite Champagne!” she exclaims. “It is produced from a single grape variety, namely Chardonnay, and comes from a single great terroir – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs.”

This exceptional Champagne is only made in years when conditions are perfect. “Salon is produced just in the best vintages; little more than 35 vintages were produced in a whole century!” she says. “Doubtless this is not a bottle for daily consumption because of its price and the difficulty of its availability in the market.”

The thought of this rare pleasure makes every sip of “the experience memorable, every single time I get the chance to drink it”. She believes the wine has a magical, almost potent effect: “If eternal youth exists, Salon definitely knows its secret recipe!”

Despite Salon’s rarity, Checchi has savoured the tipple on enough occasions to be able to compare different vintages. “Even though I have had the honour of drinking many vintages from the maison, the one that is still in my heart is Salon 1997,” she reveals. She was extremely impressed by its youth when she tasted it in January 2020, yet “the nose is complex”.

Describing some of the tastes and aromas of her favourite vintage, she enthuses: “The 1997 is wonderfully refined, its minerality complemented by hints of white flowers. A salty note enhances aromas of bread crust, brioche with a little hint of green apple, and hazelnut.” Her appreciation becomes more infectious as she describes the mouthfeel, which “shows the very essence of Salon, dynamic and energetic. The mousse [sparkling-wine foam] caresses the tongue with the sensuality of silk, and there are rich and persistent flavours of ripe peach, honey and smoked tea.”

Prime Time King: Johnathan Chan, co-founder of watch-collecting community The Horology Club, cherishes the new complications in his life

A horological revolution is underway, spearheaded by Johnathan Chan and his cohorts’ passionate pursuit of timepieces. What began as a friendly fascination with watches has budded into the establishment of Hong Kong’s first inclusive community for watch collectors, aptly named The Horology Club. A commitment to individualism and a desire to break free from the uniformity often associated with the city’s watch culture has led to a haven for people to share their love for distinctive timepieces.

As for his own wrist rewards, Chan opts for well-tuned and elevated classics in keeping with his status and style as one of the club’s three co-founders, as well as choices that may turn heads. “Ever since I was a child, I have always been a bit of a non-conformist. I always enjoyed going against what was supposed to be the ‘right’ path,” he recollects. “Well, that’s a nice way to put it; basically, I was a rebellious child! I think this has carried on to my taste with watches, I derive enjoyment from picking watches that might be off the beaten path.”

When we meet in his smart Hong Kong residence, Chan is deep in his work zone. The 36-year-old millennial is an alpha male in appearance but radiates affability and approachability, tempered today perhaps by a hint of jetlag – only 24 hours ago he was in Geneva for Watches and Wonders 2024. He wears a beige sports jacket, white button-down shirt and dress shoes with the same sense of nonchalance and ease as he does T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. Not surprisingly, he is well-versed in interviews, especially when they revolve around watches.

“It was crazy busy in Geneva,” he exclaims, happily. “I’ve been doing this [talking about timepieces] for the past few days. Non-stop. So I guess Watches and Wonders helped me prep for today!”

Once Upon A Time

Truth be told, watches have run Chan’s life for a relatively short time. He has clocked up a decade and a half in finance, and it was only five years ago that a relaxed afternoon with a buddy changed everything. On his Instagram account – where his handle is, fittingly, @watchbruh – a recent post of multiple monitor screens attests to his last working days of living the dream as an equity derivatives trader.

Black sweater top by Zara, grey pants by Suit Supply, Greubel Forsey Double Balancier S2

“I have worked in the finance sector for 15+ years and for the last 12 years, I was an equity derivatives trader, trading mostly for Hong Kong markets. I got into the world of watches through a good friend Helbert Tsang, who is also one of the co-founders of The Horology Club,” he says. “I have him to blame for being on the verge of financial ruin, as he was the one who introduced me to this hobby!”

Their chat sparked a desire on his part to own a unique timepiece that resonated with his personal style, and that quest led him to select the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Geographic as his first watch. Its sector dial and second time-zone complication captured his imagination, setting the stage for his horological odyssey.

Hour Legacy

Today, a number of more off-beat collectibles show the depth of his new-found connection with watches. There’s the Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe S2; a vintage Vacheron Constantin Chronograph; the MB&F x Urwerk C3H5N3O9 ‘Nitroglycerine’ ZR012 Experiment; and a custom design Laurent Ferrier Micro-rotor, the only one in the world made in tantalum. In between posing for the camera, he explains the technical attributes of each piece and how it speaks to him as a collector. His passion is crystal clear and very endearing.

