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Grand Night at the Opera - Pattaya’s dream comes true ... yet again
The Grand Night at the Opera was held at the Grand
Ballroom of the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel on Saturday September 28th and long
before the curtains were raised the ballroom was packed to the last seat
with almost 300, cultured, elegantly dressed music-lovers. The ballroom was
transformed into a miniature coliseum, decorated with ancient pillars and
appurtenances that gave the room an aura similar to the vibrant banquet
rooms during the days of Caesar’s Roman Empire. The sight of the stunning
white grand piano was the only clue that this was the Royal Cliff Grand
Coliseum of today.
The
sponsors warmly thank the stars after a most memorable grand evening of
opera.
Distinguished guests of honor joined Panga Vathanakul,
managing director of the Royal Cliff, her husband Chan, Andrew J. Wood,
general manager, Ranjith Chandrasiri, resident manager and his wife Chitra
at their table to share this wonderful experience.
A grand 5-course dinner was served with plenty of wines
poured into goblets for the drinking pleasure of the guests, hastily
partaking in the feast, in anticipation of the commencement of this
much-awaited evening of operatic delight. And through it all the Royal Cliff’s
staff took pride in its faultless service.
Moments
before the curtains are raised, (l-r), Ranjith Chandrasisri, Andrew Wood,
Laurence Fatus, Panga Vathankul, Kays Van Oye, Audrey Scherfenleib and Chan
Vathanakul.
As diners savoured their delicious Chocolate marquise and
sipped their coffee and tea, the ballroom’s lights dimmed and the audience
stilled as the evening’s program began. Barbara Segal, the
ever-so-beautiful singer, who also happens to be the organizer of the group
(and no newcomer to Pattaya), welcomed the audience.
Barabara
Segal graciously welcomes the audience to a night at the opera.
Stefan Sanchez began the evening’s program with a
brilliant aria, "Largo al Factotum", of the "Barber of
Sevilla" by Giacomo Rossini. Barbara Segal followed with Puccini’s
Madame Butterfly "Un Bel Di" and then Robert Millner joined her
for heart-stirring duet from the same opera "Vogliate Mi Ben."
Applause filled the room when Stefan Sanchez entered the
stage again to sing part of Mozart’s great "Magic Flute". The
pace of the program quickened as Rebecca Bode, a lovely Papagena joined him
to sing the famous "Pa Pa Pageno" of "The Vogelhandler"
by the same composer.
Stefan
Sanchez sings up a storm for an spellbound audience.
"Babyface" Jon Bode, Rebecca’s husband, sang
a very ardent "Una fortiva Lagrima" from the opera L’Elisir D’Amore
by Donizetti. Then Rebecca moved through the audience to sing "Adele’s
Laughing Song" from "Die Fledermaus" by Strauss with a voice
as clear as a bell.
Sexy looking Ewan Tailor and Stefan Sanchez sang the very
lively duet "Suono La Tromba" by Bellini’s "I Puritani".
Rebecca
woos the audience with her inimitable charm.
Stunning Barbara Segal returned to perform her enchanting
version of "O Luce di Quest Anima" from Donizetti’s "Linda
di Chamounoix", and the entire company joined together for Offenbach’s
"Helas Mon Couer" from "Les Contes d’Hoffman".
A short intermission gave the audience a chance to
stretch their legs and express their delight toward the first half of the
program.
Peter
Malhotra presents a bouquet to Rebecca Bode after the performance.
The second part of the evening’s performance began with
Mozart’s "Don Giovanni" with Barbara Segal acting sexy as the
seduced girl and Stefan Sanchez as the conceited Don Giovanni. Puccini’s
La Boheme featured Robert Millner singing the famous "Che Gelida Manina"
and Rebecca Bode singing Mimi’s aria "Mi Chiamano Mimi", ending
the opera with the duet "O Soave Fanciulla" by Robert Millner and
Rebecca Bode. Barbara Segal sang another song from Puccini’s opera La
Rondine, "Chi Bel Sogno di Doretta".
