The World’s Best Obstacle Race, which will be held for the second time on May 19 at Siam Country Club by giving a 10-per-cent discount on the sign-up,To take advantage of the offer, use the promotion code FF10SPARTAN via http://www.SpartanRace.co.th. The promotion is valid through February 28. For more information, call (02) 789 9997 or visit Facebook.com/FitnessFirstThailand.

Cowboys night out

Return to Bubbles kicks off with its first party of 2018 this Friday with “Cowboy Night”, pitching a live band against a talented DJ in a tune-to-tune battle to play the top hits from the 80’s.

Book your night out at (02) 200 9000 ext 2998, 2999 or visit http://www.dusit.com/dtbk.

Love in a cup

Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) welcomes the month of love and Valentine’s Day with a range of new drinkware sets in pastel shades including green, light blue and pink. Pops of darker colours such as dark blue and shiny rose gold give an extra sparkle with hearts adding a touch of romance. No matter if you are in a relationship or happily single, you’ll find a ceramic cup for hot drinks and a tumbler suitable for both hot and cold beverages to refresh your day. The products are now available at Starbucks stores nationwide.

Take a bite of this burger

Enjoy a little luxury in your day at the City Terrace, Conrad Bangkok’s relaxing poolside restaurant with light snacks that range from healthy to a little indulgent. This month and next, the highlight is a savoury Thai River Prawn Burger, with Red Curry Mayo sauce, topped with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, bacons and cheese. It’s priced at Bt420-plus. For more information, please visit please call (02) 690 9999

Go on, share the happiness

THAI invites members of its Royal Orchid Plus Frequent Flyer Programme to participate in the “Donate Miles to Share Happiness” campaign, whereby donated miles will be redeemed for Thai tickets on domestic and international routes and given to the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital. Contributions will be used to fund medical supplies for Siriraj Hospital’s Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Medical Centre. Donations can be made at ThaiAirways.com/rop until July 31.

PERFORMING ARTS festivals are going inter-disciplinary. They’re blurring genre boundaries by bridging their gaps and bringing in new groups of audiences. Some no longer put the category of each work in the brochure, as they choose works which fit the theme of each festival instead of what’s currently popular on the international tour. Opting for inclusivity instead of exclusivity, “There’s something for everyone” has now become the catchprase of many events.

Despite this trend, it’s still a delight to attend a festival that not only focuses on a genre but also the region. Such is the case for the inaugural City Contemporary Dance Festival (CCDF) late November in Hong Kong. Living up to its name, the six-day festival only presented contemporary dance performances from East Asia – namely China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau and Taiwan – at several venues in Kowloon, Hong Kong and the New Territories. It’s organised by the 38-year-old City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC), under the artistic directorship of Willy Tsao, a pioneer of contemporary dance in Asia.

The programme started in early afternoon with “Hotpot: East Asia Dance Platform”, presenting smaller and shorter works by artists from Japan, South Korea, the Pearl River Delta – for this festival, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen– Shanghai and Taiwan. There was also “Hong Kong Focus” which presented works by six local independent choreographers. Co-founded by CCDC with Japan’s Yokohama Dance Collection and South Korea’s Seoul International Dance Festival (SIDance), who selected representative works from their respective countries, this “Hotpot” initiative was inspired by the “Ice Hot: Nordic Dance Platform”, a biannual contemporary dance festival featuring exclusively works by artists from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

“Ice Hot” organisers were also guests here in the SAR after giving useful suggestion in curating this East Asia counterpart.

In the evening, larger-scale works by more established companies, from Japan, South Korea, Beijing, Shanxi and of course Hong Kong, were presented in larger venues. This part of the programme was built on CCDC’s close relationship with their Japanese and Korean counterparts, respectively Noism and Daegu Contemporary Dance Company.

And while the audience for the afternoon programmes was mainly artists from other groups in the festival and international programmers, presenters and producers, who were part of DanceX International Dance Network, the evening counterpart was mainly the Hong Kong dance-going public. A discussion with the choreographers was also organised after every performance.

On the second-to-last morning of the festival, a major issue was raised at a symposium titled “ChatBox: Re-Imagine Dance in Asia”, co-organised by the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong) [IATC-HK] and featuring Swedish critic Cecilia Djurberg, Taiwanese multi-disciplinary artist and critic Liu Chun-Liang and myself.

