Pro-democracy Group Displays Black Cloth to Mourn the Loss of Freedom in Hong Kong
On May 29, 2022 in Hong Kong, the League of Social Justice, a pro-democracy group, organized a street booth in Causeway Bay. It was eve of the 33th anniversary of the 1989 #TiananmenMassacre.
Despite political suppression, the group displayed a black cloth, mourning the loss of the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.
The chairperson #ChanPoYing revealed that they originally prepared a banner that read "release all the political prisoners" and "power to the people".
However, one day ago, a pro-democracy radio station was fined by the authorities for "displaying unauthorized slogans". This made the League of Social Justice showcase only a black cloth.
Chan said the message was clear to every Hongkongers, "we never forget, never give up."
Source: InMedia #May29
https://bit.ly/3a3YXga
#Hongkongers #Solidarity #StreetBooth #CivilSociety
On May 29, 2022 in Hong Kong, the League of Social Justice, a pro-democracy group, organized a street booth in Causeway Bay. It was eve of the 33th anniversary of the 1989 #TiananmenMassacre.
Despite political suppression, the group displayed a black cloth, mourning the loss of the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.
The chairperson #ChanPoYing revealed that they originally prepared a banner that read "release all the political prisoners" and "power to the people".
However, one day ago, a pro-democracy radio station was fined by the authorities for "displaying unauthorized slogans". This made the League of Social Justice showcase only a black cloth.
Chan said the message was clear to every Hongkongers, "we never forget, never give up."
Source: InMedia #May29
https://bit.ly/3a3YXga
#Hongkongers #Solidarity #StreetBooth #CivilSociety
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#Solidarity #FightForFreedom
#Hongkongers in #Japan Call for International Support through Video
Hongkongers in Japan displayed a video in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement in the center of #Shibuya in #Tokyo.
The day #July1 marks the 25th anniversary of the transfer of soveignty of Hong Kong from Britain to China and two years since Beijing's enforcement of the #NationalSecurityLaw in Hong Kong
Reference:
https://twitter.com/williamleewt/status/1542817913107021825
#Handover #FreeHongKong
#Hongkongers in #Japan Call for International Support through Video
Hongkongers in Japan displayed a video in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement in the center of #Shibuya in #Tokyo.
The day #July1 marks the 25th anniversary of the transfer of soveignty of Hong Kong from Britain to China and two years since Beijing's enforcement of the #NationalSecurityLaw in Hong Kong
Reference:
https://twitter.com/williamleewt/status/1542817913107021825
#Handover #FreeHongKong
#Solidarity
#HongKongDiaspora Fights from Abroad
//Hongkongers living in Japan are trying to protect freedoms in the territory they left behind.//
Watch the video here:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220701204909434/
Source: NHK #Jul1
#Handover #FightForFreedom #Hongkongers #Japan
#HongKongDiaspora Fights from Abroad
//Hongkongers living in Japan are trying to protect freedoms in the territory they left behind.//
Watch the video here:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220701204909434/
Source: NHK #Jul1
#Handover #FightForFreedom #Hongkongers #Japan
Flowers Offered to #LeungKinFai on anniversary of Knife Attack; Offering May Violate National Security Law, Police Warned
On July 1 one year ago, local man Leung Kin-fai stabbed a police officer with a knife outside in Causeway Bay, then took his own life. The attack, which took place on the first anniversary of the #NationalSecurityLaw, was labeled as a "lone wolf-style localist terror attack" by Secretary of Security Chris Tang, who added that the authorities will prosecute any actions that incite and glorify violence.
On July 1 this year, police deployed nearly 20 officers in armored vests to guard the scene of the attack. After finding a small bouquet of white flowers on the ground, the nearby officers quickly went on high alert, cordoning off the area and detaining a nearby young man in black. The man was searched and released after about 10 minutes, and the bouquet was taken away.
The young man told reporters that the flowers were not his; he told the officers that they could verify it by CCTV. One of the officers told him that he could offer flowers on normal days, but that day was a "special day", and the National Security police will follow up on the person making the flower offering.
The act of offering flowers may be a violation of the national security law, the officer said.
