April 2, 2004

Ekin is the WWF's ambassador for the Ocean environment. On April 25,2004 there will be a charity walk at the Hoi Ha Wan nature reserve. The walk will be a fundraiser to help the WWF carryout it's ocean wildlife protection programs. Yesterday morning Ekin together with a WWF staff member walked the route and made a short video to publicize the event. the video starting next week will be shown on the informational M Channel and also will be broadcast on outside TV screens at the center. Information can also be found on the WWF web site.

After Ekin had finished the walk he explained:"Throughout the journey you can not only increase your knowledge of the wildlife but also may appreciate the beautiful scenery, especially Da Tan strait and the Red Tree Forests. Besides this will also help the WWF carry out it's ocean protection work. This is a very worthwhile activity. People who want to walk should meet on the Wharf in Sai Kung, then they will take a boat to walk path. The walk will be along the coast and then will return to the wharf in Sai Kung. The journey is estimated to take about three and a half hours. Everyone over the age of 10 years old is welcome, but walking in the mountains experience is helpful as the route is difficult."

April 3, 2004

Ekin until now has received a welcome to promote Japanese products. Now he has obtained SEIKO's invitation to become the Asia region's spokesperson. He will be at the forefront to promote Criteria and Elite series watches.

A few days ago he filmed new advertisements. The company plans a 5 month campaign to promote their watches to the public. SEIKO's goal is to obtain 25- 40% of the male market. They want to get help from Ekin's charisma which attracts young people and females. Ekin models mainly a western clothes style LOOK. The photographs are in the process of being taken in Tokyo. At the present time the company is inviting Asian actors to be spokespersons. The company considers this to be a product breakthrough.

A weekly magazine reported that they had pictures of Ekin buying a $4,000HK music player. The magazine speculated that this was a present for Gigi's recent birthday. Gigi talking to reporters yesterday was totally confused. She asked them to explain as she was not able to return to ask Ekin.

Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Mingpao - Article in Chinese

April 13, 2004

Ekin is in Japan to film an advertisement. He continues to be the spokesperson for Canon Cameras and the Japanese cosmetic giant Shiseido's male skin care line JS. Recently, Ekin also became the spokesperson for Seiko watches. Seiko sought out Ekin to promote their products because they saw his successful collaboration with both Shiseido and Canon. Reports indicate that Ekin already earned $10 mill HK for single advertisements for those companies. Ekin was asked about the reports, he smiled and responded that he didn't want to daily think about money. However, the filming of two advertisements made him most happy.

Japan's four biggest outside markets include make-up and skin care products, cameras, watches and cars. For three of these products Ekin is already a spokesperson. Ekin likes cars and is hopeful that he could make a car advertisement. Ekin said that if one could include all four big products then it would be even more perfect.

Ekin was full of praise for the excellent treatment he received during this trip. The advertisement consultants knew that he very much enjoyed to eat Japanese vegetables. As a result, engaged a chef and arranged a place to see and an outside view. He was very pleased that he could film anytime to allow him to eat his favorite food. Ekin said that the hotel was also very comfortable. He took advantage of the hotel swimming pool to lie by the side and sunbathe. However, suddenly he felt water splash him. He opened his eyes to see nearby him women with no tops on. Ekin was very embarrassed and dare not look, however he added that their figures were obviously good. He also had to suffer teasing by his manager Lam Shan Shan. He asked the hotel and they told him that many guests both men and women like to sunbathe without a top on.

Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Takungpao- Article in Chinese
Singpao - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo- Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily- Article in Chinese
Sina.com

April 15, 2004

Yesterday Ekin attended the opening of filming ceremony for his new movie 6 Heroic Men. The film is about how men face pressure. The main actors will be Lin Zi Xiang, Li Ke Qin, Cheng Yee Kin, Lin Jia Xin, Tan Jun Yan and Du Zi. Ekin will play the underling of Xu Zhi An. For his part in the movie Ekin will keep his hair long. He was about to shoot a scene with Li Ke Qin and Xu Zhi An in which he jumps from a building.

Mingpao- Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Sina.com

TVB Footage opening of filming ceremony - 15/4/2004 #2

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April 17, 2004

Ekin 's contract with EEG is now over. He has been approached by several record companies but has decided to return home to BMG. The record company officered an advance of $8,888,888HK. The 7 figure reward full of 8's symbolizes good luck. BMG plans a big welcome back ceremony on April 19, 2004 at Holiday Inn Hotel. He will also represent BMG at a charity event organized by TVB on April 25, 2004.

