Leila Tong Pulls Gun on Simon Lo

Simon Lo and Leila Tong worked on the final dress rehearsal for their stage drama "Popcorn" earlier, where they share many passionate scenes, in which Leila, dressed in a sexy evening dress, would lean over Simon, play with a silk scarf, push up her rear and brush herself against him. The most daring scene is one where Simon tries to grab her breasts, but Leila pulls out a gun to stop him and then forces him to lick her toes.

As this show will be playing over a total of 12 performances from now until 14th, Leila and Simon will be kissing for all of the 12 shows: "There is no feeling, because we are very comfortable throughout the performance and when you are absorbed into the character, you will not care. (Are you not afraid of revealing yourself?) I have taken all the precautions." Asked if she is worried about her cursing in the show affecting her image? She says: "This is a new venture for me and those who like me will know what is real and what is not." With her stage debut being so risque, she says that she is very attracted to the storyline: "I really like the whole theatre process and working with such a big team is very happy. (Will you invite your rumoured boyfriend Wing to watch?) I haven't thought about it, I have left the invitations to my manager to arrange."

(credits to tvbspace)

Natalie Tong Matures in Age and Talent

Natalie Tong Matures in Age and Talent

In new series "The Green Grass of Home", Natalie Tong's diving scene is very memorable and you would never tell that she cannot swim! As for the praises that her acting has improved,she reveals that it was not "Green" that made her grow up after all: "Actually, my turning point was 'The Seventh Day', which is yet to be aired. Due to the storyline, I had to grow up and be more mature and I truly felt that the role was no longer just a young girl." Natalie took this newfound maturity to her character in "Green" and has shown everyone the improvement in her acting. She feels that her technique is now very different from before.

(credits to tvbspace)

Joe Cheng's Egg - Ariel Lin Burns It

"Xiang Qin" Ariel Lin and "Zhi Shu" Joe Cheng after marriage's little house is full of sunshine. The new wife Ariel went cooked for the first time in her kitchen -- scrambled eggs, but not only was it burnt, but inside, there was a lot of eggshells too. Even just stewing a potato, it tasted like guava. In real life, Ariel isn't a great cook either, but she said that she's not worrying about that right now, because marriage will probably be something she'll do in at least five years.

Eight big dramas, "It Started with a Kiss (ISWAK) 2" to get Ariel Lin, Joe Cheng, and Wang Dong Cheng to get them together, is in the process of hurriedly filming. Lately, the script has called on filming Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin's new home after marriage; to have it peacefully finished filming, the locatioin was chosen in the mountains, and because there is always two security guards there, when the staff is filming, they won't be bothred.

Actually, during the filming of ISWAK1, because the cast was too popular, the house that was in Beido, drew a lot of fans who went to look at it, but because there was too many people around the neighborhood, the residents' manager asked them to stop, many residents were so mad they were going to sue the staff members, so that obviously affected the timing of the filming.

So this time, for Ariel and Joe's new house, they decided to pick a more secret place. This time, the house has about 300 "level ground" (?) and each month, the rent is 20,0000. ISWAK hopes that it can stay within its contract, and finish in September, especially since Ariel has planned to go to mainland China in August to finish filming for "Legends of the Condor Heros" (I believe that's what it's called in English?), a collaboration with Hu Ge.

Even though she's someone's new wife in the script, Ariel has some expectations for marriage, but she said: "It's something that will happen in at least 5 years." Her ideal marriage would be with her hubby and her friends.

(credits to asianfanatics)

Pregnant Melissa Ng Refuses to Curb Eating Habits

Caption: Although nearing her due date, Melissa Ng refused to change her eating habits, continuing to drink coffee.

In the past, Melissa Ng Mei Hang kept her romantic life low profile. Although rumors circulated that Melissa was married for years, she always refused to acknowledge her marriage.

Earler, Melissa confirmed that she was married to financial prodigy, Jerry Wong Wah Lun, for 6 years. She was also pregnant and the baby's due date will be in July.

Yesterday, Melissa was spotted in Central with her chauffeur. Despite being heavily pregnant, she did not curb her caffeine habit and entered a store to buy a Cova cup of coffee.


The pregnant Melissa gained some weight. Wearing a white t-shirt, her new curves were obvious.
When Melissa spotted reporters, she quickly got into her car and left. Apparently, Melissa wanted to keep her pregnancy and impending delivery low profile.

(credits to asianfanatics)

Guangzhou Transvestite Appears on Minutes to Fame

Nancy Sit, Ella Kwoon were guest judges for the "Minutes to Fame" revival round. The most "outstanding" contestant was "Guangzhou transvestite" Liang Jia. He cross-dressed and sang Anita Mui's "Tango like Fire" and "Flaming Lips". Sammy commented he's more sexy than Ella. Miriam even asked him what's his secret of increasing "cup size" and he answered, "You have stuff, too!" Miriam replied, "My stuff cannot be seen, but yours can!." Sammy continued, "Hers are bits of stuff!" The audience laughed.

(credits to asianfantics)

Alec Su Shoots Advertisement in Beijing

Taiwan actor Alec Su makes a service advertisement in a supermarket in Beijing on July 4, 2007. [Photo: eastday.com]

Taiwan actor Alec Su has finished helping make a series of public service advertisements in Beijing with mainland director Feng Xiaogang.

