Meet Piggle. Piggle is a little piggie with a real sense of adventure. One day, after a breakfast of condensed milk and toast, Piggle decided that he’d like to go on an expedition to discover what is in store for Hong Kong in the Year of the Pig. So he put on his little hat and set off on his journey, from Causeway Bay to Lantau.
Causeway Bay
Lunar New Year is just around the corner and everyone is out shopping. Strangely, the underwear lady seems to be doing a brisk trade…
Piggle: Why is everybody buying new panties?
Underwear Lady: It’s new year and everything has to be new. Plus, everybody is gambling during this period and many believe red panties can make them win big. Red panties are a must–have item for the new year.
Piggle: So red panties are bestowed with the mighty power to win. What if everyone is wearing them? Are there any other ways to win big on the gambling table?
Underwear Lady: Well, there is also a set of rules to follow: Avoid the bald, pregnant, and anything associated with the number “seven.” Never wear white or go to any bookstore before gambling. Never pat someone on the shoulder…
Victoria Park
Piggle heads into Victoria Park, a wonderland of the elderly. Each senior citizen occupies a whole bench, and nobody seems to be talking, so Piggle decides to break the silence…
Piggle: Come here often?
Pak: (Stunned)
Piggle: Nevermind.
Pak: I come here when I am free… When I am free, I like to come here. I sit here during my free time, it is good to be here when I am free…
Piggle: And what’s your wish for the Lunar New Year?
Pak: Good health. I don’t want to get sick and I want everybody to be healthy… When everybody is healthy, no one gets sick.
Piggle: What was it like celebrating the Lunar New Year in the past?
Pak: It was a much bigger event in the old times. There were dancing dragons and tigers everywhere…until the Japanese attacked everybody. But everyone decides to forget about that because they like Sogo now… They go to Sogo and forget everything…
Cotton Tree Drive
Continuing his holiday tour, Piggle ends up at the marriage registry on Cotton Tree Drive. Too bad he’s not the kind of pig to be tied down, but he talks to a newlywed couple anyway.
Piggle: Congratulations!
Groom: Thank you!
Piggle: Why is everybody getting married?
Groom: The babies. The Year of Pig is good for having babies but bad for marriages. So everybody is getting married before the new year arrives.
Piggle: How did you meet your wife?
Groom: About two years ago while my friend and I were having lunch at a café in Thailand. I fell in love with her at first sight. I asked my friend to go over to her table and ask for her number. Girls like shy guys… The impression that you aren’t good with flirting only makes you more attractive!
Piggle: Well, good luck. Better make sure there’s space left in the hospital…