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

Esther Kwan takes on Michelle Yim in The Season of Fate

Salty, sour, bitter, spicy and sweet are the five flavours that are best used to describe the story of new TVB drama, The Season of Fate. This series sees Esther Kwan making a comeback to the TVB drama series world after giving birth to her daughter, Brittany, 3 years ago.

At the invitation of Producer Cheung Kin Man, Esther relented after learning more about the character. Producer Cheung explained, "Esther likes the role very much, when she read the script, she accepted that role straight away. Everybody knows she is very particular about caring for her daughter, it happened that Nick Cheung (her husband) had some spare time in between his work, the main carer's role has landed on Nick's shoulder. Esther can now relax and concentrate working on this series."

Esther plays Lin Sheung Chun, the second widow of the heir of the affluent Kwan family. The first wife, played by Michelle Yim, suffered from mental illness shortly after their husband's death.

The Season of Fate starts airing tonight at 9.30pm.

Source: MingPao with translations by R.E.D @ Asianvn.com
Image Credit: The Season of Fate official Site

The Season of Fate

Cast:
Esther Kwan as Lin Sheung Chun
Michelle Yim as Wong Yuk Lam
Roger Kwok as Ma Wing Ching
Derek Kwok as Leung Kau Mui
Lawrence Ng Wai Kok as Yam Fei Yeung
Oscar Leung as Yam Shing Tin
Regan Cheung
Vivien Yeo

Total Episodes: 25 episodes
Aired Dates: January 11 to February 12, 2010
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Lin Sheung Chun came from a poor family. She was sold off to the Kwan family as a concubine, but shortly after marriage, her husband passed away. Her husband's sudden death could not be accepted by his first wife, Wong Yuk Lam. This resulted in Yuk Lam behaving erratically and became mentally unstable.

As such, the responsibility of managing the household and all other family matters fall on Sheung Chun's shoulders. She even had to take over the management of the family's business which is a bistro.

Swindlers, Ma Wing Ching and Lee Shi Mui, were up to their mischief and antics. However, Sheung Chun was around and managed to blow their cover. Unfortunately, Yuk Lam mistakenly identified Wing Ching as her senior apprentice and follows him around. Wing Ching used this perfect opportunity to swindle more money from the Kwan family bistro.

After a series of incidents and misunderstandings, Wing Ching and Sheung Chun fall for one another. Sheung Chun felt confused between her feelings for Wing Ching as well as her childhood friend, Leung Kau Mui.

At the same time, Yuk Lam's second senior apprentice, Yam Fei Yeung, returned home with his foster son, Yam Shing Tin. Fei Yeung, who harboured feelings for Yuk Lam hoped to win her heart once more but Sheung Chun felt that Fei Yeung has ulterior motives.

Note: Previous working title was The Five Flavours of Life

Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Cast:
Charmaine Sheh as Lau Sam Ho
Tavia Yeung as Yiu Kam Ling
Moses Chan as Emperor Li Yi (later Li Chen)
Kevin Cheng as Ko Hin Yeung
Michelle Yim as Chung Suet Ha
Susanna Kwan as Yuen Tsui Wan
Selena Li as Concubine Man Bo-Yin
Mary Hon as Empress
Krystal Tin
Susan Tse
Tracy Ip as Concubine
Mandy Cho as Concubine

Total Episodes: 33 episodes
Aired Dates: October 19 to November 29, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
In the Tong Dynasty, the Emperor and the Imperial family are served by the Imperial Household Bureau. The Imperial Household Bureau is tasked to manage all household services for the Emperor and is made up of four sections. They are Jewels, Attire, Food and Furnishing.

Lau Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling were exposed to the Imperial Household bureau at a tender age. The two girls are hardworking and were raised within the disciplines of the palace. Yuen Tsui Wan, the Head of the Jewels Section, and Chung Suet Ha, Head of Attire Section find Sam Ho to be a very kind-hearted girl. They soon start a fight to bring Sam Ho into their own section.

Sam Ho always keeps her mother's last words close to her heart; "Do good deeds, Speak good words, Show goodwill". She lives her life based on that and displays kindness to everyone in the Palace. On the other hand, Kam Ling disagrees with Sam Ho. Kam Ling believes that to survive in the Palace, she has to scheme her way to the top. She finally succeeds to be the Emperor's concubine.

