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HRH Princess Srirasm opens exhibition
of precious Buddha relics from China
Her Royal Highness
Princess Srirasm pays respect to HM the King’s image.
HRH Princess Srirasm
presents the four essential requirements
of life
to the Buddhist monks.
HRH Princess Srirasm cuts
the ribbon to open the exhibition.
HRH Princess Srirasm
lights candles and joss sticks in respect of the Buddhist relics.
HRH Princess Srirasm shows
keen interest in the exhibition.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on November
15 graciously requested Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, Royal
Consort to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to be his representative
and open the display of Xuanzang Temple Buddha relics at Ban Sukhawadee,
as part of the celebrations surrounding the birthday of His Majesty the
King.
 HRH
Princess Srirasm and HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti share an amusing
moment at the event.
The relics will be on display until January 15 at the Buddha Baramee
Building in Ban Sukhawadee, Naklua. Admission is free for people to pay
respect, and the exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aua Athon Thammasathan worked in cooperation with Ban Sukhawadee and the
Thai Lineage Chinese Charity Organization to stage this event, bringing
the UNESCO-listed relics from Xuanzang Temple in China to Thailand as
part of the national merit-making to honor His Majesty on his 80th
birthday.
Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm lit joss sticks and candles during
the opening ceremony, and presented mementoes of the occasion, including
a 12-cm tall jade Bodhisattva Kuan image, to 100 donors to pay respect
to China’s Buddhist priests who have played such an important role in
arranging for the relics to be sent to Thailand.
Chairman of the organizers Gen Wichit Yathip addressed the gathering,
and then the ribbon was cut to declare the exhibition open.
Her Royal Highness, who had brought her son His Royal Highness Prince
Dipangkorn Rasmijoti to the opening, had a close conversation with many
of the visitors who toured the exhibition rooms.
The story of the Buddha relics is a mysterious one. One night in 1985,
in the ancient city of Xi’an, there had been a strong wind and rainfall
unlike any experienced for many years. Thunder was heard all over the
city, and then the weather calmed down. Next morning, it was discovered
that lightning had struck a small hill, revealing a black stone that had
been buried there.
The stone was dated to the Tang Dynasty and described the Xuanzang
Temple and Pagoda of Buddha Relics. Granite stupas and offerings to a
god were discovered. The stupas were layered with silver and gold, and
decorated with precious stones. A golden stupa had 13 precious cultural
Buddha relics, and each was clear and strong like a diamond. There was
evidence that several dynasties had worshipped at this ancient place.
Xuanzang Temple has since been included on the World Heritage List by
UNESCO.
Record 1.1 million baht raised at PILC 20th Anniversary Masquerade Ball
Elaine Poole
On Saturday 17th November, almost 300 people arrived at the Royal
Cliff Hotel and Resort for the Pattaya International Ladies Club’s major
fund-raising event, the Annual Ball. This year was a special evening, a
celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Pattaya
International Ladies Club.
 President
Rosanne Diamente thanked all the sponsors.
The evening started with a glittering champagne reception, and many of the
guests arrived wearing elegant ball gowns and tuxedos, and wonderful masks.
The evening was opened by Pat Burbridge, founder member of the PILC. “In
1987, myself and a few girlfriends decided we should sample all the
restaurants in Pattaya,” she joked. “From this, the PILC was born and our
mission was to use our time to raise money for charity.” And indeed, over
the last 20 years, the club has raised millions of baht.
President Rosanne Diamente thanked Pat, “Without your vision Pat, we would
not be here tonight. The club has grown from strength to strength and now
has a membership of over 230 women, representing 34 different
nationalities.” Rosanne paid tribute to the many past presidents who had
worked over the years to make the club what it is today. One ex-president,
Julie Garratt, had traveled from China to specially to attend the Ball.
 The
evening was opened by Pat Burbridge, founder member of the PILC.
