shut down drama

It happens to every great site - that period where everyone thinks that it has shut down... disappeared into oblivion. This was the case with Winglin, the now-departed and beloved [original] TVSeriesFans Forum, and other classic sites in the TVB online community. When something happens to a site, everyone panics and fears the worst. "The webmaster's gone," "the site's gone forever," "it's never coming back," and so on are the speculations heard. The past few days was my second taste of shut down drama.

The first shut down
Last year around this time, SiteSled deleted my entire Virtues of Harmony II website. I was horrified and struck with grief at my great loss - over two years of hard work were wiped out like that. I was feeling hopeless. It would take forever to rebuild my massive site (of which I don't think anyone besides me and maybe a few others actually saw every single page and picture) so I just didn't know what to do... However, one thing was certain - I couldn't let Virtues die out like that. No. I won't let all of my efforts be wasted and I won't let it fade away from the online community.

Consequently, I made the decision to purchase www.virtuesofharmony.net and build a comprehensive site combining the whole Virtues saga. In January 2006, timeless: the VIRTUES OF HARMONY network was unleashed and became my representative website work - a compilation of four years of site building and fan support. Thus, I had overcome my first "shut down drama" and out of the flames flew a gorgeous and even more beautiful phoenix as TVB Musings was added to the network three months down the road.

It's gone. Seriously
Come Tuesday afternoon - it was around 4:20 PM and I had just finished a meeting for a presentation I had the next day - I decided to check my site. I was expecting to see my bright and sweet Linda Chung collage greet me when the page loaded, but my expectations were not met. Instead, this page full of ads with a link to inquire about the status of the domain having "expired" loaded. I was horrified and freaked out. Everything was gone.

I knew immediately what had happened - my second "shut down drama" had just commenced.

It's not my fault
I registered for www.virtuesofharmony.net last November for a period of one year. I knew that it was going to expire this month, so I contacted my host 3 weeks ago. I told them that I wanted to renew it and set the domain for autorenewal (so that every year I'd get a bill and it will renew automatically). They said it was fine and told me I had to pay the bill before the 25th because that's when my domain was said to expire. 2 weeks passed and I still didn't receive any invoice. I contacted them again and they told me they were working on it and that everything was okay. Another week passed and come Tuesday - my site was suspended.

I was so furious because it shouldn't have happened. I was waiting to pay and didn't receive any bill. It wasn't my fault and I was so pissed at my host. Furthermore, I was so scared that I'd lose everything again (like last time) and have to rebuild once more. I paid for the server in full until February 2007, so I was hopeful that all of my files were intact since I did pay for bandwidth, storage, and so on up until February.

I contacted my host when I got home at 4:30 PM. I had to go to class at 5:00. When I came back around 6:00, I was expecting a response - but there was nothing. I figured I'd give them another couple of hours. Hours and hours passed and I grew more and more worried. There was an emergency contact number where they said I could reach them "24/7" but for some reason, I couldn't call them. My phone kept giving me an error and telling me that it was an "unassigned number."

Wednesday came. No response. I contacted them again. Wednesday night - still nothing. I grew angrier as the clock kept ticking. Why weren't they answering me? Didn't they value customer service and satisfaction above all else? In any case, I was very, very upset. I then started wondering whether something had happened to their company...

"I'm an idiot!"
After over a day's worth of waiting, I kept going through my host's site to see if I could get any response from them at all. Finally, I clicked on a link to view my domain and it hit me - I didn't have to wait for them at all! There it was - staring me in the eyes - a link to renew. I felt so stupid. All this time I thought I had to wait for my host to send me a bill but I could have just renewed it on my own days (weeks) ago.

So, I went ahead and renewed it for another year. Things should return to normal... right?

That wasn't the case. A few hours after I paid to renew the domain, my site still wasn't up and running again. I figured that they needed a few hours, so I went to bed hoping that the site will be back to normal when I woke up. Flash forward to today, noon - it was as if nothing ever happened. My sites were intact! I was so relieved. This drama had a happy ending. [My host still didn't reply to me until after noon today. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in them. However, I can't fully put the blame on them and they have given me great service besides this "tiny" incident, so I will stick with them.]

From now until forever
I am so happy to be back. Is it wrong of me to say that I missed going to my own sites? Haha. I just love having a piece of the Internet that I can call my "own." Since TVSF died, I haven't had any place to go online or any forum to voice my opinions, so my sites are my online haven. I was so touched to see all of the inquiry and "panic" that occurred as a result of my "shut down drama." Thank you to everyone for supporting me - I am really grateful. Without you guys reading and visiting, I'd have no reason to update.

I can't promise that I'll always be around, but I will say this - even if updates aren't frequent, my sites will always be up. I made it a mission to preserve Virtues of Harmony and its legacy for the online TVB history, and I will stick by this by making sure that www.virtuesofharmony.net sticks around forever.

Thank you for everything. Normal updates will resume shortly. It's the final month of 2006, so I have some big things planned. Stick around and spread the word!

a moment like this #6

From War and Beauty episode 30




Hung Mo (Moses Chan): We're going to reach the pier soon.... Then we'll be safe. Don't worry. We can definitely escape.

On Sin (Maggie Cheung): That's good. [Smiles and rests her head on his shoulder]

Hung Mo: [Looks at her and grins] You're tired. Why don't you rest a bit? I'll wake you when we get there.

On Sin: Okay, but you must remember to wake me up.

Hung Mo: [Nods] Surely.



This is one of my most favorite death scenes. It is so poignantly and tragically done without being over-the-top because it feels very calm and serene. The scene is very visually appealing and it is another great Hung Mo and On Sin moment. You want to be like Hung Mo - completely ignorant of On Sin's impeding death, but you know that she's slowly dying... The dialogue is succinct, sweet, and effectively moving. As Hung Mo said, On Sin was indeed very tired. She tried to lie to herself and transform herself into a vicious and unfeeling monster for the sake of revenge, but it was useless. On Sin couldn't be a vicious person - it's not her nature. However, she kept pushing herself to avenge the wrongs committed to her. Finally, she can escape the palace and stop pretending to be the monster that she isn't. She can end the facade, be with the one she truly loves, and rest. The pain and the lies, it is all over for her... literally - and that's the sad part. She got shot when she saved Yee Shun (Charmaine Sheh).

On Sin wants to protect Hung Mo and delay his grief (and to ensure that they will indeed escape because if Hung Mo knows that she's been wounded, he will return to the Capital in a heartbeat and their chance of escaping would be greatly lowered). She wants him to continue to believe that they'll be able to escape and live happily ever after until death. Even if for just a little bit, at long last, On Sin can finally be genuinely happy without worries as she rests her head on Hung Mo's body. Sadly for Hung Mo, On Sin will continue to sleep... forever living in the dream of the happy life that they could have had.

This scene goes hand-in-hand with A Moment Like This #5 because it happens whilst the last moment is happening. Yu Fei (Sheren Tang) is reciting her poem, wishing On Sin the best of luck because she wants her to fulfill her wish of living a life of freedom and true love. She hopes Hung Mo and On Sin can finally be together - but she has no idea of the tragic twist that happened when they were fleeing the palace. I won't lie; I was moved to tears while watching the final moments of War and Beauty. Everything came together so well and the series wrapped up tragically beautiful. I really felt for all of the characters, especially On Sin, who was acted so impeccably by Maggie Cheung.

it's in the news #1

Introduction: Every day, TVB Musings Daily publishes a paper to cover the latest news. Now, TVB Musings is launching a new program to highlight the very best in news published from TVB Musings Daily called It's In The News.

It's In The News is a new on-going news-inspired and based satirical series. I tricked quite a lot of people with my Charmaine Sheh Joining Seeking Happiness report and had a lot of fun writing that particular satire teasing Michelle Ye (and to some extent Charmaine). I was watching Saturday Night Live a few months ago and they had this segment of fake reporting/news and although it wasn't very funny, it gave me an idea. Why not continue with faux reports that tease current events in the news in application with the TVB world? Hence, It's In The News was born. Reports featured are not real news even though they look purposely very authentic. With these satires, you either will get them... or you won't. If you get it on first read, then that's great. If not, following each "report" is a commentary to explain the humor. Without ado, enjoy the first installment.

A joke gone too far? Yoyo Mung angers Bobby Au-Yeung by placing an unidentified and potentially threatening sticker over his mouth!

[TVB Musings Daily 22/11/06]

"I don't know where your sticker's been!"

Bobby Au-Yeung, Yoyo Mung, Wong Hei, and Tavia Yeung appeared together for the costume fitting of Producer Mui Siu Ching's new production, Trouble Daddy. Whether on screen or off, Bobby is always the jokester. He livened the gathering by constantly teasing Yoyo. In particular, he talked about her relationship with Ekin Cheng.

To retaliate, Yoyo grabbed one of the promotional stickers and plopped it onto Bobby's mouth to stop him from talking!

Bobby appeared horrified by the action, but he played it cool as he took pictures with Yoyo with the tape on his mouth. After Bobby took the sticker off of his mouth, we went over to interview him. Yoyo was still standing by his side.

(You surely shut him up!) Yoyo smiles, "A girl has to do what she has to do. It was the only way."

"I can take a joke, but did you have to resort to that sticker Yoyo?" Bobby asked.

"Huh?"

"There are many ways for a girl to shut a guy up. Tears, kisses, and slaps are some of those ways. Of course, I only expect you to use those with Ekin. For good friends like us, a simple act of covering my mouth up with your hand would have sufficed!" Bobby explains.

"It was a more permanent way," Yoyo laughs. "Besides, you could have bitten my hand or something."

"I don't know where your sticker's been. That was very unprofessional."

Yoyo is silent and awkward, not knowing how to reply.

Bobby continues, "If you had used your hands, it would have been okay. We're not strangers, so I trust that you're not dirty and you're not sick today, so you won't give me any immediately infective germs. Even if you've been touching someone else, it would only have been Ekin. But that sticker... I have no idea where it's been. Who knows how many microorganisms it has collected since it was made? That was too much. Now, I have this bad glue taste in my whole mouth area."

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Bobby ends with a joke, "But, it ripped some hair off my face, so that saves me a shaving job tomorrow! It was a mini-wax!"

Yoyo forces a laugh and quickly changes the topic by talking about the series and her role.

After the two were separated, we interviewed Yoyo towards the side.

(Did you expect Bobby to react like that?) "No. I still don't see what's so wrong about it. We were just joking around." (He said it was because he didn't know where your sticker has been.) "Well, I don't know where his hands have been either but I still let him wrap his arm around my shoulder." (Your shoulder was layered and there's no direct path for germs to enter.) Yoyo shrugs her shoulders.

We then interviewed Bobby.

(Do you think you overreacted? Yoyo still doesn't see what the big deal is.) "Overreact? No way! The mouth is a very sensitive area because it can lead into the internal body. I don't know how many germs have traveled into my mouth thanks to Yoyo!" (But the sticky part was covered before she peeled it off to place it over your mouth. Besides, hands carry a significant amount of germs at any given time. Would you really have preferred her to cover your mouth with her hand instead?) "That doesn't change anything. It was still unprofessional and very uncalled for. Joking or not, people just don't place things where they don't know about its whereabouts and origin in front of other people's mouths!"

