MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 26th April to 2nd May 2019

Take me!

APRIL 26 - MAY 2

Perfect places to visit during the green season

The women riders world relay

The Pansodan

Weekly Guide

EAT 26th Fri

Asian Market Buffet Dinner Visit Asian Market to eye on a wide selection of Asian Specialities buffet at a price of US$ 18 nett with free flow of soft drinks or US$ 23 nett with free flow of soft drinks and draught beer, US$ 25nett with free flow of soft drinks, draught beer and wines. Experience a true Asian Specialities on Fridays. ? MiCasa Restaurant & Bar - No.17, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Yankin Tsp | P 6:30 pm - 10:30

28th Sun

Sunday Boutique Brunch at Savoy Hotel Enjoy mouthwatering culinary creations designed by the Head Chef Florian Eberhardt accompanied by unlimited drinks from Savoy cellar at US$ 54 net per person for a boutique package including free flow of house wines, prosecco, draft beer, and fresh juices. ? Savoy Hotel Yangon - No.129, Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Tsp | P 12 pm - 3 pm

30th Tue

Joint European Chambers Networking Join like minded professionals from the seven European Chambers for an evening of networking and business mingling to expand your business network. As they expect a high turnout for this event, registrations are mandatory and will be closed once they have reached capacity, after which a waiting list will be implemented. Cost to Members is 15 USD and Cost to Non-Members is 25 USD. ? MPullman Hotel Yangon - Central Tower, Sule Pagoda Rd, Pabedan Tsp | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

26th Tue

Comedy Under The Stars

DRINK

A movie night by the pool under the stars with refreshing drinks and delicious food.

Food & Beverage Menu: 4 USD Net - 3 hours free flow of soft drink 2 USD Net - Basket of Popcorn 20 USD Net - Selection of BBQ Platter (for 2 persons). ? Novotel Yangon Max - No.459, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Wine and Dine with Allegrini Family at SEEDS The Allegrini family has played a leading role in the history of Veneto since the 16th century and has passed the culture of wine-making from generation to generation. It is a great honor to welcome personally Marilisa and Carlotta Allegrini together with Anna Lucic from the Allegrini family at SEEDS. For Reservation please contact to 09 972784841. ? Seeds Restaurant and Lounge - No.63(A), U Tun Nyein St, Mayangone Tsp | P 6 pm - 9 pm

29th Mon

Australia Wine & BBQ Discover special wines selection from Australia at Le Cellier and enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ with 30$ NET per person. Book now H9045FB6@accor.com or call 09- 251185973, 09- 967689949 for reservation. ? Le Cellier - 14th Floor of Novotel Yangon Max, Kamaryut Tsp | P 7 pm - 9:30 pm

2nd Thurs

Social Mic on Thursday at Time Out Unleash your vocal talent at our Social Mic. Sing a song or two, the crowd will love it too. Come have fun and enjoy 50% on drink/food menu. ? Time Out Sports Bar - 5th floor of Novotel Yangon Max, Kamaryut Tsp | P From 8 pm

26th Fri

Havana Night: New Menu Launching & DJ Eric

GO

Grab your Sundresses, Guayabera Shirt & Fedora and celebrate the New Year - Cuban Style. Join for their First Annual HAVANA NIGHTS. HAVANA NIGHTS celebrates the music and flavors of Cuba and Americas and for the second 2019 Havana night will we are launching our new menu with inspired flavors from Americas and Meditteraneans.

Aung Myo Oö alias Dj Eric will heat up the dance floor from 10PM with latino vibes. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, BarGaYar St, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 7 pm

Shapes - The Return Shapes is back this Friday 26th at Escape Bar’s new sound system. London’s, LEYLINE will be joining the roster dropping some eclectic beats.

From garage classics to Bristol wimpy bass, expect some bassey vibes and a good party. Kicking off at 11pm. Drinks specials at the bar. ? Escape Gastro Bar - 31D, Kan Yeiktha St, Mayangone Tsp | P From 11 pm

26th - 28th

Myanmar Auto Sport & Drift Championship | Automobile Yangon largest auto sports show will be held at Thuwunna Bumi Event Park for 3 days. You can go and watch drift race and time attack. ? Thuwunnabhumi Event Park - Thanthumar Rd, Between Shwe Ingyin Housing & Chanthar Gongyaung housing, ThinganGyun Tsp | P 10 am - 8 pm