Currently Jordan Chan is the top Hong Kong singer at BMG. Jordan fully supports and was excited about Ekin's return to the company. He offered congratulations. Jordan was not worried that Ekin's return would hurt his own status. He indicated that they were long time friends and he hoped they would be able to collaborate.

Ekin is planning to release a new album at the end of May. Even though in recent years he has focused on movies and he has not released an album for almost three years, he never gave up and diligently practiced his singing skills. Ekin is confident that fans will experience a new sound and feeling. A new song should be released in a few days.

Ekin signed with EEG in 1999. Since that time he only released one album. Even though Ekin has concentrated on making movies, he had always planned a return to the music circle. He studied singing with the late Roman Tam and other well renown teachers. During his last collaboration with BMG, Ekin released more than 10 albums. The Best Show sold more than 150,000 copies and is still sought after. His song from the album Until Heaven and Earth Disappear was the most well known.

Mingpao - Article in Chinese
Singtao - Article in Chinese
The Sun - Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese

April 19, 2004

Ekin returned home to sign with BMG Record Company. This afternoon he held a meeting with reporters to talk about his decision to return on the plaza at the Holiday Inn Hotel. Ekin described the years before to be a migration and now he returns home. The return causes him to have a very warm feeling because he has already felt the outside cold and desolation. Reporters wanted to know whether the $8,888,888HK compared favorably with offers made by other record companies. Ekin smiled and said they would have to ask his manager Lam Shan Shan, He thought over the decision for half a year but in the end it was she who decided he should sign with BMG. Reporters also wanted to know whether his girlfriend Gigi had influenced the decision. Ekin explained that he is able to make good decisions by himself and made a chance based on his own mind. Reporters also asked if now he has returned to the the music scene whether he will have a chance to cooperate with his girlfriend. Ekin said it was likely in the future as but now they both use the songs of Chen Guangrang.

BMG welcomed Ekin back with a large scale press conference, they invited radio and television stations to attend. A large sign "BMG Welcomes Ekin Home Again" was hung at the site which was designed to look like BMG's main entrance. Ekin was again given a BMG worker ID.

Ekin was also given a pair of chopsticks to welcome him back into the family. His good friends Jordan Chan and Jerry Lam, who are now his brothers at BMG, were also there to support him. They gave him rice bowls to symbolize security and not having to fight over food. Many guests came to wish him good fortune. Ekin felt that most difficult part of life was already past. Ekin has much studied and this causes him to become more mature. From now on even more will have strength to create his career.

Jordan Chan was very happy about Ekin's return to BMG, he also described BMG as having a very warm feeling. His contract is up for negotiati0on soon. He said that Ekin's return will have a bearing in his decision.

Ekin is described as having a loyal heart, for the last years he has not left, nor abandoned his fans every now and they offer up small gifts, fans have had a long wait, he releases a new album when wait already long.

Some of Ekin's fans were present, they gave him a red and purple sunflowers and a giraffe to signify their long wait for his return to singing. Additionally fans gave him a red T shirt with purple letters saying "EKIN IS THE BEST". A fans chorus sang " lifetime love only you". Ekin was very touched. Afterwards one female fan said "I love you but it isn't romantic love you know." Ekin gave an embarrassed laugh.

Jerry Lam was the master of ceremonies and was able to field the reporters questions very respectfully, he also loudly thanked all the guests for their support. His older sister Lam Shan Shan said he was very sharp, and she thanked him very much, saying that he was her teacher and inspiration.

Ekin's new album is a collaboration with his long time friend Chen Guangrong who wrote the songs. Reporters again wanted to know whether Gigi had helped. Ekin laughed and said that maybe they would have a chance to collaborate another time. Ekin indicated that his album would definitely be released during this year.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
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Singtao - article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Sun - Article in Chinese
M ingpao - Article in Chinese
Sina.com

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April 21, 2004

Ekin for his first work for BMG will be going to the new TVB City for the first time. Ekin intends to bring a camera to take a picture to keep a s a souvenir. Yesterday, Ekin met with Joey Yung and other performers at an informal reception. Ekin will be rehearsing daily for the performance on April 25, 2004. Ekin will also attend the WWF charity walk earlier that day.

