TVB News World - Asian Entertainment News Daily

Yesterday Myolie Wu attended the promotional event for TVB series Ghetto Justice II. It was announced that the ratings for Monday-Thursday of this week averaged 32 points and peaked at 39 points. Myolie said: "After the Olympics ended, the ratings started going up again. Perhaps last week it wasn't as good, but I hope the final week could set a new record. Kevin Cheng will be back to treat us all a meal, but I don't know if he'll be back in HK for the finale."

Recently, Myolie has been busy shooting for Triumph in the Skies II. As her role is considered an athletic female, she will have several biking and jogging scenes, which has also helped her lose weight. Regarding to Francis Ng, earlier while shooting outdoor scenes, he scolded people in public. Myolie said: "We haven't had any scenes yet, but I believe he won't yell at me. Maybe because Francis is an artist, so his emotions goes up and down." When asked if there's any method she can calm Francis down? Myolie laughed: "I will make a run for it. Running away is the best method! (You already seen Francis' temper in the first installment?) He only does it based on the situation, not on any specific person. That time, we were all inexperienced and young. He didn't yell at us just because he wanted to. If there wasn't Francis, then there wouldn't be me today. He is considered my first mentor, I can withstand his scolding." Asked if she's afraid of being scolded now? She laughed: "No, if I get scolded at now, I'll die. I don't think it will happen!"

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Pop queen Joey Yung will soon hold a Metro radio concert with William Chan, Raymond Lam and Mag Lam. Yesterday they attended the press conference, except for Mag lam because she was ill.

Earlier Joey released a Mandarin album and it has been getting positive response. She expressed she hopes Mag will get well soon and can perform with them at the concert. Mag was absent from the press conference because she injured her vocal cords. As her senior and someone who had personal experience, Joey expressed: "Mag's personality is rather sentimental. Every time I see her, I tell her to remain calm because it helps with her health."

Joey also reveals that Mag is feeling very worried and tensed about her injured vocals. Not only did Joey give her psychological advice, she also recommended a doctor in Mainland who treated her damaged vocals: "She already went to see that doctor and is resting now. I hope she gets well soon."

When speaking of the recent case of a wealthy young man from Taiwan involved in date raping several actresses and then taking indecent photos of them? Joey expressed: "I believe nothing will escape from Heaven's net. The police will definitely be able to catch him." She said she won't come into contact with strangers and will always have a colleague accompany her. William was asked if he's worried about girlfriend Charlene Choi's safety? He said: "Ah Sa's very smart, she knows how to take care of herself. Actually not just Ah Sa, all females should be careful and protect themselves." William also reveals for this concert, there will be an all new arrangement of his 8 minute long dance performance.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Chilam Cheung is naturally born with a baby face. Even if he's already a husband and a father, he still looks young. However, no matter how young he may look, he will still grow up one day. Today Chilam has matured and keeps his son on the tip of his tongue. This little boy has finally turned into a true man!

Preservative Secret

Hello everyone, I'm Chilam Cheung! Since my debut until now, people have said it's like I ate preservatives. Actually, I think people are just thinking too highly of me, every individual will naturally age as the years go by. For me to keep my [baby face], I think a lot of it has to do with my lifestyle.

First I do a lot of exercises, such as playing ball, swimming and jogging. In the recent years, I've started eating healthier, less meat and more vegetables, but the most important is my mental state. Often times, I try to maintain my sense of humor and I like to joke. In fact, if I encounter difficulty in life, I don't get too stubborn about it and will just resolve the issue with a smile, just by that will help prevent wrinkles! Actually, I'm not really an optimistic person and I have been through down times in life as well, like times when I wasn't getting anywhere in my singing career, when my series aren't getting good ratings or when my films aren't doing well in the box office. But there will bound be ups and downs in life, that's how its complete!

A Phone Call Daily

People say my wife Anita Yuen is hot tempered, while I'm more easy-going. I think there are goods and bads in everyone's personalities. My wife is impatient, but I take things slowly, and that's how we spark. Every couple or married couple should learn to compromise, learn to appreciate one another! Perhaps you all think that I'm a romantic person, but actually I don't really have any ideas. I'll try to give her as much security as possible, so she doesn't have to worry. Just like we have talk on the phone at least once a day!

Also, no matter how busy I am, every week I will definitely have a meal with my wife and son. Now that we have children, our relationship changes completely. Basically you can say our lives are completely different because our everyday lives changed. Too much time spent with just the two of us, will get boring. Now that we have a son, it's a whole new stage in life, I just feel we're a lot healthier. At least, we communicate more.

Cherishes His Son

I read a book once, it said parents have to be on the same page. It shouldn't be one parent is the bad person and the other is the good person. Our roles are like that, teaching children is a whole different knowledge. I enjoy family life a lot more since we had our son. I really cherish the time I spend with my son because time flies and children nowadays mature fast. In the next few years, he won't need me anymore, so I really cherish the time we have now!

As for having more children? Honestly, I want a daughter too. On average, men are more affectionate with daughters, but I'm definitely a "jealous father", I won't be able to accept my daughter getting a boyfriend in the future.

Enjoys Life

In fact, my mentality changes as I get older. In the past, I focused on my work, but now I enjoy the ordinary and peaceful life. Also, as we get older, we should know how to enjoy life because there will always be ups and downs in life. We have to learn to look at the bright side and not be demanding. Nowadays, health is my wealth. Although this is often said, most people have to live until a certain age before they can really understand what it means, including me!

Uses Face Scrub Daily

Earlier Chilam and his wife Anita took part in the ribbon-cutting/opening ceremony for Lancome. He believes the most important skincare for men is cleanliness. Chilam washes his face with face scrub on a daily basis. He laughed and said he doesn't get too fancy with skincare because having a face too "smooth" will actually get him pimples.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

He almost always plays ‘small potato’ characters, but yet he says he is very happy; his path [to fame] always seems to be slower than others, but yet he says he doesn’t regret it….

You might not know his name, but you will definitely recognize his face. Ram Tseung (蔣志光) has appeared in countless TVB series throughout his 20 year acting career – from the effeminate James in the hit sitcom War of the Genders《男親女愛》(2000) to drama fanatic Law Ka Fai in the comedy Life Begins at Forty《花樣中年》(2003) to the likably cute Eunuch Po in 2009’s anniversary series Beyond the Realm of Conscience《宮心計》, to the playful and humorous ‘Little Mr. Kiu’ in the recently aired Witness Insecurity《護花危情》(2012) -- in his 2 decades as a ‘green leaf’ (supporting) actor, he has ‘changed’ many faces. Yet how many people remember that many years ago, Ram had actually started in the entertainment industry as a singer / songwriter who was responsible for bringing us the golden classic (and karaoke favorite), Met As Strangers, Once Acquainted 《相逢何必曾相識》— his famous duet with singer Rita Carpio (韋以珊). [TN: the English translation of the song title is purely my interpretation and NOT the ‘official’ translation by any means.] Even though his career ‘changed’ from music to television, one thing that hasn’t changed for this ‘second-line drama king’ is his philosophy on life – it also has not extinguished the desire in his heart to pursue his ultimate dream.

YC = Yang Cheng Evening Paper
RT = Ram Tseung

Recounting the days of old

In 3 of the series that just finished airing on TVB -- Master of Play 《心戰》, Witness Insecurity 《護花危情》, and Three Kingdoms RPG《 回到三國》—Ram Tseung played his usual ‘green leaf’ roles. For die-hard TVB fans, Ram might be a familiar face, however not everyone might be familiar with his singer / songwriter past or his ‘golden’ classics Met As Strangers, Once Acquainted 《相逢何必曾相識》 and Queen’s Road East《皇后大道東》[his duet with Taiwanese singer/songwriter Lo Da Yu (羅大佑)].

