Long time no see, Casual TVB readers! I am resurfacing just in time to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023.
Before we bid farewell to 2022, I wanted to share a song that deeply touched me in 2022. It is Justin Lo's "Next Time, No Next Time" (下次無下次). The song was originally released in 2015 in his Never Odd or Even album. I didn't pay much attention to this song before, but when Justin sang it at his Fresh Start concert in Atlantic City earlier this year, he told the audience to pay special attention to the lyrics.
The lyrics describes someone living a mundane, unsatisfying life. They open the newspaper and learn about people whose lives are ended suddenly - from disease, from war, from disasters. Their last words are written hastily on scrap paper. The song makes you realize that even if you are not completely satisfied with your life, take a moment to count your blessings. The song is especially meaningful in a year when disease and war affected so many. Live each day to its fullest because you don't know if there will be a next time.
Finally realize, we are grateful to see each other again
Rumoured couple Aeren and Steven from Stars Academy recently released a MV for their cover version of Joey Thye and Oscar Tao's duet "We Will Not Say Goodbye Again" (我們再不講再見). I didn't pay attention to this song when it came out, but Aeren and Steven performed it with a whole new level of sweetness. With the way they gaze into each other's eyes, it's hard not to believe the rumours of them dating.
The song is about a former couple who meet again and realize the good in each other. Hearing the lyrics, I wonder if we meet each other again, whether we can mutually put the past behind us and appreciate the beauty of our friendship.
Another version of the song and MV was recorded by Sherman and Aska, but they seem to be missing the sweetness that a real-life couple would have.
Miriam Yeung released her new song, entitled "One Two Three, Three Two One" (一二三，三二一).
This song embodies the theme of Miriam's 3,2,1 Go! concert. Life begins counting down from the moment you are born. You never know how much time you have left, but you can choose how to spend the time that you have. Even as life is counting down, you should never stop pursuing the things that are important to you. That way, when you look back on your life, you can say that you had a worthwhile journey.
I went to see Miriam's concert in Hong Kong in December. It was thrilling to finally get to see my favourite singer live in concert! Here are just some of the pictures I took:
Miriam Yeung and her husband Real Ting collaborate for the first time to record the theme song for the Chinese drama Legend of Heavenly Tear: Phoenix Warriors. The song is entitled "Parallel" (平行). Real's cousin, Allan Ting, stars in the drama.
Miriam Yeung appeared as a guest at Ronald Cheng's Play It Again concert at the Hong Kong Colisuem. The ex-lovers sang two songs. It's good to see these two performing together again!
Miriam Yeung's songs this year has mirrored my own attitudes. At the beginning of the year, she brought us "The Best Debt", a song about a lost friendship. It spoke right to my heart because of my yearning to reconnect with an old friend. Now, Miriam brings us "Just Right" (剛剛好). It has a calming melody composed by Eason Chan, with lyrics written by Lin Xi. Both of them also make an appearance in the MV.
Sometimes fate has a weird way of working things out. Things may not go your way initially, but in the end, it turns out to be "just right". Looking back, I am actually glad that things happened the way it did, even though, for the longest time, I had desperately wished for a different way. But now, I realize how content I am with my current life and it wouldn't be like this if things had happened differently. I no longer hope to change the past, instead I have learned to appreciate how the past has shaped my present. As we get ready to step into the new year, I know that I have finally, and truly, let go of the past and I am excited to move forward.
To everyone, may you find peace and happiness in 2016 and may everything turn out to be just right for you!
Thought about meeting you day and night But when it becomes reality, I will still panic and be scared Like I am receiving an execution
Hacken Lee and Joey Yung's MV for their duet, "It's A Small World" (世界真細小). The song and MV poignantly conveys all the complicated feelings of when two former lovers re-encounter each other. Sometimes no matter how much you thought about it, or even rehearsed it in your mind, that moment when you see that person again, you still don't know how to react.
Ten years since her last win, Miriam Yeung finally recaptures the Female Singer Gold Award at the Chik Chak Ultimate Song Chart Awards. Congratulations to her!
Miriam immediately kick-starts the new year with a new song called "The Best Debt" (最好的債). It is her first collaboration with lyricist Wyman Wong in a long time. The song is considered a sequel to Eason Chan's "Best Friend" (最佳損友), also written by Wyman.
When you were young, you may have had an argument with your friend. Neither of you were willing to admit defeat, so you go your separate ways. Looking back, was it worth it to lose your friendship over a silly matter?
Do you have an old friend that you want to reconnect with?
