THE FESTIVE SEASON!

Just when you thought the silly season was well and truly over, think again. It’s time for Bali to say goodbye to the wet season and hello to a very festive one as Finn’s Beach Club opens their doors to a whole new pop, lock and party dropping world.

Finns warm late night welcoming has been locked in for their favorite day of the year, and in the wise words of 50 cent, along with the support of shawty, ‘we gun’ party like its yo birthday!’. You can join the birthday festivities ‘in the club with a bottle full of bub’ from 9pm - 3am on Thursday June 1st. However, the party don’t stop til’ the fat lady sings, or because no one likes to end their own birthday week, month, or in this case, an entire FIVE months. Bali’s Best Beach Club will defy all odds so everyone can eat their cake and have it too, and they will do so the only way they know how.

Get out your diaries, book your flights, and lock it in Eddy as the party starts on June 11th, with what is set to give a whole new meaning to Sunday Sessions as Finns presents LIQUID.

Kick starting your Sunday at 3pm, LIQUID is inspired by anything water related and in other words; it is the pool party you have all been waiting for.

Luxury champagne, cocktails, combined with swimsuits, explosive entertainment from the best in the business, LIQUID makes the reality of those bucketlist parties come to life.

LIQUID’s winning concoction has been enthused from the best pool parties from around the world. With a hint of Palm Springs, a touch of Ibiza, and a sprinkle of Miami Beach, a spoonful of Vegas, a garnish of Croatia, and a whole lot of secret ingredients you won’t want to miss, Finn’s Sunday Sessions recipe is bound to blow your mind and leave you with an aftertaste begging for more.

And a KARNAVAL of more is what Finns has for offer on their Saturday Night menu. Kick starting your tastebuds with their entree of elegance at 9pm sharp. KARNAVAL is bound to bring all your senses to life, but not even your sixth sense will guess what happens next. Seeing is believing in this Saturday Night Live skit and they have some unbelievable sights for you.

Forget where you are and what you’re doing as see the fate of Finns magical stars, hear the sound of world class performers, stop and smell the roses, lose touch of reality and taste the mouthwatering alternative universe of KARNAVAL.

Just when you think it can’t get any better, FRIYAY the 23rd of June takes on a whole new meaning when Finns presents the one and only, RIMBA party. Inspired from the Indonesian word; Jungle, Friday nights are all about being young, wild and Tarzan and Jane free, even Snoop Dogg and his green hat will be saying ‘it's a Jungle in here’.

Once you walk through those doors, there’s no turning back as RIMBA welcomes you to the jungle with big open arms. You’ll be sipping on coke and anytime of cocktail rum’s alongside swinging jungle men, monkeys, elephants, snakes and african drums. Get ready, get wild and be prepared to get lost in a safari through RIMBA’s amazon rainforest right here in Finn’s very own backyard.

Set those expectations high, and they are yet to be exceeded, but not before Finn’s presents their extraordinary finale on Thursday June 19th. Last but not least, and it's about time someone brought back modern day etiquette with the motto; ‘ladies first’, you guessed it, and the feeling is right. It’s Ladies Night, and LIPS is more than just your average drink specials.

Think of your dream date, dream night out and LIPS is set to keep your heels, heads and standards high, and in the wise words of Beyonce; ‘all the single ladies put yo hands up’, and in the wise words of Kool & Gang; ‘you’ve got to be here’. But, LIPS (Ladies In Pursuit of Sex) aims to put every girl first, no matter what her relationship status. So it’s time to save your swipe rights, leave the boyfriend at home and join them for ‘a night that’s special everywhere, from New York to Baaaaali’ but especially here, and join Finn’s for Ladies Night.

If think you’ve missed out on the opening parties and can’t bare to read anymore, you’ll be happy to hear that this is only the beginning for Canggu’s red hot party destination. Due to the already popular demand of some of the world class DJ’s, performers, too many eager special guests and a mountain of exciting unique weekly plans for LIQUID, KARNAVAL, RIMBA and LIPS parties, the show must go on, and Finns is presenting it for a limited time only with October 31st set to the be the closing season party of all parties.

