"Steps" mv to Steven's 似是水中花

superior audio on youtube
video from: youtube
TV series: Steps (Steven and Bernice Liu)
Song: 似是水中花 1993 music album
MV creator: Crystin Cao @ SVFStevenMaVietFan FB


TN: Crystin, thank you for creating this beautifully and lovingly crafted video as mv, per my request I might add.  I love it. Sorry for the quality of the video. If you could, would you please upload the original video onto youtube so that I can just embed the better quality here for viewing? Thanks.

Updated 4th segment with transcript: Steven's interview

Scroll down to 4th segment for transcript.

3th segment clip 馬浚偉白滑到曾經被抽水？
Steven Ma so fair and smooth (skin) he was being  'cao sui' ? (taken advantage of?) lol!
Interviewer: 陳小芝  Chan Siu Ji
credit video: SomethingGoodWor@ youtube

I: Among your series, I've 3 most favorite roles. The 1st one is Chow Yong Gong from A Watchdog's Tale. (3rd favorite not mentioned in the video).  Don't know if the character has your traits in him  - coarse and crude, permed hair, (Steven: foul mouth) and also stubbles.

S: Yeah, I purposely did not shave during that period.

I: Did you like the role?

S: Very much.

I: Does he (Gong) have your traits? And what? Are you that way at home?

S: His legs gestures are like mine when I'm at home. (1:10) Also I always wear shorts and t-shirt at home. And also clip my toe nails at home even when friends are there. But I don't talk as crudely as Chow Yong Gong.  As for temper, maybe a little. Even though I look mild outwardly but when I'm angry I can look quite scary.

I: My 2nd most favorite role will be unexpected. Steps! Sing Ka Chun

S: Ha? Ching Ka Tsun?

I: And also his co-star is Liu Bi Bi (rhyme with big)

S: and many hot Latin dancing

I: Among all your series, you look the most small size in here.

S: This Ching Ka-Tsun, I'd trepidation portraying this role. Learning to dance - that part I wasn't concern cos' I didn't know how to dance at all.  So had Teacher Chow teach dancing.  (2:16) He said to me that he had never met anybody like me whose limbs in the beginning were so uncoordinated and stiff but that in 2 weeks' time could move my hips so sensuously, and could do such soft and flexible movements. You know he said that in Latin dance, like Rhumba, the hips are very important. I thought to myself, what hips? I didn't even know at first where my hips were?

 I: Actually what so good (about his character) is the tight legs hugging black pants.

S: Also that transparent netted top.  

I: It was great.

S: When I first put on that pants, I was a little scared. Because I personally am not a very hip person.

I: You are hip (note: having awesome hips), but not that kind of hip.

S: But they look ok (pants) when I wore them.

I: And unexpectedly when attired in them (pants) you (body) were not straight down but actually had a fu..fu (hour-glass shape) figure.  haha! Had a waist.  And the female audiences could see the shape. Happy?  Didn't expect that?

S: Also had a bit of flesh too.  Attired in the outfit can actually slightly associate with the word 'sexy'.

I: Bone and flesh matching.

S: Thank you.

I: I'm so happy to be able to express this secret of mine.

S: Very few people told me they like Ching Ka-Tsun

I: Use this view point to appreciate that role of yours.

S: xxxx ??  (tn: wish Steven would not keep his hand off his mouth when talking)

I: Also the character expresses your sexiness.

S:Yeah, constantly exposure..

I: No, no exposure

S: Yes, there's the netted fabric (lace), what's the difference between wearing a lacy outfit with not any clothes?

I: (to viewers) Remember when re-watch, watch it in HD.

S: And that V open all the way down here. (4:04) Dai lo wah!

I: No, it looks good. Everybody, go watch it now.

S: What's more, I was so fair skin (white) and the outfit (exposing) Those women approached me and said to me (I: sai lo. You're so agitated) "Can you not be so fair skin and so smooth, too?"  I said there's nothing I can do about it.