Rosanne went on to thank all members, spanning the 20 years, for their
personal contribution to the club’s success; to the many individuals and
businesses that had given donations over the years, and to the sponsors for
their continued support.
“Working together we make the PILC charity work possible,” she said.
After a delicious four-course dinner designed by Royal Cliff’s executive
chef Walter Thenisch, accompanied by wines sponsored by VS Classic Wines
Ltd, Cindy Logue, special events chairperson, thanked everyone for their
help organizing the ball: to the Royal Cliff Hotel and Resort for their
continued support in hosting the annual ball; to her organizing committee
particularly Rachel Hoag and Kavita Lamba, and to all those who had
volunteered time and energy to make the evening possible. Cindy then
presented founding member Pat Burbridge, past President Julie Garratt and
2007 President Rosanne Diamente with tokens of appreciation.
 Event
organizer Cindy Logue with her husband and sponsor Frank.
The PILC Ball raises much needed money to continue the PILC charity work,
and this year’s Ball is a record, raising over 1 million baht for charity.
Cindy thanked this year’s sponsors and presented each with a certificate and
gift on behalf of the PILC.
The evening continued with a charity auction, so professionally handled by
auctioneer Maurice Bromley. Many individuals and businesses donated items
for this auction, and Cindy Logue thanked them for their generosity and
presented them with a token of appreciation: Robert Hagan, well-known
Australian artist for donating one of his paintings, “Wondering by the
Pond”; Ursula Rothstein, Ursula’s Antiques, for donating a hand painted
antique Chinese cabinet; Arlette Cykman for donating a solid silver, antique
hand-engraved bowl; Jean Luc Sinquin, Asia Emporium Pattaya Boat Co. Ltd.
for donating a carved sandstone bust of Queen Srivichai; Roger Mynott, Thai
Decor, for donating an alabaster bust of Buddha; and Paul Ryan, Ultra Lounge
for donating a voucher valued 100,000 baht for lounge furniture.
 PILC
President Rosanne Diamente presents Cindy Logue with a bouquet in
recognition for organizing this year’s masquerade ball.
In addition to the live auction, there was also a silent auction. The
fabulous items donated were a two-night stay in a suite at the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort, Pattaya; two-night stay with dinner at All Seasons Hotel,
Pattaya; Manhattan’s Steak Restaurant, dinner for two with cocktails, wine
and limo-service; one day excursion on a beautiful Prout catamaran, donated
by Gulf Charters and an antique Chinese dresser and headboard donated by Ria
Hesling.
For the next hour it was on with the dancing, as Pop’s Pattaya All Stars
Band performed old favorites the dance floor filled with revelers.
 Auction
contributor Paul Ryan and Sue from PMTV.
But, there were still a few surprises! First from a group of gentlemen – the
rather aptly named Pattaya International Gentleman’s Society – yes, that’s
right the P.I.G.S! This self-styled group is made up of the partners of some
of the PILC members who meet up for social occasions whilst their partners
are busy doing PILC work. Sanjay Lamba presented a cheque for 30,000 baht to
Cindy Logue and Rosanne Diamente. A big thank you gentlemen!
Then the BIG surprise of the evening – a one-off special performance! Cindy
Logue, who has a terrific singing voice and a love of theatre, took to the
stage, suitably glamorous with long white hair and flowing chiffon dress,
she belted out a fantastic rendition of “When you’re good to Mama” with
style. This was followed by another number; “All that Jazz” from the movie
“Chicago” and then the “girls” came on stage.
A troupe of six ladies, attired in Can-Can dresses and looking stunning,
kicked their legs high to the delight of everyone. A magnificent performance
by Stephanie Moorhouse, Kavita Lamba, Sam Wilson, Kathleen Petra, Rachael
Hoag and Jacinta Chamberlain with choreography by Cindy Logue.
So after all the excitement, it was back to the dance floor as the band
played until the early hours.
