TVB Celebrity News

After Joel Chan started dating Florinda Ho, he's often showing off their sweet moments on Weibo. However, when Joel learned that Virgina Lok said he's not interested in shooting series anymore, yesterday he refuted on Weibo: "Just what is the primarily duty of an Executive, is it to sell themselves....or sell their products?" His girlfriend, Florinda, also supported Joel by replying to him: "Depends on the industry and personal interest, each have their own ambitions."

Yesterday Virgina Lok attended an event in Tsim Sha Tsui, and after reporters showed her the comment Joel left on Weibo, she was asked if the executive Joel referred to was her? She said: "I don't understand what the meaning of his comment is. (What jobs does Joel have now?) He took vacation. When he told us, he said he temporarily won't be accepting jobs, apparently he wants to start a business. Actually there are people offering him jobs, but he told his manager he doesn't want to accept any yet. However, it's fine that he's taking vacation because he does not owe TVB any shows."

Virgina stressed its not a problem that Joel takes vacation because he does not owe TVB any shows, but up until today it has already been 6 months since he's done anything. She also wanted to call Joel to ask what's happening. She said: "I've asked Derek Kwok (Joel's good friend) for his opinion, and I do want to invite Joel out to discuss too. If he wants to terminate the contract, we can sit down and talk about it."

[Oriental Daily] asked Joel if the executive he referred to on Weibo, Virgina Lok, he responded yesterday: "why would that be? I understand her and I'm tolerant for her concern and care. (What do you understand about her?) I understand she cares about me. As a junior, I am tolerant and appreciate her care over the last many years." Florinda also responded supporting her boyfriend: "I believe he's a person that knows his blessings."

July 1st is Virgina Lok's 53rd birthday. It turns out she had her party on June 30th because her birthday is the same day as the TVB Most Popular TV Commercial Awards. In a red low-cut dress, Virgina appeared at the party location half an hour early. When asked if Joel Chan is coming to celebrate with her? She said: "Don't play him, I didn't invite that many artists. Many of them are in Mainland, like Charmaine Sheh, Bosco Wong and Kevin Cheng can't make it."


Although there was a typhoon warning last night, the group of artists including Samantha Ko, Linda Chung, Pierre Ngo, Ruco Chan, Candy Cheung, Koni Lui, Nancy Wu, Eric Tsang, Michael Miu and his wife Jamie Chik, Raymond Lam, Tracy Ip, Kristal Tin and her husband Chapman To all attended the party. Some carried gifts with them. Tracy Ip, who broke her bones earlier, arrived in crutches with Rebecca Zhu. Fala Chen sent her boyfriend Sit Sai Hang (from Neway) out as her representative and EEG CEO Ng Yue also attended.

Virgina's favorite Raymond Lam was late to the party, but it turns out he had to work. He arrived with his cousin Lin Xiawei. A reporter asked Raymond if Virgina was accommodating his schedule, so changed the party date to today? He laughed: "Of course not, I'm busy everyday. How much could she accommodate.

Kevin Cheng won appreciation from his performance in Ghetto Justice. No one had doubts that he relied on TVB executives to get the award. Had long lacked tje 'well-deserved', Kevin sighed greatly: "This time there is only happiness when I got this award, last time I was worried and happy. Last time there were no competitors, so I felt TVB just gave the award to me" As this is his second time becoming TV King, Kevin recalls his feelings 5 years ago: "5 years ago when I got TV King, I personally felt I wasn't qualified yet. This time, the feeling is different, not only did TVB presented this award to me again, but it is also because I got support from audience, the producer and other artists! I want to reiterate that I have never exchanged a contract for an award because I am a person that does not rely on friends or parties."

