Date: 25 June 01

Andy left for home today.

Source: The Straits Times
Headline: Busy Andy is in a big hurry

Hongkong star is a one-man whirlwind, with concerts, albums and movies in the works, plus dancing practice
By Samuel Lee

ANDY LAU fans, mark this date on your diary: Nov 17.

That's is when the 39-yr-old HK star will be performing live at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Lau told a press conference last Saturday that he would judge from ticket sales for the first gig whether there would be a second night.

A spokesman for NMG Entertainment, the concert organiser and promoter, said tickets will go on sale in September.

There'll be lots of dancing at Andy's concert. Lau had flown in from Hongkong on Saturday morning to judge MediaCorp's Star Search 2001 Finals last night.

The star, who flew back to Hongkong this morning, also squeezed in time to promote his new Mandarin album, Close To Nature, with an interview and autograph session with fans at IMM on Saturday evening.

He was last here in early April on location shoot for the film Professional Killer, directed by Johnnie To.

Besides Killer, the multi-tasker was also busy recording the album and preparing for his 12 live shows at the Hongkong Coliseum starting on Aug 17.

All this took place amid shooting another movie, Slimming Pair, which co-stars Sammi Cheng.

This movie required both stars to put on special effects make-up and rubber moulds to look obese.

Unlike Cheng, who suffered severe allergic reactions on her face and body, Lau said he had only a couple of spots on his face.

Keeping busy with various projects is Hongkong star Andy Lau. -- How Hwee Young 'Maybe it was because I'm a guy and skin-care is not as important. So I respect her because she was really patient throughout with the special effects make-up,' he said.

Though the global economy is on a downturn, Lau said the cinematic output for his company, TeamWork, will not be affected in the next two years.

'I've set aside enough money to churn out the movies we have planned.'

He estimated the company will roll out between four and six movies next year, of which only one or two will involve him.

One is Storm Riders 2 - a sequel to the action movie which starred Ekin Cheng and Aaron Kwok. So far, only Cheng has agreed to star in it while Lau will appear as a new character.

On recent Andy Lau concert scams in China involving Zhao Jiawei, a Lau impersonator, he said his management has taken legal action and the organisers of the concerts have been arrested.

As for the real Andy Lau concerts, he said: 'There will be more focus on my dancing this time.'

Headline/Source: S'pore fans tailored Bear Bear to raised funds. Andy giddy to pick up the love bears (Apple Daily)
Autograph session in S'pore, 60 security guards called in (Oriental Daily)
Andy held autograph session in S'pore (Sin Pao & Ta Kung Pao)
Thousands to Andy's autograph session (The Sun)
For safety reason, Andy left reluctantly (Ming Pao)

2 nites ago Andy was in S'pore IMM giant shopping complex for an autograph session. He attracted close to 5,000 people. On the spot, Andy become the judge of Bear Bear costumes. The activity was to raise fund for the handicapped children. Andy is never behind others in doing charity.

The scene was of 5,000 was spectacular, he autographed for 600.

Each bear costs S$50 (abt HK$250), faced with 100 pairs of bears, Andy said, "200 bears, see till I am blur."

Finally Andy picked 10 that he thought were most outstanding, of course one of which is the one wearing Chinese long gown.

[Thank you for picking mine, dear Andy.]

IMM refused to lend the place to Andy at first, as they were wary oft uncontrollable crowds. Finally more security were called in, a total of 60 guards & 20 policemen armed with real guns were stationed at the scene. But Andy fans were orderly, there was no accidents.

After the session, some fans followed him with mini-bikes, Andy was worried & told the driver to drive slowly.

Andy praised the food given by his S'pore fans such as curry fish head & pandan cake tasty. The albums he signed were all original, he praised the fans here respect copyright rules.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao
Headline: Andy sits steady at throne, not worried about being copied

At press con, Andy said the movie LOAD will open 5 July in S'pore. He denied FTK was entering Cannes FF next year, "No such thing." He said.

He said the main movies for TeamWork next is Storm Riders II. The star of the show is Ekin, he himself will not be the main cast.

He said his Nov concert will have a lot of dancing.

To keep looking young, his secret is to have a balance diet, exercise 45 min a day & be relaxed.

Source: Lianhe Wanbao dated 24/6
Title: Andy not scared of faked Andy

Not intimidated by 'faked Andy', Andy feels that the fans still insist to see the real him.

Lately there was a person called Chao Jis Wei whose looks, voice & style resembles Andy, he held many concerts & does many commercials.

