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LING PO & CHIN HAN Article Year: 1979 Written by: Chang Fen Translated by: Anny Chew Edited by: Yen Ly |
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What is love? To Ling Po who has had a hard life, a stable marriage is what she desires. For a woman, combining love and marriage is not easy. Over 10 years ago, Ling Po captivated fame portraying Liang Shan-Po in the infamous film Love Eterne. Yet, it was love that brought her many worries as well as problems. While Ling Po surprised some people with her lustrous in wielding the long sleeves and twirling the fan in her first SB movie, these well polished movements were a result of her previous acting experience in Hokkien films. During her Hokkien film days, she was sweet in appearance with the ability to sing as well as act. Being considered as a �money tree� by her foster mother, Siao Jian (later known as Ivy Ling Po) acted in films to support her foster family. Audience may know of Ling Po through her fame, but it�s only the actress herself who knows the hardship she's been through. At 16, she got married to a Filipino Chinese businessman who is much older than her in age. She gave birth to her 1st son, but it was an unhappy marriage. After the success of Love Eterne, Chang Chung and Chin Han were pursuing Ling Po. The courtship by both men was a case of an already well-known star (Chang Chung) versus a relatively new actor (Chin Han). Chang pursuing Ling Po was aggressive with news spreading widely by the press. With Chin Han, it was quiet with hardly a ripple. Chin Han is a sincere man. When he was courting Ling Po, many people laughed at and even looked down on him. They said that he was asking for the unattainable, going along with a Chinese saying: �A frog wanting to eat the heavenly goose meat�. In the end, Chin Han was the right one. However, it wasn�t an easy decision to pick someone who was not quite a celebrity. Chin Han treated this son as his own. This touched Ling Po very much. Initially, Ling Po�s eldest son stayed with her foster mother in Taiwan. Chin Han had to spend a lot of money and effort to get the boy back. Being a stepmother is hard, but being a stepfather is even harder. Nevertheless, Chin Han proved to be a very good father. There is a saying that "A man who likes children can be considered for marriage". Hence, Chin Han is the right choice. After being married, Ling Po's popularity sort of declined and Chin Han had to maintain the family. By the early 1970s, the couple left SB and together with Tang Wei and Han San Ching, they formed a new company called Today's Film Company. Chin Han directed his first movie called Ti Ti Siang Tse, Ti Ti Lei, and was later followed by New Dream of Red Chamber. As a director, Chin Han treated everyone equally. Even Movie Queen Ling Po had to follow his orders. Despite this fact, to Ling Po, he is a good husband. Together, Ling Po and Chin Han have 3 boys including the first one from Ling Po�s previous marriage. As parents, the couple made sure that they gave the children the best of everything. The eldest son was sent overseas for studies. As a parent and a role model, Chin Han only plays golf instead of engaging in bad habits such as drinking or gambling. This set a good influence on the children. Chin Han, whose surname is Pi said, "We Pi boys are different." What about Mrs. Pi? Besides guest starring in a few films, she is a good wife and a good mother. Efficient and organized, she often picks up after her husband and the kids. Ling Po commented, "When I'm not home, with the 4 males, the home is messy." Chin Han proudly remarked that he is 100% satisfied with Ling Po. Why not? In the morning, Ling Po would get toothpaste and coat ready for him. In the evening, she prepares hot water for his bath. Where can one find such a good wife? When asked what is the secret of a good marriage, the couple stated that before marriage, they had an understanding (i.e. they give each other space). Should Chin Han throw a temper tantrum, Ling Po would leave him alone. Chin Han says that he courted Ling Po because she has a good heart: "When we were filming Hua Mu Lan, she gave me a lot of guidance. She did not have the 'big star' airs." Before marriage, Ling Po had some savings and she suggested that they live at her place. However, Chin Han wanted to buy a house for his beloved, even if it meant taking loans from others. "We are an old couple now. We do not forget our wedding anniversary every year.� "The 2nd boy is like the mother. When young he would know how to put away his toys. The 3rd one is somewhat wild, more like Chin Han." There was one instance after the pre-screening of New Dream of Red Chamber Ling Po asked one reporter, "How is it?" The reporter replied, "I shed some tears'" "That means you're touched by the film. A few tears is sufficient." When asked if they could have a wish what would it be, Chin Han was silent for a while and then said, "If we can have a daughter just like Ling Po that would be great." |