From Now On

HAPPY 49TH BIRTHDAY, GORGOR!!!

September 10, 2005

To commemorate Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's 49th birthday, his fan clubs have planned many events starting today. On September 12, the Hong Kong Cultural Center will feature a 'Farewell My Concubine' exhibit that will feature never before seen film stills and highlight as visitors will experience the world of the film and have further understanding of Beijing Opera. On September 11, over 300 fans from around the world will gather at the Hong Kong Convention Center. Fan club members have decorated the venue themselves to represent what Gor Gor has meant to them. One of the focus of the gathering will be a screening of Cheung Kwok Wing's television performances in his 20s. Also, fans will share Cheung Kwok Wing's charity performance highlight from around the world. Source: HK Top Ten.

Fans of Leslie Cheung unfold their idol's elegant demeanour - Next Monday (12 September) is Leslie Cheung's birthday. A group of fans from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia and Japan have launched the 'Farewell My Concubine' art exhibition at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. This exhibition which had its opening yesterday will remain open to the public until next Monday. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge. On display is GorGor's wax figure borrowed from Madame Tussauds. For the exhibition, GorGor's wax figure is dressed in the likeness of Cheng Deiyi with a cape costing over ten thousand dollars. The theme of the art exhibition is based on the film 'Farewell My Concubine'. Fans estimated the cost of holding this exhibition to be in the range of a six figure sum of money. Movie sets, props, relics, artefacts and costumes are some of the displays at the exhibition. Fans planned to hold this exhibition in other countries with the exhibition ending in Beijing in eight years time.

Today a group of fans is holding a commemorative book exhibition as well as the ‘Forever Adored – In Reminiscence of Leslie Cheung's Artistic Life' seminar at the Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre in Kowloon Bay. Tomorrow yet another group of fans under the banner of Leslie's Legacy will gather at the Convention & Exhibition Centre for their commemorative event titled 'Our Little Wish for Leslie'. On Monday evening, fans will attend a special birthday gathering at the South China Athletic Association. Source: AppleDaily, many thanks to Simie.

Tribute to Leslie - September 10, 2005 - Los Angeles - Asian Film Foundation and USC Cinema & Television (Critical Studies), in association with Miramax Films, Maggi Taste of Asia, and Tai Seng Entertainment are proud to present 'Loving Leslie: A Tribute to Leslie Cheung', featuring the films of one of Hong Kong's most beloved icons on Saturday, September 10 at USC University Park Campus, Eileen Norris Theatre, 3507 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles. Thanks to Phoenix.

September 11, 2005

Fans hold seminar to commemorate GorGor's birthday - Tomorrow is Leslie Cheung's (GorGor) birthday. Various commemorative activities organised by many groups of GorGor's fans are currently underway. Yesterday one of GorGor's fan-club held the 'Forever Adored – In Reminiscence of Leslie's Artistic Seminar' at the Hong Kong International Trade & Exhibition Centre. Around 300 fans queued up for admission to this seminar hosted by Dr Natalia Chan on GorGor's classic works that included 'Days of Being Wild', 'Ashes of Time' and 'Happy Together'. Spokesperson for the fan club, Ms Cheng, hoped the seminar would enable fans to have a better understanding of GorGor's artistic life on screen as well as on stage. Source: The Sun, many thanks to Simie.

September 12, 2005

Fans celebrate GorGor's 49^th birthday - Poster of GorGor and Mickey Mouse up for sale - Today is GorGor's 49^th birthday. Various commemorative activities were being held by devoted fans over the last few days to remember GorGor's birthday. Yesterday afternoon over 300 fans from Leslie Legacy Association all around the world gathered at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre to celebrate GorGor's birthday. As today also marks the official opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, organisers have specially printed nine posters of GorGor with Mickey Mouse and Daffy Duck. Fans had to draw lots for the purchase of these posters at $600 each. The proceeds of the sale go into the Leslie Legacy Association fund. Source: MingPaoDaily, many thanks to Simie.

Leslie Cheung's birthday right on the heels of Mickey Mouse fever - Today is GorGor's 49^th birthday. Today is also the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. Fans who had gathered to celebrate GorGor's birthday yesterday were able to purchase beautiful posters of GorGor with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. To commemorate GorGor's birthday, fans of Leslie Cheung's international fan club, Leslie Legacy Association, gathered at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wanchai for the 'One Little Wish for Leslie' meeting. Admission charges at $100 per participant helped pay for the cost of hiring the venue. Over 300 fans mostly female from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia attended the birthday event. Two early television serials borrowed from ATV namely 'A Little Wish' and 'Tai Chi Master II' were screened yesterday. Fans also enjoyed a special video clip on GorGor's charity performances through the years such as Tung Wah's charity show. Fans participated enthusiastically during the screening of the video clip with cheers, applauses and spontaneous responses each time GorGor posed a question on the big screen; a true reflection of their love for him. Fans balloted for the purchase of nine posters of GorGor with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; the pictures were taken when GorGor appeared in a Disneyland function in 1986. Each poster was priced at $600. One of the posters showed GorGor being given a kiss on the cheek by Mickey Mouse. The birthday celebration culminated with the cutting of a birthday cake together with a simultaneous screening o f a past video clip of GorGor celebrating his birthday. Fans wished GorGor a happy birthday by raising their voices in unison to sing the song 'The Four Seasons'. A male fan from the Mainland commented that it was rather significant that GorGor's birthday and the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland fell on the same day because in future GorGor and Hong Kong Disneyland will share the same birthday. This is definitely a good thing. Source: SingTao, many thanks to Simie.

In Mainland China and Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia fans gathered to celebrate Leslie's Birthday too!

September 13, 2005

Best wishes from Mickey Mouse as Leslie Cheung's birthday coincides with Disneyland opening - It has been more two years since Leslie Cheung's passing. Devoted fans who love him certainly did not forget his 49^th birthday yesterday. Not only did they come with flowers and presents to remember him but they also organised various commemorative activities to pay him tribute. Coincidentally yesterday also happened to be the official opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. Fans hope Gorgor in heavens above could enjoy the city's feverish atmosphere of Disneyland with the presentation of a poster of GorGor with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Leslie Cheung's fans from Japan, Korea, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong did not forget GorGor's 49^th birthday yesterday yesterday. Fans brought flowers and presents and placed them outside GorGor's residence in Kadoorie Hill early yesterday morning. GorGor's birthday coincided with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. Italian and German fans of Leslie Cheung crossed oceans to pay him tribute with flower bouquet. A picture of GorGor taken with Mickey and Minnie was attached to the bouquet in the hope that GorGor could share the city's excitement over the opening of Disneyland. There were also fans from Shanghai who rushed over to Disneyland immediately after laying down their flowers. Yesterday GorGor's good friend, Florence Chan, dressed in a Mickey Mouse T-shirt and jeans, was seen visiting GorGor's house together with her son and a girlfriend. She brought along over 10 boxes of takeaway from the Fook Lam Moon Restaurant. They stayed for approximately an hour before they took their leave.

Meanwhile fans also placed flowers outside the Mandarin Hotel in Central while over at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Farewell My Concubine Art Exhibition was being held with GorGor's wax statue borrowed from Madame Tussauds went on display. Fans spent over ten thousand dollars to recreate the cape that was draped over GorGor's wax figure. In the evening fans held a banquet at the South China Athletic Association to celebrate GorGor's birthday. Spokesperson Ms Li indicated that they chose this venue because GorGor had often played badminton here. They also prepared a special birthday cake in the shape of a badminton court with two figurines on the cake to represent GorGor and Daffy Tong perhaps? Source: The Sun, thanks to Simie for her translation.

