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Detox, Declutter, Destress Your Life Spring Cleaning April 2013

April 2013 Spring - neo-ads.com John Chu, GiGi Chik, Allen CW AU, Ronda Chua, ... score, by Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) ... The Munich Philharmonic with Conductor Lorin

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Detox, Declutter, Destress Your Life

SpringCleaning

April 2013

CONTENTS

Chief Executive Officer: P.C.

Chief Operating Officer: LC Chau

Director: Italiana Granni

Consulting Director: Allan Au

Editing Consultant: May Guan

Chief Editor: Diane Fermin Roeder

Guest Editor: Ben Chu Financial Controller: Takuto

Marketing Manager: Fion Lam, Sasa Leung

Designers: fish Yu, Leesen Lin

Publication Co-coordinator: Rain Leung, Nana CHOw

Photographer: Leona, Leesen Lin

Contributors: John Chu, GiGi Chik, Allen CW AU,

Ronda Chua, Brad Phillips, Dr. Clive Fermin

weibo: http://weibo.com/papermagazine/

PAPER MAGAZINE APRIL 2013

04 06 08 10

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20 22 23

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31 32 34

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City window

Diary

Art & event

Cover story

Fortune

Jetsetter

Eureka

Muse

Fighting fit

Athlete

Auto

Yummy

Star chef

Cru

Cheers

Cotchin

Diary

Sofitel Greater China Focus

Supremos

Bulletin

A bit of northern exposure reveals why Harbin is more than just the modern Ice Capital of China.

Mercedes Benz: Classic vs Contemporary

Our latest trip to the Island of the Gods shows Bali's latest transformation and cool, new attractions

Delving into the latest reforms for commercial registration in Shenzhen - and what this means for your business in China.

Start the season right with a bout of spring cleaning: detox, declutter and destress!

Tel: 86 20 8365 2811 Fax: 86 20 8365 2566Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

Contact

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Got Milk?Sparks recently flew online when a Guangzhou woman boasted on Weibo about her 148-can haul of baby milk formula - along with uploadad photos - from Hong Kong supermarkets.

The post read: "We [the woman's family of three] finally got 148 cans of infant formula after going back and forth between Guangzhou and Hong Kong for a whole week! Now we have secured milk powder for my own baby, my sister-in-law's baby, my aunt's two grandchildren, and my uncle's grandchild. By the way, I didn't even see any barren shelves in the aisles of Hong Kong's supermarkets."

The post provoked a heated online discussion following Hong Kong's restrictions of the sale of baby formula to mainland Chinese travellers, with many Chinese netizens on Weibo criticizing the woman.

We've all seen these hoarders of baby milk formula on Guangzhou-bound trains from Hong Kong and while we do emphathize with those families who refuse to compromise on the safety of their babies' milk, we do feel that something serious has to be done about the safety and quality of baby's milk in China. Otherwise, this type of hoarding behavior will simply continue, to the detriment of families both north and south of the Hong Kong-China border.

Guangzhou Citizen Wins RMB 108 Million Lottery JackpotA person in Guangzhou, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, has won a record RMB 108.6 million (that's approximately USD $17.47 million, not too shabby…) on March 5 with a RMB 40 ticket of Union Lotto.

The previous record prize of Union Lotto in the city, which was RMB 96.68 million, was set in 2009, according to the Guangdong Welfare Lottery Distribution Center. In December 2012, an incredibly lucky individual in Zhangjiang city set the record in Guangdong province with a lottery win RMB 168 million. Geez, what would YOU do with that kind of money???

Kangaroo Route Turns Chinese With Flights to Guangzhou?Travelers plying the Kangaroo Route between Australia and Europe have discovered that the cheapest path goes through Guangzhou. China Southern Airlines Co. (1055) is undercutting Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN) by as much as 34 percent on the cost of Sydney-to-London tickets and from April 1 will operate more flights to Europe than the Australian carrier. The Guangzhou, China-based airline said it's ready to sacrifice profitability as it lures traffic from Singapore and Hong Kong.

'Clean Air Tourism' A Boon to Fujian?Beijing has history and culture. Shanghai, fashion and nightlife. Fujian province's top tourist attraction? Breathable air.

A television ad from Fujian's tourism bureau shows off the province's lush, green mountains, and sandy beaches. Crystal clear views abound. "Take a deep breath," says the voiceover, "you're in Fujian." The strategy seems to be paying off. "We launched the clean air tourism campaign in January, when Beijing's pollution levels were very bad," says Zheng Weirong, the tourism bureau's deputy director "We're promoting 20 tourism sites around the province where people can breathe clean air."

Fujian saw a 38 percent spike in tourists this year - twice the national average. The province hugs China's southeastern coast and its location along the Taiwain Strait helps diffuse pollutants in the air. According to Deng Junjun, a researcher at the China Academy of Science's Institute of Urban Environment, says Fujian's air is also cleaner than other parts of China thanks to policy decisions, with the highest forestry coverage rate in the country.

Hmmm, on bad-air days here in the PRD, maybe it's time for us to just hop on a plane to nearby Fujian.

PAPER MAGAZINE City Window 04

STAY WELL

Deluxe Room RMB1099 netRMB 999 net

Benefits include•Free high speed internet •Upgrade to premier room upon availability•Late check out until 3pm upon availability•Enjoy a glass of wine in Qba (max. two person per room)

For more information or reservation,visit westin.com/xiamen or call 86.592.337.8888

*Offer valid until April 30th, 2013*Offer is subject to room availability

THE WESTIN XIAMENNo.398 Xianyue Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China 361012

RENEW

The Westin Xiamen is located in the central business area of Xiamen and overlooks the scenic Yundang Lake and the lush Xianyue Mountains. The hotel is just 15 minutes by car to the Gaoqi International Airport, and the city’s attractions are also easily accessible from the hotel. Each of our 304 inspiring guest rooms and suites are designed to let you be at your best.

Enjoy our Triple Happiness offer now

(book 5 days in advance to enjoy special rate)

THE WESTIN XIAMEN IS OWNED BY IPORT GROUP & FLIPORT HOTEL GROUP

Accademia Italiana della Cucina Cultural Dinner @ "il Forno" Restaurant in Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

Dedication Ceremonies of the World's First AmCham Tower & Women and Children's Medical Center Visit

On 9th March, 2013, the European Chamber – PRD Chapter held its One Night in Europe Gala Dinner in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Guangzhou.

The Gala Dinner is the region’s premier networking event of the year, with a night of European food, drinks and entertainment.

The event was attended by more than 260 guests from EU-member country’s Consulate Generals in Guangzhou, Chamber-member companies and friends from the European business community.

Giselle by the Royal New Zealand Ballet

This spring, fall in love again with the legendary romantic ballet "Giselle", portraying drama, tragedy, romance and redemption, in a stunning traditional production by the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

First staged in Paris in 1841, "Giselle", to a scenario developed by the poet and novelist Théophile Gaultier (1811-1872) is one of the oldest surviving ballets still in the international repertory. It contains many of the features that have become hallmarks of Romantic ballet, including technically challenging pas de deux and solos for the main characters, mime sequences, extended passages of dancing en pointe and a corps de ballet dressed in long white tutus. The score, by Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) was one of the first full-length ballet scores ever to be composed.

Founded in 1953 and renowned for mixing artistically adventurous programmes, the Royal New Zealand Ballet delivers exceptional performances as it continues to go from strength to strength. In September 2011, the RNZB welcomed new Artistic Director, Ethan Stiefel, to the helm. This heralds a new and exciting era for the company.

A mainstay of the New Zealand arts scene for nearly 60 years, the RNZB has 34 dancers from across the globe. The company has developed a reputation for strong characterisation in the staging of full-length dramatic works, and versatility with pieces by leading international choreographers, as well as nurturing home grown talent.

Event Date: Friday & Saturday, 26 & 27 April 2013Time: 8:00 pmPrice: RMB 880, 680, 480, 380, 280, 80Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera HouseFor tickets, visit http://gzdjy.org

The Munich Philharmonic with Conductor Lorin Maazel and Pianist Haochen Zhang

In celebration of Xinghai Concert Hall's 15th anniversary, the beloved Munich Philharmonic will be having a one-night only performance in Guangzhou, with legendary Maestro, Lorin Maazel., and acclaimed pianist Haochen Zhang. Founded in 1893, the Munich Philharmonic is a German symphony orchestra located in the city of Munich. It is one of Munich's three principal orchestras, along with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Bavarian State Orchestra. Since 1985, the orchestra has been housed in the Gasteig Culture Centre.

For over 50 years, Lorin Maazel has been one of the most renowned conductors in the world. In 2010-11, he completed his fifth and final season as Music Director of the spectacular opera house designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Palau de les Arts "Reina Sofia". Music Director of the New York Philharmonic from 2002-2009, he assumed the same post with the Munich Philharmonic at the start of the 2012-13 season and only relinquished the post early this year. He is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Castleton Festival in Virginia, launched to exceptional acclaim in 2009 and expanding its activities nationally and internationally in 2011 and beyond.

Event Date: Sunday, 28 April 2013Time: 8pmPrice: RMB 1888(VIP), 1680, 980, 680, 380, 180Venue: Symphony Hall, Guangdong Xinghai Concert Hall, Ersha IslandFor tickets, call (+86 20) 87358735

Andrea Bocelli Asia Tour 2013…With Passione

He is the best-loved tenor in the world. His voice is as recognizable as a signature, his mellow yet powerful timbre rings out from 80 million records. A lover of beauty and art beyond the traditional ideological standards, Andrea Bocelli today is a world famous pop star but he is also a refined and versatile opera singer as comfortable with Bel Canto as Verismo. He is a record-breaking recording artist who performs at concerts for vast audiences. Modern in an old-fashioned way, he has made his mark everywhere as a living testimony of the Italian vocal tradition. He is already a legend, as evidenced by the star that "shines" in his honour

on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He is one of the great positive emblems of the third millennium and - if you have the time (and the cash! See ticket prices below), Mr. Bocelli is definitely worth crossing the border to catch as his Asia tour drops by Hong Kong for a one-night only performance.

Event Date: Friday, 3 May 2013Time: 8:00 pmPrice: HKD 3,980, 2,980, 2,080, 980, 780 / (Wheelchair access) HKD 2,980, 2,080Venue: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition CentreFor tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com

David Guetta Live in Hong Kong 2013

Renowned hit-maker, festival headliner, superstar DJ and French music producer David Guetta brings nothing but the beat to Hong Kong!

Originally a DJ at nightclubs, David Guetta released his debut album Just a Little More Love in 2002, followed by Guetta Blaster (2004) and Pop Life (2007). His 2009 album One Love and accompanying re-release One More Love spawned such hit singles as "Sexy Bitch" featuring Akon that reached No. 1 in the UK and attained 3-platinum in the US, "When Love Takes Over" featuring Kelly Rowland, "Memories" featuring Kid Cudi, "Gettin' Over You" with Chris Willis featuring Fergie and LMFAO and "Who's That Chick" featuring Rihanna..

In 2011, David Guetta released his much anticipated fifth studio album Nothing But The Beat in which he enlisted an all-star cast including Flo-Rida, Nicki Minaj, Taio Cruz, Ludacris, will.i.am, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Akon and more.

"Little Bad Girl", featuring Ludacris and Taio Cruz, was released as the second single on 28 June 2011. The third single, "Without You" featuring Usher, was released on 27 September 2011. Guetta also released three promotional singles for Nothing But the Beat which were "Titanium" featuring Sia, "Lunar" with Afrojack, and "Night of Your Life" featuring Jennifer Hudson. The album also features the hit singles "Sweat" with Snoop Dogg and "Turn Me On" with Nicki Minaj.

