Entries by lit-a-lit

Joshua Wong Actions Speak Louder in 2020

His humility and introspection may have something to do with the massive social movement in 2019.  But such qualities would appear insignificant when put into perspective. “The consequence I bore was not as hefty as those of the others. I served the shortest jail terms but received the most attention from both local and international communities. The attention and support I have received were never in the right proportion. This is why I have always emphasised the importance of team contribution.”

“I may not be able to change this inequality. I cannot avoid getting arrested. But, since I am comparatively safe I must take advantage of my situation and make others’ contribution more worthwhile.”

Tiffany Yeung I do what I can however insignificant I am

Tea Hub is an exciting newcomer. “My husband grew up in the neighbourhood. Over the course of our decade-long relationship before marriage, we met here often because of the agreeable old-town atmosphere. We used to hang out in Chinese tea houses in So Uk.  We even took wedding photos in Shun Ning Road.” She noted that old shops peppered across the entire stretch of Cheung Sha Wan. You will find an old-school record shop here and an alleyway barbershop there. It may sound like a complicated neighbourhood but it is at the same time evolving on its uniqueness of having the best of both the old and new.

Jacky Yu : The best way to safeguard history is to study history

Today’s news, tomorrow’s history. Recently, we took part in an important Hong Kong history.  But, will the enthusiastic find truth in history?  Website oldhkphoto.com founder Jacky Yu believes: “Social movements such as rallies and protests are necessary but an influence on cultural ideologies can exert a lasting impact. Totalitarian powers destroy history. The best way to safeguard history is to study history. Historical events teach us how to negotiate the past and the present and learn how to live today and face the future.”

Barbara Wong: “I have always considered myself a newbie”

Barbara believes that a love potion lasts at most three to six months.  Then, romance turns into daily learning. “One needs to learn how to love and get along with each another,” she added.  “That invigorating feeling of freshness diminishes as the relationship grows.  Everybody has a good side and a bad one.  I tend to delete the bad before sleep and wake up remembering the good.”

Andy Ng Wai-shek: You are your only objet d’art

Seasoned theatre actor, director and drama coach Andy Ng Wai-shek has just been named a Director of the Year from the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong)’s IATC(HK) Critics Awards. He says, “The one thing that can ever influence you is but yourself. One must live a life and have the drive to pursue meaning because you are your only objet d’art.”

Illustrator Wai Wai Let me cuddle Yaumatei tenderly

Recalling the days she spent drawing Yau Ma Tei. “The experience was like: when I tried to express my affection, the community would repay me beyond my expectation with more opportunities to use my own skills and brushes to make a record of the face of other Hong Kong communities or even the Yau Ma Tei community.”  She has joined guided tours to familiarise herself with communities in North Point and Wan Chai, for example.  “This book has given me ample chance to understand other Hong Kong communities.  To me, it is like increasing intimacy with Hong Kong.”

Agnes Chow : No regrets for our youth

“I often say to myself: social movement success has never been easy. It is not only because of the Hong Kong political climate. The fight for aspirations takes the determination of many people. It may take a decade or two’s hard work for a chance to succeed.” She believes that people should not dismiss their beliefs because of widespread absurdity. “It would be even more difficult to change Hong Kong’s situation if we turn our backs on our own fundamental beliefs.”

TOMA Miniatures Rekindling the city’s best memories

Tony has always said that the older he gets the fonder he is of Hong Kong.  “Things in the past are slowly vanishing.  It is a pity.  I hope to contribute my old memories and help bring them back to life.”  Maggie said that micro-scale modelling is not a lucrative business.  “It is a hobby for life.  To me, this hobby carries great significance.”