The theme of the latest advertisement is to encourage awareness about environment protection and public order. The latest commercial, shot on July 4, was the seventh and last of Feng’s public service advertisements.

They were filmed in a supermarket in Beijing's central business district.

Filming began at 6pm to avoid interrupting the business.

(credits to asianfanantics)

Asian Stars to Sing for Live Earth

Asian superstars are set to rock the world on July 7 (Saturday) at Live Earth concerts including Tokyo and Shanghai. The Live Earth events are organized to raise awareness of global warming. The concert in Tokyo will have AI, Abingdon Boys School, Ai Otsuka, Ayaka, Bonnie Pink, Cocco, Genki Rockets, Kumi Koda, Linkin Park, Michael Nyman, Rihanna, Rip Slyme, Rize, UA, and Yellow Magic Orchestra. 12 Girls Band, Anthony Wong, Eason Chan, Evonne Hsu, Huang Xiao Ming, Joey Sarah Brightman, Soler, and Winnie Hsin will perform in Shanghai.

Live Earth is the name for a series of concerts of pop and rock music featuring various artists planned to take place on Saturday July 7, 2007 to promote action to confront the global warming crisis. The concerts have the intent of bringing together more than 150 of the world's most popular music acts and drawing a worldwide audience of 2 billion people, making it one of the largest global events in history. The umbrella organization for the event is a new global movement under the name Save Our Selves (SOS).

The plans for the Live Earth concerts were announced at a media event in Los Angeles on February 15, 2007 by the former Vice President of the United States Al Gore and other activist celebrities. The inspiration for promoting the cause using the vehicle of benefit concerts comes from many similar events over the past 25 years including the 1985 Live Aid concerts and the 2005 Live 8 concerts.

(credits to asianfanatics)

Rain Has Big Trouble in America

The biggest pop star in all of Asia -- Rain -- is facing a hailstorm of legal trouble in the US. A Honolulu concert promoter claims in a federal lawsuit that the so-called Korean "Justin Timberlake" defrauded them out of more than $500,000, and never had any intention of performing in the first place. And the legal mud-slinging could just be starting.

Well-placed sources says that local promoters in Los Angeles, where Rain also canceled a concert an hour-and-a-half before the gig, are contemplating millions of dollars in legal action against the singer and his management company. "It isn't going to be pretty," says one source. All in all, Rain canceled two gigs and postponed three among his five US dates, citing a trademark suit in Nevada and technical glitches for the missed gigs. (The New York and Atlanta shows are supposed to go on this fall.)

Rain's Korean promoter, StarM, blamed its local counterpart in L.A. of financial mismanagement for the while V2B Global (the local guys) said that StarM tried to use a giant LED screen that wasn't up to code and disputes StarM's accusations.

In the Hawaii suit, filed in US District Court late last month, local promoter Click Entertainment alleges that Rain and his managers and promoters actually knew they wouldn't be able to perform because of the trademark suit in Nevada, but booked the gig anyway.

The day after the axed L.A. show, Rain told the L.A. Times he felt "ridiculous" about the snafus, but that the Staples stage "wasn't set up." His reps didn't return calls for comment.

(credits to asianfanatics)

Shirley Yeung wants to become Spokesperson for Pantene

Shirley Yeung wants to become Spokesperson for Pantene

Shirley Yeung and Yee-Hing Wong attended a hair product event, where a crowning ceremony was taken place for Shirley, making the former Miss Hong Kong winner reminisce her victory at the beauty pageant. Smiling, Shirley commented, “I’ve put the crown in a safety deposit box, it is very safe.” When asked if she will become the spokesperson for the hair product company, Pantene, Shirley admitted to wanting to become the spokesperson and that she has hoped to have the chance for a long time. Shirley said, “I do not plan to cut my hair, this is not because I want to satisfy my boyfriend but because it is easier to style longer hair and if I want to have short hair, all I need to do is put on a wig.”

(credits to asianfanatics)

"Young Four Constables" Costume Fitting

TVB Series "Young Four Constables" held its costume fitting yesterday, attended by three of the four constables - Sammul Chan, Raymond Lam and Kenneth Ma. The fourth, Ron Ng is currently filming in the mainland, so he could not take part. Other cast members present include Dominic Lam, Kate Tsui and Selena Li.

With four of TVB's leading males in the same show, is Sammul worried about comparisons being made? He smiles: "I am the trainee leading male, still in training, so I dare not compare myself with all these seniors!" As for the rumours he has had with Ron Ng, is he worried about the report? He laughs: "Don't be silly! We have worked together so many times, so there won't be any more rumours. (Maybe they will say you have new developments?) I will not appear downstairs from his apartment and will not go and eat with him. As colleagues, we will only meet when we are in a group."

Raymond will be appearing in a wheelchair for this series, being pushed around by two large men. Everyone is envious of him not having to fight in this show. Asked if he feels he has been spoilt by the company, he says: "Of course not, you can just say this is a new experience for me, but being unable to use movement will make it more challenging for my skills. Also, I am worried about getting haemorrhoids from sitting around all the time, so I will add a cushion to the chair." He also plans to lose a few pounds to make it easier for the two men who have to push him. Kenneth says that their characters are all very different, so there is no worry about them being compared. He is more worried about his fighting scenes because he has not filmed many fighting series and to avoid making a fool of himself, he will be taking kung fu classes.

