“YO!” has been revived for hiphop fans in Asia with each of the hosts bringing their distinct energy and flair to the series. Also running segments of the show will be rappers Joe Flizzow (as the Cypher Boss) and Zamaera (as The Game Master).

As a destination for current and new fans to discover the best in rap music and hiphop culture, “YO!” will be a diverse and widely distributed linear and digital series across MTV Asia’s platforms. From Thailand, DaBoyWay, YOUNGOHM, FIIXD and Radio 3000 will be part of the show.

“Our YO! MTV Raps will celebrate the explosion of hiphop culture across the region — the music, the talent, the fashion and the lifestyle. We’re pumped that this celebration will be led by hosts who bring a crazycool mix to the party. Yung Raja combines his unique energy with a sparkling take on hiphop in the region, while Kim Lee is a huge hiphop fan who will add her own style and glamour,” said Abhishek K Rao, senior director, MTV Brand, Southeast Asia.

Kim Lee said “Hip hop is all about ‘the culture’, and I can’t wait to be part of a show that will showcase the true expression of the Asian experience of hip hop.”

“I’m psyched to come back a second time to host the biggest, dopest hip hop show in Asia. We are bringing more beats, more rappers, so get ready to discover some new, exciting music and have a blast,” added Yung Raja.

This series is on the back of MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” special which aired in June 2018, featuring 11 Asian hiphop artists from Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The top performing 5artist Cypher video garnered over 1.2 million video views in Southeast Asia. The special was also awarded the ‘Best Music or Dance Programme’ at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in December 2018. In addition to MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” edition, MTV International will premiere local versions of the hiphop franchise for the UK, Germany and Africa this year.

Additional details and artists will be announced at a later date.

Keep updated at http://www.MtvAsia.com.

This learning exchange is a programme of the Forum for Family Planning and Development of the Philippines and is part of a weeklong study tour for Filipino policy makers, service providers, CSOs and youth leaders from five provinces to come together to learn about effective strategies and good practices in implementing sexual and reproductive health programmes in Thailand and more generally in Southeast Asia.

The various activities in the learning exchange are designed to create a venue for participants to talk and share their own implementation of SRH programmes; observe and learn about effective strategies and good practices in programme implementation from NGO and governmentrun facilities in Thailand; gain more knowledge from SRHR experts and advocates on current and emerging SRH issues that could have policy and programme implications; strengthen the project implementation team and local partnerships as well as to network with other champions in the Southeast Asian region; and improve skills to be better SRH advocates.

A panel will give participants insights into contextual and policy issues shaping SRH approaches and interventions.

Among the speakers are Alejandro Herrin on the topic “Experiences in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health in The Philippines”, Wassana InAim, UNFPA deputy country representative Thailand, who will cover Thailand’s experiences, and Rosalia Sciortino from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University and director of SEA Junction).

Find out more by calling (097) 002 4140 or email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com.

CHILDREN’S BEDTIME reading can evolve from fantasies about wizards and princesses to tales of real-life feminist heroines with the new book “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2”.

But everyone agrees this is not just a book for kids.

Just released by Nanmeebooks, Volume 2 follows up on the original – a New York Times bestseller – with profiles of 100 more of the most successful and interesting women in history, from Nefertiti to Beyonce. Each is given a single page filled with witty and inspirational thoughts.

Little known in her ancestral homeland, Sarinya Srisakul is the AsianAmerican woman to serve with the New York Fire Department.

Nanmeebooks had a hit with the first volume, and for the second recruited the same three well-known Thai women to translate the words of original authors Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli.

Emcee Saraichatt Jirapaet, actress Siriyakorn Pukkavesa Markworth and professional translator Ploysang Akyard have done a wonderful job crafting the Thai edition, which was launched recently at the Open House Bookstore at Central Embassy in Bangkok.

Where Volume 1 featured such personalities as Queen Elizabeth I, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams, the follow-up ranges just as widely, casting spells of a different kind with profiles JK Rowling and Beatrix Potter, the authors who created Harry Potter and Peter Rabbit, respectively.

There is the World War 1 exotic dancer-turned-spy Mata Hari and Mary Shelley, the author of “Frankenstein”. There’s another fascinating US first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. And you can read about Buffalo Calf Road Woman, who played such an important role in Native American history, and the 19th-century Chinese revolutionary Qiu Jin.

Another page is dedicated to the three African American women whose mathematical calculations for Nasa were crucial to the Mercury and Gemini space programmes and who were the subjects of the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures”. They are Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson 

Contemporary “rebels” profiled include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, golfer Lorena Ochoa, Afghan graffiti artist Shamsia Hasani and entertainers Madonna, Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey.

Apart from the selection of subjects, what makes the book so striking is the portraits drawn and painted by 60 top female artists in a dazzling array of styles.

Volume 1 came out in 2016, the product of a crowdfunding campaign, and sold 60,000 copies. Volume 2 turned again to the “crowd” and took in $1 million dollars within 30 hours from 71 counties. The overseas publisher has prepared 100,000 copies and will likely need to print more.

Of special appeal to Thai readers in the second edition is a profile of Sarinya Srisakul, the first Thai and first Asian-American woman to serve with the New York Fire Department, yet she’s barely known in Thailand.

