Ode to Joy
The Fobissea Music Festival at Garden International School
A group of rock stars,
truly revelling in the limelight, performed a bruising rancour of “We
don’t need no education”.
Samba drumming, Gospel
singing, Barbershop, Rock, Choir and Orchestra all featured on the
night.
Andrew Watson
Six sensational days at the Fobissea Music Festival 2006, hosted by
Garden International School, reached a spectacular and fitting climax on
a balmy evening in the appropriately glorious setting of the Alangkarn
theatre, last Saturday night. Over three hundred inspired students and
inspiring teachers from International schools across Asia had converged
on Jomtien to share in the biggest music festival of its kind that Asia
has ever seen. When the festival’s architect, Shane O’Shea, rose from
the depths like the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ to end an evening of
brilliant choreography, electrifying performances and outstanding
theatre with the first movement from Carmina Burana, he was bringing
down the curtain on eighteen months of devotion to a project so
ambitious that cynical ‘unbelievers’ thought it beyond him and his
students. They were wrong.
Festival
guru, Shane O’Shea with PMTV’s special reporter Peng Janthasorn
In a rousing crescendo of dramatic harmony, as the festival logo
surrounded by glittering stars moved gracefully aside to reveal the
night sky, a fusillade of fantastic fireworks ripped open the darkness
with colours and patterns of such intense richness and diversity, such
power and passion, that all present bore witness in the unforgiving
beauty of that unforgettable moment, to a new reality; Garden
International School had arrived. She now takes her place among the
pantheon of progressive places of learning defined by staff and students
of imagination, initiative, inspiration and integrity.
As hosts, the flavour, the sweet scents of the Garden, had been like an
infusion of joy in a week of immeasurable pleasures. Over the past ten
weeks, as the idea of the festival blossomed into reality, I had
detected a new sense of direction in the school, a freshness in approach
as if liberated to explore the parameters of the possible. There is a
kind of everlasting magic in preparing for a project of this magnitude;
a necessity to come together as one and channel creative energy towards
a common objective. The impact of their unquestionable triumph on
students, parents, teachers and indeed others school locally and
regionally, has been massive and found palpable expression in the smiles
and laughter of anybody lucky enough to share in it.
For the five days preceding the final flourish at the Alangkarn, in a
small corner of the Ambassador complex (appropriately the ‘Garden
Wing’), three hundred young people were having the time of their musical
lives. Small wonder; there was such variety in workshops that included
Samba drumming, Gospel singing, Barbershop, Rock, Choir and Orchestra
(to name but a few), run by brilliantly inventive teachers to receptive
and stimulated children. In every session I attended, there was a love
of learning at work which was enough to make the heart sing. I always
wonder whether the rhetoric matches the reality, but here I saw it all.
New friendships were forged as young people from all around the world
found common ground through musical expression.
Running much of the show were Garden’s IB students. Attributed schools,
they excelled in attending to every need of their charges with patience
and consideration, something which didn’t go unnoticed by their guests,
from whom they received special mention at the closing ceremony.
Ah, the Gala concert. The Alangkarn and the chance to perform at the
biggest theatre in Thailand; what an opportunity! Pre-performance
fireworks had lit the blue touch paper of anticipation for an eager
audience which veritably hummed with excitement. From far and wide they
had come, eager just to be part of six days which had captured the
musical imagination. Samba drums set the pace, before the theme to
‘Superman’, played with sensitivity and style (and not, it transpired,
an ‘Ode to Shane O’Shea’) elicited gasps of approval from the crowd, as
the Alangkarn Gods flew overhead; brilliant!
Whoever put together the programme is a genius. The light and delicate
‘All things bright and beautiful’ was immediately followed by the
bruising rancour of ‘My Generation’ by a group of rock stars truly
revelling in the limelight. The song might be The Who’s but they claimed
it as their own. A dynamic new riff plugged me in and I felt the force
of their passion. They came back for more later with an equally
brilliant and superbly ironic ‘We don’t need no education”. Of course
you don’t!
St Stephens School, Bangkok brought us back to a place we knew well,
with the understated artistry of the Ranat, before we were volubly
roused by an awesome gospel of ‘Joyful, Joyful’ led by an Irishman
called Canice, from Tokyo. Somewhere, somehow, the orchestra squeezed in
a brave bash at Mozart’s 40th before O’Shea took us to the stars.
Rightly so, for that was where he had aimed, all along.
NB: PMTV will be showing the final workshop of the Fobissea Music
Festival today, Friday 17th with the gala concert being aired on
tomorrow’s show, Saturday 18th November.
Classical Thai instruments
kept the audience spellbound.
Just a few of the over
three hundred inspired students and inspiring teachers from
International schools across Asia that converged on Jomtien to share in
the biggest music festival of its kind that Asia has ever seen.