Is Andy worried? Looking relaxed, he replied, "It depends on the market demand, those who want to see one who looks like me will go to see him, but those who want to see me will still see me.'

Andy is more worried that the organizer will use his name to cheat, he is not worried with the one who look like him. Because in the last 20 yrs, many have look like him, many be in future, another person resembles him even more! Or someone much better than him emerges, he will still face it, this has no effect on him

But he will take legal action if the businessman use his name to cheat the consumers or promote products. Accordingly the involved persons in the matter had been convicted of the crime, the one who resembles was not in the wrong.

He who has full confidence on himself, said that at this age nearing 40 he is v clear-minded, he has no worries. As long as the script is good, he does not even mind to put on 10 kg to act as fat guy.

Andy as judge of Star Search tonight

When asked abt the taboos of newcomer, Andy said the worst thing a newcomer has is to think he or she is terrific! The common mistake is too egocentric. But without being egocentric one cannot be outstanding, this is paradoxical. But actually the most difficult period is the time before being popular. Asked on the secret tips to become famous. Andy said 3 main things, Not one less. One should ask if he is ready to take this road, external look & real talent..

Andy charisma still remains, attracted 5000

Andy was at IMM last nite open air car park for an autograph session, he attracted a crowd of 5,000.

Heavenly King appearance is extraordinary, his one hr presence is enough to draw thousands to be present. Nmg revealed that the nite before at abt 11pm there were people lingered to ask abt the occasion, with the intention of queing up early. Abt a hundred were there early at 6am.

The organizer had wanted to open 3 parking lanes initially, but the fans were too many, half of the car park was thus closed.

For safety, 76 guards were employed to maintain order.

600 fans went up the stage & had their album autographed. Some fans were shy & 'froze' to see Andy. Some gave him dumplings, cakes & presents. The cake weighing abt 3 kg had his album as picture. The youngest fan was abt 3 yr old.

Close to 40, King thinks of marrying.

Close to 40, Andy wants to marry.

At press con, when asked abt the feeling of being 40, Andy answered, "Feel that there is no more faze, everything is clear!" On marriage, he smiled, "I too wish to get married, when I do so I will tell u!"

After 100 movies, & gotten Best Actor Award, any plan to enter Hollywood?

"No."

I don't wish Chinese fighting against Chinese. Previously, going Hollywood is to compete with the Westerners, but now is fighting with Jacky & Jet Li."

In Nov, he will hold a concert in Spore, tentatively fixed at one show.

Now it is not if u open more shows it means u are more popular, if more shows but no audience, why do so, he wonld rather have one full house show.

Dear fellow S'pore fans, I am sure u were at IMM yesterday, like me.
What a crowd it was!! The most amazing thing was the crowd waited under scorching hot sun since noon!! Umbrella or not. I had a good time enjoying the new albums songs which I had no time to listen to earlier on. Never mind the sweat & oily face. Well, all of us looked the same.
At close to 6pm, the crowd swelled to almost a thousand! Throughout the day, the entertaining emcee kept reminding all to drink plenty of water!
Andy arrived at abt 7:20 pm, amidst loud cheers. He was visibly delighted to see such a big crowd. He gave out presents to winners of a Karaoke contest, chosen 10 charity bears to autograph, & after a short banter, he started to autograph 500 albums, nos of which were snapped up in the earlier part of the day….Each had her turn, whoa….what a close encounter with him face to face….
With thanks which appeared to be v sincere, he left 'relunctantly' at abt 8:30pm.

SPECIAL THANKS to my buddies Margaret & May….!
Hi Jane, hi Rachael, & many many others….Everyone had a good time!!

Andy will be judge of Star Search tonight.

Source: United Daily News
Headline: Andy & Harlem wore same clothes

Harlem was noted to wear the same series of clothes as Andy while filming for a June mag. Andy wore the same clothes during his Give Me Ten activity. The most interesting thing is , When told abt this , Andy said, "yee, Harlem too war this? These 2 days look I had seen another person wearing it too,"

Harlem becomes eye-catching wearing it, Andy looks suave on it. Andy is not bother whether same clothes or not with the others, he thinks it is just clothes, "I chose it because I think I look nice." Harlem is not bother too, but not on the same occasion otherwise it is v embarrassing.

Source: Oriental Daily

Johnnie To is a well-known good director. At the final shooting of FTK 2 nights ago, a scene of explosion was filmed minus the actors. It turned to a fire, & burnt his arm, after going to hosp for a bandage, he went back to continue shooting.