The Grammy Award-winning DJ has sold over 5 million albums and 17 million singles. He was voted as the No. 1 DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs fan poll in 2011.David Guetta has become one of the world's biggest DJs, changing the perception of his art-form, headlining all-genre music festivals, filling stadiums and yet still gets up-close with his fans in his beloved clubs. Guetta's weekly gigs at Pacha, Ibiza every summer - F*** ME I'M FAMOUS is simply legendary.

Get ready to cross the border for what promises to be a night of crazy partying in Hong Kong!

Event Date: Friday, 10 May 2013Time: 8:00 pmPrice: (All standing): HKD 880, 580 Venue: Hall 10, AsiaWorld ExpoFor tickets, visit www.hkticketing.com

PAPER MAGAZINE Arts & Events 08

PAPER MAGAZINE Cover Story 10

Spring CleaningOne of the awesome things about living in China is that we essentially get to celebrate two New Years.

This means that even if we fall off the wagon from well-intentioned New Year's resolutions, we can always get a reprieve and aim for a new batch of resolutions for after Chinese New Year, in the spring…which is actually when the real year begins. Thus, to get the year off on the right foot forward this spring, let's spring clean!

Detox Your System

Whether you use it to springboard to living a healthier lifestyle, losing weight or simply as a way to sustain overall physical wellness, a detox/cleanse programme for your body makes sense when you think that things that are proving detrimental to achieving optimum health should be removed first.

Although detox is primarily perceived by most people as a treatment for alcohol or drug addiction, it can also be used to refer to diets or programmes designed to remove environmental or dietary toxins from the body. Basically, a detox diet is a short-term diet that minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for instance, by sticking to all-organic food) and emphasizes food that provide vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, high fiber, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing frequency of bowel movements and urination.

Why is this considered good for your health?

According to the book "Food Inc,: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter and Poorer" by Karl Weber, many chemicals we ingest daily through food, water and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. Our regular diets, lacking certain nutrients, may also impair our body's natural ability to fight these toxins.

This can result in a cumulative load, called "the body burden", identified as being linked to nutritional deficiency, poor immune system, hormonal imbalance, inefficient metabolism and leading to illness.

By giving the digestive system a break from its normal diet of animal protein and fats and processed complex carbohydrates and sugars, which require lots of energy and time to digest, and instead ingesting only simple, raw food and fresh fruit and vegetable juices, the body devotes its energies to expelling toxins and healing itself.

Coming as we did from a festive holiday season characterized by rich food and excessive drink (and in China, we're hit with a double whammy of festive seasons, as

we barely recover from feasting over Christmas and New Year before we're hit with more merrymaking over Chinese New Year), my husband and I were feeling the ill after-effects of all that over-indulgence: we felt both felt fat, bloated, sluggish and unhealthy. We both knew that we had to do something to shift to a healthier lifestyle of proper nutrition and exercise, but we didn't quite know how or where to start.

Enter The Farm at San Benito.

About a 90-minute drive south of the Philippine capital of Manila, set amidst a verdant 50-hectare landscape lushly dotted with trees, flowers, a lake, river, a pond and more coconut and bamboo trees than you can shake a stick at, is a world-class wholistic healing and wellness resort in Batangas, replete with luxury suites and villas, a multi-awardwinning spa and life-changing gourmet vegan cuisine.

With a charming posse of peacocks, ducks, chickens and a billy goat or two prancing around (none of whom seem to be afraid of humans), The Farm at San Benito is an idyllic, relaxing getaway, ideal for those seeking to escape the stresses of city living, breathe fresh air, eat organic vegan food and relax with a spa treatment or two. It also offers a range of healing treatments, supervised by a team of doctors and nurses and staffed by well-trained therapists, including Organic Weight Loss and Detox/Cleanse, which is what we signed up for.

For one week, we consumed nothing but fresh fruit and vegetable juices all day, and only a hot vegetable soup for dinner each night. Each day we had at least one or two spa treatments designed to aid in the detoxication process as well as help us relax. We also had acupuncture and colon cleansing treatment sessions, to help detoxify.

The Farm has diverse daily activities one could choose to engage in, such as power walks around the neighboring rural villages, morning yoga, bootcamp, aqua aerobics, even vegan food preparation classes, so that when we weren't napping in our villa, we were kept busy and didn't really have time to think about food! We would drop into bed each night, exhausted by 9pm and would sleep soundly all the way until 7am the next day.

PAPER MAGAZINE Cover Story 12

Except for a headache in the afternoon on the first day and nausea on the evening of the second day, I felt fine and by the third day, noticed an uptick in energy, so much so that I was itching to exercise more and actually did one-on-one boxing with a personal trainer.

By the end of one week, our energy levels were bouncing off the walls. We had never felt so healthy and clear-headed. I had lost a total of six pounds (my husband lost eight) and trimmed off two inches from my waist and three inches off my hips. My gleaming skin was receiving compliments from people.

When we were first checking in, The Farm's general manager, Michael Di Lonardo, a veteran from the Aman group of super-luxe resorts, had told us that The Farm could get "addictive". Now we know exactly what he meant…we were feeling so good by the end of the programme, we couldn't wait to replicate what we'd experienced and are now plotting the how and when of our return.

Declutter Your Home (or Office)

From Francine Jay, author of the book " The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize and Simplify Your Life" comes these handy tips for keeping your home and (or office) clutter-free:

Create an Outbox.Place an empty box in an out-of-the-way place in your home or office, behind a door or in a corner and start filling it up with items you don't need, don't love or just aren't sure about keeping. Let the items sit there for a week or so, so you become fully detached and then you'll know whether to toss it, donate it or give it away.

Do a One-A-Day Declutter.Commit to getting rid of one item a day from your home or office. It can be anything - a shirt that doesn't fit, a worn out towel, a book you'll never read again or a DVD you've already watched, a gift you never liked, a file – and either toss, donate or give away. It takes very little effort and at the end of the year, you will be rid of 365 things.

Declutter Your Clothes.Stop torturing yourself by storing clothes that you might not wear again or not want to wear again. By keeping "skinny" clothes, you just make yourself depressed that you can't fit into them. Likewise, toss out anything that sags, pulls or bunches in the wrong places. If you haven't worn certain clothes over the past year, chances are they made you feel fat, self-conscious, uncomfortable – toss them out and any lingering negative emotions out along with them.

Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule.This rule seems so simple but it works wonders in keeping clutter from getting out of control. We live in a consumerist society and we love shopping, which, unfortunately, has a tendency to lead to clutter. It doesn't have to if you adopt this rule. When

bringing a new item into the house, get rid of an old one. Pair like items together, for instance, new piece of clothing in, old piece of clothing out, new magazine in, old magazine out, new pair of shoes in, old pair of shoes out, and so on.

Destress Your Life

In his bestselling book, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, " Harvard physician Dr. Andrew Weil highlights the importance of managing stress - an omnipresence in our everyday lives – in relation to overall physical health and mental wellbeing.

Among the activities suggested by Dr. Weil and which were taught to us at The Farm are breathing exercises, just sitting and breathing and consciously observing one's breath cycle for at least five minutes each day. He also recommends doing at least 30 minutes of brisk walking everyday for at least five days a week.

It has now been a few weeks since we left The Farm. My husband and I, both voracious meat eaters and heavy consumers of bread, butter, cheese and pizza, have not adopted a vegan or even vegetarian diet but now, do find ourselves gravitating naturally to whole-grain cereals and oats with fruits and prunes for breakfast, salads with salmon or other fish, and lots of vegetable soups (lentil, garlic, and others) for lunch and dinner.

We manage to exercise early in the morning 3 to 4 times a week. We've maintained the breathing and relaxation exercises we learned at The Farm. Whenever I need to take a break from the solitary, arduous task of writing, I go for a brief walk in the park outside our apartment, to do nothing but breathe the air, gaze at trees and plants, and relax with nature.

As also recommended in Dr. Weil's book, each week I try to buy some fresh flowers to keep at home, simply because they are pretty to look at and naturally lift one's spirits. As much as possible, I try to do a "News Fast", wherein I avoid watching the news on TV and except for my Google Alerts which keep me up to date with work-related developments, I generally avoid reading news websites. This may be difficult to do for some people whose jobs require them to be on top of daily news; however, Dr. Weill's book indicates that being selective about the news that we read or watch daily can aid greatly in managing stress.

Illness, clutter, stress – these are unfortunately part of our busy daily lives. But with this cover story, I hope we've been able to impart a few techniques for managing these threats and spring clean our bodies, our homes and workspaces and our lives, so that we can all continue to be fit and healthy, try and live clutter and stress-free for the rest of 2013.

The Farm at San Benito has just introduced 10 new, stunning Narra Pool villas. To experience The Farm or find out more about its detox/cleanse and other programmes, email [email protected] or visit www.thefarm.com.ph

AD

Shenzhen Initiates Commercial Registration Reform by Yao Lu, Dezan Shira & Associates

The Regulation defines "commercial subjects" for the first time, providing that the term refers to the legally-registered natural persons, legal persons and other

economic organizations engaged in business activities for the purpose of profit-making.

Furthermore, the Regulation clarifies that the establishment, alteration and termination of all commercial subjects should be registered with the commercial registration authorities, and from March 1, 2013, the registration fees for such matters shall no longer be collected.

The Regulation also requires commercial subjects to apply with the commercial registration authorities for an updated business license within one year from March 1, 2013.

In response, Shenzhen's Market Supervision Administration released a circular regarding the application of updated business licenses on February 18, 2013, which puts forward eight categories of commercial subjects that are required to apply for an updated business license. Detailed information can be found below.

Implementation Scope

The following commercial subjects registered in Shenzhen before March 1, 2013 shall apply for an updated version of their business license:• Joint stock limited companies and their branch offices

(including foreign-invested enterprises)• Limited liability companies and their branch offices

(including foreign-invested enterprises)• Cooperative stock enterprises and their branch offices• Non-corporate legal persons and their branch offices• Partnership enterprises (including foreign-invested partnership enterprises) and their

branch offices• Foreign enterprises engaged in business operations within China• Individual proprietorship enterprises and their branch offices• Individually-owned businesses (including Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan individually-

owned businesses that have registered in Shenzhen)

Implementation Period

The above-mentioned commercial subjects shall apply for updated business licenses during March 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014.

Application Material• Application form for updated business licenses• Business license and copy thereof• One copy of the second-generation identity card of the person handling the matter• An authorization letter shall be submitted if an agent is entrusted

The People's Congress of Shenzhen Municipality passed the "Regulation on Commercial Registration in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (hereinafter referred to as the 'Regulation')" on October 30, 2012, which states that commercial registration authorities shall no longer collect commercial registration fees starting from March 1, 2013.

PAPER MAGAZINE Fortune 14

Application Procedure• Submission of application materials• Issuance of the updated business license

Where all the submitted materials are in compliance with statutory requirements, the commercial registration authority shall issue the updated business license on the spot.

Business License Types

After the initiation of the reform, there are now four types of business licenses in Shenzhen, specifically:(1) Business Licenses for Legal Person Enterprises- Applicable to enterprise legal persons.(2) Business Licenses for Non-legal Person Enterprises - Applicable to partnership enterprises (including foreign-invested partnership enterprises) and individual proprietorship enterprises.(3) Business Licenses for Branch Offices - Applicable to the following:

• Branch office of a legal person enterprise• Branch office of a non-corporate legal person• Branch office of a partnership enterprise• Branch office of an individual proprietorship enterprise• Branch office of a foreign enterprise engaged in business operations within China

(4) Business License for Individually-owned Businesses - Applicable to individually- owned businesses.

