Society with James Whittle

Ride on time

Cycling enthusiasts got on their bikes recently to pedal through the streets on Hong Kong Island thanks to watchmaker Tissot. Twelve teams took part in the 10km event and each had to use various functions of the Tissot T-Race Touch watch (such as compass, timer and multifunctional split timer) to complete specific missions. Celebrities supporting the event included singer Louis Cheung, DJ Donald, speed-climbing champion Lisa Cheng, National Games cycling gold medallist Ho Siu-lun, and Hong Kong's top female triathlete Tania Mak.

Art takes pole position

An installation at K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui not only celebrates the holiday season but promotes awareness of polar conservation. The feature of the Polar Power Love Our Planet is a 6.5-metre polar bear designed by Beijing-based duo Fake Studio. Included as part of the polar campaign is an exhibit of rare Arctic photographs and video footage of the North Pole shot by local explorer Rebecca Lee.

"We commissioned Polar Power because we want to use art to raise awareness of our impact on nature. We want to transform Christmas into a time not only for sharing with friends and family, but for thinking about how we can protect nature," says Adrian Cheng, chairman of the K11 Art Foundation. The exhibition ends January 6.

Sweet dreams

Belgium chocolate-maker Godiva upped the sugar level recently with an early winter wonderland party at The Watermark at Central's Star Ferry Pier.

In line with the Belgium theme the restaurant was made to look like the Grand Place square in Brussels, featuring stalls offering treats such as Belgian waffles and chocolate-dipped fruit.

Among the celebrity guests were Antonia Li, Charlotte Chen, Candice Chan and Lynn Xiong.