Must-sees of this new year, 2007

What series are you looking forward to most in 2007? I have many, but I just hope they all turn out good, and not disappointing.

10) Title: A Change Of Destiny (天機算)
Producer: Tsui Yu On (The Price Of Greed, The Biter Bitten, Virtues Of Harmony)
Number of episodes: 20
Cast: Steven Ma, Shirley Yeung, Benny Chan, Yuen Wah, Selena Lee, Mimi Lo
Airing Date: unconfirmed
Synopsis: (credits to http://jaynestars.com) A Change Of Destiny centers around the conflicts and human greed sparked by a renown metaphysics manual, which promises to reveal secrets to unlocking the mysteries of the future. However, appreciating the simple happiness of one's life as destined and the close people around us is the true path we should pursue in life.
Thoughts: This story reminds me of Face To Fate a little, and it does sound interesting. Looking forward to see Steven's performance, and also the evil Benny+ gentle Selena chemistry. (:












9) Title: Best Bet (爛賭義當老婆 )
Producer: Lei Tim Seng (Safe Guards, Fantasy Hotel, The Conqueror's Story)
Number of episodes: 20
Cast: Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Anne Heung, Wayne Lai, Louis Yuen, Yvonne Lam
Airing date: februrary
Synopsis: A comedy about a funny gambler, reminds me of the series 'Game Of Deceit'. In this series, Linda is Michael's wife, and she will be bullied by Michael. Michael even sells his wife to pay his debt! Oh my how is that going to happen? Anne heung is a gambler who collects debts for a living.
Thoughts: This series looks like an awesome comedy. "Tim-gor" is the producer. Linda looks so cute, Anne looks so pretty. Michael is finally getting his leading role. Wayne Lai is also in this series. Way to go!
8) On The First Beat (學警出更)
Producer: Wong Wai Sing (Life Made Simple, The Academy, The Herbalist Manuel)
Number of episodes: 30
Cast: Michael Tao, Sonija Kwok, Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, Kate Tsui, Selena Lee, Yan Ng, Kenny Kwan, Tavia Yeung (Guest star), Fiona Sit (guest star)
Airing date: unconfirmed
Synopsis: A continuation of the series The Academy. After graduation, what happened to their lives, and their career as a police? Watch to find out. The cast is more or less the same, some new faces are coming in, some old faces are leaving. Let's hope this series will be even better than The Academy.
Thoughts: For some reason, when this series first started filming, I was greatly repelled. But slowly, I'm finding my interest coming back, especially because I saw Power Chan and Selena Lee on the cast list. But I really cannot understand, why oh why must Tavia leave?? Tavia and Ron built up such a PERFECT chemistry in TA, why should I even try to see Ron with another girl? That is so sad! :((












7) Phoenix Rising (獄焰驚情 ) Producer: Tong Kei Ming (Bar Benders, Glittering Days)
Number of episodes: unfixed
Cast: Sunny Chan, Louisa So, Leila Tong, Crystal, Loh Fun Airing date: unconfirmed
Synopsis: The story is set in the 1930s, about a female criminal, Louisa So. I don't know the details about the story, but it sure looks interesting!
Thoughts: A unique setting and background, very attractive. Louisa So playing the female villain, can't wait! Anyway, so many TVB artists are going to ATV, it is interesting to see ATV's Crystal Tin coming over to do a TVB series, plus Leila Tong and Sunny Chan, this series is a must-see!

