‘Gorge’ Washington: Exploring the life and career of Denzel Washington

Few African-American actors have had as storied a career as Denzel Washington. With a success-packed CV stretching back more than 40 years, the much-loved thespian has consistently been celebrated for his engaging, tour-de-force performances, abiding charisma and down-to-earth personality. Indeed, the 66-year-old New York native has forged his own path in the entertainment industry, breaking down stereotypes and proving the dramatic strength and box-office attraction of black male leads time and time again. For his efforts, he’s been showered with countless awards and critical acclaim, with a sterling Hollywood reputation that few of his contemporaries – of any race – could hope to match.

Despite being in the limelight for decades, the famed actor has been notoriously tight-lipped about his private life. Yet, the man who has found success in bringing the stories of true-life characters to the big screen has had an equally interesting life away from the cameras. From his allegedly misspent youth to his struggle with a higher calling, some of the lesser known facets of Denzel Washington’s life certainly merit exploring…

A Hard Start
The actor’s staggeringly successful career is one that few could have imagined, let alone Washington himself. Born on 28 December, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York to Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Lennis, a beauty parlour owner, his upbringing was anything but easy. Following his parents’ divorce during his teen years, his strongest memories are of seeing his single mother scramble to put food on the table. Yet, despite the struggles, he still cites his parents as being true role models, saying: “My father was a preacher – a kind, spiritual person. My mother owned a beauty shop. She was a go-getter and wanted more for us kids. My parents were inspirations by example.”

Flirting with Crime
Growing up on the streets of Mount Vernon, Denzel fell in with a crowd of rambunctious teens and often got into trouble with the law. Recalling this, he says: “I was what they call ‘throwing rocks at the penitentiary’, but I never hit it. I never got caught… but I also knew right from wrong, so I never wanted to go too far.” Nevertheless, his put-upon mother managed to scrape together enough money to get him away from temptation, sending him to boarding school in upstate New York.

Realistic Portrayals
Since the ’80s, the talented thespian has consistently won widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of important real-life figures. Most notable among these were 1987’s Cry Freedom, where he played South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, his role as Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X in the eponymous 1992 biopic, football coach Herman Boone in Remember the Titans (2000), and gritty drug kingpin Franc Lucas in 2007’s American Gangster.

Perfect Beauty
A scientific article, Biological Basis on the Perceptions of Beauty, published in Newsweek during the ’90s, singled out the actor as being a prime example for the “perfection of beauty”. The study, which cited facial symmetry as being a key indicator of attractiveness, pointed to his perfectly centred nose, aligned eyes, lips and ears as modelling the highest standards of facial beauty.

Award Winner
Across his 40-odd-year career, Washington has accumulated a whole host of accolades for a variety of roles. Key among these are two Academy Awards (he was the first African-American to be accorded such an honour), three Golden Globes, a Tony Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2016, he was even the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award from the Golden Globes jury for his “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment”.

Director’s Chair
After decades of starring on the silver screen, in 2002, he stepped behind the cameras for the first time and made his directorial debut with the highly-biographical film Antwone Fisher. Five years later, he returned to the director’s chair for another biographical movie, The Great Debaters. After a long hiatus, 2017 saw him star and direct in a third film, Fences, which went on to be nominated for Best Picture at that year’s Academy Awards.

Prophesy Fulfilled
While the Training Day star was a struggling 20-year-old student at Fordham University, he had his fortune told at his mother’s beauty salon. A customer there scribbled a note that said: “You’re going to speak to millions of people. You’re going to do great things” and handed it to him. Though sceptical at the time, his fortunes changed and he still has that piece of paper today.

Family Man
Standing in stark contrast with the oft-lurid personal lives of Hollywood’s elite, Washington’s home life is refreshingly normal, something that he sees as a point of pride. In fact, he’s even been quoted as saying: “Acting is just a way of making a living, but family is life.” He’s been married to wife Pauletta, whom he met on the set of the TV film Wilma, for an amazing 37 years. Together, the couple have four children.

Preacher, Preacher
The Hollywood A-lister has never been shy when it comes to sharing his strong belief in the Christian faith and championing how it has positively impacted on every aspect of his life. What is less known, though, is that at one point, he considered foregoing acting to become a preacher, even going so far as to ask his pastor about how to make the change. Though he ultimately decided to remain an actor, motivational speaking has also become a big thing for him over recent years. Explaining why, he says: “I’ve always understood that I’ve been blessed to be put in this situation and I’m more than happy to take advantage of it and preach, if you will, about what God has done in my life.”

Black Panther Maker
A true believer in giving back to the community, the actor has a long history of donating funds to a range of causes, including college scholarship funds for black youths. One of the students he sponsored, unbeknownst to him, was the late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman. At the 47th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony celebrating the venerable star, the younger actor even went so far as to say: “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”

Bon Voyage: Oceanic Adventures with Prestige Yachts

Docked in the sunny harbour of Deep Water Bay, surrounded by pristine waters and clear blue skies, Stanley Sun, CEO of Fujifilm, sits atop the airy flybridge of his luxuriously appointed Prestige 590 yacht. Sitting with Gafencu, he explains his love of sailing on Hong Kong’s waters, exploring its islands, and why his newly-acquired vessel perfectly meets his family’s sea-faring needs.