So, what are you waiting for? Four world class parties all under the one roof, all in the same location while feeling like you’ve traveled right around the globe on a tour de’ beach club dream holiday. It’s the festive season that seems a little too good to be true, which only leaves you with one option. Seeing is believing so it’s time to grab your friends, lock it in the diary and see the magic for yourself.

Season Launch Parties

Finns Beach Club 1st Birthday Party – Thursday, 1st of June
LIQUID – Sunday, 11th of June
Karnaval – Saturday, 17th of June
RIMBA – Friday, 23rd of June
LIPS – Thursday, 29th of June

FINNS BEACH CLUB Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu - Bali P: +62 (361) 844 6327 / +62 828 9701 6178 Email: finns@semarabeachhouse.com www.finnsbeachclub.com

CELEBRATE MOM AT THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS

Westin St. Francis

For a Mother’s Day getaway she’ll never forget, treat her to a weekend at the renowned Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. From special hotel packages custom-designed with mom in mind to a gourmet brunch in the celebrated Oak Room Restaurant there’s no better place for pampering her than at the historic Westin St. Francis.

Mother’s Day “Macy’s Shopping Package”

Find just the right present for Mother's Day at the West Coast’s largest Macy’s, located just steps from the hotel, with a $100 gift certificate and then spend the night in luxurious comfort.
Rates start at $269 per night. One $100 Macy's gift card per night you stay (issued upon check-in). For reservations, call (866) 716-8126 or visit http://www.westinstfrancis.com/special-offers.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 14; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Indulge mom with a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet in The Oak Room Restaurant. The gourmet brunch will feature an array of delectable selections prepared by Chef Bernd Liebergesell and his talented team including roasted prime rib, honey glazed ham, smoked salmon, made-to-order omelets, an assortment of charcuterie and cheeses, housemade desserts, and much more. Price: $69 adults; $35 for children ages 12 and younger. Includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or mimosa. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (415) 774-0264.

About The Westin St. Francis

Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis maintains its preeminence as San Francisco's center of social, theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, The Westin St. Francis continues to preserve its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco’s famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is just steps from world class shopping, dining, theatres and art galleries. For reservations and more information, call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

The newly launched AVANI Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel Offers travellers a stylish and well-priced base in the Portuguese capital’s most fashionable street

Avenida da Liberdade is the best address in Lisbon and it is now possible to stay at the upscale AVANI Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel. The newly launched Hotel has a perfect location just off fashion-forward Avenida da Liberdade, which attracts an eclectic crowd to its tree-lined esplanades with big-name designer labels and continental sidewalk cafes.

The hotel, formerly Tivoli Jardim Hotel, has undergone an extensive 1.5 million Euro refurbishment. The upgrade includes the redesign of the façade, the guest rooms, lobby, reception, the installation of an AVANIFIT gym and the relaunch of well-known Olivier Restaurant. The open plan and retro spirit of the lobby merges chill, social and work areas, offering a stylish communal space in which to relax.

The 119 AVANI Standard, Premier, Deluxe and Family Rooms are comfortable and contemporary and the style is inspired by the brand`s nod to a restful sleep. Each room is decorated in a fresh and simplistic style. Subtle shades of plum, black and white lend the rooms a serene air and modern amenities include a Nespresso coffee-maker, satellite TV, well-stocked mini-bar and high-speed WiFi. All AVANI Premier, Deluxe and Family Rooms have balconies and AVANI Standard rooms have garden views.

The Olivier Restaurant celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused food with a strong Portuguese accent. The new concept décor brings warmth and character to the space with wooden flooring and a warm palette of burnt sienna, azure and burnished gold which is brought to life in the furnishings, suede upholstery, wallpaper and mosaic tiles. Subtle imagery of the iconic Andorinha black swallow is revealed in the wallpaper and an outdoor terrace surrounded by olive and ficus trees provides alfresco seating.

