28/4/2004
This is artifact workshop run by a Myanmar. The workshop previously made artifacts for a French company that made investment in Myanmar. Products are being made for export after resigning from the French company. High quality products such as those made with eggshell and resin from Bagan, small tissue boxes made of toddy palm fruits, etc are under production. It is said that they have received orders from hotels and enquiries from foreign companies.

26/4/2004
Myanmar Women Football team was not able to attend final matches after losing in Asian Olympic Women Football qualifiers held in Japan on April 18. Myanmar team ranked second at the SEA Games held in December 2003. The team will play against Japanese team at first round matches of the Asian Women Football tournament to be held in May.

23/4/2004
Soft opening of AMATA Resort and Spa, a foreign investment, was held at Ngapali beach. Deputy Minister of Hotels and Tourism was present at the ceremony.

22/4/2004
New hotels are under construction in Ngapali by Bagan Thante Group and others. Most of the hotels will be finished in time for next year's tour season.

21/4/2004
A Myanmar traditional bullock cart race hailing New Year organized by Bay View Hotel was held at Ngapali Beach. Contestant cows could run almost horses can. It was packed with people.

20/4/2004
On Myanmar New Year day, people pay respects to guardian spirits of the sea at Ngapali Beach to avert from danger in coming year.

19/4/2004
This is a special beer box of Myanmar Beer for Thingyan (Water Festival).

10/4/2004
The second annual Gold Plate Awards were held by Myanmar Times.Winners and nominees restaurant were as follows;-

Overall Best : Le Planteur (Sabai Sabai, L'Opera, Le Plamteur)

Most Innovative : Le Planteur (Strand, Pansea, Le Planteur)

Best Atmosphere : Le Planteur (J's Irrawaddy, Padonmar, Le Planteur)

Best Asian : Sabai Sabai (Sabai Sabai, Adorn's Kitchen, Padonmar)

Best Western : Le Planteur (Le Planteur, L'Opera, Orzo)

Best Myanmar : Sanday's Myanmar (Feel, Green Elephant, Sanday's Myanmar)

Readers' Choice Best Myanmar : Aung Thu Kha (Aung Thu Kha, Danapjyu Daw Saw Yee, Sanday's Myanmar)

Readers' Choice Best Foreign : Le Planteur (Traders, Le Planteur, L'Opera)

Readers' Choice Best Value : Sabai Sabai (Sabai Sabai, Traders, Million Coin)

Chef's Choice : Le Planteur (Le Planteur, Royal Garden, Sabai Sabai)

09/4/2004
Novitiation ceremonies are mostly held before Thingyan (Water Festival). We came across those who were posing for a photograph in a novitiation ceremony at the Shwedagon Pagoda.

08/4/2004
A shop that sells fishing gears has opened at Yuzana Plaza in Yangon. When I asked if this is the only shopkeeper gave information that we can fish some places in Yangon. I am thinking of going fishing there someday.

07/4/2004
This is the photo of water bill for our office. It comes once in three months. It costs 1200 Kyats quarterly.

06/4/2004
Pandals (temporary buildings) are under construction. It will cost K 30,000 for 5 days to take part in stage performances this year. If transport is included it comes to K 40,000. It will cost K 100,000 for 4 days to take part in the stage performance of famous actor Yar Zar Nay Win.

02/4/2004
Water pistols for water festival are on sale. More different and varied design can be found this year.

01/4/2004
The gum-kino flowers, (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) which represent Myanmar are blooming now. Thingyan (water festival) is round the corner.

by Ma Khaing Khaing Aye & Nishigaki Mitsuru