The Show Lo Issue

I haven't posted about the wedding of Jay and Hannah due to my busy sched, but I've updated my FB about it and it's everywhere for a week now, so I guess I'm moving on to my next topic. SHOW LO.

Do you ever feel that your idol is better than anybody else, that he's the perfect guy in the world, he's the most handsome, the most talented, the best among the best? Well, lots of fans do believe their idols are the best.  Me? I'd probably appreciate it if my idol is yes, the best among others, but true to himself or herself.  I'd always say, look at this guy what's he doing, he's imitating our guy.  Look at this girl she's singing his song again minus the feelings.  Those things are inevitable, who copies whom, who does it first and the likes.  As a fangirl, I stick to three principles
1. Do it if you're up to it, financially and emotionally.
2. Focus on being appreciated instead of being noticed.
3. Never shout I LOVE YOU. 'coz he's just an Idol, someone who entertains you when you're bored.  He eats, poops. drinks, cries and breaks down like any other person.  He can choose whomever he/she loves and throw fits if s/he is in a bad mood.

Let's go with number 3.  When idolatry gets worst like those girls worshiping Show Lo, it gets into them and eats their brain out just like their idol.  Let me tell you my first impression on Show Lo.  He is a great funny looking guy who can make you laugh.  A very good buddy of Jay Chou and he's been a major cast with Jerry Yan in Hot Shots (2008).  I find him comic, impersonating Jay Chou in countless variety shows.  He's living off the plate of Jay Chou ever since.  Then they suddenly had a falling out which I didn't even bother to know.  I just knew it when I started reading news articles about him after the series Hot Shots.  So, then came this series with Jerry Yan, I love his comic antics and the series was quite lame but he and Jerry busted that lame series and made it a tad more interesting.  Then came the series of bad publicity and bad blood between him and Jerry.  News stating Jerry loves to stage an impromptu appearance just to gain the limelight.  It was also circling in the news that Jerry cherry picked his role in the series and several not-so-good write-ups about Jerry.  I became pissed with Show and never watched any of his shows or even bother to flip the news for him.  Fast forward to 2010, I was now well aware of Show Lo's fucking jerk-ness and selfishness.  He became an asshole after falling-out with Jay.  After reading so much articles about him and Jay, him and Jerry, how he was pissed when Jerry suddenly came to the presscon without prior notice.  I mean what is his problem? Now I know! He doesn't want to be overshadowed by anyone, not even his own brother.  Now, I further did some research and found an Anti-Show Lo page (in Chinese) that caters to his ugly side.  This page is worth following because it shows lots of Show's misbehavior complete in screen shots and writings.  It's not just pure bashing but documented sightings of the many things Show can do as a public figure.  It's quite a messy behaviour he's got mind you.

Now fast forward to 2015.  Jay got married to Hannah.  It's been a week since the wedding but the headlines were still filled with updates from the two lovebirds.  A day after the wedding, a love letter of Hannah to Show pops up and turned the tables now to Show.  I think he's releasing an album, so knowing Show, he wouldn't go to the news without a fight.  He must stand out, otherwise, it's not news for him at all.  He was interviewed by reporters about the letter.  Asking for his reaction, and he went: "What? He's my buddy.  They're already married, but you know, if someone likes someone you can't help it, but she loves him and she got married to Jay."

Clip: Show's statement

My first reaction to the apparent "Love Letter" was what are they gonna do next? Was that necessary? After all, Jay and Hannah were already married, what's the point dragging Show into this? I fully ignored the news and moved on.  But... someone did not move on-- both of Jay's buddies Xue Gao and Xiao Mai.

Xue Gao's Statement:

Xue Gao: These past two days, I finally knew what happened, the staff from "Dancing with the Stars" told me that it was during the interview, Show mentioned and replied about it, funny thing was, if you did know that Hannah's notebook was a fake love letter that was written for a variety show years ago, she didn't really write it for you, why would you make a joke of it now? Though our groom wasn't too bothered about it, but if you're Jay's buddy, do you really think that's appropriate?


Xiao Mai reacts to news about Xue Gao:

Xiao Mai: I think what Xue Gao wants to say is that up until now, he knew it was for the variety show's ratings that's why she had to write that fake letter, if Show hadn't been careless in replying to this matter, knowing that this isn't a true love letter, he could've put a stop to a very useless news, isn't it right? Or maybe he really thought that letter was real...

