這是讀者send給我的,希望能和大家分享7.21元朗恐襲的情況。
歡迎轉載,讓更多人看見香港發生了甚麼事。
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〈完美的一天 A Perfect Day〉
尋日(2019年7月21日)爭少少就係完美嘅一天。
It is almost a perfect day yesterday (21 July 2019).
我係一個普通嘅香港市民,八十後、基督徒、亦係天水圍人,尋日係星期日,我如常同太太出返九龍區嘅教會返崇拜,食完個晏就同太太同朋友去咗尖沙咀行街,之後喺海運戲院睇《反斗奇兵4》,然後食完飯就坐西鐵返屋企。
I am a normal Hong Kong citizen. Born in the 80's, a Christian who lives in Tin Shui Wai. Yesterday was a normal Sunday. I went back to church to join the worship with my wife in Kowloon, joined our friends for lunch in Tsim Sha Tsui, watched Toy Story 4 at the Grand Ocean cinema, and went back home after dinner by West Rail.
大約晚上十點幾喺柯士甸站上西鐵,上咗西鐵一切都好平常,直到接近十一點左右去到元朗站,月台上面傳來大叫「有人受傷、需要支援」嘅呼叫聲,而列車亦因為混亂無法開車,我就落咗去大堂睇一睇發生咩事,老婆留咗喺車廂入面。原來大堂果度一班喺閘入面嘅人已經開緊遮,佢哋俾一班閘外面身穿白色tee裇嘅人以木棍、水樽、棒球棍襲擊緊,出唔到閘。我最初觀察白衫人大約有四五十人左右,都係中年,亦有較年長嘅,識講廣東話粗口,兇神惡煞,非常激動。
At about 10pm, we were at the Austin Station, everything looked normal in the West Rail train. Our train arrived at Yuen Long Station just before 11pm, we heard a screaming, "Someone's hurt, we need backups!", and our train was stopped because of this confusion. I asked my wife to stay in the train, while I got off and went down to the station lobby to see what happened. Inside the gate, there were people holding their umbrellas up, defending from a group of gangsters who were all wearing white-shirts, attacking people inside the gate with wooden sticks, water bottles and baseball bats. People were trapped inside. There were around 40 to 50 white-shirt gangsters, mainly in their middle-aged, some were even older, shouted fiercely in Cantonese foul languages with agitation.
閘內地下留有鮮血血跡,我亦望到遠處閘外大堂有一名傷者受傷倒地,不斷俾白衫人凶緊,因為情況太危險我就無出閘幫手。我本身後退緊,打算上返車廂,就喺呢個時候閘內嘅市民突然全部退後,一湧而來,部份人衝入廁所,其他人就喺我身邊經過衝上扶手電梯梯同樓梯上月台,打算入車廂。
There were fresh blood stains on the floor inside the gate. Outside the gate not far away, there was someone injured, lying down on the floor, constantly threatening by a white-shirt gangster. I did not go out and help him due to the dangerous situation and I tended to go back up to the train. At that very moment, people inside the gate were suddenly moved back towards me. Some rushed into the washroom, others ran passed me and dashed to the platform through the escalators and staircase, and planned to reach the train for safety.
我見身邊有人跌倒,想幫又幫唔到手。然後白衫人已經殺到埋身,我正準備跑上扶手電梯上月台嘅時候就俾人從後襲擊咗後腦一下,我一邊跑一邊回望,睇到一個白衫人拎住枝棒球棍對住扶手電梯上面嘅人(包括我)大聲叫罵「 ___ 你老母」(第一個字聽得唔太清楚,請自行填充。)
Someone fell down next to me, I wished to help but I couldn't. The white-shirt gangsters were fast approaching, and I was about to rush back to the escalator. All of a sudden, I was attacked at my hindbrain, out of nowhere! I kept running and looked back at the attacker, it was a white-shirt gangster who was holding a baseball bat, yelling to the people (including me) on the escalator: YOU MOTHER _______ ! (I didn't hear it clearly, fill-in as you like)
我繼續上返月台,之後回頭望佢並無再追上嚟。我同其他乘客求奇衝入咗最尾一卡車廂,本身我都唔知自己流血,後來有其他乘客話我知我流緊血至知自己受咗傷。最後有啲熱心嘅乘客幫我消毒同包扎傷口(回想返先記得我咁大個仔都係第一次用M巾),同埋讓咗個位俾我坐。
I kept fleeing back to the platform, that white-shirt gangster had stopped chasing us. I went in the train with other passengers, and I did not even realized that I was bleeding until someone told me. Some very friendly passengers helped me to clean and wrap the wound (well, that was the first time I used sanitary pad), and nice enough to give me a seat.
