Blog Asian Artists

May 1st 2013, 02:38

It seems that Jackie Chan is so impressed with Jay Chou's body of work that he wants the Taiwanese star to replace him as a successor of Kungfu films.

As reported on Groove Asia website, while speaking to the media at the Beijing International Film Festival, Jackie Chan praised Jay Chou's directing abilities and stated that he hopes that the Taiwanese singer-turned-director will surpass him in making more martial arts films.

Jackie stated, "As I grow older, I find that Siu Fong (Jaycee Chan) has been disappointing. So I think I would pass on the Kungfu film mantle to Jay instead."

Meanwhile, Jay revealed that he was first interested in trying his hands on directing as he wanted to control others.

When asked if he would cast Jackie Chan in his movies and control the martial arts superstar as well, the "Rooftop" director expressed, "I absolutely do not dare to control him!"

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment

May 1st 2013, 02:36

After successfully opening a children's art school last year, TVB actor Matthew Ko is planning to invest in a foot reflexology salon.

Popular Asians website reported that the "Sergeant Tabloid" actor was recently spotted at an empty shop in Wan Chai and was deep in discussion with a renovation contractor.

It was said that Matthew intends to convert the shop space into an upscale foot reflexology parlour, targeting local middle-class residents and tourists staying at a few hotels nearby.

However, due to its prime location, the monthly rental price of the shop is estimated to be more than HKD120,000. In addition to hiring professional foot reflexology masters, it is calculated that Matthew may need to fork out a 7-figure sum for his new investment.

However, an insider revealed, "Matthew has a good network, and even the renovation contractor was introduced by a friend. He has already saved a lot through all the connections."

The insider added, "He hopes the shop will be ready by May, in time for his 29th birthday!"

This is the second business venture for the actor. In 2012, Matthew invested over HKD500,000 to establish a children arts school, a business he intends to expand to the mainland China.

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment

May 1st 2013, 02:34

Steven Ma is now ready to make an album comeback, a decade after his last full studio album.

As reported on Jayne Stars website, the former TVB actor recently revealed that his upcoming album will have ten new songs, five in which he penned himself. One of the title's single, "An Understanding" was also released earlier in April.

The singer-actor, who has also written five books, stated that he enjoyed writing and used the experience to writing his own music this time round.

Steven expressed, "It's been many years since I last released a studio album, so I'm very excited. I never had actual knowledge about music arrangements, but fortunately, I did learn to play the electronic piano so I used it while composing at home. After recording the tunes at home, I handed them over to the music producer for it to be refined."

The 41-year-old singer also said that finding a refreshing sound for his listeners turned out to be a challenge, and added, "Each song has to have a unique style. In terms of my own singing approach, I will design a different range for each song. The producer even arranged for me to test out different microphones to capture my mid to low tones perfectly."

The actor also hopes that the sincerity injected into his new album can be felt and will be able to bring satisfaction to fans who have waited a decade for his new album.

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment

May 1st 2013, 02:32

Yesterday, Him Law, Tavia Yeung, Kenneth Ma, etc. went to Tai Hang to film the new series "The Hippocratic Crush II". The storyline was about Kenneth marrying Tavia, while Him was the best man.

Him said, "In the series, also don't have intimate scenes with Eliza [Sam]...only have eye contact. (Would there be pressure with Tavia there?) Would not".

Kenneth laughingly said that he does not have kiss scenes with Tavia at all in the series, causing him to be greatly disappointed. Regarding the news about Tavia supervising, Kenneth laughingly said, "It seems that Him is watching over me and Tavia. (Did you feel that Eliza and Him have a lot to chat about?) No. Actually, my scenes are quite separate from theirs...not in the same scene much".

Source: singtao
Translated by: hyn5 @ 幸而城 Fortunate City

May 1st 2013, 02:27

32 year old Macy Chan ends her 6 year employment at TVB. Yesterday, the moment Macy left TVB, she stopped at the parking lot to take a picture for memories and left a message on Weibo: "Goodbye! Thanks for everything in the past 6 years! It's a new beginning." Back then, while Macy was working as a model, she was recommended by her manager to join MusicNationGroup. In 2004, Macy,Toby Leung, Elise Liu and Bella Cheung formed a group called "Girls Only Dormitory". The group launched one album Life is Beautiful. Macy later joined TVB and started filming TV series, but unfortunately her development was not ideal, but at least she met her current boyfriend Eric Suen. In 2011, Macy and Queenie Chu encountered a car accident while shooting a TVB travel show in Okinawa Japan. Macy was in the car crash and almost fell down the mountain. After the incident, Eric stood up for his girlfriend, denouncing TVB for neglecting their artists' safety. Many artists criticized TVB for their harsh treatment.

