Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Carnival Collab Collection / Pañpuri
Pañpuri rolls out its first-ever collaboration with Carnival. Given that it's crafted with the help of the streetwear label, you expect a home fragrance collection in a street-cool packaging design. The fragrance house presents its perfume diffuser and ambience candle in matte black ceramic packaging, which has been embossed with Pañpuri's iconic peacock emblem to create a textured touch. Described as woody and mellow, the scent’s defining elements include bergamot, vanilla and Guaiac wood. Check out panpuri.com/th.
Art Journey Collection 2023 / Swatch
Swatch expands its Art Journey series with five capsule collections, bringing iconic artworks from museums' walls to your daily life. Since 1985, the Swiss watchmaker has been committed to making art accessible to all. This year, the brand collaborated with world-famous museums such as NYC's Museum of Modern Art and UAE's Louvre Abu Dhabi to create five wearable art capsules for its signature Gent and New Gent models. Two of the new watches pay homage to late art icons, with one celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of pop art legend Roy Lichtenstein, and the other celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of surrealist artist René Magritte. Go to swatch.com/en-th.
Ella Bio Tote Collection / Tory Burch
Tory Burch has partnered with Modern Meadow, an American biotech company, to launch their first-ever collection of plant-based leather handbags. The fashion house reintroduces one of its leather bag staples, the Ella Tote, in eco-friendly material crafted from non-GMO soy plant protein. Not only is the bag's material lightweight and durable, it is also made from a high proportion of renewable materials. Named the "Ella Bio Tote" series, the range is available in three different sizes and comes with a stripe for crossbody styling. Visit toryburch.co.th.
Skincare launch / Eucerin
Eucerin recently launched K-Derma innovation, a Korean-style skincare series combining the best German technology and the science of South Korean beauty, for those who want to have bright, moist and glowing skin. The skincare series includes Eucerin Even Radiance, for bright and dewy glowing skin, and Eucerin Ultra Protection, a sunscreen that protects skin from micro-dust and helps boost glowing skin. The K-Derma innovation skincare series is specially developed for Asian skin and is exclusively available at Watsons. Visit eucerin.co.th.
Water launch / Sai Yok Springs
Sai Yok Springs, a premium mineral water brand sourced from springs in Sai Yok and packaged in reusable glass bottles, has launched in Thailand. The brand prioritises sustainability, community and quality, while empowering Phu Ongka villagers in Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi by providing employment and contributing profits to local community development. Sai Yok Springs will run on a closed-loop system for reusable glass bottles, where the used bottles are collected, cleaned, refilled and redistributed to consumers, creating a sustainable cycle. Moreover, its refillable bottles are reusable for 200 cycles and the plant relies solely on solar and hydropower and supplies employment for the local community. Visit saiyoksprings.com.
JOIN
Benjakitti Sound Tour / Lab 5 Soundworks / March 25-26
Spend the weekend relaxing with the "Benjakitti Sound Tour", where you get to stroll around Benjakitti Forest Park listening to the environment. Leading the sound walk is music production Lab 5 Soundworks, who lets you perceive the world from different angles. The tour is a part of "Unfolding Bangkok: Greeting Benjakitti", an art exhibition aimed at inspiring and promoting coexistence among humans, the environment and living beings. Make a quick pit stop to rest the eyes with the five art installations inside the park.
Art Soap Workshop / Tentacles Workshop / March 25
Switch from flicking your paintbrush on a canvas to recreating iconic artwork on a handmade soap bar at the "Art Soap Workshop". Napaprang Art Soap takes over Tentacles Workshop for a creative class, teaching the ins and outs of soap-making and painting for B2,850 per person. The recipe used in the workshop is suitable for sensitive skin. Book your seat at fb.com/TentaclesN22.
O-lunla Market / Olunlaclub / March 31 to April 2
Bring your parents and grandparents to Museum Siam, which has been secured by a silver age online community Olunlaclub, who will host the "O-lunla Market". From March 31 to April 2, the three-day community market features a marketplace organised by local vendors in their retirement age and a special talk by 12 inspiring guest speakers who have proved that age is just a number. Also, expect a series of activities, including a breathing and stretching workshop on March 31, a traditional Chinese tea-brewing course on April 1 and a pineapple vinegar-making class on April 2. Go to fb.com/olunlaclub.