Chan’s collection is impressive, running the gamut from unusual cult classics to instantly recognisable icons. “I truly believe a watch is like an extension of your personality, and so when you are spending so much money on something that will be on your wrist all day, often the last thing you want is to wear the same thing as everyone else. Naturally, it leads to my pursuit of timepieces that are generally rarer and more unique.”

Denim shirt by Zara, white T-shirt by COS, denim pants by Levis and MB&F x Urwerk C3H5N3O9 “Nitroglycerine” ZR012 Experiment

At the other end of the spectrum, he also owns a Cloche de Cartier nicknamed ‘Belle Pêche’ (Beautiful Peach), a special order for The Horology Club that he personally designed. Key to this piece is the versatility of its unique bell-shaped case: it’s elegant enough to be worn with a suit or tuxedo, while still sufficiently sporty to match more casual outfits. It’s an effortlessly cool watch, not unlike the man himself.

“For me, emotion is the most important characteristic when it comes to deciding the value of a watch,” he says. “Oftentimes, when I decide to purchase a watch, it’s actually down to the relationship I have with the people behind the brand. These relationships have led to The Horology Club Creations, where we have a hand in the design of the watch. Naturally, this evokes strong emotions when seeing the end product – almost like it’s your own child, and that feeling is irreplaceable.”

Complication Relationships

In addition to organising regular events and devising content to enrich the watch-collecting experience, The Horology Club has given rise to smaller subgroups that explore other shared interests such as sports, photography, art and wine. By fostering these connections beyond the realm of watches, the club creates a sense of camaraderie and provides a welcoming environment for members to engage in meaningful conversations and forge lasting friendships.

“The most rewarding aspect has definitely been the people; I’ve been able to meet some of my closest friends through the club and these are relationships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he shares. “Also, it’s about being able to provide a platform for people to find out more about their own tastes. At our events, people are able to see watches they might not ever see. When you try these on, sometimes you realise something you never thought was suitable for you might be a perfect choice!”

Blue polo sweater by COS, denim pants by Levis, unique piece Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor in Tantalum watch and white sneakers by Common Projects

With Chan’s leadership and the passion of its members, The Horology Club is poised to shape the future of watch culture in Hong Kong. And in their case, in contrast to other fast-growing communities, the more complications the better.

“The culture at The Horology Club is a draw as we highly emphasise on the openess and inclusiveness of the watch family. Everyone is on a different path with different tastes and it doesn’t matter what or how you collect. Every story and watch is worthy of hearing. This culture of being kind is at the heart of our community.”

As our shoot and interview draws to a close, Chan checks his watch and looks relieved. A tennis match, his next session of the day, awaits. He smiles and gestures with air quotes. “That was fast. We’re right on ‘time’.”

Interview, Text and Art Direction by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Cover: Beige sport jacket and white shirt by The Armoury, grey pants by Zara, watch by The Horology Club Special Order Cartier Cloche and black dress shoes by Johnston and Murphy

Natural Selection: Green onyx, blue marble and plenty of wood bring quiet beauty to a soothing Singapore home

A home that reflects the taste of its owners and serves as a functional environment for both living and working is a dream for many. It is realised within this apartment of soothing colours, natural surfaces and understated elegance at MeyerHouse, a prestigious new condominium complex in Singapore. The interiors are designed by Takenouchi Webb, a firm known for its deftness in manipulating materials to create textural spaces.

Many exquisitely designed elements become focal points, while utilitarian functions are elevated to celebrate domesticity and an uplifting working environment. Meeting individual and collective needs, the apartment belongs to a couple who work primarily from home and are passionate about their respective hobbies. The husband enjoys freediving, board games and making pizza; the wife music and cooking. The latter, in particular, was a determining factor for the functional aspects of the design, says British architect Marc Webb, who runs the Singapore-based design studio with his partner, interiors expert Naoko Takenouchi.

An expansive open-plan living and dining space is subtly segmented by carefully curated and customised furniture and furnishings. A super-comfy oversized sofa placed upon a large rug defines the sitting area, where a slab of Blue Roma marble serves as a bespoke coffee table with drawers to store board games. Nearby, two armchairs from House of Finn Juhl adjacent to a marble side table by Tacchini is the designated spot for playing Go.

Original finishes such as dark-laminated walls in the apartment’s private lift lobby and patterned parquet flooring are matched with lime-plaster surfaces, showcasing the handmade quality of the selected materials. This craft-led approach continues in a wall of timber beading and woven-straw wallpaper on the other side of the living room, which conceals doors to the master bedroom and wet kitchen.

An open kitchen next to the dining area is a true showstopper, boasting sleek lines and high gloss finishes; extending the kitchen into the living space was a key part of the couple’s brief to the designers. Their wish has materialised in a beautiful green onyx breakfast bar that also holds a sink and specialist baking oven to become a working kitchen counter.

