notice-weibo comment feature disabled

Sina weibo comment feature is disabled until April 3rd. Reportedly some political 'news' (supposedly fake) was posted on the weibo causing widespread discussions about the Chinese government etc. So the comment board is now under government investigation for more clues to snap this group of perpetrators. So far the last time I surfed this incident, 6 people have been detained for questioning, guess more people will be ferreted out and detained for 'questioning'.  So, people, be forewarned not post anything political or China government related comments on any China website.

DGD premiered with high ratings. Dialogues become catchy quotes

Though HK media totally ignored the successful premiering of DGD, nandu daily gave it ample publicity. ( I think the reporter must be a SM fan because it has quite a few positive reports on Steven.)

-------- Condensed from original article----------

Daddy Good Deeds premiered with high ratings, dialogues catchy catchphrases.

Though DGD is aired in a cannon fodder timeslot, its ratings started off strong, its popularity booming. (旺). 《当旺爸爸》首播收视高开 台词成流行金句 ent.sina.com 3/27/2012

Late Spring in March gradually warming up chasing away the cold, but the timeslots on Hong Kong televisions have yet to warm up, what's more, the time period also collides with school examinations, Ching Ming festival as well as Easter Holidays, together all these big and small public holidays marked this period as a "cannon fodder timeslots" to avoid by tv people at all cost.  Daddy Good Deeds, Miu Siu Ching and Steven Ma's last tvb series before leaving TVB nest, is allegedly being viewed as an 'orphan' off season clearance product. But things often have a way of turning out differently; instead this neglected abandoned orphan exerted a strong survival tenacity to prove itself in this what is commonly viewed as cannon fodder timeslot. 

This reporter called up Miu Siu Ching to hear her thoughts on this. Although TVB family lighthearted series, Daddy Good Deeds, is not an innovative drama, its cast's performances were lively and the dialogues funny, the drama is imbued with familial warm garnering positive feedback.  Its premier episode opened high with an average rating of 31 points and peaked at 33 points, making its premier rating the highest of the year for tvb series.

Steven Ma as Fatt Dar gor farewell series popular. 
The latter half of last year, during the shooting of Daddy Good Deeds, TVB was awash in an artists poaching wave, and Steven Ma disgruntled with unfair treatment from TVB artists management requested an early termination of his TVB contract. Producer Miu Siu Ching also of the same series finally confirmed of her parting of ways with TVB to join NowTV after finishing this series. The departure of these two generals  reducing the series' manpower greatly diminished its promotional momentum vis-a-vis its other series inadvertently making DGD an "orphan".   

But "DGD" was not abandoned by the public tv viewers, instead its rating flourished (旺) during its opening night with positive feedback all across weibo  culminating with an average rating of 30 points for it first week with a peak of32 points, Indeed, its opening results were extremely gratifying.  This was all because this series with its plot focusing on family's joy, anger, sadness and bitterness resonated with its audiences.  Also the cast's performances were all very lively and believable eliciting spontaneous laughter. 

Steven was once aggrieved by a TVB executive's exertion that his, "image can't enter homes"  but in this series, his Fatt Dat gor surely does not have any sign of "not entering homes" at all, on the contrary, he is totally delightful in his role - opportunistic,money hungry, has an unforgiving mouth and an smart-alec; but not a bad person, and a filial son to his dad.  Moreover, he has good interpersonal skill, and has strong survival instinct, and most things are adeptly resolved by him.  His slogan: "Fatt Dat gor, mou latt tor; Fatt Dat zai, yao gai zai" (Fatt Dat gor keeps his word; Fatt Dat zai has ideas and schemes.) makes audience smile despite themselves.

Linda Chung, often a crybaby in tvb series, also had a first try, wiping off her face of pitiful look, she brought to life a righteous, 傻大姐 cop, Yee Shuk Mui and displayed big happy smiles on screen.  She and Steven started off a bickering couple because Linda thought him frivolous and a big liar, and through their antics brought much familiarity warmth on screen.

The rhymes in the dialogs
 Besides the funny antics and performances of the cast, the lively dialogs in the series should also be credited. From HOG, Moonlight Resonance to Can't Buy Me Love etc, the series of Miu Siu Ching and Lau Ka Ho, this pair of golden husband and wife producers, always brought forth golden catchphrases to the audience.  Their fortes are in family morality dramas especially between parents and children, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and the insertion of rotten gag inside some genteel ancient dialogs.  Even in the common everyday dialogs, the scriptwriters would make them rhyming, pleasant to the ears.

Actually, the liveliness of dialogs is MSC's staff's strength.
Some of the more notable dialog (in Chinese) below: 

weibo - farewell to Taiwan friends

 [四哥感言] 之「緣」

緣去情相連

恩在義長存

始滅總有因

默予天打算

合久未必分

要分也隨緣

今朝惜一别

情義心中誌

天南地北遠

誰道不復見

願親多保重

靜待再聚時

3/28 14:38  
4th Brother's  Reflection on Fate (yuan)

Fate departs, feelings still interlinked

Goodwill remains, brotherhood long lasting

The beginning of the end always has a reason

Submit silently to heaven's plan

Together for long does not always ends in parting

If have to part so be it if so fated.

