[16 Mar 10] Joey Writes Thank You Letter to Fans

Joey’s greatest motivation is from all the support and encouragement she has received from her fans during the past 10 years.

Source: HKHeadline

After 10 years in a career, being still able to have a well-paid job is not easy, especially in the highly competitive music industry. Apart from having a work load that is several times greater than an average person experiences, one also needs to cater to the fans who want to constantly experience new things. One needs to constantly change to enable oneself to achieve greater things! To be able to shine brightly in this industry for 10 years is not an easy thing, so that is why Joey has written a letter today to her fans to thank them for their constant support, and to show her silent gratitude.

All these years, Joey has seen the effort given by her fans, such as waiting for her night and day at various places, saving up their money to buy her albums, waiting in queues to buy her concert tickets, and also to create light banners to display at various places to show their support….All these things has let to Joey feeling very grateful and thankful to all her fans, so today she has written the following letter to give to all the fans who love her, as a sign of her gratitude for the past 10 years….

Joey’s letter:

“Throughout all these years, I have seen you all grow up, and you have also seen me develop to this very day. I hope you all won’t mind that I’m not an eloquent speaker, and to be able to understand that I’m not a smooth talker, all these corny things is understood by everyone and it doesn’t need to be said. You have all helped me look after my fan club for over 10 years, and each time someone wants to ruin the fan club, you will all work together to resist it. All your actions have moved me, so it is worth me writing this letter today to all you fans that I love.

In addition, each year after I win various awards at the awards ceremonies, you all seem to be happier than I am, and you always give me a congratulation card that you have all signed! To thank you all, I will continue to do my best. I know that being a Joey Yung fan is hard work because I am a special singer who has some fans who like me a lot, but there are also some fans who are more reserved and so they will need to persevere if they want to like me. Therefore, the overall feeling is like being able to get through lots of difficult obstacles, so for being a fan of me, you are all amazing! On the other hand, I also hope that you will all maintain the beautiful characteristic of a peace ambassador, which is to be respectful to your idol and to yourself. Right now, I have just started the 11th year of my career, and I will put more work into my fan club this year. I also hope to make my grand dream come true which is to use my energy to motivate all my fans to contribute to society.

Joey, 2010"

Original version in chinese:

多年來看你們（Fans）長大，你們也看我成長到今天，希望大家不要介意我口才不好，能了解我不是個口甜舌滑的人，肉麻的事大家心照吧，你們為我管理歌迷會超過10年了，當有人想破壞歌迷會的時候，你們總會合力抵禦，種種行動也使我非常感動，值得我今天寫這封信來多謝各位親愛的歌迷。


再加上每年我在各大頒獎禮上獲得不同獎項後，你們總是遠比我更開心呢，又送上集合眾人的簽名信來恭賀我！為了報答你們，我唯有再接再厲繼續做得更好，我知道作為我容祖兒 的Fans，是較為辛苦的一件事，因我是個特別的歌手，鍾意我的會很鍾意，但有些人卻會有點兒保留，要鍾意我的話便要堅持，就像要排除萬難的感覺一樣，所以作為我歌迷的你，真是很了不起！另一方面，我也希望你們能保持和平大使這項美好的品格，懂得尊重偶像和尊重自己。現在已是我踏入娛樂圈的第11個年頭，今年我將會為歌迷會下一點苦功，希望能實現我一直以來想用自己的力量推動歌迷為社會作出貢獻這個重大夢想。

Translation credits to Rsung @ http://joeygalaxy.com/

Ivy: I personally don't fully understand the letter (the part about different kind of fans). And Joey saying she's not good in words, then from the letter, she really isn't very good...LOL. However, the message I get that is meaningful is her motivation to do more for her fanclub and also to encourage her fans together with her to do more for the society(charity) which is a right move. Hope to see more of that soon! Oh btw, I think Joey got interviewed by the ICAC too for the Stephen Chan case investigations...well hope everything will get sorted out soon!

As to my personal self, I guess I'm going to take this blog as a place to rant my frustration!! HAHA....yesterday I received an email about deferment for my exchange application because of a restriction of the number of students the exchange university is accepting that semester...Urggh!!!! I took so much effort and time to organise my course units and now I have to re-plan. Luckily, the changes isn't too big. HAIHZ, now I have to cross my fingers and hope the next intake for the next semester accepts me!! I wouldn't want all my hardwork to be poured down the drain!!

