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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2026/2604/2604_GMHK_ChristineDeschemin.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Christine Deschemin’s calm, sun-lit abode in Repulse Bay is the ideal environment to discuss stressors and sleeping patterns. As we admire her lush-green mountain and sea views, the CEO of Renewed Edge Hypnotherapy Centre suddenly digresses with a laugh: “And right over there lives one of the richest tycoons in Hong Kong. And over there is a celebrity.” It’s actually an apt introduction: her approach to mental health, the panorama is both grounding and expansive – rooted in science, open to possibility.</p>



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<p>Deschemin’s CV reads like a page-turning novel that begins with aeronautical blueprints and ends with guided breathing tracks. Earning a Master of Science degree from École Polytechnique and an MBA from Harvard Business School gave her razor-sharp analytical tools and business savvy. But early on, she discovered that systems thinking could be applied to a system far more intricate than a rocket: the human mind. Childhood inquisitiveness, questions about flight mechanics and an interest in human behaviour grew into a career that blends engineering precision with clinical compassion.</p>



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<p>“I grew up in an environment that celebrated curiosity and problem-solving,” shares the French national, who came to Hong Kong in 2012 as a wealth manager. After years of optimising aeronautics and making decisions in high-pressure banking environments, she realised that the most consequential system to improve was human wellbeing. The pivot felt less like an escape and more like an upgrade: same rigour, but new, and profoundly human, payoff.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fencer, Financier, Founder</h3>



<p>The certified hypnotherapist is no stranger to pressure. As a former competitive fencer, she learned to size up the opposition, react in milliseconds, and keep composure under duress. “In épée, you’re constantly reading your opponent and adjusting tactics,” she says. Those instincts proved invaluable when launching her hypnotherapy centre a decade ago, and the digital suite that followed. Entrepreneurship, she argues, is a tactical sport: preparation, repetition, discipline and the willingness to learn from every touché.</p>



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<p>In 2020, Deschemin released the UpNow app to bring self-hypnosis to anyone with a smartphone. The app’s self-hypnosis downloads were developed to make mental health affordable and portable, an idea that felt urgent as the Covid pandemic frayed sleep and increased anxiety worldwide.</p>



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<p>An early testimonial still moves her: a woman in her 60s, living far away, who reported sleeping again after using the app. “What struck me most was her gratitude for having access to efficacious interventions at an affordable cost,” she recalls. The story is evidence of what she terms her core mission: democratising access to quality care so suffering no longer depends on postcodes or bank accounts.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where Science Meets Soul</h3>



<p>Precision empathy is the secret sauce. Her work is deliberately multidisciplinary; hypnotherapy, psychology and digital therapeutics are strands woven into a single rope. “École Polytechnique taught me to think in systems and demand mathematical precision,” she explains. While at Harvard, she learnt how to scale solutions. The result: evidence-based programs that feel humane, not mechanical.</p>



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<p>Her hypnotherapy downloads were created and voiced by clinicians and crafted using techniques with strong clinical roots (including elements of neuro-linguistic programming and mindfulness). Rejecting the binary that pits scientific rigour against compassion, she champions “precision empathy”, using data to determine what works, then delivering it in ways that respect people’s lives, cultures and constraints.</p>



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<p>Asia presents unique challenges to the hypnotherapist: stigma, a performance-driven culture, and uneven access to care. She addresses stigma by reframing mental health as performance optimisation rather than weakness. Digital delivery lowers cost barriers and preserves privacy, which is critical in communities where face-saving matters.</p>



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<p>She’s optimistic about culturally adapted models. “Digital therapeutics allow us to reach populations who would never walk into a therapist’s office but will engage with an app,” she says. Her strategic aim is to create programs that feel both culturally relevant and clinically reliable. Small downloads can realise big life changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stories That Count</h3>



<p>Beyond metrics, Deschemin is motivated by stories: the executive who reclaimed sleep, the athlete who regained focus, the midlife woman who found relief during menopause. These aren’t anecdotes to her; they’re a north star. The note from the woman who hadn’t slept in weeks during the Covid crisis demonstrated that accessible interventions can restore everyday life in ways often dismissed by conventional healthcare.</p>



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<p>Running a company is like managing a team bout in fencing. She brings a governance-minded clarity to growth, and board roles taught her the balance between risk and innovation. She empowers colleagues with autonomy and clear resources, fostering a culture of competence and trust. “I give people challenging goals and the tools to achieve them, then get out of their way,” she says. The result is a virtuous cycle where empowered teams iterate quickly and responsibly.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Practical Zen</h3>



<p>Deschemin is candid about the personal cost of her healthcare entrepreneurship: it’s easy to neglect one’s own well-being. So, she has daily non-negotiables, including sufficient sleep and long walks in Hong Kong’s hills. Nature is her reset button: a place to process, plan and replenish. These rituals keep her grounded so she can keep giving, because she notes, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”.</p>



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<p>Looking ahead, she wants to offer a suite of evidence-based digital therapeutics for menopause, anxiety, sleep, gastrointestinal conditions and stress-related disorders. Her five-to-10-year goal is to integrate these programs into healthcare systems and insurers’ coverage, so evidence-based digital therapies are standard care rather than fringe options. “Success is impact at scale, and for me that means millions finding relief where none existed before,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Clear View, Clearer Mind</h3>



<p>As our visit ends, Deschemin gestures toward the bay and the mountain. The view is more than scenic, it’s metaphorical. “When your vantage point is clear, you make better decisions,” she says. The same goes for mental health: a clearer inner view, less cluttered by stress and distorted thinking, allows people to act with agency and grace. The vista from her house is a daily reminder that perspective matters. Whether you’re facing a tycoon’s mansion or the turbulence of burnout, a clean line of sight makes the way forward easier to see.</p>



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<p>The compassionate hypnotherapist would likely appreciate the subtlety of the pun that she’s built a career helping people get their minds ‘up now’. From rocket science to guided relaxation, she’s proving that a clear view – of the horizon and the mind – makes all the difference.</p>



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<p>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Photographer: Jack Law&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Videographer: Iris Ventura&nbsp;</p>


Mind Master: From rockets to relaxation, Renewed Edge Hypnotherapy Centre’s Christine Deschemin charts a new path in wellbeing


<p>Manila is a city that lives outwardly. It sings, dances, shops, performs and indulges with an ease that feels instinctive rather than curated. From the moment one steps into its rhythm, it becomes clear that this is not a place designed for passive observation – the capital of the Philippines demands participation.</p>



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<p>The almost two million people who inhabit the eastern shore of Manila Bay thrive on energy, conversation, music and movement. This is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, and its pleasures unfold vividly. In the city itself and the wider Metro Manila region, the experience is urban, expressive and richly layered, revealing a megalopolis that understands entertainment not as spectacle alone, but as a shared cultural language.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90876" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Manila-BaySunset_02.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The City of Manila’s historic core provides an essential foundation for this vibrancy. Intramuros, the old walled district constructed by the Spanish conquistadors in the late 1500s, reminds of its long role as a cultural crossroads. Thick stone walls, grand churches and colonial courtyards speak to centuries of history that continue to inform the city’s identity.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90877" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-Fort-Bonifacio_01.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>San Agustin Church, a Unesco World Heritage site, offers a moment of stillness amid the surrounding motion, grounding the experience in something enduring. Standing through earthquakes and wars since 1607, the country’s oldest stone church allows visitors to admire an ornate interior and remarkable preservation.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90878" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-San-Agustin-Church_02.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Going with the Flow</h3>



