Appeal for help from Andy fans in Singapore!! Please send in all your coupons to vote for Tian Ma Xing Kong on 933 Top 20 by this week !! Thank You!![note: different handwritings.]

Andy has brought honour to the Chinese by clinching World Outstanding Young Person Award last year. This time he has the honour of being invited to attend the first Chinese Culture Cup---Chinese Culture General Knowledge Quiz, as 'Zhong Hua Culture Ambassador'. The activity involves all HK students. Andy will present book prize to winners.

In another activity, Andy was invited by RTHK to a TV show prog 'Going Along With Spring' to film a video clip titled 'Andy Lau---My Most Unforgettable Teacher'. This prg will be shown on the 3rd of April at RTHK website.

In this interview, Andy recounted his multiple mischievous in his younger school days.

His primary school results were v outstanding, he had even won a place for free schooling for primary 5. But he had his mischievous days. At that time he was v crazy with table tennis. During recess he would dart out of the classromm to chop table tennis tables. Because of this he gave a teacher nickname & was thus punished.

"When the recess bell rang, I would use the table tennis bat to hit he bottom of the classroom table. But I had gone overboard once. I had a History teacher who was always very slow to stop his class in time & was nicknamed 'tortise' by the students. As I was still young, everyday I just hoped for a chance to call out his nicknmae 'tortise' loudly in front of him. Once when he was teaching ancient Chinese writing, I asked loudly," How do you write 'Tortise'?" I was thus punished to write 'tortise' 10,000 times [woa! 'tortise' is one of those words with v difficult strokes!] I had to write 10 over pieces of paper at the school field, also, everyday I had to take one piece round the school to tell others what I had done to the teacher!

"But I realise actually it was not out of goodwill that the nickname was given, it was a wrong doing, so I never blame him for punishing me. Later I realise one has to be able to answer to oneself first before you do anything onto others. Nickname can be very damaging to a person."

Diary fromandylau.com

29/3---'Really so cold till my face tremors~~~'
Started work today, not only the cold blizzard pierced the bones, even began snowing. As the work requires me to wear thinner clothes, so whenever it is rest time, my assistants helped me to put on v thick outer coat, & handed me steaming hot jingseng tea, really feeling double warmth!

[...katherine in a hurry..going to Conrad Hotel for a medical talk!...OOOPS!! Wrong pic uploaded, no time to change!...]

Karen Mok who has failed to be signed up by Andy's nmg because of Coco Li, has decided to sign contract with Warner when her contract with Rock Records expired. Warner is an international company, with its influence, Karen wishes to continue with her strike, probably hitting it out at her arch rival...

Source: The Sun dated 28/3, Culture section
Title: Liang Zhu

Andy Lau's lady assistant politely replied," He is presently preparing for 'Liang Zhu', impossible to put aside time for another stage play." Wuhoo! (Died!) Specially tailored for him, role of 'The Manger From Hell', becomes ash just like that, together with 'Famous Overnight' go up to the Heaven.

Though I say like that, I have never given up in total my thought of 'Cooperating with Mr'Lau' completely. Conversely, the ears because of hearing 'Liang zhu' become more erect like the bunny rabbit's.'Is he going to act & direct by himself? If not, who is the director? If there is none, can I introduce myself & volunteer my servise? If cannot, can I join his selection list?'

Andy Lau wants to pick a chief director for Liang Zhu, allow me to give my greatest prediction, the first choice must be one who is reputable & highly respectable. I for years have been with children age 10 over years to make shows---for a group of viewers, these types of 'shows' maybe just a game in any other 'game'. I am not defending myself, I feel that 'Liang Zhu' is best when the original primitive pristine feelings of the youngsters are moved up on the stage. Because I believe every young adult must have come across this type of relationship just like that of Laing San Bo & Zhu Yin Tai, be it between girl & girl, boy & boy, or girl & boy, all must have experience being attracted to the other party, worry for the other with whole heart & soul, without being able to understand why. Until finally understand one's own heart, knows own decision, then there is energy to surge forward, strive on without giving up, finally breaking thro' the wall of the coccon & become butterfly, turning to a true self.

'Liang Zhu' is undying in us, is just like the young persons in the world bleed & cry 'to accomplish' the mission, the young are undying. When I watch 'Liang Zhu', I am forver smiling & crying with tears, because it is never another person's story----I am moved by it, more or less because it let me see thro' myself.

Diary from andylau.com

28/3---Went to work in Mainland last night, the weather is not as HK turning warmer, the temp still stays at a few to 10 over degrees, quite cold still!
Today still got to go up the hill to work, though fully prepared, complete with down feather gown, gloves & cap, when the cold wind blows, still fell the 'biting' pain.

