Ratings sliding for TVB broadcasted shows

Recently it was reported that TVB laid off some employees. Due to that unfortunate news, the general mood at TVB is gloomy. The ratings for TVB anniversary drama series When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West and The Gem of Life has been gradually sliding.

When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West which features top fa dan, Charmaine Sheh and TVB big sister, Liza Wang, dropped 1 point, averaging at 28 points while The Gem of Life dropped 2 points and also averaged at 28 points.

Source: Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

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

Anniversary Series lack oomph!

Last week is not a good week for TVB dramas, in general. It's latest grand production, The Gem of Life, fell 3 points for its ratings for the second week of airing, averaging at 28 points. It's other Anniversary Series, When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West (helmed by Liza Wang, Charmaine Sheh and Joe Ma) also failed to shine, averaging at 26 points.

Hopefully these 2 dramas will fare better in the coming weeks. I, personally have not watched When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West but I caught the first 8 episodes of The Gem of Life. Somehow there wasn't any engaging scenes/plot that is making me want more of the show. The first 8 episodes are just laying down the foundation for more things to come, like an introduction. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying the series, just not at a maddening pace. Maybe the plot is moving slowly and smoothly, after all there will be 82 episodes.

Have you been watching? Which anniversary drama do you prefer?

Source: Sina.com with original translation by aZnangel @ AsianEU

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?