過程之中我一邊用電話聯絡返老婆同佢報平安,佢話有人入咗車廂打人。而身邊嘅乘客都好不安,因為好擔心白衫嘅黑社會(我嗰刻至知原來係黑社會嚟嘅)會衝入嚟打人,好想快啲開車。同時亦開始有人話前面車廂(我係車尾)已經打緊,情況好混亂,好多人都好驚同鼓譟。唔知過咗幾耐(好似港鐵出咗聲明「詳細交代事件」,應該有寫詳細時間),我就坐返同一班列車去天水圍站,匯合返我老婆同遇到救護員,送咗去天水圍醫院,聯咗三針。我喺急症室等候期間,都不斷有被打受傷嘅人送入嚟急症室,估計有五至六個都係喺西鐵被襲的。
I was talking to my wife through the phone throughout the whole process. She told me that those gangsters were attacking people inside the train. Passengers around me were extremely worried, we were all afraid that those white-shirt Triad gangsters (now I knew they are Triad) will storme in and attack. We all hope that the train will move out from the station soon. At the same time, people were saying that there were attacks at the train head (I was at the tail), we were all in confusions and panics. After some minutes (looks like the MTR has made a statement regarding the detailed time), the train has finally moved, and I arrived Tin Shui Wai Station at last. I found my wife, we went straight to an Ambulanceman and admitted to the Tin Shui Wai Hospital afterwards, where I had my three stitches done. While I was waiting in the Emergency Room, 5 or 6 more injured people were sent in due to the West Rail attack.
急症室當值嘅警察都有主動問我係咪需要報案,我考慮咗一陣最後都同意咗,後來重案組亦係大約兩三個鐘後嚟同我落口供,佢問完個人資料之後,第一個問題就係問我有無出去遊行。我答無,佢好似有少少疑惑,我就拎返我張染咗血漬嘅《反斗奇兵4》嘅票尾比佢睇,佢先至再繼續同我落口供。最後我搞到清晨五點幾至返到屋企。
Policeman stationed in the Emergency Room has asked if I need to file a report. I had agreed after some consideration. The Crime Unit has also arrived after 2 to 3 hours to take my statement. After taking my personal information, he asked directly, "Did you join the protest march today?" I said, "No". He looked doubt. I took out the Toy Story 4 ticket stained with my blood and showed him, then he stopped questioning me. Eventually, I went home at about 5am.
其實本身尋日都係好平常嘅一日,同老婆行街、睇戲、食飯。之前我一直都有留意社會上發生嘅事,知道社會瀰漫住好多負面情緒。所以尋日我本身都打算俾自己抖一抖,放低時事一日。無奈就喺我休息、喺我最平常嘅生活當中,遇上咗無差別嘅襲擊,正所謂「我唔搞政治、政治一樣會嚟搞我」。我俾人扑濕,一定係我有做錯,而我最錯嘅係咩?我諗應該係因為我睇咗美帝嘅卡通電影。
It was a very normal day yesterday - shopping with my wife, watching movie, have a great dinner. I know what had happened lately in this city and how desperate people are these days. So I planned to have a relaxed day and free from the news. The ironic part is, on the day I was trying to rest and have a life, it was the day I encountered the indiscriminate attack. There is this saying, "you don't mess with politics, politics will mess with you eventually". I was attacked, so I must have done something wrong? What did I do wrong? Oh, I guess it must have been about me watching the American animation.
我知道我受嘅傷,同喺中上環俾警察無預警下開槍射傷嘅市民比,實在係微不足道(其實佢哋更應被關注!)。不過身邊聽到我經歷嘅朋友都好驚、好忿怒,其實我都係好忿怒、好無助,我地都無辦法明白到底點解坐西鐵返屋企會俾黑社會打,而點解警察又唔嚟阻止?但我更加感受到嘅係市民果種恐懼同絕望感,人群閃躲之際有人跌倒,有人落單,大家衝入車廂果陣會唔會發生人踩人?我老婆都陪伴咗個受驚而情緒失控嘅少女。大家都好驚、好恐懼、好絕望、好furious。人係受威脅之下,會出現figh-or-flight的反應,喺腎上腺素嘅驅使之下,一係會反擊,一係會逃走,但手無寸鐵嘅市民被圍困係車廂中被人撳住嚟打,既不能fight , 又不能flight,果種絕望同恐懼的確唔係三言兩語講得明白,往後嘅心理創傷同陰影烙印,可以係一生之久。
Comparing to those protesters shot by the Policemen without warning in Sheung Wan and Central, I was nothing (we should pay more attention to them instead!). But friends around me were shocked and outraged about my attack. To be frank, I was shocked too. Who would imagine that attack will come when I was just taking the West Rail train back home? And where were the Policemen when we need them? And most of all, I experienced the same fear and desperation with the passengers. People were dodging, falling down, left behind, there could be stampede when we rushed back to the train! My wife had also stayed and comforted a young girl who had almost lost control because of the frightening situation. Everyone was afraid, worried, hopeless and furious. When people are being threatened, there is a response called "fight-or-flight". The adrenaline will drive you to either fight back or take flight. Unfortunately, when we were unarmed and trapped inside the train, we cannot fight back, we cannot take flight, there is no word to describe the despair and fear in that scenario. The psychological trauma and shadow can be life-long.