Today, reluctantly have to part

 Loyal comradeship imprinted in the heart

The four cardinal corners are far apart

But who can say we'll not meet again

Wishing kin and kith all the best

Serenely waiting for the next reunion

One pen ma - Taiwan trip

weibo - Taiwan trip

weibo - walking the streets of Taiwan

opm - Taiwan trip

Clear Newspaper
3/29/2012
One Pen Ma
Steven Ma

Taiwan Trip

Just went to Taiwan for 5 days, the primary reason was to visit an elder whom I have known for almost twenty years, and who has always looked upon me as her real nephew. She still looks as sprightly as ever, her face, radiant, so totally unlike a 70-year old chronic patient who has been through several surgeries.

This elder whom I love and respect, and who has surmounted one hurdle after another - when we met I had this urge to cry right there and then.  Of course, I controlled myself but seeing her continue to stay healthy and happy, I am truly very moved, even more so, very gratified.

Another motive for for my trip is for a get- together with two actors, Huang Jian Qun (黃建群), and Wu Yue, whom I got to know when shooting LOTYEF.  Huang Jian Qun is a Taiwan actor. Wu Yue wen to Taiwan for the first time because of his participation in a stage play over there. (tn:Monkey King play)  I recall at Hengdian we had already agreed that when I go to Taiwan, Jian Qun and I would visit the Monkey King stage rehearsal, after which we would go out for dinner and drinks.

Brother, that was my promise to you and I kept it! But still need to pay some compliments: Your ability at stage play is truly not bad at all! Just the rehearsal itself was already quite exciting, I believe your play 孫飛虎搶親 will sell out. Add oil!

related weibo

DGD screen caps - constantly updated

Epi 1 + 2 screen caps baidu thread

Episode 3 screen caps baidu thread
Another episode 3 sc baidu thread- 720 pixel 

episode 6 
episode 6 more 
episode 7 

all screencaps from sm baidu up to epi 11

DGD - PA words on Fatt Dat gor

DGD PA's topic: Shooting DGD on streets attracts a crowd

Sham Shui Po is always crowded no matter when, especially on Apliu Street, where all kinds of things can be bought and at relatively cheap prices too, and also the neighborhood has lots of places to eat and dine.  And one day it was even more crowded than usual when Steven and Linda were on location to shoot the 1st episode of chasing a thief.  Actually on that day, it was set up to just shoot a brief scene that shouldn't take too much time to do. But once it got around the neighborhood that two main leads were on site to shoot a scene, the site immediately became jam-packed with curious onlookers to watch them and the shooting of the scene.  But don't think the troupe could leave as soon as the shot was done because that wasn't possible as people rushed to get both leads' signatures and to have their pictures taken with them as souvenirs, which both leads obliged with alacrity.

 ****************************************************

 PA's topic: See, how agile I am! 

Testing positioning before action

loyef - 6:45 rough cut version

video credit: 冠者之煜 weibo

video at tudou 
Preliminary look at loyef. I couldn't tell if Steven's voice was dubbed but Charmaine's voice certainly was and   it doesn't suit her at all. -- too girlish not authoritative enough. What a pity Steven missed the chance to go to Mongolia for shooting. The scenes there look so epic.

Steven came around 3:14 Charmaine at 2:52 and later towards the end. Wonder why Steven's character intro has a speaking part while others do not.

The music is so heart stirring and exciting, and yes, epic. What an exciting trailer.

Steven's portion during introduction of cast.

dgd epi 6 brokeback mt love - updated with screencap

weibo 陳貞穎zihwye
haha! screencaps everywhere on weibo

weibo2012 3/25 - taipei trip - get -together

3/25 20:34  On this Taipei visit, happy to get together with my two brothers from the "Legend of the Yuan Dynasty Founder" , but happier still was seeing an old friend of two decades, an elder who has always treated me like her real nephew, though in her 70s she is still in good health -  this, not only moved me, even more so, made me feel blessed.  

是次到台北 除了開心能與兩位建元風雲的兄弟重聚 更是 一位與我認識快二十年 一直視我如親子侄 也年過七十的長輩 她的身體終見無恙 這 教我感動之餘 更覺感恩

related one pen ma

Flourishing Familial Love , how can DGD not prosper?

Netizens Lamented Steven Ma leaving the nest, highly praised Daddy Good Deeds much better than other melodramatic ( dog blood) series.

Daddy Good Deeds, just by its name already know it would be a lighthearted series, its story imbued with strong familial love, suitable for viewing for both young and old, and absolutely delightful. Within the series, there are the light-hearted humor as well as touching and meaningful details, making the viewing both pleasurable and moving. It's been a long time since I laughed out loud with such spontaneity - this was the general sentiment from the viewing public - this credit should be given to the "flourishing familial love" (亲情当旺).

