MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 5th January 2018

5 - 11 JANUARY 2018

FREE COPY

Learn Martial Arts in Yangon

What’s On - january FRIDAY 5TH DJ Will K at Brave | Nightlife DJ Will K, who has played at many top music festivals, will entertain the “Bravers” at Brave Bar. | RSVP: 09 260 047 334. ? Brave Bar - No.31B, Kanyeiktar St, 10 Qua, Mayangone Tsp | P From 10:00 PM

SATURDAY 6TH The Children's Choir of The Paris National Opera | Art & Stage The Maîtrise des Hauts de Seine officially became the "Paris National Opera Children’s Choir" in 1995 in recognition for its high artistic and performance standards and has performed in over 30 countries on five continents. Dinner reservations are available at either The Strand Cafe or The Strand Restaurant after the performance at fbd2@hotelthestrand. com or call (+95) 1 243 377. ? The Strand Hall - Seik Kan Thar Rd, Lower Block, Botahtaung Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Designers' High Tea Series at the Peacock Lounge | Art & Stage An afternoon fashion show and tea service at the iconic Peacock Lounge.

Featuring the collections of Mogok Pauk Pauk (every first Saturday) and Charlotte Barjou (every third Saturday). Tickets: US$15 net per person. | RSVP: 01 242 828. ? Sule Shangri-La - 223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Healthy Work-Life Balance | Sport Get more fitness at the start of 2018 by going to People’s Park for the Healthy Work-Life Balance organized by Thonburi Hospital. | RSVP: 09 776 005353. ? People's Square and Park - Pyay Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

SUNDAY 7TH ESSENTIALS | Nightlife Prepare to witness the sensation of House & Techno. | RSVP: 09 44000 7788. ? FUSE - 4th Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Bahan Tsp | P From 9:00 PM

Mahlzeit Frühschoppen | Dining Frühschoppen means sharing an alcoholic drink before midday in company: it is the German and Austrian tradition to meet up at a pub, inn or tavern in the late morning—usually on Sundays. In Lower Bavaria and most of Upper Bavaria, Frühschoppen is understood to be a specific kind of brunch consisting of Weisswurst, sweet mustard, pretzels, and Weissbier. | RSVP: 09 784 151250. ? Mahlzeit - 84 Pann Hlaing St, Sanchaung Tsp | P 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday Brunch at Café Sule | Dining Looking for somewhere to enjoy time with the family this Sunday? Dive into our seafood like oysters and rock lobsters! Buffet selection plus free flow wine and beer for only US$38 net. | RSVP: 01242 828. ? Sule Shangri-La - 223, Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What’s On Sunday Brunch @ Union Bar | Dining Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of brunch favourites from eggs benedict to fluffy American-style pancakes with maple syrup, chorizo and scrambled egg quesadillas and four Sunday roasts, all of which are served with their famous Yorkshire puddings. | RSVP: 09 250 355 064. ? Union Bar & Grill - 42 Strand Rd, Left corner of the Myanmar Red Cross Building, Botahtaung Tsp | P 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday Brunch at Melia Yangon | Dining From this week onwards, their Sunday Brunch can be pre-purchased at Myanmore Tickets website with a discounted price of $42 (instead of $48). Secure your table and enjoy the best Brunch in town! Limited tickets will be available to purchase weekly from Monday to Friday prior to the Sunday Brunch. | RSVP: 01 934 5000. ? Melia Yangon - 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Founder Institute Information Session | Educational The Founder Institute is the world’s most challenging and effective stepby-step program to start a company. Many leaders of the world’s fastestgrowing startups have used the Founder Institute program to transition from employee to entrepreneur. Join them for an informational event where you can learn more about the Founder Institute, ask questions and learn how you can launch a startup in Yangon with their help. | RSVP: 09 260 072 463. ? Phandeeyar - 10th Floor, Royal River View Condo, 628/636 Merchant Rd, Between 29th and 30th St, Pabedan Tsp | P 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Myanmar Investment Outlook Seminar-2018 | Educational Many good speakers will be at the MIOS seminar to share their experience with you. If you are interested in investment, come and join them. For registration, visit: https://applicationsurvey.wufoo.com/forms/mios2018seminar-registration/ ? UMFCCI - Min Ye Kyawswa Rd, Lanmadaw Tsp | P 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MONDAY 8TH Zumba for Kids | Sports Dance fitness classes for kids ages 7-13, led by a certified instructor. They 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 9TH Myanmar Entrepreneurs Monthly Meet Up | Activities This is the monthly meetup of Myanmar Entrepreneurs Network Monthly Meetup (MMEN). For the January meetup, Mr Sumit Jasoria, regional managing director of Shop.com.mm in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal, will be joining them. If you are interested in e-commerce business, this is a great chance to speak with an experienced professional with both strategic and operational expertise. He will not be giving any presentation but you are free to speak with him directly. ? Signature Fine Dining & the Garden Bistro - Corner of Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd & Kan Yeik Thar St, Bahan Tsp | P 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

