drive you home中文的八卦，YOUTUBE、DCARD和Yahoo名人娛樂都在討論

如果你身在英國需要回港，
怎樣可以在英國取得香港政府要求的
「新型冠狀病毒核酸檢測陰性結果証明」，
用以登上回港航班？

我目前身在倫敦，
今天做了一些資料搜集。

以下是非常長文，
心急人可直接跳到末段結論及建議 🙏🏻

先講背景資料。

昨天（9月24日）香港政府公佈，由10月1 日起，從英國回港人士，必須提供以下文件，向航空公司展示，方可登機：

//（一）一份由化驗所或醫療機構發出的中文或英文報告，當中載有相關到港人士姓名（所載有的姓名須與相關到港人士的有效旅遊證件所示姓名相同），並顯示以下資料：

　　（a）相關到港人士已接受一項2019冠狀病毒病核酸檢測，而檢測樣本是在飛機的預定起飛時間前72小時內，取自相關到港人士的；
　　（b）對該樣本進行檢測的是2019冠狀病毒病核酸測試；及
　　（c）相關到港人士的2019冠狀病毒病的檢測結果呈陰性；及

　　（二）如相關報告並非採用中文或英文或並無載有上述所有資料，須額外提交一份由該化驗所或醫療機構發出的中文或英文確認書，載有相關到港人士姓名（所載有的姓名須與相關到港人士的有效旅遊證件所示姓名相同）及全部上述資料，並與報告一併呈交；及

　　（三）一份中文或英文的證明文件，以顯示該化驗所或醫療機構屬ISO 15189認可，或獲所在的地方的政府的有關主管當局承認或核准；及

　　（四）相關到港人士在香港酒店預訂房間的中文或英文確認書，其租住期間為自相關到港人士抵達香港當日起計的不少於14日。//

▶️ https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202009/24/P2020092400425.htm

而英國NHS公佈，由明日（9月26日）起，不提供該測試：

//Get a test
This service will be temporarily unavailable from 11.59pm on 25 September 2020//

▶️ https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

另，NHS一直指明，除非有癥狀，否則即使是學校，僱主或旅行社要求，亦不會提供檢測：

// You cannot get a free NHS test unless you have symptoms, have been asked to by your local authority, live in England and have been told to by your hospital, or are taking part in a government pilot project.

This applies even if:
• you live with someone who has coronavirus
• you've had close contact with someone who has coronavirus
• you've come to the UK from a high risk country
• you're planning to leave the country
• your employer or school has asked you to get a test

You can pay for a private test. Do not use this service.//

▶️ https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

最後一句，指NHS不提供檢測，只可以做私家檢測。

然而，在哪裡做檢測，有甚麼途徑做？

英國的Superdrug (香港和黃集團旗下) 有提供「抗體測試」套裝，售價69英磅，但「抗體測試」與港府要求的「核酸測試」並不相同：

//Superdrug has launched a COVID-19 antibody blood test, available through its online doctor service. The COVID-19 antibody home sampling kit, which costs £69 and is on sale from today (May 20）//

▶️ https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/superdrug-launches-covid-19-antibody-test

「抗體測試」和「核酸測試」有何不同？

▶️ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/antibody-test-to-check-if-youve-had-coronavirus/

至於英國在本年2月實行的drive through test，即自行駕車到指定NHS地點作檢測的服務，亦只限NHS轉介個案：

//The NHS is making available services to test people for coronavirus, including a new service in west London, offering ‘drive through’ coronavirus testing.

The service, provided by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust in Parsons Green, is only accessed through a referral from NHS 111//

最後一個可行性，是在英國找GP做檢測。

而在英國約見私家醫生（GP），必先向私家醫生診所作登記，但GP極可能拒絕新登記，因為以下原因：

//A GP practice may refuse to register you because:
• it has no capacity to take on new patients
• it may not be accepting patients that do not live within its practice boundary
• in your particular circumstances, it may not be appropriate for you to register with a practice that's a long way from where you live//