When speaking of the people he is grateful for, Kevin expressed aside from his mother, there are three other important women: "There are three in the television circle, including Tsang Jeh (Catherine Tsang), Miss Lok (Virgina Lok) and Amy Jeh (Amy Wong)." In the past, it was said because Virgina was hiding the truth that Kevin was able to charge straight up. The truth is Kevin and Miss Lok views differ on many occassions, but it does not get to the point where they argue. Although Miss Lok is his boss, he often does not agree or listen to her words. Kevin claims he isn't a person that 'polishes shoes' (suck up) or gives gifts. His relationship with the executives isn't especially great. In 2006, when he was spotted eating out with Miss Lok, at the time it was because of his lawsuit that he had to ask for advice. He asked back: "But later, did you all get any more photos of us eating together?"

After all, without Virgina Lok, there would not be the Kevin Cheng we see today. Kevin is not shy to say thank you to Virgina: "All along, she has taken good care of me. After all, the day she is still with TVB, you will not see me in a different company. You all can see how clear my position is. It is because of Miss Lok that I'm with TVB. I want to express my thanks to her." Kevin recalls back in 2006 when Miss Lok was producing the All About Men album, it was because of that he was able to see how it feels like to be back on the radio station doing an interview. It is also because of this, he was able to release a New + Best Collection CD in 2006. He said without hiding: "At least this satisfied my craving a little, all of it is under Miss Lok's arrangements. She still has a lot of arrangements up ahead."

Admitted that He has “Low Affinity” with Lok Yi Ling; Steven Ma Reveals the Reasons for Tendering his Resignation.

Steven Ma, who has worked in TVB for eighteen years, shockingly requested termination of his contract. I sought confirmation from the horse’s mouth and he candidly admitted its veracity. “I’m not asking for an increase in salary, or for the tv king award, it is just that I am at the bottleneck now, and that I just can’t see any further growth, which makes me uneasy.”

The year before (2009) Steven had already decided to leave the nest but general manager, Stephen Chan, personally persuaded him to stay back, and promised him lots of opportunities to grow in different areas, and so he decided to stay. But with the changes in the higher management, after Apprentice Chef, things came to a halt. The steadily accumulating anxiety and anger ignited by the company's rejection of the Mainland grand tv series production, "The Founding of Yuan Dynasty", finally exploded. “I want to exert it is not that TVB is bad to me but that I often met with unhappy issues….” Is it because of someone’s suppression? “If you want me to answer “no”, I can’t do that!” Naturally, it brought to mind the persistent widespread rumors that Steven and Virginia Lok do not get along. For the first time, Steven speaks out what he had suppressed in his heart for a long time, “Virginia Lok and I, low affinity!”

For the past few years, Steven has been standing firmly as a first line siu sang, and the series he leads in have high ratings, however, his name never appears in grand productions or in Mainland tv series, either. Moreover, the commercials and advertisements, stage performances and other side jobs all have to depend on himself too. Finally in June this year, he was invited by Tsui Siu Ming to shoot a 50-episode epic historical grand production, "The Founding of Yuan Dynasty", which greatly elated him. “Siu Ming Gor approached me to portray Liu Bingzhong (劉秉忠). He was the founding minister who assisted Kublai Khan (Hu Jun) to found the Yuan Dynasty. Though not a first lead,his role has lots of room to elaborate, moreover, I can also learn from the veteran actors, plus the series will premier next year on CCTV1 on prime time. It will help to further my career. It’s a very good opportunity.”

Without even discussing the fee, he had already indicated his interest to Siu Ming gor his acceptance of this series (reported fee was 1.5 million rmb). He handed the offer to his tvb manager, Hillman, to follow up. Very quickly Hillman responded that Virginia Lok had rejected the offer. The reason being his contract prohibited acceptance of series that will not air on TVB. I recalled distinctly that Myolie Wu’s Mainland tv series was broadcasted early this year on cable tv, and also that Ron Ng snagged the Cable tv king award with his role in another mainland series, why not Steven?

“I don’t know other people’s contracts. I know that my contract has such a clause. Honestly, very regretful but what to do?”He told Siu Ming gor his situation and politely declined the series. Who knows two months later, he received a message that Siu Ming gor was still waiting for him and urged him to vigorously fight for it . At that moment in time, Steven was so touched he felt like tearing up. He forwarded the text message to Ms. Lok to ask her to reconsider. The return text message came with the same previous response: “All artists in this company are subject to this provision in their contract stipulation.”

