Relic of an Emissary

Cast:
Michael Tse as Ngo Siu Fung
Sammul Chan as Ma Sam Po
Joe Ma as Prince Yin Chu Tai
Eleane Kong as Princess Wing Yeung
Kate Tsui as Shum Sin Sam
Joel Chan as Chu Wan Man
Law Lok Lam as Chu Yuen Chueng
Ruco Chan
Leung Ka Ki

Total Episodes: 30 episodes
Aired Dates: April 4 to May 13, 2011
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
Chu Yuen Cheung, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty has passed away. Chu Wan Man, the son of his chosen heir is named as his successor.

Wan Man's bodyguard, Ngo Siu Fung is tasked to look for Yuen Cheung's lost will. In the course of Siu Fung's search, he gets to know the counsellor for Prince Yin Chu Tai, Ma Sam Po.

Siu Fung and Sam Po both have great respect and appreciation for each other, however Siu Fung still remains vigilant as Prince Yin Chu Tai has plans to covet the throne.

One day, after a mission, Siu Fung suffers from memory loss. He also changed from being a heartless person into someone full of sympathy. Princess Wing Yeung, warns her good friend Sam Po to be careful when dealing with Siu Fung.

Chu Wan Man still has high regards for Siu Fung, but Siu Fung is no longer trustworthy after his accident. For reasons unknown to himself, Siu Fung find the mysterious Shum Sin Sam and Prince Yin Chu Tai to be familiar. Later on when Siu Fung learns of a secret mission, he is torn between anger and guilt.

Official Site

Beauty Knows No Pain

Cast:
Michelle Yim as Wong Hoi King
Maggie Cheung as Sa Yuen Kei
Joe Ma as Ko Chi Lik
Joyce Tang as Yu Man Yau
Dominic Lam as Chin Kwong Lung
Power Chan as Chi Nam

Total Episodes: 20 episodes
Aired Dates: July 26 to August 20, 2010
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Wong Hoi King has a successful career as well as a perfect life. However, she accidentally discovers that her husband, Chin Kwong Lung, has an affair. To save her marriage, Hoi King is willing to have a baby despite her advanced age. Hoi King's pregnancy has resulted in extra pressure and stress on her daily life and career.

Hoi King's subbordinate, Sa Yuen Kei, capitalises on the situation and seizes the chance to take up her duties. Yuen Kei is a bold and decisive person when it comes to work but unfortunately no so in her personal life. She is embroiled in a quadrangular relationship with Ko Chi Lik, who happens to be married.

Yu Man Yau is a secretary who is exposed to the failures of her bosses' relationships. She feels insecure and inferior despite having an "outstanding" body shape. Her colleague, Chi Nam encourages her to go for plastic surgery. After the surgery, Man Yau is hailed as the "sexiest goddess on the internet" as well as "the hottest brand spokesperson" in town. Man Yau's brand new status propel her to fame and fortune, but as she climbs the heights of her career, she soon comes to the realisation that all these may not be what she really wants.

Official Site

Costume Fitting for new series HongWu 32

After the success of Emergency Unit E.U., Elanne Kong is fast becoming the little darling in viewers' heart. She is cast in another TVB series HongWu 32. This is Elanne's first ancient series production. She will be collaborating with E.U. co-star Sammul Chan and Michael Tse as well as Kate Tsui and Joe Ma among others.

The costume fitting was held recently and the cast appeared in their beautiful costumes. Elanne shared, ""This is my first time shooting a costume drama. At first I was worried about the ancient look, but the results turned out ok. Michael and I play a pair and there will also be a line with Sammul. I'm not afraid of rumors, just afraid that I can't hold in my laughter and NG alot."

Kate's role is a boss at a warehouse similar to the role she plays in 14 Blades (the movie). There won't be as much fighting scenes but Kate will be required to dance.

Note: Hongwu 32 is now know as Relic of an Emissary.