More news and pictures: Leslietong.com 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, Ent.sina 1 - 2, Red Forum, Yahoo 1 - 2 - 3, MingPaoDaily 1 - 2, Oriental Daily, WenWeiPo, SingTao, Tom.com 1 - 2.

October 5, 2005

Raymond Wong's new big-budget production titled 'Dragon and Tiger Gate' which features Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue, will have Leslie in it: it will be an image generated by computer graphics.  According to this report, Raymond Wong has sought the consent of Daffy Tong to recreate Leslie's image in this manner for the movie, directed by Wilson Yip. Source: Leslietong.com , many thanks to Simie!

October 11, 2005

Yesterday was the late super star Anita Mui's 42nd birthday, Fan Club held 'Treasure the gathering of 05' memorial dinner.  Ah Mui's private photo albums were exhibited, including her last birthday in 2003, and some most precious pictures:  her last picture with Gor Gor Leslie Cheung in 2002, bringing lots of memories to fans.

Last night Anita Mui's International Fan Club gathered fans from all over the world for the dinner at New World Renaissance Hotel, Tsimshatsui, total 20 tables.  For the first time, Ah Mui's private life photos were displayed. The picture that brought back most memory to the fans was the one taken during Ah Mui's last birthday party at her home, wearing a wig and yellow turtle neck vest and checked skirt. On October 10, 2002 at buffet party, Ah Mui had a picture with Gor Gor, on the picture it was written Gor Gor was the first one arrived at the party. Source: The Sun, Oriental Daily, AppleDaily, LeslieTong.com, MuiMusic.com for the news in English.

October 17, 2005

Stamps to feature Hong Kong pop singers - The Postmaster General, Mr. Allan Chiang, announced today that a special stamp issue with the theme of "Hong Kong Pop Singers" will be issued on Tuesday, 8 November 2005. This is the first set of stamps to be issued by Hongkong Post that features Hong Kong's popular singers, saluting five pop stars who have left their marks on Cantopop music history. Wong Ka Kui is featured on the $1.40 stamp, Danny Chan on the $1.80, Roman Tam on the $2.40, Leslie Cheung on the $3, and Anita Mui on the $5 stamp. Commenting on this special stamp issue, Mr. Chiang remarked: "These stamps have been issued to commemorate the great achievements of some of Hong Kong's greatest entertainers. Both individually and collectively, they made a profound impact on Hong Kong people. They were all much loved and respected for their talent and for the joy they brought to the local music scene. Hongkong Post is pleased to recognise them in this very special stamp issue." The stamps are designed by Mr. Michael Fung and printed in lithography by Joh. Enschede B.V., the Netherlands. The stamps will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Shatin Central post offices from 18 October 2005. Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at 39 philatelic offices from 18 to 24 October 2005. A hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on 8 November 2005 for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will be also introduced. This will be available, together with the GPO-1 postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark, for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day. Also on 8 November 2005, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the GPO-1 postmark and the special postmark. Further information about this issue and the sale of associated philatelic products can be obtained from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com, at any post office, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.

This is the first set of stamps issued by Hongkong Post that features Hong Kong's popular singers, saluting five pop stars who have left their marks on Cantopop music history. $3 - Leslie Cheung (1956 - 2003) - Leslie Cheung was a glamorous star in music, films and television, affectionately loved by his fans because of his irresistible charm. Following his rise to fame with the hit "Restless Breeze", he captured the hearts of many with his expressive and lyrical singing. Whether playing romantic and rebellious or cool and sensuous, he always made himself stand out from others throughout his career. His greatest hits, "Monica", "Sleepless Night" and "Profile", are still fondly remembered by his devotees. In 2000, he directed a short film, "From Ashes to Ashes", for Radio Television Hong Kong to realise his aspiration as a movie director. (...) The First Day Cover features golden discs inset with photos of these music legends. Source: www.hongkongpost.com.

HK to issue stamps featuring late pop singers - Hong Kong Post announced here Monday that a special stamp issue featuring "Hong Kong Pop Singers" will be issued on Nov. 8. The Postmaster General Allan Chiang said it is the first time Hong Kong Post had issued stamps featuring Hong Kong pop singers, noting the issue is a salute to five late pop stars who have left their mark on Canto pop history, including Wong Ka Kui, Danny Chan, Roman Tam, Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui. Chiang said the stamps have been issued to commemorate the great achievements of some of Hong Kong's greatest entertainers. "They were all much loved and respected for their talent and for the joy they brought to the local music scene. Hong kong Post is pleased to recognize them in this very special stamp issue", he said. Source: Xinhuanet, many thanks to Jennifer!

Former greats of Canto-pop stamp their soul on Hong Kong - If there was ever any doubt pop stars like Anita Mui Yim-Fong and Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing had left their mark on Hong Kong, it has been swept away by the postmaster-general issuing commemorative stamps to honour some late, great canto-pop idols. The stamps, entitled 'Hong Kong pop singers' will be issued on November 8, the first time Hong Kong post has released stamps featuring popular singers. Pride of place on the most expensive stamp in the set the $5 stamp goes to actress and singer Mui, her death in December 2003, following a battle with cervical cancer, plunged Hong Kong fans into mourning. Her death came just months after another Hong Kong favourite, 46-year-old Cheung leapt to his death from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central. His image appears on a $3 stamp. Postmaster-general Allan chiang yam-yang said: "These stamps have been issued to commemorate the great achievements of some of Hong Kong's greatest entertainers. Both individually and collectively, the made a profound impact on Hong Kong people. They were all much loved and respected for their talent and for the joy they brought to the local music scene." A special postmark, consisting of a musical note made of stars, and the words 'Hong Kong pop singer, 8-11-2005' in English and Chinese will also be issued. The stamps were designed by Hong Kong designer Michael Fung and printed in lithography by Dutch company Joh Enschede. The new issue will be displayed at the general post office in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsuen Wan and the Sha Tin post offices from today. Official first day covers at $1 also will go on sale today. Aadvance orders for souvenir covers will be accepted at 39 philatelic offices until october 24. Source: South China Morning Post

October 18, 2005

Hong Kong issues stamps honoring late pop stars - Hong Kong's postal service will issue a stamp set honoring late local pop stars Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Roman Tam, Danny Chan and Wong Ka-kui on Nov. 8. The stamp issue will feature the portraits of each star on individual stamps. "These stamps have been issued to commemorate the great achievements of some of Hong Kong's greatest entertainers. ... They were all much loved and respected for their talent and for the joy they brought to the local music scene,'' Hong Kong Postmaster General Allan Chiang said in a statement on the local postal service's Web site Tuesday. In the portraits, Wong, the former lead singer of the rock band Beyond, is seen performing in a red vest with a guitar. Cheung and Tam sing in white and black tuxedos, while Chan dons a white dress shirt and black suit jacket. Mui wears a pink low-cut dress. Wong, whose Beyond was loved for its uplifting rock songs, died in 1993 after falling off a platform at a television studio in Japan. The clean-cut, baby-faced Chan died the same year, nearly 1 1/2 years after slipping into a coma. Crooner Tam died in October 2002 after an extended battle with liver cancer. Cheung, an accomplished singer and actor who appeared in director Chen Kaige's Oscar-nominated "Farewell My Concubine,'' committed suicide in April 2003 by jumping from a luxury hotel in downtown Hong Kong. Pop diva Mui died eight months later from lung complications caused by cervical cancer. - AP - Source: The Star, many thanks to Simie! See also MingPao - Oriental Daily.