In the past Ekin and Joey had specially sought to visit preschools and nursing homes. He told of a time visited a grandmother who was 120 years old. She chatted with him very much for a long time and Ekin had to suffer her questions. She asked him why he disappear, and point to the radio staff. Ekin could only smile in response. He felt that the grandmother although a great age her train of thought was still very clear.

Ekin had not visited the new TVB City before, he said it felt unfamiliar. As to his contract with TVB, actually he still owe 20 episodes. He has dragged his feet for 10 years and still not repayed. Ekin is still interested in filming a TV drama, but most important is a good script. He was asked which drama he wanted to collaborate in. He said he hadn't decided, but then he said he would like to play an airplane pilot's role. Best to film an ancient drama because clear more people watch. Ekin laugh and say if do that have to cover his hair, everybody all recognize that within it is him. Besides before he has covered his hair to film, then already lost much hair, now can't again lose it.

Ekin's first song 'Understand' from his new album was aired on Hong Kong Radio. It was composed and arranged by Chan Kwong Wing. Lyrics by Wong Wai Man. Ekin indicated in and interview on RTHK that the song was a photograph of the heart.

Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Takingpao - Article in Chinese
Sun - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese
Apple Daily - courtesy of House of Ekin
Sina.com

 

April 22, 2004

Within the last few days Ekin ended his contract with EEG and returned to BMG. Yesterday he released his first new song to the radio stations. Ekin said that the mood of the radio stations was still relaxed. He explained that when EEG stopped production period it was his most unhappy time.

Yesterday, Ekin together with friends Jacky Cheung, Alex Fong and others visited a young person, Binzi, who for the past 13 years has suffered paralysis and pain after he suffered an unexpected injury. He brought attention when he wrote a letter to the government asking for the right to die, because he didn't want to suffer any more. People from all walks of life showed concern. They investigate the idea of a charity performance for Binzi. The celebrities very much sympathized and wanted to help him feel strong to survive. They each had a story to tell him about their own experiences.

Ekin talked about the times he had felt very low emotionally. Especially when he came home with poor grades from school. He was very anxious that he would be in trouble with his mother. Unexpectedly he had the thought that jumping from a building would solve the problem. Fortunately afterwards he was able to self comfort and thought have to study harder to achieve a good result, and maybe buy his mother a reward gift. Anyway in the end he did not make such a foolish choice.

Apple Daily courtesy of House of Ekin
Mingpao - article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese

April 23, 2004

Ekin has been dating Gigi Leung for more than 5 years. Their romance began during their collaboration on Summer Night Madness Musical. Although this situation caused his career to land in a predicament,still he doesn't regret his decision. In fact since working on the film Feel 100% he already liked Gigi. There has been much talk of when they would get married. Ekin said he had not considered. He didn't know why everyone wanted to make a plan. He was also asked whether he would want children. He said he was able to assist his friend Jerry Lam and so in that way can have children.

It is repeatedly reported that together with Gigi more than 5 years at first everyone regard as develop good nature. Then people think she is very fierce.

Actually I worked with her in the film Feel 100% and at that time I already like her. When later work on music drama in a few scenes start pursue her. Not good to explain more. Before a lot of people talk about her manner being fierce. How many times have you seen her be a nagging make noise person, she has not a temper. People second hand decide her type and a little talk make her seem that way. It is exactly like everyone think Ekin only is interested to play.

Sun - article in Chinese

April 24, 2004

Besides his girlfriend Gigi, Lam Shan Shan in Ekin's life occupies a very important place. The couple argue noisily until they agree whenever they have a divergence of opinion. However the last six months have been a calm period. They have rebuilt their friendship and feel that they are at a new level.

Although we have disagreements I never considered abandon her, together with Shan Shan I will continue to cooperate. I know once media pass on that we are not at peace together. So much so that say I want to change my manager. Say Shan Shan and I together oppose each other. But then I haven't explain why. Already know this urgent matter happen. If you ask me why we argue noisily I should explain that people even though they get along together, adversity would be the time run into trouble, favorable times no reason for problem.

When I get together with company have already considered all the issues so won't make mistake. Shan Shan make a lot of arrangements then I do. But a person is able to grow up and I feel I have to consider ways she same as me and ways she is different. We talk and listen and together plan. Up until now I was not the type to plan, but this time I return to the music circle I am better able to know my direction.

Before we together inspect the system a whole lot of people go to Japan for vacation. Hope for inspiration for new product. This vacation was truly a vacation, usually eternally all work, start out early in the morning have one day free or stay late 2 days before return Hong Kong. That doesn't feel like a vacation.