YC: A lot of people don’t know that you actually started in the industry as a singer. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience in this area?

RT: I believe the year was 1979 – at that time, I was doing behind-the-scenes work for movies. I had actually gone through many different positions, with the highest being assistant director. Later, the HK movie industry slumped and it was almost impossible to survive doing independent film – for 6 months, I didn’t have any work, so I decided to switch to doing behind-the-scenes work in music. At that time, I would mostly sing ‘saliva songs’ [TN: songs so common that everyone knew how to sing them] and do imitations of other singers such as Leslie Cheung (張國榮), George Lam (林子祥), etc. – I still remember there was a line in the movie C’est La Vie, Mon Cheri《新不了情》(1993) that went something like this: ‘Ram Tseung merely started in the industry singing saliva songs too!’ [laughs] It wasn’t until 1985, during George Lam’s concert, when I pretended to be a monkey imitating him singing, that people started knowing of me. Not long after that, I signed with record company Polygram [now Universal] and participated in the “Asian Region Pop Song Competition” and later released my first EP album. At that time, Polygram had 3 singers they wanted to promote – Ram Tseung, Hacken Lee (李克勤), and Chris Wong (黄凯芹). The company had the 3 of us release albums at the same time and told us that whoever’s album sells well, they will get the chance to continue releasing albums. The result was that both Chris and Hacken’s albums sold well, but mine didn’t. Later on, I signed with another record company and formed the band ‘Second Generation Wind and Cloud’ with 2 other artists, however the company wanted me to release a solo album, so that’s when I wrote the song Met As Strangers, Once Acquainted.

YC: After that song, your singing career started to take flight, however not long after that, you announced that you would be leaving the music industry. Why?

RT: The main reason was because I discovered that my foundation in music was not strong enough. To be a successful singer, I had to guarantee that each of my albums will sell better than the previous one – the pressure was too great. Plus the music industry at that time was already very different from what it was in the past and so I could already anticipate that a future in singing was not very optimistic. In addition, I was a pretty picky person and didn’t get along too well with others, so I decided to leave the music industry.

YC: Did you struggle with the decision?

RT: No. My thinking at the time was -- rather than continuing to remain in the industry until you dry up, why not just withdraw when there’s still a chance?

YC: After you left the music industry, there was a long period of time where you wouldn’t sing at all on any shows or programs. Was this because in your mind, there was a sort of ‘mental resistance’ to singing?

RT: No, it wasn’t resistance. The HK entertainment industry is very weird – they like to ‘label’ all their artists as either ‘actors’ or ‘singers’. As an artist, if you are able to act and sing well, it’s supposed to mean that you’re a multi-talented person, however in HK, it’s different – if your status isn’t clearly classified into one of those categories, it’s like you’re out of place. My philosophy has always been: either I do the best job or I don’t do it at all – since I wanted to be a good actor, I had to give up on singing. Even now, at this point in my career, I hope for people to remember me as an actor more than as a singer. In the future, if people bring up the name ‘Ram Tseung’ and feel that I was both a good actor and a good singer, of course it would give me even more of a sense of accomplishment.

YC: It wasn’t until Lo Da Yu’s (羅大佑) concert in 2004 that you finally got up on the stage and sang again. Did you feel at that time that you could finally throw out your apprehensions about singing?

RT: No. Actually, I originally didn’t even plan on participating in the concert, but then Patrick Tang (鄧健泓) asked me: ‘Perhaps look at it as an opportunity to go see your old friend again and reminisce with him about the old days?’ I thought: ‘true, that makes sense’, so I decided to go. Nowadays, I still occasionally perform on stage here and there to earn some extra money, but to me, that’s purely a method of earning money. If you ask me, I would still tell you that I am an actor.

Towards Acting…

After leaving the music industry, Ram Tseung took with him the dream of one day becoming a director and eventually joined TVB, becoming an actor instead. At first, he saw becoming an actor as a ‘stepping stone’ for a different career path and so he took a ‘passing through’ attitude toward acting. What he didn’t expect was that he would go from waiting impatiently for each work day to end to, 20 years later, truly developing a love for acting. Having resigned himself to the fact that he ‘doesn’t have the fate to be male lead’, Ram has found a certain type of joy in playing a variety of different ‘small potato’-type characters.

YC: After withdrawing from the music industry, why did you choose to join TVB?

RT: Because I wanted to continue cultivating my creativity. I felt that this industry was closer to my dream – I always tell people that my ultimate goal is in movies, so I decided to give up my singing career to pursue acting. Thinking back on this path now, I feel that I made the right decision.

YC: For someone like you who didn’t graduate from the Acting Classes, did your acting get criticized a lot in the beginning?

RT: I consider myself lucky in that all the roles I’ve gotten have been ones that I’m able to handle. However I will admit that in the beginning, I didn’t apply 100% dedication to acting because what I really liked most was behind-the-scenes work. But, there’s a saying in our industry that gets circulated quite often: ‘Never think about just acting for a few years and then leaving, because as soon as you say this, you won’t be able to leave for a number of years.’ It described my situation perfectly – I thought I would just be ‘passing through’, but in the blink of an eye, I’ve already been acting for 20 years.

YC: How did you ‘endure’ these past 20 years?

RT: In the beginning, I was truly just waiting for each work day to end. Then when I started filming A Kindred Spirit 《真情》, I got to know Louise Lee (李司棋) . She treated the filming studio like her own home, often bringing pillows , newspapers, magazines, etc. almost every day. I asked her why she did that -- she told me that filming series is a long-term job and if we constantly thought if it as temporary and just waited to get off work everyday, it would definitely be a painful experience for us. It was like a light suddenly went on: I came to realize that there’s no point in constantly looking at the clock and wondering when the day will be over – instead, just enjoy the moment and the work at hand. A few years later, I was filming a series with Patrick Tam (譚耀文) and all of a sudden, I told him that I’ve come to love acting. After so many years of thinking that my work is dull and dry, to all of a sudden have feelings for it, definitely very interesting – from that moment on, my attitude toward work changed completely.

YC: Having played so many characters throughout the years, which one is your favorite?

RT: Looking back at it now, I feel that every character I played is very interesting and ‘cute’. For example, the character of James in War of the Genders, Sheung Jing Man in Safeguards《鐵血保鏢》, Leung Cham in A Fistful of Stances《鐵馬尋橋》. Even in Files of Justice《壹號皇庭》and A Kindred Spirit, my characters may not have stood out much, but the experiences were happy ones.

YC: Do you have a special fondness for these types of ‘small potato’ characters?

RT: Primarily because the producers believe in me and feel that I’m able to portray these types of characters well. I already don’t have the looks, so if I can’t even play these types of ‘small potato’ characters well, then it would definitely be impossible to survive [in the industry]. That’s why I feel that I need to firmly grasp the path of being a ‘character actor’! (Laughs)

YC: To be able to portray these types of characters well is not easy. Do you have a particular method to it?

RT: Normally, I would find myself a ‘reference’ that I could base the character off of. For example, in Witness Insecurity, I modeled the character of ‘Little Mr Kiu’ after Eric Tsang (曾志偉) and would think about him when playing the character. However, costume dramas are actually harder to find a ‘reference’ – for example, the character of Eunuch Po in Beyond the Realm of Conscience. I feel that Eunuch Po’s ‘partner’ in the series [the character played by Michelle Yim (米雪)] is a woman with a naturally more masculine personality, so Eunuch Po has to be more ‘feminine’ in order to reach a good balance that complements each other. Therefore, I discussed this at length with producer Siu Ching Jie [Miu Siu Ching (梅小青)] and as a result, we have this unique character.

YC: The roles you’ve had in the past few years have been quite well-received by audiences. Ever thought about getting an award?

