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MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 5

contents what’s on 8

Cover Story

promotions & happy hours 11 movies 12 new openings 14 briefings 16 cover story 18 The Enchanting Silver Swam thingyan special 22 How and where to ring in New Year 1379 where to catch a bite during Thingyan Water Festival in Bangkok and Thailand

18

travel 30 Nay Pyi Taw: More Than Just Empty Roads

Thingyan Special

beauty 33 Homemade Beauty Treatments profile 34 Jean-Michel Romon, Head of Operations, Memories Group Gastronomy 35 Review: Raymond's Food Cottage Review: Seeds Restaurant & Lounge Review: Chin Ngan Sat Reader's Voice 38 How do you plan to cope with the heat this summer?

22

Horoscope 39 Sports / Wellness 40 Sound Bite Myanmore Card Deals 41

6 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

Briefings

Gastronomy

17

36

REVIEWS FROM THE SARMAL COMMUNITY! THE EMPORIA RESTAURANT — LUNE SANDI

PEPERONI PIZZERIA — TEE TANT OGGAR

HARRY'S BAR MYANMAR — SAI YE LWIN KYAW

GREAT FOOD, GREAT VALUE. WORTH FOR THE MONEY CUZ THE BUFFET COMES WITH UNLIMITED GRILLED SEAFOOD AND FREE FLOW OF BEER, WINE, JUICES AND SOFTD DRINKS. DESSERTS ARE SPECTACULAR.. FROM HOMEMADE ICE CREAM TO DELICIOUS TIRAMISU. EMPORIA IS ONE OF THE BEST HOTEL BUFFET IN TOWN.

THE BEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN. BEEN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND AN ALL TIME FAVORITE. THE OPEN KITCHEN CONCEPT GIVES YOU A VIEW OF THE CHEF AT WORK. TWO TYPES OF DINING, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR. FOR THE OUTDOOR DINING, THEY BUILT LIKE A BALCONY. THE BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CUSTOMER IS THAT U CAN ORDER THE DISHES FROM HOUSE OF SINGAPURA IF U SIT OUTSIDE. THIS IS NOT JUST AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT CUS THEY LAUNCHED THE NEW MENU THIS WEEK AND A PLACE U CAN GET VARIETY OF DISHES AND EXPERIENCE.

A NICE PLACE TO CHILL WITH FRIENDS. THEIR HPL BEER IS THE BEST AND THEIR FRIED POTATOES AND FRIED FISH ARE AWESOME. BUT WAITER SERVICE NEEDS TO FIX...

THIS MONTH'S HOT DEALS!

WWW.SARMAL.COM.MM

what's on

Yangon

1 April

4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Thingyan Boat Party (Round 2) Nightlife

From the people who brought you "The Sunset Boat party" comes the very first Thingyan Boat Party. Be amongst the first people to enjoy the world premier of their brand new 'beat synchronised, hydro-pump, Thingyan sprinkler system -"Shwe (Golden) Shower". Water guns will be available on deck. And DJs will swelling beats from House Music to Gypsy, Breaks to Hip Hop and Electronic music. Ticket: from 15'000ks, RSVP 09975167973.

Botahtaung Jetty - Botahtaung Jetty, Strand Rd, Botahtaung Tsp.

Listings

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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

Yangon

1 APRIL 9 pm - 1 am

April Fool Bollywood Party Nightlife

Enjoy the best bollywood party with your friends. Dance hard non-stop with Indian dance. RSVP 01544500.

Club Rizzoli - Inside the Chatrium Hotel, 40 Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp.

1 April

9 am - 5 pm

Anime Festival (Cosplay Festival) Activities

Take photos with anime character in real world. A lot of cosplayers will perform at the event and fun games and show, so do you love anime?

Excel Treasure Hotel - No.520 Kabaaye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp.

Yangon

27 - 28 APRIL 8 pm

Shwe Daung Circus Art & Stage

A whole new world of entertainment, not seen in Myanmar for decades. You can catch the show eight times a week, every week until 30 April. Vsit them and look around, even when the show’s not going on. Tickets are 5,000 ~ 40,000 Kyats. Book your tickets via 09960596979.

People's Park and People's Square - Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

1 April

7 pm - 10 pm

Redvolution Show By Ni Ni Khin Zaw

Thuwunna Football Stadium - Wai Zan Yan Tar Rd, ThinGanGyun Tsp.

2 APRIL 10 am - 1 pm

Handstands, Thai Massage and AcroYoga with Mark Das Sports

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. Entry fee 40 USD per workshop. RSVP 09776436745, 09422477 775.

Beyond Boundaries Yoga Myanmar - No.28 Level 3 Boyar Nyunt St, Yaw Min Gyi Region, Dagon Tsp.

2 APRIL 6 am - 8 am

Zumba Under The Sky Sports

Ni Ni Khin Zaw’s first solo show on stage with the performance of Gita Kabyar (Orchestra), Oxygen Music Band, Secret Pieces (Dance Group).

For more information, contact to 09420149191 or 1876.

Dance NON-STOP for 2hrs. Led by international ROCK STAR Zumba Instructors under the sky with Pocari on the 2nd of April, from 6am to 8am at Kyaik Ka San Stadium. Registration starts at 5am and tickets are selling at USD10. RSVP 095097057, 09253065582, 09254877534.

People's Square and Park -Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

Kyaik Ka San Stadium - East Horse Race Rd, Yankin Tsp.

1 - 2 APRIL

2 APRIL

Spring Festival 2017

BBC Symphony Orchestra Musicians & OfM/ NCC: Special Concert

Concert

3 pm - 10 pm

Art & Stage

Celebrate the coming of the beautiful season with delicious food from Yangon city, traditional and cultural arts and dances, unplugged music band as well as renowned singers from 8 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

Myanmar, spring fashion show, fun activities and games for you and it will be all in one place at Thuwunna Stadium Outdoor Area. Free Admission.

7 pm - 9 pm

Art & Stage

The historic performance by the orchestra for myanmar, the new chil-

what's on

dren’s choir and members of the BBC symphony orchestra (UK). Free entry, on a first come first served basic.

Strand Hotel - 92 Strand Rd, Botahtaung Tsp.

from two experienced speakers.

Free for students who attended the “Management And Leadership Training”. 10USD for members, 15USD for non-members. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

2 APRIL

Novotel Yangon Max - 459 Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp.

9 am - 4 pm

Public Speaking Training

Educational From general speeches to business presentations, there have an audience to speak, hold their interest, gain their trust and convey an important idea.

Whether you like it or not, public speaking skills have a great impact on your business and career. Fee of the classes Members : 150 USD, Non-members: 220 USD. RSVP 01523700.

CCI France Myanmar - Parkside One Building, 271-273 Bargayar Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

4 APRIL

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Moving Myanmar Forward: Breaking Down Barriers to Business Business

In these exciting and challenging times for Myanmar, the event will provide an expert overview on the Myanmar Economy, Businesses and the rule of law, Economic trends around the region as well an update on the Myanmar Investment Law. RSVP 09969225239.

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - No 40 Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp.

6 APRIL 8 am - 10 am

Seminar "Leadership and Management" Educational

CCI organized its first training on Management and Leadership led by a trainer Ania Muchnika. They are now setting-up a complimentary seminar giving you the opportunity to hear

7 APRIL 7 pm

Let TGIF Before Water Festival

Nightlife The last TGIF before Thingyan Water Festival. Sound fun, and this time, they bring one of the best Djs from Thailand, DJ Double G. RSVP 01255131.

Yangon

13 - 16 APRIL 10 am - 10 pm

Thingyan Music Festival - TMF 2017 Party

Thingyan is coming up again. This year H-Life entertainment organized the Thingyan Music Festival with International Djs; DVBBS, Coone, Valentino Khan, Yellow Claw, Rave Radio and more for 4 days. Tickets are; General Admission 80,000 Kyats and VIP 200,000 Kyats per person. More information, contact 09450003558.

Thuwunnabhumi Event Park - No.8~11/B, Thanthuma Rd, Thingankyun Tsp.

YangonYangon - 339,Bo Gyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp.

7 APRIL 5 pm - 11 pm

YOUK $HI - Made in Myanmar Nightlife

Youk Shi is one year old now. Celebrate the birthday by partying like wild animals. More info coming soon. Stay tune with their facebook; https://www. facebook.com/youkshifamily.

Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel - 520/A-4,Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd,Bahan Tsp.

27 - 30 APRIL 5:30 pm - 11 pm

Myanmar International Lighting Festival 2017 Activities

As the name of the event “light festival”, explore the biggest lighting creations at the park in different shapes with fun games and make your memory with loved ones. Entry Fees: 3,000 Kyats.

Yangon

13 - 16 APRIL 2 pm till late

WetNation Party

The ultimate celebration of a New Year with all its fresh window of opportunities with four days full of water madness in a collaboration with Alda Events from Amsterdam. The very best DJs of the world, the absolute heavyweights of EDM and the coolest cooling water games and an unforgettable four days filled to the brim with water entertainment and foremost an unforgettable time with your friends, Djs; Don Diablo, Laidback Luke, Kill The Noise, KURA, Garmiani, Henry Fong, Tom & Jame, MARNIK, Mari Ferrai and more will rock you with their greatest hits till the sun down. Tickets prices are General Adminssion: 70,000 Kyats, VIP 175,000 Kyats and more info to 09451010789, 09965010789.

The ONE Entertainment Park - Paw San Hmwe St, Thuwana, Thingangyun Tsp.

People’s Park & Square - Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 9

what's on

Listings

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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

27 APRIL

13 - 16 APRIL

Pub Quiz

Barrrack Water Festival

Quiz Night & Mexican Monday at 50th Street! Test your brain power against the Yangon Dragon Rugby Club’s pub quiz while chowing down on some tasty Mexican food. Free Pitcher to round winner, drinking challenge, and 30,000 Ks Bar Tab to winning team.

This year, Barrack will bring you to the new experience of water festival in Yangon.

www.facebook.com/BarBoonMyanmar

8 pm

9FFE DUTCH DELI | ESPRESSOBAR

JUICE OF THE MONTH

Strawberry, Pineapple, Banana, Mint BarBoon | FMI-Centre | No.380 Bogyoke Aung San Rd.| Pabedan Tsp. | Yangon BarBoon | Vantage Tower | No. 623 Pyay Rd. | Kamayut Tsp. | Yangon BarBoon | Mandalay Airport | D4-B Mandalay Int’l Airport | Mandalay Region BarBoon | NPT Airport | Airport Departure Hall | Nay Pyi Taw

Nightlife

50th Street cafe Restaurant and Bar - 9/13 50th St, Botataung Tsp.