Renee Dai's new album in memory of Leslie Cheung - Renee Dai released her second album entitled 'I Like Dreaming'. She expressed this was the title of an English song by Leslie Cheung. She hopes to honour the memory of her idol with this album. She said, "'I Like Dreaming' is the title of an old English song by GorGor Cheung Kwok Wing. It has been my wish to be able to collaborate with him since entering the music industry; however this desire will never be realized but by using the same title for my album, I could assume that I have already co-operated with GorGor." Source: MingPao - Oriental Daily, many thanks to Simie for her translation! See also The Sun.

Excerpt from Chen Kaige's interview - In his interview Chen Kaige mentioned how he was charmed by Leslie’s charisma when he first met him in Hong Kong to discuss the possibility of making ‘Farewell My Concubine’. He recalled Leslie was sitting with his one leg crossed over the other, his hand holding a cigarette with his eyes looking downwards. He thought Leslie was extremely graceful and beautiful and right at that very moment, he knew Leslie was his perfect Cheng Dieyi in the film they were discussing at that time. He also commented on Leslie having very pure and clean eyes. He wanted someone with this quality and he reiterated that he was looking for someone with clean and pure eyes to be in his movie. He further added that Leslie was the most charming among all men. Source: Leslietong.com, kindly translated by Simie!

October 20, 2005

"I sometimes see Leslie Cheung in my dreams. He'd be at home, like when we used to visit him at Chinese New Year, giving out red packets. I always think about him". On her mentor, the late singer Leslie Cheung, Karen Mok said. They acted in 1996's 'Viva Erotica'.

October 21, 2005

Stamps honour singers - Five deceased local pop singers will be featured in a series of special stamps to be issued by Hong Kong post next month. Postmaster-general Allan Chiang Yam-Wan says the stamps will honour Wong Ka-Kui, Danny Chan Pak-Keung, Roman Tam Pak-Sin, Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing and Anita Mui Yim-Fong. The 'Hong Kong Pop Singers' includes a set of five stamps featuring one singer each. They are designed by Michael Fung and printed by Joh Enschede BV of the Netherlans. The series will be issued on November 8. The five stamps are now on display at the general post office in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin central post offices. "These stamps have been issued to commemorate the great achievements of some of Hong Kongs greatest entertainers", Mr Chiang said. "Both individually and collectively, they made a profound impact on Hong Kong people. They were all much loved and respected for their talent and for the joy they brought to the local music scene." Official first-day covers at $1 each will went on sale at all post offices earlier this week. For more details, visit www.hongkongpost.com or call 2785 571. Source: Young Post.

November 8, 2005

'Hong Kong Pop Singers' Special Stamps Issuing Ceremony - Hongkong Post issued today the 'Hong Kong Pop Singers' Special Stamps on Wong Ka-kui, Danny Chan, Roman Tam, Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui. At a ceremony held this afternoon at the General Post Office, Mr. Allan Chiang, Postmaster General and representatives from the corresponding fan clubs delivered messages as a special salute to the 5 pop singers for their outstanding achievements. Mr. Chiang officiated the new stamp issue by hanging a greeting card on a 'Heart-warming Tree' and said: "Distinguished guests and friends from the media, good afternoon, welcome to the 'Hong Kong Pop Singers' Special Stamps Issuing Ceremony, a salute to five late pop stars including Wong Ka Kui, Danny Chan, Roman Tam, Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, who have left their mark on Canto pop history. First of all, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to their family members and fans for taking time to attend this ceremony. I am particularly grateful for your useful advice in the planning and design of this set of special stamps. Without your support, much of what we do here could not have operated so smoothly. Apart from postage prepayment, there are many ways these tiny stamps can work wonders. Take a sideway look at the giant stamp mosaic made with used stamps donated by our staff and 98 overseas postal administrations. You will be ready to concur with me that if creativity is put to good use, stamps could also make magic. Today, I am most excited to announce that the Guinness Book of World Records has just confirmed to us that this is the largest stamp mosaic in the world. We are proud to achieve a new world record for the territory. This avant-garde initiative demonstrates not only our team spirit and creativity, but also the solidarity among postal administrations, manifesting the one world partnership in the postal landscape. Historic events and lasting legends have long been the motifs of stamp. In the past two years, we have issued 'The Successful Flight of China's First Manned Spacecraft' Special Stamps, 'Centenary of The Birth of Deng Xiaoping' Special Stamps and a special mini-pane of Heartwarming Stamps to feature 'Congratulations to the Hong Kong Team on Winning the Silver Medal in the Men's Table Tennis Doubles at the 2004 Olympic Games'. To pay tribute to some of Hong Kong's greatest entertainers, 'Hong Kong Movie Stars I' and 'Hong Kong Movie Stars II' Special Stamps were issued. The rollout today is the first set of stamps ever issued by us to honour the great achievements of five late Canto pop singers. Capturing the hearts of many with their expressive and lyrical music, they are still fondly remembered by their devotees. The overwhelming appeal, both locally and overseas, must be said to the singers' credit. Their passion, steely wills, gritty determination and ability to translate musical sensitivity into impressive presentation made them legends of all times. It is known that music and postal communication has something in common. As a universal language, music and melody touches the heart of all peoples and bridges different faiths and cultures while postal communication brings people together regardless of the distance between them. Music and melody expresses and evokes emotion. When the language is that of music, it combines in a unique way with words. Hence, we produced our corporate song to sound out our aspiration for linking people and delivering business as we believe that music helps find the sole and essential inner support and solidarity in the words that are sung. Today, we are happy to share with you in the background music our corporate song together with the five late singers' signature songs. Let's enjoy ourselves in the wonderful trip down memory lane of their dazzling vocalism and disarming stage presence. Thank you." Source: www.hongkongpost.com - more news on MingPaoDaily, TakungPao, WenWeiPo, Oriental Daily, SingPao, LeslieTong.com, Yahoo!, The Sun, Xinhua. According to media, Leslie's family and friends didn't attend the ceremony.

November 11, 2005

Today's Apple Daily reported in a half page, titled "Winds blows on.... Stamp collections on Leslie doubled in price overnight". The reporters said that they stayed in the General Post Office in Central for a few hours and estimated that out of 10 people lining up for the stamps, 6-7 asked for collections on Leslie. Leslie's stamps and covers were sold out much ahead of others. The reporters visited shops selling stamps and the shop owner said that more than 50% of the buyers bought stamps of Leslie, and Leslie's collections also sold out very quickly. His stamps sold for $6 while its value is $3. The reporters also checked with the post office and asked whose stamp sold best. The Post Office did not give the answer, but only confirmed that some collectives sold out very quickly. Many thanks to Susanna for the news!

November 12, 2005

In Japan Ms. Yumiko Oshima is going to hold two concerts for Leslie tribute on November 26, 2005 and May 1, 2006. For more info visit LeslieLegacy Japan.

