Linda Chung wishes to replace Gigi Lai

Since retiring from the entertainment industry, Gigi Lai is no longer endorsing any products and/or brands. Gigi was once the fashion ambassador for MOISELLE, a high-end fashion brand. With Gigi's retirement, MOISELLE is now on the look out for a new ambassador.

Recently, MOISELLE had a fashion show for its In Full Bloom 2009 Spring/Summer Collection. Linda Chung, who starred in Moonlight Resonance and The Gem of Life and top models, Ana R. and Kathy Chow, took part and walked the runway for MOISELLE. Linda took the lead for the finale show and stole the limelight. A very excited Linda said, "This is my first time participating in such a big fashion brand fashion show, the styles of clothing felt like a princess, very elegant and high class. I am also quite satisfied with my performance, while I was walking the show, I deliberately did a small smile."

TVB top gun, Virginia Lok, was also present at the show to support Linda. Linda was happy and touched by Miss Lok's kind support. "I saw Miss Lok down below stage, actually I felt more nervous, like a pair of eyes watching me closely," she said.

Linda, who aspired to be a model when she was 10, said that she would like to replace Gigi Lai as MOISELLE's spokesperson. Linda explained, "I want to! I also feel that I fit the image. I do hope that they sponsor me their clothing, this fashion brand really has the feminine feel. Their styles are elegant and simple, fits my good girl image. Just now, the Boss praised that I did OK with walking the show, the most important thing is to have confidence. Before the show, I approached Kathy Chow and other models for some advice and methods of catwalks.""

MOISELLE's top executive, Chan Nam Kit, revealed that Gigi's contract has expired and MOISELLE is in the process of recruiting a new spokesperson. "This time, Linda Chung's performance in doing the catwalk was done well, I am considering her," Chan said.

Source: Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

Ring designed by Constance in Gem of Life

Do you wish to own the ring designed by Constance Hong (Gigi Lai)? In episode 21, Constance designed a ring as a wedding gift for her friend. The ring is actually a set of 2 rings which can be worn together or separately. The ring symbolises togetherness.

The rough sketch of the ring

The actual ring produced by Mabelle

Fans of Gigi and the series, The Gem of Life has wondered if the rings are actually produced or merely created just for the series. Well, guess what? The rings are available for real and you can actually own one! Retailing at HKD 23,027 with a 0.4100 carat diamond you can get yours from Mabelle, the main sponsor of the drama series.

Note: This is neither an advertorial nor a sponsored post!

Gigi Lai get support from Charmaine and Liza Wang

When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West which will be aired on Monday, kick-off with a promo event. Liza Wang, Joe Ma, Charmaine Sheh, Selena Li, Raymond Wong were among the cast who were present at the event. In conjunction with the up-coming TVB Anniversary, the cast were split into two groups for games, which was to decorate birthday cakes.

When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West is heavily promoted by TVB as an "Anniversary Series". When Liza was questioned about this, she said that she never thought about when a series will be aired as it is the company's prerogative. Liza adds that she is pleased that the series is released so soon as it has just finished filming. Reporters also took the chance to asked Liza opinion about Gigi Lai's retirement. Liza said that she believed that Gigi knows what is best for herself and respects Gigi's decision.

Charmaine Sheh echoes Liza's thoughts and is happy that Gigi has found another goal in life. Charmaine also revealed that Gigi has mentioned to her that she doesn't want to continue filming dramas about a year ago. Charmaine also explained that she is not thinking of retiring at this moment but she may consider it when she enters another stage in her life; if she plans to further her studies or venturing into business. Reporters asked Charmaine if she feel more at ease now that Gigi has retired and she has one less competitor, Charmaine replied, "You can't say that. Our roles and acting paths are different. I still have to improve, cannot be too satisfied. Even if people leave there will be newcomers."

Source: Charmaine Sheh supports Gigi Lai's decision (Matchbox@MediaChamber.net)

Gigi Lai's contract frozen, not terminated

Following the announcement from Gigi Lai of her intention to retire, TVB Executive, Stephen Chan said he accepts, understands and respects the reason Gigi wants to retire from the entertainment industry. However, he will wait for her return and strongly believes that there is still room for future collaboration. It is understood that the remainder of Gigi's contract with TVB will not be terminated but instead temporarily frozen. This means to say that should one day Gigi wishes to return, she has an obligation to fulfill the remainder of her contract with TVB.

Gigi Lai accompanied by Ada Choi when announcing her retirement

Virginia Lok, another TVB Executive, expressed that it is not easy for a company to create a top-level artist such as Gigi. However, Virginia supports Gigi's decision. Virginia added, "(Gigi) Still has many years left (in her contract), but we are putting that aside, previously she earned lots of money for TVB, she is not in TVB’s debt."