The counter edge creates a sculptural element in the living room and features shelves for books and two wooden bar stools for extra seating. A custom-designed dining table, crafted from rich walnut wood, accommodates up to eight people. Above, a striking industrial-style pendant light adds a touch of glamour. Planters of tall greenery are placed around the table and the room to incorporate nature in the indoor space.

The apartment’s large balcony has been integrated into the living space, extending its impressive dimensions and housing an additional dining table for informal meals. Another bespoke element here that brings delight to daily tasks is a work station for the avid pizza chef, complete with a pizza oven, built-in refrigerator and storage drawers for the dough to rest. Vertical grooves on the light-toned wood cabinet provide a pleasing visual counterpoint to the horizontal slats of the Venetian blinds dressing the floor-to-ceiling windows.

A leitmotif of curves softens hard edges and gives purposeful embellishment to functional elements, such as an arch framing a sliding door that leads to a storeroom containing diving gear. Scalloped walls and a customised metal shelf in the main bedroom continue this language. Furniture and lighting fixtures from brands such as Time & Style, Apparatus Studio, BassamFellows and Singapore vintage store Noden complete the home’s relaxed, eloquent character.

The master bedroom is a serene retreat, complete with a plush area rug, a comfortable reading nook and a spa-worthy en-suite bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides allow abundant light to filter through white curtains. Two delicate hanging lamps and flower vases resting on low side tables flank the bed, adding to the natural warmth of the room. The bathroom is equally elegant, with a wooden vanity and splendid wooden bathtub following the natural theme of the interiors.

Throughout the home, thoughtful design elements and attention to detail create a cohesive and harmonious space that perfectly balances form and function. This Singapore residence is truly a calming oasis for its owners to relax and recharge in style and dream big.

Photos: Takenouchi Webb – Singapore

Set in Stone: Double Oscar winner Emma Stone’s bold acting choices have enriched our viewing experience

Emma Stone has been a favourite in Hollywood for more than 10 years, enthralling with her girl-next-door charm, comedic timing and amazing range. Her audacious approach to the lead in Poor Things, the Frankenstein-like tale of a Victorian-era woman who commits suicide and is resurrected with the brain of her unborn child, paid off. It earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress, placing her on par with film industry icons such as Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and Elizabeth Taylor.

“It’s not about me. It’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts,” she declared as she accepted the statuette. “And that is the best part about making movies, it’s all of us together.”

It was a deserved win, with Stone dominating the Yorgos Lanthimos film as the unconventional Bella Baxter, who embarks on a daring and liberating voyage of self-discovery. “Bella falls in love with life itself, rather than a person. She accepts the good and the bad in equal measure, and that really made me look at life differently,” she noted at the Golden Globes ceremony in January.

Once upon a tone

Emily Jean Stone was born in Scottsdale, Arizona on 6 November 1988 and began acting at an early age, participating in youth theatre. She was home-schooled for a spell and then dropped out before finishing high school, moving to Los Angeles in order to follow her passion. Her breakthrough performance was in the teen comedy, Superbad, in 2007, where her natural humour and likeability were evident. Parts in movies such as Easy A (2010), The Help and Crazy, Stupid, Love (both in 2011) solidified her position as a rising star.

Stone’s first Oscar came in 2017 for her turn as struggling actress Mia in the dreamy musical romance La La Land, Damien Chazelle’s ode to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The dazzling musical showcased her versatility as both a powerhouse singer and a nuanced dramatic performer.

“My mom would play Les Misérables in our house when I was growing up,” she recalls. “She told me the story and then I saw it on stage when I was eight, and it was transformative for me. I loved it. After that, singing became a medium of expressing feelings that was so much bigger than just saying it.”

As she reiterates in many interviews, however, dancing used to be her favourite art form. She took dance lessons for 10 years, mostly tap classes, but was not as technically proficient as other budding young dancers. She eventually realised that acting spoke to her in a different way.

“I think I connected with acting I was more able to bring to life what I wanted to,” she says. “Performing helped me as a kid to channel my energy somewhere else, to put it out instead of turning it inward. Acting is therapy, especially as a kid. It was nice to have an outlet like that when I was really struggling with panic attacks. Being on stage early on made me less afraid to try things that are challenging and scary.”

Odd is good

With Stone’s glittering ascent showing no signs of slowing, she likes to express her opinion on odd topics as many people do, proving that being a superstar does not make one ‘special’.

“When I was younger, I had a soft spot for anything spooky and I would go to visit cemeteries,” she shares. “I’m still interested in that stuff, but not in a negative way. Once you understand that your time is limited, you live with a lot more awareness. Why should I worry about everything else? The actual reality is death. And I think there’s something strangely comforting about that.”

