Hiking, Trail Running, Rock Climbing: The best shoes for all kinds of terrain

After a week of gloomy, rather Scandinavian weather, the sun is finally peeking bright and we’re hoping for a balmy weekend ahead. Setting off on the trails, or pounding the pavements – a strenuous outdoor activity keeping Covid restrictions and the right footwear mind, sounds like just the kind of endorphins we need.

Hiking, trail running or climbing gafencu definitive guide to choosing the right outdoor footwear (5) — (Photo: Hoka One One)

1. Getting the right size

Making sure you have the right size shoe to run or hike in is essential to keeping the feet healthy and comfortable. A common mistake people make is getting a size that matches the length of their feet. Professionals recommend getting shoes a half or full size up to give the toes a comfortable wiggle room, especially since the feet expands as we run. An easy way to tell if you’ve got the right size on is making sure you have a thumb size or two finger size gap from the shoes to your toes and your heel.

2. Choose your shoes according to your trail

Choosing a pair of hiking boots or trail running shoes depends on your objective and trail. A few things to consider: the distance, the terrain and how heavy the load on your back will be. This will determine the right type of footwear for your trail. For example, hiking boots typically have durable outers, rigid soles and high cuts to provide support to the ankles, while also protecting the toes and soles of the feet on rough and rocky terrain in case you trip or slip. On the other hand, casual day hikes or paved paths don’t need high durability and would be a more comfortable experience in lighter shoes made with breathable and flexible material for optimum comfort.

Hiking, trail running or climbing gafencu definitive guide to choosing the right outdoor footwear (6) — (Photo: Salomon)

3. Consider how much support or protection you will need

If you are ambitious about tackling challenging slopes, trekking upstream or climbing over rocky terrain, it is crucial to consider how much support, protection and flexibility you will need on your adventure. For easy to moderate flat surfaced hikes, a pair of lightweight, low-cut trail running shoes will offer more flexibility in movement because of its light and springy build. Meanwhile high-cut hiking boots are best fit to serve those trekking unstable trails with loose rocks; they provide good grip and support on the soles and around the ankles, especially for those who are prone to ankle injuries and need the extra support.

4. How heavy is your backpack?

Another thing to consider before picking out a pair of shoes for your adventure is to consider the weight of your load or backpack. With camping becoming a popular hobby for many Hongkongers, particularly for photography enthusiasts, hiking uphill with a full gear can be cumbersome and take a toll on your soles for supporting a lot of the heavy lifting. In this case, hiking shoes (not boots), which are a cross between hiking boots and trail running shoes, provide the lightness and flexibility of trail running shoes while adding stiffer and thicker soles for more comfort and protection.

Hiking, trail running or climbing gafencu definitive guide to choosing the right outdoor footwear (4) — (Photo: Hoka One One)

5. Waterproof is not always best

Contrary to what most people believe, waterproof shoes aren’t necessarily always best for hiking – depending on where you’re going. We say this if you are going on long hikes, your feet are likely to expand and sweat. Breathable materials – preferably mesh – will allow air to flow out through the material, keeping the feet cool and comfortable. However, if you are hiking in water or canyoning, waterproof shoes that have shallow lugs (keeping close contact to the ground) with good grip and flexible material will ensure your feet and you safe and protected.

Also Read: Essential camping gadgets to level-up your next outdoor experience

What to Get

For day hikes and mostly flat surfaces:

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX: Pros: Built like trail running shoes but with added ankle support and toe protection, stable chassis and lug design as well as a comfortable X Ultra lightweight construction.

La Sportiva’s Nucleo High II GTX: Light, flexible, but impressiely durable and protective with mid-height design and good traction for rocky and muddy trails. It is suitable for day hiking and easy back packing trips. Not only is it waterproof, it lets the air inside exit through the top and bottom thanks to its web-like mesh design along the sides.

For trail running or climbing:

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4: Plush cushioning with grippy and comfortable soles and is extremely lightweight but soles wear down easily.

La Sportiva TX4: Categorised as Approach Shoes, this pair allows its wearers to move fast while trekking lightly and flexibly yet still offer a comfortable and supportive construction for challenging trails or for rock climbing.

For backpacking and uneven terrain:

Salomon Quest 4 GTX: Provides great ankle support and protection, and has durable upper, cushioning and protective underfoot that keeps the feet comfortably supported and safe from rough terrain.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: Sturdy and with good stiffness and thick midsoles that protects the feet from rocky trails. Has good grip built for long hikes and for climbing objectives.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX: Durable for backpacking over rough terrain, but is still reasonably light (2lbs) and pretty flexible. Can provide enough comfort to cover ground for days while keeping the feet and protected in rocky, snowy or wet conditions.

Also Read: Catch the most beautiful sunrise on these Hong Kong hikes

Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience

As the pandemic forces us to spend more time indoors, there is a huge interest in elevating the sound system at home. Choosing the best audio set-up can be tricky — whether you’re creating an at-home theater system of your dreams or simply upgrading the built-in smart speakers, we’ve got options and easy on the wallet too. Scroll on…

Best All-Around Smart Speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen

First on the list is Danish audio luxury brand Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay A9 4th Generation. Adding to its predecessors’ existing features, such as a full-range of connectivity, multi-room synchronization and a seven-driver-strong build with a high-performance engine, the 4th Gen Beoplay wireless home speaker comes with active room compensation technology that adapts to the ambiance of the room. It balances bass, treble and mid-range outputs outstandingly with no distortion. But even more striking here is its stunning Scandinavian design that highlights a minimalist aesthetic and its elegant solid wood legs.