Ma Rosa / Chula World Film Series / March 30
"Ma Rosa" is the story of Rosa, her husband and their three children, who run a convenience store, in a crowded chawl of Manila city. They also peddle drugs to make both ends meet. Rosa's life changes, when she and her husband are arrested by the police for their drug-trade. It’s a simple story with a powerful impact from director Brillante Ma Mendoza. The ambassador of Philippines, Millicent Cruz Paredes will introduce the film, which will be screened at Dr Tiam Chokwadhana Auditorium, Building 1, Faculty of Communication Arts (third floor), Chulalongkorn University. The 90-minute film will have English subtitles and is being screened on March 30 at 5.30pm. The screening will be followed by a Zoom Q&A with the director. The screening is free but bookings are essential at chulafilm2019@gmail.com.
Earth Hour / King Power Mahanakhon / March 25
Celebrating Earth Hour with a “Glow In The Dark” workshop with “mediums” at King Power Mahanakhon. At the event, you can paint a stylish tote bag in your individual style with reflective acrylic paints on the 74th floor at Thailand’s highest indoor observatory from 7-9.30pm. During the activity, all the lights will be turned off to create the glow in the dark totes. The workshop costs B1,290 per person. In addition, as a special celebration of International Women's Month, Firster is giving all women attendees a free gift. Reserve your spot at bit.ly/Book-Ticket-Glow-in-The-Dark.
STAY
Wedding fair / Rosewood Bangkok / April 1-2
“Rosewood Romance” is the place to be for lovebirds close to tying the knot over two days. The wedding fair will have specialists available in a private suite to discuss details of the big day with couples over afternoon tea. Exclusive deals during the event include a 10% discount with a minimum spending of B259,000 for an engagement ceremony and food, plus a complimentary live cooking station with 100 servings. Those who spend at least B390,000 can enjoy a complimentary night in a deluxe room on the wedding day. Make your big day count at rosewoodhotels.com/bangkok.
Breakfast On Us / Shangri-La Bangkok / Until June 30
Bask in splendid river views at Shangri-La Bangkok, which offers "Breakfast On Us" for a saving rate starting at B6,900 per night. The luxury hotel on Charoen Krung invites you to unwind with a relaxing stay by the river, inclusive of daily gourmet breakfast buffet for two at Next2 Café. Book by June 30 for stays from April 1 to June 30. Go to shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila.
Family Wellness Package / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Get your family a gift of good health with a three-day wellness retreat at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort at rates starting at B26,952 per room per night. The package includes a Beauty Booster IV drip, a Royal Slim and Royal Fountain of Youth treatments at BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat. All are designed to let guests glow from inside and out. Melt the stress away at the spa with Anantara's signature stress-release massage for parents and mini-back massage for children. The package is designed for unwinding and family connections, with a series of family-friendly activities such as a Muay Thai class, a Spice Spoons Thai cooking class and a family yoga session. Visit anantara.com/riverside-bangkok.
EAT
Wine Dinner / Belga, Belga, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit / March 30
Treat yourself at Belga with a five-course set dinner, paired with fine wines from Mas De Daumas Gassac. Prepared by chef Ouu and team, the Belgian dinner will have dishes that are carefully chosen to complement the rich flavours of the wines. The dinner on March 30 starts at 7pm and is priced at B2,990++ per person (Accor Plus Members enjoy a 10% discount), including the wine. Visit bit.ly/3TclXwd.
Taco Wednesdays / Guilty Bangkok / Until April 30
Brush aside mid-week blues with Guilty Bangkok’s new "Build-Your-Own-Taco Wednesdays" promotion. No gimmicks, just straight-up lunchtime deliciousness courtesy of a heaving Guilty taco platter perfect for sharing with the gang. Pick from two types of meat and fresh veggies and dress it all up with chef Carlos’s signature sauce. Every Wednesday until April 30, from noon to 2.30pm. Lunch is priced at B790++ for a set of six tacos and condiments.
Seasonal specialities / Ciao Terrazza, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok / Until April 2
Ciao Terrazza, the seasonal Italian restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, has announced its last menu of the season, showcasing the finest seasonal specialities until April 2. As per tradition, Ciao Terrazza closes during the summer and rainy season, and chef de cuisine Dario Busnelli presents a special menu featuring white asparagus. Diners can indulge in White asparagus risotto with diver scallop crudo and Sardinian mullet roe (B1,100++), Coastal lamb medallion with pistachio crust, butter herbs glazed roots and white asparagus served with Marsala sauce (B1,590++), and Extra virgin oil and white asparagus gelato with black winter truffle (B550++), which is available at Ciao Terrazza for the first time. The white asparagus appetisers start from B690++. Call 02-659-9000 or email MOBKK-restaurants@mohg.com.