Edit:

Part I am not clear with in the letter resolved thanks to Spoiledbrat^^

Unclear part: "I know that being a Joey Yung fan is hard work because I am a special singer who has some fans who like me a lot, but there are also some fans who are more reserved and so they will need to persevere if they want to like me."

Spoiledbrat's explanation:

i think she is referring to those fans who pretend to not be a fan or pretend to dislike her due to peer pressure. there are quite a few JFs who don't want others to know that they like Joey because their family and/or friends don't like her.

Ivy: Sad case.......no freedom of choosing who they like and want to support...IMO, youths should not be too affected by peer pressure.

TVB involved in corruption case, Stephen Chan and 4 other people arrested

ICAC arrested 5 persons, including TVB Co. LTD's general manager Stephen Chan, as they are involved in a corruption case.

ICAC stated that this time action made them put 5 people under arrest, among them were 4 staff members of a Television station suspected of corruption charges. And the last one is a director of an advertising company.

Mr. Tsang Sing Ming, assistant manager of TVB's external affairs department confirmed that ICAC was investigating on a corruption case and 4 members of TVB got involved, the four's positions have been suspended already and they will help ICAC with the investigation.

He stated that from his understanding, the 4 are respectively TVB's GM Stephen Chan, Sales and Marketing department bussiness development director 陳永孫 Chan Rong Suen, Artist section actress Nin Jing (assistant in the TV show "Be My Guest") and Artist section producer Ronald Chin 錢國偉. Ronald Chin is the producer of the TV show "Beautiful Cooking". The last person involved is an advertising company's director, he is also Chan's personal assistant.

He says that due to the secrecy that the ICAC investigation has to stay under, they still don't know the details of the case. He stresses that it definitly will not have any influence over TVB functioning normally.

ICAC officers arrested Stephen Chan at around 4 PM, then coming back to TVB city to investigate. Many reporters surrounded the car in order to get interviews, but because the car''s curtains were put on, it was impossible to see the people in the car. 5 minutes after it parked, Stephen Chan opened the door coming out of it wearing a grey jacket, many journalists rushed to take pictures, the whole situation getting messy. Stephen reminded the journalists to be careful and shoed the elevator to the ICAC agents. In the end ICAC agents brought Stephen back to the office for investigation purposes.

Translations credit to little bee @ http://asianfanatics.net/

Follow up articles to date:

Stephen Chan arrested by ICAC, Erica Yuen says TVB harshly uses people

TVB General Manager Stephen Chan, Producer Ronald Chin, Business Development, Sales & Marketing director Wilson Chan Wing Suen and other executives were arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) yesterday. The incident shook the entire Hong Kong entertainment circle. It was said that TVB staff were ordered to seal their mouths, several behind the scenes crew, Charmaine Sheh and other artists cannot give a response. Vinci Wong was once rumored to not get along with Stephen, he felt that the incident was not anything strange: "There's no smoke without fire". Also Erica Yuen who had always been unhappy with TVB gave them a few more kicks by saying that TVB harshly uses people.

Once had contract disputes with TVB, Erica Yuen added a few more kicks on TVB after the news broke out that their executives were arrested, she said: "ICAC arresting people would always have evidence. If they took action to arrest them, then there must be sufficient evidence, otherwise they wouldn't have done it. People who didn't do it, then they didn't do it. (What do you think of Stephen's personality?) I don't know! Someone takes care of all aspects well. I didn't say who! (There seems to be so much happening to TVB this year!) TVB uses people harshly, I didn't so who, but there are so many executives having problems, there must be a relationship! (Have to pray to the lords?) Body not straight, any praying won't help!"

Stephen Chan's other "enemy" Vinci Wong frankly said that he does not keep in touch with him, he's only worried about the executive Ho Lai Cheun who he has dinner with often, fortunately he was not part of the arrest. Towards Stephen being arrested, Vinci said: "He's been an official once and has been the executive of different departments, so is especially sensitive towards these cases, have do be extra careful when doing things. But, this time if ICAC investigations are involved, then there is definitely something wrong, I don't think it's anything strange."

