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Blitz of Glitz as Dusit Resort opens Jewel in the Crown of Pattaya Bay
Staff reporters
In a star-spangled production, the Dusit Resort, in
conjunction with many civic dignitaries led by Chonburi Governor Pisit
Ketphasook, introduced Pattaya’s latest attraction, the Dusit Resort’s
Bay Restaurant to the glitterati and literati of Bangkok and Pattaya.
Cutting
the ribbon to declare open a legend. (l-r) Pisit Boonchuang, Deputy
Governor of Chonburi Province, Samerkae Ketphasook, the Governor’s wife,
Somchai Khunpluem, Mayor of Saensuk Municipality, Pisit Ketphasook,
Governor of Chonburi Province, Nirun Wattanasartsathorn, Mayor of Pattaya
City, Chanyut Hengtrakul, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports,
Chanin Donavanik, Executive Director, Dusit Hotels and Resorts Company
Limited and Chatchawal Supachayanont, General Manager of Dusit Resort,
Pattaya.
With the venue at the Dusit Point overlooking Pattaya
Bay, being arguably the most spectacular in Pattaya, it was also an
opportunity for the Dusit Resort to show what is was capable of when
handling huge numbers of guests, as the turn-out was several hundred, all
of whom were personally welcomed by the resort GM Chatchawal Supachayanont
and executive assistant manager, Stefan Heintz.
 A
toast to the unbounded success of The Bay.
One guest remarked that the evening was a “Blitz of
Glitz” and the female members of both the Bangkok and Pattaya
communities came forth in their finery to support that statement. The MC
of the event, the lovely TV star Sarichatt Kunjara-Na-Ayuthya, looked cool
in blue chiffon, but other ladies who also looked ‘cool’ included the
wife of the Chonburi governor, Samuekae Ketphasook in a black and red
Lanna jacket, local YWCA stalwart Nittaya Patimasongkroh in purple, Som
Corness in green silk, Jitra Wongjuan (Bangkok – AA Insurance) in khaki,
Elfi Seitz (Pattaya Blatt newspaper) in pink, local TV anchor lady Anna in
black silk and Victoria Sorrensen in black lace. Others from the media,
and well known Bangkok people, included TV movie star Malys Choeysobhon,
UBC presenter Miss Nakwan Rayananonda and Patong and Mrs. Preeyamol
Thanavisuth.
During the lead-up to the ceremonial cutting of the
floral ribbon, the guests mingled around the swimming pool, enjoying a
complete range of drinks from champagne to soft drinks, with some very
tasty appetizers being offered by the waiters who always seemed at hand
with fresh glasses and fresh food. The friendly and obliging nature of the
service personnel showed just how important the Dusit Resort considers its
guests, and the personnel training was exemplary, judging by the
performance at The Bay grand opening.
The
Bay team, (l-r) Somsak Choosuwan, The Bay Manager, Silvio Mutzner, the
Italian Head Chef, Jakrapong Vitayasirikul, Director of Food &
Beverage, Hans-Peter Held, Executive Chef and Stefan
Heintze, Resident Manager.
While the mingling and munchies went on, it seemed as
though the entire kitchen staff, outfitted in sparkling yellow, had
managed to assemble two rows of food warmers, while Silvio Mutzner, the
new chef charged with the Bay cuisine, was flitting from food station to
food station to ensure everything was as he decreed.
 With
the band entertaining the crowd and drawing the people inexorably towards
the Bay restaurant entrance portal, the MC then introduced the assembled
dignitaries and asked the Chonburi governor, Pisit Ketphasook to explain
the significance of this new world class venue for Pattaya, not just for
the Dusit Resort, and this was a task that he obviously enjoyed.
Finally the floral ribbon was cut by the governor,
assisted by the mayor of Saensuk municipality, Somchai Khunplome and
Pattaya’s own Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, the deputy governor Pisith
Boonchung, and from the Dusit group Chanin Donavanik executive director,
Dusit Hotels and Resorts and the ever smiling GM Chatchawal Supachayanont.
Then the covers were whisked back on the food warmers and the guests had
their first taste of Chef Silvio’s ‘Italian touch’ cuisine.
Chatchawal
Supachayanon (centre) welcomes Somchai Khunplome, (left) Mayor of Saensuk
municipality and Chanin Donavanik, (right) Dusit group executive director
to the historic launch.
