MYANMORE: Weekly Guide to Yangon - 24 April 2015

24 - 30 APR 2015

weekly guide

editor’s note Hello MYANMOREans Welcome back from a long holiday!

I had a great time back home. It was a long trip back, but it was worth the 30 hours of travel time. I ate and drank too much, rested well and let our folks pamper us as if we were kids. We caught up about our lives and chatted way into the night, we laughed about silly things , and we held our breaths just watching the sunset.

Yes, it was good to be home and spend some time with the family. I hope it was the same for you too. I hope, wherever you were and whatever you did, was what you had wanted it to be; now you’re back rested, energised and all geared up to go.

Let’s not let moments pass us by. Go get ‘em!

what’s on FRIDAY 24TH APR NET’NIGHT # 2 | BUSINESS

For the second time, Building Markets organises a networking event called Net’Night#2. This is going to held every last Friday of the month.

Creating this event is for small and medium business owners, entrepreneurs, project holders, enthusiastic individuals to participate, discuss and hear from the business world, SME sector, the civil society or the associative sector. FREE event, snacks will be provided. ? The Phayre’s Gastronomy - 292, Pansodan St,(Near Ruby Mart) | P 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA SEMINAR | EDUCATIONAL

In The Good Universities Guide 2014, the University of South Australia is the highest ranking South Australian University in the graduate outcome category of ‘Getting a Full Time Job’.

Speaker: Ms Angela Mules, Regional Manager (University of South Australia).

Register: http://goo.gl/9RyZjN. ? EduLink Australia - Junction Square, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P FROM 1:30 PM

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what’s on ST. GEORGE’S DAY | social

Friday 24th Open House from 4pm. Celebrate St. George’s Day with Brit pop soundtracks, extended happy hours (4 -8 pm) and traditional pies and ales available. ? The British Club - Alan Pya Pagoda Road | P 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SATURDAY 25TH APR YANGON HASH HOUSE HARRIERS SATURDAY RUN | ACTIVITIES

The Yangon Hash meets every Saturday at 2:45 PM. The meeting point is on University Avenue, about 300 metres from Hledan Junction (where University Avenue intersects with Pyay Road) at the main entrance to the old university. Run fees are 4,000 Ks. ? Yangon University- University Rd, Between Inya and Pyay Rd | P 2:45 PM - 8:00 PM

BUSINESS MODEL DEVELOPMENT TALK | BUSINESS

Know the Business Model. Comprehend theories for practical moves.

A talk on business model-centred approach to transform ideas into business projects. Seats are limited. Please register at: https://www. eventnook.com/…/bmdfreetalkconnectinstitute/home ? CONNECT Institute - 3A Pansodan Business Twr, Cnr of Anawrahta rd and Pansodan St | P 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

LIVE JAZZ | NIGHTLIFE

Live JAZZ music in the evening at Sky Bistro Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy the musical performance of Mr. Barsogay and his crew and you enjoy the view and the cuisine. ? Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro - 20th Fl Sakura Twr, 339 Bogyoke Aung San rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

what’s on DEE.F - NIGHTLIFE

MOJO is pleased to welcome Dee.F for a special DJ night at MOJO. Founder of Hanoi Rock City, the very first and still most prestigious and independent live & electronic music venue in the capital of Vietnam, Dee.F plays with sounds to bring the best of Techno Music to Yangon!

7,000 Ks one drink included. ? Mojo - 135 Inya road, Bahan Tsp (Opposite Savoy Hotel) | P FROM 10:00 PM

SUNDAY 26TH APR 5TH MYANMAR COSPLAY & OTAKU FESTIVAL | ART & STAGE Pre-tickets already sold out. Tickets available at the event. The plans of the events are shopping time, performance of local cosplayers and guest cosplayers, cosplay costume show, quiz, lucky draw and awarding ceremony. ? MICT Park - MICT Park, Hlaing Tsp | P 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

FOR ALL ETERNITY | HTAR WARA ASONE TAING | WEDDING FAIR 2015 | ART & STAGE

Planning your own wedding soon but have not made any preparations?

Come to the Wedding Fair at Sule Shangri-la Hotel and be mesmerised by the ideas and packages to make your big day a special one.