What is it about yachting that you love so much?

I think that in Hong Kong, there is so much to explore in the oceans around the city, so many islands, and yachting is a great way to see those sights and experience something apart from the urban jungle we live in. Just going to the waters of Sai Kung, for example, transports you to a space of tranquility and beauty, with its contrasts of verdant forests and azure waters. It also affords the opportunity to do a whole host of water sports, which I love.

Why choose the Prestige 590?

Well, once we decided to purchase a boat in the summer of 2020, I looked at several different brands. One of the things that convinced me to look at this boat more closely was the size and volume of the boat, and the spaces it provides, which perfectly matched my family’s needs. Being conscious of the environment, I wanted to minimise the amount of fossil fuels used, so I was also drawn to the new pod engine system, which is more fuel efficient and saves close to 26 percent on fuel. In the six months since we purchased the Prestige 590, it’s brought us a lot of joy.

What does a typical day on the boat look like for you?

During the warmer summer months, it’s not uncommon for us to pack a picnic lunch and set sail for Sai Kung for a fun afternoon, where the girls like to jump off from the disembarkment area on the port side into the sea. Our rear platform is moveable so we can lower it to dip our toes into the water as well. Then, of course, there’s the requisite flotation devices and unicorn floaties that my kids like to use while swimming around the boat. Occasionally, we even hire an instructor with a speedboat to teach us wakeboarding, which is something my family very much enjoys. In the winter, when it’s too cold for swimming and water sports, we take the boat out to Lamma Island and then go hiking and eat lunch there. Sometimes, on beautiful days like today, I like to take the boat out somewhere, drink a coffee, read a book and get some work done. It’s a great alternative to being in the office!

Thank you.

Stanley’s Prestige 590 is one of many stunning luxury yachts designed by renowned French manufacturer Prestige Yachts. Among its latest creations is the gorgeous Prestige 630, replete with a new hull design and the largest flybridge of her class. This, in addition to the all-new Prestige X70 — which will arive in Q2 2021 — are all available through Asia Yachting, the exclusive dealer for Prestige Yachts in Asia.

For more information, please visit www.asiayachting.net

Six beautifully unique temples to visit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is internationally acclaimed for its skyscrapers and bustling city life, however, it is also home to distinguishable centuries-old Chinese temples and monasteries that are heavily trafficked by the city’s seven million residents and passing tourists. Not only do these temples hold religious values but they are also beautifully structured. Whether or not you are an avid believer in the many Chinese gods that these temples are dedicated to, these scenic and tranquil grounds are still worth visiting for a respite from the city’s notoriously hectic lifestyle. Here are six unique and beautiful temples to visit:

gafencu magazine Hong Kong's unique and beautiful Chinese temples wong tai sin sik sik yuen temple — Image from @beckyexploring via Instagram

Wong Tai Sin Temple
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, or to many, simply Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most famous, and perhaps luckiest, tourist attractions in the city. It is an important religious centre dedicated to the Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin, who is said to have divine healing powers. It is believed that whatever worshippers request within the temple will come true. Featuring traditional structures of red pillars, gold roofs, intricate yellow latticework and multi-coloured carvings, it offers a picturesque view at any angle and change of scenery from city’s concrete jungle.

Chi Lin Nunnery
Just a stone throw’s away from the high-rise residential buildings and busy highways of Diamond Hill is the serene Chi Lin Nunnery. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the city and the largest handmade wooden building in the world. It was established in 1934 and is impressively structured in an interlocking system that eschews the use of nails. The complex houses 16 halls that not only comprises different statues of Buddha but also houses a school, library, dentist and multiple residences for the elderly. Adjacent to the temple, the Tang style Nan Lian Garden offers tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Man Mo Temple
Dedicated to the God of Literature and War, Man Mo, this place of worship is the largest Man Mo temple in the city, stretching three blocks along the route of the Central and Western heritage trail. Built between 1847 and 1862, it had undergone numerous renovations and is categorised as a Grade I Historic Building and officially declared a sacred monument in 2010. Perhaps familiar to Instagram surfers, this temple was made ‘social media-famous’ for its large over-hanging incense coils that create a vibrant and Zen-like mood for visitors and worshippers of this sanctum.

Tsz Shan Monastery
This Buddhist monastery located in the rural hillside village of Tung Tsz in Tai Po spans 500,000sq.ft wide. Towering over the temple, is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin — the world’s second tallest bronze statue of the deity. She is said to be a divine being of sympathy, compassion and mercy and it is believed that worshippers within her temple, especially those who are suffering or seeking refuge would be protected and kept safe. Those seeking a beautiful and quiet space to escape to can find calm here. Especially since an advanced online booking is required as a means to control and prevent over-crowding.

Po Lin Monastery
Atop the scenic Nong Ping plateau on Lantau Island is the Po Lin Monastery founded in 1906 by three monks which are attributed in bronze statue within the main house of the temple. They supposedly symbolise the present, past and future of Buddha. It is a significant sanctuary for Buddhist pilgrims and is of walking distance from the Chi Chuk Lam nunnery dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin and the spiritual paved Wisdom Path. It also stands just opposite of the iconic Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, where climbing the 268 step pedestal will treat you to a breathtaking view of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.