Behind The Satire: To understand this satire, you have to be familiar with the current Kelly Ripa/Clay Aiken controversy in the US. There's a talk show called Live with Regis and Kelly that airs weekdays in the morning on ABC. On the particular day the "incident" happened, "American Idol" finalist/pop star Clay was co-hosting the show with Kelly in place of her normal co-host. They were interviewing some people and because Kelly kept talking, Clay couldn't get a word in. He then playfully covers her mouth with his hand to "shut her up." Kelly was absolutely appalled by the action. She didn't conceal her disgust and exclaimed it was "unprofessional." She then said, "I don't know where your hands have been." Those words sparked the whole controversy. Some people are saying that Kelly overreacted and that she's a hypocrite because she has done the same thing (covering her hand over someone else's mouth) to Regis Philbin. Others say that Clay was wrong to have done that because hands do indeed carry a lot of germs and it's the cold and flu season. Some also claim that Kelly's remark was a personal attack towards Clay.

I think the whole controversy is amusing and thought it applied really well with the Bobby and Yoyo pictures and the action of her "shutting him up" with a sticker to stop his teasing, so I decided to do a satire with a spin on the Kelly/Clay controversy. Anyways, I hope you guys "got" this satire after I explained it... I'm worried that no one will find it funny.

series 411: "dicey business"

English Title: Dicey Business
Cantonese Title: Doh Cheung Fung Wan
Vietnamese Title: Song Bac Phong Van
Casts: Bobby Au-Yeung, Jessica Hsuan, Michael Miu, Bosco Wong, etc.
Length: 35 episodes (Cantonese) // 26 tapes (Vietnamese)
Release Date: November 2006 (Canto) // January 2007 (Viet)
Genre: Modern Drama/Gambling

Note: Please credit "MetalAZNWarrior" and/or this site if you should use my translation of the series' plot! I worked hard to translate it, so please don't just steal or use it for another site without my permission and/or credit. Thank you!

Synopsis:
Within the casino, only wins and losses are counted
On the gambling table, brothers are hard to distinguish and separate

Twenty years ago, Chai Foon Cheung (Bobby Au-Yeung Jan Wah) was defeated in a worldwide playing card match. Since then, he loses ever bet he makes. Because of his curse, a casino hires him for work, but the person who hired him was his opponent from his match - Kiu Jing Choh (Michael Miu Kiu Wai).

Through gambling addict Li Ching Wan (Jessica Hsuan Suen Huen), Cheung reunites with his long-lost brother, Chai Foon Lok [also known as Cheung Loi Fu] (Bosco Wong Jung Chak). Lok is a mysterious youth. Choh appreciates Lok's natural gambling talents. He teaches him gambling techniques. On the surface, Choh faces Cheung, allowing Lok to shine with his talents. In fact, the person who caused Cheung to be defeated so badly that year was Choh. Today, the person who causes Lok to regard Cheung with hatred is also Choh! Choh provokes dissension, causing the two brothers to break ties on the gambling table...

My thoughts: I have to say that the synopsis sounds interesting, especially with the on-going battle between Cheung and Choh and the brotherly relationship of Cheung and Lok. Choh seems like a super villain... I wonder why he hates Cheung so much to want to destroy him so badly? However, I'm not a big fan of gambling series - I just don't like the atmosphere of them, which is ironic as I'm living in a city whose economy relies on casinos. The cast is good and this is a grand production, so I think it shouldn't be horrible. However, the producer has a record of bad series (ala Au Revior Shanghai) so I'm skeptical about it. The thing that attracts me most about this series is Tavia Yeung's sexy character, Tam Jue Mei. Her image in Dicey Business is very attractive and got me to notice Tavia. I'm leaving the doors open for this series, but whether I'll eventually close or let myself through it is up in the air depending on the quality of the series and reviews.

Visit Jayne's site for more information and goods on Dicey.

chapter 150: white doves

[Wong Family House]

It was midnight by the time Joey (Bernice Liu) returned home. She anticipated that the living room would be empty, but instead, her father was sitting on the couch and the television was on. However, "The Walk of Dispassion" still saw no viewers and had put Wong Sheung (Lau Dan) to sleep. Joey smiles looking at him sleep. She quietly tiptoes over to turn off the TV.

The moment the television was turned off, Wong Sheung jumps up. Joey is startled by the sudden jerk and jumps back. "Daddy! Are you okay?"

"What are you doing? I was watching that!" he scolds her.

"Please. No one watches 'The Walk of Dispassion' even though TVB put millions into it. That's why it's aired at midnight... it helps people to fall asleep," Joey teases. She sits herself down next to Wong Sheung and asks, "How come you're not in your bedroom?"

"I just got back from a hot date!" Wong Sheung answers.

Joey looks at him knowingly. "You're in your pajamas. What kind of date was it?" She playfully teases, "Don't tell me that my father has resorted to the 'sleeping' dates."

"All right, all right... I fold," he says. "I was waiting for you to come back."

"I'm a big girl. You don't have to worry about me."

Wong Sheung looks at his daughter seriously. "I know what happened."

Joey gives him a puzzled look. "Huh? What happened?"

"Are you okay?"

"Daddy... I'm fine."

He frowns at her. "The 'Ka Yan' employees talk. I know about the murder at 'White Dreams' last night."

"Oh." Joey frowns slightly. She had wanted to conceal the information about her being at "White Dreams" last night when Ah Hoi was murdered so that her father wouldn't worry, but leave it to the gossipy "Ka Yan" employees to let all of Hong Kong know.

"Come on, daughter, talk to me."

"It's okay, really!" Joey insists. Seeing that her father wasn't satisfied with her answer, she continues, "I'm sorry that you had to find out about it from other people. I didn't want you to worry, so I tried to keep it from you."

"I was so surprised when I heard the employees talking today. When your name came up, I couldn't believe it. Could such a thing happen to my own daughter and I didn't even know about it? It's so ridiculous."

"It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal? Daughter, it was a traumatic event! People can suffer mental disorders from such things."

"Your daughter isn't crazy!" Joey says.

All of a sudden, Wong Sheung gives Joey a tight hug. "I could never forgive myself if something ever happened to you. After your mother left, you were the only thing that kept me focused in life. I can't lose you. I know I'm not a very good father. I'm so wrapped up in my own life that I don't care for you. I'm sorry."

"That's nonsense! You're the best father to me. Heck, you could replace Paul Chun and star in 'Family Man!'" Joey smiles. She continues, "Besides, nothing happened to me last night. I was unconscious during the whole murder. I don't know what happened..." Her father had learned about her presence at the crime scene, but Joey didn't feel it was necessary to tell him about the gory details that Ah Mun (Nancy Wu) had made clear to her that night.

Wong Sheung looks at his daughter unconvinced, but nevertheless he says, "It's so good that nothing happened."

Joey grins widely. "Of course nothing will happen to me! Mommy is up in heaven looking after me. She won't let anything happen."

Upon the mention of Joey's mom, there's a look of unpleasantness on Wong Sheung's face. He seems irritated almost.

"Daddy? What's wrong?"

"Oh nothing... Yes, I'm sure your mommy is looking after you." Almost as if he was eager to not talk about her mother, Wong Sheung changes the subject and says, "7th sister told me that you went out on a date tonight."

"Um..."

"There's no denying it. Look at you all dressed up!"

"All right, I confess. I did have a dinner at 'La-Go-Go' tonight, but it's not what you think."

"Was it with a boy?"

Joey nods her head slowly.

"Then it was a date." Wong Sheung says simply.

"Daddy! Your thinking is so old-fashioned. Can't a guy and girl just have dinner and be only friends?"

"If so, you wouldn't have gotten dressed up."

"It's a fancy place!" Joey defends herself. "You don't want your daughter to embarrass you at such a place, right?"

"Who is he?"

"It's nothing serious, daddy. If it were, I would tell you, but it's not."

"Since when was my daughter such a player?"

Joey laughs. "Since I inherited your genes."

Wong Sheung smiles. "It's okay. You've been through a lot with Chris. It's good that you're moving on finally."

She grows silent upon the mention of Ah Nin (Frankie Lam). "Y-yes."

"All right, I won't pry into your business anymore. Why don't we head up for bed?"

"Wait! Daddy, I have something to ask."

"Again? You asked for a favor this morning. Now you want one again tonight? You greedy girl!"

"I am your princess!" Joey smiles. "I need the next few days off."

"What? What's wrong?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing's the matter. I want to go on a trip for a while to get away from Hong Kong."

Wong Sheung frowns. "You're not planning on leaving me again are you? The last time you said that, you were gone for years 'vacationing' in England. You've been back for less than a year. You can't leave so soon."

"No. It's nothing like that. I want to go to Shanghai for a short trip."

He's surprised. "Shanghai? Why would you want to go there again?" He remembers Joey's plead to go to Shanghai five months ago to find Ah Nin.

"You've said it yourself! I just experienced a traumatic event! I need to get away and relax," Joey fibs.

Wong Sheung sighs. He could tell that his daughter was keeping a lot of things from him, but he can do nothing but grant her request. "Okay. But Joey, when and if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

Joey hugs her father. "I know."

[Joey's Bedroom]

That night, Joey had a dream. It was one she had whenever she thought about her situation with Ah Nin.

[Dream]

Joey and her clone sat together on a white park bench.

Clone Joey smiles brightly and declares, "Finally! We can take down Rose (Kenix Kwok)."

Joey nods her head slowly.

"What's the matter with you? You waited all these months and now you have proof against her. Why aren't you happier? You said that you knew there was something fishy going on. The slip up in the bathroom, the strange encounter with Ah Hoi, and yesterday's murder... What more do you need?"

"I know, I know!" Joey barks.

"God. What is wrong with you?"

"I know that I've waited all these months. I know that..."

"So why aren't you celebrating?"

"Because I'm scared!"

"Oh my god. Scared of what?"

"I don't know what to do next..."

"You're going to rip off her fake botoxed face and show Chris who she really is."

"But how?" Joey covers her face and runs her hands through her hair. "I don't know what to do. I waited and prayed... Now that heaven has finally answered and given me the evidence I need to move forward, I find myself not knowing how to move onwards. I don't... I... I can't."

Clone Joey slaps her. "You need to snap out of this. You were indecisive when you didn't know the truth and now that you do know it, you still don't know what to do! I can't believe I'm you. You are such an embarrassment. All you do is wallow around in self-pity."

"It's hard and complicated. You don't know anything!"

Clone Joey grunts. "What do you want?"

"You make it sound so easy. What? I just go and expose Rose and then Chris will believe me and I'll be in his arms again? She's conniving and clever. She won't slip up so easily. It took me five months to get to this point. Do you think she will really expose herself that easily? What if she uses the situation and turns him against me? What if she says I'm framing her? What if this causes Chris to misunderstand me and we grow even further apart?"

"You love contemplating the word 'if,' don't you? That's all you ever do."

"That's how you make a decision. You really don't know anything."

"I am you."

Joey ignores her clone and looks up at the clear blue skies. "If only my world was this clear. I feel so helpless. I don't know what to do."

"You're going to Shanghai, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Then you already have a plan. Stop saying you don't."

"I don't know what to do when I'm there!"

"You do. I know you do. Joey, you need to stop being like this. I told you a million times before. You're not this vulnerable and you're not this weak. You're strong and smart. You can fight. You can overcome the evilness that is Rose."

"How can you just define and label her as evil?"

"She brainwashed Chris. She killed Ah Hoi. Is she still a saint? Those are pretty damning sins to me."

"But we don't know the whole truth."

"You know enough to know she's not good."

