DDB Shanghai launches Lipton China's “Golden Ratio” campaign

Shanghai: In the last two years, DDB Shanghai has been on a mission to help build Lipton as the world’s tea expert. The recent “Golden Ratio” campaign marks another milestone in the journey, this time by demonstrating the product story in a simple and fascinating way. The objective of the campaign is to continue to leverage Lipton’s tea credential to build its milk tea business in order to differentiate in the me-too category. The key is how to present the product story in an unique and impressive way that’s never-before-seen by the consumers.

The campaign features Takeshi Kaneshiro, Lipton’s ambassador for the last two years. When he drinks Lipton’s milk tea, something magical starts to happen. Not only is he being transformed, the demonstration of the product ingredients is cleverly and beautifully weaved into the story. The end result is a simple and yet delightful ad.

“The entire ad is beautiful. In our business, authenticity and deliciousness are critical. DDB has done a superb job in raising the bar. Have you ever seen product demonstration this perfect?”, said Jane Huang, Director of Lipton BD China.

“This ad is a labor of love. In a 15-second ad, every frame is precious and, therefore, carefully designed. We wanted to have the most delicious product shot so we knew we wanted to shoot real tea and milk liquid.  This entailed prop-building and countless testing, “ said Michael Dee, Chief Creative Officer of DDB China.


Credits:

Client: Lipton China

Agency: DDB Shanghai

Chief Creative Officer: Michael Dee

Producer: George Ooi

Director-In-Charge: Margaret Wu

Production House: China Film

Director: Masami Kamiyama

http://www.medianewsline.com/news/146/ARTICLE/8536/2011-11-21.html

Winners of the 46th annual Golden Bell Awards

Source: Appledaily, UDN
Written by: fufu @ CpopAccess.com

The 46th annual Golden Bell Awards ceremony just came to an end. Although Sonia Sui of "Fierce Wife" was the most anticipated win, it was Tian Xin of "Who's The One" who took home the award. Tian Xin expressed in tears, "I really never thought that I would win." She said in joy, "Hsiao-Yen told me before that I should keep acting until I win. Even though I've now won, I will still continue acting." She then shouted, "Everyone is welcome to come find me to act in dramas. I'm really priced economically!"

Here are the winners in major categories in bold.

Best Drama:
Somewhere Over The Sky (Hakka TV)
Fierce Wife (SETTV)
Scent Of Love (CTV)
The Invaluable Treasure 1949 (PTS)
Love You (Meng Tian Wen Chuang Jian Zhi)

Best Variety Program:
Big Party (CtiTV)
Million Primary School (TTV)
Super Taste (TVBS)
Tao’s Show (CTV)
Variety Big Brother (CTV)

Best Actor from a drama series:
Jin Shi-Jye / Invaluable Treasure 1949 (PTS)
Joseph Chang / Love You (Meng Tian Wen Chuang Jian Zhi)
James Wen / Fierce Wife (SETTV)
Will Pan / Endless Love (Ke Mi Fu Ya Chuan Bo)
Long Shao-Hua / DaAi TV: Roadside President (Tzu Chi Foundation)

Best Actress from a drama series:
Tian Xin / Who’s The One (TTV)
Sonia Sui / Fierce Wife (SETTV)
Xiu Qin / DaAi TV: I Love US Dollars (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Yao Han-Yi / Somewhere Over The Sky (Hakka TV)
Megan Lai / Invaluable Treasure 1949 (PTS)

Best Supporting Actor from a drama series:
Gu Bin / Somewhere Over The Sky (Hakka TV)
Lee Li-Chun / Scent Of Love (CTV)
Lee Wang-Luo / Monga Yao Hui (CTS)
Qu Zhong-Heng / Lian Lian Alishan (CtiTV)
Jack Kao / Scent Of Love (CTV)

Best Supporting Actress from a drama series:
Amanda Zhu / Fierce Wife (SETTV)
Ke Su-Yun / DaAi TV: Romantic Love (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Ma Hui Zhen / DaAi TV: Roadside President (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Janel Tsai / Fierce Wife (SETTV)
Su Ming-Ming / DaAi TV: Blissful Bluebird (Qi Zhi International)

Best Host for a variety program:
Li Jing / Super Idol (SETTV)
Hao Jiao Xiang Qi / Super Taste (TVBS)
Matilda Tao / Tao’s Show (CTV)
Chang Fei / Variety Big Brother (CTV)
Chang Hsiao-Yen / Million Primary School (TTV)

Wu Chun Celebrates 32nd Birthday With “Valiant Legend” Cast



October 10th was Wu Chun’s (吴尊) 32nd birthday. Wu Chun was currently filming Ronny Yu’s (于仁泰) new movie, Valiant Legend in the outskirts of Beijing. Since his presence was required in many scenes, Wu Chun was unable to take time off to celebrate his birthday with his family and remained in the Beijing area to work instead.

On Wu Chun’s birthday, he filmed scenes where the Yang family of warriors were besieged by their enemies. On the set were Adam Cheung (郑少秋), who played the Yang patriarch, Ekin Cheng (郑伊健) as the elder Yang son, Yu Bo (于波) as the second son, Vic Zhou (周渝民) as the third son, Liny Li (李晨) as the fourth son, Raymond Lam (林峰) as the fifth son, and Fu Xinbo (付辛博) as the seventh son.

The cast and crew of Valiant Legend planned a surprise party for Wu Chun and everyone was forbidden to wish him a happy birthday earlier in the day. A birthday cake was ordered in advance and the crew hoped to give Wu Chun a memorable birthday. The day’s filming took place at a remote desert location, which required several hours back and forth driving from the center of Beijing. In early dawn, a crew member picked up the birthday cake to deliver to the filming location by noon time for the celebration.
The plans for the surprise birthday celebration were implmented very successfully. Prior to lunch time, Wu Chun stayed on the set to film a close-up shot. Contrary to their normal routine, Adam Cheng and the other six “Yang sons” abruptly left to go eat lunch without Wu Chun, who was left alone with crew members. In fact, everyone waited by the studio door for Wu Chun to finish filming so they can surprise him with the birthday cake. When Wu Chun saw Adam Cheng and his other “brothers” gathered together singing a happy birthday song, he was surprised and very moved.

Wu Chun said happily, “My past birthdays were normally celebrated with my father at home. This year, I had to stay in Beijing to fim as recent scenes required the presence of all the cast members; I cannot have everyone wait for me to come back. Although my birthday was spent in the studio, I never expected everyone to celebrate with me. When I saw my father and brothers from the movie singing a birthday song, that moment felt really warm and touching! It was the first time I celebrated my birthday with so many brothers and crew members. Fortunately the size of the birthday cake was large enough to share with everyone!”

Normally loving to play the most, Ekin Cheng and Raymond Lam said, “Since we have filmed together for more than a month, we got along like real brothers. It was very difficult to hold back and not wish Wu Chun a happy birthday earlier in the morning. When it was lunch time, we had to pretend to leave without him. Normally, we would always eat lunch with him. When we saw Wu Chun’s expression upon holding the birthday cake, we knew that our plan was a big success!”

By Jayne on October 12, 2011
Credits:http://www.jaynestars.com/
Source: Sohu.com

Asian cinema dazzles at Busan festival

BUSAN, South Korea - Asia's top film festival drew to a close Friday after nine days packed with screenings that left audiences enthused over the future of the region's movie industry.

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) rolled out the red carpet to a cast of A-list stars and showcased more than 300 productions from all over the world -- but it has been the local films that have left cinema-goers buzzing.

"The standard of productions we have seen here this year has been outstanding," said Chinese director Yonfan, in town to head the jury for the festival's main New Currents award.

"It is an indication that Asian cinema is very healthy and there is a vast collection of very talented people out there making films today."

That talent pool was reflected in the 13 films from 12 countries which contested this year's New Currents award, which offers two prizes of $30,000 and is open to first- and second-time Asian directors.

While the money went to Iranian director Morteza Farshbaf's gripping "Mourning" and the languid family drama "Nino" from Filipino Loy Arcenas, the field was full of films that belied their makers' collective inexperience behind the camera.

The Mangesh Hadawale-directed "Watch Indian Circus" picked up the festival's audience award after delighting packed houses with its mix of comedy and savage social commentary as it followed the ups and downs of an impoverished couple as they find the funds to treat their children to a night out.

Away from the main award, Korean cinema was out in full force, with a wildly diverse collection of productions.