<p>Sightseeing in Manila works best when integrated into the city’s natural flow. Architectural contrasts are constant, with colonial façades coexisting with modern towers and religious landmarks maintaining calm amid movement. Museums and cultural spaces provide insight into Filipino identity, shaped by resilience, creativity and adaptability.</p>



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<p>From these quiet spaces, the transition back into modern Manila is immediate and exhilarating, as traffic hums, music floats through open doors, and the metropolitan pulse becomes impossible to ignore. Casual walks through the financial skyscrapers and shopping centres of nearby Makati or Bonifacio Global City (a.k.a. The Fort for its military heritage) in Taguig – where attractions range from the science exhibits of the Mind Museum to the 66-storey Metrobank Center, the tallest building in the Philippines – reveal layers of design, public art and daily life unfolding simultaneously.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90880" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-National-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-Manila_01.jpg 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Songs for Drinking and Dancing</h3>



<p>Waterfront promenades invite reflection as daylight fades and the city lights begin to glow, offering a quieter counterpoint to the urban energy. As evening deepens, Manila’s nightlife reveals its range and confidence. Cocktail lounges transition naturally into dance floors, while live-music venues remain packed well past midnight. Nights rarely feel rushed; dining, drinking, music and conversation flow together seamlessly and without effort.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90881" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-YOLO-BGC_01.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Music is everywhere in Metro Manila, not as background but as a central expression of social life. Singing is woven deeply into the culture, and upscale karaoke lounges elevate this tradition into a participatory, expressive, joyful and deeply social art form. Music 21 Plaza’s Makati branch remains a classic destination for karaoke, offering plush rooms, attentive service and an atmosphere designed for long, unhurried nights. In Bonifacio Global City, Rockstar KTV Restrobar presents a contemporary environment, with sleek interiors, advanced sound systems and private rooms for lounging.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90882" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Rockstar-KTV-Restobar_01.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The city’s after-dark scene is energetic but rarely aggressive, and glamorous without being rigid. DJs blend international sounds with local influences, and dance floors fill organically. Even in the most vibrant spaces, there is an emphasis on conviviality and ease. Top clubbing draws include Royal in Poblacion, the nightlife heart of Makati, and the multiple-venue The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, led by the mass rush of XYLO and the more intimate Revel lounge.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Much Adobo in Dining</h3>



<p>Food anchors daily life in Manila, and dining is treated as a social ritual. Filipino cuisine, a vivid statement of the city’s culinary identity, is increasingly presented with refinement. Traditional flavours built on garlic, vinegar and soy sauce – exemplified by the unofficial national dish of pork and/or chicken adobo – and citrus, particularly calamansi, are balanced through modern technique. The local delicacy of tinapa sees fish like blackfin scad or bangus (milkfish) brined, cooked and preserved through smoking.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90884" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-Lechon.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Restaurants reinterpret familiar dishes without losing their essence. The Makati establishments of Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma and Toyo Eatery were honoured with a star in The Michelin Guide for the Philippines, which debuted this year. International dining options, meanwhile, reflect the city’s global outlook and openness. British-Filipino chef Josh Boutwood’s tasting menus at the two-star Helm are a must for serious foodies.</p>



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<p>Meals in Manila are unhurried, extending naturally into drinks, music, or a short walk to another venue. Late-night dining is not an afterthought but an expectation, reinforcing the city’s rhythm of lingering and connection.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90885" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-Kasa-Palma_01.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Glorious Gaming</h3>



<p>Casino and entertainment complexes such as Okada Manila and Solaire Resort add another layer of urban glamour. Located in Entertainment City, these integrated destinations boast a confident, cosmopolitan atmosphere, combining gaming, dining, shopping, nightlife and top-notch accommodation within expansive, polished environments. Casino floors are lively and well-appointed, offering everything from energetic main halls to more secluded high-limit areas.</p>


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<p>Beyond gaming, these complexes house internationally recognised restaurants and luxury boutiques, live performance venues, and lounges with sweeping views of the city or bay. An entire evening can unfold within their walls without repetition, moving fluidly from dinner to entertainment to late-night cocktails.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dip into Designer Heritage</h3>



<p>Shopping is another essential expression of Manila’s urban life. The city’s major retail districts are carefully designed to combine fashion, dining and leisure into cohesive experiences. Makati offers the most refined ambience, with international luxury brands sitting alongside Filipino designers whose work draws on heritage craftsmanship with modern sensibility. Bonifacio Global City presents a more contemporary, walkable aesthetic, where tree-lined streets, open plazas and public art frame boutiques and concept stores. Cafés and restaurants encourage long afternoons that move effortlessly between browsing and dining.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90887" width="768" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-480x300.jpg 480w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-768x480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-800x500.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>What distinguishes shopping in Manila is the access to exquisite Philippine products that carry both beauty and narrative. Handwoven textiles sourced from regional communities are transformed into modern fashion and home pieces, each reflecting generations of skill. South Sea pearls, among the finest in the world, are presented in understated designs that emphasise natural lustre. Capiz shell lighting glows softly in curated interiors, while finely crafted wood furniture and accessories showcase native materials shaped by artisanal expertise.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cycle of Urban Life</h3>



<p>Despite its intensity, Manila understands balance. Wellness spaces, spas and quiet cafés offer recovery between late nights and full days. Early mornings reveal a gentler city, where joggers move through clean streets, cafés open slowly, and the pace briefly softens before rebuilding. By afternoon, energy returns. By evening, it is unmistakable again. This cycle gives Manila its momentum, allowing indulgence and rest to coexist naturally.</p>



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<p>What makes the city endure is not its polish but its vitality. It does not attempt to impress from a distance; it engages directly, asking visitors to listen, to participate and to stay present. Its pleasures are immediate but layered, and expressive rather than sterile; this is a place where culture is lived rather than displayed.</p>



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<p>A stay in Manila does not offer escape from urban life – it invites immersion at its most animated. Those who give the city attention are rewarded with richness, warmth and unmistakable character. It is this lived energy, sustained across sound, movement, craftsmanship and social connection, that makes Manila not just memorable, but compelling long after the lights dim and the music fades.</p>


Magnificent Manila: Life unfolds loudly in this vibrant metropolis of song, style and energy


<p>Michael B. Jordan’s middle name, Bakari, means “noble promise” in Swahili, and in hindsight, it feels almost prophetic. The kid who grew up in a tight-knit family in Newark, New Jersey, guided by parents who emphasised education, humility and hard work, has become one of Hollywood’s most recognisable leading men – and picked up an Academy Award last month to boot. Parental expectations for Michael and his two siblings were clear: pursue excellence, but stay grounded.</p>



