Circles 《1圈圈》: Steven Ma interview 2014-6-14

The series of Circles interview video
Host:  TerryLeung梁泰來 @ 1圈圈--星光背後
Aired June 14th 2014
Topic: Father

credit audio clip to part1; part2

Debut as singer, was jeered  3 years consecutively  馬浚偉：初出道俾人噓足3年


Marriage should not be entered into per  parents wish 婚姻唔可以依照父母心願去做


Not easy being my woman  做我女人好辛苦

Steven Ma not into pure righteous roles anymore

read enlarged news article 
news link
Steven says he will only accept two kinds of roles - the gray/villain role or comedic role. But he also doesn't want to be a pure evil villain but a villain imbued with human traits.  Steven plans to direct a movie inspired by his mother. He knows he wants to direct this movie but his dilemma lies in whether he should just concentrate on being a director and forgo the acting part or that he should wear both caps as a director and as an actor too because he wishes to act in his mother's story.   He said he has already chosen the perfect actress to portray his mother. (He once said he hope to persuade Fung Bo Bo to accept the role of his mother.)

Steven: Frankly if I were to portray an absolute good guy, I wouldn't have returned.  Not would not return but rather would have declined the series.  You want me to portray an absolute righteous character,  I don't know how to do it. I can't portray that totally upright person anymore.  (Can't do those pure and innocent characters anymore?)  Forget it,how old am I now, still want me to be pure and innocent, naive and romantic? I can't do it anymore.

Narrator: Steven has opened a production studio in Beijing last year (si Jan 1 2014) . He is going to release a music album including a duet with Fala Chen.  So when his rumored girlfriend, Vivian, was mentioned ..

Steven:  You know what is the worst thing for a man?  The worst thing for a man is that only after marriage then he thinks of developing his career.  It's very problematic because of worries.  (Can do it together)  Of course, need to get everything settled first with planning.  (What if had to plan until you're fifty years old?) Bite your tongue,  shouldn't take that long ba?

TN: I hope Steven won't regret putting career over marriage. Both he and Vivian are not getting any younger. Like Fala has vocally said,  Steven is way too chow chew male chauvinistic in his approach to marriage.


video source
news link

Steven's heart condition - on marriage

 6/18/2013 orientaldaily.
oncity


Steven Ma's Heart Condition
心臟神經短路 馬浚偉：我隨時死

C= Leila Chow Mui Fung
S = Steven Ma

*********************************************
C= Heard you're going to release a music album soon.

S = Actually I entered the industry as a singer. I've already released 14 albums altogether! Before that I was first a textbook salesman and then a plastic materials salesman. During my spare time I entered all kinds of singing competitions, in all I competed 44 times to finally win the (3rd) Pioneer Championship in 1993, and thru it entered the music industry. This time around, I'll release a hi fi quality cd with 11 songs,  8 of which are Christians songs, and 5 composed and written by me.

C: Does your belief have anything to do with your mom?

(tn: I suspect the the paragraph below is a summary, not an actual verbatim quote from Steven. (Either summarized from the below audio clip of another interview, or summarized from Steven's words in this interview. )

S: After all that stuff my family went through, I decided to convert to Christianity five years ago.  I was six years old when my mom had cancer. I could not bear it (ng gam sum). I saw her relapsed (3 times); lost her sense of smell, her hearing, her vision, and her ability to eat. One time when having dinner together she suddenly spurted blood.  This kind of scene you would think could only happen in films.  My mom later passed away in 1999. A year later, my maternal grandmother also spurted blood in from of me, and she, too, passed away later (tn: 2002).  That night I even had to shoot a wedding scene. (tn: pitnol) And henceforth, I suffered wide mood swings.  Drank from day to night. Could cry only when drunk. (para 3) I myself have this heart abnormality whereby my nodes in the heart can suddenly short-circuit.  There was this one time when I played badminton and had forgotten to bring my meds along.  I passed out and almost died. 晕喺地、差啲死 But I will not because of this condition limit myself, I'll continue to shoot action scenes and scenes with wire assistance. ref: audio clip link

What Steven dislikes most is to be disturbed when he is working - even girlfriend, doesn't matter - he will not tolerate the distraction.  "When working, whether studying the script or writing the lyrics, better don't bother me, if disturb I'll get angry.  Whether girlfriend or friend, all should be mutually considerate of each other." Steven says that he is not scared that if married late he won't have the energy to bring up his child.  "Because I'm hyper, I don't need much sleep."

Earn Money to Marry Girlfriend
C: You've a chronic health problem and have lost someone, so how come still not ready to start your own family? You've a girlfriend ma! Still the same one in the red wine business, right?  How's your relationship with her now?

S: We've an understanding I won't talk too much about us.  For now, everything's fine.  Definitely want to start my own family plus I love children, but need the right timing. 

C: Women have time constraint conceiving a baby.

S: She and I, we share a common goal. Within a year or two we each can accomplish what we set out to accomplish. If all go according to plan, I think we will be very happy.

C: So have a plan already. In other words, you are sure your current girlfriend will be your marriage partner?

