This is my current list of favourite burger shops, with my favourite burger from each one. Some seasonal specials I enjoyed are listed in the honourable mention section. Bon apetit!
Posted by: sammerz | 27 May, 2016
Sam’s #HKburger list – May 2016
Posted by: sammerz | 23 June, 2015
Donate Your Birthday
I had the pleasure of being a part of a promo video produced by The Vine to raise awareness of and to support refugee families residing in Hong Kong. Instead of receiving gifts on your birthday, why don’t you fund-raise on behalf of the marginalised and needy?
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35
If you are able to help out, donate by clicking here. Big thanks to all cast and crew as well as family and friends for your support!
Donate Your Birthday Promo 2 from The Vine on Vimeo.
Posted by: sammerz | 04 October, 2013
Musings on transitions in HK
Over the Hong Kong summer holidays in July/August 2013, we decided to make Melbourne our “big trip of the year”. Steph could only afford 1.5 weeks leave, while extended my holiday in Melbourne by an extra 2 weeks (yes, I’m a teacher, we have our perks, but DO NOT say we have it easy or I will have a word with you! 😉 )
We’ve probably told our stories a hundred times over numerous cups of coffee, so for everyone and especially those whom we weren’t able to catch up with… <begin guilt trip> yes we understand, we travelled 7,400kms to get to you </end guilt trip> … here is the gist of our story:
Why Melbourne?
Originally we wanted to visit the US and Canada, but it’s time to actually catch up with my family and as many close friends as possible. Previously, we managed two trips back since we relocated in April 2011 but those were weekend trips and much of it was catching up with family and attending a friend’s wedding!
Importance of the trip?
It marked many transitions in our time in HK:
- I finished up teaching in Primary School, and this school year (HK school years run from September-July), I’m teaching Mathematics in Sercondary School.
- I also finished up helping out at Gennext, ICA’s Children Ministry.
- We finished up leading and hosting a cell group (to be honest, we were getting very busy and almost burned out).
- We transitioned to Matt516, a slightly older group to Rock’s 20-29ers. Matt516 and Rock are young adult groups in ICA.
We also wanted to take a REAL break from the busyness of HK life. Part of our itinerary was a two-night stay in Hepburn Springs. Away from crowds, and time to chill and reflect. The closest companions we had was a few families of kangaroo. Also, for the first time in a long time I used a REAL oven to cook a REAL dinner! Woo!
Catching up with close friends enabled us to reflect on the time we said goodbye and began our adventure in HK. It gave us the opportunity to see how far we’ve come from when we left with great expectations, to how much God has blessed and grown us.
Where to now?
For many people, we’ve said that we’ll be in HK for “2 trial years”. Those years have passed. In fact we came up with the “2 year plan” when we roughly estimated we’ll survive in HK for 2 years without jobs and based on our savings then. Praise God, we’ve been blessed with awesome jobs and did not have to eat into our savings. God has opened numerous doors and provided for us every step of the way. That said, we plan to stay in HK for another 5-6 years. By then we don’t know if we’re meant to stay here, go back to Melbourne or go elsewhere. We’ll see where God leads us.
Ministry wise, we are taking a “sabbatical year” until July/August next year. We are taking a break from leading/hosting – all those “commitment-intensive” serving for now so we can rest and recharge. However, we are still serving in church in other ways – we don’t want to just do nothing! Steph is rehearsing with an amazing team and at the end of November will be starring in ICA’s “Because of Love” Musical. We’re both serving in the ICA News Team…. and hopefully some day we can help out in the youth. I know that’s where God’s called us, ever since we served the youth in Bataan, Philippines. After all, I’m already serving the youth in my school!