The past three years although seem like I lost a lot, actually there were some happy things, a good many of my usual work did not arrive so I have unaccountable time, to work as ocean ambassador, to spend time to research my boat and spend time on the ocean.

Sun - Article in Chinese

April 25, 2004

Just when everyone all sighs that the record market has tumbled to the bottom, for the last 3 years there hasn't been a song from Ekin. Yet at this time he return to BMG and again produce an album. He wants to repay his fans, they are the biggest reason is feel this matter is not yet finished.

He remembers in the past the record company suggested he go and study his technique, but then call him back a week later and make an album. But the company have profit to consider and cause them to freeze me three years, I have not good words to say about this tragedy. Most important is I think how to finish my goals.

At the Ming Ai Charity show last evening Ekin and Rong Zu Er performed a short drama play. In the play Rong Zu Er acts as a young person whose reputation is on the edge, bullied and taking pills. Ekin acts as the social worker to prevent her and help to make a plan. In the end she becomes a good student, who is not really bad.

Yesterday Ekin was for the first time at Television City. He explain that he has experienced twice a shift in company. He felt that the place was likely too big, seemed a little cold. Apparently it seems Ekin used to possess locker number 69. Ekin said he really didn't know, the locker key used to match the number on your employee card, but long ago he leave behind and lose so now he cannot open the locker to verify if anything in it.

A few days ago Gigi pointed out that Ekin did not yet ask her to get married. Reporters asked Ekin about it. He right away said " Why talk again, everyone's target. Already did not. How about I not explain life."

Sun- Article in Chinese
Sun - Article in Chinese
Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Takungpao - Article in Chinese
Singtao - Article in Chinese
Apple Daily - courtesy of House of Ekin

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April 26, 2004

In the Ming Ai Charity Show Ekin for the first time performed at Television City. He honestly said he was nervous, but fortunately the band was able to put him at ease. He didn't wish to sing his new song LIVE because there were some technical questions that he has to coordinate, but he sang it anyway.

Yesterday very early Ekin attended the WWF charity walk activity at Hoi Ha Wan Nature Reserve. Before Ekin has worked with the WWF to retrieve abandoned nets from the ocean floor. He said that there were very many nets and because of that the dives have a certain amount of danger. As to whether he would instruct Gigi to dive he said, " it is dangerous and he certainly would not instruct her. However if she had the interest to learn she should learn from a certified dive instructor."

Ekin also visited a nursing home especially to meet with a 102 year old elderly lady. Ekin spent time working at the home as if he were an employee to experience such work for himself. He was also able to chat with the elderly lady. Ekin talked about how to do such charity work felt very significant. He appealed to people to give up some of their leisure time to help those in need. He also proposed that people who were presently unemployed could engage in charity work, and they might even find a job that way. Even if they don't find a way out they might as well also help those in need.

Oriental Daily - Article in Chinese
Sun - Article in Chinese
Wenweipo - Article in Chinese

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April 29, 2004

A whole lot of singers and music writers, including Ekin, assembled to attend the " id Modern Music". The association's goal was to ask everyone to purchase the correct edition to support the singer rather than illegally downloading the song or purchasing a pirated copy. Such an activity negates the hard work of the artist. Nowadays the public doesn't seem to think that such downloads are breaking the law, but that they are a logical necessity. It really it is going to be most essential to educate the public. The practice is in the process of damaging the Hong Kong music circle. The income from cd's has already fallen 8 or 9 times. Basically it's very hard to support the record business. Yesterday on a radio station there were many listeners who called in. They mostly think the downloading of songs is not a problem.

The singers disagreed and felt that such download activity is a crime tantamount to theft. They called for the Government to take action to obstruct and frighten the perpetrators. Singers said there was so much exploitation that it affects their livelihood. The record companies are preparing to offer a webpage with lawful song downloads, but mostly they hope that fans will buy the albums to support the artists.

Ekin talked of 3 years ago when he produced an album and he received a pirated copy. It made him most perplexed and disappointed. Nowadays the standard seems to be illegal downloads. Albums have several hundred sales volume already lost. He thinks that citizen education is the most important way to combat the trend.

Mingpao - Article in Chinese

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April 30, 2004

A few days ago at his good friend's Hot Pot restaurant Ekin talked to reporters from Singpao. He said that the food had 4 kinds of feeling, sweet, sour, bitter and hot. This was the same as his theory of human life. He said that the experiences he has had before are both sweet and sour as well as bitter and hot, can consider it to be a complete human life. To have value has been both painful and hot, but that time is already past. Now the sweet life follows the bitter. It allows him to now full of confidence meet every brand new challenge.