Guests are able to enjoy a buffet breakfast outdoors on the hotel’s sunny terrace, the perfect place to enjoy an espresso and butter croissant with lashings of peach jam, before hitting the streets.

AVANIFIT supports guests’ aim to continue with their normal exercise routines and the compact gym features the latest cardio equipment. The hotel also provides a jogging map and, for those wanting to combine exploring the city with exercise, a Power Walk Sightseeing Tour is a great way to see Lisbon and it provides a good workout, up and down Lisbon’s seven hills.

The Palacete Conference and Events Centre next door to the hotel, offers three floors of event space with a capacity for up to 260 people. The ground floor has a large reception area, the first floor offers three function rooms with varied configuration capabilities and the top floor houses an exclusive Boardroom with its own foyer and elevator access.

AVANI appeals to modern independent travellers who seek out new and modern experiences, meet locals and taste authentic flavours. AVANI Avenida Liberdade’s advantageous location provides guests with a comfortable and well-priced base from which to explore Lisbon’s modern design and contemporary eateries.

Southeast and a 10-minute uphill walk is Príncipe Real, a charming leafy neighbourhood, known for its architecture, antique shops and galleries. Discover authentic craftsmanship, art galleries, antique shops and shopping galleries before heading west for the pastelerías and literary cafés of Chiado.

Lisbon has joined the ranks of other design capitals. The city is experiencing an urban renewal as neighbourhoods are reclaimed and reimagined. The dockside LX Factory in Alcántara, the Village Underground on the river - a creative co-op constructed out of shipping containers, Fábrica Braco de Parata, an arts centre in an old munitions factory and the new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Belém all herald a new wave of design innovation in the city, but at the heart of this creative enterprise is the desire to entertain; to have a good time, a core characteristic of this big-hearted city.

The hotel’s convenient location, only 15 minutes’ drive from Lisbon International Airport, is within walking distance of the underground station, Rossio train station and Tram 28. Situated just off fashionable Avenida da Liberdade, globally known for its luxury A to Z fashion stores from Armani to Zegna, theatres, beautiful squares and intimate restaurants, AVANI Avenida Liberdade is the perfect spot for modern travellers wishing to explore Lisbon’s epicurean delights, hotspots, architecture and landmark attractions.

NAROOMA OYSTER FESTIVAL

The countdown is on for one of the South Coast’s most famous foodie events, the Narooma Oyster Festival.

Supported by Destination NSW’s Flagship Event Fund, the Festival is a celebration of the region’s oysters and their growers.

This year’s event program will feature food stalls, cooking demonstrations from celebrity and local chefs, an oyster shucking competition, live music, fireworks, a free kids’ zone and more.

The Narooma Oyster Festival will take place on 6 May.

Click here for more information.

Programme highlights Northern mountainous cultures in Ha Noi

An art, cultural and exchange programme highlighting ethnic cultures of the northern mountainous provinces will be held at the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Dong Mo tourism area of Son Tay town in Ha Noi from April 29 to May 2.

The programme is a part of activities to mark the upcoming anniversaries of Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1).

Under the theme ‘Tay Bac Colours’, the event will feature a variety of activities aiming to preserve and promote the northern mountainous provinces’ traditional cultures and introduce its socio-economic and tourism potential.

A highlight of the programme will be a mountain market promoting the ethnic groups in Moc Chau plateau in Son La province’s unique cultures and featuring local handicrafts, food and everyday items. The market is also a place to rendezvous for singing, dancing, making friends and enjoying community activities.

Traditional costumes, items used in daily life, tools, handicrafts, musical instruments, and ritual and festival artifacts will be on display as well as booths from each province showcasing their unique products, socio-economic achievements and tourism potential.

Various arts performances, festivals and folk games will also take place showcasing the region's music, dances and cultural activities, with the participation of amateur and professional art troupes from the region.