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<p>The 39-year-old actor’s early dreams were not focused on stardom. He began as a child model, and acting opportunities followed naturally. Young Michael discovered he loved the process of inhabiting another life and bringing authenticity to the screen. Even as his résumé expanded, his parents ensured he maintained balance. Home was a refuge from the unpredictability of show business.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_10-copy-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90870" width="477" height="595" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_10-copy-1.jpg 636w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_10-copy-1-225x280.jpg 225w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_10-copy-1-200x249.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Young Gun</h3>



<p>Jordan’s early television work included brief appearances on <em>The Sopranos and Cosby</em> (both in 1999), but his breakthrough came at age 15, when he was cast as teenage drug-dealer Wallace in <em>The Wire </em>(2002). The role was small in screen time but enormous in impact. He infused the character with vulnerability, making Wallace’s tragic fate one of the show’s most heartbreaking storylines. The performance revealed a rare emotional intelligence in a young actor.</p>



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<p>Jordan then brought charisma and complexity to the role of Vince Howard, a gifted quarterback mired in poverty and family instability, in <em>Friday Night Lights </em>(2009-11). Later, in Parenthood, he played a recovering addict attempting to rebuild his life. These roles cemented his reputation as an actor capable of balancing strength with sensitivity. He was not interested in playing one-dimensional characters; he gravitated towards stories that reflected struggle, growth and redemption.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building Up to Blockbusters</h3>



<p>The turning point in Jordan’s career arrived in 2013 with <em>Fruitvale Station</em>, portraying the 2009 fatal shooting of Oscar Grant by an Oakland transit police officer. The film premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim, and his nuanced performance was widely praised. It was a defining moment that elevated him from promising actor to serious artist.</p>



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<p><em>Fruitvale Station </em>began a longtime collaboration with writer-director Ryan Coogler that transformed Jordan’s career. It was followed by Creed (2015), a continuation of the Rocky franchise, for which the dedicated actor underwent months of intense boxing training. He reshaped his body into that of a believable professional fighter, yet also grounded the boxing spectacle in intimate character work. Creed was both a commercial triumph and a critical success, establishing the 28-year-old as a bankable male lead.</p>



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<p>If <em>Creed</em> positioned him as a star, the Marvel Comics’ vehicle <em>Black Panther</em> (2018) made him a global icon. Cast once again by Coogler, Jordan infused his villainous character with wounded intensity, reportedly staying immersed in the role throughout production. The film became a cultural milestone, grossing more than US$1 billion worldwide and redefining representation in blockbuster cinema.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Craft Commitment</h3>



<p>Behind the scenes, Jordan’s approach to his career has been marked by discipline. For physically demanding roles, he commits to rigorous training regimens and strict nutritional plans. He often speaks about preparation as a form of respect – for the craft, for collaborators, and for audiences. He immerses himself in scripts, develops detailed backstories, and seeks to understand the psychological landscape of each character.</p>



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<p>Reflecting on the variety of roles he has inhabited, Jordan has commented: “If I was only moving for profit, my résumé would look a lot different. It’d have six more projects on there. [Producers] will see you in something and be like, Oh yeah, you would be great for this… It’s like, you want me to do that again? That’s sometimes boring for us, you know?”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-822x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90866" width="617" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-822x1024.jpg 822w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-225x280.jpg 225w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-768x957.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-1233x1536.jpg 1233w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-200x249.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04-800x997.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Michael-B-Jordan_04.jpg 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 617px) 100vw, 617px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dual Challenges</h3>



<p>Having assumed producer duties for a number of films he starred in, Jordan further expanded his creative reach by making his directorial debut in 2023 in <em>Creed III</em>. Taking on dual responsibilities as director and lead actor was a formidable challenge, but he embraced it with confidence. The film showcased his evolving artistic voice, particularly in its stylised fight sequences that drew inspiration from anime – a personal passion.</p>



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<p>His fourth Coogler outing yielded the multi-Academy Award-winning period horror film Sinners (2025), and a best-actor trophy for playing twin brothers, Smoke and Stack. “It definitely presented a challenge, and I had a little bit of anxiety, but I was equally excited about doing something that pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said the star in an interview. Of the two, he revealed that the charismatic Stack is closer to his own personality than the reticent Smoke.</p>



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<p>Upcoming ventures include a solo lead actor-director-producer turn in a new remake of <em>The Thomas Crown Affair.</em> Jordan has shared that for a decade, he wanted to step into the suave suede shoes first worn by Steve McQueen, but “I hadn’t experienced enough to even play a character like that. So I got a chance to live a little bit. Now is the perfect time to do it.”</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inclusivity &amp; Community</h3>



<p>As his public profile has grown, so has interest in his personal life. Frequently named among Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, he maintains a measured approach to romantic relationships and fame. In interviews, he has acknowledged that vulnerability and emotional awareness are essential to personal growth. This openness has endeared him to fans who see in him a model of modern masculinity – ambitious yet introspective, confident yet evolving.</p>



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<p>Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society, champions inclusive hiring practices and advocates for greater diversity both in front of and behind the camera. Making these moves for inclusion permanent is important to him. “I think you have a lot of corporate America checking boxes to satisfy the people or outcry or a moment,” he has explained. “And sometimes that energy is lost, as people forget. You get back to business as usual.”</p>



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<p>Despite global recognition, Jordan remains connected to Newark and the values instilled in him during childhood. He has invested in community initiatives and supported causes related to education and social justice. Through philanthropy and mentorship, he aims to expand opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Name to Watch Longer</h3>



<p>Sharing a name with a legendary basketball player could have overshadowed his identity, but Michael Jordan, the actor, has carved his own path, building a legacy entirely separate from the hardwood courts he trod for leisure as a teen. Today, the name Michael B. Jordan evokes powerful performances, disciplined preparation and thoughtful leadership.</p>



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<p>He chooses projects carefully, weighing their cultural resonance and personal significance. Although he has reflected on a desire to “spend time doing other things” and to “get to a place where my life … doesn’t change if I all of a sudden decide I may not want to work this year,” Jordan is unlikely to step back from the limelight any time soon.</p>



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<p>“I spent more time struggling and trying to build something than I have been in a position where I can be moving,” he expounds. “I’m not content. I’m going to continue to build and grow.”</p>


B Himself: From Wallace in The Wire to Oscar winner with Sinners, Michael B. Jordan scores big in Hollywood


<p>This year, Parfums MDCI, the independent perfumery house renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship, turns a glorious 20 with the unveiling of Vétyver Messager, a new woody aromatic masterpiece that encapsulates vitality and springtime joy. For two decades, MDCI has been forging a path of originality, collaborating with world-class perfumers and creating limited-edition jewels of scent, each bottle a tiny work of art.</p>