GIFT FROM LESLIE CHEUNG Shizuoka Date: Nov. 26, 2005 Time: 18:40 Place: Hall in Shizuoka Orthodox Church Tokyo Date: May 1, 2006 Time: 18:40 Place: Old Tokyo Music School

November 13, 2005

A Warm Round Applause for Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing - Results for the 100 Outstanding Actors in the 100 Years History of Chinese Cinema sponsored by the China Film Performance Art Institute were announced today.Among the 100 outstanding actors elected were Ruan Lingyu and Zhang Ruifang. Nineteen actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan were also included in the selection. Demised mega-stars Bruce Lee, Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing and Anita Mui Yim Fong also made the list. Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fatt, Stephen Chow, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Tony Leung Kar Fai, Jet Li, Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi are some of the actors in the list. They were elected by 100 judges consisting of prestigious Chinese film directors, critics and scholars. At the award presentation ceremony on 12 November 2005 in Sanya, China, the classic works of each prize winner were shown on the big screen. The atmosphere was warm and filled with reminisces of bygone years. When Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing’s image from ‘Farewell My Concubine’ appeared on the screen, there was a big round of applause from all the artists and journalists that were present at the presentation. Source: Shenyang Today on Leslietong.com. Others: Xinhua - CRI On Line - many thanks to Simie!

November 20, 2005

Two articles about Pak Suet Sin - The first one is mainly on Pak Suet Sin's dog named Bebe. Many people assumed that Pak Suet Sin and Yam Kim Fai shared similar interests but this is not true because Sister Sin adores animals whereas the late Yam Kim Fai was afraid of all cats and dogs. Sister Sin received a little Beijing dog as a gift from a friend. This little dog has become the apple of her eye. It is rather chubby and has a special liking for coffee and bread rolls. It can do some special tricks like shaking its paws when wishing for a feed and it barks at 5 pm daily asking to be taken for a walk! Next Pak Suet Sin was asked for her beauty secrets for at seventy-something, she still possess a flawless, wrinkles-free complexion. She replied she hardly wears foundation; only a touch of lipstick when she's out and about. Sister Sin says health is by far more important than looks and reveals that she has low-blood pressure. Touching on friends, she was reminded of GorGor. She fondly reminisces how Leslie Cheung would always be by her side holding her hands whenever they appeared together at any public functions such as the special function to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Yam Kim Fai's passing. GorGor was a frequent visitor to her house because he was her 'mahjong' sidekick.  Lately, Daffy Tong has also dropped in to pay her a visit on the odd occasion. Pak Suet Sin also recalls the funeral of her partner Yam Kim Fai. It was Anita Mui then who had held her hand when they went to pay their respects at the burial grounds. When Yam Kim Fai passed away, she was around Sister Sin's present age. She sighs that life can be so helpless. Everyone has to die, some leave sooner than the rest of us. She says she has no fear of death. It is a natural law of nature. Life is like travelling on a bus; it just depends on how far your journey takes you and when you have to get off the bus. Many of her bosom buddies had gone before her. She is not afraid of dying for when her time comes, she would have reached the life stage of perfection. The second article from Sing Pao is a question directed at Pak Suet Sin by a reporter. Reporter: "Sister Sin, you are always surrounded by talented and gifted people for eg: Damien Lau Chung Yan, Leslie Cheung, James Wong, Lau Pui Kee etc. Do you ever have such thoughts like being afraid of socialising with stupid and ignorant people?" Pak Suet Sin pondered for a moment and replied with a smile, "I agree. Who would like to mingle with stupid and ignorant people? Stupid people can be rather exasperating! Indeed it is true that the people around me are very talented and all of them are my bosom buddies. Sadly some of them are no longer here... Leslie Cheung and James Wong". Source: The Magical Wind, kindly translated by Simie.

December 23, 2005

Up-and-coming actor Nicholas Tse, better known for his brushes with the law, represents the younger generation of Hong Kong talents and has been compared to the late Leslie Cheung, the star of Chen's 1993 Oscar-winning Farewell My Concubine - fulsome praise indeed. Director Chen Kaige was so impressed with Nicholas Tse's portrayal of the Duke of North in the movie "The Promise" that he said it reminded him of the late Leslie Cheung. Tse, humbled by the comparison, said he was not worthy of the compliment and noted that Cheung together with Anita Mui and Roman Tam are irreplaceable. Source: The Star Online - Bangkok Post.

December 26, 2005

Sylvia Chang accompanies Daffy Tong to Bangkok to reminisce Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing - It has been over two years since the demise of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing. Although his beloved Daffy Tong Hock Tak has finally come through his hazy days yet when it comes to festive occasions, GorGor's friends would group together to look after him. On Christmas Day, Sylvia Chang led a group of ladies to accompany Daffy Tong Hock Tak on a vacation to Bangkok, Thailand. Actually Bangkok is a sad place for Daffy Tong and GorGor. Five years ago Tong Tong was here to celebrate GorGor's birthday. Both of them once owned a luxurious villa in Chengmai but GorGor had passed away more than two years ago; all these now would evoke some sweet memories for Daffy Tong. For the past two years, Tong Tong with the companionship of GorGor's good friends has slowly resumed to a life of normality. Yesterday was Christmas Day. Earlier Tong Tong has disclosed to friends that he would like to spend Christmas alone. Friends felt sorry that he would be alone so this Christmas Sylvia Chang organised a group of friends to accompany Tong Tong to Bangkok for a vacation. The relationship between Sylvia Chang and GorGor was like a brother and sister. The film '20,30,40' directed by her originally had a portion that was supposed to be directed by GorGor but unfortunately this did not eventuate. This year she took on the responsibility of accompanying Tong Tong through the festive period. She led a group including her husband, Wong Jing Hung, her son, Wong Ling Chan and some ladies to accompany Tong Tong on a 3-day 2-night Bangkok vacation. The group of ten flew to Bangkok on 24/12/05. She hired a car to take them to a high-class restaurant known as 'Giusto Bangkok' for an Italian Christmas dinner at 3,000 baht per head. The group were there enjoying their dinner in a private room till about 10 pm before leaving the restaurant. Sylvia Chang happily gave Tong Tong a warm hug when she left the restaurant. The group then returned to the hotel. Originally they had intended to adjourn to the hotel's bar for drinks but the bar was too noisy so it was with disappointment that they decided to return to their respective rooms. Source: http://forum.st.gd.cn/News.php?ArtcleNo=1081653588&fPage=0 translated by Simie.

December 30, 2005

Few weeks ago, after receiving the HK Golden Horse Award - Best Actress, Shu Qi cried with joy. The happy actress was later found attending several award celebration parties and gathering. Shu Qi said in her interveiws: "From porn star to best actress, I felt I've gone through much hardship compare to others, of cause am luckier too! Many thanks to those who had helped me out over the past ten years, including Leslie Cheung who spent so much time in helping me in the making of 'Viva Erotica'". Source unknown.

The death of two friends reminded Michelle Yeoh of the frisson driving her many martial arts films: that fate lurks around every corner. She says her secure outlook on life onscreen and off was obliterated in 2003 when 'Farewell, My Concubine' star Leslie Cheung committed suicide, and Anita Mui, sometimes called the Madonna of Asia, died of cancer with Yeoh at her bedside. Both were in their 40s. Yeoh speaks of a "certain denial" at first, but the blows left a lesson. "At the end of the day you have your life now," she says. Source: SFGate.

In the very beginning of the first session of the new program hosted by Suzi Wong on Commercial Radio on December 5th , the first song played was 'Chase', which was a dedication from a guy named Micheal Papa. After the song was fully played, Suzi Wong said that since her good friend left her, she had never listened to any one of  his songs in full because it was too difficult for her, and this is the very first time that she listened to his song in full and still it is still very difficult for her and that she was worried  that she couldn't go on with the program. She continued that while her buddy was with her, they used to have playful arguements, like she would tell him that his songs were bad, his concerts were bad. She said she wants to tell her buddy that what is left in her memory  now is all the sweet memories. At the end, she said, she is the first one who poured out her heart (her new program is for listeners to call and pour out their hearts) in her program, but she found that is not easy to pour out her heart. Then another listener called to tell Suzi that her mom cried so much when she heard of  the sad news of Leslie in 2003, and after a few months, her mom passed away because of a sickness. Suzie Wong also said that Leslie was a very sweet, silly, crazy guy and loved to bring suprise to their friends. Thanks to Susanna and Katherine for this news. 