29 - 30 APRIL 4 am - 12 am

Together Festival 2017 Art & Stage

Get ready for the Biggest and Hottest EDM Festival. The headliners are Marshmello, W&W, Borgeous and OOkay and so many others will perform on those days. The tickets price are GA 50,000 Kyats and VIP 130,000 Kyats.

Thuwunnabhumi Event Park - No.8+11/B, Thanthuma Rd, Thingankyun Tsp.

13 - 16 APRIL 9:00 AM

Road to Waterzonic Myanmar Party

The ultimate experience of water festival, Waterzonic, is one of the biggest EDM music festivals in Thailand and it is being brought to Yangon for Thingyan Festival celebration. Headliners: Headhunterz, Wolfpack and more.

Tickets prices are General Admission: 60,000 Kyats and please keep in touch with their facebook page; https://www. facebook.com/pg/waterzonicmyanmar.

Myanmar Convention Center (MCC) - Mindama Rd, 9 Mile, Mayangone Tsp.

10 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

10 am - 6 pm Activities

Myaw Sin Island - Kandawgyi Natural Park, Bahan Tsp.

Mandalay

1 April

6 pm - 11 pm

Back to Millennium : MDY Concert Concert

This time, B2M Mandalay will take you all back to 2000 memorable night with all out of their best and great effort to give you all, their B2M fans, an awesome, extremely excitement night together with unlimited joyous time.

RSVP 097767887721.

Golden City Event Park - Corner of 78th St & 42nd St, Mandalay

Bagan

13 - 17 APRIL 10 am - 5 pm

Myanmar Water Festival Maha Thingyan 2017 Activities

Celebrate Myanmar Water festival with them. The most fun and wet week of the year is coming up. For more informations contact to 061 65 069.

Ostello Bello Bagan Hostel - Hkan Latt Quarter, Main Rd, New Bagan

promotions & happy hours

Yangon

summer Package @ Savoy Hotel Set lunch for two people! including a bottle of Prosecco and pool access USD 99. *Package available only upon reservation and subject to availability.

129, Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Tsp. | 01 526289, 526298, 526305 E: reservation@savoy-myanmar.com www.savoy-myanmar.com

The Toddy Bar “Happy Hour” 3 pm - 7 pm

Buy 1 get 1 free on all signature cocktails, house wine, draught beer from 3 pm to 7 pm on weekdays (Mon to Fri).

The Toddy Bar - 77/79, Pansodan Rd., Kyauktada Tsp. | 09 5178329

2 Hours of Happiness

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 Blind Tiger - 93/95, Ground Floor, Seik Kan Thar Rd (Lower Block), Kyauktada Tsp.

Daily Happy Hour 7 pm - 9 pm

One-for-one draught beer, wine & standard pouring brand. All cocktails at 50% off all night from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Live Music at 8:30 pm onwards on Friday and Saturday.

Summit Parkview Hotel - Ahlone Rd., Ahlone Tsp. | 01 211888

Happy Hour @ Cask 81 5 pm - 8 pm

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on Beer, Cocktail, Mocktail, Highball and other Spirit. Get 20% discount on Whisky and Wine.

Any order will serve with snacks.

12 pm - 3 pm

Easter Feast

The Basement - 785, Mahabandoola Rd., Lanmadaw Tsp.

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.

5 pm - 7 pm

Enjoy 50% Off house wine and spirits, draught beer, and weekly special cocktails everyday from 5 to 7 pm.

16 April

Ladies Night Friday 9 pm - 11 pm

Dining

Rejoice with us on Easter Sunday as we serve a delectable buffet with free flowing sparkling wine, house wine and draught beer for only US$ 36 nett.

We’re excited to relish the celebrations with you at Cafe Sule.

8-23 April

Thingyan Room Package Get wet and wonderful as we celebrate the renowned water festival of Myanmar here in Sule Shangri-La !

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast buffet at Café Sule before heading off to join the festivities.

Enjoy the celebrations outdoors in our exclusive Thingyan shirt and water gun and waterproof pouch.

Then cap off your day with a delectable dinner buffet at Cafe Sule.

Room rates start at US$ 155++.

The Thingyan Room Package is available from April 8-23, 2017.

Minimum two nights stay is required. Other terms and conditions apply.

Sule Shangri-La 223, Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp.

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.

Ladies Night at The Penthouse 5pm till late

Enjoy glasses of sparkling wine buy one, get one free All Night.

The Penthouse - 271/273, 8th Floor, Park Side One Building, Bargayar Rd, Sanchaung Tsp.

Ladies Night Every Wednesday 8 pm - 11:30 pm

Ladies night in YangonYangon every Wednesday. DJ MR.Y at 8pm with Hip Hop, Rnb, House, etc. FREE cocktails to ladies at 7pm. 50% Off on Frozen cocktails. 20% Off on Sparkling Wine.

HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 7pm. Bucket Beers Deal (Buy4 get 2).

Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar - 339, Sakura Tower, Corner of Bogyoke Aung San Rd. & Sule Pagoda Rd., Pabedan Tsp.

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 and Grill - 42, The Strand, Left Side of the Myanmar Red Cross Building, Botahtaung Tsp.

No. 81 (Opposite Pearl Condo) Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp. | 09 799 818181

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 11

movies

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

01

Now Showing

Now Showing

Now Showing

Beauty and the Beast 01 Family, Fantasy, Musical An adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love.

Kon Lone Yat 40 (Myanmar) 02 Action Kon Lone Yat 40 is the burmese action movie directed by Pan Chee Soe Moe. With so many famous actors.

The Fate of the Furious 03 Action, Crime, Thriller When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.

02

12 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

03

movies

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Split 04 Horror, Thriller Three girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities, they must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.

Ghost in the Shell 05 Action, Crime, Drama In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.

Power Rangers Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi A group of high-school kids, who are infused with unique superpowers, harness their abilities in order to save the world.

04

05

06

Coming Soon

The Boss Baby 07 Animation, Comedy, Family A suit-wearing briefcase-carrying baby pairs up with his seven-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. 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

06

Coming Soon

07

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 13

new openings

The Platform at Inya

Yangon

Sai Kham Sam

6:30 am - 8 pm Cafe

01

11 am - 10 pm Shan Food & Noodle / Thai Sai Kham Sam Restaurant located in Ahlone Township with Authentic Shan food & Thai food. Wide and clean restaurant in the centre of Yangon, foods are fresh and delicious. They use 100% pure Sunflower Oil. 389, Lower Kyeemyindaing Road, Ahlone Tsp. 01 231 5080, 01 508 132, 09 970 555150 saikhamsam@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/SaiKhamSam

01

LALIQUE

02

9 am - 9 pm Life & Style

Room 01-05, Sule Square, 221 Sule Pagoda Road, Pabedan Tsp. 09 964046996 boutique@lalique.com.mm www.lalique.com 03

10 am - 10 pm Chinese

02

98, Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp. 09 765 007913

Kel's Kitchen 10 am - 9 pm Asian

Kel’s kitchen explores the authenticity of Asian culinaries with flavours that’s close to your hearts, a whole new taste of Asia.

388, No. 1 Industrial Road, Yankin Tsp. 09 773 273589

A Global Lifestyle luxury brand founded over a century ago, in 1888, Lalique has endured as the ultimate symbol of French luxury.

Western Park Ruby

Coffee and Friends make the perfect blend. Available best coffee in town, cakes, Myanmar food and more.. to come.

To Make and prepare the Guang Dong Style foods, meals and cruising different form the meals of the Western Park and Western Park Ruby being opened in former the Chefs from the Guang Dong prepared and cooked the Guang Dong Style Chinese Foods are being sold every day from 10:00 Am to 10:00Pm with the Royal Hall with 700 seats, Jade Rooms and Private Room on the ground floor that have 300seats simultaneously.

People's Park Yangon , Sanchaung Tsp. 01 230 0217

Shwe Kaung Hot Pot @ People Park 11 am - 10 pm Hot Pot

One of the famous Chinese hot pot in town. This People Park Branch has indoor air condition type place. You can have normal soup and spicy soup for hot pot at the same time too. This hot pot restaurant popular for not only its hot pot but also Fresh Hand Made Strawberry Juice in Winter season.

People Park & Square Compound, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp. 09 42080 5895

My Myanmar Traditional Food 8 am - 10 pm Myanmar

A place where you can get many traditional Myanmar food with shan, kachin and myanmar sakaw hta min. Do not forget to try it foods are very delicious.

No.3, Yadanar Mon Road, 3quarter, Hlaing Tsp. 09 253 114 084

02

14 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

new openings

BreadTalk Myanmar 9 am - 9 pm Bakery

Founded in 2000, BreadTalk is a distinctive, award-winning Singapore brand that has gained international appeal. It is renowned for the way it has revolutionised the culture of bread consumption with its visually appealing and creative products.

BreadTalk’s chain of boutique bakeries spreads across a network of 16 territories, and it operates close to 800 outlets across key markets such as Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East and now in Myanmar!

A staple in the diet of many in Asia, BreadTalk honours the bread-making art by giving life to novel creations since its inception with great products.

Level 1, Unit 105-106, Junction City (opposite to Bogyoke Market), Dagon Tsp. 01 212 698 info@breadtalk.com.mm http://www.breadtalk.com/en

Beauty in The Pot MM 04 11 am - 12 am (midnight) Hot Pot

Beauty in The Pot Restaurant is two story building. The ground floor has 27 tables that suite for 104 persons and the first floor has 8 special rooms that suite for total 74 persons. Total numbers of 202 persons can dine-in for once.

The main menu of Beauty in The Pot contain Beauty Collagen broth, Healthy and Nourishing broth, Mushrooms broth (suitable for vegetarian) and other total of 6 varieties broth, homemade fresh meat, meat balls, paste, signature fish tofu and other over 60 varieties of vegetables and herbs.

No.42 (A), Sayasan Road, Bahan Tsp. 9 252 221 188

Cozy Neighbourhood Pub 05 10 am - 10 pm Pub

Best pub in town with amazing foods, price are reasonable. The best place to chill with friends and taste their mouthwatering food with awesome BurBrit Myanmar’s First Micro Brew Craft Beer.

No.97A, Wai Za Yan Dar Rd, Thingangyun Tsp. 09 783 932889

The Rudder

04

Bar / Cafe

Another great place to chill with reasonable priced food and drinks in town. The place is quite small but full with fun people.