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<p>Founded by Claude Marchal, MDCI’s journey is rooted in a passion for quality over quantity. “When I started, the term ‘niche’ didn’t even exist,” Claude reflects. “We focused on slow, artisanal French craftsmanship, sourcing rare materials, and creating fragrances with true personality. Our goal has always been to craft beautiful bottles and perfumes that are wearable, timeless, and emotionally resonant.” Over the years, the house has released 24 distinctive fragrances, each meticulously handcrafted and refined, embodying the French tradition of perfumery as a luxurious art form.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-1024x685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90739" width="768" height="514" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-419x280.jpg 419w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-2048x1369.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WechatIMG2137-800x535.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“It’s a return to the essentials with a modern twist,” Claude explains. “Vetiver is a versatile note, capable of many interpretations, and in this fragrance, it’s infused with aromatic clarity that evokes vitali ty and optimism. It fills the gap in our vetiver line and captures the spirit of spring.” The fragrance’s green jade-like beads on its bottle symbolize freshness and renewal, echoing the lush vitality of nature.</p>



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<p>In the world of MDCI, fragrances are divided into the Classic and the Painter and Perfumer collections. The Classic line features elegant tassels—red with blue beads for men, white with pearl beads for women—each detail imbued with significance. Vétyver Messager’s green beads pay homage to the brand’s dedication to meaningful artistry, a testament to its heritage.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-790x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90740" width="593" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-790x1024.jpg 790w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-216x280.jpg 216w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-768x995.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-1185x1536.jpg 1185w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-1580x2048.jpg 1580w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-200x259.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-800x1037.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09-scaled.jpg 1975w" sizes="(max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px" /></figure></div>


<p>The house’s dedication to beauty rituals extends to MDCI Beauté, launched in collaboration with Limoges’ renowned porcelain artisans. These limited-edition porcelain coffrets, inspired by the French Grand Siècle and painted with motifs reminiscent of François Boucher and Honoré Fragonard, elevate the act of self-care into an art form. Decorated with gold accents and delicate floral motifs, each piece is a collectible treasure—an exquisite vessel for your skincare routine.</p>



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<p>Claude Marchal emphasizes, “Beauty is a ritual. It’s about slowing down and appreciating the exquisite details—touching a porcelain box, feeling its weight, and savoring the moment.” The luxurious boxes, crafted in limited, numbered editions, turn everyday self-care into a cherished ceremony, blending timeless art with modern elegance.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-1024x708.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90741" width="768" height="531" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-405x280.jpg 405w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-768x531.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-200x138.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20-800x553.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VM20.jpg 1138w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>When asked about success, Claude responds, “It’s about legacy and staying true to our values. When a fragrance helps someone through a pivotal moment, that’s success. Happiness, for me, is found in simple joys—nature, quiet moments, and sharing love.”</p>



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<p>Perfume, Claude believes, is a powerful vessel of memory. “A scent can transport you through time,” he says. “It’s a dialogue with the soul.” Whether it’s the nostalgic sweetness of Vêpres Siciliennes or the evocative familiarity of Le Barbier de Tanger, MDCI’s fragrances are designed to leave indelible impressions.</p>



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<p>Shop Location</p>



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<p>CAUSEWAY BAY</p>



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<p>Shop 28, G/F, 11-19 Great George Street, Fashion Walk</p>



<p>info@scentedniche.com     Tel: 2608 2206</p>



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<p>TSIM SHA TSUI</p>



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<p>Shop 210A, Level 2, 18 Salisbury Road, K11 Musea</p>



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<p>info_k11musea@scentedniche.com.    Tel: 2608 2205</p>


A Scent-sational Celebration: Parfums MDCI’s 20 Years of fragrant art; crafting memories, one bottle at a time


<p>Some 400 years ago, an Englishman’s home was his castle. For the French, on the other hand, it would have been a château. Today, if the opportunity arises to live like a king in a stately, secluded setting in the French countryside, why not spoil yourself? Purchasing a château to savour a taste of royalty is entirely possible for those of means.</p>



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<p>France is home to tens of thousands of châteaux, some of which are visited by millions of Instagram-obsessed tourists each year. The gilded Palace of Versailles near Paris and the mysterious Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy have captivated visitors for centuries. While these icons are the property of the French government, there are plenty of less legendary castles on the books of luxury realtors that enable the wealthy to be shielded from the public eye, yet steeped in all the historical charm for which French châteaux are known.</p>



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<p>Here we view two resplendent palaces that monarchs of business have called home, and visit an array of former French fortresses that have become more approachable for private buyers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannes Chic</h3>



<p>Occupying a piece of prime real estate along the Avenue du Roi Albert in Cannes overlooking the French Riviera’s sparkling waters, Château Soligny could not be more idyllically situated. Thought to have been built by architect Emile Raimbault around 1870, it soon became the home of Aristide Boucicaut of Le Bon Marché department store fame.</p>



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<p>The peach-coloured Belle Époque mansion has since been expanded and revamped, while retaining its original character. Accessed via a Japanese pathway surrounded by rare trees, streams and waterfalls, plus an infinity pool and pool house, the residence spans five storeys. Interiors are sleek and polished, featuring materials like ebony, marble and mother-of-pearl. Modern conveniences include a lift, a six-car garage and a home cinema, and of course, it wouldn’t be a French castle without its own wine cellar. It was recently purchased for €55 million (HK$497 million) by a wealthy private individual through Christie’s International Real Estate.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-1024x701.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90850" width="768" height="526" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-1024x701.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-409x280.jpg 409w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-768x526.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-1536x1052.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-2048x1403.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-200x137.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-150528-CASIR-CN5474-Chteau-Soligny-LC-150520-9-4500px-2-800x548.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spellbound Splendour</h3>



<p>Hailed as the largest estate in the Cannes area, the Castle of la Croix des Gardes enchanted Hollywood actress Grace Kelly when she visited to film the 1955 Hitchcock thriller To Catch a Thief. Constructed in 1919, it has counted Swiss industrialist Paul Girod and Perrier owner Gustave Leven among its owners. Now with 25 acres of Italian-style gardens, a neo-Palladian-inspired façade, a 36-metre saltwater infinity pool, and stunning views of the Côte d’Azur and Estérel massif, it’s little surprise that those lucky enough to stay here fall under its spell.</p>



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<p>The property currently affords temporary king-of-the-castle status – it can be rented out in its entirety by the week, along with a private butler, chef and security team, from Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes. Exquisite interior refurbishments throughout the 16 suites, including hand-stitched embroideries, bespoke cabinetry work and hand-painted wallpapers, are the work of London-based Katharine Pooley Design Studio.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Medieval Majesty</h3>



<p>Built on Roman foundations in Uzès, near Avignon in southern France, is a 12th-century walled fortress originally intended to protect the duke and the land he ruled over – but you won’t find chamber pots in the bedrooms or cauldrons bubbling atop an open fire here. The 20-room castle was renovated in the 18th century, providing a bright, beautiful staircase, ample natural lighting through large windows, and polished woodwork that has been preserved to this day. It comes with a surfeit of amenities, including an expansive English garden, swimming pool, tennis court and artist’s studio.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-1024x724.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90844" width="768" height="543" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-396x280.jpg 396w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-768x543.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-2048x1448.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-200x141.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-Savigny-sous-Faye-Vienne-Poitou-Charente-for-sale-through-John-D-Wood-Co.-2-800x566.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cinderella Castle</h3>