The
Bay restaurant was actually experienced and reviewed last month by the Pattaya
Mail’s food columnist Miss Terry Diner, during the soft opening
period. Miss Terry Diner reported, “We came away from The Bay restaurant
very impressed. The venue is spectacular in one of the most beautiful
settings in Pattaya, right beside the swimming pools and the waters of
Pattaya Bay. The food was definitely of a very high standard, the service
personnel were impeccable and the prices were, for the quality received,
most reasonable. I would recommend that Pattaya’s food lovers should
re-acquaint themselves with this restaurant. The Dusit Resort has
introduced a very worthy “new” player into the fine dining scene. The
Bay restaurant had given us a wonderful culinary evening and a great new
discovery, which we now have given to you. Very highly recommended.”
After sampling the fare at the grand opening, I can but agree. Light and
flavorsome! And the 10 million baht makeover of the venue has made it
sensational, with some of the most sensational views in Pattaya as well.
The Bay restaurant is another jewel in the crown of
Pattaya Bay!
Struttin’ their stuff at the PILC Christmas Lunch
The Royal Cliff Siam Ballroom on December 7 was the
venue for the PILC Christmas Lunch, and this popular annual event saw over
100 members and invited guests gather for an early Christmas celebration.
Before the ladies could tuck into the delicious lunch,
however, there was a special event this year: a fashion show featuring
many of the members as models.
 Arlette
Cykman presents bouquets to the models to say thanks for a wonderful show.
All the clothes featured were designed by Alka Puri of
Soza Clothing, based in Bangkok, and great fun was had by all as the
ladies modeled lightweight trousers and shirts, floaty tops and dresses,
and a beautiful range of accessories. The PILC models included Sharon
Tibbits, Rita Cromwell, Rosanne Diamente, Lara Abou-Chakra, Debbie Smart,
Lai Peng Jonsgard, Judie Payne, Yvonne Snuif, Dinie deVries, Avninder
Khanijou, Simone Heinemann and Qui Hong, and the event was organized by
Rita Cromwell and coordinated by Arlette Cykman, who also provided the
lovely jewelry worn by the models. Judy Hoppe gave a running commentary on
the show and managed to keep it all in order. Bouquets of flowers were
presented to all the participants at the end of the show as a thank-you
from Arlette.
Stars
on the catwalk...look out Paris, here we come.
As well as the fashion show, there was a more serious
side to the event. Guests included members from the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya and Brother Dennis from the Redemptorist Organization, who
collected a cheque for TBH 250,000, representing monies raised from the
sale of the guide Living in Pattaya and Rayong, the popular
handbook produced by the PILC to help expatriate newcomers to the area to
settle in.
 Sharon
Tibbitts looks stunning in her jeans and lace blouse.
Short speeches were also given by Judy Hoppe, president
of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, to thank members for their support,
and the support of other groups during the year, and by Sharon Tibbits,
president of the PILC, to advise that nominations for the new committee
were now being received for consideration at the AGM in February 2005.
The Christmas lunch almost wraps up the club’s social activities for
the year, except for the coffee morning on December 21. Anyone interested
in joining the club, or newcomers to the area who would like some help in
settling in, are welcome to call the group’s president, Sharon Tibbits,
on 038 306135, or the hospitality coordinator, Rita Cromwell, on 038
435579.
Super
models walk the catwalk wearing Alka Puri’s latest fashions and jewelry
from Arlette Cykman’s collection from French designer Laurent.
Jazz
(3rd left) and Alka Puri (3rd right) flanked by stunning models are
congratulated for their superb choreography and provocative fashions.
PILC
members present a check for 250,000 baht to Judy Hoppe, president of the
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, towards the Rotary Matching Grant Project
to benefit the Pattaya Orphanage Farm Project.
Skal Club of Pattaya visits the Phantastic Philippines
Sharing Tourism Knowledge with Friends
Bob Lee - President
Skal Club of Pattaya & East Thailand
Local Club president, Bob Lee had the opportunity of
once again putting our fair city of Pattaya in the limelight. This time it
was the Philippines.
Bob spent 12 days visiting the members of the 4 local
Skal Clubs, Manila, Makati, Davao and the Island of Cebu (1 of 7,107
Islands).
 A
restful Club President at the Villa Escudero
One advantage of being a member of the Skal
International Association is that of bonding and building friendships
through tourism on a global basis. This is undertaken by the sharing of
knowledge. Bob went off to the Philippines with the mission of imparting
information about Pattaya & Thailand and in return enhance his
knowledge of the host location. Bob felt that this was a great trip for
him and Pattaya, and the Philippines far exceeded his expectations.