The reporter went to see him, he said it is not actually due to filming of explosion, The scene needed some sparks, unexpectedly it caught fire. He went to help but was burnt by a melting plastic on the right arm. Any other mishap? "Only me." After bandage u went back to work again? "Not finish yet, so must finish first, then can be peace of mind!"

At change of dressing the next day, it was v painful. Actually he was scheduled to come to Spore as judge of a prg, [Strar Search], but has to cancel.

As boss & good friend, Andy, though in Spore, still called him at the first hour. He said TeamWork had bought insurance for all the staff, no problem with medical fee & compensation.

Source: Apple Daily

LOAD collected 3.7 mil in 2 days, PH 2.65 mil. The trend shows LOAD has a chance to beat PH in box office. Though PH is the most expensive to film, the movie review is so so, this will affected the box office. Mummy II is more entertaining, collected 20 mil in 9 days.

Diary from al.com

22/6---Today as 'Mutual Lines-Man' status, attended an activity called 'Mankind Mutual Society Help Hot Line' launching ceremony. The set up of this hot line is to render help to the help seekers to solve the problem & sooth their mood, it is v meaningful!

After this activity, went back to office for meetings, after that , had an appointment with my mentor, chatted a whole night, also received lots of benefits!

Source: China Daily News dated 23/6
Headline: Andy does not sing love songs he sings 'common songs'

Andy who is handsome & suave, with undying love on screen, whoever is the lady beside him is forever a secrect, has lots of rumours. Lately at MTV Karaoke chart Most Common Songs category, he picked a song to sing, 'Dont Pick Wild Flowers From The Roadside'. With the song, he can tell all his fans that he is really a one-to-one lover!

The host of MTV Common song Chart was rather surprised to learn abt this. As one who is most loved by female fans, many males will take the excuse such as stress or busy to go for some affairs, but to Andy he does not think so, he feels one should not use the excuse & be 'out of rail'. Source: Central Times dated 23/6

Headline: Andy in music station not wary of being common

Andy went to MTV music station for recording. He attended Common Songs' unit. He is not at all wary of being common, he took away his suits & wore only a white tee shirt & roll up his pants.

In order to coordinate with the prg, he chose a common song, he kept shaking his head during singing, even dance a few steps when he was happy singing.

Source: Apple Daily
Headline: LOADS box office slightly over than PH

HK movie LOAD opened at the same time as PH. movie association gave the fugure of LOAD as 1.58 mil, hight at the top of box office list. PH collected 1,25 mil, second.

LOAD has 53 cinemas screening, PH 42. Movie association analysis show every cinema collected 300,000 to 290,000 v close collection, It takes a bit of time to show the actual winner.

Feng Ren Shou diary

The writer passed by to Tong Lor Wan Palace cinema 2 nites ago, saw LOAd, opened at 11:30 pm & 12mn, 2 mid nite shows, & yet the audience were not little, this proves that if the movie is good, the audience will return to cinemas to watch movies, this shows HK movie makers should not be worried that the market is no good. In LOAD, the writer feels Andy & Sammi fatty make-up is impeccable, but the fatty arms have some problems, there is no color of blood, just like from the cadaver.

Andy in town!! He is arriving Singapore today. Katherine no time to update news! News update on hold!

Yesterday Andy went to Sha Tian New City Mall for an activity organised by Metro Radio, called 'Mankind Aid Foundation' [??]. Together with Nancy Seet, they helped to promote the launch of a new help hot-line. The Foundation received the donation of 1 mil from the anonymous philanthropist who had donated few mil before.

Andy gave encouraging words & lends his voice to those who seek help. Andy said a show of loving concern is the basic principle in helping others. He disclosed that he was at his lowest 15 yrs ago when he was 'frozen' by TVB. Said with some emotion, "That year was sent to film a serial 'HK 85' for a few months, was really v unhappy. A gp of actors such as Huang Sin, Li Jia Teng showed me much concern & encouraged me. I realise it is a success to act a situation happily/"

Lately there was a person called Chow Jia Wei, self-claimed to be 'China Liu De Hua', uses Andy's name to hold concerts in China, but at concert time claimed that Andy Lau could not turn up, & stood in instead. When told abt this, Andy aid he is not aware of this, he warned the fans to be careful & check the net if there is any quarries.

Will he take action? Andy feels that problems may still exists, but most important is that the fans must not be cheated.

On the glitches at the Sept charity concert leading to failures of call-ins, Andy said there is no need to stress on this, there are many opportunities to donate money, there is no lines that can stop a kind heart.