They included everything from the local box office smash "Sunny" -- a reflection on chances missed and taken in life -- to the bleak-but-brilliant animation "The King of Pigs", a nasty look at troubled modern youths that shows the genre can be worked for more than just light entertainment.

The 16th edition of BIFF began with the opening of the $140 million Busan Cinema Centre, a 30,000 square metre complex that boasts a spectacular LED-lit roof and a 4,000-seater outdoor theatre.

Festival organisers hope the facility will establish the city as a hub for both the screening and development of Asian film.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1159423/1/.html
The event opened with the heart-warming romance "Always", with Korean director Song Il-gon's film making its world premiere.

The night was almost stolen by local starlet Oh In-hye, whose "barely there" dress left the opening night audience with mouths agape and ensured her name was briefly the "most-searched" on the Internet in South Korea.

But the festival soon got down to the serious business of screening films, with 307 productions on show for a total audience of 196,177 people.

Among other highlights for fans was a master class held by French director Luc Besson, here to promote his biopic of the Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi "The Lady", along with the film's star, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh.

Besson gave an intriguing insight into the workings of the modern film industry and declared he could only survive by "working with Hollywood but never in Hollywood."

Yeoh's measured and mesmerising performance in "The Lady" had her audience whispering the word "Oscars" and the actress herself said it was a rare opportunity to play such a complex character.

"There are not many icons in our times, let alone a woman and let alone an Asian woman, so I am justly deeply grateful that I was given the chance to play this role," she said.

Several elaborate 3D productions including Japanese maverick Takeshi Miike's slow-burning "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samauri" showed what can be done when you have money at your disposal.

But two Korean thrillers shot with 3D technology -- "Persimmon" and "A Fish" -- were well received by critics and audiences alike, showing what can also be done on a shoestring budget.

The festival's other main prize, Flash Forward, is open to young filmmakers from outside Asia and its $30,000 prize was picked up by first-time Italian filmmaker Guido Lombardi's "La Bas -- A Criminal Education".

"I think what makes this event unique is the audience involvement," said the director. "We had about 100 people stay for a Q&A after our first screening and they seemed to know all about us and all about cinema. There seems to be a real appreciation for cinema everywhere you go."

It was a sentiment shared by the legendary French actress Isabelle Huppert -- the Cannes award-winning star of "The Piano Teacher" (2001) -- here to screen her family drama "My Little Princess."
Huppert was left impressed both by the festival's new home and by the Asian films she was able to take in.

"This is a festival with a history of unearthing Asian talent and I am attracted to working in the region because there is a vitality here," she said. "There is a freedom to create here I don't think you find anywhere else in the world."

- AFP /ls

2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held in S'pore on Nov 29

SINGAPORE: CJ E&M and MediaCorp VizPro International, the organisers of the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards (2011 MAMA), have confirmed that the prestigious awards event will be held in Singapore on November 29, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

According to a press statement from MediaCorp Vizpro International, the concept of this year's MAMA is "Music Makes One" and expresses a vision that music can connect the world together as one.

The awards show originally began as the Mnet Music Awards in 1999 and has been one of the biggest events on the Korean music calendar for the past decade.

In 2010, it was rebranded the MAMA and was held outside Korea for the first time in Macau before coming to Singapore in 2011.

Over 80 K-pop artistes, presenters and international performers attended the MAMA in 2010, which drew some 30,000 fans.

A spokesperson for MediaCorp Vizpro said the list of K-pop luminaries gracing 2011 MAMA is still "not yet confirmed".

However organisers revealed that attending stars will take to the red carpet at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 5pm to 7pm (Singapore time) that day, before the main show begins.

-CNA/ha

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1159445/1/.html

Rain enlists in Korean military

MANILA, Philippines – And he’s off to the military.

Asian pop star Rain enlisted in the Korean military Tuesday, leaving thousands of fans in despair and temporarily abandoning his showbiz career for his mandatory service.

The 29-year-old popular singer, whose real name is Jung Ji Hoon, reported this afternoon to the Uijeongbu 306 Reserve Troop Station in Geonggi Province in South Korea for his enlistment.

Rain will receive his basic military training at the camp after which he will be in active duty.

Rain met fans and the media briefly before entering the camp. He saluted and bowed and thanked the fans for coming.

About 1,000 fans from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and China are at the site to bid Rain goodbye. Fans arrived at Uijeongbu early morning Tuesday armed with banners and streamers proclaiming their support and love for their idol, adding that they will be waiting for his comeback.

Last Sunday, Rain held his free concert dubbed as “Last for the Best” for fans in Samseong in Gangnam, Seoul. Thousands trooped to the concert to see Rain perform for the last time.

On his Twitter, Rain announced that the concert would be aired on Mnet TV station after his enlistment.

Rain also visited his mother’s grave on Monday to pay his respect.

In the last 10 years, Rain has become one of the most successful Korean artists.

Early this year, Rain won the 2011 TIME 100 Poll readers’ choice as the No. 1 most influential person in the world, edging out the likes of Beyonce (No. 6), US President Barack Obama (No. 46), and Lady Gaga (No. 12).

Rain also became successful in acting on TV and films. He starred in the Hollywood films “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.”

http://mb.com.ph/articles/337369/rain-enlists-korean-military

‘The Kitchen Musical’ Asian TV Series Eyes US Debut

The Kitchen Musical, the exciting new Asian series (kinda like Glee and Hell’s Kitchen combined), is set to debut on US television after the show premiered strongly in the the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Emmy & Golden Globe Award-winning producer, Ben Silverman, who brought Ugly Betty and The Office to the US has also selected The Kitchen Musical for the same route. This is a first as formats are only brought back to the US after the show has performed well internationally.

The first Pan-Asian musical series, topbilled by our very own Karylle and Christian Bautista, debuted on seven countries, including ABS-CBN and Studio 23, in the region and 18 territories via AXN last Sunday, October 2.

The Kitchen Musical received rave reviews from viewers and instantly gained fans accross Southeast Asia that it became one of the trending topics on Twitter right after the airing of its pilot episode.

http://www.starmometer.com/2011/10/04/the-kitchen-musical-asian-tv-series-eyes-us-debut/

No baby pressure for Barbie Hsu

Barbie Hsu's mum speaks up for her daughter when quizzed by reporters of her suspected pregnancy


Ever since Taiwanese actress Barbie married Chinese millionaire Wang Xiaofei, there has been constant speculations of her pregnancy because of her sudden weight gain and her choice of loose clothing and flats.

A few days ago, a netizen spotted the actress at a hospital in Beijing. She held hands with her husband and appeared pregnant, fuelling speculations that she might have successfully conceived a baby.

However, when asked about Barbie's expectancy yesterday, the actress' mother denied the rumours and explained, "No, [Barbie is not pregnant]. Xiaofei has been under a lot of pressure lately, even his lips are chipped. Barbie was just accompanying him to see a doctor."

The matriarch also further urged the media not to give Barbie too much pressure.

"We'll share the good news when Barbie's pregnant. Don't put pressure on her. If the media stop asking, she will have less pressure; when there's less pressure, the possibility of conceiving is also higher," Barbie's mother said.

A staunch vegetarian, the PETA ambassador insisted on keeping to her vegetarian habits while trying for a child. To help condition her body and prepare it for her future pregnancy, Barbie's mother-in-law Zhang Lan, has been consistently feeding her with Chinese herbs. When the actress returns to her own home, her mother will also cook nutritious vegetarian meals for her.

News of Barbie's pregnancy may be rumours, but the 34-year-old's mum remains very optimistic of the situation.

"Barbie will become pregnant eventually, so long as she's young and healthy," she said.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5341560

Adele cancels US tour due to illness

Adele has been forced to cancel her upcoming tour of the US due to an illness.

The 'Someone Like You' star has suffered a vocal cord haemorrhage. She was preparing to launch her US tour on October 7 after recently completing her shows in the UK.

New Jersey doctors told the singer that she needs more time to recover from the illness. She previously had to cancel several dates in the UK due to laryngitis.

Adele apologised to US fans in a statement, saying: "Singing is literally my life, it's my hobby, my love, my freedom and now my job. I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully, or I risk damaging my voice forever.

"I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it and how truly devastated and annoyed I am by this.

"Wanting to do something so bad and not being able to is the most frustrating thing as I'm sure you know! My voice is weak and I need to build it back up.