Vinci Wong also expressed that he does not keep in touch with Stephen, the last time he saw him was with Liza Wang told him to check the live version of , Vinci said: "I called Stephen to buy tickets, he told me to call Amigo Chui. (You don't get along with Amigo!) That's just what people say, but we are ok. I even went in backstage with him to say hi to Stephen. As the audience, I really admire Stephen's hosting work. (What do you feel about Stephen?) I do not know hm well, I don't know. (Have you gossiped about what exactly happened?) Yes, I heard that he and his assistant were opening a company together and used his own home address to register. (Opening his own company to make a profit, would there be a conflict?) No one said that people can't open their own business despite working in another one, but have to see if there is a contradiction. Earlier it was said that he was leaving TVB, there's no smoke without fire!" Also, there was a report that someone invited Vinci back to TVB, he avoided: "No executive invited me, a behind the scenes crew asked me. I am in discussion with iCable currently. Right now, I can say that I am not signing for any TV network, I have my own business."

Also, as a TVB contracted artist, it is believed that Charmaine Sheh received the sealing mouth orders. Yesterday afternoon, she and friends were in Central having lunch, speaking of Stephen's arrest, she just smiled and shook her head. Asked if she's worried? She only shook her head and did not respond. Eric Tsang also did a 360 degree turn to avoid the media in his car. When his car stopped, a large group of reporters surrounded, he slowly walked and said: "I just got off of my flight, I don't know anything. (Have you contacted Ronald Chin?) I don't know whats going on, I have to get an understanding first. (Have you asked Virgina Lok?) I haven't yet, everyone is currently in a meeting. (How do you feel about the incident?) I don't think so right?"


Translated by aznangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/


TVB "closes the city" avoiding media interviews; Twins feels sad for Stephen Chan

TVB General Manager Stephen Chan was arrested by the ICAC due to being involved in a corruption case, Stephen was detained overnight by the ICAC. Yesterday morning, outside of Tseung Kwan O TVB City stood a large group of reporters. In order to avoid the chaotic repeated scene of Stephen's public arrest by the ICAC and for the convenience of the investigations, TVB took action by "closing the city", temporarily stopped allowing the media to enter TVB City for interviews. Stephen's favorite Hins Cheung felt that TVB's action was reasonable, he felt regret towards the incident and expressed that he also knows Stephen Chan's personal assistant (Chung Pooi Kwan) who was also arrested. In 2007, Hins' concert was produced by his company, his impression on Chung Pooi Kwan is that he's hard working and is brave in getting to know people.

Yesterday at 8am, the media waited outside TVB City until 10am where the PR personnel suddenly notified them that they are not allow interviews at this time. Reporters did not give up and stood outside the door until 12pm, where a group of security members came out to put up more railings to prevent reporters from breaking in. The <戀戀沖繩> press conference that initially was suppose to happen at 3pm with Ella Koon and Christine Kuo in attendance had to be canceled as well.

Director of Foreign Affairs (Tsang Sing Ming) expressed that the other day when Stephen Chan was arrested, a chaotic scene occurred where a reporter fell down and was injured, the camera lense were damaged. During this critical period, we temporarily stopped allowing the media to enter for interviews, but believe the closure will only be for a short period of time, hope everyone understands and can tolerate that.

Twins unhappy to hear about Stephen Chan's arrest

Due to Stephen and 3 other TVB employees getting arrested for corruption, their jobs have been halted, but tonight's episode of which features Twins' interview will still broadcast as scheduled. Twins heard about Stephen's incident and felt unhappy, the two expressed that Stephen has always given them a really nice impression. He often jokes and is very positive. The interview happened a month ago, at the time he was still laughing a lot with interest, didn't notice that there was anything wrong.

Corruption case relates to All Singers for TVB Anniversary 2009?

This time TVB executives suspected of corruption, it was said that the case had to with last year's and Gary Cao's Macau concert. Yesterday Hins Cheung arrived at CRHK for an interview and was asked about the incident, he said: "I have always treated Stephen as a senior, I felt really surprised when he was arrested, I don't have any opinions on this incident, I don't want to say too much." Rumors say that the incident is related to ? Hins said: "All shows that go on TV, I have always left it for my company to handle." Does singers have money to pocket? Hins said: "My pay is managed by my manager, who already showed me the big numbers."