Kam Ling knows that Sam Ho is in love with chess master, Ko Hin Yeung. However she is still jealous of Sam Ho as she knows that Emperor Lee Yi is attracted to Sam Ho. To strengthen her position, Kam Ling accuses Sam Ho of murdering the Empress and condemns her to death. Luckily for Sam Ho, Kam Ling's plan does not fall into place.

Watch how Sam Ho goes up against the scheming Kam Ling, where benevolence triumph over evil.

The Brink of Law

Cast:
Steven Ma as Tong Chi Ko
Ron Ng as Tung Yat Chun
Bernice Liu as Tsui Wing
Kate Tsui as Yan Heung Ching
Michelle Yim as Sung Kam Chi
Elliot Yue as Tung Chin Lung
Ha Yu as Tong Dai Hoi
Shirley Yeung
Mary Hon
Kenneth Ma

Total Episodes: 25 episodes
Aired Dates: April 2 to May 6, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 7.00pm
Channel: 8TV (Malaysian Free TV)

Synopsis:
Tong Chi Ko is a respectable lawyer and the apple of his father's eye. His father, Dai Hoi, is a gambling addict and ends up with mountains of debts. Chi Ko and Dai Hoi get to know Tung Yat Chun at the racecourse. Yat Chun and Chi Ko develop a fast bond and becomes good friends.

Dai Hoi commits suicide after realising that his family has left him and he has a huge amount of debt which he is unable to settle. Chi Ko was framed for possession of drugs and lost his license to practice law.

Luckily for Chi Ko, Yat Chun managed to offer him a position as a legal advisor in the family business. Chi Ko then run into his high school sweetheart, Tsui Wing and they start a relationship. Chi Ko later learns that Tsui Wing has an atypical relationship with his boss, Tung Chin Lung who is also Yat Chun's uncle.

At the same time, Chin Lung's wife, Sung Kam Chi learns of Yat Chun's secret and vows to set him into a deathtrap and protects her immediate family. Chi Ko begins to suspect that the company he is working for is merely a front for some illegal business dealings. Chi Ko is set to uncover this mess and find out who the real mastermind is.

Charmaine kneels the whole day for filming

Filming for new TVB drama, Beyond the Realm of Conscience, has started. Charmaine Sheh plays the role of a palace maid, Lau Sam Ho. Charmaine shares that her character is a very nice person and has a good heart. She explains, "Yes, I play a very good character in the series. Sam Ho does good deeds, says nice things and has a very good heart." On the other hand, Charmaine reveals that Tavia Yeung's character is frank and outspoken. Her bluntness caused many problems in the Palace but Sam Ho will be there to help her shoulder the blame.

Charmaine shares that during filming, she has been kneeling down the whole day. They were filming a scene which requires her character to beg the Empress to help Michelle Yim and Susanna Kwan's character.

Beyond the Realm of Conscience was previously known as Lau Sam Ho and also stars Moses Chan (Emperor), Kevin Cheng (Palace Guard), Selena Li (Concubine), Mary Hon, Tracy Ip, Mandy Cho among others.

Source: On.cc / Appledaily with translations by Matchbox @ mediachamber.net

Contract renewal for award winners hit a snag

The most talked about TVB topic this week is the retrenchment of over 200 TVB employees. Many artistes have provided their reactions on the issue. According to reports, TVB assured artistes that any retrenchment exercises carried out will not affect them. However, another report recently surfaced and it appears that although artistes are not directly affected, they will still be some indirect implications.

It was reported that contract discussions with Ha Yu, Michelle Yim and Wayne Lai have halted. It appears that Wayne was the first to admit that TVB has informed him of their intention to postpone contract discussions for his contract renewal. Wayne explained, "This is not unusual and I will not be unhappy. I've been in this line for so long, I should have hit a wage ceiling. And my award has brought me extra income; I will be performing in Vancouver this New Year!"

Wayne Lai with his Best Supporting Actor Award

Just like Wayne, Michelle also appears optimistic. She understands that TVB doesn't want this to happen either but the world economy crisis left them without an alternative. She revealed that she still has a year to go on her current contract. Michelle also advised those retrenched to stay positive and hoped that the company will re-hire them when they can.