S: Either I don't get married at all or if I do, it will definitely be with her. Nowadays, my daily life consists basically of working 365 days, even my time with my girlfriend is limited. During the past 5 or 6 years I've been learning nonstop the behind-the-scene work such as cinematography, script writing, and editing. I hope that one day when I have a family I can make the transition of filming just a series a year, and spend the rest in either directing or script writing thus enabling me to have more control of my time with my daily life.

C: Actually why the wait to get married?

S: Well, I'm not someone who would get married twice, so must plan carefully all details.  Right now I live with my family, when I get married the family members will continue to live in the present apartment, I myself will move out to another in the same neighborhood.  My personality is such that I will not use a penny from a woman.

C: So, you won't allow your other half to help you with the mortgage?

S: Isn't it more impressive if I can buy the apartment all by myself? I admit my sense of responsibility is extremely strong.  For people I love I willingly shoulder all responsibility. When I marry a wife,  I would never use her money because during my growing years, my father was the sole breadwinner and my mom did not have to work outside. Even though I have 3 older sisters but since young, I made most of the decisions at home.  We have a monthly family get-together, and we now have 14 members in the family, I paid for every meal, the reason being it's a habit.  (tn: not only a habit but his wont to pick up the tabs because he has said on a radio interview he'd rather pay than have people paid for him. Hence, why how he paid for all the production wrap-up dinners.) Anyway for people I care about, I'm fine with it.

C: So, girlfriend did not protest?

S: I don't think the person who married me (spouse) can't accept that. She must not be petty with my family members or I'll get mad. (tn: Yaks! Definitely not easy to be Steven's wife. She's not only marrying him but his whole extended family too.)  But then again, I treat her family members like they are mine.  During her mother's birthday I bought a good quality gold piece for her as present. My whole family has never fought over money.  Anyone with financial problem I'd write her a check. (tn: What a brother!)

C: When you have financial problem,would you family members help you out willingly too?

S: I'm fortunate there's no such need because I only would dare to spend $3 out of $10 that I earn. 

Anticipation will only lead to Disappointment
C: Last year, you prematurely terminated your contract with TVB, were you very unhappy?

S: Our work ideals were not on the same wavelength. There was stuff I wanted to attempt but the company was against it. After maintaining the status quo for a period of time I finally decided to temporary leave.  Although I would miss the company my mood was light.

C: You've won TVB most favorite tv male character awards many times but always don't have the fate with the tv king throne,  有冇唔甘心？

S:  Siu la! (Forget it lah!) Honestly, nobody would mind getting crowned. But if I hold out expectations I'll be only disappointed again and again. If you ask me if I want to have an award, of course, but in the end I don't have any.  I can't control that.  I'm not that angry.   If it is my time to have it then I'll get it. If I never get one but the general public think I deserve one, I'll be most happy.  Never ever shoot a series in hope of getting an award. If think this way, will be painful!

C: So, currently shooting a tvb series ? 

S: Yes, Signed only 1-series-per-year contract. (Tn: Did Steven sign one-series-per-year contract, or did he just sign the contract for just this one series and that's it?) After this series, will return to Beijing to shoot a movie, and later shoot a mainland tv series, and after that will do a series of mini tours. For now, not interested in signing a long term contract.

Afterword
Steven in Leila Chow's eyes -  a promising young man.
I first met Steven many years ago.  When I first met he was already very polite, "Mui Fung jie" here and "Mui Fung jie" there.  He impressed me as a very promising young man and very sincere!  To set up this interview I talked to Steven many times over the phone, and every time he was very warm, and also that he means what he says, as well as follow through with his words.

During the interview, maybe because we are both Chew Chou we got along very well.  Steven has the special characteristics of Chew Chou men, not the rough and coarse kind of benignant Chew Chou men but a gentle, considerate and refined good man who takes his commitment seriously.  I truly believe that Steven will cherish his other half, and I hope they can get married soon. Don't forget to invite at that time!

--- pix below--
first published 6/18/13 11:11 AM

Follow-up report by a different reporter.
secondary source
baidu
不說不知，原來馬仔有收藏名錶及玉器的嗜好，「買錶太嘥錢，依家買少咗，我好鍾意歷史文物，收藏和田白玉及翡翠，仲有三塊豬油膏咁嘅紫光玉，我唔玩車，儲夠錢只會買樓，起碼將來有瓦遮頭。」馬仔任銷售時因應酬需要飲茅台等烈酒，練就如酒筲箕般的酒量，「三支紅酒、半支威士忌、兩打啤酒，是但一樣都隊我唔冧！偶爾有工作壓力，想有少少微醺，但飲極都唔醉，好彩仲有個方法，就係飲香檳！飲少少香檳我就會醉！」

pix above @ news articles
pix below @ news columnist weibo @周美凤leila weibo May 10 2013 18:22
See the changes in her blouse.  lol at Steven's leopard spots outfit and 'matching shoes'.
Wow! The news report took more than a month to be published.

credit: SM HK Fanclub weibo 今天09:18

（「公關界女強人」周美鳳（Lelia）港姐出身、從事公關行業多年，公認為有拼勁及魄力的事業型女性，深得城中名人明星及各大品牌愛戴信任；近年更致力推動慈善工作，回饋社會。敢言而有義氣的她、相識滿天下，主持欄目【鳳旨要講】，奉旨講盡娛圈名流趣聞軼事。）