Last night Gary Cao, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Lo and Niki Chow attended an event. Gary's Macau concert was produced by Stephen's personal assistant advertisement company, does it include doing promotions? Gary expressed that he was shocked to see the repor, but is not clear of what happened. He strongly stressed that he knew Stephen's personal assistant first because he was introduced to him by Taiwanese friends, after two years, he met Stephen. The Macau concert was his only collaboration with him. As far as Gary knows, the Macau concert was hosted by Venetian hotel and his company was responsible for the production and promotions.

Niki Chow was also shocked about the news, she has never experienced a time where she was requested to reduce her pay for promotions. Everything is left fo her company to discuss because this protects artists personal image.

Translation credits to aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/

Ivy: I guess from the moment rumours of Stephen wanting to resign from TVB circulated, the question of what is going to happen next is predictable. All the articles above are very fuzzy, because obviously reporters could only write from assumptions and also through interpretation of artiste comments which are prone to mistakes.

As of what I heard now, seems like Stephen owned his own advertising/PR company and sort of forced artistes to use his company by offering them a lower price compared to the market price outside. And seems like for now, ICAC is investigating all the artiste that collaborated with Stephen before including Tavia Yeung, Steven Ma and Shirley Yeung.

Next, it is rumoured that ICAC will be investigating all the singers next because they were part of the All Singers for TVB Anniversary show. Tiger year is a bad start for TVB~ Their shares are probably dropping now in the stock exchange!!

Sharon Chan has sprained her neck filming "Can't buy me love"

Source: Mingpao

Date: March 7th 2010

Translation credit to R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com/

When Sharon Chan was filming "Can't buy me love", she accidentally sprained her neck. She reckoned it was due to her wearing the heavy head gear. She had an X-ray and the doctor found some of her cervical bones have been shifted. Sharon was in so much pain that she couldn't move her head. She needed to have physiotherapy for a month.

Sharon was doing a show for a jeweler the other night. She looked a bit stiff, she said she had become a "Stiff neck 4" (Ivy: stubborn to death or 'ngang keng sei'). Although she was still in pain, nevertheless, she finished the show. After the event, she told reporter "The doctor told me I had an old injured on my neck before, and the head gear I was wearing was very heavy. That may have been the cause of my problem. The neck bones were out of place and were pressing on the nerve, causing me so much pain. I couldn't even lift my arms up. I have to wear the collar to protect my neck. Fortunately, the filming is nearly finished. The company have told me not to risk it. I will take some time off work to rest."

Ivy: I'm like the person who has secret love(am luen) for Sharon Chan....HAHAHAHA...I personally like her and have high hopes for her future. So I once in awhile will update on her..LOL. I even did a little research on her and turned out Sharon was a model/singer before she signed into TVB as an actress! Interesting. HAHA. Hope she has more good characters to act in. She's really starting to work hard now and gain some recognition. Poor thing on her injury....Get Well Soon Man Chi!!!

On a side note, I am not really happy with university workload this semester....HAIHZ. Four major assignments in April!! Gonna be busy for the whole month...and I got a concert and an event to attend too!!! Time management comes into the picture now....hahaha

我的故事。我的歌 - 容祖兒 Joey Yung - My Story, My Song

Here's a TVB music documentary on Joey Yung. Well, probably this will be something closer to a Joey Yung Documentary compared to the Perfect Ten Documentary which I mentioned on the Perfect Ten Boxset post. I haven't watched it myself. Will do that later tonight^^

Edit: I just finished watching it and I have to say I enjoyed it more than I expected. Because there are some chapters from the documentary that I would like to highlight:

1) Joey visiting Ron Ng, Roger Kwok and producer Poon Ka Tak to talk about their filming (love Joey+Ron's humour)

2) Joey, Ah Sa and Paisley's gathering. Talking a lot about Joey's habits and trying to think of matchmaking her which ended up with people like Brad Pitt...HAHA

3) Joey talking about her mum and also her teacher Roman Tam which was very touching to look back at clips of Roman giving her singing lessons

4) Joey talking about dancing and some clips of her rehearsals

Here's the part with Ron beginning from around 6:30 into the clip! Love them both..haha

Download Links:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/cv9zgt

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E0DD7FKZ

Links credit to noasian @ Popularasians

Back to Uni, waiting for April

Finally started university again today! First day of lecture and already reached late because had to guide my mum on how to reach the highway to Penang!! Worse thing is, once I stepped into lecture hall, my new lecturer was talking about punctuality and how particular she is on this.....really PAISEH..luckily I was so far up I don't think she'll remember my face(hopefully).

