Jay held a press conference in Beijing on Monday to announce the filming (to begin on Feb 25). He said that he wants to create Chinese superheroes which could rival Spiderman and Batman in the west.

Pandamen is a story about two Chinese superheroes protecting their city (what else?). It’s not mentioned what kind of superpower the duo are having… but seems like it’s going to be a comedic drama instead of serious attempt to emulate the western superheroes.

The series will star Devon Song and Zhan Yuhao from Taiwanese pop group Nan Quan Mama; Jay Chou is not taking serious acting role, but is expected to make some cameo appearances.

Jay Chou to create Super-Panda-Heroes from YeinJee's Asian Journal

The producers claimed that the drama is not based on the original manga; it’s true that they are changing the drama title, the names of the main leads, the name of the school, the time frame and probably some of the plots… but the whole setting (with the trademark four boys and a girl cast etc.) looks seriously dubious.

Besides, the TV station has been promoting the drama as the new “Meteor Garden” (title of the Taiwanese adaptation) for months… it’s a self confession that the drama is based on the manga in some sense. If the new drama is not related to the manga at all, the TV station is still at fault for exploiting the manga for promotion purpose.

There are a few (genuine) versions of drama adaptation of Yoko Kamio’s popular manga. Taiwanese first made Meteor Garden in 2001, followed by Japan’s “Hana yori Dango” in 2005, and Korea’s “Boys Before Flower” which is currently on air.

Both the Taiwanese (Mandarin) and Japanese dramas were critical success, while the Korean drama is red hot at the moment. The Chinese would have welcome their own edition of Hana yori Dango, but sadly they are getting some bizarre mixture which borders on plagiarism instead.

It’s not the first time Chinese TV stations are using similar tactics to ‘remake’ foreign drama series, but there are some positive signs from the public as some Chinese netizens are beginning to ditch these kind of practices.

Chinese TV station to plagiarise Hana yori Dango from YeinJee's Asian Journal

With TVB’s dominance in Hong Kong, its highest rating series are literally the most popular drama series in HK. Below are the top 10 most popular series for 2008…

1. Moonlight Resonance (34.6)
2. D.I.E (33.7)
3. Wars of In-Laws II (32.6)
4. Forensic Heroes II (32.1)
5. Catch Me Now (31.60)
6. The Silver Chamber of Sorrows (30.5)
7. Love Exchange (30.3)
8. A Journey Called Life (29.7)
9. Survivor’s Law II (29.7)
10. When a Dog Loves a Cat (29.5)

Hong Kong TVB series ratings 2008 from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Veterans Ha Yu and Michelle Yim with best actor/actress awards (Image from Baidu)

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TVB Anniversary Awards 2008 from YeinJee's Asian Journal

Gillian is struggling to make her comeback after the infamous Edison Chen scandal… her Hollywood venture didn’t work well as she only managed a three-second cameo; while her appearance in the highly anticipated Chinese movie “Mei Lanfang” is wiped out altogether.

It’s reported that EEG (Gillian’s agency) is making compromises to have Gillian in the idol drama, which she will take on the supporting female role instead of the main lead.

The arrangement has not been finalised though; despite willing to take a pay cut… EEG’s desired pay is ironically the highest among the cast. The drama producers are still in negotiation with EEG and are positive that they could reach an agreement.

Update – the parties involved couldn’t reach a final agreement; Gillian won’t be appearing in the drama. Young actress Yang Ya Zhu is taking the role instead.

Gillian Chung to star in Taiwanese idol drama from YeinJee's Asian Journal

“Fated to Love You” won the best drama series as expected; Ariel Lin was crowned the best actress (in drama series) with “They Kiss Again”; while Jacky Wu and A-Ya claimed the best variety show hosts award with “Guess Guess Guess”.

Other winners are relatively unknown; couldn’t recognise most of the names to be frank. Sharing a few red carpet pics (from Sohu) instead…

The emcees – Patty Ho, Jacky Wu and Tian Xin

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Golden Bell Awards 2008 from YeinJee's Asian Journal

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Wu Chun promotes Romantic Princess in Seoul from YeinJee's Asian Journal