Nevertheless, other citizens also laid flowers at the scene despite increased police presence. Their flowers were also quickly cleared away by plainclothes officers.
source: In-Media HK #FirstHand #Jul01
https://bit.ly/3ntDDEk
see also: Mourning activities and police response the day after the attack
Police Cordon Off Sogo Department Store to Prevent Hongkongers from Mourning Fellow Citizen
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30367
Defiant #Hongkongers continue to show respect despite tightened police grip
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30396
Police disrespectfully take away flowers for Deceased Civilian from the altar
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30395
#LeungKinFai #Remembrance #PoliceState
On July 1 one year ago, local man Leung Kin-fai stabbed a police officer with a knife outside in Causeway Bay, then took his own life. The attack, which took place on the first anniversary of the #NationalSecurityLaw, was labeled as a "lone wolf-style localist terror attack" by Secretary of Security Chris Tang, who added that the authorities will prosecute any actions that incite and glorify violence.
On July 1 this year, police deployed nearly 20 officers in armored vests to guard the scene of the attack. After finding a small bouquet of white flowers on the ground, the nearby officers quickly went on high alert, cordoning off the area and detaining a nearby young man in black. The man was searched and released after about 10 minutes, and the bouquet was taken away.
The young man told reporters that the flowers were not his; he told the officers that they could verify it by CCTV. One of the officers told him that he could offer flowers on normal days, but that day was a "special day", and the National Security police will follow up on the person making the flower offering.
The act of offering flowers may be a violation of the national security law, the officer said.
Nevertheless, other citizens also laid flowers at the scene despite increased police presence. Their flowers were also quickly cleared away by plainclothes officers.
source: In-Media HK #FirstHand #Jul01
https://bit.ly/3ntDDEk
see also: Mourning activities and police response the day after the attack
Police Cordon Off Sogo Department Store to Prevent Hongkongers from Mourning Fellow Citizen
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30367
Defiant #Hongkongers continue to show respect despite tightened police grip
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30396
Police disrespectfully take away flowers for Deceased Civilian from the altar
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30395
#LeungKinFai #Remembrance #PoliceState
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#PoliceState
Police Cordon Off Sogo Department Store to Prevent Hongkongers from Mourning Fellow Citizen
At around 17:20 in Hong Kong on July 2, 2021, over 50 police officers, all wearing stab proof vests, are stationed in Causeway Bay.
They cordoned off…
Police Cordon Off Sogo Department Store to Prevent Hongkongers from Mourning Fellow Citizen
At around 17:20 in Hong Kong on July 2, 2021, over 50 police officers, all wearing stab proof vests, are stationed in Causeway Bay.
They cordoned off…
#Hongkongers Say Farewell to Local Pro-Democracy Clothing Store #Chickeeduck
The last store of #Chickeeduck in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, was shut down on July 10, 2022. Many Hongkongers paid visit to the store and showed appreciation for the owner #ChowSiuLung, as he had been vocal in support of the city's pro-democracy movement.
Chow displayed the miniature of the Goddess of Liberty in his stores. When he opened his store in Tsuen Wan last year, national security police raided his store but arrested no one. In November 2021, Chow announced the closure of his business in Hong Kong, as his factories were harassed and business partners were slandered due to Chow's pro-democracy stance.
On July 11, 2022, customers visiting the store mentioned how Chickeeduck, a local children's clothing store, was their childhood memories. Some talked about the products' excellent quality and the fond memory of the owner, even during random encounters.
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
#Chickeeduck #ChowSiuLung
https://bit.ly/3ap51R8
The last store of #Chickeeduck in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, was shut down on July 10, 2022. Many Hongkongers paid visit to the store and showed appreciation for the owner #ChowSiuLung, as he had been vocal in support of the city's pro-democracy movement.
Chow displayed the miniature of the Goddess of Liberty in his stores. When he opened his store in Tsuen Wan last year, national security police raided his store but arrested no one. In November 2021, Chow announced the closure of his business in Hong Kong, as his factories were harassed and business partners were slandered due to Chow's pro-democracy stance.
On July 11, 2022, customers visiting the store mentioned how Chickeeduck, a local children's clothing store, was their childhood memories. Some talked about the products' excellent quality and the fond memory of the owner, even during random encounters.
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
#Chickeeduck #ChowSiuLung
https://bit.ly/3ap51R8
#Hongkongers Say Farewell to Local Pro-Democracy Clothing Store #Chickeeduck
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
Read more
⬇️⬇️
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
Read more
⬇️⬇️
#Hongkongers Say Farewell to Local Pro-Democracy Clothing Store #Chickeeduck
The last store of #Chickeeduck in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, was shut down on July 10, 2022. Many Hongkongers paid visit to the store and showed appreciation for the owner #ChowSiuLung, as he had been vocal in support of the city's pro-democracy movement.
