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Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond
No. 11 /September 2017 It’s free!
magazine
AN IDEAL MAN
U Myint Wai: Man of Values
more action more entertainment more lifestyle
E T T O L
E T T O L
magazine
No. 11 / September 2017
ON THE COVER
Promotions 10
GOT YOUR MYANMORE CARD YET? 2000+ members!
What’s On 8
Movies 12
100+ venues
New Openings 14 Briefings 16 Cover Story 18 An ideal man U Myint Wai: Man of values
Enjoy greater savings! 100+ places - restaurants, bars, cafes, health and well-being establishments, hotels and retail outlets, when you flash your MYANMORE card. www.myanmorecard.com New designs available - collect them all!
Art and Culture 22 RVC: Strive to dance
An ideal man: U Myint Wai Photography Gerhard Joren
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Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond
No. 3 / Jan 2017 It’s free!
magazine
COMING UP FOR AIR: MAYCO NAING more action more news more lifestyle
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6 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
Managing Director Andreas Sigurdsson Editors Natty Tangmeesang Ryan Sequeira Contributors Brittney Tun Lacey Gibson Marie Starr Martyn Brown Natty Tangmeesang San Zar Ni Bo Susan Bailey Sondang Grace Sirait Thiri. T. Oo Victoria Rebello Photography Gerhard Joren Leo Jackson Art & Production Kyaw Kyaw Tun Hein Htet Publisher MYANMORE Magazine Pyit Thiri Thaw Lychee Ventures (Myanmar) Limited Permit No. 01588 Printer Myanmar Consolidated Media Ltd. MCM Printing (00876)
Sales & Advertising sales@myanmore.com 0977 900 3701 / 3702 About Myanmore Myanmore is a registered brand under Lychee Ventures (Myanmar) Limited providing digital and print publishing as well as creative services. Myanmore is managing the leading online city guide www.myanmore.com and printed publications Weekly Guide, EnjoyIt, KnowIt. We also work closely with the team of DRIVE, the first and only premium car magazine in Myanmar. Recently, we have launched applications such as MYANMORE (lifestyle app) and Sarmal (app for finding restaurant & bars in Myanmar). The mission is to provide great content and experiences for residents in Myanmar. Disclaimer No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from Myanmore. All details are deemed correct at the time of print. The editor, employees and contributors cannot be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. www.myanmore.com www.facebook.com/myanmore www.issuu.com/myanmore Follow us on Instagram and Viber.
Entrepreneurship 24 Shwe Waa: Spreading the spark of creativity Special 26 Sule Square Mall Dining Guide Travel Paradise found: Discover the beauty of Southern Rakhine 28 Reach for skies! 72 Hours in Kaula Lumpur 32 Food & Drink Locale: A World of Goodness 36 Jazz in Time: Yangon’s Very First Jazz Bar 37 Maha Chai: Thai perfection 38 Cooking up a storm of goodness 40 Fashion 42 Happy Heart Fashion Goes International Q & A 44 Here's to your health: Thailand’s Bumrungrad Clinic in Yangon Sports 46 All You Need to Know about Sports Bra Beauty 48 Yoga Around Yangon Horoscope 49
WHAT'S ON | EVENTS Art & Stage
Monsoon Madness Music Festival
23th September | From 4:00 PM Brace yourselves for Myanmar's very first International Fashion and Music Festival where you'll experience the best night of 2017, with international artists and fashion brands. International Artists and Fashion Brands are coming your way; Headliners: Axwell & Ingrosso, Ummet Ozcan, Oliver Heldens, Far East Movement and supporting artists: Thaitanium, Sai Sai Kham Hlaing and friends. Earlybird tickets are on sale now; Fun zone: 25,000Kyats, Cool zone: 35,000Kyats, Party Zone, Wild Zone and more. Hotline: 09968922444, 09968911444. Thuwunna Stadium - Thuwanna, Thin Gan Gyun Tsp, Yangon
Nightlife
90's Session : MasterBaytar live
15th September | From 7:00 PM Party people, another exciting 90's party at The Penthouse. Monsoon is leaving us so come on down enjoy our outdoor patio and indulge in our Mediterranean Cuisine. 90's lovers, the night is yours with MasterBaytar heating up the dancefloor till late. | RSVP : 09 771 239924. The Penthouse - 271-273, BarGaYar St, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon
German federal election party 24th September | 7:00 PM - 11:59 PM
Live from Germany, the Federal
elections will be held in Germany on 24 September 2017 to elect the members of the 19th Bundestag. The new Bundestag will have to elect a Chancellor with an absolute majority of its members, who will in turn form a new government. | RSVP : 09 784 151250.
finest cheeses, cold cuts & hobnob wines in the relaxed setting with friends and families at our Veranda Bar. With a delightful range of wines from Thee Wine, you can tailor your samplings to own personal tastes. | RSVP : 01 371 992.
Mahlzeit - 84, Pann Hlaing St, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon
Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, Yangon
BEER PONG tournament
29th September | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM BEER PONG TOURNAMENT IS BACK AT FATHER'S OFFICE. Come down to Father’s Office for fun game night! Bring your friends along to challenge the BEERPONG tournament. YES IT IS FREE. Along with Beer pong, you can also play Giant Jenga , and enjoy awesome two-for-one cocktails during happy hour. Please Note: you do need to register your team to play tournament and the earlier the better. Call them 09450218080. Father's Office - Bo Aung Kyaw St, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon
Dining
Sunday Roast & Pool 17th September | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Prepared in the time honoured British fashion, Sunday Roast will end your weekend on a high and with no washing up afterwards. Sunday Roast is happening at Portico Café and Lounge at Rose Garden Hotel. If you are a fan of roast meats, make your reservations today at info@theroseyangon. com or via to 01371992. Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, Yangon
Wine & Cheese Soiree 22nd September | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Enjoy Rose Garden Hotels Wine and Cheese Soiree every third Thursday of the month - cause no great story ever started with someone eating salad. Experience a delicious selection of our
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Activities
Myanmar Artisan Toolkit Launch Event 19th September | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The launch of the Myanmar Artisan Toolkit. Hla-Day, the Lutheran World Federation and Turquoise Mountain, worked together to develop the Myanmar Artisan’s Toolkit. Share this useful resource with all entrepreneurs, artisans, makers, producers and future creative industries leaders in Myanmar. Confirm your participation to Mr. Myo Thiha Kyaw LWF Livelihoods Coordinator lc.lwf.mmr@gmail.com by 15th September. UMFCCI - Min Ye Kyaw Swar Rd, Lanmadaw Ts, Yangon
2017 European Film Festival
22nd September to 1st October | All Day The 29th European Film Festival in Yangon will present award-winning movies from eleven European countries. For more information contact to 01 230 564. Nay Pyi Taw Cinema - Sula Pagoda St, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon
Paint & Sip for Charity 30th September | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Paint with some extra art materials to boost creativity, and an exciting competition. The idea is simple: Paint + Blank Canvas + Wine = ART. You can make your own painting or follow step-by-step instructions from a professional. It's more fun if you've never
WHAT'S ON | EVENTS painted before. Fee includes materials, wine, and snacks. Tickets must be claimed at Phayre's. No reservation of tickets. Only 20 seats available. For more information contact to 01 246 968. The Phayre's Gastronomy - 292 Pansodan St, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon
Business
Top Talent Speed Interview Event 17th September | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join them on the 17th of September for an exclusive and unique speed interview event, where Myanmar’s most talented professionals will meet with Myanmar’s top companies. Through an instant interview process, you will have the incredible opportunity to interview for exclusively middle and senior management level positions
with salaries above MMK 1,000,000. Don’t miss out. Apply Now @ http://bit. ly/speedinterviewregister or 09 261 601 095. Rose Garden Yangon - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, Yangon
AMCHAM's Fall Social Networking Night 21st September | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
An exciting evening of networking, drinks and canapes at classic venue, Gallery Bar which will make the night fun and lively again. No cost to attend for members and 5,000 kyats entry fee per non-members. Cash bar with special rates. Free canapes will be provided by the bar. Sule Shangri-La Yangon - 223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon
being challenged by other innkeepers. He begins to drink, and especially he is persuaded that Nelly deceives him. He even ends by hearing voices that assert him, until he becomes literally mad. Film in original language with english subtitles. Free entrance.
Movie Night
Eden
18th September | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Directed by Mia Hansen-Løve. Eden tries to revive the euphoria of the 90s and the history of the French Touch: this generation of French artists that continues to shine all over the world. Film in original language with english subtitles. Free entrance.
Institut Français de Birmanie - 340, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp, Yangon
L’Enfer
25th September | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Directed by Claude Chabrol (1994). Everything smiles at Paul: he finally becomes the owner of the hostel where he worked and marries Nelly, one of the most beautiful women of the region. She soon gave him a child. But Paul has debt problems and is
Listings Add your own event on events. myanmore.com or contact us on events@myanmore.com
BRINGING THE HEART AND SOUL Mediterranean Restaurant
OF THE MEDITERRANEAN TO YOUR PLATE
Mediterranean Mediterra r nean Restaura ra Restaurant r nt ra
Enjoy the freshest Mediterranean tastes with modern interpretations on classic dishes while enjoying a bottle of something special from our extensive cellar.
Book Now
01 934 5000, OPEN DAILY Mon ~ Fri : 18.00hr to 22.00hr Sat ~ Sun : 15.00hr to 22.00hr
MELIÁ YANGON - 1ST FLOOR 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon melia.yangon@meliayangon.com.mm www.melia.com
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 9
PROMOTIONS | DEALS Nightlife
Ladies Night Every Wednesday Ladies night in YangonYangon every Wednesday. DJ MR.Y at 8pm with Hip Hop, Rnb, House, etc. FREE cocktails to ladies at 7pm. 50% Off on Frozen cocktails. 20% Off on Sparkling Wine. HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 7pm. Bucket Beers Deal (Buy4 get 2). Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar 01 255 131
50 Shades of BOOZE
Social Night with Latin Beats Every Friday Dance the night away to Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Tango with dance instructor Nora McGreen from 7pm till late. Happy Hour until 10pm on all house-poured drinks. Chatrium Hotel 01 544500
Dining
Voice Industry Family KTV Urban Business Center, Corner of 48th and Maha Bandula Rd, 1st floor, Beside Training Ground, Botahtaung Tsp
Travel
6th September – 4th October
Nok Air's Great Deal promotion is coming to town. You may purchase YGN-BKK/ BKK-YGN route starting at 36USD per way per person within 1st September to 10th September. Travel period is from 2017 8th September to 2018 31st March. You may buy online here https://goo.gl/abiEGx or buy at nearest agency. Terms & Conditions Apply. More info: 01 255 050.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival at Sule Shangri-La with a delectable variety of mooncake flavours from 10 August to 4 October, 2017. Special discounts available for early bird purchase. RSVP: 01 242 828 ext. 6401, 6402, 6403
The Penthouse 09 771 239924
Sule Shangrila Hotel 223, Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon
Chatrium Dine & Fly 6th – 30th September Dine at any of their ravishing restaurants Tiger Hill Chinese, Kohaku Japanese, The Emporia to be in with the chance to win fabulous prizes. Prizes include A relaxing trip to Ngapali Flying with FMI Air, Dinner for two at Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, High Tea Set at Lobby Lounge, A bottle of wine and much more. The winner will be announced in October 2017. RSVP: 01 544 500 Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Nat Mauk Road, Yangon
3’s A Treat! at Health Club Valid until 1st October 2017 Buy three vouchers for any treatment (Spa or Beauty Center) and get one free! All vouchers are valid 3 months from the date of issue.RSVP: 01 242 828 ext. 6401, 6402, 6403 Sule Shangrila Hotel 223 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon
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Book 2 sessions and Get 1 FREE during 11 am - 6 pm. Get 20% Off after 6 pm. Valid Everyday. Book here: 09 45888 9292
Nok Air Myanmar
No more ladies night and no more unfairness !!! From now on every wednesday ladies and gentleman can enjoy the BUY 1 GET 1 FREE on ALL BOOZE (standard drinks) all night long.