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @AsianUniverse.net

Suspects in Love

Cast:
Flora Chan and Cheng Siu Yan
Joe Ma as Ng Chung Ming
Shek Sau as Cheng Chun Cheong
Power Chan as Cheung Sze Chai
Sharon Chan as Cheung Sze Man
Louis Yuen as Leung King Ho
Him Law as Ng Chung Hong
Mandy Wong as Cheng Siu Man

Total Episodes: 20 episodes
Aired Dates: April 5 to April 30, 2010
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
Cheng Siu Yan, a masseuse, finds herself embroiled in a murder involving the triads when she tried to save her friend Coco Kam. Believing that she may have killed someone, Siu Yan hides from the police as well as the triads. She seeks shelter at her long-lost father's Chinese herbal tea shop. Her father, Cheng Chun Cheong's business is failing and Siu Yan goes through everyday with stress and fear. That is until Ng Chung Ming comes into her life. Chung Ming claims that he has the secret formula to making the perfect Chinese herbal tea. However, Chung Ming's real identity is an undercover policeman who is investigating Siu Yan's case. He hopes to solve the case and earn a promotion so that he can marry his girlfriend, Cheung Sze Man who is an inspector.

Chung Ming's superior, Cheung Sze Chai is always giving him problems at work and this causes Chung Ming to lose confidence at work. Nevertheless, after meeting the cheerful Siu Yan, Chung Ming slowly gains back his self esteem and finds his path in life. He also starts to develop feelings for Siu Yan

Chung Ming's younger brother, Ng Chung Hong meets Cheng Siu Man (who is Siu Yan's sister) and love blossomed instantly. Siu Yan managed to learn of Chung Ming's real identity and thinks that the two brothers are "using" the two sisters to solve the murder case.

Chung Ming also discovers that Siu Yan's cousin Leung King Ho is recently released from prison and has a close connection with the triad leader. This relationship connects Siu Yan directly to the murder case. The blooming relationship between Chung Ming and Siu Yan gets messy as they learn more about the truth.

Flora Chan makes a comeback with Suspects in Love

Fans of Flora Chan will get to see her again on their TV set. Flora is set to make a comeback in TVB new series Suspects in Love, premiering on April 5. Flora took a break from the entertainment scene 6 years ago to start a family.

Besides Flora, other casts for Suspects in Love include Joe Ma and Sharon Chan. The trio appeared together for a promotional event for the series recently. Flora shared that the filming process for Suspects in Love was enjoyable. She added, " if another good script comes along, I will consider filming again." When reporters asked Flora if she allows her daughter to watch her series, she explained "my daughter is 2 and a half years old, I don't allow her to watch series at the moment, usually she watches more educational programs and cartoons."

Flora revealed to reporters that she hopes to have another child to play with her daughter. She added that she doesn't mind the gender of her next child. Smilingly, Flora exclaimed, "I am ready to have one anytime!" Flora shared that since the birth of her daughter, she has learned to be more considerate and less stubborn.

Sharon Chan's filming for 2010 grand production Can't Buy Me Love is coming to an end. She revealed that she has accepted another series and will be collaborating with Myolie Wu and Joyce Tang.

Source: Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @AsianUniverse.net

Born Rich

Cast:
Ray Lui as Cheuk Yat Yuen
Gallen Lo as Sa Fu Loi
Jamie Chik as Ho Tseuk Nin
Kenix Kwok as Tung Chi Ling
Anita Yuen as Cheuk Yat Sum
Joe Ma as Ko Tok Man
Nancy Sit
Kenneth ma
Sharon Chan

Total Episodes: 41 episodes
Aired Dates: October 19 to December 13, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Banker, Cheuk Yat Yuen has a long lost brother, Cheuk Yat Ming. While trying to find him, Yat Yuen mistakenly identify con artist Sa Fu Loi as Yat Ming. Assuming Yat Ming's identity, Fu Loi manages to rise up to be one of the key players in the banking industry. This strange connection of brotherhood has blinded Yat Yuen and Fu Loi's real intentions.

Yat Yuen is kidnapped by a group of rioters overseas. This incident affected him dramatically and he is a changed man. His wife, Ho Tseuk Nin tries her best to comfort and console him but to no avail. To ease his pain, Yat Yuen returns to the arms of his former lover, Tung Chi Ling. Tseuk Nin is devastated when she learns of Yat Yuen and Chi Ling's affair.