<p>There’s a château located near Vienne, not far from Lyon, that’s fit for a princess. Attracting attention when it first came onto the market for its uncanny similarities to Disney’s Cinderella Castle, this former luxury hotel offers the chance to live your very own fairy tale. The 19th-century Renaissance-style dwelling now houses 10 en-suite bedrooms, two dining rooms, two reception rooms, a bar, an office and more. Its proud owner can step outside to pick fresh produce from the estate’s vegetable garden while taking in wonderful vistas of woodlands and distant rolling hills.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Moat Control</h3>



<p>Equipped with a moat and stone-gated entrance, a 16th-century château in the verdant Loire Valley will inspire you to live out your storybook fantasies. A short drive from Tours, the castle was owned by French kings for 200 years and used by the crown’s tax collectors. For those with an aversion to driving, the 10-hectare estate is also equipped with a helicopter landing pad. In addition to the moat, some of the château’s original features are still intact, including large fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and a pigeon tower.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-1024x664.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90845" width="768" height="498" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-432x280.jpg 432w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-768x498.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-1536x995.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-200x130.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801-800x518.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-178801.jpg 1804w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Treasure of the Earth</h3>



<p>Lovers of Périgord truffles will adore a Renaissance-style château in Ribérac, a tranquil market town within the Dordogne, as its 57 hectares of woods and gardens include multiple spots for truffle-hunting. Other standout exteriors of this property marketed by Sotheby’s International Realty are a kilometre-long stream and an Olympic-sized riding arena. Interiors blend three different architectural expressions of 17th- and 18th-century grandeur. A total of 40 rooms and a separate 400-square-metre reception would allow the buyer to invite up to 50 guests for their château-warming party – or rent out the estate for special events.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-780x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90846" width="585" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-780x1024.jpg 780w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-213x280.jpg 213w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-768x1008.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-1170x1536.jpg 1170w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-1560x2048.jpg 1560w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff-800x1050.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-02-chateau-int-Ground-Floor-6_eff.jpg 1597w" sizes="(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Normandy Conquests</h3>



<p>For those who want to experience a taste of the country without straying too far from Paris, a castle in Normandy would be ideal. One medieval pile comes with a spacious courtyard and a park filled with yews and laurels, as well as sweeping views of the green valley beyond. Although the site has undergone renovations, the interiors have stayed true to the style of the period. The master suite boasts a French Empire-style fireplace in turquin blue marble, while other bedrooms – there are 18 in total – feature Louis XVI panelling.</p>



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<p>Look out, too, for another 18-bedroom Normandy château that has a beautiful aspect, sitting on 80 hectares of land with its own private lake. This one is comparatively more modern, though, having been built in 1867. The property is registered as a historic monument, but it has been restored to pristine condition and encompasses first-rate amenities. It would be hard for the king of this castle to feel bored: there’s a home cinema, a fitness room and spa, and an indoor swimming pool with – appropriately for this year – an image of five horses adorning the pool floor. </p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-1024x614.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90847" width="768" height="461" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-467x280.jpg 467w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-768x461.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-2048x1229.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-200x120.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Sothebys-Chateau-Gard-F.-17_eff-800x480.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>

Beaux Châteaux: The French countryside affords plenty of scope to be le roi of a castle


<p>The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens did not start as a spectacle at kick-off in Happy Valley half a century ago. It began, as many enduring cultural institutions do, almost accidentally. Back then, the sport existed on the margins. Rugby was played largely within the expatriate community, sustained by club culture and social networks that operated somewhat apart from the city’s mainstream consciousness. In this context, the tournament’s role in bringing the city and people from around the world together over an oval ball for an exhilarating long weekend is a remarkable feat.</p>



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<p>Hong Kong was a very different city in the mid-1970s; smaller, rougher at the edges, and still negotiating its identity as an international hub, it was defined more by transit and trade than by lifestyle. Skyscrapers had not yet fully asserted the skyline’s authority, and while finance was growing, it had not yet become the city’s dominant narrative. The prevailing mood was industrious rather than expressive.</p>



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<p>When the idea of hosting a Rugby Sevens tournament was first proposed during discussions between the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and then sponsors Rothmans and Cathay Pacific, it carried none of the ambition or theatrical scale that would later define it. There was no sweeping cultural blueprint, no strategic ambition to manufacture a global brand.</p>



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<p>The shortened format of Sevens – seven players per side for rapid matches – appealed for practical reasons. It allowed multiple games to be staged across a single weekend, making travel worthwhile for visiting teams. It was efficient, compact and manageable. In a city that valued efficiency above excess, that practicality was sufficient justification.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rugby Roar</h3>



<p>Yet that modest premise proved quietly transformative. When the first Hong Kong Sevens took place in 1976, featuring teams from across Asia and the Pacific, it did more than fill a sporting gap. It positioned the city as a regional meeting point at a time when global connectivity had not yet entered everyday vocabulary. Hong Kong’s economic role as an intermediary between continents found a cultural parallel inside the stadium. Teams arrived from different countries; supporters followed; flags appeared in the stands. For a few days, the city’s outward-facing identity condensed into a shared physical space.</p>



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<p>What distinguished the tournament in its early years was not only the quality of play but the atmosphere that began to form around it. The shortened format generated momentum. Matches were brief, intense and closely scheduled, leaving little room for inertia. The pace encouraged constant engagement, with spectators becoming animated participants. The crowd responded collectively to sudden tries and dramatic turnovers. Laughter, chanting and applause moved in waves.</p>



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<p>Since the Sevens grew organically, it feels fundamentally different from other large-scale gatherings. Its character formed through repetition – staged on the same weekend, year after year – and through the steady layering of memory. Attendees learned the rhythm of the event almost instinctively. They knew when anticipation would peak and when energy would dip, and this shared familiarity reduced the distance between strangers.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Success and Fancy Dress</h3>



<p>As Hong Kong established itself as a financial powerhouse and global crossroads in the 1980s and 1990s, the Sevens evolved alongside it. The tournament broadened its international reach and migrated venues – from the Football Club, where 3,000 spectators watched the debut one-day event, to the 28,000-capacity Government Stadium in 1982, which was modernised in the 1990s and renamed the Hong Kong Stadium, to the spanking new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium last year. The Sevens embedded itself into the city’s annual calendar, becoming a fixed point in an environment otherwise defined by constant acceleration.</p>



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<p>The tournament culture was shaped more by the people who attended than by official programming. Traditions accumulated gradually. Attending in fancy dress emerged not as orchestrated fashion statements but as spontaneous gestures among groups of friends. One year’s joke became the next year’s expectation. The humour was playful, and the visual chaos in the stands signalled collective belonging rather than curated identity.</p>



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<p>This ethos was already cemented by 1997 when the tournament achieved global recognition – this was the year Hong Kong hosted the Rugby World Cup Sevens, and its success was instrumental in the launch of the World Sevens Series in 1999. Loud, irreverent and communal, the emphasis rested on a raucous collective mood – epitomised by the alcohol-fuelled party atmosphere of Hong Kong Stadium’s South Stand – rather than individual performance.</p>