One of the managers who works at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong for thirty some years and met different famous people everyday just like seeing good old friends, has been asked by a reporter about Leslie leap off himself in 2003. The manager expressed that he didn't want to talk about it by saying: "He is my old friend, talk about this would make me cry." The door man of the Mandarin Hotel said: "Cheung Kwok Wing never stucked up, New Year time he would give us red pocket, his pass away, we feel very sorry." Thanks to Katherine for this news.

Thomas Podvin of HK Cinémagic during an interview with Anthony Wong asked him: "Je crois savoir que vous appréciez beaucoup Leslie Cheung. Vous avez pris sa défense en 1995 (contre une compagne de dénigrassions fomentée par ses concurrents du showbiz)." Anthony Wong replied: "C'était un mec bien. Il a toujours été gentil avec moi. Il était une grande star alors qu'à l'époque je n'étais pas connu. Il a été charmant chaque fois que nous nous sommes vus. Thomas asked him: "Comment l'avez rencontré?" and Wong replied: "Je ne me souviens plus... Où que nous allons nous croisons quelqu'un. Hong Kong est minuscule, tout le monde connaît tout le monde". Source: HKCinémagic

David Vivier and Thomas Podvin of HK Cinémagic recenlty interviewed Jeff Lau and asked him: "Pendant le tournage de "Eagles shooting heroes", quels acteurs vous ont le plus impressionné dans la comédie?" Jeff Lau replied: "Leslie, Tony, Maggie… j'ai toujours voulu écrire pour Maggie Cheung parce que je l'adore. Mais le film n'était pas bien préparé, et je n'avais pas l‘énergie suffisante. C'est pourquoi je hais ce film ! (rires)" They asked him: "Beaucoup de Français apprécient Leslie Cheung. Quels souvenirs en gardez-vous ?" He replied: "Leslie me donnait l'air d'être quelqu'un de très timide. Mais après avoir discuté avec lui, j'ai réalisé qu'il n'était timide qu'en apparence. C'était quelqu'un qui réfléchissait beaucoup, qui avait beaucoup d'idées. Sur le tournage d'Eagles Shooting Heroes, tous les jours, nous avions de nouvelles idées à proposer. La scène où il chante, la scène où il danse avec Tony Leung Kar Fai: à la dernière prise, il tenait Tony dans ses bras tout en me soufflant de ne pas couper pour voir combien de temps Tony tiendrait. Tony, du coin de la bouche, me disait 'coupe, coupe!!!'". Source: HKCinémagic

Ops! Sorry! This is the English version!

Thomas Podvin of HK Cinémagic during an interview with Anthony Wong asked him: "I think you admire Leslie Cheung a lot. You defended him on 1995 (against a defamatory campaign fomented by his competitors of the showbusiness)." Anthony Wong replied: "He was a good guy. He's always been kind with me. He was a great superstar when I was unknown. He's always been charming every time we met. Thomas asked him: "How did you met him?" and Wong replied: "I can't remember any more... Wherever we go, we meet somebody. Hong Kong is very small, everyone knows everybody". Source: HKCinémagic

David Vivier and Thomas Podvin of HK Cinémagic recenlty interviewed Jeff Lau and asked him: "During the shooting of "Eagles shooting heroes", which actors impressed you more in the comedy?" Jeff Lau replied: "Leslie, Tony, Maggie… I've always wanted to write something for Maggie Cheung because I adore her. But the film wasn't well prepared and I hadn't enough energy. This is the reason why I hate this film! (laughs)" They asked him: "Many people in France love Leslie Cheung. How do you remember him?" He replied: "Leslie gave me the impression that he was very shy. But after talking with him I saw he wasn't shy at all. It was only an apparent impression. He was somebody who thought a lot, he had many ideas. During the shooting of Eagles Shooting Heroes, every day, we had some new ideas to suggest. The scene where he sings, the scene where he dances with Tony Leung Kar Fai: at the last shot, he held Tony in his arms whispering to not cut to see how much time Tony would hold. Tony, whispering, told me 'cut, cut!!!'". Source: HKCinémagic

Chapman To talks about GorGor Leslie Cheung on CRHK's programme, 'Who Will Understand' on 26/12/2005 - My favourite movie star is Cheung Kwok Wing. I reckon you will never be able to find  the likes of Cheung Kwok Wing's audacity, Cheung Kwok Wing's temperament and Cheung Kwok Wing's features ever again. Actually there are many songs that can represent Cheung Kwok Wing. Cheung Kwok Wing has many classic songs but this song really reminds me of Cheung Kwok Wing. This song is not sung by Cheung Kwok Wing. This is a song from 'Happy Together' where Cheung Kwok Wing was dancing the cha-cha in front of a mirror with this music playing in the background. I don't know why but whenever I think of Cheung Kwok Wing, this song always comes to my mind. Each time I hear this song, I will think of Cheung Kwok Wing. The waterfall scene was being shown at the time. It was a massive waterfall and the roar coming from the waterfall was very loud. I could feel the heartache of his co-star, Leung Chiu Wai. I vividly remember this scene. This has to the greatest scene that I have seen in my whole life, yeah, this is right... the waterfall scene. Mr Cheung Kwok Wing starred in many films, but in my opinion he was the most brilliant in the film called 'Happy Together' yet this film did not bring him any awards. I feel that this is a matter of great injustice because I believe GorGor's performance was the best.  Honestly, I have heard people saying that GorGor was a homosexual so for him to take on the role of a homosexual and to play this role superbly shouldn't be so surprising. Personally I feel that a homosexual who took on the role of a homosexual and was able to excel in the role yet people considered it a low performance; to me this is a most unfair criticism because I am acquainted with many heterosexual artistes and they play their heterosexual roles very poorly.    

Note:  Chapman To made a mistake either with the song or the movies. The song that was played on air was from 'Days of Being Wild' and not from 'Happy Together'. Many thanks to Simie!

Dicky Cheung Wai Kin talks about GorGor Leslie Cheung on CRHK's programme, 'Who Will Understand' on 29/12/2005 - For me, Cheung Wai Kin, 'The Wind Continues to Blow' is not only our evergreen Cantonese song but there is also a cute experience, a significance behind it.  I recall a long, long time ago when I was very young, in my teens, I already knew GorGor. Gradually we became good friends because he thought my life history, my family background and my character were pretty similar to his so gradually he was like a big brother to me.  Although I've known him for a long time yet he had never heard me sing.  I remember one night when we were having drinks in a bar in Happy Valley, he said to me, "Hey, why don't you sing a song for me. Let me see if you're OK and if you're really OK, I'll see what I can do to help you." I remember that night I sang 'The Wind Continues to Blow'. After I had finished the song, he said to me, "Mmm... mm, it's alright. You can sing." Then he continued, "Now all I can do is to encourage you and hope you will participate in the New Talent Singing Competition.  The other thing I can do for you is to help pick a song for you, to help you select a song for the competition." In the end the song GorGor had chosen for me was a song by Alan Tam! How funny, don't you think? It was 'Love In Autumn'. My immediate response was something like... "Huh? 'Love In Autumn'?? Mmnn... OK, OK. 'Love in Autumn'... fine... alright then. OK, OK." Folks like me are not good in anything but I'm best at being a swaying weed swinging from side to side.  In front of him I said OK, OK but when I sent in the completed entry form for the singing competition, I had submitted the song 'The Criss-Cross of Love'.  This time it was GorGor's turn, "What?.... I chose 'Love in Autumn' for you; instead you picked 'The Criss-Cross of Love'. How annoying! Anyway, it's up to you.  Good luck and I hope you will get good results." Many thanks to Simie!

