MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 8th April 2016 by MYANMORE

8 - 14 APRIL 2016

What’s On 8TH - 9TH APRIL APTK Presents MANGO MOJITO Thingyan Sale | Activities It’s APTK way of wishing you a Happy Thingyan Festival! All MANGO MOJITO Shoes will be go on sale with an event at Junction Square. We will also be giving out APTK Ready-to-wear discount voucher as well. Exciting details as below: 30% OFF for Black Captoe Oxford, Burgundy Gentlemen Loafer, Italian-touched Boat Shoes. 20% OFF for all other designs. ? Junction Square - Pyay Road, Kamaryut Township | P 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

FRIDAY 8TH APRIL Cat Face Fundraising Event for Orphanage | Nightlife The crew behind London’s favourite Cat Face parties are coming to Hummingbird Bar in Yangon, local and international Djs and artists will be performing live to help raise funds for orphans in Myanmar, please join them for fun filled evening for a great cause. Tickets: 7000Ks Advance 10,000ks On The Door (All proceeds will go to charity) ? Hummingbird - 76, Hummingbird, Phone Gyi Street, Lanmadaw Township | P FROM 8:00 PM

VOICE OF ANGELS | Art & Stage VOICE OF ANGELS Concert Series in Yangon is one of a kind High-End Music Buffet Dinner Show with World Class Recording Artists. If you really care for Real Good Music by the most talented musicians ever lived, this would be the one that you don't wanna missed. It might also be a another great way of celebrating Myanmar New Year! Dress Code : anything in Black. Ticket Price : General Admission $95, VIP $200, VIP Package $360 ? Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - No 40 Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township | P 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

SATURDAY 9TH APRIL Youk Shi Mya Yeik Nyo Thingyan Funfair | Art & Stage Full Line Up for this event are Myo Kyawt Myaing, Acid, Theory, Chill session, Cyclone, Bigg y, Bushwick Boogie (UK), (J FLowz X Ko Thu), Sandy Myint Lwin, Ah moon, Lil’Z (immortal), and so many. Ticket price 7,000Ks. ? Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel - No.20, Pale Road, Bahan Township | P 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Pre-Thingyan Party | Activities Just a little no-frills Pre-Thingyan get-together party with the SoyAi Boys and the Children of Tomorrow before we all break for Thingyan. Please do RSVP. It’s a pot-luck party! So bring food! (Da SoyAi Boys will be providing the beverages. Sing, dance, play games with the kids or simply give them and Da Boys some encouragement! ? Children of Tomorrow Youth Centre - Min Gyi Street, Building No. 2, Yankin Township | P 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Pre Thingyan Foam Party | Nightlife DJ Shine Lay (DJ Bar), Lucky draw, Drinking Contest and entry fee is 10,000 Ks (inclusive of 2 beers), Table Package 150,000 Ks (5 pax free entry) ? J Bar - Jasmine Palace Hotel- No 341, Pyay Road | P 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

LOVE Outdoor Screenings | Activities Free and All Welcome. Once a month they will be showing a ballet, musical and opera based around the theme of LOVE. For this week screening is Matthew Bourne’s triumphant modern interpretation of the famous ballet, ‘SWAN LAKE’. ? British Embassy Club - Between Alan Pya Pagoda Road and Gyo Phyu Road, Dagon Township | P FROM 7:00 PM

What’s On 9TH - 10TH APRIL The Aesthetic Experience + Sketching Workshop | Class Please come and meet us for a discussion on Studio Square. You can meet our teacher Maxe Fisher (associate professor , faculty of design + dynamic media ) Dr. Mohamed Talaat. ? Studio Square - Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township | P 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

SUNDAY 10TH APRIL SAISAI BIRTHDAY SHOW | Art & Stage It’s Sai Sai’s Birthday show and it is his real birthday. All of his birthday shows are so amazing and you can hope this year, too. To know how amazing it is, shouldn’t miss that show. Ticket price is 7,000Ks - 20,000Ks. ? Shwe Htut Tin Compound - Beside Sky Star Hotel, East Racing Course | P FROM 6:00 PM