What’s On WEDNESDAY 10TH Jazz Under The Stars | Nightlife Enjoy a night full of stars and great music. Depending on the weather they will play either in Atlas or in Mahlzeit. | RSVP: 09 767 419413. ? Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge - 84, Pan Hlaing Rd, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 8:00 PM

Sushi Socia | Dining Enjoy one hours free-flow sushi every Wednesday for 15,000 kyats per person! Add an hour's free-flow Tiger Beer for just 10,000 kyats to really make a night out of it. | RSVP: 01 254 041. ? Gekko Restaurant - 535 Merchants St, Kyauktada Tsp | P All Day

Asian Night @ The Square | Dining There will be 20 percent off for the first 30 guests at this live music event.

Tickets cost: US$30 with free flow on selected beverages. | RSVP: 01 230 5858. ? Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

THURSDAY 11TH Crazy Pony at Atlas | Nightlife Atlas is proud to host Crazy Pony, a Bluegrass - Blues duo from England and Switzerland. These incredible performers will take you on an intense and entertaining journey. Their virtuous banjo picking and a charming bass with sweet harmonies will surprise and leave you on the edge of your seat. | RSVP: 09 767 419413. ? Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge - 84, Pan Hlaing Rd, Sanchaung Tsp | P 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM

After Work Special at Parami Pizza(Sayar San) | Dining Enjoy buy one get one free on pizzas Monday – Friday 4pm-6pm at Parami Pizza Sayer San. Dine in only, cheaper pizza is free. | RSVP : 09261767616. ? Parami Pizza - Sayar San Road | P 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Open Mic Vol.4 x Everybody's Night Out | Nightlife Let us know your song, we'll have it ready, Buy 1 Burger, Get 1 Heineken Beer Free, 20 percent off on bottles, Russian roulette trays for all groups, Happy Hour 5-7pm, minimum 1 drink order. | RSVP: 01 255 131. ? Yangon Yangon - 339,Bo Gyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM

DISCLAIMER Information as of 2nd January 2018. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated information, please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar

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guide

Credit: BJJ Myanmar

Learn Martial Arts in Yangon

BY MIN YE KYAW

Learning martial arts is not only a great way to get fit but also a cognitive exercise. It involves drilling techniques and putting yourself out of your comfort zone, improving confidence as well as self-defense. Interested in diving into a challenging and healthy new hobby? Then here’s where you can learn to toughen up in Yangon:  BJJ Myanmar Myanmar's first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club, BJJ Myanmar teaches the grappling martial art—one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Utilising body positioning and structure over size and strength, it evolved from the tactics of Japanese samurai and is ideal for smaller people. Chokeholds and joint locks are key. Training often combines techniques for both self defence and the rules of the sport. Every Monday, Wednesday from 7-8.30pm and Saturday from 3-4.30pm the small group of friendly, welcoming students meet to drill techniques, and the first trial class is free.

Address: Fitness Xpress (Current location) - 5th Floor, Junction Mawtin, corner of Anawratha Road and Lanthit Street, Lanmawdaw Tsp Phone - 09 968968675

 Y.I.H Aikido Dojo Located within the compound of the Yangon International Hotel, the Y.I.H. dojo is the largest Aikido dojo in Myanmar, with a total matted training area of 180 square meters. Operated under the guidance of Inagaki Sensei (7th dan Aiki-kai), Ohasi Sensei (4th dan Aiki-kai), and Onodera Sensei (3rd dan Aiki-kai), all the instructors are local and certified by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Japan. In addition to regular trainings with visiting Japanese teachers, the instructors have also done intensive training in Japan. They are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Address - 350 Ahlon Road, corner of Myo Ma Kyaung Street, Ahlone Tsp Phone - 09 428586427, 09 8586427

 Thut Ti Myanmar Lethwei Club Thut Ti—“Courage” in Burmese—is a lethwei fight club and training gym teaching the millenium-old fighting art, an intense combat sport that includes headbutts, elbows, and knees, and where only knockouts decide the winner. The place itself is led by Lone Chaw (retired Whole Myanmar National Lethwei Champion) and Saw Gaw Mu Doe (champion of All States and Regions of Myanmar Young Generation Lethwei Contest): both were famous fighters of Myanmar. The place is also visited by international fighters around the world. A must visit place for those who wants to learn Myanmar traditional lethwei.