Weekday lunch / Uno Mas, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Uno Mas at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has introduced a three-course weekday set lunch menu, where diners can experience dishes from new Spanish chef Roberto Gonzalez Alonso. The menu includes an array of starters, main courses, and desserts to choose from, each made with the freshest and most flavourful ingredients. The lunch menu is available at B690++ per person and includes drinking water and a soft drink. For an additional B100++, diners can add beer "cana", a sangria or a glass of Spanish white or red wine. Call 02-100-6255, or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Journey to South / Front Room, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok / Until June 30
Front Room at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok has introduced a three-course southern Thai lunch set inspired by chef de partie Chareef Pattanakul, who was born and raised in Narathiwat, one of Thailand’s southernmost provinces. The set is available until June 30. For the lunch, the best ingredients from Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala such as the salted fish, budu sauce (made from fermented anchovies), tea and more, have been sourced. Highlights, which are based on beloved family recipes, include: Pani puri mataba pla kulao foo (pani puri, curry powder, masala, Tak Bai salted fish); Khao yum pak tai chompu dong (seasonal vegetables, rice pop, Narathiwat budu sauce, homemade pickled rose apple); Tupa sutong (squid, rice, squid ink); Gurma ped thod (gurma curry, duck confit, yoghurt); and Ice cream cha chak roti grob (Southern thai tea ice cream, crispy roti, Pattani coconut sugar). The three-course lunch is priced at B1,650++ per person of which a B150 donation will be made to Amir al-Mu’minin Foundation, a Yala-based non-profit organisation that provides assistance to orphans in Southern Thailand. Call 02-846-8888 or email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
Supreme croissant / Zing, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Zing raises the bar for pastry lovers with a new addition to its menu — the Supreme Croissant. For his latest creation, executive pastry chef Thawat Prathumpuang uses a unique technique to create an intricate tree-like pattern before baking it to perfection. Each Supreme Croissant boasts a distinctive texture and aroma that tantalises all the senses. The delicate layers of flaky pastry retain a crispy exterior while remaining soft on the inside. The aroma of rich butter will leave you wanting more. The Supreme Croissant is available in three decadent flavours: Madong 70% Chocolate, Strawberry Pink Praline and Pistachio Rich Cream. Priced at B190++ per piece, the croissant is available at Zing Bakery. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
New a la carte / Shang Palace, Shangri-La Bangkok
Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant at the Shangri-La Bangkok has launched a new menu created by executive Chinese chef Tan Kwang Aik to introduce the refined flavours of Cantonese cuisine. Showcasing many dishes from his new inspirations, Chef Tan will delight Chinese food lovers with his take of traditional Cantonese with a touch of modern flair. His creations are divided into 14 series, which include Chef’s Recommendations; Signature Dishes; Appetizer; Barbecue Corner; Soup; Abalone, Sea cucumber, Bird’s Nest; Live Seafood and Live Fish; Seafood; Poultry; Beef, Lamb, Pork; Tofu; Vegetables; Rice and Noodles; and Desserts. Highly recommended dishes include Scallop truffle (B1,888++), Slow-cooked whole grouper casserole (B1,888++) and Oatmeal prawn (B728++). Shang Palace opens daily for lunch and dinner. Call 02-236-7777 or email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com.
WATCH
John Wick: Chapter 4 in cinemas
Directed by Chad Stahelski.
Who’s in it?
Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen and Bill Skarsgård
What’s it about?
John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
Why watch it?
The film takes a new direction for the franchise.
My Kind Of Country on Apple TV+
Premieres on March 24
"My Kind Of Country" brings a fresh take to the crowded field of reality-competition series. Reese Witherspoon and Kacey Musgraves host the show that aims to find the next great country music star while showcasing a diverse variety of country styles from all around the world. The winner receives a "life-changing prize" from Apple Music, along with exposure on the platform to grow their career. Country superstars Jimmie Allen, Mickey Guyton, and Orville Peck serve as the talent scouts looking for that next big voice.