I: See, the people here look so happy.

S: And some guys even constantly came over to poke at me when I was so attired.

LOL!




4th segment 馬浚偉點保養？花膠煲湯包你好樣
How does Steven maintain himself?
-- he has naturally good, fair skin from his late mother
-- Fa gao (fish maw) soup
-- regular, vigorous exercise (badminton for him)
-- no special skin care regimen just regular washing.

I: Chat with Stars, I'm Chan Siu Ji, Today sitting beside me is 'liang jai' (handsome) Steven Ma, who made the women irate. (tn: with his fair and smooth complexion. Look at Steven's face (wah!) at hearing that exaggerated intro. haha!) . Here I am at close contact scrutinizing his face- no blemish, beautiful fair and smooth skin, no spots. heehee! “让所有女人气死的靓仔马浚伟，零瑕疵，美肌白滑，没有斑。”(0:25 Steven - awkward laugh)How come? You're constantly exposed to all kinds of weather shooting ancient drama.  Even your bald head get expose to the sun. (Steven: yeah) So did your blemishes (pigmentation) all go to your scalp?

S: No. I'm very careful at protecting my scalp.

I: (scrutinizing) So how come your complexion is so good?

S: Actually, lots of people have asked me that (question) Not only women but also men.  And my response is always this - I truly did not purposefully maintain my skin. Because first of all, this is hereditary. Look at the skin on my arms.  (I: wow! So fair) I was born this way.  Inherited from my mom, because my mom had good skin.  For myself, because of make-up (series), I usually use - can I say it here? (brand name)  (I: doesn't matter)  Anyway, I use some common kind of cleanser, (I: any special brand?) none. (just stuff from Watson-general store) After that, just wash face clean, and that's it.  I don't apply any cream or anything else. 

I: Because the make-up for series can take a toll on the skin. Is there any effect? (on the skin)

S: None.  As to applying a mask on my face, I can say even less than once a month.  Truly, less than once a month.  As to why (skin) until now - (1:54) I'm no longer a young child (I: True, you're at least 28-29 years old already) wah! heehee! (I: You're not young anymore) Right, not young anymore. haha! I play badminton often.  Besides badminton, always do physical fitness (gym) (I: sweat profusely) I sweat tremendously,  even when filming sweat profusely, what's more playing badminton.  After badminton, I shower -  a regular showering, just drying the body your skin is all clean already. 

I: (2:24) Ok, acting like a "niu se mo" (men crazy) let me sniff you.  Not only does not have sweaty  odor but has a natural good smell.   (S: no bad odor ga!) haha! (lol!)

S: Also, drink soup. I truly believe in our Cantonese soups.  I like to make 'fa gao' (tn: fish maw is very expensive) soup.

I: Oh, fa gao. No wonder.

S: But I don't drink it everyday.  Drink it daily has no use.

I: True -- may even be too much for the body.  Now, for this upcoming months, you must drink more soup.  Next month, oh it is actually this month - it is May already.  You'll go back to TVB to shoot a series.  (S: mid-month) And you have to promo "心照" (new album). In mid-July, confirmed? (S: yes) you'll hold a concert.

S: Yes, a mini concert

I: So you've work piled up like a mountain. So you need to take out your fa gao? (S: yes)

S: Actually during shooting a series period, really need to drink fa-gao.

I: Can you do this? In the concert (S: make soup in the concert?) through lucky draws a person is picked from the audience to be so fortunate (play on song title: Fortunate to have met you) as to drink Steven's own homemade fa gao soup.

S: Oh, that's no problem at all.

I: Something worth thinking about.

S: (awkward) yeah, worth thinking over. But truly need to drink it. 

I: I know. I'll drink fa gao soup as I listen to you singing in the concert.  (S: ok) Your concert has your new songs?  Those songs you composed while drinking fa gao soup.

S: I'll sing all the songs from the new album in this upcoming min concert. Meanwhile, I plan to have a mini tour to different places besides HK

I: Tough work so you must drink more fa gao soup.

