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Round Square participants leave with profound sense of inspiration
Paul Crouch
Round Square Coordinator
The International Round Square Conference hosted by The
Regent’s School Pattaya was a huge success and every student and adult
involved in the organization of the conference is extremely proud of what
they have been able to achieve. All 72 participating schools from 13
different countries and 5 community partners from around Thailand left The
Regent’s on Friday with a real sense of inspiration and challenge to make a
difference. This will prove to be the ultimate legacy of this conference and
the student steering committee, led by Amit Garg, sincerely hope that the
conference theme (We Walk Together) reverberates around the many diverse
communities of the world to which the 750 delegates are returning.
Keynote
speaker Mechai Viravaidya provides his expertise on how people can help
those less fortunate.
The success of the conference was based upon passionate
student leadership and the determination of delivering a student focused
conference. From the very first day Regent’s students were leading,
performing and inspiring at every opportunity.
Many thanks must go to both the Music and Drama
Departments within the school for the excellent work that they do on a daily
basis with the students and therefore the impressive array of talents that
were able to be shown throughout the week, especially in the opening and
closing ceremonies but also in the We Express Together evening which was
dubbed by HM King Constantine as “the best ever cultural show performed at
an international conference.” Great credit must go to Amit and Jin in
thinking up, planning and delivering such a quality show on top of all their
other student steering committee duties.
Keynote
speaker Peter Dalglish, founder of Street Kids International, addresses the
delegates.
The almost 100 barazza leaders proved to be at their very
best throughout the week. These students from years 8 to 13 had undergone
over 12 months of facilitation training and workshops. Prior to the
conference many were still anxious about their role as barazza group leaders
but by the end of the week they were receiving numerous plaudits for their
enthusiastic and passionate involvement in the conference. It was great to
see every barazza leader attend each session of the conference and to
support the student steering committee so much. This sense of togetherness
was perfectly represented during the final student social at Nong Nooch as
all conference delegates and Regent’s student leaders danced in a single
joyous mass to the now addictive conference song ‘We Walk Together As One,’
written by Amit Garg.
Queen
Anne-Marie and Princess Theodora enjoy coconut milk on their arrival at The
Regent’s School Pattaya.
In total there were 11 superb speakers that presented
during the conference. Each one spoke to the conference theme and provided
fascinating views and ideas related to their specialized areas that provoked
much thought and discussion in barazza sessions. Peter Dalglish, Khun Mechai
and Father Joe Maier were the three keynote speakers but were extremely well
supported by the likes of Thom Henley, Louis Ng, Grant Pereira, Nic Dunlop
and our very own Manoj from Regent’s and Khun Nui from the Father Ray
Foundation.
Joe
Louis Puppet Theatre providing one of the many local performances.
The central two themes of the conference were that of
community and service. Two full service days that involved every delegate to
work with one of our 23 community partners on one day and a different one on
the second day. These projects were all coordinated by Regent’s staff and
focused on quality engagement and interaction where both parties benefitted
from the time spent together (a separate report will cover these two days in
a later edition). Many thanks to all our wonderful community partners in and
around Pattaya for working with our school and being involved in the
conference which was one of the main reasons for it being such a successful
event.
One of
the amazing performances at the closing ceremony.
The
student steering committee, led by Amit Garg, sincerely hope that the
conference theme (We Walk Together) reverberates around the world.
Nui from
the Father Ray Foundation gives an inspirational speech.
Grant
Pereira tells the delegates that individuals
can and do make a difference.
Regent’s
own Manoj bravely provides the 750 delegates,
supporters and Royalty with his perspective.
Nic
Dunlop, photographers and author of The Lost Executioner, a book about how
he tracked down Khmer Rouge leader Comrade Duch, addresses the delegates at
the closing ceremony.
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Regents bids farewell
to Round Square delegates
 Mike
Walton, principal Regent’s School Pattaya
As we bid farewell to our friends from 77 schools around
the world, we reflect on a truly wonderful experience of sharing time,
challenges and inspiration with nearly a thousand visitors and even more
local community partners.