RT: Never thought about it and feel that there is no need. Of course, I wouldn’t oppose it if it were to happen, but I feel that it’s better to be more practical in life – I would rather the company give me a pay raise! (Laughs)

YC: After so many years as a supporting actor, have you thought about doing lead roles?

RT: I feel that anyone can have the chance to be male lead. If a particular script were to have the ‘small potato’ character be the focal point of a series, I would perhaps have a chance. But in a commercialized society such as ours, there are many things that need to be taken into consideration. In HK, the ‘definition’ of a male lead is usually someone who is tall and handsome, young and suave. Mainland series on the other hand generally give middle-aged and even older actors more chance for development, but HK series generally don’t.

YC: Do you follow any Mainland series?

RT: I usually watch the historical series, such as Three Kingdoms 《三国》or Water Margin 《水浒传》. Whether it’s the scope or content, these types of series are usually quite spectacular – as an actor, it’s rare to get the opportunity to participate in these types of productions. If there’s ever the chance to collaborate with such ‘masters’ of acting in a series, it would definitely be a huge honor!

Towards His Dreams….

Despite having experienced many ups and downs in his long television career, Ram Tseung’s ‘movie dream’ has never faded. Whenever he has some leisure time, Ram would work on creating scripts, however up to this point, he has not found anyone to ‘share’ his creative ideas with. When it comes to creativity, Ram is very much a perfectionist, sometimes to the point of being ‘stubbornly persistent’ – it’s no wonder then, that he would ‘downplay’ his own ability by saying: “the entertainment industry suits me, but I’m not suited to the entertainment industry.”

YC: In the fickle world of the entertainment industry, being persistent in your ‘movie dream’ is not easy, right?

RT: TVB doesn’t have fixed monthly salaries and to be honest, my pay is not very high, but luckily my workload has been quite consistent so the money I make is enough to live off of. I’m not a materialistic person, so to have what I do now, I’m already very grateful. My family has also been very supportive of my decisions – they pretty much never watch TV, but whenever I’m in a series, they would always tune in to watch my performance. For me, this is already enough.

YC: Earlier, Ricky Wong (王维基) [CTI chairman] poached quite a few people. Ever thought about leaving to another station?

RT: I’m not that kind of person. At TVB, there’s a more stable environment and steady income, so I don’t feel it’s necessary to worry too much about the other stuff. I’ve been with the company many years, so of course I’ve already established a certain bond with them. [Rather than going to a different company], I actually hope to have the opportunity to film series in the Mainland.

YC: How about your ‘movie dream’? Still something you’d like to pursue?

RT: All these years, my ultimate goal is still to become a movie director one day. I’ve actually been working on a script all this time too, however my creative thought is pretty much the same as most of the ordinary HK scriptwriters – usually the beginning part of the script is awesome, but then 45 minutes into it, I feel helpless and hesitant…haha! If there’s money, then we can shoot a few more big action scenes, then wait for the story to end…if there’s no money, very hard to continue the story….(Laughs).

YC: If the script comes to fruition, would you seek out investors for it?

RT: Looking for investors is a huge lesson in itself. Many times, after you find an investor, you will discover that most of the script doesn’t belong to you anymore. (Laughs) I once read a report that talked about how production costs for Mainland films as well as actors’ fees continue to increase more and more, however the quality of the films get worse and worse. There’s a joke about it…someone once asked me: ‘Ram, if you could film a movie right now, how much money would you need?’ I replied: ‘2 to 3 million is enough’ to which the other person replied: ‘If you wanted 20 to 30 million, then it might be a possibility.’ The reason behind this type of thinking is that most ordinary people feel if you only invest 2 to 3 million into a movie, it must be bad quality -- but in reality, all that money really isn’t necessary. When you have a good script, you have to find someone who understands how to appreciate the art of a film to invest in it – if the investor is just an ordinary businessman who is more concerned about box office sales and return on investment than about the film itself, that’s not the result I want. Even if I’m not able to find an investor for a long time, I won’t feel it’s a pity because throughout the creative process, I’m happy and satisfied.

YC: But when a dream is ‘too perfect’, oftentimes it’s very hard to achieve.

RT: In this industry, perhaps not everyone is able to realize their dreams, but those who have the talent and ability will definitely be able to survive. Not everyone will move with the tide – some people are like cornerstones, strong foundational support who may not necessarily attain great status and wealth.

YC: But those who ‘move with the tide’ seem to have quicker results. You’ve never regretted it [taking the slower path]?

RT: I truly have not regretted it. I always say that the entertainment industry is suited to me, but people like me are not suited to the industry. The entertainment industry is suited to me because the creative space in the industry is really brilliant – being able to combine music and video images as one is truly a beautiful thing and makes this world [entertainment industry] so rewarding. But at the same time, this same ‘beautiful’ world is filled with fighting and vying for one’s own interests – that’s why I say that someone like me is not suited to exist in this type of world.

Source: Yang Cheng Evening Paper
Translated by: llwy12 @ AsianFanatics

Tsui Hark's previous film DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME (DIK YUN KIT ji TUNG TIN DAI GOK) was a commercial and critical hit. Now he and Huayi Brothers teamed up again on the DETECTIVE DEE PREQUEL, the production of which would be even bigger, the style more mysterious, the cast even fresher, and the special effects even more pinnacle. Tsui Hark even for the first time attempted to actualize a 3D shoot underwater and pushed the Chinese film technique toward a new level.

As for actors, top actors and actresses from three lands on both sides of the strait included AngelaBaby, Feng Shaofeng, Chiu Yau Ting, the rising star from SCARLET HEART Lin Gengxin, BOYS OVER FLOWERS Korean hunk Kim Beom and others. For her first Tsui Hark film, Baby did her homework. She not only turned down all project for the second half of the year but also studied the Tang Dynasty female fashion culture. She discovered that in the Tang Dynasty only after Yang Guifei was "fat considered beauty". She joked, "Then my shape still passes!"

Tsui Hark was Feng Shaofeng's idol. Feng said that he had to "sneak a peek" at what he did to learn; Chiu Yau Ting was attracted to Tsui Hark's fantastic imagination. As for Lin Gengxin and Kim Beom, when asked about why they took this role they acted like fans. "Because of Tsui Hark. I wanted to be in his movies even in my dream."

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Joey Yung Cho Yi and Chapman To Man Jat last night attended a DIVA promotion in Tsim Sha Tsui and an audience appreciation at a Tsim Sha Tsui cinema. Last night a Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signal 3 was raised. Ah Jat said that the storm would be go for two businesses: movies and restaurants. Hopefully this storm would not be as damaging as last time. He also hoped that it would help the film box office. Joey was this film's female lead. Ah Jat hoped that everyone's acting would be recognized. Ah Jat's other film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) has already passed 10 million at the box office. Joey already forced Ah Jat to buy her dinner. He said, "If tonight DIVA's opening breaks 1 million, I will force her to buy me dinner back."

Joey said that she would not only buy Ah Jat's dinner, she would even personally cook. She said, "We are both vegetarians, maybe I will cook a few vegetables for him." Joey said that this time she already did her best, one more step further than before. She also joked that she could vie for a Best Actor award, thanks to Ah Jat's explanations from the sideline. She said, "In one scene Ah Jat yelled at me with foul language. At the time my response was very real. I really have to thank him for his guidance."

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The Stephen Fung Tak Lun directed film TAI CHI 0 yesterday officially released its final trailer, which had Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) style kung fu, Jackie Chan style comedy action, and Tony Leung Ka Fai, Angelababy, Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Feng Shaofeng, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) and others.