▶️ https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-practice/

而在英國的檢測，最快48小時有結果。

終於跳到結論：

在9月30日抵港者，近乎無可能在登機前在英國取得香港政府要求的，ISO 15189認可，2019冠狀病毒病的核酸測試結果呈陰性的証明文件。

除非：

登機者能夠直接在合資格化驗所作檢測（72小時內），趕及取得相關報告（48小時後），呈陰性，並已做好其他証明文件，包括預訂香港的隔離酒店。

故此，需要從英國回港的朋友，目前有三個選擇：

一， 更改或購買機票，於9月29日前登機回港
二， 取道另一國家作中途站，需出境及逗留，再返回香港
三， 停留在英國，直至可以在英國做檢測，或香港取消相關措施

非常長文，希望就我所知通知各位。

如有更新資訊或我以上所說有錯漏，請指正交流。

↪️↪️ 9/25 更新資訊：

以下是網友提供，目前在英國，可提供核酸檢測服務的GP / 醫生 / 服務中心：

https://doctap.co.uk/services/coronavirus-test/

https://privateharleystreetclinic.com/pages/travel-testing

https://www.citydoc.org.uk/covid-19-pcr-swab-testing/

https://midlandhealth.co.uk/tests-and-diagnostics/covid-19/

https://www.pallmallmedical.co.uk/tests-scans-and-diagnostics/coronavirus-test/

https://walkin-clinic.co.uk/blood-tests/covid19-testing

https://www.doctorcall.co.uk/private-gp-services/coronavirus--covid-19--testing

【澄清唬爆米花教室：被大內宣淹沒的美國總統署名投書】

先說這篇沒有圖，因為太重要不能亂放圖

在歷史上，從沒有美國總統親自投書到中華民國的報紙。但是在109年10月22日，美國總統參選人拜登以「More Prosperous Future For Our Families」(定稿中文標題：為我們家庭更繁榮的未來)，以華人為主體，台灣人為核心訴求，投書聯合報系的世界日報，強調他願意與中國合作而非對抗，鄙棄川普的仇中獵巫，願意與華人聯手，但更重視台灣人的健保經驗，不願台灣人為美國火中取栗而是共同繁榮。

但在一片大奇特的大內宣中，美國總統參選人的投書竟然在台灣地區被忽視。且不說拜登明明在聲譽卓著的 IBD/TIPP民調持續領先，比起川普根本鼓吹台灣人火中取栗(你對抗，我賺軍火，去跟大陸人死嗑來增加我談判勒索本錢)。

拜登不只親自署名投書，還誠懇說明他對台灣/兩岸的四大重點，根本是史上最誠懇與重要的待遇。既然親綠親川普主流媒體不報，那福編來報。

★
一、拜登堅持稱台灣是 leading democracy (領導性的民主政體)，表示其無意支持台獨立場(不稱國家)

二、拜登大篇幅強調川普仇中、卸責不科學的推卸問題給中國，造成亞裔的困擾與災難，而這不是美國總統應為。(打了那些整天喊支那賤畜以為自己就會成為高等美國人的台灣地區背祖中國人的臉)

三、拜登大談健保對一般百姓重要性，表示他珍視台灣的健保經驗，也是未來與台灣的合作重心。

四、與其獵巫與仇中，他更重視與中國的合作，希望聯盟對世界更有幫助(雖然舉例醫療與氣候，但也只是舉例) 表示願意以兩大強權的合作，謀取更多世界利益。

其他我 不多說，請看原文與譯文。

#拜登給中華民國台灣與聯合報系的面子真的太大了
#聯合報系真正展現實力
#美國總統投書首中華民國系報紙
#大內宣只在意把我們當馬前卒的喇叭川普

為我們家庭更繁榮的未來／前副總統喬瑟夫．拜登

時局多艱，我們國家處在十字路口，正面臨疾病大流行、經濟大衰退，和一場將決定我們未來很長一段時間的選舉。

今年 我們看到美國最好的一面

今年，我們看到美國最好的一面引領我們向前：英勇的醫師、護士、日常雜貨商、餐館業主、必要行業工作者 — 而其中，包括許許多多的亞裔美國人。

今年 我們也看到美國最糟情況

但我們也看到最糟的情況：亞裔美國人誤因新冠病毒遭仇視的行為比比皆是，某種程度上，是因為川普總統發布的仇恨言論所致。亞裔美國人被責備、被唾罵、被攻擊；家園、商家和汽車被侮辱性標記破壞；年幼的孩童被刺傷，還有一名89歲的奶奶，在不斷升級的仇恨文化中遭人火焚。

這不該是我們原本的樣子。

亞裔美國人 使我們國家變強大

近兩個世紀以來，亞裔美國人使我們的國家變得強大 — 從掘金礦工，到加速我們崛起的鐵路和工廠工人，再到推動我們向前邁進的科學家、建築師、藝術家和企業家們。多年來，他們的勇氣、犧牲和成功，為美國夢注入動力，也讓美國穩為自由的燈塔與世界的希望。

