|
Mexico’s Erica takes Miss International Queen 2006 crown
(L to R) 3rd runner up
Nong Tong-Ratravee Jiraprapakul from Thailand, Miss International Queen
2006 Erica Andrews from Mexico, and runner up Patricia Montrecarlo from
the Philippines.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Mexico’s Erica Andrews won the Miss International Queen 2006 crown on
October 28, in a glittering event held at Tiffany’s Show Theatre and
differing from a conventional international beauty contest only in the
fact that all the competitors were genetically male.
Twenty-four transvestites from 13 countries attended the pageant, and in
addition to the contest also took part in a hectic round of activities
at various locations in Pattaya.
Erica Andrews emerged as the winner, taking home 10,000 dollars, a sash,
a crown, a trophy, and other awards from sponsors. The first runner-up
was Patricia from the Philippines, who received 2,000 dollars, while
Ratravee took third place and won 1,500 dollars.
Tremendous Totty at Tiffany’s
Will Burroughs
Breakfast, lunch and a fish supper at Tiffany’s please, if Saturday’s
mass celebration of delicious, delectable, daedalian damsels of delirium
and delight is anything to go by. You didn’t need to be capernoited but
it helped, at the most sensational showing yet of International Queens,
at the competition that is a show and the show which is all about
competition; Miss International Queen 2006.
 Erica
Andrews from Mexico was crowned Miss International Queen 2006.
Tiffany’s was packed to the rafters from early evening as Pattaya’s
glitterati gathered at the mother’s pride of parties, in anticipation of
a night of rampant extravagance. Some came incognito, some came in their
petticoats, some came in their trousers, but fat, thin, tall, short, old
and young - they were all there, imbibing an atmosphere of cosmopolitan
brilliance.
In the foyer, to fuel a vibrant sense of occasion, some of Tiffany’s
finest performed rock solid items to an already excitable audience,
immersed in fine, fine wine and cake. Oh! The indulgence was almost too
much to bear; you could grasp, squeeze and massage the eagerness. It was
everywhere! Now, Tiffany’s know how to keep an audience in suspense,
just as fluidly as they know how to dress their dancers in suspenders.
Such divine providence awaited us, such undiluted Romanesque pleasure;
the unmistakeable odour of musk filled our consciousness and it was
enough to crack you up. Beads of sweat formed on the crowd’s brows;
mouths were dry, lips were wet. The waiting had become almost
unbearable; it was like Schrödinger’s cat; knowing what was on the
inside yet not quite knowing…
 H.E.
Arno Riedl (centre) the Austrian Ambassador was a special guest of
Orawan and Sutham Phanthusak MD of Tiffany’s Cabaret Show.
Just thinking about such sumptuous voluptuousness beyond the curtains
created a sense of unending longing, unbending want. So much for quantum
theories of the principle of superposition; “let me at ‘em!” the crowd
seemed to be baying. They wanted their cream and by golly they were
going to get it.
Then we were forcing our way in, filling a theatre already alive with
expectation with a unique, deep and penetrating electrical force which
only an audience freed from the shackles of sociological condition can
generate and sustain. Then more suspenders, until the exceptional
grandeur of this landmark event was smashed into life by the larger than
credible Mimi Marks, (I’m sure she does) Miss International Queen of
2005, who spanked off a rip-roaring rendition of ‘New York, New York’.
Here was Tiffany’s in all its majesty; trans-gender gyrators strutted
their redoubtable stuff across a stage of immense and inimitable
sensuality. Their towering physiques pirouetted, they tossed and turned,
riveting the audience to their seats as eyes bulged. It was difficult
not to gawp. The sound of jaws hitting the floor seemed to resonate
across a canopy of open mouthed faces as the unfeasible erupted before
an audience clearly and volubly aroused. And this was just the
floor-play.
 Miss
International Queen 2006, Erica Andrews is flanked by runners up
Ratravee Jiraprapakul (left) and Patricia Montecarlo (right).
