It was such a stark contrast when I was at MBS for the fourth StarHub TVB awards this year, compared to 2011. Gone are the days of silent treatment from unappreciative audience. Say hello to battalions of highly strung hard core supporters. TVB drama has slowly but surely gained a fair share of the island's tv broadcasting pie. The very public display of adulation - gigantic posters, placards and brightly lit neon boards greeted me when I made my way to the green carpet. That's the positive side of my observation after a lapse of two years. While I'm happy for TVB, I wasn't pleased at all with Starhub's protocol this year. It's indicated in the ticketing website that photography (minus flash) is allowed but this was not the case. Neon boards are barred as well but that's for a good reason, to prevent them from blocking others' view. The commercial/pee pee break is downright absurd. Audience are expected to complete their "business" within 3 minutes. Failing to return within the stipulated time, one would be locked out from the venue and have to wait for the next commercial break to re-enter the hall. Many fans decided to hold it in, rather than be left out in the cold. Not sure if StarHub is being extra cautious and "kiasu" due to this event being broadcasted live for the first time. The long attendee list is impressive, boasting 23 TVB artistes. I have never witnessed attendees of this immensity at AOD/Wah Lai Toi awards' decade long history.
Elaine Yiu (certainly the icing on the cake for me) has taken over the emcee role from Astrid Chan, partnering goofy King Kong. Elaine, champion of 2002 TVB8 Presentator contest, is no stranger to hosting gigs in her fluent Mandarin. Great job, Elaine ! Elaine was breathtakingly gorgeous in an elegant Alex Lam designed grey evening gown, matched with Swarovski crystal pedant.
A total of 31 trophies (spread across 20 categories) were up for grabs. "Triumph In The Skies II" scored a double victory by clinching "My Fave TVB Drama", along with Singapore media's best tvb drama. "My fave TVB actress and actor" went to Tavia and Bosco respectively. Not surprised with Bosco's win since he has been actively asking his fans to vote for him in weibo. I adore Bosco but his quirky and questionable attire really stick out like a sore thumb. Like, seriously Bosco, pink shoes ??!!! The hat was downright fugly and does not suit the occasion at all. Sleep deprived Raymond rushed to Singapore from his Guangzhou concert, the night before. This being his only acting award for 2013, I'm sure Raymond would not want to miss this opportunity. His new Captain Samuel Tong inspired haircut makes him even more dashing but I was disappointed that he did not performe the song from "Triumph II." Linda BB belted "Eternal Flame" and Ruco sang a Jay Chou Mandarin track. Four contestants from "Voice of Stars " - Corina, Law Kwan Moon, You Bing and Grace Wong performed a medley of classic TVB theme songs. Kate's sexy black evening gown backfires with the overkill effect. I'm talking about major push-up of her boobs with unflattering results. Niki, on the other hand, was as flat as Changi airport runway but she was really pretty and sweet. Lucky Jeremy Jones ! Together with Bosco, she grabbed "My Fave TVB on-screen couple" award for "A Change of Heart." Now, why the heck is Joey Meng not being nominated at all for StarHub awards ? She was literally the life line for "A Change of Heart." Mag Lam (just released a new comeback album and sporting frail anaroxic look) performed "Little Something" from "Season of Love", which also happens to be "My TVB fave theme song."
The focus of the night (for the wrong reason) is definitely Christine Kuo's jaw dropping massive weight gain. Man, she had better step-up on her work-out regimen to get back into shape or risks tumbling down from her goddess status. Perhaps she could now replace Joyce as Sau San Tong's new spokesperson. Jason Chan won the best newcomer award and as usual, gibberish...made worst by his sucky Mandarin. Michael Miu (accompanied by wifey Jamie), bagged the "Classic TVB Character" award, jokingly protested that he is too young to receive this privilege. Love is in the air for Tavia and Him. Looks like they are the next TVB golden couple. Stealing glances and being teased endlessly but I am comfortable with their openess. Many (including me) has gradually accepted their relationship, despite their age gap and Him's colourful past. It was a different story for Myolie. She was hanging her head and looking away whenever Bosco went up the stage. Having supported for this couple in the past, I was kinda sad that it ended this way. The award presentation wrapped up at around 10.30 pm (lasting almost 3 hours).
