MYANMORE Magazine - No.5/ March 2017 by MYANMORE

www.myanmore.com

Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond

No. 5 / Mar 2017 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free!

magazine SHARKY'S CROWNED RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR! FULL RESULTS & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 20

more action more news more lifestyle

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"FRANCK MULLER", known as “Master of Complications” , one of the most famous Swiss luxury mechanical watch brands in the world and “BACKES & STRAUSS” , the diamond maison with more than 200 years of history in the United Kingdom have opened an authentic watch boutique inside SEDONA HOTEL YANGON for the ﬁrst time in Myanmar.

FRANCK MULLER envisioned the concept of watches with complex functions in his mind. Since its establishment in 1992, more than 30 diﬀerent timepieces, such as the world’ s ﬁrst ultra complex watch has been introduced to the world within 20 years. It has also introduced a number of products with innovation that are unprecedented and based upon new design patents obtained in the past.

BACKES & STRAUSS, known as “Master of Diamonds” was established in 1789. It knows how to make diamonds shine most beautifully. With its diamond cutting technique, BACKES & STRAUSS is able to create “the Hearts and Arrows” pattern and it can be viewed in each diamond.

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 3

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No. 5 / Mar 2017

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100+ venues ®

VOL NO. 7 / NOV 2016-FEB 2017 / 5,000 KS

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YANGON DINING & NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

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!

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Winner for Restaurant of the Year at the 4th MYANMORE Dining & Nightlife Awards: Sharky's Photography Team: Hong Sar, pt@images, Love Diary Managing Director Andreas Sigurdsson

Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond

No. 3 / Jan 2017 It’s free!

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Editors Natty Tangmeesang Sondang Grace Sirait Creative Director Richie Chan

COMING UP FOR AIR: MAYCO NAING more action more news more lifestyle

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WHERE TO PICK UP A MYANMORE MAGAZINE? Most restaurants, cafes, bars, gyms, hotels, business centers, embassies, bookstores, residences, airport, onboard Golden Myanmar Airlines. If you can't find us or the mag has run out, let us know!

MYANMORE E-NEWSLETTER Subscribe to our mailing list. Receive news, happenings and info into your inbox twice a week. www.myanmore.com/yangon/newsletter/ 4 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Contributors Bob Percival Marie Starr Martyn Brown R.E. Saw Richie Chan San Zar Ni Bo Sondang Grace Sirait Susan Bailey Photography Hong Sar Love Diary Myo Thiha pt@images 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. Head Office: 379/383 Bo Aung Kyaw St., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar Permit No. 00876

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ENJOY IT GUIDE Vol. 7 - All you'd wish to know about the dining & nightlife scene in Yangon. (254 pages, 5,000 Ks)

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 the printed publications Weekly Guide, EnjoyIt, KnowIt. We also work closely with the team on DRIVE, the first and only premium car magazine in Myanmar. Recently, we have also launched digital platforms such as Myanmore and Sarmal (restaurants & bars in Myanmar) mobile apps. The mission is to provide great content and experiences for residents of Yangon to enjoy and explore.

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From founding the College in London in 1619 To opening new campuses in Yangon in August 2017 Inspiration goes a long way. Dulwich College Yangon is opening purpose-built, state-of-the-art campuses in Pun Hlaing and Star City in August 2017. We are now accepting applications for students from age 2 to 14 for both campuses. The first school in Myanmar to have a direct link to a British independent school, the prestigous Dulwich College in London, our campuses here join a network of 9 schools across Asia. To find out more please visit our website www.dulwich-yangon.com.mm or contact our admissions team on (+95) 09 966 423015 or admissions@dulwich-yangon.com.mm. One College, Many Campuses.

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MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 5

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Special

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on 8 Promotions 11 Film 14 New Openings 16

briefings 18 special 20 4th MYANMORE Dining & Nightlife Awards 2017 Cover Story: Artisanal Defined (Restaurant of the Year Winner: Sharky's) Stories: Runners-up for the Restaurant of the Year Award Chef of the Year: Roshan Fernando

indepth Food for Thought 33 Fundamentals of Running Yangon's Best Eateries Walking The Streets of Yangon 35 12th Street Q&A 38 Nico Elliott, MD, 57Below Social Enterprise 40 Soap for Hope Brand Story 42 Mazda: More Than Just Cars Travel 44 Kyauk Me: The Road Less Travelled Arts & Culture 47 Waltzing for the Good Cause

edits/guides Gastronomy 50 Review: Shan Kitchen Guide: Mandalay's Mee Shay Reader's Voice 54 What's Your Plan for Thingyan? Horoscope 55 Sports / Wellness 56 High-intensity Interval Training Myanmore Card Deals 61

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 6

Streets of Yangon

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Gastronomy

The future of banking is here. Be part of it.

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4 months theory + 3 months internship* * Terms & Conditions Apply.

MYANMAR FINANCIAL CENTER (MFC) Asia Business Center, 2nd Floor, (Corner of Mahabandoola Rd. and 48th St.) Botahtaung Township, Yangon

09 257 999 601 / 602 / 603 info@mfc.com.mm www.mfc.com.mm MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 7

INNWA RD

MYO

AUNG MINGALAR BUS STATION

RD AIN .3 M NO

Defense Golf Club

D ROA MAIN NO.1

What’s On LOWER MINGALARDON RD

Listings

Stay Informed

Add or report a listing? Tell us! 09 779 003 701 / 702 sales@myanmore.com

Subscribe to our twice-a-week e-newsletter and keep yourself up to date! www.myanmore.com

N RD BAGA

RD GI AR IB WA

G City Golf Resort

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MIN

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PAGODA RD

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ST KAN YEIK THAR

International SOS Clinic

RD AR AL G IN M U TH

RD AR NT YA I ZA WA

RD A TIK ZAW

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DA UN G

LA Y BOTAHTAUNG JETTY

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PAT RD MYO

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MA HA BA ND OO LA BR IDG E

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STRAND RD/ KAN NAR LAN

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Ocean Super Center

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RD NA ND AR MIN

AN AW MA RR D

ER PAZUNDAUNG RD UPP 51ST ST

52ND ST

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50TH ST 49TH ST

47TH ST

48TH ST

Botahtaung Pagoda

BO TA HTAUNG PAGODA RD

41ST ST 42ND ST

BO MYAT TUN ST

MERCHANT RD

44TH ST

3 Apr

Gamone Pwint Pansuriya

BO GALAY ZAY ST

Police

BO AUNG KYAW ST

39TH ST 40TH ST

PANSODAN ST

35TH ST 36TH ST

MAHA BANDOOLA RD

43RD ST

SECRETARIAT BUILDING

37TH ST 38TH ST

MAHABANDOOLA GARDEN RD

City Mart

54TH ST

Sikh Temple

ANAWRAHTA RD

River Gallery 1&2

HT UP AR YO NR D

AN YA RDA LA RD

57TH ST

SULE PAGODA RD

29TH ST 30TH ST

PANSODAN FERRY TERMINAL

PAZU N DAUN G CR EEK

UH TU NM YA T

NG AU BO MIN Y

THElN BYU ST

KUN CHAN RD

CITY HALL

Lokanat Art Gallery

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THAN TH UMA RR D

TH UM AN A

55TH ST 56TH ST

A OD AG ALAN PYA P

KYAIK KA SAN ST

ST UM BO G USE YOKE M

CHO ST

UPPER PANSODAN RD

27TH ST 28TH ST

SHWE BON THA ST

D DA R AGO NG P KAU MOE

RD ANAWRATHA

YANKIN RD

EAST HORSE RACE COU RS E

ROA D

SAYA S AN

CHIN RD KO

ST GARDEN AL GLC OLO ZO

A RD GOD N PA DAGO SHWE

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ST ZAY

25TH ST 26TH ST

21ST ST 22ND ST

23RD ST 24TH ST

BOGYOKE AUNG SAN RD St. Mary's Cathedral (Catholic)

SULE PAGODA

7 ZA Y ST

Market

MYA YAR GONE

AUNG SAN STADIUM

10 Mar

Bengali Sunne Jameh (Mosque)

Yuzana Plaza

ZIN GA MA

TH AD AR YO NR D

City Mart

Pansodan Art Gallery

Police

TO DALA

8 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

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MYANMA GON YE ST

Yangon Central Railway Station

Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue

YANGON RIVER

AR NY BA ST

Parkson's Dpt Store FMI

BO SON PAT ST

LA THA ST

BO YWE ST

20TH ST

17TH ST 18TH ST

Kheng Hock Keong (Chinese Temple)

Theingyi Market

THEIN BYU SPORT GROUND

Myanmar Ink Art Gallery

1 Apr

CHINA TOWN

Police

City Mart

MYO MA KYAUNG RD

RD NT NYU YAR

BOGYOKE MARKET

KH AIN G

KARAWEIK PALACE RESTAURANT

DAW THElN TlN

K MOE YEI

Police

KA NY EIK THAR RD

T GS UN KA

ST DAY WA T NA IS GY MIN W YA Nawaday Thalar Art Gallery

Gallery 65

SlNT OO DAN ST 19TH ST

13TH ST 14TH ST

15TH ST 16TH ST

PHONE GYI ST

SHWE TAUNG TAN ST

AYER WUN MAIN

KANDAWGYI NATURE PARK

Shangri-La Residence

British Club

Cathedral of Holy Trinity (Anglican) Yangon General Hospital Sri Kali (Hindu Temple)

LAN MA LAN MADAW DAW ST ST

11TH ST 12TH ST

9TH ST 10TH ST

LAN THIT ST

HLEDAN ST

New Zero Art Space

YMCA

City Mart

WAR TAN JETTY

T AS TR

NATIONAL THEATER

City Mart Fitness Express

7TH ST 8TH ST

5TH ST 6TH ST

WAR TAN ST

Junction Mawtin

N PA

Think Gallery

BOGYOKE AUNG SAN RD

KAING DAN ST

THA KHIN MYA PARK

RD RA IZA ST UW NG

RD MAR PADO

Sein Gay Har

KANDAWGYI LAKE

IN M

BOGYOKE PARK

ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

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KANDAWGYI PARK

29-31 11 Mar Mar 13-15 25-26 17-19 Mar 29-31 1-2 Mar Apr

ZAGAWAR ST

MIN YE KYAW SWA RD

AUNG YA DANR ST

KH IN TH A

ST MAN

UMFCCI

1ST ST 2ND ST 3RD ST 4TH ST

NE GO SI

NATIONAL MUSEUM

Taw Win Center

KY EE IN HN

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Trish Gallery

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IT TH

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Central Women's Hospital

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NG AI ND YI M

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MIN

RD THA YEIK

KON ZAY DAN ST

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Yangon Children Hospital

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BOGYOKE AUNG SAN MUSEUM

FISH AND TURTLE LAKE

NE RD AHLO

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Bahan Women Hospital

NAT MAUK RD

ST TAWYA GYAR

NG BO U HTAU

NE RD AHLO

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OLD YAY TAR SHAY ST

RD RA IZA UW

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Yangon Art Gallery A

Goethe Institute

BAHAN ST 1 BAHAN ST 2 BAHAN ST 3

SHWE DAGON PAGODA

SHWE DAGON PAGODA RD

UPPER KYEE MYIN DAING RD

PEOPLE'S PARK AND PEOPLE'S SQUARE

NI ST

KO M IN

MYANMAR CULTURE VALLEY

Asia Royal Hospital

Sakura Hospital

AR RZ A

ST KABAR IN

IN SH

KABAR ST IN

City Mart

THAMAIN BAYAN RD

Ocean Super Center

KHATTAR ST

W SA

The Avenue

Police

GYI PAG ODA ST

WE GON D SH AIN G RD

BARGAYAR RD

SAN CHAUNG ST

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda (Reclining Buddha) ING RD N TA E GO SHW

1 Apr

DHAMMAZEDI RD

Monument Book Store

Dagon Gamone Center Pwint

KYAIKKASAN GROUNDS

THA NA YEIKTHA ST

Marchetti Furniture

THElN BYU ST

Market Place

D LI R

City Mart

RD YAR

Real FitnessHASI THA

NG AR H TAT

INYA MYAING ST

CHIN DWIN

WE SH

Australian Club

R ST YA

Super One

Pearl Condo

Pro Mart

KAB AR AYE PAGODA RD

THAN LWIN RD

ST TONE THA H

Patrick Robert A Gallery SHWE TAUN G

RD PYAY

KYUN TAW

INYA

10,11 17-25 Mar

A AR IZ W

ST MYAY NU

Sakura Residence 1&2

11 Mar

Institut MA KYEE KYEE ST Francais

KOKKINE SWIMMING CLUB

E AN BL CLU ING WIMM ING S KOKKA

Pandora

Golden Valley A Art Center

A New Treasure Art Gallery

GYI ST

AR PAN W

T KANBAWZA S

ZAW

Hanthawaddy Roundabout

UNIO NL

Junction Square

R TA IT MY

Yankin Center RD AN AS SAY

G UN MA

Bin 64 Wine Shop

Swiss Time Square

R NA DA YA

YA RD AUNG ZAY

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A Gallery

ANE

18 Mar

RD SHIN YAN

NEW U NIVERS ITY AVEN UE

Inya Art

TAW RD

IN DU ST RIA L

T NAR NA

KABAR AYE PAGODA RD

Balance Fitness

THAR ST

HA NT HA WA DD YR D

UNI VER SITY AVEN UE RD

NO .1

Myanmar Plaza

THAYAWADDY LA NE

LAR ST GA N

AUNG SAN SU KYI HOUSE

INYA MYAING RD

EIK PYI Y

11 Mar

UNIVERSITY A VENUE

Sein Gay Har

MYA KYUN THAR

33RD ST 34TH ST

Hledan Market

Aqua Inya Golf Driving Range

INYA RD

Yangon University

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ST EAST HORSE RACE COURSE

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5 Apr I MI THIR

Beik Thano Gallery A

Yangon Sailing Club

31ST ST 32ND ST

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KABAR AYE

INYA LAKE

Myanmar Yachting Federation

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D ER NB KA

PAGODA RD

PYAY RD

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KAN ST

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BO TA HTAUNG ZAY ST

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SHWE (KHAING BAHO RD

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A Myanmar Deitta

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HLAING THAR YAR HIGHWAY BUS STATION

8 am - 12 pm

Yangon Bakehouse - 30, Inya Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

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Parami Hospital

American Club

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11 Mar

Heralding the summer with a mixed showcase where you can buy fresh produce, homeware, decorative items, fashion accessories and more. Independent businesses inspired and grown in Myanmar and working to exemplify sustainability, quality and desirability and creativity.

GEMS MUSEUM

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W YA

STATION RD

The Penthouse - 271/273, Bargayar Rd., Park Side One Building, Sanchaung Tsp.

