Constance Chan and Ella Yam Dislike Media Cameras

Yesterday, Hilary Tsui, Constance Chan, QiQi 琦琦 and Ella Yam 任晴佳 (wife and daughter of Simon Yam) attended the opening of Little Brain Child Development Center (Little Brain 思維兒童成長培育中心), which is opened by husband of designer Johanna Ho 何志恩. Constance and Ella are good friends indeed as the two went hiding behind their mother's backs when they saw media cameras trying to capture pictures of them. After much encouragement from their mothers, the two girls reluctantly allowed the media to take photos of them.

During the event, Hilary and Constance wore matching white dresses. When Constance accidentally dirtied her dress, Hilary immediately attended to her daughter and helped her clean up.

Hilary reveals that Constance likes to sing and likes English singer Amy Winehouse very much. "She likes to listen to her father, Eason Chan, sing but she likes Amy Winehouse more than her father. She even knows how to sing Amy's Rehab," Hilary says. When asked if it concerned her than Amy Winehouse's personal life, which includes drug use, would influence Constance in a negative way, Hilary answers, "We will explain it to her when she gets older."

Sources: mingpao, appledaily, on.cc, wenweipo 06.22.2008

Random Links: McDonalds, Kung Fu Panda, Stella So

McDonalds and Kung Fu Panda
McDonalds' Kung Fu Panda Commercial featuring Eason Chan's voice. Click upper right 'Review of TVC' button to view commercial.

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Eason Chan did the voice over Po in the Cantonese version of the animated film Kung Fu Panda, which he, Denise Ho, Josie Ho, and Jaycee Fong promoted. Sam Lee was recommended by Eason to voice the role of Mantis because Eason felt Sam looked like a mantis.

Sources: mingpao 06.18.2008, mingpao & on.cc 06.21.2008

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Eason x Stella So - One Song, One Story
east touch magazine featuring 5 illustrations (for the first 5 tracks) by Stella So in Eason's upcoming album.

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An exhibition was opened on June 29, 2008 in Taiwan to showcase Stella So's illustrations for Eason Chan's upcoming Mandarin album, Don't Want To Let Go. Though Eason took part in the concepts of these illustrations and despite liking Stella So's work, his favorite illustrations are those his daughter, Constance Chan, draws for him.

Sources: tom (photos courtesy of tungstar) & on.cc 06.29.2008

Eason Chan "Take It EC" vs. Daughter & Typhoon

On June 24, 2008, Eason Chan held his Metro Music World sponsored Take It EC concert amidst a typhoon (also called tropical cyclone) and opposite his daughter's ballet performance and had a blast. The show featured all of Universal Music's 2008 newcomers, Eva Chan, Keeva Mak, MC Jin, Mr.

Wife Hilary Tsui and daughter Constance Chan are usually in the audience supporting Eason during his performances but the two were no where to be seen that night. That same night Constance had a ballet performance at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts 香港演藝學院. During the post-concert interview reporters joked that Eason was competing against his daughter, which prompted Eason to joke in return, "She can't out-compete me." When asked if his daughter would be upset that he wasn't watching her perform, "I don't know I've never seen her perform, but she is performing on the same stage I first performed on," he responds. When asked whether Constance showed up to watch him after her performance, "No, she's already home," he answers. As for reporters informing him of Hilary and Constance's appearance at the Academy of Performing Arts, Eason shockingly asked, "Reporters are there?"

At 10:15 pm, Metro DJ Lo Foo 露芙 announced that it is estimated at 11 pm the typhoon would reach a level 8 strength, thus prompting some fans to exit. Eason laughed that those fans were not giving him "face," but he understood that it was for safety reasons. He reassured everyone that he was okay with it, even revealing that people walked out during the first live performance of his career. The show went on and ended at 10:45 pm.

Source: 21cn (photos courtesy of on.cc) 06.26.2008

"Lost, Indulgence" - A Review

Tribeca

Lost Indulgence
Mi Guo (China)

A Sunbeam Motion Pictures production.
Produced by Siuming Tsui, Amy Li.
Directed by Zhang Yibai.
Screenplay, Zhao Tian-yu.