Having observed that tradition was somewhat missing from the works he had already watched at CCDF, a European producer, a member of DanceX International Dance Network, questioned the contemporaneity of East Asian dance and how it differs – or whether it should – from the European counterpart.

Many dance festivals in Europe have been performing the role of gatekeepers selecting certain works while ignoring others, rather than gateways through which works from other regions can naturally flow. This has been continuing for so many years that when it comes to contemporary Asian dance, many European audiences are expecting a certain amount of interaction between modernity and tradition. And without the latter, such as in CCDF, they may deem the work insignificant or old-fashioned. This is despite the fact that most contemporary Asian choreographers, giving their training background, are neither trained nor interested in traditional arts – and most contemporary dance works that Asian audiences are watching have little, or nothing, to do with tradition as well, as evidenced in CCDF. We cannot simply assume that all Asian choreographers think and work like Taiwan’s Lin Hwai Min, Indonesia’s Eko Supriyanto, or our Pichet Klunchun, can we?

It is widely known, and generally agreed, that, as the amount of artistic possibility rises, the scope of contemporary dance, like that of contemporary arts in general, continues to expand – and my Swedish colleague also noted the lack of conceptual dance in CCDF, a comment with which I concurred. With this diversity and possibility in mind though, one has to wonder whether the restricted point of view towards contemporary Asian dance, in this day and age when many Asian countries’ technological advances far exceed those of their European counterparts, can be regarded as a kind of neo-colonialism. That’s not, however, a debate for this page, so back to CCDF.

One of my CCDF favourite works, the image of the opening scene of “Nina—materialize sacrifice”, which was presented at Sibiu Performing Arts Festival in Romania earlier last year, is still fresh in my mind. The discipline instilled in Noism 1’s female dancers’ bodies was so high that it took me many seconds before I realised that they were humans, not mannequins. As obvious as it might sound – and of course contemporary dance does not need to be abstract – the contrast between the manipulating male dancers’ movements and the manipulated female counterparts’ throughout this full-length work was proof of strong dramaturgy which also reflected the technologically advanced and highly patriarchal society.

Works that premiered more than a decade ago like “Cold Arrow–Game of Go (Weiqi)” by China’s Beijing Dance/LDTX’s and “Moon-Looking Dog”, which was at Biennale de la danse a Lyon in 2000, by Korea’s Daegu Contemporary Dance Company did not look dated either. With their firm places in the history of contemporary dance in both countries, if not East Asia or Asia in general, the two works, respectively by choreographers Willy Tsao and Hong Seungyup serve as links, or references, to what and how the younger generations of artists are working today.

It’s also noteworthy that apart from the dancers’ technical prowess and the choreographers’ insights, music and production design play important roles in contemporary dance. Some choreographers take as their inspiration existing music scores, either famous or lesser-known ones, and, accompanied by one complete number after another, their works may sound and look familiar to some audiences, especially those with a European gaze. Meanwhile others, with more resources, have composers or sound designers create the soundscapes that are more specific to their works. Three noteworthy examples are France-born Vietnamese composer An Ton That’s for “Nina”, his Korean counterpart Kim Te-kn’s for “Moon-Looking Dog” and Japanese colleague Chihako Ezawa’s for Co. Un Yamada’s “One Piece”.

The memorable CCDF experience made me look back. I have attended the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) on an annual basis since 2008 and yet scarcely watched contemporary dance and theatre works from Hong Kong and East Asia here. I can also think back to when I visited Hong Kong for the first time–also the first time I was in a foreign country–in the late 1970s when my enthusiasm was for Japanese toys and McDonald’s Fillet-o-Fish, which were not yet available here. Recently, that has changed to made-in-Hong Kong clothes and some new dim sum creations which are not available elsewhere. That is to say: this so-called “Asia’s World City” still has plenty more of the local contemporaneity for me, and any foreign visitor, to discover.