"I'm gonna be starting up vocal rehab as soon as [possible], and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind. I will be back and I'm gonna smash the ball out the park once I'm touring again. I apologise from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do.

"I know it's not only disappointing because of the show, but it's plane tickets, hotel bookings, birthdays, anniversaries and time wasted.

"But please have faith in me that this is the only thing I can do to make sure I can always sing and always make music for you to the best of my ability."

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a343858/adele-cancels-us-tour-due-to-illness.html

Taylor Swift confirms "sad" new album for 2012

Taylor Swift has revealed that her new album will contain "sad" songs.

The star confirmed that the LP will be released sometime in 2012, and said that she has already written ten new songs for the record.

"They're sad, if I'm being honest," she admitted in an interview with The New Yorker, adding that her most recent track "is about moving on".

She explained that she sees singing as her main form of communication, saying: "I write songs, and my voice is just a way to get those lyrics across."

The new album will serve as the follow-up to 2010's Speak Now, which has sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide since its release last October.

The 21-year-old performer is currently on the North American leg of her world tour and was recently joined on stage by Nicki Minaj in Los Angeles and TI in Atlanta.


http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a344017/taylor-swift-confirms-sad-new-album-for-2012.html

'Harry Potter', Robert Downey Jr for Spike TV's Scream Awards 2011

Spike TV has announced the first of the presenters and recipients for the upcoming sixth annual Scream Awards.

The ceremony, which celebrates the best of sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comic books, will be taped on Saturday, October 15 at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr will accept the 'Hero Award', while Nicolas Cage will be on hand to receive the Maverick Award to "recognise his fearless and intriguing body of work", as well as premiering exclusive footage from the upcoming film Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky, Fringe creator JJ Abrams and Let Me In actress Chloe Moretz have also been confirmed to attend.

Joining them are Harold and Kumar stars Kal Penn and John Cho , True Blood's Joe Manganiello, Doctor Who actor Matt Smith and Fringe's Anna Torv, with more to be announced in the upcoming days.

The broadcast will also feature a special farewell to the Harry Potter franchise as well as premiering new previews from Total Recall, The Woman in Black, Paranormal Activity 3 and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

"The superstars and superheroes who are coming to Scream this year do it because they love and appreciate these fans for their unparalleled passion. We have a lot of Scream-worthy surprises for the fans this year," said executive vice president of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group, Casey Patterson.

The two-hour broadcast of the Spike TV Scream Awards 2011 will air Tuesday, October 18 at 9PM ET/PT.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a344052/harry-potter-robert-downey-jr-for-spike-tvs-scream-awards-2011.html

Thai actor excited to meet Filipino fans

MANILA, Philippines – After much speculation that he is coming to the Philippines, Thai superstar Mario Maurer finally confirmed that he will visit the country soon.

In an exclusive interview with “The Buzz” aired on Sunday, Maurer said he will come to the Philippines to endorse a local clothing brand. He also said he is looking forward to meet his Filipino fans.

“I have to go to the Philippines to meet my fans because I have to go for Penshoppe. I will meet my fans there,” he said.

Furthermore, Maurer revealed that he would love to star in a romantic movie along with a Filipina actress.

“Doing a movie outside of Thailand, I think, is a very cool opportunity...I never expected that I’m going to get famous in the Philippines or in China or Taiwan,” he said.

Asked for the qualities of a girl that he likes, Maurer said: “Sweet girl. I like a happy girl or funny girl. I like girls that dress up very nice.”

Maurer was born in Thailand on December 4, 1988. He started modeling at the age of 16 .

From then on, he began to star in numerous movies. His acting has also been recognized by many award bodies.

Last year, Maurer did a film titled “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”

The Filipino series adaptation of this movie paved the way for him to capture the hearts of the Filipinos.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/07/11/thai-actor-excited-meet-filipino-fans

Peter Chan reveals the secret to Takeshi Kaneshiro's success

Taiwan-born heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro is one of the biggest stars in Asia and has melted the hearts of countless movie-goers throughout the world.

But why is he so successful?

Hong Kong director Peter Chan has worked with Kaneshiro on "Perhaps Love", "Warlords" as well as his latest flick, the martial arts film "Wu Xia", and the 48-year-old director believes he has it all figured out.

Chan told channelnewsasia.com that Kaneshiro is a very special sort of star whom people found naturally appealing, regardless of gender.

Women love him while men could identify with him without feeling threatened.

"Kaneshiro is handsome of course. There are a lot of handsome men around but there are few [like Kaneshiro] who are handsome and yet not annoying to other men.

"You need to be handsome and give off this introverted 'feeling' so men will let their guard down, plainly put - so men won't think you will snatch their girlfriends," Chan said with a chuckle.

Chan likened Kaneshiro's appeal to American actor Robert Redford's universal likeability.

Even though a lot of people said Brad Pitt looked like Redford, Pitt lacked a certain humility that make Redford look less threatening to male audiences, so Redford's charm still gave him an edge over his look-alike.

"Takeshi Kaneshiro is a rare talent who is so handsome yet you don't feel he is threatening."

"This could be the result of him being very introverted and very concerned about what people think of him."

"He gives people the feeling he is insecure and has a certain kind of disarming vulnerability about him," said Chan pensively.

The director went on to reveal that Kaneshiro was very much like himself – both men were "insecure" and "perfectionists".

Chan added it was these similarities and Kaneshiro's broad appeal that made him repeatedly cast Kaneshiro in his films.

CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1145196/1/.html

Ariel Lin to stop acting in dramas





Many speculated that Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin's health was deteriorating when she suddenly announced that she would stop acting in dramas.

Yesterday, Ariel, who suffered from a pituitary sella cyst two years ago, said that she would be reducing her future workload and had no plans of releasing another record.

While some speculate that the actress may be sick again, others questioned if she had made the decision in the name of love.

Ariel clarified that her ailment is untreatable and may recur even after surgery. Heeding her mother's advice, Ariel decided that her family is more important.

"I still love to act, but my health condition is not as good as it used to be. I think I should work within my health limit and set aside some time for people who are important to me," Ariel said.

When Ariel was filming her new drama series I May Not Love You in April, the actress had frequently fallen ill with tonsil inflammation because of the hot weather and her slow metabolism rate.

"It's tough to be the female lead for a drama series. It's like going through military boot camp, where [one's heart and soul] cannot have proper balance," the actress described.

Ariel's boyfriend Cheng Jia Yao had been visiting her on the set constantly.

When asked if she was departing showbiz because of love, Ariel laughed, "I merely wanted him to understand my job. After all, he may be my family member in future."

However, the actress wished for privacy when it came to marriage.

"I've always lived up to everyone's expectations throughout the years. When it comes to [marriage], I may want to be a little selfish," Ariel said, suggesting that she would not be having a high-profile wedding.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4997454

Wu Chun not secretly married with kids, says manager

Channel News Asia

TAIPEI: Taiwan actor Wu Chun's manager Lu Shu Juan, spoke out against recent media reports that claimed Wu is already married and has a 4-month-old daughter, on her micro blog on Wednesday, reported Taiwan media.

Many were convinced by the reports as they were accompanied by photographs of Wu in a car, with a woman who is allegedly his wife, as well as the accounts of Wu's neighbours, who said it was "an open secret" that Wu is a married man.

However, Lu flatly denied these rumours.

"The person in the picture is Wu's sister-in-law! They even got the name wrong!" Lu explained.

Lu added that it was impossible for Wu to have started a family as he had been very busy shooting movies and working on drama serials.

"He is flying around every day, where would he find the time to get married?" said Lu, pointing out that Wu had always been quite the workaholic.

-CNA/ha

Takeshi Kaneshiro has fun with close combat



courtesy of takungpao.com


Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) and Peter Chan Ho Sun yesterday attended a forum at the Beijing People's University. During the event a duel between Gum Sing Mo and Jiang Wu from WU XIA was shown. Actually this scene was removed from the Mainland release, thus yesterday it was a special screening. The event also arranged for three students to perform mountain folk songs to coordinate with the story in the film.

This duel was almost too much for Gum Sing Mo. he had to stand in water for hand to hand combat with Jiang Wu but also had to wield his umbrella as a weapon like acrobats. Luckily action director Yen Chi Tan was on hand to direct. With his natural talent he was able to complete this scene sooner than he expected.