The film was about a young orphan who knew no martial art after a series of hardship arriving into the "Chen Clan Village", a paradise on Earth. He originally thought that he would be able to learn kung fu and make a name for himself, but everyone in the village told him that the Chen Clan Fist would never be taught to an outsider. Angelababy and Peng Yu-yen even lead a gang to drive him out. Angelababy's mysterious father Leung Ka Fai had a strange temper and demeanor. Feng Shaofeng who appeared with a cloak also wore a strange smile. Every villager was skilled, even the uncle on the roadside Xiong Xinxin and the girl playing on the sreet could kill with every move.

Source: Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao and Tong Dawei are working on a Peter Chan Ho Sun directed new film. Sandra Ng Kwan Yu visited Chan Ho Sun on the set and enjoyed the benefit. She posted online a photo of her being carried by the trio of hunks. As everyone was jealous of Kwan Yu's "good fortune", someone online switched Kwan Yu, Huang Xiaoming and Tong Dawei's positions in the photo. Huang Xiaoming ended up lying in the arms of Deng Chao, Kwan Yu and Tong Dawei. The photo was almost perfect and attracted a lot of views.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: hktopten

The golden triangle of Hong Kong box office Johnnie To, Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng last collaborated in 2004′s Yesterday Once More, in March 2012 they announced that they would collaborate again in Blind Detective after 8 years of waiting for the audience thus becoming an anticipated film for 2013 with Johnnie pairing Andy and Sammi as crime solvers and it’s also Andy’s first attempt to be blind.

Earlier Sammi had to rest due to Ménière’s disease, thus shooting of the film stopped, she finally returned to work a few days ago as a refreshing Sammi reported for work to shoot a scene with Andy who wore black and white, with her birthday round the corner, she has no intention of going on leave as she will do her best for the film.

The location shooting was carried out at streets of Kowloon Tong, the reporters discover that Andy and Sammi was shooting inside a private vehicle when they arrived around 2PM, several fans of Andy were present to support their idol as they stand afar to see him.

As Andy is a retired and blind policeman, thus Sammi was the driver of the vehicle, but Sammi did not actually drove as the vehicle was actually being towed during shooting with Andy and Sammi chatting while facing the camera. As a blind character, Andy did not wore any sunglasses or carrying any gadgets for the blind, wearing a western suit, he looked like a normal person.

The shooting was completed smoothly within one hour, Andy and Sammi then walked out of the vehicle to their respective nanny car to rest. Wearing black, Sammi had cut her hair short and looked fresh, she took a 5 minutes rest before returning to the vehicle to shoot individual scene. Andy also walked out of the nanny car and while waiting for his turn, he sat down to chat with Johnnie.

With her 40th birthday two days away, Sammi had won the battle against her illness and get back to work in her best condition. With her birthday round the corner, she did not extend her leave and immediately start the shooting for Blind Detective, it can be seen how she weight the collaboration of the golden triangle to create another box office miracle.

Source: Sing Tao News, Ming Pao, Apple Daily News
Translated by: AndyLauSounds

Nancy Wu and Oscar Leung (Wai Wai) were shooting the ending scene for TVB new series Seasons of Love in Tsim Sha Tsui last night. The scene was about Nancy, who initially was going to meet Vincent Wong, but because he was trapped in an elevator, she coincidentally meets Wai Wai instead and sparked love. In reality, Wai Wai has been dating his girlfriend for 10 years, but exposes he sparked 'love' with Nancy from the kiss scenes, he said: "It's brotherly love, but we we're very into character. In the series, we have scenes more passionate than kisses, it is affectionate things that married couples do." Nancy added: "We collaborated before, but this is the first time we're a couple. I think we have great chemistry, I trust he won't take advantage of me." Wai Wai joked he's also afraid Nancy might sexually harass him.

When speaking of Myolie Wu, Kenneth Ma and Ron Ng's recent rumors? Wai Wai firmly said: "My girlfriend and I have been together for 10 years proves that we can withstand tests." When mentioning good friend Myolie's new rumor with ex-boyfriend Kenneth Ma? Nancy said: "Whoever collaborates her now will get rumors, no need to take it so seriously." Nancy reveals she and Mandy Wong are waiting for Myolie to introduce guys to them.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Elaine Yiu, Evergreen Mak and TVB Variety/Non-Drama executive producer Ms. Yu Wing Shan attended the press conference of new TVB lifestyle entertainment show (不得了人才招募). Elaine will soon be starting new series A Good Heart Goes Haywire with Bosco Wong. Because Elaine is a close friend of Myolie Wu, it was said she badmouthed Bosco and treated him poorly. Elaine said: "Bosco never flirted with me, I'm such good friends with Myolie, he wouldn't do that to me. (Do you think they should reconcile?) I think Myolie treats Bosco very well, let's see if Bosco will come back to Myolie, but she also has many to choose from, the forest is so big."

Ms. Yu reveals TVB will be investing more than HK$40 million on production costs. She said: "For this show, we'll be going around the world to interview not very known celebrities on their lifestyles. We're also recruiting Miss Chinese International from around the world to help us host the show and hope to ask wealthy young generations to participate as well. My personal choice is Real Ting."

It was said the recent Amazing Summer show TV Funny ('Fun Three 1/2 Weeks') was a 100% copy of American shows? Ms. Yu said: "The show may not be 100% original, but there were many different parts in 15 episodes. If we're going to pick one part to criticize, then that's not fair."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Recently, the film Mei Nan Ji was promoted as a film invested by Andy Lau, this news aroused the attention of fans. The reporters understand from Andy’s management company in Beijing – Qiu Shui Tang: Mr. Andy Lau and his management company does not know about this film, the production and shooting of the film is not related to Mr. Andy Lau and his management company.

Mr. Andy Lau’s love for Chinese films and support for newbie directors remained the same. The person in charge of Beijing Qiu Shui Tang told reporters that Andy always pay attention to creative and idealistic new directors, Mr. Andy Lau is willing to give support to good productions and talents.

Beijing Qiu Shui Tang will share with the media and Mr. Andy Lau’s fans of his films involvement and investment news, many thanks to all the support and attention to Mr. Andy Lau.

Source: ent.xinmin.cn
Translated by: AndyLauSounds

(Poster)
Yesterday Raymond Lam held a press conference to promote his new album Self Portrait at The Peninsula Hotel. The event organizer invited Raymond to kick off with an ice breaking ceremony. It was announced since Raymond joined EEG, he released 6 Cantonese albums, 1 Mandarin album and 3 concert DVDs, which sold over 1 million copies. However, when EEG executive Ng Yue recalled the past when he first met with Virgina Lok and Raymond at The Peninsula Hotel, Ng Yue exposed: "On our first meeting, Raymond was late and he didn't have the Chok look. He only came in a wet look (at the time it was raining). That time I was thinking if don't want to sign the contract, then forget it!"

Raymond explained that day he had to work prior to the meeting and it was raining, so he was late. He stressed: "At the time, I was very busy with my work. I ran around to several different locations all in one day, very rushed. It wasn't that ridiculous as everyone makes it sound!" He reveals for the concert he's holding in January, he has invited a male singer, who he rarely collaborates with, to be his guest performer. Raymond hopes that male singer will have time for him.

When asked if he'll invite rumored girlfriends Karena Ng and Yuxi Liu to his concert? He said: "I welcome all my friends to come. If truly are friends, then will support no matter what. You all know how I am, there is no need to comment any further on the rumors. You all can say whatever you want." When asked if he'll give his new album to the two rumored girlfriends? He said supportive friends will buy it, but every time he has a new album, he buys a batch himself to give to colleagues and seniors in the music industry.