Ping Kuan, one of the now defunct M'sian duo singer Wuyin Liangpin, released a new album himself lately. In it, there is a song by the title 'Liu De Hua'. The producer Jonathan Li wrote the song for him, a line from the lyric reads: 'He is really not bad, without closer look he looks like Andy Lau', so the song was titled thus.

Because of the title, his manager flew to HK specially during Karen Mok's concert to show the Demo tape to Andy. After listening once, Andy hummed the song, he is generous enough to lend his name to Ping Kuan, he said, "By all means, use!". Why is Andy Lau chosen? The singer said Andy Lau is the symbol of a handsome guy. With the name Andy Lau, he is more confident now flying alone.

Source: Nanyang Siang Pao
Headline: You & I work permit not approved yet, M'sia trip still on hold

Production manager of You & I was contacted by the newspaper, she indicated that since application of work permit in March, they have not received the approval letter. Their initial plan is to spend more time filming in M'sia, but Singapore govt has given approval first, so they will arrive in S'pore around FIRST OF APRIL, to survey the locations & start filming.

The production unit has already found a big TV media in S'pore to supply the equipments & to collaborate the work with.

If the permit from M'sia is granted within these 2 days, it will be a good news for them.

High production fee in M'sia is another consideration. The cost is 50% higher than estimated, they have to set a budget, as there are less people going to cinemas nowadays.

Now at HK$30mil estimation cost, is an average production, but the bulk of the budget goes to the fees of the 2 superstars, when filming costs is now higher, they have less to play with. There might be some changes for overseas shooting locations such as Macau, Korea & Thailand.

Diary from andylau.com

27/3--- Did not go out today because got to get ready for the renovation, never thought though I seldom shop in HK, the 'rubbish' stuff at home is not little, luckily my family members help me, otherwise....I wont know when I can start to renovate. Because tonight I am leaving HK for work again.

Andy set off to Wang San (Yellow Hill) yesterday to film a new series of commercials for Tao Ti green tea. He arrived at the airport at abt 4pm, 30 over fans were there to greet him. One of them brought along a little girl. When this meimei saw Andy, she gave Andy a packet of chocolates, Andy smiled & asked her, "Why do you come your hair so pretty today?" The little girl took out a comb & kept coming her hair, it was v amusing, Andy laughed.

The little girl followed up on Andy, asking him where he was going, Andy joked, "I go to Hong San! (Red Hill)" Still continued coming her hair, she asked, "For how long?" Andy laughed, "For 4 to 5 days!"... After signing autograph for the fans, Andy left the gate with his assistants.

Source: Sing Pao

Earlier on Andy had a court case with Hang Sen Bank, suing the latter for the infringement of photo copyright, Hang Sen Bank had printed his photo on its credit cards without his permision, he was seeking compensation & applied for injunction. The High Court gave the verdict that Andy lost the case. Andy deos not admit defeat, yesterday his lawyer sent in appeal to the High court for another hearing.

Another hearing at Room 29 had been arranged, it would be a close-door hearing, lawyers from both sides are not allowed to disclose contents of hearing out of the court.

[Dear Jaime, v hard with law terminolgies used by you people yeoh. Sorry to others if terms used by me are wrong.]

Source: The Sun Culture section dated 27/3
Headline: Andy Lau is just nearby

We bought a cabinet near Ya Ba Tian & carried it back along the sloppy road to Stamton Rd (?), passed by Hollywood lane police quarters, Chen Miji who carried the cabinet on his shoulder said as he walked, "Andy Lau is filming You & I inside today."

Chen Miji is my working partner, we opened a 'learning shop' called 'Ideal School Laboratory', below the office is his own stall selling funny objects.

One of which is furniture. I asked him, by selling tables chairs shelves & lamps, can he used vintage to call all? He answered, "Can also calld Retro or Collectables."

Doing business targeting on what type of people? One day there was a land soldier who came to look for a One Seater Armchair, 2 coffee tables & one table lamp. For whom to use? "Killers." ----said the art director of You & I.

Lately, Andy Lau seemed to be always around this area. Not including those read from the newspapers, also not including those as spokesman appearing on the street, the 'nearby' & 'lately' I said is the 'hidden' type of closeness----I wrote him a letter last week, to invite him for a lead role in one of the play under consideration, the role is that of a 'manager'----not he common type, but the demon from 'Hell'. The idea comes from the song (???), by a foreign composer. But I wont called the play by its name, I gave it another name, 'Famous Overnight'. To mean Right & Evil are a king of 'power', other than Lau, Cheung also included. But considering Lau & Cheung, Lau is more attractive. You may not know, I keep telling him to set root in HK, he may be the Chief Executive of the future.