With: Karen Mok, Jiang Wenli, Tan Jian-ci, Eason Chan, Eric Tsang.
(Mandarin dialogue)

Up-and-coming Chinese helmer Zhang Yibai's latest feature, "Lost Indulgence," set beneath the disjointed halves of a huge bridge over the Yangtze, fluctuates between innocence and perversity. A bereaved family must reconfigure itself after the death of the father to accommodate the intrusion of a dancehall girl with a broken leg. "You lost a husband and gained a concubine," she succinctly puts it. More claustrophobic, arty and surreal than Zhang's previous efforts, this oddly-titled coming-of-ager should succeed on the fest circuit, though its fate on home soil is yet to be determined.
When teenager Xian-chuen (Tan Jian-ci) learns his father's taxi has inexplicably plunged into the river, he has difficulty believing his dad (Eric Tsang) is dead. Xian is further upset when his mother, Li (Jiang Wenli), invites the surviving crippled passenger from that fatal ride to move in with them to fulfill the family's obligation.

Initially the presence of bar girl Su-dan (Karen Mok) serves as a constant irritant to the troubled, moody boy, who outsulks the sullen boarder, leaving mom to broker an uneasy peace between them. In the crowded rooms at the very back of a multifamily apartment, Su-dan's wheelchair with her protruding leg proves difficult to maneuver.

But as Su-dan and Xian-chuen spend time together, the dynamic changes. The boy begins to appeal to Su-dan's spontaneous self in as a quasi sibling, while the pubescent teen starts to fall under the sexual spell of the older woman, to mama Li's growing consternation.

Meanwhile, Li, who works double shifts as a veterinarian, finds herself succumbing to the blandishments of a handsome younger man (Hong Kong rock star Eason Chan) whose dog she tries to save.

Zhang often frames his characters against the strange no-man's land near the unfinished bridge, visible from the apartment window. Just beyond the confines of the apartment also lies the bustling cityscape of Chongqing (Zhang's hometown and the setting of several of his films). The city's impossibly hilly terrain figures as an obstacle course through which Li and Xian schlep wheelchair-bound Su-dan.

Zhang excels at tracing the subtle reversals and permutations among the three principal characters as all cope with some form of loss and regeneration in the unnaturally close proximity of Su-dan's shut-in existence. Thesping is excellent throughout, Zhang casting "exotic" Hong Kong actors Chan and Mok to rep the outsider elements, while mainland thesps embody the core family group.

Tech contributions are aces.

Camera (color), Wang Yu; editor, Kong Jin-lei; production designer, Di Kun; sound (Dolby Digital), An Wei. Reviewed at Tribeca Film Festival (competing), April 25, 2008. (Also in Udine Far East Film Festival.)
Running time: 104 min.

By Ronnie Scheib

Source: variety 05.12.2008

Eason Chan Sells Voice and "Painting" of Life

Eason Chan's upcoming Mandarin album Don't Want To Let Go 不想放手 will be released on June 30, 2008 in Hong Kong and July 1, 2008 in Taiwan and is produced by Golden Melody Award Winning Producer Jim Lee. After much time consumption and Eason's high demands for quality and perfection this album will, once again, not feature photos of Eason.

As for the title of the album, Eason reveals that after 11 years in the music industry he thought about letting go and have his production team work on the album concepts and details while he focused on his singing only, but with his 'wanting perfection' mentality he realized that he had an opinion and wanted a say in anything related to music. Even after 11 years he still "doesn't want to let go."

For this upcoming album, Eason's demand was artistry and with such demand he invited well known Hong Kong illustrator Stella So 蘇敏怡, who had entries at the International Film Festivals of Berlin and Hong Kong. Stella So will be illustrating 10 pictures for 10 tracks on the upcoming album. Staying true to his "not wanting to let go" Eason actively took part in discussion of the pictures Stella So will illustrate.

With the continuous pushing back of the release date and the ongoing promotions of the album in Taiwan there are worries that after the promotions there will be no albums to sell. A Universal Music representative responds that they will support Eason and all his ideas so they could present his fans with the best possible final product.

