HONG Kong actor and newly minted singer Bosco Wong does not need to fret even if he does not win any best newcomer trophy at music award shows next year.

Given his boyish charm, down-to-earth appeal and honesty - well, except when the focus is on rumoured girlfriend Myolie Wu - he will make an impression.

And he has a way of endearing himself to the press, which always helps.

In an interview with The New Paper when he was in town recently to promote his new drama serial, The Gem Of Life, Bosco shows how he does just that.

There were no 'out-of-bounds' questions - we could even ask about actress Myolie.

'We're good friends, very, very good friends,' he said, with a twinkle in his eyes.

'And yes, we usually confide in each other.'

Despite the couple's constant denials, Bosco and Myolie have been romantically linked to each other since they first appeared together in the drama Wars of In-Laws three years ago.

They were even voted the Most Popular On-Screen Couple at TVB's Anniversary Awards in 2006.

They reprised their 'relationship' in a sequel this year.

Bosco said: 'Ah yes... but what about the other actresses that I've worked with since then?'

Such as Linda Chung, who acted as his love interest in The Gem Of Life and Moonlight Resonance.

He laughed, then added: 'I spent a whole year (2007) with her because filming (for both shows) took place concurrently.

'When we wrapped up, I told Linda, 'I hate you very much. I don't want to see you again'.'

But it was the roles she played that turned him off - which gave a hint of the kind of women he would not be attracted to.

Bosco said: 'In The Gem Of Life, she's like Paris Hilton, the rich, spoilt brat. Too wilful for my liking.

'It's fine to have her as a friend, but girlfriend? No, never.'

He added: 'And in Moonlight Resonance, her character loves to cry. Too much.

'I'm so afraid of girls who cry, so I also don't want a girlfriend like that. Oh, and even if it's (just being) friends, I must also consider.'

Bosco, who turned 28 last Saturday, admitted that he has been quite fortunate in his rising career.

He said: 'I've been given the opportunity to be involved in many good productions.'

And to think that he had once thought of quitting the scene.

Talent-spotted in the streets for a lemon tea TV commercial in 1997 - which also featured Cecilia Cheung - Bosco joined Hng Kong Tv station TVB two years later after he finished school.

When he was tasked to host late-night music programmes, his sense of self-worth started to slip.

He said: 'I began to lose hope in myself.'

Then he had a chat with a good friend, who told him to persevere and not put a timeline to when he could achieve success.

Bosco listened. And now, he is glad he stayed on.

Turned to singing

Not only has he been given good roles, he can now add another feather to his cap - as a singer.

He released his debut album - In Love With Bosco - in Hong Kong on 5 Dec. And in just under five days, the album sold more than 10,000 copies.

A second issue of the album was quickly put out on the shelves. While Bosco has previously recorded theme songs for his drama serials, he confessed he had a hard time recording his own album of songs.

He explained: 'Most of our theme songs are related directly to the dramas, so this means the listeners can relate to the songs more easily. The message in the song is already quite clear.'

But it was different for the album.

'I have to convey what the songs mean through my voice,' he said. 'It's a recording of my emotions, but it can be just 'sounds' to the listeners.'

Coincidentally, Myolie has also released her debut album, Evolve, about two weeks earlier.

Bosco said: 'We really didn't plan it such. In any case, we're from different record companies.'

Asked to rate Myolie's singing, he gave it 8.5 on a scale of one to 10.

'Myself? About 3 or 4 marks?' he said, unsure.

So does this mean he will not be competing with her in the various music awards that will take place in Hong Kong next year?

Bosco said: 'If there's a male and female category, then no issues.

'And if there isn't, then I will readily step aside for Myolie.'

Before we could ask him, he quickly added: 'And that's because we're very, very good friends.'

Cheeky.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 18, 2008.