Afterwards was the most difficult twenty four hours. All that he had gone through in TVB, the happy and unhappy fragments all floated before his eyes. “No matter how hard I continue to shoot series, the outside jobs are truly not many. I believe Hillman is already very diligent in helping me but unfortunately the outcome is always less than satisfactory.…The year before when negotiating with Stephen Chan, I didn’t request salary raise, I’d only wanted to have more opportunities to experience new things. It's only when Stephen Chan agreed to them that I signed up. In the beginning there was Apprentice Chef but when management went through changes, I was back to square one again! I know I’m in a better situation than others, but after 18 years as an artist, one hopes for improvement, right? Can you allow me space to pursue a longer term artistic life?”

Mulling over it he evoked that notion that had been stored for a long time in the back of his mind and activated it. He sent an official letter style text message to Virginia Lok requesting an early release from his contract. (The contract terminates June next year.)

“To make this decision was not easy. I thought of Zhan jie (Catherine Tsang), Uncle Choi (Leung Choi Yuen), they've been good to me. Even Stephen Chan, though the days of our interactions are not long, but these two years I can see that he has been trying very hard to fulfill his promises to me. I’ve the utmost respect for him.”

But to pursue better growth he, in the end, still sent out his text message. The day was August 21. It was rumored that the finale of 'The Life and Times of Sentinel' peaked at 40 points, but the company showed not reaction to it; however it held an ostentatious celebration for Life of Omission that had the same peak rating, and that this had so enraged Steven that in a fit of anger he decided to terminate his contract, this clearly does not hold water as it was not until August 26th that ‘Sentinel’s finale was aired.

“Do you think it's little kids playing toys? If I want a celebration I can pay for one out of my own pocket. I’ve done that many times already.” About Michael Tse's upfront upbraiding him for being “immature”, Steven smiled and said: “I’m not very familiar with Michael. I believe he was just kidding. Steven,I, will never carry out any action because of not having a celebratory event.”

Because talks are still in progress, Steven cannot reveal his rationale for terminating the contract. He can only say that after sending out that text message, on the very next day, Run Run Shaw’s secretary, Chan Fai Kong Run, contacted him to investigate his situation, and soon after, Virginia Lok through Hillman arranged for a meeting with Steven in tvb city. They talked for a while, and shortly there was news that Stephen Chan and Mark Lee had both agreed to exempt that clause from his contract, and permit Steven to accept “The Founding of Yuan Dynasty”. The contract (tn:series) is almost complete now. When finished with shooting “Prosperous Father, he will head up north; it seems like a happy ending.

But Steven says his wanting to terminate his contract has not wavered. “I guess lots of people must be thinking how come Steven is being so audacious. I want to take this opportunity to say, outwardly I’m very strong, I'm used to confronting life and death separation, but it does not mean that I don’t have feelings. When I submitted my request to be released from my contract, it wasn't on a whim. From the moment I sent out that text message, my decision to leave was resolute.”

There are rumors that there are many artists management agencies in Hong Kong and Mainland beckoning him to their companies. Have no choice but to leave, is it because of him be suppressed by a certain person? "If you want me to answer you with a “no”, I can’t do it! Company has many talented people, no need for you to especially do anything for me, but at least, be a little bit fairer!” When brought up the rumors that he has never gotten along with Virginia Lok, he quipped: “Virginia Lok and Me, low affinity. Don’t know why but we just can’t communicate. And after a while, feel very distant. Some people (tn:tvb human resource department) I can’t even remember. TVB is my management agent.”

Note1: Even Steven's recent herbal commercial was not through TVB. VL says: With Steven is aTsui Jie who is a veteran journalist, maybe many clients may have called her up first and then have us followed up.

Note2:
Sentinel ended with a big bang but tvb had no reaction; conversely Omission was ostentatiously celebrated. Steven said he doesn't mind:"So long there were viewers watching it, that's enough."

