26/8/2002, 1pm
Chat transcript
Asian heart-throbs (from left) Karen Mok, Vicki Zhao and Shu Qi get a first-hand glimpse of The Straits Times newsroom as they arrive for the webchat with their fans. The stars are in Singapore to promote their latest movie, So Close.
Pictures by GEORGE GASCON
The stars discovered that journalists are no different from their legions of fans... as they put pen to posters to please the newsroom crowd.
Vicki Zhao (centre), flanked by her co-stars, is the sister of Shu Qi (right) in the movie, where they inherit a state-of-the-art computer surveillance system and an unresolved family vendetta. But for the moment, their attention is grabbed by the incessant chatting in the ST Interactive chatrooms.
Vicki Zhao rose to fame in the 1998 television series Princess Pearl. A 1999 sequel to the series was equally popular and established her as one of China's top actresses.
Vicki Zhao is No 2 on FHM Singapore's list of the sexiest babes this year. This is the first time that she has made it to the list.
The Marie France spokesman has made a phenomenal rise with her sparkling eyes and captivating smile. Her down-to-earth sensibilities, coupled with her girlish charm, allows her to cope with the ups and downs of fame.
Picture of concentration as the trio ponder a response to one of the many questions from their global fans.
Endorsing Newater? No, Vicki Zhao has a bit of fun as her co-star grapples with a fan's question during the online chat.
Some 1,300 fans logged on to take part in the one-hour webchat with the trio -- an all-time record for the Straits Times Interactive webchats since these started in the year 2000 with Jackie Chan.
Tucking in... These reed-thin actresses actually enjoyed the local spread catered by The Straits Times. The trio said they liked Singaporean cuisine.
*STI_HOST* Welcome to The Straits Times Interactive webchat with three of Asia's most alluring and talented actresses, Shu Qi, Zhao Wei and Karen Mok!
*STI_HOST* They look even better in real life! All togged out in the latest streetwear, they're almost perfect! Don't miss Life's fashion spread with these beauties in Wednesday's paper!
On to the chat...
Lynn asks: What was it like working with Corey Yuen?
3 girls: It was great!;-)
Loulou asks: Has any of you ever thought about breaking into the Hollywood scene?
Strawberry12 asks: Hi Vicky, what was it like working with Shu Qi, Karen Mok and Korean actor Song Seung Hun?
Zhao Wei: It was fantastic :-p
Nyla asks: I heard you guys trained for a month for the movie... so who's the fittest among the 3 of you?
3 girls: *together* It's Karen -- she works out the most
Shuzhen asks: Vicky, which do you prefer, singing or acting?
Zhao Wei: I prefer acting of course:-P
eaddie asks: Any Chance of us seeing u guys later?
3 girls: Definitely, we'll always come to singapore *laughs*
nyla asks: What are your impressions of Singaporean fans?
Zhao Wei: they served me breakfast this morning, it was really thoughtful and I really liked the website they made for me:-)
henry1230 asks: is this the first visit to Singapore for any of u?
3 girls: it's not the first time we have come by
TRICIA asks: vicki, what type of flowers do u like?
Zhao Wei: jasmines ;-)) I love jasmine tea so u know what to give me the next time.
shiro401 asks: WeiWei, how did you feel kissing Karen at the movie? Nervous?
Zhao Wei: about the kissing scene -- I wasn't nervous at all -- I have always looked forward to it :-)
delipiggy asks: Singapore has a new recycled water drink, Newater, would you try it?
Zhao Wei: u mean it's for washing dishes rite this newater???
Eugie asks: I've seen pirated VCDs and CDs featuring you, on sale. How do you feel about piracy?
Zhao Wei: Karen must feel terrible becos her music vcds sell so well!:-)) U shld buy the real thing if you like our shows
Rupie4eva asks: I guess that as celebrities, even your private life has become public. How do you deal with that?
Zhao Wei: Just ignore their questions:-) and go on with life
maybelline asks: Isn't it difficult to be nice and cheery all the time? What do you do if you get down?