However during the shoot, Gum Sing Mo slipped and fell into the water several times. He almost "poked" Wu Jing in the eye during close combat. Luckily Jiang Wu was fast enough to dodge it. Even Chan Ho Sun was sweating bullets. Gum Sing Mo said, "This fight scene is truly satisfying for me. I consider it as some wu xia fun! Of course I have to thank Yen Chi Tan. I appreciate him very much. He not only has to perform but also handle the action part. I deeply experience his spirit for perfection. No matter how tough it got he would always do his part to its best. No wonder everyone say he is the strongest in the universe."

In another needle to the neck scene, Gum Sing Mo revealed that he has always been somewhat resistant to needles. However he realized that this scene was very key so he toughed it out. The team hired an acupuncture specialist to be on hand to direct. Gum Sing Mo recalled, "That practitioner gave me very detailed explanation and demonstration, so I very quickly understood how and where to apply the needle. I could accept and too afraid about applying it not too deep on the neck. I only wanted to finish sooner so I don't have to keep looking at those needles that make me uncomfortable."

Daniel Radcliffe loves free Potter rides

Daniel Radcliffe is pleased there is now a 'Harry Potter' theme park - because he doesn't have to pay to go on the rides.

Daniel Radcliffe loves the 'Harry Potter' theme park - because he doesn't have to pay.

The 21-year-old actor - who has played the titular boy wizard in all eight of the movies in the franchise - was thrilled to be asked to open the attraction in Florida, which is based on the films and original books by J. K. Rowling, because he got to enjoy the rides afterwards.

He said: 'It's brilliant going round your own theme park. You don't have to queue, you don't have to pay.

'I went on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster five times.'

Despite having amassed an estimated £48 million fortune, Daniel admits he 'doesn't know' what to do with his cash, but is pleased he never has to worry about his finances.

He said: 'I don't know what to do with it. I'm very fortunate to have it, and it gives you room to manoeuvre.

'But the main thing about having money is it means you don't have to worry about it. And that for me is a lovely thing. It's not for fast cars and hookers.'

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com

Alicia Keys grows more womanly

Alicia Keys feels more centred and ''womanly'' since becoming a mother to son Egypt, nine months.


Alicia Keys feels 'more womanly' since becoming a mother.

The 30-year-old singer - who has a nine-month-old son Egypt with husband Swizz Beatz - has found parenthood has made her more content and 'connected' with herself.

She said: 'It's about becoming more centred in myself. Having the baby has connected me to a deep, more womanly place.'

Alicia also described her marriage to Swizz - whose real name is Kasseem Dean - as 'very equal'.

She said: 'We have a very equal relationship. Equal is my favourite word.'

The 'Empire State of Mind' hitmaker is upset about the sexualisation of pop music, and was astonished at the sight she was greeted by at her goddaughter's recent birthday party.

She explained: 'There were little girls emulating the dance moves they'd seen on TV, like six-year-old strippers.

'I'm going to have to teach my son by example.'

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com

Wu Chun rumoured to have a four-month-old daughter

The Bruneian heartthrob was said to be married to his sweetheart of 15 years

According to a Hong Kong tabloid, 32-year-old Bruneian actor Wu Chun became a father in February this year.

Apparently, the member of Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit became engaged to his sweetheart of 15 years in 2008. The couple then got married one year later and earlier this year, a daughter was born.

The tabloid reported that the long-haired girl, who often visits Wu Chun's family home in Brunei, is 31-year-old Lin Li Ying. She had supposedly been dating Wu Chun since she was 16 and the couple had a steady relationship in the last 15 years.

Recently, baby apparel was spotting hanging at the balcony on the third floor of the house, fuelling speculations that there might be a newborn baby in the Wu residence.

The tabloid further added that Wu Chun's marriage is not a secret in Brunei. However, worried that the news might impose his showbiz career, the actor's family and friends had been working hard to keep it a secret from the media.

Responding to the report, Wu Chun's manager denied the allegations, saying that Wu Chun had been very busy, and had no time to get married and have kids.

MSN

Michael Jackson's Thriller jacket being auctioned

Michael Jackson's iconic red leather jacket worn in the 1983 video for 'Thriller' is up for auction.

Michael Jackson's iconic red leather 'Thriller' jacket is up for auction.

The coat - which the late star wore in the iconic 1983 music video which saw him transform into a zombie - is expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000 when it is sold in Beverley Hills, California, later this month.

Auctioneers Julien's said: 'We know of no other jacket that is so easily recognisable or one that so altered fashion history. It is the most recognised and significant piece of pop culture.'

The jacket is signed 'love Michael Jackson' on its sleeve, and was originally presented to the King of Pop's designers, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, who worked with him on a number of outfits during his career.

The epic 14-minute 'Thriller' video in which Michael wore the leather coat is regarded as one of the most influential and recognisable in pop culture history and featured a street sequence in which a ghoulish version of the singer danced with zombies.

Other items in the sale include the shirt Michael wore in the video to his duet 'Scream' with sister Janet and a black sequined glove the 'Man in the Mirror' star wore at the 1984 American Music Awards, which it is thought will sell for up to $30,000. Another item is a wig worn by the star, expected to fetch up to $6,000.

The 'Music Icons' sale also features memorabilia from a host of other stars, including a bustier signed by Madonna, a pair of trousers worn by Gene Simmons, a Jaguar car owned by Frank Sinatra and a pair of trainers signed by Britney Spears, as well as items once belonging to Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Julien's 'Music Icons' sale will take place on June 25 and 26.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/hollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4915045&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Ella apologises for her online outburst

Taiwanese pop singer apologises to fans on her microblog and admits to having a low EQ\

Fans of Taiwanese girl group S.H.E.'s Ella Chen, who visited the star while she was filming a new movie, complained to her record company and manager that Ella was overworked and even injured herself.

Upon receiving the news, Ella took to her microblog, saying, "Please do not speak on behalf of me and think that this is a sign of love. I don't need the extra trouble."

She added, "If you think my job is difficult, then, I guess I should do nothing but stay at home all day long."

Her outburst and remarks went down badly with her fans and they slammed her for being ungrateful.

The singer eventually apologised to her fans on her microblog, saying, "Even at the age of 30, I still have such low EQ. Your replies sure gave me a good lesson!"

Her record company added, "Fans can rest assure that we will take care of all artistes, as they are very precious to us."

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4901998&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Sean Kingston critical after jet-ski accident

Singer Sean Kingston is in a critical condition in a Miami hospital after being involved in a jet-skiing accident yesterday (29.05.11).

Sean Kingston is in a critical condition after a jet-ski accident.

The 'Beautiful Girls' hitmaker struck a bridge connecting Palm Island with the MacArthur Causeway in Miami, Florida, on Sunday evening (29.05.11) and has been taken to the Jackson Memorial Hospital nearby to be treated for his injuries.

A representative for the 21-year-old singer said: 'Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes.'

A female passenger who was also on the jet-ski has also been taken to hospital.

Officials investigating the accident are said to have ruled out alcohol playing a part in the accident, TMZ reports.

Fellow musician Nicki Minaj has tweeted her support for the singer, saying: 'My love & prayers are with Sean Kingston & his family.(sic)'

Justin Bieber - who collaborated with Sean on the song 'Eenie Meenie' - asked his twitter followers to pray for him.

He wrote: 'got my friend seankingston in my prayers tonight. a true friend and big bro. please keep him in your prayers tonight as well.(sic)'

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/hollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4886802&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Wu Chun Scores 13 Points For LeApple

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei born international star Wu Chun yesterday contributed 13 points for LeApple basketball team but couldn't helped his team to victory as they fell to Auto Expents 56-54 in overtime at the Aewon Cup Basketball Tournament.

Wu Chun who took a rest after sustaining a bit of cramp after regular time, in an interview with Bulletin, said: "It was a tight game but if I can continue to play, the result might be different."

Wu Chun, the owner of Fitness Zone also expressed: "It's great to be able to compete in a basketball game with all my friends. I haven't been in competitive basketball for almost eight years. It was quite an exhausting comeback but it's worth it."

LeApple team that comprised mostly veteran national players managed to come back to take the lead in the third quarter but the resilient Auto Expents managed to keep the game tight and were tied at 49 a piece with just 50 seconds left.

In the last 10 seconds, Auto Expent were leading but a last ditch shot by No 4 Soon Chin Long put LeApple into overtime.

In overtime, the younger Auto Expent team came up with a number of big shots to win the match-up.