And taking further our inspiration from “Ice Hot” to “Hotpot”, I was talking to Kuik Swee Boon, the founder and artistic director of The Human Expression Dance Company and M1 Contact Contemporary Dance Festival in Singapore. We both agreed that our region still lacks a regional contemporary dance festival – and the existing two dance festivals namely the biannual Indonesia Dance Festival (IDF) and annual da:ns festival, by the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay have a much wider scope. And so Kuik and I both proposed a name for a first Southeast Asian counterpart of “Hotpot”: his was chicken rice and mine curry. Does the fact we couldn’t reach an agreement mean that our region is too diverse for the contemporary dance platform to be held? Or, with the current traffic that most frequently passes through the island state, financially and artistically, in addition to all members of the AEC governments who seem to be interested more in tradition than contemporaneity, would our platform be possible only in Singapore?

The writer’s trip to CCDF was fully supported by CCDC and IATC-HK. Special thanks to Bernice Chan, Willy Tsao, Karen Cheung, Carrol Ho and Jacky Fung.

KEEP DANCING

– Visit http://www.ccdc.com .hk to check the next programs by CCDC and http://www.IceHotNordicDance.com for the news about the upcoming dance platform in the Iceland capital this December.

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok provides every celebrating couple with a complete sense of nobility, gracing every engagement and wedding occasion with a wealth of amazing memories to be treasured for a lifetime.

“We work hard to ensure that every couple receives a genuine royal welcome and that this special feeling is maintained throughout their stay,” explains Director of Groups and Events Lalidapun Chavananand.

“We have an experienced team that specialises in engagement and wedding parties of all sizes and for all religious denominations, ensuring that every celebration is truly unforgettable. They understand the importance of crafting the dream wedding for each couple and this includes ensuring that they appreciate and enjoy the sense of exclusivity and graciousness which is present throughout Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok,” she adds.

The hotel’s majestic entrance ensures a graceful and grand arrival. The lobby, with its dramatically high ceiling, luxury fittings and majestic spiral staircase, enhances the sense of grandeur with delightful European music playing softly in the background to create an elegant feel. The staircase is a popular location for photographs as the bride and groom make their way to the grand setting of the Chadra Ballroom. Every wedding day is an occasion to be remembered by family and friends as well as the bride and groom.

In June 1966, the elegant Siam Intercontinental Hotel was built in the grounds of the Sra Pathum Palace. One side of the Palace shared the same wall as the hotel and, at that time, Siam Intercontinental Hotel was one of the first international hotels in Bangkok. Indeed, Siam Intercontinental Hotel was a major landmark in the city with its beautiful lotus pond filled with purple lotus flowers. The hotel was demolished in 2002.

The Kempinski Hotel Group opened its first property in Bangkok in 2010 –the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Remaining true to the heritage and the history of this royal location, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is an impressive reflection and portrayal of Thai regal hospitality and European flair, offering an unrivalled five-star luxury service to local and international guests.

Find out more by calling (02) 162 9000 or email catering.siambangkok@kempinski.com

THE UNDENIABLE appeal of the Zik Zleep Zalon on Bangkok’s Phaholyothin Soi 5 (Soi Ratchakru) is that you can have a snooze while being massaged before getting your hair styled.

The salon is dimly lit – the better to calm the senses – and clients sink onto comfy leather beds for 40 winks while their hair is washed and their head, shoulders and hands are massaged.

Afterwards their hair is blow-dried and then, if they like, cut or styled.

Hairstylist Sikawat “Zik” Lue-sopon has a professional understanding of how relaxing it is to have someone else gently wash your hair, and he decided to extend the creature comforts further.

“Anyone who’s had a poor night’s sleep or just needs some relaxation is going to love this nap salon,” says Zik, who earned his diploma from the Sassoon Academy in London.

“We incorporate neck, head, shoulders and hand massage with hair treatments – washing and applying aromatic spa products. You hop on the bed and relax and we do the rest.”

There are eight of these inviting beds, plus two private rooms, each with two more beds.

The treatments on offer are the one-hour Nap Original Shampoo (Bt1,000), two-hour Nap Original Treatment (Bt2,000), two-hour Nap Sculpt Scrubbing Treatment (Bt2,000) and two-hour Butterfly Pea Latte Shirodhara (Bt2,500).

Zik himself will cut, style or colour clients’ hair later have at prices starting at Bt1,000.