Jay Chou clears things up the next day:

Jay: If my buddies made statements to defend me, with this very complicated media that we have, I think they've also suffered the blow, there are some things we shouldn't even bother, we ourselves know what's happening is fine, but you didn't even ask me yet abruptly posted your statements... I think, that's how buddies are.

Hannah follows-up:

Hannah: It's a tactic from a variety show, it's just for fun, let that 6-7 year-old fake love letter slide coz it might create more misunderstandings, these news are such nonsense.  I hope everyone will put more attention to those who are in need.  Let's help those who need our help. :)

I thought this was a dead-end controversy.  Jay and Hannah closed the statement and Show was left out.



This Show fan posted something in IG that made her famous overnight because SHOW's official IG LIKED her post.
"Jay Chou's dogs can bite anyone, is it the owner's problem or it's the dog breed's problem?  Didn't the owner train it well? Or the dogs were just stupid enough not to learn? Loser! Just Let it be! Doggy can only be doggy! Pig (Show's nick--xiao zhu) degrades you!"

All hell breaks loose at the Show world of wonders.  Fans requested Show's manager to tell Show to "UNLIKE" the post, because it could lead to another "PROBLEM".

beautyshowlo: Shuang (Manager of Show) please tell Show to UNLIKE the weibo post, or else it might cause more problem

kinihsu(Shuang): which one?

kinihsu: "It was an accident" (liking the post)

yunyii30: Then tell him to unlike the post at once



The next day after SHOW liked the post, Apple Daily's reporter "Zhu Jian Hong (朱健弘)" said that the one who liked the IG post was a dummy account named "shoulostage" not "showlostage". Due to the font of the screen grabber, it's easy to manipulate "u" and "w" because the "w" can look like a "u" but it's just the reporter saying it.  Check it out below: 

The Article (Won't translate it anymore, I've written the gist)

You decide if it's a W or a U. Only a fool would not recognize which letter that is.

Why did I even bother doing this? Because it's so unfair for Jay to be treated by a so-called buddy like this.  It's like when you just got married then someone takes advantage of your wife or husband.  He is a public figure, he cannot throw a fit about it, but if your buddies are really called buddies, they wouldn't let this pass.  If it happens to my circle of friends I don't think I'll just sit there and let it pass.  It's obvious he's using this to get to the headlines.  

One thing you do not know about Show is that he is "pikon".  I don't know how to translate that in English, but he is.  I made that long intro to let you understand why I'm so pissed that when I read Xue Gao's post, the comments there were all negative, I think even Jay fans condemned him for putting such statement.  They all told him off that he just wanted to be famous.  I thought, wow! Jay's fans were quickly brain washed by the Show fans.  Then when Jay's untimely post came out, his fans came running to Xue Gao's account defending him.  Anyway, I didn't want to elaborate on that further, but you'll never know who will stick by you when the one whom people are sticking with is not really you but your buddy.  Anyway, I just found out about the news when Jay already posted a reply.  That's when I thought that the matter isn't that simple anymore.  So, maybe I was one of those fans who waited for Jay to put up a statement.  I really didn't want to read those unnecessary gossips, but this has gone too far.  So going back to Xue Gao's post, he learned from the crew of "Dancing with the Stars" everything that is to know about the letter.  It is possible that Show already knew it was fake, yet he answered casually with "Well, like is like but love is another thing, he loves Jay so I wish them well." (gist).  This post was meant for the people to know that Show already knew that the letter was fake, he was just pretending all the time.  That's why Xiao Mai had to post another statement to clear Xue Gao's statement.  

So, this week-long news about Jay and Hannah getting married were still getting headlines and were still getting lots of feedback on social media sites.  Show wouldn't want to be not in the loop.  He needs to be in the loop.  For him, it will be embarrassing not to be in the headline of the news.  That's why he needed to do that kind of publicity, connect himself with Jay/Hannah, just to get attention.  He seeks attention too much that it's already hurting and using too many people-- his manager, his fans, the media, Jay Chou.-- For FAME ladies and gentlemen!  All of these were made up, and it did stir up the media and made SHOW LO the talk of the town!

Isn't it great? How he can manipulate media under his fingertips? Or should I say his manager too?  Jay does not believe in giving in to media's pressure.  He posts his own statements in his official account or his friends' official account.  It doesn't matter how negative the media writes Jay, he doesn't need to kiss and wipe their asses unlike Show.  Show is a dirtbag, I hope he goes back where he's been before Jay guested him in his The One Concert.  Whenever Show does this to Jay, I am always reminded of The One Concert, when Jay supported Show and let him do whatever he wanted, copy him, spoof him, use his name, just to make himself famous.  Now where is his manners? How's Jay, Show? Still remember him? 

