Freedom is to do what I love and to be able to travel and live anywhere I want to as long as there are no or less travel and visa restrictions. The world is my oyster. To put a limit on yourself is live inside a cage. I prefer to live in a world with no passport.
How I Tell My Story Through Photography and Video (Filmmaking)
How Hong Kong Has Dealt with the Fifth Wave of the Covid-19 Infection
With the strict pandemic restrictions in the city of Hong Kong due to the surge of Omicron Covid-19 cases here, I've decided to do a photography essay and a video project about how the city is dealing with the situation. Hopefully this gives you an idea how the city of Hong Kong and the Hong Kongers are coping with what's going on. You can also compare how this city is dealing with the pandemic in contrast with other cities in other countries. I do believe that the city is doing well. I would rather be here than anywhere else. I still feel it is the safest city compared to other cities in the world. Just look at the numbers. In Los Angeles, where I came from before I moved to live in Asia more than seven years ago, the deaths in just one day was 84 compared to 7 deaths only since February 11.
As a photographer and a filmmaker, I am trying to capture images and videos of what the mood is like in Hong Kong. Actually as soon as the fifth wave hit, suddenly Hong Kong became a little bit of a ghost town, especially at night. Usually Hong Kong is alive and crowded at night. Suddenly less people were out and about. But lately after two months of restrictions, it seems like people are getting tired of it as I see more people going out more in some neighborhoods. Well, that's just me. As for the rest of the world, in the US, it seems like the mask mandates have been lifted already despite the fact that there is still quite a large number of people dying from Covid-19. Actually in the US, the death rate is about to reach a million people.
I think somehow, just like the rest of the world, even though there are still a lot of people dying from Covid-19, not just the unvaccinated but even a few vaccinated ones, I think a lot of people are beginning to get sick of the restrictions such as mask mandate and social distancing rules and now ignoring the numbers. As for me, I trust the numbers more than the restrictions. Even if the restrictions are eased or lifted, I will look at the numbers. If I see that the numbers of infected and deaths are still quite high, then I would still do all the precautions needed not just to protect myself but also others by wearing a mask and keeping myself distance from people and other precautions.
Nevertheless, I still feel much safer here in Hong Kong compared to other places just because of the restrictions imposed over here. On the other hand, we still have a lot more freedom here .
Anyway as a photographer and a filmmaker, I don't want my words and text to tell what the mood is like in Hong Kong right now during this Fifth wave. I would rather let my photographs and moving images or videos to tell the story.
Hong Kong at Night During the Fifth Wave of Covid-19 Infections
Christmas and New Years Eve Events Are Cancelled In Hong Kong
A lot of Christmas and New Years Eve (this one is one of famous fireworks display) have been cancelled due to the increase of the Covid-19 coronavirus cases here. I have a feeling Hong Kong might become like Malaysia. Well, hopefully not, but city of Hong Kong is more densely populated than the country of Malaysia. When I left Malaysia, there were only around 9000 cases last September 9, suddenly in three months, there are now more than 70,000 cases. I do hope Malaysia can control it from spreading some more.
Love Trumps Hate
There is a God, and this proves it. The people have spoken. Of course, the US is still divided, but at least more than half were smart enough to know what's the right thing to do. (Excuse the pun) But this time, Love trumps Hate ♥️. So glad that there are still people out there who are smart and have a good heart 😷 but it is still sad that still around half of the US support a misogynistic, racist, mean (picks on the disable, the veterans, heroes, government officials who are trying to protect people from getting sick and dying, etc), a habitual liar, a violence and hate instigator and the list goes on. Mind you, these observations from me are not from other posting. These are from my observation of him on video. If his supporters cannot get these terrible attitudes and behaviour from his actions and speeches recorded on video, you must be blind or you also share the same attitude and behaviour as he does. Now it feels as if America is getting a shower after four years of dirt. Here's the deal. Just because he supports Christmas, anti-abortion and all those values, it doesn't mean he is a great leader and a good guy. Usually as mentioned in the Bible, a false prophet would do that to deceive you.