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<p>People were absorbed into a larger current of energy. Expertise in rugby was welcome but unnecessary. Enthusiasm was the only requirement, and the crowd functioned as a temporary community, unified by rhythm rather than background.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-1024x636.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90831" width="768" height="477" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-1024x636.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-450x280.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-768x477.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-1536x955.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-200x124.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2-800x497.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2.jpg 1855w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Communal Party</h3>



<p>Until this day, exuberance coexists with inclusivity during the Sevens weekend. Families share sections with longtime supporters and first-time visitors. Colleagues temporarily suspend workplace hierarchies. Conversations unfold without formal introduction. Groups select shared costume themes that transform them into collective characters. The result is an egalitarian spectacle in which participation matters more than polish. The stands resemble a living collage, constantly shifting yet unified.</p>



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<p>Beyond the stadium, the city subtly reconfigures itself. Bars and restaurants function as informal meeting points, encounters between strangers occur with unusual ease, and the streets feel even more vibrant. The tempo of daily life adjusts, if only briefly. The Sevens reframes Hong Kong’s intensity, and energy becomes celebratory rather than transactional.</p>



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<p>While the tournament does not promise reinvention or transformation, it permits suspension of boundaries between economic status and cultural divide, between locals and expatriates, between residents and visitors. In a city known for discipline and efficiency, collective exuberance carries symbolic weight. The permission to relax, to cheer loudly and dress absurdly feels restorative – and because that permission is shared, it rarely tips into bad behaviour or mayhem.</p>



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<p>Although social media captures fragments of the weekend, the memory of the Sevens resides in sensation: tired legs from standing, hoarse voices from chanting, sun-warmed skin or soaked to the skin – monsoon-like downpours are not uncommon on the tournament weekend – and the faint disorientation of Monday morning. These embodied traces anchor recollection more powerfully than photographs.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-1024x652.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90832" width="768" height="489" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-1024x652.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-440x280.jpg 440w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-768x489.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-1536x978.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-200x127.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2-800x509.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2.jpg 1863w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inclusive Scores</h3>



<p>As the Hong Kong Sevens has matured over 50 years, it has absorbed social change without abandoning its foundations. Women’s rugby has gained deserved prominence, and youth engagement has expanded. Local representation has deepened, reflecting Hong Kong’s evolving demographics. These developments extend the tournament’s inclusive spirit.</p>



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<p>By Sunday evening, as final matches conclude and the crowd thins, the release subsides gently. Costumes are folded away until next year. Bars quieten, and the city resumes its habitual tempo. Yet a subtle recalibration lingers. The Sevens endures because it offers continuity within change. It is not spectacle engineered for consumption, but ritual sustained by return.</p>



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<p>From 17-19 April this year, Hong Kong will gather once again over multiple rugby matches, heralding recognition of shared history, shared space and shared release. The Sevens is not about the self; it champions collective presence and community – and that enduring simplicity remains its quiet distinction and lasting relevance.</p>



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<p>For many residents, particularly those who have witnessed Hong Kong’s rapid economic and political transformations, the Sevens acts as a temporal anchor. The city has weathered cycles of prosperity and uncertainty, demographic change and shifting global relationships. Neighbourhoods have been reshaped; industries have risen and receded. Through these fluctuations, the Sevens has remained. Its recurrence provides continuity in a landscape often defined by impermanence.</p>


Sevens Heaven: Five decades after Hong Kong’s first tournament, tries still excite and unite the community 


<p>Ever wondered what makes a top-tier international property developer tick? Henry Wong, a visionary leader whose expertise, passion, and innovative approach are reshaping the Hong Kong and global real estate landscape. Whether you’re an investor or a homebuyer, his projects offer a golden opportunity to stake your claim in Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How is your professional background suited to a career with an international property developer?</h3>



<p>With years as an executive director at Top Spring Group, I bring extensive experience in boutique real estate investment, backed by a strong academic foundation in law, business, and arts. I understand legal transactions, navigate industry challenges, and lead multicultural teams to create high-quality, market-driven properties.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-755x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90734" width="566" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-755x1024.jpg 755w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-206x280.jpg 206w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-768x1042.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-1132x1536.jpg 1132w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-1510x2048.jpg 1510w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-200x271.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-800x1085.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6190-scaled.jpg 1887w" sizes="(max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What attracted you to join The Top Spring Group in 2015?</h3>



<p>Joining my family’s business, I was inspired by the company’s regional footprint and commitment to growing with Hong Kong’s community. Top Spring’s diverse projects and supportive culture fuelled my passion for innovative real estate development.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What are the main areas of commercial activity and expertise of the Group?</h3>



<p>We develop luxury residential, retail, and property management projects across Hong Kong, China, and Australia. Notably, our 128 WATERLOO penthouse sold for over HK$241 million, cementing our reputation for excellence.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How does Top Spring navigate the recent upheavals in China’s property market?</h3>



<p>We stay ahead by monitoring regulations, diversifying our portfolio, conducting rigorous market analysis, and implementing robust risk management plans to weather downturns effectively.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-759x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90733" width="569" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-759x1024.jpg 759w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-208x280.jpg 208w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-768x1036.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-1139x1536.jpg 1139w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-1519x2048.jpg 1519w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-200x270.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-800x1079.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6079-scaled.jpg 1898w" sizes="(max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How do you foresee Hong Kong’s property market evolving?</h3>



<p>We anticipate a gradual recovery driven by government policies, improved investor sentiment, and global economic stabilization—especially with dropped interest rates. Our developments, like 128 WATERLOO, are already performing well amidst these trends.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What makes your HK projects, such as 128 WATERLOO, stand out from other premium developments?</h3>



<p>Our projects boast a sublime modern classic design inspired by British architecture, cutting-edge smart home features, and meticulous quality control. They are not just homes—they’re landmarks blending luxury, innovation, and sustainability.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90735" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6278-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why are these projects such attractive investment opportunities?</h3>



<p>They combine proven high sales with impressive rental yields—reaching HK$70 per square foot—and feature innovative designs and amenities. Our strong reputation and strategic partnerships ensure quality and investor confidence.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why should investors consider putting their money into your Hong Kong residential projects?</h3>



<p>Our track record speaks volumes—delivering record-breaking sales and high customer satisfaction. Coupled with attractive rental income, innovative features, and a robust network, our developments promise promising returns and long-term growth.</p>


Building Futures: The key to unlocking prime property opportunities with Henry Wong


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<p>If comfort food had a passport, Hillside at Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui would be its international visa, stamped, approved and ready to take diners on a flavourful journey. Imagine fun and wit meeting the warm embrace of your favourite childhood meal, but with a sophisticated, global twist. That’s Hillside in a nutshell, an all-day dining spot where every bite feels like a hug from an old friend, but one who’s travelled the world and brought back souvenirs… of flavour, of course.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90802" width="485" height="605" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1.jpg 646w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1-200x250.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px" /></figure></div>