January 9, 2006

Connie Chan Bo Chu praises GorGor on CRHK's programme, 'Who Will Understand' - Appearing on CRHK's programme, 'Who Will Understand', Connie Chan Bo Chu was asked for her impression of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing (GorGor).  She was full of praises for him.  She said he was a good man who knew how to care and respect his elders. Reminiscing her days in Vancouver, she said GorGor used to telephone her inviting her over for dinner and for a game of mah-jong.  She recalled during those days GorGor affectionately addressed her as 'Bo Chu Chan' (Jewel Chan) and he personally came to pick her up and send her home. When news of his passing reached her, at first she thought it was just a joke. When she learned of the truth, she was overwhelmed with profound sympathy and regret. She hopes all is well with GorGor now that he is in heaven above. Source: TakungPao - many thanks to Simie for her translation!

Leslie's song 'I am willing' begins to play. I love the lyrics of this song 'I am willing' because it is about a person who is willing to do anything for a particular person, unconditionally. The lyrics are very touching. The song 'Monica' is a very carefree song. I feel that this song was Leslie's turning point. Once 'Monica' became a hit, everything changed for him. After that, he started his continuous rise to the top. I like this song because it gives people a very happy feeling. Leslie's song 'Monica' begins to play.
Leslie was a very good person. He treated the elders with a lot of respect. When he learnt that I was in Vancouver, he phoned me, picked me up and drove me to his house to have dinner. I even played Mahjong with him twice, and occasionally we dined together. Whenever he knows you are in town, he would contact you. He really respected the older generation of actors, like myself. After we returned to Hong Kong, occasionally he would call me and say "Hey, Chu Bo Chan, how are you?" that's the name by which Leslie calls me (Leslie has called the name of Chan Po Chu the other way round just as to make a joke. Chu Bo means Jewelry. When Leslie called her name the other way around, it would give her a warm feeling as well!). To that I would respond, "I am doing well". Then he would say "When we have some time, let's get together".
Leslie had a very good heart, and he cared about me. When I learnt of his passing, I was terribly, terribly sad. At first I thought it was an April fool's joke. It is such a big loss because he was multitalented. During that period, Leslie must have felt that there was no one he could talk to. Also, at that time we knew little about Depression so maybe those by his side couldn't comprehend the condition of his illness. I hope he has found peace in heaven. Many friends and fans of his will like to extend such good wishes to him.
Many thanks to Julie!

January 16, 2006

February 2, 2006

Tribute to 'Farewell My Concubine' - To celebrate the centennial anniversary of Chinese cinema, Act magazine and Red Mission, an Internet fan club of the late Hong Kong star Leslie Cheung, will hold a special art exhibition based on the award-winning movie 'Farewell My Concubine' during the Chinese New Year holiday. "This epic movie is not only a representative work of Cheung, but also a full display of the profound Chinese culture", says Zhu Ran, a fan of Cheung and an organizer of the event. Directed by veteran filmmaker Chen Kaige ('The Promise'), 'Farewell My Concubine' centers on the tragic love between two Peking Opera performers, showcasing Chen's talent for storytelling in an artistic and sentimental way. This landmark film won Chen a joint Palme d'Or (with 'The Piano') at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination. And Cheung deeply impressed the audience with his art talent and exquisite performing skills as Cheng Dieyi. The two-day exhibition (February 3rd and 4th) will include several special screenings of the movie, and a display of its properties, photos, posters, video memorials and publicity materials. The sword used in the movie and the imitated Peking Opera stage and powder room will also be exhibited, which will bring people back to those nostalgic scenes of the movie. "And a 30-minute special feature about the film will be released for the first time on the Chinese mainland", Zhu adds. From it, people will know many interesting stories about the filmmaking. However, the exhibition is more than a platform to showcase film art. It offers an insight into the age-old Peking Opera art. Well-known Peking Opera artists Li Chun and Guo Ruiyue from Shanghai Peking Opera House will be invited to give workshops during the exhibition. Li, who played a supporting role in the movie, will share his experience and stories with visitors. The exhibition won high praise from the public when it was held in Hong Kong last September. Thousands of people went to visit it, and Lilian Lee, the acclaimed scriptwriter of the movie, wrote a column article for the event. The exhibition is also in memory of Cheung, a popular Cantonese actor who committed suicide in Hong Kong by jumping from a hotel in 2003. "He was a great artist, so professional and diligent", Zhu says. "Before shooting 'Farewell', he had no performing experience for Peking Opera. But after tough training and consulting opera artists, he successfully portrayed such a complicated role".
Date: February 3-4, 10am-10pm
Venue: SFG Village Cinema City, 11/F, 2 Nanjing Rd W.
Tel: 139-1821-4035
Without english subtitles
Source: Shanghai Daily News - more on LeslieTong.com 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 & Baidu

If you are in Shanghai, pay a visit to the restaurant 'Memories', where Leslie's DVDs are usually screened. The address is Room 428, Guangdong Road, Shanghai. The Chinese name of the restaurant is a Leslie's song title ('Dang Nian Ching', the theme song of 'A Better Tomorrow'). See some pictures here!

Cecilia Cheung and Leslie's good luck charm - Cecilia Cheung disclosed how when she was in hospital after suffering a nasty accident while rehearsing for a TVB charity show in 2001, Leslie went to visit her in hospital. He gave her his good luck charm and told her to take good care of it.  She said: "They took me out on a stretcher... I was crying uncontrollably. It took me 8 weeks to recover. During this time I felt the care and concern of many people... many friends came to visit me. Cheung Kwok Wing GorGor also came to see me. (In the video she pulled out the pendant that she was wearing around her neck and showed it to the camera). This is something that had been with GorGor all the time... a good luck charm that had been keeping him safe at all times. I remember vividly when he came to visit me in hospital to give me this charm... he said to me, "You must take good care of it because it has always been by my side all this time...it protects me from all harm". Yet he gave it to me. At that time I was very touched. I have been taking good care of it since, I have it on me everyday. When he passed away, I was grief-stricken; I felt maybe it was because his good luck charm was not by his side and thus no longer able to protect him. That's why that horrible incident happened. I will treasure this charm for the rest of my life, I will always wear it on me all the time. I am deeply touched because he really loved me very much." - Many thanks to Simie!

February 18, 2006

Suzi Wong talks about Leslie on MingPaoWeekly - In the article it says that Suzi Wong enjoys mountain walks.  Her experiences with mountain walks led her to reminisce Leslie. She says after her trek over the mountains she would look forward to a good sleep when she gets home. However for Leslie, after walking over a mountain, thinking that he could go home to have a good sleep yet the next day, there is another mountain in front of him. He had been walking till he was thoroughly exhausted. Falling sick was a natural thing under such circumstances. He didn't know if the day would come for him to recover from his sickness. Suzi Wong says she could only try to have a better understanding of friends that are suffering from depression. She realises that for these people to live through each day, it must be a great effort for them. Suzi Wong is a long time dear friend of Leslie. Over the years, she has always celebrated her birthdays with him. She celebrated her 50th birthday with three old friends at Leslie's house recently. She said she felt a bit sad at the time. She asked Mr Tong if he ever felt bored? Mr Tong pondered for a while before answering her, saying, "It's loneliness, not boredom". Suzi Wong then realises how fortunate she is because in her happy life, she only knows the word 'bored'. For her, the word 'lonely' never existed. Just the word 'bored' is enough to scare her. Source: Leslietong.com - kindly translated by Simie.

