Yoyo Mung Terminates TVB Contract: No Jobs, Why Renew Contract?

Yesterday Yoyo Mung was on a radio interview and personally admitted that she had decided two days ago that she will not be renewing her TVB contract. She said: "TVB and I remain in friendly relations. At this moment, TVB is still my maternal home. Whatever my future path is like, this circle is round, there will always be a turning back. Leaving temporarily does not mean forever." In regards to her being excluded from her new series A Great Way to Care II promotions, she expressed she has not been affected by it. "I will promote the series on my own."

She frankly expressed before renewing the contract, she wanted to know what future jobs TVB had in stored for her, but unfortunately the company had no arrangements, which made her question, "why would I need to renew the contract then?" On the contrary, when Yoyo met with Ricky Wong, he asked her what type of role does she wish to portray or what kind of role does she want to try? Although she still has not signed a contract with Ricky Wong (HKTV), the chances are pretty high.

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Joey Meng & Ben Wong Fighting to be the Junior

Yesterday Joey Meng and Ben Wong were shooting outdoor scenes for TVB new series Food for Slaves. Joey was dressed in her ancient costumes and doing the fighting scenes like a pro. She frankly expressed this is her first fighting scene in a costume series. The style is different from before, and definitely needs some physical work. She smiled and said she practically has to fight in every scene: "It's kinda of fun actually, I have to go back and see if I got any injuries. But, I've been doing stretches recently, I want to practice doing the splits. (You have long arms and legs, did you ask the director to add some Kung Fu footwork?) Nope! Sometimes, the director tells me not to stretch my legs too far out, otherwise my arms and legs might not fit in the camera's frame."

Joey and Ben have a romantic storyline in the series. When asked if Ben gave her any advice? He joked: "Nope, she's my senior!" Joey immediately squealed: "Huh? Are you kidding! I'm the junior!"

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Chilam Cheung Denies He Might Go Blind Due to an Eye Condition

Yesterday it was reported Chilam Cheung's right eye has been twitching nonstop and after the doctor's consultation, it was confirmed there is vascular pressure on the nerves in his eyes. If the condition does not get treated, he could go blind.

Reporters contacted Miss Leung at Chilam's management Jet Tone Production Company to confirm. Miss Leung expressed: "That is not news." Chilam's constant right eye twitching happened half a year ago and it had been reported before. Chilam's eyebrow twitches from time to time and even the doctor does not know why. It's hard to find the source of the twitching, but what it is a problem with the nerves. As there is no case of illness, Chilam is not on any medication nor does he have to go in for follow-up appointments. He'll just have to seek treatment when something else happens. All in all, Miss Leung has not heard anything about the doctor saying he would go blind. What is the worst possible case? Miss Leung expressed the doctor did not say.

Chilam responded to the rumor as well, he said: "Thank you all for the concern! Indeed, the cause of my eye twitching is because of vascular pressure on my nerves, but the twitching had already stopped. The doctor said it's not a big deal. (Rumored you could go blind at any time?) They exaggerated it. I'm going to be shooting a 3D film with Gillian Chung and Kara Hui in April. I have many action scenes too, so if my condition was as serious as the rumor claims, then I wouldn't have accepted this film!"

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Fala Chen disapproves Vincent Wong

Even though Fala Chen and Vincent Wong are playing a romantic couple in the upcoming drama, "Will Power", rumour has it that in real life, the actor is considered no friend of hers.

As reported on Popular Asians website, tabloids reported that Fala's rich husband, Daniel Sit has been the cause of this rift - as the actress has been annoyed with Vincent's tendency to invite the Neway Star's heir out for late night drinking with his friends.

In an incident that happened recently, a drunken Daniel had behaved intimately with actress Sharon Chan after a night of outing with Vincent Wong and his friends. Consequently, Fala blamed Vincent for the incident and reportedly told her husband to distance himself from the actor.

When asked about the severed relationship with Fala, Vincent dismissed the rumour and said, "We're only concentrating on filming and rarely talk. Maybe everyone is on different levels."

Vincent also admitted that he and Daniel Sit are friends, and clarified that he had no idea Fala was against their friendship.

However, when questioned about the situation, Fala dodged the press and claimed she was busy.

It was reported that Fala has been anxious of her husband's whereabouts ever since Daniel was rumoured to have flirted with Hotcha's member, Regen Cheung while his wife was away from Hong Kong. Tabloids then claimed that Regen eventually quit the group and continued her studies overseas after being urged by the actress.