本周嘉賓馬浚偉（馬仔），自揭身患惡疾，一旦復發，性命堪虞；以及四度獲頒無綫「我最喜愛的電視男角色」獎，卻與視帝獎項無緣的感想。

周：周美鳳 馬：馬浚偉

周：聽聞你即將出唱片。

馬：其實我唱歌入行，我出咗十四隻唱片㗎嘞！我入行前賣教科書同塑膠原料，一有空餘就參加歌唱比賽，前後參加咗44次，到我93年參加先鋒歌唱比賽終於驘咗入行，今次推出有十一隻歌的發燒碟，裏面有八首福音歌，五首係我創作。

周：信仰同媽媽過身有關？

馬：經歷屋企咁多嘅事之後，我5年前決志信基督教，我6歲嗰年媽媽已經患癌，我好唔甘心，睇住佢復發，失去嗅覺、聽覺、視覺，食唔到嘢，有一次食食吓飯，媽媽噴血，呢啲畫面你以為拍戲先有，媽媽最終喺99年過身，一年後，到我外婆，又喺我面前噴血，之後仲過埋身，當晚我仲要拍結婚戲。之後我就有情緒病，每日飲酒飲天光，飲醉就喊，我本身心臟有神經線短路問題，有次打羽毛球，唔記得帶藥，暈喺地、差啲死，但我唔會因為呢個病而限制自己，照拍武打戲、照吊威吔

馬仔最怕工作時被打擾，就算女友一樣冇情講，「做緊嘢，不論睇劇本定寫歌，任何人都最好唔好煩我，打斷我我會嬲，情侶又好、朋友又好，應該互相體諒。」馬仔笑言不怕遲婚將來沒精力陪伴兒女成長，「因為我過度活躍，唔使點瞓。」

賺錢娶女友
周：身體有小毛病，見過生離死別，仲會唔會憧憬組織家庭？你有女朋友㗎嘛！仲係代理紅酒嗰個？同女朋友現時關係點？

馬：我同佢有共識唔講咁多，暫時一切安好，絕對希望組織家庭，亦好鍾意小朋友，但真係要睇時機。

周：女人生仔有時限喎！

馬：我同佢（女友）有共同目標，希望一、兩年內各自完成自己嘅部分，如果一切如願，我諗我哋會好幸福。

周：有晒計劃，換言之，現時女朋友係結婚對象？

馬：我一係唔結婚，如果結，都一定係佢。我依家一年365日每日基本上為工作而生活，就算見女朋友的時間都好少，過去五、六年，我不停學攝影、寫劇本、剪接有關幕後嘅嘢，就係希望將來有一日，有家庭的時候，適當地轉型，一年只拍一套戲，其餘時間做導演、寫劇本，容許生活上多啲時間調動。

周：其實唔結婚仲等咩？

馬：我諗我唔會係有兩次婚姻嘅人，所以要計劃得好仔細，我同屋企人一齊住，第時成家，現居都係留俾屋企人，自己搬出去；最起碼要有一個同住的地方，我嘅性格係唔會使女人一毫子。

周：即係你唔接受另一半一齊供樓？

馬：我買得起唔係威啲咩？我自問責任心好強，我錫嘅人我會願意一力承擔，我要娶老婆，我從來冇諗過佢要用一毫子，因為我由細到大，就係阿爸賺錢，阿媽唔使工作，我雖然有三個家姐，但自細屋企好多嘢已經係我決定，每個月家庭聚會，依家發展到有14個家庭成員，每餐飯，都係我俾錢，原因係我習慣咗，而且只要係我錫嘅人，我真係冇所謂。

周：女朋友有冇投訴？

馬：我唔相信同我結婚嘅人會唔接受，千祈唔好同我屋企人計較，否則我一定反枱！調番轉我對佢屋企人都一樣，佢媽咪生日我照樣買嚿好靚嘅金送禮。我一家人從來未為錢嗌過交，邊個有經濟問題，我就開支票俾佢。

周：你有經濟問題，屋企人係咪都會義不容辭幫忙？

馬：慶幸冇咁嘅需要，因為我賺十蚊只係夠膽用三蚊。

期望只會失望

周：去年提前同無綫解約，係咪好唔開心？

馬：當時工作上理念唔一致，有啲嘢我想試，但公司話唔好，維持咗一段時間，最後我決定暫時離開，離開嘅時候雖然唔捨得，但心情好輕鬆。

周：你攞過多次無綫「最喜愛電視角色」獎，但總係與視帝寶座無緣，有冇唔甘心？

馬：算啦！問心，冇人唔鍾意加冕，如果我抱期望，就只會失望連連，你問我想唔想有獎，想有，但最終冇，是但啦，自己都控制唔到，我冇乜嬲怒，應該係我嘅時候就係我，或者我攞唔到，但觀眾認為我值得攞，我就最開心，千祈唔好為攞獎而拍戲，咁諗，會好痛苦！