Hong Kong, The Worst City for Expats? I Don't Think So…
Yeah, the cost of living here is quite high, but other than that, Hong Kong is great. I love it here. I actually feel safer and more stable here than anywhere else right now. One of the few cities with very few number of covid-19 cases and deaths: 5948 cases and 108 deaths for a city that's densely populated. In addition, I can walk here very late at night, even after midnight or wee hours of the morning, and I feel safe. I don't have to worry about getting mugged. Actually my French friend told me that it is less safe in Paris where you can get mugged. And there were many times that I lost something valuable and got them back. People actually run after me and try to catch me to give something valuable to me that I accidentally forget such as a camera or a phone. And some people will actually walk me to a place I can't find even if it is a little far such as one block away. I am actually extremely grateful to be here The media can be harsh sometimes. Possibly people who do these studies or do this reporting never lived here nor even visited this city. I actually know some people who judge a place or it's people, and their knowledge about the place or its people is way off, and yet even if they've never been there, they still act as if they're right about it. Their knowledge is just based on assumptions. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3111462/hong-kong-second-worst-city-asia-expats-live-due-soaring
Watch for my Vlogs about Different Neighborhoods and Interesting Places to Visit In Hong Kong
I will be filming videos about the different neighborhoods and interesting places in Hong Kong soon, so watch out for them. Make sure to follow, subscribe to and like any one or most of my social media profiles to get updated with these contents. Besides those, other more interesting subjects will also be featured.
Why It Is Not Good To Travel During the Pandemic.
I won't be traveling right now unless it is really necessary like when I left for Hong Kong from Malaysia. Though Malaysia did extend the tourist visa for foreigners until December 31, as soon as I left, the number of covid-19 cases increased three-fold, and now they are in a lockdown again. So far, every decision I've made was right on. Besides most countries have travel bans and won't let foreigners in. The only reason I was able to enter Hong Kong was because I had a Hong Kong ID, which was a blessing for me.
Who Was Cheated in the US Presidential Election in 2020?
2016: Trump won the Electoral College, 304 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 227 — but lost the popular count by 2.8 million votes. Though the electorate has of course grown over the years, Trump lost the popular vote by a greater margin than anyone ever elected president. No one complained about this one. Of course, if it is in your favor, you won't complain. It is human nature.
2020: But now Joe Biden won by 4 million votes (He got 75 million popular votes, the most a presidential candidate has ever got and got 290 electoral votes). And Trump supporters are complaining about it. It seems like in 2016, Hilary Clinton was the one who was cheated. I'll be honest though; I don't like her, but you gotta choose the less of all evils.
And Donald Trump's the most despicable leader I've ever seen. Would you like your child to follow his examples and be like him when he or she grows up? And if you're a Christian, do you think Jesus Christ would love to hang out and chill with him? I don't think so.
So funny.
Malaysia's Covid-19 Coronavirus Increased Three Times Since I Left for Hong Kong
Malaysia's Covid-19 cases increased to more than 30,000. When I left Malaysia for Hong Kong, it was only about 9000 cases. Now they've got targeted lockdowns in Kuala Lumpur and other surrounding cities. I made the right decision to leave at the right time. Now here in Hong Kong, it remains at around 5000 cases. Hopefully it does not also go out of control since Hong Kong is a city that's densely populated and has eased the restrictions fully. As for Malaysia, I hope they are able to control the spread before it gets worse. Malaysia definitely has a place in my heart. I wouldn't mind living there for good too. Unfortunately I was just a tourist there when I got stranded over there for seven months 🙄 If I were in Kuala Lumpur now, I would have been stuck inside my apartment again. Here in Hong Kong, I can go outside and go anywhere, except Macao and Mainland China 🙄
My Philosophy in Life Is the Same as Bruce Lee's which I also Apply to my Creative Pursuits
"If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There
plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." Bruce Lee
This philosophy is something I apply in my life. I definitely don't like it when someone asks me "Can you do that?" Of course, even if it might be impossible, you should not give up and try. Isn't the reason why the astronauts were able to go to the moon? The ones who thought about going to the moon did not tell themselves: Oh, I don't think we'll be able to go up to the moon and walk on it someday. They tried and succeeded. Same thing with the Wright Brothers, the ones who invented the airplane. They did not tell themselves: Oh, I don't think we'll be able to fly like the birds. They tried and succeeded. Same thing with the explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. They did not tell themselves: Oh, I don't think I can reach another land by ship. They just did it and succeeded. Sometimes we underestimate our abilities, and this puts a limit on what we can do. The way I see it, just try and do your best. Sometimes you'd be surprised by what you can do.
