Monday July 6, 2009
Women’s viewpoint
By SETO KIT YAN
Talk show Ladies Sdn Bhd which highlights thought-provoking issues involving women is back with a second season.
LADIES Sdn Bhd – the stimulating talk show that features three dynamic women of varying backgrounds and experiences discussing the hottest current topics – is back for a second season.
Returning as programme hosts are Angel Wong, Lynn Lim and Vivian Tok. Examining each topic from a different angle, the trio deal with issues specifically from the ladies’ point of view.
Tok is gentle yet assertive. Wong is brassy and cynical. Lim is observant and detailed. Together they make thought-provoking observations and provide much insight into the feminine psyche.
“In season one, we dealt more with issues that involved both men and women. It was more of how men viewed women and how women regarded men in the course of their relationship together.
“In season two, we broadened the scope and included social issues that were considerably more intimate like single parenthood and abusive relationships,” offered Wong who lamented that they had even more controversial ideas – such as the signing of a pre-nuptial agreement – which was rejected by the producer.
Gutsy gals: (From left) Angel Wong, Vivian Tok and Lynn Lim host Astro’s Ladies Sdn Bhd. But the exuberant host insisted that she would not be giving up so easily and vowed to plug the issue again if the show extended to a third season.
Among the provocative topics raised this season include “would you take intimate photos with your loved one?”, match-making, extra-marital affairs, single motherhood, ghost stories or urban legends, multi-racial relationships and abusive relationships.
For Tok, the most memorable episode was the one on ghost stories and urban legends. “I enjoy listening to people recounting their personal encounters with the supernatural and I also enjoy telling horror stories. And, we can compare these real life tales with various urban legends that are widely spread on the Internet.”
Recalling their gentle handling of issues like homosexuality and sex education in the previous season, Lim explained that they had to be more careful as the show was aired at 10pm on a Sunday and there may be children viewers.
One could almost see sparks fly during their no-holds-barred discussions in one particular episode about single motherhood which practically led to a pillow fight.
“I recall during one of the shows, the two of them disagreed with me so vehemently that they even threw pillows at me,” exclaimed the usually composed Lim.
After a whole season of a three-way exchanges, Wong said they decided to add a fresh dimension with a fourth person’s perspective.
“This season sees a guest in every episode and we decided to invite some men onto the set for a more diverse outlook.”
Season two guests include Jack Lim (DJ-actor), Beatrice Looi (fashion designer), Carrie Lee (model-actress), Pearlly Chuah (actress) and Roth Lai (magazine editor).
Lim explained that they took great pains to select their guests. “They’ve got to be able to hold their own, join in our discussions, share their views, stay focused and not be obscured by us. Due to this, we’ve even had a couple of episodes where our guests stood us up at the very last minute.”
The current season was filmed in a bungalow for a more relaxed and homey feel.
“It’s quite a complete setup this time. There’s a kitchen, dining area, living room and even a mahjong room!” said Tok with a laugh.
Lim continued: “Because it’s a showroom unit, there would sometimes be people dropping in to view the place during filming. That just makes it all the more fun and enlivens the whole process.”
“It has the ambience of an afternoon tea where we gather at our friend’s home and chat in between preparing snacks. But, whatever the treatment, our programme chiefly reflects the voice of women,” Wong added.
Season two of Ladies Sdn Bhd airs on Astro Wah Lai Toi (Channel 311) at 10pm every Saturday.
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