周：最近再為無綫拍劇？

馬：係，部頭約簽一部，拍完就再返大陸，先喺北京拍部電影，再拍國內電視劇，之後巡迴幾個地方唱歌，暫時冇諗住再簽長約。

後記：周美鳳眼中的馬浚偉—有為青年

多年前我在某電台初次偶遇馬仔，第一次見佢已經好客氣，「美鳳姐」前、「美鳳姐」後的稱呼我，俾我感覺係有為青年、好信得過！

為約今次訪問，我同馬仔三番四次通電話，每次佢都好親切，更覺佢為人說一不二，兼好有交帶。

訪問傾談中，發現大家都係潮州人，可能因為同聲同氣，特別啱傾。馬仔有潮州男人的特質，但絕非粗獷型潮州怒漢，而係溫文、體貼、細膩、有承擔的好男人，我深信馬仔會好錫佢的另一半，希望佢快啲結婚，到時記得請我飲！

不說不知，原來馬仔有收藏名錶及玉器的嗜好，「買錶太嘥錢，依家買少咗，我好鍾意歷史文物，收藏和田白玉及翡翠，仲有三塊豬油膏咁嘅紫光玉，我唔玩車，儲夠錢只會買樓，起碼將來有瓦遮頭。」馬仔任銷售時因應酬需要飲茅台等烈酒，練就如酒筲箕般的酒量，「三支紅酒、半支威士忌、兩打啤酒，是但一樣都隊我唔冧！偶爾有工作壓力，想有少少微醺，但飲極都唔醉，好彩仲有個方法，就係飲香檳！飲少少香檳我就會醉！」

馬浚偉打波心臟病發

馬浚偉日前透露患有心臟神經短路，記者昨日致電求證，他坦言有此病已八年，期間亦曾多次病發，對上一次是三個月前跟朋友打波時，而且剛巧沒有帶藥，他躺在地上嚇親朋友，家人及同事亦知他有此病，馬浚偉說：「其實我每日都有帶藥喺身，依家身邊啲同事都會幫我袋定啲藥，病發時心跳隨時會超過170次，犀利到成個人都會跳。」問到會否有生命危險？他指家庭醫生指心跳到暴斃只有萬分之一機會，所以他不當是甚麼一回事。

transcript: SM hopes to reconcile with ex-girlfriend

TVB artist, Steven Ma, has excellent culinary skill. He’s at HK Food Expo today sharing his cooking experience with his audience. He also reveals that he and his ex-girlfriend’s past relationship was actually nurtured through cooking together.

SM: Yes, sometimes we would shop for grocery together; in the supermarket. Then we either went to her house or mine, and we cooked together. And then we dined together. And then I would make soup for later, and when I was done (making soup), we drank red wine and shoot the breeze. In the past we would do that.

Last year, Steven terminated his contract with TVB, and took on the role of a tv series producer and ventured north to invest in tv series and to release music album, enabling him many opportunities to encounter the opposite sex. In August when we interviewed him he was not against looking for a wife in the mainland. (tn: per video, SM never said that. Reporter put words in his mouth.) But today when we asked him the same question again, there is no such possibility for such a relationship to develop. The reason being that he has reconnected with his ex-girlfriend, and that their reconciliation is a possibility.

SM: Actually, recently, this past 6 months our contact has indeed increased from before. I think go with fate ba.  Because, originally due to time, or my work , we were often at work in different places. I was either in Hong Kong or mainland. And she was either in Hong Kong or in Europe, like Italy or somewhere. So we rarely saw each other. But now she’s in Hong Kong as I am so we see each other more often. And our communication has also improved. Wait and see ba. Now, there is~; have reverted back to friends kind of feeling, close friends feeling. But in the future if can continue to once again walk that path then will have to depend on fate.

Hope Steven can reconcile with ex. In his heart she is probably already his wife, marriage to him is just a certificate formality.  All these news about mainland 'milk cows' bombshells gave me such a bad impression of mainland actresses. Also may I say from browsing their weibos, I am also not impressed with and even wary of his mainland collaborators?  Mainland chicks are reputed to be overly 'friendly' towards HK males. (re qing)  It could be their 'overly friendliness' toward him that Steven so publicly announces his heart still belongs to his ex gf?  

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

                                             

2011 tvb sales presentation night - only Steven Ma & Fala Chen portion

F: We shot what advertisements?
S: Huh?
F: Bridal wear… Eating advertisement is good
S:Eat?
F: We both can eat.
S: But so fattening
F: The happy kind commodities

R: Recently there have flash dating, flash marriage, flash birth. Wonder if Fala will follow the trend?

F: No, first it must rain, then must have thunder, only then can choose lightning, right?
S: Wah! Your answer is so lame.
F: This answer is such a lame gag.
S: Well, yeah, quite lame.
F: Sorry, sorry!

S: Flash marriage… I think on the outside it might have seemed like lightning, but I believe the relationship between them must have gone through a period of gradual nurturing to have come to the marriage stage. For now, both Fala and I have our career as top priority.