Tin Hau Temple
There are over 100 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, Tin Hau. The oldest and largest in the city is located in Sai Kung. Built in 1266 and categorised as a Grade I Historic Building, it is considered the most sacred Tin Hau Temple. Fishermen and those who live by the sea are frequent worshippers at this ground — praying for protection and safety. The centuries-old sanctum is also a sea-facing landmark that offers a sweeping panoramic view of Joss House Bay.

Jee Whizz: Chef Siu makes Ying Jee Club a prime seasonal destination…

With the Chinese New Year celebrations coming to a close, restaurants and businesses across the city are preparing to reopen following a hectic festive celebration. One particular Michelin-starred restaurant, however, kept their doors open to usher in the new lunar year, serving traditional Lunar New Year features that are not only delicious but also brimming with symbolism and auspicious significance.

Ying Jee Club, the Cantonese fine-dining establishment set in Central’s Nexxus Building, is helmed by Executive Chef Siu Hin Chi – who previously helped ensure another high-end cuisinery, T’ang Court, achieved two Michelin-star status, brought home a second star for Duddell’s in 2015 and even helped this particular eatery secure its first star just four months after it opened – the restaurant’s beloved menu was enhanced with a special Lunar New Year spread for the period between 12-18 February.

Summing up the dishes that comprised the exclusive menu, Chef Siu says: “The food we’ll be serving for the holiday majors on iconic festive flavours, further heightened by the finest ingredients. What’s more, each course had been specially renamed to signify good luck and fortune, all in the hope of bestowing blessings on our diners.”

As part of our own tasting menu, we sampled five of the menu’s star turns, beginning with a bowl of Imperial Bird’s Nest Broth with Fish Maw, Conpoy and Chicken. Comfort food at its very finest, the hearty chicken broth was enhanced with complementing textures of gelatinous bird’s nest and crunchy fish maw, while the conpoy bequeathed a deliciously oceanic tinge to proceedings. Subtle yet palate-pleasing, the various ingredients blended together in a wholesome and wholly satisfying manner.

Next up was the Crispy Suckling Pig with Goose Liver Pate and Wok-fried Prawn with Salted Egg Yolk, the Chinese name of which equates to wishing diners a prosperous, gold-enriched home. All in all, the yolk-battered prawns were beautifully golden-hued – symbolising wealth and prosperity – and packed a major umami punch, while the crispy skin of the suckling pig was enhanced with the unusual addition of a small steamed bun and a layer of opulent pâté. Undeniably a feast for the eyes, this delicious dish blended two of Cantonese cuisine’s best-loved appetisers in a sinfully rich fashion.

Another appetiser, Braised Mushroom with Shrimp Paste, Scallop and Crab Roe, then made its much-anticipated entrance. Here, the subtle taste of scallop and prawn enhanced the meaty, umami-laden flavours of the mushroom, with the crab roe imparting an added textural dimension. The glistening jade-hued – yet another lucky Chinese New Year colour – bakchoy was a welcome addition, adding a refreshing component to the plate.

Clearly keen to turn the luxury factor up several notches, Chef Siu further enticed our appetite with a heaped plate of Braised South Africa Abalone with Roasted Duck, Black Mushroom and Yunnan Ham. The generously portioned serving of abalone – that most coveted of edible molluscs – was braised in the requisite sauce prior to being sat atop a bed of thinly-sliced roasted duck and mushrooms. Guaranteed to appeal to festive-minded local diners, slivers of Yunnan ham imparted a sharp saltiness to this otherwise subtly nuanced concoction.

The star of the show, though, was undeniably the Sautéed Lobster with Water Chestnut and Crispy Conpoy. Yet another study in how to perfectly balance flavours and textures, the sweet, crunchy water chestnuts and crispy conpoy shavings served to enhance each succulent morsel of lobster, while tantalising the taste buds with rich oceanic accents. As with preceding courses, this shellfish-led dish highlighted Chef Siu’s innate understanding of how to create a delicate equilibrium between the high-quality ingredients he chooses, with each contributing to the epicurean harmony that will leave patrons of Ying Jee Club yearning for more beyond the Chinese New Year festivities.

Ying Jee Club. Shop G05, 107-108, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Rd Central, Central. (852) 801 6882. www.yingjeeclub.com

A day-by-day guide to celebrating Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year is an important occasion that strictly follows customs, rules and superstitions that reflect on the values and tradition of Chinese culture. Below, we track the highlights of the 15-day festivities.

According to the Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year begins with the first full moon on the first day of the first lunar month (February for 2021). Also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, it is the longest holiday in Hong Kong and its festivities stretch for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. During these 15 days, celebratory feasts, family reunions, honouring ancestors and praying to the gods are all part of celebrating this auspicious time of the year to welcome in happiness and good fortune.

First day (初一)

The first day of the new lunar year is an important day that symbolises a fresh start. Families pay a visit to their elders, particularly the most senior of the household, to pay bài nián (New Year’s wishes). Guests traditionally arrive bearing lucky fruits such as tangerines, oranges and pomelos and are welcomed with tea, fruits and a variety of candied treats, typically served in a round tray with eight compartments called a ‘Tray of Togetherness’, meant to sweeten one’s year and to symbolize the unity of a family.