Her real life is as colourful as her reel life. Having previously dated actors Kieran Culkin and Andrew Garfield, she tied the knot with writer-director Dave McCary in 2020, and the couple welcomed daughter Louise Jean in 2021. They live in Austin, Texas, where she can go out, see friends and lead a normal life, or at least, a more normal life than she would have in Hollywood. She and Jennifer Lawrence are close: “We go on trips together, we hang out at each other’s houses in New York and watch [fantasy comedy film] Hocus Pocus.”

Although Stone is known as a redhead, her natural hair colour is blonde. She dyed it red on the advice of Superbad director Judd Apatow and the colour has remained almost ever since.

Ready, set, go!

Off the sound stage, she served as producer on Poor Things and executive producer of the 2023 black comedy-horror TV series The Curse, in which she stars alongside creator-writers Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. Through their production company, Fruit Tree, Stone and McCary also guided the comedy film A Real Pain to life; written, directed and starring Jesse Eisenberg, it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Numbering among Fruit Tree’s credits as well is Problemista (2023), the brainchild of writer and comedian Julio Torres, who created two of Stone’s best-ever Saturday Night Live skits, Wells for Boys and The Actress.

Stone’s talent and diverse roles have earned her a substantial fortune, with her current net worth reportedly estimated at about US$40 million (HK$313 million). She’s also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes such as cancer research and Stand Up to Cancer – her mother is a cancer survivor.

“I learn from my mistakes … I never feel like I am doing it all right all the time. But that’s okay. Being human is okay. That’s a hard lesson if you are a sensitive person; when you care about people and you don’t want to hurt anybody, you don’t want to f*** up. And it’s hard because you will,” she confesses.

This all paints a picture of Emma Stone as a kind of auteur, giving herself and others a platform to experiment with their greatest and most unusual work – work meant to challenge the audience. After two critically acclaimed collaborations with Lanthimos, The Favourite (2018) and Poor Things, she is set to make it a trio with the Greek maestro. Kinds of Kindness debuts at the Cannes Film Festival this month. Bring on more Emma Stone brilliance, we say.

Goa Glow: India’s west-coast paradise entices with its colonial churches, beaches, spices and intoxicating nightlife

Goa is rightly considered one of the most desirable destinations in India. It boasts beautiful long, palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, a slew of historic buildings emanating from its Portuguese colonial past and amazing parties. Its unique blend of the East and West differentiates the state from the rest of the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent.

This melting pot of influences borders the Arabian Sea on India’s west coast and is located some 500 kilometres south of teeming Mumbai. Its favourable coastal location made it an ideal trading location over the centuries; before the Portuguese arrived in 1510, Hindu merchants flourished, trading spices, silk, pearls and horses. Arab, South Asian, East African and Mediterranean cultures have been fused into the Goan identity.

Rome of the East

The Portuguese added a significant layer to the architectural landscape, not least because the new rulers forcibly converted many Hindus and Buddhists to Catholicism. Old Goa, the site of Goa’s former capital before it was moved to Panjim (now Panaji), is dotted with ornate structures dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Such was its grandeur that it was once known as the ‘Rome of the East’ and many of the imposing churches and cathedrals are still in use or have been converted to museums.

The standout is Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina), one of the largest cathedrals in Asia, measuring an awesome 76 metres long and 55 metres wide. Construction began in 1562 under the auspices of King Sebastian I of Portugal, and it took 90 years to complete. The building is noted for its plain, Tuscan style and a lopsided look resulting from the loss of one of its bell towers after a lightning strike. The other tower contains the Golden Bell (Sino de Ouro), famed for the richness of its tone. Inside are several fine carvings and splendidly decorated chapels.

Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the Christian world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was completed in 1605 and contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The saintliness of this missionary was such that his mostly incorruptible body has miraculously survived – so the story goes ¬– for almost 500 years. His remains are kept in a silver casket and viewed by the public once every 10 years. The next decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier takes place between 21 November 2024 and 5 January 2025 and will undoubtedly draw thousands of awestruck pilgrims from across the world.

Capital gains

The modern-day capital of the most laid-back state of India is wedged between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in central Goa, just a 20-minute drive from Old Goa. Exploring Panaji’s historic Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, home to quaint, narrow streets and ochre-coloured mansions with terracotta-tiled roofs, is a delightful and photogenic experience. The pretty Chapel of St Sebastian holds a striking crucifix harking back to the time of the Goa Inquisition.

Panaji hosts a slew of other cultural attractions including the Goa State Museum, housed in the oldest Portuguese-era building in Goa. Elaborately carved furniture used during the brutal 250-year inquisition as well as beautiful Hindi and Jain sculptures decorate its halls. Visitors to the capital will also discover plenty of superb galleries, temples, restaurants and nightlife establishments. A popular walking-tour operator, Make It Happen, offers local insight into Goan history and culture through guided peeks into heritage homes, and for lovers of Portuguese music, a fado performance.