Mouthwatering new menus unveiled at The Star Event Centre

The Star Event Centre has launched 19 world-class menus exclusively for events, setting a new standard in innovative cuisine that creates memorable and thrilling event experiences.

Borne of the culinary vision of premier Australian Chef and Executive Chef at The Star Sydney, Jason Alcock, the new menus are set to transform the standard for event gastronomy in Australia by combining fine-dining with visual elegance and experiential elements.

Mr. Alcock, who was awarded Australian Hotels Association’s Chef of the Year in 2014, believes the new menus excel in creating unique culinary experiences for guests.

“The vision behind our new menus speaks to the Event Centre’s commitment to continuing to exceed guest expectations and evoke genuine emotions, creating memories that last beyond the final bite, by ensuring a fresh, innovative and tailored offering.

“Our kitchen was designed by chefs with the highest quality of cuisine in mind, so you will find one chef behind each ingredient ensuring we only deliver the best to our guests. We have worked with sommeliers to match wine pairings that enhance the flavor of every mouthful.

“An enviable line up of the best chefs in Australia from The Star’s award-winning signature restaurants – including Dany Karam, Executive Chef at BLACK Bar & Grill; Chase Kojima, Executive Chef and Founder of Sokyo; and Gabriele Taddeucci, Executive Chef at Balla – have brought their ideas to the table. Each chef has designed menu items that harness local and premium produce to transform event cuisine into a complete dining experience.

“In addition, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with clients to tailor menus that align and enhance their event vision. By combining our new menus with our valued approach to event service, we empower our team to personalise each guest experience,” says Mr. Alcock.

With a focus on sourcing premium ingredients as well as offering a wide range of food styles to choose from, the new suite of menus encompass everything from breakfast to dinner, cocktails to conferences, and lunch to high tea. Event organisers can benefit from extensive menu options for beverages, international cuisine, and The Star’s signature restaurants, with unique buffet, crew and rider selections also available.

Signature dishes from the plated dinner menu include king fish sashimi with macadamia, radishes, smoked croutons and lemon myrtle dressing; Rangers Valley beef fillet with potato puree, broccolini, charred onion, wild watercress and pepper glaze; and the melting cake dessert, featuring bitter chocolate and salted caramel bavarois with a hot chocolate pouring sauce that is theatrically poured at the table.

The Event Centre’s new menus are available to event bookings from 28 April 2017. The Event Centre is an award-winning venue, located on the rooftop of The Star with panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

www.star.com.au

THE BODYGUARD - the greatest musical of all !

THE BODYGUARD musical is based on the 1992 Warner Bros. movie which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. It had its world premiere at London's Adelphi Theatre in 2012 and since then has been performed around the world.

I must admit, I am one of the few people who has not seen the Bodyguard movie. Hence I can not say if this Australian stage production is a good interpretation of it or not. However, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw on stage. If, like me you have not seen the movie, or you have seen the movie, I suggest you get along to the Lyric Theatre to see THE BODYGUARD in its short run in Sydney.

The story is about Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown Stalker. Each tries to do things their own way, but in the process they fall in love.

The standout stars of the THE BODYGUARD are the two female leads.

Paulini, the Fijian born singer-songwriter, plays Rachel Marron. Paulini first came to our attention in the inaugural series of Australian Idol. She has absolutely mastered singing all her songs with power, emotion and clarity. Her songs sung in her concert scenes of THE BODYGUARD are sung as if you are actually at a mega-star concert. She has a voice right up there with Whitney Houston.

Prinnie Stevens plays Rachel's sister, Nicki Marron. Her voice too is amazing and she sings with much heart-felt emotion.

The role of Rachel Marron’s son Fletcher is played by four boys who alternate in the role. On the night I saw THE BODYGUARD young 8 year old Tyrese Medina played Fletcher. He was good in his small role, and mastered his dialogue and acting to a tee. He excelled at his running skills as he exited the stage!

Kip Gamblin plays Frank, who is the wonderful but annoying bodyguard. He has been in various Aussie TV soaps and dramas. This is his first musical theatre role, and for the most part he gets it right.

