Steven Ma disheartened, officially leaves TVB in March

Credit : Source: Oriental Daily 
Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/ 

Steven Ma disheartened, officially leaves TVB in March 

Steven Ma joined TVB in 1994 with the support of executive Catherine Tsang. Up until today, it has been 18 years since he's been with the company. Unfortunately his series were often pushed into the 'ashes' broadcast periods and thus made him lose several chances to take the TV King title. In addition, earlier TVB stopped him from accepting Mainland series and prevented him from earning the Chinese yuan. Due to these reasons, Steven felt disheartened and wanted to get his freedom back by terminating his contract early. Although recently it has been rumored that Mona Fong personally attempted to convince him to stay, he still was unwilling to reconsider. 

According to reliable sources, yesterday morning, Steven went back to TVB City to discuss the contract termination. He went into one of the executive's offices and had a confidential discussion for half an hour. In the end, he decided to terminate his contract and end the 18 year relationship with TVB. Regarding this issue, [Oriental Daily] contacted Steven to clarify. He admitted that he was at TVB City yesterday morning, but he declined to reveal if he successfully terminated the contract or not: "I will talk about this later. I can only say that right now TVB and I are pleasantly discussing this matter!" 

As for Virgina Lok, she said over the phone: "This morning Steven Ma came back, and talked to us about the early contract termination. In fact, his contract ends in May, but he asked to have it end in March instead. TVB has already accepted! Earlier, TVB accepted some jobs for hm and he agreed to finished up with those jobs first. As for the details, we have already passed it to the legal department for them to follow up."

JSG Best Ten Music Awards Presentation 2011 Results

 Credit : Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/ 

JSG Best Ten Music Awards Presentation 2011 Results 

Last night, TVB's JSG Best Ten Music Awards Presentation 2011 unveiled the last report card in the music scene. Although the Big 4 royalty disputes are over, Eason Chan, Hacken Lee, Kay Tse and the other singers were unable to make it on the JSG charts in time to be part of the awards. Last night, the Big 4 singers won nothing. Also, Miriam Yeung had no contract with TVB, so under the situation of no competitors, Leo Ku and Joey Yung successfully crowned Music King and Queen once again. Joey and Raymond Lam were the big winners of the night with a total of 4 awards. 

This is Joey's 7th time getting the 'Most Popular Female Singer Award' and holds a strong record in history. When Joey got the award from her award presenter, Hacken Lee, she said excitedly: "Wah! Hacken Lee, you came back. I'm very happy to get this award from you!" 

Leo won 2 awards including the 'Most Popular Male Singer Award'. He is now tied with record holder Alam Tam (1984-1987) for the award, both got it 4 times. Leo announced before that he will no longer get any awards, he said thankfully: "I really like working with music. I put in my best effort each year and hope to show all the hard work we have done in the award ceremonies. However, in the last two years, we are often more concerned of who is competing with who or which companies are wrestling and less focus is given on the hard work of us singers. I started feeling distinct from participating in award ceremonies, but I see my colleagues get excited on their achievements. Each year at fan gatherings, I would take my award with me and take pictures with the fans, I see how happy my fans are, so I know awards are still very important." 

Raymond won the 'Asia-Pacific (Male)' award for the third time and the 'Gold Song Gold Award' - CHOK for the first time. As TVB executive Virgina Lok's favorite, Raymond did not forget to thank her: "Thanks to TVB for raising me and thank you Miss Lok for trusting me so much." The 'Asia-Pacific (Female)' award unexpectedly fell on Ivana Wong's hands for the first time. She said wholeheartedly on stage: "I have been making music with my heart and soul all along. I debuted 7 years ago and have carried this heart since then. I never thought of any awards, but at this moment, I really want to thank TVB. If there is anyone out there that feels I need to work harder, I promise you all I can take up the responsibility and be the singer who gets this award." 