If chronic insomnia or just a lack of sleep is an issue for you, Zik recommends the Butterfly Pea Latte Shirodhara.

It entails an ayurvedic massage with warm milk containing butterfly-pea extract, which promotes healthy hair growth and helps prevent hair loss and greying.

Shirodhara as a healing technique involves gently massaging the head and a slow stream of warm oil being poured on the forehead, where the “third eye” (the anja chakra) is believed positioned.

Once you’re on the comfy bed, the hairdresser-therapist covers your eyes with a warm towel and begins gently massaging your hands. There is the soothing sound of a “singing bowl” to deepen the sense of calmness and serenity.

The warm milk is then applied to the forehead and the scalp and head are massaged.

Next, Bulgarian rose oil is applied to the hair to strength the shafts, add sheen and eliminate itchiness.

Then there’s a nap shampoo, which adds ozone to the hair to stimulate follicles, improve blood circulation and foster hair growth. A Phyto Aromatic Mist is spritzed on the face to refresh and restore skin moisture. Then you wake up, as if from a wonderful dream, and get those locks blow-dried.

“For the Nap Original Treatment formula, I worked with an instructor-researcher at Kasetsart University,” says Zik, whose mum runs the popular Pitsamai salon in Thon Buri.

“It’s an organic shampoo with kaffir lime extracted using the cold-press method that’s considered the best way to extract essential oils. It preserves all of the natural benefits.”

The Nap Sculpt Scrubbing Treatment, Zik says, is designed to soothe the scalp and restore hair to its optimal level of health.

“That formula contains extract of black rice, which is rich in vitamins, and grape-seed oil to add sheen. The massage feels absolutely luxurious.”

There’s no reason to doubt that, but do people really sleep during all this?

“I can say that more than 90 per cent of our clients have a good doze during their treatments,” Zik confirms.

SNIPS AND SNORES

>> Zik Zleep Zalon is on Phaholyothin Soi 5 (Soi Ratchakru) near the Ari BTS station.

>> It’s open daily from 10.30am to 9pm.

>> Call (098) 614 9997 or go to the “Zik Zleep Zalon” page on Facebook.

There’s a 60-minute aromatic-oil massage to relax, a 30-minute body scrub to cleanse and a 30-minute facial massage using a mask of 24-karat gold sheet and damask rosewater.

It costs Bt7,390. Book a date at (02) 162 9000 or spa.siambangkok@kempinski.com.

One lucky pup

For Chinese New Year beginning on February 16, the Mandarin Oriental has a Year of the Earth Dog Spa Experience to ground, relax and re-balance body and mind.

The 80-minute treatment is inspired by the grounding yoga pose called the Downward-facing Dog and uses Flourish Oil, a blend of lemongrass, cardamom and coriander, along with hot healing stones and a soothing abdominal massage.

Sign up for a session year-round at any Mandarin Oriental spa.

You can book online at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

It’s Starbucks for dessert

The new dessert menu at Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) includes Whoopie Pie – two soft cookies oozing vanilla cream – the Double Chocolate Muffin (best eaten heated), the Chocolate Donut imported from Spain, the Pandan Custard Brix, the Red Velvet Cake made with butter and cream cheese, and the Boston-born Boston Cream Pie. This last favourite is a double sponge cake filled with custard cream and topped with chocolate cream sauce.

Alpine dining in Bangkok

The buffet at Latest Recipe, a restaurant at Le Meridien Bangkok, is sampling “Winter in the Alps”. Lunch, dinner and brunch include cheeses, organic vegetables, meats and seafood served alpine-style. Fontina soup, saffron risotto and French, Croatian, Neapolitan, Austrian and German cheesecake are among the treats available.

“Winter in the Alps” continues through March 4. The lunch buffet Monday to Saturday costs Bt1,100-plus, dinner buffet Sunday to Thursday Bt1,300, seafood dinner Fridays and Saturdays Bt1,600, and Healthy Sunday brunch Bt1,800.

Reserve a table at (02) 232 8888 or http://www.LeMeridienBangkokPatpong.com.

Jabra’s Elite 25e Bluetooth stereo headset handles the music superbly and has a battery that can last 18 hours.