Missing Melbourne
I can go on comparing so many things between HK and Melbourne such as transport or fresh air (our biggest reasons why we would choose one over the other). But can I just be a little open for this segment. What I do miss most about Melbourne is that it was where I was born and spent most of my life growing up. It was the place where I first met Steph, where I dated her and where we got married. As a result we have had so many people journey with us through these times where we made the biggest decisions of our lives and these are the people we are closest with. Unfortunately, Hong Kong being a busy AND transient city (where people pile their agendas high and generally don’t stick around for long) means that we haven’t been able to develop such close friendships with the people here. We have our initial prayers answered (finding a church, a small group and a mentoring couple) and we really do thank God for these people. At the same time, it is just so hard to have just a handful we can call our “close family” here. I know I’m rambling… but in a nutshell, we know God’s called us here and He’s got a plan for us.. so despite these thoughts, we aren’t relocating anywhere for now. Melbourne doesn’t feel like home for us, nor HK a suitable replacement. At the end of the day…. SGS: Steph+God+Sam… this is home for us.
Final words before the Melbourne photos…
We really appreciate our supporting family, our close friends and the many people who have been such a blessing to us. Whether you’re 7,400kms+ away in Melbourne, here in HK or somewhere on this big blue planet… we’re thinking of you and are thankful we can share our journey with you. Again, to those we caught up with – whether we got a proper sit-down or just a brief encounter – God bless you guys heaps… and enjoy the photos!
Posted by: sammerz | 12 June, 2013
Dragon Boat Racing 2013
Steph’s company, SMS M&T, sponsored a team to compete in the Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 2013. This would have been the first time for us to actually see a Dragon Boat Race, let alone participate in it. We trained over 10 Saturday sessions to prepare for the race, held on Tuen Ng Festival which was on 12th June 2013 (or 5th day of the 5th month according to the lunar calendar).
There were Dragon Boat races happening at 9 different locations around Hong Kong. The Stanley Championships attracted the largest crowd and was the most prestigious of all the Dragon Boat races with 241 teams consisting of men, women and mixed teams.
In summary:
- we finished 3rd in the first round where the top 4 qualify for the cup rounds,
- we finished 5th in the second round qualifying us for the Silver Cup B final, and
- we finished 4th in the Silver Cup B final, placing us 24th out of the 167 Mixed Teams!
Go SMS SHARKS! Thanks to all our friends for their support!
The photos below were taken from some of our training sessions throughout March-June and also on the Race Day itself. Thanks to our Captain Cecilia Chan for some of the photos!
Posted by: sammerz | 23 September, 2012
Mr & Mrs Wong
Hi friends, long time no see! (So long no post!) The church we attend in Hong Kong, International Christian Assembly, is going through a new series of sermons entitled “Mr & Mrs Wong”. It is a series that explores issues that typical Hongkongers go through (particularly in relationships for couples, singles and to-be-marrieds) and how we can still honour and glorify God no matter what society throws at us. The DramaWorks Ministry has put together a compilation of mini-clips shown before a few of these sermons. Steph and I, along with Nadia (from the GenNext ministry) play the typical Hong Kong family.
Acknowledgements:
- Director and Producer: Ken Law
- Cameraman & Post-production: Ronaldo Suarez
- Scriptwriters: Ken Law, Jacky Mizele, James So, Sam Leong & Stephanie Tong-Leong
- Cast:
- Sam Leong as Mr Billy Wong, the passive father (Ep. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
- Stephanie Tong-Leong as Mrs Joey Wong, the stressed mother (Ep. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Nadia Venetz as Miss Ella Wong, the cute daughter of Billy and Joey (Ep. 2, 3, 4, 6)
- Adam Lai as Dr Mark Chan, Billy’s best friend and family doctor (Ep. 3, 6)
- Nadia’s grandma as Billy’s Mum (Ep. 4)
- Claudine Chan as Tracy Tsang, Joey’s best friend (Ep. 5, 7)
- Han Shih Toh as Paul Tsang, Tracy’s husband (Ep. 5, 7)
Click on the links below for the videos (note: some of them are draft copies):
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 1: “After the Honeymoon” [aired on 02/09/12]
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 2: “Talk to Me” [aired on 23/09/12]
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 3: “Labor of Love” [aired on 30/09/12]
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 4: “Three Weddings and a Funeral” [aired on 14/10/12] (originally titled: “Mother-in-Law or Mother-in-Love?”)
