THE NATION ASIANEWS March 15-21, 2009
TRAVEL, FOOD & DRINK, STYLE, ARTS AND TRENDS IN ASIA
g o D e h
t n o n'
i t t Pu Hot!
Mo wild ideas
Catwalk Coco
Chinese in check
TRAVEL, FOOD & DRINK, STYLE, ARTS AND TRENDS IN ASIA THE NATION ASIANEWS
March 15-21, 2009 P H O T O co u rtes y o f L ee ( T ha i land )
COVER
Jeans for jammin’ p9-11
C o v er / P H O T O co u rtes y o f L ee ( T ha i land )
Around Asia
BRING ON THE HEAT!
SEOUL TAKES MANHATTAN
P24-25
P8
INN FOR THE INSPIRED
P14-15 CONTAGIOUS KRABI
P13 team
JOSIE HO BEATS YOU UP
P28
Editor: Phatarawadee Phataranawik | Deputy Editor: Khetsirin Pholdhampalit | Photo Editor: Kriangsak Tangjerdjarad | Photographers: Ekkarat Sukpetch, Kittinun Rodsupan | Writers: Manta Klangboonklong, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul | Contributor: Pawit Mahasarinand, JC Eversole | Designers: Nibhon Appakarn, Pradit Phulsarikij, Ekkapob Preechasilp | Copy-editors: Luci Standley and Rod Borrowman | Sub-editor: Paul Dorsey | Contact: www.nationmultimedia.com, e-mail: ace@nationgroup.com. (02) 338 3461-2 ACE is published by NMG News Co LTD at 1854 Bangna-Trat Road, Bangkok
ph o t o c o urt e sy m o o r o o ms
What’s Hot
Mo artists than you’ve ever seen
T
hree years in the making, hip hotel Mo Rooms is just about ready to open in Chiang Mai’s Tha Pae neighbourhood. Given a soft launch on February 20 and expected to welcome actual hard people next month, Mo Rooms is a skills compendium - badboy artist Mit Jai-in came up with the idea, Charoen Chompucom the cash,
Plang Rit Architecture the structure and another ar tist, T haiwijit Poengkasemsomboon, the design. Pour on top of that the creativity of an artist born in each sign of the zodiac and you’ve got 12 astrologytheme rooms. What, more artists? Yes, conceptual artist Rirkrit Tiravanija is managing the place, which means he’ll probably
have to move back from New York Famed for feeding people “cooking art”, he’s come up with the menu too, and Navin “Is your name Navin” Rawanchaikul helped concoct the cocktails. Call them at (081) 857 9000 or e-mail: mom@morooms.com and keep an eye on Ace for a review.
Free gold necklaces, right here!
Correction
F
he story “Elle Week - now just a day!” on page 11 of last week’s issue said that while Bangkok International Fashion Week is refusing to “buckle up”, the longestablished Elle Fashion Week, starting this year on May 9, is scaling down from four days to one. In fact, Elle (Thailand) has not scaled down the spring-summer collection Fashion Week, but has instead switched to organising the charity event “Elle Fashion for Life”. The creative event will incorporate a music concert and fashion show. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Pa Tongko (Positive Partnership Programme) which helps people living with HIV and those without it get set up together in business. The annual Elle Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 2009 will be held in October. We apologise for misleading readers.
rom the mob of Mo artists, here’s long-absent Surasi Kusolwong taking on the world single-handedly. Last Sunday a Belgian gallery set off a bang at the Volta “Age of Anxiety” art fair in New York by presenting Surasi’s installation “Golden Ghost”. It involved a topless young woman wading through a quarter-tonne mountain of multicoloured thread. The Hoet Bekaert Gallery invested $30,000 in this vision, not counting the | |
young lady’s salary, and was fully expecting to lose money on it. Well, who’s going to buy it, even if the woman agreed? Attempt to explain: Think of Marcel Duchamp’s “Nude Descending a Staircase”. The young lady appears wearing jeans, a gold necklace and ... that’s it. Three similar necklaces, each one worth about $500, are hidden among the assemblage of obelisks, suspended art prints and coloured yarn. If you f i n d o n e , i t ’s y o u r s . Understand?
T
March 15-21, 2009
C o u rtes y o f C hanel ( T ha i land )
P hoto / A nant C hantarasoot
Trends
Where in Bangkok is the Rue Cambon? Phatarawadee Phataranawik
C
hanel (Thailand) lit up the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Royal Ballroom recently showing the springsummer collection with which Karl Lagerfeld delighted Paris back in October. The ballroom became Chanel’s Rue Cambon boutique for a dazzling evening as more than 20 top models paraded through the re-created Paris streetscape where Coco Chanel set up shop in 1928. Charmingly feminine, the collection was dominated by tall, dynamic silhouettes made up of long legs and short skirts. The design house’s signature classic black and white were accented with pearl grey and cheerful pastel pinks. There were tweed micro-jackets adorned with geometric appliques and matching short skirts, and round-shouldered short coats worn over dresses or skirts. Neatly tailored dresses were decorated with clusters of metal belts and ribbons. Pantyhose matched platform pumps in two-tone plexMarch 15-21, 2009
iglass of subtle transparency, and glamorous shoes from Maison Michel bore fringes of black or pink feathers. Lagerfeld has given casual trousers an elegant look and perfectly combined kneelength pants with sexy, seethrough-lace blouses atop black bras. Draped trousers were worn with tight, long-sleeved shirts that had peek-a-boo lace on the shoulders. Long dresses made the wearers seem slimmer. The white evening dresses were trimmed with black ribbons, arrays of metal belts and graphic patterns, and the black gowns with big ribbons beneath the bust showed off the shoulders through sheer fabric. The gypsy look made its appearance in ornate, pleated, diaphanous blouses and a blush-pink crepe de chine jumpsuit laden with Chanel’s latest “accessory” - a leather guitar. The finale was devoted to men’s clothing, with singer Pakorn “Dome” Lum modelling a classic black tuxedo atop a standingcollar white shirt done up with more of those metal belts. |5|
Trends Karate champs test Issey Miyake’s two-piece suit
A P P hoto P A R 1 0 3 , P A R 1 0 1 , P A R 1 0 2
B
usinesswear got put through the motions at Issey Miyake’s autumn-winter ready-to-wear show last week as karate champions in two-piece suits chopped, kicked and yelped their way through a catwalk display of their art. “We studied the movements of these champions to create a new frame of suit,” explained Dai Fujiwara, artistic director at the Japanese label. “If it is good enough for them, it has got to be good enough for the businessmen.” The secret behind the suits’ suppleness lies in the fabric — polyester infused with stretch — a complex web of folds and built-in accordion pleats that run up and down suit like stripes. Other garments at the show, which lived up to the label’s reputation for ingenuity, included dresses, shirts and jackets that enveloped the models’ bodies like petals, trembling daintily as they walked. On the hanger, the garments looked like rectangles of uncut cloth with small vertical slits — armholes — in the middle. As with many of the label’s clothes, slipping into the shimmering, multilayered garments required a bit of training. Puffy vests |6|
in slick red and black pleated polyester looked like shells of poisonous beetles. They can also be worn upside-down for a completely different effect. Wide-leg, high-water pants were cut in the shape of a scimitar and evoked the sail of an Arabic dhow. The models carried handbags in serious shades of black and taupe that they swung to reveal underbellies of shocking pink or fluorescent green. Down-filled scarves like mini comforters were light as air. “I want to find the mixture point between design, fashion, art and economics,” said Fujiwara, as he sketched a Venn diagram with circles representing the different fields. “This is where I want to be,” he added, filling in the tiny slice where the circles overlapped. — Associated Press March 15-21, 2009
P hoto / B loomberg D o u g K anter
Qiu Zhijie’s ‘Breaking Through the Ice’ installation greets visitors at the Ullens Centre.
Aboard the good ship Ullens In Beijing, ‘the UCCA’ is the place to see what Chinese artists are up to Eugene Tang
contemporary artists to come together to engage in a dialogue with each other ship’s rusty bow greets visi- and the rest of world,” says the centre’s tors at the entrance of the director, Jerome Sans. Ullens Centre for ContemQiu’s work is a blur of mixed metaporary Art in Beijing, float- phors and confused symbols. A green ing on a bed of plastic pasture of mats is called “I Used to slates, as if forcing its way Have 72 Different Forms”, recalling the through a sea of ice floes. monkey god of mythology. Qiu Zhijie, its creator, sets steel Models of water buffalo, with railway sheets on the floor to tracks on their backs, symbolise a river, appear half-subnailing curly flaps merged in the river of onto them to represteel. They signify the sent waves. attempt to industrialQiu’s first solo ise one of the world’s show is one of three largest agrarian sociexhibitions at the eties, Qiu explains. UCCA, the city’s His show has largest non-profit snatches of brilliance. private gallery. If only Qiu had orBeijing’s 798 disganised his works trict, a tourist better, after a decade hotspot during the of groundbreaking 2008 Olympics, has photography, calligbeen almost a ghost raphy and an unusual town since summer use of flashlight. as the financial crisis The first Asia solo saps wealth and cut A chandelier designed by Ai Weiwei exhibition by Paleshangs at the centre, the private museart purchases. tinian-British artist um of Guy and Myriam Ullens, who “The UCCA is a are among the world’s biggest owners Mona Hatoum muhome for Chinese of Chinese contemporary art. tates everyday objects
A
March 15-21, 2009
He An inside his exhibit ‘What Makes Me Understand What I Know?’
into the dangerous. Enlarged kitchen graters become a room partition and a bed, their sharp edges making them impractical yet beautiful. He An’s show, put together by Wang Jianwei, is the first of a series of UCCA projects to present the works of young artists who haven’t yet been seen in commercial galleries. He, 38, shows neon lights of various sizes that form the names of his father, who died in 2007, and Japanese adultmagazine model Yoshioka Miho. He spent a year collecting neon signs in his native city, Wuhan. The works are a silent prayer for his father’s spirit in paradise, He says. Qiu Zhijie’s “Breaking Through the Ice” is just wrapping up, Mona Hatoum’s “Measures of Entanglement” runs through April 5 and He An’s “What Makes Me Understand What I Know?” to next Sunday. — Bloomberg The Ullens Centre is at 798 Art District, No 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu in Chaoyang district. Call (+96 10) 8459 9269 or visit www.UCCA.org.cn. |7|
Go SHOPPING
A parrot-shaped bottle opener by Tooto comes in yellow and costs Bt295.
Summer sizzlers
Central and Superrzaaap offer some hot gear for chilling at the beach Pattarawadee Saengmanee
Alissi’s green tableware set includes a glass, fork, spoon, knife and squareshaped tray for Bt2,500.
H
ip boutique for the young Superrzaaap and Central department store are offering the very latest collection in colourful clothes, accessories and decorative items by famous brands that will have you sizzling on the beach this summer. Central brings together a selection of cool products by renowned labels from around the globe. If you’re in the market for beachwear, check out the bikinis, shorts and other accessories by Billabong and more. At Zeen Zone, you’ll find gifts galore along with trendy tableware, decor items and toys created by designers from home and abroad.
Slip on a pair of Billabong slippers for Bt790.
ph o t o / e kkarat sukp e tch
A surfing timer water resistant watch by Casio for Bt2,950
Protect your eyes with colourful sunglasses by Tron, Bt990 a pair.
| |
Central department store is open daily from 10am to 10pm. For more information, call (02) 793 7416-9.
Pretty in pink: This shocking-pink bikini by Billabong costs Bt2,990.
T
he brainchild of four young partners, Superrzaaap in Siam Square is the new headquarters of teens and 20-somethings fashionistas in love with the streetwear-style. The owners keep the emphasis on local art and music, so the designs are full of graphics and techno tones but playful too, with hint of video games as well. For summer, the boutique offers an eye-catching array of top-brand shirts, watches, backpacks, iPod cases, slippers and sunglasses from aboard. The store also keeps a corner for fold-up bicycles and a rare collection of sneakers by Reebok and Nike imported from Japan and America. Superrzaaap’s fun iPod cases cost Bt990 a pop.
Stand out on the beach with a grey T-shirt for Bt650.
Superrzaaap is on Siam Square Soi 2 and on the second floor of Peri Pheri store. It’s open daily from 12.30 to 9pm. Call (02) 251 2142, (085) 122 6868 or visit www.SuperrzaaapStore. blogspot.com. March 15-21, 2009
P H O T O co u rtes y o f L ee ( T ha i land )
Cover
Pod, May-T and Pong of Moderndog churn out a line of distinctive Lee jeans and other gear
March 15-21, 2009
|9|
COVER
Kitchana L ersakv anitchakul
T
heir name is synonymous with Thailand’s alternative-rock scene, so when clothing-maker Lee was looking for guest designers for its 2009 limited edition of jeans, tees and accessories for the local market, Moderndog’s three members were the obvious choice. Vocalist Thanachai “Pod” Ujjin, guitarist May-T Noijinda, and drummer Pavin “Pong” Suwannacheep follow in the footsteps of Japanese designer Ken Nakamura, who came up with last year’s guest collection, screening a Japanese mask onto the pockets of his “Lee Never Dies” jeans. “Ken’s collection was a huge success,” says Varavut Matanapojanard of the Central Marketing Group. “In Thailand the jeans sold like hotcakes. “Limited-edition deals between jeans brands and leading musicians | 10 |
have worked well overseas, but the idea is new to Thailand, but I think it will be a very effective marketing strategy.” The guys in Moderndog split just under 30 per cent of the marketing budget among themselves. The products have just gone on sale in Chiang Mai and response has been hot. “We don’t have to organise a heavy promotion for this collection because the target group — teens and 20-somethings — is the same as Lee’s,” Varavut says. “Moderndog put their unique stamp on our pr o du ct a nd it ’s
made the brand stand out. “And Pod says he’ll be interested to see how popular the band gets because of the clothes!” “Like other bands,” Pod points out, “we’ve produced Tshirts, bags and caps to sell on our tours, but we’ve never done a proper collection like this before. It March 15-21, 2009
P hoto / E kkarat S u kpetch
From left, Pod, May-T and Pong
was a terrific opportunity to get some hands-on experience.” May-T says the guys always have tailors custom-make clothes for them for performing, and now for a change the fans can wear clothes the musicians designed.
The Lees line involves separate collections from each band member, with all of the clothes — right down to the March 15-21, 2009
buttons, zippers, rivets and tags — representing the trio’s own ideas. “Everything very practical and based on how we like to dress,” says Pod. “All my shirts, belts, hats and kit bags are made from a purple fabric with a tartan pattern, and the cuffs and inseams of my jeans are trimmed with the same pattern.” Pong’s jeans are trimmed with a hilltribe-style woven fabric, and his black T-shirts have collars. May-T’s designs are distinguished by the band’s logo — a black dog with three heads on long necks. “It’s all about simplicity,” says Pong. “I like wearing hilltribe clothes — I
wanted to use handmade buttons and zippers too, but that wasn’t possible.” May-T favours corduroy over denim and lots of flexible, round pockets — for toting CDs. His T-shirts bear his logo, and his large vinyl bag comes with a guitar strap. “The gusset pocket is ideal for guitar picks and coins,” he explains. The togs are now on sale at all branches of Central, The Mall and Robinson’s, with prices ranging from Bt550 for Pod’s cap to Bt3,250 for Pong’s jeans. Only 200 pieces have been made of each item, so the entire line will soon be collectors’ items. | 11 |
St Paddy’s pleasures
Hip Hangout
JC Eversole
T
Art and soul food The Ardel Gallery’s cafe will fill your tummy once your eyes have had their feast K he t sirin Pholdhampalit
p h o t o s / E kkarat S ukpetc h
W
ith dream interpreters of the calibre of Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook on site to provide nourishment for the spirit, the Ardel Gallery of Modern Art doesn’t forget its visitors more mundane thirsts either. It’s a fair trek from downtown Bangkok to Thavorn Ko-udomvit and his fellow artists and patrons’ gallery on Boromrachachonnanee Road, so the tasty drinks and snacks served at the Ardel Cafe are a welcome addition. The cafe is perfect for pondering the message in the art over iced Japanese green tea or a cup of cappuccino, which sell for Bt40 to Bt60. Beverages come in ceramic cups that are works of art themselves, the creations of Somluk Pantiboon of Chiang Rai’s Doy Din Dang Pottery. The reasonably priced snacks range from toast on shredded ice topped with red syrup and condensed milk and | 12 |
waffles with ice cream to ham-andcheese sandwiches and salads. The loft-like gallery is spacious and bright with its high ceiling, and you can always count on seeing thoughtprovoking works by top contemporary artists. The 20-seat cafe provides some extra space for small-scale pieces by young and less-known artists. Currently on display are black-andwhite tempera drawings by Methasit Addok of Silpakorn University. Amid the simple decor of wood and marble-top tables there are art catalogues and books for sale, along with souvenir bags and T-shirts. Thavorn also holds printmaking workshops for adults and art classes for children on weekends. Menu by Monet? The Ardel Gallery of Modern Art is at 99/45 Belle Ville, Boromrachachonnanee Road Km 10.5 in Bangkok’s Thawee Wattana district. It’s open daily except Monday from 10.30 to 7 and Sunday until 5.30pm. Call (02) 422 2092 or visit www.ArdelGallery.com.
uesday is Saint Patrick’s Day, a day when we can all claim a little Irish heritage, wear something green and join our friends at one of Bangkok’s numerous pubs to toast an itinerant Christian missionary who preached to pagans in the wilds of Ireland more than 1,500 years ago. While many miracles, some documented and others doubtful, have been attributed to the patron saint of Ireland, the one certainty is his day gives rise to large celebrations. Although a national holiday in Ireland and nowhere else, the largest tributes to St Paddy occur in the US cities of Boston and New York, where Irish emigrants settled upon fleeing widespread poverty generations ago. Hundreds of bands and organisations participate in hourslong parades in both these cities, which are followed by extended lunches that run well into the evening. Corned beef and cabbage, once considered barely acceptable fare for poorer immigrants, is the dish prized by most revellers today, washed down of course by a pint or two of Dublin’s most famous beer, Guinness stout. Guinness also has major reasons for celebrating as this year marks its 250th anniversary. In 1759, founder Arthur Guinness signed a lease for the original brewery at St James Gate in Dublin. Considering today’s economic travails, he is probably dancing a jig in his grave as he reflects on his original agreement giving the company a 9,000-year lease on the site at the sum of £49 pounds annually! Small wonder that Guinness is one of the world’s most recognised beers with breweries in 25 countries and sales of 10 million pints every day. Those of us raising a pint of Guinness to St Pat in Bangkok will be drinking beer made in its Malaysian brewery. Purists claim the artesian water used at the original Dublin brewery gives a distinctively mellow taste to that beer alone, which can’t be replicated elsewhere, but after a second pint differences seem to fade. Join the fun at O’Reillys, Molly Malones, the Dubliner or even the Roadhouse for a pint of Guinness dark brown ambrosia this Tuesday. Erin go bragh! March 15-21, 2009
Make it your Mantra Some people go to church on Sundays. Some people go to Pattaya — for brunch, we mean
Manta K langboonkrong (complete with drippy raclette) isn’t to be skipped, and the array of seafood is tantalising with imported shrimps, Alaska king crabs and oysters with Western or spicy Thai dip. The desserts are to be found off by themselves in the suspiciously named Lost Gallery, where you can lose yourself in cakes, pastries and mousse. Take care not to miss the chocolate fountains, which you can daub with cherries, grapes and orbs of cantaloupe. If Sunday is your day to be absolutely lazy and walking all the way to the buffet stations is too much to ask, just make your choices from the menu and the staff will do the running around.
You can dine outside as well if you like. The brunch costs Bt1,390+ with limitless soft drinks. There’s also a food-free wine brunch for Bt1,150.
P h o t o c o urtes y o f M a n tra
A
lready boasting swanky decor, great beverages and a multi-cuisine kitchen, Mantra Restaurant & Bar at Pattaya’s Amari Orchid Resort and Tower serves a Sunday b r u n c h t h at ’s become a bit of a gem on the local dining scene. The three-yearold hangout dishes u p f r e s h - c o o ke d treats from seven open kitchens from 11 to 3, making for a bewildering choice. The whole restaurant area is filled with savouries and sweets at different buffet stations — Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian and Mediterranean. Laden with bread, cracker and fruit, the international cheese board
Prayers answered Mantra Restaurant & Bar is on Pattaya Beach Road and open for supper from 5pm till 1am. Call (038) 429 591 or visit www.Mantra-Pattaya.com. March 15-21, 2009
| 13 |
p h o t o s / K itit n u n R o dsupa n
Laid-back
Krabi’s jawdropping allure
Blessed with vibrant history and a hundred beautiful isles, the province remains for travellers an irresistible beacon
| 14 |
March 15-21, 2009
Pattarawadee Saengmanee
T
he mob of foreigners laying siege to Krabi Airpor t suggests that reports of t o u r i s m’s d e m i s e a r e premature, at least in this southern seaside town in high season. Folks are still going to need a relaxing place and comfortable lodgings to spend the last of their hard-earned money, and it will take overseas creditors a long time to find them here. Lively and colourful with a ribbon of boutique hotels set against the azure of the Andaman Sea and a glittering thread of crystal sand, Krabi is the jumping-off point to more than 100 beautiful islands and has its own mainland array of historic sites and charming fishing communities. History beckons first at Wat Kaew Krorawaram on Issara Road, a royal monastery with two wooden ordination halls built in 1942 by the Venerable Phrakhu Dhammawutwisit. Their southern style of architecture is simple but refined. Ne xt door is the ne w Krabi Contemporary Art Museum established by social activist Boonkasem Sae Kow and his friends. It’s home to more than 40 eye-catching paintings that reflect the southern way of life and the views of the local artists. By Nopparat Thara Beach is a line of eateries serving delectable, fresh March 15-21, 2009
seafood, and each evening the beach On our final day we ascend Khao becomes a stage for folk dances and Garose, a mountain in Ao Luk subflashy displays of fire spinning. district that gets its name from guloon Early in the morning we head out to — Malay for “not beautiful”. Koh Ha in Koh Phi Phi National Park. First we have to paddle our boats It’s a delightful two-hour cruise past a through a six-kilometre gap in the hills slew of photogenic isles. We see Koh to reach the small peak in a massive Kai, a mecca for scuba divers; Koh Mai flooded forest. Pai, home to 100,000 rai of coral; and Contrary to what its name suggests, Koh Phi Phi Lay, the popular film Garose has walls decorated with location. gorgeous portraits of animals and rural Once docked at Koh Ha we meet life that are believed to date back 3,000 Frenchman Guillaume Nery, who once years. earned a place in the record books by We end up on a winning note — at free-diving to nine metres in four and a Koh Hong in Than Bokkhorani half minutes. National Park, which Nery tags along on claimed the Best Island our outing and offers T h a i l a n d To u r i s m tips as the qualified Award last year. divers among us head Fa m e d f o r i t s deep into the tranquil, white beach underwater world. The and the beautiful rest of us enjoy emerald sea, this is truly snorkelling among paradise for schools of chronically Eden with beaches sunbathers, snorkellers cute clownfish and The Krabi Contemporary Art — and starfish t h e i r m a g n i f i c e n t Museum is at Wat Kaew counters. Krorawaram on Issara Road in coral-castle homes. How many stars in Muang district. It’s open daily Just ahead of sunset except Monday from 10 to 5. the sky and grains of we watch adventurers For more about Koh Phi Phi sand on the beach? We climb a soaring cliff National Park, call (075) 661 spent the day tallying barehanded on Koh 145 or (075) 637 200. the starfish that recline Koh Hong and Than Bokkhorani Por Da — not a safety National Park are in Ao Luk everywhere along the rope or stunt double in district. Call (075) 681 071 beach, like perfect little sight. stone sculptures. or (075) 682 058. | 15 |
Laid-back
Form your own
hilltribe
Peaceful and perched on a peak, Asia Spirit Lodge and Spa lets you lead a god-like existence on Samui K he t sirin Pholdhampalit
ph o t o / e kkarat sukp e tch
S
uspend expectations of sand and Big, beautiful banyan trees extend surf when you book a room at Koh their shady branches, like massive Samui’s new Asia Spirit Lodge and servants with parasols waiting for you Spa – there’s no beach up on the hill, but by the dining area and pool. you’re in for a treat just the same. The decor is an eclectic blend of Leave the waves to the crowds Balinese and Indochinese, with a packing into the lowland hotels and purplish red predominating. bars. Asia Spirit travels the tranquil path in mid-air, in Taling Ngam in the island’s south. Atop a hill called K hao Khwang, this is the Asia Sense Group’s second inn after Ban Kao Tropical Residence down below. Asia Spirit represents a Bt72million investment in the two-rai site, with 16 bungalows and the main building with three deluxe rooms and two junior suites. The resort supplies the off-road vehicle to get you 250 metres high, up a steep, two-kilometre road. The view is spectacular, all Serenity on a slant the way to the neighbouring Until April 30 you pay isles of Tan, Sam and Matsum. Bt5,500 for a bungalow, Serenity is lord of the manor Bt6,000 for a deluxe room and Bt6,500 for a junior here, commanding you to spend suite. quality time with a good book, Call (077) 920 035 or visit sprawled in a chair on the terrace www.AsiaSpiritLodge.com. with the sea all around. | 16 |
All the rooms have king-size beds, private bathrooms, LCD TVs, wi-fi Internet, fridges and private terraces overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The bungalows, capped by fauxstraw roofs, have in the bathrooms Javanese-style sandstone sculptures of the lion-demon Kiet Muk that are supposed to be the showers but don’t always cooperate. Elsewhere, a small spa has two beds and a menu of oil and Thai massages and reflexology, and the restaurant, Oriental Sense, serves Asiatic dishes in a setting meant for romantic sunset dinners. But what about the beach? Well, if you insist: A clubhouse is being built at nearby Laem So Beach just so guests can descend from their heaven for a salty splash. Asia Spirit Lodge might be a little too lofty for older people, and it has no facilities for children, but it’s brilliant for loving couples and other folks hankering for peace and seclusion. March 15-21, 2009
Wellness Meditation that heals Step out of life’s fast lane with a session of healing meditation at Kathmandu Photo Gallery and Bookshop on Pan Road Silom this Sunday from 10 to 11.30. The simple meditation techniques exclusively for healing are taken from Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, yoga and New Age practices. The session is open to beginners and advanced meditators and is especially recommended for anyone suffering from cancer. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Just inform the hosts if you need to sit on a chair. For reservation and more information, call (02) 234 6700.
SPIRIT GUIDES
Bowed in reverence
Abhivad yoga teaches that everyone you love was at some point your parent Aree C haisatien
March 15-21, 2009
hands, legs, knees, forehead and torso all touch the ground. The prostration can be repeated as often as you wish. After a few minutes you’ll likely be sweating, but physically refreshed. The yoga exercise was among activities arranged for readers of Women and Home magazine’s Thai edition by Krisadawan and Montira Chudabuddhi, the editor. We also enjoyed a tea-butter ceremony and drew some mantra calligraphy. Krisadawan, a follower of Vajrayana Buddhism, which she regards as complementary to the Theravada branch, regularly arranges such sessions dealing with the body and mind, death and dying, and dreams and spirituality. In 2004 she established the Thousand Stars Foundation to teach people about Tibetan religion and culture and pay for dharma education and practice among children, nuns and others at retreats in Tibet. The Tara Khadiravana centre serves as a sanctuary for anyone, regardless of their faith. An elaborate stupa is to be built in the compound to honour the female bodhisattva Tara Maha. Pondering love The Thousand Stars Foundation House at 695 Soi Ladprao 11 in Bangkok is hosting a free discussion called “Meditation on Love and Compassion” at 6.30pm on Thursday. Visit http://Krisadawan.wordpress.com or www.Thousand-Star.org.
Learning to let go
P h o t o / c o urt e sy o f W o m e n and H o m e magazin e ’ s T hai e diti o n
A
bhivad yoga – as taught at the Tara Khadiravana Retreat in Hua Hin – gets its name for the Sanskrit meaning “salute with reverence”. “Breathe in a relaxing manner, naturally,” advises Assoc Prof Krisadawan Hongladarom, the expert on Tibetan Buddhism who founded the Thousand Stars Foundation. “In this style of yoga, what’s more important than breathing is how you set your mind.” She tells us to imagine a Buddha in front of us, and then “Buddhas everywhere in the sky”. “Now, imagine that your father is to your right side and your mother is on your left, while friends, relatives and others you love – including strangers, all animals and all living beings – are behind you. “Below you are your enemies.” This is the “salute procession”, Krisadawan explains, and it’s large because all living beings in this world were our parents in past lives. We place our palms together and raise them to our foreheads, then lower them to our mouths and hearts. “I will reside in the Three Jewels until I attain enlightenment,” Krisadawan intones as she stretches out on her stomach with hands reaching above her head. Abhivad yoga is an adaptation of Sashtanga Namaskara, a form of prostration to the Buddha in which the
Former monk Jeff Oliver will be in Bangkok on Tuesday to host a dharma talk and meditation session that runs from 6.30 to 8.15 at Ariyasom Villa, at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 1. He will talk about viriya, a mental strength that allows letting go and stilling the mind. Oliver was a monk for some years with the respected Sayadaw U Janaka in Burma. These days, though a layman, he leads somewhat of a homeless life, blowing where the dharma winds take him, leading meditation retreats and serving dharma in various ways. Tuesday’s session is free. For more information, visit www.LittleBang. wordpress.com. | 17 |
PHOTO ESSAY Mong children in Moc Chau’s Long Luong Commune get into the festive mood.
A man decorates an altar for his ancestors.
A man lays the family’s farming tools beside his ancestral altar. | 18 |
Residents of Long Luong take part in a ceremony to pray for longevity for the elderly people in their community. March 15-21, 2009
A Sacred Celebration T E XT BY XUA N T R U O N G /VIET NAM NEWS P H OTOS BY V I E T N A M NEWS
M
ong ethnic people in Moc Chau, the capital district of Viet Nam’s northern mountainous province of Son La, welcomed the Lunar New Year one month earlier than most Vietnamese. But, just like all Vietnamese, the Lunar New Year is the most important and sacred celebration of the year for the Mong.
Men pound rice to make banh day, a traditional New Year’s rice dumplings.
March 15-21, 2009
| 19 |
LIFESTYLE
TEMPEH MASTERS: Rustono and his wife, Tsuruko Kuzumoto, check the condition of tempeh at a fermentation room of their workshop in Otsu.
Dreaming Of
OTSU
Akino Yoshihara The Daily Yomiuri
Soybeans A A life’s dream sprouted from soybeans
| 20 |
n Indonesian resident in a mountainous area here has put his heart and soul into making tempeh, Indonesian fermented soybean cake, with the goal of distributing it in Japan and ultimately
worldwide. Rustono lives with his Japanese wife, Tsuruko Kuzumoto, and two daughters in a house adjacent to their workshop, about 30 minutes by car from JR Katata Station. The couple, both 40, say their daughters, aged 8 and 10, also help them pack tempeh, giving them a great deal of family time. Packages of soybeans mixed with mold known as Rhizopus oligosporus are lined up on shelves in a fermentation room where the temperature is kept at 32°C with moderate moisture. “The mold in tempeh breathes and grows, so Indonesians who make it take care of it like their children,” Rustono said. March 15-21, 2009
Tempeh, which originates on the island of Java, is a staple that is sold fresh at morning markets in Indonesia. According to Rustono, a recipe in which strips of thinly sliced tempeh are cooked with red onions, garlic and Indonesian ketchup before being deepfried is very popular in Japan. Kuzumoto added, “Tempeh also can be eaten simmered in miso soup, but I often deep-fry it with (the flour and spices for fried chicken) because tempeh cooks well in oil.” She first met Rustono during a trip to Indonesia in 1995 at a hotel where he worked in Yogyakarta. After maintaining a long-distance relationship, Rustono came to Japan in October 1997, and the couple married and started living in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. “I was dreaming of getting into the food business in Japan,” Rustono said, adding that he was also interested in traditional Japanese culture. Rustono began working at a confectionery in Uji where he had carefully observed inspection procedures and quality control techniques, and he later worked at a food factory chopping vegetables for another two years. It was around that time Rustono got the idea to make tempeh. “I wanted to introduce an Indonesian ingredient to Japanese. I finally came up with tempeh, which is a delicious and healthy Indonesian food that has been popular in the United States,” he said. As tempeh does not have a distinctive flavour, Rustono hoped the Japanese would eat it fresh with soy sauce and other seasonings. Based on a recipe his mother got from a neighbour, Rustono and his wife made 40 packages of tempeh daily. However, over a four-month stretch, they ran into difficulties that they suspected might have been due to the weather conditions in Japan. “The tempeh molds didn’t promote fermentation in the soybeans, and the beans turned brownish,” Kuzumoto said. Rustono added he knew little about March 15-21, 2009
making tempeh at the time and was unaware of the ideal temperature for fermentation or water quality issues. One day, after using spring water taken from a shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, he found that his soybeans had fermented and become covered with a white mat of mycelia. “The tempeh looked right, but I wasn’t sure whether it was good enough for the market,” Rustono said. So he returned to Indonesia for a few months and vastly increased his knowledge by visiting about 60 tempeh producers. He also found it difficult to sell tempeh in Japan when he started because it was not widely known. His first attempts at marketing it involved calling on a Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, but while they liked his product, they did not feel it was right for their clientele. “I changed my initial sales strategy
process takes five days in summer and six days in winter, depending on the fermentation conditions. To make tempeh, whole soybeans are soaked in water for a few hours and then boiled. The boiled soybeans are then resoaked, cut in half and hulled before washing. The beans are then mixed with mold until the white mycelium binds the soybeans into a compact cake. The fermented tempeh is then frozen before shipment. The couple repeat this procedure two or three times a month. During the process of fermenting the beans, which usually takes about 30 hours, the couple monitor the thermometers in the workshop and at home and frequently check the tempeh packages in the fermentation room when the fermentation process is nearing completion. “We’ll know the quality of the tempeh when we open the door (of the fermentation room),” Rustono said. “If it’s good, it will have a sweet, nutty aroma. If it’s bad, it will smell strongly of ammonia.” Many Indonesian customers have said the couple’s tempeh reminds them of home, while the tempeh’s mild taste is favoured among Japanese. “A Japanese customer enjoyed our tempeh as a meat substitute in sweet and sour Fresh tempeh pork,” Kuzumoto said. Their products are and decided to start with my Indonesian shipped to about 300 locations from friends,” Rustono said. From there he Hokkaido to Okinawa Prefecture. Their found his tempeh’s reputation began to customers include Asian grocery stores, grow among foreigners and Japanese by ethnic restaurants and groups of Indoword of mouth. nesian trainees here. In 2000, the couple moved to the Some customers have even helped area from Uji to look for clear water the couple expand their sales channels. and established the Rusto’s Tempeh A natural foods store in Fukuoka brand. While living in a house belong- Prefecture, which regularly delivers to a ing to Kuzumoto’s father, the couple local nursing school, introduced the braved the snow in winter to build the tempeh to the school, which added it as workshop themselves, carrying sand a regular ingredient in school meals. from the bottom of the river to mix Rustono said the couple’s business with concrete. They also dug a well to relationships go beyond customer and provide good-quality water for their supplier, adding, “I try to establish a products. friendly rapport with my customers by Producing 2,500 packages of tempeh talking about something other than requires 300 kilograms of soybeans. The tempeh.” | 21 |
LIFESTYLE
For many commuters, the electric train or KRL is just another means of transportation. But for others, the KRL is a way of life, even an object of affection and a source of inspiration JAKARTA
Nayu Novita The Jakarta Post
F
or Anna Dwiyana, a 40-yearold Indonesia Stock Exchange employee, the electric train was the place where she found love. She met her husband inside a KRL coach on the express line between Bogor and Jakarta. “When I was still single, then my future husband and I went to our offices every day using the KRL at the same time,” she smiled. “I knew him on the train through my friend who was also a colleague and fellow passenger. I knew him for three years before we got married,” Anna said. Another commuter, Setiyo Bardono, a 33-year-old who works in Central Jakarta, expressed his strong affection for the train through poetry. His poems titled I Love You Completely, My Train, Iron Snake and Guide My Steps to your Counter have been published in national newspapers. Setiyo, who uses the KRL from Depok to Gondangdia stations every day, also likes drawing batik motifs using a train theme. One batik picture is called Numpakreta, which | 22 |
means “using the train”. “I like to see the drama of life that goes on inside the KRL railway coaches from a different perspective. When it’s observed, the rhythm of the railway coach resembles the patterns on batik cloth, which are uniform and keep repeating,” he said. The stories are just some of the thousands that are related by the members of an organisation called KRL-Mania. Since the mailing list group KRL-Mania was established in 2003, this online community has gained a membership of more than 3,500. They are all KRL commuters living in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi, also known as Jabodetabek. If you get a chance to read the dense email traffic that fills this group’s mailboxes, you will surely shake your head, wrinkle your brows or even smile with amusement when you read the messages. There are some who share tales about robbers, fierce ticket inspectors, double deckers, even messages about trying to match a woman on the Jakarta-Depok route with a man who is a passenger on the Jakarta-Bekasi route. According to Agus Imansyah, 38, one of the founders of the KRL-Mania, the list was first started as a way of sharing information about the KRL.
Courtesy of Setiyo Bardono
Finding Love, Inspiration On The Train
Almost at once it also became a tool for educating KRL passengers about their rights and obligations during the trip. “A long time ago, there were many passengers who liked sitting in the engine driver’s cabin because they were too lazy to buy a ticket at the ticket counter. Of course both were violating the regulations. Admonishing people with rude words was not the appropriate way. Finally, we chose to promote the issue through the mailing list,” said Agus. Apart from the mailing list, another tactic which has been used by the KRLMania to reach KRL passengers who aren’t on the mailing list is through the website www.krlmania.com, which was launched in 2005. “There are more than 500,000 KRL passengers using the Jabodetabek lines every day. It is impossible that they can all be handled through the mailing list. So we built that website in order to make information more widely available,” said Agus, who works at a government bank on Jl Sudirman. Apart from doing business in the virtual world, the next step taken by KRLMania at that time was to print dozens of stickers that have been posted at a number of stations. Catchy phrases are written on the March 15-21, 2009
PROUD AND HAPPY: Members of train commuters’ online community pose with their children during a trip to train depot.
condition of their beloved transportation system, many mailing list members of KRL-Mania also meet in the real world. “These are spontaneous affairs, not routinely held. For example, we hold meetings about different tourist attractions, futsal sport competitions or we break our fasts together,” explained Anna, who holds the treasurer’s position in this online community. Twice a year they also get together to collect education contributions to be given to the children of the barrier officials, the workers who wash the trains and the train guards. Last year, many members of KRLMania visited the Manggarai railway depot at Depok, which is believed to be the biggest train depot in Southeast Asia. The visit wasn’t just stickers, such as “Those who are smart attended by the members but also buy a ticket, those who are well dressed by their families. buy a subscription. Those who are “Since we use the train everyday, smart and well-dressed can be found we wanted to know what goes on on KRL-Mania@yahoogroups.com.” inside the depot. At that time there “The result has been quite effective. was even an expat from Japan called Many passengers no longer use the locoHamada who got involved. He came motive driver’s cabin. Now there are from his house in Permata Hijau to many people who feel ashamed if they take part in our event and found out haven’t bought a ticket, while before they for himself the location of Depok didn’t care if they were using the train Lama Station,” said Agus. without a ticket; they just paid whatever That year, KRL-Mania together with to the train inspector,” said Agus. some other similar organisations took Together with railway company Getting in touch part in a retracing-the-trails event, as Apart from their efforts to fix the far as 9kms from Kota Station in West PT KA, the members of KRL-Mania have also designed stickJakarta to Tanjung Priok ers advertising priority Station in North Jakarta. seats. These are special “We walked past peoseats for pregnant womple’s houses at the edge of en, old people, handithe track, including the capped passengers, and road above the bridge that mothers with babies. crosses the river. That was “We feel it’s necessary to exciting and triggered the set aside priority seats beadrenalin,” said Agus. cause at that time many “After these gatherings male passengers pretended our interest in using the that they didn’t know when trains has increased a pregnant woman was usmore and more. We also ing the train. They didn’t want many more people give her a seat, just pretendto use the KRL than pried not to notice or kept vate cars. It will be good their heads down, reading,” if we can reduce energy PROOF OF INVOLVEMENT: A member of train commuter’s online said Agus critically. consumption, traffic community pose beside a KRL advertising billboard. “After the priority seats jams and pollution.” were advertised, I noticed a change in people’s behavior. Even, when the train is full, sometimes there are people who deliberately leave the priority seat empty. They choose to sit on the floor on a newspaper.” The cooperation between the KRL-Mania community group as the service user and the railway company did not happen at once. Once every three months the community holds a meeting with the company officials to pass on passengers’ complaints and discuss the problems that happen with the trains. “For example we discuss cases of robbery, power blackouts in the trains, ticket prices, and plans to stop operating the economy train and others,” Agus said. The proof of the effectiveness of their activities came early last year, when the train company set up the KRL Care Centre as the passenger information centre. “Now the facility is complete. Apart from using SMS, information can also be accessed through a phone hotline, fax and email,” said Agus.
March 15-21, 2009
| 23 |
ARTS & CULTURE
From To The
‘Ten symbols’ umbrella
SEOUL
Park Min-young The Korea Herald
T
PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK ’S M USEUM OF MODERN ART
Sonyon T-shirts
Hwa-To cards | 24 |
alented young designers from Seoul are showcasing their whimsical works at one of the most stylish cities in the world: New York. It is a part of the ‘Destination: Design’ project of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, in which the museum is displaying and exclusively selling creative works by up and coming designers from all over the world. The MoMA design store chose Seoul as the sixth destination for the project, which first opened in 2005 and takes place twice every year. It has already showcased designs from five cities including Tokyo, Berlin and Buenos Aires. The current collection called ‘Destination: Seoul’ covers 75 products used in everyday life such as housewares, toys, books and accessories. The creative items are contemporary, but are based on Korean culture and are usually found only in Korea. “We were aware of Korea’s superb cars and electric devices, but never realised it had so many talented designers with brilliant ideas,” said Bonnie Mackay, the creative and marketing director of MoMA Retail at the launching party of the project earlier this month in New York.
Re-masterpiece bag March 15-21, 2009
m Seoul Big Apple
Recycled cloth gorilla plush
Spooner bottle opener
Design group, Second Hotel, punched holes in spoons to make “spooners”, which are spoon-shaped bottle openers. It portrays the common practice in Korea of opening beer bottles with spoons when a bottle opener is not available. Chang Hui-eun created Kimchi magnet sets featuring different kinds of kimchi such as stuffed cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, and cabbage kimchi. Chang also made Korean meal business card holders, which have three dimensional ramen noodles being scooped up by a pair of chopsticks and a dinner setting of galbi, or Korean beef, and soju. Kim Jeehee’s Ten Symbols Umbrella features Sibjangsaeng, or 10 symbols of longevity, which is a traditional theme in Korea. The 10 symbols—sun, mountain, stone, water, cloud, pine tree, herb of eternal youth, turtle, white crane and deer—are vividly painted on the umbrella. The items are exclusively sold through MoMA. Prices range from US$3-$108 and can be purchased at the MoMA store in New York’s SoHo district, or at the gallery’s online store. Some of the products are already sold out, according to the MoMA. ‘Destination: Seoul’ was developed in collaboration with Hyundai Card, the Korea Institute of Design Promotion and Design Seoul Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Notebook
Korean meal business card holder
Sandwich sponge
Meesh flower brooch
Street banner shoulder bag
Dreaming camera case
March 15-21, 2009
Bibimbap cellphone charm
Fingerprint cufflinks
| 25 |
Trends
Ancient Chinese beauty rituals are being used today at modern spas around the world BEIJING
Cheng Anqi China Daily
Empress Dowager Cixi
| 26 |
E
very morning Empress Dowager Cixi applied face powder made up of pearls and skin cream made of flower distillate. At night, she applied egg white, kept it on until half an hour before sleep, and then applied flower extract, finally patting her wet face dry with soft towels. Furthermore, she used a jade face roller, cool and smooth, on her face again and again every morning before dressing. High-quality jade is believed by many to have natural healthenhancing functions and repeated rolling is in essence a good massage for the face. These beauty techniques are used today at modern spas around the world. But let us look back at more examples of classical March 15-21, 2009
Chinese beauty treatments. Yang Yuhuan, the most famous concubine in Chinese history, was also renowned for her delicate skin. She used litchi, rich in protein, vitamin B and C, phosphorus and iron, which all bubbled away in her regular hot spring bath. The bath not only moistened her smooth skin, but also refreshed her mind. She would pat and massage
different parts of her face and body to further stimulate the absorption of those beauty enhancers. Empress Wu Zetian, a Taoist, also took time every day to close her eyes, calm herself, clear her mind and think about nothing. Banishing distracting thoughts and having a good rest has proven to be an effective method down the years since then, any time and anywhere. These techniques are beauty clues and are widely used today. SPA is the acronym for the Greek phrase Solus Par Aqua meaning ‘water of health’. The word ‘spa’ may call to mind images of rose petal baths and Thai massages, but in reality a trip to a spa is much more comprehensive, including beautiful background music, aromatherapy, healthy foods and peace of mind. There are many different kinds of spas—city spas, day spas and mineral spas, to name just a few. Some also offer one-day treatments and facial massages.
Body polish and glow
The ultimate head-to-toe skin exfoliation treatment! This body scrub, consisting of sea salt and natural & essential oils, helps to increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and eliminate toxins. It enhances skin conditions and unsightly bumps, usually on the sides of arms. Your skin will never have felt so good!
Face
Pulse light-wave therapy is one of the most effective skincare techniques—it safely and effectively reduces a variety of skin conditions, like sunspots, age spots and broken capillaries. This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen and elastin, improving the skin’s texture and tone while reducing wrinkles, small veins, puffiness and acne. The therapeutic benefit of increased circulation helps flush out toxins from skin cells and the lymphatic system. Includes a light facial, and finishes with a moisturiser.
Body
This goes way beyond the simple pleasures of relaxation. All the therapists are very professional and careful about ensuring your comfort and modesty.
Mini-massage
A 30-minute treatment concentrates specifically on the most common areas of stress, like the neck, shoulders and back. March 15-21, 2009
Stone Massage
Smooth, heated black basalt stones are integrated into a therapeutic massage resulting in a deeply relaxing treatment. The placement of the stones on sore spots helps penetrate deeper to melt away tension and ease pain in fatigued muscles.
Yang Yuhuan, most famous concubine in Chinese history
Mind
Beauty is really more than skin deep—true beauty has more to do with an inner light that shines. Try a day spa—some professional yoga clubs offer meditation techniques, hypnotherapy and guided visualisation to help relieve stress, create deep relaxation and focus your mind toward attracting wealth, love, creativity, motivation, and inner peace. | 27 |
People
Bad Girl Debut
that Street Fighter was quite challenging. “I had to spend some time in Thailand training and practising. Fight scenes are usually very demanding and the ones one usually sees are mostly achieved by using inserts to splice different scenes together,” Ho explained. “But the director saw that Kristin (Kreuk, the lead in the movie) and I were fine with the action so he tried to preserve the flow and kept the cameras rolling. We had to complete almost six to seven moves while four cameras followed us. It’s actually very demanding and energysapping to film like that.” In one scene, Ho’s Cantana has a duel with Kreuk’s Chun-Li in a restroom. “She not only had to crash through a glass door in that scene and break it; her back also had to ram into the wall behind it. We ended up shooting that scene 35 times!” Ho said. Like other Hong Kong stars who are eyeing the Hollywood scene, Ho intends to set up base in the United States and looks forward to getting more Hollywood film projects in the future. She says she is already in negotiations for another Hollywood movie, perhaps a more dramatic role. “If the deal goes through, filming is set to begin in May.” Following the promotion of her Mandarin album Elastic Rock in mainland China, Ho is set to begin recording her next album where she plans to sing in several languages. Apart from music, she is also excited about a new film project. “My husband and I are producing a movie together presently. We’re exploring a new genre which we’d categorise as horror for now. The film can be considered a breakthrough and the character is one I’ve never played before. He’ll be working behind the scenes while I’ve started on characterisation as we’re set to begin filming in a few days.”
Hong Kong heiress Josie Ho makes her Hollywood debut as bad girl in the flick ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ KUALA LUMPUR
SETO KIT YAN The Star
T
wo years ago, Hong Kong heiress Josie Ho was listed by the American publishing and media company, Forbes, in its Top 10 most successful business heiresses as well as its Top 10 most intriguing billionaire heiresses. Josie Ho Chiu-Yi—the daughter of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho who is one of Hong Kong’s richest men—is not your typical heiress. This 34-yearold is a rocker, model and award-winning actress with several films and commercials to her credit. Making her film debut in the early 1990s, Ho has appeared in over 40 movies and received several nominations; she was adjudged Best Supporting Actress for the comedy Naked Ambition in 2003 at the Hong Kong Film Awards, and the AIDS-themed Forever | 28 |
and Ever in 2001 at the Golden Bauhinia Awards. This year, she makes her Hollywood debut in Andrzej Bartkowiak’s Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li as the beautiful but deadly Cantana—a character as kickass as she is badass. Tagged as one of the summer blockbusters of the year, The Legend of Chun-Li promises to bring a new dimension to the well-loved Street Fighter franchise that will surprise gamers and non-gamers alike. The US$60-million action flick was shot in Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States. In a phone interview from Hong Kong last week, Ho admitted that this wasn’t really her first Hollywood movie. “I had a cameo role in Wayne Wang’s Chinese Box in 1997, which starred Jeremy Irons and Gong Li. But this is my first supporting role in a Hollywood film.” It had been some time since Ho has had any action roles and she admitted
March 15-21, 2009
Tata Young Cloned Courtesy of Louis T ussau d’ s Wa xwor ks Pat taya
Wax job for sexy Thai pop star Tata Young DETAILED: Artists measuring Tata’s facial features.
BANGKOK
Philip Golingai The Star
“Y
im mai? (Thai for ‘Do I smile?’),” asked Thai pop star Tata Young after 10 minutes of ‘passport photograph’ expression during a photo shoot in an empty office in Silom, Bangkok. Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Pattaya general manager Somporn Naksuetrong glanced at a portfolio with photographs of the singer and answered “Yes”. Instantaneously, Tata smiled so sweetly. Fresh from a lunchtime charity walkabout, wearing a pink T-shirt with the slogan “Those who give are those who get” and khaki shorts, the 28-year-old superstar was in the middle of a sitting for a life-size wax figure. She’s among 10 Thai icons picked by Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks together with 60 international celebrities (Michael Phelps, Jet Li, Tiger Woods and his Thai mother, Kultida included) for its waxworks museum that would open in Pattaya, Thailand, in October. In November last year, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Pattaya asked Tata whether she wanted to be immortalised as a wax figure. The artiste March 15-21, 2009
had just returned from Berlin where she recorded her third English album, set to be launched in June. At the German capital she visited Madame Tussaud’s Berlin. “It was pretty cool to see David and Victoria Beckham, Julia Roberts and Elvis. I said ‘yes’ because it would also be pretty cool to see myself as a wax figure,” said the luk kreung (Thai for ‘half-children’), who is half-Thai, halfAmerican. “And not everybody gets the chance to be a wax model.” Her wax model, according to Tata, would be “something that will remain in the wax museum for a long time”. “So in the next 10 years when I have children or my fan club members visit the museum they would say ‘Oh, she looked like that 10 years ago’,” she said. When Tata was told Thai pop superstar Bird Thongchai McIntyre was also on the list, she said she felt honoured to be chosen together with him. “I’m his biggest fan.” Paradorn Srichaphan (the Thai tennis star) would also be featured, she enthused. “Oh, I was told not to ask you about Paradorn,” I said. Her ex-boyfriend is married to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova). “That’s OK. He really did something for Thailand. And he deserves
to be one of those chosen,” said the singer, who is known for her sizzling sexy performances. Earlier, Tata jokingly said “Make sure you make me look skinny” to three artists from Silpakorn University (Thailand’s leading university in fine arts) and a photographer. They were taking hundreds of measurements and photos of her to ensure her wax figure would be life-like. Tata also discussed with Somporn the pose for her wax figure. He showed her a photograph a Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Pattaya designer from Canada had picked. The pose was provocative—the singer standing with her hands tucked behind her head and her legs spread wide. “That pose is good. But I have a lot of pictures to look at. Wow! I really have to look through them as this is going to be quite legendary,” said Tata, who is also featured in the computer-generated video game The Sim 2. The image she wants her wax figure to project is “a Tata that everyone knows—outgoing, fun and confident”. “Yeah, it should be maybe a little sexy as everybody knows that about me,” she added. Tata can’t wait for her ‘clone’ to be completed in six months’ time. “It will be freaky to see a twin of myself,” she said. | 29 |
ADJI K/T H E JAKARTA P OST
Explore
Imbulun Sangir Waterfall
A Cachet Of W Beauty
SOLOK SELATAN
Adji K The Jakarta Post
West Sumatra abounds with mountains, valleys, rivers, springs, caves and forests Bukit Sungai Mintan cave
| 30 |
est Sumatra’s natural beauty has long had regional cachet, even dating back to the early 1900s during the Dutch Colonial era. It abounds with mountains, valleys, rivers, springs, caves and forests. One regency in the province, Solok Selatan, or South Solok, has them all. Recently we travelled through Solok Selatan for five days to see for ourselves how the natural beauty was standing up. Our rental car set off on smooth asphalt roads from the Minangkabau International Airport leaving West Sumatra’s capital Padang behind us. Just past the Bung Hatta Nature Park, we began the first real adventure: twisting and turning roads with plenty of rocky roadbed. But we had no excuse to worry: The lush vegetation and clean, fastrunning streams caught our attention from both sides of the car. The rain caught up with us when we made a stop at Kayo Aro Lubuk Selasih restaurant for lunch. It was still a long March 15-21, 2009
way to Solok Selatan. Another stop we made was at Di Atas Lake before reaching the border between Solok Selatan and Solok. Before dusk we arrived at Wisma Umi Kalsum lodging in Muaro Labuh where we stayed the night. We fell on a happy coincidence for we got the chance to enjoy rarely seen traditional performances like Rahab and Saluang Panjang after dinner, staged for some well-heeled guests staying at the modest inn. Our first full day was devoted to exploring the awe and fun of the region’s fast waters. Our first destination was the 15m-high Imbulun Sangir waterfall
Kerinci tea plantation was our starting point as we set out to climb Mt Kerinci (3,805m) the highest mountain in Sumatra. Most climbers ascend via the Kresik Tuo (old route) starting from Kerinci Regency in Jambi, but we had heard about a new approach. Upon arriving at the tea plantation, we spent half an hour just admiring the breathtaking scenery of the sea of tea bushes against the backdrop of Mt. Kerinci. Then it was time to drive to the base camp to start our climb. We met Hedi who recently led an 18-member team to open up the new route. “We’ve opened this new route called the North Route.
motorcycle. Legend has it that Sapan Maluluang and its small pond about 5 by 10 sq m were formed after a volcanic eruption. Billowing steam and the pungent smell of sulphur welcomed us as we approached. Too hot for a dip, the waters are said to be 100* Celsius. To test this, we took some eggs, put them in a plastic bag and placed it in the pond. Voila! In less than 10 minute, our boiled eggs were ready to eat. Our next treat was a walk to Ngalau Indah and a rubber tree and coffee plantation. Several smaller caves in this village were worth the visit. Though as
Solok selatan residents hold a ritual to greet new planting season.
on the Batang Liki river located at the village of Lubuak Gadang, 161kms from Padang. Then we ventured on to another waterfall 10kms further upland, the Tansi Ampek in Sungai Lambai village. This waterfall is unique because it sits smack-dab in the middle of a tea plantation. To reach it, we had to walk single file along a narrow 100m path. Its waters feed at least 10 rivers in Solok Selatan, three of which have topnotch rafting spots. Tempted by the currents, we eventually tried this sport at the most famous of the three, Batang Liki. Lunch was served riverside once we finished rafting that watercourse. We continued on to Batang Sangir which had stronger currents. Generally speaking, Batang Sangir is rated five out of six for difficulty, six being most challenging. The last stage of the rafting session put us on the famous Batang Hari river, 79kms from Padang Aro, the capital of Solok Selatan. This river marks the border between the West Sumatra and Jambi provinces. The next day, we shifted our attention from rafting to hiking. The Mitra March 15-21, 2009
Water supplies are more accessible from this route compared to the old way up from Jambi.” “Just 100 meters before reaching the peak we will cross the conventional route, the Kresik Tuo.” We returned to our lodge before gearing up for the next adventure; going inside the Earth, or caving. Our destination this time was Bukit Sungai Mintan cave in Sangir Batanghari district. We drove close to the cave, then pulled off to the side of the road. Inside the cave we found underground rivers with moderate currents and many stalagmites and stalactites. There were even columns where the two formations had joined, in the cave’s depths. Except for villagers, few people have explored this cave, apparently, which may account for its pristine condition. Having roamed the cave, we returned to our lodgings and rested up. Our plan was to visit the hot springs Panas Sapan Maluluang in Nagari Alam Pauh Duo, 23kms from Solok Selatan’s capital. The spring, deep inside a rubber tree plantation, was accessible by car or
Botang Liki river
not as pretty as the first caves, these were interesting because residents were using them to breed swallows and sell their highly prized nests. Over so soon? On our way back to Padang, we did the math. Five days were too few. Along the way we got the feeling we had glimpsed only a small sampling of Solok Selatan’s beauty.
If You Go... Solok Selatan is the youngest regency in West Sumatra. Home to more than 130,000 people, it is accessible with ground transportation from the Minangkabau International Airport in Padang. You can take a public minibus or rent a car at the airport. The minibus usually charges 50,000 rupiah (about US$4) and a rental car will cost you 450,000 rupiah ($38) per day. It takes 3 hours to get to Solok Selatan from Padang. If practicality and security matters, most travel agents in Padang can set you up with a tour package. | 31 |
Le Petit
V IET NAM NEWS P HOTOS
Explore
Paris
The city was built by many French talented architects during the French colony with different facades illustrating styles from various region across France LAM DONG
Minh Thu Viet Nam News
N
icknamed Le Petit Paris, Da Lat city in Viet Nam’s central Highlands Province of Lam Dong is known as the most vibrant example of French colonial architecture in Indochina. Around 1,000 buildings in the city are hailed as typical examples of French architecture at the end of the 19th century, with the city’s different facades illustrating styles from various regions across France. When French colonialists invaded Viet Nam, they sent many talented architects to build up the country. Many headed to Da Lat city, attracted by the temperate climate and sur| 32 |
Bonjour: Da Lat Teachers College reflects architecture popular in eastern France.
rounding countryside. During the reign of Paul Dumer, Indochinese general governor between 1897 and 1902, Paul Champoudry, mayor of the city, employed a team of well known architects including Ernest Hebrard (1875-1933), Mondet, J
Lagisquet and LG Pineau to Da Lat. Up to 1949, over 1,000 residential buildings were constructed, each one unique and in harmony with its surroundings. None of these houses exceeded three floors. A walk through the town is like a small tour of early colonial architectural fashions from across France. Tran Hung Dao Street follows the architectural style popular in northern France with its wooden walls and more demure fronts. Turn onto Co Giang Street and the streets are lined with small castles, typical of the south-eastern regions. A housing estate on Quang Trung Street illustrates the character of houses in the south of France with tiled roofs. Other constructions, including Da Lat Station and Grand Lycee Yersin School (1935) now known as Da Lat Teachers College show architecture popular in eastern France. March 15-21, 2009
King’s summer house: King Bao Dai’s Palace, designed by French architect He’brard, has typical characters of French architecture.
Exhibit: An old steam-engined train is still kept for exhibition at the train-shaped Da Lat Train Station, which was built between 1936-38.
Train-shaped station
O
ne of the town’s most famous architectural features is Da Lat Train Station, designed in 1936 and completed in 1938 by two French architects Moncet and Reveron. One of the reasons why the stations is so popular with tourists is because it is shaped like a train. The station was designed distinctly in western style, but also has some characteristics of a Central Highlands communal building with its high and steeply sloping roof. It is decorated with stained-glass windows and arched ceilings. The three roofs represent the three peaks of Langbiang Mountain, the symbol of Da Lat city. The Da Lat line stretches 84km long through high mountain passes to Trai Mat Station, to the north. A cogwheel system is designed for steep slopes and has a locomotive with a centre cogwheel that engages with a cogged centre rail. The train ride reveals a panoramic view of Da Lat and the March 15-21, 2009
surrounding beauty of the Central Highlands. In 2001, Da Lat Train Station became the only building of its kind to gain recognition as a national historical monument. Because the rail route originates in Da Lat, it is reserved for tourist travel only, says Ngo Minh Chau, director of the station. “French architects designed the station based on the shape of Langbiang Mountain. That’s why it symbolises the city,” he says.” Local government has spent 800 million dong (nearly US$45,700) on restoring four carriages from steam trains produced by Japan around 1936, he says.
Palace royale
A
nother favourite architectural feature in the town is King Bao Dai’s palace on Trieu Viet Vuong Street. Located on a forest-covered hill, the palace was built over the period 1933 to 1937 as a summer
holiday house for the King, the last one of Nguyen dynasty. The palace was designed by architects Hebrard and Huynh Tan Phat with detailed ornamental gardens. The palace has two floors. The first was built to host feasts and welcome guests and officials. All the bedrooms for each of the royal family are upstairs. Their portraits were hung on walls in the palace. Remnants of the king’s enthusiasm for hunting are scattered around the palace, including a tiger skin rug and elephant tusks. One of the most popular parts of the palace for tourists is the balcony outside the king’s bedroom, named Lau Vong Nguyet (balcony to watch the moon). From the balcony, tourists can see over the many red roof villas in the pine tree forest and down into the valley: the perfect spot to survey the spirit of French design that still lingers in the landscape. | 33 |
DATE BOOK S I N GA P O R E
DanceSport Championships
S
ingapore’s National DanceSport Championships incorporate both ballroom and Latin dance. More than 140 couples compete in the tournament, ranging from Grades E to A and representing around 25 countries. When: March 14 Where: Hougang Community Club Cost: S$25 (US$16), includes buffet meal Info: www.dancesport.org.sg
GOA
Procession of All Saints
T
When: March 2009 Where: Old Goa Info: www.goa-tourism.com
BA N G KO K / P H U K E T/C H I A N G M A I
International Dance Festival
O
Courtesy of Friends of t h e Arts
hirty-one life-sized statues are borne on the shoulders of local devotees and taken in a solemn procession around the whole village, the only such procession outside of Rome. In the evening, the main road comes to life and is lined with stalls selling sweets, snacks and toys.
ver 600 dancers and performing artists will participate in the festival with over 80 live performances in different venues. Organised by the friends-of-the-Arts foundation in partnership with Thailand’s ministry of culture and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, around 12-15 will countries will participate. The festival was created to broaden awareness of dance as an important art form to the general public.
Shigmo Festival
When: March 14-20 (Bangkok); March 18-21 (Phuket); March 22-25 (Chiang Mai) Info: http://friends-of-the-arts.info/
P
rocessions are carried out in cities with traditional Goan dances and magnificent floats depicting tableaux from Hindu scriptures. When: March 12-25 Where: Different cities SEOUL
International Marathon
S I N GA P O R E
International Festival For Children
T
he Prudential Children First! Singapore International Festival for Children features performances by local and international artists
specialising in theatre, film, dance, puppetry, mask play, music, mime, jazz, classical, storytelling, drama, comedy, circus theatre and clowning. When: March 7-17 Info: www.childrenfirst.com.sg
TO KYO/SA P P O RO/OSA K A / S I N GA P O R E
Oasis
A
round 30,000 runners pound the streets at the annual Seoul International Marathon. The 42km route incorporates major landmarks—from the General Yi Sun-shin statue in Gwanghwamun to the Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Han River, ending at the Olympic Stadium in Jamsil.
R
When: March 15, 8am Where: Starting point at Sejong-ro Intersection Cost: 40,000 won (US$26) Info: marathon.donga.com/seoul/ international_e1.html, marathon@donga.com
When: March 20, 6pm (Nihon Gaishi Hall, Nayoga); March 22, 28 & 29, 6pm (Makuhari Messe Hall 8, Tokyo); March 24, 7pm (Makomanai Ice Arena, Sapporo); March 25 & 28, 7pm (Intex Osaka); April 1, 8pm (Olympic Gym 1, Seoul); April 5, 8pm
ock quartet Oasis are on tour to promote their latest album Dig Out Your Soul. Having earned the British rock institution status years ago, Oasis continues their blend of Beatles pastiches spiced with rocking grooves like the 2007 single, Lord Don’t Slow Me Down.
(Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore); April 7, 8pm (AsiaWorld Arena, Hong Kong) Info: www.myspace.com/oasis
Want more from business travel? 805 lounges Alliance-wide. You’ve earned it. As a Star Alliance Gold member, you’ll have access to 805 airport lounges across the alliance to relax in before you fly. To find out more about our rewards visit staralliance.com
www.staralliance.com Information correct as at 09/2008