Second day (開年)

The second lunar day is dedicated to visit the in-laws. Married women will visit their side of the family, often bearing red pockets to give to the young. Sweet fried dumplings called Yau Gok (油角) in the shape of ingots are prepared to bring a luckier and more prosperous year. Lion dances and Chinese operas are usual forms of neighbourhood entertainment, and firecrackers are also lit to ward off evil spirits.

Third day (初郝)

The third day of the New Year is one that carries with it many taboos. Although it is a day dedicated to visiting the grave of ancestors, staying out for too long and house visiting is considered bad luck as it is believed that evil spirits roam the earth on this day. Arguments and making fire are also best avoided to ward off bad spirits and poor emotions for the year ahead.

Fourth day (初四)
On the fourth lunar day, all businesses closed during the prior festivities will reopen and everyday activities begin to return to normal, including cleaning and sweeping. According to legends, this day is dedicated to the God of Wealth. People tend to stay at home to welcome in wealth, prosperity and abundance as it is believed that the deity will pay visits to homes on this day.

Fifth day (初五)
This day marks a day to drive away the Ghost of Poverty by getting rid of old clothes, broken items and throwing out garbage. As it is believed that keeping rugged and broken objects will attract poverty.

Seventh day, (人日)

The seventh lunar day is known as Day of Men, also known as renrì (people day). It is mankind’s birthday, a day on which every person grows a year older. The occasion is celebrated with yet another feast comprising of ingredients that have symbolic meanings related to improved health, such as fish- a symbol of abundance, vegetables and a dish called Seven Gem Porridge consisting of kale, leek, mustard leaves, celery, garlic, spring vegetable and thick leaf vegetable for prosperity and vigour.

Eight to Fourteenth day

The following days after renrì are dedicated to specific deities such as the the God of Millet and the God of Stone. Incense and candles are burnt in honour of these deities, and the days leading up to the 15th lunar day are spent preparing for the closing of the new year festivities also known as Lantern Festival.

Fifteenth day (元宵節)
The 15th day marks the first full moon after the Spring Festival and of the New Year festivities. Known as Lantern Festival, vibrant displays of lanterns decorate the streets and homes to guide lost spirits home. Another reunion dinner is prepared to celebrate the bonds of friends, family, nature and the deities that bless the year with prosperity and good fortune. Mandarin oranges and sweet glutinous rice balls called ‘tong yuen’, are significant parts of the feast, symbolizing good fortune, reunion and togetherness.

Keeping up with the Jones: Keeping tabs on Felicity Jones is no easy matter…

“Often, the last thing I want to do is stand up in front of 50 cameras on the red carpet. I’d rather have a cup of hot milk and an early night,” says British actress Felicity Jones. Despite her outwardly demure nature, however, the past decade has seen her headline countless cinematic blockbusters, thrusting her into the limelight over and over again. This, perhaps, is because the 37-year-old seems to have a golden touch when it comes to selecting the movies she chooses to involve herself with, while her ability to play powerful female roles resonates with audiences the world over.

Felicity Rose Hadley Jones, to give the lady her full name, was born in the West Midlands city of Birmingham on 17 October 1983 to journalist Gareth Jones and Julia Jones, an advertising executive. The couple separated when she was still very young and she credits seeing her working single mother striving to keep food on the table as helping to instil into her the importance of hard work.

It was this very work ethic that saw her kick-start her career when not yet a teenager. Bitten by the acting bug at the tender age of 11 – perhaps influenced by her maternal uncle, actor Michael Hadley, who most recently appeared in 2017’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – she made her small-screen debut in the British-Canadian TV series, The Worst Witch, at just 14-years-old.

The following year, she took an unusual step when she accepted the voice-only role of Emma Grundy in BBC 4 Radio’s staggeringly popular long-running soap, The Archers. It was a role that she would go on to play more than 10 years, a period that took her through her schooling and all of her years at Oxford University. She also believes it set her on the path to stardom, saying: “That’s where I learnt my craft. When I was at home, I was particularly popular among friends’ parents on account of appearing in The Archers.”

In the years that followed, she went on to appear in numerous TV series, including The Worst Witch sequel, Weirdsister College, in 2001, the 2003 BBC One drama Servants, and the 2007 small-screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (in which she played the lead role of Catherine Morland). Then, in 2008, she finally made her silver screen debut, appearing in Flashback of a Fool, starring James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Claire Forlani of Meet Joe Black fame.

It wasn’t until 2011, though, that she finally hit the big league, landing a starring role in the romantic drama, Like Crazy. The film received the much-coveted Grand Jury Prize when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, with Jones’ heartbreaking and captivating performance as the protagonist, Anna, singled out as meriting particular critical acclaim.

Over the next 10 years, she established herself as a true Tinseltown leading lady, one who’s CV is punctuated with both hugely successful box-office hits and highly-rated indie flicks. Throughout this period, one thing became clear – she has a particular affinity for bringing to life strong female characters, ones who combat sexism, stereotypes and stigmas in equal measure.