On Bob’s return he was so enthusiastic about his
visit to that area and the Skal camaraderie that he enjoyed, he decided to
share his thoughts and experiences with us.
Here are some of his “first hand – unseen and never
been there before” Skal experiences.
Accompanying Bob from Bangkok was Fred Alimusa,
president of C.S.P. International, a company that specializes in
hospitality security – that is to say – from in-house staff training
to supplying “sniffer dogs” to the industry. Fred had, in the past,
made use of the opportunity of demonstrating his skills and those of his
magnificent canines to a number of the Skal Clubs in Thailand.
Manila
On arrival here I was lucky enough to chat with retired
COO of the National Airlines, Avelino Zapanta. Avelino is a dedicated,
long standing member and past president of the Manila chapter of Skal.
 Bob
& Fred at a Taoist Temple
I had already enjoyed the pleasure of meeting this
gentleman at quite a number of international Skal functions and had always
promised him that one day I would visit his home town.
In Manila I experienced the sights, sounds and smells
of this interesting destination with its diverse people. Quite a
difference from Pattaya I was quick to notice.
The Skal members of Manila really took time out to show
me around their city, taking in the different dishes and tastes of their
own unique cuisine.
Accommodation was provided by the Benson Apartelle in
San Juan on the outskirts of Manila and Villa Escudero in the village of
Tianong in the Quezon Province.
Makati
Here I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting up with
Skal Pattaya’s past president, Murray Hertz who was in town for a few
days. Murray is in fine health and is still as busy as ever and sends his
very best wishes not just to the local Skal members but to Pattaya (his
second home) in general.
Exchanging
gifts and pennants in Davao (standing from left to right) Charles Lim (VP
for the Skal Asian Area), Bob Lee, Susan Palad (president Skal
International Davao) and Alexander Divinagracia, our most helpful
babysitter and source of information. Linda, Everlyn and Brenda - 3 of the
ever efficient Skal Ladies from the local club.
Lunch with Murray and a few of the Makati Skal members
was enjoyed at “Italliani’s Restaurant” situated in the popular
Greenbelt Mall – a mall consisting of somewhere in the region of about
100 or so eating establishments.
The lunch turned into cocktails and then to an early
dinner – and then, when I thought I had experienced enough for one day
– there I was belting out “I believe I can fly” in some up market
karaoke bar – must have had something to do with the local brew – San
Miguel Pale Pils – good stuff from what I have been told and at only 18
baht a bottle – I suppose it must be!
After fond and late farewells and sincere support from
the local members for the Skal International World Congress in 2006 that
takes place in Pattaya it was time to get home. Then it was off to...
Davao
Interestingly enough, we bumped into a few expats from
Bangkok who told us they always come down to the Philippines when doing
their “visa run” as it was so inexpensive, safe and a whole lotta fun.
From the minute of touch-down it was all go ... we were
met at the airport by Skal members Lisette Marques (New World Travel
Corporation) and Alexander Divinagracia – a great tour operator and
guide – we were then rushed to our hotel – the 5 star Marco Polo,
checked in and then whisked off to a dinner being hosted by the local
club.
They had been waiting for us for an extra hour because
of the flight delay we experienced from Manila.
We were extremely lucky to have been here during one of
their tourism festivals – the WOW! Mindanao Tourism Expo – this gave
me a great idea of just what this country had to offer in the way of
tourism.
Davao seems a peaceful interesting coastal city and
seaport – apparently the best tuna in the world comes from here.
I had the opportunity of also visiting the Pilipino
Eagle Sanctuary – quite amazing - this eagle has one of the widest wing
spans of any eagle on the planet - sadly it is on the endangered list.
The next day an informal meeting was held and some
valuable tourism information and ideas were discussed between both clubs.
Support in joining us for our 2006 World Congress in Pattaya was greatly
acknowledged.
Cebu
Although the club is small in numbers it sure makes up
for it in enthusiasm. Cebu is truly a wonderful place to visit.
The members here organized trips to the island of Bohol
to see their famous “Chocolate Hills” as well as to the Tarsier
(smallest monkey in the world) sanctuary.
It was a most enjoyable 3 days meeting up with other
Skalleagues and talking “shop”.
They too, experience some of the “tourism
difficulties” that we experience in Pattaya and it was quite interesting
to get another point of view as to how they deal with their water, garbage
and entertainment operations.