S: Right. Don't forget to make some. (reminding audience)

I: So everybody, go now to buy fa gao to make soup.  HK$500 for a big bag.  In Macao. 

S: A bargain.

A May interview by FoneTV娛樂台《星星友偈傾》hostess: 陳小芝 aired separately in segments. videos credit: SomethingGoodWor@ youtube upload 6-14-2013

Series: Steps

*********************************************
below pix source

~~~More pix~~~ Chinese news reports~~~~~

Last Dance

Posted 25 October 2007 - 05:06 PM

 asianfanatics.

Ka Tsun stares worriedly at Sum Ying. He is yet to find out about her eye condition. Ka Tsun persuades Sum Ying to skip the championship and go to the hospital for an eye examination. She adamantly refuses. They had put in too much effort and time into this championship to give up now at the crucial moment. She is determined to finish the dance with Ka Tsun, regardless. She says, "When I thought of you beside me, supporting me, I’ve the strength to see it through. We’re in the semi-final now. We can do it. Please, why don’t you let me?" Ka Tsun doesn’t have the heart to break hers, so against his better judgment, they take to the floor to finish up what they had started with such hope.

For their waltz, Ka Tsun leads while Sum Ying follows, willingly and trustingly. For although disoriented by sudden blindness, she is not adrift, secured as she is in her lover’s arms, guiding and supporting her. It’s a dance of a dream fulfilled, hard work rewarded, and the contentment of togetherness. The outside world falls away, as they glide and twirl in unison, lost in each other's arms.

Ka Tsun Smittened by love

Steps - commentary on 1st dance

Steps: Episode 10
Posted 25 October 2007 - 06:08 PM
asianfanatics post 2

2011 youtube

"Steps" is the very first Steven's series that I posted commentary on in asianfanatics.net. Below are some of my postings.

The music starts, “I don’t know why you hesitate everytime you’re near me.” Sum Ying proffers her hand to Ka Tsun, and invites with her eyes and her smile; Ka Tsun, taken aback, hesitates, then accepts. Somehow, sometime, Sum Ying has shed her vest, and Ka Tsun, his jacket.   Hand reaching out, Sum Ying invites Ka Tsun to lead, but again he hesitates momentarily, then grabs her hand and pulls her towards him. Feeling conflicted, he immediately backs off again and let go of her. Confused, Sum Ying too backs away.  Awkwardness hangs over the space which quickly widens between them. Undeterred, Sum Ying once again invites with her hand; and once again, in spite of himself, Ka Tsun accepts, as if in a trance. But when Sum Ying gets too close, Ka Tsun immediately breaks off their hold and retreats.  He is being pulled from both sides: his attraction to her and his aversion to a love relationship.  Feeling his struggles, Sum Ying takes charge; if he won’t lead, she will. Holding his right hand, she firmly wraps his arm around her waist. With her face turns sideways to his, she gently cradles his face with her left arm which she then slowly let drop to caress the full length of his arm.

Judging from Ka Tsun’s glazed eyes, he is spellbound but not quite for when she tries to wrap his arm around her, he resists. However, that moment in time when place, time, and people are just too propitiously harmonized in Sum Ying’s favor for him to resist. He can only surrender, and surrendered he did to the moment. Until now, Sum Ying has initiated all the dance moves, while Ka Tsun is just a prop/prize. In the next stage of the dance, he becomes a full partner as Sum Ying relinquishes her lead to him. Cast in silhouettes, they dance in tune to each other’s vibes as they melded as one, ending their dance with a kiss.

What man can resist such enchantment cast by siren Sum Ying; the stillness of the night, the magic of the music, the intimacy of a dance, the gentleness of a touch, and the beating of two hearts, all spellbound into a moment.  Sum Yin has successfully snagged Ka Tsun with her web!

FIREFLIES by noella chan
I don't know why you hesitate
Everytime you are near me
It is that you fear
You might fall into something deep

Standing on the edge of the night
Feelings raging inside
But if you open your eyes

Can you see the fireflies dancing in the air
Like the stars up in the sky
Feel the gentle breeze caress the night
Oh, it's time to take to flight
Take my hand I'll lead you to the places where
I am sure you've never been
So just hold me close and we will go
This is how it all begins

