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Nong Jazz crowned Miss Tiffany Universe 2009

Lions remember 25 years of work

Aussie Chamber enjoys a night on ‘Ice’

Moooore Bar provides even mooooore


Nong Jazz crowned Miss Tiffany Universe 2009

Story by Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Photos by Vimolrat Singnikorn

Sorrawee “Nong Jazz” Nattee, a 20-year-old student from Ratchapat Suansunanta University, was crowned Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2009.
Nong Jazz collected cash, a car and other prizes worth more than one million baht as the judges’ choice in the transvestite beauty contest.
On May 15 at the Tiffany Show Theatre in Pattaya, the 12th annual contest for the most beautiful women “of the second category” (transvestite) was a glittering show, attended by stars, actors, actresses, and the mass media. The event, broadcast live on Channel 7, was organized by Tiffany’s in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 3 and Pattaya City.
In the final round of the competition, 30 beautiful contestants were pared down to 10, and then to three finalists. The end of each selection round saw a Tiffany Show performance.
The judges as always had the difficult task of choosing.
Shedding tears of joy, Nong Jazz received a 100,000-baht prize, a Honda Jazz, a sash, a trophy and she also received a prize for winning the Most Beautiful Costume Category.
The first runner-up was “Nong Bell”, Wirithorn Norapatpimol, a 20-year-old student from North Chiang Mai University, who won 80,000 baht and gift vouchers. She also won the Miss Unlimited Sexy Star, sponsored by Central Festival Pattaya Beach, and received 10,000 baht for that.
In third place was Napatsawan Cholakorn, 21, who received 50,000 baht and gift vouchers along with 20,000 baht for the Most Beautiful Complexion title.
Other prizes were: Pakwalan Bantita, 21, who was crowned popular vote in the Miss Unlimited Sexy Star contest, receiving 5,000 baht. Miss Photogenic was Lerlak Lertworapong, who received a 20,000-baht award and cosmetic set from Cover Mark. Miss Congeniality was Peerada Maneeket who received 20,000 baht and cosmetics.
Nong Jazz said, “This contest provided lots of life experience for the contestants … and many friendships.” She and the runner-up promised to conduct duties for their reigning year at full capacity.
“I would like to thank all my supporters, especially my parents. I want to give them all of my awards and I am grateful for both of them,” said the beaming winner.


Lions remember 25 years of work

Pratheep Malhotra (2nd left), governor of Rotary International District 3340, along with members of the Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya Center offer congratulations to Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor of District 310 C.

Pramote Channgam
Lions Club of Pattaya held its 25th anniversary celebration on May 17 at the Amari Orchid Resort & Tower in Pattaya.

Organizer Naris Petcharat chairs the evening.
During the ceremony, Lions honored the 25 club presidents they’ve had over the years (including this year) and congratulated the new Lions District Governor Wiwat Pattanasin.
Mayor Itthipol Khunplome, Lions Captain Kachit Hapananon, former International Lions president, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, former MP of Chonburi, and Pratheep Malhotra, governor of Rotary International District 3340, all joined to congratulate Pattaya Lions on its 25th anniversary.
Wiwat Pattanasin, 2002-2003 president, received many congratulations for being elected governor this year.
Naris Petcharat, former district governor of 310 C and former club president, paid tribute to the 25 former club presidents and praised them for their work for the benefit of society over the last 25 years.

Mayor Itthipol Khunplome (left) presents flowers for moral support to Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor of District 310 C.
Somsak Kamphu, former Lions district governor and founding member of the club, Pongsak Ketsawatdiwong, president of the Core Council Districts, Capt. Kajit Happananon, former club president, and Mayor Itthipol Khunplome were honored guests.
Pratheep Malhotra, governor of Rotary International District 3340, and Nittaya Patimasongkroh, president of YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center, and members all took part in remembering the many years of community work.
Lions Club of Pattaya was established on October 8, 1984, the same day as World Lions’ Day, at the Grand Palace Hotel (now Dusit Thani) by Weerayut Saengcharoenwong.
Over the last 25 years the club has helped the underprivileged with public charities emphasizing support for education, sports, public health and the fight against drug dependency.

ML Somsak Kamphu presents a flower garland
to one of the former club presidents.

ML Somsak Kamphu presented flowers to all former club presidents.

Lions Capt. Kajit Happananon (left), former president of the International Lions, congratulates Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor of District 310 C.

Former President Sitthichai Sirisutthiworanan (left)
receives flowers from ML Somsak Kamphu (right).

Pongsak Ketsawatdiwong (left), president of the Lions International Council Districts Core, congratulates Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor of District 310 C.

The members of Lions District 310 C congratulate Wiwat Patanasin on his appointment as new Lions district governor of District 310 C.