This article was first published on China Briefing.

Dezan Shira & Associates is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia. Since its establishment in 1992, the firm has grown into one of Asia's most versatile full-service consultancies with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Vietnam as well as liaison offices in Italy and the United States.

For further details related to the article, please email [email protected] or visit www.dezshira.com.

PAPER MAGAZINE Jetsetter 16

BaliHigh

F ive years had passed since our last visit to the Island of the Gods.

We were prepared for changes – friends over the years after all had reported back to us with tales of increasing traffic and road congestion, non-stop construction and rampant development – but we were unprepared by the sheer scale. Some changes are good, e.g. the charming but rickety old Denpasar airport, already bursting at the seams, is finally expanding, with a huge, modern, albeit rather characterless new terminal being built at a reported cost of USD 112 million dollars, with completion expected later this year.

Some changes are not so good. With more vehicles on the roads, daily traffic jams have become a way of life in downtown Bali and, with the exception of a huge overpass highway being constructed at the Kuta roundabout junction (adding to the traffic nightmare in getting to Jimbaran from Seminyak), most roads have remained as narrow as they were on the once sleepy island.

One thing is obvious: Bali has rebounded with a vengeance from the deadly bombings that rocked the island back in 2004. The last time we visited, back in 2007, the painful after-effects were still clearly visible; with tourism numbers plunging, several shops had shuttered and resorts were suffering. These days, the opposite is true. Construction of more hotels, resorts, villas, is rampant, with more beachfront openings in already congested Kuta and Seminyak. Tourists arrive in droves and, with the success of that annoying Julia Roberts globetrotting film "Eat, Pray, Love", the island has definitely evolved from being a surfing hotspot into a mainstream tourist destination.

Yet, somehow, pockets of the island have retained the old magic. Relatively undeveloped areas like Uluwatu and Soori beckon with stunningly beautiful ocean vistas. Jimbaran has remained as picturesque and alluring as ever, the manicured five-star luxury resorts blending with, and not suffocating, traditional fishing village life. And then there's Ubud...yes, it has acquired a veneer of cosmopolitan sophistication, now Michelin-starred chefs are helming restaurants there, but thankfully, the island's cultural, spiritual and artistic heart is still beating strong, reminding us of why exactly we fell in love with Bali in the first place.

We also got to experience a few new attractions in Bali, which made us realize that yes, we could fall in love in love with her all over again.

The new Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers the perfect mix of five-star flair and relaxed beach-club vibe. With its direct beachfront location and panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay, Sundara provides a sexy and sophisticated hideaway - all day from lunch until late night. The Sanskrit word for "beautiful", Sundara pays tribute to the glowing sun that warms this Indian Ocean hotspot.

Designed by Koichi Yasuhiro from Tokyo's renowned Design Studio SPIN, the beachfront Sundara features 2,923 square metres on two levels, including a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, with two soaring Balinese-style pavilions creating a distinctive roofline. Helmed by Executive Chef Greg Bunt and the restaurant's General Manager Jan-Peer Lehfeldt, Sundara feels modern yet relaxing, cutting edge yet natural.

The menu is eclectic and international. For lunch, guests choose from shared plates of sushi, salads and wood-fired pizzas, served on the open-air rooftop deck with panoramic views. For the afternoon, guests may book a day bed by the infinity edge pool, change into swimsuits and enjoy cocktails and casual cuisine by the water.

In the evening, Sundara transforms into one of Bali's most sophisticated dining experiences. Guests can expect an abundance of vibrant, innovative and classic flavours, celebrating steak and seafood. Late at night, the beachside mood is candlelit and sexy with innovative wine and cocktail selections.

Over at Karma Resorts in Bali, such as Karma Kandara and Karma Jimbaran, Karma Spas have launched a range of slow-moving wellness experiences for the bespoke traveler, including ‘Wonderlust' experiences, first class pilates and yoga therapy, an all organic wellness energy cuisine menu plus a new Juiceologist workshop. With an emphasis on ‘inspired wellness', Karma Resorts is offering a combination of 100% organic local wellness cuisine and highly trained healers, known as "bodyworkers" or "treatment mixologists", fitness experts and personalized treatments.

Still, they haven't forgotten that Bali is also all about fun. Karma Spa's philosophy is that ‘pleasure is part of the cure' as illustrated by their ‘Martini & Manicures' and ‘Pinot & Pedicures'. Another initiative is the S.U.P, or Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, offered at Nammos Kandara. Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga is a yoga class that is practiced on a stand up paddleboard in the ocean surrounded by Mother Nature, instead of the traditional yoga mat in a studio.

Karma Spa in Bali is the only Hotel/Resort Spa in Bali offering celebrity-endorsed Oxygen Facials. Karma Spa offers the full spectrum of oxygen facials including the 30-minute Express Oxygen Facial and the Ultimate Oxygen Facial - delivered with a complimentary manicure.

Up in Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has unveiled the transformation of all 42 villas in the resort.

Designed by Koichi Yasuhiro from Tokyo's Design Studio SPIN, the new look is chic and modern, but with a strong reflection of Balinese architectural style, tradition and culture. Natural and rustic materials have been used to complement the Resort's natural atmosphere. All the materials are from Bali, including traditional ikat fabrics, shell and coconut, as well as Balinese handicrafts. The design gives guests the sense of their own private home in Bali.

Newly refurbished, the outdoor living area now has more welcoming furnishings with a plush and comfortable day bed for sunning beside the plunge pool and a dining table with umbrella. The air-conditioned interior features a spacious bedroom with new furniture and luxe Balinese detailing. The wall behind the bed is a carved wooden screen featuring a delicate pattern of leaves and birds in front of a glowing red background. Larger than many bedrooms, the green-marble bathroom includes a dramatic free-standing tub beside the windows, in addition to indoor and outdoor showers, and a wood-panelled walk-in closet and dressing area. inisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from south Sulawesi in Indonesia.

PAPER MAGAZINE Jetsetter 18

One of the most fascinating new attractions in Bali is Alila Hotels and Resorts' recent launch of its own luxury wooden Phinisi sailing boat, the Alila Purnama, translated as "The Full Moon" in Sanskrit, which takes up to 10 guests pampered by a crew of 16, including a chef and spa massage therapist, on voyages of discovery and relaxation throughout the stunning waters and islands of Indonesia. The 46-metre-long Alila Purnama consists of three decks and has been built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from south Sulawesi in Indonesia.

Onboard are four well-appointed cabins, all air-conditioned with queen-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with shower, writing desk, separate toilet, and double wardrobes. The master suite has large, wraparound windows offering 270-degree views of the ever-changing landscape. Its bathroom features shower, bathtub, two washbasins and an enclosed separate toilet, while a private balcony and large sundeck with daybed and deckchairs provide the ultimate space for relaxation. The vessel features a library, lounge, bar, indoor dining area seating up to 12 people, and plenty of space outside to unwind and enjoy the views. It is also equipped with complimentary WiFi access, enabling guests to upload their trip photos on a daily basis. Alila Purnama also has its own fully licensed PADI dive centre, catering to qualified divers. Alila Purnama guests can begin their journey with a one-night stay in Bali at Alila Villas Uluwatu. Located not far from the airport, its magnificent clifftop setting and ocean views provide a wonderful prelude to the voyage ahead. Upon the return flight to Bali, guests may also choose to spend two nights in beautiful west Bali at the Alila Villas Soori – a wonderful way to wind down after an unforgettable sailing adventure.

Where To StayFour Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Kuta Selatan, Bali 80361, Indonesia. http://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud)Sayan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesiahttp://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/

Alila Villas Uluwatuhttp://www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

Alila Villas Soorihttp://www.alilahotels.com/soori

Where To Dine & DrinkSundara

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bayhttp://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/

Mama San Kitchen Bar LoungeJalan Raya Kerobokan, No. 135, Br. Taman

Seminyak, Balihttp://mamasanbali.com

Potato Head Beach ClubJalan Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali

http://www.ptthead.com

Where To IndulgeKarma Spa at Karma Kandara

Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan 80362, Bali

http://www.karmakandara.com

Alila Purnamahttp://www.alilahotels.com/purnama

PAPER MAGAZINE19 Eureka

Rumours were rampant in January this year that China would finally be lifting its 13-year old ban on game consoles and Nintendo's shares rose by nearly 4% at the prospect of over a billion new gamers. Nintendo's Wii U, however, hasn't exactly been selling like hotcakes overseas, with retailers across Europe and the US recently slashing prices. Perhaps some consumers are finding it to be too expensive? More likely is the fact that most consumers aren't even aware that that Wii U exists. Wii U is now selling way below the sales of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but what should be interesting is what happens later this year when the Xbox 720 and the PlayStation 4 launch. If you're optimistic about the Wii U, you'll buy the console on the cheap now and wait for the great games later this year.

Wii U

With all the media hype and hoopla that surrounded its launch, you could be forgiven for thinking that the new Samsung Galaxy S4 is 2013's version of the crown jewel.

Since we know you're dying to find out what's new, let's dive straight into the details. The GS 4 features a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED panel screen. A powerful beast, the Galaxy S4 packs 2GB RAM. Samsung has managed to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to internal storage too - it will be available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavours plus up to 64GB through a microSD card. Refreshingly, it also comes with Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 on-board.

Weighing 130 grams, the phone's chassis itself is actually skinnier, thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which is impressive given its larger screen size and enhanced battery, a superbly impressive feat of engineering. It launches in black and white hues, though Samsung plans to add more colors to its lineup as the year progresses.

As for features, Smart Alert has been upgraded: now it's joined by Air Gestures, which allow you to swipe the phone without touching the screen. In addition, the video player is obviously taking centre stage here on the Galaxy S4, and combined with the improved Full HD Super AMOLED screen is just magnificent for watching movies. AllShare Cast is included as well, powering up the ability to stream to and from other devices. In addition to being able to send content from the phone to a TV and receive from a PC in your home network, you can also do this remotely now, as long as the device is turned on obviously.

All in all, the folks over at Samsung have once again produced a killer device…now, to get our hands on one for ourselves!

Samsung Galaxy S4

Blackberry enthusiasts will find the Z10 appealing, but will it be enough to triumph against competitors and help the Canadian company recapture its past glory?

Its features certainly seems to herald it as the new, modern Blackberry designed to go head to head against the sexy smartphones that have emerged from Apple and Samsung. A 4.2 inch LCD high-resolution display is easy on the eye and the phone whizzes on 2GB of RAM, 16GB of flash memory and has expanded memory capability - something to note for avid Apple fans, whose iPhone 5 smartphones currently do not have that feature. A fresh touch keyboard gets smarter as the user goes along and an inviting user interface is built around simple touch gestures. Video chat is now available on the famous Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service. The phone also utilizes Blackberry Hub, a centralized repository for email, texts, social networking updates and more. And even if this is the first Blackberry phone to use the company's new mobile operating system, there's a decent supply of available apps - welcome news for those who have always decried the lack of apps for Blackberry.

Despite the declining market share, legions of Blackberry admirers still exist out there and if they are willing to dump the old physical keyboard and migrate to this phone's new all-multitouch environment, the Z10 should still be one of the hottest handsets to covet this season.