Ha Yu can be dubbed the 'TV King level' father.  His portrayals of father in his series are all deeply rooted in viewers' hearts, furthermore, most of his characters are of that of a Mr. Nice guy. This time portraying a pawn shop owner, "2nd grand uncle" (yee shuk gong), Ha Yu's role, truth be told, is very similar to his previous "24 hr daddy" roles as it did not depart much from his past characters thus giving off a similar vibe of being "Ha Yu still the same old Ha Yu" kind of feeling, hence, lacking novelty. Even though his role did not have a big breakthrough it was still very well received by the audience.  Conversely, if one day Ha Yu suddenly becomes a ruthless villain, the audience may not be able to accept it.

Steven Ma-Linda Chung this pairing, for the audience can be said to be ultra affectionately familiar beyond familiar.  From "Virtue of Harmony 2" to "A Journey of Life" to "A Watchdog's Tale" to "Ghost Writer", their pairing as a couple cannot be more familiar to us. As soon as we found out that they were in the same series, we knew they would be a pair, and even wish they were a real couple in real life. The tacit understanding between them is undoubtedly there.  Hence even if they did not start off as lovers, the audience have already waited for them to get hook up together.

Coincidentally, this time they also started off disliking each other, which inadvertently evoked the association to A Journey called life, which also have the story sequence of them starting off as "if not rivals will not meet" except this time their personalities of their characters are reversed. This time, Linda is no longer the rebellious delinquent but a brave female cop, and Steven is no longer that serious, but a rather frivolous and not well grounded character, even a bit of an opportunist, as Fatt Dat gor holding down several jobs. From his hairstyle to every one of his encounters, they are permeated with humor. It can be said that this series enabled Steven to fledge his comedic ability to its fullest; his each and every gesture or movement, his eye expressions all very well done, as he successfully brought to life this very cute and adorable Fatt Dat gor image on screen.  And as to Steven's first collaboration with 'veteran green leaf' Chow Chung as father and son, their relationship scenes are also very funny as well as moving.  In the series, the father acts like a kid, conversely, the son has to protect him.  This kind of father-son relationship evoke empathy from the viewers, even more so, evoking the feeling of how precious familial love is.

As to Nancy Wu and Evergreen, this is not their first time collaboration in a series, prior to this, in the Rosy Business and No Regrets series, they have already left a deep impression on the viewers. But this was their first time pairing as a couple. Their pairing provides a fresher feel to the series. When 'Hoi Tong' (RB) meets 'Fei Fang gor' (NR) in this characters transcending series, there was no explosive romance but rather true love lacing ordinary everyday life.

The lines in the series for its characters are especially designed to be vividly jocular, be it Go Yi Man's (Ha Yu) life guideline: "Have to earn money, have to help people, if can help then must help." And then there is Lam Fatt's (Steven Ma) slogan: "Fatt Dat zai has means and ways", just hearing this, the corners of lips would spontaneously lift up in smile, and watching these characters will laugh with them, and feel happy with them.

Even though there are just the same familiar faces recycling in the TVB series, as to even suddenly giving a feel of transcendence to the audience, but it cannot be denied that different series with their different cast are still by and large very popular.  And TVB's expertise is its 'family' brand, using a warm family life to bring out the preciousness of familial relationship and love as us to moved the viewers' hearts. There is also a very important point which is, Daddy Good Deeds happened to be Producer Miu Siu Ching's and TVB siu sang, Steven Ma's farewell series before they left TVB. While watching the series, audience would inevitably feel some sentimentality and nostalgia.

--- original article------

DGD 1st promo

DGD 1st promo 3/18/2012

Steven's tip to fellow males on how to chase after the female they like - lend them your shoulder to cry on when they are heartbroken over a breakup with their boyfriends.

DGD 2nd promo 3/22/2012

weibo/News: Familial love thriving, how can series not thrive?

3/24 16:42   Thanks you Nando, audiences for liking the series. We, DGD cast and crew are gratified, thank you! 謝謝南都,觀眾喜歡,我們當旺爸爸台前幕後都感欣慰,感謝!

see news above

Weibo: 3/24 Walking the streets of Taipei, once again

3/24 22:55  Today in Taipei, step by step I walked and walked, looking  for that feeling I once had many years ago.  The  180 days or more of that period, the people of that period, the happenings of that period, you all are now scattered. The places I once went I revisited them all today, because of this sentiment. Maybe I'm not as passionate in love as I thought, but my sentimentality  over friendship was greater than I thought, friends ya, companions ya, all, self-evident with spoken.

今天 在台北 一步一步 走著走著 在找 一份多年前的感覺 曾經 曾經的一百八十多天 曾經的那些人 曾經的那些事 你們 今天都各散東西 我 曾經到過的 今天都去了 為的 是一份懷念 也許 我沒想像中多情 但 我比想像中重情 友啊 伴啊 一切 不言而諭

TN: I hope this entry does not mean Steven was not able to reconcile with Vivian. 

2nd DGD promotion

 Source: weiwenpo 3/23/2012
 Mona Fong resigned, Steven Ma no chance to return to TVB?
方逸華辭任 沒機會回無铫？ 馬浚偉：日前公司才找過我

Yesterday, the cast of TVB new series, Daddy Good Deeds, including Steven Ma, Linda Chung, Ha Yu, Evergreen Mak and Producer Miu Siu Ching et al went to an elementary school to promote the familial love and warmth, at the same time, engaging the students in games.  Since yesterday would be Miu Siu Ching's last participation with TVB promotional activities, the scene of Steven and those present presenting her with a farewell bouquet and a group gift was very touching.  Eyes shielded by shades, Steven explained that his eye infection had not cleared up but luckily it was not until next month that he had to report to his new job, hopefully it would clear up by then. 