Activities

HLAING CAMPUS

Gamone Pwint

Kabar Aye Pagoda

PA RA MI

E G ID BR MI RA PA

Okkala Golf Course

ZA WAI

PYI THU T S

RD TAR YAN

PYAY RD

Nordic Diplomatic Office

TO FMI CITY / PUN HLAING ESTATE

PUN HLAING HOSPITAL

Yangon Collective Summer Market

D NR LO PIN

TO VICTORIA HOSPITAL (3 KM)

TO YANGON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (5 KM)

MICT PARK

Thiri Mingalar Market

RD EE HT WE SH

RD DA GO PA

10 pm - 2 am Nightlife

T IK S SE ON KP OA

Yu Kt - Deep Tech house

RD AR SW

IRIT AD RZ YA

PIN TA

SI ST SHWE HNIN

45TH ST

K AI KY

E IN W

AW KY YE

D AR AR IS UW

RD AY PY

YANGON TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

10 Mar

HL AIN G

RD OO HT BA UE HM BO

IN DU ST RIA LR D

G Myanmar Golf Club

12 Mar

PU N

D NR WI

PARAM I RD

Yu Kt is going to rock the dancefloor this Friday with some fine deep tech house tunes. Happy hour starts from 5 to 7 pm. Kitchen opens until 10:30 pm and enjoy shawarma to satisfy your hunger pangs all night long. RSVP 09771239924.

Golf Driving Range

Junction 8

ONE TARY INE BU THAM

AR M DA

10 Mile Market

PYAY RD

W TA

Connect Institute - Suite 3, Pansodan Business Tower, Corner of Anawrahta Rd. & Pansodan St., Kyauktada Tsp.

R LA

D RR IVE GR AIN HL

Students from Connect Institute will be organizing an International Women’s Day event that hopes to achieve three main objectives: inspire and appreciate women for their outstanding effort and contributions, raise awareness about discrimination against women and, empower women.

U TH

SAW BWAR GYI GONE BUS STATION

OA KA

HIT NT LA

Activities

Y MA

YANGON AI R

PY AY

Women's Day

10 am - 4 pm

YANGON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

N TIO STA DIO RA

10 Mar

TH U

Yangon

DA MA RR D

PYAY RD

RD PAT

THIRI MINGALAR RD

SEIK KAN THA

now

RD PAT DAW

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What’s On

11 Mar

welcomed. For more details, contact 09250184675.

Salsa & Merengue Night - Jay Ritchey from Netherlands

Sein Lan So Pyay - Inya Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

10 pm - 1 am

Nightlife

The Penthouse is hosting a salsa and merengue night. Jay Ritchey's style of music is very diverse as it switches to Dj'ing from Deep House to EDM and even latin such as merengue and salsa. Save the date and bring your dancing shoes. RSVP 09771239924. The Penthouse - 271/273, Bargayar Rd., Park Side One Building, Sanchaung Tsp.

11 Mar 9 am- 1 pm

Women's Week Myanmar Activities

At this crucial juncture in Myanmar’s history, opportunities for women and girls to become empowered economically are immense. As foreign investment climbs exponentially, and brings employment and business creation, Myanmar women are valuable assets in this country’s trajectory to becoming a developed nation. This event is aimed at providing young Myanmar women with practical skills to succeed in their workplace. | Ticket: 5,000 Kyats. Myanmar Imperial College - 1, Zay Myauk St., Phayar Gyi Ward, Dagon Tsp.

12 Mar 1 pm - 6 pm

Balance 4th Charity Sports Day 2017 Activities

As part of our CSR initiative, for 4 years in a row, Balance Fitness will be organizing our annual Charity Sports Day for various orphanage homes, where children will be brought to Sein Lann So Pyay Garden for a day filled with entertainment and activities. Any donations (cash or products) are

13-15 Mar 11.30 am - 5 pm

Yoga Anatomy: Body Mechanics & Injury Prevention Workshop Sport

Learn how yoga poses affect your body, learn the proper technique of engaging your muscles, and learn how to stabilize, heal, or prevent injuries to your joints. Join us for special 2.5-hour sessions with an experienced physiotherapist and veteran yoga anatomy teacher Michelle Lam that focus on the main parts of the body and how they move.

Yangon

11 Mar

6 pm - 10 pm

Yangon Photo Night & Dominic Nahr's Exhibition Opening Art & Stage

Myanmar photographers compete for the Best Photo-Story Awards. Their works will be screened in the garden of the Institut Français de Birmanie. Prizes such as Canon SLR cameras, trips to Europe, cash from Lucie Foundation, signed prints from Günter Pfannmüller and the production of a VR movie with Digital District will be awarded by a jury presided over by international photographers and personalities. Institut Français de Birmanie - 340, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

Beyond Boundaries Yoga Myanmar - 28, Level 3, Bo Yar Nyunt St., Yaw Min Gyi Ward, Dagon Tsp.

17-19 Mar 9 am - 6 pm

The 2nd Housing & Building 2017 Activities

Find out how you can buy condo apartments with installment schemes of 5 to 15 years. Explore choices and enjoy exclusive prices of best standard housings, best building supplies and indoor decoration plans. Win a chance at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S by pre-registering here http://www. events-housingandbuilding.com/ pre-register-form.html on 19 March. For further information, contact 0973043588.

Yangon

17-25 Mar 6 pm - 2 am

Open for Fun St. Patrick's Festival Nightlife

Mark your calendar. The Penthouse is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Festival beginning March 17th and concluding on the 25th! We will have a live authentic Irish band, Dj's, St. Patrick's decorations, whole pig roasts, and a whole week of fun-filled celebrations. Stay tuned for all the food and drink specials and the schedule of events. RSVP : 09 45739 5599. The Penthouse - 271/273, Bagaryar Rd., Park Side One Building, Sanchaung Tsp.

Tatmadaw Hall - U Wisara Rd., Dagon Tsp.

17 Mar

10 pm - 2 am

Widenski at The Penthouse - House Music Nightlife

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 9

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Yangon

18 Mar 6 pm - 2 am

La-Magnifique V Fashion Show Activities

Grab your tickets early for only 22,000 kyats (normal admission 25,000). Booked VIP Admission: 27,000 kyats, Door Ticket: 27,000 kyats. Ticket Includes: an insight into fashion design, free food and drinks, performances, art installations, photo booth, voting privileges. Everyone who wants to be inspired is invited. Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

Listings

Stay Informed

Add or report a listing? Tell us! 09 779 003 701 / 702 sales@myanmore.com

Subscribe to our twice-a-week e-newsletter and keep yourself up to date! www.myanmore.com

Widenski, a resident-DJ for Ministry Of Sound and Defected In The House events in Estonia, is now coming to Yangon for his first appearance. If you love trance music, you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss out on this one. RSVP 09771239924. The Penthouse - 271/273, Bargayar Rd., Park Side One Building, Sanchaung Tsp.

25-26 Mar 2.30 pm - 6 pm

360 Backbend, Aerial Acrobatics & Air-yoga Workshop with Acacia Sports

Yangon

The heart craves nourishment and desires connection. This weekend workshop series will take you deeper into yourself so you can learn to follow and trust your heart. One workshop (3-hour session) - USD 40, two workshops (6-hour session) - USD 75. All three workshops (9-hour session) - USD 100. Early bird price till 28 Feb; regular price after February - USD 120. Book your mat via yogabeyondboundaries@gmail.com.

5 Apr

York Yoga Corner - 28, 4th floor, Bo Yar Nyunt St., Dagon Tsp.

K-pop Trend Fair

29-31 Mar

10 am - 8 pm Shopping

Come by Hledan Center for the exciting K-pop Trend Fair. There will be lots of korean food, clothes, cosmetics among other things. Hledan Centre - Corner of Hledan Rd. and Pyay Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

9 am - 5 pm

Myanmar GarTex Expo 2017 Activities

Myanmar GarTex Expo 2017 is the 1st international exhibition on the textile & garment industry for Myanmar, which promises great chances for business cooperation, networking, potential market entry, as well as for exchanging useful information and innovative ideas. Tickets available at http://www.theroseyangon.com/ Rose Garden Hotel Yangon - 171, Upper Pansodan Rd., Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp.

Mobile Fair & Car Show 2 Activities

Grab your chance to buy modern apartments, luxury condo apartments with installment programs, modern furnitures and electronic products with the biggest promotions from branded companies. And more for cars lovers also. Mazda, Honda, KIA, Renault, such as companies will be displaying their brand new cars at the event. Come and explore the modern exhibition with your family. Tatmadaw Hall - U Wisara Rd., Dagon Tsp.

1 Apr

6 pm - 1 am

AMCHAM Starry Night Gala Ball Social

AMCHAM Myanmar is hosting its first annual black-tie gala at the Sule Shangri-La. A fantastic night of great food, wine, live music, dancing, entertainment and a silent auction. USD 125 per person; USD 1,200 for a table of ten seats. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund. Contact clara@ amchammyanmar.com. More info: kyawmyo.thu@shangri-la.com. Sule Shangri-La Hotel - 223, Sule Pagoda Rd., Pabedan Tsp.

1 Apr

9 am - 5 pm

Anime (Cosplay) Festival Art & Stage

Come by and take photos with talented cosplay anime characters. Excel Treasure Hotel - 520, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd., Bahan Tsp.

1-2 Apr 10 am - 1 pm

29-31 Mar 9 am - 6 pm

Housing, Furniture, 10 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Handstands, Thai Massage and AcroYoga Sports

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What’s On / Promotions

This weekend workshop will take your practice to a whole new level. Together with Mark Das, you will boost your handstands, further develop your Acro Yoga practice, and enjoy the power of mindful touch. RSVP: 09 776 436745 | Ticket: USD 100. Beyond Boundaries Yoga Myanmar - 28, Level 3 Bo Yyar Nyunt St., Yaw Min Gyi Ward, Dagon Tsp.

3 Apr

7 pm - 9 pm

BBC Symphony Orchestra Musicians & OfM/ NCC: Special Concert Concert

A historic performance by The Orchestra For Myanmar, the new children’s choir and members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from UK will be performing in Yangon for the very first time, together with the Orchestra for Myanmar (OfM) and the New Children's Choir (NCC). Free entry on a first come first served basis. Strand Hotel Yangon - 92, Strand Rd., Kyauktada Tsp.

Mandalay

19 Mar

2017 Financial Market Outlook Mandalay Education

This event is organised by MIND Investment Institute to help people get more financial knowledge. They will discuss about the financial changes in 2016 around the world and the pros and cons of those changes plus many other topics. RSVP : 09 9609 50008, 09 2623 77545. Noble Mingalar Hotel, Mandalay - Corner of 73rd St. and Ngu Shwe Wah St., Chan Mya Thar Zi Tsp.

Ngapali

24-27 Mar

Life Without Plastic Activities

Get your hands dirty by helping the community while enjoying the beautiful beach. This program aims to keep Ngapali Beach clean and educate the locals on how to sustain the treasure we have. Your support and efforts are much needed and appreciated to protect this beautiful beach now for future generations. USD 190 per person, including two-way bus tickets, a boat trip, lunch and dinner on the 25th & 26th, a two-nights stay at a 3-star hotel (twin-sharing). Limited room availability. Please dial 092042484 for more info. Ngapali Beach - Mya Pyin Village, Ngapali beach, Thandwe Tsp., Rakhine State

Bagan

24-27 Mar 6.15 pm

Long Weekend to Bagan and Yandabo Travel

Make the most out of your long weekend and get out of town, explore the village of Yandabo, stay at the new resort on the river bank, take a private boat trip on the Irrawaddy River, bike around Bagan and much more. Total price per person based on 2 people travelling together for USD 599. For more info, please dial Khiri Travel at 09263459211. Bagan, Mandalay State

Ngwe Saung

29-31 Mar

Party on the Beach Nightlife

Let’s go to one of the beautiful beaches in Myanmar, Ngwe Saung, with M Zaw Rain and popular Dj’s, Dj Mickey Vox and Dj Do Doe with cocktails, games with a fire party. Only for 120,000 Kyats per person and if you want to order tickets, contact 0976100-3929, 09-76100-3930.

5 pm

Ngwe Saung Beach - Pathein

PROMOTIONS & HAPPY HOUR Yangon

The Toddy Bar "Happy Hour" 3 pm - 7 pm

Buy-1-Get-1-Free on all signature cocktails, house wine, draught beer from 3pm – 7pm all weekdays (Mon to Fri). The Toddy Bar - 77/79 Pansodan Rd, Kyauktada Tsp. | 09 5178329

Summit Parkview Hotel Daily Happy Hour 7 pm - 9 pm

One-for-one draught beer, wine & standard pouring brand. All cocktails at 50% off all night during 7pm – 9pm. Live Music at 8:30pm onwards on Friday and Saturday. Summit Parkview Hotel - Ahlone Road, Ahlone Tsp. | 01 211888

Parami Pizza Weekdays 4 pm - 6 pm

Any pizza or pasta and a tiger beer or a glass of house wine for 12,000 kyats. Available at all outlets and valid only from 4 pm to 6 pm, Mon to Fri. Parami Branch - 11/C, Corner of Malikha Rd. and Parami Rd., 7th Quarter, Mayangone Tsp. Shwe Gone Daing Branch - 001, Building (A), Shwe Gone Plaza, Ground Floor, Shwe Gone Daing Rd., Bahan Tsp. Saya San Branch - 56C, above SP Bakery, Sayarsan Rd., Bahan Tsp.

The Basement Happy Hour 5 pm - 7 pm

Buy-1-Get-1-Free on all cocktails & 330 ml draught beer from 5 pm to 7 pm, every Sunday to Thursday. The Basement - 785, Mahabandoola Road, Lanmadaw Tsp.

Pastamania's Buy-1Get-1-Free 10 am - 10 pm

Buy any thin crust pizza from Pastamania and get a Banana Dessert Pizza for free. Delivery only via 09254016679. Pastamania Myanmar Inya Road, Kamaryut Tsp.

Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar: Ladies Night Every Wednesday 8 pm - 11.30 pm

Ladies night in YangonYangon every Wednesday. DJ MR.Y at 8 pm with hip hop, RnB, house, etc. Free cocktails for ladies at 7 pm. 50% off on frozen cocktails. 20% off on sparkling wine. Happy hours from 5 pm to 7 pm. Bucket Beers Deal (Buy 4 get 2). Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar - 339, Sakura Tower (corner of Bogyoke Aung San Road and Sule Pagoda Road), Pabedan Tsp.

Union Bar & Grill: Mad for it Monday 7 pm till late

Heineken for 1,500/2,500 kyats, Jack Daniels & Coke for 4,500 kyats, Heineken & Jack Daniels Chaser for 6,500 kyats, SuperSonic Gin & Tonic for 4,500 kyats, Champagne (prosecco) Super Nova for 5,500 kyats. Union Bar & Grill - 42, Strand Road (left side of the Myanmar Red Cross Building, Botahtaung Tsp.

Arena Sports Bar & Lounge: Monday Wings 6 pm - 11 pm

Wings and Sports! What else do you need? 500 kyats per wing, grilled or fried! Arena Sports Bar & Lounge - 76, Phone Gyi Rd., Lanmadaw Tsp.

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 11

now

9FFE DUTCH DELI | ESPRESSOBAR

JUICE OF THE MONTH

www.facebook.com/BarBoonMyanmar

Promotions

Fat Ox Bar Yangon: Steak Special Wednesday 6.30 pm - 11 pm

STEAK special tonight and every Wednesday. Imported ribeye or striploin steak with chips/mash + peas/ beans. Plus a free draught beer, for only 15,000 kyats. The Fat Ox Bar Yangon - 81, 50th St. (middle block), Botahtaung Tsp.