Today, Tutong will take on KB in the women's category at 5pm while in the men's event, Yun Lee Motors will face LeApple at 7pm and Auto Expent will play against Chevrolet Cruz.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Takeshi Kaneshiro: Still single and waiting for love

The heartthrob denied rumours of getting married during his interview at Cannes

As the only Chinese movie participating in the 64th Cannes Movie Festival, Wu Xia attracted immense attention with screening activities, parties and red carpet events at the venue.

The official world premiere for Wu Xia started at 12am and attracted 2,300 audiences into the Lumiere Theater. After the screening, the movie received a three-minute long standing ovation, which moved the actors and team to tears.

The handsome Takeshi Kaneshiro appeared at the red carpet event decked in a smart black suit and stubble. Fans screamed his name and one female reporter from China even swooned, "He is so handsome!"

Known for his low-profile personal life, Takeshi is often rumored to be married.

Two years ago, the actor was said to have married to a Japanese girl and she was pregnant at the time of their wedding. However, his manager denied the rumour, although Takeshi had never clarified the speculation personally.

When asked about his current martial status, Takeshi said, "No I've never gotten married before. It has always been a media speculation. I'm still single."

He added that he's leaving it up to fate now.

In the movie Wu Xia, Takeshi spoke with a Szechuan dialect. However, the actor admitted that he had forgotten how to speak in the dialect now.

Actress Li Xiao Ran plays Takeshi's wife in the movie. She made everyone laughed when she said that she was completely dizzy on the first day of filming because she liked Takeshi a lot.

The embarrassed Takeshi pretended to wipe his perspiration, upon hearing Xiao Ran's confession.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4846055&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Why do we love wearing jeans?




You never fail to have these on your closets. It is probably the most popular wardrobe for all ages. You even seek a new pair whenever you see new designs. You also love decorating it with gems and hand painted it. Did you know that jeans was originally created for work and not for casual wears? It became popular in the 1950s. Such classic brands to name include Levi's and Wrangler. And became an icon to Americans and now to all races. Below are the reasons why do we love wearing jeans:


1. Quality – Jeans comes from a kind of material made in Europe. Named after Sailors from Genoa, Italy – the word “denim” came from a French material (Nimes, France) “Serge de Nimes.” A traditional denim composes of durable twill-woven cotton fabric with coloured (usually blue) warp and white filling threads; it is also woven in coloured stripes. Now, denims are made from polyamid, lycra, polypropylene or with polyester for more active look. Also comes with two-way stretch fabrics and special coatings for jeans to be a strong and last longer.


2. Design – There are different categories of jeans, these are: ankle jeans, baggy jeans, bootcut, carpenter jeans, classic, hip-huggers, loose, shaggy, skinny and other many types. Manufacturers keep on producing and designing new styles and discover new fabrics for enhancement of their products. Before buying, check out which style suits your body.


3. Price – Jeans aren't that expensive. You can wear it for a long time, some love wearing them until it worn out. Many do style their jeans by cutting and pasting patches to look different. Even girls do turn their denim pants into skirts or bags to make it more fashionable.

4. Easy to Wear – We usually love wearing comfortable clothes, that's why we always prefer wearing jeans. It doesn't get dirty nor crumple easily. This is the safest option to wear whenever you go out shopping, or just want to hang out with your friends.



5. Jeans are forever – Considering the innovations made by different manufacturers, jeans are still going to stay for a long period of time. It won't leave our generation, making it in high fashion statement.


For the past several years, denim has been reinvented and new products were introduced from time to time. Making it a symbol of fashion and lifestyle, designers keep on inventing new concepts. Creativeness outshine the industry from our usual day to day casual jeans into handbags, home collections, cushions, bed sheets and furniture coverings. As time goes by, nothing not a single wardrobe in your closet will replace our Jeans.

Katie Holmes wore the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Collection

On Monday, March 28 Katie Holmes wore the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011Collection Knitted Lace Henley Tank Dress to the premiere of her new mini-series “The Kennedy’s” in Los Angeles

Elizabeth Hurley files for divorce

Elizabeth Hurley has filed for divorce from estranged husband Arun Nayer, citing his ''unreasonable behaviour''

Elizabeth Hurley has filed for divorce from estranged husband Arun Nayer.

The actress-and-model - who announced her split from the Indian textile heir last year after four years of marriage - filed papers at London's High Court yesterday (01.04.11), citing Arun's 'unreasonable behaviour'.

Elizabeth - who has an eight-year-old son, Damian, from a previous relationship - and Arun split last year but the news wasn't made public until after it was revealed she had been romancing Australian cricketer Shane Warne.

She tweeted at the time: 'Painful, sad days. Arun & I separated for private reasons but FTR (for the record) he has been a great father to our son Damian & will always be in his life. (sic)'

However, the 45-year-old beauty insisted she had no plans to get divorced.

She said: 'Bored now of silly speculations: no one is divorcing anyone yet, no one is fighting over money and I have no plans to go to Australia. Enough! (sic)'

After news of Elizabeth and Shane's romance was made public, the couple split but rekindled in January and in February she met his parents, Keith and Bridgette, at the sportsman's Melbourne home.

The couple initially parted ways in December after it emerged the cricketer had been sending lewd text messages to another woman while he was romancing Elizabeth.


http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/hollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4753490&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Sylvester Stallone | Sylvester Stallone To Launch 'Rambo' Fashion Line | Contactmusic

Sylvester Stallone | Sylvester Stallone To Launch 'Rambo' Fashion Line | Contactmusic


Elisha Cuthbert: The Heart Truth Fashion Show Photos

Elisha Cuthbert: The Heart Truth Fashion Show Photos

Kelly Lin weds American-Chinese beau Chris Young

MALDIVES: Taiwan actress Kelly Lin married American-Chinese businessman Chris Young in a low-key beach wedding in the Maldives on Monday, reported Taiwan media.

Lin, dressed in a white, low-cut wedding gown and Young, who wore a simple white shirt and pants, exchanged their vows in a 30-minute ceremony on the beach.

"I am really happy, full of love," said the groom after the ceremony.

"So disgusting!" said Lin with an embarrassed laugh as the pair left the venue.

The "Just Call Me Nobody" star, sporting a sparkling 3-carat diamond wedding band, also told reporters that she preferred a low-key wedding, "nothing too complicated as it fits my personality".

And the pair's wedding was as low-key as they come.

They made reservations at their hotel in the Maldives using the pseudonym "Mala Group".

The couple did not hire a band for the ceremony and were married by a local pastor.

Only about 30 guests were invited to the wedding.

There were no grooms-men, with Lin's close friend, Taiwan-born Hong Kong actress Shu Qi the closest thing to a bridesmaid at the wedding.

Lin, 37 started dating Young, 39, who owns a clothing company in the US, a few months after separating from former-F4 member Ken Zhu in June last year.

The couple had actually known each other eight years ago but had maintained a platonic relationship until October last year.

"I hope that she will be happy. We can still be best sisters forever," Shu Qi told reporters.

She also admitted that she was a "very unfashionable person" and had given the newly-weds a pair of traditional 'Dragon Phoenix' gold bracelets as a wedding gift.

While Shu Qi did not say much, her wedding card spoke volumes of her thoughts on her best friend’s nuptials.

"I really can't bear to let you spend the rest of your life with another person.

"You must know that I am holding back tears and putting up with the pain to leave you in the hands of someone who loves you even more," wrote the actress, who took three flights from her filming location just to attend Lin's wedding.

-CNA/ha

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1119404/1/.html

Models Walk Intrepid Runway for Charity

Jeffrey Fashion Cares was never a tiny benefit, but during the last couple of years it has evolved into massive planning proportions. That's because the event, which has raised millions of dollars for local AIDS and LGBT charities, now also doubles as one of the world's most lucrative male fashion shows.

more here

Kelly Lin to wed today at the Maldives

The Taiwanese actress is marrying Chinese-American businessman Chris Young


Taiwanese actress Kelly Lin will hold her wedding ceremony with Chinese-American Chris Young today.

It was previously speculated that she will walk down the aisle on Mar 20.

The couple and their family had arrived at the Maldives on Mar 25. The next day, Kelly and Chris mingled with their guests. Chris also helped to hand out drinks to friends and relatives.

Meeting Kelly's relatives for the first time, Chris introduced himself in fluent Mandarin.

"I'm Chris Young. 'Yang' is spelt as 'Young' and my Chinese name is Yang Chen. I own a clothing business -- a small brand, known as Smart Threads -- in America," Chris said.

Kelly and Chris then returned to their room to rest.