的確,喺某啲人眼中,無論我係幾無辜被打,我走得慢所以我都依然係抵死,又或者一定係我經過元朗所以抵打。但我呢刻已經無力去鬧爆佢哋,咁做對我嚟講亦係無乜意思。我唔覺得襲擊我嘅人有幾大機會會被繩之於法,我亦都唔想停留喺去點樣出呢啖氣。難道戰爭中國家的政府會為一個被殺嘅平民作出調查麼?戰時社會有戰時嘅生存法則,我不得不面對現實:香港其實同戰爭社會已經無乜大分別,香港警隊同呢個政府係點做嘢,我已經無興趣知。
Some people may say, regardless of how innocent I am, that still, I was to blame. Maybe I ran too slow so I was meant to be attacked. Maybe I passed by Yuen Long so I should have known it better. I do not want to debate with their accusations, it is meaningless anyway. In my believe, there is no hope in taking the attacker down in my case, and I have no intention to take revenge. You see, when there is war in a country, the government will not take it serious when a citizen got killed. Wartime society has its own law of survival, and I have to deal with this reality: Hong Kong is in war now, and I have zero interest in what the HK Police Force and the government will take serious into.
但我都仍然想表達,香港人真係好有愛,喺亂世之時,大家都仍然能夠守望相助,我感受到被愛。車上嘅乘客不斷安慰我,不斷喺有限嘅物資之中幫我消毒止血做急救,救護員都幫咗我好多,我嘅朋友本身已經返咗喺市區嘅屋企都衝返入嚟睇我,亦有朋友係專登揸車入嚟,我嘅屋企人陪我喺急症室等通宵。所有朋友嘅安慰、慰問同祝福我都感受到。
There is one thing I must say. Hong Kong people are really full of passion. During this chaotic time, people are still willing to look after each other. I am blessed with their love: Passengers on the train have comforted me, treated my wound carefully when there is lack of first-aid materials; the professional treatment by the Ambulancemen; some friends have even rushed back after arriving their homes in downtown, one even drove his car all the way to the hospital; my family who have stayed with me in the Emergency Room throughout the whole night; all the comforts, loves and blessings from my friends…I am so blessed.
我唔係想講受襲嘅事唔重要,或者我要淡化、粉飾太平,我相信任何一個有良知嘅人都會對所有尋晚係西鐵上無辜受襲嘅市民感到心痛同忿怒。不過,我亦知道我哋呢種忿怒已經無處可容,因為呢個社會嘅制度已經崩壞,極權肆虐到一個點係唔可能再容許我哋有自己嘅思想同感受。塗鴉一個圖案可以係破壞政府管治基礎嘅底線,如此荒謬嘅話仲係出自一區首長之口,譴責圖案受破壞,比危殆嘅人命還緊要,我就明白到,無人性嘅極權眼中又點會睇到平民百姓人命價值嘅可貴?呢個邪惡嘅政治制度不過係想透過「收買人命」嘅恐慌嚟製造威權管治嘅理由,逼使人民放棄思想同抗爭,做個順民去拜服極權,等佢哋以為自己可以千秋萬世。
I will not say that the attack is not important, or lighten it up or paper over the cracks. Anyone have conscious will definitely be heartbroken and ambushed about the attack at the West Rail. But the truth is that, our outrageous has nowhere to escape. Our society system is corrupting, the totalitarianism is raging brutally to a point where no one is allowed to have their own thinking and feeling. When a simple graffiti is an act to test the bottom line of the government's governance, when the Chief Executive ridiculously condemns the destruction of a symbolic device more than the vicious attack to innocent citizen, I know that our lives have absolutely no values to these senior officials. This evil political system is taking lives, creating the chaos and the reason for their stuck-up governance, forcing the people to give up fighting, while eventually the people will worship them as gods with their kingdom lasts forever.
但係,在荒謬絕倫、置身喺邪惡陰謀嘅被襲經驗之中,我感受到身邊仍然有可愛嘅人,無論係素未謀面嘅乘客、救護員、定係我嘅朋友同家人,係佢地嘅愛同關心,使我能夠克服果種面對荒謬時嘅無助感,令我能夠有信心繼續行落去,有勇氣去面對果份無可躲避嘅恐懼,有盼望去戰勝果啲因擔心無差別隨機攻擊而帶嚟嘅心理壓力。
However, in this ridiculous attack experience under the evil conspiracy, there are lovely people around me: passengers , Ambulancemen, friends and family, for their loves and comforts give me the strength to overcome the helpless feeling throughout this absurd situation, the faith to move on, the courage to face the inevitable fear, and the hope to concur the in-depth pressure caused by the desperation of the indiscriminate attack.
昨日的我,經歷了被襲擊,令我完美的一天不再完美,但我卻在遭害和恐懼當中發現了愛和勇氣,是香港人守望的愛。
I was attacked yesterday, and it made my perfect day imperfect. But I found love and courage in the time of danger and fear. Hong Kong people do watch over for each other.