Blackberry Z10

PAPER MAGAZINE Muse 20

H&M Short Chiffon Floral Patterned Jacket

with Zip Front (¥249)

Spring in Guangzhou can be unpredictable. Nice and balmy one minute and chilly and rainy

the next…keep uneven spring temperatures even while looking oh-so fresh, sharp and

downright perky in this sporty, short chiffon jacket from H&M, with convenient zip front and comfortable elasticized waist and sleeves to keep you warm and spring-chic. So versatile, it can be worn with a tailored skirt for a day at the office,

jeans or a flirty little skirt for a fun evening out with your beau.

Spring Fling!

43

21Esprit Floral Print

Pleated Skirt(¥399)

For the girly-girl in you (yes, it's lurking in there somewhere), opt for this gossamer-

light pleated skirt with elasticized waistband and tiny floral print for a

breezy, feminine, peaches-and-cream look. Go all-out with a lacy blouse and kitten heels or make it more interesting

and balance the femininity with an edgy, mannish top and flat lace-up brogues.

Cross-body leather satchel optional.

Gap Floral Print Leather Belt(¥229)

Accessorize with a colourful leather belt from the Gap, which comes in vibrant floral hues this spring, to draw attention to your tiny waist and all the exercises you're doing this spring to get ready for a beach-ready bod by summer! Or, when layering up during cold, rainy days during Guangzhou's unpredictable spring, cinch in your favourite grey or black cardigan with this contrasting bright belt for a smart, pulled-together outfit for the office.

H&M Stretch Twill Floral Patterned Shorts(¥149)

Perfect for awkward in-between-seasons weather, these floral patterned shorts from H&M's new spring collection comes in easy, comfortable and breathable stretch twill fabric. Wear with a pullover, tights and ankle boots for nippy spring days or on its own with a simple shirt and sandals combo for those hot spring days easing into summer.

H&M Floral Print Canvas Sneakers(¥99)

This is one way to pump up your springtime kicks - embellish with colourful flowers! Or, keep those tippy-toes happy by simply grabbing a (very affordable yet so pretty!) pair of these canvas sneaks at H&M. When out and about in your trusty Burberry beige spring trench - which is classic and always on-trend but does need a spot of colour to liven things up - these bargain-friendly sneaks are just the thing. Makes such an easy way to jazz up a monochromatic ensemble and should last you through all the way till the end of summer. At this price? These shoes are a no-brainer.

Anteprima French Bulldog Wirebag

(¥9500)

Breaking away from the floral monotony but still in keeping with the season's nature

theme is Anteprima's 2013 Animale collection. Perfect for animal lovers, the

collection also features a poodle and a schnauzer but

this adorable little French bulldog just tugged at our

heart strings. Who needs a real dog to walk in the park

this spring when you can have this cute creature on

your arm?

5 7Gap Floral Print Skimmer Jeans(¥349)

Gap, which originally made its fortune from classic jeans, also comes up roses in the printed trousers category, this time in these casual, weekend-friendly floral print skimmers (so-called because they merely skim your ankles). While a tad too informal for the office, these can be paired with a t-shirt, sweater or hoodie on your days off. Doesn't matter if you're just running chores on the weekend (grocery shopping, walking your dog…just like us!!!), simply wandering around the mall, going to the cinema or your favourite coffee shop with friends or if you're engaging in springtime outdoor activities, such as bicycling – these cute but sturdy skimmers are made for it!

6

Doyenne of Design: Une Fille en Chine

French designer Cecile Stos is the consummate multi-tasker; as blogger (of highly popular French-language site Une Fille en Chine http://www.unefilleenchine.com) and as the creative and enterprising brain behind the brand Une Fille en Chine, her own bijou collection of aprons, throws and wraps, table linens and home accessories. Here's a quick glimpse of her fabulous "Guangzhou-Hanoi" throw, in 100% cashmere and silk accented with handmade Chinese buttons, perfect for exotic trips or chic daydreaming.

For orders, please contact Cecile Stos by email [email protected] or visit her website http://collection.unefilleenchine.com

Swatch "Flower Spirit" (approximately ¥600)

To go with dainty spring fashions, Swatch's ladies' "Flower Spirit" watch debuts in its 2013 Originals collection. Don't be too quick to dismiss this little beauty as too fragile to be functional, it is water and shock-resistant and proudly made in Switzerland. ‘Nuff said…you know your wrist is crying out for this delectable eye candy.

Zara Flowing Printed Trousers(¥359)

The spring collections this year, from high fashion runways to the high street are all about printed trousers, so we're here to give you a look at our favourite. This softly flowing number from Zara's spring collection, printed with a tropical foliage pattern, will make a very versatile addition to your office wardrobe. Paired with a classic blue blazer, a buttondown white shirt and high heels, take it from work to après-work cocktails.

Shanghai Tang "Lily Flower" Silk Square Scarf

(approximately ¥4600)

Adorn your neck and keep away springtime chills with this exquisitely soft silk square

caressing your skin from Shanghai Tang, vibrant in turquoise and

orange, cut in contemporary lines and beautifully patterned

with Chinese flowers, waves and butterfly motifs. An

affordable luxury or a reckless splurge? We leave

that for you to decide…but one thing for

sure, this is spring's statement scarf...we

LOVE!

10

98

PAPER MAGAZINE fighting fit 22

Introducing The Apollo Fitness

Success Pyramid

Most fitness goals are doomed before they are ever

dreamed up. This is because most people and products

only attack one dimension of fitness at a time. A multi-

dimensional approach to fitness is the only way to get effective results

that last for a lifetime. In this Article, The Apollo

Program will give you a simple tip to attack each

dimension of fitness success.

MIND: Determine your Goal.

Spring is the season of renewal. Let's look inward into our own hearts and picture in

our mind what it is that we want. Let's set our goal! The best goals are measureable,

believable, and actionable. Every day, picture the accomplishment of your goal in

your mind. Take action!

Food: Eat Strawberries, Asparagus, Star Fruit,

and Spinach, Onion, and Ginger.

Spring in Guangzhou tends to be humid and wet. Getting these foods into your diet

will help regulate your water retention and reduce swelling.

Gym: Do lots of Lunges.

Now is the time to prepare for the beach body you want for the summer. Lunges

shape the legs and butt. To safely execute, you need to start in a standing position,

take a large step forward, touch your back knee to the ground. Push your front heel

down hard, while keeping your knee out above your heel. Never allow your knee to

pass in front of your front toe.

Lifestyle: Go Play Ultimate Frisbee.

Spring often offers the best weather in Guangzhou for outdoor sports. Ultimate

Frisbee is a friendly, fun sport. The people that play make great friends. It's also

really good exercise. There is a club in Guangzhou.

Email Hong Ly for more details: [email protected]

Contributed by: Coach Brad Phillips

Brad is the Head Coach of The Apollo Program: a group of professionals in

Guangzhou that specialize in fitness transformations and improving human

performance. Contact: www.apollogz.com or call: 159.8900.0800

by Coach Brad Phillips

The Need The Need ebastian Vettel: ebastian Vettel: SS

As the UBS Chinese F1 Grand Prix revs into pulsating, high-speed action in Shanghai on April 12 to 14, here's a close call with current triple consecutive F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel… does the 25-year old German speed freak, whom the media nicknamed "Baby Schumi" when he first burst onto the European racing circuit, on Austrian racing team Red Bull Racing still have what it takes to take pole position? Let's find out.

Born on July 3, 1987 in the small West German town of Heppenheim to a middle-class family (father was a carpenter) with one younger brother and two older sisters, the young Sebastian's childhood heroes were comprised of three "Michaels": Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan and Michael Schumacher. First exposed to junior go-karting at the tender age of three, he experienced his first speed thrills at the Kerpen karting track near Cologne, the same track where his childhood hero, Michael Schumacher, had learned to race as a child.

Sebastian began joining his first karting races at age eight, winning races and showing such considerable talent at such a young age that he was accepted into the Red Bull Junior Team in 1998, when he was only 11 years old. As he was too young to legally drive on the open road, Sebastian would practice lapping in his family's garden, sometimes forgetting to eat or shower, while avidly following his idol Schumacher's Formula 1 racing exploits on television.

Three years later, Sebastian continued winning races, including the Junior Monaco Kart Cup in 2001. By 2003, he had graduated to open-wheel cars and won the 2004 German Formula BMW Championship. In 2005, he drove for ASL Mucke Motorsport in the Formula 3 Euro series, winning the year's top rookie honours. He patiently worked his way through the Formula 3 circuit, improving his record and test driving for the Formula 1 Grand Prix races around the world, and was leading the championships competing for Formula Renault 3.5 series in 2007, when he was finally called to permanently join racing's elite pantheon of drivers, the Formula 1.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Sebastian made his Formula 1 debut at the 2007 United States Grand Prix where, at 19 years of age, he became the youngest F1 driver to score a point in Formula 1 (a record previously held by Jenson Button in 2001). Released by BMW to race for Toro Rosso, he at first struggled to find his own place but eventually became the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix Race for two teams, the 2008 Italian Grand Prix with Torro Rosso and the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix with his current team, Red Bull. Racing.

Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateshchitz then predicted that Sebastian would become one of Formula One's brightest stars, saying: " Vettel is one of the young guys with extraordinary potential. He is fast, he is intelligent and he is very interested in the technical side."

When Sebastian won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2010 from pole, he took the drivers' championship lead for the first time in his career and also became the youngest world champion in the sport's history. He repeated the feat in 2011 and again in 2012, becoming at 25 years of age, the sport's youngest ever triple consecutive, beating the previous record held by the late Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna, who won his third F1 world championship at age 31. Sebastian is only the third F1 driver in the sport's history to acquire triple consecutive world championships, after the late Argentinian F1 star Juan Manuel "El Maestro" Fangio and fellow German, Michael Schumacher.

It was at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix that the media started calling him "Baby Schumi" after similarities were noted between him and the German superstar, including their humble beginnings, driving style and fierce concentration and their affinity for playing hands-on roles behind the racing scenes with team engineers. Sebastian has downplayed the comparisons, noting Schumacher's stunning seven-time F1 world championship accomplishments and citing the immense pressure of getting even just one under his belt, saying: " The hardest thing is winning after winning".

So, what's in store for Sebastian Vettel, current F1 world champion? As the 2013 F1 season is in full swing, he and his team, Red Bull Racing, are the dominant favourites for a fourth F1 world championship. Will they or won't they? If you haven't yet, snap up your tickets for the UBS Chinese F1 Grand Prix in Shanghai and see for yourself how Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing measure up!

The UBS Chinese F1 Grand Prix will be held in Shanghai from April 12 to 14, 2013. For authorized official tickets, visit http://www.china-grand-prix.com

Speed Speed FORFOR

PAPER MAGAZINE23 Athlete

Auto 24

Mercedes Benz 2013 C Klasse

VS.

Contemporary vs. Classic?

Mercedes Benz W114/W115

PAPER MAGAZINE

by Dr. Clive Roland Fermin

Mercedes Benz 2013 C Klasse

The C Klasse series, also known as the entry-level executive Benz... people back in the day used to refer to them as the "Baby Benz", a moniker which started in the 1980's when Stuttgart introduced the appreciably smallish 190E.

The C Klasse series has come a long way since then.

Rated at 336 horsepower producing an earth-moving 600 lbs of torque, the 2013 C63 AMG will actually rival the performance of some so-called sports cars, revving from 0-100kph in 4 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 250kph. Consumers will have a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic, and while Touchshift is offered in the lower variants, the C63 is offered only with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission. That's right, meaning that you can get to change gears in milliseconds, just like Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton in their Formula 1 cars.