(L to R) Sumalee Wattanasin, Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor
of District 310 C, Somchai Manothaworn, Montree Satdae Temmer,
Sitthichai Sirisutthiworanan and Wisit Ekakara.

Members of Lions Club of Bangkok-Laemthong offer congratulations to Wiwat Patanasin, new Lions district governor of District 310 C.


Aussie Chamber enjoys a night on ‘Ice’

Dr. Iain Corness
The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) held its May Eastern Seaboard Sundowners meeting in the Ice Bar of the Amari Tower. As always, these Sundowners are very well attended, and much networking took place during the very convivial evening.

(L to R) Jeffrey Burrows, senior partner of Watermark Capital Management Ltd., and Peter Smith, director of AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.
The executive director of AustCham, Brett Ganaway, in an exclusive interview on Pattaya Mail TV confirmed that despite the global economic gloom, the AustCham members were generally still very buoyant, and with the exchange rates improving for the baht versus Australian dollar, export markets are responding, albeit sluggishly in certain sectors. He also admitted to having used Grecian 2000.
Catering for the event was from Mantra, and the finger food was certainly of a very high standard. The salmon was superb. And plenty of it. Australian wines were in evidence, though no Fosters, but the beer drinkers did not seem to mind that the beer was Dutch.

(L to R) George Strampp, managing partner of Automotive Manufacturing Solutions and David Cumming, general manager of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.
Events like these would not be the same without Englishman Jimmy Howard (Milan Crosse Creative) and his lovely wife Jenny; however, many people did not recognize him in the plain green shirt, rather than the technicolor creations he has been wearing of late. Jimmy, as the world’s oldest front row forward was seen in deep discussions with the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s Ann Wangviriyaphan, arranging medical evacuation for injured football players at their next match.
Another company that is involved in many sectors, including medical tourism through the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, is T ConNet, with GM Jum Singhabumrung representing her organization and throwing out her business cards, as one does at these events.

(L to R) David Cumming, general manager of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower and John S. Anderson.
Despite the fact that this was an Aussie evening, Simon Matthews (Manpower) and a board member of the British Chamber of Commerce, was seen very happily enjoying himself in the company of the Australians, who for the sake of bilateral relations ignored the pink shirt he was wearing. Simon also indicated that his company was still being asked to head hunt people for the workforce, so again, not every business was contracting.
Another group involved in executive recruitment is Grant Thornton, represented last Friday evening by Ian Robertson, and he too was very upbeat.

(L to R) Ian Robertson, business development director for Grant Thornton; and Mark Butters, CPFA United Kingdom director of RSM Thailand.
Conquering quite a few hearts was Duangmanee Yantawattana (Apple), from the Sheraton’s Marketing Communications, who in Australia would be described as a “good looking sheila” and I can recommend their Infiniti restaurant for a spectacular sunset dinner as well.
Peter Smith from AA Insurance Brokers did a sterling job as usual, making sure the Ice Bar’s bar did not fall over, joined by “Big Jeff’ Burrows to really ensure none of the lovely waitresses could be injured by falling masonry.

(L to R) Gareth Vaughan Hughes, managing director of RSM Thailand; Gregory Pitt managing director of Mackenzie Smith Law and Mike Watkins from RSM Thailand.
The AustCham local representatives Paul (Tinfish) Whyte and Paul (I can shift anything - AGS Four Winds) Wilkinson were on hand and made sure that everyone really did enjoy themselves (which they did, Paul and Paul).
The throng was swelled later by the AFG (Automotive Focus Group) members who joined after their presentation from Chris Bruton of Dataconsult. These included secretary Maurice Bromley and his sparkling wife Granita, plus Maria Teresa Tomaselli, the operations manager for Aquafil Asia Pacific (they make flying carpets which are exported to Arabia).
Another great event from AustCham, and the next Seaboard Sundowners will be held on June 12. Details will be in the Pattaya Mail beforehand.

(L to R) Damien Scull, CEO & managing director of Scully Trucks; Michael Chick, general manager of the Coffee Club (Thailand) Ltd.; and Simon Lake, managing director of Duscholux (Siam) Ltd.

(L to R) Robin Hyde, development manager for Schenker Relocations; David Cumming, general manager of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower; Chutima Konfai, assistant sales director for Amari Orchid Resort & Tower; John Anderson, vice-president of AustCham Thailand; Dhaninrat Klinhom, director of public relations for Amari Orchid Resort & Tower; and Brett Ganaway, executive director of AustCham.

(L to R) John Pollard; Mark Wood, counselor (Commercial) and Trade Commissioner of the Australian Government; Gareth Vaughan Hughes, CA Australia, managing director of RSM Thailand; and John Anderson.

(L to R) Dr Iain Corness; James Howard, consultant for Milan Crosse Creative; Pattaravadee Wangviriyaphan, marketing executive at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s International Marketing Department and Wararat Sasom, marketing coordinator at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s International Marketing Department.