是的,香港人很有愛,所以我們值得擁有比現在更好的社會領袖和政治制度,We deserve better。因為你們有愛,所以我能夠不再怕遭害。因為你們有愛,所以我能夠堅持這個心願。因為你們有愛,所以我有信心香港人能夠一齊撐落去。
HongKongers are so full of love, that is why we deserve better society leaders and political system. We DO deserve better. Because of your love, I do not fear the danger. Because of your love, I can hold tight to hope. Because of your love, I have faith that HongKongers can stick together and make our own future.
香港人,加油💪🏻!
HongKongers, ADD OIL!
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迷樣山城😍😍有看過這樣的九份嗎?
今天,我要搭乘台灣觀巴,去一個非常迷人的山城-九份!
Today, we are using the Taiwan Tour Bus to go to a stunning town up in the mountain called Jioufeng.
2016-2017 Episode 17 Taipei Cultural Antiquities Walking Tour (2) 九份走透透(新北市)
Transcript 影片文字稿:
九份是瑞芳區的一個小聚落,西元1893年發現黃金之後,最多高達三、四千戶人家居住在這裡。為了就是來這裡淘金。
Jioufeng use to be a small gathering area for the people of Rueifang. In 1893 at least 3000 to 4000 people gathered here once gold was found in this area.
這裡開採黃金的坑道共有10個,每個相隔海拔100公尺,這是第九個坑道,叫做國英坑。
There is a total of 10 tunnels dugout during the gold rush. Each 100 meters apart. This is the 9th tunnel called TaiYang Ninth Tunnel.
這座山城當年因淘金熱而興起,曾經有過一段璀璨的黃金歲月,這些廢棄的坑道,現在都已經封閉了,遊客只能在外面拍拍照,想像當時的盛況。
This village created by the gold rush was very prosperous but now these abandoned tunnels are all restricted areas, tourist can only take pictures outside and wonder what it was like during the rush.
雖然圓不了黃金夢,但我們可以來吃吃〝黃金球〞,其實,這是九份最有名的小吃,叫做芋圓,黃色的是蕃薯口味的...嗯~QQ甜甜的~
No golden dream for me, but we can have some “golden balls”. This is actually the well-known snack in Jioufeng, its called taro balls. The yellow one is sweet potatoes flavor. Hmm, its sweet and chewy.
九份是國外觀光客來台灣,必到的景點之一
Jioufeng is a destination that all visitor stop by when travelling Taiwan.
這裡非常不錯,充滿人文氣息
It’s very nice area,It’s full of culture
我們喜歡嘗試不一樣的體驗,感受新鮮的人事物,這裡的感覺不錯
We will try some different stuff,it’s traditional stuff, really nice
對,真的很棒。
Yap, It’s good
除了品嚐好吃的小吃之外,穿梭在巷弄之間,也是一個非值得推薦的玩法,可細細感受這個山城的魅力。
Other than tasting all the wonderful snacks, exploring through the lanes and alleys is an exciting way to see the beauty of this town.
在這裡,你不用怕迷路,因為最主要的道路只有三條,橫的是基山路和輕便路,最有名的豎崎路,貫穿在這兩條路之間。
You won’t get lost here because there are only 3 main roads. The Jishan street and Qingbian Road are parallel to each other while the well-known Shuqi Road cross these two roads.
沿著豎崎路往上走,濃濃的復古風情,彷彿時光倒流般,讓人回到四、五零年代的台灣。
Walking down Shuqi road you will pass by an area vintage area, soon it will feel like you are following the footsteps into the 40’s and 50’s.
礦業沒落之後,九份幾乎變成一座空城,直到「悲情城市」這部電影,讓它再度起死回生。
After the mining declined Jioufeng became a dead town until the movie “A City of Sadness” brought it back to life.
「悲情城市」是由侯孝賢執導的,這部電影曾在威尼斯影展,獲得金獅獎的最佳影片,也帶動了九份地區的觀光,讓這個沈寂已久的山城,再度繁榮了起來。
“A City of Sadess” is directed by Hsiao-Hsien Hou and this movie lead him to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. This movie gave Jioufeng its tourism drive and set this silence town back to prosperity.
喜歡冒險的人,可以來體驗一下「穿屋巷」,出發之前要記住一點:只要往前走就對了。
Adventure junkies can come walk through the Penetrating house alleys. Just remember one thing, keep moving forward.
這裡好黑呀!
Oh! It is so dark in here!
因為九份的房子依山而蓋,為了節省來回行走的時間,於是有了這「穿屋巷」來當作捷徑,發展出這種特殊的建築藝術。
The houses in Jiufen were all built on the hills. There are many small alleys connected to the main streets to save time for the residents to walk from one street to another. This becomes an interesting artistic architecture.