In the evening, Kelly appeared at the beach in a white gown, ready for her wedding photo shoot. However, Chris seemed to look nervous under the scrutiny of Kelly's father and relatives.

"Dad, don't look from the sidelines. He's nervous," the actress said.

Kelly later changed into a red, bareback dress, which exuded sexiness and beauty.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4742086

Barbie Hsu says “I do!”

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu is now Mrs. Wang. Yesterday, the actress got married to Chinese millionaire Wang Xiaofei in front of 300 guests, at Sanya, Hainan Island in China.

Despite the ban on recording devices and handphones, photos from the couple's wedding were still leaked.

Kevin Tsai, who was the host for the wedding, updated his microblog in the afternoon, showing a pair of shoes he designed specially for Barbie.

He also uploaded pictures of the wedding cakes, one of which had the letters "WS" which stood for the newlyweds.

Kevin wrote, "Love is like a magic lamp. It's only when you hold it to your chest and pray to it sincerely, you will know how many wishes it would grant you and how it would grant you these wishes."

The Here Comes Kang Xi host also revealed that the wedding was held at a small white church near the swimming pool and that wedding sweets were given to friends and relatives.

Guests who turned up at the joyous event included bridesmaids Pace Wu, Makiyo and Aya, A-Mei, Christine Fan, Blackie Chen, Na Ying and her husband, Li Yapeng, former Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata and Huang Xiaoming.

Although the skies turned dark and strong winds started blowing, the wedding still began promptly at 5pm.

Younger sister Dee Hsu's daughters were the flower girls at the wedding. They walked down the aisle in front of the bride, who was given away by her father. Barbie was then handed over to Xiaofei and Kevin presided over the oath-taking.

When Barbie was asked if she was willing to marry Xiaofei, the actress shouted, "I super do!"

Each guest was also given a balloon with a sunflower seed inside it, prior to the ceremony. When it ended, the guests let go of their balloons, allowing them to soar into the sky, signifying the couple's love for each other.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=4732036

Elizabeth Taylor Dead at 79

Taylor died at 1:28 AM at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles ... where she had been hospitalized for the past couple of weeks. A private funeral will be held later this week.

Taylor's publicist says she was "surrounded by her children -- Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton."

Taylor's rep says the actress died "peacefully" from congestive heart failure, "a condition with which she had struggled with for many years." The rep adds, "Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."

Someone at the hospital Tuesday night tells TMZ ... doctors knew at around 6 PM that Taylor was dying.

http://www.tmz.com/

Lady GaGa fends off Katy Perry for US No.1

Lady GaGa has fought off competition from Katy Perry to spend a sixth week atop the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Born This Way'.

The singer continues to lead the tally with the track, while Perry climbs from three to two with the Kayne West-assisted 'E.T'.

Elsewhere, Rihanna's 'S&M' completes the top three, the Black Eyed Peas vault from 22 to five with 'Just Can't Get Enough', and Glee's first original song 'Loser Like Me' lands at six.

Further down the chart, Selena Gomez & The Scene's 'Who Says' debuts at number 24, while Tinie Tempah's 'Written In The Stars' leaps from 45 to 39.

Jessie J advances 58 to 54 with 'Price Tag', and Rebecca Black's 'Friday' lands at 72.

The top ten singles in full (click where possible for our reviews):

1. (1) Lady GaGa: 'Born This Way'
2. (3) Katy Perry ft. Kanye West: 'E.T.'
3. (4) Rihanna: 'S&M'
4. (2) Cee Lo Green: 'F**k You!'
5. (22) Pink: 'F**kin' Perfect'
8. (12) Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes: 'Look At Me Now'
9. (7) Bruno Mars: 'Grenade'
10. (13) Jeremih ft. 50 Cent: 'Down On Me'

Digital Spy

Madonna's Charity Fails in Bid to Finance School

LOS ANGELES — A high-profile charitable foundation set up to build a school for impoverished girls in Malawi, founded by the singer Madonna and fellow devotees of a prominent Jewish mysticism movement, has collapsed after spending $3.8 million on a project that never came to fruition.
Enlarge This Image

Karel Prinsloo/Associated Press
Madonna in Malawi in 2007. A group she helped found had planned to build a $15 million school there.

The board of directors of the organization, Raising Malawi, has been ousted and replaced by a caretaker board, including Madonna and her manager, officials with the organization said Thursday. Its executive director, who is the boyfriend of Madonna’s former trainer, Tracy Anderson, left in October amid criticism of his management style and cost overruns for the school. These included what auditors described as outlandish expenditures on salaries, cars, office space and a golf course membership, free housing and a car and driver for the school’s director.

Most strikingly, the plans to build a $15 million school for about 400 girls in the poor southeastern African country of 15 million — which had drawn financial support from Hollywood and society circles, as well as the Los Angeles-based Kabbalah Centre International, an organization devoted to Jewish mysticism — have been officially abandoned.

That prospective move set off a fierce backlash when first raised earlier this year, with Malawi officials saying they were stunned and asserting that Madonna was blaming management breakdowns because she had been unable to raise the money she had promised.

“A thoughtful decision has been made to discontinue plans for the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls, as it was originally conceived,” Michael Berg, a co-director of the Kabbalah Centre and the co-founder of Raising Malawi, said Thursday in an e-mail to the center’s members who had contributed to the project. The e-mail announced the replacement of the board of directors.

Madonna has lent her name, reputation and $11 million of her money to the organization that she founded with Mr. Berg. She has been a regular visitor to Malawi, attending at least two ceremonies at what would have been the site of the school in Lilongwe, and has adopted two children from the country.

On Thursday, in conceding the shortcomings of her charity, Madonna issued a statement saying she was still intent on using the organization, which has raised $18 million so far, to advance improvements in the beleaguered nation.

“There’s a real education crisis in Malawi,” she said. “Sixty-seven percent of girls don’t go to secondary school, and this is simply unacceptable. Our team is going to work hard to address this in every way we can.” She and her aides offered no explanation of why, given her high interest in the project, she had not noticed the problems as they began unfolding.

Trevor Neilson, a founder of the Global Philanthropy Group, which Madonna recruited last November amid signs of upheaval at her charity, said he told her that building an expensive school in Malawi was an ineffective form of philanthropy, and suggested instead using resources to finance education programs though existing and proven nongovernmental organizations.

Mr. Neilson said that an examination found that $3.8 million had been spent on the school that will now not be built, with much of the money going to architects, design and salaries and, in one case, two cars for employees who had not even been hired yet.

“Despite $3.8 million having been spent by the previous management team, the project has not broken ground, there was no title to the land and there was, over all, a startling lack of accountability on the part of the management team in Malawi and the management team in the United States,” he said. “We have yet to determine exactly what happened to all of that $3.8 million. We have not accounted for all the funds that were used.”

A written report by the Global Philanthropy Group, a copy of which was provided Thursday by the Kabbalah Centre, was critical of two former officials of the organization: Philippe van den Bossche, who has worked for Madonna since 2004 and was the executive director of Raising Malawi from 2005 until October, and Anjimile Oponyo, who worked at the United Nations Development Program when she was chosen last year to head the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.

Ms. Oponyo said that she was barred from talking about her association with the foundation, and that she could not comment on the allegations in the report of mismanagement — including whether she benefited from an extravagant compensation package that included that car and driver and golf club membership.

In an e-mail, Mr. van den Bossche said he, too, was prohibited from commenting; Madonna has a history of confidentiality agreements with employees.

“I am strictly bound by the confidentiality agreements and I am forced by those agreements to be silent on any of these questions,” Mr. van den Bossche said.

Mr. Neilson said that Madonna was involved in a film project — she is directing a movie about King Edward VIII — and was not available for an interview. But in a statement, Madonna said she was pleased with other work that Raising Malawi had done in helping children in Malawi, even as she acknowledged its problems. “While I’m proud of these accomplishments, I’m frustrated that our education work has not moved forward in a faster way,” she said.

Raising Malawi will not disband and will instead use its money in different ways to help the poor in a country where Madonna has sought to become a major philanthropic presence, foundation officials said.

Madonna attended a fund-raiser hosted by Gucci in New York in 2008, whose guests also included Tom Cruise and Gwyneth Paltrow, and was on hand for what turned out to be a purely ceremonial groundbreaking and the laying off the first brick at the school. Other donors to the project include the Yankee Alex Rodriguez.