It’s got a cool black neckband that’s easily adjusted for comfort and cables running from the earbuds almost perpendicular to the sides of your head.

Jabra designed the neckband for a great fit and all-day comfort. Meanwhile, the Elite 25e is water-resistant (IP54 rated) and useable in light rain.

The sound quality is quite good, the result of 10mm drivers delivering full-spectrum music, especially when you make the correct choice in EarGels size for the earphones. Three sizes are provided.

The neckband has a microphone on the left side so you can use the 25e as a headset for your phone. Magnetic inear snapping means you can attach the magnets near the buds together to wear the headset securely when not in use.

The magnetic design has other functions as well. During a call, you can hang up by snapping the two magnetic zones together. Pick up an incoming call by detaching them.

The Elite 25e has control buttons on the right side of the neckband for volume and, between them, another for multiple functions. On the left side, near the microphone, is a button for making phone voice commands to Apple’s Siri, Google Now or Microsoft’s Cortana.

The Multifunction button is for turning the headset on and off, for playing and pausing tracks, and for answering or rejecting a phone call.

It can also be used in handling multiple calls. For example, when you’re on the phone and another call comes in, tap the button to simultaneously end the first and take the second.

Press and hold the button for two seconds to put the current caller on hold and answer the new one. Press and hold another two seconds to switch between calls. Doubletap the button to reject an incoming call.

The neckband will vibrate to let you know there’s an incoming call, but that can be switched off if you dislike it.

The Voice Guidance function announces the current status of the headset, such as when it’s connected to a phone or when the battery is low. This can be turned off as well.

In my test, I found the sound quality very good for inear phones, with clear midtones and highs and impressive bass.

RTB Technology distributes the Jabra Elite 25e for Bt2,990.

KEY SPECS

– Bluetooth: Version 4.1

– Talk and music time: Up to 18 hours

– Standby time: Up to 22 days

– Charging time: Approximately two hours

– Wearing style: Neckband, 157x141x35mm

– Weight: 48 grams

– Dimensions: 48.3×17.9x23mm

– In the box: Elite 25e, small and large extra EarGels, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, warranty leaflet, warning leaflet, registration leaflet

– Warranty: One-year limited

A digital camera with lightning-fast autofocus, the new RX10 Mark IV from Sony makes sure that even amateur shutterbugs can produce images of professional quality.

Among the highlighted features are a 0.03 second hybrid autofocus system with 25x optical zoom using a very bright and good-quality Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, superfast 24 frames per second continuous shooting and a touch focus system.

This is the fourth incarnation of Sony’s renowned RX10, a camera that uses the Japanese giant’s 1.0-type (13.2mm x 8.8mm) Exmor RS CMOS sensor in 3:2 aspect ratio with 20.1 megapixel resolution.

The CMOS sensor is stacked with a DRAM chip, resulting in good performance, the capacity for 960fps super-slowmotion shooting and super-highspeed anti-distortion shutter of up to 1/32000 second The stacked sensor also provides 315-point focal-plane phase-detection autofocus for fast and precise tracking.

Also, thanks to the high-performance stacked sensor, the RX10M4 features rfast hybrid AF with 0.03sec autofocusing response. This AF system seamlessly integrates the superlative speed and tracking of focal-plane phase-detection AF plus the high accuracy of contrast-detection AF, and boosts the camera’s capabilities to focus, track and capture sharp, clear still images of subjects in all situations, even in the middle of fast, dynamic action.

Its 315 focal-plane phase-detection AF points cover about 65 per cent of the entire image area of the RX10 IV’s new image sensor. This makes AF coverage widespread and dense enough to quickly capture subjects, such as small or fast-moving ones that are otherwise difficult to focus on, throughout the image area.

With fast focusing system, fast continuous shooting speed and high-density Tracking AF technology, the RX10M4 is good for capturing sports. This technology allows your subject to remain in focus even in fast moving actions.

And the powerful combination of the Exmor RS 1.0-type image sensor and the BIONZ X image processing engine allows for continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 24fps for up to 249 frames at a time, meaning you won’t miss any fastaction event.

Moreover, fast data readout from the Exmor RS image sensor helps reduces distortion when the subject is moving fast. And RX10M4’s anti-distortion electronic shutter achieves shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 second.