Although Raymond often has rumors with female artists, he will not deliberately keep his distance. "Rumors are necessary in the entertainment circle. Just as long as it does not get too over the line, then just think of it as promotion! In the future, if I'm in a relationship, I won't deliberately try to hide it, let nature take its course." He also reveals, he is busy shooting a new 3D film, and fears he may get injured from shooting the jumping-off-the-building scene.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

According to reports in Hong Kong, the licenses for free-to-air TV kept delaying, it’s alleged that the government will officially give the licenses to City Telecom（HK）Limited, now TV and i-CABLE, thus next year could officially be the war of the TV stations. TVB new boss Charles Chan Kwok Keung wanted TVB to retain its “number one TV station” position and it’s said that other than hiring Wong Jing to shoot a grand drama, he also invited Eric Tsang to look into the new developments of dramas, other than Eric’s quick thinking and unlimited creativity, his good networking would come useful when it comes to inviting Andy Lau who had been in a TV drama for 24 years to “come home and fight the war”.

With the free-to-air TV war starting, TVB has made use of its manpower and financial power to fight the war. It’s alleged that TVB paid a high price to invite Wong Jing to shoot a 40-episodes modern drama with “7 Best Actress” winner Deanie Ip in the cast. Another “shocking” secret weapon which is boss Charles Chan entrusting Eric Tsang to shoot a heavyweight drama which will be broadcast in the golden time slot, it will have a heavyweight production team and cast, even top producers Tommy Leung and Catherina Tsang had to accommodate the move, the male lead will go to heavenly king Andy Lau.

When interviewed with regards to this matter, Eric said: “Actually the plan is yet realistic, still a lot of thinking in my mind, it could be a period or love story drama, possibly to link up with movie, the first episode be a movie and followed by 30-40 episodes of drama, similar to Laughing Gor. Or it could be something like Tiger Cubs, broadcast once a week, every week will be different, in this way could make use of newbie directors like Wong Ching-Po and inclusion of new actors.” With regards to male lead, Eric revealed that he did approached Andy: “I did mention to Andy Lau and he is interested, he told me: “If you managed to find a good story, I might consider!” The actors started off from the script, I would find a script that would moved him.”

Source: ent.sina.com, ent.QQ.com
Translated by: AndyLauSounds

Jennifer Tse Ting Ting yesterday modeled the Dorian Ho designed 8.88 million pearl wedding gown. Ting Ting later will go to Malaysia for a movie shoot. Earlier she just auditioned for another movie in the U.S. but so far nothing has been confirmed. At the end of the month she will attend the NAKED WEAPON (JUET SIK MO HEI) premiere. Reportedly Wong Jing wanted to focus the promotion on her and asked other actors like Ellen Chan Nga Lun not to attend the premiere. Ting Ting said, "I have heard about that, I don't know who will go. I only care whether Andy (On Chi Kit) and (Philip) Ng Won Lung would go. Actually everyone had pretty much the same screen time in the movie, no one was really the lead. I didn't ask Brother Jing. Usually when a movie is released it has a lot of speculation and news, but I liked working with Chan Nga Lun very much. I thought she was very pretty."

Source: Takungpao
Translated by: hktopten

The Tony Leung Chiu Wai starred film THE SILENT WAR (TING FUNG JEH) was no match for VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) at the Hong Kong box office but was a big hit in the Mainland. Its first week total box office was almost 150 million RMB. Two days ago Wai Jai and directors Alan Mak Siu Fai and Felix Chong Man Keung attended the Guangzhou celebration. Wai Jai said, "As an actor, basically without the box office I won't have anything. After the movie is made, the boss makes money and we continue to have movies to make. This is very important." Wai Jai in the film played blind and gave up his electrifying eyes to act. He said that it was very hard and he never wanted to play blind again. "I have always been used to act with my eyes, suddenly not using them was very painful."

The directors hoped to make OVERHEARD 3 (SIT TING FUNG WON 3) and basically has already written the script.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: hktopten

Opening last Thursday, the film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET)'s cumulative box office already made HK$10,152,026 as of 6PM yesterday and successfully broke the 10 million mark! Director Pang Ho Cheung and Chapman To Man Jat earlier at the celebration said that if the box office passed 20 million the boss would take them on a holiday. Now the mark has been passed, Pang Ho Cheung two nights ago posted online, "Today's box office came out, under Tuesday's half price discount VULGARIA still was on top of the box office with 1.28 million, the 6 day cumulative box office has reached 9.45 million already! VULGARIA cast and crew, hurry up and pack, wait for my notification!"

Krystal Tin Yui Nei immediately replied, "The crew must be rewarded! The holiday is necessary!" To Man Jat thanked the audience online. "I never imagined the memory of my youth in Guangxi with a donkey would perform so well on the silver screen. Some vulgar experience in life seemingly can turn into comedy some day! After six days in release the box office was 9.5 million, tomorrow it will head toward 10 million! Thank you everyone for your support! I love Hong Kong!"

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The film LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2) two nights ago held a promotion at a night spot and even invited the cast of the first film to promote. They included Model Ma Mia Chen Jing Yi and Lavina Chung Wai Chi. Shiga Lin Si Nga whose figured were no match for them showed off her back, while Jeana Ho Pui Yu gave up automatically and put away her chest.

Linked in rumors with Mia, Chrissie Chau Sau na's boyfriend Avis Chan Wai Sing joked that interpreting the film's "night spot has true love" motto almost "destroyed his family and killed him". Director Wilson Chin Kwok Wai jokingly told Avis to bring his girlfriend Chau Sau Na to the premiere to prove that they were fine. Mia stated that her premiere night fashion choice would be even more outstanding. Because this was her first leading role, she had to go all out. She even said that said from her career line, she might show other lines at the premiere. Speaking of Avis' comment, she pointed out that they only had exchanges in the film to express true love at night spots. During the shoot she even gave him some chap stick. When they shot they shot for several hours, everyone's lips were chapped.

Jeana explained that she only came in support, sexy will have to wait until her own movie. Speaking of her dating life with Parkman Cheung, Jeana said that the relationship was stable but for now they had no plan to wed.

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Joyce Tang has always been said that she falls for the wrong men. Earlier it was rumored she fell for married man Derek Kwok and now her current boyfriend, Matthew (not in showbiz), was said he already has a girlfriend. Up until today, Joyce still carries the 'third party' label.

Yesterday Joyce attended an event and generously admitted that she is dating Matthew. However, the couple does not have plans for marriage yet, leave it to fate. Regarding to the 'third party' reporters, Joyce expressed: "I think the more I explain the more confusing it gets. He is not in the industry, so please don't disturb him. We have already been dating for a period of time. (When you started dating your boyfriend, did he already break up with his girlfriend?) Actually there is no such thing! (Was he single at the time?) Yes! I'm very behaved and admitted that I'm dating. Please don't ask anymore. (Really protect this relationship?) I have always been protective, that is normal." Joyce will soon be working in both Mainland and HK, but she doesn't have to keep checking on her boyfriend because she is personally not that type. If she relied on that, then this wouldn't be a good relationship.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Last night, Joey Yung attended the 2012 Summer International Film Festival - DIVA Premiere. Currently Joey is busy promoting for her new film DIVA, when asked if she'll have any time to celebrate her boyfriend Wilfred Lau's birthday? Joey refused to answer. When asked if she got him a gift, if she felt unhappy that she wasn't able to celebrate with him and other questions relating to Wilfred, Joey did not respond to any of it. She said she does not want her news to revolve only around her love life, so she will never talk about her relationship again. When asked if she's being too heartless to Wilfred? She said: "People that know me understand. (Consensus with Wilfred?) Not answering." Then, Joey changed the subject and talked about something unrelated to her work. She revealed her 12 year old cat 'Mui Mui' passed away.