Show I - 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Min Thet San, Forever Wedding Studio Show II - 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Pyae Soe Aung, Khin San Win, 7 Picture Show III - 6:30 -8:00 pm: Mogoke Pauk Pauk Confirmed bookings on the same day will enjoy a chance to win honeymoon trips to selected Shangri-La hotel destinations and a 10% discount voucher! ? Sule Shangri-La Hotel - 223 Sule Pagoda Rd (opposite Sakura Tower) | P 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

NOISE ABOVE YANGON | ART & STAGE

An Evening of Experimental Sound and Improvisation. [ R.A.T. ] – M.É.X.I.C.O Open call for artists, curators, critics, cultural agents and theorists who wish to develop projects in Mexico City and Acapulco Guerrero during mid 2015 and 2016. All interested in participating may request the full open-call and application form. Please write to [ R.A.T. ] – CIUDAD DE MéXICO, r.a.t.residencias.artisticas@gmail.com ? Pansodan Scene - 144 Pansodan, second floor ( across from the Ganesh Temple)

JAP-HOP | NIGHTLIFE

Mr.Y is spinning the best Japanese Hip Hop tunes. Crazy dancers from the land of the rising sun. Specials on drinks and Japanese food.

Shake your Sunday! Free entry! ? MOJO - 135 Inya road, Bahan Tsp (Opposite Savoy Hotel) | P 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

what’s on MONDAY 27TH APR PIANO LIVE MUSIC BY BONNY | ART & STAGE

Live music every Wednesday by Mr. Bonny and Friends at Sky Bistro, 20th Floor of Sakura Tower which has the best restaurant view in Yangon. Reserve in advance for good seats! ? Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro - 20th Floor Sakura Tower, 339 Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P FROM 7:00 PM

SALSA | ACTIVITIES

Salsa at Club 5, located at the basement of the Parkroyal Hotel is now on from Monday. For enquiries please contact 09262277338. ? PARKROYAL HOTEL- 33, Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Tsp | P FROM 7:00 PM

TUESDAY 28TH MAR WINE DEAL | NIGHTLIFE

Tuesday crazy Wine deal! Nothing’s better than sharing a bottle of wine with good friends. All wine bottles sold at half price. ? Mojo - 135 Inya road, Bahan Tsp (Opposite Savoy Hotel) | P 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

WEDNESDAY 29TH APR BUSINESS MODEL DEVELOPMENT TALK | BUSINESS

BMD Free Talk @ Myanmar Metropolitan College. Know the Business Model, Comprehend theories for practical moves. Model-centred approach for comprehending innovation theories for practical moves.For more info: Humblelab - 09 799 455845 ; 09 540 8722 ? Myanmar Metropolitan College - MMC City Campus.47/48,Bahosi Building, Lanmadaw Tsp | P 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

JAZZ MUSIC AND DINNER | DINING

Jazz music every week in Yangon is possible now @ IFB! Every Wednesday, come & enjoy a great dinner in a friendly musical atmosphere at The Rendez-Vous from 7.30 p.m. ? The Rendez-Vous - Institut Français de Birmanie, 340 Pyay Rd | P 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

what’s on THURSDAY 30TH APR WHISKEY TASTING EVENT | SOCIAL

Whiskey Tasting Evening with James Erskine guiding us through six carefully selected whiskeys; get to try six accompanied with snacks & good conversation, $20 per person Please email or book in advance britishclubrangoon@gmail.com ? British Embassy Club - Between Alan Pya Pagoda Road and Gyo Phyu Road, Dagon Tsp | P FROM 7:30 PM

TACO BAR BUFFET | DINING

Their famous Taco Bar buffet at the 1st floor, Mindon Lounge, is on every Thursday . Don’t forget to book your table under events.tgr@ belmond.com or +95 (1) 229 860 ? Belmond Governor’s Residence - 35, Taw Win Rd (Near American Center) | P 6:30 PM -9:30 PM

FOLK ON FIRE WITH L’N’R BAND | NIGHTLIFE

From Folk to Reggae, oldies to recent tunes, Left ‘N’ Right Band will light up your night! Free entry. ? Mojo - 135 Inya road, Bahan Tsp (Opposite Savoy Hotel) | P FROM 9:30 PM

FOR MORE UPDATES GO TO MYANMORE.COM/YANGON

art & culture

THE CROSS-SECTION OF HALF A CENTURY: LOKANAT GALLERIES

BY BORBÁLA KÁLMÁN ON There is a gallery in Yangon that not only provides new exhibitions almost every week, bringing fresh talents to the surface as well as reviving the work of elder masters, but also allows a genuine trip to the past when one visits its space.