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

screencaps: Steven Ma's Warm House

E-buzz Interview of Steps’ Male Lead, Steven Ma.

posted 02 October 2007 

娱乐直播 专访 舞动全城 男主角程嘉俊
E-buzz Interview of Steps’ Male Lead, Steven Ma.

Host::Today at E-buzz, our featured guest, this person I feel though he’s busier than ever, but the busier he is, the fitter he gets, and the more vibrant and attractive he becomes. He is Ma Chun Wai. Ma Zai, how are you?

Steven: Thank you!

H: Yes, I truly feel that you may be extremely busy these days, but your hectic schedule seems to energize you.

S: It could be that.

H: Right. Let’s start with tonight’s premier of Steps. Would you mind telling us what it’s about?

S: Well, actually, Steps’ kind of story with dancing as a main theme is still relatively uncommon in TVB series. The plot centers on Dance International Standard (sic style) which includes both ballroom and Latin dances. The characters all have some connection with dancing. As for my family, my mom, Mannor jie is from a family of dancers. Bernice is a dance enthusiast. Our relationship came about because of dancing.

H: And sparks flew?

S: Yes. Because Dance International Standard (sic) is the main theme. And the dance has many moves, in fact, all its moves; maybe should say interactions, require a male and a female to form a partnership. And in it, the level of mutual trust, support, encouragement and understanding of each other depends greatly on the partners’ interrelationship.

H: Exactly. Which means you and Bernice must have good communicate in order to dance well for the public, is that right?

S: Yes. Actually our production supervisor and copy editor hoped to use dance to express a relationship from a different angle. I think dance itself is a kind of expression, especially Dance International Standard because it requires two people to meld into one, and how they go about it; having their moves, their spirit and their energy all fused into one. Which is why in this series, we dance in almost every episode, like dance while romancing, or maybe dance when unhappy, or yet again dance in some dance competitions.

H. Like channeling feelings into a different dimension. But what I’d like to ask you is, before you had said you feared dancing, felt you don’t dance well. When did you change from dancing badly to being able to perform in a series and, moreover, did it so well to boot?

S: I still wouldn’t dare say I dance well, because dancing is truly my Achilles’ heel. All these years as an artiste, dancing is my ultimate weakness. Before whenever I heard my work required some dancing, I would immediately plead with my manager, "I can’t. I’m not right for it, or I can’t do it."

H: So how did you overcome it? As you said, almost every episode has dancing in it. There’s at least one dance per day.

S: At first, I was actually afraid to accept this series. Because, on the positive side, it was a challenge, but conversely, the pressure was enormous. I thought to myself, how could I work under such pressure everyday? Moreover, my co-stars are Bernice, Fala, Kate and Mannor jie. They’re all talented dancers.

H: True. They all have dancing background and can dance very well.

S: Right. Even though they learned a different kind of dancing, still they have dancing talent. I was worried. “Will my poor dancing level and standard hinder the production progress? This was my main concern.

H: So how did you overcome it? What made you think you could do it?

S: Well, first of, despite my fear, my interest was high. It’s like if you are scared of a cockroach, but if you try to smack it; maybe you could overcome your fear of it.

H: Like watching a ghost movie; the scarier you are, the more you want to watch under covers.

S: I like to watch ghost movie so I’m not scared but I’m scared of roaches. So I would try to smack them. This is just an analogy. Luckily we had dance instructors as our dance directors. Moreover, I had brother Lingo, and also a group of professional dancers who were extremely patient with me. Besides them, I also have had outside tutoring before filming, a total of four lessons.

H: Prep work before filming?
S: A total of 8 hours, 4 lessons.
H: That’s not a lot.

S: Well, at least I’ve had some contact with it. At least, I knew what are the 10 dances included in Dance International Standard (sic Style) which I didn’t know before. I thought social dance was just social dance. I had no idea what constitute it.

