What do you do when a close friend and respected colleague has just died, but you still have to glam up and attend the annual office party?

Just like how you or I might react, MediaCorp artistes didn’t seem quite sure of the protocol on Sunday night at the TV Theatre when they attended the Star Awards Show 1.

On the one hand, the annual awards ceremony is a celebration of achievements, as well as an excuse to parade some designer swag. But, coming one day after first-generation star and household name Huang Wenyong succumbed to lymphoma, all that seemed perhaps a little gauche in the face of personal and professional loss.

Remembering Wenyong

The night’s most emotional moment was when Wenyong’s career was revisited through footage of his scenes in drama serials throughout the years.

“When I saw the video montage, I was flooded with emotions,” a teary Zoe Tay said. “Before I joined the industry, I grew up watching the shows in which he and Xiang Yun played lovers.”

“I think everyone feels a sense of loss. When they showed those clips just now, it just brought back a lot of memories,” said Jeanette Aw, recounting how she once bought Huang aloe vera gel for a sunburn — and he always thanked her for it every time he saw her.

Tay Ping Hui observed the sadness in the air, saying: “I think it has definitely affected the mood, and rightfully so, because he was pretty much liked by everyone. I wouldn’t say I was close to him but the times that I worked with him, he really treated me like a son. I’m really saddened because, for me, he is the first generation Ah Ge. A lot of our interpersonal relationships have become quite professional and impersonal, but he was always beyond that.”

Long-time collaborator Hong Huifang sighed: “I’m really unhappy. My heart feels like it has been bound up tightly. At an occasion like this, when something like this happens, it affects everyone’s mood. We just try to keep calm and finish the show. This stage belongs to him. My feeling is that he is still here, watching this show.”

Sartorial celebration

Even the fashion parade was affected by Huang’s unexpected death.

“I’m very simply dressed ... for Huang Wenyong,” said Chen Hanwei, who wore a T-shirt under his jacket-and-pants combo.

For some, like Belinda Lee, who wore a multi-coloured outfit from Italian brand Costume National, it was about celebrating Wenyong’s memory rather than mourning his passing.

“Because Wenyong has passed on, I had a reporter asking if it’s inappropriate for me to wear colours. But I told him very honestly, ‘I think it’s not about the colours — I think it’s about the time that you spent with Wenyong when he was alive’,” she said. “And I must say I had a great time with him. One and a half years of working with him non-stop (on Your Hand In Mine, in which Lee played Wenyong’s daughter), we saw each other almost every single day. I called him ‘daddy’. Losing him is a very painful thing. Knowing Wenyong, I think he would prefer to see me in this than to see me in black, honestly.”

Rui En, who took home awards for Favourite Female Character (Poetic Justice) and Favourite On-Screen Couple (with Elvin Ng in Unriddle 2), said about her red Dior dress: “I received the news last night while I was filming. I asked my stylist to find me another outfit, but it was too late. And this outfit was picked out one month ago. So all we could do was to throw this jacket on over it and hope that people would understand.”

She added: “Even though I personally was not extremely close to him, we worked together several times. Every time we filmed on location, he would talk about what kind of good food could be found there.”

Priscelia Chan simply said: “I think, frankly, this year, the focus is not really on the outfits, so I have no comments about that.”

OH, AND THERE WERE AWARDS

But nobody wanted to steal the thunder from the night’s winners, either. Unriddle 2 received awards for Best Cameraman and Best Director, while Best Screenplay went to Don’t Stop Believin’ and Best Theme Song went to Joys Of Life.

In an unexpected coup, winning a Rocket Award for the most marked improvement was Romeo Tan.

“It was only when Ann Kok turned her head and gave me a funny look that I realised I might have a chance. It was my first time getting an award and when my name was called, it felt like being hauled up for punishment in primary school!” he joked.

For the second year running, Rui En and Elvin Ng were voted Favourite On-screen Couple by netizens and this year, their chemistry showed in their banter. “I was just joking with Rui En just now, since we have the blessings of everyone, why don’t we just make it real?” Elvin quipped. “I think we’ve grown and matured as a couple ...”

“But not to that point,” Rui En cut in hastily. “He likes to make these jokes (to which) I don’t know how to react; that leave me a little bit startled. Anyway, he has told reporters that I’m not his type and he’s not my type.”

