[Ta Kung Pao]

Roger Kwok, Margaret Chung and Michael Tong were guest sellers at a charity lottery yesterday and attracted a crowd who came for their autographs, among them the most popular was Roger. As the reporters all wanted to do an interview with him, they were stopped by the hoards of fans who surrounded him. Po Leung Kuk will be selling these tickets for the next eight weeks to raise funds for their new projects.

Roger was in a very good mood as he revealed that he has just been offered an advert for suits from a mainland company, probably after his suited performance in "Mei Lai Joi Mong" (Not Just A Pretty Face). He then went on to do the good thing to say that this particular brand will look good on anyone; although the ad will be filmed in Guangzhou, he has worked on the Mainland so this is not too much bother for him.

With the great success of Roger's role of "Ah Wong" in "Ngong Fu Sing Lung" (Square Pegs), when it was aired in Taiwan earlier, the ratings doubled within the space of five days and looks to continue rising. Due to to deep image carved in the hearts of the viewers, the producer of a mainland TV series that Roger will be filming, has requested that Roger replays the character like Ah Wong and when asked whether this would create conflict with TVB, he says that he is not worried about this because TVB know about it. When it was suggested he was making a fair packet from the Mainland show and Mainland advertisement, he smiled and said: "Let's just say it made me smile so much I can't close my mouth. (Will you buy yourself a present to reward yourself?) I will insist on carrying on saving to add a few more zeros to my account."

Also, Margaret Chung is currently busy filming for "Sum Fong Sum Yuk Juk Gor Juk" (Chasing Hearts) and "Choi Hung Kiu" (Rainbow Bridge) and although she is playing a mother figure in "Sum" with a sixteen year old son, she is very pleased with this character because she can finally jump out of her stereotype of being a westernised girl returning from abroad. As for whether she can handle playing a mother being so young, she says that she has been in the industry for six years and it would be wrong if she couldn't take these roles. In order to act this role, she has lost a lot of sleep and even when she sleeps, she has been very nervous because she has been worried about not being able to detach herself from the character.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2003-9-7/UL-173312.htm

[The Sun]

Margaret Chung, Roger Kwok and Michael Tong were selling charity raffle tickets for Po Leung Kuk yesterday and autographing each ticket they sold, they attracted many people to come and buy from them, creating a great atmosphere. Margaret Chung has been filming for "Sum Fong Sum Yuk Juk Gor Juk" (Chasing Hearts) and she says that this is her best performance to date: "Because in the show I no longer play a girl who has returned from abroad, but a village girl and stepmother to a 16-year old boy." Through becoming too engrossed in her character, she is finding it hard to withdraw from her role as she says: "I feel that there is a problem with my concentration, sometimes I grind my teeth and am very nervous. However I am not worried about becoming too engrossed because I have studied performing arts in Toronto and I have confidence I can detach myself from the role."

Apart from this, Roger Kwok indicated that he has accepted a Mainland series who insists that he reprises Ah Wong from "Ngong Fu Sing Lung" (Square Pegs). Roger says: "Although it will be playing Ah Wong, the story is very different and there should be no conflict with TVB because they found the job for me." When asked about salary, he laughed: "I was so happy I couldn't close my mouth!"

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20030907/20030907003332_0003.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

With TVB's removal of "Princess Pearl 3" from the Prime Time slot, some people have indicated that the poor ratings for this show have dragged down the ratings for "Mei Lai Joi Mong" (Not Just A Pretty Face) as well. With these changes, does Roger Kwok feel that there will be any influence? He says that he doesn't know as this is yet to be seen.

However, this incident has led Roger to think about the levels of expectations from the audience and how the creatives will need to be moved up a notch. At the same time, he says that fame is not guaranteed with TVB and there are so many different factors that affect it, so he will treasure his future work. As for whether the changes will bring any pressure to him, he says it won't because these things happen all the time.

When it was discussed about the intentions to film a sequel for "Ngong Fu Sing Lung" (Square Pegs), will this incident make Roger think twice about making a sequel in case the ratings are lower than the original. Roger indicates that he will not be afraid of making a sequel. When he considers a show, he will only think about whether he accepts it or not, if he does then he will put his all into the performance and not think about too many other things. He believes that if TVB was to film a sequel, they will make the best arrangements.

As for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, Roger will be spending it with his family as he does not have to work that day, so he can eat mooncakes and watch his show at home.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2003-9-6/UL-173005.htm

[Ming Pao]

Jessica Hsuan was invited to a promotional event for some Shenzhen real estate and as well as posing for photos on a bed, she also cut a giant mooncake as part of the festivities, pulling quite a crowd.

Jessica looked around the show apartment and showed that she likes it a lot and the reporters asked the boss whether she would offer one to Jessica as a gift, she responded that as long as Jessica likes it that is not a problem. However Jessica knew what to do and said that her priority is for them to sell well, as for presents this can be discussed later as she is already getting paid for this.

Not needing to work on Mid Autumn Festival, Jessica was asked whether she would be spending it with her "Gallen Lookalike", to which she responded curtly that he was just her old friend whom she has known for nearly 20 years and she is not dating him. Does she wish for someone to share her moon festival with? She says that it's all up to destiny and it can't be rushed, but she hopes that the heavens will send her 'real one' soon. She admits she has thought about getting married and her next target will be to find someone to share the rest of her life with. However modern couples do not see marriage as forever, so she must be careful who she chooses to share her forever with.

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030906/12/u1ni.html

[Oriental Daily]

Steven Ma took part in his capacity as "Caring Ambassador" in an event yesterday and revealed that with his contract with TVB up at the end of the year, this is now in the hands of his management company to discuss the renewal, but he will soon be filming some series on the mainland soon, so it will be next year at the earliest before he will be back filming with TVB.