Jesters MC celebrate 10th anniversary
The Jesters Motorcycle Club of Thailand celebrated their 10th
anniversary at the Green Tree Pub on Beach Road in North Pattaya last
Saturday, November 11th. A couple of hundred friends and fellow bikers
came by to help ensure that the event was a festive one. A sumptuous
buffet courtesy of Khun Chan and his staff augmented by Banana’s famous
leg of ox barbecue kept the bellies of the party goers full along with
the complimentary beverages.
Jack
Levy from Northern Thai Group, one of the Jesters Care for Kids Charity
Drive Platinum Sponsors and his new Mrs are enjoying the event.
Headlining the evening were The Bastards from Bangkok, who got their
band back together specifically for this occasion, and Pop’s Pattaya
All-Stars, both of which kept the energy of the evening highly charged.
VIP’s on the night were members of the Jesters Care for Kids organizing
committee (Honorary Jesters), including Robert, who is half of the push
bike riding duo, along with Erik, having raised over 2 million baht over
the years.
Other VIP’s in attendance were Platinum Sponsors Jack Levy from Northern
Thai Group, Ian Harrington, representing EK Crane, Richy Rhodes from
Nirvana Resorts, Mike Koerner and Steve Lake.
The Nagas MC, also a Platinum Sponsor this past year, had a full
contingent of their members out for the night and presented the Jesters
with a massive carved wood plaque emblazoned with the Jesters MC logo to
commemorate the occasion. The Mad Dogs MC, perennial supporters of the
Jesters charity drives, were also well represented.
Scar
hams it up with Jester VP Pete.
Between the bands’ sets Pete and Woody, vice president and president,
respectively, talked of the origins of the Club and the changes it has
gone through over the last decade. They explained that it all started
when a plain black cap with a small grinning skull face and colorful hat
was found in an obscure head shop in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cap
was brought back to Pattaya and became the inspiration for the Club. The
name Jester was given to it and the image became the basis for the
club’s colors.
Officially, the date of inception for the Jesters MC is October 26,
1996, when they became a club for Harley Davidson owners with the
primary aims to do road trips around Thailand and the region, advocate
camaraderie and a good community standing, as well as promote charity.
Jesters
memorabilia were hot sellers on the night.
In the beginning, there were 15 founding members, who met every Saturday
at the Hog’s Breath Saloon on Soi Batman. Of that total, there are 5
that are still members today.
All in all there are 40 members on the roster, which is the most they
have had at any one time. There are 8 different nationalities in the
Club with Swedes, Canadians, and Americans making up over half their
numbers.
Since the beginning the Club has undergone many changes. For instance,
over the years, there have been 42 members, at last count, that have
come and gone, 4 of whom are now deceased.
The
long line of big bikes was an impressive sight along Beach Road.
But the most significant change, of course, has been the formation and
maintenance of the Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive, which has grown
bigger than anyone could have possibly imagined, and is generously
supported by many of the people who attended the fete. Due to the
appreciation of the invaluable help from persons who were not members of
the Jesters, a new status of Honorary Jester was created. There are 18
honorary members at present.
The celebration and live music went well into the wee hours of the
morning culminated by the thunder of motorcycles starting and leaving
the Green Tree Pub, taking with them the good times and memories of
years gone past.
President Woody (left) and Vice President
Pete talk of the origins of the Club and the changes it has gone through
over the last decade.
(L to R) Vice President Pete and President
Woody chat with MGMB’s Graham Macdonald and Jameson’s landlord Kim
Fletcher.
Jesters take a break from the partying to
pose for a commemorative photo celebrating their 10th anniversary.
The Green Tree Pub on Beach Road was
decorated to the nines and packed nearly to the rafters will partygoers.
PILC lunch - Japanese dancing at an Italian restaurant
Sounds an unusual “fusion” mix? Read on…
Manager Jimmy (left) and
Chef Giovanni (3rd right) with restaurant staff did a great job putting
together a memorable lunch for the Pattaya International Ladies Club.
PILC members were treated
to a wonderful display of the Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance.
On November 1, Pattaya International Ladies Club had
its monthly lunch at Gian’s Italian Restaurant and was treated to a
wonderful display of the Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance.
The Bon Odori is part of the traditional Japanese O-Bon festival,
celebrated from July 13-16 or August 13-16 depending on the area of
Japan. The festival celebrates ancestors, and it is believed that the
souls of deceased family members revisit their homes during the O-Bon
festival. Many Japanese return to their hometowns to participate in the
celebrations with the friends and family.
PILC
members enjoy learning some of the basic Bon Odori Japanese dance
movements.