Michelle Yim - Best Actress 2008

Bosco Wong and Linda Chung are the luckier few who managed to renew their contract before the economy crisis. "When I went back to office today, I realized many make up artists and hairstylists have received the retrenchment letter. I have known for four years and I'm really upset about this. Lets hope the crisis will be over soon," Linda said. Bosco however refused to give any comments, saying that "retrenchment is a company's policy."

Source: Channel News Asia | Yahoo News Singapore
Pic Credit: Tom.com

Artistes react to TVB's decision to retrench

TVB recently announced that it is laying off over 200 employees. General manager, Stephan Chan has also stepped up and offer to take a pay cut to help the company weather these tough times. "I am willing to take a pay cut. But it is up to the shareholders of the TVB. We need to have a board meeting to decide the way forward," Stephan Chan explained.

Shirley Yeung explained that Stephan's decision is sincere and he is doing it (taking a pay cut) for the employees. Shirley also said she encouraged the people at work to be more involved in their work. Chin Ka Lok echoes Shirley's thoughts about Stephan. He said, "Stephan is willing to cut his pay, everybody feels it is fair and it raises the workers morale."

Michelle Yim, winner of Best Actress at the recent TVB Anniversary Awards, told reporters that she has been very anxious these past few days. She said, "We don't really want this to happen. That is nothing we can do, just hope we all pull through this difficult time. I hope people who are made redundant don't lose heart because they are professional. The company will soon hire people. They just need to be patient. The company don't have enough people to do all the work. I am not sure if any of my friends have lost their jobs yet. We have to hang on for a bit longer. I am sure we will pull through. I still have another year before my contract expires. It may not be a bad thing I don't get a pay rise in my new contract , at least I still hold on to my job. Even I have to take pay cut, I don't mind at all. I have been working for so many years and I don't see earning money is the first priority. I like a good script. My family and friends are business people. If everybody doesn't compromise, the company will fold. TVB is cutting staff, the bosses have their difficulties and so are the employees."

Kenix Kwok, who will film the Grand Entrepreneur with Gallen Lo, Ray Lui and Jamie Chik, also shares her 2 cents about the unfortunate situation. She hopes that the employees laid off will be re-hired when the company has sort itself out. Kenix also explained that there are some people who protested the retrenchment saying that the company is still making money but why is it cutting jobs. She said that may be the company's strategy and she does not have the answers to that.

Bosco Wong, who just returned from Toronto, is clueless about the retrenchment and job cuts. He explained that his contract with TVB was renewed a few years ago and it will be a long time before it expires. Bosco hopes that the recession will pass soon then everyone can get back to their normal lives.

Linda Chung revealed that the hairdressers and make up artists she has worked with were laid off. She feels for them but is unable to do anything as it may be the company's policy. She also explained that her contract was renewed earlier and she was given a little increment.

Source:MingPao with translations by dragon888 @ AsianVN.com

TVB Anniversary Gala 2008

TVB celebrated it's 41st Anniversary on Wednesday, November 19th in typical pomp and splendour. It was held and Tseung Kwan O TVB City at attended by over 100 artists. Sir Run Run Shaw opened the show and was assisted by MCs for the night, Liza Wang and Carol Cheng.

TVB capitalised on the rumours surrounding rumoured couples and paired them up for performances. But these artists were very sporting and professional and took them all in stride. Among those paired up include Charmaine Sheh and Kevin Cheng, Myolie Wu and Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam and Linda Chung among others.

Wong Cho Lam, who recently picked up the award for Most Improved Male Artist, together with Johnson Lee and Louis Yuen paid tribute to the late Lydia Shum by impersonating TVB Golden Flowers.

The cast of Moonlight Resonance treated the audience to an anniversary sketch. The cast members - Lee Si Kei, Susanna Kwan, Ha Yu, Michelle Yim, Raymond Lam, Moses Chan, Bosco Wong were joined by Eric Tsang, Charmaine Sheh, Christine Ng and Myolie Wu on stage for the sketch. Although a script was provided, but it was not followed, thus even more hilarity ensues. There were chaos (of the good kind), lots of laughter and most importantly fun for everyone. Raymond, Ha Yu and Wayne had expected the worst and wore raincoats to protect themselves but Eric managed to smear cream cake on their faces.