Fat Ox Bar Yangon: Pizza Special Thursday 6.30 pm - 11 pm

Choose any pizza from our menu + 2 draught Carlsberg beer only 10,000 Kyats. The Fat Ox Bar Yangon - 81, 50th St. (middle block), Botahtaung Tsp.

Sule Shangri-La Peacock Lounge: Healthy Juice Stay refreshed in this hot weather at the Peacock Lounge. For the month of March, taste our healthy selection of juices for USD 5 nett each. Sule Shangri-La Hotel - 223, Sule Pagoda Rd., Pabedan Tsp.

Summit Parkview Hotel Yangon 6.30 pm - 10 pm

Enjoy a special buffet every Saturday at Parkview Cafe. For one person, 18,000 kyats for food + 2,000 kyats for free flow of draught beer. For more information or reservation, call +95 1 211888 / 211966 or email fbmgr@ summityangon.com. Summit Parkview Hotel Yangon - Ahlone Rd., Dagon Tsp.

Fat Ox Bar Yangon: Pizza Special Thursday 6.30 pm - 11 pm

Choose any pizza from our menu + 2 draught Carlsberg beer only 10,000 Kyats.

12 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

The Fat Ox Bar Yangon - 81, 50th St. (middle block), Botahtaung Tsp.

Thai 47 Daily Promotions Monday - 25% off on non-alcoholic drinks & coffee Tuesday - Draft beer promotion, buy 2 get 1 Wednesday - Buy 1 get 1 for all cocktails Thursday - 10% off on any purchase of bottle Friday - Buy 1 get 1 (by glass), Get 30% off (any bottle) Saturday - Buy 2 get 1 for all cocktails Sunday - Beer bucket of 5 for only 15,000+++ kyats Available at all branches. Kyuak Kone Branch - 31, Aung Zay Ya Rd., Yankin Tsp. Downtown Branch - 153, Corner of 47th St. & Anawrahta Rd., Botahtaung Tsp. Chinatown Branch - 70, Phone Gyi St. (middle block), Lanmadaw Tsp.

Time Out Sports Bar @ Novotel Yangon Max: Guys Night 9 pm - 12 am

Special promotion of Guys' Night Out awaits you every Thursday at Time Out! Enjoy a night out with your friends & get your 50% discount on selected beverages from 9 pm - 12 am. Till then, see you tomorrow. Call Time Out now at 09 251185975 to reserve your table. (Time Out bar will open from 5 pm) Time Out Sports Bar - Novotel Yangon Max, 459, Pyay Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

Time Out Sports Bar @ Novotel Yangon Max: Ladies Night Friday 9 pm - 11 pm

Come and chill as part of Ladies’ Night at Time Out with special promotion! Ladies, buy your first drink and enjoy 2 hours free drinks, from 9 pm - 11 pm every Friday. Best deals for all the ladies at Time Out! Time Out Sports Bar - Novotel Yangon Max, 459, Pyay Rd., Kamaryut Tsp.

now

Promotions 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

MELIĂ YANGON - 1ST FLOOR 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon melia.yangon@meliayangon.com.mm www.melia.com

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 13

now

Film

Show Times Check up on our weekly guide available at newsstands, restaurants, cafes, bars and other establishments. Or log on to www.myanmore.com

Now Showing

Book Cinema Tickets Online!

Now Showing

Guardians 01 Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again. School Tales (Thai) 02 Horror Members of a marching band bond over an annual band camp and decide to tempt fate by "testing" the ghostly legends that surround their school. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 03

Action, Horror, Sci-Fi Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse. Kyee Kyee Kyal Kyal (Myanmar) Comedy Featuring actors Myint Myat, Hein Wai Yan, Ei Chaw Po, Shwe Hmong Yati and many comedians.

Now Showing01

Now Showing 02 Now Showing

Thar Balu (Myanmar) Comedy A comedy Burmese movie! Actors: Tun Tun, Nay Dwe, Khine Thin Kyi, Soe Myat Thuzar and many comedians.

14 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Film

Coming Soon

now

Coming Soon

Split 04 Horror, Thriller Three girls are kidnapped by a man diagnosed with 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th. Logan 05 Action, Drama, Sci-Fi In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces. Kong: Skull Island 06 Action, Adventure, Fantasy A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong. Beauty and The Beast 07 Family, Fantasy, Musical An adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love. Cinemas in Yangon Junction Maw Tin 01 225 244 Junction Square 01 527 055 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex 09 260 887 035 — 36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint) 09 779 054 671 — 73 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) 09 732 54 091 — 92 Nay Pyi Daw 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Shae Saung Cinema 01 252 113, 01 388 034 Thamada Cinema 01 246 962, 01 246 963 Thwin 01 372 594, 01 388 033 Mega Ace (Tharkayta) 01 556 782 Mega Ace (Tamwe) 01 554 383 Mega Ace (North Okkalapa) 09 971 750 91

Coming Soon

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 15

now new openings Yangon

SEEDS Restaurant & Bar 01

12 pm - 2 pm, 6 pm - 11 pm Enropean A fine dining concept by Inya lake introduced and operated by Swiss Michelin Chef Felix Eppisser & wife Lucia. Enjoy contemporary international cuisine of Asian flavours with European techniques. 01

63A, U Tun Nyein St., Ward 10, Mayangone Tsp. 09 972 784841 http://www.seedsyangon.com

Aroy Thai Cuisine 02 11 am - 11 pm Thai

Come and savour authentic thai and vegetarian offerings. After all “Aroy” means “delicious” in Thai. 66A, Sayar San Rd., Bahan Tsp. 09 444 450868 aroythai66@gmail.com

The One Entertainment KTV & Bar 03 5 pm - 3 am Karaoke

Want a place to chill out with family friends? Come enjoy KTV set in nice indoor decoration and a stunning view of Shwedagon Pagoda with outdoor seatings. Delicious food and cocktails on the menu. 117, West Shwe Gone Daing Rd., Bahan Tsp. 01 55 5121 http://www.theonegroup.com.mm

Hachiya 04 11 am - 9 pm Japanese

Chefs hail from Japan with over 20 years of experience. Swing by for yakitori (skewers), hot pot and Mongolian grills, set in a cosy family environment. 17/18, Marketplace by Citymart, 6.5 Mile,

16 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2016

Pyay Rd., Kamayut Tsp. 09 788 830022 hachiya.myanmar@gmail.com

Miami Grill Victoria Myanmar 11 am - 2 am Myanmar / Casual Dining

An American franchise features a fun and vibrant Miami-style atmosphere over great food. Join us for sessions by an international music band, back-toback with a Dj, 6 days a week. Featuring our partner, the iconic Pitbull. 68, Taw Win Rd, 9 Miles, Mayangone Tsp. 09 518 3777 miamigrill.mm@gmail.com http://franchise.miamigrillmyanmar.com

Khraw Thai 11 am - 10 pm Thai

Want to taste the best Koong tung in town? Try this authentic Thai restaurant served only by Thai chefs, with prices reasonable and service outstanding. 70, Kyun Taw St., (Corner or Myaung Mya St.), Sanchaung Tsp. 09 767 016059

Ô'thentic 8 am - 11 pm European

A new hangout place for friends and family. Try out specialities like crepes (sweet, Mexican, etc.) and other desserts! 45, Yaw Min Gyi St., Dagon Tsp. 09 44952 9557 othentic.ygn@gmail.com

The Beat Bar 3 pm - 12 am Bar

It’s all about music, happiness and meeting with happy people, isn’t it? G3, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Mahabandoola Rd, Botahtaung Tsp. 09 762 761569

now

Mandalay

Aroma Restaurant & Cafe Chinese

A Chinese fine dining concept with other menu offerings such as European, pizza, steak, etc. in a nice atmosphere. 42-43, 63rd St., between 40th St. & 41st St., Maha Aung Myay Tsp. 09 778 778752

Ace Seafood Restaurant 10 am - 10 pm Chinese / Seafood

55th St., Between 36th St. & 37th St., Mahar Aung Myay Tsp. 09 781 944699 aceseafoodrestaurant@gmail.com

Goffee-Coffee 10 am - 6 pm Cafe

Specializing in coffee beans, drip coffee and customized roasting, Goffee-Coffee is set to take the world by storm by promoting Myanmar coffee. 6, 39th St., between 78th St. & 79th St., Mahar Aung Myay Tsp. 09 777 737508 info@goffee-coffee.com http://www.goffee-coffee.com

Mandalayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unique and newest seafood dining experience: all-in-one with birthday party, wedding party and product launch events. Pre-orders are accepted.

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2016 / 17

briefings Yangon

Myanmar

Travel / Aviation

Himalaya Airlines launches flights FMI Air launches flights to between Yangon and Nepal Kawthaung and Myitkyina in April Martyn Brown

Myanmar’s airline industry will soar to new heights this month with the launch of a new passenger service to Nepal. The twice-weekly Himalaya Airlines route between Yangon and Kathmandu began on February 24, with roundtrip fares starting at USD 320. According to government statistics, Myanmar is among the top seven tourist markets for Nepal. “The launch of new destinations is part of Himalaya’s commitment to connect Nepal directly with Asia Pacific countries and boost tourism as well as trade opportunities,” said Vijay Shrestha, Vice President of Administration at Himalaya Airlines. The new route is a timely boost after low-cost airline AirAsia scrapped flights between Yangon and Penang in January after only nine months of operation. The Malaysian-owned company decided to halt the thrice-weekly service as part of an ongoing cost efficiency exercise. Penang is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist hotspots and a major gateway to Malaysia. 18 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

MYANMORE

“Due to our route rationalization exercise, we have decided to suspend the route after prudent deliberations,” said Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial for AirAsia Berhad.

Effective April 2nd, FMI Air will add two new domestic destinations: Myitkyina, located in the northern part of the country, and Kawthaung, in the southernmost point.

“Despite the adjustment of this route, we remain committed to the local market with our two daily flights to Kuala Lumpur from Yangon.”

Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State and offers a lot of ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as a cold climate. The Kachin Manaw festival in Myitkyina is one of the most famous tribal festivals in the country.

As well as Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia also flies to Bangkok from Yangon. Myanmar government has plowed tens of millions of dollars into redeveloping Yangon Airport in the last few years, building two huge new terminals to cope with an anticipated surge in tourist numbers. For the moment though, both domestic and international terminals are relatively empty when compared with others in the region. Determined to boost travel, the government is intent on plowing ahead with the multi-billion dollar Hanthawaddy International Airport near Bago. The fanciful project is due for completion by 2022.

The flights from Yangon to Myitkyina are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 AM, with returning flights from Myitkyina to Yangon scheduled at 9:35 AM. Kawthaung, on the other hand, offers the perfect setting for a holiday on the beach. From this town, you can access the Mergui Archipelago with around 800 islands and white sandy beaches. FMI Air will be flying four times a

week to these two new destinations. Currently FMI Air has daily flights to Nay Pyi Taw, Sittwe, Mandalay, Heho, Thandwe and Bagan. The flights from Yangon to Kawthaung are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11:40 AM and from Kawthaung to Yangon at 1:40 PM. The promotional period is from April to May 2017 with prices as low as MMK 98,000 ++ (one way) and USD 100 ++ (one way for foreigners).

briefings Yangon

Yangon

Arts & Culture

Dining & Nightlife

Yangon Photo Festival is Back! 3-19 Mar

Atlas Rooftop Bar Grand Opening MYANMORE

MYANMORE

Yangon Photo Festival returns this year with a series of events that celebrate the nation’s diversity and with an added focus on freedom of speech – in a bid to pay homage to the rise of quality photojournalism in Myanmar. As freedom of speech is becoming more important than ever, quality visual journalism is deemed essential for accurate, independent reporting. Taking place from March 3 to 19, the festival will begin with an outdoor photojournalism exhibition at Mahabandoola Park, where visitors get to learn untold stories through powerful photos that depict existing social, cultural and environmental issues in Myanmar and around the world. Visitors are also invited to attend three outstanding exhibitions that celebrate Myanmar’s extraordinary ethnic diversity, to be held at the French Institute on Pyay Road. The event will feature “Burma Frontier Photographs (19181935)” by James Henry Green, “Yangon Fashion 1979” by Bellay Studio and “In Search of Dignity”, the superb series of portraits taken around the country by Günter Pfannmüller and Wilhelm Klein in the 90’s. Other exceptional international works will also include a World Press Photo exhibition, Dominic Nahr’s work in South Sudan, the International Photography Awards and retrospective screenings of celebrated photographers Steve McCurry and Hans Silvester. As in the previous years, the festival will culminate with Photo Night at the French Institute, where Myanmar photographers will compete for Best Photo-Story Award before a distinguished jury that consists of international photographers and personalities. Prizes include Canon SLR cameras, trips to Europe, cash from Lucie Foundation, signed prints from Günter Pfannmüller and the production of a VR movie with Digital District.

Event Calendar from Institut Français de Birmanie World Press Photo 16 Tour Exhibition From 4-19 Mar | Mahabandoola Park WPP, independent platform for photojournalism, organizes the world's largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest. Discover the 2016 winners for the first open-air exhibition in Mahabandoola Park. In Search of Dignity Exhibition Photographer Günter Pfannmüller and writer Wilhem Klein have been documenting Myanmar's ethnic groups since 1980. What makes their portraits so special is the aura of a dignity that connects the extraordinary diversity of Myanmar's people. Burma Frontier Photographers 1918-1935 Exhibition The exceptional work of a British officer James Henry Green who documented the ethnic and cultural diversity of the most remote hill regions of Burma. A collection of the Brighton Museum. Yangon Fashion 1979 Exhibition Curated by Lukas Birk, this exhibition offers not only a rare insight into the fashion of 1970s Yangon but also a glimpse of a time when the country was experiencing the "Burmese way to socialism" and was secluded from the rest of the world. South Sudan: Fractured State Exhibition by Dominic Nahr From 11-19 Mar | Institut Français de Birmanie Saturday 11 Mar | 5 - 6 pm Celebrating independence in July 2011, South Sudan, the world's youngest nation was born. During the following years Swiss photographer Dominic Nahr has witnessed the dramatic change from hope and joy to horror and despair.

On March 2nd 2017, Atlas Rooftop Lounge finally hosted its grand opening at the 12 th floor of Uniteam Marine Building in Sanchaung. The team was very proud to show guests a brand new cocktail menu, champagne and wine list as well as a redesigned food menu. “We are trying to bring well established concepts from overseas to Yangon that will ensure that our guests will continue to have this feeling of being transferred out of Yangon for a brief moment and I am very proud to see that it successfully comes alive”, said Magnus Scherr, the mastermind behind Atlas Rooftop Lounge and Mahlzeit German Restaurant which is also a successful restaurant situated at the ground floor of the same building.

The grand opening started at 5:30 pm to ensure guests could enjoy a wonderful sunset while sipping a drink and having a few canapés. All through the night, Yangon infamous DJ Mr. Y played a nice selection of jazzy tunes and Alice’s Wonderband performed an acoustic set for the pleasure of guests. The celebration went on successfully until midnight.