Fala: Also it depends on destiny (yuan fen), time, and xxx(?)
S: There will be.

vid credit steven-ma.org

Steven Ma talks about marriage - Foshan

Yesterday afternoon, Hong Kong tv popular stars, Myolie Hu and Steven Ma, graced one of Foshan commercial centers for its grand opening ceremony. (TN: Skipped Myolie’s news)  Steven is Foshan’s old friend.  Four five years ago, he visited Foshan and stayed for a week to teach little kids martial arts, and even performed in the ancestral (local) temple here.   The memory of his stay is still fresh in Ma Sir’s (Steven) mind. “Foshan is a very warm and familiar place to me.”

Ma Sir’s schedules are already fully packed.  Besides hosting a new tv program and reading series script(s), he will be publishing a new book soon.  Everybody is curious as to what kind of book it is, and is surprised to learn that it is a cookbook!  Ma Sir expresses that actually this book shares the recipes and diet tips of the food he has had since young, including the dishes' nutritious values to health.  Their ingredients are all easily purchased and the cooking is simple.  Him putting it this way makes Myolie, who is seated next to him, filled with anticipation: “I want to learn too!”  Furthermore, the book will also include actual photos of Steven making the dish.   Learning how to make dishes from a handsome guy would surely attract many female fans to follow.

As to this good man’s future marriage plans, it is surely a concern among his fans.   Regarding this, Steven says he will definitely not follow the trend of getting married or hide his marriage. “I feel that marriage is a happy occasion.  I will clang the cymbals and beat the gongs loudly to tell the whole world about it. ” Moreover, Ma Sir does not think marriage will clash with his career.  Many married artistes still continue to act in series and sing, not much impact.  

credit: steven-ma.org
Date: 4/30/2011 

Anointed as the Non-Favorable Timeslot Strong Chip Stock, Steven Ma Claims Ample Experiences in Marriage Proposal.

被封為非黃金檔期收視強籌股 馬浚偉自詡求婚經驗豐富

Date: 1-3-2011  @ singpao et al ; weiwenpo

Translator: Tamaya

Yesterday, Steven Ma, Fala Chen, Yoyo Mung, Johnson Lee, Kenny Wong et al attended the promotional event for Links to Temptation, whereby as two teams, Steven and Fala, Yoyo and Johnson were arranged to respectively act out a marriage proposal game. 

Steven’s series is arranged to safeguard the ratings in a non-favorable timeslot, thereby tacitly dubbed as “The Anti-Rating Slump Strong Chip Stock”. Upon hearing this, Steven laughs and says: “Guess the company thinks well of me ze!”  When asked about Links being arranged in an unfavorable timeslot, Steven jests: “It's not the only one.  The series, 7 Days in Life, which will be airing during Lunar New Year also has me in it as well.”  (Often being put in unfavorable situations? (鯁豬頭骨 – choke on pig’s skull) Steven: “Don’t put it that way. Rather, it’s that the company thinks well of me and believes I’ve the ability to do it.  Anyway, the ratings are not necessarily always bad. Sometimes might even turn out unexpected outcomes.  Just do my best, that’s all!”  Referring to his romantic onstage marriage proposal to Fala complete with a fake 10 carat diamond ring prop, I asked him how he would propose in real life? He says candidly that although he has not yet proposed to his girlfriend, however, he has done so many times in almost all of his series, so he has ample experiences doing it.  He says candidly if he were to propose marriage he would certainly get down on one knee, and will have a diamond ring ready.   (a 10 carat diamond ring?) Might just be able to afford one.  As to when he would do it, he says will go with the flow but pretty soon. He reveals that in between filming he could not converse compatibly with Jack Wu and Roger Kwok because they were always about child rearing topics.  This reporter teases Steven and says that he is been boycotted by the “Male Nannies”; Steven laughs heartily but declines to respond.

This is Fala’s first time as a female lead but the series’ ratings were lackluster.  She says:"Their ratings were best among the 3 series.  Some episodes’ ratings even went above 30 points.  Maybe because it’s the holidays, so people went out to celebrate! She says she is not distressed because many of her recent jobs came about because of this series. "

Weibo: Steven's hint of his upcoming marriage?

steven weibo


2010-12-11 17:27 Falling in love with a person is destiny. To live a better life and to become a better person for the one you love is a privilege. This privilege will bring the person you love happiness; this privilege will enable the person you love to live a life of no regrets! 愛上一個人，是緣份。能為所愛的人而活得更好、變得更好，是榮幸。這份榮幸，會給所愛的人，帶來幸福；這份榮幸，會令所愛的人，一生無憾！

Together with his previous "Miss you" blog entry, fans deduced that Steven is giving out strong hint that his marriage is impending. Well wishes from fans are pouring into his blog despite some hearts being broken, but all are happy for him if he indeed decides to wed.

Steven Ma fans got to be the most prepared group of fans of their idol getting married soon.

Contract Renewed -updated with discussion

Contract renewal seesawed for a year; Successive intervention by higher management; Steven signed contract because of Stephen Chan’s 3 words.