Pre Thingyan Party | Nightlife Two days before Thingyan, BME club will celebrate the Pre Thingyan Party with Free Flow DJS. The resident Djs of BME, Dj Linn Linn, Dj Zaw Myo, Dj Pyae Sone, Dj Soe Thu. And MC Pam and Dj Sue Ice from Thailand will party with the crowd too. Ticket price is 15,000Ks. ? BME Club - No.88(A), University Avenue Road, Bahan Township | P FROM 10:00 PM

MIC Splash Party | Activities Pre -Thingyan Event. Students from MIC will act Nwe Ma Play at that Event. ? Myanmar Imperial College (MIC) - No.1, Zay Myouk Road (Near U-Wisara Roundabout), Dagon Township |P 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday Roast | Dining The only full Sunday roast lunch in Yangon. Bring your kids and have them play in our kids zone while you enjoy the roast with friends. We offer a beef, chicken or pork belly roast lunch for under $16. Plus it is available all day from 12 noon till 9pm. (no need to hurry!) ? Union Bar and Grill - 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung Township | P 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

MONDAY 11TH APRIL Thingyan Fitness Fun Day | Activities Fun Fitness – Have a Go Day! Since almost everything is closed over Thingyan, they thought to have some fun fitness class days at the Infinity Fitness Centre. The class will be Strength & Conditioning. Click attending if you are keen as we can only take a max. of 14 people! Booking is essential. Price: 5000ks. ? Infinity Fitness Yangon - Level 7, 33a Baho Road, Sanchaung Township | P 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

DISCLAIMER Information as of 5th April 2016. The events’ time and date may change without notice. For more updated information please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar

thingyan guide

Thingyan 2015, photo credit Hongsar

You Have Options This Thingyan Thingyan is equally fun as it is disruptive. MYANMORE wants to prepare you as best as possible before the city essentially shuts down. Hopefully this pamphlet doesn’t get too wet, but fear not, our website has tons of unabridged Thingyan content, including a Survival Guide to help you stay safe. MYANMORE’s previous Weekly Guide covered how to join party stages, even with recent government restrictions. This guide will provide some ideas on how to escape the craziness and relax, whether that be poolside, on a roof, or in an air conditioned restaurant.

HOTELS ALFA HOTEL’S SAPPHIRE LOUNGE ROOFTOP BAR In short distance of Pyay Road and Downtown, Nawaday Road will be filled with Thingyan celebrators, but the rooftop of Alfa Hotel will not be. The hotel will have few guests but the owners still plan on keeping the Sapphire Lounge fully-stocked with drinks for those who want to be outside and voyeur the festival from a dozen storeys in the air. Food is available downstairs as well. SHANGRI-LA Well-air conditioned with a bar and deli, this will be the most comfortable places to relax after leaving the water play that is bound to consume city hall and the rest of downtown. Shangri-la also has Thingyan deals for their rooms and services. $165 for a single room, $185 for a double with $50 in complimentary F&B services. CHATRIUM This would normally not be recommended during Thingyan since Kandawgyi Lake has traditionally been a major hub for mandats. The recent announcement from the Yangon City Development Committee, however, on barring lakeside stages will make this hotel more accessible. It has a great outdoor pool and bar accessible to non-guests for $20 until

Chatrium Hotel

10pm. They also have a Thingyan Deal for their deluxe rooms at $120 a night, with discounts on their other services.

SAKURA RESIDENCE A hotel/apartment complex that will be allowing people to stay at a discount during Thingyan. $175 a gets you full access to a pool, gym, spa and dining options. RESTAURANTS & CAFES FEEL MYANMAR RESTAURANT The Burmese restaurant chain that also serves Thai, Chinese and European dishes, will be a good resource during the festival. There are locations in Lanmadaw, Mayangon and Dagon Township. The popular Dagon branch on Pyihtaungsu Avenue has the most extensive operating hours, 8AM to 11PM daily. But all locations will be open this festival for some period of time. Be sure to check at www.feelrestaurant.com FISH AND CO. This casual western seafood restaurant has cut their hours for Thingyan, but only slightly. April 13th to April 17th has hours from 1:00pm-10:00pm. It will close for 17th April and resume normal hours on the 18th April. SUSHI ICHI No. 105, Phone Gyi Road (Middle Block), Yangon. Ph: 01218282.