16 A, Corner of Anawratha Road & Yan Shin Street, Yankin Tsp. 09 45004 4411

De' Burmese Restaurant 10 am – 10 pm Myanmar

De’ Burmese brings myanmar traditional home-made food and ethnic food from different parts of Myanmar into one place.

05

167/52, Kyun Taw Road, Corner of Yan Gyi Aung Street, Sanchaung Tsp. 09 795 159915

Mandalay

Loaf & Rice - Bar & Restaurant 06 10:30 am – 10:30 pm French

Three-storey restaurant and bar with open-air roof terrace. East-meetswest fine dining with extensive cocktail menu.

No.Pa-5/73, 62 Street, Between 42nd & 43rd Streets, Maha Aungmye Tsp. 09 42097 8042

06

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 15

briefings Yangon

Yangon

Technology / Application

Education / Culture

Grab is in town with Uber tailing along

Yangon Book Plaza provides literary enjoyment

R.E.Saw

San Lin Tun

While you are still haggling with the taxi driver for asking 500 kyats more for your ride, ridesharing war for Myanmar is happening between Grab and Uber and the first stop will be in the city of Yangon.

If you are not familiar with both names, they are the ride-hailing giants which allows you to book for taxi via your smartphone with a reasonable price. Myanmar already has local ride-hailing services such as Oway and HelloCabs but Grab is the first international company to step into the country by launching its app. Grab is currently looking for willing testers for their beta trial in Yangon and you can download their app for both IOS and Android version.

Uber, on the other hand, appears to be aiming for a collaboration with the government for its launch. It seems to be a sensible route because Uber’s model which involves using civilian vehicles for commercial purposes has been in loggerhead with government in many countries.

A ride-hailing app requires both the driver and the customer to have smartphones and Myanmar is the

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country where majority leaped from landlines straight to smartphones and data. This creates many opportunities for businesses as the country has opened up after decades of self-imposed isolation. Yangon currently has 5.2 million people and approximately 50,000 taxis.

Grab mainly operates in Southeast Asia and stated that it has over 710,000 drivers across 39 cities in the region. Its mobile app is said to be downloaded over 36 million time.

Grab’s biggest strength is utilizing any available local knowledge available to them and being mindful of local customs. For now, Yangon will wait and see if we can skip the haggling with our taxi driver all together in near future.

Yangon Book Plaza – the first of its kind – is now open on the fifth floor of Tan Zay (formerly known as Iron Bazaar) between Lanmadaw Road and 17th Street. Walking down the bustling 17th Street to the book plaza entrance, you will be greeted by a diffused light signboard. An elevator awaits, or if you prefer burning some calories, opt for the stairs. As soon as the elevator doors open, you will see a line of shops, each selling respective books.

There are columns dividing each booth and where portraits of late famous Myanmar authors are displayed – from the likes of Thakkatho Phone Naing to U Tin Moe, Kyaw Ma Ma Lay and Min Lu. The portraits also display original writings of these authors, which are worth examining, as most people would have seldom seen them.

Interestingly, Yangon Book Plaza also accommodates second-hand bookshops whose floors have been decidedly designed to resemble the pavements one would see off the streets of Pansodan and 37th – think a treasure trove of rare books in the comfort of an air-conditioned shop!

Undoubtedly, Yangon Book Plaza offers the largest selection of Myan-

mar-language books in the whole country. With wares arranged in attractive and creative ways, perusing at this store is an enjoyable activity.

Occasionally, the book plaza holds literary talks and invites famous Myanmar poets to deliver reading sessions.

There are two low-height platforms in the space that facilitate those events.

To complete the book shopping experience, patrons can choose from two food centres – New Life Food & Drinks and Café Min Tha Mee – for an assortment of hot and cold drinks in between their book- browsing or shopping. Parents bringing along children need not fret to spend long hours. An indoor playground is ready to entertain the little ones.

Here, patrons get to do more than browse and buy books. They get to enjoy a wholesome experience and become part of the community. Yangon Book Plaza is where curious minds of Yangon find what they crave. Let’s hope more bookstores soon follow suit.

Yangon Book Plaza Than Zay Market, 5th floor, between Lanmadaw Street, and 17th Street

briefings

Yangon Art / Event

Myanmar International Lighting Festival kicks off in Yangon MYANMORE Amid frequent electricity cut, Yangon hosts its first Myanmar International Lighting Festival 2017.

Border Security Minister Chief General Tin Htun Aung presided over the opening ceremony of the festival.

Every evening from March 19 – April 30, people in all ages head to People’s Park in Yangon to take photos with colorful lighting arranged in beautiful shapes and forms.

DN Development Group was behind the all the creation of the festival.

The festival is held intending to the students who just finished the matriculation exam. The organizer has got the inspiration from the Singapore Lighting Festival while he was visiting the country.

Myanmar Very First International Lightning Festival used 70 million lightning bulbs to form over 60 light sculptures.

It opens every day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., but they will close 4 days during Thingyan holidays.

People can enter the festival through Pyay road entrance. Entrance fee is 3,000 ks. Student with ID card is 1500 ks - Children under age 5 are free of charge. Part of the entrance fees will be donated to charity.

There will also be selfie contest and one beauty photo contest.

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cover story

The Enchanting Silver Swan R.E. Saw Photography Sayar Sue Hgnet

You might have heard of Myoma Nyein due to the brief tussle between the late composer’s family and a beer giant, due to the use of the words from his famous song without permission. But among all his works, it’s the ones about Thingyan that have always made Myoma Nyein stand out the most.

Founded around 1925 by Myoma Nyein, Dardan U Thant and several other passionate individuals, Myoma Amateur Music Association is one of the oldest associations in Myanmar that has stood the test of time for almost one century.

Myanmore was lucky to have the chance to meet up with Than Myat Soe, one of the members, to hear about its history. He had joined the association in 1965 as a young man and until now, is still actively performing.

“I was already singing and winning competitions, so I was a bit cocky. I told my seniors that I wanted to join the association. They said I will need to be able to play one musical instrument before I can start singing with them.

I wanted to learn piano and play like Beethoven. But instead they gave me a trumpet. I was disappointed to say the least, but in hindsight, I am grateful. It was a difficult instrument to learn and I was the only one left standing in my group while other trainees left. We

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had to learn how to read musical notes and also write songs. It took one year for me to actually start singing with the band,” recalled Than Myat Soe. The association performed for weddings and donation ceremonies throughout Mandalay and almost all over the country, with a focus on Thingyan Festivals.

“When I started performing with them, it was always a three-to-fourhours affair. The members had to play and also took turns to sing. It was extremely important to take care of your health because you had to perform so much. We would practice intensely before Thingyan and start decorating the vehicle for touring around the city,” said Than.

It has been a longstanding tradition of Myoma Troupe to decorate the vehicle with a huge trademark of Silver Swan – the colour of the vehicle around the swan bluish green to signify the color of the pond.

cover story

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MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 19

cover coverstory story It was already a famous song and widely performed by many of my seniors. But when Win Oo sang the song for his movie, it became even more popular. I had to sing that song four to five times in one ceremony alone, because of high demands. It was crazy.

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Than Myat Soe fondly recalled Thingyan of 1967 where famous actor and singer Win Oo collaborated with the troupe in Mandalay.

“He bought 15 songs of Sayar Myoma Nyein and we worked together with him. We invited him to join us for Thingyan and were not expecting much because he was so famous at that time. He replied that he would try and he actually came! The whole city went wild. Everyone was screaming for him when we toured around the city with our van. He had to keep standing up and he was smiling throughout.

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Even my cheeks hurt on his behalf,” Than reminisced.

With his uncanny musical ability, Win Oo revived the song Unfinished Painting by Myoma Nyein.

“It was already a famous song and widely performed by many of my seniors. But when Win Oo sang the song for his movie, it became even more popular. I had to sing that song four to five times in one ceremony alone, because of high demands. It was crazy,” said Than.

As for the story behind the song Tu Po Tu Po, it was the brainchild of Than’s contemporary U Hla Din, who came up with the music while playing with his little tabla – the title of the song literally referred to the sound made by the instrument.

Today, Myoma Association still stands strong, with a three-story building that houses its own studios and sound system equipment. That building too has a story of its own, having survived a fire and undergone extensive renovation with support from the local community and the government.

This Thingyan, Silver Swan will be touring in Mandalay, with its members already brimming with excitement, driven by the love for music and their fellow citizens.

“Everything I have today, it’s all thanks to the support of this association,” said Than.

coverstory story cover

01 Myoma Troupe Touring for Thingyan 2000 02 Actor Win Oo standing up to greet the crowd in Mandalay Thingyan 1967 03 Actor Win Oo performing for his adoring fans with Myoma Troupe 04 Myoma Troupe in the 70s.

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thingyan special It’s that time of year again.

Water guns are on display at every store, Thingyan-themed songs are playing on the radio and the cool winter temperatures are quickly giving way to hot, hazy days. The Myanmar New Year is the country’s biggest celebration with the official holiday being 13-21 April. During this time, businesses will close and locals will travel to their hometowns to pass the last few days of 1378, the current Myanmar year, and ring in 1379 with their families. To help you make the most of Thingyan, here is our day-by-day guide to the festival.

THINGYA HOW AND WHERE TO RING IN NEW YEAR 1379 Photography Hong Sar

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thingyan special

How And Where To Ring In New Year 1379 DAY 1

A Kyo Nei

The first day of Thingyan is an important one so take it easy the night before.

Devout Buddhists will be observing all eight precepts today, rather than the usual five. If you are seeking an auspicious start to the festival, this is a good place to begin. The first precept forbids eating after noon, so be sure to have a good breakfast. With many restaurants closed for the holiday, your best bet is an international hotel such as Novotel in Yangon, Mandalay Hill Resort, Bagan Lodge or Viewpoint in Nyaung Shwe for the best breakfast in their respective towns. Buddhists will also refrain from all forms of entertainment and beautification so to keep yourself busy, don a longyi and pour scented water over Buddha images at the temple alongside the locals. The third precept states that should not sleep in luxury. Cancel your posh hotel reservation and book into

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one of Myanmar’s smaller, family-run properties. Our favourites are Samadhana Inn (Yangon), Thante Nyaung U (Bagan), MaMa Guesthouse (Mandalay) and A Little Eco-Lodge (Nyaung Shwe).

