Frugal Kenneth Ma Spends $30 on Outing
In its first week of broadcast, The Mysteries of Love <談情說案> peaked at thirty-four points. As one of the male leading actors, Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming became one of TVB’s recent ratings’ lucky stars. Kenneth’s earlier series, A Fistful of Stances <鐵馬尋橋> also broke ratings records in 2010. Perhaps low-profile and hard working artists can also have their breakthroughs!
Despite his rise as a ratings lucky star, Kenneth still retained his frugal habits. Kenneth was spotted taking the train from Tseung Kwan O station to Causeway Bay. Afterwards, Kenneth entered “Men’s Skin Care Centres by Bella” (a skin care clinic currently endorsed by Kenneth) for a [free] facial.
After completing his facial, Kenneth again took public transit home. In half a day, Kenneth was only spotted using $30 (HKD) to purchase a magazine. Compared to other leading male actors who splurge on lavish cars, trendy clothes, and fancy watches, Kenneth appears to be much more practical!
Source: Sudden Weekly #776
Jayne: I’m a frugal person (sometimes). It takes restraint and self-discipline to be a frugal person. In a world of excess, frugality should be celebrated. You need to be resourceful by examining real needs, limiting consumption and reducing spending. You can be financially frugal, yet a generous person in spirit. Not everything should be about money of course.
I admire Kenneth Ma in continuing to lead such a simple life amidst the glittering temptations of the entertainment industry. Perhaps some women will find his lifestyle to be too plain though.
I don’t think we’re frugal people Jayne, I think we’re smart consumers 🙂
I always do research before buying something. I use the internet to see which brand is good and which store has the cheapest price for that item. If the item is unopened and there’s a sale after I bought it, I’ll most likely return it and repurchase to get the better deal. I definitely don’t go chasing after the latest trend in fashion and technology. When I buy clothes, quality, versatility, and function ranked high on my list. I would rather have less things but they last me longer than have a lot of useless things. I guess the fact that I’m also a full-time university student with a part-time job means I have to be extra careful on how I spend my money. But you’re right, it does take discipline and generosity doesn’t mean spending/giving away money like it’s nothing. The thought process and the reason behind the gift mean much more.
Kenneth has always come across as a simple and down to earth person to me. His greatest interest is playing football (or basket ball, I forgot exactly which) and collecting donald duck figurines. And he’s very humble. I like that.
But, I don’t think he would be a boring person. I find him quite witty in ‘The Four’ interview. At least, his jokes are actually funny. 😀
wow seeing him in a new light not my favourite actor though ya but he does come across as a nice next door guy…
I don’t think he is frugal at all but a smart. If it is not necessary to spend, then why spend? Plus, this is just a one day transaction, perhaps, tomorrow, he spends a lot more than today! Props to Kenneth to not let standorm get to his head.
Acting and screen charisma wise Kenneth doesn’t strike me on, sorry *dodges thrown objects* but I do agree that he seems like a nice and humble person in real life 🙂
Forgot to say maybe he’s saving for marriage? 😛 Marriage require lots or money for men to handle the upcoming family hehe. I’ve read recently that HK actors need about 7-8 figures in savings to secure the family’s financial future with the uncertain economy and acting career. Its better to save and work hard while still single for the future wife(and kids). When they have families they need to divide their time for the family and can’t work as freely as when they are still single. Oh sorry for deviating from the topic 😛
I’ve only recently started watching TVB dramas but I finished watching A Fistful of Stances last month and I do find him to be quite a good actor and there’s nothing wrong with being simplistic 🙂
What is wrong being frugal? I do not know how much he earns but I suspect isn’t much hence his frugalness. That is a virtue. Some people save and save and save to buy properties and go travelling. Maybe he is such a person. I’d rather him this than some huge spendrift wearing expensive labels driving expensive cars. In fact I find him more interesting in real life than on screen. Everytime I see him act, I just fell asleep.
I agree with Funn. There’s nothing wrong with it and it shows he might be saving for his future rather than those young men who do buy properties and claim to save money but at the same time splurge on brand name cars. I think buying expensive cars is a waste of money especially when HK has very good public transport and is a small place, and I’m disappointed that certain people I like have this expensive and waste money hobby. Although I don’t like Kenneth’s acting in dramas he certainly shows he’s a nice and practical person in real life.
I think Kenneth is an ok actor. He seems like a really nice and humble guy. I am glad that he doesn’t waste money and saves as much as he can. I don’t think he makes much anyways but even if he did, he may not be a big spender…THat is a good virtue to have…