I already bought A-mit Live in Malaysia concert ticket last week!! I wanted to get the PS2 ticket at first but when I went to Sungei Wang to purchase, nice seats for that tier was already taken. So ended up getting PS1 ticket. 3rd row! So considered not bad. I think her concert ticket will get sold out soon because ticket sales started on 11am and I bought mine around 2pm. In 3 hours, nice seats for PS2 already fully taken!

Concert is on 24th April and I got an assignment due on 27th!! And also I hope Charmaine come early in April!! HAHA...better if come on my birthday! LOL

Sharon Chan has to wear neck brace due to heavy head sets

Translated by aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

Source: Oriental Daily

Moses Chan, Charmaine Sheh and Sharon Chan started working on new costume drama . Although there are rumors between Moses and Charmaine, but at the scene, the two did not care about it focusing more on reviewing the script and filming. They even joked around and was not embarrassed at all.

When Sharon didn't have to be on camera, she would have to put her neck brace on. Reporters sent their condolences to her, she sigh and said: "My neck couldn't handle the heavy head set, affecting my shoulders, arms and fingers." Charmaine laughed and said: "Before when I was shooting for , my head set was too tall, so whenever I tried to get into the car, I had to open the sun roof to let my head set stick out on top of the car!"

Ivy: HAHAHA...I love Charmaine's remarks at the end. A sports car driving Lau Sam Ho...LOL. Looking forward to the series! There's Charmaine and Sharon in it!! Too bad no Tavia this time. And also take care Sharon! Sure is damaging to the body having such heavy stuff above your head!

The Past, Present & Future of Joey Yung

Source: Mingpao

Translations credits to Rsung at http://joeygalaxy.com/


2009 was Joey’s 10th year in the music industry, and 2010 is an important year because it marks a new start in her career. Today is the 4th day in the Year of the Tiger, and apart from wishing everyone will have a prosperous New Year, Joey also wishes that everyone will have good luck. Finally, she also teaches us how to make a windmill so we will receive good luck.

THE PAST – A LITTLE SINGING GIRL TRANSFORMS

After completing her perfect golden 10 years, Joey definitely sees 2010 as a new start. From being an unknown singer in 1999 to becoming today’s pop queen, Joey really has changed a lot, and she has also grown up and matured.

“10 years ago, I was still a silly girl who had just entered the music industry, and everything filled me with curiosity. At that time, I didn’t have much of an opinion about my work, so I usually just listened to my company and they set my direction. In the beginning, all I sang were love songs like ‘Painful Love’, but after ‘Solemn on Stage’, I slowly added some fast dancing songs. As time passed and I developed, I became more familiar with my working environment, and I understood what my needs were. I also knew my strong and weak points, so I began to express my own opinions. I remember in the beginning, my co-workers thought my opinions were jokes, but now, everyone respects my thinking and they will coordinate with my musical needs. This is why that during my later songs, such as ‘Big Yellow Door’, ‘Be True’ and ‘Always Able To See Angels’, you can hear my inner thoughts and feelings in the lyrics of the songs.”

EARNED SELFLESS SUPPORT

When an artiste achieves success, they will gain fame and fortune, but they may lose their freedom and never be able to live a normal life again. To Joey, fame and fortune is something that she doesn’t have much desire for and after 10 years, the thing that makes her most happy is gaining the selfless support from a bunch of friends in the industry and her fans.

“I’m most happy about getting to know this bunch of friends. I am a person that will protect myself, so there was one occasion that I observed a person for a long time before I decided whether I would open my heart to them. Another thing that makes me most happy is getting the support from my fans. When I examine myself, I reach the conclusion that I’m not a person who has contributed a lot, and all I have done is turn what I am interested in doing into a profession and singing some good songs to entertain people. For everyone to be willing to make an effort to support me and discover my good points, it is extremely hard to come by!”

REGARDING WHAT SHE HAS LOST, JOEY RECKONS IT IS TIME SPENT WITH HER FAMILY

“In these 10 years, I leave the house early every morning and return late at night. Each year, I only have 8-10 days holiday. I am lucky that I am still living with my mum, so we get to see each other at least once a day. If I was to really talk about sacrifice, I would think of not being able to walk the streets of Mongkok or browse the boutiques in small shopping malls!”