Full List of StarHub TVB Awards 2013 (星和无线电视大奖 2013) Winners
1. My Favourite TVB Actress 我最爱TVB女艺人
Tavia Yeung杨怡
2. My Favourite TVB Actor 我最爱TVB男艺人
Bosco Wong黄宗泽
3. My Favourite TVB Female TV Character 我最爱TVB电视女角色
Niki Chow 周丽淇 《好心作怪》 - 阮小吉
Michelle Yim米雪 《大太监》 - 慈禧太后
Linda Chung钟嘉欣 《护花危情》 - 乔子琳
Kate Tsui徐子珊 《雷霆扫毒》 - 陈家碧
Myolie Wu胡杏儿 《冲上云霄 II》 - 夏晨
Tavia Yeung杨怡 《名媛望族 》 - 康子君
Michelle Yim米雪 《大太监》 - 慈禧太后
Linda Chung钟嘉欣 《护花危情》 - 乔子琳
Kate Tsui徐子珊 《雷霆扫毒》 - 陈家碧
Myolie Wu胡杏儿 《冲上云霄 II》 - 夏晨
Tavia Yeung杨怡 《名媛望族 》 - 康子君
4. My Favourite TVB Male TV Character 我最爱TVB电视男角色
Ruco Chan陈展鹏 《情越海岸线》 - 程礼荣
Bosco Wong黄宗泽 《护花危情》 - 许玮琛
Raymond Lam林峯 《雷霆扫毒》 - 韦世乐
Julian Cheung张智霖 《冲上云霄 II》 - 顾夏阳
Kenneth Ma马国明 《回到三国》 - 司马信
Moses Chan陈豪 《金枝欲孽贰》 - 高流斐
5. My Favourite TVB Drama 我最爱TVB电视剧集
Triumph in the Skies II 《冲上云霄 II》
6. My Favourite TVB Mega Variety Special 我最爱TVB大型综艺节目
TVB Golden Viva Spectacular (LIVE) 《TVB新春黄金庆典》
7. My Favourite TVB Variety Show 我最爱TVB综艺节目
Lady First – Singapore 《女人我最大新加坡》
8. My Favourite TVB On-Screen Couple 我最爱TVB荧幕情侶
Bosco Wong & Niki Chow (A Change Of Heart) 黄宗泽 & 周丽淇 《好心作怪》
9. My Favourite TVB Theme Song 我最爱TVB电视主題曲
Little Something by Mag Lam 《恋爱季节》主題曲 Little Something - 林欣彤
10. My Favourite TVB Variety Show Host 我最爱TVB综艺节目主持人
Pauline Lan (Lady First - Singapore) 蓝心湄 《女人我最大新加坡》
11. Everlasting Glow Award全天候亮丽艺人奖
Linda Chung 钟嘉欣
12. Most Glamorous Female Artiste Award最璀璨夺目女艺人奖
Kate Tsui 徐子珊
13. Best TVB Female Newcomer最佳女新人奖
Christine Kuo 苟芸慧
14. Best TVB Male Newcomer最佳男新人奖
Jason Chan 陈智燊
15. Star of Perfect Poise Award魅力体态大奖
Raymond Lam 林峯
16. Most Improved TVB Actress飞跃进步女艺人
Mandy Wong 黄智雯
17. Most Improved TVB Actor飞跃进步男艺人
Him Law 罗仲谦
18. Singapore Media's Favourite TV Drama本地传媒最爱TVB剧集
Triumph in the Skies II 《冲上云霄 II》
19. Classic TVB Character TVB 经典电视角色
Michael Miu 苗侨伟(杨康/司徒文武/楚留香/方自力)
20. Red Carpet Star靓爆星光大道奖
Linda Chung 钟嘉欣