Price: HK$25,800
Pro: Clean and loud audio; elegant design
Cons: B&O setup app could use improvement
Find out more here.

Best for Home Cinema

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Presented in sleek 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, the Smart Soundbar 900 by American audio tech company Bose, although slim in structure, does not skimp on quality. Subtly mount it underneath your flat screen or upon a shelf — no matter its position, the intelligently engineered sound system creates an immersive soundscape making you feel like the action is happening right in your own living room. Bringing details to life, the smart soundbar highlights the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace audio processing technology that analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and multi-layered cinematic atmosphere. And for a truly immersive audio experience at home, the device synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and smart speakers via SimpleSync.

Price: HK$10,000
Pro: Impressive clarity and details; supports Dolby Atmos; slim and subtly fits on the shelf or underneath the TV
Cons: It’s only flaw is that it is slightly larger than its previous 500 model
Find out more here.

Best for 360-degree Audio

Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience gafencu pantheon I — (Photo: Panteone I)

Pantheone I

At first glance, one might think that the Pantheone I is an sculptural piece set to elevate the aesthetic of the home, and perhaps that is exactly what the Australian design firm had aimed for in creating this high-performance audio accessory. Fusing form and functionality while powered by state-of-the-art technology that boasts impressively loud output and deep base without fall short on audio quality. Sound and modern art come together in its smooth and robustly curvaceous structure and impressive engineering that allows its hidden hardware to produce exceptional 360-degree soundstage. Good enough to fill a large room.

Price: HK$22,206
Pro: It has an impressive volume and sound quality for its size and structure; doubles as a sculptural piece for the home.
Cons: It is heavy (25kg) and design may blend easily in every home.
Find out more here.

Best for Streaming

Bowers Wilkins Formation Wedge

British manufacturer Bowers Wilkins delivers room-filling audio systems. If you think the Formation Wedge looks good, just wait until you read what it has under its hood. Strategically placed and angled for optimum sound quality, its drivers (two 2.5 cm aluminum dome tweeters, a 9 cm woofer underneath, and a 15 cm subwoofer) provide outstanding sound clarity without any interference among the drivers, despite its relatively small stature — providing excellent high-resolution audio quality. In place of physical controls, the Wedge features illuminating touch-sensitive controls for volume and play/pause modes.

Price: HK$8,999
Pro: Supports integral stream services; stylish design and excellent sound quality
Cons: No remote control; dedicate app and streaming services are
Find out more here.

Best for Power

Devialet Phantom I 103 dB

There’s nothing like moving to your favourite track, and with French audio expert Devialet’s Phantom, you can rest assured that audio quality on this device will not fall short. Boasting an immense output from it powered by high-fidelity and ultra-dense sound in a compact design. It is digitally powered, analog-grade audio technology pumps out ultra-deep bass, thanks to its HBI® Heart Bass Implosion, and produces stunning clarity — capturing every detail and bringing the concert to your home. Moreover, it arrives in a gorgeous glass fibre polycarbonate casing that presents a modernist style fit for any stylish home.

Price: HK$12,990
Pro: Powerful and outstanding bass and clarity even at high volume; captures the slightest details that lower-end speakers cannot
Cons: Not the most subtle external design for minimalist homes
Find out more here.

Robert Pattinson – From child actor to Hollywood heavyweight

Robert Pattinson has been around for a while. Perhaps you discovered him in the 2005 fourth cinematic instalment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter anthology as budding wizard Cedric Diggory. Maybe you swooned over his portrayal of brooding vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight series (2008-2013). Or perhaps you latterly stumbled over him in the most recent film adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s unfinished horror novel The Lighthouse alongside Willem Dafoe.

Whatever your first exposure to the talented British thespian, chances are – barring role reprisals – you’ll never see the like from him again. Such is the chameleonic, ever-changing face of Robert Pattinson in a wide range of genres. And it is precisely this ability to switch mindsets and mannerisms with apparent ease that has won him such favour in Tinseltown and beyond.

Although the 35-year-old has gracefully transitioned from child actor to teen heartthrob to full-fledged leading man, given his slender frame and almost feminine features, few could have guessed that he would replace Ben Affleck as the Caped Crusader in the upcoming The Batman film, beating out such other Hollywood heavy-hitters as Nicholas Hoult and Armie Hammer. Yet, the soon-to-air movie has already garnered much anticipation from DC Comics fans and is intended as the opening salvo in a new Batman trilogy. To celebrate Pattinson’s coup in landing the role, we delve into some of the lesser-known facts about the latest Dark Knight…

Schoolboy Porn

Robert Douglas Thomas Pattinson – to give the actor his full name – was born in London on 13 May 1986 as the youngest of three children. His mother, Clare, was a booker at a modelling agency, and his father, Richard, a vintage car dealer. The family was wealthy enough to send their only son to the prestigious Tower House School, an independent prep school whose alumni include fellow thespian Tom Hardy, comedian Jack Whitehall and journalist Louis Theroux.
Pattinson was soon expelled, however, for a rather shocking misdemeanour; he was caught stealing pornographic magazines and then selling them to his schoolmates. “I used to go in [to the shop] and take, like, one or two, and then put them in my bag. I was in my school uniform when I was doing it, and it was kind of risky,” he recalls sheepishly. “At the end, I got so cocky that I would take the entire rack.” Naughty, naughty.

