A well-known figure in the Hong Kong entertainment landscape, Wu Man-yan, has achieved a significant personal milestone, clinching a prestigious music award as a debut artist while navigating a serious health battle. The singer and actress, who recently released her inaugural single, “Rebirth,” was honored with the Metro Radio Ultimate Solid Newcomer Award (勁爆我撐新人) at a recent ceremony, fulfilling a lifelong ambition delayed by a twist of professional fate.
Wu, who is 51, embraced the title of “newcomer auntie,” expressing gratitude that the public accepted an artist of her age debuting in the deeply competitive music scene. She revealed that her long-held dream of becoming a singer was reignited by an inspiring speech delivered by veteran idol Sammi Cheng at an earlier awards presentation. That moment prompted her to finally pursue recording a song, a plan temporarily put on hold due to a health crisis that required hospitalization. “I initially wanted to be a singer when I entered the industry, but I accidentally participated in the Miss Hong Kong pageant instead,” she quipped, referencing her early career start.
Battling Cancer While Embracing Artistic Pain
The artistic achievement comes amidst a challenging turn in Wu’s fight against cancer. She disclosed that her medical regimen now combines new targeted therapy drugs with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), leading to significant pain and discomfort, indicating a potential worsening of her condition.
“These past two weeks have been very challenging and uncomfortable,” she stated, emphasizing that she views this struggle through the lens of her song’s lyrics: “Pain must be lived joyfully.”
Wu bravely shared sensitive details regarding the effect the dual treatments are having on her body. The TCM treatment has reportedly caused her chest area to discharge a yellowish fluid, necessitating extensive bandaging. While acknowledging the potentially startling appearance of this symptom, she explained that, according to the principles of Chinese medicine, this is part of the therapeutic process. “Although it sounds frightening, seeing the discharge actually makes me happy,” she commented, viewing it as a tangible sign the treatment is working.
Integrating Eastern and Western Medicine
The artist’s current treatment strategy illustrates a common approach in East Asia: integrating Western allopathic medicine with traditional Chinese medicine. Wu acknowledged the unpredictable nature of her recovery, stating the situation is “two-sided.” Her ongoing health status will be continually assessed through blood tests to determine the effectiveness of the combined approach.
Wu’s courageous return to the stage and her candid sharing about her health challenges resonated deeply with audiences and the entertainment industry, which typically favors younger, newly launched talent. Her win over younger contenders underscores the industry’s respect for her resilience and dedication to artistry, proving that passion and perseverance can trump conventional timelines.
Her journey provides an empowering narrative about pursuing dreams regardless of age or physical adversity. Wu Man-yan’s triumph serves as a powerful reminder that life’s most fulfilling ambitions often require enduring personal pain while maintaining an unwavering focus on the future.