In 2016, for example, she took on the role of Jyn Erso, the female protagonist in the action-packed Star Wars spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Perfectly portraying a plucky resistance leader, she assembled a rag-tag team on a quest to capture the plans for the apocalyptic Death Star weapon.

“Jones has a a particular affinity with strong female characters, ones who combat sexism and stereotyping”

Then, two years later, she confirmed her feminist leanings in On the Basis of Sex, a biopic of the (now) late, great US Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with a focus on the opening years of her career. Despite her tour-de-force performance and an intriguing plot, the film opened to mixed reviews. Recalling the audience’s reaction, she later said: “I felt there was an ingrained sexism, at certain points, that came out in response to the film. Even now, it’s hard to put out a film like that into the world, something that focuses on female triumphs, female success…”

Apparently not in the least disheartened, her next silver screen outing, 2019’s The Aeronauts, saw Jones bring to life Amelia Rennes, a daredevil 19th-century hot air balloon pilot, renowned for reaching new heights against all odds. Generally well received, her performance (alongside Eddie Redmayne) even saw one critic proclaim claim: “The duo hand-in-hand elevates The Aeronauts from a flimsy action-adventure to something worth watching on the biggest possible screen.”

“Even now, it’s hard to put out a film like that into the world, something that focuses on female triumphs, female success…”

For her next outing, however, the actress seems to be taking a break from action-packed drama for more light-hearted fare in the form of The Last Letter from Your Lover, a romantic drama slated for release on 12 March this year. After that, the future seems less clear. While rumours abound that she may be reprising her role as Jyn Erso in yet another Star Wars outing, there is yet to be official confirmation of any such move. However, given the breadth of her talent and her steadily rising star, one thing is clear – we’ve not seen the last of Felicity Jones.

Five Must-Watch Felicity Jones Movies

Like Crazy (2011)

This immigrant love story starring Jones alongside then-fellow-up-and-comers Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence marked the actress’ first entree in the world of high profile cinema. The movie follows Anna (Jones), a British university student navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship with her American beau.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Her role as Jane Hawking, the wife of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, saw her bring to life the woman’s struggles when it came to dealing with her husband’s simultaneous rise to scientific superstardom and his crippling battle with motor neurone disease. The Theory of Everything garnered a string of accolades, including a BAFTA nod and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Jones.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

In this prequel to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the first instalment of the massively popular Star Wars franchise, Jones leads an all-star cast as Jyn Erso, a young rebel instrumental in stealing the plans of the Death Star, the evil Empire’s secret weapon. Taking more than US$1 billion worldwide, it stands as the 20th-highest-grossing movie of all time.

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Continuing to bring empowering female roles to the big screen, this time she stars as trailblazing US Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This true-to-life biopic tracks Bader’s brilliant legal mind as she combats sexism and institutionalism early on in her groundbreaking career, before eventually becoming only the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.

The Aeronauts (2019)

This film adaptation of the 2013 novel, Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air by famed British author Richard Holmes sees Jones take on the role of a wealthy 19th-century young woman who, together with scientist James Glaisher (played by Eddie Redmayne, her The Theory of Everything co-star), mount an ambitious hot air balloon expedition. Laden with stunning visual effects and riveting, heart-stopping action, this is one movie that sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

February Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

The Lunar New Year festivities are unsurprisingly the highlight of the month’s celebrations though beyond the Chinese New Year preparations, the month is also filled with plenty more activities to fill the calendar. From Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times to the Hong Kong Arts Festival and a virtual iteration of the International Fur & Fashion Fair, here’s our round-up of the February events to look out for in Hong Kong.

Every Wednesday

Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times

A much needed meditative session for the stressed-out city folk, this virtual yoga session (organised by Los Angeles-based yogi instructor, Joyce Wu) could be just what you are looking for. Essentially, it promises that by practising simple and accessible breathing exercises, stretches and guided meditation, your mind and body will re-centre as the stress unwinds. Said to be both easy to access and relaxing, you can top up your inner peace reserves from the safety and comfort of your own living space on any Wednesday this month. Free admission. eventbrite.com

5-7 Feb

The 101st Hong Kong Wedding Fair

The Hong Kong Asia Exhibition Ltd is gearing up for its 101st wedding fair, the largest such event to be hosted in the city. The first of the organiser’s four annual fairs dedicated to local brides-to-be, the event will comprise more than 400 booths across eight themed zones. This time around, one of the highlights is said to be the Overseas Wedding and Honeymoon section, which will allow couples to plan ahead for a much deserved celebration in the location of their dreams once the pandemic has passed. From HK$20. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. wedding-show.com.hk

Until 11 Feb

Rhapsody by Brenda Hong

Cheer Bell Gallery is setting great store by Rhapsody, a solo exhibition of the latest works by renowned ink artist Brenda Hong. Said to take its inspiration from a classic Chinese poem describing the creation of the Cosmos, the installation is divided into five individual stages – Rage, Furious, Serenade, Origin and Flourish. Utilising a stunning colour palette and delivered via an array of mixed media, it promises to treat attendees to an unparalleled celebration of the cosmos. Cheer Bell Gallery, 19-21 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Wong Chuk Hang. cheerbell.com