Recently there have been many returning male leads, such as Patrick Tam, Michael Tao and Sunny Chan, is he worried about losing his position? Steven replies: "I'm not worried, because every male artist has their own personality and will not affect each other and anyway we are all good friends. The most important things is to have your own way of performing so I will not be too worried."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a65cnt.html



[Oriental Daily]

As the Mid-Autumn festival is upon us, Myolie Wu and her TVB Junior Wong Tin Ngo together with Lam Kei Yan and Rain Lau arrived at an old folks home to hand out mooncakes and do some charity work. This is Myolie's first time as senior to a newcomer and as well as leading him in giving out the presents, they also did exercises with the elderly folk and sang Karaoke with them. Myolie is currently working with Tin Ngo in her show "Choi Hung Kiu" (Rainbow Bridge) and when asked what advice she has for him, she says: "I'd say for him to let himself go when he acts and be more serious. (Also to stop creating any rumours?) Rumours are harmless really, as long as they aren't too outrageous as usually rumours are not real."

As well as this, Lam Kei Yan brought 2800 packs of fruit and mooncakes to old people living alone as a charitable act on behalf of her investment in the vegetarian restaurant. She says: "Actually even before I invested, the restaurant did a lot of charity work, so we get a discount for much of the items and this has brought me good luck, winning a charity raffle, so I believe that the heavens will reward the charitable."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a70cnt.html

Tiffany Lam will be leaving for America to complete her studies next Wednesday and of her good friends from last year's Miss Hong Kong contest, many have presented her with goodbye gifts. Among them, good friend Victoria Jolly has designed a set of necklaces especially to signify their friendship that has their names etched on, very much like lovers lockets, making Tiffany very touched: "Some of the girls I haven't seen for a while and I am very happy and touched. They are very thoughtful and know that I don't necessarily like expensive things, so they give me very meaningful gifts, like pendants with our names on, making me not want to leave. So I told them not to come and see me off because I am afraid it will be too upsetting and I still have to travel for over ten hours on a plane." However Tiffany says that she has many friends in Hong Kong now so she will definitely be back to visit everyone.

As for Victoria who has earlier suggested that she will also be leaving Hong Kong to return to her studies revealed that she has still not made the final decision but as all her family are in Hong Kong, she would very much like to stay and progress here. As for reports that she has been picked on by Joyce Tang in their new series "Sum Fong, Sum Yuk, Juk Go Juk", she denies this and clarifies the situation with Joyce: "Joyce is very nice to me and even with NG's she will comfort me and often takes great care to teach me how to act, like a big sister she looks out for me and when I am unhappy she will give me a hug."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a14cnt.html

[Ming Pao]

Michael Tong, Tang Chi Fung and Fan Kau Yu appeared at a French fashion house to model their Autumn collection. As well as loving his modelling jobs, Michael also once studied fashion design, and he indicates that he is currently preparing a partnership with a friend to open his own fashion store, investing a seven figure sum and as well as busy filming at the moment, he is also designing a total of over 40 suits for his new line.

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030905/12/u16x.html

[Oriental Daily]

A group of artistes from TVB's "Mei Lai Joi Mong" (Not Just A Pretty Face) took part in a promotional event at an old folks home yesterday and Roger Kwok responded to news that "Princess Pearl 3" had been moved out of the prime time slot by pointing out that it is unknown whether this will be beneficial to his show or not, he says: "It's not yet known if it is a good or bad thing, but it reminds us that cast and crew need to work that much harder because the audience demands nowadays are high and they have a lot of choice. It also inspires us that we have to treasure everything we have and to know that fame is not guaranteed at TVB."

Apart from this, having turned from "Butt buster" to "Beautiful Belle", Belinda Hamnett seemed to have put on a little weight, but she denied this strongly, saying that it was an illusion. She explains: "Got fatter? I haven't as my weight has stayed the same, but my trousers are quite big because I usually dress for comfort and the focus of this event is Roger and Joey, so I don't need to steal the show by dressing sexily."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a12cnt.html

Auguste Kwan - Not easy to come by

A person's origins and backgrounds will influence their outlook on things and their attitude. After growing up, their views on many things may change but there are those who will stand fast under any situation and Auguste Kwan is of the latter type. Up to now at least, he still has that belief and on a trip to Kuala Lumpur, this can be seen in detail through his leisure!

Auguste Kwan is from An Shun [Em:Does anyone know the correct name for this place] in Malaysia and is the youngest son, with two elder brothers. Their father died when he was in Junior 6 and their mother brought up her three sons with a heavy burden, but Auguste says: "We are very close and my mum loves the Malaysian trend of streetside steamboat so when I have time I will go and eat it with her." When talking of steamboat, he remembers on a street in KL where he saw a truck loaded with food and at the side there were a few pots of bubbling soup and as customers could place a skewer of food to cook in the hot water and then add the condiments so it was quite a clean way of eating streetside.

On this trip, we went to the Lan Kwai Fong of Kuala Lumpur and despite having grown up there, this was the first time that Auguste had been clubbing there and it was us that took him there. Those in the industry who go clubbing are usually drinkers and smokers but he does not smoke or drink.

"How can you not learn after eight years in the industry?"

"Ha! These are things that do not have to be learned. Actually the main reason for this is that one of my brothers is a very heavy smoker and one is a very heavy drinker so when I see them I am afraid. Moreover I am allergic to alcohol like my father was, so even if I wanted to learn to drink I can't and anyway I feel that to enter showbiz, you do not need to know how to drink and smoke."