Spice and all things nice

After a stroll around the Latin Quarter, relax and enjoy the wonderfully diverse local cuisine. Goan food is influenced by abundant seafood from the Arabian Sea, the enclave’s historic location along the spice route, and Portuguese cooking techniques. Sorpotel, for instance, is a Portuguese stew made of liver, heart, and tongue of pork or other meat that was adopted by Goan Catholics.

Hotel Venite, with its balcony tables overlooking charming cobbled streets, presents authentic Goan cuisine, with vegetable vindaloo served with Portuguese-spiced sausages and rice, fish curry rice, pepper steak and bebinca, a traditional sticky, seven-layer cake made of eggs, coconut, sugar, ghee and flour. The balcony of the cosy Riverfront restaurant overlooks the creek and Old Patto Bridge and its sister pub – called Down the Road – makes for a nice nightspot with occasional live music.

Trance of a lifetime

Cruises along the Mandovi River may afford a glimpse of a dolphin gliding through the water or a mugger crocodile basking in the estuary. Such tourist excursions are often accompanied by live bands and renditions of Goan folk songs and dances, with some private operators running what can best to described as ‘party’ cruises. Panaji is also noted for its floating casinos, operating ‘offshore’.

Anjuna in North Goa was once the epicentre of the hippie party scene. Indeed, as far back as its 16th-century boozy Portuguese sailors, Goa acquired a reputation for all-night drinking parties, much to the consternation of the locals. Infamous drug-fuelled trance parties in the 1990s led to a government crackdown, and now the psychedelia takes place on special occasions such as Christmas, New Year or full-moon nights. The legendary Anjuna dive of Curlies received a demolition notice, but you can still get your party fix at Hill Top in Vagator and venues in and around Morjim.

Anjuna is also famous for its weekly Wednesday flea market, where exotic merchandise sourced from all over India delivers a fascinating injection of local life. The Friday market at Mapusa provides fresh produce, spices and textiles.

Natural pleasures

Goa has become world famous for its beaches, and the sandy stretches of North Goa, particularly at Baga and Calangute, draw the biggest crowds. There is a booming nightlife scene, trendy bars and restaurants, yoga retreats and easy access to water sports, such as parasailing, jet- and water-skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

In South Goa, the curved, palm-fringed beach at Palolem, with its golden sands, balmy waters, gentle-swaying palm trees and water sports in the sheltered bay, is one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect spots. Even quieter beaches at Patnem and Agonda are not far off, and beautiful Butterfly Beach can be reached by hiring a boat from Palolem while taking in an unspoilt coastline.

Just nine kilometres southeast of Palolem is Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, where an overnight stay increases the likelihood of spying on various species of monkey, deer and the occasional panther. Goa offers numerous other natural attractions, such as bird sanctuaries, spice plantations and the mountainous splendour of the Western Ghats.

This hedonistic state loves to put on a colourful festival and indulge in nonstop revelry. Aside from the many Catholic feast days, traditional Hindu celebrations such as Diwali and Shantadurga are celebrated, as is the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, generally in November, since 2004.

Ankoma Chameleon: Intimate bistro meets refined izakaya at the fine-dining counter manned by local chef Frankie Wong

Exceptional chefs are like chameleons. They may be acknowledged for their mastery of a certain dish or their own cooking style, but what really distinguishes them from their contemporaries is their capacity to transfer and modify their refined method from one culinary endeavour to the next. A range of vast and varied experiences is also often necessary, as well as humility, patience and innate talent. Such is the case for Hong Kong’s very own culinary rising star, Chef Frankie Wong, who is making a breakthrough performance via Ankôma.

“My inspiration comes from all channels – sometimes it is through suppliers explaining ingredients, or me casually browsing on Instagram, and sometimes in my dreams!” laughs Wong of his French-Japanese cuisine. “Each creation goes through much trial and error and many versions.”

A juxtaposition if ever there was one, the fact that fine-dining haven Ankôma is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui’s bustle has amplified just how versatile Wong is and has pronounced the range in his unrestrained perspective. Unlike the busy scenes on the streets below, the fifth-floor restaurant’s eight-seat marble counter, elegantly set with linen napkins, handsome wine glasses and no-fuss flatware, looks into a modern kitchen of the latest chef’s toys and gadgets. The scene is complemented by Wong’s fabulous talent and a menu focusing on local ingredients.