Quoted from the Bad Guy of HK movies during the 90s, Anthony Wong:

WHO IS SHOW LO?

 Will update if Show's camp retaliates again!

A disappointing 30th Year Anniversary for Jacky Cheung

Mr. Jacky Cheung, fondly called as the God of Songs (歌神) has confirmed that he has already parted ways with 20-year-long Manager Mrs. Chan Sok Fan.  Both ended their 20-year-long collaboration as the Dragon Lady and Mr. Cheung were not able to settle on each other's differences.  First is how the Mainland shows were poorly handled, Mrs. Chan was allegedly outsourcing organizers in Mainland China with a fixed rate, but they (not sure whom this "they" is pertaining to) try to bid a higher rate but then sacrifice the quality of the show, or were forced to sell more tickets to compensate the higher rate.  Second was the division of earnings which Mr. Cheung denied that he never asked for his and Mrs. Chan's percentage difference.  Third was that some of the band members were not well compensated thus it reflects on the quality of the show.  Lastly, Mr. Cheung wanted Universal to be included in the tour because the company cannot live on producing albums alone with the current state of market their Music Industry is having.  These were some of the alleged reasons they ended the upcoming 30th Anniversary Tour.

Mr. Cheung previously denied that they're parting ways, but with the recent interviews (Jan. 13, 2015), he admitted that his April-May show at HK Coliseum was already cancelled and all projects must be directed to Universal Music Hong Kong.  He said that there's a management team who handles artists at Universal and he need not sign a contract with them as he is also a part of Universal HK.  He's been receiving offers left and right after news broke about his manager.  He asked that all offers and projects be directed to Universal as he doesn't want to discuss talent fees directly.  He also divulged that he's going to have a year-end concert overseas. He won't be able to celebrate his 30th Anniversary in the showbiz industry, he said: "Alan Tam is already celebrating his 40th Anniversary, what is a 30th anniversary compared to it?" He also said that a 31st anniversary is longer than the 30th, so it doesn't matter when he celebrates it.

Mrs. Chan Sok Fan's reaction
Mrs. Chan's very agitated reply with all of these reports was: "It goes without saying that the one who knows everything became the one who doesn't know everything, these things have no basis and are all very much twisted. There is no need for a third person to answer with regards to all of the collaborations Jacky and I had in the past.  Jacky Cheung has the freedom to do whatever he wants during his past, the current and even the future.  He can appoint anyone or any company to do his work, I sincerely hope he'll be even more successful with his career. All the best for him." (Actually, the report thought the last two lines were filled with sarcasm)

 Original text:
"她表示“所谓知情者实在全不知情，毫无根据 歪曲事实。我与张学友之间以往的合作关系，无需要第三者来作答。张学友过往 现在 将来一直都可自由及按个人意愿。交给他指定的任何人或单位处理他的工作，我真诚祝福张学友事业更上一层楼 开心幸福."

I wish they could still settle each other's differences but I guess there's a reason why he finally stopped collaborating with Mrs. Chan.  It's a shame that after 20 years of working together, they still have to part ways.  It's quite sad and I hope the new handler of Mr. Cheung can take care of him better.  Hoping to watch him again this year!

Jay Chou confirms to get married on 1/18/2015

I've been reading a lot of news about Jay getting married on the 18th.  It's 13 days before it and he's been prepping and talking about it for days.  The wedding will be held in Europe, a very traditional and old wedding theme was chosen.  He said everything was up to Hannah, his only concern is to be handsome that day.  He talked about how he was moved by Hannah's gestures and how he decided that she will be the girl he'll spend the rest of his life with.  One time when his back pain started up, Hannah was there to comfort him and waited for him, right there and then he was determined that the right girl is already in front of him.  For 4 years, they seldom argued, if they did, it was very trivial that he doesn't remember the reason of their fight.  The only thing they disagree much is watching which type of movie.  Hannah calls up her friends if Jay cannot stand the movie she's about to watch.  