Atlas Rooftop Lounge is open from 5:30 pm to 12:30 am from Wednesday to Sunday and offers a great selection of champagne, wine, beers and cocktails as well as a bar snack menu, including a signature burger and famous German “flammkuchen”.

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 19

cover story special

25.02.17 To our sponsors, clients, partners, media representatives, guests and friends, Thank you for an amazing evening and for helping us achieve another milestone.

MYANMORE A special thanks to Water Events Co., Ltd

20 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

cover story

sponsored by

MYANMAR CHEFS ASSOCIATION AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CHEF Marie Starr

Every year, the MYANMORE Awards are held with the objective of recognizing, celebrating and promoting quality dining and nightlife in Yangon. This year, from a large selection of top-notch chefs, Roshan Fernando of Sule Shangri-La Hotel was awarded the prestigious title of Chef of the Year. He received this award for his achievements in helping Myanmar cuisine earn a place on the global culinary map, training young Myanmar chefs over the years and for his vision and success in leading a team to the Culinary Olympics 2016 IKA in Erfurt, Germany. Marie Starr spoke with him on his achievements, visions for the future and the complex and exciting world of the Yangon restaurant scene.

Tell me about your background, your life and experience up to joining Sule Shangri-La in Yangon. I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. That’s where I received my training. I worked my way up and got a job at the one of the most famous hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia Hotel. After that, I wanted more experience and to improve myself at an international level. I went to the Middle East and worked at some top hotels in Oman and Dubai. In total I had sixteen or seventeen years of experience before I came to Myanmar.

28 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

When did you come to Myanmar and what brought you here? I’ve been here for over two years now. I visited to interview for this position before really deciding if I wanted to live here or not. However when I got here, I loved it. It reminded me a lot of home, of Sri Lanka. Describe your role here at Sule Shangri-La Hotel. I basically control everything in the kitchens and manage the team and delivery of the food served at the restaurants at this hotel – Café Sule, Summer Palace, The Gallery Bar and The Peacock Lounge. There is a lot of office work too. I spend about 40 percent of my time in here at the desk. But the rest of the time I’m out in the kitchen dealing with food and people.

What is your signature dish? I don’t have any particular dish that I enjoy making. I like to cook everything. My favorite part of cooking is coming up with new combinations of food and creating new flavors.

What are the challenges of being a chef in Myanmar? Well, there are many challenges. The number one challenge is the lack of training and professional chefs. They don’t have hotel schools or culinary

indepth

Chef of the Year Roshan Fernando Sule Shangri-La Yangon

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 29

indepth

Chef of the Year: Roshan Fernando sponsored by

MYANMAR CHEFS ASSOCIATION

schools. The people who come to this profession locally don’t have a strong background in the industry. When we hire someone for our kitchen, we have to do a lot of training with them, to bring them to the standard we need them to be at. Apart from that however, regarding difficulties we’ve had in the past with getting ingredients and other supplies, things are much easier. We can get almost everything we need easily.

are held every four years. It was a great experience and the first time Myanmar participated in this major international event. We won one gold and one silver award. It was very rewarding to train these people and see them competing at such a high international standard. They represented Myanmar well in the regional food categories. They competed with Asian fusion food and Myanmar flavors and traditional dishes were well represented.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

What changes have you seen in Myanmar’s culinary scene since you first moved to this country?

I simply love cooking. My favorite part of my job is being in the kitchen leading our team in making the food. I also really enjoy the teaching side of my job – it’s rewarding to pass on my skills to my kitchen staff. When I teach my staff I can relax a little bit and hand some responsibilities over to them. Tell me about your team’s participation in the 2016 Culinary Olympics in Germany. Yes, I led a team of five young Myanmar chefs to Germany for their participation in the Culinary Olympics, which 30 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Oh, so many changes! It is completely different. The restaurant industry is booming. In the last two years, the quality of restaurants has improved hugely. The standards are now really high and people can have excellent fine dining experiences. Not only that, but it is much easier to get high quality ingredients that we need. What are your thoughts on Myanmar cuisine?

I love that there are so many different regions with different flavors. My favorite is Rakhine food – it is so fresh and so spicy. Shan food is also really good. That sour pickle is really unique. All regions have some special and tasty dishes using interesting ingredients.

I want to be back home in Sri Lanka. I want to start my own business and open my own restaurant at home.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Yes, we are working on some new things and starting another themed night. Soon we will announce an all-

Are there any exciting things for readers to look forward to at Sule Shangri-La restaurants?

indepth Highlights Photography Hong Sar, pt@images, Love Diary For the full set of photos, log on to https://www.myanmore.com/yangon/2017/02/4th-myanmore-dining-nightlife-awards-2017-winners-list/

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 31

indepth Highlights Photography Hong Sar, pt@images, Love Diary For the full set of photos, log on to https://www.myanmore.com/yangon/2017/02/4th-myanmore-dining-nightlife-awards-2017-winners-list/

32 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Food for Thought

indepth

Fundamentals of Running Yangon's Best Eateries Sondang Grace Sirait To be listed as one of the world’s best establishments is probably every restaurateur’s dream. For Rangoon Tea House, the accomplishment came within less than three years of its operation. Just last month, CNN named the popular joint downtown as one of 11 Best Tea Houses in the world, describing it as “a stylish hangout for locals and travelers”.

Still on Strand Road, marketing executive-turned-restaurateur Uyen Thuc Pham is busy running the third outlet of Saigon Baguettes – which in addition to serving customers also operates as the central kitchen. As a testament to her success, after the Thingyan holidays, Pham is scheduled to open another store, this time within the vicinity of Taw Win Center.

The news came just months following a major partnership with a locally based private equity firm that landed the institution with a new location literally downstairs in the same renovated colonial building on Pansodan Road.

Over at the bustling Yaw Min Gyi area, coffee connoisseur Javier Phua has spent the past three years in search of, and serving, the best cup of coffee there is in Myanmar. As his neighboring cafés open and close within the course of a few months – one year at the most, if they’re lucky – Phua’s Easy Café has done more than surviving. This year he’s opening his third outlet.

Still, RTH cofounder Htet Myet Oo prefers to downplay his success. “Rangoon Tea House is only part of our ambition. Our grander ambition is to globalize Burmese food and be sort of a positive light in globalizing Burmese culture as a whole. Right now if you go out of the country, a lot of the news are quite negative. It’s always about politics and the economy. Not so much is written about how beautiful the culture is, how great the food is, so every time you’re in the news positively, you’re sort of rebalancing the scales of how people perceive the country,” said the British-raised entrepreneur, who’s also the brain behind Mr. Wok and Buthee. Just a few blocks away, another trendy establishment awaits hungry diners. At UNION Bar and Grill on Strand Road, the menu ranges from burgers to curries. Despite its higher-than-average price range – a plate of Burmese Fish Curry sells at 14,000 Kyats and The Union Burger 16,000 Kyats – the place has managed to attract and maintain a loyal customer base.

Crafting a bold vision What these success stories have in common is that they all began with a simple idea – to offer something the founders themselves wanted. For Phua, the secret to his success, aside from great coffee, lies in his vision of a neighborhood joint. “We like having people who live in the neighborhood. They'd come in and they know someone else in there, they chat, they hug, they continue their conversation, do their work over here. It’s close-knit and intimate. It’s the third place for people other than home and work, where they feel comfortable. It's like inviting them to our house,” he said. As far as Pham can remember, it began with her incessant search of good Vietnamese food in town. Unable to satisfy her craving, the self-taught cook took matters to her own kitchen. Many trials and errors later, she opened a shop on Nawaday Street,

1 Uyen Thuc Pham, Saigon Baguettes 2 Union Bar & Grill delivers international standard restaurant infused with local elements MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 33

indepth

Food for Thought

offering healthy takes on the globally renowned Vietnamese sandwich known as banhmi. Little did she know she was on the cusp of cultivating a new food fad. “In the beginning our clientele was mostly foreigners, but now I’m seeing more local people coming in, wanting to try our food,” she said, crediting it to persistent Facebook campaign and customer loyalty cards. From vision to execution, it was clear what Nico Elliott wanted to achieve with his establishments – UNION, Gekko, Parami Pizza and Tintin – all grouped under 57 Below.

Meeting the challenges Much like any other business, the restaurant industry in Yangon relies heavily on the constant challenge to execute consistently and to stay ahead of the curve. Given the pressure on the domestic labor market, restaurant owners are finding it hard to find the ideal staff to run their kitchens smoothly. “We have had more of a problem holding onto staff with new businesses coming in able to pay much higher salaries. So far we have succeeded in hiring some very talented people,” said Elliott.

“With our first restaurant, UNION, I wanted to deliver an international standard restaurant that was infused with local elements – a union of the West and Myanmar. This was the thinking behind the name as well as the menu that includes a number of local dishes. We used only reclaimed teak for the wood in the interiors and sourced as much locally as we could. At the same time I wanted the service, ambiance and quality to be as good as any major city in the world,” said Elliott. Devising the right strategy came next. Take a look at RTH, which as the name suggests, is all about tea – offering 16 different concoctions made according to scientific portion measurement. Lately though, much attention has been poured onto the food aspect, featuring predominately traditional Burmese dishes. Put together, the experience offered by RTH seems to have worked wonders. Any time of day, the place is always packed.

3 Javier Phua, Easy Cafe Founder & Coffee Connoisseur 4 Rangoon Tea House, with the ambition to globalize Burmese food

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“There aren’t many places in Yangon where you could have mohinga, khao swe or nan gyi thoke in a place like this and it also tastes great. The ingredients are fresh and you have table service. We’ve also become completely ingredient-oriented in terms of trying to source the best ingredients in the country,” said Oo, adding that produce shelf life at RTH is kept short to a maximum of 48 hours.

At Saigon Baguettes, Pham too has had to deal with a high turnover rate, until recently when she started recruiting directly, bypassing middlemen. “Seventy percent of my staff now are new and young. They’ve been with me for almost one year now and have gone through extensive training in skills and English language. They don’t necessarily have high education, but I find them to be hardworking and willing to learn. I think that’s very important,” said Pham. Phua concurs, attributing his success to a solid team as he readies for further business expansion. “I think any business starts with a very stable team. There’s no one who can do every single work,” said Javier Phua. “Take care of your staff, because they take care of your customers. We provide housing for many of them and also obviously the food. Then we want to move them onto having a future, a vision, something exciting to grow into. That’s where we had to start the mentoring process, teach them to think in the perspective of customers and really carve out a career path for them.” As the city’s burgeoning restaurant industry tackles the struggling combination of fierce competition and lean talent pool, it seems its entrepreneurs will have to keep up with the challenges of reconciling the two.

indepth

Streets of Yangon

Walking The Streets of Yangon: 12th Street Bob Percival walks downtown 12th Street and finds eggs galore, a classic Yangon tea shop, gourmet Rakhine food, and a comtemplative banyan tree.

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indepth

Streets of Yangon

1 100-year old two-story building with beautiful weathered timber walls, shutters and fascia boards. 2 No. 10, the Egg Distribution shop of Aung Kyaw Oo 3 U Chit Tea Shop

Winter is nearly finished, and cool breezes are blowing from the south, across the delta towards Yangon City. The heat of April will soon be here, so it is something special to walk the early morning streets with the wind fluttering in the prayer flags and rippling through the freshly washed clothes that are drying on people’s verandas.

4 TPK Packaging 5 No. 32, colourful snack store run by Ei Ei Khine

Today I am walking with Khin Yadan Htun, my good friend who introduced me to all things goth and the amazing make-up that goes with it – purple-black lipstick is a definite de rigueur. We start our walk at the bottom block at Strand Road and 12th Street. On the right-hand corner there is a two-story building with beautiful weathered timber walls, shutters and fascia boards. The building is a hundred years old. The ground floor has become a modern crowded office. On the pavement outside is a small structure built to hold a water pot, an offering to quench the thirst of weary travellers. The inscription reads: ‘Donated by Shwe Htay Jockstick’ – ‘All spirits and humans can say Thandu’. On a much less spiritual tone, another white sign

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on a blue wall states: ‘Please don’t piss to the wall’. Ah, Yangon. Further up on the right, you will see a funky 1963 apartment building, and at No. 10, the Egg Distribution shop of Aung Kyaw Oo. The cartons are stacked high, with 300 eggs in each carton, each egg costing MMK 100,000 wholesale. The eggs are sourced from the numerous chicken farms down in the delta town of Myaungmya, mainly sold to restaurants throughout Yangon. The shop has been here for over ten years. Also on the right-hand side there you will find a stylish 1956 concrete building with some Streamline Moderne design elements, a dilapidated rustic bamboo and wooden shop front at No. 22, and a downbeat shop selling engine-oil at MMK 1,500per liter, with lots of charcater. There is also a gaming shop with the helpful sign, ‘keep calm and play data’. It’s time for tea, so we drop in at the very well known and established traditional U Chit tea shop, just a bit further back on the other side of the street. The tea shop is very crowded and has great local energy. These traditional

tea shops are harder and harder to find, as tea shop licenses are no longer being handed out by the local council, due to pressure from new franchises and businesses eager to use these old spaces. We are looked after by Khin Maung Myint, who has been working at the shop for two years. The owner is Li Chit, who has been here for over thirty years. Apart from the tea (MMK 300), the shop offers fried rice, nangyee and noodle salads, as well as pork and chicken bao (MMK 500). The most popular dishes are the Burmese curries and salads. Near the U Chit tea shop is TPK Packaging, where you can source plastic and paper coffee cups of every possible variety and design, custom made for your business. One drawback might be that the minimum order is 30,000 pieces. Not to worry. On the bottom left-hand corner of Mahabandoola Road, at the end of the lower block, is a great buffet eatery offering Rakhine gourmet dishes – gourmet soup (MMK 400), gourmet salad (MMK 500), shrimp paste, papaya salad, and very tasty fishcakes (the fish meat sourced from 17th Street

Streets of Yangon

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Chinatown Market), now that’s cheap gourmet food! It is a 30-year-old family business, presently run by family member Zaw Lin Htut. They are open from 11 AM to 5 PM, the most crowded time being around 2:30 PM.

the cordial juice stall of San San, who has done business on this corner for thirteen years, offering pineapple, orange, berry, grape, sago flavors. Fresh lime juice and sugar are added to your liking - only MMK 220 per glass.