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 5: “An Affair to Remember” [aired on 09/12/12]
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 6: “Mission: Possible” [aired on 16/12/12] (originally titled “Husband as Priest”)
- Mr & Mrs Wong Episode 7: “In God we Trust” [aired on 23/12/12]
Alternatively, for the High Definition (final edit) videos and the sermons that go with it visit the ICA youtube channel. (Edit: you may need to search a bit, but to help, Episode 1 is here.
Posted by: sammerz | 19 December, 2011
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
It has been a while since we’ve updated this blog… it’s an understatement, but time has certainly flown by so quickly – we can’t believe we’ve reached the 2 year milestone!
At this very time last year Steph initiated the relocation discussion over our first anniversary dinner. A year on and we certainly have no regrets about moving. Sure we miss our family, our close friends, our church and our home. But we have since caught up with Steph’s family, made new friends, found a church we belong to and enjoy hosting cell group meetings and parties at our rented apartment.
Over a superb meal at Gaddi’s, we pondered over the past year and talked about what’s next. For those who are wondering, we aren’t relocating so soon. For those who are still wondering, yes we talked about babies… we probably won’t have a baby until 2013 or 2014, and when we do, it’ll ultimately decide whether we spend more time in Hong Kong or return to Melbourne. For now, we’re glad God has called us to Hong Kong… time will tell where He will lead us next!
Posted by: stephtong | 19 June, 2011
In the market place
I am finally writing something on our blog! Today is Fathers Day in Hong Kong and I finally have some room to breathe after a hectic start at work.
Sam and I have settled in ICA and have also found a home group. I feel much more settled once we found a place where we can call our local Church. I still miss Citylife Church though!
Today’s sermon is on “Christ and Marketplace”. K K Chua shared his insights on prospering in the marketplace. He’s the current AP President of Mary Kay, but he seems to be so genuine and humble when he shared on Psalm 1:1-3.
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
I won’t repeat his whole sermon here, but basically is:
- Don’t seek counsel from the wicked
- Don’t stand there and “look” at the sin, but run away from it
- Don’t gossip with the gossipers. We are special, but not special over anyone
- Apply what we’ve learnt from the Word in the daily little bits of life
He then mentioned 3 things that husbands would like to “get” from their wives:
1. Knowing that the wife loves him
2. Knowing that the wife cares for him
3. Knowing that the wife appreciates his work
To stand firm as a Christian, upholding the values that God wants us to hold is definitely not an easy thing. While we’re not at a senior/executive management level, we have to learn how to stand firm in what we believe in:– Not joining in gossips in order to fit in the new workplace
– Not telling white lies in order to so call “cover your own a$$”
– Not joining in binge drinking sessions in order to fit in
– Treat everyone as an important individual, not only when you need something from him/her
There is so much to stand up for, sometimes it’s just easier to let it slip a little. Please keep me accountable to it!!!
Posted in Work
Posted by: sammerz | 28 April, 2011
Relocated!
..and so we’ve finally relocated to Hong Kong, a little over 4 months since we first talked about the possibility. A month ago we were on a Holy Land Tour in Israel and Egypt. Subsequently, we had less than a month to pack EVERYTHING! Most things were either sold at our garage sale, and then given away to op-shop (we realised how materialistic we were when we pretty much stock up half their wares!)
Saturday 16th April was our Mega-Moving Day. We loaded up a hired removal van with furniture (mostly borrowed from the Chia family – thank you!), moved our bed to my parents’ in Mooroolbark, loaded up more of the Chia furniture which was stored at Steph’s grannies’ and then relocated them to various homes in Dandenong North and Berwick. We would like to deeply show our gratitude to those who helped us move: Bryan, Siang, Jeremy, Peter, Daniel & Claire, Yih Wen & Chia Yee, Karl & Canmy, David & Sam. Thanks go to Hangers & Corinne, Tulae and Liam for buying our big-ticket items!