(L to R) Jitra Wongjuna, director of AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.;
Mark Wood, counselor (Commercial) and Trade Commissioner of Australian Government; John S. Anderson; and Dhaninrat Klinhom, director of public relations for Amari Orchid Resort & Tower.

(L to R) Alan S. Verstein, managing director of Siam Gazette; Korkaew Korwatna, assistant director of sales at Sheraton Pattaya Resort; Duangmanee Yantawattana, Marketing communication executive & sales assistant at Sheraton Pattaya Resort; and Simon Matthews, director of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.

(L to R) Wararat Sasom, marketing coordinator at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s International Marketing Department; Pattaravadee Wangviriyaphan, marketing executive at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s International Marketing Department; Kavita Lamba, fundraising events coordinator for the Mercy Center; and Sam Wilson, Pattaya International Ladies Club newsletter editor.


Moooore Bar provides even mooooore

(L to R) Dr. Iain Corness; Esther Kaufman from My Office Travel; Peter Thorand, president of the US Navy League of Thailand; Ranjith Chandrasiri, deputy general manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort; Agustin Gandia, export manager,
La Chamiza Wine of Argentina and Som Corness.

Dr. Iain Corness
The Marriot Resort and Spa has been steadily developing its sports venue, the More Bar, which then became its “Moooore” Bar and after its inaugural wine dinner last week, it really has become its “Mooooore” Bar!

(L to R) Kannika Pingwong, Prissana Lunboosha and Bangon Khongpetch greet wine connoisseurs upon their arrival.

With the staff outfitted in formal attire, gold tablecloths and silver settings, the transformation was complete. The reception wine as the guests walked in was indeed very welcoming, as were the smiles of the Moooore Bar hosts. Amongst those who attended was Ranjith Chandrasiri, the Royal Cliff Wine Club’s president, the highly accredited wine judge. Other amateurs included Peter Thorand, well known Rotarian, and Esther Kaufman from ‘My Office Travel’.
The principal winery was La Chamiza from Argentina, with Augustin Gandia, their export manager in attendance. The local Thai side was supported by the importers Italthai, complete with their enthusiastic wine sommelier Anuchit Saeng-on.
In his very brief speeches, Augustin mentioned the fact that the La Chamiza winery was only 10 years old, so these were still very young wines. He concluded his introduction by saying, “Enjoy my wines, and thank you for coming.”

(L to R) Agustin Gandia, export manager for La Chamiza Wine of Argentina; Dr. lain Corness and Anuchit Saeng-on.
The first of “his” wines was the La Chamiza Polo Amateur Chardonnay 2007, a very crisp, slightly sweet wine, but very good drinking when icy cold. This wine was accompanied by the first of Luis Zamora’s (the Marriott chef) courses, a trio of seafood with chardonnay seared scallop with salsa verde, peppered tuna sashimi with Chilean sauce and mini crab cakes with a remoulade sauce.
The second course was a sole fillet with truffle shavings on a bed of Belgian witlof (the famous endive) with a coconut and lemongrass sauce. This was superb, and I admit to soaking up the last of the sauce with my bread roll.

(L to R) Som Corness, Dr. Iain Corness and Martine, assistant F&B manager at Moor Bar & Grill.

The wine for that course was a Chilean Dona Dominga Chardonnay Semillion 2007, similar in many ways to the La Chamiza, but less sweet, with a much more earthy nose.
Chef Luis returned to Argentina for the main course, with a beautiful Argentinean tenderloin, with foie gras and young vegetables. A change to a red was in order and this was the La Chamiza Polo Amateur Malbec 2007. This was a fine wine with enough body and a long finish, and I liked it very much.
Another red followed from Dona Dominga, a Sauvignon Merlot 2007. On its own this would be a pleasant quaffable wine, but it was teamed with two powerful cheeses which swamped the wine, but did not stop the enjoyment of the cheese. The first was a Fourme d’Ambert, one of the oldest French cheeses which is injected with wine during its maturation process. Beautiful! The other was a truffled brie, which was again another exceptional cheese. And both came in very generous portions. Thank you Luis!
The finale was a Grahams Late Bottle Port 2001, but for me, after the very flavorsome cheeses, was just a little lacking in body, but this was a personal opinion.
The Moooore Bar certainly raised its own bar as far as customer satisfaction was concerned. Hopefully they will continue with wine dinners, as this was certainly a very successful evening, especially for their first trial at this style of dinner in the Moooore Bar.

(L to R) Anuchit Saeng-on; Adthapong Visutyothapibal, Sheraton food and beverage service manager; Agustin Gandia, export manager for La Chamiza Wine of Argentina; and Thanawin Ketviriyakarn, restaurant manager of Elements, Sheraton.