Winners List 

Top 10 Gold Song Award 
01. Grasshopper - 華麗舞台 (Glamorous Stage) 
02. C AllStar - 天梯 (Ladder to Heaven) 
03. Ivana Wong - 水百合 (Water Lily) 
04. Raymond Lam - CHOK
05. Edmond Leung - 一再問究竟 (Ask Again What's Happening)
06. Joey Yung - 花千樹 (Flower Thousand Tree) 
07. Leo Ku - 爆了 (Explode) 
08. Jade Kwan - 仍然 (Still) 
09. Chilam Cheung - 戀上外星人 (Fall For An Alien) 
10. Charlene Choi - 年年 (Years) 

Most Popular Mandarin Song Award 
Gold: Twins - 3650 
Silver: Raymond Lam - 讓我愛你一小時 (Let Me Love You For One Hour) 
Bronze: Joey Yung - 最後情人 (Last Lover) 

Most Popular Commercial Song Award: 
Gold: Joey Yung - 澎湃 (Surge) 
Silver: HotCha - 素顏假期 (Holiday Makeup) 
Bronze: Mag Lam - 非凡 (Unusual) 

Newcomer Impact Award: Sita Chan 

Most Popular Male Newcomer: 
Gold: Alfred Hui
Silver: Terry Zou
Bronze: RedNoon

Most Popular Female Newcomer: 
Gold: Mag Lam
Silver: Joyce Cheng
Bronze: Abella Leung 

Most Popular Group Award: 
Gold: Grasshopper
Silver: C AllStar
Bronze: RubberBand 

2011 Most Outstanding Performer Awards 
Gold: Jonathan Wong
Silver: Wong Cho Lam
Bronze: Ella Koon

Most Popular Duet Award: 
Gold: Jason Chung/Karene Mak - 勾手指尾 (Hook Shot Pinky)
Silver: Ken Hung/Sherman Chung - 傻瓜 (Silly) 
Bronze: Barry Ip/Tak Dik 辣著生命 (Heat Up Life) 

Most Popular Adapted Song Award: Mag Lam - 鳥籠 (Bird Cage) 
Gold Song Gold Award: Raymond Lam - CHOK 

Most Popular Male Singer Award: Leo Ku
Most Popular Female Singer Award: Joey Yung

Asia-Pacific Most Popular HK Male Singer Award: Raymond Lam
Asia-Pacific Most Popular HK Female Singer Award: Ivana Wong 

Behind-The-Scenes Awards: 

Best Composer: Deal Chong, Tang Chi Wai - CHOK 
Best Lyricist: Wyman Wong - 花千樹 (Flower Thousand Trees) 
Best Arrangement: Alex Fung@ the Invisible Men - 水百合 (Water Lily) 
Best Song Producer: Harris Ho, Grasshopper - 華麗舞台 (Glamorous Stage)

Selena Li wanted to vomit as she cleans the toilets for the first time

Credit ; Source: Oriental Daily 
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/ 

Selena Li wanted to vomit as she cleans the toilets for the first time 

Myolie Wu and the cast of Wish and Switch including Johnson Lee, Selena Li, Vincent Wong and Angela Tong held a private dinner celebration for the good start of a 31 point peak rating. They all hoped the ratings continue to rise. When asked who will be paying for the meal that night? Myolie laughed and said she recommends Johnson pay for the meal. 

Selena frankly said she is very excited and happy that the series had a good start. She believes the scene where she reveals her career line and the bed scene with Johnson will push the ratings up. Selena likes to be clean, but when she was shooting for Wish and Switch, she had to clean the toilets for the first time. She expressed she wanted to vomit as she was shooting those scenes.

TVB new series L'Escargot criticized 'Impersonated Version of Dwelling Narrowness'

Credit ; Source: Mingpao 
Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/ 

TVB new series L'Escargot criticized 'Impersonated Version of Dwelling Narrowness' 

TVB new series L'Escargot is currently broadcasting and has been receiving positive response. However, there were criticisms that the series copied 2009 Mainland drama Dwelling Narrowness, that 80% of the characters in the series is the same as Dwelling Narrowness. The similarities between the two series is that they are both revolved around real estate with the story about the high housing prices and the struggles middle-class citizens face when trying to purchase a home. The plots involve extramarital affairs and homes being acquired. 

Actually in 2010, when L'Escargot started shooting, lead actor Michael Miu already said the series is similar to Dwelling Narrowness, so he said, "if it is similar, then it is just a coincidence" to avoid any speculations of plagiarism. 

Even if we all know L'Escargot and Dwelling Narrowness are on the same ballpark, it is still hard to avoid comparison. As the plot and characters are indeed very similar, such as Michael Miu and Sonija Kwok plays a married couple worried about life and buying a home. This is very similar to the married couple Hai Ping and her husband in Dwelling Narrowness, it is just the husband turned into Michael Miu. 