Like Pattaya, getting around the Philippine seems no
great problem – the transportation services are really quite good and
the costs thereof are extremely low. Will I return – you betcha! But
still – there is no place like home.
Yes –a very worthwhile visit and hopefully, quite a
number of our fellow Skal members from this area will be joining us in
October 2006 when we play host to the world and the “movers and shakers
in the Hospitality Industry” at the Skal World Congress.
The Skal Club of Pattaya & East Thailand meets the
3rd Thursday early evening of every month at various member
establishments.
For more information click on to our website: www.
skalpattaya.org or contact Bob Lee on bobscous@ loxinfo.co.th
Christmas Tree Charity Light Up
raises funds for Fr. Ray Foundation
December 7 is a most auspicious day, as it marks the
birthday anniversary of Father Raymond Brennan. To commemorate the memory
of this most illustrious man of the cloth, the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya in
conjunction with Pattaya Mail, including the participation of the
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya held their annual Christmas tree lighting
ceremony. The joint effort was aimed at raising funds for the Father Ray
Foundation.
 Countdown
- Let there be light... (L to R) Andrew Khoo, Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn, Peter Malhotra and Father Pairoj Somgnam are ready to
flick the switch to turn on the Christmas tree lights.
The Father Ray Foundation is named after the late
Father Ray Brennan, who first founded the Pattaya Orphanage in the early
1970s. The foundation is now headed by Father Philip Banchong Chaiyara
C.Ss.R. The organization is home to over 750 people of all ages who are
fed, clothed and educated on a daily basis purely through charitable
contributions. The foundation has initiated several projects for needy and
underprivileged children, including the Pattaya Orphanage, the School for
Deaf Children, the Pattaya Redemptorist School for Blind Children, the
Redemptorist Vocational School for Disabled Adults and the Redemptorist
Street Children’s Project.
 The
Hard Rock Charity Christmas tree begins to fill up with ‘Solidarity’
ribbons.
This year’s festivities were attended by a host of
distinguished guests including Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn.
Children from the Redemptorist School for the Blind and
the Pattaya Orphanage were joined by the city’s school children and
students from the Vocational College for the Disabled in their
performances and singing Christmas Carols to show their appreciation for
the community’s efforts.
Added attractions for food lovers were the spit-roast
whole 300 kg NZ bred carcass of beef and a whole 100 kg tuna fish for the
sashimi table.
Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn hands over 5,000 baht of his own money to go
towards the project, to Father Pairoj Somgnam, C.Ss.R, Judicial Vicar from
Udonthani, as Peter Malhotra, Andrew Khoo, Khunying Busayarat Permsub,
Rosalind Khoo and Judy Hoppe, president of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya look on.
Sixty percent of the revenue from dinner tickets sold
at this festive evening was donated to the Father Ray Foundation. In
addition, as a part of the Hard Rock’s mantra “Take Time To Be
Kind”, the staff at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya donated another 60,000 baht.
The mayor, impressed by the work, donated 5,000 baht
from his own pocket towards the project prior to lighting up the Christmas
tree.
The
children from the Blind School sang their way into the hearts of guests.
“I feel honored to be a part of this project tonight,
and I thank everyone for joining in to help the children and their fellow
man, and for sacrificing their time and efforts in providing an
opportunity to allow them to become valuable members of society,” Mayor
Niran said. He went on to say, “This event strengthens the effort and
commitment of both the private and government sectors in joining to help
the children in Pattaya to have a better quality of life.”
Children
from the Redemptorist School for the Blind and the Pattaya Orphanage were
joined by the city’s school children and students from the Vocational
College for the Disabled in performing a special show and singing
Christmas carols.
Another highlight of this year’s Christmas tree was the colors for
“Solidarity” featured on the memorial charity ribbons, which were
pinned onto the branches. The colors of the ribbons varied and denoted
distinct concerns of mankind. Dark Blue - Child Abuse Prevention &
Water Safety (Drowning), Silver - Children with Disability, Yellow -
Adoptive Parents, Orange - Cultural Diversity (Love All Serve All), Purple
- Domestic Violence, Red - AIDS/HIV, Green - Environment (Save the
Planet), Pink - Breast Cancer and White - Peace, Victims of Terrorism.
Students
from the Redemptorist Vocational College joined in the festivities.
Little
people say a big thank you to all.
Pattaya’s
largest tuna drew great interest from sushi and sashimi lovers.
