MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 30th March 2018

30 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2018

FREE COPY

Staycation Deals for Thingyan

What’s On - march / april FRIDAY 30TH MARCH Trade Mission Industry | Business This trade mission on the Myanmar Industry Sector from CCI France Myanmar and Business France will bring together local and foreign companies already operating in Myanmar, as well as delegates from companies based in other ASEAN and APAC countries. | RSVP: 01 523 700 ? Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Yangon Evening Tour | Travel Myanmar Rendezvous takes photography fans into the Yangon evening: different lights, different colors, different viewpoints and different lifestyles. US$50 per pax (minimum 2 people for reservation). Pick up at your hotel and drop off in Chinatown. | RSVP : 09 781183493. ? Yangon | P 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Make an Easter Egg | Activities Have fun making an Easter egg with the staff and your friends at Wall Street. ? Wall Street English Myanmar - City Mall, No.6, Corner of Pyay Road & Min Ye Kyaw Swar Road, Level 3, Dagon Tsp | P 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Responsible Businesses and Disadvantaged Groups | Business What are and how to be a responsible enterprise in Myanmar? For Disadvantaged groups, what did they/will they benefit from the rising of entrepreneurship and startups? What are the skills and knowledge required to run a responsible business? This event aims to answer these gnawing questions of entrepreneurs. | RSVP : 09958016901. ? Impact Hub Yangon Yaw Min Gyi - No.9, Royal Tower, C8, Room 202, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Behind Thamda Cinema | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Kirin Night @ The Beat | Nightlife Are you getting bored with your weekday tasks? Got to The Beat bar’s Kirin Night with favourite Si Thu Lwin and The Beat music band and a lucky draw to cure your Friday fever. | RSVP: 09762761569. ? THE BEAT bar - G3, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Corner of Mahabandula Rd & Bo Myat Tun Rd, Botahtaung Tsp | P From 7:00 pm

Pyrite presents Dj Fingaz | Nightlife DJ Fingaz has worked with some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry: XZIBIT, Beyonce, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Tyrese, Black Eyed Peas, Drake, Lil Wayne, T.I., EVE, Trey Songz and more.

For table reservations, call 09 258 835 885. ? PYRITE - No.37, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, near Inya Lake Hotel, Mayangone Tsp | From 10:00 pm

Double Gold Presents: Helena Legend at Brave Bar | Nightlife The queen of electronica Helena Legend will set the dance floor on fire.

Artist Helena Legend from LA will also be there. | RSVP : 09 260047334. ? Brave Bar - 31B, Kanyeiktar St, 10 Qua, Mayangone Tsp | P From 10:00 pm

30TH MARCH - 8TH APRIL One~Ten~Hundred | Art & Stage Chuu Wai Nyein’s new exhibition “One-Ten-Hundred” proposes a new truth to empower women. ? Gallery 65 - 65 Yaw Min Gyi St, Dagon Tsp | P 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

What’s On - march / april SATURDAY 31ST The Saffron Collection Launch | Activities One of a kind pure 18K yellow gold collection designed by Pucca. Named after saffron, one of the most expensive and highly valued spices in the world, the Saffron Collection features soft folds, ribbons and flowers with mesh patterns. | RSVP: 09 45773 7045. ? Paribawga Café - 104 Bogalay Zay St, Botahtaung Tsp | P 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sun Set Pool Party Volume 4 | NIghtlife Are you ready to rock at Sun Set Pool Party Volume 4? Come to the rooftop pool party with the best beach white outfit. Drinks promotions, BBQ food delights and music from 5pm onward. | RSVP: 09 972501453. ? Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Invasiv Music Festival | Art & Stage Vinai, Quintino, Wildstylez MC Villain, Siena & Girls, and Xoon Mike will perform their best skills on stage. ? Thuwunnabhumi Event Park - Thuwana, Yangon | P 5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Pan Asian Night - Celebrating Diversity of Asian Flavours | Dining Enjoy a journey through Asia following the roots of our Chef Florian Eberhardt. Offer details unlimited orders from the Pan Asian Menu selection for only US$49 net including sparkling, white wine, red wine and soft drinks. | RSVP: 01 526289. ? Kiplings Restaurant - Savoy Hotel, 129, Dhammazedi Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Tattoo Lover Are Welcome To The Beat | Activities Tattoo lover have now chance to meet Singapore female tattoo artist and she will be here just for a few days. ? The Beat Bar - G3, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Corner of Mahabandula Rd & Bo Myat Tun Rd, Botahtaung Tsp | P 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