Stella So graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design. Her graduating piece, the animated 好鬼棧, won the Animation Award at the 8th Annual Hong Kong Independent Short Film in 2002. She was then invited to participate in a number International Film Festival exhibitions where she illustrated the memories of Hong Kong culture and future expectations.

For more on Stella So, visit her official site: Smstella

Track list

1. 27 Seconds [然後怎樣 Music Box] 　
2. 路...一直都在 　
3. 獨居動物 　
4. 倒帶人生 　
5. Aren't You Glad 　
6. 7 　
7. 不要說話 　
8. 漂亮小姐 　
9. 臭美 　
10. 土星環 　
11. 然後怎樣 　
12. Hidden Message

Sources: universal music hong kong 06.19.2008, tianshannet & hmv hk 06.25.2008

"Eason's Moving On Stage 9 - Kuala Lumpur" Post-Concert Info Part 2

A Real Livewire

Hong Kong pop sensation Eason Chan Yik Shun kept his energy levels up for a memorable KL gig last weekend.

Hong Kong singing sensation Eason Chan Yik Shun wowed some 15,000 excited fans at his concert in Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night. Chan’s Moving On Stage 9 Live in Malaysia show was entertaining like his wild, unmanageable curls, which no amount of hairspray seemed likely to tame.

Buoyed by roaring support from passionate Malaysian fans, Chan belted out his popular hits in both Cantonese and Mandarin. He began with a quick succession of fast dance numbers and showed some nifty footwork and classic dance moves accompanied by a bevy of sexy young dancers. Chan even performed the samba and did the tango with multiple lifts just like what you’d expect to see in So You Think You Can Dance.

To his credit, he did all that while singing, without even missing a beat.

Dubbed Hong Kong’s new generation God of Song by the Chinese media, Chan’s quirky sense of humour showed in his choice of bizarre headgear and collection of message T-shirts.

During the second half of the concert, he kept changing his white tees, which had huge English words that audiences soon discovered were the English translations of his Cantonese song titles: Working Class Hero, Same Time Next Year (Ming Nin Gam Yat), There’s Not Another (Tin Ha Mou Seung), and Always With Me (Yui Nei Seung Joi).

The singer delivered some 30 songs and ended up giving three encores during a three hour long show laden with pyrotechnics, confetti and streamers.

Although he was covered in sweat from all that dancing and prancing, he never seemed to run out of steam while singing. When he remarked how hot and humid it was in Malaysia, his fans called for him to remove his sweat-drenched clothes. However, the only article of clothing he did strip off was his detachable sleeves.

The second half of the concert appeared to be what Chan really wanted for his show as he was in his element showcasing his powerful voice and singing prowess. It was just the singer dressed in his white tee and red track pants without all the frills of the first half of his concert show. He also obliged song requests from fans.

The rambunctious singer covered the length of the stage, prompting excited photographers to run along with him to capture his playful antics.

Several times he ended up flat on his back with his legs waving in the air. He also climbed over the side of the stage and sat with his legs hanging over the edge, prompting security and crew members to rush over as overzealous fans posed for pictures with their idol.

Chan introduced his bandleader as veteran musician Pal Sin Lap Man, a top bass guitarist who used to be part of 1980s Hong Kong bands Blue Jeans and Chyna. Sin later became known for his many appearances on television dramas and films as well as costumed Category III skin flicks.

Malaysian entertainment personalities like Hong Kong-based music producer Alex San and Taiwan-based singer-songwriter Gary Chaw as well as 988 radio deejay KK Wong joined in the fun at Chan’s Malaysian gig.

In keeping with his recent fundraising efforts, Chan gratefully thanked concert-goers for their contributions as part of the proceeds of his concert in Malaysia would be donated to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake in China and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.

Chan will be moving on to Stage 10 in Macau next month, the next stop on his concert tour.

By Seto Kit Yan

Source: thestar 06.17.2008

"Eason's Moving On Stage 9 - Kuala Lumpur" Photos & Post-Concert Info

Chen Shi An

Alex San (left) & Gary Cao (right)

Eason Chan held his Moving On Stage 9 concert in Kuala Lumpur's Stadium Merdeka on June 14, 2008 to a crowd of 15,000. The concert attracted local stars Gary Cao, Chen Shi An, Huang Wei Er, and Alex San.