Hard
Rock staff joined in the festive activities.
Pattaya lights up for Christmas
Staff reporters
Pattaya’s streets, hotels, restaurants and bars were
filled with revelers, and the skies lit up with fireworks as Pattaya
celebrated Christmas and began New Year’s celebrations on Friday and
Saturday. The holiday season from the West is now firmly etched in the
East, and particularly so in Pattaya.
The
fun and games at Starz Diner in the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
For the city as a whole, it was the start of the
“Pattaya New Year Festival 2005” on Christmas night in South Pattaya.
The weeklong party kicked off with a boom as Jutaporn
Rerngronasar, Tourism Authority of Thailand deputy governor for marketing
was joined by city administrators and councilors for the opening
ceremonies at Bali Hai pier. With festive lights and entertainment,
children received Christmas gifts from Santa and his helpers as honored
guests and dignitaries pressed the button letting off a myriad of colorful
pyrotechnics. The “Pattaya New Year Festival 2005” will run until
after midnight on December 31, climaxing in yet more spectacular shows
broadcast live around the nation. One report stated that on New Year’s
Eve 2,500 fireworks will be set off at Bali Hai pier, the most ever in
Pattaya.
 Fun
for the whole family at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.
Festivities were in already full swing this past
weekend at many of the city’s hotels, restaurants and bars.
At the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya there was plenty to sing
about at the Starz Diner with the theme “Rockin Christmas”. The 4-Play
Band entertained guests, hotel staff dressed as Santa and beautiful
Santarinas and handed out gifts to hotel guests and diners.
The
Dusit Resort Pattaya laid out a romantic evening with theme “Best Wishes
with the stars”. Special guests at the party included Pisit Ketphasook,
Chonburi governor and his wife, welcomed by Chatchawal Supachayanont, the
Dusit Resort Pattaya’s general manager.
The Amari Orchid Resort started their celebrations
early on Christmas Eve. Dominik Stamm, general manager and Michael Goetz,
executive assistant manager both donned Santa suits, used luxury
convertibles as their sleighs, and led staff and management dressed as
stunning Santarinas through the city to give Christmas cookies to children
throughout the city and those in hospitals. Their festive cheer, coupled
with sheer beauty drew a great deal of interest from residents and
tourists as they drove through the city waving and wishing everyone a
Merry Christmas.
“Pattaya
New Year Festival 2005” kicked off on Christmas night at the Bali Hai
pier. Dignitaries cut a Christmas cake and set loose hundreds of
fireworks.
The Dusit Resort Pattaya laid out a romantic evening
with theme “Best wishes with the stars”. Special guests at the party
included Pisit Ketphasook, Chonburi governor and his wife. Chatchawal
Supachayanont, the Dusit Resort Pattaya’s general manager, welcomed them
to his table. An array of fabulous shows and activities were performed for
the many guests and their children. Highlight of the evening was a special
hour-long mini concert by Nantida Kaebuasai, a well known Thai artist.
Above all this, children were given gifts and there were plenty of games
and prizes handed out through the night as part of the Christmas Eve fun.
 (L
to R) Matthew and Kevin Aamlid enjoy a visit from Santa at the Woodlands
Resort.
The Oxford Junior School got in on the Christmas act,
quite literally! The children dressed in the season’s theme and
performed a special Christmas show for their parents at the Town in Town
Hotel.
Pattaya was a hive of activity over the Christmas
weekend as people flowed into the city for the weekend celebrations
creating mild chaos on the city’s roads, leaving police on active alert.
However, the enthusiasm was evident with roadside bars and restaurants
being decorated in line with the festivities, a sort of unity among the
varied styles on offer in Pattaya.
Santa
(“assisted” by Dominik Stamm and Michael Goetz) and his Santarinas
spread Christmas joy throughout the city. Since Rudolph and his gang were
taking a break, the red dressed crew chose another form of transportation.
Kids
from Oxford Junior School celebrate after finishing their Christmas play
at the Town in Town Hotel.
The
Oxford Junior School got in on the Christmas act, quite literally!
Santa
had Som and Marisa Corness smiling at the Woodlands Resort.
One of
the highlights at the Dusit evening was a special hour-long mini concert
by Nantida Kaebuasai, a well known Thai artist.
Amari
Orchid’s Santa and Santarina team popped into the Pattaya Mail offices
to spread Christmas cheer ... and some cookies.
Christmas
at the Bali Hai pier was a magical night for everyone.
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