“Fine dining usually has an image of being very proper, not very commonly accessible and can be quite intimidating for some guests,” says the chef. “In Ankôma, guests can enjoy fine-dining-quality dishes but in a casual environment, like a bistro or izakaya. For those who frequent fine-dining restaurants, it can be a change of scene, a different and refreshing experience from what they are used to.”

Each plate is easy on the eye and tasty on the palate. As Wong personally explains each dish – an essential component of the Ankôma experience – diners will discover that the restraint and simplicity which appear to be the defining characteristics of his cuisine may be more colourful and complex than they first thought.

Our tasting parade begins with zuwaigani, a snow crab tartlet with sherry vinegar sheet and battera kombu floss. The unagi course showcases smoked eel with foie-gras mousse on brioche French toast, while saba, a fatty mackerel cured with apple cider vinegar, kombu and mirin, is complemented by a zesty green apple and jellyfish salad, finished with a kick of wasabi emulsion.

The seasonal hokkigai, a lightly torched surf clam with homemade fish cake, is accompanied by ratatouille consommé, chipolata sausage and coriander. The scallop dish consisting of a buttery pan-fried Hokkaido scallop paired with a cool French bean purée, eggplant purée and vadouvan sauce is the chef’s French take on Indian masala.

The standout dish comes in the form of a roasted piece of the most tender three yellow chicken. Inspired by his Hong Kong upbringing, the local poultry is artistically served with bannonegi (scallion), ikura (salmon roe), creamy vin jaune (yellow wine) sauce and Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice.

Other revelations of this tasting menu include how well angel hair pasta pairs with wakame, shiso blossoms and caviar when it has been flavoured with white truffle paste. The next dish presents butter-aged lobster tails cooked over lava stones and topped with daikon oden (simmered radish stew), handmade chilli oil and a sauce of sakura-ebi (shrimp) and kabocha (winter squash).

The dessert of pistachio almond crunch, ganache, mochi and ice cream, as well as offerings of seasonal fruit, make the perfect ending to this sumptuous dinner.

Ankôma’s tasteful contemporary French-Japanese approach proves that striking a balance between revolutionising traditional cuisine and creating an inviting restaurant is a worthwhile pursuit. A collaboration among generations helps heaps, but it’s a collective passion for serving a unique, delicious experience that lights the match.

Ankoma, 5/F, Kam Lung Commercial Centre, 2 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Photos: Ankoma Video: Jack Fontanilla

Set for Life: Hong Kong insurers’ policy of attracting mainland buyers is paying dividends

Selling the world’s most valuable life insurance policy earlier this year was undoubtedly a major coup for Hong Kong. Paying an astronomical US$250 million to the beneficiary upon the holder’s death, it was issued by HSBC Life to an ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNW) whose identity understandably has not been disclosed. The cover surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for life insurance, a US$201 million policy to a US billionaire facilitated by advisory firm SG, LLC in 2014.

The 10-year wait to break the world record is relatively short, considering the previous interval spanned almost a quarter of a century – it was back in 1990 that British life insurance agent Peter Rosengard sold a US$100 million policy to a prominent figure in the US entertainment industry.

To the surprise of many industry insiders, this latest record-smashing policy is fully underwritten by HSBC Life. But what is certain is that it represents a huge vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s financial services industry, and particularly the insurance sector.

The attention-grabbing sale in question was an HSBC Life Paramount Global Life Insurance Plan, a type of life insurance that offers whole-of-life protection with wealth preservation and legacy planning features. According to HSBC Life, the demand for such policies among UHNW individuals has ballooned over the past year, with a further 10 valued at US$50 million or above issued by the insurance firm to clients seeking facilities for wealth transfer and legacy planning.

High penetration

Hong Kong has been a major player in the world of insurance since the early 20th century, a feat commonly attributed to its relatively stable sociopolitical environment, advanced finance infrastructure, and open-door policy to foreign investment. Given its strong, high-income per capita economy, there is a high life insurance penetration in the territory. Insurance companies eye further expansion via a proliferation of new policies and the city’s rapid growth as an Asian hub, particularly its close ties with mainland China.

“Asia is home to one of the fastest-growing UHNW populations in the world, and as such we are seeing a substantial increase in demand for insurance solutions to address business succession, estate management and legacy planning needs,” says Edward Moncreiffe, CEO of HSBC Life Hong Kong and Macau. He stresses that the issuance of these high-value life insurance policies proves that Hong Kong has reaffirmed its position as both a preferred destination for wealth management and a leading international insurance hub.

“The Hong Kong life insurance market has a number of characteristics that puts us in a strong position to capture this growth in regional UHNW wealth-transfer demand,” he says, citing Hong Kong’s deep talent pools across intermediaries, underwriters and actuaries, strong competition among international banks, brokers and insurers, well-capitalised insurance companies with strong credit ratings, and sound regulatory regime as contributing factors to the thriving insurance services.

