Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) was once offered a career 'shortcut'

By The New Paper, 11 September 2023 at 09:48 pm


 Local singer-actress Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) returned to Singapore in April after spending 13 years in Canada.
PHOTO: Local singer-actress Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) returned to Singapore in April after spending 13 years in Canada.
Photo from Celest Chong / Instagram
Picture posted by The New Paper on 11 September 2023 at 09:48 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbko8qKeCPAjmFsXh8StiSL98H9yuXD5jAiZt8uzD2ZsvoslVSuJA4HymumCiI4z1dkmXVkkCFHZ62j8587WXTgf2eMiScWqrrTyNCbgpQcfFvxzfQt8BgpiKRmPJhTzu_17O4EDcfre1YDUE16mmZzyaUCfK0GdaCrmH9rETq0SQcr8JLkhh_jpmI25M/s780/20230911_celestcover.jpg
https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2023/09/11/20230911_celestcover.jpg?itok=-6n8FyyV
https://tnp.straitstimes.com/entertainment/movies/local-actress-celest-chong-was-once-offered-career-shortcut


Back home after 13 years in Canada, Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) reveals that she left Singapore "to survive".

After living in Canada for 13 years, local singer-actress Celest Chong returned home for good in April.

The reasons for her leaving Singapore in 2010 were never truly revealed, save for the fact that she married a Canadian – the marriage ended in 2021 – and that her contract with Mediacorp at the time had run its course.


 The reasons for her leaving Singapore in 2010 were never truly revealed
PHOTO: The reasons for her leaving Singapore in 2010 were never truly revealed, save for the fact that she married a Canadian – the marriage ended in 2021 – and that her contract with Mediacorp at the time had run its course.
Picture posted by relovefash_celestandcelestcilei on 18 July 2023
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbObRGHW32DyY6qmdQDP3KCS7Wkd9AT3LspmAofwOSJF0M3fUn8snxLD6cCfl8IlXgvIHNiEe5YfQeaC0qBHaIfnQ7-LAccUqyblp9qiUZ-oFkeB7weeX9T6ZhJHIAtFe7k9ve7tVYwLxFq3J1bc8RayFOzjLK9TU-t3v77qtM16gu2_FFAY6RyiNGV4/s1350/361617837_18288194911143822_4230536171242156772_n_21.png
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/361617837_18288194911143822_4230536171242156772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh0.08&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=_3d8SwgE7mEAX937VM1&edm=APs17CUAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCVF5Zj3kaJOrRcD6_UF1y8QLvAtbbaZG-1iq-1TIMVOw&oe=650EE8B5&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuzfJ1Zsw59/


Speaking to Shin Min Daily News recently, the 43-year-old shared some rather shocking truths about what drove her to relocate.

"When my contract (with Mediacorp) ended, it was not renewed, and I did not receive an explanation. I left not because I wanted to give up on everything in Singapore, but I needed to find a way to survive,” she said.

She shared that she was once asked: "Do you want a shortcut? What are you willing to sacrifice (for your career)?"


 Speaking to Shin Min Daily News recently, the 43-year-old shared some rather shocking truths about what drove her to relocate.
PHOTO: Speaking to Shin Min Daily News recently, the 43-year-old shared some rather shocking truths about what drove her to relocate.
"When my contract (with Mediacorp) ended, it was not renewed, and I did not receive an explanation. I left not because I wanted to give up on everything in Singapore, but I needed to find a way to survive,” she said.
Picture posted by celestcilei on 04 July 2023
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdCdIVzXsw8GYt0kbtu80eO_Vk3t6_iN5CL9hoG9v-s7KbX2x0jNflQHunU5uG34p0yJhdb7zeR1VEto_CHQCNUl2DA4Nj565q-PBp16DUs3AD3ocRs-AKh4g4SWVrlM7rWkihNlJkZ4nF_Y18_-kbCAEnrq6VVce8d-E-tZlXCCfRxnKNDliYwdDGh0/s1080/357362033_18371341516060158_1145117179161697599_n.jpg
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/357362033_18371341516060158_1145117179161697599_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080_sh0.08&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=5lJ6-RrQJBkAX8E9h8A&edm=APs17CUAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfAHEUy75ZGsVIHuRRIt6UX_C-atTnYdn6M35u25mZsIAA&oe=650F8983&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuPwLUYOUTx/


She duly rejected the offer, of course, and said: "I still sleep soundly with my decision today."

"Singapore is forever my hometown, the place where I grew up, so my heart has always been here."


Posted by celestcilei on 10 September 2023
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxAhm0ly4ln/


Back home and ready to begin a new chapter, Chong is currently in discussions over various acting and hosting opportunities.

“There is no bad script. More importantly, I care about whether my performance is up to standard."

Chong made her acting debut in local director Eric Khoo's Stories About Love in 2000, before starring in local dramas like You Light Up My Life (2001), Together Whenever (2003), and Zero (2004).