February 23, 2006

Leslie Cheung is still king at the polls - To commemorate their tenth anniversary, Universal subsidiary, Go East Entertainment, conducted a poll earlier titled '10x10 - My Most Favourite Albums'. Fans cast their votes to select the ten most favourite albums from a given list of 100 albums. This newspaper delivers the latest breaking news on the results of this poll with demised megastar, Leslie Cheung, monopolizing the list with two albums. In addition he led the poll by a substantial margin; receiving a great number of votes and leaving the other artistes way behind him. The ten most loved albums are as follows: Leslie Cheung - Summer Romance 87, Leslie Cheung - Hot Summer , Eason Chan - U87, Faye Wong - No Regrets, Andy Hui - Mud, Miriam Yeung - Miriam, Kelly Chen - Paisley Galaxy, Beyond - Secret Police, Sam Hui - The Most Important Thing Is Fun, Anthony Wong - The Night Is More Beautiful. Besides having two albums on the list, GorGor's Summer Romance 87 album that included the hit single 'Sleepless Nights' received the highest number of votes pushing the other nine albums far behind. Although it has been almost three years since GorGor's demise, yet his fans still have not relinquished their devotion to him. Go East (HK) will reissue the ten albums in all new packaging; each album also comes with a DVD that contains MVs from KTV, TVB as well as clips taken from the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards presentation. Among them copyright fees for TVB's MVs cost Go East (HK) a fair amount of money.  The three albums of GorGor and Sam Hui will also include their precious radio interviews. With the current downturn in music sales, albums that can achieve good sales are rare but according to our knowledge, the initial order for these ten albums has already surpassed 100,000 copies which is a strong boost to the current weak market. Source: Oriental Daily and Leslietong.com - kindly translated by Simie.

February 25, 2006

F4 is rehearsing Leslie's famous songs for their concert in Hong Kong on March 22, 2006 in order to salute Leslie Cheung. Source: SingTao.

February 28, 2006

Florence Chan reveals the cause of Leslie Cheung's death: "He was killed by the paparazzi" - In 2003 Leslie Cheung committed suicide because of depression. As GorGor's good friend and ex-manager, Florence Chan recently revealed the reason for his sickness, "Regarding the truth of this matter, I will only mention it just once in this life. I will not be writing it down in a book." When the precise reason for GorGor's sickness was raised, a fuming Florence Chan said, "The biggest reason is still the hurt that his concert brought him. He gave his heart out to make it a good concert yet he received such a big blow. The Hong Kong paparazzi never mentioned a single word on the songs that were performed at the concert and nothing was written about the lightings and sound effects on that night. They only wrote about his long hair matching it with a revealing photo that had him exposed. They smeared the entire concert with slander. GorGor really took offence and minded this very much but he kept it all in his heart without saying much until he fell sick. It was the paparazzi that caused him to suffer from depression. The paparazzi must bear the responsibility for GorGor's death." Florence Chan reminisces, saying, "Since that devastating blow, it was obvious that there was a significant change in GorGor in the days that followed; he frequently made things more difficult for himself than was necessary to the point that he suffered from depression." According to Florence Chan, "GorGor chose death because he didn't want the outside world to know about his sickness. He was losing control of  himself more and more. In the end he was afraid of appearing in public in case some problems might occur and this would give an opportunity for others to write something about him. He really didn't wish to have such incidents happening to him so he made that decision..." Source: KuaiBao - reporter Xun Yi, kindly translated by Simie. See also: Ent.Sina - Leslietong.com.

March 8, 2006

Anthony Wong To Sing 'So Far, So Close' In Memory Of GorGor - True fans of Leslie Cheung (GorGor) are well aware of the strong camaraderie between GorGor and Anthony Wong. April is the high point for commemorative activities organised by fans in memory of GorGor. Coincidentally, Tat Ming Pair will be holding their concert in Shanghai at the end of April. Anthony Wong indicated that at the Shanghai concert, he will sing 'So Far, So Close', his duet with GorGor; which is also their representative work, as a special gift for GorGor. Recalling his past collaboration with GorGor, Anthony Wong said, "Before Tat Ming Pair disbanded, I didn't know GorGor very well at all. We merely just exchanged greetings when we met at public functions. Later GorGor signed up with Universal Music and I also joined this company as well. At that time, senior management came up with this unusual idea; they proposed that we should team up to cut an album together. At the time I was a bit hesitant as I have never co-operated with any other male artiste except Tats Lau. However GorGor's feelings ran high; he was proactive in inviting me to discuss plans together. Because of this, my worries were dispelled." Perhaps the extraordinary karma between Anthony Wong and GorGor was destined in life. Their collaboration on this album titled 'Crossover' reached the state of perfection and was regarded as one of the Hong Kong's collectible music album at that time. Anthony Wong's reminiscence of this album is tinged with regret. He said, "The Company paid great attention to the release of the album but when the promotional events for the album commenced, Leslie was not feeling well. I was the only one who attended all the minor and major promotional activities for this album. After GorGor left us, this became a profound regret in my heart forever." This album includes the song 'So Far, So Close'. Leslie Cheung's monologue was like the pen that drew the finishing touches. Anthony Wong disclosed, "Recording the monologue was rather good fun. At that time, GorGor's throat was not feeling good. His voice was a bit hoarse. We never thought that the hoarseness of his voice instead gave the song an added mournful feel. In the recording studio, GorGor casually said a few words and recorded them. Then instinctively I chose those parts that I felt were suitable and placed them in the song. I never thought it would turn out like custom-made. That dramatic effect came through naturally. Therefore I feel that my karma with GorGor was predestined." Anthony Wong naturally regarded the song, 'So Far, So Close' to be the best work of arts to honour the memory of GorGor. He revealed that although the rundown of songs for the Shanghai concert has not been finalised but this song, 'So Far, So Close' will certainly be in the list of songs to be performed at the concert. Source: Shanghai Evening News on Leslietong.com - kindly translated by Simie.

March 12, 2006

The 7th 'In Reminiscence Of Leslie's Artistic Life' Seminar will be held in HK on April 2, 2006. The topic will be: 'The Truth and Sincerity Revealed in Leslie's Images' and guest speakers will be Jacob Cheung (film director) and Kee To Lam (film critic and screenplay writer). For more info please visit: http://www.leslie-cheung.info/20060402.html.

March 18, 2006

Wing Shya Photo Exhibition in Tokyo, Roppongi Hills from March 18 to April 16, 2006. Visit the website. In an interview Wing Shya said that he will exhibit some of Leslie's pictures never seen before. He also said about Leslie that he was a creative star who did not fear the challenge.

Leslie's movies 'Nomad' and 'A Chinese Ghost Story' will be screened at the 30th Hong Kong Film Festival. More info: HKIFF.