We cross traffic-ridden Mahabandoola Road to the middle block - it’s such an accomplishment these days just to get to the other side safely. At No. 32 is the very colorful snack store run by Ei Ei Khine who has been working here for over ten years. It’s a good business for her. What you do realize is that there is nothing actually fresh here, only packaged food. Ei Ei Khine’s beautiful dog, who sits royally on the chair provided, is called Vadla. Opposite is

Back over on the other side of the street is a small garden situated in a clean cool laneway (a new Yangon phenomenon). Also nearby, are Super Min Bag Sewing shop at No. 58B, Genky Myanmar Physiotherapy, Happy Home Pre-school, and the Agga Youth Hotel at No. 56. The middle block is essentially a quite residential quarter, but there are small gems here, like the brightly colored ironwork at No. 37, a row of lovely 1956 apartments that stretch from No. 61 - No. 71. At No. 79 is the remarkably cheap Rivers Youth Hostel managed by the very friendly April. Here you can get a bed for USD 8 – 10 a night, in dormitory-style rooms that hold up to forty beds. Each bed has its own curtain for privacy. This is a great solution to the overly expensive Yangon accommodation. It is time for an early lunch, so we stop off at the excellent Kachin Traditional Food stall. To finish our walk we give our blessings at the nat and Buddha shrines placed at the base of a grand banyan tree, growing in a quiet corner at the far end of the street. A calm space in a very hectic downtown Yangon. Enjoy. Bob Percival's book, "Walking the Streets of Yangon: The people, stories & hidden treasures of downtown cosmopolitan Yangon (Rangoon)" is now available at Rangoon Teahouse, Pansuriya, Hla Day, Press Office Cafe, Easy Cafe, and large bookstores in Yangon. Percival is now planning to do a second book that covers more streets.

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In Yangon’s rapidly expanding restaurant industry, Nico Elliott is a name to be reckoned with. At the helm of the hospitality management company called 57 Below – which operates notable restaurants such as Union Bar and Grill, Parami Pizza, Gekko and Tintin – Elliott has managed to turn his business into one of the leading food and beverage companies in Myanmar within the course of less than five years, adding to its core business an equally successful catering arm. Sondang Grace Sirait talked to the former corporate finance executive-turned-restaurateur on the local dining scene, management philosophy and his role as father of two young children. What attracted you to come to Yangon? I was brought up in East Africa and have lived in Asia for the last ten years, all in developing countries. I was attracted by the excitement and unpredictability of day-to-day life and the opportunities presented by Yangon and Myanmar as it goes through this transitional period. Tell us about your career path. How did you get your start? I started my career with Deloitte & Touche in London where I qualified as a chartered accountant. Soon after that I moved into Corporate Finance, also with Deloitte, where I did M&A advisory work, mostly listings on AIM and the LSE. However, I sought more adventure and wanted to return to the developing world. I joined Richard Chandler (originally Orient Global) and worked for their Education Fund, initially building a chain of schools in Hyderabad, India and then a hospitality training school in Dhaka, Bangladesh. What motivated you to join the culinary industry? I have always loved to cook, eat out, make cocktails and try new things. Much of my inspiration came from my mother, an amazing cook who taught me to try everything. When I arrived in Yangon the industry was still very young. I was excited by the challenge of providing quality and consistent food to its residents.

Q&A N I C O E L L I O T T,

M A N AG I N G D I R E CTO R , 5 7 B E L OW Sondang Grace Sirait As a restaurant entrepreneur, how would you describe the current scene of the F&B industry in Yangon? The scene has grown very rapidly over the last two years with some exciting new entrants. There is a long way to go and many new cuisines we would like to see in this country. The competition will only ensure that the customer is provided with better quality at cheaper prices. I hope that the broader business environment will support and encourage new entrants and help those that already exist to thrive. Based on your experience, what are the most important things to get your business up and running? It is really all about the team. I have been lucky enough to have some very talented people that have stayed with us and helped us grow. Do you have a favorite mantra that keeps you inspired? Keep challenging, changing, developing and adapting everything that you do. What is one mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it? I have made plenty of mistakes along the way. I picked the wrong location for a restaurant and didn’t do adequate due diligence on it before moving ahead. Again, based on your experience, what could go wrong in this business? What are the most sensible areas?

As far as factors you can control go, it is all about having the right team in place and keeping them motivated to keep improving and challenging how they are doing things. What are the potentials in other cities in Myanmar beyond Yangon? I believe there are opportunities all over Myanmar in the major cities and tourist destinations. What remains challenging? With so many new hotels and big businesses coming to the market it remains a challenge to hold onto your best team members. How do you motivate and reward your employees? We have an extensive training programme and for those that stay with us a long time we extend the training overseas. We have monthly awards for the best performers and regular appraisals to ensure everyone is kept informed of their progress. We provide clear career paths and opportunities within the group. How do you keep up with best practices in your company? We constantly review what we do in each department. Heads of departments are well informed and experienced and ensure best practices are implemented and adhered to. In terms of doing business in Myanmar, how would you describe your own experience as a foreign investor?

indepth My experiences in Yangon have been mostly very positive. However, like any country going through a transition, there have been numerous challenges. Any plans for the future that you’d like to share? We have some exciting plans for Tintin in the coming month, as we embark on an adventure to nearby borderlands. We also hope to continue to grow the Parami Pizza and Parami Express brands in the coming months. What is your vision for your business? 57Below will continue to strive to deliver exciting, new and high quality culinary experiences to Yangon and other cities in Myanmar. We hope to introduce some new concepts and to grow our existing ones with a clear focus on quality and consistency. How important is it to maintain good balance between personal life and business? It is a vital balance to maintain. With two small children of my own I make sure I keep a healthy balance between the two. What does success mean to you? A healthy and happy family, a thriving business and a happy team that feels empowered to go on build something of their own. What advice would you give someone considering entering your line of work? If you are passionate about what you do and driven enough to succeed then take the plunge and have a go. Make sure you surround yourself with those who have sufficient experience in areas you don’t. Will Yangon ever be your home? Yangon has been my home for almost five years and I hope it will remain my home for many years to come.

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Soap for Hope Susan Bailey

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Social Enterprise

Young Chan Myae looks up with a big smile on his face, proudly displaying a bar of soap to the camera as if it’s a work of art. But it’s neither a painting of soap nor a photo or a carving of soap. It is simply a real bar of soap, one that he had made on a recent weekend workshop with Soap for Hope. He is not alone in his enthusiasm. In several rural communities around Myanmar, people are getting excited about soap, the result of Soap for Hope’s recent campaign to promote better hygiene standards and education.

tion to providing access to basic needs like soap. What started as a small-scale effort by one woman to improve the lives of one rural community quickly grew into a multi-country project called Soap for Hope.

Bagan and Mandalay and inspired similar projects in Nay Pyi Taw and the Inle Lake region. Some key hotels have come on board to donate leftover soap that, until now, was always thrown away.

Soap for Hope works as a multi-tiered approach. Firstly, there is waste reduction. Soap for Hope partners with hotels to collect soap bars left after guests’ checkout. Instead of throwing the soap away – a waste of several million tons worldwide per year – the used bars are recycled, cleaned and molded into new bars.

The program participants were skeptical at first. Most were familiar with soap and hand washing but they did not want to spend money to obtain hygiene products. Now that Soap for Hope has provided the education and free materials, the locals are gaining interest. A few of the villages are almost self-sufficient. Soap for Hope delivers the leftover hotel soap and the residents take the initiative to clean, dice and press new bars for themselves. Community leaders and monks are all supportive and encouraging in the process. While Thuya and Htar are happy with the results, they aim to do more. “We would like to reach more remote communities and increase our network of hygiene trainers,” said Htar Htar.

In developing countries such as Myanmar, an alarmingly high number of deaths are still attributed to diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections and tuberculosis. It is estimated that between two to three million children die each year from illnesses that could be prevented by hand washing. With little or no awareness of proper sanitation techniques and other preventative measures, many Myanmar residents are also at risk.

The second layer of the program is education and training, as the project employs volunteers from rural villages to work as trainers, providing them with in-depth hygiene education and visual materials that are then passed on to the village residents.

Enter Sundara, a US-based non-profit that aims to ‘reduce preventable hygiene-related diseases and deaths in vulnerable populations’. The group was established after the founder, Erika Zaikis, travelled to Thailand and met people who had never seen soap. Shocked at the skin diseases and ailments found among rural communities, she set off on a mission to educate locals on the importance of hygiene and create a sustainable solu-

Led in Myanmar by Htar Htar and Win Thuya, a deeply passionate husband-and-wife team, the Soap for Hope project is helping thousands of Myanmar residents improve their health. Although not doctors, they have seen first-hand how access to better hygiene standards can improve the lives of rural communities.

Finally, Soap for Hope distributes the recycled bars to the villages, giving access to soap and other disinfectant materials for free.

In order to do so, the organization needs more donations from hotels and cruise ships as well as additional financial support for the outreach programs. They hope to involve tourists and a stronger volunteer network in the future. “Soap for Hope is still relatively new in Myanmar and we want to make sure we grow in a sustainable manner,” Win Thuya commented.

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“We realize there is a lot of need throughout our country and a lot of people willing to donate their time and money. We are looking at how to maximize our impact before making any big move forward but certainly we will accept any offer of financial or man-power donations.” For now, kids like Chan Myae and hundreds of others are gaining the opportunity for a brighter, healthier future. And while this is certainly a step in the right direction, it is sad to think that these children were at risk over something so basic. As founder Erika Zaikis states, “Soap recycling is so simple. We’re not waiting for some complicated vaccine. The solution to this problem already exists.” She is right. Unlike the bureaucracy and costly overheads faced by many NGOs, Soap for Hope can deliver results quickly and with minimal cost. With the passion of Htar Htar and Thuya fuelling the project locally, there is no doubt that Soap for Hope will continue making a positive impact on the lives of Myanmar’s residents. For more information or to donate: http://sundarafund.org/

Since May 2015, the program has worked with villages near Yangon, MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 41

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Brand Story / DRIVE

MAZDA:

MORE THAN JUST CARS Richie Chan

Mazda drives to me now in a different light. The next time I’m behind the wheels of their swanky all-new CX-5 in soul red crystal, a sense of awareness and renewed consciousness will surely awaken. I’m feeling a Mazda’s “human sensibility”.

“Mazda isn’t just about cars. They build people, communities, values, culture, trust and deep intangible relationships around their cars.”

invigorate both the body and spirit through the celebration and pleasures of driving. What impresses me, as with the others, is a commitment to continuously evolve and innovate, so as to strength designs, experiences, communication and relationships, as part of an effort to achieve a kind of human sensibility.

A while ago, I was invited to visit Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima alongside representatives from around the region, as part of an ASEAN Media Forum. Mazda took us on a ride into a world of discovery: a tour of their assembly line and a museum, insightful sharing sessions, and certainly not least, test-drives of their products that went cameras trotting away and had everyone’s adrenaline high.

Like “zoom-zoom” it all began with, a brand message Mazda prides on, that captures the spirit of childhood happiness and liberation. Just then, Mazda played up nostalgia: we were shown a heartwarming video clip of gleeful kids rolling their motor toys on the fields. Indeed, the brand message was and is memorable. Like jinba-ittai, a concept Mazda has introduced in the experience of driving – and the lucky lot of us got to try out that experience during the test-drive – which translates into oneness between the rider (driver) and horse (car). It teaches us the ideal driving position, and how we should see the car as an extension of oneself, removing all barriers to enjoy a holistic experience.

Mazda opened the forum with gusto on a poetic analogy: the products and technologies that customers have come to be familiar with are merely the visible side of the iceberg; Mazda has more to communicate from what’s beneath the layered surface. Indeed, Mazda kept a brand story that even the prolific automotive journalist among us hasn’t quite come to know, and is compelling.

Like doh, which Mazda believes in, which means way or road, that expresses a person’s attitude to life through doing or creating a certain thing, or demonstrates how he or she seeks enlightenment for truth, and trains at the spiritual level. Through dohs, Mazda aims to show customers “the spirit and behavior… as a tireless challenge [that] provokes their excitement, empathy and emotional attachment…” Boy, was it enlightening.

I realize after the forum that Mazda isn’t just about cars. They build people, communities, values, culture, trust and deep intangible relationships around their cars. Mazda has a brand philosophy that they have come a long way in establishing and I sense the impression that it’s still being refined upon as Mazda evolves (since 1920 it has been) that really amazes me. Mazda wants (their products) to “emotionally connect with customers and become an essential part of their lives”. Mazda wants to activate and 42 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

I deduce (and I see why) these philosophical beginnings and sensibilities have paved the way and wave of successes through the decades in Mazda’s continuous efforts to refine

Brand Story / DRIVE

Have a brand story to tell?

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Get in touch. sales@myanmore.com

Cycle & Carriage Automobile Myanmar Pyay Road, Ward 51, Yangon design, innovate and improve driving experiences. Take for instance, Mazda’s achievements. Not listing all, but here are selected impressive ones. Mazda successfully developed the world’s first revolutionary rotary engine some six decades ago, which had later led to the first four-wheeler motion, the R360 Coupe 1960. To which, Mazda attributes the success to a “never stop challenging” spirit that was, and still is, instilled in every member of the team. Before they could realize the rotary engine, research into case studies of fuel efficiency was intensive. During that time, when the Japanese economy was booming, Mazda seized the success opportunity and sized up production and created more jobs. And then it was the Monotsukuri Innovation, which proposed for common architecture and structure. This led the way for flexibility in the production process (e.g. with fixtures in the body assembly line, or when plants support each other as demand increases for products to roll out), so there was efficiency, streamlining, and ultimately an optimal global production. There were also milestones along the way such as achieving a lighter car mass in the later generations from a reduced high-tensile steel weight. Take for instance also, the all-new CX-5 (which the lucky lot of us grabbed the chance at test-driving, not without drooling at first, at Mazda’s Mine Proving Grounds; and news has it that it’s speculated for launch in Q3/Q4 this year!). The design goes beyond the sleek soul red crystal finish; it breathes a Japanese minimalist sensibility – one free of excess and non-essential elements. Even the actual terminology

Mazda communicates has poetic nuances: KODO – Soul of Motion design creates a fresh expression of beauty that appeals to mature sensibilities; the concept for its exterior and interior designs centers on ‘refined toughness’; the form reflects shadows and highlights, [and the] deep chiseled details throughout. Normality in Japanese culture it seems. Just to maybe whet the appetites of motor enthusiasts, the new CX-5 is the first Mazda product with a two-step reclining mechanism on the rear seats, providing that extra comfort on the lower body. It has an Active Driving Display that projects information from the navigation system onto the windshield. It adopts the G-vectoring control (GVC) technology, the first in Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS series. This technology achieves high levels of vehicle responsiveness and stability, while reducing torso-sways of the cabin occupants’ bodies for a more comfortable ride. I for sure was impressed. It felt like tensions (of the car and my body) were reduced by half.

To learn more about the all-new CX-5 and its technical specifications, look out for it later this year or in DRIVE (Myanmar’s First and Only Premium Car Magazine). 03

And so it’s apt to close this brand story with a quote from Mazda: “There is something unique about the way Mazda makes cars, with an abiding thirst for challenge and uncompromising convictions about how vehicles should be engineered and why. I believe that this is the path we were destined to follow. I also believe that the all-new CX-5 – born of a desire to provide every driver and their passengers with driving pleasure

and a deeper relationship with the car – will delight customers and enrich their lives. [We] sincerely hope that people will feel Mazda’s ongoing spirit of challenge and evolution through this car”. See you, Mazda, at your 100th anniversary in 2020, in my all-new CX-5.

