[Obsession] Dayo Wong

If you guys follow my blog, you'll know it's obvious that this guy is my favorite celebrity. He's certainly not the most handsome guy around, but he rose to fame based on talents alone. I'm going to be posting interesting (or not so) facts that I found on the Internet, some that are well-known and some lesser known. 

(Facts, not gossips, because I'm never interested in them :/)

But first, my favorite Dayo Wong look (because someone asked me).... Hmmm... I guess my favorite looks of his is his look in Bounty Lady -

Not to forget his look in You're Hired, with the legendary never-changing rubbish bag jacket -

- which, fun fact time, the never changing costume was proposed by Dayo himself as he was apparently too lazy to remember which costume he has to wear in which scene. 

And... This look in the second half of his 2009 stand-up comedy -

And his casual look! Well, not casual, but what he wear during informal events (interviews, promotions). Usually consisting of a hat and an old-school glasses, dressed in dark colors. Well, you've got to admit he looks best in dark colors. Examples are - 

Unlike most TVB and China celebrities, Dayo's personal Internet page is on Facebook and not Weibo. Thank god for me because I can barely survive Weibo with my half-bucket mastery of reading Chinese. His page is here, please like and support!

Okay, facts time. 

Dayo Wong is born on 5 September 1960. If you had the same reaction as me, namely: "WHAT?! SO OLD?!", then yes, it's true. He's 54 (as of 2014). 

Dayo is in the entertainment industry since 1984. Yes, he was practically unknown until 1990, rising to fame at 1997 and 1999, and peaked during 2000 after starring in the legendary/classic sitcom War of the Genders. Before that, he started off working as a cameo actor (kelefe), assistant director, screenwriter, and radio host, etc. 

If you're a fan, then you should know that Dayo's main forte is not as an actor, but as a stand-up comedian. His first stand-up comedy in 1990 is the reason he initially rose to fame, giving him chances to star in movies and later dramas. 

However, did you know that Dayo Wong is the one who first brought 'stand-up comedy' to Hong Kong? Or, well, the whole Chinese community (China and Taiwan included), because he was the one who named the Chinese version of stand-up comedy: 

Dayo Wong's stand-up comedies has gone international ever since 2003, going to tour in places such as China, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia. 

Dayo Wong is also a virtuoso. Meaning he can play more than one instruments. Well, Wikipedia states that he can play guitar, harmonica and drums, though I've only seen him on the guitar (both acoustic and electric). 

As everybody knows, he can sing. He might not be the best singer, but he can certainly sing well live. And he can rap. Examples (and my favorites) of his songs that consists of him rapping are here (a theme song of a China drama that he starred in) and here (live for his 2009 stand-up comedy) (YouTube videos). 

Well, did you know that he is also a composer and songwriter? Songs he wrote are often performed in his stand-up comedies. Example of song he wrote is the theme song for Men Don't Cry, which I must say the lyrics is extremely meaningful if you listen carefully. Here's the translation. Here is another song he composed and wrote, which he performed while playing guitar during his 1997 stand-up comedy. 

Dayo Wong is highly educated. Not highly as in PhD, but he studied in University of Alberta in Canada and acquired a degree in Philosophy. 

Despite what he acted in dramas like War of the Genders and To Catch the Uncatchable, Dayo is fluent in English. Well, not America-born-and-raised fluent, but he is well-versed for an Asian. Oh yea, he showed his ability in English in the series You're Hired. 

Dayo Wong has a spilled ink tatoo on his left forearm spanning to his chest, which you could've spotted in various scenes in Bounty Lady, most notably this - 

- can you spot it? Right above his sleeve there. 

Dayo Wong has starred in a total of 6 TVB dramas, in which 5 of them he starred as the main character and two of them (War of the Genders and To Catch the Uncatchable) are considered as classic. War of the Genders is also the first TVB drama to achieve a rating that peaked at 50 points, later also achieved by Korean drama and Jewel in the Palace and Moonlight Resonance. 

Interesting fact: Years ago, on 2000, he starred as Yu Lok Tin in the sitcom War of the Genders. The character was 32/33 year old (I forgot). Thirteen years later, he starred in Bounty Lady as Heung Kwong Nam, who's character is supposed to be 35 years old. 