A more classical solo show, interior of artist Kyee Myintt Saw’s exhibition, Lokanat, April 2014 As most of the Yangon exhibition places, Lokanat Galleries is located on one of the upper floors of a Downtown building. The journey starts as soon as one enters Pansodan Street No 62; just take a look at the extravagant, imported original tiles! Formerly known as Sofaer’s Buildings or Randeria House, today the edifice is mostly referred to as ‘Lokanat Building’. The majestic late Neo-Renaissance structure, erected in the first decade of the 20th century is the result of the ambitious dream of Isaac A. Sofaer, a Baghdad-born Jewish trader who arrived to Yangon as a kid. Since its first days, the building has been housing numerous types of shops and businesses, among its residents were the Reuters Telegram Company and German photographer Philip Klier. After World War II, some government related offices sadly replaced these. In 1969, one of the locations used by an Indian-owned sugar mill company was about to be handed to the respective ministry when a small group of determined men had the pioneer thought to turn it into a gallery. After two years, during which the space was closed for reconstruction, Lokanat Galleries opened in 1971 thanks to the efforts, amongst others, of U Ba Than, U Ye Tun and KT U Tint Lwin who, till today, teaches English and Law in a small office at the back of the gallery. Diplomats and ambassadors were invited to the opening where they strolled around together with the art scene’s main representatives. A historical moment it was; today, it is the only gallery in town that has continuously been functioning since 44 years.

Lokanat Galleries, one of the ‘ancestors’ of all Yangon galleries is a busy space, booked ahead for a whole year if not for more. It is a community-run place of prestige; enabling artists with most various artistic approaches to showcase their works to the world. Thousands of stories and secrets are held by the walls of the deteriorated building, which still guards the dignity of its luxurious past. The unavoidable, essential Lokanat Galleries is the art space from where most of the artist of the Myanmar art scene have made their first steps.

1st Fl., No 62, Pansodan Street (Lower Block), Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon +95 1 382 269 | Open 9:00am – 5:00pm daily

photo of the week

Burmese Parasol Workshop in Pathein Juan Gallardo http://www.myanmartravelessentials.com/

new openings

THE FAT OX The Fat Ox, located on 50th street, middle block, is a British-style bar. Guests can enjoy playing pool and British music. ? 50th Street (middle block), Botahtaung Township  09970793063​

COUSINS GRILL AMERICAN RESTAURANT Cousins Grill, now located at downtown, has also opened a new branch at Kandawgyi Park. Down the road from Royal Thai and across from Fun Food Centre. They serve American and Mexican food such as burgers, steaks, burritos, nachos and more.

KANDAWGYI BRANCH

? Karaweik Nature Park ( near Tower Island, Myar Sin Kyuhn), Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township  09 793730069

BOGALAY ZAY branch

? 138 Bogalay Zay Street, Botahtaung Township  09792236722

FRESH KITCHEN CATERING

Fresh Kitchen Catering provides great service whilst maintaining the highest quality of catering for your event. They offer the largest selection of food types available in Myanmar, whether it be from European, Chinese or Myanmar, they can specialize to your needs. ? 1st Floor, Danathiha Centre, Bo Gyoke road, Lanmadaw Township  09975555391 Image Credit: http://www.chimichanga.co.uk/news/view/ariba-a-new-opening-in-wandsworth

top gourmet coffee places Just a few years ago, it was hard to get good coffee in Yangon. As more cafes and coffee speciality places pop up, Yagonites are demanding better coffee that meets international standards. Good coffee takes a lot of effort and time. Many factors affect the taste of the coffee—the quality of coffee planted, the altitude where the coffee is grown (the higher altitude, the better), the blend, how it’s grown (organically grows packs in more flavours than ones grown with chemicals), the roast and the freshness. In Yangon, you can be best assured that you will get gourmet coffee from these cafes that will not disappoint.

ANANDA COFFEE AND COCOA

Ananda coffee and cocoa is a café/restaurant that offers organic, Arabica coffee harvested from their own plantation near Pwin Oo Lwin in Myanmar. You can also buy whole or ground coffee beans to brew in the comfort of your home. ? Shop No.G-06,Market Place by City Mart (Dhamazedi Road), Yangon  01523840 Ext;106 P 9:00 am – 10:00 pm Daily

BARISTA LAVAZZA

Barista Lavazza is the exclusive seller of Lavazza brand coffee in Myanmar. Prepare to sip on finely ground espresso and excellent capuccino and coffee brewed to perfection. ? No.16, Kyaik Ka San Road (In front of labour hospital), Tamwe Township  018604415 P 8:30 am – 11:30 pm

COFFEE CIRCLES

? 107 (A) Dhammazedi Road (near Savoy Hotel), Kamaryut Township  01525 157 P 7 am - Midnight Daily

GENIUS COFFEE

A coffee for a good cause, Genius coffee has its own plantation in the Shan highlands and supports the Danu community by providing them with training on how to harvest coffee that meets international standards. ? No.220, 31st Street (street directly behind Sule Shangri-La Hotel), Pabedan Township  01373375, 09421068935 P 9 am - 9 pm

LA TARTINE

LA TARTINE is a French bakery and coffee place. They serve high-end coffee as well as baguettes, real French croissants with real French butter, desserts, sandwiches and hot paninis. ? Pearl condo A, Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Township  01557448 Ext. 858, 09421061465 (Owner’s Number) 7 am – 8 pm (Monday through Friday) 8 am – 8 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