September
Mid-Autumn Mooncake
Every Wednesday
Voice Industry
Myanmar National Airlines Grab a monsoon promotion to visit singapore. All in fare USD 170, Sales period at 25 May to 15 Sept 2017, Travel Period 25 May to 30 Sep 2017. Promo Code - SIN-PROMOTION http://www.flymna.com . For more information contact to 01 378 603
Every Wednesdays: One Free Cocktail to ladies Every Fris, Sats & Suns: Buy 5 drinks, get 1 complimentary “Five Bites” The Class - 161 Warden Street, Lanmadaw Tsp
Happy Hour @ Sarkies Bar Fridays Get 50% off on selected drinks every Friday. Sarkies Bar at The Strand offers a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an array of cocktails and a comprehensive wine list, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing drink in this historical Bar. RSVP 01 243 377. The Strand Hotel 92, Strand Rd, Botahtaung Tsp
Happy Hour @ The West Steak House 5 pm - 8 pm | Sun - Thur First and Ever The West’s Happy Hours. BUY 1 GET 1 Free. From Sunday to Thursday during 5 PM to 8 PM. Please come by and drink it like you mean it. The West Steak House Building D, G12, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Pearl Condo, Bahan Tsp
Babett’s Happy Hour
Happy Hour @ Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon
5pm to 7pm | Everyday
Everyday
Happy Hours, daily from 5pm to 7pm: 1USD beer. French wine by the glass: 4,500MMK all day. Set Lunch Menu: 10,000MMK. RSVP 01 243 639.
Treat yourself with exotic drinks from Lobby Lounge at Chatrium and Club Rizzoli At Chatrium. Happy Hours at Lobby Lounge is from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with Buy 1 Get 1 Free on selected drinks but don’t worry if you are late. Club Rizzoli’s Happy Hours are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm so take your time and drive safely. For more information please call 01 544500.
Happy Hours
Babett Yangon 5, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp
The Class's Happy Hour 5pm - 8pm | Everyday Every Mons, Tues & Thurs: All Drinks Buy 1 Get 1, 20% All Food items
Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel 40, Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp
PROMOTIONS | BUSINESS Transportation
Hello Cabs Taxi Service No.24, Aye Yeik Mon 2nd Street, 4th Ward, Hlaing Township 01 9339111 http://www.hellocabs.com.mm
Relocation
Asian Tigers Mobility Room 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, bet 41st - 42nd Sts , Botataung Tsp 01 250 290, 09 541 2751 yupar@asiantigers-myanmar.com http://www.asiantigers-mobility.com
Laundry
Shine Professional Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services No. 111/A, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon 01 545700, 09 8612273, 09 260700712, 09 791799014 customerservice@shinelaundry.net http://shinelaundry.net
5àsec Myanmar Laundry Service Corner of Inya Road & Dhammazedi Road, Kamaryut Township, Yangon 09 454550945 info.mm@5asec.com http://www.5asec.com.mm
Gems & Jewellery
FRANCK MULLER BACKES & STRAUSS YANGON Sedona Hotel, No.1 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road,Yankin Township 01 860 5539 http://www.franckmuller.com
LALIQUE Sule Square, Level 1, Room 115, Sule Pagoda Rd, Pabedan Tsp 09 964046996
SP Gems No.30A, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile, Mayangone Tsp 01 660397, 01 666052, 01 666053 spgems.myanmar@gmail.com http://spgems-myanmar.com
Real Estate
Pun Hlaing Estate Sales & Marketing Main Sales Gallery & Sales Office – Pun Hlaing Golf Club House, Pun Hlaing Estate, Hlaing Tharyar Tsp 01 687 777, 01 684 013 phgerental@spa-mm.com http://www.punhlaingestate.com
Star Residence Star City (A5 Building), Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Rd, Thanlyin Tsp 056-23150 (ext. 1166, 1162, 1128) leasing@ted-starcity.com https://www.starcityyangon.com
Shangri-La Serviced Apartments, Yangon Kan Yeik Tha Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp + 95 1 394 469 servicedapartments.slry@shangri-la.com http://www.shangri-la.com/yangon
LOTTE Serviced Apartments 82 Pyay Rd, Sinphyushin Yeik Tha, Ward 11, Hlaing Tsp 09 795729962 asstmktmgr@lotte.net http://www.lottehotel.com/yangon
Your Property Finder Real Estate Agency 459A, Room 703, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp 01 8605255 - 56, 09 402617094 enquiries@ypf.com.mm http://www.ypf.com.mm https://www.facebook.com/YourPropertyFinder
Car Rental
Yoma Fleet B-1, 1st Floor, Yoma Bank Building, FMI City, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon, Myanmar 09 797 005366, 09 797 005370, 09 450003 5280, 09 254 126 940, 09 795 979676 soe@yomafleet.com http://www.yomafleet.com
Europcar
Oasis Spa
74, Lann Thit Road, Innsein Township 09 964 722884, 01 646330 http://www.europcar-myanmar.com/
Pun Hlaing Golf Club House, Pun Hlaing Estate, Hlaing Tharyar Tsp 01 684 013 phgemarketing@gmail.com http://www.punhlainggolfestate.com
Health
Evergreen Dental Care Myanmar No.6, Min Ye Kyaw Zwa Road, corner of Pyay Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar 01 395 395 http://evergreendentalmm.com
Wellbeing
Beyond Boundaries Yoga No.28, Level 3, Boyar Nyunt St, Yaw Min Gyi, Dagon Tsp 09 776 436745 yogabeyondboundaries@gmail.com http://www.beyondboundariesyoga.com
Inya Day Spa Address 1 - 16/2 Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp | 01 537 907, 09 301 73497 Address 2 - 3rd Floor, Junction City, 354/D Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabaedan Tsp Address 3 - Star City, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Rd, Thanlyin Tsp inyaspa@gmail.com http://www.inyaspa.com
ZeeKwek Eyewear & Clinic No. 267, Ground Floor, In front of Dagon Center 2, Myaynigone, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp Ph: 09777996676, 09777996686 zeekwek@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pg/zeekwekeyewear
Travel
Columbus Travels & Tours Ltd 586, Strand Rd, Corner of 7 St, Lanmadaw Tsp 0951 229245, 0951 2316245 ticketing.columbus@gmail.com http://www.travelmyanmar.com
Do you want to be listed? Contact us on 09 779 003 701/702 sales@myanmore.com
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 11
CINEMA
Now Showing Ghost House (2017) Horror, Thriller A young couple go on an adventurous vacation to Thailand only to find themselves haunted by a malevolent spirit after naively disrespecting a Ghost House. Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, James Landry Hébert, Mark Boone Junior, Russell Geoffrey Banks, Elana Krausz and more. The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Action, Comedy The world's top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Elodie Yung, Roy Hill, Noortje Herlaar and more.
Coming Soon IT (2017) Horror, Thriller A group of kids called the "Losers Club" encounter a creature called It, which preys on children and whose favorite form is that of a sadistic clown called Pennywise. When the creature resurfaces, the kids are called upon to regroup again, this time as adults, even though they have no memory of the first battle. Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs and more.
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Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Action, Adventure, Comedy In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy… Starring: Taron Egerton, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Edward Holcroft, Pedro Pascal, Colin Firth and more The LEGO Ninjago Movie (2017) Action, Animation In this big-screen Ninjago adventure, the battle for Ninjago City calls to action young Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and LEGO Master Builders. Led by kung fu master Wu, as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon, the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their true power. Starring: Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Justin Theroux, Dave Franco, Jackie Chan, Michael Peña and more.
CINEMA
American Assassin (2017) Action, Thriller
Tharasawhti Drama, Anti-War
Twenty three-year-old Mitch lost his parents to a tragic car accident at the age of fourteen, and his girlfriend to a terrorist attack just as they were engaged. Seeking revenge, he is enlisted by CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy as a black ops recruit. Kennedy then assigns Cold War veteran Stan Hurley to train Mitch. Together they will later on investigate a wave of apparently random attacks on military and civilian targets.
A film about a young man who wants to show his people to show that education is very fundamental to develop and growth of his country, his village during the rebellion in Karen State, Southern Myanmar. Also showing in cinemas during the Democracy Film Festival.
Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Taylor Kitsch, Michael Keaton and more.
Credit to: http://www.imdb.com
Starring: Tun Tun, and more.
Cinemas in Yangon The Great Myanmar Documentary, History
Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex
09 260 887 035 — 36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint)
A documentary film about the history of first Myanmar kingdom, directed by Forever Group collaborated with EBS Korea which will be shown at Democracy Film Festival from 15th September to 21st. The very first 3D film of Myanmar film industry based on Bagan Kingdom and historical heroes of Myanmar.
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
Starring: Nine Nine, Ye Aung, Htike San Mose, Warso Moe Oo, Ju Ju K, Myat Thu Thu Zin and more.
01 372 594, 01 388 033 Mingalar
01 243057
Nay Chi Mar Shwe Yi Laung Drama, Culture A good-will and kind-hearted teacher Nyein Chan and his students, struggle with many difficulties to stand for their education. A film that will educate the audience how to be a good teacher among the struggles and the director the culture and traditions of Myanmar people from national races village across inner Myanmar. Starring: Kyaw Htet Aung, Aye Myat Thu, Kyaw Kyaw, Nan Myat Phyo Thin, Chan May Myat Noe and more.