As for Hannah, she's a part of a contest in China called "Dance with a Star" (與星共舞). She bid farewell and dropped out of the competition yesterday (Jan 4, 2015).  During her last dance, she did a very hard stunt that I thought was almost same as the Pamchengko dance in Cutting Edge except for the throwing part.  She ended her dance gracefully as she bid farewell to the judges and her co-stars.  She was teary-eyed and said that she'll be dropping out of the contest to be fair, because she has some important thing to attend to on the 18th.  Her co-stars wished her well and congratulated her.  They sent her off with best wishes and a "zhou zhou, aiyo bu cuo o~" as a send off cheer.  Zhou Zhou is what she calls Jay and Aiyo, Bu Cuo O is Jay's latest album released last Dec. 26, 2014.

Jay will bring 50 guests to Europe with food and accommodation.  It was approximated that he'll be spending about 1.96 million CNY (approx. 320000 USD/ PHP13.7M ) just for this trip.  He will be having a separate banquet in Taiwan in the next few months because waipo (granny) is already near 90 years old and is not able to walk.  He said that he will be inviting elders only this time so the tabloids guessed he won't be inviting ex-GF Jolin Tsai and Patty Hou.

In another news, Jay said there will be no pre-nup signing between him and Hannah.  They both have separate finances and spend money separately.  He usually doesn't have cash with him so Hannah usually pays for his meals.  He was also asked about raising a family, he previously said he wanted to have more kids to make up a band.  He wanted 5 boys because having a girl will only trouble him more.  He'll be thinking of her future, like having boyfriends-- which he won't allow but having boys, he can trade secrets with them on how to impress girls. 

He also promised to continue making music to fulfill his long-term promise with his fans. He'll be releasing an album this year as well.  

That's all for this week! :)

祝福你Jay! 你一定要幸福喔!

Yana out ♥

Jay Chou releases his 14th Album: Ai Yo, Bu Cuo O~ (哎唷! 不錯喔~)

Jay has finally released his two-year awaited album, Ai-yo Bu Cuo. (Oh, that's not bad!) It's been two years since the release of Opus 12 last 12.12.12. He's now back with a bolder and better music than Opus 12. That's what I think of it. Bigger, better and bolder. I love the bigger shoes, the better ballads and bolder move of associating the album with Chaplin but still having that Jay Chou touch.  This isn't his first time to link up something Hollywood in his albums.  He had this "Superman can't fly" which he wrote a few years back saying he's not Superman, he can't have his own space like Superman does wherein he can just fly up to space and rest a while.

I've ordered my USB version of the album but as per JVR's notice, the USB version will be delayed due to production issues and will be released on Jan 1, 2015 instead.  The other version was already released last Dec. 26, 2014.  I read that 5 Music was trying to delay the release of that version also, please be advised that only the USB version is delayed. :)

Obviously, I'm listening to the downloaded version (Please buy the original version if you're downloading as well).  All I can say is that, he's not only inspired but he brought back the music feel from his old albums. The ballads were just amazing and his 中國風 is awesome.

Let me tell you my faves! Number 1 on top of my list is: 聽見下雨的聲音. I know this was released last year but I never listened to it until Jay sang it. It was just... OHMYGOSH this is my next 一路向北 (Way up North). Number 2 on my list is 美人魚 (Mermaid), just next to 給我一首歌的時間(Give me a time of a song). Number 3 and not the last of course is 聽爸爸的話, just like next to 我不配 (I'm not worthy).  Jay's 中國風 (Traditional Chinese Ballad) 天涯過客 (A visitor from afar) is also a nice one but lacks the Er Hu part I think, but it's still a good one. :) 手寫的從前 (Writings from the past) is also a must listen! I can't say too much about the lyrics coz I haven't read them, but looks like it that this song is much similar to 愛在西元前(Love before AD), it's something from the past but not that way back like before AD. haha!


Posting Pin Yin and Translation for Rhythm of the Rain

聽見下雨的聲音

Rhythm of the Rain

作詞：方文山 (Lyrics: Vincent Fang)
作曲：周杰倫 (Composed by: Jay Chou)
編曲：陳君豪 (Arrangement: Chen Jun Hao)
Translated by: Yanaliao