DAY 2 A Kya Nei

Time to splish and splash Let the festivities begin! Go ahead and get right into it. The first day may not be the most boisterous but after the previous day’s tranquility you will be ready to let your hair down. As is widely known, Thingyan is celebrated by throwing water. Symbolically this gesture represents washing away sin from the previous year but this has evolved into a massive carnival-like atmosphere with water guns and fire hoses being used to soak every inch of the country. The action kicks off around 9 AM and goes until noon for a

midday break. This doesn’t mean you won’t get wet at lunch, but the activity certainly quiets down before resuming around 2 PM and carrying on until sunset.

Walking is the easiest way to join the festivities. You will inevitably be greeted by friendly, sometimes intoxicated, revelers asking “Are you happy?” and probably be asked to pose for a few selfies. If the idea of sloshing through foot-deep, murky water is not appealing, hiring a truck or jeep is a popular option. Just be sure to have a large container of water onboard to refill your water guns. In larger cities, it is also possible to join a pandal, the large stages where DJs play loud, thumping music for revelers to dance to.

The main areas for water throwing are along Pyay Road and near City Hall in Yangon, on the southern and eastern sides of Mandalay’s royal moat, near Ananda temple in Bagan and near the Nyaung Shwe market. But wherever you go, you will get wet so be pre-

pared. Leave your camera and phone at home, throw a few kyats into a plastic bag, grab your water gun and go!

An insider tip: take an antibiotic at the start of the day to fend off any germ lurking in the water. (Note: a message not approved by medical professionals but many locals and expats swear it has kept them from getting ill from the not-so-clean water being thrown about.)

DAYS 3 & 4 A Kyat Nei and A Tet Nei – Retreat from the water

If all that water was simply too much, escape from the big cities for the next two days of the festival. Although the festival is celebrated throughout the country, there are quieter towns where the celebrations are a bit more toned down. Getting there, however,

thingyan special can be a challenge. Most bus companies suspend service during Thingyan, therefore only limited seats are available. Trains, as well, are a popular way to travel and are often full so booking tickets in advance is essential. Car rental and taxis are also scant and usually come with a 50% surcharge, but with a bit of effort it is possible. And while the beach may sound appealing, they are often the scenes of some of the country’s most lively parties. Here are some good options for an alternative, less-crazy Thingyan break:

Hpa An

Accessible by train and car from Yangon, Hpa An’s celebrations are muted compared to those of the big city. There are plenty of nice hikes and bike rides in the countryside where nary a water gun will be seen. It will be hot, however, so come prepared.

Hpa An Lodge has a lovely swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a day cycling through the rice paddies. The more budget-friendly Hotel Gabana has strong air-conditioning and an on-site restaurant for those seeking a break from the celebrations.

Mt Popa

Bagan throws a decent Thingyan party that is worth experiencing for a day. Then hire a car and head up to Popa Mt Resort, an hour drive from town, where a spring-fed infinity pool beckons. The leafy resort compound is perfectly tranquil and the deluxe rooms each feature balconies for gazing out onto the surrounding hills and plains. Hiking trails link the resort to the extinct volcanic crater and jungle-covered hills.

Kyauk Me and Hsipaw

Fly in to Lashio and drive down to Kyauk Me or Hsipaw for a few days of mountain bliss. You will get wet when walking in the streets but once in the hills there is little chance of seeing a water gun. The rooms at Riverside Resort in Hsipaw have balconies overlooking the Dokhtawady River, perfect for a few quiet Myanmar Beers in the afternoons. The friendly staff at One Love in Kyauk Me can arrange overnight treks to hill tribe villages, if you truly want to get away from it all.

Mrauk U

Although a bit more difficult to get to, Thingyan in Mrauk U is a unique experience. The ancient temples, at this time of year, are all but empty since the tourist high season is over. In addition to exploring the temples, it is worth checking out the local celebrations as they are distinctly Rakhine in style.

There is a thanaka-grinding competition to kick off the festival and then, in addition to the usual water guns, canoes filled with water are found throughout the town with locals filling up small buckets from the canoes to pour over friends.

Rather than dealing with the hassle of booking things yourself during this busy time of year, working with a travel agent is the best way to go. Khiri Travel comes highly recommended (info. myanmar@khiri.com)

DAY 5

New Year’s Day Happy 1379! After the build-up of the last four days, the new year is finally here. Traditionally Myanmar people ring in the new year by making merit in a variety of ways. Releasing fish into rivers or waterways is a popular activity so head to the Yangon River, Mandalay moat or Irrawaddy River and buy a fish from one of the vendors and set it free. The new year is also a time to pay respect to elders, with youngsters washing the hair of the elderly. Visit one of Myanmar’s ‘Home for the Aged’ to participate or to make an offering of shampoo, washing powder or other items. These centres provide health care and accommodation for the elderly and are an integral part of Myanmar’s cultural fabric, yet are always in need of donations and volunteer help.

However you choose to celebrate, remember that this is an important holiday for the Myanmar people.

Respect the culture and traditions and embrace the craziness of the festivities as we say goodbye to 1378!

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thingyan special

Photography Linn Yan Kha

Where To Catch A Bite During Thingyan Hotels’ Restaurants Sule Shangri-La Hotel 223, Sule Pagoda Road, Pabedan Tsp. 01 242 828

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon 40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp. 01 544 500

Sakura Residence

9, Inya Road, Block 10, Kamaryut Tsp. 01 525 001

Diamond Crown Hotel

142(D), Min Ye Kyaw Swar Street, Lamadaw Tsp. 01 230 0136

Esperado Lake View Hotel

23, Kan Yeik Thar Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp. 01 861 9486

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MiCasa Hotel Apartments Yangon Managed

by AccorHotels 17, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Tsp. 01 650 933

PARKROYAL Yangon

Lotteria

Outlets: Junctin Square, Pyay Rd front of Inya bank, Pearl Condo

Sharky’s @ Dhamazedi Rd 8 am - 6 pm [Pick Up Only]

33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp. 01 250 388

117, Dhammazedi Road, Kamayut Tsp. 01 524 677

Rose Garden Hotel Yangon

5 pm - 11 pm

171, Upper Pansodan Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp. 01 371 992

Restaurants & Chains KFC

Outlets: Downtown (near Sule Shangri-la), Junction Square, Hledan, Yangon Int’l Airport

Chatime

Outlets: Lanmadaw, Sanchaung, Myanmar Culture Valley, Capital Tharkayta, Pearl Condo, York Street

Sai Kham Sam 389 Lower Kyeemyindaing Road, Ahlone Tsp. 09 970 555150

Marina Indian Restaurant 7:30 am - 10:30 pm

63, Taw Win Road, Dagon Tsp. 09 970 550055

Shwe Kaung Hotpot 11 am - 10 pm

Outlets: People Park & Square, near Shwegonedaing Flyover, Yankin, Narnattaw Street

Thai Fu

11 am - 11 pm 81, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp. 09 966 660567

Feel Myanmar Restaurant 6 am - 9 pm

124, Pyihtaungsu Avenue Street, Dagon Tsp. 09 253 059 994

Fish and Co. 1 pm - 10 pm

2B, Parami Road, Mayangone Tsp. 09 967750926, 01 9660952

Sushi Ichi 10 am - 7 pm

Phone Gyi Road, across SanPya Cinema, Lanmadaw Tsp. 01 218282

Mix Restaurant & Bar Myanmar 11 am - 11 pm

68, Tawwin Street, 9 Miles, Mayangone Tsp. 09 253 059 922

thingyan special Kel’s Kitchen 10 am - 9 pm

388, Industrial Road (1), Yankin Tsp. 09 773 273589

Royal Jasmine 11 am - 10 pm

SOHO Diamond Condo Tower, Pyay Rd & Narnattaw Rd, Kamayut Tsp. 09 964 496365

Min Lan

10 am - 9 pm Outlets: Shin Saw Pu Rd Sanchaung, Waizayandar Rd, Inya bank

Shwe Lar Hotpot 11 am - 10 pm

Outlet 1: 1, Room 2, Nar Nat Taw St., Kamayut Tsp. 01 534 087 Outlet 2: 25A1 Nawaday Street, Dagon Tsp. 01 242521, 09 9723 49388

365 Cafe

8 am - 12 pm Yangon Int’l Hotel compound, 330 Ahlon Road, Dagon Tsp. 01 243 047, 09 4210 40512

Rangoon Grill & Chill 2 pm - 10:30 pm

Insein Road, near Than Lan Bus-stop, Hlaing Tsp. 09 252 653011

Beauty in the Pot MM 11 am - 12 am

42(A), SayarSan Road, Bahan Tsp. 09 252 221188

Provided by Sarmal See up-to-date collection on http://sarmal.com.mm/collection/ list or in the android/iOS app.

Photography Hong Sar

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 27

thingyan special

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Water Festival in Bangkok and Thailand Natty Tangmeesang

If traveling to Thailand is your plan for the water festival holiday, let us guide you the spots where you’ll have the most fun around town.

Traditionally, Thai people will start water splashing on 12th of April. They’ll set up stations in front of their houses or businesses with giant water tanks and rubber tubes. Some even add big ice cubes for cold water! Families then team up on the back of a pick up truck with water guns and water containers for filling up their guns, and drive around the city to play water splashing with people in front of the households. On the morning of 13th, they’ll normally go to temples to make a merit. The afternoon is when the real fun begins.

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1. Silom Road Silom Road is home to the famous red light district “Patpong.” The road is regarded as a hub of entertainment for both Thai and foreigners, especially for the LGBT community. Each year, this three kilometer-long road is packed with thousands of tourists and locals wishing to experience the celebration in the wildest way, by wearing water gun gears in the back and traditional yellow powder on their hands to apply on others’ faces.

Highlight for Songkran at Silom Road is at Silom Soi 4 Street. Extremely crowded, you won’t be able to walk on your own, so do walk slowly and follow the crowd. Here, LGBT dancers will go up on tables or water tanks in revealing outfits and dance to the beat. On both sides of the main road, you’ll find shops selling water guns, ice cubes, omelet with rice or snacks to fill up your stomach in case you get hungry in the middle of the water fight. You can also refill the water at these shops if you purchase their products.

The celebration at Silom begins in the morning of the 13th but tends to get packed up after 5 PM and lasts till late night.

2. Khaosan Road Khaosan Road is a world-popular backpacker heaven. This 410 meter-long road hosts numerous cheap hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars and clubs — an all-in-one area for many tourists.

Every year, this tiny street turns into a venue of water fight all day till night.

