Year in Review

How many decades are in one's life?

- Wayne Lai, Rosy Business

Here's a look at my year (and decade) in TVB series and movies!

TVB Series
This is the lowest number of TVB series I watched in a year all decade.

• The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady - A solid whodunit that kept me captivated until the end. 

• Big White Duel - A good effort by TVB to produce a different type of medical drama, even though it was superficial on the policy discussion. 

• Wonder Women - My most anticipated series of the year. Sadly, the quality of the script did not match its stellar cast.  

Movies
RIP Moviepass. Luckily, AMC Stubs A-List is a more than adequate replacement and I've put it to good use this year:

• Captain Marvel
• Avengers: Endgame
• Spider-Man: Far From Home
• Shazam!
• Pokemon Detective Pikachu
• John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
• Men in Black International
• Aladdin
• The Lion King
• The White Storm 2
• Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy
• Dora and The Lost City of Gold
• Secret Life of Pets 2
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse
• Good Boys
• Angel Has Fallen
• Ad Astra
• Downton Abbey
• Joker
• Gemini Man
• Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
• 21 Bridges
• Knives Out
• Midway
• Jumanji: The Next Level
• Harriet
• Richard Jewell
• Dark Waters
• Memento
• Source Code
• Late Night
• Stockholm

Favourite TVB Series of the Decade
(Thanks @tvbrama for the idea!)

• 2010: No Regrets
• 2011: The Other Truth
• 2012: Tiger Cubs
• 2013: Bounty Lady
• 2014: Never Dance Alone
• 2015: Raising the Bar
• 2016: Law dis-Order
• 2017: The Unholy Alliance
• 2018: Threesome
• 2019: Big White Duel

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a cheerful 2020!

Overview - Handmaidens United

Jacqueline Wong, a maid in the household of the Vice Minister of War, leads an alliance of maids at the six ministries, who trade information and make money together. Roxanne Tong sold herself to be a maid to raise money for her lover (Brian Tse) to travel to the capital and take the imperial exams. Jacqueline and Roxanne take care of the Vice Minister's first wife (Florence Kwok) and second wife (Angie Cheung), respectively, and fight against each other on behalf of their mistresses. Jacqueline and the young master (Tony Hung) fall in love, but they are oppressed by his father (Timothy Cheng). Timothy is demoted after committing an offense. Tony is determined to achieve honors from the imperial exam and restore the family's reputation. Lisa Lau, the daughter of the Minister of War (Pat Poon), sets her eyes on Brian and tries to seduce him. Jacqueline and Roxanne worry that they will lose their lovers if they achieve a high rank in the imperial exams, and vow to ruin their scholarly dreams. As the two pairs of lovers are about to break up, they get embroiled in a treasonous conspiracy.

Overview - Ratman to the Rescue

Gossip magazine reporter Sammy Leung loses his left ear in a traffic accident. After a transplant surgery, he develops rat-like superpowers. To achieve fame, Sammy creates fake news stories. He clashes with the righteous police officer, Priscilla Wong, and they both lose their jobs. With the encouragement of her uncle KK Cheung, Priscilla becomes a private detective. Sammy uses his superpowers to spy on his goddess, Zoie Tam. He is caught by Priscilla, who forces him to help her investigate cases. Gold-digger Kamen Kong incurs the wrath of the wealthy Daniel Chau and suffers through many pranks. But when Daniel falls into dire straits, she disregards the past and lends him a helping hand. Sammy uses his superpowers to solve cases and becomes more arrogant! At this time, Priscilla is shocked to learn about KK's true character. Sammy helps her, but falls into the danger of exhausting his superpowers and turning into a rat!

TVB Anniversary Awards 2019 - Nomination List

The TVB Anniversary Awards 2019 will take place on January 12, 2020. Here is the nomination list:

Best Actor
Philip Keung - The Defected
Ben Wong - The Defected
Benjamin Yuen - The Defected
Matt Yeung - My Commissioned Lover
Roger Kwok - Big White Duel
Kenneth Ma - Big White Duel
Edwin Siu - Our Unwinding Ethos
Owen Cheung - Justice Bao: The First Year
Shaun Tam - Justice Bao: The First Year
Raymond Cho - Girlie Days
Johnson Lee - Girlie Days
Kent Cheng - My Life as Loan Shark
Chris Lai - My Life as Loan Shark
Joel Chan - Barrack O'Karma
Hugo Ng - Finding Her Voice
Jonathan Cheung - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Vincent Wong - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Pakho Chau - Wonder Women
Raymond Wong - Wonder Women
Tony Hung - Handmaidens United