竹籬上 停留著 蜻蜓

Zhu li shang ting liu zhe qing ting

A dragonfly rests upon the bamboo

玻璃瓶裡插滿 小小 森林

Bo li ping li cha man xiao xiao sen lin

Inside the glass jar is filled with a small forest

青春 嫩綠的很 鮮明
Qing chun lai lv de hen xian ming

The distinct freshness of youth

百葉窗 折射的 光影

Bai ye chuang zhe she de guang ying

The white leaf-like windows that fold the ray of sunlight

像有著心事的 一張 表情
Xiang you zhe xin shi de yi zhang biao qing

It has a troubled expression from its looks

而你 低頭拆信
Er ni di tou zhe xin

While you bowed your head as you unfold the letter

 想知道關於我的事情
 Xiang zhi dao guan yu wo de shi qing

Wanting to know everything about me

青苔入鏡 簷下風鈴 搖晃曾經
Qing tai ru jing  yan xia feng ling  yao huang zeng jing

Focus on the moss, then on the wind chimes under the roof, it makes one shake the past

回憶是 一行行無從 剪接的風景 愛始終年輕

Hui yi shi yi hang hang wu zong  Jian jie de feng jing  Ai shi zhong nian qing

The memories go untraceable line by line, as it splices each imagery, and love has always been young

而我聽見 下雨的聲音

Er wo ting jian xia yu de sheng yin

Then I heard the rhythm of the rain

想起你用唇語 說愛情
Xiang qi ni yong chun yu shuo ai qing

I remembered how you moved your lips as you spoke about love

幸福也可以 很安靜

Xing fu ye ke yi hen an jing

One can still be happy while in silence

我付出一直 很小心

Wo fu chu yi zhi hen xiao xin

I always take caution when it comes to commitment

終於聽見 下雨的聲音

Zhong yu ting jian xia yu de sheng yin
At last I heard the rhythm of the rain

於是我的世界 被吵醒
Yi shi wo de shi jie bei chao xing

And then my world was all shook up

就怕情緒紅 了眼睛

Jiu pa qing xu hong le yan jing

I'm so scared that my feelings may leave me crying

不捨的淚在 彼此的 臉上透明
Bu she de le zai bi ci de lian shang tou ming

I can't stand that invisible tears would fall down on each of our faces

愛在過境 緣分不停 誰在擔心

Ai Zai guo jing  Yuan feng bu ting  Shui zai dan xin

Love is on the spot, fate is unstoppable, who fears it?

窗台上 滴落的雨滴
Chuang tai shang di luo de yu di  

Dripping raindrops on the window sill

輕敲著傷心 淒美而動聽

Qing qiao zhe shang xin  qi mei er dong ting

It gently knocks the sadness, miserably yet sings a beautiful sound

而我聽見 下雨的聲音

Er wo ting jian xia yu de sheng yin

Then I heard the rhythm of the rain

想起你用唇語 說愛情
Xiang qi ni yong chun yu shuo ai qing

I remembered how you moved your lips as you spoke about love

熱戀的時刻 最任性
Re lian de shi ke zui ren xing

One's stubbornness shows when love is in the air

不顧一切的 給約定
Bu gu yi qie de gei yue ding

Forgets everything and gives in to any promises

終於聽見 下雨的聲音

Zhong yu ting jian xia yu de sheng yin
At last I heard the rhythm of the rain

於是我的世界 被吵醒
Yi shi wo de shi jie bei chao xing

And then my world was all shook up

發現你始終 很靠近
Fa xian ni shi zhong hen kao jin

Then I realized that you're still so near

默默的陪在 我身邊 態度堅定

Mo mo de pei zai wo shen bian tai du jian ding
Your determination so strong as you silently stuck by my side

Rooftop: Opens at Lucky Chinatown Mall from Sep 14-19, 2014

In lieu of the celebration for the Mid-autumn festival, Megaworld brings 4 Chinese movies to be shown from September 14-19, 2014 at Newport Cinema and Lucky Chinatown Cinema. Sechedule of shows will be announced soon. I would suggest to watch them all but if you only have time for a movie or two, here's something to help you decide which to watch, according to my likeness of course. lol~

1. Rooftop (天台)

Click here for my complete review of ROOFTOP

In all bias-ness to our one and only Royal Diaoness-- Jay Chou. A two-hour movie-musical that is a must watch to those who enjoy retro groove, laid-back and feel-good rom-com with a touch of awesome 20th century Jay Chou music. In all honesty, it's to satisfy Jay fans' craving for more of his films (Like the success of Secret, his directorial debut), but for me, it's also a nice way of realizing how simple stories were back in the 70s. You can't complicate things when life was still simple and there's nothing to do but dress colorfully and ride a motorbike to impress a girl you like. Never watch this expecting more from a movie that was supposed to be appreciated back in the 70s. Just imagine Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's not a great film, but it became a classic, not because of its story, but just because it was loved back then in the 60s. Enjoy the movie and listen to the music, you'll know what I mean.

