Success in life and how to achieve it was the message
given to the Pattaya City Expats Club at their Sunday, January 1 meeting; a
good message to start off the New Year. Master of Ceremonies Richard
Silverberg introduced guest speaker Adrian Shepherd, who is an author,
speaker, educator, and entrepreneur.
PCEC’s speaker for January
1st was author, speaker, educator, and entrepreneur Adrian Shepherd.
Adrian was born in England in 1974, but at the age of 8,
he moved with his parents to Asia where he attended international schools in
Manila and Bangkok. He then went to Los Angeles, California where he studied
at Pitzer College earning his BA degree in Psychology in 1997. He has
authored a book giving advice on how to achieve success in life. He
currently teaches at his own school in Osaka, Japan, where he lives with his
wife and son but returns to Thailand often as his mother lives in Pattaya.
Adrian provided some of his background. He said his years
in England were typical until his father lost his job in the garment
industry and decided to move to the Philippines when he, Adrian, was 8 years
old. This, he said, was when his life really began. After attending an
international school in the Philippines for 6 years, his parents relocated
to Bangkok. He continued his education there, attending another
international school.
Board member Richard Smith
advises members of the activities of the voluntary Cross Culture English
Language classes.
After graduating, he went to the USA for his college
degree because his plans were to remain in the USA to live. However, these
plans changed because he realized he wasn’t like the other students and felt
he really didn’t fit in. Contributing to this change in plans was that he
spent some time in Japan as part of a study abroad program. He liked Japan
so much that he went there after he graduated where he obtained a job
teaching. After about 2 years, he decided to form his own school. He met his
wife there, they have one child, and he continues to live and teach in
Osaka. But, Adrian says he considers Thailand to be his second home and
often visits.
It was during one of these visits in December 2004, that
he and his wife were enjoying some holiday time at Khao Lak on the Andaman
Sea coast. This was a changing point in his life because they were there on
the morning of December 26 when the tsunami struck. Adrian described the
harrowing events of that day but said what they experienced could not really
be put in words. Fortunately, even though their bungalow was destroyed with
them inside, they managed to break out and escape to higher ground.
A PCEC member from N Ireland
describes how the fireworks in the sois on New Year’s Eve made him
‘nostalgic’ for his years growing up in Belfast.
Having survived, Adrian said he felt that he was meant to
do something with his life. He explained how this led to his spending much
of his time in gaining knowledge through reading and listening to CDs. He
said that this led him to the discovery that the beginning of change is
through education. It was his passion for learning about how to succeed in
life that led him to write his own book, “iSucceed: Secrets for the average
joe and jane” to help others.
At this point, Adrian said that he would pass on a few of
the principles he learned. One thing he found out was that the secrets of
success in business and life are easier than you think. Success is not
measured by being a millionaire, but more about living the life you choose
for yourself. Adrian then explained five keys to success: philosophy,
attitude, activity, results, and lifestyle. Philosophy is your decision
making process; it guides everything you do. Attitude relates to how you are
perceived and remembered by others. Activity is what you then do to achieve
what you want and it is the most difficult part. Results are what you
achieve; if it is not what you want, go back to the first three steps.
Lifestyle is what you want to achieve. It does not mean being rich. You
measure your success by living the life you want to live.
Adrian has written a book
‘iSucceed: Secrets for the average joe and jane’ based on his experiences
and research, and kindly donated proceeds from book sales to the Mercy
Centre. The Mercy Centre is one of a number of charities in the Pattaya area
doing so much to help the poor and underprivileged. You can learn more about
the Mercy Centre at its website, mercypattaya.com.
Adrian concluded by pointing out that time is limited.
You have only 24 hours in each day and at some point there will be no more
days. You should learn to work within it. You should not be saying you
didn’t have time to achieve what you want. Rather, it is how you choose to
use your time that will see you reach your goal.
After Adrian answered several questions, Richard
Silverberg called on Roy Albiston to conduct the always interesting and
informative Open Forum.
The Pattaya City Expats Club meets every Sunday at the
Amari’s Tavern by the Sea Restaurant.
Faiths merge for German-speaking Christmas celebration
The cast takes a curtain call.
Elfi Seitz
German-speaking Protestants and Catholics in Pattaya enjoyed
a rare joint celebration of Christmas filled with prayer, food and stage plays.
The Roman Catholic community began their Christmas with mass
at the Pattaya Redemptorist Center’s St. Clement’s Chapel. Rev. Joerg Dunsbach
of Bangkok led the ceremony for 50, blessing wine in remembrance of John the
Apostle. Wolfram Reda played Christmas music at the keyboard and on the flute.
After the mass, the Catholics marched to Naklua’s Begegnung
Center, the meeting place of the German protestant community. Caretakers
Elisabeth and Werner Schmidt prepared Bratwurst with bread, potato salad and the
sweet Reibekuchen with apple sauce.
The Queen of Saba was played by
Heidi Glemeau and King Salomon by Armin Knaubert.
More than 90 people came together, to enjoy the hospitality
and friendship.
Elisabeth Schmidt said in her welcome speech that it must
have been divine intervention that brought the faiths together, as the
Redemptorist Center was unable to host the German lunch as it had already
planned a Christmas party for 850 children following mass.
