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

The Comeback Clan

Cast:
Ha Yu as Tai Koo Tung
Kiki Sheung as Tsui Hei Hei
Natalie Tong as Tai Ying Lei
Sammul Chan as Yip Tsik Leung
Christine Ng as Lee Yung Chi
Benz Hui as Yip Mo Sing
Shirley Yeung
Pierre Ngo

Total Episodes: 20 episodes
Aired Dates: September 20 to October 15, 2010
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
Tai Koo Tung's restaurant is fast running out of capital as a result of the financial turmoil happening in Hong Kong. Yip Mo Sing is keen to acquire the restaurant's location. He even decides to invest in the restaurant without learning of the actual financial situation of the restaurant.

With the investment from Yip Mo Sing, the restaurant is able to temporarily stay afloat. Tai Koo Tung also uses this chance to improve the restaurant and works hard to invent new dishes and create a new menu. He learns that Tsui Hei Hei is a novice cook but has a signature friend rice with egg recipe to her name. She even has the appreciation from a Michelin food critic!

One day, Lee Yung Chi, a banker visits Tai Koo Tung's restaurant and claims that Tsui Hei Hei owes the bank some money. Hei Hei refutes that claim and ends up in a heated argument with Yung Chi. As a result of the heated argument, Hei Hei was injured and loses her memory!

Fearing that the restaurant's business will suffer should Hei Hei leaves, Tai Koo Tung decides to pretend that he is Hei Hei's elder brother. He also recruits Mo Sing to be Hei Hei's husband, while Yip Tsik Leung (a cello teacher) assumes the role of Hei Hei's son. Tsik Leung's girlfriend, Tai Ying Lei pretends to be Hei Hei's cousin.

Yung Chi was fired from the bank and she goes looking for Mo Sing and Tai Koo Tung. She insists that she is also a shareholder of the restaurant and wants to give the restaurant a makeover. All three owners of the restaurant want to make decisions but each of them have different ideas. A power struggle ensues.

Official Site
Previously known as The Comeback Family

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

Sammul Chan loves his tea

Sammul Chan has a passion for tea. Although tea drinking has been regarded as an interest which older men favour, Sammul has a keen interest in tea since he was a little chap. Sammul reveals that his passion for tea was influenced by his grandfather. He says, "When I was small, a group of cousins and I would go my grandfather's house to have dinner. My grandfather would then make us a cup of tea to drink. The more I drank, the more interest I gained. Then I spent time with my grandfather to learn about brewing tea. Brewing tea can help train your patience and stimulus of thought because brewing tea is a step by step process. This is my attitude towards life."

Sammul enjoys visiting tea specialty shops, browsing around for different types of teapots and tea. Sammul shares that whenever he travels abroad for work, he would buy teapots and give them as gifts. As for his beloved grandfather, Sammul usually buys him different types of tea leaves. Sammul told reporters that the most expensive teapot he has ever bought costs him more than HKD 1000.

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

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.

Cast of E.U. attends Police Recruitment Expo

TVB new series, E.U. started its run last week (February 16). In conjunction with the drama's run, the cast including Michael Miu, Kathy Chow, Elanne Kong, Sammul Chan, Leung Ka Kei and Michael Tse attended an Education and Careers Expo for police recruitment. The cast helped to hand out flyers.

Sammul Chan and Leung Ka Kei were the focus of the group. Both were injured earlier while promoting their new series. The reporters even go to the extend of telling Sammul that Ka Kei has feelings for him. This made Sammul blush like a tomato and he quickly walked away. Reporters continue to tease Sammul, saying that he should care for Ka Kei for her entire life as her injuries were sustained because of him. Sammul quickly clarify that bold statement, "Don't have to be that serious, she should have someone to take care of her for the rest of her life. But her injury was caused by me, I should apologize to her, I will boil some "pig brain" soup for her, she will boil fish maw soup for me."

Although there are still no official ratings yet for E.U., Michael thinks that the series has good discussion points and also praised the improved performance of Sammul and Ron Ng (since The Academy). Michael shares that many of his friends says that the series is good. This second sequel is also the most compact in the trilogy according to Michael. Michael then shares that he will be filming a new drama series in March with Maggie Cheung (Ho Yee).

Kathy Chow revealed that she tapes every episode so that she could enjoy later. After finishing the promo works for E.U. she will head to Shanghai to film a new series. Responding to comments that E.U. copies some movie scenes, Kathy explains, "It's about the same, cannot say that it's copied. The series has a movie feel to it. In TV series terms, it's quite a breakthrough. The series talks about Triads and selling pirated material. It could be said that there will be lots of discussions and controversial topics."