The Enduring Aura of Leslie Cheung - The Chinese edition of well-known international women's magazine, 'Elle' elected the top ten gorgeous men in China in the eyes of the feminine sex from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to be published later in a 40-page special feature of 'Elle Man' in April. Representing Mainland China are Aloys Chen, Huang Xiaoming, Jed Lee; Taiwan's gorgeous guys include Chen Chang, A Xin, Jay Chou and Jerry Yan; in Hong Kong the honour falls on Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Aaron Kwok and demised megastar Leslie Cheung (GorGor). Although GorGor has left us but the women from the three countries still have not erased their sentiments towards him which is sufficient proof of his elegant demeanour as a megastar. 'Elle''s selection criteria for China's top ten most gorgeous men are based not only on the actors' outward appearances but also their unique individualities as well as their fashion sense and the strength of their personal influence. Leslie Cheung is worthy to be on the list of China's ten most gorgeous men. His immortal beauty continues to bloom. Therefore even though he has departed from this world, he is still fondly remembered. Visit: LeslieTong.com. Source: WenweiPo.

March 19, 2006

Maggie Cheung views photos of Leslie Cheung in Japan - Maggie Cheung was seen at the Mori Arts Centre Gallery at Roppongi Hills the night before; she was attending the pre-opening cocktail party of Wong Kar Wai's exclusive photographer, Wing Shya's photo exhibition showcasing his photography and design work. Wing invited all his good friends in the film industry to attend the opening do. Maggie flew to Japan specially to lend her support. Japanese pop-singer Matsuura Aya was also in attendance. Originally the organisers also invited Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara and Wu Bing to the opening party but they just sent over a bouquet of flowers. The exhibition opened last night and runs right through till April 16. It will also be opened to the public. On display were many photo stills taken from Wong Kar Wai's movies as well as a set of photos of Maggie Cheung specially taken at Guilin and Paris by Wing Shya. However on this night, Maggie's attention was not focussed on the display of her own photos but instead she was all eyes on the photos of her deceased good friend, Leslie Cheung (GorGor). Many years ago Wing Shya had helped to shoot GorGor's photo book; a portion of the photos was never included in the photo book. This set of photos has never been exposed to the public before. At the exhibition the night before, Maggie was seen gazing intently at GorGor's photos for a long time with a look of regret on her face. Visit LeslieTong.com for news and pictures. Source: AppleDaily.

March 23, 2006

Leslie Cheung Leads The Way In The Best of Best Actor Category In The 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Film Awards Online Poll - The Hong Kong Film Awards online poll being conducted by Sina.com HK website has been underway for a week.  This year a special 25th Anniversary HKFAA poll has been specially added giving net visitors the chance to vote for the best actor, best actress and best film over the past 25 years. In the best film category, 'Days of Being Wild' with 3363 votes amounting to 39% of the votes temporarily crushes second place, 'Infernal Affair' with 1783 votes. In the Best Actor category,  Leslie Cheung in 'Days of Being Wild' is currently in the lead with 4423 votes attaining 48% of the total votes while Andy Lau in 'Running Out of Time' is in second place. As for the Best Actress, in first place is 'Rouge''s Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung and Anita Yuen are in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.  In the current HKFAA's awards,  the film, 'Initial D', is in first place in the best film category. Ahead in the best actor and best actress awards are Andy Lau in 'Wait Till You're Older' and Sammi Cheng in 'Everlasting Regret'. Source: MingPaoDaily. Similar news on: TakungPao, WenWeiPo, OrientalDaily, SingPao - thanks to Simie for her translation.

Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, in lead as the best actress and best actor in Internet Film Academy Silver Academy voting - Hong Kong Sina is holding an internet voting for the Hong Kong Film Academy Silver Award.  Voting has been started for one week already.  This year 'Silver Academy Award' has been added to the list of awards. Best film, best actor and actress will be selected from the most loved film/actor/actress of  past 25 years. For best actor, Leslie Cheung is leading for his film 'Days of Being Wild' with 4423 votes, i.e. 48% of total votes.  For best actress, Anita Mui is leading with her film 'Rouge', followed by Maggie Cheung and Anita Yuen. Source: MuiMusic.

Memory brought back by relics of super stars, Exhibitions of treasure items, Music of 100 years - First 'Exhibition of Hong Kong Music' started the night before.  The most important part of the Exhibition is 'China records of 100 years'. Singers of different decades have given their personal things related to music to the organizer as gifts to be displayed in the Exhibition. Lots of treasure items belonged to many singers are being exhibited, among them, items belonged to the deceased super stars such as Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, Roman Tam, Danny Chan, and etc are the focus of attraction. The organizer commented that if the Government of HKSAR is really willing to value this batch of cultural  heritage, then a place should be allocate to build a museum to let Hong Kong and overseas music livers to have a chance to view the relics of their idols. The most touching part is the exhibition of the belongings of the few deceased super stars... Anita Mui International Fan Club has let the Organizer to display a leather jacket of Anita Mui and many records.  The spoke person of this function disclosed that due to complicated reason (guess the law suit), the family of Anita Mui and Eddie Lau said that they could not loan Ah Mui's things to them. He disclosed that all the items will be exhibited till today. But the Government of HKSAR does not show much support, they never think that all these items stand for the course of the music of Hong Kong for past 100 years, it's worthwhile to find a permanent place to display these items of commemoration value. He hopes that HKSAR will pay more attention to the development of Hong Kong music. Source: MuiMusic.

March 24, 2006

Fans to hold 401 Candlelight vigil to commemorate Leslie Cheung - Come 1 April, Leslie Cheung's international fans group will continue to hold a candlelight vigil to commemorate their idol.  Over a thousand people participated in previous years' candlelight vigil. Once again on April 1 (Saturday) there will be a gathering  of fans holding a candlelight vigil dedicated to Leslie Cheung at the Podium, Jardine House, opposite the Mandarin Hotel at 6.41 pm (the time he left us). The ceremony is similar to past years' event. A spokesperson revealed that this year's candlelight memorial will have two special features. Firstly is the lighting up of the name, 'Leslie' by all participants to symbolize the ongoing flame of love for him in their hearts. All participants in this year's candlelight vigil will be given two candles; one is an ordinary long white candle similar to those used on previous occasions. The other candle used for lighting up the name 'Leslie' is a heart-shaped candle stored in a glass container. Besides this, another special item for this year's candlelight memorial is the first ever public rendition of the remembrance song 'GorGor' by its original singer and songwriter, Mr Lum Hon Yeung, as a mark of respect to GorGor. On April 1 the fan club will also launch a commemorative charity drive to mark Leslie Cheung's forthcoming 50th birthday by way of a charity sale of a commemorative set of Leslie Cheung's photo album and a special edition DVD of the song, 'GorGor'. Source: WenWeiPo - many thanks to Simie for her translation!

March 26, 2006

Ah Mui, Gor Gor, Maggie, triangular love - 'Behind the yellow line' on Pearl today at 1:15pm - Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, this a classic combination of actresses/actor for film, plus the duet 'Fate' by Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, this film was very popular for a period of time. Moreover, by this film Anita Mui got the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 4th Hong Kong Film Academy. Just graduated from University, Paul (Leslie Cheung played this role) was looking for a job, with confidence he stepped into this world. One day, on his way to work, in the MTR he met a beautiful Monica (Maggie Cheung), and loved her at first sight. But on the same MTR, a girl from rich family, Anita (Anita Mui) fell in love with Paul. When Paul and Monica was getting ready to get married, Monica's ex-boy friend suddenly appeared, Monica was greatly troubled, very complicated love. Finally, Monica and Paul went to MTR, getting onto different trains to see if they had fate to meet again... Source: MuiMusic.

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