 Chong made her acting debut in local director Eric Khoo's Stories
PHOTO: Chong made her acting debut in local director Eric Khoo's Stories About Love in 2000, before starring in local dramas like You Light Up My Life (2001), Together Whenever (2003), and Zero (2004).
Picture posted by celestcilei on 14 May 2023 - Bury yourself in grass more often, Ground. New Exciting Changes, New Delightful Smells 🌸
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyU1v1Hyml1oFLIjOVcQ_t_pWILwn59I3AAqApz5CtI3rmwunw66_qjnFVlu3tOAt2K2FlyqcK3AnLt6Wf21QaX5fMV7PUsA9N8gCLqBSqiXdf0xpKu3W2i1etYp6DGUtjLBi8KS-Y6pDw7xfYEiCvN7J-8FCkAJNt9-H5ULRvl45u1Euy2DwGXE5Afo/s1350/346919472_1729991880793382_4450650615709149568_n.jpg
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/346919472_1729991880793382_4450650615709149568_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=102&_nc_ohc=VZvZG-WPWSQAX_1J3Ow&edm=APs17CUBAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCnqoWIFjyOHieg-qnkWSvIQw3nn6EEV1u-MUoQC3uLHg&oe=650E9CA3&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsMaLCPujfz/


While abroad, she expanded her repertoire rather impressively, appearing in the DC series Titans (2018) and Netflix series The Umbrella Academy (2019). In November 2021, she bagged the best actress award at The Great Canadian Sci Fi Film Fest for her role in the short fantasy film Moore's Void.

But her journey hasn’t been without struggle.

Once, during a modelling gig, she had to be in the water for 18 hours – first the swimming pool then the sea – and could only return to shore when the crew gave her permission. As the water was shallow, her body suffered abrasions against underwater rocks.


 While abroad, she expanded her repertoire rather impressively
PHOTO: While abroad, she expanded her repertoire rather impressively, appearing in the DC series Titans (2018) and Netflix series The Umbrella Academy (2019). In November 2021, she bagged the best actress award at The Great Canadian Sci Fi Film Fest for her role in the short fantasy film Moore's Void.
But her journey hasn’t been without struggle.
Once, during a modelling gig, she had to be in the water for 18 hours – first the swimming pool then the sea – and could only return to shore when the crew gave her permission. As the water was shallow, her body suffered abrasions against underwater rocks.
Picture posted by celestcilei on 18 March 2023 - Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get to the right place 💕
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdopsdrVS7lnFZeI63ozWLPujj0DmnOaFzFMJexKX3LUKlFFsDJsmDZPCF7XTkn4MFnloA-Y75AtLsFSrN8qWi_wWzzOVTisj3jevbTYaO8dp9O-TOLAG4zKwEj9vNwXZkqiFBsN5x8iS9EcIKi2vBpsewwNS_1GHNOc806kjZ2SBSe5OY3Nwt7_PCng/s1080/336056011_939329097223966_4406367724536511496_n.jpg
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/336056011_939329097223966_4406367724536511496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=dGXgijsaKC0AX8EA5Ds&edm=APs17CUBAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCGw04OT6oEV1KdLewgXKPfQIuzJ0RAot9i5mqbA2SHzw&oe=650F08BD&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp7xrK_OfnS/


"When I got up, my arms and legs were full of injuries," she said.

Chong also hurt her spine and neck one time during the filming of a charity show – and was asked to remain quiet about it. "I even paid for my own medical bills."

“Even when I cried, I refused to let my tears affect the filming… There are many challenges in life, and failures just make us stronger.”


 Even when I cried, I refused to let my tears affect the filming… There are many challenges in life, and failures just make us stronger.
PHOTO: “Even when I cried, I refused to let my tears affect the filming… There are many challenges in life, and failures just make us stronger.”
Picture posted by celestcilei on 17 July 2023 - ‘Let me know once you get the jobs!’ Mom’s words to me just before we just hung up our call. The simplicity of her words hold so much support, love & belief, she is the woman who continues to make me fight & shine. I love you beyond words, mommy ♥️🙏♥️
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GoFJaJ7BoL7ADSLwxKp4RyrtVAGGDQ9KiFRewJClmOdZRe4ZmxqFIoS8kINeq-GOj1da5PPMZI0gC_k83bJtaJy42I3o-05048zV40K72SgURYOKXRQduYZkIi1hSEdeXMtL5uHGyYJ4yJJ2l3zJ3Ybcii25HpkZEqQEQhdlrvAF-RIjo7mnSXehee4/s1080/293835056_794943115210078_4233083627089864515_n.jpg
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/293835056_794943115210078_4233083627089864515_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_s1080x1080&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=SIM-iW-MpvYAX83VH3O&edm=APs17CUBAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCoObzzKk-OptQgmbWyXSxaw5zIab57D2lnkK-VoHUHNg&oe=650EEC7F&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgFFtAzukAv/
 