川普卻不懂 傷了移民國價值觀

川普總統不懂這些。他帶頭攻擊我們作為移民之國的價值觀，甚至在我們的邊境，拆散成千上萬的孩童與父母。即便在這場大流行到來之前，我們的仇恨犯罪就已達到16年以來的新高。而如今，為了轉移自己抗疫失敗、未能保護我們國家的過失，無論是否因此導致上千反亞裔的種族歧視事件，他仍堅持把新冠病毒稱作「中國病毒」。

作為總統 我捍衛每人的美國夢

措辭很重要，總統措辭更為重要。作為總統，我將捍衛每個人的美國夢，讓每一勤奮努力的家庭，享有通向繁榮和美好未來的公平機會。我將反對任何形式的種族歧視，指示司法部優先處理仇恨犯罪，以彌合仇恨與分裂的傷口，而非煽風點火。

川普失敗 他讓我們的經濟崩盤

唐納德·川普早在今年1月就已知道新冠病毒的致命性，卻未採取任何行動。現在，超過22萬美國人因此失去生命，約3000萬人失去工作、工時和薪水，五分之一的小商家關門。川普失敗的領導力讓我們的經濟崩盤 — 他總統當得愈久，得以完全回歸正軌的時間也愈久。

我會控制疫情 讓我們重回生機

八個月過去了，川普仍然沒有(抗疫)計畫。而我有。

首先要擔起責任，努力控制疫情，讓我們重回生機。我將執行早在3月就擬定的計畫，擊敗新冠病毒。我將聽取科學家、專家的意見；保護我們的家庭；讓新冠檢測、治療， #以及最終的疫苗免費，並對所有人開放。

我會重建經濟 實質救助小商家

我將馬上開始重建更好的經濟，為數百萬遭受重創的小商家提供實質救助。他們是我們社區的生命線 — 但川普腐敗的復甦作法棄他們於不顧，只把紓困資金匯集到大公司手中。75%的亞裔小企業主，未能獲得任何首輪紓困金。這是錯誤的，我已要求確保員工在50人以下的小企業獲得紓困金，我也將增加他們獲得優惠和資金的長遠渠道，減輕阻礙移民業主的語言障礙。

我不會對年收40萬元以下者加稅

質言之，我的經濟復甦計畫將回報以工作，而不只是財富，將創造未來數百萬優薪工作。(信評機構)穆迪的獨立經濟學者發現，比起川普總統的作法，我的計畫會創造多出700萬的工作，以及超過1兆元的經濟增長。我也不會對任何年收入40萬元以下者加稅 —別懷疑。相反地，我還將確保超級富豪和大公司最終支付本應承擔的份額。

讓父母能付學費 讓醫保更平價

我一路走來，都在為工薪和中產家庭而戰；他們之中有許多勤勉奮鬥的移民，來到美國是為更好的生活。我將幫助父母有能力支付子女的優質教育、提高教師薪酬，並讓絕大多數家庭免費就讀公立學院。我將讓照顧年邁父母變得更容易，讓醫療保險更平價。川普現在要通過法院，廢除「可負擔健保法」，在一場致命大流行之中，剝奪數千萬人的醫療保險，這毫無道理。

與盟友並肩 深化與台灣的關係

同時，新冠病毒證明美國不能自外於世界。從重建我們最親近夥伴的關係開始，我們必須與其他國家攜手合作，應對影響我們所有人的國際挑戰。我們是一個太平洋強國，將與盟友並肩，增進我們在亞太地區共享的繁榮、安全與價值。這其中就包括深化與台灣這個居領先地位的民主政體、主要經濟體，以及科技重鎮的關係。台灣也是開放社會可以有效控制新冠病毒的閃亮典範。

更新領導力 符合美利益與中合作

我們應對中國的方式，會聚焦增強美國競爭力，再興國內優勢，並更新我們在海外的聯盟與領導力。我們將在符合美國利益的領域與中國合作，包括公共衛生和氣候變遷。

讓家庭團聚 修復破碎的移民系統

美國向來不只靠強大的國力，而是用身為榜樣的實力領導世界。要切實重現此景，我們也必須修復破碎的移民系統，讓家庭團聚，確保美國繼續吸引全球最出色與最聰明的人。

我將會傾聽 重塑我們熱愛的國魂

我競選是為讓美國更好的重建，重建美國作為一個充滿機會，團結和有全新開始的國家；一個由數代移民讓其強大的地方；一個所有人都能發聲、每張選票都有價值的地方。我將引領這些議題，更重要的是，我會傾聽。所以，請確保你今天將選票投出。

讓我們一起，重塑我們熱愛的國魂。

(世界日報華盛頓記者羅曉媛／譯)

More Prosperous Future For Our Families
by Former Vice President Joseph Biden for World Journal

These are tough times. Our country is at a crossroads, facing a pandemic, a recession, and an election that will decide our futures for a very long time.