6) The Seventh Day ( 最美麗的第七天)
Producer: Wong Sum Wai (Under The Canopy Of Love, Yummy Yummy, My Family)
Number of episodes: 20
Cast: Kevin Cheng, Niki Chow, Bosco Wong, Natalie Tong, Elaine Yiu, Charmaine Li, Selena Lee, Stephanie Che
Airing date: unconfirmed
Synopsis: Another romantic story, another UTCOL. What is the story about exactly, I am not sure
Thoughts: I liked UTCOL a lot, so I have faith that TSD will be yet another great love story. Like UTCOL, the setting and background of this series looks beautiful, even more beautiful than UTCOL. They are even heading out to Japan to film this series! Niki looks totally gorgeous. Natalie is finally getting a biggie role. Plus Charmaine, Selena, (don't want to mention Elaine), wow, so many pretty girls!
5) The Ultimate Crime Fighter - 通天幹探
Producer: Wong Sum Wai (Under The Canopy Of Love, Yummy Yummy, My Family)
Number of episodes: 35
Airing date: unconfirmed
Cast: Yuen Biu, Moses Chan, Kevin Cheng, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, Maggie Siu
Synopsis: 3 policemen with special abilities come together to combat crime, plus, a nerdy Gigi, a pretty Yoyo, and a gay Kevin...
Thoughts: Moses, Kevin, Gigi, and Yoyo. I like all of them. I like the producer. My gut feeling tells me that this will be a good series, at least, there will be good action sequences (Yuen Biu is in here). So, will I be disappointed, will i not?
4) Heart Of Greed (溏心风暴) Producer: Lau Ka Ho (When Rules Turn Lose, The Gentle Crackdown)
Number of episodes: 40
Airing date: tentatively march
Cast: Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam (guest star), Yoyo Mung, Tavia Yeung, Linda Chung, Michelle Yim, Lai Lok Yi, Fala Chen, Ha Yu, Lee Sze Kei, Wayne Lai
Synopsis: One of the grand productions of the year, about a big and rich family and its abalone business. Where there is wealth, there is greed; where there is greed, there is evil; where there is evil, someone gets hurt. In this series, the veteran stars are the spotlight, the young stars are a bonus. The entire cast is awesome, you just have to watch it!
Thoughts: There are so many good things to look forward to for this series, I don't even know where to start from. I hope this grand production can bring the good-old tvb times back. Anyway, who is the female lead? I still cannot figure out now. Maybe there isn't one. What is up with the ending? Why can't Raymond stop ranting about it? Ahh, I can't wait. So, March it will be?
3) The Brink Of Law (突围行动)
Producer: Mui Siu Ching (Love Bond, The Charm Beneath, Forensic Heroes)
Number of episodes: 25
Airing date: January 2007
Cast: Steven Ma, Ron Ng, Bernice Liu, Shirley Yeung, Kate Tsui, Michelle Yim
Synopsis: A story about the illegal betting business. Catfights, backstabs, deception, betrayal, twists and turns. All these make factors make up one of my most anticipated series of 2007.
Thoughts: What a great way to start a new year! This series looks AWESOME, the poster looks amazing. Steven Ma is always the best, Ron Ng's bespectacled characters looks super interesting, so does his chemistry with Kate. Michelle Yim will be the most awesome villain. Shirley Yeung, I have seen 5 seconds of her 'villain performance' in the sales presentation. Not so good. Mmm, I hope she turns out okay. Can't wait!!










2）The Master Of Tai Chi (太极）
Producer: Leung Ka Shu (Golden Faith, Survivor's Law)
Number of episodes: 30
Airing date: unconfirmed
Cast: Vincent Zhao, Raymond Lam, Myolie Wu, Melissa Ng, Kenneth Ma, Selena Lee, Derek Kwok, Power Chan
Synopsis: Wu Ma (Vincent) was abandoned by the world ever since young. He isolates himself, he thinks that everyone owes him something, until he learned a new art of kungfu- Tai Gik. Tai Gik is a very special kind of kung fu, it makes him feel calm and balanced. It made him able to see the warm side of human being. It made him a better person inside out. A series about kungfu, growing up, and human philosophy
Thoughts: When will this series be out?? I have been waiting forever! A golden producer, a beautiful setting, an awesome cast, an educational and philosophical story. I cannot wait anymore!
1) The Drive Of Life/ The Legendary Era (岁月风云）
Producer: Leung Ka Shu + Poon Ka Tak
Number of episodes: 60
Cast: Damian Lau, Michael Miu, Joe Ma, Raymond Lam, Charmaine She, Jessica Hsuan, Sheren Teng, Myolie Wu and many many more...
Airing Date: July 2007
Synopsis: In 1997, Hong Kong was returned from British to Hong Kong. It is a day all Chinese will remember. Looking back at the past ten years, we have been through a lot. TDOL uses the chinese car industry and the big Wah family as a backdrop to bring out all the rain and storm we have been through. It is a series which will win the empathy of all chinese, it is a series to celebrate our existance...
Thoughts: Sometimes, it is not just the cast and the number of episodes which determine how 'mega' a production is. Just looking at the very 'big' theme of the series, you know that this is the most important series of the year. Every part of the cast is great. And of course, Mr Raymond Lam plays one of the most important characters. That is a great thing. 1st July 2007, more than one billion Chinese men and women, waiting for this day...
What about the other series?
No, I'm not assuming that they are no-good. They are just not in my personal 'top ten', hehe. Another two series I have been anticipating are Devil's Disciple and Life Art. DD looks like a really refreshing and interesting fighting series. However, it is taking so long to get released, that I am feeling a bit suspicious. As for LA, I have always been hoping for tvb to do a series about art, be it drawing, writing, or anything else. The theme of expression can be really interesting. As for LA, I am not sure. It can be interesting, it can be boring. I don't dare to hold my hopes too high.

