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Thursday, September 07, 2006

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:22:01 GMT

A*Mei, S.H.E. And More Rocked MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan

September 04, 2006

Taiwan - The much anticipated outdoor musical event, the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan was held on Saturday, September 2 with J-pop group w-inds plus top Mando-pop artists from Greater China including A*Mei, F.I.R., Fish Leong, Gary Cao, Jay Chou, Vivian Hsu, JJ Lin, Show Lo, Machi, Mayday, Nan Quan Mama, Wilber Pan, S.H.E., Nicolas Teo, Jolin Tsai, TANK, TWINS, Cyndi Wang, Michael Wong, Kenji Wu, Rainie Yan and more at Taipei Chung-Shan Football Stadium.

Hosted by MTV Mandarin VJs Andy, Linda, Issa, Pink, the unprecedented stellar line-up of Mando-pop artists brought the 70,000 strong audience to their feet with five hours long of live performances. The MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan will premiere on MTV Mandarin on September 9 at 5pm.

The night started off with JJ Lin's "Cao Cao" and a rousing sound of taiko played by JJ himself along with six dancers. JJ then performed two of his hit songs "Sa Rang Hae Yoh" and "Sign Waves." Kicking off the second act, dancing diva Jolin Tsai put together a flawless performance with her renditions of "Dancing Diva," "Attraction Of Sexy Lips," "Mr. Q," and "Pretence," working the crowd into a frenzy.

Wilber Pan continued to keep the audience high his electrifying performance of "Reverse The Earth" and "Telegram." Then, TWINS gave a show-stealing performance of their songs "Around The World With 80 Dollars" and "The Missing Piece." It was the first time that Twins performed in public after Gillian Chung was violated by indecent photographs published in a magazine. Their fans showed their support by singing along to their song "You Are The Bravest."

After such a moving act, new prince of romance Gary Cao melted the audience with his beautiful song "Superwoman." To keep the momentum going, F.I.R. wowed the audience with their energetic performance of "Flight Tribe," "Every Day And Night" and "Get High." Next, Mayday filled the stadium with blissful sound and sang "Lov-ing," "Motor Rock" and "Stubborn," making everyone jumping to the beat.

The night continued with Kenji Wu performing "Big Tongue," "Stephen Chow" and "Regular people." Michael Wong showcased his talent and performed hits "Courage" and "Commitment" while Vivian Hsu rewarded her fans with "Hen Hen Ai," "Smiling Eyes" and a debut performance of new single "Mermaid." Fans were also treated to a stunning performance by S.H.E., who impressed them with special remixes of hits "Once Upon A Time" and their new single "Ring Ring Ring" followed by a medley of "What Has Happened To Us" and "Electric Shock." Another frantic moment occurred when TANK performed "Give Me Your Love" and Fish Leong gave a heartfelt performance of medley "One To One," "Quiet Summer" and "Sadly, It's Not You." Rainie Yan showed off her beautiful voice when performing "Ambiguous," "Only Want To Love You" and "Meeting Love."

The night could not get better when J-pop sensation w-inds. took the stadium by storm with their hits "Shiki," "Trial," "MC" and ruled the crowd when they performed "Boogie Woogie 66" for the first time ever.

Continuing the night with great performances, Machi gave a blistering performance of a medley of their hits. Then, Cyndi Wang captivated her fans with "Smile Of A Rainbow" and "I Do" followed by Nicolas Teo, who performed "Who You Think Of When Lonely." Show Lo kept the audience hyper with his poignant hit songs while Nan Quan Mama performed two of their new singles joined by Jay Chou who rewarded his fans with his latest single "A Thousand Miles Away."

The night drew to a climactic close with Taiwan’s pride A*Mei performing hits including "I Want Happiness?,
"Don't Simply Say," "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Bored," and "Chinese Girl."

Filmed before a live audience of over 70,000 music fans, the show will premiere on MTV Mandarin on 9 September at 5pm and will be broadcast on MTV SAM and MTV China 24-Hrs Channel on 23 September.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) is the proud presenting sponsor of the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and is supporting the event for the first time.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 15:54:33 GMT

Jay Chou, Mayday, Vivian Hsu, Jolin Tsai To Perform At MTV Mandarin Awards

Taiwan - Jay Chou, Mayday, Vivian Hsu, Nicholas Teo, Jolin Tsai, TANK, TWINS and Cyndi Wang have joined the biggest names in Mando-pop scene as live performers at the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan to take place at Taipei Chung-Shan Football Stadium on September 2 in Taipei.