Show Times Pick up our weekly guide or log on to www.myanmore.com
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 13
new openings Babett Yangon
01
Western
01
A sister venue of Scarlett Bangkok & Hong Kong and Ginett Singapore, just opened at the heart of Yangon’s bustling food and retail district and it is poised to become the city’s favourite hangout venue to those who want to meet friends, share laughs and enjoy good food and drink at affordable prices. Healthy European dishes, with pizza, charcoal grilled meats, pasta & daily specials alongside a wide range of beers, French wines from 4,5000 MMK by the glass all day and cocktails are served in a contemporary space that will seduce all foodies. 5, Alan Pya Pagoda Road, Dagon Township 01 243 639 7 am - 12 am
Chong Qing Grilled Fish Myanmar 02 Chinese
02
Well-marinated with more than 20 types of Chinese herbs, specially sourced to tantalise your palate, pick your preferred soup base out of our 6 savoury flavours and paired it with our other Sichuan specialities such as the Spicy Chicken Cubes, Chinese Spinach with Salted Eggs and Century Eggs or Sichuan ‘Water-Cooked’ Beef with Fragrant Chilli Oil for a delightful, satisfying meal. Corner of Pyay Road & Min Ye Kyaw Swar Road, #01-22 City Mall, Saint John Bus Stop, Dagon Township 09 952 025000 11 am - 10 pm
Pizza Hut @ City Mall 03 Pizza For over 55 years now, their lasting passion for creating Great times over Great Food has made Pizza Hut the Largest pizza chain in the world with millions of fans across 97 countries. The Pizza Hut family is now at City Mall St. John.
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City Mall, Saint John Bus Stop, Pyay Road, Dagon Township 10 am - 9 pm
Spicy House @ City Mall 04
Chinese Here, you can create your own Mala fragrant pot. They also serve other Chinese cuisine and homemade beverages.Once you tried, They can guarantee that you will be back to The Spicy House for our signature Mala taste. City Mall, Saint John Bus Stop, Pyay Road, Dagon Township 10 am - 9 pm
TRUNK Cafe & Bar Asian Well, this one is originally came from Taunggyi which is well-known by the locals called TGI-Bar. A two-story cozy place, available both Asian and European cuisines at one place and of course drinks are unique too as the price is reasonable. 56, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Corner of 52nd St, Yay Kyaw, Botahtaung Township 01 201 726 11 am - 11 pm
Jazz In Time 05 Western Jazz In Time is the one & only jazz bar in Yangon, featuring live music, special cocktails, fun and jazzy dining experience with reasonable prices. Everyday 5 pm – 8pm : All drinks 50% Off. G-01, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Bo Myat Htun Street, Botahtaung Township 09 45450 0447 5 pm - 11 pm
Indian Tadka @Myanmar Plaza Indian Indian Tadka now at Myanmar Plaza, bringing luscious cuisine and a world of fusion taste with magical spices to get an exotic INDIAN food experience. 3rd Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Kabar Aye Pago-
new openings da Road, Bahan Township 09 974 305000 info@indian-tadka.com http://www.indian-tadka.com 10 am - 9 pm
Shwe Lar Hotpot & Premium BBQ Chinese Taste their delicious Chinese hot pot. See all the menu below photo. Shabu Shabu Hotpot from Taiwan. Food comes either in individual ala-carte plates or as a set of meat + veges. City Mall, Saint John Bus Stop, Pyay Road, Dagon Township 09 789 146888 10 am - 9 pm
Infinity Fitness 06
04
Gym They offer the unique Premier Serviced Orientated 24 hours Fitness Center in Myanmar with a great value of the time and money that you invest for your well-being by a 5-star service for a 3-star price. S4, U Chit Maung Road, U Chit Maung Housing, Tamwe Township 09 45441 5548, 09 4265 13001-2 info1.infinityfitness@gmail.com 6 am - 12 am
Paradise Dynasty Myanmar Chinese Paradise Dynasty is the leading casual dining concept that offers varieties of popular culinary brands with 12 unique culinary concepts. Paradise Dynasty is set to delight with both northern and southern Chinese cuisines, with an innovative touch. The signature first-of-its-kind Dynasty Xiao Long Bao comes in eight flavors and has been touted as the world-first piece of Chinese culinary art.
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#2-3, Junction Square Extension, Between Pyay Road & Kyun Taw Road, Kamayut Tsp 09 979 313333
Find out more in "Sarmal" www.sarmal.com.mm
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BRIEFINGS Inle Festival
CELEBRATION ON THE LAKE INLE LAKE’S PHAUNG DAW OO FESTIVAL By Susan Bailey Thadingyut full moon marks the end of Buddhist lent. And while there are celebrations throughout the country, the most elaborate of these is by far the Phaung Daw Oo festival at Inle Lake. Celebrated this year from 21 September to 8 October, the 18-day festival is one of the best times to experience the customs and traditions of the lake and its people. The festival centres around the procession of a large barge designed in the shape of a hintha, mythological bird. The barge carries sacred Buddha images from the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda, touring from village to village so that locals can pay their respect to these holy images. Many people as well as monks hire small wooden boats to follow the barge, resulting in a water-parade criss-crossing the lake. The procession reaches a peak when arriving in Nyaung Shwe, the lake’s main town when thousands of people from the Shan State and other regions of Myanmar gather to pay homage to the images. The celebrations are both lively in their energy and serene in their spirituality. The highlight for many visitors is the boat-racing competitions between the villages. Long wooden boats hold around 50 people who use their legs, in the customary style of the Inthar fishermen, to row the boat across the water as fast as possible. The competition is fierce and accompanied by loud drums pounding out traditional rhythms. From time to time, a crew gets a bit too excited and the boat tips over, spilling the rowers into the water. As with any good Myanmar festival, there is also an element of the supernatural to Phaung Daw Oo’s celebration. In the 1960s, during a particularly windy storm, the barge carrying the
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five images capsized. Members of the procession were able to find four of the Buddha images before giving up hope and assuming the fifth had sunk to the bottom of the lake and was lost forever. But upon returning to the pagoda, they discovered the fifth image resting in its normal position on the pagoda platform. Not willing to push their luck, the lake’s residents now leave this image behind at the pagoda, carrying only four on the barge during the annual procession. According to local travel agent, Ko Wai Lin, the Phaung Daw Oo festival has certain days that are more interesting than others. From 4-7 October, he points out that the procession takes place during very narrow canals so it
is difficult to partake in the celebrations. Thus Wai Lin suggests visiting on 28 September when the hintha barge arrives in Nyaung Shwe as this is the liveliest day of the procession and also features some boat racing. The final day, 8 October, he says is also note-worthy as it is the last day of boat racing and the championship trophy is awarded. Planning to visit? Phaung Daw Oo is one of the Shan State’s largest festival and draws huge crowds from around the country. Therefore a bit of advanced planning is recommended to ensure you have a place to rest your head and a guide to take you to the best spots. It is also worth noting that prices for transport rise around
20% during the festival and hotels may also add a surcharge, so be sure to enquire when making your booking to avoid any surprises. Yangon-based Myanmar Diaries has 3-day packages starting at just 159 USD per person including 4* hotel and two full days of sightseeing on the lake with a local English-speaking guide. (contact: Sales@ myanmar-diaries.com or call 09 770 979 771)
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AN IDEAL MAN U Myint Wai: Man of Values By Sondang Grace Sirait
Those who go east go far. That’s something U MyintWai truly believes in. At almost 80 years old, the seasoned businessman has learned his lessons well in life – a lot of them had to do with the time he spent in and dealing with a country in the Far East.
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FEATURE | COVER
“Look at Japan. That country has no natural resources, but their people have enthusiasm to work very hard. That’s what I like. Their culture is very refined and their people are very decent in the way the talk,” said Wai, founder and patron of Wa Minn Group of Companies, one of the biggest corporations in Myanmar with businesses spread in several industries, from enamel and garment to development and hospitality. At the age of 19, young Wai won a government scholarship to go to Japan, where he studied industrial engineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology. He also spent one year studying Japanese language at Osaka University School of Foreign Studies and stayed to work at Toshiba Company. Still, idealism made him long to return to Myanmar. “I wanted to copy leaders of Myanmar at that time. The Thirty Comrades went to Japan, as well as 63 ordinary scholars. When they came back, they became leaders in most sectors: mili20 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
tary, economic, politics, social. Some became leaders of the Communist Party, some became leaders of the Socialist Party, and seeing them, I just wanted to be part of the future leaders of the country,” Wai reminisced, menthol cigarettes puffing non-stop from his mouth. When Wai returned homein 1967,Burma had turned into a socialist country. Life wasn’t what he had expected. Even finding clothing for his newly born son was a challenge. Thanks toa new job as factory manager reporting to the Ministry of Industry No. (1),he managed to get help from friends. It was ingenuity and hard work that paved the way to his success. In the 1970s, Wai received an award from the Ministry for inventing a chemical to be used in fire extinguishers. Through the years he rose through the ranks, or as he called it, “floated with the environment”. In 1993, Wai retired from government and was appointed as Chairman of the Government Employees Cooperative. It was after he finished his
public duties that the Pyinmana-born manturned to business. He soon established a business that would bridge Japanese industry players with the Myanmar market. Nowadays, most of the company’s operations have been handed over to Wai’s two sons.His oldest, Kun NaungMyintwai, serves as Chairman, while the younger Naung Kun Myintwai holds the titles of CEO and Vice Chairman. “As patron and founder of this organisation, I do networking with friends from Japan. That’s my very first and foremost duty for my company,” he said. “I go for coffee. I bring friends here and see if we can work together. I’ll introduce my Chairman and CEO and have them talk to each other.” When it comes to networking, his well-respected titles come in handy. Wai is the President of the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumnias well as a leader in the ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting,a multilateral private-led fo-
rum that was started in 1974 under the initiative of the KeizaiDoyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives). But his biggest accolade, perhaps, is receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, from the Government of Japan, in 2014,for his contribution in promoting Japanese culture and advancing relations between Myanmar and Japan. Family man On the wall of the room we sat in, at the WaMinn headquarters in Mayangone Township, hung an oil painting by artist Maung Kyaw Nyunt depicting U Aung Zeya, founder of the KonbaungDynasty of Burma who reigned from 1752 to 1760. The late king is considered one of the three greatest monarchs of Burma, alongside Anawratha and Bayinnaung. Historical values aside, the painting also symbolises the kind of valour and gallantry MyintWai likes to instilin his children, who see him as both a source of inspiration and pride.
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“I wanted to copy leaders of Myanmar at that time. The Thirty Comrades went to Japan, as well as 63 ordinary scholars. When they came back, they became leaders in most sectors: military, economic, politics, social” “Growing up with him was like watching a classic movie of our time. You enjoy and remember every part of it. That how I enjoyed growing up with him. We still share jokes and thoughts every now and then. He is always there when I need him most. He always trained me to be the best in what I do, be it in sports, education or at work,” said Naung Kun, Wai’s younger son, now in charge of “senior management performance and strategic formulation for the board”.