In fact, a few nights ago Joey posted on Weibo: "I was almost home when my mom called me and said to get to the animal hospital quick because my old cat 'Mui Mui' is about to leave this world. Recently, her health has not been well, which has worried me greatly. I deeply feared one day when I leave for work, I won't get to see her for the last time. Last time before I left my house, I told her that she must wait for my return. She's very obedient. I'm home now, you don't have to suffer anymore, I love you and I hope you lived a happy life. RIP. I miss you forever." At 4am, Joey announced on Weibo that Mui Mui has passed away: "You weren't my pet, you were my family. 12 years, you were there with me and experienced all the changes I went through...I hope the UFO Hins Cheung saw isn't used to take you away...we will meet again in our next life."

Joey said she took Mui Mui to the animal hospital when she got back to HK and the doctor said she died the night before. She said: "I took her home, so she can leave in the most familiar place. Over the last 10 years, my brother and I are used to it. The peak was when we had 8 cats, then we gave 3 away and had 5 left. With Mui Mui gone, 3 have already died. Now I only have 2 cats left. I will give them the best cat food and let them have a pleasant life."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Although Ron Ng and Viann Zhang have already broken up and Viann heartlessly got rid of her 'RON' tattoo, Ron still has not given up on the relationship and is trying to patch things up. Yesterday a magazine reported that he has been madly sending Viann mushy SMS and sent a diamond ring valued over HK$10,000 to her in Beijing. However, because of the love injuries, Viann once joked: "I want to kill him!" Despite all the rumors, Ron and Viann's current relationship isn't as bad as the public sees it. Ron admitted he still keeps in touch with Viann.

Yesterday afternoon Ron was shooting a biking scene with Myolie Wu for new series Triumph in the Skies II. In regards to the magazine report, Ron expressed he contacted Viann because of the report. Viann said she has not accepted any magazine interview recent, therefore he will not respond to fabricated news. He just thinks the issue is never ending, but he apologizes to Viann if the rumors had affected her emotions. Ron stressed he's still friends with Viann and they keep in touch.

The magazine also said Ron often asks his manager if he can fly over to Beijing. Ron denied and expressed what the report said is not true. He said: "It is not necessary to write it like we have such a bad relationship. (Visit her in Beijing?) I am shooting TITS2 now, even if I wanted to take a break, the crew won't allow me to."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

The issue of free-to-air TV licenses are delayed time after time; it has been said the government won't be officially issuing the licenses to CTI, nowTV and iCable until mid-2013. TVB's new boss, 'Shell King' Chan Kwok Keung, must keep TVB at the top of the television industry as Big Brother. It was understood, besides paying an expensive price to invite Wong Jing back to produce a glamorous TV series for them, Mr. Chan personally invited his trusted aide Eric Tsang to produce a new series as well. Eric does not only have fast reactions and unlimited ideas, he also serves as the networking person. Eric threw out his 'friendship card' as he plans to invite Film King Andy Lau back to his maternal home to help them with the 'TV war'. It has been 24 years since Andy's been in a TVB series.

Earlier there was news that Wong Jing will be starting a 40 episode TVB series and plans to invite Film Queen Deanie Ip to take on the lead actress role. Another one of TVB's surprising secret weapons is Chan Kwok Keung personally asked Eric Tsang to produce a grand production, in which he will be responsible for casting, finding a director and the script. Even the heads of the production department, Tommy Leung and Catherine Tsang have to step aside to accommodate him.

Eric accepted an interview with [HK Headline] reporters. In regards to producing a TVB series, he admitted: "Actually it is not confirmed, there is no concrete plan yet. I currently have several ideas. I may do a costume drama, love story or perhaps something that is more movie-like. The first part might be a movie and then maybe stretch it out to a 30-40 episode TV series. Maybe something like Laughing Gor or follow the Tiger Cubs style, air only one episode a week. Every production is different and I can use more new directors and artists." As for the leads that Eric has in mind? Eric exposed he has contacted Andy Lau: "I mentioned it to Andy before and said he's interested. He said to me: 'If you find a story I like, then I'll consider it!' Well, of course artists made decisions based on the script. I will come up with a script that touches him."

Andy Lau graduated from the 10th TVB Artistes Training Class in 1981. In 1982, producer Lee Tim Shing casted him as the lead actor in The Emissary, where he started getting popular. In 1983, TVB strongly promoted him along with Felix Wong, Tony Leung, Michael Miu and Kent Tong. They were known as the TVB's Five Tigers. Andy's been in many popular TVB series such as The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Duke of Mount Deer. In 1984, after he completed The Return of the Condor Heroes, he was unwilling to renew his contract for another 5 years, and thus was frozen by TVB for 400 days. In 1988, he starred in Tin Long Kip with Maggie Siu and then started focusing entirely on the film industry.

Source: HK Headline
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

This interview was one year in the making. Last year, when War and Beauty《金枝慾孽》was re-broadcast in the midnight timeslot, watching the Empress and Concubine Yu battling wits, I called the ‘Empress’ Rebecca Chan (陳秀珠) in the hopes of getting together for an interview – at the time, she was in the U.S. accompanying her son in his studies. Later on, watching her play an evil woman in Bottled Passion 《我的如意狼君》, notorious Tang dynasty Empress WuZeTian (武則天) in The Greatness of a Hero《盛世仁傑》, and Adam Cheng’s (鄭少秋) ex-wife in Master of Play 《心戰》, each time I called, she was not in Hong Kong. It turns out that this ‘filial’ mother decided to stay in the U.S. for the entire year to accompany her son in his studies.

Thirteen years ago, when she decided to give birth to her son without getting married and subsequently raise him entirely on her own, Rebecca already knew that being a single mother would not be easy. Even though Rebecca is not an ‘Empress’ in real life, at home, her son is definitely a ‘Prince’. Returning to HK with her son in tow this past summer, Rebecca expressed that her son is the center of her life – this is a choice she made, the choice of a single mother.

Having played an Empress as well as WuZeTian, Rebecca believes more and more that there isn’t much that a woman can’t do.

Injured her ribs in an accident

With the blink of an eye, Rebecca’s son is already 13 years old – last year, she accompanied him to the U.S. to start school: “Pursuing an education in HK is much more difficult. My son is not exactly a stellar student – we tried traditional schools, but the pressure was too great, so in his third year, I switched him to an international school in the hopes that it would be easier for him to adapt to the U.S. education system.”

She didn’t feel comfortable with her son staying in the U.S. all by himself, so she decided to stop working and accompany him to San Francisco [located in the state of California] to start school: “For the next 2 years, I plan to accompany him more and help him get adjusted first, then later on plan my own time.”

As for her filming obligations with TVB, it wasn’t until she returned to HK with her son earlier this summer that she had the time to discuss her next series. For the next few years, she plans to only film 1 series per year so she can focus on accompanying her son in his studies.

The last series that Rebecca filmed prior to leaving HK was Bottled Passion. On the last day of filming, as everyone was getting ready to leave, an accident occurred – Rebecca suddenly lost her balance and fell, her chest hitting the corner of a table: “The pain was so great that I thought I was going to die! They had an ambulance take me to the hospital right away and after some x-rays, it was discovered that my ribs were cracked in a few places!”

Due to her injury, she had to completely stop working in order to rest, so she decided to move her plan of accompanying her son in his studies forward a few years: “As the saying goes, life is unpredictable!” Oftentimes, things do not always go as planned. Given the situation, Rebecca decided to take the entire year off from work.

Her son, Tiga Chan (陳迪加), was named after a Japanese anime superhero. Even though he was born in California, Rebecca admits that for the first 6 months after the two of them arrived in San Francisco, adjusting to life there was very difficult: “We had to rent a house and buy furniture. Language barrier was also a problem, as only English was spoken at the schools…help! I also had to take English lessons. I told my son: ‘Let’s give it one year and if it still doesn’t work out, then we’ll leave!’ That’s why I always feel that no matter what you do, never burn your bridges – always leave an ‘out’ for yourself.”