E.U. is Elanne Kong's virgin drama series. She explains that filming a series gives her a lot of stress. "When I go out, there are many people yelling out my character's name. Just two days ago, there was a little girl who called me 'Sister Piracy Girl' . There is a friend who said that my role is very rough, the first day of work, I had to yell at Ron. I NG-ed a lot!" Elanne explains further. Elanne shares that she is happy to be playing a rough girl's role and is looking forward to filming another series.

Source: Wenweipo, Mingpao, On.cc with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

E.U. Emergency Unit

Cast:
Michael Miu as Kong Sai Hau
Kathy Chow as Ching Yuk Sam
Ron Ng as Chung Lap Man
Sammul Chan as Lee Pak Kiu
Dominic Lam as Wu Cheuk Yan
Michael Tse as Leung Siu Tong
Elanne Kong as Kong Yau Yau

Total Episodes: 30 episodes
Aired Dates: February 16 to March 27, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Kong Sai Hau is released from prison in Taiwan. He intends to return to Hong Kong immediately to be reunited with his daughter, Yau Yau. Sai Hau wants to mend his broken relationship with Yau Yau. Sai Hau has a plan to revenge on the triad leader, Tin, who was the one who caused his incarceration in the first place. Sai Hau knows that in order to strengthen his influence in the gang, he also needs help from the police force and aims to draw two young policemen onto his side.

Lee Pak Kiu, who is attached to the Emergency Unit (E.U>) and Chung Lap Man from the Special Duty Squad are Sai Hau's targets. Pak Kiu is reluctant to mix with a gangster while Lap Man thinks that he can take advantage of his relationship with Sai Hau to combat crime. Lap Man eventually becomes close with Sai Hau but his closeness caused him his job. Lap Man was fired by the police force. Sai Hau takes Lap Man under his wings and Lap Man devotes himself entirely to the triads.

The triad leader, Tin, is always wary of Sai Hau and places his trusted follower, Siu Tong, to keep an eye on Sai Hau. Sai Hau retaliates by manipulating his relationship with Tin's wife, Yuk Sam to gain positions within the triads. Sai Hau eventually becomes the triad leader but the triad's illegal business keeps facing obstacles. Sai Hau then begins to question the loyalty of his triad members.

Note: E.U. is the third installment to "The Academy" Series. The first series is called The Academy (2005) while the second series is called On the First Beat (2007).

Sammul Chan and Koni Lui visit the Philippines

Sammul Chan and Koni Lui were in Manila to film a tourism documentary. They visited places such as Rizal Park, Manila Bay and Manila ocean Park. Sammul was most intrigued by the 400 year old San Agustin Church. "All the items inside are valuable, especially the antique book made of sheep skin, and I could actually touch the book," Sammul explained. Sammul and Koni toured over 10 scenic spots in Manila and filming took about 2 days.

At Manila Ocean Park, Sammul got to see the world's biggest freshwater fish but lamented that he could not take photos as the place was too dark.

This trip to Manila was Sammul's virgin trip to the Philippines. He had initially planned to extend his trip so that he could enjoy sun-tanning at this tropical country. Unfortunately, it is now rainy season and the weather is mostly cloudy. Sammul lament, "I can’t go to Thailand recently, at first I thought that Philippines is a tropical country, thus I can enjoy sun-tanning, but it turned out that it was the rainy season, and the sky was cloudy every day, I was really pissed!"

Source: The Sun / Oriental Daily with translations by Firesheepy @ AsianFanatics.net

Bernice Liu trilled to be speaking in English

Bernice Liu's big Hollywood break is finally here. She is currently filming opposite Maggie Q in The King of Fighters. Her stint in Hollywood spans about 3 months.

Bernice took a break from filming and appeared at an event for P&G with Sammul Chan and Mandy Lieu. Bernice expressed her joy of being able to film in English. "This time is the first time since I entered the industry that I will be speaking English lines, I'm really happy!" Bernice said.

Bernice's contract with TVB still has a long way to go although she expressed her concern for those retrenched. Bernice was also questioned if TVB favoured her, sending her to film in Hollywood when they are facing uncertainties. Bernice clarified that every artiste has different roles to play and contribute differently to the company.

Source: wenweipo with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

The Four: Ratings affected by the Asian Financial Crisis?

The lead actors from The Four recently attended the promotional function for the series. The ratings have been average, achieving 28 points last week. Raymond Lam, who played Mo Ching, thinks that the ratings are affected by the fall of the Asian Stock Markets.

The cast were not disappointed with the ratings with Raymond mentioning that the ratings 'pretty good' as it is in the 8.30 time slot. Raymond theorise that no one is in the mood to watch TVB series after the collapse of the share market as the series is watched by many other overseas subscribers besides HK residents.

During the promotional event, Selena Li was crowned the Limbo Rock champion. When she was going under the bar, Ron Ng and Sammul Chan fooled around and caused the bamboo stick to drop and fall onto Selena's head. Selena said, "It was actually painful-lah, Ron and Sammul are really playful, luckily no one was injured."

Source: Oriental Daily
Original Translation: Sammyy @ AsianFanatics

On the First Beat

On the First Beat is the direct sequel to The Academy. On the First Beat continues with the story of Chung Lap Man and Lee Pak Kiu after they graduated from the Police Academy.

Cast:
Ron Ng as Chung Lap Man
Sammul Chan as Lee Pak Kiu
Michael Tao as Cheung King Fung
Sonija Kwok as Yuen Wai Nei (Winnie)
Joey Yung as Cheung Nim Yan
Florence Kwok as Tong Jing Nga
Chin Ka Lok as Ken Kuk
Kate Tsui as Man Jing

Guest Cast:
Tavia Yeung as Ho Fa
Fiona Sit as Ma Oi Lam
Michael Miu as Lee Man Sing
Michelle Yim as Chan Yin Ting
Matthew Ko as Lo Yan Chak
Salena Li as Yip Ling Fung

Total Episodes: 30
Aired Dates: September 30, 2008. Mondays to Fridays 9.30pm
Channel: Wah Lai Toi, Astro 311

Synopsis:
After undergoing months of intensive training at the Police Academy, Man and Pak Kiu are now Police Constables. During a police operation, Pak Kiu's girlfriend, Oi Lam was killed. Pak Kiu has troubles accepting his tragic loss. At the same time, his friendship with Man suffered and they had a falling out.

Leading the troop this time is newly appointed Sergeant, Cheung Kin Fung. Kin Fung goes a long way back with Pak Kiu's father, Man Sing and Ken Kuk.

Join these tight-group of police officers as they embark on a journey that test their mental and physical strength. Can they combat crimes and deal with their personal conflict at the same time? Watch and find out!

The Four: Opening Theme

Here's the opening theme for The Four, which was sung by the four main leads - Raymond Lam, Kenneth Ma, Sammul Chan and Ron Ng. This series is adapted from Wen Ruian's popular martial arts novel.

The Four

Cast:
Raymond Lam as Mo Ching (Heartless)
Kenneth Ma as Tit Sau (Iron-fist)
Sammul Chan as Zhui Ming (Life-Chaser)
Ron Ng as Lang Huet (Cold-blooded)
Kate Tsui as Sung Zhi Yan
Selena Li as Lam Yuk Fei
Krystal Tin
Dominic Lam
Cilla Kung

Total episodes: 25 episodes
Aired Dates: September 22 to October 24, 2008
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
Heartless and smart Mo Ching was a crippled since he was a baby. Luckily, Chu Kot Ching Ngo, the Head of Sheriff Bureau saved him and thought him exceptional skills of using concealed weapons. Emperor Sung was grateful to Chu Kot as he had helped the Emperor to repossesses an important relic that was lost. To reward Chu Kot, the Emperor decided to reopen the Sheriff Bureau. Chu Kot recruited four constables to work with him in the bureau. They are Mo Ching, Zhui Ming (a cunning conman), Tit Sau (an honest and kind man) and Lang Huet (an aloof yet agile but cold-blooded man). They are collectively called "The Four".

Under the leadership and guidance of Chu Kot, the Sheriff Bureau has solved many difficult cases. After experiencing the trials and tribulations with the other 3 constables, Mo Ching has learnt to be more humble and less arrogant. he soon develop feelings for Sung Zhi Yan, a physician. However, Zhi Yan manipulate Mo Ching's affections and seize this opportunity to break up the team. Zhi Yan intentionally create a rift between Mo Ching and Tit Sau.

Chu Kot himself is also stuck in a precarious position, trying to expose the rebellion of Wong Chiu Cheong and Choi Ging, risking his life and driving himself away from The Four.