A heavy smoker, Wai understands the perils of the habit. He makes it up by playing golf five times a week. “Every day from Monday to Friday I would wake up at 5:30 in the morning and go to the golf course,” saidWai, who attests to smoking 40 cigarettes a day. As for Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun will always be his second home. At least once a year he still travels there to speak at public lectures and to visit old friends.
At some point, he tried to send his two sons to study in Japan, though to no avail.His eldest only stayed for three months, while his younger son preferred Singapore and Australia. Wai now laughs about it. “I also tried sending my grandson to Japan, but he ended up attending university in London instead,” he said.
harmony, order and self-development, as well as respect for the elders. “He always advises me to be polite but firm. He is my best friend and lifelong mentor who’s irreplaceable,” said Naung Kun.
What remains even today in his family though, are the Japanese values of
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ART & CULTURE
Photography by Leo Jackson
RVC : STRIVE TO DANCE MYANMORE
Every evening and weekend under Myaynigone flyover in front of Dagon center or under Hledan flyover, it is common to see a lot of local teenagers doing activities from studying, playing football to practicing dance routines. We have seen a growing number of Myanmar young generation looking for forms to express themselves and one of which is through dancing. MYANMORE catches up with one of the rising street dance crews in Myanmar “RVC� to hear more on their journey.
What made you decide that you want to become dancers? A: First, it started of as a hobby. After
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we finished school, we were supposed to get a proper job, but we found ourselves still dancing and sharing our passion with others around us. That's when we realized we wanted to pursue a career as dancers.
How did you learn all the dance moves? A: When we started, there were very few dance teachers. Back then, street dance was not what most dancers focused on. So, we had a hard time finding teachers in this country. We mostly learned from YouTube videos
and got inspirations from a lot of other dancers before we could afford to travel overseas and attend workshops.
How did you form RVC group? A: We were actually from two different crews before RVC. After shooting a movie together and working so many hours together for choreography for that movie, we realized our style and passion for dance are similar. That's when we decided we would form a new crew that is different from other crews in terms of dance.
How long have you guys been together as RVC group? We have been together as RVC group for around 6 months. But our members have had years of experience.
What type of dance does RVC perform? A: We mainly focus on street dance. But, we are flexible with other dance styles and performances too.
How often do you come together for practice and
ART & CULTURE
where do you usually practice? A: We don't have a scheduled training because most of us also teach and the events come at most unexpected times. But roughly, we meet up 4 or 5 times a week at a dance studio in Sangchaung.
Have you faced any challenges in being a dancer in Myanmar? How did you overcome it? A: Yes, of course. Many people still deem dancing as a hobby not a profession. We beg to differ. For us, it's a lifestyle and a profession. We put a lot of work into each choreography we create and when we perform in front of people, the applause and the cheering from the audience is what got us through the challenges.
The meaning of dancer life to you guys? A: As cheesy as it may sound, we would not feel alive as we are now if we were doing any other jobs. As a crew, we practice together, get hurt together, perform and travel together and find ourselves through our dance.
Which dancers do you look up to? A: A lot of dancers from the US and Japan.
What is the ultimate goal of your dance group? A: We want to express ourselves with our performances to as many people as possible. All of us have been to overseas battles and competitions and we were able to show them that as Myanmar dancers, we have our own flavors and style too. We want to keep doing just that. Keep on dancing, going overseas, exchange dance knowledge and style.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
SHWE WAA: SPREADING THE SPARK OF CREATIVITY A new home for Mandalay's next generation of entrepreneurs By Susan Bailey In a city full of non-descript buildings, Shwe Waa is hard to miss. Its forest green exterior, gilded bamboo (its moniker means ‘Gold Bamboo’) and palm-fringed roof terrace make a bold statement amongst a row of grey and brown buildings. Whether this statement is intentional or not, it is hard to tell. But its founder, Wim Somers, has high hopes that his latest venture will stand out in Mandalay’s business development sector. Billed as a ‘Co-working Space, Arts Initiative, Lifestyle Lounge & Creative Hub’, Shwe Waa aims to be a gathering place for young entreprenuers. A place buzzing with energy and openminds. Instead of relying on Facebook for information and inspiration, Somers wants to encourage Mandalay’s younger generation to sit down and talk. ‘I am hoping Shwe Waa can serve as a small hub of change- outside of Yangon - where creativity can flourish and ideas can be generated and shared. Where a free-flow of ideas is encouraged and respected. Where those ideas are given an opportunity to be tested and challenged and to be built upon or where ideas lead to even more ideas and new ones,’ he states passionately. How does that all translate when words become practice? It becomes a handful of much-needed things on the Mandalay scene. To start with, Shwe Waa offers real co-working space and short term office rentals. Rather than taking out a lease with the dreaded one-year-inadvance payment, business people visiting from Yangon or NayPyi Taw or 24 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
even Mandalay-based SMEs can hire out a proper office space in Mandalay rather than relying on hotel lobbies and random cafes. And starting at 39,000 kyats/day for a private office or just 4,000 kyats/day for a co-working space, each with fast fiber-optic connections and generator back-up, this is certainly the city’s best bargain. Shwe Waa feels that by giving SMEs a place to hold meetings or conduct training sessions they will be able to create opportunities for this often-ignored, yet important, sector of the business community. ‘When I moved to Myanmar, I was disappointed that all investment coming in were to huge companies and not SME’s. This despite an economy which is about 90% dependent on SME’s’, Somers remarked. To that end, Shwe Waa also provides regular workshops focused on developing essential skills for creative entrepreneurs as well as helping recent graduates enter the workforce. Mandalay is seeing a rapid growth in international investment yet few job seekers know how to create a professional C.V. that showcases their ability. Somers, with years of experience in the marketing and sales industry, translates his personal experience into passionate, informative coaching sessions and has partnered up with work. com.mm on some of his workshops to further boost the impact. Shwe Waa has a similar drive in promoting Mandalay’s cultural growth.
As an ‘Arts Initiative’, Shwe Waa is working with local artisans to bring their traditional art forms into the modern marketplace. The building is filled with woven rattan furniture and carved wooden décor that is distinctly Myanmar in design but with a strong nod to Western taste. Vividly-painted papier-mâché sculptures and woven tiffin boxes line the shelves, which are available for purchase starting around 10,000 kyats/piece. ‘Part of our philosophy is to (contribute to) improving people’s lives by using local skills and local culture and tweak it just a bit and in such a way that it becomes a more relevant and exportable product,’ says Somers. And, as one would expect from such a project, Shwe Waa wants to also add a spark of fun into the community. The rooftop terrace is a multi-functional space that will be used for Friday night drinks, classic movie screenings and other social events. Shwe Waa is also pet-friendly and patrons are welcome to bring their furry friends along to work or for the evening gatherings.
Somers’ own dog, Bo Phyu, is an office regular. There is no doubt that the concept of Shwe Waa fills a gap in the marketplace. Yet concepts will only go so far if the local community will not ‘buy-in’ and support it. And Shwe Waa has been slow on the uptake Somers admits, but not without its lessons learned. And small improvements and progress are being made on a daily basis. Somers and his team are realistic in what they are trying to achieve. As a small, independent investor without any ties to the big international funders, the team at Shwe Waa has had to build the entire project from the ground up without huge financial backing. Combine that with the economic environment of Mandalay, where the majority of business owners are happy to maintain the status quo, and it may seem like an impossible task. But there are small successes happening all around them on a daily basis. ‘To be able to see the smiles on
the faces of people like our carpenters or our painters when they see their work being valued and transformed into something they could never imagine and the pride in their eyes, it makes it all worth it.’, Somers says with a smile. Let’s hope these small successes grow in to larger accomplishments for the city’s creative community, budding young entrepreneurs and Mandalay’s ever-growing marketplace.
FOR MORE INFO: www.shwewaa.com 68th Street, between 40th & 41st St. Mandalay T. 02 2832100 – 02 2832389
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SPECIAL
Sule Square Mall
Dining Guide Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant Myanmar
The Sushi Bar #215/18
; Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant opened its first outlet back in June 2013. Serving traditional Shan dishes directly from Shan State, Shan Yoe Yar places importance on using organic food and vegetables. The restaurant was nominated for the “Restaurant of the Year Award” by MYANMORE in 2017. “Egg Special” is their signature dish.
Japanese
#203/4
) This Japanese inspired décor sushi chain offers typical Japanese restaurant staples: sushi, makimono, sashimi, noodles and rice dishes, soups and hot dishes but with superior quality choices of fish cuts imported from Japan. Recommended selection includes Sake Belly Sashimi, the Akami, and Miyazaki wagyu.
Casa Mia Italian
#114
; Casa Mia stands out as the only Italian casual dining, amongst all the Asian restaurants at Sule Square. The restaurant caters a variety of delicious authentic Italian dishes with highlights such as the spaghetti, pasta, pizza and many more, all prepared with love by Italian head Chef Mario Frashchini. The classic tiramisu is a must order.
Golden Pho #104
Vietnamese
: Already known for the finest quality Vietnamese dishes, Golden Pho's Sule Square branch gives warm and comforting ambience with its yellow lighting and modern decoration. Glass windows allow diners to enjoy the street view. It’s the perfect place for a business lunch or a light dinner.
Tokyo Dining City Japanese
#B01
) Tokyo Dining city is the only Japanese food hall in the city. All kinds of Japanese dishes, ranging from ramen, sushi, sashimi, Teppanyaki are available here. You will feel as if you were dining in a mall in Japan without breaking your wallet. The area is spacious with Japanese-style decoration - a cozy environment with excellent Japanese service.
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SPECIAL The Chicken Rice Shop # B02
Malaysian
) Originally from Malaysia, The Chicken Rice Shop established its first outlet in Myanmar at the Sule Square Mall. Bringing the fast food chicken-only menu along with Malaysian style signature drinks and desserts to the locals. Though hidden in the corner, the bright red color theme instantly captures your attention. Hainanese Steamed Chicken and Crispy Roasted BBQ Chicken are the main stars. Along with the main course, you should not miss the Soya Rainbow and Cendolcino drinks.
Café Amazon #B03
Cafe
( Decorated mostly with plants, and with a green and brown colored theme, this first branch of this Thai coffee shop hopes to be your comfort space amid the busy downtown. The coffee beans here are a mix of Arabica and Robusta from the hill-tribe region of Thailand. Ice latte amazon is the signature drink - a perfect blend in taste - strong, creamy but not too sweet. Blueberry smoothie is the non-caffeine drinker's choice.
Pezzo Pizza
#B06
( Singapore's famous pizza brand is now in Yangon. Buy a slice of your favorite flavor, or combine flavours when you can't decide on one. Take away option is also available. Certified delicious by pizza lovers!
Chatime Bubble Tea
Seasons Bistro Bakery
#B07
) From a traditional bakery shop with countless branches across the city, Seasons Bistro here is slightly different. It was one of the first branches to be transformed into a modern-style bakery shop with warm lighting and seats for dine-in. The bread here is famous among the locals for its good taste and reasonable price.