Magical Debut

robert-pattinson-the-batman (8) — Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The not-so-sweet 17-year-old had just three acting credits to his name when he landed the coveted role of Hufflepuff boy-wizard in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was undoubtedly a coup for the budding actor, and arguably the role that put him on the map. Interestingly, due to delays in the filming schedule, he had to decide between accepting the part or attending university. “It went so far over schedule, I couldn’t go. It was supposed to be four months, but it ended up being 10 or 11,” he says. “I was 17 and I was the only person who wasn’t in school. I’d just hang about.”

First Cut is the Deepest

robert-pattinson-the-batman (4) — Robert Pattinson in Twilight

While Goblet of Fire is his first movie credit, the first part he landed was in an earlier film – 2004’s Vanity Fair. He acted alongside the star of the historical drama, Reese Witherspoon, playing her teenage son. Ultimately, though, his scenes vanished from the final cut of the movie – a decision he remained unaware of until attending its screening.

It was a huge shock for the young Pattinson, but it ultimately worked in his favour when he auditioned for the Harry Potter franchise. He recalls: “The casting director, Mary Selway, felt so guilty that no one had informed me that she basically gave me the first run at the part in Harry Potter, so I was quite glad I got cut in the end.”

Red Carpet Slip Up

In what may be the ultimate case of misjudgment, the Twilight star attempted to sneak quietly into the 2007 premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Los Angeles, even though he only appeared in a single flashback scene. His efforts to slip in unnoticed backfired as he was immediately swarmed by Cedric Diggory fans, and was soon ushered onto the red carpet with other members of the cast.

This embarrassing situation was exacerbated by Pattinson’s dishevelled appearance. “I’d just been walking through Hollywood and it was a long walk and it was boiling hot,” he later explained. “I’d been eating pizzas and drinking beer for the whole summer and I looked disgusting.” His agent was furious because he ‘looked like an unbelievable mess’ in photos taken by the press. “My agent still sends them to this day… I was just pouring with sweat, you can just see [from] the photos. I look horrendous…”

Sick for the Part

It’s not uncommon for actors to embrace a variety of pre-shooting rituals in order to make their portrayal truer to life. However, Pattinson is known for taking this to the extreme. To enter the dark emotional state needed to film The Lighthouse in 2019, he has admitted to spinning in circles and putting stones in his shoes to throw himself off-kilter so his performance in the psychological drama would seem disjointed. He even forced himself to throw up before critical scenes. When asked about the technique’s effectiveness, he answered: “I think everyone feels very emotional when they’re throwing up, and it’s quite a nice little trick to get there.”

Clamouring for the Cape

robert-pattinson-the-batman (7) — Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in The Batman (2022)

It’s no secret that Pattinson has a penchant for quirky roles and often eschews parts in more ‘mass-market’ productions in favour of smaller, indie films. So, many would be surprised to hear that he’d toyed with becoming the Caped Crusader even prior to being cast in the upcoming Batman reboot. “I’d had Batman on my mind for a while… [though] it’s such an absurd thing to say,” he shared recently. “I sort of had an idea to do it, and I’d been prodding Matt [Reeves, the film’s director]. He didn’t accept any prods, so I kept asking to meet him.”
Clearly his persistence paid off, and Pattinson was the one chosen to don the cape. Judge for yourself if he does the role justice when The Batman hits the silver screen on 4 March.

Experiencing the award-winning André Fu Suite at the Upper House

To live life beautifully and comfortably is a luxury; and luxury living in the modern era does not equate to loud, extravagant displays of grandiose design or wealth. Instead, it lies in the exquisite details and craftsmanship that offer dwellers an elevated experience of comfort, quality and well-being, assuring them of peace of mind as they start and end each day. Indeed, aspiring to a life of joie de vivre today can be as simple as indulging in the solace of a comfortable space away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 2 — A relaxing reading corner

First Impression

The newly redesigned suite perched on the 48th floor of The Upper House hotel encapsulates this sentiment, challenging the aged notion of luxury design. Endearingly named after the boutique property’s internationally acclaimed designer, Hong Kong-born architect and tastemaker André Fu, it unveils a modern sophistication that embodies the design ethos of his studio: relaxed luxury.

Step into the 1,960sq.ft suite and an immediate sense of tranquility washes over you. A soothing palette of mineral blue, dusty mink and pale ivory is illuminated by the spread of natural light that pours into the space through large windows. With breathtaking views of the Central business district and the incessant movement of Victoria Harbour as the backdrop, you feel – somewhat perversely – that life is much calmer up here.

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 3 — The view of Victoria Harbour from the master suite

The refurbished suite pays homage to the longstanding partnership between Fu and The Upper House, providing a peek into the designer’s personal journey. Certainly, his work for the hotel, which opened in 2009, earned him global accolades and served as a springboard to the Cambridge University alumnus’s successful career in interior and hospitality design.