"I know. I have to find out what exactly happened. I can't lose Chris for such an unclear reason. I have to know... for my sake and his."

Clone Joey beams. "Yes! This is the fire that you need to keep."

As Joey stands up to stretch, she inhales the fresh air and sees white doves flying over her head through the blues skies.

[End of Dream]

"tvb musings" 1st annual awards - the winners

Prologue: We have an exclusive report on the winners and what exactly went on during the glamorous TVB Musings First Annual Awards Ceremony last night. Are you ready? The winners are...




Anne Heung covers her mouth in shock when she hears her name called out as the Most Favorite 'Desperate Widow'. Tearing up before she even made it onto the stage, Anne cannot fight back her tears of happiness and shock. Taking the stage with grace despite the mascara running down her cheeks, Anne smiled at the audience. "Oh my god! This is so embarrassing." She says as she notices the runny mascara. The audience laughs. "I never thought that I'd win this award, especially with all of the big name actresses who were my competitors. When I entered TVB, the critics said that I didn't know how to act, that I'm just a 'flower vase.' But, today, I can finally prove them wrong and not disappoint my family, friends, and fans who have supported me for all of these years. Thank you! I am really happy and will continue to do my best." She adds before leaving the stage, "Thank you for thinking I'm so 'desperate!'"




The producer of Fun With Titles happily receives his award. "When we started the series, we never believed that it would become so big or last so long. Initially, the company planned for us to have only five episodes, but the instant popularity of the series made them reconsider. We went from being a five-part series into a long-running production. We are so happy to have this honor and grateful that you guys have welcomed us into your hearts. Making Fun With Titles is well.. fun! This is such a great honor. We will continue to work hard to produce the very best episodes for everyone! As long as you guys will have us, we'll continue to stick around. Thank you!"




For a microsecond, there's a look of shock on Deciphering Themesongs' producer's face when the winner for Best New Series was announced to be Coulda But Didn't, but the shock quickly disappears and forms a huge smile as he claps for the winner. "T-t-this is r-r-re-e-ally a-amazing!" It's clear that the Coulda But Didn't producer didn't expect to win. He takes a moment to calm himself before saying, "I-I know I only have a limited amount of time, and I have s-so many p-people to thank. Oh god. First, thank you to the company for giving me the chance to launch Coulda But Didn't. Thank you to my wonderful writers and thank you to all of the fans who voted! T-this is really unbelievable. Thank you!"

Backstage Interview: (You were so nervous!) "I was." (It didn't look like you think you'd win?) "No, I thought we lost. We only had two episodes released when the voting started and ratings were just mediocre. Deciphering Themesongs was gaining much more critical acclaim and higher ratings, so I thought it would win..." (Yes, the producer for Deciphering Themesongs did look a bit shock.) "Yes, well... it all depends on the audience's vote."




There's a loud round of applause when the writer for Making of 'All About Women' Cover gets onto the stage. He is beaming at the reception. "Thank you for all of the support! Thanks to the nine ladies for being such good sports about the teases and of course, we owe our success to whoever made the cover. Haha. This was a very fun project to write for and I was able to cover a lot of ground. I'm really proud of what I was finally able to do and am so glad that you guys found it funny. It's so hard to write comedy because you don't know if it's really funny or not. I was so scared and worked up over the reception. You don't know how relieved I was that the program turned out to be a huge hit. Thank you so much. This is a great encouragement. I will continue to work hard and make you guys laugh!"




The producer of The Curse of Maggie Cheung proudly accepts the award. "First and foremost, thank you Maggie for your support in helping us put together this documentary and allowing us to showcase your 'curse.' We hope you're recovering well and come back soon - everyone misses you! Thank you to all the fans that found our program so riveting. We had a lot of fun making it and are very pleased with the results of our hard labor. Thank you so much!"




Tavia Yeung steps up to receive the award for Most Favorite Satire. She is dressed in a revealing, low-cut dress that shows off her new "friends." Our heart is pounding (or rather, anticipating) over the possibility of Miss Yeung having a "wardrobe malfunction" like Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl slip. "Never in a million years did I think we would win." She laughs, "Who would have thought that my fashion choices over the years would become such a hit? Thank you for finding it so funny. The biggest question that everyone is dying to know... what will be my next 'face?' Well, you'll just have to wait for a sequel!" Tavia teases. She pulls a Michael Mui before stepping off the stage and says, "Oh yes! Do check out the fake babies that inspired my current sexy look! Watch Dicey Business starting tomorrow, November 20th, at 9:00 PM! Remember, watch and see the reason why you voted for me." She winks suggestively at the camera.




The entire gigantic cast of Seeking Happiness along with its producer steps onto the stage. "Thank you for everyone's continued support! This is such an honor for us as we embark on our second year. It has been an amazing 150-episode ride thus far and we really have to thank the audience for being there every step of the way. Without you guys, we wouldn't be here! We'll continue to do what we're doing - churning out the best scripts! Big things, yes, even bigger than what you've seen so far, will be coming in on the show, so continue to watch! Thank you."




The themesong of Desperate Housewives plays as the TVB Musings casting director receives the award. "Too bad TVB doesn't hire me to do their casting! Unfortunately for Hong Kong, TVB's casting of its version of Desperate Housewives will have... well, real housewife-age actresses and a kid who doesn't fit in. No diss to any of the actresses, but Desperate isn't about being realistic. Who really wants to watch mundane and ordinary housewives? I say bring on the murders, affairs, lies, and scandals! It is about fantasy - that entices people. Thank you for agreeing with us that our casting would have done Desperate Housewives justice in HK."




"Thank you for thinking we're hot!" Bernice Liu and Linda Chung said in unison as the Hot Grannies take the stage.

"Hey Bernice, do you think we should have worn our 'hot grannies' look tonight instead?" Linda asks.

"What? And attract all of the press? It wouldn't be right!" Bernice answers. She adds playfully, "Besides, only a select few can see my 'flirting look'" and winks.

Linda teases, "Oh, you mean that turns on Moses Chan?"

There's an awkward moment of silence as Bernice forces a laugh. She then says in a very playful tone, "Linda, we have so much in common. You're hot, I'm hot, and we make even hotter grannies." She inches towards Linda's face, who blushes. "Why don't we...?" The audience goes crazy and starts cheering as Bernice's face moves closer and closer towards Linda's.

Their faces are inches away before the two of them can't suppress their laughter and start laughing hysterically.

"Maybe later on," Linda says nervously between her laughs.

"Right, that's for a whole different award. Why don't we try for 'Hot Lesbians' next year?" Bernice suggests.

"Sure!" Linda's body appears very stiff. It seems like this "act" wasn't well rehearsed.

"Thank you for everyone's support!" they say in unison as they hold the award up and walk off stage together.

Backstage Interview: (Wow! That was some show you two put on.)

"Bernice, you didn't tell me you were going to do that! I was startled," Linda playfully hits Bernice.

Bernice answers, "You just have to go with the flow" and laughs.

(So this wasn't planned?)

"Nope. I thought it was appropriate." Bernice briefly sticks out her tongue and laughs.

"You should tell me next time... I wasn't prepared and froze. You know I'm very shy about these things." Linda blushes.

(Yes, you appeared a bit stiff, Linda.)

"Well, I get nervous with kissing scenes with guys, how do you expect me to act with a girl?!" Linda laughs.

"Linda, you have to loosen up a bit," Bernice says.

Linda can only smile shyly. Even though she won Most Improved Actress before Bernice, it seems that Bernice is the more natural performer... or perhaps the flirtatious lesbian role just isn't suitable for Linda.




MetalAZNWarrior steps onto the stage to receive Best Reality Series. "Thank you for finding my life amusing!" he laughs. "When I invited the TVB Musings crew to follow me with cameras documenting my three 'girls' and my oh-so-troubling love square, I didn't imagine that the audience would be so interested in it! I must thank the brilliant editor and producer who weaved the raw footages and made it into such a hilarious and entertaining piece. Who knew that my life was so interesting? I had no idea until I saw An Employee's Love Square myself. Haha. Anyways, thank you for voting for me. This is a great encouragement for me - my life isn't a waste!" He sticks out his tongue before thanking his fans once more.

Backstage Interview: (Will you be doing any more reality series?) "I'm in talks with the company right now. However, because my reality shows are such a hit, I'm asking for a raise. Haha. I've built a name for myself now, so the company will have to pay more if they want to continue to monopolize on my life." (We hope you settle with an agreement.) "We should... they are pretty interested in what I have to offer." (Any hints on upcoming series?) "I become domesticated!" he winks.




Lavendar_Bluez nervously said her acceptance speech, "Oh my gosh! Thank you for voting for me! Oh my gosh..I feel like I can't breath! This is a big surprise...I never thought I would win an award! Especially something with the word "potential" since I was never told that I had potential in anything really well at least they didn't use the word 'potential'. I hope you guys won't be bored with my speech cause I'm really fluttered right now. I honestly hope I didn't win it because of my relationship with my 'ah gor' but I'm pretty sure he's not the type to be unfair! I feel like I want to cry! I'd never thought that I would be voted. I've been in contests for like 2 years and been in the tvb 'cyber world' for about 4 years now, this is the first time I actually am known for something! I was already happy to be nominated and in the top 3's, I never would have thought this would happen. I really want to thank the voters that supported/voted for me, thank you TVB for giving inspirations, thank you TVB Musing for giving me the chance, thank you MetalAZNWarrior for giving me the chance and always supporting me! Oh and thank you to the actresses that played 'Mean Roles' I doubt I would have made my article if they hadn't been so mean. THANK YOU!"










"We pioneered TVB Musings," declares the producer as he clutches the award in his hand. "The company had just started fresh and were scrambling around wondering which program to launch first. Back then, the company was very small and the pickings were slim. They had a lot faith in us and gave us the crucial 'first program' job. The company felt that our program represented what it wanted to say to the world - so we were the first to say it. Our ratings pale in comparison to the company's current ratings and I thought that because we had aired so early on in the year that no one would vote for us because everyone would have forgotten. I am so surprised and thrilled to be able to receive this award. It shows that we were able to leave a lasting impression. Thank you!"




Fun With Titles's producer was very calm and collected when he received Best Long-Running Series, but as he made his way to the microphone, this stability disappeared. He was shaking and tearing up. "After we received the first award, we never thought we'd get another one. Yes, I knew we were in the top 5 for Outstanding Series of the Year, but I honestly didn't think we would end up winning! 'How can our small series top all the others?' I thought to myself. I was stunned when I heard us being announced as the winner just now... I really can't believe it! T-t-this is just the biggest surprise of the year for us. We will work even harder now that we have two awards under our belt. Thank you!"

Backstage Interview: (You're the big winner of the night!) "I know, this is beyond our wildest dreams. It was great to have picked up Best Long-Running Series, but to win Outstanding Series of the Year? That is pretty darn amazing!" (You beat out the monster hits Seeking Happiness and Making of 'All About Women' Cover... how does that feel?) "It's a good feeling! We may be not the highest budget or talked about series around, but the fans love us and for that, we are so incredibly grateful."

Epilogue: Like that, the First Annual TVB Musings Awards have come and gone. Congratulations to all 15 fifteen winners! Will the TVB Musings awards results spark a controversy? How satisfied are you with the winners? Do they all deserve their award... or is the TVB Musings committee just as corrupt as TVB's and manipulated or diluted the viewers' votes somehow? What suggestions do you have for next year's anniversary... when the competition will be even tougher and the company will (hopefully) be even bigger?

sales presentation 2007

TVB Musings is the first place to bring you guys a run down of the TVB Sales Presentation 2007 clips!

