Jesseca Liu's single and loving it

SINGAPORE: Jesseca Liu arrives on horseback for the beach wedding scene with bouquet in hand and dressed in an elegant white wedding gown. She is carried off the horse and to the altar by her groom.

It had all the elements of a dream wedding: a beautiful dress, a ceremony on the beach, a grand horseback entrance and a muscular groom to carry the bride to the altar. But for Liu, shooting this wedding scene for upcoming Channel 8 drama serial "New Beginnings" was a bit of a nightmare.

"The horse saddle is very small. I am supposed to straddle the horse but we [Liu and her co-star Jeanette Aw] have to sit to the side because we are wearing dresses. I did not feel secure and felt like I could fall off at anytime," said Liu, adding that it was the first time she ever rode a horse.

While Liu may be a horse-riding novice, she is an old hand at playing a bride. Liu had donned a bridal gown on eight separate occasions for various roles so far and admitted that she was "a little tired of shooting in a wedding dress".

Ironically, in "New Beginnings", she not only ends up in a wedding dress but plays a bright, optimistic bridal gown designer from Taiwan.

The 31-year-old actress from Langkawi had to take classes on fashion sketching and embroidery, as well as learn how to take measurements to prepare for her role. She even managed to fill up an entire book with her wedding dress designs, but the thought of making it her new sideline never crossed her mind.

"I think it's better to get a professional to make wedding gowns because they have to tailor the dress as well as design it. I don't think I can do that."

Despite having played a bride a number of times and even learning about bridal gown design for this role, Liu did not feel an itch to get hitched.

"Never. I have never felt the urge to get married," said Liu flatly.

"I don't think I am a proponent of remaining single. But I feel that while I am single, I should enjoy not being tied down by anyone. I can plan my own time, go where I want to go and do what I want to do without having to answer to anyone."

Liu said she had been involved in a series of long relationships so she wanted to experience being alone for a change. She revealed that she once had a seven-year relationship followed by another two each lasting two years.

"This is the first time I have been single for awhile and have only begun to experience what it is like to be single, financially independent and free to do what I want," said Liu.

What of her rumoured Taiwanese beau, actor Fan Zhi Wei?

"It's been a long time since we contacted each other," said Liu.

After being in so many relationships, Liu also said that her idea of an ideal partner has changed.

"I used to prefer men who are taller than me, humourous and care for the family, but now I feel that the most important thing is if the feeling is right."


source : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainmentfeatures/view/1042721/1/.html