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 9 — Brushtrokes along the dining room wall and cabinet from André Fu Living collection

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 10 — Tableware from André Fu’s Living collection

Relaxed Luxury and Modern Interiors

Along its walls run graceful brushstrokes inspired by Japanese ink wash paintings, a gallery featuring hand-sketched illustrations of Fu’s original concepts for the space, and artisan books from his own library – a charming touch any design enthusiast would appreciate. Fu describes his design as one that is not meant to “impose a lifestyle, but to enable guests to embrace their personal expression of living”.

Since the furnishings for the suite, as well as the decorative lighting and home accessories, were handpicked by the award-winning designer from his eponymous Living collection, each piece is an extension of his signature style. Fu notes: “I’m thrilled to be able to bring my own André Fu Living brand to the House as part of this new suite, and once again, I’m eager to see how guests will respond to it, whether it’s through entertaining or indulging in an urban escape.”

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 12 — The expansive dining area sits 18 people with a beautiful city view in the backdrop

From the sculptural ottoman that sits by the windows underneath an evergreen, to the linear fluidity of the mid-century-inspired furniture, to the delicately garnished porcelain tableware, comfort and craftsmanship are the focus here. Exuberant lavishness is conspicuously absent, replaced by subtle richness, relaxed splendour and an understated sophistication that expresses luxury in the slightest details. As the queen of quips, celebrated fashion designer Coco Chanel said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

Also Read: Home Tour: Elegant villa with a garden in Tuen Mun

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 11 — The dining table sits 18 people, decorated with pieces from the André Fu’s Living collection

The Fu Aesthetic

The André Fu Suite is both intimate and inviting. Elevating the space’s sense of privacy and comfort, the previously two-bedroom penthouse was reimagined as an oasis for two people with a penchant for parties and/or hideaways. A grand dining table seats 18, while the guest bedroom has been flipped into a dedicated spa area with twin massage beds to offer socialising and a true sense of relaxation in equal measure. The bathroom provides a unique refuge in which to cleanse off the stresses of the day. It’s a spacious, natural-toned area equipped with a bathtub à deux and boundless views of the city skyline.

Natural-tones dress the interiors of the bathroom

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 5 — The bathtub à deux faces the boundless views of the city skyline

Combining the refined experience of a luxury hotel with the privacy and comfort of a contemporary residence, the suite – serving as an interlude between one point and the next – affords guests a sense of home whilst away from home. Once ensconced within its walls, basking in the here and now is all that matters.

“We continue to bring our guests new and transformative experiences for which our brand has become known,” says Kristina Snaith-Lense, General Manager of The Upper House and Pacific Place Apartments. “It is only natural and a delight that we continue to work with André after all these years, incorporating elements of his brand’s sensibilities whilst maintaining the DNA of our House.”

Relaxed Luxury André Fu's serene and superbly understated Upper House suite - 4 — The guest bedroom was torn down to create a dedicated spa area

The hotel is conveniently located just above Pacific Place, within sight of the epicenter of luxury shopping and dining, as well as the exhilarating nightlife that the vibrant city has to offer. Round-trip transfers in the hotel car are naturally provided to guests who reserve the suite. Whilst a night in this subtly luxurious suite costs HK$60,000, the price tag includes Champagne, breakfast for two, a 90-minute in-room wellness treatment for you and your significant other, and a gift from the André Fu Living collection.

Also Read: Inside a stunning 3,000 sq.ft Stanley Home

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio Photos: The Upper House)

Dickson Yewn: Promoting Chinese heritage for a noble cause

Renowned Chinese jeweler Dickson Yewn and auction house Sotheby’s, have collaborated to showcase a strong exhibit of rare and unique classics with the aim of promoting Chinese heritage and fine arts. Coming together to raise funds for the Needle and Thread Charitable Foundation – a project which promotes the unique handicrafts of women in remote areas of China to a wider audience.

Promoting his works and enlightening the younger generation to their intangible heritage and cultural awareness is integral to Yewn’s artistic purpose. The focus of this exhibit includes a historic first – a Chinese tunic suit with the most intricate and beautiful embroidery from the southeast region of Guizhou.

Gafencu caught up with global artist Dickson Yewn to dig deeper into his artistic journey with this collaboration…

You’ve got global recognition through your work in fine arts and jewellery – what inspired you to support the Needle and Thread charity?
This charity is really close to my heart – they preserve the work of Chinese ethnic minorities. Most of these indigenous tribes are already fast disappearing and alongside their unique craftsmanship. Today, few young people want to get in the trade or pick up these ethnic skills. It’s a dying art and if I can do anything to honour the heritage, I will stitch together my purpose and function as an artist. Since 2008 I have been collaborating with Sotheby’s and this time I have some rare, iconic works up for auction, the proceeds from sale will go for a noble cause.

You’re showcasing some rare collectible items for the auction – throw light on these pieces.

*‘The Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ brooch (left), ‘Dream of the Red Mansion’ wearable bangle (right)*

Alongside the traditional-crafted Chinese tunic, four of my works, two of which – namely, the ‘Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ brooch and the 23^rd episode of the ‘Dream of the Red Mansion’ – are the rare collectible items up for live auction.

On a personal level, I am obsessed with nature – animals, insects species – butterfly watching is a hobby. I created the ‘Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ shoulder brooch, with the intention of highlighting the species of the butterfly. There are more than 20,000 known species of butterfly and even though fauna-inspired fluttering designs are common in high jewellery, not one artist cares to educate people about the species of these delicate creatures. Through my collection, I try to change that notion while paying homage to these highly desirable beauties.