Brendan Irving plays the Stalker. Scary in some spots, he is too nice for this part.

THE BODYGUARD is mixture of a musical, a thriller, a comedy and a concert. The best scenes are the amazing opening and closing scenes. The opening concert scene has amazing lighting and flame effects. The final scene is where Rachel Marron is elevated to greater heights with her concert performance. What happens between the opening and closing scenes is riveting as well, even though the singing outshines the acting.

The band is excellent. There were only 8 members in it, but they played with full gusto on the big production songs. They did not drown out the singers, and the various instruments could be discerned. When the guitar was just played for some of the songs it was beautiful.

The Bodyguard has lots of songs we are all familiar with from radio airplay and CD sales, including the Greatest Love Of All, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the famous I Will Always Love You.

The choreography by Karen Bruce adds to the songs being sung and gives them life. 

The staging of THE BODYGUARD is exceptional. The concert stages, Rachel Marron's mansion, and the log cabin all looked good. The video projections added to the mystery of what was happening and joined up scenes. There were streamers, fog, and flames to enhance the spectacle.

The sound and lighting of THE BODYGUARD were exceptional. The lasers, strobes, and LED lighting were all wonderful. It was disappointing that in the curtain call the actors did not acknowledge the sound and lighting crews after they acknowledged the band. I have noticed this has been a trend in recent years. Sound and lighting make the actors on the stage and should be given more recognition.

There was a well deserved standing ovation during the curtain call. THE BODYGUARD continued on after this with several more songs. The cast seemed to bee more relaxed while singing these and looked as though they were really enjoying themselves with the singing and dancing.

I can sum up THE BODYGUARD with what I overheard another person say as they were leaving the theatre - "I loved it, I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!"  Even though the poor seating layout of the Lyric Theatre meant that I had the head of the person in front of me blocking my view as I looked to centre stage, and the person sitting behind me annoyed me all night by singing along with each song, munching on crackers, snorting as she laughed, and talking loudly to herself, I can say that I loved THE BODYGUARD too.

It is good that producers Michael Harrison, David Ian and John Frost have brought this international award-winning hit musical to Australia. THE BODYGUARD is on at the Lyric Theatre now, then playing at the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 19 July, then the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from 24 August. Make sure that you get along to see this amazing show!

THE BODYGUARD - THE MUSICAL

Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star
Performance Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 8pm, Matinees Tues & Wed 1pm, Sat & Sun 2pm, Sun 6pm
Prices: From $69.90
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au
or 1300 795 267

Groups 8+ call 1300 889 278
Website: http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au/

NEW PLANS FOR BARANGAROO

A new Sydney Harbour cove, a one-hectare public park, an expanded waterfront walkway and a public pier are the key features of the next section of Barangaroo’s public domain.

The Barangaroo Delivery Authority, on behalf of the NSW Government, has released a proposal for two hectares of public space to complete the design of Barangaroo South.

Barangaroo Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Craig van der Laan said, “This is an exciting proposal for the creation of more beautiful public spaces at Barangaroo, which will be of enormous benefit to the people of Sydney.

“The new harbour cove and public park represent the next step in the extraordinary transformation of Barangaroo from a 22-hectare concrete container terminal into a world class, vibrant waterfront precinct.”

A Development Application will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, and be available on public exhibition as part of the planning process.

Visit the Barangaroo website for more information.

Image: The design includes Waterman’s Cove, a fully-accessible amphitheatre-style boardwalk on the water. Credit: Barangaroo Delivery Authority

Win in the 45th Korea Tourism Photo Contest

• Theme: Korea, Beyond Your Imagination

Korea is an enchanting country! Wherever your feet take you or your eyes rest upon, Korea will amaze with spectacular scenery all year round. Capture and share with us your most memorable sites and moments of Korea.