YANGON BAKE HOUSE

Yangon Bakehouse is a social enterprise that supports disadvantaged women by providing them with the skills necessary in to sustain their livelihood. In addition to freshly-brewed coffee, they also serve sandwiches, cakes and bakeries. ? Pearl condominium, Block C, Ground Floor, Bahan Township  01557448 Ext;818 , 09250178879 P 7 am to 7 pm (Mon to Sat), 7 am to 2 pm (Wed), Sunday closed

BAR BOON COFFEE

Bar Boon is a Dutch espresso bar with an outdoor patio that looks out to the busy streets. Their speciality is Illy coffee and they also serve croissants, muffins, cookies and smoothies. ? 380, Bo Gyoke Aung San Road (near Bogyoke Aung San Market, just outside FMI centre)  09420321058 P 8 am to 9 pm (8 am to 7 pm on Saturday) | Starting from $1

gallery

Thingyan Fight @ Thuwanna National Stadium 11th April 2015 Photos by The Pictureman

review

WINDERMERE HILL CAFE MIDTOWN HIDEAWAY

BY MAX TOOMEY

WHAT IT IS Nestled on the quiet, S-shaped Chindwin road, just off of the ever busy U Wisara, the Windermere Hill Café is an island of calm in the turbulence of traffic that surrounds it. The menu aims for simple, good food in a pleasant space.

ATMOSPHERE As it is set a little way off the Chindwin road itself,it’s very easy to imagine you’re in the middle of nowhere. The surrounding is quiet; a small garden area, complete with singing birds and jovial squirrels is bounded by a series of interlinked units ranging in décor from the kitsch to chic coffee house. The Windermere feels a world away from the chaos of the city about it.

RECOMMENDATION The Windermere feels like primarily a coffee house and both the coffee and frappes are very good. The food doesn’t make a wild leap into the unknown, going more for tasty comfort foods. Whilst pastas are decent fare the all-day breakfast is the big draw.

The English breakfast is testament to the time that owner Thein Thein spent in the UK. The hash brown was lovely and crisp, the home-made baked beans a far cry from the canned variety and far better for it. One has a choice of bacon or sausage to go with the latter. Whilst there was too little meat on the rashers, the sausages were great.

For a quick, healthier snack the salads should not be missed. The Greek salad, with feta, tomato, onions lettuce and olives didn’t knock you into next week but was an excellent reasonably priced option for those that might not want breakfast at lunch.

A wide variety of frappes, teas and coffees are available – for an extra 50 cents you can even get Starbucks coffee…

LAST THOUGHTS The small rooftop and charming garden make this a perfect spot to spend a time unwinding, and high tech coffee machine (manned by people who know how to use it) makes it a great place to spend the day (they Wi-Fi’s pretty good too). For those looking for a meeting space there’s even a small conference room with a projector. Not the place I’d take a date but definitely somewhere to go with friends or by yourself to get things done.

63 Chindwin road, ( Near The Blazon Condo at U Wisara road) Kamaryut Tsp | Phone: 0978797620 | Daily 7am to 9pm

myanmore card deals wtc

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Select Boutique the Thirpyisaya Jewels & Textile

10% discount on Barista & Bakery and all classes Valid for one pax per card.

Check class schedule before reservation.

10% off on Jewelry everyday.

Shop is closed on Tuesday.

10% Discount on all coffee menus Valid for 2 pax per card daily.

No.9 Inya Road, Kamaryut Township Tel : (95-1) 525-001

Room No. Ga-30A, Building E, Pearl Condo, Bahan T/S

BUY YOUR MYANMORE CARD HERE!

• 50th Street Bar

• Balance Fitness

(Avenue 64 Hotel) • Monument Bookstore

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See www.myanmore.com/yangon/card/ for more card deals

emergency numbers POLICE STATION : 199 /01549309 FIRE STATION : 191 / 01252011 / 01252022 AMBULANCE : 192 TOURIST SAFETY UNIT : 01642742 / 01549209 TOURIST INFORMATION : 01252859 / 01378376 YANGON GENERAL HOSPITAL : 01256112 / 01265131 HOTLINE NUMBER : 1876

about us Myanmore Yangon is your entertainment and lifestyle guide to Yangon.

We provide daily updates of events, full scale directory, editorials, photos and much more. ) www.myanmore.com | f Facebook.com/Myanmore @ Info@Myanmore.com | B Myanmore.com/Newsletter For advertising or other queries you can also call 09 2507 36695, 01 375680

This WEEK’S photo Artist Aung Kyaw Hein. Image courtesy of Pansodan Gallery. | ) www.pansodan.com