The report faulted Mr. van den Bossche for his roles both in overseeing the planning of the building and in creating the educational curriculum. “Philippe’s level of mismanagement and lack of oversight was extreme in both aspects of the project,” it said, “and the lack of success of the players on the ground is in large part a result of his inability to effectively manage project plans, people and finances.”

The report was similarly critical of Ms. Oponyo. “Her charisma masks a lack of substantive knowledge of the practical application of educational development,” it said, “and her weak management skills are a major contributor to the current financial and programmatic chaos.”

nytimes.com

Marie Digby is newest 'ASAP' member

MANILA, Philippines – International acoustic singer Marie Digby is joining the local music scene.

Digby, who was linked to hunk actor-singer Sam Milby, is the newest member of musical variety show “ASAP Rocks.” She will also do a recording under ABS-CBN Star Records.

In her interview with ABS-CBN News, Digby disclosed that she would love to do a duet with KC Concepcion and Milby.

Digby is also open to doing hosting job, citing her experience as an emcee of beauty pageant Miss Earth 2010 in Vietnam. She, however, said that her top priority is her music.

As for acting, she said: “I don’t know if I can act.”

Digby on Wednesday night performed during the welcome reception held for the 40 Binibining Pilipinas candidates. The event was attended by ABS-CBN bosses led by chairman and chief executive officer Eugenio Lopez III and president Charo Santos-Concio.

When asked about her impression of the candidates, Digby said: “The girls are lovely. They’re not only beautiful but they have so much personality and I’ve gotten the chance to speak with some of them. And I think this year, it would be tough to pick a winner.”

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. president Stella Marquez-Araneta, designer Pitoy Moreno and beauty queens Miriam Quiambao, Venus Raj and Krista Kleiner were also present during the welcome reception.

The coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2011 will be held on April 10 at the Araneta Coliseum, and it will be aired live on ABS-CBN.

Japan aid

From Japan, Digby is moving here to grab the opportunity "to work and then give back" to the quake and tsunami-hit country. Although she is miles away from Japan, the singer, who became popular on YouTube via her own version of Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” vowed to help through her music.

“My goal in coming here in Manila is not just to make music and meet my friends, it’s about what I can do to help Japan,” she said.

Her parents are also coming here from Tokyo to “visit me and make sure I’m okay and I’m settled. And also they want to get out of Japan as well.”

“I’ll be honest I’m concerned about my friends and family in Japan because they’re scared of radiation and nuclear plant. My parents are still in Japan so they’ll be coming here in Manila,” she added.

Digby and her mom were inside an elevator when a 9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan. She said they were lucky to be in a secure building when it happened.

ABS-CBN News

Jay Chou films commercial with Kobe Bryant

Jay Chou films commercial with Kobe Bryant

source: MSN Entertainment
Photobucket
The Asian superstar also sang a song with the NBA player for the commercial

"Green is definitely my lucky colour," multi-talented Jay Chou declared.

Taiwanese singer Jay Chou was in Los Angeles, United States on Feb 21 to film a beverage commercial with NBA player Kobe Bryant.

Jay first made his debut in Hollywood with the movie The Green Hornet. This time, the singer would be venturing into Tinseltown with his music instead. Jay also claimed green as his lucky colour because it was the main colour for both his Hollywood movie debut and the commercial.

In the commercial, Jay was seen pitting his basketball skills against Kobe but due to his petite stature, Jay's attempts were always swatted away by the NBA player, who was a lot bigger than him.

"Kobe is like a wall. As confident as I might be, I feel dismayed [at not being able to shoot any hoops]," Jay said.

The singer added that he "usually did not have the chance to perform a slam dunk, but could finally have a taste of the move in the commercial".

Jay also did a song with Kobe, titled 'The Heaven and Earth Battle', in the commercial where he sang and Kobe rapped. This was Jay's first time working with a foreigner on his song.

"Our collaboration would surely be incomparable and invincible," Jay said.

Kobe also expressed that he "liked it very much" after hearing the song for the first time.

After news of their collaboration was announced, netizens gave positive reviews, calling them the "Dynamic Duo".

Wu Chun drops out of Absolute Boyfriend and remains without contract

Source: Nownews
Written by: Zahra on 2/22/2011 @ CpopAccess.com 

It's recently been revealed that Wu Chun's contracts with HIM and Comic had expired at the end of last year and there are no signs of him renewing the contracts after two months. He has stated before that the reason he would stop singing would be for his father. While there have still been promotions for a Fahrenheit album release, all the work Wu Chun has done for it was merely to fill the last of the requirements of his contract.

It has also been leaked that Wu Chun has dropped out of both his upcoming series (Absolute Boyfriend) and movie (Summer Holiday 2) leading to many speculations of him preparing to leave the entertainment industry. As of present, Wu Chun has expressed when interviewed that he has thought about leaving. For his fans, though, he will not depart rashly. However, he will not be putting his whole heart into the entertainment industry in the future.

In the five years he has been in showbiz, Wu Chun has only been able to take a vacation on New Year each year. This has been making him feel ashamed at the neglect over his own family and has previously been made to think about working less and spending more time taking care of his father. Wu Chun's father also hoped that his son did not have to work so hard and go back to Brunei to led a simple life. Thus, at the end of his contract last year, Wu Chun moved back to Brunei, and has been there since.

On February 13th, the third branch of Wu Chun's fitness gym opened and when he was interviewed then, he finally revealed what he was truly thinking. "I have always said that if I was happy doing what I did, then I would continue. If I wasn't happy, I would return to Brunei. Everyone knows that the entertainment industry isn't the only thing I partake in. The company has discussed renewing the contact with me, but I have not made a decision on my future yet, so I've been pushing it off." Wu Chun also emphasized that Brunei is his true home. Seeing how happy he was at being home, he was asked whether he really hadn't thought about leaving the industry to which he answered, "I do want to a little because I really miss my family. Since coming back home, I have been very happy, but also feel a bit guilty because I didn't take good care of my father in the past and wasn't able to accompany him to the doctors for his back and legs."

Thinking about the past five years, he said, "I originally had a pretty good life, but I also had a sense of accomplishment when living a life where I could take care of myself. At the same time, that satisfaction was cut in half. The half I lost was spending time with my family and my freedom. I actually don't have much confidence in my acting, most of the force that pushed me was from my fans, so I won't speak of quitting so easily. I will continue working, but I require a lot of freedom and will only take on jobs I like." Regarding work in the entertainment industry, he said, "It requires sacrifice. I really cherish everything that I learned each day while working. It will be helpful in all the decisions I make in the future. Even if it will be hard, I will face everything with a positive attitude."

Could this really be the end of Fahrenheit?

Group Sheds Pounds, Gains Passion For Workouts

Bandar Seri Begawan - Fifty participants of the Healthy Lifestyle Clinic got fresh motivation to work harder to lose the extra pounds yesterday after getting a taste of working out in a fully-equipped gym at Fitness Zone in Serusop.

The Healthy Lifestyle Clinic, formerly known as Health Body Clinic was introduced two years ago and Fitness Zone joined the effort, to promote a healthy lifestyle last June.

The programme helps the participants who have a Body Mass Index of over 30 to reduce their weight. And one of the components of the programme is physical exercise whereby participants are taught the correct way of exercising.

Previously, a gym instructor from Fitness Zone would go to Health Promotion Centre for the physical exercise programme but yesterday was special as participants went to the gym to exercise.

Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Hajah Mohd Kassim, Senior Medical Officer, in an interview said The participants have to complete a 10 to 12-week programme. There are four intakes each year and today's participants are the first intake for 2011".

In previous intakes, she revealed, "There was a high level of drop-out in the 10 to 12-week programme. This is because we followed strict rules in the programme. Anyone who didn't show up three times for the programme, we would terminate their participation".

She reminded that exercise alone is not enough to reduce one's weight. One needs to have self-discipline and motivation, especially in controlling food intake.

In addition to exercise, she revealed, "The Health Promotion Centre also provides a dietitian as well as personal counselling for the participants. We also provide a diary for each participant to record what they eat".

Dr Hajah Norhayati disclosed some of the problems faced by the programme, including participants coming back to the programme after three months to reduce their weight again after reducing their weight in previous programmes.

She said, "It is important for us to go back in 10 weeks time and review our participants to see how they are. To see if they learned the skills and knowledge to live a healthy lifestyle independently."

Wu Chun, the Brunei-born superstar and owner of Fitness Zone said, "Fitness Zone is happy to tie up with the Ministry of Health. This programme started last year in June and Fitness Zone helped to provide fitness training assistance.