7-12 Feb

Chinese New Year Flower Market

All but wholly synonymous with Chinese New Year celebrations, the annual Victoria Park Flower Market has long been an important occasion for Hongkongers as they get ready for the week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year. Promising an array of fresh, colourful flowers and fruits, booth-after-booth of trinkets, local snack and delicacies as well as novelty gifts, the Flower Market may well be the perfect place to prepare for the incoming Year of the Ox. Free entry, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Until 23 Feb

The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera

Focusing on the particular use of patterns and specific movements in Cantonese opera (including acting, martial arts and dancing), this event consists of two special talks related to the traditional stage movements across a variety of different roles. Among those presenting is Xie Xiaoyu, a specialist in dan (female roles), and Ng Lap-hei, a specialist in sheng (male roles). Both are hugely experienced performers and will introduce attendees to the formulaic movements and facial expressions used to convey stories and impart meaning. Seminar Hall, 2/ Fl, Xiqu Centre, and live-streaming. westkowloon.hk.

Throughout Feb

Online Masterclasses of 2020 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

In order to comply with the prevailing social distancing regulations and safety measurements occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ever-popular Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was obliged to reinvent itself as a solely online event last year. Following on from that, this year sees it continue to entertain and inform its virtual patrons via more than 30 online masterclasses, all taught by the city’s most prominent chefs / wine and spirits experts, all in the hopes of nurturing a new generation of masterchefs. masterclasses.discoverhongkong.com

24-28 Feb

Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair

The Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair returns this month, providing an unrivalled platform for fashion-forward fur lovers to source high quality fur, leather garments and accessories. Although the physical iteration of the fair has had to be postponed due to the pandemic, erminophiles will still be able to access its virtual incarnation this month, so there’s no excuse not to digitally dally among your pre-furred choices. hkff.org

27 Feb – 26 Mar

Hong Kong Arts Festival

The 49th Hong Kong Arts Festival kicks off its five-week run this month with the promise of the participation of close to 2,000 international artists, local talents, and performers. One of the biggest art events in the city, this year the festival will include much anticipated performances of the Beethoven 250 & Beyond celebrations, as well as programmes, workshops, and special screenings at the new K11 Art House. Whether classical piano, modern dance or something far more outré is your thing, chances are you’ll find something at the festival to enjoy. From HK$170. hk.artsfestival.org

12 Feb

Trans Lantau

It’s time to welcome back the Trans Lantau race, as impressive an exercise of endurance and athletic ability as you are likely to find within the +852 area code. Challenging runners to conquer the many hills and valleys of the city’s biggest island, it comprises a 100km race around some of the island’s most scenic spots, while also taking in some of its sharpest inclines, most notably the Lantau Peak. This year, unlike with previous races, organisers are stretching the event from just one intensive day into a more flexible three-month affair to minimise the number of runner participating at any one time. HK$380. Mui Wo, Lantau. translantau.com

Eight myths and taboos behind common Lunar New Year traditions

Chinese New Year, otherwise known as the Spring Festival, marks the first moon of the lunisolar calendar year traditionally used in East Asian countries including China. It is an exuberant celebration, with festivities stretches over two weeks, including traditional rituals that follow traditions rooted in centuries-old folklores. From fire crackers and red packets to an array of strict practices, below we track some of the interesting origins of the myths and taboos behind Lunar New Year customs.

Lucky colour red and firecrackers
Legend has it that the ferocious monster Nián (年) – a word that also means ‘year’ – would emerge from the sea at the end of each year to feast on humans and livestock. An old man sought refuge in a villager’s home, and in exchange, he promised to defeat the monster. He decorated the house with the colour red, lit candles and jumped at the monster dressed in red while firecrackers burst in the background, eventually succeeding in scaring it away. The tale explains the belief behind the auspicious colour red that lavishly decorates, seemingly every acreage of the city. Firecrackers, too, are annual features believed to scare away evil. Another tradition beloved by locals young and old are the acrobatic Lion Dance performances that parade the streets, entertaining bystanders with the tale of Nian’s defeat.

Rhyming couplets on doors
It is almost impossible to find a front door without Chinese calligraphy painted (or printed) on red paper affixed onto them. Although alluring, these signs are more than just decorative. In fact, it is believed that they can usher in good fortune, protect against evil spirits and safe guard homes. These diamond-shaped signs – featuring the words ‘prosperity’, ‘health’ or ‘happiness’ – are commonly pasted in an upturned fashion as the Chinese word ‘upside down’ sound similar to the word ‘come’. Rhyming couplets hung on each side of the door are also traditional features that invite in good luck.