#B05
: Sharing space with Pezzo is “Chatime”, a famous bubble tea brand from Taiwan. Chatime has gained popularity among the Yangonites over the past few years for its wide selection of bubble tea, coffee, and juices.
Sule Square Mall 221, Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp. Yangon. Ph: 01 925 5009 https://www.facebook.com/sulesquaremall/ Mall operation hour: 10:00 a.m till 8:00 pm(Retail) 9:00 am till 10:00 pm (Market Place & Restaurants)
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TRAVEL | ROAD TRIP
INBOUND
PARADISE FOUND
Discover the beauty of Southern Rakhine By Martyn Brown MOLTEN sparks fizzle in the thick black air as the metallic clang of a hammer beating down on a machete blade shatters the night silence. The cacophony then eases as it is replaced by the soothing heaving of bellows before the nocturnal noise and firework show erupts again. It is a contrasting performance which blacksmith Kyaw Lin Htun embarks on most days, as he has done for the past two decades, forging out a living using basic skills which have been passed down to him through generations. This is the way of life for most people in Zikhone, a sleepy southern Rakhine 28 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
village which sits in a time capsule where tradition holds sway. The 39-year-old’s toil perhaps best sums up the State in which he lives the brutal and violent clashes of ethnic tensions in stark contrast to a tranquil easy-going tropical coast and warm, friendly people. Fortunately, Zikhone falls into the latter category. Named because of the abundance of plums that grow in the area, it also happens to be the location of one of the most beautiful beaches you will find in Myanmar, maybe anywhere in the Indian Ocean.
A jaw-dropping swathe of pale yellow sand backed by thick palm groves with a pretty river lazily flowing into the warm sea at its top end, Zikhone is reminiscent of Palolem in Goa before the hoards arrived.
wood, while crimson chillies, cashew nuts and puffer fish are left to dry in the baking sun.
It’s not just the beach that is a thing of beauty here, it’s the way of life.
Carefree children, oblivious to the daily chores carried out by their elders, wave and smile before skipping off amongst a pretty carpet of peach coloured tulips which have recently sprung up amongst the palm trees thanks to a rare April rainstorm.
Wandering the tangle of dusty lanes which make up tiny Zikhone is a joy in itself.
Cows and buffalo languidly flick away flies as they simply seek shade under giant green banana leaves.
White fluffs of Kapok, a cotton-like tree fibre, drift on the breeze. Villagers collect herbs, flowers, coconuts and
It’s tranquillity in a coconut shell.
Scant few have been here yet.
While ongoing political strife, oil
TRAVEL | LOCAL
pipelines, Ngapali – the poster boy of Myanmar’s beach resorts and Mrauk U – ‘the new Angkor Wat’, hog the headlines further north, this peaceful region of Rakhine has gone somewhat unnoticed.
Things are slowly changing. Road improvements mean the journey from Yangon can now be done in a relatively smooth 6 ½ hours by car or 8 hours by bus. It’s a mere 4 hours by road from Ngapali.
Not only does it boast a 100 kilometre long necklace of stunning beaches, it’s backed by forested mountains, some healthy wildlife populations and enticing rivers.
And the October opening of what is being described as Myanmar’s first true Eco resort, the Arakan Nature Lodge, will surely set the benchmark for any future developments which are sure to take root along this glorious stretch of the Bay of Bengal.
But like many areas in the country, southern Rakhine has suffered from poor infrastructure and very few, and poor quality, places to stay.
Its setting among the swaying coconut palms behind Zikhone’s wonderous beach could not be more idyllic.
It is the brainchild Ueli Morgenthaler, a palliative care nurse from Switzerland, who is hoping to give something back to the country he has had a love-affair with since the 1980s. “I have been coming back and forth to Myanmar since 1983 and have lived here several times, it is a wonderful country,” he says, with his toes buried in the sand while gazing at a fiery Bengal sunset. “I have seen the country change a lot since I first came here. One of Myanmar’s main assets, at the moment, is nature. If you have these you can offer eco tourism then this is a way of helping to protect that.
“I’m hoping this will be Myanmar’s first truly eco lodge and help set a trend for the future.” Ueli says the idea to develop his own eco lodge came while he was working at a spa resort in Ngapali in 2012. “I witnessed the way hotels do things, the problems with sewage, the way they treated local staff – it shocked me really. “I looked at lots of land all the way down the coast but when I saw Zikhone I knew this was the place where I can prove that a different type of tourism can be done.”
02
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Much like life for the village blacksmith, it has been an arduous process from the beginning for Ueli, spending almost four years trying to navigate the maze of local bureaucracy, laws and cronyism. “It’s been very tedious but it will be worth it once we open in October,” he adds. The Arakan Lodge is a back to nature kind of place, boasting Swedish composting toilets where a unique combination of saw dust, rice husk and ash helps take care of any human waste and odours.
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German technology makes sure the lodge will be fully solar powered and the water, although not hot, comes from one of four natural wells. The 10 wooden bungalows are designed in the style of a traditional Rakhine home and have been carefully made from reclaimed ironwood – named because it’s so tough and does not float - from the local area. A further 10 bamboo bungalows are being added before the Autumn opening. It has been a painstaking process stick-
ing to the traditional and eco philosophies Ueli set out to achieve. “You can never say 100 per cent but we will be as eco as we can be, he says, adding: “It will be a fully-fledged eco lodge.” “Our staff, much of the food, materials we use – it will all come from this area. We will also try to educate our guests about the area, that is important too.” If Zikhone is a plum location then its neighbouring beach, reached by wading through a small river is an absolute peach.
“I’m hoping this will be Myanmar’s first truly eco lodge and help set a trend for the future.”
TRAVEL | LOCAL
Named ‘Moonrock beach’ by locals because of the stark grey lunar rockscape you pass on the way, it is backed by nothing but a series of camel-humped hills covered in vegetation and has good snorkelling offshore. Although it’s tough to pull yourself away from this utopia there is plenty more to see along the coast.
previous editions of the Lonely Planet guidebook to Myanmar, largely because it has a smattering of, average, accommodation. Its beach is poor in comparison with the surrounding area and even the all-seeing Google Maps has managed to mark it in the wrong location, placing it some 15 kilometres inland instead.
Kyeintali. Keep going and you eventually reach Ngapali. Heading south from Zikhone and beyond Gwa, the main town in the region, even more exciting treasures can be found.
Jumping on a motorbike I head north, stopping off for a swim at the impossibly beautiful Laung Jo beach, before reaching the small town of Kanthayar 30 minutes later.
Further north is the large village of Satthwa which makes for a shady stopover before you reach the nearby pretty LunTaung bay.
Gwa itself is a functioning riverside town with a beach that is nothing to write home about. But across the river, by boat for now until a bridge is built by the end of the decade, lies an endless string of delicious golden beaches all the way down to the border with Ayerwaddy state.
Kanthayar is an oddity. It has somehow managed to find its way into two
Another hour north there are protected mangroves and turtle sanctuary at
The picturesque Gwa river, which rises in the Arakanmountains, is an
adventurers’ dream just waiting to be navigated.
Arakan Nature Lodge Email: info@arakannaturelodge.com Phone: 0095 (0)9 4314 3271 Or: 0095 (0)9 42000 6162 Opens on October 1st.
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TRAVEL | ABROAD
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TRAVEL | ABROAD
OUTBOUND
REACH FOR THE SKIES! 72 Hours in Kaula Lumpur By Marie Starr
Kuala Lumpur is a glorious mix of cultures and cuisines and a cheap flight away for your next visa run.
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TRAVEL | ABROAD
Friday Morning Arrival in Modernity Malaysia is ahead of the game in urban infrastructure with a monorail, subway system and high-speed train which may induce a giddy delight in those of us visiting from Yangon. Getting from the airports KLIA or KLIA2 to the city centre and beyond is easy and you will rarely need a taxi throughout your stay. Take the KLIA Ekpress (RM55) for about 30mins to KL Sentral and then the LRT/MRT to wherever you’re staying. Afternoon Nature in an Urban Jungle If you have the time, energy or kids, KL Bird Park is located in the Perdana Botanical Gardens and claims to be
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the ‘world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world.’ There is also a toprate aquarium, Aquaria KLCC, close to the Petronas Towers. Closest train station: KL Bird Park-Kuala Lumpur, Aquaria KLCC - KLCC Evening Chinatown Everything is happening right now in Chinatown. Red lanterns flutter over street hawkers and stalls selling knock-off brands and souvenirs; grills are sizzling. It’s time to indulge in Malaysia’s rich street food scene and at the periphery of these busy streets is some of the best food in the city. Chinese-style minced pork noodles (RM7) from the stall in front of the book shop on the corner of Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hang Lekir is a simple yet sublime dish and goes down very well with a cold beer from the convenience shop
while you watch the street life bustle on. Claypot chicken rice is another delectable dish available here that you should definitely try. Fun fact: you will probably be served by a Burmese immigrant – ask them where they are from! If you wish to beer on, try The Attic (Third floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis) or Reggae Bar (158, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee) both located very close by. Closest train station: Pasar Seni
Saturday Morning Petronas Towers The Petronas Towers are the first thing that comes to mind when we think ‘Kuala Lumpur.’ The mighty towers are an 88-storey symbol of Malaysia’s modernity and a major tourist attraction. A tour consists of two sections – time spent at the sky bridge
on the 44 level which actually gives the best view of the marvelous architecture of the towers themselves—and time spent at one of the topmost levels with breathtaking views of the city and beyond to the green mountains which seem to surround the city. It’s advisable to book a ticket online before you get to the Petronas Towers. The visit groups are often full and you may have to come back a few hours later. Closest train station: KLCC Afternoon Chomping and shopping Lunchtime! Good shopping malls have a food court that offers popular street food fare in a more clean and cool environment. The food court in the basement of Lot 10 shopping mall is a favourite and the Macau pork chop
TRAVEL | ABROAD
noodles are the perfect lunch to set you up for the afternoon. There is also a more upscale Japanese food section that has very fresh sushi and draught beer. Closest train station: Bukit Bintang Only second to eating, shopping is what visaruns in KL are all about. There are many shopping options from upscale malls such as Suria KLCC to regular malls with our favourite clothing chains such as the aforementioned Lot 10 or Pavillion Shopping Mall to the street markets like Chinatown’s Petaling Street or the handicrafts and boutique shops in the air-conditioned Central Market which is close by. If you need some IT products go straight for Lowyat Plaza. Evening Sunset from a sky bar
Plenty of bar options
Heli Lounge is a real, working helicopter landing pad during the day transforming to a popular sky bar in the evening. It has great views over the great urban metropolis and is a great place to see the sun lighting everything up in gold around sunset. Next, time to grab some dinner and drinks in the lively Changkat Bukit Bintang. Nagaba has a great rooftop space decorated in graffiti with a DJ spinning nightly and cocktails served by the bucket. Closest train station: Raja Chulan
Sunday Morning ‘Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock’ for Malaysian brunch This small, rough-and-ready place on Jalan Palai Polis in Chinatown seems like nothing from the outside but the weekend mornings see a steady stream of local families packing inside for the glorious Malay food they serve. Nasi goreng ali (RM10), Malaysia’s khao swe kyaw or fried rice is a spicy delight. Get a glass of strong and sweet Kopi-Ice coffee to wash it down and you are being truly Malaysian.