‘Pa
Pa Pa Pagena’, the evening’s first duet by Stefan Sanchez and Rebecca
Bode.
Again Ewan Tailor and Stefan Sanchez outdid themselves
with the duet of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale "Patter Duet". Jon
Bode, the man with the velvet voice performed "Quanto E Bella"
from Donizetti’s L’Esire D’amore. Bizet’s "The Pearlfishers"
saw Robert Millner and Stefan Sanchez singing together the aria "Au
Fond Du Temple Saint".
Rebecca
Bode charms Andrew Wood as she sings Adele’s laughing song.
The finale of the evening brought the whole company on
stage to sing Donizetti’s "Chi Mi Frena" from his opera Lucia Di
Lammermoor.
The artists received a standing ovation and couldn’t
leave the stage before a ‘dacapo’ was performed. The rousing "Get
me to the church on time" from My Fair Lady seemed to be just right to
end a great opera event.
Royal
Cliff Beach Resort managing director, Panga Vathankul thanks Barbara Segal
and Stefan Sanchez for the group’s magnificent performance.
The artists had a four day vacation at the Royal Cliff
before they returned to Bangkok to play the complete opera "La Boheme".
The Royal Cliff Beach Resort, in conjunction with Pattaya Mail and
Pattaya Blatt seemed to have had the right formula to bring in such
major events to the residents of Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. We in
Pattaya hope that Barbara Segal and the Royal Cliff Beach Resort will
organize another event as such in the near future. Pattaya Mail and Pattaya
Blatt, together with the Royal Cliff were the main sponsors of this
event and will surely try their utmost to bring these talented and great
singers - and maybe a few others - back to Pattaya to boost our city’s
cultural life.
The Grand Finale
Mechai Viravaidya rouses the BCCT at the Eastern Seaboard dinner
‘Privatizing Poverty’ a thought worth noting
Brendan Richards
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand held a special
dinner for members and guests at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort last Friday
evening. Guest speaker Senator Mechai Viravaidya spoke on the many projects
carried out by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA).
Over 50 people attended the evening’s event. After a
superb four-course dinner, Senator Mechai began his speech by defining
poverty. The senator explained that in the past, society as a whole,
including governments and charity organizations, have failed to solve the
problem of poverty. These were strong words in a city where there are a
large number of charity organizations.
The
BCCT Committee for the Eastern Seaboard and guests (back row, left to right)
James Landers and Peter Malhotra, (front row left to right) Andrew Wood,
Mike Franklin, Mechai Viravaidya, Graham Macdonald, and Richard
Bradford-Knox.
However, Senator Mechai formidably backed up his
statement by pointing out that since the project’s inception there has
been a 100% success rate in turning around micro-economies in a number of
villages around the country. These villages have risen out of their poverty
and have achieved financial independence - "places where the women
choose their husbands".
"We should take a different approach. People who are
poor are involved in business. They sell food and products because they are
poor. We must make them better businesspeople," said Mechai.
The senator went on to say, "The government cannot
help because they use the welfare approach. Charity is okay, but it is not
sustainable. We must use a business approach and who better to do that than
the business sector!"
Mechai explained that the plan is a long-term approach
intended to develop communities by bringing in companies to sponsor a
village or community in order to train people and develop skills which can
then be used in the marketplace.
Royal
Cliff GM Andrew Wood (left) thanks Senator Mechai for a thought provoking
and inspiring presentation to the BCCT.
Companies participating in projects such as this have
included Swedish Motors Thailand, Bangkok Glass and Bata to name a few. Each
company brought their business knowledge to develop the skills necessary to
create a financially viable business.
One example, in the case of Bangkok Glass where they
needed a specific product in glass manufacturing, the company sponsored a
community to produce the product locally which is now exported for use in
Germany.
During its 28 years in operation the PDA has engaged 16
companies that sponsor communities and provide scholarships to children
whose parent have died from AIDS. The most famous is the world-renowned
Cabbages and Condoms, where food grown from these villages is marketed and
profits go toward furthering new projects.