Jay Chou is known for his innovative musical style mixing Mando-pop with Western Hip Hop/ R&B and lyrics that resonates and touches millions of young Asian fans. The multiple winning of Favourite Artist Taiwan at MTV Asia Awards over the last few years is a strong proof of his popularity and his followers will be rewarded with a debut live performance of new single extracting out from his upcoming album at the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan.

Taiwan homegrown rock sensation Mayday, who has just finished their audience record breaking world tour, is sure to receive a rapturous welcome by their frenetic fans set to be in the 30000 strong live audience. The pretty Vivian Hsu is not only a face of good look. Besides her modeling, acting and singing carrier, her lyric-writing talent gained serious notice when she completed several hits songs for Jay Chou. Vivian’s musical work covers a great range of genres including love ballads, R&B, hard rock, and J-pop; when combine with her language skills, the versatile artist is guaranteed to set the stage alight with her soulful performance. Malaysia born karaoke prince Nicolas Teo kicked off his career as singer after his winning of a talent contest in 2002. His great voice and easy-singing songs will be warmly welcomed by the live audience on 2 September.

Eye-candy pop queen Jolin Tsai is always ready to treat fans with her ever changing image. With her recent winning of the prestigious Style Award and a sexy performance of the popular rendition of “Dancing Diva” at the MTV Asia Awards 2006, Jolin has ascertained herself as Taiwan’s best dancing queen.

TANK has broke through into the mainstream of Mando-pop scene with his debut album “Fighting, The Law of Living” and is promised to be the next big thing after David Tao, Wang Leehom and Jay Chou with his talents in composing songs, singing and dancing. Hong Kong born pop duo TWINS has become hugely popular with hit singles staying at the top of various pop charts for weeks. Crowned as Favourite Artist Hong Kong at this year’s MTV Asia Awards, the girls are hailed as one of the most favorite Mando-pop artists and continue to take Greater China’s music scene by storm. Cyndi Wang has not only released five top selling albums, she is also making a great deal of effort to boost her acting career and starred in several popular drama series. By appearing at the concert, Cyndi will wow her fans with her singing talent and the dancing skills she gained from her advance studies in Japan at the Taipei Chung-Shan Football Stadium.

Jay Chou, Mayday, Vivian Hsu, Nicholas Teo, Jolin Tsai, TANK, TWINS and Cyndi Wang join A*Mei, F.I.R., Fish Leong, JJ Lin, Show Lo, Machi, Nan Quan Mama, Wilber Pan, S.H.E., w-inds., Michael Wong, Kenji Wu and Rannie Yan as performers at the concert -- which promise to be the biggest outdoor musical event in Taipei to date.

MTV viewers can win themselves an all-expense-paid trip to Taiwan to experience the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan. Grab you chance by visiting MTV’s websites www.mtvasia.com (in Singapore and Malaysia) or http://hk.mtvchina.com (in Hong Kong) between 2 August to 29 August 2006, answer one simple question and get yourself ready for the spectacular show in Taipei. You can also visit www.goto-taiwan.net for more information on how to get free tickets to the show.

Filmed before a live audience of over 30000 music fans, the show will premiere on MTV Mandarin on 9 September and will be broadcast on MTV SAM and MTV China 24-Hrs Channel on 23 September.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) is the proud presenting sponsor of the MTV Mandarin Awards @ Taiwan in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and is supporting the event for the first time.

Friday, June 30, 2006

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 11:34:37 GMT

Yao to have cameo role in Chinese movie
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-30 17:14

Chinese NBA star Yao Ming will make a cameo appearance in an upcoming basketball-themed movie also featuring Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou and South Korean singer BoA, a news report said Thursday.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming in training session in Shanghai.[Reuters]

Houston Rockets center Yao will spend a day filming for the Chinese-language film whose title translates as "Dunk," the Xinxi Shibao newspaper said, citing the film's Taiwan's producer Wu Dun.

Chou, one of Chinese pop's biggest stars, will have the lead role, and his South Korean counterpart BoA, has also signed on, the report said.

The report said Chou's lead character is a kung fu fighter turned basketball player.

Chou has been developing his film career, appearing in the Japanese comic inspired film, "Initial D," and he is currently filming famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower."

Thursday's report also said the budget of "Dunk" is estimated at $10million.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:52:34 GMT

Zhang Yimou Shoots Critical 'Chrysanthemum' Scene
( kfccinema.com )
Updated: 2006-06-08 15:41

Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower" /photo: Getty Image

Production on Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower", as the film now seems to be known in the West rumbles forward, with the director now shooting a crucial scene filled with chrysanthemum flowers and involving Chow Yun Fat as the emperor and Jay Chou as a rebellious prince.