Note3:
The year before Stephen Chan had promised Steven developments in different areas but soon after SC became entangled in ICAC investigation, after Apprentice Chef, nothing more happened.

Note4:
The Uncrowned General Fortune of Ratings. 收视福将
Based on average ratings: Last year, A Watchdog Tale was top 5, (avg=31 points peaked @ 36pts) Ghost Writer: avg = 30 pts peaked @ 41pts.

Although does not the fate to be tv king but from the rating numbers can see that Steven is undoubtedly a box office draw. On tvb top 10 rated series of the year he is a regular male lead on the list. Last year, he was even the sole artist who got on the list twice with A Watchdog’s Tale and Ghost Writer. No wonder his request to prematurely terminate his contract provoked a strong reaction from the senior management. Stephen Chan and Mark Lee jointly gave their consensus to exempt the clause from his contract to permit him to shoot the Mainland tv series as appeasement and as persuasion to have him stay.

Virginia Lok's Response to Steven's news article (Spoiler)

Responding to Steven Ma’s “low affinity”, Virginia Lok say: “I hope all artists understand whether have low or high affinity with me is not important, what’s important is to have affinity with TVB! Artists are the company’s resources, of course, I will work hard to help everybody fight for opportunities. But not everything, I, Ms. Lok, say is fine then it’s fine. To be successful, also has to depend on opportune timing and favorable conditions.”

She admitted that she does not have much contact with Steven other than business. “ TVB has so many artists, there’s not way I can have contacts with each and every one of them. Unless like Xu Ting Keng (許挺鏗) signing the records company or Fook Lu Sau held a concert, only then will have more mutual contacts. Sometimes when an artist want to make a request and talk personally to me, only then will set up a private meeting to eat together, like Charmaine Sheh.”

Steven claims he has signed contract with TVB for six years, but stage performing, commercials and ads, and other side jobs are far in between, everything has to depend on himself and his colleague to fight for. Ms. Lok say: “I also have asked Hillman (Steven’s manager) why Steven’s jobs are not many? Hillman said that many clients had asked about fees, schedules, but clients are fickle, one minute like this the next like that, so maybe in the end picked another artist. For this I truly feel it is a bit regrettable but you know, there’s supply and there’s demand.”

Talking about “The Founding of Yuan Dynasty’s” contract woes, what came out of Ms. Lok’s mouth was a different version from Steven’s. She said that day she received Steven’s text message, only then did she know about this situation. “That was a Sunday. I immediately called up Hillman to ask what happened? Hillman told me it was because company couldn’t accept certain clauses in the contract. I know Steven truly wanted to shoot this series. I had helped him ask the company if it could cooperate with him. But during the meeting, they all did not want to waive the clause on the contract. Moreover, he is not even the first lead in the series.”

This clause, is it true that all mainland series that the artists participated in must be aired on tvb? “No. Actually, Siu Ming gor and I are very familiar to each other. We once worked together in Rediffusion Television (RTV). If he had truly wanted Steven to shoot in this series he would have called me but he didn’t. Through Hillman I contacted Steven . And we discussed the matter again. Steven expressed that he truly wanted to shoot this series. So I called up Siu Ming gor to ask him to help, to ask the producers to be more accommodating. Consequently the other party accommodated, and we successfully resolved this matter.”

She remembers that it was after successfully resolving this matter with Siu Ming gor that she received Steven’s text message to terminate his contract. “I don’t consider that is an official letter style. In his message, he seemed dispirited, like the company does not care too much about him. But then this is not the first time expressing his unhappiness. He has expressed his unhappiness to Stephen (SC) and to Zhan Jie (Catherine Tsang). Once in a dinner, after consuming some wine he griped to Executive Deputy Chairman, Norman Leung, and became quite teary as he spoke. Everybody hurriedly comforted him."

“I feel that maybe it almost year end, and close to the anniversary awards ceremony so he threw some tantrums! Usually prior to and after the anniversary ceremony we seldom negotiate contracts with the artists, too sensitive. Steven’s contract will end next year. We had intended to discuss his contract after the anniversary ceremony.” Steven has expressed his wish, will Ms. Lok make gestures to retain him? “Of course want to retain him. Steven has achievements and has put in efforts, even if does not want to sign management contract, can also stay back to shoot series….but, can he terminate his contract early?"