31ST MARCH - 6TH APRIL Myanmar Culture & Heritage | Exhibition A photo exhibition organized by Hot Eyes Photography Group. Beautiful photographs of Myanmar beauty, culture and heritage taken by 30 members will be displayed. ? Pansuriya - No (102) Bogalayzay St, Botahtaung Tsp | P 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm

SUNDAY 1ST APRIL Open House - Sunday Afternoon Hangout | Nightlife Special herbal and fruit juice, homemade goat cheese and dip, homemade bread, pastry and pizza and organic vegetables and more. | RSVP: 09 42110 9444. ? The Tree House Garden - 12, Shwe Taung Kyar Yeik Thar St, Bahan Tsp | P 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Easter Brunch | Dining Bring your family and loved ones to The Square to enjoy a festive Easter Brunch feast and spend quality time this Easter Sunday. Do not miss out your chance to win the Lucky Draw first prize; one night stay @ Novotel Yangon Max for 2 persons. Book your seat now @ 09-251185989. ? Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

What’s On - march / april Bella Mustic Festival | Art & Stage The festival includes singers Matteo, Zaw Win Htut, Big Bag, Idiots, Wai La, Ye Yint Aung, Aung Htet, Zwe Pyae, Hlwaing Paing, X Box, Shwe Htoo, Oaxis, Y Zet, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, Win Su Khine Thein, Bobby Soxer and Project K. Don’t miss it. ? The ONE Entertainment Park - Paw San Hmwe St, Thuwanna, ThinganGyun Tsp | P From 5:00 pm

Parami Talk Series: The Dynamic Media Landscape of Myanmar | Educational Our latest Parami Talk with Maria Abril, general manager of Mango Media. Seating is limited. Food and refreshments will be provided after the event. * Please note that attendees will not be allowed in after 6:45 pm. | RSVP: 09 79 3030 555. ? Parami Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences - 3rd Floor, Shwe Gone Plaza, Intersection of Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd and Shwe Gone Daing Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

TUESDAY 3RD After Work Networking with the Nordic Chambers | Business It’s hot season and you’re in need of a cold beer! Come join the Nordic Chambers for their monthly networking event before your Thingyan holiday at the Veranda Bar, Rose Garden Hotel. Free flow beer sponsored

by Carlsberg. | RSVP: 01 371 992. ? Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp | P 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Thingyan Drink & Draw at Father’s Office | Nightlife So as you know its that time of the year when the Padauk flowers blossom and waterguns come out, and to celebrate Thingyan we thought its only right to bring Thingyan into Drink and Draw. So if you’re ready for a night of longyis, laughter and painting please come and join. | RSVP : 09 45021 8080. ? Father’s Office - Bo Aung Kyaw St, Botahtaung Tsp | P 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

THURSDAY 5TH Joint Networking Cocktail: Let’s celebrate Thingyan - Songkran | Business The Thai Business Association of Myanmar and The French Myanmar Chamber of Commerce & Industry invite you to join the Joint Networking Cocktail to celebrate “Thingyan - Songkran” together. | RSVP: 01 523 700. ? CCI France Myanmar - Parkside One Building, 271-273 Bagayar St, Sanchaung Tsp | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Quiz Time / Trivia Night | Activities Come with your team or find one on the spot. To register, email raphaele. martin@fco.gov.uk with your name and passport/NRC number. ? British Embassy Club - 46 Gyo Byu Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

DISCLAIMER Information as of 26th March 2018. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated information, please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar

feature

furnishing a greener future

BY LOREN LEE CHIESI

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. This was the case for Yangon-native Christina Win, head designer and owner of Yangon Green Furniture, when she opened her Mayangone district workshop and studio in 2015. After studying, living, and working abroad in Australia, Singapore, and Israel, Win returned to her hometown in 2013 to resettle.

However, her attempts to furnish her home left her feeling frustrated.

“The modern, plastic and metal furniture was very flimsy and required assembly,” she said. “Traditional Myanmar furniture is very clunky and favors pieces like standing cabinets and immovable bureaus that aren’t as functional with our modern lifestyles. People are on the move. They like flexible, detachable, and functional.”

Win found a few local craftsmen, bought a few pieces of reclaimed wood and began designing to her own tastes. She was pleased with the results and thought, “I made it, I really enjoy it, but it’s only me that’s seeing it and using it.” From that innovative spark, Yangon Green Furniture was born.

The choice to use reclaimed wood was intentional. Win scouts demolition sites, estate auctions, and lumber yards for reclaimed wood. By her definition, reclaimed wood is any piece that would be destined for the chopping block to be burned for firewood or chipped into sawdust. This also included discarded wooden items and used furniture.

Nevertheless, Win sees potential in the wood that others leave behind.

She enjoys repurposing wood pieces that she calls “the ultimate rejects.”