Oh and then, what a vision met the eyes of the assembled as twenty four
items of the most colossal, tremendous, transvestite totty trotted out
towards them. From far and wide they had come, these beings; so infinite
in facility were they that they appeared to be beyond this earth and
from all corners of the cosmos. They spread themselves longingly across
the stage and the audience drank it all in, willingly, lovingly. One
kilted wit, in welcome respite from gorging his eyes on such manifest
beauty conjectured whether these transatlantic trannies were indeed
wireless? We thought on the whole, probably not. The Philippines sent
the biggest contingent; all flair, variety and colour in a veritable
riot of the possible. From a distance, they looked luscious. From close
up, I felt like I was melting into my hosiery. The contribution of
Thailand to competition was the long “Nong Tong” Ratravee Jiraprapakul,
a strapping, lithe lass who when bedecked in cadmium red set the pulses
a flutter. Her hips seemed to undulate with an unearthly rhythm. I was
hypnotised indeed.
Mimi Marks, Miss
International Queen of 2005 in her rip-roaring rendition of ‘New York,
New York’ medley.
But stiff competition is a harsh mistress and after
the first round only ten lucky babes remained. Then more cavorting and
we were whittled down to the final three; the poised Patricia Montecarlo
from the Philippines, erotic Erica Andrews from Mexico, and exotic
Ratravee Jiraprapakul, the crowd’s favourite. Then, as if it were to be
endured (surely it could not be!) more tense moments as the winner’s
packet was drawn and opened. Then, swimming in floods of tears of
relief, lathering herself with the soap of great joy and reveling in a
rapturous reception from the entire theatre, erotic, ecstatic, euphoric
Erica Andrews from Mexico was crowned “Miss International Queen 2006”.
The sash was smooth across her powerful frame, her crown sat on her head
triumphantly and the trophy she clasped to her heart with the poignant
delicacy of a successful operation; she had won, she had won! She
clasped the symbols of her success close to her, like a leather girdle
and then opened up with a flourish and shared her joy. Ten thousand pink
US dollars to the good, she had a smile as broad as a boulevard across
her picturesque visage. It was well done.
Alisa Phanthusak (left)
did it again, organising one of the most outstanding and successful
pageants ever. Miss Thailand World Melisa Mahaphol (3rd left) was on the
panel of judges with other VIPs including Saman Suthipongkaset, Rewat
Pon-lookin (centre), Phanu Charoenphol and runners up of the Miss
Thailand World Yada Migelli and Panasarom Koomkit were also in the
audience.
Second place can mean first loser, but not here;
first runner up was pretty Patricia, who received $3,000 pink US
dollars, a sash, crown and trophy, whilst coming close behind in third
was the people’s popular choice, leggy and long “Nong Tong” from
Thailand, who received $1,500 pink US dollars, a sash, crown and trophy
and the promise of other awards from her many supporters. Reflecting on
her third place finish, she reckoned that she had made a mistake when
she couldn’t concentrate on answering a question, which had probably
dropped her points. Nonetheless, long “Nong Tong” smiled radiantly as
she spoke of continuing her studies, or perhaps continuing her work at
the Tiffany’s show. Whatever the weather, she had had a great time and
encouraged the younger generation to get involved with future Miss
International Queen pageants.
The winners of the other awards were: Miss Maria from Korea for “Best
National Dress”, Domanique Shappelle from the US for “Miss Talent” (not
specified), the Miss Ripley’s popular vote went to Alexis Marinas
Jaromillo from the Philippines (believe it or not) and Miss Congeniality
went to Shaina Marie Barber from the Philippines, whilst the winner of
Miss Photogenic was Armela Esguera from the Philippines.
As the theatre emptied in the early hours of the morning, one word
resonated in my heart and mind, “Tremendous”.
Balcony prepares fabulous feast for Chaine de Rotisseurs
Elfi Seitz
The Balcony Restaurant is renowned for its excellent food, often
prepared by owner Rachaen, who is a very talented chef, and so the
restaurant was the ideal venue for a Chaine de Rotisseurs evening.
Manageress Jirarat “PJ” Thesrak welcomed the guests and offered everyone
a few glasses of champagne in the beautiful garden with its waterfall.
In the absence of baillie Louis Noll, Hugh Millar, Chaine de Rotisseurs
Pattaya’s sergeant-of-arms, was in charge of the event, and did so with
his usual panache.
Dinner began with a remoulade of horseshoe crab and tiger prawn, an
outstanding presentation with the crab served with cream and caper
mousse set on a tomato skin and surrounded by a mustard and orange
dressing with the prawns and salad.