Review: Bounty Lady (My盛Lady) [4/5]

(EDITED AND COMPLETED VERSION)

I shall start my first official TVB drama review with a review of the recently completed romantic comedy, Bounty Lady, starring Dayo Wong, Kate Tsui, Louis Yuen, Sharon Chan, Benz Hui, Elena Kong, etc. 

Before I start though, I'd like to give a fair warning. I am a big fan of Dayo, to the extent where I am already working on a post entitled 'All About Dayo Wong' or something similar, but you get my point. Therefore, I might be a little bias. I'll try my best not to be so obvious. 

Reason to watch: Hilarious moments, witty dialogue that makes sense yet remains hilarious, Dayo Wong screen times, Dayo Wong's "golden phrases", Kate Tsui's minor tantrums, Grace Wong's case in Ep 6-7. 

Highly recommended if you are in a mood for a comedy that is logical and meaningful. 

(Everything below are filled with spoilers, so if you do not want to be spoiled, please read this after you watch the series)

Official Synopsis:

"Leading Public Affairs Expert HEUNG KWONG-NAM (Dayo Wong), a renowned savior of the bachelorettes in town, often helps his single female clients have a happy marriage by using unexpected methods, yet he himself remains single and is satisfied with short-term relationships.

Newly joined Account Officer SING FA-LUI (Kate Tsui) misconceives that KWONG-NAM, his elder brother HEUNG SIN-NAM (Benz Hui ), co-worker TUNG TIN-KIU (Louis Yuen) and BUT FAN-KEUNG (Jazz Lam), who are also known as super senior, indulge themselves in having fun and partying all night.  Despising what KWONG-NAM has done, she expressly reprimands him for being such a bad guy and courting women by taking advantage of his job.  Meanwhile, seeing that KWONG-NAM makes his subordinate YUEN HUEN (Sharon Chan) popular as an internet singer so as to pursue her.   YUEN HUEN’s aunt YUEN SUM (Elena Kong) also hates his guts, frequently criticizing KWONG-NAM in her column.  However, KWONG-NAM makes light of it and continues in his own way until his ex-girlfriend emerges.  As such, the relationship between them turns upside down dramatically, triggering a fierce battle between the Hong Kong Guys and Girls that is never seen before……"

So basically, it's about Dayo starring as Heung Kwong Nam (a pun for Hong Kong men), a talented PR who helps the single ladies find their Prince Charming, but he himself remains single. Might I also add that Dayo has the 'artist' attitude: rejects job, dresses uniquely, and not the forget, his office and house's design is VERY unique. His office doesn't even have a decent table! (I think there's a small coffee table, though). And not to forget the spiraling board.... thing at his house. You know, the one where Dayo always fall into after getting thrown? Yes, that one. I am absolutely in love with it. 

Anyway, Dayo and Kate (starring as Sing Fa Lui, pun for single 'decent' lady) meets when attending their friend's wedding, and got drunk and ends up sleeping in a hotel. No, not that type of sleeping, just plain sleeping. But before they slept, they did some embarrassing stuff. Like singing (drunkenly, of course), drawing their faces with markers etc.. Of course when they woke up they were in shock, and Kate was in a bath robe, which contributes even more to the reason why she started freaking out. Dayo tries to point out that he was still dressed, but Kate points out that he was wearing a skirt, and Dayo was all like "IT'S A PANTS!". Then Dayo was being all analytical and observed that since he could not see a single clothing sprawled on the ground, he had a reason to believe that Kate's 'clothing are still under her clothing (bathrobe)'. 

I feel like I'm doing a recap instead, but I had to state that part out because I HAVE NOT LAUGHED THAT HARD FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. 

After that, it turns out Kate is a new employee at Dayo's working place, and while Dayo continues to be reject works and help single ladies, situations demand that Dayo and Kate work together. Thus, a rivalry sparked into romance, with a lot of comedies ensured. 

Casts:

•Dayo Wong as Heung Kwong Nam

What can I say...? Irreplaceable. Hilarious. And hey, he has good acting skills too! And as always, his lines are legendary. Just the right amount of sarcasm, and that always seems to be his forte, doesn't it? Basically, my favorite style of comedy is sarcasm, so whoever does it well without overexaggarating, I'll give points. Overall, extremely in love with his character. I don't really have much to say, to tell the truth. And I must add, I absolutely love his reaction with Laura. His 'I want to help her, but I'm too terribly afraid of her' was sooo hilarious. His chemistry with the other actors and actress were also great, as expected. Also, Dayo really does seem to give off the 'guru' and Commander aura in this show, doesn't he? 