Selena will be playing a female fighter in the show and in a change to her usually fragile roles, she will be playing an obstinate girl who has a romance with Kenneth. She says that this is a new experience for her. As for the show being filmed on location in Yunnan, she says she has already been there before whilst filming "Tai Chi Master" and as it was winter and very dry there at the time, she had to use some 'over-50's' moisture cream. She hopes it will be better this time filming in the autumn. Her weapon in the show will be the leather whip and to avoid injuring herself, she will be taking lessons from the martial arts master from next week.

Kate will be playing a female doctor in the show and paired with Raymond. Talking of Raymond often being linked in rumours with his co-stars, she smiles: "He does have a lot of rumours, but not with me. (Maybe this time it is your turn?) You don't need to hold back! (Do you have kiss scenes?) He is in a wheelchair, so it will be limiting."

(Credit to TVBSpace)

Jolin Admits Feelings Towards Show ; Show Lost Contact With Jay Because of Jolin

Jolin Admits That She Has Feelings Towards Show Luo , Show Lost Contact With Jay Because of this.

Jolin and Show has been “the closest friend” since they are in the entertainment industry , their encounter with each other is very dramatic. Jolin who is a Virgo girl likes to be polite in the public , when she talks , she will give a “polite answer” , Show Luo is not happy with this in the first place , he could not stand it and shouted at her “When you’re talking in private with me , do you need to be so cautious?” This question begins their close friendship with each other. Three years ago , they filmed the drama series “Hi! Working Girl”when they are going through their down time , and because of this the made a promise to help one another if anyone of them gets famous in the future.

At last , Jolin joined Sony BMG , and her career skyrocketed to be the POP diva of Taiwan , and Show begins to have his own career as singer , is album sales are better and better each time. Both of them fulfilled their promise to each other , Jolin held concerts , Show will practice hard on his dance moves to be her guest , when Show records his new album, Jolin helped him to sing Rap on his song.

And when the Double J romance is ended , Show is always at Jolin’s side to be her guardian angel , and because of this he lost contact with Jay. Jolin said that “Show is a very good guy , he can be a really good boyfriend , and he always knows how to make me happy!”

Wants to work with Show

Previously , there are a lot of directors wanted Jolin to take part in their movies , but until now , there’s no news about it. Does Jolin want to collaborate together with Show in a drama series in the future? “Last time i worked with Show on a drama series , but for the time being we do not have this idea yet. But i would love to try it in the future.”

(Credits to AsianFanatics Forum)

Myolie Wu Turns Jackie Chan in Tsimshatsui

Myolie Wu was filming yesterday in Tsimshatsui East behind the Science Museum for "War of In-Laws 2007", where she was dressed in a WPC uniform and in order to help a little girl rescue her doll, she turned into Jackie Chan and jumped over a trolley before jumping through a picture and then cartwheeling over a bicycle. However, all the stunts were done by a stunt double and Myolie just had to shoot a couple of close-up shots and some simple moves. As the weather was very hot, it was hard work for everyone.

Myolie's body double for the day was TVB's only female stuntperson, who started as a dancer, explaining her agility and fluidity. Myolie says: "When I see her, I am very happy because she makes the scene very beautiful when she is your double." Although Myolie's moves were not as dangerous or difficult as that of the stunt double, she was still sweating a lot after doing a few takes of her sliding on a board and in between takes, she pulled out a little fan to cool down and avoid her make-up melting. Asked if it is harder work than filming an ancient drama, she smiles: "They are both difficult. Take for example a scene earlier where I had to carry Liza Wang - when I returned home afterwards, I did not even have the strength to hold my toothbrush and brush my teeth. My muscles had become very stiff, so the action shots in the studio have been even harder."

Whilst waiting for her scene, Joyce Tang did a bit of window shopping in TST. In the show, she plays Liza's assistant and she admits she has been a little nervous about working with Liza for the first time, but it is very challenging. Asked if she has been scolded by Liza, she says: "No, if no-one does anything wrong then she will not scold anyone. We are very self-regulating. (Is Liza making food for you all to eat?) She actually takes us out to eat and also emails us photos that she has taken of us during filming."

(credits to tvbspace)

Nancy Wu Has No Awkwardness Meeting Deep's New Love

Nancy Wu was the guest at an eating competition yesterday, where Leung Si Ho was the MC. The contestants had to eat as many bowls of Char Siu Rice as they could within ten minutes and some of them made themselves sick. In the end, the reigning winner Johnny Wu kept his title, eating 12 and a half bowls of rice. Nancy herself is a big fan of Char Siu and Roast Goose.

Nancy attended the funeral of Deep Ng's mother earlier, but there were reports that she avoided her ex-boyfriend throughout the ceremony and acted like strangers. Nancy says that although she has split up with Deep, their relationship is not as bad as the reports make out and she does know the family quite well, so seeing his father so upset, she did offer words of comfort to Deep and telling him to 'hang on'. Nancy also met Deep's current girlfriend model Jacqueline Chong and when asked whether she felt awkward, she asked in reply: "Why would I feel awkward?"

(Credits to tvbspace)

Not Caring about money, Leila has a breakthrough on stage, Kate Tsui and Leila Tong Interview

Not Caring about money, Leila has a breakthrough on stage, Kate Tsui and Leila Tong Interview

Kate Tsui recently has successfully moved into the entertainment drama circle becoming different leads. These opportunities have had several people to feel very envious, but when compared to Leila Tong, who started early and spent her childhood in the movie and series industry, although Kate’s older by two years, she immediately changes to underclassman to learn from Leila.