This car is pure Mercedes Benz. The engineers at Stuttgart have definitely perfected the method of designing a car with an understated elegance.

As a friend once said to me, even a blind man can see that it's a Benz.

Mercedes Benz W114/W115

Let's go back in time for a little Mercedes Benz history lesson…

Affectionately known as either the /8 ( slash 8 ), the Bar 8 or by its German nickname, the Strich Acht, the W114/115 are one of the most commercially successful Mercedes Benz sedans ever built. Production run was from 1968 to 1976, with close to a total of 2 million units built, 67,048 of which were coupes.

W114 featured 6 cylinder engines marketed as 230 250 and 280 while the W115 series had 4 cylinder engines marketed as 200 220 230 and 240.

Not surprisingly , it is not uncommon to see this car sometimes on the road. Several extremely well-preserved versions have withstood the test of time and can be found all over the world. Not only have these cars been designed to be bulletroof- solid in its rock-hard reliability, but also its Paul Bracq 3 box design has managed not to seem dated but has remained classically appealing .

Make Mine A BenzThere are sportier 3-pointed stars out there, more elegant models, and more regal models , for instance, the Mercedes Benz 600 limousine, the notorious car of choice for dictators, presidents, billionaire tycoons, and actor Jack Nicholson comes to mind. Let's save the fascinating 600 or der Grosser, as it's known, as a column topic for another day.Here today, I chose to write about the Mercedes Benzes that you and I can relate to, a car that , if we work hard enough, perhaps - just perhaps - then we can call it ours someday.

Old or new, contemporary or classic, there is something simply magical and majestic about the three-pointed star. Just like practically every woman dreams of being presented with that magical little blue box containing a Tiffany's diamond, then I think every man (and quite a few women) perhaps dreams of having the privilege of owning a Mercedes Benz at some point in their lives.

Yes, a Mercedes Benz car can be forever too.

For more information about Mercedes Benz cars and models available in China, visit http://www.mercedes-benz.com.cn

A mysterious" fengshui" story about InterContinental Hong Kong says that nine dragons (Kowloon's literal meaning in Chinese) visit the Hotel every morning, fly through the reception, and then jump into Victoria Harbour for a bath. When the dragons pass through the Hotel, they leave behind wealth and luck for the Hotel and the Hotel's guests.

In the last decade and especially in recent years, the InterContinental Hong Kong's numerous prestigious awards must come from more than just an auspicious fengshui blessing. This is true especially in an international metropolis like Hong Kong, where premiere hotels are not lacking, and guests' expectations are high.

Recognized as the 2nd Top hotel in Hong Kong, Top 4th in Asia, and Top 100th in the World, InterContinental Hong Kong is majestically located on the harbour's edge in Kowloon, overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, a breathtaking spectacle that can be enjoyed from the lobby to the roof-top pool and from most guestrooms. Prized for this unrivalled view, the Hotel was awarded with the "The Best View in the World" title by Virtuoso Luxe Report.

The views are not the only draw. The hotel is also renowned for its luxurious accommodation, impeccable service and world-class restaurants. Plus, with its convenient location at the city centre close to tourist attractions, event centres, shopping malls, and transportations hubs, there is no doubt that the InterContinental Hong Kong makes an ideal stay for both business and leisure travellers.

The Hotel boasts 503 guestrooms, with two thirds of them plus all 87 suites possessing beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. All rooms and suites have contemporary décor with Asian accents, SHARP Aquos 37-inch LCD televisions with Bose DVD/CD home entertainment systems, iPod docking stations and WI-FI access. All rooms feature 24-hour personal butler service, as well as round-the-clock in-room dining, concierge and business services.

Standing out from the luxurious accommodation are the exclusive suites. The Presidential Suite, at 7,000 square feet (650 square metres), is the largest suite in Hong Kong; the CEO Suite and the Terrace Suite extend the high life of Hong Kong to its outdoor terraces with white marble infinity-edge Jacuzzis and sexy double-loungers. There is no better place for sipping champagne while gazing at the dramatic Hong Kong skyline. The Executive Suites feature one large room with a king-size bed at one end and a spacious living area at the other, offering two types of floor plans for guests to choose.

Complementing an exceptional stay at the InterContinental Hong Kong are the diverse range of world-class restaurants including celebrity chefs' restaurants showcasing international gourmet cuisine. These include three Michelin star restaurants under

one roof , such as SPOON by Alain Ducasse (2-stars), Yan Toh Heen (1-star), THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill (1- star), plus NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong, Harbourside, Lobby Lounge, Pool Terrace, Private Dining, and all-day drinks and snacks served at the Club InterContinental.

Advanced meeting facilities housed in eleven versatile harbour-view meeting rooms provide inspirational settings for product launches, corporate meetings or elegant evening functions. The InterContinental Ballroom, the largest in Hong Kong, accommodates up to 1,300 guests for a reception or 840 for a dinner banquet. The Ballroom's signature sweeping white marble staircase provides a sense of grandeur as does the stylish and dramatic entrance, and is renowned as one of Hong Kong's most prestigious wedding venues.

As for the best way to relax at the end of the day when at the InterContinental Hong Kong, start with a cup of ginger herbal tea to refresh your body, work out in the gymnasium, relax at the roof-top Jacuzzi and swimming pool, or indulge in a fantastic massage.

InterContinental Hong Kong

I-Spa

In the midst of the bustling city centre, the InterContinental Hong Kong has its best kept secret – the fengshui-inspired I-Spa. Based on the principle of inner and outer harmony, I-Spa provides body and facial treatments ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Eleven eight treatment suites are available, with names derived from fengshui traditions. Each suite is equipped with its own sauna, steam-shower, Jacuzzi, and massage facilities to ensure ultimate comfort and privacy.

Achieving Yin and Yang balance is the focus of all treatments at I-Spa. In addition to traditional Chinese massage and Oriental healing, there is also a treatment for Jet Lag Recovery. In addition, the newest slimming and toning treatments feature state-of-the-art LPG Endermologie Integral M6 and LPG's latest "Techni Care Line" of products.

Guests first indulge with a cup of ginger herbal tea, followed by a relaxing soak, then their masseur will begin the treatment, awakening senses and rebalancing energies according to the treatment. After a hectic round of business meetings or shopping and sightseeing in bustling Hong Kong, there is no better, more relaxing way to end the day.

T his April, G Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Guangzhou celebrates the traditional season for white asparagus, by highlighting the many, delicious ways that the

hotel’s executive chef Ralf Dohmeier has incorporated it into the a la carte lunch and dinner menu, as well as into the daily set lunch menu.

Fondly known as the "white ivory" or "white gold" in Germany, where it is especially highly prized as being low-calorie yet with high nutritional value, rich in vitamins and minerals, the white asparagus is cultivated in many parts of the country but is notably famed in the Walbeck region. These days, though German white asparagus is still regarded as the crème de la crème, those grown in Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands have acquired a fine reputation for quality as well.

During the typical harvest season in March or April, workers set out into the asparagus fields early in the morning, armed with special knives resembling miniature shovels and on a mission to dig out white asparagus with their tips peeking out of the soil. If allowed to grow more, the white asparagus eventually turns green. It usually takes an average of three years after first planting the seeds until white asparagus can be harvested.

White asparagus is so fragile that one cannot simply use ordinary knives or machines to peel it; using an asparagus peeler, a chef will cradle the asparagus against his arm and peel in even strokes, taking care not to damage the asparagus head, which is

considered the nicest part.

All the skin and juice are not wasted and thrown away but rather, often used as a delicious nourishing soup. Some people like to drink it like a juice or even use as a face wash. In Korea, the asparagus juice is sometimes used as a hang-over cure.

The white asparagus is a versatile vegetable which can be enjoyed in many different ways. Purists may like it solo, topped with only a little butter or hollandaise sauce, and maybe a potato or a Black Forest ham on the side, which Chef Ralf offers at G. It is delectable as a salad, for instance, with roasted walnuts and pink grapefruit or with scallop carpaccio, as a salad with pink peppercorn dressing. However, the white asparagus can also be enjoyed alongside such fancier fare as black truffle or foie gras – especially mouthwatering as a soup at G.

Whichever white asparagus dish you choose at G this April, pair your white asparagus with a glass of a delicate, light and sweet Deidesheimer Hofstuck Portugieser Rose, simply delicious!

What more could you ask for this spring?

G Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, 12 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District. Tel: +20 8396 1234

April at Grand Hyatt Guangzhou

White Asparagus

aDvERTORial PAPER MAGAZINE27 Yummy

We love our seafood here in Guangzhou. And nowhere in the city is seafood celebrated, in appropriately exalted surroundings, than at Catch, located on the 100th floor of Zhujiang New Town's IFC tower and the crowning jewel of the swanky Four Seasons Hotel, Guangzhou.

To enjoy such a treasure trove, anticipation is always key. Part of the allure of dining at Catch is the journey up the tower in order to get there; the senses never fail to tingle as the illuminated numbers on the elevator screen, indicating passing floors, whiz past and gravity begins to bite.

And then there's that view… jaw-dropping, vertigo-inducing, Guangzhou looking like a surreal scenescape out of a Ridley Scott sci-fi movie.

Instead of competing with the million-dollar view, internationally renowned interior designer Steve Leung crafted Catch's star and space-inspired interiors to seemingly blend with the outside. The 102-seat dining area of the restaurant is divided into two parts, complete with a private dining room. The designer tactfully created a semi-private dining area by placing two arc-shaped wine cellars in the main dining area, while the exquisite wine collection is turned into a contemporary backdrop that diners can admire. Adjoining the wine cellar is another private dining nook with loveseat seating.

Diners can enjoy the breathtaking city view through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Echoing with the overall theme, the second dining area located on the opposite side of the entrance is designed as a seafood bar, with an oval bar counter and open kitchen at the centre area, allowing lively interaction between guests and chefs.

Catch's Head Chef Paddy Chan has created a menu comprised of the freshest internationally sourced seafood, including Norwegian salmon, Australian rock

oysters and Australian lobster, as well as choice cuts of meat including grain-fed black angus beef steak. Through his 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Paddy has worked with Four Seasons hotels and resorts in Langkawi, Hampshire, Boston, Dublin and Singapore.

Chef Paddy describes Catch as "one of a kind", saying that instead of following the norms of a cuisine such as, for instance, French or Italian, he instead takes inspiration from different cuisines, using the most popular and sourcing only the best quality seafood available. In addition to fresh local seafood, he sources from the finest seafood all over the world, flown three times weekly to his kitchen.

His signature dishes include steamed lobster with foie gras mousse and fruit carpaccio with port wine reduction. I also highly recommend his crispy skinned ocean trout served with fennel confit, crispy shallots, and white balsamic tomatoes. And if you've got the appetite for seafood, don't miss out on my absolute favourite - Catch's gargantuan chilled shellfish platter, ideal for sharing, with a collection of the freshest available oysters, clams, mussels, and crab – paired with a chilled glass of Champagne, it is perfection itself.

Just in case champagne isn't your thing, don't fret…Catch lists more than 200 choices of wine and Champagne in its menu, including 50 recognized as the sommelier's recommendations.

So, next time you've got a craving for seafood, why not indulge yourself and enjoy a springtime bounty at Catch?