27th Sat

International Jazz Day Myanmar YJoin for the celebration of International Jazz Day on Saturday, 27th April, from 7 pm at an open-air, family-friendly concert sponsored by UNESCO, at the French Institute on Pyay Road. Bring your dancing shoes, a mat to rest on between jigs, and enjoy an evening of great jazz music and fun with family and friends. We will be asking for a small entry fee of Ks 2000 to support the local musicians. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Please join International Jazz Day and celebrate an art form which promotes peace, respect for diversity and dialogue among cultures. ? Institut Français de Birmanie - No.340, Pyay Rd, Sanchaung Tsp | P 7 pm - 11:59 pm

FAB 85 - Club night for LGBT and their friends FAB hope you all had a good Thingyan break. Their regular FAB is on April 27. See you all there for a drink , a dance or a flirt. Entry fee is 5,000 Kyats. ? Club Pyrite - No.37, Kabaraye Pagoda Rd, near Inya Lake Hotel, Mayangone Tsp | P 10 pm - 3 am

GRRRL POWER (Female Hip Hop Concert) Women artists in Myanmar lack the opportunity to express freely their art. Join for the event they have called GRRRL Power organized by Turning Tables Myanmar with the support of the Goethe-Institut to raise the role of women artists in Myanmar, enhance freedom of expression and build a better understanding. Three consecutive events one each month starting in April and going until June 2019. ? Goethe-Institut Myanmar - Corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd and Nat Mauk St, BahanTsp | P 6:30 pm - 11 pm

Disco Night Disco anyone? Shake your body to the disco tunes of the 70’s and 80’s.

Join for dinner and stay for the party. Music by Dj Eric. For reservation please contact to 09 771239924. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, BarGaYar St, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 7 pm

The Burma Cartel Vol.11 There’s nothing more Burmese in April than Thingyan. And there’s nothing more Burmese in April than The Burma Cartel in Yangon’s House/ Techno Scene. Come get your fresh ones under the influence of pure House and Techno cooked by your favorites, W-A.I., Leonium and DCTR. Entry fee is 10,000 kyats and call 09 254 272 460 for reservation. ? LEVEL 2 - Yangon International Hotel Compound ,DagonTsp | P From 10 pm

28th Sun

Bohemian Chic White Party Seeds Restaurant present Bohemian Chic White party working together with COAR. Come and hang out the last sunset party of the season. You can enjoy Live DJ ANA RED and DJ Fisewook, Flash Tattoo with Face Paint Station, Firedancer, Bohemian Decoration and much more. Price is 45 USD per person. RSVP: 09 97 27 84 84 1. ? SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge - No.63/A, U Tun Nyein St, Ward 10, Mayangone Tsp | P 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Sunday Tango Practicas & Milonga Sunday Tango Practicas & Milonga at Club Rizzoli. Join every Sunday and enjoy one of the most beautiful dance styles in the world – TANGO Practicas & Milonga. Free lesson with Jeffery at 08:00 PM to 09:30 PM. Unleash your body and dance the night away at their fun and exciting Practicas meet up. Beginners are welcome. ? Club Rizzoli At Chatrium - No.40, Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp | P 8 pm - 11:30 pm

29th Mon

G Talk Yangon: The art of perfumery & its benefits Sunday Tango G Talk is a short FREE seminar created to spread knowledge and inspire people in the city. Taking place at Babett, they host speakers to come and share their knowledge in line with topics reflecting Hotels G’s DNA: Fashion, Design, Arts, Music, Entertainment, Sustainability, Travel, F&B and Culture. For more information please contact marketing@hotelgyangon.com. ? Hotel G Yangon - No.5, Alan Pya Pagoda St, Dagon Tsp | P 4 pm - 6 pm

30th Tue

Party of Thrones The Penthouse & SFM Yangon are back with their big party of the season so, Game of Thrones lovers get ready. This is a treat for you all! One more dance to the beats of GOT. DRESS CODE: Your favourite Game of Thrones’ characters. Entry fee is 5,000 kyats. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, BarGaYar St, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 9 pm

1st Wed

Drop Pool Party at Grand Mercure With Thingyan holiday over and everyone back in town, Grand Mercure is arranging an upbeat pool party to celebrate the final part of the dry season. Relax and unwind by the pool with friends and enjoy: Free flow Beer, Cider and Soft Drinks, BBQ Buffet, Four DJs and of course free use of the pool. Call 09 77 900 3702 for ticket information. ? Grand Mercure Yangon Golden Empire - Corner of Myittar and Tha Khin Phoe Hla Gyi Rd, South OkkalapaTsp | P From 4 pm

DISCLAIMER Information as of 9th April 2019. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated Information, please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/ events

GUIDE

Perfect places to visit in Myanmar during the green season Traveling in Myanmar from May till September is picture-perfect as it is the right climate for a variety of experiences. Which is also the time you can urge your friends and family to book flights out to visit as the sun still shines, temperatures dips without being cold, and the lush landscapes up-country are in vibrant shades of green.