Very close to manager

Kate: The Hidden Master is my first ancient series, and introduced me to you. I was busy promoting my movie, “Eye in the Sky”, and you were busy rehearsing for “Popcorn”, I hear that this production’s really difficult; you haven’t acted so “sexy” before!

Leila: I never really knew I could act this sexy, haha! I think Models not wearing a lot of clothes when filming is actually ok, because just like I’m an actress, you also need to film love scenes, so being really sexy onstage is actually ok.

Kate: That’s right, stage productions give the actors time to warm up, not like when filming series, you just do it, sometimes there’s a lot of stress given on you.

Leila: I know! People always think that filming series are hard that you don’t need to warm up and you’re in your character. But theatre actors need to remember complete plays and stage directions, and have to perform it many times without making mistakes. I think that’s impressive
Kate: Everyone knows that stage productions don’t get a lot of money; your manager still lets you try it. A lot of people would rather accept more series, or television ads to make more money.

Leila: My manager and I are really close. I wasn’t even 18 when I started working with her; she sometimes helps me work out my personal problems too. When I sometimes see an artist break ties with their manager, my heart really hurts. She knows that I really want to do a stage production, even if there’s not much money involved she still lets me do it. Actors always have to work non-stop, it’s really mentally stressing, sometimes needing to “recharge” themselves, haha!

Lots of sicknesses when filming in Mainland

Kate: During the year when I was doing Miss Hong Kong, went to Africa for a photo shoot, you also went to Africa to film The Last Breakthrough. Have you gone to a lot of different places to film?

Leila: Canton, Wu Xi, Heng Dian, when filming in mainland, be really careful of what you eat. Last time I went to Heng Dian, I went over to film and got sick for a while, it really got me down. I really wanted to immediately come back to Hong Kong.

Kate: How is it filming in mainland?

Leila: Mainland series are so much like movies, they have an A and B group that film at the same time, and there is a lot of cooperation between the two.

Kate: I heard that mainland actors are really clear about who is “upper class” and who’s not.

Leila: I know! That’s their “tv” culture, when becoming a star they have a lot of people to take care of them. Even if you’re one of Hong Kong’s best, when filming in different places you bring your own mini refrigerator and personal accessories.

Kate: I’m gonna be filming The 4 Great Constables soon, the first time going to mainland to film, I’m getting kind of nervous.

Leila: It’s all ok, you went abroad to study so you’re gonna be able to fit in. When filming in different places everybody’s together day in day out, so we get real close, a lot of times when we leave, we fill really sad at the end.

Owning pets to release stress

Kate: Have you ever been yelled at by the director for not acting well?

Leila: Every actor will have that kind of experience, but don’t feel down because you were criticized by others. I sometimes don’t like what I have acted, the whole way on the car repeating the dialogue over and over. But acting always gets better if you look forward. I won’t give myself too much pressure, and I’ll look at it from different perspectives. If I think of things that make me unhappy, I’ll try to change the perspective to look at it.

Kate: Then what ways do you have to reduce stress?

Leila: Owning pets! They’re really sweet, I’ll tell them what’s bothering me, and they’ll understand sometimes and have a feeling of responsibility, making life really interesting.

Holding on the music industry

Kate: How come you went to record some songs before, but now you stopped?

Leila: I sing because I like it, but to do anything really good needs a lot of time. I spend a lot of time with acting and filming series, and I don’t want to stop in the middle. For singing, I can’t really get around to it, but if someone asks me, and the song is Ok, I might think about trying it.

Kate: What’s your favorite character that you have acted?

Leila: A lot! Like in Square Pegs, acting as a bad person, the first time not acting as someone’s younger sister. In Bar Benders acting as a lawyer, having to be in front of a lot of people and be really confident about what you’re saying. And also War and Destiny being the fourth concubine, the first time so many people said my acting was really good, that character really didn’t have any expression, always having to keep your emotions really straight.

Kate: I also wanted to ask you why you changed your name.

Leila: It was my manager’s idea, the basic idea’s that I finished one stage of my life, and changing my name means a new stage in my life. She found some Fungshui teacher’s for me to change my name, in the end we chose Tong Ling, I’ve used it till now, and everything’s been really good, I’m really happy.

Ending: Hoping to improve acting.

When Kate becomes really open, it scares people! Like when she asked Leila, “You were really small when you started acting, did you go do school?” Luckily Leila didn’t really care, and also answered really openly, “No worries, I went to school, but didn’t really study a lot, I actually regret it! If I have the time in the future I really want to study more, I want to study English and acting.” Kate replied, “Right! I also want to study acting, to learn some from professionals.” Both of them are really open and nice people, also adding that they just found a white bunny rabbit, having Leila currently putting it at the theatre to own, the two’s relationship have gotten a lot better still.


In her stage production Popcorn, Leila has to really change her style and act as magazine girl.


Leila, left, changes for her stage production, but having no "sexy" background, Kate couldn't help but stared laughing.


Leila, right, went to mainland to film and got sick, Kate acts to comfort her.


Leila and Kate with the white bunny.