Must see movie- Blood Diamond

Gosh is this the best movie I have seen this year? I think so. Fancy seeing the best movie of the year on the LAST DAY of 2006! Haha.

The movie is set in 1999, Sierra Leone. It was an unstable and chaotic period of time. Here in Singapore, the lack of natural resources gives us a lot of limitations. But in Africa, being rich in such resources might not be a good thing after all. Where there is money, there is greed; where there is greed, there is evil; where there is evil, there is bloodshed. And this is how the whole issue about conflict diamonds began...

Ponder factor: Leonardo DiCaprio vs Jennifer Connelly
The two of them are very different persons. Leonardo's Danny Archer is a white African, and also a very mercenary businessman. Growing up in a time of war, he believed that the world has become ugly. He feels that there is no hope. People kill each other to survive. That is a fact that cannot be changed. To him, money is the most important, and he cannot care about anything else. On the other hand, Jennnifer's Maddy Bowen is an idealist journalist, who wants to bring an end to the world's suffering. The believes of the two of them are on two extreme ends, but one common trait brought them together- courage, perseverance. And then, they start to influence each other on their worldly views. But who is right, who is wrong? I am not sure. I am more towards Bowen's side though, because she is the kind who brings us the hope. Hehe

The Performance:
Hounson, Connelly and DiCaprio all did an AMAZING job. I love the latter the most. I totally love his African accent, so cute, and so convincing!

What to do as a consumer?
First, you have to WATCH THE MOVIE, and learn about some things you never knew. That is the whole point of producing this movie- to raise awareness. When you are looking at a beautiful diamond necklace on a display shelf, have you ever wondered what kind of price have been paid behind producing it? The second thing to do is to INSIST that the diamond you buy is 'conflict-free'. But how do you insist actually? If the smugglers mix the dirty diamond with the other diamond, there is nothing we can do. To me, just don't buy diamond at all is the best solution. What is the point of wearing a piece of stone in the first place?

Favourite quotes
Archer: Sometimes I really wonder if God will ever forgive us for doing all these to our own people. And then, I look around at what's happening, and I realised, God has left us a long time ago.
When Archer said this, I wanted to cry...

If you haven't watched this movie, watch it now!

TVB's yummy christmas feast!!

Merry Christmas everyone! All the best for the coming year! I wish all of you health and happiness, and success in your studies, your career, your relationships, and everything you want success in! =D And also, world peace...

Anyway, what is christmas without GOOD FOOD? Yes, to me, that is more important than anything else, hehe. Before we all set of for our christmas feasts, let's 'warm-up' with frostbite's exclusive TVB yummy christmas feast! ((: It is made up of all my favourite TVB dishes. (The fact that I actually remembered these dishes shows how much I loved them, haha)