Information

■ Application Eligibility: All interested
■ Submission: Online (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SEV/SC_ENG_9.jsp)
■ Deadline: May 30 (Tuesday) – June 30 2017 (Friday, 3:00pm / Korea Standard Time)
■ Photo Qualifications: Up to 5 photographs taken after January 1 2014, that have not been published or released elsewhere. Entries will not be returned, and KTO may use awarded entries.
■ Size: JPG format at least 2,200 x 3,200 RGB pixels
※If submitting slides, you must print negative and submit scanned printed image. (If awarded, original slide and print must be submitted.)
■ Winner Announcement: August 25(Friday) 2017 (Tentative. Winners will be posted on KTO’s website and will be contacted individually.)

Awards

Award TitleNo. of AwardsCash PrizeGrand Presidential Award 1 5,000,000 won
Gold Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Award 1 3,000,000 won
Silver Korea Tourism Organization President’s Award 2 2,000,000 won
Bronze Korea Tourism Organization President’s Award 3 1,000,000 won
Special
(International Applicant) Korea Tourism Organization President’s Award 1 600,000 won
Honorable Mention Korea Tourism Organization President’s Award 92 300,000 wonTotal10043,200,000 won

※ In the event that entries fail to meet expected standard of excellence, prizes may not be awarded.
※ Special (International Applicant) prize is intended for non-Korean applicants only, and ID will be requested if selected as prize candidate.

Notice

■ Photos awarded in other contests (including revised and altered versions), imitations, composites, or edited photos, or entries submitted by person other than photographer will be rendered ineligible and applicant will be barred from any KTO contest for 3 years. Awarded entries will be canceled.

■ Contest entrants waive property rights (including rights of derivative works) upon submission. The KTO assumes full ownership of submitted materials upon submission, and may use images in any shape or form for promotion, publication, distribution to a third party, and other purposes. Under KOGL (Korea Open Government License) Type 1, which states that “user can freely use the public work regardless of its commercial use without fee, and can change it to create secondary work,” entries will be available for free download on KTO’s Photo Gallery.

■ All entries must have acquired any and all necessary copyright laws and/or rights pertaining usage of photos. Entrant shall bear sole and exclusive responsibility for consequences arising from infringement of such rights and laws.

■ If person(s) in picture is identifiable, entrant will be contacted and asked to download and submit “Photo Portrait Release Agreement.” If release agreement is not submitted, entry will be omitted from judging.

■ Special Prize (International Applicant) is intended for non-Korean applicants only, and ID will be requested if selected as prize candidate.

■ For any additional information regarding contest, please send e-mail to mrkimsunhyo@knto.or.kr
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism & the Korea Tourism Organization

Ha Giang opens Khau Vai Love Market Festival 2017

The Khau Vai Love Market Culture-Tourism Week, an annual cultural event in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, was held in Meo Vac Districtfrom April 21 to 23.

The Khau Vai Love Market was formed in 1919. Each year, the market is convened once only on the 27th of the third lunar month. This is a unique love market in the world as it is held for ethnic groups in the locality, particularly those seeking to meet with forbidden lovers with the respectful consent of the current partners.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of Ha Giang People's Committee, Nguyen Van Son, emphasised that through the ups and downs of history, the ethnic minority people in the northern mountainous locale have always preserved their own cultural values, including traditional festivals and rituals.

In recent years, Ha Giang has valued and implemented a range of solutions to preserve and promote traditional cultural values of ethnic groups, including Khau Vai Love Market Festival. The aim is to promote local traditional cultural values and pass them on to younger generations, as also to create a focal point for introducing indigenous values to domestic and international visitors coming to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

This year, the Khau Vai Love Festival is being held for the first time on a provincial scale. Within the framework of the festival, various cultural activities are held, such as offering incense at Mieu Ong and Mieu Ba temples, cultural exchanges, art performances and traditional folk games.

Visitors also have chance to participate in exciting activities, such as horse riding, tasting local dishes and exploring traditional produce at Meo Vac night market, experiencing the charms of ethnic life in the villages of Giay and Mong ethnic communities.