Prepare yourself to be soaking wet from head to toe. Party vibe begins after sunset when visitors are out enjoying themselves on the street.

In recent years, Khaosan has become a safe place to enjoy Songkran, as the police would set up checkpoints on both ends of the street. High-pressure water guns and powder are prohibited to be used in this area.

thingyan special 3. RCA Located close to Sukhumvit area, which is the zone of expats and upscale travellers, RCA is one of the largest entertainment and clubbing streets of Bangkok. The street houses the well-known club, Route 66. Get your water gun ready and pack your valuable items in waterproof cases and head to Route 66 for Songkran. Try to reach there early evening to secure a desk, if you’re into drinking. If not, RCA is your late-night destination. Party there continues till early morning.

Nearby RCA this year, we also see trendy S2O Songkran music festival concert, which is one of the biggest EDM music festivals in Bangkok. The festival features world-class EDM artists as headliners, as well as Thailand’s rising local artists.

4. Songkran Up North

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For a combination of traditional and wild experiences in one place, we suggest you to head up north to Chiang Mai Province. This year, Chiang Mai will be hosting a traditional Lanna-style water festival from 13th to 15th April.

Traditional activities include making a merit, pouring water over the elderly, building sand castles, traditional Lanna art competition and water splashing around Moat, Thapae Gate and the Ping River.

5. Songkran at Pattaya and Chonburi Province While Songkran Festival elsewhere in the Thailand ends on the 15th of April, Songkran at Pattaya will only just begin. Songkran in Pattaya, or in Thai called “ Wan Lai”, takes place from 16th to 19th April. You can expect furious water fights in every corner of the city.

Aside from water fights, traditional celebrations will also take place in many districts, particularly at Bang San, where there will be sand castle building ceremony, sea boxing (Muay Talay) competition and other Thai traditional games. In Sriracha and Naglua districts, there’s a colourful rice parade along the city as part of Traditional Rice Harvest Festival ceremony.

It’s also intended to mark the end of Songkran Festival, which usually falls on 20th of April.

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01 Ladies dress in traditional Northern style splash water at each other in a temple.

02 Teenagers in Chaingmai province celebrate Songkran Festival around the moth.

03 A lot of local and foreigners, geared up with water guns, participate in water fight at Khao San road.

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travel

Nay Pyi Taw: More Than Just Empty Roads MYANMORE

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travel

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Although it is only 5 hours away from the financial hub Yangon, it has been more than two years since our writer’s last visit to this capital city. Unlike many others, we have no business with government officials nor do we ever think of going on a vacation there. But on this recent visit, to our surprise, we began to notice some light and vibrancy in the city once called a “Ghost Town”.

Here is an updated guide on what visitors can actually experience in Nay Pyi Taw. To get there: With a distance of around 326 kilometers by flight or 376 kilometers by car, the choice of transportation is up to you.

By private car, it will take approximately between four to six hours. By bus, travel time is around six to nine hours (prices range from USD 6 – 20).

If you fancy flying, there are more than 10 airlines, both domestic and international, which fly there regularly.

Round trip fares start from USD 200 and the flight usually takes between 30 minutes to one hour.

Recommended: For time efficiency and for most comfort and convenience, FMI Air would be our most recommended mode of transport. With wide seats and light meal service, attentive staff both on the ground and inflight, it’s no surprise FMI Air is the top choice of travelers heading to Nay Pyi Taw. You’ll also enjoy access to its boutique lounge at Yangon Domestic Airport and Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.

To sleep: The secret of Nay Pyi Taw lies in luxurious accommodations that come in cheap prices. You can get four- or fivestar facilities and services under USD 100 per night. Rooms are generally large, new with nice decoration — in both traditional and modern styles.

Recommended: Emerald Palace Hotel is equipped with four-star facilities, modern and well-decorated rooms

and surroundings, and is strategically located near shopping centres, as well as within short distance to ministries and most government offices.

All rooms and villas are designed to highlight modern art using a natural look and feel, but with state-of-the-art audio and visual systems.

selection of hotel restaurants and other existing eateries.

The hotel has 46 Deluxe Rooms, 6 Executive Villas, and 3 Family Villas.

Located within Rich Gems and Jewelry compound inside the gems and jewelry zone, The Teak offers authentic Thai dishes and Hong Kong-style seafood cuisine. The restaurant comprises two zones — the air-conditioned two-level teak house and an outside area at greenery garden by the pool.

The climaxes for the hotel are their long-stretched urban design outdoors pool and their superb traditional Italian cuisine at Emerald Restaurant, headed by a highly experienced Italian chef.

Address: Yaza Thingaha Rd., Myanmar Phone: +95 67 419 321

To eat: We have seen a growing number of restaurants and bars in Nay Pyi Taw, some of which are household names in Yangon, such as Korean restaurant Yoogane and Italian restaurant L’Opera. These certainly add to a wide

Recommended:

The Teak Royal Thai Cuisine & Hong Kong Seafood

Signature dishes for Thai cuisine include the famous Tom Yam Kung, Som Tam (Papaya Salad), Deep Fried Snapper with Fish Sauce and Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab with Garlic and Pepper.

Its Stir-Fried Noodle with Seafood Savory Sauce is highly recommended, as it’s not so common to find this dish in most Thai restaurants.

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travel you look – live music band outdoors or darts and table football inside.

The bar offers a wide selection of drinks that range from cocktail, wine, beer, whiskey and cognac to signature cocktails such as the Plum, Palace Sunrise, Jack&Rose, Green Line and A Reason to Lie (5,500 Kyats each), though classic cocktails are also available.

The restaurant caters European dishes with a choice of beef, lamb, salmon, spaghetti and some Thai-inspired Asian dishes.

Address: Near Thapyaygone, Pyinmana Phone: 09979068474 02

Breeze Bar

Hidden along Pan Ei Street, we were surprised to see a full car-parking lot on a Monday night, not knowing what to expect. It was modern on the outside, but homey and warm on the inside. Bamboo huts covered the tables as a live band played covers of old school Burmese songs. Two thumbs up for the live band. Cocktails are decent with reasonable prices.

If you want to experience local bar culture, Breeze is your place.

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Hong Kong-Style Seafood Cuisine serves proper fresh seafood, scrumptious beef brisket pot, tasty honey-glazed barbequed pork, braised abalone and many more. The star here is large King Prawn Sashimi served in a boat that leaves you in awe.

The restaurant is perfect for private and business lunch or dinner. It can host up to 200 people.

Address: The Rich Gems JM065, Gems and Jewelry Market Shwe Kyar Pin Quarter, Dekkina Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM – 10 PM Phone: 067-810-2067

To drink: Nightlife in Nay Pyi Taw is not as quiet as it seems. Driving around the city and beyond to nearby Pyinmana area, 32 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

we noticed entertainment complexes and karaoke venues hidden along the streets. That, as new bars are starting to pop up.

Recommended:

Royal Maharsan Bar & Restaurant near Thapyaygone Street Opened late last year, Royal Maharsan Bar & Restaurant has gained popularity among the locals traveling to Nay Pyi Taw due to its cool “Biker Theme” decoration and relaxed atmosphere.

The bar is divided into 3 zones — two-level private rooms zone made from containers, as well as an outside area and an indoor room. Hint: you can’t miss the Mini Cooper and the biker cloths. There is fun anywhere

Address: No. 3214, Pan Ei Road (Opposite of 145 KTV & Bar), Poung Long 2 Qut, Near with Bawga Thiri Highway Station, Pyinmana Phone: 067 26 122 Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm

To see: There may be no skyscrapers, rooftop spots, or ubiquitous modern architecture buildings in Myanmar’s capital, but it certainly has its own unique charms.

Gigantic 20-lane highways

You want to feel as if you own the roads? Have you ever dreamed of stopping in the middle of the roads, fooling around and taking photos? If you haven’t, make your dream come true in Nay Pyi Taw. You will get the gigantic 20-lane roads all to yourself without the disturbance of any car. As a reference, it’s wide enough for a Boeing jet to land.

Mount Pleasant Hotel

Situated on top of Pho Zaung Hill, 1,557 feet above sea level, Mount Pleasant Hotel is famous for its magnificent aerial view of the decade-old traffic-free city. We suggest you to visit Tower Viewpoint restaurant at the hotel in the evening to enjoy the breathtaking sunset view and a nice dinner.

To relax:

The Teak Spa & Fitness

The Teak Spa provides exclusive and authentic spa experience from Thailand to make you feel fully relaxed from head to toe. Whether it’s a quick head or foot massage, classic Thai Massage, or oil massage, The Teak Spa guarantees cleanliness and soothing atmosphere. The highlight here is its physiotherapy treatment, offered by experienced therapists, which works wonders in treating body aches or sports injury.

Pamper yourself with whitening facial treatment and wrinkle-protect treatment. They also have manicure and pedicure zone to keep your nails polished, neat and tidy.

The Teak Fitness is open for members and walk-in customers. Personal trainers are available upon request.

Recommended: The view from the Foot Massage Zone is stunning, overlooking a roundshaped pool and a garden.

Address: The Rich Gems JM065, Gems and Jewelry Market, Shwe Kyar Pin Quarter, Dekkina Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Opening Hours: Spa Daily 10 AM – 10:00 PM and Fitness 9 AM – 9 PM Phone: 067-810-2067

01 View from the Second Floor of the Teak Restaurant 02 Royal Maharsan Bar 03 Emerald Palace Hotel

beauty

Homemade Beauty Treatments Kate Dixon

Turmeric to whiten teeth

Why buy expensive beauty products when you can make your own at a fraction of the cost? Why use beauty products that may cause animal suffering when you can create your own without testing on animals? It’s easy to make your own face masks, teeth whitener and body scrub using inexpensive natural ingredients readily available in Yangon, such as aloe vera, avocado, papaya, turmeric and coffee.

I’ve sprinkled turmeric into my morning smoothies for years, as I’ve long known turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents disease and promotes good health. But I’ve recently started using turmeric to brighten and whiten my teeth. And it really works. It couldn’t be any easier.

Simply dip your toothbrush into some ground turmeric (I keep mine in a small tea cup) and brush over clean teeth. Let sit for three to five minutes, rinse well and then brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

All these plants are rich in antioxidants, natural substances that reduce inflammation and help prevent oxidation of molecules in our body. Oxidation releases substances called free radicals, which damage our cells and cause diseases.

Look around and you’ll discover thousands of natural antioxidant compounds at your disposal.