Edwin Briels, who likes to be a tourist in rainy season (green season as he claims) gives his best-kept secret list to explore the wonders of Myanmar with 10 clear advantages for tourists to visit Myanmar:  50 Shades of Green (from paddy fields to forest)  Not too hot in the dry zone, not too cold in the mountains  More sustainable (support people to earn a stable, year- round live able income)  Longer days with daylight hours for sightseeing (early sunrise, late sunset)  No dust  Stunning landscapes  Fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce at its most flavourful  No queues (or other tourists photo-bombing your selfies)  Your preferred room/ hotel/ guide will be available  Excellent value for money with good promotions It is a misconception that storms tear through all of Myanmar which really is just dreadful for people in Yangon. Statistically it turns out that the key tourist hubs – Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake – only see rainfall on 25% of all “rainy season” days. Even then, the rains are often brief spells and in the evening, not quite enough to deter a holiday-goer.

When planning your itinerary around Myanmar, it’s good to keep this in mind and spend most of your days in places North of Yangon, including Hsipaw, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kalaw, Loikaw, Keng Tung, etc.

The Mon & Kayin state will get a few extra heavenly drops but nothing that would really ruin your sightseeing. In fact, kayaking through the paddy fields is at its best from June onwards, when water levels are decently high and paddy fields adequately green.

A word of caution to avoid Ngapali beach simply because it’s miserable being on a beach if the sun is not shining. Save your visit to Ngapali for October – May when it’s dry and sunny.

Edwin mentioned his favourite place to visit in the green season is definitely Bagan which is so nice and quiet without hoards of tourists, and photographs show greenery rather than dried out shrubs! A perfect weekend escape to Bagan doesn’t need to be expensive – take overnight bus to Bagan on Friday (or the Saturday morning flight) and spend the day with a local expert on electric bikes to discover the hidden temples of Bagan that don’t have souvenir shops lined up out front but have the interesting interiors. At the end the day, catch the sunset on the Bagan swing for the perfect instagrammable picture of yourself swinging against the backdrop of an ancient temple. Hotels like Villa Bagan or Zfreeti tend to sway towards charming boutique options. The next day, a half day jeep safari outside Bagan would give you an insight into real countryside living in rural Myanmar. Then laze by the pool for a few hours before flying back to Yangon (or take an overnight bus back in time for office on Monday morning).

Khiri Travel did a fun promotion for travellers in the rainy season where we promised a free beer every time it rained for more than 30 minutes. An offer they happily extend for any Yangon expat travelling to Bagan with us from now till the end of September!

Edwin Briels is MD of Khiri Travel Myanmar and has been working over 15 years in travel in Myanmar and will share his experiences travelling in Myanmar.

The ‘Women Riders World Relay’ coming to Myanmar Susan Bailey

From 26-28 July, the first ever ‘Women Riders World Relay’ will be passing through Myanmar. The event, which has signed up more than 15,000 participants from around the world, is a year-long endeavor aimed at growing the women in motorsports community. Volunteer ‘guardians’ are responsible for carrying the baton as it crosses the globe, making its way through more than 100 countries.

While countries such as Australia, Germany and even neighboring India and Thailand have well-established women motorbike clubs, Myanmar does not. The organizers of the Myanmar WRWR are hoping to use this event as a springboard for creating a community of women riders. In addition to the relay, a series of ‘ripple’ relays will be held in October and November. These 1-3 day rides will be open to all women riders regardless of experience.

For any women riders keen to participate, please contact Anne (acruick@gmail.com) or Find us on Facebook.

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O New

The Pansodan – a Burmese brasserie in downtown Yangon In March a collective of co-founders unveiled their latest addition to Yangon’s dining scene; The Pansodan. Managed by PUN + PROJECTS it is styled as a Burmese brasserie, The Pansodan is a place where plates of traditional Burmese fare, botanical cocktails and good times collide within a former Bank of India building at 106 Pansodan Road.

Curated through a contemporary lens, The Pansodan references the format of the iconic French brasserie – neighbourhood haunts long celebrated for their honest approach to hospitality and uncomplicated delivery of beloved classics. The interiors, designed by Mya Myitzu of M.ID, blend together the evocative essence of old-world Burma with the leisurely elegance of contemporary Parisian dining culture. From the floors, paved with chevron marble, to the ceiling, capped with glinting gold-leaf, every inch of The Pansodan is designed to take its guests on a journey into a bygone age, where time slows and a nostalgic filter falls across the view.