Career

From a youth who struggled in school to a training course to acquire skills Ekin finally began his performance career.

I don't regret anything except the time at school. In Primary School I didn't work hard and then in the Middle School everything took a disastrous decline, my family felt they had a failure child, year after year. However I finished school and eventually graduated. I went out to examine what work I could do. I have been an office boy, a chef and a hotel porter. Before I had taken part in a singing competition and finally I examine entering a skill instruction class to give myself a better direction.

Ekin's parents were against him entering the entertainment circle, they were traditional and felt that this was a low aim business. But Ekin persisted in his own belief, vowing to try to make a number one career. At last he succeeded with the series of Young & Dangerous movies. After that he was invited to become a singer and was able to hold 8 concerts. He really didn't sink into an intoxicated sense of happiness, on the contrary he found his daily life now had much pressure and fear.

This period of time I really didn't enough to make good decisions, So I didn't delve to deeply and accepted the movies, produced cd's. I only wanted to be a performer. Then things changed all the celebrity clamor was about to die.

I had just signed with EEG and only presented one cd and then I find myself convicted and given extreme punishment. Everything leave me even felt as if the heavens were making fun of me and holding my fate .

The Worst Occasion - The Best Occasion

Again Ekin is seriously re-entering the music circle after pondering deeply and much anxiety. At the beginning of 1991 he first entered the music circle very hastily as the market was good but later there were worries.

Daily I feel opportunity is the worst and at the same time is best, everyone agreed that the music industry in the home market was tumbling, but it is difficult to have your record company not support you. However many of my colleagues were supportive but it did little to solve the situation. It seemed like the movie industry was at the bottom too, confusing, I was shut out. I wasn't able to decline any movie part even if much different.

Ekin firmly believes that if you have good work then you will definitely get payback. His goal is once more to hold a concert and sing. His further goal is to become a director, currently he stores up wonderful images and ideas for later. Currently however he still finds the role of actor fits him better.

Feelings

Ekin altogether have many feelings. One is to give up, one is to find yourself in third place after much work, then there is the feelings for the women that have been in his life. In the past Ekin's girlfriend was Maggie Sui and then later his girlfriend is Gigi Leung.

The world thinks that such things are completely simple for well known people. However 1999 happen and he fell in love with Gigi. It caused him to to be seen as the offender. Because of the sentence " I will care for you for a lifetime" held captive because it touched many young girls hearts. Ekin and Maggie's love was like a children's story but children's stories come to an end one day.

I have never regretted anything, at the time certainly it was like that a cherished desire, but worldly affairs make it hard to guess that the relationship will be doomed. Before I didn't anticipate such a situation would arrive however is was not under my control, I certainly looked simple. I believe every individual in feelings on the way encounter the same problem. a triangle relationship is complicated. How can it be that strangers can know about your feelings if have not this problem. Then they can say should stop and not have an affair. For me my feelings were disheartened and dispirited and when I encountered Gigi in the 20 performance musical then everyone perceive I cheated like that.

Ekin is now very afraid to say sweet things in public although he is this kind of person. With Gigi he has undergone many trials and tribulations, but he describe that now he is most happy. He has his work and also has personal private space/ The bad times are over.

Friends

Ekin's friends play a very important part in his life. Incredibly he is still good friends with his classmates from the skill classes he took so long ago in 1986.

We don't meet daily, but without their support I would probably have already committed suicide. friends to me are the most important. If careers are good then celebrate and in the depressed times all share the pain of the time and keep company throughout. In the last 18 years most of them have changed little. When I was at the bottom they chased me to go out and joke with me. Later I worked together with Jordan Chan and we became good friends. It can be many months between seeing on another but there is the telephone, other times don't need to talk it is just the feel.

There is still one person who can defeat his girlfriend Gigi and that is Chen Guangrong. He has known Ekin for more than 10 years. Ekin jokingly calls him " my boyfriend". Chen has written outstanding songs for Ekin. During Ekin's sentence from EEG, Chen encouraged him to reform and throw away the idea that need to be equal to the past.

Daily I think a performer is only a perform skill worker. The image on the stage is hairstyle, appearance, perform a work of art, but is really only an ordinary person.

Singpao - Interview in Chinese

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