Cast: Jay Chou, Alan Ke, Huang Jun Lang, Devon Song, Eric Tsang, Na Dou, Li Xin Ai, Darren Chiu

Supporting Cast: the rest of JVR's crews



2. Hua Mu Lan (花木蘭)

Jaycee Chan (Jackie Chan's son) did a great job with his role here as the sidekick of Mulan. What else do you expect from the film but the same story. The twists lie on the comic act of both Jaycee and Nicky Lee (Lee Jiu Zhe-- Machi). Mushu is not present, FYI.

Cast: Zhao Wei, Jaycee Chan, Nicky Lee

3. Red Cliff (赤壁)

Nothing beats this version of the San Guo Yan Yi-story about the 3 kingdoms (三国演义). The reviews were all praises to John Woo's direction but for me, I was obliged to watch this movie because I was really curious what big role Lin Chiling played that was so fantabulous. Well, all I can say, minus her butt exposure, everyone should really watch this movie, it's quite long and very rich in history, so if you're not in for serious movie watching, better skip this and go for the first two.

Cast: Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Zhen, Zhao Wei


4. Lost on Journey (人在囧途)

Disclaimer: description and synopsis from Wikipedia.

is a Chinese comedy film released in 2010. Directed byRaymond Yip and starring Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang. This film depicts an amusing yet realistic portrayal of the issues prevalent in the Chinese society, especially during Chun Yun. During the Spring Festival, transportation is a serious problem in mainland China as everyone wants to reunite with their family for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The film is followed by Lost in Thailand, which also stars Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang and was directed and written by Xu himself.

What you don't know about Jay Chou

A very nice article of Jay Chou’s past and how he became the pop-star king of Taiwan. I am not the owner of this article and it’s possible that some of the stories were sugar-coated, but it’s a good read, and a very heart-warming story about Jay. Strangers to Jay’s “chou pi” (Cocky) attitude will understand him more with this article. ~yanaliao

Source: tw.gigacircle.com/1296579-1
Translated by: yanaliao


What you don’t know


Behind Jay Chou’s moving story. Growing up from a broken family, his compositions were so weird that Jacky Wu (Wu Zhong Xian) trashed them all away.


“He came from a broken family, his weird compositions were all thrown away by Jacky Wu, even the heavenly king, Andy Lau and A-mei rejected his compositions.”

Maybe you’re not fond of Jay Chou

Maybe you’re wondering why is he so famous

Don’t rush and leave

If you read this, you might be moved by him

Maybe you’ll pick-up something new about life, family and good parenting

Good luck to you!


Jay Chou came from a broken family, [His mom gave up everything for him with love]


Jay Chou, many youngsters are hooked with his music, he’s idolized by everyone, has a very deep relationship with his mom, it’s because during his helpless and lonely days, his mom gave him all the love he can get and wrapped her arms around him to support him. That’s why Jay always says: “As long as mom is happy, I’m will to give everything.”


A music genius with a broken family

Jay Chou was born January of 1979, his mother’s name is Ye Hui Mei (叶惠美) and was a secondary school Arts Teacher in Tamkang University, his father was a Biology teacher of the same university. When Jay Chou was 4 years old entering kindergarten, Ye Hui Mei sent him to Tamkang Yamaha Kindergarten Music School to learn the piano. This very naughty and active little Jay would mysteriously stand silently in front of the piano. He would listen to his teacher as he played and Jay played along at the same time. The teacher told Ye Hui Mei that her son has a very big potential.

Due to this, Ye Hui Mei invested all her family’s savings to be able to buy Jay his own piano and hire the best piano teacher to coach him. His father on the other hand felt otherwise and thought that it’s not necessary to give up everything, that she need not exaggerate everything. In the end, Ye Hui Mei still bought the piano without the consent of her husband, Jay’s dad wasn’t too happy about it. While he was still in Grade 3, Jay Chou overheard Tsaikovsky’s famous “Swan Lake”, He was fascinated with the Cello’s poignant sadness, Ye Hui Mei did not even negotiate with her husband and bought Jay a Cello.