Avocados, for example, are a great source of lycopene and vitamin E. Papayas are rich with vitamin C and flavonoids. When applied to the skin, antioxidants can reduce wrinkles, firm skin, lessen the effects of acne and repair sun damage. As for the benefits of aloe vera, not much needs to be said.

It’s rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that prevents the growth of bacteria that cause infections and inflammation. When used regularly, aloe vera can reduce and prevent wrinkles by increasing collagen production. It also sooths sunburn and other skin irritations. The ancient Egyptians used it to reduce fever and treat burns and wounds. Cleopatra used it in her daily skin regimen.

As our largest organ, skin bears the most signs of ageing, so it’s only natural that we should take good care of it. Applying face masks made with natural ingredients is an effective and harmless way to protect our skin and combat the effects of ageing. My personal favourite is the aloe vera face mask, which I find to be the easiest to make and the least messy.

While it’s common to find natural components in many commercial beauty products, why not save money

by devising your own treatment at home? Read on to get ideas on how to get started.

Aloe Vera face mask

Cut off a long spine near the base, wash, and cut into chunks 4-5 inches long. Cut one section in half lengthwise to expose the jellylike insides. Rub the exposed side over your face and neck. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes and rinse off. That’s it!

If you wish, spoon the translucent gel into a small bowl, mash with a fork or blend, and spread it over your skin with your fingers.

Aloe vera also works well as a hair gel.

Simply work the gel into your hair as you would a manufactured hair gel.

I found it worked just as well. You can also make a healthy juice out of aloe vera by blending it with lemon or orange juice.

I bought a big hunk of aloe vera for MMK 1,000 from a woman near the intersection of Mahabandoola and 26th Streets. To store, scoop the gel into a glass bottle with a tight lid or cut the leaves close to the base of

the plant, wrap in plastic cling film or a plastic bag and store in the fridge, thorns facing up. Or, to have an ongoing supply, grow your own. I’ve seen aloe vera plants sold at the nurseries in Kandawgyi Park near Go Green, across from the Japanese Embassy.

Avocado face mask

To make an avocado face mask, cut the avocado in half and remove the seed.

Eat one half and scrape the creamy green flesh from the other half into a bowl. Mash well with a fork or use a blender (the smoother the paste, the easier it is to spread evenly). Smooth the paste evenly over your face and relax for 20 minutes or so for it to work its magic. Wipe the excess off with a tissue to avoid blocking your drain and then rinse off the remainder with water.

Papaya Face Mask

Cut a small papaya in half and remove the seeds. Save half to eat and spoon the flesh from the other half into a small bowl. Mash with a fork or blend until smooth. Spread over your face and neck and wait 20 minutes. Wipe and rinse.

Studies have shown that turmeric benefits overall oral health by reducing plaque, gingivitis symptoms and bacterial activity. To make turmeric mouthwash, add water to turmeric powder to make a thick paste, swish it around your mouth, spit and rinse.

Note that turmeric turns everything it touches bright yellow, though most stains are easily washed out. You can buy turmeric powder in packages from City Mart or in bulk at the Thein Gyi Market near 26th and Mahabandoola.

Coffee Foot Scrub

As I walk a lot in sandals, my feet get very dirty. I was delighted to discover that coffee grounds make an excellent foot scrub that cleans my feet and rubs away dead skin very effectively.

And it feels great. Simply soap your feet and the area around your ankles, then massage them with coffee grounds before rinsing. I recommend rinsing into a plastic tub and then pouring the water and grounds into the toilet, as the grounds may eventually block drains. You can also use the grounds to smooth your hands, elbows and other rough areas. You can even make your own exfoliating soap bar by pressing the grounds into a wet bar of soap. I like to scoop the grounds from my French press into a glass jar, which I then leave in the shower room, ready to use when needed.

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 33

profile

Q&A JEAN-MICHEL ROMON H E A D O F O P E R AT I O N S , MEMORIES GROUP Sondang Grace Sirait

He came, he saw, he stayed.

That’s how Jean-Michel Romon, Head of Operations of Memories Group got his start in the Myanmar tourism industry 20 years ago. As the founder of Asia Holidays, one of the leading destination management companies in the country, the Lausanne-born man has managed to put the spotlight on Myanmar. In 2016, Romon took over the operations of Balloons Over Bagan, while continuing to manage a handful of businesses that range from boutique hotels to cruise boats. Sondang Grace Sirait chatted with Romon on his work, passion and personal life.

What do you make of the current market in tourism?

The point I’d like to make is that we have to be realistic. When the country first opened in 2007, the military government claimed that Myanmar had four to five million tourists per year. The reality is that we have approximately one million tourists per year. Compared with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, we have huge work to do, because at the moment, we’re only using the big four – Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle.

If we want to increase the number of tourists, we need to add the number of attractions. We have huge poten34 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

tials – from the snow to archaeological places to beach holidays. We need infrastructure – road, airport, jetty and definitely hotels in different regions of the country.

What’s the trend like right now?

The classic tour is for an average of nine to 10 days – one night in Yangon, then two to three nights in Bagan, two to three nights in Mandalay and two to three nights in Inle. Some may extend and go to Ngapali, which is becoming more and more famous now. Most tourists now only do one night in Yangon. Yangon has lost a lot of tourism business, for two main reasons. One, I’d say, is bad long-term hotel vision, which has seen prices increasing by five to six times and now is suffering from over capacity. There’s also the problem with traffic and the fact that Yangon has fewer and fewer attractions. We’re losing the spirit of Yangon.

We should keep the identity and not copy paste from others.

How best to promote Myanmar tourism?

If you look at Tourism Authority of Thailand, they have so much power because they have so much money. How can we have this power to promote outside the country? Yes, everyone is doing promotion on a smaller scale. But at the end of the day, we’ll need a real global communication plan.

Is it true that the country is booming?

I’d say Myanmar is only starting. We may be booming in the next three to

four years. Everybody says Myanmar is the new El Dorado for investment, but we don’t have 1,000 new companies come and set up. The new government will take time to welcome huge companies with rules and regulations.

Tourists need time as well. I prefer we go slowly and correctly, rather than quickly and wrong.

Looking back to two decades ago, why did you leave the tranquility of Switzerland and relocated to this part of the world?

At that time I was only 20. I had studied in tourism industry, worked at a travel agency and also a newspaper. Like any young person, I wanted to travel.

We’d talked a lot about Myanmar back then, but not in a good way. I wanted to come see. So I did for 10 days and went around the country by bus. I remember the people were happy to see foreigners. Back home, I told myself I wanted to travel for one year.

But then I thought, why only one year?

Why not do something in Myanmar because there was nothing? Swiss people would love it because it was untouched. I stayed up all night trying to make up my mind – should I go or stay?

I didn’t sleep at all that night. In the morning I finally decided to go. I had a normal life like every Swiss person. I’d done my mandatory military service, I had my friends and I had my car, but then I sold everything, got 15 thousand dollars and came here.

How did you get started in the business?

At first I was staying at the Polo Guest House, paying four or five dollars per night. There was no hot water, but

it was nice. I then looked for ways to start a business, partnered with a local, and went around the country. We’d send reservations to Inle Lake by bus.

I’d pass a letter to the bus driver, give him a little tip and wait for the reply when he comes back the next day. Five months later I went back to Switzerland to try to sell trips to Myanmar.

It was a disaster. I was losing money and I really needed things to work out.

But still, I went back to Myanmar. The next time I returned to Switzerland, I walked straight into a big company and asked if we could do something together. I was in luck. I met someone who wanted to put an advertisement on the newspaper. We had been expecting to have two groups, around 15 to 20 people. One week later, I called back and the man said, ‘Oh, it’s great you called, because we had already sold two groups. We want to open three more groups’. That was the beginning for me. I had no more money problem. The hotels and the airlines started paying attention to me because I was bringing them clients.

Networking inside and outside of the country became easier.

What has kept you in Myanmar?

I love the place. It’s an adventure. In the beginning, it was hard to only have eight hours of electricity per day, living like the Myanmar people.

Then I met my wife, who had been working as a guide in Bagan. That also gave me energy to stay and continue the business. I met my wife two years after I came here. I’m also very close to Boris Grange. I don’t know if we could’ve survived without each other.

I once had dinner with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when she was first released. I asked her, “Daw Suu, I have a two-way ticket. Do I stay or do I go?” She looked at me and said, “Jean-Michel, as long as you can give good to our people, then you can stay. I believe I bring more good than bad. Myanmar gave me the chance to do that.

How do you spend quality time with your family?

I travel a lot, so I like to be quiet at my terrace, having dinner with family and friends. I also like to walk or go trekking.

gastronomy/mandalay

Raymond’s Food Cottage Susan Bailey European restaurants are on the rise in Mandalay with local residents, especially university students, taking a keen interest in western food. However, many have closed after just a few months in operation. Once the novelty of the new restaurant wears off, many diners return to their old Asian favorites or try other new venues.

We expected the worst from the Niçoise salad but were pleasantly surprised to find a huge plate of fresh lettuce, slices of boiled eggs and tomatoes. Instead of anchovies, canned tuna was used and although there was one (or possibly two) sliced olives, a lot of baby corn seemed to have been used as a substitute.

Raymond’s Food Cottage has bucked that trend, despite being located on a street surrounded by longer-running favorites like Royal Mandalay and Daung Lann Gyi. The restaurant, located near the city’s Education College, is approaching its second year and continues to draw a crowd.

The spaghetti Bolognese was a similar mix of East-meets-West with perfectly cooked noodles topped with a sauce that tasted like a cross between Shan khao sway and Bolognese.

The owner, Ma Thin Zar, dreamed of having a simple café when she was a child but over the years developed a fondness for western food. After a culinary course in Mandalay, she and her partner launched Raymond’s Food Cottage, a cozy restaurant serving Asian dishes as well as pizza, pastas, salads and western mains.

Atmosphere From the outside, Raymond’s tries to be true to its name with wood paneling and cute shuttered windows. The downstairs dining area has picnic-like tables and chairs with enough space to sit 30 diners at a given time. A small open-air terrace upstairs is a good option for cooler winter nights. The décor features a mix of brick and wood accented with hand-written signs, some trendy tchotchkes and artsy posters. The overall feel is like being at a friend’s house. It sits on the border of feeling ‘too cute’ but the owners have thankfully avoided the urge to over-decorate.

The Food The menu is divided in to a range of categories but each only featuring a few items. We ordered salad, pasta, Asian dish and – Raymond’s most popular item – pizza.

