Compiled by MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
PROFESSIONAL bridesmaids are in demand in China as soon-to-be married women are concerned that such tasks could ruin their relationships with the friends picked to do the job, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Agencies offering professional bridesmaid services have popped up across the country.
The role is much sought after as prospective brides are worried that their relationships with their friends could turn sour if their friends were unwittingly shoved with the heavy responsibility of being bridesmaids.
According to professional bridesmaid Chen Lele (not her real name), those keen on the job could do it full-time or take on gigs only when they are free.
Chen, who attended more than 10 weddings as a professional bridesmaid last year, said the job allowed her to earn extra cash and also experience different local customs.
An industry expert said the professional bridesmaids industry could grow between 25% and 30% this year.
He suggested that nationwide standards be drawn up so that the public could understand the services provided and help the sector grow in a healthy manner.
> Hong Kong celebrities Kenneth Ma and his fiancee Roxanne Tong have agreed to stop filming intimate scenes once they are married, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Ma, 49, said they had agreed not to take on such roles out of respect for each other, but he acknowledged that it would be tough to avoid kissing scenes.
He suggested that such scenes could be replaced with a peck on the forehead or face.
Asked whether he would act in the same TV series as Tong, 35, he maintained he had no reservations about doing so.
“My only worry is that she does mind it. She once told me that she was concerned if we could ever work together again on set as she would not be able to hold back from giggling,” he added.
They announced their engagement on New Year’s Day. Their wedding is expected to take place later this year.
> Chinese Internet celebrity Grace Chow has apologised for being rude to a fan who had asked for a photo with her, reported China Press.
“To the lady by the road, I am sorry; I was angry at that time,” she said.
She explained that she had refused to be photographed as she was concerned about her state of mind at the time and that she might end up frowning in the picture.
“That was why I refused you,” she said.
Chow, 34, said she immediately regretted her action and asked for the woman’s address on social media so that she could send her gifts.
The woman replied, saying that she would be content with just having a picture with Chow.
● The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