續約拉鋸一年　高層相繼插手 馬浚偉因陳志雲三個字動筆

第2126期 > 明報周刊 > 娛樂熱葷

source: Ming Pao weekly

posted08 August 2009

Last July, representing TVB, Virginia Lok initiated the contract renewal talks with Steven Ma, but both parties had not been able to reach a consensus, then. During that period, Catherine Tsang and Mr. Chan陳輝光 (Sir Run Run Shaw’s right hand man, Senior Advisor of TVB Administrative Office) had successively expressed their concerns over the situation. It was not until Stephen Chan struck the decisive note did Ma Zai finally sign the contract this week, after a year or more seesawing on its crucial terms and conditions.

“Actually, I’d already decided to leave TVB, and not renew my contract.”

From initially wanting to leave to finally happily staying put, Ma Zai speaks out for the first time, recounting in details the ups and downs, and the reversal of his thoughts during that period. His career is looking up; moreover, his love relationship is getting a new lift, too. “Recently, two masters (fortune tellers) incredibly told me the same thing – said that next year or the year after, I might get married. Maybe with an ex-flame or maybe with a love at first sight.”

In the midst of our animated conversation, Ma Zai, who rarely talked about the matter of the heart, unexpectedly bared it all, and openly divulged the real reasons for his breakup with his ex-girlfriend. The issue of Steven Ma’s contract renewal inexplicably engendered the personal involvement of several TVB VIPs. Even the male lead was taken aback by their interests.

“Of course, Zhan Jie has always been concerned about me. Earlier this year, Mr. Chan looked me up to discuss this matter. And then later came Stephen. Every one of them asked me why I still hadn’t signed the contract yet. Actually, I’d already decided to leave. I thought that Pu Songling would be my last TVB series.”

Ma Zai is the kind of tough-mentality guy who will not display a show of hand. Hence, even when entangled in a year’s long of contract renewal problems, he remained unflappable and showed no signs of being troubled.

“In these four years, there were of course good times and bad times. I don’t want to make myself unhappy, so might as well leave. And plan for the next stage of my career path.”

Ma Zai is TVB’s overseas market guarantee. His popularity in Mainland China is ever soaring. There have been already several management agencies beckoning him to their camp. And that as soon as his contract terminates, he would concentrate all his energy to “attack” the divine land. (China)

What made Ma Zai discontent with his lot? Was it because there was never any sign of him in TVB’s grand productions?

Steven as a good husband discussion

Link to prequel post (Steven's flaws) 

Exchanges between Tamaya and Akazukin in asianfanatics post 1753

Posted 09 September 2009

Akazukin: Talking about a weakness, no matter how good he is, I never think he is perfect....Maybe his one weakness is he is not a good boyfriend.

Tamaya: In Steven's defence, his girlfriend knew what she got herself into when she accepted him as a bf. I guess the years he was freelancing for himself got to the be the best time for them, esp. without the media hounding him. (Me being batgua again.)

Akazukin: On me continuing to be a busybody: You're right that his girlfriend should know what she got herself into when she accepted him as a boyfriend. But then, I'm wondering, Steven has always said (with Tavia confirming that as well) that Steven will be a good husband. But the problem why he isn't a good boyfriend now is because he will sort of disappear and won't answer calls when he is on acting schedule. I totally understand his reason, but will he stay the same when he becomes a husband? Because I think that's pretty hard to bear for any ladies. I understand that he likes more mature women because they are.... more mature... in thoughts, so they won't pick on little things. But I believe even more mature ladies need someone they can sort of contact whenever they need mental support. It's just woman's nature, no?
[..]

Akazukin: I think there's also the issue I raise about whether he can manage being a good husband if he continues being an actor, provided that he continued his habit of switching off his cellphone during work. If he wants to have both career and family after he gets married, then something ought to change and the change can't be done overnight. If he thinks he can't give his all to his work by having his cellphone on now, I don't think he can give all to his work by having his cellphone on once he gets married too. That is unless he starts finding a way to change that habit now, which I hope he does. Giving more than 100% to his work is a good thing, but I hope he will put his 100% or more only during takes. Easier said than done of course, but he wants to keep both, I guess that's the only way to go.

Tamaya: Steven's desire to get married and start a family is nothing new to his old timer fans, even as far back as 2001. undaunted-I-forge-ahead  Recently, I dreamt. In my dream I saw my left arm cradling a daughter; right arm, a zai (son). I laughed so loudly that I woke up! I really wish to get marry, really wish to have children with my beloved. I long to have a daughter first, then a son; [..]”

So why the postponing year after year? – it all goes back to your question of bf vs husband's attributes which I’ll get to by and by. Briefly, a married man will usually put aside his own desires before his familial duties and obligations vs a bachelor going all out to realize his dreams and aspirations. “but will he stay the same when he becomes a husband?”

Me being batgua too, not to mention presumptuous in my response to the above very valid question.  My succinct answer to the above question is that he will not stay the same as a husband, and below is my long answer on why I think so.