Gigi's fellow co-stars in The Gem of Life, all pledge their support and understanding. Ada Choi said, "As long as Gigi is happy, I’m happy, I feel it is a pity, but I am grateful to have collaborated with her in the past two TVB series. We are good sisters, she will not feel lonely, those who love her will always be with her." Lee Si Kei is shocked to hear Gigi's announcement and praised Gigi for being a rare girl who takes such good care of her family. Moses Chan expressed that it's a pity for Gigi to be leaving but knows that she is strong.

One last photo with her Gem of Life co-stars

Aside from her family commitments, Gigi hopes to create her own beauty line of products. She also hopes that The Gem of Life will do well and achieve high ratings.

Source: Netease, Sina
Translated by: Concubine_L @ AsianFanatics.net

Gigi Lai announces retirement

During a function to promote The Gem of Life, Gigi Lai took the opportunity to announce her retirement from the entertainment industry. Gigi explained that she will now place even more focus on caring for her brother (who was injured in an accident last year). Shedding some tears when making the announcement, Gigi expressed that she has thought about this retirement issue for a long time. The Gem of Life will be her last series, also her farewell series to the industry that has served her well.

Undated photo of Gigi Lai

Gigi thanked TVB for giving her support for the past 20 years. She claimed that her brother's unfortunate accident has altered her outlook on life. "The most important thing in life is not money, but the time you spend with your family. I entered the industry when I was only a teenager and have been in it for 29 years. Having tried everything from singing, acting in movies and dramas, I am thankful and satisfied with what I have achieved today," said Gigi. She might consider going back to school to further her studies, but her prime focus is still her family. Gigi further explained, "I am not going to take on any more commercials, attend any more award ceremonies, release any more albums or film any more shows. This will be the last time I am doing an interview."

Gigi's last words were full of praise and thanks, especially to her Gems co-stars, "I am happy that I was able to film such a great production like The Gem of Life, everything was filmed with care and the script is good. Thank you for all the support TVB, I want to thank every production team who has worked with me before, every actor who has worked with me before and every single one of my fans. I am forever a TVB artist."

Source: on.CC, Sina
Original Translations: Squirt88 @ AsianFanatics, Sunnysnow @ SPCNET Forums

Cast of The Gem of Life sails on a luxury cruise

The cast of TVB Anniversary Series, The Gem of Life, went on a luxury cruise to promote the series. Among those present were Gigi Lai, Ada Choi, Maggie Siu, Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Wong Hei. The cast were treated to a splendid buffet meal as well as synchronized swimming performances.

The cast also made wishes with candles and placed them in the swimming pool, hoping for high TV ratings. The female cast member were extra cautious when placing the candles in the pool as they didn't want to wet their beautiful dresses. Gigi Lai jokingly said that she was also worried that Bowie, who was standing behind her, might push her into the pool. Bowie, Moses and Kenny Wong also performed a strip dance to the delight of all the ladies present.

Ada and Maggie's outfit were the most eye-catching. Ada explained that her outift was sponsored but what matters is that it suited the occasion. She also expressed her confidance in the series, "There are very few series that will air 2 episodes at once. I believe the ratings won’t be bad. I hope the audience will like it." A reporter complimented Maggie, saying that she (Maggie) and Ada had stolen the limelight from Gigi. Maggie was modest and said, "We can all alternate looking beautiful. Most important is being comfortable with what you are wearing." Maggie also echoed Gigi's confidence in the series but added that she will not put too much pressure on herself.

Source: Mingpao
Original Translation: Matchbox@MediaChamber.net

The Gem of Life

Cast:
The Hong Family
David Chiang as Hong Ching Yeung
Lee Si Kei as Bak Sau Yau
Maggie Siu as Hong Nga Yin, Sylvia
Gigi Lai as Hong Nga Tung, Constance
Ada Choi as Hong Nga See, Jessica

The Hoh Family
Elliot Yue as Hoh Fung, Martin
Moses Chan as Hoh Jit Nam, Terrence

The Ho Family
Wong Hei as Ho Tai Wo
Bosco Wong as Ho Tai Chuen, William

The Sung Family
Chan Hung Lit as Sung Sai Man, Phillip
Helen Ma as Kwok Yuen Yee
Queenie Chu as Man wai, Mandy
Queena Chan as Ying
Linda Chung as Sung Chi Ling, Elise

The Ko Family
Bowie Lam as Ko Cheung Sing, Calvin

Other Cast
Eddie Kwan as Chan Kai Fatt, Derek
Kenny Wong as Yau Yat Tung, Sunny
Florence Kwok
Rebecca Chan
Lau Dan

Total Episodes: 82 episodes
Aired Dates: October 20, 2008 to Febuary 8, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Bak Siu Yau is a mother of 3 beautiful daughters, and they are just as perfect as diamonds to her. It is her dream to see her daughters married to wealthy husbands. She guided them since young to marry into the richest families when they are of age.