Were there any artistic challenges in designing the collection?

Infusion of wood with precious jewels was a challenge. Embracing unexpected materials always comes with its own obstacles and it’s more with wood because it is taboo in the jewellery industry. Wood jewellery is rare because it needs to be tended to for decades to resist chemical and temperature changes, it’s a labour-intensive process. The inlaid workmanship to incorporate rose-cut diamonds, circular-cut yellow sapphires and tsavorite garnets in 18 karat yellow gold without nails or glue is nothing short of extraordinary.

Bidding for artist and jeweller Dickson Yewn’s pieces for the Needle and Thread Charitable Foundation begins on 18th Feb/Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery.

Reclaiming Hong Kong: A history of the changing coastline

“Reclamation is unavoidable”, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam told journalists on a land supply discussion in 2019. “In the long term, many developing cities have to adopt this choice.”

Like many places in Asia, Hong Kong has been defined by reclamation – edging further into the sea has turned 733km of jagged shoreline into a global metropolis housing 7.4 million people. About 6% of the city is built on reclaimed land, and while that sounds modest, it translates to 7,000 hectares of land, or half the size of Lantau island. Today, one in every three Hong Kong citizen lives on reclaimed land.

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_star ferry tsim sha tsui ferry pier clock tower before — Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier before

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_star ferry tsim sha tsui ferry pier clock tower after — Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier after

In land reclamation, everybody wins – the space-starved locals, the housing crunch – well, except the environment, marine life and the fishermen who depend on it. Land reclamation has completely transformed Hong Kong’s iconic coastline, with changes so drastic the older generation can now barely recognise the city from their youth. If that has piqued your interest, let’s time-travel back to the sleepy fishing village Hong Kong once was, but carry a life jacket – chances are that the land you’re standing on now didn’t exist back then…

Built to the Hilt

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_des voeux before — Des Voeux Road before

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_des voeux road after — Des Voeux Road after

Almost as soon as the British arrived in 1841, they began to push the shoreline further into the sea until it reached current-day Des Voeux Road. Queen’s Road was the coastal edge leading towards Wan Chai, then known as Praya East. Hennessey Road was the land’s periphery. Gazing across the Victoria Harbour was a completely different experience – the chunk of sea was twice its size.

When the iconic ‘ding ding’ was built 118 years ago, it marked the coast of Hong Kong Island. Up until the 70s, the now bustling towns of Shatin, Tuen Mun, Ma On Shan and Tung Chung were peaceful, quiet hills. Tai Po and Tseung Kwan O were also yet to be carved from sea and swamp.

Also Read: Hong Kong iconic buildings designed by international designers

Made from Scratch

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_west kowloon before — West Kowloon before

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_west kowloon after — West Kowloon after

The first real attempt of land reclamation occurred in December 1851 after a massive fire wiped out the Sheung Wan district. Clearing the rubble would’ve costed the British government an enormous budget, instead they shifted debris into the sea, extending the shoreline by 50 feet. An ambitious project for the era, it finished in 1859 and resulted in Queen’s Road Central and Bonham Strand we know today.

Over the next century, a series of rigorous reclamation projects made way for two airports, first at Kai Tak and then the 1998 world-class upgrade at Chek Lap Kok. Nearly 250 million cubic metres of raw materials were rummaged to fill up 1,248 hectares of land in less than three years. During the late ’90s, legislators also signed off on creating 340 hectares of reclaimed land to redesign the Kowloon waterfront, carving out space for big-ticket projects like the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Express Rail Link. Just as this was taking shape, there were proposals to fill in the whole of Kowloon Bay.

Money into the Sea

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_central before and after — Victoria Harbour before and after

In Hong Kong, the ground under your feet is never quite as firm as it seems and with so much concrete being poured into the sea, a looming threat was that one day the entire Victoria Harbour might completely disappear. With the gap between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui less than a kilometre wide, and already resembling a river rather than a sea channel, activist Winston Chu and legislator Christine Loh teamed up to push through the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance in 1997. Upheld in the Court of Final Appeal in 2003, the legislation prohibited any further reclamation of Victoria Harbour “unless there is an overriding public need”.

Also Read: Vibrant City: Hong Kong’s growing art scene

“In Hong Kong, the ground under your feet is never quite as firm as it seems… a looming threat was that one day the entire Victoria Harbour might disappear”

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge construction

In one of the most remarkable feats of modern engineering, the world’s longest sea crossing, the 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, was constructed to provide a critical link between the three key Chinese cities. Built with 400,000 tonnes of steel, it is the biggest international landmark of reclamation – spanning 22.9km over the sea and 6.7km underwater.

Opened to public in 2018, the bridge came at a cost, and not just its price tag of US$26 billion. No less than a million tonnes of concrete were dumped into the sea, which shook the habitat of the endangered pink dolphin. Disturbing images of dolphins washed up on shore emerged as their population fell by 60-percent.

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_check lap kok zhunghai bridge china before — Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge before

City of the Sea Hong Kong's Changing Coastline gafencu_check lap kok zhunghai bridge china after — Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge after

Turning sea into viable land is a high-risk operation. Reports are widely circulating about Dubai’s manmade archipelago, Palm Jumeirah, sinking into the sea. Reclaimed land becomes a huge risk during an earthquake. Persistent shaking can initiate a process called soil liquefaction, where waterlogged sediment that was once solid begins to liquefy. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake is an alarming case in point.