Open to serve everything from an early morning breakfast to an afterdinner drink, The Pansodan will become a new nexus in the heart of downtown that is the perfect choice at any time of day or night. Enter through the glass doors to discover the original wood panelling walls, mid-century-inspired cane chairs and futuristic chandeliers. Catch sight of a friend at the handsome mirrored bar, before wandering up to the mezzanine level to admire the hubbub below. Adding further to the atmosphere of European café culture, guests can choose a table outside on the pavement, to sip an aperitif and watch the world go by.

As with the design, some of the most creative minds in Yangon’s culinary scene came together to collaborate on a menu designed to present Burma’s most iconic dishes. While many of the ingredients remain faithful to the age old recipes, handed down through generations, the menu also features the occasional deviation to include a contemporary twist. The star-studded line-up of classic dishes include Organic Mohinga, Quail Eggs, served on crispy rice pancakes, and Si Chat khauk Swe, paired with braised beef cheeks. Starting bites might include a Keema Palata, the latest darling of New York’s food stall scene, or Green Chilli stuffed with minced pork. With the main dishes, at The Pansodan guests can expect the very finest traditional Burmese fare, brought into the modern world.

For instance, the reimagining of the biryani is designed to satisfy a newly health-conscious generation: “Briyani is an Indian dish, but our Myanmar version, like our curries, is loaded with oil,” says Simon Sao, a co-founder. “I came up with the idea of a healthy biryani that I could eat many times in a month. At The Pansodan, where we aim to serve specialty-versions of local classics, we bring you Quinoa Fish Biryani. Quinoa is an ancient grain, lightly flavoured with accents of biryani spices and then layered with a pan-fried red snapper fillet, cooked to perfection.”

Guests can expect a night at The Pansodan to feature herbaceous cocktails like the Yangon 75, a concoction of gin, lemongrass and champagne, or the Spice Traders Old Fashioned, made with Wild Turkey Bourbon, a mix of local spices, bitters and mandarin peel syrup. The celebrated Hong Kong-based mixologist Tom Wood has specifically created The Pansodan’s Cocktail Collection, each one flawlessly measured and perfectly blended.

The objective of The Pansodan is to champion Burmese culture through global conversations and help guests experience traditional fare with new eyes..

Address: 106 Pansodan Road, Lower Middle Block, Kyauktada Township, Yangon Opening hours: 10 am - 11 pm, Contact: 09 44263 1066

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IN CINEMA

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 26th April to 2nd May 2019.

Avengers : End Game Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos.

Junction Maw Tin, Junction City, Junction Square, City Mall, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II), Mingalar Sein Gay Har, Mingalar North Okkalapa, Mingalar Tamwe, Nay Pyi Taw, Mega Ace Cineplex (North Okkalapa), Mega Ace Cineplex (Dawbone)

The Dark Cinema (Myanmar) Four filmmaker friends rent old cinema which is stepped in a dark and horrific history. That paranormal activities from the past begin to terrorize the helpless gang.

Junction Maw Tin, Junction City, Junction Square, City Mall, Mega Ace Cineplex (Tamwe), Mega Ace Cineplex (Thar Kay Ta), Mega Ace Cineplex (North Okkalapa), Mega Ace Cineplex (Dawbon)

Junglee Indian Action Adventure film about a veterinary doctor, who upon returning to his father’s elephant reserve, encounters and fights against an international poacher’s racket.

Junction City

A Story of Love (Myanmar) IBurmese Drama Movie directed by Win Htun Htun with Stars : Myint Myat, Soe Myat Thuzar and Shwe Hmone Yati.

Junction City, Junction Square, City Mall

Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244 Junction City | 01-9253591, 01-9253592 Junction Square | 01 527 055 City Mall | 09 764802081 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 Mingalar Sein Gay Har | 09 402177771— 73 Mingalar North Okkalapa | 09 402027001 Mingalar Tamwe | 09 402199991, 2, 3 Nay Pyi Taw | 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 Mingalar | 01 243057 Mega Ace Cineplex (Tamwe)| 01 554383 Mega Ace Cineplex (Thar Kay Ta) | 01 556782 Mega Ace Cineplex (North Okkalapa) | 09 971750101 Mega Ace Cineplex (Dawbon) | 09 400686992

emergency numbers POLICE STATION

AMBULANCE

199 / 01 549309

192

FIRE STATION

TOURIST SAFETY UNIT

191 / 01 252011 / 01 252022

01 642742 / 01 549209

TOURIST INFORMATION

YANGON GENERAL HOSPITAL

01 252859 / 01 378376

01 256112 / 01 265131

HOTLINE NUMBER 1876

About Us MYANMORE 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 09 779 003 701

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO Artist: Kaung Kyaw Khine . Image courtesy of Nawaday Tharlar Gallery. www.nawadaytharlar.com