Steven Ma & Producer Miu Siu Ching won't rely on TVB for celebration dinner

TVB series Daddy Good Deeds starring Steven Ma, Linda Chung, Ha Yu, Evergreen Mak and Nancy Wu maintained high ratings despite the Easter holiday broadcast period. According to TVB's tradition, if a series breaks the 30 point TV rating mark, a large-scale celebration event to watch the finale will be arranged. However, this TVB did nothing for the Daddy finale on Friday. Guess its related to producer Miu Siu Ching and lead actor Steven Ma already left the company.

Seeing this, Siu Ching Jeh personally paid out of pocket for a 3 table celebration banquet to reward the cast and crew. Aside from Linda Chung, who left to Canada, the other cast members including Ha Yu, Nancy Wu, Cilla Kung, Evergreen Mak, Steven Ma and others attended. During the banquet, the cast gave Siu Ching Jeh a hug, making her feel quite emotional.

Steven expressed he especially changed his schedule to attend this celebration because he and Siu Ching Jeh went through three excellent 'combats' together: "The first time, it was Safe Guards v.s. Princess Pearl, then it was Where the Legend Begins v.s. The World Cup and this time it's Daddy Good Deeds v.s. Easter." He reveals in the next half of the year, he will be shooting in Mainland and is considering to purchase a property in Beijing.

Also, Ha Yu was asked if he's afraid TVB might come after him for celebrating with Siu Ching Jeh? He joked: "No fear, I deleted all my call logs with Miu Siu Ching and Steven Ma, there is no trace and proves my innocence."

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Stephen Chan's last dinner with TVB execs; Excerpts of university lecture and radio interview

TVB General Manager Stephen Chan will officially be resigning from his position at the end of this month (February 29th). The day before yesterday, TVB arranged a farewell dinner for him at a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East -- each member of management chipped in 500 HKD a piece to arrange a 5 table dinner for him. Most of the TVB executives were in attendance at the dinner, including newly promoted Deputy Chairman Norman Leung, Head of Production Catherine Tsang, Head of External Affairs Tsang Sing Ming, as well as the two execs who were rumored to be on bad terms with Stephen -- General Manager Mark Lee and Head of Production & Resources Virginia Lok. Even though Stephen Chan has stated in Media interviews that he has not decided on his future career path yet, Norman Leung revealed at the dinner that Stephen has promised that within the next 2 years, he will not work for any other multi-media company.

Looking relaxed and well-rested from having the last few months off, Stephen Chan arrived at the dinner dressed casually, smiling and happily greeting the waiting reporters. Asked about his feelings on leaving TVB, he stated: “In the 30 years that I’ve been working, 18 of those years were for TVB, so of course I will have sentimental feelings, but at the same time, I also feel excited about embracing a new way of life – the feelings are a little bit contradictory, but definitely not sad. There are many colleagues and people I’ve collaborated with whom I will miss dearly – even though at times, our opinions on issues differed, but our ultimate goal was the same.”

In early March, Stephen will participate in Pastor Lam Yi Lok’s stand-up comedy show, where he will perform 3 hymns, then after that he is planning to continue his studying abroad in Europe -- after that is completed, then he will consider future career direction.

Ever since the news of Stephen Chan’s resignation became public, there have been endless rumors of various media companies trying to recruit him to join their companies – in fact, he has admitted himself that throughout this time, he has received invitations from various organizations. Facing the departure of one of his GMs, deputy chairman Norman Leung expressed that Stephen will definitely be missed: “He was one of my most capable workers – his departure will definitely be TVB’s loss, however we respect his decision. Stephen did tell me that within the next 2 years, he won’t accept any job offers from other multi-media companies and I respect his promise.” Mr. Leung also expressed that he has not found a replacement for Stephen’s GM position yet.

Excerpts from his lecture at Hong Kong Baptist University and interview with Eileen Cha

What are Stephen Chan’s feelings towards leaving TVB? Working at the company for 18 years, does he have any experiences and lessons he can share with others? Stephen did not say very much at the farewell dinner day before yesterday – however, earlier on, during a lecture at Hong Kong Baptist University as well as an interview with radio host (and one of our [ND Daily’s] columnists] Eileen Cha, he had actually said a lot…..

.--- While introducing TVB’s history to students at HK Baptist University, Stephen Chan took the opportunity to show his ‘fondness’ toward his ‘maternal home’:

“Let’s pretend that I make a salary of $6 – if another television station were to pay me $10 but TVB only pays me $6.50, I would still choose to stay at TVB.”