It would appear that this young man is quite introverted and is 'direction blind'. He will not instigate a night out and he never remembers his way, so whilst in KL, if it wasn't for our suggestion, he would not have wandered the streets.

Auguste Kwan is a typical Malaysian boy as he loves his king and queen of the fruit world - the durian and mangosteen. However, he knows how to control himself and as we brought out over ten different varieties of durian, he would change into seven or eight outfits for the photoshoot and not take a bite. He then says to me: "These things don't come easy and you have to treasure them, if I am not able to control myself at this age, then it is not right. Work has to be dome first, then after it has been completed we can take our time to taste the good food and this will be more relaxed and enjoyable."

Kuala Lumpur has many lovely foods and after just flying back from Taiwan and without resting, he came to join us for eating. He is not choosy over his food and constantly suggested the delicious local dishes such as Curried Fish that was so good it made you sweat, that he could eat two dishes of rice with just the curry sauce. Whatever was left on the table he would finish off as he laughed: "Not wasting anything is a good habit."

During our night in KL, a group of us went to Karaoke into the early hours then with a 6am flight the next day, Auguste did not sleep - heading back to see his mother for a while before returning to the hotel to see us off; never before have I seen such a polite and hospitable artiste who insisted on sending us off to the airport and eating breakfast with us. Attention to detail, this has of course been taught by his mother since he was very young. Maybe you will think this is not suitable for a young person to be so 'traditional', but who does not love a warm and well mannered person? The showbiz arena is not necessarily a place for inflated egos and complicated lives, as with everything in life, there will always be an exception!

Reporter: Song Song
http://www.singpao.com/20030906/gossip/440266.html

After Sonija Kwok has started dating with Deric Wan, her negative press has been endless with the latest rumours that Deric has been buying feminine products for her. Yesterday, she appeared in some sexy clothes at a press conference for a cosmetics company [with fellow spokesperson Moses Chan] and in response to a fortune teller's explanation that her thin lips attract gossip, Sonija hopes that she can change her luck and the rumours will go away.

At the event, the company invited geomancy expert Mak Ling Ling to read Sonija's fortune and she says that because her lips are thin, this will easily attract gossip and to change this, she should make her lips a little bigger with make up. However, Sonija believes that as her relationship with Deric settles down, the rumours will also slow down.

As for reports that her boyfriend has been buying tampons for her, Sonija jokes: "Really? Is he buying them for himself because normally I only use the feminine products that my mother buys for me, this news is quite amusing!" When asked whether it is because her boyfriend is too careful for her and knowing she has run out he is helping her to stock up, Sonija says: "I know that he is a very caring person, but buying it as a present for me? I really don't know!"

Faced with negative press, Sonija knows how to deal with it calmly as the most important thing is to be happy herself and she will not care about what everyone else says, although in response to reports that their relationship has been a little unstable recently, she says with conviction: "We are very stable."

http://www.singpao.com/20030906/gossip/440222.html

[Ta Kung Pao]

Old friends Roger Kwok and Kiki Sheung will be working together on TVB's "Gak Sai Jui Hung" and although Kiki is only a few years older than Roger, she will be playing his mother. She says she doesn't mind but in order to increase the effect, she will be bleaching her hair grey.

When Roger was asked if he minded playing an older character, he says of course he doesn't mind as he will try anything. Talking of the drop in ratings from 30 points in the first week of his show "Mei Lai Joi Mong" (Not Just A Pretty Face) being affected by "Princess Pearl 3", Roger says that ratings are down to many different factors and it cannot be blamed on being dragged down. Maybe recently parents have been preparing their children for school so haven't been watching TV as much. He personally feels confident about the ratings because he knows that the viewers talk about it a lot and even use his "Go! Go! Go!" catchphrase as a voicemail message, so as far as he is concerned, the show has been a success.

http://www.takungpao.com.hk/news/2003-9-5/UL-172627.htm

[Oriental Daily]

Flora Chan and Roger Kwok were at the costume tryout for TVB's new series "Gak Sai Jui Hung" (Spirits of a Previous Life) and in the show, Flora will play a disabled person, spending the majority of her time in a wheelchair, but Flora says that this is no obstacle for her because when she was in third grade, she was knocked over by a car and fractured her pelvis and was in plaster from her chest to her leg, so she spent two months in a wheelchair at the time. Although she recovered fully at the time she still has some after effects with her left leg a little shorter than her right and is more sensitive.

Flora also reveals that her parents will soon be coming to Hong Kong to visit her, arriving in HK for the first time in over ten years. Flora smiles: "My mom really likes Roger, so she can come and visit me on set and see him. (Will you bring your rumoured boyfriend Moses Chan to meet her?) I am not dating him, why do I have to show him to my mom? (You're good friends right?) If that's the case I may as well bring Ada Choi, Nick Cheung and Chiu Sung Kei to meet her as well? However if I have time I will invite them all out for dinner. (Does your mother worry about your love affairs?) She is always telling me to find someone, but says I have an bossy face so it is difficult. These things can't be rushed, so just go with the flow."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a60cnt.html



Article requested by yami

[Ta Kung Pao]

Steven Ma has been busy recently, after returning to Hong Kong from his mainland tour, he has been invited to take part in a DJ contest in Guangzhou as a guest performer and judge. Steven feels he does not have much stage work experience so he felt the pressure in this show. He says: "I had to choose a winner from the 16 contestants but their standard was so high it was quite difficult to choose." However he says that he made a small blunder when he gave the points because he thought that the highest mark was 20, but when he looked at the other judge's scorecards, he found that they were much higher than his before he realised that the top mark was 40. Luckily it made no difference to the result apart from bringing the average mark down.