1 "Zoom-zoom" on the circuit course at Mazda's Mine Proving Grounds, Yamaguchi Prefecture 2 ASEAN Media Forum representatives receive briefing from Mazda on brand philosophy and test-drive schedule 3 The all-new Mazda CX-5

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Travel

Kyauk Me: The Road Less Travelled Susan Bailey

Kyauk Me Mandalay

Lashio

Pyin Oo Lwin Shan State

Kyauk Me - a town in northern Shan State. It is situated on the Mandalay-Lashio road, after Pyin Oo Lwin and Nawngkhio, and before Hsipaw, on what is now the Mandalay-Muse road, part of the Asian Highway route 14. Wikipedia

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The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism likes to boast that 4 million ‘tourists’ will visit Myanmar this year and expats love to complain that Bagan is overrun these days. But the reality is that the country is still blissfully unscathed by tourism, especially when you compare Bagan’s 400,000 annual foreign visitors to Siem Reap’s five million. But who can resist the feeling of being the first outsider to visit a remote village or a hidden beach? In 2011, on my first trip to Kyauk Me, it felt like that. We spent five days on motorbikes going deep into the mountains and more than once were told, “You are the first foreigners in this village.” Going back nearly six years later I was not sure what to expect. I knew some travel companies and tour guides were taking visitors to the region but Hsipaw seemed to have developed into the backpacker hotspot more than Kyauk Me. I almost dreaded seeing the town, imagining the transition from sleepy trading town to a bar-filled city with barefoot tourists milling about. Thankfully my fears were unfounded. Aside from a few shiny ATMs and a new hotel, not much had changed. The market still overflowed with fresh pro-

duce, tacky but warm winter clothes and enough electronic equipment to host a massive rave party. The beer station seemed to contain the same guys huddled over a bottle of Grand Royal and the bus station remains a dirt lot. Our plan was a two-day trip, looping back to Pyin Oo Lwin on the Mogok Road, a relatively new road that we had heard was spectacular. We had obtained permission to go to Mogok – even though we had no intention of actually going to the town we figured it was worth getting just in case. (Note: As of 26 Dec 2016, permission for foreigner travel to Mogok is no longer being issued but is expected to be possible again soon.) The first morning we hit the road at 7:30, bundled up in layers of clothes as the temperature was in single digits. The day’s ride was nothing short of spectacular. The road shifted from dirt track to sealed road to packed dirt and back again. We had miles of views where nothing man-made could be seen. We stopped in villages for tea and indulged in a homemade lunch that was cooked in one pan over an open fire yet was bursting with flavor. And, of course, our guide stopped us for a few token group-fies along the way.

Travel

indepth Accommodation One Love Hotel - best hotel in town; 30,000 - 40,000 MMK/ night Northern Rock Hotel - Guesthouse with charm but slightly over priced at 25 USD per room per night Ay Yone Oo - A variety of rooms from basic, shared-bathroom singles to larger en-suite family rooms.

Guides The hotels can arrange guides, but for the best ones, it is better to book in advance. Joy ( joy.inmyanmar@gmail.com), Thura (thuranaing84@gmail. com), Naing Naing (naingninenine@ gmail.com), are all good, experienced guides.

We did, as well, see soldiers on the road and in the surrounding hills. Often just sauntering with a load of firewood or a basket of food. From time to time we saw guns, but casually laid aside while a soldier took a nap. Although the media has been intensely focused on the situation in the Rakhine State, these sightings made us realise just how close and how real the ‘world’s longest civil war’ is to our door step. In every village – whether consisting of five households or five hundred – our guide would double check to make sure the road ahead was ok and that no fighting had occurred in recent days. It was in one way unnerving, but on the other hand reassuring that he was going to such lengths to protect us and himself – as both guide and family man.

Around 4 PM, covered in dust, we decided to call it quits for the day. We stopped at a small shop to wait while our guide went to chat to the village chairman about our overnight stay. As there are no licensed guesthouses in the area, foreign visitors are allowed to stay in monasteries and local houses with permission from the village authorities. While our guide took care of this ‘official’ work, we grabbed a room-temperature beer and enjoyed the view over the mountains.

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Travel

Just as we finished the beer, our guide popped back in to tell us we would be staying at the chairman’s house, so we drove a short distance down the road to his tidy two-story abode. We sat down for a cup of tea on the ground floor, huddling over the small fire while chatting to the family. The father had lived in Thailand before and told us his daughter was now there selling noodles and ‘getting very rich’, he said with a smile. I planned to have a bucket shower but as the sun had dipped lower in the sky, the air was already chilly. I managed a few splashes of ice-cold water to get the dust off and managed to feel semi-clean before my teeth started to chatter. My friend did not fair much better so we headed up the hill for a few more beers to warm us up. We were joined in the ‘bar’ by a few locals who were hitting the rice wine at an impressive speed. They raised their glasses more than a few times, toasting us with a loud ‘Gan-bai’. One man in particular took a liking to us and would occasionally pop over to show

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us music videos to which he would spastically-dance along to. However at around 7 PM, they started clearing out and the owner began to shut the doors. She gestured at us to go home and made a military salute. We figured soldiers were in the area, so we quickly paid up and walked down to the house. Our host and guide were sitting outside by a campfire drinking tea. The chairman disappeared into the house only to return with beer, apologizing that it was not chilled. It was not a problem as we were transfixed on the sky, which was so clear we could even spot the Milky Way. Our host and guide then disappeared to watch a football game at the neighbour’s house, leaving us to enjoy the views before nestling down for a good night’s sleep. Given our 9 PM bedtime, it was not surprising that we found ourselves wide-awake at sunrise the next morning. The village was also up and moving, keen to make the most of the winter’s minimal daylight hours. We said farewell to our hosts who were worried we had not been comfortable

the night before. We joked, “It’s not a 5-star hotel, but it’s a million-star hotel.” Once translated, the family’s smiles were huge and they asked the guide to write down the saying so that they could explain to tourists again in the future. Hearty handshakes were exchanged before we took off on the motorbikes. The next day we headed out for the Mogok-Pyin Oo Lwin Road, the relatively new road that motorbike-enthusiast friends have raved about. After two hours and several stops to ask directions (turns out our guide had never been as well!), we approached the Chaung Ma Gyi River, where the road splits – north to Mogok and southeast to Pyin Oo Lwin. The road lived up to the hype. It is one of those rare Myanmar roads that are both adventurous and safe. We saw a handful of other motorbikes and cars but not a single truck. We had miles of winding, smooth tarmac mostly to ourselves and stunning vistas all around.

There were ample chances to stop for photos but I can’t remember ever seeing a tea shop or a restaurant the entire time. While we certainly were not the first foreigners on the road, it certainly brought back the old feeling of being a pioneering tourist. We rolled in to Pyin Oo Lwin in time for a late lunch. Although we had passed through there just 48 hours ago, it felt like we had been away for weeks – two days in the hills proved to be the perfect escape. Jaded expats, over-worked tour guides and intrepid travelers need not worry: Myanmar still has plenty of beautiful, tourist-free places to discover. Sure, it takes a bit of effort, but the rewards are endless. 1 Arriving into Kyauk Me 2,4 Scenery on the Mogok to Pol Road 3 Farmer near Kyauk Me

indepth

Arts & Culture

Waltzing for the Good Cause Text R.E. Saw Photography Myo Thiha

U Aung Than Htay, the honorary consul to Austrian Republic, was visibly startled when I told him that I heard the ticket for Vienna Ball was six hundred dollars. “Oh no! It’s actually one hundred and fifty. No wonder some people were hesitant to buy them. It is very reasonably priced for a ball”, he mused. The ticket amount is still high in this country but hear me out on what the organizers have painstakingly planned out for this charity event. Jointly presented by the Austrian Embassy and Honorary Consulate, City of Vienna and the Rotary Club of Yangon, Vienna Ball Yangon is an event aim to promote the culture and friendship between Myanmar and Austria with the charity for Myanmar’s humanitarian needs.

This black tie event is held at the Grand Ballroom of Novotel Yangon Max on the evening of March 4th.On this glamorous night, the guests will be entertained with live Classical and Opera Music by Yangon United while relishing Austrian food and wine. There will be also Myanmar Debutantes, Vienna Ballet dancers and lots and lots of dancing. Now let’s start with the dance of Myanmar debutantes. It is an Austrian tradition more than a century old to signal the entry of young women into their society. In olden days, it also meant they are of age to find a suitable spouse but in recent times, especially for Vienna Balls, it means young ladies with their partners dancing a specialized choreography and Viennese Waltz to open the ball. This same spirit is adopted for Vienna Ball Yangon.

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indepth “The debutantes are all Myanmar girls with age range from 15 to 25 but we raised it to 30 for those who want to experience this as well. All the girls are chosen because they enjoy dancing and are committed to the training provided by us. It is very important to be able to waltz neatly in correct steps”, explained U Aung Than Htay. “There will be 16 girls with their partners. It is the minimum requirement for Vienna Waltz. Just like the tradition, the girls pick their dance partners but if necessary, we match them with suitable dance partner. One of the girls was rather tall so we had a bit of trouble in finding her a partner who is of her height when she is in her dancing heels.” The dance training for the debutantes started since October last year with Mr Heinz Heidenreich. He is provided by Vienna City and travelled thousands of miles to Yangon specifically for the debutants and this ball. Initially, the administration and scheduling of making sure all 32 people turn up for practices were proven to be a headache. The trainings were held at night and it was only on the third practice that everyone started to get into the dance. Their choreographer was beyond thrilled by how fast his students were learning and improving.It was a smooth sailing from then on. Typically, the debutantes wear virginal white gowns and the overall costume costs are of pretty expensive feat. For this ball, the gowns and other costume accessories for the debutantes are generously sponsored by Pandora Fashion House. The designs are beautifully created by the fashion house with the strict adherence to the requirements needed for ballroom dancing. As for the dance partners, their complete outfit with long tailcoats and white ties were a jointly sponsored by Milano Tailor and Rotary Club of Yangon. “This is the first Vienna Ball in Yangon but in other cities like New York, Paris, Beijing and Amsterdam, it is a yearly event. Vienna City always sponsors these events and would bring in choreographers, orchestra conductors, opera singers and ballet dancers. Debutante girls get to dance with the tiaras brought from Vienna and each girl will get the “ball gift”. We have 48 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

Arts & Culture

arranged all these for the debutantes here too. We want these girls to really experience this beautiful Viennese tradition,” said U Aung Than Htay. As for the music, the main attraction will be the five scholarship winners from Myanmar who are studying in Vienna. They will be returning to perform at this ball together with Yangon United Orchestra, conducted by Mr Gösta Müller. Daniel Serafin, a German- Austrian Opera Singer and Managing Partner of Austrian Music Theater Awards, will be performing as well. Guests will be also be able to enjoy ballet dance by well-known Austrian dancers Raffaela Pegani and Igor Blumberg. While the debutantes practiced hard to perform beautiful waltz to the guests and also with impressive line ups, the organizers want this event not just to be enjoyed by the guests. This is the reason why free dance lessons are given twice a day for the ticket holders so that they can participate as well. “We are hoping everyone will have a great time and we can continue this every year. The event sponsors have been really generous. The moment they heard it was for charity, they did not think twice to contribute at all. We are really grateful for it”, U Aung Than Htay said as the parting message of our interview. Part of the proceeding from this charity will go to Rotary Club Yangon’s Clean Water Project in MagyiBinSu Village, Thar Baung Township and Ayeyarwaddy Region. This project is targeting long-term clean water sustainability for villages in need. The rest will go to support the internally displaced refugees from Shan and Rakhine states.

For more information of the charity project of Rotary Club Yangon, you can visit http://www.rotaryclubyangon. org or https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubYangon.

MYANMORE

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Gastronomy: Review

SARMAL No. 1 app to finding restaurants and bars in Myanmar. Join the club today.

you can be part of a growing dining & nightlife scene. your review can be featured in the next issue!

kipling's @ savoy hotel — Pplennep

meringue cafe — Shwinie Win

PHAYRE'S GASTRONOMY — Aung Pyae

STEAK OUT — Thiri

great food in a wonderful ambience. took my mum here and she was delighted with the asian touches. loved the wood and original taste of decoration.

one of my favourite locally run cafes. i go there for the relaxed ambience, and definitely the tiramisu. they also have high tea sets. don't need to go to fancy hotels for that. and always adding new items to their menu.

mixed with bar and cafe theme. if you're looking for a quiet and good place in downtown with wi-fi, i'd like to suggest phayre's.

NICE WESTERN FOOD PLACE. LOVED THE GRILLED SALMON WITH SKIN AND THE HOME-MADE PASTA IS DONE VERY WELL TOO. LOCATION HAS PARKING SPACE AND THE INTERIOR IS SPACIOUS.

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MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 49

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Shan food is perhaps the most popular of Myanmar’s ethnic cuisines, its noodles ubiquitous on most menus of Myanmar restaurants. Shan food is also known for its well-established international reputation. MERCHANT RD

Shan Kitchen is a step toward a more comfortable and clean dining experience than your average tea house, without compromising on genuine Shan cuisine. RD

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“We haven’t toned down the flavors or changed the recipes to suit the customers. We’re keeping the food as traditional as possible,” said owner and manager Sandy Chit Su. Sandy Chit Su grew up in Yangon but has strong Shan roots nevertheless. Her mother is from Shan State and Sandy learned the tricks of Shan cooking from her at home from an early age. After some years abroad in Singapore obtaining her business de-

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With so many new western restaurants opening up recently around Yangon, I was surprised and delighted to see the ‘Shan Kitchen’ signboard erected over a newly revamped restaurant outlet in the Yaw Min Gyi area. The restaurant, which opened back in November, is located on Nawaday Street near the corner of Bo Yar Nyunt Street – a thriving locale of cafés and restaurants.

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YANGON RIVER Street 26/4 Nawaday Dagon Township, Yangon 09 9 775 191 772 Opens 8 am - 10 pm

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Marchetti Furniture

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Bin 64 Wine Shop

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gree, Sandy returned home and set up her first Shan restaurant at UMFCCI, a business center west of downtown Yangon. After being tipped off about a property coming up for lease on Nawaday Street, Sandy decided to expand the business. She knew it would be taking a risk to open a business in an area with such teetering rental prices. Her business instincts, however, told her this would be a winner. She was sure she wanted to serve the food she knows best in a lucrative, international neighborhood of Yangon. O G BA

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“I knew that Shan food was popular with foreigners but that there wasn’t

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really any comfortable but casual restaurant for them to try it in this area.” Comfortable and casual it is. The décor of the restaurant is loyal to traditional local designs – cute Shan drums, bamboo hats and wicker baskets hang on the walls. It is a cozy size with seating for ten downstairs and four Japanese-style low tables upstairs. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed and suited to small groups of friends or couples. Soft lighting and good air conditioning make all the difference. Modern pop music plays a little out of context on the radio but isn’t loud enough to disturb conversation. Sandy personally trained the Shan Kitchen chefs and still overlooks everything coming from the kitchen. The friendly rapport between her and her staff is plain to see and adds to the atmosphere. Sandy reveals that the restaurant serves tofu nwey all day (though best eaten fresh in the morning). Tofu nwey is a Shan breakfast dish of moreish liquid tofu soup and noodles, which is usually strictly only available in the early morning. Yangonites like myself who crave the messy bowl of wonder will be delighted to be able to order it at any time of the day, as daydreams of past sojourns in Shan State are bound to ensue. We ordered an array of dishes that would test the kitchen’s authenticity as well as its parameter of flavors – Shan noodles, crispy pork belly salad, fried tofu, fried rice with soya beans and whole fish with lemon. One can tell a lot about a Shan restaurant by the quality of fried tofu they serve. Nothing says ‘Shan food’ to me more clearly than that plate of golden triangles of crispy fried tofu. It was served piping hot and nicely crisp on the outside and with a zesty tamarind dipping sauce. We devoured it before the waiters had a chance to bring anything else to the table.