Pictures speak louder than words, so why don't you guys go take a look at the 90 captures from the 11 series that were featured in this year's program? I'm sorry that the quality isn't too good and I didn't get many good captures, but at least it's something to see, right? Enjoy these exclusive first look screenshots and download the actual sales presentation clips underneath!



Sales Presentation 2007
View SCREENSHOTS


I'm sorry for the misleading sales presentation preview a few days ago. It seems the list posted by the Raymond Lam forum was wrong and that Linda was not filming for an ancient sales presentation clip. It really makes me wonder what she was doing dressing up like that for? I don't know... Anyways, I just wanted to apologize for the misinformation.

I was really upset that there were only 11 series included. Usually there are a lot more than that, but I guess because there's so many long, grand productions next year, TVB doesn't have to promote as much "miniature" series for next year. Overall, I liked what I saw, but just wish there was more! Here's a quick run through of the series in this year's sales presentation along with download links...

Golden Spear Steel Horse (Adam Cheng, Kenny Wong, Gigi Lai, etc.) - There's not too much to say about this one. It doesn't seem too fresh and seems like a typical costume war/historical/fighting drama.

Download Here

Storm In a Pool (Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam, Yoyo Mung, Tavia Yeung, Linda Chung, etc.) - I cannot wait for this series! The "Tong" family has this facade of being so happy, but then, everything starts to deteriorate and the family is ripped apart by the exposure of affairs and immoral behavior. I'm a sucker for family drama, so this is one of my most highly anticipated series for next year. I can't wait to see the Raymond & Linda and Moses & Linda scenes! This is Linda's first time acting as a lawyer, so that should be interesting.

Download Here

Cadets On The Beat (aka The Academy II) (Michael Tao, Sonija Kwok, Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, etc.) - I loved The Academy... but can the sequel hold its own? I'm skeptical about it. It seems like Ron and Sammul's characters haven't matured at all. They will still be fighting in this sequel. That's disappointing because they seemed to have made peace last time. I don't know what to think about the new female casts or the new relationships. I'm happy with the addition of Sonija to the cast though.

Download Here

Predicting Fate (Steven Ma, Benny Chan, Shirley Yeung, Mimi Lo, etc.) - I'm not too keen on this one. Just look at the name of the leading "lady" and you'll know why. Steven is great and even though my favorite Producer Tsui Yu On is heading this production, I'm not convinced it will be a good series. The plot seems sketchy and aside from Steven, I'm not keen on any of the other cast members. I'll most likely skip this one unless it's really good after all.

Download Here

The Most Beautiful Seventh Day (Kevin Cheng, Niki Chow, Bosco Wong, Selena Li, Natalie Tong, etc.) - Loving this series already! Under the Canopy of Love was one of my favorite series from 2006 and from this sales presentation, the "dramatic version" seems great too. It's great that they're keeping the soft lens to give the series its dreamy effect. The cast is great and I'm excited to see the scenes filmed in Japan.

Download Here

Exquisite Beauty (Ada Choi, Astrid Chan, Anne Heung, Joe Ma, Joyce Koi, Bernice Liu, etc.) - I'm really intrigued by this Dream of Red Chambers adaptation that TVB is interested in doing - but only if Ada is still the lead. This series has a lot of promise, but please replace all of the newcomers. Astrid and Anne are very suitable too. I'm not keen on Joe and I don't like the fact that TVB is typecasting Joyce again and giving her another "male character" to play. I do hope TVB films it. I'm a sucker for aesthetic ancient dramas too.

Download Here

The Brink of Law (Steven Ma, Ron Ng, Bernice Liu, Kate Tsui, Shirley Yeung, etc.) - Another one of my anticipated releases! I've already said what I thought about the series before, so no need to restate it here. Seeing the series in motion was even better! This should be a superb production.

Download Here

Tale of a Mythical Quest (Sunny Chan, Linda Chung, Benny Chan, Halina Tam, Nancy Wu, etc.) - My most highly anticipated series of next year! This is Linda's first true leading role and also her first costume drama. She looks adorable from pictures and the role is going to be challenging and fresh for her. She will have to act out all sorts of personalities and ages, so I'm very excited about that. The sales presentation clip turned me off though. The computer graphics are over-the-top and I hate that. However, I have faith in Producer Li (who did Safe Guards and The Conqueror's Story) and Linda, so this series shouldn't disappoint. TVB hasn't done a mythical series for a long time, so I think it will be fresh to see this one.

Download Here

Cordial Heroes (Bowie Lam, Charmaine Sheh, etc.) - TVB always does this type of sales presentation clip every year. I'm not interested in this at all and will definitely skip it if it's made. Seriously, the storyline doesn't intrigue me and it seems so bland. The cast doesn't help either.

Download Here

The Drive of Life (Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Charmaine Sheh, Myolie Wu, Joe Ma, etc.) - I'm sorry I didn't take any captures on this, but there really wasn't much to see. It was just a clip from the costume ceremony. I don't know what to think of this series and I'm not too interested in it at the moment... Who knows, my opinion may change.

Download Here

Jewel's Splendor (Ada Choi, Gigi Lai, Maggie Siu, Bowie Lam, Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Linda Chung, etc.) - Yes! I'm loving this series and its concept. The sales presentation was very lovely and I am captivated by the imagery and symbolism of diamonds and jewels that this series will use as a backdrop. I love the cast! For the record, the three sisters are Ada, Gigi, and Maggie. Linda is not the third sister! I can't wait until more detail is released. What will Linda's character be and who will she be paired with? Don't know, but I'm dying to know. This series should be very good... unless Producer Chik screws it up and tries to make it overtly complicated and dramatic with a dragging 80-episode plot.

Download Here

So... what do you think of the sales presentation clips for next year?

deciphering themesongs #4

Forensic Heroes follows the workings of the Forensic Science Department, the Forensic Pathology Department, and the Hong Kong Police Force. Ko Yin Bok (Bobby Au-Yeung), Doctor Koo Chak Sum (Frankie Lam), and Madam Leung Siu Yau (Yoyo Mung) are the three leaders of the branches respectively. Forensic shows how the three branches work intricately to solve homicides and how forensic evidences are the keys to cracking the toughest murders. With these three around Hong Kong, criminals have a hard time escaping!

The themesong of Forensic, sung by Frankie, portrays the nature of their work and lives.

Heavenly Net by Frankie Lam
(Themesong from TVB series Forensic Heroes)




English Translation by MetalAZNWarrior
The truth comes out slanted. A theory having a hundred sort
As if it hasn't come to an end
In the middle of ten thousand things. A pair of eyes, as if understanding
Things happening in the dark
Things before the eyes, less suspecting
Past beauty reappears
Human affairs are intertwined
Within the heavenly net are visible traces
Heavenly justice will inform later

Chorus
*The forensic outlook, be it right be it wrong
Justice will prevail in the end
For evil, don't
Wiping away committed crimes. Haven't gone to the crime
In the end, the heaven bears excessively
Remaining traces make it hard to escape*

Haven't been beside a body. Everlasting love in the heart hasn't changed
Haven't informed with words yet
The heart isn't crazy yet. An early love will have development
Within feelings, love becomes present
Feelings before the eyes. Hesitating as if prolonging
With every day, love gradually reappears
A look joins together. A pair of eyes observing visible traces
In the heart, the truth matters

Repeat Chorus

Analyzing the verses & chorus
Before we discuss the lyrics, let's talk about the song's title. Why is it called Heavenly Net? It derives its title from a Chinese saying that says (translated roughly), "the heavenly net is vast, but it won't overlook anyone." I forget the last series I heard this in, but if you're an avid TVB viewer, you'll definitely have heard it before, especially in law or investigative series. Basically, a character will say this when a case seems hopeless. The "heavenly net" is the world. If you think about it, it makes sense. Because the earth is underneath the heavens, this "heavenly net" covers the whole world and enthralls everything. Going back to the saying, it means that although the world ("heavenly net") is large, the heaven still sees every crack and corner (in the net), so criminals cannot escape. That is what the title is referring to and it is very fitting.

The first verse talks about how difficult it is to investigate and uncover the truth. Truths, in pertinence to crimes, are not straightforward. They are often attempted to be concealed and when they do emerge finally, they come out slanted and in unexpected ways. Crimes happen everyday in every possible time and place. When a murder happens, only the culprit and the victim know exactly what happened in the scene. Murder is the greatest offence, so murderers will go to the greatest lengths to hide the crime and hope to escape justice... Forensic scientists must unravel traces that the murderer unknowingly leaves behind and find evidences to figure out the crime. This is a difficult task of searching, trying to understand, and theorizing. However, because the heavenly net won't conceal evidences, the forensic heroes won't give up on their quests for justice.

The chorus summarizes further the work of the forensic scientists and how they strive for justice. In the forensic field, particularly during the investigation, everything is based on theory and personal perspectives. Whether the forensic heroes' outlooks are true or false doesn't matter. They have to formulate and think of every possible way the crime could have happened in order to get to the truth. They weren't there during the crime scene, so no one knows the whole truth besides the people involved and the heavens. Justice will prevail eventually through the team's hard work and the heavens' help. The chorus ends with a strong declaration that criminals cannot escape because they always leave behind some evidence that will lead our forensic heroes to the truth since heaven is watching.

The second verse shifts the song into a totally different gear. Instead of continuing on about investigations and crime, it talks about love. It seems a bit irrelevant to the rest of the song at first glance, but deeper analysis shows that it's fitting. The lives of the forensic heroes aren't just focused on solving cases. Like everyone else, they too love and want to be loved. Because of the busy nature of their work, it makes it hard for them to date normally. Regardless of the difficulty, they can and do overcome it to love. The human heart is always so pervasive in everything that we do. Hence, the forensic heroes are passionate about finding the truth because it matters to the heart.

Conclusions made from the themesong
Heavenly Net (Tin Mong) sets a righteous tone for Forensic. No matter how strenuous, the characters will fight to uncover the truth. It's pretty amazing the work that they do. To be able to find the truth from the most microscopic trace, to understand dark secrets and hidden workings of the criminal mind, and to form intricate theories, it is all so impressive. I find it interesting how the song talks so much about the importance and influence of heaven in the forensic heroes' work... it's almost like it's suggesting a bond between science and religion. It is the heavenly net that makes sure criminals cannot escape and it's heavenly justice that prevails. The penultimate line of the chorus even says that the "heavens bear excessively." Although science is pivotal to the forensic heroes in their search for truth, there's no denying that the heavens (according to this song at least) also plays a huge role. Whether or not there are heavenly sources acting is anyone's guess, but according to our forensic heroes, their work is guided and aided by the heavens. This adds an even more glorious aura about the series because the song implies that the heavens stand beside (or behind or even in front of) the forensic heroes.

Thoughts
For some reason, I become obsessed with every themesong that Frankie sings. It happened with The Herbalist's Manual and it happened now with Forensic Heroes. I don't know why, but his songs are really easy to sing and memorize for me and they sound so good! Needless to say, I love Heavenly Net. It suits the series well and is very catchy and memorable. The melody is awesome too and Frankie executes the song well.