The crafting process for her is a kind of alchemy. In an old, weatherbeaten entrance door, Win sees a mirror. From a bark-side slab that would normally be incinerated, she sees a long coffee table.

Far from a marketing ploy, the “green” in Yangon Green Furniture is carved into the ethos of the work and production. Using reclaimed wood is just as much an environmental choice as an aesthetic choice. Said Win, “I like giving wood, a living substance that would otherwise be destined for destruction, a new chance to be useful and have a new purpose.”

In a 2010 UN report, Myanmar cleared almost 20 percent of its natural forests between 1990-2010. With these staggering statistics in mind, enterprises like Win’s are essential to sustainable economic growth within the country.

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Guide

Credit: Novotel

Staycation Deals for Thingyan This year Myanmar celebrates Thingyan Water Festival from April 13-April 17. A great way to escape the chaos of water throwing, loud music and closed businesses in Yangon and Mandalay is to book a room in a top hotel and treat yourself to a few days of luxury. Here’s our selection of promotions.

Savoy Hotel Yangon is close enough to the main pandals (or stages) to enjoy the action, but also far enough to lock yourself away from it in a luxurious environment. The hotel’s special Thingya package includes a deluxe room, buffet breakfast and a glass of beer or wine, starting from US$119 per night. Plus the Wi-Fi is strong and you can chill out in the swimming pool. The deal runs from 10 to 20 April and is inclusive of service and tax charges. Special rates are available for Myanmar residents and work permit/work visa holders.

Hilton Mandalay is offering a Thingyan family package. Mandalay goes just as bonkers for Thingyan as Yangon, with pandals lining all four sides of the palace moat. Hilton is situation in the heart of the city and offers a deluxe room for two adults and one child (including one extra bed), a daily buffer breakfast, daily afternoon tea and mont lone yay paw-making activity and daily dinner buffet. Guests also get complimentary secured parking and use of swimming pool. In addition, families with young children also get access to daily special activities such as kids afternoon party, dancing, face painting, coconut bowling, bouncy castle and more.

Packages begin at US$340 (nett) for a two-night stay and US£485 (nett) for a three-night stay. For reservations, contact hiltonmandalay.info@ hilton.com or call +95 24036488. More information is available at www. facebook.com/hiltonmandalay Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon doesn’t exactly offer a Thingyan deal: it’s better than that. From March 10 to May 10 the five-star establishment

offers a deluxe room for two adults at US$100 net per night. With that comes buffet breakfast, gym and pool access, and one dinner or lunch per room at either The Emporia, Tiger Hill or Kohaku restaurant. Located next to Inya Lake, Chatrium boasts one of the best pools in Yangon. Plus you get 15 percent off at its restaurants and 20 percent off on body massages at Nemita Spa by Lilawadee.

Rose Garden Hotel in Yangon has a special promotion for Myanmar residents and expats only over the Thingyan period. Superior rooms are available at US$80 per night and bamboo executive rooms at $120 per night. The deal includes an international buffet breakfast for two, late checkout until 6pm, welcoming drink upon arrival, two bottles of water per day, tea and coffee making facilities in each room and access to the pool and gym. It runs from April 1 until April 30 and proof of residency or business visa are required at the time of booking.

Sule Shangri-La is right in the thick of the Thingyan celebrations. In fact, stick your head out of one of its windows and you could probably see the revellers near Sule Pagoda. But the high-end hotel also offers a refuge from the festivities—for $99 is an overnight stay in the deluxe room, breakfast for two at CafÊ Sule and use of the gym and swimming pool. It is also attached to a shopping mall.

Pan Pacific Yangon has impressed the city since it opened late last year, offering a fresh level of luxury with its infinity pool and spa. For Thingyan it offers a deluxe room at $98++ for single inclusive of breakfast for one person and deluxe room at $108++ for twin or double inclusive of breakfast for two persons. The offer runs from now until April 22 and is exclusively for locals and expats. For reservation and inquiry, contact +95 1 925 3810 or email reserve.ppygn@panpacific.com.

Credit: Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon

new menu

Exciting new lunch courses at Shwe Sa Bwe Just north of Inya Lake is the refurbished villa of Shwe Sa Bwe, a catering school and restaurant that offers a charming fine dining experience. Making and serving the cuisine are about 20 young apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are chosen from across Myanmar through the restaurant’s sprawling network and start the 11-month course in August.

Now we’re in March and the fledgling chefs and staff are truly getting into the swing of things. Since Shwe Sa Bwe began in 2011, it has trained over 100 students, and this batch are slated to join their alumni in top restaurants.

