THE CARDS?

The Star represents
hope, renewal and
inspiration. We’re not
sure all these people fill
us with hope as such,
but here are the rising
stars who’ll be a big
deal in 2016.
The Lovers
represent love and
union, two things
we highly doubt
we’ll be seeing this
year in Hong Kong.
But here’s our list of
highly implausible
pipe dream
predictions for 2016.
• Taxi drivers clean up their act in the face of Uber threats, delivering
an efficient and professional service that doesn’t involve them
ignoring you in the small hours or refusing to cross the harbor
because “they don’t know the roads.”
• Beer prices suddenly fall back to the $60-80 range.
• No more tragedies involving domestic helpers, human rights
abuses and unfair wages.
• The property bubble bursts and regular people are able to afford
flats/rent again.
• China decides to chill out, take a step back and leave us alone
to make money and do our own thing.
• CY Leung becomes embroiled in an amusingly complex sex scandal.
• We get genuine universal suffrage.
Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, the new chairman of the
HKU’s governing council. With the appointment
of “King” Arthur to the post, the university’s
management woes will only get worse. The
Beijing loyalist is known for his high-handed,
confrontational style and he lacks the confidence of
HKU staff and alumni alike. Sounds promising!
Agnes Chow Ting, former Scholarism spokesperson. Chow
stepped out of the spotlight halfway through Occupy, but
she’s been back in the news: Most recently in a video
seeking to raise awareness of missing bookseller Lee Bo.
As the political game ramps up again, 2016 could be her
time to shine.
James Ng Yip-kwan, better known as “Kwan Gor,”
is the name on everyone’s lips in Cantopop. The
nerdy looking 25-year-old singer was named “best
newcomer” in all four Hong Kong Cantopop chart
awards; he was so overcome with emotion that his
glasses fogged up during an acceptance speech,
taking him from successful singer to instant meme. You’ll
be hearing his name again.
Emily Lau, outgoing Democratic Party chair.
The legendary lawmaker may not be running for reelection
this year, but we doubt she’s going anywhere.
What if she starts a new party with Ronny Tong?
Christopher Chung Shu-kun, universally known
as “Tree Gun.” Upcoming Legco elections means
that this pro-Beijing veteran will be on the front
lines with still more insane pronouncements.
We’ll get the popcorn.
Cuba
One of the world’s most colorful destinations,
the country has seen an exponential rise in
tourism since thawing relations with the U.S.
made traveling there easier and cheaper.
Cigars, Hemingway, rum, salsa, Che and
60-year-old antique American cars—now
those are bragging rights. Be seduced by
Cuba before it inevitably loses its 1950s
time capsule cool.
responsibletravel.com/holidays/cuba.
Iran
Yes, really. While the news gives us nothing
but its nuclear ambitions, the country has
an astonishingly rich history and culture. As
unlikely as it sounds, tourism to Iran grew last
year and looks set to explode in 2016. UNESCO
world heritage sites, beguiling medieval towns,
mysterious teahouses, bazaars, oases, mountain
ranges and the eternal desert—you’ll feel like
an extra in an Indiana Jones movie.
Various organizations offer packages,
including kuonitravel.com.hk.
Da Nang, Vietnam
We know, you went to Vietnam when it was
still like, fresh and unexplored. But probably
not to Da Nang. With stunning beaches,
amazing architecture and a nighttime neon
buzz, Da Nang is a former French colonial port
which offers a host of great experiences:
Son Trà Mountain, China Beach and the five
Marble Mountains, caves, shrines, museums
and amazing bridges. And oh man, the food…
Dragonair and HK Express fly to Da Nang
daily, with prices from around $1,100.
Kalibo, Philippines
If you’ve been to Boracay, you may well
have traveled unknowingly through Kalibo.
But it’s more than an alternative gateway to
that (admittedly) tropical paradise: Kalibo is
a great destination in its own right, with charm
and panache. In January it hosts Ati-Atihan,
a religious and cultural festival in which visitors
are actively encouraged to participate.
Flights start at around $1,800 from various agents
including kayak.com.hk.
The World
represents
completion,
accomplishment and
travel. Live up to it
with these four mustsee-in-2016
getaways.
12 HK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016