Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Let's Celebrate Social Media Day
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 28/06/2019
» Fun fact: June 30 is Social Media Day. Yes, it's a thing. The day celebrates social media's use as an effective global communication platform. To honour the occasion, we gathered a few factoids, tidbits and stories relating to social media to see how much it has connected and consumed our lives.
Pain For Pleasure
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 14/06/2019
» Piyanan "Pi" Kaensuwan and her partner Nutthaphat "Muu" Junpong are practitioners of all things BDSM (for those not in the know, that's sadism and masochism, bondage and discipline or dominance and submission) and are behind the Shibari Night BKK events that used to take place in the now-closed Maison Close. Representing themselves as a dominant cat and a submissive dog, they also manage the Facebook group Thailand BDSM: "Let's Play and Learn", where they hope to provide information for newcomers and veterans on erotic role-playing practices. The pair, along with figures in the shibari (rope bondage) and BDSM scene, recently hosted the very first BDSM Art Fest at De Commune. The event served as an introduction to the BDSM lifestyle and as a platform for education and to destigmatise the practice.
Loud and proud
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 14/06/2019
» We've finally hit the half way mark of the year -- June and if you've been out and about, you may have noticed rainbow-coloured decorations (or at least rainbows on your Facebook newsfeed ) because we are in Pride Month. The month in which the LGBTQ+ community promote and express themselves and celebrate gender diversity and sexual identity. The gay pride movement is celebrated throughout the world ever since the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in Manhattan, New York, a pivotal event that led to creation of the movement for LGBT rights. Prominent figures in the community tell GURU what pride means to them and what are they proud. We've also compiled a few pride celebration events around the city that are worth everyone's attention.
The Pok Pok chef returns
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 01/03/2019
» From his humble beginnings as a dishwasher in Vermont, chef Andy Ricker's frequent travels to Thailand gave him a taste of northern Thai and Isan cuisines. After years of training, the restaurateur adapted the cuisines for his Pok Pok Thai restaurant in Portland, Oregon which would later expand into a franchise across several cities, including Los Angeles and New York. After making an appearance at last year's Mad Face Food Week, he is returning this year as the main chef of Mad Face's Exclusive Private Dinners to introduce his latest interest — Vietnamese cuisine.
Strike a pose
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 07/12/2018
» Thai-French dancer Phitthaya "Sun" Phaefuang grew up in Norway, where he cultivated a passion for the performing arts. After graduating from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, he came to Thailand to pursue his interests and has gained a level of recognition since, working around Asia and along side famous contemporary Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun as well as other leading artists in Asia. Leaning more towards experimental performing arts, Sun is involved in the art of voguing, a dance form born out of ball culture of LGBT community in the US. The ball scene is documented in 1991's award-winning Paris is Burning. Sun will be hosting Thailand's first ever Diversity Kiki Ball (goo.gl/ecp7BD), a gathering where people compete through dance and fashion in different categories, in hope of expanding the country's vogue scene and promoting inclusivity. The ball at the Penta nightclub will feature noted voguers in Asia and focuses on local culture. Guru chatted with Sun, who explains the dance style and the scene.
Gold and glam
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 16/11/2018
» Last weekend, eager Bangkokians finally got a chance to wander through the massively enchanting Iconsiam retail and entertainment centre. Co-developed between Siam Piwat, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation and Charoen Pokphand Group, Iconsiam is the biggest retail complex in Thailand, featuring majestic architecture and global stores with luxury brands to provide a shopping experience unlike any other (minus the heavy traffic that comes with it).
Doors wide open
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 02/11/2018
» Born and raised in Bangkok before studying in the UK and Australia, Oranan Tangpanitanon is the owner of The Hidden Closet, Bangkok's first erotic boutique, on Thong Lor 6. After working in the film industry for a few years, Oranan decided to open the Hidden Closet with her girlfriends in October 2011. That first iteration of the shop, however, has closed down and it moved location in 2016. The store has satisfied many customers looking to sizzle and spice up their sexual adventures and relationships, from offering sensual lingerie, sexy role-playing outfits, fetish gear such as paddles, handcuffs, ball gags, you name it. She will soon open her second branch, The Hidden Closet Studio on Ekamai 12, which will not only be a store but will include, among other services, a couples photo booth, classes and workshops dealing with various topics of eroticism for singles, couples and groups, art and performance events, and much more.
Beyond the ropes
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 19/10/2018
» In Bangkok's Charoen Krung area, tucked within an alley lies Maison Close, a dark bar/art gallery and home to some of the more uncommon tastes in art from abstract calligraphy to ero guro. However, as you enter the venue on some nights, art isn't the only focus but a blindfolded woman hung in suspension with ropes. The ropes have been tied up by a rope artist and her model serves as a canvas for elaborate and intricate patterns. Despite looking uncomfortable, the model, dubbed a rope bunny, is in a state of stillness and relaxation, with the ropes symmetrically wrapped around the curves of her body -- something beautiful or mesmerising. This is shibari or the art of Japanese rope bondage. Enter at your own risk.
Cycling Towards Victory
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 05/10/2018
» Thai-American athlete Amanda Carr has always been competitive in the realm of BMX cycling. Born in Punta Gorda, Florida, the 28-year-old cyclist took up the sport at the age of five, deciding to compete professionally at the age of 16. After racing for USA Cycling and attempting to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, she was approached by the Thai national team and decided to race with them. Carr had previously won the gold medal for the Women's BMX race category at the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea, as well as having competed in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. She had recently competed and won the qualifier round in June for the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship in Aranyaprathet, where more than 70 riders competed for a spot in the finals. She is now set to compete in the finals on Oct 12 to be held in the US at the Jones Centre in Arkansas, representing Thailand in the hopes of bringing the gold back home and winning the championship title.
Celebrate Life
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 31/08/2018
» The Nikki Beach group of hotels and resorts has long been a holiday destination for people looking for fun and relaxation, with locations all over the world, including the USA, France, Spain, Greece, the Caribbean, Monaco, Turkey, Italy and Thailand. In Koh Samui, the high-end beach club has been labelled as "The Sexiest Place On Earth", where Nikki Beach combines music and entertainment with privacy, delectable food and drinks and stunning sunset views of Lipa Noi beach (assuming it doesn't rain). Last month when the resort held a special event, I decided to get a taste of Nikki Beach's celebration of life.