When Mona Fong's resignation as Vice-Chairperson to take up the post of a passive Executive Director was brought up, Steven said that he has also paid attention to this news.  Recall the period when Steven wanted to leave TVB, Ms. Mona especially indicated by name to have TVB retained him. Now that Ms. Fong has resigned, does that mean Steven will not have a chance anymore to return to TVB? Steven said: "Actually, just a few days ago the company contacted me.  What Ms. Fong allegedly said was only a rumor. I didn't hear her said to retain me. Anyway, I've left already. But my impression of Ms. Fong is that she is a good person. Right now, there are many other tv stations contacting me, in Hong Kong if the conditions are reasonable my first choice will still be TVB.)

Steven, who has collaborated with Shirley Yeung, when asked if he knew that she has returned to Hong Kong and getting ready to return to work, said that he has not much contact with Shirley.   When asked if Shirley is brave to become a single mom? Steven said: "A woman giving birth to a baby alone, moreover, raising a baby on her own requires a lot of courage. Regardless of her relationship decision, a man in the relationship should not harm a woman in such a way. I send her my best wishes and hope she takes good care of her health and continues to work."

Linda Chung, who is good friend with Shirley, said that she will find time to visit her and hope that the media will give space.

---- more ---- pictures ---

Hu Jun and Steven Ma’s Life Risking Adventures Produced “Laughter Fruit”.

The grand historical tv series production, “Legend of the Yuan Dynasty Founder (建元風雲, LOTYDF)”, a 150 million (yuan) investment by Beijing Sunshine Sheng Tong Company, with its majority of filming work done will soon be wrapping up production. Yesterday, the drama producer revealed that in the series, Kublai Khan and Liu Bingzhong portrayed by Hun Jun and Steven Ma, respectively, though in status ruler and minister, in truth, having been through together life and death situations, their mutual feelings are no different from real brothers'. In one particular scene whereby the ruler and his minister encountering a dangerous situation inadvertently produces an amusing outcome. 

The drama of the magnificent but turbulent life of the Yuan Dynasty founder, Kublai Khan, is directed by Hong Kong golden director, Tsui Siu Ming who brought together a cast including Hu Jun (胡軍), Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼), Cai Wenyan (蔡雯艳), Wu Yue (吴樾), Tang Guo Qiang (唐國強), Gao Fa (高發), Steven Ma (馬浚偉) , Ray Lui (呂良偉), Ba Shen (巴森) and Ha Si Gao Wa (哈斯高娃) . The highlights of the series are its unique subject matter, its enormous investment, and its production assembly of big shots and support staffs, as well as its stellar cast and its new way of marketing, hence it's hot even before its broadcast, and unanimously being looked upon with favor by both the satellite tv stations and film distributers, alike. The series’ chief investor, Beijing Sunshine Sheng Tong Company’s chairman, Sheng Ta Song (盛漯松), whose company has previously successfully invested in such grand tv series productions such as: 《新水浒》《大国医》《大瓷商》《香格里拉》, presented the series thus: LOTYDF will interweave an artistry process into the history foundation fabric, consequently restoring the life of Kublai Khan through bits and pieces of details. One of the major the highlights in the series is Kublai Khan’s ruler-minister relationship with his loyal minister, Liu Bingzhong, who was dubbed the “Architect of the Yuan Dynasty”.

According to history chronicles, Liu Bingzhong was a great statesman during the Yuan Dynasty’s infancy years, possessing a deep well of knowledge. In fact, Kublai Khan using “Yuan” as the national title for his country was due to Liu’s recommendation. Liu was also an renowned scholar, architect and a verse poet. Liu was a former monk, roaming the four seas. After a chance meeting with Kublai Khan, Liu returned to secular life and resolutely assisted Kublai Khan to fight for hegemony of the country. LOTYF uses this basic fact as a spring board to vividly portray the whole process of this pair of ruler and minister’s first encounter, acquaintance, and finally their bonding. The series promotional director, Lu Ke, reveals that in the series, Kublai Khan and Liu did not take to each other in their first encounter, but following a series of shared tribulations that strongly intertwined their destinies, whereby they underwent numerous life and death situations together, and numerous times saving each other's life, that though by status and title they are ruler and minister, their mutual feelings are as close as real brothers'. What is notable is that this episode of “ruler-minister adventures” is quite dramatic and very amusing. Also, through the superb collaborative performances of both Hu Jun and Steven Ma, their scenes produced quite a “laughter fruit” effect.

Apparently, Steven Ma’s scenes have already ended at the end of February. Before he left he especially stopped by to say goodbye to Hu Jun and all the producers. After almost half a year of working together, they have developed a strong friendship.

IOU Payment

Clear Newspaper
One Pen Ma Column
March 22 2012

Steven Ma


IOUs 

还人情债

After came back to Kong from Beijing, I started the once a year several days of promotional events for Daddy Good Deeds.  But my stupid nose due to temperature change is acting up again.  Consequently, for one of promotional activities, I could only do it from home.