Few interesting things happened in the final week to our move:
- First, never deal with Diamond Dry Cleaning. Ever. Not even if you get 4 rooms for $60 on Scoopon. You can get your rooms done for around $80 with a better cleaner (let me know if you need a contact). When you call their number, it’s just a switchboard – they have some weird management system where they keep saying “the booking department will contact you shortly”. A couple months ago I had to call twice to confirm the booking. It was on the second time when I mentioned I needed to confirm the booking due to the overseas trip when they finally conceded. And it wasn’t fixed – they said they would call the day before to confirm the time. Well, the ‘day before’ arrived and when I made a call at lunch that day why they haven’t called, we got the same response. An hour later we were finally contacted by the “booking department” acknowledging the day, but not the time! On the day itself I had to call that morning and they said something slightly different: “we’ll put an urgent call to the booking department and they will contact you shortly.” Wow. At 1pm, we get one more phone call from them: “I’m standing outside your door.” Enough said.
- There was a miscommunication with the home cleaner – perhaps on my part. It was understood that by last Thursday at 1pm the home would be ready for the property agent to do their initial inspection report. But on Wednesday we get the call: “We are coming in 30 minutes!” Kor-blimey! Those 30 minutes was the most frantic ever as we cleared the boxes and goods in the living area AND kitchen, moving it all into the garage!
- Then there was Sh*ttyBank, I mean, CitiBank. Who ever thought opening two joint-accounts mean receiving no less than 8 separate letters? Or two different cards (one is a standard ATM Citicard, the other a Visa Debit Card)? Or I had to fill in a separate application form for the proper card? Or that the application form ‘was not received’ by CitiBank? Or that upon a request for another form via express post, it was sent by snail-mail? And that it was a form for the wrong card?
- As a former engineer, I get peeved when upgraded technology is really a downgrade. Like the security door at Steph’s Mum’s apartment. When a car goes through, the gate stops opening and immediately closes so other cars don’t follow. But when you are trying to buzz a resident and he lets you in, and a car exits… well you’ll need to buzz again. Well, I wasn’t happy having to buzz 3 times!
To say the least, relocating really put me to the test and I did lose it on more than one occasion… The short trip to Bangkok over the Easter weekend did me a lot of good – food and relaxation. But I think I’m still trying to destress and settle at the same time! Did I mention the MAS staff did not tag my luggage at Melbourne Airport? Thankfully the Baggage Services at HKIA were able to locate it and forward it on the next Cathay flight. The boxes air-freighted from Melbourne were already here by the time we returned from Thailand.
Life is a dichotomy: I love stability, but I like a good challenge. This has got to be one of the biggest decisions we’ve made together. Praying that it would be one of the best. 🙂
Posted by: sammerz | 28 April, 2011
Holy Land Tour 2011
We were in a team of 52 pilgrims, organised and led by the amazing Daljit & Gurmit Gill as well as Dan and Alison Daniels. The two-week trip began with a day in Cairo to marvel at the Pyramids of Giza. Our 16-day tour of Israel was compressed into 9 days and we stayed by the Sea of Galilee in Ginnosar (Gennesaret) and subsequently in Jerusalem.
The tour was led by a guide/historian/theologian extraordinaire, Erez Bar David, who did not only show us the old-time places, but challenged us to read the Bible and understand the literal and figurative contexts as well. The tour stops included Herod’s palace in Caesarea, the high place in Tel Dan and the old city’s gates, a cruise on the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River where Jesus was baptised, the cave at En Gedi where David hid from Saul, the pit at the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was held before his trial, the Garden Tomb, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Mount of Precipice overlooking the Valley of the Armageddon, the (muddy) brook where David gathered his five smooth stones, the extremely salty Dead Sea. Wherever we stopped, we paused to read from the Word of God and reflect on stories past. It served as a reminder that our Lord Jesus Christ was real and many of the places mentioned in the Bible still stand today.
Another day in Cairo with an Egyptian dinner on the Nile cruise concluded our trip. It has been a spiritually enriching experience and we highly recommend this trip of a lifetime!
More photos are available on Sam’s Facebook albums (part 1 and part 2).
Posted by: sammerz | 07 March, 2011
SGS Wedding Highlights
Hey everyone – we’ve finally gotten around to uploading the highlights of our wedding…. enjoy! 🙂
SGS Wedding 19.12.09 from Sam Leong on Vimeo.
Posted in Our Wedding
SGS 
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