"forensic heroes" thoughts (ii)

Episodes 09-16

My opinion of "Ding Ding" (Linda Chung) has improved much from last time. While Linda's performance is still a bit unnatural, it is better and I've begun to see the character in a different light. I don't find her inquisitive nature as tedious anymore, but rather, quite logical. She wants to learn and her questions do serve to answer inquiries the audience may have. Before, I thought her personal assertions were ridiculous, but after "Tim Sir" (Bobby Au-Yeung) said that the forensic field values individual thoughts, I grew to accept "Ding Ding"'s theories. Granted, they were not very "professional" or "experienced," but she is a rookie and still learning. The more I watched, the less I disliked "Ding Ding" and found her quite funny and cute. I especially love the scenes that she shared with "Sam" (Frankie Lam). The two of them work so well together and play off each other wonderfully. Linda's performance is best with him. Their "spicy battle" was hilarious and their "first kiss" was both charming and cute. I also really liked the scene at the beach when they helped Lai Suen's character and "Ding Ding" had some dirt on her face. "Sam" told her not to move and wiped it off her cheek. Then, he went over to attend to the old lady and "Ding Ding" watched him through her mirror. How adorable was that?! Linda's expressions were great. I hope Linda will continue to improve and I will like "Ding Ding" even more as I embark on the final episodes.

I found it amusing that "Sam" and "Siu Yau" (Yoyo Mung) met fatefully to break up. Like they said so themselves, the time when they were most agreeable was when they decided to break up. I enjoyed watching them together because they were indeed cute, however, they just weren't compatible. "Siu Yau" is too practical and business-oriented, so she doesn't quite understand or appreciate art (for instance, the writing in "Sam"'s mystery novels). "Sam" needs someone who is optimistic and believes in the beauty of life and appreciates art - which is why I think he gets along so well with "Ding Ding."

The beginning of the relationship between "Tim Sir" and "Siu Yau" was great. I loved how "Tim Sir" was able to make "Siu Yau" listen to him just like that (in reference to the scene where he persuades her to allow "Kong" (Fred Cheng) to buy a convertible and ease up on her overprotectiveness of him). He's the only one who can "treat" her. I liked the scene where he took care of her when she was sick - that was really sweet. Bobby and Yoyo have nice chemistry and their relationship just blossoms and grows so naturally. I look forward to watching this relationship continue to develop.

The "lazy cop" Cheung Kee a.k.a. Ho Wing Cheung (played by Yeung Ying Wai) was nice. His character reminded me of Louis Yuen's "H5N1" from Virtues of Harmony II with how lazy and outrageous he was. I loved how it was finally revealed why "Siu Yau" agreed to have him transferred to her unit. It was shocking to discover that he used to be a great cop and that he was the reason why she wanted to become a police officer. We also learn why he became so "lazy" and that was a nice touch of characterization. He was a good character and his ending was sad and touching. At last, he finally fulfilled his wish (to catch "Cheng Hiu Tung" and prove him guilty) and died a respectable cop and man.

I was surprised by Vinci Wong's performance as the "bag" serial killer. He was so horrible in The Dance of Passion, but is quite convincing here. He gave me the creeps. I'm not sure if it was his actual performance or if he really had the "look" down, but he was good. I think his case was the most interesting thus far. For some reason, I just knew that he was the murderer. Your face isn't included in the themevideo unless you're a victim, main character, main supporting, or a murderer, so it was obvious to me that he was the murderer from the start - it was the act of proving him guilty that was the trick. I just didn't buy that he happened to "discover" the body and suspected him right from the start... Oh well, it was still a nice case and quite a tough one for the team to prove since he was so sly and clever.

I felt so sorry for Florence Kwok's "Yvonne" when she realized that her husband had been cheating on her. There she was with this image of her happy marriage with hopes and dreams - all shattered. I hated the fact that "Chris" (Mark Kwok) blamed her for "making" him cheat - how dare he say that?! Okay, fine, he wanted a child, but that doesn't give him the "right" to have an affair, especially when they had already agreed that she wasn't going to have kids early on. In every relationship, communication is the key. If he had asked, then she would have given way and agreed eventually because relationships are all about compromise. It's clear that his "hunger for a child" was just a lame excuse. She tried to be tough about it, but you could tell she was hurting and repressing her pain. Florence's performance was great in those scenes (as with the other scenes that she has).

Fala Chen was pretty cute, I must admit. I quite liked the case about her character. I didn't expect "Yung Wai" to still be alive. I thought the old couple had killed her, so it was surprising that she was alive and that her friend was actually the one who was murdered!

I love the fact that Yu Yeung is in this series. He was great in the ancient Virtues as the silly "kwok see" (I'm not sure how this translates, but I believe his position was the state's official "magician") and even better as the wife-slave in the modern Virtues. He is great as "Siu Yau"'s homemaker-with-no-big-ambitions father.

Forensic Heroes is shaping up nicely and has not only maintained, but has improved the quality in its writing. I have 9 more episodes to go and am so addicted to this series - I haven't been this eager to watch a series in some time now.

"tvb musings" 1st annual awards - top 3 report

After 5 weeks of voting, we've finally gained exclusive news on the Top 3 Nominees for the prestigious First Annual TVB Musings Awards.

Most Favorite Desperate Widow

Anne Heung - Sung Wan Sheung

Maggie Siu - Empress Chow

Angie Chiu - Ng Yuk Hing

Kenix Kwok - Wong Yeuk Sze

Flora Chan - Belle

Flora Chan smiled at the good news. "I only agreed to film a series next year and TVB wants to give me an award already?" (What series are you going to film?) "I'm not allowed to say. You'll see." (Are you confident that "Belle" will win you the award?) "I don't know! Top 3 is already a great feat, especially since I've been away from the TVB audience for so long." (There's news that TVB wants to film a sequel to Triumph In The Skies next year.) She nods her head. (Any chance you'll be in it to reprise "Belle?") She playfully says, "Who knows? But if I am, then it will ruin the 'desperate widow' image that people have for my character!" (You could show us the next chapter for your desperate character.) She muses at the question and then thanks us.

We called Kenix Kwok, who is currently filming in the mainland with Julian Cheung Chilam for the series Red Powder, to tell her the good news. She sounded indifferent. "Oh, does TVB still want to give me an award?" (No! We said you're in the top 3 for Most Favorite 'Desperate Widow', not Best Actress - Charmaine Sheh won that this year.) Kenix laughed at the clarification, but then sounded a bit annoyed upon the mention of the Best Actress winner. She then proceeded to thank us and told us to give her thanks to all the fans who voted and supported her. When asked if she would fly in to attend the awards ceremony should she indeed win, Kenix said, "I'm busy with filming." It seems Kenix, who has disappeared from the world of TVB for a year now, has little hopes in winning anything relating to TVB. It looks like she has given up hope on ever winning Best Actress, let alone Most Favorite 'Desperate Widow'.

Anne Heung was absolutely ecstatic when we told her the news. We spotted her while she was on the way to one of her law classes. "I can't believe it! This is such a surprise," she gushed. It could be seen that Anne, who rarely receives any buzz on her acting and seems to have been less and less promoted these days by TVB, was genuinely happy about being in the top 3. She goes on and says, "My role in The Charm Beneath got me Most Popular Villian and now it might get me Most Favorite 'Desperate Widow'! It is really my lucky 'charm.'" (Your role ranked first in the Desperate Widows series, so you have a really good chance.) "Thank you." Ever so humble, Anne excuses herself and thanks us and her fans once again.

Which of the three will pick up the award? Clearly, 'desperation' will be the winner here.

Best Long-Running Series

Fun With Titles

TVB Chinese

A Moment Like This

Series 411

Spotlight

Remember

Long-running series have the tough job of anchoring a station. For TVB Musings, it has several long-running series to ground its audience with continuous installments of series that make their way into the audience's hearts after so many months. Fun With Titles, A Moment Like This, and Spotlight are the top 3 choices for Best Long-Running Series, but which has dug the deepest hole and left the most endearing impression with the audience?

Best Writing In a Comedy

A Critic's Minute

Making of All About Women Cover

TITS - Triumph In The Shame

Guidelines: Actor

Fun With Titles

"We made TVB Musings," proudly boasts the writer of Making of 'All About Women' Cover. "You can't deny the wit and genius in our program. It's because of our feature that drew so many new viewers to the station. People laughed and stuck around. We deserve the award." He pauses and then beams, "And I think we will get it. The audience loved it. There's no denying that."

"I can't believe it," were the words of TITS - Triumph In The Shame's writer. "I never expected that our program would make it to the top 3." (Why not?) "Well, for starters, it wasn't a genuine TVB Musings series. They bought it from teeveebee." (Ah, I see.) "Yes, and it was already a few years old!" (Wow!) "I suppose a good thing never dies." (Yes, that's very true. Congratulations!)

(Fun With Titles is in the run for Best Long-Running Series and Best Writing in a Comedy - what do you think about this?) "People simply love Fun With Titles!" the writer laughs. (Do you think you can pick up both awards?) "It was an honor to have been nominated - to win is even better. I don't want to be greedy, so if we get one award, that's already very good. But if there's two..." (What will happen?) "I will go broke having to treat everyone to dinner!" (You guys sure have the audience's support... but there hasn't been many episodes lately?) "The company has recently put us on hiatus." (What?) "Originally, they wanted us to produce one episode a month, but it looks like that idea has been scrapped. They want us to only release an episode if we're sure the quality is top-notch. We worked so hard to build up a good reputation for the series... it would be bad if later episodes aren't as good, you know?" (Yes, of course. The audience will miss the series though.) "Don't worry! We'll be back as soon as we can. If we win, then it would be a greater encouragement to try even harder!"

Best Documentary

The Curse of Maggie Cheung

The Yeung Sisters

Remember: Translators

Remember: TVSeriesFans Forum

Most Favorite Satire

TITS - Triumph In The Shame

A Critic's Minute

Making of All About Women Cover

Lady In Red Music Video Teasers

Tavia Yeung's Changing Face

"Guidelines" Series

Charmaine Sheh Joins Seeking Happiness

Making of 'All About Women' Cover's producer was pleased at being in the top 3. "The station has had several wonderful satires in the past year, so to be nominated and make it to the top 3 is quite an honor." (The writer was confident that you guys will win Best Writing in a Comedy.) "Yes, I've heard the good news on that too. Will we take home the two 'Best Comedy' awards? That - I don't know. I'm hoping that we will, but there's a lot of competition."

'Lady In Red' Music Video Teasers' producer couldn't believe the top 3 nod. "Our production was so low-budget that I can't believe it!" (Low budget?) "The company didn't give us too much money for the project." (The result was quite good.) "Yes, thankfully. I'm just shocked that we were able to make it when there were so many other big comedies this year..." (Don't be so modest. Your production was quite enjoyable!) He smiles. "I'm glad the audience feels the same way."

The producer of Tavia Yeung's Changing Face was astonished by the news. "I knew people liked it, but to be in the top 3? That's pretty amazing." (Your ratings were good.) "Yeah." (How come the company hasn't given you more projects?) "Well, after the success of Tavia Yeung's Changing Face, some people wanted us to do installments for other artists..." (Will you?) "Well, that's hard to say. I don't want to repeat because that's just not original." (But you'll be talking about a different person!) "Yes, but the idea is still the same. It won't be as fresh." (How confident are you of winning?) "I don't know. I didn't believe we would win anything, but here we are in the top 3! So, who knows?"