First wine served was a Chardonnay Punta Nogal Chilian 2004 from Chile’s
Casablance Valley. I loved it and so did all at my table. A perfect wine
for any occasion.
The second course of the evening was a consommé a la Reine, a very light
mushroom soup with egg threads and tapioca styled as fish roe.
The conviviality of the evening grew, as the food tasted wonderful and
the wine had been selected well.
In keeping with Chaine tradition, the main dish was a roast, with a veal
tenderloin from Australia prepared to perfection with subtle hints of
rosemary.
To accompany the main course, the wine selected was a Cabernet Sauvignon
Punta Nogal Chilian 2003, a light red wine with a hint of blackberry,
raspberry and blackcurrant.
A cheese platter with Brie, Camembert and blue cheese followed, and the
final course of the evening was chocolate ice cream with raspberry
compote. Not only the taste, but also the composition of colors and
flavors made it unforgettable for the guests. No wonder the Balcony is
famous for its cakes and desserts. To make it even better, a Château de
Loei Chenin Blanc 2003 from Thailand was served as a dessert wine.
The Balcony proved with this very fine evening that it truly belongs in
the circle of the Chaine de Rotisseurs of Pattaya.
Certificates of appreciation were handed out to Lomtoei, the head of the
kitchen brigade, to Panom on behalf of the service staff, and to Rachaen
and PJ for all their great work.
Everyone including the
staff, management and members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs had wonderful
evening at the Balcony.
Club members take a trip to
the past during PCEC meeting
This week’s meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) on Sunday
22nd at Henry J. Bean’s included a guest speaker with a difference. This
week the main speaker was a long standing member of the club, Paul Back.
To say that Paul has been a resident of Pattaya for a long time would be
a gross misstatement, as he originally arrived in Pattaya in 1967 and
made his home here. An electrical engineer by trade, Paul also worked in
Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
But it was Paul’s description and experience of Pattaya during those
very early days that was the theme of his talk, which he illustrated
with several photos from the era.
Legend has it that the US military personnel ‘discovered’ Pattaya for R
& R purposes. Paul’s opinion was that there were in fact few Americans
in the town at that time, as most preferred to spend their time in
Bangkok. Those that did visit were stationed at U-Tapao.
Describing the nightlife of the era, the bar in Pattaya which was
claimed to be the first, was known as the Barbos Barn House Bar. Early
rock n’ roll music was played and the furniture was removed to allow
dancing. The ladies at the time wore sarongs and there was but one
recognised katoey named Noi!
As far as accommodation was concerned, the first hotel was the Nipa
Lodge, now renamed the Nova Lodge. This was followed by the Pattaya
Beach Hotel and the Pumpet Guesthouse.
During the early to mid 70s the first souvenir shops appeared with
coral, long since disappeared, being a favorite item. At this time the
first few tourist groups could be seen arriving, particularly from
Germany.
In summary, Paul provided a fascinating commentary of early Pattaya
before the Royal Garden Plaza would ever have been imagined.
Paul’s talk was followed by an update on the club’s excursions, which
are becoming very active. Drew Noyes provided an update of the
forthcoming comprehensive 5 day trip to Chang Mai. Next up were Chairman
Andre Machelson and Steve Watt who announced and provided an itinerary
of the PCEC organized 3 day excursion to Kanchanaburi including an
overnight stay at Sai Yok National Park to take place during late
November.
The regular Open Forum was then underway and this proved to be the usual
lively and entertaining session. One member announced that by attending
the mid week investment club a portfolio of recommended shares had
netted him a 10% profit in a matter of weeks.
For more information regarding, not only PCEC Sunday meetings but also
the varied mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings
section of Pattaya Mail or, for more detail, visit the Club’s
website at pattayacityexpatsclub.com
Royal College of Defence Studies tours eastern Seaboard
Members of the Royal
College of Defence Studies toured the Eastern Seaboard.
Earlier this month, the British Embassy hosted an
overseas tour party from the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in
the UK. This overseas tour was the culmination of their study of
international issues at the College and to provide members with a feel
for the nature, achievements, problems and prospects of the countries
that they visited. After visiting various countries in Asia, they came
to Thailand.
In addition to embassy briefings on political, commercial, social and
security aspects it was decided it would be beneficial for the tour
party to actually see part of the country itself. With that in mind, the
embassy and the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) organised a
trip to the Eastern Seaboard as part of the commercial element of the
tour.
