January 19, 2001

With her ultra-slim frame, you'd never guess Fann Wong becomes a glutton during Chinese New Year.

(Click on pictures for larger image)

Chinese New Year - a time of family togetherness for most of us.

For busy artistes like Fann Wong, it spells good news as this is the time when they get their much-needed break from hectic filming schedules.

"But come the third day of New Year, I would start work even though I would love to spend more time with my family."

How is Chinese New Year celebrated in Fann's household and does she dread going house-visiting, like most singles?

"I have to go bai nian (house-visiting) at my grandparents' house but basically I don't have to visit so much as my Dad is the eldest son and my relatives come over. I still have to entertain them, but I love big family gatherings, " the actress says with a smile.

Wouldn't Chinese New Year be a tactical game of cat and mouse with her parents and relatives soon after the congenial greetings of Happy New Year (mine is)?

Her bedroom - wouldn't it be a hideout from inquisitive but concerned relatives on anything and everything under the sun from latest pre(occupation), "Where is the nice boy I saw last New Year?" to the killer question "When are you getting married?"

So, who is Fann kidding? Big family greetings of largely relatives whom she has not met for ages (and God forbid they try to play matchmaker) excite her?

"The reason I like to be with them is that they make me feel grounded like 'Eh… I'm still the same old me like before'. I feel that whenever I'm with my relatives and old school mates and my old friends from way back, I feel very grounded.

"The way they look at you and how others look at you is different and I really like the feeling."

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