When Steven proudly claims that he will be a good husband, he did not say it lightly.  He knows exactly what a good husband entails; after all, he was brought up by one such man – his father.  From Steven’s own accounts, his father literally loved and cared for his own wife in sickness and in health till death do they part; likewise, he desires to do the same to his own, when the time comes.  When he becomes a husband and later a father, he will change his life priorities, accordingly.  However, the time is not now.  He is not ready to give up on his self-seeking, self-absorbing dreams just yet.  Of course, he knows (per his interviews) that he is being very selfish and very unfair to Vivian, but at the same time, he knows even if he marries her now, he cannot be the good husband to her the way he aspires to be; and in time, his insistent pursuit of unfulfilled dreams might result in what he fears most, a divorce.  For now, despite his guilt over the breakup, his dreams nevertheless take precedence over his yearning for a married life.  Like Ji Yuen, he too is walking on a tightrope.  And like Ji Yuen, whichever side he chooses to walk, he will commit 100%.  Therefore, life priorities will change accordingly and accommodatingly depending on the side he’s on.  As a bachelor, he is a free agent, accountable to none; but as a married man, self-sacrifices and priorities for the family good would have to be made.

Prior to 2006, in many of his earlier interviews, Steven had stated that he would retire from entertainment at age 40 and concentrate on his publishing company – guess at that time, 40 still seemed so far away.  (ref: news) He figured hopefully by then, he would have had gotten the elusive tvb king award, thus could settle down to a blissful married life, which he craved even then.  But of course, it was not to be. 

But now, Vivian’s biological clock is clicking ominously away.  Which is why I think it was no coincidence that Steven suddenly decided to publicly divulge that he was indeed in a relationship. (ref: post 475 AJCL radio promotion) ajcl-radio-promotion

It was his way of reassuring Vivian of his commitment to her, just not marriage.  And I believe that he specifically wrote the blog entry, Marriage? for her and, killing 2 birds with an arrow,  to also prepare his fans of his imminent marriage.  Like Akazukin has so wisely noted, Steven does not seem like the kind of guy to go for a love-at-first-sight affair, much less a lightning wedding based on it.  Unspoken question posed to Vivian: Marriage? If not to you then whom, love at first sight? Me?  Impossible!  Vivian, please wait for me!  2 more years?  (haha!  Me being carried away on a runaway imagination train of thought.)


Akazukin AF#1602: It pains my heart to read the article about him and Vivian. It's indeed very difficult for him to have a relationship. I mean, I understand Vivian's complaints. Actually, I feel she is already being very understanding and accomodating to go through that six years with him in that matter. But then, standing from Steven's point of view, I also understand why he can't give her more time. He can't talk lovey dovey on the phone and then get into his character right away. But if he is like Raymond Wong who kept talking about his wife, then his partner won't be able to get into their character too. It's sad that he has to sacrifice for acting, but then without this sacrifice, we may not have been able to benefit from his great acting.


Tavia said that Steven is not a boyfriend material but husband material type. Personally, I feel that a good boyfriend must be a good husband material type because if he is not, then there is no point in having him as a boyfriend. But then, either way, he would need to spend more time with his girlfriend/wife to be a good boyfriend/husband, which is what his career limiting him to do. It's sad. Maybe if he gets to be a director, the circumstances would be more favourable for him, but then we won't get to see him acting onscreen anymore. But if that is what it takes for his happiness, then I would be happy for him even though I will miss him onscreen. Anyway, no matter which route he takes, I hope he will be happy. On a side note, I would love to see the series/movie he directs. I think it would be good.

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

On his breakup with girlfriend 2009 contract seesaw

Bringing up Vivian had Steven immediately open up his protection net. “Let’s not talk about her, ok?” After much words of persuasion and effort, he finally deigned to loosen his tongue just a little.

"We dated for 6 years. Our relationship came to a bottleneck. There were some problems that we didn’t know how to reconcile. I was too busy. Once a series starts, it’s like I totally vanished. Didn’t have too much time to spend with her. She had already endured much over a long period."

The outsiders like to describe this red wine businesswoman as a superwoman. Anyway, habitual practice becomes natural. After all, it had been 6 years, still had irreconcilable conflicts?

"No matter how one can get used to a situation, she is still a woman who needs security. Maybe she is a superwoman in her work but in her heart she still likes to be taken care of. We had discussed this problem for a long time. In the end, decided it was best to halt the relationship. It was a mutual tacit understanding born of our years of togetherness. No one dumped anybody,” says he.

Steven Ma's plans for 2010

2009/12/26  22:10 馬浚偉先奪視帝才結婚

Steven Ma: Win TVB best actor award first then get married
Mak Ling Ling (well-known HK fortune teller) predicts that Steven Ma will get married either next year 2010 or in 2011; does not rule out lighting marriage or old flames re-ingnited.  What's more Steven is very much ready for marriage. When asked if he already has a marriage partner in mind, Steven says he wants to keep his love life low profile. He stresses the pressure is not on him but on his girlfriend. (note: not sure 'pressure' to get married or 'pressure' from media exposure of their romance)  As to awards, Mak Ling Ling predicts Steven will do extremely well next year (2010) or the year after (2011).

Steven reveals that in August this year during his contract renewal negotiation with TVB that among his terms were to portray a villian and to host a culinary show, and that he will once again hold a microphone in his hand to release a new music album.

Since his debut 16 years ago, Steven's 'good man' image has taken up roots in the tv audience's hearts. Steven says TVB will arrange for him to portray his first time villain role next year.  In his meet-and-greet fans session held at a mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 6 pm, Steven says in all his 16 years of acting he has never once acted a villian, so his villain role next year will be a big challenge to him.