Night cityscape in KL
It seems Sunday mornings in KL are for lounging in ultra-cool cafes. There is a great café nearby on Jalan Tun HS Lee called ‘etc’ which is full of photographers and other cool people on a Sunday morning. ‘etc’ also has some of the best coffee in the city – get your fix
with a latte(RM8)—and their lemonade is particularly good. It’s time to head to the airport refreshed, full of good food and with a wardrobe updated. Until next time, Kuala Lumpur.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of types of accommodation for varying budgets but we recommend staying close to the action in the Petaling or Bukit Bintang neighbourhoods.
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 35
FOOD & DRINK YANGON
LOCALE: A WORLD OF GOODNESS By Thiri. T. Oo If you’re looking for a place to hide away from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy delicious, yet healthy food, Locale is the place for you. Located in the Star City of Thanlyin, across the river from Yangon, Locale is a sophisticated modern dining restaurant that offers healthy menu options such as a range of fresh juices, all day breakfast, bowls, salads, wraps and plates. It prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients in all its dishes. In fact, the fruits and vegetables used in the kitchen are displayed for customers to see. Opened about two months ago, Locale is the brainchild of Pun + Projects whose other ventures include the 50th street restaurant, Rauram and Paribawga. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from South East Asian cultures like Thai Kao Tom, Japanese Soba Noodles Salad, and Vietnamese Saigon Bowl as well as western dishes like California Veggie Wrap, Mexican Burrito Bowl and Australian Sirloin Steak. You can get as much variety as you like in one trip. From the breakfast menu, we tried the Silky Soft Scrambled Eggs on Multigrain Toast (5,000MMK). The soft scrambled eggs complimented the crunchy toast well. As we weren’t familiar with sweet soups, we were surprised by the exotic sweet and savory taste of the Double Boiled Chicken Soup (7,000MMK). The soup was so delicious we couldn’t stop ourselves from devouring it. (Tip: It’s a good idea to drink this hot soup on a cold rainy day). We also tried the popular Kale Caesar Salad (8,000MMK) with a creamy Caesar dressing that goes well with the crunchy kale, and also the filling Pesto-Caesar Wrap (10,000MMK), all of which makes you feel healthy.
36 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
They were all lip-smacking delicious, but if we had to name our favorite, it would be the Saigon Bowl (9,000MMK). This colorful bowl includes lemongrass pickles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, nuoccham (Vietnamese dipping sauce), and you can choose whether to add grilled tofu, or chicken. The nuoccham definitely adds up to the flavor as it goes well with the fresh vegetables, which by the way, we devoured every last bit of. To end the meal, we ordered Carrot Cake (3,500MMK) and Chocolate Brownie Cake (3,000MMK) as dessert. These delicacies would be a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. We also highly recommend the smoothies. We
tried Red Smoothie (4,500MMK), and Raspberry Pie Smoothie (5,500MMK), both of which were refreshing; it is also a good idea to drink this as an appetizer. We were also impressed with the service – the staff were always smiling and very attentive to our needs. If you live in Star City Thanlyin, you can get your orders delivered to your place. In addition, they also offer catering for businesses.
Overall, I would recommend Locale for anyone who seeks healthy food with fresh ingredients and likes to enjoy a quiet space to unwind and relax. Bring a book and a laptop, relax and get your work done; Wi-Fi is provided. You can also bring your date for breakfast, lunch or dinner; there’s also plenty of space to park your car. The combination of nature and the cozy atmosphere is the perfect setting for you to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Apart from enjoying at the Locale restaurant, Star City has a place to play golf, plenty of gyms and a pool so it’s a good idea to bring your family for a weekend of fun.
Address: Star City, Building A, Wing A, Thanlyin Phone: 056 23 150 Ext 1214 Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 11:00PM
FOOD & DRINK
YANGON
JAZZ IN TIME: YANGON’S VERY FIRST JAZZ BAR By Victoria Rebello
Jazz lovers will definitely be thrilled! Jazz in Time, the most recent addition to Yangon’s nightlife, is the result of the owner’s lifelong dream of opening the “very first jazz bar in Myanmar”. The outcome is astonishing: vintage lamps dimly lighting the saloon, brick walls palled with some of the most important faces in Jazz and the perfect swing and blues notes to go with your drink. Jazz in Time successfully sets the mood for a perfect relaxing night out with friends, family or a date – and you might end up spending your nights here more often than planned. The place hosts local jazz players every day of the week, who perform in a well positioned stage with superb acoustics. The restaurant easily accommodates around 80 people at wooden tables, well distributed between two floors, both of which offer great views of the stage.
wine, beer and spirits. Jazz in Time’s opening event was held on August 18th, and served very tasty burgers, fries, chicken wings and other delicacies. Despite the crowded night, the staff managed to offer exceptional customer service to all of those who attended. At present, they will have Jazz Night every Wednesday and Thursday while Blues Night every Friday and Sunday with Free welcome drink until 8 pm. Happy Hour is 5-8 PM beer and cocktails are 50% off. Jazz in Time is the perfect scenario for all music lovers to sip and enjoy a bite whilst watching a great show – I cannot wait to go back.
Address: G (01), Building (B), Bo MyatTun Tower, Bo MyatTun Street, Botataung Township, Yangon Phone: 09454500447 Email : info@ jazzmyanmar.com Opening hours: 5-11 PM
The expected menu will offer International food, mixing Asian and Western influences, as well as a selection of MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 37
FOOD & DRINK
MANDALAY
MAHA CHAI: THAI PERFECTION By Susan Bailey
When Thai Thani closed its doors in early March, Mandalay lost one of its best Thai restaurants. Fortunately it was only temporary: the owners were simply moving down the road to a bigger venue. Although distinctively different in style, the menu features many of the original items and the kitchen team, led by a Thai chef, are still the same. We popped in for a late lunch on a hot Mandalay afternoon to see what this new version, with its new name, was all about. The downstairs dining area has plenty of natural light, high ceilings and seating for around eighty guests. It was not very busy when we arrived, leaving it feeling a bit cavernous, but 38 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
when full I would imagine the vibe is pleasant. Upstairs was still under construction but will have seating for up to one hundred people and the outside garden currently seats twenty but will soon expand to accommodate larger parties. But we were here for the food and we were not disappointed. We started with fried shrimp cakes (tod mon kong: 3,800 mmk) and chicken in pandan leaves (gai haw bai toey; 5,000 mmk). These two dishes are seemingly simple, but easy to overcook. But, Maha Chai nailed it, with the shrimp cakes being firm but not at all rubbery and the moist chicken having a nice peppery zing.
Next up, we had the grilled chicken (half: 8,500 mmk//whole: 17, 000 mmk) - a new dish on the Maha Chai menu - and morning glory sautĂŠed with garlic and oyster sauce (pad hung fai dang: 2,500 mmk). Compared to our beautifully-presented starters, the chicken came out resembling a pile of meat. Which, in fact, it was! We had half a chicken- served with bones to lock in the moisture - and it was superb. The meat was succulent and the skin was slightly crispy. The dipping sauces- a sweet chili sauce and a tamarind-based spicy saucewere served on the side but not really needed thanks to fact that the chicken actually tasted like chicken! The vegetables were also delicious but we were
too busy devouring the chicken to pay much attention to them. One new feature of Maha Chai is a breakfast menu: an affordable selection of Thai dishes and drinks that the owners hope will draw in customers looking for a pleasant change from tea shop dining. Although we were stuffed from our chicken feast, the owner insisted that we sample a bit of the kuay teow, Thai noodles commonly eaten at breakfast or as a snack. We tried two variations. One was a rice noodle soup with chicken that instantly transported me to my favourite breakfast spot in Thailand- a tiny street stall near my old Bangkok apartment. The clear broth had generous helpings of herbs,
FOOD & DRINK
crispy bean sprouts, tender chicken meat and al-dente noodles. The second version was a salad using thicker noodles, a richer soy-based sauce and pork ribs. If you are looking for a heavier, more filling breakfast, this is the way to go. The ribs were slightly overcooked but this could have been due to our late arrival time.
DETAILS: Maha Chai Restaurant 27th Street between 68th and 69th Streets, Mandalay Phone: 09259236878, 09257899784 Opening Hours: 07.00 – 23.00 daily
On the verge of suffering from a food hangover, we ordered an iced latte (2000mmk) and Thai iced tea (2500mmk) to help us stay awake. While we were waiting for them to be served, the staff brought us a complimentary dessert that is served to every guest: steamed banana in coconut sauce. Although the dish didn’t appear too appetising, it was very tasty and just the right serving size. As we stepped back into the Mandalay heat, we had a quick look at the garden area and dreamed about sitting there on a cold winter night huddled over steaming bowls of spicy tom yum soup and glasses of wine. That may be a few months off but at least we can enjoy the delicious food of Maha Chai in the comfort of the air conditioning for the time being!