Zhao Wei: I'll just talk less!
jiunwei asks: What is the worst and best things about being celebrities?
Zhao Wei: I have to endure lots of things that normal people do not have to go through and that makes my life tough:-(
Shy_Gal asks: Have any of you three acted in a play before?
Zhao Wei and Karen: Yeah we did it in school!
Aaron_Sun asks: who are the most dashing guys you gals ever worked with?
Zhao Wei and Shu Qi: Tony leung
specter asks: Would you ever date a younger guy?
All 3 : It's the 21st century -- we are liberated girls
mingming asks: anyone tried local cuisine? any favourites?
Karen and Zhao Wei: pandan cake
mename asks: Which Asian actress influenced you most. Which Hollywood actress? Why?
Shu Qi: Of course it's Zhao Wei and Karen!
Zhao Wei: I don't always get to act with actresses so it's hard to say -- but I get to learn from them!
charlie asks: how do you feel being compared to drew barrymore, cameron diaz and lucy liu?
Zhao Wei: It can't be compared !
santana asks: where is your favourite place in the world? and why?
Zhao Wei: I like quieter and tranquil places!
bunnie21 asks: Vicki, what is the most touching thing that your singapore fans have ever done for you?
Zhao Wei: It's hard to tell,but some fans made some cake and helped to promote our show!
relaconekorner asks: how do you relax?
Shu Qi: sleep...drinking with my friends and having a chat
Zhao Wei: I do! I love their websites -- all my fans have built websites for me and I chat with them whenever I can
groupie asks: do you sometimes feel like quitting when the going gets rough?
Zhao Wei: I don't give up so easily
stephaniequek asks: are there any secrets that you wanna tell only to the people in this chat?
Shu Qi: *whispers* So close is really great!
Karen: I want to repeat that kissing scene with Zhao Wei! *wild laughter* Just kidding!
kawei asks: Do you have any idols? someone you wanted to be when you're young?
Zhao Wei: I dun have any:-P
Karen: It's Vicky! -- Just kidding:-)
TRICIA asks: wat do you do with so many presents by fans?
Zhao Wei: I have a room specially for that:-))
wing asks: hi to all 3 ladies!! so do u need to carry out ALL the actions yourself while filming the movie?
3 girls: We do it ourselves mostly:-))
jasonleedixon asks: if friends asked you to describe Singapore in a few words, what would you say?
3 girls: very clean and civilized country -- very safe country!
Zhao Wei: The govt takes real good care of everyone here:-))
bollywood asks: what do you think of bollywood movies?
Zhao Wei: i used to watch them as a kid
Pei Juan asks: Hi Vicki, How do you feel after being voted as the sexist woman by Singapore FHM magazines???
Zhao Wei: *smiles* I feel awkward answering this sitting between two pretty girls -- but thanks!
Tigablast asks: do u girls have a religion?
3 girls: Shu Qi --catholic, Karen: anglican, Zhao Wei -- free thinker!
jasonleedixon asks: ever thought of retiring from showbiz by a certain age??
3 girls: No, haven't thought of retirement!
rake asks: do you believe in love at first sight?
Zhao Wei: I believe in love at first sight!
ckchan4 asks: if you were to turn into animal, what will that be ?
Shu Qi: Cat!
Zhao Wei: I want to be a lion so everyone will be afraid of me!
valc asks: how do u girls ever deal with dark eye rings with all the late night filmings??
Zhao Wei: Turn up that lighting -- it's the photographer's reponsibility
dancer asks: the mooncake festival is coming, do you like mooncakes?
3 gurls: we like them!
nyla asks: if you were stranded on an island..who would you want to be with?
Zhao Wei: I would choose to be with that person who asks that question:0)
Shu Qi: doraemon!
Karen: I want to be with brad pitt!
Zhao Wei: Then I want both Brad Pitt and Doraemon!
*STI_HOST* Shu Qi, Zhao Wei and Karen Mok, any parting words for your fans?
3 gurls: watch the movie ok?
*STI_HOST* Thank you once again for being here and we hope you had fun at the STI webchat!