To start off, let's have Joe Ma's Chrysanthemum cake in Maiden's Vow. There are four chinese words to describe this dish- 晶莹剔透, which mean bright and transparent. Like Charmaine's father said, by looking at it, you know it's nice already! It is not too sweet, not too filling, and it has the fragrance of a flower. It also reduces 'heatiness'. (You get heaty by eating too much chocolates, or feeling too stressed) Put it simply, this is the perfect dish for me! Ahh I want to try it so much, hehe.
How can a feast go without staple? The next dish is Kevin's hand-made noodles in Yummy Yummy. This isn't an ordinary bowl of noodles. This bowl of noodles changed the lives of 5 different peoplle. It looks so good, you've got to try it!
Now, it's time for the most expensive dish of the day. It is Joe Ma's competition dish in A Taste Of Love, called 'Ice on Fire'. What so amazing about this dish, is that it combines ice and fire, two things which are supposed to destroy each other. Joe only uses the fish cheeks, which is said to be the best part of the fish. He had a whole TANK of fish, cut out the cheeks, and discard the rest. To me, that is a big waste. But I am still very impressed. The whole dish is like a piece of art. It looks so beautiful. (Sorry, I couldn't find a better capture!)
After our main course, let's move on to the deserts. I have one chinese desert and one western desert. The chinese one is of course, Roger's Mango Sweet Dumplings in Life Made Simple. Mango, sweet dumplings, I never thought they would go. Maybe they do, maybe they do not, but that's okay. The essence of this dish is the thought behind it. So sweet, hehe...
The western desert is of course, Joe Ma's cakes in The Gateau Affairs, especially the apple cheesecakes. Gosh, when Joe was experimenting to create 'the perfect cheesecake', he churned out SO MANY cakes. Ahh, just give me any of the rejected ones, and I'll be very happy. Lol...

By now, you all must be very full already. It is time for a drink, to help your digestion. This drink is called "Teary Red Eye". It is a kind of wine created by Charmaine in Country Spirit. Not only is it great wine, it also has a sad story behind it, because this wine represents how much Charmaine misses his man. Every night, she hugs a pot of the wine, and shed two drops of tears into it...
Ok, so this is it! Frostbite's special christmas feast. I hope you have all enjoyed it. Merry Christmas once again!!!

Men In Pain, Ron Ng ((:

Credits to http://www.fairytale-promise.blogspot.com/, I FINALLY found the full version of Ron's ending song in MIP. Aha, that is a great thing, because listening to ripped versions, you hear the same dialogues over and over again, until I really can't bear it anymore. Haha

Series: Men In Pain
Sung By: Ron Ng
Lyrics:

實在是愧當　多苦都不願講 你愛的金剛　其實世界迫我要假裝
熱淚未會淌　暗地獨自釋放 我這好漢　太不恰當 無奈這種苦況我必闖
*為何無情地放手　為何無權利挽留 妳已盡興　別再打擾妳太久
為何仍然在顫抖　或許心死可得救 原來再愛　然而到最終妳會走*
#事實在夢內極仰慕　想起當以前那般親熱程度 我那會深愛　絕對妳最好
自問份內事亦已做　但願讓熱情再可得到 其實痛苦中愛也好#
若是被看輕　根本不想弄清 我這種孤星　其實很想跟妳訴心聲
汗是未結冰　已沒人沒反應 妳不高興　我的率性 然後家中都已變孤清

What is the song about?
Ron Ng tells his girl that he is not as strong as he seems...

Download here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/3q47n6

Face To Fate Airing, but...

News source from:
http://tvbchinesenews.blogspot.com/2006/12/series-airing-news.html

Seems like these few months, TVB has a thing about airing old series. To me, FTF airing is a great thing, because I loved that series (minus the final few episodes). It is also a bad thing, because I have no confidence in the ratings at all. PLUS, 'Best Bet' will be airing after The Brink Of Law. That shoves Master Of Tai Chi all the way until MARCH, at least. It could be postponed even further. Aww :( I think I started my MOTC previews way too early. Maybe let's forget about it for a while. I bring it back up when the time comes. Hehe

The Master Of Tai Chi preview- part 1

Some time ago, I ran a series of 'Face To Fate tidbits', where I compiled all the articles, screenies and reviews of the series. Now, I'm going to do the same thing for the upcoming Master Of Tai Chi. This is my most anticipated series of 2007, period. I have already started saving up, it BETTER not be disappointing. Haha