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 39
FOOD & DRINK
CHEF'S RECOMMENDATION
COOKING UP A STORM OF GOODNESS Story and Photo By Brittney Tun
If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach him to fish, he will eat for a lifetime. If you teach him to cook the fish well, he’ll not only eat well, but have a thriving career. My Red Elephant is in the business of building careers. Founded in Yangon by Italian philanthropist and businessman Maurizio Mandl, My Red Elephant, the name evoking a sense of awareness (red) and Asian culture (elephant), has been extending culinary training to the deaf community in Yangon via Mary’s Cooking Class for four years now, with five sessions of classes already under their belt and the sixth starting in November. Having been a part of the Yangon business community for more than a decade, Mr. Mandl first began supporting Mary Chapman School for the Deaf by organizing activities for the children and securing financial donors. The school, founded in 1920, is a special school program designed for children up until grade 7 who have hearing impairments. Though the school was a fantastic educational experience for the children, Mandl saw that, after finishing the program, the graduates had few possibilities of getting into the labor market and leading full and independent lives. Something had to be done. So, how did Maurizio and his team of volunteers go about deciding that culinary arts was a viable route to a stable livelihood for the students? “In Myanmar, studies showed that 85% of people with disabilities were unemployed, compared with the national average of 3.5%,” Mandel informed. 40 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
“Among the leading sectors of economy growth, the tourism & hospitality sector emerges with a yearly increasing number of domestic and foreign visitors.”Seeing an industry-wide need, My Red Elephant answers the call by training up a cohort of eager, capable chefs. “To give the group a stronger identity,’ Maurizio stated, “in 2016 we formed the Myanmar Deaf Chefs Organization.” Support in Yangon has been staggering. In June, The Rose Garden Hotel hosted the Second Annual European Food Festival, sponsored by the hotel, The Chaines des Rotisseurs, and Baillage du Myanmar. Dishes from 28 European countries were highlighted and the Myanmar Deaf Chefs were among the participants. In July, proceeds of USD $6,580.00 were handed to two of the program’s current trainees, Saw Zin Moe and Mg Sai Kyaw
Swar Aung, on behalf of the organization. The two students are currently receiving their training at The Rose Garden Hotel. Returning to the old proverb, communal backing has come in an even more valuable form - jobs. The most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Yangon are offering the students positions that any chef would drool over. “Thanks to the support of donors and the enthusiasm of volunteers,” Maurizio reported, “currently 34 former trained graduates are working at well-known hotels in Yangon, such as The Governor’s Residence, Novotel Max, The Strand, Ibis, Rose Garden, Inya Lake, Chatrium, Summit Parkview, Le Planteur Restaurant, and more.” The exposure to the culinary community is essential to building networking skills for the students. The Executive
Chef of Le Planteur, Gil Dumoulin, personally works with six of the students, who are training new students. Executive Chef Paul Wieser of the Melia Hotel Yangon recently hosted three students in his venue for onthe-job training. By visiting the elitist kitchens in Yangon and learning from their chefs, the students are starting off on a foundation of professional excellence. “For four months, a group of selected students will be trained by Myanmar Deaf Chefs, followed by a six-month on-the-job- training in well-known hotels and restaurants in Yangon,” Mauriziostated. Soon, he added, they’ll open a cooking club to the public.
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FASHION
HAPPY HEART FASHION GOES INTERNATIONAL By Marie Starr
May Myat Waso, lauded designer behind Happy Heart fashion company, is the shining Myanmar jewel in the crown of the international fashion industry. From a humble clothes design workshop in Thuwunna, Yangon to the glitzy catwalks of Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta, May Myat Waso does Myanmar proud with her quality, fresh designs of traditional Myanmar outfits.
42 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
The daughter of author Nwe Kya Thaing, her fashion fairytale started out back in 2005 when she decided to take her passion more seriously and enrolled in a fashion design course. May Myat Waso was a quick learner and was able to open her own fashion
design business just two years later in 2007. It was an immediate success and she gained enough reputation by 2010 that she could open a training element to compliment her business. “Now my designs have been featured
at over fifty fashion shows here in Myanmar as well as international fashion shows in Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia.� While her day-to-day customers may request both modern and traditional
FASHION
“I also feel very proud when my design goes from an idea to a real product and I see a bride wearing it and hear other people complimenting it.”
outfits and bridal wear, May Myat Waso usually showcases traditional Myanmar designs with a modern flair when exhibiting abroad. Photos she shows me from the Hong Kong Fashion Week catwalk show her models sporting sophisticated, rich black fabric with intricate handstitched gold and silver patterns. The outfits are in the traditional Myanmar style but they ooze modernity and grace with some off-the-shoulder styles and some trailing skirts. Her signature accessory is a striking modern take on the traditional Burmese umbrellas — square, black hand-painted parasols which result in striking model profiles unlike any of her contenders.
“I am particularly proud of the handstitched embroidery element in the skirt of these outfits,” said May Myat Waso referring to the outfits she exhibited at Hong Kong Fashion Week. The work she is alludes to are ornate sketches of Burmese women which May Myat Waso has stitched with incredible detail and delicacy onto the skirts of her traditional designs. The task must have taken hours of painstaking patience for each and every outfit. “I knew it would be popular with Myanmar people but I was surprised when I took the concept abroad and found an overwhelmingly positive response to
it from the international community,” said May Myat Waso. Though trends come and go and the idea of the beautiful is ever morphing, demand for her traditional Burmese designs has never waned since starting out in the fashion industry in 2005. There have been changes, of course, with the opening up of the country over the last decade. The most notable changes May Myat Waso has witnessed is the greater ease of access to international products, accessories and fabrics and the influence of this on design trends. “It used to be difficult to get some of the more rare items, accessories and fabrics that I wanted to include in my designs.” When she’s not flying abroad for an international fashion week, May Myat Waso teaches fashion design here in her workshop in Thuwunna to local women. She often has students coming from the rural parts of Myanmar who have seen her designs and are seeking a higher class and quality of clothes design than they have access to in their hometowns. In her classes she teaches everything from cutting to design to tailoring.
Away from the glamour and glory of the catwalk, a major part of her job that truly brings her joy is watching her students who have learned so much from her going out on their own and opening their own successful fashion design businesses. “I also feel very proud when my design goes from an idea to a real product and I see a bride wearing it and hear other people complimenting it.” There is no rest for a lady so successful in her field — as well as taking regular orders for bridal outfits and special occasion wear, she exhibits her designs at a fashion shows on most weekends. She is currently preparing for a wedding wear show at Sky Star Hotel which will take place this weekend. “Even though this job is difficult and sometimes very tiring, I take pride in my work because it brings joy to other people. They see the good in it.”
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 43
Q&A
HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH Thailand’s Bumrungrad Clinic in Yangon By Natty Tangmeesang Thailand’s leading private hospital Bumrungrad Hospital has recently opened its first clinic in Yangon to facilitate the growing number of Myanmar patients, flying to Bangkok for a medical check-up. MYANMORE talks to Dr. Kirada Thirawattanakul, Preventive Medicine Doctor and Dr, Pattaraporn Pisuttiwong, Radiologist from Bumrungrad Clinic in Yangon on their expansion and future plans in Myanmar.
44 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
What opportunity does Bumrungrad see that leads to the opening of Yangon clinic? Nowadays, the majority of the patients in Bumrungrad are from Myanmar. We think it’s better to provide the services near the patients so that the patients do not need to travel especially for primary care and basic check up. Not only for the new patients, we can also follow up with our current patients here such as for blood test or ultrasound.
Will there be any Thai doctors stationed in Yangon clinic? There will be 4 Thai doctors for rotation--2 at a time. One is a preventive medicine doctor and another one is a radiologist.
What kind of services does Bumrungrad Yangon Clinic provide here? At first, we provide general medical checkup for every age and gender along with doctor consultation. Another service is the primary care clinic
for any illness and disease as well as primary prevention such as vaccination for children and adults.
What type of medical machines/equipments did Bumrungrad bring into the clinic? Currently, we have two ultrasound machines, X-Ray machine, and mammogram machine which are the latest version in Southeast Asia, aiming to reduce the radiation and increase comfortability for patients. In a few months, we will have bone density
Q&A
machine to measure the density of the bones. Moreover, we have our own laboratory for complete blood count, urine exam, blood test for viral hepatitis A and B and screening of many tests.
How do you think the opening of Bumrungrad clinic will help contribute to the development of healthcare sector of Myanmar? Nowadays, people may lack the knowledge on how to take care of themselves. Being here, we hope to inform medical knowledge through consultation and the information on the prevention of the diseases to the local people and help people in terms of providing complete primary diagnosis/treatment for patients. Moreover, for Bumrungrad, our service comes as our priority. We hope to set the standard of facilities offered and services provided. The local hospitals can learn from us by providing better service to their patients.
Who are currently the patients at the clinic? The majority of the patients are from Myanmar. Around 50% of them are patients of Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok as well as their relatives. We also receive new expat patients who now live and work in Yangon.
What are the common health problems that you see in Myanmar patients? The health problems are similar to Thai patients. The most common problem is upper respiratory tract infection, commonly found in both adults and children especially in this rainy season. The second one is office syndrome related problems. The third problem is chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and genetic diseases.
What would be your advice to avoid these common problems? For upper respiratory tract infection, the most important prevention is hygiene--hand and food hygiene. Wash
your hands frequently. Wear mask when you go out to public places. For chronic diseases, we provide not only treatment, we provide the screening of the diseases and consultation on lifestyle changing.
What would be the plan for expansion for Bumrungrad Clinic in Yangon? We have some plan to expand in the future. At present, we are expanding in terms of bringing more machines,
providing more lab tests, drugs, and vaccines. Our focus, at the moment, is on giving primary care and referring to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok for admission.
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 45
SPORTS
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPORTS BRA Dressing up has become an important part of every woman’s life; we often spend time thinking and arranging what to wear so we can look and be at our best no matter what the occasion.
Types of Support
There are various studies that claim what we wear often influences our performance. This holds true, or even more so, in the domain of sports. Wearing the right sports apparel not only affects you psychologically (boosting your confidence); it improves your performance functionally and most importantly, it protects and prevents you from injuries.
Main Features of a Sports Bra Cup: Depending on the structure and level of support of a sports bra, there are 3 most common cup types: 1) Sewn-in cups, 2) Individual removable cups, and 3) No-cups. Sewn-in cups are most commonly found in sports bra for high-impact exercises such as for running. Sports bras with sewn-in cups often provide better support and comfort. However, there are two main drawbacks; 1) No machine washing (since the bra cups are not removable, the sports bra needs to be hand washed), 2) The cups cannot be removed or replaced.
When selecting your favorite sports apparel, an important element to pay close attention to is your sports bra. Choosing the right sports bra is essential for women of any size and shape. The right sports bra and fit provides better support and reduces unwanted chest movements when exercising.
Depending on the type and level of activity, for the maximal performance and comfort, consider sports bras with different levels of support: low, medium and high.
On the other hand, sports bras with individual removable cups are most commonly found in sports bras recommended for low to medium-impact exercises. However, depending on the structure, you can also find sports bras for high impact exercises featuring individual removable cups. Sports bras with removable cups provide better support and present a more natural shape. Also, for low impact exercises, the sports bra can be converted into a no-cup sports bra by removing the cups. Although, most sports bras are best hand-washed to preserve the structure and the material, sports bras with removable cups can be machine washed once the cups are removed.
For low intensity exercises such as walking and yoga, consider wearing a sports bra that is less constricting. For higher intensity exercises, especially those involving running and jumping,
For low impact exercises such as yoga, there are sports bras with no cups built into the design. These sports bras are mostly pulled on over your head and are more compressive, though
Types of Activities Low Support Walking, Yoga, Weight Training Jogging, Cycling, Skating Medium Support Jogging, Cycling, Skating High Support Running, Aerobics, Dance/Zumba Suitable Designs of Sports Bra Low Support Strappy Medium Support Racerback, Combination High Support Racerback, Combination 46 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
consider wearing a sports bra that provides greater support to reduce bouncing and breast pain. If you often do different types of exercises, it is good to equip yourself with sports bras of different levels of support.
less restrictive. Although they can be very good at moisture absorption, they provide the least support. Band: The band is the foundation of a sports bra and is the part that provides the most support. For this reason, the band should conform to your body perfectly. The wider the band, the more supportive is the sports bra. Shoulder Straps: The shoulder straps play a big role in providing a good support too. They should be snug and should not slip off your shoulder or have room for vertical movement. Wider straps are better as they are more comfortable. For sports bras with adjustable straps, the adjustable part should not dig into your shoulders. Common Designs of Sports Bras Strappy: For a more fashionable touch, there are sports bras with strappy designs. The straps usually provide good support for low impact exercises. The various types of straps (i.e. criss-cross) can be presented as a fashion statement for the individual wearing it. These variant of sports bras can go well underneath a tank top or a casual top. Racerback: Racerback sports bras are the most commonly found type of sports bras. A racerback sports bra can be easily identified by inspecting the back; the shoulder straps at the back should converge together to create a Y-shape. This type of sports bras provide good support and are suitable for medium to high impact exercises. However, it is important to get the right size since this type of sports bra is mostly non-adjustable.