We spotted A Critic's Minute's writer heading out of the cafeteria. We offered our condolences about his failure to make the top 3 of Best Writing in a Comedy and Most Favorite Satire. "It's okay!" He shrugs his shoulders. (Surely, you must be upset?) "Life isn't always win-win. You win, you lose. This time, I've lost!" He lets out a hearty laugh. (But your program had such good ratings and reviews.) "I know." (Aren't you surprised?) "Well, the company withheld the production for about a month. They felt it was too 'controversial' even though I knew it was hysterical and that people would love it. Eventually, I was able to convince them to air it... after I toned it down and revised it a bit." (Oh?) "Yes. The original version was... well..." He stops and then says, "In any case, I can't be too upset. It would have been nice to win because then maybe the company would give me more work, but..." (You're too 'controversial!') "I suppose the program was a bit too angry and mean so people didn't want it to win awards." (It was funny.) "Yes, well..." He makes an excuse before leaving. Clearly, he was disappointed and embarrassed about the losses in both categories. Perhaps this critic's minute was up.

Best Writing in a Drama

Seeking Happiness

Desperate Widows

A Moment Like This

Stressed Men

Series 411

The producer of Seeking Happiness was not at all surprised by his series' inclusion in the top 3. When we met him, he said, "Seeking Happiness simply has the best team of writers. Our scripts are top-notch, so it's not a shock that we're in the top 3. We should and I believe will win." (Wow, you're so confident!) "Confidence is an utmost in this industry. If you don't believe in yourself, who will?" (That's true.) He laughs before stating, "Don't think I'm so cocky." (We wouldn't dare. You're the big producer at TVB Musings!) He goes on to defend his series, "Our script has everything that the audience could possibly want. We're funny, sad, touching, and highly entertaining. It takes exquisite writing to be able to do what we do. It's not easy." (Recently there are complaints that your episodes have too much drama and not enough laughs.) "Yes, we've heard and we're listening to the audience. However, it is a very tense time in the storyline. 'Rose' has just committed murder and is trying to cover it up and 'Joey' wants to uncover the truth. We really cannot go back to being light-hearted until the 'Rose' storyline is finish. However, we added the fresh and cute 'Ah Biu' and 'Joey' plot to sweeten and lighten the mood a bit and it has done wonders." (There's not a lot of 'Kam' family scenes lately.) "Yes, I know. I miss them dearly as well. But, like I've said, the story has reached a breaking point and we have to focus on the drama at hand." (So what will you do if you should win the award?) "Of course I'm treating everyone to a big meal and we're going to treat the audience with continued excellence." (Good luck... but you probably won't need it.)

The team over at Desperate Widows was appreciative of the top 3 nod. "Since joining TVB Musings, my first project was Desperate Widows. It is arguably the company's first big hit and was a ratings buster." (What do you think attracted the audience to it?) "The idea is very unique and the writing was poignant and insightful." (Do you think you'll win?) "We've made it half-way. Even if we don't win, it's okay. The audience loved Desperate Widows and that's enough."

A Moment Like This's producer seemed shocked at the revelation. "I'm pleasantly surprised by this. We only did four installments before the voting started and the response wasn't all that great, so the company was on the verge of giving us the ax." (You're kidding.) He shakes his head and there's a slight frown evident. "Nope. Our ratings weren't very good even though we felt the quality of our episodes were good." (But you made the top 3!) "I know, that's why I'm amazed. Recently, the company unfroze us and we released the first new episode after three months." (The rating for your most recent episode was good.) "We were really thankful and relieved to see that." He smiles brightly, "The company's faith has been restored in us and we've been given permission to produce more episodes." (Congratulations!) "The fact that we're in the top 3 for Best Writing in a Drama is the icing on the cake. Things are finally looking up for us and I'm thrilled that people appreciate our hard effort."

Most Unique Series

The "Murse"

A Fabricated Network

Hot Grannies

TVB's Goddess of Love and Justice?

Most Potential Contributor

Sandy ("Swear" co-translator)

ice cube ("The Curse of the White Gown")

Ah Yi ("Biased Love," "Lover On Golden Sand" co-translator)

Lavendar_Bluez ("Mean Roles")

We met ice cube to congratulate her on her top 3 nomination. She was very happy. "Thank you. It's such an honor to be nominated and be in the top 3. This is better than TVB's Most Improved award!" She laughs. (Recently, there was a report that said you were having dinner with the company's executives.) "What?" We take the tabloid out and show her the report. "Oh my god! When did this happen?" She is amazed by the candid shots and the report stating that she was using dinner to buy the Most Potential Contributor award. There were even speculations that she had 'rented a room' after dinner. "This is outrageous!" She is furious. (Calm down.) "I cannot believe this." (There are pictures.) "Yes, I did have dinner with them." (So you admit the reports?) "No! It's just a dinner among friends. It was no big deal. We didn't talk business all night." (Did you "rent a room?") "Um, I have to! I don't live in Hong Kong." (So you had dinner and they came up to your room after you rented it, but you didn't do anything to 'bribe' or sway your way towards the award?) "No! Definitely not. That's cheap and disgusting." (Well, we're glad to have set this straight.) "Yes, I am too. This is ridiculous. The audience liked The Curse of the White Gown and if I should win, it's because of them, not something stupid like dinner." (Yes, of course.) There are so many reports of TVB stars 'buying' awards, but perhaps the TVB Musings newcomer is different after all.

"Wow! But I didn't even do much," claims Ah Yi when we told her she had made the top 3. "I just helped TVB Musings do small stuff... they still did all of the real hard work." (You're too modest.) "I'm serious! Actually, helping them helped me." (You did your part.) She seems skeptical. "I don't think I deserve it, but I thank everyone for their support." (If you should win, will you contribute more?) "I kind of have to!" She laughs. "The award is for Most Potential Contributor, so of course people would want me to contribute more!"

Lavendar_Bluez was thrilled at the news of her top 3 placement. "I didn't think anyone would vote for me! I'm grateful to those of you who voted for me." (There are rumors going around that you're related to one of the big executives of the company. Is that true?) "Well, yes..." (They also say that this is the reason how you got a spot in the station for your debut.) "I saw 'ice cube' had contributed and my 'ah gor' was asking me why I didn't contribute as well, so then I got inspired and submitted." (So your 'brother' helped you to get a spot at TVB Musings?) "Yes." (Isn't it unfair that you leaped up to leading without starting from the bottom?) "The response was not bad." (There are rumors that you will get the award because your 'brother' is one of the big executives.) "What! That's so mean and untrue. People vote for these awards." (Yes, but TVB does a 30% audience vote and 70% company vote.) "But we're talking about TVB Musings! My 'ah gor' is not corrupt and biased! If I should win, it's because people liked what I did and feel I have potential. Please set the record straight." Toby Leung uses her father's position as a top TVB executive to gain big roles in series and awards, but clearly, Lavendar_Bluez isn't Toby.

Most Enticing Advertisement

Debut

Intro: Desperate Widows

Introducing "The Fanfic"

Intro: Stressed Men

June '06 Sales Presentation

Lady In Red Prelude

Most Insightful Series

Love Is Beautiful - Ahead of Its Time?

Modern Versions - The New Sequel?

Matchmaker Mui Siu Ching

Worst Safe Guards Actress

A More Masculine War?

Outstanding Series of The Year

Hot Grannies

Fun With Titles

Seeking Happiness

Making of All About Women Cover

Recastings

All year long, TVB Musings has countless of programs. The audience has spoken and of all the possible candidates, Hot Grannies, Fun With Titles, Seeking Happiness, Making of 'All About Women' Cover, and Recastings are the top 5 picks for Outstanding Series of the Year. Which will take home the prized trophy as outstanding for the year of 2006?

The TVB Musings award ceremony is on November 19th - remember to check back for all of the fun and see who the winners are! Thank you for everyone's votes and support in our very first anniversary awards celebration.

a sales presentation preview

These pictures are absolutely stunning! I was surfing through Linda Garden today and came across these pictures. I was so shocked to see them because I had no idea Linda had filmed a historical sales presentation clip! There were no news on it at all. Linda looks so beautiful in her ancient costume - a definite ancient beauty. See more breathtakingly beautiful pictures here. The quality is very good and the pictures are HQ, so check them out!

Which sales presentation series did Linda film? Judging from the quality and appearance of the costume, it's for a grand production historical drama.

Apparently, TVB wants to film a 60-episode Romance of Three Kingdoms adaptation with Beijing in 2006. I think there's a good chance that Linda might have filmed for that clip. However, there are also other costume dramas on the 2007 sales presentation list, so it's also likely that Linda might have filmed for one of those series instead. TVB also wants to film an adaptation of Dream of Red Chambers. All of their historical costume dramas will be co-productions with the mainland, so there will be a mix of TVB and mainland stars. I love the fact that TVB is going to China to film their historical dramas because it gives a more genuine feel and the scenery in the mainland is breathtaking.

I think Linda looks absolutely gorgeous in ancient costumes, but I'm worried that a historical role is too challenging and difficult for her to take on at the moment. The language is very different and the scripts are more difficult to learn and master. I'm sure Linda can get the gestures and mannerism right, but I think she will struggle with the ancient dialogue. Anyways, I would love it if Linda could have a chance to act in a historical drama. It would be a great learning and growing experience for her. I have a hunch that Adam Cheng is in the sales presentation with Linda.

According to the 2007 sales presentation list posted on Raymond Lam's forum, TVB also plans to film The Gentle Crackdown II (Um... wasn't there already a sales presentation for this last year? I'm hoping they don't go through with this because the original wasn't all that great and there's no story left to be told), Triumph In The Skies II (TVB did say they were postponing this sequel until 2007, but honestly I also do not want a sequel for this), and Forensic Heroes II (Yay! More "Ding Ding" & "Sam" and "Tim Sir" & "Siu Yau" scenes please - love those couples! Producer Mui Siu Ching plans to use the same/original main cast, so that's great).

I'm really anxious to see the 2007 sales presentation clips. TVB is really trying hard to bring us more diverse and breakthrough productions and I applaud them. I'm excited to see what roles Linda will have in her 3rd year with TVB.

stressed men no. 2

Stressor: Brotherhood
Everyone wants a "big brother." It is a highly respectable title. He sticks up for you when you face troubles and he'll help you when you have problems. The older the sibling, the more responsibilities he (or she) has. It is awesome to have a "big brother," but to be the "big brother" is not such a great thing. People who are big brothers undergo added stress to their lives because they have a duty to worry and care for their younger siblings. When their parents (or just the dad) pass away, it is the big brother who has to assume responsibility and lead over the family. Consequently, big brothers face much stress throughout their lives from the day they become one. It is not easy to be called "big brother."




Lam Yat Kong - Michael Tao from Love Bond



Character Introduction: The Lams' family of five has only brothers and a sister. Their parents died when they were very young. As a result, big brother Yat Kong has had to make great sacrifices for his younger siblings since an early age because he had to take the place of both parents. He dropped out of school so he could work and support his siblings. After many hard years, everyone has grown up and even the youngest sister is now in college. However, instead of being alleviated of his duties, he finds that things get more and more difficult. He returns to Hong Kong three years after leaving it for hopes of development for his culinary skills in San Francisco. He is distraught to find that the family has become a mess since he left. His siblings are eating take-out and ramen noodles every day and the house is unclean. The idea of "family dinner" is no longer in existence and everyone leads such separate lives. He feels great remorse for allowing his family to get into such a state by leaving them. Yat Kong therefore tries to rebuild the family's structure and restore order into everyone's lives. Sadly, he discovers disappointment after disappointment, stress upon stress...