This time Macy's contract expired and she decided not to renew it, perhaps her decision is related to the previous car accident in Japan? However, it was also widely rumored that Eric intends to start a family. Maybe Macy is leaving the company because she wants to concentrate on being Mrs. Suen? Just as she said on Weibo: "A new beginning."

Macy expressed TVB gave her very good contract renewal terms, but she feels the need to reflect on her future because she's been with the company since 2004. She does not currently have any plans yet, but perhaps she will go see more of the outside world first. Her boyfriend Eric is very supportive of her decision.

Is her decision to leave TVB related to the fact that her on-screen jobs had been reduced over the last year? She expressed that is not the case. Although she does not film TVB series as often, she has participated in many variety shows. She also had many other outside jobs and opportunities to earn money such as being a MC at events. Will she consider other TV stations, such as Ricky Wong's HKTV? She stressed that thought has never crossed her mind. She wants to rest first.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

May 1st 2013, 02:26

Although TVB series Beauty At War has more criticisms then compliments, but Netizens praised Ada Choi's outstanding performance. Yesterday she gave herself and the crew positive energy on Weibo, she wrote: "Although there is inflammation on the wound...although I don't get enough sleep each night...Although the Beauty At War ratings have not been ideal...I am still filled with confidence! I'm filled with joy! I'm filled with hope! Tomorrow will be a better day!"

Meanwhile, the rest of the cast including Moses Chan, Christine Ng, Kenny Wong, Leung Ka Kei and Rachel Kan filmed another promotional clip for the series. Regarding the low ratings for the premiere week, even lower than the sitcom Come Home Love, do they feel upset from the defeat? Moses feels the current ratings are considered ideal and he does not feel disappointed because they all had a joyous collaboration and has met his standards. He does not think the dialogue is difficult to understand. It can only be said that the series is considered an elegant drama, which requires patient listening and time to ponder. This serial differs from the typical series, Moses hopes the audience can have more patience to enjoy it.

Reporters pursued the question of whether he spent HK$40 million on a new luxury home? He expressed it is not confirmed yet, but the home does suit his likings. He said when in a relationship, of course he has hopes to get married. He hopes one day he'll have good news to announce.

Christine Ng has heavy screen time in this series, she feels there will always be supporters and people that dislike it. However, she believes when Moses enters the palace, there will be more drama and the audience's interest will gradually increase. She also praised Moses' great momentum in his portrayal of 'Dai Lo Kwoon'. Christine does not agree to the saying that spreading rumors in the palace could influence children's mentality. She believes there is no relation between the two sides. It was said the TV ratings for all 4 of Ada Choi and producer Jonathan Chik's collaborations were barely satisfactory? Christine laughed and said the media is just trying to start a topic. Ada's post-natal month is almost over and she'll be joining them for the future promotions.

Yesterday it was Kenny Wong's 50th birthday. He celebrated with his girlfriend and friends. He said he did not feel too disappointed on the poor TV ratings because it's just been the first week and its normal that the audience haven't gotten into the story yet. The audience still isn't used to it because War and Beauty left too deep of an impression. He said the series is well-received at his house, so he is not worried about the genre influencing children's mentality.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

May 1st 2013, 02:24

The Bullet Brain actress, Sire Ma, trusted her Indonesian maid and gave the maid her ATM pin number, so whenever she needs to withdraw money, the Indonesian maid could help her do so. Unfortunately, the Indonesian maid withdrew HK$3,000 from Sire's bank account for her personal use. Yesterday the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court confirmed there were two cases of larceny and the defendant was sentenced to 1 month in jail. The HK$3,000 was returned to Sire Ma.

The defendant, 29 year old Ana Nurhasanah's lawyer disclosed Sire had already fired her. It all started in January when Sire hired the defendant. Sire gave her Hang Seng Bank ATM card pin number to the defendant, but she kept the ATM card herself and whenever necessary, she would give the card to the defendant to withdraw money on her behalf. On April 26th, Sire checked her bank statements and realized HK$2,000 disappeared, but the ATM card was still in her wallet. The next day, Sire discovered another HK$1,000 withdrawn from her account and this time, her ATM card was missing from her wallet.

