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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Ode to Joy

Jesters MC celebrate 10th anniversary

PILC lunch - Japanese dancing at an Italian restaurant

Jomtien Boathouse hosts Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya fellowship party

Miss International Queen 2006 Erica Andrews visits Pattaya Mail


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!