Diary from andylau.com

26/3---More free today, nothing special, but a lot of things to share with you all.
Desire says already prepared for me since early
please do not fret for love goes all the way out
finally is a misunderstanding
how good protected ownself is all shuttered
the naive me because of love lost my wisdom
still thought I can one day I can
love already whitered
still dont wish to linger a bit longer hard to do
I only wish I am one of your many
ahh waited for you 3 thousand & eight another time more
push myself to the pit in exchange for half of your consolation
lack of you I cannot go to sleep peacefully
I only hope I am one of yours
ahh waited for you three thousand eight hundred and another time
who cares if it is compatible or not only cares if it can or not
understand loving you is bitter in taste
I really dont mind
Above is my new song, still has no title, please give your opinions!

South Korean pop queen Amy Kim Hyun-jung flew into HK last Friday to promote her new album, which is in Korean & Mandarin. The sexy singer, who told reporters she is enamoured of HK's Heavenly Kings, said she wants to sing a duet with Jacky Cheung & make a film with Andy Lau.

Source: Apple Daily

Kim Hyun-jung had returned to Korea after 3 days promo visit to HK, she told reporters that the trip is v fruitful, after all the media activities, 2 nights ago she made a special trip to the recording studio to meet Andy, she commented that he is really a man with character, is a 'good man'...

Source: United News

Shen Yiling, ex-artiste with Television Cooperation of S'pore, has signed up with nmg to launch her career in TW.

While in TW, she has the support of Su Yu Peng, who is also under nmg. But the person she 'misses' the most is Andy Lau. She said, "When Andy was in TW for his promo, in a public appearance, he was surrounded by many people, but my office workers were not there, so I was not introduced to him, I dare not tell him I am the new artiste signed up with his comapny, I missed the chance to meet the big boss! Actually, not to say acting with him, if there is a chance for him to know me, I am alreday satisfied!."

Diary from andyalu.com

25/3---Returned to AWC, attended the new location praying ceremony, the place is cleaner & neater than that day when I came, it is a more ideal place to hold meetings. With that in mind, immediately call up a gp of friends to meet, but it is too rush, let us think again, have a v different activity.

Never admit defeat

Are you afraid of losing again today?

"Actually my failure at that time was because of myself. It is v difficult to be 100 % sure that I wont lose again, but by looking & studying from all angles, I beleive the chance is less than 1%." Andy as boss said confidently.

Ox

39 years old, zodiac sign ox. People said, Andy Lau is like an ox, only work.

20 years, 100 movies, not including TV serials & albums, if lacking a bit of bull character, how to withstand?

"How people said doesn't matter, I am still a human! HAHAHA! I know my responsibility, that if I need to do I will sure do. I dont feel I have less holidays than other people, before & after CNY I had taken a month off, I know how to enjoy life! Maybe my difference from the other artistes is others can decide a day or half day leave, but I can completely give myself half a month or a month holidays, maybe nobody knows abt this!

Actually to be a bull is not bad too, after all working hard is good, as long as it is not 'Bull ploughs, horse eats the grain' type of bull is good enough!

ANDY LAU

• TeamWork
  • andylau.com
  • Topman Global
  • TeamWork Movie Production
  • Andy World Club
• NMG
  • New Medoly Music
  • New Medoly film/TV Production
  • New Medoly Artiste Management

Source: HK Commercial Daily

TVB 1st Seasonal JSG Selections was held last night, Andy's Deep Blue was one of the winning songs. Aaron Kwok & Jacky Cheung were the other 2 Heavenly Kings with songs selected.

Sammi Cheng is currently filming a movie with Tony Leung. She revealed that she does not feel any pressure working with Tony, she had acted with HK Film Awards Best Actor Andy Lau before, added that good record for Needing You is not just her own effort.

Diary from andylau.com

24/3---There is no work today, but specially attended You & I 'camera-opening' ceremony. Though not many scene on the screen acting face to face with Takashi, but off screen we chat & chat, but without an interpreter, we are like duck & chicken, no way of communicating.

Takashi Sorimachi was filming at an old police quarters at Ya Ba Tian street yesterday. He was hung by 2 wires & somersaulted down from the 2nd storey, scaling the wall on his way down. He landed on the ground without any cushion. Takashi had never done such stunt before, though he was not too agile, it was completed after 2 takes. He declined press interview, saying he needed concentration.