On stage, Steven performed two songs and received a warm reception from the audience and he wanted to shake hands with some of his enthusiastic fans, but as he stepped forward, he was stopped by the security guards. He says that he had some good news on this trip in that his show "Better Halves" had great ratings in Guangzhou and the sub-theme that he sings "Love held by a string" inspired the local radio station to have a section in a program by the same name that helps bring together men and women on the air. This has been very successful and brought together some couples. Suddenly becoming a modern matchmaker in this way, Steven was very happy indeed.


http://steven-channel.com/news/takungpao/30082003_takungpao.htm

TVB has succumbed to the pressure of ratings and announced yesterday that "Princess Pearl 3" will be moved from the prime time 8pm slot to the earlier 6pm slot as of next week and will appear as a half hour episode format. Its original slot will be replaced with Damian Lau, Shirley Yeung and Maggie Siu's "Ying Hung Do Siu Nin" (Find the Light) that has been tasked with rescuing the ratings.

This was a commercial decision as TVB boss Tsang Sing Ming admitted that the main reason for the move was the poor ratings that fell to a low of just 18 points in the first week of airing with an average of 23 points and a peak of 29 points. Although the typhoon 9 on Tuesday resulted in a peak of 36 points, the anomolous result was not able to save it. He points out that this was down to poor acceptance by the audience and they must face the reality of poor scheduling and no matter if the show was their own or bought in, the appropriate action must tsill be taken. However he emphasises that the fall in ratings was not due to an effect of the competitor channels because they have not risen and the changes are merely to attract the viewers back to watching TV at this time.

When asked whether they had made the wrong decision to buy in this series, he said: "It's not the case, we have to try a range of different genres, as a commercial TV station our priorities must be on the ratings problem." As for the reaction of the sponsors, he says that they have indicated a wish to see more viewers at this prime time and he believes that the sponsors of this show will agree to the adjustment.

Before the announcement, Leo Ku and Dik Lung went along with their plans visiting an old folks' home in Po Lam to actively promote the show. Brother Lung feels that because the third instalment has changed the cast, he hopes that the audience will give them a chance as he laughs: "Not all swallows have such big eyes!" He and Leo have faith in the ratings, especially Leo who hopes that their third week ratings will begin with the number 3, who would have thought that hours later, the changes would be announced. Could it be down to Huang Yi's eyes not being big enough?

After the changes were revealed by TVB, the reporters called Leo for a response and his manager Paco Wong responded: "From the aspect of his manager, I ought to stand up for him and say that we are helpless against TVB's decision, but Leo will mostly be appearing in episodes 12-40 of this show, the first 12 being dominated by Mainland actors and possibly not to the Hong Kong audience's tastes. I hope that after episode 12 the show will do better because when it was shown in Taiwan, the ratings only rose after Leo appeared." As for Dik Lung, he says that as an artiste, then of course he hopes that his hard work will be repaid, but he can't change reality and doesn't see this as a bad thing and will take it squarely. Brother Lung says: "When the first and second series were aired the situation in Hong Kong was very different from now, so maybe it is not the right time for ancient dramas now and I will accept the arrangements. (Will you feel this is being disrespectful?) TVB have their reasons for doing this."

http://www.singpao.com/20030905/gossip/439679.html

[The Sun]

After rumours that Shirley Yeung did not get on well with her co-star Charmaine Sheh, Shirley's latest partner Michael Tao praises her as a good and innocent girl and even Paul Chun bought her a little bear radio especially to make her happy, it would seem she gets on better with the men.

TVB's new show "Ching Chu Yu Nam" (From Blue Grows Green) was filming on location in Happy Valley and Michael and Shirley could be found chatting to each other before their scenes, such a great difference from her experience with Sonija Kwok and Charmaine Sheh on the set of "Nameless Angels". At this time, Paul Chun appeared with a little bear radio for Shirley making her very happy. Working with Michael for the first time, he commented: "She is very sweet and innocent, making me not dare to be too rough in front of her for fear of scaring her, (some people say she doesn't know how to treat people!) she is very simple! Newcomers need to learn slowly." Paul Chun said: "Before people say she doesn't buy food and drinks, but this depends on if they want to or not. I look after her and treat her like my daughter!

In response to her seniors' support, Shirley said happily: "I don't like social meetings, this is just my principle and I will not go out to insult anyone." As for Gregory Lee's mother Sze Ming's open invitation to Shirley to spend Mid Autumn festival at their home, Shirley says: "Really? If I have the time, I will try to make it, but I don't know if I will be free."

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20030904/20030904003634_0003.html

[Oriental Daily]

Sonija Kwok and Shirley Yeung were taking part in a poster shoot for new show "Mo Ming Tin See 3D" (Nameless Angels 3D) yesterday. When the subject of the typhoon was discussed causing filming to be cancelled and giving them an afternoon off, Sonija said she spent the day with her mum watching videos: "I watched a lot of series with my mum, even rewatching my first ever series 'Cham Chun Gei' (A Step in the Past). I felt my acting skills in those days was very poor and I was very wooden with my expressions." As for Shirley, she spent the day at home on the net talking on ICQ, but she emphasises she was just talking to her friends and will not talk to strangers.

Apart from this, Shirley appeared in her new healthy sexy image at a promotion for a cosmetics company. When asked whether her boyfriend Deric Wan is bothered or jealous with her sexy image, Sonija says: "Not really, he just tells me to be careful when I am wearing sexy clothes, after all it's just a job."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a04cnt.html

[The Sun]

Sonija Kwok was shooting a poster for "Nameless Angels" yesterday and with the Typhoon 9 signal, she reveals that she spent the unexpected day off at home with her mum watching movies, indicating that she watched a Hugh Grant movie that her mum said was good, but she found okay.