You can achieve faster autofocusing by using some smart functions, such as Focus Range Limiter and Autofocuson mode. The Focus Range Limiter allows you to restrict focus to subjects that are 3m or further away. The AFON setting lets you trip the shutter without the lengthier half-press focus sequence. There is also AFA mode which automatically switches between AFS (Single AF) and AFC (Continuous AF) modes, according to changes in subject motion.

Another handy function is the ability to customise a button by assigning it to a frequently used focus area setting, then instantly recall that setting whenever you like. This can be handy if an ideal focus point frequently changes, for example, between strokes in a tennis match. Focus point as well as focus area can be set as desired for optimal focus performance for the scene being photographed.

The RX10M4 is an ideal travel companion as it comes with 24600mm equivalent extra-wideangle-to-ultra-telephoto range plus macro capability.

The camera uses AA (advanced aspherical) and ED (Extralow Dispersion) glass elements, Zeiss T Coating, and large f/2.44 aperture. These help the camera to provide high optical performance for high resolution and beautiful bokeh.

And with a silent shooting function, the camera is also good for capturing wildlife. When close to animals as well as in other noise-sensitive situations, you can shoot in silence, even during continuous shooting, by muting the camera’s shutter sound with a couple of simple settings.

The RX10M4 comes with effective optical image stabilisation technology, which is very handy for lowlight shots or ultra-telephoto picture at 600mm equivalent focal length. Normally, at this telephoto focal length, you will need to support your camera with a tripod or monopod but with this Sony, you achieve sharp and clear photos at 600mm focal length in handheld shooting.

The RX10M4 comes with Zoom Assist function that is very handy when you are shooting telephoto images. When you lose track of a moving subject while framing in ultratelephoto shooting, you can press and hold down the C (custom) button to which Zoom Assist is assigned to trigger Zoom Assist function’s automatic zoomout.

Then, you find and frame up the subject again, then release the button, and the camera automatically zooms back in to the original focal length, so you can resume shooting. This is very handy because at ultrazoom length, we often lose the subject.

The RX10M4 has peaking function accuracy, emphasising contours of the focused region in a specified colour when shooting in manual focus or direct manual focus. This feature has been improved in this latest model to make intricate focusing during macro shooting, even easier.

The RX10M4 is well designed with triple rings for you to manually manipulate focus and other settings as you look through the viewfinder to achieve precise settings.

And it comes with Touch Pad function that allows you to shift focus simply by sliding your finger across the LCD screen from one area to another, while you look at the viewfinder. Whether you make the shift according to finger motion distance (relative position) or the area of the frame that you touch on the screen (absolute position), shifting is smooth and easy.

It also has Touch Focus that allows you to simply touch the LCD at the point of the image on which you want to focus.

The RX10M4’s LCD monitor that can tilt up to approximately 109 degrees upwards and 41 degrees  downwards, making shots even easier to monitor from various positions while recording. The monitor has 1440Kdot resolution that surpasses that of its predecessor.

And when you use a viewfinder in other shooting situations, a display panel on top of the camera makes it easy to check key settings at a glance.

In a nod to the nature photographer, the RX10M4 comes with dust-resistant, moisture-resistant sealant and operating parts built in such a way as to allow the camera to withstand rigorous shoots outdoors in rugged environments and under rainy, dusty, humid, and other difficult conditions.

Like all modern cameras, the RX10M4 has Bluetooth function and can be paired with the PlayMemories Mobile app installed on a compatible mobile phone or tablet device to acquire location data, record these on still images, and correct camera date/time and location settings.

The camera also has builtin Wi-Fi function with one-touch remote/one-touch sharing function. Just install a PlayMemories Mobile app to your NFC-enabled Android device, then touch the device to the camera’s NFC mark to connect them. Then you can use the device as a remote and can share captured photos and videos to your social networks.

I found that the camera was easy to operate. Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Exposure modes are best for advanced shooters but the two auto modes, Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto, were good enough for me to capture beautiful shots. In the Intelligent Auto mode, the camera shoots with automatic scene recognition while in the Superior Auto, the camera may shoot multiple images and create a composite image for images of dark or backlit scenes.