This year, we've seen the best of America carry us forward: heroic doctors, nurses, grocers, restaurant owners, essential workers–including so many Asian Americans.

But we've also seen the worst: acts of hate against Asian Americans wrongly blamed for COVID-19, spurred on, in part, by hateful rhetoric from President Trump. They've been screamed at, spit on, and assaulted. Homes, businesses, and cars vandalized with slurs. Small children stabbed. An 89-year-old grandmother set on fire amid this rising culture of hate.

This is not who we are.

For nearly two centuries, Asian Americans have made our country strong–from the gold miners and railroad and factory workers who helped to power our rise; to the scientists, architects, artists, and entrepreneurs who are helping to drive us forward now. For years, their courage, sacrifices, and success have powered the American Dream and helped America stand as a beacon of freedom and hope to the world.

President Trump doesn't get that. He has led an assault on our values as a nation of immigrants, even tearing thousands of children from their parents' arms at our border. Hate crimes against people are at a 16-year-high, even before this pandemic. And now, to deflect blame for his failure to protect our nation from this crisis, he insists on calling COVID-19 the "China virus," no matter how many thousands of reported racist incidents against Asian Americans it encourages.

Words matter – and a president's words matter even more. As President, I'll defend the American Dream for everyone, so every hardworking family has the same fair shot at prosperity and a better future. I'll stand against racism in every form, directing the Justice Department to prioritize hate crimes, and working to heal the wounds of hatred and division, not fan the flames.

Donald Trump knew how deadly COVID-19 was back in January and did nothing to stop it. Now, more than 220,000 Americans are dead. Some 30 million have lost jobs, hours, wages. One in five small businesses have shut down. Trump's failed leadership has tanked our economy – and the longer he's president, the longer it'll take to get it fully up and running again.

We're eight months in, but Trump still has no plan. I do.

It starts with taking responsibility and doing the hard work to control this pandemic and get our lives back. I'll implement the plan I've laid out since March to beat COVID-19. I'll listen to scientists and experts; protect our families; and make testing, treatment, and any eventual vaccine free and available to everyone.

I'll get right to work building our economy back better – getting real relief out to millions of hard-hit small businesses. They're the lifeblood of our communities – but Trump's corrupt recovery passed them by, funneling funds to big corporations instead. Some 75% of Asian-owned small businesses weren't expected to get any first-round stimulus funds at all. It's wrong. I've called for ensuring small businesses with less than 50 employees get new relief funds. And I'll boost their long-term access to credit and capital, and work to ease the language barriers that can hold back immigrant entrepreneurs.

Through it all, my economic recovery plan will reward work, not just wealth, creating millions of good paying jobs of the future. Independent economists at Moody's found that my plan creates 7 million more jobs – and $1 trillion more in economic growth – than President Trump's would. And I won't raise taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000 a year – period. Instead, I'll make sure the super wealthy and big corporations finally pay their fair share.

I've fought my whole career for working and middle class families – so many of them hard-working immigrants who came to America in search of a better life. I'll help parents afford a quality education for their kids, boosting teacher pay and making public college free for most families. I'll make it easier to care for aging parents, and make health care more affordable. Trump is in court right now trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, stripping tens of millions of people of health coverage in the middle of a deadly pandemic. It makes no sense.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 is proof that the United States can't isolate itself from the world. We have to work with other nations to meet global challenges that impact us all, starting by rebuilding our relationships with our closest partners. We're a Pacific power, and we'll stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in the Asia-Pacific region. That includes deepening our ties with Taiwan, a leading democracy, major economy, technology powerhouse – and a shining example of how an open society can effectively contain COVID-19. And our approach to China will focus on boosting American competitiveness, revitalizing our strengths at home, and renewing our alliances and leadership abroad. We'll work to collaborate with China when it's in our interest, including on public health and climate change.

America has always led the world not only with the example of our power, but the power of our example. To truly do that again, we also have to fix our broken immigration system, keeping families together and ensuring the United States continues to draw the world's best and brightest.

I'm running to build America back better, as a country of opportunity, unity, and new beginnings. A place made strong by generations of immigrants. A place where everyone has a voice and every vote counts. I'll lead on these issues, and more importantly, I'll listen. So please make sure you get your vote in today. Together we'll restore the soul of this nation we love.

#福編編譯? (編譯個鬼，是世界日報了不起！ 大內宣與遍地綠媒鬼遮眼)

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’.