Why is he stressed?
Looking after four younger siblings is a tough job. He feels responsible for all of their happiness, well being, and future.

What's causing the stress?
Second brother Yee Yeung (So Jee Wai) has a greedy and selfish girlfriend and doesn't have a backbone. Third brother Sam Hor (Moses Chan) was lost from the family when he was seven and Yat Kong feels responsible for upsetting him, thus forcing him to run away. His greatest wish is to find Sam Hor so that the Lam family can be complete again. When he does find him, Yat Kong has to patch things up and integrate him back into a family that feels very alienated towards him. Fourth brother Sei Hoi (Oscar Leung) doesn't seem to have focus in his life and just wants to play. Youngest sister Siu Wu (Natalie Tong) doesn't want to follow the path that Yat Kong laid out for her. Yat Kong hoped that Siu Wu would be a college graduate since no one else in the family could get a college degree. Unfortunately, she feels that school is not her thing and wants to model instead.

What are his stress relievers?
Yat Kong's stress is relieved whenever he sees his siblings happy and everyone is getting along. This gives him satisfaction and content knowing that his efforts for them were successful. His true love, Gei Hoi Sum (Kenix Kwok), is also there to support and love him unconditionally.




Is his stress alleviated?
Yes. Although this big brother's worries over his younger siblings may never cease, eventually they all mature and he has to worry about them less. Furthermore, he realizes that they are not that young anymore and are capable of taking care of themselves. He doesn't try to control the path of their lives and gives them more flexibility. He is less tense about things and understands that they are their own person and he cannot make them lead the "perfect lives" he envisioned for them. Furthermore, with Hoi Sum by his side when she marries into the family, he has someone to help look over this hectic family with him.




Additional Comments: Yat Kong was not only the "big brother," but he was also the "father" (earning money) and "mother" (cooking and nurturing) for his siblings. Filling three roles is tough, so he was truly a stressed man with a whole lot of worries and jobs to fulfill. Yat Kong is the ideal big brother. In a way, his character is a bit too "perfect." He's too nice and giving. However, he makes a great role model for big brothers. I think we (those of us who are big brothers) try to be like Yat Kong, but it really is hard. I truly admire Yat Kong and loved watching how caring and thoughtful he is towards his younger brothers and sister.

The original title for Love was actually a spin-off of Family Man's Chinese title. It was Juet Sai Ho Gor (World's Greatest Brother). Therefore, it's not surprising that Yat Kong is such an idealized big brother. I liked how Yat Kong's character developed from a controlling big brother into one who understands, accepts, and supports the decisions of his younger siblings. For many parent figures, they want their "children" to follow the path that they lay out, but by doing so, they forfeit their individual thoughts and this is a bad thing. To be a successful parent, one has to allow personal growth and just sit back and guide, not control. While being a big brother is indeed very stressful, it is also highly rewarding.

Michael Tao did a good job with the role. He conveyed the needed warmth and admirable aura for his role. Love Bond is such a great series and truly one of 2005's best. It conveys a very heartwarming and sweet aura. It's a funny and light-hearted family drama that takes a unique approach by using flowers for symbolism and backdrops. You've got to love Producer Mui Siu Ching for coming up with the most creative ideas for her series. Love came around at a very appropriate time for me because Virtues of Harmony II had just ended and I needed a heartwarming and funny family to fill the void. The Lams (and Geis) aren't quite the adorable and hysterical Kams, but they are adequate enough.

realizing awards

After a month's wait and endless voting, the winners of TVB's 39th Anniversary Awards are here!

Best Actor - Kevin Cheng (Under The Canopy of Love)

Oh... my... god! I was shocked when Kevin's name was in the top 5 for both Most Improved Actor and Best Actor. I knew something off was going to happen. Kevin wasn't going to win Most Improved Actor as expected. Apparently, Miss Lok felt that that award wasn't "enough" for her favorite boy toy, so she decided to give him Best Actor instead. I can't say I'm surprised. I knew that Kevin held a high position at TVB because of Miss Lok's fondness of him, but I couldn't believe they would give him Best Actor so soon. He only got popular because of Under the Canopy of Love. Truthfully speaking, I thought Bowie Lam would win again because of his over-confidence. Even though I don't like Bowie much and hated his cocky attitude about being so sure of winning Best Actor a second time, I would rather he have won over Kevin. It is such a disappointment that Bobby Au-Yeung didn't even make the top 5. At least TVB listened to me and didn't give it to Joe Ma... maybe I should be "happy" they answered that request. But Kevin? I'm appalled. I don't like him (as most of you know) and TVB is making it even harder for me to like him by pushing him so high when he's not that great.

Best Actress - Charmaine Sheh (Maiden's Vow)



This is not surprising. It was either going to be Myolie Wu or Charmaine for Best Actress. Ada Choi and Sheren Tang didn't have a chance. I haven't seen Charmaine's performance in Maiden's Vow, so I can't comment whether or not she deserved to win for her roles in that series. I can say, though, that I'm glad she didn't win for The Dance of Passion because her performance as "Chun Fan" was so lack-luster. For me, the best performance Charmaine ever gave to this day was as "Lai Shun Fung" in Country Spirit. She surely put her "ability to cry in 30 seconds" to use during her acceptance speech when she claimed she didn't believe she'd win. For that - I believe she deserved the award.

Best Supporting Actor - Kenny Wong (The Dance of Passion)



I was hoping that Wayne Lai would win, but sadly, he didn't get any recognition. I'm indifferent towards Kenny. He's not bad, but somehow, I can't feel anything from his performances. He was drab in The Dance of Passion, but he was acceptable in War and Beauty. It was pretty obvious that Kenny was going to win because his popularity surged thanks to the many shirtless scenes in Dance. I just didn't believe TVB would award him Best Supporting Actor just because he was the most popular of all the candidates...

Best Supporting Actress - Shirley Yeung (Always Ready)



So this was why Shirley was hopping around getting molested as she tried to be "sexy" and "grown up" and saying that she wanted to get Best Supporting Actress and was "hopeful" for it. It seems like she and TVB had already "arranged" for her to win. This is such an insult to all of the wonderful veteran actresses who were nominated. I'm sorry, but aside from the fact that her role in Always Ready couldn't walk, Shirley still acted the same as she always did with the shouting, exaggerated and fake expressions and mannerism, and the same incredibly irritating role. If it's any consolation, however, this means that TVB now considers Shirley a "supporting actress" - which is news to rejoice to! We no longer have to suffer with her "leading."

Most Improved Actor - Kenneth Ma (The Herbalist's Manual, La Femme Desperado, Love Guaranteed, To Grow With Love)



Maybe it's the roles that Kenneth gets, but I've never liked him very much. He annoys me somehow. The only time I kind of liked him was in Wong Fei Hung - Master of Kung Fu when his character was actually pretty decent. Somehow, I can't click with him and he doesn't make me feel for his characters. I wish Sammul Chan had won this award instead. Luckily, Steven Ma and Michael Tse didn't get this award. It would have been such a slap to their faces!

Most Improved Actress - Linda Chung (Always Ready, The Biter Bitten, Forensic Heroes)



Between the two Virtues of Harmony beauties, who could have ever imagined that Linda would win Most Improved Actress before Bernice Liu? I've said before that I didn't want Linda to win because she's not deserving of the award yet and I honestly do believe that. I prayed and hoped that she wouldn't because I know the haters will have a field day with this probably until next year. Linda will definitely be the target of criticism and I hoped she could have avoided this by not taking the award this year. Everything pointed the award to her as she was the "strongest contender." Alas, she did win and being a fan, I can only support her and congratulate her for the win.

I can't say I'm "happy" because I don't think she should have gotten it, but then again, I wonder if I would have been "upset" if she lost after being such a "hot favorite." I really don't know. My feelings were and remain conflicted. I just hope that Linda will be able to prove herself competent with her upcoming releases. This is the only way she can assuage the "upset" of all the haters. I have faith in her.

Obviously, the stakes have been raised for Linda and she will have to work much, much harder. Within 2 years, she has filmed 8 series (over 200 episodes), attracted the eyes of numerous advertisers and sponsors, and now she has won Most Improved Actress. She's gone way up shockingly fast and now she will have to prove that she has what it takes to stay around. She's pretty much done and accomplished everything that every newcomer aspires to do in such a short period of time. It makes me wonder what's next for Linda... I'm glad she admitted in her acceptance speech that she still has much to work on and I know for sure that one day she can mature into a great actress. She already has had a great start and she is willing to learn and likes to act. For that, I am happy to be her fan and support her all the way.

It's going to be tough dealing with all of the criticism, but in the minds of many people, this award already had Linda's name on it, so it doesn't make much of a difference now that she actually won it after all. Linda looked absolutely beautiful at the awards ceremony. She plays the whole pure and innocent thing wonderfully.

Most Favorite Male Character - Steven Ma - Seung Chi (Safe Guards)



Thank god TVB didn't let Steven walk home empty handed! "Seung Chi" is my most favorite male character of the year, so I am very pleased with this. I expected Raymond Lam to win because these "character awards" are supposed to be "consolation awards." Luckily, that didn't happen. If Charmaine Sheh could pick up Best Actress and Most Favorite Female Character, Steven should have been able to do the same. Unfortunately, he hasn't enticed the eyes of Miss Lok. However, it's great that he won this award! It's awesome news. Hopefully he can bag Best Actor next year.

Most Favorite Female Character - Charmaine Sheh - Ngai Ju Fung, Wong Jee Gwan, Bak Wai Jan, Dai Sze Ga (Maiden's Vow)



Poor Myolie Wu - she gained a bunch of weight to play "Fat Tin" and didn't even get a consolation prize. In Hollywood, she would have gotten something for her great sacrifice, but in Hong Kong, she has gotten nothing but criticism for "making fat people look bad" in To Grow With Love. On the plus side though, at least she gained cup sizes and hey - that's a pretty decent trade off.

Who would have expected that Charmaine would pick up not only Best Actress but Most Favorite Female Character as well?

Best Series - La Femme Desperado



I'm upset that Michael Tse and Sheren Tang didn't pick up any awards of their own. I can't say that I'm disappointed because I knew their chances weren't great. Still, I was hopeful... However, La Femme Desperado winning Best Series is much in part due to them, so it's very nice. Femme deservingly won this award and I'm so happy it did. My prediction for this category was spot-on. There was no other winner for this award besides Femme.

programme highlights '06 - issue iv

The fourth and final issue for this year of TVB's Programme Highlights has been released. Much thanks to TVFANSQUARE for scanning it and sharing the booklet with all of us! As stated in July, I'll be discussing each issue of the Programme Highlights and expressing my thoughts on them as they come. Because of my pervasive indifference towards most of the series included in this issue, I'm going to be doing this feature a bit differently this time around.

When will they be out already?!
I am not interested in what TVB has to offer lately, so I'm dying waiting for the following series to release.

Heavenly In-Laws (Nancy Sit, Joey Leung, Linda Chung, etc.)
I'm suffering from L.C.W.D. (Linda Chung Withdrawal Disorder). I swear TVB is torturing me by making Linda Chung film all these series and not releasing any of them in the longest time! I haven't seen Linda since Forensic Heroes and I really miss watching her act. She is so charming and just makes my day. There are two new pictures of Linda in this issue and she looks real cute. My anticipation continues to build as my neck grows long awaiting Heavenly In-Laws' release. This is Linda's first costume drama, so I hope she does well. I was looking at old TVB Weekly scans from during its filming and Linda's expressions and looks for Heavenly are super adorable. Apparently, Linda's character (who is a goddess) wants to re-enact Ngau Long and Jik Lui because she is so moved by their romantic story. Of course, since this is a comedy, things won't be so idyllic.