According to director, flowers will play an important part in the film, being used not only for visuals but to convey its themes. Fortunately, the production has coughed up for thousands of real flowers, rather than relying upon the kind of computer trickery which sunk poor Chen Kaige's "The Promise".

Friday, June 02, 2006

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:09:47 GMT

Honouring the best

The 17th Golden Melody Awards will take place in Taipei on June 10. MICHAEL CHEANG rounds up the somewhat surprising list of nominees.

Taiwan singer David Tao has multiple nominations this year including for Best Male Mandarin Singer.

THE build up to the 17th Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan’s equivalent of the Grammys, has been dominated not by the potential winners, but by one artiste who is conspicuous by his absence from the nominee list – Jay Chou. Even his fans had threatened to boycott the awards ceremony on June 10 because of their idol’s omission.

It was not all doom and gloom for Chou’s fans though, as a song – Hair Like Snow (Fang Wenshan) – from his album November Chopin was nominated for the Best Lyricist award while Jiang Hui’s Fish That Likes to Dream, which Chou composed, was also nominated for Song of the Year.

Despite the absence of Chou, the Best Male Mandarin Singer award will still be a tight affair, with favourite Taiwanese singer-composer David Tao taking on Hong Kong heavyweight Jacky Cheung, fellow Taiwanese Wang Leehom and Terry Lin.

Tao also has the most number of nominations this year, with additional nominations for the Song of the Year, Best Mandarin Pop Album, Best Producer, and Best Musical Arrangement awards.

Malaysians will also have a special interest in this year’s awards as several Taiwan-based Malaysians are also nominated, including Michael Wong and Penny Tai in the best composer category. Tai will also be up against fellow Malaysian Fish Leong as well as Singaporeans Stefanie Sun and Tanya Chua for the Best Female Mandarin Singer award.

Song of the Year
Jiang Hui – Fish That Likes to Dream
Hu Defu – Pacific Wind
Wu Bai – Made in Taiwan
David Tao – The Art of War

Malaysian Penny Tai has been nominated in three categories for Crazy Love – Best Mandarin Pop Record, Best Composer and Best Producer.

Best Mandarin Pop Record
Hu Defu – Rush
Cheer Chen- A Fabulous Adventure
Tanya Chua – Amphibian
Penny Tai – Crazy Love
David Tao – The Great Leap 2005

Best Composer
Hu Defu – Pacific Wind
Michael Wong – Fairy Tale
Chen Xiaoxia – 13 1/2
Penny Tai – Crazy Love
Yu Yang – The Perfect Day

Best Lyricist
Fang Wenshan – Hair Like Snow
Hu Defu – Pacific Wind
Wu Bai – Made in Taiwan
Wu Xiong – 13 1/2
A Guai – Not Good

Best Producer
Zheng Jieren, Wang Jisan – Rush
Zhong Chenghu – A Fabulous Adventure
Tanya Chua – Amphibian
Penny Tai, Chen Zihong, Huang Yi – Crazy Love
David Tao – The Great Leap 2005

Best Male Mandarin Singer
Kenju Wu
Jacky Cheung
Terry Lin
Hu Defu
David Tao
Wang Leehom

Best Female Mandarin Singer
Frankie Wang
Fish Leong
Cheer Chen
Tanya Chua
Penny Tai
Stefanie Sun
Fanfan Fan

Best Musical Group
Awaking
Nan Quan Mama
Material Girls
S.H.E.
Jeff & Machi

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 02:10:24 GMT

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Sunday, November 20, 2005

Sun, 20 Nov 2005 22:05:28 GMT

Text in for Chou

8TV, in collaboration with Sony BMG, will be running an SMS contest from Nov 15 to 30 in conjunction with Taiwanese mega star Jay Chou's (pic) release of his latest album, November's Chopin.

8TV is offering an attractive Grand Prize of a three-day-two-night trip to Guang Zhou for two people, two tickets to see Chou's Guang Zhou Concert and one Sony BMG CD Hamper worth RM200.

Two Panasonic VS6 mobile phones and two Sony BMG CD hampers worth RM200 will also be given away to the other lucky winners. Chou's highly anticipated album, November's Chopin has 10 new songs and two bonus tracks from his Initial-D movie.

Chou, who plays the piano, has loved the compositions of legendary composer Frederic Chopin and this, his sixth album, is a reflection of that love.

The contest is available in English only and you will have to key in JAY and send it to 33838 to participate. Players may participate in the contest as many times as they wish. Players who answer each question correctly will be awarded five points. The one with the highest points and ranking at the end of the contest will win. Only one winner is entitled to a prize; there will be a charge of RM1 for each SMS. For more information, log on to www.8tv.com.my

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 22:46:30 GMT

'Kung Fu Hustle' Wins Golden Horse Award

Sun Nov 13, 3:12 PM ET

KEELUNG, Taiwan - "Kung Fu Hustle" was the big winner Sunday at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, taking home five trophies, including best director and best film at the Oscar equivalent for Chinese-language cinema.