Jay’s dad scoffed off Ye Hui Mei trying to put all the eggs in one basket, he kept blaming her on anything until the warmth of this home has gone and the fights grew more. Jay was clueless why his dad always argued with his mom, he used an innocent phrase to express the he felt disturbed and sad about that situation:


从小到大只有妈妈的温暖為什麼我爸爸那麼兇
Cong Xiao dao da zhi you mama de wen nuan wei shen me wo de papa na me xiong
When I was young I always felt mom’s warmth but I wonder why my dad was always furious

如果真的我有一双翅膀两双翅膀随时出发
Ru guo zhen de wo you yi shuang chi bang liang shuang chi bang sui shi chu fa
If one day, I get to have a pair of wings, 2 pairs of wings, I will leave at once

偷偷出发我一定带走我妈妈……
Tou tou chu fa gua yi dieng dai gua ma kia huh…
Secretly leave and bring my mom along

This sentimental verse became a part of lyrics of one composition, it’s this very sad song which touched a lot of fans-- “Dad, I’m back”

When Jay was in 2nd year Junior High School, his parents decided to get a divorce. A 14-year-old Jay wrote then: “There’s no more love left between both of my parents, is this the true meaning of life?” Through this, Jay began to stay silent, stubborn and rebellious.


People never knew a man’s lingering anguish

Jay Chou is indeed a music genius, but he has poor grades in school. His exams during Junior High had only a total of a hundred points, he can’t even pass a normal junior high entrance exam, realizing his future is a bleak, both mother and son remain speechless, will this be the end for his son? Fortunately, Tamkang Junior High School opened its first semester of music course and Jay was accepted.

With a good hand in playing the piano, pull a good hand in playing cello, constant playing of basketball, Jay Chou became a popular face and topic among the girls. But Jay Chou always wore a poker face and he seldom smiles, aside from having good merits in music, his other subjects were all a line of red marks. His teachers said that he might have a lower IQ than other kids, worst was his English teacher telling Ye Hui Mei his son has a mental disorder. Ye Hui Mei thought hard but still decided to cultivate his talent, at least he could end up as a piano teacher. Ye Hui Mei never criticized Jay, she thought that Jay continues to be rebellious and cold is because he didn’t have a complete family to begin with, she trust her instincts that her child is not mentally disabled. She tamed him by treating him like a brother and tried applying the “3 don’ts” to herself: [Don’t scold him, don’t criticize and don’t force him to do things].

The assessment of his teachers were true, he was never accepted at any university. After making inquiries, Ye Hui Mei encouraged Jay to try Tai Da University’s music course, in the end he wasn’t able to make it as well. Jay Chou clenched his teeth as he tried to take the entrance exam again but still failed the 2nd time around. His mom and grandmother were very concerned of his future, what could this child do?

In extreme confusion, Jay patiently waited for his military service to start, during those time, he was diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis, what’s more depressing is that this kind of sickness still has no cure to date. This can only be subsidized by medicine to ease the pain, when this worsens, the body will stiffen like a zombie and could also lead to paralysis, this made Ye Hui Mei and his grandmother burst in to tears.


Under his mother’s care, he became a success

After his sickness was remedied, Jay Chou found himself a job as a waiter, he serves food in trays and most of the time he breaks one of them. His salary was almost half gone by the end of the month due to broken cups and plates. This restaurant has a piano, one time while he was on a break, he played a piece by Chopin. The restaurant owner was stunned and made up his mind to have Jay play the piano instead of serving food in that restaurant. The owner even invited a reporter from a TV station to hype things up. This made the restaurant more famous and saved a few costs for hiring a pianist.

Ye Hui Mei greatly felt Jay’s music talent that she even brought and registered him to Taipei Star TV’s show “Hottest New Star” (超猛新人王) . Jay meticulously composed a song “Dreams have wings” (梦有翅膀), but since he’s not confident enough with his voice, he asked someone else to sing his song. The singer didn’t understand his style in music, even how he played the piano was quite weird at that time, it did not favor the audience at all and his first performance was a big disaster.

Ye Hui Mei was so worried, she is quite an introvert herself but she picked up her courage and gave the sheet music of “Dreams have wings” to the host of the show, Jacky Wu. Jacky Wu was the boss of Alfa Music during those times and his first impression with Jay was not so good. He took the music sheet out of courtesy and brushed on it, his eyes brightened because the music sheet was not only transcribed neatly, it was also a very complicated sheet. He quickly changed his mind and said: “This child looks okay, tell him to start working in my office tomorrow.”