Siu Yau's eldest daughter, Sylvia's outlook on life differs with her mother's. However, when Siu Yau noticed that Sylvia is dating Calvin Ko, she doesn't object as Calvin is well-off. Her second daughter, Constance is a hopeless romantic. She doesn't seem to have the luck when it comes to men. As such, Siu Yau meddle in and aims to set her up with Terrence Hoh. Terrence is the son of one of Hong Kong's most powerful business tycoon, Martin Hoh. Siu Yau's youngest daughter, Jessica is very much aware of Siu Yau's beliefs. After recovering from the divorce of her first marriage, Jessica has her eyes set firmly on Martin.

Siu Yau's dream to see her daughters settle down with wealthy men has been fulfilled. But will money and fame bring them happiness?

TVB banking on Gigi Lai?

Gigi Lai is currently on a sabbatical, managing her brother's business as well as caring for him. Earlier this year, she mad an announcement that she'll stay away from showbiz for a year. But guess what? She's back.

Well, at least to help TVB with the promo of her latest drama series, The Gem of Life. TVB has also extended it's invitation to Gigi to film another mega-production with them, details of which were not divulged.

With this invitation, Gigi's status as one of TVB's top fa dans is secured. TVB"s another favourite fa dan is Charmaine Sheh. But of late, Charmaine is embroiled in the supposed love triangle with Kevin Cheng and Nikki Chow thus impacting her flawless image. It was reported that Virginia Lok personally approached Gigi for the new role.

Undated Photo: Gigi and Charmaine - battling it out for the top fa dan spot

Gigi and Charmaine has been constantly vying for the top fa dan spot in TVB. This "rivalry" or theirs began way back in 2005 with the series Dance of Passion.

Source: AsianFanatics

Dance of Passion

Cast:
Bowie Lam as Yim Man Hei
Gigi Lai as Kai Ming Fung
Moses Chan as Sung Tung Sing
Ada Choi as Chiu Yuk
Charmaine Sheh as Ka Chun Fun
Maggie Siu as Su Long Yuet
Kenny Wong as Sung Tung Yeung

Total Episodes: 32
Aired Dates: October 3, 2008. Mondays to Fridays 6pm
Channel: NTV7 (Malaysian Free-to-air TV)

Synopsis:
Set in the mid 1900s, in the Loess Plateau of Shanbei region is where the story of two clans - the Yim Clan and the Sung Clan, unfolds.

The whole village had a plague attack and almost wipe off the entire Yim clan, until the Sung clan had arrived and helped them. The Sung clan taught the Yim clan to use gunpowder to ward off the plague. The Sung clan also taught the Yim clan ways to make fireworks. This caused the Yim clan to be indebted to the Sung clan. The Yim clan elders issue an edict that the Yim clan will always care for members of the Sung clan come what may.

All this change when the Yim Clan has a new leader - Yim Man Hei. The Yim clan has always viewed upon the Sungs as parasites and wished to evict them from their land (and yet stay true to the ancestors decree). Thus begins the various plots and struggle of the two clans to live on the land.

The Gem of Life airs October 20

TVB's mega production, The Gems of Life, which has fans anticipating it for the longest time will air on October 20th. Boasting a stellar cast and stretching over 80 episodes, The Gems of Life is set to trill tv viewers.

Ada Choi,Gigi Lai and Maggi Siu, the 3 on-screen sisters
share a big hug!

The cast of Gems who appeared at the press conference include Ada Choi, Maggie Siu, Gigi Lai (who play 3 sisters), Bosco Wong, Moses Chan and Linda Chung (who coincidentally were also in Moonlight Resonance).

Bosco Wong, Linda Chung and Moses Chan - love rivals?

Ada Choi was questioned by reporters about her mainland series which will be broadcast by TVB rival, ATV soon. Ada shared that everytime she filmed a mainland series, she will get clearance from TVB first to put all parties at ease. She also stressed that no one can control if the mainland series will air on which channel. Ada also explained that prior to filming, she has made it clear that if the series was sold to i-Cable, Channel Now or ATV, she will not participate in any promotion activities.

Source: Mingpao
Original Translation: kingkongit27 @ AsianEU