Catch opens daily from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.Catch, 100th Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, Guangzhou5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe DistrictTel: (020) 8883 3888

Seafood Cache at Catch

star chef - Sponsored by Hyatt Regency Dongguan

Homemade DishPan fried Veal with Pine mushroom1. Prepare a thickening with corn flour and water.2. Cut the veal (nearly 250g) into cube shapes, then marinate for 5

minutes with salt, sugar, and soy sauce. 3. 3.Cut the pine mushroom (nearly 250g) into cube shapes, fry until half

cooked. 4. Pan fry the veal until half cooked.5. Mix the cooked mushroom with the cooked veal, fry both while pouring

the thickening into the pan.

The Chef's secret: The key to keeping the veal tender? Use strong fire, for only 35 seconds when pan frying the veal until half cooked.

Chef Johnson's SpecialtyPoached Lobster and Bamboo Fungus Roll with Shrimp and Sea Urchin Soup1. Cook soup with fresh sea urchin, shrimp, salt and sugar for around 2

hours until it becomes a lovely stew.2. Slice the Australian Rock Lobster meat (nearly 1750 g) into pieces.3. Roll the lobster meat with bamboo fungus. 4. Poach the Lobster and bamboo fungus roll with shrimp and fresh sea

urchin soup.

According to the Chef: this Australian meat doesn't need any seasoning, its original taste and flavor will tantalize your taste buds. However, the soup will make it more scrumptious.

Chef Johnson ZhangThe Executive Sous Chef of Hyatt Regency Dongguan, Johnson Zhang is an expert in cooking Cantonese cuisine, renowned its healthy cooking style among the eight major Chinese culinary traditions. Born and bred in Guangdong province, Chef Johnson Zhang developed an early interest in the preparation and cooking of Cantonese dishes and has acquired 20 years of culinary experience. "Use the most natural materials in season to create dishes that are most healthy to people, this is the essence of Cantonese cuisine cooking", Chef Johnson Zhang says, "As Guangdong is my hometown. I would like to introduce authentic and creative Cantonese gourmet cuisine all over China and the world".

Address: Song Shan Lake National High-tech Industrial Development ZoneQinyuan Road,DongguanReservations: (+86)769 2289 1234dongguan.regency.hyatt.com

The annual drinks fest that is the China Wine & Spirits Awards (CWSA) hosted its 4th major annual competition, the China Wine & Spirits Best Value 2013,

on 4th March at the ballroom of the Mira Hotel in Hong Kong.

Deemed the biggest wine competition in Hong Kong and China, the CWSA are the only awards in the world judged specifically for the China market and is entirely based on consumer preferences and demand. In addition, the CWSA are unique in that the competition is open for entry to both producers and distributors looking to enter and succeed in China.

According to Ms. Kelly England, CWSA President, wine sales hit record highs in 2012, with every major wine-producing country in the world seeking to boost sales in China and Hong Kong. " Everyone from Bordeaux to Brazil is talking about Hong Kong and China as THE ultimate wine market and the CWSA uniquely lets the most famous brands in the world compete with boutique wine artisans to reach the ultimate CWSA gold standard," she said.

Serious sips, indeed! No wonder that the CWSA's judging panel for the awards competition comprise a diverse mix representing major purchasing decision makers in China, who understand the often-underestimated demands of wine consumers in Chinese major cities as well as the more remote yet highly lucrative provinces.

As for the results? Get ready to uncork these awardwinning beauties below.

CWSA Best Value Trophy

Carlos I Solera Gran ReservaKavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask StrengthRussian SquadronSamos NectarDeau Cognac Extra Louis Memory CollectionVermut IgarmiTequila Valle Querido Extra AnejoLA MARTINIQUAISE LABEL 5 EXTRA PREMIUM 12-Year

Producer Of The Year 2013

Carlos I Solera Gran ReservaBodegas OsborneBlaauwklippenTamborine Mountain DistilleryFelix Lavaque S.A.Taylors WinesKatarzyna Estate LtdVINICOLA DE TOMELLOSO CHATEAU PATARABET Mediterra WineryMGM MONDO DEL VINOBodegas de Santo TomásBabich Wines LtdQuinta dos ValesBALDUZZI VINEYARDS & WINERYPernod Ricard Helan Mountain WineryMaximin Grünhaus Koenig Distillery & Winery Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Wine Trophy

Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOC Superiore DOCG Dry MillesimatoSolar Viejo Reserva 2007Quinta do Convento de Nossa Senhora da Visitação Reserva 2005The Brothers Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2011Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Fausto Orellana 2010Bruma d'Autunno 2007Wolf Blass Gold Label Adelaide Hills Shiraz Viognier 2010Cocoa Hill Red 2011Pinot Grigio 2012Lima Mayer 2 Tintos 2009Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir 2007CHATEAU CAZEAU 2011Wynns Black Label Cabernet 2010Pintas Character Red 2010

China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013:

PAPER MAGAZINE Cru 30

Serious Sips

Livin'LaVida Liquid

Lionel Lottier probably possesses the most inventive title of any executive in Guangzhou. As W Guangzhou's Liquid Operations Manager, when he hands

out his business card, double takes from people are not uncommon.

We at Paper had met him for the first time in a cold, darkened elevator hallway in the as yet unopened W Guangzhou (at that time), which then proceeded to brighten and warm up as he prepared a cognac and tea-infused hot cocktail for us in a sleek W Guangzhou thermos, and thought his is a fascinating profile to feature for Cheers. How does one exactly go about Living La Vida Liquid?

A French native speaker who has been working in the hospitality trade industry for 11 years, Lionel acquired an early passion for bars, spirits and mixology from his family, who have owned and operated bars for three generations. Travelling and working around the world, from Monaco, London, St. Barth's and Ibiza to Australia and Thailand, while navigating different languages and cultures and various models of the business, he challenged himself constantly, focusing always on customer service, consistency and constant improvement. Getting involved in the openings of three very different venues - from Melbourne's Berlin Bar to St/ Barth's legendary Le Sereno beach hotel and Phuket's Blow VIP Lounge - taught him to be calm, to be responsible and be a good listener while managing and developing a large team of people in dealing with some of the world's exceptionally wealthy clientele. It was while in Australia that he began to make himself known as a serious up and comer in the mixology industry, with reaping success in cocktail competitions and Berlin Bar itself winning numerous awards.

Seeing as we're dealing with someone who makes a living via liquids, I guess cocktail metaphors are apropos. Lionel compares himself to a Vieux Carre (pronounced voh care-eh), a classic cocktail straight from New Orleans. It was Walter Bergeron who created this cocktail at the Hotel Monteleone in the 1930's, calling it after the French words for "old square", in reference to the city's French Quarter. The Vieux Carre is a complex cocktail that doesn't look quite right on paper but is stunning when properly mixed.

Lionel says he is a fan of classic cocktails for a few reasons: first, most classic cocktails were made with gin or rye whiskey during the pre-prohibition era in America, and, according to him, this was a time when famous bartenders made their name, playing with spirit liqueurs, vermouth and bitters to create quality drinks, rather than using heaps of sugar to mask the taste of the spirits. The Vieux Carre has equal parts rye whiskey, Cognac, and sweet vermouth.

"The whiskey keeps it authentic, Cognac as I am French and Sweet vermouth that has first been created in Torino (a region of Piedmont) Italy, not far from where I grew up," says Lionel."Add to this Dom Benedictine for the sweetness (the oldest French liqueur created for medicinal purpose in 1510 by monks) Health is important to me! Peychaud's and angostura bitters to give some complexity to the drink and balance the drink perfectly. "

He adds: "I have to say I'm sometime not an easy person to deal with as I love perfection...This cocktail could be perfectas an aperitif or could also work after an heavy meal."

Speaking of perfection, that is the way Lionel likes to run things at FEI Ultralounge and WOOBAR, W Guangzhou's hot, hip new luxe spots.

FEI Ultralounge, a high energy nightspot, is a tremendous cube shaped venue with capacity for 300 people, composed of several floors with a roof top terrace and programming from renowned deejays and artistes playing live on some nights.

WOOBAR, " the bar in the living room, and the living room in the bar", underlies the statement of what W Hotel is all about - "Woo - ing" with sensory seduction. A cocktail culture will be introduced, with an enormous range of spirits available by the bottle and cocktails available by the shaker.

Of course, we can describe bars like there's no tomorrow but there's nothing quite like experiencing the real thing, so as W Guangzhou's Liquid Operations Manager, Lionel invites all of Guangzhou's barflies, cocktail aficionados or the simply curious, to come by and have a drink at either WOOBAR or FEI Ultralounge. But before he goes, exclusively for our readers at Paper, Lionel shares an easy cocktail recipe that's ideal to drink for spring in Guangzhou:

Tommy's Cherry MargaritaIngredients:• 6 cherries• 50ml Tequila (Don Julio Blanco preferred)• 30ml fresh lime juice

• 15ml agave syrup

Preparation:Pit cherries and put them in a cocktail shaker or large glass. Muddle them with a muddler or large wooden spoon. Add tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for at least a minute. Strain into ice-filled glass, garnish with a cherry and serve.

WOOBAR - Located on the ground floor of W Guangzhou FEI Ultralounge - Occupying three floors (from 1st to 3rd floor) of W Guangzhou.

W Guangzhou,26 Xian Cun Road, Pearl River New Town Tianhe District, Tel: + 20 6680 6680.

PAPER MAGAZINE31 Cheers

PAPER MAGAZINE Cotchin' 32

Although springtime in Guangzhou may be the ideal time to commune with nature and spend more time outdoors, Paper's latest picks for the hottest books, music and movies may convince you to - once in a while - spend a nice, cozy afternoon or evening at home and snuggle up on the couch with a bottle of wine. Cute couch companion optional. Come on, let's go cotchin'!

The Great GatsbyDirector: Bahz LuhrmannStarring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire

Headlining the 66th Cannes Film Festival on May 10, 2013, Bahz Luhrmann's interpretation of the beloved F. Scott Fitzgerald novel of the same name, "The Great Gatsby" promises to be one of the year's most highly anticipated movies. With a reported budget of US$ 125 million dollars, expect the typical Luhrmann excessively flamboyant flourishes in production, sets and costumes. With Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role of enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby, Tobey Maguire as his neighbor Nick and Carey Mulligan as Gatsby's long-lost love Daisy Buchanan, we hope that this spectacle (and it will be a spectacle!) will be more along the lines of "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" or even "Moulin Rouge", just not - heaven forbid - "Australia".

The Fast & Furious 6Director: Justin LinStarring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez

"Fast Five" was an explosive hit, with acrobatic automobiles, exotic globetrotting and a highly telegenic multi-racial cast led by Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. "Fast Six" doesn't mess around with the formula, reuniting the all-star cast of "Five" - apparently with the gang as fugitives, albeit wealthy ones in various glamorous European locales, enjoying their US$ 100-million dollar spoils from the drug kingpin heist in "Five" and being recruited by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's FBI agent character to apprehend a criminal mastermind. Also returning is Michelle Rodriguez, whose character had been presumed dead, with British hottie Luke Evans playing the villain. "Fast Six" promises to be the quintessential blockbuster movie of the season: fast, big, loud, explosive, with a tankload (no, make that a planeload) of eye candy to please everyone. Bring on the popcorn, people!

The Hangover: Part IIIDirector: Todd PhillipsStarring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Peters, Justin Bartha, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham

After two nearly disastrous, pre-wedding, drug-induced adventures, the Wolfpack has no wedding or bachelor's party to screw up this time, but apparently goes on a road trip and ends up where it originally began: Las Vegas. The supposed conclusion to the screwball comedic trilogy brings back the entire crew, Bradley Cooper, Ed Peters, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, including regulars Ken Cheong and Mike Tyson, as well as Heather Graham (whose character was only fleetingly mentioned in II), for more bad decisions and ensuing mayhem, this time involving giraffes, pig-masked thugs and a mental institution. The question is: will you still be up for laughs over this pack's outrageous, borderline offensive shenanigans? We know we will.