Everyone, she said, should take advantage of the opportunity
to learn more about each other, put aside any differences over their beliefs and
become true friends.
The Catholic guests put on a short stage play depicting the
holy family’s escape from Bethlehem to Egypt, written and conducted by Pattaya
Blatt’s Elfi Seitz. Mary was played by Ingrid Schneider, Joseph by Wolfgang
Sturtz, Queen of Saba by Heidi Glemeau and King Salomon by Armin Knaubert. Seitz
played a speaking palm tree in the oasis. Reda was the narrator.
The play inspired lots of applause and jokes and Rev.
Dunsbach gave a primer on wine to further entertain the crowd.
No matter their faith, the Pattaya Germans assembled agreed
Christmas had been a merry one and deemed the joint event such a success both
religions are contemplating join festivities for Easter.
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Thai Garden Resort voted Top Hotel 2012 by Holiday Check
The new year has just started yet the Thai Garden Resort
already bagged their first award for 2012.
The most famous hotel rating website called “Holiday Check”
is an internet portal where guests can rate the hotel where they stayed during
their vacation. This website is seen as the bible for travel: “Don’t book a
hotel until you have checked the comments and ratings of previous guests!”
And that is exactly what the modern traveler does nowadays in
order to avoid any disappointment.
The Thai Garden Resort received a total of 187 reviews from
guests who have actually stayed at the resort, and a stunning 99% of them
recommended the Thai Garden Resort for a future stay.
Therefore, the award for this region was awarded to the Thai
Garden Resort. Other winners in Thailand where the Milennium Hilton in Bangkok
and the Meridien hotel in Khao Lak.
General Manager Renô Pisters is delighted to receive this
reward which will be presented to him at the International Tourism Fair in
Berlin in March of this year.
One of the beautiful deluxe rooms
at the award winning Thai Garden Resort.
He emphasizes that the reward is a reflection of the
dedication of all the employees of the resort and therefore he conveys his
special thanks to all who have made it possible for the resort to receive this
award.
For all of you who are presently enjoying your vacation in
Pattaya, have a look at www.holidaycheck.com and see how the hotel where you are
staying is rated!
The recently refurbished pool
area.
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PILC holds first lunch
of the New Year
The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) held its first
lunch of the New Year on Tuesday, January 3 at Casa Pascal Restaurant on Second
Road in Pattaya. The turn-out was smaller than usual, due to the holiday season
when many members went back to their home countries for Christmas and New Year.
About 40 ladies were in attendance, and as usual, their Casa Pascal hosts
provided a delicious five-course luncheon.
PILC president Bea Grunwell was not able to attend, so
vice-president Ann Winfield welcomed attendees, old and new, and wished all a
Happy New Year. Next month the Club holds its Annual General Meeting where new
officers are elected for the coming year, and Ann urged everyone to be sure to
make their nominations for the vacant committee chairs.
The PILC has been in existence for 25 years in Pattaya and is
made up of more than 200 members from all walks of life, aged from early
twenties to mid-eighties, and from 33 countries. The Club offers all sorts of
social and community opportunities for women who are living here long-term or
for a short while. Go to www.pilc-pattaya.com for find out more about the Club.
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Diana Group donates to S.O.S. Rice Project for Father Ray Foundation
Hotel group Managing Director
Sopin Thappajug (center), along with hotel staff and guests, presents 15 sacks
of rice to Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri (center, left) as part of the S.O.S.
Rice Project.
Vittaya Yoondorn
The Diana Group donated 15 sacks of rice to the Father Ray
Foundation as part of the S.O.S. Rice Project.
Hotel group Managing Director Sopin Thappajug presented the
donation to Father Ray Vice President Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri at the Diana
Garden Resort Jan. 5.
Belgian businessman Didier Frere first organized the SOS Rice
program in 1986. That first year, the campaign raised 30,000 baht, which was
presented to Father Ray at the Pattaya Orphanage. The program has continued each
year since, with the help of local businesses.
The project is now headed by Surat “Mike” Mekavarakul.
Rev. Michael said the project has benefitted the many
children under the foundation’s care and said it has been successful thanks to
the contributions of foreign residents of Pattaya. Those wishing to donate can
contact 038-716-628.
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Hotel executives toast
New Year at Dusit Thani
Hotel managers from across the
region toast the New Year at the Dusit Thani Hotel.
Manoon Makpol
Hotel managers from across the region toasted the New Year at
a party hosted by the Dusit Thani Hotel.
General Manager Chatchawal Supachayanont welcomed executives
from the City Hotel Sriracha, Green Park Resort, Woodlands Hotel & Resort,
Sunbeam Hotel, Bella Villa Cabana, JP Villa, Sarita Chalet & Spa, The Zign, Long
Beach Garden, Montien and Thai International Airways Jan. 5.
The party was aimed at reinforcing good relations and
friendships between leaders of the area’s hospitality industry. Activities
included singing, dancing and a Thai-European cultural show featuring Dusit
employees.
The highlight of the Thai Hotels Association Board New Year’s
Scarf Party was that each member had to wear a cowboy’s bandana.
After a busy year and hectic holiday season, hotel execs said
they welcomed the Dusit’s hospitality.
Chatchawal thanked everyone who showed up, saying he hoped
2012 would see the same amount of cooperation between hotels as had occurred
last year.
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