I think for the most part, everything I tried, I was able to do it. Of course, some things I have tried to do also failed, but you know what, I learned from them and figured out what my weaknesses are. And for most of these things where I have failed, I have not given up on them. I will give them another try, but this time, with all the things I have learned from my mistakes, which were the reasons why I have failed, I can correct these mistakes on my next try.
For example, believe it or not, I tried to make two low budget feature films, but unfortunately I did not get to complete them. But since I learned a lot from my mistakes in making them and the reasons why I have failed to complete them, the next time I try making one again, then maybe there is a big chance I will be able to complete it this time. And definitely, I will try to make one again, but this time I have a different strategy. And with the new technology at my disposal, I have more tools I need to be able to make and complete this project. Definitely I have not given up on a dream. I do believe that I can make a good film. Maybe it just has to be the right time at the right place. Since most of my stories are set in different parts of Asia, I believe this is where I will make my film.
Actually in Hangzhou, China, I almost did an episodic show that is about foreigners living in China, but unfortunately that project fell apart since the producer did not manage to get the financing for it. But I think this project can also be done anywhere in Asia, even here in Hong Kong, so definitely this is one of the film projects I want to pursue here in Asia.
Just like Bruce Lee, "Be like water." Whatever goals and creative pursuits I have, I have to adapt to what is around me and use it to my advantage and be flexible with everything I do.
What I Feel About a Typical Human Being
A lot of people put themselves in the confines of what they're most comfortable with, what they're most familiar with, what they think is right based on their beliefs and experience that they lost sight of being curious, something we always have as a child growing up and the willingness to open up, learn and absorb the other things that make us a more well-rounded human being with the ability to think independently without the influence of other people, the media and other external factors. I do believe that there is something to learn from every culture, every country, every race, every human being that can contribute to what it is to be human. It is the reason why I travel. It is that quest that keeps me growing as a human being, a life student. And when you vote in this election, go with your mind and not get influenced by your party affiliation, your religion or the media. All these external factors tend to influence us so much that we lose sight of being a decent human being who can think on her own, knowing what's right and what's wrong, which I believe is based on our instinct and our inherent moral values, not our religion or other things.
The Difference Between the Lifestyle in East Asian Countries and Southeast Asian Countries
My life in Hong Kong is a lot more hectic than if I live in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. But then again, living in East Asian countries such as South Korea, China and probably, Taiwan and Japan, the two places I have not lived in yet but might consider moving to someday, tend to be more fast paced than living in Southeast Asian countries where life is a lot more laid back.
Self Portrait
The Difference Between Hong Kong and Malaysia When Dealing with the Covid-19 Coronavirus
What is the difference between the US and Malaysia when dealing with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? Well, it is like black and white. While the number of the coronavirus infections and deaths continues to increase in the US (United States of America), a lot of people are protesting against the lockdown; on the other hand, here in Malaysia as the government is about to start to reopen the economy and lift the lockdown, more than 250, 000 signatures were garnered at Change.org in order to file a petition to stop the measures from being partially lifted. This is despite the number of cases being much lower than in the US with just 6,353 compared to 1.19 million and number of deaths which is 105 compared to 68,565.
Also the city of Penang, where I got stuck during the lockdown for the seventh week now, postponed reopening the economy and still continued with the full lockdown (or movement control order (MCO) . Eventually the plan is to lift the lockdown on May 12, and yet there is a talk, it might even get extended to two more weeks. Mind you, the economy of Malaysia is also being affected tremendously. This just shows how serious this country, its government and its peoples about controlling the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
How to Verify the Authenticity of the Articles You Read Either Online or Offline
Get to know the source better. Understand their mission and who manages the information. Understand the content properly. Some websites tend to sensationalize headlines in hopes to bring in more pageviews. It's important to read the headline and the content. Double check the date. Sometimes old news surfaces, confusing readers. Verify the research. A lot of news and content carry sources. Verifying where they came from helps you to understand the issue and its motives better. Get to know the author of the piece. Is this person real and what is their background? Double check if it's not satire. You can do this by looking under the website's 'About Us' section Avoid prejudice. Understand that your belief in something can influence your judgement. Ask an expert. If at all you're unsure about something, it's always good to speak to an expert to understand a topic or issue better. Stay informed, stay safe.