H: So did the more you dance the greater your interest is?
S: Yes.
H: And now you love dancing?
S: Actually, even after the series was done, I continued to take dance lessons. And also danced in Steps’ promos and incorporated dancing into my stage shows.

H: Among the dances, which ones are the most challenging to do?

S: For me, it would be those that are fast-paced such as: Pasa Doblo or Samba or Cha Cha. Their rhythm is much faster. I‘m not very nimble, so I find it easier to learn slower dance. Much easier to catch on. But of course, whether I danced it well or not is another matter. But as far as catching on, slow dance is easier for me. But I, myself, enjoy quickstep, ballroom quickstep.

H: Actually, dancing can make one feel rather dense wo. I've danced before. Prior, I had never thought of myself could be this dense/slow but turn out (I) could be this uncoordinated) (as in having 2 left feet)."

S: It’s ok, you’ve me as company.

H: But after Steps, you’ve become an expert from what I could see from the promo. Also I know you have many dance scenes throughout Steps, and many of those with Bernice. Close bodily contact is inevitable. So were you concerned that people would say. "Wah, so bold, the dancing so risqué."

S: One has to be bold. Actually, during the shoots we weren’t worried at all. Because we did the shoots inside the studio, well, some were on site too. Anyway, since the shoots were done mainly in the studio, we were not worried, because we could completely focus without outside distractions. There’s one such scene where Bernice and I danced inside a dance studio. There was a power outage. Basked in the neon lights, she taught me how to dance rumba, very intimate. It was a moving scene, we both thought so. In the scene, I didn’t even dare to touch her; however, in the scene, she was very professional. She grabbed my hand, brushed her hand down my arm, and wrapped her leg around mine; all these minute details will be shown in the dance scene. As to your earlier question on intimacy, that also was a sticky situation for me. I can be shy too. Either a male or female could be shy. The intimacy..all that will be performed in the show.

H: Was it awkward? You did say the filming in the studio was ok.

S: Yeah. Because this was Bernice and my second time collaboration. Also Bernice, Fala and Kate, they’re all dancers so they understand that dancing, especially, Latin can get very intimate. The way I see it, it’s just a dance. I’ll treat it like an art or a sport.

H: Were you self-conscious wearing such revealing costumes? Also, you mentioned before that it was alright to expose the chest area, but not the belly button, why?

S: Haha, men seldom exposed their belly buttons. Not only the ladies are attired sexily, but in the Latin dance, the men’s costumes are also very snug, most are see-through, it’s just that they are in black. If one has a big belly, then that would present a problem.

H: Oh, it’s not the belly button then.

S: No, there’s problem with showing the belly button.

H: We’ve talked quite a bit about Steps. Now I’ve more practical questions to ask you. What do you think the rating would be for Steps? Do you feel the pressure for garnering high rating?

S: No. Because I’ve been in TVB for quite a while now. And I understand, in fact, all TVB employees understand that they just need to do their best during production, to fully exert their energy and time, their effort and their heart. As for the outcome, each one of us would respond: "Of course hope for the best." But the rating results are always beyond our control. Of course we hope the viewers will like it. And also hope the viewers will like each and every one of our series. Not just my own, but all of the company’s series, I hope the viewers will like them all. Even better, that the company’s series’ can continually maintain a high rating. Then everyone will be happy.

H: If the rating is good, have you thought about performing some difficult dance for the public?

S: I prefer doing that.
H: The reporters frequently ask the actors if they would don their swimwear if the rating is high.

S: I’ve not seen anyone done that yet. In fact, I much prefer your suggestion. If Steps’ rating is high, I would really consider your suggestion. I’ll do something that will challenge me, or maybe do it with my co-star, maybe Bernice or another lady, to perform something that would surprise people because they didn't think we would or could do it. You’ve given me a good idea. Now I know how to respond to my media friends.

