1980s HK movie star keen for a comeback - and an award

The ladies who lunch had afternoon tea on Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt's Pool House. That's where pricey beauty brand La Mer introduced a new age-defying 'regenerating serum', hyped as yet another breakthrough with a secret ingredient. Although all the guests received a sample, they did have to sit through a long product seminar from the label's head of R&D as well as a summary of the best-seller The Blue Zone about how to live longer and healthier. Curiously, gossiping among themselves was more important for a few tai-tais than hearing the secrets of longevity. One guest was 1980s Hong Kong star Patricia Ha Man-chik, who gave up movies for marriage. Now that her three daughters are nearly grown up, the actress - who has appeared in only one film, 2002's Princess D, since 1989 - is considering a comeback. 'I already have an agent. Even though I haven't acted for so many years, I still have the same passion,' Ha said. 'I'm not looking for a grand comeback movie. Right now I'm just looking at scripts. My basic requirements are to not work more than 12 hours a day, and it would be nice to eat well and stay in a nice hotel if we go on location shooting. I just want a good role and a good script, hopefully with a chance to win an award. That's what is missing from my career. The chance to get an acting prize means more to me than a big salary.'