This years’ 20th Anniversary Masquerade Ball was a great success with a
record amount of money raised for charity. PILC would like to thank all the
sponsors, those who donated items for auction, members past and present for
their individual contribution over the years and everyone who attended.
If you would like more information about PILC, how to become a members or
how to be involved as a sponsor, please contact Rosanne Diamente, President,
081 865 0714.
David Cotterall and his wife
Jan.
Auctioneer for the evening
Maurice and Renita Bromley.
Rosanne tells PMTV that the
organizing committee did such a great job, that she was able to concentrate
on enjoying herself and leave the logistics up to her team.
Event organizer Rachel Hoag
with her husband and sponsor Mathew.
The owners of gallery Opium
take a well deserved night off.
The Eight wives of Henry the
8th.
Some lovely ladies reveal
their beauty.
Pop’s Pattaya All Stars Band
performed old favorites
the dance floor filled with revelers.
Cindy Logue belted out a
fantastic rendition of “When you’re good
to Mama” with style.
As the clock struck twelve
guests were treated to a ‘Can-Can’ by some of
the more energetic ladies of the PILC.
2007 Sponsors : Tom Zofkie,
Emerson Climate Technology; Clayton Wade, Premier Home; Clare Clausen,
Volclay Siam; Mark Sheppard, Mermaid Maritime; Michael Diamente, Dana Spicer
Rayong; John Donachie, Foster Wheeler; David Cotterell, Sheddon Uhde;
Bechtal, Frank Logue; LCB Terminal 1, Anil Singh; Captain’s Corner, Ib
Ottesen; Laem Chabang International, Matt Hoag; The Mercy Foundation, John
Seaton; Emcon Technologies, Craig Donnelly and Peter Malhotra, Pattaya Mail.
The Avenue brings a new approach to shopping and leisure
(From left) Itthipol
Khunplome, chief advisor to the mayor, Chatpong Chatphut, deputy governor of
Chonburi, 1st Lt. Areeya Sirisopa, Miss Thailand 1994, Nopporn Withunchat,
chief executive of Siam Future Development Public Co., Ltd., and M.R.
Jatumongkol Sonakul.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
A new lifestyle and entertainment center named The Avenue Pattaya was
officially opened on November 23, with the ceremony presided over by
Chonburi Deputy Governor Chatpong Chatphut.
 Suwanthep
Malhotra (left), executive director of sales & marketing for Pattaya Mail
Publishing Co., Ltd. congratulates Krisana Udompitayaphumipicharn, Executive
vice president of marketing & sales at Siam Future Development Public Co.,
Ltd.
Developed by Siam Future Development Public Co Ltd, the project cost more
than 540 million baht and is located on 11 rai, or about 40,000 square
meters of land.
The Avenue was designed by Contour Co Ltd, who has used the space as part of
the architectural concept, providing wide walkways and attractive
landscaping with lots of greenery and a waterway.
Chief executive of Siam Future Development Nopporn Withunchat said that the
project places emphasis on lifestyle, blending shopping with dining and
entertainment and providing a parking lot for 350 cars.
Buildings, at 22,000 square meters, occupy little more than half the total
area. Key tenant is Villa Market, and there is a Major Cineplex, a bowling
alley, and a karaoke complex.
Restaurants include Pizza Pizza by Yanee (actress Yanee Jongwisut), the
Orangery by the Sea, iberry ice cream, McDonalds, Starbucks, Au Bon Pain,
and Whittard of Chelsea. Amongst the brand-name outlets are Nike, Adidas,
Puma, Triumph, Nautica, Surfer Paradise, Dortmuend and Geox. Fitness has not
been neglected, and California Wow is making its booming Pattaya debut here.
A budget of 540 million baht
was used to create The Avenue Pattaya
on an area of 40,000m2.
Henry J Bean’s celebrates 10th birthday
Dominik Stamm (back row, with glasses) begins
the 10-year anniversary champagne tree with members of both performing
groups.
Cinderella has the audience jumping.
