“Changes…Just gonna have to be a different man”
The Hard Rock Hotel took the wraps off its 15-month renovation with a 10th anniversary party spread over three days.
General Kanit Permsub, deputy chief aide-de-camp, general to HM the King, was the guest of honor as Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Hard Rock General Manager Jorge Carlos Smith welcomed community leaders to the December 16 re-launch soiree.
General Kanit and Khunying Busyarat Permsub congratulate Jorge Carlos Smith on the auspicious occasion.
In his welcome speech Jorge said, “We are celebrating the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya’s 10th year anniversary this month to coincide with the completion of extensive renovations to our property which started on October 25, 2010. The 15-month program included the most extensive works in the hotel’s successful history, starting with guest room accommodations, followed by upgrading works in public areas, hotel entrance, reception, lobby, bar, restaurants and the poolside area. We are delighted and proud to announce that we completed our refurbishing project on time!”
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome seems notably impressed by the grandeur of the celebrations.
Jorge also welcomed Andrew Khoo, who more than 10 years ago was instrumental in creating the Hard Rock concept and philosophy here in Pattaya. At the grand opening of the hotel complex a decade ago, Andrew boldly announced to one and all that “Pattaya’s image has moved up many notches, now that the Hard Rock has opened here.” The ten years of Hard Rock Pattaya’s existence have proved his words to be absolutely true.
Andrew is at present spreading the Hard Rock philosophy and philanthropic causes as general manager of the Hard Rock Bali.
The festivities got off to a smashing start, as guests did their best Pete Townshend act by smashing guitars against Hard Rock posts. Dinner at the Star Diner and Pizzeria followed, with entertainment by Thai indie band Circle Green and fireworks.
Jorge Carlos Smith proclaims the Hard Rock motto of ‘Love all, Serve all’.
More music followed with top-name Thai popsters Modern Dog and Jetset’er taking the stage.
The fun continued the next night with British soul singer Alice Russell delighting the crowd before the Hard Rock’s signature foam party by the swimming pool, accompanied by tunes spun by European deejay Christian Prommer.
For those not worn out, the party continued on Sunday with a jazz brunch followed by a concert by Rock Agent, the Nu Sextet Band and deejays Mike and Electrojazzjorge.
Jorge summed up the Hard Rock philosophy with these words, “Since 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide range of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. Our passionate and dedicated team members in our Local Ambassador Program help our communities on a daily basis. As Hard Rockers, our actions are guided by mottos, which can be seen on the walls of every Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel and Casino location. We are proud to say that our pursuit to ‘Love all serve all’ has been part of Hard Rock DNA since day 1. The wide range of philanthropic causes we support around the globe is directly tied to our mottos; ‘Take time to be kind’, ‘Save the planet’ and ‘All is one’. They help us in our goal to make the earth a safer, healthier and better place for all.
“The next time you visit a Hard Rock, please make sure to seek out whichever motto happens to be on the wall of that cafe, hotel or casino. We hope you find as much inspiration in those simple words as we do.”
Pol. Col. Aroon Promphan Chief Inspector of the Pattaya Tourist police enjoys a laugh with Chaowalit Saeng-Uthai, head of Banglamung District.
Auttaphol Wannakij, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Pattaya; Enrico and Siritorn Kraivisutsap Egli; Andrew Khoo, GM of the Hard Rock Bali; Sermsakdi Sabhananda; Nom Pongkanjananukoon, former senior royal photographer; and Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail pose for a group photo.
Bundarik Kusolvit, president of the Thai Hotels Association – Eastern Chapter has her picture taken with Mayor Itthiphol.
Celebrations for the whole family. (l-r) Andrey Snetkov, marketing and contracting director, TEZTOUR holding his daughter Polina, Natalia Panova, director of Finance, TEZTOUR , Elena Iljina, director of sales and marketing, Ilves Tour and Michel Iljin, group general manager, Ilves tour.
Fireworks light up the night sky proclaiming to all that the Hard Rock Pattaya is 10 years old.
The moment of truth, the guitar smashers line up for a photo before they went wild, pieces of guitar flying in all directions before they lined up to receive a memento of the historic anniversary. (top l-r) Jorge Carlos Smith, Alice Russell, Chaowalit Saeng-Uthai, General Kanit Permsub, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Auttaphol Wannakij, and Greg Lee, vice president – operations of HPL Hotel & Resort.
The performers and the audience had a rockin’ celebration.
The Jetset’ers had the crowd in frenzy.
Alice Russell reached into the souls of the masses.
Modern Dog had the revelers up on their hind legs yelping for joy.
Somkiet and his friends gave a memorable performance.
Christopher Prommer spins the discs like never before.
Who let the clowns out?
The sexy boys and girls show off the Hard Rock creations.
Guests from all corners of the world attended this memorable affair.