Following Stephen Chan's mighty return to TVB, rumors circulated that Stephen and Virgina Lok's split in 'Parties' have started repeating history with a huge fire of war. Virgina once said in court that someone was "selling artists into slavery". Yesterday she denied resigning to avoid Stephen, she said: "How is that possible? No, we waited so hard and long for this perfect ending. He is fine now, the spirit revives, why would I resign? I hope there won't be any more unhappy events that arises. (Have you contacted Stephen?) I sent him a SMS. I know he'll be back to work on Monday, and since then I haven't bothered him. We'll talk when he's back at work. (Wong He of the 'Stephen Party' was dinged out earlier?) TVB has never changed on Wong He, we are in a shortage (of artists). It is just he wanted to shoot Mainland series and the schedule didn't fit. As long as the right series comes along, he'll be back, TVB always welcomes him."

It was said Virgina Lok's favorites including Raymond Lam, Michael Tse, and Linda Chung may not get any awards at the end of the year due to Virgina's lost in power. Towards this, Raymond Lam said: "It is always rumored like that. To me, awards are not important, the most important is to have recognition from audience."

Depending on Ghetto Justice and the upcoming Queen of All for TV Queen, Myolie Wu expressed: "There has never been a split in parties, I am not worried about awards, most important is to do my own part."

Wayne Lai, Steven Ma, Fala Chen and Tavia Yeung were all rumored to be in the "Stephen Party". Wayne Lai expressed: "I have to clarify that actually during No Regrets, I had more performances and had more communication with Mr. Chan, but when it comes to being familiar with him and saying I'm part of his party, just lifts me up too high. Also Forensic Heroes III has not broadcast yet, I only have 50% confidence of getting TV King. There are a lot of other factors for TV King, including the amount of votes and public opinion. Of course I hope to be crowned TV King for 3 consecutive years and create history, but I support Raymond Lam and Kevin Cheng. (They are part of the 'Virgina Party' that is losing power!) Don't have to separate it that clearly."

Said to be in the 'Stephen Party', Fala Chen stressed she is not in any party. Asked if she feels her chances of winning TV Queen is higher? She said: "There are still several months before the TVB Anniversary. The anniversary series haven't even started airing yet, it is too early to say. Awards is not about the executives, it is about the role and TV ratings."

Steven Ma frankly said towards work, the fitting level wasn't high with Miss Lok, he said: "I admit that last July when I discussed my contract with Miss Lok, it did not fit well, and I had no jobs for a whole month. Later, I got Mr. Chan and Catherine Tsang's help, Mr. Chan even promised Apprentice Chef for me. Mr. Chan have in fact fulfilled many of my wishes. (Do you have confidence to win awards?) I do not know if I'm in the 'Stephen Party', but I am leaving it to fate for awards. My mentor is Catherine Tsang."

Due to a contractual dispute, Wong Hei’s relationship with TVB turned sour recently – it was reported that because Wong Hei is close with TVB’s General Manager Stephen Chan, he was treated coldly by the company. His contract is set to expire next month (September), however he has not met the number of shows required to fulfill his contractual obligation – recently, someone from TVB’s Artists Department even suggested to Wong Hei that he pay a fine and terminate his contract early, which greatly disappointed him. Even though TVB has denied everything, Wong Hei continues to insist that TVB’s response is ‘inconsistent with the truth’. The situation has gotten to the point where Wong Hei has started to lose sleep over it.

Yesterday morning, Wong Hei posted on his Weibo account, insinuating that the situation was purposefully planned to chase him out: “Sleepless! 16 years -- all the sweat, tears, and blood that I contributed, suddenly swirling around in my head; at the same time, I continue to hear the ‘suggestion’ that a fellow colleague relayed to me, so ear-piercing and heartbreaking. Aiye! Despite how reluctant I am to part with them, I am ultimately no match for the ‘effort’ they spent in 17 months. Aiye!”

