Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Rika, uncaged
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 03/03/2017
» Those familiar with the MMA scene in Thailand may have already heard of Rika Ishige. Her nickname, "The Smiling Assasin", should already give you a clue as to who she is. This chika isn't just another pretty face, she's also the first Thai female MMA fighter that will be competing at the ONE Championship (fb.com/ONEChampionship) happening next week. She talks to us about what it's like to date and train with her other half, what she thought of the Rousey-Nunes fight and the common misconceptions people have about MMA. Knock 'em out, Rika!
Dye hard
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 01/04/2016
» Life in Bangkok can often be described as fast and furious, but if you're stuck in the usual rush-hour traffic jam, painstakingly slow would also jump to mind. Kanchalee "Ann" Ngamdamronk and Sergey Tishkin first met in Japan, where they both completed a special art course in hand dying textiles. They returned to Thailand and founded Slowstitch Studio, where they work with traditional (albeit time-consuming) methods and botanical materials to create individually hand-dyed textiles. Guru chats with Ann to find out what it's like to work with your other half and why dying your own fabrics at home isn't as complicated as you'd think.
Be kind, be mindful
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 25/12/2015
» American Sakson Rouypirom started volunteering at a young age at hospitals, shelters and non-profit organisations. After he completed his studies in psychology at New York University and acquired some work experience, he came to Thailand, where he started his charity, Sati. Guru catches up with him to find out about the organisation.
In the hot seat
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 04/12/2015
» When conversing about Chinese cuisine in Bangkok, the mention of Chef Man Wai Yin and his restaurant Chef Man is inevitable. Who popularised the lava bun? He did. Whose restaurant once had a month-long waiting list? Guilty. He managed to turn ubiquitous dim sum into a new dining experience with his restaurants. Then came the fancy flair and five-star presentation of M Krub, which seems to have won over those foodies who could afford it. His latest venture, Chairman, is a world apart, spurning lazy Susans, leather seats and tablecloths, and instead looking back to childhood days in Hong Kong spent at a traditional cha chaan teng (local cafe or eatery). Chairman’s decor is reminiscent of exactly that, with vintage tiles, wooden counters, iron partitions and verdant green window panes looking out on a 2D mock-up of a sea of neon-lit billboards. Surprisingly, the cafe hits the casual mark for which it was aiming, avoiding gimmickry — a difficult task indeed, especially when you’ve set up shop inside a glitzy mall.
Lindy hop, We don't stop
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 04/09/2015
» The growing community of dance studios in Bangkok is one of many signs that our beloved country is finally embracing the multiple facets of art and dance. You can now take pole dancing and belly dancing lessons without worrying about the stigma they once bore, or practise aerial acrobatics just for the fun of it, as opposed to actually wanting to join the cast of Cirque du Soleil. Chayapong "Oat" Naviroj, founder and owner of The Hop dance studio (252/8 Silom Road, between Silom Soi 18-20, www.thehopbangkok.com), has been instrumental in introducing Bangkok to the art of swing dancing, which has kicked up a quite a stir within the dance community, as well as in the social scene. He tells Guru about how he got into the swing of things — and reveals a few of his favourite swing-worthy tracks.
Stall standing
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 05/06/2015
» Following the heartbreaking news concerning the removal of food stalls on Sukhumvit Soi 38 (Bangkok's foodie paradise), many are distraught, with not a clue as to where our favourite food vendors (whom we love to hit up after a long night of fist-pumping) will relocate. As humongous malls and super-ultra-luxurious condominiums continue to expand and occupy every square metre of the city, it won't be long until we're digging into a B200 som tam on the 60th floor of some lacklustre, air-conditioned, concrete tower.
A taste for travel
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 06/03/2015
» Benyapa Svasti-Xuto is the founder of Fove Food Tour (www.fovefoodtour.com, fb.com/FoveFoodTour), a boutique tour company that focuses on the culinary aspects of travelling. Every year, she takes small groups of foodies to Italy, where they explore the cuisine of the country’s different regions. Equipped with a master’s degree in food cultures and communications from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, local knowledge and a bubbly personality, Benyapa offers one-of-a-kind adventures for hungry holidaymakers.
Iron coach
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 23/01/2015
» Vinnie Santana is the head coach of Ironguides Thailand (ironguides.net), a leading facilitation company for athletes who want to compete in triathlon events. Santana is the fastest diabetic Ironman athlete of all time, rising to fame in his early 20s after completing the gruelling Ironman triathlon (a 3.86km swim, a 180.25km bicycle ride and a 42.2km run) in just under nine hours. He is now committed to encouraging and coaching aspiring athletes in Thailand to push themselves and achieve what is often deemed impossible.
Social impactor
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 24/10/2014
» Viria “Taew” Vichit-Vadakan is the co-founder and current impact director of GLab: Social Innovation Lab at the School of Global Studies, Thammasat University (www.sgs.tu.ac.th, fb.com/theglab). After graduating from Stanford University in the US, she has brought home a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to help equip businesses, professionals and students with the right tools to tackle poverty-related challenges.