"Popularity is not important to me. I don't want to be known as a celebrity. I want to be known as an actor, diligently working on projects. I go with the flow. I don't like to set lots of goals because it's hard to reach too many. I believe in work life balance. In my free time, I like to travel. When you're young, it's good to try different things. You don't want to have regrets when you're older. So, pursue the things you want. If you like someone, tell them." - Ma Tian Yu (Let's TV Interview)
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Ma Tian Yu is one of my favorite actors / singers.
He was in Ice Fantasy, Yi Zhi Mei, and Xuan Yuan Sword in the Sky as well as many other productions. I had no idea behind his bright smile, he experienced so much.
In interview "Background Story", Ray Ma talked about his persistence through life's struggles.
Ray grew up in rural China. His mother died when he was five and his dad was away for much of his childhood. He was raised by his grandparents and elder sister.
When Ray first started working, he did a lot of manual labor. In order to help his family, he dropped out of high school and started working full time. After many odd jobs, he progressed to being a cook, making a bit more than minimum wage. At the time, he had small dreams.
Ma Tian Yu- After struggling to make ends meet with odd jobs, I became a cook. I helped my uncle make and sell buns in the market. As a cook, I'd make a decent living. I planned to save up eventually to buy a house and get married when I met someone special. It was the common goal for people in my town, so I wanted the same thing. I didn't have other plans.
He was living in a basement. The ceiling leaked so he'd roll up his blankets every day to avoid them getting wet. He could barely afford meals at times.
Finally after a lot of odd jobs, Ray became an assistant at an agency. He saw a lot of celebrities coming into the facility and became curious about their careers. He auditioned for Super Boy, a popular Chinese talent show. He placed 6th and was voted "Most Popular Contestant."
Before Super Boy, he had been acting as an extra in different productions. He took on many non speaking roles which paid a small daily wage.
Ma Tian Yu- You see that person in the back? That's me. My screentime included standing and walking down the hall for a few seconds. They didn't even show my face, but I bragged about it to my friends. How many people can say they were in a movie with Gong Li? Hahaha
After the experience as an extra, he realized he wanted to be an actor. Ray took the college entrance exams and got into Beijing Film Academy. He went on to win major awards for his music and acting.
Ray Ma is known for ballads. He often incorporates traditional Chinese music such as Beijing opera into his songs.
Zhao Lei- Do you like the song? Vote quickly! If you want to hear more of it, then call out my name! I'm Zhao Lei.
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Xia Zhiguang- Hi everyone! My name is Xia Zhiguang. I love cats.
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(1st day away from cats)
I'm so happy! No cat fur on my clothes! Yay!
(2nd day away from cats)
Do you think they would make trouble? What if they scratch holes in my clothes?
(3rd day away from cats)
I'm starting to miss them...
(4th day away from cats)
Have they eaten? Will they have enough to eat?
(5th day away from cats)
I really really miss my babies. After three months- what if they don't remember me?
(6th day away from cats)
OMG! I don't remember their names. I need your help. Call out our names!
Peng ChuYue-
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Hi everyone, I'm Peng ChuYue...um I don't have good memory, so I like to take photos. I like to record special moments. Let's check out my photography. If there's an opportunity, be my model. Let me remember you.
Yan Xujia
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Hey guys, I'm picking up my little brother from school. Let me introduce him. School's not out yet... then, I'll introduce myself. My name is Yan Xujia. I like rap. I don't know what to talk about... I'll talk about my brother instead. He's 10 and he's in 4th grade. He likes to sing and dance. He likes- me!
I'm not very good at long conversations... Let's meet my brother...
(Shows video clip)
Yan Xujia's Brother- Hi everyone. I'm Xujia's little brother. Wajijiwa family, let's all support Yan Xujia!
Yan Xujia- it's too bad my brother couldn't make an appearance... next time, then. Bye guys!
He's singing a classic OST called Qing Shen Shen Yu Meng Meng from the early 2000s. Mentor Alec Su was main lead.
Xiaowen-
Is this the dorm?
When I came into the building, I thought "not bad. There's a gym! Then I come in here...I'm staying in a dorm with everyone... We didn't pick a good spot. Over there- there's a nice view.
Xia Zhiguang- Yeah, there's sunlight over there.
Xiaowen- Why are we staying next to the bathroom??
Xia Zhiguang: You want the top or bottom bunk?
Xiao Wen: Top bunk. This bag is so heavy. I can't lift it up! Sigh...I don't know how to reassure myself. Before I came here, I was so excited. Now...how do I even fall asleep tonight?
I thought we'd at least have an 8 person dorm.
The big sisters from last season had nice dorms...For this season, everyone in one big dorm...I guess it's ok...