MOVIES

MUSICJustin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience It's been 6 ½ years since our favourite ex-boy bander recorded a studio album and in the interim, the pop music landscape has been dominated by the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the other Justin – Bieber. Yes, JT has been quite busy being the all-around new media mogul since then, acting in movies, launching a successful clothing line and home décor collection, investing in MySpace, and generally growing up, getting married and all that dooda. JT has definitely come a long way from N'Sync and hanging out with Britney Spears in matching all-denim outfits. His third studio album, again smartly aligned with wonder producer Timbaland, with its Motown-reminiscent, funky, Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder/Frank Sinatra-ish vibe, reminds us why, even after a long absence, JT may yet again spread his wings from his musical roots but he will always come back a star.

David Bowie: The Next Day You could be forgiven for thinking that he had retired in a sun-drenched, glamorous paradise somewhere with the beautifully imperious Iman. But after a 10-year hiatus (including a 2004 heart attack), legendary rock pioneer David Bowie, now 66 years old, reunites with Tony Visconti, producer of his best ‘70s work, and bursts triumphantly back into the music scene with a "roots music renaissance" album destined to become one of the best-selling in 2013. Bowie's voice may have thickened over the decades but this could be a plus as it limits the campy theatrics that seemed to mar his music in the past. For a rock star approaching his seventh decade, Bowie as an artist remains a marvel.

Ann Patchett: State of WonderAward-winning New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett returns with a provocative and assured novel of morality and miracles, science and sacrifice set in the Amazon rainforest. Pharmaceutical researcher Dr. Marina Singh sets off into the jungle to find the remains of a colleague who recently died under mysterious circumstances. But first, she must locate Dr. Anneck Swenson, a renowned gynecologist, who has spent years researching the habits of a local tribe where women can conceive well into their middle ages and beyond. In finding her former mentor, Dr. Singh must face her own disappointments and regrets, encounter the mysteries and unforgiving nature of the jungle, making this a multi-layered, atmospheric novel that's hard to put down.

Sonali Deraniyagala: WaveIn 2004, we could only gape in horror at the television as the news portrayed how the southern shore of Sri Lanka was wiped out by a 30-foot tsunami. Among the dead were the husband, two young sons and parents of Sonali Deraniyagala, who miraculousl y survived. In this brave, unblinking memoir, she chronicles an engrossing, haunting, beautifully written account of her struggle, her grief and fury. Over the years, she reluctantly recovers, slowly allowing her memories to return to the rich, joyous life she lost, from her childhood years in Colombo to the year she met her English husband in Cambridge, the birth of her two children, the London family home.

BOOKS

Sofitel Asia Pacific General Meeting @ Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich

The Langham Shenzhen wedding show

InterContinental Hong Kong's Luxury Wedding Showcase

The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou 5th Anniversary Event

Harbin: From Ancient Fashion Capital to Modern Ice CityHarbin is located in Northeast China under the direct influence of cold winter winds from Siberia. It is known for its bitterly cold winters and is often called the "Ice City." Notable for its beautiful ice sculptures in winter and its Russian legacy, the city still plays an important role in Sino-Russian trade today. In the 1920s, the city was considered China's fashion capital since new designs from Paris and Moscow arrived in the city first before arriving in Shanghai.

SOFITEL Greater China Focus

Here are a few notable attractions and highlights worthwhile seeing when visiting Harbin:

Harbin International Ice and Snow FestivalOrganized annually since 1985, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival has grown to become one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, drawing record crowds during the peak winter season each year to the city's fabulous, spectacular display of amazing ice sculptures. Although the official start date of the festival falls on January 5 each year, many of the sculptures can already be seen beforehand at Sun Island and at Ice and Snow World. This Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival counts as one of the four largest ice and snow festivals in the world, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

Harbin's Heritage ArchitectureCentral (Zhongyang) Street, first built in 1898 and one of the flourishing business areas in Harbin, is a 1.4-kilometer long street which is a veritable museum of European Baroque and Byzantine architectural styles. The street remains a perfect remnant of the city's bustling international business activities at the turn of the 20th century and is definitely a fascinating stroll.

The Russian Orthodox church, Saint Sophia Cathedral, is also located in the central district of Daoli, and is a typical representation of ancient Byzantine architecture. It took nine years to build and was completed in 1932. The 53.35-meter-high Church, which covers an area of 721 square meters, has now been converted into a museum.

Harbin's Dining SceneIn addition to traditional Northeast Chinese cuisine, Harbin's local dining scene betrays delectable multi-cultural influences with several Russian, Japanese and Korean restaurants everywhere.

1.Orient King of DumplingsOne of Harbin's most sought-after local restaurants and a food chain with successful outposts in every district in Harbin. What's so special? Dumplings are characterized by generous amounts of stuffing, thin pastry shells and delicious soup. Besides dumplings, other Harbin local dishes of various styles are available, with some fumigated, pickled in sauce, fried very quickly in hot oil, or mixed with various seasonings. The color, smell and taste of these dishes are all tantalizing and prices are reasonable.

Central Street BranchAddress: 51 Central StreetTel: 84855111

Shangzhi BranchAddress: 168 Shangzhi AvenueTel: 84849111

Fendou BranchAddress: 340 Guogeli Avenue, Nangang DistrictTel: 84629666

Sofia BranchAddress: 60 Zhaolin Street, Daoli DistrictTel: 87685577

Hengshan Wanda BranchAddress: Ganshui Road

SOFITEL Greater China Focus

Harbin, as we all know, can be a land of harsh temperatures. All the more reason, when one is in Harbin for business or leisure, to select a hotel which, as the Accor group's first luxury hotel in Northeast China, one trusts that one will not only be comfortable but also, cossetted to perfection.

Sofitel Wanda Harbin's general manager, Olivier Revy, promises a magnifique voyage and welcome to Harbin and indeed, the hotel is ideally located in the Harbin Development Zone, a 15-minute sojourn to the city center and a 30-minute ride to Taiping International Airport. For sightseers, the hotel is close to many historical spots and places of interest in Harbin, such as ‘Ice and Snow World', ‘Sun Island Scenic Resort', ‘Siberian Tiger Park', ‘St. Sophia Orthodox Church', Zhongyang Street pedestrian area, among many others. The hotel's concierge, Mike Li, eagerly offers his services for recommendations on the best places to visit nearby or in crafting a custom sightseeing itinerary for guests.

Sofitel Wanda Harbin features 322 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, all blending French refinement with Chinese elegance with some overlooking the lush greens of an expansive golf course or panoramic city views, while those seeking extra comfort and convenience may opt for accommodation on the hotel's Executive Club floors. As a Club guest, one can luxuriate in a wealth of Sofitel Club privileges, such as private breakfasts, evening cocktails and all-day refreshments.

Guests have a myriad of dining experiences to choose from: all-day dining offering Asian, international cuisine and French a la carte at ‘Elements', Japanese teppanyaki at ‘ii', fine dining Chinese, with 15 elegant private dining rooms at ‘Old Shanghai', nightly live musical entertainment at Ku'-cocktail bar and all-day refreshments at the perfect relaxation lounge ‘Glam'.

For relaxation, guests may enjoy the use of a gym, indoor swimming pool and sauna; in addition, The Lea Spa with 8 private rooms offers health and beauty treatments for weary travellers. Of course, those staying in Harbin for business will find the Softel Wanda Harbin an oasis of efficiency and convenience, with seven multi-functional conference rooms and a well-equipped Business Center.

When in Harbin, make life magnifique… stay at Sofitel Wanda Harbin and experience firsthand the art of hospitality delightfully blending French refinement and Chinese elegance in true five-star luxury.

Sofitel Wanda Harbin

2. Chu Guo Grilled FishA Sichuan-style grilled fish restaurant that has been open for business at Ganshui Road Wanda Plaza for only few months but has already achieved astounding success. The restaurant notoriously does not accept any reservations. If you don't arrive at the restaurant before 6:00 in the evening, then you must have the patience to wait. The average waiting time for a table is about half an hour to 40 minutes. This restaurant specializes in different varieties of grilled fish, along with a selection of cold dishes.

Address: 3/F Wanda Plaza, Ganshui Road

3. Huamei Western RestaurantOpen since 1925, one of the earliest Western restaurants in Harbin. The restaurant mainly specializes in Russian cuisine and offers many authentic and typical Russian dishes, including borscht, kvass, shchi, pelmeni, kotlety and shashlyk. Classics from French, Italian and other European cuisines are also available on the menu.

Address: 112 Central Street

Harbin SportsVisiting Harbin without attempting to enjoy skiing is like visiting Guangzhou without tasting Cantonese dim sum. As a potential candidate for the 2014 Winter Olympic, Harbin has a long snowfall period and boasts one of the best and largest ski resorts in China.

Yabuli Ski Resort serves as the primary training venue for China's national teams. Built on Yabuli Sun Mountain, part of the Changbai Mountain Range, it is located about 180 kilometers north of Harbin.

Yabuli's long winter and large amounts of snowfall has resulted in conditions which many consider as having the best snow quality in China. The lowest temperature in winter is 44 degrees below zero and the average temperature is 10 degrees below zero. The average snowfall is 20-50cm in lower parts of the mountain and100cm at the top of the mountain. Ski season in Yabuli begins from the middle of November until the end of March.

The opening time for the ski resort is from 8am to 4:30pm (depending on weather conditions). Darkness usually falls around 4pm to 4:30pm. It is highly recommended that skiers wake up early in the morning to enjoy a morning of skiing, have your lunch around 1pm and in the afternoon, rest in the resort or head back to Harbin.

aDvERTORial

Describe a typical day for you, as the GM of the China Hotel.

To feel the pulse of the hotel, I usually walk around the hotel's front and back areas to engage with guests and associates, talking to them, asking how they are doing. The conversation with guests usually covers their stay experience and I invite them to share their comments for improvement. I also ask the purpose of their trip, in order that we can cross sell other cities’ Marriott hotels and I always make sure to thank guests for their business. To cheer up the spirit of the associates, we usually talk about their work, the specials of that day, how their families are doing and what they like to do after work, etc.

It's early enough that I can check and fine tune on things, to meet the expectations of our guests and associates. Mr. Marriott once said: "We look after our associates, our associates will look after our guests, and the guests will always come back."

Competition in the Guangzhou five-star hotel market is getting more intense, with the entry of more international five-star hotel brands. How do you keep the China Hotel relevant against these new entrants?

Delivering the Marriott promise and level of service are still the essence of what we are doing to outperform the other players in the market. We focus on details to continue to develop hotel loyalty & brand loyalty.

How does the China Hotel differentiate from other Marriott-branded hotels in the city? Are there any similarities/commonalities shared by the China Hotel and other hotels under the Marriott brand and if so, what are these?

Both Marriott hotels in Guangzhou are servicing the guests according to their specific needs in geographic location, expectation, facilities preference, neighborhood convenience, and more importantly - our appreciation of guests’ business.

What is your outlook of the five-star hotel industry in Guangzhou for the next 2-3 years - what do you think are the most critical issues facing it?