Fu Loi enjoys being Yat Ming. This mistaken identity not only brings him financial status but also family warmth and a sweet taste or romance. Fu Loi finds himself falling for Yat Yuen's sister, Cheuk Yat Sum. Yat Sum is also attracted to Fu Loi but she keeps her emotions in check as she thought they are biological siblings. She chooses to remain with her long time admirer, Ko Tok Man.

Fu Loi is upset that Yat Sum rejects his love. He is not willing to give her up but he cannot reveal his true identity. Fu Loi is caught up in a dilemma where he must choose between love and fortune. he finally decides to choose fortune and embark on a journey of no return.

Flora Chan returns to TVB

Flora Chan took a break from her acting career to be with her family. After 6 long years, she is now ready to make her comeback. She will be collaborating with Joe Ma in new TVB series, Searching for Lost Love. Flora appeared at the costume fitting session last week and was presented with flowers and doll as a Welcome Back token from her colleagues. Other cast members confirmed for the series include Sharon Chan and Him Law.

Flora and Joe had previously collaborated in TVB's 2003 Anniversary Series, Triumph in the Skies. In Searching for Lost Love, Joe will take on the role of an undercover, while Flora plays a former gangster.

Flora revealed that she had previously turned down 7 to 8 scripts (including 2009 Anniversary series Root of Evil) due to bad timing. This time, she is ready to film again. Besides that, she also wants to train her daughter, Mira to be independant. "In the past two years, I have been with my daughter 24 hours a day, I want to learn how to let go, do the things I like to do again. I also hope that she could be more independent," explains Flora.

Reporters (as usual) were quick to ask Flora about her remuneration for this comeback series. Flora laughed off the question and says, "Haha, you have to ask my manager....there might have been a raise." Reporters also asked Flora if she hopes to boost her popularity with this series, which she replies, "At this stage, I am not going to think too much, there are many things in life I can't control. The most important thing is to do my best on my part, able to do justice for myself, the role and the Producer."

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

2008 Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards: Red Carpet

I know this may be a little overdued, but good photos are meant to be shared, right? And I'm sure many of you would not mind seeing your favourite stars again and again.

Ron Ng and Shirley Yeung



Bosco Wong and Tavia Yeung



Joe Ma and Jessica Hsuan


Moses Chan and Susanna Kwan


Myolie Wu, Benz Hui and Linda Chung

Photo Source/Credit: TVB Artistes Blog

Maiden's Vow

Cast:
First generation
Charmaine Sheh as Ngai Yu Fung
Joe Ma as Yu Chi
Sammul Chan as Wong Yuk Lun
Wu Fung as Wong Sin Kei
Chun Wong as Eunuch Cho
Kiki Sheung as Dong Dai Hei
Lau Dan as Ngai Bing Faan
Evergreen Mak as Lien Chong Hien

Second Generation
Charmaine Sheh as Wang Chi Gwun
Joe Ma as Lee Gut Cheung
Elaine Yiu as Cheung Lei
Kiki Sheung as Dong Dai Hei

Third Generation
Charmaine Sheh as Bak Wai Jun
Joe Ma as Doi Laap Yun
Cheung Chi Kwong as Mo Yung Chiu
Annabelle Lau as Lui Ying Hong
Devily Leung as Chien Chi Seung
Ben Wong as Gai Yee Gien

Fourth Generation
Charmaine Sheh as Doi Si Ka
Joe Ma as Fong Ka On
Sherming Yiu as Siu Yuk Jing
Sammul Chan as Seung Yut Gut

Total Episodes: 30 episodes
Aired Dates: February 19 to April 1, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 7.00pm
Channel: 8TV (Malaysian Free TV)

Synopsis:
Maiden's Vow is a story which revolves around four generations of women (from the same family) from four different periods of time. The story starts in the Late Qing Dynasty then moves on to the period of the May Fourth Movement and then to the 1960s and ends in modern time today. It aims to showcase the different roles of women in each period of time as well as their their changing status is society.

When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West: Opening and Sub Theme

Here are the opening theme and sub theme for When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West.