To start off, here are some behind-the-scene pictures and preview-screenies I found from Fungforever and also the tvbsquare forum. Mostly Raymond ~.~ The pictures are beautiful. Enjoy!Vincent Zhao practising Tai Chi

Raymond fighting with Power Chan. This fighting scene keeps appearing in the previews, it must be an important one. Both Raymond and Power look so full of fire...
What is happening? Is there a riot or something?
Melissa looks so pretty like this
Beautiful waterfall
Raymond and Myolie- Why do they look so mad? I love Raymond's mad look. His eyes are so full of spirit. Whoo...
Aww, so sweet. Did I see this in Plain Love2 before? Hehe

behind the scenes:

haha, so cute
Raymond, what are you looking at?
Hardworking raymond, lucky fans =p
pretty wedding dress (:
Aha, I love this outfit. So mature, so charming
Is raymond crying??
Nice poses (:

Bring the memory back: the most memorable dialogue3

Series: Yummy Yummy (the elevator scene)

In ONE lift, Raymond and Charmaine shared many scenes together, most of which are very cute, BUT I only have the luxury to share ONE here. The dialogue is pretty simple, but it is just so funny, all thanks to Raymond and Charmaine's hidden comedy skills. ~.~

Watch the scene here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4uEBqPoPg4

The scene happens in episode 15. Mandy knows that Daniel likes her (she does not like him). She also knows that Daniel is finding a chance to express his feelings. She is really freaked out. She tries everything to avoid Daniel, BUT when Daniel has a crush on you, he really STALKS. Hahaha

The scene...












Charmaine making sure that the coast is clear and rushing into the lift. *faster, faster!*












uh oh, haha...














Look at Charmaine's face >.< Daniel: Why didn't you wait for me for lunch? What do you like to eat, I can treat you

Charmaine smiles awkwardly

Daniel: Mandy, actually I...

Mandy: Oh ya Daniel! (interrupts) I have checked the coverpage for this issue. Basically there is no problem, but I would like to change the colour.

Daniel: Okay, change it, change it. Actually there is something...














I think Raymond's expression is so funny!

Mandy: Oh yes, (interrupts again), that interview about the teochew dishes, I've seen it, but there are some problems with the photographs, so I would like to shoot it again.

Daniel: Okay, shoot it, shoot it. I know maybe some things are a little too fast for you, but...

Mandy: HAVE YOU HEARD THAT Kevin is learning how to make noodles, he wants to be a cook you know! (interupts AGAIN. Mandy tries to sound excited, it's really cute!)

Daniel: Kevin wants to be a cook then let him be a cook lor. Can you please let me finish the whole sentence? (Haha, I just love how Raymond said this!)














*lift DING*

Mandy: (looking relieved) Here we are!

*lift turns dark*

Mandy: Eh? What happened?

Daniel: I think the lift broke down.

Mandy: Broke down?

Daniel: Sometimes fate is so unpredictable you know... (HAHA!)

Mandy: Help! We're trapped!!

Daniel: Relax...














Mandy: Quick, get someone to open the door and let me get out of this place!! Let me out. LET ME OUT!!

***

Mandy keeps calling for help














Daniel: Everything is destined. It's useless. (lol...)

Mandy: What do you want??

Daniel: Even though I look very playful usually, I am very serious about you you know... I understand what you worry about. You just lost your boyfriend. Starting a new relationship so soon will raise a lot of rumours, but you should not think this way. You must learn to live for yourself.














(The way Ray said this was really funny)

Mandy: You are wrong, I am not afraid of rumours at all. There is nothing between us at all! I only think that the timing is not right.

Daniel: Think carefully, Mandy. I'm really very sincere. I'm not the unfaithful kind who fools around you know.

Mandy: I know that, but you must understand that certain things cannot be forced right... (Daniel does not get the hint)

Daniel: I do! I know my background and my appearance easily make others misunderstand that I am not serious about relationships, but shouldn't you understand me? I'm not that kind.















Daniel: Mandy, please stop deceiving yourself. Let out all you feelings! (HAHA) I'm only waiting for one word from you, one word is enough. (one sentence I mean)














Mandy: Okay I'll say it. I do not like you at all please stop bugging me! *ouch*