AB Normal is a good party band.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The all-girl band Cinderella and the all-boy band AB Normal put on a
show at Henry J Bean’s Bar & Grill on November 17 to celebrate the 10-year
anniversary of this seafront restaurant at the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.
Amari Orchid Resort general manager Dominik Stamm hosted the party, which
was attended by a crowd of regular customers who came along to give their
congratulations.
On offer was a selection of Tex-Mex food, and the drinks flowed freely
during an evening of conviviality. A highlight was the champagne fountain,
and there was a lucky draw for airplane tickets and other prizes.
Henry J Bean’s Bar & Grill is open daily from 5 p.m. For reservations please
contact 038 418418.
As always, it’s a fun night at Hank’s.
Suwanthep “Tony” Malhotra (3rd left), director
of sales and marketing
for Pattaya Mail, and members of Cinderella congratulate Dominik Stamm,
GM of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.
Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya
welcomes three new members
Elfi Seitz
The Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya invited its members to a fellowship party
on November 13. Good food and plenty of drinks provided for an evening with
friends and atmosphere, and the event saw three new members welcomed to the
club.
Michael Butler, Anchalee Sangsoogwaw and Joe Schiochet became Rotarians,
although unfortunately Joe could not attend the meeting, so his spouse Dong
had the honor of receiving the membership pin from president Peter Thorand.
There was also an auction that contributed funds to the club’s purse, and
eager volunteers helped to collect and wrap gifts that were given away to
buyers of raffle tickets - another good source of income.
Secretary Bob Denzel did a great job playing the auctioneer. President John
Botting is still hospitalized following two major surgeries, so vice
president Jean took receipt of the flower bouquet.
Towards the end of the evening, a group of transvestite performers made sure
that all attendees, including Rotarians from Marina Pattaya, Jomtien
Pattaya, Eastern Seaboard and from the to-be-established German speaking
Rotary Club of Phönix Pattaya kept up their party mood.
Friends in unity: Rotarians
from Jomtien Pattaya and Marina Pattaya are
never lost for a smile.
Good atmosphere among the
Rotarians from Taksin Pattaya.
Women of the second category
perform an entertaining show.
Bob Denzel (2nd from left) and
Peter Thorand (2nd from right)
greet new members Michael Butler, Anchalee Sangsoowaw and Dong,
representing her spouse Joe Schiochet.
Burapha students learn importance
of European dining etiquette
Sopin Thappajug (left),
managing director of the Diana Group, receives a souvenir from Assist. Prof.
Patchanee Nonthasak, head of the Business Administration Section, Burapha
University.
Diana Group staff poses with
the MBA students training to eat European style.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Thirty-six MBA students from Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Laos and China, who
are all studying under the Business Administration Faculty at Burapha
University, attended a training course on European dining at the Diana
Garden Resort on November 16.
 An
MBA course that teaches food - can’t go wrong with that.
The group was led by Assist Prof Patchanee Nonthasak, and received a warm
welcome from Diana Group managing director Sopin Thappajug.
Students learned not just about the food that is served in a European
restaurant, but also about table etiquette. A demonstration showed them how
a napkin is placed in the lap after a diner is seated, and how at the end of
the meal the napkin is placed neatly to the right of the plate, not refolded
but not crumpled either.
 MBA
students might someday find themselves in situations where European table
etiquette is necessary.
Bread is broken into bite-sized pieces before being buttered. Soup is served
before the main course, and a spoon is placed to the right side of the table
setting purely for the soup. Setting the table with the correct knives and
forks is important, because different types of knives are used for meat and
fish dishes.
Correct use of cutlery and proper table manners are of great importance
during a European meal, and restaurant staff have to be intimately
acquainted with the procedures.
The group visit was part of the training course for Business Administration
students, who will later find themselves in situations where European table
etiquette is necessary.
The hotel staff members performed a dance show and bartender show during the
meal.
Burapha University MBA
students listen intently - now, which fork do
you use for the hor d’oeuvres?
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