FRIDAY Entertainment rages merrily into 1993 after a first year in existence which was spent chronicling local pop, television, movie and radio news and profiling personalities.
It was so much fun that we've decided to do it all over again this year. And this is what we think, and sometimes pray, will happen over the next 12 months.
Prediction: The decline of the western movie will continue apace at Hongkong cinemas as local audiences continue to shun anything other than blockbusters. Suggestion: Either develop a taste for the fast-improving Hongkong/Chinese/Taiwanese movies or stick with video, and kiss mobile phone/screaming child Hongkong cinema misery goodbye.
Prayer: That stalwarts like the Arts Centre, Panasia Cine-Club and the organisers of our annual festivals continue to provide a minority audience with the unbeatable thrill of good movies seen at good movie houses.
Prediction: That 1993 will prove a strong, diverse year of international rock concerts. Peter Gabriel looks like being the Big One, Elton John the One, Bon Jovi is a possibility and we can also look forward to smaller, more specialised acts.
Prayer: That distributors expand their horizons (Simply Red's manager told us there were loads of bands looking for Hongkong gigs) beyond the tried and trusted Air Supply/Chicago/Jazz fusion staples. Also that we find a new venue. It's a fact that the Hongkong Coliseum is already fully booked for 1993 so if a major act were to suddenly become a possibility, distributors would have to turn them down.
Prediction: That Howards End, The Player, Unforgiven, Aladdin, Husbands and Wives and The Crying Game win Oscars.