Made the right choice to become a single mom

One person going to school, yet essentially two people were doing the homework. When it came to her son’s studies, Rebecca was right there next to him, helping him look stuff up in the dictionary: “Whether it was Roman history, Islamic history, or U.S. history, I took more notes than he did – it was more exhausting than filming series! Back when my son was born, I had gone back to work in less than a year, so I had never experienced being a ‘full-time’ stay-at-home mom before. It took some getting used to in the beginning, as I not only had to take care of my son, I also had to cook 3 meals a day as well as do the household chores, since there are no maids in the U.S.”

The most difficult thing about being a single mother is having to play the role of both mother and father to her son: “Sometimes I feel like I have split personalities, like the characters in Master of Play – at times, I feel like doting on him more while other times I feel I have to be more strict with him. I do spoil him though sometimes. He loves reading a particular Japanese anime, but I’m not too fond of him reading it – however I often tell him that I’ll buy the comic for him but he has to get certain grade in school. Of course, he always answers with ‘yes, yes, yes’ but after I buy it for him, he doesn’t follow through with the grades. Even now, I still give in to his sweet-talk.”

Her son likes to draw and has quite the artistic talent – oftentimes, he would draw pictures to express his feelings in his journal and whenever Rebecca would see it, she would feel warm inside. Back then, Rebecca made the decision to have a child without getting married and over the course of the next 13 years, her son has been the main motivational force in her life: “I would say that the decision wasn’t wrong at all. Over the years, things have been relatively smooth and I’m enjoying it. I live according to my own plan! When I first made the decision, I already knew the path wouldn’t be easy, but it hasn’t been too bad either – a lot of people are worse off than me. Basically taking it one step at a time – working in order to make a living and provide for my son. The most important thing is that my son is happy and healthy – that’s enough for me. After all, it was my own decision – no one forced me, so I can’t complain. I always tell myself to look on the positive side of things.”

Even if her son ever asks about his father, it won’t be too difficult for Rebecca to answer: “I’m already prepared with answers, but so far, he rarely asks. Sometimes, when he’s watching a series and sees a father mistreating his own son, he would say to me: ‘Luckily I don’t have a father!’ When I hear him say this, I know things are ok because he feels that life with his mother is very happy and he doesn’t feel like anything was lacking in his childhood. I try hard to provide him with everything he’d possibly need and constantly tell him: ‘Other kids may have dads and you don’t, but at least you’re happy – enjoy and live your life happily, that’s already enough.’”

Will consider finding a life partner

Rebecca expressed that even her 80 year old dad is able to accept her being a single mother – in this day and age, the whole world shouldn’t have a problem with it: “The most important thing is to be a responsible person. The new series that I’ll be filming talks about an ‘after-90s’ girl who gets pregnant early in life and after giving birth, abandons the baby – obviously a lot of problems occur. But me, I resolve to be a responsible parent! I read designer Eddie Lau (劉培基)’s column in your magazine where he describes his childhood experience – how could a mother be so cruel? Crazy!”

When Rebecca gave birth to her son, she was already 39 years old – though maturity was on her side, her age made the pregnancy higher risk. She expressed that due to this, it was a difficult experience: “That’s why I feel that you should have children when you’re young. Now that my son is grown, he’ll ask me to watch videos on the internet or play video games with him – I don’t have enough energy for all that, very tiring. However I have a huge sense of responsibility – since I already signed up to go visit the Three Gorges [tourist site in China] with my son, I will still go, even if I have to take painkillers for my injury.”

When actress Shirley Yeung (楊思琦) also became a single mother earlier this year, Rebecca expressed that she understood exactly the type of pressure she had to go through: “I sent her a text message to encourage her – I wrote: ‘Women are very capable and can carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, you can do it!’ She’s still young, so definitely in a better position than I was.”

After thirteen years as a single mother, Rebecca expressed that her son will be independent in 2 years and can stay overseas on his own, so she can start thinking about her own life: “At my age now, I would like to have someone to lean on and listen to my troubles.” When she was in the U.S. for a year, she was busy with her son’s matters, so didn’t have time to meet anyone new – luckily, her ‘requirements’ for choosing a partner are quite flexible: “His age and nationality don’t matter to me, the most important thing is that we’re able to click – even if he’s a Westerner, as long as we’re able to communicate with each other, then it’s not a problem. I’ve been single for so long that I’m used to it already, so sometimes it’s hard to have to accommodate someone else. Of course, he must get along with my son – most important is that Tiga likes him as well.”

Rebecca admits that in the past 13 years, she has not encountered anyone whom she feels can be a dad to her son: “The main reason is because I never really thought about it [finding a partner] before; it’s only now that my son is grown up and will be more independent that I’ve started to think about it – plus seeing some of my friends in the U.S. with their significant others and how happy they were also made me think more about it. If I were in HK, my focus would have been primarily on work and wouldn’t have time to think about it at all – now I can consider it.”

Most memorable relationship with her Malaysian ex-boyfriend

Rebecca expressed that all of her previous boyfriends were from outside the industry. The only artist she was heavily rumored with was Shek Sau (石修), however she expressed that the two of them were merely on-screen partners and never had a relationship in real life.

When she went to Malaysia to film series for a few years, she met a man whom she loved enough to stay in Malaysia for: “I don’t’ like the weather in Malaysia, as it’s way too hot – I like places that have clearly defined 4 seasons.” How about Malaysian men? Rebecca expressed that they were not bad – her Malaysian boyfriend was actually the son of a rich tycoon and at that time, their relationship had even reached the marriage stage. So what was their reason for breaking up? She expressed: “The timing wasn’t right – such a pity! Actually, out of all the relationships I’ve had, this one was the most memorable for me. He was a very good man – very simple, not complicated at all. I like simple people.” Rebecca emphasized that their breakup had nothing to do with her boyfriend’s wealth or family status: “It was a compatibility issue between the two of us.”

If she had become a ‘Malaysian bride’ back then, her fate would have been very different: “It’s actually quite interesting – if back then I had continued to work as ground crew at the airline instead of participating in the Miss HK pageant, I probably would have become a supervisor already. I like rotating shifts – if I had to stay in an office all day long, I’d be bored to death.”

The primary reason why Rebecca participated in the Miss HK pageant was to meet her idol Cora Miao (繆騫人): “From the way she [Cora] talked to the way she dressed, she always came across very cool and charismatic.” Cora Miao participated in the 1976 Miss HK pageant while Rebecca was a contestant in the 1979 pageant – both experienced a similar fate in that neither made it into the top 3 rankings: “Unfortunately, by the time I entered the industry, Cora had already left TVB. When I was in San Francisco, I had hoped to bump into her, but it didn’t happen.”

One time, back when she was young, Rebecca had also gone the ‘rebellious’ route and took some sexy photos that had resulted in her losing a few hosting gigs at TVB due to her image not being ‘healthy’ enough – luckily, it didn’t impact her career permanently and she went from being TVB fa dan [in the 1980s] to a steady, talent-path actress.

Wanted to get her mole removed

Rebecca has a mole near the corner of her mouth that has become somewhat of a trademark for her. She states that in the past, she constantly thought about getting the mole removed, however her friends were opposed to it: “A geomancer once told me I won’t have to worry much about putting ‘food’ on the table [meaning ‘making money’]; indeed I’ve tasted many fine ‘delicacies’ in the past but I feel that I may have the fame, but not necessarily the fortune.”

Rebecca has worked for TVB 30 years and throughout that time, she has filmed series after series, playing a variety of different characters. Having filmed series since the 1980s until now, she understands very clearly in her heart that the quality of TVB series has dropped: “I still feel that series from the 1980s were a lot better to watch. My favorite is The Final Verdict 《誓不低頭》 (1988) – every time Adam and I collaborate, our characters in the series don’t have good results. I really liked the script for this series because the story isn’t just focused on the main lead, but rather, it’s very spread out – every character has a chance to shine.”