One of the highlights of the night was big sister, Liza Wang, joining the young artists, performed a hip hop dance. An elated Grace Wong walked away with the biggest anniversary bonus of the night when she won HKD 120,000, while Shirley Yeung and Charmaine Sheh took Hkd 50,000 and HKD 25,000 respectively.

Source:

1. On.cc with translations by Matchbox @ mediachamber.net
2. Batgwa: TVB 41st Anniversary Extravaganza

TVB Anniversary Awards 2008: Memorable Moments

Here are some memorable moments from TVB 41st Anniversary Awards.

Myolie Wu gave Nancy Wu a congratulatory hug before Nancy accepts her Most Improved Female Artist Award


Ha Yu embraced Raymond Lam when Raymond was announced as the winner for Favourite Male Character


Tavia Yeung received a hug from Fala Chen, her fellow nominee for Best Supporting Actress and on-screen sister in Moonlight Resonance


Tavia Yeung got the audience to reward Lee Heung Kam with a round of applause for her stunning performance as Grandma in Moonlight Resonance


The producer of Moonlight Resonance accepts the Best Drama Series Award with the cast of Moonlight Resonance


Tavia Yeung gave Lee Heung Kam a hug when they went on stage to accept the Best Drama Award


Lee Si Kei prepared tissues for Ha Yu when presenting him with the Best Actor Award


Michelle Yim received a warm hug from fellow Best Actress nominee, Susanna Kwan


Ha Yu, Michelle Yim and Moses Chan toast to the success of Moonlight Resonance



All winners of TVB 41st Anniversary Awards 2008! Congratulations!

Pic Credit: Tom.Com, Sohu.Com

No surprises at TVB 41st Anniversary Awards

The 41st TVB Anniversary Awards was held on Saturday Night. The night's biggest winners were Ha Yu and Michelle Yim who managed to snag the Best Actor and Best Actress Award respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Ha Yu said he has waited 40 years for this award. Ha Yu, who was almost in tears, said "I have waited for 40 years. I did a lot of movies and TV series. At last I have achieved what I have always wanted. I need to thank 'Uncle 6' (Sir Run Run Shaw). He has been my boss since I started my acting life." Ha Yu ended his speech with a line borrowed from Sa Yee in Moonlight Resonance - If you say I can make it, I will make it. If you say I can't, then I won't make it!

Michelle Yim said when she accepted the role of Hung Yee, she didn't expect that she would be the most hated woman in all Hong Kong in 2008! But that happened and that also won her the Best Actress Award. Almost in tears, Michelle thanked her boyfriend, Wan Chi Keung, her family and friends for their support. She also expressed her disbelief that she is competing for this award even at her age.

Wayne Lai, who walked the red carpet with Michelle Yim, won the Best Supporting Actor Award. Everyone cheered for Wayne when his name was announced. Wayne has been repeatedly nominated but has failed to win until Saturday night when fortunes were turned.

Tavia Yeung, a favourite of viewers for her role as Yuet in Moonlight Resonance, beat veteran Lee Heung Kam for the Best Supporting Actress Award. The first thing Tavia did when accepting her award was to acknowledge Lee Heung Kam and asked the audience to give her a round of applause.

Lee Si Kei, winner of Best Actress in 2007, won the Favourite Female Character award for her role as Hor Ma. Raymond Lam picked up the male version of the same award, Favourite Male Character, for his role as Goon Ga Zai. Raymond also picked up the TVB.Com award for having the most readers to his TVB Blog.

Paul Chun, a TVB veteran was honoured for his work. he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry. Paul joked that he was afraid that he would be asked to retire after being given this award. Paul stressed that he loves to act and acting is part and parcel of his life. He wishes to continue acting for another 10 years at least and said maybe by that time TVB could give him another award.

Source:

1. Ha Yu waited 40 years for his dream to come true - Mingpao with translations by dragon888@AsianVN.com
2. Paul Chun will not retire after winning his Achievement Award - Mingpao with translations by dragon888@AsianVN.com

TVB Anniversary Awards 2008: Red Carpet

Here are some Red Carpet pictures. My personal opinion: Best Dressed goes to Tavia. Absolutely classic!