THE PRESENT – THE REAL ME HAS APPEARED AGAIN

After 10 years, there have been many changes. Currently, Joey Yung is already the ‘no.1 sister’ of EEG and is a queen of pop. The success she has achieved in her career has made her more mature, and it has given her the courage to show her real self to people.

“To a certain degree, the present me is brave enough to take a step forward and walk along my own path, but I still require the protection, support and opinion from my company, and I am still a little flower in my company’s greenhouse. I am practical person, so when people started liking me, many years ago, and I became more and more popular, this did not lead to me getting a ‘floating in the air’ feeling. On the contrary, it made me a bit scared because I was worried that this support wouldn’t last, and during the early years, I did receive some negative news in the media. This is why each thing I said or do had to be done very carefully, and sometimes I was maybe too careful, which caused me to live uneasily and not be myself. The current me is more relaxed, and I’m no longer scared of saying the wrong thing. Everyone has seen me grow up, so they know what kind of person I am.”

AWARDS ARE ONLY A COMMENDATION

Another thing that Joey is more relaxed about is how she views music awards.

“I still want to win awards, but I have understood that they are only a commendation and they will not affect how everyone will view me. However, what awards will affect is my behaviour. If I were to win an award which I don’t deserve to win, everyone will feel that I am not worthy, so that is why the most important way to start is to sing as well as you can and try hard to improve your music. A few years ago, I deliberately tried to change myself, but now, what I actually think is most important is to do my best in terms of my music and not change just for the sake of changing. As you gradually grow up, even if it is the same song, the feeling, charm and the method of expression changes.”

As the no.1 sister of the company, she has seen the arrival of Twins, Vincy, Sherman, William and others, over the years, and if Joey is able to, she will help them out.

“All I am is a sister who has a little bit more experience than they do! I do not firmly believe that my way of doing things is the best way, and I do not force them to do it my way, since each artiste is independent and unique.” When discussing about Sherman Chung, who became very popular due to her song ‘Letter For Myself’, Joey praised her for having a unique style. Joey also feels that it is rare to be able to sing a good song, so Sherman deserves everyone’s attention.

THE FUTURE – REDUCED OUTPUT IN 10 YEARS

On June this year, Joey will become 30 years old, so she will be 40 years old in 10 years time.

“In 10 years time, I want the future me to want to seek happiness even more, and maybe my life at that time will be a complete turnaround to how it is right now. I want to be able to live a more ordinary life, to buy a piece of land to do some farming, to visit other countries to see how others live, and to learn more foreign languages. Basically, I want to be able to put aside more time for myself and my family.”

40 YEAR OLD POP QUEEN – BELIEVES SHE WILL NOT BE ACTIVE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

“I don’t want to stop singing! From very early on, I viewed singing as a lifelong career, but in 10 years time, I will probably reduce my music output. I am not good at speaking, so singing is my best way of conveying my feelings. As well as this, singing also lets me communicate with my fans. Also, I can release a new album any time I like, so there are many good points! I will not announce I won’t accept awards any more, and I won’t say I won’t sing any more. Announcing these kinds of things does me no good.”

LOVE – WILL LET FATE DECIDE

After 10 years in the industry, the only love affair that everyone knows about which involves Joey is the one with Meter Chen, which happened in another country. Unfortunately, it ended with them breaking up.

“Two people need to take their steps together, or else they should not waste their time. After breaking up with Meter, I have not dated anyone else. However, this is not because I have not met someone who I have feelings for, but it is because I did not develop the relationship further. Emotions involve both persons in the relationship, and it requires both persons to be certain about their feelings, which isn’t easy. Even if I wanted to develop a relationship further, my working hours prevent me from doing so. However, I believe I will be a person who will achieve happiness, and whether this is true will depend on fate.”

Don’t think that because she is the queen of pop she will not make the first move. Joey said that as long as she meets a person she has fallen in love with, she will not mind making the first move, and she will give everything into the relationship.

“I am a person who doesn’t know how to hide their feelings. It is just that at present, there is not a person that has made me want to express my feelings. Even though working in this industry has made it difficult to make new friends, I’m not in a hurry to start dating, and I will quietly wait for my fate to arrive. The person I’ll fall for in the future might even be a plumber who will be coming to unblock my drains!”

MY MATE NEEDS TO BE TALENTED

To be appreciated by Joey, it is not difficult. All you need to be is talented, mature, attentive and be able to chat with Joey on the phone.