The RCDS visited Triumph Motorcycles at the Amata Nakorn Industrial
Estate and then came to Pattaya to study certain aspects of the tourism
industry. Before heading back to Bangkok the following morning they had
a breakfast meeting with James Howard, MD of Katoen Natie, Peter
Malhotra, MD of the Pattaya Mail and Graham Macdonald of MBMG
International and chairman of the BCCT on the Eastern Seaboard.
The aforementioned were asked many questions about all aspects of living
and working on the Eastern Seaboard. It was a frank discussion on the
issues of doing business in Thailand, touching on everything from local
politics to having to deal with the Customs Departments and the problems
in having a commercial presence in the Eastern Seaboard. Many other
topics were also touched on and the party left Pattaya to continue their
tour full in the knowledge that the Eastern Seaboard is a thriving place
that promises much for those willing to invest in the region.
Peter Malhotra, MD of the
Pattaya Mail, is able to answer any and all questions about life in this
area of Thailand.
James Howard (right), MD
of Katoen Natie talks about the business potential on the Eastern
Seaboard.
Graham Macdonald (right)
of MBMG International and chairman of the BCCT on the Eastern Seaboard,
explains the great support British companies receive here.
Hard knocks at Hard Rock as men take victory at chair ball contest
Narisa Nitikarn
A highlight of Hard Rock Sports Day on October 24 was the chair ball
contest, with the Male Administrators Team versus the Female Employees
Team.
 Hard
Rock Hotel Pattaya GM Andrew Khoo welcomes the competitors to the event.
With Pol Col Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai, superintendent of Pattaya
Immigration, Chaiwat Charoensuk, director of the TAT Central Region 3
Office, and Apichat Phuetphan, deputy head of Pattaya City
administration on the Male Team, the men scored in the first two minutes
and ended up the winners with a score of 23:16.
This was the fifth of Hard Rock’s annual sports days. This year
competitors were divided into four teams, Orange, Sky Blue, Pink and
Yellow. In addition to the games there was a parade and participation in
the cheerleader competition.
General manager Andrew Khoo got the day off to a start by shooting a
ball into a basket, in chair ball style.
Hard Rock Sports Day is part of a program of activities for the staff,
running through to December 15 and including a competition based on
hotel activities such as food and beverage, kitchens and housekeeping.
Pol Col Ittipol
Ittisarnronnachai, superintendent of Pattaya Immigration, makes a play
during the game.
The Yellow team comes
marching in.
Cheerleaders give it their
all in the Extreme cheerleader competition.
Humanity in Motion
Records smashed at 3rd Rotary Cross Bay Charity Swim
Deputy Mayor Ronakit and
Graham Hunt-Crowley, Chairman of the Organising Committee pose for a
group photograph with the swimmers and children from Baan Jing Jai
Orphanage.
Will Burroughs &
Paul Strachan
The temperate climes and gentle undulations of the waves at the Dusit
Resort Pattaya gave no clue as to the drama that was about to unfold, as
sixteen superb swimmers took to the sea from the slipway at the sea
rescue department south of Bali Hai pier for the 3rd Annual Rotary Cross
Bay Charity Swim on Sunday October 22.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya in conjunction with the
Dusit Resort Pattaya, the event has quickly become synonymous with
inspirational performance; both in the fields of athletics and charity
fund raising. The Baan Jing Jai Orphanage has been the main beneficiary
of this tremendous event; money raised last year went a long way towards
sustaining and supplementing the children’s needs over the last twelve
months. That’s the essence of Rotary - always going way beyond the
minimum - “Plus est en vous” as they say in France.
As the strapping swimmers prepared to immerse themselves in the drink,
it was left to Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh to articulate the feelings
of the assembled. “I am very proud that we have such service minded
Rotarians in our community,” he said. “Your dedication to sacrifice your
time and money for the benefit of the underprivileged people is most
commendable. I wish this swim fun and success, but do remember… Safety
First.”
Three years ago at the inaugural swim, eight brave swimmers took part.
Last year the number increased to ten, and this year’s sweet sixteen is
an indication that the event and its worthy cause are gaining in
popularity.