Chow displayed the miniature of the Goddess of Liberty in his stores. When he opened his store in Tsuen Wan last year, national security police raided his store but arrested no one. In November 2021, Chow announced the closure of his business in Hong Kong, as his factories were harassed and business partners were slandered due to Chow's pro-democracy stance.
On July 11, 2022, customers visiting the store mentioned how Chickeeduck, a local children's clothing store, was their childhood memories. Some talked about the products' excellent quality and the fond memory of the owner, even during random encounters.
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
#Chickeeduck #ChowSiuLung
https://bit.ly/3ap51R8
The last store of #Chickeeduck in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, was shut down on July 10, 2022. Many Hongkongers paid visit to the store and showed appreciation for the owner #ChowSiuLung, as he had been vocal in support of the city's pro-democracy movement.
Chow displayed the miniature of the Goddess of Liberty in his stores. When he opened his store in Tsuen Wan last year, national security police raided his store but arrested no one. In November 2021, Chow announced the closure of his business in Hong Kong, as his factories were harassed and business partners were slandered due to Chow's pro-democracy stance.
On July 11, 2022, customers visiting the store mentioned how Chickeeduck, a local children's clothing store, was their childhood memories. Some talked about the products' excellent quality and the fond memory of the owner, even during random encounters.
Images: #FirstHand
Text: InMediaHK.net #Jul10
#Chickeeduck #ChowSiuLung
https://bit.ly/3ap51R8
Hong Kong Filmmakers Sign #Manifesto to Uphold #CreativeFreedom
On July 13, 2022, thirty Hong Kong filmmakers released a manifesto, stating their determination to uphold creative freedom despite oppression.
The manifesto was initiated by Ren Xia, the director of May You Stay Young Forever, on the eve of the Hong Kong Film Awards. The manifesto aims to show solidarity and raise awareness among filmmakers. "[I] hope to let all of us [filmmakers] know we are not alone," said Ren.
The manifesto states that the filmmakers will not be deterred from speaking out. The filmmakers believe that films are most needed at these times; and that they "will be the change", and their "films will bring about changes and create a future for Hong Kong."
According to a previous survey by InMediaHK.net, at least 9 films failed to obtain a screening license or were required to censor part of their content in the past two years. The government had amended the Film Censorship Ordinance in 2021, banning films that "violate the #NationalSecurityLaw".
Source: InMediaHK.net #Jul13
https://bit.ly/3c7Vu1g
#HongKongCinema #Hongkongers
On July 13, 2022, thirty Hong Kong filmmakers released a manifesto, stating their determination to uphold creative freedom despite oppression.
The manifesto was initiated by Ren Xia, the director of May You Stay Young Forever, on the eve of the Hong Kong Film Awards. The manifesto aims to show solidarity and raise awareness among filmmakers. "[I] hope to let all of us [filmmakers] know we are not alone," said Ren.
The manifesto states that the filmmakers will not be deterred from speaking out. The filmmakers believe that films are most needed at these times; and that they "will be the change", and their "films will bring about changes and create a future for Hong Kong."
According to a previous survey by InMediaHK.net, at least 9 films failed to obtain a screening license or were required to censor part of their content in the past two years. The government had amended the Film Censorship Ordinance in 2021, banning films that "violate the #NationalSecurityLaw".
Source: InMediaHK.net #Jul13
https://bit.ly/3c7Vu1g
#HongKongCinema #Hongkongers
Hongkongers' Book Fair Cancelled, but Presses On with Online Store: "We'd Rather Be Naive than Give Up"
The annual Hong Kong Book Fair is set to take place in late July this year. However, many books that had political undertones or highlighted local culture had been banned from the book fair by local the government's Trade Development Council, who refused to explain the ban or give a list of exhibitors that they have turned away.
In light of this, local publisher Hillway Culture partnered with other like-minded exhibitors to organize the first-ever "Hongkongers' Book Fair," set to take place on July 14 in Causeway Bay.
The day before the fair was set to take place, however, the organizers received a notice from the venue owner saying that the book fair may be in breach of the fair's lease agreement, and they may need to terminate the lease, explained Hillway Culture's spokesperson Raymond Yeung during a press conference on the same afternoon.
Yeung explained in tears that he had expected all kinds of unexpected complaints against the book fair, including fire ordinances, anti-pandemic ordinances, or even the #NationalSecurityLaw. They had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the venue owners, only so that #Hongkongers can have a book fair that belonged to themselves.
