My Weight Loss Journey - Who wants to be a Fortune God?

A series of photos of me depicting my weight loss journey, before and now.

Weight loss is a journey, and if you have experienced that, you will know the process is not a straight line depreciation, it could be like falling stock prices, just that the fluctuation is not so drastic and once you reached your pre-determined weight goal, you may want to review it. For me, I am happy to hit a weight that I have never weighed since 18 years back.



I am ordinary, I do not intend to build a 6 pack, but I know I can do it. Why? I have known and seen people doing it in a month, and if I want it, just ask them, they will be happy to share. Why is it so? There are many reasons, but the main reason is they are happy about it, and when its something positive, they are more willing to share.

Candid photo taken during year-end dinner 2011

The person on the right with the bulging stomach was me, in a ‘I am trying to dispose off’ photo taken by a fellowcolleague during year-end party in 2011. Why? Just look at that piece of protuding meat, which is my stomach. And by no means in any advanced stage of pregnancy. Though it really looks alike.

Photo taken during Chinese New Year celebrations Feb 2011

What is a Fortune God? For the benefit of those who don’t know, a Fortune God always appears during the Chinese New Year celebrations or during other celebratory or lucky draw events held by the Chinese. Why? Because he is is the Chinese god of prosperity, and at celebrations or events, he symbolizes prosperity and fortune. I have the honor to be one in my previous job during February 2012, during the lunch celebration for staff from both of my hotel’s properties.

Is it fun to be a Fortune God?

It is truly an interesting experience. Why? I became an instant celebrity for that few hours, whether colleagues I know or don’t know (from another property) wants to come up close to me to either: shake my hand, touch my stomach, get a gold ingot (which is chocolate) from me and take photos with me. They all just want to bounce off some good fortune and luck to them. And what’s more, tourists and hotel stayers who saw me also did likewise.

I also get to distribute red packets (Ang Bao) and mandarin oranges to all the staff that attended the function. Of course with another round of phototaking.

Being Chinese, the owner of the hotel, even came up to me for advice on what numbers to buy for the next lottery.

Who can be a Fortune God?

You may be wondering who can be a Fortune God. No discrimination, but the person must be a male. But other than that what are the criteria? What are the skills or attributes to qualify for one? Some questions to ponder about:

Does he need to be visually attractive? Dashing?

Does he need to have a great smile? (It’s a happy event)
Does he need to be articulate? (He needs to talk and entertain!)
Does he need to be fit and athletic? (He needs to walk around!)

As a previous HR practitioner from a Hotel, appearance plays a big part especially if you a front-liner, the ability to speak properly and having a great smile do help.

How to qualify as a Fortune God
But to qualify as a Fortune God, there is only ONE criteria:

The person just needs to be fat, i.e. having a big tummy.
The wig is going to cover up most of the facial features, so there is no need for a supermodel looks.
And being a Fortune God, there is no need to rush, you just need to walk slowly.

Do I want to be Fortune God again? Although the experience is unique and interesting, and as much as I would love to me. It is highly unlikely I can be one again unless I can pack almost four sacks of 5kg rice into me again. Imagine carrying an extra 20kg worth of stuff and walk around, that’s what I did previously for many years, no wonder I feel tired easily.

Why I cannot be a Fortune God again next year.

April 2012 (Front)	July 2012 (Front)
April 2012 (Side)	July 2012 (Side)