Throughout this same period the PDA and private
enterprise have developed skills and secured financial loans - all of which
are paid back - and sponsored projects ranging from agricultural products
and rice, to shoe production and water towers. The water towers not only
provide water but also allow for crop irrigation.
Mechai Viravaidya is a man on a mission: to wipe out
poverty in Thailand and use the PDA methods as a model to spread throughout
the world by inspiring corporate social responsibility.
Following Mechai’s entertaining, yet thought provoking
speech the Royal Cliff’s general manager, Andrew Wood relayed his own
personal experience where he and 11 others, called the ‘Dirty Dozen’,
provided water by sponsoring a village some 12 years ago. Today the village
is self-sufficient and its residents no longer live under the dark cloud of
poverty. Certainly a thought worth noting!
The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, Eastern Seaboard and the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort organized an exceptional evening. Those who attended are
looking forward to the next one.
A Tropical Paradise
by Lesley Warner
On Saturday my friend said to me, "Would you like to
go to Rayong tomorrow?" I said, "Great, always willing for a
Sunday out." What he hadn’t elaborated on, being a typical male, was
that we were going to Koh Samet with his friends from work.
This meant two buses, the one-stop-bus and a hired one.
The price was very reasonable at 1,800 baht for driver and bus for the whole
day. We set off at about 8 a.m. It was easy to find, straight down Sukhumvit
Road past Nong Nooch, keep going until you see a left turn to Rayong. Carry
on until you see a huge CAT Metro sign on the left; at the traffic lights
turn right to Ban Pae.
The One
Stop Guys
Immediately you will be accosted by men on motorbikes
imploring you to hire a boat to the island. Ignore them and take the first
left, then the first right (that is not one-way) down to the beach road and
turn left. Just past the 7-11 store there is a large parking area and across
the road is a shop for hiring motorboats (038 653639). It was 2,500 baht for
a boat that took 16 people, but a word of warning - our driver tried to book
it for us and get the shop to charge us 5,000 baht, so be warned. Do it
yourself.
When I saw the jetty looking like something out of ‘Steptoe
and Son,’ I couldn’t wait to get to the island. I realized that it wasn’t
as tourist orientated as I had imagined. There were ferries available to
transport people to the island at only 100 baht each. But watch the boat you
get on. As we went across to the island a stationary ferry (including
passengers) called us over for assistance.
Plenty
of restaurants
Koh Samet didn’t disappoint me. It was a true tropical
paradise with hardly any people. The white sand felt great between my toes,
and the sea was clean and clear. We made straight for one of the restaurants
and for 16 of us including a kilo of giant prawns at 900 baht the bill was
only 2,550 baht. You can get a good meal and a large bottle of beer for 200
baht. For a snack try the banana pancakes (roti); only 20 baht from the
beach vendor. At night the restaurants put tables on the beach under the
stars and light candles - very romantic.
Accommodation is available from about 700 baht and there
are plenty of hotels and bungalows. I can recommend Saikaew Villa, telephone
038 644144.
Ready
and waiting
There are the usual things to do. Some are slightly more
expensive on the island. For example, there is a banana-boat available at
600 baht, para-gliding at 600 baht, and jet skis at 1000 baht. You can also
hire a glass bottom boat and go snorkeling. Inquires can be made at
telephone number 01 865 3214. We stayed at Haad Saikae Beach but there are
others like the smaller more idyllic Ao Phrao. You can also hire a guide to
tour the island at a very reasonable price.
How
many did he say this boat can seat?
Steptoe’s
yard
I observed an especially merry group and asked what the occasion was. It
turned out to be the celebration of their first year in business for One
Stop Real Estate Agents on Soi Yamato. Gordon, Mark and Alan are the
original ‘One Stop guys’. While we chatted they told me they’d been
friends from the age of 12 and were even in the same class at school. They
are having an auction in the Grand Ballroom at the Royal Cliff in November.
