[Pictures from Sing Pao, Oriental Daily, The Sun & Ta Kung Pao]
[Article from Sing Pao & Ta Kung Pao]

To tie in with Valentines Day, the cast of "Armed Reaction IV" were promoting in Tsimshatsui yesterday handing out flowers and chocolates to the audience and attracting quite a crowd. During the show, Ada Choi, Frankie Lam, Yoyo Mung and Raymond Cho took part in a kissing competition and with a piece of plastic between them, they competed to see who could make the most kiss marks. During the fun, Ada and Frankie kissed each other on the cheek a couple of times, whereas Yoyo kissed Raymond on the lips. During the demostration of marriage proposal, groom-to-be Frankie Lam was bowing on the ground and seeming very serious.

When Frankie was asked if he proposed to Kenix in this way, he laughed: "Who proposes like that? You would only do that if you had done something wrong. I don't feel that kneeling is demeaning because when we are filming, we often have to kneel until our knees are sore." Talking of some magazines digging out his past rumours with Ada, Frankie explains that he was only having noodles with Ada and in general the magazines have little integrity so this will not affect him. As for whether he will be working hard on 'making babies' after his marriage, he smiles: "Kenix has a series to film in April, I can't really make her pregnant!"

Ada spent her Valentines Day with her dogs and her computer. Did she receive any flowers? She says: "The prop lady gave me some prop flowers and some friends gave me some flowers as well, so I wasn't so embarrassed. I did ask my uncle to get me some flowers, but I didn't see him when I woke up. My aunt was even worse, she gave me a cauliflower. I like Valentines Day the best because everyone else has a lover, but I don't so this means I still have a choice. Dating is down to fate and even if I am dating I would not reveal it because in the past when I have done so, it left me with little freedom." Talking of the rumours with Frankie, Ada says that there is no way they can get together and as for her other rumours about Zhang Jin, she says: "Rumours are just rumours!"

Yoyo Mung revealed that she has had an argument with her boyfriend over a lost parking permit as every year they would go for a meal in the same restaurant and he asked her again if she wanted to go again this year. Yoyo says: "I said I didn't want to go because I was very angry and told him to spend Valentines day with his friends. I then arranged to go out with a group of single girl friends, but then he sent me a message to ask if I would meet him. I carried on playing it cool and even said to him if he wanted to see me on Valentines Day he would have to come out with all my friends, in the end, that is what he has agreed." Yoyo says her strong attitude has softened her boyfriend, but she does not use this to her advantage as she did prepare a wallet as a present for him. When asked if she had received any flowers, she says: "I don't really like receiving flowers because they are expensive and die easily so it is a waste. I don't know if he will be giving me flowers."

http://www.singpao.com/20040215/gossip/514812.html
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-15/UL-228562.htm
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-15/UL-228564.htm
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a10cnt.html
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040215/20040215001925_0003.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

Akina Hong flew to America yesterday on Valentines Day to attend her friend's wedding and she hopes to be able to find a real lover over there. After attending the "Armed Reaction IV" promotion, Akina headed out to the States in the evening for the wedding. As she is still without a boyfriend, she has already asked her friend to arrange a few Prince Charmings for her so that she has a chance of finding 'the one'. When asked why she was going so far away to look for love, Akina says that she has better feelings for men from other places and goes on to say that men in Hong Kong are not valiant, courageous or witty enough, laughing that 'the moon is rounder overseas'. She is putting some pressure on her friend because she is pinning her hopes on this opportunity.

Earlier Akina was booked for talking on her mobile phone whilst driving, but she did not receive her summons and did not appear in court. When the courts advised her that she could either report the incident or appear in court, she asked for advice from her lawyer friends and they said that admitting the offence was the more sensible choice. She is currently awaiting the summons for her court appearance.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-15/UL-228561.htm



[Oriental Daily]

Ron Ng was acting as 'flower boy' for a restaurant yesterday and handing out flowers to passers-by in Causeway Bay. As a result, the 'schoolgirl killer' became a 'housewife killer' and attracted the attentions of many ladies eager to have a photo taken with him. The funniest incident was when a housewife kept 'jabbing' him in the back to ask him for the photo and making him laugh until he was faint.

Handing out flowers in a busy street for the first time, Ron was very worried that he would be embarrassed if no-one wanted them. He also adds that when he was in high school, he did send flowers to his girlfriend at the time and laughs: "Just one, not a bunch of them costing a few thousand dollars, I didn't have that much money!" His girlfriend gave him a music box in return. He also reveals that since splitting up in '99, he has not dated since and this is the fifth Valentines Day without a date and so he will be working through the night on his new series "Destinies of the Western Chamber". He doesn't mind working through the festival because he can treat Kiki Sheung and Ha Ping as his dates."

As for ther rumours that he has a live-in girlfriend from outside the industry and also the links with Tavia Yeung, Leila Tong and Nancy Wu, Ron says: "They are all rumours. If they were to be, then it would have happened a long time ago. We are all just good friends."

http://hk.news.yahoo.com/040214/10/x4nm.html



[Pictures from Sing Pao, Oriental Daily & The Sun]
[Article from Sing Pao]

At yesterday's "Tai Po Super City Valentines Party" promotion, Shirley Yeung, Stephanie Wang and Eva wong (Sum Yu) were the guest stars and joined in some party games with eighteen pairs of lovers. Although Shirley was working on Valentines Day, her boyfriend Gregory Lee was showing his love by acting as chauffeur for her. However, she seemed a little embarrassed as she judged the kissing competition, blushing all over.