(Credits to AsianFanatics Forum)

Chen Qiao En risks life, hangs upside down from fourth floor height

Although she's the lead female in an idol drama, Chen Qiao En couldn't just prettily have a romantic relationship with someone and then have a finish product. SETTV's new drama "Ying Ye San Jia Yi" since the start of filming, has been having Qiao En risking her life for acting. Besides hanging from a steel rod, a few days ago, the director even had her hanging upside down in mid-air at a height of around fourth storey. She spent a whole day filming like that. When she finally touch ground again, Qiao En's legs were so wobbly that she almost couldn't stand.

Qiao En has Acrophobia(fear of heights) and when YYSJY started filming, she had to hang from a steel rod in Taipei Xi Men Ding already. The moment she was pulled up, her eyes became teary and her legs were wobbly. However, her "misfortune" didn't end there. For the sake of presenting a live-like scene and plot to the audience, both the female and male lead had to fly around a lot since they were acting as people with great fighting/kungfu skills.

The most unfortunate thing was that when Qiao En was hung upside down, she actually felt very un-well and painful but yet, she had to have a look of strength and power on her face. Her whole weight was centered on the steel rod around her stomach and they were pushing into her stomach. When hanging in mid-air, Qiao En's brain was totally empty and she only managed to hold there and finish filming due to her strong will.

Qiao En strives to excel and although she was scared to death inside, she still won't give up. When she was in a outdoor filming for her show "Mao Xian Qi Bing", she had to do bungee jumping when she lost in a game. She wanted to escape but due to one sentence from the producer "If you don't jump, it will be hard to explain to the other artiste and the show will have difficulty continuing, if we cut it out, it will be referred to as faking." Hearing that, Qiao En immediately jump down without anymore protest.

She never thought that when filming idol drama, she still couldn't escape the fate of having to hang from a steel rod and Qiao En could only want to cry but have no tears. Her personality of wanting to excel and be strong made her even say that "If the ratings end up being good, everything will turn out worthwhile". All the dangerous stunts she had to do for the drama, she never told her family and her boyfriend Michael because she feared that they will worry.

(Credits to AsianFanatics Forum)

Tavia Yeung Wants Football Fan Boyfriend

Tavia Yeung was joined by Matthew Ko at a Shopping Mall event for the Football Fiesta, but it turns out that they are both outsiders when it comes to football. Matthew says he has only just started watching football in the last couple of years.

Tavia indicates that she does like to join her friends to watch football matches, but just for the company. She likes to watch the handsome footballers such as Beckham, but as she always has a lot of questions about the match, her friends find her tiresome and she has to wait until after the match to ask. Therefore, she hopes to find a boyfriend who is knowledgeable about football. Does her boyfriend like football? Tavia just laughs that her male friends like to watch football. As for her own interests, she likes to play badminton and volleyball, but when she used to play, she just wanted to get close to her senior male classmates. However, nothing came of it apart from a signature in her yearbook.

Matthew liked to watch basketball when he was in Canada and only started watching soccer when he arrived in Hong Kong. He has been busy filming recently for "Background Master", where he has a bed scene with Kenneth Ma, who goes on to touch his chest. He laughs that his 'first time' has been given to Kenneth, but fortunately he was not too embarrassed because they have become good friends from this series. He also reveals that he will be taking part in a dance show for Hunan Television shortly, so he has been busy rehearsing his latin dance.

(credits to tvbspace)

Charmaine Sheh Joins 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Charmaine Sheh was the guest judge at a children's art competition to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong's Return, where she was joined by 39 people who were born in 1997, who were asked to draw their most beautiful cake to celebrate Hong Kong SAR's 10th Birthday.

Charmaine admired the children's talent and she indicated that she loves children and drawing and even won a certificate in a drawing competition when she was young, but she is too busy now to take up art. She does plan to learn brush calligraphy though because it is very calming and makes her feel very peaceful, giving her a space of her own. She says: "I don't have time at the moment, but I will definitely take it up."

Charmaine entered Miss Hong Kong in 1997 and says that this was a huge decision for her. She smiles: "At the time, my mother told me to enter, so I just did what she told me to. As for the biggest change over the last ten years, it is that a lot of people know me now and I have found a job that I truly love - acting. At the same time, my dreams have been fulfilled by the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, so I don't need to fly to another place for it and I feel very proud about this."

As for the next ten years, what wishes does Charmaine have? She says: "I hope that Hong Kong's economy will get even better and I will film more good series. (You love childre, will you have some of your own?) Children nowadays are very smart and you have to give them 100% love to reap rewards. You have to be by their side for them to grow up healthily, but I want to continue acting and not give up my wages for people to look after them, so I don't want to have kids just yet. (Have you planned when you want to have children?) You cannot plan these things, just as I hoped in the past to get married at 27 and have kids at 30, but the deadlines have passed and so I will leave the rest to fate. (What about a lightning marriage?) I feel that it is all in the plan and when it is time, I will enter the next phase of my life, but if I do meet this person, then it will be a happy thing."

(credits to tvbspace)

Andy Lau Volunteers as a Giant Panda Keeper

As the new-comer giant pandas made their debut in Hong Kong's Ocean Park on Sunday, Hong Kong veteran entertainer Andy Lau welcomed the visitors, together with the pandas, posing as their keeper.

Local media reports that Andy Lau arrived in Ocean Park in the morning and learnt how to prepare food and clean the house for the giant pandas.