Earlier on had agreed to do Ka Yan jie's (Nancy Sit) but now changed to a tele-interview. I really want to thank Ka Yan jie, who rushed back from outstation to especially do this interview.  Kai Yan jie, thank you for your consideration and concern, I love you!

As for my originally plan to go to TVB for the tencent weibo online chat, because of advance technology I was able to do it from home to simultaneously get online with weiboans and Siu Ching jie.   That was a happy afternoon spent chatting with weiboans on the series and other stuff, truly very happy!

The only exception was that I had previously agreed to attend an old TVB friend's tv program but unfortunately my nose allergy had already caused my eyes to be both swollen and painful but I did not want to get on the program wearing my shades so I could only decline her invitation.  I knew she had pre-arranged to have my favorite cart noodles readied for me in the program.  My absence due to sickness made me feel bad toward this old friend of mine. But as a responsible person, even if I say so, I owed you this time, but old friend, I will most certainly pay back.

2011 Feb 15 Interivew: today's vip with Astrid Chan

Bump up the thread for newly transcribed excerpt on 1) how Steven broke the ice to bury the hatchet with Sonija to finally clear up the misunderstanding between them. 2) How Steven won't listen to gossips and rumors.

 first posted 2011-2-15

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/nL1xxu1UHd0/

Astrid's Today's VIP with Steven as guest star.

Of significance:
Steven says he learns through the years in entertainment to not only ignore rumors and gossips,but also to disengage himself from them.  Astrid responds that Steven was already that way from the very start when she met him -- that Steven has no interest in rumors or gossiping. 

7:10

A: There was once a time, reportedly, that there was some misunderstanding between you and Sonija. But now you two are ok again.  And have become friends.

S: Good friends, to boot

  

A: Can you recount how all this came about?

S: I recall it was like about 1-2 months before the shooting of 7 Days in Life, just happened that Sonija and I along with other colleagues had to go outstation on an overseas job (Singapore Starhub Awards).  We both knew we had this upcoming collaboration. We were sitting inside the hotel restaurant drinking. I asked her bluntly: So actually what happened last time?

A: Haha! What happened? You guys didn’t even know what happened

S: Yah, We poured out what we had heard and felt at that time to each other. Yee? How come there were discrepancies? During that period, we separately heard words (noises) that made each of us feel very uncomfortable, very unpleasant. Left a thorn inside each of our hearts.  But after clarifying..; actually it’s quite a pity. If we were good friends, we should not have let these noises affect our relationship.  So after that we happily collaborated on 7 Days in Life.  Even after 7 Days in Life is done, we still keep in touch.  

A: This once again evinces that (like during that time of you and Sonija) especially in this entertainment circle, we live within a circle with too much extraneous noises, and also maybe media not understanding the situation exacerbated the misunderstanding between the two main characters .  

S: That’s true

A: But luckily you were willing to take the initiative to bring up the incident.  

S: Actually, I had been waiting for just this opportunity.  I feel that two persons, boyfriend or girlfriend or just good friends or two good brothers, or good sisters, it’s not like we have a vendetta or a huge grudge, that we can meet and become friends requires fate. Should not let some rumors or gossips to influence the relationship.   

I’ve been in the entertainment circle for almost 18 years now.  I hold on to one attitude.  I won’t listen, won’t listen at all.  Won’t listen to those so-call  news, or gossips or rumors or news from one person point of view about another person.  I’ve no interest to listen to them. Because if I listen to the info; you told me this person was this and that, but that was only your point of view. But maybe I feel differently if I talk to this particular person.  I only believe my own perception, my own eyes and what my heart feels about that person.  Anyway, when I hear this kind of talk, I immediately stop it.  Never mind, I don’t want to know. Don’t tell me.

A: Actually, you said you’ve been in the industry for 18 years that you have become thus, but many years ago, you were already that way wo.

S: True!

A: Actually there is one thing that can be learned from you, a good thing; to be your friend is good is that many years ago you already disliked gossips/rumors.  Like people spreading news, you would not consider that to be true.

S: I certainly won’t

A: But that’s not just recently. So that’s why all these year you have a very good affinity with the older generation. Your face does not look old but inside you, you are actually an old  man.

S: hahaha!  You’d said the same thing to me before long time ago.

A:  Really, I don’t remember.

S: yes, long time ago you said that to me.

Related material (weibo) on Astrid
10/28 6:30 Once there was a friend. I thought if I treated her well, perhaps, conscious of it she would reciprocate in kind! But, because of various reasons, I hurt her, and she hurt me, too! Today, we met again and talked at length of the past. Turn out, who owes who is actually not important at all. Maybe the starlight of that time was brilliant, but, it does not mean tonight’s moonlight can't regain its past brightness! Friend, it’s all in the heart! In the heart! 