Her father thought she was crazy when told she’d signed up to become a firefighter. “The main thing about being ‘heroic’ is helping others,” Sarinya is quoted as saying. A colleague says, “Sarinya was the first on the scene whenever there was a woman who needed help.” Her explanation: “Sometimes seeing a face like your own gives a huge sense of relief to someone in an emotional state.”

“The ‘rebel girls’ give off a very positive energy,” said Sansanee Tulyathanabordee, who helped edit both volumes’ Thai editions.

“Women can be independent, confident, creative and different. They can change the world. The authors selected stories about figures very diverse in age, nationality and religion to reaffirm that, no matter who you are, what you have become or what you’re fighting for, everybody has a dream and you should never give up on it.

Audrey Hepburn

“There was a Brazilian woman who dreamed of being a novelist,” Sansanee said, “but along the way she became a mother, a baker and many other things – until she turned 75, when her dream finally came true.

“The authors, Cavallo and Favilli, used to work in Silicon Valley and were inspired to write the book after being subjected to discrimination by their male colleagues. That’s what drove them to pursue this strong and empowering project.”

Translator Saraichatt said the book – both volumes – feels “like my child”.

“I heard about it when it was first released in the US,” she said. “I’m really impressed by many of the remarkable women profiled. It’s enchanting and inspiring.

“I told my daughter [Bella Jirapaet, an award-winning dancer and ballerina] that there was a ballerina in the book. That’s how it relates to modern times and shows you how you can change the world, how you can inspire others. You don’t have to be an inventor, but just be good at whatever you do and be confident. Do the best you can.”

Saraichatt noted that JK Rowling presented her first Harry Potter novel to publishers under her given name, Joanne. “They told her book buyers might decide a book by a woman wouldn’t be as enjoyable as one by a male author,” so she switched to the gender-neutral “JK”.

Saraichatt said one of her favourite biographical essays in Volume 1 is the story of Rosa Parks, the African American woman who in 1955 famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in what was then a brutally racist American South.

JK Rowling

Defying Alabama state law and the demands of the bus driver, Parks inadvertently helped trigger the civil-rights movement.

“To be honest, I don’t know half of the 100 remarkable women in this book, but I’m eager to find out more, which is why ‘Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls’ is suitable for readers of all ages. You learn not only about the person but about history too.

“I look at every woman and every mother as my icons. My mother was single mum and a police investigator and I wonder how she ever managed. People told me I couldn’t be a freelance emcee or have a baby, but it’s been two decades now and I’m proud of myself.”

Sirinya “Cindy” Bishop, who’s enjoyed a successful career as a fashion model and become increasingly outspoken about women’s issues, said she found the book “very timely” given the global #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements against gender inequality and sexual harassment. She initiated the campaign “Don’t Tell Me How to Dress” last year, which caught on like wildfire.

“As a model I had to work twice as hard just to overcome the perception that models were beautiful and nothing more,” she said. “Well, I’m a successful model and an emcee. I have my own business and now I’m an activist too.

Qiu Jin

“My campaign’s message isn’t only about sexual assault but also about stopping the blame being put on victims of assault. And the more I campaign, the more I realise how little people know about the problem and how many willing to accept a double standard.

“As a mother, I believe this book should be read to both girls and boys,” Cindy said, “for her to dream big and for him to be respectful.

“Women can transform the world just through the little things we do. This book about real lives shows us that imaginative writing doesn’t have to be about fairytale princesses.”

REBELS HAVE DREAMS TOO

>> “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2” from Nanmeebooks is sold for Bt795 (hardcover) at the Open House Bookshop, Wankaew Bookstore and other shops and at http://www.Nanmeebooks.com.

ALMOST 70 YEARS have passed since the coronation ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in May, 1950. The ancient traditional practice to formally complete the accession to the throne of the current monarch, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), will take place this May following more than two years of mourning of the passing of King Bhumibol, in October, 2016.

Monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty, Kings Rama IV, V, VI, VII and IX, are pictured from left

King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the throne after his father passed away and the National Legislative Assembly acknowledged his accession in November 2016, making him the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty, meaning that the succession is officially anointed by law, but not by the royal traditional customs that have been practised for hundreds of years.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) at his coronation ceremony in May, 1950

The three-day coronation ceremony from May 4 to 6 requires comprehensive procedures that are intricate, complicated and full of symbolic meanings according to Hinduism and Buddhism. To provide knowledge and understanding of the historic ceremony and the procedures, the Culture Ministry is releasing a set of four books for distribution to libraries and schools nationwide and which are also available through e-book platforms for free download at http://www.m-culture.go.th.

The first hardcover book “The Royal Coronation Ceremony” comes in two versions, Thai and English, and tracks the history of the coronation ceremony, the preparations and the elements used to anoint the kingship. The second paperback “A Collection of Knowledge on the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai gives details of the procedures and sacred sites used to hold the ceremony.

The Culture Ministry releases a set of four books on the history and the details of procedures of the coronation ceremony that can also be downloaded for free.

The last paperback “A Collection of Articles about the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai compiles old articles written by such scholars as Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongse about the regal vestments, the royal regalia and the coronation ceremonies from the reigns of Kings Rama II and V.