Apart from this, with reports that Dayo Wong will be returning to TVB to film new series "Dung Duk San Tam" (Stand-up Sleuth), Sonija was asked whether she would work with her rumoured former boyfriend. She says: "I don't know! If we have to work together that's not a problem." The producer indicated: "I don't think I will ask Sonija and anyway their rumours are from so long ago."

Sonija's new set of ads will soon be released, will boyfriend Deric Wan find her sexy image unacceptable? Sonija says: "He is in Taiwan at the moment and before the storms I called him and he said he understands it is just for work."

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20030904/20030904003304_0003.html

Sonija's film "Fighting to Survive" made with Dayo in 2001 that sparked off rumours about their relationship...... but it's all old news now as her open love affair with Deric Wan proves.

[Oriental Daily]

Three years ago, Dayo Wong teamed up with Dodo Cheng to make TVB's smash hit sitcom "Nam Chan Nui Ngoi" (The War of the Genders) and went on to break the ratings record of 48 points making Dayo the talk of the town. In November, Dayo will be back with TVB to film "Dung Duk San Tam" (Stand-up Sleuth), using his greatest talent of stand-up comedy to perform the role of a super sleuth and with the hope of recreating the legend that "War of the Genders" has become.

The new show is a 25-episode mystery comedy, with "War of Genders" producer Tsui Ching Hong teaming up once more with Dayo to weave their magic again and although there is still over two months before filming starts, the two have been in contact to think up new ideas for the show to ensure there is nothing left to chance.

Producer Tsui reveals that the new show will feature Dayo as a detective with the gift of the gab and using this talent he will solve some great mysteries. In reality, Dayo's stand-up comedy talents have power beyond doubt and together with the public's demand for his performance for so long, there will be a guaranteed level of ratings.

As for a female lead, it is still in consideration a the moment, with regards to the other part of Dayo's ratings legend Dodo, it will be difficult to see them back together because she cannot accept the harsh conditions under which filming of a normal series takes place.

Because Dayo cannot be described as a 'handsome male lead', he doesn't mind if there is someone better looking than him and other pretty girls and handsome guys are brought in. For now Producer Tsui is considering how many pretty girls to bring into support Dayo and who out of TVB's leading ladies can be matched into a pair with Dayo. At the moment, Dayo is taking a vacation abroad, but on his return, he will be throwing himself into preparing for his new show.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a51cnt.html

Typhoon Dujuan sweeps Hong Kong and gives everyone a day off!



[Oriental Daily]

Soon to be heading back to her studies in America, Tiffany Lam has been finishing the work she had and has been very busy, but with yesterday's Typhoon 8 warning, the work she had arranged was cancelled and taking advantage of a day off, Tiffany and her sister went to Festival Walk to go shopping. Some shops were closed because of the typhoon but this didn't dampen her spirits as she went window shopping that made her just as happy. Just before leaving the shopping mall, she visited the supermarket and swept together some supplies. Tiffany said: "I will be leaving next week, so there isn't much left at home but I am afraid the typhoon will continue tomorrow so I've come to pick up a few things. Originally I did want to buy some presents for my friends before I leave, but all the shops are closed already."



As for Kingdom Yuen, Louis Yuen, Joyce Chan and Bondy Chiu, they were working on filming "Virtues of Harmony II" in Broadcast City, but because of the typhoon warning, they were allowed to finish work early after lunch and Kingdom smiled: "All I did when I came in was have my make up done and now I finish work before any shooting has been done, but my unruly friends have been calling me non-stop to go and play Mah Jong with them." Conversely, Bondy and Joyce sped home like a shot as Joyce smiled: "I don't play Mah Jong, I have to head home as I am in a rush to go to sleep."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a61cnt.html

[Oriental Daily]

A group of unsuccessful Miss Hong Kong contestants were invited to TVB's Broadcast City yesterday to discuss contracts and among them was the once favourite Stephanie Wang who indicated that although she was interested in entering the showbiz industry, her father Wang Wai hopes that she will return to Canada and further her studies, so she is in two minds as to whether she will stay in Hong Kong. She says: "Will I enter showbiz? At the moment I am still not sure, because my father and mother don't want me to bear any more harm and they think that studying will help me more with my future, but I am interested in acting and performing, so we will discuss it before I make a decision.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a22cnt.html

[Ming Pao]

Unsuccessful Miss Hong Kong Stephanie Wang was discussing contracts with TVB yesterday before appearing at Metro Radio for an interview where she revealed she was considering the offer at the moment and she is very satisfied with it and the chances of signing are high. When asked how much time she will put into performance, she says: "It depends, let me try it for a few years, but I want to be happy and work my hardest at everything."

As for reports of her father Wang Wai opposing to her entering showbiz, Stephanie denied this, saying: "My parents haven't especially agreed to it, but haven't opposed it. If I want to stay in Hong Kong, they will support me and I hope to be able to stay." Stephanie says that the innocent will be cleared and disagrees that the negative press will affect her progress.

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030902/12/tyuh.html

[Oriental Daily] - additional

When asked about her father Wong Wai's current position, Stephanie says: "He is currently just semi-retired, so he has not completely stopped filming, it all depends on the situation."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a70cnt.html

Ah Wong into Nasty Nardo - Roger Kwok is Just as Good and his Confidence Shoots Through the Roof

[Ming Pao]

On the train, in the MTR carriage, "Go! Go! Go!" has become the latest catchphrase to be repeated by the kids and some couple it with the rather obnoxious, but comical hand gesture. This is Roger Kwok's second wave of 2003 that is causing his fame to rise once again. After Ah Wong, "Mei Lai Joi Mong" (Not Just A Pretty Face)'s Nardo is becoming the idol of the people.

