In a joyful announcement that quickly garnered traction across social media, Hong Kong artist and former Olympic swimmer Alex Fong (方力申) has confirmed the recent arrival of his daughter, Isla. Fong and his wife, Maple Yip (葉萱), welcomed their baby girl and have since been discharged from the hospital, returning home as a family of three.
Fong, often affectionately known as “Siu Fong,” shared the news on social media yesterday, and followed up today by posting a series of heartwarming photographs showcasing Baby Isla and intimate portraits of the new family unit. The images immediately charmed fans, highlighting Isla’s notably plump cheeks just days after her birth.
Unexpected Professional Photoshoot Documents First Moments
The celebrated actor and former athlete provided amusing backstory to the initial set of professional photos, revealing a misunderstanding regarding a complimentary offer from the Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong where Maple gave birth.
“Before Isla was discharged, the hospital mentioned they would give us a photo,” Fong recounted on his platform. “I assumed it would be a simple snapshot, so I didn’t bother styling my hair or dressing up.”
To his surprise, two professional photographers arrived, equipped with two cameras, transforming the simple expectation into a brief, yet highly efficient, photoshoot.
Fong admitted to a moment of vanity, joking that he immediately regretted his casual attire. “They only shot for about 10 minutes, but they took so many pictures, so many different poses,” he explained. “I kept thinking, ‘I should have done my hair and makeup!'”
As the shoot progressed, the star initially felt the number of pictures was excessive, especially considering his self-consciousness about wearing a casual hat. “I kept saying, ‘That’s enough, you don’t need to take so many,’” he said. “I thought, ’I look terrible; just a few casual snaps will do.’”
Ultimately, Fong was delighted by the results, particularly realizing that the focus was, rightly, on the two leading ladies in his life. “When the photos came out, they were beautiful,” he noted. “It turns out I wasn’t the protagonist anyway—you can barely see me! (Just kidding, I’m in some… thank you).”
Focus Shifts to Family Life
The outpouring of congratulations from friends, colleagues, and the public highlights the continued interest in Fong’s personal life, a subject that has historically been kept private following his high-profile athletic and entertainment career.
The photographs shared today provided a rare glimpse into the couple’s relationship and their new roles as parents. The candidness of Fong’s commentary regarding the photoshoot resonated widely, offering a touch of relatability to the often-polished world of celebrity parenting.
The birth marks a significant milestone for Fong and Yip, who have transitioned smoothly into parenthood. As the family adjusts to life at home, fans and the media eagerly anticipate further updates and glimpses of Baby Isla as she grows. The Gleneagles Hospital, known for its commitment to patient experience, clearly provided a memorable welcome for the newest member of the Fong family.