The number of five-star hotels in Guangzhou will continue to grow from around 9,000 rooms at present to over 12,000 rooms by end 2014. More international hotel brands will come into the Guangzhou market and it is a positive sign to see that the city is growing more internationally. It is believed all international brand hotels will work closely with the Guangzhou Tourism Administration to further promote Guangzhou as a destination city for MICE, tourism, culture, and as a Southern China hub to connect to other regions in China.

What are the top 3 qualities you look for in a new hire for the China Hotel?

People who show they are:- passionate about the hospitality business where they can travel more, see more and want to know more of the world- people who have the courage to face challenges in resolving issues- people who invest time to accumulate valuable experience to climb the steps, but not the elevator, to the top with little effort.

A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry,Arics Lam,general manager of China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel,Guangzhou, still gets a thrill out of the face-to-face interactions characterizing his daily hotel operations. Having moved to Guangzhou nearly two years ago after helming Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast as general manager and working in top management positions in Shanghai and Tianjin, he appreciates the continuing history of the China Hotel - one of the few of the city's hotels which have admirably endured the test of time and onslaught of competition. At the same time, as a native of Hong Kong, where he acquired an EMBA from the China European International Business School (CEIBS), the thrill of being back in south China has not ebbed.

Paper sat down with Mr. Lam recently to find out what a typical day is like for a man of action, a man of the people:

PAPER MAGAZINE supremos 40

Successis FinalNever

Enjoy endless happiness at Chimelong Hotel

Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or need to travel for business, take advantage of Chimelong Hotel's latest hotel deals. Chimelong Hotel launches five fantastic packages which starts from RMB 988. Packages include accommodation, theme parks tickets, buffet breakfasts and Chimelong Member Card which worth RMB 500. Have wonderful memories to share with friends or family!

Fantastic TourWeekdays (Sunday-Thursday) start from RMB988s Weekends (Friday-Saturday) start from RMB1,188

Magic TourWeekdays (Sunday-Thursday) start from RMB1,188Weekends (Friday-Saturday) start from RMB1,388

Luxurious TourWeekdays (Sunday-Thursday) start from RMB2,988 (for two nights)Weekends (Friday-Saturday) start from RMB3,388 (for two nights)

Offer valid until 2013.6.30Black-out dates apply: Easter Day (3.29-4.1), Tomb-Sweeping Day (4.4-4.6), May Day (4.29-5.1), Guangzhou Trade Fair (4.15-4.30).

Address: Chimelong Hotel , Panyu Avenue, Panyu District, GuangzhouReservation: (+86) 20 8478 6838

Family Tour Weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) start from RMB1,288Weekends (Friday-Saturday) start from RMB1,488

Romantic TourWeekdays (Sunday-Thursday) start from RMB1,888Weekends (Friday-Saturday) start from RMB2,088

Asian Noodle Buffet

Oakroom Restaurant & Bar invites you to escape into the elegant and joyful dining venues on the 16th Floor, with stunning 270 degrees view of the city. Experience a diverse and wide selection for lunch with friends and loved ones at our Asian Noodle Buffet for the whole month of April.Enjoy our "Come 5, pay 4" offer and one complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. RMB108 net Offer valid from 2013.4.1-2013.04.30Opening hours: 12:00 -14:00 (Monday to Friday)

Address: 16F, Oakroom Restaurant & Bar, Oakwood Premier Guangzhou, 28 Tiyu Dong Road, Tianhe District, GuangzhouReservations: (+86) 20 3883 2828 [email protected]

Canton Fair Retreat

Feast on a barbeque buffet dinner in a casual alfresco dining area by the Pearl River. Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou presents a lavish culinary spread that features an enticing array of grilled meat, succulent seafood, prime steaks, fresh salads and Asian specialties prepared at live cooking stations, available during the Canton Fair period. The hotel is within walking distance to the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

RMB398 per person Subject to a 15% surchargeOffer valid from 2013.4.15-2013.5.5

Address: Outdoor Garden, Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou, 1 Hui Zhan Dong Road, Hai Zhu District, GuangzhouReservation: (+86) 20 8917 6498

Exclusive packages designed to capture "Perfect Ritz-Carlton Memories"

The "My Perfect Ritz-Carlton Memory" package (starting from RMB 85,555) is available from March 1 to December 31, 2013 and combines every element of the hotel's award-winning service to create a never-ending succession of unforgettable moments.

Among a variety of exclusive benefits, "Perfect Ritz-Carlton Memory" guests will enjoy:• Overnight accommodation in the 420-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Suite, private butler service, a 270-degree view of the Pearl River and

unfettered access to the suite's walk-in wine cellar• Golf with General Manager Andrew Rogers, a PGA card-carrying scratch golfer• A private cocktail reception cruise on the Pearl River for up to 10• "The Epicurean Journey", an indulgent culinary tour of The Pearl Lounge; LIMONI; Lai Heen and The Churchill Bar• Two-hour Ultimate Aroma facial treatments and body massages for two in the Ritz-Carlton Suite's private treatment room• A personalized breakfast for two, hand-crafted by an award-winning chef• City-wide limousine service• Monogrammed Ritz-Carlton bath robes for two as a takeaway gift

In this case, the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou look forward to creating an utterly transformative experience for every guest - a perfect tribute to their five-year legacy of excellence.

For reservations or more information, please call (+86) 20 3813 6898, e-mail [email protected] or visit ritzcarlton.com.Address: The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou, 3 Xing An Road, Pearl River New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Seafood Month at 2 ON 988 All Day Dining Restaurant

A wide selection of seafood, shelfish, crustaceans, lobster, fresh oysters, caviar, foie gras, French cheese, grilled meat items, oriental dishes, home- made French ice cream and signature patisseries. Including free flow of soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Dinner: RMB428+ adult/ RMB214+ (6- 12 years old) below 5 years old- FREE Offer valid from 2013.4.1-2013.4.30, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayOpening hours: 6pm- 10pm Pre-booking is a must.

Address: 2nd floor, 2 On 988 French-Inspired all day dining restaurant, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, 988 Guangzhou Da Dao Zhong, Tianhe District, GuangzhouReservation: (+86) 20 3819 0898

PAPER MAGAZINE Bulletin

Green Tea Creations

Explore a selection of dishes created by Lai Heen's award-winning kitchen team to mix, match and innovate new ways to utilize green tea in Chinese cooking.

À là carte starting from RMB 98 per dishSet menus starting from RMB 688 per personOffer vaild from 2013.4.1-2013.4.30

All prices are subject to a 15% service charge. Advanced booking is requested. Terms and conditions apply. For reservations or more information, please call (86 20)3813 6888 or email to [email protected]. Address: The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou, 3 Xing An Road, earl River New City, Tianhe District, GuangzhouReservations: (+86) 20 3813 6688

"Super Buffet Dinner" for Furniture Fair and Spring Canton Fair 2013

During Spring Furniture Fair and Canton Fair 2013, Botanica Brasserie will indulge your appetites again with wide variety of succulent seafood of the day prepared by Chef Andrea's team: Lobster, Norwegian Salmon, Octopus, Herring and Tuna sashimi freshly sliced, Garden BBQ for fresh crabs, live prawns, scallops, oysters, clams, squids, beef sirloin, lamb, kebabs and many more. Drop by Chef Andrea's live cooking station for fresh pasta and pizza and have your fill of free flow of sparkling wine and Sheraton house wine. Pastry Chef Buck will delight your sweet tooth with more than 20 kinds of desserts, sweets, candy and an unlimited serving of Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

RMB388+15% SurchargeOffer valid on 2013.3.16-2013.3.20; 2013.4.15-2013.4.19; 2013.4.23-2013.4.27; 2013.5.1-2013.5.5Opening hours: 18:00-22:00 Address: Sheraton Dongguan Hotel, S256 Provincial Highway, Houjie Town, DongguanReservation: (+86) 769 8598 8888 ext 88061

Pausa from Portugal

With a limited annual production, Pausa, an award winning wine from Portugal by IlEX WINES, means ‘stop’, proudly meaning that ‘you can stop searching for better wine once you taste it’. Indulge in an exclusive Portuguese wine tasting hosted by G Bar, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou. Experience the distinctive character of internationally awarded boutique wines from the Alentejo region, while enjoying live saxophone music renditions of Portuguese melodies and jazz.

Date: April 12th, 2013 (Friday)Time: 3pm - 5pm

Venue: Venue: G Bar, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou Hotel,12

Seafood Feast

Discover what the deep blue sea can offer with our Seafood Feast during dinner time on Fridays and Saturdays.

RMB 358 per person +15% surchargeOffer valid on 2013.4.1-2013.4.30, Friday and SaturdayOpening hours: 17:30-21:30 Address: F 1, Café, Hyatt Regency Dongguan, Song Shan Lake National High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Qinyuan Road, DongguanReservations: (+86) 769 2289 1234 ext 82106 [email protected]

Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island To Open

Designed by Aedas International Ltd., Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is set over 29 floors, with 138 individually styled rooms that capture the truly intriguing and dynamic environment in which it resides. Wrapping the building is a striking gold dragon, functioning as an “eco-screen” to counteract hot spots and solar gain, representing the future of environmental design in Hong Kong. The impressive rooftop, sure to be a much talked about destination in Hong Kong, features Skybar and a dramatic infinity glass bottomed pool from which can be seen the hustle and bustle of Wan Chai neighbourhood below.

Address: Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island, 246 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong.Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations starting April 15, 2013.

New Appointment at Grand Hyatt Guangzhou

Mr Patrick Pahlke has been appointed as Hotel Manager of Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, effective 1 March 2013.

Oyster Feast @ The Exchange All Day Dining

This April, The Exchange All Day Dining in Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel celebrates with a magnificent oyster feast. We fly in fresh oysters from 4 different destinations, including Scotland, Iceland, New Zealand and South Africa, for you to enjoy with your friends and family. Plus, enjoy more than 70 kinds of seafood, from salmon sashimi to BBQ scallop, as well as delicious desserts and New Zealand ice cream. The oyster feast is yours for just RMB328+15%/person.

Offer valid on 2013.4.1-2013.4.31 Promotion Price: Please call 8383 8888

Address: Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel, Great China International Exchange Square, Fuhua Road, Futian, ShenzhenReservation: (+86) 755 8383 8888

Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel Appoints New General Manager

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the appointment of Benjamin Ye as the General Manager of Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel.

Indian Cuisine Experience

Enjoy Indian food and feel the unique culture of India at InterContinental Huizhou Resort. Our chef from India, Mr. Kunal Kumar, has over 10 years' rich experience in cooking and specializes in cooking curry and tandoori. Don't miss his fresh delicious soup, crisp pancakes, authentic Indian curry and other speciality Indian dishes.

Starting at CNY 48/dish +15% surcharge

Offer valid from 2013.04.01-2013.06.30Operation hours: 07:00-23:00(Monday to Sunday) Address: Cafe Veranda, InterContinental Huizhou Resort, No.1 Wenquan Dadao, Hengli Town, Huizhou

Afternoon Tea

Enjoy the Afternoon Tea at Exchange of The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan every afternoon, which has been crafted according to the Westin "Superfoods" concept, rich in antioxidants and plant nutrition to create a healthy afternoon tea for everyone. Salmon, oranges and other fresh ingredients, are matched and paired to bring a more nutritious, lower calorie afternoon tea, ranging from sandwiches, egg tarts, assorted sweets and a selection of Tea or Coffee.

RMB158+15%service chargeOffer valid from 2013.4.1-2013.4.31Opening hours: 14:00-17:00

Address: The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan, 9028-2, Shennan Road, Nanshan District, ShenzhenReservations: (+86) 755 2698 8888