TVB has been tapping into our collective memories a lot lately. Do you feel a sense of nostalgia when watching these series?
Never Dance Alone - The series features seven actresses from the 1990s, all of whom form a part of our childhood memories. The series will also take viewers back to their high school days.
Swipe Tap Love - The series incorporates many classic Cantopop songs that matches with the mood of the story.
Coffee Cat Mama - The series paid homage to Leslie Cheung by using his songs as background for Vincent Wong and Nancy Wu's story.
Always and Ever - The golden couple of Bobby Au-Yeung and Esther Kwan are reunited. There's even a scene of them in a shooting range to bring back memories of Armed Reaction.
Triumph in the Skies II - Watching the sequel after ten years will surely make you think back to the original series. Brother's Keeper - Tracing the journey of Hong Kong and Macau through the last 30 years, older viewers will be reminded of the historical events that shaped their lives.
Remakes - TVB will be continuing the trend of nostalgia in their dramas by remaking some of its classic series, including Double Fantasies and The Misadventure of Zoo.
Vivian Lai (黎瑞恩) was a popular singer back in the 1990s. She retired from the entertainment circle in 2002, but recently came out of retirement to hold a charity concert. It was great listening to all her old songs again as it brought back many childhood memories for me. Here are some of Vivian's greatest hits:
Everyone Has a Dream (一人有一個夢想):
Swear (發誓)
Sunshine Road (陽光路上)
Days on the Cloud (雲上的日子)
緣份到了盡頭 已不再願承認發過的誓
Once fate ends, no longer wish to acknowledge previous vows. Is this true?
其實我依然樂意遵守當日的承諾。
Actually I would be happy to abide by my previous promises.
My recent obsession is Joey Yung's "Skylight" (天窗). Love the elegant melody and Joey's beautiful voice.
The song is about a couple on the verge of break-up. They both know in their hearts that he has cheated, but neither are willing to say it. They enjoy a final dinner together before gracefully calling it quits. Rather than exposing the naked truth, why not leave a little room for imagination?
Sometimes, things are better left unsaid, because the consequences of saying can be much harsher than you would ever expect.
On an unrelated and more personal note, a message to a beloved friend:
Julian Cheung's cover of the original Triumph in the Skies theme song "歲月如歌"
Everyone's jumping onto the boat (or plane, shall we say) to take advantage of the popularity of Triumph in the Skies. Chilam's version is at least better than EEG newcomer Angela Hui's version (link), but still nothing can beat Eason Chan's original.
A previous post revealed some of the hidden male singing talents within TVB. This post will uncover some of the female voices hiding away in TVB.
Kristal Tinjoined ATV after winning a singing competition. She recorded several theme songs at ATV, including this song, "熱燙的宇宙", for the 1994 FIFA World Cup broadcast. She is planning to release an album in the near future.
Christine Ngwon multiple newcomer awards with her song "失落於巴黎鐵塔下" (La Tour Eiffel). She discontinued her music career after three albums, but recently picked up the mic again to sing the theme songs for Beauty at War.
Elvina Kong participated in the 1985 New Talent Singing Awards (alongside the likes of William So, Hacken Lee and Vivian Chow), performing the song "再見 Puppy Love". After the competition, she had a brief stint as a singer before signing on with TVB in 1988.
Toby Leung & Macy Chan were both members of the group "Girl's Dormitory". Their music had a youthful vibe, as shown in this MV for "換個話題". The group disbanded after a year. Toby went on to release an individual album, while Macy's musical works were limited to stage performances.
Mimi Lo made a hit with the song "挑戰者", but shortly afterwards, her singing career was put on hold due to contract issues. Although she recorded cover albums upon her return, she was largely forgotten as a singer until an impressive performance on The Voice.
Paisley Wu was discovered by Tats Lau (of the Tat Ming Pair), who shared her interest in alternative style music. Tats was featured in her music video, "了了". She has also worked with Jan Lamb and Edison Chen. Her involvement with music in recent years is as the host of music programs.
Rosanne Lui is a veteran singer renowned for her beautiful voice and unique style. She was already performing in nightclubs at a young age, and has held numerous concerts in Hong Kong and overseas. Her representative piece, "星光背後", from her 2007 concert.
Joyce Tang was a finalist in the 1995 New Talent Singing Awards (in the same year as Eason Chan and Miriam Yeung). Her musical career was short-lived and limited to children's songs. Nonetheless, her song "魔法咕嚕咕嚕" proved popular among kids.