The PILC lunch was arranged at Gian’s Italian Restaurant, but in fact it
was a two-venue event! The dance was to be performed at Habitu, the
newly opened Wine Bar and Grill, next to Gian’s. Members were greeted by
Alex, the manager of Habitu, with a glass of sparkling Prosecco.
Before the Bon Odori commenced, Gillian Thom, president, welcomed 81
ladies and thanked Guido Vietri, owner of Gian’s and Habitu, for the use
of the two venues. She also thanked the chef, Giovanni, and
congratulated him on the very recent birth of his first son, Federico.
Giovanni was actually on holiday, but had kindly returned for the day to
oversee the PILC lunch.
Gillian told members that Sharon Adams-Dean, a new and very active
member of the PILC, had completed the Pattaya Bay Swim on October 22;
three and a half kilometres in 1 hour 17 minutes. Sharon and her husband
had raised over 18,000 baht for the Ban Jing Jai Kids Home and Gillian
Thom said PILC, who had donated a further 5000 baht, was one of Sharon’s
largest sponsors.
Helle Rantsen, PILC Welfare, said some of the money could be spent on
the annual Christmas Shopping trip for 45 children from the Ban Jing Jai
Kids Home, when each child is bought new clothing and a pair of shoes.
After the announcements, the Bon Odori dance was beautifully performed
by Yuki Furui, Suzuko Ikezoe, Chizuko Kajiwara, Hinoki Katou, Mitsue
Konno, Tamiko Kouno, Chisa Takebayashi, Yoko Yamaguchi, and Nami Yoneda.
The ladies looked stunning in their elegant, brightly coloured kimonos.
After the dance demonstration, many members enjoyed learning some of the
movements.
Then it was on to Gian’s Italian restaurant next door where Jimmy, the
manager, and his staff served an excellent three-course lunch. And in
keeping with the Japanese theme, on the tables were pretty paper origami
birds. Gillian Thom thanked the Japanese PILC members and Guido Vietri
and his staff for having made the lunch such a success.
PILC Annual Gala Charity Ball -
November 25 at Royal Cliff Hotel
There are still a few tickets available for the Gala Ball at
1950 baht per person, but book soon as they are going fast! Contact
Rosanne Diamente [email protected] or 081 8650714.
For more information about PILC and its activities please contact
Gillian Thom, president, 08 1762 6003.
Gian’s Italian Restaurant is at Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road,
Jomtien, and is now open for lunch. For reservations 08-6000 5303.
Habitu Wine Bar and Grill is next to Gian’s. 038 364146.
Jomtien Boathouse hosts Rotary Club
of Taksin-Pattaya fellowship party
Artist Rotarian Martin Van
Bree (3rd left) donated an oil painting for auction, which was won by
President Charles Evens (2nd right) with a bid of 23,500 baht. On stage
for the presenation were DGN Peter Malhotra, Ib Ottesen and ADG Dieter
Précourt. (right)
The Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya had a successful
fellowship party on Tuesday November 7 at the Jomtien Boathouse. With
nearly 50 Rotarians and guests attending to enjoy an evening of
entertainment, good food, good company and to help raise a little money
for the club’s charity projects.
The evening started at 7 p.m. with drinks and chat. The MC for the
evening, president elect and press officer John Botting welcomed the
guests and introduced the evenings programme. Members were entertained
by a group of dancing “women of the second category” from Stringfellows
in Pattaya as a pre-dinner treat. Following the dancing everyone tucked
into a very nice buffet dinner.
After eating members held a “Russian Auction” for a very nice oil
painting donated by artist and club member Rtn Martin Van Bree. The
value was set at a minimum 10,000 baht. Biding commenced by the
auctioneer for the evening John Botting, and it was sold for 23,500
baht. After the auction a lucky draw took place for a litre bottle of
Johnny Walker donated by the Real Estate Magazine. Following this, the
evening officially finished but many people stayed on to drink and enjoy
each others’ company.
Treasurer Bob Denzel counted the money and members were pleased to find
that the evening netted a profit of 13,000 baht for the club’s general
fund.
Thanks goes to the organising committee, IPP Stephan, PE John and
Treasure Bob who worked hard to make the evening extremely successful.
Also to Ib Ottesen the owner of Jomtien Boathouse and his staff who put
on an excellent meal with great service in a nice function room.
MC for the evening John
Botting introduces the exotic dance troupe from Stringfellows.
Following the dancing
everyone tucked into a very nice buffet dinner.
Miss International Queen 2006 Erica Andrews visits Pattaya Mail
The Pattaya Mail staff was
excited to have their photo taken with Miss International Queen 2006
Erica Andrews.