Andy who had no part in filming yesterday was at the scene. He said the stunt had been discussed 4 to 5 months ago, they had taken full precautions.

Filming of You & I had started sometime ago, but it was yesterday that they had the praying session. Takeshi, not used to the tradition, was seen praying too. But he did not taste the roast meat.

Takeshi acted as Ah O in this movie. The scene of masturbation was omitted. Andy said when he acted as Ah O in the radio drama, he could passed the act off with some voice effect, but on the screen, they have to omit this, so the movie can be rated as IIB instead of R(A). He wont do the act too even if he was given the role of Ah O.

Johnny To wants Andy to play the role of 'Tork' for a change, this is a more flamboyant role. Asked if there will be lots of action scenes. Andy said quite a lot of actions, but not the usual fighting or explosions, it is more of body challenge, appears v dangerous to act but not impossible to do.

Production cost is estimated at 40 mil. Shooting continued at underground train & police stn.

The role played by Andy fell in love with Lin Xin Rei, who inturn loves Takashi, it was a love triangle.

Diary from andylau.cc

23/3---Went to AWC office today to see the place, renovation is almost ready, furniture almost all sent over, now left only clearing up the mess, soon can invite all here!

Artiste's Attitude

"Actually at that time I have v high artiste's attitude, I felt that Jacky Chan has movie company, Sammo Hung has, who & who has, I also can have one. I can be like Golden Harvest! ( Andy: Laughing Out Loud) Actually later I realise it is not so easy! How to put it? I use 30 mil to film a movie, 10 mil to employ a director, why must I do all this? Because my feelings is I am a big star, I would say, 'What is this? Wouldn't I be able to pay?' Actually I did not even had a clear calculation of the figures, can be said not knowing what dying is, to lose money was just bad luck!"

Some people said, failure of Team Work is due to few contemptible people who were not helpful, what does he think of that?

"Since history in the olden days, it is always that 'Boss is big', the workers would not tell you this is good or that is real, after telling you once they wont tell you a second time, many people because of their job, would rather say, 'let him be, it is like that, be with it...' so the final problme still lies on the steward, from '91 to '95 I have been like that all the time.....make many mistakes in my decisions, I did not see the whole situation clearly."

Compared to previous years, Andy Lau is definitely more mature now, he is better in handling oveerall situation, he wont be propelled by emotions in doing things, he wont make brisk decisions to affect the progress of the comapany, before he was 'muddle-headed, friendship comes formost', how is he today then?

"I will differentiate with care from now, I feel that friends are still v important, but cannot because of familarity & count on it, nobody will because of 100% knowing you & give you chance in work matter! I will still support all those friends of mine, but if you ask me to give you this movie? sorry. I wont, I would rather earn the money & give you 10 % of it, tell you to go, you cant blame me!"

"Actually nowadays the colloboration is more distinct, I will openly bring out problems, just like 'we all are going to one destination in one boat, dont tell me to swim, everbody knows how to swim, to reach the shore we have to pool all our efforts, not to just swim alone even though we have no energy to swim.' These words I will keep telling the people around me.

As an artiste with vast experience, Andy has some words for the younger generation, "In the last 10 years, there is a common mistake in the entertainment circle, that is to expect new comers to soar high into the sky the moment they step in. Actaully in HK only those with at leat 5 years or so experience are assured of box-office. These who was viewed to soar high instantly includes Ekin Chen . On my hands are some newcomers, I will train them singing, dancing. All these skills can be learned, even when shooting script they will be used, but it is not till the time when they know for themselves how they will do when they face the cameras they are ready. New comers have to understand that the process of going from ordinary persons to artistes is step by step, they need to spend a lot of time. I will patiently & clearly explain to them in reality it is like this. At an age of 20 over dont think of standing all alone in filming, because you dont have enough experience.

[...to be contd]

Source: Ming Pao

Yang Tian Jin, son of Chen Pao Chu, was modelling yesterday. He was asked if he will sign up with nmg. Yang, said Andy is his senior & teacher, he is currently improving himself on singing & acting, all depends on how well eqipped he is first. He always looks upon Andy as role model.

Source: Oriental Daily

Takashi has been filming for 10 days in HK. Yesterday he had gun fighting scenes with Lin Xin Lei & Simon Ren.

Source: Nanyang Siang Pao

Andy Lau & Takashi will come to S'pore for shooting of You & I. As filming in HK will not be completed till at least next Monday, they are not sure when the filming crew will come to S'pore.