During the pre-conference service project week, Regent’s
Pattaya students joined with their visitors in wonderful projects around
Thailand and beyond. The feedback we have is that for many participants this
was a life-changing experience. The week here in Pattaya was filled with
incredible speakers from Thailand and South-East Asia, while all delegates
also spent two days working on local community projects.
We were particularly delighted that guests from our Thai
partner schools from across Thailand enjoyed themselves so much, bringing
even greater cultural diversity, dignity and creativity.
HM King
Constantine of Greece speaks movingly about his own journey through life and
the strength he has derived from the Round Square vision of education.
At the closing ceremony HM King Constantine spoke
movingly about his own journey through life and the strength he has derived
from the Round Square vision of education. Many thanks were expressed by
delegates, who all stated that the conference had inspired and empowered
them. Nearly everyone I spoke to said that it was the best conference they
had been to.
HRH
Princess Theodora gives an impassioned farewell speech as her father, HM
King Constantine of Greece looks on.
There is no doubt who should take credit for this amazing
event. Whilst many adults have guided the planning over the last 3 years, it
is the students of The Regent’s School Pattaya who made it all happen. It
was certainly acknowledged as the most student led Round Square conference
ever. Our student steering committee received a standing ovation which they
thoroughly deserved. Under their leadership, hundreds of other Regent’s
Pattaya students were part of the organization and delivery. We had nearly a
hundred leading the ‘barazza’ discussion groups, dozens acting as MCs on
stage, over a hundred performing music and drama, and many more just
helping. This included primary students too. The Round Square Board made
particular thanks to our 30 community partners and the many Regents parents
who had supported and contributed in so many ways.
As Principal, the thing that leaves me with most pride is
the remarks that nearly all visiting head teachers and staff made as they
said goodbye. They all commented on the professionalism, energy, good humour,
hospitality or integrity of the Regents Pattaya students. We have always
known there is something special about our student body, now the rest of the
RS world knows it too.
Regent’s
students with community partners from Baan Mae Lid School in traditional
Karen costume.
Time for
farewells: Students of The Regents School Pattaya with L’Ermitage (France)
and Baan Mae Lid (Mae Hong Son) who spent the week together on a
pre-conference project at Baan Mae Lid School. Julianna of L’Ermitage said,
“I’m closer to discovering who I really am through the love and appreciation
of the Baan Mae Lid students.”
All the
delegates ‘Smile Together’.
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Australians find “home” in The Tavern
(L to R)
Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise chats
with Peter Scott, Teresa Wise, and Mark Wood.
Dr. Iain Corness
The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) found a
tavern in which to sink a few beers (and wines) and discuss their form (or
lack of it) in the preceding AustCham Charity Golf Tournament. This is an
old Australian custom, and just because the Aussies are over here, does not
mean that they would ever change their ways.
(L to
R) Kevin Johnson; Dao Duangvipha Makkitti, managing director of the FLIRT
Company Limited; and Dr. Iain Corness.
For those who have never been to Australia, let me tell
you of the national disaster called “The Pub With No Beer” as sung by Slim
Dusty - but fortunately, the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea did not suffer from a
lack of liquid refreshments. Plenty of beer and enough bottles of Broken
Hills Aussie red and white, and the natural gregariousness of the
Australians ensured that the AustCham’s Seaboard Sundowners was a great
night.
The new Australian Ambassador H.E. James Wise was in
attendance, along with his wife Teresa. In an ‘in depth’ interview on
Pattaya Mail TV, he admitted that he was not really an Australian,
having come from a small island off the coast of Tasmania, which in turn is
a small island off the coast of Australia. However, he also said he likes
being in Thailand, so that made him a ‘good bloke’ from the AustCham point
of view. Welcome to Pattaya H.E. James! (And he came down in a Holden,
Australia’s own car!)