The series starts off in ancient costumes (since Nancy Sit & Linda are mother/daughter goddesses) and will then proceed to mid 1900's as the two of them live life as mortals... Linda falls in love with Joey Leung's character, but Nancy greatly opposes this couple. I think this series should be entertaining albeit cliché and not very different or breakthrough. I hope Linda will show continued improvement in this series. I've grown a lot fonder of Heavenly since last time and just hope TVB will release it soon!

The Price of Greed (Bosco Wong, Sammul Chan, etc.)
My reasons for anticipating this series remains unchanged.

Brink of Law (Steven Ma, Ron Ng, Bernice Liu, etc.)
I fell in love with this series since the costume fitting. Producer Mui Siu Ching always picks the best people and yes, since this is her production, I am confident that Brink of Law will be excellent. How awesome does the poster look?! This series will revolve around business, horse racing, and fashion. True to Producer Mui's style, I'm sure that this will essentially be a family drama (and I love those) with lots of twists and turns. The cast looks so good. It's always interesting and fascinating to watch dramas about rich people. Steven Ma and Bernice Liu look so good together and I have confidence that they (like Frankie Lam and Linda Chung in Forensic Heroes) will have chemistry. It's so nice how the Virtues of Harmony "partners swap" is working wonderfully, creating great new pairings. I haven't seen Bernice in so long, so I miss her. I hope her acting has improved because Bernice has always been a little shaky with dramatic roles. She's fine in comedies and light dramas, but not so good in heavy dramas. Michelle Yim is consistently superb, so I hope they will put her talents to good use in this series. I'm okay with Ron Ng and Kate Tsui.

The only drawback to this series is... Shirley Yeung. There's always a drawback, isn't there? Just when everything is so right, there's that one that ruins everything. Shirley's terrible in her normal roles when she "acts" like herself (loud, stubborn, obnoxious). How bad is it going to be now that they're forcing her to really "act" as a villain?! I don't even want to begin imagining. I'm hoping that whoever made this pamphlet made a mistake because there is no way that Shirley is leading over Bernice (nor Kate for that matter). I will just have to live with her in this and hope she doesn't ruin the series too much.

All in all, I cannot wait for Brink. It is tied with Heavenly In-Laws as my most highly anticipated release out of the series included in this issue.

Standing in the middle of two roads
These are the series that I cannot make up my mind whether I'm going to watch or skip. I'm very picky and thrift with my TVB rentals (especially these days since I have limited time), so I cannot afford to watch any mediocre or bad series. The following series are ones that attract me in some ways, but repulse me in another, so I'm stuck with indecisiveness.

Dicey Business (Bobby Au-Yeung, Jessica Hsuan, Bosco Wong, etc.)
What in the world was TVB thinking when they created this poster? It is so cartoon-ish and to be blunt, down right appalling! Many people are wondering if this series is really a "drama" because the looks for the characters are a bit too "animated." Bobby Au-Yeung with his fake pot belly? Bosco Wong with his hair and glasses? Tavia Yeung with her fake breasts? But then, the fact that Hacken Lee is singing the themesong, the fact that it's a grand production, the premise of gambling, and the title suggesting a "turbulent casino" make this series seem like a true drama?

Does TVB want us to take this series seriously or what? I have no idea! I'm not a big fan of gambling series and from what I've read/seen, Dicey Business isn't all that appealing to me. However, I do have to admit that I am very attracted to Tavia's image for Dicey. She looks really good! Whether or not I watch this series will depend on reviews and when I get a better idea of what this series is truly about.

To Grow With Love (Myolie Wu, Andy Hui, Selena Li, etc.)
Initially, I was attracted to this series because it looked quite cute and funny. Sadly, I've been hearing that it's silly and over-hyped, so this has turned me off. I also found out that To Grow With Love's producer also did War of In-Laws (which I hated), so I'm skeptical about whether I will enjoy his attempt at a modern romantic comedy about the struggles of fat people. I have to say I am in love with the songs from this series though. I haven't completely crossed it off the list yet though, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Glittering Days (Liza Wang, Roger Kwok, Charmaine Sheh, etc.)
I'm not into musicals and Glittering Days seems a bit long and silly to me. However, since it is a grand production and an anniversary series at that, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. TVB won't put so much backing into such a series, right?

No light of day
These are the series that I'm going to pass on - no doubt about it.

Devil's Disciples (Kevin Cheng, Bosco Wong, Bernice Liu, etc.)
Since Jin Yong no longer lets TVB adapt his novels, where do they turn to for wuxia ideas? Why, video games of course! Devil's Disciples is based on a video game, which explains its heavily computerized dependence. It's a recipe for disaster. The costumes are a big turn off as well. Kevin Cheng, Sharon Chan, and Shirley Yeung are even bigger turn off's. What a pity for me in regards to Bernice Liu - this is her first leading role, her first martial arts role, and the first time she's pairing with an actor around her age (Bosco Wong)... and I'm going to miss it all. I'd rather watch Face to Fate before this series.

At Home With Love (Lawrence Ng, Yoyo Mung, Chung King Fai, etc.)
It changed its poster since the last programme highlights issue, but my thoughts are still in agreement with four months ago. I am not watching this series for the same reasons as stated before.

So... which series are you most looking forward to? What are you going to watch or skip and why?

series 411: "glittering days"

One of TVB's 2006 Anniversary Series...



English Title: Glittering Days
Cantonese Title: Dung Fong Ji Jue
Vietnamese Title: Chuoi Ngay Huy Hoang
Casts: Liza Wang, Roger Kwok, Charmaine Sheh, Paul Chun, etc.
Length: 30 episodes (Cantonese) // 23 tapes (Vietnamese)
Release Date: November 2006 (Canto) // January 2007 (Viet)
Genre: Period Comedy/Musical/Drama

Note: Please credit "MetalAZNWarrior" and/or this site if you should use my translation of the series' plot! I worked hard to translate it, so please don't just steal or use it for another site without my permission and/or credit. Thank you!

Synopsis:
The lively song king, the former song queen
Singing a grand tune, listen to life's sweetness, sorrows, and pain

The prominent singer of the time, Sau Ling Fung (Roger Kwok Jun On), is exposed by a reporter for lying about being the leader of a singing troupe and the student of former renowned Shanghai singing starlet, Kam Yin (Liza Wang Ming Chuen). Yin is just about to bring her long lost son from the village to Hong Kong. Thereupon, she uses this chance to blackmail Fung.

Fung uses a harmful plot to lead Yin to take the speech impediment Jue Yuk Laan (Charmaine Sheh Si Man) as a student. On one hand, he hopes to cause Yin to make a fool of herself. On the other hand, he also plans to use this chance to do away with Laan. Who could imagine that Laan becomes popular!

Laan's path to stardom is glorious. Someone informs the police with indications that Fung is a swindler of love and money. The chief investigator chases this case until the death and because of this, Fung can no longer continue working in the musical world. At this time, Fung accidentally finds out that the person who informed the reporter was Yin!

My thoughts: To be frank, I am not looking forward to Glittering Days and I'm leaning towards skipping it. I'm not big on series with a heavy musical base and Glittering's time period is a big turn off. Series set in this particular era tend to be a bit daft and idiotically exaggerated for my taste. However, if reviews are good, I might give this series a chance. TVB seems to have put a lot of money into its production so the musical numbers shouldn't disappoint and Glittering does indeed look very flashy as the title suggests. Still, I'm not yet "sold" on this and will just have to wait and see whether or not I'll watch it.

what in the world?

Most of you guys come to TVB Musings on a regular basis. Speaking of which, I am once again so grateful to have everyone as regular supporters! But what about those random visitors - how do they get here? A nice sum is from my wonderful affiliates. The others? They come from random searches on web engines like Google and Yahoo.

While looking at the search terms that reached this site, I came across some very interesting things.

Becoming an icon
One of the more popular searches to get here is of course by the name. TVB Musings has become a token name (which it should considering it's the title of my site). MetalAZNWarrior was and continues to be a popular search term to reach my sites. A memorable name with a memorable webmaster (and of course with memorable content) leads people back!

Still hot after all these months
Lady In Red continues to pick up searches and hits. From album download to lyrics, these searches have been around since May and it's still going on today! Linda Chung's Swear is a hot favorite for searches (most likely because I did so many posts on it).

Miss Hong Kong 2006 is over for 3 months already, but winner Aimee Chan is still the most searched term to reach TVB Musings - which is very ironic considering how small my post supporting her was.

Some just plain funny search terms

michelle yip poor acting

elaine yiu bad actress

i'm like a bird

Sick... or a TVB Musings term?
I'm sure you guys remember the post in which I talked about Linda Chung and Bernice Liu's transformation from hot to hot grannies - thus dubbing a new "phrase" to address our favorite beauty queens in their old lady images. Recently, there have been a startling number of people searching for "hot grannies" and "hot granny."

I'm dead serious! There are people out there who were looking for "hot grannies" and got to my site.

Now, if we look at this in a "positive" light, this is great because it shows my posts leave an impression. However, in a "negative" light, it could very well be that they are looking for... well, hot old women. Are there "hot grandpas" looking for "hot grannies" then? It could be... but I doubt it. Is there a "hot granny" celebrity that I don't know about? Worse - is this term already in use by pornographic companies?! I don't know... but I get the creeps from the thought of people actually searching for "hot grannies."

If they're looking for my post on Bernice & Linda, then it's great, but I just have a feeling they're not... I should choose my words more wisely next time.

Perverts galore
If you don't think people search for sexual content relating to TVB stars, then you're living under a rock. I never imagined that those searches would lead to TVB Musings, but some have! It's crazy. For the risk of being too "graphic" by listing the actual search terms, I'll just mention the stars that I've seen searched for. They included Shirley Yeung, Bernice Liu, Myolie Wu, Tavia Yeung, Aimee Chan, Christine Ng, Sunny Chan, Raymond Lam, Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, and Kevin Cheng. I am so happy I have yet to see a perverted search for Linda. However, you have to wonder, for stars - is it a good or bad thing to entice the eyes of perverts?

Disturbing in more than one way
Perverts are guaranteed, but what about those with more "specialized" tastes? Unfortunately, I get those too. I've seen maybe three searches that were interested in seeing a star be raped. However, I only remember that Sonija Kwok was one of those searches. Other people were looking for lesbian indications from stars like Jessica Hsuan and Michelle Ye.

Of course, there have been searches for "limbless beauty in a jar" and "limbless beauties" as well (but those searches led to my ancient Virtues of Harmony site). Fans of Virtues will know that the Queen (played by Nancy Sit) supposedly had her arms and legs chopped up and she was put in a big jar by Man Gwai Fei (Stephanie Che). This was a palatial torture used in the ancient days. I'm praying that the person (or people) was looking for that. I can't even fathom the idea of wanting to see beauties limbless (not to mention in a jar!).

How in the world?
I am astonished by the amount of perverted and disturbing searches that I get. I don't know what content it is in my site that lures these hits. I'll never understand it... but I found it amusing, so I just wanted to share it with you guys.

Let's see what kind of crazy searches I'll continue to get as TVB Musings progresses.