How a Hong Kong mum’s eloquent balloon fest rant won fans and refunds

Dreamy Ho, 40, gained internet fame after her rapid-fire complaints, boldness in speaking up and relentless determination to stand up for her rights captured widespread attention in Hong Kong following a viral interview clip.

The lively and eloquent speech was directed at the organiser of a hot-air balloon festival, which failed to provide tethered rides despite advertising them, and initially refused to offer a refund, which the single mother said “felt like a scam”.

Internet users were impressed that the two-minute impromptu monologue remained free of expletives, despite the obvious agitation of the production company owner, who had spent more than HK$2,600 (US$334) on five tickets just to enter the fair.

“I have been told that having a crazy woman like me standing up has awoken the idea in some people that they can fight too. In the past few years, people have got used to letting things slide and would rather not put up a fight, but if the complaint is reasonable, why not speak out?” she said.

She also said that she was setting an example for her 10-year-old son by speaking up against injustice.

“Children mirror what they see. If adults act a certain way, children follow suit. I used to work in Japan, where kids would greet you loudly with ‘Ohayo!’ while out and about. Why? It is because their parents are like that,” Ho said.

“It’s teaching by example, which is far more important than higher education or top-tier schools.”