In the series, Linda Chung plays Michael's younger sister, who initially had a very good boyfriend (Ron Ng), but because of the debt, she started an affair with wealthy and married businessman Michael Tse. This is just like Hai Ping's younger sister 'Priated Version' in Dwelling Narrowness. 

The plot in the recently broadcast episodes of L'Escargot spoke about Michael Miu's younger brother Oscar Leung, got into a car accident because he refused to let Michael Tse's real estate company acquire his home. As such, Dwelling Narrowness also has the same scene happening to an elderly woman. 

Although there is criticisms of plagiarism, there are still many supporters. Viewers praise the series for being realistic to today's society and the plot moves quickly. Also, this series was initially named 'HK Version of Dwelling Narrowness', even if the theme is similar, as long as it is good to watch, then it's not a problem. 

Producer Nelson Cheung responses to the plagiarism comments, he only said the background is similar, it is not plagiarism. He welcomes all viewers to continue watching, pay more attention to the parts that are similar and give more support to the 'HK Version of Dwelling Narrowness'.

Bowie Lam will make arrangements for SINA MUSIC award winner 'Sober Band', won't rely on TVB

Credit : Source: Mingpao
Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

Bowie Lam will make arrangements for SINA MUSIC award winner 'Sober Band', won't rely on TVB 

After TVB series When Heaven Burns (WHB), Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Kenny Wong popularity jumped tremendously. The other night, the group attended SINA MUSIC PUBLIC OPINION INDEX MUSIC AWARDS 2011 along with Kay Tse, Fiona Sit, Eason Chan, Hins Cheung, Ivana Wong, Raymond Lam and many other singers. Although singers such as Kay Tse and Hins Cheung won several big awards, the limelight was stolen by 'Sober Band' (Bowie, Moses, Kenny). Depending on the WHB sub theme Youth Ignorance (年少無知), Sober Band won the 'TV Series Song Award' and then performed the song live. Audience from the entire venue sang along, screamed and cheered. Sober Band frankly said it was surprising that there was such a hot response from the public. They hope to continue developing Sober Band in the future. Kenny expressed will just have to wait for TVB to make the arrangements, but former TVB artist Bowie Lam immediately opposed: "This arrangement is not good, I will go make the arrangements for us myself and then give you all a 'secret second job'!" 

As Youth Ignorance didn't make it on the JSG charts, Bowie feels TVB should comply with the public response: "Even a 7 year old kid knows how to sing this song! (The series was pushed back too long and got affected?) We do not need to research this. If WHB released earlier, it would have won all, TV King/Queen and the Theme Song. Why not just get Charmaine Sheh back and make our own secret awards presentation." When speaking of TVB refusing to sell the Youth Ignorance copyright to Paul Wong, Bowie continued to criticize TVB: "When talking about justice, the current generation should be universal, there is no reason why you should monopolize everything!" 

Moses avoided taking about politics, he just expressed his happiness for the success of the finale rating: "Seeing the ratings go from a low 23 points to a high 34 points, proves that many are slowly accepting this series. I am very pleased." It was rumored producer Jonathan Chik and editor Chow Yuk Ming are planning to leave TVB. Sober Band expressed they are unsure. Bowie reassured: "I don't believe this. If they are leaving, I will return to TVB and work for free!" 

Raymond is cautious when looking for a girlfriend

Also present at the award show, Raymond Lam won an award for his dance song CHOK. Recently, due to the cold and dry weather, Raymond's lips cracked, leaving him in pain for a whole month and still no recovery. Asked if he needs romance to help moisten his lips? Raymond avoided the question by changing the subject: "I am more cautious now when looking for a girlfriend. I hope in the future, I can bring my Miss Right back to meet my family."  

TVB couples, rumored and on-screen couples attend New Year's 2012 Countdown shows

Credit : Source: Oriental Daily, Mingpao 
Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/ 

Moses & Aimee publicly dating, pocketing HK$250,000 

Moses Chan and Aimee Chan attended a countdown event together and appeared as a very loving couple publicly on stage. Attending a New Year's countdown event as a couple, earns them a high salary of HK$250,000. It's no wonder Moses was so happy that he did everything a couple does -- holding hands, embracing and other intimate actions. Moses frankly said he is very happy to be able to work with his girlfriend. He also expressed his mother is present at the event to support them. When asked what his mother's impression on Aimee is? He said: "She's quite pleased! (Getting married this year?) Take it slowly!" Aimee sweetly smiled: "I am very happy to participate in an event with Ah Mo. (How does your brother feel about his future brother-in-law?) My brother had dinner with Ah Mo earlier and toured HK. However, I won't talk about the details!" 