"In the same year being able to have the roles of Ah Wong and Nardo, this is definitely a great reward for this year." Changing from the innocent Ah Wong to the rather nasty Leonardo, Roger will meet with lady viewers on the street who ask him: "Ah Wong, why have you turned so bad?" He maintains his nasty Nardo image and says: "Go! Go! Go! Go home and watch TV!" Pleased with this response, the ladies retire in giggles.

The Roger of today is so much more confident than before and has taken down all his protective armour, becoming more open. At the beginning of the year, Ah Wong broke through the barriers and he describes this as being like a wave rushing over him, with little mental preparation, the success of Ah Wong seemed like it was little to do with him. This time he has prepared himself as he rides the waves and welcomes the joy of his success. He says that Nardo is a success from a challenge he has set himself and compared to Ah Wong, he has placed twice as much time into researching this character. "When I got this script I was a little scared with a headache about how to create a love-hate relationship between this rather horrible character and the audience. I looked into Jim Carrey and Jack Nicholson's performances and created Nardo who is an amalgamation of them both. Now I am enjoying this success very much!"

Before the show was aired, Roger was sure that this show would be welcomed by the viewers and really wanted to reward himself with a BMW Jeep, so he took his girlfriend with him to look at cars, he saw his dream car, but because his girlfriend didn't like the colour, this put him off spending his money frivolously. He has decided to buy a new property next year so he is currently saving up for the deposit. He says that he will need at least 60 or 70 percent as a deposit so that the payments on the rest of it will be more comfortable.

Roger has been in the showbiz circles for over ten years, but admits that he has never had any savings until this year. "Before I liked to spend money wastefully and didn't save any money. The money that I worked so hard to earn was put into decorating my home and buying furniture." Ah Wong led Roger's income to rise sharply and under the instruction of his eighth sister, he has in the space of a few months nearly reached his goal of buying his own property. The amazing power of money that can give such a sense of security and can raise a person's confidence has broken down the barriers of the past that were erected due to this feeling of lack of security.

How will he create the third wave? Take his place as Number One at TVB? Duetting with Joey for the theme of "Pretty Face", will this provide him with the opportunity to break once again into the music industry? These questions are not part of Roger's worries at the moment. He sees himself as a useful and functional tool and believes that TVB will put him to good use and arrange the best path for him. To him, the present is to take each step happily, be happy with what he meets and not bring pressure onto himself.

"Pretty Face" has started with high ratings and as they open the champagne to celebrate, Roger displays his ability to spot the dangers from a safe place as he sees through and analyses the way of the ratings and the dangers they face. He laughs that Nardo will meet with fierce opposition in the form of Manchester United, Chelsea and even Real Madrid. This is because "Pretty Face" is being aired at the same time that Cable is broadcasting coverage of the English Premier League and when the popular teams are playing the audience will be snatched away. The first week of airing would have brought average ratings for "Pretty Face" of more than 30 points if it wasn't for Friday's premier league match that brought the ratings down for that particular day. Plus with the opening of the racing season, "Pretty Face" is certainly up against the odds.

Roger says that to let himself be drunk on stability will lead to laziness. He has a unique self motivation process for when he is 'too safe', he will remind himself of his idol Jack Nicholson's performances in "The Shining" twenty years ago and after scaring himself silly, this will create the sense of danger in him once again. It turns out that Roger was 'frightened' into growing up, so the storms he has met in the entertainment industry is nothing much to him.

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030901/12/txzf.html

[Ming Pao]

Hailing from the Miss Hong Kong contest, Maggie Cheung not only has a beautiful face and a great acting talent, she has also gained notoriety lately after successfully slimming as she sits comfortably as TVB's top female lead position. However, she still feels she has had to sacrifice a lot to gain this: "Because of the chaos that filming sends your days and nights into, the biggest sacrifice is rest and this has a certain effect on your health as well as making the quality of your skin very poor and making you look very 'worn out'."

In order to keep herself in the top condition, the vain Maggie will regularly go for facials, she says: "Sometimes my body will become very bloated and puffy and on camera I look like a little pork bun and not very pretty. Plus the added problems of constantly wearing make-up it makes my skin very dry and flaky and no amount of water drinking will help this."

Like many women, Maggie sees slimming as her ultimate dedication as she reveals her secret: "Don't think that my appearance is very skinny, in fact I have a lot of fat but it is in places where you wouldn't normally notice like in my 'bye bye' arms and in some floppy muscles."

However, Maggie's probles have been swept away because with a six-figure sponsorship deal, she has taken on the role of spokesperson for a slimming company and as well as helping her lose the fat, it has also provided her with many other beauty treatments and therapies to make her look good as well as making money at th same time. She is definitely a lady of brains as well as beauty!!

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030901/12/txzk.html

[Ming Pao]

The selection contest for the new members of girl group Cookies took place yesterday with the 1st place being awarded to Lee Lok Yee, but the show was somewhat stolen by the second place winner 17 year old Mabel Cho who is the younger sister of this year's Miss Hong Kong winner Mandy Cho. Third place went to 18-year old Cheung Wing Ka.

Mandy Cho was there at the show with her family to support young Mabel and she indicated that although she only gained second place, in the eyes of all the family she was already a winner. When asked whether her sister would follow in her footsteps to enter Miss Hong Kong, Mandy replied that it is unlikely because her sister's interest is in singing and dancing. Mr Cho indicated that he would like Mabel to put her studies first and to just see this as an experience before discussing her entertainment future later.

