An Open Letter to Sammi Cheng

Dear Sammi,

Once upon a time, you were the queen of my heart.  Heck, you were the Queen of CantoPop and the Hong Kong box office.  You were beautiful, your songs sounded so good (even to a person with a limited understanding of Cantonese), and you took risks that I appreciated.  Then you had a breakdown, went into hiding, became a born-again Christian, and developed a new image.  Due to the latter two changes, I can no longer say I am your fan.

Sammi Cheng, circa '90s

When you first started in the industry, you had a little babyfat in your face.  You were FAR from being fat or chubby; it was healthy.  Then you lost a little weight, but you still looked gorgeous.  This was when my fandom began.  Your songs were so pleasing to the ears -- songs I still enjoy listening to over a decade later.  I memorized the lyrics through jyutping translations I found on the web.  When I got access to my own credit card, I ordered your movies without hesitation and enjoyed them all.  Sammi would never fail me. 

I even purchased "Everlasting Regret," the film which would bring you down and lead you to take a break from the entertainment industry.  Well, I'm sure we can't put all the blame on the film.  Maybe you were tired from it all.  Whatever it was, I was waiting for your comeback -- to be stronger and better than ever.

Years later, I proved to be an undependable fan.  Even though I knew you had a role in a new movie, I had no immediate interest in watching it.  My heart had moved on to Miriam Yeung, the singer/actress who always endearingly broke character by laughing.  I was especially unconcerned over your new music, which took a religious turn and I am beyond the other extreme of religious.  

A recent picture from her Weibo account

But fine, whatever you like.  If being a Christian (I type 'Christian' so infrequently that I always end up typing 'Christina') makes you happy, then so be it.  If it can make a difference in someone's life, then great!  But for the sake of yourself, EAT SOMETHING, WOMAN!   You are almost literally skin and bones (which we all are, but you get my drift). 

And they say that the camera add 10 pounds.  Judging from the picture (and subtracting the 10 pounds), you must be well below the 100s!

Another recent picture. =O

You are always uploading pictures showing your running stats and it's great that you can do 4+ miles in about an hour more or less.  Taking care of your health is very admirable (heck, I need to follow suit), but you do not need to be that slim!  I mean...you almost look like you're from a third world country!  I can't imagine how skinny you would actually look without the clothes, which adds a bit of weight (not that I want to imagine you nekkid).


Anyway, I really do not know the point of this 'letter' and I know you're not going to read it, but it's just something that has been on my mind.  Maybe it's because I miss the old Sammi.  Maybe it's because I'm in a nostalgic mood tonight, which happens a lot.  But whatever it is...............please put on some pounds.

And Sammi...  I just want you to know that...  However much you change, there will always be your classic work to keep the memories alive.