Bosco & Myolie working just 5 minutes away from one another 

Meanwhile, Myolie Wu and Bosco Wong coincidentally appeared in the Tsuen Wan district for two separate countdown events, they were only 5 minutes away from one another! Myolie said: "We didn't deliberately set this up, but we may meet up later tonight. (Do you want to make money as a couple team?) It's enjoyable, I am not expensive." On the other side, Bosco quickly expressed: "We shall be the Lunar New Year couple team!" 

Tavia Yeung and Joesph Cheng attended the New Year's countdown party in Tsuen Wan Plaza. First time participating in a countdown show in HK, Joesph denied the appearance money is higher in HK than Taiwan. Tavia was very happy that her appearance money for a countdown show is higher than last year. As for attending shows with Him Law as a couple team? She asked reporters back: "Does he know how to sing? I don't think so! Whether if we can be a couple team or not, I don't mind." 

Kate Tsui's unsuccessful blind date 

Another pair, rumored couple Ron Ng and Kate Tsui were at Sunshine City Plaza for a New Year's countdown show. Kate exposed her family is anxious about her relationships and made arrangements for her to go on a blind date. Unfortunately, it did not work out, but she hopes to seek a good man in 2012. Ron avoided to talk about relationship, he just said work is his priority and he will work hard to make enough money to buy a home. 

Fala Chen ditches boyfriend during New Year's countdown

Also present at Sunshine City Plaza was on-screen couple Michael Tse and Fala Chen. Michael's recent income has been very ideal, and is planning to purchase a 1,000sqft luxury home. However, he will first have to see if he has enough money for the down payment. 

Fala and her boyfriend (Sit Sai Hang) spent the holidays in the US together and just returned to HK. She said her New Year's wish is for good health and to reduce her rumors. Since Fala had to work the other night, her boyfriend just had to countdown to New Year's alone at home with her cat. He waited for her to get home before celebrating. 

Myolie Wu is more than willing to get scolded by Francis Ng

Credit : Source: Mingpao 
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums

Myolie Wu is more than willing to get scolded by Francis Ng

TVB series Wish and Switch will be broadcasting tonight (1/3/12). The two lead actresses in the series Myolie Wu and Selena Li were dressed in Snow White costumes as if they were twins. The two were accompanied by the other cast members Johnson Lee and Vincent Wong to a school to play with the children. During the promotion, Myolie suddenly blurted out: "Angela Tong is getting married soon!" Angela quickly shouted that she's not.

Since the series is broadcasting during the Lunar New Year holidays, many viewers will be out on vacations, is Myolie worried about the ratings being affected? Myolie calmly said: "In the past, I had other series broadcast during this period, just like last year's The Rippling Blossom, which ended up being the top 5 rated series of 2011. So, the outcomes are hard to predict. I do not dare to say I'm a rating guaranteed artist, but I can say the story of this series is refreshing and there are sparks in my collaboration with Johnson. I have my expectations as well."

Regarding the past reports being brought up again that when Myolie, who was considered a newcomer at the time, collaborated with Francis Ng in Triumph in the Skies, she was scolded by her seniors and criticized of her poor acting. Today, Myolie has become the TV Queen, but she doesn't feel insulted. She said: "Even if my seniors scolded me back then, it does not mean they had bad intentions, it is for my own good. I am more than willing to be scolded. I am fortunate that Francis brought this topic up again and cleared up the whole incident. I really do hope we can collaborate again this May in Triumph in the Skies II and I can learn from him."

Since Selena's debut 8 years ago, this series is probably the one she had the most kiss and bed scenes, which made her quite uncomfortable. In the series, she plays a millionaire's daughter-in-law, but in reality she shouted that she fears having such life. She said: "As a 'millionaire's daughter-in-law' you have to have so many bodyguards following you in and out. It is so stressful marrying into a wealthy family. If I were to choose, I would rather be a common woman. I know I have a birthmark on my back that proves I have a difficult life, I don't have a wealthy wife life. I am ready to rely on myself in the future and have never thought about finding a rich man."