Massive sector

According to recent research by GlobalData, a UK-headquartered data analytics and consultancy company, the Hong Kong life insurance market was worth HK$478.2 billion (US$61.1 billion) in 2023 and is expected to grow by more than 3% per annum from 2024 to 2028.

The high level of financial literacy and digitalisation has spawned a diverse range of products in Hong Kong. Major developments have included the growth of finance technology such as insurtech and Environment Social and Governance (ESG) related products, as well as inclusive insurance products aimed at the excluded or underserved market.

The industry’s leading line of business in Hong Kong last year was whole life insurance. Demand in this area is driven by an ageing society, increased life expectancy and a falling fertility rate. It is also buoyed by inclusivity elements to reflect these societal changes, such as whole-life protection for senior citizens and expanding the package of death and dementia-related benefits.

Mainland surge

Many Hong Kong-based life insurance companies have experienced a surge in interest and sales since the reopening of the border with mainland China in early 2023. Prudential, one of the top three life insurers in Hong Kong, has cited border flow from the north as a major contributor to the vast boost in sales last year. Its annual report stated that mainland customers were looking for “diversification of currency and asset class, professional financial advice across a broad product spectrum, and access to high-quality medical care available in Hong Kong”.

The border reopening came not a moment too soon for Ryan Lam Leong Sing, a Licensed Individual Agent of an insurance company with nearly 15 years of experience. He shares that about 80% of his life insurance business emanates from mainland buyers, adding that sales have rocketed by 30% and the pent-up demand from mainland Chinese eager for Hong Kong life insurance policies is huge. “It’s not difficult – the demand is there,” notes Lam of the influx of mainland buyers, pointing out that they need to be physically present in Hong Kong to sign the policy.

Mainland Chinese are attracted to Hong Kong to buy life insurance policies for a plethora of reasons, including its status as a leading financial centre and its legal system. More specifically, they are limited to US$50,000 per year in currency exchange and transfer out of China “If their money is in Hong Kong, they can exchange whatever they want and transfer it to any country,” says Lam.

Vehicle for growth

Due to Hong Kong’s highly developed financial services sector, life insurance policies here can offer mainland customers a far better vehicle for the growth of financial assets. “The growth of their money is what they are seeking,” affirms Lam. “They maybe want to put it in a trust, and life insurance is an important part in the trust.”

Their life insurance policies fall into three categories: risk management, such as life, accident and medical insurance, and critical illness; savings management, such as savings plans for retirement and educational funds; and investment plans, offering customers a passive income and a fund manager to monitor their money.

Hong Kong attraction

According to Lam, Hong Kong policies have an advantage over those offered on the mainland for paying dividends on the likes of critical illness cover. “In Hong Kong, after 30 years, even if you don’t become ill, you still get money paid out. On the mainland, there is no dividend at all,” he says.

“Then, for some savings plans, like an educational fund or retirement planning, the yearly return is under 3% on the mainland. But in Hong Kong, you can get like a maximum of 6-7%.”

This is important, stresses Lam, as the key component of these types of policies is maximising return for educational or retirement provision, while the insurance part acts purely as the foundation of the plan.

Lam adds that higher operating costs and taxes on the mainland are factors in limiting the level of return there. “Also, in Hong Kong, premiums are reinvested, and they can be put in any market around the world. In China, it is limited to the mainland market.”

The Covid years were difficult for life insurers in Hong Kong as business dropped by as much as 70%. Confidence in the Hong Kong insurance sector hinges on three factors, says Lam – “trust, ability and integrity” – and it appears this is now paying off. While it is not every day that a new policy smashes a world record, the industry has rebounded and sales are soaring.

The Perfect Sound: Superior sound quality achieved with new N-01XD SE model

Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high-quality sound reproduction.

Vinyl quality sound

Esoteric’s proud history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.

The legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits, and the most advanced network audio playback technology utilizing a unique linear power supply system provide Esoteric’s hallmark sound that is reminiscent of vinyl sound.

New SE model delivers enhanced dynamics

The N-01XD is equipped with a Master Sound Discrete DAC – developed entirely in-house to achieve the original master sound – and a high-quality network module that delivers a three-dimensional sound as if you were listening to your favourite vinyl recording.

Now a new top-of-the-line Network DAC, the N-01XD SE, with a new discrete clock module and upgraded analog section in the DAC circuit raises the bar to the next level, allowing you to enjoy an even more advanced sense of presence, dynamics and musicality full of tonal textures.

The SE model reflects every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was launched to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE model.

Superb features

The network module, which supports the 22.5MHz DSD format, delivers sound quality like vinyl playback thanks to its linear power supply technology that uses no switching elements. The model features a 2-channel stereo DAC with independent power supplies for the left and right channels.