H: That was a good idea?
S: Yes, a very good one.
H: To fit in with this series, maybe do a lyrical dance.
S: Or maybe ice dancing?
H: Not a bad idea. But ice dancing is quite difficult
S: Very. I can’t even keep my balance standing up.

H: I really hope the rating will be high so I can watch your lyrical dance. Let’s change the subject. We’ve chatted quite a bit about Steps. You’ve also written about it in your blog. You like to write, and to keep in touch with your fans. Busy filming, busy writing, how did you do it all?

S: First of, I don’t plan ahead on what to write. Often when I write my blog or journal, it’s not always done in the computer, but scribbled on a piece of paper. These are just random writing. Anybody can do it. There’s no pressure in it. There’s no special topic on what I plan to write, just whatever comes to mind. When I get online, I might then update my blog. I enjoy doodling too. I’m interested in many things.

H: What kind of books do you like? Or the kind of books that will inspire you.
S: I like all kinds of books.
H: Such as?

S: I prefer books that are profound. The thought provoking kind, maybe books by intellectuals or philosophers because different readers can acquire different insights from them. I seldom read novels. I also like comic books. There’re some series that I follow.

H: Guess you’re still a big boy yet.

S: Not really. There are some adult comics. Haha, not those kind; the kind that’s written with the adults in mind.

H: Books can be inspiring; filming can be, too, bringing in a different perspective. Recently, in your blog you wrote about meeting a young actor while shooting 金石良缘This young actor changed your outlook in life.

S: Wow! I just wrote that.
H: Why don’t you tell us what the outlook was…like embarking on a new phase in life…to be a father.

S: No. I’m not even married yet. There was this scene; it’s about my sister’s son. He’s around a year old or so, very cute and fun to play with. Sister Helen and sister Mary saw me holding him, and doing a pretty good job too. They taught me how to hold him properly and coax him to sleep; also how to spread his little legs to wrap around me and have his hands hugged me. And sure enough, before too long, like a koala bear hugging me, he fell asleep on me.

H: A very heartwarming sight.

S: Then his mother took out a camera and snapped our pictures. It left a big impression on me. They all quipped, “You are now qualified to be a father.� I think I am too. But this is just an experience. Very happy because if you had a child quietly fell asleep on your chest; that feeling was truly very sweet.

H: You know when you talk like that, you’ll make people think that Ma Zai will marry soon, or maybe wants to get marry, wants to be a father. Have you thought about that?

S: Of course, the thought has entered my mind. After all, I’m at that age already, but I’m not in a hurry.

H: Do you have someone in mind?

S:Haha! Let’s not go there. But if time, no, should say, if it’s so fated, if I married, I’d want to have kids because I love kids and love to watch them grow. Of course, (the young ones) that’s the fun stage, but as they grow older, problems will follow.

H: More difficult to teach.

S: Yes, to me it’s just a natural progression of life journey; to see your kids grow up, or to see other people’s kids grow up, you’re happy just seeing other kids grow, what’s more, your own.

H: You’ve a hectic career schedule, one series after another. Have you thought about maybe getting awards this year, maybe the most favorite male character award again? Would you like that?

S: Of course, I would. I look upon that as a motivation. When to get it, I don’t think about it, but it will be the direction I’m aiming for. Some people would say receiving awards is not that important; more important is making more series and money. True. But for me, receiving awards represents a different stratum, and provides a very good incentive and motivation. It’s my goal to achieve the best male actor award in TVB, or maybe from outside HK, in other places. That very thought drives me. When? This year? I don’t know. Maybe? Maybe next year? The year next? Don’t know. But that’s the direction I’m going.

H: I wish you the very best for your success. I thank Ma Zai today for his interview. Thank you!

S: You’re welcome.


credit to: baidu source & transcript

Video:tudou 娱乐直播专访
Translator: Tamaya