The winner Lee Lok Yee has to face her public examinations this year, but hopes that she can balance her singing with her studies. The record company revealed that the top three will be sent for training and their contracts will depend on their performance.

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/030901/12/txzp.html

Theresa Mo appeared at TVB’s Broadcast City to film a production special for new movie “Dai Jeung Fu” together with Eric Tsang, Jordan Chan and Chapman To yesterday and responded to the recent reports about co-star Maria Cordero’s ban from entering TVB premises because of her contract with Cable. Theresa said: “They need not be so extreme! I haven’t had a contract with Cable for a long time, but I don’t have any intentions of filming series with TVB because I want to spend more time with my children.”

Appearing as a comedy policeman, Eric Tsang said: “Well every family has its rules but when the show airs, the movie clips will not be cut and when TVB airs movies, they will show other channel’s artistes anyway.” Chapman added cheekily: “I have an ATV face and a CRHK voice! Artistes have so many different guises, I don’t see any problem with Maria entering, but I don’t think she is too bothered as she has plenty of opportunities. Though if she has a contract with Cable, it is understandable for TVB to refuse entry.”

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20030901/20030901001811_0003.html

Twins swept the board at TVB’s “Children’s Song Awards” ceremony as they took three awards, but feeling unwell on the night, Gillian Chung said she was ‘filled with a hundred emotions’. Strongly supported by young fans all along, Twins beat strong opposition of Gigi Leung and took three of the top awards but what originally should have been a happy occasion was dampened for Gillian as she explained: “I had felt unwell earlier on and had a headache before as well as a cough! However I should be able to handle it, even having my period at the same time, this really is a time of a hundred emotions.”

As for the ICAC investigations into awards, are they afraid of gossip as they once again win all the awards at TVB’s ceremony, Twins responded: “We’re not afraid, this time it was voted for by the audience and proves that we have a great support from the children. We work hard 365 days of the year and this can be said is reaping our successes.”

At the same event, Edwin Siu and newly crowned Miss Hong Kong Mandy Cho did their part as MC's as they joined with the singing and dancing.

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20030901/20030901000517_0003.html

Article from Express Weekly 25/08/03
Translation by Em @TVBspace

In the Bible, Proverbs 4:23 reads: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

When Sammul Chan was being interviewed, he led into this verse as it is revealed that throughout his life, he has always kept by this belief.

Chan Kin Fung, originally named Chan Yan Yiu is 25 and a devout Christian, living in a church ever since he was young; was once a life guard who has never saved anyone and in 1996 when he was a DJ in Metro Radio was voted the best looking DJ. In 1999 he entered TVB and has been nothing special since, until the airing of "Lut Ching San Yan Wong" (Survivor's Law) when he shoots to fame in one go. Playing the character of Vincent straddling both good and evil, he has won the hearts of many a young girl and rapidly risen to the ranks of TVB's male leads.

Leslie Cheung once chose Sammul specifically to film his music video for "Kit San Ji Ngoi" (Love and Treasure Oneself); his boss and 'headmaster' of the music world Alan Tam has also picked him out and specially looked after him, pushing him into being a 'New King' of 2003.

Although his background has been researched, his father has made the press, his address has been revealed and he has been linked with Myolie Wu... rumours seem to be continuous, but this is the proof of fame. Maybe, this is the price of becoming famous and there is probably no-one who will not enjoy this experience, unless you don't want to be famous. Sammul maintains a bold never-changing heart, always remembering his beliefs and rejecting all the temptations.



The series "Survivor's Law" has just finished airing, peaking at 37 points and it is hard to believe that a show carried by newcomers has gained such good results. It has also risen to fame the "Two Fungs" the darker Raymond Lam Fung and the lighter Sammul Chan Kin Fung, moreover Sammul's performance has been surprisingly good, making his once unfamiliar name the latest Romeo of young girls and successfully pushing him into the limelight.

Entering the entertainment industry, then the obvious goal is fame and it is indisputable that "Survivor's Law" has brought fame to Sammul. However, he himself admits that he was very surprised by this: "During filming, I felt that Bernice Liu's daft character was more outstanding and I thought she would be the one to gain success. All I did was to do my job to the best of my ability in the hope that the audience would get to know Sammul Chan through this series. As for the ratings, I was very nervous, checking up on it every week and worried that the nasty character would be scolded by people and afraid that this would set my character as the bad guy. Luckily I discussed this with the producer and after the twist in the middle of the story, I was allowed to become good again in the end. The happiest thing that this show has brought me notoriety, but I don't feel I have 'stepped up', 'stepping up' at the most as I need another three, five or seven years to have 'stepped up'. However this time I must thank hreatly those who have given me this chance, because this was a most important opportunity."



Sammul is no longer an unknown name, no matter if he is Chan Kin Fung or Vincent, he has taken his first step to success.

Fame and fortune is the ultimate goal of any artiste and as a Christian, Sammul responds directly and honestly revealing his unblemished intentions: "Of course I want it! However it cannot be forced..." Continuing his openness, he reflects on his taste of fame and he feels a little lightheaded. His smiles reveal his snow-white teeth: "I've floated once or twice." However his next line is: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." He explains that this is a golden line from the bible and that it's meaning is everything can be bad, but your thoughts must not be bad.

"I feel that this line is very true as there are so many temptations in this industry that can move the will of people. So whenever I feel that I am losing track of my senses, and thinking thoughts I shouldn't be or doing things that I shouldn't be doing, I will warn myself using this line and stand by my beliefs to settle down my thoughts. As the saying goes 'The Difference that One Thought Makes' this thought is very important as it can be good or bad and the best is still to be 'Back to Basics'. To become famous is good, but fame and fortune are not my true goals, money cannot represent anything, as long as I can make a living. To be a star or not? I don't really care."