Charmaine Sheh and Kevin Cheng


Fala Chen


Raymond Lam


Linda Chung


Michelle Yim and Wayne Lai


Lee Si Kei and Moses Chan


Nancy Wu


Christine Ng


Sonija Kwok


Shirley Yeung


Selena Li


Tavia Yeung

Pic Credit: Tom.Com, Sohu.Com

Susanna Kwan prepares for TVB Anniversary

Susanna Kwan, a strong contender for Best Actress Award at TVB's Anniversary this year, was seen in Central trying on dresses for the momentous night. After selecting the dress of her choice, Susanna proceeded to a jewellery store to choose matching accessories. Her chosen set of jewels reportedly worth HKD 30 million. Susanna joked that the 2 most important events are marriage and TVB's Anniversary, thus, she has to be most prepared for these 2 occasions.

Michelle Yim, also a nominee for Best Actress, will reportedly be wearing a bareback dress on the awards night. Susanna said it never crossed her mind to fight for the award with Michelle. For Susanna, dressing up beautifully for the night is a sign of respect towards TVB. She also complimented Michelle on her slim figure, saying Michelle looks nice regardless what style she chooses. Susanna said that Michelle is the hot favourite for the award, and she supports Michelle too. Susanna said she will be happy if she won, and will most likely be speechless!

Source: Mingpao with translation by mv_288 @ AsianFanatics.net

Ha Yu is confident, shares his take on Best Actress

Ha Yu's portrayal of Jo Bao in Moonlight Resonance has earned him praises from many viewers and netizens. Ha Yu is a nominee for the prestigious Best Actor Award along side his son in the same series, portrayed by Raymond Lam. Ha Yu maintained that he has the right amount of confidence, "Of course I would want to win, but there is no certainty. Seeing the netizens support me is just like half-winning to me already. But really, in this world there are many sudden changes. Last year, I was known to have one of the highest chances as well, but failed in the end. As for this year, it seems like my chances are higher. If I still lose, then it's not related to whether I did a good job or not, but related to the methods and qualifications of voting, and by that I would fee more relaxed. Disappointment is inevitable, but I still have to continue to live on, and continue acting." Ha Yu's online votes has managed to surpass even Raymond's who was the earlier front runner for the sought-after award!

Ha Yu revealed that it was more difficult to portray Jo Bao compared to playing Dai Bao from Heart of Greed. With Dai Bao, he has the chance to appear comical, whereas with Jo Bao, the character is more serious, who made mistakes and yet refuse to acknowledge them. This makes Ja Bao a deeper character if compared to Dai Bao.

Ha Yu also revealed that the success of Moonlight Resonance has indirectly increased the number of job offers he received. During this coming Christmas season, he and his fellow Moonlight Resonance co-stars - Lee Si Kei, Raymond Lam and Linda Chung will be in the United States and Canada for performances and other jobs.

Seeing that Ha Yu is highly rumoured to pick up the Best Actor Award, whom does he prefer to take the female version, the Best Actress Award. Ha Yu believes that all the ladies of Moonlight Resonance are equally capable. But considering Lee Si Kei picked up the award last year, then Ha Yu felt that Michelle Yim and Susanna Kwan deserve a chance at the awards. But if he has to choose between the two, then his choice would be Michelle Yim. In Ha Yu's opinion Michelle portrayed her evil role well even though she did not have many scenes.

Source: Mingpao with translations by mv_288 @ AsianFanatics.net

Myolie Wu, Raymond Lam win 2008 Shanghai Fashion Award

Myolie Wu and Raymond Lam each won the Most Fashionable Artiste Award at Shanghai Fashion Award 2008. Myolie said, "I feel very honoured, this is my first time attending the Fashion Award Event, so I'm very happy that I can win this award." Myolie added that to her fashion is important, but the style has to suit the one wearing the clothes, also comfort is important!

Raymond also explained his take on what is stylish this year, "This year’s fashion needs to follow the weather, because many of the autumn/winter styles are already released, but can only wear them recently. Because of the weather, it only gets cooler in November, December. But today we still don’t need to wear winter clothes. Winter provides many choices, because I don’t like the heat."

Myolie Wu and Raymond Lam walked the Red Carpet
at Shanghai Fashion Event

Aside from Myolie and Raymond, other TVB artiste who graced the event include Michelle Yim and Michael Miu. They obliged waiting fans with photographs and autographs opportunities.

Source: MyolieWu.org & Myolie's Forum & RaymondLam.org
Pix Credit: Sina