I Love To Walk
In the US, I rarely walk unless I am going for a hike or a walk in the park or a walk on the beach. But here in Asia, I tend to walk a lot, especially when going from one bus stop to another or from one MRT (subway, monorail, elevated train, etc). And if my destination is within walking distance, I prefer to walk (especially if I am not in a rush). At least I am able to see the neighborhoods up close and at the same time, capture some images and videos for my photography and video projects. Also you learn a lot about a neighborhood and its people by walking and interacting with them. I just wish that even though I am not shy, I’ve got the nerve to ask people to photograph them and to shoot a video of them as part of my travel photography and video project.
It is Why I Travel
A lot of people put themselves in the confines of what they're most comfortable with, what they're most familiar with, what they think is right based on their beliefs and experience that they lost sight of being curious, something we always have as a child growing up and the willingness to open up, learn and absorb the other things that make us a more well-rounded human being with the ability to think independently without the influence of other people, the media and other external factors. I do believe that there is something to learn from every culture, every country, every race, every human being that can contribute to what it is to be human. It is the reason why I travel. It is that quest that keeps me growing as a human being, a life student. And when you vote in this election, go with your mind and not get influenced by your party affiliation, your religion or the media. All these external factors tend to influence us so much that we lose sight of being a decent human being who can think on her own, knowing what's right and what's wrong, which I believe is based on our instinct and our inherent moral values, not our religion or other things (material things, being popular, peer pressure, etc.) You just have to really look inside yourself, no need for the Bible or any other religious books to guide, and if you have empathy, you would know it. On the other hand, if you're just plain selfish, I don't think you would know it. Though I am here in Hong Kong, for sure I will vote through absentee ballot. I just hope it makes a dent.
I Arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia and Am Now Doing the Mandatory 14 Day Quarantine
So I arrived here in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last September 9. Now I am on my 4th of quarantine, and so far, so good. It seems that I passed my first Covid-19 coronavirus test, but anyway I have to do another one on the 13th day of my quarantine. Anyway for the first night, the Hong Government put me up at another hotel and paid for it since I arrived late at night, and result of the test could not be checked until the next day. If I had arrived earlier, I would have gone straight to the hotel I chose to stay in and paid for. I assume that if I had tested positive, the HK government would have taken to a medical facility instead, but since I passed it, I was able to go to my choice of accomodations for the rest of my 14 day quarantine. Anyway I was made to download an app and was made to wear a wrist band to keep track of me. Should I ever leave the place where I am supposed to stay for my quarantine without going out, this could land me and get fined. Not too mention, getting deported, so definitely this is something I should comply with no resistance. Besides it is needed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus just in case I have it even if I am asymptomatic. Anyway quarantine is not bad. Besides when I was in Malaysia, I was in a lockdown for two months straight, not going out but staying inside the homestay. Besides there is plenty of things to do while in a quarantine: photo editing, video editing, writing, reading, watching movies and TV shows on Netflix, watching YouTube, doing some business tasks. It is a little sacrifice I have to do for the sake of controlling the spread of the virus, not just for my own health but also for the rest of the world.
Almost Time to Leave Malaysia for Hong Kong
September 9 is the date I will leave Malaysia for Hong Kong. I've never ever thought of being here for almost seven months. I could have gone to other countries, but I got stuck here instead due to travel bans, but no regrets, I got to like this country some more, and for sure, if only it is possible, I won't mind living and setting down here, but sometimes good things come to an end, and now to time start another chapter. Well, more like go back to a previous chapter and restarting that one. Maybe the second time around, it will offer something more exciting and different