•Kate Tsui as Sing Fa Lui

I heard they were complains on how little screen time she had. I don't think so. Yes, she had little screen time at the starting where they focused on the 'single lady' that Dayo was working on, but she had her screen time later on. I mean, it makes sense doesn't it? Would you believe it if Kate were to work with Dayo so quickly in the starting?

I thought Kate was good, and it was refreshing to see her in a slightly more childish character compared to her usual highly matured and serious character. Her tantrums and all were quite cute and fun to watch, in fact. I was pretty afraid for her (and for my poor heart, beause this is a rare Dayo Wong drama and I didn't want it to flop because of the female leas), because I did not expect her to handle her first comedy role this well. But then it turns out, I did not have to worry. Because seriously, Kate is quite good for her first time in a comedy role, despite what other people say. 

Overall, I think that, yes, she wasn't exceptionally great, but she was not bad. Unfortunately, she did not shine out much, but I felt she certainly deserves the Top 5 Best Actress placing. 

•Louis Yuen as Tung Tin Kiu

Nothing special, just plain ol' Louis. Though, they were many hilarious part with him in the drama. Like the whole 'I'm not gay but I have to act gay in front of the girl I'm starting to like' thing. And also when he was jealous of Dayo and thought that he took advantage of her (and I must add that I loved the running style, because that was the original 'comedy running around style'), and both of them got locked up in the freezer? And their source of warmth was the... Pig skin! Or was it skinned pig?

So overall, I thought that he wasn't bad, but not impressive or anything special at all. 

•Sharon Chan as Yuen Huen

I liked her... All the way until her makeover. Then I was just like, 'whatever'. I really really enjoyed watching the awkward, naive yet kind hearted Yuen Huen, and basically after the makeover she was just plain old Sharon. I will not mention her song here, because it will be mentioned later on. 

•Benz Hui as Heung Sin Nam

Applauses to Benz for another marvelous portrayal. Maybe a little exaggerated, but that was what made me laugh. The whole young model obsession and his collections of young model products (pillow, pajamas, etc.) was hilarious. And I always love Benz's and Dayo's chemistry. And I just noticed this but, Benz also starred in Men Don't Cry and You're Hired with Dayo, didn't he?

•Elena Kong as Yuen Sam

This is my second favorite character in the series. Basically I thought Elena was better as the 'San Diu' here than in Triump in the Skies II. She was so hilarious as the feminist author and her arguments with Dayo and her relationship with Benz was so enjoyable. I must say, she did a pretty dang good job here. 

•Jazz Lam as Bat Fan Keung

Once again, nothing impressive. He's great, though. His love story didn't really appeal to me, but I do feel sad for him, being like a slave. His character as the naive on in the Super Senior is believable, though. 

•Toby Leung as Paula

Not good, not bad. Plain old Toby with (finally!) a new hairstyle. 

Cases:

Ep1-4: May Chan and James Ng as Judy and Ka Chun

It started of really hilarious, with May's exaggerated English that many people who tries to pretend to be high class uses. Then after a while, I started to feel a little bored, I don't know why! Probably because of her 'I wanna lose weight, but then I really want to eat' and 'oh whatever, I give up' attitude, which actually dragged her case longer when I thought 3 episodes would be sufficient. Not my favorite case, but definitely hilarious. 

Ep6-7: Grace Wong and Quinn Ho as Yam Mo Lin (Madam) and Wong Lung

From all the reviews I've read, it seems everybody has the same opinion as me. This is my favorite case in Bounty Lady. Grace Wong did a really good job here as the tomboyish Madam, proving her ability as a versatile actress. Really, I thought she deserved the Most Improved Actress award more than Eliza Sam. Highlights of this case are: "Dim gai geh (why is it so)?", "Tsan hai ga (really)?", "Le hou lek ah (you're very smart)!" and the legendary "So dek ma (extremely refine way of saying 'are you stupid')?". Also, this case, unlike May Chan's, just lasted two episode and wasn't dragged at all, which only adds to the reasons why this is my favorite of them all. 