Best Actress
Adia Chan - The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
Sisley Choi - The Defected
Kara Hui - The Defected
Grace Wong - The Defected
Samantha Ko - My Commissioned Lover
Kelly Cheung - Big White Duel
Ali Lee - Big White Duel
Natalie Tong - Big White Duel
Alice Chan - As Time Goes By
Rosina Lam - Our Unwinding Ethos
Nancy Wu - Justice Bao: The First Year
Elaine Yiu - Justice Bao: The First Year
Kristal Tin - Girlie Days
Maggie Siu - My Life as Loan Shark
Mandy Wong - My Life as Loan Shark
Selena Li - Barrack O'Karma
Sharon Chan - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Rebecca Zhu - Wonder Women
Miriam Yeung - Wonder Women
Roxanne Tong - Handmaidens United

Favourite Male Character
Kalok Chow - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Jack Hui - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Ricco Ng - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Philip Keung - The Defected
Oscar Leung - The Defected
Ben Wong - The Defected
Benjamin Yuen - The Defected
Matthew Ho - Big White Duel
Roger Kwok - Big White Duel
Kenneth Ma - Big White Duel
Joey Law - Girlie Days
Joel Chan - Barrack O'Karma
Ram Chiang - Finding Her Voice
Chung King Fai - Finding Her Voice
Hugo Ng - Finding Her Voice
Savio Tsang - Finding Her Voice
Jonathan Cheung - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Vincent Wong - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Pakho Chau - Wonder Women
Raymond Wong - Wonder Women
Tony Hung - Wonder Women

Favourite Female Character
Mandy Lam - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Koni Lui - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Joyce Tang - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Kamen Kong - The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
Sisley Choi - The Defected
Kara Hui - The Defected
Grace Wong - The Defected
Samantha Ko - My Commissioned Lover
Kelly Cheung - Big White Duel
Ali Lee - Big White Duel
Natalie Tong - Big White Duel
Rosina Lam - Our Unwinding Ethos
Elaine Yiu - Justice Bao: The First Year
Mandy Wong - My Life as Loan Shark
Selena Li - Barrack O'Karma
Mimi Kung - Finding Her Voice
Sharon Chan - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Alice Chan - Wonder Women
Rebecca Zhu - Wonder Women
Miriam Yeung - Wonder Women

Best Supporting Actress
Andrea So - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Dada Wong - I Bet Your Pardon
Jeannie Chan - The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
Kamen Kong - The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
Gloria Tang - The Defected
Ashley Chu - Big White Duel
Crystal Fung - Big White Duel
Stitch Yu - As Time Goes By
Angel Chiang - Our Unwinding Ethos
Moon Lau - Our Unwinding Ethos
Kelly Fu - Justice Bao: The First Year
Katy Kung - Justice Bao: The First Year
Iris Lam - Girlie Days
Claire Yiu - Girlie Days
Candice Chiu - Barrack O'Karma
Samantha Ko - Barrack O'Karma
Zoie Tam - Barrack O'Karma
Mimi Kung - Finding Her Voice
Toby Chan - Wonder Women
Jinny Ng - Wonder Women
Maggie Yiu - Wonder Women

Best Supporting Actor
Kalok Chow - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Stanley Cheung - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Ricco Ng - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Tsui Wing - The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
Benz Hui - The Defected
Oscar Leung - The Defected
Max Cheung - The Defected
Ram Chiang - Big White Duel
Matthew Ho - Big White Duel
John Chiang - Big White Duel
Willie Wai - Big White Duel
William Chak - As Time Goes By
James Ng - My Life as Loan Shark
Bob Cheung - Barrack O'Karma
Jazz Lam - Barrack O'Karma
Lau Kong - Barrack O'Karma
Luk Wing Kuen - Barrack O'Karma
Savio Tsang - Finding Her Voice
Eric Li - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Stephen Wong - The Man Who Kills Troubles
Tony Hung - Wonder Women
Brian Tse - Handmaidens United

Most Improved Actress
Kelly Cheung, Kamen Kong, Iris Tam, Gloria Tang, Roxanne Tong

Most Improved Actor
Owen Cheung, Kalok Chow, Joey Law, Karl Ting, Telford Wong

Favourite TV Partnership
Jimmy Au, Kim Li - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Kalok Chow, Ricco Ng - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Mandy Lam, Jack Hui - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Owen Cheung, Stanley Cheung - Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
Benjamin Yuen, Oscar Leung - The Defected
Kenneth Ma, Roger Kwok - Big White Duel
Joel Chan, Selena Li - Barrack O'Karma
Steve Lee, Helen Tam - The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show
Luk Ho Ming, Crystal Fung, Louisa Mak - Young and Restless
Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming - Good Cheap Eats 8
Mayanne Mak, Edmond Hui, Joey Thye, Eric Tang - Cantoxicating
Benjamin Yuen, Matt Yeung - All Work No Pay Holidays
Judy Kwong, Kandy Wong, Maggie Wong - Yummy Hunters
Tony Hung, Priscilla Wong - Here We Go Again
Dodo Cheng, Fama - Dodo Midnight Quests

Best Series
Come Home Love: Lo and Behold
I Bet Your Pardon
My Ghetto-Fabulous Lady
The Defected
My Commissioned Lover
Big White Duel
As Time Goes By
Our Unwinding Ethos
Justice Bao: The First Year
Girlie Days
My Life as Loan Shark
Barrack O'Karma
Finding Her Voice
The Man Who Kills Troubles
Wonder Women
Handmaidens United