“After founding the Chakri Dynasty and the city of Bangkok in 1782, King Rama I re-examined the collective records of the coronation ceremony held during the late Ayutthaya period, resulting in a revised procedure for the ceremony that has become the prototype of the traditional rites for accession ever since,” said deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam at the book launch held at the Government House on Monday.

The paperback “A Collection of Knowledge on the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai

Eleven coronation ceremonies have been held during the reigns of the nine Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Kings Rama I, V and VI performed the ceremonies twice, while King Rama VIII unfortunately passed away before being crowned.

The first abbreviated coronation ceremony of King Rama I was held in 1782 shortly after he established the Rattankosin Era. A full-scale affair, took place three years later when the construction of several throne halls and the making of the royal regalia were completed.

King Rama V held the coronation ceremony twice, in 1868 and again in 1873.

King Rama V performed the first one at the young age of 15, and again when reaching maturity at the age of 20. King Rama VI was first crowned with simplified rituals, shortly after the passing of his father, King Rama V, and then later in a full-scale event with the participation of foreign royals.

“In the upcoming coronation ceremony, May 4 is the most important day because it’s when His Majesty attends Song Phra Muratha Bhisek (the purification bath) and Abhisek (the royal anointment) as well as being presented with the crown and the royal regalia including the nine-tiered white umbrella (the most important symbol of the supreme sovereign),” Wissanu explained.

“Though in many countries, the act of bestowal of a crown is the heart of the ceremony, the key procedure in Thai traditional practice, which draws on Indian precepts, focuses on the purification bath and the anointment with sacred water,” he added.

May 5, 1950: King Bhumibol waited within a pavillion ready to participate in the purification bathing ceremony. 

Thai monarchs are highly revered as divine Kings – a tradition influenced by Hinduism. According to the ancient Brahmanism textbook, the sacred water for the purification bath and anointment rites must come from Pancha Maha Natee or five main streams in India, namely the Ganga, Mahi, Yamuna, Aciravati and Sarabhu Rivers. These rivers flow down from Mount Kailash that is considered in Hinduism the physical embodiment of Mount Sumeru – the epicentre of the universe and the abode of Shiva.

“In the late Ayutthaya period, five local principle rivers collectively called Bencha Suttha Khongkhawere used to represent the five main streams in India. The five sources were Bang Pakong, Pasak, Chao Phraya, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi Rivers. During the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty (1688-1767) – the last group of Kings in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, water from four ancient sacred ponds –Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Sa Khongkha and Sa Yamuna in Suphan Buri – was added to the ritual because the dynasty’s Kings hailed from Suphan Buri,” added Prof MR Suriyavudh Suksvasti, the art historian and chief of the sub-committee set up to providing information of the coronation ceremony.

King Rama VI was first crowned with simplified rituals in 1910, shortly after the passing of his father, King Rama V, and then later in a full-scale event with the participation of foreign royals in 1911.

The five local principle streams and four sacred ponds in Suphan Buri were used in the ceremony until the reign of King Rama V when the five streams in India were included in the ritual.

“King Rama IV, who was ordained for 27 years before acceding to the throne, added the Buddhist religious procedure of chanting and consecrating the holy water to the purification bath in addition to the Hinduism practice. He was also the first monarch to perform the protocol of crowning himself with the Great Crown of Victory – an item of the royal regalia offered by a chief Brahmin in the ceremony. There was no record of previous Kings performing this protocol,” Suriyavudh added during his talk on the coronation ceremony at the Government Public Relations Department last month.

The coronation ceremony of King Rama IV in 1851

During the coronation ceremony of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the sacred water to be used in the purification bath will be collected from five local main streams and four ponds in Suphan Buri. For the anointment rite, the sacred water will come from 107 important sites in 76 provinces and from the Grand Palace.

The water collecting ceremony at each site will start at the same auspicious time on April 6. The water consecration ritual will be done at each province’s principle temple on April 8.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) will complete his enthronment according to the venerable traditional practices in a ceremony extending from May 4 to 6.

All the sacred water will later be brought to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam in Bangkok for the water consecration ritual again on April 18, before proceeding to the ordination hall of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the next day in preparation for the ceremony.

“The sacred water from all sites will be sanctified at Wat Suthat because this temple was built by King Rama I in 1809 to symbolise Mouth Sumera after he established Krung Rattanakosin (now Bangkok) whose name represented the heaven of the Indra deity,” Suriyavudh explained.

The chief Brahmin offered King Bhumibol the Great Crown of Victory during his coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950.

On the morning of May 4, His Majesty, dressed in white garments, will first participate in the purification bath by sitting on a wooden bench inside a pavilion specially erected next to Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence in the Grand Palace. The sacred water will flow out from a canopied showerhead.

He will change into the regal vestments to attend the royal anointment rite at Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne that is intricately carved with fig wood in octagonal shape. The anointment water will be presented to the King in eight cardinal directions of the compass – representing his rule of the Kingdom. The monarch has to turn in the clockwise direction to receive, starting from the east that is considered the primary direction. The chief Brahmin will also present him Nophapadol Maha Saweta Chatra (the nine-tiered white umbrella).

February 25, 1925: King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) seated on Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne to receive the anointing water.

His Majesty will then proceed to another throne Bhadrapitha enshrined with the nine-tiered white umbrella for the crowning and investiture ceremony. The chief Brahmin will present him Phra Suphannabat (the royal golden plaque) upon which is inscribed his royal official title, together with the royal seal of state, the royal regalia, the royal utensils, and the weapons of sovereignty. The monarch will crown himself with Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut (the great crown of victory) – the second most important item in the set of royal regalia after the nine-tiered white umbrella – and utter the oath of his accession.

The royal procession of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) to Wat Arun on December 4, 1911

The next procedure is granting an audience to royal family members, privy councillors, cabinet members and high-ranking officials at Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall before proceeding to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram to declare his willingness to become the royal patron of Buddhism. The paying homage to the royal relics of previous Kings and Queens are performed later.

“Another important ritual is Chalerm Phra Raja Montien (the assumption of the royal residence) for the King to inhabit the palace. A high-ranking royal family member will be in charge of preparing the bed and giving blessing. This ritual signifies His Majesty as the chief of the monarchy. During the ceremony of King Rama IX, he resided there for one night,” added Suriyavudh.

The following day will see the ceremony to bestow the royal name on the newly crowned King, in line with the traditions governing the monarchy. On the same day, certain members of the royal family will be bestowed new titles to reflect their relationship with the monarch.

The final ceremony takes place outside the Grand Palace in the form of a royal procession to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon to pay respect to the principle Buddha statues and the royal ashes of the previous Kings and Queens.

On the last day of ceremony, May 6, King Maha Vajiralongkorn will hold a grand audience with members of the public and foreign diplomats in the Grand Palace. The royal barge procession to Wat Arun to present kratin – gift of robes presented to monks after the end of the Buddhist Lent – will be held in October.

A momentous event

The preparation schedules of the coronation ceremony are as follows

April 6 and 8: The collecting of sacred water and the water consecration ritual nationwide

April 18: The gathering of sacred water from all designated sites to be consecrated at Wat Suthat in Bangkok

April 19: The procession of sacred water to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram in preparation for the purification bath and the anointment rite

April 22 and 23: The inscription ceremony of the royal seal of state, the royal golden plaque and the royal horoscope at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram

May 2: King Maha Vajiralongkorn pays homage to the King Rama V Equestrian Monument at the Royal Plaza in the grounds of Dusit Palace, and the King Rama I Monument at Phra Buddha Yod Fa Bridge

May 3: The procession of the royal seal of state, the royal golden plaque and the royal horoscope from Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram to the Grand Palace

The three-day coronation ceremony will take place from May 4 to 6

May 4: The purification bath and the anointment rite, the crowning and investiture ceremony, the granting an audience to the royal family members and high-ranking officials, and the assumption of the royal residence at the Grand Palace

May 5: The bestowing of the royal name and the new titles of the members of the royal family at the Grand Palace and the royal procession to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon

May 6: The grand audience with the public and foreign diplomats at the Grand Palace

Late October: The royal barge procession to Wat Arun

A set of four books on the coronation ceremony, published by the Culture Ministry, is available for free download at http://www.m-culture.go.th.

ONE OF the most respected rehabilitation centres in Southeast Asia, The Cabin Chiang Mai boasts a high success rate in helping addicts of any age kick their habits. Now open for nine years, it spread its wings a couple of years ago and opened a parallel centre known as Edge, which offers activity-based programmes for young men and gaming addicts aged 18 to 26.

Edge is the brainchild of the professional clinical team and Cam Adair, founder of GameQuitters, which now has more than 500 members from 95 countries including the US, Singapore, China and South Korea.

“I was bullied so much that I shifted to online schooling. I got hooked on gaming when I was 16. By 2013, I was suicidal and when I actually wrote a suicide note. I realised I had to stop and step out into the world,” says Adair, a recovering game addict from Canada.

“In 2017, I shared my story online and later opened a space for those suffering addiction and wanting to quit. Gaming addiction is a big problem. I used to get lots of emails asking me the same question – ‘What should I do?’”

Located in Mae Rim district, the luxury 120-room resort occupies 37 rai and is divided into four villages for general addiction, LGBT, young men and women. Each community keeps the guests connected to urban living with such modern facilities as swimming pools, well-equipped fitness centres and executive lounges, plus a hospital.

“Addiction is a disease, generally caused by a state of low dopamine in the midbrain, which results in the positive feeling of reward [happiness] being hijacked. The key idea is that we need to move addicts from their familiar surroundings to reduce the impulse,” says Andy Leach, clinical leader and counsellor of The Cabin.

Head counsellor of the Edge programme John Logan is responsible for conducting motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and the 12-step model of addiction recovery.

Focusing on being physically fit and mental health issues, it combines traditional therapy (group and one-on-one), with physical activity (muay thai, gym and triathlon training), wilderness sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy, holistic treatment (art therapy and meditation), social responsibility, sober fun, family work and continuing care.

“The addicts, who get treatment when their brains, are still not fully developed – so in the 18 to 26 age group – have a far better chance of reversing their behaviour than those aged 40. For the Edge programme, the first 45 days focus on electronic detox and addiction, while the second 45 days are about retraining and reteaching how to use technology in a healthy way and how to reach a healthy relationship with technology,” Logan says.

“Group therapy is key to all addiction treatments. Clients come to share their lives and everyone can learn from their experiences. Cardio exercise can help generate natural dopamine. That’s why we’ve added muay thai and triathlon training to the programme.