 Back home after 13 years in Canada, Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) reveals that she left Singapore 'to survive'.
PHOTO: Back home after 13 years in Canada, Celest Chong (张玉华 Zhāng yù huá) reveals that she left Singapore "to survive".
After living in Canada for 13 years, local singer-actress Celest Chong returned home for good in April.
Picture posted by Iriska - Waterfalls, nature by Carmen Reif
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflP-2UA2ALjYy8pAgbEnnoL2gJa4e5HJWB1BTXzghJwRKuv_EuRqwFGFmT7gjy1IttAW7fBciQYKZL78glan7ReAi1ykx8Ew5rJhc_wy2HXfUYaHrMfBlZPveCAjY-traKE2A0HL35so2x3_P0m5gnYtIAwM5uXIPVaGDriuZbz6y0USRfydw-0luO5Q/s720/e50d390f0760255e81da4a6db80d7be5.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/0d/39/e50d390f0760255e81da4a6db80d7be5.gif
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/732257220681035633/
 

 The 43-year-old shared some rather shocking truths about what drove her to relocate.
PHOTO: The 43-year-old shared some rather shocking truths about what drove her to relocate.
"When my contract (with Mediacorp) ended, it was not renewed, and I did not receive an explanation. I left not because I wanted to give up on everything in Singapore, but I needed to find a way to survive,” she said.
Picture posted by relovefash_celestandcelestcilei on 18 July 2023
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/r/KJoRrxp
https://images-photolabme.ws.pho.to/t/r/bd5e49ebfb666dfc3daa5e04463c5baa9a9a70f1.jpeg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7DH9b0P3e-wgkfw5YsL7IuoEMV_bx0pQaASZ8S9lM2l9MBg9Ev1JorP7kkbUdSLOs4BPXCP_hl_4iNN9I7vsl2q6zQyBjQhtGftlBNCsfngVWOLCd47rz5uj7W-8XQLnUf8h1lJ48wiFfbgsVGJNESDRE8vZ7iD0_Z8OFCyNgrVGekJnaJdDZkQo6Ts/s883/bd5e49ebfb666dfc3daa5e04463c5baa9a9a70f1_1.png
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/361617837_18288194911143822_4230536171242156772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh0.08&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=_3d8SwgE7mEAX937VM1&edm=APs17CUAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCVF5Zj3kaJOrRcD6_UF1y8QLvAtbbaZG-1iq-1TIMVOw&oe=650EE8B5&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuzfJ1Zsw59/
 

 Back home after 13 years in Canada, she reveals that she left Singapore 'to survive'.
PHOTO: Back home after 13 years in Canada, she reveals that she left Singapore "to survive".
After living in Canada for 13 years, local singer-actress Celest Chong returned home for good in April.
Photoshop from picture posted in Pinterest
 
 
 Celest Chong (born 25 December 1973), who also goes by the mononym Celest, is a Singaporean actress, singer and former cover model who was based in Canada from 2010 to 2023.
PHOTO: Celest Chong (born 25 December 1973), who also goes by the mononym Celest, is a Singaporean actress, singer and former cover model who was based in Canada from 2010 to 2023. Chong relocated back to Singapore in September 2023. [2]
Picture posted by relovefash_celestandcelestcilei on 18 July 2023
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/24776269
https://images-photolabme.ws.pho.to/t/r/ced8c8223aa72ed9f564a0247704c0280f686f9b.jpeg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dsWpASNNvvTrjkQsoXKhWrAjKkVNRVtM5HgLhui5fSYb0N86dWAXiCoPefjTBBHXPMbIK02d9oYcItjiu259B2OYv7vM956Pu1Zb3jh9dJgCimKIXY2tEASXQlJoOOwfu1_7anW6n8Jh_69oT1BpzjXkiaiTqDpvzps_Wv6IDhJTtvOE-bhgW8Rpk80/s1170/ced8c8223aa72ed9f564a0247704c0280f686f9b_1.png
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/361617837_18288194911143822_4230536171242156772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_sh0.08&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=_3d8SwgE7mEAX937VM1&edm=APs17CUAAAAA&ccb=7-5&oh=00_AfCVF5Zj3kaJOrRcD6_UF1y8QLvAtbbaZG-1iq-1TIMVOw&oe=650EE8B5&_nc_sid=10d13b
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuzfJ1Zsw59/
 
By The New Paper, 11 September 2023 at 09:48 pm
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
Reference
[1] The New Paper, Local actress Celest Chong was once offered a career 'shortcut', posted on 11 September 2023 at 09:48 pm, https://tnp.straitstimes.com/entertainment/movies/local-actress-celest-chong-was-once-offered-career-shortcut

[2] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Celest Chong, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celest_Chong




Busan ​​International Film Festival (BIFF) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/09/busan-international-film-festival-biff.html

Japanese Samba Carnival (links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/japanese-samba-carnival-links.html
 
Asakusa Samba Carnival (links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/asakusa-samba-carnival.html

Brazilian Samba Carnival - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/brazilian-samba-carnival-links.html

Scandinavian Samba Carnival (links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/scandinavian-samba-carnival-links.html

Other stories - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/05/other-stories.html

Nursing stories - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/09/nursing-stories.html

Healthcare stories (links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/01/healthcare-stories-links.html

Movie (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/11/movie-links.html

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,