Next up was the pizza. Often a disappointment in Mandalay, Raymond’s was surprisingly good. The thin crust had just a hint of sweetness that was offset by the onions and mushrooms.

The ham was more akin to spam, but the overall combination was pleasant.

The Asian dish faired the best. The server recommended the ‘slice fish with herbs’, although struggled to explain what it was either in English or Burmese. It turned out to be a generous pile of firm white fish sautéed with kailan, a soy-based sauce and sesame seeds, served with steamed rice. The sauce was perfect – tangy and sweet with a touch of spice and sour – yet was cooked in a way that we could still taste the delicate flavors of the fish.

Our drinks – fruit juices and shakes – were served in mason jars. They were fresh and filling, almost a meal in and of themselves.

Final Thoughts Raymond’s Food Cottage is not a ‘foodie’ address but it is a good option for a casual meal with friends. With rotating weekly and seasonal specials, the menu stays interesting and has enough variety to please everyone in the crowd. The espresso-based coffee drinks and high quality fruit juices offer great value for money at afternoon tea time, although the lack of alcohol on the menu may be a deterrent for evening diners. In the future, Ma Thin

Zar has plans to offer take-away meals in eco-friendly takeaway packages – a great option to have when the rainy season calls for a lazy evening at home.

DETAILS Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM daily 32nd Street between 69th and 70th Phone: 09450999601, 09450999602

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 35

gastronomy/yangon

Seeds Restaurant & Lounge R.E. Saw Ever since its soft opening just a few weeks go, Seeds has had a full stream of guests every night. Owner Lucia Franziska is both pleased and genuinely surprised by the response.

“We had a group of famous Myanmar celebrities who came to dine the other day. I only realised that when my staff told me because I am not very familiar with them’’, she admitted sheepishly.

Franziska and her husband, Swiss Michelin Star Chef Felix Eppisser are not unfamiliar names in Yangon food scene. After all, they were the tenants of Le Planteur from 2011 to 2014 before venturing to Malaysia.

“My husband and I have been so lucky in our careers and we want to give back,” said Franziska.

Thus is the concept of Seeds, to establish a place of natural beauty, extraordinary culinary experience and personalized hospitality.

One way to describe Seeds is that it is a fine dining experience that is so warm and accessible at the same time.

Franziska’s discovery of a ‘Seed of Life’ symbol trinket in Bali was also the birth of the idea for the restaurant.

“The Seed of Life symbol is a harmonious yet powerful old symbol originating in sacred geometry. In combination with the protective square frame representing the 4 elements (water, fire, earth and air) it is the soul of our brand,” said Franziska.

This philosophy has been followed with attention to details from the interior of the building, settings, tables, cushion covers to the plates you will be served with. Franziska said it did not take long for her to get the idea to fruition, but to get them exactly as she wanted has been challenging. She scouted decoration from all over the world and worked with local girls to design cushion covers.

36 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

We sat by the Sunset Lounge to enjoy the breathtaking view of Inya Lake as one of the staff went around by the boat to light up the oil lamps by the lake for impending dusk.

We tried the Passion Whisky Fizz (USD 8) – a mix of Bourbon, Passion Fruit and Lime Juice – while enjoying the canapé. The experience is one not to be missed in Yangon. It is astounding how Seeds has managed to create this Paradise in the congested Yangon with such heavy traffic.

After the night has come, we walked back to the restaurant to have our dinner. You could easily see the kitchen, where the team headed by Chef Felix was busy preparing the orders.

The mood in the kitchen could be described as Hell’s Kitchen, though without the shouting and expletives.

You could tell Chef Felix is a strict man who does not raise his voice, but that his words are taken seriously. His team worked around him in almost military-like precision and he personally checked all the dishes before any of them left the kitchen.

We started off a cup of tomato soup with duck breast and peach, which

was absolutely delicious – rich but not creamy. I could not get enough of it. The next dish was Vegetable Salad (USD 12) with olives, feta cheese and black truffles. All the vegetables, by the way, are organic and locally sourced.

If you’re a fan of foie gras, you’re in for a treat. At USD 19, the combination of foie gras was simply outstanding. The medallion with caramelized pineapple was a bit too strong for me but my colleague was madly in love with the dish.

Felix’s truffle ravioli with truffle foam and leek (USD 18) was probably the weakest link of the set – best described as mild and safe.

Its lamb entrecote (USD 32), however, was a knockout. The lamb was wrapped in kale and mushrooms, which retain the juiciness and rids any gamey smell.

Our dessert Freshly Baked Chocolate Fondant (USD 14) was a pleasant surprise with its tangy and refreshing taste, thanks to a pleasant marriage between passion fruit and Chocolate.

We completed our dinner with Homemade Friandises.

Our overall experience was lovely to say the least. The only nagging feedback would be the waiting staff.

Franziska herself was an exceptional host, but her wait staff – despite being incredibly attentive – need to be better versed on the menu and the extensive wine list that are being offered.

However, we have faith that this will be easily solved in no time.

4 Stars $$$ Full Menu USD 75 A la carte dishes start from USD 12 All prices are subject to 5% government sales tax.

Opening Hours Monday to Sunday Lunch 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM (last order) Dinner 6 to 9:30 PM (last order) Sunset Lounge (dry season only) 11:30 AM to 11 PM Seeds Restaurant & Lounge No. 63A, U Tun Nyein Street, Ward 10, Mayangone Tsp. Phone: 01 655 900, 09 972 784 841 E-mail: info@seedsyangon.com Website: www.seedsyangon.com

gastronomy/yangon

Chin Ngan Sat Marie Starr

On a hot Sunday evening, there is barely a free table at Chin Ngan Sat, a Kachin Restaurant in Kandawgyi Park.

Couples, gaggles of teenagers and chatting families all gather under the hum of whirring fans and clattering cutlery.

Chin Ngan Sat meaning sour, salty, spicy is the second branch of Kachin restaurants run by a brother- sister duo hailing from Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State. However, the menu at Chin Ngan Sat is not strictly Kachin.

Chinese fusion dishes take a notable place and the restaurant owners have put their own spin on many national favourites.

Acknowledging that every region has its own style of mohinga, the Myitkyina mohinga served at Chin Ngan Sat is different to any other mohinga I have tried. There is no fish flavour and the gravy is lighter both in flavour and in richness. The addition of pickled vegetables is a tasty nod to Kachin State’s Shan neighbours. It is served all day - or at least until it runs out.

‘Granny salad’ is a delicious combination of textures. Toasted sticky rice and peanuts give the dish a good bite.

With these, bamboo shoots and noodles are tossed together with plenty of coriander, dried shrimp and fried onion. It’s a winner.

The classic Kachin fish is served in a banana leaf and doesn’t disappoint. It is warm and comforting and with just a little hint of spice. Though the portion was a little smaller than other restaurants, we had so many things to try that we weren’t left hungry.

My favourite was a Kachin-Chinese fusion salad called kaw bote salad. For this dish slices of sticky rice are fried until just the slightest crunch forms on the outside yet maintaining a gloriously melty glutinous texture in every bite.

It is tossed in a sweetish sauce with peanuts and plenty of sesame seeds to

balance out the texture. I will be back to order this again.

Juices are served in quirky glass bottles which I’m not sure are a Kachin thing but gives a modern and funky twist. The house special- an apple, carrot and orange combo- is very refreshing and oozes healthiness.

All in all, we were very impressed with Chin Ngan Sat’s diversity of flavours, fresh and wholesome ingredients and the brave twist it takes on Kachin food.

Details: Open: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM Between Kan Yeik Thar Road & Nat Mauk Street, Mhyaw Sin Island, Kandawgyi Park, Mingala Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon, Myannmar Phone: 09 778 86 5666, 09 787 86 5666

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 37

readers' voice

Portable fan.

— Aye M Darli

“I'll just have to stay inside and drink lots of water. Hand fan in one hand, and fruit juice in the other. But I might also go to Shan state and to the waterfalls to beat the heat.”

— Yu Thazin Thein

Before we go out, we apply sunblock ,wear sun glasses and carry an umbrella. Wear cottons.

Drink water.

— Andria Grace Lin

Stay out of the sun while at its hottest, Eat more tropical fruits to stay hydrated, choose cooling foods ,do not forget the sun screen , wear something loose or some comfortable clothes , keep your head covered and last sunglasses. ­— Alice T. Archer

Probably stay at home. Tons of movie + snack + cold juice during daytime and hydrate myself with a cold beer in the evening Heheh. ­— Kaungsu Lamin

How do you plan to cope with the heat this summer?

Wearing comfortable clothes, less makeup, drinking water to stay hydrated, hat if you go out during day time and sunglasses as well, ice cold tea/coffee cause its just ridiculously hot.

— Dolly Handerson

It's getting hotter and hotter every day as we're approaching summer. The temperature in Myanmar can go up to almost 40°C in April.

Blackout is expected.

With all these, we ask our readers "How do you plan to cope with the heat this summer?"

To get away from the heat, I will be at the mountains for holidays (Kalaw!). ­— Wut Yee Lay

I'll be at Nyaung Shwe.

— Aung Pyae

Of course, sunglasses, light clothes and hat/umbrella when we go outside. Furthermore, staying in shadowy places, getting hydrated, applying skincare, and stay tuned for water festival too. <­— Honey Soe 38 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

By going to where it's the hottest - to Ngwe Saung Beach.

— Hnin Wint Nyunt Hman

horoscope 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, 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 April.

Sunday

Tuesday

Rahul (Wednesday night before dawn on Thursday)

It is a period of good changes and improvements. Matters that should be done must be done daringly, without giving priority to own desires. People, who criticize you without ability, are to be ignored. Proceed with systematic work. Family members may be ill.

Loss of personal belongings may happen. There will be many rivals.

Present course of work will have to be changed. Improvements will be made due to the change. Talks concerning family housing problem and vehicles will have to be made. Speech will go far. Change in personal possessions and obtaining new possessions will occur.

You may face extreme mental fatigue. Emotional disturbances for others, not for the self, can be expected. Planned matters will be impossible to carry out.

Action must be done upon given situation, without taking time.

Minor accidents will occur. No right-hand man can be kept. Utmost care must be taken in investments. Money transactions must be made with great attention. No matter must be done if you cannot do it. Matters done by others will be unsatisfactory. They will not satisfy you. Patience is needed for present expenses. There is incoming money in the near future.

Emotional fatigue due to cases of others and of institutions and group may occur. Health must be taken care of again.

