Christmas Countdown Celebration at Sunway Carnival (24th Dec 2017)- Joel Chan San Chung 陳山聰 and Hugo Wong Tsz Hang 黃子恆

Newly crowned Malaysia’s favourite TVB supporting actor, Joel Chan and the suave devil from “The Exorcist’s Meter”, Hugo Wong, were in Penang to usher in Christmas with other revellers at  Sunway Carnival’s countdown party.  Both deliberately arrived a day earlier to enjoy the sights (Komtar The Top, Black Kettle café, Armenian Street) and the gastronomic experience in Penang.  Joel, has apparently taken a liking to Musang King durian, just like his good partner, Elaine Yiui. His voice a little raspy at the event, probably the after effects from durian binging. The event started off with performances from two local artistes from Penang, cutie Alvin Chong and 16-year-old Janice Tan (mentored by Jay Chou in reality program – “Sing ! China”).  Thereafter, it’s curtain time for the TVB siu sang, Hugo Wong, who rendered a Lee Hom Mando classic – “愛的就是你”.  Hugo is no stranger to Penang, having been in the island for a GPEX function last year. Hugo asked if the audiences remember his character’s name in “The Exorcist’s Meter” and he was obviously pleased coz many did ! This proves that as speculated in the internet (which I wholeheartedly agree) that “The Exorcist’s Meter” is the surprise breakout drama of 2017.  I actually enjoyed it more than “Line Walker 2”(no thanks to one dimensional actress, Priscilla Wong) and  “The Unholy Alliance”.   Hugo mentioned that his next project is the Justice Bao remake, playing the role of casanova Chan Sai Mei.  If I am not mistaken, Katy Kung acts as his lover/wife.  When emcee Jym probed about his chances in next month’s TVB Anniversary awards, Hugo let on that he is nominated in the most improved actor category and will be competing with his formidable compatriot, Joel Chan, for the best supporting actor award.  Hugo admitted that he is no match for Joel, who is the red hot favourite this year.  After a fun filled game session with a few chosen fans , Hugo ended his performance with an upbeat Grasshopper song -  “華麗舞台”.

Next up is main crowd-puller, Joel Chan. Needless to say, it was a windfall year for Joel who had toiled for years playing the antagonist role.  Not forgetting, enduring some negative personal upheaval along the way. Joel acknowledged that 2017 is indeed his comeback year, having bagged the fave character recognition at Singapore Starhub awards, which was followed by a bigger triumph, the favourite supporting actor win at TVB Star Awards Malaysia.  However, he is keeping an open mind when it comes to the upcoming awards ceremony in HK on January 21^st.  I feel that he has a higher chance of hitting the jackpot than Owen Cheung.  Joel’s acting stands out the most in “The Unholy Alliance”. Joel reminded the crowd the he made his debut in showbiz via a singing contest and broke into an old hit- “ABCD”.  He also entertained the fans with”愛在記憶中找你 “ and “忘情水”. Joel expressed his appreciation to Malaysians for their votes at the TVB Malaysia Star awards and assured fans that he will continue to strive harder. His next release will be a period drama with Ruco and Shawn Tam – “The Succession War”, set to air in early 2018.  Joel distributed loads of autographed posters to everyone. At the stroke of midnight, all the stars wished everyone a blessed X’mas and artificial snow filled the concourse area.  Hats off to Sunway’s team for such a splendid arrangement and Joel’s manager, Candy Ma, who were extremely accommodating to fans.  Merry X’mas and Happy New Year to everyone ! 

BIG BIG Channel app launch ceremony - Sunway Pyramid (26th November 2017)

PIXS COMING SOON....

“Big Big Channel” is a one-stop multimedia mobile app, featuring live streaming and clips of TVB dramas and artistes plus other major E-news. Having the app launch in Malaysia on Sunday, right after the TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2017 is perfect timing indeed.  It also serves as an opportunity for fans who failed to obtain tickets to the awards ceremony to see their fave celebrities. In conjunction with the launch, fans were asked to vote for their desired most popular TVB idol via the app.  Again, no surprises that Ruco walked away with the title.  The launch ceremony is obviously a huge thingy as all the top gun executives were in attendance, namely, Sandy Yu, Sherman Lee and Felix Toh.   As for the stars line-up, we have emcees Luk Ho Ming and Jarvis Chow, newbie Arnold Kwok, Elaine Yiu, Ruco Chan, Fred Cheng, Hubert Wu, Ali Lee, Natalie Tong, Lai Lok Yi, Samantha Ko and Joel Chan. Hana Kuk was not feeling well and had to pull out during the last minute (no show at the awards ceremony the night before). Hana has a hauntingly beautiful melancholic voice (not forgetting, pleasant looking) and I really look forward to see her but it wasn’t meant to be.  For the record, Luk Ho and Jarvis tried their best to explain the app features but frankly, they were too long winded and could not hold my attention span. However, having checked out the app content for the past few weeks, I have to say that the app is a bonus to any hardcore TVB fans. It is very informative, with lots of latest buzz about TVB. Ruco divulged that he uses the Big Big Channel platform to share his concern about the catastrophic Penang flood last month.  Ruco’s grandma hails from Penang.  Initially, I was glad that the launch lasted longer than anticipated but it soon becomes extremely draggy.  The only time I am fully alert was during Hubert’s performance (love The Exorcist's Meter theme song to bits !) and the witty Q&A with Ali, Elaine and Ruco.  Elaine seems to have resuscitate her career with her Kate role in “The Unholy Alliance” and thus far, 2017 has proven to be a windfall year (from clinching the favourite character award in Singapore to winning the favourite supporting actress in Malaysia, as well as her recent victory at the 2017 Yahoo Buzz Award).  If she snags the favourite supporting actress award in HK next January, then she would have come full circle and hopefully, move to the next stage of her career as the leading lady (which she once held when she first made her foray in acting more than a decade ago).  The recent promotional poster of Justice Bao in TVB’s 2018 calendar seems to indicate that she will co-lead with Nancy. Good luck to Elaine.  Ali is obviously TVB’s next blue eyed-girl, based on Starhub’s TVB awards result and her non- stop exposure lately. I find her acting mediocre at best and nowhere at the leading actress level, for now.  Seeing her in-person, I can understand why many fans proclaimed that she is the new TVB Goddess, especially among male supporters.  She seems to exhibit an alluring subtle vixen charm, just like the judge character she potrays in “Legal Maverick”.  Arnold Kwok looks good and lean in “Nothing Special Force” but now, he looks too beefy and face much too puffy for my liking !  And I am surprised that he already has a fanclub in Malaysia ! Hopefully, the local helper is not who I think he is (that particular person is notorious and not-too-honest in selling concerts and fans meeting tickets).