SPORTS
Combination: These are sports bras that combine the element of fashion and comfort. In this kind of sports bra, you will often find a combination of racerback and strappy design. They provide good support and are highly versatile.
Bust: To measure your bust size, secure the measuring tape around the fullest part of the breast, ensure that the tape stays snug across your back. Round up to the nearest inch.
Tips for Finding Your Sports Bra Size
Now that you have selected a suitable sports bra size for your body measurements, you can carry out a fit test to Tight < 2your fingers gap further validate its adequacy for Tight intended exercise movements.
All sportswear brands have their own respective sizing charts; to find out your fit on the sizing chart, use a measuring tape to take your body measurements. Most brands will indicate two parameters in their sports bra sizing chart: 1) Band/rib cage measurement, 2) Bust/chest measurement.
X
X
X
XX
X
< 2 fingers gap Tight
= 2 fingers gap Perfect
= 2 fingers gap Perfect
X
Band size: To measure your rib cage, secure the measuring tape just right = 2 fingers gap > 2 fingers gap Loose under your breasts. The measuringPerfect tape should be snug but not too tight. If you are getting an in-between number on the measuring tape, round it down to the nearest inch, this indicates your sports bra band size. Band: A good indication that you have acquired the right band size is if you can fit two fingers (but not more) between your body and the band. You can also raise your hands over your head. If the band moves up too much, the size may be too big for you; try a smaller size.
< 2 fingers gap Tight
Tight
< 2 fingers gap Tight
Perfect
= 2 fingers gap Perfect
Sports Bra Fit Test
< 2 fingers gap Tight
< 2 fingers gap Tight
XX
Perfect
= 2 fingers gap Perfect
X
= 2 fingers gap Perfect
> 2 fingers gap Loose
X
Straps: You should be able to fitgap two > 2 fingers Loose the fingers (but not more) between straps and your shoulders. The straps should sit nicely on top of your shoulders, not slipping off when you move. They should not be too tight as they might dig into your shoulders while exercising. Cup: Your breasts should be fully encompassed in the cups. If you see wrinkles in the fabric around the breasts, it is an indication that the size is big for you. On the other hand, it
XX Loose
> 2 fingers gap Loose
X
should not be too tight that it compresses your chest sideways; this > 2 fingers gap means the size is too smallLoose or the cut of the bra is the wrong type for you. In conclusion, do take your new sports bra for a spin; try jumping and running in place. You should feel comfortable, secure, supported, and fabulous (as this will give you extra motivation to workout) in it. Until then, we hope you can find good and fitting sports bras that will accompany you throughout your fitness transformations. *The sports bras featured in this article can be purchased from ULALA. ULALA is a recently launched women sportswear/active-wear brand locally. For more information, please visit www. facebook.com/ulalasportswear
X Tight
MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017 / 47
BEAUTY
YOGA AROUND YANGON By Lacey Gibson
Yoga is quickly gaining steam in Yangon as the city continues to develop. The practice of this ancient tradition has adapted to the lives of our modern warriors. From quieting the mind to joining a social scene, from keeping our bodies physically strong to tapping into deeper spiritual awareness, yoga serves a laundry list of purposes for Yangon’s vibrant, growing community. I sat down on my own mat with three dedicated yogis at Yangon Yoga House (YYH) to explore what yoga means to each. The past: Pathway to discovery Every yogi at YYH has had a unique pathway to discovery. For Quade, a Communication Specialist, heartbreak initially propelled her to yoga. She hit the mat at an Ashtanga studio in to quiet her mind after a bad breakup. She recalls, “It was a man that drove me to yoga… I didn’t know Ashtanga from anything else, but there was something so comforting...” Tears tinted the rigor of her poses as Quade “sweated him out”. Eventually, heartbreak faded but the yoga habit did not. Quade was hooked on this life practice. Carl, a GIS Specialist and Rocket Yoga Teacher at YYH, initially sought to gain friends through yoga. When he moved to Colorado, his new roommate was shocked to learn that Carl had not yet jumped on the yoga bandwagon and promptly dragged him to his first class. Carl remembers with a grin, “In Boulder, it’s essentially required to do yoga. Otherwise, they kick you out.” However, yoga quickly became more meaningful than fitting in with the cool kids. Carl came to cherish the coexisting focus and community of yoga 48 / MYANMORE magazine #11 September 2017
enough to spend 500 hours learning the trade of teaching. Kallene, a Project Development Manager with Plan Bee Honey, also sought with yoga to deepen relationships, honoring the one with herself. At Kallene’s first class while living in Vietnam, she says, “Something about it just clicked, even though I didn’t know what they were saying.” The friends who accompanied Kallene to class never returned, but that did not deter her from rolling out her mat at her new sacred space nearly every day of her year in Vietnam.
the initial challenge of maintaining a steady practice, Kallene made a studio home of YYH. Moreover, the co-joined vegan Nourish Café provides Kallene a stable source of plant-based nutrition that supports her yoga practice. She boasts, “I should be the spokesperson of Nourish Café because currently this is my diet… I think that everything here makes me feel good, it makes me feel strong.” For Kallene as for others, having this nearby nourishment and reliable space for practice have become living essentials. The future: Ready to begin your journey?
The present: Yoga around Yangon Yangon shapes the practice of yoga for its residents. For example, despite
Yoga is the twine that binds the life milestones of Quade, Carl, and Kallene, and it is the tight-knit strand
that laces them into the community connection of yoga in Yangon. Yoga has distinctive meaning for each yogi, but it singlehandedly connects each together both on and off the mat. Join the party and the personal journey but unfurling your own mat, and breathe through your individual experience as you unwind and unfold with everlasting grace. -------------------------------------------Lacey Gibson is a global health researcher, a food writer, and a Vinyasa yoga teacher. She recently graduated with a Masters of Science in Global Health Population from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
BEAUTY
HOROSCOPE San Zar Ni Bo, a former political prisoner-turned-fortuneteller, is a highly respected name in Myanmar. He’s known for his palm reading technique, birthdate and naming. His well-known prediction, before the November 2015 elections, was that against all odds, Aung San Suu Kyi would assume a leading position in the government. Read on to find out what he says is in store for the month of September. Sunday
Tuesday
You will be impatient. You will rush to do things rashly. There will be emotional upsets due to truthfulness in speech. You never want to depend upon others. But you will be depended upon and rivaled by others. You will be using your efficiency to the full extent. Promises cannot be relied on. If you do so, work will be jeopardized. Business people must be careful. Direct dealings with other races and foreigners will be fruitful. Work cannot be planned. It must be done according to the situation. Change of housing or vehicles can be made in the family.
Improvement will be had using arising opportunities scientifically. Money income will be better than before but expenses will be great and money will not be saved. Improvements in life will be based on personal efficiency and decisions. Another’s promise cannot be believed. Everything must be done personally. Those running private enterprises should run business using ways not thought of and unused by others to have success. Those in educational field will be successful. Work and qualification will go had to improvement.
Lucky Colors: Red, Pink, Blue Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 9, 4
Lucky Colors: Maroon, Crimson, Orange Lucky Numbers: 9, 7, 3, 4
Rahul
Friday
Problem will arise while intervening to give help in another’s matter. You will be misunderstand by close friends. Travel matters will go well. Mistakes in signing documents and in taking another’s responsibility will occur. You will be scape-goated of another’s fault. Upsets will be had due to confidant. Plans must be kept confidential. No one should be told. Your course of work will be interfered. Your earnings and improvents will be envied. People will take you to be proud due to few works.
Plans will not go well. Attacks will be from every direction. Upsets due to another will occur. Well planned cases will be interfered. Problems of friends will have to helped. Money in hand wants to go out. Improvements will be made though arguments. Success will be seen in the end in spite of difficulties. Expense due to name initials K, P, M will have to be made. Money will overdue. Talks on land and accommodation will have to be made. Change in direction will bring great improvements. Frequent loss of belongings. You will be cheated. Exceptional changes and improvement will occur this month.
(Wednesday night before dawn on Thursday)
Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Blue, Gray Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 3, 1
Lucky Colors: Yellow, Green, Ivory Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 3, 1
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Great changes and improvements will be had. Contacts with people abroad will be open. Talks on house, land and car will be successful. A friend will borrow money from you or you will lose your money. Moves and travels will be made. An elderly female in the family will be ill. Money will not stay with you. Trainings in skill-work will be successful. Competitive work will be successful throughout all stages. Things will run smoothly despite attacks. Novel businesses will have to be done. You will win over business rivals.
You will be interested in business requiring greater capital. Venture it daringly, borrowing money if you need to. You will see success. Make decisions personally for important matters. Take time to think. Efficiency can be shown. Avoid overburdened work. There will be people taking opportunity of your good will. Expenses regarding handling may break down. Minor accidents to right limbs may occur. To minimize loss, reduce expenses. Protect family from ill health. Have good changes. Make journey run smooth. Have money luck. All pots and pans at home must be spick and span.
Unexpected success will be made. Change will occur. Work will improve for you. Money will come in. There is danger due to habit of doing and telling the truth. A good period for travels. Others races will be beneficent. Relatives will cause trouble. Education will go well. Time and life consuming matter will now be fruitful. Along awaited opportunity will arrive. Improvement will be made using this opportunity. For young people while considering to accept a new suitor, the former lover will come and apologize. Not to be accepted. Break completely with the former and start the new love. All will run smooth.
Period is good in every field. Success in intentions will be made. Practise will differ slightly from panned. Money income will be good. New businesses are foreseen in the family. Blockaded courses will reopen. Difficulties will be successfully overcome. Talks on money matters will succeed. Improvement in situation will be made. Peace cannot be had. Attacks will have to overcome. A helper will appear. Your different point of view will be criticized. There is conflict between the old and the new.
Lucky Colors: White, Green, Gray Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 4, 7
Lucky Colors: Silver, Green, Pale Green Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, 1, 3
Lucky Colors: Pink, Sky Blue, Gold Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 9
Lucky Colors: Dark Gray, Brown, Cream Colour Lucky Numbers: 8, 3, 2, 4
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