前面是一座樓梯...現在怎麼辨呢?沒錯!不要懷疑,走就對了
There is a flight of stairs in front, what should I do? That’s right! Don’t hesistate, just keep going!
充滿了神祕感的九份,吸引了很多藝術家,在這裡落地生根,他們隱居在巷弄之間,如果不注意的話,很容易錯過。
The mysteries of Jioufeng has attracted a lot of artists to settle here. They live in their privacy among the alleys. You might just bump into one.
你知道這位藝術家是如何作畫的嗎?
Do you know the material this artist uses?
是用瀝青耶
It’s asphalt.
邱老師可以為我們示範嗎
Mr. Chiu, Can you Show for us?
好的
OK!
這位國寶級的藝術大師,叫做邱錫勳,他獨創的瀝青畫,不但享譽國際,還曾經被美國總統柯林頓,還有教宗若望保祿收藏。
This national treasure maestro is Xuxun Chiu. His creation of asphalt painting is internationally collected,U.S.A President Clinton, and Pope Saint John Paul were both collectors.
這個是我耶,你們覺得像嗎?
This is me, do we look alike?
入夜後的九份,閃耀著迷人的光芒,彷彿鑽石般,這樣的美景,非常值得你來感受。
After dusk, the lights come up and the light shine like diamonds in the sky. It is definitely worth a visit.
我是林柏妤,享受你在台灣的時光,我們下次見。
I am Poyu Lin, enjoy your time in Taiwan! Chow~see you next time.
until i found you電影 在 Gregory 河國榮 Facebook 的最佳貼文
我是國榮。來自澳洲昆士蘭省,讀中學時成績非常好,分數已足夠在大學選讀任何一科。當時我希望成為一名醫生,因為可以幫助他人。我在新南威爾斯大學讀醫科,第一年是住在雪梨北區一個朋友家中,第二年入住大學國際宿舍,宿舍規定最少有半數是留學生,不是澳洲人。最先兩年結識了不少香港、新加玻、馬來西亞的朋友,與他們很合得來,不過最重要是入住宿舍後,便遇到了香港的流行歌曲。有一天我行經走廊時,聽到一些很悅耳的音樂,我便問同學這是甚麽歌曲及可否借給我欣賞,他便借了給我。我已忘記是Leslie還是Alan的歌,但肯定是其中一位。因為很喜歡這些歌曲,便到唐人街購買,後來一邊聽歌一邊看歌詞,因此慢慢地學識了很多中文字。
因為喜歡唱歌,所以在大學的同學活動,開始演唱中文歌,也曾參加香港學生會舉辦的歌唱比賽,參賽歌曲是「愛的根源」,結果獲得亞軍。我很清楚記得,國際宿舍為了文化交流,每年舉辦一次國際晚宴,希望不同種族的學生可以表演和分享文化。Leslie在一九八五年 唱Monica獲得獎項,那是一首我很喜歡的歌曲,所以在文化交流晚會我便選擇唱Monica。當時同學覺得很驚奇,我怎可能唱Monica。我是跟着錄影帶,學習他的舞步和唱歌技巧。我不停地在公眾地方練習,其他同學看到我很用心練習,也過來幫助我。在台上表演時有幾位同學為我伴舞,當晚演出非常成功。
一九八五年Leslie和幾位香港天皇巨星,來澳洲開演唱會。演唱會的主辦公司,需要義務司機,朋友問我能否當義務司機。我答應了,後來知道是當Leslie的司機。有一天他放假不用排練,我們便駕車往坎培拉,當日天氣多雲有微雨,甚麽也看不清楚,喝過咖啡後便離開,回程是Leslie駕駛,他的英語非常好,途中我們愉快地暢談,這次旅程對我來說是很重要的事情。
一九八六年Alan到來澳洲,我又當了他的司機。在他入住的酒店,介紹人在偶像面前,誤把我的名字說成河詠麟,當時在偶像面前我也不懂怎樣矯正。大約有兩年很多人以為我是河詠麟。他的四位女和音,知道我懂得唱他的歌,所以告訴了他,在排練那天他叫我上台一起唱。認識Leslie 和Alan兩位巨星,對我的影響很大,聽到他們的歌,和看到觀眾的反應,我開始對香港的歌唱發展很重視。
因為常常想着唐人街和唱歌,沒有用功讀書,因此醫科的第三年考試不合格,需要重讀,在一九八六年重讀了三個月便決定退學。
後來做了三份洗碗碟工作,還做了個多月砌磚的工作,我把工作一年多,所得工資儲起來,買了一張單程機票和帶了一千澳元,便到來香港發展。唯一的準備是問一個朋友能否到他的家中居住。他的父親很勉強地答應,但需要收租金。我甚麽準備也沒有,只是刻意買了一張單程機票,是因為不想遇到少許困難便放棄,返回澳洲。
初到香港時甚麼都不認識,沒有計劃,也沒有朋友。我最先是住在廣播道,但我的朋友不是在那裡居住,因為他還在讀書。初來時沒有事做,所以在外面逛了幾天,有一天意外地行到紅磡體育館,中門外有四名男士在吸煙,他們竟然叫我河詠麟。原來他們是Alan的樂隊成員,在一九八六年見過面,但相隔一年,竟然還可以記起我,這就是緣分。當時Alan正在為演唱會排練,他們帶我進去體育館,這樣便再見到Alan。一九八七年的演唱會是三十一場,我看了三十場。本來打算看足三十一場,但是有少許問題出現,因為我住的地方有規定,晚上十時半後便會關門,不會再讓人進出。但演唱會是不會這麽早便完場,每晚看完演唱會,我會行去尖沙嘴,然後再步行回廣播道,然後在公園外的石椅小睡,到五時公園開門便進去睡覺,但最終因捱不住,有一晚沒有去看演唱會。有一次Alan突然問我,今晚可否上台唱歌,我說當然可以,便成為他的嘉賓。我第一次表演Alan十分開心,但第二次他在台上介紹,有一個外國人,唱他的歌十分出色,當他呼喚河詠麟出場,因為我不在場,所以沒有出現。後來他問我為何沒有出現,我便向他解釋原因,他便安排我入住酒店,直到演唱會完結。所以便有第三次呼喚我上台,這是我第二次成為嘉賓跟他一起唱「朋友」,真是十分興奮。到八月他的生日會也有邀請我做嘉賓,其實每一件發生的事情都是有關係的。
後來我在北角僑冠大厦租了一間劏房居住,有一次從北角行到中環,看到一間職業介紹公司的招聘啟示,我便前往應徵。當時職員說我可以教英文,但我不是教師,他認為沒有問題,便介紹我到一間補習社工作。在補習社工作了幾個月,有一位同事看到一張電視台的海報,需要招聘 一個西方人,但要懂得說中文。我致電應徵,他是一位獨立經紀,我說沒有經驗和廣東話也不是很好,他說沒有問題。我便去見一位電視台女監製,她給我一段英文劇本,要我讀出來。因為很緊張,五分鐘都不能出聲,我跟自己說,不嘗試會後侮一生。那一段對白是警官責備下級,責備人一定是很大聲的,所以我便很大聲說出來。當時她正在做自己的事,沒有再理會我,但我的叫聲使她大吃一驚。因為沒有其他外國人給她選擇,她無奈地聘請了我,這套劇集需要兩個西方人,另外一位是當主角,從那時開始,便在電視台工作了二十年。
二零一四年九月我在N o w T V的一個音樂節目做嘉賓,在一間音樂室裡我和三位節目主持人,唱歌和談論音樂。到最近才知道,他們三位是100毛的老闆。到聖誕100毛找我拍攝雜誌封面,我不知為何找我拍攝封面,原來三位老闆是認識我的,只是我自己不知道。
二零一五年八月他們聯絡我,他們有一首歌,問我會否願意演唱,那首歌曲我很熟悉,歌詞十分口語化,應該可以學到的。但當時是星期五,表演是在星期日,只得兩天時間作準備,所以我很用心練習。舞台是有電視屏幕可以看到歌詞,但我盡量避免看電視屏幕,只是有需要時才看一看,便可以放心地唱。能夠上台非常開心,我可以扮了演一個角色,唱一首悅耳和有趣的歌,觀眾很熱鬧和興奮,真是十分難得。我知道這是一生一次,這不是自己可以做到,是他們給我機會。那首歌很受歡迎,而且登上了流行榜。聖誕節前他們聯絡我,表示將會舉辦總選,問我會否參加,我便欣然答應了。當天每位表演者,會有兩首歌曲,在十二月廿六日接到新歌,我從沒有聽過那首歌,是一首說唱歌曲,而且歌詞很陌生,對我來說十分困難,所以我不停地練習了四百多次。當晚表演由Now T V直播,有七十萬人觀看,想不到自己能夠獲得香港區最受歡迎男歌星獎,當宣佈我的名字時,極度開心,無人能想到,唱出真香港的歌曲,是由一個西方人唱出,可以感動到別人。這是天時地利人和,超乎現實,簡直是一個奇蹟。因為那首歌不是我揀選,是別人給我的,練習這首歌時眼睛常常都會充了滿淚水和很感動。
西方人在香港發展演藝事業是十分困難的,機會不多,只能扮演一些無關重要的角色,但我從來沒有想過放棄。五年前我計劃灌錄一張唱片,因為胃酸倒流,把聲帶灼傷,使我聲音變得沙啞,這件事使我非常懊惱,因為辛苦練習多年,卻發生了這個問題,後來我矯正了唱歌方法,問題得以改善,可以繼續唱歌,現在準備為唱片再進行錄音工作。
最近有很多關於少數族裔的事情出現在我身上 ,現在我為一個港台節目做旁白,是關於少數族裔在香港。他們在本地娛樂圈發展是十分困難,因為在一個有九成是同一種族的地方,看電視或電影,也是會看自己的種族,未必會看少數族裔。如果他們幾個人合作,做一個節目,然後在網上發放,是有機會成功。香港有很多少數族裔居住,有些人的中文比我好,他們也愛香港。
我心目中的香港人,是要做香港人做的事,吃香港人吃的食物,關心香港,不看膚色,希望他們也能說廣東話,最重要是覺得香港是自己的家,這便是真正的香港人。
I am Gregory. I hail from Queensland, Australia. During my high school years, my grades were excellent. They were good enough for me to enroll in any subject that I wanted to in university. At that time, I wanted to become a doctor because I could help others. I studied Medicine at the University of New South Wales. In my first year, I lived in my friend’s home located in North Sydney. During my second year, I lived in International House at the university. It was a rule for the school campus to have at least 50 percent overseas students. They cannot be Australians. I met a lot of Hong Kong, Singaporean and Malaysian friends in my first two years. I was able to get along with them very well. But what is most important was that after living in International House, I came across Hong Kong pop music. One day I was walking along the corridors and overheard beautifully melodic music. I asked my classmate what music he was listening to and if he could lend me the music to listen to. He leant it to me.
I have forgotten whether it was the music of Leslie or Alan. But I am sure it was one of them because I really liked that kind of music. I went to Chinatown to buy it. Eventually, I listened to the music as I read the lyrics. In turn, I slowly picked up a lot of Chinese characters.
I attended many different functions to perform Cantonese songs in university because I really liked to sing. I also attended a singing competition organized by the Hong Kong student association. The competition song was ‘Root of Love’. In the end I won second runner-up. I clearly remember International House wanted to organize cultural exchanges so they held international banquets each year. Their hope was for students from different ethnic backgrounds to perform and share their culture.
In 1985, Leslie won an award for singing ‘Monica’. It was a song that I really loved. During the international cultural exchange banquet, I chose to sing ‘Monica’. At that time my classmates were very surprised. How can I sing ‘Monica’? I followed the videos to learn the dance steps and singing techniques. I kept on practicing in public. Other students witnessed how hard I was practicing and came over to help me out. A few classmates became my accompanying dancers as I danced on stage. The performance that night was extremely successful.
Leslie and a group of Hong Kong superstars visited Australia to hold concerts in 1985. The concert organizer needed a voluntary driver. My friends asked me whether I wanted to be the voluntary driver. I accepted the offer. In the end I found out that I would become Leslie’s driver. There was one day when he was on break and did not need to rehearse. We drove to Canberra. It was cloudy and there was light rain on that day. We could not see clearly. After having a coffee, we left. Leslie was next to drive. His English was very good. During the journey back we chatted happily. The trip was very important to me.
In 1986, Alan came to Australia. I was also his driver. Our mutual friend misread my name as “Ho Wing Lun” in front of my idol during his stay at the hotel. I was not able to correct him at the time because Alan (“Wing Lun”) was my idol. Many people thought I was called “Ho Wing Lun” for around two years. His four back-up singers knew I was able to sing Alan’s songs. That was why they told him about it. During rehearsal day, he told me to sing with him on stage. Knowing superstars like Leslie and Alan had a great impact on me. To be able to listen to their songs and to witness the reactions from the audience led me to become interested in a singing career in Hong Kong.
I did not put in a lot of effort in my studies because I always thought of Chinatown and singing. Consequently, I failed my medical examinations in my third year. I had to re-take my subjects. In 1986, I re-took my studies for three months but then I decided to quit school.
In the end I juggled three dish washing jobs and also many months of brick laying work. I saved up a whole year of my salary and bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong. I also carried $1000 Australian dollars on me. I then went to Hong Kong to develop my career. I only asked my friend whether I could stay at his place as preparation to living in my new homeland. His father reluctantly agreed but had to receive rent. I did not have anything equipped or prepared. I only purposely bought a one-way ticket because I did not want to easily give up when I encountered minor difficulties and return to Australia.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I did not know anything. I did not have any plans. I also did not have any friends. Initially, I lived in Broadcast Drive but my friend did not live there because he was still studying. I did not have anything to do at first. That was why I hung around Hong Kong for several days. One day, by coincidence, I came across Hung Hom Coliseum. At the entrance, there were four men smoking. They noticed me and surprisingly called out “Ho Wing Lun”. They were, in fact, members of Alan’s band. We have first met in 1986. Surprisingly, they remembered me after a whole year. That is called fate. At that time, Alan was preparing for his concert. The four men brought me inside the Coliseum. I saw Alan. There were 31 shows in his 1987 concert. I watched 30 of them. I intended to watch all 31 shows but there was a slight problem. There were rules at my guest house. After ten thirty each night, the door to the home will be locked. Nobody was allowed to enter or leave the house. But concerts do not end so early. So, after watching each concert in the evening, I would walk to Tsim Sha Tsui and then walk back to Broadcast Drive. I would sleep on the concreate seats outside the park. When the park opens at five in the morning, I will go in and sleep. Eventually, I was unable to handle it. One night I cannot watch a show. Once Alan asked me “Can you sing on stage tonight?” I told him “Of course I can.” I became his special guest. Alan was extremely happy when I first performed. By the second show, he announced that: “There is a westerner who can sing my songs very well.” He called out my name “Ho Wing Lun!” But because I was not at the scene, I did not show up. Eventually, he asked me why I did not show up. I explained my reason to him. He then arranged a hotel for me to stay at until the end of the concert. That was why he was able to call me out the third time! That was my second time as special guest singing “Friends” with him. It was exhilarating. In August, he introduced me as a special guest at his birthday party. Actually, everything happens for a reason and everything is interconnected.