Or you may select the scene on your own by turning the mode dial to Scene Selection and then choosing one of the available scenes from a list that includes Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, and Handheld Twilight.

I was able to capture beautiful portraits during the test and the landscape shots were also vivid  especially when I used the Creative Style.

And research shows, it’s not a coincidence. Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, including vitamin E, which according to American dermatologist, Dr Patricia Farris, effectively prevent free-radicals and protect against wrinkles, ageing and inflammation.six best beauty olive oil Uses:

Hair revitaliser

One of the best ways to naturally reverse the effects of hair damage is an olive oil pre-shampoo treatment. The Vitamin E in olive oil helps hydrate hair, and its antioxidant properties will protect your hair from free radicals which are known to cause hair loss. Just take a few tablespoons of plain olive oil and massage it directly onto your scalp and hair. Leave on for 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Do this weekly, and you’ll notice your hair will become healthier, shinier and stronger.

Makeup remover for all skin types

Makeup is fun, but we all know the removal process can be a pain – especially if it’s water-resistant. Olive oil is also the perfect all-natural makeup remover, good for all skin types and sensitive skins. Not only can it easily remove long-lasting makeup, but it has the extra benefit of acting as a mini facial treatment, infusing your skin with moisture and antioxidants. Simply apply a teaspoon of olive oil to your face, massage it for 10-20 seconds. Then gently wipe it away with a soft, wet face cloth.

Super moisturiser

The phenolic compound found in olive oil is scientifically proven to have antibacterial properties, making it an ideal moisturiser for all skin types – even oily and acne-prone ones. It is also a beauty guru favourite because it naturally hydrates and is absorbed quickly. A tip is to apply a small amount of olive oil after a shower, then allow it to absorb into your skin before applying another layer of skincare. By putting olive oil as the first layer of your skincare routine for both face and body, it will lock in moisture without clogging pores or causing breakouts. It’s also budget-friendly!

Scrub and exfoliator

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing skincare to better absorb into skin. And to make your exfoliation routine extra effective, simply add a few drops of olive oil to your usual scrub for a soothing and moisturising boost. Or to make an all-natural scrub, simply mix a half cup of brown sugar, a half cup of olive oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil together in a bowl.

Aid digestion and eliminate bloating

If you ever wake up feeling bloated, we have the cure for you! Instead of drugstore laxatives, which can cause cramping in some people, reach for olive oil, a chemical-free alternative that can prevent constipation and avoid bloating. A spoonful of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning is recommended for alleviating constipation, as it can help lubricate the bowel.

Rejuvenating footcare

From cracked heels caused by dry weather to tired feet in need of TLC, olive oil is here to save the day! Just before bed, rub a generous amount of olive oil into each foot, focusing on the heel area. Then just put on a pair of socks to seal in the natural goodness. Olive oil will soften and soothe dry and callused feet, making them sandal-ready in no time.

The event presented by Toyota is part of a five-year agreement between Ironman, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Tri-League.

There’ll be a 42.195-kilometre marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km Bangkok Bank Run and, on February 3, a 4km Family Fun Run.

Also planned is a Sports and Lifestyle Expo at the Bangkok Airport Rail Link from February 1 to 3.

The marathon is set for February 4 starting at 2.30am from Rajamangala Stadium, the half marathon at 5am and the 10km at 6am run from and back to the Democracy Monument.

The course will take runners past the Victory and Rama V monuments and the Rama VIII Bridge.

The early morning flagoff ensures cooler conditions and roads along the route will be closed to traffic to guarantee safety.

Register at http://AmazingThailandMarathon.com.

There’ll be a 63-kilometre “Going Greener” race and a 113-km “Fearless Gentlemen” race, together open to no more than 2,200 riders.

The Tour de Farm is designed to raise awareness about sports and eco-tourism in the province’s Pak Chong district, making it a destination for recreational and adventure tourism.

The organisers will also donate Bt100,000 to the Foundation for Khao Yai National Park Protection.

Participants will be able to help local communities by buying farm-fresh produce, organic fruit and vegetables at a mini-fair, getting a massage and herbal compress, and taking an ecotourism tour.

Register by tonight at http://FarmChokchaiSport.com.