Interested parties can inquire at telephone 038 710699, or email
www.real-estate-thailand.com
7-Eleven Thailand celebrates the opening of its 2,002nd outlet
Launches ‘Stamp 2002: Double Value’ promotion
7-Eleven held a major celebration in downtown Pattaya on
Sept. 27 to celebrate the opening of its 2,002nd outlet in the Kingdom. The
2,002nd outlet is at the PTT station in Bangsary District, Chonburi. The fun
included a gala parade, an energetic cheerleading competition and the band
Kuriyan providing music.
C.P.
7-Eleven PLC CEO Korsak Chairasmisak and board members pose for a picture in
front of Branch No. 2002.
Following the day’s celebrations, an evening bash was
held at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, emceed by famous Thai movie stars Niti
Samotkojon and Jani Jomwisut. Packed to the rafters, over 1000 guests made
merry whilst celebrating the grand occasion hosted by C.P. 7-Eleven PLC CEO
Korsak Chairasmisak, C.P. 7-Eleven PLC executive officer and president,
Piyawat Titasattavorakul and Jim Keyes, departmental president.
Guests were wowed with a fashion show featuring
"Around the Clock" wear, a video presentation about 7-Eleven and
performances by Grammy Music performers and well-known Thai artist Tewan
Sapsainyakorn.
Part of
the fun on opening day was the dance show put on out front of the store.
The company also launched a special promotion called
"Stamp 2002: Double Value Stamp" offering customers, over 2
million people a day nationwide, a chance to win great prizes worth over 1.5
million baht in total. For every 30 baht purchase, customers will receive a
silver stamp worth 1 baht and gold stamp worth 2 baht on Wednesday. The
stamps can be used as cash for purchases at 7-Eleven or collected for gift
redemption from October 1 until December 31, 2002 at every 7-Eleven outlet
nationwide. They will also get a chance to win the rights to operate a type
B 7-Eleven franchised outlet for 6 years, by sending stamps worth 7 baht in
total value to 7-Eleven headquarters. The winner will also get 100,000 baht
working capital 30 days after operation.
C.P. 7-Eleven PLC CEO Korsak Chairasmisak said,
"7-Eleven has been operating in Thailand for 12 years with continuous
expansion into every corner of the country." The 2,002 milestone marks
significant growth of 7-Eleven. In the Asia Pacific region, Thailand only
follows Japan and Taiwan, each with 8,000 and 4,000 outlets respectively.
"We continue to provide friendly and warm services 24 hours a day and
maintain a role of good neighbor through various social activities such as
reading camps, Goh Club and Buddhism-oriented affairs."
Thailand’s leading 24-hour convenience chain is
expanding its variety of foods and is expected to operate 3,000 outlets
nationwide by 2008.
Apisit Rujikeatkamjorn, senior executive vice president
of the oil business group - PTT Public Company Limited, said the new 7-11
convenience store in Sarp Sompis Petroleum is the 105th 7-Eleven store
located at a PTT service station. Apisit added that PTT has been opening
7-11 stores at PTT service stations since April of 2002, and aims to achieve
150 stores by the year-end, and 400 stores by 2003. He said, "PTT
strongly believes that the cooperation between the two Thai companies will
render fully integrated service and satisfaction for clients."
C.P. 7-Eleven PLC executive officer and president,
Piyawat Titasattavorakul said, "7-Eleven is much more than a
convenience store. We have expanded services into over-the-counter payment
centers, accepting payments for electricity, water, telephone, mobile phone,
insurance premiums and even concert ticket bookings. The service processes
over 2.3 million bills per month. We also bring our customers a complete
line up of department store products through our popular catalogue order. We
have already reprinted the catalogue and produced CD-ROMS for 4,500 product
lists. We expect over 6-7 million baht revenue per month for this business,
but more importantly we’ve added another dimension of convenience for
7-Eleven customers nationwide," he said.
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