“That was before I knew you from the inside out,” Elvin shot back, laughing.

Newcomer Xu Bin was a little shell-shocked that he managed to beat out Christopher Lee, Romeo Tan, Alien Huang and Aloysius Pang to win the Favourite Male Character Award.

“I really don’t think I’m better looking than Aloysius Pang. He is more handsome than I am, really. And his nose is sharper than mine!” Xu Bin quipped. “I’m really thankful for all the fans and friends who voted for me.”

This year’s Favourite Host winner, Bryan Wong, who also won the same award last year, said the win was a form of much-needed affirmation in a career that has lasted 30 years and counting.

“I came into this industry far too young,” he said, adding that even though being a host is harder than it looks, he keeps pushing through the tough times because “I have to take care of my family”.

And when it all gets too much to handle, “I try to go for a short break. If not, I will just have a meltdown. I love meltdowns. Very liberating. But in retrospect when you do the comparisons, definitely the good moments far surpass the hard moments.”

And that’s the way it is — in life as well as in showbiz. After all, all the world’s a stage, the show must go on.

Catch the Star Awards Show 2 on April 28 at 7pm (Walk Of Fame at 5.30pm) live on MediaCorp TV Channel 8. A one-hour special in honour of Huang Wenyong will be aired on April 29 at 8pm on MediaCorp TV Channel 8.

CLOTHES TALK

What did the stars think of the outfits worn by others?

Felicia Chin

They all said that I’m a jailbird. With broom hair. But I think my makeup and hair complements the whole outfit so I’m very happy with how I look today. I think Rebecca looks very good. Her outfit is very simple, very clean, and I think it’s from Carven. I really like clothes from Carven so I really like it on her. And she’s sitting right beside me so I complimented her the first time I saw her.

Belinda Lee

Yahui gives me the feeling that she’s fun, edgy and spunky. She’s not like, ‘Oh, I’m so beautiful and I’m so glamourous’. So I like her in this outfit. I think she looks kind of outstanding even though it’s so simple. It’s very dashing.

Ya Hui

They said I looked too handsome. Yeah, I think I look more handsome than some of the guys. I think (the most unusually dressed person) is me. It’s quite special because of the print. I saw Rui En’s outfit — I think it’s gorgeous.

Ian Fang

Desmond’s outfit is brilliant! I love it! He looks good no matter what he wears. He has got the swag. Especially the leather jacket, it really suits him.

Desmond Tan

I love Ian’s outfit because I think the juxtaposition of the colours make his face stand out even more. It’s really refreshing. When you look at the pocket square or the shirt and the blazer — it gives you a lot of surprises when you take a closer look.

Xu Bin

Felicia Chin is the best dressed. Because she’s in black and white. I like black and white.

Chen Hanwei

I think the best dressed are Ann Kok and Zoe. Ann Kok is so sexy. And Zoe’s first outfit I liked very much. It’s very simple but very nice.

Shaun Chen

I don’t want to be in black and white every year. At least this is different. And it’s comfortable and loose — it’s easy to move around.

Tay Ping Hui

I have to say the most striking is Ann. She’s always striking. It’s hard not to notice her. I think her dress is really sophisticated yet it oozes sensuality without being cheap.

Elvin Ng

I told Rebecca when she was in the white outfit (Carven), “Did you just descend onto Earth?” and when she changed into the black outfit (Loewe), “Did you just rise to hell?” So it was a good contrast and I liked that.

Ann Kok

I did not pick (my) outfit. My stylist did and I just kind of let him decide. I quite like what Xu Bin wore today — it’s simple and smart. I think guys go for these simple looks because they look dashing enough.

Jayley Woo

I think Ann’s outfit is very daring and hot.

Elizabeth Lee

I think Rui En’s outfit can stand on its own. Ian is one of the few people wearing something different while most of the guys are wearing dull colours like black or navy.

Zheng Geping

(Ann Kok’s outfit) is very hot! Nope it’s not too unexpected. Since she has the figure and what it takes, she should enhance it. She looks really good and the outfit is fitted on her. I mean, those without such a figure won’t even put on such an outfit!

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