Known as a kidder with a sense of humor, after a round of dancing and sweating, Eason says, "After exercising, one needs to cleanse their nose." As the stage crew was helping him wipe off his sweat and handing him water he openly blew his nose in front of the audience and told the cameras to not come so close to the "evidence" left on his tissue, causing a round of laughter.

The concert started off with many slow songs which got the audience in the mood and then some faster songs were incorporated, but the audience did not respond to them. Only a number of fans waved their hands and even during the encore fans were out of sync. It wasn't until they realized that the show was coming to an end did they finally react. Three encores, 32 songs and one hour later the concert was over.

Sources: kwong wah 06.15.2008 & mingpao 06.16.2008

Stephen Fung Directs, Writes & Chooses Set for Eason's MV

Eason Chan, "jealous" that Stephen Fung helped Karen Mok direct an MV which ended up winning a Golden Melody Award, asked good friend Stephen to help him with his new MV. As a result, Stephen volunteered his time and invited Zhou Xun to film the MV with Eason.

Being good friends Stephen had actually directed an MV for Eason last year but because of a tight schedule the MV did not turn out the way Stephen intended, so this year, when Eason asked Stephen to help him film the MV for the upcoming song 迴轉人生 Stephen agreed and worked even harder by directing, scriptwriting, and choosing the set. Noting that a friend was helping him out, a usually opinionated Eason was quiet as ever and allowed Stephen to do anything to him, even as he was turned into a zombie coming out of a coffin.

It is reported that the MV costs nearly 7-figures to shoot and produce, camera film was used for filming, and the shoot lasted for a full 12 hours. In the MV, Zhou Xun dresses up Lolita style and shows her long legs. Afterwards, Stephen was asked if he was satisfied with the MV this time, "I don't know, I'm still cutting the film," he responded. When asked how much he was paid, he responds, "I volunteered my time. As long as everyone is happy."

During the shoot, Jaycee Fong and Shawn Yue both showed up to visit the set and waited for the shoot to be done to have dinner. Seeing that they were there, Eason pulled them to help in the recording.

(Note: 迴轉人生 is possibly the same song as 倒帶人生 (Life In Rewind), as seen here.)

Sources: on.cc (oriental daily & the sun) 06.14.2008

"Fantastic 4 Universal Music 08 Newcomers Kick Off Show"

On June 10, 2008, Alan Tam, Eason Chan, Hins Cheung, and Kay Tse led the way as they welcomed their company's newest artists, Keeva Mak, Eva Chan, MC Jin, and Mr., at the Fantastic 4 Universal Music 08 Newcomers Kick Off Show. The first thing Eason did when he went on stage was ask Jin for an autograph. The two then performed Eason's 愛是懷疑. During an interview, Jin shared the story of his first encounter with Eason, saying, "I remember we were at an event and a friend was going to introduce us, but it ended up being a 'Hi' and a 'Bye' and not another word." Eason then laughed, "That's how rock stars are." Eason further says that he and Jin get along well because both their personalities are "sor sor day." When asked of Jin's future career path, Eason replied, "He has to depend on himself, as long as he doesn't give up on his unique style that will be enough."

Sources: on.cc (oriental daily & the sun) & tom 06.12.2008

Universal Records Spends 8-Figures On Four 2008 Newcomers

Keeva Mak

Eva Chan

This year, Universal Records will spend an 8-figure sum to promote four newcomers, singer Keeva Mak 麥家瑜, singer-songwriter-lyricist-producer Eva Chan 陳詩慧, hip hop artist MC Jin 歐陽靖, and a 5 persons band Mr. On June 10, 2008 Universal Records will spend a 6-figure sum on a press conference to introduce the newcomers and fellow record company artists Alan Tam, Eason Chan, Hins Cheung and Kay Tse will also be present at the press conference to support the newcomers.