TN: At first thought he was talking about Sonija Kwok, but now am pretty sure he meant Astrid Chan. After all these years, on October 28th Steven and Astrid finally saw each again doing on  the stage recording of 《善心滿載仁愛堂》 hosted by Astrid.  see photos

*************************************
Interview with Anna Yau 2006
After work, during my free time, I prefer not to talk shop. I don’t like talking about myself. Like, so what film are you making now? So on and so forth. Even at old friends’ gatherings, I'm very clear on that I’ll brook no entertainment related questions. If you are my friends, don’t discuss my series, don’t ask if she’s pretty or not, or if she a good person. Etc… If you insist on asking me this kind of questions, I’ll leave immediately. I don’t relish chatting about these things after work.

A: Neither do I.
 

Notices

Notice 1
^ steven-ma.org link compiled Steven's weibo entries into a book. 《马浚伟微博书》as as memento to celebrate the upcoming 2nd anniversary of Steven's weibo.   But only those in mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can order. Bummer! 
The book publishing costs  ￥48.00 

Both the book and cd have been handed to Steven during DGD 1st promo.

Notice 2
DGD promotional event "Love Father love home even more"
Date: 22Mar 2012
time: 2:30 pm
venue: 將軍澳尚德邨博愛醫院陳國威小學禮堂
attendees: Ha Yu, Steven, Linda, Evergreen, Cilla, MSC, Chow Chung, Vivien Yeo not no Nancy. 李綺雯、曾偉權、陳偉洪、翟威廉、麥嘉倫、趙靜儀、呂珊、戴耀明、王淑玲、蔣家旻、張景淳、李興華、朱敏瀚、范彩兒、

Why timeslot is dubbed cannon fodder

Disclaimer:  I couldn't care less  about DGD's timeslot as I am just happy it gets aired at all in HK. But many netizens are puzzled over why the media kept calling DGD and Greatness of a Hero as cannon fodders since they are aired in late March thru mid April, not during the dreaded Christmas-NY or CNY timeslots.

Admittedly the first thing I did when I learned of DGD's timeslot was to check up Easter on the calendar. And sure enough there it was right in the smack of DGD broadcast. I just knew the timeslot sounded too good, that there must be a catch somewhere for TVB's 'generosity', and there was.

*Why media called DGD timeslot as off-season clearance rating period:

Early April this year is many HK workers' most anticipated dream golden week**. Since Easter comes right behind Ching Ming Festival, many people have plans to take vacations elsewhere making the television sector nothing more than just a super cannon fodder timeslot.  -- a news report passage

Hong Kong, starting March 31 (Ching Ming Festival) thru Easter Sunday (April 8th), will be having a "golden week of public holidays" plus the very important government exams for schools start next week, too. 

Here the reason why:

Because Hong Kong, starting March 31 (Ching Ming Festival) until Easter Sunday (April 8th), will be having a "a golden week of public holidays". Plus like Evergreen said the ratings will also be affected by the government exams for schools next week. So though outwardly this timeslot looks fine, it is really not all that good. But,that's TVB for you. Will see what the ratings will be for that upcoming golden week.

Usually the yearly Easter holidays is just a 3 day weekend with Good Friday off but this year Easter comes right after Ching Ming festival thus lengthening the public holidays, which of course will affect the ratings, the question is, by how much.

*golden week : a week of public holidays comprises of two back to back festivals.

In fact, according to Leung Choi Yuen, this timeslot with its golden week holidays will adversely affect the TV ratings even more than the CNY festival because it is a whole week of public holidays unlike CNY, which is bad enough with its 4 day-holidays.

So that's why the media is alleging that both DGD and the Greatness of a Hero are 'cannon fodders' from TVB's warehouse quick clearance of stock. 

DGD == generalization on father-in-law

When I heard Steven's reason for their breakup, link to Steven's talk with Eileen Cha  I had this sneaky suspicion that Vivian's parents must have played a part in it. It wasn't all that long ago when Steven blissfully announced his marriage plans to the media, so between then and the breakup something happened to drastically change his mind. I bet Vivian's parents must have said some words that had wounded Steven's heart badly and then of course there is his chow chiu male chauvinistic pride.

In yesterday Eileen Cha's interview with Steven, Miu Siu Ching and Ha Yu (see 2nd part link below), Ha Yu talked about his character's disapproval of having Fatt Zai as a suitor to his beloved 2nd daughter and God forbids, as his son-in-law because Fatt Zai is not rich. Ha Yu like Fatt zai but only as a friend, in fact, he thinks Fatt zai is a delightful person just not good enough for his precious daughter, that's all.

All four of them present agree that's understandable as it is the natural sentiment of most parents to want the best for their children. Steven interjected: "So, Siu Yen jie, now you see why I have to work even harder." And Eileen said: "It's like your case, for the real Ma Zai."

Transcript:
Ha Yu : (indicating Fatt Dat Zai) Come, help me. Quickly. Ha, Fatt Dat zai is really capable in many things.

Steven: But not good enough as son-in-law

Ha yu: As son-in-law, forget it.

Eileen: In any case,  not good enough

Ha Yu: Yes, yes, I guess that goes for all fathers in the world

Steven: So that's why, Siu Yan jie, I always say I've to work hard to earn money

Eileen: Right

Steven: Fathers-in-law are that way, because I already ...(interrupted)

Eileen: Steven is stating the real Ma Chun Wai's situation, not that of the series.

