Long‑Distance Family Bonds: How the Pandemic Crushed Travel Plans
For years, hopping from one continent to another was part of daily life.
People flew past borders to recharge, meet friends, or just to see their family.
That routine was jolted to a halt when COVID‑19 hit.
Travel‑bans, lockdowns, and the dramatic halt of business and pleasure flights turned familiar destinations into distant memories.
Ronny Chieng’s Struggle
- China‑to‑Singapore distance turned a close‑distance bias into a long‑haul saga.
- 35‑year‑old comedian and actor Ronny Chieng never saw his mom in 2 years.
- Despite living in Manhattan, he sorely missed his mum in Singapore.
In a virtual round‑table for Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Ronny reflected:
“I haven’t seen my mom in two years. Obviously, that’s snagging on a lot of emotions.
I would have had a chance to see her so much more if COVID hadn’t put a stop to everything…
Flying across the world was a luxury to begin with. That sudden stop‑stop sold everyone on how precious daily life really is.”
He added a hint of frustration and nostalgia:
“It was just a hop away—direct from JFK to Singapore. But that’s a thing of the past now.
Maybe we would’ve saved on some time if we’d never been flying that often in the first place.
But missing the chance to visit feels like a missed opportunity in a way people forgot before the pandemic.”
Looking Forward
As soon as the world lifts its travel fences, Ronny plans to catch a flight back home to see his mum.
He’s already keeping tabs on the new opening windows, and he’s on a mission: zip‑zap to Singapore as soon as the doors open.
So there you have it—one headline for every globe‑truck as the path to family reunites continues to shuffle with the rhythm of global change.
Shang‑Chi: A Garlic‑Baked Showdown
In the latest Marvel romp, Shang‑Chi and his sidekick Katy, the film’s comedy‑administered duo, pump up the volume on a gritty underground fight club. They’re on a mission: track down the villain’s sister, Xialing—and it turns out the only ally in this chaos is Peyton’s Jon Jon, played by Ronny, who’s basically a live‑action, rib‑in‑itch guide.
Meet the Cast
- Simu Liu as the thunder‑clad Shang‑Chi
- Awkwafina as the unstoppable Katy
- Ronny as Jon Jon, the street‑wise “Ah Beng” ally
- Tony Leung Chiu‑wai in the role of the ominous Wenwu
- Michelle Yeoh as the fierce Jiang Nan
- Fala Chen as a key supporting character
- Florian Munteanu rounding out the consultant’s dream team
What Makes It Fun?
Picture a dance‑floor of punches, a sprinkle of kung‑fu flair, and a dash of love‑story drama. The film turns a labyrinth of underground fighting into a bumpy road that’s as comedically jolting as it is emotionally captivating. Thanks to Ronny’s “Ah Beng” comic relief, the tension is never too dry—just generous enough.
Wrap‑Up
With a passionate ensemble, Shang‑Chi masterfully blends epic storytelling, humor, and genuine heart. If you’re in the mood for high‑energy fights and a side of chuckles, this blockbuster will keep you on your toes.
‘We didn’t know if we would walk outside the house and die’
When the Pandemic Hit the Set (And What Ronny Learned About Life)
It wasn’t just the travel restrictions that threw a wrench into the movie machine. According to Ronny, the entire production was put on pause back in March 2020, and the pause lasted a solid two weeks.
The Two‑Week Stand‑Still
- Production shut down in early March, right when uncertainty peaked.
- Everyone was staring into a future that looked as clear as a fog‑shrouded glass.
- “We didn’t know if we’d ever start up again, or if even the lights could go back on,” Ronny told reporters.
- He humorously described the mood as “walking outside the house and… maybe dying” – a stark reminder of how dire the situation felt.
An Unexpected Gift: Appreciation for Tiny Wins
Through that black‑out, Ronny discovered one of life’s biggest treasures: the joy found in fleeting, everyday moments. He says the pandemic taught him to value self‑expression and cherish the good stuff that can disappear just as quickly as it appears.
Learning From Legends
Even with the production hiccup, Ronny got to work alongside some of the biggest names in the biz:
- Tony – an actor whose every move leaves audiences glued.
- Michelle – a powerhouse whose presence lights up every scene.
- Ben Kingsley – a legend whose work in the film was more felt than seen, as Ronny didn’t share any scenes with him.
“When you’re on set with such talent, it never feels like a solo performance. I didn’t want to be the weak link, so I kept my eyes open and learned from everyone around me,” Ronny said with a grin.
What this Means for Fans
Behind the chaos and the challenges, the story reminds us that even when the world pauses, the smallest moments keep spinning forward. And for those sharpening their crafts on set, it’s a clear call: stay curious, stay humble, and keep asking questions—because every actor, from Tony to Ben, has something valuable to share.
Inside the Reel: A Star‑Studied Take‑Down
The “Cliché” That’s Actually Genius
“I’ve been watching these guys rise from the very first clip—Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh. I’ve got a buddy system with Simu, a chill with Awkwafina, and hey, even got to shake hands with Meng’er. It’s a bit of a cliché, I’m sure, but the purest thrill in making the film was hanging out with the very heroes and peers I admire.”
When Tony’s Gaze Turns Heads
- We’ve all seen Tony’s performance magic—no one can touch it.
- His signature stare has even sparked academic essays and literary debates.
- Guess who got a little red‑hot blinking backstage? Fala Chen.
Working with Tony—A Delightful Experience
When the interview was almost done, we dropped the final question onto the table: “What was it like working with him?” At that point, Tony had hardly been mentioned at all.
What Ronny Had to Say
“I don’t want to be the guy who puts words in Tony’s mouth, but he’s absolute gold,” Ronny confessed. He’s the best. He added that Tony was:
- Super down‑to‑earth, never too lofty.
- Vividly encouraging, always pushing the crew to give their best.
- Incredibly supportive, ready with a smile whenever someone needed help.
- Perpetually positive, turning even the toughest scenes into a joyride.
Why It Matters
Those qualities made the set feel less like a studio and more like a big family reunion. Everyone left feeling inspired, and the camaraderie was unmistakable.
Catch Shang‑Chi Now…
Need a quick break from the daily grind? Experience Marvel Studios’ “Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” in cinemas and immerse yourself in an action-packed adventure.
Side Note: JJ Lin’s Musical Touch
Fun fact: JJ Lin contributed to the soundtrack of Shang‑Chi, adding a melodic layer to the film’s vibrant world.