So if you didn't want fame or fortune, why did you enter the industry?

"To me, the most important thing is whether I have contributed, I really hope that what I do can make me a friend to the audience and for them to be happy to see me or watch me perform. At the moment, whether it is in life, work or emotions, people meet with unhappiness so I hope that by being an artiste, I can give them some relaxation and support."

With fame comes gossip, Sammul cannot escape this rule of the industry, his family background has been uncovered and has been accused of pretending to have a preacher as a father and co-habiting with Myolie Wu. Sammul has not been angered by this as he understands this is part of the rules of the game. "I live in the same apartment block as Myolie, but we aren't dating. As for my father, I have never admitted to being the father of a priest, my father has worked for the church for over thirty years and since I was young, my family have lived in the baptist church until I was 19 when we moved out."

In truth, when all of Sammul's past profiles have been verified, this point has been clear and it is just the media who mistook a church worker for being a priest. However in response to these misunderstandings, Sammul has not pushed into it in depth because he does not want to pull his family or his religion into the topic of conversation and wants to keep it low profile. As for living in a Christian family, Sammul has never hidden this.

"I have been a Christian since I was very young as my family has been so for the last five generations. Religion to us is a spiritual dependence and it can be a great strength when life is difficult to give us support and direction. As for whether I will offer my life to the churce in the future like my father, it is hard to say, but at the moment, this time has not yet come." As for the gossip outside, Sammul will take no notice: "Entering showbiz brings with it a fair share of gossip, this is hard to control or evade, but I will stand by my beliefs."

With fame comes an easy road and with so much attention on Sammul today, then in addition to the promotion given by TVB, he has also had the support of the two greats of the industry Alan Tam and the late Leslie Cheung. Not only the 'headmaster' of the music industry, Alan Tam is also the boss of Star East and with many open praise directed at Sammul he has pledged to promote him as the top star of 2003. While he was still alive, Leslie also invited Sammul to appear in his music video, proving that his foundations are very strong. In response to the faith offered to him by these two greats, Sammul is very grateful: "I am very thankful to them! In fact, they are both my idols, for Alan to bring me under his wing this has given me the greatest confidence. Leslie was very friendly and enjoyed bringing forward his successors and when I filmed the MV with him, he lent me the clothes that he was originally going to wear and I was very touched indeed. With Alan's selection of me, it has put a lot of pressure on me, but I will work very hard and in the future as well as filming series, I will have the chance to launch an album and I hope it will be out in time to take part in the Newcomer's Awards."

In fact, Sammul has not had a smooth ride all the way, after graduating from Form 7, he took on a job as a life guard but regrets never having saved anyone. Afterwards, he tried an audition for DJ at Metro Radio where he met his agent and signed with TVB and Star East entering the showbiz circles. However in 1999, he was just a big extra with a few scenes and at most three lines. Later in 2001, he had a chance to become a travel show presenter, but didn't get very far.

In "Survivor's Law", Vincent is very success-driven and impatient, but in real life, Sammul understands that things cannot be rushed so in these few years, he does not feel he has wasted his time. "All along I have been preparing myself, so when the chance comes, I will grasp it. If you rise quickly, you will fall quickly, I would prefer to take it one step at a time." It turns out that Sammul has recorded an album in Taiwan but it has been delayed in its released because of contractual problems, however, because of his recent rise in popularity, his virgin Mandarin song "Xin Pengyou" (New Friend) has been given a new life and aired on the radio. "Between acting and singing, I have more confidence in the latter because I have been singing hymns in church since I was very young and this has given me training and a great interest. Although the recording plans in Taiwan went to pot, Star East are currently preparing for me to enter the music industry so I am full of hope."

With his career finally taking off, Sammul cannot stop talking about it but as for his love life, he describes it as 'a blank sheet' and has nothing to say. "There is no problem in letting people know about dating, but at the moment it is time to work hard on my career so I will not be talking too much about romance. I have dated before, but I won't say how many times and because our personalities didn't match, we split up. At the moment, I don't really want to think about love yet, my priority is on the mission of working hard." It would seem that as well as keeping his heart, he is also keeping himself by not even telling how many times he has dated. For now, his work comes first ... really? Or is it that love life is a no-go area? Brother Chan, with just career and religion to support you, isn't life a little boring?



On the day of the photoshoot, a request was made to return to Sammul's former home of the Baptist Church in Kowloon City to look around where he grew up. Taking photographs in this place, it was so much more convenient with Sammul around:
Q: Where is the church?
A: Over here, just wait, I will go and switch on the light.
Q: Is there anywhere that will have more life to the picture? A more lively place?
A: Upstairs in the recreation room, you can play table tennis there.

In terms of every place in the church, Sammul knew it exactly, after all he had spent 19 years here. Seeing Sammul greeting the headmaster as he responded asking for an autograph, the church friends presenting him with freshly baked egg tarts to offer to us. Suddenly, a gush of warmth broke through my heart although I hadn't yet eaten the warm tarts, no wonder Sammul will return here once a month no matter how busy he is. This is like a second home to him and is also his refuge.

"Here, I feel so peaceful, especially in the days when I am feeling down, all I need to do is come back here and I will feel better. Since moving out, I have seen little of my family so the church is where I can reunite with my family again." It's so good to be home!

For more pictures refer to the original article:
http://www.xpweekly.com/share/xpweekly/0262/ent/20030825ent0076/content.htm