The lunch menu costs 21,000 kyats for two courses, 25,000 kyats for three courses, and 7,000 kyats for a mini cheese plate. Each course has a choice of four dishes that rate well in variety. There’s also the ever-changing ‘Special of the Day’ tailored to business lunches that include two or three courses for 19,000 kyats or 21,000 kyats plus a cup of hot beverage.

Among the starters is a salad of grilled chicken drizzled in honey mustard and bunched with slices of apple and grape—like the salmon rillettes with toast and salad, it is a light dish that sets up the diner nicely for the mains.

A rich, hearty choice for the next course is the Geneva-style pork stew with pearl onions and—in a pot on the side—spatzle, a Swiss kind of soft egg noodle. A colorful, creamy and vegetarian choice is the sautéed spinach in vol-au-vent, turned zucchini and capsicum coulis. To wipe the plates clean is refillable baskets of homemade bread. Desserts include roasted pineapple and cream tartlet, and choux-filled with ice cream and salted caramel.

Dinner menus are changed every three weeks and lunch menus are changed every month at Shwe Sa Bwe, but although the dishes may often be revamped, what stays the same is the worthy goal of the non-profit—and the fact that every customer contributes to it.

Address: 20 Malikha Street, near the American Club off Parami Road, Mayangone Township Opening hours: 12pm to 2.30 pm and 6.30pm to 9.30pm (last order) Closed Mondays. Sundays are dinners only.

A nice place to spend your time for food!

Really love the concept and tastes!

Wan Li www.sarmal.com.mm

special event

LOTTE teams up with Cellar Door for wine and dine night

BY LOREN LEE CHIESI

For those daring enough to brave Friday evening uptown Yangon traffic, LOTTE Hotel and Resort’s Poolside BBQ & Bar is a paradise bathed in sunset hues as the cool breeze of Inya Lake refreshes work-weary patrons looking to relax and usher in the weekend. LOTTE invited MYANMORE to sample its newest pre-set menu offering, the first in an upcoming series of dining events hosted at LOTTE with local Yangon restaurateur partners (US$50 per person for event set menu).

LOTTE’s restaurant manager Oakkar Kjaw said, “There’s a wealth of talent in the Yangon restaurant scene. By collaborating, LOTTE offers our customers a unique dining experience hosted by our luxury staff services while expanding cuisine offerings available to our guests.” This evening’s partnership was with Cellar Door, located at Marketplace 6 ½ Mile, a Mediterranean bistro with a focus on its extensive wine selection.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with flutes of Prince de Richemont sparkling wine and a variety of canapés: Caprese-salad inspired skewers of mozzarella, olives, and roasted cherry tomato drizzled in pesto, chicken meatball and pineapple spears with marinara sauce, and grilled garlic-basil prawns.

A live band played modern pop classics while guests enjoyed crisp mixed green and artichoke salad and a creamy mushroom soup accompanied by a Gallo Family Pinot Grigio. A main course of charcoal-grilled beef tenderloin in a black pepper sauce and roasted pumpkin rounded out the savory plates of the evening paired with a velvety smooth Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon.

Free-flowing sparkling wine was available throughout the meal, poured from the evening’s pièce de résistance – the sabrage. Gavin Davis, Cellar Door’s business manager and resident sommelier, demonstrated the technique of opening bottles of chilled bubbly using a sword, much to the merriment of diners. A sweet ending of hazelnut praline mousse cake with strawberry compote over passion fruit ice cream and Hardy’s Crest Moscato was served as hopeful dinner guests anticipated their chances at winning several lucky draw prizes.

Visit LOTTE’s website and Facebook page for information on upcoming dining events.

An a la carte menu is available daily ($3-25) and vegetarian and food sensitivity options are available upon request. Business hours: Bar 10am-10pm; BBQ 6-10 pm.

Gallery

LES RENDEZ-VOUS 1 @ IFB 23RD MARCH 2018 PHOTOS BY LEO JACKSON

TOP 100 GUIDE BOOK LAUNCH EVENT @ 50TH STREET BAR 23RD MARCH 2018 PHOTOS BY LEO JACKSON & RASMUS STEIJNER

now showing

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 30th to 5th April 2018.

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 CASK 81 - 10% for Coffee time 8am-5pm, 15% for BAr 5pm-Midnight. Valid everyday. ? 81, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township

HEALTHY ME SALAD & COFFEE BAR - 10% off total bill. Valid everyday. ? Bogyoke Road, front of Ruby Mart, Kyauktada Township ? Padonmar Street, corner of Sanchaung Street, Sanchaung Township 09 258 688 891

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 Artist: Hla Htay. Image courtesy of Nawaday Tharlar Gallery. www.nawadaytharlar.com