Chasing Light
By Lifestyle+Travel
Festive times gather lights from around the world to paint the world with magical hues, and Macao is one of the destinations that shines out the light of joy beyond time.
This year, the famous “Light up Macao 2023” organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in collaboration with six integrated resort enterprises, will showcase its wondrous amusement from now until 25th February 2024 under the theme “Dazzling Wonderland.” The lighting plans include a variety of romantic and colorful light installations, interactive installations, and mapping shows on Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane. The enchanting light arts will illuminate the city, creating a unique wonderland at night that will not only be the talk of the town but also a world wonder.
Expect the scene of Macao lighting up not just for the festive season, but the Dazzling lighting event will span major festivities such as the Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Renri, and the Chinese Lantern Festival in 34 locations across seven districts: Central District, Praia do Manduco District, Nam Van District, Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior (NAPE), Northern District, Taipa, and Coloane. There will be 36 light installations, 20 interactive installations, and 3 mapping show venues. The illuminations and interactive installations will light up different corners of communities at different stages.
The highlights of the event include the Projection mapping shows at the front square of the Macao Science Center, Largo dos Bombeiros in Taipa (the façade of Cozinha Pinocchio Taipa), and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Coloane. The projection teams are from Macao and the two UNESCO Creative Cities of Design – Seoul, Korea, and Wuhan, China. Their participation manifests the glamour of creative cities’ collaboration across fields in Macao and contributes to the concerted development of “tourism + culture and creativity.”
In addition to making memories last longer and expand wider, visitors are invited to take photos on-site to share with the hashtags #lightupmacao2023 or #illuminateinmacau2023 on social media or obtain postcards and collect stamps at the information stations in various districts. Each stamp is themed after the major installation of each corresponding district. Upon collecting all the stamps in seven districts, a mobile phone holder as a gift can be obtained, and you can enter the grand lucky draw. Gifts will be available while stocks last.
For more information, please visit the website for Light up Macao 2023
👉 https://lum.macaotourism.gov.mo
By Lifestyle+Travel
Discovering A Lifestyle Destination
Discover the newest landmark in Bangkok through the launch of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, a true lifestyle destination for discerning travelers. The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store in One Bangkok's new retail zone, The Storeys, marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and this landmark destination in Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 550 sq.m. with a distinctive duplex design, the Lifestyle Store offers a refined blend of elegance and cultural touch. Its stylish, contemporary layout creates an experiential shopping journey, combining retail, dining, and cultural heritage. The spectacular event started with the arrivals of guests, including top executives from One Bangkok, Thai Airways, Central Group, Siam Piwat, EmQuartier, and top luxury hotels. Dignitaries such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and ambassadors from the United States, France, and Germany also attended, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable Thai celebrities, including Anntonia Porsild, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe 2023, Kamonwarai ‘Pailiu’ Prajakrattanakul, and actors from Studio Wabi Sabi — Katsamonnat ‘Earth’ Namwirote, Tharathorn 'Oat' Phumpothingam, Methaphat ‘Tonliew’ Chimkul, and Saranvut ‘Pie’ Nittayasuthi. The elegant yet contemporary fashion show, titled Bangkok Dreaming, embodied the essence of the brand in high style. Showcasing a collection of 42 captivating looks, the runway featured renowned Thai models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, and top models Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Apasiri Nitibhon. The styling reflected a journey through contemporary Thai lifestyles, with casualwear inspired by quintessential Thai settings, from tranquil beaches to the vibrant streets of Yaowarat’s Chinatown. The event also marked the launch of the AQUASILK collection, the brand’s debut in men’s swimwear. At the launch event, guests explored an extensive range of Jim Thompson products, savored delicious Thai bites from Jim’s Terrace – the brand’s first integrated F&B outlet – and enjoyed the Silk Exhibition, which showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Jim Thompson’s renowned silk products. Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store is located at One Bangkok, G Floor, The Storeys.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Strength Within
Moving forward relentlessly is the way. To maintain steady business growth in Thailand, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has strengthened its leadership team by promoting OMD Thailand’s Managing Director, Jinnarat Sampuntharat, to Chief Operating Officer of OMG Thailand. She will collaborate with the OMG Thailand executive team, including CEO Rochelle Chhaya and CFO Noppadol Vetvoranich, to guide the business in one of the most dynamic markets in APAC. In line with this, Rerngrith Jindaporn has been appointed to drive the agency’s growth, operational efficiency, client relationships, and new business opportunities as General Manager of OMD Thailand. Additionally, to scale its insights and marcomms capabilities, Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr has been given broader responsibilities as Head of Insights and Marcomms for OMG Thailand. These strategic changes, part of OMG Thailand’s commitment to growth and excellence, reflect the network’s dedication to building a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team. This also establishes a solid foundation for OMG Thailand to continue helping clients navigate the evolving media landscape while delivering impactful business results and growth opportunities. OMG Thailand’s strengthened leadership team now includes: Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, OMG Thailand Jinnarat Sampuntharat, COO, OMG Thailand Rerngrith Jindaporn, General Manager, OMD Thailand Nuvee Pongsathidporn, Managing Director, PHD Thailand Chaivut Eiamvuthikorn, General Manager, PHD Thailand Noppadol Vetvoranich, CFO, OMG Thailand Nannapat Chotrattanakarn, Head of Trading and Investment Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr, Ph.D., Head of Insights and Marcomms Waridda Burapathana, Head of People “OMG Thailand has witnessed great success over the past few years, with our digital capabilities and client relationships growing from strength to strength. This new leadership team is highly talented, and this structure provides a cornerstone for OMG Thailand to build upon, creating future-facing solutions for our clients,” said Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, Omnicom Media Group Thailand.