Though Shan noodles are a dish typically eaten for breakfast, they are seriously satisfying any time of the day. We ordered them dry (as opposed to noodle soup) and were impressed with the freshness of the ingredients used. There were generous chunks of pork and not too much oil. The authentic and zesty pickle accompaniment brought another dimension of flavors to the noodles, just as it should. My company for this meal was a pork-expert friend, and on his advice, we ordered ‘crispy golden pork belly salad’. It turned out to be the highlight of the meal. Served warm with a slightly sweet dressing, the pork rind is enticingly crisp and the ratio of meat to fat was spot on. This richness was perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice, tomato and mint. Next up was whole fish with lime. The meat was light and tender and flaked off the bone. The thin soup it was served in was like a party in the mouth – hot and sour with a fantastically peppery punch to nip the sides of the tongue and not overly fishy. The fried rice with soya bean lacked a powerful flavor but would go down well with diners looking for tamer tastes. It was served with a fried egg on top and made for a wholesome, comfort-food option. “Our most popular dish is, of course, Shan noodles. But diners also really like our Innlay hin htoke and the ngar htamin [yellow rice with pounded fish] and Shan htamin [yellow rice with tomato paste and chicken] dishes.” Though no alcohol was on the menu, the orange and lime juices we ordered were refreshing and not overly sweet. All in all, Shan Kitchen is an excellent representation of Shan cuisine with dishes that are made with quality, authenticity and heart.

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Gastronomy Guide

On the Foodie Trail: In Search of Mandalay's Best Mee Shay Susan Bailey

Mandalay gets a bad rap from Yangon residents for many things. “It’s hot”, “It’s not safe”, “It’s too dusty”, “There is nothing to do” are just a few of the endless complaints I hear from friends and colleagues when they have to come up for work (as rarely do they come visit on holiday!) Yet when they do come here one of the first things they ask me is, “Let’s go for mee shay.” This humble bowl of noodles has become a bit of a Mandalay staple. I have had bosses from Yangon who would never be caught seen anywhere but the likes of Sule Shangri-La or Rangoon Tea House for a breakfast

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meeting. Yet when in Mandalay they’d happily pull up a hobbit-sized stool at a hot and noisy tea shop to scarf down a bowl or two of mee shay with colleagues. The dish comes from Shan State, with Mogok’s tangy version being the original favorite. But over the years, Mandalay has put its own spin on the recipe, spicing up the noodles with a few additional ingredients. At tea shops, the mee shay cooking stations are often located outside of the main kitchen, giving guests the chance to watch the process up close. Medium-sized rice noodles are boiled until soft then thrown in to a bowl

where the chef goes to work tossing in spoons of salt, fried crushed garlic, salted soya beans and shredded meat sauce, splashing on some chili-infused oil then topping it off with bean sprouts. The final ingredient is what makes Mandalay mee shay distinctly different from its northern counterpart: a thick glob of rice flour gel. The whole process takes around 30 seconds. But once delivered to the table, the work is not yet over as the diner is expected to mix everything together and add cilantro, sour pickled vegetables and pork cracklings to taste. The result of this intensive mixing ordeal is worth the effort – each mouthful includes a bit of sour, spice,

salt and a hint of sweet. As well, the crunch of the toasted garlic and crispy pork cracklings adds a nice contrast to the soft, sauce-coated noodles. As a mee shay lover myself, I am regularly asking my local friends where to go for the best Mandalay mee shay. It rarely disappoints. In fact, I can only think of one time I didn’t finish a bowl and that was not necessarily because it was bad but because I happened to have had a massive breakfast just an hour before. So after months of tastings and lots of local feedback, here is a list of Mandalay’s best bowls of mee shay.

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THE LEGENDARY BOWL: BA HTOO MEE SHAY Located adjacent to Ba Htoo Football Stadium, this family-run sidewalk stall is a Mandalay institution. The cooking station is a two-man job: one chef oversees the boiling of the noodles using a large ladle to drain them in the bowls while a second spoons in the perfect mix of ingredients before grabbing a pair of metal scissors to cut strips of pork meat onto the top. The flavor is unbeatable and the portion-size perfect for breakfast or a late morning snack. (Note: I’m convinced the bowls themselves are infused with years of mee shay flavouring, as the take-away, while still delicious, is not nearly as good). Between 71st and 72nd Streets and 29th and 30th Streets; opens 9 AM until the noodles run out. RUSTIC DELIGHT: 16TH STREET MEE SHAY Although considered one of Mandalay’s most basic, the noodles from 16th Street are widely praised as the city’s best bowl. The roadside location features a collection of plastic tables and low stools on a dirt floor with a tarp providing some shade. The mee shay is excellent, the noodles covered in flavourful sauce with ample amounts of shredded pork, pork innards and yummy morsels of chewy fat. Despite its popularity, given the dusty setting and the ‘unusual’ ingredients, this may not be ideal for visitors’ first time foray into mee shay. 16th Street between 81st and 82nd Streets; opens around 8:30 AM, closes by 3 PM. ALL-AROUND FAVOURITE: DYNASTY TEA SHOP Dynasty is popular with students from nearby Mandalay University who come between classes for coffee or a chat with friends. It is a little oasis from the busy, dusty streets, with potted plants decorating the entrance, neat rows of low white tables filling the inside and Myanmar classic rock music playing from morning till night. The mee shay is by far the most popular item on the

menu and for good reason – U Khin Mg Shwe has been making the dish for over a decade and insists on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. What better way to start the day than a little Zaw Win Htut and a bowl of lip-smacking-good noodles? Corner of 40th and 70th Streets; opens 6 AM – 9:30 PM (mee shay only available 6 AM – 12 PM). SOPHISTICATED NOODLES: UNIQUE MANDALAY I occasionally have breakfast meetings that require a venue with a bit more class than a tea shop. My go-to has been Mingalabar Restaurant (71st and 29th corner), which opens early but serves what could be called ‘filler, not thriller’. Thankfully, Unique Mandalay – not to be confused with the tourist-filled Unique Mandalay – came to the rescue when it opened its doors in January. The mee shay is great and the setting – a tastefully decorated wooden building on a leafy side street – is perfect for a leisurely breakfast. And they have espresso-based drinks. Café latte and noodles? Yes, please. 70th Street between 27th and 28th Streets, 6 AM – 5:30 PM.

SPECIAL MENTION: MYAY OH MEE SHAY Although not fitting with our theme of Mandalay mee shay, the Myay Oh variation is a popular local favorite during the rainy season and colder winter nights. This Chinese-influenced version is cooked and served in a clay pot (‘myay oh’ in Myanmar language) and features lots of vegetables with a generous serving of tangy broth. Across from Aung Tha Mu Pagoda on 63rd between 28 and 29th Streets and at various stalls in the night market on 76th between 31st and 24th Streets. Opens from around 5 – 10 PM.

1 Dynasty Tea Shop (Moe Hnaung) 2 Mee Shay Master U Khin Mg Shwe (Moe Hnaung) 3 Unique Mandalay 4 Posh Noodles and Latte at Unique Mandalay

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 53

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Reader's Voice

Going around the town on different days, making friends on the way and enjoying every minute of the water festival that comes only once a year. — Dolly Handerson >

I’ll be traveling to Mogok. — Khaing Pyae Pyae Htoo I’ll be having a wild day in Yangon. — Ned Puengpanich Thingyan Music Festival (TMF) — Chan Nyein Soe

Traveling around Myanmar to see different cultures and traditions, observing how different ethnicities celebrate the festival. — May Rupar Naing

What's Your Plan for Thingyan?

Best place for music and good vibes: Thingyan Music Festival (TMF)!!! — Settanic K Kong

MYANMORE finds out more from ardent followers on Facebook. Travelling to Kalaw. We’ll be staying for about five days there. We’ll be looking for hotels with pleasant views and where we can read books quietly. I also want to eat fresh fruits and veggies from local farmers. — Toesanda Oo >

On the first and second days, I will be doing good deeds at home, meditating, cooking traditional snacks and sharing them with my neighbors. On the third day, I’ll be going around the city. The fourth day will be the same as the first and second. < — Lune Sandi 54 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

We Are Connected. — Liza Namdara I’ll be going home. — Shan Lay

edits/guides

HOROSCOPE San Zar Ni Bo

San Zar Ni Bo, a former political prisoner-turned-fortuneteller, is a highly respected name in Myanmar. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known for his palm reading technique, birthdate and naming. His well-known prediction, well 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 March.

Sunday

Tuesday

This will be a lucky moment. Friends will help. Cooperative works will be beneficial. Aims can be realized. Good fortune will come to the family. This is a period of expansion in work. New ideas can be developed. Young people will be attracted to the opposite sex. Self-control is indispensable. Selfishness should be avoided. Improvement will be due to good will and interest. Money will return of long-standing stagnant investment. Overdue loans will return.

Progress will happen in every field. Desires will be fulfilled. Improvements are visible in financial and business matters. A good time to realize aims and desires. Rivals will be defeated. Period to boost efficiency in a thorough way. Fruitful results of efforts made. Opportunities will arise from good fortune. Improvements in life will come from unexpected deeds. Promotions in work and good fortune will happen during this month. Business transactions and financial matters will run smoothly. Travelling matters and changes will occur. Overdue loans of yours or a family memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will return. Slightly ill fortunes in love matters.

Monday Good changes and progress will happen. Personal belongings may be lost. Foreigners will bring good fortune to you. Right-hand men are not reliable and should not be kept. You should be self-contained and make decisions by yourself. Ill health will fall upon elderly member of the family. Goodwill will be misunderstood, thus unnecessary goodwill should be avoided. Difficulties can be resolved. Matters concerning travels can be undertaken with success. Occasional emotional disturbance may occur due to interference by others in personal affairs.

Wednesday Both good and bad can happen in extremity. There will be stress-related problems. Undivided attention is necessary for every matter. No failure is permissible. Business transactions and money matters should not be done in haste. Matters should not be based solely upon circumstances. Work that can be done today should not be delayed until tomorrow. Opportunities will be lost due to over consideration. Rapid thinking systematic decision and objective conclusion should be made for every matter.

Rahul (before dawn on Thursday) Improvement, and possibly great changes, will take place in all fields. New experiences will be encountered. Talks concerning accommodation will have to be made. Moving out, renovating or extending house among family members is foreseen. This is the right time to make contact with foreign countries. Matters never handled before in life will have to be made. Experiences never encountered in life will have to be met. Improvement is noticeable this month. Wearing black will cause emotional disturbances before the day ends.

Thursday Period to recommence stagnant matters. Opinions and ideas will be entirely different from others. Occasional disagreement will occur. Disagreement will occur even with those whose ideas agreed with yours in the past. Being among people with conservative ideas and those with novel opinions, there will be difficulties in combining the two. Great achievement will be within reach, although others may consider it infeasible. Avoid emotional disturbance, hold on to patience in every deed. All matters will run smoothly after recommencing them at least twice. Hope should not be given up. There will be mistakes in buying and selling.

Friday Efficiency is incredibly at its peak. Formerly stagnant inner power is picking up steam. Brilliant success in every matter is to be decided or done. Rivals looking down upon you will have to repent. Relying on intelligence and ideas, matters can proceed with courage. Leadership is foreseen. This period will bring luck in money matters. Important changes in life and improvements are foreseen this month. Young people will be attracted to the opposite sex. Employment will come to an unemployed family member and promotion for the employed will occur.

Saturday Name will be made. Others will recognize you as a renowned person. Expenses will be great. Work efficiency will be excellent. Success will be encountered in every field. Time and emotion will be consumed both for yourself and others. Ill health will fall upon parents or elderly members of the family. Much as with life outside, there will be mishap at home. In spite of successful present situation, eagerness to invent new ways and make changes will occur successively. Luck in educational matters. Good period to expand work.

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 55

Here are some simple exercises that you can perform at home, structured in a HIIT format.

edits/guides 1

1. Plank Plant elbows directly under the shoulders (slightly wider than shoulder-width apart) like you’re about to do a push-up, knees bent. Place toes into the floor and squeeze the glutes to stabilize the body. Keep the back straight by looking at a spot on the floor about a foot beyond the hands. Your head will be in line with your back.

Sports / Wellness

High Intensity Interval Training Wondering why High Intensity Interval Training is all the rage recently? Read on as we discover the mechanics and benefits behind HIIT and how you can include it in your busy schedule.

2b 2. Burpees Squat from a standing position, squat down, placing your hands palms down on the ground just outside of your feet. Keep your hands in place and quickly hop both feet straight back to go into a push up position. Quickly hop your feet back under your body. Stand up and then jump. 3. Squats Start by standing with your feet six to 12 inches wider than your shoulders and point your toes outward at around a 45° angle. Move your body to a sitting position as if you are sitting in a chair, keeping your weight in your heels and ensuring your knees don’t go over your heels and you have a straight back. Lower your hips until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground (or as close as you can get), then slowly return to a standing position.

4. Push-ups Start with a plank with arms directly under your chest and knees bent on the floor. Make sure your back and legs are in a straight line. Allow your arms to bend while moving close to the floor. Push your body up while keeping the back straight and head in line.

5 5. Lunges Step forward so one foot is roughly three to four feet in front of the other. (Keep your front knee above your ankle and back knee almost touching the ground). Repeat with the other side.

56 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

6 6. Mountain Climbers Start on your hands and toes, in a push up position. Hold this position and bring one knee up as far underneath your body and towards your chest as you can. At the top of the motion, let your foot touch the ground momentarily, and then extend your leg back out to the starting position. Repeat with other knee. Continue repeating.

What High intensity interval training involves repeated periods of high intensity efforts followed by short recovery times. Such training forces people to push beyond their comfort levels in short phases while giving them little to no time for recovery, depending on the variant of the training. These intense work intervals range from three to eight minutes and are performed at up to 95 percent of a person’s estimated maximum heart rate. The recovery intervals are usually shorter and are categorized into static or active recovery, which is performed at up to 50 percent of a person’s estimated maximum heart rate. The entire workout can range from 10 to 45 minutes. Why It can be easily customized to tailor fit people of all fitness levels and various medical conditions. It can be performed across a large variety of disciplines, including swimming, cycling, running, and in many group exercise classes. HIIT workouts provide comparable benefits to traditional cardio workouts but in a shorter period of time. It is an effective way to improve aerobic metabolism in more sedentary individuals, and may even provide a more time efficient and enjoyable way to workout than most steady state endurance exercises. In addition, a person, who completes a HIIT workout, will continue to burn calories after the exercise for an estimated two-hour period as the body restores itself to pre-exercise levels. The post exercise calorie burn is slightly greater, five to 10 percent more, due to the high intensity nature of the workout. Where HIIT can be done anytime, anywhere and in any space. You only need a small area and the knowledge of a few bodyweight exercises. Equipment is not necessary but it does add a valued dimension to your training.