Yet, the need for humans to encroach beyond their natural shores remains. The housing crisis in Hong Kong has deepened; it is estimated that over the next 30 years the city will need an additional 9,000 hectares of land to support its growing population. It’s a precarious balancing act, and no-one knows when and how this land grab will end. A few decades from now, will we be able to recognise the Hong Kong of our youth?

Also Read: Hong Kong’s star architect Betty Ng on shaking up the design world…

(Text: Nikita Mishra)

Nature’s Music: Bose’s new Smart Soundbar 900

Close your eyes and imagine: the rustling of tall grass in the wind while birds chirp their melodic sing-songs in the background; whispers in the crowd or the dramatic low-tones of the bass in a musical concert. Sound is nature’s way of speaking to us.

Bringing to you a stylish at-home audio system that sits discretely underneath any 49″ and wider smart TV, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a cinematique experience that goes well beyond your usual Netflix and chill. Whether you’re watching the latest binge worthy TV show or relaxing to your favourite musical playlist, renowned audio expert Bose offers a state-of-the-art smart audio device for the home.

Presented in a minimalist yet sleek white / black aesthetic, the details that go into its design is as beautiful as its engineering feat. Measuring at a lean 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, tempered impact-resistant is laid atop the device; its body is beautifully wrapped around with a metallic grille which pumps out an immersive soundscape.

Although slim in structure, this smart Soundbar performs with the utmost immersive sound quality thanks to its intelligently engineered sound system. Supporting Dolby Atmos content as well as boasting the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace — the company’s proprietary audio processing technology. The device analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and true-to-life soundscape in the comfort of your own home.

The soundbar transports your perception of space by isolating each instrument, dialogue and special effects, producing multiple layers of crispy clear details through its multi-directional drivers, delivering ultra realistic details and an unparalleled sound quality.

Its wireless connectivity allows users to connect to their device via Bluetooth, WiFi, and Apple AirPlay 2. What’s more, its Bose Music app ADAPTiQ audio calibration system synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and speakers via SimpleSync for a truly harmonious at-home listening experience.

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Oscars 2022: Asian films gunning for glory

The nominations for the 94th Academy Awards which take place on 27 March have landed. While the triumph of “The Power of the Dog” is confirmed with 12 nods, as this year’s race gears up it’s gratifying to see Asian talent emerge on the global scale. Gafencu shines a spotlight on the Asian films and projects which are touted to be sensational at the Oscars…

Drive My Car, Japan

A still from Japanese movie, Drive My Car

The meditative drama, based on celebrated writer Haruki Murakami’s short story, scored multiple nominations – best film, best director, best adapted screenplay and best international feature film. 43-year-old director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s moving drama, Drive My Car’s solid nominations haul was beautifully reminiscent of the historic 2020 Oscars run of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, the film landed six nominations, ultimately winning four awards.

Starring Japanese leading actor Hidetoshi Nishijima as Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director coping with the fateful death of this wife, he travels to Hiroshima to direct a performance of Anton Chekov’s Uncle Vanya. The movie is a powerful tale of conversations and revelations between the young, female chauffeur and Nishijima. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last summer and has been winning accolades ever since

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Bhutan

A still from Bhutanese film, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

A film from Bhutan has made it to Oscar nominations for the first time in 23 years. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was sent as Bhutan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards as well, but was later disqualified. This is the second time. The 109-minute-long film which tells the life of a disillusioned school teacher, Ugyen, touches upon the basic human quality of seeking where you belong, seeking happiness, and seeking home. The storyline follows Ugyen in the remote town of Lunana in northern Bhutan during the final year of his training where he adapts to the rough life in a cold, high altitude place with little or no amenities. Ugyen keeps the company of a yak and a song that echoes through the mountains.

The drama has won several international accolades at festivals – Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film and the Best of the Fest at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival, Lessinia d’Oro Award for Best Film at the 26th Festival della Lessinia in Italy, the Guiria Microcosmo del carcere di Verona Award and a special mention in the Log to Green Award, Prix du Public in the Festival international du film de Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Sherab Dorji was awarded the Best Actor award for his role of Ugyen Dorji.

Also Read: 10 most anticipated Chinese films in 2022

Writing With Fire, India

The only Indian film to earn a nomination at the 94th Academy Awards, Writing With Fire, the love child of filmmakers Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, has been nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category alongside Ascension, Attica, Flee and Summer of the Soul (Or When the Revolution Could not be Televised).

The film shines the light on a rural newspaper Khabar Lahariya, run by marginalised Dalit women, and follows it transition from print to digital in recent years. The film tracks Meera and her fellow journalists as they get abreast with new technology whilst questioning the role of patriarchy, the overarching incompetence of the police force, and reporting stories about victims of caste and gender violence. It has already made waves at several international festivals including the Sundance Film Festival.

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Hallyu to the World: The rise and rise of Korean Culture

Back in 1960, South Korea was one of the world’s poorest countries. In the wake of the Korean War, the northeast Asian nation was so poverty-stricken that its GDP per capita clocked in at a meagre US$79. Fast forward six decades, and the country is on an incredible high. Having transitioned from a largely agricultural economy to a high-tech producer of semiconductors, phones and cars, it boasts the fourth largest economy on the continent (in terms of nominal GDP), lagging behind only China, Japan and India.

Home to such plugged-in conglomerates as Samsung, LG and Hyundai, South Korea has also spawned a whole new hit of global exports: Hallyu. If the term is new to you, chances are the phenomenon it represents is not. For the uninitiated, Hallyu is the romanised form of hanryu, the term for what has come to be known as the Korean Wave – the immense growth and export of the country’s pop culture to the world.

When this movement first began some 20 years ago, it was quickly adopted by neighbours China and Japan, but today Western nations are equally enamoured with all things Korean, be it movies like the 2019 Academy Award-winning film Parasite, TV shows such as 2020’s Crash Landing on You and last year’s record-breaking Squid Game; music (think wildly successful bands such as BTS and girl squads Girls Generation and Blackpink); food, and even cosmetics.

The current global love for all things South Korean can be traced back to the turbulent times of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when the nation took active measures to restrict cultural imports from Japan. To fill the resulting void, a new mission to foster and strengthen local culture and talent was initiated, including pouring funds into creative industries such as film and TV studios. High-quality Korean dramas were produced very cheaply, and these new media offerings rapidly gathered a fan base in China before reaching further afield. Thus, Hallyu spread to the West, piquing the curiosity and capturing the imagination of the ’90s generation.

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K-wave

Many liken the beginning of the Korean Wave to the popularity that Japan itself experienced around that time, when anime, manga, J-pop music and such heavy hitters as Pokemon and Studio Ghibli gained cult status beyond its shores. However, the critical difference between them is that Hallyu managed to capitalise on the emerging trend of digital globalisation, and thus became accessible to a wider international audience.

As Margot Peppers, Consumer Trends Editor at Foresight Factory, explains: “[Japanese culture is] still seen as offbeat, quirky and cool to like, but it is not necessarily mainstream. [Whereas] there has been such a push for K-dramas and stories that are rooted in Korean settings but still have universal themes and archetypes that everyone across the globe can relate to. They are built on this accessible universality that has really resonated with people.”

K-beauty

It’s no secret that standards of beauty are often set by what society sees in the media, and given the widespread dissemination of Hallyu, it’s not surprising that many young people want to mimic the pristine, pale skin of Korean celebrities, paving the way for the rise of K-beauty. The country’s cosmetics industry responded deftly, introducing a constant flow of new, innovative and sometimes unusual ingredients – snail slime, starfish extract, pig collagen and bee venom, to name a few – to serve up the Next Big Thing to consumers.

As a result, the South Korean beauty and cosmetics market now ranks among the top 10 worldwide. According to a study published by Portland-based research company Allied Market Research, the business was valued at US$10.2 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to US$13.9 billion by 2027 – representing a staggering 36-percent increase.

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K-dramas

South Korean dramas always had an avid fanbase across Asia and its diaspora population, but they have now hit their stride on a global scale. It began when streaming service Netflix decided to break into K-dramas – as the country’s TV series are affectionately dubbed – and debuted its zombie drama series Kingdom in 2019. Since each episode cost a whopping KRW 2.2 billion (about HK$14.4 million) to make, the investment into Hallyu’s popularity was a gamble, to say the least, but the show was received with great acclaim.

Next to break records was Crash Landing on You, which stayed on Netflix Japan’s Top 10 list for 229 consecutive days; it even became the sixth most-watched series in the US. But that all pales in comparison to the enormous cultural impact of nail-biting survival series Squid Game. Having been streamed for a whopping 1.65 billion hours in the first four weeks of airing, it is Netflix’s biggest series launch ever, outstripping nearest competition Bridgerton almost two-fold.

Korean movies were no less in the spotlight, with comedy-thriller Parasite becoming the first non-English-language film to clinch Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Director Bong Joon-ho nabbed the Best Director prize as well. Then, last year, Minari – which follows the travails of a family of South Korean immigrants in rural ’80s USA – also garnered an Oscar (for supporting actress Youn Yuh-jung), prompting a new generation of Western cinephiles to explore other works by the creative talents in these films.

K-pop

While Korean food, cosmetics and films have undoubtedly permeated throughout Asia and the West, there is one aspect of Hallyu that outstrips them all – K-pop. Thanks to its distinctive blend of addictive melodies, slick choreography and production values, and an endless parade of attractive performers who spend years in gruelling studio systems learning to sing and dance in synchronised perfection, K-pop has become a global phenomenon.

No band exemplifies the rise of this sensation than BTS; the country’s leading musical act raked in a massive US$4.65 billion for its economy in 2019. To put that sum into perspective, it equates to 0.3 percent of South Korea’s entire GDP, and more than what many small African nations earned within the same timeframe.

While naysayers may scoff that Hallyu is but a passing phase, the mercenary truth of the matter is that the staying power of the movement is reflected by the financial gains involved. What’s more, it’s not just the bands and the nation that are basking in reflected glory – it’s multinational brands as well, with everyone from McDonald’s and Nike to Louis Vuitton cashing in on collaborations with BTS and their ilk. As long as the attractiveness of the Korean Wave continues to enchant fans, the world will remain at their dancing feet.