Sire called the police on April 28th and got a WhatsApp message from the defendant. The defendant admitted she withdrew HK$3,000 from Sire's bank account. Police arrested the defendant and found Sire's ATM card under the defendant's bed.

Considers Rehiring the Defendant

Yesterday Sire accepted a phone interview, she expressed this incident happened several days ago. She said unhappy: "I'm living alone in Hong Kong. She worked for me for 3 months and handled all my daily necessities. I really trusted her. A month ago, I was too busy, so I asked her to help me withdraw some money, so she knows my ATM card pin number. I couldn't believe she stole my ATM card twice to withdraw money from my account for her personal use. The first time was HK$2,000, then she took another HK$1,000 and it was then I discovered my ATM card was missing. I asked her, but she did not admit it. I had no other choice but to call the police. She searched through my room and kitchen, she went through my clothes, handbag and makeup products. It turns out, she hid the card when I wasn't aware. I just feel very disappointed."

Sire believes many Hong Kong families hire maids. "We live in the same house; we have a close relationship, like family. I hope she learned a lesson from this incident. Stealing is a very stupid action, don't go and destroy your future. When she comes out, I will talk to her again. If she's willing to change, I will consider hiring her again. I know she has a [5 year old] son in Indonesia. If she doesn't have a job, that would be a huge financial impact on her. I hope I can help her. The most important is she cannot break the law again."

Difficult time getting out of character

In other news, Sire's current series Bullet Brain is suffering from heavy criticisms and the audience dislike her character. She said: "When I accepted this series, I already knew it differs from other TVB series. I didn't think too much, I just concentrated on my performance. My character went through several sudden and unexpected negative impact. There was one time, I had a difficult time getting out of character because I was too absorbed in the character. It was difficult emotionally. After I finished shooting this series, I took a month off, but I learned a lot from this experience and I have tried my best."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

May 1st 2013, 02:22

The 'King of Dance' and Golden Horse Film King, Aaron Kwok had been dating famous model Lynn Hung since 2006, but it seems like Lynn won't be 'Mrs. Kwok' after all. Aaron had always kept his silence and wasn't willing to acknowledge her as his girlfriend. Earlier it was rumored the couple's 7 year relationship was over and TVB rising star Christine Kuo was their third party! Lynn had on a 'breakup' ring on her pinky and had been forcing a smile after losing Aaron.

It turns out Aaron was the one who ended the relationship without hesitation. Perhaps it was related to good friend Charlie Yeung! Last year Aaron starred in Charlie's first directed film Christmas Rose. The film describes the battle of human nature, which had impacted his thoughts quite a bit. A few days ago, Aaron accepted an exclusive interview and expressed the film changed his thinking. He hopes everyone can be able to undo the knot in their hearts, he feels "we shouldn't be living in an unsuitable state of mind." Aaron also expressed relationships is like wearing shoes. He implied this 32 year old, 33C cup size "shoe" (implying Lynn) didn't "fit him", causing scrapes and bleeding on his foot. He decided to "take the shoes off" and let it go. Aaron said: "It's just like a pair of shoes that doesn't fit you; your feet always feel uncomfortable wearing it. You would want to get a new pair of shoes that's more comfortable. We have to walk on a daily basis, that's just like your partner besides you. You should find one that is suitable for you before you put them on. Forcing yourself to wear the shoe will lead to bleeding, cuts and then that cannot heal. It might be better to find another pair. Think about the world of relationships in the same way!"

Aaron continued his Buddhist talk, basically explaining that "forcing a relationship brings no happiness". He's just not sure whether he could get this into Lynn's ears. "People who have gray thoughts can easily get lost. If you could think about your counterpart, hoping they could live a better life, then that is a type of release. If every individual could think this way, then the world would be a lot more peaceful."

When speaking of a scene from the film, where Aaron cries hard due to the death of his father. Aaron expressed he did not put his personal feelings into it. He thought about it in the character's perspective and frankly expressed the real him would not cry: "I am personally a strong person. No matter how sad I am, I would not have a drop of tear. I would repress my emotions inside, and would only release them in my acting." He praised Charlie Yeung's very successful first directed film.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Apr 30th 2013, 06:45

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Apr 30th 2013, 06:38