[well said!]

Headline/Source: Pearl Harbour first day box-office good collection, LOAD takes the lead with 9 shows (Oriental Daily)
Eastern movies meet Western movies on the first day of summer holidays. Pearl Harbour & LOAD taking leads (Apple Daily)
First day of holidays movies face to face, HK movie LOAD no match for Pearl Harbour (The Sun)

Pearl Harbour & LOAD opened on the same day yesterday, meeting face to face. The reporter of Apple Daily went to Mongkok Broadway cinema that screen both movies yesterday, Qs were v long for both movies. Students & lovers tend to support LOAD, Pearl H has a wider range of audience.

It can be said to be a draw.

Source from movie company: said LOAD netted $310,000 after the first show at 12:30pm As the show time lasts 93 mins, 6 shows are scheduled for a day. With 6 shows, an estimated collection of abt 2 million is postulated. 30 over cinemas screen the movie.

Pearl Harbour with a show time of 183 mins, is screened only 4 times a day, 40 cineams are showing the movie. It collected $400,000 in the first 2 shows, ($293,000 in the first show). Collection form the 4 shows in the day is estimated at $1,500,000. Both movies have good box-office, can be said to running be neck to neck, competition is v keen.

The reporter interviewed audience who had watched both movies. Of the 10 over people interviewed, most felt both movies are equally good. Audience of LOAD felt the movie is comical & nice to watch, esp Sammi's fatty look, she gets a thumb up.

Audience of PH felt the movie special effect is outstanding, the only drawback is some part of the history is untrue, thus a drawback.

As LOAD is a light comical movie, it attracted more students. Many came in uniforms for the 12:30pm show. PH attracted more matured people, esp Western couples.

Johnnie To is v satisfied with the result, he said if the collection is good there will be a celebration party next week!

Feng Ren Shou diary: Andy has many crazy females beside him

For many years Andy has many young females in love with him secretly always. Lately a female claimed that she had helped Andy a lot, & told her friend in private, "I helped Andy did a lot of things, he took me home this time.

Look, this female is not taking proper measure of herself, how would Andy bother abt her? If every female who has help Andy before wants to give herself to him, Andy will have no more time.

[True!!]

Diary from al.com

20/6---Most of the work on hand has been completed, can whole-heartedly involved in the preparation of this year's concert. The main thing today is to have meeting to discuss details of the show, also the plans to practise.
Decided……this concert……I decide to sing 'I Hate I Am Love-sick', is everyone so happy?!
19/6---Set off to TW this morning for the promo of LOAD, luckily this trip is quite relax, no tightly packed scheduled, can take the opportunity to re-charge myself.
Know that HK & TW audience are waiting eagerly to see my extra-overweight look, v happy to see hot response to the movie.
For a long time did not practise bowling. Had a good game tonite, sweated, believe I will sleep v well tonite!

Andy went for an interview at Commercial Radio yesterday.

In Aug he is holding 10 concerts at HK Coliseum. Tickets sale are not open to public yet, but internal booking is already full. Andy said luckily his father is away on holidays, otherwise he has no tickets to give him too. He has to ask his assistants to q for tickets when sale is open to public.

It was rumoured that he will increase another 5 shows. Andy admitted he has the intention to increase a maximum of 5 shows, but it all depends an response to ticket sale when it is open to public. He is thinking of adding shows in the afternoon or after 11pm, but this will not be approved by the Coliseum.

On the rumour of breaking up of Sammi & Andy Hui, Andy said he is not aware of this. Will he tell the latter to give in to Sammi? Andy told the reporter if she sees Andy Hui, please tell him so.

Andy said they always talking happily during filming of LOAD. The make-up specialist was v impressed by the endurance of Andy. The Westerners will usually rest one day after filming 2 days, but they could film continuously for 16 days!

Source: Ming Pao
Headline: Andy visited elderly & enjoyed a happy time

'Date with Star', an activity organized by Ming Pao, invites artistes to hold activity at different places each time. Despite his busy schedule, Andy went to a Mongkok Salvation Army Old Age Home to spend a meaningful 2 hour with 60 over elders.

The elders were 'inhibited' at the beginning, but Andy's warmth & sincerity soon bridged the age gap, all were in for a moment of fun together.

As it is near to Dumplings Festival, a chef demonstrated wrapping of dumplings. A game was played among the elders & Andy to wrap dumplings. Out of the expectation of many, Andy could tie dumplings with one end of string held to his mouth & the other end on his fingers!