.--- When a student asked him how he maintains his youthful appearance, Stephen went into a discourse about life principles (a discourse that appeared to have ‘hidden meaning’):

“In addition to the basic tenants of rising and going to bed early as well as not drinking or smoking, the most important thing is to maintain a pleasant state of mind when faced with other people’s idle gossip about you. In fact, there is no harm in taking the ‘ostrich approach’ [TN: meaning ‘bury one’s head in the sand’] – no need to take things too much to heart.”

.--- During the lecture at the university as well as his subsequent interview with Eileen Cha, Stephen expressed that he regretted hosting the program«Be My Guest»:

“If at that time I had thought things through more clearly, I would not have chosen to host the 159 episode «Be My Guest»…. I never thought that the exposure in front of the camera would cause me to completely lose my privacy.”

.--- In addition to providing an ‘explanation’ for his decisions, Stephen also shared his experience working at TVB with the students at the university:

“Earlier, due to the dispute with the Big 5 record companies, the ratings for «Jade Solid Gold»were very low. At one point, we were thinking about giving up on the program, but then we had to consider that it’s necessary for a television station to have a music program – it was sort of like ‘chicken ribs’ [TN: meaning ‘something of little worth or value that one is reluctant to give up’]. We already did not have too much funding invested in sports-related programs, so we definitely couldn’t give up music programs too!”

.--- During his interview with Eileen Cha, Stephen was asked whether going through the whole corruption scandal experience has caused him to be more ‘fearful’, to which he ‘firmly’ responded:

“Facing this world alone by myself, there isn’t much to be afraid of! The only thing I’m ‘scared’ of is cockroaches, especially flying cockroaches…truly very scared!”

Source: ND Daily News
Translated by: llwy12 @ AsianFanatics

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Aaron Kwok invites Lynn Xiong to birthday dinner

Two Best Actors Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Tony Leung Ka Fai starred new film COLD WAR (HONG JIN) yesterday held a press conference. Yesterday was Sing Sing's birthday and the event arranged for a plane shaped cake to celebrate with him. Sing Sing revealed that he would meet 20 friends for dinner and admitted that rumored girlfriend Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) would attend.

Kwok Fu Sing, Leung Ka Fai, Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Chin Kar Lok and Lam Ka Tung introduced their characters. Ka Fai said that the last time he worked with Sing Sing was THROW DOWN (YAU DOH LUNG FU BONG) years ago. He thought that his acting was more and more stable and mature. How will Sing Sing celebrate his birthday? He said, "Probably dinner, with around 20 friends. (Was Hung Doi Lam invited?) I invited her, she should be in Hong Kong." Speaking of Hung Doi Lam stating that she had a headache from preparing a birthday gift, he said, "Many friends all say that, actually I am already very happy about good friends having the time to meet. It's fortune." Sing Sing thanked his friends for already planning the celebration months ago because he could not promise to attend. He said, "Friends said they didn't care if I couldn't come. For example Shum Ka Wai deliberately came back from Beijing. This birthday could be considered unexpected because I always thought I would have to work. Luckily the team won't have a notice until tomorrow night so I have more time."

In the film playing a rival character opposite Leung Ka Fai, Sing Sing said that it will be an exciting film that battles wits, courage and ruthlessness. He hoped to be able to create another classic after INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH). Sing Sing also said that earlier they shot a major explosion scene that used three hydrogen bombs to create a giant fire ball. Although the effect was dangerous but the actors on the set were very safe. Has Hung Doi Lam visited the set? Sing Sing said, "I don't like friends visiting the set, I am afraid that work would be affected. People who understand me know that I focus on work. Even manager Siu Mei rarely appears." As for Andy Lau Tak Wa, he had a part but did not appear yesterday. The press release did not mention Wa Jai's name. Sing Sing said, "For now I have to keep it confidential, Wa Jai plays a very important character. My scenes with him earlier have already been completed."

Sing Sing joked that he grew up watching his performance, Leung Ka Fai did not mind. "He probably saw my commercials. In my growth process I made many commercials, if I have to count it would take awhile."

Ka Fai praised that Sing Sing's acting now has become more and more mature and called him "Heavenly King Best Actor". Will he attend Sing Sing's birthday dinner? He said, "When will he have time to eat with us?" Did he feel Sing Sing and Hung Doi Lam make a good couple? Ka Fai said, "You can tell from how solid Lynn's acting is, turning from a model to an actress. If they are truly boyfriend and girlfriend, privately they must have very deep exchanges."