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

It is an exceptionally good period. Aims will be achieved. Goals will be more successful than you have been hoped. Satisfaction is expected in every deed. There will be Improvements in career and business. It is a suitable time to realize wishes and desires. Properties, which should have had, will be obtained. Events that should have been made will happen. Unnecessary expenses will have to be made successively. Final resolutions of difficult problems can be found. Luck is good in many matters. Desires and practice will go hand in hand. Investment will be advantageous. Expenses due to misfortune will be ended and good income, due to good for time, will occur.

Decisions will have to be amended. New course will give improvement. Important life concerning decisions will have to be made.

Situation is favorable for accommodation and to take new courses in business. Attacks will be encountered in every place and every decision taken. Improvement will be made due diligence and perseverance. Matters concerning journey will run smooth.

Improvement in life is foreseen.

Aims can be planned and carried out successfully. Good changes and improvement will be observed in social environment.

New aims and course will give improvement. Talk of money matter will be smooth. Situation is favorable to invent exceptional change of direction.

Good in every field. Desire will be fulfilled. Money matters and business can be improved due to systematic work. Improvement through rivalries is foreseen.

Wealth can increase. Co-operative work will be advantageous. Aims will be achieved. Money matters will improve. Loans and properties, which should have been regained, will return. Problems can be solved. Exceptional improvements will occur systematically. Ideas and plans should not be necessarily told to others. Brain thieves are at large. Matters must be done personally and practically.

There will be emotional disturbance. Right hand man will cause trouble. Family welfare is ill starred. Entering into contracts, taking responsibility for and money matters should be avoided. Money will not come in smoothly. What should surely to be had will be retarded. Matters will go smoothly only after emotional upsets. Matters difficult and unfeasible for others will be easy and feasible for you and what is easy and feasible for others will be difficult and unfeasible for you.

Right-hand man will cause trouble in succession. Matters done personally will go well. There will be improvement through critics.

There will be good changes. Races other than the self's will be advantageous. Overdue loans and properties will be gained in hand.

Journey matters are favorable. Investments condition will change.

Social environment will see changes for the better. Patiently long waited opportunity will arrive.

Course blocked will be responded.

Difficult matters can be carried out smoothly. Friendship with good people may be formed. New investments of money will be beneficial.

On the move will be advantageous.

Quarrels with close friends and beloved will be occurred. There will be slight ill health.

Friday Money will find its way out. Extra work for others will be experienced. Desires will be satisfied only after emotional fatigue. Difficult problems can be resolved.

Success in business is foreseen.

Good names can be gained. Own ideas should be successfully put into practice. Expansion in work is necessary. Aims will achieve the goal. Good ideas are coming up consecutively. Money will have to be spent for one thing after another. Parent or elderly member in family will suffer in ill health.

You have the desire to do more than you can. A speech should not be delivered in haste. Crocks, dishonest persons and brokers will cause great and lasting trouble.

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 39

sports/wellness

Sound Bite Exercise scientists have identified that fitness itself can be classified into nine components; they are mainly strength, power, agility, balance, flexibility, local muscle endurance, cardiovascular endurance, strength endurance and coordination. In sports, power is defined as the ability to exert maximum force as quickly as possible. But how is this applicable in our daily exercise routines? In this month’s article, we uncover the value of power training, its functional applications and how it adds depth to our active lifestyles.

What

Power is the ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements. Power training is aimed at increasing power, which is the product of both strength and speed. Optimal power reflects how quickly you can exert force to produce the desired movement.

Power is one of the most important physical attributes and important for success in many sports such as weightlifting, boxing and weight throwing.

Why

As stated above, power training enables an athlete to apply the supreme amount of their maximal strength in the shortest period of time. There are some of the benefits by regularly incorporating power training in the workouts:

• Improved reaction time; Partic•

•

•

ularly important in sports that require rapid directional change, Enhanced cardiovascular function; Power moves ‘teach’ the heart to pump more blood with each contraction and to return to pre-exercise heart rate more quickly after high intensity exercise, Increased strength; Most power exercises involve rapid contraction of the large muscles of the arms and legs, contractions that build and enhance ‘fast twitch’ muscle fibers, Elevated calorie burn (both during and after the workout); Using big muscles explosively increases the number of calories burned during the workout and up to 24 hours later (the ‘afterburn’ effect),

40 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

• Improved efficiency of move-

ment; Over time, the body learns to produce more force with less effort, thereby increasing endurance with the energy saved.

How

What are the optimal exercises for building power? How many sets and repetitions? The answer is based on the athletes’ training nature, age, basic fitness level, body type and their goal.

Usually the following format is employed; 4 – 5 sets of 3 reps, 5 – 6 sets of 1 – 2 reps or up to 7 – 8 sets of a single rep. Heavy weight, high sets and low reps are required to develop power.

Generally, power training can be categorized into upper body and lower body exercises. Below are examples of exercises which your neighborhood fitness club should be able to provide.

Upper body: Plyometric Pushups, TRX Inverted Row, Barbell Push Press, Medicine-Ball Slams.

Lower body: Box jumps, Weighted Squat Jumps, Weighted Split Lunge Jumps, Kettle Bell Swings.

A final piece of advice; “Don’t overdo it”. A little power training goes a long way. When done properly, training for power should involve near-maximal effort. Therefore, power exercises are done in low repetitions between rest intervals. We suggest that you schedule power exercises near the beginning of a workout, after a proper warm up, so that your fast-twitch muscles are fresh and ready for activation.

Here are some examples of power exercises which you can execute with ease.

1- Barbell Push Press Grab a barbell and hold it with a grip that is a little wider than your shoulder-width. You can also use dumbbells for this exercise.

Position the barbell just above shoulders with elbows close to your body. Bend your knees and lower your body into a half-squat position.

Push the weight over your head as you press through your heels to straighten your legs. Hold and slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position.

2- Box Jumps Position yourself in front of a box at an appropriate height for your ability. It's always better to start lower and work your way up.

Drop down into a half-squat position, and then quickly explode your hip and legs upward while swinging your arms in the air to propel yourself on top of the box.

Land softly on the box and come to a standing position. Slowly step off the box back into starting position.

3- Medicine-Ball Slams Start with the slam ball above your head. You can also use a sandbag as a substitute.

Using your body throw the ball straight down towards the floor with great force. Ensure your core muscles are engaged when doing so to prevent lower back injury.

4- Kettle Bell Swings Hold the kettle bell in both hands Position yourself by sitting back and bending at the hips, and then swing the kettle bell back and behind your knees.

Thrust your hips forward, squeeze your glutes, and stand up straight.

At the top of the swing, the kettle bell should go no higher than chest level.

References http://www.livestrong.com http://www.mensfitness.com https://elevenbyvenuswilliams.com https://www.brianmac.co.uk http://www.mindbodygreen.com http://www.muscleandfitness.com

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.

HOUSE OF MEMORIES RESTAURANT - (Food & Drink ) Total bill 5% discount JASMINE GARDEN RESTAURANT - 10% off on food 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 KKPOTS - 10% off total bill

CHATRIUM THE EMPORIA RESTAURANT - 10% saving on daily rate - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 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.

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

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

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) DIY Hot Pot & BBQ - 10% off on food only ( 11am - 5pm ) - Valid everyday - Advance Booking Required EDO ZUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT - 10% off total bill - Valid everyday, 1 group per card, advanced booking required.

EMPRESS RESTAURANT - 10% off total bill 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)

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 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.

THAI 47 - 10% off total bill in all branches - Everyday THAI FU RESTAURANT - 10% off on total bill - Everyday (11:00) am to (11:00)pm 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.

THE TAJ - 10% off total bill not valid with any other promotion.

- Everyday.

VINTAGE LUXURY YACHT HOTEL - 15% off food and drinks - Valid everyday, for 10 person!

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)

SI CHUAN DOU HUA - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required

CLUB RIZZOLI @ CHATRIUM - 20% saving on total bill - Valid on Saturday and Sunday, (10 pm onwards) - Up to 6 persons per card

GREEN ELEPHANT RESTAURANT (YGN, MDY, BGN) - 5% discount on total amount - Valid everyday

PORTERHOUSE - 10% discount on total bill for Lunch - Valid on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) - Advanced booking required

HOT STONE PIZZA - 10% off total bill not valid with any other promotion.

- Valid everyday

TAING YIN THAR - 10% off total food bill - Valid everyday, 15 persons per card.

CLUB 5 @ PARKROYAL - 15% off bottles of wine and hard liquor.

- Valid Monday to Friday, not valid for loose drinks

SHIKI TEI - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required

HARLEY’S - Buy a regular set meal menu and upsize it for free.

- Valid everyday, 2 person per card

SHAN KITCHEN - 10% off on total bill (exclude alcohol) - Valid everyday - Advanced booking required

SPICE BRASSERIE - 15% off food and drinks - Valid Monday to Friday, booking required

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.

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

Royal Jasmine Authentic Thai Cuisine - 10% discount (exclude drink) - Everyday

PASTAMANIA - 15% off all mains (Pasta & Pizza food offerings) - Dine in only.

J BAR - 10% off on food 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.

PORTICO RESTAURANT @ ROSE GARDEN HOTEL - 10% off daily Business lunch - Valid on food items only, on weekdays, 1 person per card.

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.

RAU RAM - One free beer or glass of wine with meal for parties two and above - Tuesday through Sunday.

UNION BAR & GRILL - Buy one get one free on Burgers - Only on 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.

FREEDOM CAFE SULE - 20% off total bill - Everyday JASMINE CAFE - 10% off total bill.

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.

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.

MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017 / 41

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 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 YVES Rocher Spa - 10% discount on total bill - Valid everyday, one person per card

GYM CHATRIUM HEALTH CLUB - 10 % saving rate - Valid all days - Advance booking is required - 2 persons per card TRAINING GROUND - 10% off all regular priced membership prices (can not be combined with others discount and promotion)

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

ACTIVITY YVES Rocher 10% discount on all products Valid everyday, 1 person per card 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

42 / MYANMORE magazine #6 Apr 2017

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 INLE LOTUS HOTEL - 20% off total bill, incl Ticketing, Rentals, Trekking.

- Valid everyday, 3 rooms per card, booking required NAN MYAING (PYIN OO LWIN) - 15% off walk in rates - 10% off dining ORCHID HOTEL - 15% off walk in rates - 10% off dining 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 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 VINTAGE LUXURY YACHT HOTEL - 10% off all room rates - Valid everyday.

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

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

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

Enjoy greater discounts and privileges with your MYANMORE Card.

Learn more on www.myanmorecard.com