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Kong Ngai Passed Away At Age 81 From Lung Cancer

Star of many classic television series, veteran actor Kong Ngai yesterday passed away due to lung cancer at the Ruttonjee Hospital at age 81. Actors who were familiar with him all expressed regret.

Kong Ngai's final film was OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2). The star of the film Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) through his manager said that working with Uncle Kong Ngai was pleasant, he has learend a lot and wished him a safe journey. Director Alan Mak Siu Fai is planning OVERHEARD 3, in which several characters would have been suitable for Kong Ngai. He expressed regret to learn about his passing and admitted that he would miss his laughter.

The last series that TVB producer Lee Tim Sing worked with Kong Ngai on was THE LEGEND OF CONDOR HEROES (SIU DIU YING HUNG JUEN) and praised Kong Ngai for standing firm with his principles. When he saw some training class actors being less than serious he would yell at them on the spot. He was very professional. Currently busy with a play Michelle Yim (Mai Suet) said that during rehearsal someone mentioned Kong Ngai because he used to perform plays as well. Adam Cheng Siu Chau was very upset after learning about Kong Ngai's passing, only saying, "One less friend of many years."

Liza Wang Ming Chuen who worked with Kong Ngai on television series YESTERDAY'S GLITTER (GAING WA CHUN MUNG) and HEAVEN SWORD AND DRAGON SABRE (YI TING DOH LUNG GEI) was surprised to learn about Kong Ngai's passing. She asked reporters, "Is it true? I really haven't seen him in awhile because he hasn't returned to TVB. He was a good actor and our elder. I of course regret his passing." Susanna Kwak Kuk Ying worked with Kong Ngai on series THE BROTHERS (CHUN CHING) and THE GIANT (KEUNG YUN). Yesterday she admitted that months ago she visited the hospital and ran into Kong Ngai. Sister Kuk recalled that Kong Ngai was in a wheel chair at the time. She greeted him. At the time Kong Ngai admitted that he was ill but he was still alert. Sister Kuk praised Kong Ngai as a good actor, she admired him very much and regretted his passing.

Born in 1932, Kong Ngai Sun was originally named Tang Siu Yi. Born in Zhongshan, Guangzhou, "Kong Ngai" was a name in memory of his most respected percussion master Kong Cham. Before joining show business he specialized in American stocks at an investment company in the 60s. Because he was the youngest, co-workers called him Billy Jai.

In 1974 he joined TVB and performed in almost 100 television series, including AH Q JING JUEN, LUNG FU PAU with Shek Sau and Ho Sau Shun, YESTERDAY'S GLITTER with Wang Ming Chuen. His most classic character was LEGEND OF CONDOR HEROES' Or Chun Ngok and THE GREED OF MAN (DAI SI DOI)'s Chan Man Nin. His line in GREED "So many people die, I don't see you die?" became a classic.

Rarely had any rumor, Kong Ngai was always single. He said that he grew up in a wealthy family and his family tried to arrange a marriage for him, but unfortunately due to war it was scrapped. Later when he escaped to Hong Kong as a refugee, he ran into someone he liked, but at the time her mother minded that he sold Chinese goods and was poor and the romance went up in smoke. An avid Cantonese Opera fan, he always played the male diva. He once revealed that he was good friends with Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing and Danny Chan Pak Keung.

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Alex Fong Not Supporting Yoyo Mung: TVB Contract Still Active, Should Complete Promotion First

Yesterday Alex Fong, Tavia Yeung, Aimee Chan and Leanne Li attended TVB new series A Great Way to Care II promotional event. It has been widely rumored TVB excluded Yoyo Mung from the series promotion because she is going to join Ricky Wong's HKTV. Indeed, Yoyo was absent from the first promotional event, but she's still seen in the center on the large series poster at the event. Producer Marco Law denied that he's cutting Yoyo off. He expressed he and Yoyo have consensus to promote selectively.