Love at the Edge of the Sky (Liza Wang)
When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West (Opening Theme)

陪你哭也只得我 (Charmaine Sheh & Joe Ma)
When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West (Sub Theme)

Charmaine Sheh duets with Joe Ma

Charmaine Sheh, Liza Wang and Joe Ma recently attended a promotional event for their drama series, When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West. Once a rumoured couple, Charmaine and Joe were again paired up for the series. They even sang a duet at the function, although Charmaine admit that she was nervous.

Charmaine also expressed that she would not mind working with Kevin Cheng as a couple team to earn more money. She is glad that her fees are so far not affected and revealed that she has some shows to do for the coming Christmas season.

Source: MingPao with translations by dragon888@AsianVN.com

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)

When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West

Cast:
Liza Wang as Chong Fung Yi
Joe Ma as Poon Muk Hing / Poon Cheuk Hing
Charmaine Sheh as Yip Heung Ching
Raymond Wong as Poon Cheuk Wah
Selena Li as Fong Bo Kei

Total Episodes: 30 episodes
Aired Dates: October 27 to December 14, 2008
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
West Gate (Sai Guan) is Guangzhou's most prosperous area and only Guangzhou's wealthiest live there. East Gate (Tung Guan) is where high-ranking military officials has been living since the end of Qing dynasty. Living in the western-styled house is a symbol of power for the military officials.

West Gate Ladies are rich young ladies who are highly educated and cultured. East Gate Master, are young masters who have further their studies abroad. Both the West Gate Ladies and East Gate Masters are perceived by society as outstanding people, therefore mutual admiration and love is expected by the society. However, does happiness really exist in this supposed 'perfect match'?

Yip Heung Ching is born in West Gate and hails from a prominent family. Unfortunately, her father passed away when she was a little girl. All she has left is an older brother, Heung Yeung. they are both young and inexperienced, and soon they find themselves heavily in debt. Heung Ching and Heung Yeung have to fend for themselves by selling porridge at Lai Wan. Busy fending for a living, the last thing on Heung Ching's mind is a love relationship, that is until she met Poon Cheuk Wah. It is obvious that there are disparities in their social standings and background. Cheuk Wah's mother, Chong Fung Yi, objects their relationship and tries to break them up in every possible way.

Cheuk Wah later marries Bo Kei but couldn't forget Heung Ching straining his relationship with his new wife. It turns out that Bo Kei, a young heiress, has another sweetheart - a gangster named Kwan Ho Cheung. Due to the differences in their status, they also have to part ways. However after Bo Kei marries Cheuk Wah, she slowly understands the meaning of true love.

Muk Hing, hails from a humble background and works for the Poons as their driver. Muk Hing's real identity was revealed when Cheuk Wah met with an accident. Muk Hing also helped Heung Ching to set up her own teahouse business and both fell in love.

Soon the Poon family runs into trouble, more than Cheuk Wah and Fung Yi could handle. Muk Hing seizes the chance to restore the family's prestige. But to do that, he has to sacrifise his loved ones - the woman he loves, his family and his friends! Is it all worth it?

Catch Me Now

I am now watching TVB's Catch Me Now. It's a modern day Robin Hood story, intertwined with a case of police and thieves cat-and-mouse chase.

This series stars

• the very charismatic Damian Lau as the chief of the thieves,
• Joe Ma as the police head, who is hot on Damian's heels
  
• sizzling Fala Chen as Joe's wife
• and marks the comeback of TVB veteran, Idy Chan as the naive and kind-hearted love interest of Damian.

I'm currently up to episode 9 (there are 20 episodes altogether) and things are pretty interesting. The scenes which involves Damian and his team executing their plans are pretty engaging and full of suspense. Even though, it is legally and morally wrong to steal, you can't help but cheer them on their heist. LOL... The dialogues are witty and funny, and the bond the respective team has also makes this series really interesting.

Supporting casts include Johnson Lee (Damian's cousin and team-mate, computer expert), Koni Lui (Damian's team-mate, sharp shooter), Eric Li (Damian's team-mate, mad racer), Sharon Chan (Joe's sister, who will hook up with Johnson Lee), Aimee Chan (Joe's subordinate), among others.

I can't wait for this series to unfold further, when the characters lives will intertwined and create a complicated and intricate web of relationships, responsibility and commitment.

Will the thieves triumph or will justice prevail?