Having got his first up-close contact with the giant panda, Andy Lau had nothing but 'lovely' to say of the black-and-white bears.

"But I was surprised their hair was so hard and thick. I thought it was like a plush toy," said Andy Lau.

The new panda couple, Le Le and Ying Ying, was presented by China's central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as a gift to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

(credits to asianfanatics)

Korean Star Rain Criticizes Promoter After L.A. Cancellation

South Korean pop superstar Rain blamed Los Angeles concert promoter V2B Global for technical difficulties that resulted in the cancellation of his performance Saturday night at Staples Center. The date would have been the singer-dancer-actor's lone American date on his "Rain's Coming" world tour.

"The local promoter didn't set up everything," Rain, whose real name is Jeong Ji-hoon, said through a translator. "When I came to the venue, the LED screen couldn't be set up. I have rain falling in the concert -- that couldn't work. When I came to the venue, the stage wasn't set up, there were no lights, no sound. I wanted to do a great show. But yesterday, I couldn't get on stage."

V2B's Chief Executive Andy Kim did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Rain, part of the globally popular "Korean Wave" movement and often referred to as "the Justin Timberlake of Asia," said he felt sad and angry about disappointing fans, some of whom had traveled from Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul for the performance.

"I'm feeling ridiculous about the situation," said Rain. "I came here [to Los Angeles] two weeks before the concert, prepared everything and had a press conference. Then the stage wasn't set up I couldn't even sing."

(credits to asianfanatics)

"Shanghai Red" Heads to Hollywood Film Festival

"Shanghai Red," a joint production by Hollywood couple Oscar Luis Costo and Vivian Wu, is set to feature at the third Hollywood Chinese American Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Leading actress Vivian Wu on Friday expressed the wish that the film could offer the American viewing public a better understanding of urban life in China.

According to the movie's official website, the film's story, set in the modern metropolis of Shanghai, revolves around a young mother whose guilt over her husband's death leads her to a double life of murder and deception.

The film festival is to be held from November 1 to 9 in Hollywood. Several recent Chinese movies are in the event's line-up, including the historical film "Tokyo Trial," Derek Yee's "Protege," China-Poland co-production "Love in the Year of the Tiger" and "American Fusion," a comedy portraying the life of Chinese immigrants in the United States.

The films will be screened for eight days in a local mainstream theater.

Besides enriching the audience's appreciation of the Chinese film culture, the festival also serves as a platform for international dialogue and collaboration in the areas of film education, financing and production.

(credits to asianfanatics)

How Hacken Lee & Emily Lo started their relationship

Hacken used the excuse of visiting friends in the TV studio to pursue Emily Lo

Hacken’s sister-in-name reveals his romance: Hacken uses the excuse of visiting friends filming on set to woo Emily Lo

Fifth volume: Hacken Lee

Xiaomei, whose original name is Leung Mei Mei, emerged as a female lyricist in the mid 1980s. She used to direct the Jade Solid Gold programme and had written lyrics for Luo Wen, Leslie Cheung, Beyond, Wang Jie, Hacken Lee and other singers. Some of the songs became classics and pop songs. With the song "幾 許 風 雨", she won the best lyricist award in RTHK Chinese Songs Award Ceremony, and is the first female lyricist to have received the award. In 1993, Xiaomei became the manager of Aaron Kwok till today.

While arranging the bookshelves at home, she accidentally came across Hacken’s wedding photos album taken last year. As she browsed through, she was shocked to realize that Hacken had indeed grown up and had become a husband, and is close to the point of becoming a father. She cannot conceal her laughter, “Time has passed us silently!” she said. (That line is part of the lyrics from Alan Tam’s song which Hacken also sang before, titled “Speechless Appreciation”)

She has known Hacken for at least 18 years. Their friendship was built up when they filmed music videos and composed songs. Back then, the singers, those working behind the scenes and the media were able to build quite good friendships. Most of them were able to and they talked about anything in the world. Maybe during that time, everything came about in a much more innocent way. Unlike now, things just come and go and brush through everybody, and people are calculative. People do not spend much time together, not to mention talking heart to heart.

Visits as guest and learns how to compose lyrics

Hacken had quite a lot of opportunities to work with her when he first entered the industry, they had an exceptional good relationship too. He liked to address her as his “

“Big Sister”. They had the best chemistry when Hacken mentioned he wanted to be a creative singer. Whenever he wants to learn how to compose lyrics, he would catch hold of her and consult. In fact, she is considered as Hacken’s mentor in lyrics composition. And because of this, the young Hacken always came to her house. They would edit the lyrics and chat. They had a very good relationship, and her mother frequently treats Hacken to a dish of mushroom and abalone.

Youngsters can never drift apart from romance during their growing years, this includes Hacken. Frankly speaking, Xiaomei was once his love consultant. She knew about many
of his relationships, from his little puppy love to serious ones. The one relationship that left the deepest impression on her is of course, his loved one today – Emily Lo.

Very excited when Emily won the Miss HK Pageant

In her eyes, it was love at first sight for Hacken, and she’s the only one that he loves deeply! In 1992, Xiaomei was in charge of filming the promotion for the Miss HK Pageant and the popular Emily was included. And during that time, Hacken always came to the studio to visit her. As their relationship was good, it was common for them to visit each other, and she did not suspect anything. However, the group of camera men always laughed, saying “Your ‘little brother’ dotes on you a lot, he always buys you food and visits you!” And from their comments, she became alert. This “little brother” had something strange about him. So, she dragged him out and asked “Which one do you like?” Hacken laughed without speaking. When she happened to capture Emily in the camera, Hacken revealed “This one’s quite good!” And the clever Xiaomei knew it.

