A popular singer-songwriter and actress from Hong Kong will be holding her first-ever concert in Vancouver on Thursday.
"The moment I (landed), I had a lot of memories (from) when I was still a young girl. And now that I'm back with so much more to share, that means a lot for me," Ivana Wong told the Richmond News.
The Canto-pop icon is known for her broad spectrum of artistic endeavours, ranging from writing her own songs to performing critically acclaimed roles in movies and TV dramas. She has also produced, starred in and translated scripts for musicals and plays.
Since her debut in 2005, Wong has swept awards both as a singer and as an actress.
Last night, Wong made a surprise appearance at the Richmond showing for her most recent endeavour, the popular Lunar New Year movie sequel Table for Six 2, and posed for photos with fans. The movie is currently being shown at Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas.
Wong, who graduated from UBC, is no stranger to the city. And her first course of action after landing at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)? Taking her team out for a delicious treat at Cheesecake Etc.
"I just had to go there. I had to bring my team there," she said, adding she used to be a regular customer at the dessert restaurant.
Her trip down memory lane also included Richmond, which she used to frequent for dim sum and grocery shopping.
"I'm very close to (my) family friends... I came with them to (grab dim sum) almost every week," said Wong, who's eager to try out the new dim sum and skewers restaurants around the city.
Although Wong has performed in Vancouver in the past, Thursday's show will be her first solo concert in the city.
"I never thought I (would have) this chance to sing to my fans here in Vancouver because I never knew if they still listened to my songs," she explained.
"Are they still interested in any of the things I'm in Hong Kong? Or my movies or anything? That I wasn't sure. So, I'm really excited."
Fans attending the show will get to hear Wong perform songs spanning her 19-year career, including her early years as a singer-songwriter.
"I feel older but with so much more in the heart and mind. There's a lot that I want to share but (there's) never enough time.," said Wong, whose friends from the past will also be attending the show.
She added it's a "really big deal" to share through her music, as her songs are often about her own life.
"Thank you (to the organizer) for having faith in me. And for everyone who bought tickets, thank you for the support to make this happen."
Ivana Wong Live in Canada will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22 at The Centre Vancouver. Tickets are available online.
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