Shirley Yeung started work at 5am yesterday before being driven by boyfriend Gregory to the event. When asked how they will be celebrating, she says that they will be going for dinner and she does not yet know if there will be any surprised. She says that she will be receiving the present in the evening and the most important thing is the thought, not the value. What will she be giving her boyfriend? Shirley just says: "Give us some space, it wasn't handmade, but it is a thoughtful present." She reveals that this is their second Valentines Day together and normally it is the first one that leaves the biggest impression, but as they both had to work last year, they did not have time to spend with each other despite being in neighbouring studios. At yesterday's event, there was a contest for the longest kiss and Shirley admitted that she daren't take part because she is not brave enough. She was blushing a lot when she judged the kissing contest and seemed very embarrassed, saying; "Usually I daren't look when I see people kissing on the MTR, but I find it quite sweet."

Stephanie Wang indicates that she will be spending Valentines Day with a big group of friends and with earlier rumours linking her with Bosco Wong, will he be there? She says: "I don't know, he is not my boyfriend, but I just admire him." She admits that he does fulfil her criteria for choosing a partner. Talking of memorable Valentines Days, she reveals that a few years ago, she went for a buffet meal with her boyfriend and he gave her a few hundred roses, whereas she made some chocolate cake for him. As for TVB's 'One show policy', this does not affect Stephanie because she is on a monthly salary and her father has already retired to Canada, so this does not affect him either.

Eva Wong praises her boyfriend for his thoughtfulness as he has already booked tables in several restaurants to give her a choice of venue. She received 21 roses because every night when she talks to her boyfriend on the phone, he will kiss her 21 times. As well as flowers, she also received chocolates and a diamond ring, pointing out that in accepting the diamond ring, she has also accepted him. She has given him a big box with a handmade Valentines card, chocolate and a belt.

http://www.singpao.com/20040215/gossip/514775.html
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a06cnt.html
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040215/20040215002319_0003.html



[Oriental Daily]

Yesterday, Flora Chan attended the premiere of the new movie "Cold Mountain" and a group of her fans rushed over to her to give her flowers and wish her a Happy Valentine's Day in advance. She reveals her plans on Valentine's Day are to have dinner with some friends. Asked if there will be any men at the dinner, Flora answers with a smile, "For now, no one has dared to pursue me, but I do feel that someone wants to, of course, at the moment we are just good friends and I treasure this friendship. "

Not having spent Valentine's Day with a lover for 4 years, she feels that it is most important to be happy. She indicates that if she is really dating in the future, she will reveal it openly and definitely will not keep it to herself. Speaking frankly, she says that her fans also care about her affections, hoping she will find a boyfriend soon!

[Em: Thanks to Bernie for translating this article!]

http://www.takungpao.com/news/images/20040215-ul-22.jpg
http://hk.news.yahoo.com/040214/10/x4np.html

[Ta Kung Pao, Oriental Daily & The Sun]

When Julian Cheung and Gigi Lai were working together earlier on a movie, they stirred up rumours that sparked up Anita Yuen's jealousy and resulted in her watching over him as he filmed. As Julian and Gigi work together again appearing at the blessing ceremony for their new series "Water Margin Infernal Affairs", they both deny the Anita incident in the past as Gigi says: "From what I know nothing like this happened and it was a pointless report."

Working together with Julian again, is Gigi worried that they might spark some real chemistry? She says: "Beauties do not take what another loves." Spending Valentines Day filming with Julian, is she worried that Anita will come and watch over them? She says calmly: "It's nothing to do with it, I will just do my work." She also laughs: "But I have already prepared some candles to have a candle-lit dinner with Julian."

Gigi admits that she would like to receive flowers on Valentines Day and would like to have a surprise, but she has become more mature now and feels that flowers are an extravagance and receiving them on Valentines is not important any more.

In response to the 'surveillance' from Anita, Julian emphasises: "Nothing like this happened and if it did I have forgotten it." Afterwards, he praises Gigi for being a good partner and great fun and when asked if he was worried about Anita being jealous at them working again, he says: "Anita is not a very jealous person, so I am not worried." This year's Valentines Day will be spent working and Julian understands that as an artiste, you have no festivals. When asked what present he has bought Anita, he says: "I will not give her flowers, but give her something more everlasting."

Matt Yeung was absent from yesterday's event due to injury and producer Siu Hin Fai says: "He is on sick leave, but he is not seriously injured, just his face is a little swollen and the doctor has signed him off for ten days. I have spoken to him on the phone and his voice is full of life." As for the reports that Matt was the scapegoat for Bosco Wong, Bosco made a statement through his manager saying: "Bosco was at the Karaoke bar, but before the incident, he had already left and he had fun with his friends and didn't know of any incident, so he feels the reports are unfounded."

Also, when Halina Tam was asked to respond on news that her ex-boyfriend Sunny is now dating Law Ming Chu, she laughs: "I feel I should congratulate them when I read the reports, but I also sympathise with them because they have been photographed doing normal socialising. So even if I date someone from outside the industry, I will not say anything. (Do you feel jealous that your ex-boyfriend is dating again?) Of course not, we split up about three years ago and we are just friends now, meeting up from time to time."

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-14/UL-228236.htm
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040214/20040214004332_0003.html
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a08cnt.html



As today is Valentines Day and as this is a good year for marriages in the Chinese calendar, many couples are fighting to get married this year and as a special souvenir, there are bids on the internet for the car registration number "HK 2004". Among the bidders is someone by the name of Patrick Tang King Wang, who has bid from a few tens of thousands of dollars to $100,000 and raising suspicions that he has the intention of marrying girlfriend Marsha Yuen this year?

Appearing with Patrick in a wedding gown advertisement, Rain Li has a different path in love to Patrick. Her longest rumour is with Raymond Lam, but during the shoot, she openly revealed: "The rumours between me and Raymond are not true! I am not dating at the moment as I am only twenty years old this year and I want to concentrate on my work."

As for Patrick who was photographed nose to nose with Marsha three years ago on Valentines Day, he was wearing a white suit and called out loudly and excitedly: "I am getting married!" and then when he saw Rain in her gown, he praised her saying: "Wow! You are quite pretty! (then calling out excitedly) I am getting married!"

When Patrick was quizzed about the wedding car number plate and whether this was an indication of his intentions to wed Marsha, he laughed out loud and said: "How would I? My new album was released yesterday (quick plug) called 'Moving In', so how can I get married so soon? However, that name is the same as that on my ID, that is some coincidence." Later Patrick contacted the winner of the number plate to borrow it for the shoot.

Afterwards, Patrick made a sincere promise to Marsha in front of the reporters: "In my heart, Marsha Yuen is the one to be my wife and if I am lucky enough to hold my third concert, then maybe I will propose to her on the stage." He adds: "I truly treasure our love and I still keep the paper with our photo in from three years ago as a momento."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a10cnt.html

[Pictures from The Sun, Oriental Daily, Sing Pao & Ta Kung Pao]
[Report from Sing Pao]

Having recently signed a wedding gown sponsorship deal worth a staggering seven figure sum, Kenix Kwok and Frankie Lam took part in a photoshoot yesterday, wearing over ten different sets of outfits. The gowns for their wedding day on 10th March will also be sponsored by the studios, but are currently still being finished and have not yet been revealed.

Wearing many different suits in his shows, Frankie says that this is the most real experience yet, making him very happy and the feeling is indescribable. He says: "Usually I rarely look in the mirror, but wearing this suit today, I couldn't help but keep looking." Saying this, Frankie was smiling from the heart, probably because he is thinking about his own wedding day. People usually get more and more nervous the nearer they get to their wedding day, but Frankie says he has not started feeling this yet.

The reception will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel Hong Kong and the number of tables is yet to be decided but will inevitably be over forty tables. Although the venue has been sponsored, Frankie says that so much of his wedding is being sponsored such as the wedding cake and Kenix's jewellery, their wedding day is their event after all, so they are insisting that they will pay for the banquet themselves. As the couple have many friends inside and outside of showbiz, they have decided to have ten 'brothers' and ten 'sisters', the best man is from outside showbiz and Kenix's cousin will be her bridesmaid. The honeymoon destination is yet to be decided as this will depend on their time arrangements, but they will look into this and try to go somewhere they have never been before.

When Kenix heard about Frankie's feelings about wearing the wedding outfit, she laughed: "I have probably worn wedding dresses more than he has worn wedding suits!" As a result she seemed a lot more relaxed and the ten designs of dresses she wore included many designs such as backless and low cut, but they will probably be shooting into the early hours of the morning. For this special shoot, the studios closed for the day to make this set of advertisements.

As they are both busy preparing for the wedding, Frankie and Kenix have no special plans for Valentines Day, but Kenix has bought a present. She says: "This is our ninth Valentines Day and we have usually had to work in the past, but we have a tradition to buy each other a present."

It would seem that it is easy for artistes to make money, gaining sponsorship deals for getting married and having kids, but Kenix says: "I haven't thought about having children for the time being, I am still very active and still have a passion for my career."

Frankie's filming for "Virtues of Harmony" has been temprorarily suspended for his wedding preparations and his co-star Bernice Liu has headed out to Kuala Lumpur to rest after developing an ulcer in her throat. Frankie was unaware of this and says: "I didn't hear her speak about it before and she seemed okay. This is good, at least she will get some rest and hopefully get better soon."

http://www.singpao.com/20040214/gossip/514377.html
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-14/UL-228237.htm
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040214/20040214003756_0003.html
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a07cnt.html



[Sing Pao]

After his press conference detailing his departure from TVB, Leung Si Ho has attracted much attention and after a comment from chat show DJ Cha Siu Yan saying she didn't understand why Si Ho was so bothered about this job, Si Ho responded saying: "If someone dies it is her business. If someone is sacked it is her business. Why doesn't she take time out to keep an eye on her husband?"

Returning to RTHK to host his own show yesterday, Si Ho attracted a number of reporters and jested: "Have TVB given me my job back?". When asked if he was worried about being blacklisted by TVB after venting his feelings at the press conference, he said: "Since the day of the press conference, TVB has stopped sending out termination letters to staff, so I am glad I have helped some of the backstage crew."

In her own radio chat show, Cha Siu Yan said: "I don't understand why Si Ho is so bothered by the job, it isn't $30 million, but just $3000... if TVB sacked 70 people, would they all hold a press conference? Si Ho should be happy that he is not being tied down by TVB." To this, Si Ho responds: "I came from TVB and I talk about feelings, maybe she has never had a long term job! I earned $3000 per show, but last year I did 30 shows!" To Cha's words, Si Ho feels: "It is not just about me, it is about everyone who is being dismissed at TVB and every worker in Hong Kong who is losing their job. She seems to think of herself as a people's hero, I really don't understand why people dying concern her, people being sacked concern her, why doesn't she take the time to go and keep an eye on her husband instead." (Cha Siu Yan's husband was once photographed in a nightclub.)

Si Ho has had a lot of calls recently from friends including some current TVB employees, but he daren't reveal their names in case it affects them. Lee Si Kei has indicated that this is symbolic of TVB moving in the wrong direction because progressive companies should be hiring people and not firing them, but Si Ho still feels that the company has its own policies. When asked if he has the intention to jump to another TV station, he says that a lot of the paid channels have asked him to join and says: "For those who decide not to sign me then ridicule me even further, they will find the tables turned in the future." Talking of a protest currently being arranged by the TVB workers union next week by wearing black to work, Si Ho supports them and he will be wearing black when he returns to TVB City to hand in his ID.

http://www.singpao.com/20040214/gossip/514393.html



[Oriental Daily]

Sammul Chan was a guest at a motor show yesterday and was passing out red roses printed with his name to female show goers and stealing the hearts of many ladies. However, when Sammul was asked if he has a date for Valentines Day, he immediately replied enviously: "I have to work on Valentines Day this year, so I will be on my own. However, even when I was dating before, I have never spent Valentines Day with a Valentine. (Do you want to start dating now?) Sometimes I do, but luckily these past few years I have had work to do so I don't need to think too much. (Have you been asked out on dates by girls?) Yes, but I will not accept invitations at will to avoid misunderstandings." Also, Sammul is currently attracted to a lady from outside the showbiz industry, but he has not mustered up enough courage to tell her how he feels yet.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a18cnt.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

Nnadia Chan's first book on beauty magic's first print of 3000 copies sold out in the space of just over a month, but due to the new year, the second print has been delayed. As a result the second print will be released on Valentines Day and will be another 3000 copies. Nnadia says: "This book has been very memorable for me, the first print was released on 1st January and the second was released on 14th February. I hope that the third print will be issued at Easter 12th April."

Nnadia adds that on Valentines Day in the past, she has received two sets of flowers from a secret admirer and this makes her very happy, but would like to know who they are from. However, this year's Valentines Day will be even happier for her because of her book print and this is an even better present for her.

Since the launch of her beauty book, Nnadia's website has been flooded with emails sharing beauty tips and asking her for help on beauty matters. Nnadia says: "This is why we are running a second print and I have made an addition to it with the most frequently asked questions to share with readers."

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-14/UL-228234.htm

[Extract from Oriental Daily]

Kelly Chen and Joe Ma will be working together again on a TVB Music Special, but there have been reports earlier that Joe has been playing up to Kelly, but met with a frosty reception. Yesterday at the press conference, Kelly denied this saying: "There was no such thing. (Did you turn him away?) No, I take a lot of notice of him, why else would I be appearing at so many events with him despite working through the night? I have taken four days out to make this special, but he has forced it all into two. When I hear him talk about the schedules he has for filming series, I am scared. It really is hard work, so don't ask me to make TV Series!"

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a15cnt.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

Joe Ma, Jessica Hsuan, Kong Chi Nei and Shek Sau appeared on a radio programme to promote their new series "Lady Fan" yesterday. When Joe was asked if he felt pressure on his first leading male role, he says that this show was a low budget simple production, so he will not worry about the ratings. He has recently been filming for new show "Family of Five" and his wife is working overseas so he will not be able to spend it with her this year. When asked if he will be sending a gift across the seas, he laughs that he and his wife have a good relationship and do not need to give presents just for this occasion.

Talking of the recent cutbacks at TVB and the changes in policies, Joe replied carefully that he feels being an artiste is about doing your own job and not worrying too much about other things. Has he had a pay cut from the company? Joe says that he still has another year's contract with the company, so they have not yet discussed the matter of salary reduction. In response to the cutbacks, Kong Chi Nei says that she has moved to the drama team and although her workload is not as high as being a host, her salary has increased since starting to film dramas.

Jessica has also been filming for "Family of Five" and has been extremely busy. With her being so busy, how will she be spending Valentines Day? Jessica says she has to work on that day to film an advertisement for a skincare product. The reporters ask whether her boyfriend will be unhappy that she cannot be with him, but she laughs that he will not sulk and she has not even bought a present yet because she has no time. Jessica feels that for two people to get on, the most important thing is to be happy.

In the new show, Jessica will be playing Fan Lei Fa and she indicates that this show was filmed like a cartoon so the concept is quite fresh and she feels no pressure from ratings. With her repeat ad for the skincare sponsor, has she upped her fee? Jessica says that with the decoration work on her new home, the money has already been spent on her house. When asked if she has raised security on her house after her unwanted visitors, she says that there is no need as there are six dogs at her home and this makes it quite safe. When joked about having her boyfriend there would be even safer, Jessica refused to comment and just laughed instead.

Shek Sau has been married for many years and they have had an understanding for each other a long time ago, so there is no need to give flowers on Valentines Day. He laughs that this day is for the youngsters. When asked how his son Sam will be spending Valentines Day, Shek says indicated that his son has many female friends, but no girlfriend. As his son has come back from abroad, then often young people kissing and hugging is nothing unusual and this does not mean they are dating. When reporters suggest that someone was earlier referring to him as 'father-in-law', he says he does not mind people referring to him like this because he is an open-minded guy and he feels that rumours are not important, the most important thing is being aware of what you are doing.

[Em: Nice to hear some words of wisdom around for a change.]

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-12/UL-227493.htm
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-12/UL-227496.htm



[Ta Kung Pao]

Having shown a great interest in Chinese History, Steven Ma was invited by RTHK's Educational Programme Unit to appear in a series profiling Chinese historical figures. This show is aimed at primary school students and covers the lives of four characters from China's history books, including Xiang Yu, Emperor Tang Taizhong, Lin Zexu and Lu Xun. Steven will be playing the part of Lu Xun.

Taking part in Educational TV for the first time, Steven was very excited and said: "Lu Xun is a great patriotic literary hero in recent history and to be able to play him makes me very happy. Also as this is an educational show, there is a great meaning to it all that cannot be weighed up with money." The series will be aired from April.

Reports indicate that the ETV team asked Steven to play the part because they felt that his appearance and manner was very resemblant of Lu and when the photographs of his character were released, it caused some gasps from the educational inspectorate. Steven laughs: "At the new year, I had a flat top haircut and originally it was for convenience, but I never thought that this would cause the inspectors to think that I looked like Lu Xun, even without the make-up."

Steven will be playing Lu in his youth during his time studying in Japan and for realism, the director built a classroom set in a Japanese Shinto temple and borrowed an antique 8mm projector for the setting. The titles will show an older image of Lu and Steven will have to add a moustache. When he tried on the make up, everyone immediately called out how good it looked so this then became the image they used. With his recent interest in Chinese history, Steven admits that he has gained so much from this show, because he has been able to live the patriotism and spirit of Lu Xun and this has inspired him to learn more in his spare time.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-13/UL-227839.htm

[The Sun]

For everything, the first time is usually a happy occasion such as Anne Heung spending her first Valentines Day with her boyfriend, leaving her in high spirits. However, when she was asked how her preparations were coming along yesterday, she complained that she has been working every day and has not had time to go and buy him a present, so she can only guess what he has bought her. Anne also says that she doesn't like to receive flowers because she hopes to receive something more long lasting! [Em's note: Diamonds maybe?!]

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040213/20040213005046_0003.html



[The Sun]

Not having made an appearance for a while, Bernice Liu has developed a very husky voice after suffering from a bad cold since last year and not able to recover despite seeking help from various doctors. It has been confirmed that she has an ulcer in her throat and she may need to have an operation to remove it. Accompanied by her mother yesterday, Bernice left for foreign shores to recover whilst her 'good friend' Hawick Lau stayed in Hong Kong to search for a doctor for her.

Bernice appeared at the airport yesterday morning around 8am, accompanied by her mother and two relatives. Hawick was not to be seen. Not wearing any make up and although disguising herself with a hat and sunglasses, she still appeared to have a rather swollen face. As the doctor has instructed her not to speak too much, so as not to affect her condition, a lot of questions were answered on her behalf by her mother.

It turns out that Bernice had flu towards the end of last year and then this turned into a chest infection. At the time she was still working on filming for "Virtues of Harmony" and although she was seeing the doctor, the condition seemed to get worse. She said with a very hoarse voice: "My mom, dad and Hawick have been all around looking for a doctor to treat me, at first I was afraid it was SARS, but after an X-ray and even trying Chinese medicine, I was still coughing non-stop and then my voice started going hoarse. Recently I have been to an Ear Nose Throat specialist, when I found out that there was an ulcer in my throat."

The doctors have told Bernice that she could lose her voice at any time and must keep to her medication. If the situation worsens, then she will have to have an operation to remove the ulcer. As the side effects of the drugs include bloatedness, it makes Bernice look like she has put on some weight. She says with a worried expression: "Of course the best thing would be not to have an operation, so whilst I am not working and my auntie has to go to work in Kuala Lumpur, my mom and I have decided to go there for some rest in the hope that the warmer weather will make me get better soon."

When asked why 'good friend' Hawick was not there, she immediately smiled and said: "He says he is helping me find a doctor, he is busy so my dad brought us here instead."

[Em: Get well soon Bernice!!]

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040213/20040213004001_0003.html



[The Sun & Oriental Daily]

After finishing filming with Wong He earlier, Matt Yeung headed out to a karaoke bar with some friends, but whilst he was there, he was beaten by a group of over ten men and an injury by glass to his arm required three stitches. Before work on that day, Wong He had also had a car accident, but luckily he escaped unharmed despite his car being destroyed.

Matt was filming for "Water Margin Infernal Affairs" before he arranged to meet a few friends from his TVB acting class at a Tsimshatsui bar. As they had fun until around 6am, a group of over ten built men rushed into their room and without a word started hitting Matt and his friends. In the chaos, Matt was cut with glass and also suffered cuts to his face. His friend Wong Chun San was also hit with a glass on his head and sustained injuries. After the incident, the gang immediately ran away.

When the police arrived at the scene, Wong Chun San was taken to hospital for treatment and Matt and his other friends were taken to a police station to give a statement. As Matt had a severe cut to his arm, he was also taken to hospital for treatment later. When ex-girlfriend Sharon Chan heard the news, she immediately went to the hospital to visit him and later assisted in making claims against the insurance company. She said: "Although he is my ex-boyfriend, I am still very worried about him and his insurance company was bought from my mother, so I have a personal and professional duty to help him. (Could he have been beaten because of a grudge?) No, because when we were together, I felt that he was a lovable person who rarely argued with anyone and he is a very easy-going guy." Matt was discharged yesterday to rest at home. Reports indicate that on that evening, the attackers had recognised Matt as an artiste and tried on many occasions to invite him to join them drinking and singing, but he refused and caused some discontentment as the two groups exchanged angry words.

Yesterday, Matt said on a telephone interview: "After work, I had met some of my old classmates from the acting school, but towards the end of the night, a group of men suddenly barged in and didn't say anything before they started hitting us. I have some scratches on my head and had to haev three stitches in my arm. (There are reports that you upset these men in the bar?) No, I did not say anything to anyone and no-one asked me to join them. I still don't know why we were attacked. (Will you go there again?) I will cut down on these activities. (Have you contacted TVB?) Yes, they have told me to rest for a couple of days."

Another version of the story involves fellow actor Bosco Wong, suggesting that he was also at the incident and there was an incident between him and some people that Matt may have interfered with. When Matt was asked about this, he said: "Bosco was in the next room, but I don't know if he had any rows with anyone. If we got beaten because of this, then it would be very innocent." Matt admits he was very afraid, but the matter is now in the hands of the police and he feels that the security cameras will have records of the incident and it should not be difficult to find out the truth. He is not severely injured and their losses amount to a few hundred dollars, with the snatching of one of the girls' handbags. Until the time of going to print, Bosco Wong has not been available for comment.

Also, Wong He suffered a traffic accident on the way to work that evening, but he continued with his filming and afterwards, his management company stated: "Ah He is fine, it was just a small accident."

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040213/20040213003542_0003.html
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a08cnt.html



Who is Matt Yeung?

Matt Yeung Ming's original name was Lam Ming Lok and he started his career as a model, later joining the 13th Actor Training Class at TVB and entering the entertainment industry. In 2000, he represented Hong Kong to enter the 'Mr World' competition in Edinburgh, UK but came away empty handed. He has taken part in TVB series such as "Screen Play" where he played Nic Tse and also "The W Files", "A Matter of Customs", "Aqua Heroes" and "Law Enforcers II". Matt dated "Focus on Focus" presenter Sharon Chan for three years before they announced their split in January of this year.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a10cnt.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

The fourth quarter results for "2003 Television Shows Enjoyment Index" have been released and the top ten shows in order are: "Outstanding Chinese People Series" (RTHK), "The Monday Files" (TVB), "News Magazine" (TVB), "Police Call" (RTHK), "Cable News" (Cable), "Triumph in the Skies" (TVB), "Review of the Year 2003" (TVB), "Hong Kong Connection" (RTHK), "Gamblers Lost at Sea" (RTHK) and "News, Finance and Weather Roundup" (TVB).

The unusual appearance in the survey showed that entertainment shows have seen a rise in the index as the factual and current affairs programmes stayed level. In the top twenty shows, five were of an entertainment nature, among them TVB's "Triumph in the Skies" broke into the top ten, ranking sixth and breaking the trends for a long time.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-12/UL-227490.htm

[Oriental Daily, Sing Pao & The Sun]

Cutbacks at TVB have stepped up a level as Assistant Managing Director Chan Chi Wan has announced redundancies for around thirty staff, including some artistes, whilst others have been offered 'One Show a Year' contracts and other long serving artistes have not had their contracts renewed when they expire. Faced with no renewal from TVB, variety show veteran Leung Si Ho held a press conference yesterday and accused TVB of being heartless, leaving him pain and disappointment.

Leung Si Ho held the press conference because he wanted to vent his frustration at the situation and at the event, he indicated angrily that he knew nothing of being let go from TVB beforehand and when he called the Artiste Management Assistant Director Lok Yik Ling, he received the response that this was a decision made by the company that felt that Leung was still 'in demand' outside and therefore he was chosen as one of the artistes that they would not be signing again. So Ho feels that this is a show of the coldness of life.

Having worked for eleven years on and off in the variety shows section of TVB, Si Ho's last dressing up job was at this year's Chinese New Year show where he played 'Longevity' to wish Sir Run Run Shaw a happy new year. However, it turned out that the decision to let him go had already been made at the time and he says with great regret and a big sigh: "It turns out I am the suicidal old man. What a bad omen..."

Suspected to have been beaten up once for imitating a star, when asked for his feelings about being let down by the company, Si Ho replied angrily: "I will dress up as a pig or a dog, but they still don't want me. Why don't I pay Miss Lok $3000 and see if she will do that. (Do you feel let down after the incident that was caused by your work?) It's two things, but I feel that being dropped by TVB is even more painful in the heart than any physical pain after that incident." Leung Si Ho admits that he loves TVB and two years earlier had agreed to sign a 'one show contract' with the company whilst it was going through a bad patch. Receiving less than $3000 per show and not having any pay rises for three years, he never realised that he would be a burden to the company. He sighs: "Sometimes when I do MC work, I end up paying out more than I earn. How can an employee who pays to work be a target for termination? I am not a burden to the company, as a shareholder of TVB and having grown up watching the station, I am very saddened and disappointed."

When Si Ho mentioned the ending of his employment with TVB, he was so moved at one point that he cried and he says that if he was dropped by a dedicated true TV worker such as Catherine Tsang, he would respect and accept the decision, but to receive the news from an executive who knew nothing about his history or his accomplishments, he does not feel this decision is justified. His reference is to Miss Lok, who was not even aware that he was no longer working in drama and suggested one of the reasons for his termination was because he had not appeared in any series for a long time, despite appearing in a total of thirty shows last year. As he has just moved house, Si Ho did not receive the letter informing him of the decision until he returned to his old house to collect his mail. Upon reading the letter, it indicated that he was to return his work pass, locker key and parking permit by the 15th February. He also indicated that his reason for speaking out was because he wanted to expose this unreasonable dismissal as a warning to other people to be very careful.

http://www.singpao.com/20040212/gossip/513504.html
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040212/20040212004513_0003.html
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a02cnt.html



[Oriental Daily]

When asked for her opinion on the job cuts at TVB, Myolie Wu hopes that the company as well as the whole of Hong Kong will be able to bear the hardships together. In response to the suggestion that artistes are just like a product line that needs to be deleted if there is no longer any value, she says: "It's a helpless situation, but as an artiste, I will do my own job to the best of my ability and hope that less of these things happen."

With further reports that TVB plans to axe a further four hundred jobs in the near future, TVB director and group Managing Director Ho Ding Kwan responded yesterday saying: "There are not as many as four hundred. If we could lose that many people, the first one to go would be me, however the profits last year were not too satisfactory and we will find out when the results are issued in March. The company is merely looking at supply and demand, we will be looking at which departments can be merged to save some overheads and make the running more efficient. (Is there a target of how many people will go?) There is no target and restructuring has been ongoing. There is definitely not as many as four hundred people going and maybe we could find that there is no need to lose anyone at all. (People are gtting afraid, how will you be reassuring your staff?) We will be following redundancy procedures and payouts issued by the labour department regulations." When asked if this operation was the will of Ms Fong Yat Wah, Mr Ho said: "Of course not, this is a decision that was made by the executive board."

As for TVB's union representatives holding a meeting today with Councillor Lee Cheuk Yan to discuss their responses, Mr Ho says that he cannot stop this and will not interfere. As for Leung Si Ho's public expression of displeasure, Mr Ho says: "This was a decision made by the productions department and I do not know the reason for this. (The director of the artiste department didn't even know he had moved to the variety shows group?) You will have to ask the artiste department."

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a03cnt.html



[The Sun & Sing Pao]

As they left for a stage show in America, news broke once again that Deric Wan and Sonija Kwok had split up after the intervention of Tang Chi Fung. However, when the couple arrived back from their trip, they left the airport holding hands very tightly to dispel any rumours about their break up.

After completing their show in New York, Deric, Sonija, Sonija's mother and a male assistant returned to Hong Kong and the couple left the arrivals hall fully prepared, holding hands and beaming sweet loving smiles. In response to the suggestions of third party Tang, they both replied that the news was 'pointless'. Deric also twice raised his girlfriend's hand and said: "You can see this!" Sonija then said in a relaxed mood: "I was called by my manager this morning, but I have nothing to say. (Have you called Tang Chi Fung?) I never have!" After saying this, she looked at Deric and smiled, beating words with silence.

Afterwards, Deric also followed his girlfriend into Yuen Long to accompany her filming for "Golden Egg of Ap Liu". The two were holding hands again as Deric tended to her every need, passing water and the script and waiting for her to finish in his car. During this, Sonija refused an interview, saying she was working, but Deric replied on her behalf and said: "Every time we hear these reports, they will not affect us, we just leave them to it! (Do you know Tang?) He is a nice guy! (Have you proposed to Sonija, but she is making you wait?) Of course I have to wait, and I will definitely wait for her to have some free time." When asked about Bobby's suggestive remarks about his ratings, Derek says: "I am very selfish when I make series and don't really care about these things."

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040212/20040212005229_0003.html
http://www.singpao.com/20040212/gossip/513498.html



[The Sun]

Jessica Hsuan has always had a slim body and only needs to diet after she has been on an eating binge. She says: "I think that when dieting, you have to note your own health, if it isn't too good and you try too hard to diet, then it will have the opposite effect. I have quite a large appetite, so if I need to lose weight, then I will start by cutting down how much I eat, reducing my two bowls of rice to just one bowl and even half a bowl if the results are not very good. Sometimes when I see girls who say they are dieting, but still eat so much junk food. Snacks are a killer, if you have a proper meal and don't feel the urge to snack, then you will not gain weight again. Every time I reduce my food intake to a third, I can lose 3 to 5 pounds and it works."

Jessica doesn't like to slow down and emphasises that you have to look after your health. She says: "I feel that the worst thing a girl can do is sit still and not move, so I am always running around. A certain amount of movement means that you will not get a belly as easily and when I take the dogs out every day, it is like a form of exercise and the best thing is that I keep doing half an hours every day."

Jessica's Diet Menu

Breakfast: Bread, Milk
Lunch: Half a bowl of rice, low fat dishes - NO SNACKS!
Dinner: Half a bowl of rice, low fat dishes - NO SUPPER OR DESSERT!

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/ent/20040212/20040212005408_0003.html

[Sing Pao, Oriental Daily & Ta Kung Pao]

TVB series "Armed Reaction IV" will be airing after "Vigilante in the Mask" next week and a group of cast members including Ada Choi, Bobby Au-Yeung, Joyce Tang, Marco Ngai and Yoyo Mung assembled at a War Game centre in Tai Po for a promotional event. However, a traffic accident meant that most of them were delayed by an hour and a half and poor Yoyo who arrived early had to wait for everyone to arrive. For Yoyo, this is her first appearance in the AR series and appearing in camouflage gear coupled with high heels at the event, she caused a few laughs. How was she going to go out and fight? Yoyo explains that she didn't realise that they really had to go and play the game and her own hygiene habits mean that she will not wear other people's shoes without wearing socks. As a result she didn't want to win, because that would mean she would have to carry on fighting. Bobby couldn't stop laughing at her appearance and ended up being chased by Yoyo as they stirred up the atmosphere.

Playful Bobby then moved his target from Yoyo to Marco Ngai, landing him a kick as was sprawled on the floor aiming at a target and then later when Marco was posing for a photo, he poured water over his 'privates', causing Marco to be rather annoyed and rather amused at the same time.

As each series of this show has had good ratings, having once broken the 40 points mark, Bobby was asked if he had high hopes for the show, Bobby replied cheekily saying he was totally confident. Although many shows have not had very good results, he is not worried about it affecting him: "Ratings follow the people and not the trends." Is he aiming this statement at Deric Wan? Bobby immediately turned his statement around and laughed that with Deric being so good, his ratings will be great as well. So how many ratings points is he hoping for? "Hoping for the twenties, forties would be good, but with everyone else in the twenties, then high twenties would be good and if it passes thirty, I want a pay rise." Bobby was recovering from a cold yesterday, so his voice was rather hoarse as he says: "With two shows one after another, I think it is time for some rest. I hope that the new series I am filming in April is a mute, so it will let me rest!"

Marco Ngai was among those caught in the traffic and when he arrived, he reveals: "There was a multiple car crash in front and we were stuck in a jam for over an hour and I was so desperate that I had to get out of my car to have a pee!"

Ada Choi also arrived late and thinking that she was the last to arrive, she was very nervous to begin with and apologised to everyone. Later when she found out that the jam was due to a traffic accident, she relaxed a little. When asked how she would be spending Valentines Day this Saturday, Ada says that if she isn't spending it with the cast of AR4, then she will be with the cast of "Stand-up Sleuth" because she has been busy with the work for these two shows lately. She even seemed to get the date wrong, thinking that Valentines Day was in July and then saying: "TVB has already arranged a lot of Valentines for me, such as Michael Tong and Dayo Wong." Later she found out that she had got the date for Valentines Day (14th Feb) and the Chinese Ghost Festival (14th July) mixed up.

http://www.singpao.com/20040211/gossip/513146.html
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-11/UL-227116.htm
http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-11/UL-227117.htm
http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a13cnt.html



[Ta Kung Pao]

With his popularity rising since the airing of "Triumph in the Skies", Joe Ma's tall figure and healthy image has been well accepted and attracted him a six-figure fee for his real estate spokesperson contract. Yesterday at a promotional event, Joe showed off his skills as 'housewife killer' as he demonstrated some aerobics and made a salad, attracting many mature lady fans to support him. Some fans even called out: "You are very handsome and suave!" as other housewifes gave him lucky packets in exchange for his autograph. Joe complied with all requests and wore a broad smile throughout, to the joy of his fans and receiving a warm welcome.

In response to being dubbed the new generation of 'housewife killer', Joe indicated modestly that he was lucky to have made "Triumph" and a good character. As for his fan base being similar to Leon Lai's, Joe says modestly: "I am not as good as Leon, but I hope that more people will like me." Talking of an increase in his income and whether he has thought of buying a new property, Joe was very loyal and started promoting his own advertisements, saying he likes this estate because it has fresh air and is convenient for transport, a perfect home.

http://www.takungpao.com/news/2004-2-11/UL-227114.htm



[Oriental Daily]

Every four years, the Olympic Games will raise a stir across the globe and in the past, TVB has always recruited a top star as their "Olympic Star", such as Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok to sing their Olympic theme and this has become something of a status symbol. However, this year's "Olympic Star" selection has broken the tradition somewhat and has been given to the handsome newcomers group S4 (Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Bosco Wong and Kenneth Ma) together with the other two up and coming male leads Chris Lai and Raymond Lam. TVB will be actively promoting them and building on the drawing power of the six young men for the series of promotional events. As for the Olympic coverage hosts, they have arranged for "Six beauties and Fat Kuk" that will consist of Myolie Wu, Michelle Ye, Mandy Cho, Rabee'a Yeung, Priscilla Chik and Winnie Yeung who will accompany host Vincent Kuk who will be bathing in his lovely company.

Ron Ng's popularity has shot up after "Triumph in the Skies" and his attraction is nearing that of the established stars. Originating as a newcomer, one show has shot him up to the ranks of a leading male. As for Chris Lai, he was originally a free agent, but after appearing in "Hearts of Fencing", he has also been brought to attention and TVB has jumped on the chance to get him on their books so that they can actively promote him.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a20cnt.html



[Oriental Daily]

Maggie Cheung has had a lot of news recently and a magazine has recently reported that she has met a fashion store owner boyfriend Ricky and linking him in a four party love affair with Maggie, Tung Bo and Samm Chan. Yesterday, Maggie was filming in TKO TVB City for new series "Proud Heroes of Chu and Han" and as reporters joked about her three 'followers', Maggie said: "I don't like people saying things like that because it makes me seem like I am playing the field and I will soon have no friends. You are always repeating old stories, even writing about Ricky, which is totally unbelievable." In fact, Ricky is Maggie's image designer and he has his own fashion outlet. Many other artistes have employed him as image consultant and Maggie became good friends with him after they hit it off. Earlier they even went to Thailand together before going to a female friend's birthday party on their return. They were earlier photographed buying a present together. As for her views on Ricky as a friend, Maggie describes him as a 'close homely friend' so she feels that her 'new love' story is nothing more than a joke. Maggie also says that Ricky knew that they were being followed and was ready for the story to be revealed, so he had asked her if he needed to watch his actions. Maggie said openly: "I felt that there was no need, do you want me to lose all my friends and grow old lonely?" Maggie hopes that his problem can soon be overcome and her friends will stop becoming drawn into it.

http://orientaldaily.com.hk/ent/ent_a24cnt.html