One of Wong Hei’s fans could not stand the injustice and so scolded Virginia Lok on Weibo. Wong Hei urged the fan not to make the situation any bigger than it already is: “Don’t make it a big issue! I don’t want Mrs. Chan [TN: Virginia Lok’s husband’s surname is Chan] to make another move against me and make things even more difficult for me. Having to pay a fine to terminate my contract is already bad enough!” Wong Hei also re-emphasized that Virginia Lok is already married and has a child, so it is disrespectful to continue to call her ‘Ms Lok’ – everyone should call her ‘Mrs. Chan’ instead. On his Weibo, Wong Hei also mentioned that it is quite a shame that Mrs Chan’s [Virginia Lok] testimony in court [Stephen Chan’s corruption case] did not get republished in its original text – otherwise, everyone would be able to see her ‘true’ character.

It was TVB executive Virgina Lok's 52nd birthday yesterday (7/1). She held a large birthday party and many of TVB's sons and daughters attended to celebrate with her including Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong, Fala Chen, Kate Tsui, Wong Cho Lam and his girlfriend Leanne Li, Wayne Lai, Michael Tse, Sharon Chan, Louis Yuen and Christine Kuo. Her good friends Mak Ling Ling, Mani Fok, Tommy Leung, and Ng Yue were present as well. Fala took her boyfriend Sit Sai Hang along with her to meet the 'Ah Ma' (mom) and they took photos together.

Virgina told her guests ahead of time that they shouldn't get her any birthday gifts. Yesterday Virgina reveals Wayne did charity instead of a gift, he sponsored two children under Virgina's name as a birthday gift to her. She felt very happy and it was very meaningful. As for Michael he 'violated the rules' and got her a gift. The guests had a great time playing and singing karaoke with Virgina. At around midnight, the guests split into male and female groups and Virgina took a large group photo with each group.

Asked of her birthday wishes, aside from hoping for world peace, Virgina does forget to wish peace for all if her colleagues and artists at TVB. Looks like she is sending blessings to the one in trouble with the law, Stephen Chan. She said: "In fact I just found a place where we can just chat and eat. I have asthma, so I already quit drinking, many people helped me do the drinking. (Did your husband help?) He has to drive, I didn't let him drink either. (How did you celebrate your birthday?) I had dinner and went bowling with my family and sister. My son is grown and didn't mind to come play with us, so warm."

Bernice Liu and TVB ended their 10 year relationship. Before leaving, Bernice complained after her injury and surgery, TVB still told her to go out on business trips. Yesterday TVB executive Virgina Lok responds: "If she feels wronged or uncomfortable, she can leave. Her development outside is doing pretty ok." Virgina said it was a peaceful ending of the relationship with Bernice, many artists don't renew their management contracts, but still maintain cooperative relations with TVB.

As to Bernice expressing TVB didn't consider her hand injury and surgery, and still wanted her to go on business trips? Virgina said Bernice's hospitalization was kept secret, and that is to respect her wish. That day, she was scheduled to go to Singapore for work with Roger Kwok, but she couldn't go and TVB took that into consideration.

In the recent year, Bernice's image is not like before, is it because of that reason that she couldn't stay? Virgina said she talked to Bernice a lot over this, TVB is not selfish. In the recent year, many artists are heading up north for work, she just wants more room for outside development. As to Bernice's exposure that she already broke up with Moses Chan in 2008, but she also indirectly accused Aimee Chan of being the third party? Miss Lok expressed modern love, personal relationships, if they break up or not, TVB does not interfere.

Joe Ma's wife recently wrote on Weibo complaining that her husband is working long hours and having to attend social gatherings way too much, but his salary is so low. Clearly she is attacking TVB's harsh work schedules and salaries. She even gave a nickname to TVB executive Virgina Lok as "Lok Big Mom".

Yesterday Virgina expressed that she already called Joe and ended his wife's doubts. She said: "I am also very concerned for our artists having it hard while shooting series, able to withstand '5 workers, 7 injured'. I hope to be able to take artists' feelings into consideration too, otherwise there may be misunderstandings." She knows Joe is suffering from the flu lately, and had to be on saline IV in the hospital.