A little down the road from Anawratha Road along Phone Gyi Road, there is a sushi restaurant which will be open during Thingyan except on the 17th. It is a decent sushi place with decent prices that has committed to staying open for Thingyan.

MERINGUE CAFÉ No. 60/70, Nguwa Street, Ahlone Township, Yangon, Myanmar // 4:00 PM -10:00 PM

Meringue cafe` is known for brewing coffee to the SCAE (Special Coffee Association of Europe) standard. The cafe will open its doors during Thingyan Festival, except for 18th, but not until height of festivities have finished.

FAT OX They remained open for last year's festival and will do so again this year. No drink specials, as of yet, but the owners encourage people to come watch sport and take a break from Thingyan. The bar has a clear view of water play on 50th Street. You will be dry inside but getting into the bar

unscathed may be tricky. Experience Another Side of Thingyan at Shwedagon Pagoda - A must see if you’re interested in the religious component of the festival, especially on 17th April. It is the best way to not see the party animals, water throwers, and Thingyan cars. Locals who are tired of Thingyan commonly go to a monastery or pagoda instead of staying home all day. Shwedagon will be filled with a lot of people who come to meditate and accept the 9 precepts, the Buddhist equivalent of Sabbath. The tone will be more reserved with devotees chanting, meditating,and listening to prayersaggressive water play is not allowed. The grounds are breezy even in the heat of Thingyan. The entry fee will be around 8,000Ks (around $7) for foreigners. Try to come with someone who speaks Myanmar to have the complex ceremonies and history explained. Panditarama Meditation Centres Yangon: (951) 535448, 705525 // Rural: 95-1-535448 and 95-1-705525 The British affiliated Panditarama Centre has two locations, one in Bahan Township the other in the outskirts. The Bahan location is on Shwe Taung Gon, a combination of wealth and tranquility that has allowed the centre to gain popularity. The big allure is their second location secluded in a forest 40 miles outside of Yangon. The meditation centre has separate halls for men and women, with the staff reviewing the progress of the yogis and offering guidance throughout the session. Fill out a form at their website to attend the retreat.

Mont Lone Yay Paw, photo credit Meemalee.com

Thingyan Eats! Mont Lone Yay Paw & Sa Tu Di Thar Celebration of Thingyan is incomplete until you eat the seasonal snack, Mont Lone Yay Paw. The name, Mont Lone Yay Paw, can literally be translated to “round snack that floats on water.” Mont Lone Yay Paw are basically sticky rice balls with palm jaggery rolled inside and shredded coconuts outside. It is the perfect sweet to eat after getting splashed with cold water because of its chewiness and hardiness, which will give you the warmth you need. The best place to find Mont Lone Yay Paw are at Sa Tu Di Thar, which are tents prepare food for hungry celebrators. Sa Tu Di Thar are very welcoming spaces that provide safety from water play while you eat. Food is free but a donation is highly encouraged. After cooking the snack, pranksters may smear soot of the pot on the faces of their friends. Another common 'joke' is switching the jaggery with Bird’s Eye chili, a super spicy SE Asia pepper. So be sure to keep a water bottle near you!