“The wilderness session is designed to bring clients closer to nature. There are many outdoor activities like hiking up a mountain to watch the waterfall. They can spend time admiring the beauty of nature.”

Fitness coordinator Steve Jenkins offers three two-hour muay thai classes a week at the Bangarang Gym. Depending on their ability, all young men train together and also have triathlon preparation that involves cycling, running and swimming every Tuesday and Thursday.

“In Thailand, muay thai is a martial art that attracts young men. Here they will learn a new skill that builds up their self-esteem. Self-esteem is one of the first things to go whatever their issue happens to be,” Jenkins explains.

“They are working together as a team and there is a peer pressure dynamic in young men. They are pushing together and tend to be a very cohesive group. They are a tight group who are able to share, laugh, joke and train together. This is something not done in addiction. They enjoy themselves without drugs, alcohol or anything else.”

Keen on physical development, overall wellbeing, fitness performance and rehabilitation, Jenkins helps the youngsters fulfil their physical potential and improve their discipline and mental readiness.

“The fortunate side of the physical activity is that it makes young men more manageable and helps them appreciate what they’re doing in the therapeutic programme. When they’re a little tired, they feel relaxed and listen to what’s coming in,” Jenkins says.

“We try to give people the tools to deal with the problems in their life when they get back to the real world. We allow the families to our camp and some parents are shocked when they see their sons working towards a triathlon. They don’t expect to see their son fit and happy to do that. They have never seen their sons doing any physical exercise.”

Skilled therapist Maureen S facilitates two one-hour art therapy sessions a week and some boys have discovered their talent and become artists.

“Art therapy helps people to release their feelings. One of our patients talked about his mother’s death two years ago through drawing,” Maureen says.

“I can read their mind and emotions by the colours and strokes they use. For example, a person who creates a very light drawing lacks confidence and wants to be invisible.”

The main core of the therapy is to work with the family so they can continue the treatment when the young men return home. The Cabin allows the families to observe and participate in their sessions so that they can learn more about addiction and how to treat their family members.

HELP AT HAND

>> The Cabin Chiang Mai is at 296/1, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai.

>> Find out more at http://www.TheEdgeRehab.com.

A PORTABLE Bluetooth speaker that brings a touch of romance to any occasion, the Sony LSPX-S1 Glass Sound Speaker looks like a candle and sounds like a quality sound system.

With its four hours of battery life, you can use it as a candle or lantern for a romantic dinner while serenading the man or woman of your dreams with 360 degrees of ambient audio.

The illuminated LED can be turned off and has 10 levels of adjustment, using either an app or the control buttons under its base. At its brightest level, the S1 speaker’s LED produces the kind of soft light emanating from a candle or lantern.

The S1 speaker is really unconventional with a tweeter made of an organic glass cylinder that produces clear highs. Sony’s newly developed technology delivers clear and authentic sound by using actuators built-into the bottom and middle of the glass cylinder to vibrate the organic glass.

The speaker comes with a 50mm woofer to produce a powerful midrange. The woofer is attached under the glass cylinder above the sound reflector at the base and above the Bluetooth indicator that resembles a pointed arch ignition.

The speaker’s translucent passive radiator is placed at the top of the cylinder to produce deep bass.

Sony advises owners not to touch the glass cylinder and passive radiator as the sound quality could be compromised.

The subtle design harmonises beautifully with any interior, while perfectly concealing where the sound is coming from.

And the speaker’s solid aluminium body is made with Pale Gold Alumite, to deliver warm, high-fidelity audio.

The speaker has 16 watts of output power. The woofer has 11 watts and the tweeter 5 watts. This can easily fill your living room with loud music sounds and can equally be enjoyed outdoors though you need to place the speaker at close range.

Best of all, the S1 speaker supports Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth high-resolution audio codec that allows you to stream Hi-Res Audio music. Other supported codecs are AAC, aptX, and SBC.

During the test with my Sony Xperia Z Premium using LDAC Bluetooth streaminng, I found the S1 speaker reproduced impressive quality sounds with clear highs and mids and powerful bass. I enjoyed streaming rock music from Joox and Spotify for hours on end. Pop and easy listening music also sounded very good.

It wasn’t difficult to Bluetooth-link the speaker to my smartphone as both support NFC (near-field communication) radio technology. I simply tapped the “N” mark at the back of the phone to the “N” mark under the base of the speaker, and the smartphone prompted for connection.

I then used the Sony Music Centre app to conveniently control various function of the glass speaker. The app can be pressed into service to adjust the brightness of the illuminated LED, and set the sound quality, the Bluetooth codec as well as the sleep timer if you want to go into sleep while listening to music.

The speaker’s minimal design doesn’t provide many control buttons and those it does are concealed under its base so the app is really useful.

On the side of the base of the speaker, you’ll find the on/standby (power) button. You can press it briefly to turn the illuminated LED on and off and you can press and hold the button to turn the speaker on and off.

You’ll find the buttons for raising and lowering the brightness under the base alongside volume buttons and a Sleep Timer/Pairing button as well as reset button. You simply press the Timer button briefly to set the sleep timer or press and hold to turn on pairing mode. The reset button clears the settings.

There is also a Speaker Add button that is used to add another S1 speaker to create stereo sound. This can be done more conveniently with the app.