Takashi wishes to remain in low profile & not be disturbed by the media while in 'pore.

Diary from andylau.cc

22/3---Today dont need to work, no shooting to do, take the free time, go back office for meetings, other than matters concerning the movie, also on new album & concert.
Nite time record for the new album, the process is not too smooth, spend the whole nite without recording any song, but all is because of our own problems, as the requirements are too stringent, whenever there is problem with recording, must get up & discuss in ndetail, so to do a good song is rwally difficult!

Source: Sing Tao dated 18/3
Headline: Rome was Not Built In One Day--- Andy Lau (part 1)

Andy Lau had just been honoured '21st Century Handsome & Talented' award. In the introduction, his status is not an actor, not a singer, not an idol, he is boss of an entertainment group!

An artiste as boss is not a surprise. This year, Andy has re-launched TeamWork (his movie company), it is not purely a movie or production company, but a composite of filming movies, TV serials & making albums, plus cultivating next generation of artistes, he also comes with a dotcom, a media kingdom is in formation.

Rome was not built in one day. Age 39, Chinese zodiac sign ox, other than good in acting & singing, love romance not too much, Andy Lau has his setbacks & failures, before he reaches his present stage of a Kingdom!

On the term Kingdom, Andy as its steward said he wont dare to claim the title, because it is an unintentional growth, it follows its natural way. "Cannot said what Kingdom! Only thing is, if it is your own company, you can select the directions. Such as out of 3 movies, you can select 2 with storylines you like, then you film one from another production comapny, it is alright. Regarding albums it has all along been my own production, no big changes, only distribution change from BMG to nmg [? promo is changed.] Previously it was divided to few companies & few places, Wang Po, To Qua Wan, Kwan Tong one each, here with 2 tens thousands there with 3 tens thousands, all add up to a big sum of money, so might as well gather all in one place, from zero to one, actually it is more convenient, more useful."

Actually this theory everybody knows, Andy is not without experience in setting up companies before, Today, his company is bigger, compared to Run Run Shaw Shaw Golden Harvest he feels that he is still v far: that year was only TeamWork, he already thought he could be like Run Run Shaw type of magnate, but instead become loaded with debt, winded up with business failure.

[Part 2--- to be continued.]

Source: Apple Daily/Show 8/Oriental Daily/Ming Pao/The Sun/Ta Kung Pao

2 nights ago Andy was at 'Clean & Clear 903 Whole HK School Star Stage' final contest, Andy was invited to present awards to winners.

He disclosed to press that he will film a new movie later on, with Shu Qi as female lead. Filming will most probably start in May, script is yet to be confirmed.

After watching movies acted by Shu Qi, Andy felt that Shu Qi is actually a v good, resilient actress, she can be moulded. She has always been cast in sexy & innocent pretty roles, there is no space for her to develop. If there is a chance, Andy hopes to give Shu Qi a different role for a breakthrough, & to correct her pitch. Andy said her low pitch voice is actually v pleasant. Her high pitch voice may not suit emotional scenes.

Shu Qi is rumoured to be pregnant, to avoid gossip, Andy wont cast her as a pregnant lady.

Will Andy get Leon to co-act in the same movie? Andy said Leon's fee is high, it is impossible to get 3 with high fees to act together. Also, if Leon were to act with Shu Qi, everyone will be too interested to talk on their romance & forget abt the movie itself.

Does he have to get permission from Leon? Andy joked that this is a civilised ('wen ming' in Mandarin) society, "Do you have to ask Wen (Wen Juo, Shu Qi's manager) then ask Ming (Leon)?"

Will he be embarrassed to act intimate scene with her? "It is only filming, even afraid also must do, when I filmed Time Of Romance, the bf of female lead was there too."

Diary from andylau.cc

21/3---Today my schedule is v packed! Attended a dinner for artistes association, met up with many seniors in the circle, but as the place really packed with too many people, glitzy with stars....so not able to chat with them one by one, really miss a good opportunity to learn from them.
One thing worth mentioning is I had not wore school uniform for a long time, also haven't wore pants higher than navel, so somewhat not used to it. After that got to hurry home to change clothes, to go to another place to attend an activity by a radio station. Really v rushed!

Bouquet from Angela, received with much appreciation & thanks!

great job!!! Hi Katherine, I would just like to tell you that you had done a great and awesome job with your website. I visited it everyday to catch the news of Andy because I cannot read Chinese that good. Keep up the good work. I also would like to wish you to have a fun trip when you go to the BBQ gathering! Angela