"As we know, Brunei has a high rate of obesity and we hope to (help) make a difference step by step," he added.

Wu Chun highlighted, "Previously, overweight people may have felt shy to work out and now (this) is no longer the case as more people want to get healthy. In Fitness Zone, we are providing the participants with different classes. The classes can be fun with great music that could attract the interest of the participants to stay longer."

When asked about how he stayed fit, the superstar said, "It's about a balanced diet. It's very important to balance food with exercise."

Wu Chun met the participants to motivate them to work harder and reminded them to never give up on working towards a healthy lifestyle. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Super Junior declared Korea's bestselling artist in 2010

Gaon Chart, South Korea’s version of the Billboard charts, has named K-pop boy band Super Junior the bestselling artist in South Korea for 2010.

Super Junior received the Bestselling Album award for “Bonamana”, the group’s fourth album, at the awards ceremony held Feb. 9. "Bonamana" ranked first for selling 200,193 copies in 2010.

Minister Choung Byoung-gug of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism handed the award to Super Junior.

In his speech, Super Junior leader Leeteuk said they’re very happy with the award especially that it came from Gaon.

The Gaon Chart is South Korea’s official music chart and is managed by the Korean Music Content Industry Association (KMCIA).

Following Super Junior is fellow SM Entertainment group Girls Generation, which copped the second to fourth places.

Girls Generation’s second album “Oh” sold 197,934 to place second. The group’s third mini-album “Hoot” sold 163,066 copies to place third while the girl group’s “Run Devil Run” album sold 136,851 to place fourth.

Big Bang members G-Dragon and T.O.P’s album sold 130,000 copies to place fifth while SHINee’s “Lucifer” album was at sixth for selling 124,961 copies.

2NE1’s “To Anyone” album ranked seventh with 122,845 copies sold. JYJ’s “The Beginning” was eight, selling 99,903 copies and Super Junior’s “Bonamana” repackage album placed at ninth with 99,355 copies sold.

JYJ’s “The Beginning” (New Limited Edition) and “The Beginning” (Luxury Package) ranked 10th and 11th by selling 98,311 and 92,649 copies, respectively.

Artists which ranked from 12th to 20th are: CNBlue’s “Bluetory” (77,183 copies sold), “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” official soundtrack (76,951), 2PM’s “Still 2:00 PM” (72,966), CNBlue’s “Blue Love” (71,468), KARA’s “Lupin” (64,782), SHINee’s “Hello” (63,118), SS501’s “Destination” (61,918), BEAST’s “Shock of the New Era” (59,868), and 2PM’s “Don’t Stop Can’t Stop” (57,873).

On the other hand, Miss A’s “Bad Girl Good Girl” was No. 1 on Gaon’s online chart while Lee Sungchul topped the mobile chart.

Singers G.Na and Kang Seung Yoon were awarded the best female and male rookies for 2010.

http://mb.com.ph/articles/303550/super-junior-declared-koreas-bestselling-artist-2010

SS501's Park Jung Min to star in idol drama

Source: Nextmedia
Written by: Zahra @ CpopAccess.com

Kpop idol group SS501 member, Park Jung Min, has plans to stay in Taiwan for quite a while as he will start filming a Taiwanese drama in May. He excitedly said, "Hopefully, the crew will arrange for many different shooting sites so that I can also do some sightseeing."

Arriving in Taiwan yesterday for his fan meeting, he expressed that he was very interesting in acting and will definitely arrive in Taiwan in May for an idol drama. Apparently, he's been brushing up on Taiwanese idol dramas and acting by watching Show Luo and Barbie Hsu's "Corner with Love." He's also been trying to learn Chinese and can now hold a simple conversation. As for his fans, he stated, "Kissing scenes are alright. If I have to worry about the reaction of the fans, then I will not be able to act at all."

On a side note, he has ended the diet he was on for his newest album and was showered with gifts of food by fans.

Johnny Depp buys 8.5 million home in Venice

Johnny Depp has reportedly bought an £8.5 million home in Venice because he loved the city so much when he filmed there with Angelina Jolie last year.

Johnny Depp has splashed out on an £8.5 million home in Venice after falling in love with the city during filming last year.

The 47-year-old actor spent several months in the Italian city with his family while shooting 'The Tourist' with Angelina Jolie and he was reportedly so besotted with the stunning location, he has bought the 17th century Palazzo Dona Sangiantoffetti.

According to local newspaper La Nuova Venezia, the Hollywood star outbid an Arab prince for the empty building which is one of the only available homes overlooking the famous Grand Canal.
Johnny - who has two children Lily-Rose, 11, and eight-year-old Jack with his French partner Vanessa Paradis - has previously spoken of his love for the city and revealed he loved to explore late at night when the streets were quiet.

He said: 'My experience of Venice really happened between 10pm and 2am when the streets closed and I was able to walk around and experience the poetry of Venice, the ghosts of Venice, all those wonderful dark alleys.

'For an actor being able to film within the confines of that magical city certainly helps... The city's magic shone through completely.'

While the actor and his family spent most of their time at their estate in France, he also owns a home in Hollywood and a 45 acre island in the Bahamas.

http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/hollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4611494&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Singer Bruno Mars to plead guilty

LOS ANGELES - Pop singer Bruno Mars will plead guilty to a charge of possessing cocaine in Las Vegas last September and receive probation, among other sentencing requirements, according to a media report on Friday.
Clark County District Attorney David Roger told the Las Vegas Review Journal that Mars will be sentenced to a year of probation, pay a $2,000 fine, perform 200 hours of community service and attend drug counseling.
Mars, 25, rose to the top of the pop charts in 2010 with "Nothin' on You," his collaboration with rapper B.o.B. He co-wrote Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" and collaborated with Cee-Lo Green on Grammy-nominated song "F*ck You" before scoring a solo hit with the ballad "Just the Way You Are." More recently his "Grenade" has been topping music charts.
But 2010 was marred by his September arrest in which a bathroom attendant at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel saw Mars, whose real name is Peter Hernandez, with "a baggy of white powder," according to a police report at the time.
The powder was later tested and found to be cocaine.
Roger told the Las Vegas Review Journal that if Mars is able to complete his sentencing without getting into further trouble, he can withdraw his plea and the case will be dismissed. The newspaper said that type of sentencing was common in minor, first-time drug possession cases.
Mars had been due in court in Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, for a February 4 preliminary hearing, but he will waive that appearance and a new court date will be scheduled where he will be expected to enter the guilty plea.


source:
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20110129/ten-entertainment-us-brunomars-db3f2d5.html

Jay Chou likes low Hollywood profile

BEIJING : Hollywood is usually the place to see and be seen, but for Taiwanese pop singer Jay Chou, star of the smash hit "The Green Hornet," Tinseltown offers a welcome break from the paparazzi in Asia.

"As an artist, I need a lot of space which I cannot really get in many places in Asia," Chou told reporters Monday ahead of the Chinese premiere of the superhero flick, which co-stars Seth Rogen.

"It felt like I was having a vacation in the United States - I took my mother to the production, and it felt really good to have some time for myself. I didn't have that feeling of people surreptitiously taking my picture."

"The Green Hornet" - the tale of a young playboy businessman who becomes a crime fighter - topped the box office in its opening weekend in North America, taking in US$34 million, according to industry data.

Chou, largely unknown in the United States but hugely popular in Asia, plays the role of Kato, sidekick to the Green Hornet played by Rogen.

French director Michel Gondry confessed to not knowing how famous Chou was when he started considering him for the part of Kato, adding he and Rogen - who wrote the screenplay - later hesitated about casting a pop star.

"We had a conference on Skype where Seth was reading with Jay and we felt there was already chemistry, even though it was with a 10-second delay, and we liked him for his acting," Gondry said.

Rogen has since declared himself a fan of Chou's music, and he and Gondry joked that the Taiwanese singer would "force" them to listen to some of his tracks.

"Jay many times took us in his car with his bodyguard and forced us to listen to his music very loud, and if we didn't like it, he would beat us up," Gondry joked.

Chou had to learn English for the part, and acknowledged the language barrier would be a challenge for any future work in Hollywood. But Rogen praised his co-star for his quick mastery of the language.

"He knew very little (English) when we started filming and a few weeks in, he could improvise his own dialogue and come up with his own jokes, which was very frustrating because that took me years to learn how to do," he said.

Channel News Asia