Steven: Because I'm a doctor or a lawyer or others so I have to work really hard to earn money, what to else can I do.

Eileen: So that's why getting back together

Steven:  No, no, wah wah (laugh)

SM, MSC and HY's Interview with Eileen Cha

Part 1 Steven, MSC and Ha Yu's interview with Eileen Cha
Part 2 Steven, MSC and Ha Yu's interview with Eileen Cha
Part 3 Steven, MSC and Ha Yu's interview with Eileen Cha

DGD 1st episode rating

Yay! DGD's first episode garnered 31 points peaked at 33 point.

But then Steven's series always opened high.
7 Days 1st epi garnered 32 pts, peaked at 35 pts and that was in Jan.
And his AWT 1st epi had 32 pt around NY's eve.
LTT 1st ep at 30 pts around Christmas

Steven pulls in the initial audience attention in the opening night,
subsequent ratings are affected by the script and extraneous factors like holidays.

Anyway, congratulations to Steven and the cast.

promo photos

Interview with Eileen Cha

Ha Yu, Miu Siu Ching and Steven on Eileen Cha radio program.

Notice

Notice: For those who wish to watch DGD live online at 9:30 pm goto ppsstream

PPS page looks like this

Don't know if it is because I'm in USA but my pps screen doesn't have DGD image just the letters PPS and its logo.  Will see how it goes at 9:30 pm

 ---------not going to translate since similar news info ------
in Chinese -----

Steven Ma Miu Siu Ching on leaving the nest

马浚伟谈离巢：没受伤，是去追求我想要的

Steven Ma on leaving the nest;
Not Wounded, just want to pursue what I want.

 Recently, Hong Kong television industry is in turbulence, and all of a sudden, this series, Daddy Good Deeds, contains not one but two former TVB prominent generals who have left or will be leaving the nest --- the golden producer, Miu Siu Ching, and front line siu sang, Steven Ma. Hence, some Hong Kong media reported that this series has summarily become an ‘orphan’, resulting in its being broadcasted in the slow, off season timeslot as warehouse clearance. Yesterday, both Miu Siu Ching and Steven Ma, attending a promotional event to rally support for DGD tv premier, accepted this Nandu reporter's interview, whereby they candidly shared their state of mind before and after leaving the nest. Steven, who has prematurely terminated his TVB contract and has once declared “he and Virginia Lok has weak affinity” denies that this “parting of way episode” has wounded him, in fact, he expresses that he has not ruled out the possibility of collaborating with TVB  under a different contract format in the future. As for Miu Siu Ching, she expresses the main reason for leaving TVB is because she wants to “apply what she has learned”.

Steven Ma's series not cannon fodder this time

TVB Daddy Good Deed is Steven Ma’s farewell TVB work as he has already terminated his contract with TVB. Therefore, he participated in yesterday DGD promotional event as a special guest.   The cast of Daddy Good Deed in the promo event included Linda Chung, Edwin Siu, Evergreen Mak, Nancy Wu and Ha Yu, Vivien Yeo and Chow Chung et al. During the game time, Steven and Linda Chung were paired up as couple and exchanged kisses. Producer Miu Siu Ching will be leaving TVB soon to start work in NowTV in April.  During the promotion, she was quite teary-eyes and hugged each cast member. She also requested a kiss from Steven, which he did with first an embrace then a kiss on her cheek, and they gave each a big hug.

Yesterday, a huge crowd of Steven’s fans were at site to show their support for him. Steven said that he will be in Hong Kong for a few days, the main purpose was to participate in his series promo event.  Afterwards, he will fly back to Beijing for a meeting and later onwards to Hengdian and Shanghai to start his new series.  Steven’s fee for filming mainland series has already reached 6 digits per episode but grateful for his source of blessing he says: “Even thought Ricky Wong side has had people talked to me several times, but my being 19 years in TVB, if I am to work in Hong Kong, TVB is still the first choice.  Today back in Hong Kong, I will discuss per series contract with TVB. (But TVB can’t give you your worth in Mainland?) I believe there will be other reasonable benefits. ”  Steven says that just filming a few series will enable him to building an apartment.

He laughs and says that in two days’ time he will return to TVB to do a promotion (tn: video clip) but this time he will go there as a guest via a guest id card, so that needs some getting use to.

In the past, though TVB often aired series led by Steven in the cannon fodder timeslots, their ratings still came out decent.  And this time, DGD is also aired in Easter Holidays timeslot.  Steven, who is no long stranger to this arrangement, says: “I’d battled CNY, and pitted against World Cups, what’s Easter Holidays? This time is considerably good and moreover, a 9:30 timeslot.

As to his little screen time in the promo trailers, Steven says: "It's all a misunderstanding. Actually, Siu Ching jie had asked me to shoot the promo trailers, but because I couldn't get time off from the mainland series in Hengdian, I was unable to return to HK to do it."