Virgina: No popular star had not suffered before

Virgina understands that the production costs needs to be controlled when shooting a series, the tight schedules leave exhausted artists. As for the low paying salaries, she said TVB is a good station, allowing artists to rise to a well known mark, thus increasing their personal value and attract more jobs, she said: "But to get to this stage, one must suffer a little, no popular star had not suffered before." As for the nickname "Lok Big Mom", Virgina accepts it: "I am not young, and I am many people's mom, it's better to call me Miss Lok." She does not treat artists like a money tree, she really does care about them like their own children.

Joe's wife wrote again on Weibo yesterday afternoon to support her husband. She wrote in English: "Life isn't waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain!" What she means is that one must remain strong during setbacks, and accept challenges.

Last night, Joe was shooting outdoor scenes for new series Special Duties Unit in the deep waters. He said his wife has her own standpoint, but that does not mean he thinks the same. Perhaps it's because he was sick earlier, and his wife was too worried about him that caused this misunderstanding. He already explained to his wife of the nature of his work. The incident this time also did not affect his relationship with TVB. Is TVB being too harsh to him? He said if he thinks that way, then he should not be here to make a living. As for his contract, currently still in discussion.

It was also said that Joe's wife felt pity for Joe being with TVB for 18 years and didn't get the TV King award after 8 consecutive years.

Charmaine got a raise from TVB

Charmaine Sheh attended an event and heard about this issue. She said: "No really?! Maybe that person isn't her! (TVB is often said to be harsh?) Nope, I got a raise, shooting series is definitely going to be hard work, just going to have to stick with it.

TVB has many popular stars working for them, although they are known as the local leader in the TV industry, their salaries for shooting series are low. Their artists are forced to jump over to Mainland for high pay. Facing the departure of several Siu Sang and FaDans, TVB of course does not dare to neglect them. In charge of the Artistes Department, TVB executive Virgina Lok is dying to plan the next steps to replace Charmaine Sheh's big sister position. Preliminary observations, Virgina implies the four big beauties: Kate Tsui, Fala Chen, Myolie Wu and Linda Chung. All four of them are developing in the three areas (music, film and TV). Virgina hopes to they can become superior in the upcoming year.

However, Virgina likes Myolie Wu because in she mentioned that she supported Myolie's 2006 To Grow With Love performance. Back then, Myolie lost 40 pounds in 2 months, her willpower won Virgina's support. Although Myolie was the target for Netizens' criticisms, saying that she had a 'depressed look' ('gwing'), but Virgina supports her to the end: "It's okay, people must have setbacks before success. Myolie is an actress that puts in a lot of effort, she can do it!"

Outstanding dancer, singer and actress, there is a great possibility that Kate Tsui will be the female version of Raymond Lam. However Virgina said: "Kate is good, but she is liked for films. On contrast, Fala Chen is in the house, she suits TV more!" In fact, Fala have already been heavily promoted by TVB last year, and depending on No Regrets she won the Best Supporting Actress Award. This year, she stars in several series and she got Virgina's praises.

TVB executive Virgina Lok and Norman Leung treated artists for a feast in Causeway Bay last night. Artists that were invited included Paul Chun, Kristal Tin, Kiki Sheung, Maggie Siu, Christine Kuo, Alfred Hui, Mag Lam and many more. When Paul arrived at the dinner and saw reporters, he joked that this dinner was to celebrate his birthday. Then when Kiki arrived, she told reporters that the dinner was to celebrate her marriage. Everyone had no truth in their words, but appeared very happy.

Reporters asked Virgina about the many Siu Sang and FaDans leaving the TVB nest recently, so is she having this dinner for appeasement? She expressed to reporters that the question is rich in inductivity and will not answer any of these types of questions. She said: "First, not everyone wants to leave, not all of them left. Second, I can speak on behalf of TVB to say, I was never afraid." Virgina boldly responded on behalf of TVB, it is believe that TVB does not feel too much pressure by all the Siu Sang and FaDan's leaving their nest.