Jay Chou started his job in the music company as an arranger’s assistant, with his mom’s encouragement, she offers to buy bentos for his colleagues and they eventually got a good feeling over Jay. While Ye Hui Mei was always worried about Jay’s coldness, stubbornness and tactlessness, she’s also worried that he might get into trouble with his colleagues and bosses due to his attitude. She made it a point to wait at the company’s entrance and offer yummy pizzas and fried chickens for the staffs, telling them to bear with her with regards to Jay’s attitude. In due time, Jay’s colleagues became familiar with his mom, and they all know that Jay has a good mother.

Jay has started composing massive music sheets, but Jacky Wu was clueless why his compositions were all weird, it’s like everyone in show business doesn’t like his work. There was one time when Jay Chou submitted one of his best compositions to Jacky Wu to have it read, this time Jacky Wu didn’t even look at it and balled it up and threw it in the garbage can beside him. Jay was in tears that time.

Shall he give up or continue? His mom’s existence at the company’s lobby was already a landscape, he will be sorry for his mother if he gives up at once. Not long, he recommended “Nunchucks” (双截棍)to the very famous A-Mei, unfortunately, she also rejected the song. Jacky Wu gave Jay another last chance, he can sing his own compositions, and if it still doesn’t work, he’ll have to let go of him. He called Jay into his office again and seriously said: “Jay, I’m giving you 10 days, if you can write 50 songs and I’ll be able to like 10 in those 50 songs, I’m going to help you produce an album.”

The boss’ words motivated Jay that he got so excited, he called his mom and told her the news, then he went out and bought a big box of instant noodles. He thought, whatever it takes, he’ll try to make it to this fight.

Jay Chou made it to his 50 songs after sleepless nights, he made sure that the songs were written in a reasonable structure and neatly. At last, Jacky Wu smiled and was able to pick 10 songs, during 2001, Jay was able to release his first self-titled album.

His company didn’t expect too much out of the album, it’ll be great if the album sales breaks-even. But when “Jay Chou” album was released, it was like a massive typhoon came and swept Taiwan, the fans swooped over all the albums. The “Jay Chou” album was able to bag awards for “Best Taiwan pop music album, Best producer and Best composer” all these three major awards. The “Jay Chou” album was an unexpected success for the company, this caught every singer in Taiwan by surprise, they were all wondering who this Jay Chou was? If you think that Jay’s first album had a little bit of a success, then Jay Chou’s 2nd album “Fantasy” became a phenomenon throughout China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South East Asia. Awards for this album poured in left and right.

Jay Chou has succeeded, he deeply understands that without his mom shedding light and warmth during his dark days, he won’t make it to what he is now, his mom never re-marries, every bit of love was given to him. He hands over all his savings to his mom, even though he lives at his own apartment, every weekend, he tries to go home and be with his mom and grandmother. Ye Hui Mei had mixed emotions, those times when his husband became sarcastic, the disapproval look on the teachers’ faces, this hard life was already yesterday.

After Ye Hui Mei retired, Jay Chou was worried that she might be lonely. Whenever he’s in Taiwan, he would go home and be with his mom. Every weekend, he would take his mom to watch midnight movies, his mom loves to watch classic movies so Jay also watches this with her while he on the other hand loves Avant Garde, so Ye Hui Mei joins him as well. Jay Chou’s 4th album is “Ye Hui Mei”, this was a gift to his mom.

Sidetrips in TW

While our main purpose during this trip was to watch the Opus Jay, we had some side trips during the morning, brought my cousins to a Jay-themed field trip!!!

Went to Hua Shan Creative Park and dropped by 一间茶屋 (A place for Tea)

During our August 2012 visit

During our September 2013 visit

Deja Vu Restaurant: A French-Italian Cuisine in a big warehouse where the batmobile is located.  Magic show at 7pm onwards!!!

The newly opened Rooftop Cafe: Chinese cuisine at 东区。Food is great, 70s themed restaurant with the whole Rooftop movie relics on display.  

The other Mr. J Takumi Tofu Store at 公馆。 An Initial D themed restaurant with the AE-86 parked at the Resto's entrance.  THe Mr. J Stick Rice is edible, but since it's Jay's face, it's hard to decide where to take the first bite! haha!

Last but not the least... Le Office~ Awww you know Le Office, right? :)

Fortunately met Darren & Gary, on their way to rehearsal!

That's all we've gone to so far, I have yet to see the Phantaci stores! I've been to one branch at Xi Men Ding along E Mei Street inside Eslite.  Also, Darren's Continued is beside Mayday's Stay Real right along E Mei Street as well. :)


Yanaliao
Signing Off~