Red Money Pockets
It was said that an evil spirit named Sui would appear on New Year’s Eve and pat the heads of sleeping children. These unfortunate youngsters would consequently wake up in a fever. Traditionally, money in red envelopes (Lai See) would be given to the young by elders to protect them from evil and bless them with good luck and happiness. This is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the festivities, unless the person is a senior or is married.
No sweeping the floor
Sweeping and throwing out garbage is said to be bad luck between the first and fourth lunar day. Apparently, doing so would sweep away any gathered good luck that has been invited into the home. Washing dishes and bathing are also a no-go during those three days, which explains why one of the major preparations for the lunar celebrations is to clean, bathe, and buy new furniture and new clothes prior to the first day of Chinese New Year.
Closed for business
In Hong Kong it isn’t unlikely to see shops and businesses closed for several days during Chinese New Year. This period is traditionally used solely to focus on family reunions. However, On the fifth day of New Year’s, it is believed that the gods of prosperity come down from the heavens. Businesses will often participate in setting off firecrackers as they believe it will bring them the gods’ attention, with prosperity and good fortune following in their wake. Keep in mind that borrowing money or knocking on someone’s door to ask for repayment of a debt will incur bad luck to both parties for the entire year. However, it becomes fair game after the 5th lunar day.
Don’t use knives, forks or scissors
One of the biggest taboos to avoid during Lunar New Year is the use of knives and scissors – or indeed any sharp objects for that matter. According to popular belief, using sharp objects will cut your wealth and success short, which might explain why hair saloons are always closed during the festivities. It is also advised to avoid breaking things for this same reason. If you have the misfortune of doing so, an old wives’ tale claims that immediately wrapping the pieces in red paper while chanting auspicious phrases such as “suì suì píng ān” (岁岁平安) will ask the gods to ward off bad luck and bless them with good luck.
Bad luck gifts
Other symbolisms of misfortune play a huge role in determining what presents to give – or rather, which items to avoid giving. In addition to sharp objects, it is widely believed that offering shoes and mirrors are associated with evil, while umbrellas would mean an inevitable break-up. Clocks and pears are also regarded as bad luck, with the former serving as a homophone for the words meaning ‘attending a funeral’, and the latter similarly pronounced to the Chinese word for ‘parting’. Objects that sound like the words ‘death’ or ‘sickness’ should also be avoided at all cost as they curse the recipient with an untimely passing and poor health. The number four, for instance, sounds like ‘death’ and is a major taboo in Chinese culture.
Don’t wake people up
Although New Year blessings are a joyful gesture of sharing happiness and well-wishes, it is said that blessing people who are still in bed will cause them to be bed-ridden for the entire year. A less scary superstition believed in times old is that husbands shouldn’t be woken up on New Year’s Day, lest he become a push-over and rushed around by his boss and peers in the 12 months to follow. This makes for the perfect time to sleep in, though with all the joyous festivities happening, it’s doubtful anyone would want to!

Think you know all about Colin Firth? It could be you’ve got him all wrong…

As one of Great Britain’s most well-known exports to Hollywood, 60-year-old Colin Firth has certainly enjoyed more than his fair share of the limelight. More than once over the course of his 35-year career – no short span in the gadfly showbiz world – he has found himself hitting the headlines. And not always in a good way. While, quite often, such coverage has been a hymn of praise to one of his thespianic tour de forces (most notably in The King’s Speech and A Single Man), sometimes it has been his oft-tempestuous personal life that has notched up the column inch. Most recently, this has seen the spotlight turned on his divorce from Livia Giuggioli after 22 years together and his nascent relationship with BBC newsreader Joanna Gosling.

Despite having spent quite so long under the public gaze, there are several aspects of the actor’s life that remain relatively little-know. Few, for instance, would guess that underneath his charming, quintessentially British gentleman-like façade lies a complex, multitalented individual whose interests go well beyond high-profile dramatic roles and actually extend to humanitarian work and a somewhat all-consuming love affair with guitars…

African Roots

The son of two academics, Firth and his siblings followed their parents around the world as they moved from post to post. Although he was born in the British county of Hampshire, he actually spent the first four years of his life in Nigeria, where his father, David Norman Lewis Firth, was serving as a government education officer. He then went on to spend one of the last of his pre-teen years in Missouri, before returning to England to complete his education.

Typecast as Darcy

Though he was very much part of the ’80s-era Brit Pack – a rabble-rousing group of aspirant UK actors that numbered Gary Oldman, Rupert Everett and Daniel Day-Lewis among its members – his big international break didn’t come until 1995, when he played the romantic lead, Mr Darcy, in a TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Recalling the role that changed his life, he says: “It was a major event in my career, certainly, but it created this image that restricted the kind of roles I was able to find subsequently. Looking good and strutting around is all very boring and I found I wanted to do other things as an actor.”

Stammer Pro

In a perhaps bizarre bit of typecasting, he has played a character with a stutter in three different productions. The most notable incidence was 2010’s The King’s Speech, where he starred as the faltering King George VI. Maintaining that playing stuttering characters, was actually something of a burden, he now says: “I had to learn to stammer. Then play someone trying desperately not to. It somehow put my left arm to sleep as I must have been locking something, pinching a nerve maybe. In the end, this semi-paralysis lasted three or four days.”

Award Winner

In addition to his Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe wins, his various other recognitions include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, being appointed to the Order of the British Empire for his services to drama, and an honourary degree from the University of Winchester. If that wasn’t enough, Time magazine also designated him as one of 2011’s 100 most influential people.

Published Author

In 2000, he added writer to his impressive list of achievements, publishing his first short story – Speaking with the Angel. The piece appeared in a compendium edited by best-selling author Nick Hornby and helped to raise funds for the Treehouse Trust, a school for autistic children.

A Secret Neuroscientist?