Address - 893 Won Tha Rek Ki Ta Street, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Tsp Phone - 09 25586 3344, 09 4015 38133

 Phoenix Myanmar Lethwei Gym Phoenix Myanmar Lethwei strives to keep the lethwei training 100 percent authentic. They respect Myanmar tradition and that reverence runs deeply throughout the classes and around the club. The classes are broken down into beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional invite-only ring spars, and they run simultaneously shows twice per day.

Each class has between 7-8 trainers supervising to ensure that every person gets individualized attention and learns the proper techniques.

Address - Thein Phyu Stadium, Thein Phyu Road, Mingala Taung Nyunt Tsp Phone - 09 964 400215

 Millennia Aikido Dojo Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by "Morihei Ueshiba" as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. This Aikido club has run since 2010 with the Kyaw Oo Lwin (5th Dan) from Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters. They teach students from eight years old. One-off fee is 5,000 kyats and monthly fee is 20,000 kyats. They have beginner and general classes.

Address - 29 , 6th floor ,Mingalar Street, Sanchaung Tsp Phone - 09 508 8410

 Taw Win Yoe Yar Lethwei If you're searching for a traditional training camp, you should check out this club too. With championed coaches, this school is fantastic for learning techniques and strategies. Strongly passionate coach Tin Aung who leads the school focuses on students’ abilities and training every day.

They have foreign students learning at the school as well.

Address - 42/1641, Theik Pan Maung Wa Street, North Dagon Tsp Phone - 09 250 029 001

 Myanmar Wushu Federation The biggest wushu (or kung fu) academy in Myanmar is managed by president Bo Bo Li and general manager Jar Aung Khun. The school has hundreds of students training at the academy; kids, adults, etc.

Students from the academy have been awarded many gold medals from international challenges, events and so on. The academy is a big place for students to learn the many steps of this martial art.

Address - Padonmar Sports Stadium, beside UAB bank, Bargayar Road, Sanchaung Tsp Phone - 09 43079307

Thut Ti Myanmar Lethwei Club. Credit: Sacha

review

‘Not quite a Michelin star, but not far off’

BY CHARLES DUCHEMIN

With the Michelin guide finally discovering the Bangkok dining scene it is only a matter of time before they venture into Yangon. When the inspectors arrive here, they will definitely be making a beeline for The Yangon Restaurant.

Situated in a quiet leafy corner of People’s Park, The Yangon oozes understated opulence with a relaxed semi-formal vibe. Artwork adorns the walls and the floor to ceiling windows offer splendid views of the goings-on outside. At lunchtime the restaurant feels airy and light, and certainly the kind of place you could enjoy an extended business lunch without too much trouble.

First up is a generous portion of three scallops served with a perfectly cooked quail egg. It looks delightful, but after a bit of digging around things get complicated. The wasabi-minted peas are a little overpowering, the Parmesan an unnecessary flourish. The addition of jamon iberico is a nice touch but it feels the chef just couldn’t decide what to leave out, which was a shame because it would have been magical with half the ingredients.

The fois gras provides a similar experience. Visually the dish has a lot of potential with a decent sized piece of liver and light foam, but again the flavors are fighting with each other to grab your attention. It is a great dish but comes across as needlessly confusing.

Both main courses are much simpler, and better-executed all round. The sea bass is cooked to perfection, and the tangy anchovy ragout works really well. The pork rack is tasty and married well with a rich pepper sauce.

As lunchtime spots go this is definitely one of, if not the best in the city and with two courses at 20,000 kyats or three courses for 25,000 kyats you’d be hard pushed to find a nicer place to enjoy a luxurious lunchtime rendezvous. My advice would be to get there now, while you can still get a table, because that will change when the Michelin men find out about it!

Address: People's Park Compound, Ahlone Road, Near Planetarium Museum, Dagon Township, Yangon Hours: Weekdays: 12-5pm, 6-11pm / Weekends: 10.30am-4pm, 6-11pm Phone: 01 370 177

"Menu is interesting and got some variety of choices for both entree and mains. The atmosphere of the restaurant is just so relaxing."

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Myanmore Awards: Father’s Office

BY DUNCAN HINES

If you haven’t heard the news yet, the 2018 Myanmore Dining and Nightlife awards are around the corner—and they’re set to be the most exciting yet.

Vote now for your favorite venues in the five new excellence-based award categories up for grabs. The venues from each category with the most nominations will be compiled into a shortlist, and a panel of independent expert judges will then decide the winners based on product, environment, and service.

