HONG KONG – Veteran Cantopop artist and actress Charlene Choi, affectionately known as Ah Sa, marked her 43rd birthday on Wednesday, sharing deeply personal reflections on valuing presence, health, and loved ones over societal pressures concerning age and physique. The star, celebrating with multiple gatherings and friends, utilized her social media platform to post celebratory photos and offer fans a candid glimpse into her evolving priorities following recent personal losses and health scares among close acquaintances.
The annual celebration was more than just cake; it was a moment of profound acknowledgment for Choi. In her heartfelt post accompanying images of her holding a birthday cake, the singer explained that while she enjoys festive activities and rituals, the core purpose of her birthday remains simply savoring time with those who love her.
Redefining Success and Self-Worth
Addressing her audience, the star frankly discussed how she views the often-scrutinized metrics of celebrity life. Choi openly revealed that her current body weight is the highest it has ever been, but critically asserted, “So what?” She noted a significant shift in perspective common in life’s later stages, where concerns like age and weight diminish in importance compared to inner happiness and life’s genuine components.
“As you reach a certain stage,” she wrote, “some things become less important—age, weight, for example. Your heart tells you what you want and what truly matters in life’s composition.”
This introspection was heightened by what she described as recent experiences with the illness and passing of loved ones. These events reinforced her determination to “cherish the present moment, cherish the people around you, and cherish health.”
Choi acknowledged that some fans might perceive her as less “hardworking” this year compared to the past. She clarified that her effort hasn’t vanished but has simply been redirected toward different areas of her life, indicating that personal priorities naturally shift with different life phases.
A Joint Celebration and Commitment to Joy
The birthday celebrations commenced early with a massive joint party held just before her official birthday. Choi teamed up with fellow contemporary artist Cheng Sze Chun, known as C-Kun, who shares the exact same birthday. The marathon event stretched across 14 hours, underlining the star’s commitment to enjoying life to the fullest.
“This year, C-Kun and I finally managed to schedule a party together,” Choi shared online, “we played from one in the afternoon until three in the morning—you need serious stamina for that!”
Photos from the event were widely shared, showing Choi surrounded by a large group of friends. Among the attendees was her rumored boyfriend, fitness instructor Elvis, who was visibly present in the group photo. Choi expressed deep gratitude to all her friends for their unwavering support: “Thank you to all my friends who accompany me to eat, drink, play, and go crazy. Love you guys so much!”
C-Kun, reflecting on the arduous yet fulfilling celebration, jokingly thanked Choi for the invitation and expressed his sole birthday wish: “My wish is to play video games all day tomorrow!”
Choi concluded her message by committing to self-acceptance, noting that she initiated a birthday photoshoot this year explicitly to document her current self, embracing the possibility of more wrinkles or higher weight next year. She finished with an empowering affirmation, asserting that every step she takes is a deliberate choice, and she knows she is surrounded by love and operating from a place of joy. Her message of “Happy Birthday” extended not just to herself, but to her fans, hoping they too find happiness beyond the single day of celebration.