Backgrounds:
- MC Jin, the most high profile of the four, is the only Asian artist to release a rap album in America. His song Learn Chinese held a position on the Billboards Music Charts.
- Eva Chan, singer-songwriter who wrote the lyrics to Eason Chan's 演唱會 and Ron Ng's 別怪她.
- Keeva Mak, being labeled as having Joey Yung's vocals and Miriam Yeung's personality.
- Mr., getting support from Alan Tam who personally helped them along their recording process and praised that they have the potential to be the next The Wynners.

The music industry is currently still at a low point, when asked if the record company is worried about the amount of money being spent on their newcomers, a representative responds, "The company (Universal Records) has confidence in their artists and believe that if there is good music people will listen."

Source: on.cc (oriental daily & the sun) & umg 06.08.2008

"Rehab" is Currently Constance Chan's Favorite Song

Two days ago Eason Chan did an interview with Channel [V] to promote his upcoming Mandarin album. During the interview he revealed that he is currently playing Amy Winehouse's album at home and that his daughter, Constance Chan, not only is singing along but also has a favorite song. "It is a song themed on the treatment of alcoholism, Rehab. I can't help but laugh that a three-and-a-half year old girl is singing this song," Eason says.

Speaking of the recent Sichuan Earthquake relief efforts, Eason remembers what he learned from the late Anita Mui back in 2000. Recalling, "We were recording the duet 同聲一哭, which I remember deeply because I wrote the song, it was when we got to know each other better and I felt that she was friendly and easy to approach. She also taught me that the most important thing to a singer is their fans and that you can never let your fans down."

As for his upcoming Mandarin album, Eason speaks highly of Khalil Fong's abilities and the track (倒帶人生) he wrote for Eason's upcoming album, saying that the demo title (Orange Moon) really captivated him. Also in the upcoming album is a full English track; further saying that the album will incorporate all different types of music.

Source: on.cc, wenweipo, mingpao 06.06.2008

"Take It EC" Eason Chan Live in Concert

Metro Music World hosts Eason Chan Take It EC Live in Concert. The one show will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Director of Metroinfo, Chu Ming Yui, earlier announced that an additional 150 seats would be added for $200 per seat and all proceeds will go towards helping Sichuan rebuild after last month's earthquake.

For tickets: metroplaza

(Note: Metro Showbiz renamed itself Metroinfo as of January 2, 2008)

Source: mingpao 05.30.2008

Eason Chan and Eric Tsang Shed Tears at Fundraiser

Around 500 artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan gathered at the West Kowloon Reclamation Site for the Artistes 512 Fundraising Campaign to raise money for the Sichuan Earthquake relief efforts. The fundraiser began at 2:28 pm, the exact time the earthquake hit Sichuan on May 12, 2008. Eason Chan and Eric Tsang were among the 500 artists who participated in the fundraiser, with Eric being a host and Eason being a performer.

Seeing the audience waving their yellow ribbons in support of the event, Eric could not help but shed tears. Aside from performances, artists such as Eason, Anita Yuen, Jamie Chik, and Joyce Cheng told emotional stories of events that took place before and after the earthquake. Eason, who told a story of a father's sacrifice of his own child to save others, stepped off the stage after finishing the story and shed tears himself, which led to Eric having to comfort him. Eason later said that this was a memorable experience because he felt the atmosphere of the event was filled with a mix of strength, touched, and emotional feelings.

During the event, Eason performed 他們都是我們的孩子 with Sandy Lam and Anthony Lun, 一路好走 with Jaycee Fong, 愛的暖流 with Sam Hui, Leo Ku, Miriam Yeung and Joey Yung, told a story of a father's sacrifice, and opened and closed the show performing 承諾 with all artists.

承諾 (Opening) - All Artists


一路好走 - Eason & Jaycee


他們都是我們的孩子 - Eason, Sandy, Anthony Lun


Story of a Father's Sacrifice - Told by Eason


愛的暖流 - Eason, Sam Hui, Leo, Miriam, Joey


承諾 (Closing) - All Artists

Sources: yule.sohu, sina (courtesy of tungstar) 06.01.2008 & on.cc 06.02.2008