Also Read: 10 Most anticipated Asian movies to watch in 2022

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

10 Most Anticipated Asian movies to watch in 2022

Big-ticket blockbusters to provocative fare, romantic comedies or locally produced sci-fi flair – we’ve compiled the most buzz-worthy Asian films we’re already drooling to lay our eyes on… Bookmark this page, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2022.

Water Gate Bridge: The Battle at Lake Changjin II (China)

The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster topper, The Battle at Lake Changjin, the historical war film follows the CPV (Chinese People’s Volunteers ) soldiers onto the battlefield as they face the American troops in their final leg of the battle. Directed by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark and Dante Lam, and starring Wu Jing, Jackson Yee, Duan Yihong and Zhang Hanyu.

Release Date: 1 February 2022

Breaking Through (China)

In time for the Beijing Winter Olympics, Breaking Through (also known as Float in the Sky or Wo Xin Fei Yang) is a film inspired by China’s 1980 Winter Olympics delegation. Following the country’s speed skating team and their fight to success, the drama recalls the intensity and heartbreak of its athletes and countrymen that day. The film was directed by Wang Fang Fang, who previously directed another Olympic true story, Champion, and stars Meng Mei Qi, Xia Yu and Sa Ri Na, while featuring Bella Liang and Zu Zheng as supporting roles.

Release Date: 1 February 2022

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0.1% World (China)

A rom-com which follows actress Zhou Yi Ran and breakout star Patrick Shih after an accident which results in their ability to feel each other’s emotions and experiences. Melded through minds, the two grow increasingly close while staying apart, and in an endearing, emotional journey they learn that the person that best understands them, is the other.

Release Date: 14 February 2022

The Fengshen Trilogy (China)

The mythological trilogy is an adaptation of the classic Chinese novel “Creation of the Gods,” an epic blend of history, folklore and mythology set more than 3,000 years ago. The movie traces the fall of the last ruler of the Shang dynasty, King Zhou, who is bewitched by a fox spirit posing as his concubine and becomes an oppressive tyrant. The fantasy drama involving gods, demons, and other supernatural beings, could well put Chinese movies on the global map, not only in terms of scale but quality and finesse too. Starring Bo Huang, Hsiang Fei, Xuejian Li, Yu Xia and Kun Chen, Fengshen is the most expansive and ambitious project in Chinese movie history with a crew of more than 2,000 and a planned budget of $445 million,

Release Date: 2022

Warriors of Future (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong films are commonly known for its fast-action, comedy and thriller movies, but now it dives into a new category that has yet to be touched: sci-fi. Warrior of Future, previously known as Virtus, is set in 2055, on a barren Earth ravaged by pollution and global warming. A meteorite crashes down, bringing along with it an alien vine that kills everything in its path, and to save the city, Hong Kong’s military take it on and uncover a conspiracy along the way. Directed by Ng Yuen-fai and starring Louis Koo, Sean Lau, Carina Lau, Tse Kwan-ho, Philip Keung and Nick Cheung, it is a highly anticipated film that is not to be missed.

Release Date: 2022

Table for Six (Hong Kong)

It’s been a while since Hong Kong has seen a good comedy, with Dayo Wong’s latest flick, we’re hoping this is will just change. A family celebration turns into a chaotic nightmare when one brother turns up with his new girlfriend who happens to be the Dayo’s ex-girlfriend. Starring alongside Ivana Wong, Stephy Tang, Lin Min Chen, Louis Cheng and Peter Chan, this laugh-out-loud family fun film centers around the hilarious turn of events as jealousy, tricks and lies come undone.

Release Date: 4 February 2022

Death Notice (Hong Kong)

If there is one thing the Hong Kong films are known for, it is crime action movies. Death notice, directed by renowned local film director Herman Yau, follows a special task force starring huge names such as Louis Koo, Julian Cheung, Francis Ng, Charmaine Sheh, and Myolie Wu as they chase a serial killer terrorising his victims with death notices. They dig deep to discover hidden secrets and unimaginable conspiracy as they uncover their murderer’s identity.

Release Date: 31 March 2022

The Outlaws 2 (S.Korean)

The outlaws are returning! After the success of the hugely popular 2017 action film The Outlaws, Ma Dong-seok returns as his iconic leading role Ma Seok-do in this sequel. Joined by a new villain played by Son Suk-ku, the story follows Dong-seok out of Korean to extradite a suspect. It is then that he comes across a series of murder cases that point to a serial killer who had, for several years, committed crimes against tourists and there is only one determined hero who take him down…

Release Date: 2022

Confidential Assignment 2 (S.Korean)

North Korean detective Im Chul-Ryung (Hyun-Bin) is sent to South Korea on a new mission where he teams up with South Korean detective Kang Jin-Tae (Yu Hae-jin) to capture North Korean crime leader Jang Myung-Joon (Jin Sun-kyu). This is a follow-up to its first movie released in 2017. A popular flick that gained a huge following, the sequel to the action comedy film is expected to arrive on screen in late 2022.

Release Date: 2022

Pathan (Bollywood)

After three long years away from the big screen, Bollywood’s favourite King Khan, or Shahrukh Khan returns in a thrilling police drama alongside hunk John Abraham, A-lister Deepika Padukone, and the evergreen Dimple Kapadia. The story centers around a residential complex, formerly home to the wealthy which now houses criminals, a dangerous king pin and a much-feared gangster known to have killed his own father.

Release Date: 19 November 2022

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