When Emily won the competition, Hacken was even happier than when he had received an award himself, when he saw Xiaomei at the backstage. So, she concluded that her “little brother” was in love! And later on, they really developed sweetly. The 2 of them would dine and chat at her sometimes, or go fishing and BBQ. They included Xiaomei as the light bulb as this made them seemed more like friends on an outing, outsiders would not notice. And she helped him happily, and even wrote the song “Only want you to reply” for him.

After 15 years, Hacken and Emily met with many difficulties and tests. Such as how singers should avoid dating, Hacken’s low and high tides in his career, the pressure from the media, and much more. Together, they faced everything together!

Hosting and acting to open another path

At the end of it, they crossed every hurdle. The princess and prince had quite a perfect conclusion. Everybody could see it.

In 2002, Hacken returned to the Hong Kong Coliseum once again. He called Xiaomei and told her that she must attend. That night, when she entered the coliseum, she could find no empty seats. And Hacken’s father played the er hu (a Chinese musical instrument) and received applauds from the audience. This made Hacken present the confidence he possessed. She felt very comforting. This also meant that her “little brother” has overcome the hurdles and had grown up!

Not forgetting his first time receiving the Best Male Singer award

In that same year, Hacken received the Best Male Singer award for the first time. When he left the coliseum that night, the first one that he called was Xiaomei. Immediately, she congratulated him “Congratulations, you made it!” Over the other side, Hacken replied
”Yeah, I’m very happy!” Hacken had taste the highs and lows in his life, and has yet to pass 39 years of age. He will have an even greater tomorrow. He is now a husband today, but in her heart, he is still her “little brother” from back then.

Hacken is straightforward, but kind. Back then, some of Xiaomei’s friends from the media told her this “Tell your ‘little brother’ not to have such a cocky attitude!” Frankly speaking, he is like a master, he has been living in a world of love and concern. Recently, it is rumored that he is going to be a father soon. She wanted to send him an SMS but did not do so at the end. Because if everything goes well, she believes that he will tell her personally!

Hacken! Xiaomei is waiting for your good news! She promises to keep it a secret!

This excerpt comes from Xiaomei herself.

(Credits to AsianFanatics Forum)

183 Club wish to work with Fahrenheit

In the afternoon, on the 28th, Taiwan’s “1st Prince Band” 183Club went to Shanghai to promote for their album “183 Club Shanghai Celebration Edition”, and held a “Zhen Ai 183 Club Celebration Announcement Selling cum signing event”, this is also their first time showing up in China Mainland. They appeared as a brand new four member band, and expressed, Jacky left the band due to some reasons and the company is currently not considering any new members to replace him.
Q= question
A=Answer

Jacky left recently, but not because of the reason of being involve in drug cases

Q: Why is there only 4 members appearing today?
A: Actually these cannot be clarified in a word or two. The main reason I the difference in mindset. The company’s policies and Jacky’s personal mindset is different, thus the company made this choice in the end. The contract is returned to Jacky, in future 183 Club will appear in front of everyone as a 4 member band. Hope that all the fans will continue supporting 183 Club.

Q: According to news, it was because Jacky was involve in drugs, that he had to leave the band, is that right?

A: Actually external people had many different kinds of sayings in regards to this problem, but it is not because of drugs. It only happens so that many things coincidentally collide, and thus there’s so many versions of explanations. The main problem is still the difference in mindset and policy. The details can only be explained by the company.

Q: In private, all of you are good brothers, then did you all help Jacky to grab any chances?

A: We all missed him a lot, although we are not in a band anymore, but we’re still good brothers, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors

Q: Will Jacky’s departure have any impact on 183 Club?

A: We’ll try our best to minimize the negative impacts, we’ll think of Jacky when we sing our past songs, but we will gradually adapt to appearing as 4 member band.

Q: Now that you have one member less, what are your feelings? What do you think about having a new member?

A: Yes, it is like losing a family, and we couldn’t really get use to it. And as for new member, actually this is not an easy task. We all have our own telepathy, and we also hope the company will consider carefully before deciding. Afterall, the relationship and telepathy needs time to develop and work on.

Not going solo but each will have their own developments

Q: What is the main aim of this celebration event?

A: The main reason is to thank the Mainland fans, especially Shanghai’s fans. And the many media friends here, thank you for coming from afar to attend our event.

Q: Have you all ever thought of going solo?

A: The company thingks that 183 Club will still be appearing as a band, but all of us will have our individual developments. Ming Dao and Shao Wei are more focus on filming dramas, Xing Shu also have his hosting job. Although all of us have individual areas of work, but we will not go solo, and still will be appearing as 183 Club.

Q: Shao Wei is a member of 5566 as well as 183 Club, will there be clashes between bands?

A: No lar. The company will try their best to arrange the schedules separately, and try their best to assure that there won’t be clashes. If we really meet this kind of problem, the company will make the decision, see which side is more important and make the right arrangement.

Don’t reject being in the same event as Fahrenheit

Q: Currently new bands are emerging one after another incessantly, especially Fahrenheit. Everyone likes to make comparison between both of you, what do you think about this?