Best Theme Song
The Legend of Dugu - "Walk Alone" (Shiga Lin)
The Legend of Hao Lan - "Heart is Unwilling" (Hana Kuk)
I Bet Your Pardon - "Hollywood Has a Big Con Artist" (Jackson Wang)
The Ghetto-Fabulous Lady - "Secretly Love Me" (Jinny Ng), "Have Me, Will Have You" (Adia Chan)
The Defected - "Stonehearted" (Fred Cheng), "Steel Has Tears" (Hana Kuk), "I Remember" (Jinny Ng)
Come Home Love: Lo and Behold - "Happy Courier" (Lo and Behold Cast)
The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber - "Gain and Lose with a Smile" (Brian Tse), "You are the World" (Hana Kuk)
My Commissioned Lover - "Embrace Lover" (Hubert Wu)
The Family - "Lucky One" (Johnny Ku)
Big White Duel - "Choose Kindness" (Fred Cheng), "Begin Without You" (Hana Kuk), "Can You Hear" (Kayee Tam)
As Time Goes By - "Having You is Good" (Kayee Tam, Auston Lam, Alvin Ng)
Our Unwinding Ethos - "Legend" (Auston Lam)
Justice Bao: The First Year - "Bright Moon" (Joey Yung)
Girlie Days - "Youthful Times" (Daniel Chau), "Wind and Rain from that Day" (Andy Ho)
My Life as Loan Shark - "Neighbourhood Finance Man" (James Ng), "Priceless Love" (Jinny Ng)
Barrack O'Karma - "Take Care Tonight" (Kayee Tam), "Take Care Tonight"(Mandarin) (Vivian Koo)
Finding Her Voice - "Santa Lucia" (Bear Music Children's Choir), "I Will Miss Him" (Stephanie Ho), "You Are More Important Than Me" (Hugo Ng)
The Man Who Kills Troubles - "Heaven Knows" (Andy Leung, On Chan), "Cannot Afford Love" (Vincent Wong)
Legend of the Phoenix - "Flying Against the Light" (Hana Kuk)
Wonder Women - "Marry to Love" (Miriam Yeung), "Allow Love to Fly High" (Pakho Chau), "Break Up Before Dawn" (Joey Thye), "Every Love is Wrong" (Jinny Ng)
Queen Dugu - "I am Strong for Me" (Vivian Koo)
Handmaidens United - "Want to be Brave Once" (Kayee Tam)

Best Host
Steve Lee, Helen Tam - The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show
Wu Fung, Sharon Chan, Fred Cheng, Kayee Tam - Cantopop at 50
Liza Wang, Sammy Leung, William So, Dickson Yu - Liza's Online
Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming - Good Cheap Eats
Chris Lai - A Chef and a Gentleman
Judy Kwong, Kandy Wong, Maggie Wong - Yummy Hunters
Tony Hung, Priscilla Wong - Here We Go Again
Dodo Cheng, Fama - Dodo Midnight Quests
Janis Chan - Faraway Brides
Sammy Leung, Mayanne Mak, Jinny Ng, Karl Ting - Sammy On the Go

Best Non-Drama Programme
Scoop, Cantopop at 50, Own Sweet Home, Fun Abroad, Young and Restless, eSports Central, The Ahistoric Grandpa Cooking Show, Dancing for a Reason, Feng Shui for the New Year, A Blissful Life, Cantoxicating, Homegrown Flavours, Big Big Bay, Baby Matters, Liza's Online, Midlife Classes, Good Cheap Eats, Think You Know Kansai?, Mom No Easy, Wishful Living, I Go To School By Bike, Hong Kong All You Get, Hana Kuk Special, Mom on the Run, A Chef and a Gentleman, Bazaar Carnivals, Fluffie Sarena, Do Did Eat, Holland Fun, All Work No Pay Holidays, Sir Ben Prop. Guide, Yummy Hunters, 12 Summers, Inter Inter Intergen, All Things Girl, Aged Not Old, The Guy Next Door, Here We Go Again, Faraway Brides, Inspiring Journeys, Portuguese Around the World, Do Do Midnight Quests, Sammy on the Go, JSG Awards Presentation 2018, Miss Chinese International Pageant 2019, Community Chest Charity Show 2019, Sing Hong Kong Concert, Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2019, TVB 52nd Anniversary Gala, Tung Wah Charity Gala 2019

Miriam Yeung @ Atlantic City

Last week, I took a break from Wonder Women to see Miriam Yeung in person! She performed in Atlantic City on her My Beautiful Live world tour.

This is the second time I've watched a Miriam concert. Last time, I saw her in Hong Kong and she sang many side tracks. This time, she stuck to the classics. One thing I've noticed from her two concerts is that she does not spend a lot of time talking. Instead, she prefers to sing song after song, to fit in as many songs as possible for her fans.