Glowing in harmony

IN HONG KONG'S entertainment industry, two things used to spell the death of a starlet's career - motherhood and marriage. But singer Cass Phang is proof the tide has turned.

'Many people say it's like the word 'happiness' is engraved on my forehead,' explains the svelte, 32-year-old songstress. 'I'm happy to live up to that statement. I feel blessed.'

Phang is the proud mother of two-year-old daughter Lam Wing and has been married to Commercial Radio DJ Jan Lam Hoi-fung since 1998. She is part of a growing number of celebrity mums and, along with the likes of singer Faye Wong and actress Christy Chung Lai-tai, is proof that you can have the best of both worlds.

'I know getting married is risky for a female star,' says Phang. 'I just followed my heart. It was the right timing. I felt I was ready for it after eight years of courtship.'

Her union with Lam puzzled many people at first. He is known for his gregarious and brash radio personality, never short of a joke or an acerbic remark, while Phang has a more demure image.'I don't know how we fell in love,' says Phang. 'I guess opposites attract. But my husband keeps me entertained all the time.'

Whatever the reasons, three years of married life and a daughter have left Phang looking revitalised and glowing. A spokes-model for the Marie France Bodyline weight-loss centre, the singer flaunts her slim figure in skimpy outfits in advertisements with Chung and TV actress Flora Chan Wai-shan. The singer won't divulge how she has managed to stay in such good shape - it's a trade secret, she says - but her regimen has also helped to prepare her for two concerts this weekend, her first appearances since she became a mum.