GREETINGS and salutations, fellow Stargazers!
This is Showbiz Sista’s Little Helper, Kat (not Christopher Toh, as the photo above suggests). Unfortunately, Showbiz Sista is currently off in a land far, far away, but never fear, I am here to update this blog on her behalf (and steal her trademark opening while I’m at it).
Some of you might have heard of a new gambling-themed Channel 8 series called Priceless Wonder premiering next week. You might even have watched the first few episodes already, thanks to SingTel’s mio TV. Considering the recent opening of the casino, oops, integrated resort at Sentosa, Priceless Wonder’s release is indeed a timely one.
- The cast of Priceless Wonder (from left to right): Alan, Priscelia, Zzen, Tiffany, Xiang Yun and Nat
A heartlander drama centred around gambling and its ill effects on a family, it stars Zzen Zhang as badboy risk-taker, Tiffany Leong as Zzen’s love interest, as well as Alan Tern, Priscelia Chan, Nat Ho and Xiang Yun as the long-suffering loved ones of the duo.
At a press conference for show, Nat spoke to us more about his character, Zzen’s little brother Cai Lai. “No, the name isn’t a coincidence,” Nat admits. “I think it was done on purpose. He starts out as someone with a very bright future, but as is human nature, he isn’t satisfied with what he has. He wants the ‘cai’ (riches) to ‘kuai dian lai’ (come quickly) - to be able to drive fast cars and get rich girls – so he becomes involved in soccer betting and winds up deeply in debt.”
Flipping through the synopsis of the show, it seems a little too convenient how easily each of the characters turned to gambling and was subsequently immersed in it, creating trouble for all. But really, is it that easy to become addicted?
- Nat Ho: Nice guy, but no luck at 4D
“Definitely,” said Nat. “If you’ve ever gambled before, you’d know how it sucks you in. Take buying 4D for example, which I’m sure most heartlanders can relate to. All you have to do is buy a ticket and you have an opportunity to get rich, just like that. Why wouldn’t you take that opportunity, that chance to rise above your current financial circumstances?”
“As for other types of gambling, well, you think, ‘Okay, I’ve lost this much, but maybe on the next bet I’ll win everything back again,” he continued. “But you lose, again and again, and before you know it, it’s (beyond redemption).”
But does Nat himself have any personal experiences with gambling? “I’ve bought 4D tickets before too,” he laughed. “But no luck lah.”
Whoa, take that as a warning, guys – don’t get carried away at the tables, not even if it’s New Year mahjong at your auntie’s house this weekend.
Catch Priceless Wonder every Monday to Friday from Feb 17, 9pm on MediaCorp Channel 8.
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