The defending champion for the past two years, Glyn Davis, who hails
from England, was once again expected to be the pace setter. Conditions
for the swim in the first year had been very challenging, but his time
had nonetheless set a benchmark. In year two, Glyn had smashed the
previous record by 26 minutes, almost surfing home in 52 minutes. This
year, both the conditions and the level of competition were just
perfect, although Glyn wasn’t confident that he would be able to
three-peat his success. The reason, he told PMTV’s Paul Strachan, was
that two of the other swimmers were tri-athletes.
The competitors were given a last minute briefing by Simon Simms who
explained how to navigate across the bay and assured them that the sea
rescue department was on hand “just in case”. Remember: safety first.
It wasn’t only the competition that was hotting up. The temperature was
soaring as Deputy Mayor Ronakit blasted on his whistle to set the
swimmers in motion. With the Dusit Resort firmly somewhere in their
navigational sights and with the officers of the rescue patrol watching
from boats and jet skis, with impressive strength and apparent
effortlessness, the swimmers penetrated the swell.
Whilst the swimmers swam, the drivers drove. The organizing committee,
reporters and spectators clambered into their cars and braved the
equally challenging roads of Pattaya. Around the bay they moved, led by
president of the Rotarians, Max Rommel, followed by representatives of
the Pattaya Sea Rescue Unit and guests. There was no hurry of course;
fifty two minutes was the record. Ah, but we should discount neither the
potential for paralysis of traffic in Pattaya, nor the very real
possibility that the level of competition would bring the swimmers to
new levels of performance.
Forty minutes it took to make it to the Dusit and astonishingly, we were
only just in time. To resounding applause, Peter Gibney swam the final
few strokes and felt sand between his toes. He took in the sight of his
fans and the children from the orphanage cheering him on; behind the
huge smile adorning his face, there was one question; what was his time?
Forty-two minutes was the response - an amazing effort. It seems that
Glyn Davis’s fears had been well founded; Peter turned out to be one of
the tri-athletes. The bar had been raised and all eyes turned out to sea
to look for number two.
We didn’t have to wait long. Seven minutes later the other tri-athlete,
William Preston, came home, securing second place just a few strokes
ahead of Glyn Davies in a time of 49 minutes 15 seconds. The only female
swimmer, lithe and flaxen haired Natalie King, came in forth place with
a time of 57 minutes, whilst fifth place went to Simon Thomas with a
time of 59 minutes.
The Dusit staff was on hand to provide the swimmers with towels and
water and later there was a buffet for all the guests. A sense of
competition gave way to an atmosphere of celebration as former Chonburi
MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul summed up what had been a tumultuous and dramatic
day, “I am very happy to see that the swim has ended so successfully. I
am sure that the swimmers have trained hard for today and they have
overcome the strong winds and waves to reach the finish line. I thank
the Pattaya Sea Rescue Unit for looking after the safety of the
swimmers. I thank Rotarians and sponsors for having made this
fund-raising event possible to support the Baan Jing Jai Orphanage. I am
very proud that we have Rotarians in our community who take pride in
‘Service Above Self’. Your dedication in sacrificing your time and money
for the benefit of the underprivileged people is most commendable. I
call upon all that is sacred to bless you in all your endeavours and
help you further achieve success in all your projects to serve the
community.”
“Humanity in Motion” indeed.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit
thanks the swimmers for participating in the charity swim.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit blows
the whistle to start the race as DGN Peter Malhotra waves them off.
Cristina De Vera,
Marketing Communications Manager and Marcus Wirsching, Resident Manager
of the Dusit Resort are recognized for their unfaltering efforts towards
the success of the event.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul
congratulates Peter Gibney as President Max Rommel looks on.
Members of the Rotary Club
of Jomtien-Pattaya, gather on the beach to cheer the swimmers onto
shore.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul and
Pres. Max Rommel pose with the swimmers who proudly display their medals
and certificates contented in the thought that their efforts have helped
many children.
Two lovely ladies seem to
enjoy their afternoon at the Dusit Beach.
The 3.5 km swim can make
you real hungry, swimmers dig into the snacks and refreshments provided
by the Dusit Resort.
The Pattaya City Sea
Rescue Unit watch closely as swimmers swam across the Pattaya bay.
Supporters on a rescue
boat cheered the plucky swimmers on.
|