Plus there will be six new and innovate award categories that celebrate special contributions to excellence by individuals and teams. Nominations for these awards will come from both the public and industry and will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

We caught up with Father’s Office, a trendy downtown bar that scooped last year’s Best Entrepreneur Award by KBZ. Located between Mahabandoola and Anawrahta Road, the venue has gone from strength to strength since winning the accolade, becoming the first bar in the area to supply Burbrit—Myanmar’s first craft beer—and enjoying international exposure as an example of contemporary Yangon. “[The award] helped quite a lot,” said Father’s Office co-founder Hnin Yee Htun Win. “Especially when it comes to customers. Just after the awards we began receiving more locals compared to before.”

The boost in local customers influenced changes to the menu, such as more Asian fusion dishes, she explained. And the award has given the cozy establishment a springboard from a marketing perspective, she added.

This month you can help shine the spotlight on some of the most deserving venues in Yangon by voting at Myanmore.com.

new opening

The Med Diet at Oliva

BY DUNCAN HINES

Desmond Francis is on a Mediterranean-inspired mission to bring hummus, falafel and other healthy snacks to Myanmar plates.

The 45-year-old restaurant manager-cum-chef splashed a taste of The Levant on the menu of Italian diner P for Pizza on Yaw Min Gyi street last month. Now he is planning to change the name to ‘Oliva’—reflecting the establishment's culinary expeditions outside of pizza territory.

Francis, who has more than 20 years in the food industry, picked up his passion for the cuisine from previous jobs at Yangon places such as Strand Hotel, Le Planteur and The Lab Wine & Tapas Bar. “I fell in love with serving this kind of food in Myanmar,” he said. “I just want to give Myanmar a different taste.”

Oliva has already begun as a small stall in the food court of shopping mall Junction City. It serves hummus, falafel and pizza, whereas the Yaw Min Gyi spot has a wider set of options.

Decent-sized portions at the restaurant are brought out on wooden platters, the type of food that instantly hits the spot. Mildly spiced falafels wrapped in warm pita and served with tangy homemade garlic sauce costs 5,000 kyats.

The satisfying Shawarma chicken wraps with fries cost 6,000 kyats and 10-inch pizzas with toppings cost up to 10,000 kyats. Core ingredients such as the flour and tomato puree are sourced from Italy, while also on the menu are pastas, paninis and treats like brownies (1,500 kyats) and tiramisu (4,000 kyats).

The Mediterranean push is not limited to the restaurant and Junction City stall, as since two months ago the firm also has had a presence in the canteens of International School Yangon ISY and Institut francais de Birmanie.

Expect more of this healthy fare from the P for Pizza/Oliva guys in 2018.

Address: Junction City shopping mall Phone: 09 979 336416 Opening hours: 9am-10pm

now showing

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 5th - 11th January 2017.

INSIDIOUS : THE LAST KEY Insidious: The Last Key is an upcoming American supernatural horror film.

It is the fourth installment in the Insidious franchise, and the second in terms of the series's in-story chronology.

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

JUMANJI Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a 2017 American action adventure comedy film. A standalone sequel to Jumanji (1995).

Junction City, City Mall, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Nay Pyi Daw

TIGER ZINDA HAI Tiger Zinda Hai (English: Tiger is Alive) is an Indian action thriller film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is based on the 2014 abduction of Indian nurses by ISIL.

LA YAUNG PHYAR TAE INLY MHAR La Yaung Phyar Tae Inly Mhar is a Burmese Horror Movie directed by Nyunt Myanmar Nyi Nyi Maung with stars : Nay Toe, War Zin and Wut Hmone Shwe Yee. Junction City, Junction Square, City Mall, Junction Maw Tin, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Thamada Cinema, Thwin, Mingalar

SAI KYITE TAE MAUNG Sai Kyite Tae Maung is a Burmese Comedy Movie directed by Ko Pout with Stars : Khant Si Thu, Myint Myat, Thet Mon Myint.

Junction City, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Shae Saung Cinema

TAW KYI KAN Taw Kyi Kan is a Burmese Action Movie directed by Steel with stars : Myint Myat, Khin Hlaing, Htoo Char, Moe Hay Ko. Shae Saung Cinema

Nay Pyi Daw

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 EASY CAFE & RESTAURANT - 10% off (minimum billing of 8000 Ks & above for a max of 4 pax). Not valid on retail products ? No.30A Bo Yar Nyunt Street, Dagon Township, Yangon 09 250 141 098

DIY HOT POT & BBQ - 10% discount (for food only) between 11 am to 5 pm ? No.(95/F) Waizayandar Street, (3) Quarter, Thingangyun Township, Yangon 01 560 381

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: Myint Soe. Image courtesy of Nawaday Tharlar Gallery. www.nawadaytharlar.com

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