Asia Fitness Convention 2010, that is being organized for the second consecutive year at Centara Grand’s Bangkok Convention Centre @ Central World, is aiming to attract over 700 fitness and health professionals and enthusiasts from the Asia Pacific region between 17 - 19 September, 2010.
With the theme of Raising the Bar, the organizers of this year’s event are bringing in 40% more world-class presenters and providing more workshop and sessions than last year. Some of the world’s leading fitness experts coming to share their latest exercise techniques, regimes and nutrition programs include Fabio Comana, Steve Cotter, Carrie Ekins, Joe Friel, Jennifer Galardi, Fraser Quelch, Jim Stoppani, Peter Twist and Tim Ziegenfuss.
“This year, as the fitness and health industry is growing so fast in Asia, we have also included sessions on how to manage fitness clubs, how to attract and retain members and sustain profitability. These sessions will be led by Paul Brown, CEO and creator of the Face2Face Retention System, and Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, SEA Director of Les Mills Asia Pacific, from Australia,” said Dr. Suzanne Hosley, Managing Director of Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Ltd., on behalf of the event organizers.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bangkok hotels
Over months this spring, thousands of red-shirted protesters camped in the heart of Bangkok, shutting down a dozen hotels and four high-end shopping malls.
General managers of five hotels close to the conflict zones each said they lost millions of dollars in revenue between April and June. Hotels throughout the country are resorting to promotions and fam tours.
The protesters, mostly rural poor from the north and northeast, demanded dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. The focal point of a three-square-mile occupation area was a large televised stage set up at Rajaprasong. This four-way intersection is best known to visitors for the Erawan Shrine, the Grand Hyatt Erawan and the huge CentralWorld shopping mall.
The protesters were predominantly peaceful, respectful of property and not hostile to tourists or foreigners. But in the final week, as the army encircled the area preparing for its 19 May final assault, violence exploded north of the protest zone along Rajaprarop Road and to the south in the main commercial districts. By then, at least 20 hotels had closed. In Bangkok alone, 38 buildings were set on fire. In the final tally, nearly 90 people were dead and thousands wounded.
For at least the fifth time since the December 2004 tsunami, the Thai tourism industry is in tatters. According to STR, the citywide hotel occupancy in May was 26.2%, down 38.3% from May 2009, about the same as the decline in room demand for the same period. June occupancy has crept up to 34.9%, but two recent small bombings could threaten to keep tourists away, despite the Prime Minister’s lift of the emergency decree in some provinces. The GM interviews took place before these bombings.
General managers of five hotels close to the conflict zones each said they lost millions of dollars in revenue between April and June. Hotels throughout the country are resorting to promotions and fam tours.
The protesters, mostly rural poor from the north and northeast, demanded dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. The focal point of a three-square-mile occupation area was a large televised stage set up at Rajaprasong. This four-way intersection is best known to visitors for the Erawan Shrine, the Grand Hyatt Erawan and the huge CentralWorld shopping mall.
The protesters were predominantly peaceful, respectful of property and not hostile to tourists or foreigners. But in the final week, as the army encircled the area preparing for its 19 May final assault, violence exploded north of the protest zone along Rajaprarop Road and to the south in the main commercial districts. By then, at least 20 hotels had closed. In Bangkok alone, 38 buildings were set on fire. In the final tally, nearly 90 people were dead and thousands wounded.
For at least the fifth time since the December 2004 tsunami, the Thai tourism industry is in tatters. According to STR, the citywide hotel occupancy in May was 26.2%, down 38.3% from May 2009, about the same as the decline in room demand for the same period. June occupancy has crept up to 34.9%, but two recent small bombings could threaten to keep tourists away, despite the Prime Minister’s lift of the emergency decree in some provinces. The GM interviews took place before these bombings.
Manila Binondo Chinatown District
Binondo is truly a historic district of Old Manila, serving as the Chinese community since the earliest days of the city. This area near the Spanish settlement of Intramuros was a major financial center until Makati took over the role (it was even referred to as “The Wall Street of the Philippines” at one time).
Since then, members of the Chinese community who made it big have established new residences in the suburbs, but often still maintain stores and offices in Binondo. Today, the world’s first Chinatown retains much of its heritage, and visitors can enjoy a quick immersion of Chinoy culture by walking along these crowded urban streets, a combination of high-end stores, vintage establishments and iconic institutions.
Shop for Sweets in Eng Bee Tin. Eng Bee Tin is a famous Chinese pastry shop that sells red bean paste pastries, glutinous rice cakes, moon cakes and other tempting delights. There are several branches in Binondo and throughout Metro Manila. The owners of Eng Bee Tin paid homage to their Binondo roots by donating a purple fire truck to the local fire department, in reference to their popular purple yam (ube) pastry.
Since then, members of the Chinese community who made it big have established new residences in the suburbs, but often still maintain stores and offices in Binondo. Today, the world’s first Chinatown retains much of its heritage, and visitors can enjoy a quick immersion of Chinoy culture by walking along these crowded urban streets, a combination of high-end stores, vintage establishments and iconic institutions.
Shop for Sweets in Eng Bee Tin. Eng Bee Tin is a famous Chinese pastry shop that sells red bean paste pastries, glutinous rice cakes, moon cakes and other tempting delights. There are several branches in Binondo and throughout Metro Manila. The owners of Eng Bee Tin paid homage to their Binondo roots by donating a purple fire truck to the local fire department, in reference to their popular purple yam (ube) pastry.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Journey of Enjoying Good Hot Springs Near Kanto Area
Hot springs abound in Japan and this week we go in search of hidden spas. Located in unusual spots, these exquisite hot springs will rejuvenate you. Along the way, we will also indulge in seasonal local culinary delicacies.
Our first hidden hot spring is located in Gunma, which is known for its hot springs. From Tokyo, travel by Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, Gunma. Then, hop on board a Galaxy Express 999 train from Takasaki and head to Shimonita. The Joshin Dentetsu train is decorated with the illustrations of author Matsumoto Leiji. Four trains ply daily from Takasaki to Shimonita, which once prospered as an agricultural town. The local specialities of Shimonita are green onions and konjac. Konjac is cultivated almost exclusively in Gunma Prefecture. So you may first wish to visit the konjac fields to see how konjac is harvested. You will notice that machines are used for digging the konjac out of the earth, but their buds and sprouts are removed by hand. As for Shimonita green onions, they are characterised by their shortness and thickness. To try these local delicacies, go to the Nabeya restaurant, located near the train station. It was established in 1928. The Sukiyaki set meal features Shimonita green onion, Shimonita konjac and Shimonita mushrooms. At a price of 1,000 yen (S$16), the set comes with rice, miso soup, tender local beef and other side dishes.
Our first hidden hot spring is located in Gunma, which is known for its hot springs. From Tokyo, travel by Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, Gunma. Then, hop on board a Galaxy Express 999 train from Takasaki and head to Shimonita. The Joshin Dentetsu train is decorated with the illustrations of author Matsumoto Leiji. Four trains ply daily from Takasaki to Shimonita, which once prospered as an agricultural town. The local specialities of Shimonita are green onions and konjac. Konjac is cultivated almost exclusively in Gunma Prefecture. So you may first wish to visit the konjac fields to see how konjac is harvested. You will notice that machines are used for digging the konjac out of the earth, but their buds and sprouts are removed by hand. As for Shimonita green onions, they are characterised by their shortness and thickness. To try these local delicacies, go to the Nabeya restaurant, located near the train station. It was established in 1928. The Sukiyaki set meal features Shimonita green onion, Shimonita konjac and Shimonita mushrooms. At a price of 1,000 yen (S$16), the set comes with rice, miso soup, tender local beef and other side dishes.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thai Airways Partners Tiger Airways to launch Thai Tiger
Thai Airways International and Tiger Airways Holdings Limited today sign a Memorandum of Understanding to form a new low cost airline called Thai Tiger Airways Private Limited.
The new airline will operate the same low fare, low cost model as the other airlines in the Tiger Airways Group, and is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2011, pending regulatory approvals.
Based in Bangkok, Thai Tiger will operate international and domestic flights out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport offering short-haul, point-to-point services within a 5-hour flying radius.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, "We are pleased to partner with Tiger Airways in establishing Thailand's newest airline, Thai Tiger. With its disciplined approach to the low-cost model, Tiger Airways has proven that it has the right approach to competing effectively in the growing low fare travel market in Asia. For people in Thailand and the region, our launching Thai Tiger will mean that in addition to the global network of premium services operated by THAI, more people will have access to new low fare, point to point services, giving a big boost to tourism and employment. THAI and a Thai entity will collectively hold 51% while Tiger Airways will hold 49%. The Thai Tiger Board will consist of three nominees from THAI and two nominees from Tiger Airways, with the Chairmanship being held by THAI."
The new airline will operate the same low fare, low cost model as the other airlines in the Tiger Airways Group, and is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2011, pending regulatory approvals.
Based in Bangkok, Thai Tiger will operate international and domestic flights out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport offering short-haul, point-to-point services within a 5-hour flying radius.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, "We are pleased to partner with Tiger Airways in establishing Thailand's newest airline, Thai Tiger. With its disciplined approach to the low-cost model, Tiger Airways has proven that it has the right approach to competing effectively in the growing low fare travel market in Asia. For people in Thailand and the region, our launching Thai Tiger will mean that in addition to the global network of premium services operated by THAI, more people will have access to new low fare, point to point services, giving a big boost to tourism and employment. THAI and a Thai entity will collectively hold 51% while Tiger Airways will hold 49%. The Thai Tiger Board will consist of three nominees from THAI and two nominees from Tiger Airways, with the Chairmanship being held by THAI."
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