Gigi Lai’s Lockdown Diaries: A Family Fiesta in Shanghai
Picture this: an aging Hong Kong icon, her kids, and a whole city under way‑deadlock. That’s exactly what Gigi Lai lived through after her March 17 flight to Shanghai. Strapped into a quarantine bubble for longer than the company’s usual 14‑day stretch, the former actress turned to the fans on social media to keep everyone in the loop – and to sprinkle in a dash of humor.
The O‑Manual: Why Gigi Became an Inner‑City Guide
On April 17, no less, Gigi posted a reassuring message:
- “We’re safe, and we’ve got enough food and supplies!”
- She thanked friends who’d been calling and worrying.
- “More than 30 days of isolation? I never saw that coming, but it turned out to be a golden chance for us.”
Shanghai’s lockdown, aimed at slashing community Covid‑19 cases to zero, threw the city into a culinary and logistical frenzy. Many residents were scrambling for groceries – a spin‑out that Gigi touched on, ensuring her fans that her family was stocked up.
Meet the Crew
- Spouse
- Patrick Ma (66), a tycoon by heart.
- Daughters
- Patricia & Gianna – 11‑year‑old twins. Pegella – 9.
Gigi noted how, before the lockdown, her weekdays were a routine of work while the kids breezed through school. “We’ve never cramped as a family for 24 straight hours for more than a month,” she mused.
Quarantine: The Unexpected Party
Instead of a silent house, it turned into:
- Cooking marathons (the twins’ first cake‑baking contest).
- Chat‑marathons (the endless “what’s for dinner?” debates).
- Housework blitzes (a family‑run laundry shipment).
- Time for telling stories and singing even louder than normal.
She praised her daughters for keeping a cool head and for staying sensible, turning isolation into a teamwork challenge.
Besides the daily grind, Gigi shared:
- Hand‑me‑down chores going from lights to laundry.
- A feeling that the hours flew by, yet the day never felt grossly long.
- Her own feed of selfie‑shot moments—reading a chapter, chopping veggies, and balancing the household chores.
Kids captured her on camera, and the family enjoyed each frame.
From Stage to Startup: A Quick Retrospective
Beyond the lockdown picture‑perfect in‑perspective moments, Gigi reminds us of her original love‑affair with TVB dramas like War and Beauty (2004), The Charm Beneath (2005), and The Gem of Life (2008‑2009). She retired from acting in 2008 and now sits at the helm of a medical‑aesthetic company she founded.
What’s Next?
After Toronto says no, Shanghai says yes, it’s a reminder that family—and a few laughs—can turn any lockdown into an unforgettable adventure. And Gigi keeps pushing forward, surrounded by her supportive crew.
Want to see the shutters shut on their quarantine fun? Head to her Instagram for a visual tour of the family’s kitchen shenanigans and calm‑time reading—the photos and videos capture the essence of “situation-positive” togetherness.