review

Asian Night at The Novotel BY CHARLES MICHIO TURNER WHAT IT IS The Sunday Brunch at Novotel may be the most popular weekly meal, but this Asian Night concept is worthy of attention as well. It is a buffet style meal, Wednesdays 6pm-10pm, that rotates through different Asian cuisines every week. The all you can eat deal along with a free flow of cocktails, wine and beer cost USD 35 per person. ATMOSPHERE The Square is a clean, well-lit, unpretentious cafeteria restaurant not unusual for large hotels. Being a hotel also allows for a diverse group of patrons. Colleagues from an industry convention downstairs sat adjacent to a family with two toddlers, pacified by the palatable options at the buffet. In fact, the large space and wide food selection make Asian Night quite child-friendly. RECOMMENDATIONS There are over a dozen hot plate options, ten salads, an impossible amount of desserts and several cold entrees which includes sushi. The sashimi was the highlight for me partly because of how rare it is to find fresh sushi in Yangon, let alone in an 'all you can eat' setting.... The deserts may be the most impressive aspect of the night with a giant island counter showcasing a range from box chocolate to traditional htemane Myanmar desserts. If you don't like surprises, you can call ahead to see what the food options for the coming week are. FINAL THOUGHTS Asian Night at Novotel MAX has options for everyone, even for the few tourists who decided to visit Myanmar but not like Asian food. You should come on a Wednesday night when you and some friends are starved and want to relax over multiple drinks. The sashimi is a definite treat after eating improvised maki rolls that define Yangon's sushi scene. The Square holds to parties as well, contact them to arrange a birthday event or anything where a large group of people need to be fed. The manager could give you a discount depending on how many there are. The Square at Novotel MAX // 459 Pyay Road // 5th floor

review

Redefining Fusion

Wild Ginger Bar and Restaurant BY VICKIE

WHAT IT IS I was delighted to eat at Wild Ginger, a laid back Southeast Asian Fusion Restaurant and Bar at an unassuming location, with seating for about 50 guests. Simple and friendly service coupled with a unique menu that did not offer satay skewer platter or other easy fixes typical of a bar menu. ATMOSPHERE Designed from scratch by the owner himself, the restaurant has outdoor and an indoor areas that are both modern and soothing. One wing has dining rooms often booked for private parties, the rest of the restaurant is a comfortable dining room with padded booths, leather chairs and a mini bar. RECOMMENDATION Definitely start with signature drinks like Wild Ginger and Wild Quince (US$7-9)... Betal leaves (US $1.50) is a roll of shrimp in lime juice and Burmese fish paste served on betal leaves which are healthy and plentiful in Myanmar... The Sambal pork (US $7) is carefully cooked to apply the taste of Malaysian sambal, Burmese fish paste (Nga pi) and pork into one single flavourful relish. FINAL THOUGHTS The food menu and cocktail delights alone might make Wild Ginger worth a visit, but I cannot simply leave the friendly, informed and attentive service out of the picture. As being a fan of explosive flavours from Southeast Asian cuisine, I would gladly come back every month or so just to check out their new, unique and exciting recipes on the menu. This is a place where already-loyal customers are filling its seats. 12 A Shin Saw Pu Road, Sanchaung Township. 09 9798024627 | 4 pm till late

Gallery

AFTER PARTY OF THE “SUNSET BOAT PARTY” 2ND APRIL 2016 PHOTOS BY PT@IMAGES

SOCIAL CIRCUS WEEKEND 2ND APRIL 2016 PHOTOS BY PT@IMAGES

now showing

Start Showing from 8th April 2016 to 14th April 2016.

BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Junction Square | 01 527 055 Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244

LONDON HAS FALLEN Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035~36, 01 230 3 165 Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) | 09 732 54 091, 09 732 54 092

FRIEND REQUEST Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034

GODS OF EGYPT Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288

ZOOTOPIA Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288

LUU YADANAR THIKE (BURMESE) Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035~36, 01 230 3 165 Thwin | 01 372 594, 01 388 033 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034 *All theatres close from 11th April to 17th April.

myanmore Card Deals CLUB RIZZOLI @ CHATRIUM HOTEL 20% discount on total bill ( 10 pm onwards ) Valid on Saturday and Sunday ? No.40, Natmauk Road, Yangon 01 544500 Ext: 6243

KOHAKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT @ CHATRIUM HOTEL 15% discount on A La Carte Menu or Set Menu for Lunch Valid for all days ? No.40, Natmauk Road, Yangon 01 544500 Ext: 6231

See www.myanmore.com/yangon/card/ for more card 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 Yangon 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 2507 36695, 01 375680

THIS WEEKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PHOTO Credit: Hongsar