A journalist at the press conference mentioned that the pro-Beijing group "Politihk Social Strategic" had called on citizens to visit the book fair and "inspect the books for law violations". Plain-clothes officers were also said to have visited the venue, and inquired about the fair at the mall's management office.
By 9pm, the organizers announced that the venue owner had terminated the lease. The owner claimed that the book fair violated the venue's usage agreement by "sub-letting" booths to exhibitors - despite the venue having been previously used to host bazaars in a similar setup. The owner had even provided photos and promoted contractors who had previously provided booth setup works. Though the fair organizers expressed that they were willing to make any adjustments necessary, the owners insisted on terminating the contract, forcing the event to be cancelled.
News of the sudden shutdown was met with quick responses from Hongkongers who looked forward to the book fair. Many commenters pledged not to refund their VIP tickets and to visit the participating bookstores. In a subsequent Facebook post, the organizers thanked Hongkongers for their "encouragements, comfort, affirmations, and suggestions. This is an unexpected gift that came after such terrible news."
The organizers have continued on with the online version of the book fair, letting Hongkongers everywhere participate despite the lack of a physical venue. They had also secured a distributor in Manchester to ship out orders made in the UK.
Borrowing a quote from the participating Boundary Bookstore, the organizers wrote: "You can mock our naivete for staying behind, but we'd rather be naive than give up."
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Hongkongers' Book Fair Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hkersbookfair/
#HKersBookFair #Suppression #Culture #BookBanning
The annual Hong Kong Book Fair is set to take place in late July this year. However, many books that had political undertones or highlighted local culture had been banned from the book fair by local the government's Trade Development Council, who refused to explain the ban or give a list of exhibitors that they have turned away.
In light of this, local publisher Hillway Culture partnered with other like-minded exhibitors to organize the first-ever "Hongkongers' Book Fair," set to take place on July 14 in Causeway Bay.
The day before the fair was set to take place, however, the organizers received a notice from the venue owner saying that the book fair may be in breach of the fair's lease agreement, and they may need to terminate the lease, explained Hillway Culture's spokesperson Raymond Yeung during a press conference on the same afternoon.
Yeung explained in tears that he had expected all kinds of unexpected complaints against the book fair, including fire ordinances, anti-pandemic ordinances, or even the #NationalSecurityLaw. They had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the venue owners, only so that #Hongkongers can have a book fair that belonged to themselves.
A journalist at the press conference mentioned that the pro-Beijing group "Politihk Social Strategic" had called on citizens to visit the book fair and "inspect the books for law violations". Plain-clothes officers were also said to have visited the venue, and inquired about the fair at the mall's management office.
By 9pm, the organizers announced that the venue owner had terminated the lease. The owner claimed that the book fair violated the venue's usage agreement by "sub-letting" booths to exhibitors - despite the venue having been previously used to host bazaars in a similar setup. The owner had even provided photos and promoted contractors who had previously provided booth setup works. Though the fair organizers expressed that they were willing to make any adjustments necessary, the owners insisted on terminating the contract, forcing the event to be cancelled.
News of the sudden shutdown was met with quick responses from Hongkongers who looked forward to the book fair. Many commenters pledged not to refund their VIP tickets and to visit the participating bookstores. In a subsequent Facebook post, the organizers thanked Hongkongers for their "encouragements, comfort, affirmations, and suggestions. This is an unexpected gift that came after such terrible news."
The organizers have continued on with the online version of the book fair, letting Hongkongers everywhere participate despite the lack of a physical venue. They had also secured a distributor in Manchester to ship out orders made in the UK.
Borrowing a quote from the participating Boundary Bookstore, the organizers wrote: "You can mock our naivete for staying behind, but we'd rather be naive than give up."
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Hongkongers' Book Fair Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hkersbookfair/
#HKersBookFair #Suppression #Culture #BookBanning
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#HKParliament
Overseas activists launching Hong Kong Parliament in exile are suspected of violating national security law : Hong Kong Security Bureau
A group of overseas #Hongkongers announced their proposal of "Hong Kong Parliament", and plan to have the first election next year.
In response, the Security Bureau published a statement to condemn the organisers, including Victor Ho Leung-Mau, Elmer Yuen Gong-Yi, Baggio Leung Chung-Hang, claiming that their actions may violate the 22nd Ordinance under #NationalSecurityLaw (#NSL) -- Subversion of the State, and will arrest them.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/33055
Elmer Yuen Gong-Yi, aged 73, is the father of former People Power Chairperson #EricaYuenMiMing and current-issue commentor #DerekYuenMiChang whose wife is a #LegCo member #EuniceYungHoiYan. Elmer Yuen has been commenting social and political issues since the 2019 #AntiELAB movement.
Victor Ho Leung-Mau was an editor-in-chief at Sing Tao Daily Canada. #BaggioLeungChungHang is a former LegCo member who was disqualified from his seat in the vow-taking incident in 2016, and had announced that he was exiled to overseas in 2020.
source: In-Media HK #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3vBMYOL
Overseas activists launching Hong Kong Parliament in exile are suspected of violating national security law : Hong Kong Security Bureau
A group of overseas #Hongkongers announced their proposal of "Hong Kong Parliament", and plan to have the first election next year.
In response, the Security Bureau published a statement to condemn the organisers, including Victor Ho Leung-Mau, Elmer Yuen Gong-Yi, Baggio Leung Chung-Hang, claiming that their actions may violate the 22nd Ordinance under #NationalSecurityLaw (#NSL) -- Subversion of the State, and will arrest them.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/33055
Elmer Yuen Gong-Yi, aged 73, is the father of former People Power Chairperson #EricaYuenMiMing and current-issue commentor #DerekYuenMiChang whose wife is a #LegCo member #EuniceYungHoiYan. Elmer Yuen has been commenting social and political issues since the 2019 #AntiELAB movement.
Victor Ho Leung-Mau was an editor-in-chief at Sing Tao Daily Canada. #BaggioLeungChungHang is a former LegCo member who was disqualified from his seat in the vow-taking incident in 2016, and had announced that he was exiled to overseas in 2020.
source: In-Media HK #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3vBMYOL
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
Overseas activists launch exiled Hong Kong ‘parliament’ plan, as gov’t says security law has ‘extraterritorial effect’
The Beijing-imposed national security law has “extraterritorial effect,” Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has said, as a group of overseas Hong Kong citizens launch a committee to establish a “Hong Kong Parliament” in exile. The Hong Kong Parliament Electoral…
Persist, Even in Absurd and Dark Times: Citizens Commemorate 3 Years Since 8.31 Attack
Today marked the third year of the 8.31 #PrinceEdwardAttack. People used various methods for the remembrance of the day. One person held a "Goddess of Democracy"-like model to commemorate outside Prince Edward MTR Station, reaffirming his belief in freedom and conscience: "Shouldn't we stand firm even in a dark era?"
Since the afternoon, numerous police officers had been patrolling at every entrance of Prince Edward Station. But this did not stop citizens from coming: some stood in silence with a white flower; another one held a yellow umbrella with the words "Add Oil, HKers!"; others wore black clothes with slogans "Have you forgotten, or you are afraid to recall?" or "Civil disobedience".
Meanwhile, police conducted stop-and-search on passing pedestrians who wore black shirts or black face masks, or who held white flowers.
A man interviewed by In-Media stated that even though there was a risk of getting arrested, he still needed to do something on these sensitive dates.
"We're living in absurd and dark times," he said, "Does that mean we shouldn't persist [with our beliefs]? I disagree!" #Hongkongers will never forget 8.31, he added.
Source: In-Media #Aug31
https://bit.ly/3cwUTa2
#831PrinceEdward #NeverForget
Today marked the third year of the 8.31 #PrinceEdwardAttack. People used various methods for the remembrance of the day. One person held a "Goddess of Democracy"-like model to commemorate outside Prince Edward MTR Station, reaffirming his belief in freedom and conscience: "Shouldn't we stand firm even in a dark era?"
Since the afternoon, numerous police officers had been patrolling at every entrance of Prince Edward Station. But this did not stop citizens from coming: some stood in silence with a white flower; another one held a yellow umbrella with the words "Add Oil, HKers!"; others wore black clothes with slogans "Have you forgotten, or you are afraid to recall?" or "Civil disobedience".
Meanwhile, police conducted stop-and-search on passing pedestrians who wore black shirts or black face masks, or who held white flowers.
A man interviewed by In-Media stated that even though there was a risk of getting arrested, he still needed to do something on these sensitive dates.
"We're living in absurd and dark times," he said, "Does that mean we shouldn't persist [with our beliefs]? I disagree!" #Hongkongers will never forget 8.31, he added.
Source: In-Media #Aug31
https://bit.ly/3cwUTa2
#831PrinceEdward #NeverForget
#HongKongExodus
As Hongkongers departed the city in droves over the past two years following China's imposition of draconian #NationalSecurityLaw, many had been separated from their families and friends with whom they used to celebrate special occasions together.
A restaurant in Wanchai, Hong Kong shared their experience on Facebook page:
source: Backstreet Steakhouse
#Hongkongers #Emigration
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
As Hongkongers departed the city in droves over the past two years following China's imposition of draconian #NationalSecurityLaw, many had been separated from their families and friends with whom they used to celebrate special occasions together.
A restaurant in Wanchai, Hong Kong shared their experience on Facebook page:
source: Backstreet Steakhouse
#Hongkongers #Emigration
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#HongKongExodus
Over these past two years, we actually received many reservation requests from overseas customers for their family members who are still living in Hong Kong, especially seniors. They would book tables for them to celebrate birthdays, and to prepare cakes with personalized messages.
Among these bookings, this one left the biggest impression on me. The customer made the booking online a month in advance for his parents' birthday. When he made the booking, he put in remarks that he had already left Hong Kong.
The week before the booking date, his friends start sending presents, flowers, champagne and cake to the restaurant. They even settled the bill in advance.
On the day of the booking, a family of three came. They were surprised that someone had thoughtfully arranged the dishes and champagne for them. It looked like an ordinary family gathering until we brought out the birthday cake, presents, flowers and greeting cards that were prepared in advance.
The younger sister and mother were deeply moved and they started to sob. When I was about to take a photograph for the family, they asked, with tears in their eyes, to leave an empty spot in the frame for the elder brother who couldn't attend the dinner.
The elderly father didn't show much emotion throughout the night. At the end of dinner, when he realized that the bill has been paid in advance, he burst into tears. He held my shoulder tightly and asked: was it his son who arranged this dinner for them?
The man - who looked to be in his sixties - broke down in the restaurant crying as he asked me: "Do you know where my son is now? Is he safe? How can I reach out to him?" Before long, the whole family were crying aloud together.
Finally, they left their contact information to me, and repeatedly asked me to urge their son to call home, and let them know if he was safe.
Celebrating birthdays and festivals is so much more than finding a venue, deciding what to eat, preparing cakes and presents, and making sure everything is nice.
These days, simple as having a night out together might not be easy for some Hong Kong families. Do not take happiness for granted.
source: Backstreet Steakhouse
https://www.facebook.com/backstreetsteakhouse/posts/pfbid0LTuZusdN5huJUqP7ySpbt4TNPfeTwDUQXoVfa3qMZZx7JJncjgEJhAdAKPEHFiKXl
#Hongkongers #Emigration
Over these past two years, we actually received many reservation requests from overseas customers for their family members who are still living in Hong Kong, especially seniors. They would book tables for them to celebrate birthdays, and to prepare cakes with personalized messages.
Among these bookings, this one left the biggest impression on me. The customer made the booking online a month in advance for his parents' birthday. When he made the booking, he put in remarks that he had already left Hong Kong.
The week before the booking date, his friends start sending presents, flowers, champagne and cake to the restaurant. They even settled the bill in advance.
On the day of the booking, a family of three came. They were surprised that someone had thoughtfully arranged the dishes and champagne for them. It looked like an ordinary family gathering until we brought out the birthday cake, presents, flowers and greeting cards that were prepared in advance.
The younger sister and mother were deeply moved and they started to sob. When I was about to take a photograph for the family, they asked, with tears in their eyes, to leave an empty spot in the frame for the elder brother who couldn't attend the dinner.
The elderly father didn't show much emotion throughout the night. At the end of dinner, when he realized that the bill has been paid in advance, he burst into tears. He held my shoulder tightly and asked: was it his son who arranged this dinner for them?
The man - who looked to be in his sixties - broke down in the restaurant crying as he asked me: "Do you know where my son is now? Is he safe? How can I reach out to him?" Before long, the whole family were crying aloud together.
Finally, they left their contact information to me, and repeatedly asked me to urge their son to call home, and let them know if he was safe.
Celebrating birthdays and festivals is so much more than finding a venue, deciding what to eat, preparing cakes and presents, and making sure everything is nice.
These days, simple as having a night out together might not be easy for some Hong Kong families. Do not take happiness for granted.
source: Backstreet Steakhouse
https://www.facebook.com/backstreetsteakhouse/posts/pfbid0LTuZusdN5huJUqP7ySpbt4TNPfeTwDUQXoVfa3qMZZx7JJncjgEJhAdAKPEHFiKXl
#Hongkongers #Emigration
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