In terms of recent works, Rebecca is the most satisfied with her performance in Master of Play: “I quite like [producer] Jonathan Chik (戚其義), as he has a unique style to his filming, however I don’t like how his scripts are always done ‘on the fly’ [飛紙仔]. During the broadcast of the series, people would ask me about the plot, but I would have absolutely no clue: ‘Oh, Maggie Siu (邵美琪) kills that many people?’ I told Jonathan not to include me in his future series – I’m too old and can’t remember so much dialogue in such a short amount of time.”

Prior to Master of Play, Rebecca had also collaborated with producer Chik on War and Beauty: “It was a very satisfying experience, especially getting the chance to act with Sheren Tang (鄧萃雯). Whether it was on or off the camera, the two of us would still remain in character and constantly try to ‘outdo’ each other in all aspects, from hairstyle to makeup to costume. I would use the Empress’s tone of voice and facial expression to say to her: ‘I am the Empress, you are only a Concubine, you need to bow to me!’”

In 2009’s The Greatness of a Hero, Rebecca got the chance to play the ‘female Emperor’ WuZeTian: “Definitely no regrets! Playing the role of an emperor was very high – everyone was constantly bowing to you and if you didn’t like someone, you could send them off to to die. What other woman gets a chance like that to sit on the throne?”

For consummate actors like Rebecca who are very passionate about their craft, their work is their entertainment. Rebecca expressed that she is open to collaborating with different parties – whether it’s Mainland China, the new TV stations in HK, or TVB, she welcomes all of them to seek her out. Of course, priority will be given to those with a completed script.

EPILOGUE

Likes to drink

Looking back at the days before she had her son, Rebecca admits that she was a party-goer who enjoyed going around eating and drinking: “It was pretty intensive – every night I’d go out drinking. In Malaysia, there’s a street very similar to Lan Kwai Fong – I liked to drink until I felt a bit high…pretty happy.”

However looking back at those ‘wild days’ now, Rebecca feels that she had wasted her time: “If I didn’t have my son, I think I would have continued that type of lifestyle. I’m grateful for my son, as he is my motivation for working hard. He definitely changed me a lot.”

The only thing that hasn’t changed is Rebecca’s fondness for the taste of alcohol. She revealed that sometimes, when her son is in school, she would have a drink or two at home: “When we’d go out for sushi, my son would let me have a little bit of sake.” When her son was an infant, she had once added a few drops of beer to his milk – having received ‘training’ at such a young age, her son now knows how to drink carbonated wine. Rebecca Chan is that type of ‘playful’ mother.

Source: Mingpao Weekly, Issue 2283
Translated by: llwy12 @ AsianFanatics

After investing in A Simple Life, Andy Lau invested in yet another film titled Mei Nan Ji which the whole production team was born after 1980s. The cast includes Sunnie Huang, Du Haitao, Jerry Wu Jianfei, Z-Chen and Rynn Lim. It is said that since the success of Crazy Stone and last year’s Love Is Not Blind which triggered the market, Andy once again shifted his direction at low budgeted films as he invested in this love theme script.

Andy immediately decided to invest in the film after reading Mei Nan Ji’s script, other that attracted by the script, he also has a good relationship with the producer Wang Liang. He also intended to cameo in the film, taking up the dream lover character “Andy Lau” of the female lead. Sources said that director Ning Hao of Crazy Stone fame recommend himself to be the film’s director but Andy feel that his style does not suit Mei Nan Ji and thus rejected him, in the end Andy decided to hire a newbie director – Chen Zhi Yue, giving those potential filmmakers a chance.

Source: Ming Pao, Sing Tao News
Translated by: AndyLauSounds

DIVA will open on August 16. The film's actors Joey Yung Cho Yi, Chapman To Man Jat, Hu Ge, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Carlos Chan Ka Lok after a series of Mainland promotions yesterday finally arrived at the final stop Guangzhou.

Ah Jat gave a review of his manager character and said that manager was a very self confident job. "A Manager is a job that shows the world your own taste, like Man in the film. J caught his eyes because it was a performance of his unique eye." Joey asked Ah Jat if he was praising her indirectly. Joey also said that only when Ah Jat personally produced on the set, she was willing to work. She gave Ah Jat no time to be lazy. Ah Jat joked, "So you are the one, you are so evil! I hate you!" Ah Jat even said that in reality actors often were tempted by money and made movies for salary. They lacked a type of sincerity.

Hu Ge graciously claimed to be a Joey fan. "Take a look at the Joey fans in the audience. They are all wearing yellow, so I am wearing yellow too!" Hu Ge's Cantonese was not great but because of this film it rapidly improved. He even thanked Joey for teaching him Cantonese and in turn saving his life. "She taught me to say 'let's go to dinner tonight' in Cantonese. After that as soon as I heard that I knew I would be eating. Otherwise I might have starved to death."

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Kwai Lun-Mei, Joseph Chang Hau Chuen, Rhydian Vaughn (Fung Siu Ngok) and director Yang Ya-Che two nights ago came to promote their film GIRLFRIEND BOYFRIEND in Hong Kong. The three leads played games with fans and talked about the production. Kwai Lun-Mei said that her character in the film was quite a tomboy. This time she even needed to shave her head. In one scene, she even had to go to the men's locker room. She joked that at the time she even saw many beautiful men.

What would Kwai Lun-Mei do if she fell for a boyfriend who did not like girls? She joked that they could be friends for life, which was also pretty happy. She felt that every person had someone who she loved very much. If he could be by her side it would be a beautiful thing. Kwai Lun-Mei earlier came to Hong Kong many times. This time she hoped to be able to make time to try cart noodle, cold crab, typhoon shelter crab, and cream piggy bread.

This film was a love story between three childhood friends. With its similarities to YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE, was director Yang Ya-Che afraid of the comparison? He hoped that it would attract different viewers. APPLE sold youth, but this film wanted to attract adult viewers and talked about adult relationships. This film earlier already received the Media Recommendation Prize at the Taipei Film Festival.

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The Pang Ho Cheung directed film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) has been both a commercial and critical hit. The box office so far has reached 7 million. Two nights ago the director and actors Chapman To Man Jat, DaDa Chen Jing attended a celebration in North Point. The film's cast and crew, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Ah Jat's wife Krystal Tin Yui Nei, Mani Fok Man Hei, Paco Wong all attended. Ah Jat even brought two "donkeys". The movie was very risky for the actors and the investors because its lack of the Mainland market. Yet if it would truly make over 10 million it would be able to break even.

Ah Jat earlier revealed that he thought about joining the monastery, but later a master reminded him that making a comedy was a merit too so he changed his mind. He pointed out that at the time he only thought that way because work was not going his way. If he did, what would his wife do? He said, "Since she married me she expected death!" He pointed out that now he would not think like that, as he did not have to join a monastery to help others. Ah Jat pointed out that the investors were in the Macau casino business, he wished that the team would received big chips to try their luck across the harbor.

Ah Tin's series premiered two nights ago. Ah Tin joked that of course she had to attend the celebration. Because she did not receive much compensation during the shoot, she would pig out to make up for it.

DaDa admitted that she was so happy about the good box office performance that she lost sleep. How would she reward herself? DaDa planned to visit Japan. DaDa revealed that after the film release she received more film offers, she had two in negotiation. She hoped to be able to continue to develop in film. She did not mind playing a beggar. Ultimately acting could endure longer, now that "pseudo model" had much more competition. She hoped to be able to have a firm footing in the film industry. Would she agree to perform in the nude if the film required it? DaDa pointed out that her mother would not allow it. DaDa said that she never deliberately thought about putting away her chest, because her earlier photo books were a part of his life and could not be erased.

Source: Takungpao, Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten