MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 24th November 2017

24 - 30 NOVEMBER 2017

FREE COPY

Best Books on Myanmar

What’s On - November FRIDAY 24TH Innovation Day 2017 | Business Schneider Electric drive INNOVATION & do it at every level with EcoStruxure™. Discover how it makes bold ideas happen with an INNOVATION portfolio of IoT-enabled, connected products, edge control, and apps, analytics, and services. | RSVP : 01 966 1120. ? Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

SIKDOPE | Nightlife Heineken presents SIKDOPE (Light Up The Night Vol. 28). Headliner: Sikdope with supporting artists: FRED, P4 and Special Acts: BG b2b Blacklix. | RSVP : 09440007788, 09440007778. ? FUSE - 4th Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Bahan Tsp | P From 10:00 PM

Yu KT : Deep House | Nightlife Yu KT is back behind the deck for a deep house session. | RSVP : 09 771 239924. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, 8th floor, BargaYar Road, park side one building, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 7:00 PM

Techno Beatz with DJ Dora & Ana Red | Nightlife DJ Dora from Malaysia brings you Techno Beatz, together with Yangon’s favorite, Ana Red and DJ Dora Diamond (Deep house | Techno | Tech House) 5,000 kyats entry including one free Heineken. | RSVP : 01 255 131. ? YangonYangon - 339,Bo Gyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P From 8:00 PM

Youk Shi - Ghetto Superstars Night | Nightlife Ghetto Superstars Night (feat: Ghetto Pillz & Friends) with DJ Zaw Gyi. Ticket: 5,000 kyats. Call for tickets at +95 95156769 and for table reservation at +95 9258835885 & +95 9768660822. ? PYRITE - 37, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, near Inya Lake Hotel | P From 8:00 PM

24TH-25TH Women in Business & Leadership Development Gala + Conference | Business AustCham Myanmar and MWEA invite you to the Opening Gala Dinner of the second Women in Business & Leadership Development Forum.

Join them for a unique evening to hear from truly inspiring and influential leading women and men in business from both Australia and Myanmar.

The conference takes place the following day. | RSVP : 09961120111. ? Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM

SATURDAY 25TH Pan Asian Night | Nightlife Enjoy a journey through Asia following the roots of chef Florian Eberhard.

Come and join Pan Asian Night and enjoy unlimited orders from the Pan Asian Menu selection for only US$40 net or $49 with drinks. | RSVP : 01 526289 ? Savoy Hotel Yangon - 129, Dhammazedi Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

FAB #60 Club Night for Lesbians, Gays and Friends | Nightlife Muse Bar is hosting 60th FAB party this month. To celebrate, they are introducing lip sync battles at FAB. The best of the best will be invited to compete on the main stage of PROUD Film Festival in February. | RSVP : 09 45045 0445. ? Muse Bar - No.330, Ahlone Rd,Dagon Tsp | P From 10:00 PM

What’s On TOKYO 109 | Nightlife Introducing Rangdom City nights co-sponsored by The Penthouse. A select set of events where tasty bites and kitsch fun is taken care of and there is still enough rooftop room for anything to happen. | RSVP : 09 771 239924. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, Barga Yar St, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 7:00 PM

AFRO and Reggaeton Dance Party | Nightlife Club Rizzoli introduces on the last Saturday of every month Afro and Reggaeton Dance party! Happy Hour: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Entrance fees: $10 per person including one drink. Ladies free entry before 10:00 pm. No entrance fee if you buy a bottle of spirits (maximum 6 people). | RSVP : 01 544 500. ? Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - No. 40 Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Mabuhay Vol.2 x Kirin Night | Nightlife Mabuhay Night is back in Yangon Yangon. Vol.2 with Kirin Beer and two hours free flow Kirin Ichiban Myanmar draft beer (15,000kyats/pax), live music by VINCE & Edralin Herrera Ishizaki EMI & OXEN BAND. 9 PM onward: DJ Gisbert Igaya “Ghizzy” | RSVP : 01 255 131. ? Yangon Yangon - 339, Bo Gyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P From 7:00 PM

Myanmar 2050 | Art & Stage Please join River Gallery Crew for the opening of our annual River Gallery artists’ exhibition next Saturday at 5:30 PM. This year the theme is “Myanmar 2050” and 35 of their artists have given them an intriguing glimpse into their vision of a future Myanmar. They hope to see you next Saturday. ? River Gallery - 33-35, 37th St, Kyauktada Tsp | P 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

25TH-26TH Sagawar Art Exhibition 2017 | Art & Stage Do you love art and want to be part of the best art exhibition showcased during recent years in Myanmar? Then you are in luck because we are launching the Sagawar online art gallery that opens up with an exhibition in Yangon. This opportunity was created to help art lovers from all over the country get immediate access to high-quality, unique items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. ? Ok Art Gallery - North Wing , Aung San Stadium | P 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SUNDAY 26TH Australian Alumni Day | Activities The very first Australian Alumni Day in Myanmar is organised by AAM, backed by the Australian Embassy and AustCham Myanmar. This year at the Alumni Day they will give the “true blue” experience: sharing Australia's culture, cuisine, and educational opportunities. ? Inya Lake Hotel - 37, KabarAye Pagoda Rd, MayanGone Tsp | P 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday Roast | Dining Sunday roast is a serious affair at the Rose Garden Hotel. You will find at least three sharing roast choices on the menu as well as a kids’ corner and live music provided by local band LNR plus usage of the swimming pool for only $26 / 36,400 kyats net per person. | RSVP : 01 371 992. ? Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp | P 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM

What’s On Pun Hlaing Charity Christmas Bazaar | Activity The Residence Pun Hlaing hosts more than 30 vendors, live music, fashion, a children’s choir, bouncy castle, raffle prizes, silent auction, and more. All proceeds go to Dai Su Village School project. Free entry and parking. | RSVP : 01 371 992. ? Pun Hlaing Estate | P 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

MONDAY 27TH Zumba for Kids | Sports Dance fitness classes for kids ages 7-13, led by a certified instructor. We dance, play games and explore different cultures. All abilities welcome. | RSVP : 09 969 113841. ? York Yoga Corner - No.28, 4th floor, Boyar Nyunt St, Dagon Tsp | P 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

TUESDAY 28TH The Carlsberg Night | Nightlife For one night only Atlas turns “green.” Come to their rooftop bar, bring your friends and enjoy the free flow of beer from 7pm until 9pm and special offers all night long. Free entry. Booking recommended. | RSVP : 09 767 419413. ? Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge - 84, Pan Hlaing Rd, Sanchaung Tsp | P 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM

WEDNESDAY 29TH Cowboy Combo with Piña Colada at Gallery Bar | Nightlife Transport yourself to the wild west at the Gallery Bar. Get the entire cowboy experience with a choice of guacamole and corn chips, pulled pork quesadillas, or smoked buffalo chicken paired with a glass of piña colada. Only $15 nett for the whole month of November. | RSVP : 01 242 828. ? Sule Shangri-La - 223, Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

THURSDAY 30TH NOVEMBER Regional Cocktail Classics | Nightlife Join Group Bar manager Jen Queen and Gekko Bar manager Puia as they guide you through a tasting of three of Southeast Asia’s most iconic cocktail creations. 25,000 kyats per person. Light finger food will be provided. Stay for more cocktail specials and a live electro swing DJ session from DJ Akat. | RSVP : 01 254 041. ? Gekko Restaurant - 535 Merchants St, Botahtaung Tsp | P 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Moments gone fast, memories stay forever | Shopping Long holiday is coming soon and it’s time to have a Family Dinner together.

Marketplace by City Mart offers a monthly round “Special Thanksgiving foods & related items". ? All Market Place - Yangon | P All day

DISCLAIMER Information as of 21st November 2017. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated information, please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar

guide

A hit travel book about Myanmar. (Credit: Myanmore)

Best Books on Myanmar Myanmar needs not one introduction: it needs at least eight. Probably much more, such is the complexity of the country. But what better way to become familiar with its ways than reading works inspired by and explaining it? Especially while traveling through or living in the country.

Over the years, some valuable and insightful reads have been published on Myanmar. We chose an introductory selection that will sweep you from the last breath of the Konbaung Dynasty to the glory days of Arakan Kingdom and beyond.

TRAVEL  FINDING GEORGE ORWELL IN BURMA BY EMMA LARKIN George Orwell did not write just the one novel on Myanmar (then Burma).

He wrote a trilogy. At least that’s what many of the interviewees for Larkin’s intrepid travelogue say. The book traces the life and work of George Orwell, who served as an Imperial Police Force officer here in the 1920s. Going from Mandalay and Rangoon to poor delta backwaters and up to the old hill-station towns in the far north, Larkin’s meticulously researched account and heartfelt descriptions of life under the watch of Big Brother illuminate life in the country near the start of the 21st Century.

And the trilogy? Burmese Days, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. If that leaves you vexed, read Larkin’s book.

HISTORY  THE RIVER OF LOST FOOTSTEPS: A PERSONAL HISTORY

OF BURMA BY THANT MYINT-U

The story of modern Myanmar interwoven with the story of his own prominent family, historian and writer Thant Myint-U portrays then Burma’s rise and decline in the modern world, from the time of Portuguese

pirates and renegade Mughal princes through a sixty-year civil war that continues today. The vivid history and lyrical writing makes Myanmar’s story even more fascinating. Required reading for anybody wishing to understand the country’s past in order to grasp its present and future.

INFORMATIVE  BURMA/MYANMAR: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

BY DAVID I. STEINBERG

“The play is over, but the audience is forced to remain in their seats and the actors refuse to leave the stage,” says a “distinguished Burman” of his country in Steinburg’s thorough account of the drastic changes undergone in Myanmar over the decades.

The book gives insights into the history, culture and internal politics of the country without drowning the reader in superfluous details. Written in a question and answer format, this is a great reference point for any foreigner living in Myanmar.

FICTION  THE GLASS PALACE BY AMITAV GHOSH On reflection, some books can make your spine tingle. Ghosh’s epic tale of Burma from the British invasion to the 1990s is one of them. It begins with the story of Rajkumar, a poor Indian boy lifted on the tides of political and social chaos who becomes a mogul in the Burmese teak industry.

Rajkumar befriends Dolly, a young woman in the court of the Burmese Queen, whose love will shape his life. He cannot forget her, and years later, as a rich man, he goes in search of her. The struggles that have made Burma, India, and Malaysia the places they are today are shown in this beautiful novel.

BIOGRAPHY  FROM THE LAND OF GREEN GHOSTS: A BURMESE ODYS-

SEY BY PASCAL KHOO THWE

Out of thousands of lives destroyed by a brutal crackdown of dissidents in the late 1980s and early 90s comes the inspiring and auspicious story of Pascal Khoo Thwe, a gifted writer whose journey from a remote town in Shan State to studying English literature from Cambridge is even more stunning given the dire straits of his country – and his own situation – at the time. Green Ghosts is a beautifully written memoir that is becoming a classic in its own right.

review

Slick Steakhouse For Fat Wallets

BY MAURICE EDMOND SAILLAND The Prime Rib is a fancy hipster bolthole serving up steaks, oysters, fine wine and other luxury fare at eye-watering prices on Kabar Aye Pagoda road. I suspect this is the place oil and gas bros and crony kids come to sit in faux vintage leather director chairs and indulge in 50-dollar steaks with a side of foies gras washed down with imported French ‘vin.’

The setting would be described as a hackneyed hipster cliché in many places. But the three-story restaurant with a lofty vibe of bare brick walls and exposed steel girders does feel refreshing in Yangon. The leafy rooftop with padded deck chairs is a welcome addition to the city's rooftop scene.

The table settings are indulgent - good quality napkins, large wine glasses, and the first butter knife I’ve seen in Yangon for a while.

At the time of my visit, servers outnumbered guests about 10 to one.

Unfortunately, none of them displayed the aptitude one would expect from an establishment with only a handful of dishes for under 10 dollars. Two perfectly decent martinis during happy hour for 3,500 kyats were perhaps the best value part of the meal, although they did take a little while to arrive.

Another cost-effective highlight was the complimentary warm ciabatta.

Prime Rib serves 28-day dry-aged filet, rib eye, porterhouse from Myanmar’s Greenland Farm and Myangyu Japanese Wagyu Hybrid in filet rib eye and NY Strip steaks you can choose a ‘marbling score’ of seven, eight, or nine.

The Wagyu rib eye will set you back an eye watering 35,000 kyats per 100 grams, but I went for the less indulgent Greenland filet, which had a good depth of flavour, perfect texture and was very well season.

I also sampled the spinach with parmesan cream, potato puree, and mushrooms with herbs and butter. All three were delicious, especially the mushrooms which were seared perfectly, and cost just 5,000 kyats a piece.

By the end of the meal, however, I felt the toll of the liberal use of butter, cream, and salt in the dishes and the richness of the beef.

For those of you without the desire - or the pay check - for high-quality steaks, oysters, caviar and foie gras but do want to visit, I recommend an evening of happy hour cocktails and rich yet reasonably-priced side dishes.

Address: No. 1/A Kabar Aye Pagoda Road Ward 7, Yankin Township Phone: 09 264 655 551 Opening hours: 10am-11pm

qatarairways.com/mm

Call 95 1 379845

review

New Dishes at 50th Street

BY DUNCAN HINES

Long-time burger haven 50th Street has transcended from Western comfort food to sophisticated gastronomy with some blitzing additions to its menu.

First up, a plate of spicy cream cheese, green onions, and diced jalapeno rolled in crispy baked tortilla (4,500 kyats plus tax/service charge) has the perfect little kick, especially with the accompanying salsa dip. Shared among a few cocktails, this could become a staple snack here.

Slightly more substantial, two juicy pork skewers, marinated in five-spice powder and lightly grilled with green peppers (5,000 kyats) did the job. The hefty gristle won’t be to everybody’s taste, but can be easily separated from the meat, which cries for liberal dunking into the thick jackfruit chutney.

Star of the show: a chunky slab of seared Norweigian salmon fillet perched on quinoa risotto (17,000 kyats). Lemon parsley sauce oozed over the creamy quinoa was a sensation, as were the straw mushrooms hidden inside.

The 50th Street fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs (19,000 kyats) lived up to their name. Tender and delicious, coated in homemade sauce, they came with cornbread and a chorizo and corn slaw – all superb.

In fact, step aside salmon: the real star was a cheesecake (8,000 kyats) topped with berry compote that swirled crimson into the fluffy cream and golden crust. Also brought out was the strudel-y apple pie and vanilla ice cream (also 8,000 kyats) presented in a delightful pastry bundle.

Once a printing house for kyats, then a sports pub, and now a venue for top quality food.

Address: 9/13 50th Street, Botataung Township, Yangon Phone: 01 397 060 Opening hours: 10.30am-1am

"Nice hide out in town! with pool table, and its really a chill bar.. price range is a little above, but food is good! been there last night, lots fun!!!!"

Zarni

www.sarmal.com.mm

Gallery

MYANAUTO 2017 @ MYANMAR EVENT PARK 17TH-19TH NOVEMBER 2017 PHOTOS BY LEO JACKSON

MUSIC FOR MYANMAR @ CHATRIUM HOTEL 18TH NOVEMBER 2017 PHOTOS BY LEO JACKSON

now showing

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 24th - 30th November 2017.

JUSTICE LEAGUE Justice League is a 2017 American superhero film. In Justice League, the superhero team save the planet from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

Junction City, Junction Maw Tin, Junction Square, City Mall, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II), Nay Pyi Daw

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Murder on the Orient Express is a 2017 American mystery drama film.

Poirot is a fictional world-renowned detective who seeks to solve a murder on the famous European train in the 1930s.

Nay Pyi Daw

FLATLINERS Flatliners is a 2017 American science fiction psychological horror film. It follows five medical students who

attempt to conduct experiments that produce near-death experiences.

Nay Pyi Daw

THOR: RAGNAROK Thor: Ragnarok is a 2017 American superhero film. Thor must escape the alien planet Sakaar in time to save Asgard from Hela and the impending Ragnarok.

Nay Pyi Daw

TAR TAY GYI Tar Tay Gyi is a Burmese Horror Movie directed by Wine with stars: Nay Toe and Shwe Tamee.

Junction City, Junction Maw Tin, Junction Square, City Mall, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Thamada Cinema, Thwin, Mingalar

PAT PAT SET SET NHYOE Pat Pat Set Set Nhyoe is a Burmese drama directed by Thar Nyi with stars: Nay Toe, Shwe Htoo and Moe Set Wine.

Junction City , Junction Square, City Mall

Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244 Junction City | 01 9253591, 01 9253592 Junction Square | 01 527 055 City Mall | 09 764802081 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035 — 36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint) | 09 779 054 671 — 73 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) | 09 732 54 091 — 92 Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034 Thamada Cinema | 01 246 962, 01 246 963 Thwin | 01 372 594, 01 388 033 Mingalar | 01 243057 Mega Ace (Tharkayta) | 01 556 782 Mega Ace (Tamwe) | 01 554 383 Mega Ace (North Okkalapa) | 09 971 750 91

myanmore Card Deals URBAN CUE - 10% off on table fee. No combining of offers or other promotions. Not applicable on food, drinks and accessories.

? Urban Asia Center, Corner of 48th Street & Maha Bandula Road, No. (10-H), 1st floor, Botahtaung Township, Yangon 09 768 663160

THE BEAT BAR - 10% off total bill for lunch (12 pm to 3 pm) and dinner (7 pm to 11 pm) from Sunday to Thursday.

Not valid on any other promotions or happy hours ? G3, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Mahabandula Road, corner of Maha Bandula Road, Botahtaung Township, Yangon 09 783 666359

See www.myanmorecard.com for more deals

emergency numbers POLICE STATION

AMBULANCE

199 / 01 549309

192

FIRE STATION

TOURIST SAFETY UNIT

191 / 01 252011 / 01 252022

01 642742 / 01 549209

TOURIST INFORMATION

YANGON GENERAL HOSPITAL

01 252859 / 01 378376

01 256112 / 01 265131

HOTLINE NUMBER 1876

About Us Myanmore is your entertainment and lifestyle guide to Yangon. We provide daily updates of events, full scale directory, editorials, photos and much more. ) www.myanmore.com | f Facebook.com/Myanmore @ Info@myanmore.com | B Myanmore.com/Newsletter For advertising or other queries you can also call 09 779 003 701

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO Photo: Innwa Book & Cafe

PRINTING HOUSE MCM Printing (00876) Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd.