The man, the musician and the 'mo

He’s normally seen sporting a beard, but for one month each year, Chris Carpio turns into “a weird looking Super Mario” (his words, not ours) for a very special cause: Movember.

“Most people don't like it on me, but every now and again, someone would comment that it doesn't look too bad. My Asian genes don't help and there are some patches, but no biggy,” says the musician and Generation T lister about his month-long moustache.

This is the third year that Chris Carpio is supporting Movember, with the goal of raising HK$5,000 by month-end.

“At first, I thought it was a great way to raise awareness for men’s health—as we all know, men can be extremely stubborn when it comes to check-ups and going to the doctor’s,” he said.

“But after being involved in a Movember event last year, it became more personal to hear the stories of other professionals who had been through some tough times. Combined with that, I starting noticing friends and family having physical and mental health issues, and that’s when it gave some extra purpose to me.”

Tatler Asia
Above Chris at Publika Jazz 2017 (Photo: Courtesy of Chris Carpio)

He’s not alone, with Yenn Wong's JIA Group and the Landmark Mandarin Oriental team (including Richard Ekkebus) supporting the cause too.

In Hong Kong, where some men don’t grow moustaches that easily, it’s still worth getting involved, says Chris. And whether you have a ‘mo or not (by genes or gender), there are still plenty of ways to show your support.

See also: 9 Hong Kong Barber Shops To Know About

“It’s not really about the moustache—it's more about awareness. For me, I know I look funny but that's kind of the point. My tip would be to give it a go and wear it proudly no matter what it looks like.”

Tatler Asia
Above Chris at Publika Jazz 2017 (Photo: Courtesy of Chris Carpio)

With Movember coming to an end and fundraising efforts dying down, men’s health issues shouldn’t just fade into the background.

“Money aside, I think it's extremely important to push your friends and family to seek medical help when they’re not feeling well, or spend time with them when they are down.”

“We all go through mixed stages of life and it's important to have help when we aren't at our strongest.”

It’s not too late to help—visit Chris Carpio’s MoSpace page to donate to the cause, or Movember Hong Kong to get more information.

See also: 5 Ways To Support Movember In Hong Kong

Topics