Compiled news from Wenweipo, mingpao,  

DGD 1st promo -- MSC requests kiss from steven

Miu Siu Ching asks to have Steven kiss her
Uploaded by FrancesYuki on Mar 18, 2012

source: Uploaded by onefaibird on Mar 18, 2012

news: DGD STeven Ma: Easter timeslot is not considered as cannon fodder

Yesterday, TVB siu sang, Steven Ma, was at the  Tseung Kwan O promoting his series, Daddy Good Deed.  As a male lead, Steven's screentime on the series promo trailers was pitifully small, obviously due to the fact that he is no long a 'biological son'.  Steven said: "That has nothing to do with it. They had asked me to return to film the promo trailers but my schedule did not permit the time."  As to his new series being scheduled during Easter holidays as 'cannon fodder'?  He said: "This time doesn't count.  9:30 timeslot is quite good. Easter holidays is small potato, in the past, new year, and World Cup I regularly fought them.  This time is a good timeslot."

Steven Ma has become a hot commodity. Many tv companies contacted him.

Even though he no longer has a contract with TVB but that may be just a temporary thing but TVB hopes to get him to sign a per series contract as soon as possible just that he did not have the free time to talk with Catherine Tsang.

DGD 1st promo 3/18/2012

I love Steven's multi facial expressions!
lots more pix from baidu sm dgd thread
more pix sm baidu

credit: wosoloo 3/1/ 今天20:24

One pen ma-The Old Meets the New

Clear Newspaper 3/15/2012
column: One pen Ma
writer: Steven Ma
translator: Tamaya

The New Meets the Old? 
新知會舊雨

Because of work, recently got in contact and also got to know many mainland friends; most of them are actors but there are also some behind the scenes competent personnels, all of whom have become my good friends.

Suddenly, I recollect my first time working in mainland situation.

That was in 1991. I worked for a Hong Kong chemical factory as a salesman. At the time, the company was just setting up its first factory in Dong Guan, and I was assigned to the managing director following him to the new factory location to take care of things there. To an inexperienced young person, this was undoubtedly a hard to come by opportunity.

Besides handling all small and big stuff concerning the factory, business entertainment activities were aplenty too. Social drinking was one given activity, and what's more, the liquor imbibed was white wine. Maybe because I was still young plus my liquor tolerance threshold was high, I was considerably sober after the social drinking. However, once inside the factory living quarters, tis’ bad! During that time, it was high summer and the factory was not air-conditioned. Just imagine, the body was all heated up after the drinks, and a 30 degrees Celsius over temperature hot summer night, that feeling was truly unbearable!

After so many years, I suddenly thought of my former colleagues, though separated we still keep in touch, just that we are now focusing in different fields. A strange thought: if the new and the old gathered together to imbibe some white wine, what would they talk about?

weibo 3/18/2012

3/18 21:50 In TVB I have 3 sisters I'm most fond of, she is the one I most worried about.  Ka Yan, take good care of yourself.  In Gor's (elder bro) absence who bullies you, remember to tell gor, I'll speak out for you. 

 source: sm hk fanclub weibo

tn: Haiz! Steven! Steven! Too out there ba!  Other people will think you are being too melodramatic and pretentious and showy, not to mention making fans of your two other sisters jealous. 

And where were all his brothers and sisters when Steven needed them to speak out for him?  Only Fala, Evergreen and Johnson casted their vote for Steven as 2011 TV king. (per a news report)  Neve rmind about speaking up for him, not even a modicum show of support for him in his time of need. But then who said these sisters need his protection? 

If by my words, I'm being small minded, let me be then cos' that's how I feel.  

- in Chinese -----

weibo 3/18/2012 Steven-MSC hug

Steven 3/18 19:38  Human's journey is in fact of words unspoken but feelings tacitly felt and understood because everything is already stored inside the heart! //@Torrie_恩 A heartfelt embrace, everything tacitly felt and understood without speaking a word.

人生路，本來就是盡在不言中，一切，其實早已在心中！

Seeing Steven and Linda exchanged kisses on the cheeks, Siu Ching jie says: "I want Ma Zai's kiss too. Siu Ching jie was quite teary eyed as she hugged Steven tightly. That moment was quite moving. credit: Steven ma fan.

weibo 3/18/2012

Steven 3/18 18:06   I'm alway happy to be interviewed by you. nterview.  See you in Shanghai！@水泽仔 3/18 17:49  Chatted with Ma Zai @馬浚偉 for 40 minutes. A very warm person and also someone who makes other people happy.   Because Ma Zai's scholarly characters are so ingrained in me, I had always thought that gentility is his label. But after today's talk, I belatedly realized that the real Ma Zai is actually quite playful, and that his life outlook is both very optimistic and healthy. And he imparts this positive perspective to people around him.  Anticipating "Fatt Dat Zai".  Anticipating our meeting in Shanghai, my badminton coach.
(tn: Shanghai magazine reporter - this was a phone interview.)

DGD 1st promo pix

see lots lots more Steven's individual pix on steven-ma.org

 

MSC asked for a hug from Steven.   Fans said the moment was very touching.                               

DGD 3/18 first promotion

click link for enlarged pix
LC is so tall already her heels gonna made her tower most everybody like she did in MSC's farewell dinner. lol
And why didn't Steven either properly straightened his pants into his boots or outside them?

DGD tv weekly

see rest of tvb weekly dgd pages goto baidu sm