Source: takungpao, mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

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Leslie Cheung's last dinner conversation exposed: Want to die, best is jump off building

On April 1, 2011, it is Leslie Cheung's 8th anniversary since his death. On April 1, 2003 at 6:40pm, Leslie jumped from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel building ending his life. Before Leslie's death, the last person he saw was his designer friend Alfred Mok. The two met for lunch and had a 3 hour conversation. After 8 years, Alfred reveals the contents of the 'last dinner' during his [Mingpao Weekly] interview.

At the time, it was during the SARS devastation, Leslie wore a mouth mask, and told Alfred be careful when someone is coughing. At the time, Leslie was appeared a little nervous and his hands were shaking, but his appetite was pretty good. He ate very well. During lunch, Leslie wanted to copy down Alfred's ID card number, but he already did so earlier in the year. That day, he wanted to confirm. It turns out that the number was used on Leslie's will as a final small gift to him.

Leslie has seen many doctors for his mental illness, he even thought he bumped into ghosts and asked a Master to help him. This made him confused. In their conversation, he said that he thinks Sichuan captures spiritual influence, but Alfred suggested that he accompany him to see the doctor in the U.S. Leslie asked if he had an illness that cannot be cured with any medication or treatment, then what happens? Alfred said he may have ate sleeping pills, in case he discovers it and rescues. However, Leslie said he wanted to die, and the most direct way is to jump off a building. Alfred couldn't believe that Leslie really did adopt this method in the end.

Turns out that it was all planned, Alfred said that after the lunch meeting, Leslie told him that he will not answer his calls ever again. Later Leslie said a subtle statement to Alfred: "That hotel's window couldn't open." After the last dinner, Leslie told Alfred to not call him again. At the time he already felt something, so he called Leslie's sister immediately to keep track of him. At 6pm, his sister called back and told him to relax because she already called Leslie and knows he's on the streets of Central. Alfred felt heartbroken, 40 minutes later a friend called to tell him that Leslie jumped off from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel building.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU

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Sammi Cheng and Andy Hui Caught On Dinner Date

Although 43-year-old Andy Hui Chi On and 38-year-old Sammi Cheng Sau Man have denied rumors that they were dating on recent occasions, a reporter spotted the pair on a dinner date at 4 PM yesterday. The pair dined at a restaurant in the Jordan district, sitting in a dimly-lit corner. Upon discovering reporters, Andy appeared embarrassed and had to take a sip of tea to steady himself. Sammi acted more generously and smiled happily at Andy.

Romantic sparks occurred between Sammi and Andy in 1991 when they collaborated on duet song, Do You Truly Have Me in Your Heart <其實你心裡有沒有我>. To protect both their careers, Sammi and Andy maintained an 11-year underground relationship before publicly revealing their relationship in 2001 at the Jade Solid Gold awards. When the pair broke up in 2004, many fans hoped that they would reunite again. Sammi acknowledged that she did not date anyone in the last few years. When Andy broke up with his ex-girlfriend, Michelle, last year, many people speculated that he would reunite with Sammi again.

When the reporter spotted Sammi and Andy at the restaurant, they were in the middle of a conversation. Spotting the reporter, Andy pointed his finger at Sammi and said, “The reporter is here for you!” Since their date was discovered, Andy’s face blushed. He picked up a cup of tea and repeatedly sipped it to steady himself. When reporters took photos, Andy forced himself to calm down and said, “It’s okay.” Finally collecting himself, Andy asked the reporter, “Which publication are you from?”

After finishing their meal, Sammi stepped outside first. When reporters asked whether the pair were dating again, Sammi remained silent while smiling in response. The answer appeared self-evident. Andy said sternly, “Don’t say that.” After driving Sammi home, Andy went back to his own home.

Source: Apple Daily
Translated by: JayneStars

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'The Rippling Blossom' Cast Holds Celebration Dinner

Rating of TVB drama "The Rippling Blossom" did well in its second week, receiving 30 points on average and peaking 33 points. Last night the cast held a celebration dinner and leads Michael Tse, Myolie Wu, and Julian Cheung (Chilam) attended. Celebrating good ratings of her drama, Myolie also cleared up a "sweet date" she had with Bosco Wong earlier.

"I wanted to buy a car, and he was just accompanying me," the actress said.

She didn't buy any in the end and asked whether she wants Bosco to buy it for her, she said with a smile: "Then it would be nice!"

While Myolie took this opportunity to explain earlier reports, her partner in the drama Chilam was promoting his upcoming concert last night. He expressed he is glad for the drama to have such good ratings during the holiday and would probably sing the theme song at his concert.

Married to two-time HK Film Award winner Anita Yuen, Chilam said his wife is a TV fan and she praises Myolie a lot. His son is also following the drama, and always asks him to make sushi. But Chilam doesn't know how to explain when his son asks about his relationship with Myolie in the drama.