The awards represented a setback for local favorite "Three Times," which won best actress for Shu Qi, best Taiwanese film and best film by a Taiwanese filmmaker.

Taiwanese pop sensation Jay Chou, a singer-songwriter and one of the Chinese-language music industry's biggest names, won for best new performer for "Initial D," signaling the appearance of a new presence on the Asian cinematic scene.

"I'm not very confident about acting, unlike my music," Chou said in his acceptance speech. "But after winning this award, getting this recognition, I'm quite happy."

"Initial D" also earned Anthony Wong best supporting actor honors, while Hong Kong's

While accepting the award, Kwok made reference to his reputation as a good-looking lightweight, better known for his singing and dancing than for his ability as a serious cinematic performer.

"Beginning with 'Divergence,' I completely put down the Aaron Kwok people expect, to immerse in the character, to be a real actor," he said.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 01:25:50 GMT

Chou’s Chopin

TAIWANESE superstar Jay Chou is back with his sixth album titled November’s Chopin. The offering, said to have a rich classical flavour, will be out on Tuesday. As usual, the singer-songwriter-producer had a hand in all aspects of the album’s production. He also took charge of the image and styling for the record.

The album’s release was delayed since July as it coincided with the opening of Chou’s debut movie Initial D and his Incomparable to Jay world tour.

His record company suggested the name November’s Chopin after noting that the record is full of poetic lyrics and his idol is none other than Fryderyk Chopin, the 19th-century Polish composer-pianist touted as the “Poet of the Piano”.

Promotional posters for the album are out. If you have seen them, you’ll notice that Chou is sporting a stud on his left ear. Fans have expressed concern over the 26-year-old’s earpiece but were relieved to know that it was just a magnetic ear accessory. The rather conservative Chou, apparently, will not pierce his ears and dislikes tattoos.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 01:07:27 GMT

Action vies with art films for Golden Horse awards

Last Updated Wed, 19 Oct 2005 16:14:17 EDT
CBC Arts

Hollywood-backed comedy Kung Fu Hustle has grabbed 10 nominations for Golden Horse Awards, the Chinese-speaking world's equivalent of the Oscars.

Another Hong Kong action film Election, directed by Johnny To, took 11 nominations.

Hong Kong comedian and star of Kung Fu Hustle Stephen Chow smiles during a charity event in Hong Kong. (AP File Photo/Kin Cheung)

The 42nd annual Golden Horse Film Festival celebrates achievement in films made in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has long dominated Chinese-language filmmaking, but fewer films are being made in the expensive Hong Kong market. Instead, Chinese movie-makers are moving production into China and collaborating with partners from other Chinese-speaking markets.

This year's Golden Horse awards heap recognition on mainland Chinese films and Taiwanese art films, as well as numerous co-operative productions involving artists from Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland. Kung Fu Hustle, about a hapless gangster in 1940s Shanghai, is a collaboration between Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow, Beijing Film Studio and Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia Ltd.

Cantonese action stalwart Jackie Chan came up empty with his epic The Myth, and Andy Lau, star of Infernal Affairs and winner of the Golden Horse for best actor in 2004, failed to receive a nomination for best actor or supporting actor, despite appearing in four movies in the competition. However, one of those films, A World Without Thieves, the story of a swindler couple, took a best film nomination.

Instead, many little known stars and productions earned nominations. The Golden Horse ceremony will be on Nov. 13 in the northern Taiwanese port of Keelung.

Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien's romance Three Times took eight nominations including best film, best director, best actor for Chen Chang and best actress for Shu Qi.

Initial D, a movie based on a Japanese comic about street car races, won six nominations, including best supporting actor for Hong Kong's Anthony Wong, and best original song for Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou.

Chen Khen will contend for best actor for Yim Ho's A West Lake Moment, a movie set in modern China about a young woman's two love affairs.

Chen Shiang-chyi is a best actress nominee for The Wayward Cloud, a sexually explicit Taiwanese film.

Hong Kong pop star Miriam Yeung is another best actress candidate for Drink, Drank, Drunk, a romance in which she plays a beer promoter who falls for a chef. Another Hong Kong pop star turned actor, Aaron Kwok, got a nod for the crime thriller Divergence.

Seven Swords, a visually stunning kung fu epic by Hong Kong director Tsui Hark, was nominated for seven prizes, including best art direction and best cinematography. It was a Hong Kong-China co-production.