(L to
R) Sarinya Holloway, sales & marketing manager of the Virgin Blue Group;
Piyawan Suwapap, sales & marketing executive for the Virgin Blue Group; and
Sasithorn Sangyoy, ticketing & reservations manager of the Virgin Blue
Group.
The golf tournament was very successful and raised much
for the Camillian AIDS Center at Rayong and the orphanage at Kanchanaburi.
Organized once more by the hard working Paul Wilkinson (AGS Four Winds
removals) there were around 120 participants. I have refrained from using
the phrase 120 “golfers” as it was apparent in the score cards that some
were unsure which end of the club to use, let alone which club! However, the
winning team SKM returned a score of 14-under which gives them a free wild
card entry to the Australian Open next year (or perhaps it is the Burapha
ladies day?).
One of the sponsors for the golf was Virgin blue’s ‘V
Australia’ carrier, represented by Sales and Marketing Manager Sarinya
Holloway. It was pointed out to the delightful Sarinya that her airline only
flies to some small island off the bottom of Thailand, whose name escapes me
but it starts with “P”, and she would do much better to fly into and out of
Pattaya, which also starts with the letter “P”. Personally I think the
previous choice was an unfortunate spelling mistake.
‘Flirting’ everywhere, complete with very fashionable
hat, was Dao Duangvipha Makkitti, the MD of the FLIRT company, who took me
to task because the photo of her, taken some eons ago, was not used in the
Pattaya Mail. The photo opportunity was repeated at this Seaboard
Sundowners, so please Mr. Editor, put it in this time!
President Andrew Durieux thanked everyone and announced
the winners of the golf tournament, with the rewards presented by H.E.
James, and the Amari RM Max Seriacki responded on behalf of The Tavern by
the Sea.
Colliers International were again present, with Mark
Bowling and Antony Picon supporting the wine industry, as did the be-suited
Garry Irvin (Resource Link Recruitment) and Gregory Solomon from Resource
Management Associates in East Melbourne.
Past President Gary Woollacott managed to circumnavigate
the room several times before the wine caught up (and amazingly, I wrote
that about him three years ago, and he can check the veracity in his Mum’s
scrapbook).
And that was another Seaboard Sundowners. The date and
venue for the next one will be published in the Pattaya Mail.
(L to R)
Max Sieracki, resident manager of Amari Orchid Pattaya; Australian
Ambassador James Wise, Andrew Durieux and Brett Gannaway.
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Vegetarian Festival features dragons, dumplings
Chonburi
Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit and Pattaya City Council members fry up “Pad Yad Thip
Paed Sien” to celebrate the official opening of the Vegetarian Festival.
Vimolrat Singnikorn &
J.C. Phillps
Dragons danced through the streets and 5,000 people dined
on “dumplings with heavenly ingredients” during the annual Pattaya
Vegetarian Festival opening ceremonies.
Chonburi Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit welcomes one and all to the festivities
during the official opening.
Legend has it that the annual festivities in Thailand
were begun over 180 years ago in Phuket by Chinese immigrants because of a
mysterious epidemic that occurred. Many people became sick and died, and no
one knew what the cause was. So, the elders decided that it must be some god
or deity that was punishing the Chinese workers for not following their
traditional rituals. People were ordered to fast as a penance to the “Gods”,
to make merit, and ask for forgiveness. After 9 days of fasting, it seemed
to have worked, as the disease vanished.
The village elders then decided to have a yearly ceremony
to appease the Chinese divinities, but instead of fasting, everyone would
become vegetarians and follow a strict code of conduct of no meat, no sex,
and no alcohol for 10 days.
Feeding
the dragon for good luck.
This Vegetarian Festival became so popular that it spread
throughout all of Thailand, and as the years have passed many bizarre things
began to happen. People began to become possessed by spirits during the
festival. Hindu like self-mutilation and body piercing began to appear in
villages. The Vegetarian Festival got so bizarre that it even started to
draw many tourists to Thailand.