"He asks me why I can be close with other girls. I told him because I'm an alien."

Source: Mingpao, ON.CC
Translated by: Kay's Entertainment

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Mag Lam officially joins EEG; EEG holds star-studded Spring Dinner

Last night, EEG held their Spring Dinner 2011. Although big sister Joey Yung is on vacation and big brother Nicholas Tse didn't appear, the dinner was still very star-studded. EEG singers including Charlene Choi, Gillian Chung, Leo Ku, Raymond Lam, William Chan, Wong Cho Lam, Sherman Chung, Ken Hung, William Chan, Vincy Chan, Yumiko Cheng, Deep Ng, Michelle Mai and the newly joined Mag Lam attended.

At the event, EEG executive Ng Yue announced two good news. The first is the EEG Creative Performing Arts School will open mid-April. The second is Mag Lam officially joined EEG. Ng Yue said: "Miss Lok and I discussed it, tonight is the most suitable time to announce this news. She is absolutely the super talented student." When Mag appeared on stage, Ng Yue gave her a 'Number One Scholar' bottle with her birthday numbers '0721' written on it, this number is also her EEG employee ID number.

Since Mag bounced out, she had always been the target that the major record labels are fighting for. It was said EEG offered her a 7 figure sum to get Mag, but towards the salary on the EEG contract, Mag is still not certain. However, she admits that TVB helped her choose EEG: "I believe TVB helped me choose, most important is to have communication with the company." Still studying in school, Mag will be graduating either June or July this year. She will first finish her education before releasing an album. Does she want to duet with Joey or Raymond? Mag said: "I want to duet with all of them. (After signing the contract, can plan for house change?) I don't have that much money!" Last night, it was the first time Mag met her boss Albert Yeung, so she went to wish him a happy new year.

Single Gillian Chung does not dare to socially climb

At the dinner, Gillian saw good sister together with her boyfriend William Chan, and she was alone. Ah Gil sighed: "It's hard for me to meet someone!" Reporters suggested to start with the 'deal' with a wealthy father, Raymond Lam. Ah Gil demoted her social status: "I can't compare, he's good all-around, there are many in line, I will get boycotted by his fans."

Raymond laughed: "I'm a simple person...." Meaning he's easy-going, easy to approach.

As to being said to having lots of girls 'waiting in line' Raymond laughed: "Not like that, everyone thinks that there are so many in line, but in fact there are none. I am easy going. (Easy to pursue?) Easy to chat with, I am a very simple person." Raymond frankly said that it's been a long time since he last dated, asked if after Rain Li there was no one else? Raymond was frightened by the question and smiled in embarrassment. Then he said: "You guys are making me sweat!" He said that he once encountered someone he had feelings for, but never took action. Plus his father's standards are very high, to be able to get through his father is not easy.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU

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Pregnant Leila Tong Spotted on Dinner Date with Husband

Former child star, Leila Tong Ning married theater director, Tang Wai Kit, in October 2010. [Leila’s sudden wedding announcement prompted many people to wonder whether she was pregnant at the time.] Yesterday, Leila was spotted with a protruding belly on a dinner date with her husband in the Hung Hom district.

With the advent of the cold weather, Leila wore many layers and a wool coat. Despite this, her outfit could not mask her growing belly, swollen ankles and rounded figure. During dinner, Leila and her husband were engaged in an animated conversation. Toensure that she will have a fat baby, Leila ate non-stop. She did not pay attention to the taboo of drinking iced lemon water during her pregnancy.
When reporters approached Leila to ask whether she was carrying a girl or boy, she smiled sweetly and said, “I will not answer!” Asked what supplements she was taking in her diet, she laughed off the question and used her scarf and purse to cover her belly. Leila and her husband quickly left the scene.

Source: the Sun
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars

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Charmaine Sheh Never Attended Rich Men's Dinner Parties

Currently filming in Wuxi, Charmaine Sheh is again involved in the rumor of attending to dinners held by rich men. Yesterday she angrily said: "Saying this without evidence, it's very unfair to us artistes!" She stressed she never attended those rumored dinner parties. But she cannot control what media are writing, so she can only believe those who are innocent will remain innocent.

As for she is fighting TV Queen award with Sheren Tang, Charmaine expressed she does not value awards that much. Every actor/actress did his/her best to play the role. If she was the judge, she will not know who to pick. She said: "I don't have that much pressure. But because everyone keeps asking me this question, I started to feel a little stressed. Just let it be."

Source: Mingpao
Translation: Kay's Entertainment

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