Bangkok's 13th International Festival Of Dance & Music

Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance and Music is the largest annual performing arts festival in Thailand. It presents artists and theatres from around the world in a balanced programme of 17 different productions of music, dance, classical concerts, operas, classical ballets, contemporary and world dances – and the occasional less common genre such as fado and ballet on ice.

This Festival has garnered a reputation for excellence presenting only the best from around the world to discerning audiences in Bangkok. In keeping with this tradition the 13th edition of the festival has in store acts that will find favour even with the most demanding of patrons.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajnagarindra graciously presided as Honorary Chairperson of the Festival since its inauguration in 1999 until 2003, then as Royal Patron until her passing away in 2008. Since then HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously presided as Royal Patron of the Festival. Under that guidance and direction the Festival has committed to the belief that arts and culture, which contributes to the creative development in societies, also has a vital and unique role to play in the world acting, for example, as a unifying force between people and nations.

Since its inaugural year in 1999, the Festival has grown in repute and size to become the largest performing arts festival in Thailand. It takes during a period of five-six weeks each year at the country’s largest theatre with orchestra pit. In addition to a loyal following in Bangkok and from other cities in Thailand, the Festival has also secured a reputation amongst theatre-goers in Asia and as far as Europe, and a few thousand overseas visitors fly into Bangkok each year to attend.

The 2011 season is the festival’s 13th anniversary and will be held during 9 September – 16 October 2011 at the Thailand Cultural Center, and present artists and theatres from countries as far as Austria, Brazil, Germany, Russia and United Kingdom. 

In September the highlights are: the fairytale Swan Lake on Ice;  three highly-anticipated ballets (Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, and Mariinsky Ballet Gala) by the legendary Mariinsky Ballet Company from St. Petersburg accompanied by Mariinsky Symphony ORchestra; and Introdans - Repertoire Highlights. 

In October the highlights are: the lovable Flying Superkids gymnastics team from Denmark; two operas The Tsar’s Bride (a tragedy) and The Marriage of Figaro (a comedy); and Spain’s flamenco ambassador to the world, Ballet Nacional de España, who will close the curtain on this year’s festival with magnificent passion.

However, there are still eight other shows to enjoy!: samba in Balé de Rua; Casa Azul inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo; Meeting With Bodhisattva – a spiritual performance of drumming and martial arts; The Blue Planet Live! theatrical concert which will take you beneath the oceans; a symphony concert to hear Alexander Borodin’s Symphony No. 2 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9; Choreographer’s Cut & World Premiere by MOVE: the company; Katia Guerreiro’s soulful alto voice as she performs fado – the Portugese ‘blues’; and the pure, harmonious voices of the charming Vienna Boy’s Choir.

The Festival is sponsored by Bangkok Bank, Beiersdorf, B. Grimm, Canadoil Group, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Post Publishing, SCG, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Toyota Motor Thailand

For Further information contact Tourism Authority of Thailand

Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511

The address is 1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

British & American Cars & Music - Rockers and Revheads Festival Newcastle

Rockers and Revheads will be a sensational long weekend of rock n roll, classic cars and dancing at the annual Rockers and Revheads Festival.on Newcastle, NSW Australia. Revellers will be spoiled with a great line up of rock n roll bands including The Beatnix Show Band, No Brakes, The Real Gone Cats, and Rattlesnakes Duo to mention just a few.

The Festival launch will be on Thursday 15th September between 5.00pm to 9.00pm at the Marketown Shopping Centre, King St, Newcastle. There people will be able to hear the Rattlesnakes Duo, see Dancing demos and have lessons  and view Classic Cars.

Friday 16th September will be a ROCKIN ROCKABILLY NITE from 7.30pm to 11.30pm at the Newcastle Leagues Club. Music will be provided by No Brakes & DJ Gavin Bean. Tickets cost $8 through Ticketek 4929 1977 or http://www.ticketek.com.au/

Saturday is BRITISH DAY. There will be a fantastic display of Britain’s rock & roll movement at Lambton Park from 10.00am to 3.00pm with classic British cars and motorcycles, free live entertainment by The Fake Four Show Band, dancing lessons and various artists performing at Lambton’s pubs and clubs.

There will be several entertainment options on Saturday night:

- THE BEATNIX SHOW BAND starts at 9:00pm at Lizottes Restaurant. For further information phone 4956 2066 or see the website http://www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au/ )

- ROCKERS & REVHEADS BALL with the fabulous Real Gone Cats will be held from 7.30pm to 11.30pm at the Panthers Club in Newcastle, Tickets $15  and can be purchased through Ticketek by phoning 4929 1977.

- CAR CRUISE AND DRIVE-IN MOVIE starts at 6:30pm at the Stockrington Drive in Theatre. The movie is “The Worlds Fastest Indian” with tickets costing $6 at entry.

Classic American cars, Street-rod Show and Shine, Modern Modified Vehicle Display and Classic Motorcycles.

Fonzie and "Happy Days" cast

Sunday is AMERICAN DAY.  Newcastle’s Foreshore Park, Newcastle East, will come to life Americana style from 9.00am to 3.00pm with a spectacular showcase of shiny classic American cars, street-rod show and shine, a modern modified vehicle display and classic motorcycles. Features of the day include:

- a Rock n Roll Gospel Service at 10.00am

- a Car Cruise arrives into the event at 10.15am

- Dance lessons and demonstrations 11.00am

- Ukelele Ukestra plays rock and roll between 2.00–3.00pm

- there will be more free music with The Rockin Eddie Band and DJ Brian Bean..

Elvis

In true rock n roll style the public are encouraged to dress in their best 1950s rock n roll fashion. Jus think of Fonzie or Rizzo from the “Happy Days” TV show for inspiration on what to wear.

The Rockers and Revheads Festival will be held from Thursday the 15th of September to Sunday the 18th of September 2011 at various locations around Newcastle CBD and Lambton, NSW Australia

For more information contact Newcastle L!vesites,  phone 4925 3969, or visit the websites-  http://www.livesites.org.au/;

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Newcastle.Livesites, or

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#%21/NewyLivesites

Business Travel Growth Disappointing

The Global Business Travel Association has released the results of its recent research showing that although business travel is not growing as fast as it was hoped for, even though the economy has started to show signs of recovery. Growth rates in Europe and the USA were rather disappointing.

Research also showed that not all businesses would pay ancillary costs back. Businesses were most likely to pay for baggage fees and itinerary charges. Only some businesses paid for meals and wi-fi on the plane. Very few businesses would pay for preferred seating, in-flight entertainment or priority boarding.

The overall research findings were that growth is slower in business travel than had been hoped for. The fact that there was a recovery in this area first made people think that it would continue to grow quickly. The Global Business Travel Association said that they felt a managed travel plan was something of great importance to companies and this could help companies to minimise travel costs. The positive thing is that at least it is continuing to grow and so it is likely that the market will not see a dip again for a while.

The web site for the The Global Business Travel Association is http://www.gbta.org/Pages/default.aspx

The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman AKA Bob Dylan (A Lie)

This concert goes beyond the realms of any usual tribute show  The myths, music, memories, and mayhem collide in this theatrical, poetic and whimsical journey through the extraordinary times of the fascinating artist Bob Dylan. Dylan takes you into the realm of his inner yarn and introduces the many characters that formed his remarkable tale, from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to Ezra Pound and TS Eliot, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Allen Ginsberg, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Cash and even Jesus Christ himself.

With outstanding musical accompaniment and live songs that will have you tapping your toes The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman Aka Bob Dylan (A Lie) is a playful, clever and extremely entertaining experience of an amazing life.

“The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman Aka Bob Dylan (A Lie)” has been performed to sold out shows across Australia. It has received critical acclaim as, “A fantastically engaging hour of off the wall theatrical comedy.”

The incarnate of the man himself states in the opening lines: “None of it’s true, but it is indeed the truth,” and this cryptically alludes to Bob Dylan’s renowned illusive, storytelling nature. While the play doesn’t enlighten or reveal anything new about its subject, what makes Chronic Ills…. a unique theatre experience lies with its eclectic structure and the zest to which the performers execute it. Lines and songs are mostly delivered with deadpan confidence, making it a humourous, absurdist romp.

This Show stars Andrew Henry, Lenore Munro, Matt Ralph and Simon Rippingale and is directed by Lucinda Gleeson.

“The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman AKA Bob Dylan (a lie)” will be performed on Wednesday 14 September 2011 at 8:00pm Tamworth Capitol Theatre, Level 1, Centrepoint Arcade, Peel Street, Tamworth NSW Australia. Tickets cost $15 - $36 and bookings can be made online at http://www.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au/ or phone (02) 6767 5300 or in person at Tourism Tamworth or the Capitol Theatre.

Five New Stations Opened on Bangkok's SkyTrain

The SkyTrain in Bangkok Thailand has proved to be a blessing for tourists since its opening in December 1999. It has helped them beat the city’s traffic conditions, thus getting much better value for time spent in the “City of Life”. The 30 stations along its combined length of 30.9 kilometers provide access to a huge number of city attractions, shopping complexes and hotels.

The Skytrain is Bangkok’s popular mass transit system. It has recently added another five new stations on its Sukhumvit Line. These stations are are Bang Chak (E10), Punnavithi (E11), Udomsuk (E12), Bang Na (E13) and Bearing (E14).

The extension from On Nut to Soi Bearing was opened on 12 August 2011 to coincide with HM the Queen’s birthday. The service will be free of charge between the five new stations until 2 January 2012, after which a 15 baht fee will be collected, on top of fees collected from the original BTS route

This new 5.28-kilometer extension of the Sukhumvit Line, which runs along Bangkok’s most important commercial and residential thoroughfare, Sukhumvit Road, now provides direct access to the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC). It opens up significant business potential for a number of small hotels and guest-houses in the south-eastern suburbs of Bangkok. This further enhances the appeal of visiting one of Asia’s most popular tourist cities.

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center

Visitors attending trade exhibitions, conferences and events at BITEC will find the new SkyTrain extension a huge advantage. They can now stay at hotels anywhere along the BTS routes, get off at Bang Na Station and hop aboard a shuttle service operated by BITEC from the Sukhumvit Road Entrance to its Exhibition Halls.

BITEC is also adding a Sky Walk, an elevated walkway complete with travelators that will deliver visitors from Sukhumvit Road to a new, air-conditioned Welcome Hall and also connect with a new main building planned for completion in 2012.

Further details on the SkyTrain, please visit www.bts.co.th.

The Happiest Show On Earth

Can you buy happiness? Dr Smith says you can! Using the bluff and bluster of outrageously tacky salesmanship, orchestrated by a raft of smoke and mirror tricks, three intrepid performers of the medicine show tradition entice their young audience into buying into their bizarre claims regarding the happiness elixir.

Full of comedy, spectacle, circus, magic and music, “The Happiest Show on Earth” provides an entertaining "take" of the world of the "hard sell" using the traditions of ye old time medicine show. This is a perfect show for the 4 year old who wants everything.

In The Happiest Show on Earth, Dorrie will perform her new ventriloquist act for the first time. But first, Dr Smith has his Little Blue Bottle of Magic and he's here to show you what amazing things it can do.

We are treated to the skills and bravery of the acrobatic flea circus, the fearless accuracy of Dr Smith's sharp shooting act and the miraculous head-twisting manoeuvres of his brother, Zac. With the aid of the Happ-o-meter, Dr Smith shows us that his Little Bottle of Magic can even offer us the gift of good health and happiness

“The Happiest Show on Earth” is presented by the Patch Theatre Co. and will be performed at the Civic Theatre, Hunter Street, Newcastle, NSW Australia, on Wednesday 14 September at 6pm, Thursday 15 September at 10am & 12.30pm, and Friday 16 September 10am & 12.30pm. The show goes fore 50 minutes and has no interval

Tickets can be purchased at Civic Ticketek on (02) 4929 1977 or at http://www.civicprecinctnewcastle.com.au/ The cost: for Adult/Junior $25..

Corporate Travel World Conference Topics

Many interesting Conference Topics will be presented at the Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific 2011 conference being held in Bangkok, Thailand from 4-6 October 2011. All sessions are open to registered CTW delegates. There is still time to register. Some of the Conference Topics are:-

Airlines Update

Ancillary fees, rising fuel surcharges, major airlines merging, cuts in capacity. These and other hot airline issues on how to manage airline programmes better will be covered in this session.

TMCs: What You Should Know

Learn the ABCs, all you need to know about TMCs, and what you should avoid. This will lay the groundwork for creating a strong corporate travel programme.

Not Perfect Yet: What Technology Can & Can't Do

Embrace it or be afraid of it, technology is driving every aspect of business and our lives. Are companies using technology effectively to manage T&E expenditure? How is technology helping TMCs deliver better service and meet the needs of their corporate clients? What innovative solutions can a GDS provide? If you want answers to these questions, or raise more questions, to help you do your job as a travel manager better, participate in the discussion.

Managing the India Market

Like China, India is a market you cannot ignore. If you do business with India, need a better grip on what makes the market tick and how to manage corporate travel, you cannot miss this session.

CTW Industry Presentation
Global Business Travel Spending: Where is it Headed in 2015? Do you have a global travel programme and need to know what is happening to business travel around the world? This session provides a global view of the business travel industry based on research from 75 countries around the world including the UK, France, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil and Russia. Is Asia still booming? Where is Latin America headed? When will travel to Africa explode? Find the answers to these questions and more in this session.

The LCC Workshop: The Way out of the Bermuda Triangle

The session is not about avoiding LCCs around the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, where the alleged disappearance of aircraft under mysterious circumstances have been reported. This session will, however, target the conundrum surrounding LCCs and corporate travel. What will it take for the air programme to take off? If you want to find out and are serious about LCCs for your company and travellers, you cannot miss this in-depth interactive discussion on the challenges and possible solutions. It will be a no-holds barred afternoon, so come prepared to put your cards on the table and walk away with a whole new perspective.

Hotels: Is The Honeymoon Over?

The buyer-seller pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction and travel managers claim life is no longer as sweet. Apart from facing tougher contract negotiations caused by limited inventory in key cities, the rise in hotel yield management practices and the fall in value-added services is causing tension in the relationship with suppliers. But before anyone starts finger pointing, do the partners truly understand what makes each other tick? Find out what the experts have to say, agree or disagree and contribute to the debate that is fundamental to your travel programme.

One Last Question…..

The panel of experts, tasked to be the eyes and ears at the conference and networking sessions over the last three days, will report on their observations. They will also be answering corporate travel FAQs and questions posted on the Bulletin Board. Don't miss this final sharing and learning session. The best three questions win a prize and you have to be present to win.

The Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific 2011 conference is open for all Corporate Travel Managers, Conference Delegates, Exhibitors and Media. For more information see the web site:-  http://itcma.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

20th Annual Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter Eisteddfod 2011 Gala Concert

The Gala Concert will showcase the outstanding performances from each division of the 2011 Eisteddfod sections held earlier this year in Muswellbrook. There will be also champions from previous years performing as well. The Gala Concert will include performers from the Instrumental, Dance, Vocal, School Choirs & Bands, Speech, Drama & Public Speaking, Literacy & Piano sections.

This amazing concert will take place on 11th September at 2pm at the Muswellbrook South Primary School Hall, 57 Maitland Street (New England Highway) Muswellbrook, NSW Australia

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For more details contact the secretary of Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter Eisteddfod Inc. Nicky Goodman Ph: 0438 823 520 or email uhcm@hunterlink,net.au

Satun Food Festival

Satun is organizing a major food festival, as a way of helping promote local tourism. Satun is one of Thailand’s five southernmost provinces and is famous for its native food. This 10-day food festival, the 10th of its kind, will take place in the Mueang district odf Thailand from 26 August to 4 September 2011.

Apart from stimulating the local economy, the event also reflects cultural diversity in Satun, with a harmonious mixture of Buddhist Thai and Muslim Thai cultures. There will be 80-100 booths with delicious food to be offered to visitors. Also joining the festival are nearby provinces, such as Phatthalung and Surat Thani, which will bring in their delicacies.

Satun is a small province bordering Malaysia, is located on the Andaman Sea. Its unique location has become a magnet for tourists, adventurers, and businesspeople, as well as nature lovers. The province is famous for pristine nature covered with jungles, mountains, and beaches. It is suitable for development into an eco-tourism center, with great potential for an increase in cross-border trade with Malaysia, as well.

According to statistics compiled in 2009, Satun has a population of almost 30,000; 74 percent of the local residents are Muslim and 25.8 Buddhist, living happily in harmony. Most local people are engaged in rubber, oil palm, rice, and fruit farming, followed by retail and wholesale trade of agricultural products. The province welcomes more than 760,000 Thai and foreign tourists each year.

Tarutao National Park,

Satun Province boasts three national parks: Tarutao National Park, Phetra National Park, and Thale Ban National Park. The Tarutao National Park is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in the province and it is located only a few kilometers from the Malaysian isle of Langkawi. The Tarutao National Park is recognized as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves. During World War II, Tarutao used to serve as a place of detention for long-term detainees and political prisoners and as an occupational training center for convicts. This marine national park is also a settlement of “sea gypsies,” island inhabitants from long ago who still lead their traditional way of life.

Satun National Museum

One of the province’s major tourist attractions is the Satun National Museum, which was developed from an old mansion built by a former governor in the 19th century. It is in the European architectural form with a Thai-style roof. According to a development plan for the five southern border provinces special zone for 2009-2012, Satun has been set to become an eco-tourism center and a gateway linking tourism and transport on the Andaman Sea.

Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display

Broke Village Fair brings together the community with displays of cars, machinery, animals, reptiles, displays and numerous stalls.This is our the one big day of the year when the village of Broke, NSW Australia,  welcomes visitors from all over NSW to enjoy the  peaceful village.

The famous Vintage Car Display brings all sorts of classic cars, motorbikes, trucks & tractors and an amazing array of old but still functioning farm machinery from long ago. Hundreds of car enthusiasts dust will off their classic cars - old American and early Australian cars, classic British and European, trucks, motorcycles - all sorts of interesting things, and drive them to Broke to put on display.  The Upper Hunter Motoring Association, based in , will be in attendance.

Admission is by a a gold coin donation .Proceeds raised on the day go back to the community. The local school, bush fire brigade, churches and Village Hall all benefit from money raised on the day, and a great day out is assured for all.

There will be something for everybody, including market stalls stocking all sorts of things, plenty of food and drink, animals to pat, woodchopping, snakes & lizards, music and dancing, things for the kids (the always popular puppet show), local produce.

The Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display will be held on Sunday 11th September 2011 from 9am to 3pm at McNamara Park, Broke, NSW Australia.

For Further Information, contact Broke Fordwich Wine & Tourism Association PO Box 120, Broke, NSW 2320 Australia

Join in the Fun of Throwing Tomatoes at the La Tomatina Tomato Festival

Our daughter flew out of Sydney last weekend to go for a European holiday. She is most looking forward to going to the La Tomatina Tomato Festival in Spain. She wants to throw tomatoes!

The origins of this mass tomato battle date back to a fight amongst children in 1945 and it has been celebrated every year since then.

The “Tomatina” is held on the last Wednesday in August in the town of Buñol. This unusual fiesta brings together crowds of people every year, ready to have a great time of laugher and fun, hurling tomatoes at each other. Participants at this joyful pitched battle have a wonderful time throwing tomatoes at anything that moves.

It gets underway at 9am, in the town square, with rolls and pastries provided for breakfast by the Town Hall. Little by little, the square fills with people. Before the battle, a huge pole is erected. It is covered with soap and has a leg of ham on the end. The most daring try to climb as high as possible to get their hands on the prize, to the general delight of onlookers. Meanwhile, buckets of water are launched from balconies, soaking the people as they prepare for battle. At 11 o’clock a shot is fired to announce the start of the fight, and from the end of the street, the first truckload of “ammunition” appears, sounding its horn. Those riding on board the truck throw the first tomatoes. Finally, the vehicle stops and unloads its cargo, and the crowd rushes forward to stock up on “bullets”. Within a few seconds, everything turns red. Trucks loaded with tomatoes arrive one after another, until a second shot is fired signalling the end of the battle. Now comes the difficult task of washing down the brave participants with hoses – they are already thinking of next years “Tomatina”

Rules? It is suggested that to keep the event a fun day, these rules are adhered to:-

• Do not bring bottles or hard objects as they can cause accidents and hurt other participants
• Do not rip other people’s T-shirts
• You must squash the tomatoes before throwing them as this reduces the impact
• Ensure you keep a safe distance from the lorries
• As soon as you hear the second shot, you must stop throwing tomatoes:-

Apart from the above rules, general advice is given to make the day enjoyable

• Wear closed shoes that you don’t mind throwing away afterwards. If you wear flip-flops, you may get hurt, or you could lose them easily during the battle
• Wear old clothes, or clothes that you aren’t planning to wear again. They will most likely end up damaged from being ripped or incredibly dirty
• You may find goggles useful. However, it is safer if you just ensure that you always have something clean to wipe your eyes with. The best thing is if you tuck your T-Shirt into your shorts to keep the bottom part of your T-shirt clean and dry
• If you are planning to take pictures, bring a waterproof camera!
• If you’re not from Buñol, and you want to stay overnight, don’t forget to look for and secure accommodation in advance
• Do not miss the Palojabón – a soap-covered pole with a Spanish ham at the top: whoever can climb the pole and get the ham can keep it!
• Stay safe and enjoy the festivities as much possible

Thanks to a nationwide news report by Javier Brasilio on Informe Semanl (Spanish State TV Channel) in 1983, the festivity became known throughout the rest of Spain. This made it become more popular across the whole country. Since then, word has spread throughout the world, and the number of participants in The Tomatina has continued to grow each year. The enthusiasm for The Tomatina continues to become more and more widespread as participants come to Buñol from all corners of the globe, including our daughter from Australia,  to celebrate the festivities on the last Wednesday of August ever year.

The La Tomatina Tomato Festival will be held on 31 August  2011 at Buñol (Valencia) in Spain.

For more information see the web site: http://www.latomatina.es/en/

Quirindi Spring Show September 2011

The Quirindi Spring Show is an agricultural show held in Spring every year and is the much-anticipated event in the region!

The 2011 Quirindi Spring Show will be held on 10 - 11 September 2011. This is a wonderful two days of exhibitions, competitions, displays and market stalls along with great family entertainment.

The events include Team Penning, Showjumping, Youth Ironman Event, Ute Show, a Bar & BBQ, Mutton Busters, Pet Show and more.

The Show will be held at the Quirindi Showground and Racecourse. This year admission is Adults: (17 years and over) $10 Children: (16 years & under)
2 Day Pass (Adult pass for both days) $15
Aged Pensioners $5

For more information see the Web Site:- http://www.quirindishow.com.au/Home.html

Strategic Solutions in a Time of Crisis

The IT&CMA and CTW will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 4-6 October 2011. The Keynote Address will be a must attend function. It is titled “View From The Top: Strategic Solutions in Times of Crisis” and sub-titled “Helter-skelter, boom or bust”

Has the world gone crazy with one crisis after another? What will it take for any company, or employee, to survive when the next crisis strikes and business plans go awry? Can the company ride out a tsunami and not let its employees drown? 

Venue for IT&CMA and CTW 2011

People will be able to get an insightful perspective from a top executive of an international company that continues to stay ahead of the curve. People will learn how a successful leader deals with new and bigger problems and how they can apply it to their company and their job.

The Keynote Address will take place on 4 October 2011 at 2.05pm to 2.50pm in Cinema 15, Level 9, SF World Cinema, Bangkok. A Keynote Panel Discussion will take place afterwards from 2.50pm to 3.45pm

Both sessions are open to all registered IT&CMA and CTW delegates

For more information see the web site:-  http://itcma.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

NSW State Dressage Championships 2011

The prestigious NSW State Dressage Championships has attracted a huge number of top-level riders (including Olympians), in addition to a talent pool of amazing horses and is an event not to be missed.

Traders will also be in operation throughout the event with a great range of high quality merchandise including equestrian wear, country clothing and saddlery.

The Dressage Championships will be held on Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 September 2011.at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), 503 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth NSW 2340 Australia.

Saturday be entertained all day and into the evening watching the Freestyle to Music competitions in the Indoor arena at AELEC from 8.30am-10.30pm Adults $10; Pensioners/Students $5; Family $25; Children under 12 FREE (pay at the venue)

Saturday Evening Dinner - Pasta n Curry Capers  Take a seat in the VIP area to enjoy the Intermediate & Grand Prix Freestyle competitions dine on pasta & curry including a complimentary glass of wine or juice. Cost $25 bookings essential.

Volunteer - writers, stewards, marshalls, test collectors, gate openers, data entry & checking personel, hospitality assistants are all needed- If you can help email Meg Drury gillabri@bigpond.com

For all event enquiries & information contact:  Cathie Drury-Klein  Ph: 0417 224 432 or email cathiedk@bigpond.com or go to the Website: http://www.dressagensw.com.au/

Philippines Tourism Highway

The Philippines consists of an amazing 7,107 islands and utilize transportation by air, land and sea.

The Philippine Tourism Highway is comprised of three main highway networks which people can chose from.

A) The Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) combines land and inter-modal truink routes forming three majot north to south corridors - the Western, Central and Eastern Highways.  It covers a total of 919 km of land travel and 137 nautical miles of sea travel interconnecting 17 provinces and cities.

This was a flagship projesct of the Philippines Government launched in 2004 to boost inter-island commerce, trade, domestic tourism and agro-industrial opportunities.

The SRNH is a highway through land and sea routes making use of Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) services.of ferry terminals and vessels connecting the country's major economic centers with 22 links involving 41 sea ports. People can travel from one island to another while enjoying the scenery in the comfort of their own car or aboard the regular buses. It is simply a matter of paying the Terminal/Passenger Fee and heading off in the desired direction. 

From Manila, people can drive to Batangas port, board the RORO to Calapan City. From Calapan, drive south of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro and catch the daily RORO trip to Catician. Iloilo via Capiz town is about a 5 hour drive from Catician. In Idloilo people can go to the Guimaras Islands and have a taste of the countries finest mangoesd before going further south to Bacolod City then to Dumaguete and finally reaching Zamboanga del Norte aboard the RORO.

People can travel at their own leisure, enjoying the experience and hoping from one excting destination to another at very affordable prices.

B) The Pan-Philippine Highway, formerly known as the Maharlika Highway, makes land and sea transport possible from Manila to the top of Northern Luzon and down to Davao City in Mindanao  The 2,5000 km arterial trunk route is the Philippines principal transport backbone.

The Highway is also known as the Philippine- Japan Friendship Highway,  as it was improved with the assistance of the Japanese Government.

To better accommodate the increasing passenger traffic, bus and ferry terminals were geared up to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services. The improvement of services along the Pan-Philippine Highway has been boosted by Roll-on Roll-off ferry services that link the western seaboard trunk route and l;lateral connections of the Pan-Philippine Highway within the Visayas area.

As people travel along the entire Highway, passing through 21 provinces, they will see a kaleidoscope of scenery, natural wonders and long stretches of beaches. People will find many traveller-friendly accommodation options available as they hop from one destination to the next


C) The North Luzon Loop offers fun, excitement and thrilling discoveries. The Loop heads out from Manila, the Philippines vibrant capital city, and takes people to the northern tip of the Philippines in Aparri, Cagayan and back. The North Luzon Loop passes throup the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Talac, Pangasinan, Baguio, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cordilleras, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, and Quirino.

Travelling within the Loop by land unlocks the door to lush and verdant countryside; breattaking scenic views of  Baguio, Banaue and the Cordilleras; man-made and natural wonders found in the Cagayan Valley region; ancestral houses and centuries old churches of Ilocos province; historical and religious landmarks in Bulacan; delicacies and special cuisines of Pangasinan or the sweet Zambales mangoes..

People will realize the uniqueness of the Philippines as they travel through the Loop.and will be won over by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.

AIR TRAVEL
There are 85 public airports in the Philippines, 4 of which are international airports.(Ninoy Aquino,  SubicClark, and Mactan Cebu International Airports. Management, oper4ations and regulation of the air transport sector are under the Air Transportation Office (ATO) of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

LAND TRAVEL

Moving around the Philippines by land poses no problem. There are several modes of transportation that people can choose from. The colourful jeepneys, buses, taxis, pedi-cabs and tricycles ply all the routes. Provinces located within the North Loop and Pan-Pacific Highway are accessible by public transport. There are bus terminals strategically scattered across the country. Tourists can avail themselves of tourist air-conditioned buses/coasters or rent-a-car services.

SEA TRAVEL
There are more than 100 government ports in the Philippines, and 66 of these ports have roll-on, roll-off facilities. These are complemented by 24 private roll-on, roll-off ports.The SRNH ports have been classified into Phase 1 (Short Haul Route) and Phase 2 (Long Term Plan).

For further information go to the web site www.wowphilippines.com.ph
or www.wowpinoy.net