<p>Perched on the 12th floor (because why not dine with a view?), Hillside kicks off each morning with a multicultural breakfast spread. Think crispy crêpes, spicy sambal and fresh tropical fruits. Kimpton Executive Chef Logan Hester, the maestro behind Hillside’s global comfort canvas, shares: “I like to bring in elements from different cultures to create a breakfast that’s both familiar and exciting.” Come lunchtime, there’s the playful Crab Cake Poppers, little bites that are basically seafood fireworks, and Honey Mustard Burnt Ends that are so tender, they practically melt in your mouth. For those craving a spicy kick, ‘Tom Yum’ Prawn Wontons are a spicy, herbaceous squeeze from Thailand, while Grilled Cabbage Caesar redefines the classic salad with smoky, charred and crunchy napa.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90803" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>As the day progresses, Hillside transforms into a culinary playground for sharing. Pho Spiced Wagyu Beef Rib is a slow-cooked, spice-laden masterpiece. Seafood lovers will swoon over Khao Soi Lobster, where a Boston lobster gets cosy in a Thai red curry, and Pork Pad Kra Pao turns street food into a sit-down affair without losing its cred. For vegetarians seeking a little love, Mushroom Ragu pasta offers a plant-based punch of umami. Hester emphasises: “Creating dishes that evoke emotion involves understanding ingredients and respecting their natural flavours. That’s the core of my philosophy.”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90804" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Let’s not forget the grill section, because what’s a comfort-food experience without a little fire? Both the Wagyu Striploin Bavette and BBQ Lamb Ribs are glazed with a sticky, sweet-spicy char siu-like marinade. “Grilling adds a smoky depth that elevates comfort foods into something special,” notes the chef. “It’s about balancing heat and flavour to bring out the best in each ingredient.”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90805" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>And just when you think Hillside can’t get any more charming, the desserts swoop in. Matcha Crème Brûlée balances bitterness and sweetness with a satisfying crack revealing velvety custard. Chocolate Basque Cheesecake is a fiery, fudgy love letter topped with jasmine Chantilly, a modern classic with a poetic twist.</p>


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<p>American Hester, who spent five years working in Vietnam and previously helmed Chôm Chôm, focuses on fundamentals. “Vietnam taught me that flavour is layered with intention, letting ingredients speak for themselves rather than over-designing the plate,” he remarks. “Skill comes with time, but attitude defines your trajectory.”</p>


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<p>Offering sound advice to aspiring chefs, he continues: “Take pride in your craft, invest in knowledge, and don’t confuse burnout with ambition. I have found my path by chasing challenge and investing in adventure and that’s not without a lot of risk.” He adds, with a wink: “When I’m on my deathbed, I would hate to look back and think ‘well, that was boring’.”</p>


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<p>Hester’s approach to leading the team highlights clarity, respect and a dash of empathy, because, let’s face it, even chefs need a little TLC, especially when dealing with a soufflé that just refuses to rise. “Leadership is about understanding people as well as food,” he says. “Empathy, decisiveness and integrity are what make a chef a true leader. The best cooks don’t always make the best leaders, but the best leaders understand their team and connect with guests on a human level.”</p>



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<p>His five-year goal? “Developing Hillside into a hallmark Hong Kong operation, one chapter at a time. From heritage-driven suppliers to sustainable fermentation programmes, we’re dreaming big and taking steady steps toward those dreams.”</p>



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<p>Hillside is a gastronomic summit where flavours from Vietnam, Thailand, the US and beyond come together. As the chef concludes, “This is the hill I’d die on – because it’s delicious.” And it might be everyone’s new favourite spot for a global comfort cuddle; no passport required.</p>



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<p><em><strong>Hillside </strong>12/F</em>, <em>Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, 11 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui</em>. <em><strong>Tel: </strong>3919 6828. <strong>kimptonhongkong.com</strong></em></p>



<p>Text: Joseff Musa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Photos: Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui</p>


Comfort & Joy: Hillside meanders through Vietnam and Thailand to peak in a soulful cuddle of global flavours


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 1</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90786" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>Pinstripe suit and fringe scarf by Palomo</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 2</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90787" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>(left)</p>



<p>Black jacket by Mel Usine</p>



<p>(right)</p>



<p>Animal print coat by Nili Lotan</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 3</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90788" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>(left)</p>



<p>Sheer top &amp; trousers by Mel Usine</p>



<p>(right)</p>



<p>Coat &amp; scarf by Palomo</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 4</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90789" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>Suit by Palomo</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 5</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90790" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>Structured top by Palomo</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 6</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90791" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>(left)</p>



<p>Sheer maxi dress by Mel Usine</p>



<p>(right)</p>



<p>Padded jacket by Nili Lotan</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 7</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90792" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>(left)</p>



<p>Fur jacket by Nili Lotan</p>



<p>(right)</p>



<p>Maxi dress by Mel Usine</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 8</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-782x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90793" width="587" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-782x1024.jpg 782w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-214x280.jpg 214w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-768x1006.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-1173x1536.jpg 1173w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-1564x2048.jpg 1564w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-200x262.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-800x1048.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8-scaled.jpg 1955w" sizes="(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" /></figure></div>


<p>Cardigan by Palomo</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 9</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-808x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90794" width="606" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-808x1024.jpg 808w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-221x280.jpg 221w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-768x974.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-1212x1536.jpg 1212w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-200x254.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9-800x1014.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9.jpg 1233w" sizes="(max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px" /></figure></div>


<p>Blouse and flared trousers by Mel Usine</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 10</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-799x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90797" width="599" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-799x1024.jpg 799w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-219x280.jpg 219w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-768x984.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-1199x1536.jpg 1199w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-1599x2048.jpg 1599w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-200x256.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-800x1025.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/10ab-1-scaled.jpg 1998w" sizes="(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px" /></figure></div>


<p>Check jacket, cardigan and check trousers by Palomo</p>


Shine On: Tailored trends turn heads from sunrise to sunset


<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2026/2604/2604_GMHK_PaulTam.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Our audience with Paul Tam, Executive Director of Performing Arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), takes place a day after this year’s Oscars ceremony. Outside, the breezy, insistently alive March weather makes you believe culture isn’t merely something you attend, but something you inhabit.</p>



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<p>We begin with the controversial, viral hot take of that week: best-actor nominee Timothée Chalamet’s implication that “no one cares anymore” about performing arts like ballet and opera. This criticism of efforts “to keep [them] alive” offended many in the industry. We are expecting Tam to hit back, or perhaps diplomatically sit on the fence, but he does neither.</p>



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<p>“I mean, did Chalamet lie though?” he asks. “Let’s be real – performing arts, ballet and opera have been here for ages and ages, and yes, it has been challenging for these industries. That’s why people like me have this responsibility of bringing fresh takes and ideas to make it still relevant up to this day and the years to come.”</p>



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<p>After a beat, he continues, friendly, precise and almost coach-like: “I take his comment as a challenge more than offensive. It reminds us that when we discuss the future of these art forms, it&#8217;s important to frame our ideas thoughtfully and constructively, in a classy and decent way. ”</p>



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<p>Classy and decent. It feels like a stage direction, and from there, the interview unfolds like a performance – part Q&amp;A, part manifesto, part invitation to rethink what art institutions owe the future.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90772" width="576" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-210x280.jpg 210w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-200x267.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-IMG_0817-copy_edit-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Curtain Up</h3>