Ep8-10: Samantha Ko and Sammy Shum as Mika S. and Pak Kin, with the addition of Bob Lam as Ma Ming

This was my second most enjoyable case. Why? Not really because of Mika S or Pak Kin, but because of Ma Ming (cheap Ma, cheap Ma...). Fair warning though, most of this case's jokes are unsuitable for minors (like me). But seriously... It was so very hilarious! The couple here was actually very sweet, and I thought it was the best since the other couple's male partner are less exposed while Sammy here was given enough screen time. Also, Samantha Ko did an amazing good job as the innocent Mika S. 

Ep (I don't remember): Sharon Chan and Louis Yuen as Yuen Huen and Tung Tin Kiu

Just.... No. I mean, it's not that I don't like it, but... This was the part where my preferable version of Yuen Huen (the innocent an naive one) was turned into plain ol' Sharon. It was hilarious though, my personal highlights being the part where Dayo and Kate were trying to get  Sharon to notice them together (Dayo was pretending to be Sharon's boyfriend after she confesses but he knows that Sharon actually likes Louis without really realizing, but was upset with him after Louis' lie to her and so Dayo had Kate to pretend to be his girlfriend so that he could 'hurt' Sharon) but kept failing because of the waiter who kept Sharon's attention away from them, a van who blocked them as they were across the street etc. to the point where they had to reverse because she couldn't notice them. Finally, Sharon noticed them after a marvellous performance of a 'ballroom dancing to the taxi' by Dayo and Kate. 

Ep18-20: Laura (Harriet Yeung)

This case had mixed reaction, some thinking that it was draggy and pointless or just too sickening, while others thinking that Laura just did an excellent performance, and me being the latter group. Because seriously, as an anime fan myself, my reaction to Laura was "a yandere come to life!". Well, not exactly 'life', but it's not an animation. My views to meat patties are forever changed after watching this. So while this isn't my favorite case, I have to say that in my opinion, I thought that the biggest breakthrough of the show was Laura, who I have never seen before prior to this series. I was extremely in love (or creeped out, in a good way) with the way she says "Jenniferrrr~" with the slur there. And when she dressed up like Kate... Gosh she was like a chubbier version of Kate! Kudos to the way she pouted her lips, that was so Kate. 

Theme Song (My盛Lady by Dayo Wong):

I liked it! It has a catchy tune and somehow, Dayo sings it like... Very casual and free? Yup, I think that's the description. 

Sub theme (想一天 by Sharon Chan): 

It wasn't bad... It was okay, in fact. The tune was bland but okay... The lyrics were great. And the singing... Hey, she's great for an inexperienced not-a-singer actress! So don't flame... 

2nd Subtheme (My Song by Sharon Chan):

If you didn't know which song this is, it's the one where Sharon had to film a music video. You know, the music video that was a poor excuse of an imitation to K-Pop music videos? The one that hurts your eyes so much with the amount of pink and terrible dancing? Yes, that one. The music video was so terrible I forgot whether the song was okay or bad. 

Overall, this series was great to watch, and extremely enjoyable. Expect great laughters as you watch it, slowly developing into more serious but still manage to remain funny. However, I felt that like always, nobody seems to outshine Dayo. I mean, I somehow felt that everybody was a supporting cast (with the difference of being major or minor), and the main character is Dayo and Dayo only. Kate was there, not really shining although she did pretty good (seriously, if you've watched most of Dayo's dramas, you'll notice that once it's a decent actor/actress who can act - it does not matter whether they are okay or good - they do pretty well. If Dayo is on screen together with them. Set them by themselves, and it somehow loses the 'comedic' feeling of the drama. Fortunately, this drama had a strong cast in the form of Benz Hui and Elena Kong, which was why I enjoyed their moments even without Dayo on screen). Also, Dayo seems to have this... I don't know, ability to have chemistry between all the actors and actress he is working with? I mean, you can never see an awkward moment between any characters with Dayo, unless of course if the awkward moment was intentional. 

I rate this series a 4 out of 5. 

PS, I think I overused the word 'hilarious' here. Also, is my review too long? I think I got caught up in the moment.