However, he is not worry his villain will make the viewers dislike him, after all, he has been portraying a good man image for all these years now, so hopefully the viewers will not feel that he's a bad person.

Not only Steven will have a break-through role, but he also reveals he will once again pick up the microphone for his new music album.  As for the contents he will definitely include Cantonese songs, and will leave the Mandarin songs for the company to arrange.

Besides the above plans, Steven also reveals he likes to cook, which TVB was not even aware of but next year it will arrange for Steven to host a new cooking show,  Appentice Chef 《大廚出馬》.


*Steven renewed his TVB contract in August 2009 after much persuasion and promises from Stephen Chan.  Promises except for the culinary show that were never realized, no wonder TVB permit him to prematurely terminate his contract with impunity because they themselves breached the contract first.  

link  The Higher Ups in Dispute; Steven Ma as their point of contention.
link Steven signed contract because of Stephen Chan’s 3 words.

Steven Ma Wants to Get Married

Tuesday September 1, 2009 Hong Kong
Credits: to hyn5 @ http://hyn5-hyn5.blogspot.com

Steven Ma has been busy filming new series "Transferred Connection of Temptation", and the other day, he filmed a wedding scene with Fala Chen. The couple will have a happy ending in the series. Steven and Fala have filmed many series together, and the two are quite good friends. When Fala was picking out the wedding dress, Steven was serious in giving his opinion. Fala expressed that she really likes working with Steven because he can bring her positive energy when working together. Even if it is hard work, Steven will take a deep breath and say, "Let's go!" and they will continue to strive for success. When Steven is tired and all worn out, he will not speak, but he will definitely not make a scene. Fala really admires Steven for having a good heart, and he is willing to tell his partner the truth; therefore, she has a lot of trust for Steven.

Fala also said that during this cooperation, she discovered that Steven is a person who really wants to get married. "Whenever there are kids filming on scene, he would change himself into a father figure, and treat them with love. He will definitely make a good husband and good father". When asked if she or Steven will marry first, Fala believes Steven will marry first. But Steven did not agree, but expressed that he does want to have a family with a happy marriage. It is his biggest wish. Steven had always wanted to marry before the age of thirty. He also hopes to become a father, and when he gets married, he hopes to have kids right away.

Steven Ma's marriage is not far away

 AF# 1706 Posted by foreverleila on 14 August 2009

Steven Ma's marriage is not far away
Friday August 14, 2009 Hong Kong
Source: On.cc
Translated by: matchbox

Posted Image

Steven Ma recently said on on his blog that he has found his love. Getting married and having children is what he has always hoped for in having a happy life. He said "As long as it's true love then that's good. Thats enough". He also stated that recently many of his friends have got married and he can feel their happiness.

In addition, he met 2 fortune tellers by coincidence and discussed about his future. The 2 fortune tellers both said that he would get married next year or the year after. After hearing this Steven felt very happy. He asked them who he would get married to? Both of the fortune tellers said that it would not be a ex lover but are certain that this person will be love at first sight. Steven is looking forward to it.

AF discussion on Steven's yahoo blog on "marriage"

Steven yahoo blog on "marriage"

AF#1673  Posted 02 August 2009
Tamaya: I guess Steven is subtly preparing his fans to the possibility of him getting married in the near future, so that it comes, it will not be too much of a shock to them. Steven is being considerate to his fans. Well, at least, his marriage won't be until a year or two later. A baidu fan says his future wife got to be someone he falls in love at first sight, with that in mind, she urges his fans to buy train tickets to meet him.   Fans!!!

Akazukin: LMAO, the fan is so funny. But I wonder who said before that look is not important? So how can someone saying that have love at first sight? But then, there is a miracle in this world, so maybe the fans should continue on their lottery venture. As for Steven's part, if that ever happens, it's sure so sound like a million blind date or a Bachelor show.


Hmm! Who indeed? I 'bet' Steven wrote all this for 2 reasons:1) to hint to fans he's getting married soon. 2) Maybe ex-gf is still unrelenting, Steven's trying to soften her up with his promise of marriage. Pls. wait for me, love. You go, Vivian, make him beg on his knees.  Love at 1st sight is so totally not for the Steven I know. 

Most of his fans, those not delusional, are urging him to get marry with their blessings.  Let's hope he is not this pig - Once a Pig has come to a decision, nothing can stop him from carrying it out. But before he arrives at it, he spends ages weighing the pros and cons, which sometimes gives the impression that he is indecisive. Nothing could be further from the truth, but to make sure he is avoiding any possible complications, he will sometimes ponder for so long that he destroys his own case. 

Speculation on the Link to "Temptations" scene:
More like Steven's trying to make her listen to his pov. Fala has said Steven's constant pestering of her is so annoying that she gets out of her way to avoid him.

Akazukin: For the benefit of point 2, maybe he should have let out the love at first sight part. Yeah, I bet we all know, all the more Vivian know, that Steven is not the type who goes love at first sight. But you know, women, they can be pretty irrational when it comes to love, just in case she is thinking too much, he may want to omit that part so she won't think that he has changed.