Fabio Fabiola

Hello, Friends!

We were trying wigs on for a laugh when someone suggested, "Jamesie, why don't we do your birthay party in drag?"

And so we did a "Pink Prom Parade" - my twenty-somethingth (I forget) birthday party. Imagine 17 guys in pink drag stomping down Hollywod Road en route to Volume. It was biblical.

That's how it all began.

"What shall we call you..." my dear friend Evan, Volume's Creative Director, wondered out loud.

My dance partner, the half-Spanish, half-Chinese muscle boy Anthony-Hector Woo, looked out the window for inspiration. He saw a signage for a boutique that sells handbags.

"Fa-bee-YOH-luh," Anthony exhaled, gently caressing each syllable.

"Fabiola!" Evan's eyes twinkled.

"FABIOLA!" my dear friend, La Chiquitta, shrieked.

"Fabiola..." I whispered.

The handbag boutique was in fact called "Fabriano." Sounds strong and sturdy, if you ask me. Thank goodness I didn't end up getting a name like Fabriana, Fabrizzia, Fabria - or worse, Fedele or Farfalla.


Fabiola...


She used to just be a persona I inhabit once I put on a costume - no different to a character I play onstage. That's how I saw it.

But now, whenever I go shopping, I shop for two people.

"I want this low rise, relaxed fit, stone washed style. Size 32 waist, please. Hey, wait! Would you have that bra in extra large? My chest measurement is 42."

And now, when I receive invites to parties, I'm not even sure whether or not I'm really, truly welcome!

"Jamesie, join us for my birthday drinks at Armani / Aqua tonight! Hope Fabiola can come!" *giggles*

Last night I had to do three quick costume changes. The evening began with Chicken Feet Disco's Get Animated! party at Veto. Richard, who organizes the monthly event with his husband, Stephen, was dressed up as Buzz Lightyear. To infinity - and beyond!

Then, I had to run to Volume Beat for FERO5H, the brand's 5th anniversary party. The movers and shakers in HK's LGBT community always arrive early to these events, to show support. That's 'coz after midnight, it's just bedlam. Party boys from all over pack the floor, it's impossible to move, much less get a vodka cranberry.

So I left Beat at a quarter to 12 to do my next costume change.

At 1AM, Fabiola made her entrance.

At 4am, Fabiola went home.

James emerged yet again.

...to go to Propaganda.

I danced 'til 6.



With Affection,
James