How HIIT workouts are more strenuous than traditional workouts and thus require a longer recovery phase. Generally, you can start with one session a week and then ramp up to two or three sessions depending on your fitness level. It should be noted that you should still continue to incorporate steady state workouts as part of your training regime to embody a holistic approach to all-rounded fitness.

Training Ground is equipped with stateof-the art facilities that include top-grade fitness equipment from Life Fitness and world-class professional audio systems by Electro-Voice. We offer group exercise classes and training programs that are led by highly experienced fitness professionals with international certifications. In addition to its service offerings, Training Ground also provides specific rehabilitation trainings for members with injuries through our team of certified physiotherapists. Training Ground’s inaugural branch, located at the heart of downtown, is designed with industrial features including creative decorations such as unfinished brick walls, tiles and a spacious interior amounting up to 8000 square feet. The club’s operating hours are from 6 AM to 10 PM daily (including public holidays).

Perform the first exercise for 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat the same for the next five exercises. You should try to complete as many reps as you can, observing proper technique, within the 45 seconds. After one cycle of the six exercises, rest for two minutes. Repeat the entire cycle two more times. Total workout time: 24 minutes.

myanmore card deals

RESTAURANT AJISHIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 10% off on food only (2pm — 10pm) - Sunday and Monday BLACK HAT WINE BAR & BURMESE TAPAS RESTAURANT - (Food & Drink ) Total bill 10% discount BULGOGI BROTHERS - 10% off on total bill. - Free Flow Coke, Sprite & Max Orange - No room charge and no corkage fee - Valid everyday. CHATRIUM THE EMPORIA RESTAURANT - 10% saving on daily rate - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 2 persons per card TIGER HILL CHINESE RESTAURANT - 15% saving on Dim Sum Lunch ( minimum order for 2 persons ) - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 4 persons per card KOHAKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 15 % saving on A La Carte Menu or Set Menu for Lunch - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 4 persons per card DiVINO - 10% off total bill for lunch and dinner - Valid everyday, booking required, maximum 4 people per card - (Not Valid for set menu ,Business lunch and promotions) EDO ZUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 10% off total bill - Valid everyday, 1 group per card, advanced booking required. ESPERADO ROOFTOP BAR & RESTAURANT - 10% off total bill - Valid on Everyday FISH & CO RESTAURANT - 10% off on total bill - Not valid with any other promotion - Valid at Fish & Co. Myanmar (Parami Outlet) and Valid for dining only - Valid for everyday - Advanced booking is require - Valid for same table/ same group FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE - 10% off on regular Menu. - 20% off on special Menu. - Buy 1 get 1 (Beer Only) FORK & SPOON RESTAURANT & BAR - 10% off Food, drink & wine + free dessert (cannot be used with other member cards) - Valid everyday - Buy 1 get 1 free of Carlsberg draft beer between 5:00 pm to 9:00pm on every evening . - Advanced booking required. GREEN ELEPHANT RESTAURANT (YGN, MDY, BGN) - 5% discount on total amount - Valid everyday HANA YAKINIKU JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANT (MDY) - 5% off on all dishes in A La Carte Menu, does not stack with other promos at the time of use. - Valid everyday HARLEY’S - Buy a regular set meal menu and upsize it for free. - Valid everyday, 2 person per card HOUSE OF MEMORIES RESTAURANT - (Food & Drink ) Total bill 5% discount KIPLINGS RESTAURANT– GREEN PAN ASIAN CUISINE @ SAVOY HOTEL - Free aperitif (1 glass of house or sparkling wine, draft beer, soft drink) - Valid only with food purchased - For 2 persons per card

L’OPERA ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR - 10% off the A La Carte bill (not valid for set menu, business lunch and promotions) - 10% off “Romantic” packages (for couples) - Valid everyday, for cash payment only, for up to 8 persons. LE BISTROT @ SAVOY HOTEL - Free aperitif (1 glass of house or sparkling wine, draft beer, soft drink) - Valid only with food purchased - For 2 persons per card MAHLZEIT - Valid per 1 person per card - Cash payment only and booking required. - Free dessert after main dish purchased. MERLION CUISINE SINGAPORE RESTAURANT - 10% off the A La Carte bill - Not valid for set Menu, business lunch & promotions MONSOON RESTAURANT AND BAR - 10% off à la carte bill - Valid everyday, 4 persons per card NAN MYAING - 15% off walk in rates - 10% off dining ORCHID HOTEL - 15% off walk in rates. - 10% off dining. - Valid everyday, 1 person per card ORNG KITCHEN - 20% off food bill - Tues to Sunday (12 — 3), (5:30 — 9:30) OSAKA OHSHO JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 10% off total bill in all branches P FOR PIZZA - 10% off total bill - Valid everyday - 6 persons per card (cannot be combined with any other promotion) PADONMAR RESTAURANT - 10% off total food bill for a minimum order of 2 dishes per person. - Not valid on set menu. - Valid everyday, 4 persons per card PARKROYAL LOBBY BAR - 15% off food and drinks, except Happy hours - Valid Monday to Friday. SPICE BRASSERIE - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required SI CHUAN DOU HUA - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required SHIKI TEI - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required PASTAMANIA - 15% off all mains (Pasta & Pizza food offerings) - Dine in only. PORTICO RESTAURANT @ ROSE GARDEN HOTEL - 10% off daily Business lunch - Valid on food items only, on weekdays, 1 person per card. RAU RAM - One free beer or glass of wine with meal for parties two and above - Tuesday through Sunday. Royal Jasmine Authentic Thai Cuisine - 10% discount (exclude drink) - Everyday SHAN KITCHEN - 10% off on total bill (exclude alcohol) - Valid everyday - Advanced booking required TAING YIN THAR - 10% off total food bill - Valid everyday, 15 persons per card.

THAI 47 - 10% off total bill in all branches - Everyday THE BRUNCH SOCIETY - 10% off on total bill - Everyday THE CORRIANDER LEAF - 15 % off total bill - Valid everyday. THE MANHATTAN FISH MARKET - 30% off desserts for any main dish purchased - 50% off desserts for hot or cold drink purchased between 2pm and 6pm - Valid everyday up to 12 persons per card THE MARINA INDIAN RESTAURANT - Lunch -15% off total bill - Dinner -10% off total bill - Discount can not be used with Lunchbox meals and other promotions. THE PHAYRE’S GASTRONOMY - 10% off total bill not valid with any other promotion. - Advanced booking required. - Valid everyday. VINTAGE LUXURY YACHT HOTEL - 15% off food and drinks - Valid everyday, for 10 person!

MERINGUE CAFE - 10% off from the total bill if you spend at least 5000 kyats. - Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer NOW & THEN - 20% off total bill (Weekday only) - Dine in only (can not be combined with others discount and promotions) ONE COOL CAFE - 10% off on weekday - 15% off on weekend SAIGON BAGUETTE & CAFE’ - 10% off total bill/ Person/Group (5 people). - Not applicable for on going promotion. THE GALLERY CAFE - 5% off on everyday WTC - World Training Center - 10% off entire selection of coffees - Valid everyday, for 2 persons.

DESSERT SNOW FACTORY - 10 % off Snow Flake Menu - 10% off fish cake @ BUSAN - 10% off Coffee menus - Valid everyday, 2 persons per card.

BAR & CLUB AJ’S BAR & GRILL - Free glass of beer with dinner offer - Applies of house beer valid for parties of 2 or more - Monday to Friday CASK 81 - 10% for coffee time (8am — 5pm) - 15% for bar (5pm — Midnight) CLUB 5 @ PARKROYAL - 15% off bottles of wine and hard liquor. - Valid Monday to Friday, not valid for loose drinks CLUB RIZZOLI @ CHATRIUM - 20% saving on total bill - Valid on Saturday and Sunday, (10 pm onwards) - Up to 6 persons per card RETRO BAR @ HOTEL 63 - Last tequila every Friday and Saturday - Gets a round of Carvino tequila Shot - 10% discount on food - Valid for only Friday and Saturday - Valid for 1-5 persons per card. THE FLORAL BREEZE HOTEL ( THE MOON BAR) - 10% off total bill. VERANDA BAR @ ROSE GARDEN HOTEL - Buy one Cocktail of the day, get one free (from 4pm to 6:30 pm) - Valid everyday,1 person per card. UNION BAR & GRILL - Buy one get one free on Burgers - Monday (5PM — 10 PM) - Not available with any other promotional Discount.

CAFE CAFE’ CAESAR - 15% off (only food) - Everyday CAFE’ PARADISE - 10% off total bill for breakfast - Weekdays only CAFE @ RESIDENCE 26 - 10 % discount on Food & Beverage. Not valid for promotions. - Valid for all days from 5 pm to 9 pm - Maximum 2 persons per card EASY CAFE AND RESTAURANT - 10% off total minimum spending of 8000 kyats and above. - Not valid for retail products. Maximum party size of 4.

WELLBEING ALICE: EYEBROWS TATTOO STUDIO - 20% off for every service. - 3D Slide Shady - 6D Eyebrows Tattoo - 3D & 6D Remix - Every week of Monday to Thursday - Advance call for booking are more than welcome. - 2 persons per card BEE CHOO ORIGIN - 10 % discount Herbal hair & Scalp Treatment - If buy product 3 items 10% discount - On weekdays CALIFORNIA SKIN SPA - 20% off selected facial and full body treatments - Valid everyday, advance booking required, 2 persons per card INYA DAY SPA - 15% discount on all spa services - 10% discount on Thai Body Massage - Valid everyday,1 person per card, booking recommended PARKROYAL Fitness & Spa - 15% off spa treatments, except happy hours. - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required. SAPEL SPA @ HOTEL 63 - Two Beers or Cocktails after spa treatment - Valid for all days - Valid for 1-5 persons per card SPA ELEMENTS - 15 % off - JAMU pre- and post-natal care packages - 10% off - Face, body and foot spa // Mani-Pedis // Hair // Waxing and scrub - Valid on Wednesday & Monday, 1 person per card. THE BODYGUARD - This hair salon and massage parlour had been designed by men and for men only. - 15% off from 10:30am to 5:30 pm - Valid everyday, 2 persons per card TMT Hair Design - 30% off total Bill VINTAGE LUXURY YACHT HOTEL - 10% off all spa treatments - Valid everyday, for up to 10 people!, Advanced booking recommended. YANGON HAIR & BEAUTY CENTER - 20% off any single treatment - 10% off packages - Valid weekdays, 1 person per card

MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017 / 57

Enjoy greater discounts and privileges with your MYANMORE Card. To sign up, log on to www. myanmore.com

Y.G.N BY MUGUET JAPON HEALTH SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER - 10% off Head & Shoulder, Foot Massage, Dry Massage (Japanese, Myanmar & Thai) - Pedicure, Manicure - Weekdays only

GYM

INLE LOTUS HOTEL - 20% off total bill, incl Ticketing, Rentals, Trekking. - Valid everyday, 3 rooms per card, booking required ORCHID HOTEL - 10% off on all published room rates - 10 % off restaurant charges - Free fruit tray upon arrival - Valid Sunday to Thursday, 1 person per card, advance booking required

CHATRIUM HEALTH CLUB - 10 % saving rate - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 2 persons per card

PLATINUM HOTELS - 4 outlets in Yangon - 20% off on all published room rates - Valid everyday, one room per card, at Hotel Platinum Tamwe, Mini Platinum Guesthouse Bahan, Platinum Riverview Hotel Dagon, Royal Platinum Hotel Bahan

TRAINING GROUND - 10% off all regular priced membership prices (can not be combined with others discount and promotion)

VINTAGE LUXURY YACHT HOTEL - 10% off all room rates - Valid everyday.

SHOPPING PATRICK ROBERT THE GALLERY - 5% discount in all showroom items. - Valid everyday (closed Sundays), one person per card THE WAREHOUSE - 15% off total bill - Valid everyday, 1 person per card VESTIGE MERCANTILE & RELICS - 10% off total bill. - Valid everyday at: . Vestige Flagship Store, Yangon . Vestige Kiosk, Avenue 64 Hotel. . Vestige Flagship Store, Nay Pyi Taw - Valid everyday, 1 person per card

GOLDEN SILK ROAD HOTEL - 5% discount on room charges Monday to Friday - 1 card per 2 persons HOTEL 63 - Be local, 39000 compulsory rooms without breakfast (Check-in 12pm — 12pm Check-out) - From Monday to Thursday - Email reservation is required - Valid for 1-5 persons per card SUMMIT PARKVIEW HOTEL - 10 % discount on Food and Beverage at Cafe, Dagon Bar & Pastry Counter - Valid for all days - Advance booking is required - Valid for 5 persons per card YUAN SHENG HOTEL - 10% off for room and food only

ACTIVITY VOICE INDUSTRY FAMILY - 10% off all room charges & 10% off all items in the foods menu - Everyday WTC - World Training Center - 5% off Barista & Bakery classes - Valid everyday, 1 person per class.

HOTEL AMATA HOTELS - MY BAGAN RESIDENCE - 30 % off on published rate for accommodation - 10 % off food & Beverages - 10% off Nibbana Spa AMATA HOTELS - RIVERSIDE HSIPAW RESORT - 25 % off on published rate for accommodation - 10 % off on food & beverages - 10% off Nibbana Spa AMATA RESORT & SPA - NGAPALI BEACH - 20% off on published rate for accommodation - 10% off food & beverages - 10% off Nibbana Spa AMATA GARDEN RESORT -INLE LAKE - 30% off on published rate for accommodation - 10% off food & beverages - 10% off Nibbana Spa BAYVIEW THE BEACH RESORT - 10% off on accommodation only based on published websites rate - Not combinable with other promotions - All year - 1 room per card (any category) BUSINESS ALLIANCE HOTEL - 20% off rooms - 10% off food - Free use of hotel gym - Everyday depending on rooms availability. GRAND LAUREL HOTEL - 10% off on published room rates for all room types - Free welcome drink - Free use of hotel gym during stay HOTEL 51 - 15% off on all room types. - Valid everyday, 1 person per card

58 / MYANMORE magazine #5 Mar 2017

SERVICES 5ÀSEC -

5% off all services - can not be used in addition to any other loyalty card offer 7 days a week, 365 days a year, no blackout dates

HINTHA BUSINESS CENTRES

- One hour free wifi + a cup of Gourmet coffee once a month. - 10% off meeting room rentals - 10% off hot desk packages (Daily, weekly, monthly) - 2 for 1 on hourly hot desk rental - Valid everyday, 1 person per card, advance booking recommended

MYANMAR NATIONAL AIRLINES

- 10% off Base Fare flight ticket - Applicable at MNA head office ticket counters only - Airport tax & other surcharges shall be borne by passengers - Not applicable for promotion flights - Management reserves the right to amend the T&Cs without prior notice

TOP SPEED AUTO SERVICES -

Body work and painting; 15% off (discount for labour only) Oil change and compute diagnostics: 50% off (discount for labour only) All repair services : 10% off (discount for labour only) Monday - Saturday ( 9am — 5pm) 2 persons per card