By using the Speaker Add function, you can connect a single Bluetooth device to two LSPX-S1 speakers simultaneously. When using the Speaker Add function, one speaker acts as the “master unit,” while the other acts as the “satellite unit.”

Then you can choose either Stereo mode or Double mode. In stereo mode, one speaker plays the sound on the left channel while the other plays the sound on the right channel for stereo playback. In double mode, both speakers play the same sound.

The S1 speaker also has an audio-in jack on one side of its base beside the power button. You can use a commercial stereo mini to stereo mini with no resistance to connect an MP3 player to the speaker if the player has no Bluetooth function.

The speaker can be used with either the AC adapter or the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The battery can last about four hours and when the battery is low, the on/standby indicator will flash slowly in red.

Sony LSPX-S1 Glass Sound Speaker has a suggested retail price of Bt34,990.

>> Output power: 11W (6ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) Using battery (Woofer Only): 5W (6ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD)

>> Speaker type: Tweeter: Organic glass cylinder type, Woofer: Approx. 50 mm dia.

>> Sound Modes: ClearAudio+, DSEE, S-Master

>> Frequency range: |60Hz-40,000Hz

>> Bluetooth: Bluetooth 3.0

>> Supported codecs: AAC, aptX, LDAC, SBC

>> I/O terminal: AAC, aptX, LDAC, SBC

>> Convenient functions: NFC, Sony Music Centre app

>> Battery: Built-in Lithium-ion battery with 4 hours playback time

>> Dimensions: Approx. 82mm dia. ? 303mm

>> Weight: Approx. 920g (including rechargeable |battery)

>> In the box: AC power cord, |AC adaptor, Cleaning cloth, Warranty card

The 10 selected winners will be featured on billboards in select cities, in Apple retail stores and online. The winning shots came from a range of models, from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 7, showcasing the quality of cameras across the line.

The top 10 winners came from countries including Singapore, Germany, Belarus, Israel and the US, highlighting the global community of iPhone photographers that participated. These photos capture colorful city scenery, curious animals, creative reflections, the beauty of the ordinary and more.

Our international panel of judges — Pete Souza, Austin Mann, Annet de Graaf, Luísa Dörr, Chen Man, Phil Schiller, Kaiann Drance, Brooks Kraft, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Jon McCormack and Arem Duplessis — gave some insight on why they loved these shots.

Shot on iPhone Challenge – The Winners

IG: @justphotons

Alex Jiang (US), iPhone XS Max

Chen Man says: “This is a photo filled with lovely color and sense of story in the composition. Zooming in, you can see details of each family and their unique touch. The basketball hoop is placed right in the middle of the photo, adding more stories behind the image.”

Annet de Graaf says: “The narrative in architecture. There is actually life behind the surface of an average apartment building in an unknown city. Vivid colors and a perfect composition with the basketball board right in the middle! Great eye.”

IG: @blakemarvin

Blake Marvin (US), iPhone XS Max

Austin Mann says: “This image took a lot of patience and great timing … with the iPhone’s zero shutter lag and Smart HDR, we’re able to see both the raccoon’s eyes and the deep shadows inside the log … something that would have previously been nearly impossible with natural light.”

Phil Schiller says: “The stolen glance between this raccoon/thief and photographer is priceless, we can imagine that it is saying ‘if you back away slowly no one has to get hurt.’ A nice use of black and white, the focus on the raccoon and the inside of the hollow log provides an organic movement frozen in time.”

IG: @darrensohphoto

Darren Soh (Singapore), iPhone XS Max

Phil Schiller says: “A reflection that looks like a painting, two worlds have collided. You are compelled to think about where and how this photo was taken, the bird flying in the corner provides the single sign of life in an otherwise surreal composition.”

Chen Man says: “Distortion and reflection at a strange angle — this photo creates a fantastic feeling.”

IG: @yarosh.nikita_

Nikita Yarosh (Belarus), iPhone 7

Austin Mann says: “I love how accessible this image is: You don’t have to travel to Iceland to capture something beautiful, it’s right under your nose. The way the lines intersect, the vibrant color, the sense of old and new … this is just a great image.”

Luísa Dörr says: “I like the simplicity of this image, the composition, light, details, everything looks good. Then you see one small line that looks wrong and makes me think what happened, where is this place, who was there. For me a good image is not only one that is strong or beautiful, but makes you think about it — and keep thinking.”

IG: @dinalf

Dina Alfasi (Israel), iPhone X

Sebastien Marineau-Mes says: “Love how the heart shaped water puddle frames the subject, capturing a glimpse of the world as the subject hurriedly walks past.”

Brooks Kraft says: “A unique perspective and a new take on the popular subject of shooting reflections. I like that the subject is evident, but you are not really sure how the photo was taken. The puddle is the shape of a heart, with nice symmetry of the subject. The depth of field that iPhone has in regular mode made this image possible, a DSLR would have had a difficult time keeping everything in focus.”

IG: @liz.scarrott

Elizabeth Scarrott (US), iPhone 8 Plus

Brooks Kraft says: “A portrait that captures the wonderment of childhood in a beautiful setting. Great composition that shows both the personality of the child and the experience in the surroundings.”

Pete Souza says: “Nice portrait and use of background to provide context. The placement of the child’s face is in an optimal place — lining her up so the background directly behind her is clean and not distracting. The setting is a familiar — I’ve probably stood in this exact spot. But the picture is not like any I’ve seen from this location.”

IG: @andrewgriswold

Andrew Griswold (US), iPhone XS

Jon McCormack says: “This image is very well thought through and executed. The background pattern holds the image together and the repeated smaller versions of that pattern in the water droplets create a lot of visual interest. The creative use of depth of field here is excellent.”

Sebastien Marineau-Mes says: “Very unique composition and color palette, playing to the strengths of iPhone XS. What I find most interesting is the background pattern, uniquely magnified and distorted in every one of the water droplets. I’m drawn to studying and trying to elucidate what that pattern is.”

IG: @bernardantolin

Bernard Antolin (US), iPhone XS Max

Kaiann Drance says: “Looks like a simple scene but a good choice of using black and white to elevate it with a different mood. Helps to bring out the dramatic contrast in the clouds and the surrounding landscape.”

IG: @adidarmawan

LieAdi Darmawan (US), iPhone XS

Luísa Dörr says: “I feel like this landscape was treated like an old portrait. The texture of the mountains evokes an old wrinkled face. Portraits and landscapes are the oldest way of creative representation by humans. There’s something about it that belongs to the realms of the subconscious mind, and this is mainly what appeals me of this picture; the part that I’m not able to explain.”

IG: @yungbrioche

Robert Glaser (Germany), iPhone 7

Kaiann Drance says: “Gorgeous dynamic range. There’s detail throughout the photo in the meadow, trees, and clouds. Beautiful deep sky and pleasing color overall.”

And with the latest cultural venues and street artworks that have emerged in recent months, art and culture enthusiasts will surely find Hong Kong the perfect place to immerse themselves in an artsy ambience.

Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central Be, both taking place from March 27 to 31, promise a lavish visual feast.

Now in its seventh year, Art Basel Hong Kong will return to the conveniently located Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with 242 galleries from 36 countries, 21 of which are new to the show.

Also boasting a strong lineup is Art Central, where some 100 galleries will showcase art from around the globe. The fifth edition will also feature carefully curated performances, large-scale installations, new media art and talks. Appreciating art aside, patrons will be served a riveting view of Victoria Harbour and the city’s signature skyline at the Central Harbourfront venue.

Various important cultural venues have sprung up in the city over the past 10 months. One of them is Xiqu Centre, which opened in January this year. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Cantonese opera, the Xiqu Centre is noteworthy not simply for being the first venue in the much-anticipated West Kowloon Cultural District to open its doors, but also for its striking architectural design that juxtaposes traditional and modern elements.

With a futuristic form and a steel structure, the eight-storey edifice is in fact a reinterpretation of the traditional Chinese lantern, and its facade is shaped to resemble the parted curtains on a performing stage. While admiring the architecture, visitors are encouraged to enjoy an intimate Cantonese opera viewing experience over traditional tea and dim sum at the Tea House Theatre.

Another recent arrival is The Mills, an innovation and cultural hub transformed from a textile factory. Situated in Tsuen Wan, once an industrial area and now a major residential district, The Mills celebrates the golden days of Hong Kong’s textile industry and carries on the legacy by nurturing the city’s creative talents. Inside the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT) that is set to open in March, visitors can learn about the history of Hong Kong’s textile industry and the current local and global textile arts landscape. Visitors are warmly invited to experience the manual cotton-spinning process using traditional spinning instruments at CHAT’s Welcome to the Spinning Factory.

Starting from March 16, visitors can appreciate the array of contemporary textile arts displayed at the Unfolding: Fabric of Our Life Exhibition.

Another key heritage site worth visiting is Tai Kwun, one of the city’s largest heritage revitalisation projects, which took a decade and HK$3.8 billion to complete. Three iconic declared monuments are now part of this cultural destination that houses a world-standard contemporary art museum and some of the city’s chicest restaurants and boutiques. Apart from snapping and admiring the beauty, architecture and design of the complex, visitors coming during Hong Kong Arts Month can enjoy free sitespecific performances, urban dance battles, community and contemporary dance, workshops and screenings in the HKArtsFestival@TaiKwun programme over two weekends (March 210 ).

The art experience in Hong Kong is not limited to standalone events and places. Out in the open, art has penetrated the corners of different neighbourhoods, inviting the curious to explore these living “street art museums”. Take a stroll at Central, Sheung Wan and the latest “Artlane” in the hip Sai Ying Pun area, where murals by local and overseas artists can be found on walls of old buildings and staircases. Hunt too for shutter art around Hong Kong painted by young local artists under an initiative aptly called “HK Urban Canvas”, depicting the unique personalities and stories behind local shops and keep an eye out for buzzing street scenes, intriguing contrasts and all the oddities that make Hong Kong an exciting place.

Those who seek more sensory stimulation will find a plethora of performing arts events, the most notable of which is the Hong Kong Arts Festival. With a history of more than four decades, the annual bonanza featuring opera, theatre, music, dance and more has been an artery of the city’s cultural life. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy 166 performances and some 300 outreach activities by more than 1,700 artists from around the world during the 31-day-long programme. It continues through March 23.

A visit to Hong Kong in March will leave you with more than just amazing photographs and feeds, book a trip to Hong Kong now and dive into a sea of arts and cultural treasures!

Everyone who participated in the first Probike Adventure Duathlon held recently at Bonanza Khaoyai deserved to be grinning from ear to ear. They’d just run for six kilometres, an ordeal interrupted by a mere 23km jaunt on mountain bikes.

Natee Chaisinthop of Probike, a major Thai bicycle importer, cheerily characterised the event as “a chance to have a try” at this brutal form of self-harm.

“Adventure duathlons are very popular overseas, usually combining running and cycling but also a wide range of other activities, such as running and shooting or cycling and shooting,” he said.

“But it’s a new thing for Thailand, so the routes here aren’t too difficult – we wanted every participant to reach the finish line. The mountain bike trail has no dangerous stony stretches longer than 10 metres. You could call it a beginner’s duathlon to get everyone interested so they come back for the next one, which will be more challenging.”

“Beginners” isn’t quite the right word for the runners who had to clamber over big rocks and descend a 45-degree grade. That took skill and sharp wits. “But that’s the good thing about adventure activities – they sharpen your ability to make decisions and manage your time and energy,” Natee said.

Time management began early in the morning when I joined the participants in every category at the start line. The first leg of the run began on concrete, on a road that was a little steep to get you huffing and puffing before veering off onto the trail.

The trail run was quite difficult thanks to steep steps and boulders stretching for 1.5km. The showoffs leapt over the rocks. The rest of us did some unexpected rock-climbing.

Back at the transition point, we set off on mountain bikes along a gravel road, out of Bonanza Khaoyai and onto a 3km single track through a forest in the village of Khanong Phra. Here’s where the skills had to kick in, and then came an uphill pedal for 5.9km, then a rapid descent, flying like birds through fields of corn and sugarcane.

There were several featured places of interest along the route, a chance to ease up on the otherwise constant mechanical legwork. Some riders wearily dismounted to stroll. Others dived into the next downhill stretch, thigh muscles enjoying a break.

The second trail run ensued on the same course as before, utterly exhausting all the energy that remained. I somehow beat the three-hour time limit for people over 50, limping in after two hours and 19 minutes.

Jantaraboon Kiangchaipaiphana, one of the showoffs I mentioned, won in the Male Open Class with a time of 1:12:49. He said he’s always loved cross-country events and two years ago achieved a personal best, running 42km. He cheats, though – he works as a trekking guide in Chiang Mai, taking tourists running, kayaking and biking.

The Female Open title went to Warinthorn Phetpraphan with a time of 1:31:33. She “just happens to be” on the national cycling team.

“Trail running started booming a few years ago as the popularity of cycling began to fade,” said Jantaraboon. “Lots more people are turning to trail running now. The adventure races I enter are usually run on trails through the forest and over terrain and there are also kayaking and swimming – about five activities in all. I’m thrilled to be out in nature rather than on the road.

“This first Probike Adventure Duathlon had an interesting route for trail running with all the rocks, but a 3km run is too short. And the biking on the single track and offroad were interesting, but the stretch on the road was too long.”

The new partnership launches with a film that features familiar faces from the Manchester United first team and team management, bringing these magical moments to life.

Marriott Bonvoy is the new travel programme replacing Marriott Rewards, The RitzCarlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) starting last month. Comprised of a portfolio of 30 hotel brands, members can earn and redeem points for hotel stays and accelerate the points they earn with cobranded credit cards from Chase and American Express.

“We look forward to creating some unforgettable moments for Marriott Bonvoy members, inspired by the thrill and excitement that only Manchester United can create for fans around the world,” said Manchester United Group managing director Richard Arnold.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments enables members to redeem points to purchase any of 8,000 lifestyle, entertainment, sport, culinary and more experiences globally. For Exclusive Manchester United Moments, members can bid points to get unforgettable experiences.

The “Stadium Announcer” experience” allows members to go behind the scenes at the iconic ‘Theatre of Dreams,’ shadowing the stadium announcer with their prematch preparations. Prior to the game, the member and a guest will soak up the atmosphere pitch side, before enjoying VIP hospitality, including match tickets and a meet and greet with a former player.

The “Welcome the Team on arrival at Old Trafford” experience will take guests at Old Trafford on matchday to meet a Manchester United legend before making their way to the player’s tunnel to be in prime position to welcome the team as they step off the coach and head into the dressing room to prepare for the game.

For the “Kit Manager” experience, members will be able to add a final finesse to the home dressing room at Old Trafford pregame as they shadow the first team Kit Manager. The member and a guest will help prepare the match kit ahead of the players’ arrival before heading pitchside to be met by a Manchester United Legend. After the hard work is done, the member will be able to sit back and relax whilst enjoying pre and postmatch VIP hospitality.

“Meet the Legends in Guangzhou, China” is the first of several events in Asia Pacific being held as part of the marketing partnership. The winning members can enjoy attending the #ILOVEUNITED live match screening of Manchester United vs Southampton on March 2 with prematch onstage entertainment. Additionally, members can bid for a chance to enjoy a curated dinner at W Guangzhou and arrive in style at the viewing party.  At the hotel, selected members will have the onceinalifetime experience to meet with a Manchester United legend.

Keep updated at http://www.Moments.marriottbonvoy.com.