Soon after, I rented a tiny flat at a building in North Point to live in. I walked from North Point to Central once. I came across a recruitment agency looking to hire. I went in to give it a shot. At that time, the staff said I could teach English but I was not a teacher. The staff said it was not a problem and introduced me to work at a learning center. After working there for a few months, a colleague saw a TV station’s poster. They were looking to recruit a westerner but that person needs to be able to speak Cantonese. I called to give it a try. The person who answered was an independent agent. I told that agent I had no experience and my Cantonese was not very good. The agent told me it was not a problem. I went to see the TV station’s female producer. She gave me an English script and wanted me to read it out. I was so nervous that I did not utter a word in five minutes. I told myself, if I do not try, I will regret it for life. The dialogue depicted a police telling off a subordinate. When you tell someone off, you must be very loud so, I read my lines out very loudly. At that time, the female producer was doing her own work and did not care about me but because I was so loud, I frightened her! As there were no other westerners for her to choose from, she had no choice but to hire me. The TV show required two westerners. The other westerner played the main character. From then onwards, I worked at the TV station for twenty years.
In September 2014, I appeared as a guest on a NowTV music program. I was in a band room with the three show hosts. We sang and discussed music. Only recently, I found out that they were the Founders of 100 Most. When it was Christmas, 100 Most invited me to appear on the cover of their magazine. I did not know why they wanted me to do it – only to find out that the Founders of the magazine already knew who I was! It was just me who did not know that.
In August 2015, 100 Most contacted me and asked me whether I wanted to sing this particular song. I was very familiar with the song lyrics. The lyrics were very colloquial. I should be able to learn it. It was Friday. The performance was on Sunday. I only had two days to prepare for it. That was why I practiced very hard. The stage showcased the lyrics. But I tried my best not to look at them. I would only glance at them when I needed to. I felt more confident and assured as I sang.
I was extremely elated to be able to perform on stage. I can play a role singing a wonderful and amusing song. The audience was super warm and excited. It was a moment to be treasured. I know this can only happen once in my life. It cannot be done by myself. It is because I was given a chance by 100 Most. The song was very popular and hit the charts. Before Christmas, 100 Most contacted me and expressed that there would be a final election of the songs. They asked me whether I would like to participate. I was more than happy to give it a try. On the day of the show, each contestant would have two songs.
On the 26th of December, I received the new song. I have never heard of the song before. It was a rap song. I was very unfamiliar with the lyrics. I found them very difficult. That was why I kept practicing it for more than four hundred times. The show was broadcasted live by NowTV. Around seven hundred thousand people watched the broadcast. I cannot imagine winning the Best Hong Kong Male Singer. When my name was announced, I was extremely delighted. Nobody can imagine that a westerner was able to sing a song about ‘real Hong Kong’. It can touch people. It was something that happened at the right place and at the right time. It was also surreal and a complete miracle. It is because the song was not selected by me. It was given to me by others. My eyes were often wet from practicing this song. I was very touched.
It is very difficult for westerners to develop their artistry in the entertainment industry. Chances are slim. They can only play roles that are irrelevant and unimportant. But I never thought of giving up. Five years ago I planned to record my own album. But because of stomach acid reflux, my vocal chords got damaged. My voice became hoarse and coarse. It brought me a lot of frustrations because I have worked hard for many years. Then this happened. I then amended my singing techniques and the issue improved significantly. I was able to sing again. I am now working on re-recording my new album.
A lot of ethnic minority issues materialized around me as of late. I am currently the voice over for a RTHK program about ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It is very hard for them to develop their career in the local entertainment industry. It is because when 90 percent of the people share the same skin color comes together in a particular place, those watching TV or film will tend to watch people of their own skin color. They may not watch ethnic minorities. If a group of ethnic minorities work together to create a program for the web, it may work out. There are a lot of ethnic minorities residing in Hong Kong. Some of their Chinese is better than mine. They also love Hong Kong very much.
‘Hong Kongers’, to me, are people who need to do things ‘Hong Kongers’ do. Eat Hong Kong food. Care about Hong Kong. And do not look at skin color. I hope they can also speak Cantonese. Most importantly, they should regard Hong Kong as their home. Then, they are ‘real Hong Kongers’.