Just over a decade later, in 2011, he revealed yet another hidden talent when he was cited as the co-author of a brain imaging study in Current Biology, a leading scientific journal. While he may not be a fully trained neuroscientist, he and BBC Radio 4 science correspondent Tom Fielden jointly commissioned and edited the study, which set out to prove a link between political leanings and structural differences in the brain.

Noted Humanitarian

Though the world mostly knows him for his onscreen work, he is also a highly-regarded humanitarian. This is down to his long-standing support for a variety of causes, including Survival International, an NGO that defends the rights of tribal peoples, the UK-based Refugee Council, which aims to support refugees and asylum seekers, as well as Oxfam, an organisation that aims to help alleviate global poverty.

Going Green

Buoyed by his work with Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, the actor later gathered a group of like-minded individuals for the launch of Eco, an eco-friendly West London shop. Not only does the store specialise in fair trade and eco-friendly products, it also gives advice on how to make spaces more energy efficient.

Guitar Fetishist

In something of a more quirky bent, his love of guitars manifests itself in a somewhat surprisingly visceral fashion. Acknowledging this, he says: “I sort of fetishise them as objects. I just think they’re beautiful. I play just as an excuse to hold one, something I could probably do for hours, just as something to cuddle.”

Everyday Intrigues

Firth has gone on the record claiming his favourite projects are those that illuminate the struggles of everyday life. In particular, he enjoys roles that reflect the ‘violence, hysteria, fear, paranoia, weakness, cowardice that everybody lives with”. While such emotionally-wrought story lines often crop up on the award-winning actor’s CV, his oeuvre actually runs the gamut from gritty dramas to rom-coms and period pieces, with five of his performances standing out as particularly memorable.

FIVE MUST-WATCH COLIN FIRTH PERFORMANCES

1. Pride & Prejudice (1995)

It was this TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel that first launched Firth onto the world stage. His portrayal of the male romantic lead, Mr Darcy, received widespread acclaim and continues to stir the hearts of women the world over.

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

This iconic rom-com starring Firth, alongside fellow Brit actors Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, gained a cult following and grossed US$280 million worldwide, before spawning two sequels.

3. A Single Man (2009)

It was his portrayal as a homosexual British professor living in ’60s Los Angeles, struggling to deal with the death of his long-time partner, that saw Firth take his first Academy Award and a Golden Globe or two.

4. The King’s Speech (2010)

Perhaps the most critically acclaimed and widely known work in the actor’s oeuvre, The King’s Speech, a true-to-life biopic documenting British King George VI’s battle with a life-long speech impediment. It was this role that saw Firth pick up countless acting accolades.

5. Mamma Mia! (2008, 2018)

Flexing his singing talents, Firth joined a star-studded cast in this fun yet heartfelt movie adaptation of the beloved Abba-inspired musical as Harry Bright, a British banker and one of the protagonist’s three possible fathers.

Five online learning apps that can teach you a handy new skill

Looking to motivate yourself and expand your horizons in the new year? Then why not take full advantage of the current work-from-home norms and try your hand at mastering some new skills? With the advent of the Digital Age, getting connected and tapping into online resources has never been easier. In fact, online learning has been burgeoning in popularity of late, no doubt aided by the breadth of options available and the flexibility of their use. In fact, according to Market Watch, online learning platforms are expected to grow up to US$47 billion by 2024. So be it dance, business management or coding, here are five online learning apps that can get you started.

Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture is a partnership between more than 2,000 cultural organisations around the world, all aimed at providing art lovers with a digital platform that grants them access to virtual tours of prestigious museums and art institutions across the globe, using high-resolution photos, videos and virtual reality.

Subscription: Free

LinkedIn Learning

With over 450 million member profiles and billions of user engagements, social networking platform LinkedIn’s dedicated online learning app, LinkedInLearning, offers insight into the most recent market trends. Boasting a vast library of data-driven content taught by experts across different professional fields, it offers an engaging learning experience that can help develop skills that improve productivity and excel in your profession whether it be in business or technology.

Free trial: one month

Subscription: HK$1,163 / year

Masterclass

With the aim to bring Netflix to the education platform, this app impresses with a wide range of well designed video content that resembles a docu-series production. The lessons offer valuable advice and inspirational experiences shared by respected experts with the likes of Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, Master Chef’s Gordon Ramsay and tennis icon Serena Williams. Each class averages 20 lessons that play between 10 to 20 minutes in duration.

Free trial: 7-days

Subscription: HK$1,396 / year

Udacity

Founder of Udacity Sebastian Thrun was awarded the Smithsonian American Ingenuity in Education for the development of Udacity. The massive online learning course is geared towards helping aspiring programmers who want a leg up in the industry. With the intention of bridging the gap between the needs of the market and what is taught in traditional education, its selection of courses – all led by industry experts – range from data science and higher mathematics to modern technology and cloud computing.

Free trial: Free nanodegree programs available

Subscription: Price per class varies

Steezy Studio

Created by professional choreographers and YouTube dance icons, this app offers lessons across a wide range of dance genres that can galvanise you to get off the couch and move to the beat – in the right way. Sessions are led by top-ranked YouTube choreographers, and range from step-by-step guides for beginners to advanced choreography for more experienced dancers.

Free trial: Seven days

Subscription: HK$775 / year