Rain Lau is a familiar supporting actress in many TVB dramas, but few people know that she debuted as a singer in the early 1990s. Her first plug was called "I'm Sorry". She released three albums before turning to acting. She is now contracted to HKTV.
Mona Fong, wife of Sir Run Run Shaw, was once a popular nightclub singer. She performed many English and Chinese songs. Her song "花月佳期" was a popular hit in the 1950s. She ended her on-stage career to work as a television executive in the Shaw Brothers Studio.
TVB will be producing The Voice 4 in the summer with celebrity contestants. Auditions are underway to find contestants for the show. Here's a sampling of hidden singing talents within TVB: Ram Chiang began his career as a talented songwriter. Although his songs were big hits, he did not experience the same popularity rise as a singer. Disheartened, Ram abandoned music for television. His duet "相逢何必曾相識" with Rita Carpio is still considered a classic today.
Michael Tse was one-third of the 1990s band "Wind Fire Sea", which also included Jordan Chan. This is the theme song of the first Young and Dangerous movie, "我話事" (I Decide). The group disbanded after the Young and Dangerous series.
In recent years, Michael has recorded theme songs for TVB dramas, such as"愛從心" (Love from the Heart) with Niki Chow for Sergeant Tabloid.
Patrick Tang was the first TVB-contracted artist to simultaneously develop a music and acting career. The song "朋友二號" (Friend No.2) is his representative work.
Ruco Chanreleased his debut EP in 1998, but was left without a contract after his record company was bought out. He sung several theme songs while at ATV. Here, he performs three songs as a guest performer at a concert.
Ruco sang the theme song "小草" (Tiny Grass) for Reality Check earlier this year.
Vincent Wong entered the showbiz as a singer. After two albums, he decided to put his focus on acting. His most recent music works were two duets with Myolie Wu. This following song is called "哪時此刻".
Jack Wu won a karaoke singing contest and was promptly signed by a record company. His first song "一個諾言" (One Promise) is a play on his Chinese name (胡諾言). Met with lackluster response, he soon signed on with TVB.
Joel Chan is busy with other things these days, but years ago, he was handpicked by Andy Lau to join his record company. His first music video was for the song "ABCD". Also check out Joel's rendition of Raymond Lam's "Searching for You in Loving Memories" Roger Kwok hit a rough patch in his acting career in 1995, so he decided to try his hand at singing. Perhaps luckily for us, it didn't work out for him, otherwise we wouldn't have the beloved "Ah Wong". Now, Roger sporadically sings theme songs for dramas, such as the theme and sub-theme song for Life Made Simple, both with his "wife" Jessica Hsuan. Raymond Cho released three albums with mediocre success. He had better luck as an actor, becoming known with his role in the Healing Hands franchise. A song "不惜一切" from his third album. Edwin Siuhad a strong start to his singing career, winning multiple newcomer awards. Unfortunately, he was forced away by negative press. Currently a rising star at TVB, he has a chance to revive his music career. Two recent theme songs by Edwin: Bullet Brain and A Great Way to Care 2 Lee Tim Sing first gained recognition from the audience as "Street-sweeper Mau" in Enjoy Yourself Tonight. As that character, he recorded a few songs that were put into compilation albums, including one called "黃賭毒歌" (Prostitution, Gambling, Drugs Song).
After a two year hiatus from the HK music industry, Justin Lo is finally making his return! Earlier, he released a new single, Tough Battle (硬仗).
This song speaks straight to my heart. I'm facing some tough challenges right now, but I tell myself to soldier on. I've conquered challenges before and this is just another one of them.
縱使生命如硬仗 贏輸不過自己
Even if life is a hard war, winning or losing is up to you.
Justin will be kick-starting his "Justin Tough Life 2013 World Tour" at the Hong Kong Coliseum on May 25. I hope he makes a stop in Toronto!
Denise Ho has finally "come out of the closet" and publicly declared that she is a lesbian.
(English article) (Chinese article)
I really admire and respect Denise's courage for doing something like this. As an artist, there could be many repercussions, but she did what she felt was right. I believe that there is nothing wrong about homosexuality and that in the 21st century, society needs to be more open-minded.
I firmly believe in this: Love, in any form, is still love.
Denise is an inspiration for people to stand up for their own rights, whether that be gay rights or something else. In a free society, people should not be afraid to express their own opinion. I really love many of her songs because they convey the message "Don't be afraid to do what you think is right". When I listen to her songs, I feel so much passion and strength.
Some of my favourite Denise songs:
Rolls-Royce (勞斯.萊斯) - This version is beautifully weaved with her speech where she made the announcement
.jpg)