A: Actually we do not care how others think; we only want to do our job well. Actually only if we do our work well, only then can we have the position to compare with others. We will make our own breakthrough, we can improve only when we compete with ourselves.

Q: Many people are saying 183 Club rejects being in the same event as Fahrenheit, is that true?

A: It is not true. Actually the entertainment circle is not complicated, but once if there’s anything that happens, it will be magnified and exaggerated by the media. Previously in one of Taiwan’s Prize giving ceremony, we appeared in the same event as Fahrenheit before. Fahrenheit has very good results we really hope to work with them.

Q: The competition is now so fierce in the entertainment circle, people will often compare these two bands, what is your opinion regarding this?

A: I will work towards better music and drama productions, only so will we not worry about being compared. 183 Club will do its best to let everyone recognize and agree with us.

Focus on drama, neglecting music, out of one’s control.

Q: Everyone is very familiar with 183 Club’s drama productions, but in the music area, there isn’t much results, what do you think about this?

A: I hope this opinion can be passed on to our company and let them know, hope that the company can understand the response of the market. We will also try our best to add in our own opinions. But as everyone have different taste, hope that the market will be able to accept our works.

Q: What do you all have in mind for your singing and music skills and tactics?

A: Everyday, we are trying to improve ourselves, so that we can have better results in the music area. Not only in the area of singing, including dancing, drama, we also hope to have more changes and breakthrough.

Q: What are your work plans after this?

A: We’re arranging for overseas concert, including Vietnam etc. The activities in Mainland are still in the process of discussion, when the activities are confirmed, we will notify everyone.

Q: Is there any new drama production recently?

A: Ming Dow is currently busy with filming a new drama, Shao Wei’s new drama just finish filming. The new schedule will only be confirmed one or two months later, by that time, everyone will be able to see our new works.

When will you be having your new album?

A: Currently there is still no plans for this aspect, but our members are all making their own music, lyrics and melody, and we hope to add in our own music in the next new album.

Q: Will the four members have the chance to act in the same show?

A: We’re also hoping so, but this is not a simple task. Every member has their own work, it requires the arrangement and discussion of company and the producer before anything can be decided.

Ming dow deny being more popular, not in good terms with other members

Q: It was said that 183 Club’s rates for appearing on events are higher?

A: This is a decision made by the company, not something that we can decide among ourselves. But all our activities will be done in the best way under the restrictions.

Q: Will 4 members have times when each have different opinions and end up with conflict? Especially when Ming Dow is more popular in Mainland.

A: Actually our relationships are all very good. Basically, there’s no conflict.

(Translated by Tiffany
Source: http://fahrenheit-globa1.actifforum.com )

Hong Kong singers, acrobats, Olympic champions mark handover anniversary in variety show

Veteran Hong Kong performer Andy Lau sang a patriotic number, Chinese acrobats juggled dishes and champion



Andy Lau, one of Hong Kong's biggest singers and movie stars, showed his nationalistic pride by singing the Mandarin song, "The Chinese."

"Hand in hand, let's march with our heads raised and let the whole world know we're Chinese," he belted out.

Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang offered congratulations in a variety show Saturday to mark the territory's 10th anniversary under Beijing's rule. Attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two-hour show, broadcast live on Hong Kong television without commercial interruption, strayed from the standard local routine of sugary pop songs, mixing in performances by dragon dancers, acrobats and ballerinas.


Designed to highlight Hong Kong's unity with mainland China, pop stars from both sides of the border sang, performing in the national Chinese dialect of Mandarin and in Cantonese — the dialect commonly spoken in Hong Kong.


Hong Kong singers Alan Tam, Paula Tsui, Frances Yip and mainlanders Sun Nan and Han Hong sang "Under the Lion Rock," a Cantonese song describing the struggles of the working class.


Andy Lau then followed up with a rare joint performance with Hong Kong pop's three other "heavenly kings" Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung and Leon Lai.


Chinese acrobats showed off daredevil moves, spinning dishes on the ends of sticks and riding unicycles in single file while balancing bowls on their heads.


Chinese Olympic champions Liu, diver Guo Jingjing and table tennis player Zhang Yining made brief congratulatory remarks.


Classical music star Lang Lang and the National Ballet of China also performed.
Hu clapped politely during the show, but showed little emotion.


Organizers kept some traditional Hong Kong pop elements, including songs like Jacky Cheung's "Love Is Eternal" and Leon Lai's "Not a Day Goes By Without Me Thinking About You."


Hong Kong singer Miriam Yeung sang while male dancers in white hats and jackets performed a hip-hop dance. Female pop duo Twins strutted their stuff in low-cut pink and purple outfits, and Kelly Chen sang a Broadway-style number wearing a top hat and floral-patterned, sequin-laced dress.

Still, the night was heavy on patriotism. The show ended with Hu leading all performers in a chorus of the song "Sing the Motherland," which extols China's greatness.

Former British colony Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997. Many locals were skeptical of the Chinese takeover, fearful that Beijing's authoritarian government would restrict Hong Kong's Western-style freedoms.
Ten years later, Hong Kong's civil liberties appear to be largely intact, although some say the media frequently practices self-censorship. Residents have also staged large protests to demand full democracy, but China has rejected reforms in the short term.

(Credits to AsianFanatics Forum)