As for Yoyo not participating in the series promotion? Alex said: "She chose her own path, she can take her path however she likes to. (Her contract hasn't ended yet, but she's not allowed to participate in the promotion, do you think TVB is being too sensitive?) They have less empathy, but thinking in the shoes of a large company like TVB, you cannot blame them. Since she intends to leave the company, then should complete all the series promotions first and then when the contract ends, she can go discuss contracts with other companies. That makes the situation less complicated. (Yoyo should learn from you?) Of course, I would say its best to go back to Mainland and make the Chinese yuan! (Has Ricky Wong invited you to join HKTV?) I was approached by them before, but I believe a salary of several HK$10,000 per episode, there is no reason why TVB can't give me that same offer. I believe working in a familiar environment is better. If TVB calls me back, I will definitely come back to help them. I'm currently freelance and don't have plans of becoming a contracted artist for any company." Producer Marco Law expressed he and Yoyo are good friends. He stressed he did not boycott Yoyo, he said: "There is Yoyo in the promotional clips and on the poster. Yesterday she came back to shoot the TVB Weekly cover. We discussed with Catherine Tsang already and all have consensus that she will promote selectively.”

When Tavia Yeung learned it was her idol Alex’s 50th birthday on March 17th, she gave him a birthday kiss. Asked if she’s afraid rumored boyfriend Him Law will get jealous? She’s not afraid because Him likes Alex too and will definitely applaud. Tavia is actually more worried Alex’s wife Hoyan Mok might get jealous. In regards to Yoyo not being able to participate in the promotions and Tavia will have to take the flag? Tavia said: “Alex is one of the main leads too and has many housewife fans. She feels a little disappointed that she cannot promote with Yoyo, but unfortunately TVB has their policies.”

Aimee said with a smile that she still feels happy despite being teased because she's used to it. She said: "I hope the audience will get the 'Chan Mo disease' and 'Aimee disease' too, and support my series!" Yesterday it was White Day (3/14), Aimee expressed Valentine's Day (2/14th) is more important to her.

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Ruco Chan Careless About TV Ratings, Wants to Shoot a Good Science Fiction Series

TVB series Reality Check has been a low-rated series, but lead actor Ruco Chan supported the series has depth and the most important is the public response. Ruco loves trying new things, he hopes to participate in a science fiction series and already outlined a few scripts, but currently he'll just concentrate on being an actor first. Ruco's goal isn't to become TV King, he just hopes to shoot good series!

Recently TVB likes to use rape and 'skin revealing' scenes to boost the TV ratings, such as in Highs and Lows and Friendly Fire, both in which averaged 30 points. So far, throughout the Reality Check broadcast, the ratings had been quite low - dropping as low as 23 points. As the lead actor, Ruco does not feel defeated, but instead supported the series has a lot of depth. "Anybody likes to watch fun and explosive series because its entertainment worthy, but if we think about this series, it is actually reflecting the issues that happen in society. The success is not as important as the public response. As an artist, I hope to be part of a series with depth. (Audience has a bigger appetite?) Actually that is necessary, but TVB produces so many series, there is no way all series will be like this. Many people always criticize that we don't have enough educational shows, we have to cater to the tastes of all audience. Hong Kong audience take time to warm up, especially those who are used to something, it is not easy to just change. However, don't just withdraw from something just because the public doesn't agree to it. It's okay to keep on conveying the reality."

Wish to Shoot a Science Fiction Series

Ruco expressed he loves trying new things. Aside from his wish that his series has a message to convey, he also hopes to shoot more science fiction themed series, such as a 'Chinese vampire' ("geung see") series. "Nowadays, there are no longer series like A Chinese Ghost Story. The themes are too realistic. I believe we could produce some fantasy series that goes beyond reality. One of my wishes is to participate in one of these. (Do you want to shoot a series involving politics?) I also want to do something political, but have to see if the theme works or not. Actually, I already have 2-3 scripts on hand. (Turn to work behind-the-scenes?) I like it, but that's too far for me to think about. At present time, I still have a lot to learn and try as an actor."

Creativity is the Most Important

Ruco is an ATV turned TVB actor, he directly said he has more space than before, "Because a bigger company has better resources. There are a lot more audience watching and I get a lot more feedback. Then I know where I'm lacking and the areas still need improvement. (Want to compete for TV King?) I don't think about that stuff nor do I have a desire to become TV King. Even in the past when I was an athlete, I never thought of winning. I just do my best on my own part, prepare myself well and naturally I'm a winner. If I lose then so be it and if I win, then it's an honor. (Your goal is not to win an award?) My goal is not here. If you are a creative person, then you are not concerned about the awards. It's just like Tsui Hark and Ann Hui, (film directors) they aren't producing films because they want awards. What I have on my mind when filming is, to reflect or convey something. If the award lands in my hands, then I'll take it."

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