Locally, the annual vegetarian festival has its origins
in the founding of the Sawang Boriboon Foundation some 50 years ago by the
Chinese business community in Naklua. Many restaurants and food outlets take
part, a yellow flag with the Thai word “Jay” signifying that they are
serving vegetarian food. No spiritual possession or self-mutilation takes
place here, and those taking part are not limited to people with Chinese
origins, as all nationalities are encouraged to participate.
White
clad participants walk in the joss stick parade, which is a Chinese
tradition to invite sanctity.
On opening day, Oct. 7, “Pad Yad Thip Paed Sien”
was fried up in a giant pan at the Sawang Boriboon Foundation’s “Vegetarian
House”. The dish - made of specially ordered tear-shaped rice-flour
dumplings, ginkgo and cashew nuts, bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, dried
bean curd and vegetarian seasoning - was passed out to thousands of
revelers, many dressed in white to honor the end of the Buddhist Lent
season.
White
clad participants offer joss sticks to continue the ancient tradition of the
Thai-Chinese Vegetarian Festival to commit to being pure physically and
mentally.
The festivities began at 12:29 p.m. Oct. 7 with the
annual dual-headed procession, consisting of “Kiew Huang Huk Jow”
(the 9 deities who were the spiritual mascots of this year’s vegetarian
festival) and “Bhodisttava” (also known as Chow Mae Kuan Im, the
Goddess of Mercy, Compassion & Healing) from Bali Hai Pier and up Walking
Street. The parade group then split, with half following Beach Road to
Central Road and turning right. The second branch traveled along Second
Road, stopping at Mike Shopping Mall for a dragon show, then met the first
group at Central Road. Reunited, the groups moved to Third Road and then
jumped on buses to go to the Sawang Boriboon headquarters in Naklua.
Happy
children return home with a little dragon souvenir.
Once again, the famed Eng-Kor-Pabu troops from the Look
Praya group out of Nakhon Sawan performed at the Sawang Boriboon
Thammasathan Foundation in Naklua.
New Chonburi Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit and Mayor Itthiphol
Kunplome presided over the opening ceremonies, noting the festival is a nod
to the heritage of Thai-Chinese and an opportunity for Buddhists to clean
their souls of sin by refraining from eating meat.
“Pattaya tourism industry is known for its variety, but
tradition remains important,” Wichit said. “The festival has always been
well attended, showing cultural promotion is a good way to promote tourism.”
The festival finished Oct. 17.
(L to
R) Former MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Chonburi Gov.
Wichit Chatpaisit and Banglamung City Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun taste
test the delicious “Pad Yad Thip Paed Sien” they prepared together.
Eng-Kor-Pabu
dancers from the Look Praya group out of Nakhon Sawan perform at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Naklua.
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American hotel’s Irish pub puts
on German Oktoberfest
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The hotel may be American and the restaurant
Irish-themed, but that didn’t stop the Marriott Resort & Spa’s Dicey Riley’s
pub from putting on an Oktoberfest celebration.
General
Manager Cathel Brett and staff carry in a beer keg for the Oktoberfest
party.
German beer, sausages and entertainment were on tap at
the Second Road bar Oct. 2-9 with General Manager Cathel Brett and the Thai
staff putting on their best Bavarian accents.
The menu featured bratwurst, Muenchner Scbweinebraten,
Bayrisches Biergulasch, and chicken schnitzel. And, of course, tall steins
of the German beer were on every table.
Music was provided by well-known Swiss musician Niki
Martini.
While now celebrated worldwide, Oktoberfest has its roots
in the German wedding of King Ludwig I and Theresa of Bavaria in 1810. The
festival was so good, it was repeated each year.
Beautiful fraulines prepare to quench their thirst with a large German
lager.
Niki
Martini entertains the Oktoberfest crowd.
That’s a
tall beer!
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