TVB Anniversary Awards 2010 is held this Sunday (12/5). Yesterday it was reported that hot favorite Sheren Tang wanted to be TV Queen, so she signed a new contract with TVB, joining the biological sons and daughters.

TVB Production Resources Director (Virgina Lok) attended an event yesterday and denied that Sheren signed a contract with TVB. She said: "Sheren and I have never talked about a contract because she already has a manager. Her manage and I are also friends from Church, so I know her manager is helping her, and did not talk to her about a contract."

Popular drama No Regrets's finale had 3 million viewers, it was said that Shaw Brothers' production I Love HK Live Long Happily also has the character "Miss Nine", but it's not Sheren in the role, instead Maggie Cheung takes over. Producer Eric Tsang expressed that the "Miss Nine" role really suits Maggie because she's already a TV Queen, a super star and will have scenes with Wayne Lai.

Earlier, Stephen Chan held a press conference to explain that he has been meeting up with friends and going out to eat as normal since his release on bail several days ago. After attending a seminar at Hong Kong University the day before yesterday, Chan was out and about again yesterday, having lunch as well as tea with lawyer Mr. Tang, returning home after 5 hours.

Yesterday, around noon, Stephen Chan and Mr. Tang left Chan’s residence and took a taxi to Tsim Sha Tsui for lunch. Even though he was surrounded by reporters and wouldn’t answer their questions, he maintained a smile on his face, just like he did during his press conference. Chan’s ‘leisure’ the past couple days contrasts starkly with the ‘busy-ness’ of TVB’s other ‘popular’ manager – Head of Production and Resources Virginia Lok. Yesterday, Lok attended the event <> on behalf of TVB, however she arrived only after the event had ended. She explained that because of a meeting that ran late plus her own slow driving, she arrived at the event so late.

There have been rumors that Virginia Lok will be taking over Stephen Chan’s GM responsibilities at TVB, so when she arrived at the event, she was surrounded by reporters waiting to ask her about the various rumors. Lok denied that she was taking over the GM position, saying: “No such thing; TVB has a very solid system, so it will be business as usual.” She expressed that whether before or after Stephen Chan’s issue, TVB has a set of policies and procedures that will be followed.

It was rumored that when Stephen Chan held his press conference earlier, Mona Fong was very concerned about the content of the press conference and followed it very closely. Virginia Lok expressed that she did not know about that and actually all of Hong Kong was concerned – even she herself watched the press conference. When asked about Stephen Chan’s ‘golden saying’ [What is real cannot be false, what is false cannot be real] from his press conference, Lok laughed and said that line is indeed very mysterious. However, when the reporter asked her about the rumors that over 100 TVB artists were interrogated by the ICAC, Lok ‘borrowed’ part of Chan’s line for her response: “There were only 10 or so people interrogated from my department (artists department), what is false cannot be real.” She also indicated that TVB’s actions of finally ‘opening the city’ today is because Ms. Fong felt that the situation can subside; the actions of ‘closing the city’ previously was to ensure everyone’s safety, plus now the ICAC has no need to interrogate any of TVB’s staff anymore.

How about the rumors that those belong to Stephen Chan’s group will be eliminated? Lok expressed that there are no ‘parties’ or ‘groups’ at TVB and that the focus has always been on promoting those who have ability and are able to perform. (How about the rumors that a top female executive received expensive handbags as gifts?) She indicated that with regard to untrue reports, she will not comment; if the situation crosses the line, then there will be legal action.

Every year, at Virginia Lok’s birthday party, there are always quite a few artists – including 2nd and 3rd line artists – who attend. Asked whether she would tell the artists not to give gifts this year to avoid unnecessary speculation, Lok responded that the media should ask those artists who give gifts.

During the interview with reporters, i-Cable’s reporter also placed their microphone in front of Virginia Lok. When she discovered this, she immediately pushed the microphone away and also turned around so that her back was toward the i-Cable reporter.