<p>When you meet arts leaders, you often meet the origin story of their taste. For Tam, it began long before he played a concert-hall piano. “I grew up in a traditional Chinese family,” he shares. “My father was a successful restaurateur, often out and about entertaining with my mother. He bought a piano for my sister, and out of a mix of sibling rivalry and natural curiosity, I started tinkering with it at 14. Within just a few years, I had completed all my grades.”</p>



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<p>He majored in piano performance with a minor in composition at Canada’s York University and dreamt of becoming a “jet-setting concert pianist”. “I thought I was pretty good, until my final year, when my piano professor told me, ‘Paul, you’re good as a chamber musician, but you’ll never be good enough to be a concert pianist.’ Those words crushed me, but they also gave me clarity.”</p>



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<p>Redirection was required. “I decided to pursue an MBA in Arts Administration. If I couldn’t be on centre stage, I thought at least I could help others get there – one of the best decisions I have ever made.” The phrase ‘help others get there’ echoes like a motif throughout our conversation. More than a career choice for Tam, it became a belief system.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-757x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90773" width="568" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-757x1024.jpg 757w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-207x280.jpg 207w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-768x1039.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-1135x1536.jpg 1135w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-1514x2048.jpg 1514w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-200x271.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-800x1082.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-IMG_1052_edit-scaled.jpg 1892w" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Management Spotlight</h3>



<p>Before joining WestK (West Kowloon Cultural District) in 2020, his many arts-management credits included a total of 10 years at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and six years as Executive Director of Hong Kong Ballet. “[In 2014] the company was emerging from a challenging period,” he explains of the latter. “My task was to reimagine this venerable institution with a renewed vision and a refreshed identity.”</p>



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<p>From that effort came the slogan ‘Never Standing Still’, a mantra that embraces an intriguing rhythm, like choreography you still remember after leaving the theatre. An artistic inflection point followed: “Then came Septime Webre, the Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet, whose arrival in 2017 marked a bright, new chapter. With his bold vision of global expansion and a distinctive balletic style, both approachable and deeply expressive, the company took off quickly, growing from strength to strength ever since.”</p>



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<p>By becoming approachable and deeply expressive, the venerable art form breaks free of its museum-ballet constraints, gaining relevance in the modern age.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-703x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90774" width="527" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-703x1024.jpg 703w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-192x280.jpg 192w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-768x1119.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-1055x1536.jpg 1055w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-1406x2048.jpg 1406w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-200x291.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-800x1165.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-IMG_1098-copy_edit-scaled.jpg 1758w" sizes="(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Home and Art</h3>



<p>Tam’s philosophy as an arts leader is expressed in warmer tones than the usual institutional vocabulary. Speaking of WestK Performing Arts Centre (WestK PAC), which is slated to open next year, he expounds, “I hope it becomes a true home for the arts; a place where artists can test ideas, refine their craft, create new works, and grow alongside our creative producers, while everyone – patrons or casual visitors, locals or tourists – feels a genuine sense of belonging.”</p>



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<p>And then, the practical definition of a ‘true home for the arts’: “From our two museums to the WestK Performing Arts Centre, [these] are not just centres of entertainment, but hubs of inspiration and civic connection, [where] we create and present some of the finest artistic experiences from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and beyond.”</p>



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<p>He describes the intended outcome in a near cinematic metaphor: “The vision is for a vibrant, year-round programme that attracts local audiences as well as visitors.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Centre Stage</h3>



<p>As WestK expands, Tam’s job becomes less poetic and more technical: as well as year-round programming, there are scales of theatre, transportation adjacency and audience-building pipelines to consider. “We’ll soon have three major venues, and within them, over 10 theatres of varying scales, all forming the backbone of our growing WestK theatre hub,” he says.</p>



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<p>“With major transportation networks such as the High-Speed Rail terminal right at the doorstep, you could think of the hub as Hong Kong’s own mini-Broadway, or West End, stretching two kilometres from Xiqu Centre to Freespace, surrounded by restaurants, shops and a lively cultural buzz.” It’s urban design as programming strategy, and culture as a street-level experience, not a distant destination.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-729x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90775" width="547" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-729x1024.jpg 729w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-199x280.jpg 199w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-768x1078.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-1094x1536.jpg 1094w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-1459x2048.jpg 1459w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-200x281.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-800x1123.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-IMG_1089-copy_edit-scaled.jpg 1823w" sizes="(max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Audience for All</h3>



<p>Some critics argue that the arts remain elitist, something for those who already have the cultural capital to feel comfortable in expensive seats. “There is some truth to that,” allows Tam. “Arts can feel exclusive and elitist: a top-tier Met Opera ticket can easily sit beyond a typical salaryman’s budget, and a highly abstract contemporary dance work can intimidate many first-time audiences who worry they ‘won’t get it’.”</p>



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<p>His focus is on what institutions can do in response, through programming and accessibility design. “I believe in curating a programme that resonates with all the voices of our community. From The Impossible Trial [a Cantonese musical commissioned by WestK] and Freespace Jazz Fest to Hedwig and the Angry Inch [a Cantonese version of a very famous rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell] and cabaret, we embrace both mainstream and alternative voices.”</p>



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<p>He also stresses inclusivity as infrastructure, not PR: “Inclusivity is everything we do, too. We’ve built accessibility into our programmes; for example, our WestK FunFest, the largest performing arts festival targeting family audiences, provides special access tours for visually impaired visitors led by sighted and visually impaired guides, and Hong Kong Sign Language tours conducted by deaf guides and interpreters.” So the question shifts: not ‘Who belongs?’ but ‘How can we design belonging?’</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="707" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-707x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90776" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-707x1024.jpg 707w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-193x280.jpg 193w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-768x1112.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-1060x1536.jpg 1060w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-1414x2048.jpg 1414w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-200x290.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-800x1159.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-IMG_0991-copy_edit-scaled.jpg 1767w" sizes="(max-width: 707px) 100vw, 707px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">House of Applause</h3>



<p>While Tam didn’t realise his concert-pianist dream, he still lives for the applause. “Every applause still touches me deeply and is the main source of my professional happiness,” he says. “I’ll never forget working off-stage at a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum with Hacken Lee and the Hong Kong Philharmonic years ago. Almost 10,000 people were cheering for a truly memorable performance. I was in tears, tears of joy. That’s the magic that keeps me going every day.”</p>



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<p>This is the emotional engine behind his optimism. It’s also a reminder that arts leadership isn’t only planning calendars; it’s planning moments when people feel something together. Asked if this will be his legacy, his answer is both modest and pointed. “Legacy is a big word. But if, in some small way, I’ve helped make Hong Kong’s arts ecology just a little richer, more connected and more alive, then that’s enough.”</p>



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<p>It’s clear that Tam moves through his work with class, integrity and passion. He circles back to his earlier caution about the Chalamet controversy: ideas must be presented with dignity, like art staged to respect the audience.</p>



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<p><em>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa   Photographer: Jack Law   Videographer: Iris Ventura</em></p>


Tag: gafencu