He said when he was young, he used to help out in the making of dumplings for sale. But now he realises it is not that easy, he wont be making dumplings now, he will take a wife to make dumplings for him!!!!

Many elders wanted to take dumplings wrapped by Andy home to eat, though Andy was not too happy with his masterpiece.

As Andy is good in calligraphy, he was the judge on the writings by the elders. No matter how bad the writing was, Andy gave the best praise & encouragement to them. He wanted the organiser to provide more presents, so almost everyone was a winner at the end of contest.

In another game, the elders were to follow what the emcee said to move parts of body. As the reflexes of the elders are slow, Andy gave hints all the time. One old lady only liked to see Andy, Andy had to use his finger to tell her the right direction to look!

The last was for Andy to pick an elder who was the most alert. This was quite a problem for Andy. Finally he chose an old lady who had played game with him. Due to differences in dialect, Andy couldn't understand what she was talking. But he listened attentively, & joked that they were talking some sweet secrets that only they themselves knew!

It can be seen that Andy is really v patient & loving to the elders. As he said, the elders had contributed their love to take care of the young, the youngs are not easy to handle, so we have to return their love & patience in taking care of them.

Many people like to be in high profile with things they do, but they are some who work quietly. But as long as the aim is the same, whichever method use is actually not important. People such as Andy Lau, always do charity with his AWC members, but do not publise the deeds. To an artiste who is busy 24 hrs a day, who still always remind himself & fans to give back to society, this spirit is hard to come by, title WOYP award is 100% reserved to be his!

LOAD, starring Andy & Sammi, was premiered 2 nights ago at Wanzai Exhibition Hall. Andy did not invite any friends this time but many in the circle turned up to support. His appearance caused a stir.

One of the sponsors was a company producing slimming high fibre product. Andy was asked if this will misled the audience. He replied that they had thought abt this before, it was finally decided that the product name will not appear on the posters. He has no control on all matters.

Are the movies Shoulin Football & LOAD countering one another?

"No, no HK movie is countering each other this time, we are countering the Western movies."

Is he confident of box-office now that he is faced with the blockbuster Pearl Harbour?

Andy gave a resounding 'Yes'. But he flatly refused to comment on Emily or Rosumund's beau.

No seats were left vacant at the premiere. It had won house applause at some points. It is no wonder a movie everyone is looking forward to.

Andy went to TW yesterday in the morning & back in the evening.

He followed China Star entourage to promote 4 movies in TW. The team included Mr & Mrs Heung, directors Tsui Hark, Johnnie To, actors/actresses Louis Ku, Cecilia Cheung, Ekin Cheng, Lin Xin Lei & others.

A reporter who followed Andy when he walked out of forbidden area was stepped on & her shoes went missing. Andy joked, "Andy's charisma is extraordinary, he makes the reporter's shoes missing."

Andy's received the most attention, he was sent by fans at the airport, many tourists wanted his autograph & to take photo with him.

As local movies shows sign of recovery in HK, it is hope that TW will do likewise. Gathering of this magnitude is a rare scene in the last 5 years.

Andy who also has his own movie co said that HK movies were poor in quality before, this has led to loss of market. The audience are not to be blamed, movie persons have to work hard themselves. He had also filmed rotten movies before, but lately he is more strict with selections. He added that movie dealers must choose movies to screen so as to exclude those who make movies just to make money.

Source: Apple Daily

The writer Feng Ren Shou had watched premiere of LOAD 2 nights ago. He commented this movie is high in entertainment. Both Andy & Sammi fatty looks are v loveable, especially Andy. In the movie, though Sammi has a meatier role, Andy still steals the show with his good acting. If no accident, he stands a chance to be nominatedin in next year's HKFA. Not sure if it is because lack of handsome look in the movie has made him able to bring out the skill better, he is not worried abt looking ugly.

Many stars in the circle are trying to gain fame by doing charity, but there are also some who do out of sincerity, with real aim of helping the needy, such as Andy Lau & Chow Yin Fat. When they see tragic events on papers, frequently they will donate money using anonymous name. This is really worthy of praise.

Diary from al.com
18/6---Today's schedule is tightly packed, noon time attended 2 activities of different nature, filmed an interview also, busy very........!
The most important is of course the premiere of LOAd at night. I think may be everyone is v interested with the fatty look of me & Sammi, it attracted many friends from the media, also some friends from the circle. Actually this is also the first time I watch the final cut of the whole movie, after watching the feeling is........so tough filming this movie, is..........worth it!