Other features include – Esoteric Sound Stream App for smartphones/tablets which provides a high level of operational comfort for network audio playback, a music server function (USB storage port × 2), a wide range of supported source formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC), plus support for multiple streaming services and audio codecs (TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon, MQA, Spotify).

Above all, the dedicated linear power supply system for the network module creates super real, vinyl quality sound.

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (April 2024)

Four breathtaking lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a painting by the Beatles, a fantastic supercar, a rare Leica camera and a collection of prints by Katsushika Hokusai.

Snap Happy: Original Leica captures imagination

An extremely rare 100-year-old Leica camera sold for a whopping 3.5 million euros (HK$29.6 million) at the fifth Wetzlar Camera Auctions to be held in the German city. The final bid price for this 1923 Leica prototype, part of the iconic 0-series, was by far the highest clinched among an array of more than 250 historical cameras and accessories on the auction block. Fittingly, the majority of items sold were Leica cameras – Wetzlar is the home of the legendary German camera company.

This historic model is one of 22-25 prototypes made for testing purposes, then released as a limited series in 1924, the year before Leica’s birth. The whereabouts of just 16 of these ‘firsts’ are known; this one was part of an Italian private collection. Its black paint finish is in fine condition and it boasts the original leather lens cap with fastening cord and the original spool.

The 35mm camera, designed by Oskar Barnack, instigated a revolution in photography, and this prototype became the model for all 35mm Leicas. Wetzlar Camera Auctions has made a name for itself in recent years for achieving substantial prices for particularly rare photographica.

Fab Work: Beatles’ Japan painting a huge hit

An amazing painting laid down by all four Beatles grabbed the attention of dedicated fans at a recent Christie’s sale in New York. Bidders drove the price of their collective psychedelic handiwork up to US$1.74 million (HK$13.64 million), a figure far in excess of the pre-auction estimate of US$400,000-600,000. The piece, Images of a Woman, was created by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in a Tokyo hotel room in 1966 during their concert tour of Japan.

The work is unique in the sense that it is the only time all four Beatles contributed to the same artwork, and it was also created during one of their last concert tours before the pressures of stardom forced them to quit performing live. Commenting on the auction’s success, Christie’s International Specialist Head Casey Rogers said: “It’s been a thrill to witness another magnificent performance by The Beatles. I am proud of the way we told the story of this one-of-a-kind object that is both a work of art and an intimate piece of memorabilia signed in order by John, Paul, George and Ringo.”

The Beatles produced this wonderful piece using watercolours and oil paints on fine Japanese art paper.

Great View: Collection of prints sets record

A series of prints by Katsushika Hokusai set a world record for the renowned artist at a recent Christie’s auction held in New York during Asian Art Week. The final sales price reached US$3,559,000 for the complete set of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji which were featured as prized lots of the Japanese and Korean Art section of the sale. The enthusiastic bidding during the auction smashed the previous record set for the artist following a Christie’s auction in 2023.

The Head of Christie’s Japanese and Korean Art Department, Takaaki Murakami, enthused: “It is a once-in-a-generation honour to offer a complete set of Hokusai’s monumental Fuji series. The record-setting result we achieved for the Thirty-Six Views, and the strong prices for other important Hokusai prints, continue our proud tradition of being the leading auction house for this artist.”

Published during 1830 to 1834, all the prints have Mount Fuji featuring in some form in various landscapes, seasons and weather conditions and often acting as a magnificent backdrop to various kinds of human activity. The mountain played an important part in Buddhism in Japan, partly explaining the popularity of the series.

Car Crazy: Fantastic supercar sends bids roaring

A unique hypercar from 2021 sporting a groundbreaking hybrid-drive powertrain went for an astonishing €2.42 million (HK$20.75 million) at a recent auction held by RM Sotheby’s in Paris. The Koenigsegg Regera is considered by automotive experts as a technological tour de force. Capable of zooming to 400 km/h in less than 29 seconds, it is one of the fastest cars out there. Just 80 were made, and the sleek specimen on the auction block was particularly attractive, with a single previous owner and an odometer recording just 522 kilometres.

The wonder model was first unveiled in concept form to an awe-inspired public at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2015, with production commencing a year later. Each Regera boasts a high level of personalisation – this one is finished in moon silver with blue stripes and has steel blue brake callipers and carbon Kevlar 11-spoke Dymag Spider wheels. Furthermore, the series is noted for its close attention to detail, such as constellation-style daytime running lights using a tranche of LEDs set against a polished carbon backdrop.

The driving force behind the marque is Christian von Koenigsegg, the Swedish automotive engineer, inventor and supercar enthusiast.