Staff Reporters
The Offices of the Pattaya Mail Media Group were recently very
privileged to welcome to their home none other than Erica Andrews from
Mexico, who had been crowned “Miss International Queen 2006” at
Tiffany’s Cabaret Theatre in Pattaya only a few days before. Also
visiting was Alisa Phanthusak, assistant managing director of Tiffany’s
Show who is also the person responsible for bringing the contest of
“Miss International Queen 2006” to reality. They arrived in one of the
very special Tiffany’s Show buses, which had the face of Mimi Marks, the
winner of the competition in 2005, painted on the side. Now, they will
have to get a new paint job for the van!
These very special guests were met at the door of the Pattaya Mail
office by Pratheep Malhotra, managing director, Sue, Tony and Prince
Malhotra and the rest of the Pattaya Mail staff. Everybody was
very excited to be welcoming these two wonderful people into their place
of work, which for a moment stopped being as busy as it normally is and
became a place where everybody’s eyes were fixed on the winner of Miss
International Queen 2006.
Andrew
Watson speaks to Erica Andrews and Alisa Phanthusak at the PMTV studios.
Erica Andrews from Mexico looked very beautiful indeed and everybody
agreed that she was a worthy winner. She did not look in the least bit
tired, even though she had had to travel up to Bangkok almost
immediately after winning the prestigious award to meet the press.
Alisa Phanthusak seemed to be very happy that the big evening of the
competition had gone so well. There was a lot of pressure on everybody,
not least because “Miss International Queen 2006” was going out live on
ITV. Many people who were not lucky enough to get tickets and watched
the show on television instead, said how brilliant it was. But it was
not as good as being there and seeing the show ‘live’! That was no doubt
down to Alisa and her team of workers at Tiffany’s Show who did an
excellent job in making sure everything went off smoothly.
Erica Andrews was very friendly to everyone and was always smiling. She
and Alisa sat for an interview with Andrew Watson on PMTV in which the
winner said that it had been a very special moment when it was announced
on the night that she had won. When you look at the pictures you can
well believe it! She admitted that for a short moment she had felt like
fainting but in a moment she had felt better and got on with
celebrating. It had been a long tense evening for her and the other
girls who all looked beautiful. The costumes were all particularly
lovely. Even in the offices of the Pattaya Mail, Erica was still dressed
to kill; best of all were some huge silver earrings and some very, very
high heeled shoes.
There had been twenty three contestants in the competition, but Erica
had beaten them all. In the final round of questions, the finalists had
all come up with excellent answers. They had the same objective and they
were all looking forward to continue the pageant‘s mission of promoting
awareness and education about AIDS and HIV. But the judges, of whom
Pratheep Malhotra had been one, judged Erika’s answers to be the best.
When she was finally awarded the crown, it was the end of a very long
and tiring and emotional week for Erika.
At the same time, she had made some very good friends during her time in
‘Fun City’ which was obvious by the way that all the other contestants
had congratulated her at the end. Perhaps it was her red gown which was
like a 1920s starlet that had finally carried the day, putting her past
runners-up Patricia Montrecarlo of the Philippines and Thailand’s
Ratravee Jiraprapakul.
In her interview for PMTV she said it was the most wonderful feeling to
be Miss International Queen 2006 and she was looking forward to her year
of meeting people and doing lots of important work, although she is also
looking forward to getting back to Texas, where she now lives. She is
much richer as a result of the contest in which the top prize was
$10,000. All together there were prizes worth $189,000. No wonder the
audience and the contestants had been taking the competition seriously!
It was also a great success for the live television broadcast on ITV
because an estimated 25 million television viewers in Thailand watched
the show.
Alisa pointed out how unique the event is, in a land, which loves beauty
pageants. It is also getting bigger and bigger every year. The night had
been filled with all the trappings of a conventional beauty pageant,
with swimsuit and evening-wear rounds. The amount of organisation
involved was huge, but everything had gone smoothly. Erica Andrews
praised both Thailand and Pattaya, saying that she had felt very
welcomed. In fact, she felt at home.
When the interview had finished, the Pattaya Mail’s two special guests
signed specially printed copies of the double page centre spread news
article about the Miss International Queen contest 2006 and then posed
for photographs with all the Pattaya Mail staff, who were all extremely
keen to have their photograph taken with Erica Andrews. Some lucky staff
even had a kiss planted on their cheek and blushed. There is no doubt
that many of those photographs will end up on the wall of the Pattaya
Mail offices! Then they got back into their bus and drove away, whilst
the Pattaya Mail staff waved them on their way.
It is events such as these that are bringing lots of people from outside
Pattaya to the city and when productions can be put on with skill like
Tiffany’s Show then the reputation of the city will continue to grow. It
had been a special night, which will live long in the memory, as will
the visit of Miss International Queen 2006 to the offices of the
Pattaya Mail. Thank you Erika Andrews and Alisa Phanthusak!
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