“It can be any type of talent. As long as they have invested a lot of time and effort into their job, I will admire them. If the person is a plumber who has achieved a lot in unblocking drains, I will still like them! I’m most scared of people who don’t have a direction and don’t achieve anything! Handsome guys? They are hard to find, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As long as the person is someone you love, you can still see the good in them, even if the person is ugly.”

TO MAINTAIN VOICE, DRINK TONICS LIKE WATER

After starting her singing career in 1999, problems started developing with Joey’s vocal chords in 2001. This forced her to stop working for half a year so she could recover. After her recovery, her career has been plain sailing. Due to this, each time one of her singer friends encounters a similar problem, they will ask Joey for tips on how to maintain their voice.

“It is like I have become a spokesperson for the voice. When someone has a problem with their voice, they will come to see me. Maybe everyone thinks I have lots of secret formulas for maintaining the voice! In actual fact, the tonics I drink to maintain my voice includes sek hup (石合) & siraitia grosvenori (羅漢果) water, apple & Chinese pear water, fig & white fungus soup and other drinks. All the tonics are made every day by my mum, so I drink them like water.”

WEARING NEW UNDERWEAR DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR

During this New Year, Joey followed the advice of a wise person by not travelling abroad, so she stayed in Hong Kong to accompany her mum during the Chinese New Year period.

“My wish for this New Year is for my work to go smoothly, and spend each day being happy. Actually, it’s been 7 or 8 years since I was in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year, so I’m especially excited this year. I will also get together with some friends to have a celebration party. My mum has already decorated the house and put up some New Year scrolls. In addition, some orchids and daffodils have been put on display, and I have put out a New Year candy case.” When talking about the New Year traditions that occur in the Yung household, Joey laughed and said: “On the first day of the New Year, we’re not allowed to wash our hair, but I ignore this every year and nothing bad has happened, so no problem! Also, each year on the same day, I will wear new underwear because it means that there will be a new start in the New Year.”

Joey usually spends her New Year outside of Hong Kong, and her most memorable New Year event also happened abroad. She remembered that there was one year in which she had just completed her concert, so she decided to spend a few days in Japan for a vacation. However, as soon as she arrived in Japan, she became ill, which may have been due to her over-exerting herself during the concert. Joey said: “At that time, I was so ill that I had no strength in my body and I had lost my voice. I was living in a small Japanese village so I couldn’t find a doctor. I then thought that I shouldn’t waste the vacation, so I didn’t care about my illness and I forced myself to go out to enjoy myself every day. In the end, I got better without having to take any medication, and I didn’t need to see a doctor when I arrived back in Hong Kong.”

EPILOGUE

I like Joey a little bit more in recent years, but I’m not talking about her songs or her performances on stage; I’m actually talking about her as a person. As she mentioned, the Joey from the past is a person who was careful on what she said in public, but the current Joey is more relaxed, and has become more real.

Ivy: Nice article here. Somehow I can relate myself to Joey on the part of being too secure of myself. I understand what she means when she's being too careful before talking and revealing something to people around her. I am that type of person too, which leads to people saying that I don't talk much! However, in actual fact, once I talk, I can't stop...hahaha...I guess most of this part of me is witnessed by my school classmates and people who have the same interests with me. Guess gotta learn to be less careful, HAHA, although I think it is still important to have a degree of discretion.

As to the part where Joey said she will not announce that she will not sing, I think she did test or probably learned that it really won't do any good to her if she were to announce retirement. Because I remember last year she did mention that she plans to only sing for 5 more years then retire from the industry which lead fans and the media on an emotional streak from her twitter, forum, entertainment news etc that she had to reply back on her Twitter, "Don't have such a big reaction, we still don't know where the future would lead to, wait till the time comes." I personally would respect her decisions. Its not easy to be in the industry and Joey deserves some rest. Maybe her current decision to take it easy like how Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok, Sandy Lam etc is doing is a good idea.

Talking back about me, I have to go back to KL this Friday!!! Feel like crying!! Why does time flies in super speed for me!!!??? I felt like its just a blink of an eye! Didn't really done anything this holiday and suddenly it has ended! And I just viewed my timetable, not liking it much...I have a 5 hour break in between on Tuesdays!! Well, probably could dedicate it to update blog every week..hahaha. However, I am looking forward for April to come^^ Hope it will be an eventful one!